Sakura didn't have to use the scientific method to figure out that Tenten was not all present. "Do you want me to drive?" She suggested, subtly gripping the door handle as the driver regarded yet another red light as a suggestion.

"No, I'm good."

They were well over the speed limit and Sakura could only watch her life flash by so many times. She switched to her authoritative tone reserved for difficult patients. "Tenten, pull over. What's going on? This should be an exciting night."

The command was heard and they came to a steady halt at the side of the road.

"I mean, it's not every day that your client wins the Best Breakout Athlete of the Year award."

The driver killed the ignition sullenly. "I know… I am excited, but I've been stuck on a stupid problem that shouldn't be that hard to solve."

Sakura nodded sympathetically; Tenten's predicaments were reminiscent of her own. It was two days ago when Sasuke missed his doctor's appointment, and judging from his staunch avoidance of her calls, it was deliberate. The tennis foundation didn't run on weekends, so he wasn't at the orphanage, and Naruto's been working over time, so she didn't want to be a bother. Tenten was the next best bet, but she was unusually dispirited, creating another set of issues. Sakura was about to resort to Neji when her roommate suddenly extended an invitation to the Professional Sports Association's award ceremony.

Nonchalantly confirming her patient's attendance, Sakura saw it as an opportunity to track down the root of her troubles and address Tenten's.

"Maybe you're tackling the problem from the wrong angle," the pinkette suggested, "There's normally more than one way to solve something."

She led by example and tried a different approach in cheering up her friend. She unlocked the door and prompted the other woman to do the same. "Now get out, I'm driving. We almost died nine times in the last 45 minutes."

That earned her a half-hearted smack. In no time, they switched positions and continued their journey. Sakura flipped through the radio and blasted an energy-pumping song.

"Get ready to be extremely impressed with my singing!" She proceeded to belt out the lyrics, evoking a hearty laugh from her passenger. Joining in to form a duet, the two dolled-up roommates engaged in animated karaoke. Absolutely no shits were given at the quizzical stares they garnered on the road.

"Thanks, Sakura," Tenten chuckled, "You're a great friend. First you house me and now you're constantly saving my ass. I'm really lucky to have you."

"You're paying half the rent, fam!" Sakura winked. "Plus, you're always spoiling me with delicious food." Between that, driving her to work, and introducing her to new friends, Tenten genuinely helped her, too.

"It's my pleasure," the brunette snorted, "Your cooking takes the MVP award for Most Vomit Potential, anyways." A memory of Sakura's sesame dumplings, which both resembled and tasted like a rock, served as an unsavory example. It was a flat out insult to Tenten's favorite dish.

"Don't make me crash your new car," the physician warned jokingly, "Seriously, though, you'll solve whatever's bothering you - remember last time? You were stressed from work but now Sasuke just won a national award! So reap the rewards and live it up. Plus, the baseball team's gonna be there and if you're really lucky, you might find yourself a man so Ino won't have to."

Tenten watched the passing scenery in whimsical fancy. "If I'm lucky…" She fingered the fabric of her maroon jumpsuit absentmindedly until a resplendent convention center panned into view. "We're here! And look, there's Ino!"

Sakura was too floored by the grandiosity of the venue to respond. Tenten laughed at her star-struck expression. "Time for the cameras. Just pose for two pictures then continue to the entrance; easy."

The doctor dared a glimpse at the paparazzi and had an urge to nope the hell away. Before she could, however, a valet opened the door and bowed politely. Sakura womaned up, thanked the man, and slid out of the vehicle.

Instantly, the press flocked to her in droves.

"Who are you?" "Who did you come with?""What are you wearing?" Were three of the many questions assaulting the astonished newcomer. Public speaking she could do, but the red carpet was on another level.

"That's Sakura Haruno, my roommate." Tenten smoothly intercepted with a supportive thumbs up.

"And that's a dress from Guess's spring collection." Ino contributed, emerging from the crowds. She stooped down for a hug, whispering, "You're, like, two seasons late, Forehead."

Sakura discreetly yanked on the model's ponytail. "Shut it, Bacon. I save lives in scrubs every day."

"Dr. Forehead." Ino amended teasingly, pulling away from the embrace. Sakura grinned - the playful banter restored her senses.

Tenten gasped and drank in the blonde's silver gown. "You look gorgeous tonight!"

