Author's note: It took me forever but I finally got the reviews I was looking for and I got inspired to continue. So here's the 3rd chapter...and from what I could remember, this was a pretty good one. Let me know what you think...and if it wasn't you're cup of tea, be kind with you're chosice of words. Ja Ne Mina!

Disclamer: Naruto does not belong to me. Simply put.

Kakashi and Sakura: the beginnings Ch.3

My heart yearned for it

and all I wanted to do was reach out for the unattainable

I could careless who's heart I break

or what troubles awaits

This feeling is taboo

This adventure is surreal

But...

For the longest time you've been in my heart

and come what may

I'll fight

Just to be with you...

1 year later

Sakura's POV

I laughed uncontrolably as trails of kisses trailed down my neck. "Stop" I cried out in laugher as he showed no sign of stopping. Much to my relife, he paused for just a second as he lifted his head slightly and looked into my eyes. His bluish gray eyes seemed to sparkle under the moonlight and a playful smirk was spread across his lips.

"Give me a good reason and maybe I will." He said with a raised eyes brow...and ever-so-slightly his smirk widen.

I pouted my lips as I looked up at him. "It tickles?" I said in an unsure tone of voice.

"That's the best you've got? Here I am trying to give you some sort of way out and you give me that?" He laughed softly as he sat up. I continued to lay on the ground, a confused look playing across my face. A minute or so later I also sat up and cuddled my self next to him. He wrapped his strong arms around me as we continued to look out onto the streetlights below us. We sat quitely for a moment on top of that hill, just outside the gates of Konoha. I turned my head slightly to look up at him. A frown came across my face.

"Ryo-Kun?" I whispered softly.

"Hum?" He replied as he looked down at me with a soft smile.

"Do you have to leave tommorrow? I'm really going to miss you so much!" I said in a low voice as I pulled myself from him. I shifted myself so that I was face him. My head was still lowered as I continued. "Gomen. I know it's a stupid question to ask. I should know as a Ninja that such missions are expected. It's just that 2 months seem too long doesn't it?" I asked the last sentece as I looked up at him.

For a moment he remind scilent. Just then a gust of wind blew at us causing his short black hair to sway in the wind. That smile that I loved so much faltered a bit but he kept it solid as he turned to look at me. "Yea...it does. But as you said, I have no choice in the matter. I have to go. But those two months will pass by so quickly and before you know it I'll be right back here in you're arms." He said as his smile widen. My frown in turn deepened.

"Ryo-kun, that sound too clchai." I said plainly. For a moment all was scilent as the smile remaind plastered on his face and the wind once again blew through us. Suddenly without warning, he started laughing hard. "Nani?" I said in a low voice as I tilted my head slightly.

"It does huh? Ha Ha Ha...I didn't intend for it to sound like something you'd read out of a romance novel, but it's the truth. We've been together for 1 year now. I wouldn't trade a single day out of that 1 year for anything. We've been on missions before that lasted for a while...were we couldn't see each other for a few weeks at a time. I wouldn't say it was plesent, but it didn't last forever as we thought it would did it?" He asked as he held my chin in his hand gently. Just looking at him right now...I felt a deep blush creep up my checks. He was as handsome as ever with the moonlight hitting him at the angle that it did. I simply nodded my head unable to speak.

"Right. So, quicker then you know it I'll be back. I promise you that." Just then a mysterious smile made it's way across his lips. "And do you know why?" He asked in a playful mysterious tone.

"Why?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, not even guessing.

"Because..." He begain as he reached for something in his pocket. My eye trailed downwards, curious as to what he was reaching for. Before I could see anything, he once again held my chin in his hand and looked deeply into my eyes. That was it...I instently became lost in his eyes. "Because..." He continued.

"...When I come back, we're going to get married." He said in a very casual matter. It was so casual in fact, that I didn't pick up on it until a minute or so after. My eyes widen like two sauser plates.

"We're what? But...we're...we're only 16!" I nearly chocked out. That's when he releaced his hold of my chin and allowed me to look down. I nearly jumped out of my skin in excitement when I saw the huge dimond ring in the middle of a white ring box.

"Age shouldn't matter if we both love each other right?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and a quirky smile. Before I had a chance to answer his question, he changed his position so that he was down on one knee in front of me. "Sakura Haruno, will you marry me?" He asked in a charming matter.

Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks after the intal shock. Without a word I threw myself at him, thus causing him to lose balance and fall to the ground with me on top of him. I laughed softly as I saw the surprised look in his eyes. "I'll take that as a yes." He said with a nod and as if to seal the deal I also nodded my head.

He slowly sat up and sat me up as well. Just then he took my left hand and gently slide the ring onto my ring finger. The ring sparkly brillenly against the moonlight. "It's beautiful!" I gasped in wonder as I looked at the ring and then back to him.

He took my hand into his and looked into my eyes. "This means that nothing will keep us apart. No matter how far away I am, I'll always be in you're heart."

"Seriously Ryo-kun...are you getting these lines from some kinda book...manga...show?" I suddenly asked, once again in a plain tone. Once again, for a brief moment there was a pause before both of us errupted into a fit of laughther.

"It's a force of habit I guess..." He said after his laughter died down. "But I really mean it...chchied or not...I'm in love with you Sakura." He then took me into his arms and held me tight from behind. We stayed like that for a while both silent. Through the silence I could hear his study heart beat. It was so rythmic and so calming...that I honestly wished that I could stay like this forever.

"I love you so much" I whispered as I closed my eyes.

3 Months later

It was just around 9pm when it happened. My girlfriends and I were out having a few (non acholoic) drinks when we saw Naruto run inside. The girls and I were laughing about something but stopped arruptly when we saw the devistated look on his face. Insently I knew something was not right. Acually...for about a month I'd had a really bad feeling that I've been putting off until this very moment. Something deep inside told me that...what he had to say was something that I shouldn't hear at all. It became more nerve racking since he's been stairing at only me since he came into the dinner.

"Sakura-chan..." Naruto began in a low serious tone.

"No..." I whispered with widen eyes as I stood up slowly. No...I didn't want to hear it...it shouldn't be heard...it's just to cruel...it's just...

Tears swelled up in my eyes as he continued. "Ryo...he..he was..." I could hear his voice crack slighly. I shook my head violently as I felt tight arms around me. Naruto continued. "His body was found this moring...he's dead..." Naruto continued to explain...but by this time I mentaly snapped. I broke free from the grip around my waist. I ran past Naruto and out of the resturant. Tears streamed down my face as my legs carried me to the one place I always ran to. For 3 years now...when ever I was sad...happy...upset...I always ran to him. Especially when I was with Ryo and he was out on missions and I couldn't talk to anyone else. Just as he had promised me...he would be here...he has. In my current state I didn't want to be alone...cause I knew that if I was...a repeat of what happened 3 years ago would happen again and no one would be able to stop me.

I had reached his house in an unthinkable amount of time. I ran up the stairs and down the hall way to his apartment. As soon as I got there I banged helplessly against the door.

"Kakashi!" I screamed out in pain as more and more tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Kakashi...please...open the door please!" I begged as I continued to bang on the door.

As I continued to knock, the door studdenly opened causing me to lose balance and fall into a surprised Kakashi's arms. I just buried my face into his bare chest crying endless tears. I suddenly felt so exusted that my knees begain to give out on me. I guess that he noticed because he suddenly picked me up bridle style and carried me into his apartment. I could feel the last few tears roll down my cheeks yet my breathing was completely rapid. I felt as if my heart was being ripped out of my chest and my throat felt as if it were on fire. I felt as he placed me gently on a bed and covered me with some covers. The smell of the bed sheets and pillows smelled like him. It was just enough to calm me.

After a few minutes of silence, I could hear his deep voice talking. "Naruto told you didn't he?" He asked.

I looked up at him with questioning eyes. "How long did you know?" I asked in a low voice.

He was silent as he looked ahead. The room was dark, I noticed...save for the moonlight coming into the room via the window to the right. It reflected off him in such a way that it gave him the apperence of being even more mysterious then usual...espcially since he still had that mask on.

"Since this morining." He answered. "No one knew how to tell you..."

My eyes narrowed when he said that. I could feel anger suddenly boil through my vains. I stood up suddenly surprising him in the progress. "Oh...so tell me...what would have happen if you guys never got the guts to tell me huh? What? Would you have waited until I approached you or until it was months later when the obvious should have already been known?" I saw dispite the lack of light, his one visable eye had a sadden look enscriped across it.

"Answer me!" I shouted as I suddenly lost control and started to bang my fist aginst his chest. Once again tears came down as I continued to hit him. I then felt a strong grip around both of my wrist. I gasped as I locked eyes with his. He had such a stern look in his eye but then it suddenly soften. To much of my surprise, he wrapped his arms tightly around me. More like a protective hold. My anger instenly melted as I succomed to even more tears. I wrapped my arms tightly around him. I rested my head on his shoulder just near his neck. As my body was shaking uncontrolably, the tears continued to come.

