What Should Have Been

Breakfast

Sakura's POV:

I wake up to a sizzling sound. I squint my eyes, allowing them to adjust to the sunlight pouring in through the gap in the curtains. Where am I? I bolt up, having a mini panic attack before taking in my somewhat familiar surroundings. Oh, yeah.... Yesterday's events come flooding back to me.

Before I can dwell on all of that again, a delicious smell reaches my nose. I turn my head to see Kakashi cooking on a griddle in the suite's kitchen area. He's wearing the same thing he wore to bed last night – dark grey joggers, an army green long-sleeve, and white socks. Now that I think of it, I can't recall ever seeing him dressed so casually before. However, what surprises me the most is that he's not wearing his mask. 

I've seen him without his mask before – once. It was one time in his apartment. I remember gawking at his exposed face and him slyly asking, "What is it, Sakura?" He wore the biggest smirk. It was one of those faces you could never forget but always stunned you regardless.

I certainly know it does this time, as his eyes meet mine from across the room. He flashes me a grin. "Good morning, sleepyhead. I was wondering when you were going to wake up."

I yawn in response, covering my mouth.

"How did you sleep?"

"Nn."

"Sorry to hear that. Hopefully some coffee and breakfast will wake you up." He turns his focus back to the griddle, spatula in hand. "We've got eggs, toast, and bacon. I'm surprised I didn't wake you when I left for the store."

"How... domestic of you." I reply sleepily, yawning again as I stretch.

He chuckles. "I have to make sure you eat well," he replies. "You must be starving from all that dieting." I detect a hint of concern in his voice.

As if to answer, I hear my stomach rumble.

"I heard that." He smirks at me, and I feel myself blush. "Such a strong shinobi requires a well-balanced diet."

I feel my blush deepen. Luckily, his eyes have returned to the griddle. 

I can't help but watch him while he works. His hair is even more disheveled than usual. I try not to stare at the way his thin shirt clings to him in certain places, revealing when his biceps and pectoral muscles tense. He turns to grab some plates from the cabinet, and I shake my head of such thoughts.

When he turns back around, he places a plate on the kitchen island. "All done. Come eat before it gets cold."

His words make me feel guilty for the way I had been looking at him. They remind me of the old days when we were Team Seven. It's that Sensei-like phrase he most definitely used back then: Come eat before it gets cold.

"I'll pour you some coffee," he adds.

Things are different now, Sakura, I console myself.

"Thanks!" I slowly walk to the counter. When I look down at my plate, I see that he's made a smiley face with the breakfast food – egg eyes and a bacon mouth, toast on the side. "Aww," I smile down at the plate. "It's so cute, I don't want to ruin it."

"Ruin it." Kakashi winks at me, leaning around to set the coffee mug next to my plate.

Much different.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Mnm, this is so good!"

"I'm glad you like it," he smiles.

"I do. Thank you!"

"You're welcome, Sakura."

"Not just for this but for everything. I've been meaning to tell you...."

"You don't have to thank me, Sakura. I'm always happy to help you." He pauses, placing his hand over mine. "Besides," he continues, his voice growing softer, "now I get to spend more time with you." His smile turns bashful, the corners twitching slightly. He's ducking his head a bit, and there's a shyness in his eyes.

I've never seen him so vulnerable. I find it quite... cute. I turn my hand upwards so that we're holding hands, our fingers intertwined. My hand fits comfortably in his.

"Just promise me one thing, Sakura."

"What's that?"

"You'll have me at your next wedding." His smirk returns, but his eyes remain the same.

"Done," I laugh.

I allow my eyes to roam his face as he laughs with me. His near perfect teeth flash into view, and his eyes crease slightly at the edges. He's always had that scar that cuts through his left eye and down his cheek. Honestly, I've always found this feature of his quite charming. I couldn't imagine him without it.

His eyes are deep set and always appear tired even when he's well-rested. My eyes travel downward, admiring the strong bridge of his nose and prominent jawline. I like the way the corners of his mouth twitch upwards and the way subtle dimples peek through when he laughs like this or smiles really big.

He sure is handsome....

"So, what would you like to do today, Sakura?" His question interrupts my thoughts.

"Uhh... I dunno." I shrug.

"We can start by exploring the village." He suggests. "Maybe we'll find something."

"Sounds good," I smile.

He takes a final bite before clearing our plates. I watch as his tongue darts out to slowly trace his lips.

This is going to be a long day....