I just wanted to start off with an apology for the last chapter...the asterisks that I used to divide different parts of the chapter up with didn't show up when I uploaded, so if you were confused about the rapid jumps I'm sorry. I did fix it though...I know too little too late, but I am sorry. Anyways, thank you again to everyone who has been reading this! It makes me smile to see how much traffic this story has been generating. As always, reviews are welcome and much appreciated.

I wish I owned Naruto, but I don't.


Drinking Game

Sakura stood underneath the scalding hot water from her shower unflinchingly. No matter how high she turned up the water temperature, she couldn't chase away the cold numbness she felt inside. She still felt horrible about what happened to Ino during their match the day before. Any happiness Sakura felt from her victory was squelched with the memory of Ino's haunted face and the hurtful words she stuttered out.

Sakura had immediately begun to wonder if her victory had been worth it. Sure she wanted the promotion and to be able to go out on missions again, but the means used to achieve those goals would not help her regain her honor back. In fact, she was sure the whole village thought she was now a monster. She had kept to the rooftops when she made her way back home, intent on not running into an angry mob out for her blood, again.

When she had finally returned home, there was no welcoming greeting from her parents that awaited her. At dinner, she tried to start a conversation by telling them that she had passed her jounin exam, but their vague indifference to her news only justified her earlier decision to move out. She had spent the remainder of the night in her room, packing up her things and hoping that she would have time to find a new place to live before she had to leave for her first mission. She was determined to not have to return to this house if she could avoid it.

Sighing in resignation, Sakura turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around herself. After drying off, she used the towel to wipe the steam from the mirror over the sink and stared blankly at the dark smudges that circled her eyelids. She had tried to get a few hours of sleep, but every time she closed her eyes, she was greeted with the image of Ino's blood running down Inner Sakura's hands.

For the last time, I washed my hands okay? Jeez, who would have thought a medic-nin would get so hung up over the sight of blood, Inner Sakura sniped.

"It's who the blood belongs to that's bothering me," Sakura whispered, keeping her voice low so that her parents wouldn't hear her talking in the bathroom.

Look, Piggy had it coming, Inner Sakura sighed. She invaded my territory first, remember? I was just defending myself.

"That still doesn't make what you did to her right," Sakura countered, dressing in black shorts and a matching black tank top.

It's not like I permanently damaged her or anything, Inner Sakura rolled her eyes. All I did was scare her and put her in her place, something that you could have easily done if you would have put a little more effort into the match. If I were you, I would show a little more gratitude to the only one around here that's on your side. You don't want to start pissing me off…

"Kakashi-sama is on my side," Sakura said firmly, hoping that she sounded convincing.

If you say so, Inner Sakura smirked.

Sakura walked back into her bedroom and stared out her window. She could faintly make out the pinkish hue on the horizon, a sign that dawn was approaching. She would have to leave soon so she could meet with her new team and Kakashi to receive her first assignment. She turned towards her closet to pick out her usual ninja attire, but stopped when she caught a flash of green out of the corner of her eye. Turning towards her bed, she found the green vest of a jounin lying neatly on her comforter with a note folded on top. Curious, she picked up the note and discovered that it was from Kakashi.

Sakura,

Congratulations again on passing your exam. You've made your sensei very proud.

Sincerely,

Kakashi

"See? I told you he was on my side," Sakura gloated.

Whatever, just shut up and finish getting dressed or you're going to be late, Inner Sakura seethed.

Sakura smirked, quickly slipping into the vest and pulling on her black gloves. After tying her headband, she stared at herself critically in the mirror. The scarlet hue of her headband clashed loudly with the rest of her outfit, but she didn't care. She liked the fact that it actually stood out.

Wow, Inner Sakura whistled, You look like a real kunoichi now.

Sakura smiled at the compliment and hurried downstairs to put on her knee-high ninja sandals. As she stepped outside her house, she cautiously peered down the street and was relieved to find that it was empty. It was still too early for most of the villagers to be up and about. She let out a sigh of relief and headed towards the Hokage tower, at least she wouldn't be starting her day with another encounter from an angry mob.


"Good morning!" Kakashi greeted cheerily behind his desk, sipping from a steaming coffee cup as Sakura walked into his office.

