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Chapter 17 - Desires

I take couples requests. CanonxCanon, OCxCanon only, though. For now, no yaoi/yuri. Please read and comment on at least 1 completed ch before making an rq.

Chapter 17 - Desires

Chapter 17 - Desires
It was the spring of my twentieth year. I had been planning for a year now, and I couldn’t wait anymore. Sakura was seventeen and eleven-twelfths, and though I would have to two weeks, it couldn’t hurt to get an answer now, right? It beat wondering. I had the guts up to ask her now, and I was going to. I had to struggle to think of how to ask her, though. The only time I have contact with her is when I get hurt, it seems. So it was simple- I had to MAKE a reason. Showing up at her house would likely get me hurt, and I didn’t want that. I had to think of something. There was only one place I knew for sure I would find her…
But there would be hell to pay, in the form of razzing.

-

“Finally got the balls up, huh?” Lady Tsunade commented, grinning at me from across the room. I hadn’t dared approach her desk. If she didn’t like the thought of me talking with her apprentice…I would be in for a world of hurt. Why do I fall in with such dangerous women? More importantly, is that what I like about them?

“Not yet. I’m kinda…waiting for her to show up here. I don’t know where else to find her without seeming like a stalker…” I admitted, as much to myself as to her. “I guess I should ask you, though, M’lady- are you okay with this?”

Tsunade rolled her eyes. “Of courseI’m fine with it, you dope! I’m soooo tired of the two of you moping around ‘cause you’re single! Every day she’s gotta sigh at least ten times over Sasuke…Oh, forget I said that!”

Tsunade had inadvertently destroyed the small confidence I had mounted. “I guess I knew she still thought about him. Is she…does she still…love him?”

Tsunade sighed deeply. “I would guess so. But, listen, Ryouko, you’ve gotta shoot straight with her. She needs a guy who’ll do that. And as good as she’d be for you, you’d be better for her. You want a girl, and she happened to be the one you set your sites on. She wanted Sasuke, but I would stop that relationship at all costs. She needs to move on to something better- someone better. That’s you. Because you truly care for her, not your own selfish ends. And I will support you all the way.”

“Thank you, Lady Tsunade. I needed to hear that.” I smiled, then tugged at my uniform. I was a new chunin, and suddenly felt horribly unworthy of her. She had been a chunin for at least a full year longer. That, and I had never asked anyone out before- see, I’m kinda scared of girls. Not that it lessens the desire to call one my girlfriend; it just makes it next to impossible.

Tsunade got up and grabbed my hands. “Don’t get cold feet now.”

“It doesn’t matter if I do,” I sighed heavily, “I’ll have to wait two weeks until she’s eighteen, and by then any courage I have will have withered and died, likely along with my pride!”

“You DO realize that you have known the girl for more than two years, right? No one is going to yell at you for going out with her. Now, if you get her in bed, I will see that you are incapable of reproducing. But a date is just a date. Just like going out with friends, but this friend you hold hands with, hug, and kiss. In other words- it’s not illegal to date, hug, kiss, hold hands, make out, cop a feel, etc (in fact, I kind of encourage it!)- just no slipping between the sheets, comprende?”

Again, Tsunade didn’t help me much. “I know, but, I mean…well…I don’t HAVE friends. I don’t go out. That’s why I got decently strong. I have nothing to do but study. I just don’t understand people. They seem so petty and worthless sometimes! Sakura’s the first girl I’ve seen that isn’t like that! She’s strong, independent, and- pardon my language- doesn’t dress like a slut! She’s a classy girl…and she’s cute, too, plus intelligent. She’s all I’ve ever wanted in a girl. But she’s also so incredibly out of my league! It’s so pathetic I’ve known her for so long but never said a word! I’m such a loser! Maybe I should just drop this…”

Tsunade picked me up by my collar, holding me face to face with her. “You will NOT back down. You will ask her out. If she says yes, you’ll go and have a good time. If she says no, you will bow, retain your dignity, and go on as though nothing happened. In fact, if she says no, I’ll help you- I’ll give you an extended mission in Sunagakure or something. Alright?”

