Hi, guys!

Yes, I'm alive . Yes, this story hasn't been given up on. LOL. Kidding aside, I sincerely apologize for taking so freaking long to update this. There have been some major changes in my life's set-up, and I've been trying to cope and find time to incorporate old habits (like fanfics, etc.) into the new lifestyle (of actually having a 9-5 job, LOL).

I'm proud of this chapter because it took me so long (and so much anguish) to write - the 'hypomanic writing spree of inspiration' was honestly gone, so finishing this was a commitment I had to impose on myself. But, seeing that I was able to push through (for you guys, and for the love of InoSaku, lol), kind of ignited some of the fire back. I guess it really takes work sometimes, and discipline to get it done.

I really hope that you guys enjoy this challenge of a chapter!

ALL FOR INOSAKU, FUCK YEEEEE!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.


"Naruto, I'm going to skin you alive!"

Sakura spoke through gritted teeth, sweat beading down her neck and forehead. She was lying on her side on the dirt of their old training grounds, curled up in a fetal-position. She wasn't entirely sure which adjective best described the kind of pain she was in at the moment. It was ridiculous.

Naruto looked infuriatingly serious, "I told you to get a crotch guard, Sakura-chan."

Aside from the sharp pain down south, her stomach had doubled in on itself, throbbing in a dull pain—it was like an instant stomach ache. She was feeling waves of nausea, and the pain traveled in little pulses from her balls—she was still having trouble accepting that she had those—up to her abdomen. Was this really what men felt when they got kicked in the nuts? Holy shit, she was never doing that again unless they really deserved it. But did Naruto really have to go at it that hard during a practice spar? That was just low.

"You didn't have to kick me there, baka!"

"But if you had listened to me, this wouldn't have happened." He shook his head.

Sai was scribbling something suspicious on one of his scrolls, and as soon as he was done the ink had turned into a bird which flew towards the direction of the village center. "Neither of us have gotten punched, Naruto-kun. It seems we've finally found a counter-measure for Sakura-chan's rage."

Sakura was in too much discomfort to give Sai any crap for that one; she had no choice but to wait out the pain for a few minutes and try to control her breathing. After an extended moment of recovery, the medic eventually regained some semblance of control over her body and pushed herself upwards. To his credit, Naruto leaned over and held out his hand with a grin. Clasping his hand, she smiled and let him pull her up—fine, maybe she'll forgive him this time. "Okay. I take your word for it—that was terrible. I think I need a break."

Naruto managed to make a goofy grin look sympathetic. "It's nice to know that you'll think twice before kicking any of us in the nuts again."

"I could have lived without the knowledge," she muttered back, finally steady on her own two feet.

"Safe to say training's over. Ichiraku's?" The Kyuubi jinchuriki threw his hands behind his head, already glazing over the thought of a good bowl of ramen.

Sai didn't protest, and Sakura followed her teammates' lead while she dusted off the dirt from her uniform. The walk to Ichiraku's was as eventful as it always was with Team 7, but Sakura took her time. The village was visibly healing and it warmed her heart and soul. There were children again. Children whose parents were carefree while they tended to their market stalls and fruit shops, full of hope and security. The price they paid to end the war was heavy, but seeing what Konohagakure had become was worth it over and over—she'd fight again and again to keep it. Her eyes settled on a familiar building. It was beautifully built, with wide windows that had all kinds of plant-life growing on their sills. Well-trimmed vines crawled along its walls, and orchids were hanging at its periphery. Through the glass panes of the windows, she could make out a multitude of lively colors and a lot of green. Yamanaka Flower Shop.

She was suddenly aware of the fact that her cheeks were warm and she was probably blushing a little. Was Ino taking over today? It was a Sunday so they had no hospital duty and she'd be helping her mother. Ino. Oh, goodness. The last time they were with each other she—she gave her a—

Her introspection was abruptly cut when she smelled the aroma of freshly-cooked ramen.

"The loyal Team Seven is back again!" Ayame-san grinned. "No Iruka or Yamato-san?"

"Good afternoon, Ayame-san." Sakura nodded politely while Naruto grinned and waved with both his arms. "Yamato-taichou is away on business with Kakashi-se—I meant, Hokage-sama."

