A/N: Thank You to both shannny2k & shelvesinthecloset for taking time to review. And so it really begins….

Disclaimer: Thank you too Kishimoto-sama for Naruto. I'd thank you even more if you'd give me part of the rights… No…can I pout now?

So This is Your Room

Ino was restless; she'd survived another day of the sessions. It was after ten o'clock on her fourth night in Suna. I need a distraction; days here positively suck. If I'm gonna be here for almost three weeks more, maybe I should find a spot that feels more like home. She pulled a robe over the short lavender nightshirt she was wearing and wandered out into the corridor. I think I remember sighting a balcony somewhere back this way.

Soon, she found the place she was looking for. It was relatively small and not exactly off the beaten path. That's nice; perfect, in fact. A wicked smile crossed her lips, Maybe some handsome guardsman will wander this way and I can check out what this village really has to offer. Just don't let that old letch Pokaru have a liking for this spot.

She sat down on one of the benches and took in the night. It really was remarkable; the clarity of the starry sky surpassed any view she'd ever had in Konoha. A moment later she had pulled her brush out of her robe and started to work on her long pale hair. It proved to be surprisingly relaxing for her after another stressful day. It's so beautiful, I could easily get lost out there.

"What are you doing here?" a voice came as a soft exasperated sigh.

It sounded almost familiar; Ino had detected the slight distain in it. She turned, with a deliberate flip of her hair, It never hurts to toss out a little sex appeal, only to find herself facing a brown haired man in dark red pajama type pants wearing a open black robe and nothing under it. Nice body, she thought to herself, maybe I was right to hope for a mystery man to appear.

"Do I know you?" she looked at him in a more scrutinizing way. She didn't seem to detect any illusions, No one ever said if the Kazekage was as good at creating them as dispelling them.

He chuckled softly and shook his head. "I'll let you figure it out," he said softly. He sat on the bench opposite from her.

Ino thought his voice seemed less familiar this time and she knew he had never heard that laugh before. They sat quietly for a while; Ino went back to brushing her hair out.

"So, what do you think of this spot?" he finally broke the silence. He came across to her, moving her hair so he could sit angled behind her on the bench. "I come here to think," his voice was barely a whisper in her ear, "it's usually quiet, and tonight the stars are spectacular." He reached his arm around her to lean her back against his chest while he pointed upward.

"I was thinking that when you interrupted me earlier" she turned to study him more, something about his eyes…but what. Yet somehow she kept looking over his body. I so want to go there, she thought, but who is he?

"So, did I meet you during my first few days here?" Ino decided to ask.

"No, you first saw me years ago." He obviously was enjoying this; there was just a hint of a smile on his lips.

"So you've met me in the past…" she paused, "well, obviously you didn't impress me since I can't recall you."

That did it; when she said she wasn't impressed she saw that his left eye squinted. And it all became clear. "Kankurou. Well, this really is a surprise." She gave him her best coquettish smile. "You're right, maybe I was wrong about that first impression thing. You'll have to forgive me but you look so different without the paint on." And without a shirt. She watched as his expression softened. I can't tell him my first impression was that he was a bully. My second impression was even harsher, but now I'm not sure. He's much better looking without the paint. Then again, that may be because I'm just looking for some action. "By the way, if this is your balcony, you should get you name engraved somewhere." She smiled again at him then went back to brushing her hair.

"Since you've been here a few days now, what do you think of Sunagakure?"

The tone he was using was very different from the way he spoke during the meetings. It's almost like he cares about what I think…here at least. She dwelled on the thought for a moment before answering, "Overall it's intriguing; the difference between it and Konoha, but it seems to be lacking easy access to something I like to have." Ino tried to act shy, looking at her hair as she continued to fuss with it.

"I'm sure it can be arranged for you," he was puzzled. "Couldn't you have asked Temari, or someone else sooner? What do you require?"

"Companionship," she leaned toward him, "of an intimate kind." She moved her left index finger down his chest.

