A/N - Hey. I wrote this a while back. I planned on making a whole story on it, but for some reason never finished and never posted this.

Hope you like it. This one was actually beta'd.

Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER - I do not own Naruto


Marvins Room - Drake

Hello?" her smooth voice answered, causing my heart to squeeze in pain as the former feeling coursed through me. Even though everything around me was spinning, I was able to picture her in my mind. Her muscular body, velvet skin, soft lips, and gentle eyes. The same eyes that had me trapped for so long.

"Sakura." I whisper, forcing my eyes to stay open to help with the dizziness, but closed or not I was still left feeling sick.

"Ino, is that you?" She asked, half-worried, half-curious. "Are you alright? Why do you sound like that?"

I miss you. The words fluttered by, tempting me. I wish you'd come back. But instead, my defensive side rose from inside me, "fuck you." I took in her silence, her breathing, "Sorry, I didn't mean that."

"Are you drunk?" Sakura asked, sounding annoyed.

"Yes. I am." I say proudly, but feeling the very opposite. Maybe because I feel like I'm about to collapse onto my bed at any second.

"Go to sleep." She said with a sigh, I could imagine her shaking her head, "I have work in the morning."

"Where's Sasuke at?" I spat, angry that she was kicking me off the phone without even worrying for my safety. The old Sakura would have run over to make sure I was alright. The old Sakura would have taken care of me the whole night and scolded me in the morning when I was throwing up and groaning while hugging the toilet. "Sleeping at another woman's house again?"

"He's downstairs, Ino, eating dinner." The tired voice answered calmly, not even entertaining me with a fight tonight, "good night."

The conversation was completely over now as the dial tone replaced my ex-best friend's voice. I took the phone away from my face and chucked it against the wall. As I heard the pieces fall to the ground, I leaned forward, covering my face as I forced the rejecting fluid back down my throat. The room is still spinning, the lights are still swirling, and the floor is still swaying. The movement caused the fluid to come back up, and I forced it back down again with another hard swallow.

Cotton mouthed, I reached for the drink that was sitting on top of my night stand. Taking three huge gulps, I let it fall out of my hands and onto the floor. My mouth was relieved for seconds before it went back to being bone dry.

Staring ahead, I concentrated on stopping the room from spinning. Once that didn't work, I put my feet on the ground and hoped for the best as I stood up to head towards the bathroom. I could hardly stand, let alone walk, but I tried anyway. Once I stumbled, I realized I couldn't go anywhere without holding onto something. My hands slid against the bed for support, as I struggled to walk closer to my destination, only to trip again on my feet.

I ended up on the floor, on my knees as I stared down at the cracks in the wood. The liquid in my stomach churned, which caused me to feel even more sick. Before I threw up, I snatched the trashcan that was near me and opened my mouth as the acid forced it's way up my throat.

X

I woke up with my head pounding, my mouth dry, and my eyes throbbing from the bright light in the room. Groaning, I slowly got to my knees, my back aching from sleeping on the floor. My senses set in, and the smell of the rotten acid and drink had me gagging slightly. Slowly, making sure not to move too fast, I pushed the trashcan away from me as I stood.

My legs felt like jello as I looked around my room, which was trashed with broken glass and plastic everywhere. Holding my forehead, trying contain my head splitting headache, I stumbled out of the room. My stomach gnawed on the emptiness inside me, which made me feel awkward, but strangely I wasn't hungry. When I reached the kitchen I passed the refrigerator and went straight to the counter at he far left. Bracing myself against it, I flicked the switch on my coffee machine, then pressed the middle button for it to brew. I stood long enough to pour myself a cup before I slid to the floor right there. Staring ahead, with my stomach gnawing and my head tearing apart, I took a sip of my coffee in silence.

xXx

"Ino!" TenTen greeted with a smile as she walked over to me, "hey you! Where've you been?"

Smiling, I let my folder, which held information about the patient I had just cared for, fall to my side, "oh, hey. It has been awhile, hasn't it?"

"Awhile? It's been months!" Her enthusiasm made me smile. I hugged her back as she squeezed me half to death, "so, what's up? Anything new?"

"Besides working at this place?" I ask, looking around with a bored expression, "absolutely nothing. Just the same old thing, healing the sickly and injured."

