Face the Rain, a Naruto fanfiction

Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto


A/N: Hello and welcome! This is an Ino-centric fic which is a companion piece to my multi-chapter fic, Let the Music Do the Talking.

This was originally a short chapter I was going to publish in-between Chapters 14 and 15 of that story, but due to pacing, I decided to cut it out. However, I thought it was quite enjoyable when I re-read so I decided to edit it and re-publish it as a one-shot!

If you've stumbled upon this fic either via a link or you've clicked due to the title/summary, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND you go and read my other story first to understand what's up (and of course, spoilers) then come back to this one.

With that disclaimer out the way, hope you enjoy the story.


Ino Yamanaka woke to a breezy, yet sunny Saturday morning.

Slowly opening her eyes, she gazed out of her window with a small smile on her face. Another weekend had commenced, and she was looking forward to spending the day with Tenten.

It had been a few days since she had made up with Naruto. While she had felt good that she had managed to apologise, part of her felt that he was still upset at her.

Ino sat up in her bed scrolling through her phone, landing on a few photos, gazing at them for a few moments. It was from her date with Naruto a little over a month ago. It had been when they were in the park together listening to music and eating ice cream. That day had been such an adventure for her, and she missed it dearly.

Her face fell as she let out a hefty sigh, letting her mind wander for a bit.

I really am sorry, Naruto. I hope you've been able to forgive me.

Ino was brought out of her thoughts by a message from Tenten.

Tenten: Hey girl, hope you're ready for our day out! I have a great idea for today! Meet me for some brunch first at Bare Brew, k?

Ino tilted her head slightly.

Well at least someone's happy.

She got out of bed, brushed her teeth and got herself dressed. She decided on a simple outfit today; a light blue t-shirt, dark skinny jeans, white sneakers, and her leather jacket; the latter item she hasn't worn in a while.

But she thought it would be a good thing to have, in case the weather turned cold later.

Ino kept her make-up and hair simple today. A little bit of foundation along with keeping her hair in her trademark ponytail she was known for.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she felt relieved. Not having to doll herself up for school anymore was quite refreshing. It had been quite exhausting the last few months, having to keep up her snotty appearance just for Karin, all while hiding how she really felt.

She was mentally kicking herself for all the time she had ever wasted on doing her makeup in the mirror. Sure, it was good to look nice now and again, but it was taxing to have to keep doing it because she was afraid of what others thought.

With Naruto though (and more to the extent, Tenten) she didn't have to keep up the persona any longer. That, Ino thought, is what she had begun to adore about him; the fact he was so accepting of her despite her actions and behaviour before their first meeting.

But was he still willing to accept her now? Even after all the drama that occurred?

She didn't know.

All she knew now was that she was going to impress at the upcoming show, and Tenten was going to help her do it.

Ino made her way downstairs where her dad was at the kitchen table.

"Morning pumpkin, how are you feeling?" He asked softly

"Doing okay," She said, grabbing some juice from the fridge, "I'm going to meet Tenten for some brunch this morning."

"Ah," Inoichi took a sip of coffee, "you've mentioned her quite a bit lately haven't you? She sounds like a wonderful friend." He then remembered something else. "How about Sakura, are you two still talking?"

Ino nodded, taking a swig from the bottle. "Yeah, we're still friends."

The day before, Ino and Sakura had been talking about outfits for the show, all while having a good time and laughing about it.

"Excellent, as long as my girl's happy."

Taking another sip, he placed his cup down, his face expressing a questionable tone.

"How about Naruto? Have you two managed to talk it out?"

The young girl's eyes fell to the floor, hoping to avoid the question.

"It's…a work in progress." she said with slight hesitation "I mean, we've talked, we decided to give each other a bit of space for now."

Admittedly, only half of her statement was true. Sure, the two of them had managed to make up a few days ago, however, it was only a small conversation. She hoped and prayed Tenten's plan was going to work.

Inoichi's face lightened into a smile. "That's good to hear. I said I liked that boy, he's got character. He definitely gets it from Minato for sure."

He noticed that his daughter still looked a bit sad.

"Hey, it's as I mentioned. Just be patient and it'll work out."

Ino walked over and hugged her dad.

"Thanks, dad. You're the best."

