Obsession

"Thoughts."

The first time she met her, she knew she would become obsessed. Her dark raven hair, shimmering blue eyes, and beautiful, elegant body-what wasn't there to like? At first she kept her distance from the beautiful foreigner, watching with eager eyes at every movement. It was then that she noticed the other equally eager eyes that were watching her, too.

That was when she began her advances. In the beginning, she made small moves, such as always being by her side, scooting closer when the beauty wasn't watching, and other such elementary things. After two months of this subtle flirting, she began her 'accidents'. She would 'accidentally' brush against the other girl's backside and breasts, apologizing with a smug grin. The raven-haired girl would always look at her with a frown, but in the end she always shrugged and passed if off as another awkward accident.

And then, the beautiful girl got a crush. On Kiba, of all people! To be subtle, Ino was pissed. Had the girl seriously not noticed her interest! Or did she simply not acknowledge it? The latter was less likely, but damn it, this wasn't fair! How could she possibly like that smelly, rude, barbaric…!

"Ino…? Are you all right…?" The blonde quickly pulled herself from her brooding, looking up to see the very object of her frustration.

"Kagome!" she chirped happily, putting on her cheeriest smile. "I didn't see you coming."

"You were glaring at the ground… and growling…"

"I was? Sorry, just thinking about the last mission I had… the man we were escorting was such a brat!" she murmured, scrunching up her nose to add to the effect. She looked the raven-haired beauty over and had to hold back a smirk.

She was wearing a short, jean skirt, which showed a generous amount of her slender legs, and a sapphire blue tank top that matched her brilliant, shining eyes. All in all, a very sexy, very eye pleasing ensemble. Looking around, she frowned at all the other men and women who were openly leering at her. Perhaps it wasn't such a good thing.

"…Are you ready to go?" the beauty questioned, raising an eyebrow as her friend glared at the people around them.

"Hmm. Oh, of course!" she exclaimed, lacing their fingers together. They walked into the store, talking excitedly about the latest gossip flying through town. "Ne, Kagome, what are we shopping for? You never told me over the phone.

"I need a swimsuit for our end of the year party. We're all going to that hotel by the beach, remember?" The blonde frowned at that, looking at the apparel around them. Something that hugged the beauty's luscious curves would be absolutely stunning, but at the same time it would bring too much attention to her would be girlfriend. Especially if they were surrounded by twenty year old, hormone rampant men who thought only with the lower half of their body. No, that would not do.

"But I thought you didn't want to go," Ino commented, looking at a rather flimsy piece of swimwear, that would look hot on her current obsession. Alas, there was no way she could convince shy, innocent Kagome to wear it, even if they were lovers.

"Well… that was before… before…"

"Before what?"

"Before Kiba asked me to go!" the girl stammered, face flushing in embarrassment. She tried to hide her red face behind her shining locks, but failed miserably.

"Oh he did, did he?" Ino grumbled, resisting the urge to throw a fit. Not only was the girl she had been chasing after for months now oblivious to her attraction, now the man standing in her way had apparently noticed the beauty's crush. Oh, this was just perfect! "Really, Kagome, I don't know what you see in him! He's just like Inuyasha! And he smells!"

"He's much nicer then Inuyasha was, and he does not smell," the raven replied distractedly, browsing through the swimwear with disapproval. "I'd practically be naked in these! I don't want to show everything…!"

"There's a kids section over there," Ino quipped, grinning at her friends glare. "You're twenty, Kagome! It's ok to look sexy, you know. Not like you'll be arrested for it. Well, not by a real cop, if you catch my drift." She added in a wink to add to the dramatics, giggling when her friend turned beat red. "Hey, maybe I could convince Sasuke to do that…!"

"No, no, no, no!" the beauty stammered, shaking her head vehemently. "Not after the last incident!"

Ah, that had indeed been a fun day. As a Halloween prank, Ino, Sango and Miroku had sent a letter to the Uchiha heir under the beauty's name. They hadn't expected him to read it, let alone show up at her house with Naruto and a bottle of lotion. Kagome had promptly fainted at the sight of the two, shirtless men who were beginning to have a little too much fun in her apartment. Yes, that day had been one they would never forget. Ino even had a few pictures as mementoes.

"Aw, no lotion?"

