A/N: Guys Happy New Year to all! I'm proud to say that Inked Emotion has over a 100 reviews, follows and favorites! I'm grateful for all the support and thanks for reading my story!


He wants her.

That thought has been by his side since she appeared in his shop one afternoon. It would have been easy, he had noted how her baby-blue eyes appreciated his form and she seemed no stranger for some quick fun. Sai could have had her even before she opened her pretty little mouth, the way she teased him with her lips, her hair, her voice her everything.

Ino is the embodiment of temptation. Sai fondly remembers the first kiss they shared, just lust urging them to have more. They could have gone all the way, be the heat of the moment or the strange sexual tension between two strangers. But… he stopped, back then, his gut warning him about something. Sai didn't know it then and he doesn't know why even now but his gut has saved his life way too many times for Sai to just ignore his deeply rooted instincts.

That was before Sai started to know Ino.

She's more than a pretty face. Ino has her own dreams and ambitions, her friends and father close to her heart. She hates sashimi with passion and would probably kill someone if it's for cherry pudding. She's stubborn to the core, can outwit anyone easily and can be vindictive if she puts her mind to it. She could talk your head off about different kinds of flowers and their meaning, hold her own against men twice her size in a drinking match.

So many things that make Ino human, and Sai feels grateful that he learned about them. He knows many just see a voluptuous body for a quick one night stand and that just boils his blood.

He could have been one of them. Those low-lives who only see a shallow blond girl they could slide under her skirt with a few looks and pick-up lines.

Sai would happily rearrange any leering smirk thrown Ino's way but his own thoughts aren't any less pure. He's just better at hiding them.

It's a cold night as Sai waits patiently outside Ino's apartment but he doesn't exactly feel it. His own perception of cold has changed a lot during his youth, doing strange missions around Sai had slept in even colder places. This isn't such a big deal.

The deal is the blonde girl. Sai caught a glimpse of pale yellow once when Ino was hurrying around her flat. He had smiled then, imagining her running around –

A click and a metal groaning, the entrance door opens.

It's the feeling right before the lightning strikes.

The air is charged, thin hairs along his arms are raised and there is the inevitable tension leaving a rusty feel on his tongue.

He looks at her as she steps out of her apartment and even covered from head-to-toe, she's breathtaking. Her blonde hair looks silver under the artificial street lights, and at that moment Sai's tongue is twisted into silence. He forgets how to speak, utter any sentence because Ino is right in front of him and he missed her terribly.

How did she manage to get under his skin so quickly?

"Ino," Sai says slowly, savoring the feeling of the word on his lips for the first time in long days. He likes it. Short and fleeting: a soft beginning yielding to a strong lingering finish. Just like her.

Baby-blue eyes snap down to his black. There's a spark of something behind them that Sai can't identify. He tries to read her expression, the surprise is expected and so is anger but it's the traces of soft longing that catches him off guard.

"Sai." Ino politely nods at him, the action awkward and forced. There's distance coloring her aloof tone and it bothers Sai more than he'd admit.

Unfazed, Ino turns her gaze away and gracefully steps down the marble steps resembling the queen she is, curled silvery hair bouncing under her woolen beanie. She's all dolled up and it's a Saturday, probably she's going to ANBU for the night to drink and have fun with her mismatched group of friends.

He briefly thinks of intercepting her. One step to the side and he'll block her path. Ino can't ignore him for long; he knows she'll eventually blow up should he push enough and on the correct buttons. The stairs give her the height advantage which makes it easier for her to glare at him like a queen would a commoner.

He can handle anger. Its one emotion his familiar with.

That's his plan until Ino's foot slips on an iced spot. Eyes wide, she throws her arms forward to catch herself, however, Sai is suddenly there. His strong arms catch her middle and he pulls her close with little effort, the momentum of her fall making them turn a little. Ino grunts from the impact and instinct have her stretched hands grab the lapels of his coat tightly.

With her high heels, there isn't any difference in height. Sai's hand is secured at the curve of her back and only the thick winter gears are separating his wildly beating heart. Ino's face is pressed close to his shoulder and Sai doesn't dare move and break the spell.

She smells of peach, Sai notices, absently burying his nose behind her curved ear. She must have changed the citrus shampoo and he finds that peach compliments her natural wildflower scent more. He likes peaches and he likes, even more, the slight shiver on her warm breath when he ghosts his lips over her reddened ears.

Slowly, Ino pulls her head back, her nose brushes along his jaw and Sai's arms tighten their hold around the young woman to stop her. The tattooist wants to take off the purple hat and card his fingers through molten gold hair but he stubbornly pushes that desire away.

Ino clears her throat but she's still awfully close, so close that Sai can count every single shade of blue in her wide eyes.

His mouth moves and he's speaking as if his brain isn't in control anymore. "My memory didn't do you justice, Ino." the blonde blinks, her curiosity loosening his tongue more. Wasn't he completely speechless a few seconds ago? "I can't believe I forgot how breathtakingly beautiful you were."