"If only you'd come to the investigation core," The teddy brown hair girl teased as she lectured, watching me with a prompting smile, "Your life would be so much more exciting."

"But how much fun would an office job offer? At least here I'm able to walk about!" She laughed as I spoke the truth. I laughed slightly as well, "What about you, anyway? That mission go well?"

"Oh yeah! It went perfectly. I'm only here because I got stabbed in the leg."

The sudden information had me snapping my attention to her blood-soaked leg that was leaving a small puddle. Growing pale, I looked back at her in panic, "What the hell, TenTen! Don't you think you should be getting that checked out!"

She only rolled her eyes at me, finding the whole situation very minor, "oh please. I've dealt with worse."

"Um, no. No, no, no!" I reply frantically, "I refuse to be the reason you pass out right here and now! Go get that looked at, we can talk later!"

"Oh, but that's why I came to find you." Curious by what she meant, I stopped my panicky motions of pushing her towards the nearest doctor's office to listen, "I was wondering if you might know where Sakura is. See, she usually takes care of me when I'm like this, and I'm more comfortable with her." I stared at her, feeling myself freeze as my brain suddenly shut down. When she started to give me a worried look, I looked away. She hadn't heard the news yet, of course she hasn't, she's been gone for the past six months. "Um, Ino?"

I looked back at her with a shaky smile, "uh. I wouldn't know, TenTen. Just ask one of the people at the front desk, they should be able to find her."

"Well that's silly." She spoke with a confused look, "why would I do that when you have her emergency cell number. Can't you just call her up?"

I couldn't take it anymore. I found myself backing away slowly before turning around completely and walking off without another word. When I heard her calling after me, I picked up my speed, quickly snatching the tears that were sliding down my cheek. Taking the first turn I could find, I hastily tried to seek escape, only to find myself right in front of Sakura, who was too absorbed in a folder to notice my presence.

Turning my face so she wouldn't see my tears, I shouted by mistake as I focused on keeping my voice steady, "TenTen is looking for you!"

Surprised, she looked up from her folder and looked around. But I didn't stick around long enough to see her notice me. Instead, I made another quick right and sped down the hall.

"Ino!" She called, I could hear her as she was jogging after me, "hey! Wait!" Not feeling like taking her sympathy, or discussing the embarrassing conversation from last night, I continued to walk, "Ino!"

I made a left and walked into a closet room quickly. Careful not to make a sound, I silently closed the door. Holding my breath, I waited to hear her foot steps from the empty hall. They were quicker now, faster than a jog. I listened as she came around the corner and suddenly stopped. Under the door, I watched the shadow of her steps pause and turn around, most likely trying to make a guess as to where I could have gone. Moments later, I heard her sigh, and I silently stood as she walked away.

I sat in there for another fifteen minutes, crying, before I left and went back to work.

XXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Walking down the village's market street was the hardest part of my life. Unintentionally, I found myself at the top of the gossip list, along with Sakura and Sasuke. Every time I walked alone, buying various things that I needed at my home, I could feel everyone's eyes on me. They probed me, burned me, tore me apart, with each and every stare and glance. Still, I held my head high as I dodged various people on the busy street. I ignored them as they held up their hands and whispered to each other. I acted oblivious as people pointed with their uncaring fingers. I tried, lord knows I tried, to not care.

But it was like the torn red ribbon of fate wanted to fight for something that was pointless. It kept forcing me towards directions that would lead me bumping into her. Into Sakura. And I never want to face her those moments, not in front of everyone's eyes, not in front of those whispering laughs; those dark murmurs. And not in front of him, the traitorous snake that pretends to be a tamed pet.

I held the potato in my hand, turning it as I tried to decide whether it was good enough to buy or not. As I did, I heard her voice from beside me. Sakura sounded light, happy, as she spoke about her work and what had happened today. Placing the potato back, I turned casually, making my way to leave. It didn't seem like she'd noticed me yet, and I wanted to keep myself concealed in the crowd. So, grabbing my basket that I had placed on the dirt road, I stood up straight and walked the opposite direction of her.

But of course, nothing is ever that simple.

