Well, this is going to be the last chapter. Next is the epilogue. (sniff)

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto.

Ch.16: I Love You

The morning sun was shining through the shutters of Sakura's window, its light cast upon a sleeping shinobi.

Kakashi felt a bright light on his face and shielded his eyes as he sat up in the bed. He yawned and placed his hand down, feeling something under his touch. He looked down to see a hand peeking through the covers. 'A hand?' He looked down and saw his bare hip next to the hand. He carefully pulled back the covers to see Sakura sleeping soundly on the bed, the sunlight giving her a heavenly glow. He cursed. "Shit."

Kakashi pulled his legs against his chest and threaded his hand through his hair. He swore under his breath as he berated himself.

'I shouldn't have done that. I really shouldn't have done that. How could I?! She's still young and she had her whole life in front of her and I just fucked it up because I couldn't control myself. She'll never look at me the same again and that's only if she'll even let me have contact with her!'

Sakura awoke to the sounds of frustrated growls and muttered curses. "Kakashi?" she asked, remnants of sleep in her voice. She noticed his body freeze and she sat up, a hand on his back. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"I shouldn't have done that."

She looked up at him. "Do what? What shouldn't you have done?"

He looked at her with regretful eyes. "I should have never slept with you."

"What?!" she exclaimed, her heart clenching in hurt.

"I should've never forced myself on you. I'm sorry. I've ruined your life and your reputation and the village…Crap. The villagers are going to be vicious." He sighed, his shoulders dropping. "I'll understand if you never want to come near me again."

He waited in morbid silence like a man awaiting his verdict at trial when he heard muffled noises coming from Sakura. He turned to her in confusion and she burst into laughter. 'She's laughing at me?'

He glared at her. "What's so funny?"

She quelled her laughter and rested a hand on his chest. "Kakashi, I never would've slept with you if I didn't…."

He looked at her as she cast her gaze to her side, a blush spanning her face. He gently moved her head to face him. "If you didn't what?" he asked softly.

She looked into his eyes and placed a hand to his cheek. "If I didn't love you." she answered truthfully.

Kakashi stared at her in absolute shock. 'She loves me?'

He noticed a hand waving in front of his face and grabbed it. Focusing his eyes, he saw a startled Sakura. He smiled and tackled her into the bed as he kissed her deeply. She moaned and he licked her bottom lip for entrance when they heard a small tune floating through the empty halls. "What's that?" she asked.

"I don't know. Come on. Let's check it out."

They both slid off the bed and threw on their clothes before venturing to the living room. There, they saw the two music boxes open as music continued to play from it. They walked over and found a letter inside each box. They looked to each other and sat down on the couch, reading the letters.

Dear Kakashi,

Well, if you're reading this, it means you've managed to get the girl. Good job! I'm happy for you both and the wife is too. To be honest, I wasn't sure that it would actually work, but hey, Christmas miracles. Well, that aside, look in the music box again and you'll find the second gift. See you next Christmas.

From Santa

PS I expect other miracles from you two (if you know what I mean.) Good luck.

Dear Sakura,

Well, if you're reading this, you've found the man of your dreams. Wasn't expecting it to be Hatake now, did you? He really loves you girl, even asked me for help instead of his normal Icha Icha. Let me rephrase that. He loves you more than Icha Icha, a feat in itself! I wasn't sure if this would work, but I guess it did. I'm happy for you girl, you really deserve it. Oh, there's that second gift I promised you. It's in the music box. See you next Christmas.

From Santa

PS I still want that cookie recipe.

Sakura giggled at her letter and looked up to see Kakashi looking at her. They smiled at each other and looked towards the music boxes sitting side by side on the table. They walked over and reached into them. They both pulled out identical silver heart-shaped lockets. They opened them and their jaws hung open.

Inside each one was a picture of the other and one of them kissing at New Year's. They closed them simultaneously and looked on the front. Inscribed on the lockets were the words In My Heart Forever. Kakashi and Sakura chuckled. Smiling, Kakashi took her locket and placed it around her neck. She turned her head and smiled, her hand resting on the locket before helping him with his. After she placed it on him, he smiled and kissed her.

Kakashi held her waist and smiled down at her. "You know, this has been an interesting holiday season." he mused.

"I'll say. Naruto's with Hinata, Neji has Tenten, finally, Sasuke has heirs without needing a mother to make them, and I end up falling in love with my ex-teacher and waking up naked beside him." she said.

"You better get used to it." he said, a strange gleam in his eye.

"Kakashi, what are you--ah!"

Sakura screamed as she found herself hoisted into the air, bridal style. "I love you." he said, the smile never leaving his face. She curled her arms around his neck and kissed his masked nose. "I love you too." He smiled at her and carried her into the bedroom to prove just how much he loved her.