Ino flashed a flawless smile which the photographers quickly capitalized on. Then from behind her, Sasuke materialized and placed a palm on the small of her back. Their body language revealed that he was her date. "She does, doesn't she?"

The ex-lovers shared a transient glance before the paparazzi swelled and separated them. Stepping aside, Sakura replayed the scene slowly in her head. Sasuke's words were rife with sincerity and, if she wasn't mistaken, underlying pride.


Tenten excused herself from a circle of sports managers and shuffled through the throng of other attendees. She greeted various coaches and athletes until stumbling upon her famous friends. As expected, the superstars attracted a healthy following. Ino was in her element and Sasuke, although dying inside, was a perfect gentleman when the occasion called for it.

Catching her eye, Ino winked in gratitude for 'helping a sister out'. The older woman saluted dutifully and turned to find, to her surprise, an equally sizable crowd. Except this one consisted largely of baseball players.

"There you are!" Sakura exclaimed, then lowered her voice. "I've been playing hunter-gatherer. Take your pick and thank me later."

The manager groaned. "No, you dork." She cleared her throat to disperse the gathering. "Show's gonna start. Let's head to the banquet hall."

Sakura waved amicably and trailed behind Tenten, who was speed walking in the opposite direction. "Why'd you do that? They were friendly!"

"More like creepy. And if one of them made a move on you I would kick their teeth in."

"Thanks, mom."

"Listen, the thirst from their eyes was literally so hard to ignore that I dehydrated my damn self," Tenten pilfered a flute of sparkling water from a server and held it up for emphasis, "See?"

The medic chortled and took a glass, too. They dropped the subject over a toast and wandered into the banquet hall together. Only Sasuke and Ino were present at their assigned table for six, meaning...

"Neji's late?" Did hell freeze over?

Her client shrugged. "He's not coming. A family obligation came up."

"Oh right," Sakura chimed, taking a seat, "Hinata said it was the Hyuuga's monthly dinner today. It's a family tradition."

The small detail triggered a revelation so strong that it winded her. Thankfully, the emcee opened the ceremony and the lights dimmed.

Still feeling dizzy from the newfound theory, Tenten searched her memory for interactions with the Hyuuga's. How was she so blind?! Family and tradition heavily influenced them. Even Hanabi transformed into a classic lady with blue blood in the presence of her elders.

Tradition granted Hinata and Hanabi the freedom to pursue their passions outside of the family company. Their father, as the older twin, became the Chairman of the Toyota Motor Corporation and ruled the main branch of the clan. Strict as he may be, Hiashi adored his daughters, and what he said was law. Whether or not every clan member agreed with his actions was a moot point. The Hyuuga's operated in unity.

Tradition also strained Neji's ties with his kin. His father, the younger twin, was the leader of the branch house. This meant Neji inherited the responsibilities to strengthen the family business. Although his talents encompassed both tennis and finance, the elders demanded his complete dedication to the empire. This made for strenuous times in college where he struggled between two mutually exclusive variables.

So imagine the turbulence when he graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tokyo in Finance yet decided to pursue professional tennis.

...And then imagine what happened when he reached the final round of the French Open, only to fall victim to a terrible accident that changed everything.

A sudden uproar of applause derailed Tenten's thoughts. She must have visibly flinched by the way Sakura and Ino were scrutinizing her.

"Are you okay?" The former asked.

"Sasuke just thanked you in his speech, hon." The latter informed.

Tenten donned her most convincing smile. She contributed to the thunderous ovation when her client left the stage.

"Sorry, I was spacing." Tenten whispered, unconsciously fixing her buns.

Ino tsk-ed. "Well, in case you were wondering, it was a great speech."

"For being written in five minutes." Sakura mumbled under her breath.

Tenten chuckled - that sounded right. Sasuke detested formal affairs and was probably devising a ploy to escape. Unfortunately for him, his date thrived in these functions. As if on cue, Japan's Best Breakout Athlete of the Year returned with a crystal trophy.

"Congratulations, champ!" Tenten cheered with an obligatory thumbs up.

Sasuke nodded courteously and took a seat. The lights dimmed once more and Tenten could continue her previous train of thoughts.

The familial ramifications of the accident must be why Neji's rejecting her. Grief and shame plagued the Hyuugas for ages following it. They already scorned his deviance from tradition and likely labeled the tragedy as some divine consequence. Or worse, he still believed it.

