Flowers, tattoos and I love you's

7. striped carnation*

I took so long to get to this point because of the fear you won't like me back. But I think I'm ready to reveal myself. I'm tired of hiding. I really like you and would love to get to know you even better. I wonder if you like me too...If I asked you out on a date would you say yes? Hypothetically, of course :)

-S.A

"Oh, no poem today huh?" Gaara commented, holding the note in his hand. He studied the words carefully, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "You should go. If you end up not liking them, then you don't have to do it anymore, but at least we'll know who it is!"

Sasuke's gaze lingered on the note, his thoughts consumed by the possibilities and uncertainties that lay before him. The fear of rejection loomed in his mind, holding him back from taking the leap. He hesitated for a moment before finally responding, "Hn...I don't know. Maybe I'll go."

Gaara's lips curled into a knowing smile as he observed his friend. "How's the Naruto situation?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. It had been two days since Sasuke witnessed Naruto and Hinata's kiss, and the aftermath had left the raven-haired boy feeling conflicted and distant. He was sure they had kissed a thousand times before, especially because they were dating after all but seeing it unfold right in front of his eyes had made it so...real.

Black eyes were clouded with a mix of sadness and frustration. "What about him?" The reality of Naruto's relationship with Hinata had hit him hard, even though he knew he had no right to be angry. In an attempt to protect himself from the pain, he had chosen to avoid Naruto altogether, canceling their plans and responding with curt messages. "I told you a thousand times we're just friends, he is not gay-"

"Yeah, he's bi." The other teen interrupted.

"Shut up! He's not bi or gay! I have no chance with him and we are just friends." The raven gestured angrily with his hands. "And he has a girlfriend you dumbass."

"But sometimes, friendship can grow into something more. Sometimes, the connection becomes so strong that it won't fit just in the heart anymore." Sasuke's gaze softened and the red-haired boy raised a non-existent eyebrow before continuing. "So that's when you gotta shove it up the ass." He smirked and Sasuke exhaled annoyingly, facepalming himself. "Now seriously, I think you should accept the secret admirer date. Maybe that can help you with the Naruto situation."

Sasuke's eyes met Gaara's, a flicker of hope sparking within him. "What are you suggesting?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity and vulnerability "Sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith. Show Naruto that you're desirable, that someone else sees your worth. Maybe, just maybe, it will make him question his own feelings."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, disbelief crossing his features. "Are you suggesting I make Naruto jealous?"

The redhead chuckled, his green eyes glinting with mischief. "Well, let's call it a wake-up call. Give him a nudge in the right direction."

"You're really experienced in homewrecking aren't you?" The Uchiha said, still dumbfounded at the other's suggestion.

"That's not the point right now! I really think you should go. Go, get laid, and have some fun. If you don't like them, just do as I do and pretend nothing ever happened." He shrugged.

Sasuke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I won't be pursuing anything intimate with a stranger, especially for that purpose."

"Why not?"

"What do you mean why not?! I won't be fucking anyone, especially a stranger."

Gaara rolled his eyes, the corner of his mouth curling into a playful smirk. "Of course you won't be fucking anyone, you're a bottom."