I felt her hand grab my shoulder, but I couldn't find it in my self to stop walking, "Ino?" She asked, trying to catch my face to make sure it was really me, "Wait. Could you just stop for a second."

"Sorry." I spoke with a shaky voice, "I don't have time to talk. I need to make dinner."

Someone must have been on my side today, because she allowed me to leave.

X

As soon as my door shut, I found myself dropping the groceries on the floor and heading towards my kitchen. Without thought, I opened a cabinet that was filled with various alcoholic bottles, and picked one randomly. Twisting the top off, I took it, along with a glass, and I made my way to my couch.

Sitting down, and setting my glass on the coffee table, I poured my self a shot. Taking the quick gulp, I winced at the burn as I turned on the T.V. Muting it, I tossed the remote away from me and poured another shot. I leaned back with the glass in my hand, watching the sales lady talk about a random watch that could glow in the dark. Blankly, I stared ahead, taking down the second shot with another quick gulp. Warmth spread my stomach and flames burned my throat as I sat there.

My phone started to ring, and I glanced at it distantly, waiting to hear who it was from. The automatic voice spoke, "call from: Sakura Haruno."

Smiling slightly, I turned back to the television. It's funny, the days I don't want to talk, are the days she tries to call me. Shaking my head, I took another shot. I don't feel like it, not today, not tonight. I am entitled to my days where I can just sit alone, pathetically, right? I could have my own moments of despair without everyone interrupting me… Right?

"Then why the fuck won't you let me?" I mumble, knowing I was talking to the powerful someone who was pulling the strings, "Why the fuck are you making her worried tonight? She should be sitting with Sasuke, eating dinner, and cleaning dishes…" I paused, closing my eyes as I forced the hurt way, "that's what she wanted."

"Call from: Sakura Haruno."

I glanced at it again. Twice in a row, that was a rare echo to hear. Still, I ignored it. This is my time, my peace, and I won't let anyone ruin it, not even her. "Ino, pick up the phone." Sakura spoke through the answering machine.

"Why do you keep doing this to me?" I asked, looking up at the ceiling now, "Why are you making me go through this? Why couldn't you make her want to talk two days ago, when I wanted to? Can't I just have one moment to myself?"

No one answered. Instead, Sakura's voice continued, "Ino, I know you're there. Unless you're out drinking again, in which case I would like to say I strongly disapprove."

The comment had me grinding my teeth together, "like fuck if I care if you disapprove."

"I know." Sakura answered, which caused me to look at the machine, wondering if she could hear me, "You don't want my opinions, but please. Could you answer? Can we talk?"

Maybe it was because I saw myself when she was speaking, when she was pleading for me to answer, that I decided to get up and answer. Slightly dizzy from the shots kicking in, I stumbled and ran into the couch. Grumbling in annoyance, I snatched the phone and answered, "what do you want?"

"Ino." Sakura breathed out, relieved that I was either alive or that I answered.

"What do you want?" I repeated, not wanting to get sucked back into the gravitational pull she had on me.

"I was just checking on you. Making sure you're alright." Sakura answered softly, sounding hurt that I was snapping at her, but I forced myself not to care.

"Yeah, well, I'm alright." I told her, wrapping up the conversation, "is that all?"

"Are you drinking?" She asked, trying to keep me on the phone, trying to hold the conversation. No, not tonight. I won't take her sympathy tonight.

"No, just sitting here, watching the market channel." I replied, trying to keep my voice even and my words from running together.

"Don't lie." Sakura spoke, "I can hear you slurring."

"Fine, Sakura. Yes, I'm drinking! But I'm not nearly drunk enough to go through this with you. I'm perfectly fine, stop worrying. Go back to Sasuke, cook him dinner, wash his dishes, bare his children. Shit! Just leave me the fuck alone!" There was silence, and I found regret starting to form at the pit of my stomach, "just... Listen, alright?" I sigh out, not wanting to be the harsh one that snaps. Not wanting to be the one to brush people off. Not wanting to be her, "I'm fine. I just need time to myself tonight, Sakura. I don't think I can go through this right now."

"But I really want to talk to you."

I willed myself not to take that comment as more than what she meant it as, "can't we talk tomorrow?"

