Kakashi lay awake, staring at the ceiling of his old apartment. The darkness was almost suffocating, if not for the moon shedding a small light on his otherwise bare room. He traced the scar that reminded him of his teammates, a mission that cost them their lives. Sometimes, he thought he was cursed, for everyone he loved or cared about died or left.
First, Hatake Sakumo, his father, committed suicide when he was four.
Second, Uchiha Obito, his teammate. They may not have seen eye to eye, but he did care for him. However, Obito died on their mission.
Third, Nohara Rin, another teammate. She jumped in front of his Chidori, sacrificing herself.
And lastly, Namikaze Minato, his sensei. He died during the nine-tails attack, leaving his only son an orphan.
After experiencing loss after loss, Kakashi couldn't take it anymore. He built a fortress in his heart so that no one could come and make him feel again. He didn't want more blood on his hands, so he joined ANBU—the elite force dealing with highly classified missions, high-destructive threats, and traitors—in an attempt to shorten his life. No one would miss him if he died. Everyone he held dear was already dead. But, no. He didn't die. Instead, he made a name for himself.
Kakashi of the Sharingan. Son of the White Fang. He continued the legacy of his late father.
He became a ruthless man. If he deemed a person a threat to his village, he ended them. No mercy was shown. No dangerous mission scared him. He actually sought them. After years of living on the precipice, he was pulled out of ANBU by the Third Hokage and made a teacher. That's when he met Minato-sensei's son.
And then, his team was formed. Team 7.
Uchiha Sasuke, who was like him.
Haruno Sakura, who was like Rin.
Uzumaki Naruto, who was basically Obito.
And him, Hatake Kakashi, taking over Minato's role.
It felt like Minato's team came back, and he was happy. Every time he saw the team train, he remembered the good old days with Team Minato. The way Sasuke and Naruto bickered was like a mirror of himself and Obito. The way Naruto chased Sakura was reminiscent of how Obito chased after Rin. It truly felt like he was with his original team. And he was genuinely happy.
It was like he drank water after weeks in the desert or breathed fresh morning air after a grueling night. It was the best months of his teaching career.
But like all the others, they left him.
Sasuke left the village in search of power.
Sakura left the team to train with Tsunade.
Naruto left with Jiraiya—Minato's sensei.
And there he was. Left alone. Again.
Then she came. She was like a force that made her way to him. No matter what kind of resistance he put up, she managed to break through it all. She made him feel again. She made him human again.
He saw the woman who became the light in his darkness. The strength in his weakness. The beauty in his ugliness. She was his moon in his moonless night.
Kakashi gazed at the framed photograph sitting on his table. Their smiles were full of hope—a hope for a future they were trying to build. He was happy again. The world was done making him miserable. He had already paid his dues.
--
Sakura felt a gloved hand hold her hand. She looked at the hand holding hers and a smile graced her lips. She knew the hand too well.
"Kakashi." she acknowledged. Looking at the silver-haired jounin.
"Sakura." Kakashi gave her his known one-eyed smile.
Kakashi walked by her side. One hand holding Sakura's hand, interlacing his fingers with her, and the other is in his pocket.
The villagers stared at the most unimaginable couple of Konoha. The pink-haired Kunoichi, who inherit their Hokage's temper and the silver-haired jounin that had years and years of experience in battle.
One saves lives and the other takes them.
The contradiction between the two is staggering.
Add the fact that Kakashi is fourteen years older than Sakura. While Sakura is 22, Kakashi is 36. And Kakashi was once Sakura's sensei.
That relationship can't be legal!
But the two did not pay attention to what the villagers are saying. It's not as if Kakashi tried to get Sakura into a relationship when she was fourteen and he stopped being his teacher when she was thirteen. Truth be told, he never was a teacher to her, his attention is always at the two males of the team. Never to her.
And no matter how he wants to change the past, he can't. Regret flooded his system.
Kakashi gripped Sakura's hand tighter.
