Sakura eyed the familiar office room. She had started coming here last year, late in the winter. She didn't like it but she was forced to under the rules of Tsunade that were directed entirely to her. The rule was: Emotionally unstable shinobi required counseling until tested stable again. Her fingers drummed the wooden arm of her cushioned chair. Her psychologist was rarely late. However, today was one of those unique days.

As soon as she said that, Hinata entered through the door with a sigh. She nodded towards Sakura, silently thanking her for her patience before scurrying around her desk and taking her seat. She grabbed some papers on the side of the desk and examined them. Sakura watched as her emotionless, white eyes read what the essay said. Sakura already knew what the papers contained because she was the one who wrote them. Hinata had previously assigned her to write the papers on her situation and what she felt about it. Everybody knows how I'm feeling, Sakura bitterly whispered. She didn't know why people wanted to spill her guts to them. They knew how she felt but wouldn't leave her alone. Sakura didn't want to tell all her insecurities. Ninjas don't show emotions, Sasuke said so. A good ninja tries not to burden others, Naruto said once. For a split-second, Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. They were only a part of the past now.

Hinata sighed as she skimmed the paper for the fourth time.

"Sakura-san, the way you describe the emotions and events…you sound very formal and detached." Hinata confronted. Sakura averted her eyes to a painting on the wall and remained quiet. What was she supposed to do? Was she going to make it into a sob story or did she have to put emotion into? Hinata only asked her to write down what happened and the emotions, not a full blown novel. Sakura didn't even feel like talking about it today. Couldn't they post pone it to next Friday? She might actually listen and try to get help that day. But, right now she just wanted to go home and study on the B-rank mission she had next month. Her team wasn't decided upon yet. Team 7 would've went but it has been broken for a long time, Sakura reminded herself. She tightly gripped the edge of her chair.

"To me, it seems like you're holding back your emotions." Hinata gave a sympathetic frown. Sakura saw it in the corner of her eyes and felt repelled by the act of concern. She could take care of herself and her emotions. They would subside eventually over time. Rushing it, especially with counseling, would only make matters worse. However, Sakura couldn't complain or miss the sessions unless she wanted to be pounded into a bloody pulp. Tsunade was just making things more complicated than it was. Sakura bit her lip, suppressing her aggravation.

"Sakura," Hinata said, removing the formal edge on her name, "as a new counselor, fellow shinobi, and friend, I'm concerned about you and your emotional conflicts. I can't help you unless you want me to, and it troubles me to see you pushing me away from helping." Hinata's eyes bore into Sakura's. I will not look at her, Sakura repeated while fixing her gaze to the plant in the corner. She had heard before that Hyūga' s had the power to feel another's emotions by just staring into their eyes, but Sakura also heard that Hyūga's could see through your clothes by a drunken Lee. It only made Sakura even more paranoid during her counseling. Why am I scared to go here? Sakura pondered lightly but quickly released the thought. She didn't know and didn't really care.

"Sakura," Hinata urged. She wished that Hinata wasn't her counselor so she could just barricade herself and act snotty. Maybe that's why Tsunade listed Hinata as my only choice, Sakura gave more points to her sensei's logic. Tsunade knew that she adamantly hardened herself so her emotions wouldn't leak, but her sensei continued to try and pry open her rock-hard shell.

"Please talk, at least." Hinata pleaded. Sakura pushed her thoughts away. She was zoning too much, which meant that it looked like she was noticeably ignoring Hinata, that'd also be reported as a non-successive attempt to pry her open which ultimately led to Tsunade grumping with Sakura.

"Sorry, I was just thinking of your words." Sakura lied with a light smile. Hinata's face lightened up with a happy smile. As long as I get out of here quicker, Sakura schemed in her mind. She looked at Hinata, to improve the chance of Hinata reporting 'positive emotional development'.

"I think you're right," Sakura murmured. Entering emotional-confession-sounding-voice, Sakura gave a big sigh to add another dramatic touch. Hinata slowly grabbed her clipboard, not wanting to disturb Sakura's moment. It was time to end these sessions quickly so she could continue on with her life in peace.

"I-I just…I don't feel comfortable with telling people because…it's painful to unbury the feelings and I end up crying…just like a baby." Sakura bitterly laughed at the end. Hinata nodded and scribbled down her mysterious notes.

"I just…miss them… a lot…how we were…and the last day, it was just—"Sakura was cut off by the alarm. She glanced down to the kitchen timer that was used to time their sessions. Funny enough, it was in the shape of a dairy cow. Hinata smiled and gracefully turned the timer off.

