Fighting for You-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter One-

Introductions

The smell of coffee and pancakes, the feel of plush seats, and the sound of her best friend talking her ear off was exactly what she needed this Saturday morning. She absentmindedly picked up a strawberry and took a bite, closed her eyes and relished in its sweet and tangy flavor. A sound of gratification escaped her throat.

"Forehead, are you even listening to me?"

Still floating on cloud nine, Sakura nodded and giggled. "I really needed this day off, Pig."

"You really need to ease up on your studying." Ino huffed. "You go stating medical journals on the importance of sleep and a proper diet yet here you are," she waved her hands in the air, "It's summer and you still won't let yourself sleep in!"

Sakura had been working and studying her ass off in medical school. For the longest time, she was running on nothing but cups of Ninbucks and pre-packed cookies. It was hell, but she knew it would be worth it. Now that it was finally summer break, her mother was able to get a favor in the city's best hospital. She was privileged enough to shadow Tsunade, a famous surgeon, for three months. She was only supposed to come in three times a week, but she couldn't let the opportunity pass when Tsunade offered her more exposure.

It meant more work hours in the hospital, and less time to see Ino. She knew her best friends' complaints were valid. It was annoying, but Ino meant well. "Alright, alright."

She crossed her arms across her chest. "And you ditch me on weekends for that added Scribe work of yours in the hospital. Can't I live and see my hopeless best friend once in a while?"

She rolled her green eyes but couldn't help but smile. She really was hopeless at times, and she often did skip out their Saturday brunch dates. But Sakura just couldn't help herself. She liked to help people and keep herself busy.

"This is why you're still single."

"Hey!" That was below the belt. "You're single, too!"

Ino held her head high and announced, "Not for long, I won't be."

The pinkette's jaw dropped. "You're seeing someone?"

The blonde winked. "You bet. And he's so hot."

Sakura squinted her eyes. Something didn't feel right. "What are you up to, Pig?"

Her friend gasped and feigned shock. "Whatever do you mean? I'm simply stating that I have met someone I like."

Unlike Sakura, Ino had it easy when it came to attracting guys. They always just seemed to fall at her feet, and are always instantly wrapped around her manicured fingers. She was happy for Ino, but when was it her turn to have luck with love?

"I know!" Ino exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling at her epiphany. "Come with me tonight. Let's watch his fight!"

"Fight?" She blinked a few times and squinted her eyes. Ino looked so smug and it irritated her so much that Sakura wanted to throw a used tissue at her but restrained herself.

"Yes, Forehead. Fight. He's an MMA fighter." She said proudly. "I'll have you know, he's undefeated and just in his prime!"

The pinkette scrunched her nose and leaned back on her seat. Standing with a crowd of loud, and sweaty people while watching two even sweatier guys beat each other to a pulp did not sound like how Sakura wanted to spend her evening. Plus, her parents may not even let her go. It would be far too dangerous for her to be in a place like that.

Ino glared. "Don't give me that look."

Sakura laughed nervously and looked away. "I just remembered, I have a dinner to attend tonight." she lied.

"No," Ino slapped her hand on the table and leaned forward. "you don't."

There was no use lying to Ino. To anyone, actually. Sakura sucked at lying. She chewed on her lower lip and counted how many escape routes she could take-none.

The pathway that Ino lead her through to their seats was dark, and dingy. But the light ahead the hallway, and the low rumbling of a cheering crowd slowly crept up towards her. As they reached the end of the hallway, the bright lights temporarily blinded her, and the full force of the cheering crowds resonated within her body. Slowly, she opened her eyes and look in the sight. She could see the ring at eye level. She followed close behind Ino until they got to their seats which happened to be on the front row. Looking to her left and right, she was sitting with some of the sponsors.

"Best seats in the house!" Ino cheered. She elbowed her friend and grinned. "Told ya this guy likes me."

Sakura rolled her eyes and settled on to her seat. The first round already started.

There were two guys in the ring. One wore orange shorts, and had a shock of blond hair. The other wore red shorts, and had brown hair.

Ino pointed to the blond. "That's Naruto!" She then placed her hands on either side of her lips and shouted, "You go, Naruto! Beat Kiba's ass!" She then proceeded to pumping her fist up in the air to cheer for him.

Naruto. Sakura repeated the name in her head. It was a funny name. Wasn't that something you placed in Ramen?

After a few more minutes of cheering, all of Ino's enthusiasm was starting to rub off on her. She couldn't help but watch Naruto grapple with the other fighter in the ring. She had to hand it to him, he was pretty good. Both fighters had rough and aggressive fighting tactics. But Naruto was quicker and stronger. The fight lasted three rounds, and the decision was announced. Naruto won. Again.

Loud cheers erupted from the crowd, and Sakura found herself cheering alongside her best friend. There was something about Naruto that she instantly liked. Maybe it was his sunny smile and disposition that made her grow fond of him. Even after being beat up, and his face was surely going to bruise, he was still wearing the widest and brightest smile.