Sakura who knows his demons are tormenting him again, gripped his hand just as tight. As if saying, 'don't worry. I got you.' and Kakashi was never more grateful for her presence.
"The Hokage wants us to go to her office." Kakashi informed his companion.
"Mission?"
"Probably. She never calls the two of us if not for that except that one time."
Sakura nodded. The memories of her angry shishou came flooding her mind.
--
Flashback…
Tsunade was pacing the length of the Hokage's office while waiting for the two people she trusts the most. However, right now, she can't say that she still trusts them.
The sound of opening door alerted her that the two just arrived.
"Hokage-sama." the two greeted her, bowing.
Her eyes scrutinized the two people in front of her. The difference between the two is like night and day. How can the two think that they can make them work?
"Hatake. Haruno." Tsunade acknowledged them.
"Uh-oh." Kakashi thought. "We're in big trouble."
Sensing that the Hokage already heard of the rumors, Kakashi let go of the act. His hand inched towards the female in his side. His hand grasped her hand, and Sakura tried to make him let go, but he grasped it tighter.
Tsunade saw the whole thing. Anger rising in her head, she wants to smack the both of them. Kakashi, especially. How dare he put a hand on her apprentice? Sakura is a child!
Well, no, Sakura is 21. No longer a child. But compare it to Kakashi, Sakura is still a child.
"If a glare can kill, Kakashi would have drop dead by now." Sakura thought. Seeing the glare that her master is giving to Kakashi. And she tried to free her hand, but Kakashi is making it difficult. Defeated, she stopped.
"Shishou - "
"Don't." Tsunade held up a hand. "So the rumors are true." she concluded. "Really, Hatake? Sakura of all people?" She glared at the silver-haired man.
"Shishou - "
"Sakura," Kakashi interupted her. Looking at her emerald eyes. "I'll explain." he said.
"Yes, Hatake. Explain to me why you would choose Sakura, a child to be your --" Tsunade can't find a word to describe the relationship of the two. She waved her hand to the two of them. "Whatever this is."
"Hokage-sama." Kakashi started. "With all due respect, Sakura is not a child," Tsunade is about to respond but Kakashi continued, "nor I am taking advantage."
"I didn't say or implied that you are." Tsunade scoff.
"Yes, Lady Hokage." Kakashi admitted. "However, Sakura is my partner." he said earnestly. "I see her as my equal." Kakashi squeezed her hand. "I love her."
Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose. Not understanding how this started and why of all people, its Sakura who managed to worm her way to the emotionless man.
"Kakashi," Tsunade muttered exasperated. "Why Sakura of all people? She's fourteen years your junior, your former student, for Kami's sake!"
Kakashi visibly flinched at the words that came from the words that came form his Hokage's mouth. As if he is not asking that very same questions himself. He tried to justify it, however, hearing the words from the Hokage herself, it sounds hundred times worst.
"Shishou," Sakura said. Tsunade glared at the pink-haired kunoichi but Sakura didn't waver. "We are not doing anything wrong. I'm of age and I became a his student for less than a year. And shishou, I love him."
Tsunade let out a sigh of defeat. What more can she say when the two most unlikely people professed their love for each other in front of her? She's not Sakura's mother, so she can't demand her that she stop this non-sense. Tsunade sat at her desk. Eyes glaring at the man holding her apprentice's hand.
"Hatake," she muttered darkly. "Hurt Sakura and I swear to my grandfather's grave, I will hunt you down and incapacitate you. So much that you can't be well to do missions forever." Tsunade threathened the man that has been Konoha's most trusted shinobi.
Kakashi understood. He and Sakura bowed to their Hokage. When Tsunade waved her hand to dismiss then, he placed his arm around Sakura, his hand touching her shoulder.
Tsunade just sighed at the scene that she's seeing in front of her. Telltale signs of an upcoming headache is throbbing at her temples.
