Arrival
''Hey there!''
''I am awake! I am ready to go, Orochimaru-sama!''
''It's me, Kotetsu. You fell asleep.''
Ino sighed. She arrived at the appointed spot earlier, too scared to be late and deal with another deadly maze, so she must have dozed off for a moment when she leaned on the wall.
''Leaving for a mission?''
''Yeah.''
''At least you are not late and Sannin won't complain.''
''Nope,'' she chuckled and Kotetsu also smirked.
''I see you found the village gate on time.''
Both Ino and Kotetsu startled hearing Orochimaru's voice. His annoyed tone wasn't the most pleasant sound at dawn.
''You had an entire night to say goodbye to each other. I don't want to waste another minute.''
Ino and Kotetsu shared a confused gaze, said goodbyes to one another and Ino sped up to catch up on her partner.
''If you like men with strange clothing on their face,'' Orochimaru said as soon as Ino got closer, ''don't you think Copy ninja would be a better choice?''
''Copy ninja?'' Ino repeated, not able to understand why anyone would talk this much at dawn.
''Hatake Kakashi,'' Orochimaru said in a tone Kakashi himself would startle. ''Much more promising shinobi than your boyfriend.''
''My boyfriend?''
''The gate keeper,'' he said flatly.
Despite her sleepiness, talking about her lovelife roused her enough to disagree with Orochimaru.
''Kotetsu-kun is nice and polite and if he loves his job, then it doesn't matter what he does. Wouldn't I be a hypocrite to insist that my potential boyfriend is almost as strong as Hokage while I am still only a chunin?''
''If you want your ranks to be similar, then it would be the best to date civilians. Not someone like Uchiha brothers, Naruto-kun-''
''Thank you, I got the point,'' Ino cut him off and passed him by, not in the mood for preaching of any sort. Especially not from him or at this hour.
''Does your lead mean you know where we are heading to?'' he yelled after her.
Damn him. Of course she had no clue because after she finished with packing, she was trying to get some sleep. But she was not about to slow down and listen to his ancient advice on dating. Kotetsu greeted her, didn't that count as politeness?
Orochimaru was watching Ino leaping in front of him, usually jumping over more than one branch. She was fast and quiet and she owed it all to her slim figure. She would have probably been faster if she hadn't carried a small backpack which was moving along with her body. It was easier to watch over her this way and he could always cover their tracks in a few moments.
She took the right direction and wasn't slowing down. Orochimaru stayed behind, patiently waiting for her to decide when to take a break or when they should take a different path. Orochimaru wasn't stupid to be dependent on anyone, so he got the details about their destination. He planned on two short stops, three at the most and they would meet with the client some time after the noon.
Maybe Ino thought the same, digging through her backpack without the slightest change in pace. She first took out water, then some fruit, then papers, it was a miracle none of it didn't end up on the ground.
The sky cleared and the sun beams were reaching the ground when Ino suddenly stopped.
She crouched while standing on the branch and Orochimaru stayed one tree away, waiting for her to straighten up. He presumed she has been watching the carriage that was passing beneath them.
''Those are fishermen,'' she said to him over her shoulder.
Why was she telling him that? The odor of their catch could be felt miles away.
''The river can't be too far, so maybe we could save some time by passing it here.''
He nodded shortly in agreement and they waited a few moments to jump on the ground.
The path they took was the opposite of the town where fishermen were going. Unlike the fishermen, who needed part of the river that was deep enough for their boat, Ino and Orochimaru were searching for the point where the river was the most narrow to pass to the other side.
They were walking slowly, inspecting the shore to leave this side of the river without a single trace.
''Here should be fine,'' Orochimaru finally said. ''The current is not strong, so even if you don't have a perfect chakra control, you should be able to walk on the surface.''
''I would successfully walk on the surface if the current had been strong,'' Ino said.
''Then we will cross in no time.''
As soon as he said it, he left her side.
He waved at her a few seconds after and she was still open mouthed.
