One more night
Orochimaru was feeling strong pounding in his head. Without opening his eyes, he knew he was at unfamiliar place. He was recalling Tsunade, and before she showed up, he'd had a fight with Jiraiya and an argument with Ino.
''How long will you pretend to be asleep?''
He tried to sit up, but he couldn't move at all. At least he found out he was in hospital.
''Damn you, Tsunade! What did you do this time?''
Yelling was a bad idea because his headache got worse.
''Old women have their tricks to get you in bed too,'' Tsunade said indifferently.
Orochimaru took a deep breath because shouting was painful at the moment.
''When will I be able to get up?''
''Let's see,'' Tsunade began. ''To get up will take a few minutes, to walk a bit more and to use jutsu about three hours.''
He frowned. He didn't like the idea of talking to Tsunade for a few minutes. Not right now.
''Oh I'm sorry! Did you have plans for tonight?'' she asked sarcastically.
He gave her glare. Well, he tried. She was standing beside his bed and all he could see were her huge breasts. He deflected his gaze.
''I know you don't care, but I had an arrangement, also,'' she said sadly, ''until you and your best friend ruined it.''
''Where is he?''
''In a room next to yours,'' she replied quickly.
''Why did you bring us here?''
''If there hadn't been for your personal nurse, I would have left you on the street.''
''Don't call her like that,'' he said firmly.
''Then what was she to you?''
Young woman in his life couldn't be called his girlfriend, lover, friend or team-mate. She was nothing to him because she couldn't be something else. More important, he was nothing to her and he couldn't do anything to change that.
''Try to get up now,'' Tsunade ordered.
He sat up. The pain in his head was still too intensive to do anything but stare at Tsunade who was now standing in front of the hospital bed.
''Is this a forbidden jutsu?''
''Who knows,'' she shrugged.
He snorted angrily.
''If you use it on yourself, why shouldn't I do it too?'' Tsunade asked indifferently.
''Why am I here?''
''Well,'' she began, ''according to Ino, because you were mad at her because she hadn't obeyed your orders.''
He frowned.
''I am not mad at her,'' he said through clenched teeth.
''I didn't think so,'' she said quickly. ''Why then?''
''We had an argument.''
''Because of the young Uchiha.''
Orochimaru flinched.
''Did she tell you that?'' he asked, trying to sound indifferently.
''Nobody had to explain something so simple,'' Tsunade rolled her eyes. ''I presumed because of everything she'd told me and now I know I was right.''
Orochimaru deflected his gaze. He still wasn't able to leave as Tsunade had given him something to prevent him from running away. He wasn't afraid of her, just didn't feel like discussing today's events.
''You can retell what happened either to me,'' she crossed her arms, ''or to Jiraiya. And I doubt he will be as calm as I am.''
''Didn't you say he is also here?''
She nodded.
''He is waiting for you to wake up,'' she said quickly, ''to finish what you've started.''
''I'm stronger than him.''
''I know,'' Tsunade frowned. ''That's why you are disabled to use jutsu for awhile.''
He was trying to think, but the headache didn't let him. Tsunade will keep him here until he tells her what she wants and he couldn't do anything about it.
''I'll make it easier for you, since I know you're in pain,'' she said plainly, ''I will tell you what Ino told me and you will fill up the blanks in my story!''
He frowned.
''And if I refuse?''
''You won't be able to use jutsu,'' she smiled slyly, ''for an entire week!''
''It wasn't about the Uchiha!'' he snapped.
Tsunade smirked.
''Great, we're getting somewhere,'' she said happily.
He put his head between his palms. Whatever Tsunade'd used on him was quite powerful. He had a feeling his head could blow up if he yells again. He wasn't able to leave, he couldn't yell and all he could think of was irrevocably destroyed. For the world's best medical ninja, Tsunade was quite sadistic.
''All right,'' he managed to gasp. ''Just don't speak too loud.''
''What have I told you to do if Jiraiya ever finds out?'' Tsunade was rumbling.
Ino, standing in front of her desk, wasn't showing any emotion but worry.
''Not to tell him that you knew,'' Ino replied sadly.
''And what did you do?'' Tsunade shouted.
Ino bit her lip and deflected her gaze.
''Told him you had known all along.''
''Perfect! Just perfect!''
Tsunade was very upset. She thought this day was way behind her as Ino has been at the hospital almost every night during the last month and Tsunade has been seeing her around Sakura more often than ever. Therefore, Tsunade relieved this pointless game had finished and she would've never had to explain to Jiraiya what Orochimaru has been doing with one of her young apprentices. The last thing she needed was Jiraiya becoming encouraged to do something more than harmless and unsuccessful flirting with every woman in Konoha, especially this young.
''What did Jiraiya exactly see?'' Tsunade asked after she'd calmed down a bit.
She didn't know yet how bad the situation was and it wasn't entirely Ino's fault.
''I don't know,'' she shrugged. ''But we were just talking!'' she added quickly.
''I hope you were!'' Tsunade snapped. ''It was a public place!''
Ino shrugged again.
''Look, Ino,'' Tsunade began, ''you've matured before your classmates and I know how badly you want to act like a grown-up.''
''That's not it, Tsunade-sama! I really don't know what happened!'' Ino explained. ''We had parted and a few moments later I heard the strange noise and I found them fighting over something.''
''Huh.''
''And I told them to stop but they weren't listening to me and then I left to get you!''
Tsunade frowned.
''And when did you manage to blurt out?''
''Well, Jiraiya-sama told me that it's either him or you who would scold Orochimaru-sama for hurting me,'' Ino was talking very quickly, like she didn't know what's more important to say first, ''and he was looking very angry and I didn't want him to harm Orochimaru-sama and then I told him you had known!''
''And did he do it?'' Tsunade asked seriously.
Ino shook her head.
''Jiraiya-sama was surprised but had hit him anyway,'' Ino said sadly.
''I meant,'' Tsunade sighed, ''about Orochimaru hurting you.''
Ino startled.
''Well, I wouldn't say that-,'' she began, but stopped after Tsunade stood up.
''If that's the case,'' she said seriously, ''why didn't you tell me?''
''No, no, no, it's nothing, really,'' Ino was blabbering.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
''He was just grumpy as usual and when I asked him to explain his strange behaviour, he had said something I hadn't agreed with and we had an argument.''
''About what?''
''About nothing!'' Ino rolled her eyes.
''It doesn't sound like nothing to me,'' Tsunade said carefully, waiting for Ino's reaction.
''He was just so-''
Ino couldn't think of the appropriate word. Tsunade noticed Ino was getting angry.
''Do you want to sit down and tell me what happened?'' Tsunade asked slowly.
''No!'' Ino snapped. ''I mean, there's nothing much to say,'' she added quickly.
''Huh.''
Ino took a deep breath.
''Shizune-senpai summoned me this morning to watch over some kind of special training Kakashi-sama had approved,'' Ino began. ''Apparently, the one who had arranged it was Orochimaru-sama, but he was late and I met a couple of young Uchihas on the training grounds.''
''Boys?'' Tsunade asked simply.
''You are just like him, Tsunade-sama,'' Ino frowned. ''And there was one girl.''
''Please continue,'' Tsunade chuckled, assuming where this was going.
