See, I told you I would post another chapter. Don't worry your pretty little heads my sweets. Be sure to check out the first chapter for my new story, Dragging My Soul To Hell, if you haven't already. Thanks for your support this far guys, I appreciate it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. I will only accept credit for the plot of the story.

Chapter 9

Sakura blinked slowly, not quite sure that she had heard correctly. Swallowing the painful lump in her throat, she stared Ino directly in the eyes. "Wh-what did you just say?" Sakura stammered out.

Ino looked away; normally bright blue eyes were dulled into a darker shade. "Sakura…" She began, inhaling deeply as she braced herself to continue. "I think I'm in love with you." She whispered out, repeating her previous statement.

Sakura was at a loss. She didn't know what to say to something like that. The only person who she had ever been in love with was Sasuke. After he defected from the village, she did everything possible to help Naruto in bringing him back. With the things that had happened, she wasn't too optimistic about him returning.

Her feelings for him had dwindled down to a simple desire for friendship. She wanted him to return home for Naruto's sake so he could have his friend back. Sakura knew all too well what it was like to lose a friend to something stupid.

She and Ino had fought tooth and nail over Sasuke and his leaving was the dose of reality that Sakura had needed. She worked hard, improved as a kunoichi, and fought even harder to mend her friendship with Ino. After she left on her mission, it took a lot out of her. She had never expected Ino to come back in such critical condition.

She was excited though, when Ino finally came back. Despite her condition, she seemed to be okay or getting there at least. The fact that she hadn't died was enough to spike a large number of emotions. She had her best friend back and she didn't plan on letting her go.

However, this was a completely different ball game. Especially after what had just happened. Sakura knew that she cared for Ino, a lot. But to say that she was in love with her? She wasn't quite sure she loved Ino, things had changed between the two of them but that was a bit much.

Ino sighed, shifting in Sakura's lap, uncomfortable from the silence she was presented with. When Sakura still did not answer, Ino figured that she had taken things too far. Standing she rubbed her arm nervously.

"Sakura…I'm sorry. Look…just forget I said anything." Sakura's eyes looked up to see Ino's crushed look. "Ino…I…" Ino stopped her with a broken smile as she shook her head. "Nah it's okay. I think I'm going to go to bed. See you in the morning." And with that, Sakura was left to sink in her thoughts alone.

"I fucked up, and bad." Sakura mumbled to herself, raking her fingers through her hair with a sigh. Standing to her feet, she looked up the stairs where Ino had just disappeared. Climbing up them slowly, she stopped when she stood outside Ino's door.

Knocking carefully, she waited for Ino to answer. "Ino…you okay?" She knocked again, still receiving no response. Twisting the knob, she was surprised to find it was unlocked. Pressing it open, Sakura was able to make out Ino's outline sitting in the window.

Taking a cautious step forward, Sakura frowned. "Ino?" Ino hadn't so much as budged and continued to sit there silently. Sakura continued to walk forward as she leaned against the window. "What is it Sakura?" Ino whispered, her voice seemingly blank of all emotion.

"I want you to talk to me." Ino shook her head, leaning it against the frame of the window as she closed her eyes. "Too bad." Sakura huffed as she stood, facing her back to the window as she watched Ino closely.

"Ino."

"No Sakura, drop it." Ino mumbled, arms folded across her chest. "Where is this coming from? Are you seriously upset about what just happened?" Ino growled as she opened her eyes to glare at Sakura. "I said drop it!"

"No Ino, we're going to talk about this now! What the hell happened in such a short time that all of a sudden, my presence is toxic?" Sakura snapped coldly, her eyes narrowed as she waited for Ino to respond.

Having had enough, Ino jumped down from the window. Stalking over to her door, she swung it open. "Get. Out." She spat out each word, her cheeks flushed from anger. Sakura frowned, walking over she yanked Ino by the arm before slamming the door and locking it. Slamming Ino against the door, she pinned her there as she stared her down.

"No, I'm tired of this shit Ino. I'm fucking tired of it!" Ino turned her head away; frown on her lips only for Sakura to grab her chin, forcing her back. "Look at me Ino." Ino looked down, desperately trying to avoid her gaze. "Look at me Ino, I won't say it again."