The couple left the Hokage's office. Relieved that she didn't forbid them to continue their relationship. However, the gossip of the village is another matter.
The hokage's reluctant consent to their relationship will not prevent the townspeople to criticize their relationship.
It's true anyway. Their relationship is unconventional. Teacher-student relationship is a taboo. Hence, the judgmental stares of the people that followed their every step is something that he knows is justified. Sakura, on the other hand may not understand the situation.
"Sakura," Kakashi said, voice low. "I didn't mean to drag you into this mess."
Sakura looked at her -- boyfriend? The word does not suit Kakashi at all, but for all intents and purposes the word is correct. Sakura's eyes roamed Kakashi's face. Although majority of Kakashi's face is hidden behind a mask and his hitae-ate she knows what is hidden behind that.
"It's okay, Kakashi." Sakura said softly. Staring at the dark eyes of the man she loves. "We can't get the others understand what we are. And if they won't understand, it's fine. I love you still." Sakura kissed his mask-covered cheek, ignoring the gasps from the people spying on them. Sakura smiled and grasped Kakashi's hand.
Kakashi sighed. Grateful for Sakura's support and reassurance, but he had history of being left behind. He closed his eyes and saw the people he loved and cared from leaving him one by one. Hatake Sakumo, Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, even Sakura left him once. Kakashi shook his head. His past must not jeopardize his future.
As they enter his apartment, Kakashi's eyes strayed to the framed photograph of happier days. Sakura's eyes followed Kakashi's line of sight. And her face fell when she saw what Kakashi's is staring at.
"Kakashi," Sakura said in a low voice, sadness is evident in her voice. She reached for his hitae-ate to reveal the red eye he got from Obito. Kakashi's gaze dropped to Sakura's eyes. Sakura cupped his face in her hands. Looking intently to the mismatched eyes. "I'm not going to die early and leave you alone like Obito, Rin, or Yondaime. I will never leave you, okay?" Sakura promise to the man that hold her heart.
Kakashi let Sakura's promise flood his mind, for this promise will be his lifeline for the rest of his traumatic life.
Sakura is the light at the end of the tunnel. Sakura shed light to his dark world. And for that he will always be grateful for the woman who had been his anchor. He had been drowning for all of his life, but Sakura came. She didn't throw a life preserver, she swam and rescued him.
Sakura looked at the broken man as he closed his eyes, as if trying to memorize the vow that she uttered. Her heart broke for him. He had been the most broken person she ever met, and even if its the last thing she does, she will do everything to glue his broken pieces together.
Kakashi opened his eyes and look at the young woman staring at him. He felt like a child in her hands, but the promise she uttered is the one that his battered soul need. She is his beacon of light in the dark, moonless night.
Kakashi broke free from her hands and envelop the woman in his arms. Resting his face in the crook of her neck. He inhaled the strawberry scent that was her shampoo. He tightened his grip, wanted no one to tear her away from him.
"Ka-Kakashi?" Sakura stammered.
"I love you, Sakura." Kakashi whispered.
Sakura relaxed in her arms. Her left hand snaked around his torso to return the hug while her right hand smooth the silver hair of her love.
"I love you too, Kakashi."
--
Kakashi and Sakura entered the Hokage's office exactly on time. Tsunade raised one of her eyebrows when Kakashi entered her office.
"Well, I had to find Sakura so I set out early." Kakashi defended himself from the raised eyebrow of his Hokage.
Tsunade let out a sigh. "Well at least, there are some good in this relationship." Tsunade huffed. "I don't remember a single time that you were early, Kakashi. This might do you good."
Kakashi only scratch the back of his head. Unable to find a suitable answer for Tsunade's remark. On the other hand, Tsunade observed the couple, Kakashi with his usual stoic expression and Sakura with a serene smile.
"Yeah. Maybe this relationship is good for him." Tsunade mused.
"Sit down," Tsunade gestured to the chairs in front of her desk.
