It had been two weeks since Kakashi had left his house. Two weeks since Sakura had torn out his steel heart and crushed it like it was nothing. The famed Copy ninja had been brought to his knees by a little pink haired medic and a few sharp words. The embarrassment and pain still hung over him like a dark, agonizing cloud. He arms had become littered with scars, evidence of the sorrow he was feeling. Not once had anyone come to see him since he had withdrawn from society to avoid having to meet those beautiful jade eyes glaring daggers at him. 'For fuck sake Hatake, pull yourself together. You're suppose to be emotionally disconnected. Not a fucking pussy.' He mused aloud. 'How'd you become a Jounin Hatake, honestly, you're a disgrace.' This was his new routine, wake up in the morning and shower, then spend the rest of the day either mentally harming himself, physically harming himself, or sleeping and dreaming of a time before he fell in love. He got out of bed with a sigh and reached for the Kunai he kept by his bed. It was time for some pain.

He watched as the blood ran scarlet lines down his arm and dripped onto the floor, adding the the already large pool of his precious blood. Twice he has brushed death with his finger tips by doing this. He'd cut too deep twice before and lost to much blood which led to him falling unconscious but much to his dismay he woke, as lost and lonely as ever. He spent alot of his time thinking about what led up to where he was now. That one night at the Tavern in the Hidden Mist village, tracking five rouge, high ranking ninjas from Konoha when Kakashi had found Sakura asleep in his room, dressed in nothing but her underwear. He smiled at the memory, oh how innocent she looks while she slept. But it was around then that things started going wrong. He'd left Yamato and Sai downstairs to scout for information while he went to bed, his first mistake. Then he found Sakura and couldn't help but to kiss her, his second mistake. And then when she woke up and, after looking around startled for a moment, pulled him down into a strong embrace and returned his kiss with a heated passion, which he allowed. His third and final mistake. It was as they laid there, wrapped in each others arms, enjoying each others presence that Sai and Yamato were jumped and taken captive by the rouge ninja. Worst part was, that by the time Sakura and Kakashi had woken in the morning, Sai and Yamato had already been killed and butchered as a sign to anyone else who would dare track them down. The memories brought fresh tears to his eyes. For a man who, previous to this occasion, had cried a total of 7 times in his life, these tears were a shock, but that's all he could seem to do these days. Cry.

She hadn't seen his masked face for two whole weeks now and it was killing her. She'd made such a bad mistake by blaming him for what they did. She was the one who had gone out, seeking his presence that night. She was the one who had pulled him down on top of her and kept him from going to check on their team mates. 'Sai, Yamato.. I'm so sorry. What do I do..' She'd been working herself half to death in order to try and forget about Sai, forget about Yamato and especially, forget about Kakashi and the kisses they'd shared. The way his soft lips met hers and instantly ignited a fire within her. It had all felt right at the time, but looking back on it, it was the worst decision she had ever made. She found herself imagining his handsome face everytime she closed her eyes at night or even to blink. It was going to drive her crazy. She needed to talk to him, or see him, or something. She knew that if they both kept going at this rate they would eventually be driven mad from the pain. She couldn't imagine how Kakashi felt. All alone, no friends or family whatsoever left. And his last friend had tossed him aside like a broken toy. But she was determined to fix it. She would go to his house and fix the mess she made.

He woke from his fitful nightmare covered in blood. His own blood. Groaning, he rolled out of bed, not bothering to put his mask or shirt on, what was the point? He was alone. He always was these days. He somehow managed to stumble his way out to his kitchen without tripping on some sort of rubbish that littered the floor and didn't like what he saw sitting at his table, back turned towards him. 'Sakura..?' He heard his dry throat croak out her name like a dead man back from the grave, which pretty much summed him up. He froze up and inhaled sharply as she turned around and met his eyes, well, eye. He watched her gaze flick down to his chest and stomach which he had forgotten to cover, then flick over to the dozens of wounds covering both his arms and parts of his chest. 'Um, I can expl-' he tried to explain himself weakly when he was cut off.

