Again she finds herself being dragged along by the hand, and she is not protesting.
She finds, also, that while she still cannot quite stomach the idea of legwarmers, she does not mind so much the clashing colors of his outfit or his eyebrows.
Okay, so maybe, sometimes, she still dreams of waxing them and then molesting him, but they were growing on her.
They were always growing it seems…
Sometimes, when she is alone and Naruto is off getting stronger and she cannot find Ino anywhere for a girls' night, she accepts Lee's invitations.
Sometimes, she even thinks she could be happy with him.
"Sakura-san! It is so wonderful to see you looking young and beautiful in these stressful times!" He offers his arm and she only hesitates a second before accepting.
"Oh, Lee-kun, don't be silly, I've been working all day and look about like Naruto does after wrestling Gamabunta. Thank you anyway," she grins and pokes his side with her free hand.
"Ice cream, Sakura-san?" Lee asks hopefully.
He is very good company. And you are alone, right now…
"Sure, Lee-kun."
She licks the vanilla ice cream as it begins to drip down the cone. With the heat that was assaulting them, it feels so good.
Bet he would feel better.
A light blush appears on her face at the thought…though it is probably right.
She watches him a moment, totally absorbed in making sure not one chocolate chip escapes from his minty cone of youth. Barely containing her unladylike snicker, she turns her head away from him, gaining his attention.
"Ne, Sakura-san?" he asks innocently, licking some green from his lips as he does so.
"You know, Lee-kun, you don't have to use the san. We have known one another for years, and Naruto has always called me Sakura-chan. I do think we are rather more than friends anymore."
At the last statement, his already-wide eyes seem to expand impossibly, and Sakura is sure he has stopped breathing.
Sometimes, she forgets he is older than her when he smiles like that. When she can see him brighten and be overcome with that joy, she truly believes that she could possibly love him someday.
A none-too-distant someday…
She almost nods at her thought. This is true.
She leans over to kiss the corner of his mouth and revels in this feeling she inspires in this wonderful, beautiful person.
I will do my best to make you happy because you so deserve it.
She also makes a note to hide all the bowls next time a haircut is due.