The two complied, taking their seats with Kakashi still holding Sakura's hand. Tsunade sighed at the view, realizing that she might as well get used to the idea of these two being together.
"Now, let's get down to business," Tsunade said, shifting her attention to the mission details. She handed them a scroll containing information about their next assignment.
As Tsunade briefed them, Kakashi and Sakura listened attentively. Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding their relationship, they were professionals when it came to their duties as ninjas of the Leaf.
After the briefing, Tsunade gave them a stern look. "Remember, personal feelings should not interfere with your mission. I don't want any distractions in the field."
"We understand, Hokage-sama," Kakashi replied, giving a nod of assurance.
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, eyeing the two. "I may not approve of your relationship, but as long as it doesn't become a distraction to your duties, I won't interfere. Just make sure to keep it professional on missions." She reminded them. "And Kakashi, might I remind you, don't make Sakura sit out during fights. She may be a medic. But she's my apprentice."
"Understood, Hokage-sama." Kakashi replied.
"Dismissed," Tsunade said, waving them away. As they left the office, she couldn't help but shake her head at this development. She can't see any thing that connects the two. Well except for what they said to her before 'love'. Tsunade sighed, hoping that she won't regret tolerating the relationship.
Kakashi and Sakura exited the Hokage's office, hand in hand, ready to face the challenges that awaited them both on the battlefield and in the judgmental eyes of their fellow villagers. But for now, they had each other, and as long as they are together they can overcome any obstacle that life is going to throw at them.
--
Kakashi gave a sideway glance at Sakura while he is fighting the mercenaries. This is only a simple scroll retrieval mission. But he should know from years of experience that simple missions are never simple. The mercenaries attacked them as they travel back to their village and halfway there.
The fight is grating at his nerves. Although he can easily beat them, they might take advantage of his pre-occupation and hurt Sakura. Even though the Hokage herself assure him that Sakura can hold her own, he doesn't like it when they are dealing with mercenaries.
They are ruthless and kill anything that is standing in their way. And right now, its him and Sakura.
The mercenary that he is dealing with did not like the fact that Kakashi is so arrogant that he can take his eyes of him while they are fighting. He is not aware of who he is fighting there but he's sure that he is just a useless lackey of the Hokage.
"Don't stray your eyes when fighting me." The mercenary snarled at Kakashi. Kakashi averted his eye for a second but dis distraction is enough for the man to swipe the sword at him.
He felt the blade made contact to the side of his abdomen, but the man wasn't able to inflict serious damage as he jumped away from him. But he can feel the wound that the man inflicted. And as always, he ignored the pain.
On the other hand, Sakura was efficiently dodging the attack of his opponent. He was able to inflict minor injuries, but her chakra heals them as soon as they were inflicted.
When Sakura noticed that Kakashi jumped far from his opponent, she jumped and stood at his back. Guarding the vulnerable side of his partner.
"Are you okay, Kakashi?" she asked.
She heard a grunt and answered her a simple yes. "But I need to wrap up this battle quickly." he said as Sakura's partner throw a bunch of kunai at them. Sakura deflected the weapons with her own kunai but one managed to slice the exposed skin of her forearms.
Sakura didn't notice the slice at she is busy defending Kakashi's back. She knows that he doesn't need protection, but she wants to protect the person that is important to her.
Kakashi noticed the blood on Sakura's arms, and his eyes narrowed. "Sakura, you're injured," he said, concern lacing his usually calm voice.
"It's just a scratch, Kakashi. I can handle it," Sakura replied, not wanting to distract him further.
The mercenary, seeing an opportunity, lunged at Kakashi with renewed aggression. Kakashi swiftly dodged the attack and retaliated, taking down the opponent with a precise strike. He glanced back at Sakura, keeping his guard up.
"I'll take care of this. Just stay close," Kakashi instructed, concern etched in the lines of his visible eye.
