Gonna try and work on getting these chapters out to you guys faster. Not too fast though. I want to make you all beg for it. *points* You there! Beg me for another chapter, your queen commands it! I kid, I kid. Seriously, hopefully I don't take too long with the next couple of chapters. You all have been getting antsy. So here it is!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

Chapter 10

My mind was reeling, unable to keep up with everything that had just transpired within a matter of minutes. One second I'm on the couch eating my breakfast, the next my ex shows up on my doorstep and tries to have his way with me and now…

My eyes were dead set on Sakura who looked far from calm. Her fist was slightly red after being stained with Deidara's blood. Speaking of whom, was still sprawled out on my floor futilely attempting to stop his nose from bleeding.

My fingers were curled tightly around Ichiro's shirt as I looked over his shoulder to observe the scene. Slowly rising to his feet, Deidara drew the back of his hand across his nose. Inspecting it, he looked up to face Sakura with a smirk, "You got me good."

But one look at Sakura and I could tell she was feeling far from smug. Straightening up, she lowered her fist to her side. The veins in her knuckle were throbbing as she fought to calm down. Drawing in a slow breath, she finally spoke, "I don't know who the hell you are but if you were smart then you'd leave."

An amused smirk pulled at Deidara's lips and the blood that had now stained his teeth had made it look even more menacing. "Oh how rude of me," he began calmly, "It would seem that I've forgotten my manners."

Extending his hand in what was meant to be a friendly gesture, he spoke, "I'm Deidara…Ino's boyfriend." Ichiro pushed me farther behind him taking a step forward before snarling out, "You're her ex-boyfriend. You know as in not her boyfriend anymore."

Deidara pretended not to hear Ichiro's comment. That same smirk still lingered calmly about his lips as he waited for Sakura to shake his hand. He would be waiting a long time though. If Sakura's heated glare at his hand was any indication that she was pissed, then he should just drop the act now.

Finally taking the hint, he drew back his hand slowly. "Ah, I see you're not one for conversation." His eyes slipped past Sakura before resting right upon me. With a chuckle, he rubbed the back of his neck, "Say Ino. Think you could help me wash this up?"

Biting my lip, I shifted my focus to anything but him. After what happened, I refused to be alone with him, not if I could help it. With a soft hum, he pressed again, "I mean it was your friend who did this to me. The least you could do is help me clean myself off."

Once again, I stuck with silence. Sure one crisis had been avoided but who's to say another one of his schemes could be thwarted so easily. Sakura glanced at me from the corner of her eyes and at that moment, she knew. She could read it in my eyes, the anxiety I was feeling. The fear, the plead for help, all of it.

"Ino," Deidara's voice broke through our trance, unwillingly forcing my eyes back in his direction. Upon meeting his eyes, I noticed that the smirk was no longer there. His face was calm but the tone in his voice said otherwise. With a sigh, he nodded for the door, "I won't ask again."

Carefully, I moved away from Ichiro's protection. "Ino," he moved to grab my wrist but I just shot him a warning look. Crossing my arms over my chest, I avoided making eye contact with Deidara. I didn't have to look at him to know that I had submitted to him once again and that he was all too proud of himself for getting me to do so.

Before I could even make it anywhere near him, Sakura's hand gripped my wrist. Snapping my eyes to her, I pleaded for her to just drop it. He wasn't worth her time. I should've known that she wouldn't let it go though. Sakura was much too protective, like Ichiro and my father, to let something like this go. She wasn't stupid; she knew exactly what was going on behind that door.

"Ino. I said –" Deidara began before Sakura cut him off.

"You better carry your ass home and clean your damn self up," Sakura snapped, pulling me behind her. With an unamused laugh, Deidara shook his head, "I don't believe I was talking to you." Taking a challenging step forward, Sakura leveled with him, "Yeah but I do believe I was talking to you."

"Sakura," I murmured silently, tugging on her wrist. I wanted to avoid a fight as much as possible. It's not that I don't have any faith in Sakura, but Deidara…he was dangerous. He'd been gone for several years, serving time for a crime that I didn't particularly care to know about.

It didn't matter; I just wanted him out of my house and now.

