an: Good news and bad news guys. Good news: this isn't the last chapter! Bad news: THE NEXT ONE IS. And I swear, I am determined to post it May 15th, my birthday. I am sad to announce it, but it's time to come to a conclusion. Thank you for sticking around and being here for the final moments of this fanfiction, it has been a pleasure. Again, I hope this chapter does not disappoint. Please let me know what you think and your final thoughts just before the end. Love you all, I'm so excited and heartbroken to see you all for finale come May 15th. I know I'm ready, how about you?

Like always, please enjoy!

Chapter 23: Curry

It's the rainy season in Konohagakure once again. Mild winds and scattered storms precipitate a few days out of each week. The sun has become a stranger; taking solace behind grey clouds ominously looming over the peaceful village. In most circumstances, I welcome the rain. I rely on it to lull me to sleep after my afternoon readings or during any restless night. However, the later doesn't prove feasible at the present moment. On the contrary, the pellets against my windowpane and occasional rumbling of the heavens have left me in a state of insomnia. Yet, the weather isn't completely at fault. The past few nights have stolen much of my sleep, where I've found myself recounting the events of that chaotic day in my dreams. My visions have felt so prophetic and lucid; I've woken up with my chest pounding and eyes dilated. Tonight is no different.

Even after drinking a calming herbal tea, I've stared at my bedroom ceiling for so long, I think I can see shadows dancing across it. Maybe they're the ones watching me sleep. It's not a very comforting thought as the tightening of my chest progresses. I can feel myself becoming short of breath and a cold sweat dampening my back. It's enough to make me plead insanity. I feel my option dwindling to one.

In the dead of the night, I hear the bathroom in the hallway become occupied.

I don't think much as I shift out of bed and grab my favorite plush pillow. Pressing it against my unsteady chest I scuttle out into the hallway and stand directly in front of the bathroom door. I gaze down at the thin line of yellow light peeking between the door and floorboards. I wait patiently until I hear flushing and the running sink. My roommate appears to have finished alleviating himself when he opens the door to greet my presence.

For a long minute, his half-asleep circles stare past me. His weighted form sways him a little off-kilter, and he supports his tired self against the doorframe. Rubbing the glue from his eyes, he attempts to speak through a restrained yawn.

"Ah, Yamada-san," my name is spoken so sluggishly, I almost fear for him passing out while standing. I guess that wouldn't be at all surprising. "Were you waiting to use the restroom? I apologize if I took long," a yawn finally breaks his sentence, before recuperating with the smacking of his lips. "I do have a tendency to fall asleep on the toilet at this hour."

I don't give a verbal reply. Without my conscious intent, my hand springs upwards to catch part of his pajama top in an anxious ball.

"Yamada-san?"

At the sound of my name, I press the pillow in my other grasp closer to my burning face. I'm unable to tilt my chin up and address my roommate directly. My current bashful disposition barely allows for me to construct one word, let alone a few.

"P-Please come lay down with me."

"Eh—?" The mush of syllables drag against his lips and stick in the air. With both hands, he begins to rub again at his saucers. "I must still be dreaming. How strange, I really felt like I used the restroom…" a groan escapes him as the same hands smack against his forehead. "This is terrible. I hope I did not use my own bed as a toilet. How will I explain anything to the dry cleaners? I suppose I could blame it on the dog I do not have. Yosh…I am a genius after all."

"Lee-san." I interrupt his monologue, tugging at the fabric still condensed in my hold.

"Oh, that is right. Yamada-san is still here," Lee manages to somewhat acknowledge me, at least, I think he does until his hands begin probing and poking my cheeks. I stifle an embarrassed cry as his large palms squish and stretch my elastic skin, "Yamada-san feels so soft and warm in my dream. She also appears incredibly cute holding onto me and inviting me to go to bed with her." He releases a dream-like sigh; "My mind has outdone itself tonight—what a fiend. I will not be so easily tempted unless it is the real Yamada-san…"

"It is the real me," I break in during his sleep-deprived excavation of my face.

"Oh. I see," His working hands stop completely, and fall at his sides. "Then how about a Genjustu? Would you please tell me I am in one of those?"

I shake my head in response.

It takes another full minute for him to assess the situation, and when it clicks, his dish-like eyes snap open.

