Ok. Another thank you to StrawberryDream15 and MusicalAnimeFreak for reviewing. My chief advisor kanakokiriha says I shouldn't upload chapters so fast but as a new year present to all readers of 'Rough Diamond', I have. Have a happy new year!
The day after Sakura had revealed her unhappy past to Hanabusa she seemed to soften a little. She didn't glare so much at other students and actually said 'Hi' to the members of group A. She made polite conversation with Ichigo and occasionally smiled. Telling her secret also seemed to have had a positive impact on her baking. During class Sakura made a delicious almond cake that was light and fluffy and had a unique taste. Sensei was delighted at her progress and praised her highly.
After class, Hanabusa invited Sakura to picnic with him in the rose garden. Sakura accepted and together they packed the remains of Sakura's cake and a few apples. Sakura and Hanabusa sat cross legged opposite each other.
'We're kind of the same, you know.' said Hanabusa suddenly.
Sakura raised her eyebrows questioningly. 'How so?' she asked.
'My father died as well.' replied Hanabusa and proceeded to tell her about his father and the precious bottle of rosewater. (For those who didn't watch the episode about the rosewater, Hanabusa's dad died delivering Hanabusa rose water. There was a car accident.)
Hanabusa started getting teary eyed. On impulse, Sakura leant forward and kissed Hanabusa's cheek and whispered 'Don't cry.' softly into his ear. Hanabusa immediately stopped crying and started blushing instead. Sakura started blushing too. She had no idea why she'd kissed Hanabusa's cheek. Hanabusa quickly regained his composure.
'I didn't mind that.' he said with a cheeky smile. Sakura slapped him playfully and told him to be quiet.
She steered the topic back to school in an attempt to hide her awkward feelings. They talked for a while about cakes and the rest. Then Hanabusa randomly commented that Sakura was like a porcupine. Sakura was puzzled and rather miffed.
'Why on earth am I like a porcupine?' she asked him angrily.
'You've grown spikes to protect yourself.' he answered. Sakura pondered for a while then said 'Yeah. In the orphanage I had to be tough. There was never enough food and some of the older kids would try to get my food. I guess after five years in that hellhole those spikes kinda became part of me.'. Then Hanabusa announced that it was getting late and that they should be going. Sakura brushed the dirt off her knees and stood up. Hanabusa slid his hand into hers. Sakura told him to let go but he wouldn't. In the end, Sakura gave up and let him hold her hand. They had almost arrived at the main building when a group of girls barred their way. It was Alicia and her minions.
'Oh, my, my, my. It's the loser and Hanabusa. Aw, isn't that cute! Hanabusa's holding hands with the loser!' she said nastily as she noticed Hanabusa and Sakura were hand-in-hand. 'Hanabusa, you can do so much better than a loser like her! Don't you know she's a talentless charity case?' she said addressing Hanabusa. Hanabusa glared at her. 'You're wrong. Sakura's at least a million times better than you are. She's way nicer too!' Alicia sniffed. 'If you continue to behave that way, I'll have my uncle revoke your scholarship.' she snarled and flounced off, followed by her little army.
Sakura stood shaking. 'What a b****! 'muttered Hanabusa to himself. Then he noticed Sakura was shaking. 'Do you think Alicia could really get Henri sensei to revoke my scholarship?' asked Sakura in a small voice.
'I honestly don't know.' answered Hanabusa despairingly.
Together they walked to the main building still hand-in-hand.