The thought of having a way to cope with rejection really helped. I expected rejection, really. But I couldn’t help but think/speak: “What if she says yes?”

“What do you mean, ‘What if she says yes’?!” Lady Tsunade wasn’t sure she had heard that right.

I pointed to myself. “Dateless wonder here. No idea what to do with a girl after she says yes.” (Right about now, I think Tsunade would have strangled me)

“You dumbass! Get a clue! You don’t know what she likes? Okay, I’m not gonna do this for you- you’re gonna have to ask me. Just say this: Lady Tsunade, what does Sakura like?”

“Lady Tsunade, what does Sakura like?” I was ready to break out a notebook here. I’ve gotta say, I was seriously curious!

“Hell if I know.”

“That’s mean, Lady Tsunade! That’s really mean, even for you!” I moaned.

“EVEN FOR ME?! WHAT WAS THAT?!”

“Nothing M’lady…”

“Good. Now then, in general- girls like guys to be gentle. They’d like polite, well-dressed, socially acceptable boys. If they don’t like those things, then they aren’t worth your time. You’re handsome enough for her, and I know you’re polite, and all that. There’s one thing above all that makes me want you to date her. Do you know what that is?”

I shook my head. “Nuh-uh.”

“It’s because you really care about her. The fact that you’re all flustered about her, and you’re worried about that legal stuff, and the fact that you light up like the sky on Chinese New Year- it tells me you would honestly do anything for her. Well, maybe it was the reports she’s given me about you protecting her in fights. But, either way, the point is that you aren’t just after her for looks. Tell me what you like in a girl.”

I thought for a minute. “Uh, well, I like them to be cute. And beautiful. But not slutty in any way. Um… I like it when they’re smart, and strong physically and mentally… Oh, and I like girls that look young, too. I guess that’s given. I just want a good, honest, hard-working girl.”

Tsunade tapped her fingers on the desk. “So you like Sakura, since you just described her. Oh- the reason I’m letting you date her, since I’m more or less her guardian, and you’re older than her. See, being scared of girls works in your favor. Because I know you won’t dare poke around in any of the ‘forbidden zones’. Now then, Sakura will be here any time. Go get ‘em tiger. Oh, and don’t ask her out in here. Find an excuse to walk with her somewhere.”

Thinking quickly, I took out a blank scroll. “So, uh, does anyone need a memo from you, for some reason?”

-

Sakura made her morning rounds, humming a cheerful tune. It was a nice day out. She had slept well. Things were looking up.

Something good is gonna happen. I wonder what, though? I’ve got no reason to feel so happy…

Her mind still clouded with thoughts, Sakura walked habitually to Tsunade’s office.

“Good morning, My Lady! Good morning, Ryouko!”

It wasn’t odd to find Ryouko here. Probably after a mission or something. Something’s different about him today, though… What is it? He’s dressed like he always is… He’s blushing…nah, that’s not weird. The poor guy is girl shy to the nth degree. I wonder if he has a crush on Lady Tsunade or something? Nah, that’s ridiculous. Shizune is much more likely. Now then, what’s different… Oh!

“Hey, Ryouko, you’ve got a new headband!”

Ryouko blinked- he hadn’t thought about it, but he had. He used to wear a full head covering, but he had traded that in for a black, normal hitai-ate. “Oh, that’s right, I’d forgotten. It, er, doesn’t look stupid, does it?”

Tsunade gave a small smile to Ryouko in her mind. So, small talk? I’m impressed! I thought for sure he’d back out! He’s not a dumb kid. Some of my ninja couldn’t outwit a retarded rock. But him…just no damn confidence! I wonder how long before he realizes he’s talking to the scary, pink-haired girl?

That thought seemed to hit Ryouko, but he shrugged it off. “Oh, M’lady, that scroll- I’d forgotten that I need to speak with Sakura privately. Is it alright if I borrow her for a few minutes? I mean, if she’s okay with it…”

Damn, confidence is falling! Gotta help him! “Sakura, go with him, that’s an order.”