He touched the water surface twice! He almost jumped across the entire river! Okay, it wasn't the widest part of it, but still. He was such a man, showing off every chance he got.
Her steps were small, ladylike, but she was stable and crossed without any difficulties.
Ino was grateful Orochimaru didn't make a comment this time, leading the way to the deeper forest. They certainly did save some time, but to take a so much needed break, they had to get to the client's property first.
Now when her partner was ahead, she could take out whatever she liked from her backpack. She desperately needed to consult the map before, so they wouldn't get lost. Orochimaru probably didn't notice it because so far he didn't seem dissatisfied.
He was travelling light, not having additional visible weapons, only his everyday attire. Just like she anticipated, it was so much easier to pack for an undercover mission if you were a guy.
''How many scrolls did you take?'' she asked to test her theory.
''Seventeen,'' he replied immediately.
''That many? What are you going to do with all those clothes?''
''If you want to know about the clothes, I left most of it at home. I thought you were speaking in general. I can always buy more clothes along the way if necessary.''
''Oh.''
Who mentioned clothes? He thought she admired his skills to hide that many scrolls. Who would need so much clothes anyway? He really hoped his partner didn't fill her backpack with scrolls to summon different colored shirts and dresses.
Crossing the river earlier meant a great change to their travelling route. Now it would take them much less time to reach the client's property. For them, it wasn't obligatory to follow the main path, they were still ninja and they were still themselves, rushing through the forest surrounding the small town and the mansion they were looking for was at the town's outskirts.
''Shouldn't it be around here somewhere?'' Ino asked, staring at the town from distance.
''I will send my snakes to inspect the area,'' Orochimaru proposed.
''No!'' she screamed. ''I mean, isn't there another way, we can split and-''
''My snakes won't attack you this time,'' he assured her.
''How do you know?''
''Because they are listening to me.''
''You ordered them to attack me?'' Ino asked, shocked.
''Because you refused to perform an attack, remember?'' he said with a satisfied smirk.
''I do,'' she sighed gloomily.
Ino was pouting silently, but Orochimaru could inspect her cheek, the one that had cut yesterday. There wasn't the smallest trace of it.
''How did you succeed to hide the cut from your face?'' he wondered. ''Or I did less damage than I thought I would?''
''Oh you did a lot of damage, but I know a lot of tricks to have flawless skin.''
''Make up is a trick as old as the world,'' he mocked.
''It's not make up,'' she stressed. ''It's a healing lotion I created by mixing different herbs.''
''So the skin seems intact.''
''Correct,'' she replied shortly as if she didn't want to discuss the subject further.
Orochimaru didn't really care about Ino's ways to stay pretty and he had good news.
''That way,'' he pointed to the east.
''How do you know?''
''My snakes informed me,'' he sighed, getting tired of explanations.
''But I didn't see you summoning them.''
''Do you really think I summon in a way that is obvious to everyone around me?''
''I didn't see it before, I mean-''
''You couldn't see it when your usual mission partners are genins.''
''I am a chunin,'' she said pointedly.
''And that's a huge difference,'' he replied sarcastically.
Ino rolled her eyes, but followed him anyway. Soon she saw a gated house, probably as wide as an entire street in Konoha. The iron gate wasn't locked, but it wasn't necessary because of the guards patrolling around the huge garden.
''Welcome,'' the grey-haired man bowed briefly, meeting them on their way to the house. ''The master is expecting you. How was your journey?''
Orochimaru was walking before her, making a small talk with the man, presumably the one who managed the staff necessary to keep this enormous house in order. The locked door was unnecessary; the uninvited guests would be spotted immediately thanks to numerous guards Ino managed to see. There were probably more of them, hiding and watching over their every step.
The man who greeted them was leading them through the house which was breathtaking. Ino didn't see that many paintings in her life, and they were all at one place! The ceiling was decorated with stylish chandeliers, but the rooms were mostly empty, as if nobody spent time there.