The two girls watched a big man with wild, white hair usher him out of the ring. After a few minutes, the crowd started to settle down, and so did the two girls.

The next fight was about to begin.

Sakura watched excitedly as the next fighters entered the stadium. There were large screens that showed them on their way. The first man looked undeniably scary. His music and even the crew that walked in with him left her feeling anxious. Though for some reason, Sakura had never felt such a thrill.

"We're going to go backstage and see Naruto, but I know his best friend is fighting this guy here so I didn't want to miss it."

Sakura nodded at Ino's words though she was quite enthralled with this whole fighting thing. The next fighter started entering the stadium just after the first one got inside the octagon.

Eyes glued to the screen, Sakura was on the edge of her seat as she took in the guy entering. He was much younger than the man he would be fighting but it was obvious that he was fired up just by the way he bounced around on his way towards the octagon.

His face was almost too beautiful for him to be a fighter. Someone punching that face would be a disgrace. His dark eyes and ebony hair pulled her in and when he took his shirt off and stepped inside the octagon her body temperature spiked.

She had never seen such a beautiful male specimen in her life. His body was so strong and muscular, though not nearly as bulky as his opponents'. Sakura found herself clenching her fists in fear as she watched and listened to the announcements before the fight would commence.

As excited as she was, Sakura was certain she couldn't watch that beautiful creature take a beating- and his opponent was a beast.

However, she couldn't look away for even an instant. Not even after the two of them touched gloves and backed up just as the round started. There was never a time that Sakura could remember feeling the nervousness that she felt at this moment. Her interest overwhelmed her worry though, because that guy was hot and he didn't appear worried in the least.

He was the epitome of composed confidence as his fist raised in a defensive motion, just as the older man came charging at him like a bull. Sakura leaned back in her seat, cringing just as the man swung, knowing full well this younger guy was about to take a slug to the face that would knock him two weeks into the future.

She couldn't believe it when the younger guy dodged the hit effortlessly before he countered with a strong left hook that sent his opponent straight on his back. A squeal escaped her, all else forgotten as she stood on her feet and watched the guy take a mount, the roar of the crowd deafening as he started raining down punches, though the man was knocked unconscious after the second hit.

He was several hits in before the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Sakura was jumping up and down with excitement. She'd never felt such a thrill as this. Her cheeks were flushed and the brightest of smiles adorned her face as she watched him hold up his arms in victory. It was amazing, exhilarating, breathtaking. This guy was something else. She was most certainly a fan.

"Are you excited because he'd such a badass, or because he's hot?" Ino questioned her with a smug smirk and Sakura calmed down instantly, blushing furiously in embarrassment.

Maybe she had gotten a tad bit over-excited. "Don't be ridiculous. You know I hate violence."

Ino laughed. "Says the girl who punched someone last week to get the last pair of heels."

Sakura huffed and crossed her arms across her chest. "Whatever. Are we done here?"

Her best friend rolled her eyes and stood up from her seat. "We're going backstage." She fished out two IDs and gave one to Sakura. "If we're lucky, you'll get to meet Sasuke."

Sakura felt her cheeks heat up. As much as she didn't want to weave around the crowd, the possibility of meeting the fighter excited her. But of course, she wasn't going to let Ino see that.

"Sure. Whatever," she said with as much boredom in her tone that she could muster. "I'm much more interested in meeting this Naruto person. You must really like him."

"You're such a horrible liar," Ino said. "But yes, I do like him. And I'm sure you will, too." She grinned.

Sakura held on to her best friend's hand like a child afraid of losing their mother in a crowded mall. It was all too overwhelming. The people backstage ranged from fighters, medics, media personnel, sponsors, and rabid fans. She caught on little bits of conversation here and there. The pinkette was straining to hear a medic's conversation about another fighter's current condition, but she was interrupted when Ino's hand was forced out of hers.

"Ino-chan!"

"Naruto!" She watched the blond engulf her in a giant hug. He lifted her off her feet, earning a squeal from her.

"I'm glad you came!" He put her down and flashed her a wide grin, showing off a perfect set of white teeth. He had already been patched up. There was a large bandage on his left cheek.

It was easy for Sakura to see why her best friend was smitten. This guy was the personification of the Sun. He had such a warm aura, and his personality just drew everybody in. His bright blue eyes and tan skin complimented each other well. His body was fit, and muscular, too. Just Ino's type.

"Of course! And I brought Sakura, too." Ino pulled her arm and dragged her closer to Naruto.

She looked up at him, and offered him a warm smile. "Hi there."

"Oh! You're Sakura-chan," Naruto said, and grinned. "You're a lot cuter than I expected." He laughed.

Sakura felt her face color, as Ino joined in laughing with Naruto.

"Hey, we watched Sasuke's fight, too."

"Oh yeah? Heh. That bastard's getting better each time."

"Can we meet him?" Ino asked.

"Ah, yeah. Sure. Hold on a sec, let me find him."

