Author's Note: I haven't written any fanfiction in a while, and never any for Naruto. I'm a little rusty, so I hope it doesn't suck too much. I just love KakashixSakura. It's my favorite. Enjoy!

Blossoming on the Hill

I often come to this hill to think. One day, I found someone else here. It was the perfect place to think and reflect.

It was the girl in my new team, Sakura. She was a growing girl then. She was at an awkward time in her life, a time when there was a lot to think about, and telling from the dreamy look in her eyes, Sasuke was a hot topic.

When I first stumbled upon her, she looked back surprised that I was there. I gave her a quick smile and scratched the back of my head. I took a seat and she turned back to the spectacular view.

Abiding by an unspoken agreement, we both stayed silent. After all, we had come here to think, so we focused on our thoughts.

It was on this hill that I saw Sakura change. The petty worries of adolescents faded away. When I looked at her, I no longer saw a little girl. She had blossomed into an amazing young woman.

We had a connection through this hill. One we did not share with anyone else. On this hill, even thinking was a personal experience. I haven't ever had this with anyone. I think I realize now that it has made me fond of Sakura. I was attached to her and enjoyed her company.

I was standing behind her once more. It struck me how close this encounter was to when I first discovered upon her here. She looks back at me and I can feel my breath catch.

Then, I look closer. Sakura's body is shaking. Hot tears stream down her cheeks from her pale turquoise eyes. I look into her eyes and they read of heartbreak, and there is a subtle dreamy gleam to them. Sasuke. Sasuke had done this to her.

Although we came to this hill to take a step back, I take a step forward. I can tell she needs a shoulder to cry on. I want to be there for her.

I take a seat next to her and sling my arm around her. I bring her into my embrace and she hides her face in my chest.

The tears come in a new vigor. When the wave subsides, Sakura says, "Oh, sensei. I was so stupid to think… I have grown so much and I thought Sasuke would… I told him how I felt and, well, he told me he was an avenger. He said he had to stay focused."

Another outburst of weeping comes. Sakura takes a few deep breaths to calm herself down. I reach up with my shirtsleeve and wipe the tears away. Sakura smiles up at me and our eyes lock. I can feel my heart's beat hasten.

"It wouldn't be so bad if I knew how he felt. He is so focused that even if he did care for me he wouldn't act upon it. I think I knew that. I just wouldn't admit it to myself. I think it's just an illusion I've held onto for so long that I would not let it go."

I bring her close and wrapped my other arm around her as well. She relaxes in my grasps, and I can feel the tension melt away. After a while, I look down and her eyes are closed. She looks so peaceful and… beautiful when she sleeps. Ah! What a day. So tiring…

The next thing I know, I'm waking up on the hill. I look down and Sakura's head is on my chest. My arm is snaked around her waist. She rouses and opens her eyes. I smile. "It seems we fell asleep."

She moves to sit up, but a flood of emotion that I was not expecting overwhelms me. I have never felt this way before. Everything about Sakura I… I love.

I can't control these new feelings. I reach out and pull her close to me. I feel like I never want to leave her side.

She gasps and looks up at me. Slowly she reaches a hand up. She uncovers my Sharingan eye, and continues to uncover the rest of my face. She leans forward and kisses me gently. To my surprise, I kiss her back.