Disclaimer: These characters belong to Kishimoto-sama.

Chapter Ten

She's Got You High

"She's got you high and you don't even know yet."

– song by Mumm-Ra

"Give Uchiha Sasuke to me."

Sakura shook her head as she heard this sentence. Her best friend had screamed at her as if she did indeed own the young Uchiha. She didn't understand why Ino thought that way. It seemed ridiculous and she was about to tell her so when the young blonde had said something that crushed her resolve.

"You weren't there!"

And she was overwhelmed by the undeniable feeling of guilt. She knew that they were bound to delve into this topic someday. But she didn't think it would be this soon. Maybe when they were much older and they would shrug it off as something that didn't really matter in their friendship. She didn't expect it to be triggered by the topic of Uchiha Sasuke.

Considering her best friend was drunk as a horse she concluded that Yamanaka Ino had been trying to hide this inner anger from her. She only told people the hard truth whenever she was in this state. Sakura knew that from experience when Ino had so harshly confronted TenTen about her feelings for Hyuuga Neji and how the brunette felt when he passed away. It came as a shock to her when Ino had been so insensitive and was about to scold her for being so obnoxious until she realized that the blonde was drunk. What was that saying again? "In vino veritas" Apparently this applied to the young kunoichi who always told the truth when she had alcohol flowing through her system.

"My father died and you weren't there."

Of course, Sakura knew that she had been lacking in support as a friend. When the war had ended she had been too busy to talk to Ino. She didn't even attempt to ask her how she felt about her father's passing. Sakura assumed that she was over it. At the back of her mind she always did wonder if she should've done more, been more empathetic. As it turns out she was right.

"That's why, give him to me."

Sakura's eyes scanned over her friend. She looked defeated, the complete opposite of how Yamanaka Ino usually carried herself. She had never seen her as fragile as she did at that moment and Sakura almost wanted to give in to her request. She would do anything to make her feel better.

Except for this.

Uchiha Sasuke wasn't hers to give. He didn't belong to anyone and he most certainly did not belong to her. Truthfully, Sakura had started to notice that there was a careful shift in their relationship that was about to happen but it was too soon to conclude. She didn't want to push things too far the same way she had before. Besides, the shift she was referring to was the fact that they were beginning to deepen their friendship. Something, she had always wanted whenever she wished for him to come home, well, aside from her fan-girlish dreams of him finally seeing her as a woman, which were totally crushed the moment she let him sleep with her as a final goodbye to her fantasies. And he hadn't cared at all.

He let her go.

Sakura was finally starting to accept that. Even if she would sometimes blush over something he did or something he said. It was understandable since she had carried a torch for him for so long. You can't get over a first love so easily. Heck, even some people never do.

Her best friend was practically begging her now.

"You've been hurting too much right? You want it to stop? Well, I can still take it. I don't care if he uses my body. I swear I'll make him fall for me. "

Sakura's heart stopped beating when she heard that sentence. Could Ino make Sasuke fall for her? Of course she could. She was gorgeous and she came from a shinobi family with unique abilities. Sasuke was sometimes cold and uncaring and he seldom let people in. But he had let Ino into his bed long before Sakura even so much as attempted to further their friendship. She didn't even know if she herself was "in". What would that make Ino?

Honestly, she didn't really know. Uchiha Sasuke was unpredictable.

She didn't want to get involved with his relationship with other women. She was trying to move on wasn't she? Why was Ino involving her in this? She shouldn't feel threatened by her. Besides, didn't she already tell Ino that she had indeed given up on him when she returned from Kirigakure? But seriously, even if she was still going after Sasuke. She still had no chance with him.

"Say yes to Kiba then."

Haruno Sakura paused. And she suddenly felt livid.

"In this life, I won't ask for anything else."

Ino was.

Going too far.

This was really too much.

People's feelings are gonna get hurt if she decided to give in to her friend's request. It really wouldn't be fair. She was indeed giving Kiba a chance but she had already promised herself that she wouldn't use him that way. She did like him, but not that way yet. Though she was honestly trying. There were times when she felt like she could say yes. But something always held her back.

Was Sasuke holding her back?

Maybe.

Sakura didn't want it to be that way. She looks at her friend again and tries to find the right words.

