Let the Music Do the Talking, a Naruto fanfiction
Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto
A/N: Wow, cheers for all the support! We've hit 50+ favs and 60+ followers as of writing! This chapter is heavily inspired by these three amazing stories, if you're a NaruIno fan or just like a fluff sandwich, I highly recommend these:
I Aorta Have Seen You Earlier by SpellCasterLight
Love Week by Tormint
And The Best Dates are the Cheap Ones by Shivakashi
Now, onward with the story!
Chapter 4: Heart In Hand
Naruto looked at Kiba, wondering how he was going to explain his situation.
"How much did you hear?"
"Not much. I heard a bass guitar and wondered what the heck was happening...wait, does Ino play an instrument?" Kiba's face displayed a mixture of confusion, surprise and shock all at the same time. "When did this happen? I thought that was you playing the bass."
"Dude, you cannot say a word to what you just saw, got it!?" The blonde grabbed his friend by the shoulders. "I made a promise to her not to say anything and I don't want word getting out!"
Kiba pushed him off. "Naruto, relax would you? If you want to date Ino that's fine. I only wonder what you're getting yourself into...and besides, I kind of have a thing for Hinata and-"
"-Huh?" He replied dumbfounded by the news. "You mean the shy one? Neji's cousin?"
Kiba could only nod, his eyes trailing off to the side in embarrassment.
"Oh great!" He slapped his forehead. "When did this happen?"
"A couple of months ago...she's beautiful, quirky...she's pretty cool actually…" He mused, with a now dopey expression plastered on his face. He shook his head when he realised he was daydreaming.
"Anyway, when did this all start happening?" He continued, wanting more answers. "Ino isn't one to enjoy this sort of thing...is she? How do you know this isn't just a ruse and you're part of a massive prank?"
Naruto was hesitant for a second before responding. "Look, I don't know what you think, but she's not as bad as you think. She's actually quite normal, unlike Karin and Sakura. For one, she doesn't pine over Uchiha and two, she's a damn good bass player from what I've seen."
Kiba blinked, wondering if he was still in the same universe as his friend. This was Ino they were talking about, the popular blonde who was known for a feisty attitude and good looks, what the heck could have happened to make Naruto think otherwise? The more he thought about it, the less sense it seemed to make.
"Fine." The Inuzuka shrugged. "I won't say anything; but please, do watch yourself out there okay?"
"I will trust me."
Downtown Konoha felt like the hustle and bustle of any big city. Office buildings peaked most of the skylines, small businesses and shops paved the streets going in and out, and it was rounded off with a scenic park overlooking a flowing river that led out towards the rest of the Fire Country. After school and on the weekends, most of the metropolis would be home to students who come to hang out, shop or just go for a bite to eat. Today was no different, with Sakura and Karin stopping off at the Yamashiro Diner for some food on their way home. The two were sat together in a booth, indulging in some light appetizers.
"So I take it you have a plan then?" Sakura asked with a worried look. "Look, whatever Ino has preoccupied, I'm sure she'll tell us when she's ready."
"The point is," Karin gestured with her fork. "Is that I'm just...intrigued. She's been my best friend for almost seven years now and I know when she wants to be secretive. But this, two Fridays in a row!? Something's up…"
"Fine, but if I feel you're going too far with this, I'm out."
"Great." She smirked. "Now, is he in here I wonder?" Her eyes scanned the room, looking at the various booths and tables for a certain someone. Most of the students from Konoha High would be here on a Friday afternoon sometimes staying until the evening. But there was one, in particular, Karin knew was always in here, no matter what the occasion.
Her vision was locked onto a boy who was sitting at his own table. He had grey-haired tied back into a ponytail with onyx eyes donned with glasses, wearing his school uniform. In front of him was a laptop and a small cup of coffee.
Bingo.
"Be right back."
Karin walked over quietly and sat down on the chair opposite. "Kabuto Yakushi."
