There was nothing better than going ice skating with Sakura-chan. From the chilly winter air to the grin on her face, Naruto felt as if he were in heaven, just watching her, even when she fell (at which point he was nearly giddy to wrap his arm around her waist and stop her from face planting). "You sure are clumsy, Sakura-chan!" He teased good naturedly, grinning as he set her upright.
"Naru-to!" Sakura pouted at him. "It's this ice, alright?" Was she blushing? With Sakura-chan being this cute to him of all people, he had to be dreaming!
"Okay, Sakura-chan." The blonde grinned a little wider, unable to hide his happiness.
For some reason she seemed uncomfortable when he smiled at her. Sakura averted her eyes from his gaze. "I'm in the mood for cocoa now, Naruto."
"Huh?" He had almost forgotten that she'd made him promise to get her cocoa whenever she wanted. "Oh, okay! I'll be right back!" Once he left her side, he slipped into a sort of thoughtfulness most people didn't know he was capable of as he waited in line to buy he and his...date (hopefully he was allowed to call her that) some hot chocolate.
The blonde glanced back at Sakura, who was attempting to stand on her own without falling onto the ice, near the benches that had been set up on all sides of the frozen pond until she was able to stand upright on her own. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, watching in amusement and fascination until someone behind him nudged the boy. "You're next, man."
"Oh! Sorry, sorry!" Naruto waved his hands apologetically as he stepped up to the counter. "Two-ttebayo!"
As he approached Sakura with the cocoa in either gloved hand, Naruto furrowed his brows suddenly. How long have I felt like this? He held out a cup to her, though he seemed to freeze, almost suspended in animation. What if he'd been going about this all wrong? He loved Sakura with all of his heart, but if he hadn't gotten through to her by now...
Have I even told her?
"Um, Naruto?" Sakura waved her hand in front of his face.
The blonde blinked a couple of times, snapping out of his strange daze. "Huh?"
"You totally spaced out! Moron." Sakura accused.
"Whoops!" He laughed, though the entire situation was bothering him. Maybe he hadn't told her. Suddenly he looked into her eyes, furrowing his brows a bit as he did. The blonde's smile faded a bit, though he managed to grin a little at her as he said, "...Sakura-chan, I have to tell you something." Was he insane? If anything, this may push her away from him. Still...maybe this would clear whatever misunderstandings were between them.
He hesitated for a moment, though Kurama's voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts,Kid, now's as good a time as any. Hesitating's only going to put more pressure on you in the long run. You shouldn't take after Jiraiya in delaying because you think she's not completely over some other guy.
Naruto studied her face for a moment, weighing the pros and cons of his decision and then took a deep breath. His voice was soft, softer than he intended for it to be, and in the still silence, it was almost as if the weight of the entire world had collapsed on Sakura's shoulders as he opened his mouth. "I love you, Sakura-chan."
