A bright beam of morning sunshine peeked through the open curtains, warming her face and causing her to stir. Looking around, she noticed she was sprawled out across the couch in the tea room, with no sign of anyone else. Assuming she was likely the first to pass out, the others were probably able to make it to the spare beds in the guest wing. Removing the empty bottle of champagne from her lap and sitting up, she stretched her arms high over her head, twisting out the slight knots in her spine and neck.
Through the quiet stillness of the empty room, she could clearly hear the chirping of the morning birds outside. Jealous of their chipper demeanor, she stood and followed her feet down the main corridor towards the kitchen in search of caffeine. After tying the belt of her robe tighter around her waist, Ino ran a finger through her long blonde locks, having lost her hair tie sometime during the night. Taming the mass of unruly curls from her still-damp bedhead, she pulled her hair over her left shoulder, tucking a bit behind her ear as she rummaged through the kitchen cabinets, looking for coffee.
Once she got the carafe going, she perched herself upon a stool at the breakfast bar, waiting for the sweet sound of boiling water. Lost in the fuzzy space between being asleep and being awake, she patiently waited for a cup of hot coffee, scenes of last night flooding her memory.
The latter part of the evening with the girls went rather smoothly, and proved to be the perfect distraction from her current conundrum with a particular man. They listened to music while enjoying a swim under the stars, and eventually made their way back inside to finish off a few more bottles of champagne while watching cheesy romantic comedies. It's not that she disliked them, most were pretty funny, but she just couldn't understand why they always ended the same way.
In the real world, there was no happy ending guarantee, but her friends seemed to eat it up. So many nice girls meeting nice guys and falling in love, complete with all the trappings of romance: flowers, gifts, and perfect sex. She had been with enough men to know those movies were a joke. A cash grab to make people think this generic formula was normal and highly attainable. Jaded by reality, she just wasn't sold on it anymore. If the heated moment in the pool house told her anything, it was that maybe she needed something... different.
Through no fault of her own, she had gained a glimpse into his most private of thoughts. As sinfully delicious as they were, it still surprised her. Of course she, the avid dater, enjoyed male attention, but she had never experienced anything quite like this before. His intensity, his domineering nature, the way he had utter control over her... it was such a new feeling. One she wanted to explore.
But her pride wouldn't allow him such an easy victory. She wanted to tease him, push his buttons, just to get a rise out of him. Unfortunately, Neji proved difficult to read. More often than not, he and his actions were completely unpredictable, which would inevitably leave her at the mercy of the fickle man's desires. Perhaps she should listen to her body and give in to the unknown. She wasn't sure what she'd find going down this path, but she felt ready.
Lifting her nose to inhale the enticing aroma of the freshly made coffee, she was coaxed out of her stupor and into the immediate realization that she was no longer the only one in the kitchen. Rubbing her blurry eyes, she noticed Neji standing in front of her on the other side of the bar, preparing his own beverage of choice. Soundlessly, she watched as he continued to peel and cut fruit for his smoothie in complete silence. He moved around the kitchen freely, unbothered by her presence, never once offering a glance in her direction. Not allowing herself to become annoyed by this, she chose to give him something to look at instead.
Sloughing off the shoulders of her robe, Ino generously adjusted her breasts inside the bikini top she was still wearing, leaning over the counter with folded arms as she watched him closely for any sort of reaction. It was hopeless though, no matter how hard she tried to get his attention, he wouldn't bite. It was hard to swallow his current actions after what he pulled last night. It made no sense why he would go out of his way to ignore her when it was just the two of them.
"Good morning, all!" Tenten announced over the whirl of the blender.
Ah. Good call, Neji.
"Good morning" the drowsy blonde offered absentmindedly, chewing on her bottom lip, lost in thought.
"Hn," Neji grumbled, stuffing an apple into his mouth as he collected his smoothie and left the room.
"He's such a Grumpy Gus in the mornings," Tenten confessed, grabbing coffee mugs from the cabinet for everyone.
"Wait, what?" Ino probed, her head snapping around to face Tenten.