Slowly, their eyes met. Ino's began filling with tears as sobs wracked her form. Sakura pressed herself against her, resting her head in her neck. "Tell me Ino…what's wrong?" Ino let out another choked out sob, her fingers digging into Sakura's shoulders.

"Please Ino; I don't want you to hurt anymore. I told you I was going to take care of you but first…I need you to let me in." Sakura whispered into her neck, her hands placing themselves on her waist. It was that which broke her as words tumbled from Ino's lips.

"I'm so tired Sakura. So damn tired." Ino dug her fingers deeper into Sakura's skin, pulling her tighter. "After he did that to me…I just wanted to die. I felt sick, and I didn't know what to do. You told me you'd always be there for me. The whole time, I thought about you. I wondered why it had happened to me…if I had done something to deserve it."

Sakura's eyes softened as she tried to pull away, wanting nothing more than to wipe the tears from Ino's eyes and tell her it was okay. Ino refused to let up, continuing as her body shook with the force of her tears.

"When I came back, I was surprised ya know. You were the first person I saw when I woke up…you were so happy, even when you cried, you were happy because I was home and I was okay. You promised to take care of me, and you did. I guess I was happy to see you too. Each time we hung out, I wanted nothing more than to be with you and be close to you."

Sakura tugged in her grip again, hearing Ino's voice mellow out as she squeezed her. "And now, after bottling up inside and breaking down…after we…you know…I couldn't hold it in anymore. I know it was weird for you…hell it was strange hearing it come from my own mouth."

Ino's grip finally slacked up as Sakura pulled back to stare in her eyes. Ino stared back, tears filling her eyes to the brim with a broken smile on her face. "Sakura…my feelings for you are too strong for me to ignore anymore. I love you…I'm in love with you. I want to be with you, forever. When you didn't say anything, it hurt."

Sakura reached out her hand, pressing it gently against Ino's cheek. "It hurt…so bad. I thought you didn't care, I thought you might've felt the same way. But I was stupid…you don't, do you? You acre about me Sakura, I know that, but for me it's not enough. So…that's why."

Sakura frowned deeply, her thumb brushing the tears that traveled down Ino's cheek. "Ino…" The girl only shook her head, a broken smile played at her lips. "No it's okay Sakura; it's not fair of me to do that to you." Sakura watched as Ino tried to pull away from her.

Sakura didn't allow her to do so. She had ran a few thoughts through her head. Ino was probably the most important person in her life. The fact that she had almost lost her once and was about to do it again, was heart wrenching. She wanted to protect Ino, from everything and to take care of her. Could she go through with it? To say those very same words to Ino?

Ino seemed to understand that she was thinking about it. Leaning forward, she brushed her lips against Sakura's cheek, reaching to grab her hand. Sakura's eyes jolted up to stare at her, squeezing her hand gently. With a soft smile, Ino pulled her along, walking backwards until she fell onto her bed, pulling Sakura on top of her.

Sakura's eyes had not left hers not once. Her hands squeezed Ino's waist as Ino's hands came up to rest behind her neck. Biting her lip Sakura rubbed Ino's bare stomach with her thumb. "Are you sure you want this Ino?" Ino nodded quickly, pulling Sakura down as she pressed their lips together in a soft kiss. "I want you to make me yours Sakura; I want you to have all of me." Ino whispered against Sakura's lips before pulling away with a pleading look in her eyes.

Shakily, Sakura exhaled and nodded. "Okay."

Their lips pressed together, Sakura flicking her tongue out shyly. Ino smiled softly, parting her lips, allowing Sakura's tongue to slip inside of her mouth. They wrestled their tongues together, Sakura's teeth tugging at Ino's bottom lip.

Ino gave a soft groan, her nails digging softly into Sakura's back. "I want to see you too Sakura." Ino whispered. Sakura took in Ino's state and noticed that she was still clad in the tight shorts in chest bindings from earlier.

