Ok this one is proving to be such a challenge to me. Not only have I not written a story about this guy, but I've never even read a story about this couple together. Well, with that said wish me luck.
I don't own Naruto
" Oh Kami! It's them! It's really them! "
" Who Ino? It's who?"
" You know Sakura, sometimes I wonder how you became popular in the first place. You are so behind on all the good stuff. "
" Just answer the question. "
" It's fire High's new football team. Never in my three years here have a seen a better looking group of guys. I mean not one of them is unattractive. Oh what I'd give to be surrounded by all of them at once. " Sakura looked over at Ino then at the group of guys. Well, she could admit that they were all kinda cute, but none of them seemed all that great. No one really stood out. Just what was so special about them? Sakura even knew some of them from middle school.
As the guys all walked into the cafeteria they all began to crowd at one table. Sakura thought that it was finally over, but then two more players walked in. That's when Sakura's eyes went wide. Now there was someone to drool over. He was perfect. Sakura thought that she felt her heart stop. She was brought out of her dream world when Ino spoke.
" Ah, I was wrong. Not all the guys on the football team is hot. There's a fatty. I wonder how he got on the football team? He doesn't even look like he can keep up. I bet he gets all tired and out of breath just after running for five minutes. " Ino started laughing at her own comment, but Sakura just stared at her. Who was she talking about and what was so funny? Sakura shrugged her shoulders and went back to watching the man of her dreams as he and some other guy stood in the lunch line.
" I see someone has caught your eyes Sakura. You want me to call him over here?" Sakura turned and looked at Ino with wide eyes.
" Are you crazy Ino? A guy like him would never want to go out with a girl like me. I'm fine just watching him from a distance."
" What are you talking about Sakura? You're like one of the hottest girls here. Any guy would be so lucky. I don't blame you though. Sai is hot. He looks just like Sasuke in a way. I guess you do have some good taste after all."
" Is that his name? Sai? For some reason that name just doesn't fit him. He just doesn't look like a Sai to me. I think he's hot though. " Sakura frowned as she thought about the name.
" I'm gonna call him over. "
" NO!!...Ino no. I want to meet and talk to him on my own. Please don't mess it up. Just leave it to me. "
" Yeah Yeah, what ever forehead. Don't blame me if he's taken by someone else because you took too long just to talk to him." Ino rolled her eyes and Sakura did the same before they both got up and left the cafeteria.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
Sakura sat in class with her chin in her hand. The teacher wasn't really talking about anything she didn't already know about so she was bored. It wasn't until there was a knock at the door that she perked up.
" Ah, come in. Class, as I'm sure you all know, the schools spring festival is coming up soon so things around here will be a bit busier than usual. Some of the kids on the festival committee have come to recruit new members. If you would like to join please do so. Also if you want to recommend someone just raise your hand.
Sakura's eyes went wide yet again. He...was on the festival committee? Four guys and two girls walked in the class, but Sakura only paid attention to one. Suddenly Sakura was shoved from behind. She turned around and glared at Ino.
" Don't push me Ino. "
" Sorry, but look, it's Sai. "
" I know I know. I can't believe he's on the festival committee. "
" I know he doesn't look like the type that would be into that kind of stuff. " Sakura nodded then turned back around just in time to hear one of the girls ask...
" So is anyone interested in Joining? " Three boys in Sakura's class raised their hands, but Sakura didn't. She wasn't sure if she should.
" Idiot, why didn't you raise your hand? You're gonna miss your chance. "
" Shut up Ino. I know that, but...but.."
" But nothing. Go for it. " Sakura shook her hand and looked down. She may have been popular, but she never acted like it. She was just like any normal girl. Ino frowned.
" Tch...you're hopeless. " Ino said then looked down to.
" If you have any recommendations please tell us and we will consider them as well. " When Ino heard this she looked up and smiled. Before Sakura knew anything Ino had her hand up.
" Yes, you ma'am. Do you want to recommend someone? " The girl asked and Ino nodded and stood up.
" Yes, I would like to recommend Haruno Sakura " Sakura froze
" What year is she in and what is her class number? "
" Why don't you ask her? She's sitting right here. She really wants to be on the festival committee, but she was too shy to raise her hand. " Ino pointed to Sakura with a smile then sat back down. All Sakura could do was look up at the boy she liked so much and to her surprise he was smiling right at her.
" Is that true Haruno? Would you like to join? " Sakura's heart was racing. He...he was talking to her. After staring for a moment she nodded her head.
" Ok! Meet me today after school in the library and I'll have all the information you need so that we can get started. If you don't see me just tell the librarian that you will be waiting for Akimichi Chouji. Remember my name ok? " Sakura nodded yet again. She was a bit shocked. She thought that his name was Sai? Well, Chouji fit him so much better.