Sakura nodded, trusting Kakashi's battle abilities. She focused on healing her wounds quickly, but to her surprise the wound did not close as it should be. The wound is painless but there is something preventing her chakra to heal and close the wound. Suddenly, her arm is on fire. She suppressed her gasps as she doesn't want to distract Kakashi.
As Kakashi continued to engage the remaining mercenaries, Sakura faintly noticed the change in his fighting style. He was more ruthless, more focused. It was as if he was trying to finish the battle as quickly as possible to ensure her safety.
The skirmish reached its conclusion, with Kakashi efficiently incapacitating the remaining enemies. He turned back to Sakura, and this time, he looked genuinely worried.
"Sakura, what's wrong with your arm?" Kakashi asked, concern deepening in his voice. He approached her, carefully examining the wound on her forearm.
Sakura bit her lip, trying to downplay the severity. "It's nothing, just a scratch. I'll take care of it later."
But Kakashi saw that Sakura is suppressing a groan wasn't convinced. He took her injured arm gently, inspecting the wound more closely. As his fingers touched her skin, Sakura winced as the pain increased with his touch. His fingers felt like coals in her skin.
Sakura closed her eyes to prevent the tears that formed in her eyes to escape. Kakashi furrowed his brows at Sakura's expression.
"The wound seemed to resist healing." Sakura said in gritted teeth.
"Then this isn't just an ordinary cut," he muttered, his one visible eye narrowing as he focused on the injury.
Sakura sighed, realizing that she couldn't hide it any longer. "I think it's poisoned. The wound won't heal."
Kakashi's grip on her arm tightened momentarily before he loosened it, his expression hardening. "Why didn't you say anything earlier? We could have escaped. We could have abandoned the mission. We need to get back to the village, and you need an antidote.
"Sakura shook her head. "I didn't want to distract you during the fight. One wrong more on your part and you'll be gone." Sakura said, voice full of emotion. "Besides, it's not fatal. I can manage."
Kakashi's eye softened as he looked at her. "You shouldn't have to 'manage.' We're a team, Sakura. Let me take care of you."
He glanced around, ensuring that the area was secure, before guiding Sakura towards a secluded spot. He sat her down, still holding her injured arm. Kakashi retrieved a small medical kit from his pouch and began applying a specialized antidote to the wound. It will not neutralize whatever poison is in her but it would slow down its progress. That would be enough until they reached Konoha.
Sakura winced at the stinging sensation but appreciated Kakashi's careful touch. As he worked, their eyes met, and she saw a mixture of concern and something else in his gaze.
"It won't be much. But it will slow down the poison from spreading." Kakashi said, concern laced his voice.
"I can handle myself, Kakashi." Sakura assured him. "You don't need to worry so much," she said with a small smile.
Kakashi sighed, finishing the treatment. "It's hard not to worry when you mean so much to me. I can't lose you, Sakura."
"I lost too many people already. I can't survive if I lose you too." Kakashi thought.
Sakura's heart skipped a beat at his words. She reached out, gently cupping his face with her uninjured hand. "And I can't lose you either. We're in this together, remember?" Sakura said through the receding pain.
Kakashi nodded, his gloved hand covering hers. "Together," he echoed, his visible eye reflecting a depth of emotion that he seldom showed.
Sakura wanted to focus on Kakashi's voice, but her vision is starting to double. Her hand slipped from Kakashi's face when she started to lose consciousness.
Kakashi felt panic settling in his stomach as he watched Sakura slump in his arms.
"Sakura!" Kakashi called out in alarm. He carefully laid her down, checking her pulse and breathing. It felt - weak her breathing is shallow. Panic surged through him as he realized the severity of the situation. The poison seemed to be taking effect faster than he anticipated.
Quickly, he reached for a communicator and contacted Tsunade. "Hokage-sama, we have an emergency. Sakura's been poisoned, and I need medical assistance immediately."