"No lotion!" Kagome huffed, rolling her eyes at her friends teasing. "I guess I could at least try a few swimsuits on…"

"Thatta girl! Here, I've already picked a few. Try 'em on, and show me your top pick, kay?" Ino ordered, handing her a large pile of colorful swimwear. "Hurry up, now! We've gotta stop by Iciraku's to meet up with Naruto and Sasuke in half an hour!"

As the beauty changed in the small cubical, the blonde continued looking through the selection, brows furrowed. She needed to gain some ground with Kagome, or else she was going to lose her to the clutches of the dog boy! But what could she do to get her attention, if all her other tricks had already failed? Being blunt and confessing her affection would work, but it would likely shock the Higurashi into fainting, and that was not the reaction she wanted. How then, could she get the girl to become hers?

The hotel party was the best place to make a move, while she was relaxing and having fun. It would have to be obvious as to her intention, because, face it, Kagome wasn't very smart when it came to the game of love. As she riffled through the racks of clothing, a predatory smirk spread across her face. "Ohhh, you're in for it now, Kagome!"

To say that she was embarrassed was an understatement. Looking into the mirror for perhaps the fifth time in the last minute and a half she blushed at the scandalous amount of skin that was open to the elements. "This doesn't cover much…" Banging on the stall door had her scrambling for her towel as she tried to cover her pale skin.

"C'mon Kagome! What's taking you so long?" Ino's voice, though muffled by the metal door of the restroom, was undeniably irritated.

"I-I'm coming!" the raven squeaked. She tucked herself into her towel, looked in the mirror one last time to make sure her hair was securely tied back, and opened the door. Shyly stepping into the open space, she awaited her suddenly speechless friend's opinion. When Ino's eyes merely widened and her mouth hung slightly ajar she feared the worst. "I-I know that it shows a little much, but…"

The blonde shut her mouth with an audible 'click' and wrapped her hand around the fleeing girl's thin wrist. "You look amazing Kagome!" And indeed she did. The blue bikini showed off her luscious curves and creamy skin to full advantage. It even brought out the color of her eyes, which seemed twice as bright. "I've just never seen you in a swimsuit before."

Squirming, the girl couldn't help but ask, "S-so I look ok…?"

"Sexy as hell," Ino winked. Tightening her hold on the beauty's wrist she tugged her towards the exit. "Everyone else is already outside getting their tan on. You wanna swim first or what?"

"Swimming sounds fun…" she muttered. As they came out into the sunlight they shielded their eyes with their arms, squinting at the intensity of the sun. Trekking through the sand until they found their friends, earning several grunts of acknowledgement and a few complaints of "It's about time!" they set out their towels and packages.

Kagome was too busy applying her sunscreen and humming a soft tune to notice the hooded gazes fixed upon her.

"Damn, she's hot…" The hanyou seemed too busy staring to notice the heated glare a certain blonde sent him. If he was just a foot to his left, she could grab that silver ear of his and shove it right up his…

"Dunno why she even bothers wearing clothes…" Kiba was only lucky he was out of the kunoichi's hitting range.

"Kagome is quite the specimen of womanly endowment…" The purple trunked man was abruptly yanked from their musings by a pink clad woman, rubbing at a red mark on his cheek that looked suspiciously like a hand print. "Sango, I was merely appreciating the beauty of nature…!"

Becoming increasingly angry and just plain jealous, Ino shot to her feet and held out an expectant hand to her raven haired friend. "I think you're covered, Kagome. Let's go!" The girl's spluttered protests were drowned into the background as the blonde dragged her into the water. They shivered at the brief cold before plunging in to their waist.

"It's not so cold once you get used to it…" A sudden splash had her screeching and ducking, looking up only to see a smirk gracing the lips of the similarly clad woman.

"Ne, you look a little cold," Ino observed. Her eyes lingered on a certain part of the girl's anatomy that was becoming embarrassingly perky in the cool ocean water. She was soon brought out of her drooling state by a handful of water hitting her full on in the face, accompanied by a mischievous giggle, which instigated a full out water fight.

A few hours later found them collapsed on their respective beds, taking a nap from their exciting day at the beach. The curtains were cinched tightly shut to hold out the intense heat of the sun as the air conditioner quietly thrummed in the small room. Despite the calm, cool interior, Ino was wide awake. She lay on her side, one arm bent beneath her head like a pillow and the other clutching a pillow to her chest, turned towards the other bed so that she could watch her sleeping beauty. "Gods she's pretty when she sleeps…"

Almost before she realized that she had moved the blonde found herself hovering next to the other girl's bed. Her frame swayed slightly in indecision as she bit her lip. Coming to a decision, she gently moved back the stiff fabric of the hotel blanket and slid in beside the sleeping girl. Pulling the blanket back up around them, she wriggled close enough to touch her. Gently at first, then growing bolder, she ran the tips of her fingers along the raven's spine, delighting in her shiver.

