The Plan
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto...
Note: This was originally set a year after Sasuke left in the manga, except I decided (as I had only done it to age characters that I didn't know had already aged) that it is set a few month afterwards...
Chapter 7: Revelations
AKA: Costumed by Lanternlight, Part Two
Naruto turned, to look at the thing that had captured everyone's attention. Now he stopped dead in his tracks, and gasped at the beauty of the girl in front of him.
The first word that entered his mind was 'pink'. The girl wore a layer of soft pink silk, ruffled finely; over it, a ripped sash of crimson weave hung from her petite waist. The bodice was resplendent in peach plush, with red lace blending with gold weave to make a beautiful pattern, crawling like an elegant ivy, slowly climbing around the back of her neck, where the clasp of the beautiful sun-pendant she wore was clutched. A thin and soft material of the purest pink, soft as a sacra petal, yet strong as a beam of metal. Not tight, hanging loosely and cut into a 'V' shape at the end, showing her wrists and a number of bracelets on each arm. Then, on each hand, soft gloves of the same material at the sleeves, like an extension, with a strap of cherry-colored velvet to tighten it onto the hand. Simple, yet aesthetically pleasing, sandals adorned her feet. Her blond hair was caught into a thin braid, coming around to rest on her shoulder. She stood proudly, as if she were showing herself off, saying, 'Look at me! I am proud of who I am!'
Naruto blinked, and looked at her face, and that small overhang of hair over her eye. It was Ino! And oh, was it Ino... Naruto realized, right then and there, what having Ino around him for the last two weeks seemed to him... And for the first time, he considered Sasuke actually dumping Sakura for her... He'd only felt that way before every day in the last year, until up to a fortnight ago... He was jealous of Sasuke! And not so content with the thought of Sakura, after all. Was he coming to his senses, or just fickle? He was fairly sure that he was in the middle of a realization, only too late...
And he watched Ino pass by him with a wink, and felt sick to his stomach...
Sasuke stood on the small wooden bridge that went through the middle of the small lake nearby Konoha, in the fairgrounds. He felt like he always did at the Lanternlight Festival... For the only time of the year, he felt peaceful. No thoughts of his murderous brother lurked behind every thought, at every corner... Sasuke could simply be, without being chased after or having to train.
Sasuke didn't dress himself as someone else, but he did carry a small paper lantern, looking at it with the smallest hint of childish glee in his eyes. His Clan could be avenged; his future family's chance protected, his fears put to death tomorrow, for even Sasuke could not hate every day of his life. And lately, he'd softened as much as ever... Sakura...
Sasuke knew he loved her. He'd only come to the conclusion a few weeks before, when Sakura threw herself between him and Naruto's most vicious attacks, risking her life to stop their fight... And her confession the next day, the way they'd talked. He'd pretend not to listen, but he couldn't help himself after a while. She's complained of his heartlessness, of how he'd never listened... and he'd turned and let it all out in a kiss...
And that meddlesome Ino had come that very second, had dropped whatever she'd come to bring him, and had frozen in shock. Then, she'd looked betrayed, distraught even. Soon after, she'd been called to meet with Kakashi-sensei, and apparently Naruto had moved in with her. Sasuke had no doubt in his mind that the latest tries to pry them apart had come from Ino... And Naruto, he knew, was simple enough to figure. She'd have likely arranged the balcony trick, knowing Naruto would be there and had called Sakura up suddenly to meet. Sasuke had been there the next day, and found the golden hairs not swept away, some intertwined with the pieces of wood. She'd used hair again, like in the Chuunin exam, and made sure that Sakura was above the door. Then, waiting for Naruto to leave, she'd dropped it.
Then, she knew Sakura would feel guilty, and played on that. She might've even suggested the ramen thing... And Sasuke himself had fallen to jealousy, giving Ino another trump card to use against them. Again, she set Naruto up with Sakura, then leaving the receipt with him, knowing what he'd think. But… was he wrong…?
Aha, speaking of whom, walking up to him, timid yet proud, innocent yet scheming. The thought of her was enough to ruin his evening of peace...
She stood with him, looking out on the lake, oblivious to his thoughts, and remarked, "Nice night..."
"Yeah, " he replied nonchalantly, wondering if he was wrong.
"You know... This dress? I made it myself... It took me probably two weeks worth of work, all smooshed together. I worked off and on over the year, collecting, snatching and buying, saving up... to look good tonight..."
Sasuke was silent.
"I did all this, wore the skin from my fingers, spent most of my spare money, dieted like a diabetic... All to look good tonight.... Hoping tonight, you would notice me. I've worked straight for years, hoping for a small glance, the hint of a smile..." her tone became wistful, and Sasuke mentally raised an eyebrow.