Ino tilts her chin, a trimmed golden brow rising. Flirting has always been some kind of national sport for her and so Sai isn't surprised when she easily counters, "Someone's been working on compliments."

"I assure you it's completely spontaneous," Sai promises, a small smirk tugging at his lips while internally cringing at his corny behavior.

Ino's expression shifts, like she remembers something or maybe even realizing how close they are pressed together that prompts her to move. Her fingers release their hold on his coat and Sai lets her push him away. He contains his fisted hands in his pocket, in case they'd reach for the blonde woman without his consent. Tempting. Way too tempting.

"What are you doing here, Sai?"

Blunt like always, just Ino's way. She can't stand beating around the push. Sai let out a long sigh, fighting against the need to close his eyes tiredly. "I'm here to apologize." Sai carefully began. "I never intended…and afterward I was so ashamed, Ino you must believe me-"

"I do." Ino easily says. She turns on her heels and starts marching away. ANBU is maybe twenty minutes away if she walks briskly, she'll be late but hell –Ino Yamanaka has never been punctual when she has the option of being late.

Sai matches her walk, eying the road and her clicking heels. He steps closer, in case she loses her balance again but Ino glares at him from under her curled lashes, aware of his intentions.

"I'm not clumsy." She snaps.

Sai shrugs. His elbow ghosts over her arm with badly hidden intention. "I know but the road isn't completely ice-free." just because he likes to rile her up he adds with a small smile, "You don't need to use excuses like iced roads to fall into my embrace. My arms would dutifully break your future falls, Ino-chan."

He plainly sees the jumping muscle around her brow with the cutesy honorific Ino hates. The blonde links her arms under her voluptuous chest and narrows her eyes at Sai. Although he's still blank-faced and serious, there is a glint in his black eyes that Ino should be able to interpret. Sai is silently laughing at her.

She must have caught on his wandering thoughts. His lips almost twitch with concealed amusement at her annoyance mixed anger. Only Ino can manage to make him this amused this quickly. So much that Sai almost forgets why he came. Almost.

Ino huffs but slows down. She too gets serious. "Is that all?" she asks. Sai opens his mouth but Ino is faster. "If so, apology accepted. You can go back to brood in your little shop until the end of time."

"I don't brood," Sai argues. Dark brows slide closer. "Why do people always assume I brood in my spare time? I have much more pressing matters than sulk like a child." that's Shin's job. He's immature enough for both while Sai carries on double maturity.

"People," Ino mouths, incredulous and a touch irritated. "So you have some basic human interaction with humans aside from me."

Sai gives her a brilliantly fake smile that even curves his black eyes into crescents. "You flatter yourself too much darling."

Ino growls at him and quickens her pace, her heels click dangerously on the sidewalk and she growls even more when she catches the faint laughter behind her.

Sai catches up with his long strides. "Okay, okay. I won't make fun of you anymore," he promises. For the moment hangs in the air. Sai calls forth his business mask and cuts Ino's path in a smooth movement. Ino abruptly stops to not crash into Sai's chest.


This man will be the reason why Ino will end up in prison charged with murder.

Stubborn to the core, she keeps her baby-blue eyes glued to his black-clothed chest. In the span of 10 minutes, Sai manages to go from charming to sorry, flirty to annoying and serious again.

Hot and cold. Katy Perry is wise beyond her years with that song.

"Ino, I'm sorry. I truly am."

Ino looks heavenward and prays for patience to deal with hot clueless man. "Stop apologizing!" she grounds out. "You're completely missing the point here! I already accepted your damn apology and yet you keep asking for forgiveness! I don't think you even know what you are apologizing for!"

"Help me understand then. Because whenever you're involved I just get more and more confused," he replies hotly. Pale fingers helplessly tug his wind-swept hair and Ino, for a single moment, pities him.

"I know you're sorry for... what happened back in your apartment." Careful. She's very careful with her words. "I never saw you lose your temper like that and that surprised me. I was – and I think you mistook it for fear." she searches his face. "You thought I was afraid of you."

Something unusual flashes in the inky depths of his eyes. Ino knows she's on the right track.

"You bruised my arm." continues Ino. "That, mister inky-man, pissed me off in sooo many levels you wouldn't believe! And not only that," she aggressively waves her hand around. "You had the balls to question my actions and my decision like you're someone – someone who, argh. Verdammt!" her words switch to grumbling German.

Sai blinks. "... You were angry?"

"Furious." she corrects, tapping his chest with her orange-tipped finger. "Don't get me wrong, I was a tiny bit scared but, primary feeling? Anger."

"I was finally getting through that thick wall of yours and sweet victory, it was progress!" Ino throws her hands up, almost smacking Sai in the face. Her blue eyes blazing like fire. "And at the tiniest crack, you just built more around you. You not only pushed me away but tried to scare me away. That's what I'm angry about."

"Those walls exist for a reason, Ino."