''When he'd finally arrived, sparring from hell started,'' Ino rolled her eyes, ''Did you know he was so violent?''
''Yes,'' Tsunade shrugged.
Ino stunned.
''And you are fine with that?'' she snapped.
Tsunade smirked.
''Who was his partner?''
''Uchiha Shisui.''
''And do you hang out with Shisui?'' Tsunade grinned.
''No,'' Ino said firmly, ''I have never spoken to him until today!''
''Huh.''
''Anyway,'' Ino seemed annoyed by the last question, ''after one heavy blow, I stopped them to heal the poor guy and Orochimaru-sama didn't let it.''
''How grave was the injury?'' Tsunade interrupted.
''Let's see,'' Ino frowned, assuming Tsunade wanted details to check if Ino's reaction was justified or overreacted. ''Internal bleeding, broken both wrists, three broken ribs and -''
''A snake bite,'' Tsunade interrupted.
''And a snake bite,'' Ino repeated. ''Will he be all right?''
''He will, thanks to you,'' Tsunade commended. ''Then what happened?''
''Nothing,'' Ino sighed. ''I healed him anyway and left as Orochimaru-sama had ordered. He had said that I was in his way because there won't be anyone to help them during deadly mission.''
''I see,'' Tsunade said plainly. ''Did Orochimaru get hurt?''
Ino shook her head.
''Sharingan doesn't affect him at all and it looked really painful for Shisui-san.''
Tsunade grinned. She will tease her friend for showing off like this forever!
''What's funny?'' Ino frowned.
''Nothing. As a medical ninja you did the right thing,'' Tsunade said quickly. ''What about others?''
''Nobody else had a nerve to fight him after that,'' Ino explained, ''which was great as they all have a wedding to attend to! Nobody wants to be at the hospital instead.''
Tsunade nodded. This didn't seem like a problem to her. Any shinobi would do the same to impress Ino.
''But didn't you have an argument earlier this evening?''
''Yes, I was looking for him,'' Ino sighed, ''to ask something else that didn't have anything with this morning, but –''
She sighed again. She wasn't angry any more. She was looking sad.
''Why didn't you say something before tonight, Tsunade-sama?''
She was staring at the floor.
''And what would I have said?'' Tsunade asked seriously.
Ino shrugged.
''I don't know,'' Tsunade said while coming closer to Ino. ''I assumed it would've been useless if I had forbade you.''
''Yeah,'' Ino forced a smile. ''Probably.''
They were silent for a few moments.
''What will Jiraiya-sama do?'' Ino asked.
''Don't worry about him,'' Tsunade smiled. ''He will be very jealous, but that shouldn't concern you right now.''
Ino nodded.
''You won't tell me what happened tonight?''
Ino shook her head.
''I can't,'' she sighed, ''but he's never done anything that might hurt me!'' she said firmly.
Tsunade frowned. She knew Ino would never tell her even if he did.
''It's my fault anyway,'' Ino said quietly.
''Well,'' Tsunade met her gaze, ''you knew what you were getting into.''
Ino nodded.
''I guess I was too stubborn to listen.''
''Can I do anything?'' Tsunade asked, noticing Ino's gloomy face.
She wanted to know what'd really happened, but she guessed Ino was embarrassed of whatever had caused this incident.
''Thank you, Tsunade-sama,'' Ino bowed, ''but you already done so much for me!''
Tsunade was stunned. She didn't expect this kind of answer.
''May I be excused now?''
Now this was even more surprising! Tsunade was almost certain Ino would ask to see Orochimaru or give her a message for him as Ino had seemed quite worried when they had arrived to hospital.
''You may.''
Ino smiled and headed to the door. She opened it, but then she turned around.
''I'm sorry, I just thought of something I have planned to ask you for weeks now!'' she said quickly.
''Let me hear it.''
''I would like to take over all of Sakura's shifts for the next two weeks, but she shouldn't know about it!''
''And how are you planning on doing that?''
''With your help, of course!'' she was smirking. ''I think it would be the best to give her a paid vacation, since she has other duties at the moment!''
Tsunade grinned.
''Sakura will be very grateful,'' she commended.
''But she mustn't know I suggested it!''
''It's done,'' Tsunade said quickly.
''Thank you very much, Tsunade-sama!'' Ino bowed and closed the door.
''Is that all?'' Orochimaru asked indifferently.
''Most of it, yes,'' Tsunade replied. ''I asked about her dress for the wedding, but I doubt that had anything with you two fighting.''
Orochimaru frowned. He was certain Tsunade wasn't telling him something important and she's been doing it on purpose. She was waiting for him to lose his cool and blurt everything. He got up.
''Where are you going?'' he heard Tsunade's angry voice behind him.
''If that's all, I have nothing to add.''
''I still have some questions.''
''Like what?''
''Medical mostly,'' she said plainly and he turned to her.
''Just be quick,'' he ordered. ''I have to walk to my house and you know how much I hate it.''
''I know,'' she grinned.
Orochimaru rolled his eyes.
''First, this training of yours,'' she began. ''Are you concerned about Itachi's occasionally blindness, so you started a search for a new member?''
Orochimaru stunned.
''That's right,'' he said quickly.
It was a lie since Tsunade had treated Itachi's eye well, but Orochimaru wasn't willing to tell her the real purpose.
''Did you tell Itachi about it?''
He frowned. Itachi didn't have to know about his unnecessary games.
''It was just a precaution.''
''I see,'' she continued. ''You should inform me next time.''
He nodded.
''Then, what kind of poison did you use on Shisui and why?''
Orochimaru frowned. She was amused by this senseless conversation. And Shisui! The most arrogant shinobi he's ever met! Not to mention he was talking to Ino when he had arrived and also showing off with his weak sharingan!
''A paralysing one and it's meant to prevent him from hurting himself more,'' he said indifferently.
''But you were the one attacking.''
''It was a self-defence.''
''Will you cut that out?'' Tsunade shouted.
Orochimaru smiled because his headache had vanished and partly because Tsunade got mad.
''I was just answering your question.''
''All right. Then answer this!'' she sounded furious. ''Will you give Uchiha more poison after Ino starts dating him?''
''What? Why? Why would I and why would she-''
Damn. That was fast. Even for Tsunade, it was mean. And the worst part was he could only think of Ino touching that arrogant brat with her soft beautiful hands!
''Why would you do that?'' she repeated. ''Because you're acting like an idiot lately.''
He gave her glare.
''And why would she date him?'' Tsunade continued. ''Because they met again, thanks to you.''
''Thanks to me?'' he repeated slowly.
''You'll find out sooner or later,'' Tsunade sighed, ''so maybe it's better to tell you now.''
She was staring at him like she was trying to find a reason for not telling him whatever she had in mind. He was losing his patience. Hospital was bringing him certain memories he should forget as soon as possible.
''When Uchiha came to get more medicine,'' Tsunade finally began, ''Ino insisted that she must be the one to take care of him.''
Tsunade seemed surprised by Orochimaru's impassive look.
''And after he had left,'' she continued slowly, ''the entire hospital's staff was blabbering about them being a new couple.''
Although Ino had told him this earlier, it sounded much worse when somebody else was retelling it.
''But they are not, she was just fixing the damage you'd caused!'' Tsunade added quickly.
