Sasuke took a drag from his cigarette while standing outside the hospital entrance waiting for Sakura to finally get done with her small shift.
Thinking about how today had gone from bad to worse within a few hours had Sasuke groaning with annoyance. Waking up with a slight headache was nothing compared to seeing Sakura act completely closed off and ignoring him like a child. The thought had Sasuke throwing his cigarette down while stomping it out.
Automatic doors slid open as the pink haired woman herself walked outside and towards the car without so much as a glance at Sasuke.
Sakura knew she was acting small but she didn't care. Last night after sheading more tears than necessary she came to the conclusion that if Sasuke was going to be cold than so would she.
Tension rode the air between the couple as Sasuke maneuvered the BMW through highway traffic. Both knew that acting so distant was wrong, but both also had their own different reason as to why.
Sasuke pulled to a stop in front of the apartment building letting the door man open Sakura's door.
"I have business to take care of. Don't wait up." Sasuke glared out the windshield keeping his voice as calm as possible.
Sakura replied with a bored reply, "Wasn't planning too."
Sasuke gripped the steering wheel harder, he hated this game of wills but it was out of his hands.
Work had to come before own desire.
Sakura stepped from the car without a backwards glance, her heels clicked against cement towards the building while just below the surface anger burned.
Four Hours Later
Sakura sat on a couch reading medical files she had carried home after her meeting. Hearing the door open Sakura resisted the urge to look at Sasuke as he stepped inside hanging his black blazer.
"Thought you weren't going to wait up Sakura."
"I have a job to do just like you Sasuke, only difference is I don't have the luxury to leave it at work." Sakura snapped back her retort without lifting her eyes from a report.
Sasuke once again hated the new trail they had taken, but kept telling himself it was best.
"Just so you know you are a shitty fake boyfriend. I don't know what happened or what I did to you last night but I hope this makes you happy." Sakura finally glared up at dark eyes.
Silence echoed though the room.
Sakura shot up from the couch with her files and walked toward the bedroom.
"You didn't do anything."
"Then why?"
"Sakura it's my job to keep you safe-"
Sakura pushed out a broken laugh, "Yea Sasuke I'm your job. God forbid we actually enjoy each other's company or that you act human."
Sasuke stood silent avoiding her gaze.
Sakura shook her head, "I feel bad for you Sasuke. You felt, no, you feel something yet you stand there using your job as an excuse to push people away. To push me away."
"I can't afford to make a mistake."
"So that it. I'm a mistake." Sakura felt blindsided. "Well fine then Sasuke. I'll play my part like a good child and let you be. Foolish of me to even believe we could push past this being about business or that we could be friends." Or more Sakura added silently in her mind.
Sasuke remained silent not trusting his mind and mouth to lie and say it was better to act their parts in public and stay strangers under the same roof. Honestly he wanted to ignore the rules and take what he wanted and had at some point mentally claimed.
Sakura brushed past him whispering a few last words, "Those guardian rules control your life Sasuke and I pity your lack of freedom."
Sasuke tensed at the poisonous truth she spoke.
Days had crawled by as the two painted on smiles for the outside world that had become fascinated by the new famous couple, while in private they separated themselves to different rooms.
Sakura had stopped going to the hospital for fear of the press mobbing her, while Sasuke had taken more time up at the office to further distant himself from temptation that was Sakura. Naruto had to take up more of Sasuke's guard shifts making the blonde more curious at the void growing between the two. Returning to the apartment was the only time Sasuke would breathe the same air as Sakura and the thought had him gritting teeth.
Sakura stood in front of a dressing room mirror at Hinata's store looking at herself letting her mind wander to Sasuke and how the further he tried to drift the more she wanted to be near him.
"Sakura how does the dress fit? I sent Naruto on lunch run you can come out."
Stepping from the dressing room Sakura watched Hinata smile at her.
"It looks great on you."
Hinata had created a beautiful floor length royal purple strapless dress with an open back with a slit up her thigh showcasing her long toned legs.
"Hold still." Hinata grabbed a few hair pins before quickly pinning pink locks into a loose bun with random strands framing her face.
"There, you look perfect like a queen." Hinata smiled sweetly as Sakura took in her appearance as Naruto came rummaging in.
"Oi I bought some ramen I hope miso-Whoa Sakura you look awesome!" Naruto gawked at the transformed woman.
"Just the makeup and we will have you on your way."
