Elated

''Wake up, you will miss the sunrise!''

Orochimaru opened his eyes slightly and when he saw the owner of a sweet voice, he became wide awake in a flash.

Ino was walking around the room trying to find her clothes, therefore she was completely naked.

''I don't know where I put them!'' she sighed, crushing on the bed, discouraged and pouting.

Even if he had known Ino's garbs whereabouts, he wouldn't tell her.

''Why are you so smug?''

Because she was the most beautiful woman alive and also in his bed.

''You are so cute when you are sulking,'' he finally said.

''And what's with your clothes?''

He was never sleeping naked. Her nudity was tempting enough. Just like at the moment. Yes, she was in a bad mood, but she didn't reject small kisses he gave her when he sat up next her. No matter how much he enjoyed being with her, he would always do his best to make her happy too, so he put the blanket around her shoulders.

''What do you have in mind?''

''Currently many things, but there is only one that is time-sensitive and it's quite chilly outside.''

''Outside?''

He chuckled. He could watch her face expressions the whole day!

Being one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru had the ability to go wherever he wanted any time. And of course, take Ino with him. In a split of second they were on a small bridge across the pond.

''We are in time!'' Ino exclaimed in delight. ''Thank you so much!''

She was holding the blanket around her, so she only pecked him quickly before turning to see the sunrise. He embraced her waist, glad he fulfilled her wish so easily. After all, he also grew fond of the place. Where he confessed he loved her. Where they kissed for the first time. Where they were spending their mornings, whenever they could, being happy and together.

And it all could have ended completely different if she hadn't been full of understanding and also the most patient woman in the world. Didn't he claim before she was close to perfection? Wrong. She was a perfection.

After Ino delivered two flowers, Orochimaru took one of them and went to look for her. And he knew well where she would wait for him, since it was already dark.

As quickly as possible he got to the large estate, where they had met last time. He smirked seeing she really did learn to make herself invisible. To the owner of the estate, of course, not to him. And if he had known he would meet with her here again, he would have come up with some sort of plan. Now he was clueless and eager to see her. While approaching the small bridge across the pond, million questions were occupying his mind.

Should he give her the rose? Or explain what really happened last time? Would she make the first move again and now he would be brave enough to lower his head and simply taste her lips?

All of the anticipated turned to dust when Orochimaru had seen Ino, having her arms crossed and looking very different from glad to see him. Did he misunderstand again?

''I see you recognised a subtle hint,'' she said sharply.

''Hint?''

Now she frowned.

''This rose was an invitation for you to come here and now you got it. Unlike the last time.''

''Last time?''

''Yes, last time we met here. Don't you remember?'' she asked with a sneer.

''I do,'' he replied sheepishly.

''Oh really? And are you glad how that went?'' she gave him glare.

Of course he wasn't glad. He didn't explain his answer, remaining motionless, speechless and confused, so she didn't have anything left to do, but walk away like nothing happened.

''I am certainly not,'' she interrupted his train of thoughts. ''Do you always answer rhetorical questions?''

''Rhetorical?''

''The questions that don't need an answer.''

He knew what it meant. He didn't understand what from the last time she considered as rhetorical.

''When I asked you if you wanted to do perverted things to me, it was rhetorical. You know what I want to hear the same as I know what is on your mind for real.''

She thought he was objectifying her, that he didn't care about her feelings and that he thought of one thing only.

''You don't understand, I-''

''What is there to understand? You were following me in the middle of the night, then you retold me about your dream with me, confessed you were thinking of me and when I practically asked you to make a final move, what did you do?''

''Nothing,'' he said quietly.

''Nothing! You did nothing!'' she yelled. ''Do you have any idea how that made me feel? Like an idiot!''

''I'm sorry! I never wanted you to feel that way!''

If he could, he would turn back time and the last time would have never happened. Unfortunately, there was no turning back. In her eyes, he would forever remain as one who disliked idea of kissing her. And that was completely opposite of his wishes.

''If you really want to know the truth, I've been dreaming about kissing you for weeks. For months, actually.''

''Months?'' she repeated, surprised.

''And the biggest move was inviting you to have a tea with me.''

''That was so long ago!''