The boy stopped typing and looked up to see the red-haired girl plastered with a smirk on her face. He sat up slowly and pushed his glasses up his nose.
"K-K-Karin…?" He stuttered, surprised by her sudden appearance. "What do you want?"
"Oh not much," She rested her face in her palm. "...just want a little favour from you is all."
"What is this about? You don't normally talk to me, so what's the deal? Boy trouble?"
That response made her grit her teeth. "As for your information you little dweeb, no. You're going to help me with something."
"And what's in it for me?"
"Simple. I don't tell Namida about your little 'secret' and the rest of the school doesn't have to humiliate you for the rest of the semester."
Kabuto bit his lip. He knew Karin had a lot of friends in high places and he, for lack of trying, didn't. He was friendly with Naruto and Kiba in their respective classes, but he never hung out with them. He had had a crush on another girl in their year class named Namida Suzumeno; she was semi-popular, had good grades and had a fascination with dance. The boy had been smitten by her for the past couple of weeks now ever since they had to partner up for Yamato's science class. Karin had seen this and immediately took advantage of the situation.
"That and...I'll acknowledge your presence whenever I see you in the hallway."
Kabuto's expression remained unchanged. "Cool by association huh?"
"Pretty much." She held out her hand to him. "Now, what's it going to be?"
The boy took a deep breath, exhaling with annoyance. "Okay, you win." He replied, shaking her hand. "What's the favour?"
"Easy one. You're a photographer, I need some...reconnaissance photos."
As Sakura watched the two in conversation, she rubbed her forehead. What the hell is she setting that poor boy up with?"
Saturday morning came with Ino waking up especially early to get herself ready for the day. A date with Naruto, how was this going to turn out?
She leapt out of bed, showered and spent some time in front of the mirror deciding what to wear.
I don't want to go too far, but then again, I shouldn't have to be someone I'm not in front of him. She was stuck between a white tank top with a light blue skirt or an urban camo long t-shirt with skinny jeans. Perhaps the tank top with skinnies She picked up the item and tried it on. Looks good. She opened her side drawer and picked out a small gold chain with a bear tooth. She had bought it a while ago for wearing on a special occasion. Well, today's a special day as any. She placed it around her neck, clipping it together. She admired herself in the mirror, giving herself a small wink.
Okay Uzumaki, you'd better be worth it!
Ten o'clock presented itself as Ino headed downstairs to the kitchen where her dad, Inoichi Yamanaka, was sat at the table reading.
"Morning sweetheart." He smiled softly looking up from his book.
"Morning Dad." She replied, kissing him on the cheek.
He looked up to see her wearing her necklace. "You don't wear jewellery unless it's an occasion, what's the deal today?"
"Oh, no reason, just going out with a friend…" She reached into the fridge and poured herself a glass of orange juice.
"Sakura or Karin?"
"Nope. A boy…"
He had drunk half his coffee and almost choked while swallowing the rest. "Ino, you haven't dated since that Sai boy a few months ago; and I remember I wasn't too fond of him." He hit his chest, stopping the short fit of coughing. "So, who's this now?"
Ino, bemused by her father's reaction took a small sip of her drink. "Well, believe it or not, it's someone I didn't think I'd expect to even want to date in the first place. His name is Naruto."
Her father presented her with a puzzled expression. He had heard that name somewhere before, but he couldn't place his finger on it. "I see." He sipped the rest of his beverage slowly. "Pumpkin, I'm going to say have a nice day and make sure this one doesn't even think of trying any funny stuff. Also, make sure you tell him to have you home by 6 pm. If you're not outside the front door at 6:01, I'm coming to kick his ass."
Ino smacked her forehead in embarrassment. "Dad, I promise you he won't do anything like that and I'll make sure he has me back in time too." She reached and hugged him, "I'm a big girl now Dad, please." She pulled a face that always made him feel guilty. Sighing, he knew he had lost this battle.
"Okay pumpkin. Please, be careful okay?"
She nodded and headed towards the door. "Thanks, Dad, love you lots."
