Their footsteps were heavy as they walked through the forest, heading back toward the clinic. With her arm around his waist and his around her shoulder, Kakashi leant on Sakura for support. He was still recovering from the toxin used against him, traces of it still in his system. Sakura had used a general antidote on him, but she couldn't do much else.

After using her chakra all day to heal and then to fight, and then to save Kakashi's life, she was burned out - literally. The palms of her hands were red and blistered. She had to cut off her chest bindings just to cover them. They stung like hell, but she could deal with chakra burn as long as it meant she still had Kakashi.

She glanced up at him, noting how he seemed to be concentrating hard on where he was going. "How are you feeling? Want to stop and rest?"

"No, I'm fine."

He stumbled a little and she tightened her grip on him, biting back a hiss of pain, but it didn't go unnoticed. "What about you?" he asked.

"This is nothing, I'm okay."

They trudged along in silence a little longer before she heard him sigh. "I'm sorry, Sakura."

"For what? You were doing your job. You should've waited for me, but you were still just doing what you had to."

"Not that."

She looked up at him with curiosity tinting her emerald gaze.

"For that day at the laundromat," he clarified. "I was a real class A jerk. I... I didn't mean to snap at you like that, but things have a way of haunting me. It wasn't your fault, so I'm sorry."

She mulled over his apology. "It's okay, I forgive you... and I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have tried to pry-"

"You weren't prying," he countered. "You were trying to help in your own way."

"I know, but I should've tried to help you in your way. I know that Konoha and life as a ninja is different for you, and that you've seen and done things that I can't even begin to imagine-"

"You've been in war, I'm sure you have a fairly good idea," he muttered.

She stopped, leaving him no option but to stop walking as well.

"What is it, Sakura?"

"It's just that..." She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, nibbling on it as she tried to find her words. "It's just that I've seen your records and your charts and I treat you whenever you come home wounded, which is every time. Ever since the war you've grown distant, and that's saying something for a person like you who has always been dubbed elusive. Kakashi, you're more than just my old sensei or my captain. Don't you understand that you're my friend and that I care about you? I want to see you happy, I want to make you happy. I want you to see me and know that you're not alone. I don't know why you do this to yourself or what it is that you feel you deserve, but it isn't loneliness, or sadness, and it certainly isn't death... I've lost a lot of people, I'm not ready to lose you."

Kakashi stared down at her; what she said meant a lot to him. Sakura, even with her tough exterior, was so caring and kind. But he was jaded like many of those who had survived as long as he had were.

"Sakura, I care about you, too, and I want you to live a long and happy life. But you know that death takes whether you're ready or not."

"But you don't have to go looking for it!" she argued. "If you had died back there-"

"I would have been glad to die if it meant saving you."

"I don't want you to die for me!" she yelled, voice carried among the trees. "I want you to live for me."

Her eyes misted over, which was funny considering she didn't think she could possibly cry any more today. With a heavy sigh, and a heavy heart, he put his other arm around her. He wasn't quite sure how to reply, so he said nothing at all. He was sure that she'd appreciate his silence rather than a lie.

His chin rested atop her head, and even with the blood and sweat, Pakkun had been right, she did smell nice. He jerked back; where did that thought come from?

"Let's keep going," he said.

They made it back to the clinic before sundown, Naoya rushing to help them as they entered.

"Check his vitals. He was poisoned and I gave him a general antidote, but he needs further screening. Remove any buildup," Sakura ordered, relieved to be back, as Naoya took over to support Kakashi, nearly falling over under his weight. He gave Sakura a wide-eyed look, how had she done it? And in her state no less?

"Are you hurt, Haruno-san?" Kiku asked as she ran up to help.

"I'm fine."

"She's suffering from chakra burn," Kakashi called out, earning a glare from his favorite medic.

Kiku dotted at Sakura's sweaty brow. "Let's get you treated, Haruno-san."

"I said I'm fine," she repeated, swatting her hands away before swaying on her feet. She took a step forward, the burning pain she felt before laced up her side like a lightning strike. She leant against a chair, grabbing the arm to keep herself upright. Her face lit up in realization before twisting in pain, and then she collapsed.

"Haruno-san!"

Kakashi twisted out of Naoya's grip when he saw Sakura sprawled out on the floor. He stumbled and fell to his knees, but he still pushed forward until he was at her side.

"Sakura!" He tapped her on the cheek. "Sakura! Wake up!"

