A/n: I don't own Naruto. I just had the idea and decided to go with it. Right now I'm just putting this out there to see if people show interest. I know it's short but I really am pushed by reviews or interest to write more.

"Hey, Ino-chan."

The blondes head snapped up to look at her friend. She noticed that there was a long red ribbon fluttering in the wind. Sakura held it out, and Ino found herself holding her hands out to catch it.

"I heard you like Sasuke-kun." Sakura continued, and Ino stared at her, words failing to come from her lips. No. She thought sadly.

"Well, I guess that means we're rivals from now on." The pink-haired girl said, her voice unwavering. Ino felt her heart swell slightly with pride in her childhood friend. She is strong. Sakura and Ino locked eyes, and Sakura released the ribbon into Ino's open hand.

"Sasuke-kun is mine," she challenged setting her jaw. Ino smiled against her will, but managed to conceal the smile with a smirk.

"That's what you think Forehead!" She shot back, egging her on. All the while feeling the wedge being pushed between them and breaking her heart as her once best friend and now self-proclaimed rival turned away from her.

Sakura cast a glance over her shoulder, and gave Ino a smile that sent shivers down her spine. The pink-haired kunoichi giggled and turned away. Ino stood, remembering a conversation a few weeks ago. She had been asked who she had a crush on by a different friend and she had blushed, not wanting to share her secret. However, Ino Yamanaka was not one to be pressured so easily, but this time she didn't dare risk the secret coming out.

She had blurted out Sasuke Uchiha, simply because it was the name on every young kunoichis lips, and the other girl had believed Ino. Why wouldn't she? Everyone had a crush on the broody Uchiha.

Ino had held back her tears, until Sakura had gone out of sight, and then finally -clutching the ribbon to her chest- did she allow them to come. She collapsed to her knees. Sobs wracking her body, she thanked the gods that no one was around then. Of course Sakura liked Sasuke, and now Ino would have to maintain the facade of liking him too. She could be a rival, she decided. Ino brought the ribbon to her face, her lips caressing the silk fabric as she inhaled the scent of cherry blossoms. Ino took a deep breath, sucking back the sobs and tears. If Ino hadn't lied and said she liked Sasuke, Sakura wouldn't have declared war. They'd still be friends.

But never more than that. Ino thought grimly, pulling herself to her feet.

A/n if this interested you let me know and light my fire.