After three weeks of continuous missions without a day off Kakashi had spent all day at the memorial stone remembering fallen comrades. The weather reflected his mood since all day the sky was stained with ominous dark clouds which rained on and off. As always such things didn't matter to Kakashi so he just stood there staring at what personified a life time of memories. As the rays of the sun which outlined the dark clouds disappeared Kakashi was reminded of a previous engagement he promised to attend. Of course once they all got home Naruto continuously begged Kakashi and Sakura to join him at Ichiraku ramen for a welcome home meal. Kakashi really didn't object to having a nice meal after a continuous string of missions but the way Naruto tried to pull people in brought out the argumentative side in everyone. After Kakashi made his last condolences to the lives engraved on the stone he set off for Ichiraku ramen.

The atmosphere was buoyant in the newly refurbished Ichiraku ramen shop yet some how it still lacked a certain something, Kakashi was oblivious to what it was mainly because that certain someone was his student. So Kakashi continued to stare at the food in his bowl while Naruto tried to start another fight with Neji. Sometimes Kakashi thought it was a good thing that Sasuke left because the relationship Naruto had with him was destructive not that any of his other friendships aren't but the friendship he held with Sasuke was just too much. In a classic move Naruto tried to drag Kakashi into the argument as well but this time Kakashi just got up from the table and left. The night air blowing through the streets gave Kakashi a cooling sensation as well as a memory of a mission where he had to hold position in a small tunnel in the land of water during winter. Of course now he wasn't fighting off rogue ninja while risking being drowned because of the floods. So now Kakashi was walking home alone and not with the giddy feeling of being intoxicated instead something else lingered in his mind which he couldn't describe.

By now Kakashi had reached the outskirts of the main district and was outside the front door of his apartment fiddling around in his pockets to find his keys. Once Kakashi found his keys he held them up to the lock but hesitated knowing that it would just be another place of solitude. The key glided into the lock with haste then the door was pushed open to reveal the home of the silver haired bachelor, it was clean but basic seeing as Kakashi didn't need much of anything. Kakashi closed the door behind him then slowly walked to his bedroom where he just collapsed on the bed. Kakashi didn't go to sleep immediately instead he just laid there with his face squished into the quilt cover. It had been a long day of rigorous missions and it made Kakashi feel old to be this affected by them. Eventually as the knowing pain in his legs subsided Kakashi fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning felt dreary as the sun had risen early which awoke Kakashi during a very stimulating dream. Although today he didn't have to do much except watch his students train on the river because Naruto just couldn't resist the challenge of training being that much more difficult. Once Kakashi arrived at the river he got the usual complaints about him being late then Naruto and Sakura started to train. Kakashi read his book like usual while watching the two animatedly train on the water. While training Naruto came at Sakura with full force and a chakra infused palm which was able to connect with Sakura's left cheek. Kakashi stilled himself when the Kunoichi maiden didn't get up straight away but of course she was just pretending to play dead so she could kick Naruto in the shin. Kakashi relaxed his position then went back to reading his ever so enjoyable book. Every now and then Kakashi's eyes would flicker towards Sakura then back to his book. Eventually Kakashi trusted that an incident like that wouldn't happen again.

After training Naruto dragged the both of them to Ichiraku ramen as usual to feed the hungry trio. Though this time Naruto opted for a booth at the back of the restaurant instead of his usual spot in the centre of the restaurant, maybe because it was one of those rare incidents where it was just the three of them but then again all nineteen year olds are usually busy at least that's what Kakashi had seen. Naruto sat there re-telling the story of how their victory at the great Naruto bridge when they we're up against the heartless Gato, of course because Naruto was telling it a few new scenes had been added to the story and everything was magnified funny how he never mentioned Sasuke once except as my partner. Eventually as the night got on Kakashi's two students felt comfortable enough to start ordering alcohol. Glass after glass was poured until Sakura was falling out of the booth laughing at nothing, Sakura wasn't one to drink excessively but when Naruto always challenged her to a drinking competition her pride just couldn't let her say no. Naruto wobbled on home while Kakashi picked Sakura up so she was hanging off his shoulder. When Kakashi was taking her home he noticed how quiet the streets we're even though it was ten fifteen, as Kakashi stood on the roof of Sakura's house about to let her through her bed room window Sakura woke from her drowsy state.

Sakura tried to stand upright still leaning on Kakashi's side yet couldn't but luckily Kakashi caught her before she fell to the ground "Kakashi sensei you always seem to catch me before I fall I guess that's a good thing" Sakura smiled devilishly at the taken a back Kakashi then licked her lips seductively in an attempt to entice Kakashi to play along with her game "Maybe you would want to come in for a night cap?" Sakura now able to stand up on her own moved closer to Kakashi pursing her feint pink lips waiting for Kakashi to make his move.

Kakashi twirled a bit of her fringe then leaned forward to her lips but then stopped and pulled back realising the consequences of this action "I make it a personal rule not to listen to the requests of drunk people they usually regret what they requested" Kakashi sighed then let go of the strand of hair he was twirling. After stepping back a bit to make his intentions clear Sakura finally realized what he meant.

