Arc I ends!

Time setting: February before Naruto returns (continued right after Guilt)

Ages:

Sakura: 15

Kakashi:29

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters depicted in these drabbles. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto.

Kakasaku 100 word Drabbles

Week 13: Discovery

Word count: 493

Sakura instinctively stepped quietly into the room, so as not to disturb the patient. He appeared to be resting, but Sakura knew that looks could be deceiving. She gave a cursory look over his injuries; everything was healing as it should. He would probably be able to leave three days; one, if he had his way.

He didn't 'wake up', so Sakura decided to let him have his fun; it would make it easier for her anyway. She sat in the chair beside his bed, one hand reaching for his own; the other occupied itself by stroking his messy hair. He still didn't react. She began to speak, her voice low; she knew he wouldn't say anything.

"Kakashi-sensei, I discovered something very interesting today." She murmured, her gaze focused on his hand. "I was going over everything that has happened these two years. After Naruto and Sasuke left, I wished every day that I had been strong enough to keep them here. Now, I know that nothing could have stopped those two."

"Sometimes I even thought that I'd give anything to be where at least one of them was instead of being trapped in Konoha. But then I wouldn't have you, and I realized I didn't want that either."

She turned her gaze to his expressionless face. "Kakashi-sensei, over this time you changed. You changed from the aloof, distant sensei who'd rather read his dirty book than give me the time of day," his eyebrow barely twitched "and became everything I needed; a sensei, confidante, and most importantly, my best friend."

"Which brings me to what I originally said, what I discovered." She took a steadying breath; now was the time. She stopped petting his hair and positioned her face above his own. Then she boldly placed her lips on his masked ones. There was no hesitancy in her actions. She pulled away from the chaste kiss and watched his face.

She knew of two reactions she might get; he would remain 'asleep' and later pretend it never happened (allowing things to stay the same), or respond. She desperately hoped for the latter. Sakura didn't worry if he'd avoid her; she knew Kakashi would never push her away, even for this.

The room was stiflingly silent except for the monitor; she resumed petting his hair. After thirty seconds of the monotonous beeping, without opening his eyes Kakashi asked his own question. "What did you discover, Sakura?"

A bright smile appeared on her face. Trying to conceal her excitement, she leaned toward him and whispered "Feelings change." Kakashi sighed and cracked his eye open. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

Sakura paused in her answer. "I don't know, but I'm willing to find out." He sighed again and Sakura felt a slight squeeze on her hand, his sign of acceptance. If possible, her smile brightened even more. "Okay." She kissed him again and let the once again comfortable silence fall over them.

AN: AND FLUFF APPEARS! Okay, I absolutely love how this came out. I'm actually thinking of letting this end Arc I. So What do you think? Most of you are probably frothing at the mouth in excitement. They are now together!

To explain Kakashi's reaction: I don't think he'd push Sakura away, like in many other fanfics (I love those, by the way). I think he'd give her the chance to sort of 'go back in time and forget it ever happened' to let them keep their current relationship, or talk to her about it. Yes, that sounds like he's avoiding things, but I just see it that way. He might forget, but Sakura would probably wait for a while and spring it on him again.

I am definitely improving! This barely made the limit! Once again thanks to all of you readers and reviewers!

For TrunksgirlBlaze27: Sorry for scaring you! But if I can bring a strong reaction out of you, I guess I'm doing my job as an author!

For asuka02redeva: Thanks for the idea! I was actually thinking of doing that, but not for long while.