I'm loving how there's already teams forming. You wacky kids and your rivalries lol. I should probably clear some things up too while we're here. Tayuya won't be a romantic interest for Sakura, as for other characters, we'll just have to see. ;D I feel that last part from the previous chapter may have given off that vibe but in actuality, Sakura just finds Tayuya intriguing. But, that doesn't mean you can't root for your faves anyway. Lots of potential to find a favorite pairing within the story. Loving the feedback you all are giving and that this story's reception is going very well. I was hella nervous but you guys keep me going!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
Chapter Eight
As I sat here, out on some isolated beach with Ino at half past five in the morning, I came to some conclusions. More specifically, conclusions about Ino.
The first? That the girl I'd met on the first day wasn't her.
The stubborn, bratty and self righteous kid who seemed to be out to get me, wasn't her.
It was hard to label these conclusions as solid facts after only being with her just under a month. Still, I was almost certain that I was right. Instead, the girl who sat beside me, eyes cast forward out at the sun gleaming just over the oceans edge, knees pulled to her chest was in fact, the real Ino. A quiet girl who kept to herself and was constantly lost in her own thoughts as she tried to find herself.
That was the real Ino Yamanaka.
And it was in knowing that, that I found myself more and more interested in getting to know that girl.
It was obvious by now, between the two of us, that she was done holding up her front for me. I had seen her at her weakest so any chance of me sitting still like some obedient little dog was over. Even still, I wouldn't go out of my way to agitate her on purpose. If she asked, I'd do it, just as long as she didn't get too arrogant with the way she asked.
For instance, this morning.
She had gently slipped into my room in the middle of the night, shaking me gently as she asked if I could take her to go see the sunrise. Though I was incredibly tired, I agreed and drove us to the beach she'd instructed me about, taking Aris along for the ride. So here we were, sitting here in complete silence, enjoying the view and thinking about something the other would never know.
That is, until Ino abruptly decided to speak what was on her mind.
In a soft voice, eyes set dead ahead, she asked, "Do you hate me?"
My eyes studied her for just a moment before facing off into the distance as well. I pondered her question, brief memories of everything that happened up until now floating around in my head. I had to think very carefully about my answer but at the same time, I knew what it was the moment she asked. Shaking my head as I leaned back on my palms, I answered just as soft, "No, I don't hate you."
"Why?"
This time, I allowed my eyes to linger on her frame. She didn't return my look but I didn't need her to. I could see from here, the frown etched on her lips as her brows furrowed in confusion. 'Why?' She asked me. Hell, even I didn't have an answer. After everything, I had plenty of reasons to want nothing more than for her to simply stop existing in my life, all of them completely justifiable.
But I couldn't do it.
And I suppose a deeper part of me understood why.
I didn't hate her because I knew it wasn't her who was behind everything. While she may have been directly involved in the attempts to make my life hell, I knew now that she was simply putting up a front for her father. Perhaps I was just being tad too optimistic and I simply wanted to see her in a better light than before. I wouldn't hate her at the end of the day because I knew that in the end, she was just like me.
Just two kids trapped in a shitty situation beyond their control.
So I sympathized with her.
Reaching up my hand to weave through the tangles of my hair, I mumbled, "We're the same. You and me." I waited for her eyes to flicker over to my own before I continued, "I won't hate you for things you have no control over Ino. Our only real difference is that we grew up in different places but at the end of the day, we both come from a pretty messed up childhood."
"She told you…"
"Yeah, she did."
For a little while longer, we were silent once more. She sat there, taking it all in while I focused my attention on Aris. Clearly this was his first time in the sand, rolling around on his back while flicking it about. Then just as quickly, he hopped up, shaking the grains from his fur before playfully bounding up to Ino.
I watched as she slowly reached her hand out towards him, fingers slipping to scratch at his ears and like clockwork, he was wagging his tail contently.
"I don't want to hate you either," she added in finally.
"You hate me?"
