A/N: Omg... Wow it feels so strange writing another chapter. I am sooo sorry for the ridiculously long wait (over a year!) I actually would've given up on this story if it wasn't for you guys. The other day I was reading all of the reviews and geez you guys make me blush =3... so overwhelmingly kind! :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto!

Note : 'Inner Sakura'

Another voice in her head

After a few moments of awkwardly attempting to untangle herself, Sakura promptly sat back on her knees and tried to revert back to "medic-mode". She however, couldn't hide that oh-so-evident blush painted on her features. Instead she decided to concentrate only and solely on Kakashi's bandaged limbs.

She couldn't decipher why she felt the way she did back there. She couldn't ignore the tingling spark feeling that was developing in the pit of her stomach... He was so close, and she couldn't believe she had the urge to kiss him.

Blame the eyes, one side of her reasoned, they were just too freaking intense.

But Sakura truly recognized these feelings. She hadn't felt these undeniably blooming feelings since the early academy days with Sasuke.

'Seems like you have a thing with men with Sharingan', Inner Sakura joked.

To say that Kakashi was unaware of the tension would be completely false. He was beginning to seriously notice Sakura these days, and it was truly frightening him. As he ran a shaky hand through his hair he thought about how much he wanted to kiss her back there, she was so close, so real ... And looking at her now with that lively blush on her cheeks, he could only think of how damn cute she is.

Kakashi managed an awkward cough to break the uncomfortable silence between them, as well as to shake the inappropriate thoughts from his mind.

He began to realize this mission is going to be harder than he thought.

After a few minutes of complete and utter silence (minus the awkward shifts and coughs) Sakura re-bandaged his wounds and packed up her kit, pushing off her knees to get up.

"All seems to be healing," she summarized vaguely, "but seriously Kakashi...don't overexert yourself. If it gets too severe, the healing can backfire and your wounds will become much worse. Internal damage will occur and trust me, you don't want that. I don't want to ever see you do something like those goddamn push-ups again, is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am," Kakashi chuckled.

...

Days passed, and Sakura and Kakashi were soon accustomed to being around each other. The daily schedule was the same: wake-up, do their respective things, and eat meals together or with friends.

For Kakashi he needed frequent check-ups, and now many wounds could be un-bandaged. As well began light training so he wouldn't "rust" or so he called it. He always had his trusty Icha Icha in hand and read it everywhere. Mostly he would read under the tree in training ground 3 and visit the memorial, of course he was banned from drinking as long as Sakura was taking care of him

Sakura on the other hand, was ordered to "follow Kakashi around like his shadow" as the mission required, but she wasn't really interesting in watching him read under the tree all day. She would always "lightly" train with him, sometimes they'd spar. Kakashi took note that Sakura greatly improved her technique and skills, but she's a jounin now, right? Of course Sakura met with her friends time to time, but mostly she was working on paperwork from the hospital and things the hokage should be doing.

The only thing that wasn't staying the same were their feelings for each other.

Day by day their little "appreciation" for one another grew. From lingering looks and smiles to touches and jokes and winks. Kakashi opened up a surprising lot about his past as well did Sakura. Sakura told herself she was simply "interested" in him, while Kakashi found himself using the same reason to describe this behaviour towards her.

"Where are you going?" Sakura absentmindedly asked one day, watching him above her papers.

"Oh the usual, taking a little walk around Konoha," Kakashi gave an eye-crinkle.

"Hm... mind if I join you? I'm in need of a little break."

"Find by me,"

...

They walked in silence. Sakura learned that Kakashi isn't a very talkative man. But the silence was comfortably and surprisingly soothing.

"You know," Sakura started, "your injuries are really improving... In just a little bit, you'll be on your way back to going on missions and being free from my burden" she joked.

Kakashi gave a laugh and shook his head. He actually truly enjoyed being around Sakura and he must admit he would miss her. A lot.

"I'm going to miss you," Sakura blurted out.

Kakashi snapped his eyes towards Sakura and he was surprised she might've enjoyed his company as well. He smiled and gave her a hair ruffle (which earned him a pout that was irresistibly cute) before he led her somewhere that he visits daily.

"Come, I want to show you something."

They made their way to the memorial just when the sky began to cloud and the breeze was getting chilly. Kakashi had no idea why he was showing her this, but he's only ever opened up about his past to her.

"I come here everyday," Kakashi mumbled, staring at the stone that held the names of his loved ones. Sakura has never seen Kakashi so solemn. She remained quiet as he walked towards it and bent down to trace the words ... Obito ... Rin ... Minato Uzumaki ...

"They still love you," Sakura whispered.

"I know."

Sakura took a few timid steps as well and bent down. She traced other names ... her mother and father. Kakashi noticed this and watched in surprise and understanding of what she must feel.

"Killed from enemy attack," Sakura gave a humourless laugh. "Funny how I save many lives but not my own parent's."

The sky began thunder storming, an enchanting and relaxing sound that Kakashi loved. He noticed Sakura close her eyes and hum in content. She opened her eyes and noticed Kakashi staring. "I absolutely love the sound of thunder." She smiled sheepishly.

Kakashi chuckled and just then, a light, pelting rain fell from the sky.

They stood there together, enjoying the rain and embracing the pain they both felt. Sakura was right, Kakashi thought.

Letting out what I feel inside, even non-verbally, is sometimes just the best medicine.

Kakashi and Sakura had a mutual connection and bond between each other. When was the last time Kakashi met someone who cared and understood him so well? He looked over and watched her stare up at the sky... She was beautiful. She was real. She was ... everything. She meant so much to him she can't even understand.

Maybe this slight "interest" in her is becoming something much more serious. But, she probably didn't feel the same way. Why would she like an old man like himself?

She deserves someone better.

Younger.

Someone who hasn't been through all that he's been through.

Someone who can show her what it means to love.

Someone ... other than him.

A burning sensation sparked in his chest as he hated thinking of Sakura with someone else. He refused to think about this now. He abruptly shut his mind off from any further ideas. He decided to enjoy his time with her, standing in the rain, sharing a feeling he hasn't felt in years.

For truth be told, it may be his last.

A/N: Wooo ok, EXTRA SHORT CHAPTER and I'm really bad at sappy parts but I needed a sappy ending there. Anyway, I wanted to end on a cliffhanger but it'd be weird to ruin the moment ;)

Next chappie there's a lot more action and progression in the plot :D

You know the drill! (review, story alert, story favorite, author favorite, author alert ...)