"I think sensei likes it better when we don't call him that," Naruto chuckled. "And Iruka-sensei has been busy; a lot of new kids are signing up at the academy and he's mentoring Shino as an instructor."

"Shino-san will make a good teacher," Sai nodded. "His insects are the perfect instrument to intimidate the kids into participation and monitor for cheating."

"I uh… don't think that's what he's going for, Sai." Ayame sweat-dropped.

"One extra-large, extra-special beef miso!" Naruto slapped a voucher on the counter.

"I'll have the same." Sai handed over an identical piece of paper.

"Ichiraku Ramen vouchers? Where'd you get those?" Sakura looked over the paper curiously.

"A friend owed us a favor one time," the blonde boy shrugged it off and Sakura asked no more.

"Sakura-san! What a coincidence that our youthful souls should meet on this day!" An overly enthusiastic voice resonated from behind, and for once, Sakura was in a good enough mood not to instantly feel exhausted.

"Lee-kun," she waved back. "—and Tenten."

"I see someone's owning up to her Jonin promotion," the weapons-master teased while gesturing at Sakura's uniform.

"I—Uh, had to forego my previous outfits for this one because of, um… special assignments." She could feel her ears turning red. The entire village doesn't need to know about… that.

There was a glint in Lee's eyes, and he was already whipping out a set of green spandex overalls. Naruto nearly choked on his food.

"Sakura-san! Might I suggest this fine piece of apparel? It will surely compliment your energetic figure and its flexibility will amplify the power of your youth!"

The pink-haired kunoichi went completely pale. And my possible boners. The fucking spandex will amplify the power of my goddamn boners.

Sai was about to open his mouth, but the medic's knuckles had immediately connected with his jaw the moment she saw it coming.


Shizune watched as a little ink-bird fluttered in the room and dove into an open scroll before drying up as a legible message. She nodded to herself, already copying the message onto her notebook.

"Visibly excruciating pain, yes, okay good. Stomach and abdomen pain, nausea, flushing of the skin, immobilization—Tsunade-sama, it seems the development of the organ isn't just an outgrowth of flesh. The Vagus nerve had connected with it from the brain and she's exhibited all symptoms that a male would."

Tsunade chuckled. "That's valuable information. You've gotta love Naruto and Sai—who else is brave enough to kick Haruno Sakura in the balls just for a few vouchers of ramen?"


Sakura couldn't get the image of the flower shop out her mind ever since seeing it earlier during noontime. It no longer came as a surprise that after finishing all her errands for the day, she found herself helping Ino close up shop.

It was an utter relief when she felt no awkwardness.

"And these go where?"

"Just put them beside each other on the far end of the counter, thanks." Ino yelled over her shoulder, arranging the last of potted daisies against the wall. She straightened up, cleaning her hands on a towel before giving the shop one last look-over and deciding it was safe to lock up.

"We good?"

"Yup. Not that I don't appreciate your help, but what's up? Miss me already?" Ino smirked.

"Bored out of my mind, don't get cocky," the medic replied with an obligatory eye-roll.

"Yeah, sure. Well, anyway, want to come over for dinner? Shika and Choji totally ditched out on me."

Sakura almost forgot to reply. She was too busy noticing that when Ino's skirt was loose, the hem would sink low enough to show her hip bones. Her stomach was flawlessly toned, flat and smooth and—damn it, did she always have to wear a crop top all the time? She tore her eyes away, already worried that the problem between her legs was quick on the uptake.

She immediately felt an acute pang of guilt. She was totally checking Ino out and her pants were… ah, shit. They were definitely a little tighter. Sakura could still remember the way Ino's hand felt around her and—no, I shouldn't be thinking of this right now.

"Forehead, I swear, you need to stop spacing out on me."

"I—Yeah." This was a bad idea. "Dinner sounds like a good "


Ino felt for Sakura. She really did. If she suddenly grew a prick out of nowhere, she wouldn't know where to even begin. But somehow, the medical genius seemed to manage just fine. Ino admired that about her, but she wasn't about to say it out loud—nope. Still, she felt a surge of sympathy whenever Sakura suddenly flushed red or had to sit with her legs spread a little wider than she was used to. It was this sympathy that pushed her to assist with Sakura's concern that one time when she slept over, and now she was wondering if that was such a good idea. It's not that she felt it was awkward or wrong—on the contrary, she felt relieved she was able to help. But then she wanted to help again. And again. And again. Ino had a feeling it was trouble.