Ichiro moved closer, standing beside Sakura protectively in front of me. Lip curling, he growled out, "Get the fuck out." Finally, Deidara had acknowledged his presence. Glancing between Sakura and Ichiro, he scoffed before slipping on his shoes and grabbing his jacket.

"Tch. You had better keep your eye on those guard dogs of yours Ino. I'll expect you to cooperate next time or someone will get hurt," he finished with a smirk. Slipping out my door, I saw Sakura go after him before hearing the front door slam and a car pull out of our driveway.

"Ino?" I heard Ichiro call from beside me. But by then, I was already forcing my way into the bathroom. Collapsing on my knees, I heaved everything that had been in my stomach. Pulling away, my nails clawed at the rim of the toilet seat with tears stinging at the corners of my eyes.

I felt a hand rub carefully at my back and a soft worried voice call out my name. I flung myself into Ichiro's arms, fingers gripping his shirt tightly as I sobbed into his chest. I felt sick, tired, angry and weak. But in spite of all those things, the most intense one I felt was fear.

I was afraid. Afraid that this man that I tried so hard to forget about would somehow find his way back into my life. I was afraid because he had me cornered, ready to force himself upon me. And now, I was even more afraid. I would never admit it out loud but deep down, deep deep down, I wished he would have just gotten it over with.

Because now, they were targets. I had unknowingly dragged my younger brother and Sakura into something that they hadn't signed up for. Deidara was dangerous and from experience, I knew that those weren't idle threats. They were promises. If either one of them got in his way again…

He'd kill them.

I was full on shaking now, trembling in Ichiro's arms as I tried to push the visions of my little brother dead in some dark alley out of my mind. He carefully hoisted me to my feet, pulling my arm around his neck as he carried me to my room.

I stilled in my footsteps, giving Ichiro a pleading look to which I hoped he understood. Thankfully, he did. Steering me away from my room, he held me up as we made our way downstairs. I didn't want to be in my room. It felt like a trap and even though I knew it was highly unlikely, I feared that he'd come back.

There was nowhere for me to run in there and I was nowhere near strong enough to fight him off. Ichiro helped me to the couch as I curled up into it, fingers gripping my blanket and pulling it back over me. "Ino," Ichiro started quietly, fingers rubbing my back, "I need to call Dad."

My body tensed under his touch as my eyes widened in fear. I didn't want my father finding out about this. He'd take it too far and then I'd have an even bigger mess on my hands. I dared to say it wasn't worth it because I knew that it was but I don't think I could deal with my father's fury just yet.

"Ichiro," I croaked out, turning to face him, "Please." His eyes softened at me before he turned away, "Normally I'd give in but this is a completely different situation. He needs to know Ino." With a sigh, I rolled back over to glare at the back of the couch. I didn't want to talk to my dad about it.

My mom was another matter but I would've felt far too guilty for dragging her from work just for my sake. I know that she wouldn't mind but it didn't lessen the feeling any. I'd simply just wait until she came home and curl up with her on the couch until I fell asleep.

"Alright, How about this?" Ichiro began, moving to grab his phone. "I'll call Dad but I'll tell him to simply wait until he gets off work. That okay?" I nodded carefully, turning to face him with a thankful smile. Our eyes snapped to the door to see that Sakura had come back inside.

Her eyes fell upon my own instantly before turning to Ichiro. She nodded at him and he nodded back in some sort of silent exchange of understanding. Sakura claimed the recliner, head rolling back and eyes slipping shut. I swallowed nervously, watching her sit there and wanting nothing more than for her to come sit with me. That familiar and reassuring warmth of hers was more than enough to soothe me for the time being.

What if she didn't want to?

What if she was angry at me for what had happened? I doubted that was the case but there was always a small chance. I felt a shiver pass through me as I tugged the blanket tighter around me. Looking up, I found Sakura's eyes on mine once again.

Biting my lip, I looked away. I heard her call my name worriedly, asking me if I was alright. Trying to muster up some courage, I tried to speak, to let her know what I wanted but words failed me. I simply shook my head no, hoping she would figure out what I wanted on her own.