His words are enough to upset the lid she tries to put on her anger. Her next retort dies painfully as she forces herself to choke on her pride. Instead of arguing more, Ino wants to have some sort of peace between them.

"I know." She sighs finally. "What are you even trying to protect yourself from?"

"Not me." He counters swiftly. Ino understands everything implied but unsaid in his eyes. I'm trying to protect you, Ino. It's always you. I don't care what happens to me. There is pain in his voice, so much that Ino balls her fist to stop her from reaching out.

"Then, why are you still here?" Ino asks. Sai tilts his chin, confusion coloring his handsome features and Ino sighs. "You apologized. I accepted it. And yet, you didn't immediately leave." Her hands stray to her hips, a power move that always kept her stubborn and focused. "Why?"

He actually takes the time to think and Ino could see imaginary gears turn behind his glassy eyes. A biting wind sweeps through them and Ino shivers a little while Sai is completely unfazed. Ino's kinda wondering how he's fairing against the harsh temperature with only a jacket. He could have at least grabbed a scarf.

When he doesn't respond Ino softly says, "I refuse to be the only vulnerable one." She tugs her scarf tighter as if it was a physical shield.

Sai stops, dropping his gaze to his shoes. When he looks up again his dark eyes are intense. "This is how I am, Ino. I can't help it."

"I'm not asking you to have a complete personality change, Arshlock!" she shakes her head, brows pinched and nose scrounged up. "No one should have to change who they are for the commodity of others. The secrets, the scars and that entire hot bipolar thing you're having. I'd rather have them all."

Sai's eyes are like fire. They look too closely and pierce too deep for Ino's brand of safety. For the first time Ino could remember, she feels unsettled. It's not fear, exactly, more like the calm before a terrible storm. You know it's coming and you prepare for it but you'd never survive the storm without some scratches.

"That's in the past though. I can see how my advances weren't appreciated. Sorry for that, it seems I had misread the situation." The torn buried into her side is finally free. Her rejected pride is barely holding together and Ino hates Sai for making her this weak and vulnerable. No one had ever managed to peel away so many of Ino's layers.

Sai takes a step to close the distance between them and Ino blames the cold for her red cheeks. The same pinkish hue is on Sai's face and Ino finds it strangely cute. She'd even coo at him like a baby if the situation hadn't been so serious.

"Someone is bad with taking rejections." Sai clearly states which only works to narrow Ino's eyes into annoyed slits. "I'll keep in mind that you enjoy being taken advantage of when drunk."

Oh, that's the last drop. Ino's temper flares and she lashes out.

Sai is ready. His forearm easily blocks her left fist which is exactly what Ino had expected when attacking. Knowing Sai and his fighter instinct, Ino hid her true attack with the badly aimed punch.

Her left ankle sneaks behind Sai's knee and Ino pulls with all her weight. The ice that almost broke her nose 10 minutes ago is her ally. Sai, unbalanced and surprised, slips on the ice and falls to his side with a satisfying smack.

"Perhaps," he wheezes faintly. His breath fogs in small clouds. "I've gone too far."

"You think, Scheißkopf?!" Ino growls, arms smugly locked under her chest. She likes seeing Sai on the cold, hard ground and the knowledge that she was the one who brought him down brings chin-lifting satisfaction. "I can't believe you just said that!"

"Ino I -"

"Save it!" Ino snaps, the thin heel of her boot gets worryingly close to Sai's face. She leans downward, hands braced on her knees as her blue eyes spit fire. Her glare is met with passive black irises.

Sai exhales and drops his head back to the iced sidewalk, a small thud echoes and Ino grimaces. For a moment, Ino is worried he'll catch his death with how cold the ground must be but she stubbornly holds onto her angry bitch face.

"I'm not good with expressing myself." He admits finally, eyes closed tiredly.

"No shit."

Another exhale. "This wasn't how I imagined things would go. I wanted to apologize for my dickish act and hoped you'd forgive. Then we'd keep seeing each other like before." He opens his eyes and the image somehow makes Sai more human. Ino can't decipher him well, yet, not with all the walls Sai hides behind but she sees the raw emotion and genuine intention in the inky pools. "I enjoyed how we were before." He admits.

"We can't go back, Sai." Ino whispers, voice barely audible with the cars moving in the street. But Sai hears her.

"I figured." He responds, sounding like a defeated warrior. His eyes are lidded for a second before they snap to meet her startled blues. "You want more and sincerely, Ino, I don't know if I can give you that."

The words weight her shoulders down like there is a force pushing her to the cold hard sidewalk. Ino locks her knees and refuses to give up. She doesn't know what she's supposed to be feeling, her insides are a mess of nerves and she bites her tongue to keep herself grounded. Ino is overwhelmed and she needs to think and process all that has happened in the span of 20 minutes. She feels exposed; like this infuriating man can look straight at her core and see things even Ino isn't aware.

Did she want more?

She did.

"Well, thanks, I guess," she swallows to reduce the rawness of her voice. Her eyes burn, throat tight. "For the honesty, at least."