-

Sakura was a little surprised at Tsunade’s sharp tone.

The order from Lady Tsunade was pointless. I would have gone with Ryouko regardless. If anyone needs a friend, it’s him. He’s always by himself, studying or staring at nothing. I feel really bad about that. I wonder what he thinks about? It seems to separate him from the rest of us. That’s a shame. I know so many kunoichi who would love to just talk with him. He really knows his stuff, and he’s kinda cute, too. If your name comes up in the hot spring or the locker room, then you’re something special.

I wonder if any boys gossip about me? Probably not, since I’m not really nice looking. If a guy could see past my tiny boobs and big forehead, then maybe… (sigh). And maybe if I could consider someone besides Sasuke. He’s been gone for almost three years. It’s time to move on. I’ll never stop caring about him as a friend, but I don’t want to be single forever because of a one-sided crush.


-

While Sakura was deep in thought, Ryouko was walking silently beside her, trying to figure out what to say.

Maybe I could write it? No, no, that would be cheating. I’ve got to just ask her…but how can I? Look at her- she’s not over Sasuke, and I’m not half the man he is. He might be a traitorous bastard, but what am I? Some new chunin that isn’t special in any way?
But at the same time, things can’t continue this way. I can’t keep pretending I don’t feel anything. Now then, remember the steps: Say hello- check. Smile- not gonna happen right now. Small talk- that’s up next. Then, ask her out…right.


-

Sakura looked a little troubled, which actually gave me my opening.

“Sakura? Er, not to intrude, but is something wrong?”

Sakura’s head snapped up as though she came out of a deep sleep. But she shook her head, smiling a little. “No, not at all. Just thinking, that’s all!”

“You were doing a good impression of me. I guess I do space out a lot. Mostly thinking about my life and the regrets I have.”
Smooth, dumbass! That just begs the question you need, which is good, but you sound like a confused little kid! You’re just begging for attention! Have you no shame?!

No, I guess I don’t. I really do want her attention, and I don’t care how I go about getting it.


Sakura turned her head toward me. I expected sarcasm, but I got a sincere reply:

“Regrets? About what? I’ve been curious about what it is you think about. If you wouldn’t mind telling me. I’ve heard it’s helpful to share your problems, y’know?”

My flip-flopped in my chest. Life had just given me this incredible opportunity. I couldn’t pass it up. There was no way. I had to be honest. Right here, right now. I took a deep breath, exhaled, yanked on my sleeves (an odd nervous habit of mine), and finally managed to talk.

“I think about being single, truth be told. I mean, I’m twenty, and I’ve never once had a girl interested in me seriously. It’s my fault for never having the guts to ask. I’ve always been a little scared of girls. The great unknown, you know?”

Sakura nodded vigorously. “I know! I’m the same way with boys since Sasuke left! It’s soooo hard to confess to someone you like them! And when you get rejected…It hurts. A lot.”

Sakura folded her hands over her chest. Just for a second, I saw a girl who was completely vulnerable and needing attention. I had answered the right question, because now I saw that she was just like me. Scared of the opposite gender, and of rejections- we were no different, anatomical structure aside. I felt a fresh surge of confidence. It was just like in combat, when I felt the best- I was protecting someone. Someone needed me. I was necessary. And now I felt that outside of combat for the first time in a long time.

“Sakura…oh boy, this is hard to spit out, but uh…If you want, maybe we could go get food sometime, or something?”

Sakura immediately perked up. “You mean…like a date?”
Did he just ask me out? Ryouko?! The shyest guy in the Leaf Village?!

“Well, uh, yeah, if you’d like that. Please don’t feel obligated to say yes. Just, y’know, thought I’d throw that out there and see if you’re interested.” I shrugged like it was no big deal, but my red face likely gave me away.

