A/N: This is just a mini romance fic for Usagi, the result of under going a character study. It takes place just before he goes to serve his Lord. I have been reading some of the comics and watching every episode possible. LOL.. Yeah... I am totally fangirling.

I would love to thank Mikell and Harmony for cheering me o while writing this. Diva Danni, who encouraged me to try more of a romantic approach. You gals rock my socks!

To all my dear readers, I hope you enjoy this. Please feel free to leave a review. I really did have fun writing this little story. Usagi is such a wonderfully interesting character. Who can resist a samurai bunny ;D

Note: The cherry blossoms are highly regarded in Japanese culture as a symbol of good fortune and love.

Disclaimer: I do not own Usagi or Mariko. They belong to Stan Sakai.

Cherry Blossoms

Miyamoto Usagi sat under the sakura tree. He watched as his good friend, Mariko gracefully caught up to him after their race along the stream.

"You are a fast one, Usagi," she scolded, with a teasing smile.

"Don't be mad, Mariko," Usagi pleaded. "My intent was not to dishonor you in competition. I merely wanted to ensure you a comfortable spot here, next to me." He gestured to a woven blanket he spread on the grassy ground next to him.

"How thoughtful of you," she answered. She gathered the material of her kimono in her delicate hands and lifted the silk away from her feet. Folding her legs underneath her, she sat next to Usagi.

She stared across the body of water that flowed beside them.

The pair grew up together in the same small village. They were great friends. However, lately, Usagi had found he longed for more from their relationship. She made him laugh and smile. He enjoyed her companionship. He felt his stomach tighten and his thoughts go astray whenever she was near.

Now, she sat closely at his side seemingly unaware of his feelings. She appeared to be content to watch a crane walk along the embankment. A gentle breeze fingered through her ebony hair. She reached up to tuck a few stray pieces behind her ear.

"Usagi? Is something wrong?" she asked, after noticing Usagi's tender gaze. "Do I have mud on my nose? A grasshopper in my hair?"

Usagi shook his head. "Nothing is wrong. I am simply enjoying the beauty."

"What beauty?" she asked..

Usagi shifted his position away from her slightly. He turned his head to hide the slight pink tinge that colored his cheeks.

"Usagi?" Mariko pressed.

"The cherry blossoms," Usagi faltered. Yes the cherry blossoms. Good distraction, he thought to himself. After gaining composure, he turned back to her. He reached up and gently tugged on a low hanging tree branch. He picked the biggest blossom he could find and tucked it into her hair.

"I love this time of year," he continued with newfound confidence. "The cherry blossoms are beautiful."

Mariko cupped her hand over Usagi's that lingered on the flower. She smiled up at him as they locked stares. His was filled with awkward affection. Hers was filled with sweetness and love. Usagi felt his heart skip a beat.

With a voice that equaled the song of a nightingale, she replied, "They most certainly are."