Unfurling Bud

Chapter Two

'...' - Eliza talking to Inner Sakura.

... - Inner Sakura speaking.

I looked to the side and saw a pretty blonde...Ino? She and Sakura were best friends during the academy if I recall. What a waste, really. They broke their friendship over a stuck-up little Uchiha boy? Both Ino and Sakura acted like brainless zombies in front of a person who didn't even notice them! Sakura, sakura...shame.

"Oi, Forehead! Aren't you going to apologize?" I blinked, startled out of my thoughts.

"Wha...? Uh.. Oh. O-oh!" I so intelligently answered.

"Forehead... What are you playing at?" her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Sorry! I- I didn't see you there." I smiled sheepishly at her.

"Hmph, you better watch it!" She flipped her blonde ponytail over her shoulder and sashayed in front of me.

"W-wait! Ino!" An idea bounced around my head.

"What?" She turned and glared at me.

"I-"

"You have five minutes."

"I've thought about this for a while and decided..." I paused, "That I don't really want us to have this rivalry anymore. The fight for Sasuke? I... g-give up." It had to be some what believable, right? Thus the annoying pauses and stammering. Give up Sasuke? Ha! I'd do it in a heartbeat.

"Forehead? I... I don't believe this. You? Give up Sasuke? Impossible, I mean-" Ino fumbled, eyebrows drawn together.

I cut in quickly, "It's true, Ino." The girl who had helped Sakura built up her confidence shouldn't have to be part of such a foolish rivalry. I had seen how kind Ino had been, and I wanted to protect this friendship - not let it sour. Besides, severing this stupid tie would only increase her potential.(maybe...)

"This must be some kind of joke. Are you taking me as some kind of fool?"

"No!" I walked towards her and grabbed her shoulder softly, willing her to understand how much this meant. Sakura's feelings were also something I felt. Deep down, I knew she held some sort of regret towards the shattered friendship. "Ino, we could die out there as kunoichi. I don't want to wake up one day, losing you, and regret never telling you how I felt. So... Ino. He's all yours. Sasuke, I mean."

Her eyes softened ever so slightly, "Forehea- Sakura, you could be lying for all I know..."

I bit my lip, "Well, that's true."

"What-"

"But," I waited patiently for her to stop bristling, "that doesn't change how I feel. I've done all I can, Ino. Please, believe me." I looked her pleadingly.

"Fore- Sakura, I..." She paused, then shuffled her feet. A few seconds later, she started slowly walking away. My face fell. Then, she stopped and whipped around. With a cry, she launched herself at me and enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug. "Aw, damn it! Why can't I be mad at you? Our rivalry ends today, okay?!" I grinned and hugged her just as hard. "And by the way," she started and pulled back, "nice outfit. Way better than that dress you used to wear."

"Thanks, Ino." My grin faded as I took note of the time. "We'd better get going."

She smirked, "Race ya!"

"Eat dust, Ino-pig!" I made a move as if to go forward.

"In your dreams, Forehead!" We both took off in the direction of the academy, though neither of us were really serious about competing.