"I'm sorry." I said in between sobs. "I never ment to hurt you. I...I just miss him so much. Ryo-kun...he really loved me and we...we were to get married when he came back home."

"I know..." He whispered softly.

"My heart..." I said softly as my breathing slowly returned to normal. "I've never felt this much pain. Even when Sasuke left...it had hurt...but this...I...I never want to experence this feeling ever again. I know it's wishful thinking..."

"The pain of losing someone close to you..." Kakashi began in a soft tone. "It's a horrable exprence that I wouldn't wish upon even my worst enemys."

My eyebrows scrunched together when he said that. "Have you lost someone that you loved in death?" I suddenly asked, curiousity getting the better of me.

He looked down at me with that lone eye of his, for a moment the two of us just staired at each other. Just then he looked away as he released his hold on me. I looked up at him in confussion. He began to speak as he looked ahead.

"It was a long time ago. I lost her the same way that you lost Ryo." He paused as he looked down at me. "I didn't take the lost well for a while. What was just so tragic about it, was that I didn't realize how I really felt towards her until she was actually gone. You can't turn back time. Things just happen that you cannot control. The only thing you can do is continue living. That's what Ryo would have wanted."

I just continued to look up at him...a gasp escaping my throat. I never knew that he had lost someone who he loved. Just knowing that he experenced the same lost as I did...I don't know...I just looked at how he lived his life. I wondered at that moment if I ever would be fortunite enough to be like him.

"I don't think I could do it." I said weakly. I saw as the look in his eye became very firm when I said that. A frown came across my lips.

"Don't ever say that." He said firmly. "It's going to take time. I'm not going to lie about that. It took me months to get over her and I didn't know if I could fall in love again. Yet...over time I found out that I could...fall in love again...but it didn't mean that I forgot about her. I was just able to live agian. Plus I knew that she would want me to continue living...and being happy."

My eye brows scrunched up as I looked at him. "So...you're in love with someone?" I asked suddenly.

I could tell that he was surprised by the sudden question. Yet he kept his composure and answered the question anyway. "Yes...I am." My head tilted at his answer as I blanked a few times.

I paused before I asked another question. "Are you truly happy?" I asked as I released a yawn.

Kakashi laughed softly before he answered my question. "You sure are asking a lot of questions."

With my head still tilted, I looked up at him and gave him an innocent look. "But we're one in the same. For now I have to look up to you. You were able to move on with you're life and I want to be like that too."

Once again Kakashi released a heartfelt laugh. Just hearing him laugh made me feel a little bit better, causing me to smile. "Ok..." He said as his laughter died down. "I guess I'm very happy. I never really thought about it." He paused as he shook his head. "No...I stand corrected. I am very happy. No one could take her place, I can assend to that, however I've learned a lot about not clining to the past. Doing so has really helped me."

I yawned once again as I could feel my eye lids growing heavy. "I'm so tired." I whispered.

"Then you should go to sleep." I heard him reply in a low voice.

"Hum..." I moaned as I laid back down on the bed. Once again I yawned as I streached a little bit. I closed my eyes and felt as sleep was quickly claiming me. Just then I felt him getting up. "No." I whispered softly in my sleep.

"Excuse me?" I heard him answer.

"Don't leave me...please...I don't want to be alone...Kakashi..." I said in a voice so low that it was barely autible.

I felt as he lowed himself back on the edge of the bed and took my hand into his. "Ok." He said as he rubbed his thumb across my knuckles. I smiled as I slowly drifted off to sleep.

A month had passed since I've learned about Ryo-kun's death. I must say, those were the hardest weeks that I had to deal with. I really depeneded a lot on everyone. Yet slowly...very slowly...I started to get my life together again. Just recently I was able to freely laugh and smile without feeling guilty. As always, Kakashi was there always. We mostly just talked about how he was able to cope with his lost and he listened to my inner most fears and worries. I honestly think that in this past month, we drew so much more closer then we have over the past 3 years. At the same time, I had to admit...I really felt so guilty spending that much time with him shortly after losing Ryo-kun. I don't know how to discribe it, but it almost felt as if I were cheating on him or something. Yea...I know that Kakashi and I are really good friends and all...but I couldn't shake that feeling off. I sighed deeply as I walked down a somewhat emty road. It was mid moring and I had just come from working in the hospital. I wouldn't start my personal training until later on today...so I figured that I would walk around, since it was such a nice day out. Not to cold and not too hot. Just the way I liked it. As I continued to walk, I heard a couple of male voices somewhere in the near by trees.