He didn't say anything. It was his fault. If he hadn't arranged stupid training for today, nothing of this would have happened. Fight with Shisui and Jiraiya, argument with Ino and this discussion with Tsunade would have never happened. Instead of being at home, probably not by himself, he had to think again about him yelling at Ino for doing her job, which unfortunately was including touching and smiling at other men. Along with that thought, he had another one about her, leaving for good this time. And he was the only one to blame.
''I think you are aware you overreacted,'' Tsunade continued. ''I wonder how somebody else would have stopped you. Then again, if there had been somebody else, you would have been your normal self, not jealous and possessive-''
''I said it wasn't about Uchiha brat!'' Orochimaru roared.
''Just stop denying it, it's even more pathetic!'' Tsunade yelled.
''So what if it bothered me?'' he was still rumbling. ''That doesn't change the fact that I'm with you now instead of with her!''
Tsunade was utterly stunned.
''There, I said it! May I go now?''
He didn't need anyone to tell him to face reality, what he has been delaying for months. Maybe he should've let Jiraiya to hit him more. And harder. It seemed better than listening to Tsunade gloating over his immature behaviour.
''I'm not done yet,'' Tsunade said firmly. ''I still don't know what happened.''
''Ask Jiraiya,'' Orochimaru said quickly and turned to go.
Unfortunately, he was slower than Tsunade's big mouth.
''Do you know why she didn't leave?''
Instead of holding a doorknob, his fists were clenched and his eyes were closed. He hated Tsunade so much at the moment! How could he leave without hearing the answer? He took a deep breath to calm down a bit and talk as indifferently as possible.
''I don't know.''
Tsunade sighed.
''You have never understood women, Orochimaru.''
He didn't reply.
Ino wasn't the first woman whose actions he couldn't understand.
Women. They all act so irrational. The more they get, the more they want, and the worse you treat them, they are more determined to tame you. Non kunoichi were even worse. How could they understand anyone's wish for ultimate power or weapon, or need to improve one's skills or even participation in war to make your life meaningful?
Not even kunoichi had much tolerance for Orochimaru's preoccupation with learning every jutsu in the world. They wanted marriage, family, kids, puppies and lots of other stuff that didn't go hand in hand with his perception of a perfect life. What had surprised him the most was their reaction to his wish to stay eternally young. They were finding it obnoxious and still, they were vain and jealous of other younger and more beautiful women.
Jiraiya dedicated his whole life trying to understand what women want in order to get the one he has always wanted. In spite of many years that had passed, she was still rejecting him, not finding his charm attractive.
''Have you ever told her to leave?'' Tsunade asked again.
''Million times.''
Unlike Jiraiya, he wasn't willing to dedicate himself to someone who was unable to understand his life goal. Spending his childhood on his own, without parents or siblings, he had decided at a very young age to never depend on anyone or have somebody who will depend on him, already experienced terrible suffering and agony. Tsunade, on the other hand, had a completely different approach. Losing her beloved ones, she was now doing everything to prevent more losses of the people she deeply cared about.
''Really?'' Tsunade sneered. ''Was there one single time you actually wished for it?''
He couldn't answer that. There was no need to tell Tsunade anything since she knew him well and, when it would come to this kind of issues, quite perceptive also.
Trying to resist Ino was impossible and sometimes very painful. No matter what he had said, she would've done completely opposite thing. Even when he was determined, she would make him hesitate. And her smile could melt an iceberg in a flash!
It felt almost like she was enjoying their game of hot and cold attitude. No matter how many times he had told her to leave, she had always found a way to make him regret saying it in the end. So he stopped saying it.
''Since you don't want to share your thoughts with me,'' Tsunade said plainly, ''do you want to hear my opinion?''
''On what?''
''On Ino not leaving you sooner,'' she rolled her eyes.
''How about on her patience to deal with me in the first place,'' he sighed.
''You still don't get it,'' Tsunade frowned. ''The reason for that is the same.''
Women. Why didn't he talk to Jiraiya?
''That's right,'' Tsunade said happily. ''Like every woman, Ino wanted to change you!''
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. He said that out loud? Why didn't he leave?
''She didn't,'' he said plainly.
''Really?'' Tsunade provoked again.
She didn't. It was a pleasant surprise because Ino was the first and only one. Instead of scolding him for being greedy for more power, she suggested different and less painful methods. She has never complained about his absence, never tried to redecorate his house or wanted flowers, jewellery and constant talking about their feelings. That was expected from a real couple and they couldn't be considered as one.
''Not only she wanted it, she succeeded somehow,'' Tsunade persisted.
''She didn't.''
Ino was a strange woman in a way that was confusing him. Even when they were all alone, she wasn't abusing control he'd let her have, never implying she expects more than she was giving. She wasn't attention seeker, being discreet whenever they would meet in public, most of the time by accident. Her relaxed manner was assuring him he didn't need to worry about their solid pretence. She was keeping him on distance, never bothering him with anything or sharing personal thoughts and plans. Therefore, he had no idea what she was feeling or thinking about anything as she was rarely talkative. He never got to know her fears or desires, wishes or life goals. She wasn't even gossiping! Then again, there wasn't much use of finding out how she felt about something as its' ending was imminent.
''When was the last time you performed a forbidden jutsu on yourself?'' Tsunade asked seriously.
''The other day. What does that have to-''
''Which one?'' she interrupted.
''For stamina,'' he replied quickly. ''I really don't see the point.''
Tsunade grinned.
''And why didn't you choose something that would hurt more? Or put you in a hospital?''
''Because I didn't feel like it?'' he asked bluntly.
''She would hate it, wouldn't she?'' Tsunade asked seriously.
''She wouldn't.''
''You expect me to believe she wouldn't be worried, coming to see you every day with a sad face, and after you would have seen her, you wouldn't want to recover as soon as possible?''
He didn't reply.
It was true Ino wasn't fond of his injuries for any reason, not only because of his experiments. She hadn't forbidden it or ever said anything, only expressing her delight whenever he would get back from a mission with minor wounds.
''Especially when your masochistic methods make you look weak!''
''That's necessary to get stronger,'' he said, his teeth clenched in anger.
''There's much more,'' Tsunade changed the subject, remembering his weakness was his weak spot. ''You completely stopped calling me old or Jiraiya perverted!'' she chuckled.
By calling Tsunade and Jiraiya names, he was actually insulting himself, repeatedly thinking he was much worse than any other man. Luckily, Ino didn't seem to care and, as he was ignoring many things about his improper affair, he could ignore her real opinion as well. As long as he doesn't hear it.
''And I will never forget your relieved expression when you found out Shikamaru's in a long-term relationship with another blonde!''
Shikamaru was Ino's former team-mate and a best friend. She's often been taking care of him at the hospital and didn't even try to hide how close they were.
''Are you done?'' Orochimaru grunted.
''I know you don't think that way, but it is a good change. It was a relief to see you at the hospital not as a patient. Then again, I was not approving disturbance of other patients in the middle of the night because of your lack of self-control!''
She was talking about the night she had found out about them. Tsunade's face expression was unforgettable and her reaction surprising. After Tsunade had opened the door of, what she had thought was an empty hospital room, she saw Ino completely naked, leaned on the wall, with one of her legs wrapped around his back, trying to undress him while he was cupping her bottom and kissing her neck. Amused and angry at the same time, Tsunade had told them just to keep it quiet and locked the door behind her. That was the main reason he had activated a sound seal all over his house and hideout. And hospital's storage and library. And jounin meeting room. And Tsunade's office.