She was always the last one to enter and Ino found it strange because back at home it was considered rude if the woman was left behind. Orochimaru didn't seem to care, every now and then looking at her over his shoulder, as if he wanted to make sure she didn't get lost.
After passing through the hallway, and lobby, and living room, they finally got to the study room, where the head of the house, their client, was expecting them.
That definitely wasn't the usual study room. There were certainly books, but the desk was missing.
The client, the man looking as if he was in his fifties, was sitting in a huge armchair that was placed on a raised stand, so to reach him, you had to take two stairs. There were no chairs in front of him, so Ino followed Orochimaru's lead and knelt on a floor, a few steps behind him.
She had a feeling they were peasants who came to the emperor's chambers to plea for something. The fact their client had golden chain around his neck along with golden rings with gem stones was certainly helping to create the image of a rich ruler. His thick beard was framing his chubby face and the shiny brand new robe was hiding his not-too-lean body.
So far, Orochimaru did all the talking, with guards at the entrance and the head of staff, and nobody spoke to her, Ino patiently waited for men to discuss whatever they needed to discuss.
''Welcome to my home,'' the man greeted them cheerfully, nodding first at Orochimaru, then at her. ''I was looking forward to meet the two you, the people who will help me out with my plan.''
Orochimaru simply nodded as a sign to him to get to the point.
''As you probably know, I am Imoto Kosuke, the wealthiest merchant in this county. Also I am the happiest man in the county because I got married last year, to my lovely wife Midoriko-chan.''
The man's voice wasn't annoying, but it was definitely too cheerful. And why was this introduction necessary? If he had stayed single, then Orochimaru would have been the only ninja for this mission. Or Tsunade would have sent somebody else, twenty years younger but also more than a little heavier than him.
''What I got recently is an invitation to spend some time with my wife in a relaxing resort for couples,'' Kosuke continued in a chirping tone. ''I would like you to go there first and inform me about it.''
''What?''
That was Ino's question, but Orochimaru almost said the same.
''If I got it right,'' Orochimaru cleared his throat to sound serious, ''you want us to go to a resort for couples.''
''That's right!'' the client smiled happily. ''I have a brochure right here!''
Kosuke took out the colorful brochure and Orochimaru was so shocked he didn't make a sound or moved.
Luckily, Ino was there to react like a real employee.
''May I take a look?'' she asked and went to the client's throne to take the brochure from him.
She was turning the pages while walking back to her kneeling spot.
Orochimaru had a feeling she didn't find this strange, but he, for his own inner peace, had to make sure he got it right.
''We don't have to kidnap somebody?'' he asked.
''No,'' the client looked shocked.
''And kill somebody?''
''No!'' the client was now disgusted.
''Do you want us to wear a special disguise, to look like you and your wife?'' Orochimaru persisted.
''You can be yourselves and simply enjoy at the resort,'' Kosuke put on his widest smile.
For the wealthiest merchant in the county, the guy sure had strange requests and was easy to please. It would probably be the most awkward mission in Orochimaru's career, do nothing except pretending to be Ino's husband.
Ino was done with reading the brochure and got up to show it to the client.
''Here are different activities for couples or just for one spouse,'' she said, showing him the brochure. ''Which ones would you like us to try? Which one would you and your wife prefer?''
''You can join other couples,'' the client shrugged. ''I mean, if you see the most couples chose a particular activity, then you can participate as well.''
''So we will copy what most of the couples at the resort do,'' Orochimaru concluded. ''Are we supposed to do it in every other aspect?''
The client didn't seem as the type who would show his feelings openly in public and Orochimaru was counting on the old fashioned couples at the resort, so there wouldn't be holding hands and smooching or anything alike.
''Yes, I would prefer that,'' Kosuke said. ''Don't stand out in any way. Speaking of standing out,'' he looked at Ino, ''you must change your clothes.''
''What's wrong with my clothes?''
''Your clothes is nice,'' he said quickly then looked at Orochimaru. ''She has very nice clothes, accentuating her figure, I am not saying this to offend you, your wife should wear what she likes, but at the first sight, she doesn't look like a married woman.''
