A/N- Hopefully everyone has an amazing weekday. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Ino Pov
Ino woke up to a sound she wasn't familiar with from the lovely stiff couch of the Naras'. The sound she's talking about? Silence. No stuttering coffee machine, no stupid ass conference calls from Shikamaru's study—because he left the door cracked. The lazy asshole couldn't be bothered to close the door—including when he's in the restroom. Casa-Sai was extremely quiet and tranquil. Sai put her up in the guestroom, on the opposite end of his bedroom. A lot of space for a guy and a cat.
He gave her a tour of the place, after acquiring her soul through the ritual of sucking it out through her vagina. The disconnect from those actions to ushering her around the apartment like a flight attendant was a bit disconcerting. She rationalized that maybe he was just too tired to go into depth about things, especially after saying some cryptic stuff. Maybe the night just felt long and he had other things pressing him, like work or something.
She couldn't get over how cleanly the place was, the halls smelled of fresh paint and faint sandalwood. The rug throughout the apartment was a delicate eggshell, feathery to the touch—pristine. Everything exudes basic luxe and comfort. The suffocating order of it all—the way he designated items to places, labeled and dated perishable items within the fridge. Ino had never felt more poor, especially when she came across a bathroom with an enormous vanity, absolutely nothing inside nor around it. Empty compartments, dressers, and no personalized razzle dazzle—it was unclaimed. Missing its muse. She stroked the white porcelain top in awe, staring at herself within the huge gaze of the frameless mirror, blinding white light aligned its corners. Sai laughed at her dazed stare, creeping up behind her to tap at a function against the wall.
The lights shifted into different tones, color painting the bathroom.
Ino gawked, "Over the top, I relate to this mirror on a spiritual level."
"Well, it's yours. Master bedroom has its own bathroom."
He said to her, like it was just fucking nothing. Like, here ya go Ino—a ridiculously big bathroom with club light aesthetics, a medicine cabinet half the size of the bathroom mirror and a bidet. She might've been playing it cool on the outside but in her mind—this was the equivalent of being handed the keys of a corvette. Nothing has ever been hers. Shit just doesn't work that way but still—at least, she could use it for a while. It could be hers for a bit—even if it seems delusional. Once Sai is fulfilled, it isn't like she could take the damn mirror out of the apartment. Maybe. Depending on the terms they end on. She couldn't see them departing on a bad note.
Sai strolled around in dark green flannel pants and a short sleeve black button down—which he left undone. Ino tried to ignore that wiry build of his, the way he took a breath, and she could see parts of his body constricting when he'd direct her to another part of the apartment. The shirt would just fly open and get her blood rushing. For fuckssakes. "It gets a little humid from time to time, mostly in the mornings—since we get an abundance of sunlight up here. If it gets to be too much, the thermostat is in here for some reason. A design flaw in my opinion but—yes, the heat can be bothersome." She recalled him saying when he opened the walk-in pantry. She nodded, "Heat. Can feel it already…", she remarked, strumming her fingertips against her neck.
The apartment was just, attractive. The archway of the front door, the spaciousness of the living room—that led into the kitchen. The wide panel windows were Ino's favorite feature—though alarming to look through up close. She appreciated it from a distance—from the safety of the living room sofa. There she could ease back into the chair and not feel like the apartment was tipping over and she was going to smash right through the window. The second feature Ino liked was the grand piano stationed in the corner of the living room. The surface was so smooth, like a black jasper stone. The lid was propped, the music rack held a sheet of music. Sai thoughtlessly slid his fingers over a select ivory keys, stirring up a soft somber melody which resonated long after he rushed to close the fall board.
"You play?"
"Not for a while. Took a liking to it when I was younger."
She thought to ask him why he'd have a piano he doesn't use but thought better of it. The way he replied rang with finality. And that seemed to be the ending of the tour, after he walked her to the door of the guestroom.
"There's bedding in the armoire. It's been a while since I've had anyone stay over. Make yourself comfortable and if you need anything I'll be around."
"Sai."
"Hm?"
"Thanks, I guess."
He gave her a crooked smile, it's subtle but it comes with the depth of his stare, "You're welcome...I guess."
Anything would beat sleeping on someone's couch but she was so relieved to see that there was a bed, a bed big enough to hold a family. The moment she was inside of the room, she closed the door behind her. After bumbling around in the dark—once she found the lights, she could hardly find a single space to focus on. There was a gorgeous book nook, a cushioned space between the empty shelves to sit and a long window—offering more breathtaking scenery. Literally, the window was terrifying as shit.
She didn't even bother to dress the bed, she just jumped right on top of it. No matter how wide she stretched her limbs, she didn't come anywhere close to falling off the edge nor touching it. The pillows were cold—crisp and she buried her face in, taking a deep breath. Her eyes felt hot and wet, her stomach in knots.
Ko [8:00 A.M]
If I didn't kno any better, I'd say you used Ino to ditch us. Suave. I gotta hand it to ya.
Me [8:15 A.M]
Keep it because I didn't.
Ko [8:17 A.M]
Seemed oddly convenient but I digress.
Anyway, did you…YOU KNOW…you know… ( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡)
Me [8:20 A.M]
What?
Ko [8:21 A.M]
Oh c'mon don't you dare play that card, you kno exactly what I'm talkin about!
Me [8:27 A.M]
She was inebriated and exhausted.
What kind of creature do you take me for?
Ko [8:30 A.M]
A fuckin liar, that's what.
I saw the looks and so did Ino's friend, who by the way, had a great time in your stead.
Maybe she's a good tattooist too, watch your back.
Me [8:50 A.M]
It was pure coincidence.
We didn't expect to run into one another, it's been a while.
I'll be in a little late today, I pushed back some appointments.
Ko [8:55 A.M]
Wtf did she do to you? :}
Not fishing for details but you coming into work LATE?
I just kno you fucked her through a wall cause let's face it,
She's hot as fuck and I bet she rocked the legs off your bed.
My gut is telling me, the sex is God tier, mind you, I arrived at this conclusion from a look.
Me [9:30 A.M]
You seem awfully deprived of such experiences in your own life?
Are things ok with Nagato? I can't imagine that he'd feel good if he discovered he's been leaving you dissatisfied.
Ko [9:33 A.M]
Oh CHOKE on a fat ass dick! LOL. Fuck you.
Just making sure you're treating my girl right.
Me [9:40 A.M]
What could you possibly do if I was treating her wrong? Huh?
Ko [9:45 A.M]
Lol I stg don't underestimate me.
She's going to be my new bff who occasionally makes out with me when you're not around.
Me [9:55 A.M]
We are friends, Ko.
Ko [9:56 A.M]
LMFAOOOOOOooooooooooooooooo THE LIES!
Friends don't go at it in the parking lot like you guys were. Oop.
Sai POV
Sai woke early, meeting his therapist virtually since he wouldn't be able to move around his schedule for a walk in. He lounged in his desk chair, waiting for the Macbook to bootup. The events from last night were still playing out in his head, on a loop that he couldn't distance himself from. The memory was too vivid, playing in front of his eyes—like he could reach out a hand and touch her again. Feel her hot skin under his fingers…taste her on his tongue, hear her breathing out his name.
He had taken a cold shower to curb his thoughts, only he remained erect, even after that. Sleep wasn't exactly on his mind last night. It took an unjustifiable amount of restraint to keep himself from opening the floodgates and finishing himself off that night. If he had done that, he might've relapsed and had done God knows what. No, he needed to get a hold on himself. Not that kind of hold.
He hunched forward to type in the login information once he had gotten to his therapists' bland website. A combination of twenty numbers and four letters. No significant meaning, just something to bypass the strict password protocol. The moment he was inside, there was already an invitation sent to him—to join a video conference, he padded the trackpad lightly and a box expanded. The video emerged, pixelated and delayed for a moment before ironing itself out.
"Ah there he is. Sai, good morning. You'll have my undivided attention in a moment, just trying to kickstart the neurons."
The pale faced therapist appeared, behind a mahogany desk, emptying an obscene amount of creamer into a checkered mug.
"Morning doctor Oro. Please, take your time, thanks for having me on such short notice."
The name was a lot longer, but the therapist insisted on being referred to as, Oro. He concluded that because most of his patients botched the pronunciation of his name, he'd like to make it a bit easier on them. Sai understood how someone could mispronounce the name, Orochimaru—especially since it wasn't a very common name. Though the doctor was visibly impressed that Sai had gotten it right off the bat. Sai has always been knowledgeable in that way, wanting to arm himself with anything that could give him an edge or some understanding. Curiosity was his very first obsession, being observant was (is) also a character trait of his.