"I'm sorry but we'll pick this up next month on the second Friday of October. It was good to further our progress," Hinata gave a soft, toothy smile as she collected her clipboard and cup of tea. She walked pass Sakura, who stood up and courteously watched Hinata exit the room, but was caught off guard when the smaller girl stopped with the door open.

"However," Hinata said before turning towards Sakura with a shameless grin, "I expect you to not act like a distressed marionette controlled by your devious, intelligent side, Sakura. But, we did make progress, whether you noticed or not"

Sakura stiffened as Hinata stared at her longer than she would've liked before finally leaving. The wooden door closed as Sakura blankly stared at it. Was it that noticeable?

Rather than feeling irritated or dumb, Sakura felt guilty for being found out. She tried to make a fool out of Hinata, but only had it backfire. She had underestimated Hinata, a member of the famous Hyūga clan, a ninja of the same rank of Jōnin, and most importantly, a friend. Sakura felt the need to move around, get a little warmed up before attempting to train. She hadn't stretched her muscles in awhile, let alone accomplish an advanced physical workout. She attempted to fill her head up with the upcoming training. She blocked out the guilt like most of her other emotions.

I need to get out of here and get some fresh air. Sakura slowly shambled out of the office room.

The small groups of people parted to let Sakura through, oblivious of the crowds as she read up on her mission.

B-rank
Requirements: Medical Assistance S/P, be able to fight S/A, and physical support S/A/P. Extra supply of weaponry.
Reward: 165, 000 Ryō (1)
Teammates: Undetermined

Synopsis:
The terrain of the mission area is steep and…

Sakura bit into her apple as she walked through the main street of Konoha, ironically the busiest without a care in the world for the people. She received a few glares for casually walking through without pardoning herself when she ran into people. Sakura continued to beeline through the street until she noticed red ink on the bottom of her paper.

Due to financial cutbacks on weapon supply, shinobi are required to buy their own extra equipment. A medium of five kunais, 10 shurikan, one smoke bomb package, and one ration will be supplied from the armory. Any extra supplies required while training or during missions will be at the Shinobi's expense.

Sakura's face soured as she stopped walking and reread the piece of writing. How unfair that rule was. However, rules were rules. Sakura turned around, detouring off her original route to the training grounds and headed towards the local, public armory. Sakura reached behind her to search through her kunai pouch where her money was hid. She felt around until she touched a familiar stash of coins. Sakura lightly smiled as she fished out the cash, attracting some unwanted attention as well that was thankfully warded off by her ninja headband.

Sakura turned off the main street where the novelty stores were. When she turned the corner, the street became less extravagant and populated as steam from the armory filled the air above her. The sound of metal clanked in the distance, echoing off the walls. The temperature around Sakura quickly rose a few degrees as she neared the shop. A few shinobi walked pass her, new cloth-covered weapons in hand.

"The new rule is bogus."

"We can die any second in the battle and they won't at least give us more weapons! We might need the—"

"—yeah but the reconstruction of the village had cost a lot. We still have awhile to go until we pay back some debts."

Sakura eyed the bunch until they finally disappeared around a building, heading towards the bustling streets. She rolled her eyes at them. All they could do was complain about their job. They should be happy that they were just alive. Sakura glared at the ground as she finally stopped in front of the open shack. Ninjas don't complain. They do their job, and they do it right!

Naruto…

Sakura lifted the cloths draping down from the roof to enter. She was instantly met with searing heat and clouds of steam. She felt her face burn and the hot air make her face moist. She quickly moved her surprise by swatting the cloud away and ducking underneath it.

A man's laughter erupted from inside. "Oh my, you put the iron in there too long! Have fun molding with it!"

A female's voice groaned in dismay. Sakura's brows furrowed. She heard the voice before…

She wasn't given another second to mull over the thought when a large, looming man appeared from the steam. He didn't even notice her as he walked pass her and folded the advertisement cloths up. He sighed, taking in the freshness of the air and blue sky. Sakura stared up at his back. He was easily about seven foot. Two feet taller than Sakura, give or take. His arms were loaded with muscles that bulged in defiance. Every part of his body was muscle. His head had short, dark brown hair that stuck out everywhere in small groups. Sakura noted that he was a foreigner.

"You really did it now, dear." He humorously hummed while lightly chuckling every now and then. He turned around to notice Sakura, staring up at him like a shameless child. He blinked profusely while staring down at her before giving her a hearty smile.

