Tenten smiled down at her phone before sliding it into her back pocket. "Looks like Hinata and I are heading out to meet up with the guys at that sketchy 24hr diner next to campus, you two wanna come?"

Ino scratched the back of her neck and looked down. Her heart sank at the thought of losing such good company, but she was pretty wiped out. Feeling considerably sober, she replied, "You know, I actually think I'm gonna head back to my place."

Beside her, Sakura yawned. "Man, me too. I came straight over from the hospital tonight."

Shyly she cast a glance over to Sakura. "Would you wanna come back with me?"

Her green eyes grew bright, "I guess I could come over for at least a while." She linked arms with her friend, and rested her head on Ino's shoulder. "I've missed going out like this with you."

"Yeesh, get a room!" Tenten shouted at them with a wink.

Laughing, Ino nuzzled her nose into Sakura's hair. "Sakura you're my best friend. I loooooove yooou."

Tenten pretended to gag but Hinata reached out and took Ino's hand. "I think its sweet." She gave it a squeeze. "Really."

Feeling silly with her friends, Ino kissed the Hinata's knuckles. "Thanks Hina, I'm glad someone can appreciate special bonds."

"You guys can't get all gay without me, I'm getting jealous over here." Tenten pulled them into a tight hug as they each said their goodbyes.

As they dropped off their payment and tip, Temari handed Ino a note. "Thanks girls, you made my night. Come back anytime." She grinned ear to ear.

Thinking it was a receipt, Ino pocketed the words, 'You make me laugh. Lets hang out.' without hesitation.

Tenten and Hinata watched as Ino and Sakura left arm in arm. Tenten nudged her friend, "Tell me Hina, do you think those two are gay for each other?"

Hinata blushed and stammered. "Why do you a-always ask such inappropriate things!"

But Tenten only folded her arms across her blouse and raised one immaculately shaped eyebrow. "Hinata."

She hung her head in defeat. "Y-yes. They're in g-gay love."

At that, Tenten burst into a fit of loud laughter. "Because I love hearing you say things like Gay Love. Come on."

"Please tell me you still have that mix tape in here, " Sakura said as she climbed into Ino's black 2008 Honda Civic, digging around the center console.

Ino slapped her hands away, "Calm down, its still in the player. Put your seatbelt on."

Sakura made a mocking face at Ino as she buckled herself in. She hummed as the music started and relaxed into her seat, taking in the lights of the great city as they rushed past her. The rain hadn't let up much, but it didn't stop clusters of people from huddling together under small canopies to share cigarettes. "I love this band. You know, I only listen to them when I'm around you."

"Really? Whys that?" Ino asked, not taking her eyes from the road.

Sakura shrugged, even though she knew Ino wasn't watching. "I don't have any of their stuff."

"I'll send you this CD, I know how much you love it. In fact, this song kinda reminds me of you." Ino added almost timidly as she turned up the volume.

Sakura smiled, "I love it when that happens! Why does it remind you of me?"

Ino hit the back button on the player, "Listen to the opening part. I know it's a cover, but I really like it."

"Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air,

I know I can count on you.

Sometimes I feel like saying 'Lord I just don't care'

But you've got the love I need to see me through."

Ino tried to concentrate on driving, but she was anxious to see how her friend would respond. As the song continued, Sakura began to laugh.

Ino looked at her, concerned. "I mean, I know it's a love song and all but I didn't think it would be that weird."

"Ino!" She laughed, "You know this song is about God, right?

Ino furrowed her brow. "No way. Really?"

"Yes! God! You really can't tell the difference between love songs and religious songs, can you?"

Ino made a noise of indignation. "I have plenty of other talents!"

That only made Sakura guffaw. "Like having zero gaydar? Gosh, what's wrong with our taste in music? I still have mix a tape from when we were kids that has Abba and Brody Dalle on it."

Ino cringed, "How did we ever think that was a good idea?"

"It was the 90s. Lost of other kids were making equally terrible musical choices."

"Sometimes I still feel like I'm making terrible musical choices."

