Whew. Okay. A little longer but no by much. Sorry about the wait guys. I really want this story to be as close to perfect. I refuse to post anything short of amazing for your sweet faces. Unless in fact, this chapter turns out to be trash, then in that case, I am sincerely sorry and will go cry in my corner. ;-; Lol but really, I hope you guys like it. Your reviews keep me going!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
Chapter Seven
"Can't sleep?"
I quickly turned to see Ayame leaving Ino's room, shutting the door softly behind her.
Relaxing slowly, I returned my tired gaze to the television. I had offered to sleep on the couch so that Rin could have my bed, however, she kept mentioning how she didn't wish to impose. So I indulged her, claiming one half of the bed long enough for her to fall asleep, only to slip out a moment later. Surprisingly enough, Aris hadn't noticed my departure either, instead remaining equally passed out with her in my bed.
Ayame was right on the mark with her acknowledgement.
I couldn't sleep and I'd hate to admit that it was all because of Ino.
I didn't care for her, not anymore than my position deemed necessary. Still, I was human and seeing her like that only concerned me. Whatever it was seemed to mess her up pretty bad and if it was something serious, she needed to get help. Still, after that little stunt she pulled, it was hard for me to put forth any real effort in seeing that she was alright.
That wasn't my job.
I protected her from everything physical that the world threw her way. Her personal demons weren't any of my business.
Needless to say, the nagging voice of doing what was right had forced me from my sleep and into a space where I could think more freely. I wouldn't admit it to her but Ayame came in at just the right time. Just as the thoughts were beginning to suffocate, she broke the silence. Without permission, not that I would've said no, she claimed the free space beside me on the couch, "I'll take that as a yes."
"Why are you up?" I found myself asking, addressing her with no formalities.
She didn't seem to notice, or rather, she just didn't care. Casual little smile on her lips, she tossed, "Same as you."
I arched my brow, taking note of her tired eyes and disheveled hair in the faint glow of the television. She looked like she had a rough night, at least from where I was sitting. She noticed the way my eyes lingered, suddenly aware of her current state, she reached up to brush the hair from her face. "Sorry, I must look a mess," she joked faintly.
Before I could catch myself, I slipped and muttered, "You look fine."
She offered me a light smile, whispering a thanks.
"Do you drink?" She asked next, catching me off guard. I arched my brow, watching as she rose to her feet. With a mischievous smile pulling, she slipped into the kitchen, navigating as if she'd lived here her entire life. I frowned, following her steps and asking the first question that ran through my mind, "Are you even old enough to drink?"
She hummed, reaching into the fridge as she called out, "Depends. In this country, no."
I scoffed, finding her joke to be only slightly amusing, "Unfortunately for you, we're in this country. You could get in trouble for that."
Pulling out a large bottle of some dark colored substance, she spun to face me, kicking the fridge shut with her foot. "What gonna rat me out kid?" She teased, bumping my hip as she passed by. "I'm not a kid," I corrected, following her as she returned to plop down on the couch, patting the empty space beside her. I eyed it hesitantly, every ounce of sense I had urging me to say no.
"I don't bite, not very hard at least," she joked again.
The roll of my eyes came almost like second nature.
Eventually, I sat beside her, relaxing as I had been prior to her arrival. She removed the cap from the bottle, taking a long swig of the liquid. Her face scrunched up tightly before a satisfied look crossed her features next. "So I take it, you don't drink?" She asked, extending the bottle towards me questioningly.
"I tried once," I admitted with a nervous rub at my neck, "It tasted awful."
Her laugh was soft as she shook her head, "Yeah they're not all amazing unfortunately. You seem like you'd like this one though. Dark seems right up your alley."
She made another little push for me to take the bottle but I still wasn't a hundred percent sure. I had tried liquor once and couldn't stomach the taste long enough to so much as take another sip. It was foul and it burned my throat before making the rest of my insides feel like fire. Perhaps I just hadn't had enough but I failed to see why others my age found it so damn enjoyable.
Maybe...a little taste wouldn't be so bad.
I took the bottle, eyeing it suspiciously before fixing her with a look.
She grinned, eyes wide with excitement as she waited. "I promise my mouth is clean, don't worry about catching anything," she joked, actually forcing my lips to twitch into a small smirk. Funny. Of all things, the last I was concerned about was drinking after her. She didn't seem like the type to do anything too bold.
With nothing else to lose, I nodded and took my first sip.
My first reaction? It burned like holy hell as it raced down my throat.