"Anytime sweetheart," Inoichi replied, "You go and have a fun Saturday now. I want to hear all about it when you're back."

Ino's face lit up again into a cheery smile. "I will."

Moments later, Ino left her house to meet up with Tenten, who was sitting inside the cafe at a booth near the window. Thanks to the sunny weather, where she was sitting let in a lot of light for the pair. Tenten herself was wearing a long-sleeved black top, stone-washed jeans, brown shoes and hair done up in her usual twin buns.

Tenten stood up and greeted Ino with a hug, to which the latter returned the gesture, before sitting back down with the former.

"Glad to see you, hope you're hungry." The brunette passed her the menu.

"Starving, I could eat a horse," Ino said jokingly.

"May I suggest the Eggs Benedict? They do the sauce just right. Served with just the way I love my coffee."

She wasn't the biggest fan of eggs, but something told her she should give them a try. "Sure, I'll give them a shot."

While the pair waited for their food to arrive, Ino couldn't help but notice how peaceful everything looked. The atmosphere of the cafe seemed to really put her mind at ease; the clicking of glasses and cutlery, the hiss of the steam from the barista's machine, the smells of roasted coffee, sweet and savoury smells filling the air, the smooth jazz music played at just the right level of volume.

Everything in the place encapsulated her senses, relaxing her mind and body. Was it always like this on a Saturday morning?

To Ino, it was the most relaxing Saturday she had had in ages.

"Hey Ino, you in there?"

Her pleasant thoughts were cut by the sound of Tenten calling out to her.

"I'm sorry," She shook her head, "what were you saying?"

Tenten grinned, "I was saying how Neji was treating me to dinner this week, but you zoned out." Resting her face in her palm, she continued. "Were you thinking about him again?"

"No." Ino answered bluntly, "Only thinking about how I've not had a nice Saturday morning like this in ages."

But now that you've mentioned his name, I can't stop thinking about him. The blue eyes were cute, along with the messy blonde hair. He was quite the looker too. Plus his personality gelled well with me and-

"Ah I'm teasing you," Tenten leaned over with a playful poke to her arm. "Still, I'm glad you came out today."

Seeing Ino's cheeks slightly pink, Tenten realised what she had said.

"Hey, don't sweat it. This is going to work. As I said, a nice girl like you deserves a guy like him." She took a sip of her latte that arrived. "For now, have some faith, okay?"

Ino's face brightened up, thanks to her reassurance. "Thanks, Tenten, that means a lot." She cleared her throat, took a mouthful of iced tea, going back to the original topic at hand. "So, Neji's parents did you end up meeting them yet or…"

"Yep," Tenten said, "It was an interesting experience, to say the least."

"Oh, what happened?"

"Well," The brunette began her tale, "The mum was all over me! It was like having another parent. She was asking all sorts of questions about my family and what I like and don't like." She slowly took another sip, the bitter sensation of the drink danced on her taste buds.

"As for his dad? Very quiet and stern. Asked me a few questions over dinner and whatnot. Almost made me choke on my food when he asked about marriage."

Ino's eyes widened. "He did what? Wasn't that a bit forceful?"

"Oh it was," Tenten rubbed her forehead, "I had to calmly explain that we were only in the beginnings of our relationship and that idea was a long way off. But then he rants on and on about how the Hyuga are a well-known family with a lot of connections and if I eventually did become Neji's wife, I'd be set for life."

Ino had to do a double-take from what she was hearing. "He said ALL THAT?"

"Uh-huh," she replied meekly, "You should have seen the reaction from his mother. It was like all hell had broken loose. And that was after dinner."

"Speaking of Hyuga," Ino remembered something else. "What's going on with Hinata and Kiba?"

Tenten chuckled. "Ah, they're dating. Have been for the last couple of weeks. I have to admit, they look pretty cute together."

Who woulda thought a loudmouth like Kiba would get someone as gentle and sweet as Hinata? I hope it goes well for them. Ino thought.

Moments later, food arrived and the pair tucked in straight away. The conversation for the rest of their time was light, mainly sharing different songs they had heard lately along with a few tales of their childhood.

Ino was enjoying herself with Tenten. It had been one blossoming friendship and she was loving every second of it.

Half an hour passed, the two finished up, paid for their food and left the cafe.

