DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Naruto'. All rights belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I also do not own the song 'Clear Hearts Grey Flowers'. All rights belong to Jack Off Jill. I only own my OCs, and this fanfiction. Thank you.
NOTE: Somewhat suggestive content here, involving minors. But no sex. Also, more violence.
Things had started off smoothly enough. Drinks had been ordered first up, without hesitation, as soon as the offer had been laid on the table. The men were more than willing to listen to the requests upon asking, and relaying the orders to their waitress. Soon enough, Ino had been drinking a Lava Flow, while her companion had enjoyed a Raspberry Lemonade. Next came food orders, where the girls had done everything in their power not to splurge.
All while this was happening, they'd noticed the flashes of brown and burgundy leather, as the object of their true affections teased their visions sporadically. The wallets, pulled out and filled with various cards...and cash. Who knew how much was in there. From the way these guys looked, probably a decent chunk, for people like them who were only used to life on the streets. Enough to fund a good few meals, and maybe even some side treats.
The right pocket. That's where the one with the ponytail kept their prize. Same as the other one. Not too hard to fish out-their clothes weren't super tight on them, which meant there wouldn't be as much of a struggle to get out the cash. Especially since they'd each picked a girl to focus most of their attention on.
As they'd sat back listening to the musical performances that graced the main stage, all varying in quality, the girls had been sharing short and silent knowing looks to each other across the table. Ino was simply seated against her target, while the one with her companion had an arm around her shoulders. Her heart was skipping, as she primed herself for what she had to do. Just like always.
Ino was a pretty good actress. And she had enough skill to know how to use her body and language to her advantage. Plus, add on the alcohol, and she had the perfect excuse for what she'd do to get what she was after. Her partner used the same routine, although...she wasn't quite as smooth at the more 'seductive' bits. She had to rely on a performance that fit her style better. Sweet and tipsy was her M.O, while Ino was more 'Up close and personal'.
They'd waited until after the food arrived and eating had taken place, among light table talk and coy exchanges. The men would often joke about seeing them up on the stage singing, while the girls would girlishly turn it back on them. There were a few other subjects discussed as well, like what they were each doing in their lives. Ino and her were both college students, working to pay the bills since they didn't live on campus. The two males were businessmen at one of the local bigwig corporations. They'd flashed some name or other at them, which only sealed the deal in both girls minds that they'd found some real cash cows for the night.
Once things had settled down some; bodies were relaxing and booze was kicking in, the girls had put their plan into action. The two men had been sharing a few chuckles with each other over the male currently on stage who'd obviously had too much to drink. He was mangling his song of choice, but having a grand old time doing so.
They hadn't been focused for very long however, as Ino made the first move. Turning her body just so, her front was now pressed against her target's side. He'd looked down at her in mild surprise, feeling soft, decently developed chest pressing into his arm under a sleeveless purple top. Shifting slightly, she gave him another appreciative little brush with her assets. Her blue eyes were looking up at him through lower lashes, and with her long golden bangs falling in front like a curtain, she'd resembled something akin to a hidden treasure. Instantly, the male had been at attention.
"Oh, my..." Ino had let out a soft, heated sigh, as she'd lifted her head, to regard the man with a playful pout. Her full pink lips drew his eye, as did her voice, now dropped to a low purr. "I feel so hot...I must've drank too much tonight, nya~" She'd let out a cute drunken giggle-a bloody good imitation, too-and fallen against him a bit more. "But I've had so much fun tonight...can you blame me?" That adorable little sing-song whine to her voice; a tactic she had used on her partner many times before. It had always worked on her, and this man was no exception. Now, he'd been leaning in a little closer, dark eyes appraising her once more.
"Well, you know, it's always a pleasure...to enjoy good company." If they hadn't already been together with one another, that line would've been enough to make them melt. As it was, Ino had simply kept up her alluringly drunk persona, now allowing a hand to run along his chest. She could feel in beneath her fingers: this guy was fit. She had to be careful in her pursuit here; if she'd messed up, she could be in for a world of hurt.