Soon the simple contact was not enough. Pulling the girl into her arms eased the ache to touch her only so much. Ino breathed in the girl's sunbathed scent, hands trailing across the beauty's t-shirt. Before she could chicken out of the intimate contact her hand tickled up her shirt. Pausing briefly to lick her lips and wriggle into a better position, it was only a matter of seconds before she cupped a full breast in her palm.

She held her breath as the still-sleeping Kagome muttered in her sleep and stretched, unknowingly giving the girl better access to her soft mounds. Flicking the pad of her thumb across an already perky nipple, she pressed her hips as close as she could to the other girl's rear. It was becoming difficult to control her breathing, and if the beauty wriggled against her one more time, she wasn't so sure she could stop herself from moaning.

Ino had never been a very lucky person. Perhaps thinking it had been a jinx, because not a moment later the girl did exactly that. A loud groan escaped her lips as the other girl's bottom rubbed just a little too close to the aching spot between her legs.

"Ino…?" the raven's voice was slurred with sleep, and it was both delicious and horrifying for the other person inhabiting her bed. Kagome shifted around to rub at her blurry eyes, and froze in the process. Something warm that shouldn't be on her breast was currently paused in the act of caressing the intimate flesh. "W-what the hell…?"

She flung herself away with a yelp, clutching at her tank shirt as her back hit the wall. A loud 'oof' alerted her that her groper had been thrust off the other side of the bed. Her kind nature was immediately concerned when her attacker groaned and remained on the floor, out of her eyesight, but stayed huddled against the wall none the less.

Oh, Ino knew she was screwed, and had a bump forming on her head to prove it. True, she deserved a bruise or two for groping the girl in her sleep but, dammit, she hadn't meant to get caught! In movie's it never ended up like this. Normally the recipient of said groping would be more than willing to participate, but she guessed this wasn't the same as one of Miroku's porno flicks. Not that she had ever watched one.

"Damn, Kagome…that really hurt!"

Kagome's eyes widened when she heard the blondes voice. "I-Ino…? Is that you?" She scooted the slightest bit away from the wall, trying to peek over the edge of the bed. Low and behold, she could just see the tip of a blonde head, a petite hand rubbing against a sore spot with muttered curses. When her roommate finally scrambled to her knees, the beauty withdrew to the safety of the wall again, folding her arms over her chest for protection. As the full realization of what her friend had been doing when she had woken up hit her, she blushed all the way to the roots of her hair. "W-w-w-what were you doing t-to my…my…?"

The blonde rested her elbow on the edge of the bed; her cheek pressed against her palm, and looked up at the shaking girl. "Shit, she's scared…" Indeed, the beauty's normally sparkling eyes were dazed with confusion and she had her arms splayed before her as if to ward off any attackers. She was momentarily distracted as the girl bit her lip, and wished that she was doing that to her instead. "Kagome…"

"Y-you were t-t-touching me!" the girl exclaimed.

"Kagome, listen to me," Ino muttered, mentally cursing when her love interest sniffled. Begging the god's to hold back the tears, she cautiously perched on the very edge of the bed. She ran a hand through her bangs, throat suddenly as dry as the sand on the beach. "I…I…I love you Kagome!" The room became unbearably quiet. As the beauty's eyes widened to saucers, Ino scooted closer and took her hand in hers. "I've had a crush on you since I first saw you…I was too…nervous to do anything about it before now." When she remained quiet, she added, "Please, Kagome…don't hate me…"

That seemed to shake the girl from her stupor. "I could never hate you…" Kagome murmured. Looking at the other girl with a flush, she licked her lips and continued. "But…w-why did you…t-t-touch me…while I was sleeping…?"

"I couldn't hold it in anymore, especially not after watching all those boy's ogle you today on the beach."

"Ino…I…I don't think we should…I mean…you're a girl…" Her voice was trembling so much; it was a surprise she wasn't already crying.

Ino felt her heart drop. Was this going to be the end of it? Would Kagome push her away, simply because they were the same sex? "No…I'll show her it doesn't matter!" Stealing her resolve and squaring her shoulders, she made her move.