"Sasuke...I've always loved you, ever since I first saw you. It may seem like a false idea, but it's true... My heart speaks louder than my eyes..." Ino said, eyes rapturous as she turned and looked at the boy.
"Te," Sasuke said, with a little bitterness. "Ironic that you speak of the heart and love, when you come rushing up to me the moment my girlfriend leaves my side. Ino, you disgust me. There's nothing more to it..."
Ino's eyes widened as she watched Sasuke walk off into the darkness of the forested hills...
And Naruto, looking on from a bench near the shore, swore as she started to follow... and as it started to rain...
Ino held back tears as she walked as fast as she could in her dress without tripping, choking, nerve-wracking sobs. She chased after him, pushing branches away with her arms, her dress getting ripped by stray rocks and low branches. Raindrops like tears of heaven fell from cerulean skies, further depressing her. If only she could catch him...
She stopped. He was there, sitting on a rock in the elevated terrain, looking into her eyes. She quickly averted her gaze, and opened her mouth to speak.
"Ino..." he said before she could talk. "I don't see how anyone could do so many horrible things. That balcony thing could have given a Sakura a concussion. That stunt with the receipt... That was horrible, Ino..." He sounded hurt, angry and betrayed. "All of this... Pretending to be Sakura's friend, while you schemed behind our backs? Playing Naruto like a pawn, hoping to knock off both of them and leave a clear path to me? Did... Did you really think it would work?"
Drenched, dirty and miserable, Ino fell to her knees, and for the first time truly realized how disgusting the things she'd done. And to Sasuke! If she loved him, would she- She shook her head. That wasn't right, she LOVED Sasuke, it was like one of the rules of the universe... Didn't she? If she loved him, would she go to such lengths to possess his love?
'If you love something...' An old proverb reached her lips, coming out as barely a whisper. 'If you love something, let it go. If it loves you truly, it will come back to you...'
Revelation hit her like a full-speed train... She didn't love Sasuke, like she had truly believed...
Sasuke opened his mouth, but suddenly, couldn't talk. He sputtered, as an acorn bounced off his tongue, stunning it. A dull orange blur raced through Ino's vision, and suddenly Naruto stood in front of her, glaring at Sasuke. She could feel it, without seeing his face.
"Oy, Sasuke. Leave Ino alone. She's cold, tired and an encounter with you wouldn't help anyone feel better. She probably realized what she's done wrong, so lay off and go away..." She felt herself being lifted, and realized that Naruto was picking her up.
"And Sasuke? If you follow us, I'll screw up your face so bad that even Sakura won't be able to look at you..."
With that, they were gone.
Ino awoke, realizing she was on her bed, to the sound of something falling over. Maybe a small table. Then a small shout. Probably Naruto. Another bump. Probably Naruto bumping into the wall... Ino stifled a giggle, then sat up slowly. She hurt all over...
She pushed the covers off herself, and slowly moved to push her feet onto the ground, and slowly stood up. With a step akin to drunkenness, she fought her way over to the door. Opening the door slowly, the stepped out and turned to see Naruto standing awkwardly, holding out a towel.
"Eheheh... You're awake, Ino! Uhm…Towel?"
In that moment, in those four words, the last two weeks rushed through her mind, endless moments of mirth and annoyance and training. Naruto was a calming, relaxing, healing presence. He had none of Sasuke's beauty, Chouji's manners or Shikamaru's lazy smile, but he was something completely foreign to her, something that had entered her system two weeks ago and didn't want to leave... She'd never felt it before, not even with Sasuke, and realized... That was a crush, lusting after his looks and mystery. Naruto, she genuinely wanted to be with for as long as she could, to annoy him and to train with him... and to take care of the naive, motherless boy while still wanting to love him.
She smiled, and did something reckless. She dove onto his, pressing her mouth against his and initiating their first kiss. Pulling away, she looked at him in the eye, and said seriously, "I love you, Naruto-kun."
And in typical Naruto fashion...
"I love you too, Ino-chan..." And both drifted off into a deep purple oblivion...
Love, love, love...
And that, my friends, is the end... I wasn't planning this for a long time, but the characters wouldn't continue plotting against each other, and Ino finally realized that she wanted Naruto. It came as a shock to me too, and the end of Chapter 7, that this would be the end...
Don't worry, though! There will definitely be an epilogue, and maybe, if there's enough positive response, a sequel. Soon, I'm also going to tie up the loose end called 'Itsumo', then start a major revamping of it (think UA)... Finally, UA will probably include some of the scenes I had to cut out from here... Then, I shall get going on my other, poor forgotten fics...
-Sincerely Saddened
Alden, Finishing a last chapter for the very first time...
