Chapter 6: I Don't Care if Monday's Black

Present

As far as Twilight Zone's go, Ino figured that this one wasn't too bad. She just couldn't shake the feeling that something was some how…she didn't know…off about her current situation. It wasn't just that she had apparently suffered severe memory loss or that she was apparently in a committed relationship with her off and on again best friend. Compounded by the slight dizziness that she was occasionally suffering from, not that she would tell Sakura, last thing Ino wanted was to go back to the hospital, she felt that she had an obligation to at least stay alert for any other abnormalities. Still, all things considered, Ino guessed that everything could be worse. She was never the glass half-empty type anyways (being blond and popular is bound to make anyone perky), so she resolved to try and make the best of the situation. After all, there had to be some good things she could get out of the experience. Maybe Fate would cut her some slack and would stop blindsiding her every five freakin' minutes. Although, with what had just happened, it seemed like Fate couldn't or wouldn't take a hint. Ino wondered if it had a suggestion box.

The crisis was that she had just gotten out of the hospital seven hours earlier and now she was apparently getting ready for the most awkward evening ever; life was just peachy. Of course, Ino supposed that it was a "happy" accident running into her father as she and Sakura passed by the flower shop on the way home from the hospital and that it was only polite for her girlfriend (just thinking the word still felt weird) to make small talk with him. Trying to end a moment that only Ino apparently noticed was awkward, she had hedged and said that "gosh, it's been great but we have to go now, but nice seeing you, and let me know if I can help out later" when Sakura had done it. Stepped right up to Ino's dad without a care in the world, and said, "Hey, why don't you come to our place for dinner tonight around seven? Ino's been feeling out of sorts lately, and I think that you guys are just what she needs." Even more surprising, although she was no longer sure why it should be, her father had said "yes, he would love to come." "Love to," as in looking forward to it and "Oh, by the way can I bring anything?" To which Sakura had responded with a polite giggle and a "Mr. Yamanaka you're so sweet, but I'm sure Ino and I can manage," and with that they had walked off, hand in hand (weirder still!) and returned home.

Argh, Ino was still so mad at her. To make matters worse, Sakura didn't even realize how much of a disaster this evening was going to be. She had only said, "Don't worry Ino, I'll take care of everything. Just take a nap and make sure you wake up in time to get ready." Ino had been half tempted to snooze right through her alarm, and it most certainly wasn't because she was snuggling with Sakura's pillow. Now she sat at her vanity, applying the last touches of make up to her face. Having finished that, she gave herself one last once over and headed down the stairs.

"Oh, hey Ino," Sakura said, glancing up from the pot she was currently stirring, "wow, you look great." Which was true, Ino had gone with her usual purple and white color scheme, the dress hugging her naturally curvaceous figure while still retaining some movement. Sakura thought Ino looked like a movie star, and she told her so.

Laughing, Ino responded, "Thanks, but I sense an ulterior motive."

"Hey, can't blame a girl for trying. I was just going to ask if you could set the table for four and keep an eye on the noodles on the stove while I change. I shouldn't take very long and almost all of the food is ready to go."

Ino glanced around, noticing the wide array of dishes on the counter top. "Sakura, there's enough food here to feed an army!"

"Well, I think your father has been hanging out with the Akimichi Clan too much, he's starting to eat like them."

Ino, giggling, could only concur. "Sure, I'll help out down here. You go change." It wasn't until Sakura had ascended the stairs and disappeared into the bedroom that Ino finally realized something, 'wait, does this mean that we've had my family over for dinner before?'

True to her word, Sakura, wearing a red dress, was ready and back in the kitchen fifteen minutes later. Coming up behind Ino, she wrapped her arms around her and said, "Thanks for keeping an eye on things." "Oh, sure, no problem."

Ino tried to relax into Sakura's embrace, but was finding it difficult.

