yakiniku_q | GIVE ME YOUR ANGST (FOR K)

GIVE ME YOUR ANGST (FOR K)

[Tsunade had warned her that sometimes there was nothing you could do to save someone. Sakura had thought she had gotten a taste of it, back when she could do nothing to save Sasuke from leaving the village. But she had a feeling that's not what Tsunade was talking about.

Medical ninjutsu could heal almost any wound -- Sakura could mend bone, stop bleeding, reattach limbs with the ease only her master mirrored. She sent families home together and thanking her and Sakura could only smile that someone didn't have to lose someone important and feel the pain she thought she knew.

It was the first time the patient had gotten to her a bit too late. Later than even she was able to fix. She hated feeling useless but as she pumped chakra into the body and lit the room aglow so the sweat shone on her forehead, she could feel precious life slipping away. The hand clutching at her coat grew limp and lifeless. A life she couldn't save.

The first one.

And the words 'help me' echoed in her mind. Still, she took a deep breath and cleaned up, sent the body to the appropriate place to be examined and all secrets extracted, and cursed herself as the bearer. The look of a heart breaking made Sakura's 'I'm sorry' choked. It seemed hardly enough of a condolence.

It was that mantra of apology in her head that pushed each step as she left the hospital. She didn't want to see anybody, she didn't want to do anything. She might have been content to sit in that room and hold the hand of the patient she couldn't save until her own her own heart stopped.

Tsunade had warned her sometimes there was nothing you could do. She hadn't warned her about the crippling guilt that came with it. Only as fate would have it in her moment of weakness and when she wanted to be alone, she spotted the telltale platinum blonde hair of her best friend/rival ahead of her. She stopped but there was no point in hiding or running away. That wasn't her, anyway.

Out comes a strained;]

Ino...

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[Sakura is glad to sit down and she does so with a sigh before reaching for a glass of wine. Her shishou was the alcoholic, Ino was the alcoholic, Sakura never really found much reason to like the stuff since it made her head go all fuzzy and she couldn't think straight. For a medic who took her job seriously, this wasn't ideal.

Though, at a time like this, maybe Ino had the right idea. She didn't WANT to think. So she takes a sip and inwardly admits that it's not THAT bad. Much better than sake or any of those harder drinks at the bar. There's some lip licking action too as she peers down into the glass.]

It's not bad. What kind of wine is it?

[She's already reaching for the bottle to read.]

No idea. It's from somewhere in Wind Country, apparently. A client had given it to her years ago and she never opened it.

[It seemed kind of weird that she didn't share it with Asuma when he was alive but maybe they just did shots or something. It's hard to imagine Asuma drunk-- he had been goofy enough sober. The thought makes her smile.]

Oh well, more for us~♥

[Thinking about Asuma and Kurenai makes Ino think about her own relationship... s... Maybe one day Ino would settle down with someone, too.

Maybe.]

So, how was your day?

[Sakura listens without really taking it in, nodding absently as she swirls the red liquid that reminds her of blood in the glass. She jerks a little when Ino aims her question at her.

Does she really need to ask? It's obvious something happened. Regardless, she is a little thankful that she's having more tact than usual about it. She takes another slow sip and redirects.]

Tell me about yours first.

[There's even a small smile of encouragement... almost pleading that she not talk about her first. Tell her inane things that distract her from reality, that life is fleeting and short and she wonders when it's going to be her friends in the room with her and chakra and control isn't going to be enough to save them.]

[Ino snuggles closer to her friend, resting her head on Sakura's shoulder. This is the life. Can there be anything better than this? Ino is very bad at giving people personal space. If she likes you, she really likes you.

Good thing Sakura is used to all the hanging on/hugging/groping/loving, etc.]

I had to get up at an unholy hour because my cousin was being a little jerk and didn't want to open the flower shop for me even though I am an awesome Jounin and he's still a little Chuunin punk--

[He was cute, though. Yamanaka genes and all that-- blond, blue eyed, handsome, charming. Maybe Ino could set him up with Sakura and everyone would win!]