"Ino-chan, I….." She starts, but Ino suddenly collapses. Sakura takes a step forward to catch her. She sighs and carries her friend to her room. She observes her and wonders what had happened between Ino and Sasuke. Maybe they had? No, but it was a possibility. Why else would Ino come barging in drunk and asking her to "Give Uchiha Sasuke to her?" She stopped herself from getting too affected if they had indeed decided to end their little arrangement.

She didn't care.

Of course she didn't.

It had nothing to do with her.

.

.

.

When Sakura wakes up the next day, Ino had already left.

His eyes were hurting. That's why he was on his way to see her. Sasuke kept reminding himself of this as his feet take him to the hospital. He narrowly steps out of the way of a moving fruit cart. Damn. Why was he so distracted today? He puts his hands inside his pockets and focused on the path leading to her office.

His eyes suddenly fell on the familiar signage of Ino's floral shop. Was she working? He briefly contemplated. Don't get him wrong, he did mean to end his arrangement with the blonde but not in that way. He knew she was truthfully hurt by his cruel way of shutting her out even if she tried to appear unaffected. He had been around this woman for maybe more than half a year now, of course he wasn't that calloused. Honestly, he felt a bit guilty even if he did not regret his decision. Sakura had once told him that she didn't want him to be heartless. He felt like he was yesterday. His eyes fall on the road ahead of him, and his steps hasten. He wanted to get away as fast as he could.

He sees a particular person as he nears his destination. She was running a bit late huh? Sakura was wearing her usual doctor's coat and was carrying a load of stuff, a box full of folders stacked up way past her head. Sure they were no match for her strength but it looked like she was having a bit of trouble balancing them. Maybe it had something to do with the red strappy heels she had on. He briefly noted that her legs looked longer in them. Realizing his thoughts he clicks his tongue. He looked at her again and was amused at her state. She really wasn't good at balancing. Before some of her folders fell, Sasuke took a pile and held them for her.

She was stunned by his sudden presence and looked at him like he wasn't supposed to be there. She swiftly looks away and continues her journey mumbling a simple thank you as they made their way to her office. That was weird. She seemed withdrawn and a bit off. He silently walks with her.

When they arrive, she immediately unloads her stuff on the table and takes the folders off his hands and arranges them. It takes her a few minutes to finally look at him.

"Gomen, You surprised me." She starts.

Sasuke raises an eyebrow at this. Why was she acting strange?

"Hn."

"So, I guess you're ready for a session?"

He nods his head and they settle into their usual position. After an hour she withdraws her hands and instantly stands and walks away from him. Sasuke doesn't understand why she seemed to be eager to get away when she had been so caring yesterday.

"What's wrong?"

His lips move on their own. He notices the change in her expression but it disappears all too soon and she smiles to cover it up. Something was definitely off.

"Hm? Nothing's wrong Sasuke." The corners of her lips lift a little bit like she was trying to smile. It was fake.

He observes her for a moment and wonders if he should tell her that he knows she's lying. But, from experience, he understands that there were some things that should be left alone. Still, his mind is wildly curious about what was bothering her. He has an internal debate about whether or not he should push her to share her feelings. He was really beginning to feel like a close friend to her. Were they at that stage in their friendship already? Was he close enough to force his way in?

"Sakura…"

"Yo!"

The idiot cuts him off. Sasuke glares at the intruder. He was sitting by her window as if he belonged there. His eyes go to the bouquet of flowers Inuzuka Kiba is holding and narrows his eyes. So Naruto was right, the brunette was definitely making his move. He looks at Sakura again and notes that her smile has changed a bit. She seemed sincerely pleased with the other man's presence. Her cheeks change into a pinkish hue as Kiba hands her the flowers.

"Arigatou, Kiba."

"Are you free for lunch later?" He heard him say.

"Hai." She smiled.

Sasuke felt a bit annoyed. Both shinobi acted like he wasn't even in the room. He tells himself that it had nothing to do with the fact that Sakura just said yes to lunch with the Team Kurenai member. He flinches as said shinobi's eyes fell on him.

"Yo Sasuke, Welcome back!" He had a big grin on and Sasuke was forced to lift a hand back in acknowledgment. Kiba turned to Sakura again.

"I guess I'll see you later." Now he was the one blushing. Sakura merely smiled at him and nodded her head to confirm their plans. Sasuke didn't know why but he was displeased with this new development. He tries to mind his own business. When the other guy leaves, she shifts her attention to him again.

"Yes?"

She looks at him a bit puzzled by his expression. He was studying her. Her mood seemed to have been lifted upon seeing the pride of the Inuzuka clan.