You can't trust a man that can be so cheery at this godforsaken hour, Inner Sakura grumbled.

Sakura quickly shut the door behind her and moved to stand beside her three team mates. As she assumed they would be, they were dressed in their ANBU uniforms, but their masks were gone.

"The vest suits you," Kakashi commented, nodding his head towards Sakura in approval.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Sakura blushed.

"I'm sure you all are anxious to learn what your first mission is going to be," Kakashi said, pausing dramatically. He put down his coffee mug and stared sternly at the group before him. "Your first assignment is to build on your team's relationship. I know some of you are unhappy with the new addition, but my decision is final. Your mission will be to learn to accept it."

"Is that a real assignment?" Neiji asked bitingly.

"Did you know that Sakura was attacked by an angry crowd yesterday morning before her jounin exam?" Kakashi asked, ignoring Neiji's rude question.

Sakura immediately felt her cheeks warm in embarrassment. She hadn't told anyone about the incident and wondered how her former sensei had learned of it. She risked a glance at her team mates and was surprised to find that they all stared at her with concern, even Sai. However, as her gaze locked with Sai's he flinched as if she caught him doing something he wasn't supposed to, and she watched transfixed as the emotion drained from his face until it was as blank as a clean sheet of paper. She turned away and brought her attention back to Kakashi.

"What's done is done," Kakashi continued. "We can't dwell on what happened anymore, and I can't have the village attacking Sakura because you all are still resentful towards her for what she did. I know that once you all get over it, the rest of the village will follow suit. I don't care how you do it," he pointed at the three ANBU members, "But hash out your differences with her and do it quickly. The sooner you become an actual team, the sooner you get to leave on the actual mission I have lined up. You're dismissed."


Once outside the Hokage Tower, Shikamaru stated that he believed they would be able to bond more effectively if they each had one-on-one time with Sakura for the next three days. Neiji and Sai agreed, but Neiji demanded he be allowed to have the first day, stating that he, "Just wanted to get it over with." Shikamaru and Sai agreed and left Sakura and Neiji alone. Sakura couldn't help but notice that her opinion on the matter wasn't asked for.

"Let's go back to your house," Neiji ordered, walking ahead of Sakura.

"Why?" she asked, catching up to him and matching his pace.

"This isn't exactly a conversation I want to have with you out on the street, and you're not exactly welcome at the Hyuuga Compound," Neiji said in a tone that suggested he was talking to a child.

Oh, I can already tell that this is going to be an exciting day with Mr. Stick-In-The-Mud, Inner Sakura muttered sarcastically.

They continued walking down the now crowded street in silence. It didn't take long for the crowd to notice Sakura, and many people stopped to glare in her direction. Neiji's close proximity to her didn't go unnoticed by the crowd, and many of them frowned at the Hyuuga clan member in disapproval.

"I'm sorry you're being caught in the crossfire," Sakura apologized as they walked passed an elderly woman who was shaking her head and muttering about Neiji's poor choice in the company he kept.

Neiji grunted in response, but after casting a quick glance around the crowd, he moved closer to Sakura in an almost protective manner. Although the crowd continued to glare and whisper, no one made a move to act against the pair, and they made it to Sakura's house without any confrontation.

"Why is all your stuff outside?" Neiji asked, pointing to the boxes and suitcase sitting next to the front door.

"Oh, I packed all my stuff last night because I wanted to find an apartment to move into today," she explained, trying to fight back the tears that burned behind her eyes. Although she knew that it was her decision to move out in the first place, it still hurt to see that her parents were unaffected by her decision, and in fact, seemed eager to be rid of her.

Neiji stared at Sakura, hard. She flinched under his gaze, unable to make eye-contact. She wasn't exactly sure what was going on in his mind, but she hoped the awkward moment would end soon. Suddenly, Neiji sighed and stacked the boxes before lifting them.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm moving you into an apartment," he replied as if it was the most obvious answer. "Grab your suitcase and let's go."


Sakura stared around at her new apartment in amazement. The building was owned by the Hyuuga clan so Sakura had an easy time convincing the landlord to let her move in, although, she could tell by the landlord's disapproving look that if Neiji hadn't of been with her, she wouldn't have been allowed to move in. She tried not to dwell on that fact though, instead, she was grateful that the rent was reasonable and that the apartment size was perfect so she could have guests over.