"Love you too, Ino."
Naruto arrived at the cafe just shy of a minute before midday and saw Ino leaning against the window.
"Hey there, see you made it." She admired his choice of clothes for the day; an urban graffiti-vinyl white-shirt with blue jeans, black sneakers and a black jacket. It was weird seeing him out of uniform for a change, and she couldn't help but notice how broad his shoulders looked.
Damn. he's a looker. I wonder what kind of body he has under all that-shut it girl! She mentally shouted. You're here to enjoy his company, not go gaga over what he could look like naked!
"Of course" he grinned enthusiastically. Taking in her attire, he noticed that the white tank-top was clinging to her curves, which left little to his imagination.
"So where are we going then?"
"Well I'm not going to be the standard kind of guy who suggests something lazy like a movie or a walk in the park...I've got something else in mind."
Her face presented a look of curiosity, only wondering what he could have planned for the day. Then again this was Naruto, the boy who had a knack for the unexpected.
"Shall we?" He gestured, his body facing further in town.
She smiled softly. "Lead the way."
Heading into town, the teens first stop was at somewhere Ino hadn't thought she'd be spending the first part of her day. A sports and activity centre which catered to several different sports including badminton, martial arts, soccer and basketball. Ino was curious when they approached a small section of the centre entitled 'Archery'.
"Archery?" The blonde girl queried as they entered the room together.
"I've never tried it either and I've been wanting to do this for a while too."
They walked up to the local desk where they were greeted by a white-haired man with a brown jacket, white shirt, blue jeans and a bandanna.
"G'day. Name's Mitsuki, how ya doing? First time doing archery here?"
"Yep," Naruto replied.
"Ah, that's good on ya." He reached under his desk and pulled out a clipboard. "If ya like to just sign your name on 'ere and we can get started."
A few quick scribbles on the paper and Mitsuki took back the board. "Right this way, you two." He picked up a set of bows and guided them over to a long hallway with spaced out netting and a circular target with different coloured stripes down at the other end. He kindly explained the safety procedures and how to properly aim using the bow and arrow. After a few test runs and practising several shots, Naruto and Ino decided to have a little challenge with each other.
"Bet you some ice cream I can hit more balloons than you can!" She teased the blonde boy as they moved onto the next part of their course.
"As if! I'm a crack shot at aiming!"
"Let's see then." She stuck her tongue out and took up her position at the stand. Pulling back as hard as she could, she let the string go and watched as the arrow flew directly into the balloon and popped. She repeated the same trick twice more, watching all three balloons burst into nothing.
"Tch." Naruto positioned himself and aimed. "Easy."
Repeating the same steps as before, the blonde boy raised his bow and pulled back, launching his arrows. Unfortunately, he had missed all three, with the third one just reaching under the last balloon.
"You were saying?" She said grinning at his result.
Naruto was fuming. "Fine, best out of five!" He waited a moment for the instructor to reset the target. Performing the same technique, this time he had only managed to hit two out of three. Ino on the other hand had managed to hit all three with perfect accuracy.
"You're just letting me win, aren't you?
"Am not!"
They had their targets reset three times more, and the result turned out the same. Except with the final round where Naruto managed to pop all his balloons.
"Looks like I win," Ino said gracefully, flicking her ponytail. "So about that ice cream?"
The boy looked disappointed. "Fine, you beat me. But I'll still outplay you on a guitar any day of the week."
"Challenge accepted." She winked, repeating the same words he had used on her.
Damn, she's feisty He thought as they headed back towards the front desk. I didn't think I'd have my work cut out for me.
Exiting the sports centre, the two were unaware that across the street, Kabuto had managed to snap a few photos on with his camera. He had pretended to be photographing some birds that had flown around the roof of the building, quickly adjusting his position to capture the two teens walking together.
"So she was right." He muttered to himself. "Ino was out and about with Uzumaki. The only question is why? I thought Naruto wasn't into her. Very strange indeed."