Something like hurt passes through his pale face so fast that Ino might have imagined it.

She clears her throat loudly, at a loss on what to do and how to act. Sai rolls to his feet, absently patting his jeans with his eyes focused on the task. A gust of wind swiftly passes away, mussing Sai's dark hair and Ino sees a red-tipped ear for a second.

Feeling brave, Ino pulls her thick wool scarf free with two hands. She feels him tense the bunched up muscles of his shoulders are a sure sign. Ino steps closer and gently winds the purple scarf around Sai's exposed pale throat.

"It's cold." She mumbles, the sentence rolling inside her mouth.

The tattooist fixes his gaze on the blonde girl. Silence is awkward between them but not completely uncomfortable. They both feel lighter, appreciating the closeness of each other. Some of the private walls were cracked down but new lines were drawn between them.

After a few minutes, Ino sidesteps him and keeps walking, leaving the black-clad man behind her. Her heart clenches up painfully for a second like the organ had skipped a beat.

"Tomorrow," He calls after her, his voice high-pitched with urgency. "Come to my shop. I'll give you your tattoo."

Is this your answer, Sai?

Ino's step falters but she keeps her balance. Without giving a response, she stubbornly keeps walking. She swiftly leaves before Sai can say more and add to her luggage.


Sakura feels like she is living in a wonderful dream.

She got in the medical program she worked her ass off for. A childhood dream of Sakura's since her grandfather collapsed from a heart attack one day. She was only eight and she could do nothing but cry and scream as her grandfather choked on thin air lying on the ground and holding his chest. Sakura was so afraid she'd watch her grandfather die when the friendly lady from next door who always carried candies in her pockets appeared, having heard her screams for help and she had managed to keep her grandfather alive until the paramedics arrived.

Sakura admits that was the day when she decided she wouldn't be helpless again. By being a doctor she could help a little girl and her grandfather.

Sasuke, the handsome dream boy and second heir of the Uchiha corporations, her long-time crush was by her side. Sakura had always been shy and insecure of her looks in her younger days and now having Sasuke as her lover… a fairy tale where the prince chose the servant instead of a noble. Sasuke chose Sakura and not Ino.

That will always feel incredibly satisfying.

Her family is proud of her achievements. Her classmates are nice and overworked as her. She loves the lectures and she will soon start her first apprenticeship in Konoha hospital.

She is happy with her life.

And yet, her thoughts stray to yesterday. When Ino stopped her in the hallway, chin tilted up in arrogance with harsh, guarded blue eyes. She noticed how intimidatingly beautiful Ino looked in her winter dress and cream coat. Effortlessly intimidating, Ino Yamanaka knew how to raise herself onto a higher stage.

She once stood with her on that stage. Playing their own little games, whispered secrets and hidden giggles, secretly passed notes during class and spontaneous sleepovers, making flower crowns with the faded flowers of the Yamanaka flower shop and hilarious baked creations that were mostly bad then a success.

It's…strange. Sakura never imagined she'd fall out with Ino this bad. The blonde had been a huge part of her life growing up but – cracks happened… until they completely shattered.

Even before that encounter, she heard some gossip flying around. Ino Yamanaka had single-handedly humiliated and beat Ami and harpies and pulled the disgraced Hyuuga heiress Hinata under her wings.

Sakura snorts in disbelief when she first hears it. But then, her senior Shizune whispers between classes that Ami came to their family clinic to treat her bleeding nose and the wounded harpy hissed curses at Ino and Hinata the whole time she was getting treatment. Shizune didn't have any reason to lie.

Sakura doesn't put much thought on Ino's new little lackey and dismisses it as trivial.

Hearing something and actually seeing it are different things. She still remembers perfectly, the image seared into her mind. Ino, gorgeous and lively strolling down the halls of the department, attracting all eyes on her easily as breathing and joined at her hip a shorter girl with a poised grace and a timid smile. Even though Sakura never spoke to her, she knows Hinata at first glance. She is the only female Hyuuga in this part of the campus and her pale eyes didn't leave questions about her heritage.

Sakura has a class in 10 minutes. Instead of hurrying through the busy halls full of overstressed students she stands still, her gaze glued on the friendly duo. A faint sensation tugs at Sakura's heart and the pink-haired girl bites the inside of her cheek to center herself. There's a faint burn behind her eyes, Sakura stubbornly ignores it.

For a brief moment, baby-blue eyes slide to Sakura's green ones. A second passes, the thump of a heartbeat and the swiping of lashes with a single blink, and Ino turns her head away.

She is dismissed. Ino had looked at her, at Sakura, and had seen nothing more than an old acquaintance. Like their whole childhood had no meaning for her. Like all the sleepovers and childish promises and tears and secrets could be easily thrown away. Like their times as rivals in love for Sasuke were useless.

