A/N- So, here we go.

DISCLAIMER - I do not own Naruto.

Sakura stared at Ino, her ears, unbelievably, ringing from what she had just heard.

"But what I'm saying is…I think I love you."

She couldn't have heard correctly, it wasn't possible. But the way Ino stared steadily into Sakura's eyes, it made her believe that this was reality. That this was getting deeper than Sakura had ever imagined.

"You love me?" Sakura asked slowly.

Ino's eyes slid to the side, "Don't sound like that, I said I think I love you."

Sakura heart was beating faster than ever. She continued to stare at Ino as if she had sprouted wings, "But. But you won't even tell people we are together!" Sakura sputtered out logic, her mind racing for a reason for the random commitment, "And you freaked when you found out Sasuke knew!"

Ino sat on top of Sakura, staying silent and listening to her stutter out her sentences. Her heart thudded nervously, "I know. I'm just not used to it."

"Used to what?" Sakura cried out, sitting up and in the process almost making Ino slide off of her, "The fact that you love me? Or the fact that you're so comfortable about how I have my way with you? Or maybe, just maybe, the way you get on top of me and kiss me? Always hugging on me. Always having skin contact, but when we get outside, it's never like that."

Ino used her arms to move herself away from Sakura, sliding her body till it was on solid bed. She frowned at Sakura's words, "I'm not comfortable about how I like you."

"Love me you mean." Sakura said furiously, cutting her off, "You can't just say those things for no reason Ino, I'm not those boys, I really care about you. You cant just say those words." Sakura pressed, trying to help her understand what she was saying. Because, it wasn't that she was upset about Ino "Thinking" she loved her, she was over joyed. It was, just…

I don't need to be broken hearted.

She said the words.

And I'm damned from here! She doesn't need to be careless with those words. I care too damn much about her for her to do that to me.

"I said I think Sakura." Ino mumbled, looking at the wall.

Sakura shook her head, pressing her case, "You can't think those words out loud Ino, you think those words to yourself. You cant tell me this until you're sure.

Ino reached for her eyes, wiping them carefully. But at the moment, Sakura didn't pay attention to her change of behavior.

"You must be sure. You have to be before you say that. That could destroy a person. And you Say you aren't comfortable about the way you like me, but you have no problem when I'm all over you, or you're all over me! It doesn't make any sense. It doesn't connect. It isn't logical!" Sakura continued to rant.

Sakura…

And Sakura froze. For those moments, her mind went blank, shutting down completely and rebooting because of overload. She didn't notice, till now, that Ino was crying. Not sobbing, but the tears were silently falling from eyes, slowly rolling down her face. She didn't give any sign to show she was crying, none at all.

Sakura heart cracked, and broke even more as she watched Ino wipe another tear away casually. Slowly, she moved towards Ino, grabbing her hand and holding it, "Ino..."

Ino just shook her head, sobbing out a laugh, "I'm sorry I said it, alright. Just, forget it, ok?"

Sakura's head fell, her eyes shutting in pain and regret, "Ino." She whispered out.

"No, Sakura. Really." Ino whispered back, and Sakura could hear the fake smile in her voice.

"I was just surprised." Sakura tried to explain.

Ino just shook her head again, smiling and wiping her eyes, "No. It's alright. I understand."

Sakura opened her eyes, murmuring, "What do you understand about any of this Ino."

Ino took a final sniff, wiping her eyes, "I understand that you don't feel the same way."

Sakura shook her head, "No. See you don't understand anything about any of this."

Ino just stayed silent, pulling her hand away from Sakura's and crossing her arms, holding herself.

Sakura took it upon herself to continue, "See Ino. I really, really, care about you. A lot. I'm Killer, remember?" Sakura smiled slightly as she said the words, "The girl that fucked up anyone who messed with you. Just, all those guys you went with Ino. All those guys that lasted two weeks or a day, I'm not them."

Ino shook her head, mumbling out, "I don't think of you as any of them."

Sakura's small smile didn't reach her eyes, "Alright baby, but you have to know I care for you. You can't play me like them Ino, I couldn't handle it. They were just random guys, I am your best friend. From way back. To the day when you gave me that red ribbon."