''I had a feeling that wasn't the first time. Or the only time in a public place.''
He couldn't reveal the truth about any of that. Not now or ever.
Ever since the first time, he was trying to pretend it had never happened. That wasn't effective as whatever Ino had said sounded deliberately ambiguous. He had no choice but to investigate if she was really regretting everything like him.
''I suggest we never speak about that again.''
''That's fine with me. You use your tongue much better when you don't talk.''
Or:
''Last night was a mistake,'' he told her once he was feeling determined enough to end it.
''I agree,'' she said firmly. ''And the night before?''
''That one too.''
''Huh,'' she smirked, ''all three times were mistakes?''
''Three?'' he repeated, not sure if he misheard or forgot to count suddenly. ''Could it be that you-''
''You sound like it's my fault. Well, I'm sorry, it won't happen again,'' she smiled. ''I mean, not without you.''
First two months of their encounters, wherever they took place, always had the same ending. Or, for Ino, more endings. Orochimaru was telling himself that damage has been done and one more night wouldn't make any difference, putting off the end for the next time. Or some other next time, knowing it would occur anyway.
Soon he didn't see the point in resisting. Trying to ignore her was tormenting for his body and his mind. When he was not imagining what he would like to do to her, he was thinking of everything she has done to him and how great it had felt.
''How's your headache?'' Tsunade redirected his thoughts to another topic.
''Gone.''
''Huh. Maybe I should have given you more.''
''Maybe,'' Orochimaru said indifferently.
''Huh. You are not grumpy any more. Should I be worried?''
''Sure,'' he sneered.
''Look,'' she began, ''what's done is done. Jiraiya will become jealous instead of mad right after you explain. I'm pretty sure you weren't insensitive idiot.''
''Fine,'' Orochimaru sighed, knowing he would need to think of a good explanation that would make him look different from insensitive idiot. Or jealous and possessive. Or intolerant and unreasonable.
''If you must know, that kind of makes me feel special, being the only one who knew!'' Tsunade smirked.
He didn't want to reveal she hadn't been. After all, she didn't do anything except make him remember things he had to forget. And using this jutsu. It was his fault anyway and he wasn't in the mood to make her angry again, so he forced a smile.
''You never smile at me like that!'' she snapped.
His hand met his forehead. Women. Acting womanly again.
''Who else knows?'' she asked firmly. ''Were you bragging to your team mates? You know, that is very selfish of you,'' Tsunade was blabbering.
''Calm down, woman!'' he snapped.
She stopped talking.
''I didn't say anything,'' he said firmly. ''She did.''
Tsunade's eyes widened.
''To whom?''
''That pink girl,'' Orochimaru began.
''Sakura?''
''And Hyuuga princess,'' he looked away, feeling awkward while talking about Ino's friends.
''Hinata?'' Tsunade snapped.
''And blonde from Suna.''
He refused to address any of Ino's friends by their names as that might reveal too much to Tsunade.
''I didn't know Ino's that close with Temari,'' Tsunade said bluntly.
''Therefore, Shikamaru-kun knows too, and-''
''There's more?'' Tsunade interrupted. ''What were you thinking?''
''As I was saying,'' he gave her glare, ''I think Copy Ninja also suspects something.''
''Kakashi too?'' Tsunade yelled, looking furious. ''Why didn't anyone tell me?''
''And what would you have done?''
''I don't know,'' she said hastily. ''Wait for –''
''Me to get killed?''
''Idiot!'' she hissed. ''Like I don't know she started it!''
He shrugged.
''Don't worry, I know her well,'' she said, trying to sound comforting. ''Although he won't do anything, omit that part to Jiraiya.''
''As you wish.''
''You do know this was the only possible ending.''
He was grateful Tsunade hadn't pointed out he was completely helpless when it would come to Ino's true interest. She was the one allowing him to enjoy something unimaginable, so naturally she had the right to take it all away.
''I also know you couldn't leave her even if you wanted to.''
He looked away.
''I'll be leaving now.''
''Very well.''
''Jiraiya?''
''Drinking with Kakashi, he'll look for you tomorrow.''
Orochimaru nodded and turned to the door once again.
''Just one last thing!''
He sighed.
''What?''
''Did Jiraiya hit you for a reason?''
Earlier this evening, Orochimaru was taking a break from everything at his usual spot in one of the tea houses away from everybody. Too bad delicious tea couldn't erase his memory of yesterday's events. Erasing this entire week would have been even better. After he had got home last night, and everything with Ino had been great as always, he did the stupidest thing a man could ever do. Instead of keeping things between them as they were, he ruined everything because of his repulsive need! No wonder she was stunned. In the end, she satisfied his wish, but he could tell she had done it unwillingly.
Why did he do anything? He couldn't have said he changed his mind after he had seen her hesitating. He was furious at himself the morning after and not because of her absence. At the same time, he was regretting last night just like he wished for it to happen again. He regretted making her stay the night yet he was glad she had stayed. Why didn't she leave? If she hadn't stayed, he wouldn't have felt guilty because of it, he wouldn't have owed her an explanation and he wouldn't have been worried about how that night might determine her attitude towards him.
Like that wasn't enough for one day, the medical ninja who had to take care of his unnecessary training was Ino and he had seen her smiling and talking to some Uchiha brat! Although Orochimaru could have been less cruel towards him, being attacked with a different kind of sharingan was too presumptuous of young Uchiha. He couldn't stand possibility to be seen vulnerable or weak, especially not in front of her, and things got out of control. It ended up the worst possible way. Ino was shocked by his violence and too concious medical ninja to let him continue without a medical treatment.
He couldn't believe it. He yelled at her. In public. But it couldn't be helped. Image of her getting closer to somebody so weak, so presumptuous, so arrogant made him act irrational! Her sweet silky hands all over somebody else was an image from his nightmares! Not that he would ever tell her that. Or anyone else.
Orochimaru froze. Right now, Ino was walking towards his table. She wasn't looking mad at all. Did she have to tell him the bad news? Ask him about last night?
''Orochimaru-sama,'' she greeted as always, ''do you have a minute?''
He nodded and she took a seat opposite of him.
''It's about last night,'' she said carefully.
''What about it?'' he asked indifferently.
''Did something happen?''
He could never read that face! He had no idea if she's concerned or mad or who's the subject of their conversation! He wasn't able to ask any of that since they were in a public place.
''Nothing you should be concerned about,'' he replied quickly.
She sighed. He frowned as he didn't know what's been bothering her.
''Are you sure?'' she asked quietly. ''You acted like-''
''So what if I did?'' he interrupted.
''I just wanted to check with you too,'' she shrugged.
His eyes widened.
''You talked to someone else about it?''
She nodded.
''And what did you find out?'' he asked quickly.
''Nothing,'' she frowned. ''You both act so mysteriously.''
''And to whom you've been talking about-''
''Uchiha Shisui,'' she interrupted.
''Who?'' Orochimaru snapped.
''I just thought he would tell me as you were both there, if there's something really important.''