"What?" she laughs. And he finds himself a bit thrown off balance. Was she so happy to see Kiba?

"Do you know that he likes you?" He mutters. He knew that Sakura had this way of not rejecting people she was friends with. He just wasn't sure if she was aware of Kiba's deep feelings. He had concluded before that she knew. But he wanted to make sure.

"Yes." What was up with her one worded replies?

"You're leading him on." He warns her. Sakura was a good person and it wouldn't be surprising if she was treating Kiba with kindness when she should be frank with how she feels.

"Well, I am considering it." His mind blanks for a brief moment as he lets her words sink in. She was considering it? His throat dries at the thought of her going out with some other guy. It shouldn't concern him, but it does. He should be happy for her right? And he should be relieved. He did after all tell her that he didn't want her love.

"You don't have to worry about that anymore."

He remembers her words when he had so cruelly casted her feelings aside.

"Hn."

"Before I forget, we only have one session left." She was looking at him like a professional. It takes him a second to realize what she's talking about. He suddenly smirks. He was glad that he could finally fight without a limit to his ability.

"Is there anything else you need Sasuke?" She smiles sincerely this time.

"Nothing." Sakura tilts her head to the side. Sasuke inwardly gulps as she stares at him with curious eyes. She looked like she was about to say something. Her mouth opens but shuts before words come out. He stares back at her for a while. What was she thinking about? Something was definitely off about her today. Before he can attempt to ask her again, she settles herself in her table and grabs a folder.

"Well, you know where to find me if you do."

He leaves feeling like he had failed at something. He just couldn't figure out what it was.

Haruno Sakura is known to be a kind, feisty, skilled and intelligent woman. She is one of Konoha's most trusted shinobi and was hailed a Sannin after the Fourth Ninja war. Along with her teammates Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke as well as their former teacher and current hokage, Hatake Kakashi, they contributed significantly in ending the war. To top it all off, she is Lady Tsunade's most precious student, an amazing medic nin who saved too many lives to count.

Yes, Sakura is well known for her high-rank shinobi status. But what she is also known for is her astonishing ability to care. It was innate in her. That's one of the many reasons why working at a hospital was perfect for her. She truly cared for her patients and she always made sure that they received the best form of care she could possibly give. It didn't come as a shock to anyone when the time came to passing over the responsibilities of managing the Konoha Hospital, the Fifth Hokage had chosen her as a successor. She was the best person for the job and not once has she allowed anyone to question the decision of receiving such an important position. Sakura was in short, amazing. One can see why everyone depended on her and one can accept the fact that she was adored by most people.

So when Yamanaka Ino woke up this morning, she felt an immense amount of regret for saying what she did the night before. Sakura didn't deserve her wrath. It wasn't her fault that Sasuke had decided to end things with her. She knew this day was coming when he became less receptive to her advances. She was just so frustrated because Sakura had once again beaten her, even if the pinkette wasn't even aware of it. Yesterday, she had drunk all her heartbreak away. Today, she woke up with a great sense of determination.

She refused to give up on Uchiha Sasuke.

She was just going to go about it in a different way. If Sasuke no longer wanted her to fulfill his needs then she would try to fill in something else. She was going to take her place. The young Uchiha clearly felt something for Sakura, even if he didn't know what it was yet. And Sakura had received far too much heartbreak to notice it. It was just a matter of putting as much distance between them as possible. She finally reaches her destination.

She tentatively knocks and waits for Sakura's response.

"Come in."

"Forehead."

"Ino-pig."

Sakura looked surprised by her presence, but the moment Ino called her by her nickname, her eyes softened a bit.

"I'm sorry about yesterday." Ino started. "I shouldn't have lashed out at you like that. I was just having a bad day."

"What did Sasuke do?"

"It has nothing to do with you." Ino noted the flash of hurt that ran through Sakura's eyes, but the tough medic immediately recovered with a soft glare.

"Well, if it has nothing to do with me then why are you here?" she questioned.

"You once told me that you wanted to be rivals. Well, I'm throwing those same words back at you." Sakura's eyes widened at Ino's proposal. "Let's see who will be able to win Sasuke-kun's heart."

"Ino, I have already decided that I'm through with going after him." The young medic turned her attention once again to the papers she was signing.

"You did but that doesn't mean that your feelings for him haven't gone away yet."

"Ino…."