Ino smiled slightly at the last sentence, remembering the ribbon.

"And you need to be careful with me. I know that sounds kind of…weak." Sakura continued, with a frown, "As if I am fragile. But. I am. When it comes to you, I am. And I know I don't treat you like you are fragile sometimes. Sometimes I make you cry, or angry and what not, but I'll try to do better." Then she shook her head, feeling as if she was getting off topic, "Just. Think about those words. Think real hard, and when you know instead of think then tell me. Not a moment sooner, alright?"

Ino nodded, sniffing. Sakura wrapped her arms around Ino, kissing her cheek softly and whispering, "That's all I'm asking Ino. I want you to be sure, because I care." She paused, then said carefully, "And things…Will have to change in certain areas."

Sakura pulled away to look at Ino. Ino looked at her with damp eyes, her tears finally stopping, "What will have to change?" Ino mumbled.

Sakura said the words as if she were stepping on thin ice, "Well. If this is going to get anymore serious, we need to start telling people."

Ino started to shake her head fast, looking away from Sakura, "We can't."

"Why not?" Sakura asked patiently.

Ino's face showed the struggle she was having with saying the next words, "Because. People, they would expect it. And judge. And make stupid jokes, and…I just don't want either of us to go through it."

Sakura shook her head, "That isn't important. Who cares what they think?"

Ino frowned slightly, looking at Sakura, "I kinda do?"

Sakura just laughed, "Because you are popular?"

Ino frowned a bit more, and looked away, not answering.

Sakura sighed out, "What's more important Ino, me or those stupid people."

"You." She answered immediately.

Sakura nodded slowly, "And you're more important than them. We don't have to start off with telling the whole school though. We can tell our friends."

"Naruto and Sasuke already know." Ino said softly, almost childishly.

"The others Ino," Sakura said carefully, "Like Shikamaru and Choji. They love you to death, they wouldn't care. And Hinata, Neji, Ten-Ten, Lee, even Temari. They wouldn't care. Even though they aren't as close as Naruto and Sasuke, they are still our childhood friends. It's an easy start. Easier than the whole school."

Ino closed her eyes, "But I'm scared."

Sakura smiled softly, "Baby, so was I when I told Sasuke. He was the first I told. After that, it wasn't much easier, because everyone could act differently, but it all ended up well."

Ino sighed, "If you say so."

Sakura grinned, "Does that mean you will be telling them?"

Ino grimaced, nodding, "Yeah."

Sakura couldn't have smiled wider. This was a start. This was a whole new beginning.

xxx

It was finally Monday. The weekend that just passed seemed like it was months long (wonder why. It was like so many chapters long.) filled with more drama than the average person should have. But also, filled with a new start. And Sakura was grateful for it. After Ino and her had that little chat, Sakura left and went home, only to be greeted by a mother that talked on and on about her work. Sakura didn't particularly mind because she was half paying attention, she was far to happy to be bugged about such a little situation.

Sakura walked down the halls, humming lightly to herself. She didn't bother with carrying books or a book bag, school was ending Wednesday anyway. Report cards are finalized and permanent. There was nothing they could possibly do now to force the students to do work. Some teachers had tried to give out some work during class, only to be extremely disappointed.

This is the end of Junior Year.

So great. Next year, we are rulers of the school. Class of 2012. All day. Every day.

Twice a day! Three times a day! The inner self sang along. (1)

Sakura laughed, way to happy to be brought down. She practically skipped down the hall way, the bounce in her step was that high and light.

"Hey, Sakura!" She heard from behind her, and turned to see Naruto walking towards her smoothly. Sakura smiled at him.

"Hey Naruto." Sakura said, stopping to let Naruto catch up.

Naruto smiled as he reached her, walking with her down the hall, "Can you believe that we have to stay stuck in here for two more pointless days?"

Sakura laughed, "I know. It is kinda pointless. But its whatever."

"Wanna ditch and go grab a bite?" Naruto offered, grinning at her.

Sakura smiled, "Don't be stupid. We can't go skipping!"

Naruto shook his head, "What do you mean! It's only two more days, we don't even need these days and we haven't been absent all year! It's our time to have our free pass of absent."

