R&R

Roomies:

Halloween Special

2 years prior…

"Halloween is more than 3 weeks away… did we have to do this today?"

Ino hummed as she looked at the pictures on the wall of Spook City, trying not to let the annoyance in her boyfriend's voice cloud her excitement. Her eyes scanned over the many pictures on the wall, looking for the ones that seemed to stand out to her. So far, none seemed to meet her expectations.

"Yes, but Kiba's party is that weekend. And you know how he goes all out for Halloween. He even has an official Costume Contest, of which, may I remind you, you are a judge of."

She turned her gaze from the colorful candy corn costume to the sight of her boyfriend standing next to ask stand with his hands in his pockets, his eyes narrowed, and looking none too entertained.

"Of which, may I remind you, I never agreed to."

This time Ino pouted.

"But I want you to be there! I've never seen you go to a Halloween party before."

Sasuke scoffed and looked away towards the pictures of the costumes.

"There's a reason for that. Halloween parties are just an excuse for girls to look slutty and say it's just a costume, and for guys to wear ridiculous outfits or nothing at all. If you all want to make fools of yourselves, do it on your own, but I don't want to be dragged into it."

Ino was taken aback at the harsh response. Sure, she was used to Sasuke being brutally honest, but his tone was colder than usual. She wouldn't have thought that Sasuke had such strong feelings about Halloween. Sure, all the Halloween parties she had gone to did include girls in slutty costumes and guys either shirtless, or in ridiculous costumes, but it was all good fun wasn't it?

Ino's eyes narrowed.

"Well, you don't have to be so mean about it…"

Sasuke didn't say anything, and Ino silently looked back to the pictures on the wall, her mood considerable dampened as she looked at the colorful costumes. The excitement she had felt at the thought of dressing up for the Halloween party Kiba was notoriously known for was gone, and now all she wanted was to leave the store and pout.

But she knew that would mean she was letting Sasuke's harsh words get to her, and she didn't want his sour attitude to ruin her experience. So she scanned the wall of pictures once more, until only one costume caught her attention, and she looked to find an attendant to get it for her in her size. Knowing it would fit just fine, she hurried in the direction of the cash registers, not bothering to consult Sasuke on her purchase like she had previously planned to.

"You're mad at me."

Ino continued to look out the window of Sasuke's car as they made their way home, her purchase tucked into the bag at her feet.

"I'm not mad," she replied, her gaze never leaving the window.

She heard Sasuke sigh, and she knew he wasn't convinced.

"You've barely talked since we left the Halloween store."

Ino shrugged, but still didn't move her gaze.

"I have nothing to say."

This time Sasuke chuckled, and Ino frowned at the response.

"You always have something to say."

Ino's hand reached to tuck her bang behind her ear, a habit she had of doing whenever she lied.

"Yeah well… I guess not today I don't…" she replied.

"So you are mad. The only times you have little to say is when you're mad. Then when you get home, you're going to text me all about what I said or did to make you mad. So why not just tell me now?"

Ino sighed and finally looked away from the window, knowing she couldn't ignore it anymore.

"There's a reason I only text you once I'm home. I don't want to be petty, or that girl that lashes out at her boyfriend for no reason. That's why I always try to sort out my thoughts before I tell you what's bothering me."

"Hm…" Sasuke looked thoughtful, and Ino's eyes widened when one of his hands reached out for hers and grasped it, his fingers twining with hers as his warmth seemed to seep into her cold hands.

"Who knew you were so considerate…"

At this, Ino couldn't help but smile as her heart warmed at what she knew was his way of saying 'thank you'. Suddenly she felt guilty for her previous thoughts. She knew why she was mad… she was mad because he had ruined her good mood by telling her his honest feelings, and that shouldn't be a reason to be upset with him.

Taking their entwined hands, Ino pulled them to her face, where she laid a kiss on his fingers.

"I'm okay now…"

Sasuke spared her a glance before nodding, but didn't ask further on the matter, only tightened his grip on her hand. Ino shook her head, it was just like him, not bother to ask just because it was fixed. Oh well, she would let him get away with it… this time.

