Ino wakes up groggy and disoriented, into a way too sunny morning. Her throat is dry and her head feels like it's about to split open. She groans, a pitiful sound, and digs her palms into her eyes in some wayward hope that it might push away the pain. Behind her eyelids, Ino can see Kiba smirking and dryly saying, "Just because you can outdrink half of the dudes in a bar, doesn't mean you'll be free of a hangover in the morning."

The blonde feels like punching his long-time friend, but she's so disoriented that she'd probably miss. Good thing that he isn't around at the moment.

She glares at the bright sunlight when she suddenly remembers exactly whose bed she was.

Under the natural sunlight, Sai's room looks just as neat and perfect as the night before. Ino hates it. She wants total confusion; a pair of mismatched socks should hang from the table, dirty boxers left forgotten on the floor can be done, and chaos reign in inside the modest wardrobe could be a start.

Ino gets up and checks the wooden furniture and nope, everything is organized; clean, ironed and color coded. The clothes consisted of dark colors such as brown, navy, green, gray and black but they were still color coded.

"Kiba would have a heart attack." Kiba's room is a glorified barn and the Inuzuka is somewhat proud of it. His mother had since stopped trying to clean his room, for the fear of dirty clothes gaining sentience and attack.

Ino shakes her head and immediately regrets it.

Verdammt.

The drinking escapade of yesterday left its trace with an annoying headache and the blonde lets out a hiss. The dryness of her throat is unbearable and she is more than a bit hungry. So Ino leaves the room, hoping to find a glass of water, her own clothes -hopefully dry- and leave before Sai realizes.

It's wishful thinking as Sai is already awake in the kitchen, standing in front of the stove, stirring bacon and eggs.

Ino can see two mugs of coffee on the marble counter, the steam invitingly curling in the air.

"Morning. Did you sleep well?"

Ino can't help but freeze. It takes a while before she murmurs, "Yes," and sits down.

Sai hums, nonchalant. Even if he caught the lie, he doesn't show. "How's your head? Do you need painkillers?"

"I'm fine." that's enough clue, as Sai keeps his attention on the breakfast rather than the sleep deprived, emotionally drained blonde.

With nothing to do, Ino cradles the scalding hot blue mug and tentatively sips. The coffee is heaven sent and the blonde closes her eyes to appreciate the rich taste. She drinks the whole mug when Sai leaves a plate in front of her. The empty mug is filled with coffee again in no time.

Ino takes a bite from the scrambled eggs, eyes a bit wide. "It's good." she eats another forkful.

"My talent in the kitchen isn't noteworthy." Ino didn't expect Sai to talk; neither did she expect him to continue. "Between Shin and I, we probably know ten recipes, which four of them are salads, however, what I can cook, I do it rather well."

It's more than she ever heard Sai talk and Ino rather likes hearing his baritone voice. But things are different, the blonde remembers last night and her words, and so does Sai. From the outside Sai looks the same, face blank, tone even, and eyes unreadable but Ino can pick up the small differences. The slight tilt of his head, the way he keeps his body away from her, the faint clenching of his jaw…

Somewhere somewhat, Ino picked up how to read him and she doesn't like what she sees. Sai's body is uncomfortable and his actions are forced.

Ino clutches the mug tightly, it's so hot that it stings her hands but she doesn't let go. "Sai."

"Your clothes are dried; I'll call a cab to take you home when you're ready to go home." He avoids her eyes, the tattooist's whole attention is focused solely on his plate and Ino lets him. She doesn't know what to say anyway but she feels the need to say something.

"No, I didn't – well, thanks, I guess, but –" a deep breath and Ino tries again. "About yesterday –"

A brief shadow crosses his sharp features. "No words are necessary. You made yourself quite clear yesterday, Ino."

Ino snaps her mouth shut so fast her teeth clack together. The pain flares in her clouded mind and leaves Ino disoriented for a moment. Unintentionally, Ino's breath hitches and her muscles tighten as the pounding in her head intensifies.