Ino's clothes was nothing special. For a kunoichi, she had too much of her skin showing, having bare arms, exposed stomach, and not-too-long fish net underneath her not-long-at-all skirt. She didn't have to wear turtleneck or an ankle-length skirt, because it would prevent her fast movements and she would be hot, but anyone could see she wasn't wearing an armor or had weapons on her. Perhaps she could summon it, what he didn't see, but at the first sight, she was an easy target. Agile, but vulnerable anyway.
''I see,'' Orochimaru nodded.
''Didn't you have problems so far, with other men approaching your wife?''
Not only the client thought they were married for real, but Orochimaru had to think of a reasonable explanation why Ino was dressed as if she was fifteen. Except the fact she was a bit older than that.
''It's a good thing if you didn't,'' Kosuke said and that way redirected the topic to shopping. ''I recommend, as a happily married man, that she buys a bit different clothes. I will cover the expense.''
''It would be helpful if I could see your wife,'' Ino said. ''That way I would get the idea what exactly to buy.''
''That is not possible, but the head of my staff will accompany you, so he can explain what you are looking for. The stores in town are great, so there shouldn't be any problems.''
''Is that really necessary?'' Orochimaru asked, not too happy about the newest mission called shopping.
''He will take care of the receipt for you and don't forget, you have to look like you are married, just like my wife and me,'' Kosuke said.
This man wasn't stupid, the way he talked was revealing he was educated and well mannered, his tone of voice was moderate and if they hadn't been discussing about the silliest mission that existed, Orochimaru would consider him as one of the better clients. And the mission was more than ridiculous.
''How much time does it take to reach the resort?'' Orochimaru asked.
''Depends. I am not a man who likes to rush, so I believe it would take a day for my wife and me. Both of you are in a good shape, so you could probably get there in less time.''
''Can we make it there today? If so, don't we have to make a reservation of some kind? Or you already made it?''
''I didn't because the booking in advance isn't necessary. The number of the sent invitations is the same as the number of apartments they have.''
''Apartments?'' Ino repeated, browsing the brochure again. ''We will be staying in an entire apartment?''
''It is an expensive resort, so you should have an excellent accommodation and service. Please, don't hesitate to enjoy as much as you like. Room service, expensive wine and delicacies, spoil yourself because you must retell me if the resort is worth visiting.''
''I still don't understand why you can't see it for yourself,'' Ino muttered to herself, but still loud enough.
''My wife, you see, doesn't like new people. I would rather pay so that other couple could test everything for us than take her there and disappoint her.''
''Very well,'' Orochimaru said quickly so Ino couldn't interpose and prolong this pointless conversation. ''For how long are we going to test the resort's offer?''
''The invitation said you can stay as much as you like, for a week, ten days, two weeks, depends on the couple and how much time is needed for them to relax.''
''Do you have the invitation at your fingertips?'' Orochimaru asked. ''I would like to see it.''
''You can have it to take it with you. I don't think you will have to show the invitation, but just in case.''
Kosuke stood up, readjusted his garbs and took the envelope from one of the bookshelves. He went down the two stairs to hand the invitation to Orochimaru.
''I believe you have all additional information in there, but I think we covered most of it.''
Orochimaru peeked into an envelope and thanked the client.
''I also believe you will do a great job. You are interested into this task and I expect a full report, on the resort in general and the main services.''
Both Ino and Orochimaru nodded and smiled faintly.
''I will only instruct Makoto, the head of the staff, about the shopping and you can go into town together.''
''One last thing. Do we need to use your names while checking in at the resort?'' Orochimaru asked.
''I would prefer if you picked other names, if you don't want to use your own. Just in case my wife decides we should go as well.''
''Very well,'' Orochimaru said.
''I hope the resort is as great as it seems and that you stay at least ten days,'' the client smiled at them and left to find the head of his staff.