In a move that left the raven gasping, she grabbed her wrist and twisted her onto her back on the mattress. Staring down at the tousled girl beneath her, the kunoichi felt a smirk tug at the edge of her lips. She leaned down until her breath tickled the other girl's ear. "Ka-go-me…" The distinct shudder that raced down her prey's spine sent a thrill through her own. "There are plenty of ways a girl can be…friendly, with another girl…you needn't worry…"

"T-t-that's not it! You're…I mean…I don't like girl's that way!"

Ino tsked and ran her tongue along the edge of the girl's ear. "That's only because you haven't tried…"

"I-Ino, we really shouldn't…mmmph!" The blonde effectively cut her off with a mind blowing kiss.

Kagome froze beneath her, eyes widened, pulse pounding, and heart racing. A few thoughts floated within her mind but they were few and far between. What would you do if one of your closest friends was doing such sinful things to you? "Is that her tongue…?"

There was no denying the reaction her body was having to the attention the other girl was bestowing upon her. Heat gathered beneath her skin like little bolts of electricity, pooling in the aching spot between her legs. Every place their skin touched trembled and twitched and she was sure her face was becoming increasingly red. When the blonde's hand wandered towards the waistband of her shorts, she couldn't hold back a moan.

"The reality is soooo much better than the fantasy." Ino was positively in heaven. The soft, wet feel of the beauties mouth and the tingle of skin against skin were unimaginably sweet. She had always thought that simply kissing her love-interest would be enough to sate her, at least at first, but she was startled to realize that her body craved more. It wasn't enough. She had never been one to deny her instincts. So she set about the task of relieving that desire.

Splaying her hand against the tan girl's abdomen, she stretched out her fingers until the tips brushed against the top of her shorts. The answering moan she received was encouraging. She paused as her hands came in contact with short curls, listening to the harsh breathing of the raven haired girl and feeling her sudden stiffness at the contact. "I'll be gentle," she whispered against her skin. "Relax…" Ino trailed her hand soothingly along the beauties waist, stroking her smooth skin and delighting in her violent shiver.

Once the raven's muscles relaxed beneath her touch, she ran her hand over the top of her shorts, pressing a trail of kisses over her neck, until her hand slip between her thighs. The feeling of fingertips sliding along the silky smooth skin of her inner thigh made Kagome shudder and gasp. "I-Ino…!"

"See, K'gome?" the blonde groaned. The harsh breathing and small noises emanating from the beauty was making the spot between her legs suspiciously wet. "It feels good, doesn't it?"

"Oi, what's going on in there?" They froze at the unmistakably male voice emanating from behind their closed door. A series of brisk knocks followed, along with the metallic jingle of the door knob being turned.

"W-who's there?" Ino warbled; face heating at the thought of someone walking in on their compromising position. She was on top of Kagome, possibly the most innocent girl in their school. If their intruder had heard either of them moaning then it was entirely possible they had heard Kagome's protests…

"C'mon Ino, it's me! Naruto Uzumaki! You guys ok in there? Sasuke said he heard somethin…"

Ino narrowed her eyes at the pale boys name and clenched her fist. It figured the Uchiha would find some way to meddle in her affairs. He knew perfectly well what was going on, even without his sharingan. "Damn you, Uchiha…"

When Kagome scrambled out from beneath her, she knew that the moment was gone. "We're fine, Naruto. He must have heard the T.V," she called. She watched as the beauty slid to the very edge of the bed, arms trembling, lips swollen a deep red, hair tousled. "God's, she looks beautiful…"

The boy's hesitance was easily conveyed in his worried tone. "K'gome? You ok?"

"I-I-I'm fine, N-Naruto…"

"You sure? You sound real…I dunno, nervous."

"She's in the bathroom, baka," Ino lied. Adopting her most teasing lilt, she added, "She's probably nervous you're gonna come crashing in here with Sasuke, like on Halloween."

"H-hey! That was all your fault!" They heard shuffling for a moment, before the blonde finally called, "Well, if you're sure everything's ok…"

Silence reigned in the small hotel room. "Ne, maybe you should go ahead and get some rest, Kagome." The raven didn't respond. Sighing, Ino slowly slipped off the bed, giving the other girl a strained smile. "I'm gonna go to Sakura and Tenten's room…I'll leave you alone for tonight, I promise." With her bangs hanging in front of her sapphire eyes, Ino couldn't see if her statement made any impact on the frozen girl.