That is, if you can find guests to have over, Inner Sakura reminded her.

To Sakura's astonishment, she found the apartment to be fully furnished as well. Her bedroom had a decent sized closet, a dresser with a vanity mirror, and the most comfortable king-size bed she had ever seen. She could almost jump for joy at the thought of not having to spend her first night in her new apartment sleeping on the floor.

Lots of room to roll around in, Inner Sakura nodded towards the bed. I approve.

The bathroom, Sakura discovered, was her favorite room in the apartment. The shower was a standard tiled standing shower, and the mirrored sink area was huge, providing her with ample space to place her toiletries and cosmetics. However, her excitement stemmed from the Jacuzzi style bathtub that looked large enough to hold two people comfortably.

I would have preferred the bathtub be big enough for three people, Inner Sakura criticized, But I guess it will do.

The living room décor was simple, much to her relief. She didn't want a couch that looked so elegant that she wouldn't want to sit on it. Who buys a couch just to look at it anyways? As if to prove her point, she plopped down on one side of the couch and sighed in satisfaction at how comfortably it cushioned her body. She placed her feet up on the coffee table and closed her eyes in ecstasy.

"It's rude to fall asleep when you have company over," Neiji's voice cut in, snapping her eyes open.

"I'm sorry," Sakura said blushing, "I just haven't felt this relaxed in awhile." She quickly stood up. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Just water is fine, since you don't exactly have anything else," Neiji answered.

Water? Well that's just no fun, Inner Sakura pouted. You just moved into an awesome apartment. Why not have a little housewarming party and crack open that bottle of sake I know you've got stashed in your suitcase?

Sakura ignored her subconscious and walked into the kitchen, Neiji following close behind. She pulled out a glass from the cupboard and turned on the tap from the sink, quickly filling the glass and handing it to him. He accepted it without a word and took a swig.

"Why did you do this for me?" Sakura asked, suddenly. "I was pretty sure you hated me."

"I said I wanted to settle things between us over at your place didn't I?" Neiji responded, dryly. "You didn't have a place to talk, or live for that matter, so I found you one. Simple as that."

Okay that's it, I can't stand it anymore, Inner Sakura announced. If you expect me to not kill Mr. Stick-In-The-Mud then you will provide me with an adult beverage NOW.

Sakura's eyes widened in panic, but she made no response. She didn't want Neiji to think she was crazy by talking to herself.

Fine, Inner Sakura huffed, If you're not going to be the proper hostess and pour me a drink, then I'll just get it myself.


Neiji watched transfixed as Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. He didn't think it was because of what he said. He knew he was saying rude things, but he was annoyed. He was annoyed that he had to spend the day with the pink-haired kunoichi to rebuild their sense of comradery. He was annoyed that he had already begun to feel sorry for her when he witnessed the way the other villagers had treated her, and that her parents had basically kicked her out. The only thing about the day that didn't annoy him was the fact that she wasn't acting as crazy as he had thought she would. After witnessing Ino being reduced to a babbling mess, he had assumed that Sakura was still mentally unstable, but her behavior today had proved him wrong. In fact, he had been surprised that she hadn't broken down in front of him yet.

However, as he watched that internal battle wage within the medic-nin before him, he wondered if he was about to see her break down right now. He continued to watch her as a flood of different emotions swarmed across her face prepared to defend himself if she attacked him, until her eyes sparkled in mischief and her lips settled into a smirk.

"How would you like to have something other than water?" Sakura asked in an almost purr.

Neiji frowned down at her in confusion as he watched this different Sakura walk out of the kitchen. He noticed that her walk was different. Instead of walking hunched over as if expecting someone to kick her, she moved with a confidence he had never seen on her before. Her head was held high as she glided out of the room with hips swaying seductively….

He shook his head to stop that train of thought. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he had definitely just missed something. Something that had to do with that internal battle he had just witnessed. Was this what Ino had been screeching about earlier? He turned on his Byakugan and was surprised to see that her chakra signature was different, thrumming with a quiet dark power.