But if that was true, someone needed to expose the absurdity of the notion. Tradition is fine until it becomes caustic and this scenario screamed all kinds of fucked up. Death and failure are not the products of breaking the mold. If Neji resumed tennis and won a Grand Slam, that would prove it - not only to himself, but hopefully his relatives, too.

Reaching this conclusion, Tenten realized she needed to leave. Immediately.

"Ow…," she cradled her head in pretense, "I have a monster headache."

"Do you want aspirin? Ibuprofen? Naproxen?" Sakura unzipped her wristlet.

"Two aspirins, please." Tenten smiled warily. "I think I've got my period."

"Woof." Ino grabbed her purse. "Do you need a tampon? Pad? Or are you a cup girl?"

Damn it, why were her friends so prepared? "I'm good, thanks." She flashed an apologetic look toward the blonde and turned to Sakura, summoning her inner actress. "I'm sorry, but can you get a ride home with Sasuke tonight? Now my stomach's killing me and I really want to go."

"Absolutely not! Let me help you, you're in pain."

Sasuke, sensing the bullshit, felt compelled to call it out. "No she's not."

He instantly regretted speaking. The women twisted their necks at him eerily, their expressions ominous.

"Right, because menstrual cramps don't feel like a serrated knife is carving out your insides or anything."

"Wow, that was super insensitive."

"What's wrong with you?"

Solidarity! Sasuke held up his palms to deescalate the situation. "Christ, I'll drive her home."

Tenten shook her head and prepared for a fast depart. "Don't worry about it, I can drive home by myself."

Sakura frowned, more concerned for her roommate than the turn of events. "Are you sure-,"

"Yes. Stay." Tenten ordered firmly. "Dinner hasn't even been served yet… and I need a full summary if anything exciting happens." She stood up to prevent further protests. "I'll be fine. Bye!"

The brunette exited the banquet hall and sprinted through the empty ballroom. Finally outside, she rummaged for her phone while waiting to collect her car from the valet.

"Hey, Hinata? I have a huge favor to ask."


Dinner was in procession after the national rugby team received the coveted Prime Minister Trophy. Two thirds of the table's original occupants were absent, hinting to Sasuke that something was off. Their seats were filled by other attendees instead.

"Excuse me for a moment."

Ino was previously engrossed in a conversation with some athletes but paused to acknowledge him. He bowed his head politely and took his leave.

Sasuke elbowed through the double doors leading to the hallway connecting the banquet hall with the ballroom. He proceeded onward and in the span of minutes, a certain pink haired woman focused into view.

They met in the middle of the extravagant corridor, eyes locked.

"Where are you going?"

"Nowhere. Where did you go?"

"Nowhere."

Like mirror images, they crossed their arms over their chests - except he stared down at her while she slanted her chin up.

"Well that was productive," Sasuke drawled sarcastically, "You're obviously lying and acting suspiciously. You missed out on dinner."

Sakura fought fire with fire. "So missing dinner is unacceptable but missing a doctor's appointment is okay? And here I was with my priorities mixed up."

He didn't see that coming. Sarcasm was usually his weapon of choice; she merely used it to jest.

A terse pause transpired before something irksome dawned upon her. "Wait, was that a dig at my figure? Because I will end you."

Sasuke deigned Sakura a once over. The asymmetric rose-gold dress accentuated her petite body and fit her like a glove. His reference to her love for food flew straight over her head. Sasuke's eyes twitched at the stupid question.

"I told you my back is fine," he gritted, "And I doubt I'm the first person to refuse your 'doctor's orders.'"

"You're also not the first noncompliant patient, either. And trust me, I don't give up."

The tennis player performed a cursory scan of the environment. Unlike last time when she was severely pissed off, furniture was not around. In addition, a handful of guests lingered sporadically, thwarting any violent outbursts.

"Jeez, and you think I'm the one who hasn't changed?" The rosette barked a hollow laugh. "You're the one who's still stubborn as hell!"

"Look who's talking. Get off my case and drop it."

"I'm your doctor," Sakura was short, but the tone she used made her a giant, "It's my responsibility to look after your health. Respect my profession."

Apart from recent memory, Sasuke couldn't recall a time when she didn't yield after a few minutes of arguing. Of course, that's in the past, and their current predicament was anything but romantic.