"I knooow...but I must thank you, some way, for this most...beautiful evening." This time, her hand had wandered up to his collar, tugging lightly at the red tie that rested there. She could feel the male tense with her actions-that was a good sign. Another tug, and this time, a swallow. Somebody was getting hot and bothered, all according to plan.
At seeing this display, her partner carefully began putting her own plan to work, now scooting in closer to the male that sat beside her. He'd tensed momentarily, before relaxing and looking down at the girl who had now placed a small hand upon his leg, while staring up at him with intoxicated, but grateful and wanting eyes. A slight drag of nails over fabric, and a faint shiver from her male companion. Perfect.
"We both want to...show you how happy we are..." She'd begun lifting her head, until she was whispering just so, into his ear. Her breath was warm on his neck, and in a rare fit of daring, she'd let her tongue slip out, to flick lightly against his pulse point. Oh boy, that had really gotten his attention! Now he'd been turned towards her, pulling her up close against him. Those warm brown eyes of his were dancing with a fire that could've easily made the blood in anyone's veins heat up. "And what did you have in mind, huh?"
Having taken a brief pause to watch her companion's ploy play out, Ino had readied herself to get into position. Slowly, she'd stretched herself out, one hand in front of the other, as she'd crawled onto her target's lap. He hadn't known how to respond, as with a trained shift of her body, the blonde had been sitting in his lap, straddling him like it was the most natural thing in the world. His eyes were locked onto hers, as Ino had leaned in close, one hand sliding up from his collar, over his shoulders...then reaching out to cup the left side of his face. As her thumb had brushed along the edge of his chin, she'd felt it: the faint line of a scar. Maybe these guys had gotten into a few scuffles before.
"What would you like...how do you want your thanks?" Her voice had been husky, and she'd watched his expression change, the first touch of lust now clouding his gaze. As she continued leaning in closer however, her other hand had already slipped down, to stroke his thigh...before stealthily sliding up, up and around...for his pocket. In another couple of moves, she'd reached its edge.
Grinding her lower half against his, she'd felt that faint twitch in his pants, the tightening-just as her fingers closed around his wallet. A slight smirk had tugged at her lips then, which she'd hidden by piling on more temptation. "We'll do anything...to make it worth your while."
Oh, boy. Ino was really laying it on thick tonight. Her partner had worried then, for a fleeting second: perhaps stealing their funds was not going to be the most difficult thing here. Depending on how worked up their targets got from their 'advances', it may've been a little trickier to give them the slip. These guys weren't like their usual marks, that much had been established.
But there was no turning back now. As Ino had finished her sultry display, slipping the wallet out from his pants and down in the shadows to her side, the other girl realized that it was on her to seal the deal. Gazing once more into her prospect's eyes, she'd leaned up closer, her hand below rising up to tease the waist of his pants, while the other was stroking his throat lightly. The tongue action seemed to work well, so she'd trailed it along the side of his neck, receiving a low groan in appreciation. Sliding her lower hand around to the side where his wallet lay, she'd brought her lips as close as possible to his skin, whispering into his ear. "We'll do...anything you want...just for you..."
Another groan, this time almost closer to a growl, as she'd found her way to the mark while running her nails along his collar. More hot breath and a soft mewl into his hearing, just as the wallet had slipped out, now held securely to her side. Pushing it through the narrow gap against the seat back, she'd settled it on the booth remaining behind her, straightening herself out so she could swiftly-but not obviously-grab it once more in her hand. By this point, Ino had already stood up, one hand behind her back, the other on her hip as she'd struck a pose. Giving the two males the eye, she'd been certain: the lure had been cast, and these two suckers had fallen for it hook, line and sinker.
"Where did you want to go?" It was apparent, by their appreciative stares and hungry tones, that they'd gotten the message loud and clear, and were more than ready to leave. Giving him another wink, she'd gone to reach for her companion with her free hand, helping her across the tight space between her and her catch.
"How's about...you go outside and wait, while we go and freshen up in the bathroom? It shouldn't take us too long-and then, we can go have some real fun." With wallets tucked smoothly behind them, they'd shifted to allow their male companions access out of the booth. Both of them were still eyeing both girls up and down, as if suddenly in a whole new level of acknowledgement.