Sakura eyed me curiously, her face turning red to match mine. “And you just…managed to say that? You? No offense, but you asking me out is nothing short of a miracle. You asking ANYONE out is nothing short of a miracle. And damned if I’m gonna miss that miracle! Where and when?”

Unfortunately, somehow, that bastard ‘truth’ came flying out of my mouth. “I don’t know. I never actually thought you’d say yes.”

Sakura seemed to expect that, and smiled kindly. “Well, I like the Maebeko myself. How about that?”

I nodded stupidly. “That sounds good. So, uh, when are you free?”

“Hmmm…” Sakura licked her lips as she thought. “How ‘bout tonight, at sunset? It’ll give you time to calm down. As a medic, I’m worried about what the stress is going to do to you, y’know?”

“Sound advice,” I answered, smiling weekly. Now, I swear, girls can read emotions. I’m as stoic as they come, but somehow Sakura had zeroed in on me. Sensing the kill she dove in.

“Awwwww, does the widdle giwrl make da big, bad warrior nervous? Hmmm?! (giggle) How cute! You’re a lot of fun, Ryouko! Do you do any other tricks?”

“I change colors, apparently,” I murmured, referring to my blushing. Sakura touched my cheek, and I turned red. Yup, I changed color, and you didn’t even need to use water!

“So cool! I had a doll that did the same thing when I was little!” she announced happily, apparently having fun.

Was this flirting? It was fun! I had no retorts, but that was okay with me! It was fun having a girl’s attention all to myself, and not for some stupid, heroic, noble stunt that may or may not have saved her life. She was hanging out with me because she liked me, not because I was strong. That was a novel concept, let me tell you!

“So, uh, this place. It’s…casual dress, right?” I knew, of course, but I didn’t want the conversation to end.

“That’s right,” Sakura nodded. “And make sure you don’t wear something that clashes with my skirt!”

“I’m a boy. I don’t understand fashion.” (I readily admit that)

Sakura walked around me in a circle, kind of making me nervous. I couldn’t help but liken it to a shark that’s circling it’s prey. It was kind of sexy, really. When she tugged at the back of my vest, alarmingly close to my @$$, I stood up even straighter.

“You’re fine, dressed as you are. I’m gonna warn you, though- I’m taking the opportunity to dress as a civilian. I’ve kind of pictured my first date in my mind a bunch of times, and I was always wearing this…” Sakura blushed femininely, playing with her fingers nervously, not quite making eye contact with me. I vowed I would be impressed, even if she was wearing an empty rice sack.

“A-alright then. So, I’ll see you at sunset,” I said/asked boldly.

“Absolutely! Oh, wait…” Sakura frowned. “Aren’t you…too old for me? I mean, I’m only seventeen. Should we wait two weeks, until my birthday?”

I carefully explained what Tsunade said, sans the sexual reference, of course. Sakura brightened, really thrilled to be going out for the first time. It was my first time, but I couldn’t get any energy up- if I did, I shook with anticipation/anxiety.

“So, in other words, we can do everything up to…y’know…” Sakura was deep in thought. If her thoughts were anything like mine, they were borderline scandalous. Like, we’re talking super forbidden here. And pretty hot, too. Like you’ve never had one of those thoughts!

I nodded in agreement. “That’s right. But don’t worry, I wouldn’t have brought it up on the first date. Unless you did, of course. I mean, I’ve got to be honest- you’re really in charge here. I’m just along for the ride. But, whatever happens tonight, let me say this now: My crush on you, and finally getting the guts up to ask you out- they’re two of the best things to ever happen to me.”

Sakura’s eyes got wide. “That is adorable! How come you know just what to say?”

“I’ve had two years to practice,” I admitted lamely.

“What, did you practice kissing, too? Like on a mirror or pillow?”

“Doesn’t everyone?” I asked in mock certainty. I wasn’t about to outline how I had practiced. Like she hadn’t done the same thing anyway!

Sakura didn’t say anything, instead giving me a warm smile. She reached up toward my face. I inadvertently winced- no one ever aimed for my face with good intentions.