His eye scanned her body and that's when he noticed her flak jacket had been damaged. He pushed it open and lifted her shirt, shocked at the deep stain of blood. The injury itself didn't look that severe, but the blood that oozed from it looked almost like jelly.

At the sight of it Naoya began to lift her from the ground. "Get Haruko to treat Hatake-san; you come with me, Kiku!"

"Yes, sir!"

Kakashi reached out and grabbed Kiku's arm. "Will she be alright?"

"We'll do our best to make sure she will be," she answered before dashing after them, shouting out at Haruko.

Kakashi sat there, gaze trained on the door of the room they had taken Sakura into. His chest felt incredibly tight, like his heart didn't even have the room to beat. He hadn't known she had gotten injured, and it was all because he just had to rush ahead. He should've waited for her like Pakkun suggested. If he had just waited, she wouldn't have had to run in after him and rescue him and put herself in such danger... If she didn't make it, it would be his fault.

Haruko, a younger medic nin with straight blonde hair and timid blue eyes, approached him - almost as if wary of him. "Hatake-san?"

She took a deep breath and gave the room a glance. There was only one other person and he was in the far corner of the room. "Please let me do my job; the easier you make it the sooner you can go see her."

He turned his gaze up to her, and then back to the door. "Okay."

He pushed himself to get up and let Haruko lead him to a room. While her green-flared hands probed his system and began to pull the cluster of remaining toxin out he thought about Sakura. It wasn't fair that she had been there beside him for one of his darkest moments, and right now she was alone. Just thinking about getting to her made the pain a little more bearable.

There was still a pull in his chest when he sat up later. The sun had just melted beyond the horizon, the sky still tinted a deep purple and red. He was alone in his room. Remembering how he had gotten back, he sat up and yanked the IV from his hand. Still gaining his footing back, he headed for the door. He had to know how she was doing.

Naoya was checking on her when he entered, standing with one hand over her wound and the other primed with ink and paper.

"She's doing better," he announced. "The substance that was being excreted was just her body refusing the poison. Sleep for now is the ultimate recovery tool. If the trend continues she should wake up soon."

Naoya pushed his black-rimmed glasses back up his nose as he looked at the Copy Nin. "I'm thankful you both came back alive."

Me, too.

The medic gave him a short bow and then headed to the door, leaving with barely a noise.

Kakashi pulled a chair with him to her side. Careful of the IV needle in her hand, he curled his fingers over her smaller ones. At least she was warm.

He got up and collected a small metal basin and filled it with water before snatching up a wash cloth on his return to her bedside. He dipped the folded half of the cloth into the cool water and wiped her brow. He knew that he couldn't really help her, it was all up to her to fend off the poison, but he didn't want to feel completely useless. Besides it was the least he could do. He sat back down and let his gaze settle upon her, relieved that she as actually going to be okay. It had been a long time since he had been on this side of the hospital bed.

He brushed her hair back behind her ear and then settled in to his chair. He was determined to be right there when she woke up.

.x.X.x.

The stars slid in the sky as the time passed. Each hour bled into the next, nothing changing. Sakura remained asleep; Kakashi remained watching. Naoya had done another check-up before setting out to try to get more sleep, advising Kakashi to do the same. Instead the masked-nin opted for fresh air and a cigarette he kept boxed away.

"Her condition is stable." - She could remember hearing someone say.

She was still working on opening her eyes though. When she did finally crack them open, it was to a dark room with only one domed overhead light on in the distance. She was in the emergency center of the clinic, but it was empty; there was no one with her.

With a huff she forced herself up and felt her IV pull. She removed it and set it to the side before trying to swing her legs over. Her flak jacket was gone and so was her over shirt. A thin cotton camisole was all that covered her chest. Her wound had been clean and she discovered a fresh bandage. She dropped her shirt back down and realized the ones on her hands had been changed as well.

The low whistle of wind cut into the room, the breeze sweeping over her skin. She pulled the sheets over her shoulders and pressed on til her feet touched the ground. Once she was sure she was steady enough on them again, she shuffled over to the back door that was cracked open. Peering out the window she saw Kakashi there, his mask rolled just under his lips. One hand was stuffed in his pocket and the other was cupped as it lifted to his mouth. The ember of the cigarette grew bright, lighting up his palm as he puffed on the end.

She pushed open the door, stepping out. "I didn't know you smoked."

He froze and spun around, dropping the cigarette in surprise. He crushed it under his foot as he stepped forward to her. "You're awake."

She nodded and then stepped completely out into the late night's darkness, the door closing behind her.

"I'm... very relieved to see you up and about," he confessed.