Burned so bad that it forced me into a fit of coughs. Her hand was on my back immediately, patting to help ease my coughs. I could see that she was trying her best to hold in a laugh, her teeth biting her lip so hard I'm surprised she wasn't drawing blood yet. Surprisingly, she kept her hand on my back as I slowly began to calm down.
In a cheeky little voice, she asked, "Good?"
I couldn't deny, it was pretty good. The slightly sweet sensation I picked up at the end made it a little more bearable.
"What is that?" I asked, handing the bottle back over.
"Rum. Captain Morgan to be precise," she grinned, downing another gulp before setting it on the table beside us, "One of my personal favorites. I had a feeling you'd like it." She was right. It wasn't overwhelmingly strong, not in taste anyway. As for whether or not I'd start to feel anything from that one swig alone was another matter entirely.
She settled back into the couch, pulling her knees to her chest. She looked slightly off, as if something was troubling her.
So of course, I asked, "Are you alright?"
Her lips twitched into a broken smile as she stared emptily at the television. "Me," she began in a hushed voice, "I'm fine. Ino on the other hand, not so much." That little piece of information held my attention. "What do you mean?" I asked curiously, figuring that this was the perfect opportunity to get details about what happened last night.
She ran her fingers through her hair, reaching for the bottle again.
Bringing it to her lips, she took a long gulp, her eyes squeezing shut as a breath of relief escaped her lips.
"She's having nightmares again."
"Nightmares?" I mumbled.
She nodded, rubbing her neck tiredly. "She's been having them for years, even back when we were kids. They weren't as bad back then but after a while we both got so busy so I couldn't visit to check on her as much as I would've liked. Poor thing."
Poor thing?
Did she not have the slightest clue as to what Ino was like?
I guess my skepticism must have caught on as she gave a light laugh. "Don't get me wrong, she's a handful for sure. I promise you, she's not the bad guy here," she stated, eyes holding a certain seriousness about them. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as I leaned into the couch. Unable to hide my scowl, I mumbled, "Sorry if I don't buy it. I'm just having a really hard time seeing her as anything more than a spoiled brat who abuses her power."
"You don't know her," she whispered, "You don't know a single thing about what she's been through."
It was the softness of her voice and narrowing of her eyes at her trembling fingers in her lap that forced me quiet once more.
Why was she defending her so hard? Something told me that whatever it was, it ran a lot deeper than simply her looking out for her equally rich friend.
I stared her down, lips parting as a question hung upon my tongue. However, I couldn't bring myself to actually force any words out. Then again, it would seem I didn't have to as I felt her fingers slip silently over to mine. She laced them together, thumb brushing over my knuckles as she gave a small laugh. Warm honey colored eyes held my nervous green ones. She whispered low just between the two of us, "She told me about how you stuck up for her yesterday. About the girl who tripped her up and called her out."
I was grateful that it was dark enough to hide my blush as I pulled my hand away to rub my burning neck, "I'm her bodyguard, I did my job. Don't read too much into it."
"Mm, how can I not? You claim she's nothing more than a rotten brat but according to Ino, your words yesterday makes me believe otherwise," she challenged with a knowing smile. I reached for the bottle and she didn't bother to stop me. Feeling more daring, or perhaps just looking for a way to escape, I took a longer pull, not setting it down until the burning sensation became too much to bear.
"I just...don't like to see people attacked over things they have no control over," I admitted, the words flowing loosely from my lips. "She didn't ask to be born into a rich family. Still, she shouldn't walk all over everyone."
The silence that followed my answer was needed.
It gave me time to silently regret allowing myself into this situation in the first place.
It seemed it wasn't over just yet. Very carefully, Ayame crept over, resting her head on my shoulder as she hummed peacefully. "There's something I want you to know but it has to stay between us for the time being, alright?" She asked with a hint of exhaustion in her voice. I nodded, trying to ignore the feel of her being so close. I wasn't too fond of have my personal space invaded but under the influence of alcohol and the fact that she was incredibly attractive, it was hard to say no.
"Ino," she breathed out nervously, "She's...suffering from PTSD."
Wait...what?
I snapped my eyes down to meet hers to gauge her reaction but she refused to look at me. Instead, she slid her arm across my stomach, holding onto me tightly and fisting the fabric of my shirt. "I trust you and I think you might be able to help. She has these nightmares and she calls me to come help. I just...worry that I might not be able to get to her in time one night. So I need you to know this."
Her voice was so desperate, practically pleading for my help.
God, I wanted to help so badly. Before I could, I would need answers.
