A/N-Quick bit before the good stuff
Her morning felt like a dream. The shower was a divine experience that she couldn't compare to previous showers. She spent most of the time under the showerhead with her eyes closed trying to forget about Sai's tongue between her legs. She spent the other parts twisting at the nozzle, changing its settings—trying out the various water patterns. Nebulizing mist, rain, and power wash were the three she liked most. For fucks sake so many ways to creatively bathe, how could I ever leave? One in particular hosed her right in the face—sending a hot wet blast dead center. It was at this time, she decided maybe she wasn't responsible enough to handle such an advanced shower system. So, after the initial shock, gasp, and wet coughs, followed by blindly fumbling about to cut off the water—she decided to dry off and leave while she still had two eyes.
Once she peeks out of the bathroom door and saw that the coast is clear, she wound a light blue towel around herself (designated for her) and sprints past the living room. She kept an eye out for Beast but hadn't seen any signs of the cat—in the hall, nor perching on top the high peek of its beige condo. The little pussy might've been smart enough to steer clear of her or maybe Sai had just relocated him elsewhere. Either way, it's one less thing that Ino didn't have to adapt to. She was never fond of pets; she didn't get the allure.
A stark contrast from when she was younger, she'd always see stray dogs outside her house—digging through trash bins, trying to scavenge anything they could. They were hungry, dirty, and exhausted. She once spent weeks trying to lure a golden retriever to the backyard, though Noriko always told her not to feed the animals. 'They'll just keep comin' back and then what? Are you going to buy us more food?' Noriko would always say, as if this would dissuade her daughter. Anytime she was left alone, typically when she got home from school, she'd run right into the house—toss back the fridge and warm herself chicken patties wrapped in shiso. Store bought because she and her mom thrived off T.V dinners. Noriko protested nothing more than home cooked meals.
She'd warm up a few for the dog and place it in the fridge to cool down a bit while she scarfed down her own food, sitting in the living room—watching channels her mom had forbid her to watch. Nothing completely scarring, just soap operas that involved a lot of kissing—curses and dramatic betrayal. She never understood it, but she liked watching the exaggerated expressions and seeing the lovely women be beautiful, mean and incredibly pompous. They lived in big houses, wore diamonds, boas, fur, and their husbands were so cavalier—but so sexy. They're so lucky, she'd think, cramming patties down her throat, with her dirty converses up on the table. Then she'd get a glimpse of the dog, stalking around the area.
She'd slide open the back door sneakily, almost holding her breath as she sat the plate down. The dog—with its tongue hanging out it's mouth would simply look from her to the plate. Wordlessly, she'd back up and close the door—though she watched closely from the window. It didn't work the first time, which infuriated her because why would this animal choose to eat out of a trash. Then she thought maybe, he could still see her and felt intimidated, so she'd go back to watching the television, only, the dog didn't come. But that didn't stop her from trying again the next day with leftover boxed curry and rice.
Ino has no idea where that side of her ran off too. She might've lived in a world where animals existed but sometimes, she forgot. She didn't come across many animals; her friends didn't own any pets, but Sai does. And even that was surprising.
The moment she got to the room; her phone rang out its generic pop-tone. She picked it up inquisitively, running her index finger down her damp head of hair.
Shikamaru.
"Um…hey…" she answered, pressing the phone between her ear and shoulder.
"You didn't come home."
Ino furrowed a brow, "Yes dad, am I in trouble?"
He sighs, long, tiring.
"Don't tell me you were up losing sleep over me." Ino teases, noticing a white box—that wasn't on her bed before she showered—now on her bed. What the? Instinctively she twisted around to see if anyone had been in the room, she'd imagine she probably looked hella stupid too—since she was obviously alone.
"Yeah right, actually got the best sleep I've had in years."
"That makes two of us…" Ino replied thoughtlessly, plopping down on the edge of the bed, pulling the box toward us. The faint smell of wafers and sandalwood touched her nose delightfully.
"Be straightforward with me Yams," Shikamaru began, somewhat hesitant—she could hear him shuffling papers. More than likely at his stuffy accounting job. "Are you—are you like—seeing that guy from Kumo again?"
Ino rolled her eyes, too occupied with shaking the box to really take the conversation for what it was. Which was obviously the result of her mother—interfering in her life through by guilt-tripping her best friend. Or whatever the fuck she's does.
"I'm not but even if I were—I can handle myself, Nara. Gods, I knew my mom put you up to this shit—even the taking me in."
"No," Shikamaru insists and then he sighed heavily—cursing under his breath, "Well yeah, she told me about his release—I don't think she deserves your bitterness for being concerned. We all are. Remember what you were like when you got away from him?"
"That was then, this is now. She's just getting you to do her dirty work ya know. She doesn't give a shit about me, she's just pissed that I'm out of her control and I have boundaries."
There's an envelope with her name on it, it's on top of her pillow. The blonde gets on her knees and crawls to obtain it. Her name is written on it, in Sai's neat script. The envelope is merely tucked closed, not licked. She begins opening it.
"That may be true, but her heart is in the right place at least. Where are you now anyway?"
"Oh, that must've slipped my mind. I'm on the corner of, minding my business and up yours avenue. Tell me you're familiar?"
"Mature."