Sakura chuckled, "At least you can take comfort with this CD. Florence and the Machine is good music."

Ino nodded emphatically as she found a place to park her car underneath the protection of a tree. She regarded the thick drops of rain that fell sporadic and heavy on the windshield, "This is as close as I'll be able to get tonight."

"Can we bring the CD with us?" Sakura asked.

Ino smirked, "I don't think I have a player in my apartment. But don't worry, I have all their stuff on my computer."

Together they ran up the street through the rain, holding jackets above their heads while Ino unlocked the gate to the complex. Giggling like children, they made their way up the covered stairs into Ino's apartment, where she grabbed some beer from the fridge.

"Make yourself at home."

Sakura trailed in behind her, taking in the apartment. "Its so much more spacious now that he doesn't have that desk in the corner, and that huge office chair."

Ino smiled. It had been feeling pretty empty to her. "I was thinking of moving the big comfy chair out of my room and bringing it out here. What would you think about like, a reading nook or something?"

Sakura examined the corner, considering. "You know, that would totally work."

Ino smiled at her. "Beer?"

"Thanks!"

She went to the couch and switched on the TV. Together they watched a Louis CK special on Comedy Central, enjoying the hour and a half presentation. They laughed and ran commentary until it ended, leaving an Amy Schumer short to follow the commercial.

"You should sleep over," Ino said as she finished another beer. "Just like when we were kids. Your place is too far away, and it's raining."

Sakura smiled. It drew her cheeks up into soft, sweet hills. "Are you sure I wouldn't be putting you out? I dont want to make a fuss."

Ino tentatively reached out and glided her fingertips over her friend's hand. "I kinda want you to stay." She gave it a small squeeze. "It's been pretty lonely in here since I kicked him out. Which isn't to say that I miss him, but...truthfully?" She looked away from her friend and down into her glass. "For all the time we spent together, I don't really feel like I've lost much. Like there was no real companionship." Then she gazed at Sakura once again and chuckled softly, "Its funny, one night with you makes me feel more whole than a week with him. You're so special to me, Sakura."

"Ino," Sakuras voice was gentle and genuine. "You're my favorite person. Come here." She drew Ino into a hug.

She held tightly onto her pink-haired companion and the blush of warmth that spread through her body had little to do with alcohol. How many times had she embraced her ex on this couch? It had never felt like this; His shoulders had been wide, his chest broad and curved in much different places. His skin was rough with course hair and weather damage, and he was so rarely clean shaven she had unconsciously formed the habit of tilting away from the scratchy stubble.

Sakura's skin was so unbelievably soft. Ino's arms were able to fit tightly around her modest chest, her petite waist. The curve of her body was much smaller and comfortable. She smelled like shampoo and rain and Sakura. It was so satisfying being able to hold someone flush against her.

Sakura kissed her on the cheek and slouched back onto the couch. Ino sank down beside her, their foreheads almost touching. They sat like that, listening as the songs played sweet and low.

With a sip of her beer, Ino stood. "What was the band that Sai guy was telling us about? Was it the Yeah Yeah Yeahs?"

Sakura twirled her hair, "I think that was the name. I liked that song Temari did."

Ino nodded. "Me too. I'm gonna add them to the playlist." She knelt at the computer and added Maps to play next.

She sat back down next to her companion as the guitar strummed.

"Let me know if you don't like it, I'll skip it."

Sakura nodded lazily against the couch, head sliding closer to Ino.

"Pack up

I'm straight

Enough

Oh say say say

Oh say say say"

Something melancholy about the music pushed Ino a little closer to her friend, feeling something she couldn't quite name. It was growing heavy in her chest, pushing against her lungs and threatening to bubble into a problem. Her heart beat faster.

"Wait,

They don't love you like I love you

Wait,

They don't love you like I love you

Ma-a-a-a-ps, wait!

They don't love you like I love you..."

Ino's heart ached. She reached out and laced her fingers with Sakura's, who looked up at Ino.

"You know I care about you, right? More than anybody."