Work was... work. Can't talk too much about it, Ibiki pretty much made me sign a contract in blood that I'd never breathe a word about what goes on in that basement. I had a lunch date with that cute dark haired Jounin from the Cypher Division.

[Ino rolls her eyes.]

He was so boring, though.

[Sakura knows how fickle Ino is. She is a serial dater with the worst attention span and 99% of the time can't bring herself to get to a third date. And still the boys kept wanting to date her. Masochists.]

Edited 2014-01-15 00:31 (UTC)

[Fondness finds its way into her heart and expression as Ino just does her usual Ino thing. And when Sakura needs it most too. She just sighs a little and lets her, like she usually does, and nurses her glasses of wine while listening. This time, she grasps onto Ino's idle chatter like it's her lifeline whereas she would just roll her eyes a little normally.

Sakura is sure she doesn't want to hear what goes on in that basement at the moment anyway. Even if she's been morbidly curious from time to time.]

You say that about everyone you date.

[Teasing is good. Teasing is more like Sakura so Ino is helping in her own way.]

What was it this time?

Maybe it's because every guy that asks me out is a loser! All they want to talk about is how awesome they are, even though I'm way smarter and more talented than they are! You know how it is!

[Women like Sakura and Ino were forces to be reckoned with. Most guys were probably intimidated by them, Ino surmised. That and they were petrified of being mind fucked or punched through a mountain if they did something to anger them.]

All I hear is "Blah blah blah I'm a virgin with an inferiority complex, touch my tiny penis". Why do I even bother?? Guys are all the same, not just in Konoha, too! Like Suna guys, right? You'd think they'd be super tough and confident because they live in a freaken' desert and all their previous Kages were crazy. But noooo.

[Ino had branched out years ago. She likes to keep a couple of guys in each village, just in case. She huffs.]

Next time, I'll try dating a civilian. If I don't at least pretend to be dating around, one of my aunts will try to marry me off to a distant cousin. Augh, clan politics. You're so lucky you don't have to deal with that.

[She doesn't. Because she doesn't really DATE like Ino does. Or at all. Sakura was stuck in the hospital and if it wasn't the hospital the it was at Tsunade's side. And if it wasn't that, it was missions. If it wasn't that, then it was keeping up with Naruto and Sasuke and Sai and Ino. Ino found time to date but Sakura didn't make time for it.

She was too busy for boys.

Besides, like Ino said, most boys were boring. When you were around someone like Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke and Sai and even Hatake Kakashi, it made everyone else look bland. And next to someone like Haruno Sakura, doubly so.

Sakura sips at her wine... only to sputter into her glass as the word 'tiny penis' slips out. She mops at her chin, eyes flitting to Ino still going on like she hadn't heard Sakura do an almost spit take. Should have seen it coming, she thinks to herself. It's Ino -- she's bound to throw that word in there somehow.]

Wouldn't dating a civilian be more boring? Unless you find the difference in culture interesting. They probably don't have to deal with half the things we do. Actually, it might be good for you. You are a diva and the boring life would take you down a few pegs.

[She doesn't mention she DOES have to deal with clan politics. Not personally, but being the Fifth's disciple and being around the Hokage so much and village affairs meant Sakura knew about not only the intricacies of the Yamanaka but the Nara, the Akimichi, the Hyuuga, the Inuzuka, the Aburame and so on and so on.]

I am not a diva!

[Ino pauses, tapping her glass thoughtfully.]

Much. I'm really not asking for a lot here, Sakura. Just a hot, strong, accomplished, confident guy with a big--

[She stops herself this time because this is Sakura she is talking to and her best friend is already in a bad mood. It's for the best to limit her man!junk talk, Ino decides. Poor Sakura already had years of dealing with Sai's awkward dick fixation. Chouji and Shikamaru might have been weird but at least they didn't speculate out loud about each other's stuff.]

-- brain.

[Ino motions to Sakura dramatically.]

What about you? I know you're married to your job, but I really hope you're going to get laid in this lifetime. I think it would do wonders for your morale.