Ino has decided to turn away from their shared past. It hurts to admit and leaves a bad taste in Sakura's mouth. Yeah, they had their share of fights and during high school, things started to heat up until graduation when things boiled over. Yet, Sakura had hung onto the possibility that one day they would go back to how they were before. Ino would settle for one of her countless suitors and all that fight over Sasuke would be nothing but a bitter joke.

Perhaps, Sakura is the blind one. She isn't a stupid girl, on the contrary, her intellect is praised by many and her teachers see a bright future for her. But being book smart doesn't make a person a master at feelings.

Ino has moved on and Sakura is left behind. Their strained bond took to many blows to heal completely. And Sakura knows it's partly her fault but…

No person should be cast away so easily.

Hinata whispers something, her pale cheeks taking a soft pink color and Ino laughs freely, golden hair catching light like its burning.

Sakura's hands tighten around her notebook and she spits a curse when paper cuts a neat line in her palm.

She arrives late to her class, sits at the back and her pen leaves a blank page for the whole session.

Ino, the stereotypical popular blonde. Perfect body, gorgeous hair and a widespread social circle. The blonde always dressed fashionably and having a famous actress for a mother only boosted her popularity. Ino can charm anyone with a smile and a few words wraps all the pretty boys around her manicured fingers. Sakura has yet to meet someone who didn't instantly fall in love with Ino's charm.

Standing side by side always reminded Sakura how big the gap between them was. She was the girl with the large forehead, bitten nails, and shrill voice. Shy Sakura, insecure Sakura. Ino is the shining gem polished into perfection while Sakura is the deformed gray rock. She would never be able to shine like Ino, it just isn't in her bones to act like her.

Sasuke loves her, she's sure of it but… their relationship hasn't progressed to a more intimate level. Sakura feels ready to take it further but she's a bit shy to initiate. Sasuke is a man of few words and even the thought of speaking about lewd things has Sakura blushing cherry-red. She hoped that eventually things would lead to it, like a buildup of sexual tension or something and then everything will be as good as Sakura imagined.

Sakura's also afraid of pushing too far. From what she gathered in the gossip mill and having known the Uchiha herself, she knows Sasuke doesn't have a high-level sex-drive and Sakura is okay with that. They'll do it when the time is right. She knows this. But…

A while ago she went with Sasuke to meet up with Naruto and the gang for some drinks. They were late because Sakura had to finish a presentation for the next day. When they arrived Naruto and Kiba were loud like always while Ino seemed a mix of annoyed and angry. Her eyes flashed to an ice cold, lips pulled back in a silent snarl when she sat down with Sasuke.

Sakura feared that they'd end up in a fight but Chouji and Naruto were talented at distracting people. Soon after, she started to enjoy the atmosphere and even Sasuke loosened up as he never had much alcohol tolerance to begin with. Sasuke was looking at her, his usually distant and cold eyes softer and the curve of his smile gentler. Warmth curled in her belly – nothing to do with the alcohol.

Ino ignored her throughout the night, she laughed at Naruto and bickered with Kiba and Sakura started to feel lighter. Her body light like a feather and her head rolled until she all but slumped on her boyfriend. Maybe it's the dim lights of the bar or her slightly blurring eyes but she caught the subtle tilt of Sasuke's chin to the left. Towards Ino. Ino whose hair was free, spilling over her shoulders like a golden curtain and her hair tie dangling between her plump lips as she gathered the heavy mass of hair on top of her head. Slightly more sober, Sakura plainly noticed, even as a girl, how Ino's shapely chest strained the fabric of her V-neck shirt when her arms were up, fingers combing fine strands of hair slowly and lazily as if Ino had all the time of the world at her disposal.

A painful reminder for Sakura, who dropped her gaze at her own chest and then back up to Ino. Her chipped nails lightly dug on Sasuke's arm but the Uchiha kept his focus forward. Hot, burning jealousy mixed-up with the alcohol in her, some kind of poison that had Sakura's protective territorial instinct flare.

Sakura couldn't find the strength to look up further than Sasuke's nose, afraid of what his eyes might have held but she recognized the pleased, appreciative curl of his thin lips. Sasuke was by her side but for a moment Sakura feared. She feared that Sasuke, the owner of her heart was slipping away.

That can't happen.

She reached up, cupping her boyfriend's sharp jaw and it took a gentle tug for Sasuke to turn and meet her eager lips. Sakura smiled into the kiss and hummed when Sasuke's arm slipped around her waist to pull her closer.

Her heart was beating a mile in a minute. It's surprisingly easy to ignore Naruto's fake gagging

– the sharp cry of a forcefully pushed chair reaches Sakura's ear.

Sasuke's black eye held questions, Sakura could feel it. She's never been one for public displays of affection and she'll blame the alcohol for the embarrassment later but now…

Now, Ino's gone. Kiba's eyes were fixed on the door, presumably where Ino had taken off to, his angry frown appeared almost comedic with his sleepy eyes, messy dark hair and pointy incisors poking at his lower lip.