He pocketed his camera and began making some notes on his phone. Karin had put him in an awkward situation and he wanted to get out of it as soon as possible. In a way, he looked up to Naruto and respected him, and now he was going to betray his trust.
Damn that cold-calculating bitch… He thought.
His phone vibrated with a small message.
Karin: Have you seen her yet?
Kabuto blinked twice, his thumb hovering over the reply button. He slowly typed a response;
Kabuto: Yes
Naruto and Ino carried on their day and headed towards the main shopping area to get some ice cream to share.
"How about a pitstop at the arcade?" The boy suggested as they walked past a large building with a large neon logo. The interior presented itself with pulsing bright colours, intricate noises and a child-like atmosphere which made the boy's heart melt.
"Video games? Surely you jest…" She only wondered where this was all going.
"Nope. Besides, amusements can be pretty fun,"
Ino rolled her eyes. "Okay, I'll bite, what do you have in mind here?"
"Nothing, just go with the flow, Ino."
The two walked in, side by side admiring the various prize grabbers, video games and penny drop machines. That was until Ino noticed something out the corner of her eye. Realising what it was, a wave of excitement washed over her.
"Is that Dance Dance Revolution?"
"Huh?" The boy amused by her reaction.
"I've not played this since I was ten! C'mon, I'll challenge you."
"What, are you serious?"
"C'mon!" She grabbed his arm and pulled him over to the dance machine. She stepped on the platform, doing a quick arm and leg stretch against the barrier.
"You love this sort of thing?" Naruto asked.
Ino slammed her fist into her palm. "Damn right I do, now join me so I can beat your butt."
Naruto smirked as he stepped up onto the platform. "You're all fired up, are you sure you're the same Ino who I played with the other week?"
The compliment took her off guard, and she responded by playfully punching him on the arm. "Don't push your luck."
Ino selected a song and difficulty and started dancing. Having chosen a higher difficulty, Naruto was a bit slow at first with matching up his steps to the ones on screen and watched in awe next to him as Ino seemed to have no problem at all moving in all different directions. There was something about the way she moved with such speed and grace; it was like watching ballet but on hyperspeed. She was hitting all the right symbols in practically perfect synchronisation.
The song ended, with Ino catching her breath after such intense manoeuvres. The score came up; 350,525 to 175,450.
"Hah!" She snapped her fingers. "Beat ya again! I'll take my ice cream with sauce and sprinkles now." Naruto opened and closed his mouth, looking at the result with a sign of defeat. How was she this good?
Unbeknownst to them, a small crowd had gathered around them to watch them play and now led a small round of applause. Naruto and Ino looked dumbfounded at what their antics had brought them, and both smiled at each other.
After a couple more rounds of different games including some shooters, basketball hoops and a ring toss, Naruto and Ino headed down further down the road to the small ice-cream shop where they were greeted by a girl with honey-coloured eyes which matched her long hair wearing a black and white long shirt, black jeans and black apron.
"Welcome, what can I get you-Ino?" The girl's eyes locked with Ino's.
"Nitora? You work here?" Ino exclaimed, recognising one of her classmates.
"It's money for me." She mumbled, sounding uninterested. "My mum was all like 'if you want something, get a job and earn the money for it', so I'm here." She noticed Naruto, puzzled as to why he was with her.
"Are you two dating?" She asked bluntly.
The two blondes blushed in unison before Ino replied. "No, no we're just...hanging out…hehe."
"Su-re." She shot a mischievous smile. "It's cool though. I don't know you that well Uzumaki, but honestly, I think you two look cute together."
"Thanks...I think." Naruto replied scratching the back of his head.
"What'll be then lovebirds?" Nitora teased.
"Cookie dough with white chocolate shavings for me please."
"Vanilla, two scoops, with a little strawberry sauce and a flake."
Producing two cups with the sweet treats in a matter of seconds, she handed them over the counter.
"Enjoy your day you two," She added calmly. "Don't worry, I won't say anything to no one."