"Respect my patient's rights," he retaliated, "Recommend another physician and I won't be your liability anymore."

"Let's be real - you're not going to follow through with that. What's the harm in getting examined? If you're fine, that's great, but if you haven't healed, then it could jeopardize your entire career."

Sasuke scowled at her melodramatics. He knew his own godforsaken body and their last check up still left a bitter taste in his mouth. "Again, not your business."

"Why are you being so difficult? I thought we agreed to be civil for the next couple of months."

Incredible.

Did she actually forget everything she did? Did she actually overlook his repeated attempts to talk to her after she broke up with him? Apparently she must've forgotten her own actions but he sure as hell didn't. He even forfeited a tournament to attend her high school graduation where she was slated to speak. At his arrival, she immediately feigned sickness and disappeared for the rest of the ceremony.

Now she had the gall to call him difficult? Did she seriously think he would accept her back into his life so fucking easily?

"I'm purely putting up with you for matters concerning the wedding. Nothing else." For being so carefully observant to others, she was completely blind to how she affected him.

Fuck.

This was becoming a repeated occurrence. Seven years and thousands of miles apart, she still affected him… no, afflicted him.

Sasuke continued with a scathing frost in his voice. "You're trying to cross boundaries where you don't belong. Stop creating chances for us to interact more than we have to. We're not going to see each other again after November."

Sakura swallowed deeply but didn't drop eye contact. It seemed like she was on the verge of breaking. "I knew this would happen." She whispered with a tremble.

Unexpectedly, she revealed the set of keys he left for the valet and created some space between them. "You hate these kind of things and were thinking about leaving, weren't you?" She looped the metal key ring around her index finger. "You haven't changed. So unless you agree to a final back exam, you aren't going anywhere."

Sasuke clicked his tongue in irritation. Was she related to Naruto? "I knew you were doing something stupid."

Pro: he was right. Con: so was she. And she didn't seem like she was returning his keys.

He swiped at his possessions but the pinkette defended herself with a halting finger that pointed over his shoulder. "Oh Sasuke, not in front of the cameras."

His posture stiffened as he peered around to see a reporter closing in. He clenched his jaw and masked his vexation. In haste, he dealt with an abbreviated interview then signed a personalized picture to prevent further solicitation. When Sasuke turned back, Sakura was already far down the hallway… with his literal key to escaping this miserable affair.

"Give me the keys." He commanded, jogging to catch up.

"Get the exam."

"No."

"That's too bad," she sighed, "This event is suppose to run for another four hours, not that I'm counting. In fact, I'm going to love eating dessert, mingling, and dancing for the rest of the night."

Sasuke's temples throbbed at things he didn't give a shit about. She was rubbing it in his face! He lunged for his keys again in vain. They were fast approaching the double doors to the banquet hall where he'd be subjected to a full evening of torture.

In a last ditch effort, he shoved her into the nearest room.

"You freakin' psycho!" Sakura condemned loudly, "This is the men's bathroom!"

Good; less people to interrupt the ridiculous quest to reclaim his belongings.

The medic wanted to bolt but he blocked the exit. This was a high profile function that even Governor Sarutobi attended - she'd be livid if she was caught in a scandal. Luckily, the restroom was empty.

"The keys, Sakura." He advanced, extending an upturned palm.

"The exam, Sasuke." She retorted, having no choice but to retreat further into the room.

Another thing rolled into the galaxy and footsteps resounded near the doorway. Sakura froze and Sasuke automatically pushed them into one of the stalls. He was keen on avoiding unnecessary spotlight, too.

"Bruh, did you see the chick with the pink hair?"

"No. Who's this babe everyone's talking about?"

Did all baseball players tend to prattle when they peed? Sasuke was ticked - for being such a state-of-the-art building, the architects designed stupidly small toilet stalls. He looked at Sakura who stood rigidly.

"Shit, how could you not?! I mean… that ass." The subject of the conversation wanted to die. "I already knew she was wife material in the 15 minutes I saw her."

A derisive snort. "15 minutes?"

"Yeah… Tenten Long came and basically told the team to fuck off."

"Yo, that's rough. She's a fox but scary as hell."

"Definitely." The sound of a swinging door marked their departure. "That ass, though!"

Sasuke smirked to Sakura's chagrin, then exploited her devastating embarrassment and seized the keys from her grip.