With only the soft thrum of the air conditioner for company, Ino left.

"You did what?"

Ino took another swig of her bottle, thankful for the burning sensation it caused. Her cheeks already felt warm from the booze and it wouldn't be long before her friends would cut her off. She impatiently shoved her blonde hair from her face and forced a grin at her longtime friend.

"You heard me…I kissed 'er…and stuff…"

The weapons master crossed her arms over her chest in a distinctly motherly fashion as Sakura attempted to clear her throat of the pop she had inhaled at their friend's proclamation. "What does 'and stuff' pertain to?" she demanded. Tenten had been one of the only people Ino had confessed her obsession with Kagome to. From the very beginning she had watched the longing looks the blonde had turned towards the other girl, the happy smile that always appeared on her face whenever the beauty was near. Yes, Tenten knew that Ino had fallen head over heels.

The blonde swirled her drink in its container, her already flushed cheeks becoming even more inflamed. "I…I kinda…touched her…while she was sleeping…"

"Where at?"

The bottom of her bottle was suddenly fascinating. "Um, maybe it'd be easier if I told you where I didn't touch her…"

"Ino!" Sakura groaned. "You've been so careful until now!"

"Did she wake up?"

"Why else would I be in 'ere with you guys?" Seeing their glares, she quickly added, "No offense."

"Well, what'd she say?" Tenten demanded. Taking a glance at her friends flushed face, slurred speech, and quickly calculating how many bottles she'd already had, Tenten decided that her current drink would be her last. "No more mishaps tonight, if I can help it!"

Ino took an even larger swallow, coughing when the burn proved to be more than she was used to. "Started stutterin' like Hinata…" she mumbled. "And…well, she looked scared…so I…told 'er I was in love with 'er…"

"So not what you should've said!" they both chanted.

Sighing, Sakura said, "You can't just…grope her when she's sleeping and then confess! I mean, think of the shock!"

"Heh…guess what I did next is even worse then, huh?"

"'Then'? What'd you do? Molest her?"

Ino shrugged, her blush spreading down her neck and up to her ears. "She started tellin' me that we're both girls, and that she didn't like girls…so I tried to prove 'er wrong, is all…"

"How far did you go?"

"Well...I didn't touch there, but I got pretty close…"

"Ino, what were you thinking?" Tenten questioned. The blonde turned bleary blue eyes towards her questioningly. "You've held back for so long, because you were so afraid of scaring her off. What was so different tonight that made the temptation too much?"

Placing her now empty bottle down upon the cheap hotel carpet, she thought over her answer. The constant leers from the boys throughout the day, openly ogling her beautiful Kagome; the way she had blushed the other day when she had been speaking about Kiba; and most of all, the constant amount of time they spent with one another. They were together on a daily basis, gossiped to each other, consoled and chatted with each other. On a daily basis she would gaze at Kagome, hoping that somehow today would be different. That somehow she would notice her true feelings.

Tears suddenly looming at the back of her eyelids, she closed her eyes and clenched her fists. "It's just…they were all staring at her like she was a piece of meat!" she exclaimed. "I'm the one she talks to. I'm the one who's there when she needs help. I'm the one who loves her!" By now her tears were trekking down her warm cheeks, but she didn't care. Quieter this time, she added, "I just…couldn't hold it back anymore. I would do anything for her…"

"Ino…"

Opening tear filled eyes; she looked up at her friends with perhaps the most vulnerable expression they had ever witnessed on her usually cheery face. "Why didn't she…how couldn't she know how I-I…"

Tenten pulled her unresistingly into her arms, murmuring nonsense into her ear as sobs racked her body. "Let it out, Ino," she whispered. She ran a hand through her tangled blonde hair, glancing over at the somber faced Sakura. "It's all right…"

Tenten blinked at the fidgeting girl that stood outside her bedroom door, before quickly sidling out into the hallway and hastily closing the door before Ino decided that now was the perfect opportunity to wake up. "Kagome? What are you doing here?"

The raven fidgeted even more if it was possible, biting her lip and twisting her hands with an adorable blush on her face. "I-Ino didn't…come back last night…I w-was sure she'd be here…"

"She's sleeping," the brunette grunted, slouching against the wall. Crossing her arms over her chest, she tried to understand why the girl was even here. "Were you worried?"

"Of course I was!"