There are cold hands cupping her warm cheeks and Ino leans towards them. It had been a while that she let herself drink that much and Ino almost forgot how her hangover states were painful.

"Ino." It's Sai's voice, lower than usual and laced with faint worry. Ino's heart flutters and she anchors to his voice. "Ino, open your eyes."

And Ino does. Sai is right in front of her. The chiseled jawline, the frustratingly long eyelashes and his fathomless black eyes, the silver leaf earring and his thinned lips. God those lips, Sai must have the most gorgeous lips ever known. They aren't pouty or red, actually, they don't hold any sex appeal yet, and they are perfect. Thin, pale and with a tongue that can make Ino' knees weak.

Verdammt. He is beautiful.

"Just the hangover." Ino whispers as Sai's thumb brushes her bottom lip. The blonde's stomach is churning and she's aware how much she wants those perfect lips over hers, however, her pride had taken the blow last night and she won't beg for his affections. Didn't she bow to him enough? She pushed her pride aside and threw herself at him last night and Sai pushed her away.

She won't beg for his affections because they are just that, bodily desires.

Ino finds her resolve and grabs it fully, dragging it over her crumbled pride.

"I'm fine." Ino slaps the callused hands away from her face. Sai stares, brow twitching, at the blonde a moment longer and returns to his seat.

They eat in silence and not once does Sai look her way. He silently gets himself another mug of coffee. Ino knows Sai's coffee addiction. No sugar, no milk, plain black and at least five mugs a day.

She waits with patience she didn't know to possess, for the other shoe to drop. Her thoughts are clashing in a way that makes Ino's hangover look like a minor inconvenience. She wants to reach out her hand, but, to slap or to hold? Ino doesn't know. She wants to speak up, but, to beg or curse? Ino really doesn't know and she hates it.

But isn't that exactly what they have together? Times passed on uncertainties and unknowns; of enigmatic looks and empty threats, of faint smiles hidden behind silent lips.

Ino can't… she feels ready to explode, to demand answers she knows she'll never have from the most infuriating, detached man she had ever known.

Ino just wants to return to the simpler days.

The silence is grating at her nerves and Ino finds herself unable to withstand the tension hanging in the air, crackling louder with every second, any longer. Ino is a woman of action, as is Sai. So, the disturbing standstill between the duo is just aggravating them further.

"Thanks for the breakfast." murmurs Ino but her tone is far from grateful.

The mug in his hand hits the table with an echoing thud. "Good to know you're at least thankful for something." Sai's words hit her nerves straight. Her mouth twitches and she glares.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Blue eyes narrow, glinting dangerously close to silver than the usual pale blue. Her heart feels like it's been pulled in a thousand different directions.

"Isn't it obvious?" A dry half-chuckle follows his statement. The deep black eyes of the man are glowing with something akin to irritation and Ino feels the slights traces of fear in her gut. "You have no idea how dangerously oblivious you are to the world around you. Always doing whatever you want, heedlessly thinking about the consequences."

"What is it to you?" she snaps, arms folded over her chest as to shield herself. Ino feels the familiar sting of tears in her eyes but she refuses to cry. Her already battered pride can't take another blow and her pride is all she has left.

The tattooist grits his teeth. He is visibly shaking now. "Everything, as I'm the one who has deals with your reckless behavior. You're either blind or too stubborn to acknowledge that." Sai's voice is cold, colder than the day when he had saved her from those two drunks. Ino's fear is slowly bubbling and she tightly grabs her biceps to stop her hands from shaking.

She springs to her feet. "I've never asked you to do anything like that. I was perfectly content the way my life was before you messed it all up!" Ino bellows angrily. "So don't you dare assume I'm the one who is stubborn when you're so skilled at changing subjects when it comes to your life, Sai," a flare of anger edges her vision red. "Would it kill you spare me the tiniest bit of information? What are you trying to hide so hard?"

