Wow, I wrote this in one day. Yay me! Although... it didn't turn out as well as I wanted it to. I hope the Tally-meister likes it...

But that doesn't matter anyway! :D

Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto AKA God.


Chapter 9

Her hands shook as she awkwardly reached behind her head. The ribbon she held was slim and silver, the sunlight allowing it to shimmer. The hair she held in her hand was quickly tied in her attempts to catch every hair. Her bangs complemented her face nicely as she brushed them to the side. The other half was sprayed with an aerosol can and smoothed back. Her face was clean and void of blemishes, her eyebrows were waxed perfectly, leaving no red marks. She worked hard to keep her appearance beautiful. The time spent putting in was enormous; most of her daily routine. She made sure to diet and exercise, and always think before she acted. Still, she was not happy with the outcome.

She squeezed into a slinky purple dress she found in the back of her closet. She had never bothered to wear it before, but this time, it was special. After that, every minute or so, she had to make sure her breasts weren't exposed or anything of the sort. Carefully strapping on her heels and grabbing her purse, Ino strutted out of her room, out the front door, and on to the pavement.

The restaurant she waited in front of was bustling with people. Only chatter surrounded her, none of the voices intriguing. She embraced herself tightly as a breeze floated by. She shot cold looks down each direction of the street, hoping to find who she was looking for. A few moments of tension flew by, before a familiar character hobbled into view. It was Chouji, holding a bouquet of lilies. Ino swallowed the lump in her throat before smiling and waving sweetly.

As he approached, her instant reaction was to hug him, like she did with all her friends, and did just that. She felt a slight shiver go through them at that moment, but she thought nothing of it. Ino let him go before finding her heel back on the curb.

"Are these for me?" She asked.

The stocky man grinned, shutting his eyes. "Yeah. Here…" he mumbled. Ino received them quickly, and then was led into the restaurant, Chouji's arm round her waist. She didn't care in the slightest about the closeness; she was used to this kind of thing.

--

As Chouji told her about the things he witnessed, all she could do was sulk with her head hanging. Their booth was small and personal, and listen was the only thing she could do. A tear weld up in Ino's eye unnoticed. Quickly, she wiped it away.

No, she needn't be crying over this… she needed to be strong. Her mouth curled into a devilish smile as she began to chuckle. Her laughter was directed upwards with a tilt of her head. This seemed to make Chouji nervous. The expression the woman was showing changed quickly to acceptance as she began to speak.

"Shikamaru and that woman… literally have…sex… in the forest?" Ino questioned. Her eyes began to fill with worry.

Her question floated in the air as Chouji dove in for more food. This angered Ino slightly. How could he ignore her like this? Her mouth dropped suddenly. "It's a simple question. I am asking you whether you saw what you say you saw: yes or no?"

A vein throbbed in her forehead. She never had a controllable temper, never one she could deal with. Her face reddened, as she gripped the napkin resting in her lap.

Chouji began making a fool of himself while bits of food landed all over the tablecloth. "Well, you really can't call it that. They were talking and kissing, and that is about it. And I do not see why you just waste all your time and energy…stalking him. You should really try to find someone who actually likes you, wants your attention. Not that you have not—not that nobody does; I mean—"

The woman reached an unwanted level in her anger. "What do you know about, well, about anything?" Her voiced hinted of nervousness. "What do you mean, 'actually likes you'? Are you trying to say that I am foolish for trying to make someone like me as much as I like them? You just don't get it—if I don't try to get someone to like me… they won't…"

She gasped suddenly and swallowed her words. Her gaze reached her lap again. "You don't know how it's like, Chouji. I may be beautiful beyond compare but no guy seems to care anymore-"

Chouji's mouth hung agape. "What are you talking about? Are you crazy?"

The table shook as he slammed his fists down harshly. Ino quickly grabbed her water glass.

"Chouji, the guys that go out with me only see me as a booty call. And they only need me for sex," she looked into Chouji's eyes, seeking understanding. "I want someone who will like me for something other than a trophy—"

A silence was born between them. Chouji leaned in slightly.