''You probably forgot all about it, but I like to think of it as our first date.''

''That wasn't a date!''

''Just because it wasn't romantic it doesn't mean I didn't feel as if we were on an actual date,'' he explained. ''I was definitely too nervous to consider it as a regular tea, and isn't it a real reason to have a date to get to know each other better?''

''I guess.''

''And I really got to know you better and it only made it worse.''

''Made what worse?''

''This feeling I get whenever I am around you. And of course, when I am not around you.''

''This sounds confusing.''

''I know, because I was also confused. What kind of person feels the constant need to see you, and when that occurs, wants to leave your presence because he is uncomfortable? You probably noticed the amount of tasks I gave you during last few months; to have an excuse to talk to you and then leave before I say something incredibly stupid.''

''That was the reason for all the extra work?'' she huffed.

''Pathetic, isn't it? I couldn't come up with something better because I didn't know if you like talking to me or just be around me. And you wanted me to kiss you without revealing if you craved for it too!''

His quiet laughter wasn't ironic, but psychotic chuckle of a desperate loser.

''I must ask this. Do you know why I offered you to become my student?''

''I don't.''

''Because I wanted to impress you and help you with your career, to become someone you would think of daily while using knowledge I passed on to you.''

''That's all?''

''Of course that's all. I would be a professional, as always, so I don't really know what came to my mind last time. Maybe because I had a goodnight sleep after quite some time and the disturbing dream about you woke me up. Anyway, it slipped out and I would take it back if I could.''

''You would never confess your feelings for me?''

''Never,'' he replied whispering.

While he was thinking about declaring his feelings for her, in his mind it had only one possible outcome.

She would have called him creep among her friends, because that was an appropriate term for someone who visited her for no particular reason, only to see her. They would have never had tea and she would have never asked for his help. Or she would and would have felt uncomfortable around him. She would have never showed him the spooky garden neither he would have watched sunrise with her. At least he had those moments and nothing could have taken them away. Maybe dementia, but that would also mean he wouldn't have recollections of the last time. Or her yelling. Or her disappointment. Or his stupidities in general.

''So I would have never found out if there hadn't been for the last time?''

She was really persistent. Couldn't she just accept he was an introverted social outcast who was wasting her time?

''I would go back to the way we were, but I know that's impossible because now you will never ignore the fact I am in love with you.''

There.

He said it all.

Maybe it wasn't wise, but now it was over.

He was already prepared never to see her smile at him again and he could forget their casual conversations or relaxed greetings. This was actually their last time together and he was grateful she was listening to his explanation, but at the same time wished he never came here and began talking.

He was staring at his hands and the poor rose was squished. He sighed sadly, looking at the rose petals, now on the ground, because he was unaware he's been squeezing the flower.

Ino noticed the same and placed her hands over his. He let her open his palms and the rest of the flower fell on the ground. She ran her fingers over small cuts the thorns made, only he didn't feel anything until now and those were her soft hands. She healed the cuts quickly and then looked at him.

''There is no forbidden love, Orochimaru-sama. Only the ones who are too afraid to take a chance. I didn't know you are afraid of something.''

He didn't fear love, only rejection, just like everyone else. And why was she telling him this now? Should he take a chance with her? Wait a minute...

It all made sense now!

She wanted him to come here and explain!

She wasn't yelling before because she was feeling like it, but to let him know she would prefer a different ending this time. He totally deserved yelling because he was an idiot! She was holding his hands and he only had to make up his mind!

He was regretting not doing anything because he was worried if she hadn't wanted it. Now he found himself in almost exact situation, only ready to face her reaction after actually doing something. Ino clearly wanted this, and he did too.

The only teeny-weeny problem was an actual kiss. He experienced kissing before and yes, Ino was looking up at him, he had to pull her in his arms and bring his lips close to hers and done. But she was so small and gentle and he wondered if he would be too rough or how many drinks he had before coming and-

This was tormenting! And the time was running out. Bad kiss was better than no kiss at all! He guessed. He hoped.

And so he took a deep breath, stroked her soft cheek, shut his eyes and pressed his lips against hers. Simply as that.

