AN: AU-ish Cannon story, takes place during the time skip while Naruto is away training. This is a Choji Sakura paring, and it will be a series of connected one-shots. Or that's the plan…-sighs- sorry if anyone is OOC
The night was calm, and peaceful. Shikamaru was off on a 'troublesome' mission, Ino was busy, helping in the flower shop and with her 'newest' boyfriend. Choji was at the ramen bar; enjoying the peaceful solitude and his five bowl of ramen.
It was odd to be here and not see the hyperactive Naruto gluttonizing right beside him. Naruto had left several months ago, almost year ago to train to bring Uchiha back.
Choji didn't really understand the why but at the same time, he realized he would to the same if it was Shikamaru or Ino.
Though he doubted that ever happen.
He was brought out of musing by a huff and an exhausted collapse to his right. His nose was greeted with the smell of blood, sweat, and the underlining smell of flowery shampoo.
Which to be honest didn't help his appetite; blood sweat and ramen didn't mix well to his nose. He turned to say something, only to be greeted by pink hair messy pink hair, and a beaten up Sakura.
He nudged her, asking what happened to her, she mumbled training, lifting her head to tell them what she wanted. Before it once again collapsed on the bar, he studied her from, other than littered with scratches, bruises, and dirt she looked pretty much normal. Her hair was a bit longer, looking shaggy and knotted.
Ino would have a fit, if she saw her like this.
The bowl of ramen was set next to her; she instantly attacked it with her chopsticks. She would put Naruto to shame with her eating speed. He himself was impressed.
"Hungry Sakura-Chan" he asked her, when she paused to drink her water.
She looked to him as if just seeing him, which was probably true, even though she had been seating there a good ten minutes.
"Starving, I had training with Tsunade-shishou, and I haven't eaten since breakfast." Sakura stated with an embarrassed blush gracing her cheeks; before continuing to eat at a slower rate.
"How about you where is Ino-pig and Shikamaru?" Sakura asked.
"Shikamaru is on a mission, Ino is at the flower shop or with her newest crush." Choji supplied as he continued to eat.
"Figures, with Ino-pig" Sakura huffed.
"How are you; training and such? Sakura continued ordering more ramen.
"Good, not many missions these days." Choji answered now on his seventh bowl of ramen. "You?"
"Good, Shishou trains me hard, but I know it's what I need to become stronger so I can help Naruto, and be a better kunoichi." Sakura said, eyes flashing determined.
Choji just nodded his understanding though he didn't really understand. He had though she was strong since the Chunin Exams; anyone who takes on the odds to protect the ones they care for, was strong in his opinion.
Even though that strength didn't help her through the Chunin Exams, without it she probably wouldn't be here now.
They talked like old friends, catching up on the latest news and events in their lives. Choji was amazed he was actually enjoying her company, more than Ino's but Ino was much like an annoying sister at this point.
He had a crush on her for years, he was glad when he out grew it, and said affections turned more into a sibling thing.
He thought maybe Shikamaru had feelings for her, but it was hard to tell, especially with him spending a lot of time with that sand girl. Which he thought was a lot like Ino with some major difference, but still a lot like Ino.
Sakura, talked about her work at the hospital and her training. He noticed how her exhaustion seemed to be dimmed by the happiness reflecting in her eyes as she spoke of it.
He smiled at her, finishing his ninth bowl ramen, nodding his acknowledge to reassure her he was listening.
They paid the bill and then walked around both continuing to talk, neither wanting to leave the other just yet.
Seemly minutes later which was actually two hours later.
She let out an exhausted yawn, her head falling to rest on his shoulder; he smiled at her, when she apologized for it, though she didn't remove her head.
He told her she needed to get home and rest.
She made the excuse, that she wasn't that tired continuing to sit next him on the bench head on his shoulder.
They sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying the night, enjoying each other's presence.
Choji sat there a few more minutes just listening to the night melody happening around him, the wind and crickets the soft breathing on his shoulder.
He turned to look at her to find she was a sleep, peaceful look on her face, even though it was dirty slightly scratched and bruised in places, still peaceful.
It didn't bother him that was until his arm fell asleep with it came the annoying tingling and sharp pains.
He whispered her name, no response.
He moved his arm, resulting in more numbing pain and her clutching it much like a teddy bear.
Shikamaru would find this troublesome, he found it annoying. He said her name again, this time she mumbled something that sounded a lot like…..Fluffy.
AN: okay I'm ending this one here; this will be a series of once shots that will be connected, but still able to stand alone. No real romance in this one, sorry but there's some cute fluff and lots of possibilities. Sorry if Choji is OOC, I don't really know he character, but as stated in my last one shot, he needs more lovin!
Anyway tell me what you think suggestions always welcome. Check out my other stories.
Standard Disclaimer applies
Future chapters will be longer!