She studied me for a while and giving the smallest of hints, I shifted forward to sit up glancing behind me before back at her. She gave me a slightly confused look before realization dawned upon her. Shedding her jacket and shoes, she moved towards me.

Grateful, I scooted forward as she slipped in behind me. Her legs locked with mine as I rolled onto my stomach and slid my hand to her waist. Resting my head on her stomach, I drew in a shaky breath before relaxing completely.

It felt good to be like this, to simply relax against her. Her hand rested at my back, fingers scratching and circling softly. I allowed my fingers to slip under her shirt to scratch at her waist. I felt her tense beneath my touch only to relax seconds later.

A small smile pulled at my lips when she carefully slipped her hand under my shirt and ran her nails down my back. It wasn't a flirtatious thing, just a familiarity and comfortable gesture between the two of us. I had just allowed my eyes to slip shut before Ichiro came back.

"Hey uh, sis?" I looked up from Sakura's chest to face him as Sakura tilted her head back to do the same. "What is it?" I asked, nervous considering I already had a bad feeling about it. Rubbing the back of his neck, he gave me an apologetic look, "Dad's on his way."

"Ichiro!" I groaned out, disbelief on my face.

"I tried Ino but he wouldn't listen! I'm sorry sis, really," he defended, hands slipping inside the pockets of his basketball shorts. I felt the familiar urge to cry resurface as I huffed and buried my face deeper into Sakura's stomach.

"Should I go," she asked, fingers slipping from my back as she tried to sit up a little. "No!" I hissed, flinching at how clingy I must've sounded. With a sigh, I shook my head, "No…I'm sorry. Look…just stay…please?"

She sighed but didn't give me a direct answer. I looked up to meet her eyes and I could see the worry deep within them. Before I could plead again, she nodded, "Okay." A relieved sigh passed my lips as I sunk back against her. She wasted no time in returning her hand underneath my shirt, this time curling against my bare waist.

"Now what?" I asked, scratching Sakura's waist gently. Ichiro sighed, shrugging his shoulders before slumping onto the smaller couch on the other side of the living room before snatching his controller. "Guess we just wait around till Dad gets here, which won't take long," he added with a huff.

I nodded silently, watching as he flipped back on his game. Voice a mere whisper, Sakura urged me to get some rest. I gave in, tightening my fingers at her hip as I rubbed my cheek against her stomach. It wouldn't be long but I'm sure this nap would come in handy when it came time to face my dad.

X

"Ino!"

I winced, hearing my father's voice as he stormed through the front door. I didn't manage to take that nap, chest aching because I had been worrying about what would happen the second my father got home.

We had moved to the kitchen, we being Sakura and myself. I sat upon the barstool, eye set outside the window. Sakura had grabbed a chair from the dining room table, sitting in it backwards as she folded her arms across the back of it.

We sat like that for at least twenty minutes. Waiting. Just waiting for my father to rush through the door like he had mere seconds ago. I waited for him to make his way over. For him to scream at me for not being more careful and not calling sooner.

But he had caught me off guard as he snatched me into his arms. I hadn't expected for him to do such a thing. What I also hadn't expected was to feel such comfort and safety from having his arms wrapped around me. Before I could stop myself, I threw my arms around his neck, sniffling into his shoulder, "Daddy."

"Shhh, I know…I know kiddo," he shushed me, squeezing me tightly but not too tight. Just tight enough so that I felt safe. His hand rubbed my back as he kissed the top of my head multiple times, mumbling that I was alright and that daddy was here.

I might not have been a little girl anymore but I was still my father's little girl. Sure, I would relate more to my mother when I had problems but my father always made it his job to make sure that his little girl was okay. After a few more seconds, he pulled away, thumb brushing the tears from my cheeks and pulling my bangs from my face.

"Ino…sweetheart," he started carefully, searching my eyes for any indication that I was alright. I nodded, giving him my consent to go on with the questions he had. "What happened kiddo? I need to know everything that happened."

Drawing in a deep breath, I looked up into his eyes. Silently, I mumbled, "He showed up." Narrowing his eyes, he frowned, "He? Who's he Ino?" I frowned right back, not wanting to say his name. My father knew fully well whom I was talking about and I pleaded with the heavens for him to figure it out on his own.