He was afraid to open his eyes and see her angry. Maybe this was a dream. Any moment now she would push him away. Or hit him maybe. Or both. To his surprise, none of it happened. Instead of rejecting his closeness, her hands slipped around his neck, pulling him closer, and his lips parted impulsively, both for more air and to feel more of hers. She was expecting that to happen and responded the same, meaning this wasn't kissing any more.

They were making out!

And this was so much different from anything else because she was asking for more, hugging him the way he was hugging her, not pulling away and he was in seventh heaven!

''You could have done this the last time too!''

No, he couldn't. It was a miracle he was still standing on his feet because his head was spinning and the reason he didn't pass out was Ino's arms around him! He was watching her and no, he couldn't spot anger. Or regret. Or anything that would object to another sweet kiss.

She chuckled, seeing him impatient to have more of her lips and mouth and tongue and everything.

''Little rule. When I stop kissing you, you also stop.''

Of course she had to warn him! He was overjoyed and wasn't actually in control of anything he was doing. All he knew was that he didn't get enough of those kissable lips, but he didn't want to be pushy or aggressive. Or maybe she disliked the way he was kissing her. Every woman was different and had her own preference and he would definitely respect it!

''Sorry.''

He also relaxed his grip around her; it wasn't like she was going somewhere. Her arms around him were more than enough.

She smiled cutely and stood on her tip toes.

''Well it is your fault you are making me run out of breath!''

No way! She liked to kiss him and she needed more air to do it!

Maybe he imagined it. Or dreamed of her explanation. It wasn't important, as long as she was enjoying it. What was concerning him were many other things she might dislike.

''Will you also stop me if I get carried away? I would hate to do something you don't wish to happen.''

''I don't think you would,'' she assured him.

''And one more request,'' he said quietly, a bit embarrassed he had to ask for it.

''A request?''

He had to ignore her possible mockery because he needed to check.

''Can you slap me or something so I could know this is not a dream?''

She chuckled lightly, but cupped his face anyway.

''I won't slap you!'' she said softly. ''And no, you are not dreaming!''

There. Now he was a hundred percent sure Ino he's been hugging was made out of flesh and blood, and her kisses were undeniable.

''Thank you, Ino.''

''For what?''

For being an exceptional woman, for capturing his heart, for smiling while being with him now, for letting him taste her sweet lips, for being the way she was.

''For giving me the chance to get to know you.''

The night was too short to catch up on everything he wanted to ask, to tell her, so they used that precious time to smooch and hug, chuckle and cuddle and of course it went by in the blink of an eye.

''It's pretty late,'' she said, but Orochimaru knew she didn't want to go yet.

''I know. But we will see each other tomorrow?''

It sounded too doubtful and she chuckled.

''Of course we will! As soon as we wake up!''

He would sleep? Hardly.

''You are going to follow me anyway, so I will let you walk me home.''

''I don't have to, I mean, it's late and I am only concerned if you will get home safely.''

''I know.''

The streets were empty, because it was late, and Ino undone her seals. He was as proud as he was back then at the hospital. And he had so much more to show her, if she was interested.

''Shall we go?'' she asked and he followed her, since he had no idea where to go. Not only that. He didn't know how close he should walk and how quiet they had to be. And where should he put his hands? In his pockets? Or maybe fold them on his chest? This was so complicated, and he was only walking her home!

''You won't give me your hand?''

What kind of question was that? He would carry her if necessary!

''I have to ask,'' she shrugged. ''Men usually don't like holding hands.''

Orochimaru didn't know what these men's problem was, when they didn't want to hold hands with Ino and show to the world how happy they were with her. Only now they were all alone in the street.

''Are we going to do this, you know, in public?''

''If you like. Maybe when we are on a date.''

She would let him take her on a date! How sweet was that!

''I like your idea to get to know each other while having tea.''

He liked that too. Maybe he would also talk her into a dinner or a night in movies! Or both! Or maybe even-

''We are here.''

Already? Well, yeah, she mentioned her place being somewhere not too far from their romantic garden.

Just like before he didn't know what to do with his hand, now he didn't want to let go of hers too soon. It was so small and the fact she let him hold it meant she trusted him.