Sakura swallowed and nodded her head slowly. Ino smiled and kissed Sakura's neck slowly before reaching down to grab her shirt and tug it over her head. Sakura flushed immediately, Ino only giggled and kissed her cheek before moving to her collarbone.

Sakura shivered, her fingers moving to unfasten Ino's chest bindings. Snapping it open, Sakura watched hungrily as Ino's breasts spilled out before her. She immediately captured one of Ino's nipples into her mouth causing Ino to his softly.

Sakura continued to suck on the small bud, her tongue swirling around it teasingly before drawing it between her teeth. Her other hand reached up to massage the large globe as she rolled the other nipple between her fingers. Pinching it, Sakura nipped none too lightly at the one in her mouth.

Ino gasped, her back arching as her hand found its way to the back of Sakura's head. Tangling her fingers in her hair, Ino pressed Sakura's skilled mouth harder against her body. Sakura pulled away with a loud pop only to reattach her lips to Ino's other breast. Her tongue flicked against Ino's nipple teasingly, swirling around slowly.

Ino groaned as she pressed Sakura harder against her. Sakura pulled away to kiss down Ino's bare stomach, running her fingertips lightly against her sides. Sakura nipped just below her navel as she locked eyes with Ino. Hooking her fingers in the waistband of Ino's shorts, Sakura tugged them down, sliding her panties down with it.

Ino blushed deeply, her body exposed completely for Sakura. She wasn't embarrassed but excited. The thought of finally being with her, to give her body to Sakura just sent chills up her spine. She didn't want anyone else and nothing else mattered. It was just the both of them, engaging in a lover's act of intimacy.

Sakura's cheeks flushed as well, her palms teasing at the creamy flesh of Ino's thighs as she parted them. Ino shivered, her fingers scratching Sakura's back reassuringly. Ino flashed her a soft smile and with that, Sakura's hands trailed to the inside of her thighs.

Her fingers brushed over Ino's shaved skin, reveling in its softness. Taking a single finger, she dragged it up slowly along the length of Ino's wet entrance. Ino shuddered with a soft moan, her toes curling. Sakura smiled softly, pressing her finger in only deep enough to part the moist folds.

Ino pulled Sakura closer to her, her hips rocking slightly. Dipping her head down to Ino's neck, Sakura kissed it softly as she whispered in her ear. "I'm giving you one last chance to stop this Ino. Tell me to stop, and I will." Ino closed her eyes as she shook her head.

"I don't want you to stop. I want you to take me Sakura…I'm yours." With a nod, Sakura slowly eased a finger into Ino's once virgin body. Ino bit her lip, drawing blood as Sakura's finger delved deeper into her. Ino clutched Sakura tightly as the girls fingers became enveloped by her body.

Sakura locked eyes with her, gauging every reaction. "You okay?" Ino smiled, tears pricking the corners of her eyes at the pain. As it slowly fell, Ino nodded. "I'm okay. I want you to move." Sakura nodded, slowly pulling her finger out as she pressed it back in.

Sakura began working her fingers at a slow pace, careful not to get too rough. The sensation of having the velvety walls clench her fingers sent a pool of heat to gather in her stomach. Licking her lips, she leaned down to capture Ino's nipple in her mouth as she sucked softly.

Ino's hands darted up, one to the back of Sakura's head and the other to scratch at her back. Arching into her touch, Ino gave a throaty moan as she rocked her hips slowly, craving Sakura's touches more and more.

"Pl-please Sakura….I want more." A soft grumble emanated from Sakura's throat as she nodded. Pulling out her finger only slightly, Sakura added a second finger as she allowed her thumb to brush against Ino's clit. Sliding them inside of her tight passage, Sakura groaned when Ino's nails dug a bit too harshly into her skin.

Flexing her fingers inside those moist walls, she curled them with one particular thrust causing Ino to give a half moan and half scream. "Oh god Sakura...please...right there." Forest green eyes clouded with lust shot up to Ino's pained face. Watching her intently, she curled her fingers inside of her again.