"Dad. You know," Ichiro grumbled from the living room, having discarded his controller to focus his attention on the conversation. My dad turned away from Ichiro before facing me, eyes widening slowly as he pieced it all together. I nodded, confirming his suspicious and I could make out the flash of rage in his eyes.

Continuing on, I sighed, "He just showed up at the door. I froze, I didn't know what to do and he just walked in. He started touching my arm and Ichiro started yelling at him to leave then he grabbed him. He started choking him and he said he wouldn't let him go if I didn't make him stop."

My father glanced back at Ichiro for confirmation only to see him nod that I was in fact being honest. Taking another pause, I continued, "So I told Ichiro to back off. He threw him to the floor and told me that he wanted to talk in my room. We walked up to my room and he shoved me inside and locked the door."

I took a second, shutting my eyes as I gripped my head between my hands. I felt my father's hand on my shoulder, asking me to continue. I was having a hard time getting the rest out but I know I had to tell him. Biting my lip, I whispered, "He shoved me on my bed."

My father's hand squeezed my shoulder reassuringly as I slowly fell apart. Tears slowly spilled from my eyes as I bit my lip roughly. Whimpering softly, I whispered, "He started grabbing me…and…he started touching me."

"Shh, it's okay baby girl," my father cooed, fingers brushing my cheek gently. I still had to keep going and I knew it. The information was imperative because I knew my father would be involving the police. Swallowing the huge lump in my throat, I pressed on again.

"I begged him to stop Daddy. I told him about the restraining order but he didn't care. Ichiro tried to break down the door to help me but he couldn't get in. I tried to get up again but he just threw me back down and…"

But my voice broke off as I mumbled a curse. My hands darted to my face, trying futilely to wipe away my tears. My father quickly pulled me into his chest and allowed me to break down. I had never been in such a situation where someone had tried to force themselves upon me.

The thought alone was terrifying and after knowing how dangerous he was, I had honestly feared for my life. I didn't think he was trying to kill me physically but emotionally and mentally, I felt dead. It could have gone so much worse and it was that very thought that was why I was so emotional about it.

Ichiro made his way over, clearing his throat, "That's when Sakura showed up." Both my father and me pulled away to take a look at Sakura who had moved to stand against the wall, eyes narrowed at the floor. "Sakura?" My father called in confusion, "What was she doing here?"

It wasn't a bad thing, he was just curious as to why she was here and not at school. Looking up from the floor, Sakura spoke, "I heard Ino was sick so I offered to come by and check on her." My father nodded his understand and then pressed, "So what happened when you showed up Sakura?"

Scowling, she rubbed the back of her neck, avoided my father's calculating stare. "I uh…I went to the door and knocked but no one answered and I thought it was odd considering Ino said she was there. So I um…I just opened the door and was somewhat nervous because it was unlocked already."

"You didn't think she just left it unlocked for you?" My father questioned, now fully intent on hearing what Sakura had to say. "I thought so originally but I figured she or Ichiro would've answered it if they heard me knocking. I figured if they feel asleep or went to do something else then they would've locked it back."

"Go on," my father ordered with a nod.

Sighing, she continued. "So I walked in and all of a sudden I heard banging and screaming. It was Ichiro screaming Ino's name and I figured they were just messing around at first. I dunno like maybe she took something of his and locked herself in the room or something."

"So why didn't you just drop it and stay downstairs if that's what you thought?" My father questioned again, shocked by the information Sakura was slowly revealing to him.

"Because something was off," Sakura mumbled, hands slipping from her pockets to run through her hair. "Off? How so," my father inquired carefully. "It was the way Ichiro was screaming. If they were just playing, it wouldn't have sounded so dramatic. It was desperate; he was begging her to open the door. I'm sure if she heard it she would've opened it by then."

My eyes switched to Ichiro before moving back to Sakura. Her eyes held my own briefly before switching back to my father. "So I went to check it out," Sakura started again. "Ichiro saw me and asked me to help. I was confused until…until I heard Ino begging someone to stop."