Sakura felt her heart thunder in her chest this was the first time she would endure the press not only for the first official time but without Sasuke. He had said he'd be with her through this chaos and yet she sat in the limo alone. Bile rose in her throat as she thought back on her recent meeting with her father.
Sakura sat in front of her father's desk as he finished up a call, Naruto stood by the doors stoic like the first time but without Sasuke at his flank.
"Well child it seems you are more civil this time."
Sakura bit her tongue to hold in her smart retort.
"Tomorrow you will attend the speech at my side and smile for the cameras. I understand Sasuke has moved into his role as VP, it's a shame to know my shameful offspring can run away one of the best agents I have. Since he won't be attending or working as a guard I have ordered that tomorrow evening you move into my household and continue with our agreement. Remember your place tomorrow. Because of you I have suffered enough a loss, Sasuke was the best and your connection with him was a disgrace. Thinking you could charm him and look what happened he ran away, you are to be alone Sakura no one will ever actually care for you. You may have my genes but just think people only see you as MY child. Nothing more."
Sakura swallowed hard. Sasuke had been her small salvation but now that he had all but left her behind she had to face the brutal reality. After tonight she would be damned to a life controlled by her father, she knew he would rip away all freedoms and it was ultimately her own doing. "If I hadn't tried to be more than just a client for Sasuke to watch over maybe it would be different….Maybe he wouldn't have ran to the company. I'm such a fool." Sakura blinked back burning bears as the limo slowed to a stop.
The yelling of a crowd drew her attention. Outside, past her metal barrier people blurred together with flashing lights along a red carpet leading the Minister's house where the speech dinner would commence. Taking a deep breath a valet opened her door taking away her only shield against the impending future.
A hand came into her line of view and Sakura looked up to see the owner and felt the air rush from her lungs. Standing in a black suit and purple tie matching her dress Sasuke stared steadily at her.
"You look beautiful Ms. Haruno, let me help you from the limo."
Sasuke's voice was low but still heard above the roaring crowd, the sound sent heat running through Sakura's veins like it always did.
Placing her small hand into his large calloused one Sakura let herself be numbly pulled into his side. Sasuke rested a hand against her exposed middle back and the contact had her skin ablaze and adrenaline running rampant.
Finding her voice, "I thought you weren't coming. I thought you were done with-"
"Sakura, I made you a promise I intended to keep. Besides I wasn't about to let him touch you ever again."
"But you left. Sasuke I'm moving out, I have to." Sakura spoke the words as tears stung her eyes once again, saying the words made the pain too real.
"If I told you everything your father said yesterday was a lie what would you say?" Sasuke peeked down at Sakura as they stopped to pose for a few moments before moving a few feet.
"I would ask what you meant."
"The Prime Minister was too quick to check off my absence for my new VP position and believed it permanent. However, I will be taking back my guard position from Naruto as of right now. You are my responsibility and I intend to take care of you and keep my word."
Sakura was truly smiling as Sasuke spoke but it suddenly died and she pulled from his hold. Grabbing her dress Sakura ran up the stairs inside the Prime Minister's mansion leaving Sasuke and the press confused.
Sakura gripped the bathroom marble sink as the world swam, Sasuke was back but still saw her only an objective. "You may have my genes but just think people only see you as MY child. Nothing more." Sakura let the words float in her mind acknowledging his truth. She was nothing and no one, yet she had held onto the possibility that Sasuke actually cared. That he might have seen past her blood connection.
Standing in the bathroom a while longer Sakura looked at her own reflection and for the first time saw the daughter of a Prime Minister. A woman doomed to hide behind a looming shadow of lies, never knowing a real life or love.
"I hope you realize the mirror will never talk back." Sasuke stood against the door looking rather bored as he played with his tie as he continued to speak, "I didn't mean to just walk off by the way. I had to deal with the company, but Naruto told me your recent change over the last few weeks of my absence."
Sakura remained quiet and Sasuke continued once more, "My intentions are not to hurt you Sakura, but I don't want my own desire fogging my judgment when it comes to your wellbeing."
"Then you shouldn't have shut me out and left me, because you did what you tried preventing." Sakura let tears come to her eyes freely no longer caring if her makeup smeared.
"I know and…I am sorry Sakura for everything. Let me be your guard first then once this is all over let me try again, to be the man you need. Right now don't ask me to do more."