Tsunade's heart jumped to her throat when he heard Kakashi's frantic voice. It takes a lot to unsettle him and his voice said the seriousness of the situation. However, since this is an emergency, she needs to be calm. And through her gritted teeth, she said,
"Get back to the village as fast as you can. I'll prepare the antidote. Just hold on, Kakashi."
Kakashi nodded, his heart pounding. He carefully picked up Sakura, securing her in his arms, and dashed towards the village at full speed. As worry etched on his face, he forgot about the gaping wound he got in his abdomen. As he jumped from tree to tree, he silently pleaded for Sakura to hold on.
Back at the village, Tsunade prepared the antidote with a sense of urgency. The gravity of the situation sank in as she thought about the repercussions of losing one of her valuable ninja. And not just any ninja, she's a medic. Her apprentice.
Kakashi arrived at the village gates in record time, and medical ninjas rushed to their aid. Sakura was swiftly taken to the hospital, before Tsunade even disappear behind the doors, she barked an order to one of her medics, "Don't come in, you're not needed inside. Heal Kakashi's wound, in the meantime."
Kakashi almost didn't feel the warmth of the healing chakra that the medic placed in his wound. As he is anxious about the pink-haired Kunoichi behind the doors. As soon as the medic finish healing him. Kakashi paced anxiously in the waiting area, his mind clouded with worry.
Hours passed like an eternity, and finally, a tired but relieved Tsunade emerged from the operating room. Kakashi immediately approached her, his eyes filled with desperation.
"How is she?" he asked, fearing the worst. "Please tell me she's okay. I cannot take another death." Kakashi silently pleaded.
Tsunade offered a reassuring smile. "She's stable now. The antidote worked, good thing you got that emergency antidote in your person. You manage to buy her time. Because of that we managed to neutralize the poison. She's resting, but she'll be fine."
Relief washed over Kakashi, and he sagged against the wall, the weight of the ordeal finally hitting him. Tsunade placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"She's a strong one, that Sakura. You both are," Tsunade remarked, acknowledging the bond between them.
Kakashi nodded, grateful beyond words. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
--
As Sakura slowly regained consciousness in the hospital room, she found Kakashi sitting by her bedside, his gaze never leaving her. The worry lines on his face eased as he saw her stirring.
"Sakura," he breathed, relief flooding his voice.
A weak smile formed on Sakura's lips. "Hey, Kakashi. I guess I made you worry, huh?"
Kakashi chuckled softly. "You have no idea."
"I was afraid that you'll leave me too." Kakashi is silently saying. "I can't bear another death. I thought I'll lose you too."
Sakura reached out, and Kakashi took her hand in his. The silent exchange between them spoke volumes, a shared understanding of the dangers they faced as shinobi.
"You saved me," Sakura whispered, her eyes reflecting gratitude.
Kakashi shook his head. "No, Sakura. We saved each other."
Sakura smiled, feeling the warmth of Kakashi's hand in hers. They may have faced danger and uncertainty, but in the end, their connection prevailed. They were a team, not just on the battlefield, but in life.
As they sat there, hand in hand, a silent understanding passed between them. The challenges they faced only strengthened their bond. Sakura's near-death experience brought them face to face with the fragility of life, and they both knew they couldn't take their moments together for granted.
Tsunade entered the room, a mix of relief and sternness in her expression. "You two gave me quite a scare," she scolded, but there was a hint of fondness in her eyes.
"We're sorry, Tsunade-sama," Sakura apologized, her gaze flickering to Kakashi.
Tsunade sighed. "Just be more careful next time. We can't afford to lose skilled shinobi like you."
"We will," Kakashi assured, a solemn promise in his tone.
Tsunade left them after she heard that. Wanting to give the two some privacy. Finally accepting their relationship. She never saw Kakashi so frantic. He is always cool under pressure. But in those short hour that she healed Sakura, she can feel that his chakra is all over the place. He cannot contain his worry. He will be good for Sakura.
--
Weeks passed and Sakura made a full recovery. But Kakashi still fuss over Sakura as if she is a fragile glass. Since the incident he did not let Sakura do anything. He provided care.