"I miss you, Ino." She continued, ignoring me, "I don't like how you've stopped talking to me unless you're drunk. Or how you only approach me when a patient needs something."

It was more than I could take, "I have to go."

"Why have you been avoiding me? Why don't you come over anymore? Why is it that the only time we speak is when you're crying or when you can hardly stand. I told you when we got the news that Sasuke was coming back that nothing would change between us." Her voice was gradually falling from calm to desperate. Desperate to fix all of this.

"Everything changed once he came back!" I laughed at her old promises, "You stopped hanging around, you stopped coming over, you stopped calling! Sakura! This wasn't me who did this, this was you!" My voice rising as I grew frustrated with her kicked puppy act.

"He's one of my best friends, Ino. I wanted to hang out with him again." Sakura tried to reason to me, but I refused to listen.

"You cut off the world when he came back, ask anyone! And you think six months after the fact is the time to get back in touch with someone? No, Sakura, six months later is when it's a little too late. And he's more than just a friend, we all see it, we all see the same yearning and love you had before he left this place."

My eyes were stinging as I continued, "And it's sickening, really it is. Every time I see you with him I want to throw up. Because for you to do that, after what he's done to you and this village, is absolutely amazing to me. How could you drop the closest person to you for someone who turned his back on you and all his friends?" I was crying now. Tears were slipping down my cheek, and my voice was starting to shake.

"I loved him before he left." She rebutted meekly, trying to defend herself. But I wouldn't allow her to get away with it, not now, not tonight. " Don't." I say, forcing myself to sound even and hard, "Just don't. Don't try to reason to yourself why you went running back to him, because your argument is a weak one. You used to love him, Sakura. Used to, ten years ago. What about before he came back, what about before you heard the news. Who were you in love with then?"

She was silent, and my heart was hammering out of my chest as I approached the subject that both of us stayed away from. "I don't know." She mumbled.

Hearing that hurt. It hurt, because even now that I'm out of the picture she couldn't admit it to herself, "okay, Sakura. Pretend you don't know. But I won't." I replied, my voice shaking in fear, "I love you. I do. You have me wrapped around your pretty little finger. You know it too. You do." I continued past the nerve-racking silence, "It's funny, though, because you do me just like Sasuke did you. Pull me along like some eager pet. But you know what's the difference between me and you?" I took her silence as her not knowing. "Unlike you, I won't be taking you back. Unlike you, I won't go running back to the one person in the world that's hurt me so deeply."

"Ino-" A quiet voice called.

"So, fuck you." I spat, completely breaking down, "Fuck you and him, and have a great fucking relationship. Because I'm done. Completely done. I hope you have a good life with him, Sakura, I really do. I hope you have no regrets about this one, because you've lost me, for good."

Then I hung up.

2 Years Later

I walked out my apartment door, peeking out to the wall that held our doorbell and our metal mailbox. As flipped the box, I grabbed the stack of mail, closing the door with my foot while I filed through them. Walking towards the kitchen table, I placed all the ones that had Temari's name on it there. Then I reached one that had my name on it. The envelope was light green with swirls and different designs. Frowning in confusion, I looked for something to open it with.

"Hey there, beautiful." Temari said, yawning and scratching her head as she walked into the living room, "what are you doing up so early?"

"I was going to cook you breakfast." I told her while walking to the kitchen counter for a knife, "but, seeing as you're up, you can go ahead and make it yourself."

"I'll be happy to dive back into bed, if that's the case." She replied with another yawn. Smiling slightly, I turned around to see her right in front of me, eyes twinkling with amusement. Backing away slowly, knowing what she wanted, I tried to find escape, "as long as you're in it, I mean." She said with a shrug, and a small smirk.

"Um, no." I told her, waving my knife in her face, "we had enough sex last night. I can hardly stand."

Laughing, she turned and opened the refrigerator, "I love how you stroke my ego, Ino."

I gave her a soft smile as I passed her, "I only do it to avoid more sex."

"Which doesn't make sense at all." She replies as she closes our refrigerator and makes her way to our bedroom, "I'm going to brush my teeth and take a shower. Can I still get that breakfast?"

Rolling my eyes, I called back to her, "sure, what type of cereal would you like?"