Sakura stared at Sasuke while wiping her eyes. "I never did Sasuke. All I've ever wanted was to live a happy life and since this began it has been nothing but cruel hell, but you have made this tolerable Sasuke. If all I am is a job to you than once it's over there won't be anything thing else, because you'll leave after the novelty of the Prime Minister's daughter wears off." Sakura spat her words finally releasing bent up emotions.
Hate towards her father, frustration with Sasuke, stress from the press it all came venting out.
Sasuke stood still watching as Sakura paced and vented.
Sakura clenched her hands hard feeling her acrylic nails bite into skin as she paced between a stall and the sink. A warm hand finally grabbed her forearm stopping her before she was pulled flush against smoldering heat and fine material.
Sasuke wrapped his arms around Sakura's waist and felt her stiffen momentarily before gripping onto his jacket.
Sasuke inhaled the scent of vanilla and something uniquely Sakura, it had been weeks since he had taken in her scent and it calmed him.
Sakura was too being calmed by the smell of fresh rain that Sasuke always carried.
"I would love the change to dance with you, when you're ready." Sasuke's voice broke the silence in the bathroom.
Unwrapping her grip Sakura nodded at the idea, she yearned for the contact.
Sakura let Sasuke lead her through the mansion to the ballroom where people from the high society roamed around talking or dancing, enjoying the evening in expensive gowns and riches.
A few members of the press milled around taking an occasional picture or statement.
"Sasuke, wait I've never danced." Sakura felt blood rush to her cheeks from embarrassment.
"Well then this is the opportune time to learn. Come, follow my lead." Sasuke pulled Sakura into the throng of people as the orchestra transitioned into a slow waltz.
Sasuke clasped Sakura's hand while his other wrapped to her open back pulling her flush against his body. Moving fluidly Sasuke moved Sakura with the rhythm until she seemed to catch on.
"For your first time, you catch on quickly."
"I'm a fast learner. Besides I have a good teacher." Sakura spoke while boldly looking at Sasuke as her face tinged red again.
Sasuke smiled genuinely at Sakura looking straight into green eyes that seemed darker with makeup.
"I think this is the first time you've ever had heels high enough to look directly at me." Sasuke laughed at his discovery.
"I think you might be right." Sakura laughed with him as the song ended and all the dancing couples applauded.
Walking to a table Sakura finally took in the massive ballroom.
Four white marble columns veined with gold towered over the guests. A large crystal chandelier hung above the center of the dance floor casting a soft light that glinted off the silver and gold center pieces.
A stage was set at the far end of the room with the band seated and a lone podium.
It was something from another time, such elegance had Sakura in awe.
"It isn't attractive to have your mouth hanging open." Sasuke leaned back in his chair as Sakura snapped her lips shut.
"Go bald Sasuke." Sakura shot back a retort before laughing at Sasuke as he stared in astonished confusion.
A clinking of glass brought the attention of the ballroom towards the stage as Sakura's father walked to the microphone. Feeling her stomach sink Sakura dreaded what was to come.
"Good evening everyone. Thank you for coming to join me on this evening of celebration for not only friends, but family as well. As of late gossip has been abuzz in the community like always. Which is something that we can always count on." A small laugh filled the room from the stale joke before the Minister continued. "I have recently taken into campaign for the next higher roll in our government and would like to thank tonight my many sponsors. I would also like to take a moment to announce two special guests tonight that have recently come into my life. Firstly, I want to welcome my new leading profiteer sponsor who has generously shared with me not only his fortune but a possible role in my future family."
Sasuke gave Sakura a cocky smile as he stood with her hand in his. He knew the Minister was choking on those words as he tried sounding civil, but it felt great knowing what power her truly held over the bastard now. After what he did to Sakura Sasuke felt it was only fair.
"Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome Sasuke Uchiha of Uchiha Incorporated, one of the largest companies in the world of business. Also welcome my recently recovered daughter, Sakura. I have spent years looking for her after our untimely separation and am so glad to have her with me once more."
The crowd gave a thunderous applause as Sasuke and Sasuke weaved among the tables to the stage. Cameras flashed and clicked as Sasuke shook hands with the minister and Sakura kept close to his back.
"These two as you all have heard I'm sure, have become very close and will one day possibly carry out a strong family of their own." The crowd gave another loud applause of approval at the Minister's words.
Sakura's father spoke lowly through a fake smile to his daughter, "Come here now. Stand next to me and give the camera a hug photo."
