Take me or Leave Me (from Rent)

ShinoXXIno

Ino was having a great time. Drink in hand and sexy black dress hugging her curves, she stood as the unrivaled center of attention at the karaoke bar. Swaying flirtatiously to the music, she couldn't help but smirk. She knew her boyfriend was watching as she giggled at the man talking to her. She dangerously leaned closer while resting a hand on his arm. She's could feel the heat of her love's eyes on her back and smirked. That bastard had this coming.

She was sick and tired of his controlled emotions and misunderstandings. He had no right to try to change her fun-loving personality- it was her flirtations that got them together in the first place. His paranoia was overwhelming and this was his warning, with love, from her. This was her private mission to make him regret that fight the night before- and she was doing a damn fine job.

She grinned at the man before slipping away towards the make-shift stage. She talked to the DJ a moment and took the stage. She winked at the audience, knowing everyone would listen. She was a famed singer here.

"This one's for you, baby."

She looked directly at her darling Shino as the words tumbled seductively from her lips. He lips were tight, she could tell from there- she inwardly cheered that he left his jacket at home that night. She wanted to see all the emotions on his face during this. His best friend beside him was trying to stifle his laughter, with little success.

"Every day, I walk down the street.

I hear people cry "baby's so sweet."

Ever since puberty, everybody stares at me;

Boys, girls, I can't help it, baby."

The crowd cheered her on as she swung her hips and extended her hands in an innocent gesture. She smirked as the shinobi began to openly fume and his friend rolled with laughter.

"So be kind and don't lose your mind.

Just remember that I'm your baby."

She blew a kiss at her man to empathize her words. Kiba was now cheering and clapping.

"Take me for what I am, who I was meant to be.

And if you give a damn, take me baby

Or leave me."

Ino descended from the stage. The crowd parted as she advanced, still singing.

"Take me, baby, or leave me."

She stopped a table from where her man sat, emitting anger in waves. The anger just egged her on more, as her eyes glowed. He would remember this punishment. Above all, Shino hated personal issues shown in public. She jumped unto the table in front of her, just one over from his. He was frowning at her mischievous grin.

"A tiger in a cage will never see the sun

This diva needs her stage

Baby, let's have some fun!"

She pointed at the male as she belted out the notes.

"You're the one I choose,

Folks would kill to be in your shoes

You love the limelight too, Baby."

She wiggled her extended finger in a come-and-get me gesture.

"So be mine and don't waste your time,

Crying "Honeybear, are you still my, my, my baby?""

She stepped unto his table top, locking eyes with him. Her high-heeled foot pinned him to the booth-seat. He struggled slightly beneath her, growling: "Don't you dare!"

Ino smirked- he was right where she wanted him.

"Take me for what I am,

Who I was meant to be.

And if you give a damn,

Take me, baby, or leave me."

She removed her heel from his shoulder, not expecting him to stand, then grab Kiba's whiskey and down it in a gulp.

"No way can I be what I'm not," she was off the table now, running her hand down his chest.

"But, hey, don't you want your girl hot?" She trailed a hand over her assets to show what she was talking about.

"Don't fight, don't lose your head.

Cuz every night who's in your bed?" She leaned against him, blinking innocently up at him. The bar erupted in claps, whistles and laughter.

"Kiss, pookie," she pointed to her lips. Instead of kissing her, Shino swiped the microphone from her, yelling: "It won't work!

"I look before I leap,

I love margins and discipline.

I make lists in my sleep.

Baby, what's my sin?"

Shino's voice was deep and seductive as he pushed her lightly backwards into a chair. He pinned her there, true question on his face. If people had been cheering for her, they were squealing like fangirls for him.

"Never quit, I follow through.

I hate mess, but I love you."

Her rubbed her cheek, his smirk visibly asking how she liked her own medicine. She was almost turned on, but was too pissed off at this blatant challenge.

"What to do with my impromptu, Baby?

So be wise, cuz this guy satisfies!

You got a prize that won't compromise!

You're one lucky baby!"

Ino clenched her fists as he tapped the tip of her nose before retreating a few steps. He knew she hated that childish gesture. She frowned at him angrily. He continued the chorus as the blonde screamed insults at him.

"Take me as I am!" "A control freak!"

"Who I was meant to be!" "A snob, yet over-attentive!"

"And if you give a damn!" "A lovable, drull geek!"

"Take me, Baby, or leave me!" "An ANAL RETENTIVE!"

His eyebrows furrowed as she shot the insult at him- a taunt he had taught her. She could feel the blood-lust rolling off him, but her own was equally noticeable. The club-goers still cheered, but from a safer distance.

"That's it!

The straw that breaks my back!

I quit, unless you take that back!"

Shino boomed at her, while she glowered at her boyfriend. She flipped him the bird, unable to reply otherwise. He turned to the crowd, feigning disinterest as he shrugged

"Woman, what is it about them?

Can't live with them or without him!"

The men shouted in agreement. Ino fumbled for the mic, while they both belted the chorus.

"Take me for who I am

Who I was meant to be!

And if you give a damn, ya better

Take me, baby, or leave me!

Take me, baby, or leave me!"

Shino glared at Ino while she snarled at him. They both screamed at each other, flinging the microphone aside with a thunderous thud.

"Guess I'm leaving!" "I'm gone!"

With that, Ino stomped to the bar while her now-ex strode out the door. The whole place was still applauding wildly as the door swung closed after the male.