Survival of the Fittest

Note: Special Shout our 2 me friend Eva whose b-day is a month away...lol...

~*~

"A vacation?" muttered Sasuke, surprise flashed momentarily through his eyes. Lifting his eyebrows in amusement. I thought the reason we're training is to become stronger? He shrugged casually. I suppose we do need this vacation. Especially Sakura, she's been acting strange lately...

"Are you serious?" gasped Ino, her eyes sparkling with excitement, as she ran her hand through her long silky blonde hair. "We'll be staying aboard one of the finest, most luxurious ships ever made! I could just picture us on the beach with Sasuke rubbing sunscreen on me." she sighed lost in her daydream, her hands clasped in rapture. "It'll be the perfect excuse to spend more time with Sasuke-kun." her eyes narrowing with slyly, as she momentarily met Sakura's glance. "Watch out Sakura, or else you might get hurt." her sapphire eyes gleamed with a savage light. "Watch your back."

Sakura shot Ino a suspicious look. Ino was up to something. Something that involved Sasuke. Unconsciously she shuddered, and it had nothing to do with the cold breeze. Ino's eyes were cold and icy, and whatever she had planned, it wasn't going to be pretty. Maybe I should tell her about Sasuke...Sakura shook her head defiantly. I'll play along, for now...

Hokage rolled his eyes in disgust at the murderous tension between the two girls. They were just so predictable, always fighting over Sasuke. It's quite amazing that they use to be such great friends. He hung his head in despair. I've always thought that nothing could separate them. They would stay best friends throughout their lives. I've never expected them to become rivals over a boy. Especially when he returns neither one of their affections. Hokage chuckled in amusement, this group of genii were special. They were bond together by friendship, hate and love. Whether they liked it or not, they would be together forever.

"Sasuke-kun," questioned Ino as she gently placed her hand onto his shoulder. "What do you think about the vacation? Don't you think It'll be just great! Just think about it, we'll be able to spend more time together!" she whispered enticingly.

Sasuke glared at her furiously before shooting her disgusted look as he shook her off. "You're annoying," he stated calmly before turning on heel and walking out of the room. His last thoughts were, "Damn, I'll have to deal with her throughout the whole vacation." He sighed lightly, as his footsteps echoed down corridor.

Sakura couldn't help it, but her brain had short-wired. She choked down her laughter, and stared at the disgruntled and shocked look that was displayed upon Ino's face. "You better shut your mouth, unless you plan on eating flies for dinner," she continued, casually waving her fork in her face. Ignoring the deadly calm look that glared at her through darkly hooded eyes.

"Like I said bitch," snapped Ino, as she squared her shoulder marching out of the room. She stopped an inch or so away from the door, and turned to face Sakura. "Don't mess with me if you know what's good for you." she growled menacingly before slamming the door shut, causing the whole house to shake.

Sakura gapped at her a few seconds before looking down at her shoes caught between anger and disappointment. Why did I just do that? Why did I try to provoke a fight? Especially with Ino? She trailed off, letting the question stand. I suppose we could never be friends again. It's just been too long. It was all a dream, one that I would always treasure throughout the rest of my life. Friends or Rivals are forever, and no matter what, I'll always be there for her...maybe...

Hinata sighed lightly as she watched Naruto eat Ramen. His face was so innocent and child-like. It made her feel as if she was walking on air with a sweet handsome stranger in tow. One with the heart and soul of a child. She glance landed on Sakura, who was still staring at the floor deep in thought. Why didn't Naruto love me? I trust him, I respect him, I give him ramen. "What did I do wrong!" she wailed not noticing that she was speaking aloud. "It's not fair!" she sobbed as she pounded her fists on the table. Releasing the pain that she's bottled up deep inside of her. For years it had been building, now finally she exploded. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she clenched her fists. Trying with all her might not to be weak. He loves Sakura, not me. Why? WHY! Almost instantly she felt someone squeeze her shoulder trying to comfort her.

"Come one Hinata," murmured Sakura softly, as if trying not to scare her away. "It'll be alright, don't worry. Everything will turn out for the best," she insisted as she led her out of the room. "Trust me, everything will be okay..."

~*~

"Thank you Sakura-chan," muttered Hinata shyly as she met Sakura's warm caring eyes. After almost an hour of hysterical crying, Hinata had finally collected herself. What she had been surprised to see was that Sakura was still there. Comforting her. Cheering her up. Almost like a true friend.

"So who were you crying about?" asked Sakura her eyes lit with curiosity. Seeing Hinata's hesitation, she raised her eyebrows knowingly. "You like someone don't you?" she exclaimed brightly as she jumped up and down squealing with excitement. "Who is the lucky guy? she persisted as she leaned forward. "Come on, you could tell me! I won't tell anyone, I promise," she said solemnly as she placed her hand against her heart. "Please..." she begged.

Hinata hesitated nervously as she stared into Sakura's trusting eyes. What would she do if she discovers that I love Naruto? Would she be anger at me? She shook off the unwelcome thoughts and nodded reluctantly.

"I...I...," she stuttered preparing herself for the worst. "I...I...lo...v...e...Na..." Suddenly a loud crash shook the house, as a string of curses could be heard from miles around. Something that sounded like Ino.

Sakura sighed as she tossed her head while rolling her eyes in boredom. She burst into a fit of giggles when she saw Hinata jump out of her chair in shock. "She'll never change, she'll always be an annoying little bitch!." she said casually. Sakura tilted her head in amusement, "That guy must be really special to you, or else you wouldn't be acting so jumpy!" she said with a soft laugh "So who's the special guy?" she questioned urging Hinata to continue.

"I...I...lo...v...e...Na...r...u," she gulped before staring at Sakura again. "You won't tell anyone right?" she questioned nervously, weighing her decision. Should I tell her or not? She could easily make the rest of my life into a living hell.

Sakura emitted a rude and suppressed sound, before nodding her head crudely. "Go on." she said waving her hands supportive.

"I love Naruto," Hinata muttered nervously as she searched Sakura's face for any sign of emotion.

"Naruto?" muttered Sakura feeling a bit faint.