"So, where to now?" Ino pondered

"Somewhere I think you'll feel right at home." Tenten gestured.

The two of them headed a bit further into town, past the arcade and sports centre where Ino had her date with Naruto, and finally, stopped outside a record shop that looked all too familiar to her.

"Come on, let's go in!" Tenten said with excitement.


The 'Diamond in the Rough' was an unusual spot in Downtown Konoha; sure, on the outside, it looked like any other typical record store you'd see in a city. But there was something about this one that had a unique charm that kept people talking about it.

Was it the dusty smell of old records from days gone by? Or the colourful decor of different genres that plastered the walls from floor to ceiling? Or perhaps it was many different kinds of people that entered the day in and out?

To Ino, it felt like a little slice of heaven. Ever since stepping into this place a few months ago while she was learning to play the bass, it was comforting.

A home away from home, if you will.

She had come here a few times on her own, out of sight from Karin and Sakura. A moment of calm in a chaotic world, she told herself. She could enjoy browsing through records, all while listening to music that played in the background and customers chartered to one another.

"Feels like forever since I was here…" Ino noted, scratching her cheek with her forefinger. "So, was there something you wanted to buy or…?"

"Yes and no," Tenten smiled, "More importantly, I just thought it would be nice for you to get back in the zone. Besides, we've been practising like crazy these last couple of days! Live a little."

Ino felt bashful. Tenten was right. Maybe it was time to unwind and not think about the talent show for a bit.

The two browsed through the various records on sale. Perhaps it was time to treat herself to something after all the hard work she had been going through?

She flicked through a few selections to see names she enjoyed all too well.

Deftones. A Perfect Circle. Trivium. Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Queen. Nightwish. The Used. Motley Crue. Pearl Jam. Anette Olzen.

It was funny how in the span of a few months, music became such enjoyment and important to her. It was a hobby that was the perfect balance between schoolwork and making time for herself.

Her ears were then drawn to the slow, subtle beat of a bass guitar combined with the sound of drums and snapping fingers coming from the speakers above her.

"The Spell of Mathematics," She said quietly to herself, tapping her foot, "That's a damn good song I've got to learn properly."

Tenten was on the opposite side browsing through the Industrial section, trying to find a specific record.

"Found something you love?" The brunette asked.

"Maybe," The blonde beamed, "You?"

Tenten continued flicking through records. "It should be here….aha!" She exclaimed, "Found it!"

"What is it?" Ino raised an eyebrow.

"Brainchild by Circle of Dust!" She held up the record which had an eye printed on it, covered with a mixture of crimson, orange and black.

Ino pulled a look of disgust seeing the image. "What's with the eye?"

"Who cares, this record is awesome! I've been trying to find this for ages. Some of the most underrated industrial rock from the last two decades." She had a look of happiness, cradling the record like a newborn. "This is my purchase of the day."

Ino couldn't help but chuckle.

Only someone like Tenten could be this happy about finding something like this.

The two were carried on browsing until they heard a loud voice, drawing their attention away for a moment.

"ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!?"

Ino and Tenten whipped their heads around to see a familiar-looking girl yelling at the clerk at the front counter.

Long honey-coloured hair with matching eyes, a dark blue hoodie with fingerless gloves, stone-washed jeans and silver bracelets donning her wrists.

It was Nitora Take, and she did not look in the happiest of moods.

"I've been waiting to get these imports for months and now you tell me I have to wait ANOTHER week!?"

The clerk, a dark-haired man with onyx eyes, raised his hands, trying to calm her down.

"Miss Take, please understand that what you ordered were a very delicate item and the customs-"

"DELICATE!?" She shouted angrily, "It's a pair of FREAKING CYMBALS! How the hell can they classify it as a suspicious item?"

"Miss Take, I will try and contact the manufacturer today and see what's happened. In the meantime, I apologise for what has happened." The clerk

Nitora breathed heavily and folded her arms.

"Fine." She uttered annoyingly, "I'm gonna try again in one week, and you better have them."

As the clerk went back to serving another customer, Nitora turned her head and spotted Ino and Tenten walking toward her.

"Ino and Tenten?" She questioned at the sight of the pair. "What brings you here?"

"Oh, y'know, album shopping…" Ino answered, noting what just happened. "Bad day?"