My eyebrows scrunched together as I tuned my hearing to figure out who it was. No...I wasn't being noisy...I was just...curious. As I listened carefully, I noticed that it was Naruto and Kakashi. Now I was even more curious as to what they were talking aobut. As I walked closer to where I heard the voices, I noticed them hiding amonst the trees. From where they were position, they couldn't see me, so I was in a perfect spot...both to see and hear them and not be seen.

"I don't like this." I heard Naruto say with his arms crossed over his chest. A firm look on his face. "I think she has a right to know. He's been here for a month now...she's bound to find out."

"We can't risk that. Plus not too many people know about his return. Tusande made it very strick that this information should not be leaked out." Kakashi said. The only disadvantage to where I stood, was that I couldn't see his face...not that I ever could cause of that mask...but you get my drift.

"She's been through a lot of pain...I think that hearing that he came back would really make her happy-" Naruto started but was cut off by Kakashi.

"I don't care!" He said in a deathly low tone. "He doesn't have the right to see her after what he put her through. She's been through enough...I just couldn't stand to see her through anymore pain."

"Neither do I!" Naruto stressed. "But neither of us...not even Obaa-san has the right to tell her who she can and cannot see. Even if we're trying to protect her..." He shook his head as he started to walk off.

"Where are you going?" Kakashi called out to him.

He turned around and gave Kakahi a serious look. "What does it look like...I'm going to look for Sakura-chan. I don't care if I get in trouble by Obaa-san or not. I know that if it were me, I'd be peeved to know that he was back and everyone was keeping it a secret from me."

My eyes widen in a mixture of surprise and confussion. What was it that they were hiding from me? As my mind was spinning, only one person came across my mind. It was the only thing that made sence. He came back...

The next thing I knew I walked over to where the two were. They turned to my direction upon hearing my foot steps approching. They had a surprised look written across here face. At that moment I was too numbed to even think about was I was doing. I still couldn't believe what their converstion was about. I didn't know if I should apprecate the act of trying to protect me or if I should be peeved that they with held such information from me.

I had a frim look on my face when I finally stood before them. Naruto's mouth remained wide open, while Kakashi had an unreadable emotion. We all stood silent. I had my arms cross under my chest as I tapped my foot against the ground.

"Sakura-chan..." Naruto said softly as he inched his way closer to me. "I..."

"I heard everything." I said firmly. My eyes narrowed as I turned my attention towards Kakashi. "How could you? I...I confided to you...I never once lied to you or held back anything from you." I closed my eyes as I felt my body shaking. "He's been here for a month. You of all people knew how deeply in love I was with him. It took me so long to get over him..."

I slowly walked over towards him. With every step I took my anger towards him incressed. I really wassn't thinking at that moment. Next thing I knew, I pulled my hand back and slapped it across his face. If you included my strenght in the matter, I actually caused him to crash into a few trees in the process. To say that he was angry was a completely understatement. Before I could do anything, I suddenly felt a presence behind me. I felt a tight grip on both of my arms. I breathed in a sharp breath from the sudden action.

I could feel his hot breath near my right ear. "Don't you ever hit me ever again. I wouldn't lay a finger on you...no matter how damn angry I was with you." He said in such a deadly tone that it had send shivers down my back. Just then he released his grip on me and walked away leaving Naruto and I alone. My body started to shake uncontrolably as tears rolled down my cheeks. I saw as Naruto walked closer to me with a sympacic look on his face. I shook my head firmly as I took a step back. Next thing I knew, I just spun around and ran away.

I could hear Naruto calling out to me, but I ignored him as I ran towards the Hokage casel. I ran pass a few guards and ran towards Tusande-sama's office with the guards calling out to me.. I didn't even bother to stop nor did I bother to knock on the door when I finally reached it. I saw her sitting on her desk with paper work surrounding her. Her head jolted up when I barged into the room. She gave me a stern look as I stormed into the office.

"What is the meaning of this Sakura?" She asked as she gave me a hard look.