His arms are tensely folded across his chest. "This has nothing to do with –"

"It has!" Ino grows fervent as she speaks. "I didn't know you had a brother and the only reason you graced me with that was because I found his photo in your room. If getting drunk out of my ass was the way for you to speak, perhaps I should drown in beer."

In her daze, she hardly sees him move. Ino is slammed on the nearest wall, and she yelps when his fingers painfully dig into her biceps. Her wide eyes shoot up to meet Sai's burning ones. And Ino curses her inability keep her mouth shut when needed.

"Ino." hisses Sai, through his clenched teeth and that single word seem to contain everything Ino should know.

Sai seems to be on the brink of exploding, jaw clenched hard, black eyes flashing dangerously. Ino remembers the gun he so casually pointed at two living beings, the carefree manner of his threats. Sai can hurt her easily and effortlessly. Even now, under Sai's iron grip, her arms feel like they are about to fall off.

Something shifts in his eyes and as if her skin burned him, Sai backs off. Eyes wide, and skin sickly pale, he stares down at the shaking blonde. Ugly purple bruises are slowly blossoming on her skin where he tightly grabbed her and Sai feels sick. Without a word, he turns and with long strides he locks himself in his bedroom.

The moment his door closes with a bang, Ino sprints out of the building as fast as her shaking legs could carry her. She is on the sidewalk and in her haste of running away she almost gets run over by a taxi.

The taxi driver angrily waves his fist. "Look around before throwing yourself onto the streets!"

"Sorry." Ino jumps inside the car and gives her address to the angered driver. Her breathing is erratic and her hands are shaking. Thankfully the man doesn't comment about her fearful state and just drives in silence.

In ten minutes, Ino is in her bathroom under the scalding hot water, standing still and staring at a cracked tile in the corner of her shower. She cringes when her fingertips ghost over the throbbing bruises.

Ino wants to cry, let the world hear her despair, sob in a comfortable dark corner but she doesn't. As much as she needs to release her frustration, all the bottled up emotions, she can't bring herself to shed tears. The pressure is building, the need is growing and Ino is almost positively sure that her inability to cry would slowly kill her inside.

The blonde needs a distraction. No matter how fatal her mental state can turn to be. She is out in the open air and already walking. The air is humid enough to cut with a blade even with the sunset there is no relief of warmth.

In Konoha, falls are known to be dry than rainy and winters freezing cold with the occasional winter storm. Winter is slowly coming and as Ino hugs her jacket closer to herself, she glares at the gray clouds over her head. It better not rain today too.

So, Ino walks to campus, her heels sloshing water puddles with every step. She climbs up the stone steps leading to her workshop. The latest dress she had been struggling to bring into life is dancing in her mind, between the cracks formed by confusion and anger.

It's very early in the morning so the hallways are basically empty. Ino takes her solidarity for granted as she walks through the long corridors. While passing, she hears the distinctive screeching she calls laughter of Ami The Bitch with capital letters.

"Wow, look at this crap."

Ino could picture hear the disgusted sneer in her tone and she doesn't have to be there so see that Ami is also scrunching her flat nose.

"Yeah, I bet my dog could paint better." That sounded like Senri.

So the third who snorted should be Amaya.

Perfect, The Arschloch Trio is here.

"I d-don't think it's bad." A timid voice stutters and Ino frowns. "I work h-hard on it all n-night and –"

"Just because you worked hard on it doesn't mean it's still good." Ami barks and her followers laugh, like the hunting cry of a group of vultures. Ino draws closer to the slight ajar door. She can make out several painted canvases and the strong scent of paint and oil. The bitch trio is surrounding a brightly painted canvas and there is someone else there, with long dark blue hair reaching her back.