"Yeah." It came out soft as a whisper.

Ino licked her lips.

"Can I kiss you?"

Sakura's breath caught, but she nodded.

Shakily Ino started to lean down towards her, but Sakura moved to meet Ino's lips with hers.

Heat burned through Ino's cheeks and chest at the feeling.

'I love you,' Supplied a very quiet selection of Ino's mind as she pressed her lips to Sakura's again and again, cupping Sakura's cheek. Her hand fit so well, fingertips barely brushing Sakura's ear.

'Of course I love her, she's my best friend.'

They parted, returning to their slouching position, as if nothing uncommon had taken place. Ino's heart pounded, unwilling to pick a side as it walked the line between best friends and lovers.

Together they sat in the once again amiable silence, Ino could feel Sakura's breath as it glided lightly over her shoulder.

'She's just my friend. Going farther would be stupid, I could never risk my best friend.'

"Wanna go to bed?"

'Fuck, that came out wrong.'

But Sakura smiled. "Yeah."

She stood. Hand still in hers, she lead Ino to the bedroom where the older of the two pulled nightclothes from a drawer.

Ino handed the night shirt and a pair of gray shorts to Sakura. "I've got a spare toothbrush in the bathroom somewhere, unless to want to wait till the morning. "

Sakura shrugged off her clothes. "I'm pretty tired."

Ino redressed herself for sleep and pulled back the sheet, sliding into the bed. She snuggling down and shuddered with a chill. "Damn its cold."

"Come 'ere then!"

Ino's heart throbbed at Sakura's offer, something it never used to do, but she scooted over to her anyway. Ignoring her racing pulse, she found her friend's outstretched arms in the darkness and easily fit to her body, tangling their legs.

She felt her face redden when their chests pressed together, and Sakura stroked Ino's hair, pulling her closer.

"Ino?"

Looking up into the face of her friend, Sakura laid a hand on one of Ino's hot cheeks.

'This is OK. Friends do this. Just friends.' Ino reassured herself as Sakura inched closer and closer till their lips hovered sensually close.

Tentatively Ino moved her hand to rest on Sakura's hip, sliding it up to her waist and back. Her nightshirt rustled up and Sakura's skin was silky and warm. Ino never wanted to stop.

"Mm, don't stop."

Ino swallowed, moving her hand from stroking Sakura's side, sliding it farther up her back, leaning her body even closer to trace Sakura's spine and massage gentle circles into the firm muscles there. Sakura hummed in appreciation.

Encouraged, Ino withdrew her hand from the cotton t-shirt and tenderly ran her fingers back and forth across Sakura's collarbone, enjoying the feel and closeness.

Softly she wrapped her hand around the back of Sakura's neck, slowly leaning down and placing a kiss on her throat.

Sakura pulled out of Ino's grip to tilt up her chin and kiss her passionately. Ino softly groaned into the kiss, the heat almost becoming too much for her.

Somewhere in a deep and quiet part of Ino, a wall of resolve crumbled. It had held itself strong for years, but a crack had formed with her latest breakup. Wave after wave of liquor and beer and wine had worn away its structural soundness so that when Sakura kissed her, it could hold strong no more. Out came years of pent up 'more than friends' feelings. Out came confusing dreams, out came denial, strange hopes and a bond stronger than she had ever acknowledged. Here in this bed, Ino let go.

She held her body tight against Sakura as they writhed together. Hungrily they kissed, pawing and squeezing and scratching at each others bodies with lust.

Sakura rolled on top of Ino for dominance, rising up and grinding her hips down sensually on Ino's thigh, desire making her confident.

"Ino, I want you so bad," she moaned as she tossed her hair back, unaware of how beautiful she looked in the dim lighting of lamppost outside the window.

As she hurriedly helped Sakura out of her shirt, the other girl lifted her arms and Ino noticed how her small breasts were almost completely disguised as pectorals till she lowered her arms again. They filled out once more, the perfect nipples highlighting her beautiful breasts. Her own breasts were more full in Sakura's hands, though not by much.