Once the six committee members left Sakura smiled. He spoke to her! Chouji was talking to her! Sakura was so happy now, that nothing could ruin her day.
" Poor Sakura. Sai didn't say a word. I'm sorry you got stuck with that fatty. It's so embarrassing isn't. I would just die if I were you."
" Huh? Ino what are you talking about?"
" You know. That fat guy, Chouji or what ever. Everyone is gonna laugh at you for having to be around someone like him. " Sakura looked at Ino. She never knew just how shallow Ino was until just then. Sakura didn't comment on what Ino had just said. It didn't matter what Ino or anyone else thought...right? She turned around in her chair. She would just forget about what Ino said. Besides, she would be going to see Chouji later on. That was enough to bring a smile back to her face.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sakura opened the library door and looked around. Her heart was racing as she became more and more anxious about being alone with Chouji, but when she looked around she didn't see him. She did as he told her and walked up to the librarian.
" Excuse me Ma'am? Is Akimichi Chouji here? I'm suppose to be meeting him here. "
" Ah, yes! He told me that you would be coming. He just stepped out to get something he left in class so he will be back shortly. You can wait for him at his regular table. It's in the far right corner in the back. You'll know it when you see it. I think he has a bag of flaming hot chips sitting there." Sakura smiled and bowed to the librarian then walked to the back.
Just as the librarian said there was a bag of chips on a table and sitting next to it was a bottle of water. Sakura sat down in the seat across from it and waited. It was only about seven minutes later when she heard the library door open. Even before she was sure it was Chouji her heart rate sped up. Not once in her life had she ever felt that nervous while in the presence of a guy. Perhaps it really was because she didn't think that a guy like him would want a girl like her.
It wasn't that she thought she was ugly. No, it was that she was a very popular girl and he was one of those nice normal guys. He was sweet looking and smiled a lot. He wasn't like all those popular guys. Like Sasuke or Zabuza who looked down their nose at people. He gave off a warm and inviting aura. Plus he was Kawaii! He had a wonderful smile, sexy almond shaped eyes, and some chubby cheeks, but what she liked the most was that he was a big man and he could make her feel safe.
To be held in those huge arms would be like a dream come true for Sakura.
" Hey! So I see you came. Did I keep you waiting too long?"
" No...n-not at all! I just made it a little while ago. "
" Oh, ok cool! Well, lets get started. This could take a while so I hope you don't have anything important planed. Like maybe a date?"
" Huh? "
" Nah, I'm just joking. I'm sure you wouldn't give up on a date just to spend time with me. " Sakura just laughed.
" No...no date today. "
" Good because then I would feel guilty. "
" No, even if I did you shouldn't feel any guilt. I chose to come here on my own right? " Chouji smiled at Sakura and she thought that she could just melt.
They were in there for about 45 minutes but she just couldn't concentrate on what he was talking to her about. It seemed like no matter how hard she tried she just couldn't stop looking at his lips. Even when he would stop talking and pop a chip in his mouth she would stare.
" ...Sakura...?" She didn't hear anything.
" Sakura...?" Still she was caught up in her fantasy world.
" SAKURA!!" She jumped and almost fell out of her chair. He chuckled.
" You ok? You seem a little distracted. How about we call it a day? We can pick up where we left off tomorrow. "
" O-Ok. "
" Come on I'll walk you home. "
" No, it's ok. I kinda live far away from here. I can manage on my own. "
" It's no problem. I want to make sure you get there safely. "
" A-Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother. " Chouji picked up his school bag and Sakura did the same. He walked over to her and placed his arm around her shoulder.
" You worry too much. Lets go. " Sakura blushed at the contact, but smiled then they left the school.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What was only suppose to take a few hours of paper work took three days. It was all Sakura's fault since she just couldn't concentrate, but Chouji didn't complain not once. He would just say that they could finish the next day. Spending time with him after school for three days straight was the best thing that could ever happen to Sakura, but it wasn't going exactly how Sakura thought it would.
Chouji didn't act the way she thought he would. She liked him and really wanted to be with him, but he only treated her like a friend or a little sister. Sakura looked over at him as he tried to explain some of the plans for the festival. He looked up and noticed that, yet again, she wasn't listening.
" Hey Sakura, you want to go somewhere? "
" Huh? "
" Well, it seems like the library isn't the the best place for you so I figured we should just go somewhere else. "
" Like were Chouji?"
" How about...well, I...don't...know. " Sakura giggled.