Turns out his non-stop working for years is beneficial. Now, the Hokage mandated that they are on leave for the meantime. He can dedicate all his hours to make sure that Sakura is okay, and not dread the day that he'll be given a mission while his love is still recovering.
The village people who criticized the relationship saw how much the silver-haired jounin cared for Sakura. They saw the fear in Kakashi's eyes when he returned with unconscious Sakura in his arms. They saw him bleeding but did not gave any signs that he is hurting. His sole focus in on Sakura. And over time they gradually accepted the relationship.
Sakura on the other hand, is resisting the urge to send Kakashi flying with her punch. He is too overprotective and always hovering weeks after her release. Kakashi wanted
her to stay in his apartment, but Sakura digress. She wants the comfort of her own home, so the man has no choice but to stay over hers. But that is not the problem, the problem is she's never allowed to do anything. She's even surprise that Kakashi let her feed herself. But his eyes never left her. If he makes even the slightest indication that she doesn't like the food, he's going to take it away and cook another. If she even chokes in her own water, he throws the water and glass away. Afraid that someone meddled with her drink. It's infuriating for Sakura.
However, what Kakashi told her made her understand.
"Sakura, I know that you are thinking that I am too controlling, overbearing or too paranoid, but I have my reasons." Kakashi told her one night. "I wasn't there when my father committed suicide. I wasn't there to stop him. His death shook me to the core. I only know my father. My mother died when she gave birth to me." Kakashi didn't meet Sakura's eyes while he was saying this. Afraid that she might see him weak. "I didn't let anyone know that I was grieving. I hid my pain because I don't want others to pity me. But I swore to myself that I'll never let others close. But my teammates did." He is now lost to the memories of the past.
Sakura listened quietly, realizing the depth of Kakashi's pain. She reached out, gently placing her hand on his, encouraging him to continue.
"It's Obito that I lost next." Kakashi closed his eyes. "It was my fault. I wanted to abandon Rin and continue with the mission. The trauma of my father's disgrace haunted me. But he never left his teammates. He was the one who taught me that abandoning your teammates makes you worse than scum." He opened his eyes and thought of Rin. "It was Rin next. You know about what happened. She died because of my jutsu. Weeks passed and I can still see her blood in my hands. No matter how I washed, its still there. Even until now." He looked at his bare hands. It is rare that Kakashi took off his black gloves. Now Sakura knows why. "The last one to leave in our team is Minato- sensei. I was assigned as a security detail of Kushina-san before she gave birth. But then, I had to be pulled out for a mission. I don't want to leave them, but I can't say no. I thought since its Minato-sensei, no harm will come for Kushina-san and her baby. But I was wrong. Thay died. And I was too far out to be of any use. I only knew that they died when I came back after two weeks. They already buried them." Kakashi's voice broke before he said the next words. "I never got to say goodbye."
Kakashi run his hand at his hair. Then pulled at them, a habit that he got every time he doesn't know what to do.
"I joined ANBU next. Taking the most dangerous missions. I wanted to die. But I can't." a bitter laugh came out of his lips. "Then, they pulled me out seeing that I was courting death, they assigned me as a teacher." A small smile graced his lips. "And that was when I met all of you. I love Team 7." His voice became happier, but it didn't last sadness filled his face again. "But then, one by one, you all started to leave."
Sakura knew what he meant. They disbanded the team and started to train under different masters. They thought that Kakashi will be alright. She and Naruto thought wrong.
Sakura reached for his hand. Grasping it on her hands. "I'm sorry, Kakashi. We didn't know."
Finally, Kakashi looked at her. "It's okay. You will never be who you are today if you stayed under my tutelage."
"That's not true."
"It is, Sakura. I never thought you anything useful. I'm only teaching Sasuke and Naruto. I neglected you."
"It's okay. That's in the past. You did so much for me now." Sakura reassured him.