"Y-Yamada-san! You must be sick," He's fully awake at this point. I flinch when his touch meets my forehead, flipping from his open palm to the backside of his hand. "You do not feel hot. There must be something else. Did you eat anything that might have upset your stomach? Or perhaps something bad happened to one of your beloved male characters in your books?"

Although my fluster is reaching its peak, I remain as mute as a mouse. I reserve my emotions to the tightening hold on his shirt when another rumble makes the apartment creak. I can almost hear the walls moan, bringing a familiar uneasiness. It takes much of my will to restrain my outstretched hand from shuddering.

"Please…" I plead meekly through the pillow against my mouth.

It's in my second request that my roommate assesses my body language; confirming the state of hopelessness I am wedged in. A calm understanding sinks into my roommate as his once stricken expression relaxes into a paternal smile. He takes the hand clutching so dolefully at him, and guides me back into my bedroom. I lay down on my bed, keeping my comforting hold on my pillow. My roommate turns on my nightstand lamp, and excuses himself briefly. When he returns, he lays a row of pillows between himself and I. My violet hues blink curiously when he lays down on the other side, and props two silly figurines on our pillow barrier as if it were a stage.

"These are action figures from my favorite ninja cartoon show when I was in primary school. They meant so much to me at the time, I never had the heart to throw them away, even when I out grew toys and such." Lee blushes when I make eye contact with him, but he clears his throat to press on. "They were the perfect duo. Together they were positively unbeatable, no matter how strong the enemy was. The only catch was that they could never separate, or else their powers were surely weakened." Lee takes one of the small figurines and hands it to me, while he takes the other. "You can be Yuukon, the most powerful katana wielding master the world has ever seen. And I will be Wuukon, the fastest and strongest melee fighter in all the land."

I giggle at his exuberant introduction, even more so when his preferred figurine shares a striking resemblance.

"And this will be…" my roommate trails with his words, propping himself up in search for something of particular interest. He leans over the side of the bed he occupies to rummage through my end table. He brings up my small personal brush, and wiggles it in the air, "This will be the tyrannical hydra the plagues a lonely country village. They say it plans to bite every villager and turn them into stone!" He fakes a terrified gasp and I almost choke on my struggle to maintain a straight face. "Yamada-san—I mean, Yuukon. We must do something about this. There are innocent lives at stake. What do you say?"

"I say," I release a flurry of giggles, lifting my figurine and trotting it upon the pillow. Taming my laughs, I scrunch up my nose and muster up the deepest voice within me, "We cut it down a size or two."

"That is the spirit," Lee agrees with a laugh of his own.

We begin our ninja story of saving the poor helpless village from the big bad Hydra. Together, we improvise the landscape, dialogue, and sequential fight scenes. As the story progresses, my mind forgets the troubles I had allowed to sit inside me without notice. They seem to escape with each laugh, smile, and intimate glance I share with my company. When the story comes to a happy conclusion, my hand loosens its hold on the action figure, while my eyelids follow suit. With fading awareness, I witness blearily as Lee places both figurines snuggly against my drowsy form. I feel the covers pull over me, and my body sinks farther into the mattress. One by one, the pillow fence is taken down. I pay not mind when the bed creaks, and I sense an intimate touch sweep gently against my cheek.

"….I…l…ve…y..ou…Ya…ada-san."

I hear my roommate's voice distantly in the darkness behind my eyelids. Although I don't understand what he says to me, my heart somehow does, and begins glowing warmly in my chest. It radiates so softly, and continues to do so even when he leaves. Such a kind feeling lingers, cushioning me like a newborn lamb until I fall perfectly asleep.

O o O

The grocery store is a land of pure wonder and mystery. It's a gathering of food in one specific place, all to satisfy your wants and needs. The journey is a long one, especially when there is an aisle stretched and filled with rice of all different cuts and texture. I'm weighing my multiple options; quality, weight, and most importantly—price. Shopping has always been such an arduous thing for me. I'm a person of indecisiveness, which has been clarified on multiple excursions with my best friend to the clothing store with twenty-five percent off retail price. It takes all of my concentration to decide on my purchases at this point. Never before have I realized every penny counts.

"Come in, Yamada-san. Please state your location. Over!"

I hear the abrupt voice of my roommate, sharp and static ridden. Scared nearly half to death, I fumble with the bags of rice in my hands. Clumsily, I reach into the grocery basket and fetch a visibly sized walky-talky. I flick my attention over it awkwardly, before pressing a button and bringing my lips to the receiving speaker.