"Peanut butter crunch!" She answered without thought. I laughed, but then focused back on my letter. For some reason my heart is beating slightly faster, and my stomach has butterflies. I had a feeling that I knew what this was and what this was about, but I was confused on how to feel about it.

Still, I tore it open and placed the knife on the table as I grabbed the contents from the inside. Placing the empty envelope down, I read the small card in my hand.

Ino,

It's been awhile, hasn't it? It feels like years. I know we aren't on the best terms, and I know we don't see eye to eye, but I never stopped thinking of you as my best friend. And I know I'm selfish for this, I know that you might not want to speak to me, but it would mean a lot of if you were one of my bridesmaid at my wedding. I really want you there, whether you say yes to being a bridesmaid or not. So, if we could just be on good terms for one day, just one, I would never ask for another single thing.

~Sakura

In the pit of my stomach I felt old feelings starting to rise. I stared at the card with my insides tumbling and shifting nervously. My breathing was shallow and short as I continued to stand there in a daze. I never expected to be invited to their wedding. I always thought I would hear about it from one of the gossiping women on the market street. In actuality, I thought this card was just to inform me she had gotten married.

"I decided not to take a shower." Temari said as she walked out of the bedroom, "it's just a bit too much movement for me so early in the morning, you know?" She paused as she saw me standing there. Walking behind me, she looked at the card in my hand and skimmed it quickly, "wow." She commented, knowing the gravity of the situation. We didn't speak for awhile before she broke the silence, "you're going to go, right?"

I blinked and looked away from the card and over my shoulder to her, "what?"

"You're gonna' go, right?" She repeated, looking me in my eyes, "it's her wedding."

I shook my head, turning my gaze back at the card, my breathing still uneven, "I…I don't think so."

"Ino." Temari spoke softly as she wrapped her arms around me from behind, "she's your best friend, she wants you there."

"I don't…I don't think I can do it, Temari." My voice was shaking, I could hardly push the incoming tears away.

"I know, I know." She soothed me, kissing my neck before resting her chin on my shoulder, "you guys had a rough fight. But, Ino, baby, you have to look over that." I shook my head, the stinging in my eyes starting to become painful. "I'll be there with you." She whispered, "I'll be there every step, I won't let you out of my sight. And as soon as you want to leave, we'll leave. But let's at least show up if you don't want to be a bridesmaid." Tears slipped by as I closed my eyes, "I know it hurts, baby. I know it does. But, I'll be there to pick up each and every piece that might fall, and I always will be. Okay?"

She let me go and turned me around, smiling softly as she wiped my tears away. Sniffling, and taking a breath, I nodded, "okay… Alright. I'll go."

"Good," She replied with a nod, "I'll go ahead and reply back. Now go back to bed, I'll fix you some breakfast."

When I was about to argue, she only picked me up and carried me to the bedroom. Smiling slightly as she placed me on our bed, I rolled back into the covers. Before she left she kissed me on the cheek and whispered that she loved me, then walked out and closed the door.

Wedding

I stood there, feeling uneasy, as everyone at the reception mingled and talked. I felt so out of place, so wrong, like I'm not suppose to be here.

But I was suppose to be here, as Temari kept telling me after I told her this. Everyone that was here were all our childhood friends. They were laughing and smiling, speaking about everything they have missed since the years they've been apart. I was standing there alone, despite Temari's promise, because she ran to grab me a drink from the fruit punch fountain. I was edgy and scared, as my eyes darted at all the people that were around. I wanted to leave, wanted to go home, and I was thinking about telling Temari as soon as she got back.

That was before I saw Sakura.

She was smiling, speaking to Naruto with Sasuke by her side. He held onto her waist, a smile on his face as he laughed at what Naruto said. He took a sip of his drink, nodding and laughing some more. As Sakura slowly fell out of the conversation, she started to look around. For some reason, I knew she was looking for me. And even though every nerve inside of me was screaming for me to hide, I stood there and watched her, waiting for her to spot me. When she finally did, my heart stopped. Slowly, she turned to speak to Sasuke and untangled herself from him, turning to walk towards me.

I watched as she approached, watched as Sasuke glanced at me and smiled. Even gave me a slight wave. My neck prickled as I tore my gaze away, slightly amazed that he didn't hate me like I hated him. I was still staring at the ground when Sakura finally approached, standing right in front of me, "hey." She said softly.