"Not for reasons you might think," she whispered. "I hate you...because I want to be you. I hate that you grew up outside a mansion. That your friends were just ordinary kids like you. That everywhere you went people didn't look at you like you were some sort of freak just because you're royalty. I get that your life wasn't amazing but...I'd choose that over this any day."
Literally, I was speechless.
One, because I hadn't expected her to openly state her feelings to me like that. Second? The fact that she thought of my life as being more desirable than her own spoke volumes about how little I actually knew about Ino. Tightening my jaw, I fought with myself for a moment.
How was I supposed to respond to that?
At one point in time, I truly used to think that my life was hell. But now?
For someone with way more money, opportunities and potential to look me in my eye and say that they wanted my life? It hit hard. Just what kind of life was so cruel that you'd prefer to be poor. A life where you watched your single mother struggle to make ends meet to take care of you and her. A past where from day one, you were nothing but a number on a list waiting for the moment to become more than that by becoming a guard dog.
Was that really what she wanted? Was that really any way to live?
I suppose I had taken too long to think it over.
"Let's go home," she voiced through a shaky and nervous breath. I was up first, extending my hand towards her. She eyed it for a second before slipping her fingers into my hand as I helped her up. We walked back slowly, me getting the door for her to which she replied with a soft thanks. We sat in the parking lot for a moment, neither of us speaking, neither of us moving.
The only reason I hadn't pulled off yet was because of the pained expression sitting on her face. Eyes shut tight, I watched as her hands anxiously twitched in her lap. I didn't want to overstep my boundaries. I might not have hated her and I knew she didn't hate me, not in a literal sense, but we weren't exactly friends. And yet, I wanted to help. It went against everything I believed in to sit and watch someone suffer silently with the ability to help.
Carefully, I slipped my hand over and rested it on top of her trembling ones.
Instantly, her eyes shot open as she warily eyed my hand before her eyes slipped up to mine. They were confused but also desperate. Uncertain yet grateful. I gave her a small nod and with that, she laced her fingers together with my own and shut her eyes once more. Slowly but surely, she began to unwind. There was no smile on my face, just a worried frown as I waited before asking her if she was ready.
A single nod was all I needed before I took us home.
And even though I didn't smile, I couldn't deny the pride I felt in keeping her grounded the whole trip back.
"This place is pretty huge for it to be all outdoors, dontcha think?" Naruto practically screeched in my ear.
I shoved him away with an annoyed scowl, meanwhile, silently admitting to myself that he was in fact right. With most of Ino's friends having finished up early with their classes, they had decided on little outing to an outlet mall. It was definitely pretty amazing considering we didn't have any back home. All of our items were purchased from a mall on a much smaller scale than this with only a few stores making up the place.
But this? This was pretty damn huge.
I'm sure the rest of the heirs were used to things like this but as for me and the rest of the few protectors, this was a brand new experience. Ino, along with Temari, Ayame, Kiba and Sasuke walked in front while the rest of us stayed back at a fair distance as to not get in their way. Even though we were stuck on guard duty, I had to admit, the little outing was nice.
There was plenty to see and should I decide to pick up something, I had a nice little bit of spending money. Unfortunately, I couldn't just leave. Ino had to be in my sights at all times while we were out so wherever she choose to go, I'd follow. And though I knew it was my job, I never allowed my eyes to leave her for longer than a minute.
"What's with you?"
Rin nudged me in my side, effectively snatching my eyes from Ino but only for a second. Shaking my head, I brushed off her comment, "Nothing." She scoffed, keeping up with my long strides as we followed the others into a store, "That's bullshit. You're being awfully quiet."
"I'm always quiet."
She huffed, cheeks turning red slightly. I found my lips twitching into a smirk, realizing that I had won this round. Still, I wasn't too proud in my victory to leave her hanging. Ruffling her hair, I reassured her the best way I could, "I'm fine, don't worry." The burning in her cheeks only intensified as she swatted my hand away, earning a loud laugh from Naruto.