"You tell me." I answered through my anger. Under any other curcomstances, I would have reconized my position and be a heck of a lot more polite. Yet...this was not the time and I truly didn't care what would happen to me. Before she could open her mouth to reply, I heard footsteps running into the room followed by heavy breathing.

"Naruto..." I heard her said as her eyes narrowed slightly.

I turned my head and sure enough there he was, gasping for air. "She...found...out..." He said inbetween breaths. I turned my head just in time to see a surprised look on her face, though it disapeared and was replaced by a stern look once again.

"Who told her?" She asked with her hands folded together.

"I over hearded Kakashi and Naruto talking about it." I said as I took a step foward, my anger tuning down by only a fraction. "Whatever agreement you have with them or anyone else was not broken. Since none of them physically told me."

She sighed deeply as she turned her eyes from Naruto to me. "Sakura." She began in a low voice, firm voice. "I will not hold your outburt against you this time. I was prepared that if you ever did find out, that I would get this reaction from you. However...if you ever have this outburst or treat me or any of your superiours in any disrespect, you will have to be dealt a seveare punishment. Is this understood?"

"Hai...Tusande-sama." I said as I bowed respectfully in front of her...dispite how angry I still was.

"Very well, you may rise." She said in a more softer tone. I looked at her as I worked hard to keep my cool.

"Were is he?" I asked after a few minutes of silence.

She was silent as she stood up and walked over to where I stood. "Here in the casel. He's in the temporary Jail that we have in the basement. He's been there for about a month now."

I nodded my head as I continued. "His health...how is he?" I asked as I took in a deep breath, my anger finally dying down.

"He's in good health. He's been treated with the utmost care and he's as comfortable as he could be, concidering his surroundings." She answered as she stood in front of me.

Once again I nodded my head in understanding. I sniffed a few times as I tried to hold back my tears. "And...why...why did you try so hard to keep this from me?" I asked as I felt a few tears roll down my cheeks.

Tusande-sama now had a sadden look on her face. She sighed deeply before replying. "There was so many things that came into play Sakura. I know that you may not understand, but so many people in this village love you. You had a hard time dealing with Ryo's death and I know that you are still having a hard time. Sasuke came back the same day you found out about Ryo. Even if he came back on his own, he's still a rouge ninja. There are serious conciquences for betraying our village. I didn't want to put you throw anymore pain that you were going though...since...the punishment for betraying the village..." Her voice trailed off as she found it hard to continue. That's when Naruto walked into the room and stood by me. He took my chin into his hand and turned my face towards his. He had a sadden look on his face as well.

He swallowed hard as he tried to finsh Tusande-sama's sentence. "...the punishment for betraying the village...it's death...Sakura-chan." He said in a hushed tone.

My eyes widen at the statement. I looked back and forth between the two...my lips trembling. "But...but there's a chance that he won't die...right?" I asked hopefully.

A solom look was on both of their faces as they remained silent. I couldn't understand why they were not answer me. I didn't want to believe what I was hearing. He...he couldn't die...not after he came back...right?

"I really don't know." I heard Tusande answer. "I have to look at the case as a whole and view past verdicts for similar cases. If he manages to escape death, then he wouldn't be out of the clear. He would still have to remain in prison for many years. He's a criminal no matter how you look at it. I don't care what his reason was for leaving. He had a connection with Orchimaru...we don't know how many people he may have killed. He hasn't talked about his dealings when he was gone, so it makes it that much harder against him."

"I'm really sorry Sakura-chan..." Naruto said as he placed a hand on my shoulder. I felt my heart sink...I wanted so badly for things to go back to normal, but that was just my wishful thinking.

I looked over towards Tusande-sama. I was silently praying that she would accept my request. "Tusande-sama." I began as I gave her a serious look. "Please...at least let me see him." I nearly begged.

I could see a frown across her face. "Sakura..." She began.

"Please!" I pleaded. "Even if I can't see him ever again...I...I want to conform about something that happened that night. Please...don't take this opportunity from me."

That frown remained on her face. She looked like she was struggling aginst her inner thoughts. Finally to much of relif she nodded her head. My eyes widen as I gave her a huge hug and smiled widely.

"Thank you, thank you!" I said happily as I pulled away from her and turned to hug Naruto.

"But..." She continued firmly. "You will be accomanyed by Naruto and you have a limit of 30. I don't care how you use that time. When you finsh talking to him, you will not be permitted to see him until this case is over and a desission has been made. Wither or not he would be killed. Is this understood?"

I nodded my head slowly. "Yes ma'me." I said softly.