"Hey." I whisper out, forcing myself to smile and to look up at her, "you're really beautiful, by the way. The wedding I mean." I rambled nervously, "it definitely suits you."

Sakura laughed, looking around the huge green field, "does it? Sasuke picked everything out. This was for him, not me."

I blinked, my smile flattering, "you didn't want a wedding? I thought you always did."

Sakura rubbed her neck nervously, "yes. I did. But, you know, nothing turned out like how I expected it to."

But I shook my head, not understanding, "you're the head doctor at the hospital, aren't you? And a prime candidate for being an elder in the future. You've even taken part of all the recent meetings that have been held for dealings within our village. This is everything you wanted, right?"

Sakura smiled slightly, her gaze breaking away from mine, "yeah. I did want all of that."

I continued to stare at her, "then you should be happy." I prompt, edging her to explain herself.

For a moment, she was silent, and I watched as she struggled to figure out how to continue, "um… The real reason I wanted you here was for chance to speak to you. I knew I wouldn't be able to reach you otherwise" I remained quiet, listening intently. Nervously, she looked in my eyes as she continued to speak, "I wanted to correct a mistake I made a long time ago. I know it's too late, it seems like I'm always late for these types of things, but I thought that you should know…"

She tailed off then. I continued to watch her, "what is it Sakura?" I press, unable to stand her silence.

"I did know who I was in love with before I heard the news." She rushed out, so fast that I was hardly able to comprehend, "I said I didn't know because I was scared, but I did know, Ino. I did. And once I finally realized that everything I was doing was wrong, that I was doing something that I wanted in the past, it was too late. You had stopped talking to me completely, even transferred out to different hospital."

My heart hammered at her words, and my intake of breath was sharp as I listened.

"And. I was stupid." She continued, "I was dumb. I've ruined everything just because I wanted to play pretend. And now look where it's landed me. Married to a man that I only half love."

I shook my head, not wanting to comprehend was she was saying, "Sakura-"

"I know. It's too late. We both have someone now. But, I wanted to know if you felt the same. I wanted to know if I was the only one. It's been destroying me just thinking about it." Sakura asked, looking at me desperately.

Just then, Temari appeared at my side, "you don't know how many people I had to fight off for this." She said, leaning and kissing my cheek before passing me my drink and wrapping her arm around me, "So sorry I'm late. I know I promised, but yeah." It took her seconds to notice Sakura standing in front of her. She smiled politely then, holding out her hand, "hey, Sakura, congratulations on the wedding. I was telling Ino how beautiful it was."

Sakura struggled to put on the small smile she had. Her small hand shook Temari's, her face struggling to look happy, "oh yeah. I'm in love with it all. Today has been such a fairy tale.

I watched as she told Temari a totally different story than what she told me. I watched as she lied and pretended and I felt my stomach churning the whole time. "That's how it should feel." Temari said with a nod, "it's your special day, after all."

Sakura smiled slightly, her eyes sliding to mine sadly, "yeah, it is." I held her gaze, reading all the emotions that were flowing through her. But it only lasted a second before she turned back to Temari and smiled a little more brightly, after much effort, "anyway, it was nice to see you both again. Don't be a stranger, alright?"

"Don't worry." Temari said with a grin, "we'll come and visit time to time. Check in on the newlyweds."

Sakura turned around, without another glance to me. I watched as she made her way back to Sasuke, 'the man she only half loved'. I stood there as she fell back into her façade, her lie she had been living for two years. And with Temari's arm around me, I felt her misery from here, knowing if I let her go like this she would be unhappy for the rest of her life. So before I could reason to myself, I called after her, "Sakura!"

She turned around, a pretend confused look on her face. Still in Temari's arms, I spoke, "No, I don't; I'm happy, and you should be too."

I crushed her, I know I did. But she took it like the strong woman I knew she was. She smiled and turned back around, walking away.

"What was that about?" Temari whispered, looking to me.

But I only shook my head, looking back at Temari, "she just needed to be reassured that she did the right thing."

The End.


Pretty good right? Hoped you liked it.

Shycadet loves. Out.