R&R

To Give and to Take

Author Notes: Thanks again to everyone who reviewed. I know I've been MIA for a while now, but I'm back! For the moment at least. I found sometime to finish it but not so much editing. So forgive all grammar mistakes, I kinda just wanted to get this up before i left it sitting on my flashdrive for another month or two. Anyway, definitely some SasuIno moment that you guys have been wanted sooo, here it is! Thanks for the patience.

Chapter Six

Dinnertime found him back home, where his mother had invited a friend of hers to join them. He guessed it was his mother's way of dealing with the typical trips her husband and son took that often left her alone at home. Shisuze was younger than his mother, but they were great friends. She was one of the few lady friends that he found himself tolerating. She was kind and focused with a patience even he was envious of.

She was looking at him with a contemplating look, the look he learned to recognize as scrutinizing and judging of him, but her gaze was much softer than the contempt and venom in the gazes of most. His father hung around dogs to put it lightly, each sizing up the competition with hidden distaste. Since he was one of his heirs, the dogs now chose to size him up as well. He was used to it of course, but he much proffered the look Shizune was giving him.

"You've grown so much Sasuke, are you glad to be back home?" Sasuke nodded as he put down his fork.

College life had been extremely time consuming, as he dedicated most of his time to it, now that he had graduated at the top of his class, he had some time to rest before he threw himself into the family business.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to begin work with the family," Shizune smiled and nodded.

"I'm sure you'll be a valuable asset to the family, just like you're brother," Sasuke tensed, but this was not something either of the women noticed. Of course he would be immediately compared to him. It was always about Itachi, it was always about meeting his standards. His brother always had to set them, and he made sure to set them high.

How he loathed his brother.

"I only hope I can do as well as he," he had to force the words out, but the ladies did not notice and smiled at him. The ladies continued their dinnertime chatter, Sasuke tuning them out for the most part unless he was inquired on something. He was engrossed in his own thoughts. Thoughts about everything and nothing.

"So Itachi hasn't told his father yet?"

A sigh from his mother.

"No, he hasn't told anyone besides me, I can't help but be a bit worried."

"Don't you find the situation a little romantic though? I mean, your son has never involved himself in a relationship, and here he is dating someone for what was it, half a year?"

Mikoto nodded her head but did not seem appeased.

"Under any other circumstances I would probably be elated, I just don't see why he has kept it a secret for so long, I don't even know who the young lady is!"

"She must have been something to catch the eye of your son," they laughed, knowing how true that was.

"In any case, he told me I would meet her soon."

"Well that's a step, I'm sure everything will be fine, Itachi's a good and smart man, everything he does is thought out," his mother nodded, a proud smile on her face.

"You're probably right, its just those motherly nerves."

So it was a secret girlfriend his brother was involved with, his mother told her the news only briefly over a phone call. She hadn't seemed too happy, but he hadn't had the time to inquire more on it. He was confused by his brother's actions. Why would he have a girlfriend and tell no one about it? Was he ashamed of her? Itachi would never take a girlfriend that didn't meet his standards, and his standards were quite high, so that couldn't possibly be it.

Was the secrecy on his girlfriend's part? She couldn't be ashamed of him, Itachi had been considered one of the top eligible bachelors and girls could only dream to be with him, not to mention his status and wealth. So why the secrecy? Was there a scandal behind their relationship? This thoughts were far too troublesome to think about, so he turned to some better thoughts.

How to conquer Ino Yamanaka.

He had made plans with Naruto to have breakfast with him at a local diner the next day. It was always good to have... allies. He wanted to see if he could get help from Naruto in his little conquest. After all, Naruto seemed to be close to Ino, and perhaps he could tell him some things about her that could prove useful. He hoped the little stunt he had pulled with her at the flower shop had done its little trick and gained some points from Ino.

Obviously she was uneasy around him, but that was something he was going to change. He still didn't understand why she put this distance between them when she was obviously attracted to him. Why did she have to make things difficult? Then again, it was this very reason he was after her. The thrill of the hunt. . . it was definitely new, and absolutely intoxicating. Never before had he felt such anticipation and thrill when it came to making a girl his.

After watching a couple of movies, he lay down for the rest of the night. Closing his eyes, the first image that came to his mind was of her. His memory of her seemed etched into his head now, and he was worried this little project had turned into an obsession. Why was it that most of his thoughts revolved around her? He convinced himself it was the fact that he was very purpose driven, when he had something in his head, he stopped at nothing until he reached his purpose. She was his current purpose, a sexy and frustrating purpose, but a purpose nonetheless.