Sakura sensed that she might regret her straightforwardness, had she been in Ino's shoes she'd be pretty hurt. Her objective wasn't rubbing Ino's loss at her bitchy face but more like asserting her place as Sasuke's girl.

However, she felt like an awful human being and cowardly hid her flushing face on Sasuke's chest.

And deep inside, in the darkest part of her heart, Sakura knows. She knows no matter how provocative she dresses or how she styles her bubblegum hair, Sasuke won't look at her the way he looks at Ino.

Lust.

That can't be true. Sakura is just being jealous and seeing things. Also, Ino is truly eye-catching and she must be dream girl of many. Sakura's seeing things and reading too much.

Her behavior has been cruel, lately, she'll admit to that much.

Sakura vows, the next time she sees Ino she'll apologize for that night at the bar. The blonde at least deserves that.


"I have no friends." Kiba moans, cheek resting on the sticky table and half-full beer bottle in front of his red nose. He's clearly whining about his non-friendless state to his circle of friends gathered around him like King Arthur's roundtable.

Ino's eyes meet Naruto's. He is sitting across, oddly silent with his own beer in hand. His left seat is occupied by Chouji who is inhaling a plate of fries and Shikamaru – to his right – is texting in impressive speed while being completely indifferent to his surroundings. His eyes don't leave the screen when he speaks, "Should we leave? Maybe then your whining will hold true."

"Ass," Kiba hisses but there is no actual bite to the insult. Slightly nervous about his strange mood, Ino slides into the chair between him and Chouji. Her eyebrows wiggle in the silent communication they perfected thanks to years of exposure to each other.

No response so Ino asks. "What's gotten into you?"

Kiba actually pouts. What a child. "Don wanna talk 'bout it." He mutters, low enough for her ears only.

Ino rolls her eyes and flicks her bangs away with a delicate turn of her wrist. "The Kiba Inuzuka I know has difficult qualities but depression is definitely not one of them." Baby-blue eyes narrow. Maybe with a target in front of her, she can vent her Sai-shaped frustrations. Win-win situation. "Who am I kicking? No, make that a punch. I'm wearing my new boots and I can't get blood on them. Yet."

Kiba doesn't answer and just keeps staring at the far wall.

"Wow, that's even depressing to see." Naruto comments before chugging his beer. Whatever mood he was seconds ago seems to have disappeared into thin air. He sends Ino a playful wink which the blonde responds with an overdramatic kiss. Naruto laughs and reaches up to catch the imaginary flying kiss Ino has blown and with a sly smile pockets it.

"Hey, birthday boy!"

Naruto beams like a child in a Christmas morning. "Glad to see you join the miserable table, Ino! You look smokin' hot!"

Ino soaks up the compliment like a sponge and feels relaxed in the familiar setting. She feels lighter. Actually speaking with the person who was making her restless, even though she wasn't overly happy on how it went, helped.

"As always." She cheekily agrees.

Ino orders a beer while her lips curl with a real smile. She laughs at Naruto's latest prank and the punishment it followed, steals Chouji's fries which aren't much of an illegal act with how the big boned boy is more than okay with sharing. Next, they gang up on Shikamaru who seems to be texting with a lady friend and he turns red-till-his-ears when the conversation turns lewd.

During all this, Kiba remains catatonic.

"Should've seen the waitress chick. Got the biggest rack I've ever seen and Kiba didn't even look at her." Naruto whispers as serious as someone admitting that they have cancer.

Shikamaru's typing fingers freeze above the lowly lit screen. "You can't be serious."

"Our Kiba?" Chouji asks voice meek.

"The very same," Naruto swears. "Which you guys would have known if you actually looked instead of eating or texting."

Ino nudges the crestfallen boy with her boot. "You in, big boy?" She has a faint idea of why he is in such a state but she keeps her mouth sealed shut. Chicks before dicks. She won't let even a syllable about Hinata with everyone and their mother in a hearing distance.

Kiba just growls and reaches for his drink. Naruto's eyes are zeroed on him as his face scrunches up, something he does when trying to think really hard. Ino has tendrils of dread climbing up her spine when she sees the shifting gears behind the whiskered expression. He's thinking, looking for clues and dots to connect and oh boy.

"Naruto, you'll bust a vein." Ino remarks with a playful smile that does a good job hiding the slowly building panic at her gut.

As a last-ditch effort, Ino wiggles her orange-tipped fingers at Naruto's face. Naruto's sky-blue eyes snap, following the dots of orange like a cat locked onto a mouse. Ino hopes to distract him with his favorite color but Naruto doesn't bite the bait further than that.

"Maybe he's impotent." The blond marvels, physically ignoring Ino while his blue eyes admire the glowing color on Ino's hands. "That could explain everything. Met a babe, hot like fire and probably a brunette. Kiba always goes for darker-haired ones, acting shy but complete tiger in the bedroom. You know the type. Then, somehow like always, he manages to convince the chick he's worth a shot under her sheets." He leans closer on the table, a fox-like grin splitting Naruto's face, foreboding and Ino prays for some heavenly interference. "And right when it's time to, you know, start baking, nothing. As limp and dead like a cheap sandal."