He snatched her left hand and looked around beyond the balcony. "Not here," he whispered hoarsely, "come with me."

Lucky!! Ino thought as he led her off.

"So this is your room?" Ino took in the puppets hanging from the beige colored walls. "I have the feeling that you don't get a lot of girls coming back for second visits." She sat on the bed. The rest of the décor was uninspired as well: simple monochromatic bed sheets, dresser and desk a sandy colored wood that almost blended into the walls. I guess he's all about functionality.

"Why would you think I want return visitors?" Kankurou stood and looked her over as she leaned back.

She could tell he was taking in the sight her legs and pale flesh with interest. Very deliberately, she arched to point at one of the puppets. "Any of these customized to get your kink on?"

"Whaaat?" his left eye did that squinty twitch thing.

Gotcha. Ino smiled. "You know," she elaborated, "instead of poisoned blades popping out, you have a surprise for your lady friends, like dildos or some other sex toy."

He looked positively grey and his twitch was working overtime, this time on the right eye, "Why, do you think I should?"

"Not really, I'm pretty open to new experiences but I'd think that would freak even me. However, if you decide to readjust them, I can guarantee you'll never have any repeat performers. Hell, I suspect once word gets out, girls will go out of their way to avoid you, no matter what you're packing." She gave him an intense look, glancing briefly toward his groin then back to his face.

"You're a twisted bitch," he said, a slight leer crossing his face. "So, do you still wanna play?"

"I haven't decided yet," she lay there looking at him, her mouth a sensuous curve. "Gimmie a preview."

He smirked then pulled down his pants.

"Not bad," letting approval fill her tone, it wasn't the most she'd ever been offered but 'not bad' summed it up very well.

Temari awoke with a start as the load blast of music started: Sex Type Thing. Crap, Kankurou had a girl in his room and was waking up everyone by announcing it at midnight. Although, what kind of girl he thinks would think of that song as a turn on… She threw her robe on, ran over to his door and banged on it with all her strength, "Dammit Kankurou, we've got guests in this wing, show a little respect."

The volume dropped a bit and the door cracked open, "I haven't found out if she's a screamer yet."

"You're disgusting," she hissed at her brother.

"And you're the oldest virgin in the village," he sneered.

Did she hear a female snort of laughter from inside there? Temari looked down the hall; did she detect someone ducking back into of one of the guest rooms? If it was Shikamaru, her heart was filled with dread. Please don't let Kankurou have said that loud enough for him to hear. That would be that worst… The music suddenly went off.

"Well you're in luck," Kankurou smirked, "I think she just let us know she's not too noisy."

"Fine, just keep the music down." Temari met her brother's gaze one last time, "Have a good night, but not too good, we do have work to do tomorrow."

Much later Ino lay atop Kankurou and contemplated him, "You really know how to work it. I'm impressed."

"You're not bad yourself," he replied as he slid his hand along her hip, taking in the feel of her soft curves.

She lifted herself off him. "That's where you're wrong," she leaned over then licked her finger and drew a circle around his navel, she then blew on the wet area, "I'm a very bad girl." She took up her robe, pulled it on and walked out the door.

The next morning all five of them: Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji, Temari & Kankurou, were gathered around a table together for breakfast. "So what was with that music last night?" Ino asked. She noticed Kankurou's eye twitched, and he already had all his paint on this morning. Gotcha again…this could be fun.

"My brother sometimes likes to play his music a little loud. He doesn't always seem to keep the same hours as the rest of humanity," Temari talked through her teeth.

"I could say a few things about your humanity," Kankurou growled back.

"This isn't what we're here for," Shikamaru interrupted.

"Sorry," Temari glanced at him.

Kankurou merely grunted his distain.

The five of them started to wind down the day as they had begun it; gathered around a table at the main complex for a meal. After a day of listening to talks with the Suna village council, Ino began to wonder why she had even come on this mission; she had nothing constructive to add to it. The only thing she was learning was that Kankurou was stubborn as a brick about things; every bit the bully she thought he was. She had to bite her tongue, to avoid getting in any drawn out arguments with him, holding back was not her forte.