"As long as those feelings are still alive, I still consider you as my rival." she finished.

"Fine, Whatever you say…You're wasting your time though." Sakura waved her off.

So forehead was seriously trying to move on huh? Ino was elated to see this. If Sakura was too blind to see that Sasuke was starting to change the way he saw her. Then maybe Ino can make the final push so they would never realize it for themselves. Though her conscience screamed at her, she decided that she would no longer hold back on account of Sakura's feelings. The pink-haired nin was trying to move on. And she supported her in this.

She leaves with a conflicted heart. One side wanted to be Sakura's best friend and guide her towards Sasuke, the other side, the one that was winning, told her that she wanted to be selfish for once.

Two weeks later.

A hand goes to twist a lock of hair in her fingers. She realizes that she hadn't cut her hair in a long time and she turns around to see how long it was already. Just reaching the upper third of her back. Not that long. She considers getting a haircut but decides against it. Besides, it was fun tying it up and maneuvering it into new hairstyles. She decides to pull it up into a high bun. She grabs a towel and opens the door to the onsen.

And blushes.

Sasuke's back was turned to her and his white towel covered parts of him only up to his waist. Of course. He was a man after all. If he wore it any higher then she would seriously think that he was…. She shivers as he turns to her and nods in acknowledgment.

"Sakura-chan! Come sit with me!" She tries to fight the irritation as Naruto waved her over. He was really too loud. And, it was his stupid idea to go to a mixed onsen. He didn't even tell her it was mixed but she refused to postpone a relaxing afternoon just because her idiot teammate forgot to tell her about this major detail. He even invited everyone from the rookie nine and some of their senseis. Tenten was currently talking to Hinata at the corner. At the middle of the pool were two legs popping out. It seemed like Lee and Gai-sensei were again doing one handed push-ups. Kakashi was sitting at a bench with his face stuck in the same old orange book again. Shikamaru, Chouji and Shino were eating some snacks. Sai was painting, whatever that was he was trying to draw. Yamato-taichou was currently away on some important meeting. And Sasuke was… looking at her. Her footsteps almost turn to his direction when Yamanaka Ino immediately walks past her to go to him. She notices the look of irritation on his face as the other woman approaches him. As if realizing what she was about to do, Sakura swiftly snaps out of it.

Her feet take her to the edge of the spring and she cautiously lowers herself down.

Ah. It felt like pure heaven.

She leans her head against the rock behind her and starts to relax. In a few minutes, she feels a shift near her and pops an eye open to see who it was.

"Ha ha, you totally ignored Naruto." Kiba has a huge grin on and settles next to her.

"He's too loud." She laughs and covers the side of her mouth to say something to him. "I'm also giving Hinata the opportunity to approach him." She looks at him with a mischievous gleam to her eyes.

"Oho, so you've noticed too? I figured something happened during that mission of theirs'. Hinata has become braver for some reason." He had a look of pride in his eyes and Sakura feels warmness in her heart. She was cheering for both of them as well.

Both young adults lean side by side as they talk about the trivial things they find themselves usually chatting about. It is easy being with Kiba, Sakura realizes. She didn't have to be so guarded and she felt confident as well.

"Oi Kiba! Stay away from Sakura-chan!" Sakura turned her gaze to the loud blonde. Naruto looked a bit furious and was storming his way towards them.

"Oh my beloved cherry blosson, has Kiba-san been bothering you?" Lee was apparently done with his push-ups and had noticed Naruto's reaction to her proximity with Kiba.

Both shinobi were making too much of a commotion as they headed towards them. People were starting to look their way. Sakura almost wanted to punch the daylights out of them for interrupting her rest time. She readied her fists as they approached the pair however, Kiba said something that stopped her.

"I love her you idiots!"

Her cheeks suddenly felt really warm as she heard his words. Her eyes settle on him, his ears were really red and he looked a bit nervous.

"Ganbatte Kiba!" Ino's voice resonated over the group.

It takes a second for her words to fall on everyone's ears and soon a couple of the other people in the spring were hooting and cheering for the brunette. Lee seemed like he had tears in his eyes and Naruto looked a bit dumbfounded. His head looks to his right and Sakura follows his eyes. A dark-haired shinobi and gorgeous blonde were currently on the other side of where she was standing. Sasuke was looking at her. Before she could analyze the particular expression that was on his face, Kiba placed himself next to her again. She focused her attention on him but was too embarrassed to say a word.