-

Sakura sighed inwardly at Ryouko’s wince.

That poor boy… A small gesture of affection, and he’s afraid of it. What made him that way? And how long has he been wanting to ask me out? He’s really a brave guy. Fights are one thing. Asking who you like out is another matter. I think he would have had an easier time fighting Orochimaru on one leg.

But he DID ask me out. That must mean he cares a lot. And since I said yes so instantly, and I’m taking the time to analyze a small wince, then I must like him, too.


-

Her hand brushed my face. It stopped on my cheek for a moment while Sakura looked me firmly in the eyes. She softened her gaze once she emerged from her thoughts. She leaned forward a little bit, and my heart leapt up into my throat.

A kiss?!

-

Should I kiss him? …No, not yet. I always dreamed of how my first date would go. The kiss comes later.

Sakura didn’t mind inching a little closer to the already blushing boy, though. Her medical training could make her a very sympathetic and comforting person at times. Seeing the picture of clueless innocence next to her (in the form of a shaking bundle of nerves), she decided to ease the tension. If she understood his mind, she would know she had just made him more nervous. But as far as nerves went, this wasn’t so bad.

-

I felt Sakura’s hand slip in mine. She tightened her grip, giving me a shy smile.

“C’mon, it’s just me. It’s not like you’re dating a total stranger, right? So, let’s just relax and have some fun.”

“Oh…Okay!” I stammered, finally spitting out the easiest word in the world to say. “Sorry, I’m just…like this. I’ll get over it. So, I’ll see you tonight, then?”

“Yup! See you later!”

And she ran off. I watched her go, thinking I was the luckiest guy in the world. I landed a date with the girl I loved. That had to be a good sign. Now I just had to keep calm on the date. That, and figure out what it meant to actually date. I had no idea. None whatsoever.

-

I waited in the appointed spot for Sakura. She was a couple minutes late, but man! She was totally worth it!

“Sorry I’m late!” she told me, her cheeks red from the combination of running and the still-nippy March weather. She had to catch her breath. While she did, I admired her.

For the occasion, Sakura had put on a white sleeveless shirt. On it was a slogan in English that said ‘Broken Hop’. I assumed that it was supposed to say ‘Broken Hope’ or something, but like many other nonsensical shirts, it’s comical slogan was part of it’s charm.
Beneath the shirt was a black skirt. A real skirt, not the usual skirt-ish thing she wore. It was evident that she didn’t wear her black shorts under this one. Instead, she wore black stockings, making her look like a normal, incredibly attractive girl.

“I wasn’t waiting long,” I informed her, distracted. “You look beautiful tonight, as always.” (I may be stupid when it comes to women, but even I know that compliments are good- Especially when you genuinely mean them. And I did, that was for sure)

Sakura blushed a little, lowering her head in embarrassment. “Oh, you’re just being nice!”

“No, really! I mean it, you really do look cute.”

Sakura grinned at me. “And so do you! I never thought I’d see you in civilian clothes!”

“Me either,” I admitted. For the occasion, I broke out a pair of black dress pants, a short-sleeve black dress shirt, opening slightly at the neck so that you could see the cross I wore around my neck. I imagined that, for once, I looked like a normal, nervous kid. (As opposed to a normal, nervous jonin, I guess)

“Oh, hold on, your collar isn’t straight…”

Sakura moved close to me and reached around me to fix my collar. We could have touched noses if we each leaned forward a little. Couple that with the fact that she seemed to take her time straightening my collar, and you’ve got one red-faced Ryouko! When she was done, she leaned back a little bit, sticking her tongue out playfully.

“There, all fixed!” she declared happily. “So, you ready to go, tiger?”

“Oh, yeah!” I managed to say.

“Good!” she said perkily, and started to head toward the Maebeko at a jog. I matched her pace, occasionally looking around. When we ran past Ino, I swear, if I could have packaged the look on Ino’s face, I could have been a millionaire.