Thankfully, dinner went by the way it always did for them: a mixture of insults and arguments with just the right amount of affection sandwiched between the lines. She enjoyed this, enjoyed being with Sakura because it was liberating in a way different from when she was with Shikamaru or Choji.

"Thanks for having me over," Sakura smiled. "I guess I kind of needed it."

Ino rolled her eyes in jest. "Whatever would you do without me?"

"I don't know—celebrate?"

"Oh, be like that. Find someone else who has the patience to tell you which nail color goes with your hair and not."

"You love me." Sakura grinned, standing up to help Ino with the dishes. "Oh, crap."

"Hm?" Ino followed Sakura's gaze out her window.

"It's raining cats and dogs."

True enough, the little drizzle that started when they arrived at Ino's apartment had grown into a full-blown downpour. An umbrella would have been cute, but utterly useless.

"You could just stay over." Ino said casually while she gathered the remainder of their utensils.

"I wouldn't want to impose—"

"Come on," Ino huffed. "Don't give me that crap—you've practically lived here at some point."

"It's just I have a little problem and—"

"I've got a lot of spare sleepwear, forehead. You'll just get sick if you go out there."

"Ino." Sakura hissed, blushing red while gesturing downwards to her crotch.

The blonde kunoichi blinked. "What about it?"

Sakura looked away, still flustered. "It's just… I don't want you to feel weird about me staying when—"

"Are you going to get all rape-y on me?"

"No!"

"Then we're good." Ino almost looked annoyed. "Seriously, calm down and get changed already."

Sakura looked like she had a little more to say, but clamped her mouth shut and begrudgingly went ahead to Ino's room to get changed.

Moments later, she was done with the dishes and washing up. She changed in her bathroom, nervously leaning over the sink and splashing water on her face to cool it—she was burning up. Ino's brain was about to explode. Okay, that was good. Just be casual. Never make her feel awkward about it—damn it, Yamanaka! All was going well over dinner, but when Sakura had become flustered and reminded her that, yes, she had an extra package there as of now, Ino was suddenly assaulted by the mental image of Sakura writhing, panting, and having an orgasm like no other. All the alarm bells were ringing because she didn't want to get hot over the memory of giving her best friend a hand job but, goddamnit, how was she supposed to forget? The act itself wasn't really what got her going—it was Sakura's reactions. She kept remembering her flushed, red face, her heaving chest, the way she would groan and bite her lip and say her name and—yeah. I fucked up.

Ino tried not to hope that Sakura might need help again tonight.

"You okay?" Sakura was wearing Ino's pajamas, and they would likely be snuggling up together like they always did. It was the norm—there was nothing to worry about. Stop freaking out!

"Long day," Ino said tiredly. "Scoot, Forehead. You're taking way too much space."

The medic snickered, rolling her eyes. "Won't be needing as much as space as you will, Ino-pig."

A sharp jab to Sakura's side seemed to be the appropriate response, but Sakura brushed it off with a giggle while she moved away to let Ino slip under the covers.

"I'm guessing I'll be the big-spoon this time?" Ino joked.

"Unless you want something incredibly awkward to come up from behind—quite literally—then yes."

"Lighten up," the blonde kunoichi giggled to hide her nerves. She put her arms around Sakura's petite waist, used to the physical contact over the years. This was normal. She needed to stop freaking the fuck out.

Sakura's body temperature was definitely not normal—neither was the stiffness of her shoulders or breathing pattern.

"You okay?" Ino inched forward near Sakura's ear, inhaling a familiar smell. Ah. Her hair—it smelled stronger up-close. She remembered when she last had a whiff of it—blood came rushing up to her face and… well, down. It flashed in her memory vividly, and she nervously realized that the last time she was this near Sakura was when she was giving her a hand job and telling her to cum. The blonde swallowed.

"Y—Yes." Sakura said in a small, unsure voice. Ino didn't know whether to prod her on or not. Maybe it would be a better to just scoot away and—

"Ino?"

A pause. "Yes, forehead?"