"I'm pursuing you. You know that right?" His hand was covering his mouth and his face was beet red. Sakura felt herself blush again.

"Yes." She answers nervously.

"So… If I asked you to have dinner with me, would you?" he cautiously asked.

Sakura glances at him. Was he? He notices her confusion and turns to her with a serious look on his face.

"I mean, on a date." He coughs into a closed hand. Here it was. He was really asking her out. After so many months of dodging this topic, he finally decided to demand her answer. Sakura finds herself at a standstill. Did she want to go out with him? Yes she did. But she wasn't so sure if she wanted things to be official with him. Being friends with Kiba was seriously fun. She didn't want to take this lightly. Sakura chooses her words carefully.

"Hmm, will you give me time to think about it?" She smiles at him and is relieved to see the look of pure joy on his face.

He waits as the young shinobi say their goodbyes. He's annoyed as she stands next to him, too close to his personal space. Ino was being pushy. Even if he had clearly rejected her, she was persistent. She had ultimately reverted back to her old ways as a genin, always trying to get his attention. She latches onto his arm and he immediately shrugs it off. He notices the look of hurt in her eyes but decides that he really doesn't care anymore.

When Ino had approached him a week ago like he hadn't decided to end their little relationship, he was hesitant to tell her to back off because a part of him still felt guilty for hurting her. Ino somehow understood him was what he thought before. She lost someone dear to her like he had and she didn't give any indication that she wanted anything else aside from sleeping with him. He thought that maybe they understood each other. And that what they were doing was just burning together. Apparently he was wrong. Because she had told him firmly that she wasn't going to give up on him like Sakura had.

"Go home."

With a huff, she listens and walks away. Well, that was quick. His gaze follows her retreating footsteps for a second and then he relaxes into his position.

His back is to one wall as he observes her.

He was currently waiting for Sakura, after all, they were headed the same direction. Might as well walk together he mused. That's what teammates did right? She turns to him and looks a bit startled by his presence.

"Sasuke?"

"We're going the same direction." He points out.

She nods her head.

The pair remains silent as they navigate their way through the streets of Konoha at such a late hour. His mind is filled with thoughts about what just transpired in the onsen a while ago. Kiba had basically proclaimed his affection for Sakura and she had responded by looking like a high school girl, blushing furiously. He couldn't fight the irritation he was feeling.

He glared ahead but stops when he notices her regarding him with a questioning look in her eyes.

"Why are you in such a foul mood? Has Ino been giving you any trouble lately?" her voice pulls him out of his thoughts. She sounded concerned. He finds himself indignant by the fact that she seemed to have concluded that he and Ino were… something.

"Why do you care so much about what goes on between Ino and I." He couldn't help but let harsh words out again.

"Since I'm her best friend and you're my teammate." She seemed a bit surprised at his response but immediately recovers with words a friend would say.

He lets out a sigh. She was really too good to him.

"I ended things with her. But, Ino…" he pauses. "... seems to want more."

Her eyes widen a bit and she looks away from him. She crosses her arms and puts a finger to her chin, looking far ahead. He waits for her reply. She starts walking again and he follows her.

"Well, everyone seems to want more from you Sasuke." She says it in a whisper that he almost doesn't hear her. What was that supposed to mean? He halts his steps and stares at the ground. Her words somehow affect him and he finds himself wondering.

'Even you?'

It takes him a moment to realize that he had just voiced out his thoughts. Sakura's back stiffens and she remains silent. He inwardly regrets even bringing it up. Why did he even think of that? It takes a while for her to answer him as they stare at the stars above. Why were they always looking up? Then she runs forward and turns to look at him. Her hair flows in the breeze and her face held a childlike innocence.

He is suddenly reminded of the twelve year old girl who only had eyes for him. The next words she utters however, contradict his memory of her.

.

.

.

"I used to."

.

.

.

He fights the feeling of disappointment when she uses the past tense.

.

.

.

The next day, when Kiba asks her out again, she says yes.

"What's this about? I figured love would shine through. We've lost romance this world has turned so see through. Open your mind, believe it's going to come to romance alive and hope she's going to tell you."

– She's Got You High

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AN: A bit of a cliffhanger? Or not really. Anyway, I hope this early update makes up for my three-month absence. If anyone is wondering. "In Vino Veritas" means "In wine there is truth."

Hmm... Reviews would be nice ;) :D

-Remastered-