When Kakashi faced his apartment door, he saw that Sakura was already sleeping in his arms. He maneuvered his body so that he can open his door without waking her.
Kakashi was welcomed by the silence and darkness of his apartment. He carefully treaded the floor and went up the stairs. He carefully settled Sakura on his bed, making sure that she is comfortable.
Kakashi sat there in the quiet room, the moonlight casting a gentle glow on Sakura's peaceful face. He couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of their relationship and the challenges they had faced together. He knows that when she said home, its not his place. But is it really a crime to hope that somehow, she'll consider his simple place as her home?
As he watched over Sakura, a sense of responsibility and protectiveness washed over him. He wanted to be there for her, to offer solace and support, even if it meant navigating the delicate balance between personal feelings and professional duties.
He brushed away the stray strands of pink hair that obstructs his view of her peaceful, sleeping face. The last month was a difficult for him, as he knows that Sakura is not fully healed to attend to solo missions. Much less solo top-secret mission. He can still remember her condition when she returned from one broken. That is why it felt like there was a boulder lifted from his chest when he saw her coming home whole.
"Will you ever consider this place your home,Sakura?" he asked her, not really expecting an answer. "Will you ever let me in?"
The room remained silent, and Kakashi's question hung in the air. He knew that Sakura was in a vulnerable state, and he respected the boundaries she needed to establish for her own healing. The complexities of their relationship were evident, and Kakashi found himself torn between the desire to protect her and the need to give her the space she required.
As he sat there, contemplating the dynamics between them, Sakura stirred in her sleep. Her eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes slowly opened to meet Kakashi's gaze.
"Kakashi?" she murmured; the weariness still evident in her voice.
Kakashi gave her a soft smile. "You're home, Sakura."
A hint of gratitude flickered in Sakura's eyes as she looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. She then shifted her gaze back to Kakashi, a question lingering in her eyes.
"Will you ever consider this place your home, Sakura?" Kakashi repeated, his voice gentle but filled with genuine curiosity.
Sakura took a moment to respond, as if weighing her words carefully. "Kakashi, I... I appreciate everything you've done for me. But I'm still figuring things out. I need time to heal and understand myself again."
Kakashi nodded, respecting her honesty. "Take all the time you need, Sakura. I'll be here, no matter what you decide."
Sakura offered him a small smile, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Kakashi. I just need some time to find my way back to myself."
Kakashi reached out, gently brushing his fingers against her cheek. "I'll be here to support you, every step of the way."
With those words, Kakashi settled into a chair near the bed, keeping a silent vigil as Sakura drifted back into a peaceful slumber. The moonlight continued to cast its glow, creating a serene atmosphere in the room.
Morning comes and a messenger hawk tapped its beak in his bedroom window. He quickly opened the window to let the bird in so that Sakura does not have to wake up early. But as soon as the scroll was in his hands, the hawk flew away.
Kakashi opened the scroll when he saw the Hokage seal. His eyes narrowed when he read the content. There's no time for briefing, he is being sent to a mission.
His eyes were fixed on Sakura's sleeping form. He does not want to leave without saying goodbye, but he cannot in good conscience wake her up.