Tenten couldn't help but smile at the exclamation. "Of course. Even after what…happened, she is still a close friend, ne?" The girl nodded perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "Eh, Kagome, if I might ask a question…?"

"S-sure…"

"You didn't know at all before last night, did you?" she questioned softly. "About the Ino felt…?"

The beauty lowered her gaze before slowly shaking her head. "I had no idea that she even liked girls…let alone me…"

"You know, she came here right after what happened." Kagome's head bobbed up, and her eyes looked suspiciously wet. "Well, like always, whenever something's bothering her, she starts drinking. And when she drinks, she talks. But then she did something that I've only seen her do once or twice…"

"What was it…?"

"She cried." The hallway was unnaturally silent; the sounds they could hear were the occasional knocking of pipes and muffled voices from behind closed doors. When Kagome merely stared at the ground, bangs shielding her eyes, fists clench, Tenten continued. "Love isn't something you can control, Kagome. Ino certainly couldn't. And when it struck her the day she met you, she didn't care about the fact that you were a girl. All she cared about was being with you. Talking with you, laughing with you. She even flirted, though you never seemed to notice. But she never blamed you. She'd just smile and tell us that she wouldn't have you any other way."

Kagome, now obviously shedding tears, choked, "Why me? What about me would make her…?"

"Because you're you," Tenten shrugged. "You'd have to ask her, really, but that's what it boils down to."

They both tensed as the door suddenly creaked open. "Ne, Tenten, she's up," Sakura whispered, poking her head through the small opening. Smiling wanly at the other girl, she added, "It'd be best if Tenten and I take care of her for now, Kagome…"

"I-I'm sorry…I'll get out of your way…" Wiping her eyes with the edge of her sleeve, she was stopped before she could reach the next doorway.

"Kagome, remember what I said. We can't control it; we can only hang on."

They saw little of each other the next few days. Ino stayed in Tenten and Sakura's room, spending all of her time with them. Kagome spent the nights alone in her suddenly too-large room and spent her days either alone or with Sango and the boys. When they did see one another the moment was tense and awkward, and they avoided one another's eyes guiltily. Their friends could easily detect the strained atmosphere, but a fierce glare from Tenten kept their mouths shut from bringing up questions about the fresh wound.

"The ocean doesn't look nearly as pretty now…" Kagome found herself thinking one day, slumped down beneath the shade of a large umbrella. With a sigh she traced imaginary patterns within the sand, vaguely noticing its warmth seeping into her flesh. "Without Ino here…" She clenched her eyes shut, blocking off the immediate rush of tears. Burying her face in the depths of her beach towel, she pretended to take a nap so that her friends would not notice her distress.

"By now Ino would have dragged me into the water…or forced me to play some sort of volley ball tournament. Heh, she'd probably get sand all over, and try to tease me into helping her get it off." A picture of her grinning friend ran by in her mind's eye, causing her tears to leak from their stronghold. "She's always had such pretty smiles… Like she doesn't have a care in the world…"

It was then that she realized that she missed her bubbly friend. Missed her wide grins, her constant teasing, even her mischievous habits. She missed eating lunch together with her, talking to her, even sharing a room together. "Does she miss me as much as I miss her…?"

"I want a beer."

Glancing over at her blonde friend, Tenten simply responded, "No."

All three of them were collected in the lobby of the hotel, a deck of cards spread out before them. Ino, having elected not to play, was sprawled out on the nearest couch, glaring at them with an undeniably grouchy expression. "Why not?"

"Because you drank them all already."

Ino snorted and rolled over so that she was face to face with the garish pattern of palm trees that was the back of the couch. "You'd think they'd redecorate…what is this, the fifties?"

"Full house!" Sakura crowed, showing off an impressive display of cards.

As Tenten sighed and forked over a pile of cookies to the dancing victor, she muttered, "You're not angry about the stupid cloth, and you know it…"

"Look at it Ten! Who puts palm trees on this shade of red? I thought only Santa Clause wore red and green…"

"That's his elves, you dumbass."

"Whatever!"

Ino snuggled farther into the couch until she could no longer make out the pattern, muttering and swearing in a distinctly exhausted voice. As her friends antics faded into the background, her mind invariably turned towards what had caused her horrible mood in the first place. "She probably hates me…I took advantage of her, so why shouldn't she? Still, I wonder what she's doing…"

"Ne, Kagome, is it all right if I sit here?"