"Hey, what's the matter? You're really tense. It isn't because I'm holding you, is it?" Sakura started to remove her arms, when Ino grabbed them and gently held them in place. "No, it's not that. In fact, this," she emphasized by quickly squeezing Sakura's hands, "feels great. I guess I'm just nervous about having my parents over for dinner. I've never introduced them to someone special to me before." Ino quickly amended that statement when she felt Sakura giggling into her back, "I mean, I don't remember introducing them to someone special."

"Well, I've got to say, you were about this nervous the last time you did it and everything turned out fine. Besides, I think your parents knew something was up before you even told them."

Ino turned around in Sakura's arms, laughing. "Well, my dad is kind of a mind reader." Sakura reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Ino's ear, letting it fall into place with the rest of the hair cascading down Ino's back.

"Mmm, I need to get my hair cut soon. I was actually going to go put it up. It keeps getting in my way."

"Oh, no, keep it down at least through dinner. I like this look on you."

"Says the woman with the short hair."

"Hey, I had long hair once. Plus, I remember the last time you cut your hair. How do I know that you won't infuse it with chakra and try and take over my body again?" Sakura teased.

Impulsively, Ino leaned down and captured Sakura's lips in a kiss. When the mutual need for oxygen broke them apart, Ino leaned back against the counter and pulled Sakura closer to her. "Thank you."

"Some how I think I should be the one thanking you."

"I mean, thank you for helping me stop freaking out about my parents. You're right. They obviously know about us, and if they had a problem with our relationship, I'm sure I would never hear the end of it from my mom. And, I also want to tell you I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For what?"

"I'm sorry that I'm such a burden right now and that the Ino that left you a few days ago isn't the Ino that came back. I'm sorry I've been so weird lately and that I keep freaking out about everything and that…"

Sakura stopped her with another kiss. This one was meant to offer comfort instead of stoke the undercurrent of desire that seemed to constantly surround the couple, but still, when it was finished, both girls were feeling the pleasant tinges of arousal.

"I'm sorry too. I know I certainly wasn't as understanding as I could have been and I realize that I've been pushing you. All I want to do with you this week is relax and have fun. Besides, you still kiss like the old Ino, and that's what really counts."

Before she could reply, both girls heard a knock at the door.

Suddenly, panic returned full force. "Oh shit. I can't believe they're here. This is going to be a disaster," Ino groaned, trying to not to freak out.

"Hey, don't worry. I'll be here and we'll get through this together." Sakura reached out and turned off the stove before striding purposefully to the door. "Plus, if you behave, I promise not to later tonight."

'Oh, God,' Ino thought, 'I am so screwed.'

Dinner was…well, dinner was great. Her father did end up bringing some plum wine despite Sakura's protests, and her mother brought along some flowers from the shop. The bouquet was lovely, a masterful amalgamation of local flora centered on the cosmos flower. Ino's father joked that he wanted to bring Sakura her namesake, but thought that a tree might be too big for the kitchen table.

Everyone sat down and the conversation was easy and unforced. Mrs. Yamanaka complimented the cooking and offered to have both girls come over for dinner at the Yamanaka household early next week. Mr. Yamanaka kept everyone's glasses topped off (except Sakura, Ino noticed that she was only sticking with water). All in all, the evening was a success, and Ino couldn't believe it.

Before she knew it, three hours had rolled by and only the lateness of the hour convinced Ino's parents that it was time to go. Ino closed the apartment door after taking one last peek at the slowly retreating forms of her parents as they made their way back home. Her dad looked a little unsteady but her mother moved as gracefully as ever. Idly, Ino wondered if anyone else knew that her mom could drink her dad under the table. Turning around she headed back to the kitchen to help Sakura with the clean up. Picking up dishes and clearing the table was a mindless task and soon the two kunoichi were sitting on the couch in the living room, enjoying some after dinner coffee.

"I can't believe that this is happening," Ino said, blowing on the steaming liquid before taking a tentative sip.

"What?"

"This," she said, gesturing with her cup, "Us. I told you in the hospital that I had always hoped to be with you, but I never really thought it was possible. In fact, it got to the point where it was just easier not to think about you at all."

