Well my break was short lived. Seems boredom is a greater factor than I realized. Yet it still took forever seeing as I kept jumping from idea to idea. So onwards with the writing, hope it lives to your standards. Song inspiration: Hatsune Miku & Gumi-Matryoshka

"Insanity is relative. It depends on who has who locked in what cage."
― Ray Bradbury

Emerald green stared viciously into amused lavender irises as a silent war seemed to be held in the simplistic room of the man known as Hidan. She had lost count of just how long they had been sitting like that. Frowning more pronounced only caused a smile to split across the irritating man's face. This…was going nowhere. Meanwhile in the corner of the room Naruto shifted uncomfortably, unsure if he should speak up. Out of everyone she'd ever know, it was safe to say, this man was Sakura's least favorite. He was vulgar, he was rude, and to top it all off; he was childish. Shifting uncomfortably Naruto coughed; gaining unwanted glares from both parties. Lowering his gaze he hoped and prayed not to be the focus in the room; as it had been this way since they first entered.

And things had been going so well earlier. They had a pleasant lunch, and Sakura had seemed to be fitting in rather well. Just a moment away from work; granted it was still at work. Everything was relatively peaceful, hell even the food tasted alright that day. She had gotten to talk to her new co-workers and exchange information on each other. She even managed to briefly visit her other patients, which she seemed rather proud to have so much accomplished. So how come this uncomfortable staring was taking place? Simple; Hidan. If anyone could ruin a positive demeanor, it was defiantly this guy.

-Flashback-

As Naruto accompanied Sakura to her next patient he sighed softly as he looked at her schedule. Raising an eyebrow she waited for him to explain his displeasure. "Hidan, he's quite the handful. Quite the rude bastard, so don't be surprised." Chuckling softly Sakura shook her head and carried along. "Oh honestly, how bad could he be. He's just a patient that needs help." Scoffing at her assessment the blue eyed man continued on until they reached the desired cell. Turning and placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder his expression became more formal. The sudden change caught Sakura off guard.

"Just wait here okay; I'll be just a moment." And before she could object Naruto had left her in the hallway alone. After a few moments he came out of the door, looking slightly disheveled and upset. Running a hand through his hair he sighed before giving a reassuring smile. "Alright, let's get this over with okay?" Following the blonde in hesitantly her eyes fell upon the bound man in the center of the room. She was surprised how he was secured; but then again if Naruto really thought it was necessary then it probably was. And it wouldn't take long to find out why. Much to her extreme displeasure.

As soon as she walked through the door any doubt she had on Naruto's warning was dashed. "Hey, what's with the pink bitch?!" Stopping in mid stride, Sakura glared as she focused on the man, securely held in place by a straight jacket and restraints. Frowning she turned to stare at Naruto, who was giving her one of those 'I told you so' looks. Sighing, she took a seat in front of Hidan and ran a hand through her hair. "Well Hidan I'm Dr. Haruno and-"however she was cut off by the already obnoxious male. "I didn't ask who you are dumbass." In the moments that followed, Sakura's left eye twitched dangerously; causing Naruto to scoot back. And unfortunately, things only escalated from there.

-End Flashback-

Leaning back in her seat Sakura grinded her teeth before setting her jaw. She couldn't tell if he was just trying to get under her skin, or was always this ...rude. Rising to her feet Hidan stared questioningly, unsure of why he was no longer a seeming source of irritation. And with that Sakura smiled, a cold and unfelt smile as she turned to Naruto. "Well perhaps you were right. And seeing as Hidan here doesn't wish to cooperate, he can stay in his cell until my next visit. Perhaps he will be more willing to cooperate by then." Turning on her heel she could feel the daggers he was glaring at her as she made her way to the door. Giving a final glance she locked eyes with him before sneering in return and stepping past the threshold.

It was a few minutes before Naruto emerged rolling his shoulders. And despite his calm demeanor, obscenities could be heard clearly from the room he just exited. Well, she shouldn't have really expected anything else. Looking down at Sakura he chuckled before shaking his head. "Well, it seems he isn't exactly a fan of yours. Quite the opposite actually." Dismissing the comment she continued on down the hall at a relaxed pace. "I'm not here to make friends Naruto, you know that." Nodding in agreement he fell in step beside her shoving his hands in his pockets. Turning her head to him she spoke up, almost unsure how to address her question. "Naruto, are all of them supposed to be like that? All tied up?" Tilting his head, Naruto let out a sigh before focusing on the curious female. "No, but if Kabuto-san had his way they would be." Frowning he exhaled loudly before continuing. "There's just something not right about that guy." And staring back at him with an eyebrow raised Sakura was quick to speak up. "Naruto! That's your boss. How could you say something like that?"