"I'll say," Nitora huffed, "A pair of cymbals can't even show up on time."

"Cymbals?" Tenten asked, "You're a drummer? You never said anything."

"I didn't. It's on a need to know basis." She smirked. "Basically it's a hobby of mine I do when I feel like letting off some steam."

Ino couldn't help but roll her eyes at the girl's statement.

Great! Is there anyone who isn't a musician? Good lord, I thought I was the only one here with secrets.

"Ino, I…I heard what happened…" Nitora continued, "Is everything alright? I mean, I thought you and Uzumaki looked pretty cute together that day I saw you both-"

"-It's going swell!" Tenten chipped "I've got this awesome plan to get them back together cuz they deserve each other so much and-!"

"Tenten!" Ino hissed, blushing profusely. "Please, I don't need anyone else knowing about this!"

Nitora chuckled. "Ah don't sweat it. I'm not one to blag about anything." She leaned in closer to the two, a mischievous smile seemingly plastered on her face.

"Still though, what is your plan? I'm curious."

"Ugh," Ino droned, rubbing her forehead "Can we please move on? I came here to escape from problems and not be thrown back into them."

Tenten patted her on the back. "Ah don't worry about it." Her eyes then caught the sight of the stage area, part of the shop which had instruments on display that could be tried out before buying.

"Since when did this place have an area where you could practice?"

"Been a while." Nitora commented, "I think they just want to feel like a music store with one of those indie coffee shop vibes."

"Damn, I love those."

Ino shook her head.

Why does it feel like I'm the only normal one here…

Tenten took the stage, picking up a bronze coloured guitar with a dark blemish around the edges. She sat down on a stool, reached for the guitar pick from her pocket and began striking a few chords.

"Tenten, what are you doing?"

"What?" Tenten replied, amused. "It's not like I want to buy it. It's just fun to play." An idea then hit her. "Hey, since we're all here, we have enough for a band. Why don't we all play together?"

Nitora nodded. "Yeah, I like the sound of that. At least I'll forget about the day I've had so far. What music do you play?"

"We're adaptable." Tenten added, "can pretty much play anything, you?"

"Are you kidding me? I can play pretty EVERYTHING. I could even out drum that Inuzuka boy any day of the week."

"You know about Kiba?"

"Who doesn't?" Nitora took sight of a medium white drum kit, to which she walked over and sat behind. "I've heard his style, but he's got nothing on me." She adjusted the height of the cymbals, giving them a strike with a pair of drumsticks.

"Guys," Ino said begrudgingly, "I thought we were-"

"-Ino." Tenten cut her off. "Relax and have some fun. Besides, if you want to do well in that talent show, you've got to get used to playing in front of a crowd. Even if it is a small one."

"You're entering that thing?" Nitora kicked her shoes off, leaving just socks on her feet, placing them on the bass pedals. "Count me out of that. It's called privacy for a reason." A thunderous gun-like sound could be heard from the bass drum as her feet moved in a manic rhythm on the pedals, but then said sound caused her face to pull a look of disgust.

"I swear they never get the sound right on these things…" she grumbled, reaching down to adjust the bass drum slightly.

"Anyhow" Tenten continued, "why don't we give it a shot, whaddya say?"

Ino bit her lip, thinking for a moment.

As much as I didn't want to think about the show, she is right though. Playing in front of a small group of people would be good for me.

"Sure," Ino smiled, "Let's give it a go." She walked over next to Tenten, picked up a small brown bass guitar and began tuning it.

"I only have two questions. One, what do we even play? And two, why do you carry a guitar pick around with you?"

Tenten sniggered. "I've got two things in mind which kind of have 'you' written all over them." She adjusted the tuning keys on her guitar. "And to answer your other question, a friend of mine once said 'always carry a guitar pick with you. You never know when you might end up playing something."

Ino could only respond to her friend with a dumbfounded look.


In the moments that passed, the three girls got comfortable with their respective instruments. While warming up, Tenten suggested the two songs to demonstrate, much to the surprise of the other two.

Ino stood in front of a mic stand, with Tenten positioned on her right and Nitora positioned behind the pair of them.

"Not very spacious is it?" Ino muttered, flicking some of her hair back.