These two were really suave, even for being so easy. "Don't keep us waiting...loves." With a nod from the first and a grin from the second, they'd headed back towards the front. Hearts hammering in chests, both girls had looked at each other once more, before scurrying for the back.
Once they'd made it inside the bathroom-which was empty, thank goodness-they'd let out mutual sighs of relief. As she'd gone to splash some water on her face with a free hand, she'd taken note of how the makeup around her eyes had faded and smudged a little bit. Her lips were mostly stripped of color, seeing as she'd been using them for consumption that night. At least she hadn't actually tried to kiss that guy.
Ino had stood to the side, brushing the loose strands of hair away from her face, and marveling at the heavy brown leather in her hand. "Wow...this thing is stuffed!" Opening it eagerly, she'd nearly dropped it, upon finding 10,000 in cash wedged in the side slit. Her blue eyes had been wide, as she'd started furiously motioning to her partner.
"Hey, hey! Open yours! Open it! We gotta see this!" Doing as she was told, the reaction was almost exactly the same: another 10,000 in cash, ripe for the taking. They could only begin to imagine how much was in the accounts attached to the credit cards.
Ino had been looking at the wads of cash between them, eventually folding them up into one full stack, and tucking it inside her bra. It had taken a little fishing and arranging, but she managed to get it situated properly. The lump and imbalance wasn't too noticeable through the front of her top. It had a high collar, so that helped to hide it more, too. In two seconds, she'd chucked the wallets in the trash. Looking back at her girlfriend, she'd let out a low whistle. The initial shock had never left her gaze.
"Hon...we just made 20,000 tonight." Her voice had lost its actor's luster, and had turned to a breathless, disbelieving low tone. She'd grabbed a hold of her partner's shoulders, shaking her lightly. "20,000. Yen." Now her blue eyes had begun to sparkle again; she almost looked like she was about to cry, out of jubilation. "Do you know...how well that sets us up for?" Her girl could only nod, just as excited as she. Ino's joy really was contagious, but she'd be lying if she'd said she wasn't happy about it either.
"We can have food...real food." Ino had nodded frantically too, before rushing towards the last stall towards the end of the bathroom. Beyond the stall walls, a window rested above, within reach if one or two were to stand atop the toilet. Which was exactly what both girls were planning to do. It was one of the main reasons Ino had chosen this place, after all. One of the main things she'd remembered about this joint: how easy it was to make a getaway.
"Not just food-we could actually get a room at one of the cheap hotels! They're not the cleanest, but it's better than nothing! We could sleep in real beds! Hell, we'd even be able to shower! I don't remember the last time we had access to hygiene! We could buy new clothes!" Aside from the occasional steal of random toiletries, the girls had been on their own in that department.
When their clothes had gotten too dirty or tattered to use-which wasn't an uncommon occurrence in their lives-they'd have to scout out the donation shops, and nick what they could. These current outfits were already a few months old, and beginning to show the damages. Scavenging and ducking for cover weren't the most gentle routines on one's wardrobe, much less body.
Usually, they could get away scot-free, but there had been times, were still times...when they'd been caught, and running like bats out of Hell. After each of these close calls, they'd had to regroup and revise their plans, then try again somewhere else on another day. It was all they could do.
But now, they wouldn't have to worry about any of that. Not for a long time, if they kept track of these funds and how to use them properly. They wouldn't blow it all on expensive shit; they couldn't keep any of it, once the money ran out. They could at least enjoy some good food for a while though, and a roof over their heads. They could pretend to be regular, 'normal' people for a time, leaving the usual street routine behind.
It would be quite the pity once reality came back to kick them in the ass however, which was guaranteed to happen. That money couldn't last forever. Once it was gone, they'd have to go out scouring again. Since they were homeless runaways, they couldn't go to a shelter-if there were any in this deathtrap of a city-or get jobs. But the future seemed a little brighter now, being able to put away their rough sides and actually live for a while.
The window hadn't been too hard to open, seeing as it was a push up with a sill. Ino had hefted her partner up and out first, since she'd had a little more build and strength on her end. Once outside, the girl had helped pull up the blonde, a little more difficult but not impossible to accomplish. Soon enough, both of them had made it through, and had stood for a few moments, to catch their breath.