Sakura face switched to thinking mode, "Well. I guess you are right. But it shouldn't just be us! It should be all of our close friends, we can make it a friend day!"

Naruto grinned, nodding, "See! Good thinking. I'll tell Sasuke," Naruto yelled, already turned around and jogging down the hall, "We are gonna have to take two cars! You tell everyone you can alright! I will too!" And with that, he turned down a hall and disappeared.

Sakura laughed softly and pulled out her phone, continuing to walk down the hall casually. No need to rush if you know you aren't going to class, right? She punched in letters quickly, sending out a mass text.

'Parking lot next period! We are skipping, official friend day. If you do no come, you are kicked off crew :P.'

Then she pressed send, and it sent to Neji, Ten-Ten, Lee, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, and to Sasuke. (Some folks that haven't even been in the story, but they are still childhood friends.)

Suddenly, she regretted sending such a huge text, because everyone started to reply at once.

Lee - Lets go to the beach!

Choji - Barbque!

Shikamaru - What do you mean! I'm not even at school. *sigh* Toublesome. Just text me where yall are going and ill meet you there.

That caught Sakura's eyes. She chuckled and rolled them, of course Shika wasn't at school. Should have known

Hinata - I guess I can miss this class

Kiba - Dude you read my mind. Schools been a freaking bore.

Neji - I'll be there.

Ten-Ten - Hell yes. How bout the mall?

Shino - Lee's yelling about the beach right next to me. No bug spray!

Sakura was grateful when her phone stopped going off. She sighed and made a left instead of a right, heading towards the student parking lot. When she turned, she saw that Ino was already in the hall, looking at her phone, "Hey." Sakura called, walking over with a smile.

Ino held up her phone, smiling, "So we are heading out?" She asked.

Sakura nodded, leaning against the lockers besides Ino, "Yup. Naruto's idea. Such a waste to let the rest of the day go to school anyway. We deserve some fun."

Ino nodded, tossing some things inside of her locker, "Well. Who else is coming?"

Sakura grinned, "Everyone of course."

Ino sighed.

Sakura just took her hand, smiling with no worries, "Don't worry Ino, they won't care one bit. They didn't for me."

Ino stared at their hands together, "Yeah. But that's you. What if it's different for me."

"It won't be." Sakura reassured, and noticed as Ino's eyes flickered past Sakura.

Making sure no one sees our hands together.

Sakura grimaced to herself, That must be the reason.

Careful to be nonchalant about it, Sakura dropped their hands and continued walking past Ino, trying not to care about her being so cautious, "Well come on, we can't keep them waiting. Lee wants to go to the beach. Sounds cool to me."

She heard Ino slam her locker, and heard her small heels click across the ground. Sakura wanted to turn around, to smile and watch Ino walk towards her, but instead, she kept walking, her head straight, still frowning. Some force kept her from looking back. Some ping at the heart.

But everything should be fixed once some people know of the relationship.

For some reason, that didn't ease her a bit.

X

Naruto

Seeing Ino and Sakura walking up together, I smiled and stood up straight to walk over to them. They did make a cute couple. Ino was dead sexy, and Sakura was too, and some how, they just matched up.

Sasuke was next to me, whispering to me urgently that there was something important to tell me, but I was hardly paying attention. I should get that down pack, if he was whispering it must have been important and secretive. But I just couldn't bring myself to be so serious right now. We were all skipping, heading to the beach just to be together. We shouldn't be serious at all, we should be enjoying everything.

Sasuke stopped whispering as soon as he spotted Sakura and Ino walking over. Not that it mattered of course, because I stated that I wasn't paying attention. I walked over to them and automatically noticed there was something off about Sakura, but I didn't give it a second thought.

She will be better when we start hanging out at the beach.

I thought to myself with a firm nod. She should be anyway, it was such a great day for close friends to spend time.

I grinned at them, happy and light, "Hey! Ready to head out?"

Sakura looked around while Ino smiled at me. I looked at her and winked, only to get a tongue stuck at me in response, "Well, that depends," I heard Sakura say, "Do we have a head count? Is everyone here?"

I shook my head, and then from out of no where, Sasuke spoke beside me, "No. Shikamaru isn't here."