"So," Ami taps her foot, hip cocked and arms folded. She's towering over the girl whose face Ino still can't see, but her body is tense like a rabbit about to bolt into safety. "You better not turn that disgusting thing in and spare the humiliation."

"Better yet, why don't you give up? It's not like you have a talent for art." Huffs Senri, throwing back her brown locks over her shoulder.

The girl recoils, and Ino finally sees her face. It's that Hinata girl. She was Ino's neighbor when Ino lived with her parents. The blonde would see her from time to time, though; she never got to speak much with her Ino knows that Hinata is a kind, shy and respectful girl who definitely didn't need Ami's bitching.

"There is no n-need to be so rude," Hinata says, face pale and eyes wide.

"Or what?" Amaya gloats mockingly. "What are you going to do? Hide behind your daddy, or maybe you'll push us around."

Ino's thinning patience snaps and she jolts inside. "Hinata is too nice for that."

Startled, everyone turns towards the fuming blonde. Her eyes are hard like ice. "But unfortunately for you lot, I'm not as nice." Before the girls could react, Ino slaps Senri away from Hinata, deftly kicks Amaya behind her knees and finally, digs her knuckles hard and fast into Ami's shocked face.

"You crazy German bitch!" shrieks Ami, warm blood oozing between her fingers. Ino is proud to see that she managed to break something. "Just wait until I report you, you lunatic whore! You'll pay for this!"

"You say the same goddamn thing every time, Ami." Ino grins widely. Physical violence is a good way to release pent up emotions. "I'm done with your repetitive crap."

Turning to the frozen Hinata, Ino's vindictive grin turns gentle. Walking to her side, the blonde grabs her arm and tugs the stiff girl out of the workshop. Hinata barely manages to snatch her canvas before Ino starts dragging her away.

"Yamanaka-san,–"

"Just Ino is fine." They pass through many hallways until Ino stops in front of the small campus cafeteria. There are a few students who are eating breakfast but still, the tables are privately spaced enough for Ino's tastes.

"Why did you get involved?" Hinata questions a confused frown on her pretty face.

Ino shrugs. It was more than the spur of a moment. The blonde never liked bullying. "They get on my nerves any day. Let's say, this time, I had a sound reason to do so."

Hinata seems to accept it. She nods, her cheeks taking a lovely shade of pink. "Thank you, Ino-san." Her voice barely above a whisper but Ino hears it.

"Coffee or tea?"

"Tea." Hinata murmurs, tucking a stray lock behind her ear. The blonde can't help herself but find her bashful attitude cute.

Ino smiles and it feels real, good, and somewhat lighter. "I'll be right back."

Hinata looks kind of sad with her eyes fixed on the canvas under the table. The blonde raises one brow, two Styrofoam cups carefully cradled in her hands.

"What did you do to gain The Arschloch Trio's attention?"

Hinata does a double take. "Arschloch? Is that German?"

"Yes, and it means asshole."

Hinata's expression takes a horrifying change and Ino can't hold in her giggles. The timid girl looks seconds away from apologizing for swearing in another language.

"It's okay Hinata." She reassures the dismayed girl. "I won't tell anyone about your potty mouth."

"I'm grateful." The corners of her lips lift in a small smile. And then she slumps her shoulders in defeat, Hinata reluctantly admits, "We have… disagreements. Different perspectives about our art."

Ino hums and sips from her tea. Her blue eyes stray down to the canvas, Hinata is discreetly trying to hide. "May I see it? The painting I mean. Art is objective and everyone gets a distinctive vibe. So, may I?"

Hinata seems hesitant. She bites down on her lower lip and Ino is sure for an instant, Hinata will refuse. But she doesn't. She carefully lifts the canvas, and wordlessly turns it.

Ino blinks, staring at the painting with wide eyes. "Wow." She doesn't know what else to say.

Hinata, a light blush on her cheeks, gulps loudly. "Please tell me what you really think. I d-don't need sugar coated lies."