"Tada!" Sakura said returning and holding out a bottle of sake proudly.

"Where did you get that from?" Neiji asked, quickly turning off the Byakugan.

"Don't worry about where I got it from," she smirked, opening the bottle and pouring some sake out into two little shot glasses. She slid one of the glasses down the counter towards her confused guest. He caught it with his left hand effortlessly and stared down at the drink. Sakura held her glass up and gave Neiji a wicked grin. "Just a warning, sake tastes like shit when it's cold."

"You don't expect me to actually drink this do you?" Neiji asked, watching Sakura slam down the shot with ease.

"Why not?" Sakura countered. "Don't you think it would be easier to air out our grievances if we were both smashed? I have a feeling I'd like you more after a few shots. Besides Kakashi-sama said he didn't care how we went about settling things, just so long as we did. Now if I were you," she paused to refill her shot glass and emptied it again in one swig, "I would start drinking now. I don't want you to spend half the night trying to catch up to me."

Neiji sighed, but drank up, wincing as the liquor burned its way down his throat. She had been right, sake really did taste like shit when it was cold.


After a few more shots they had made it back to the living room, albeit a little tipsily, and crashed on opposite ends of the couch. Although both were feeling the side effects of the drink, Sakura continued to pour them both shots.

"You wanna know something hilarious?" a slightly tipsy Sakura asked, cutting the silence.

"What's that?"

"If Sasuke had succeeded in killing me, I would have been regarded as a hero in the village for dying in the line of duty, even though I still failed the mission," Sakura said, staring deeply into her empty shot glass. "The only difference between that failure and my actual failure is that I'm still alive."

"I think you need another shot," said Neiji pouring Sakura another one, "Because I don't see how that's supposed to be fucking hilarious at all."

Sakura chuckled dryly and drank up.

"Why couldn't you just kill him?" Neiji suddenly blurted out. "Why couldn't you just follow the plan?"

"Getting right to the point aren't we?" she commented before bluntly countering with another question of her own. "Could you kill Tenten so easily if you were ordered to? And before you answer," she continued, holding her hand up to cut Neiji off, "Ask yourself this and be honest, could you really see yourself assassinating your team mate without thinking twice about it? Could you actually watch her die by your own hand and feel nothing?"

"We are shinobi," Neiji answered, "Following orders is what is expected of us." His tone lacked the conviction of his words.

"A nice textbook answer, but it's still bullshit," Sakura said, jumping on Neiji's uncertain tone. "We're people too. A kill order is just a piece of paper, but the execution of a kill order is not so simple. Especially when the target is someone you truly care about."

Neiji was quiet for a long time, letting her words sink in. "If I was in your position, I don't think I could have killed my team mate either," he finally admitted. That confession seemed to have been harder to deal with than he thought because he grabbed the bottle and put it swiftly to his lips in an attempt to take a long swig. "The bottle's empty," he said, disappointment clearly evident on his face.

And that's my cue to exit, Inner Sakura said receding back into Sakura's subconscious. I think I've gotten my point across.

Neiji watched confusedly as Sakura's facial features molded from the serious yet mischievous girl he had been talking to, into the sad and lonely expression she had worn when he had picked up her things outside of her parent's house. However, he was too drunk to comment on the dramatic change in her personality.

Now that Inner Sakura was gone, Sakura felt the full brunt of her drunken state. "I don't regret what I've done," she said tiredly, staring at the white scars on her wrists. Her head began to feel heavy, and she felt herself leaning further back into the couch, sinking into its comfortable haven. Before she realized it, she had closed her eyes and fallen asleep.

Neiji sighed as he watched her fall asleep and moved to pick her up. He lifted her up gently, not wanting to wake her and carried her bridal style to her bedroom. With the utmost care, he placed her down atop her bed and arranged her into what he hoped would be a comfortable sleeping position for her.

As he stared down at the sleeping kunoichi, he felt a strange sudden impulse. Neiji didn't know why he did it. Maybe it was the weird personality change. Maybe it was the way she had poured her heart out to him. Maybe it was the way she looked so peaceful asleep. But as he lifted his lips from the gentle kiss he had placed on her forehead, he had a suspicion that he should definitely blame the alcohol.


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