"Thanks, Tora, you're the best." The blonde girl replied as she turned to walk away.
"Hey, I told you only to call me that in private!" Nitora called back, her eye twitching at the nickname.
The two of them headed to the nearby park and sat together on a bench overlooking a lake.
"Tell me something," Ino asked, her face full of curiosity. "How long have you been into music like this?"
"Oh, you mean...ah right," He took a mouthful of dessert. "It sort of started a few years back when I was thirteen. At that age, I was curious about music, and everything I was hearing on the radio, well, it was boring, to say the least. Every week there'd be a new song on the radio and I just could not enjoy it. There was no energy, no 'oomph' if you know what I'm getting at. I was out one day and picked up a music magazine. It was the cover, had all these bizarre names on the cover and that's what caught my eye. I ended up buying the magazine, reading it cover to cover that day and then jumped on the computer to find out where I could listen to these bands."
"And what was the first song you ever listened to?"
"Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold."
"What?" The girl gasped in shock at his answer, "That song? I thought you got into heavier stuff?"
"It's funny," He carried on swallowing another mouthful. "That's what everyone else says! But it sort of worked out for me. From A7X, I found out about Dream Theater who's ex-drummer played on that track, and then from Dream Theater I found out about other prog metal bands, and I just kept going and connecting bands to other bands like I was drawing a massive spider diagram. And the rest is history."
"That's pretty cool," Ino replied, "I think M Shadows is kind of hot. It's the arms and the vest he wears onstage at times."
"You would say that wouldn't you?" He countered blankly.
"Oh, and you're not a sucker for women in Symphonic Metal bands?" She looked at him with an irritated stare.
He pursed his lips, his eyes wondering. "No comment. Oh and Ino?"
"What?"
He picked up the small spoon from his dessert and lightly tapped her nose, leaving a spot of ice cream on her face.
"Gotcha."
She growled in annoyance and did the same back to Naruto. "Ha! Two can play at that!"
"No fair!" He stuck his tongue out.
Both laughed it off, cleaning it up with a napkin. During this motion, their hands accidentally touched, to which they retracted straight away, blushing as they did.
"So..uh...music?" Naruto offered as he took out his earphones and phone.
"Sure." She took one of the earphones and placed it in her left ear. Naruto opened up the music player and selected a song.
"You'll love this."
Ino shuffled in her seat, eager to hear what she'd be listening to. The song started with a great guitar and drumline before the lyrics started;
Hear the sound of music
Drifting in the aisles
Elevator Prozac
Stretching on for miles
The music of the future
Will not entertain
It's only meant to repress
And neutralize your brain
She bobbed her head along to the beat, taking in the words as the song carried on.
"What is this?" She asked him, "It's smooth, but yet so...meaningful.
One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No-one cares enough
"The Sound of the Muzak by Porcupine Tree. I think it best sums up what most modern music sounds like, to be honest."
"Made by millionaires who are merely twice your age?" She answered quoting the lyrics.
A swift nod was his response. She began tapping the bench with her fingers, her imagination wondering what this would sound like on her bass if she tried practising it.
The two sat together listening to various songs for the next hour. During this, Ino shuffled next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. Taken aback by the closeness, he smiled, placing his arm around her waist.
"Comfy?" He joked to her, gazing into her aqua blue eyes.
"Perhaps." She poked him on the cheek. "How about some Metallica? King Nothing? I love the bassline to that."
"Knew you were gonna say that."
On the other side of the park, Kabuto had been watching the couple with anticipation. On one hand, he was envious of their date and on the other, he grimaced at the fact he was doing Karin's dirty work. Oh, he was so going to get her back for this blackmail! Unfortunately, he didn't know what to do. There had to be someone who could help him out with this, but who?
The end of the day had arrived sooner than expected as the two blondes headed home with one another. Ino herself could not deny that she had had an amazing time with Naruto. His idea of dates was not only unique but different. Most guys by now would have probably been trying to sweet-talk her with cheesy romantic lines from a movie they just saw or bore her with talk about themselves.