"I think I…" Sakura's voice was barely over a whisper. The darkness of the room suddenly seemed so inviting, and somehow the blonde knew what her best friend was talking about.

"Again?" Ino whispered back, feeling her stomach flutter and her heart race.

"Yeah," the medic-nin sounded a little ashamed. "I mean if… you don't mind—It's just it's never worked quite as well as when you did it, and—"

"Look at me," Ino said firmly.

With a little hesitation, Sakura turned over. It was silent apart from the rustling of sheets and sleepwear, and suddenly the two were practically nose-to-nose.

"P—Please?" Sakura clamped her eyes shut, biting her lip as their foreheads touched. Was she really asking this of Ino again? She wasn't sure if she even wanted to know what Ino was thinking of her right now.

"Just relax," the blonde cooed—her hand was already travelling downwards. Sakura was hard. She could feel her pressing up against her thigh.

"This is okay?" Sakura questioned, eyes still shut.

"Yes—now shut up, forehead. I'm trying to do you a favor." Ino said with a little laugh.

Sakura didn't have time to appreciate the banter because there was a hand tentatively travelling down her pants. "Shit."

"Is this a good 'shit' or a bad 'shit'?" Ino paused.

The pink-haired medic couldn't help but flush in embarrassment, "it's the good kind."

"Great to hear," Ino winked. Why did she have to wink? Good lord, Sakura felt that she might be done in just a minute.

Ino's hand delicately wrapped around Sakura's sore and throbbing member. Sakura didn't melt on the spot like she did the first time, it seemed she had better control over her body now. But still, her head fell back and her hips had begun quivering, and the labored breathing came with suppressed moans.

"Stop trying to holdback," Ino coaxed, squeezing down a little.

"Oh, fuck."

"Better." The Yamanaka heir had trouble admitting to herself that this was getting her going—Sakura writhing, and visibly in pleasure was turning her on.

Goddamnit.

She was starting to feel hot down south. But never mind her own needs, she was doing this for Sakura. So, she carried on with her task, industriously replicating what she had done the first time. She squeezed upwards, trying to get some of Sakura's pre-cum as lubrication to minimize friction. The white liquid readily flowed out, but Ino did her best to go a little slowly. She was going to let Sakura enjoy this.

"Do you like it?" Ino dared to ask, running her thumb along the head of medic's cock. She enjoyed the little gasp her partner gave.

"You're dragging this out for me, aren't you?" Sakura replied through heavy breathing.

"Yup. Do you want me to get you off quickly?"

"I would be lying if I said that I'm not enjoying this."

Ino caught herself by surprise. "Then enjoy it."

The blonde tugged on the garter of Sakura's shorts, pulling it downwards so that she had better access to the medic's appendage. She was mildly surprised by Sakura's size—the last time they did this, she tried not to stare out of respect. But somehow it was a little more intimate this time; less 'professional help' and more… sensual. Sakura was thrusting again, and Ino could feel the other woman's hand on her waist. She licked her lips and continued—the view was giving her bad ideas. She looked back upwards—to Sakura.

She was a hot, hot mess.

"God. This is so good, I feel almost obligated to return the favor." Sakura chuckled, her voice strained by pleasure and embarrassment.

Ino couldn't help but tease, "doesn't sound like a bad idea."

She heard Sakura scoff, but the medic-nin suddenly buried her face into Ino's shoulders. "Careful," she felt Sakura whisper against her skin. Ino felt a jolt of arousal at the warning. Is this getting to Sakura the same way it's getting to me?

"Be careful of?" Ino stopped stroking. Sakura hips didn't stop bucking.

"What you say when I'm—like… this."

"Because?" She began to move her hand again, tantalizingly slow. Sakura's cock was hard and slick at this point—there was no longer a problem with friction.

"Ino."

Ino felt a hand on her thigh. It was creeping upwards; hesitant, but moving nonetheless.

"When you're making me feel this way," the medic said through gritted teeth, "it makes me want to—to do things… too."

"Like?" Ino felt the bothersome heat between her legs grow. She was definitely getting turned on.

Sakura didn't feel like being articulate, and settled for moving a significant distance up her thigh. Moving of her own volition, her lips gently settled on the skin of Ino's neck.