"Right here?" Ino moaned even louder, her hips thrusting harshly at Sakura's hand. "Mhmm…right there." Ino purred out, her hips rocking even harder as she released a storm of silent screams and moans. Her brow was slick with sweat and her lips parted as she took in gasps of air that left her when she screamed.

Pulling her by the neck, Ino crashed their lips together, wasting no time in letting her tongue slide into Sakura's mouth. Sakura growled out, adding another finger as she roughly shoved them in and out of Ino's wet body. She could tell she was close, but she wanted to finish her off with something else.

Pulling her fingers out, she watched as Ino's hands pulled her closer. "Baby please….don't stop now." Kissing her cheek, Sakura kissed down her body slowly. "Don't worry….I'm not going anywhere." Ino whimpered as Sakura continued to kiss down her body.

Sakura's fingers hooked under Ino's thighs as she kissed them slowly, running her tongue along the length of it. Shifting back to rest on her stomach, Sakura held Ino's gaze as she flicked her tongue out
to run along the wet slit.

Sakura had to force Ino's hips down as she thrusted them up. Smirking at the loud gasp that fell from Ino's lips, Sakura licked Ino's lower lips again. Her taste buds erupted with sensation at the sweet nectar that Ino had produced. Ino arched her back, forcing Sakura's mouth harder against her.

Sakura's tongue circled Ino's clit before nipping at it gently. Slowly, she allowed her tongue to part the wet folds as she sucked and licked at Ino's sensitive body. Allowing two fingers to slide in, Sakura darted her tongue in and out quickly.

Ino's body was working on overload as she found her climax approaching. Her fingers gripped the back of Sakura's head, forcing her tongue deeper into her wet hole. Sakura's fingers and tongue were pushing her over the edge. Her resolve slipping, her hips began humping quickly as she approached her climax.

"I'm close Sakura…I'm gonna cum." Ino gasped out, causing Sakura to suck harder.

"I'm right here Ino. I'm waiting just for you. I want you to cum…just for me. Scream for me Ino." Sakura mumbled against her, sucking and plunging her fingers harder as Ino drew closer and closer to reaching her breaking point.

With one last thrust of Sakura's fingers and tongue, Ino exploded. Her head fell back to hit the sheets as a loud scream fell from her lips. Her hips rocked against Sakura's face as she came, her juices falling from her body and into Sakura's awaiting mouth. Sakura continued to suck greedily, taking in everything that Ino had put out.

Pulling away, she slipped her fingers into Ino's mouth, who sucked slowly, moaning, as she tasted herself. Sakura climbed up, kissing Ino softly as she rolled over beside her. Pulling Ino on top of her, she smiled as Ino collapsed on top of her. "Okay?"

Ino kissed Sakura's neck, nipping it softly as she nodded. "Definitely better than okay." Ino breathed out, causing Sakura to chuckle. Ino nuzzled deeper into Sakura's warm embrace. "Sakura…"

"Hmm? What is it?"

Ino chewed her lip nervously as she continued. "I love you…I want to be with you forever."

Sakura's heart pounded in her chest as she kissed Ino's cheek. Ino tensed when Sakura didn't answer as her lip quivered with threatening tears. Hearing her whimpers, Sakura cupped her cheeked as she pulled her into a deep kiss. "Ino…" Sakura mumbled against her lips.

Ino pulled back, baby blue eyes brimming with tears as she watched Sakura, waiting for her to continue. "I…love you too Ino. I want to be with you…just you." Wiping the tears from her eyes, Ino smiled down at her.

"Promise."

Sakura chuckled, tucking a stray piece of blonde hair behind Ino's ear. "Ah, I promise."

It literally took me like four days to type this. I started and then things kept coming up, friends, boyfriend, Christmas and all that other crap. Btw, Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to each and every one of you. Sorry if the chapter is complete shit but work with me lol. Sorry for any major grammar mistakes! (Let me say this after reading one of the reviews. I'm not saying that Sakura took away Ino's virginity, after all she was raped therefore she already lost it. What I was getting at is that even after sex (especially if it was forced) there can still be discomfort for the other person. For most people it goes away after the first time but it is not unheard of for there to be a small pain or stinging sensation especially after rape.)