"I'm starting to like that new rule, we had a lot of customers ever since." He hollered to the hidden backroom. Sakura looked where he yelled towards and noticed a hallway that snaked to the right. It must be where the tempering takes place, Sakura noted as she saw the fiery red dance across the stone walls. She stared as a dark, distinct shadow of somebody ran across the wall. Soon the sound of the hammer meeting metal echoed throughout the place. This continued for a few more seconds before another groan of aggravation erupted. The man laughed.

"Miss, you can take care of this customer. I pity you and your poor metal. But I give you A for effort." He sang in his thick voice as he walked into the back. The woman murmured something that Sakura couldn't comprehend. The man laughed some more. Soon, the man's shadow disappeared and the woman's appeared, given the smaller frame. However, she was much bigger than Sakura anticipated. It was only until it drew nearer and nearer did the shadow get smaller and smaller. Sakura glanced away, not wanting to stare at the worker when she came out. Instead, she occupied herself by looking at the weapons for sale. There were the oddities of northern and western weapons sitting about, more for show than sale but the price tag on them told otherwise. She continued to search until she found kunais and shuriken behind the counter. She warily eyed them, attempting to pluck out the defected ones. The private armory that made their weapons that were paid by the village was usually better, but the ones on the shelf looked excellent. There was a bigger selection as well. All of the weapons were on a neat, carved-oak shelf that stood out among the dark, lustrous metal. The top shelf held the most expensive and impressive kunai and shuriken. There were intricate vine-patterns on the edges. The metal had been made with much effort. It showed with the dangerously glinting edges, intricately wrapped handles, and the delicate finger holes. As she looked further down the shelf the weapons became less decorative but the quality never changed. These were excellent weapons to use. If she didn't lie, these were the best she ever saw in her life.

"What may I—"

Sakura frowned lightly. She only came here once when Sasuke was still in the village and he brought a peculiar sword here. She had curiously followed him, but now she'd never be able to follow him ever again.

"Sakura," the familiar voice questioned. Sakura snapped out of her thoughts and looked up to the worker. Her eyes widened in surprise and slight horror. Spring green met aquamarine. The worker smiled as her long bangs brushed pass her shoulder.

"Well, hello to you, too." Ino remarked, friendly smile intact. Sakura didn't react to the playful gesture.

"Didn't know you took up blacksmithing, Ino." Sakura stated as she tried to peer over the taller girl, trying to find the weaponry she desired. Ino took a step back to aid Sakura and her attempt.

"I like to try new things." Ino hummed as she stared at Sakura's intent gaze at the kunais. "You here to buy more supplies for a mission? I can say that the new rule is pretty horrible, because we're the ones risking our lives. They should tax the residence a little more. The rate isn't bad and—"

"I don't really care about it. I just need more stuff." Sakura rudely interrupted. Ino frowned and took the hint to remain quiet. However, Sakura knew it was impossible.

"So, how's your counseling going, Sakura?" Ino asked with friendly concern. Sakura immediately closed her eyes in frustration. What is with people and giving me pity on my current condition? I'm perfectly fine!

"Oh, ok." Ino concluded, leaning against the dirty counter with a huff. Sakura chose to just ignore her obvious pouting expression. She continued to examine the selection as the sound of metal ringing drifted through her ears.

"Figure anything out yet?" Ino asked as she looked upon the shelf, trying to help Sakura decide. She smiled as she spotted a particular kunai and took it off the shelf, handing it to Sakura for closer inspection. Sakura glanced up at Ino, quietly thanking her and taking the weapon from her gloved hands. Sakura placed a single, curious finger on the kunai's smooth side and glided it across. It's perfectly smooth with no bumps or depressions. Sakura moved it around to eye the tip. Ino watched her movements closely as Sakura inquisitively poked the point, quickly drawing blood from the prick. Beautifully sharp. She moved to the handle to grip it. This was meant for close-combat, unlike the smaller version meant for throwing. She squeezed the handle, testing its comfort and ease. She threw it in the air, the kunai spun furiously and dangerously. Ino frowned as Sakura caught it without effort by its handle. Only one last test… Ino's eyes widened as Sakura spun around with surprising speed and threw the kunai at the store's wooden post. It -landed with a deep thud and accuracy between the small loop-hole of a string.

"It's perfect." Sakura stated. Ino scoffed.

"Did you not read the sign on the counter?" Ino lightly grumped as she pointed to an unnoticeable sign. Sakura looked at it.

