The kiss was chaste but full of emotion, a promise of something more if fate permitted it. As you slipped back into unconsciousness, Kakashi held onto the memory of that kiss, clinging to it like a lifeline in the face of despair. He didn't know what would happen next, but he knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't let anyone hurt you again. Not if he could help it.

Kakashi released you reluctantly when the paramedics swarmed in, supporting you between them as they loaded you onto the gurney. Your limp hand squeezed his once before being carefully extracted from his own, and he felt something tear clean through his chest. "Come back to me," he managed to croak out, watching helplessly as you were wheeled away, his eyes never leaving your figure until the doors slid shut with a final, final beep.