"You want me to help you?" Shikamaru asked, looking around the vacant office to make sure that no one would be listening in on them.
"Yes, You're the closest friend Naruto has, plus your background in therapy, you're perfect for us," Sakura stated calmly.
"Okay, I get that you interrupted my lunch to give me this proposal of yours, but why exactly is she here?" Shikamaru questioned, the slightest hint of confusion present.
"I'm her bodyguard; mess with her and I'll make you scream my name," Anko said, her arms folded, her form leaned back on a near wall, face stern and serious.
"Sorry about her... I don't think she's kidding though."
"Eh, whatever, it's not like it matters much. I can't help you," Shikamaru said.
"Why?" Sakura sputtered, confused and frustrated.
"For the very fact you pointed out, therapy is in my past. I'm not qualified to deal with your squabbles, it could end pretty badly if my efforts are centered in the wrong direction. You should look for someone else," Shikamaru said.
"They can't be anyone else. You're the person Naruto puts his trust in, you're the only one we can count on, Shikamaru. I don't think Naruto would be willing to seek therapy with some random stranger," Sakura said.
"What makes you think he even wants counselling? I mean, yeah, he told me that he was gonna try to see what there really was with you, but I don't think forcing him into therapy is a good idea," Shikamaru said, frowning ever so slightly as he thought about the dilemma.
"Then what can we do?!" Sakura quarrelled.
"You're an adult, aren't you? I think you're entitled to you own decisions, especially Naruto."
"... What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"
Shikamaru paused, "Hmm... Look, let me put this way, as an adult we have this little thing called pride. Now, you can understand that we like our independence immensely, the thought of taking care of ourselves is riveting. Guys and Girls love the experience of solving there own problems. With all this present, just imagine what would it feel like being told what's right and wrong, you'd feel controlled, like your independence values very little. Pride may sometimes be a burden, Sakura, and this instance is no different," Shikamaru surmised.
Sakura's shoulders sagged. She understood what he meant, something like therapy seemed very daunting, adding Naruto seemed very unlikely. He had never liked being called weak - his orphaned life was very trying until he was adopted - and Sakura feared that he would not submit to therapy because of that very believe.
"Please, Shikamaru, I'm begging you, please help us. There's no one else I can turn to," she ignored Anko's cough and continued, "and this proves that you're perfect. You analyze things that others can't see. Hell, I'm sure if it wasn't for you then Naruto would've surely left me."
Shikamaru looked at her in surprise, "What makes you think that I had anything to do with Naruto staying with you?"
"I just know." Well, it was more like he gave himself away when he warned her not to hurt Naruto again.
"I'm willing to pay you if that's an issue."
"Look, I'd love to help you, but-"
"For the love of all that's good, shut up and help her already! You act like this Goddamn hero that can't even put effort into his own words! Shit, if you're gonna act like a smart ass then why don't you back it up!" Anko spat, having had enough of the back and forth subject.
"Huh, I forgot she had a mouth," Shikamaru boredly spoke. "Fine, keep your money. If you can get that blonde idiot into this then I'll give it a shot, just don't expect this to be easy, in fact, I'd advise to be expect the worst - more so then you've experienced so far."
Well, that was reassuring. She didn't need him to tell her of the impending hell she would soon be a part of, she knew exactly what she was getting into. If she had to fight tooth and nail to keep Naruto and show him her love then she would gladly accept any sort of torture.
"Finally!" Anko exclaimed dramatically, "Can we please get something to eat now? My stomach's fighting me, and you know what happens when it wins."
"I really don't want to know," Shikamaru muttered, face a mask of horror of what the woman was implying.
"Sure, Anko," Sakura said, quickly turning to address the lazy genius, "Thank you, Shikamaru."
"Just make him happy and we'll be even."
"That's my goal," Sakura reiterated with resolve.
"Uzumaki," a monotone voice said, opening a door and seeing the office's one occupant.
"... What is wrong with you, Garra. I keep telling you to call me Naruto, I mean we're cousins!" Naruto said irritably.
"That maybe so, but I find it more interesting to call you Uzumaki, Uzumaki."
"... What the hell?" Kiba muttered as he too entered the office. "Garra's acting even more strangely then usual."
"Dude, he's right next to you," Naruto said, smacking his head at Kiba's idiocy.
"You think I don't know that? Hey Garra, don't you have some designs to finish?" Kiba questioned.
"I have completed them all and wish to speak to Uzumaki," Garra stated.
"... Alright, tell me when you're done, I also want to speak with him," Kiba dismissed as he went out.
"... So," Naruto made sure to look passive, "what's up?"
It wasn't as if he didn't like Garra, but even if they were close and worked together Garra prefered solitude, choosing to seek conversation when it suited him, Naruto had agreed to the terms without complaint.
"Temari has told me," Garra said indifferently.
Naruto silently cursed Temari, was she going to tell the whole world about his nightmare?
"She's also inviting you to dinner... I think we can both agree that she won't take no for an answer."
Damn it, this isn't what he needed right now. Temari was the last person he wanted see, the girl was overprotective towards family, especially her 'favourite cousin'. He had lived in the orphanage for a large period of time before he was adopted - a little late in his opinion - into a family. He wasn't blood related to his cousins, but they still treated him like family, especially Temari.
No doubt about it, she wanted him to come over as a means to find out if he indeed left Sakura. As soon as she found out he didn't... well, he didn't want to continue that train of thought.
"Just great, she's gonna chew me out, aint she?" Naruto muttered.