Why did I do that? she asked herself, Was it because my arguments with him might have become a more personal, subjective nature because of last night?

He was watching at her; not continually, mind you. Just the occasionally flicker of his eyes to her, then a quick smile almost to himself while he looked away again.

"You seemed unusually quiet today, Ino." Chouji commented, "Usually you're out there giving your opinion on everything."

"I'm thinking my opinions aren't right for this environment," she frowned, "I don't even think I belong here."

"So, you want everyone in there to keep the opinion they already have of you being pretty window dressing?" Kankurou smirked at her.

"Better than being a smug bastard who thinks he can push people around, because some of his family held the title of Kazekage." She glared at him, saw the flinch, and knew the barb had hit its mark.

Kankurou put his fists on the table as he rose up. Temari put her hand on his shoulder. "Sit down." She then turned to Ino, "That was uncalled for. I think my brother was trying to encourage you and you took it the wrong way."

"No I wasn't," he snapped. Then he sat down again in a very defensive posture.

In spite of herself she found herself drawn to the balcony again that evening. Yes, last night had been a lot more fun than she'd had in a while…but really. What did she know about Kankurou?

She settled right in, brushing out her tresses again, and thinking of several things. First was the fact that she was here in Suna at all, it bothered her. Maybe she was just part of the escort and shouldn't have any expectations of contributing anything of value. Second was Shikamaru. She'd suspected for quite a while that he was hung up on Temari. What was wrong with him, would it be so hard to tell her…

"Invading my balcony again I see." Kankurou came up behind her. His tone left no doubt as to what was on his mind, "Did you come back for seconds?"

"Maybe." She continued to brush her hair without looking at him. He sat down beside her. "I have a question for you," she said softly. "When you called you sister the oldest virgin in Suna…?"

He cut her off before she could finish, "What kind of question is that?"

"Hear me out. I mean as far as you know she hasn't… so I'm wondering, either she's not into that the idea at all or she's waiting on someone in particular." She finally turned to look at him; the paint was off his face, good. "Because I think someone we know is hung up on her, but hasn't gotten the nerve up to tell her."

The light went on, "Shikamaru."

"Exactly," she smiled, "so, do you think it's possible?"

He actually seemed thoughtful for a moment, versus his usual reactive personality, "Very possible."

"Now, do we want to do anything about it?" she leaned toward him.

"Like what, there isn't going to be much of an opportunity for them to..." he thought about it for a second realizing anything was possible considering last night.

"We can start with small things, forcing them to sit as close together as possible, making them hand off items to each other, silly little things like that." She became more animated as she plotted and seemed fairly pleased with her idea, "Maybe, these fleeting contacts will make them want something more lingering."

"And while we're on the subject of contact," he took the brush from her hand, "I've go some lingering I'd like to do." I am not going to let you spend that energy just talking.

"Yes," she said simply, and they were on their way to his room.

"I have another question for you," Ino smiled as she slid her hands under his robe to stroke his side.

"I hope it's nothing like the last one."

"Maybe a little." She bent to run her tongue lightly down from the base of his neck to stop to kiss the middle of his chest. "Since you have such a nice body, why do you insist on wearing outfits that look like kiddie pajamas when you're out on missions?"

He chuckled, "You want all my secrets right away, don't you?" He entwined her in his arms, hands sliding gently against her. "I've got a much better secret to share with you."

About two hours later they decided to take a real breather. This was turning into some sort of contest, seeing who could continue to do something, anything to keep the other going, without allowing them a chance to take control of things for too long.

"I can't believe you," she lay on her side looking at him, "you're as stubborn as I am about getting what you want."

"I guess I developed that trait growing up around Gaara." He looked her over, thinking as to where he was going to strike next when then continued their 'assault' on each other. "You had to lay claim to what you wanted fast, and try not to let go unless you life was at stake."