"Whew..." As she let out a somewhat loud sigh, Ino had turned to her partner. A new glint of playfulness was in her eyes, and her companion wasn't entirely sure how to respond. What was she planning now, after all these activities?
But in a few moments her questioning had gone away, as Ino had wrapped her arms around the girl, and pulled her in close. They were flush against each other, one heartbeat being exchanged for another in the shadows of the alleyway, under the stars.
"You're my little Billboard-Brow." For once, the girl in question hadn't felt the need to complain and correct, as the blonde had leaned in nearer, pressing her forehead against hers. "My sweet little cherry blossom." Her companion's heart had skipped then, as Ino's hands had slid down, to rest upon her waist. With one more move, she'd caught her partner's lips in a tender kiss.
For once, she'd been able to truly let herself go, and just bask in this victory they had shared. Enjoy the small things, without fear of what would come after, or whether or not they'd be able to do this again. Whether or not there would be a tomorrow. None of that mattered, as the girl had returned Ino's warm embrace, pressing her lips against the blonde's with all the passion she was worth. In a few seconds, the kiss had deepened. This was a rare intimate moment they were getting to share, in a life that was not known for granting such things.
Then, that sound. A call, belonging to a familiar-and now unwanted voice. A voice that should not have been there, watching them, at that very moment. "Well, well...lookie here."
She'd felt her heart skip again, but painfully hard, and Ino's grip had instantly shifted, to wrap around her partner's shoulders. Holding her protectively, the blonde had done her best not to let her terror slip through. This...was not good. At all.
Strolling up to them from the shadows before them...were none other than their 'target dates' for the evening. And in the darkness that was closing in steadily, it was all too obvious that their previously perfect gentlemen...were not so perfect after all. Cruelty reflected in their gazes, as they appraised the girls once more. But there was a new mocking in their eyes.
"Seems like we've caught ourselves a pair of liars." The one with the spiky locks was grinning, though it was nowhere near as charming as it had been before. "Pretty little liars, ain't they?" A chuckle left his lips, as he leaned back just slightly in posture. His stance was cocky, as he placed his hands in his pockets cooly.
"That's one way to put it." The one with the ponytail had proceeded to take a step forward, which Ino had responded to with a sharp step back, practically dragging her girlfriend with her. The tension was all too evident in the air, as the male stared straight on into Ino's attempt at a steely gaze. "You know, you almost had us going there. Had you not decided to take us for fools, we would've been more than willing to make it worth your while...before the inevitable, of course." Another chuckle, this time shared between the two males.
The girl held tight in her lover's grasp could only clutch at her sides, arms wrapped fully around, as she held on for dear life. They'd never been caught before when pulling this trick. Never, never ever. They'd gotten so good at their actions and personas, and nobody had ever caught on to the fact that it was a sham. These guys were the first to do so and, watching their impressive statures loom ever closer...they could very well be the last.
Ino had refused to allow her intimidation to show through, even as she'd taken another fumbling step away. "'The inevitable'? What, were you gonna kill us, too?" She already knew what the first part of his statement had meant. They were men with testosterone, after all. But the second had struck a chord with her. If they'd seriously thought the pair of them would roll over and be added to the body count of the streets, they were dead wrong. There would be no victims tonight.
That's what she had truly believed, as she'd looked down at the trembling girl in her grasp, then back up at the two men. The one with the ponytail had been smirking. His smugness was sickening.
"No, not murder-that wasn't a part of the job. We're just here to collect." A flash in his eyes, warping the dark hue with a new intent: malice. "But if you want to die, we'll be more than happy to comply." The spiky-haired one had stepped closer as well, this time pulling a hand from his pocket to make a gun, and pretend to fire at the pair of girls.
"If you don't wanna behave, and come with us like you were so willing to before." The taunting and hatred were all too clear in his tone, and it was at that moment that the girl below had felt Ino shift above, mouth at the top of her head, pressed down so her hushed and even attempted tones could still reach her partner's ears.
