acclimation; 25.) childish—
"Ino-sensei," Vana sighed, staring at Maji and Megumi before her. They were standing close, not touching, but occasionally bumping into each other as they walked.
They had just completed their mission near the border of the Land of Fire. A farmer's livestock was constantly being attacked by wild animals, and Team Ino had been sent to take care of the problem. It was an easy job, even if it did take several days to find and trap the attackers, and they were currently on their way to the hot springs.
"Yes?"
"Do you think I'll ever fall in love?" Vana asked with a downcast look on her face.
"What? You're only thirteen! You have plenty of time to fall in love!"
"But…Shikamaru-sensei doesn't even notice me." She blew out a huff of air.
Ino couldn't help a laugh. "First crushes never go the way you want them to, but don't worry. You'll find your prince charming someday!"
"How can you saw that?" Vana threw her a questioning look. "You're twenty-three and you don't even have a steady boyfriend!"
"Eh!" Ino was taken aback. She sputtered, trying to formulate a witty retort, but Vana interrupted her.
"I mean, look at Maji and Megumi!" She pointed towards her teammates walking some ways in front of them. "It's so obvious they like each other, but they're not doing anything about it! I don't even think I've ever seen them hold hands!"
"Vana, everyone's relationship moves at a different pace. You don't have to rush things, you know."
"Ugh, I just want to be special to someone."
You and me both, Ino thought, the sudden image of spiky, black hair and lazy eyes flashing through her mind. She shook her head of the notion and said, "Aw, cheer up! Maybe you'll meet someone at the hot springs." She winked at her student.
Vana immediately brightened. "Shikamaru-sensei and his team are going to meet us there, right?"
"Uh, yes, but that's not what I meant—"
"Well, what are you waiting for? I have my prince charming to meet!" The genin took off at a run, blowing past her teammates.
"Vana! Wait up!"