"You have someone that loves you for who you are, you have just been too blind to notice! So, please stop. You aren't just a booty call; you are intelligent, funny, and kind… when you want to be,"

Chouji's voice drifted off as a waitress approached their table. After ordering a bottle of sake for the both of them, they smiled, comforted in each other. When the sake arrived, the man quickly helped himself to a glass. Ino waited for him to offer her some, and when he did, she grabbed it hastily and finished it off.

Her mind raced with thoughts as she gazed onto the other restaurant goers. Her eyelids closed suddenly as she sighed, and put down her glass at the same time. Facing Chouji, she opened her eyes and pushed her hair back.

"How long have you had this little crush on me?" She asked.

She smiled in a way that it didn't even seem like she was joking.

He sunk.

"Not that you would care, right? I'm just fat and useless—someone no girl would want to date because I don't take diets and exercise seriously…"

"Chouji, I know what I said before hurt you but, I think I'm different—" She looked quickly down at the table in front of her, her eyes subconsciously going in and out of focus.

"Does that mean you would actually consider dating me—?"

Ino looked up at Chouji again with her mouth agape. She took in some air as her lips met, and poured herself some more delicious sake. The bottle shook in her hands.

"I don't know."

--

As soon as they realized they were drunk, cursing was underway and gossip was the only thing escaping Ino's mouth. She let out all of herself into that small booth.

"… and I don't even see what guys see in her anyway! She's just blah—"

"—But your mom is fucking hot! That's why!"

Chouji burped abruptly, causing a few people to turn their heads.

"Well, whatever," The blonde waved in his face rapidly. "Oh, you know what…?"

Chouji began to rise out of his seat and sway a little. "Whaa--?"

"I think forehead girl is lesbo."

"Oh that's hot."

Ino stood up, almost spraining her ankle.

"Eww, noo! I think she has the hots for me!"

"Oh, that's hotter. I can just imagine you two making out—"

As soon as he said those words, he collapsed onto the table, knocking dishes and cups over. Spilled sake found it's way to the carpet.

"Ohh GREAT!" Ino shouted, to drunk to care.

With one big swoop, Chouji was hunched over Ino's back, her legs shaking and trying to support all the weight. She staggered out of the restaurant, hurrying along the street.

The waitress soon noticed they had left and would have run after them, if it weren't for Ino, leaving her wallet in the seat.

From all Ino could remember, sometime between when she left the restaurant and when she arrived at Chouji's house, she was asleep in one of his chairs.

--

Moonlight poured in through the window of the bedroom, the stars twinkling. A sweet aroma filled the night air and the woman's lungs with certainty. She lay there, on the bed, gazing out the window upon the dark scenery and endless sky. Her side sunk into the mattress as she turned, her long blonde hair sprawled over her body. She was naked, only clothed by the breeze. Goosebumps rose on her ivory skin. A noise caused her to shift her weight and turn on her back. Her chest rose slightly, lifting one of her legs. From within the darkness of the next room, a man entered from the door. He too, was naked, but made no attempts to hide himself.

"Sasuke…" Ino giggled seductively as he approached the foot of the bed. She extended her slender fingers behind her ear, and brushed her hair behind it.

Sasuke sunk his hands and knees on the bed, crawling towards her. She smiled devilishly as he hovered over her.

"Ino…" he said softly, "I've been waiting for this for a long time." He looked her up and down, breathing heavily.

The space between them was small, and warm. The sound of their breathing set the mood in a way.

"Me too." She whispered, and placed her hand on the back of his head, playing with his dark hair. She pushed his head onto hers, and finally, their lips met, warm with body heat.

The passion rose as they kissed; Ino's body longed for more. All at once, Sasuke lowered himself so that they were touching. Their skin fused together; they were one. A bead of sweat already began forming on Sasuke's temple. With this red passion, he began to fondle Ino with his hand. First, her breast, then lower…

She took this opportunity to do the same, and hugged Sasuke's back. Her cold hands sent shivers down the man's spine.

Sasuke broke away, Ino's eyes closed as if they were still kissing. His breaths were shaky as he began to position himself. Ino favored his actions and gave in to his bodily demands.

They continued through the night in ecstasy. The sheets and blankets were astray, as was Ino's hair. The following morning, she woke pleasantly next to her lover. He lay awake, staring at the off white ceiling. Her eyes fluttered open, as her hand found it's way to his chest.

"Good morning." He said, turning to her, smiling.