I rolled my eyes as Rin proceeded to snatch him into a headlock, quickly favoring looking for Ino amongst the rows of clothes. Spotting her, I relaxed immediately. That was, until Tayuya suddenly appeared beside me putting me on edge for reasons I couldn't quite explain. "Something catch your eye Haruno?" She asked slyly as I kept at a good distance, watching Ino laugh at something Sasuke whispered in her ear. Unintentionally, I felt the scowl slip onto my lips.
"No," I rushed out quickly.
Her soft laugh caught my attention, watching as her fingers removed the cap from her head, smoothing her hair before placing it back on her head. "You're a terrible liar. You look like you're ready to bite Uchiha's head off," she said calmly yet I could make out the teasing tone in her voice. Having no reason to lie, I countered, "I'm doing my job. You should be focusing less on what I'm doing and more on Kiba."
Unfortunately for me, she didn't seem the least bit phased by my comment.
"Oh trust me, I don't need to worry about my boy. He might not look it but he can hold his own. Now you, I can see. Ino's got a whole fanbase out there. Guys and girls alike would kill for a chance to be in the same room as her. She's got the most business knowhow, the third wealthiest of all the heirs and easily the most attractive. You got your hands full Haruno," she finished with a grin.
What the hell was with her?
Why in the hell did she make my blood run cold as soon as I looked at her?
Patting my cheek, she chuckled, "Tighten up Haruno. Can't get cold feet with a job like this." With that last piece of advice, she turned and left me alone. An annoyed groan slipped my lips as I tried to figure out where Ino was again. This time, I only caught a glimpse of her hair before I was practically tackled into a hug.
Glancing down to see whose arms were wrapped around my neck, I relaxed when I saw that familiar curly brown hair.
I didn't bother fighting the smile that was begging to be seen as I joked, "Were you trying to take me out Paige?" Her laugh was infectious as she pulled away slowly, "Consider it payback since you never texted me back you jerk!" I could see that she was kidding but I still felt guilty nonetheless. In the span of a second, my grin had faltered as I tried to apologize.
She shook her head, easy grin still there as she assured me, "Relax, you were probably busy. No worries. At least put your number in my phone so I have someway to reach you. I was going to invite you out but it looks like you managed to find your way here on your own." I nodded, taking her phone and adding my number quickly, "Something like that. I'm here with a few others thought I'm not too sure where they are right now."
A quick glance around confirmed that I was in fact alone with Paige.
There was no sign of the others anywhere and I was almost certain they had slipped away to another store. A situation that wasn't exactly good for me.
However, Paige seemed to want to keep me here. Tugging her hair behind her ear, she fixed me with a look, "Are you in a hurry? I was going to see if you wanted to walk around a bit, maybe grab a quick bite to eat?" I could hear her question but my mind was elsewhere as my eyes darted back and forth the outside of the store, Ino nowhere in sight.
She followed my desperate eyes, craning to see what I was looking for.
Then, out of nowhere, she asked, "Are you looking for your girlfriend?"
Pause.
Girlfriend?
For a second, I forgot about any and everything that was on my mind literally a minute ago. Confusion etched onto my face, I dumbly asked, "What?" She stared me down before shaking her head, "The blonde girl you're always with. The one who gives me a clear look to fuck off whenever I talk to you in class. Is she the one you're looking for?"
Odd.
I only ever noticed Ino giving me death stares in class rather than Paige herself. How long had that been a thing?
"Yeah," I admitted, "She's the one I'm looking for but she's not my girlfriend." I whipped out my phone, mentally berating myself for not thinking to do it sooner as I quickly texted Ino to ask her where she was. "Ex?" Paige asked curiously, following me as I walked down one row of storefronts. "You're awfully curious," I stated, relaxing when I saw Ino had texted back with a clear direction of how to get to the store they were in.
"I just don't want to overstep any boundaries," she told me, voice softening.
