DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

Italics mean what the person is thinking.

AN: Definite pairings: SasukeSakura, TentenNeji, NarutoHinata, and InoShikamaru. There is no Inner Sakura in this fic unless you really really want her in it. This story is slightly AU. Remember, nobody likes a flamer!

Three Weeks Vacation

Day 10: Tuesday

Sakura awoke groggily and reluctantly to Ino's shaking. Ino hissed, "Sakura…Sakura, wake up!"

She rolled away from the offending blonde and muttered, "A few more minutes…I don't want to get up and face the day without Sasuke-kun yet…"

Ino hissed urgently, "No, Sakura, it seems like Neji found this place. We have to leave, now!"
Sakura bolted upright. "Why didn't you say so?"

Ino rolled her eyes as Sakura bounded around the room, grabbing some clothing and stuffing them in a bag. "Iruka-sensei said we should just grab a few articles of clothing and get out of here. We'll come back, and this place will be safe."

Sakura nodded. Ino continued, "Naruto's going to create some bunshin and make them use Henge. He'll direct them away from us, and maybe that'll throw off the others."

Sakura pulled the strings on her duffel bag to close the bag. "All ready! What about you?"

Ino gestured to a neat duffel bag next to her. "Done. Let's go, we don't want to keep them waiting!"
The two rushed down the stairs and met the others at the bottom. Naruto hoisted his backpack on his shoulder. "Let's go!"
Iruka-sensei led them out of the house after Naruto had created a diversion. The sensei whispered and gestured with his hands, "We'll be moving to another house. She's a friend of mine."

Tenten replied impatiently, "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go already!"

The ninjas sped off after performing Henge no Jutsu. However, five minutes after their departure, a shuriken landed next to Iruka-sensei's head. Sakura's eyes widened. "They know it's us?"

Naruto cursed. "Kuso! They must've seen us use Henge. Come on, we'll have to split up!"
Iruka-sensei leapt ahead. "I'll get the place ready. Good luck!"
Sakura shouted, "Do we have to keep up the jutsu?"

Naruto replied, "It's best to. If one of us gets caught, they'll ask why we were in Henge. However, let's keep it for now, and maybe they won't question."

Tenten glanced back at Neji. She was extremely tempted to stop and just feel the Hyuuga for a split moment, but she kept her emotions in check. Chouji started breathing laboriously and fell behind a little. Tenten sighed. "Chouji, hurry!"

He panted, "Too…fast…can't make it…"

Tenten sighed with frustration and leapt back to Chouji. She grabbed his scarf and pulled. "Let's go, Chouji!"

She dragged Chouji until he was level with the others. Tenten took another glance at Neji. She could see the expression of determination in his face. The look caused her to falter in her step, but Naruto gave her a shove. "Let's go, Tenten! You can cuddle with Neji later!"

Tenten blushed and punched Naruto. "Shut up, Naruto!"

Suddenly Ino tripped on a protruding branch. She fell with a scream, and the others paused momentarily. Sakura rushed back, but Naruto grabbed her arm. "Let's go! We can't lose time!"
Sakura could see Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Neji a few trees away, headed right towards them. Naruto cursed again and used Henge to transform into a random middle-aged ninja. He grabbed Sakura's arm and yelled gruffly, "Let's go, little girl!"
Sakura hissed, "What are you doing, Na-!"

Naruto winked and murmured, "Just play along."

Sakura put up a false struggle but allowed Naruto to lead her away after glancing at Sasuke and yelling, "Sasuke-kun!"
Sasuke called, "No, wait! Sakura!"

Soon, the two ninjas were gone from view. Sasuke hissed with anger and splintered a tree with a furious punch. Neji was staring at the direction Tenten and the others took. He kept his impassive mask, but every so often, his mouth would twitch with annoyance. Ino sat on the branch, nursing a sprained ankle. Shikamaru glanced down at the blonde and picked Ino up easily. He sighed, "How troublesome…at least we've got one back."
Ino smiled regretfully. I nearly screwed everything up. Well…I'm not done yet. Shikamaru questioned the blonde, "Where were you guys? What happened? Where were you going? What was up with the clones?"