Dangerous territory he's poking his nose into. Ino thinks, biting her lip while her focus shifts between Kiba and Naruto. She wondered how much more dangerous the situation would have been if Hinata had been physically present. Then, Ino would have had to bodily throw herself on Naruto to distract him. Or on Kiba to restrain him.

The things she's willing to do to protect her friends.

Well, that scenario gets a reaction from Kiba at least. "Hey! Watch it foxie! The only impotent here is you!" Kiba shouts, rising to his feet and almost tipping over his newly-filled beer mug onto Shikamaru's lap.

"Troublesome."

Kiba grumbles something like a curse under his breath. Annoyed amber eyes flash under his dark bangs, reminding Ino of a caged animal. Right when she fears she'll have to speed dial her dad's office to break a possible bloody fight, strangely, Kiba gives up. He drags his black hoodie to cover his entire head and slumps his whole weight on the table. "This is why I said I don't have friends."

"Prove us wrong then." Naruto challenges. The glint in his blue eyes promises a headache that Ino really doesn't need. "Must be something super embarrassing if you don't wanna talk."

"Watching you sulking is ruining the night." She adds just because she can and wants to get this convo over. Also, Naruto might be right, they need some fun. And more beer, noticing her empty mug.

Of course, Kiba is too thick and rises to the bait way too easily. Small mercies. "I'll show you how's done, pretty boy."

There is faint smile pulling at Naruto's lips, Ino isn't sure if she imagined the twitch of his whisker tattoos. The waitress – she really has an impressive rack and could give Hinata or Ino a run for their money – stops at their table with a professional smile.

Naruto leans in. His whispering challenge carries over even with the constant, low humming noise of the bar. "Get her, dog boy."

Suddenly, Ino is thankful that she didn't bring Hinata along.

Kiba smirks. A sharp fang poking his lip and amber eyes burning against the challenge. "Easy." Boys. Ino shakes her head. Testosterone filled wanna-be alpha males.

"Want to know what's on the menu?" the waitress asks, her pen ready to scribble down orders while throwing not-so-subtle glances at the Inuzuka. Ino runs a critical eye over her. Short but curved, long dark hair pulled back in a messy bun, expressive honey colored eyes, and a friendly smile. She is definitely the type of girl who attracted attention where she went and knew how to deal with it.

Physically speaking, she is Kiba's type.

Ino hopes she wouldn't have to punch the poor asshole for cheating over Hinata… is this even cheating? Were they an official couple?

Kiba, aka the horny idiot, has shed his jacket while Ino's busy with technical sides of adultery. His tight blue sweater did not hide the result of hours spent in a gym. Knowing the effect he had on the fairer sex, Kiba ran his fingers through his naturally messy hair, giving the blushing waitress a first-class glance at his bulging biceps.

Ino rolled her eyes so hard her head hurt. The sentiment is mirrored on Chouji who hides his snickers behind his chicken wings.

"There's only one menu I'm interested in." Kiba purrs. A seductive wink has the poor girl clutching her notepad in anticipation. She doesn't blush which Ino gives her a point. "Me-n-U." His lips roll into a confident leer but Ino can see he's not completely giving his all.

It's bad. So bad that Ino's torn between the desire to smash her head against the table and the urge to strangle Kiba. She should strangle Kiba but that would ruin her new manicure. Ah, hard choices of life.

Naruto grins like he won a prize or proved a point. Chouji's hand freezes for one moment but he resumes eating while Shikamaru looks like he wants to get as far away from them as possible but he is too lazy to actually do it.

Somehow, somehow, the waitress laughs and slips a folded napkin towards Kiba. The Inuzuka winks at her as she accepts the hastily written phone number. "Kiss my ass, Uzumaki," Kiba says as he waves the number towards the blond's face.

Naruto rolls his eyes. "Alright alright, you're the best womanizer in the world, got it."

Shikamaru without his buzzing phone for a second leans back in his chair, lazily eying the table. "Where is the golden couple by the way?" His sharp gaze is examining Ino in particular. "Your supposed best friend should be here for your birthday, shouldn't he?"

Ino busies herself with downing her drink. The alcohol curls inside her belly, warming her up to her fingertips. She's in tipsy land and not wanting to crossover to soon she decides to slow down.

"Sasuke texted. Somethin' came up with Itachi." Naruto shrugged like it didn't bother him but all of them could see it hurt Naruto. "Which I know is bullshit. We disagreed on some – stuff earlier and he's being a little bitch about it by avoiding me."

Chouji reaches to pat his back.

"I don't even know how we got here, that duck-headed bastard! We're fine one moment then we fight again." He fumes like an overworked car engine. If Ino closes her eyes she can imagine smoke coming out of Naruto's ears. "I'm not sure where our friendship begins and where it ends."

"You know, just because you say stuff like that people think you're gay for each other." Kiba points out in a mad move to lighten up the mood.