DO NOT TEST THE WEAPONS!

This time it was Sakura's turn to scoff. "Well, I had to see if it'd even be good in combat."

Ino frowned, "that's not even the right kunai to throw, unless it was emergency. And we don't allow it because the kunai dulls down. We don't want to sell dull weapons to customers."

"I know that and if they dull down that fast doesn't it make them incompetent?" Sakura mentioned. Ino rolled her eyes.

"Sakura," she spoke in a soft voice without any venom, "you should know from the academy that kunais easily dull, even with the first few uses."

Sakura glared at Ino. She knew that, she was just testing her. She looked away as she walked over to the post and ripping the kunai away from it.

"I will buy ten of these, twenty of your smaller, and ten shuriken." Sakura grumbled. "And, since you'd get mad if I don't, I'll buy the one I used."

Ino smiled and walked over to a different cupboard that was closed. "What number is that kunai?"

Sakura blinked before looking at the price tag. "Uh, it's number forty-two?"

Ino nodded and skimmed through the stock. She voiced a sound of recognition when she found the correct kunai. She delicately plucked the kunai out and placed them in a neat pile on the table. She's going too slowly.

"They aren't flower arrangements, Ino. Hurry up." Sakura begged. Ino's smile widened as she hummed a tune.

"If I do that some others might fall and amputate my toes." She joked. Sakura eyed the cupboard. Ino snorted.

"You'd like that wouldn't you?" She asked with a more serious tone. Sakura didn't respond.

"Of course you would, why did I even ask?" Ino mumbled more to herself than her friend. She quickly finished retrieving the large kunai before walking over to a different cupboard.

"Which smaller ones did you want?" She questioned while examining the stock. Sakura shrugged.

"Give me what you think you'd like." Sakura grumbled. Ino smiled.

"Size six?" Ino asked. Sakura flinched and raised an eyebrow.

"Ino, that's for kids." Sakura deadpanned with frown. Ino giggled.

"Exactly."

"What? What are you trying to say?" Sakura irritably asked.

"I'm just mentioning that you're acting like a kid, Sakura." Ino stated without humor. Sakura flinched at the sudden switch in moods. What? When did she act like a kid? She never—

"You always hide your emotions in and out of your job. Just like a kid when a mom scolds her child for pouting then he interrupts saying he isn't."

Sakura stared at Ino's back with widened eyes. The leather apron was extravagantly tied in the back and only covered her mid-back and lower. Her upper-back wasn't covered, revealing the sweat lacquered skin. Her shoulder blades slowly moved as Ino moved, unintentionally defining her back even more.

"Just because we don't talk anymore doesn't mean I don't care. I notice you still." Ino motioned as she finally retrieved the smaller kunais and looked at Sakura with a solid frown. "I really wish you noticed stuff like that."

Sakura looked away. Ino is just messing with you again. Don't fall for it. Sakura didn't say anything as she stared at an interesting piece of metal work.

Ino sighed as she retrieved the shuriken without a word. The silence calmly reigned over them without an awkward moment. It was the calmness of noticing each other's presence in the same room, acknowledging their individuality and different processes of thinking, and opinions.

"That's going to be fifteen thousand Ryō, but with the shinobi, or kunoichi discount for you," Ino winked, making Sakura flinch, "it'll be seven thousand Ryō."

Sakura brought out her coins and quickly counted.

"I only have five thousand." Sakura murmured in embarrassment. Ino smiled despite the situation.

"I will cover with my employee's discount." Ino assured while waving her hand. Sakura shot her head up.

"You can't! That's too much!" If it was someone else, Sakura might've accepted the offer but it was Ino. And she couldn't accept it.

Ino stuck her tongue out, "Too bad. I already added it in the cashier. You can repay me back sometime."

Sakura frowned and glowered. "Like what?"

It didn't take Ino any longer than one second to come up with a plan. "Ok, I'm going on a three month espionage, bodyguard mission tomorrow and—"

"What?" Sakura deadpanned as her eyes widened. She never heard that news when Shikamaru came by with a broken finger at the hospital. Ino frowned.

"What? It's not that bad. The mission should be easy." Sakura shook her head.

"Isn't that an A-rank mission?" She replied. Ino nodded.

"It is." Sakura raised an eyebrow.

"For Jōnin." Sakura added. Ino slowly nodded.