Her eyes locked on with my own and I could feel the tears well up once more. "I instantly caught on to what was happening and I was worried. So I broke down the door, ran up on the guy and punched him one good time in the nose and sent him to the floor."

Shocked, my father pulled away from me slowly, "What? Seriously?" He looked between the three of us for confirmation and we all nodded. "Sakura sent him packing and he left," Ichiro nodded giving a grateful look in Sakura's direction.

Walking over to her, my father placed a hand on her shoulder, "Sakura. You never cease to amaze me." She gave him a confused look, looking at me for help, "What do you mean sir?" With a sigh, he squeezed her shoulder, "This is the second time you've helped my little girl. Call it luck or whatever, but that timing of yours is amazing. Thank you."

A blush lit her cheeks as she rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment, "You're welcome." My father motioned for Ichiro to come over, ruffling his hair, "You did a good job too son, I'm proud of you. You keep looking out for your sister." Ichiro nodded with a small smile.

Kissing my cheek, my father sighed, "And I'm glad you're okay Princess. I'm gonna go ride down to the station, Ichiro you come with me. Sakura, if it's alright, do you mind staying here with Ino a bit longer?" Dumbfounded, Sakura nodded, "Ah…uh yes sir."

He nodded, gave me a final kiss on the cheek before he and Ichiro slipped out of the front door. I heard the soft click of the lock before I sighed and hopped down from the barstool. Walking back over to the living room, I switched off Ichiro's game and turned back on the TV.

I collapsed back onto the couch, draping my hand over my face. Sakura sat down at the other end, letting out a small yawn, "Guess that went better than expected huh?" I scoffed and sat up to look at her, "I guess so. He's really thankful you know."

Glancing at me from the corner of her eye, she turned to face the TV, "Yeah…I know." The way her voice sounded created a sense of worry in me that hadn't been there before. Scooting down to the to the other end of the couch, I rested my hand on her thigh, "You know…I'm really thankful too."

A small smile pulled at her lips but she didn't face me. "I know Ino," she whispered softly. Closing her eyes, she leaned back her head on the upper cushion of the sofa. Biting my lip, I gently slid my hand to her arm, inching it up slowly to rest at the base of her neck.

I allowed my nails to scratch gently along her neck and watched as she carefully cracked an eye open to watch me. "Ino," she mumbled, arching slightly into my touch. "Hmm?" I asked innocently with a soft smile pulling at my lips, "I just wanted to thank you properly Sakura."

She remained silent except for a small grunt of approval when I scratched at her collarbone. The previous situation had jumped to the back of my mind and now all I could think about was Sakura. About how she always seemed to show up when I needed her most. A part of me warned not to get too attached.

Relying on someone so heavily was dangerous. What would I do if one day she wasn't there? I couldn't guarantee that I would have Sakura forever but it was too easy to believe otherwise. It was clear that she cared to be around me just as much as I did her.

My heart warmed at the sight of her sitting there. Eyes closed, face one of complete calm as she allowed my fingers to scratch her neck softly. I didn't want to think about the what ifs. Not when I had her in front of me. I didn't want to think about what would happen if one day Sakura wasn't there to help. It was too depressing and I had had enough of that feeling today already. So I was gonna make the most of today, with the time I had with Sakura.

A flare of courage rose up in me as I inched closer. Eyes watching her carefully, I dropped my hands slowly and replaced them with my lips. She tensed immediately as her hand darted out against my waist, "Ino."

Her voice was smooth but I could hear the nervousness that lingered deep within. Boldly, I slid my tongue from the base of her throat to right underneath her jaw. A small groan left her lips, forcing a smirk to pull at my own. She whispered my name again, fingers twitching at my hips.

Her reactions were reassuring as I found any traces of nervousness had been long gone. Shifting, I swung my left leg over to her side, crawling into her lap as I straddled her hips. "Ino," she breathed out and I couldn't fight the blush that had spread across my cheeks. I never imagined hearing my name from someone else's lips could sound so…sexy.

Smiling down at her, I weaved my fingers through her hair as I scratched her scalp. I lowered my lips to her neck once more, placing gentle kisses along her throat. Her fingers slipped under my shirt to rub at my waist. Smirking against her neck, I dragged her skin between my teeth and sucked gently.

