Title: An Awkward Situation (Xander x Sakura)

A gentle breeze passes by and tousles Sakura's pink tresses. Xander leans forward to brush the stray hairs from her face. Slowly, he moves to caress her cheek.

Sakura isn't sure if it's his hands that are so warm, or her face.

His gaze is intense, but far from scary. No, it's more passionate… and it's certainly more than she can handle. She looks down at her feet, which causes Xander to let out a low chuckle.

He tilts her chin upwards in one swift motion, and Sakura can see that the intense look on his face is replaced with a warm, calming smile.

"There's no need to be so shy when there's only the two of us," he speaks. The tone is so different with her now, in this field of white flowers. It's gentle and soothing; very much unlike the authoritative, almost bone-chilling voice he puts on in front of enemies.

She feels blessed to know this softer, more vulnerable side of him. "I-I'm sorry I get so nervous sometimes…" she mumbles. "I'm not really sure how to act or… or what I should do in a relationship."

"I don't either," he tells her.

She frowns. "Doesn't seem like it…"

Xander gives a light laugh. "It's true, Sakura. I just do what feels natural. And right now," a strong pair of arms wrap around her small frame, "holding you in my arms feels the most natural."

A small smile graces her lips as she buries her face into his chest. "I didn't know how romantic you could be," she giggles.

"Well, if there's anyone I'd like to know about that side of me, it would be you," he pulls away from her, and when she looks up at him, that passionate look is in his eye again.

This time, Sakura is feeling a bit brave. She rests her hands on his chest, standing on her toes as he leans closer towards her face.

Her eyes are closed now, and her heart beats rapidly against her chest. She can feel his hand caress her cheek again while his other arm wraps around her waist. Their lips are just centimeters away from each other before a loud clearing of the throat causes them to practically rip themselves apart.

"B-big brother!" Sakura gasps. Her face burns in embarrassment.

"Ah, Prince Ryoma," manages to say through his teeth. He looks more flustered than the time he confessed his love to her.

Ryoma stands there with his arms folded, and eyes shut. He looks calm, and it's the same way he looks when he's in deep thought.

That, and when he's annoyed.

"We set out to fit in some sparring matches during our downtime," Ryoma finally speaks. "I was looking for you for quite a while."

Xander winces. "Yes, we did. I apologize. Would you… care to spar right now?"

Ryoma nods. "It would only be fitting."

The men leave, and Sakura stands there completely mortified. Later that night, she tends to Xander's small wounds.

Apparently, Ryoma was relentless during their match. Thankfully, after he got his anger out, Ryoma never said a word to either of them about their awkward situation ever again.