Naruto vanished momentarily, though the two girls followed him with their eyes. Sasuke had been just behind a small crowd of people, with his crew and his manager. Naruto pulled him away easily and Sasuke came along though he didn't appear happy about it. He was rolling his eyes at Naruto just before he was pulled up close to the girls and his eyes met Sakura's.

Those dark eyes of his were nearly smoldering as he stared into her emeralds. Her breath caught in her throat at that instant and she felt her knees tremble slightly as his eyes trailed over her as if to examine every inch of her. She shuddered when his eyes found hers once more and the fact that he hadn't spared Ino a single glance hadn't gone unnoticed to her.

"Teme, stop staring like that!" Naruto exclaimed. "Stop being such a douchebag."

"Tch. Just wondering what all the fuss was about," Sasuke grumbled.

Naruto pursed his lips and gave him the stink eye. "Yeah right, bastard. Anyway!" He instantly perked up. "This is Ino-chan," he gestured towards the blond, "and Sakura-chan."

As soon as Naruto shifted his gaze over to Sakura, Sasuke's dark eyes followed. The pinkette felt her heart skip as Sasuke landed his gaze on her yet again.

"Enjoy the fight?" He asked Sakura directly, a sly smirk on his lips.

"I think she enjoyed more than just the fight," Ino teased, as she eyed her friend.

Naruto grinned slyly. "Ah, is that so?"

Sakura flailed her arms around. "I liked the music, too! So entertaining." she rambled on. She needed to save her dignity, because honestly, Ino was not going to do that for her anytime soon.

Sasuke's smirk only turned more smug as he watched her until a man appeared, dropping a hand on Sasuke's shoulder and drawing his attention. The man with the spiky white hair glanced at the girls briefly before looking at Naruto.

"Sorry, but you'll have to excuse Sasuke." He said simply and without another word, Sasuke walked away with him.

Ino scoffed. "That's it? No 'bye' or 'nice to meet you'?" She placed her hands on her hips. "What an asshole." She turned to face Sakura. "I don't like him."

Sakura looked at Ino. She recognized the fire in the blond's eyes. It screamed, 'you're too good for him, so forget it.' And maybe… she was right. Ino always had good intuition, and she had far more experience with boys than she did. Sakura trusted Ino with her life, but that didn't ease the dull pain she felt in her chest knowing that this handsome boy was instantly denied to her.

"Sorry about Sasuke." Naruto laughed nervously. "He can be a jerk, but he's a real softie, ya know?"

That made Sakura feel a little better, but the hard stare and the way Ino huffed watered it down for her. "Whatever," Ino said.

"Naruto," A man approached the blond and gave the girls a wide grin. He was tall, and had wild, white hair. "Sorry to disturb you and your fans." He grinned until his eyes disappeared. "And oh my, aren't they cute."

The two girls laughed nervously, not wanting to be rude. Sakura recognized him as the same man who ushered Naruto out of the octagon after his fight.

"Stop being such a pervert, you old man!" Naruto yelled. "You'll creep them out."

He feigned shock and innocence. "Nothing of the sort!" His voice boomed. "I was just giving them a compliment-" he made a move to reach out and grab Sakura's hand, but he was pulled away by Naruto. Who then proceeded to drag him away and towards the exit.

"Sorry, Ino-chan, but I have to go!" He laughed. "See ya around, Sakura-chan!"

The two girls stood there and waved, still trying to process what had happened. Everything was still so new to Sakura, and very much overwhelming. She scanned the crowd again, and noticed that it was starting to thin. Ino was talking to her. She could see her lips move, but Sakura didn't listen to any of it. She let Ino grab a hold of her hand and pull her out of the stadium.

She couldn't stop thinking about the fight. How calm and confident Sasuke was. How dangerous his profession is. Her brows furrowed together. She hated the probability of seeing him at the hospital, being rushed to the ER. It was bad enough that his face was too handsome to receive a hit. She shook her head to clear it.

These guys were professionals. They know what they're doing, and they train for these things. There was no need to worry. Why was she even worrying? She didn't even know him.

"Earth to Sakura!" Ino flicked her forehead, which caused her to take a step back.

"Ouch! Stop it!" Sakura complained.

"Finally!" Ino rolled her eyes. "Have you been listening to me?"

Sakura laughed and gave her best friend a sheepish look.

"Come sleep over my place? We haven't done that in like, forever."

She nodded her head and laughed. A night with Ino was sure to make her forget all her worries, and the events that transpired that night. Kami knows she didn't need another sleepless night. "Sure, just let me call my mom."

Their sleepover was filled with fun stories, sweets, and a whole lot of laughs. Neither of them even mentioned the boys, or the fight, which brought a lot of relief to the pinkette. However that night when she closed her eyes, she dreamed of a boy with dark hair and eyes.

A/N:

Yay for another collab! I'm very pleased to be working with iBloo! (Kairi-chan on tumblr)

I'll be posting here while she will be posting on tumblr!

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy Fighting for You. XD