"Hinata this is beautiful." Ino reaches over the table to ruffle her hair. "The colors are gorgeous Hinata. Don't let Ami's bullshit get through you."

The Hyuuga giggles merrily and swats the hand away from hair. "You… you mean it? I was w-working on so hard and I'm g-glad how it turned out."

"And you should," Ino reassures the girl. Her baby blue eyes taking in the painting again, Ino tries to find out the message Hinata tries to convey.

It's a beautiful scenery of a forest with every shade of green blended perfectly together. Between the tall trees with thick branches and wide leaves a mighty jaguar is hiding. Its shiny black fur is ruffled and lithe body is tensed, ready to jump and go for the kill but its golden eyes are a soft honey color. A total contrast with the predatory danger, its eyes hold kindness. Following the line of vision of the feline is a little cub that is trying to imitate the older one. The cub's shaking, fluffy tail high, cute ears flat against its skull and similar golden eyes are full of innocent playful aura only a child could possess.

Ino slowly exhales, feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden. The message hits too close to home than Ino's comfortable with. "You know he's dangerous and yet…"

Her lavender eyes watch the steam curl lazily. There's a knowing tone in her soft smile. "Even the roughest things have soft edges, Ino-san."

"Wise words, Hinata-chan," Ino replies lightly, careful not to let her tone be mistaken for mockery. The timid girl's self-esteem is already low as it is.

"Not many could see it." Her eyes fall down to her tea. Hinata cradles the styrofoam cup, letting the warmth seep into her palms. "It makes me question my decisions. Do I r-really belong here? Painting and creating is fun but they are so quick to bash m-me even though I'm trying very hard to i-improve." tears well up in her eyes and Ino's heart breaks a little. "It's i-infuriating."

And Ino can see. Every single brush stroke in that painting contains a small part of Hinata. Her thoughts, desires, fears and expectations all swirled together with the colors to create that stunning forest. And when assholes brushed aside her talent, they weren't only breaking her self-esteem but also her self-worth.

If her art didn't matter why should she the one who creates something from nothing matter?

Hinata covers her face as her body start to shake with silent sobs. Ino fishes out a tissue from her purse and the crying girl silently accepts it. It takes Hinata several minutes to calm down in which Ino's comforting arm never leaves Hinata's trembling shoulders.

Ino drinks half the tea and asks, "Why did you decide to do art Hinata?"

She is quick to respond. "Because it was my dream since forever. And my passion." Hinata fidgets on her chair, avoiding Ino's eyes. "Sorry Ino-san, I'm burdening you with my t-troubles. These matters do not concern you at all and yet I'm... I'm such a mess. It was never my intention to, I mean… I don't make much s-sense, do I?"

The blonde leans forward and winks at her. "Not much, but so does life, so I'm not complaining. Feeling any better?"

Hinata nods and carefully wipes away all the marks of her breakdown from her face. "I guess I needed that. Someone to listen and to let out."

Ino's lips press together. Her hands gently touch her bruises hiding under her purple sweater. "I know the feeling, Hinata-chan. Believe me, I do."

"It's to be expected Hinata-chan. Once you lay bare your soul to the world, you're the only one who could fend for herself. I know Ami, and people like her. They are all quick to judge and quick to forget the kindness you show them. You can prove them wrong; you're here for a reason. Don't give them the satisfaction of victory."

Hinata sniffles. And when she speaks up, her tone is hesitant. "Are you t-talking about Sakura-san, Ino-san?"

Ino laughs humorlessly. "Perhaps I do." She admits. A pale man clad in black and fury swirling in his charcoal eyes comes to her mind and her heart clenches. "Perhaps I don't."

"Ino-san, is everything all right?"

Mechanically, Ino lifts her hand to her face and her fingertips catch something wet. Oh, so the tears have finally decided to come out.

Ino tries to nod but shakes her head in the end. "I'm not sure Hinata-chan."