Standing at her doorstep, he was resisting the temptation to kiss her again, but he decided to respect her request so he leaned in and nuzzled her dainty nose.

In some countries it also counted as an intimate gesture. And it was nice because she chuckled.

''Good night, Ino.''

That night went perfectly. Also important night was the one when it rained and-

Okay, it didn't rain. And it was actually on that same night.

When Orochimaru got to his house, pondering if he should go to sleep or stay awake, since reality now couldn't be compared to his dreams, he heard a fierce knock on his door. It must have been an emergency since it was very late and he was more than surprised to see Ino.

''What is it?'' he asked, terrified. Maybe she came to tell him this was part of some truth or dare game and he should forget everything and not mention it ever again.

''Did I get this right? It took you months to stop denying your feelings for me.''

''Yes.''

''And you were nervous when we were having tea?''

''Very.''

''And you refused to kiss me without my consent last time?''

''That's correct.''

''And tonight I had a feeling you were hesitating until the last moment. Were you?''

''I was.''

She sighed sadly, staring at the floor. What has changed? He told her all of it not long ago!

''I can't,'' she whispered, ''I just can't.''

Of course she couldn't. They were so different and only because they spent few hours on kissing, didn't mean they would work out as a couple. She probably had better things to do than to waste her time with him on something that would end in a week anyway. At least she came clean with him before he could start fantasising about more serious involvement.

''I understand,'' he said as plainly as possible. He never put his hopes up, so he wasn't disappointed. He wasn't content either, but it didn't hurt so much.

''You do?'' she asked hopefully.

''Of course.''

''Great!'' she exclaimed excitedly and led him back inside.

She brought him to a halt in the hallway only to start kissing him again. He didn't understand a thing. Didn't she just say something about not being able to be with him? Or maybe she had something else on her mind?

In this short period, he learned a crucial thing about her. When Ino is kissing you, don't even think of stopping her!

Nothing was better than her kisses. Well, maybe her hands all over him and that pleasant feeling in his belly, going lower and-

''Don't get this wrong, but what are you doing?'' he asked, staring at her hands, one resting on his stomach and the other one going lower than that!

''You said you understood!''

Now he was confused. The only thing clear to him by now was they were different!

''Understood what exactly?'' he asked quietly, almost sheepishly, worried she might start yelling again and he ruined perfectly intense and passionate kissing!

''You understand we are different!'' she hissed, annoyed.

Okay. He got it correctly. How come he had no clue what she wanted right now?

Luckily, she recognized his blank expression and gave him a quick kiss.

''Unlike you, I am really impatient,'' she smiled, stroking his cheek. ''Where is the bedroom?''

''Upstairs,'' he responded immediately.

''Let's hurry!'' she said, pulling him gently after her.

While climbing the stairs, and that meant he wasn't holding her in his arms, the spoken words found the way to his brain. She wanted to hurry to get to the bedroom? No way, that couldn't be it, he probably had a daydream for a second or two.

''So where?'' she asked, pointing at different doors.

He confessed everything, she returned his kiss and somehow they ended up in here. He couldn't know why she was interested in his bedroom. Maybe because he told her about his sleeping problem. Nothing became clearer when he led her in and when she began kissing him again.

''Why are we here?''

That was the wrong question, he concluded from her grimace. And the best he could think of was more stupid talking!

''I mean, I am glad we are together, but-''

She pecked him to shush him.

''You were honest with me, so I will be honest with you,'' she spoke calmly while smiling, so he was breathing normally again. ''You like to take things slow, and that's fine. You are too gallant and too well mannered when it comes to simple affectionate gestures, and you would never bring me here by yourself.''

''I wouldn't?''

''That is sweet sometimes, just like our nose-kiss, but I won't pretend I am something that I am not. Long story short, I really don't see the point in delaying something that would occur anyway.''

And that something took place in the bedroom?

If he was thinking about the only possible thing she was implying to, then this couldn't be a dream any more. He died and this was heaven.

''I don't want to wait!''

Okay. She was more than explicit and he didn't want her to think he was an old-fashioned fossil, but he did have a small question before acting.

''So now?'' he asked warily.

''Uh-huh,'' she whispered and leaned into his arms.

