Wow, I'm writing a SasuIno! How different! I'm more into SasuHina, but SasuIno just rocks. This is a short chapter, but it's the beginning, so...I really couldn't continue it. Anyways, I think this might be pretty IC except for Sasuke, who will be changing. Anyways, enjoy.

Chapter One - Sorry, I've Changed Too, Sasuke-kun.

"Ino-san, I'm warning you...This is going to be a very dangerous mission." Tsunade's voice was solemn as she watched the Yamanaka with warning eyes. Ino nodded firmly, before speaking up.

"Tsunade-sama, I believe I am ready to take on this mission. I thank you for putting your trust on me." Her heart was pounding against her chest, but she wouldn't let the fifth Hokage know that she was so hyped.

"Alright, Ino. SASUKE! GET OUT HERE!" Tsunade's once calm voice turned loud and angry. Ino straightened up, before taking in a deep breath. It had been years since she had seen the Uchiha...

Sasuke walked into the room, from the door behind Ino. She held back a shudder that threatened to crawl up her spine as the coal haired boy walked past her, and to Tsunade's side, before turning. His eyes, however, did not land on Ino. They stared, subdued, at the ground.

"Sasuke, you remember Yamanaka Ino, from your genin days, yes?" Tsunade inquired. Sasuke twitched and glanced up quickly, barely even noting that the blond was there - all he did was a slight 'hn', before staring back at the ground. Ino bit hard on her lip to keep herself from scowling - how dare he be so rude!

"Sasuke-kun, you could try to be a bit more polite." Ino snapped, temper flaring slightly. Tsunade's glare made her shut up, though, and she looked down.

"Don't talk to me, kunoichi." was Sasuke's harsh response. Ino froze on the spot - he wouldn't even call her by her own name. Slowly, she put her hand over her mouth to stifle a sob. She couldn't start crying now - she had accepted this mission, there was no chance of her backing out.

Tsunade continued to talk to Ino, trying to stay calm. "Sasuke has finally come back to us. But Orochimaru's endless training and the many people he has killed has left Sasuke very unstable. You are the best for the job, for your missions have been postponed and your ability to attack his mind may be able to stop Sasuke before he goes on rampage. You understand that, correct?"

Ino nodded, expression fierce now. She felt stronger, more confident. She couldn't be afraid of Sasuke - but her heart felt like it was going to shatter as she glanced at the boy she had once swooned over. What had happened to him? She had heard of his cruel brother, but had it been worth it? Ino's eyes shut and she turned her face towards the ground. To Sasuke, perhaps it had. She'd probably never know - she was positive he would share nothing with her now.

"Now, Ino, I'm putting Sasuke under your care. Be forewarned...And be prepared." Tsunade shot a worried glance at Sasuke, who merely stared cold-heartily at the ground, before he glanced up, and sent a spine-chilling glare to Ino. She faltered, took a step back, and then stepped forwards again, eyes narrowing. She would show no weakness.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama. I will do my best." Ino promised, bowing to the Fifth Hokage, before turned on her heel, as if threatening to walk out the door. She did so, Sasuke straight behind her.

As Ino headed towards her apartment, it took all of her energy not to shiver. She didn't want to be afraid of Sasuke, but pathetically, she was. She had heard from Sakura...He had tried to kill Naruto — Uzumaki Naruto, the boy who had once been his best friend! He had even threatened to kill Sakura. What had happened to the Sasuke she knew, cold, yet he had had a heart back then! Where had that poor genin boy gone?

Suddenly, Ino felt much pity for Sasuke. She turned around swiftly, almost knocking into him, but Sasuke seemed to have a sixth sense, and steadied her at once. His touch on her arms made Ino flinch away, and Sasuke did the same, before narrowing his eyes at her coldly. Ino stepped towards Sasuke again, reaching out her hand.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" he roared. Ino froze, staring at Sasuke in shock.

"Where have you gone, Sasuke-kun?"

"I told you before, I'll tell you again, DON'T TALK TO ME, KUNOICHI!"

"SAY MY NAME, SASUKE! YAMANAKA INO! NOT KUNOICHI!"

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP, YOU STUPID LITTLE BITCH! I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU ALL! DON'T INTERFERE! I DON'T NEED YOU! I DON'T NEED ANYONE!"

Ino stood stock still, tears welling up in her eyes. "I should have trusted Sakura-chan's words when she said you could act so hateful. I never knew anyone could change like you did, Sasuke-kun. Why? What happened to make you so unable? Sasuke-kun, I want to help you. Give me a chance. Let me help fix you..."

He didn't respond. Sasuke was panting heavily, tears streaking his cheeks. Tsunade was right — he was in a very unstable condition, and now, as Ino's heart raced, she was unsure she could deal with him.

Sasuke fell to his knees, and Ino crouched down next to him, putting an arm around his shoulder and hushing him gently. "Nothing to worry about...Don't worry, Sasuke-kun, you'll be okay. No one's going to hurt you. You're safe now. He's gone. Dead and gone. You came back. No one else is going to die."

Ino said her words firmly, trying to assure Sasuke. Or maybe, she was trying to assure herself. No one else is going to die. Was she really so scared of the boy she would tease her best friend with? Tears dripped down her cheeks and her hands began to shake.

'No, I can't act weakly...Sasuke-kun needs me to be strong for him! I can't give up...' Ino thought, continuing to cling to Sasuke. He stopped responding, didn't cry anymore, but merely shook lightly underneath Ino's touch.

What a way to start a story, and a year that Ino would never forget.

Reviews are absolutely adored. This is my first SasuIno fic, so I hope I do well with it! And hopefully, I'll be able to update well...Dammit, I wish I hadn't started this...