"Sakura, you've either been sleeping under a rock or you would've noticed I'm aTokubetsu Jōnin (2)." Sakura stared at Ino. She had no idea that she had advanced that far in the ranks. Even if she wasn't a complete Jōnin Ino was still in the ranks. Now, Ino made Sakura feel like a total scumbag. She didn't even know her ex-best friend's promotion.

"Anywho, you can repay me by exchanging mail with each other every week. I believe I heard that Lee feels like he isn't getting enough exercise so he started a part time job of being a courier shinobi. I bet he'd be just enthralled to get your letters delivered, for free." Ino suggested with a smile. Sakura could only nod in agreement, still surprised at the new information about Ino she learned.

"Good! Now, I will probably not see you in a few months. With that said, I deserve a hug!" Before Sakura could decline, Ino hopped over the counter with ease and brought Sakura into her arms. Sakura's face turned red at the close contact. She hadn't been this close with someone in a long time…a very long time. She didn't respond to the hug but tried to remember how to feel when someone gave hug. It was awkward and strange to her now. As quick as she was hugged it ended with Ino still smiling.

"I'll be looking forward to your letters!" Ino yelled with enthusiasm as Sakura scurried out of the shop with her packaged weapons. Wait, I don't have her ma— Sakura noticed on the package was a note with the mailing address. Oh.

Sakura started heading towards the crowded, usual street of the village until she stopped at the corner that entered it. She looked back to the steam-filled street and the armory. She was still surprised to find Ino there, let alone everything she had said. She was very…different than before. Sakura glanced back down to the mailing address then back to the street.

A warm, soft breeze picked up and sent an unusual shiver up Sakura's spine. A new wind…

Sakura stared at the twilight sky, thinking over the day as her new weapons lied across her bed. She wondered what made Ino so different today. She seemed happy, too happy. It was unnerving that she was so exuberant. Maybe it's because you can't even enjoy what she has, it's intimidating. Sakura shut her eyes closed and hugged herself, pulling away from the window and into the corner of her bed. She felt a little isolated at the thought. What did Ino find to make her so happy? But most importantly, why did Ino deserve it over her? Why didn't she get to find happiness? She had the worse of problems. Sakura opened her eyes and pondered some more.

And what was with Ino today? She seemed to know every move she made in advance. If she was going to move her hand towards the doorknob, Ino would already be twisting it open. She knew everything she was doing. Ino was ahead of her in every move. When she tried to push Ino away from being informal and friendly with her, she got after her motives by joking with the kid-sized kunais. Sakura buried her head in her knees. What was with everyone today? They seem to know everything.

Or…maybe they knew it all along and just got the courage to confront you.

Sakura squeezed her eyes shut again. She had forgotten that her inner-self had returned. Ever since…ever since…Sakura couldn't bring herself to say it. Her eyes watered at the very thought of it. She hugged her knees tighter and bit her lip. I won't cry! Dammit! I won't cry! Sakura shuddered in defeat as the first, lone tear dripped off her face. She watched it with bleary eyes descend to her bedcovers and crash. No one could hear the tear fall but Sakura felt it. She felt the impact sweep over her like an explosion that released all of her tears. Sakura opened her mouth to protest but to only have an agonizing cry leap from her throat. She felt sickened at her pain.

Good ninjas don't show emotion, Sasuke said.

I'm not sad. I'm over this. This pain isn't real!

Naruto said he doesn't like people who lie to themselves.

This pain is a lie that I'm making. I can't lie to myself! Get over it! It's been a year since—

Sakura's raw, tortured voice rang out again. It unleashed its fury upon the quiet apartment as the tears cascaded, and her agony swallowed her up in the brink of night.

(1)Ryō is the currency used into the Naruto world based on an old Japanese coin. Kishimoto gave the exchange rate of 10 yen to a Ryō. The current exchange rate for USD for yen is 1(USD) to 92.4145, roughly 92 yen. So, you can do the rest of the math.

(2)Tokubetsu Jōnin are shinobi who are advanced and specialize in a certain skill or more that rank higher than Chūnin. They rank in-between the two ranks of Chūnin and Jōnin. Instead of being an all around excellent ninja, they only specialize in a few skills.

A/N:

This InoSaku story will be in the Naruto Universe. It will be very angsty, lovey, and probably my newest baby. As for the other stories I have going, I'm happy and sad to say some will get finished in due time just be patient with me. I will promise to people who like reading long stories that this will probably break Me & You's wordcount with ease. I hope you guys will enjoy this as much as I liked writing it.

Read and Review, please! It's very appreciated!