''It was supposed to be a secret meeting!'' he said through clenched teeth.
''I know!'' she said hastily. ''I was just asking usual questions to see if he may blurt something!''
''And why didn't you ask me?'' he roared.
''I just did and you still didn't-''
''Oh, I know! You wanted to check on his minor wounds again!'' he sneered. ''And maybe smile some more!''
Ino frowned.
''What's wrong with you?'' she hissed. ''I just came from the hospital to-''
''Great, from hospital!'' he snorted. ''Your very important job-''
He stopped talking when she got up.
''We shouldn't talk now,'' she said plainly and headed to leave.
''We should have never talked!'' he yelled.
''Whatever!'' she yelled and waved, still walking away from him.
Orochimaru was too furious to let her leave like that. He grabbed her wrist the moment she closed the entrance door, as he was already there, as much faster than her. He had regretted his action after seeing her disgusted face expression.
''What's your problem?'' she snapped.
''What's the rush?'' he provoked. ''Running away to see that weak brat again?''
''I didn't even,'' she grunted. ''Why are you talking about that? I wanted to ask about yesterday-''
''Yesterday night will never happen again!'' he grumbled. ''You can forget about it!''
''But I thought it's just one time and-''
''Just stop talking about it already!'' he ordered.
''Fine!''
He released her hand. She was rubbing her wrist he's been holding too tightly.
''Just go!'' he grunted.
''I was just concerned-'' she began apologizing, but he interrupted her again.
''Maybe you should be concerned about someone who actually cares!''
Ino was too upset to say anything, so she turned and walked away quickly.
At that moment , Orochimaru wanted to be eliminated from there, from the village and Ino's memory. Why, just why did he say any of those things? Unfortunately, somebody wanted to know the same.
''Is that how you treat pretty girls of Konoha, Orochimaru?'' he heard Jiraiya's voice grumbling.
From that moment on, everything's been blurry for him. There was only one thing he was recalling clearly, different from Jiraiya's yelling and their impacts.
Her voice. Her sweet voice sounded upset.
''No, please stop, Jiraiya-sama! He didn't do anything!'' Ino pleaded.
Jiraiya didn't reply, but Orochimaru could see he didn't believe her.
''Oh, you are all right!'' she screamed, relieved, when he opened his eyes.
''Leave me alone!'' Orochimaru yelled. ''How many times do I have to tell you?''
When he had seen her astounded face, he was aware that was the last time she hears him telling that.
''Yes!'' Orochimaru answered Tsunade's question and stormed out of the room.
While walking to his house, now alone with his thoughts, Orochimaru felt even worse. Strange and unpleasant feeling overwhelmed his entire being. Unlike yesterday, when he was in high spirits and impatient to get home.
He wasn't mad at Ino or at anyone else. He was the one who had ruined everything.
She wasn't somebody he could ever call his own, since their meaningless relationship was over before it had begun. He was expecting this day would come, but not out of the blue. And he was certain he wouldn't feel this way. Not even close.
He wondered if any of this would have happened if he hadn't insisted on her staying. Her body so close to his, her hair all over his pillow and sound of her heartbeats when she had let him to hold her in his arms, none of that was worth of her never coming to see him again.
He secretly hoped that she might be there, as she had promised him to spend more time with him from then on, as the wedding preparations would be done by yesterday.
His only concern about that wedding was about him not being able to hide their closeness after seeing her dressed up and smiling more than usual. He loved that smile and missed it so badly right now.
He hated weddings and didn't feel different about this one, either. On the other hand, his special bond with Uchiha clan considered certain responsibilities, this time as an obligated participation in the ceremony. Although he agreed to attend, he didn't expect to be the part of the preparations too. But Ino asked him to help out and that was her first and probably the last favour to ask from him.
Once again, it was like Tsunade had said before. He couldn't turn her plea down even if he wanted to. He was trying his best not to fail her expectations as he agreed to do whatever she wanted just to impress her. He would have never done it if she hadn't asked, but he didn't mind doing something that would make her smile. Especially if he was the reason in some way.
After hearing Ino's reward for him if he accomplishes his task successfully, Orochimaru had no other choice but preoccupy an entire Uchiha clan for couple of hours. He had thought of some nonsense to discuss as his mind was somewhere else, thanks to Ino.
They were having a meeting in an old Uchiha home outside the village as their encounters were more important than ones among the clan.
It's been awhile since the last mass gathering was held with an entire clan present.
That last time, Itachi and Sasuke's father was the one who invited Orochimaru to discuss an important matter. Orochimaru had feared Fugaku's intention was to put an end to his training with Itachi as the Uchiha prodigy has been revealing to him the deepest secrets of sharingan. Fortunately, Fugaku suggested for IOS to become a three men team, as his younger son as the third member. Knowing Sasuke's greed for power and rivalry with Itachi, persuading Orochimaru was utterly unnecessary.
Imaginary meeting began as any other before. Entire Uchiha clan was sitting in front of Orochimaru while he was glancing at their beautiful red eyes. By their sharingan activated, they were showing gratitude for Orochimaru's persistent efforts among other influential shinobi to acknowledge true value of Uchiha power.
Oh just how much Orochimaru hated that power! Its existence was reminding him he would never become invincible, yet the power of sharingan was priceless and he would rather be miserable for not being able to obtain it than never see its glorious destructive capability.
''Orochimaru-sama,'' Fugaku began when everybody got quiet, ''to what do we owe this unexpected visit?''
Orochimaru smirked.
''There's no need to be that formal, Fukagu-san,'' he began, ''since the reason is a very happy occasion.''
Fugaku nodded, as a signal for Orochimaru to continue.
''You see,'' he took a deep breath, ''from time to time, life of every shinobi turns into a life of an ordinary man or woman. Therefore, certain shinobi's duties have to be put off.''
Fugaku frowned.
''Does this have to do anything with my sons?''
''Yes, which is why they're not among you tonight,'' Orochimaru replied carefully, noticing Fugaku wasn't glad to hear bad news. ''This time Itachi-san is the subject.''
''And his wedding,'' Fugaku concluded.
Orochimaru nodded.
''Huh,'' Fugaku rubbed his chin, ''that doesn't sound like him.''
''Don't get this wrong, Fugaku-san,'' Orochimaru said quickly. ''His performance is flawless as always and he has never said a word about it, but I was feeling like something had to be done. For his sake.''
Fugaku nodded.
''After the euphoria about merging clans settles down, new missions for Independent operating squad will appear on their schedule very soon,'' Orochimaru was talking slowly, trying to sound convincing, ''so I was thinking about possible recruitment of a new member.''
Orochimaru relieved after the murmur started. This was going too fast as he didn't prepare a speech in advance. All he could think of was Ino's part of their deal.
''A new member,'' Fugaku said loudly, as he couldn't wait for complete silence to ask his question, ''will become permanent fifth member, only a temporary substitute or a permanent substitute for Itachi?''
Everybody stopped their quiet talking as they were eager to hear Orochimaru's answer. Orochimaru adored respect shown to him by Uchiha clan. They must never find out this was a fake meeting over nothing. Luckily, he had prepared an answer for this, so much expected question.
''Permanent substitute for Itachi-san,'' Orochimaru paused in order to grin after seeing Fukagu's petrified face expression, ''will never exist.''