"Lee-san. I told you I was going to the grocery store," I speak into the foreign contraption and adjust the bags of rice tempting to slip from my hold.

"Yamada-san. Remember you have to say 'over' after you are done speaking. Over." I hear my roommate respond from the electronic box.

"O-oh. Right, sorry." I nod privately to myself before clearing my throat. "You do know this is the fifth time you've called me. I told you where I would be. I think it's a bit much to check up on me so often." I flush for almost forgetting my simple instructions; "O-over."

"It is never to much when your safety is involved, Yamada-san!" His voice rears in extreme resolve. I cower at how loud the static buzzes the air, and I fidget with the volume knob when collective eyes peer over at me. "I made a promise I intend to keep. I am a man of my word and this was the best solution I could come up with. Over."

"I understand, Lee-san. But…"

I heave a weighted sigh, partly regretting humoring my roommate's idea of safety surveillance. At first I thought it was rather comical and endearing, and it still is for the most part. However, it has become a bit of an inconvenience. And truth be told, my nights haven't been bothering me, nor have I had bouts of anxiety. It's made my activities of daily living difficult to maneuver around, and I'm constantly interrupted to attend to my roommate's 'check-ups', for lack of a better term. Apparently, I'm supposed to have it with me at all times. This even applies to when I shower, which prevailed to be an utter disaster.

With the humming of my thoughts and being completely lost underneath the shower head, I hadn't heard the walky-talky. Needless to say, after not answering promptly my roommate thought it was under protective measures to barge in unannounced. My distress at that moment forced me to throw an open container of shampoo at my familiar intruder, essentially blinding the poor thing. After the commotion had settled, it was revealed my roommate came to the conclusion of my conceivable kidnapping. Of course, this is what incited my roommate to take his unreasonable actions.

"Maybe we can talk about another alternative. Something that will satisfy both of us," I say with a half-hearted chuckle. It's hard to mull over my roommate's disposition and not want to smile at his efforts. "Can we discuss it together when you get home, please? Over."

After a pause my roommate replies, "If Yamada-san is not happy, then there is no other choice."

"Lee, who're you talking to?" I hear TenTen's muffled speech in the backdrop. I catch her laugh when my roommate makes some sort of comment that I can't discern from the poor connection, "You're talking to Sho on that thing? Wait…" The static bounces as her voice becomes clearer, and I assume she takes hold of the walky-talky on the other end. "Hey, Sho. How are yah? I hope my idiot teammate isn't bothering you too much. I give you total permission to throw it away in the nearest trashcan."

"Tenten," I chuckle at her comment. "It's fine. Lee-san is…well, being Lee-san. I don't mind it so much. He's trying his best to keep a certain promise, which I appreciate."

"Promise, huh?" Tenten begs the question. "Well, not that it's any of my business what you guys plan to do with this thing. Just don't let him be too pushy! I can give you one of my kunai that I use specifically to threaten him and Neji with. Works every time."

"Oho! What's this now?"

I blink when I catch in the background another individual of eccentric character. A battle seems to ensue when the static jumbles on the other line, and I hear Tenten's cries and wishes for said individual to spare me their presence. I almost jump when a robust male octave graces me over the walky-talky.

"Sho-san! It's been a while, and what a pleasure it is to speak to you again. Over!"

"G-Gai-san?" I sputter with embarrassment at the unexpected guest. "Yes, of course. It's good to speak with you again as well. How are you?"

"Never been better, Sho-san. Every sunrise is an opportunity for perfect health." Gai iterates with his poetic imagery. "Now, for more pressing matters. I just have one request, and that is if you would do me the honor of taking care of Lee not as a shinobi, but as a man. Over!"

"Gai-sensei," I hear Tenten shriek from behind. "That sounds completely wrong!"

"How so? I'm speaking from the heart of all truths. That truth rests in the undeniable maturation of a young man's desire and passion, when he realizes the strength in true love. And from what we have become witness to is that Lee loves—!"

Indistinctive clamor rises like a storm once more, and the static buzzes and whizzes over the line. Voices of various pitch and chatter seem to shake the foundation of conversation. Somehow, I tune in with the panting of my roommate, who has resurfaced as the main operator of the communication line.

"Abort mission, Yamada-san!" Lee announces promptly and lacking in steady breathes. I hear him stutter out the last of his words; "I-I will talk to you about something important when I come home. Over!"

