"LEE! Tsunade, what is going on?" Sakura yelled as she set eyes on the first contestant.
"Lee was one of the volunteers and you know what is going on. Remember, it's only one date." Tsunade said, hoping her desk made it through. Sakura was eyeing it vengefully.
"Ok - You're right. I just need to calm down and take this as it comes. Give it a chance. Forgive me Lee. I am still trying to let this all process. I just found out about this whole thing and am still trying to let it all sink in." Sakura said, shocking everyone in the room.
"Th-that's ok Sakura-chan. Your youthful bloom with only shine brighter once this is over!" Lee announced rather loudly.
"I'm sure it will. Let's go. What do you have planned?" Sakura asked as they walked out of the Hokage tower.
"Well Sakura-chan, I have it all planned out. Training until we drop then dinner on the training field! I packed our dinner." Lee said giving a thumbs up and smile that would put Gai to shame.
"Sounds great. Let's go."
As they walk, Lee was actually silent, much to Sakura's shock. After about ten minutes, she figured something had to be wrong. "Are you okay, Lee?"
"I am fine my youthful blossom. Why do you ask?" Lee said with his normal enthusiasm without the jumping. Almost eerily calm for Lee.
"You just seem quiet. You are usually so hyper. I just wondered."
"I am fine just trying to be a little more agreeable. I asked TenTen for tips and she said you would find this a lot more pleasant. Her words were to keep my youthful flame burning bright in a less loud way! I find my constant headache lessening…"
"Tenten said 'youthful flame'?"
"No, she said 'obnoxiously loud enthusiasm' but I see it as youthful flame! It's what makes me me." Lee said, still grinning.
"And you are a special breed Lee. There aren't many guys like you out there." Sakura said, smiling at Lee. He could see sincerity in her eyes and grinned inward to himself. She had real grown up. She no longer saw appearances but the person inside. He wasn't sure if he would be her choice, but he knew she would choose based on the man inside and not the exteriors. It was a comforting thought to know she would be happy and choose well.
"Thank you, Sakura-chan. You really are something special. Speaking of special, did you hear what Neji did to Naruto?"
"No, I didn't. This has got to be good."
"Neji gave Naruto a stick and told him it was special like him. He said if he hit people with it, it would give them immediate strength and luck!"
"He didn't believe him? Tell me he didn't believe him."
"Oh, he believed him and went around hitting people on the back of their heads. Everyone was so mad but found it hilarious all the same!"
"How did he find out differently?"
"He decided the Hokage needed a pick-me-up. I am surprised you didn't hear her scream! Naruto was luck to make it out of that one!" At this point both were rolling in laughter, trying to control themselves.
They walked into the training ground and the first thing Sakura noticed was the basket under the tree. True to his word, Sakura could see the brilliant dinner Lee had made. But, training came first. They sparred for hours before finely sitting down to dinner. At this point it was very late but Sakura hated to stop as Lee was helping her sharpen her Tai-Jitsu. He would give her a point here or there, show her a better come back and give her tips to increase her speed. If nothing else, Sakura knew this brought them closer as friends.
Lee started unpacking dinner. He had made tempura, Sashimi (in an iced container to keep it cold), Umeboshi Onigiri and Fresh Fruit. All her favorites. He had them in neat bentos just waiting to be ate.
"I hope you like it. I'm not the best cook."
"It's great Lee. It really is."
They sat and ate for wait seem like ages, talking about various things before Lee walked Sakura home.
"Thank you for a nice evening Lee. I really did enjoy it."
"It was my pleasure Sakura-chan. I'll see you around. Maybe you'll be up for another spar when this whole thing is over. I could really help you with your speed training!" Lee said, flashing her a thumbs up and grin.
"That sounds great! Goodnight Lee." Sakura said.
"Goodnight Sakura."
Sakura was woke up the next morning by pounding on the door and yelling. "Sakura, get your butt down here and let me in. I want a mother/daughter chat and I brought breakfast." Tsunade yelled from her front door.
"I'm coming!" Sakura yelled back. Sakura quickly rushed to her front door, in fear it would be broke down otherwise.
"Good Morning! How are you? I brought breakfast." Tsunade claimed as she walked into Sakura's house, laying out the food on the table. "Here, coffee. It'll help wake you up."
"Thank's Oka-san. Now, what is the really reason you came here this early?"
"How was last night?"
"It was enjoyable. I wrote out all the details for you as asked." Sakura claimed as she handed Tsunade a scroll. Tsunade quickly read through it.
"Impressive. Your next date will be this evening."
"Who?"
"Well, It's…."
"Wait," Sakura interrupted, "Before you continue, Sasuke is not on that list, right?"
"No Sweetheart. I figured him being entered into ICU once was enough. You got your point across. So when he came to me, I told him to get lost."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome Sweetie. So today's date is…."
CLIFFHANGER! WHO WILL THE NEXT GUY BE. REVIEW AND GIVE ME YOUR OPINION WHO SHOULD BE NEXT!