I frowned in thought, he was right, Shikamaru wasn't here, "Oh, oh!" Sakura cried out, "I was suppose to text him where we were going. He isn't even at School.

"Which is the mall, right?" Ten-Ten called, walking over. I smiled at her, and she nudged me, "Don't you wanna go Naruto? Get some summer wear and stuff!"

I looked down at my clothes and twisted my face, "Summer wear? I just wear the clothes I got all year."

Ten-Ten shook her head, "You know nothing about fashion."

I humped, "Well. You know nothing about Karate!"

Ten-Ten laughed at that, "Well I do do good with knives. Beat that."

"Knives are dangerous!" I pretended to lecture.

"Only when you're running with them." Neji answered in an even tone. I looked at him as if he were crazy and he just laughed. Ten-Ten laughed also.

"Anyway, we can't go to the mall, we are heading to the beach, duh!" Lee yelled excited and determined.

Sakura nodded, "Yeah, and I just told Shika that we are heading to the beach anyway, so we are gonna have to go. He will whine if we change our minds."

Sasuke nodded, "Yup. So luckily I brought my jeep. Half of us can head in my car, the other half in Sakura's."

"I'll ride with Sasuke" Hinata answered softly.

Shino, who was standing next to Hinata, nodded his head slightly, "I will go with him as well."

"Fuck that," Kiba said, shaking his head, also standing next to Hinata, "Sakura's charger is amazing, bout to ride in there."

Hinata punched him lightly, and he smiled in apologies at her, "Sorry. It slipped." He told her.

Hinata smiled softly, "Yeah right."

Sakura laughed, "Trying to get him to stop cussing?"

Kiba grinned and nodded, Hinata replied, "And it just isn't working.

As they organized it, I looked over and Ino, who was fiditing with her fingers. I walked over next to her and wrapped my arm around her, "Hey. What's up with you?"

Ino just smiled softly, "Nothing, just nervous."

I blinked, "For what?"

But she just shook her head, "You'll see."

X

Sakura drove while me, Kiba, and Hinata sat in the back. Ten-Ten sat in the front, talking and laughing with Sakura. Sakura laughed as well. I was glad that I was right, she was looking better already.

After everyone organized, Shino, Neji, Lee, Choji, and Ino ended up riding with Sasuke. While me, Ten-Ten, Kiba, and Hinata got to ride with Sakura. I don't know if Sakura was alright with not riding with Ino, but it wasn't like they were able to do anything with people who don't know about them in the back, so I guess it was for the best.

Kiba and Hinata were having their own conversation, I just guessed that they were into each other now. And since Ten-Ten and Sakura were having a good conversation, I figured it'd be best not to jump into their conversation either. So, I picked up my cell and texted Ino, seeing as Sasuke would be driving and I needed to talk to her anyway.

'Hey chica. :)'

Within a second, she texted back. I love when people text back fast. I find it aggravating when they don't get to you like minutes or an hour later. By that time I don't want to have the conversation or whatever important thing I needed from that person was already solved. I guess I could always call if it was that urgent, but whatever.

'Hey. Whats up?'

I smiled and texted back, my gaze drifting to the window then the cell screen, but I texted perfectly fine without looking.

'Ah, nothing. Sitting here bored. Ya gonna tell me what has your nerves wrecked?'

I pressed send and continued to gaze out the window.

I wonder how long it was to the beach anyway, and if Shikamaru would be able to get there around the same time as we do. Oh! I hope he brings food. And Choji can cook it. With some ramen! Oh jeez that sounds like heaven. With barbeque.

My stomach growled and I whined to myself about how I was so hungry.

'Well…Sakura wants me to tell them about us being together.'

I frowned at that. I thought Sakura finally understood about Ino not wanting to tell just yet. Guess not.

'=/ well, you don't have to do it if you aren't ready. I mean, don't let Sakura pressure you like that.'

I looked up from my phone and looked ahead at Sakura, who was smiling and laughing at what Ten-Ten just said. My frown deepened.

I don't understand her sometimes. I really thought she understood.

'Um…she didn't really pressure me…I kinda pressured her. God it was so embarrassing.'