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto...
Note: This was originally set a year after Sasuke left in the manga, except I decided (as I had only done it to age characters that I didn't know had already aged) that it is set a few month afterwards...
Chapter 7: Revelations
AKA: Costumed by Lanternlight, Part Two
Naruto turned, to look at the thing that had captured everyone's attention. Now he stopped dead in his tracks, and gasped at the beauty of the girl in front of him.
The first word that entered his mind was 'pink'. The girl wore a layer of soft pink silk, ruffled finely; over it, a ripped sash of crimson weave hung from her petite waist. The bodice was resplendent in peach plush, with red lace blending with gold weave to make a beautiful pattern, crawling like an elegant ivy, slowly climbing around the back of her neck, where the clasp of the beautiful sun-pendant she wore was clutched. A thin and soft material of the purest pink, soft as a sacra petal, yet strong as a beam of metal. Not tight, hanging loosely and cut into a 'V' shape at the end, showing her wrists and a number of bracelets on each arm. Then, on each hand, soft gloves of the same material at the sleeves, like an extension, with a strap of cherry-colored velvet to tighten it onto the hand. Simple, yet aesthetically pleasing, sandals adorned her feet. Her blond hair was caught into a thin braid, coming around to rest on her shoulder. She stood proudly, as if she were showing herself off, saying, 'Look at me! I am proud of who I am!'
Naruto blinked, and looked at her face, and that small overhang of hair over her eye. It was Ino! And oh, was it Ino... Naruto realized, right then and there, what having Ino around him for the last two weeks seemed to him... And for the first time, he considered Sasuke actually dumping Sakura for her... He'd only felt that way before every day in the last year, until up to a fortnight ago... He was jealous of Sasuke! And not so content with the thought of Sakura, after all. Was he coming to his senses, or just fickle? He was fairly sure that he was in the middle of a realization, only too late...
And he watched Ino pass by him with a wink, and felt sick to his stomach...
Sasuke stood on the small wooden bridge that went through the middle of the small lake nearby Konoha, in the fairgrounds. He felt like he always did at the Lanternlight Festival... For the only time of the year, he felt peaceful. No thoughts of his murderous brother lurked behind every thought, at every corner... Sasuke could simply be, without being chased after or having to train.
Sasuke didn't dress himself as someone else, but he did carry a small paper lantern, looking at it with the smallest hint of childish glee in his eyes. His Clan could be avenged; his future family's chance protected, his fears put to death tomorrow, for even Sasuke could not hate every day of his life. And lately, he'd softened as much as ever... Sakura...
Sasuke knew he loved her. He'd only come to the conclusion a few weeks before, when Sakura threw herself between him and Naruto's most vicious attacks, risking her life to stop their fight... And her confession the next day, the way they'd talked. He'd pretend not to listen, but he couldn't help himself after a while. She's complained of his heartlessness, of how he'd never listened... and he'd turned and let it all out in a kiss...
And that meddlesome Ino had come that very second, had dropped whatever she'd come to bring him, and had frozen in shock. Then, she'd looked betrayed, distraught even. Soon after, she'd been called to meet with Kakashi-sensei, and apparently Naruto had moved in with her. Sasuke had no doubt in his mind that the latest tries to pry them apart had come from Ino... And Naruto, he knew, was simple enough to figure. She'd have likely arranged the balcony trick, knowing Naruto would be there and had called Sakura up suddenly to meet. Sasuke had been there the next day, and found the golden hairs not swept away, some intertwined with the pieces of wood. She'd used hair again, like in the Chuunin exam, and made sure that Sakura was above the door. Then, waiting for Naruto to leave, she'd dropped it.
Then, she knew Sakura would feel guilty, and played on that. She might've even suggested the ramen thing... And Sasuke himself had fallen to jealousy, giving Ino another trump card to use against them. Again, she set Naruto up with Sakura, then leaving the receipt with him, knowing what he'd think. But… was he wrong…?
Aha, speaking of whom, walking up to him, timid yet proud, innocent yet scheming. The thought of her was enough to ruin his evening of peace...
She stood with him, looking out on the lake, oblivious to his thoughts, and remarked, "Nice night..."
"Yeah, " he replied nonchalantly, wondering if he was wrong.
"You know... This dress? I made it myself... It took me probably two weeks worth of work, all smooshed together. I worked off and on over the year, collecting, snatching and buying, saving up... to look good tonight..."
Sasuke was silent.
"I did all this, wore the skin from my fingers, spent most of my spare money, dieted like a diabetic... All to look good tonight.... Hoping tonight, you would notice me. I've worked straight for years, hoping for a small glance, the hint of a smile..." her tone became wistful, and Sasuke mentally raised an eyebrow.
