My first ever fluff. I admit, this was very hard to write. And the reason I chose peonies is because firstly, it fitted with the story and secondly, it's also Li Syaoran's favourite flower! And I'm a big fain of CCS and I couldn't help but connect my two favourite manga/anime together!
The meaning of the peonies can be found here: .org/flowermeaning_
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the idea of this story.
Ino Yamanaka had never done this before. In fact, if her parents ever found out about this, well…let's not go there.
It was their only rule for her after all: Don't ask about our customers' private lives. Which translated into: Ino Yamanaka, if you see anyone you know buying flowers or anything, don't ever butt in and ask them who is it for and you are most certainly not allowed to gossip about it afterwards.
To Ino, this was an exception.
"Just 'fess up, Naruto. Who are the flowers for?" She asked coyly, she couldn't of course, let him suspect that there was more to this than her cheeky teasing.
"No one in particular, Ino. Can you just please let me buy the peonies?" Naruto Uzumaki asked irritated.
Ino raised an eyebrow.
Naruto looked pointedly at her, "What?" he huffed.
"Peonies? Did you, by any chance, know the meaning of peonies?" She asked.
Her suspicions were confirmed as she noticed Naruto's cheeks redden slightly.
"So you do know!" She shouted triumphantly as she laughed. She put up both of her hands in the air feigning defeat.
"Alright, Naruto, you win. I just can't wait to hear Sakura's reaction when she receives your gift." She teased.
Naruto's head snapped up, eyes wide. "H-how did you-I never said that- nevermind." He sighed angrily.
"Tsk. Tsk. Aw, don't get so upset, Naruto. You know I'll never tell her." Ino replied sweetly.
Naruto just remained silent until Ino handed over the wrapped flowers. After which, Naruto immediately turned, walking towards the exit when he stopped abruptly. "You better don't say anything. I-_ meant for it to be a surprise…" he mumbled before he ran out.
Ino laughed.
Later that night
"Naruto, 'fess up. What's this all about?" Sakura demanded as Naruto lead her to that iconic bridge.
Naruto blushed slightly hearing those familiar words.
"Um, nothing, it's just- aw, come one, Sakura-chan! Live a little! Anyway, don't you trust me?" He teased her as they came to a stop.
"Where are we, Naruto? I swear, if you do anything-
Her words were stopped short as she felt something warm up close. She remained still as Naruto whispered into her ear, his hot breath tickling her neck.
"10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1." She counted softly. Slowly, she took off the blindfold that Naruto had put on her.
She looked around. "Naruto?" She asked, but there was no answer.
She frowned slightly, "That jerk really did leave me like he said!"
She stepped forward, only to hear the rustling of paper. She looked down and gasped.
She picked up the bouquet of peonies and help up the card, the moonlight just enough to illuminate the words.
Peonies: this flower is chosen to say "I love you," for the person who feels too shy to utter the words.
Hope you liked it!
-DarlingDearestDeadForever