A furrow formed between Ino's neatly plucked eyebrows as she reached out, fingers tweaking the bow that was wrapped around the large wicker basket. Perfect. And of course it HAD to be perfect, anything less would most definitely not do. She smiled as she withdrew her hand, eyes taking one final sweep of the sight before her. Even if she did say so herself it was rather magnificent, original too. A hot air balloon. Yes it's true some might say it wasn't the most suitable present for her boyfriend of a mere few weeks - and yes he was her boyfriend! Two dates was the cut off point and anyone who didn't realise that was a fool - but she just knew he was going to love it.

At the sound of approaching footsteps she whirled, skirt sashaying around her as she did so, her grin widened as clear blue eyes searched for that familiar figure. She would know him a mile off, it was something in the way he walked; a silent grace that still managed to show his strength and his understated clothes that clung to him in all the right places. And he was all hers, all day.

Or at least, that's what she had thought he would be.

Her sweet smile turned sour as he approached, a sound from somewhere just above her waist drawing her undivided attention away from that perfect face and chilsed features to one far more scrunched up and filled with annoyance. It was Sasuke. Just what was he doing here? It was no secret that the pair were pretty much glued at the hip - the metaphor a little too fitting as she watched the young boy ball his fists in the hem of Itachi's shirt - but could she really not have this one day?!

"Ino-san, apologies for my tardiness. Someone was a little less than eager to leave the house today." The gentle set of Itachi's lips made her forget the infant still muttering under his breath, or it would have if it wasn't for the small kick she received of greeting to her shin.

Well maybe you should have just left him there then, maliciousness tainted her thoughts as the sharp pain radiated along her leg. However, she still forced a smile at the boy, hand reaching out to ruffle his fluffy duck-butt hair. "It's fine, kids, eh?" She forced the disappointment out of her voice, as her gaze once more returned to the elder's slightly sheepish smile. Ino knew Itachi could easily have cancelled when his brother started kicking up a fuss but he was here and that was better than nothing now, wasn't it?

Flitting to the side that wasn't currently occupied by a bratty pre-pubescent Ino waved them both forward, appreciating the surprise that flashed across those lash-lined obsidian orbs as he realised just what the sight before them actually meant. The blonde knew Itachi had had girls fawning over him ever since he started middle school and she very much doubted this attention had stopped now that he was officially taken - not that she checked any more, one too many run ins with [no-good hussys] other girls vying for his attention had taught her there were some things she was better off not knowing - and she wanted to make sure that her gift was unique. She had been planning for weeks, dropping hints - both subtle and not quite so subtle - about what it was he wanted, all to no avail. The boy was selfless. Usually this was a good thing, Ino had dated guys who were far too self-centred in the past and had learnt there was only room for one massive ego in her relationships, but right now it was nothing short of a pain in her well toned butt. Finally after ideas of CDs, clothes, even jewellery, had all been discarded Ino had realised it was experiences, people, that mattered to Itachi - though she hoped this wouldn't influence his own choices once her birthday came around, there was that gorgeous pair of heels she had been eyeing up for a while, after all. After a little research, and some begging for a loan from her dad, she had finally found the perfect idea.

Pulling open the gate Ino ushered them inside, Sasuke a little more reluctantly, before joining them. "So," She turned to Itachi, eyeing him suspiciously for any signs that he might be lying. "What do you think?"

Detaching Sasuke from himself, who had been surprisingly quiet - wide eyes glancing around warily - he drew closer to her. A nervous chuckle accompanied his words and she had to hold herself back from reaching up and pinching his cheeks. Didn't he know how adorable he was when he did that? "Well, it's original I'll give you that, though shouldn't there be someone else here?" He shot a worried glance at the torch idling just above them, seemingly petrified they were about to take off any minute.

Now it was Ino's turn to laugh, he looked so... unprepared, such a rare state for him. "Don't be silly Itachi," She ran a hand along his arm, fingers intertwining with his own as they met. "I'm going to be maning the balloon, don't worry I've had lessons!" Well, one lesson but he didn't need to know that, besides she was a quick learner and the instructor had assured her she was ready.

Apparently her words did little to comfort him if the panicked look in his eyes was anything to go by. He quickly regained his composure though, that usual steady calm taking over once more. Ino was a little insulted, did he really think she would ever put him in any danger? But she let it go, now was not a good time to pick one of her petty arguments, ones he normally got out of with those cute little compliments of his. Without further explanation she hurried off to release the weights that ringed the basket, giving Itachi reassuring looks as she passed him. She knew what she was doing, all he had to do was sit back and enjoy the view.