"Then you are dismissed. Naruto please keep track of the time. If her stay is any longer then what I permitted, I will hold you accountable. Is that understood?" She said firmly as she turned her attenion to Naruto.

"Yes." He said as he took my hand and together we left the office. When we were a good distance away, I turned my head to look up at him.

"Ne...Naruto...you're good at casuing distractions aren't you?" I asked suddenly.

He turned to look down at me with question able eyes. "What are you thinking about, Sakura-chan?" He asked with raised eyebrows.

A pout came across my lips. "Come on Naruto...you're like the king of casuing a distraction. Distract the guards for 30 extra minutes." I said casually.

A deep frown came across his face. "I don't think so." He said firmly. We had reached the elevator and took it down to the basement. We were silent in the elevator through out the ride. Once the door opened again, we stepped out and walked down a narrow, dim lit hallway.

"Think about it." I whispered as I glanced back at him. He didn't have a chance to reply since we had already reaching the jail. As we walked in, we were approched by one of the guards who reconized us.

"What brings you here, Naruto...Sakura?" He asked.

"We're here to visit Sasuke Uchila. We recived permission from Tusande-sama." I answered.

He then looked down at his clip board and nodded his head. "Yes, she called us to let us know of your arival. You may both follow me." He said as he walked a head of us. He lead us into an emty room with a table and a few chairs. It was lit pretty well, but as I would guess, it was all gray and black.

"Please wait here while I go and get him." He said as he left Naruto and I in the room.

"I'm so nervious." I whispered as I took my seat on one of the chairs. I looked up at Naruto who stood with his back resting against the wall and his arms cross over his chest. He had a stern look on his face. It stuck me as odd for a second before I remembered what happened between him and Sasuke 3 years ago. Of course Naruto would be peeved at seeing him again...though he would be kinda happy somewhere deep down. Before I could say anything further, the door opened once again and in walked...

"Oh my gosh." I whispered as I could feel tears rolling down my cheeks. I saw as his hands were hand cuffed in front of him...but that's not what got to me. For 3 years I haven't seen him and after all of these years...he looked the same...just taller and older. He looked much more muscular. The second he walked in through those doors, my breath was nearly taken away. He looked even more handsome then when he left.

"Sakura..." He said in a low voice as he locked his onyx eyes with my green ones. I was at a lost for words as I walked up to him and huged him. My body shook as tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Sasuke...kun..." I whispered as I rested my head on his shoulders. I pulled myself away from him and looked over at the guard. "Please...please take these hand cuffs off him...just for this visit please. Also...if it's ok with both of you, I'd like to be left alone with him...please." I pleaded.

"Sakura...I..." The guard began, but Naruto inturrpted.

He nodded his head as he walked towards the door. "It's ok..." I heard him whisper to the guard. The guard then walked towards Sasuke and I. He took out his keys and took off the cuffs. I smiled at him as I nodded my head. Both him and Naruto left the room closing the door behind them. Sasuke and I stood there stairing at each other. Once again, I hugged him and much to my surprise, he returned it. Just that mere action caused me to cry harder then I've ever cried to date.

"I missed you so much." I whispered in between sobs.

"..." was his only response as I could feel him hold me tighter. After another moment we separated and sat down across from each other. I knew I was losing time, so I just went out with it.

"That night...has hunted me for years. It took me a long time to get over you. An even long time before I felt I could love someone else again..." I whispered as I looked down.

"You're with someone now?" He asked with a very slight hint of jelousy in his voice.

I looked up at him and bit my lower lip to prevent myself from releasing another sob. I shook my head as I showed him the ring I still wore in my left finger. "We were to get married. However, I found out a month ago that...he was killed." I said as said as I took in a deep breath.

"I'm sorry to hear about that, what was his name?" He asked.

"Ryo-kun...he...he looked a little like you except he had blueish gray eyes." I said with a small smile.

He didn't anything. I blushed slightly. "Sasuke-kun." I began in a serious tone.

"Yes?" He replied.

I looked down at my hands which were intertwined together. I took in a deep breath as I looked back up at him and gave him a hard stare. "I'm going to ask you a question, and I want you to be truthful with me. Because after today, I may never see you again. As I said I've been haunted by this...and I really need closure between us." I paused as I searched for the right way to word what I wanted to say. "Do you remember that night when you left, when I confessed my feelings to you?" I asked, almost dreading the answer.