"Listen to me, okay? I don't know what they want here...but these guys are not normal creeps. We're gonna book it, and get lost in the crowds." Her companion could only nod, not trusting herself to speak. Ino's gaze had not yet left the pair of males, who had now seemed to find their current display 'cute'.
"Aww, are the two lovebirds talking it over? Better hurry, girls-time's running out." The blonde had flinched, before delivering her last words to her significant other. "On the count of three. When I let you go, you start running. And don't look back. Got it?" Another nod. The two males had been drawing ever closer.
Shaky breathing, and tremors wracking their frames. "One..." Another two steps nearer. Another taunt. "Don't make this harder on yourselves."
The grind of shoe soles into ground, as two pairs of legs drew back, tense and taut. "Two..." The crack of knuckles, and another retort. "We won't hurt you-not unless you want us to." Another shudder.
The air was thick with static and sweat; it had suddenly become ungodly humid. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and she'd been certain that Ino's was, too. A twitch in her hands, as the last number had left her lips. "...three."
As soon as Ino's hands had started sliding down her arms, her partner was already turning to run. Feeling her sandal heels digging into the dirt and broken pavement beneath them, she'd charged forward, not smoothly but stably enough to keep her balance. Beside her, she'd felt a grip to her now free right hand, as Ino had sprinted ahead. The extra speed on her end had been enough to help boost her companion, and keep up the adrenaline rush. They were running for all they were worth, paying no mind to their pursuers words behind, or whatever they were doing. Chasing after them now, most likely.
Oh, if only. If only they had known.
The girls could easily see the light of the city streets drawing nearer. Once they reached that point, it was all over. They knew these alleys and avenues like the backs of their hands. They could easily get lost in the crowds and side-streets, and unless these two wanted to make a scene, they'd have to give up their chase, and consider the whole outing a loss. Ino sure as hell wasn't planning on giving back the money. These guys were loaded-20,000 was chump change to them!
She hadn't heard it. Hadn't realized that the two men had stopped. Hadn't realized that they were no longer following them, but taking aim. They'd been so focused on their freedom that they hadn't seen the gleam of metal. Hadn't heard the solid click.
But they'd certainly heard the bang. And beside her, the girl had felt her partner violently lurch forwards, as Ino let out a horrible cry. Staggering, she'd nearly dragged her girlfriend down with her, as with a dumbfounded, pained stare, she'd slowly looked down to her abdomen...
...and watched as it gradually began to fill in her purple top and white belt with an unmistakeable stain.
Blood.
"S-Shit...shit!" Ino was trying to stay balanced, and as her partner did her best to get the girl back to a standing position, she'd looked over-and saw that the two men were advancing on them. In the hand of the spiky-haired brunet, she saw what she hadn't wanted to, hadn't even been able to find when she'd pulled her sex kitten routine on him earlier.
A gun. A shiny, silver gun, so steely cold and impersonal in the moonlight. Unaware of who it hurt or what it was used for, simply brandished as a tool of power and menace. Of nightmares and death.
She refused to let it end this way.
"I-Ino-Ino, come on!" Throwing her girl's arm over her shoulders, and wrapping her right arm around her back, her companion was moving for both of them, practically, somehow managing to make it to the sidewalk. Staggering outside, she didn't dare turn around again, lest she take a bullet to the face. She'd just kept pushing herself on, with a death grip on her partner, who was holding her stomach. The red was rapidly filling, already spilling over her fingers and down her skirt.
It was a good thing it wasn't daytime; here, it was easier to hide the stains, if not the disoriented nature of Ino's walk and half-conscious gaze. But she'd still continued to press on, to keep up with the girl who was so desperate to keep her alive. She'd fought, if only to make it far enough out of danger...and collect her wits for the task ahead. The worst moment of her life.
Amazingly enough, there had been a small park not too far from the bar. They didn't usually go there because of how open most of it was, not because of the unkempt scenery. Even with its disarray, it still attracted the occasional characters, and could be a little too obvious at times. The one somewhat closed off place was the bathrooms, which was where the two girls had limped, before slumping down against the wall, right inside the doorway. At this point, they'd had no other option. Ino had to rest. Heh, it had started in a bathroom, and was now ending there, too.