Ino and Orochimaru were escorted to the main gate where they waited for the client's employee to join them. Both surprised and confused, they were thinking about the ten long days they had to spend at some place where they didn't wish to go while pretending to be married. Terrific.
Makoto joined them in no time, introduced himself and offered his help with whatever they wanted. None of them was in the mood for a small talk, so they were heading to town in silence.
Ino was aware married women didn't dress like her, but if they wouldn't check in with the client's name, what difference did it make? She was up since dawn and she had a feeling she would fall asleep the moment she sat down in a comfy armchair. And she would be grateful with a short break that included refreshing drink and possibly a small snack. She was counting on a comfy bed and a room service once they arrive at the resort.
Orochimaru was counting on starting their ten days stay at the resort today and as soon as possible, but this shopping was slowing his plan down. To experience everything the resort offers! If Ino hadn't asked it, he would have done it instead of her because he also didn't understand why the client and his wife couldn't go to the resort by themselves. Ino could walk around the resort and he could turn their apartment into a laboratory to continue with his work. He couldn't waste ten precious days to do nothing.
''Here we are, sir,'' Makoto informed them when they reached the busiest and the loudest street in town. ''Where would you like to go first?''
''Madame is the one in need for new clothes, not me. Take her wherever she wants.''
''And where will you be in the meantime?'' Ino asked.
''How much time do you plan to spend on shopping?''
''I don't know,'' she shrugged. ''Depends.''
He sighed, remembering women could spend entire day shopping without buying a single thing.
''I will sit for a cup of tea at the end of the street. Don't waste too much time.''
With that, they parted. Ino followed Makoto into the first of many stores and Orochimaru ordered tea. He also took out the brochure Ino had given him along with the invitation, just to read something while he waited.
The street was long, but it wasn't too crowded with people, and since he was sitting on a terrace looking down the entire shopping zone, he could see when Makoto followed Ino out of the store. They were talking in the middle of the street then went into another store. It didn't take them long to leave that one either. Empty handed again.
Ino wasn't looking pleased while the man was explaining something to her. At some point he gave up and Orochimaru nearly chocked with his tea when man left Ino in the middle of the street, walking at his direction.
''What seems to be the problem?'' Orochimaru asked the obviously upset man.
''Your wife, sir.''
Of course it was his wife. He never had one and right now, a teenager was pretending to be his wife.
''What about her?''
''She refuses to buy the clothes I recommended.''
''Why?''
''She says the clothes are ugly.''
Okay, so Orochimaru was calm and poised considering he had to be Ino's husband for ten days and she was refusing to buy new clothes that would make her look like a married woman. This was whole new level of torturing him and if somebody was to blame, that was Tsunade. But he knew how to get back at her as soon as he sets foot in Konoha.
He went with Makoto to talk some sense into his so-called wife.
''Why didn't you buy something already?''
''I don't want to buy those clothes! They are terrible!''
''I am sure that was the most expensive store in town.''
''I am not saying the fabric isn't great, but the style is outrageous!''
''It's for married women.''
''I have seen married women, they are not wearing anything alike.''
''They are not dressed like you either.''
Great, now she was pouting like a child. He had to try different approach.
''The sooner you pick something in your size, the sooner we will reach the resort. All women there will wear the same and we should fit it, remember?''
She sighed and rolled her eyes. Makoto looked at Orochimaru hopefully and he nodded.
''Let's go, madame. I will show you the best one!''
Orochimaru decided to wait this time. Maybe if he looked as if in a hurry, she would be faster too.
He didn't know how or why, but in less than ten minutes, Ino left the store she entered. Actually he wasn't sure he would recognize her if Makoto wasn't walking right behind her, carrying packages with presumably more clothes.
''Happy?'' she asked.
The color of her freshly bought clothes was dark blue, it was a long sleeved ankle-length dress. It was probably made out of some strange material because it had the same width along Ino's body, so it was impossible to guess her weight, both fat and skinny women could wear it. The only accessory was a tiny black belt around the waist, but not too tight. She made something with her hair too, or it was just the impression due to a drastic change.