"So tell me… why do you seem to hate Halloween so much? Did something happen?"

Ino looked closely at Sasuke's face, whose brow scrunched into frown.

"Like I said earlier, it's just another holiday that shows just how ignorant people are. How many people do you think know the actual history of Halloween, its purpose and why it began? People no longer care about educating themselves, only about doing what is 'popular'. It's just another way that people are becoming mindless, just following the crowd and what's advertised. I just can't stand ignorance."

His spoke slowly, his tone coated with disdain as the words flowed out. Ino listened carefully, trying to absorb each word and his message, mulling it over in her mind as he finished and silence filled the space within the car. Even when they got to Ino's house, she had not yet responded. As they pulled into the driveway of her house, Ino looked over to Sasuke with a smile.

"Want to come over for a bit?"

Ino grinned when Sasuke looked troubled, and his gaze looked up to see the driveway ahead where a silver truck was parked.

"You're dad's home…"

Ino giggled at the hesitation, and dare she say… fear on his face. Even Sasuke wasn't immune to fathers, as she had come to learn.

"Is someone afraid of the big bad dad?" Ino teased, a grin on her face, and Sasuke glared at her.

"Who wouldn't be. He's a dad… and you're a girl."

Ino rolled her eyes.

"Glad you noticed, now come on, just for a bit," she urged, tugging at his hand.

Sasuke closed his eyes and sighed. He preferred to come over when there was no one home, because he didn't have to feel like eyes were following his every move. He didn't have to feel as if merely touching his girlfriend was like setting of a trap that would ring alarms all over the house and seal his fate…

Still, as he opened his eyes and looked over at Ino's pleading gaze, he knew his answer despite his discomfort.

"Only for a little bit…"

Ino grinned with victory as she quickly got out of the car, and went around to wait for Sasuke as he took his sweet time to prolong the inevitable. Frowning at his pace, Ino moved to grab his arm to tug him along, Sasuke frowning the entire time.

When they reached the door, Ino gave Sasuke one last reassuring look before opening the door with her keys and walking inside, Sasuke following close behind. They took of their shoes at the entranced, and noted that the house was alight and the sound of the TV was coming from the living room.

"I'm home dad! Sasuke's here. We're going to watch a movie in my room."

Sasuke grimaced at her words, knowing what was coming next…

He was proved right when he heard the sound of footsteps coming, and Inoichi's unmistakable figure turned around the corner and down the hall, a chilling look on his face. Sasuke felt his body tense, but he squared his shoulders nonetheless, and faced the taller man as he reached the two teenagers.

Inoichi's smile warmed instantly as he regarded his daughter.

"Welcome home sweetheart, did you get what you needed?" he asked, and Ino smiled and nodded.

"I did, I'll show you my costume on the day of the party! Did work go alright?" she asked in return, a tinge of concern in her voice as well.

Inoichi nodded.

"Yeah, we're making progress in the case, so hopefully we'll close it sooner than later."

Ino smiled warmly at father, relief evident in her blue eyes.

"That's a great, hopefully you won't come home too late this week then."

Inoichi smiled and ruffled his daughter's hand, at which Ino complained and swatted his hand away. This caused the taller man to laugh before he turned his attention to the other occupant in the room that had watched the entire exchange.

Truth be told, Sasuke was almost jealous at the exchange between the two. Every time he watched the two interact, it was nothing but genuine concern and warmth. They spoke to each other as if they were friends and family. It was nothing compared to his own interactions with his father, which always felt cold and out of obligation.

"Good afternoon Sasuke," unlike with his daughter, Inoichi regarded him with a tight smile.

"Good afternoon, sir," Sasuke replied politely, reaching out his hand to shake with the older man.

Inoichi grasped his hand tightly.

"Staying out of trouble?" he questioned, and Sasuke nodded.

"Always, sir."

Inoichi actually grinned, before turning back to Ino.

"Good. So what movie are you watching? Maybe you can watch it with me in the living room."

Sasuke felt a moment of panic as his gaze darted in Ino's direction. Thankfully, she glared at her father with defiance and crossed her arms.