[FLATTEST STARE EVER AS INO TRAILS OFF AND SHE KNOWS EXACTLY WHERE SHE'S GOING. And it's probably because of Sai (and Ino and medical mindsets) that the male reproductive organ does not send her into giggles or make her think THINGS like it does Ino. But if you put a Sasuke on top of a Sai she is all over that. Why have one penis when you can have two?

Her brows just raise a little when 'brain' is said instead.

HERE WE GO. Sakura usually gets testy and defensive when Ino gets nosy about Sakura's sexual endeavors but she's subdued when she answers.]

I'm not worried about that sort of thing right now. I have my whole life ahead of me.

[She pointedly stares into her wine glass while she says that, frowning.]

[Ino is only worried for her best friend in the entire world! She worries that Sakura still thinks she's a flat chested, unattractive girl with a big forehead. Ino, of course, thinks Sakura is beautiful and perfect, not that she would ever tell her that.

Or maybe Sakura's still attached to the thought of Sasuke (which worries her more than low self esteem).

Or maybe......]

I understand, Sakura. Maybe guys just aren't your thing! I mean, I know in theory you're all about that Boys' Love stuff-- I've seen the books you hide under your bed-- but maybe in practice you're just not interested.

[She is 95% teasing because teasing Sakura is fun and maybe it will distract her from whatever is upsetting her. Ino is still 5% serious, though. Just 5%!]

Don't worry, I know a couple of girls. I don't judge. We've all been there. It was a dark time in my life... No, no, you don't need to know details. I tell you when you're older.

Edited 2014-01-15 03:14 (UTC)

[Nobody can match Ino's confidence but Sakura doesn't think she's UGLY.

It does. A+ INO

Sakura nearly gives Hinata a run for her money with how red she gets. Out of anger. Ino's nice wine glasses are in danger of being shattered.]

DON'T BE RIDICULOUS!!

[She would headbutt you, too. It would be easy her head is right next to hers.]

Hahaha, I'm just kidding!

[About... most of that, anyway. It's cute how red Sakura gets. This is what Ino lives for. She hopes this part of Sakura never changes.]

Besides, you could never find another girl prettier than me. I've ruined you for other women~ ♥

[Now that Ino thinks about, she would probably be super jealous if some other girl dared get close to her best friend. She would also probably have to kill them and hide the body. Ibiki showed her the best ways to do that.]

Don't you want to go on date and stuff, though? Make out? Let someone touch your tiny boobies??

Edited (UGH SORRY FOR MY EDITS, I SUCK TONIGHT LOLOL) 2014-01-15 03:21 (UTC)

[It won't.

There's just annoyed mumbles from Ino's best friend while she loosens her grip on the thin steam of her wine glass and calms down so her face isn't as red.

It doesn't last long.]

WOULD YOU SHUT UP ABOUT MY BREASTS?! THEY'RE COMPLETELY FINE! FINE!!

[DEEP. BREATHING. Before Ino really DOES get the headbutt she's asking for. Or an arm wrestle Sakura will soundly beat her at. That would make her feel better.]

No! I don't. I have enough on my plate, I can't worry about dating someone or even going out to look for someone like that! Besides! If I just wanted to kiss someone I could probably just march over to some random bar and shout out that I want to make out with someone, couldn't I? I'm sure there's plenty of drunk guys that would leap at the chance to kiss some girl.

[Drunken makeouts might be okay for some girls and maybe Sakura would benefit from them but Ino still thought she deserved the best. Kisses from a stranger wouldn't make Sakura happy. Sakura deserved to be loved properly. Only someone who was worthy was allowed into Sakura's pants!]

You're so stubborn, you know that? You're worse than me.

[Ino finishes off her drink and pours more wine for both her and Sakura.]

Usually you would have threatened violence by now. Maybe put me in a headlock. I talked about penises, like, three times and I don't have even one bruise. It's not like you.

[Honestly, she had said that just to shut Ino up for a bit. It's not like she could walk into a bar and demand she be kissed. Not without a lot more alcohol of her own at least.

She watches her glass fill up. Maybe she would wind up walking to that bar demanding make outs.]

I can do those things if you want.

Edited 2014-01-15 03:47 (UTC)

I know something's bothering you. Why don't you just tell me?