This time, it's Hinata's arm curling around to comfort. "Would you like to talk? I'm not sure how m-much of help I can be, but I'll try."

Ino considers. Her baby blue eyes glance at the earnest girl and she can't pick up a single signal of deceit in the Hyuuga's body language. Hinata wants to help her out just like Ino had moments ago.

"Well, it all started with a bet."

Hinata is a very good listener, Ino finds out. She doesn't interrupt her once and neither judges her actions. The Hyuuga is silent while her hand is drawing soothing circles on her back. Time passes and with every word Ino feels lighter.

"From what you told me just know, Ino-san, I can say that both you and he are very prideful." Hinata's eyes soften. "You don't want to give him a chance to hurt you. You're scared of taking the risk."

The blonde sighs. "My brain is screaming at my heart to shut up." Ino feels exhausted, completely empty and utterly hopeless.

"To hurt someone or to be hurt by someone," Hinata chuckles morbidly. Her lavender eyes are clouded with a painful memory. "I believe, Ino-san, a love where no one gets hurt doesn't exist."

Hinata sat quietly, still. Ino could hear nothing but her breathing. Finally, she says, "It might be scary to acknowledge how strong your feelings are for someone."

Ino bites her lip. "Let's say, hypothetically speaking, of course, I might feel something for Sai that's more than a crush. He obviously doesn't feel the same."

"What makes you say so?"

"He didn't want to sleep with me." The blonde responds weakly. Now, saying it out loud sounds petty and silly in Ino's ears.

Hinata frantically shakes her head. "You're wrong Ino-san. Sai-san was aware of your drunken state and he didn't take advantage of that. He must care for you, either as a friend or as something more… only Sai-san can tell."

There is something about the gentle and honest way she speaks that makes Hinata near impossible to deny. Ino still doesn't know much about the Hyuuga but her words hold wisdom and insight Ino desperately needs.

"You sound like you speak from experience Hinata-chan." Ino doesn't miss the way her cheeks blush and she feels like she is onto something. "Hinata Hyuuga the love expert. My, had I known I would have saved you from the Arschloch trio ages ago."

Hinata clears her throat and for a moment her eyes flick towards the painting. "I wouldn't call myself an expert Ino-san." Answers Hinata even though it's not an answer at all. There's a twist to her mouth that Ino can't decide whether it's happy or regretful. "I just happen to know that there are two types of love in this world we live in. The first is comfortable like a fluffy blanket and a hot cup of tea. It's shallow but safe. And the second one is wild and unpredictable like a raging storm. This kind of love challenges you, Ino-san, pushes you further and further. It makes you question yourself, but also it makes you feel alive."

The blonde blinks and inhales slowly. From her behavior, Ino can see that Hinata is speaking from experience. "Which one did you chose?"

Hinata's smile turned secretive but her slight blush gives her away. "I've been in love with the same boy for such a long time that Ino-san I eventually forgot that he doesn't even know I exist. I was okay with it, watching him from a distance. But then I met him," she shakes her head, exasperated. "It's good to be noticed Ino-san. Thanks to him I realized how I was pining after someone who will never look my way. Had I ignored him and kept my heart with my first love, I would have never experienced this intense emotion. I'm happy, Ino-san. He makes me happy."

Ino nods, the gears turning in her mind. Her gaze goes between the timid girl and her painting, takes in her healthy glow, sparkling eyes and confident loving edge when she speaks about her love.

Ino just wants to spare herself from the inevitable pain. She's desperately trying to protect her fragile heart. But if Hinata is able to take the gamble then perhaps Ino could too.

Suddenly, Ino realizes how much she enjoys speaking with the timid girl. When was the last time she had civilly spoken to a female? Ino can't remember. She's enjoying the girly moments with Hinata and the girl is so much different from Sakura. Ino feels at ease, they are almost like friends. Helping each other in tough times, a comforting shoulder to cry on, verbal support and Ino wants to keep it.