Uncontrollable sigh came out of Itachi's father's mouth.
''Shinobi like Itachi-san is being born once or twice in a decade. I have never met anyone like him,'' Orochimaru continued seriously. ''I wish I had. But two shinobi as Itachi-san would be enough to protect and serve to the entire village, without any help.''
Entire Uchiha clan smirked while Orochimaru was praising their beloved heir.
''Therefore, I will be in search for his permanent substitute in case Itachi-san himself decides to quit IOS and I fail to bring him back by begging him every night and day, for at least a year.''
They all smirked. It was something Orochimaru didn't have to lie about. Not now or ever. Having Itachi by his side during any dangerous mission made Orochimaru feel safer than being surrounded by thousands of other jounins.
''But being the way he is, has some flaws, also.''
Fugaku frowned again.
''What do you mean?'' he asked seriously. ''He doesn't follow rules? Or your orders?''
''No, nothing like that,'' Orochimaru said quickly. ''It's something that's harmful to him only.''
Fugaku raised an eyebrow.
''Do you think about his injuries? Tsunade-sama said it's nothing he should worry about since-''
''I didn't mean that, Fugaku-san,'' Orochimaru faked a smile.
This was exhausting. He had to say one single sentence but also delay saying it as long as he could and he was obligated to let Fugaku ask these senseless questions. He was feeling nervous almost like the first time, when Tsunade agreed with his idea of teaming up with Itachi. He had to impress entire clan with his magnificent proposal and he has been practising his speech for days. Fortunately ,it had gone smoothly and since that meeting, Orochimaru had been an honoured guest of every important occasion among the clan.
''I was just thinking how his life is going to change and,'' he decided to hurry up a bit, ''whether he will be having problems or not, he will act the same as usual.''
''Where's the problem then?'' Fugaku asked bluntly.
''That can't last forever,'' Orochimaru said seriously. ''Sooner or later, he will become fatigued of everything. And he is too valuable for me to let that happen,'' he concluded.
''I can assure you, nothing will change!'' Fugaku snapped. ''He is just getting married!''
Orochimaru sighed.
''Maybe for him, but not for me. Or for the rest of the team,'' he began. ''During a mission as ours, all team members must be focused and determined. Itachi-san's power and strength won't change, but his state of mind will.''
Fugaku was still frowning.
''It's like the difference between chunin and jounin!'' Orochimaru said quickly. ''When a shinobi achieves the jounin rank, his strength doesn't change, but his way of thinking. He is not doing anything rashly as he needs to be a fine example for others, and often is a team leader-''
Orochimaru stopped blabbering after most of the people in the room approved his theory by nodding and quiet murmuring.
''I see,'' Fugaku finally said. ''He will have others to worry about than just himself.''
Orochimaru grinned.
''But your duties are quite important for the village,'' Fugaku rubbed his chin. ''Maybe a postponement would solve that issue?''
''No!'' Orochimaru yelled.
Everybody startled. Except Uchiha Mikoto, who would have probably gotten a heart attack if he'd said the opposite answer.
Damn. This was unexpected from Fugaku. Why would anyone propose a delay only two weeks before the wedding, which also means clans' merger? Orochimaru needed to think of something fast or Itachi will kill him! Or Ino. And he will kill himself if they postpone the damn thing so he will have to wait for it to happen all over again.
''I mean,'' he cleared his throat, ''there is no need to delay the wedding. That's something Itachi-san wants and we should respect his choice. You certainly don't want him to end up like me!''
That was the wrong thing to say because instead of smirks he got compassionate glares. Why did he say that anyway? His life wasn't bad at all. Doing missions, learning jutsu, occasionally drinking with other lonely Sannin.
''Don't get me wrong,'' he forced a smile, ''I'm not forcing Itachi-san to settle down because I don't have a family. I would just like to give him an opportunity to do what he wants with his life.''
Again sad faces! These people were impossible! He didn't come here to tell them the story of his life!
''Fugaku-san,'' he took a deep breath, ''Itachi-san never got the chance to do what he really wants.''
Fugaku nodded.
''Every single thing he does, he does not do for himself, for you or the clan. He does it for Konoha and peace between its allies,'' Orochimaru said firmly, ''If the marriage with the Hyuuga heiress is what he wants, all of us should be grateful enough to support his decision no matter what.''
Orochimaru felt relieved after this inspiring speech he had come up with in the last few seconds. He had no idea he has been so good at saying nonsense! He should have taken a few drinks before coming here.
Everybody was murmuring again and Orochimaru finally had a few moments to calm down. He was cursing himself for not getting ready for this. Itachi will definitely kill him if he ever finds out about this scheme. Orochimaru surprised even himself when he had agreed to participate in this deception. But to be honest, he really was the only one who could do it. And it was impossible to turn down Ino's plea.
No wonder he was nervous when he wanted to do two different things at the same time. First one was delay the end of this meeting in order to do what he'd promised Ino he'll do. The second one was to finish it up as soon as possible to meet with her. He frowned. Why was he thinking about her right now?
''Huh,'' Fugaku said after a few moments of whispering with other clan members, ''Hyuuga clan. We've never heard your opinion on that topic, Orochimaru-sama.''
Although more questions meant more time, Orochimaru was getting more worried. He couldn't be sure if Fugaku had seen through his pretense. The first thought crossing Orochimaru's mind, after hearing this question, was that Fugaku had seen through this useless meeting. That or Orochimaru's point of view was relevant on this matter too. Either way, he had to answer in a way that wasn't revealing his ignorance because he didn't care about conceited and big-headed clans or its members. By saying out loud anything like that, his reputation among Uchihas would be ruined forever.
''Hyuuga clan,'' he repeated and coughed to get more time to think. ''I don't know much about them or their power, as sharingan was my first choice for an ocular jutsu.''
''How come?'' Fugaku interrupted.
Orochimaru sighed, as he lost his point.
''Well, I find sharingan more suitable for myself,'' he smirked. ''Its destructive power is amazing and causing damage and pain is something I find worth of further examination.''
Couple of heads nodded in approval.
''I don't want to diminish byakugan's power,'' he added quickly, ''but I think you know why I prefer those bloody red eyes of yours,'' he said with a sly smile.
Everybody smirked, but Fugaku was looking like he was expecting to hear more on this topic.
''I must admit I find clan merging very important,'' Orochimaru continued seriously, ''but the competition and need for acknowledgement will never vanish.''
Fugaku looked surprised, but Orochimaru heard couple of voices that were agreeing with him.
''Let him explain!'' Fugaku ordered. ''What do you mean, Orochimaru-sama?''
''You can't expect the years of constant struggle and jealousy to be forgotten because of one happy couple,'' Orochimaru began. ''It will definitely help you out to understand each other better and, the most important, respect the power of other.''
Fugaku nodded.
''For example,'' Orochimaru continued, ''when I first met Itachi-san, I hated him.''
Orochimaru paused to see everybody's dumbfounded faces.
''I still hate him from time to time because he is stronger than me! And please, don't tell him,'' he smirked, ''but thanks to him and his power, I became stronger too. I learned my weaknesses and got to know his, as well. Together we've been on a numerous deadly missions and I know what he's capable of. We could cooperate in stressful situations because we understand each other. If I were stubborn and envious, I would still hate him and his sharingan!''