Ino smiled sweetly. I can just give them false information. After all, we are testing them. "We were safe, Shika-kun, but the mean, nasty, old, ugly ninjas who took us threatened to hurt the others if we didn't obey him. We were in some house, but I don't know where exactly, and I don't know where he was going to take us."

Shikamaru turned to the others. "Well, let's head back. Ino knows a lot already, so we can plan from there."

Sasuke gave once last glance at the direction Sakura headed off to before following Shikamaru and Neji. Shikamaru asked, "How many ninjas were there? What's their strength? Do you feel okay? Did they abuse you? What were their plans?"

Ino was smiling secretively with glee. I'm going to have some fun! Ino replied, "There were around four ninjas, and they were so strong! We tried attacking one of them, but he just threw us off like sacks of grain! I'm fine, no, they didn't abuse us besides the nasty food, and I didn't hear their plan."

Shikamaru bit his lip. "If they're that good, then they must be jounin. And you said four? So, there were four jounin, I assume. That's going to be hard. It's not like we can't do it though, since we have Neji and Sasuke."

Ino buried her face in Shikamaru's chest so he wouldn't see her wide grin. Soon, Ino and the others arrived at the three houses. As Shikamaru set her girl down, Ino put a cool finger under Shikamaru's chin. "You look tired, Shika-kun. What's the matter?"

Shikamaru smiled wearily. "Just worried about you. And everyone else."

He added the afterthought after pausing for a moment. Ino smiled softly. "Well, I assure you, those ninjas won't hurt us. They need us for something, so lighten up!"

Shikamaru nudged Ino towards Sasuke. "That Uchiha needs lightening up. He's had that don't-annoy-me-or-I'll-kill-you face ever since Sakura left."

Ino smiled brightly. "Maybe I should go cheer him up?"

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Hello, Ino, did you not hear me? Sasuke is wearing his don't-annoy-me-or-"

Ino interrupted him, "I know! But I'll try. He won't dare kill me if he wants to know what I have to say about Sakura."

Shikamaru reluctantly let her go, and Ino made her way to the sullen raven-haired boy. Ino smiled. "Ohayo, Sasuke!"

Sasuke glared at her. "What do you want?"

Ino raised an eyebrow. "I'm fine, thanks. That's not the point, though. I've come to talk to you about Sakura."

Sasuke turned away. "I don't care. Leave me alone."

Ino lost her temper and whapped Sasuke on the back of his head with her palm. "Listen, you big, whiny child. Sakura is fine, and I bet she's not moping all over the place like you are!"
Sasuke glared at her. Nobody dared hit an Uchiha, but Ino just did. He spat out, "So?"

Ino scoffed, "So? So grow up! Make use of yourself! Sakura is safe and fine! She'd probably laugh at you if she saw you now."
Sasuke looked so forlorn, Ino sighed. "Listen…Uchiha…I'll take you to Sakura tonight…you're way too depressed for your own good."

Sasuke's face became lighter. "Are you sure…?"
Ino nodded. "Don't worry. It's not a trap. And I know Sakura wants to see you. She didn't look very healthy."

Sasuke nodded, lost in the prospect of seeing Sakura again. Ino laughed softly. "Tonight at midnight!"

She waved and walked back to Shikamaru without another word to Sasuke. Ino informed Shikamaru, "I'm going to town to buy a few things. I'll be back around one or two."

Shikamaru nodded and gave Ino a quick hug. "Be careful."

Ino smiled reassuringly and sauntered away. Once she was out of sight, Ino dashed towards the house the captured ninjas were headed to. It shouldn't be that hard to find. Ino halted at the place where she tripped. She absent-mindedly scuffed the toe of her shoe along the thick branch. I hope someone will come here or something. Cuz I don't know any farther from here. Conveniently, Naruto appeared a few minutes later. He grinned and asked, "So, you came back? Couldn't resist Iruka-sensei's cooking, ne?"

Ino shook her head. "No…is it okay if I stay with Shikamaru and the others? I kind of miss them."

Naruto faltered but nodded. Ino reassured him, "I'll give them false information. Nothing will be given away."

Naruto smiled, convinced. "Okay! Well, I better get going."

Ino grabbed his arm. "Chotto matte…could you tell Sakura to meet me in the park at midnight? Tell her I have a surprise for her."