Small tears started to run down Sakura's cheek which Kakashi tried to wipe away but Sakura pulled back now. Sakura turned her head so she was no longer facing Kakashi then she stumbled to the small balcony outside her bedroom window then swiftly entered the room. Kakashi stared at the spot where Sakura stood in his arms then left because he realised he had been suppressing something he didn't even know existed. Kakashi knew it was time to go home but he couldn't drag himself away from that spot on the roof where they almost kissed. Kakashi laid down on the roof and watched as the moon illuminated everything in sight. The devastating realization of his feelings drilled down on him and made it all he could think about the whole night.

Kakashi didn't leave that spot until the sun rose at which point he reported to the Hokage's office. Kakashi did what he always did which was to debrief the Hokage on the previous mission his squad under took then get assigned a new one. Kakashi grabbed the scroll then waited at the bridge for his two students, usually it would be Sakura and Naruto waiting for him but he just couldn't go home at the moment. The line of the shadow from the sun moved more slowly than usual at least that's what it felt like to Kakashi, as the line moved across the pavement Kakashi couldn't help but think of the night before. After Kakashi left the Hokage's office his mind had been a complete blank he wasn't even able to concentrate on the book he had read so many times. When Kakashi remembered what happened last night all he could think was "When did I stop taking risks?" When did Kakashi Hatake stop trying to grasp hold of things? Sure the loss was great but so was the reward. Maybe age had dulled his sense of adventure or made him content just being alone. What ever the case Kakashi did not like it after all what was life without risk.

Finally only Naruto arrived at the bridge so Kakashi just briefed him on the mission they we're to under take in two days time. Naruto said that he would stop off at Sakura's house to tell her about the mission as he was leaving. Kakashi went on with day and went shopping to stock up on supplies; he used up a lot of ration packs and Kunai on the last away mission they had so he needed to stock up. It didn't take long since after several shopping trips like this had made him a veteran by now. Of course being a pro at this made it all very tedious.

While juggling his grocery bags Kakashi caught sight of Sakura's long pink mane and ran towards her, Sakura had now caught sight of Kakashi and instead of being her usual happy self she was scowling at him. Kakashi was completely caught off guard by this strange behaviour Sakura was exhibiting before him but then again she was in a bad mood every now and then so it wasn't something he couldn't handle.

Kakashi couldn't understand why Sakura was acting this way yet he still walked toward her "We didn't see you at the bridge. Did Naruto end up telling you about the upcoming mission?" Kakashi scratched the back of his head like he always did in an awkward situation.

Sakura looked away pondering what expression would best give off her mood or if she could just be nice since this was work related "Yes he told me all about it this afternoon. Well I've got to go now and help my mum out" Sakura's face expressed nothing as she ran around the corner in a flash. Kakashi was left dumbfounded as he looked at the puff of dirt which was lifted up in the air by Sakura's shoes. Kakashi re-shuffled the grocery bags again then set off home.

…Switch…

Sakura sat on a stone chair underneath a cherry blossom tree trying to take a breather. Sakura had been rejected once by someone she still had a spot in her heart for but to be rejected again was unbearable. It wasn't as painful or even remotely similar to her rejection from Sasuke but it hurt as much. Sakura knew it hurt just as bad because Kakashi wasn't just someone she randomly met he was someone she had spent years getting to know and saw almost every day. For Sakura it would just get worse since work would be a constant distraction because of him. Kakashi wouldn't be like stoic Sasuke just concentrating on his own problems, having a student fawn over him would make everything an awkward mess. Sakura just sighed then put her head in her knee's while contemplating the pro's and con's of never being a ninja again, she could just switch to being a permanent doctor instead but why should she have to be the one who cowers away from the awkward situation? Sakura was pumping with adrenalin and right then she made the decision to stand proud and to not let this get to her. It was also at this moment that Sakura remembered she had a mission to prepare for. So onward home Sakura went.

So there Sakura was outside the main gate watching as Naruto stomped around complaining about Kakashi being late again while punching into the ground. Sakura would have loved to join him in the punching but she was afraid that once Kakashi showed up she wouldn't be able to help herself. To pass the time Sakura brushed her hair then pulled back the long strands with a butterfly clip leaving a few thin bits of hair to fall across and to the sides of her face making a perfect frame. Now Sakura was just pacing back and forth still waiting for her sensei. While pondering what she would say when Kakashi arrived Sakura was startled by some loud incomprehensible noise Naruto made. Sakura turned around to see Naruto eyeing Neji with fury. Sakura of course moved to be next to Naruto to see what was going on.

Sakura put a hand on Naruto's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down then she looked intently at Neji having it finally click in her head "Kakashi's not coming is he?" Sakura's tone was sharp not surprising seeing as Kakashi chickened out without even telling them.