Really, controlling the balloon wasn't that hard and it was a mere few minutes before they were at a steady height above their home town. Ino had never really seen the appeal of Konoha, it was friendly enough yes but it was a little lacking in excitement for her taste but even she had to admit the view from up here was simply beautiful. However, as she glanced to the familiar figure beside her she realised any landscape would pale in comparison to that face. A gentle sigh escaped her and Itachi turned, concern in dark eyes. Catching herself staring a light blush crept onto her face, she had to keep reminding herself it wasn't very appealing to have someone ogle you like that even if they were your girlfriend. "Are- are you enjoying yourself?" She quickly turned to attention back to him, hoping it would distract him from her obviousness.

"I am. It truly is breathtaking." There was a wistfulness in his voice that caused a pang of jealousy, he had never spoken about her like that, but she pushed it down. Come on, Ino! Getting jealous over scenery? What next his pet cat?

Turning away azure eyes instead sought out their stow away, catching him still huddled on the floor where he had been ever since they'd lifted off the ground. Crouching down she poked his forehead in that affectionate way she had seen Itachi do so many times, though it only earned her a harsh scowl causing her to quickly withdraw her hand. Nevertheless she pressed on in her efforts, her voice laced in a mothering tone as she spoke. "Come now Sasuke, don't you want to take a look?"

"I don't like heights." The blunt reply was all she got before he pressed his head against knobbly knees, pulling his legs in closer to himself.

She stared at him blankly, well why had he gotten on the damn thing in the first place then? Yet she already knew the answer, Itachi was here and wherever his brother went Sasuke would follow.

Gently she extended a hand once more. "It's okay, trust me it'll be worth it."

Head peeking up he glared at the offer of her hand for a moment before apparently deciding to take it. His small clammy fingers wrapped around her palm in a way she knew was much less appealing than the one she wanted to hold but she grasped it firmly anyway. "That's it, now look over here." Her words of encouragement seemed to be working for the moment as the child warily got to his feet, gaze following where she was pointing to the large mountain that framed one side of their town off in the distance. He stared at it for a moment and Ino held in her celebratory cheer, look Itachi! I'm good with your brother too!

As he looked back to her she grinned widely, waiting for his praise of her amazing present but her smile faltered as her eyes met his face, a face now turning an unsettling shade of green.

"Don't-!" She cried but all to late as the boy proceed to throw up down her favourite skirt, her toes curling as the horrible mess dripped onto her feet. Wiping his mouth he looked up at her with the nerve to not even look apologetic.

"You know, I really do feel a lot better. Thanks Ino."

She swore she would have throttled him right then and there... but it was probably best to save that for hers and Itachi's fifth date, at least.

The landing of the balloon against the open field was a lot more violent than the take off, as was the look on the young blonde's face. She had stubbornly avoided both of the boys for the remainder of the trip, Sasuke out of [violent rage] annoyance and Itachi out of sheer embarrassment. The day had been a disaster. How did her romantic date plans turn into babysitting and a lap full of sick? She grimaced as she secured the balloon in place, hoping to keep herself busy while her possibly ex-boyfriend made his hurried escape. But no, of course like the gentleman he was Itachi waited for her.

Do you have to be so polite?!

Reluctantly she met the eyes she could feel pinned on her, preparing herself for the pity in them.

"Ino..." He started but before he could finished she picked up the small picnic box, one that had thankfully been saved from Sasuke's breakfast's reappearance, and pressed it into Itachi's hands.

"Here, I made this for you! Onigiri and dango, your favourite!" The smile she received in return was small and the dread growing in the pit off her stomach doubled.

Stepping closer to her his nose wrinkled at what she was horrified to realise was the smell. Ino could feel a little part of her dignity die inside and she thanked the stars Itachi was not the sort to spread this story around but she suspected Sasuke would not be so kind.

"Today was..." He continued and Ino opened her mouth to interject but the small motion of her hand told her she should probably stay quiet. "Today was the best birthday I've ever had."

Her mouth gaped open in what she could only hope was a reasonably attractive way. What were his other birthdays like?! Did they sit him in his room with extra homework or play pin the tail on the birthday boy? How could anything be worse than this? Not that she had time to ask any of these questions as before she knew it Itachi's face was heart stoppingly close to her own.

"Thank you Ino."

The kiss he pressed on her forehead was light and it was brief but it sent shivers down her spine. Staring, still open mouthed, she watched him smile and wave before finally giving into his brother's requests and letting himself be pulled away.

Thank you Ino.

He had thanked her! Once he was safely out of sight the girl jumped for joy, not even caring about the current state of her clothes.

Now she just had to think how to top that for their next date, though she should probably go home and change first...