Close Quarters
an excerpt

Wrapped up in her thoughts, she almost missed the scuffle of sandal against pavement as her teammate landed beside her. As much as it was possible to miss a five foot six black and orange bundle of adrenaline.

“Hey, Sakura-chan!” Naruto beamed at her, and as usual, Sakura found herself smiling back. He had that effect on most people and despite years to harden herself against it, she'd yet to become immune. “I've been looking for you.”

“Hey, Naruto. What's up?” They must have just missed each other, assuming he'd tried her home first.

He shrugged and stretched, his shoulder popping in protest. It looked like he'd just come from training – his jacket was half-unzipped and his hitai-ate clung damply to his forehead, the spikes of his hair tousled into disarray. It was never neat, really, but he definitely hadn't had time to brush it this morning. “Dunno. She told me to fetch you and go to her office. I think she's calling a few people in for a meeting.”

They reached the hospital and kept going, Sakura turning to give it a mournful look. The day was not starting out very well at all, and it was entirely possible that Sai had cursed her with his insincere words about her morning improving. She cracked her knuckles and frowned.

“Sakura-chan?” Naruto paused, looking alarmed. “Is something wrong?”

She brought her hands up, palms out, and gave him an innocent smile. “No, no! Of course not!” He didn't look convinced, so she changed the subject. “I wonder what Shishou wants to tell us.”

An aura of malice prickled at the back of Sakura's neck, and she whirled into a defensive stance only to find Ino stomping along behind them, Shikamaru following at a more leisurely pace.

“That's what I'd like to know, Forehead,” she snapped, her eyes blazing. “I know it's important, but my coffee table!” She strode past them without another word.

“Thank you, Tsunade-sama,” said Shikamaru, catching up to them. “No doubt the work you want us for is troublesome, but I thank you anyway.”

Naruto watched them go, his lips pressed together in confusion. “What's Ino on about?”

Sakura shook her head and started walking again. “No one ever knows.”