How the hell does she know? Don't tell me they...
"Neji. He's not a morning person. He's even grumpier on missions, too."
"Oh, right. Because you're teammates..."
"Yeah, you probably shouldn't have had that much alcohol last night. How's your head? You feeling okay, Ino-chan?"
"Of course, silly. Why wouldn't I be?" she laughed nervously.
"Ok, weirdo. Don't go getting all loopy on us again."
"Who's got the loopies?" Sakura yawned, following her nose towards the coffee pot.
"Nobody, Forehead!" Ino lectured, getting up from her stool to pour everyone some coffee. "You guys worry too much, I'm fine."
"You seem distracted, is all," Tenten finalized, holding both hands in the air defensively.
"Yeah, I guess... but getting clocked in the head and almost drowning can do that to a person."
"Ok, Ino-pig. If you say you're fine, we believe you. But if you start feeling weird again, you gotta let us know. Okay?" Sakura leveled, pointing a finger at her in all the seriousness she could muster this early in the morning.
"Fair enough," the reluctant blonde agreed, taking a sip from her steaming cup.
She faded in and out of that morning's conversation, her thoughts always returning to a particular person. She found herself fixated on him for some reason. She had been teased and toyed with, only to then be ignored. But, what was she doing even thinking about such pointless drivel? If any other guy had treated her the same way, she wouldn't waste her time thinking about them, that was certain. But here she was, thinking about him.
She needed answers.
Placing her empty mug in the sink, she excused herself, desperately needing a walk to clear her mind. She followed the corridor back to the tea room, pulled on her shoes, and exited the building through the patio doors. Disappearing through the trees in the backyard, Ino wandered aimlessly in thought. Once the forest thinned, she found a natural trail and followed it through the Hyuga's elaborate garden.
For someone who'd spent most of her life tending to plants and working at the floral shop, she was quite impressed with the variety she found herself surrounded by. It surprised her just how many rare specimens they had, and in such large quantities, too. To say that their garden was immaculate, was an understatement. It was clear to her that whomever tended to these gardens, not only did a great job, but cared for it like a labor of love. Each bud, flower, petal, and stem was pristine. She had never seen anything like it, and took her time appreciating each one as she walked curiously through the highly curated garden.
Awestruck, she let her sandaled feet guide her through seemingly endless miles of flowers, archways, fountains and topiaries, before coming to an abrupt halt once she spotted a sitting figure on the gazebo up ahead. It was a large stone structure that overlooked the small pond at the edge of their property, and was partially covered by the towering overgrowth of wild rose bushes that twisted their way up its columns, all but consuming the structure.
There among the thorns, sat her tormentor, with all the poise and grace expected of an heir to a noble family. She approached heavy footed and hellbent on confronting the bastard, but as she came to stand in front of him, his eyes remained shut. She knew he could sense her, but he refused to acknowledge her presence. Sighing, she crossed her arms over her chest, and refused to speak until he acknowledged her. After that didn't work, she resorted to her own bag of tricks, making the seal for a mind transfer jutsu as a voice cut through the silence before she could finish.
"What?" Neji huffed, eyes still shut, but twitching with irritation.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm trying to meditate. It helps calm the body. You should try it, you seem... tense," he smirked knowingly.
"Enough bullshit, Neji. Tell me what the hell you want from me."
"You have such a foul mouth. Would you like to know what I'd do to that dirty mouth of yours?"
"D-Don't try to distract me! Answer the question."
"You talk too much."
"So? What are you going to do about it?"
As his eyes finally opened, Ino realized that was probably not the best comeback she could muster, and regret immediately shot through her as he stood and walked towards her. Towering over her now, he remained unfazed, silently weighing his options. Growing uneasy beneath his gaze, she began to fidget, unsure of what would happen next.
"I'll tell you what I'd like to do about it, but first, you must answer my question. Why are you here?"
"I was just out for a walk. I'm not stalking you or anything," she admitted, not at all comfortable with how he was looking at her now.
"But why are you here... standing in front of me... asking about last night?"
"I just... I mean..."