She did the same as she closed her eyes and listened to the birds chirping outside the window. The room was bright now, with no traces of darkness.

"Good morning." She said back, looking into his somber eyes.

His face quickly dropped, as he turned on his back and sat up. "Ino…" he muttered.

Analyzing the situation, Ino was quick to respond.

"W-What's wrong?" she asked, placing a hand on his back. The sheet that was covering her chest fell to the bed, but she didn't mind.

Sasuke exhaled and closed his eyes to think. Once he opened them again, she could tell in his face that this was something bad.

"There is something I have to tell you." He explained, still staring at the bed sheets.

Ino shuttered. The thought turned over and over again in her head. What could it be? Her eyes widened with fear.

"I…I…" was all he managed to say. He tuned his head the other direction, shutting his eyes tightly. He clenched his fists, and this Ino noticed.

"Yes?" she asked.

The man exhaled once more, and finally turned to face the blonde woman.

"I have AIDS."

Ino gasped.

"What?!" she barked. She quickly took her hand back.

"It's true…" Sasuke said, "I just… had to tell you."

The blonde stumbled out of the bed, still facing Sasuke.

"Wha- but- ho- why-" were the words escaping her mouth.

Snapping back into reality, she gathered her clothes, scrambling to put them on. Sasuke watched in horror.

"Wait! Don't leave!" he yelled.

In a fit of tears, Ino put her sweater on. "No, Sasuke!" she cried, "You should have told me! How could you!?"

With that, she stormed out of the house, and walked quickly down the street. Tears gathered on her face, as she desperately attempted to wipe them away. Every step she took was dangerously close to an accident.

As she was walking, a certain woman noticed Ino from inside a coffee shop.

"Wait, Ino!" she shouted. She began to run to catch up with her.

"Ino, are you alright?" Sakura asked caringly, placing a hand on her shoulder. The blonde stopped walking and turned to face her friend.

Sakura gasped as she saw the tears, and gave Ino a comforting hug.

"What happened? Are you alright?" she asked persistently.

"It was Sasuke…" Ino wept, "He told me he had AIDS… after we had sex!" Her head collapsed onto Sakura's shoulder, tears streaming into the fabric of her shirt.

Sakura's face was blank for a moment. It took her a few seconds to realize what she had just heard. When this processed, she smiled, a hint of evil in her eye.

"HA!" The pink-haired woman laughed, as she shoved Ino off of her. "THAT'S WHAT YOU GET, SKANK!" She grinned, crossing her arms.

"W-Wha?" Ino mumbled innocently.

"Haha! You have AIDS, bitch!" Sakura continued tormenting the poor blonde.

Ino's temper rose to a boiling point and readied herself for action.

"YOU DID HIM TOO, WHORE!" Ino pointed accusingly as she lashed out at Sakura. "YOU HAVE AIDS TOO!"

Their screams caused most of the surrounding public to gawk.

Quickly, Sakura retorted. "Well at least I know for sure I didn't get his HPV!"

There was a silence.

"What?!"

--

Ino woke up in a familiar room. Her face was sweaty, and she was trying to reassure herself that it was only a dream. She glanced over at the other side of the room. Chouji was sound asleep in his bed, his breathing steady and peaceful. Ino smiled at the sight, and looked down at her lap. She rose from the chair, and washed her face in the nearby bathroom. Walking back, she removed her shoes, placing them in the corner of the bedroom, and set her purse down on the chair. She didn't bother to look at the clock, because she didn't care what time it was or even where she was… she was just glad she was with him.

She tip-toed over to the side of Chouji's bed, and slowly began to sit. Her feet shuffled on the carpet, her toes wiggling within the fibers. She gazed at his sweet face, unknowing of what's around him. Her hands made their way to his head, moving the auburn hair out of his face. She cupped his cheek and smiled, knowing that he cared about her. She began to run her fingers through his hair, twisting it, playing with it, scuffing it up.

In the beautiful moment, she started to sing. Her voice was close to a whisper, and that of an angel. She wouldn't stop until he woke up.


Lil' tidbit: I have no idea which chapter I have next, so let's all hope it's someone good :D

I can feel your prayers, people. I can feel them.

If there are errors, I would be glad to correct them... just let me know. Thankums.