He pasued for a moment as a thoughtful look came across his face. "Yes...I do." He answered in a serious tone.

I nodded my head, relieved that he remembered, at least it ment something right?

"Ok..." I continued as I sighed deeply. "Now...this next question is very important to me..."Once again I paused before I continued. "Did...did you ever...did you ever love me? As much as I did or did you ever regard me as a close friend?" I asked as I could feel my heart beat quicken.

He paused for a very long time before he finally answered my question. "I found you annoying..." He began in a serious tone with a face to match. My eyes widen as I felt a sharp stab to my heart, but before I could cry or react in anyway, he continued. "That is when we first became a team. Over time we got to know each other better and became aware of the other's strength and weakness." He took in a deep breath. "At the time I felt that you were more concern about romance then ninja training and it simply got under my skin. However, when you were in danger...I could help but feel a pain in my heart.

Long before we met, I had plans that didn't involve friendship or love. I wanted to accompish the goal in which I had set out for. So at that time when you confessed to me...it was the same as before...just another annoying thing getting in my way. But to answer you're question, no...I didn't love you in a romantic way. Even right now...I could only look at you as a friend. I'm sorry."

I just stared at him finally hearing what I needed to hear. I didn't know what to feel...it was so strange. For years now I've loved him. He then leaves and there's nothing in the world I could do to stop him. Now after 3 years he tells me that he only view me a close friend and that it. I almost imagined that I would be sheding endless tears...begging him to be with me and to never let me go. I pretty much surprised myself and Sasuke-kun when I just smiled and nodded my head in understanding. I didn't feel sad as I thought I would...just content. I guess he got that vibe off from me.

"You really have grown so much over the years, Sakura." He said in a low voice with his famous smirk...which I must admit made him look so hot.

"How did you expect for me to react?" I asked with a smirk of my own and a raised eyebrow. "I'm not that little girl you left behind 3 years ago...I've exprenced so much and I think I really learned what love is. Not to say that I didn't love you...cause I did." I smiled to myself as I shook my head. "It's so wierd. I really thought that I would be a mess when you said that."

"I'm just glad that you aren't." He said, once again in a serious tone. That tone caused me to look back at him with a little bit of confussion.

"I want you to move on. Judging by that ring on your finger, you did a good job at doing so." He then paused before he continued. What he did next send shock waves through out my body and no matter how many times I thought it over, I couldn't believe it. He reached out his hand and took my hand into his. His next words proved to rock the world beneth my feet.

"My life wasn't lived how I wanted it to be. I had other plans but it didn't go as I wanted it to. Maybe if my life were different and I wasn't out to seek revange, maybe we would have been together. You are an amazing person and deserve to love and be loved. I know what it's like to lose the one you love. For me it happened all in one night. It's ok to greave...to morn the death of your loved one. Just...whatever you do, don't let that lost consume your life. You have to move on and love again. Don't be afraid of it. Because years from now you don't want to look back and have regreats." When he finshed, I was simply moved and beyond amazed that such words of encourgement would come from him. I honestly don't think I would ever forget his words that day. Before I could reply, the door opened and Naruto walked in.

"Sakura-chan, it's time." He said in a low tone as he avoided any eye contact with Sasuke. I turned my head to look back at Sasuke. He nodded his head as he remained sitting at the table. I stood up and walked over towards him. I lowered myself down and whispered into his ear.

"You don't know how much meeting you again has helped me. Thank you so much...Sasuke." Before I left, I gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and turned to leave. I didn't look back for fear that I would breakdown. I didn't want to leave him but there was nothing that I could do. Just then it struck me like a coard. Maybe that how he felt too...I took a chance and glance back. To much of my surprise, I saw a warm smile on his face. I like wise smiled back at him.

I looked forward to see Naruto with his arm outstreached. When I reached his side, he placed and arm around my shoulders and together we left.

Later on that night

I hadn't seen him all day since that insident this morning. I felt over come with guilt for what I had done. When I even called him, he didn't answer. Currently I was wearing a baby pink strapless dress. My hair was done up in a casual updo and I wore light make up. I had just left a party that one of my friends had. I was offered a ride home, but I declinde since I just wanted to be on my own. Reality was that I wanted to go to him. I was about a block away from his apartment when I noticed a figure sitting on a park bench across the street. There was just enough light for me to see that the person sitting across the street in the park was the very one who I was looking for.