How he didn't recognize her different kisses, that were now including more tongue and more gasping for air? And she was unusually flushed, having tousled hair, but still adorable.

He wasn't resisting to her idea to proceed on the bed, because doing it anywhere else, like on the floor or against the wall would be too much. Not that he liked that! All he cared about was her and he had so many questions, like was she ready, was this what she really wanted and the most important, would she regret it in the morning?

They were still kissing only, now lying down, and, as time was passing by, he was becoming more anxious and less excited.

''What is it? You are a bit stiff. And not in a good way.''

He was fully aware of that. Pointing it out wouldn't help, only make it worse!

''Don't you want this?''

''No! I mean, yes! I mean, just hear me out. I don't know about you, but I feel a bit uneasy.''

''What are you afraid of?''

''What every man is afraid of,'' he muttered. ''That I will, you know, and that you,'' he looked away, ''won't.''

''That's the wrong way to think about it! And you won't be sure any other time, same as me!''

She pecked him and he looked at her doubtfully.

''It depends on so many things you can't control, no matter how much you try,'' she said softly. ''Just relax and you will enjoy every time!''

Every time? So this wasn't the only time he would have the opportunity to satisfy her? Why didn't she say so right away? And if he wouldn't meet her expectations tonight, she would give him another chance! She was the best girlfriend ever!

''Oh!'' she chuckled, when he showed some initiative by kissing her neck. ''And I didn't even strip yet!''

He totally forgot she was about to get naked! This was the best night of his life!

''So you usually do it with the lights on?''

Tough question. First, he wasn't recalling the last time he brought someone here with this intention and since his body changed significantly, he wasn't looking forward to get naked. Then again, he knew Ino was beautiful and yes, he wanted to see her undressed. If she preferred dark, he wouldn't see clearly and the complicated task of satisfying her would become even more difficult.

''How would you like it?''

Maybe she would share more than her opinion about the illumination, like how long she wanted to kiss, how long he should wait until undressing her and how long she would like to stay afterwards. He was obviously obsessed with length, at the same time hoping Ino wasn't.

''I would like you to be unrestrained.''

Impossible. One wrong move would turn into a disaster and there wouldn't be a rerun. He couldn't risk it.

''You know what? I will go turn off the lights and you wait here!''

The last thing he had seen was Ino chuckling before pressing the light switch near the door. For a few moments he couldn't see anything, because he didn't get used to dark.

''Ino?'' he called her name quietly. She didn't know his room, how would she reach him?

''Yes, Orochimaru-sama?''

Her voice was close. So were her hands which found his shoulders right away. He impulsively placed his hands on her waist, only to make it easier for her to sit on top of him and he didn't feel the fabric of her clothes under his fingers.

She got naked!

And it was dark and he couldn't see her! But he could feel her body really well.

''What is it?'' she whispered when she straddled his lap. ''You like this?''

His hands were all over her back, he could feel her smooth skin and only an inch was separating his lips and her bare breasts!

''Oh yes!''

''So you are a bit perverted!'' she chuckled quietly.

''I am not! You are a gorgeous woman and I am just a man who wants-''

She planted a finger over his mouth to stop his blabbering.

''Don't tell me what you want,'' she breathed. ''Do it!''

And so he did.

Dark was a great idea. He didn't see clearly, so he had an excuse to feel every part of her, of course sensually and tenderly, and she obviously liked his caress. She took care of his clothes and didn't miss the chance to touch his body and arouse him even more. She must have known that was a double-edged encouragement; if too excited, he would forget about his main goal and that was her pleasure. Unless she has been longing for him so much she couldn't hold back.

''I want you so badly!'' she purred quietly. ''And yes, now!''

Who was he not to grant her wish? After all, he wanted her too.

Whoever said gorgeous women weren't good lovers, never met someone like Ino. Despite having a perfect figure, she knew exactly what she wanted also interested in his preference, therefore she was the best lover he ever had.

Tasting every inch of her skin, hearing her uncontrollable mewling and finally the privilege to become one with her; all of it was beyond compare.