"How'd that work out for you?"

"Well, obviously it didn't, thank God. It's just that everything still feels so, I don't know, new. Like, our first day at the ninja academy when everything looked big and every sensei seemed larger than life, and we were so excited but a little bit frightened at the same time. It was one of those moments where you knew that from that day on your entire life would change. I think even back then I could recognize that the way of the shinobi would be something that could give just as much as it could take. Maybe I'm rambling, what did you think?

"About starting the ninja academy?"

Ino verified this with a nod.

"Well," Sakura stated, placing her mug on the coffee table before tucking her legs up under her and leaning back against the arm of the couch, "you know that both of my parents chose not to become ninjas and that my family doesn't have a clan-specific jutsu." Seeing Ino nod again, Sakura continued. "So, I guess I never really felt understood by my parents. Sure, they supported me and they recognized that I was becoming a valuable member to the community, but I don't think that they can appreciate everything that goes into being a shinobi, and that some of the choices I've had to make and the person that I've become are all geared towards a specific purpose; to be a tool, a weapon. When I started at the ninja academy, it was surreal, to deviate so drastically from the path that my parents had set for me. Looking back on this now, I'm sure that this led to my insecurities and eventual low-self esteem. As far as recognizing a moment in time when my life changed forever, that's easy. It was the second day I met you."

"Wait? The second day?" Ino looked perplexed.

"Yeah, when you told me to meet you because you had something for me; I admit, I never actually thought that you would show up." Sakura glanced down, slight embarrassed.

"I'd said I would."

"Yes, but I had been teased and tormented so much by girls just like you, it wouldn't have surprised me if you had just been giving me false hope."

"I'm glad to see I made such a great first impression," Ino teased, sticking out her tongue.

"Well, regardless of what I thought would happen, you did show up, and so that's the moment that I knew my life would change."

Momentarily overcome with emotion, Ino could only sip her coffee and try not to grin like a maniac.

"This is all one big ego boost for you isn't it?"

"…maybe."

"That's okay, I still love you."

Putting down her mug next to Sakura's, Ino turned her body to face the other girl, blue eyes seeking out green ones. "I love you, too."

"Ino, you don't have to say that just to make me feel better."

"Please, I might not have my memory, but I certainly haven't lost my mind. I know what I feel and I certainly know what I'm saying. I look at you and I see the same thing I saw all those years ago. It's what first attracted me to you."

"What? Slavish adoration and obsession?"

"Possibilities. Potential. Love.

The room was quiet for a moment, each girl lost in her own thoughts. Noticing Sakura stand up, Ino tried to stop her, "Hey, wait. Where are you going?"

"I made a promise tonight and I plan on keeping it." So saying, Sakura undid the ribbon on the front of her dress, revealing a wisp of black lace before reaching up to slip the straps off her shoulders, letting the dress collect on her hips before quickly shimmying out of it and letting the red material pool at her feet.

"Oh. Wow." Ino managed to say with some difficulty.

Closing the short distance between the two of them, Sakura stood in front of a staring Ino. Ino's eyes raked over the barely clothed body, taking the time to linger on the toned muscles that added an edge to the softness of Sakura's physique and the barely there lace panties and matching bra. Sure, Ino had seen Sakura wet and naked less than twenty-four hours ago, but she had been too busy freaking out to really appreciate the form of the pink-haired girl.

"Like what you see?"

Ino could only nod.

"Do you remember what I promised?"

"You uh," Ino cleared her throat, "you promised to be…uh…not nice." Somehow, Ino just couldn't bring herself to say 'naughty.'

Sakura smirked, internally delighted at Ino's insecurity. Often, Ino was so confident that Sakura sometimes forgot that the other girl possessed a vulnerable side.

"That's right." Sakura step forward and then sank down onto the couch, effectively straddling and trapping a nervous Ino. "I did." Sakura then shifted position slightly, adding pressure to Ino's lap, while her hands made themselves at home in the blond's hair. Ino gasped involuntarily, making Sakura's smile even wider.

