A/N: I was inspired greatly by the Johnny Cash song "Walk the Line" and it called to me to write a story about it between a favorite couple of mine, Jiraiya and Tsunade. Also I kinda stole a line from the latest issue of Hana Kimi. Cookies to whoever spots it ;-) I actually wrote another story based on "Walk the Line" with the same characters, but that one is a totally different creature and will take a bit more planning to come to fruition. Anyways, ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, but I find them perfectly lovely so I do so enjoy playing with them.
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
It had been years since Jiraiya had taken a lover. He had had many sexual encounters, but they didn't mean much beyond the pleasure of the moment.
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
That didn't mean he wasn't open to the idea of letting someone into his heart. It was just that he hadn't found anyone that came close to the mark.
I
keep the ends out for the tie that binds
No one had come close to matching her. It didn't matter who they were or even if they had loved him. He rejected them in the almost unconscious hope that she and he could be together.
Because
you're mine, I walk the line
She
had been his teammate, friend, and now Hokage. He was her's in all
manner of the word. For her he should change.
I find it very, very easy to be true
It was amazing how wanting to truly know someone soon became truly loving that someone.
I
find myself alone when each day is through
Yet he was alone. Even in company he was alone.
Yes,
I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
He was a warrior for others, but for her he would be a clown.
Because
you're mine, I walk the line
For her he could change.
As
sure as night is dark and day is light I keep you on my mind both day
and night
She haunted his thoughts. Her confidence, her character…her curves…Even when she didn't slip into his mind he would bring her to the front of his contemplations with the purpose of revisiting memories.
And
happiness I've known proves that it's right
And while memories were occasionally heartbreaking, he hung on to them because, for him, they were happy for they held her in them. He could deal with rare grief for her glowing smile.
Because
you're mine, I walk the line
For her he would change.
You've got a way to keep me on your side
Throughout everything from her relationship with Dan to her voluntary exile he did all he could for her. She enthralled him.
You
give me cause for love that I can't hide
It was the little things that kept him captivated. The jokes they shared. The smirks and grins cast his way. The almost predatory sway in her movements.
For
you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
He would fight for her. He would kill for her.
Because
you're mine, I walk the line
But she liked him as he was. Maybe for her he could stay the same.