Naruto smiled widely. "Sure! Ja!"
He leapt off as Ino did in the opposite direction. The blonde girl smiled to herself. Sasuke will be able to meet Sakura tonight. Wonderful! Those two looked really miserable. Ino smiled to herself but started to contemplate deeply about the outcome. Sasuke will obviously try to take Sakura back, so I'll get Sakura to tell him that someone is watching her for any false moves. If he sees through the bluff, I'll use Henge no Jutsu and reinforce the bluff. Hopefully, that'll be enough, because I surely can't fight Sasuke. Ino decided to take a little break in the small village, so for two hours, she enjoyed herself. When the kunoichi headed back to the three houses, she headed into her old home and prepared a quick dinner. After Ino set up the table, she left the house and arrived at Sasuke's. Ino informed the Uchiha, "Midnight. Come to my house, and I'll lead you there."

Sasuke nodded mutely. Ino waved and headed back into her house to find Shikamaru picking at his food. Ino crept up from behind and encircled his neck with her arms. "What's the matter?"

Shikamaru sighed. "So troublesome…is Chouji alright?"

Ino smiled. "Of course! Nobody was harmed in any way!"

Shikamaru nodded. "That's reassuring…but I can't help but feel worried."

Ino patted his back. "I tell you, they're fine! Let's eat!"

The two finished their meal in silence, and Ino could tell that Shikamaru was worried. She decided to leave the genius alone and sought out Hinata next door. Ino embraced the Hyuuga. "Ohayo, Hinata!"

Hinata smiled slightly. "Ohayo, Ino."

Ino released the girl and smiled as well. "How's it going?"

Hinata's smile disappeared momentarily. "O-oh…okay, I suppose…"

Ino raised an eyebrow. "Is this about Naruto?"

Hinata remained silent but nodded. Ino grinned. "That boy is fine! Everyone's okay!"

When Hinata raised her white eyes and offered a small smile, Ino muttered, "Geez, why are they getting so worked up…we're not weak…kind of."

Hinata whispered, "I can't help but d-dream about Naruto-kun sometimes…And w-wonder if he's okay…"

Ino patted her sympathetically. "He can take care of himself. Don't worry about it!"

Hinata nodded. "Yes, I guess so…"

Ino peered inside the house. "Mind if I come in?"

Hinata quickly stepped aside. "Oh no, sorry for not inviting you…"

Ino waved the apology aside and sat down on one of the sofas. "Mm…your house is very neat."

Hinata made some tea and smiled. "Y-Yes…"

Ino accepted the tea with thanks. She sipped it while looking around. "The kunoichi should go out together sometime. Just a day to chill or something."

Hinata sat down with a cup in both her hands. She stared at it nervously. "That w-would be nice."

Ino laid back. "I saw a flier in the village that advertised a spring in the mountains. We should go there sometime."

Hinata agreed. "A good idea…what about the others?"

"The guys? Hmm…I guess they could come, providing they don't peek."

Hinata added, "And we s-should have a-another dance m-maybe?"

Ino brightened. "Sure! Since the last one was ruined. And the guys better wear something nice."

Her face darkened, and the two lapsed into silence. Ino checked the time. 9:00. I should get going soon. Ino placed the cup gently into the sink and smiled warmly at Hinata. "Thanks for the tea and all, but I gotta run. See ya!"

Hinata smiled and waved as Ino exited the house and headed to Sasuke's. Ino knocked softly and grimaced. It's silent in there…Sasuke opened the door wordlessly, dressed in traveling attire. Ino motioned quietly, "I know it's not midnight, but I thought we might as well get a head start."

Sasuke nodded silently and followed Ino to the village. The entire way there was completely silent. Ino attempted to strike up a conversation, but Sasuke merely replied with an 'hn'. Soon, she gave up, and they arrived at the park in half an hour. Ino checked the time. 10:00. Still two hours early. She led Sasuke into the park through the arch that marked the entrance. Ino sat down on the swing and shivered in the night air. She informed Sasuke, "Sakura should be around in two hours. Look around here, but don't stray far. When Sakura comes, no doubt there'll be someone with her."

Sasuke replied, "Then why don't we just take Sakura with us?"

Ino chose her words carefully. "Obviously, one of those ninjas will be escorting her…but we won't see him. We can't fight him, he's too strong. Maybe next time."