I rolled my eyes and offered her another smile, slowing down so she could keep up, "You're fine Paige. It's hard to describe our relationship but it's nothing like that. We aren't dating and we weren't ever dating. It's just complicated but that doesn't affect anything you or I do. I promise." She eased up a bit, sheepishly rubbing her neck, "Watch yourself with the promises, you don't exactly have a good track record right now."
I laughed, finding her slight jab to be a bit amusing, "Just let me know how I can make it up to you."
I meant it as a joke but when I felt her hand lock with my own, I stopped. Her eyes avoided my own for a bit until I called her name softly. A second later, words were practically spilling from her mouth, "My friends are having a little party this Saturday night and I'd love for you to make it if you can. If you don't want to then that's okay too! I just...I thought it would be fun to hang out with you outside of class because you seem really fun and-"
"Paige...slow down. Text me the details and I should be able to swing by for a bit, okay?" I quickly cut her off with a single finger placed on her lips. She nodded frantically and with that, we continued down the sidewalk until I saw the store Ino had mentioned they were in. For the upteenth time today, I had Ino back in my sights and I was finally at ease.
"The hell have you been?" Tenten asked, alerting everyone else to my presence.
A second later, everyone's eyes were on Paige who looked nothing short of uncomfortable.
"I was with a friend," I responded in the dryest voice I could muster. There was no need for introductions. Like Kakashi had said, anyone who wasn't affiliated with the system, wasn't exactly ideal to keep around. I didn't want her to feel like an outcast, something I was far too familiar with. Seeing Sasuke stroll over immediately put me on alert, pushing Paige back behind me.
Arching his brow, he leaned to my ear and whispered arrogantly, "I'll say it once and only once. Ino, is the only girl who you need to be focusing on. Whatever this is, you need to shut it down, now before people get hurt. This isn't a line of business people like her need to get mixed up in. Understand?" I nodded but I should've known what to expect from someone like Sasuke. He wasn't just all talk.
Grabbing the front of my jacket, he repeated again, "I asked, if you understood…"
"She doesn't belong to you Sasuke," I heard Ino hiss from behind him, "Let her go. She knows what she's doing."
He released his hold, brushing past me, being sure to bump me on purpose. He didn't even have to say anything but with an annoyed look, Naruto was following him out of the store. I felt Paige tug on the back of my jacket, forcing me to turn and give her an apologetic look to which she returned with a half smile. "I'll text you the details. Sorry to hold you up, I'll see you later." And with a quick hug, she was gone too.
The silence was awkward but I think we all knew that this little outing was over.
Weak goodbyes were exchanged as we all went our separate ways. I escorted Ino back to the car but this time she didn't bother waiting for me to get the door. She was annoyed and I wasn't about to go poking at her just to get a reaction. I took us back to our place but an incoming text kept me from following Ino immediately upstairs.
Hey so that was hella awkward, sorry to dip on you like that! :/ Here's the deets for Saturday's party!
2839 West Olen Dr
Suite J
Kerian, Iota 9-115189114
Starts at 2100
Really hope you can make it! (;
I smirked, texting her back that I should be able to make it but I'd let her know closer to Saturday. It was only Tuesday so I had plenty of time to figure things out. Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I made my way upstairs, noticing that the door was locked.
What reason would she have to lock the door?
Granted she wasn't in the best mood when we left but that didn't seem to be directly aimed at me.
Fishing my keys back out, I unlocked the door, tossing them onto the coffee table. "Ino?" I called, tapping her door gently as I waited for an answer. It was completely quiet on the other end, making me a little wary. I twisted the handle of her door, not surprised to find that she had locked that too. Perhaps she just needed a moment to herself.
As I turned to my room, I noticed something off.
Where was Aris?
I had left him out so he could eat while we were gone and he could use his training pads in his crate. But he wasn't anywhere to be seen. It wasn't until I drew closer to my room that I heard his soft whines and scratches from inside my room. Opening the door, I watched as he rushed past me to Ino's door, barking and seemingly desperate to get in.