She gave him a tiny smile. "I told you, this is nothing. I know I've spent a long time at the hospital, but it has proven fruitful." When he didn't say anything, she continued, "That was some pretty intense stuff he used though."

"Sakura..."

She looked up at him; as their eyes met he could see hers were still glazed over with sleep. He reached out to her and took her shoulders and her cheeks pinkened at his touch. Glittering with stars , her eyes turned up to him, wide and innocent and hopeful. It was that look right there, that he thought had was never going to see again.

He pulled her toward him, wrapping his arms around her. Surprised at first, she remained frozen, and then when she realized he wasn't moving, she lifted her arms and returned the embrace - closing her eyes and pressing her face into his chest, so warm and strong. Her heart seemed to flutter and her eyes popped open. That feeling...

"Should I say welcome back?" he asked, interrupting the sensation.

"If you'd like."

His arms tightened around her. "Welcome back. I'm really happy you're okay," he whispered.

He pulled back and the spell was gone. He walked and she found herself following. He sat on the stone wall and looked out at the sky; it was almost as if it was getting darker out. Sakura sat beside him, casting her gaze out into the open sky, too.

"At least the village is safe again," he said after some time. "We're both going home, so in the end it all worked out."

"I just wish I could've saved Kunikida."

"You did everything you could."

"And it still wasn't enough. But I know Aimi will do fine..."

He seemed to lean a little closer to her, she could smell him and feel the lightest touch of his warmth.

"Can I tell you something Sakura?"

She looked up at him, studying him for a moment. "You can tell me anything."

"You remember how I told you that I saw myself in Sasuke? For a long time, I saw someone in you, too. There was that same kindness, that same gentle heart that refused to be hardened by the perilous nature of our profession. All she ever wanted was for her team mates, her two boys, to get along. You were so similar, that I think that's why it took me even longer, more than the boys, to get close to you."

"What was her name?"

He sighed, mask still bunched around his chin. "Rin. She was a medic-nin, too."

That was who he called her in the cabin. She looked back up at the sky "What happened to her?"

"She's in her final resting place."

She pressed her lips together and pulled the sheets a little tighter. "So, Sasuke was like a mirror and I was... like a ghost?"

He nearly winced. "Sounds horrible when you put it that way; I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that you were your own person, to look past those similarities and see you."

He must not remember calling out her name. For all Sakura knew, he could have hallucinated and actually thought he saw her. She was a bit curious, but she'd keep silent.

"You really had me worried today, you know," he said.

"I could say the same thing for you," she shot back.

He scratched absently at his neck as he admitted, "I think I understand you a little better now."

"Yeah?"

He slipped his arm around her, pulling her a little closer. "Yeah. I'm not ready to lose you either, Haruno Sakura."

She smiled as she pressed into his side, soaking up the extra heat. "It feels nice to hear that," she whispered.

One by one, the stars seemed to twinkle out of existence. The horizon took on a deep royal shade of blue before the veil of dawn was lifted. Pastel lavenders and pinks bled through the lingering inkiness of night. Dusty streaks of gold peaked at the horizon before glowing brighter just as the top of the sun broke out, illuminating the tips of the trees.

Her head rested against his shoulder. There was something about this new morning, the shared sunrise that felt different - as if it were the beginning of something else. Whatever that something might be would have to wait; she was still feeling worn out, and even as beautiful as the morning was she couldn't keep her eyes open.

He seemed to be able to tell. "Go ahead," he soothed, squeezing her arm.

He didn't have to tell her twice. Her arm settled at his middle; she could feel him breathing, she could make out - just faintly - the sound of his heart. Her eyes grew heavy and sleep claimed her once again.

Kakashi remained there for a while longer, letting her sleep peacefully inside his arm. The sun rose in the sky, striking against the dew in the grass. He scooped her up into his arms and leapt down the other side of the stone wall. He carried her back to their provided housing. He figured if she was going to rest, she could at least do it in a comfortable bed.

The roads were mostly empty; only a few early risers were out, too busy preparing their wares to pay him much attention. Though he had lifted her with ease, he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps she was getting a little too big to be carried. Still, he didn't mind doing it.

He laid her out on the bed, letting her head fall to rest cradled in the pillow. He brushed her hair to the side, allowing his fingers to linger on her skin, caressing twisted coral strands as he grazed along her neck. He removed her zori and unwrapped the protective bindings from around her ankles. Then he pulled the blanket up around her chest; the clinic's bed sheets were still wrapped over her shoulders after all.

