At Ino's house
Sakura: Thanks again for letting me stay here with you Ino.
Ino sat there and popped another dumpling into her mouth.
Ino: Don't mention it. I was actually glad to help.
Sakura: Hey Ino...
Ino: Yeah?
Sakura: Why did you help me?
Ino: Well I wasn't gonna sit there and let him kill you. That's my job. She said with alittle laugh
Sakura just looked down, and Ino gave her a concerned look.
Ino: Seriously though Sakura, I wouldn't just let him kill you. We worked too hard to get our friendship where it is now, to just have it taken away, just like that.
Sakura: But I thought you hated me.
Ino: Yeah, I did. But that was just because you were competition for me to get to Sasuke. But now since he has clearly made his choice, there's really isn't a reason to hate you anymore.
Sakura: So you heard that huh? Some choice he made. All I ever wanted was for him to atleast care about me. Or even just to call me Sakura instead of calling me annoying. But when I get him to fall in love with me, he tries to kill me... Maybe it was just not meant to be.
Ino: Come on Sakura, don't say that. Did you hear how much he said he loved you? Somewhere deep inside he didn't want to kill you, I bet he didn't even want to hurt you. But something inside him is compelling him to do so.
Sakura: I don't know.
Ino: Look I'm sure the next time you see him, things will be different. I'm sure of it.
Sakura: I hope you right, but truthfully I hope I never see him again. She said while looking down sadly.
Ino: Sakura...Well maybe you should just sleep on it. I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning.
She then clapped her hands twice and the lights went out. Ino got comfortable in her bed, while Sakura wrapped up in a blanket on the pull out couch.
Sakura: Goodnight Ino
Ino: Goodnight Sakura. Have pleasant dreams.
Sakura: Thanks I'll try. Oh and Ino...
Ino: Yeah?
Sakura: Thanks again.
Then the two of them fell asleep, trying not to wonder what tomorrow would bring.
Two Days Later
Ino: Sakura are you sure you're ready to go back home?
Sakura: Yeah. I think I'll be able to handle myself. Besides maybe he forgot about me already.
Ino: Maybe. You take care. You let me know if you need anything alright?
Sakura: I will. Thanks. I'll see you later.
Sakura grabbed her bag and left, giving one last wave to Ino.
As Sakura walked back to her house she heard someone calling out to her.
Person: SAKURA! SAKURA!! WAIT UP!!
She looked behind her and saw Naruto running to her.
Sakura: Oh Naruto it's you. Did you want something?
Naruto was bent over trying to catch his breathe, then he looked up at Sakura and said.
Naruto: I was checking on you. To see if you were ok.
Sakura: Of course I'm ok. Why wouldn't I be?
Naruto:...I heard what happened...
She looked at him shocked.
Sakura(thinking): Ino and her big mouth.
Naruto: I know you must be going through alot right now.
Sakura: Don't worry about it, I'm fine.
Naruto: Still I just wanted to let you know that... I'm here for you.
He then went up to Sakura and hugged her tightly. She dropped her bags as she stood there in shock.
Sakura: Naruto I...
Naruto: Sakura... If you ever need anything, anything at all, I'll be there to help you. And if Sasuke ever tries to hurt you, I will see to it personally that he never touches you again!!
Her eyes widened as he told her this. She always knew Naruto to be so silly, and yes sometimes stupid, but she didn't know he had such a soft side to him.
She wrapped her arms around him and said.
Sakura: Thank you Naruto. It means alot to me. It really does.
He let her go but still held on to her shoulders.
Naruto: Sure anytime...well I had better go. You take care of yourself ok?
Sakura: I will, thanks.
He gave her alittle peck on her forehead, which really surprised her. The gave her one last wave and ran off. She smiled, then grabbed her bag and started walking again.
As soon as she got back she was surprised by who was at her home.