Orochimaru couldn't help it, but chuckle.
''And after so many years, combining our strengths, we succeeded to eliminate our weaknesses,'' he said honestly. ''Therefore, your clans will continue to compete, but also will treat the other party with more respect.''
Finally content gaze.
''Orochimaru-sama,'' Fugaku grinned, ''you always succeed to amaze us with your great wisdom!''
Another happy murmuring began, as everybody was commenting on Orochimaru's words. He was trying his best not to look nervous as he had no idea what he was going to talk about next. For what Ino had told him, this didn't seem like enough time to him for what she's been planning.
''Well, now,'' Fugaku said happily, ''shall we hear about a new member of your team?''
''Right, the team member,'' Orochimaru stuttered, relieved because of the new subject to talk about.
''And Itachi can get some time off then,'' Fugaku concluded.
''If it is necessary, yes,'' Orochimaru replied.
''Maybe you should start by telling the young ones, as they all want to prove their strength, what does it take to become an IOS member?'' Fugaku suggested.
Orochimaru grinned. Finally a topic he could go on and on for days.
He was really enjoying glancing at their horrified faces when he had began to describe all the injuries Itachi and Sasuke got on couple of missions. He was aware that his own injuries were too grave and most of them weren't inflicted by somebody else.
''Don't scare them like that, Orochimaru-sama,'' Fugaku smiled nervously, after Orochimaru'd completed his tale. ''We have the best medical ninja in the world to take care of any problem!''
''That's right,'' Orochimaru confirmed. ''And she will get mad at me. Even if it's your fault.''
''What about the money?'' male voice asked, but Orochimaru didn't recognise it.
''Stand up, Shisui, and repeat your question!'' Fugaku ordered.
Young Uchiha from one the back rows stood up. Orochimaru nodded as an approval of his question.
''These missions sound very demanding to me,'' Shisui began, ''and you live in the biggest house in Konoha. So I was just wondering, how is that possible?''
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
''Are you implying we're stealing during an operation?''
''I don't know, I was just curious,'' young Uchiha said indifferently.
''I won't lie to you,'' Orochimaru said firmly, ''money is really good. But sometimes, there is more valuable treasure than silver and gold. Something you can't buy, or trade, or retrieve after it's been lost.''
Shisui shrugged.
''Losing your head over money is moronic. Money itself doesn't have value.''
''And what about your targets?'' Shisui asked quickly, probably noticing Orochimaru's annoyance by his first question. ''There are rumours you leave no survivors.''
''No survivors?'' Orochimaru smiled slyly. ''Where did you get the rumours then?''
Shisui rolled his eyes and sat down. Orochimaru wondered if this had been enough time already.
''What about the girls?''
Orochimaru flinched. A very young girl stood up.
''Girls?'' Orochimaru repeated. ''What about them?''
''This is a three men team, right?'' the girl asked bluntly.
''Four. And they all have girlfriends,'' Orochimaru replied, ''so girls are allowed. Do you think they shouldn't be allowed?''
She opened her mouth to answer, but Orochimaru interrupted her.
''Restrictions of any kind usually have the opposite effect. I doubt any shinobi would give up willingly on having someone who gives them support and attention. There is nothing better than to get home and see that your safe arrival made someone else content.''
''I didn't mean that,'' the girl said carefully.
Orochimaru didn't understand a thing. What could've she meant? And why were everybody gazing at him strangely again? Not only he didn't say anything wrong or extreme, he told the truth. Most of the people here must have belonged to someone and they had to agree with him.
''It's so nice that you understand,'' Mikoto suddenly said.
She also gave him a small smile and bowed respectfully. Then it hit him! He sounded like he cared even though he hadn't got anyone! Why would he be concerned about prohibition of this kind? How could he be familiar with the feeling he has just described?
He nodded briefly and looked at the girl who'd started this whole misunderstanding so she could finally ask what she wanted.
''Are girls allowed to join the team?'' she asked seriously.
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. Why would a girl want to join them? He had just told them how dangerous missions could be. Then again, why would any girl want to be a ninja? With their tiny fragile bodies, in a profession full of dishonourable men, their gender was a disadvantage. Sadistic and unnecessary torturing of all women, not only kunoichi, was common and very traumatizing. Not only for the victims, but the witnesses also and mental strength of a kunoichi had to be much greater than a shinobi's. He would never admit it, but he was glad Ino was a medical ninja and had become a jounin as a very experienced chunin, so she has been capable to face S-rank missions much better than younger jounins. Not that she was old! And why was she on his mind again?
''I have never thought about that,'' he said honestly.
''Why? You don't think women are capable of doing men's job?''
''Of course I don't think that, but let's do it this way,'' he said quickly in order to avoid more stupid questions and his rash answers. ''All jounins who think they are strong enough should meet me tomorrow and I will test them.''
''That's not how Sasuke became a member,'' somebody said.
Fugaku wasn't looking glad to hear something like that and Orochimaru felt obligated to explain. If for nothing, then to thank head of Uchiha clan for his effort to attend this meeting in the first place.
''That's right,'' Orochimaru said firmly. ''I have trained Sasuke-kun long enough and got to know how strong he was. I won't entrust my life to someone whose strenght and abilities are unkown to me. Neither should any of you.''
Murmuring again.
''Another very important fact,'' Orochimaru smirked. ''The other member was his brother. They proved more than once they will put their rivalry behind when something more important comes up. Deadly mission isn't a place for competition but collaboration.''
''What about Nara Shikamaru?'' one more anonymous question.
Orochimaru smirked again.
''Many of you think IOS stands for Itachi-Orochimaru-Sasuke,'' he began, ''but the truth is that three of us like to call it 'I obey Shikamaru'. His power is in his head, and right now, I would prefer someone more like Itachi-san,'' he said seriously. ''If I had two brainy shinobi, I would go crazy!''
They seemed satisfied with his answer and Orochimaru, to make sure everything's done by now, started one more unimportant topic.
After an endless meeting, Orochimaru decided to inform Hokage about probable training with the young male Uchiha tomorrow.
''Huh. And will it be rough?'' Kakashi asked plainly.
''Rough?'' Orochimaru repeated, not understanding the point of Hokage's question.
''Yeah, will you need a medical ninja if things get out of control?''
''Whatever,'' Orochimaru rolled his eyes.
''All right, all right, don't get mad right away,'' Kakashi said happily, ''Do you have any special requests?''
Orochimaru gave him glare.
''It's a training. What kind of request could I have?''
''Just checking,'' Kakashi replied.
''As far as I'm concerned, I'll be fine on my own!'' Orochimaru said and stormed out.
It has been dark outside for some time and he wondered if Ino was already expecting him.
When he entered his mansion, he sensed Ino has been there for awhile now. She has never waited for him like this, but he knew as he could feel her scent all around his house.
He smiled. That unforgettable flower trail, among other things revealing her presence, was leading him to the bedroom and, knowing Ino, she has probably been naked, waiting on his bed.
He didn't see the point in knocking on the door, but he opened it slowly even though he was impatient to see what exactly has been expecting him.
''So,'' he asked when the door had opened, ''how was my performance?''
He reached for a light switch, not sure how many apparitions were chuckling in his room.