'Kakashi! What the fuck?!' she screamed. She couldn't believe it. He'd been bleeding his sorrows out, draining himself dry. She noticed the newer looking scars that now littered his arms and chest, weaving intricately through each other. 'How long has this been going on? This is because of what you did to him Sakura, you broke him.' She was completely shocked. She knew he would be sad but she didn't think he would do this. His entire body was covered in dried, caking blood. It knotted in his hair, stained his pants and gave his chest a red gleam, almost mesmerizing 'Kakashi, why..' After she said it, she wondered why she wasted her time, she knew why. 'Know what? Don't answer that, I know why.' she grumbled. 'Just get over here so I can heal you.' No movement. He hadn't budged. All he was doing was standing there, staring out the window at the village, obviously in deep thought, or Cardiac Arrest.

To be honest, her presence scared him, the implications of her visit scared him and he had half a mind to just turn around and go back to bed. But her gaze held him there. The concern was evident in her voice when she observed all his injures. 'If only she could see the damage to my mind..' he thought to himself. They stood in silence for a few minutes after she told him to let her heal him. 'Just walk over there and get healed hatake, it's no biggie, just do it.' His mind told him to go but he stood his ground anyway. He couldn't stand being near her right now. Not how he was and how she was dressed. He couldn't risk losing his cool again. 'Why are you here, Sakura.' Hell, it was even an effort to say her name, no. He couldn't do this. His emotions were already in turmoil, slowly spinning out of control the longer he spent around her, she was the catalyst of his emotional trauma. She was the cause of his pain, but unfortunately, she was also his sorely needed remedy. 'As much as I appreciate the visit, I'd prefer to be alone right now if you don't mind.' He cringed when he realised his tone was alot sharper than he intended, he hoped she didn't pick up on it, but judging from the look that flashed through her eyes, she heard him loud and clear.

'... prefer to be alone right now...' His words rang through her. Who was she kidding? He didn't want to see her, She could tell just by looking into his eye, he was tense and afraid, as if being in the same room as her scared him. 'He's probably afraid of the reason behind your visit, go on, tell him you want to work things out. Do it, Sakura.' She mentally scolded herself for being so angry at him for his actions. It wasn't her place to tell him what to do, she had led him to this extreme. He wouldn't even approach her for healing. She felt an ache in her chest at the realization that he obviously despised her and wanted no more to do with her. Well too bad, she wasn't leaving till this was sorted. 'Kakashi, I.. I wanted to talk.' She whispered, attempting a weak smile in his direction. Nothing. No reaction whatsoever. 'Actually, I really wanted to apologise, it was wrong of me to blame you for something that was entirely my fault. I'm sorry, it was immature and childish of me. I just, I needed someone to blame. I couldn't bottle up my anger and hurt anymore, and blaming myself wasn't enough. I lashed out at you and for that I am sincerely sorry. I'm aware of the damage I've caused,' she threw a quick glance at his arms before continuing, 'and I honestly feel like a monster for putting you through all that, especially you.. My last true friend, a man who has endured so much, so much pain and loss..' She was aware that she'd begun to ramble but she had to get it all off her chest. The dam of emotions she'd been building up had all but crumbled away, letting them gush out in the form of a heartfelt apology. She just hoped it would be enough to end this, whatever it is.