Not even Makoto looked pleased when he handed him the rest of the clothes.
''The purple one looked better, but she didn't want to hear about it and I didn't want to push it,'' he said apologetically.
''Thank you for your help,'' Orochimaru said.
''You must send letter to me one day before you want to leave the resort and will get there to cover all of your expenses,'' Makoto explained.
They bowed briefly to one another and parted.
Makoto was easy, but Ino was a puzzle. Orochimaru couldn't decide which out of many question he would like to ask first. He wanted to find out why she was heading in the wrong direction, then about the space left in her summoning scrolls and what she had done with her own clothes.
''We should go back,'' Orochimaru said.
''Why back? Did you forget something?''
''Not back as if to the client's house, but return to where we came from. Not very far from the forest surrounding the town is one of my bases.''
''Why can't I wait for you in town?'' she asked hopefully. ''I will use that time to-''
''Because you also need to teleport with me,'' he interrupted.
''To teleport?'' she repeated, surprised.
''Yes, that will make us much faster. One of the ways to be faster is to take a soldier pill, but even if you did take them with you, I don't think you can be fast enough wearing this outfit.''
She couldn't believe it! He was mocking her! Not only he thought she didn't take soldier pills, which she did, he was making fun of her new style as a married woman!
''I do have soldier pills with me, but it's enough I have to look ridiculous for this mission, I don't have to put on weight.''
''And taking soldier pills would cause gaining weight?''
''Don't you know how many calories they have?''
''They are supposed to give you a lot of energy, of course they have many calories.''
''It doesn't matter anyway because I can barely make a decent step in this.''
He almost laughed, she saw it! Served him right that she had to carry her other clothes.
''And where is your clothes?'' he asked.
''What do you mean, where is my clothes? It is on me.''
''On you?''
''Of course. There is no way I would put dirty clothes on my bare skin.''
''How do you know it's dirty?''
''On sight it looks clean, but its chemical structure is polluted. It's not recommended to be applied to skin directly before washing.''
''Fine, whatever,'' he rolled his eyes. ''I will pack these in one of my scrolls, so we can be faster.''
''I will do my best to be faster,'' she sighed, looking at the ground, but failing to see her feet.
They knew the path already and Ino gathered the dress in way to make it possible to jump from branch to branch and she was waiting for Orochimaru's instructions. She hoped he made a teleport seals on a rock or a tree, but as they were going deeper into the forest, she had a feeling she would have to enter a cave. And the reality was worse than that.
Orochimaru was standing above the old well, probably made by cattlemen in the past because it was missing major part of the stones and there was no water in it.
''Down there, huh?''
''Yeah.''
''How are we going to get down? It's too dark to jump safely,'' she said, looking at the dark hole.
''I have my way to get down, but you won't like it,'' he shrugged, but then he smirked the same way he did while they were having their practice match.
As a precaution, she took one step back, what made Orochimaru turned his back to the old well.
''Where are you going? We are about to go down.''
''No, we are not! You are insane! You are not taking me anywhere!''
Her steps couldn't be big because of the stupid dress and Orochimaru didn't need more than a moment to reach her, grab her around the waist and put his hand over her mouth at the exact moment she would start to scream because of the giant snake emerging from the bottom of the well.
What happened next was just a blur to her but it included Orochimaru's repeated pleas to stop fidgeting, that snake wasn't going to hurt her or him, and here they were, walking towards another town, hours away from the clients house, not talking to each other.
Ino now could see her feet because she tore the dress due to constant fidgeting. That also made her walk faster and in front of Orochimaru who decided to remain quiet, aware he should have prepared Ino that the snake would eventually wrap its body around them to drag them into the well safely.
That fast walk brought them to the town not too far from the resort and Orochimaru had a few details to arrange before they check in there as a husband and a wife.
''Can you give me your summoning scrolls? I suppose they don't have a code, so I will pack our clothes to have it delivered to us tomorrow.''