As the Minister went to grab Sakura's arm Sasuke placed himself between them glaring black ice stooping the attempts.
"Touch her and remember what happens to you precious positon in government."
Sasuke spoke his words with finality as he pulled Sakura off the stage, fear stole away the Minister's fake smile briefly morphing it to hate.
Stepping from the stage Sasuke moved back to the table with Sakura at his heels, "Sasuke what did you mean?"
"Nothing you need to worry over." Sasuke's reply had Sakura even more curious about the exchange.
More people were introduced and time trickled by before the crowd was once again dancing and having a good time.
Sasuke lazily sipped his scotch as Sakura continued to analyze Sasuke's comment earlier.
"It's really going to kill you to not know isn't it? If I explain will you stop worrying your lip? It's rather distracting." Sasuke spoke while watching a woman slap a drunk man for groping her dress.
Sakura stilled eagerly looking at Sasuke.
"Now that I hold VP position my brother has basically shared his CEO responsibility along with all the pull that comes with it. Uchiha Inc. is the largest company in Konoha making it the most profitable, so using that power and influence I have all but taken over the Minister's campaign. I am his number one funder as well as a looming power over his smaller sponsors because my company has partnerships with all of them. He knows if he wrongs me in anyway all his work will fall in a matter of hours, I will threaten a collapse of other companies if they don't bend at my will or leave his aide. Fear will do my work."
Sasuke spoke with a flat voice and Sakura's eyes grew at the knowledge.
"Sasuke that's blackmail you can't-"
"And why not? Sakura the world of politics is nothing but business which is now my domain partially. Blackmail, sabotage, bribery it all runs the world. Besides he's getting what he deserves. It's time someone held something over his head." Sasuke spoke the last sentence quietly.
He was again breaking rule number one, but he really didn't care. He was doing this for her as a VP and he be damned if he let the opportunity slip. The minister deserved whatever came.
As Sasuke finished his small speech The Minister came over practically riddled with tension riding his body.
"Mr. Uchiha good evening sir, my I have a word with you out in the hall?" The Minister's voice was tight as hands clenched at the sides. Sasuke smirked before replying, "Well if it isn't Kizashi himself. We were just talking about you."
Sakura stared wide eyed as Sasuke coolly stared into murderous brown eyes.
"Doesn't he see how pissed he is? And Sasuke said his name so casually, he's practically taunting the Minister." Sakura's thoughts raced as tension flared to cellular levels from her father and Sasuke remained completely bored, leaned back in his chair comfortably.
"Now Kizashi you wouldn't want your guests to suspect something is wrong so do settle down. People are beginning to stare." Sasuke let his smirk freely show at Kizashi's attempt to regain composure. "I wouldn't need to worry about staring if you would accompany me to another room."
"Fine, but Sakura is my date and I don't intend to leave her alone she will join. Right dear?"
Sasuke coolly eyed Sakura who was blinking fast to catch up.
"Um, sure?" Sakura keenly peeked at her father who prickled with annoyance while he stopped out past the ballroom.
"Your father by the way believes we are truly dating because of the media, it's has fooled him like everyone else."
Sakura stumbled at the news but Sasuke quickly steadied her.
"Are you kidding?"
Sasuke shook his head as he led Sakura into an office adjacent to the ballroom.
The room was lined with high book shelves, one large glass window let the full moon cast shadows into the dark room.
A moment later lights flickered on bathing everything in a soft light.
Sasuke pulled out a chair from the nearby desk and let Sakura sit, she was grateful because the heels were beginning to kill her feet.
"Well Kizashi we are gathered, what could be so important we had to vacate the other guests." Sasuke spoke with a stoic tone while running his fingers along the massive oak desk and leaning against it.
Sakura knitted her hands in her lap, the tension from her father was suffocating yet barley bothered Sasuke. If he kept poking the bear so to speak Sakura was fearful for the outcome.
"Do you have any idea what you did? Making your snide comment was heard by a few of my close people, they have been asking questions because of your stunt. How dare you threaten me with my campaign! You have no right!"
"Contrary to popular belief I do Kizashi. And you know it. As the most profitable sponsor both financially and press wise I have every right to remind you who actually controls how well you survive in this campaign." Sasuke's voice was low yet held enough malice to stun Kizashi into boiling silence.
"You take over my campaign because of that bitch!" Kizashi pointed a meaty finger at Sakura making her flinch, Sasuke saw her movement and flipped into guardian mode with a blink of an eye.