I changed directions as I walked towards the park insead. He looked like he was so deep in thought that I easyly manged to approch him by 3 feet before he finally raised his head and looked in my direction. There was a real hurt look in his lone eye. A frown came a cross my face as I walked closer to him and sat down.

"I messed up today." I whispered as I looked down at the ground.

"..."

"I was so angry that you of all people would hold that from me."

"..."

"The last thing I wanted was to be babied. I'm capable of handling myself."

"..."

"I saw him earlier...we had a good converstion that covered so much."

"..."

I paused as I turned to look at him. My frown deepen. "I said I was sorry Kakashi. How long are you going to ignor-"

"Be quite." He said in a low voice which caught me off by surprise. "Just be quite for one minute."

I gasped at his sudden adittude. It was sooo unlike him to act this way. I gave him a questiong look as he continued.

"I can't surpress it any longer. All day I thought about it. I tried to be rashional...logical. All the while it couldn't be helped because it's been building up for years now."

My look of confussion turned to that of puzzlement. He was quickly losing me.

"Everytime I wanted to tell you...someone else got in the way. When I found out about Sasuke coming back, I was afraid that he may love you and that you still love him. I feared that if the two of you met up again, that I would lose my chances forever. So I asked Tusande-sama to with hold that information from you about him coming back.

At hearing that my eyes widen but before I could grow angry, he continued. "But then this morning when you slapped me, you also kinda knocked some sence into me. It was very imatture for me to keep you away from him like that. I...can't control who you love."

My eyebrows scrunched up together. "What are you talking about?" I asked even more puzzled.

He pasued as he look at me. Just that look a lone caused me to blush. I don't know why. It's been a good while since I blushed around him like I was now.

He looked up at the star filled sky suddenly as he begain to speak. "Sakura...I...this is crazy...forget I ever said anything." He said as he stood up.

I sat there looking up at him. Tonight he was not acting like himself and it caused me to worry a bit. As he walked away, I did the only thing I could think of at the moment. I reached out to grap his wrist. He turned back and gave me a surprised look.

"Kakashi. You don't get off pulling what you did with out a clear explaination. I do expect to hear one." I said with my arms crossed under my chest and my foot tapping against the pavement.

"I can't tell you...it might just ruilen everything between us. You are special to me and I don't want to lose the friendship that we have." He said as he looked away.

I nodded my head as I released my grip on his wrist. He continued to walk away when I spoke. "When I saw Sasuke today, he said something that stucked with me. He said that 'You have to move on and love again. Don't be afraid of it. Because years from now you don't want to look back and have regreats.' Well...I'm not applying this to love or anything, but I guess what he was also saying was that...in life you don't want to live with any regreats. Live it the best that you can, so that years from now you wouldn't look back and think...'Gosh...I should have jumped at that opertunity.' Moments are like small windows of opertunity that passes by us as quickly as the wind. If you wait long enough it passes by...never to be repeated again."

When I finshed, I took in a deep breath. I surely didn't know what it was that he wanted to say, but I knew it was important for him so...regardless of what it was...I didn't want him to hold some guilt about not saying it years from now. As I continued to look back at him, he suddenly turned around. The way that the moonlight had hit him just casued me to gasp in amasment. It made him look so...handsome.

"I love you." He said so softly that it drifted in the wind.

My eyes widen at what I thought I heard him say. "Come again?" I said as I walked closer to him. "I...I didn't hear what you said."

"I said that I love you Sakura. Not as a friend, but as so much more then that." He said in a low voice as he walked towards me. This time...I heard it loud and clear. My mouth open with no words coming out...I couldn't even comprehend what he was saying.

"I've loved you for such a long time...I just couldn't bring myself to tell you. I know that you may not be ready to make a desission, but I'll wait for as long as you want me to." He said as he stood right in front of me hardly leaving any space between us. I looked up at him with a look of shock. It wasn't really sinking in...but I slowly took to heart what he said.

It's not that I didn't love him, likewise he was so special to me...I honestly don't know what I would have done if he wasn't in my life. But this...it was so new for me. I didn't know how to respond.

"I...I don't know what to say." I whispered as I looked up at him with confussion in my eyes.

"You don't have to say anything now. I don't want to pressure you. Take you're time to figure out how YOU feel. What ever you deside...let me know. I'll be here waiting for you." He wispered back into my ear. I felt my heart beat quicken and a shiver go down my back. He took a step away from me and I could see an outline of his smile under his mask. Without warning, he suddenly disapeared leaving me to stand in my spot in compleate amazement.