" Ok! Well, it doesn't need to be somewhere loud and crowded, but no where as quiet as this place. What would be a good place? " Just then Sakura's stomach growled. She looked up at him with a nervous smile. He chuckled.
" How about we go somewhere where we can concentrate and grab a bite to eat? " Sakura nodded and they got up.
They made it to the restaurant and took a seat in the back. Soon a waiter came and took their order. Sakura ordered a plate of french fries and Chouji had a burger.
" You ready now Sakura? We need to go over the ideas and I would like to know of any ideas you might have. " Sakura nodded and finally, after all that time, she started to get into what the plans for the festival should be. It was three weeks away and they had to decide on the theme then prepare everything. They had a lot of work ahead of them, but what Sakura was looking forward to was spending all that time with Chouji.
They stayed there talking about the festival for a long time and finally deciding on a parade then a date auction. It would be fun. All the money collected would be donated to the local orphanage. Chouji even said that he would get all the guys on the football team to participate. That way lots of girls would want to come and bid for a date. Now all that was left was to set things up.
By the time they were done deciding on everything it was dark outside so he walked her home again. She looked up at him then down at her feet and up again. When he looked down at her she quickly turned her head like she wasn't looking.
" What? "
" Huh? What are you talking about Chouji? "
" Nothing. Never mind. " She looked up at him again and he quickly looked down at her.
" What? You were just looking at me. I saw you. What is it? "
" I wasn't looking at you. "
" Oh really? Then what were you just looking at? "
" I-I...I was looking at...that...tree...over there. "
" Liar " He chuckled
" I'm so not lying. It's the truth. That tree was really interesting."
" Ah, I see, and it doesn't make any difference that we aren't around any trees right now huh? " Sakura looked away to hide her embarrassment. They walked in silence for a while.
" So...really...what was it Sakura? I could tell that you either wanted to say something or ask me something. So? "
" Eeetoo...Chouji...I know this is gonna sound really weird, but I...well, do you have a girlfriend or...maybe someone you like? " He raised an eyebrow.
" Were did that come from Sakura? "
" Well, you know...I just wanted to know is all. "
" Ah, I see. Well, the answer to the first question is no. I don't have a girlfriend. As for the second one...well, I don't know. I guess up until now I've been too busy to think about that. So...I don't guess so. Maybe. " Sakura just nodded and looked down.
" So what about you Sakura. Someone you like? I bet it's one of the guys on the football team right? "
" Wha...h-how did you know? Who told you? Was it Ino? "
" Wait...wait. Calm down. No one told me anything, but at least I know the answer to my question now. "
" Yeah...well, I don't think that he likes me though. He isn't into girls like me. "
" How do you know? Did he tell you that he didn't like you? "
" Well...no,but lets just say, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that he's not into me. " Chouji just looked at Sakura for a moment then put his arm around her shoulder.
" Don't give up just yet Saku. Give it some time and try to tell him how you feel. You never know, he might just feel the same way after all. " Sakura looked up at Chouji and she felt her heart flutter.
" Yeah, you're right Chouji. I might just take your advice on that. "
" Good...and if he says something bad and makes you cry just come and tell me. I'll kick his ass. " Chouji's words both comforted and saddened Sakura. She was happy that he cared enough to want to defend her, but sad because that meant that he didn't even consider his self to be the guy she liked.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sakura and Chouji had become so close over just a small amount of time. It had only been a week since Sakura joined the festival committee, but they were already close. She still hadn't told Chouji about her feelings and he still treated her like a little sister, but as long as she could stay by his side she was happy. Since they didn't have to stay after school that much any more, sometimes Sakura would stay and watch him at football practice. He was very good and his skills couldn't have been any farther away from what Ino had said.
The members had all decided to start making preparations for the festival that next Monday coming up. From that point on they would have two weeks left to have everything complete. That would be more than enough time. They planed on turning the gym into a dining hall where the dates after the auction would take place. Sakura was looking forward to it. She was hoping that Chouji would be in the auction so that she could bid on him. If he did she would tell him how she feels that night during their date.
The next day Sakura had to be at home early so Chouji didn't get to walk her home, but he told her that he would pick her up for school the next morning.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -
" Hey Chouji I was just about to come over to your house so we could head to school together. What are you doing up so early? "
" Hey Shikamaru! I promised Sakura that I'd walk with her this morning since she had to go home alone yesterday."
" Ah, yeah, I forgot that you had a girlfriend now. That was a bit of a shock, all of a sudden, ya know? All this time you didn't have a girlfriend then just one day out of the blue, you do. One of the pretty and popular ones at that. I envy you Chouji. "
" What are you talking about Shikamaru? Sakura's not my girlfriend. She's more like an adorable little sister. "
" Could've fooled me. You two spend more time together than any other brother and sister I know. Plus her feelings for you are a little deeper than a sister's is suppose to be for her brother to."
