The Old Biddy Ch. 20

Disclaimer: I do not own "Naruto."

Chapter 20-For Keeps</b>

Kakashi was the first to wake up. It began with bright light shining against his closed eyes coaxing him out of his dream-induced lethargy. As his mind began to kick into gear, the realization that he needed to get up forced him to reluctantly open up his eyes, but the view he awakened to didn't make him so reluctant anymore.

Breathing evenly, sleeping on her side facing him was a peaceful, smiling Sakura. One arm was tucked under her pillow while the other covered her chest, her hand resting on her pillow close to her face. The blanket covered the gentle flare of her hip, but he could still see every graceful dip and curve of her thighs and legs beneath the fabric. The side of her body, smooth and hourglass-shaped lay exposed, as did her flat stomach and bellybutton. Looking into Sakura's face, closed eyes laced by long lashes, tender lips curved in a small smile, and soft, flawless skin all framed by silky strands of pink hair, Kakashi was convinced that if he could wake up every morning for the rest of his life to a vision like this, that he could very well be converted into a morning person.

Kakashi laid a warm hand on top of Sakura's and smiled at her as she slowly began to open her eyes and wake up.

"Morning." She murmured sleepily, smiling back at him.

"Morning." Kakashi answered back still beaming at her. Seeing Kakashi's exposed face first thing in the morning for a second morning, Sakura inwardly thought that she might be converted into a morning person herself.

"Ready to face the world?" He asked lightly.

Sakura's smile immediately fell.

"I wish we didn't have to." She said quietly.

"C'mere." Kakashi said and Sakura crawled into his open arms, burying her face in his chest and embracing him just as tightly as he was embracing her. "You and I have finally, FINALLY gotten our act together. We're finally happy, finally in love, finally making love, and finally spending the rest of our lives together. The minute we step out that door, nothing will have changed. Not what we've done, or talked about, or decided upon. Nothing. The only thing that will have changed is how the whole world will be trying to influence us. Don't let them, Sakura. You're no longer that vulnerable twelve year old girl you used to be. You're the Hokage's apprentice. You're strong-willed and strong of heart. We both are. I'll be damned if either of us falters just because a bunch of know-nothing know-it-alls have nothing better to do than to bring other people down to make themselves feel better. If all else fails, remember how long and how hard we've worked to get to where we are now. Remember how we are now in each other's arms and how we were last night, and yesterday, and the night before..." Kakashi trailed off with a big smile on his face and even Sakura couldn't help but laugh.

"Geez, thanks for the pep talk, sensei."

"Yeah, well, you know I try." Kakashi said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Sakura smiled up at him then looked around the small room that had been their sanctuary for the past few days and nights. "I sure will miss this place." Sakura mused sadly, snuggling deeper into Kakashi's chest and listening to his every heartbeat.

"Well, maybe we'll come back for an anniversary or something." Kakashi suggested, gently kissing the crown of her head.

Sakura laughed. "How romantic! So for our 50th anniversary you're planning to take me to a dingy motel room in the middle of nowhere?"

"Well, this place does have special meaning, doesn't it?" Kakashi said in his defense.

"Yes, it does." Sakura had to agree.

"So 50th, huh? Does that mean you're planning to keep me for keeps then?" Kakashi smirked at her.

"Not even the whole world could keep me from keeping you for keeps." Sakura promised.

"Hmm." Kakashi hummed happily. "Then what do you say to a last roll in the hay, for old time's sake?"

"I think we owe this bed that much." Sakura smiled at him, slowly wrapping her arms around Kakashi's neck and bringing him down with her.

To be continued...