Confused as to what had gotten into him, I moved to grab him, not wanting to put Ino in a mood worse than the one she was currently in.
Then all of a sudden, I heard noises from inside.
It sounded frantic but it was too muffled for me to make out any words.
Jiggling the handle more, I called Ino again. Still no answer but the noises on the other end of the door weren't reassuring. Getting impatient, I pounded on the door, commanding her to open. Still, nothing. For a second, I thought she was being a brat but a loud thud and scream from the inside had me kicking the door open a moment later.
I didn't know who it was and I didn't have time to think, rushing over as I punched whoever it was that was holding her down onto the floor.
I was on top of them, unable to see their face that was covered by a black mask. We struggled for a bit before he slammed me into the wall. His hand darted to his waist and I was able to make out the faintest gleam of a blade being pulled from it's holster. Knowing I needed to move quick, I brought my heel against his shin hard. Waiting for the right moment when he dropped his head in pain, I brought my elbow up against his chin.
In seconds, he was pinned and I had his blade against his own neck.
Before I could make my next move, I felt a hand on my shoulder.
Kakashi.
He didn't give me time to ask questions, simply pulling me off the man whose life I was only seconds away from ending. Helping the guy up, he tugged off his mask, revealing tanned skin with a neatly trimmed beard and well kept black hair to match. "Damn," the man groaned, rolling his shoulder, "The kid hits harder than you do Kakashi and that's saying something."
"They only pick the best of the best Asuma, you oughta know that by now," Kakashi answered cooly before finally looking at me, "You did good kid."
If looks could kill, I swear Kakashi would've been dead a second ago. In a flash, I had him pinned against the wall as I hissed, "Explain. Now Kakashi." He didn't seem bothered, pulling my arm away with ease, "Assessments. This was only the first. A small one but a lot can happen in a short time. We need to be sure you can shut down things like that in a heartbeat. You did good, four minutes."
"Can we get a fucking heads up next time!" I snapped, losing the last bit of my patience.
I guess that was as much as he was willing to take. Next I know, I've got a knee in my stomach, forcing me to the floor as I fought the urge to heave what was in my stomach. Snatching the collar around my neck, he spoke sternly, "First, I like you Sakura but don't test me. I'm still your higher up, don't forget that. Second, you don't get a warning in real life. You don't pay attention and she's as good as dead as well as you. Wisen up."
He let me go, letting me slip to the floor as he and Asuma left.
I waited until I heard the front door shut before I finally looked at Ino.
I knew Kakashi was just doing his job. I knew. But even still, I couldn't deny the rage fueling in me as I watched Ino tremble in her bed. What kind of father, who was the primary cause of his daughter's trauma, put her through some shit like this? I knew now, that I didn't hate Ino. I couldn't hate her. But I could, without a fucking doubt, hate her father for putting us both through this mess.
Struggling to my feet, I took a step towards her, calling softly.
She shook her head, asking me to leave.
But I couldn't leave. I knew when I wasn't wanted, so it didn't take a lot for me to realize that she didn't want me near her. At the same time, I also knew when I was needed. The way she brokenly asked for me to go was the only indication I needed to know that she needed me to stay. Shrugging off my jacket, I slipped into bed beside, slowly lowering myself onto my back.
I slipped my fingers to hers, gently coaxing until she curled against my side. Then, I repeated the words that I had once whispered to the very first girl who needed my help.
"It's okay to cry Ino."
And she did.
She cried until there were no tears left and even when it was over, I didn't dare leave. I stayed because for the life of me, I couldn't figure out how in the hell she managed to live like this for so long without anyone to calm her in times like these.
It seemed like today, I'd be chalking up another responsibility to my steadily growing list when it came to Ino.
Alright, all done. It's two and the morning and I'm hella exhausted. The things I do for you kids. Finally got some slight work with the SakuIno pairing developing which is precious as always. Hope you all enjoyed and remember to leave reviews for your friendly neighborhood Kat! xD I wuv all your faces!