Chouji burst out laughing, closely followed by Ino.

Naruto keeps his half-hearted glare on the grinning Inuzuka. "You're such an ass."

Shikamaru downs his drink. "A brilliant show of intelligence." He drones, hiding a small yawn behind his tanned hand. Both Kiba and Naruto rounds on the unsuspecting genius and Shikamaru gives them a flat look while he mumbles, "Sakura has a big exam comin' if I remember correctly."

A metaphorical light bulb and Naruto's whole body twitches forward, whiskered cheeks a soft pink. His smile is so bright Ino groans and hides her face behind Kiba's head.

"What now?"

"Guys!" Naruto is positively vibrating on his seat and Ino's familiar with the lewd glint in Kiba's eyes. He's about to make another atrocious joke which might involve vibrators and butt plugs. Thankfully, Shikamaru has Ino's back and they both gang up on the Inuzuka, successfully cutting off the beginnings of his lame pun.

"Somethin' on the seat botherin' yuAahmmwh-"

Ino's hand slaps over his mouth while Shikamaru holds Kiba's shoulders down. The trio dangerously sways on their flimsy bar stools. Kiba rolls his eyes and Shikamaru mutters troublesome.

Naruto expertly ignores the power play between his friends and catches Chouji – the only sane person on the planet. "I've got the best birthday gift for Sakura-chan, like ever!"

"That's it, guys." He keeps vibrating in his seat, upper body swinging left and right. Ino foolishly prays that he falls on his face. "I think with this gift she'll dig me."

"Sakura would sooner dig your grave then dig you," Shikamaru says casually, brow lifted. The bastard left Kiba free, probably thinking he had done his duty for 3 seconds and it was enough. Ino swears revenge but her attention is snagged back by Kiba's squirming. "Also her birthday is in March and we are in October. Celebrating your birthday."

Chouji is quick to add. "Sakura-san is dating Sasuke-san."

Kiba manages to detangle from the blonde and gives her a grin with his tongue lolling out.

"Excuse me I haven't had attention in like 3 seconds. I feel overdressed and underappreciated. " Ino barges in, not happy with the topic of Sakura coming up. Chouji is the only one who empathically pats her head.

The atmosphere shifts and the gathered friends enjoy the night.

As the birthday boy, Naruto challenges Kiba who heroically accepts it; and the drinking and laughter get them a few looks but the patrons know them. Ino is guilt-tripping Hinata via texting but the girl has some steel that she shows now by dodging her remarks. She glances up for a second and hears Kiba and Naruto fighting over if frogs liked ramen or dumplings better. Poor Chouji, bless his soul, firmly believed that they liked barbeque ribs while Shikamaru deems them all troublesome and resumes drinking his cocktail with the hope of being too drunk to remember it.

Ino makes a memo on her phone so she can be a nice friend and remind him later on.

Oh, sweet revenge.

"What type of rock is a really good friend?" Ino hears Naruto ask innocently. She is half-tempted to turn back and spare herself the joke she knows will lead her to groan and question her friendship but Shikamaru notices her and she cannot escape with his hawk eye watching her.

"I really don't want to answer that," Ino says as she scoots further away in her little stool. She doesn't trust one bit the innocent act the birthday boy is trying to sell.

Naruto smirks her way, making sure he has eye contact before he answers his own lame joke. "An opal."

There is a pained whine coming from Shikamaru, impressive that his eyes are still glued to his screen, while Chouji laughs wholeheartedly. He is the only one who ever laughs at Kiba and Naruto's disastrous jokes.

"Like a grape that was stepped on," Chouji says, eying the slumped Shikamaru. "Letting out a little wine." Kiba and Naruto are horrible role models and they started to rub on Chouji.

Ino just looks up to the heavens and prays for sanity. Or more beer. Both are fairly acceptable.

Chouji lifts his glass of bubbly water in a mocking cheer. Apparently, it's his turn to be the driver tonight and sober. Naruto, of course, rises to the challenge. "What kind of bees make milk? Boobies!"

"Please stop," pleads Ino and grabs Shikamaru's shoulder before he can bolt and leave her alone in this madness. She couldn't escape before because of him and she'll gladly return the favor now.

"Are you guys handpicked to test my patience?" Ino says, finally, pained and a touch exasperated.

It doesn't take long for the conversation to pick up. More drinks are ordered and Naruto takes advantage of his birthday privilege and hoists his share of bills to them under the pretense of gifts.

All is going well and the night passes without a single pink hair or an Uchiha.


Ino is in her comfy pajamas and ready to curl under her cover like a content cat when she remembers that in a couple of hours she'll have a tattoo.

Oh.

There's a stroke of a sudden brilliant idea.

Ino wants to hit her head with a brick for not thinking it before.

At this point, the bet wasn't about winning Sasuke-kun anymore but not losing to ex-friend pinky. She had an idea and a very convincing story to back it up.

She only needed to use her puppy-eyes and bring in an accomplice.