Sighing softly, Naruto ran a hand through his mane before looking up at her. "Sorry." Looking like a scolded child he pouted at her before letting his hand fall to his side, refusing to speak more on the matter. Pausing as he took a few steps in front of her he looked down at her folder, which she tried to uselessly shield. Poking at the sheet he smiled before raising his eyes to her. "Well, Miss Haruno, it appears you've went through your list." Grabbing the folder from her hand, Naruto's grin split ear to ear as he held it above his head; denying Sakura's attempts to retrieve it. "Narutoo... give it back!" she stated, reaching on her tiptoes to no avail. Just hearing her wails caused him to chuckle before grabbing her outstretched hand and effectively stilling her.

Cocking his head to the side, crystal optics stared at her in amusement as he silently pondered to himself. Finally he nodded, before making his terms. "You can have it back Sakura…on a condition." Immediately she frowned, after all he was never up to anything good when it came to something like this. Placing her hands on her hips, she waited to hear his terms; which then would determine whether or not she beat him into oblivion. "What, what is it? "She asked, not even attempting to hide the irritation in her voice. Leaning forward Naruto cocked his head. "Tomorrow, the rest of us are getting together after work…come." With that she quickly locked gazes with him as she silently pondered. That wasn't quite what she was expecting.

Continuing on Naruto rubbed the back of his head and looked at her feet. And finally she understood just what he wanted. To be as close as they once were. The laughing carefree kids they had once been, until she had pulled away. And as much as she ignored him and everyone else, as much as she immersed herself in her work… she had missed it. Smiling softly in defeat her hands fell to her sides as she nodded. "Fine, I doubt one social get together will kill me" And as she watched her friend relax she leaned forward and snatched the folder while he was unguarded. Chuckling as he began to ramble she simply ignored him as she replied. "No complaining or I won't come at all."

Making her way down the hall Naruto joined her side silently as they headed toward the main hall. Sighing softly she began assessing today's events. Perhaps this wasn't as bad as she previously thought it was going to be. In fact, she was at more peace than she had been in what felt to be ages. Even at the hospital, it was like walking on pins and needles. For once she was settling back into a sense of normalcy, all in one day. Chuckling softly Naruto raised a brow to her before returning a small smile. Finally reaching their destination they both stared out towards the parking lot before turning to each other. "Well Naruto, I'll see you tomorrow." And with that she turned with a small wave, effectively calling it a close to her first day.

Making her way to her car Sakura couldn't help but smile to herself. Perhaps she had misjudged Lady Tsunade. Pulling her keys from her pocket she stopped out-front of her car and unlocked the vehicle. Sliding in her seat, she relaxed for a moment as she shut her eyes. And surprisingly found herself looking forward to tomorrow. Stretching after a moment she began to slip on her seatbelt and start up her car. Pulling out of the parking lot she took a final glance at the building, seeing it in a new light before driving off.

Pulling into her driveway Sakura parked and slowly made her way to her front door in the exact opposite of moods than she had left. Opening the door she slid in and sighed softly before shrugging her jacket off. Slinging it on the couch she made her way in the kitchen and began to open the fridge. Frowning as she searched for something acceptable she made a mental note to go shopping soon. Then a shrill sound made its way through the rooms, somebody calling. Almost as they knew she was going to be around. Frowning and shutting the fridge she made her way to the device. If it was Naruto he was certainly going to get an earful.

Finally she reached the device as it began its third ring. Sighing, her delicate hands wrapped around the handle, wondering briefly how he got her number before remembering it was most likely from work. Putting the speaker to her ear her voice came out light. "What is it that couldn't wait I just got in-"and yet her voice died off as she nearly dropped the phone as it was not the knucklehead she presumed it to be. Instead a cold, monotone voice filled the receiver as images of black eyes and hair flashed in her mind. Falling silent, she bit her bottom lip in frustration until a single word spilled from her lips. "..Sasuke?"

Weeeell that about wraps that up. Not going to lie, procrastinating out the yin yang on this chapter. In fact it kind of felt a bit forced. Just have a lot on my mind lately meaning I probably should have waited to write this. But what's done is done. That and heartstrings were pulled, for a moment I wanted to turn it into a NarutoxSakura fic.. and Gaara lovers everywhere would be ready to murder me. But I got off that impulsive idea and back on track. Promise. Hope it doesn't seemed to forced and you continue reading. As always suggestions, comments and such are always appreciated. It's what keeps me writing. Until next time.