" What? "
" Open your eyes Chouji. It's plain to see. She likes you. "
" I think you're seeing things Shikamaru. She already told me that she likes someone. "
" Yeah? Who is it? "
" It's...she...I...I don't really know. She didn't say his name. "
" Like I thought. And you never stopped even once to consider yourself right? "
" Well...no. That's impossible anyway. She hasn't shown any signs of liking me since I met her. We're just friends. "
" Ah. Well, why don't you try asking some of her friends who the mystery guy is."
" Whatever Shikamaru. Tch...I'm late. Did you want to walk with me to meet her? "
" Nah, you go ahead. I'll see you at school. "
" Alright, well, I have to go. I'll catch you later Shikamaru. " With that said Chouji took off towards Sakura's house. Shikamaru just stood there and watched him as he disappeared.
" Tch...Chouji Chouji Chouji...after all this time you still can't realize your own feelings. Maybe this girl will make you see. She likes you. I can see it in her eyes. You just have to do the same. " Shikamaru mumbled then smiled and walked off the porch to head to school.
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When Chouji made it to Sakura's house he saw her in the distance about to cross the street. He called out for her to wait for him and she stopped. She turned around and smiled at him and for a moment he couldn't move. What was that feeling he felt just then? Damn that Shikamaru for putting absurd thoughts in his mind.
" Chouji! I didn't think that you would be able to make it since you were late so I decided to just go on my own. Well? What are you waiting on? Come on or we'll be really late. " Chouji shook his head and smiled then trotted over to her.
" What took you so long Chouji? Another five minutes later and you would have missed me."
" Oh, I got caught up in talking to Shikamaru. He wanted to walk to school with me. "
" Well, how come he didn't come with you? "
" I have no idea. I asked him if he wanted to walk with you and me, but he just said that he would see me at school."
" Oh...ok. " It was quiet as they walked for a while.
" Oh, I know what I wanted to ask you Chouji! Are you gonna be in the auction? "
" Nah, I think I'll sit this one out. "
" But why? I think you'll have a lot of girls biding for you. " Chouji blushed, but turned his head so that Sakura couldn't see it. He placed his fist up to his mouth and made a coughing noise then spoke.
" I-I don't really care ifa lot of girls bid for me or not. "
" Oh. Well, you never know. I might have bid a little something something on you...just to make it fun." Chouji's heart began to race. It couldn't be true. Could what Shikamaru said be true?...Nah, she was just trying to be nice.
" Y-You know, that would turn out really weird if you did that. I mean, what if you were the only one who bid on me or...or what if you actually won? You would have to go out on a date with me. Otherwise it would just be a waste of your money. " Chouji smiled nervously.
" Would that be so weird? We are friends after all. I think it would be fun. " They didn't look at or talk to each other for the rest of the way to school after Sakura's last statement. Once they got there Chouji said that he had to go and meet up with his coach so the two of them went their separate ways. During the day Sakura noticed that Chouji was starting to avoid her. She would see him, but when she called his name he would act as if he didn't hear her then walk in the opposite direction. Every time it happened it broke Sakura's heart just a little bit more.
Chouji was so very confused. He didn't know if he should just forget about their awkward conversation this morning or just ask her about it straight out. Until he got his head together he decided to not see her. He heard her calling him all those times that day, but he didn't want to seen weird around her or treat her any different. He walked around the school almost like a zombie as he thought about what he wanted to do.
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chouji was coming down the empty school hall and about to turn a corner when he heard some voices.
' Sakura? ' He thought as he stood there. ' but who else is that with her? ' He peeped around the corner then quickly leaned back against the wall. Sakura was with a guy. For some reason his chest felt tight and his heart sped up. He didn't mean to eavesdrop, but he just couldn't move. He just listened on.
" So Sakura can we go out after school? "
"...I...I'm sorry Kimimaro, but...I have some things I have to do after school. "
" Then are you free this weekend? "
" Kimimaro...I just can't. I have someone that I like already. Sorry. "
" Who? It's that guy Sai from the football team right? I heard people talking bout it around the school. " Chouji felt his heart sink when there was silence, but if he had been looking he would have seen her shake her head no. He didn't want to hear any more. Just when he turned around to go back the way he had just come from he bumped into someone.
" Oww."
" Sorry...sorry "
" Hey fa...uhh Chouji, what were you doing just now? Where you just listening in on Sakura's conversation?"