"Look, if you don't know why, then you shouldn't be here," Neji admonished, folding his arms over his chest.
"I wanted to know!"
"Wanted to know what?" he urged, his pale eyes gazing at her pointedly.
"I wanted to know what last night was about."
"I thought I made my intentions rather clear," he admitted, pushing a stray curl out of her pouting face.
"So, you do want me?"
"After last night... after being inside my head... you're still in disbelief? Don't be so dense."
"I'm allowed to be skeptical. Especially since you've never shown any interest in me up until yesterday."
"I've showed you what I want. You either want it, or you don't. Until you figure out which it is, I suggest you leave."
"Why are you so damn confusing? You act like you want me, but you've ignored me all day. What do you really want?"
"I want you to be quiet and listen to me very carefully," he commanded softly, extending a single finger to lift her chin up to face him, amused at the blush spreading across her face.
"We are not compatible in any way, in fact, you down right irritate me. Yet, I still find myself wanting you."
Seeing the slight wrinkle in her forehead, he could tell she was still confused. After a brief sigh, he continued in his matter-of-fact tone, eyes lingering on her pouty lips as he spoke.
"Don't misunderstand me, Yamanaka, there can be no attachments. We aren't a couple. This won't be a relationship. There won't be any dates. And, you are not to breathe a word about it to anyone. I'm a Hyuga, there are rules I must follow."
"You can't be serious?" Ino scoffed, shaking her head in astonishment.
"I'm quite serious."
"So, what? I'm just supposed to be okay with being your dirty little secret?"
"I wouldn't put it so crassly, but yes."
"Okay, so let's say I go along with this deal of yours... what's in it for me? It all seems fairly one-sided."
"You'll get me, and I, you. You will be mine, and mine alone. It will then be your responsibility to satisfy me. Rest assured, satisfaction will be a two way street."
"Well, you've certainly given me a lot to think about," she asserted sardonically, words dripping with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes and turned to leave.
Feeling a firm grip on her arm, she looked back, suppressing the urge to kick him right in the throat for even thinking she'd be okay with such a proposition. The anger she felt welling up inside her soon settled once she took in his honest features. Neji seemed so genuine... hopeful, even. It all seemed so very unlike him, as if she was stealing a glimpse at what he tried so desperately to hide from the eyes of others. It made her feel... special. As if watching a lotus bloom, she was beginning to see the many layers that this man possessed, wondering if she would be so lucky to see each one.
Perhaps she could keep this one secret all to herself.
"I hope you do think about it. I look forward to your answer... among other things."
Before she could continue their discussion, Ino picked up on an approaching chakra signature. The familiar flame of energy was quickly approaching the gazebo. Looking through the obstructions of the garden behind them, she couldn't make them out, but knew they would appear soon.
"I better get going," she stated nervously, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"You know where to find me," the taciturn man nodded, picking up on the imminent arrival of another.
Walking back through the gardens, she smiled as she caught sight of Hinata sprinting in her direction. She appreciated the concern, but damn, that girl worried too much. It was adorable and heart warming the way Hinata seemed to be the mother in the group, always looking after everyone and making them feel comfortable. If only she could help herself in that way...
"Ino-chan!" she called, nearly tackling the blonde in a crippling hug.
"H-hinata... I can't... breathe," Ino gasped, patting her friend on the back.
"Oh, s-sorry," she laughed nervously, "I was just so worried when you disappeared. We're supposed to stay with you, and then we couldn't find you."
"It's okay," she soothed as they fell into step beside each other. "I'm sorry I worried you. I just needed to clear my head."
"At least you were with Neji-nissan," Hinata comforted, locking their arms together. "What were you guys talking about?"
"Oh, that? Neji just wanted to, erm, apologize."
"Really?" she posited, never knowing her cousin to apologize to anyone.
"Yeah, I was out walking and we bumped into each other. He said he was sorry for yesterday's training accident. I guess he felt bad about it, or something."