She planted both hands haughtily on her hips. "Fine, take them. But do you have a plan to get out of here? How are you going to dodge your screaming fans? Or the event staff?" She impersonated a parking attendant. "Mr. Uchiha! Where are you going? Aren't you staying for the midnight soirée?"

Sasuke scoffed and was about to reply when Sakura added, "Regardless if you did have a plan, what are you going to do with Ino?"

He cursed - it was a work in progress.

"Face it," she had him cornered, "You need an accomplice. Fortunately, not only do I know a way out, but my services come at a reasonable price."

"How considerate of you."

"I'll get us out of here, but we're going to the hospital first," Sakura pressed, refusing to digress, "I'll make you an appointment with a colleague. I swear it'll only take 20 minutes and-,"

"Okay, okay," Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose. She was rambling again. "Just shut up."


The Prince of Tennis slid into his car and shrugged off his suit jacket. For an autumn evening, it reminded him of summers in southern California.

"Who the hell let this toddler behind the wheels?" He asked, loosening his tie.

"Ha ha, you're hilarious," Sakura snapped, "Now sit back, we know you're in pain."

Ino leaned over the passenger seat to fix him with worried baby blues. "Sorry, I didn't know your back was bothering you. We could have left sooner if you told me." She gingerly offered his crystal trophy.

"I told her I was driving you to the hospital," Sakura explained, "And she insisted on coming along."

Sasuke glanced sideways at the driver. She must have told a white lie to explain their early departure. "Thanks," he took the trophy, "But I'm not incapacitated. I can still drive."

"Maybe you should listen to Sakura." Ino coaxed, oblivious to the victory smirk reflecting off the rearview mirror.

The telltale rumble of hunger overtook his rebuttal. Even amongst the beeps and honks of heavy traffic, the message was heard. A second later, Sakura's stomach grumbled as well.

"You guys missed dinner," Ino's eyes widened, "You must be hungry! Let's go to a restaurant."

The driver death-gripped the steering wheel and stared in horror at the congested road. She would starve to death before they found anything open. It was a Sunday night and the majority of businesses closed early. She strained to see a road sign ahead and was struck by inspiration.

"New plan." the pinkette shifted proverbial and literal gears. "We're taking a back route into the city."


The black Tesla parked neatly at the base of Mount Monomi. It was a quaint spot, lush with nature and a welcoming reprieve from the stifling urban setting. The temperature was cooler, too, and a wispy breeze stirred the air around them.

The trio exited the car and approached the modest convenience store nearby. Their journey was pleasant enough, although Sakura was keenly aware of the precarious undercurrent. Hinata pushed her to sort out her feelings for Sasuke while Tenten was matchmaking Ino with him. Concurrently, Sai had a special place in her heart and knew nothing… nor did Ino.

Besides Hinata, none of their mutual friends knew the convoluted mess that was their relationship. There was a niggling voice in her head that repeated, 'terrible person!' The guilt weighed heavy in her mind.

What was she suppose to do? Sasuke started the pretense but she dragged it along. How could she tell everyone the truth now? Where would she start? It was tough enough to tell her best friend, did the whole world need to see her meltdown, too?

It could've been awkward, but it wasn't. Ino talked, Sasuke sassed, and she laughed. Maybe she's a masochist, but overall, she was enjoying herself. She and Ino chatted like there was no tomorrow and Sasuke injected sarcastic humor when they thought he wasn't listening.

"Kids these days," the elderly shopkeeper sniffed, "What on Earth would possess you to dress to the nines and climb a mountain on a Sunday night?"

"Uh… good evening?" Sakura greeted after a pregnant pause.

"Mediocre evening." She corrected, groping behind the counter for her glasses.

Sasuke snorted. This lady was senile.

"The name's Koharu," the old woman supplied, "What can I get you children?"

"We're just stopping by for snacks; everything else is closed." Ino answered, tugging Sakura behind her.

Koharu finally donned her spectacles and squinted at her customers. "My… is that…," She flipped through a magazine under the counter and gasped. "Homura!" She shouted into the doorway behind the cash register. "Come quickly! Sasuke Uchiha and Ino Yamanaka are in our shop!"

Hurried footsteps burst into the room and the couple welcomed Sasuke and Ino zealously. Sakura rolled her eyes - she was basically a sack of potatoes! When the shopkeepers started regaling the superstars about their life story, though, she realized that might not actually be so bad.