"No daddy, it's okay, my room will be just fine. Knowing you, you'll have nightmares."

Inoichi sighed and looked dejected.

"Fine, but remember to keep the door open."

"Yeah, yeah, good night daddy!"

Not waiting for a response, Ino grabbed Sasuke's hand and pulled him in the direction of the stairs that would lead to her room.

As they walked away, Sasuke could feel eyes glaring daggers into his back as a chill ran down his spine.

Ino turned on the light of her room, glad she had cleaned it earlier in the day as she and Sasuke walked inside. She looked back to Sasuke's tense form and smiled apologetically. She turned to face him and pulled him closer, until only an inch or two were between them. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Ino leaned up so that her face was just a breath away from his own. She felt her heart speed up when Sasuke reacted to her actions, and his arms wrapped around her waist.

"Told you you'd be fine," she whispered as she lightly pecked his lips.

Sasuke's eyes glazed over as he leaned forward, his hands bringing her closer and closing the distance between them.

"For now maybe…" he replied, knowing that being alone with her in her room made him want to do things that Inoichi would want to kill him for.

"Mmm," Ino could practically read his thoughts, as they both leaned in for a deeper kiss, their arms tightening around each other.

Before it could heat up again however, Ino reluctantly pulled away.

"Let me put on a movie first at least," she said, pulling out of Sasuke's grip with some difficulty as she approached her TV and the remote that was nearby.

She pulled up a video app on her TV and searched for some Halloween movies, choosing a classic before turning to face her boyfriend that was now sitting on the edge of her purple and white clad covered bed with a wicked glint in her eyes. Sasuke eyed her warily as she crawled onto the bed and made her way over to him, and was only slightly surprised when she pulled him down onto the bed, before climbing over him. Her weight atop of him brought him comfort, and his hands once more traveled to her waist. Her grin widened as her face leaned down towards his lips, and he welcomed the warmth of her own as they pressed against his.

Had he known that kissing could feel so good, he might have done it long before. As Ino kissed him, he soon began to get lost in her warmth. His rationality slipped out the window as he felt his body grow hot and the urge to ravage the girl on top of him increased. He deepened the kiss, and soon their tongues were caressing each other as Sasuke flipped them over, so that Ino was under him. He nearly lost it when she mewled under him and her nails dug into his back.

Oh yes, had he known being with her could feel so good, he wouldn't have waited as long as he did.

His lips moved to kiss her neck, and Ino craned her head to the side to allow him easier access. He licked and nibbled, careful not to leave mark but leave the beautiful blond beneath him breathless as she arched into him.

Damn it. Why did her dad have to be home?

"We should… stop," he said through kisses, although stopping was the last thing he wanted to do, and the way his kisses continued let her know it.

Her hands ran through his obsidian locks, massaging his scalp and pulling at his hair subconsciously, until she pulled him back up to her face. Their eyes locked for a moment, and the two took their time leaning in, their breaths mingling, before their lips met once more.

"We can be quiet…" Ino whispered, breathless as she arched into his warm body.

He had to hold in a groan at her request. Oh how bad he wanted to agree to that.

At his hesitation, Ino giggled.

"What, scared?" she teased, tugging at his hair.

He frowned, and silenced her with a deep kiss.

His hand snuck its way under her shirt, and Ino moaned, grinning into the kiss as she did so. Her own hands soon did the same as her nails raked up his back, and a noticeable shiver ran down her boyfriend's spine. How she loved getting those reactions…

"I'll take that as a yes," Ino whispered into his ear.

Sasuke only grinned, already getting lost in the feel of her once more.

"Ino!"

With a gasp, the two teens sprung apart as their eyes widened, their hearts beating rapidly as their gaze immediately darted in the same direction.

Oh god, oh god, oh god!

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.

As the two looked towards the doorway however, relief flooded their system when they saw the object of their fear was not there, and realization sunk in that the sound of the voice had come from farther away.

"Yeah dad?" Ino called out, making sure she would be loud enough to hear.

"Do you guys want popcorn?"

Sasuke and Ino turned to each other, and Ino laughed aloud from the relief of it all, while Sasuke just sighed and shook his head lightly.