"I hate to do this to you but I think I might actually want to get some real sleep tonight." She looked at him, trying to read his expression. "See you tomorrow?"

He grabbed her wrist before she could even think of leaving.

She regarded him with an amused expression, a hint of smile playing across her lips. "Is this what you mean by laying claim?"

"Maybe," he hadn't let go of her yet.

"It's not that I don't want to stay," Ino brought her face toward her captive arm then rubbed her lips lightly along his fingers, "I just think if we're both worn out tomorrow, someone's gonna start to figure things out." She opened her lips slightly, tongue sneaking out to lick his fingers for just a moment, "I'm not ready for that yet, we've got time to play, tomorrow or the next day…or whenever…I'll be here for a while."

"Very well," he released her wrist with a slow grace, loosening one of his digits at a time. She nibbled at his fingers a moment longer, then moved to leave. He watched as she slid silently through his doorway. Then he lay back on his bed thinking, I guess she's right, I'm exhausted. My competitive side definitely got the better of me tonight.

The next day ran pretty much the same as the one before: Ino felt essentially worthless. However, when their group gathered for dinner again, she set the alternate plan into action. She made sure Shikamaru and Temari were seated side by side, then decided to test her theory: she tripped and pushed Temari in such a way that she was bumped into Shika. Ino watched carefully and was rewarded by a seeing a blush cross Temari's face as her eyes met Shikamaru's and stayed there in a locked gaze just a little too long. I knew it, she smiled, now if we can just figure out the right way to get these two alone.

Ino decided to test her luck. Kankurou had come out on the balcony at approximately the same time both nights. It was her turn to arrive after him, and find out what he normally did while out there. Before she wandered out, she did something she hadn't gotten a chance to do until much later at night, braid her hair. It made life so much easier having a few less tangles to brush out in the mornings. She then waited almost a half an hour after his normal arrival time and found him lying on the bench staring at the night sky. "So you're kind of like Shikamaru," she stood there looking down on him, "except he has a thing about clouds instead of stars."

"Yeah, I kind of remember that," Kankurou replied, lightly tugging on her braid. "So what's this, a symbol that you're into bondage tonight?" His smirk spoke volumes as he let go.

"Actually, this is what I normally do at night after brushing my hair." She flipped it back over her shoulder while looking at him as she gave him a smile of her own "It saves me a little time in the morning. Somehow, I've been a little distracted and don't get to it right away."

"Are you distracted tonight?" he still was on his back.

"Not just yet." She walked over to the other bench and set herself into a similar position to his, "Maybe I'll try stargazing for a while."

"It's more relaxing than distracting."

"Maybe that's what I need tonight," she replied softly.

They spent the next ten minutes or so lying on their backs staring upward. "So are we just going to keep doing this all night?" Kankurou asked.

"Is there something wrong with this?" she replied, "I thought that this is what you come out here for."

"It hasn't been quite the same lately."

"Distracted?" she teased, still regarding the night sky.

His silence made her wary. She looked over at him, he was staring at her. It was intense and almost scary. She sighed, Is this his real face? Do I even like this man?

"I think I'm going to turn in." she said cautiously, watching his expression. Was there just a flicker of disappointment, Don't read too much into it. She got up and started to walk toward the entryway.

"I saw their reactions…"

"Hmmm?" she paused

"My sister and Shikamaru, I guess you were right."

"Then maybe we'll discuss this…tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" There was definite disappointment in his voice.

"I've got a busy day tomorrow; they're letting me loose to wander about Suna. I don't have to sit in on the negotiations for a day…lucky me." She smiled then blew him a kiss. "Didn't you hear?" She left the balcony.

"Thanks a lot, you twisted bitch," he growled.

A/N: Yeah, Sex Type Thing by Stone Temple Pilots, definitely not my idea of romance. Don't get me wrong, I like the song… but it annoys my Beta. Especially when I crank it in my car.

Hey, if you like my story…want to criticize my story…or just want a shout-out you can drop me a review. I'm mostly harmless.