That wasn't exactly what he was expecting. An emotional apology from the most stubborn, headstrong Kunoichi in the village, and he was certainly shocked to discover that she'd blamed herself for their actions. Sure she was the one who'd pulled him down, but he should have stopped it, shouldn't have let it happen, but he did, and people died. He listened to her pour her heart out to him and ask for his forgiveness. He didn't know what to say, he just stood there. Quiet as the grave, watching her as she spoke, mesmerised by the way her lips moved. 'Get your mind out of the gutter Hatake. You've been down that road already and it was messy.' He shook his indecent thoughts of Sakura aside, he couldn't risk losing himself to lust right now. Not at a time like this. 'Sakura,' he whispered, cutting her off mid sentence, 'you don't need to apologise, I'll always be by your side, I can't help myself, everytime I close my eyes I see you. It's driving me crazy, Sakura. I needed you, hell, I still need you, but I thought you hated me. The way you spoke the other day.. It tore me apart inside. I haven't felt that hollow since the death of my father.' When speaking of his father, he distictively avoided using the word suicide, that word struck too close to home. 'I couldn't handle the pain of your hatred.' He whispered, unsure of whether she heard him or not. 'I've always been so aloof. Untouchable, emotions wise. Disconnected, you might say. But somehow you've managed to bring down all my barriers, barriers that have stood for years, you destroyed in moments, just with a smile.' It was his turn to voice his distress of the situation. Her ability to get to him frustrated the shit out of him, he just couldn't get his mind around it. 'How Hatake, how..' He found himself asking himself that question more often than not recently. She could both wash away his pains or increase them tenfold, just with a few words. 'Is this what it feels like to love? It's been so long.. I can't remember the sensation of love anymore..' He mused, attempting to deny these growing feelings for his little pink haired cherry blossom. This couldn't be love, Kakashi Hatake wasn't able to love anyone.

She could feel the crimson blush crawling it's way up her neck towards her face when she listened to his little confession. She'd be lying if she said it didn't rattle her to the core, because frankly, it was the sweetest thing anyone had every said to her, and it came from none other than the famed Copy-ninja of Konoha. She was amazed at how fast the atmosphere in the room changed, one minute it was thick with depression and awkwardness. Then the next minute it was sincere and calm. She must have really hit home with her little outburst of feelings. Suddenly, she was overwhelmed by a nautious feeling of loneliness and it was then that she finally came to appreciate how much she missed him and how much he really meant to her. She turned to gaze out the window only to be greeted by darkness, day had turned to night without her even realizing That meant she'd been there for nearly three hours. How the time passed so quickly was beyond her, but all she knew was that she was emotionally drained and physically tired, her body yearned for sleep. She could tell by his posture that he was beyond tired as well. Near the brink of exhaustion from the looks of things. 'Kakashi, I could never hate you, even if I tried. That smile you spoke of, it's one I can only make for you.' She knew it sounded corny but it was the truth, he was the source of her happiness and in the two weeks they were apart, she had never felt so empty inside. Like a piece of her was missing, and she hated it. Now she felt whole again. 'But hey, I guess it's getting late, so I should probably head home.' She mumbled her words softly, while she moved for the door. Just as she opened it she turned and looked into his eye, he still hadn't responded. He looked to be stuck in thought, conflicted over something so she decided it would be better to just leave. But then, he spoke.