Ino had seen her naked before, even compared chests in high school, but tonight all she wanted was to feel them against hers.

Quickly she pressed herself to Sakura again, kissing her roughly. Sakura grinned into the kiss and yanked up Ino's shirt so she could touch the tender area. Her smile grew wider when Ino gasped as Sakura held her breast, running a thumb across the pert nipple.

"God you are so beautiful," Ino whispered, rolling with Sakura until the she was on bottom once more.

Ino lowered her mouth to Sakura's breasts, teasing out moans and gasps and words of encouragement.

Gently she slid down towards Sakura's hips, kissing and stroking in all the places men had missed on her body before. She fulfilled her own desires onto Sakura's soft body, every kiss and lick and nip that Ino craved was bestowed onto beautiful woman that lay before her. Sakura matched Ino's nervousness with her gasping and croaking moans at every stimulation. Ino took her time savoring every bit of skin she felt, her heart beating erratically with powerful emotion. She sweetly nuzzled her face into Sakura's stomach and her chest burned at the tender intimacy.

'I love you,' ran through her mind. Driven downward by the passion and desire to see how deep Sakura's trust in her would go, she let her chin be tickled by soft curls. Sakura gasped as Ino adjusted her position, settling herself lower between Sakura's legs. Inos' breath hitched as she lifted one of Sakuras knees, resting it on her shoulder and placing gentle kisses on the sensitive skin. The kisses trailed down to rest Ino's face between Sakura's thighs.

Resting weight on her elbows, arms wound around Sakura's legs to grip her hips, Ino faced the most intimate part of her best friend. She leaned in, her uneven breath caressing the hot skin. Tentatively she placed a slow kiss to Sakura's lips, and the other girl groaned and a hand flung to tightly tangle itself with Ino's. Ino squeezed back and traded a kiss for a lengthy lick of Sakura's clit.

"Ino, yes!" Sakura whispered through the darkness.

Encouraged and aroused, Ino licked again. It tasted sweet and tangy, sticky but not thick like semen. She strained to remember the best oral sex she'd received and what she liked the most. Ino flattened her tongue and slowly danced it around Sakuras clit in soft circles.

Sakura moaned loudly with pleasure, "Ino!"

Ino hummed in pleasure against Sakura, who suddenly pulled Ino's face up by the cheeks to face hers.

Surprised, Ino searched Sakura's face for any discomfort. "Sakura? Do you need me to stop?"

"No, I just," she bit her lip and looked away, "Is it okay?"

Confused, Ino tilted her head to the side. This was such a different side of the confident woman who had been riding her thigh moments ago. "Is what okay?"

"Um," Sakura's face was flushed pink with arousal, and grew darker. "Me. Do I...taste okay? You can stop if I don't..."

Touched by the insecurity of her friend, an urge gripped Ino. She didn't answer, but lowered her head again. Keeping her blue eyes locked with Sakura's, she darted her tongue out across Sakuras' vag. Sakura's eyes widened but her breath hitched and she tossed her head backwards onto the pillows in ecstasy. Enjoying the reaction, Ino continued.

"You know, I'm usually a very selfish lover," Ino whispered between licks. "But right now, I just want to make you feel good."

"You make me feel so good," was Sakura's immediate and rushed response as she once again tangled her fingers with Ino's. Ino buried herself in Sakura, licking and moaning and gently sucking, fulfilling new fantasies.

'I love you.'

After hearing Sakuras breathing become more and more ragged, she gave one final lick and pulled her lips away. Sakura moaned at the loss of such intense heat as Ino disentangled their hands to slide it across Sakuras' hips and down to her entrance. Sakura propped herself up on her elbows to watch what Ino was doing.

Lazily, Ino rubbed fingers gently against Sakura's wetness. Sakura fisted the sheets, face burning with pleasure. Ino kissed a thigh as she gently pushed a dainty and curious finger into Sakura, who was watching Ino stare at her. They held each others gaze as Ino's finger slid in and out of Sakuras tight, wet heat, fucking her. Sakura's heart beat so hard it was almost painful as the eroticism of the moment gripped her. She watched Ino's hungry eyes for as long as she could until she buckled and fell once again onto the sheets.

