I watch her face – so calm, like she's sleeping
The bruises developing on her face look like evil shadows
I don't doubt that they will have left in the near future
She's so smart – she'll find a way to wipe them off like paint
I pretend to be interested in the battle below, but my mind is on her
What a drag… to love someone so clever – and hide it
Can't she see my feelings…? She's intelligent enough to
Ino awakens, and Sakura does a few seconds after her
Ino says she can't believe she tied with Sakura
In truth, I'm astonished she tied with Sakura myself
I walk behind her that night, trying to muster my courage
I reach out to touch her, barely daring to inhale the cool air
She turns to me with surprise on her face, asking, "Shikamaru?"
I swallow, my bravery dimming as my cowardice says this was a bad idea
"Are you alright?" I force myself to say something, to hold her here
She blinks, unprepared for my sudden concern "I'm fine."
She starts to leave – stay, I think, desperate to keep her near me
"Are you sure? It looks like you took a pretty harsh punch."
I notice some of her hair is tickling her face – I go to fix it
I touch her face, pulling her hair behind her ear – it doesn't work
She and I are both surprised. I quickly drop my hand
Her hand traces the path my hand took with her hair, her face a lovely shade
She speaks to dilute the sudden awkwardness in the atmosphere
"I just can't believe I didn't become a chunin this time."
I smile at her attempt. She deserves to be ranked chunin
"You'll become one next time – you're strong enough to."
She smiles back, hope on her face. I wonder why she has hope…?
"You think I'm strong?" Oh, she doesn't believe she has strength.
"I know you are." I say softly. My confidence is audible.
Her face softens, causing mine to soften in return. I don't even realize it until after
She steps closer to me, I can taste her scent…so sweet
She puts her hand on my shoulder and I watch as her face gets closer
I nearly stop breathing again when her lips press into my cheek
I see her smiling face draw away from me – the soft look still there
I don't want her to move… so I do something desperate
I grab her waist with one hand – before she can move her hand from my shoulder
She seems shocked but she has no protest
I wonder if it is because she sees me as no threat or if she actually…
No. She would never like me the way I do her
Still, she's quietly waiting for me to say something
I can't help myself – her skin crying out to me like nourishment
I pull her close, wrapping my other arm her waist as well
"Shikamaru…" she says, but she doesn't fidget
I pull my face away from her neck and close to her face
She is immobile, paralyzed. I can't believe how bold I'm being
What a drag… if this goes wrong, I could be seriously burned
I press my lips to hers, every nerve of mine on fire
I wait for her response – not relinquishing her lips
I can feel the moment she gives in to me. Her hand moves to my neck
Her other hand goes there as well, her lips press against mine
Oh god… I can't help the desire that is so uncontrollable
I hope randomly that Sakura wants me, not just a kiss
I'm sure it was longer but it feels like a few seconds
She leans away from me – just by millimeters
My inner cravings cry against the distance that was just created
Her hands go to my face, her eyes half closed and her cheeks a shade pink
"Shikamaru… thank you." For what? I'm too stunned to speak
Suddenly she pushes her lips on mine with extreme force
I begin to think that I may not be the only one with longings
She lets go of me and my arms fall to my side as she moves away
My hand touches my bottom lip; I can still feel her soft skin on mine
I stand and stare as she walks down the street
"Sakura… thank you."