"Hey, Hinata." She eyes the girl carefully but Hinata doesn't comment on the drop of the honorific. Ino wets her lips and thinks about her next words. How can she hint that she wants to pass more time with her? Get to know the real Hinata, see more of her paintings and such. That Ino wants to have a true friend one again. "If anyone gives you hard time again, find me okay? I'll handle it. And don't listen to idiotic bullshit about your art. You're obviously talented and don't let anyone say otherwise."

Hinata smiles though her wet lashes. She understands. "Thank you, Ino-san. I will."

"Just Ino." She scolds lightly.

Her smile turns a tad bit brighter. "Just Ino then."


The day passes relatively quiet. After the heartfelt talk with Hinata, Ino's thoughts are organized, more refined, and she feels close to some sort of decision. She won't deny her attraction to Sai, that's kinda obvious at this point. Even after experiencing his anger, Ino wants to see Sai again.

But can she really call him at this point?

Even if her pride allows it, Sai won't. The bruises he left on her… Ino is half sure that the tattooist will blame himself until he drowns in his emo-angst.

She thinks about the last three weeks. The wonderful dates, the delightful bickering. She thinks about the rundown shop in the middle of nopeville, that slowly turned to be a sanctuary for the blonde. She can picture herself sitting on the comfortable leather chair, sketching and bitching at the same time while Sai's leaning on the counter, a mug of coffee in hand, black bangs falling over amused dark eyes as he listens to her talk. And then they'll eat whatever Ino cooked the day before because the blonde is adamant that take-out is not an appropriate source of food if eaten constantly. And Sai will roll his eyes, tell her how absurd she is. He survived until now and if he was to die, take-out would be the last thing that could kill him.

Verdammt.

The thought that she won't be able to have days like those anymore leaves a bad taste on her tongue.

A chirpy fast tune distracts her and Ino fishes her phone from her pocket. The name makes her frown turn into a huge smile in seconds. "Dad! It's great that you called."

Ino hears her father laugh through the slight static. "If I hadn't called I'd never hear from you. Have you forgotten about your old man already?" he jokes halfheartedly.

"How could I ever." Teases Ino mirthfully. "You'll always be the number one man in my life."

"Don't let your mother know that. I'm supposed to be her number one only." Inoichi confesses and Ino almost rolls her eyes at how silly her father sounds. "You'll be here before eight, right?"

"Eight?" Ah, Sheiße. "The family dinner I promised, at eight, of course, I'll be there. Actually, I was just about to head out and come home. Funny things, coincidences." "You forgot." Accuses Inoichi. Ino could almost see her father's pout. "Can't prove." Ino chirps in hope to lighten the mood. Inoichi grunts and this time Ino rolls her eyes. "What if I promise to bring your favorite red wine?" The line is silent for several minutes. "…Deal. But hurry, Ino, the lasagna is almost done." "Half an hour," Ino promises a warm smile forming on her lips.


Dinner is great as Ino has expected. She eats and drinks with her father – mom couldn't leave the set and called them to say to eat without her. Even with the absence of her mother Ino enjoys her time. Her relationship with Inoichi had always been closer than with her mother anyway.

"How are your classes going, darling?"

Ino shrugs off the classical parental question that had to be asked every time. "Great actually. I managed to sketch down the dress that's due for a week. I want to work on it some more before starting on it for real." Ino is confident on this one. The basic sketch is done and she has to decide on the colors and fabric, then she'll start sewing. She has a hunch that it will be one of her bests.

Inoichi nods eagerly, like the proud father he is. Gulping down the rest of his wine, he gets up. "I'll handle the dishes; you can go in and relax."

"Running away from chores is my specialty," Ino says, picking up her own half full glass.

"I thought designing was your specialty. Oh, no wait, having great hair 24/7, right? Nah, if I remember correctly, your specialty was – Oof!