Finding the natural rhythm and angle that drove the most reaction from Sakura, Ino lowered her gaze from the heaving chest and once again began to lick at Sakura's clit. When she did so, Sakura's legs began to shake and she cried out in pleasure.

"Ino! Yes!"

It was the best thing she had felt in her entire life. When she came, it was with such intensity her vision went white and her toes curled to the point of pain. Ino slowed to a stop as she read the reactions of her lover, the grip on her fingers spasming release.

Ino kept her two fingers inside Sakura, resting her head on her thigh, still laying between her legs. She gently placed kisses along Sakura's soft skin.

"Are you alright?" she asked quietly.

Sakuras breathing was still ragged.

"I-I-yes," Was all she could say, before a feeling of a lacking body crept over her and she needed contact again. She opened her arms wide, "Come 'ere."

Instantly Ino crawled on top of her, hugging tight. Their chests pressed together and their breathing slowed to match.

Sakura, lying underneath, soon felt how aroused her partner was. It blossomed sweetly in her chest, restoring her courage. Sakura slid a hand between Ino's legs, feeling just how excited she was and whispered into her friend's ear. "What would you like?"

Ino's breath caught in unexpected pleasure at the contact. She kissed Sakura deeply, "There is something..."

"What is it?" she breathed, turned on by her friends trepidation.

"I'm embarrassed," she breathed in a husky voice.

"You can trust me," petting soft blonde hair and rubbing soft circles with her palm.

"There's a spot sometimes, where, I feel like, if its hit just right for long enough, I think I'll cum."

"Like your g-spot?"

Ino nodded against Sakuras neck. "I just want you to fuck me. I want you to fuck me till I cum."

Sakura felt a blush spread across her chest and cheeks in unabashed excitement from the dirty talk. She kissed Ino, sliding a hand down to her bosom. She cupped and kissed her way down to her to nipples. She gently teased it while she started rubbing between Ino's legs. Listening to the moans and whispered pleasures Ino gave, she slid herself into the blonde.

"Oh! More!" Ino moaned as Sakura's finger moved inside her. She added another finger and found the spot that had Ino gasping for air.

'I love you.'

Sakura licked around her nipple, teasing, before finally placing a hard suck. She ran her tongue back and forth across the bud while she went deeper inside her partner. She balanced on one elbow while she teased the other breast with her free hand, stimulating Ino with all that she had.

Breath ragged, hips bucking involuntarily onto the fingers, she felt herself drawing close.

"Don't stop, I'm- Ah!" Ino cried as the euphoria of climax gripped her. She grabbed Sakura's arm to stop her motions as she rode out her orgasm. Her thighs convulsed as her body peaked with pleasure and left her feeling high and tingly.

"I love you," she whispered as a tear from the exertion and emotional rush escaped her glassy eyes and trailed down her cheek. Sakura covered Ino with her body, holding the other woman securely and placing gentle kisses to her mouth and cheeks and shoulders. Together they lay in the afterglow as their bodies began returning to homeostasis after being flushed with sexual energy.

Sakura retrieved her shirt and lay with her back to Ino, pulling Ino by the hand to fit against her back. The blonde tugged her hand away to slide up her shirt and rest comfortingly on Sakura's bare breast.

Sakura sighed at the contact.

"Do you know what this means?"

Ino shook her head against Sakura's neck, nuzzling into her hair. After tonight, she didn't care what it meant. She was too drunk off affection to worry.

Sakura laced her fingers with Inos atop her breast. "It means you're mine, okay? And usually I'd never say that after one night but...I think we can say this is special."

Ino smiled and hummed her consent.

Sakura gave her hand another squeeze and whispered, "I love you too, Ino. I always have."

Thanks to GoodMorningFlower for helping me edit and encouraging me to finish! Very much love.