"You'd be lucky if she did. She seemed very upset yesterday, I think she's mad at you." Garra said plainly.
"What makes you think that?" Naruto asked.
"Her words were, 'You better invite that blonde piece of shit to dinner. I can't believe he's still with that fucking bitch after what she did. I'm gonna kill him first and then I'm going after that whore!'" Garra repeated, doing a terrible imitation of his sister.
Naruto gulped. He knew all about Temari's temper, the few times he'd been in the brunt of it weren't pretty memories at all. He cursed Shikamaru for involving her in this. Of all the people to tell about his troubles, why did that lazy genius have to pick Temari?
"So are you going to her dinner?" Garra questioned. Naruto struggled to see if the red head cared or not.
"Yeah," Naruto said with a sigh, "tell her I'll be there... and tell her to be nice..."
"You're asking for a miracle to the latter, Uzumaki. I wish you well for tonight," Garra said, promptly leaving a sulking Naruto on his seat.
Naruto grimaced, tonight was going to be hell.
"Hey, are you bringing Sakura with you?" Garra peaked through the door that he had not yet closed.
Naruto scowled at his cousin, "So, you get to call Sakura by her name and not me?!"
"Is she coming or not?" Garra ignored the question.
"Are you kidding me?" Naruto said, wide-eyed. "She'll die before she even steps a foot near Temari."
Garra shrugged and then left again.
Naruto sighed again. He took out his phone when he felt it vibrate. He looked at the message that was sent.
Hey, hon, I'm with Anko at work. I think I'll be back home a bit later, Ms. Senju is giving us an assignment on a homicide case. Don't worry, I made sure to partner myself with Shikamaru. Love you, Sakura.
'Well', Naruto conceded, 'at least she's trying.' He sent her a message, affirming his knowledge that she was busy. Afterwards, he looked at his watch, ticking away the time before he met with an irate Temari.
"Just when things could look up... Damn."
"Uhh, Sakura...? I think you've got an admirer," Anko softly said and then continued to drink her coffee, crossing her legs and laying on a black couch.
They were both in a small room filled with organised and sorted foods, accustomed sofa's for approximately fifteen occupants; a sign at the front indicated the room as 'The Break Room.'
Sakura looked in the direction that Anko inclined, and silently hissed in anger. Sasuke was back.
He was seated on a nearby sofa, conversing with a fellow employee; Sakura was amazed she actually didn't notice him, but he seemed to notice her, if the glances he sent were any indication.
Sakura turned her head sharply away, anger evident. She tried keeping her emotions in check, failing miserably in the endeavour. Just when things were starting to look up, Sasuke just had to come back. Why couldn't he die in a ditch or something?
"... So that's him," Anko said, the knowing in her voice holding no dispute. She could easily tell by Sakura's behavior that the man looking at her was not favorable and Sakura had never shown animosity such as this to anyone. Anko made to get up but a hand on her lap stopped her.
"No, leave him alone," Sakura said firmly, frowning.
"No way," Anko mirrored her frown, "I'm gonna teach that bastard about messing with married couples."
"He wasn't the only one involved, I am just as guilty as he is. Are you gonna beat me too? I just want to forget it and move on, Anko."
"... Fine, you win this round, but I promise, if I ever cross paths with that prick, it aint gonna be pretty, not in the least."
Sakura knew that talking her out of it would be stupid, "Fine, just don't get yourself into trouble."
Anko grinned, "Now when have I ever done that?"
Sakura rolled her eyes, "Remember the incident when you wanted to get your boobs done-"
"Okay, okay," Anko hastily shushed her, "I won't get myself into trouble. Geez, you can't just say stuff like that in public."
"Right... Is that a ring on your finger?!" Sakura sputtered. How come she didn't notice it before? How long has that engagement ring been there?
"Oh," Anko breathed, as if she was just realizing it was there too.
"Oh? All you have to say is oh?! I thought we were best friends-"
"We are, I just couldn't tell you about it since... You know..."
This time it was Sakura's turn to seem sheepish, "Oh."
"Yeah..."
"So who's the lucky sucker?"
"Hey, I'll have you know that I'm quite a catch!"
"I know, I'm just teasing, Anko."
Anko smiled, "Good. Naruto's gonna love it, being the romantic that he is. Oh, as my maid of honor I hope you know what's expected of you."
"Tch, be a lazy good for nothing like you were?" Sakura questioned, incredulous.
"Shut up, I so helped you out in that wedding, you're only highlighting the bad stuff."
"If giving tips to Naruto about the perfect sex positions for our honeymoon is what you call 'help', I would have prefered not."
"Psht, it still worked out, didn't it? So, what do you say, will you be my maid of honor? Please, pretty please?" Anko queried, putting her hands together and dawning a puppy dog pout.
"Wait, give me a moment," Sakura said calmly, then promptly squealed and crushed Anko in a hug, "Oh my God, my best friend's getting married! I never thought it was possible!"
Anko giggled at Sakura's reaction. It was these moments that made Sakura such a great friend and Anko would never lose that for all the riches in the world.
"You gotta tell me everything about this guy... He better not be a stripper!"
At that Anko's guffaws were contagious.
None of them noticed the onyx eyes that were watching intently.
Author's Notes: Yes, I know it's short, but it was just something I felt needed to be done. I haven't given up on fanfiction, but I needed to take a break because of issues in reality and... Cough... writer's block. But I'm back, I guess. I will update soon, but don't expect it too quickly. Once again thanks guys for support.
