((A/N;; 2nd chapter is finally here! I've only lessened that cloud of guilt currently hanging over my head due to the lack of updating. My b-day has gotten in the way of updating aswell..heh, sorry guys and girlies! here's chapter 2.))

MASH

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Sakura was stiff when she met Ino and a few other people at a local ramen stand. Sasuke had scared her, this side of him made her not want to see him for awhile.

"Sakura, is something bugging you?" Ino knew her better than anyone. She could easily tell something troubled her good, friend. Sakura nodded. Ino dragged her from her stool.

"Explain." Sakura told the whole story about seeing Sasuke. Ino's face became more, and more grim. Sakura wasn't the only one who had been tramautized by Sasuke's departure.

"So..he has changed." Ino folded her arms across her chest, glaring at the ground. Sakura could tell she was searching for small words of comfort.

"Ino, I better get home, i have an early shift at the hospital tomorrow." Ino waved her off, returning to the stand. Sakura watched her friend's retreating back for a few moments longer before turning down the now, less crowded street.

Sakura glanced at the sky as she walked down the familiar street that led to her home. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the moon shone bright. She loved when it was like this. Sakura's gaze fell back to the street, her house was alittle ways away now. She gave a small sigh of relief, and quickened her pace. Reaching her front door, she pulled out a small key, unlocking her front door. Cool air greeted her as she stepped into the small apartment. Good to be home. Dropping her medic bag heavily and walking to her room. She fell into her bed heavily, her eyes seemed to close almost immediently as her head hit the pillow.

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"Sakura! Open your door! Now!" Heavy poundings followed oon afterwards.

"Ino.." A small meek voice spoke next.

"Well, if she'd hurry up i'd be more calm." Ino was becoming irritable by the moment. Sakura bolted from her bed to the front door.

"Ino!..Hinata!" Ino pushed past Sakura leaving Hinata slightly frightened.

"Took you long enough." Ino plopped down on a nearby couch.

"Yeah..I was asleep."

"Aren't you supposed to be at the hospital?" Sakura froze. She glanced at the clock on her table. She had missed her shift altogether. Uh-oh..

"Well?" Ino raised an eyebrow. Hinata sat at the table, the chair farthest from Ino.

"I missed my shift!" Sakura yelled. She was in trouble now.

"So, what happens now, exactly?" Ino crossed her legs, a small smirk.

"Well..I'm not sure..I could lose my job.." She sucked her breath in to stop the tears. Sakura loved her job.

"It's not something to cry about, we can fix this." Somewhat helpful, then again, Ino was attempting to push the subject aside.

"Shikamaru comes home today!" She squealed excitedly.

"Loud.." Hinata placed her hands over her ears, wincing.

"Way to change the subject, what about my problem?"

"Sakura, this isn't all about you. I'm one of the lucky girls." Ino sighed before continuing. "I have the perfect life. All complete with some things you, need."

"Oh?" Sakura glared at her 'friend'.

"Well, for starters, you need more free time. New wardrobe, new hairstyle, better makeup, and of course, a boyfriend." Sakura laughed.

"I really don't need those things, especially the last one. I'm too independant for one. Not that they are items..boys. Plus, it's not like any of those things are that important anyway." Ino looked alittle insulted.

"I'm trying to give you suggestions! Now you're-."

"Ino, Sakura is right. None of those things are that important." Hinata spoke calmly. Ino turned at glared at her.

"Hinata, you'r ein the same boat as Sakura. The only thing you have that she doesn't, is a boyfriend."

"Ino..just..stop!" Sakura was tired of listening to Ino's pointless ramblings.

"Sakura, I'm not going to deal with this. I'm leaving for now. I need to get Shikamaru something as a welcome home present." She stood up, and quickly left the room. Sakura closed her eyes and massaged the brige of her nose.

"Well..uhm..I think i should get going now.." Hinata stood up, her hands clasped together. She left quicker than Ino had. Now, Sakura was alone. In short time too. Now, she had to solve the problem with the hospital.

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Taking the hopsital stairs two at a time, she bounded to the front door. Slightly out of breath, and red in the face. She hurried inside to Shizune's office.

"Sakura!" Shizune knocked over something on her desk.

"Shizune! I'm really sorry, I'll take the next shift, or all the shifts for today, please can i keep my job!" Her words tumbled frmo her mouth, and now she was breathing heavier.

"Sakura..I wasn't even planning on firing you." Sakura was cut off before she was able to speak. "You are going to do quite a few extra shifts to make up for the one you missed. We had a quite the load of patients today, and you weren't here. So someone else had to fill in for you. Don't do this to me again, got it?" Sakura nodded. "Good, you get the rest of the day off. Tomorrow, come back to my office for your duties."

"What exact time?" Sakura asked making a mental note.

"The time you were supposed to be here today." Shizune said with a sick smile.

"See you tomorrow!" Shizune called out to Sakura as she left the office. Sakura scowled as she slammed the door, glaring at the group of nurses at the front desk. What was she going to do for the rest of the day?

((A/N;; Sorry i hafta cut this chapter short. Well, the next chapter will come MUCH sooner than this. Hope I didn't leave you wondering for too long.

MASH

COMPLETED: 4:55 PM