[It takes Ino a few minutes to formulate the right words-- any words, really-- because this is making old feeling resurface. She vividly remembers the day Sakura had returned this ribbon to her. At the time she had been sad but proud that Sakura could stand on her own. A tiny part of her-- the selfish, 12 year old part-- had been miffed that Sakura didn't need her as a pillar of strength anymore.
Of course, they had both matured quite a bit since then and had settled into a very comfortable friendship/rivalry that wasn't much a rivalry anymore. They were equals; exactly what both Ino and Sakura ultimately wanted.
Tears sting the back of her eyes, much to Ino's horror. Not sad, exactly, but not happy, either. Just emotional.]
Keep it. It's yours, anyway, right?
[Ino has to turn back to rifle through her closet for an appropriate outfit because it's a good distraction.]
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Of course, they had both matured quite a bit since then and had settled into a very comfortable friendship/rivalry that wasn't much a rivalry anymore. They were equals; exactly what both Ino and Sakura ultimately wanted.
Tears sting the back of her eyes, much to Ino's horror. Not sad, exactly, but not happy, either. Just emotional.]
Keep it. It's yours, anyway, right?
[Ino has to turn back to rifle through her closet for an appropriate outfit because it's a good distraction.]