My face twisted. Now I was confused! Jeez. I reread the text a couple of times, and ended up with a blank.

What does she mean she pressured her? And it was embarrassing… Oh! Maybe about sex? I started to laugh. I could really see Sakura freaking out if Ino said she was ready. Haha! That would be such a priceless conversation to hear.

'Lol, if she freaked out about having sex, don't worry. She's just nervous about some things.'

Kiba nudged me, and I looked up at him with a smile, "Who ya texting? Getting together with some new hot girl?"

I laughed, "No. Just texting Ino." I said, shaking my head, "No new hot girl at all."

Sakura glanced at the mirror, because I saw her green eyes flash towards mine as she heard Ino's name. But it was so quick, I'm not even sure it happened.

"What! Psh, Ino is fine." Kiba said loudly and laughing "Ouch. Oh Hinata, I meant as a friend of course." Kiba quickly covered, turning back towards her and nervously fixing his situation.

I smiled, so I guess they did have a thing.

'No Naruto, not about sex! I. Well don't tell Sakura I told you about this. Idk if she even wants me to say it out loud ever again till im sure. But. I told Sakura that I think I might love her.'

I choked. I don't even know on what, maybe my spit? But suddenly the wind was knocked out of me, "What!" I yelled. I stared at the screen hard. Oh god. I can only imagine how the situation went down. And she said she was embarrassed. Fuck.

Then I realized that everyone was staring at me. I grinned and held up my phone, rubbing my neck, "It says I get a free ramen if I fill out my ramen card!" Ten-Ten shook her head, turning around and laughing at me while Hinata smiled and Kiba gave me a thumbs up.

"Congrats Naruto." Hinata said.

I nodded and gave her a grin, "I know right, I can't wait to get me that free bowl. Free things taste so much better."

"Dude, you are right." Kiba nodded seriously.

Ten-Ten then turned around, "Hey Kiba, what happened to that puppy you used to sneak to school?"

Kiba grinned, "He's gotten really big. Hasn't he Hinata? I can't sneak him in school anymore." Then he frowned, "He must be lonely since all the other dogs are gone at my sisters. I'll ask mom to go give him a walk."

Hm. So Hinata has been to his house? Hinata rubbed Kiba's shoulder, smiling and saying something along the lines of 'He's fine. He loves being outside in the backyard.'

I looked back forward and saw Sakura giving me a strange look, before giving her attention back to the road.

'Are you serious! What happened?" I texted back in top speed.

'Long story. But in the end I started to cry because. Well she wasn't trying to be mean. But the way she said it made me feel kinda stupid for even saying the words. In the end, she told me if we are gonna get serious, I have to start telling people.'

I twisted my face at the screen. For some reason, that seemed like a cheap shot to me. But, it was only logical for it to get more serious after those words are said out loud. I sighed. I couldn't do much with this situation. And I couldn't exactly pick a side either, even when I shouldn't be picking sides anyway. I shook my head.

'She prolly just freaked. It's alright don't feel bad. Idk what to say, but if you do it, say it at the right time, when you feel comfortable and alright with it all. If your doing it today, than you have the rest of the day to think it up.'

I smiled slightly. It was cute though. To see them go through the motions of the strange new relationship. They've only gone out for a little while, but they've known each other much, much, longer. That made up for the awkward pace they were going at.

'Ugh.' Was the only reply I got back from her.

Now, there :). No cliffy. No nothing. Just a nice good chapter about nothing particular.

So! My job. It's been going alright. Im not nervous anymore. But i did the register for the first time yesterday, and i was horrible! Lol. i forgot to give out cups and what not. And i was just so nervous and jumpy. The customers though, they were nice about it. Telling me, "Everyone has their first days, it's alright." or just be like, "Slow down, no rush youll do fine." :) Ah. the people can be so kind.

I thought id do Naruto's point of view for the first time. The way i see him is that he's kinda calm when he wants to be, but super hyper in other situations. Since this was an easy going chap, he was just a free spirit. Once they get to the beach is a diff story.

:) R&R FOLKS. And that doesnt mean rest and relax! Nope it means read and review. :)

Shycadet loves. Out.