Before Kizashi could swallow Sasuke was up in his face snarling while gripping his shirt front, "If you ever touch her again I will fucking end you!"
Sasuke threat echoed through the room as his true motives surfaced.
Sakura and Kizashi were stunned staring wide eyed at Sasuke.
"That's your game then Uchiha." Kizashi spit his words with fury.
Sasuke continued to glare into brown empty eyes, "Don't act stupid Kizashi it unbecoming of you, besides you always knew."
"Sasuke?" Sakura's voice was weak as she called to him standing up on numb legs.
Hearing Sakura speak had Kizashi spiral into renewed rage, "You fucking bitch!"
Sasuke was still holding onto Kizashi and as he moved to get around him, Sasuke lifted Kizashi off his feet and slammed him on top the oak desk.
The force of the blow winded Kizashi and splintered the desk top, "I warned you once Kizashi touch her again and I will end you." Sasuke finally released the man's shirt and backed away letting him catch air.
Sakura was in awed fear by Sasuke's strength.
Sasuke held a stoic mask in place while below the surface he raged, walking out of the room Sasuke slammed the double doors open wide with Sakura following behind slowly.
The dancing crowd in the ballroom seemed to freeze as the Uchiha heir emanated a frigid atmosphere.
Sakura latched onto her small bravery and gripped Sasuke's blazer from behind halting him.
The entire room zeroed in on the couple waiting with baited breath.
"Why?" Her voice was low but echoed in the new silence.
"He gets what he deserves. After everything he has done Sakura I wanted him to feel fear for once like you have."
"Why though do this for me Sasuke? I thought I didn't mean anything to you, I am just a job! I can't ask you to do this Sasuke."
"You never did Sakura. I did this on my own accord. Yes, I did this for you but it was my choice. I do care Sakura more than I can express but I have to protect you first."
"I never asked for protection, because I don't need it. What I need is-"
Sasuke quickly cut off Sakura's words with a growl, "Something I won't risk giving to you. Your life means more than my own desire Sakura." Sasuke turned to his charge watching as hot tears made their way down porcelain skin because of him once again.
"Dammit Sakura don't you get it? I can't risk my judgment endangering your life." Sasuke's voice was pleading, wanting her to understand his choice.
Sakura bit her lip as tears continued and turned to run from the ballroom. She needed space, needed to have space from her crazy life.
Sasuke swore silently as he watched her retreating back, heels echoed in the large hallway before the sound of a door opening and rain filled the still ballroom.
Sakura pushed past the blinding lights of cameras and people. Rain poured onto her quickly making the expensive dress a second skin, hair fell into her eyes as she threw off high heeled shoes and ran.
People continued to crowd her as she finally pushed past the last of the crowd and let her feet slap against wet pavement running to nowhere in particular.
After having ran possibly ten blocks straight she leaned against a traffic pole while the lights switched.
During her blind run she had made it to her old street.
Caution tape outlined the old remains of the burnt charred pieces.
The rain had let up at some point replaced by a breeze making Sakura's exposed wet skin cold.
Walking slowly up to where the front gate had been Sakura looked at the pile of rubble before climbing under the yellow tape and walked to the edge of the pile.
Stepping over where the threshold used to be Sakura maneuvered the debris until she was standing in about the middle of the house. Turning in a circle Sakura looked around when something silver glinted in the late moon's light.
Sakura knelt to pick up a burnt silver photo frame, the picture inside was slightly burnt but overall intact.
The image was of her and her mother during the last few weeks before the cancer took over completely.
"Sakura honey come on."
Sakura looked up at Ino who at some point had driven by and was making her way through rubble toward the pinkette.
"Ino? What-"
"I was on my way home and saw your pink hair. Geez forehead you can't hide very well, I mean you're a walking beacon. Come on you can crash with me tonight."
"But-"
"No buts. You smell like burnt wood and you're covered in ash. I think you ruined that dress too." Ino placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, "I heard about the party. I'm sorry darlin'."
"You heard?"
Ino led the way to the car as she explained that one of the press members had taken a video of the feuding couple before Sakura had bolted the place. The news was already trying to make up stories of trouble in paradise or analyzing what was going on.
Sakura felt Ino drape an old lab coat over her as she climbed into Ino's Mustang.
Heat was already on full keeping the car a furnace as the two drove back to Ino and Shikamaru's shared house.