Ino gasped as Sasuke slammed her into a tree and snarled, "It's very well for you to leave Sakura here, but I will not! Through my carelessness, Sakura was taken, and I'll make the one who took her pay dearly."

Ino gagged but managed a nod. Sasuke released her and sat down. Ino nursed her neck. Geez…vicious…I just hope Naruto or Tenten escorts Sakura. It's obvious Sasuke's going to fight one of them, and he'll beat me in no time. Two hours later, Sasuke detected a presence and snapped his head towards it. There, shuffling slowly towards them was Sakura. Sasuke let out a soft groan as he hurried forward. Sakura lifted her face up and smiled longingly at Sasuke. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he buried his face in her hair. Sasuke murmured, "I missed you…"

Sakura pressed her face into the side of Sasuke's neck. "Same…"

Ino smiled softly at the two embracing teens. She slipped away to give them some privacy. Sakura sighed with content. "I dreamed of you every day, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke merely grunted in reply. The kunoichi continued, "So how's everyone?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Everyone misses the others. Especially Neji."

Sakura poked Sasuke softly. "That's not very nice, making fun of Neji like that when you act the same way."

Sasuke scowled. "I'm not acting grumpy."

Sakura merely scoffed. "Sure you aren't, Uchiha. I know a petulant child when I see one."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Petulant?"
The kunoichi smirked and emphasized each word with a prod. "Yes, petulant. You're being selfish, Sasuke-kun."

The raven-haired Uchiha snorted. "Selfish? I only want you back."

Sakura patted his shoulder fondly. "And I want to go back."

Sasuke whispered, "What's stopping me from taking you away now? Hm?"

Sakura replied, "One of the ninjas took me here…I don't want you to get hurt, so, please…don't…"

Sasuke groaned. "I need you next to me, Sakura…"

She smiled slightly and gave him a quick squeeze. "We'll be together again sometime."

Sasuke growled softly, "It'd better be soon…"

Sakura looked up at Sasuke's onyx eyes. "It will, Sasuke-kun. But do hurry and figure something out…it's quite dull staying at the place we're at."

Sasuke released her slightly and asked, "Can you give me some information about the enemy nin so we can rescue you and the others easier?"

Sakura bit her lip. "I can't tell you much…he's watching. And I don't know where the house is, I didn't see. We were blindfolded."

Sasuke hissed in dismay. "Anything else? Like what their plan is?"

Sakura shook her head. "We're penned up in a room on the top floor. There's a balcony, and all I can see from there is a forest."

Sasuke smirked. "Forest? Easy enough. We'll have you out of there in no time."

Sakura nodded and shyly averted her gaze. "I have to go, Sasuke-kun…"

Sasuke groaned again and pressed his lips swiftly to Sakura's forehead. "Before you leave…I'm sorry for that night…"
Sakura blushed. "It's okay. Ja, Sasuke-kun…"

She leapt away into the night. Ino returned shortly after and suppressed a grin. She asked easily, "So how'd it go?"
Sasuke growled unhappily, "Shorter than I wanted."

Ino smiled slightly. "You'll see her again. Damn, I'd never thought I'd ever see a love-struck Uchiha, but here's one right now in front of me!"

Ino dodged the swipe Sasuke threw at her. She grinned and shook her head. "Let's go."

Sasuke glanced at the spot where Sakura was last, but he followed Ino. Ino struck up a conversation. "Did Sakura tell you anything?"
Sasuke shook his head. "Just a little. Something about a forest. We should be able to get them back the day after tomorrow by the latest."

Ino nodded. "That's good. Nobody likes a grumpy Uchiha."

He shot the blonde a sullen look which caused Ino to giggle. "Hahaha, what you're like without your Sakura-chan! This is hilarious."
Sasuke stepped ahead of Ino, pointedly ignoring her. Ino decided to let go before Sasuke beat her senseless. She smiled softly at the fan on Sasuke's back. Who knew he'd fall for her like that? It kind of makes sense though. As the two separated into their houses, Sasuke knew that he missed Sakura painfully. Sasuke flopped onto his bed forlornly and closed his eyes to images of pink sakura petals dancing in the wind.

AN: I meant to put NejiTenten in this chapter, but I forgot…next chapter will have NejiTenten! Sorry! And please excuse the grammatical errors. I suck at grammar. Well, enjoy!