"Hm?"

Before any more conversation can be made, the other line becomes still, and no attempts of contact remain prevalent. I stare down at the walky-talky, shaking it lightly as if these movements will somehow convince it to speak again. With the shrug of my shoulders, I press on.

I come to a stop at another section of an isle. A smile presses against my mouth as I take up a packet of medium-spice curry and place it in my basket. I blush privately to myself and stride forward, humming sweetly as I continue to finish my grocery list.

O o O

"A-ah…it's spicy."

I sniffle and rub my runny nose after having a taste test of my homemade curry. Although I'm no fan of the intense sensation of tingles on my palette, I know a certain someone is. From the very beginning of my grocery trip, I had planned to prepare a 'thank-you' dinner for my roommate; for all that he's done for me, not just the past few days or weeks. I believe it not to be much, but I'm hoping my sentiments will shine through my efforts. I considered that a handmade gesture of gratitude would be most appropriate, and I'm praying my roommate will think so too.

I wipe away a single tear formed by my lack of tolerance, and continue stirring the bubbling pot on the stove. Setting aside the wooden ladle, I scurry to prepare the rice in the steamer. As I work simultaneously around the kitchen area, I do my best to prepare the food and table in a timely manner. I wipe my hands against my cooking apron, fixing my eyes against the stove clock. It's almost six o'clock in the evening. After careful observation for just about a year and a half, my roommate should waltz in at any minute.

As if on cue to my timing that all too familiar green shinobi enters through the apartment door. I blush when my fingers brush against my apron, completely forgetting to take the dirty thing off. With no time left to spare, I brush the pestering thought with a warm greeting towards my company, "Welcome home, Lee-san."

"Yamada-san, please give me a moment of your time!" My roommate bombards me with his energetic entrance. It's so intense; I can see he almost trips on his own soles, before recovering towards me. Only a mere foot away, his fists are raised at his sides, and I don't think they've stopped clenching. "I have something I must tell you," he pauses mid sentence, coming to sniff the herbs and spices wafting in the air. "Is that curry I smell?"

"Mhm," I dip my chin shyly, involuntarily grasping at my wrists. "Since I knew you had training today, I thought I'd surprise you with your favorite food."

"Yamada-san," Lee chokes out my name as if he were about to tear up. Grasping my shoulders tenderly, he hangs his head low, shaking it slightly from side to side. "Why do you do these nice things for me, especially while wearing an apron…" His attention snaps back, and he presses his circular gaze against my features. "I mustn't distract myself. I have something very important to tell you, and that is that I love—!"

I loud rumble erupts from his stomach, completely cutting him off. I blink wildly at the sound, before melting into a spree of giggles, "How about you tell me after dinner?"

"I suppose that is what I will have to do," he comments with a tinge of embarrassment.

With another amused chuckle, I lead us into kitchen. We take our seats at the table and my roommate gives me his proper thanks before taking the first bite.

"This is incredibly good, Yamada-san," my roommate compliments, and doesn't restrain himself from shoveling a few more bites into his mouth. Once he gulps it down, he releases a satisfied breath, "I think you may even make it better than I do, and I cook it often."

"You can't really mean that, Lee-san," I fumble on my words, unable to accept such sincere praise. "It can't be better than yours."

"It is better than mine," Lee proclaims swiftly. "Because you made it for me, Yamada-san."

A pink blush reaches my cheeks, and I senselessly plunge a spoon full of curry in my mouth. I tear and mewl at the prickling spice on my untrained palette. I have to swallow it as fast as I can and reach for my glass of water. It continues to burn and I realize water won't help ease my zesty suffering.

"Do you not like spicy food, Yamada-san?" Lee questions me with concerned interest. "I would feel terrible if I was the only one enjoying dinner."

"N-No, it's not that I don't like it," I come in with struggled composure, finding it difficult to not smack my lips at the intrusive sensation. "I just don't eat spicy foods all that often. I just need some getting used to."

"I see," he smiles, and it's probably due to my silly attempts to mask my strong reaction. "Then I will make it a point to cook a few spicy dishes for you in the future. Milder, of course."

My eyes soften with appreciation, "I would really like that." There's a pause before I speak again, "Thank you, Lee-san."

"Why are thanking me, Yamada-san? It is me who is thankful for taking your time to cook for me."