That was the night of multiple surprises. After a long time he was awake because he had company and he didn't have to ask her to stay with him as long as possible; she never intended to leave, kissing him and cuddling with him for the rest of the night. And they did make love again, because he stopped worrying Ino would change her mind or that he would cross the line somehow.

She also had more rules for him. He had a quota for telling her he loved her and that was once per day and only in private. It was much harder than it sounded because she was charming and lovable in every single moment.

Then she forbade him buying her presents; their limit was one per week. She even set a price, which in Orochimaru's opinion was way too low and she narrowed the offer that way. He suggested to buy her diamonds and pearls now and then skip irrelevant gifts, but she declined. Not even golden jewellery met the criteria. Common gifts weren't a good choice either; he couldn't buy her candy because she was still watching her weight and it was stupid to buy flowers to a florist. And he would buy the world if she wanted to have it! Nevertheless she was right about one thing-if he would spend too much on her, people would get the wrong picture about her true motives.

His shopping habits and his words were easier to control than to fulfil her last wish and that was for him to be more spontaneous and less restrained. He failed because he couldn't read her mind and be sure about her desires. Of course, it was obvious when they were all alone.

One time she fell asleep while waiting for him. He naturally hated he made her wait, but he was glad she did. And her dreaming face in his huge bed was the most beautiful sight he has ever seen.

He didn't waste time on undressing, only lay down next to her, tucked her in, put his arm over her blanket, ready to spend the night in that sweet embrace.

Few moments later, her voice made him startle.

''Seriously? That's it?''

''What do you mean?''

She wasn't facing him, but he knew she wasn't pleased to hear that question.

''You won't even try?''

''Try what?''

''Talk me into some action!'' she hissed.

''But if I have to talk you into, that means you don't want it and that's fine! We don't have to!''

Now she turned to see him.

''Then why did you invite me to come?''

''Because I like when you are with me. And I will never wake you up for my own selfish reasons.''

''It's not selfish if I came here to spend the night awake.''

''But I thought you were sleeping and-''

''Stop being silly and come here.''

She uncovered herself to invite him to join her under the blanket. And she was already naked, meaning she was in the mood, only wanted him to initiate. She was doubtful about him being overjoyed when they were together, doing nothing at all.

He also disliked talking while they were in private because they weren't kissing, but there was one thing on his mind haunting him for awhile.

''I really need to share something with someone and I think you are the only one who will understand.''

''Let me hear it.''

''You probably heard about Jiraiya and Tsunade.''

''Yeah, and it's so cute!''

''Well it's not really. I exposed Tsunade to hormones and she is in need for, you know.''

''Why did you do that?'' Ino scolded him.

''Because she was mean! She was teasing me over you and Jiraiya was encouraging the whole time.''

''You didn't do him a favour,'' Ino shrugged.

''How? But they are together and-''

''If it is not her choice, it will fall apart sooner or later. And both will be mad at you if they find out.''

She was right. Nothing was worse than fake affection.

''So I shouldn't tell them?''

''Never. You meant well, but let them enjoy a bit more. It's not possible for everybody to be as lucky as you are!'' she chuckled teasingly.

He really was lucky and he wondered how he earned it. It took him weeks to pop the complicated question, but he gathered all of his courage and spelled it out.

''Why are we together? I mean, I know that I want it. But why did you give me a shot?''

''You think I shouldn't have?''

He knew himself well and the answer was negative.

''I can't answer that,'' he said simply. If she didn't share his opinion, even better!

''You were always obsessed with work and I don't recall you showing interest into any other woman, so I concluded I must have been something really special when I got your attention. And then you confessed you loved me because you really felt that way, not because you were expecting something in return. You were totally discouraged because you thought I would never like you!''

She liked him? If this wasn't the right moment to tell her again how much he loved her, then he didn't know which moment was more appropriate. Only Ino wasn't done yet.

''And I had no idea how you managed to hold back from kissing me!'' she said softly and gave him a quick kiss. ''Any other man would have seized that opportunity, but you didn't, meaning you cared about my feelings too! I couldn't let some other woman to have you before I get to know you better. And so far, I regret nothing.''

That wasn't so bad. And he didn't get the time to say anything because she felt like kissing again. And he would never ever reject those lips, not even to say out loud what she heard countless times.