A small whine passed her lips as she arched further into me. It was a nice turn honestly. I wasn't used to being dominant, not that I ever got the chance to be. However, I could see now why it was so enjoyable. Working someone else until they couldn't take it anymore, having them call your name over and over. It was getting the reactions that was the best part.

Having Sakura's breath catch in her throat each time I sucked too hard. Having her growl in my ear and grab my waist when I bit her shoulder. It was enchanting and addicting all at once. However, I knew Sakura was slowly losing her resolve.

I was teasing her, testing her patience and with each pass of my lips against her burning flesh, I was only getting her more worked up. The thought should have scared me honestly, but instead, all I could help but feel was extremely turned on.

I guess Sakura had finally had enough because the next thing I know, her lips are on mine. Desperate and hungry, that's how it felt. So much frustration was in that kiss and it took every ounce of strength in my body to pull away.

"Sakura," I whispered breathlessly into her ear before tugging it gently between my teeth. A noise that sounded a lot like a growl rumbled in her chest as she forced me onto my back. "Ino, I've had enough," she hissed out, lips descending to my neck to suck at my pulse.

Her fingers crept beneath my shirt, sliding it up slowly as she continued to suck and bite at my burning throat. Nails scratched at my waist forcing me to arch my back as I felt the familiar heat pool between my legs. "Sakura," I whimpered pleadingly, sliding my fingers to her hair as I tugged it roughly. Giving me a small grunt, her lips continued down as she tugged down the zipper on my jacket.

She watched me slowly as she made her way down before stopping right over my breasts. She slid her tongue down the space in between and pinned my waist back down when I jolted. I started to call her name before she wedged her knee between my legs, pressing it firmly against me.

She didn't move it in to me but she didn't have to. I was far too worked up to care. Shamelessly, I wrapped my arms around her neck and slowly started grinding into her. "Ino," she groaned as I dug my nails into her back.

God how long had it been since I felt this turned on. How long had it been since I had someone touching me the way Sakura was right now. I shouldn't be doing this but the point of stopping myself had been gone for a while now. Any opportunity I had to pull away was over.

Need rising within me, I pulled Sakura flush against me, "Sa-Sakura…please. I want you to touch me." Her fingers tightening at my waist, digging into my skin, "Ino." She was fighting me, but I didn't need her to fight, I needed her to give in.

She was a lot stronger than I was but I needed her to break just this one time. It was selfish but I knew that this might be the only chance I get for a while and I needed her to work with me and give me what I wanted.

"Please," I panted breathlessly, hips rocking faster into her knee. It wasn't enough, no matter how hard I tried. She was looking for a way out of this but I knew she was slipping. I could see the desire in her eyes. She wanted me just as bad as I wanted her. Perhaps the whole Princess nickname had gone to my head because I refused to be denied something I wanted.

Especially not something as pleasurable at this. Just one last time. If I call her name one last time, she'll give in. She'll finish me off and we'll both be satisfied. Sucking at her throat, I moved my lips to her ear and sucked on it slowly. One last time, I mumbled to myself.

"Sakura –"

"So that was your boyfriend, wasn't it…Ino?"

The pleasurable fire that had just been spreading through my body a mere second ago had just been extinguished. The lust, the desire, it was gone. Eyes widening, I dropped my hands from her neck. Her eyes were narrowed at me and I could see the fury and what seemed to be hurt, flashing in her eyes.

I couldn't believe it. Couldn't stomach that that had literally just happened. Sakura. The girl who had saved me twice. The girl who's life I was slowly starting to figure out. The girl who I had developed a small crush on. The first girl I ever kissed. The girl who had me moaning her name and grinding into her knee…just stopped me to talk about my fucking ex-boyfriend.

Such a mood killer that was. Like Sakura why? You could've had her. It's Ino for fucks sake! You almost fucking had Ino! You just brought up the ex-boyfriend. Such an awkward situation that must be. Ugh, you disgust me. Anyways, you all know the drill. Read and review, tell me what you think! Or don't see if I care. *curls up in a ball and sobs* I care so much! Erhmm, yeah. Later lovelies!