Getting down to business, Sakura inspected the goods displayed on the shelves. She might be a hopeless cook, but eating she was great at. Out of curiosity, she checked on her companions and giggled. Sasuke's eyes were glazed over but Ino was better at concealing displeasure.

When the physician returned with an armful of items, the celebrities sighed in relief.

"We must take a group photo!" Homura declared, whipping out a camera. He pressed the device into Sakura's palms and herded everyone else together. The poor woman laughed in self deprecation - being her meant suffering.


"No eating in the car."

Sakura whined but Sasuke held their meal hostage. Since when did he care about making a mess? And was he impervious to hunger? Her stomach growled in complaint, it needed sustenance hours ago.

Just as she was about to lose it, the clouds shifted overhead and revealed a waning moon that illuminated a wooden sign.

"There's picnic tables nearby!" Sakura perked, pointing into the woods.

Ino's bangs casted a shadow across her face that masked a grimace. Her objection died in her throat, however, when Sasuke started in that direction.

The rosette, eager to finally eat, kicked off her heels and galloped ahead. She didn't give a damn if her feet were getting dirty, food took precedence!

A few minutes later, a medium-sized fence blocked Sakura's path. Beyond the obstacle were the heavenly picnic tables. Tossing her shoes over the top, she started her ascent up.

"Here, hand me the food." Sakura raised her arms to receive the bag when the tennis star reached the area.

Sasuke cooperatively transferred the parcel then hoisted himself over.

The pair was busy setting up their dinner when Ino arrived. "Ugh, guys? My dress can't do this."

Sakura almost cried and Sasuke looked sour, too. They were so close yet so far. Sucking it up, they shared a tacit nod and raced to help their missing party.

"I'm going to help you on that side," the doctor instructed, clambering to the top once again, "Then Sasuke will help you down."

Ino wasn't paying attention - her sights were on Sasuke. "How'd you get over? Is your back okay?"

He couldn't help but glare at Sakura. "It's fine."

Ino decided to drop the subject, startled by his cold tone. Perhaps it was a sensitive issue. Afterall, it's not like she'd want her medical problems to be common knowledge, either. Her inner lecture was suddenly dismissed by Sakura kneeling at her feet. "What are you doing?"

"Your dress is constricting your legs so use me like a stool. Then haul your ass over and Sasuke will catch you."

The two women burst out laughing at the plan. It was solid, but not without theatrics.

"Step on me, Saint Yamanaka," the pinkette impersonated the shopkeepers, "Put your celestial feet on my worthless body."

The blonde doubled over in laughter and even Sasuke chuckled. Ino slipped out of her heels and held onto the railing before stepping on her friend. As promised, her Prince Charming assisted her descent. He secured his hands around her waist and she gripped his broad shoulders for support.

Ino flushed - she hasn't been this close to him since the kiss at the orphanage. Half of her was melting into a puddle of goop and the other half was cartwheeling.

"Great teamwork, guys." Sakura jumped down next to them. "Let's eat."

The trio gathered at the picnic tables and a feast was had. Ino nursed a bottle of coconut water while Sasuke took the carton of tomato juice. It seemed like he was really into tomatoes which was totally up Ino's alley, too - cherry tomatoes were her favorite.

"Damn, Sakura," the model whistled in amazement, "Do you have two stomachs?"

"You are related to Naruto." Sasuke accused.

Sakura chucked an apple at him which he deftly caught and ate. She made a face at the man and took a bite of another apple without missing a beat. "I'm starving."

They dined in harmony until everything was devoured and cleared. Sasuke ended up stretching across the top of a neighboring table while the women hunched over Ino's phone. They were trying find their location but the network was lost near the mountains.

"We're somewhere near the entrance of Mount Monomi and a waterfall." Sasuke reckoned, eyes peacefully closed.

"How do you know?"

"Listen."

Silence permeated through the picnic area until the sound of muted humming replaced it.

Sakura clapped her hands enthusiastically. "We should go!"

Ino was about to decline when Sasuke sat up. A handsome smirk graced his lips and he tilted his head in the direction of the sound. Her knees felt weak and damn she was still sitting down! He was seriously that hot. Slipping into her pumps, she quickly trailed after him.

