The Biggest Change
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Sakura's eyes opened slowly as she heard the faint beeping of her alarm clock. Today was the sixth day since Kakashi had talked to the Hokage. The routine was already drilled in her head: Sakura slid out of bed and walked to the other room to wake Kakashi (who was sleeping on the couch). It actually became a regular habit for the two: Sakura cooking meals enough for both of them, Kakashi escorting her back home/to work and staying overnight, and Sakura having to wake him up every morning. But today he was especially hesitant to get up.
After numerous tries that ended in vain, Sakura decided to use her last resort. The bed-headed kunoichi made her way to the adjacent kitchen and retrieved a cup of water. With a mischievous grin, she poured it onto the sleeping jounin. The cold water splashed onto Kakashi. He swiftly pulled up a hand to grab Sakura's wrist and prevent the rest of the containments from emptying onto him. With one quick movement, Kakashi rolled over, with his arms pinning Sakura to the couch. For a moment, it appeared that he was actually going to do something; but, instead, his supporting arms bowed under him and he collapsed onto her. She was stunned for a moment but when she heard his slight snore, she groaned," You sleep like a log, Kakashi-san."
Sakura gave up once she had found it impossible to push him off….One day off wouldn't hurt.
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Hours later the jounin finally awoke. He groggily pushed himself up and at once noticed the smaller nin sleeping soundly under him. His visible eye widened as he saw the position they were in, then drooping back down as he remembered the incident which taken place when Sakura had—attempted—to wake him.
Kakashi smiled and brought up a hand to caress Sakura's cheek, painstakingly slow. It was withdrawn as he got up and off the couch. The medic nin grumbled when the source of the gentle warmth left. She curled up and resumed sleeping.
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A flip of a page distracted Sakura from her sleep. She awoke and slowly sat up,"Kakashi-san?"
He was sitting on the opposite side of the couch, reading his little dirty novel. His head rose and turned towards her. Acknowledging her.
"Sorry 'bout sleeping so long," she apologized, scratching the back of her neck guiltily.
"It's alright. You needed the rest anyways."
"Hm.. Yeah, I guess so," Sakura shrugged. "…But you have to explain to Tsunade-sama!" grinned Sakura impishly, ear to ear.
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The following day, Kakashi had come up with an excuse of why Sakura had missed work. Tsunade had a doubtful expression, but dismissed her anyhow. The kunoichi sighed in relief. "Oh, yes. Kakashi, I need to talk to you," Tsunade said, putting down her writing utensil momentarily. Sensing she wasn't needed, much less wanted, Sakura left the building and waited for her ex-sensai outside.
The grey haired nin appeared soon. "What did the Hokage say?" Sakura asked.
"I have to leave on a mission tonight."
"Oh..." replied Sakura, even Kakashi could hear the tint of disappointment," So how long will you be gone?"
"I should be back within a week," Kakashi smiled hoping to brighten up the mood.
Suddenly realizing her expression was grim and disappointed, she slapped a huge grin on her face.
After work….
"Well, do you want
to go back home?" Sakura asked lightly, Wow. I'm even calling
my apartment our 'home'.
"Sure."
During the walk back, Sakura found herself extremely dizzy and tired. Noticing this, Kakashi asked,"Are you feeling okay, Sakura?"
"Hmm..? Oh..Yeah I'm fine.." she mumbled, her words slurred.
"I think you should rest when we get back," he instructed. Sakura couldn't even wait until they arrived home; her knees buckled bellow her, allowing her body to meet the ground.
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"She has a fever. One hundred and four degrees, Fareigheit. Most likely from stress or lack of sleep," a voice listed, "Also her chakra level is running low. She'll probably have to stay here for a few days."
"Alright," Kakashi sighed. Bending down, he muttered to the sleeping nin, "I have to go on my mission. I'll see you soon." The Copy ninja gave the lying kunoichi another glance before leaving the hospital room. She stirred a bit, but returned to her sleeping state.
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Concentrate, Kakashi. Concentrate. She only has a small fever, she'll be fine, Kakashi reassured himself. He jumping from branch to branch towards the Village Hidden in the Mist and already had almost fallen a couple of times, preoccupied in his worries. The quicker you finish this assignment, the quicker you see how she's doing.
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In the darkness of her hospital room, Sakura finally awoke. The dizziness had subsided a bit, but a headache still lingered. Suddenly remembering the previous incidents and snapped her head to the clock. Kakashi had already left.
"I'm so weak… I let a little cold get me down," Sakura grunted.