He walked over to the other side of the bed, shedding his jacket and zori, and crawled in to join her. He hadn't realized how chilly the night had been until he had her warmth for comparison. The potential comfort outweighed any other thought. He watched her in silent reverie, their bodies warming the shared space.

With a cautious hand, he swept across her cheek; the quickening of his pulse momentarily startled him. Her hand reached out and curled in the front of his shirt, and as crazy as it sounded, he felt calmer. He felt ... compelled.

Former ANBU elite Hatake Kakashi had taken many missions and stolen a variety of precious things from a variety of people. What was one more, especially when he was stealing something for himself?

If she had been awake she might very well have throttled him. But since she was asleep, he took his time pulling his mask down to his chin, leaning forward and taking care not to wake her. Her breathing was steady and her eyes were darting about behind their lids. Only he would ever know, and this one thing would be all he'd ever take.

He hovered close to her, the thrill building in his veins. Then he placed his lips to hers, lightly as if kissing a delicate flower. The gentlest of pressure behind his lips, he pressed them together once, twice, and then he pulled away, glancing at her eyes to make sure she remained asleep. He tugged his mask back into place, hiding his grin, and then settled in beside her, closing his eyes.

.x.X.x.

It wasn't a sense of sleep fulfilled that woke Sakura, it was overwhelming heat. Her body was sticky with it she realized as she twisted. Her palm was sweaty as she unfurled it, and she became aware of the slight weight over her middle. Her brows furrowed before she tried to open her eyes. A thick fog enveloped her as she woke and it took her a few moments to register that the weight was an arm and that the bed wasn't empty.

Morning light flooded the room and glinted in Kakashi's hair. Her eyes widened and she gasped, holding in her breath as she looked at him. Hitai-ate gone and face flush with sleep, he looked much more at peace and yet his mask was still in perfect place.

Her cheeks began to tingle as she recalled what he looked like beneath it: straight nose, cut jaw, full bottom lip, and clean shaven - he was handsome.

He was sleeping right beside her.

He must have brought her here then. She thought about it and wanted to groan in embarrassment. With her sleeping habits, she really hoped she hadn't snored, or drooled, or talked. What if held a conversation with her? There was no telling what her subconscious had said, and if it was anything like the time she had with Ino - who teased her about it for a month solid - she would be absolutely mortified.

Calming herself down, she eased her arm out from the blankets and sighed at how much cooler it felt. She reached across the slender gap between them and rested her fingers on his covered cheek. Touching him somehow made the moment more real - they were both still alive and together, and she was so relieved. She let her eyes fall close and released a thankful sigh.

A touch to her arm had her eyes shooting open. His sleepy gaze met hers. "Morning, Sakura."

She jerked her hand back, and he said nothing about it. "G-good morning, Kakashi."

"Feeling better?"

Feeling as if their proximity was a little too intimate, she pushed herself up to sit, pretending not to notice his missing arm and that she was busy untangling herself from the sheet. But she couldn't hide the blush staining her cheeks. "Yeah, thanks..."

The sound of his laugh made her pause and she peeked at him. "What?"

He shook his head and then rubbed his hand down his face, covering a yawn. Feeling a bit self-conscious, she tried to smooth out her hair, raking her fingers through the tangles.

"You look fine, Sakura, really."

She made a noise of dismissal. "Like I really care," she muttered before stretching her arms above her head and turning her face away from him. It wasn't as if she should care about what he thought of her appearance she told herself.

Kakashi had missed teasing her, the playful banter, and he was pleased to have her back. His gaze skimmed her body, and he hadn't meant to, but he stopped at her chest. He could make out the soft curve of her breast and the pert nipple through the thin top. He had a sudden flashback to the morning he caught a glimpse of her naked chest, and quickly shook it off. She'd beat him black and blue if she caught him staring at her like that. Then he thought back to earlier and the soft plush of her lips against his. A small chuckle escaped him, thrilled to know he held such a secret.

She turned a scrutinizing eye to him. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," he replied, looking back to her.

"Ever since you woke up you've been... giggly... it's terrifying."

If you only knew.He grinned to himself. "Not nearly as terrifying as your snoring," he commented and watched as her expression dropped. "Really, Sakura, it's amazing the room is still standing. I thought you were going to shake it apart."

"Shut up," she snapped, trying and failing to hide her embarrassment.

He stood and ambled toward the bathroom door. "But it was still the cutest sound I've heard in a while," he teased before dodging the pillow thrown his way. He slipped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him, and held back a laugh as she yelled out his name.