"Well, I'm just thankful for everything that you've done for me up to this point." I admit. "Especially when you saved me and brought back my father's picture. It means so much; I don't think any amount of curry I cook for you will amount for it."

As I continue to stare at my company, the accumulation of memories play like a silent film behind my eyes. Each second and frame brings a sentimental quiver that settles in my chest.

"You know, Lee-san. Ever since that time, I couldn't help but think…" I smile shyly down at my plate. "How cool you looked; just like a prince."

I tend my sights upward at the last of my sentence. And after a delayed beat, the complexion upon his features turns hotter than the spiced curry we're enjoying. The hand that was casually rested against his cup instantly shatters the glass. I gasp at the fragmented pieces falling upon the table.

"Lee-san, your hand," I speak windily, hoping out of my seat and scurrying to his side of the table.

"My hand is perfectly fine, Yamada-san! I will clean up the glass," his voice strains over a palpable humiliation. As he lifts from his seat, grasping the table with his other supporting hand, a chunk of wood snaps completely off. I rudely stare in astonishment at the lack of effort that was used. "W-Why all of a sudden?" The same clumsy hand that turned the glass cup to dust grasps the back end of the dinning chair. Like an apparent domino affect, the chair snaps and collapses, dragging my roommate's weight with it.

"Oh my goodness," I speak worriedly while staring at my roommate's swirling eyes. I almost attempt to reach to take his hand but the trail of clues are telling me not to. I quickly fetch a metal spatula and extend it towards my roommate. "Let me help you up, Lee-san."

My roommate heeds my request and takes the other end of the cooking utensil. Making an effort to hoist himself up, I almost fly backwards when the metal bends and breaks within an instant.

"I am so sorry, Yamada-san!" My roommate apologies reverently, fastening his hands against his chest. "I do not know why but it seems I cannot control my strength at the moment." He heaves a weighted sigh; "I honestly do want to get up in case I break right through the floors. The neighbors downstairs would not be too happy about that."

"I understand, Lee-san." I can't help but chuckle while staring from my broken spatula down at my self-conscious roommate. Patting down my apron, I join my roommate on the floor at his side. "I guess we'll just have to wait until your hands 'get a grip', huh?"

My terrible joke and lighthearted laugh encourages my roommate to ease his worry, and he sends me a grateful smile.

"Although you said those nice things to me, Yamada-san, I do not think a 'prince' would break kitchen ware and clumsily fall like I have."

I take moment to consider his words, before turning on my cheek and gleaming with an idea. "Then let's test you. The ultimate princely test," I shift to lie on my side, extending a hand towards my roommate. "Any real prince, clumsy as he may be, could never hurt a princess."

"I am not too sure about this," my roommate regards me with uneasy eyes, shifting from my gaze to my outstretched hand.

I draw in my features with a look of reassurance, giving a tiny nod in the process. I see him gulp down the last of his inhibition. His fingertips bump into my palm, before intertwining with mine completely. Our breaths settle, and the only thing that happens is the heat of our palms gently intermingling.

"You passed, Lee-san." I beam brightly. "You are officially one cool-prince."

"Yamada-san," my heart leaps in my chest when my company addresses me so forwardly. It doesn't help when my tangled hand is squeezed with a perceptible yearning. "I wish to tell you something. I have been meaning to say it for a while now, and I do not think I should waste one more second."

"What is it, Lee-san?" I almost choke on my anticipation.

"I want to tell you… that is…I-I mean to say—" now that my full attention is on my company, he begins to dissolve of all confidence and words. His circles begin darting all over the place, and I believe I see traces of steam emitting from his ears. "Y-You see…I love…I-I love—" His saucers clench shut and he raises his voice in embarrassment, "I love curry!"

I blink against his words before welling up with insistent giggles, "I know, that's why I made it for dinner."

My roommate regards me with a look of fault, and whatever embarrassment remains, "Yamada-san, that is not what I was trying to…"

"Don't worry about it, Lee-san. I'll happily make you curry again," I break in with a promising smile. "Now that your hands are back to normal, how about we clean up the kitchen?"

Although my company looks as if he would like to say more, he remains reserved, and acknowledges the mess in need of attending. Once the kitchen area begins to look more presentable, and not as if a small tornado swept through it, I take off my apron.