It wasn't long before he drifted of into sleep.

"Sasuke," the throaty moan sent his body ablaze as he continued to ravish the lithe figure underneath him with his mouth and hands. She was topless, and he admired the size of her bust as he dipped his head and kissed her breasts, before taking one into his mouth. He felt her arch into him and her hands grab unto his hair, moaning his name once again.

"Please," she moaned, writhing under his ministrations. He assaulted her neck next, trying to find any and all of her sensitive spots. He pulled back a bit, looking into her glazed and lust filled eyes. A rosy color stained her cheeks, and he had never been so turned on in his life.

"Please what?" he lazily trailed his hand down her flat stomach, stopping at the button of her pants and undoing it with his one hand before sliding under, pressing a finger against her moist center. She gasped and arched against his hand.

"Please take me!"

He woke with a start, sweat on his brow and a not so very comfortable hard on inside his pants. He turned off his alarm with more force than necessary.

"Fuck," he cursed as he ran a hand through his dark locks.

Stupid woman, he thought with a frown as he looked at his arousal. Another dream. Just a dream, a dream he would make into a reality. It was already morning, and he quickly got up and walked to the bathroom, where he was intent on taking a very cold shower. He could almost feel her against him, he could almost taste her.

What a dangerous dream indeed.

He drank from his coffee as he waited for his food. Naruto was sitting across from him, also drinking some coffee. They had met at the time and place as decided and had just ordered their food.

"I really do wish they served ramen for breakfast," he sighed with a pout. Sasuke didn't reply, having heard this comment countless times.

"So anyways, why did you wanna meet up? Not that I'm complaining but you don't usually invite me to breakfast, its usually the other way around," Naruto gave him a sheepish grin. There was a pause as Sasuke took another drink from his coffee.

"Naruto, what if I told you someone had piqued my interest?"

Naruto looked a little confused and he scratched his head.

"Someone as...?"

"A girl."

A huge grin spread across Naruto's face.

"Well I'll be damned! Whose the lucky girl?" he leaned forward, as if eager for the answer.

"Ino Yamanaka."

Shock quickly spread over the blonde's face. Ino? Of all people, he couldn't help but not be surprised that it was her. When he thought about it, it made sense. She was a new face to Sasuke, a pretty face at that,and she had seemed uninterested, something that of course would be new to the Uchiha. Of course she would get his attention. And yet. . .

"Well look at you, even you are not immune to her are you?" he laughed to himself, before his face turned dead serious.

"I'm warning you Sasuke, you may be my best friend but Ino is like a sister to me, and I know how you are with girls, so if you even dare and use her and hurt her, I don't care who you are, I'll beat you to a bloody pulp."

Sasuke wasn't sure how to answer. He couldn't promise that he wouldn't hurt her, after all, his sole purpose was to get her to succumb to him, he wasn't interested in actually having a relationship with her, but if he told Naruto this, he would never give him the intel he needed.

"She's different... I want a chance to get to know her better. I thought you could help," he finally said.

Naruto sighed as he thought, on one hand, he wasn't too sure he could trust Sasuke when it came to girls, on the other hand, Sasuke had never shown such interest for someone and his dedication was definitely new. Maybe Ino would be different. And his conscience just couldn't seem to turn anyone away. . .

"Alright Sasuke. I'll help but I'm warning you," the pointed look was the only warning he received and Sasuke nodded.

"I know."

"Good, I have a plan," Naruto grinned mischievously, and Sasuke could only smirk in return. He liked that grin of Naruto's. It meant good things were about to happen.

Ino was home after working at the flower shop for most of the day. She really needed to hire someone to help her, she could definitely afford it now, and working all week was definitely affecting her. She loved her work, she did, but sometimes it just got to be too much. It was around eight at night and she was getting ready to get something to eat when her phone rang. She looked to see it was Naruto, she was a little disappointed it wasn't him, she still hoped he would call just to chat. But it just wasn't like him.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Ino! Are you home?" Naruto's voice was energetic, and she wondered what was up.

"Yeah, I'm here, why?" she leaned against the counter of her kitchen and looked out the window.

"Think I can drop by and pick you up for some dinner? We haven't hung out in a long time," his request made her smile. She could always count on Naruto's friendship, and while she was a little tired, she could not deny his offer.

"Sure thing Naruto," she replied.