"Ayame," I called softly, tightening my arm around her, "What happened to Ino?" She squeezed me tightly, cheek rubbing against me. "Sakura...Lord Inoichi murdered Ino's mother when she was a little girl. It happened right in front of her but she was too afraid to say anything and they couldn't find enough evidence against him."
My heart dropped from my chest straight into my stomach.
No way. No way did Ino have a reason as to why she was so messed up.
My throat was tight and I could feel my blood run cold. Was she messing with me? No. No one would joke about something like that. That was far too dark a topic to just use for a means of fucking with someone. I carefully detached myself from her arms, only to grip her shoulders and force her to look at me.
That way I could see.
See for myself that she wasn't trying to trip me up.
That she wasn't just trying to justify Ino's actions so I'd think nothing of it.
But with the way her eyes were so glossed over with tears and she kept fighting to look anywhere but me, I knew. She was serious. "Why?" I asked, dropping my hands slowly into my lap. "According to Ino, her mother and father never saw eye to eye. She didn't want Ino growing up in their estate. She wanted her to live a normal life where she could be happy."
"And her father?"
She laughed. "He wanted what all rich doting father's want for their little girls. To stay with him until she came of age so he could marry her off and increase his fortune. He doesn't want her to take over his business, simply marry and pop out kids to take over another, thus creating a wealthy chain of Yamanaka industries with him as the head."
Fuck man.
The last thing I wanted was to see Ino come out as the good guy here.
Man, sitting here trying to take it all in was heavy. I hated her after the stunt she pulled but damn, even I wasn't cold enough to think she deserved something like that. Leaning forward, I gripped my head, massaging it as I tried to think of the right way to go about this. On one hand, this information had the power to change the whole dynamic of Ino and I's mangled and twisted relationship.
On the other?
I could go about, pretending as if Ayame and I had never had the conversation in the first place.
I'm sure that the last thing Ino wanted was some pity party from the likes of me. She didn't need my sympathy with the crushing amount of support she had from Ayame. Then, sooner than I would've liked, Ayame had asked the question I'd been struggling to answer myself.
"What will you do?"
"I don't know," I admitted through a broken sigh, "For now, I think we should both try to get some sleep."
I stood first, grabbing the bottle to return it to the fridge. When I returned, Ayame stood there, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Her sudden behavior was unsettling and for some reason, I found myself closing the distance as I slipped my arm over her shoulder and pulled her in slowly "Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret."
Her fingers slipped to my shirt, clutching it tight as she mumbled against me, "Promise."
"Yeah," I assured her.
It wasn't enough. She was still holding on and I wasn't so sure of what to do. Yet, the slow venture of her fingers to my neck was nerve wracking. She scratched softly before tugging me down. It happened so fast that I wasn't sure it had even happened in the first place. But just like that, her lips were teasing and brushing against my own.
It ended just as soon as it began as she slipped softly, "Sorry, I might've drank a little too much."
I was far too speechless to even think of a way to come back from that.
She didn't leave me enough time, scratching my waist gently before whispering a "good night." With that, she slipped back into Ino's room, shutting the door and leaving me to plop onto the couch as I mumbled to myself over and over again to get a grip. She was stunning, terribly so. Mysterious and tantalizing. The kiss? Addicting even though it only lasted seconds.
But in spite of all of that...she was still off limits.
All I could think about was how I really wished that weren't the case.
Ino had been pretty quiet the past few days.
If I hadn't seen the other side of her, I would've thought things were perfectly fine.
But I knew better.
I had seen what had happened that night and Ayame had given me the specifics. Things had definitely changed though whether they were for the best was still up for debate. She kept our interactions to a minimum and when we did speak, she'd use that hushed little voice of hers.
It was weird to see her like this with me and then go and fake with her actual friends. I'm almost certain it was because I had seen her at a weak point. One she had never intended me to see. Perhaps she was concerned that I'd use that against her or belittle her for it. If so, she couldn't be more wrong.
If there was any message that I lived by, it was to never stoop to another's level.
Forgiveness was the ultimate payback and though it was hard, it was rewarding.
So her secret was safe with me. Then again, the more I thought about it, there was another reason I didn't bring it up. It was because of a certain girl who I was trying to get out of my head. Every time Ino dragged me out and we met up with her friends, I found my eyes slipping to Ayame from time to time.
She'd look and made it painfully obvious that she knew what was going through my mind.
The little bite of her lip and smile she'd flash before returning to whatever pointless conversation they were having was torture.