It was necessary because they couldn't show up in front of people wearing different clothes and having no luggage.
''Fine.''
Ino handed over five of her scrolls.
''Where will you wait for me?''
''I will get something to eat.''
''Not counting calories any more?''
She would probably hurt him really badly with her piercing glare if she could and it would be his fault – they were on the road the entire day, she was obviously hungry and still traumatized because of her most recent close encounter with one of his snakes.
''Look, I admit, I should have told you sooner about my plan, but it was the best way and-''
''Of course it seemed best to a snake creep!''
''Ah,'' he frowned. ''A snake creep is going to a post office.''
''Fine!''
Stupid, she was so stupid! She called him a snake creep! To his face! She knew she shouldn't have and she would have been offended too, but how could he let a snake take them anywhere, let alone in the darkest hole in the world just to teleport and be faster! If he had told her, she would have taken dozen of soldier pills! And she thought the serpent horror wouldn't happen again after their practice match!
She saw a sign for a diner at the distance and marched there. It was close to dinner time, so there were a few tables occupied, but she desperately needed a restroom first.
When she looked at her reflection at the mirror, she was even angrier at Orochimaru.
Why didn't he tell her she was looking like this? With unruly hair, torn dress and dirty face she was reminding herself of a fugitive, running away from her violent husband, not a happily married woman who was about to spend several relaxing days in a luxurious resort.
She washed her face, readjusted her clothes and hair as close to normal as possible, used a little make up to look decent and went to the bar to order a warm meal. After this long day she needed it.
The waiter present her today's menu, she picked the first dish and asked for a lemonade. Its perfect taste of sour and refreshing made her breathe in deeply and relax, if that was possible.
She remembered Orochimaru as soon as she got her order; she picked the large portion and he teased her about counting calories. She was so mad at him she didn't recognize his attempt to soften her up and perhaps apologize for putting her through the whole thing with snakes. She didn't know how much time it would take him to send their clothes, but he should probably eat something as well.
She was not done with the half of her meal, she was already feeling quite stuffed and now, not focused on the food, she looked around the diner.
The guests were mostly men and they were all done with eating, enjoying conversation and having drinks. They were mostly in a good mood and she smiled to that relaxed atmosphere.
She took another sip of her lemonade, now feeling embarrassed she would probably leave and not eat everything, when she felt someone approaching.
She smirked to herself, expecting to hear another of Orochimaru's impatient orders or his teasing.
''I have never seen you around before.''
One of the men from diner took a seat on her right.
''Are you new in town?'' he asked instead of introducing himself.
''I am just passing by,'' she replied politely.
''This is a nice town, why wouldn't you stay a bit longer?''
''I have to leave for work,'' she shrugged.
''For work? Such a pretty lady shouldn't work but have a man who takes care of her.''
Ah. She should have seen that coming. It was a small town and she was a pretty girl dining all alone.
''I am waiting for somebody,'' she explained.
''How can you be waiting for somebody if you are new here?'' the man laughed. ''Did you meet someone already?''
''No, I-''
''Hey, guys,'' he yelled across the room, ''she is waiting for somebody. Am I not the best one you could wait?''
''Look,'' she said in her most polite tone, ''I am sure you are a nice guy, but I am not interested.''
''And why is that? Am I not good enough for someone like you?''
''No, it's because I am waiting for my husband.''
''Your husband? You made that up right now.''
''I didn't, I am-''
''Hey, guys, would you leave your wife by herself at a place like this?''
''You are right, he is probably waiting for me outside and look what time it is!''
He didn't pay attention to her and she seized that chance to get up and leave as soon as possible!
''Yeah, run to your imaginary husband!'' he yelled after her.
She checked if she had everything with her and was marching toward the door when she heard the waiter as well.
''Listen, darling, just because your face is pretty, it doesn't mean you can leave without paying.''
Too bad her walk came to a halt right next to that guy's friends.
The one closest to her took her by the hand and she resisted the urge to smack him right then.