Ino draws back her elbow and Inoichi offers her daughter a playful pout. "Meanie. Since when my little baby girl became abusive?"

"Hanging out with Kiba and Naruto regularly makes you more inclined to violence." Ino shakes her head. "You should hear them talk dad. Those two are capable of lowering the IQ of the whole room by just breathing."

His father is still laughing loudly when Ino goes to sit on the big comfy couch. Blue eyes are instantly drawn towards the open computer and several formal looking papers. Either Inoichi was trying to squeeze in some last minute paperwork or there was an immediate case that needed his attention. Rarely did her father leave his important investigation documents lying around.

Curiosity and boredom getting the best of her, Ino scoots over to the classified files and a certain photo catch her attention.

A crime scene and two mangled bodies. Both male and both beaten beyond recognition; broken necks and limbs, flesh decorated with various shaped bruises and cuts, skin white and cold by a touch of death. The crime scene looks from this morning, as there is the telltale sign of the thunderstorm of the previous night. Wet mud turned red by the blood, ragged clothes of the victims drenched yet cleaned by the rain and pink puddles. Ino stares closely as her memories stir with something familiar. Right there, around the taller one's collar. There is this tie and had not been for the fury of the storm the thing must have been the most horrendous shade of yellow known to the human race.

Blue eyes narrowing, Ino switches her gaze towards the other victim. Must have been slimmer than the other and Ino focuses on his hair. Dirty and matted with God knows what, it seems to be bleached and a bit on the longer side. Ino mentally spikes the strands with hair jell.

Ino's eyes go wide. She swiftly scans the case and words stick to her mind like glue.

Discovered this afternoon. Belongings still on the person. Not robbery. Cracked cranium. Fractured spine. Broken ribs. Raptured muscles. Internal bleeding. Missing the left index. Possible torture. Potentially a murder case.

It's purple suit with yellow tie and his lackey bleached broom hair. They are branded into her memory forever. There is no way Ino can mistake the duo that almost assaulted her. Ino's bruises throb, like a reminder of the catastrophic morning. The implications are bugging her beyond control as anger burning dark eyes and fury laced voice echoes in her ears. The room feels suffocating as if the walls are closing in. Dark spots appear on her vision and her breath hitches on her throat.

When oxygen becomes necessary, Ino inhales deeply. Her hands are slightly shaking and her sweaty palms are clutching her knees for dear life. Her brow tight, Ino nervously licks her lips and closes the computer just as Inoichi gets inside, a fresh glass of wine in his hand.

"Are you going through my files again?" Inoichi's tone rings warning bells in Ino's mind. "We talked about this, Ino. These are classified investigation information and I can very well lose my job."

The blonde carefully tucks her horror away and offers a tentative smile. It takes her a few minutes to regain control of her raging feelings and spun a believable lie. "Ami, Senri and Amaya. They were been pissing me off too much lately. Did you know that they are bullying Hinata? The sweet, shy Hyuuga that lives down the road. I was just checking to see if I could frame Ami and her bitch followers for their sins."

Inoichi chokes on his wine glass. He wipes his nose with the back of his hand, coughs and splutters, "Ino!"

The young blonde gives her father a smile wide as ever, but in the inside, her eyes sparkle with an emotion far from positive. Shaking his head with a sigh, Inoichi doesn't notice and just hugs his daughter close, settling his chin on her shoulder.

He whispers fondly, "You're my precious. Don't go sticking your nose into troublesome matters. I don't think my heart could take it." He murmurs into her hair in a loving way only a father could.

"Yeah daddy," Ino feels her stomach sink as she lies, "I'll try to behave."


Hinata makes an appearance! I was thinking of writing her story as a side story but it kinda depends on you guys. Would you like me to co-write it together with Inked or a separate story? Let me warn you, first, it won't be NaruHina. Second, if I go as a new story under another name it will be only after Inked is finished. Roughly speaking, that won't happen around 10 or more chapters.