"Ah you get used to it." Tenten replied, "are you ready?"

"Wait, what are we playing again?" The blonde questioned, "is it that pop-punk-screamo one?" She felt herself turn red in shame. "I….I don't know how to do rough vocals…I thought it was more of a guy thing."

Tenten beamed a positive smile. "Ah don't sweat it. I'll take care of that and help you with some of the backing vocals. You just focus on the main parts. It's only for this song, so don't stress too much, okay?"

Ino nodded confidently. She turned her head to Nitora, who nodded in agreement.

"Okay, let's do this."

Tenten began playing a series of riffs, while Nitora began drumming in sync, followed by Ino with a few bass chords.

"Hey, hey, hey!"

With a rhythm finally going, the people in the store had their attention drawn to the stage where the trio began their first song.

"They have to hear me now/'Cause I've got something to say/I can't get lost in the crowd/No it won't end this way." Ino sang poetically

Tenten stepped closer to the mic and began growling the next verse. "Speak up, speak up/Is what they said/You got this girl/Don't lose your head."

Both Ino and Nitora were taken aback at how rough Tenten's vocals were.

"They put so much faith, Into where I stand/ But they don't even know/Who I am."

Since when the heck did she manage to scream like that!? The pair gasped, with Ino started her next verse.

"Who can I expect to be? When they all just sound the same? I believe in what they taught, so why I do still feel so lost?"

Nitora increased her tempo, a fast rhythm across the toms and snare, producing a machine-gun-like tone.

"Is this who I've become?/Am I just another one, Who holds onto Their pride/While I'm Screaming inside?" The duo of Ino and Tenten sang together while playing.

The next verse came with Tenten taking point with the rough vocals. She wasn't much of a screamer, but she didn't mind the challenge. Lending the vocals back to Ino, the blonde whipped hair to one side with a sense of pride.

Since when was playing so damn intense? I feel like I'm on fire!

Tenten started the solo, bobbing her head as she played furiously. A short one, but enjoyable nonetheless.

The brunette and the blonde stood together side by side singing the last part of the song.

"Is this who I've become?/Am I just another one, Who holds onto Their pride/While I'm screaming inside."

A small crowd that had gathered in front of the stage began cheering and applauding at the girls' performance.

Ino herself was feeling bashful, yet pleased with herself that she had managed to play in front of people. Who would've thought she would have had so much fun?

"Nicely done girl," Tenten remarked, nudging her in the arm "You were pretty good."

"Me?" Ino said taken aback by her friend's comment, "Where the hell did you learn to scream like that?"

Tenten held up two fingers. "Two words; Melissa Cross."

Nitora stood up and stretched. "That was awesome. What's next?"

The blonde felt a wave of positivity flow through her like electricity. Was it the adrenaline from the music?

She wasn't sure. All she knew was that she was feeling more alive at this moment than she had done at any point in the last few weeks.

The trio re-tuned their various instruments and began another song with Tenten addressing the crowd.

"This is one is called Face the Rain."

Another song lasting just over three minutes, even had Nitora joining on some vocal harmonies and Ino doing her first-ever bass solo.

"Every time I remember, Hear your voice through the hurricane/Am I falling forever? I don't want to face the rain."

The three girls finished up their song, and they were greeted with thunderous applause.

Damn, we're pretty good. Tenten thought with a smug expression. I only hope the rest of my plan goes well and we can get the same reaction for the show.

In the front row of the crowd, three strangers had stood observing the girls on stage. A male, one with shaggy brown hair, a red t-shirt, blue jeans and sneakers with two girls on either side of him; one a short ginger with a black and white tracksuit top and skirt, the other with blue hair, t-shirt, army jacket, skirt and boots.

"So what do we think? Pretty good right?" The boy commented on the performance.

"All cuz they have a girl drummer, they ain't got nothing on me." The ginger one muttered uninterested.

"Are you jealous, Kim?" The taller one teased.

"No, just not impressed." The other one pouted "Besides Ramona, I thought we came here to shop, not watch a show."

"They're pretty good though you have to admit though," the boy continued, "and quite hot…" he mumbled quietly, his thoughts leading him elsewhere.

"What was that Scott!?" Kim snapped with a death glare.

"Nothing…" He replied in a small voice.

