Yet again, there was a knock on Sakura's door.

Inside, Miruko's strong hands kept a tight hold on Sakura's stomach, pulling her into his lap to kiss her neck. She sighed and sank into his hold.

"Miruko…we can't ignore the door forever…" She said wearily.

"That's what I told you…and then look what happened…"

Sasuke.

That's what happened.

Sakura took two deep breaths and told herself not to lose it.

What if it was him at the door?

"Miruko, we have to answer it."

"But Sakura…"

"No buts. Now let go." Reluctantly, his hands slid to his sides, and she felt cooler air hit the spot where they had been. Standing up, she dusted herself, as though whoever was at the door, possibly Sasuke, would see Miruko's name written on her, etched into her clothing.

He frowned but rolled his eyes, laying back to gaze at the flickering light of their kitchen.

Sakura took one last look at herself in the doorway mirror, and sighed. A bandage was wrapped securely around her neck, and scrapes were fading on her arms.

Her hand closed around the knob, and, pushing away any second thoughts her mind was harboring, yanked open the door.

-

"SAKURA-CHAN!"

Sakura slapped her head and groaned, immediately regretting it as pain seared through it.

The blonde jumped happily and enveloped her in a bear-hug, squealing like a little kid. Sakura couldn't help but smile.

"Idiot." She grinned, squeezing him back.

They pulled away, and he looked around suspiciously.

"Rumor has it that there are two lucky men vying for your attentions." He whispered mafia style.

So this is what he came for.

"Wow, Naruto. Big words. Good start."

"I know." He smiled smugly. "Hinata taught me."

"How is Hinata?" She patted him on the back, and was just about to slam the door in his face, much rather willing to face the "I told you so" from Miruko than the constant chattering of Naruto when a fist stopped her.

"Sakura—I'm sorry, but we're placing you under house arrest, along with your boyfriend." He tried to growl ominously.

Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Oh puh-lease, Naruto, you can't be serious—"

Two figures emerged from behind Naruto.

It was like a really, really, really bad soap opera.

A hand clamped over her mouth.

And then, all was black.

-

"Naruto, get the damn blindfold off, NOW!" Sakura screamed, well aware that Naruto was pacing up and down the room, surveying his deed.

Sakura and Miruko were tied into their kitchen table chairs, roped, and blindfolded.

"Shut up." He said.

She roared.

"DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT TO ME YOU IDIOTIC BLONDE-HEADED RETARD!"

"Sorry!" He replied meekly, hurrying to her side to untie the piece of cloth. "Just trying out what they do in the movies!" Once it was off, she glared at him, and he undid the ropes.

She stood to her full height, and slapped him.

"Owie! I'm going to get a bruise!" He clutched his cheek and glared at her.

"Serves you right! I want an explanation, RIGHT NOW! And—where's Miruko? I thought he was here!"

"My henchmen have taken him to a separate part of this evil lair." He whispered.

"Get them."

"WHITEY! UGLY!"

She raised an eyebrow.

"Ugly? I can see Whitey, but Ugly?"

Naruto shrugged carelessly.

"We couldn't think up another cool secret code name."

Neji and Shikamaru stood at attention, although Shikamaru had his eyes closed.

"Alright. So what's the big deal, hmm?"

The three looked at each other nervously.

"Um…we…uh…well…Sasuke sent us!" Naruto blurted randomly.

Sakura's face turned slowly red.

"SASUKE SENT YOU! WHY THAT LITTLE—"

She took off at a sprint out of the door, a bounding head of pink hair seen whizzing down the street.

Two of the friends gulped.

"We're in trouble."

Naruto fished in her cabinet, and came out, looking triumphant, holding a box of guess what.

He sang gleefully.

"I told you it was Operation R.A.M.E.N!"

Hehehhe...

AlternateEndings.