As the two pulled away from each other, Ino pecked Sasuke's lips one more time before getting up and walking towards the door.

"Sure Daddy! I'll come help you!"

With a wink in Sasuke's direction, and a promise to be back soon, Ino happily walked down the stairs to help the other man of her heart.

"You know… I've thought of something…"

Sasuke looked over to Ino cuddled against his side, his attention straying from the movie they were currently watching.

"Hm?"

"About what you said earlier, about people being ignorant about the origins of Halloween."

Sasuke remained silent, knowing she was currently gathering her thoughts in how to say about her mind.

"You have a point that people don't take the time to educate themselves. But when you think about it, I don't think that's a bad thing. I think the fact that Halloween itself has been modified and changed shows how as a culture we have changed, even grown. How we don't have to feel the need to celebrate a holiday for spirits, but instead celebrate it to have fun. Now it's a day for children to dress up and receive candy, for teenagers to make more stupid decisions they'll look back on one day."

There was another pause, and this time he felt her eyes turn away from the TV to meet his, and the sincerity and strength that reflected in her eyes almost took his breath away.

"Doesn't that make you feel powerful? To know that as a society, we no longer need to cower in fear at creatures we once thought were out of our control? That we thought held so much influence over our lives? That instead we can dress up as them and laugh and have fun? Because suddenly ghosts and monsters and spirits seem like a silly thing? And sure, some cultures still think that way, and that's okay too. I think it's something to be proud of."

Sasuke looked back at her, that familiar warmth he had learned to associate with pride swelling in his chest.

Pride that this thoughtful, intelligent, and beautiful woman was his. Pride that he had found someone he probably didn't even deserve. Pride that she was able to always make him see the world in a better light, when for so long he seemed to only see the worst of it all.

Without a moment's hesitation, Sasuke pulled Ino closer to him and leaned in, placing a deep and tender kiss on her lips, prolonging it until he felt his chest was on fire, and slowly, reluctantly, pulled away.

"Only you would change my mind about Halloween."

Ino grinned, and he took pride in the way her cheeks were flushed and her eyes glazed over.

"Does that mean you'll come to Kiba's party?"

Ino almost laughed as Sasuke deadpanned, and she knew she might have ruined the moment, but a part of her knew it was worth it.

Sasuke sighed.

"Do I really have a choice?"

This time, she did laugh, and leaned in to give him a peck on the lips.

"I'm glad you're starting to see things my way."

"Yeah Kiba, I know. It was basically my idea, you don't have to remind me," Ino sighed exasperatedly into the phone held up to her ear.

On the other end, Kiba continued to drawl on about the plans and setup for tonight, and at that point Ino was just "uh-huh-ing" without really listening. She had already gone over the previous night to help set up his place and make jello shots, not to mention other halloween themed treats with other people from school. Honestly, Kiba could be such a drama king sometimes. Ah well, if that's the price to pay for a kick-ass Halloween party, she'd take it.

"Anyway thanks Ino, I'll see you tonight! Make sure Sasuke comes too. I still need one more judge to make sure there's no ties."

At this, Ino grinned and rolled her eyes.

"Oh don't worry, he'll be there. It'll be a great Halloween night!"

A/N: Happy Halloween everyone!

Can you believe this chapter has been in my google docs for over a year? I think I had planned to post this last year, but for some reason I guess I never finished it and it just hid among everything else. I found this at the beginning of the month(how appropriate is that?). Although I actually wanted to add to it, I just didn't have the time, so I had to settle for writing what I wanted to have and posting it as is.

I honestly haven't forgotten about this story. Its just a matter of priorities and the muse to muster the energy and motivation to write the next few chapters. And I'm still mulling over the fact of how to bring to life the next chapter.

But here you go, a special treat on this Halloween day! Some SasuIno goodness for the spirit.

Okay I'm done with trying to be funny haha.

Let me know if you enjoyed this, and I appreciate anyone still following this story!

Be safe tonight and be careful of any scary ghouls and creatures out there! (Or if you're Sasuke, be careful of evil people trying to steal you and putting poison and other bad things in candy).