Sasuke was convinced that there was something extremely wrong. He didn't know when (or why) it had happened, but suddenly Sakura seemed... beautiful.

Not that he had ever thought she was ugly. No, she was quite decent looking, even with her disproportioned forehead. In fact, he would even go so far as to say she was cute.

But beautiful? That description had never once entered his mind.

She didn't look any different. Her hair was still that God-awful bright pink, her eyes the same vivid green, and she hadn't grown in either height or chest.

So why on Earth did he lose his breath when he looked at her?

Thankfully, Sasuke managed to hide his new opinion of Sakura, treating her with the usual apathy and nonchalance. Sometimes he was even able to keep himself from admiring her.

But with good days came bad days.

XxXxXx

"Hyaah!"

Ducking at the last second, Sasuke narrowly avoided a bone-crushing punch to the head.

Seizing his opponent's split-second moment of weakness, he ploughed his fist into her stomach, knocking her back several feet.

Panting, Sakura sat up, wiping a trickle of blood from her lip. Sasuke observed her battered state as they both took a moment to rest. Her chest heaved with laboured breathing, cheeks also flushed from exertion. Her hair was tousled despite the headband she wore to keep it in place, and dirt covered every inch of her.

But, damn it, the only word that came to mind when he looked at her was 'beautiful'.

"Sasuke-kun? Is something wrong?"

She had gotten to her feet, breathing more normally as she moved toward him, looking somewhat concerned.

"I'm fine," he said, averting his eyes. Immediately, he regretted the action, as it prevented him from savouring Sakura's beauty and made him look like he was avoiding the subject.

"Don't lie," she said, frowning. "Tell me what's bothering you."

Sasuke crossed his arms, remaining stubbornly and childishly silent.

Stomping her foot and huffing in an equally childish manner, Sakura pouted and said, "Tell me!"

"You."

"I can't! I don't know what you're thinking!"

"No, I mean the problem is you," he growled, glaring in annoyance.

Shoulders slumping, she turned her gaze to the ground. "Oh..."

He sighed, then growled, then pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look, it's nothing to be upset over, because it's not really your fault. I've just lost my mind."

"Well... What's wrong?" She asked.

"I think you're beautiful," he admitted bluntly, warmth rising to his cheeks.

Sakura wrinkled her forehead. "Um... Thanks?"

"No!" he yelled, causing her to jump. "It's not good, it's bad! It's driving me insane, because every time I look at you, I just... can't think."

For a moment, she stared at him with wide, shocked eyes. Slowly, a smile formed on her face. Biting her lip, she blushed, avoiding his eyes as she said, "It might be my own wishful thinking, but... it sounds like you're in love."

He cursed under his breath, running his fingers through his hair. "Well, now what am I supposed to do?"

"What do you want to do?"

He stared at her for a minute. Then, seeming to make his decision, he took a few steps forward, so that he stood inches away from her. Leaning down, he placed a careful, hesitant kiss on her lips.

Author's Notes: I know, totally cliche and cheesy, but I couldn't help myself. I ddn't write for this couple nearly enough.

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Naruto' or any of its characters.