She laughs, "What? Why the hell are you grilling me? I'm alive—I'm not with my former drug dealer slash vindictive ex-boyfriend. You of all people should know, I'm not trying to jump back in bed with that psycho. Anyway, you can report back to my mom that I haven't managed to fuck up and need her yet."
"You know I'm your friend, right? Not your mom's friend?"
Her neck still strained, head still cocked; she noticed a few things within the envelope.
A credit card.
A key dangling off a single ring.
A K-money subway pass.
"Couldn't tell, your head is so far up her ass. I told you, I'm fine."
"Yeah but—you've said that before and then you were at my parents' place, puking in my mom's flowerpot—strung out on shit. Granted, that was years ago but I just wanna make sure you're not just lying to throw me off."
"Of all the things I've lied to you about through the years," she says irritably. "the one time I'm telling the truth you're suspicious."
There was a small sticky note inside the envelop—highlighter yellow.
Ino,
You never officially got back to me, about moving in, so I won't push the matter.
You're free to come and go as you wish; I've left a spare key.
However, should you choose to stay I'd like you to feel welcomed and be surrounded by
whatever will make you feel at home. You can use the card for whatever furniture, electronics or
household comforts you desire. Since you are not yet licensed or have a permit—I went down to the vending machines in the subway to get a K-money pass. The pass doubles as you can also use it for K-money taxi as well. If you'd like to monitor the funds on either the card or the K-money pass I've left information on how you can download their respective apps and keep tabs.
I know this isn't nearly enough to make up for what happened, but I hope it'll be a start. I'd like to take you somewhere tonight if you like. There's something I've been meaning to give you, perhaps you could wear it—should you choose to take me up on my offer tonight.
Enjoy yourself,
Sai
"—did you hear me? Ino?"
"Uh, I've gotta go, stop talking to my mom dumbass. I'll call bac-k."
"Alright."
She hangs up and carelessly tosses the phone over her shoulder. Her stomach felt unsteady as she took the key and cards out of the envelope. 'I know this isn't nearly enough to make up for what happened'. Ino's eyes were as big as saucers, as she sniffled—cold from the shower—and felt back on her ass. She tucked slick wet hair behind her ears and pulled the top off the box to find a red wine dress. Oh, my fucking god, stunning. She pulled it up—off its feathery pedestal. The material was silky and cool to the touch, it's style bodycon with a plunging neckline in the front—backless and strappy in the back.
She couldn't help but to hold it against her cheek. It looked obscenely expensive, and it felt like the velvety petals of a rose.
She knew he had gotten a little bit crazy two weeks ago, but it wasn't like he slugged her or kicked the shit out of her. It didn't warrant this kind of treatment, but she expected nothing less from Sai. He had overpaid her on several occasions before. She wished she was a better woman, a woman with morals who could refuse this kind of pampering but—she couldn't even pretend to be that person. That person was out of her mind. Who would walk away from a sexy ass man, who—by the way—gave them a toe-curling orgasm as an apology? A man who woke up to put a 'care envelope' together for her and leave her the fuck alone in his home.
It just felt unreal. Like a dream—like something bad was in the works for her.
Her phone chimes and she leans back to grab it.
Facebook Notification
Omoi Kawamoto has sent a friend request
She sat there, frozen for a moment too long. This is what happens when her account had been public. She was easy to find but she had never thought she'd have to hide. Even after Omoi was incarcerated, she knew there was a possibility of him getting out and even if he decided to reach out to her—she never felt intimidated about it.
Messenger
Omoi Kawamoto
Please, don't block me. Let's talk, I need to hear your voice.
Ino Yamanaka
You've got some fucking nerve shithole.
Omoi Kawamoto
Temper still intact : )
I see nothing's changed.
Ino Yamanaka
That's where u're wrong.
I'm not some fucking junkie u can slap around whenever u feel like it.
Omoi Kawamoto
Don't be that way baby doll.
The past is the past. I'm a reformed man, who realizes his wrongs.
You'll see.
Ino Yamanaka
No, I won't. I don't want anything to do with u.
Omoi Kawamoto
There's that cynical charm I know and love.
I've missed this. Missed you.
Ino Yamanaka
Goodbye O.
Omoi Kawamoto
It's never goodbye for us doll face.
You can't even begin to imagine what I'd do to get my hands on you.
You can block me online, but you can't escape me in this reality…you won't.
Ino Yamanaka
I'm not scared of u.
Omoi Kawamoto
Never my intent to intimidate you doll face.
I fuckin love you.
I know this because I hated you, for a while.
You betrayed me and I spent a lotta time in there
wanting to get back at you, to teach you a lesson.
But here I am today, free and all I want to do is see you. Peacefully.
I want to make love to you, I want to be the man you wanted me to be.
Your best friend, your provider.
Ino Yamanaka
Ur fucking batshit…
Omoi Kawamoto
Lol don't act so surprised.
You make me this way and besides why deny it.
A little birdie told me, you haven't settled down.
Not from lack of trying I hear.
I think you miss me just as much.
I bet it makes you wet, knowing that I want you.
And you know, no other man on this planet will ever want you like I do.
It's kismet, doll face.
You and I, we'll see one another again. Soon.
I promise baby.
She blocks him. Shortly after, she disables the location on her cellphone. Though something in the back of her mind felt that wasn't any safer. She swallows hard, placing the dress back into its box—and rushing to put back on the dress she had worn last night.