That moment was the first-time Sakura heard her moan. And so, she continued. She kissed at the soft-skin, breathing out against Ino's neck when the blonde threw her head back in appreciation. For the moment, Ino forgot to continue the work Sakura's member but the medic somehow didn't mind—it felt like the right moment to give back. So she did. She kissed Ino's neck fully, daring to put a hand to Ino's waist, pulling her flush against her body. Ino felt Sakura's cock graze against her crotch.

"S—Sakura."

Damn. Sakura was a little surprised by how much she liked to hear that. "Mm?"

Ino opened her eyes to seen green. Dark, dilated, and feral green. Sakura seemed to be completely overwhelmed by the moment and her urges. "Are you okay with this?"

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No."Ino said faster than she could think. Definitely no. This is a bad idea—but no. But the feeling of Sakura's hand creeping upward was stronger than her hesitations, and when two fingers slipped into the waistband of her panties, Ino decided she might as well enjoy this.

"Just tell me if you need me to stop." Sakura said between kisses she peppered along Ino's neck.

"Maybe I need some help, too." Ino bit her lip—her panties were being pulled down.

Sakura retreated from Ino's neck settled back against the blonde's forehead. Already heaving, Sakura nodded almost desperately. "Please?"

Ino didn't need to be told twice—she wrapped a hand around Sakura's dick, pumping the lubricated shaft as fast as she could. This proved to be a little more difficult when she felt two, slender digits massage at the folds between her legs.

"Fuck, Sakura."

"Yeah? Do I sto—"

"No! Goodness, go on." Ino bit her lip, feeling Sakura work at her clit. She almost snickered—the medic was cheating. She could swear there was chakra at her finger tips to make them feel cold. And it was so, fucking good. Who knew fooling around with your best friend would be so rewarding?

When Sakura thrust her two fingers all the way in, there was no room for reasonable thought left.

"Oh shit, yes—"

"Yeah?" Sakura curled her fingers to find Ino's g-spot. The blonde's hands flew around Sakura's neck, her hips suddenly jerking forward. She could feel the wetness spilling out to Sakura's hand. It's been so long since she had a good orgasm… everything felt good right now.

"Right there oh god… Sakura."

Taking a page from Ino's book, Sakura licked at her ears. "Ino… feel good for me?" She continued to thrust harder, bringing her thumb to rub against Ino's clit as her two fingers continued to move as fast as they could go.

"Sakura I'm—I'm gonna cum."

"Let me see?"

Ino felt something snap. Her eyes clamed shut, and she moaned a moan so obscenely good that it might have been enough to drive Sakura over the edge. Ino writhed against Sakura's body, her orgasm taking her in waves. Sakura watched through half-lidded eyes. She couldn't look away.

She kept watching and felt her member twitch. It was slick and hard, and she couldn't help it. She wrapped her hand around her cock and jacked off to Ino quivering with the remnants of her orgasm.

"Fuck," Sakura hissed. Her abdomen tightened—she saw Ino lick her lips—and in a few more jerks white fluid began to sputter out. She groaned, breathing heavy while she instinctively squeezed every drop of her cum out.

She didn't know doing it herself could feel so… satisfying.

After a moment of respite, Ino finally regained some semblance of energy. "So… was that good enough for you?"

"Holy shit." Sakura collapsed into the mattress. "Did we really just—"

"Yup."

"Do you want to talk about it?" The medic was already starting to feel panic replace the sexual euphoria that was ebbing away.

"Not now, no."

There was a silence between them—as if the gravity of the line they just crossed came crashing down. Sakura sighed, but had a small, wistful smile. She almost laughed. "Do you want to fall asleep cuddling for now?"

There was no response for a good few seconds, and she could already feel her heart sink. But, suddenly, a pale arm draped itself over her torso, and a whole lot of blonde snuggled into the crook of her neck.

"That sounds like a good idea."

Sakura hummed in response, wrapping an arm around Ino's shoulder. They could deal with the implications tomorrow.


Hello! Thanks for reading this - let me hear your thoughts via a review! I'd also like to ask for your wisdom and patience: this fic is going to be a little challenging for me time-wise, so maybe you guys have a suggestion on how I can be more consistent with my updates. Do you guys have a schedule, or like a weekly writing goal to achieve, etc.?

Thanks and lots of love! - KR