[For all of Ino's ridiculosity and teasing, she loves Sakura an unhealthy amount. Only she is allowed to make fun of her tiny boobies and lack of social grace. If anyone else dared, Ino would murder them so hard their dead ancestors would feel it.]

Maybe I can help.

[Such a good friend, Ino.

Sakura doesn't want to tell Ino because that meant showing weakness. That meant sharing her burden with someone else and she had told herself, PROMISED that it was something she wouldn't do anymore.

Ino said she was stubborn.]

I suppose having not a boyfriend might really be bothering me. I mean, a lot of the girls at the hospital talk about theirs. Just today a woman was waiting for her husband. [The one who had died.] And you're always going on about everyone you date. I'm feeling left out.

Silly, right?

[Ino is not fooled. For. A. Second. Not only does she know Sakura better than anyone but it is literally her job to get information from unwilling people. Still, it could potentially really hurt Sakura if she digs too hard. Ino has to ease into it. Be subtle.]

You're SUCH a bad liar.

[Then again... Ino is not very good at being subtle. She does everything with the force of someone fall off a building.]

You don't care about those things!

[Her cheeks go pink at being caught but she continues on and tries to protest.]

I do! I might not act like it, but I do!

[This isn't working.]

[Sakura's flailing is just sad. Despite being a ninja, she doesn't have a deceptive bone in her body. Sakura is truly one of the good ones. Usually, Ino would have a good time making fun of Sakura, but this is clearly something serious.

Ino puts her arm around her friend, hugging her.]

You can tell me anything, you know that.

[She's only deceptive when she actually really needs to be. And not with Ino because Ino knows her too well. Anyone else might have just laughed along and agreed.

There's a bit of sag in her shoulders, like she might give up and just tell but all that she says is;]

No, I can't. You're a huge gossip.

[And trails off, looking away.]

It's really nothing, Pig. [Her arm joins hers, laying across the top before she tugs playfully on her ponytail.]

I'll be fine.

[Ino pouts.]

Tenten is a much bigger gossip than I am! Besides, you're the one I tell everything to, so if you tell me, there's really no danger of me telling anyone else.

[Chouji might listen politely to whatever Ino rambled about but Shikamaru would literally just fall asleep to avoid listening to anything troublesome. Ino had learned long ago that they were not the ones to share juicy stories with.]

I don't think it's "nothing". Call it interrogator's intuition.

[The danger is having anybody know at all, in actuality. The pain was hers alone. This time she was going to keep it locked tight inside her.

She doesn't say anything but her arm has tensed a little across Ino's back and she grips the soft throw pillow beside her, threatening to rip it in half. If she won't break maybe she could break other things instead.

Her face is carefully neutral as she stares ahead, tone a bit flat.]

But I didn't come here to be interrogated.

You know I didn't mean it like that.

[Ino knows that Sakura is more than capable of taking care of herself. She learned that early on, when Sakura grew a backbone and stopped needing Ino to fight all of her battles. It had been a lonely feeling but a proud one, too. Sakura had become the woman-- and ninja-- that Ino had always known she could be. Still, even though Sakura was a million times physically stronger than Ino could ever hope to be, there is still a certain level of protectiveness over her friend.

And if someone hurt her, Ino would melt their brain. It was as simple as that.

Ino turns so she could face Sakura more fully.]

Did something happen at the hospital?

[Yes, she knows. But she thought maybe Ino would drop it if she said it.

Something gives in her expression, something changes. Her eyes aren't hard anymore, they flicker and change to a forest of life instead of cold-cut emerald. Ino should only need that small flicker but Sakura quickly schools herself and frowns, making sure she doesn't meet Ino's own probing gaze.

She pulls her arm back and folds her arms across her chest, sinking into the couch.]

Do we really have to talk about this? Can't we just watch a movie and drink wine and wonder who we're going to end up with for the rest of our lives? I'd even rather talk about your sex life than this.

[SUUULK.]

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LDKFJSDF I AM CRYING I LOVE THEM

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Re: OMFG LOL

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DARLING ANGEL