A/N: I'd just like to thank everyone who is reading, supporting and reviewing this story. I might not reply often, but I read all of your reviews!

The Second Paper Crane

Every morning when Ino woke up, the letter would stare at her. She tried to ignore it, but after Temari had neatly placed it under her alarm clock, it had been haunting her. There were several times when Ino was tempted to pick up a pen and write a reply, but she didn't know what to say. What could she say?

So, once again, Ino ignored it and moved to the bathroom, where she stripped and climbed into the shower. Today was going to be another long day. She had called in sick again.

Ino didn't send a reply. Naruto was getting anxious. Did she read it? Or did she throw it away? And why did Temari propose he fold the letter into a paper crane? Was the woman insane? She probably was.

Naruto sighed and opened the notebook, flipping to page four. He hadn't been able to do any of the things the notebook suggested, because Ino was not at home. There were still thirty-six days left, but it already felt like nothing.

A kiss can mean many things in a relationship. If you give a kiss to your partner, it shows you care, that you love them and hold them dear. But a kiss is not the only gesture of affection you can use to show that you care. Along with doing something small, holding any negative comments and giving your spouse at least one compliment, today you need to buy your significant a small gift. A gift is a wonderful thing and can speak many words. It's time you put your own needs and wants aside and put your partner's first.

Naruto knew exactly what to get Ino. Flowers. She loved flowers. And it was something he could have delivered to her without the door being slammed in his face. Naruto made a note to stop by the flower shop on the way to work.

It was a beautiful day and Ino could not bear keeping herself locked up inside. Maybe she needed some fresh air, it could do her well. So, Ino pulled her blonde hair into a pony tail and made her way to Sakura's office.

"Hey Ino," Sakura greeted warmly when Ino entered her office. "How are you?"

"Fine," Ino replied, "I suppose."

Sakura did not push the topic further. "Want to head out for some coffee?" Sakura asked.

"Sure," Ino shrugged.

The coffee shop was just around the corner from the hospital, and was small and cosy. It was Sakura's and Ino's favourite little corner to enjoy cake and coffee. The two even had a special spot they where they always sat down in the shade of a large tree.

When Sakura placed their order she turned to Ino. She wanted to tell Ino about her wedding dress, and how breathtakingly beautiful it was, but she decided against it. Marriage was the last thing on the blonde's mind right now.

"Hey ugly," a voice interrupted them, "and beautiful."

Sakura and Ino looked up to make eye contact with Sai. Ever since Danzo's death, Sai had opened much more to his peers. He was the most loyal to Naruto, and his rank as ANBU Captain proved it.

"Do you always have to call me that?" Sakura asked, annoyed. Sai merely smiled. Ino looked down at her hands folded on the table. He had called her beautiful, ever since they first met. The endearing nickname painfully reminded her of Naruto, who had adopted the nickname too when they started dating. In fact, Naruto still thought she was beautiful, despite their failing marriage...

"What's wrong with beautiful?" Sai asked Sakura when he noticed the turmoil evident on her face. Over the years, Sai had also become an expert at reading emotions.

"It's kind of complicated, Sai," Sakura replied.

Sai raised an eyebrow. "Then why is she moping?" Ino blinked in surprise at his words. "The beautiful I know would attack a problem head on."

Silence fell between the three of them. Sai had a point, Sakura concluded. Ino wasn't the type to mope. But Naruto wasn't the type to be such an asshole either. The two of them were acting very out of character.

Their coffee arrived, and Ino silently sipped the warm drink. Sai watched Ino for awhile, then he excused himself and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk to Naruto?" Sakura asked after several minutes of silence.

"I'm sure."

When Ino got back to the Nara Estate, a vase of tulips were waiting for her beside her bed. Surprised, and touched she gently ran her finger along one of the delicate petals. However, when she looked at the note, her mood soured.

Did Naruto think he could send her flowers and all the problems would go away? Angry, Ino coiled the note up in her hand and threw it in the bin. Naruto was going to have to work harder than that.

Ino's attention landed on the letter again and an idea struck her. Maybe Naruto was not such a lost case after all. Maybe they could make this work. So Ino sat down and started writing.

Dear Naruto,

It is a pleasure to meet you. As Hokage, you must not have much time to write to me. How do you do it?

I am married too. My husband used to be a bit of an idiot and my opinion of him as a child was low. But he proved himself to the village, and to me over the years. He's loyal, carefree and energetic. Or at least, he used be. He' s changed. I don't recognize him anymore. Rather than show love and loyalty to everyone around him, he is now buried in his work. It's like he is married to the job, rather than me. As a man, can you understand the need to bury yourself in work? Because I don't. Maybe it's selfish of me, but it feels like he hasn't properly looked at me in months.

How can I forgive him?

Ino

Just like Naruto, Ino folded the letter into a paper crane. She asked Temari to deliver it. Temari took it with a smile.

When Naruto read the letter, he sat down and wept.