"I think I'll head out for a bit, Lee-san." I remark, motioning myself to the apartment door. "Thank you for helping me clean up."

"Ah, Yamada-san," Lee hastily makes his was towards me, gracing his touch against my elbow. "Do you think I can join you?" I turn around and gaze at him curiously, forcing his lips to move further. "N-Not to watch you in that sense, but just to keep you company perhaps?"

"I'm sorry, Lee-san." I stare off to the side, unable to face my own method of declining him. "I was hoping to take a stroll by myself and enjoy my own company for a bit. Is that okay?"

"Of course," he submits, although the look of perseverance is right behind his eyes. Restrained as it is, he politely opens the door for me, "Have a nice walk, Yamada-san."

"Thank you," I smile and exit.

When the door closes behind me, I can't help but stumble and support myself against the railing of the apartment complex. I cup my hand against my mouth, staring at absolutely nothing but the pavement below. I wince at the heat rising and settling so hotly in my face. To think...what was he going to tell me? Deep down inside me, I know it really wasn't about his love for curry. So then why is it, although I may know the answer, am I running away?

I lean away from the railing, and take tentative steps down the complex stairs.

Looks like I'm no better.

o o o

Tiny droplets of rain bounce off the top of my brown hair. With a little bit more pep to my step, I settle comfortably beneath a store veranda. I gaze at nothing in particular, seeming lost in my own preoccupied thoughts. Especially thoughts revolving around this odd romantic episode I seem to be playing a part of. I'm one of the main characters in this story, and it's apparent I have no control within the script. Who was the director of this awful love story? Whoever they are, they sure don't want to impress any critics or hit number one at the box office.

"Sho-san?"

Turning over my cheek and internal musings, I spot familiar tones of soft pink and apple green. I blink at my unexpected company placing themselves beside me, "Sakura-san?"

"I didn't recognize you at first, but I'm glad I did now," she begins with a small smile, and with closer inspection, it harbors no ill will. It's a genuinely kind smile, one that puts me at ease. She adjusts her lab coat hanging from her arms, and flicks away the droplets bothering her strands. With her green eyes passing over the calm rainy scene, she regards me softly, "I thought a lot about what I said to you since that time back in Suna. I wanted to somehow get in touch with you and…to tell you that I was sorry." There's a silent gap between our shoulders, and the trickling rain is what fills it. Sakura releases a meaningful sigh, turning her chin more in my direction. "I'm sorry, Sho-san. I hope you can forgive me for that."

I exhale, also tending my own violet eyes against the raindrops falling peacefully against a bench in front of us.

"Apology accepted," I reply, and I can feel Sakura's lips form an appreciative curl. I lower my chin, staring at a forming puddle against the sidewalk, "I'm also sorry, Sakura-san."

I don't state exactly what I'm sorry for. However, I've come to understand the qualities that Sakura possesses. I know her natural intelligence is prominent enough to sew the pieces together.

"Hm, I had a feeling, Sho-san." She speaks with but a tinge of ache, before breathing in the soothing cool air and straightening her back. "Life has a funny way of reorganizing your plans, and besides…"

Her green eyes soften as they stare straight ahead, glossing over with a dripping fondness. I follow that same gaze, coming to stare at a figure in the distance, appearing mysteriously covert underneath a blooming cherry-blossom tree. It appears to be a man similar in age, cloaked with dark raven like features, staring back with a perceptible interest.

I come to smile at the display, and attempt to finish her sentence, " 'Something's are just meant to be', right?"

She nods silently, clutching her lab coat closer to her chest with a blush spreading across her complexion, "They sure are, Sho-san."

"You should go to him," I speak up with an encouraging smile. "Look's like he's getting wet waiting for you out there."

Sakura's cheeks grow hotter with my words, and she presses her lips firmly together. She takes a step forward, but stops half way to turn towards me, "One more thing," she addresses me with a challenging smile. "Don't break his heart, or else."

"I wont," I return with the same reflected smile.

With a blink of her emerald hues and a playful chuckle, she bids me farewell. "See you around, Sho-san."

"See you around, Sakura-san."

I watch the beautiful medic-nin step out into the delicate rain, and realize that love stories don't need to follow a script. Characters don't need to wait for their part to be relevant. I am the main character, and I don't need someone directing me, or wait for my exact lines after someone else says theirs. I turn my attention down the Konohagakure road, where if I trailed the path, I would surely find my ending.