"Sasuke...I've always loved you, ever since I first saw you. It may seem like a false idea, but it's true... My heart speaks louder than my eyes..." Ino said, eyes rapturous as she turned and looked at the boy.
"Te," Sasuke said, with a little bitterness. "Ironic that you speak of the heart and love, when you come rushing up to me the moment my girlfriend leaves my side. Ino, you disgust me. There's nothing more to it..."
Ino's eyes widened as she watched Sasuke walk off into the darkness of the forested hills...
And Naruto, looking on from a bench near the shore, swore as she started to follow... and as it started to rain...
Ino held back tears as she walked as fast as she could in her dress without tripping, choking, nerve-wracking sobs. She chased after him, pushing branches away with her arms, her dress getting ripped by stray rocks and low branches. Raindrops like tears of heaven fell from cerulean skies, further depressing her. If only she could catch him...
She stopped. He was there, sitting on a rock in the elevated terrain, looking into her eyes. She quickly averted her gaze, and opened her mouth to speak.
"Ino..." he said before she could talk. "I don't see how anyone could do so many horrible things. That balcony thing could have given a Sakura a concussion. That stunt with the receipt... That was horrible, Ino..." He sounded hurt, angry and betrayed. "All of this... Pretending to be Sakura's friend, while you schemed behind our backs? Playing Naruto like a pawn, hoping to knock off both of them and leave a clear path to me? Did... Did you really think it would work?"
Drenched, dirty and miserable, Ino fell to her knees, and for the first time truly realized how disgusting the things she'd done. And to Sasuke! If she loved him, would she- She shook her head. That wasn't right, she LOVED Sasuke, it was like one of the rules of the universe... Didn't she? If she loved him, would she go to such lengths to possess his love?
'If you love something...' An old proverb reached her lips, coming out as barely a whisper. 'If you love something, let it go. If it loves you truly, it will come back to you...'
Revelation hit her like a full-speed train... She didn't love Sasuke, like she had truly believed...
Sasuke opened his mouth, but suddenly, couldn't talk. He sputtered, as an acorn bounced off his tongue, stunning it. A dull orange blur raced through Ino's vision, and suddenly Naruto stood in front of her, glaring at Sasuke. She could feel it, without seeing his face.
"Oy, Sasuke. Leave Ino alone. She's cold, tired and an encounter with you wouldn't help anyone feel better. She probably realized what she's done wrong, so lay off and go away..." She felt herself being lifted, and realized that Naruto was picking her up.
"And Sasuke? If you follow us, I'll screw up your face so bad that even Sakura won't be able to look at you..."
With that, they were gone.
Ino awoke, realizing she was on her bed, to the sound of something falling over. Maybe a small table. Then a small shout. Probably Naruto. Another bump. Probably Naruto bumping into the wall... Ino stifled a giggle, then sat up slowly. She hurt all over...
She pushed the covers off herself, and slowly moved to push her feet onto the ground, and slowly stood up. With a step akin to drunkenness, she fought her way over to the door. Opening the door slowly, the stepped out and turned to see Naruto standing awkwardly, holding out a towel.
"Eheheh... You're awake, Ino! Uhm…Towel?"
In that moment, in those four words, the last two weeks rushed through her mind, endless moments of mirth and annoyance and training. Naruto was a calming, relaxing, healing presence. He had none of Sasuke's beauty, Chouji's manners or Shikamaru's lazy smile, but he was something completely foreign to her, something that had entered her system two weeks ago and didn't want to leave... She'd never felt it before, not even with Sasuke, and realized... That was a crush, lusting after his looks and mystery. Naruto, she genuinely wanted to be with for as long as she could, to annoy him and to train with him... and to take care of the naive, motherless boy while still wanting to love him.
She smiled, and did something reckless. She dove onto his, pressing her mouth against his and initiating their first kiss. Pulling away, she looked at him in the eye, and said seriously, "I love you, Naruto-kun."
And in typical Naruto fashion...
"I love you too, Ino-chan..." And both drifted off into a deep purple oblivion...
Love, love, love...
And that, my friends, is the end... I wasn't planning this for a long time, but the characters wouldn't continue plotting against each other, and Ino finally realized that she wanted Naruto. It came as a shock to me too, and the end of Chapter 7, that this would be the end...
Don't worry, though! There will definitely be an epilogue, and maybe, if there's enough positive response, a sequel. Soon, I'm also going to tie up the loose end called 'Itsumo', then start a major revamping of it (think UA)... Finally, UA will probably include some of the scenes I had to cut out from here... Then, I shall get going on my other, poor forgotten fics...
-Sincerely Saddened
Alden, Finishing a last chapter for the very first time...