Ramona shrugged "Well, if they're in Toronto next, maybe we should challenge them to a battle of the bands."

"That's if they make it that far," Kim snorted, "Let's get out of here.

As the crowd began to disperse, another man walked to the front of the stage. A tall man with long white hair, wearing a leather jacket, white undershirt, black pants with black studded boots.

"Excuse me, ladies?" He approached them with a polite tone.

Ino looked up from placing the bass guitar down. "Yes?"

The man produced a card from his jacket pocket, handing it over to the trio. "I am the DJ of Leaf-99, Jee-Rai-Ya, also known as King Jay. I was watching your performance and you have me intrigued. I have a friend who's looking for the next big thing, and I think you're it! That was only two songs but you have great stage chemistry!" A grin appeared on his face.

"An all-girl band, what do you say?"

Tenten raised an eyebrow. "Buddy, we're still in high school! As much as that life sounds amazing, we have lives to lead! Besides, it's just a fun little hobby!"

Jay's jaw dropped. "But I see so much potential in you all! At least think about it?"

"Try us again in a few years," Nitora said dismissively. "Also, aren't you the guy who writes those creepy weird adult novels? I know a LOT of people who'd love to get their hands on that material at our school and-"

Jay took another look at her and swallowed a lump in his throat, realising he was biting off more than he could chew. "And on that note, I shall be off." He turned his back to them. "I'll see you around…"

I recognise that girl. Her father used to work at the same publishing house I publish my novels. He sighed disappointedly. I really don't want to get into hot water with her.

Ino and Tenten looked at Nitora utterly gobsmacked.

"What was that about, Tora?" Ino questioned, still confused.

Nitora folded her arms smugly. "Let's just say, if you want to get ahead in life, you got to know a thing or two about certain people, and slowly break them apart from the inside."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side." Tenten groaned.


The three girls left the shop at around 3 pm, all heading their separate ways.

"Thanks, girls, I had a great time," Nitora said hugging each of them.

"Anytime Nitora," Tenten smiled, "Are you sure you won't join us in the show next week? We could use the backup."

"Nah, I'm good." She replied halfheartedly, "but I'll be on the side rootin' for ya." She turned to Ino. "Ino.."

"Hm?"

"Good luck with getting back with Uzumaki." She gave her a wink. "You deserve him."

Ino blushed. "I…er..thanks Nitora."

As Tenten and Ino watched Nitora walk away, the latter turned to her friend with a newfound sense of optimism.

"Thanks Tenten," she began softly, "This day turned out to be better than expected. I feel like I'm ready for anything."

The brunette giggled. "Hey, what are friends for?"

Ino raised an eyebrow. "Joining random impromptu music jams in shops and then being offered an opportunity to go big?"

Both of them laughed a little, before embracing each other in one last hug.

"I'll see you at school on Monday okay?"

"Okay, great, see ya."

The two separated and went their separate ways home. Ino felt like the richest girl on Earth right now, she got her confidence back!

But would it be enough to win back Naruto?

Only time would tell.

FIN


Songs Featured: Who I've Become by The Paramedic & Face The Rain by Eyes Set To Kill

Hey, glad to see you made it to the bottom!

It was fun writing a friendship fic, something I've never done before, so hopefully, I did well.

Okay, so a couple of Easter eggs/references if you didn't get them;

Nitora (Boruto character) first appeared in Chapter 4 of the main story when she first saw Naruto and Ino on their date. I wanted to use her again cuz I thought it would be fun.

Jee-Rai-Ya (Jiraiya) at the end was originally going to appear in the main story but I couldn't fit him in. I thought it would be funny to have him play the part of a maybe-sleazy agent, a minor reference to the movie, Josie and the Pussycats.

The three in the crowd at the end are Ramona, Scott and Kim from Scott Pilgrim Vs The World. Love the music and editing in that film, which in turn itself was a huge influence on LTMDTK (which is ironic, due to Scott Pilgrim being influenced by various manga for its story)

Hope you enjoyed this little bonus, and I'm posting it on the day LTMDTK celebrates its first anniversary! Thank you again to everyone who has shown support and added the story to your favourites, I appreciate it.

If you're new here, please consider having a read of my other works that I've written for Naruto, both in-universe and AU.

Take care and see you soon.