"Great! Be there in five!"

After hanging up, Ino turned to survey her kitchen, and she frowned when her gaze stopped at the bouquet of flowers on the counter-top. She had debated what to do with it. She had wanted to throw it away, but a part of her, a part that she refused to acknowledge, refused to let her do so. With a defeated sigh, she grabbed a base and filled it with water, carefully placing the flowers inside, unaware of the smile that graced her features.

True to his word, in no more than five minutes Naruto was there and she was getting into his dark orange shimmering Charger. He smiled as she got in and they made small chatter all the way to the small cafe he had chosen as the setting for his little plan. They quickly chose a table to sit at and ordered something to drink and eat.

"So how's work in the flower shop?" Naruto casually asked.

"It's going really good. I'm actually thinking of hiring to help around," Naruto raised his eyebrow and grinned.

"Really now?" he said with a thoughtful look. She eyed him warily, not sure how to interpret his answer. That look in his eye was far too familiar, the look that meant he was up to something. But what, she could only guess at.

"Yeah, really, why?"

"Oh, nothing, its just a good thing! You work too hard, you need someone to help you," she smiled.

"Yeah, I'm glad I chose to come here though. Its such a great town."

Naruto nodded.

"I'm glad you came too, you're a great addition to the town," he grinned and Ino felt a small blush come to her face.

"Thanks Naruto, you're the best," he only smiled wider.

They continued to chat about everything and nothing while they waited. It was around ten minutes into their meeting when the bell of a new costumer caught their attention and on impulse looked to the door. Ino froze as she saw just who had entered and Naruto grinned.

"Sasuke! Yo!" he waved him over and Sasuke looked before making his way to the table.

"Hey," he nodded towards her and Ino forced a smile on her face, cursing the way her heart had skipped a beat at the sight of him the entire time. Why was it that he was turning out somewhere everyday? Why couldn't she go a day without coming across him? It had been like this since the first day he arrived. Someone must really love to toy with her emotions.

"Sit, buddy, what brings you here?" Naruto grinned, happy that his plan was going just as planned and on schedule.

"Just killing time," was his only answer as he sat down, next to Ino. She fought the urge to scoot away from him, his closeness already affecting her. She felt butterflies in her stomach, and a lightness that she rarely ever felt except when with Itachi.

"Well that's great. Me and Ino were hanging out, glad you could join us," Sasuke looked over to her and held her gaze, offering a small smirk.

"Likewise," he said, and Ino tried not to blush. Naruto did not miss the flustered look and had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as he noticed that Ino was definitely not immune to Sasuke either. So she was interested, even he could see that. He felt he was missing something, she hadn't seemed the least bit interested before, but not she was. Had something happened that he was not aware of?

"So Ino, I've been meaning to ask you, what happened that day at the club? I was kinda smashed but Sakura said you left early, where'd you go?"

Ino looked uneasy as she shifted in her seat.

"Oh that, yeah, um I was feeling kind of sick, so I decided to go home. Sorry about that," she tried to offer a small smile, but it was obviously forced.

"Well are you feeling better?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, um, a little I guess," Naruto looked more concerned, but Sasuke knew what lay beneath her answer. So she wasn't completely over the incident it seemed. He knew he would probably not make it any better now, but he wanted so bad to touch her again. . .

"Are you serious? I would never have asked you out here if I knew you were sick!"

"Naruto its fine, don't worry about it," she smiled at his concern, and eventually he calmed down.

As time ticked by, Ino couldn't help but to begin to feel a little more comfortable sitting next to Sasuke. Naruto made some jokes and kept the atmosphere light, helping the inner turmoil that always seemed to fill her when Sasuke was around. She found herself even teasing Sasuke at times when Naruto would bring out stories of the two of them from before, and she found that she rather liked seeing that rare smile that came to Sasuke when he remembered something pleasant.

She couldn't help but laugh most of the time and it came to the point that when Sasuke's leg somehow pressed close to her own, she didn't mind pressing a little closer.

And boy did it feel wrong. But the electricity that came from that simple touch felt so good.

"Holy crap!" Naruto suddenly called out as he looked at his phone, "I forgot I'm supposed to meet a client in ten minutes."

He quickly stood up and took out his wallet, taking money out and laying it on the table.

"Do you guys mind getting this more me? And Sasuke do you mind taking Ino home? Kay, thanks! Bye!" he didn't even wait for an answer as he began to rush out. And he was out the door. For a moment Ino said nothing, a little shocked at the abruptness the situation had taken. And she turned to see Sasuke look at her, raising a delicate eyebrow.