I needed to get it together. Thankfully, Ino's excusal from her friends provided the perfect cover. I did the same, following her away from the table she and her friends had been crowded around, making our way to the restroom. So I stood off to the side while she entered a stall taking a moment to get herself together before exiting.
She stood there, fingers clutching the sink as she drew in a shaky breath.
I frowned, watching as she splashed water over her face and mumbled something inaudible to herself.
Abruptly, she commanded, "Wait outside. I'll be a minute."
My frown only deepened as I remained glued to my spot. If she thought she was going to get rid of me that easily then she was terribly mistaken. But then I caught it. The stinging red of her eyes as she rubbed at them with the base of her palm furiously. She was crying.
I made a move to close the space between us but she shook her head and pleaded once more for me to wait outside.
Reluctantly, I did.
Leaning against the wall, I allowed my mind to wander back to a few nights ago. Everything seemed to remain fresh within my memory. The flavor of the rum I drank. The hushed whispers Ayame and I shared. The brief feel of her lips on my own. All of it sat there, practically begging to be remembered.
How I had managed to find myself in such a twisted position in such a short time was beyond me. There were clearly more cons to outweigh any possible good that could come of this but the few pros in between seemed to nearly bring them into even odds. I couldn't get too comfortable here. Kakashi's advice about not getting too attached was wisdom in its purest form. For now, I'd just settle on taking everything in stride and hoping for the best.
A few minutes later, Ino slipped out of the bathroom.
We stared each other down briefly only for her to pull away first, "Let's go for a walk. I don't want to go back."
She didn't wait for my answer or approval. She simply walked off and knew that I'd follow. I didn't bother to speak, knowing it wouldn't do any good. Instead, I familiarized myself with some of the other places on campus I have yet to visit. Some were obviously lecture halls while others were local eateries and various shops.
It was interesting place to have a campus but whoever had planned its structure, definitely had the right idea.
"Hey! Ino!"
We both paused, turning around to see a boy and girl boarding towards us. The boy came to an abrupt stop, tapping the board with his foot before snatching it up in his arms. I didn't know the kid but for him to know Ino and address her so formally, he must've been one of the heirs. I notice of his boyish charm and relaxed air looming about him. His tousled brown hair hung in strands underneath a charcoal colored beanie. His fitted shirt revealed strong muscles, not something I'd expect from a skater. Of course, the tattoos. The ran the length of his arms, each telling a story of their own.
"Kiba? Shouldn't you be in class?" Ino asked though I could make out the smallest hint of a smile pulling on her lips.
Rubbing his neck with a charming grin, he laughed, "Not right now. I've got a few hours to kick it. Plus, I can always make time for you, Princess."
Princess?
Give me a break.
Of course. Ino just had to be swarming with attention from guys and this kid was hooked. I slipped my eyes over to see the faintest hint of a blush on her cheeks. I found myself instinctively rolling my eyes as I watched their little interaction. God they were like kids. Honestly, the whole scene was a tad disgusting to watch.
So it was that little scene that forced my attention the girl who had strode over with Kiba.
Long red hair draped over her shoulders, the top covered by a backwards cap. Her figure was slender without looking too frail. Tattoos covered her arms and the upper portion of her thighs. Her eyes were warm like Ayame's, though slightly darker. She stood there, eyes seemingly locked in Ino's direction. I frowned, wondering what her deal was but decided to keep my mouth shut.
In an instant, her eyes were on me.
And I swear I had never felt more vulnerable.
Extending her hand, she waited for mine to grasp hers. "Tayuya," she introduced, a small smirk producing itself on her lips. Hesitantly, I reached my hand in turn, grasping her fingers lightly and feeling my skin burn a second later. "Sakura," I whispered, surprised that I managed to find my voice in the first place.
I snapped back into focus, feeling a hand tugging on mine.
With a tight frown, Ino mumbled for me to follow.
And I did, but not without giving the girl a final glance over my shoulder and praying that the weekend would come again soon so I could find her. I didn't know what it was or how to explain it but I just had to see her again.
Shy, did you catch your surprise? Nothing epic but I decided to introduce your favorite character into my story. A never before seen feat lol. However, I added a little twist in there. I am hoping to crush everyone's dreams for certain pairings and actively pit them against each other. Sigh, sometimes I wonder if I will come to regret my decisions. Then I realize, I don't care! Muahahaha! :D Lol but no, just wanted to toss that little curve in there and get the ball rolling! Hope you all enjoy! Remember to read and review! Kat loves your faces! 3