" Uhhh...n-no. I was just standing there. How do you know my name? "
" You mean you don't remember me? Figures. I'm Ino! Sakura's best friend. "
" Oh. Well, I'm gonna go. " Chouji walked around Ino and began to walk away.
" You want to know right? Who it is that Sakura likes. " Chouji stopped, but he didn't turn around. He nodded his head and Ino smiled.
" It's Sai. The fist time that she saw him was when he and you walked in the cafeteria together one day last week. Then she saw the both of you again that day I recommended her to join the festival committee. You like her don't you? I'm really sorry. "
" No...I'm sorry. " With that said Chouji walked away from Ino. Only seconds later Sakura and Kimimaro walked to the end of the hall. She said bye to the white haired boy then turned to Ino.
" Hey Ino! Oh was that Chouji? I've been trying to catch up with him all day. "
" What for? Wouldn't you rather find Sai? "
" Sai? What is up with everybody thinking that I like this...Sai person? Wasn't that what I called Chouji at first?" Sakura mumbled as she asked herself those two questions. " Anyway, why did Chouji leave?"
" I don't know. After I told him that you liked Sai he just left. "
" You...d-did what? Ino no...I don't like any guy named Sai. "
" Bu...bu...but I thought that you fell in love with him at first sight? "
" I never said that! I wasn't looking at that guy. I was looking at Chouji. Ino I like Chouji. Can't you see that? Now, I'll never be able to date him. I told you to stay out of my love life Ino. " Ino was speechless. All she could do was watch as Sakura ran away from her.
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Two weeks had passed and Sakura hadn't seen or even heard from Chouji. She would wait on him after school, go to his house before school, she even went to his football practices, but she always seemed to just miss him. He was mad. He had to be. Otherwise he would have been right by her side no matter what. She missed him and wanted to see him, but he was no where to be found.
The spring festival went on as planed. First they had a parade that afternoon and then around seven that night the date auction started. That was the first time that Sakura had seen Chouji in a while and she was so happy that he decided to participate. He looked damn good that night. Turns out that Sakura wasn't the only girl that liked Chouji after all, but in the end she was more determined than any of the other girls to win.
The auction went great! They raised over 1,000 dollars in donation money that night. Needless to say that most of it came from the bids on the football players. Now it was time for the dates. All the couples gathered at the doors to the gym then two by two they were showed to their seats. At first Sakura didn't see Chouji, but right at the last minutes she saw both Ino and Shikamaru pulling him towards her. Sakura was happy, but not so much since Chouji still wouldn't make eye contact with her.
" Chouji?...Chouji why are you being so cold to me? If you're gonna be mad at least tell me what I did wrong. "
" Shouldn't you be hear with Sai? " That was it. Sakura was sick and tired of hearing that name. She didn't even know him for Kami-sama's sake. She grabbed Chouji's hand and pulled him over to the DJ's booth. She asked for the mic and he reluctantly gave it to her.
" Students of Fire High! Listen up because I have something to say. As most of you may know, I am Haruno Sakura." There were loud cheers and hand clapping. She paused until it died down.
" Like I was saying, I'm Haruno Sakura and this is Akimichi Chouji. I just want to let everyone hear know that I am in love with him NOT...that guy named Sai who everyone has been hearing that I like. To be honest I don't even know who he is, but who ever you are, if you are in here, I don't like you. Chouji is the only guy for me and if you don't like it then Oh...the hell, well. " With that said Sakura gave the microphone back to the DJ and turned to look at Chouji.
" I don't know what had you so upset with me Chouji, but I hope that some day you can forgive me for it. All I want is for you to never leave my side. " She looked up at Chouji with worried eyes after she finished.
Chouji was happy! No, he was more than happy. There wasn't even a word that could describe what he was feeling at the moment. He couldn't talk, he didn't know what to say. He could see that Sakura was waiting on him to say something. Anything, but still he just stood there and stared. He was running out of time. He could see it in her eyes. Sakura looked down in defeat. What more could she do?
Just when she'd given up and turned around to leave he pulled her to him and kissed her. Suddenly there was a loud out burst of applause and cheering. It was a happy moment for everyone in the gym, but for the two of them things were silent. At that moment they were the only two left in the world. No one else mattered.
Nothing else mattered.
Wow! I can admit that this chap was one of those were it was just touch and go, but I think it turned out well. It was fun! Chouji has never been a big favorite of mine, but after going to look at some of his pictures I found that he is a very cute guy. Not so much when he was young, but after the time skip...Oh Yeah! He isn't as big as he was at first and he is just one of those guys that is cute whether he was chubby or slim. I like him, but...I still like my Shika-pooh better! Anyway, please review and let me know what you thought of this. Well,...BYE!