"Well," she started, a little awkwardly, finishing the last of her drink, "Ready to take me home?"

He signaled for the check and nodded, already getting up and taking out his own wallet.

When they entered the car, Ino now knew why it had seemed familiar the first time she saw it. She had been in it before, with Itachi. This made her feel uncomfortable, but as Sasuke put on some music, and Train started to play, she couldn't help but be surprised. They were one of her favorite bands, but she chose not to comment, and instead relaxed as she listened to the music and gave Sasuke directions on how to get to her apartment. And it was a pleasant ride, she was surprised by the calming genres that Sasuke listened to, but that still seemed to fit his character, and she found she rather liked it.

Not that you're the one
Not to say I'm right
Not to say today
And not to say a thing tonight

But suffice it to say
We're leaving things unsaid
We sing ourselves to sleep
Watching the day lie down instead

And we are leaving some things unsaid
And we are breathing deeper instead

We're both pretty sure
Neither one can tell
We seem difficult
What we got is hard as hell

This is what Sasuke had wanted to know from the beginning. Where she lived. Not because he was a stalker, oh no, he was much better than that. It just happened to open room for a lot more of opportunities in his conquest. When they got there, he knew it was part two of his plan.

"Thanks for the ride, Sasuke," she offered a small smile as she opened the door and got out. She was surprised when he turned off the car and got out as well. She gave him a questioning glance

"You still owe me my change," was all he said as he walked into the apartment complex. She gawked after him. Was he serious? He wanted his change? She frowned, she didn't want him to come up to her apartment, not at all, but she guessed she didn't have much choice as he was already halfway there. That bastard. But she smiled non the less as she ran to catch up to him.

"Don't make yourself too at home," she gave him a small smile as she made her way to her room where she had kept his change. She didn't want to bring up the incident, she was quite eager to get him on his way and have this over with. The less time she spent with him, the easier and less complicated things would be.

He on the other hand, was pleased to see the vase in the living room. He was pretty sure that the flowers in it were from him, and the mere knowledge that she hadn't thrown them away and instead put them up for display was enough to convince him she should not mind what he had planned. The rest of the apartment he found was clean and cozy, but he chose not to sit as he waited for her to come back. The anticipation he felt was beginning to make him fidget where he stood, and he fought to keep his body still.

As she came out from her room, he could see the coin purse in her hand, and she was digging in it while he admired her simple beauty.

"Here," she said as she took out the change, but he merely looked at it for a second, before he took her hand instead, and pulled her towards him. The money fell from her hand as shock registered in her face.

He pulled her flush against him, and she felt her heart quicken at his actions. He placed a hand loosely on her waist, and his other hand went to stroke her cheek. She once again became mesmerized by his dark eyes, and she found herself unable to pull away as his touch once more brought fire to her system.

"You're beautiful," he said it to flatter of course, and he knew it worked as a blush tainted her cheeks.

"Sasuke... what..." he shushed her.

"Don't pretend you don't know what's going on Ino. You know what I'm doing. And that's only finishing what I started," she found herself unable to reply as he ran his hand up her body.

He was leaning in, and her body immediately took action. She fisted her hands in his shirt, and with all her strength tore her gaze from his, looking to the side, a sad look on her face, that he didn't miss.

He sighed.

"Why do you resist me Ino?"

She couldn't help but lean her head against his chest, something so intimate that brought both comfort and guilt. Why was she resisting? Because it was the right thing to do. Because if she acted on her growing want for him, she would possibly be ruining one of the greatest things she had going for her, because if she decided to go with this, she would be no better than a common whore.

"I can't Sasuke. Please, just leave it at that. . ."

They remained in that position for a little longer, trying to understand what the other wanted, but simply couldn't. She finally pulled herself away, and walked to the door, never looking at him, as she opened it.

He walked out.

And we are leaving some things unsaid
And we are breathing deeper instead
And we are leaving some things unsaid

I can sing myself to sleep
No more

Not that you're the one
Not to say I'm right
Not to say today
And not to say a thing tonight

Comments: So what did you think? Good? Bad? I love feedback! I don't wanna rush their relationship too much, but at the same time I wanna get a move on cause i got A LOT planned to happen within the triangle. So reviews continue to encourage me, and those that like the story are the reason why I continue to write.

Read&Review(: