Disclaimer: M. Kishimoto owns recognizable characters and places.

A Moment of Clarity.

"You want me. I can tell."

Sakura Haruno raised her pink eyebrows at this, both amused and skeptical.

"You're high on anesthesia, Naruto," she replied from behind her medical mask. "Sit still."

Naruto blinked slowly several times before he tried to sit up.

Sakura forcibly pushed him back against the operating table.

"Stay still," she stated, threatening.

Naruto smiled up at her, eyes only half-open.

"Sakura-chan, really. Will you go on a date with me?"

Sakura rolled her eyes as she sewed up Naruto's arm. This time, however, she was more flattered than annoyed.

"Naruto, you're in no condition to take me on a date," she replied crisply.

"Is that a yes?" Naruto slurred.

Sakura cut the string she was using to suture his wound and tied it tightly.

"Don't move your arm. I have to bandage it," she instructed, turning from her patient to locate some gauze.

When she turned back around, Naruto was trying to figure out a way to get down from the operation table, blue eyes unfocused.

"Naruto. Stop. Moving. You'll tear your sutures."

Naruto sighed extremely loud, but cheered considerably when Sakura arrived again at his side.

As she was securing the bandages around his arm, Naruto leaned his head down to Sakura to whisper in her ear.

"I have one last request," he said huskily.

Sakura's mouth twitched with a smile.

"You're not dying, baka. You don't get a last request."

Naruto ignored her.

"I want you to kiss me."

Sakura had heard this sentiment before.

Unlike the times before though, Sakura considered granting Naruto's wish, just this once. He had been on a grueling mission that had almost gotten him killed, and he was clearly out of his mind. He would never remember it in a million years.

Swiftly, Sakura turned and pressed her lips to Naruto's dirty cheek.

She grinned when she moved her focus back to the bandages. She still had her dignity, after all.

"Sakura," Naruto said lazily a few moments later, "make me a promise."

Sakura's exhaustion was making her giddy.

"Anything you want, Naruto," she responded freely.

Naruto caught her eye and Sakura's fingers faltered with the gauze.

"Whenever you're over him and realize you love me, will you please tell me? I deserve a chance."

Sakura wondered if his anesthesia was wearing off.

She watched, dumbfounded, and Naruto lied back down on the table. He began snoring several moments later.

Sakura slowly cleaned and put away her tools. When she was finished, she turned back to the sleeping Naruto.

Sakura slipped down her medical mask to kiss him on the mouth, grateful that he was unconscious.

"I promise, Naruto."

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