"Sakura, I…"

"Shh…I'm busy being not nice." Sakura took Ino's hands and placed them on her hips, just above the black lace; then she leaned forward and nipped playfully at Ino's lower lip before proceeding to kiss Ino with an intensity that the blond had never previously experienced. Once she sensed Ino's overwhelming surrender, Sakura started to move her hips. The added sensation seemed to jerk Ino out of her stupor.

"Wait. Sakura, stop, please."

Sakura halted her gyrations but couldn't suppress her moan of frustration. "Ino, what is it?"

"It's just that, I've never done this before."

"I think we've already covered that you don't remember our sex life."

"No, well, yes, there is that, but I mean I've never done this before…period." Ino looked Sakura in the eye, praying that the other girl understood the added emphasis.

"What do you mean…oh, oh! Wait, that can't be right. What about Shikamaru or Choji, or someone," Ino shook her head no, "…else? But, when we first got together you never made it seem like, you were a, well to put it frankly, you acted like you lost your virginity years ago."

"I did?"

"Yes, you did. I guess I just assumed that it was with one of your team members."

"Oh, well, no, that's not true."

"Ino," Sakura leaned forward and started to nuzzle the other girl's neck, "I really don't want to pressure you or anything, and God knows I'll stop if you want me to stop, but I have got to tell you that I've been on the edge all day and it is really, really uncomfortable."

"Um…"

"So," Sakura pulled back so she could look the other girl in the eye, "I want you to think very carefully about this. One way or another, I'm going to have an orgasm, and either you're going to help me or I'm going to do it myself." Sakura bent her head and bit lightly at the juncture between Ino's neck and collarbone, pleased to see Ino's heart beat increase, becoming visible at the pulse point. "But I'm going to need your answer in the next thirty seconds or I am going to go insane." She punctuated this last statement with a rock of her hips, and that's when Sakura knew she had her.

Ino leaned forward and resumed kissing Sakura while her hands moved from their place on her hips to slip underneath that pitiful excuse for underwear, lightly kneading Sakura's ass. Sakura broke the kiss, panting, "Ino, oh, God, don't tease me, I don't think I can last very long."

Ino left one hand on Sakura's backside, while she moved her right one over Sakura's abs and down to the apex of her thighs, deliberately teasing Sakura through the black cloth.

"You are such a bitch," Sakura said through clenched teeth.

Ino responded by quickly flicking her thumb over Sakura's clit, which was still sensitive even through the lace barrier.

"Come on, Ino." Sakura ground even harder on Ino's hand, eyes glazed over in desperation.

Using the chakra control that she had learned from her training in medical jutsu, Ino put both hands temporarily back on Sakura's hips to make minute incisions on either side of the lace panties, effectively cutting the material.

"I hope you weren't too attached to that underwear," she said as she quickly removed the torn material.

"They were my favorite."

"Oops. Sorry." Although Ino was far from it and Sakura knew it.

"Hey, I thought I was the one who was supposed to be not nice."

Ino's only response was to move her hands up Sakura's body and perform the same move on her bra. By this time Sakura was so far gone she hardly even noticed. She did notice when Ino finally, finally, took a nipple in her mouth and began to suck. Throwing her head back, Sakura began to move even harder, pleased that Ino's hand had found its way back down between her legs.

"Oh, God. Ino, please, I need you inside, I've waited for so long."

Sliding two fingers through Sakura's wetness, Ino slipped in and that was all it took. Sakura came, whimpering and murmuring, her head buried in the crook of Ino's neck, while her body continued to spasm. Even with her own unique jutsu, Ino had never felt so connected to another person before in her life.

At last, Sakura's body seemed to calm down and Ino, suddenly exhausted, shifted them on the couch so that they were lying down. Closing her eyes, she pulled the other girl closer to her, content to cuddle just for now. But before she drifted off, she had to know one thing.

"Sakura?"

"Mmm?"

"So, how was I?"

"…"

"I'm sorry I couldn't hear that."

"Beginner's luck."