'Sakura, wait.'
The words slipped out of his mouth on their own accord. 'I, uh. I don't want to be alone tonight. Please, just. Stay. Just for tonight?' He pleaded weakly, not having the effort to raise his voice any louder. none the less, she heard him.
'Are you sure Kakashi?' She spoke sweetly.
Gods, even her voice was driving him crazy.
'Yeah, I'm sure.'
She didn't say anything as she turned, closed the door, and without a sound, drifted over to where Kakashi stood, staring into his lone eye and embraced him in a tight hug. He could feel her tears dripping down his chest as she buried her head in the crook of his neck, obviously struggling against the weight of her emotions. 'It's going to be fine Sakura, I'm not going to leave you again, I will protect you. I promise.
'There you go again Hatake, making promises you know you can't keep, you're both high rank ninja, death on the battlefield is always a high risk. You won't always be able to ride to her rescue Kakashi.'
The promise seemed to give Sakura her strength back though. Her tears stopped and she stood up abruptly, suddenly aware of the taboo contact she was making with her team leader. Her actions made him laugh. For the first time in a long time he laughed, and it felt good. 'Don't worry about it Sakura, I'm here if you need me.' He wasted no time and wrapped her up in his arms once more, neither of the caring about the blood that now covered them both, all that mattered was that they were together again.
Her heart fluttered in her chest when he made the promise to protect her. She knew it was selfish, but she wanted Kakashi all to herself. She didn't want him riding to anyone elses rescue, she wanted him to be there when she needed him most. His arms around her made her melt. She felt as though nothing else mattered, she even looked past the fact that he was soaked to the bone with his own blood. 'Kakashi, you tired?' She questioned, even though she knew the answer.
'I feel like I could sleep for a week, Sakura.' He breathed his words into her ear, sending shivers and tingles down her spine.
'I wonder how that breath would feel down ther-' She cut off her thoughts as they spun wildly out of control and began to imagine Kakashi's body on her own, rubbing, grinding. She couldn't afford to think like that, she wasn't some horny schoolgirl, she could control her emotions. 'I guess you should head to bed then, don't worry about me, I'll set myself up on the couch. You just go rest up, I can understand that today would have been extremely taxing on your mind and body.' She set off for the linen cupboard for some sheets when he spoke in that low, sexy voice once more.
'You don't have to sleep on the couch Sakura.'
'I won't have you sleeping on the couch in the condition you're in Kakashi.' Her inner medic kicked in. She knew it wouldn't help him in the least sleeping on that small, cramped surface.
'I had no intention of sleeping on the couch, all I meant was that you don't have to either, it's awfully uncomfortable.'
Her brow scrunched up in confusion for a few moments before she grasped what he really meant. 'You mean, me? Share a bed with you?' she said with a stutter that would give Hinata a run for her money. He merely shrugged his shoulders in exasperation.
'You're more than welcome, but I do understand if you decline, but hey, think of the perks. You can tell all your friends that you slept with the one and only Kakashi Hatake.' He dropped a wink in her direction and without another word, turned and sauntered off to his room. 'Great, he's back to his usual goofy, perverted self.' She smiled at the thought, glad that he was slowly starting the trip back to sanity. She decided that she would take him up on his offer. She had no problem with free cuddles and spooning with a handsome man. And the bragging rights were an obvious bonus.

As he walked off to his room, leaving a blushing Sakura in his wake, he took his time to collect his thoughts. So much had happened in such a small space of time, it was amazing. And now he got to spend the night with a beautiful woman. 'That is if she accepts your invitation Hatake, you were pretty blunt.' He put those thoughts aside, of course she would come. She had to. He refused to spend another night alone. He felt so full of life again. Back to his old, joking self. He did a half hearted clean-down of his room, brushing the rubbish to the side just incase Sakura did decide to join him. He smelt her before he saw her. The strong strawberry scent she always carried drifted into his room and he inhaled deeply. Savoring the beautiful scent. 'So, it took her a grand total of ten minutes to cave.' In those ten minutes, he'd stripped out of his blood soaked trousers and donned a new pair of boxers to sleep in. Surely she wouldn't mind if he was a bit underdressed. He opened his eye to look at her and was shocked by what he saw. Sakura was standing in the doorway watching him, dressed in nothing but her panties.
'Close your eyes Kakashi!'
It was then he realised he'd let his Sharingan slid open to admire the milky flesh of her chest. she was a high C cup size and to be honest, this sight wasn't one he wanted to forget. He'd already memorised it with his Sharingan by the time she told him to stay decent, so he let both his eyes drift closed as he mumbled an apologie.
'I, uh, wasn't exactly wearing a bra when I can over and, well. My other clothes were all blood stained an-' She had begun to ramble and as much as he loved her voice, He wanted her to shut up and get in his bed so he could wrap his arms around her once more. So he cut her off. 'Sakura, shut up and get over here.' He laced his words with a nice dose of gentleness which seemed to do the trick. She slowly walked over to the right side of the bed and slipped in under the sheets. Wordlessly, she rolled over and, both threw her arms over Kakashi and went to rest her head on his chest. He took no time in putting his right arm over her shoulders and pulling her even tighter towards him. He could feel the soft, bare skin of her breasts flush against the side of his chest, and to be honest, it was the best he'd felt in a long time.
'The perks of sleeping with Kakashi Hatake..' she mumbled, almost inaudiable. And just like that, the two of them slowly drifted off into a sound slumber, finding comfort in each others embrace. Something that neither of them had experienced for a long, long time.