"It's no problem, it is my job afterall." the Dr. Oro waves it off. "So, I hope you don't mind me diving right in."
"Not at all."
"Have you had any sexual intercourse since our last meeting?"
His leg wagged a bit as he mulled over the question. Doctor Ora took a sip from his mug and made a noise of satisfaction.
"Oral sex."
Doctor Oro raised a curious brow, pulling his clipboard in front of him—and clearing his throat.
"Ok and how long ago was that?"
"Approximately five to six hours ago."
Doctor Oro's profoundly high cheekbones looked even higher as he coughed into his fist fitfully. He took a few more pulls from his mug and nods.
"What what words come to mind that embody that moment? Five words, please."
Sai hesitates on his answer, pinching at the denim of his pants—his elbows resting comfortably on top the armrest of the office chair.
"Voracity. Absorbed. Ashamed. Fervor. Unquenched."
"Fervor? Passionate. A good feeling to have. You like this person?"
He nods, "I think so."
Doctor Oro swallows, scribbling something down on the notepad. His snake-like eyes peer right at Sai.
"When you see them, what's the very first thought that comes to mind?"
"Beauty." He replied without missing a beat.
"Good, that's good," Doctor Oro acknowledges, writing more things down. "that's healthy—it's normal. It shows that you're at least attracted to her and you're not just trying to fill that urge and feed into that bottomless feeling."
The doctor always spoke in low hiss-like voice, like a lisp. It always seemed menacing though the doctor was very empathetic. Sai didn't feel much shame in speaking upfront about his issues, simply because they had good rapport as therapist and patient. He entrusted his issues to a professional who legally couldn't tell a soul. During their first session he had revealed a great bit about his past and if Dr. Oro had been disturbed by it—he showed no signs of discomfort.
He had gone into this experience expecting very little, but he's gained some perspective.
"Does she like you?"
Sai had never really asked. He shrugs a shoulder vaguely.
"I haven't given that much thought."
The doctor didn't seem to be pleased with that answer, he placed his pen down and interlaced his hands on top his desk.
"How long have you known her?"
"Little over a month. Same woman as before...in the car."
His sandy brown eyes lit up with recognition.
"Oh, I see—you're involved with her again?"
"Possibly."
"This sexual activity that took place recently," he was silent for a moment, as if wrestling with how he'd deliver the next part. "Was it consensual?"
"Yes."
"Well, I'd say that she likes you. I don't know many women who'd engage in that sort of activity without at least fancying someone." The doctor chuckles, then, "Have you told her about—?"
"Not exactly." Sai interjects before he could finish the sentence.
Dr. Oro narrows his eyes, "What did we say before? Transparency is a vital part of communication and understanding, correct?"
"Correct." Sai repeats biting at his inner cheek.
"If you intend to pursue anything of substance with this woman, you cannot be disingenuous. Even if it turns out to simply be a fling—that could potentially set you off. Back into that spiral. We don't want that; you've worked hard to sever those particular demons. Most addicts would like to think themselves strong willed but without the proper discernment—and control—it can be easy...settling back into the bad habits. Like that feeling you were describing during our last session, when you were in the car with her. You were—feeling a great deal of pressure and you were overwhelmed, you wanted to give into it."
"Yes."
"Did you feel anything akin to that, this time around?"
He shook his head, "No."
"Why do you think that is?"
Sai thought on it for a minute, reflecting on that moment. He didn't feel particularly pressured in that moment, not at first. In fact, he savored every sensation—he hadn't just been going through the motions to get a off. He wanted to explore every inch of her, his ears were tuned into every breath of satisfaction that lingered on her lips. It was a difficult line to walk, trying to keep himself mentally and physically balanced. Trying to not fall off the deep end, wrestling with those thoughts. Ino was everything his addict mind craved, which is why he wanted her in the first place, to satisfy his appetite. Only now, he wanted all of that and more but how could he have both? One seemed more dominant than the other and that part had already nearly destroyed him before.
"I don't know." He answers truthfully.
"That's ok, we'll get to the bottom of it eventually."