Now, Sakura knew what Kakashi had to go through just to be what he is today. Sakura felt her heart ache for him. She cannot fathom how strong he needs to be to survive all those pains. She squeezed his hand reassuringly, silently letting him know that she was there for him.
"Kakashi, I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice filled with empathy.
Kakashi nodded, appreciating the understanding in Sakura's eyes. "I really thought I was cursed." He stated in a soft voice. "That everyone I cared about would leave or die. And I couldn't bear the thought of losing you too. When you were poisoned, I felt like my world was crumbling again. I couldn't lose another person I love."
Sakura felt a mix of sadness and warmth, realizing the depth of Kakashi's fears and the lengths he would go to protect those he cared about.
"I understand, Kakashi," she said softly. "And I appreciate your concern. But we're a team, right? We face challenges together, and we'll be there for each other. I don't want you to carry the weight of the past on your own. Let me share it with you."
Kakashi looked at Sakura when she said that. He thought that after he spilled his heart out, she will see him as weak. A person who's incapacitated by fear. But seeing Sakura's eyes, he saw that she cares. That she truly cares. He cannot contain his emotions and he enclosed her in his arms. Burying his face in her pink locks.
"Thank you, Sakura. For understanding."
Sakura didn't reply. She just hugged Kakashi tighter than she ever did. After a few minutes, she broke from the hug. She cupped Kakashi's face. Stared at his only visible eye, she willed that her emotions be felt by him.
"Kakashi, I'm so sorry for all the pain you've had to endure," Sakura said softly. "But you're not alone anymore. We're a team, and I'm here for you, just as you've been there for me."
Kakashi nodded, appreciating her understanding. "Thank you, Sakura. Your presence has brought light into my life, and I don't want to lose that."
They sat there in the quiet of the night, hands intertwined, finding solace in each other's company. The scars of the past may never fully fade, but together, they could heal and build a future.
--
Sakura gazed at her reflection. Her rings caught her attention. Its been five years since she married Kakashi. He's still an overprotective husband. More so when she gave birth to their son. Their little Minato. Of course, they ask Naruto if they can use the name, and he consented. Saying that her father will be okay since Kakashi was once like the Yondaime's son.
Hatake Minato is an exact copy of Kakashi. Silver hair, dark eyes, and same complexion. But their Minato is a joyful child, like her.
Sakura tear off her eyes from the mirror when she saw Kakashi and the three-year old Minato entered their room. Kakashi was carrying the child in his arms. When the child saw Sakura, the child raised his arms indicating that he wants to go to his mother. Kakashi looked forlorn that the child wants Sakura more than him, but he did pass the child to his mother.
Sakura chuckled, taking Minato into her arms. "Someone missed mommy, huh?" she cooed, showering him with kisses. The child giggled at Sakura's action, small hands tug at her hair. She let her child play with her it. As long as Minato's happy, she'll give whatever he wants.
Kakashi couldn't help but smile, seeing the pure joy on both their faces. As Sakura held their son, Kakashi approached, wrapping his arms around both of them.
"I think he just has good taste," Kakashi teased, pressing a gentle kiss on Sakura's forehead. "Just like his mother."
Sakura rolled her eyes playfully. "Flattery won't get you out of diaper duty tonight, Hatake."
Kakashi sighed dramatically. "You drive a hard bargain, Mrs. Hatake." He held her swollen stomach. And showered his wife's hair with kisses. "But anything for you."
He stared at the emerald eyes of his wife with love and held her close. No one can take his happiness now. He has Sakura, Minato, and the latest Hatake in her womb.
"I hope our next child is a girl. So that I can show her what to look for a man." Kakashi murmured into Sakura's hair.
"With you as her father, I'm sure she'll know all about what to look for."
They shared a smile, the echoes of the past pain replaced by the warmth of their family. The scars remained, but they were reminders of their strength and the love that had healed them. Together, as a family, they faced the future with hope and resilience.