“Hiya pig!” Sakura called over. “Looky what I’ve got!”

Sakura tugged at my sleeve, pulling me closer to her, holding my arm as if I was some treasure she was guarding.

“GAH! Okay, forehead, I’ll congratulate you! You might have had your first date before me, but my date’ll be hotter!” Ino shot back.

“In your dreams! You’ll have to look outside the village. The hottest guy is all mine! Neh!” Sakura stuck out her tongue and pulled down her eyelid.

She’s flaunting me?! Am I that much of a catch or something? I thought to myself. I didn’t have a rival or anything, so I couldn’t flaunt her. Man, I wished I could! Then I grinned to myself. I DID have a rival of sorts. Oh, if we could just run into her!

‘Her’ was Linda Mawashi. I had liked her, but, man, she had it in for me! Her and my buddy, Rock Lee, were tight. I hated that dog, but I put up with her for Lee’s sake. Wouldn’t it just be a great bit of serendipity to run into her and show her my affections had upgraded to a better model?

Oh yes, fate was on my side! There was Linda!

“Oh, hey, Linda!” I called out. I couldn’t help it- I owed her a great deal of abuse for us to even come close to calling it ‘even’. “Look at me! See her? This is Sakura, the Hokage’s apprentice, and the most adorable thing in the Hidden Leaf! Eat your heart out, wench!” I crowed. Her expression made Sakura laugh, and I knew I had a winner on my hands. There was chemistry here, and we hadn’t even gotten to the restaurant yet.

-
If dates are supposed to help two people get to know each other, then this date was going to be interesting. Sakura’s life was an open book. No dark secrets, no hidden illnesses, no scandalous affairs. My life, however…

“Oh, go on, tell me about yourself! I’m not gonna blackmail you or something!”

Sakura was urging me to share something about myself. I thought hard, and I couldn’t think of anything that didn’t make me sound pathetic. Not one thing about myself seemed like a redeeming quality. So, I finally chose something that seemed kind of cool.

“Well, I’ve wanted to be a jonin for a while, but I didn’t know what kind of career. I always liked what Asuma did. That whole twelve Shinobi Guardians thing. If I could do that and stay in the Leaf Village, I’d try. But I couldn’t leave this place. Too many things I love here. And people, too…”

Oh wow, that was sappy. It came straight from the heart, but man, that was cheesy! Sakura seemed to get a kick out of it.

“I never knew you were such a normal guy under that formal exterior! I figured I’d have to work harder than that to get anything out of you! And that’s a nice ambition! I’ve been thinking about mine lately. I always thought I’d be just a housewife, you know? Take care of the kids, and let my husband work. But I can’t do that. I kind of admire Kurenai-sensei and Asuma-sensei. They seem so perfect together, you know? I can just see my husband and I on the battlefield together. Then we get home, play with the kids, and fall asleep in each other’s arms…”

Sakura sighed, a girlish blush spreading across her cheeks. She leaned forward, her head propped up by one arm.

“Really?!” I couldn’t believe it- Asuma and Kurenai were kind of like my idea of an ideal couple, too! “You know, I really admired both of them. They’re both strong individually, and when you put them together, it’s like they’re two halves of the same whole. A relationship like that is so cool! I mean…”

I stopped, wondering if I should say anymore.

“You mean? Keep going! Don’t stop there! You can tell me anything, you know.” Sakura leaned forward a little more, clearly very interested.

I sighed outwardly, but finished my thought. “I admire girls that are strong. I guess that’s part of what attracted me to you. You’re beautiful, but you’re also the most practical female I’ve ever met. You don’t complain about your hair and clothes, and you don’t whine about hard work. And yet you’re still perfectly feminine.”

“And you’re not a macho-y showoff. You’re respectful and courteous, and that’s really rare! You’ve gotta be the only guy I know that won’t hit a girl without thinking three times about it. Not to mention holding door and stuff. It’s really rare to find a thoughtful guy these days.”

