Playing Matchmaker
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Naruto. That may change someday, but for now Masashi Kishimoto owns it.
"Now, where did I put that stupid thing!?" shouted Ino as she rummaged through her drawers.
"Would you hurry it up already? The party starts in half an hour and you still haven't even got your dress on!" shouted Tenten from the other side of the door. She, Sakura, and Hinata had been waiting for Ino, but they (or at least Tenten) were ready to go. "You have fifteen minutes before we leave without you!" She shouted irritably.
"No need to worry! I found it!" shouted Ino. "I'll be out in a minute!"
After a record time of ten minutes to put on her dress and her makeup, Ino was finally ready to go. As they all started down towards the building the party was happening in.
Even though it was called a New Year's party, it was really meant to strengthen the bond between the Leaf village, the Sand village, and some of their smaller neighbors. Of course, there would be other things to do than talk about politics.
"Do you think that Sai will be there?" asked Ino. "I haven't seen him in a while."
"I-i-'m sure he will, I-ino," said Hinata.
"Yeah. I mean, he's like, the hottest guy in the village now that Sasuke left. Of course, I'm not saying that I won't ask Sasuke out again once he gets back." Ino said.
"That's right, you don't..." Sakura said quietly.
"Huh? Did you say something, billboard brow?" asked Ino.
"What would you do if Sasuke didn't come back?" Sakura said. Everyone stopped walking to look at her.
"Well, I'd probably stick with Sai, but you shouldn't talk like that." Ino said.
"Why shouldn't I?"
"What do you...?"
"Sasuke isn't coming back, Ino. Naruto killed him a while ago. That's why he's been in the hospital for so long."
They stood there, in the middle of the sidewalk, in stunned silence for who knows how long, before Ino broke the silence when she managed to choke out "How... do you...?"
"I was there, Ino. I couldn't do anything. I just... sat there..." she said, now on the brink of tears.
"Sakura..." Ino said, moving to comfort her friend.
"No, it's okay. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. Now you guys won't be able to have fun at the party." Sakura said.
"Don't worry about us. We've been without Sasuke for a few years, and we've kind of gotten used to it. It shouldn't be much of a problem." Tenten said.
"W-we're just worried about you." Hinata said, worried about her friend.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Let's just get to the party." Sakura said, grabbing Hinata and Tenten's hands as she dragged them to the building. Ino sighed. Sakura had really gotten a lot better at hiding her feelings, but Ino could always tell. No matter what.
Yes, I know that not much happened. It was really just one big long confab. Oh, well. It gets better soon... Please rate and review!
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