"Of course you can, Naruto…" She quickly slid over so that the blonde male could scoot in next to her on the couch before returning her attention to the screen in front of her. It took the blonde only a moment to notice just what she was watching and he raised an eyebrow.

"What're you doin' watchin' this?" he questioned, flapping his arm towards the T.V. The screen was crawling with anime girls wearing a strange uniform, but centered around two girls who were currently locked in what looked like a very heated embrace.

She tried her best to hide her blush and quickly failed. "I-I was just…curious…"

"Ehh, since when have you been interested in yuri? Don't tell me that Sasuke and I showing up on Halloween made you switch teams…"

"That's not it!" she assured him, sinking into the soft cushion seat. Exhaling, she glanced down at the multicolored carpet, mentally tracing designs and swirls. "It's just…Naruto, do you love Sasuke?"

His red cheeks would have been adorable if she were paying any attention. "Keh, course I do…don't go tellin' that teme that, though. He'd never let me live it down."

"How'd you know th-that you wanted to be with him? I mean, before, you always liked girls…"

"Ah, that's easy!" the boy grinned. Rubbing his head bashfully, he continued. "Ya see, Sasuke and I started off as friends. Kinda rough friends, I guess, since we hit each other a few times…"

"That sounds awful!"

"Nah, we never really hurt each other. Not bad, anyway…"

"Then how did you go from that to dating…?"

The blonde frowned and scratched the bridge of his nose in thought. "See, one day I realized somethin'. I realized that every night before I went to bed, the last thing I thought about was all the fun things Sasuke and I could do together the next day. And when I woke up, he was the first person I thought of. One thing led to another and I uncovered all kinda things. We spent all of our free time together, talked to each other, hung out. I had never noticed it before, because, well, I hadn't ever thought about bein' with a guy."

"Was it hard?" she questioned curiously. "Knowing that you loved a boy, I mean?"

"Never really thought about it much. I've always gone with my instincts, and they were blaring at me that Sasuke was really special." He shrugged and ran a hand through his hair, suddenly shy again. "He was the one I thought about most, so it didn't seem too hard to switch my attention away from girls." When the girl asked no more questions he prodded, "So, watcha watchin' this for again? I didn't catch it…"

"I didn't say…Naruto, would you excuse me?" The raven shot to her feet, tugging on her blue jacket. "I have something I need to do…"

"Sure, no prob…" But she was already gone. "Gee, wonder what she's in a hurry for…"

Ino groaned at the all-too-familiar sound of knocking. "Coming!" Grumbling a few choice curses for whoever had awoken her from her nap, she tripped over a variety of blankets, beer cans, and clothes before finally reaching the door. Forcing it open with more force than necessary, seeing as the person was still knocking, she bellowed, "I said I was coming, you-!"

"Ino!"

She froze. Standing in front of her, panting and leaning against the doorframe, was none other than Kagome. Her raven hair was tousled from running and her cheeks were flushed a becoming shade of pink. Sapphire eyes sparkled up at her, and Ino audibly gulped.

Forcing a strained smile to her lips, she murmured, "Ne, Kagome, now's really not a good-mmmphh!"

It took her brain a moment to realize the picture her eyes sent it. Kagome's face, so close to her own, could only mean…she was being kissed. By Kagome. The girl she had been in love with for the past year, the one she had dreamed of touching in such sinful ways…the one that had rejected her not three days ago. By a force of extreme willpower that she hadn't realized she possessed, Ino did the unthinkable: she pushed the beauty away.

"K-Kagome…what the hell?" Her lips tingled and she fought the urge to reach up and touch them with her fingertips.

The raven haired girl braced herself against the wall, breathing still short and shallow. A blush stained her face that hadn't been there a moment before, and her eyes shone with a light that Ino didn't recognize. "I-Ino, I…"

Standing there watching the woman that she desired made all the grief from the last few days boil over. "So I'm some sort of game now, am I?" she hissed. Her fists clenched as her arms trembled, blue-green eyes narrowing in fury. "Make me squirm for the fun of it? Taunt me with what I can't have?" So far gone in her fury was she that she didn't notice the hurt look in the other girls face.

"No, Ino, that's not what…!"