We had finished our food now, and didn’t even notice. It was a little sad, because the evening was over. It was scary, never-wracking, fun, sweet, sour, spicy, and worrisome, all in one. But I loved it. As I stared at Sakura, I knew that this was her. The girl I loved. The question is, did she love me back? We were both kids, did we even know what love was?

“I…guess it’s time to go home…” Sakura semi-whined, not really wanting to leave. But she still had a curfew until she turned eighteen on March 28th.

“Would you like company?” I asked pleasantly.

“Sure!”

-

All too soon, we were going to reach Sakura’s house. It was in site. You could feel the mood of our date turn sour. But it turned sour because we didn’t want to say goodbye yet.

There was a dark stretch of walkway on the way to Sakura’s house. I was on my guard- who knew what kind of sickos were around, waiting to prey on cute little girls and their (in my case) scrawny dates? I felt a pair of hands grab me, but they weren’t threatening. They were rough and gentle at the same time. They were around my waist, tugging me in tight to my attacker. But this was one attack I wasn’t going to fight.

I got ‘smak-ed’ on the cheek.

“No lips on the first date,” Sakura whispered to me, sticking her tongue out. “But maybe the second date…”

“Name the day and time,” I said instantly. Hot damn!

“I will. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, when M’lady grills us both for details.”

I laughed- Lady Tsunade would, too. She’d ask us both separately. No matter what we said, though, Tsunade would hear what she wanted.

I opened my arms for the big, friendly hug. Sakura stepped in obligingly. Wow, a female was this close to me?! How cool was that?! And she wasn’t shying away OR trying to kill me! This was so awesome!

“Make sure you wipe your face before we get to my house. Unless you want my Mom to know I kissed you…” Sakura warned.

“She, er, DID know I was dating you, right?” I asked, stammering slightly out of panic.

“Nah. You’re my dirty little secret,” Sakura whispered, dangerously close to my ear. Now THAT was a tent-pitcher.

“Oh…”

Sakura giggled. “Yes, she knows. (Honestly! Did you think I could keep you a secret?!) And she approves. In fact, how about meeting at my house next time? Say, Friday?”

“Sounds great to me! I’ll be there. Should I bring anything?”

Sakura shook her head. “Nah, but you might want to practice your kissing on your pillow again. ‘Cause I expect you to kiss me next time, ‘kay?”

Despite the mild insult, I was really looking forward to this next date.

TO BE CONTINUED!

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YunieXTidus on January 3, 2011, 4:06:30 PM

YunieXTidus on
YunieXTidusLoooove this! Poor Ryouko. He needs little excursions like this to get away from the cold harsh reality. Hope things look up for him in the future!

Neopetgirl on May 10, 2009, 10:19:32 AM

Neopetgirl on
NeopetgirlI love the beginning with Tsunade and Ryouko, and how she's trying to get it through his skull all the reasons why he shouldn't back down and just ask her out already.
Also, I just find their chemistry together(Ryouko and Sakura) absolutely adorable! She teases/flirts with him, in turn he blushes like crazy and replies back with honesty. Oh, and I enjoyed reading about how both Ryouko and Sakura showed off each other to Ino and Linda! XD Just the right amount of comic relief, cute romance, and realism. It's amazing how you write your stories and combine all these genres. I think, really, a lot of people could connect and really feel what you're trying to show within your writing. It's amazing. And for me, it's so realistic in ways. I can actually read it and feel like I have something in common with the characters as it may identify with my feelings or situations. Defintely a positive light of my day, I enjoyed reading this. I hope this comment came out okay and expresses my thoughts ^^

Y0URIMAGINARYFRIEND on April 1, 2009, 6:40:45 PM

Y0URIMAGINARYFRIEND on
Y0URIMAGINARYFRIENDAwh! They're just so cute and innocent ^__^ Very sweet piece.

hflp on March 29, 2009, 2:11:57 AM

hflp on
hflpCool. Very nice piece of work.

andr28a on March 27, 2009, 5:14:25 AM

andr28a on
andr28aThat was so cute