Chapter 7 [That Night—Ron's Room
Fresh off of a planning meeting with Nooni and Sensei for the following Friday's feast, Ron definitely felt better about himself. As with the last big feast during the summer, the alumni had volunteered resources and food for the meal. In addition, his ninja classmates had expressed willingness to work with him in the kitchen.
And that was in addition to the successful report and festivities earlier in the day. Granted, the ankle felt better but that was only a small part of the whole deal. The report had gone successfully. (Even Barkin couldn't find much to complain about.) Sensei had been pleased as well.
In addition, the feelings and look from Yori had made the whole thing worthwhile. He knew how she felt—and understood the entire 'she likes me-likes me' deal. Yes, he still felt the butterflies in his stomach and a surge of nervous energy rode up and down his spine. The big sappy smile still earned snickers when people thought he wasn't watching. Yet, the warmth in her eyes and the faith she had in him negated all of that.
This is SO cool! Wish that we weren't so far from KP and Rick but this is SO cool! He opened his door to find a surprise sitting on his bed: a small white stuffed monkey with a cellophane bag of sugar cookies in its paws. He rolled his eyes, trying to think who'd left it there. Noting that Rufus was munching away peacefully on his chips, Ron glanced around the room and then across the hall. "Love the monkey!"
"I am so glad to hear that, Ron San," Yori answered before joining him there. "That is your Chanukah present. Do you like it?"
He considered the monkey for a minute before assuring her, "It's bondiggity—just like you. Today's been so cool!"
"That is good to hear." She smiled warmly at him. "Try the cookies. I made them for you."
He opened the bag and bit into one of the sugar cookies, letting the powdery sugar on top settle on his tongue. "Mmm…these are awesome! Nooni helped you with these. She had to."
She shook her head. "I baked them by myself. You are influencing me." She rubbed his shoulder. "I hope your present will help with your feelings toward monkeys, Ron San."
"I've got Chippy for that but thanks," he replied while handing a banana to the monkey in question. "Don't make a mess now."
Chippy unpeeled the fruit and dropped the peel in the trash can.
"Thanks, Dude," Ron expressed before turning back to his GF.
"I just wanted to thank you for sharing your holiday with us," she expressed while taking his hands in her own. "And for letting me participate in the candle lighting this afternoon."
He let her see the warmth in the gentle chocolate brown eyes. "Thanks for sharing with me." He embraced her and they shared a heartfelt kiss. "Thanks for the cool present."
She blushed. "It is my pleasure." Perhaps it was the holiday thing but she felt more at ease than she had in a long time.
But neither would think of that on that night. They didn't want to ruin the mood.