"You sure about this Ino? I mean I can-"
"You can what Sakura? Think about it you don't really have anywhere else to go. It's either with me or you go back to Sasuke's which I know you don't want right now." Ino's voice was factual as she pulled into the driveway.
Sakura sagged in defeat, Ino was right she didn't have a choice. Like normal.
Shikamaru was leaning against the door frame muttering something about troublesome women as the two ladies walked inside.
"Sakura the bathroom is down the hall, I'll bring in some clothes while you shower. We look about the same size still so my pants should fit well but the shirt will be a bit big."
"Its fine Ino, thanks."
Sakura stepped under hot spray that did little to chase the chill away or rinse the thoughts of Sasuke from her mind.
Drying and dressing quickly in Ino's black sweats and purple university hoodie Sakura looked in the mirror at her reflection. Her eyes were blood shot and still slightly smeared with black from her makeup, her complexion was flushed making her look sickly.
Thoughts of the night replied like a bad movie making a headache thump in her temples, the events kept replaying making the pain in her chest grow bigger.
"Sakura when you're ready the asshole is standing outside in the rain. Says he's sorry but I wasn't about to invite him in after he ran you off." Ino spoke through the bathroom door but Sakura picked up her obvious scolding tone.
"Ino he'll get sick."
"Good, maybe next time he won't be a douche to you. Shika and I will be in our room upstairs if you need something holler. If he makes you cry one more time tell him I will personally un-man him."
Sakura rolled her eyes before stepping from the bathroom and quickly heading to the door.
Standing below the sheets of rain was one drenched Uchiha. Sasuke had his hands in his pockets with shoulders hunched over in an attempt to keep warm. Water soaked into his white dress shirt allowing Sakura to feast upon the chiseled muscle, and black hair matted down against his forehead dripping down onto his black pants and blazer.
"I told your blonde friend there I have come to apologize for running you off tonight. I just want so badly for you to see that I don't want you getting hurt because of me Sakura. I can be an ass I know, but it's too keep people at bay. But you-you manage to worm past everything I have built to become the man I am as a guard. I want you enough to have broken too many rules already as a guard, and if I keep getting closer to you I fear for what could happen. I see you Sakura, I do I see you as the great woman you are not the Prime Minister's kid and I'll be damned if I miss the opportunity to get to know you more but not until you are fully safe living the life you're happy with. Be patient with me."
Sasuke during his speech had moved to kneel in front of Sakura putting his hands in hers trying to convey his desire to be with her yet hesitancy of her life.
"I am patient with you Sasuke, but stop being a stubborn pompous ass who tries to push me away. I've been alone long enough to lose your contact Sasuke and it's killing me watching you constantly leave. Promise me something though."
"What?"
"Promise me you really won't leave after this."
Silence was filled by the sound of raining water as Sasuke looked steadily into green eyes for a few heart beats before replying, "I never wanted to leave and I never will again."
Sakura gave a breathy laugh before lunging at the Uchiha with enough force to knock him flat against the concrete sidewalk; hugging Sasuke tightly.
Rain continued to pour around the two as they held one another for a few long moments before Ino ripped open the front door.
"Alright love birds get out of the rain and get in here to dry. Shika find that man some clothes to barrow and Sakura you owe me a new hoodie!"
Sakura looked back at Ino before jumping to her feet, "Calm down Ino, and no you're not allowed to un-man him he apologized."
Sasuke swallowed while meeting Ino's steel gaze.
"Whatever forehead I don't wanna hear you whine then anymore."
Sasuke quickly took a hot shower and dressing in the barrowed clothes before Sakura went in for her second time.
Quickly saying a few 'thanks' Sasuke managed to convince Ino that Sakura was fine to go back to his apartment.
Running to the BMW Sasuke and Sakura made their way home.
Ino and Shikamaru watched the headlights disappear before Shika spoke.
"You know how troublesome the two are becoming?"
"Oh shut it Shika besides it was romantic. Why don't you ever stand in the rain for me, huh?"
"Because Ino it's dumb and who wants to risk getting a cold?"
Ino sighed in exasperation, "You're a terrible romantic."
"And you're expectations are too high Ino."
Ino stared wide eyed at Shikamaru before laughing, "Yea I know, but you should be more romantic."
"You weren't complaining last night."
Ino looked at her fiancé with hooded eyes, "Maybe I need a reminder."