"Oh...oh, God..." As the blonde lay there against the tile, breathing shallow and pallor rapidly paling, her girl had taken note of the wound in her stomach. She'd winced, and let out a helpless whimper. It was bad. Really, really bad. It looked ugly, and angry. It shouldn't have been there, marring her beloved's flesh! The hole wouldn't stop bleeding, even as she'd pressed her red bandanna against the skin, attempting to cut it off with pressure. Wasn't that what they did when you had blood drawn? Couldn't that work here, if only for a little bit?
It was a childish, stupid, uninformed thought process. But it was all she had to go on, even as she knew deep down, that this was not something she could handle on her own. Neither of them could. Ino needed a doctor, and fast.
"Babe..." At hearing the name, croaked out and feeble, she'd turned her attention back up to her partner's face. Ino's eyes were half-open, the sky blue in them darkened to a cloudy day. She was sweating and shivering, breathing labored as she'd let her hand drop from against her abdomen to the cold floor below. It left behind smudged crimson fingerprints, that soon vanished under the red puddle that continued to fill up below.
"T-Take it easy. Just keep c-calm." She had no idea who she'd been saying these words for, herself or her companion. But as terrified as she was, the girl knew she'd had to be strong, for the both of them this time. Usually, Ino was the one who kept them afloat. It was thanks to her that she'd learned anything about taking care of herself out here. Now, it was all on her to return the favor, and prove that when the going got tough, she could take the pressure. It was a risky plan she'd had in mind, but if Ino could hold out for just a little longer, it could work.
They had the money. They could get a cab, and head to the hospital. All they'd had to do was find one in time. After that, it was smooth sailing, hopefully-they at least knew what the hospital was called, even if they didn't go there. Konoha General. If anyone could save Ino, it was them.
She wouldn't let her die. Not tonight. Not her. Not Ino. She wouldn't. She wouldn't. She couldn't-!
"We g-gotta get up again, okay Ino? Ino-pig?" Now she'd been trying to reassure her with those pet names of their youth, as she'd attempted to carefully hoist the blonde to her feet. "We gotta-we gotta get you s-some help...you need h-help, Ino..."
But the girl shook her head limply, ponytail swaying to and fro like a weak stream. "I can't...I c-can't..." At this, she'd started coughing violently, which hadn't helped the blood loss below any. "It-it hurts...I can't...just leave me, s-save yourself." At this, her companion had felt her own stomach drop.
Leave...? Run away? Leave, and run away? Leave Ino behind?
A/N: And there you have it, the end of Chapter Four. Took a while to revamp/edit, and I apologize for that. Life...has not been kind to me for a while now. A lot of things have been thrown on their heads and ripped out from under me.
Here, in this new version of our Fourth Chapter, so too is it the same for our bold blossom duo. The flower girl and the blooming bud. Things were starting out so well, too. Then...all of this.
I know, it probably seems like a LOT of OCs are being brought into this story. But, TBH...even if there are villainous characters in the canon being dealt w/here, I just...didn't feel like throwing them into these kinds of roles? I would rather use OCs for this instead, and save the big baddies for other points in the story. Does that make sense?
Hopefully, this updated version was interesting enough to read, and not too incorrect. I think, translated to American currency, that 20,000 would be about...200? I'm not sure, something like that. I hope I got it right. 'fingers crossed' If not, LMK and I'll change it ASAP. Other than that...boy oh boy.
Looks like Ino and her, as of yet still unnamed companion, have gotten in beyond over their heads. This may not be a situation they can escape from, this time around. How would they ever get out, if they even can? Will it all come down to that one painful choice: leaving her injured lover behind?
...you'll see what happens. As always, feedback is welcome, encouraged and appreciated. When fall/winter rolls around, it'll have been nine YEARS since I wrote the original first Chapter for this fic, and posted it here. Wow, time sure does fly...and only now am I FINALLY getting off my ass and doing something about it here. I fucking fail, so hard. Sorry. ^^;
Next time: Resolution. Of what sort remains to be seen. Will this night end in triumph? Or more blood?
Until then, take care everyone. If you celebrate it, happy early 4th of July.