Ficlet Summary: Sakura wins a battle of wills, but Kakashi wins the war.

Notes: Written for the prompt "swallow" from the KakaSakuprompts twitter account.

"Swallow it," Sakura commanded, hands on her hips and death glare firmly in place. A lesser man, or perhaps a smarter one, would be terrified.

Kakashi stared back at her from the examination chair, unmoved. He had a whole ANBU team who would come out from their corners should she pose him a seriously threat. Or at least that's what he told himself.

"I will as soon as you leave," he promised, smile hidden behind his mask. He had managed to keep his face from her despite Sakura becoming his personal medic three years prior, and he wasn't about to let some silly infection change that.

"The hell you will," she challenged, and then stepped forward. "You'll throw it out, go back to work, and when you pass out later I'm going to have to deal with a bigger mess. Now take off that mask and swallow it." She pointed at the large pill in his hand and then gestured to his face.

"So distrusting, Sakura."

"I don't trust you because I know you, Kakashi-sensei."

They likely would have remained in that stalemate for quite some time if it hadn't been for Shizune's arrival.

"Kakashi-sama, the delegation is in the waiting room. They're hoping to still have an audience with you if you're feeling up to it?" The apologetic look she gave him didn't alleviate the dread coursing through him—he wanted to put off listening to the Daimyō's assistants as long as possible.

He turned to look for help from his medic, and Sakura's innocent smile told him he was going to be on the losing end of this battle between them one way or another.

"I'm very contagious right now, aren't I, Sakura?" he prompted, hoping she would take pity on him.

"I don't see why you couldn't have some visitors—"

"Fine," he sighed. "I'll take the pill."

"In front of me."

"In front of you," he agreed.

Sakura beamed with the pride of a victor when she turned to Shizune. "Please tell the Hokage's guests that he won't be able to receive visitors until his medic has cleared him. They should reschedule their meeting."

They watched Shuzine go, and Kakashi looked down at the large pill in his hand again. If he had to lose, he was going to make it worthwhile.

"Now about that—um" Sakura began, her statement cut off as she took in his exposed face and his wide smile directed at her. Kakashi watched as a blush rose up her neck and cheekbones.

"Something the matter, Sakura-chan?" He teased, then popped the pill in his mouth. "I hope you're not coming down with something as well."

He opened his mouth to show her he had indeed swallowed the pill like a good patient, but she was already storming toward the door, muttering to herself about 'attractive idiotic teammates' as she made her exit.