It's a winter day. A boy sits on a bench, his long legs stretched before him. He shuts his eyes and takes a breath. His skin is pallid, with dark rings around his eyes. He looks tired, but there is a quivering smile on his face. He's leaning forward, his arms leaned against his thighs, and there is a potted plant, cupped within his hands. He's waiting for her, the one person whom he could depend on to look him fearlessly in his pale ghostly face and smile with enough light to brighten any eclipse.
Alexei Arlovsky looks down anxiously at the pot of bamboo. Date. Date. Date. Perhaps if he keeps saying it, it'll become more real. His skin feels cold as he grips the pot and waits for Sakura to arrive at their meeting point. He flushes slightly at the thought. It was a point of embarrassment that she had requested this... outing. Date, he corrects in his head. His mind flickers back to the moment that has lit up in his memory like a sun in his mental timeline.
"Alexei-kun," her voice is soft, but kind. She tilts her head up to look him in the eye- and as he has managed to do after much practice, he returns her look. His light eyes meet her dark ones effortlessly. "I've been thinking about us... and..." Here, in a graceful movement that he could never pray to copy, her arm moves to allow her small fingers touch his wrist lightly. Alexei's pulse goes so quickly he can barely breathe.
"...And...?"
"And..." A smile plays on her mouth. It's a gesture that he's learned to interpret- she is trying her best not to laugh at him. He's gotten used to being teased like this, but he still cannot help the small flush that colors his face from her touch. "And I believe that it would not be out of line to ask if you accompany me to the Tea Garden in three days time." Alexei looks slightly disappointed. He's been to the Tea Garden before for lunch a few times before meetings. Going there signals to him that they have an official diplomatic meeting.
"Of course," he responds complacently. "I would never mind..."
"And afterwards, Alexei-kun, why don't we go see a movie?" The smile is still on her mouth, and she waits for the lights to connect. If they go to a movie, there is no meeting afterwards. If there is no meeting... Alexei's eyes widen.
"A... movie?"
"Yes." She makes a chopsticks motion. "Food... and then..." She drops her hand. "A movie. With subtitles," she adds delicately as an after thought. Alexei's hand drifts to his scarf. He pulls it upwards and covers his mouth, unable to smother the wide smile he feels like revealing. He takes a breath.
"I... yes. I want to go with you, Sa... Sakura." Her smile is bright with triumph. He looks away from her, unable to cover his embarrassment, or the emotions he wishes to hide so much. "The usual meeting place?"
"Of course, Alexei-kun. I will see you for our date at four."
"It's a quarter to four, Alexei-kun. You're early." Sakura stands before him, head tilted as she peers down at him curiously.
Alexei blinks out of his daze. "Sakura... I... oh. I'm... sorry..." Sakura smiles at him.
"I forgive you for your eagerness," she responds. The smile is back and Alexei can feel some of his worry melt away.
"This is... for you." He offers the potted bamboo and she takes it gingerly. There is genuine surprise and appreciation in her voice.
"Ah... thank you very much. It will look lovely on my bedside table." She grasps the wrist of his coat and tugs him forward with her free hand. There is a mischievous glint in her eye that twists his stomach. He follows complacently and wonders when he'll see her smile again.