A/N: Thanks for the reviews. Sorry I don't post much, but sometimes I have stuff written out and forget to post it and other times I get an idea stuck in my head and I can't work on anything else until I get it written down and out of my head. I know the characters are somewhat OOC but I kinda figured with the direction I meant for the story, it would be inevitable. In the anime we don't see too much of the Sannin's younger days, but Tsunade was bright and loved her village, so I made her a little less hard-headed and threw in some cooking skills too. Enjoy.

It's been a few days since Jiraiya's ultimatum and Tsuande's rejection, and both had time to think about what they wanted in life. While at 15 they may seem young, ninja aren't normally graced with long lives. Several die in the line of duty and for those that survive, many don't last long either from damage done to their body or from a sudden change to a not-so-active lifestyle.

What'll I do if I can't fix things with her? She's the only one I've ever thought about being with. I don't want anyone else but her… I need to go talk to her.

He's my best friend. He may be perverted but I'm sure I can control that. With all the things he's said I've never really thought about being with him, but I'd much rather be with him than with someone the council picks for me… Maybe it's time we talked.

Not knowing they both had the same thing in mind, the two met halfway to their respective destinations.

"Hime! I was just on my way over!" Jiraiya smiled as he saw her.

"I've been meaning to talk to you, too." Jiraiya was slightly afraid of what she would say.

"Tsuande, please believe me when I say I never meant any of those things I said. I love you. I thought all those off-hand comments would disguise my feelings for you. I never would have said them had I known you took them to heart and—. "

"Jiraiya, stop. While I can't deny the fact that I was hurt, I have forgiven you for it. That's not what I wanted to talk to you about." Hearing these words, Jiraiya's heart skipped a beat. "Could we go back to your apartment? This isn't a conversation I want to have in the middle of town." Jiraiya just nodded and grabbed his hime's hand before shunshin-ing to his apartment. A little surprised by the sudden transportation, Tsunade smiled at Jiraiya's enthusiasm as she sat down on his couch. Sensing the serious tone that his teammate was giving off, Jiraiya took a deep breath and sat down across from her.

"You already know I've forgiven you. But I hope you can forgive me too. You gave me an ultimatum but I threw it back in your face. While I was angry, I didn't have the right to be so rude. I've had some time off these past couple of days that Sarutobi gave us off and I've had plenty of time to think about what I want. And part of that is you. In all honesty, you're my best friend Jiraiya. In a few years, if I haven't found someone to be with, the council will most certainly pick someone. I don't want that to happen. That is something I am picking myself, and I am picking you. I know this might be a lot to think about, so I'll give you some time." Tsunade stood up and turned to let herself out before Jiraiya called out to her.

"Tsuande." She turned around just to find another pair of lips pressing against her own. Not wanting to miss the moment, Tsunade closed her eyes and responded to the kiss, choosing to get lost in the moment instead.

"So I take that as a yes?" Jiraiya just grinned. A full, handsome smile he saved just for his hime. This time, Tsunade pulled Jiraiya down to meet her lips.

Elsewhere:

"Hmm, I wonder what they've been up to with their time off…" Sarutobi took out his crystal ball and decided to check on his students. While he would never admit it, Orochimaru is his favorite and always checks on him first. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he moved on to Tsuande. He was shocked to find her and his other student kissing, to say the least. What in Kami's name has been going on? Last I knew they were still fighting. Not wanting to intrude on their moment, he put his crystal ball away.

Pulling away from his new girlfriend just a little, Jiraiya asked "how about some dinner, Hime?"

"I could eat. What are you making me, baka-kun?" Jiraiya blushed at his nickname, "Whatever you want, my dear."

"Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. I'm kind of in the mood for miso soup and rice, if you don't mind?" Jiraiya smiled and gave a joking bow, "Right away MiLady." Tsunade just laughed. Yep, he's definitely a keeper.

After the two finished their meal, they went to the roof and watched the village.

"What do you think life as a civilian is like, hime?"

"I guess I've never really thought about that. I'm sure it's peaceful, but wouldn't it be boring? I mean, especially living in a ninja village, wouldn't you envy what ninja can do?"

"Maybe they're used to it? I dunno…"

"I suppose they're accustomed to their life just like we are." After a while they changed positions. Tsunade leaned on Jiraiya as they looked at the stars. Noticing Tsunade had gotten rather quiet, Jiraiya looked down to find his girlfriend asleep. Smiling, Jiraiya gently picked Tsunade up and brought her back down to his apartment. Taking off her shoes and blue jacket, He laid Tsunade down on his bed before tucking her in and leaving after kissing her forehead. Grabbing an extra pillow and blanket, he retired to the couch for the night. Maybe I need to find a bigger place. This served its function as a place to return to between missions and after training, but if Tsunade, and possibly Nawaki, will be hanging around more often this apartment will be too small.

A/N: Well, Tsunade and Jiraiya are now together. Sorry if you thought Jiraiya would have to put up more of a fight. More to come. There will be definitely one, maybe two chapters left in this story.