A couple of hundred meters later, the fabled waterfall revealed itself. It wasn't spurting and gushing water like the Kegon or Fukuroda waterfalls; rather, it was quite serene. The stream resembled a sheet of aluminum in the moonlight, crumbling into a shallow pool. Mini whirlpools swirled like smooth velour where the water fell and produced soft crests that rippled outwards.

"Gojo Falls," The doctor read the bamboo sign from a distance. They beheld the hidden landmark in quiet admiration.

A sudden gust blew through the premise, sending miniature waves through the water's surface and shivers down Ino's spine. "Let's go-" She started.

"Cross that ledge!" Sakura finished.

The latter beamed at her companions with two thumbs way up. There was an elevated footpath bordering the edge of the pond. Judging from the neatly matted dirt, people frequently used it. How could they not? It led to lily pad shaped stepping stones that paved a way closer to the waterfall. Anyone could touch the water there!

Sasuke smirked at her unabashed giddiness and Ino… hold up. Ino fidgeted uncomfortably.

"On second thought," Sakura backtracked, "Let's-,"

"Do it!" The blonde urged, skirting forward. For once, she led the way.

The pinkette squealed in delight and padded after her, leaving Sasuke at the rear.

"This is a lot narrower in person." Ino noted, conscious of her footing.

"Go slow." Sakura reassured. "You're doing fine. I've got your- INO!"

She jinxed it.

They were almost at the stepping stones when Murphy's Law prevailed. A hidden rock caught the model's heel which effectively threw her off balance. She tipped downwards, screwing her eyes shut with painful awareness that she was about to plummet into the pond. So long, fashion shows.

Instinctively, Sakura lurched forward to jerk Ino towards land. She dug her foot into the ground in an effort to save someone who dwarfed her. Unfortunately, due to the lack of footwear, she slipped off the side and plunged into the water below. Ino, on the other hand, fell onto her butt but immediately crawled to the edge upon registering what happened.

"Sakura!" The two land-bound celebrities yelled.

"Fuck!" She swore, coupled with colorful expletives she learned from the labor ward.

The distance between the ledge and the water wasn't fatal, but the pool was shallow and layered with rocks. Sakura felt a sharp sting down the back of her right leg.

In an instant, Sasuke appeared trudging through the water. "Shit, are you okay?"

"I think so," she winced, assessing the damage. Her right foot seared in pain but her left remained unharmed. "I think I just messed up my right leg down."

"Sakura!" Ino hollered from the shore. "Are you hurt?!"

"Eh, I'm not dead!" She shouted back. "Are you hurt?"

Sasuke was worried, but it seemed like she wasn't critically injured. He watched her attempt to stand and glided next to her. "Who needs a check up now?" He rolled his eyes - she was analyzing her leg like it was some algebra problem.

"Just shut up." Sakura imitated, offering a weak smile as he helped her to shore.


The back route into the city was significantly less crowded than the main highway. In 40 minutes, the group was downtown with the Tokyo Medical University Hospital towering above them.

Sasuke parked next to the entrance and ushered Sakura out of the vehicle. Meanwhile, Ino assumed the driver's seat and made her friend promise she wouldn't die - the wound looked brutal. Fortunately for Sakura, her white blood cells and platelets pulled through and her bones were all intact. She was going to be alright.

The black Tesla proceeded to the parking lot while Sasuke and Sakura branched off towards the hospital's automatic doors.

"I'm surprised you let me bleed in your car - heck, you wouldn't even let me eat in it!"

"Dearly beloved," the tennis star quipped sarcastically, "We are gathered here tonight for my new car seats."

"Jerk!" She bit her lower lip to suppress a growing smirk.

"Hn."

Before Sakura could throw another witty remark, a familiar figure stopped her in place. Sasuke, as her makeshift crutch, was pulled to a halt. He stopped to look back, but she was staring straight ahead.

"What are you doing here, Sai?"


Author's Notes

Folks. I lived through a fanfic. For the last three weeks, I met up with my partner and his parents where they took me around China fo' free. We met as Peace Corps Volunteers in West Africa, meaning we didn't actually know each other's backgrounds. Six cities, five star hotels, fine dining, and private tours later, I'm back to writing - which I miss (and, to be honest, regular life)! Thanks so much for the comments thus far, I'd love it if you left a review :)

P.S. OMG at the animated forehead poke! But also omg at the funeral scene T_T