''I can pay for you, doll, but only if I get something in return!''
Ino must have made a grimace revealing she would hate to owe him a favor because he got angry.
''Just because you don't like me it doesn't mean we won't have a great time together.''
Why did he think they would be together longer than two seconds? This man was disgusting, slowly pulling her towards him. In this stupid dress she couldn't lift her leg and knock him on the ground and her fist punch wouldn't disable him, only made him madder and she was running out of time and options!
''So what's it going to be, sweetheart? How about a-''
''I will pay.''
Every person in the room, including Ino, turned their head to the door to see who entered. Only Ino knew in advance to whom belonged that voice and she was relieved to hear it.
Despite the crowded diner, there could be heard only Orochimaru's footsteps, getting closer to the source of the fuss. The man's grip wasn't so tight any more and Ino succeeded to release herself. Neither of them moved, watching at the newest guest.
''And who are you?'' the roughneck at the bar asked.
Orochimaru stopped right next to Ino and gently placed his palm on her shoulder.
''Did you wait for me long?'' Orochimaru asked, ignoring everybody else.
''Uh-huh,'' Ino shook her head happily, aware what her partner wanted to imply.
Then Orochimaru smiled to her and encircled her shoulders with his arm, so they walked up to the bar together.
''How much do I owe?'' Orochimaru asked the waiter.
Because of all that tension, the waiter forgot how much was the Ino's receipt and took out his notes to calculate again. It was evident he would calculate wrong.
Orochimaru didn't waste time; while they were approaching the bar, the people moved out of their way. He didn't miss to look everyone of them with his deadly gaze before he took out the money.
''Keep the change,'' he said, leaving a couple of bills on the counter.
Nobody dared to breathe while they were walking toward the exit. He opened the door for her and once she was outside, turned to look at the guests once again.
''Good night, gentlemen,'' he said with a sly smirk so nobody sane enough wouldn't follow them or try something more stupid.
They were walking in silence again, this time leaving the town behind, getting closer to their destination.
''All done?'' she asked casually.
''Yes.''
''When will the luggage get there?''
''I hope tomorrow. And I hope we will check in tonight.''
''Me too.''
She was waiting for him to show that he was still angry with her for calling him a snake creep or at least explain why and how he got to the diner at the right moment. Her waiting was in vain.
They were walking, side by side, maybe the closest to one another in the entire day. But she had to say something.
''Men can be such assholes.''
''I know,'' he said flatly. ''I am one.''
''I didn't mean you, I mean-''
''Come on, we don't have much left,'' he said then looked at her. ''Tear that dress some more so we can get there faster.''
She was so stupid! She couldn't have muttered the simplest thanks for being there for her at the right moment. She thought he would accuse her of looking for trouble, but it seemed as if he went ahead to avoid talking about it. And she was glad he did both; came to her rescue and ran forward having no intention to discuss what happened while he was away.
''Are you coming or what?''
Or maybe they should leave the talking for some other time. Finding the resort was more crucial at the moment.
The funniest part was that the resort found them and Ino was so concerned she wouldn't take the right direction.
They couldn't see the town for awhile and they had a feeling they got lost. Orochimaru didn't dare to send snakes to search for anything this time. Ino didn't bring it up, so they were trying to figure out which way they didn't take yet. Showing off with their skills wasn't possible in case come other couple ran into them, they were civilians and they were trying not to act differently.
''Someone is coming,'' Orochimaru said suddenly.
''Who?'' Ino succeeded to ask but the young man, wearing some kind of uniform approached them.
''Excuse me, can I help you?'' the man asked.
''I am not sure, I am looking for a resort because I got-''
''An invitation?''
''Yes,'' Orochimaru confirmed.
''And you came here with your wife?'' the man looked at Ino and she nodded. ''Then welcome!''
Neither Ino nor Orochimaru didn't know how this man found them neither why he assumed they were husband and wife. Whatever this resort was, they have been expected there and it was way too suspicious to be a coincidence.