"No, you listen! I've stood by you this whole time, talking to you, spending time with you, helping you when you were unhappy…I know I shouldn't have done those things to you, but do you really have to dangle yourself in front of me like this?" A lone tear trickled its way down her cheek, falling to the point of her chin. "I've loved you all this time and you never…"

Kagome reached out with a quivering hand, gently running the pad of her thumb over the tear tracks. "I'm sorry, Ino…I should have known…I should have known…"

Sighing, Ino clasped the shorter girl's hands against her cheek, wishing more than anything that she could freeze time. Anything to prolong the sweet contact. Her anger drained from her, leaving her tired and numb. "S'okay…not like you're a genius about this kinda stuff…but you really should go…"

"Wait, Ino…"

"Please," she murmured, clenching her eyes shut. Taking a shuddering breath she plunged on. "I-I don't think I can control myself around you…not yet, not after the other day…"

Something pressed gently against her lips, and Ino blinked down at the raven haired girl who was currently holding her fingers against her mouth. "You talk too much…" Kagome said.

"K-Kagome?"

"Nuh uh." The beauty shook her head, raven tresses fluttering with the movement. "Now I want you to listen. I didn't know about your feelings…and I'm sorry," she whispered. Ino was just able to make out a blush creeping across her face before the girl ducked under her chin and wrapped her in a bone crushing hug. After a moment's hesitation, the blonde returned the embrace, resting her cheek upon the other girl's silky hair.

"I shouldn't be enjoying this but…damn it, she's so warm…"

"I've thought about a lot of things the last few days…"

"Even her hair smells good…"

"…and I don't care."

Ino blinked, pulling herself from her fantasizing. "Huh?"

"I don't care that you're a girl!" The beauty's increasing blush had clearly caused her ears to turn a bright red. Her arms tightened around her taller friend's waist, and Ino blushed when she realized where Kagome's head rested. Then her words sank in and she pulled back with a frown.

"What's that s'pose to mean…?"

"You're the one I think of when I wake up…it's you I spend the whole day thinking about…" The girl fidgeted and bit her lip before glancing up. "I…I like you, Ino…" Kagome squeaked when she was suddenly dangling in the air, lips achingly close to the blondes.

"Can I…can I kiss you?" Ino croaked, eyelids lowered in anticipation. When the raven's blush only deepened, she added, "Please?"

Instead of answering Kagome took a deep, trembling breath and leaned forward. Unlike the previous time she had kissed her, Ino met her gently; barely brushing against the tender flesh, afraid that if she came on too strong the beauty would retreat. She had never kissed someone as tenderly as this and found that while the tingling on her lips was enjoyable, she'd rather indulge farther. Resigning herself to the innocent, though enjoyable, contact, Ino blinked when Kagome wrapped her arms around her neck and wriggled closer.

When her tongue tentatively traced the seam of her lips, Ino readily allowed her entrance. It was obvious that the beauty had little experience with these activities, but she had no problem allowing her to take control and explore for now. They only stopped when the need to breath became too strong to ignore. Gently placing the raven back on the ground, her eyes never left her as she tugged her inside the room and over to the bed. Seeing her destination, the beauty hesitated. "I-Ino, I don't…"

"I won't do anything," the blonde assured her. Another tug brought her closer, and they collapsed onto the bed with a muffled thud. Pulling her closer with an arm around her waist, she added, "Nothing but kissing. Stay with me? Please?"

"Promise…?"

Placing a lingering kiss against the edge of her lips, Ino swore, "Promise."

"Ino, we're baaack!" Sakura sang, bouncing into the room. She released a loud oomph when she ran into the back of her roommate. Rubbing her head she exclaimed, "Ow! Tenten, what're you…"

"Shh, look." Peeking over her friend's shoulder, she blinked. On Tenten's bed, which over the last few days had come under Ino's control, was none other than Ino. Most surprising of all was the person she was cuddling up to. Kagome's back was crushed against Ino's chest, who had an arm wrapped possessively around the shorter girl's waist. The blonde, who for the past few days had been sour and unruly, now had the most ridiculous grin plastered across her face as she snuggled into the beauty's neck.

"Ne, guess they made up, huh?" It was only then that she noticed that the bun-haired girl's shoulders shook with barely contained laughter. "What? What's so funny?"

Holding out a trembling finger, Tenten pointed. Following her gaze, it took her a moment to notice what she was looking at. As close together as they were, it was difficult to notice at first glance. Ino's free hand was cupped around Kagome's breast. "She's a pervert even in her sleep!"

Thank you for reading! This was my very first time writing a yuri fic, brought about by the recent influx of yuri manga I've been reading. Let me know what you think, and please review! -Master of all Perv's, out!