The light illuminated the room and he saw three of Ino's shadow clones on his bed. One of them, in the middle, was tighten up to the bed, wearing school uniform and a gag over her mouth. The one on her left had pigtails and glasses while the right one was covered in leather clothes. The school girl obviously waited to be rescued, bookworm to have her romance novel's fantasies fulfilled and the leather girl was smiling seductively at her prey to be.
He was fighting the urge to get rid of them all because he wanted the real one as soon as possible and needed her as long as possible.
He was unwilling to show his impatience too soon, deciding to wait a bit longer.
''That good, huh?'' he smirked.
A tiny arm, embracing his waist from behind, shattered his resolve about waiting.
''You were more than good!'' one of Ino whispered behind his back.
He smirked. She sounded very aroused. She probably was. She was definitely touching him that way.
''And what took you so long?'' he heard impatient familiar voice.
Another Ino appeared in front of him and began removing unnecessary clothes, which meant all of it.
Orochimaru couldn't help but smile thinking of her obvious impatience while she was waiting and ecstasy when he had arrived. Him and him only was the reason for both! He stopped lying to himself that he was regretting a single sleepless night spent with her.
He didn't realise how much he wanted more of her until it was too late. Being absent all the time, he thought he wanted to get home after another successful mission. He was so wrong that he didn't succeed to hide his thrill about a short break, thinking it would mean more time to spend with her. Being at home and without her was tormenting.
He didn't want to complete mission to heal or train more, he wanted to get back to see her, probably a bit mad because of his possible injuries and glad because they could be together again.
He was probably imagining her excitement after his last return. Meeting that same night wasn't different from any other time before, then again, he couldn't say he hadn't been glad somebody's been awaiting him. He wondered what exactly she's been missing while he was away. He wasn't sure because she was in a rush to see him just like she was in a rush to leave.
Last night was one of the few they'd been together in the last couple of weeks, without any of them leaving the village. How could he let go of her after so much time without her so close to him?
He wanted a chance to see her untroubled and calm, probably even more adorable while dreaming gracefully. That's why he couldn't let her go home, he wanted to feel her presence a bit longer than usual. How could he know that would also be their last time?
Perfect last time, when he finally felt her closeness in a way he's been longing for. No wonder he fell asleep soon after she'd snuggled closer, inviting his embrace. Instead of expecting her visit, he could be carefree, enjoy casual kissing while brushing away her smooth hair, shivering every time he would feel her velvety hands on his bare skin, feel so right having her nestled against his chest, feel content to be with her instead of alone.
In a back of his mind he probably knew that must have been the last time; it felt too good to happen ever again.
It wouldn't be right to say he'd lost her because she has never been his.
He didn't feel better anywhere in the world than while being held in her silky, gentle arms, seeing her smile, hearing her voice and feeling her warmth.
Now he had to forget all about her alluring scent, sweet and soft skin, playful hair, short and tender kisses for no special reason just like those long, rough and arousing ones.
At the very beginning, his mind, aware of the complicated matter, was able to overpower his body. Every step closer to that enchanting young blonde or her light, completely innocent, unintentional touch meant unexpectedly stronger, more devastating, raging lust he was feeling for her constantly.
Instead of reckless rushing and acting brashly, he was holding back, always waiting and hoping he would never get the wrong impression. He didn't expect she would feel equally, as it would be impossible. That was the main reason for hesitating every time. Not that he didn't fake how badly he wanted her.
She was everything but ordinary. She wasn't foolish, beautiful girl who wanted to succeed by choosing the easier path. She was ambitious, confident and stubborn. She was persistent but considerate, worried and devoted. She's never pretending she's something else. Always honest and very explicit.
He didn't dare to ask about her personal life or many other things. He didn't know if there existed someone special in her life because she would always make him feel like he was the only one. If she had someone else on her mind, why would she spend her precious time on somebody like him?
The biggest mystery was her interest in him and his desires. That charming, alluring, unforgettable, irresistible, goddess-like young woman wanted to have him!
For a very long time he suspected she had some hidden agenda with him. Even if she'd recognized his false indifference, that couldn't be the reason for coming back again and again.
Why him? She could have anyone else, in any way she wanted.
Why for so long? He's been expecting her curiosity would fade out eventually or the true purpose of their secret meetings would come up. Neither of that happened.
She didn't ask for anything even though she could. Needless to say, after so much time, he would probably give her everything. Then again, she wasn't the type who depends on someone and he was surprised by her self-reliance and mature way of thinking.
It seemed inappropriate to ask what's been going on for the last couple of weeks and why they were spending less time together. He was wondering what'd changed. Although he wanted to know, he disliked possible answers she would have given him, being straightforward with everything, as always.
It was so clear now. She had her own life and he was an insignificant part of it. She didn't want anything to change, treating him the same as usual. He was the one who'd changed and missed her more than ever.
She proved she didn't want anything more from him. She wasn't yearning for anything more than occasionally extremely pleasant and lascivious sessions.
In particular moments she would really seem to care about him. Or he wanted her to look like that. It was impossible to be sure of anything because she's never been angry or sad while with him and he didn't know different kind of her, always smiling, being cheerful and kind.
He's been fooling himself that all he wanted was her body. Maybe he got it too soon. She's been saying there's no need to restrain from anything because the cruel world, they were a part of, wasn't leaving much time to experience all pleasures of life. And she really seemed to enjoy to the fullest. At least that's what he's been telling himself in spite of the obvious.
He was wasting her time. He couldn't give her everything she deserved. Even if he had given her what she needed, that wasn't enough. It couldn't be enough because she was deserving much more than anyone could give her.
Her young age was the main problem. Last thing he wanted was her regretting everything after the second time. First time was a sign of his weakness. She caught him unprepared. Although it was wrong to want or expect anything from her, he couldn't help it.
None of this was her fault. He should've resisted her. He must've had to. But he didn't. He let her in not realising she'd never planned to or expected him to do so. He has been thinking about ending everything for her sake, finding himself in a position to decide between right and wrong, between pain and pleasure, between peace and excitement. Final decision was up to her and, until today, he's been thinking he was prepared to forget everything and walk away without having a second thought.
He was nobody special to her. He dared to think he was and she was just doing her job. With that disarming smile, every patient would feel better and he should have known that she was devoted to her duty and he wasn't more important than anybody else. So what if she recommended different methods of treatment? So what if she's been checking on his wounds more than it's been necessary? So what if he was aware she's been secretly giving him more painkillers to feel less pain?
Questions he was afraid to answer were different. Why did he let her? Why was he trying to hide his selfish and greedy nature around her? Why was becoming harder to let her go? What was the cause of his uneasiness every time she would leave? Could it be fear of her never coming back or awareness that, when it comes to that, he wouldn't be able to do anything but respect her choice?
He wanted to give her more because she was worth it. But she didn't want more. She didn't need more. Or the unpleasant and most probable truth was that she didn't want more from him.
If he could bring back time, everything would be the same. Except that last night. He would do anything to postpone their last time.
He wanted to put one more smile on her face. Enjoy one more long embrace. Steal one more kiss from her soft lips. Hear her one more time whispering his name. Spend one more night next to her.
Preoccupied with recollections of yesterday, Orochimaru hated his huge house, now being in complete dark and silence. There was no way for Ino to come back tonight or any other time.