A/N: Back again. The inspirations, thankfully, keep coming. Enjoy!
You taught me what it means to be constant.
The day was like any other, as Ino overlooked her team while they worked. In the large room, there were no windows due to the need for security, so the only light was artificial. This made it difficult to determine the time of day; however, a large clock helped matters. It hung on the farthest wall, but it could be seen from all directions as there was a central station in the middle of the room. It was composed of circular desks above which numerous screens were positioned and displayed metrics.
At this moment, there were various shinobi simultaneously sensing chakra signatures, and as they focused, Ino encouraged them. She was empathetic as she knew all too well of the strain; however, her team were so driven that she rarely needed to chime. Therefore due to their self-sufficiency, Ino soon fell into thought and quickly became distracted. The reason being was that it was just then that Ino sensed an all too familiar chakra signature. It wasn't tied to a clan, so the signature was completely unique in nature, and It was one that she was so intimately aware of because she had relentlessly studied it. She had been curious about its evolution. There were still remnants of dark chakra flares, though not out of negative emotion but rather vacancy. However, on the whole, the signature was quietly bright and unassuming; therefore hid so much. She believed that this had to do with the individual's past training. Ino appreciated that she could sense this particular signature so effortlessly because it was prevalent in her day-to-day life. Though subconsciously she had always been aware of this fact, she had never truly taken stock of the chakra, for it was akin to putting on socks in the morning, and as the day progressed, you no longer noticed they were on your feet. After all, your brain adjusts and becomes familiar with a constant sensation, and it stops sensing. In that way, the brain spares function because it can't notice everything all the time. Much to Ino's astonishment, she was experiencing an abrupt revelation. It was that this chakra signature had kept her company in moments of joy and grief to the mundane. In other words, it was ever-present...like her fathers' signature used to be.
Suddenly a voice pierced through her train of cognition, and though Ino had not registered the exact words, she came back to the present.
Her subordinate was facing her though an ocular headset covered his eyes.
"We have sensed an unfamiliar signature by the main gate," he repeated, " Do you wish for me to dispatch a team to investigate?
Urgently returning to her responsibilities, Ino quickly answered, "Yes."
It was to be that Ino went back to her role and did not let herself be distracted again. She led her team through the various recon activities, and due to the intensity of having to sense for long hours at a time, Ino made sure to rotate the team members. It wasn't long before the day drew to a close, and everyone slowly began to leave. They bowed their heads to Ino in the process. Meanwhile, she made sure to stay behind to hand over to the nightshift and only once, knowing her duties had concluded, did Ino leave the intelligence division.
In light of her shoulders being unburdened from responsibility and in the quiet of the coming evening, Ino fell back into inevitable contemplation. It was persistent as it ever was, and she was soon ruminating over the stark epiphany of her day as she walked home. This was only made possible because her feet were so accustomed to the routine that she didn't have to think about where she was going. As they took her in the direction of home, Ino registered the familiar chakra signature again. Ino pondered for a moment why she was tapping into her sensory abilities despite work ending? It was perhaps happening unconsciously. The signature grew more prominent, and the comfortable warmth was reminiscent of a gentle fireplace. Ino's feet picked up a faster pace in response. Soon she was breaking into a jog, and it wasn't long before Ino eventually reached her desired destination. She all but kicked off her shoes before her feet thundered over the floorboards. It was the hasty swing of another door as Ino burst into the front room to find him standing where she sensed he would be.
Sai.
It appeared that Sai had not long arrived, for he still had a stack of papers in his hand (no doubt from the academy). Moreover, his dark eyes had come up to look at Ino questionably due to her uncustomarily brash entrance. Sai was about to say something but became distracted when the pretty woman quickly bridged the distance between them and flung her arms around him. Ino buried her face into his chest, and her embrace soon turned into a squeezing hug as she desperately clung to him.
"Miss beautiful?" Sai asked, completely confused by her strange behaviour.
However, Ino was so consumed in completely diving into his chakra and allowing it to wrap around her that she didn't answer. Despite her exhaustion of the day, sensing this particular signature didn't feel like work; rather, it appeared to be reviving her. When had it come to mean this much to her? And for how long would she be able to sense it? Ino never wanted to forget the signature though she knew it was inevitable, just like her fathers, which had long since faded.
Sai noticed then that Ino's thin fingers were tightly pressing into his back muscles. In need of answers, he attempted to pry Ino away, though he eventually gave up after numerous failed attempts. Finally, Sai relented because he was familiar with her stubborn nature but also because he only had one hand as the other still held his papers which he wouldn't just toss for they were in a particular order. As a result, Sai settled for waiting on Ino to explain herself rather than get her to do so on his timing.
However, all Ino continued to do was wordlessly embrace Sai. She held on despite being unsure as to what she was trying to achieve or why she had been sensing him for so long now. What was she looking for?
"Ino," Sai addressed with growing concern, "What is going on? Did something happen?"
Ino let out an answering sigh as if releasing the pressure that had been unknowingly building in her chest and reached for the pressing thought.
"When did you become my constant?" Ino countered with her own question.
Ino could not check the flurry of emotions that burst forth- A mixture of sad ache and exhilaration juxtaposed against each other.
"When did it happen?" Ino went on to ask guiltily as she believed she should have known the answer.