Neji looked at Naruto then Sakura trying to work out if either of them would beat him to a bloody pulp because he wasn't Kakashi "Well the Hokage called him away for something else so today I'm team leader" Neji couldn't tell which of them was more pissed because they both had enough experience to be team leader although Sakura won it by a long shot because she had the intelligence.

Sakura was using all her mental strength not to go down to the Hokage's office and beat Kakashi to a bloody pulp. Sakura sensed Naruto's frustration too and squeezed his shoulder as a warning for him to not do anything stupid. Neji quickly walked around them to avoid being the target of one of their famous punch ups. Sakura sighed then grabbed Naruto by the wrists and dragged him along with her so they we're following Neji.

Naruto soon stopped complaining as much and didn't have to be dragged along anymore since he was still excited he was going on another mission. Naruto stayed next to Sakura the whole time as they both walked ten paces behind Neji so they could wallow in their self pity "I can't believe Grandma Tsunade transferred Kakashi sensei to some other mission without telling us" Naruto was still extremely pissed which in turn made Sakura feel more angry at Kakashi then she really was.

Sakura had to fess up now at least to some of the story seeing as Naruto hadn't figured it out already "Neji lied Naruto he was too scared at what we would do to him to actually admit he voluntarily swapped with Kakashi. Kakashi would have offered because I sort of got into an argument with him the other day after training" At the moment Sakura was in no way going to admit what happened in it's entirety not just because it would hurt Naruto even though long ago they agreed to just be friends but also because she couldn't take the chance of Neji over hearing their private conversation.

Naruto looked confused at first then shrugged it off as something ordinary "What we're you arguing about? Did he try to get you to sneak those pervy books his in your bags again so the Hokage wouldn't throttle him?" Naruto was waiting for an answer as Sakura paused for a moment.

Sakura really couldn't help but love her friend at that moment; he was so far off but being clueless was part of his charm "Yeah it was along those lines" Sakura looked at Naruto and they both smiled back at each other while speeding up to keep pace with Neji.

They had gone on through the night which had taken the energy out of Sakura and Naruto even but Neji was full of energy and insisting they go on for another full day before stopping at which point Naruto shamefully threw a Kunai knife at Neji's head. The Kunai missed and Neji in retaliation used his chakra palms to knock Naruto into the ground, Sakura not wanting to get in the middle of their argument just sat back and watched as they tried to pummel each other for a good half hour. It all ended when Neji finally realized how infantile it all was but of course Naruto wasn't so easily calmed down so Naruto jumped on Neji's back and tried to pull out his hair saying "If your going to deprive us of sleep then I'm going to deprive you of your hair" Sakura couldn't stop laughing yet she got off the tree branch and pulled Naruto off Neji and calmed him down. Naruto sat down and sulked for a while which is when Sakura decided to get out the lunch's seeing as they would be here a while. Once they started eating Neji went on with a speech about them being more efficient if they didn't sleep as much which Sakura smugly counterpointed with all the side effects of sleep deprivation.

After some more bickering between Naruto and Neji they set off again. Eventually they made it to the Kuaku Mountain, the village they we're to assist was at the top and they all knew it would be a two day hike or an all nighter. Neji looked at his team mates and instantly realized to order them to do another all nighter would mean his death so he made it quite clear that they would take a break before night fall. As they started up the mountain path a rumbling noise could be heard from above them and they all quickly ran up the path narrowly avoiding a landslide. Sakura was catching her breath while crying and she didn't know why; Naruto slowly walked over to Sakura then clasped her in his arms. It was then Sakura realized she was more upset then she thought and that her tears we're streaming down her face like a river. Neji interrupted the moment by saying that they should set up camp now while they we're in a safe area.

It was midnight when Sakura was finally alone with Naruto and they we're sitting on a ledge of the mountain path. Sakura had waited for Neji to fall asleep before she talked to Naruto and it had to be over quick if they wanted to get any sleep before Mr Control Freak awoke them at what ever ridiculous time he wants "Naruto you know that time when you told me about when we first took the Chunin exams and you we're nearly killed by that snake that swallowed you. Well when those boulders collapsed a couple of hours ago I had the same experience, I saw the faces of all those I love funny how Sasuke's face didn't show up but yours did and the person whose face I saw the most was someone unexpected" Sakura hung her head low thinking if she really wanted to tell Naruto now. Sakura looked back at Naruto with her sorrow stricken face illuminated by the moon's fluorescent glow.

Naruto raised his arm and moved Sakura's head on to his shoulder; Naruto could never stand to see Sakura cry even if it wasn't over him. Sakura didn't love Naruto the way he loved her but Naruto would always be there for Sakura no matter what. Naruto kissed the top of Sakura's head lightly feeling her glossy pink tresses against his lips then rested his head on hers "I know we we're having a silent moment but I still left hanging" Naruto lifted his head to look Sakura directly in the eye and he watched as she thought about what she was going to say next.

Suddenly Sakura's lips clammed up as she tried to speak the words which had been plaguing her mind this entire time. Sakura lifted her head from Naruto's shoulder then wiped away a tear from her cheek "The face I kept seeing was-"








…To be continued…