And here they were, at the crack of dawn, hugging. Ino was gazing at the distance and he was keeping her company. When she glanced at him over her shoulder, she pouted playfully, seeing he wasn't paying much attention to the sun or their surroundings.

How could he make himself look somewhere else than at her? He spent so many dawns all alone and he definitely wasn't about to waste his time to watch the sun instead of the most mesmerizing being ever.

''No matter how beautiful the sunrise is, it can't be more breathtaking than you.''

That made her chuckle shyly and she was even more irresistible. She had enough of the sun and turned around to face him.

''Why are you so sweet, Orochimaru-sama?''

Now he was the one pouting playfully.

''And when will you stop calling me that?''

''Addressing you simply by your name would sound disrespectful!'' she protested.

''It wouldn't!'' he said softly. ''I feel distant to you and I don't want to be.''

She was quiet, probably thinking about a different honorific. The current one was making him feel very old. And he didn't want to feel that way around her. The fact he learned her age wasn't helpful at all.

''Do you already have something on your mind?'' she asked. ''Because if you don't, I only need more time to come up with a pet name.''

Pet name? For him? Like everything coming from her mouth wasn't cute already!

''We can stay longer if you want,'' he suggested. ''Unless you are cold, then we are leaving.''

''You are keeping me warm!'' she squirmed to point out his arms were more than enough for her.

He hugged her tighter to make sure she remained comfortable and she chuckled.

If they didn't have duties today, they could stay here as much as they wanted because Orochimaru had purchased the estate few days ago. It was a gift to him, so nobody else could enjoy watching the sunrise, only them. He was still waiting for the right moment to tell her, but talking about anything right now seemed inappropriate. Their future wasn't as important as their present and that included Ino smiling in his embrace.

''May I be honest with you?'' she asked, playing with the collar of his robe.

''Of course,'' he replied, nuzzling her petite fingers.

''I never thought you would be so tolerant, generous or understanding,'' she said dreamily and he looked at her doubtfully.

Him? So special? He couldn't be the first one so happy to have her in his life and ready to give her everything!

''Don't even try to deny it!'' she said in advance. ''You know how much I like the sunrise, so you gave up on spending time in bed to take me here!''

He smiled to that presumption. Her appetite was too much for him to handle and, although he would never admit it, he would rather be far away from the bedroom than risk to fail her expectations too soon.

''You are probably the only man in the world who puts my interests before his own.''

What was she saying? Didn't she know she was his only interest? He would do anything for her. Anything at all.

''I don't think you understood. This is not about me, it's about you. And what makes you happy.''

Now her cheeks became a bit rosy. What was she thinking of?

''I remember where my clothes ended up,'' she confessed quietly, ''and I am sorry your living room is still a mess.''

Yeah, about her appetite. She was too impatient to get to the bedroom, so she removed her clothes in the living room. And he wasn't picky; he didn't care about the time or place, how or how many times, lovemaking only had to include her and her satisfaction.

''I'm sorry, I couldn't help it!'' she defended her impulse. ''The way you make love to me is amazing and I can't control myself around you, knowing what awaits me!''

Well, he was giving his best, concerned the pleasure was one-sided. Apparently, it wasn't and he couldn't stop smiling.

''And it wasn't only last night,'' she continued. ''It's the way you hold my hand in public, the way you talk to me, the way you look at me; I adore every single second with you!''

On top of those melodic words every man wished to hear, she smiled affectionately and kissed him lightly. She completely forgot about the blanket around her not-covered-any-more body, nuzzling him repeatedly. If her plan was to give him a heart attack because of too much excitement, she was doing one hell of a job.

''Nobody made me feel that way before.''

Now his heart was definitely palpitating and he couldn't talk, so he stammered.

''Is it, I mean, could it be-''

''No, it's not love. It can't be,'' she shrugged.

It wasn't obligated for her to return his feelings and lately, he wasn't sure if he was feeling love either. Some books were describing romantic involvement as the state of temporary insanity, but if she liked everything about him, then there was no worry he was crazy. Only crazy about her, of course.

''What I feel for you is something stronger than love,'' the most beautiful woman purred against his lips. ''And way better!''

THE END