But with Naruto, the conversation had flown freely like everything felt natural and nothing seemed out of place or forced. It was funny how over a week ago, they were complete strangers who had bumped into each other in the music room. But today, it was like they had known one another for years.
The two approached the front door of Ino's house; a small two-storey house with a garage and a side passage that led into the back garden. They walked to Ino's front door where they stopped a foot from each other.
"Naruto, I have to say, I had a really fun day with you today. I didn't know stuff like archery was so much fun. And everything else." A wave of pink encompassed her face and her heart was dancing with joy.
"Ah, think nothing of it." He chuckled sheepishly. "I'm glad you enjoyed my crazy ideas, Ino. I had a lot of fun with you too."
They gazed into one another's eyes, feeling the warmth that seemed to radiate off one another. Naruto was about to say something else when the door in front of them opened.
"I thought I heard someone out here." Inoichi stepped out. "And you bought my daughter home on time too. Punctuality, I love it."
"Hey, Dad…" Ino replied, feeling embarrassed. "This is Naruto I was telling you about."
"Please meet to you, Mr Yamanaka, sir." The blonde held out his hand, to which the older man shook in response.
"Ah, the pleasure's all mine." He chuckled, noting the boy's facial features. "Say, are you Minato's boy?"
"Yeah, why?" Naruto pondered at his question
"Aha, now I see it." He smiled proudly. "I and your dad go way back. Heck, in college, they called him the 'Yellow Flash'. I never knew anyone who could outrace him when it came to sports classes."
Naruto's jaw dropped at his statement. "No way! My dad was THE YELLOW FLASH of Konoha State?"
"He never told you? Strange." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Hope you're hungry Ino, your mum just cooked some dumplings, it'll be ready shortly. Nice to meet you, Naruto. Tell the old man I said hello." He turned away and headed back inside.
Naruto was left a bit bamboozled. "Your dad's cool, Ino,"
Ino chuckled. "Yeah, when he wants to be." She gently held his hand, which was accompanied by a blush from the both of them.
"So, I guess I'll see you on Monday then?" He asked nervously, wondering what was going to happen next.
The platinum-blonde smiled, leaned towards him and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you on Monday, Naruto. Thank you again for a great date."
The boy couldn't help but snigger at the last word. "So it was a date then?"
Her blush turned darker. "And? This stays between me and you, got it?" Her voice raised slightly.
"Hehe, whatever you say." He replied with a small poke on her forehead, to which she responded with a look of amusement. She flicked his hand away and pulled him into a hug. Naruto wrapped his arms around her waist lightly, returning the aforementioned gesture. They held each other in place for a few seconds before breaking off.
"Ino, dinner's ready." A female voice called out from inside the house.
"Coming."
Both nodded in unison, with Ino heading back inside.
"See you later."
Glancing at each other with one last warm smile, the two teens departed one another, having enjoyed one of the best days they had had in ages.
Ino's really something, I hope we can do this again soon.
As the two left each other, Kabuto had watched the scene from afar. He had all the evidence he needed, now all he had to do was to report back to Karin.
To Be Continued…
A/N: Welcome to the bottom again! I had fun writing this, especially the little interactions and whatnot.
Kabuto Yakushi in this is actually a leftover template from a WIP I had ages ago where he was friends with Naruto in High School and was bullied by Itachi and Kisame, but that's a whole other story. He'll be friendly with Naruto in this version, and have his own troubles to deal with. That's if Karin doesn't get in the way though.
Namida Suzumeno and Nitora Take are two characters who are actually part of Boruto; I thought it would be interesting to use them as extras for this fic.
The beginning of this chapter was inspired by the movie, 10 Things I Hate About You, a High School movie I personally think doesn't get enough credit and has some hilarious scenes. The 'cool by association' line is one of them.
The next chapter will have some Kiba and Hinata fluff, plus the revelations of what Kabuto does with the information. Thanks again for reading and I'll see you again soon.