So, I've had this little follow-up sitting on my computer for a while now, and I went ahead and decided to post it. I know it's been a while, but the idea just popped up a while ago, and I finally talked myself into putting it up. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: The world and characters of Naruto are not mine. They belng to the genius that is Masashi Kishimoto. I am merely playing in the proverbial sandbox.

Kakashi, on the art of falling.

I don't remember exactly when it happened.

It was gradual, like most things are, and should have been expected. After all, who could resist falling for her?

After training we had gone to a small restaurant for supper and I had paid (shocking, I know, but I'd been doing weird things like that for her recently). Then I insisted on walking her home and she smiled and hooked her arm through mine. I walked really slowly, trying to take as long as possible to get to her house. When we reached the door, I couldn't resist hugging her and whispering "Goodnight, Sakura" into her sweet-smelling hair. She hugged me back and then –

Oh.

So that's what the strange feeling inside of me was.

Her arms wrapped around me… The way our bodies fit so perfectly together… The heat radiating from her… Her scent filling my nose… Her head nestled against my chest… The peaceful, happy feeling she gave me…

Why did I not see it earlier? Why did she have to be so sweet, so thoughtful and kind? Why did she have to be so beautiful, with a curvy, svelte build and the voice of an angel? Why did she have to always be there for me? Why did she have to be so brave and caring?

Why did she have to be so wonderful?

I won't say that was when I fell in love with her, because it had already been happening, slowly, softly. But I do know that that was the moment I realized what all those strange feelings I'd been having were, that I loved her, loved her as something more than a student, a teammate, a friend. That was when I saw how close we already were, how amazing it would be to be even closer, to be hers, and only hers.

And it was also at that moment that I realized how impossible that would be. I was fourteen years her senior, her former teacher. She was so perfect, so wonderful, so why would she want a guy like me? She deserved someone better, someone less broken and more open, someone younger and full of life. She would never think of me like that.

So, with a heavy heart, I made do with her hug and whispered "Goodnight, Kakashi."

I couldn't resist giving her one last squeeze before letting go and walking away. I wanted to tell her how I felt, to run back to her and hold onto her and never let go, but instead I walked slowly down the street. When I got to my apartment, I unlocked the door, stepped across the threshold, and pulled the door shut behind me.

I didn't make it more than a step before my legs gave out and I collapsed onto the couch. I rested my elbows on my knees and buried my face in my hands. My eyes began to burn and I sighed, a sound that turned into a frustrated groan.

"Sakura…"

fin

That's all, folks! It's been a pleasure, and I hope you've enjoyed these little drabbles as much as I have writing them.

Until next time,

~FromTheAshesXx