She didn't feel great about lying to her friend, but Ino had to admit, she was rather good at thinking on her feet. She couldn't exactly deny speaking with Neji, not when Hinata had obviously seen them, no doubt using her Byakugan during her search efforts. But for the time being, this was a good enough cover for their brief gazebo interaction. Part of her wanted to look back, wanted to know if his eyes still followed her as she felt a niggle in her chest. Ino wasn't sure why she felt compelled to be around him all of a sudden, she could only hope that she would soon see him again.
"How does that sound, Ino-chan?" Hinata asked, oblivious to the fact that her friend had zoned out and didn't hear a single word she had said.
"Huh? Oh yeah, sounds good," Ino agreed blindly, feeling terrible about tuning out and thinking about a certain someone who was plaguing her every thought.
"Great! I guess we'll meet up with everyone for dinner after your check-up with Tsunade-sama. It'll be nice to see everyone, don't you think?"
"Everyone, huh?" Ino pried, perceptive enough to know who Hinata was referring to. "Will Naruto be joining us as well?"
At the mere mentioning of his name, the voluptuous indigo-haired woman was transformed into a blushing, stuttering, ball of nerves. Her pointer fingers tapped anxiously against each other as she thought about the orange-clad loudmouth that had stolen her heart all those years ago. As if thrown into a daze of her own, Ino's words were lost on her, at least until she felt an elbow gently prod against her ribs, causing her to leave the dreamy stupor she found herself in.
"Why don't you just tell him how you feel, Hinata?"
"I might... one day," she gulped, staring at her feet.
"Just be confidant," Ino encouraged, "He'd be stupid to ignore such a kind and pretty woman like you."
"Naruto-kun isn't stupid."
"Exactly, Hina-chan," she smiled, knowing the love birds just needed a generous push in the right direction.
"It's not so easy," Hinata confessed, "Telling someone how you feel takes courage. That, I think I can muster one day, but what if he doesn't feel the same way? I couldn't take it. I would die from embarrassment. I just couldn't imagine my life without him."
As she let Hinata's words wash over her, Ino felt a tug on her heartstrings. Those two were clearly meant for each other, and she hoped Naruto would receive the wake up call that has been a long time coming. If only he could see how she felt, perhaps that would be all it took to give her dear friend the happily ever after she deserved. Sure, it didn't happen very often, but when two people who are so clearly meant for each other dance around their feelings, it made her want to help see it through for them.
Naruto was helplessly caught up in being the recent village hero, after all, it had only been a year since the war ended. Upon their return to Konoha, suddenly everyone was Naruto's number one fan. He was, far and away, the most popular person in town now because of his heroism. It was easy to understand Hinata's trepidation about getting close enough to him to make her feelings known. Hell, she'd have to take a number at this point before she got a chance to speak to him with the crowd that constantly followed him around these days.
She wasn't sure how, but by the time they reached the Hyuga estate, Ino knew she would help her friend convey the feelings she had been harboring all this time. Tonight, the gang would be going out for dinner, and she was hell-bent on creating an opportunity for them to connect. Hinata had done so much for her, it was the least she could do to try and repay her for always being there for her. Ino wanted to see someone get their happy ending, after all, Hinata had defended and loved Naruto when no one else would. If anyone deserved the fairy tale ending, it was her.
Mentally cheering herself on, she gathered her belongings from the tea room and readied herself to leave. If she was going to try and pull this off tonight, she'd need some help. Since Tenten had already left to track down and invite Rock Lee to dinner, Ino promised Hinata that Sakura would take her home. Initially she had refused the chaperone for the short distance it was back to her place, but she could see the worry in her face, and accepted, not wanting to be troublesome. She detested this babysitting nonsense, but orders from the Hokage were just that, orders. At least the added time with Sakura would play to her advantage, giving Ino ample time to relay her plan for this evening.
Between the two of them, they would see to it that Hinata had an opportunity to bond with the object of her affection. With Sakura being one of Naruto's best friends, she was sure to help steer the oblivious kyuubi container in the right direction. Having grown closer to Hinata in the last year, Ino would also do her part to plant the seeds of love and courage. With any luck, they would soon be able to see that seed grow and bear fruit.