There was an answering vibration in Sai's chest that she felt before she heard his faint laughter. Unbeknownst to Ino, it was momentary relief on his part which followed, for he now understood that this was just one of those times where Ino had contemplated too deeply.
"Some years ago now," Sai decided to clarify as he figured it was best to so to stop her from further spiralling.
However, in response, there were rising tears as Ino's emotions escalated, "Why didn't you tell me?' she said in accusation.
Sai found that the corner of his eyes wrinkled, and he was soon laughing outright at the absurdity.
"It's not funny," Ino whined slightly.
The former root member easily marshalled himself and swiftly decided to remain silently amused. He took to patting Ino's head awkwardly then, and because of her love of physical affection, he knew she wouldn't find it patronising.
"Truly, I don't know myself," Sai made sure to answer her original question before she unleashed her wrath, "It must have just happened along the way."
Sai did not add that it was likely inevitable in hindsight, for he had purposefully taken to studying Ino as she was the most overtly emotional person he knew. She had fascinated him as he had quickly come to realise, much to his astonishment, that it was only the tip of the iceberg. Ino was a never-ending well of feelings and contemplation. The sheer contrast to himself had compelled Sai to spend so much time with her.
As Sai contemplated, Ino became caught up in her self-inflicted turmoil. Moreover, she became increasingly fearful in the resulting silence as she believed Sai might have been offended by her lack of notice.
"I never took it for granted!" Ino hastily added in justification, "Nor was it an expectation."
A hand met her lower back then as Sai gently hit her in a reprimand for her overly compassionate nature.
"Enough," Sai followed up with, and because he wanted to end her train of thought, he added, "I want you to stop this nonsense."
It was only now that Ino pulled away slightly at her teary eyes faced him. "But-" she started again.
Sai wouldn't let her win, "No buts," he cut in before highlighting, "Also, you are as much my constant as I am yours."
One's inherent nature is not so easily overcome, though, so Sai had to practically manhandle Ino until he manoeuvred her to the nearby two-seater. Then, despite the difficulty, he dropped his papers on the nearby table. After which, he finally managed to pry Ino away enough so at least they could see each other clearly.
Ino had begun to sob quietly, and it wasn't out of sadness but rather relief and content.
"I..." she tried then but couldn't quite speak the loaded sentiment.
Sai glowed in response."As do I, "He made sure to add.
Sai then took to rubbing the pads of his thumbs across her eyes to wipe away the collecting tears. But the more he looked at her, the more he was unsatisfied, so impulsively, he pressed his lips to her forehead. This affectionately cute gesture finally made Ino laugh as a spark of heat ignited in her stomach.
"Your right," Ino finally admitted as she let go of him so she could rub her eyes, "I am being silly."
Sai shook his head. " I would disagree," he countered.
With this, a tender smile graced her lips as she sat up fully. Ino then averted her eyes as she pushed a fist to his shoulder. Why was he being this cute?
The resulting flush of embarrassment made Sai bite back a rising smile. He could internally admit that he greatly enjoyed affecting her in such a manner. Each time they shared a moment like this, there was a sense of connection. Deciding he wanted to tease out a greater reaction, and Sai began to nuzzle the side of Ino's face. It was immediate as her heart raced while the heat grew exponentially inside. Ino couldn't look at him.
"S-ai," She barely managed while pushing her arms against his chest, trying half-heartedly to get away, "Stop it."
The burning of her cheeks and shyness only fueled Sai's pride. However, he was still not satisfied and wanted more. So it was to be that in their playful struggle ended up with Ino on her back with Sai towering over.
"What are you up to?" Ino asked, trying to act confidently in the face of his forwardness.
However, Sai could feel her hands holding his arms, quivering and hot to the touch.
"Nothing," he said innocently while keeping a straight face.
There was a time that she would have fallen for such a display.
"I would say a downside of being my constant is that I can read you better than you think," Ino retorted.
The corner of Sai's lips became quirked at the observation.
"That is true both ways," he countered in acknowledgement.
Sai saw the customary fire take life behind Ino's eyes as her gaze became strong because she hated being bested. Her sense of competition was fierce, and it was then that Sai felt the tension rising in her hands. To mellow out the situation, Sai responded by lying flat on top of Ino though he made sure to keep the majority of his weight off using his elbows. Sai then rested the right side of his face against the free cushion space above Ino's head. It worked like a treat, for instantly, Ino melted against the shelter of his body, likely due to the sheer intimacy of their position. Again, her arms came around his back in response, but Ino held Sai in a gentle embrace this time.
Now utterly tranquil, Ino spoke, "Thank you, Sai..."
Though her voice trailed off despite her brain wanting to say more. It was because Ino became caught in remembering the loss of her father and Shikamaru's growing distance due to a budding relationship.
It was some time before Ino finished, "I don't think I would have coped with all the changes in my life without having you around."
Sai did not move as he digested her transparent words, and they allowed him to speak his own truth.
"You are my saviour," Sai offered in subsequent confession, "So come hell or high water, I will be there for you."
Despite the flowery response, Ino noticed that Sai didn't promise her 'always' or 'forever', which was inherently him, and therefore Ino appreciated it more. Also, Sai was not much for sentimental words, so Ino closed her eyes against the exhilarating thrill of the rare occurrence, and she went on to snuggle into him.
You taught me what it means to be constant.
The End