I'm really starting to slack in this whole writing thing aren't I? It gets hard after a while, seriously. The writer's block is starting to last longer than usual. I normally get the urge to write when I have other things to do so I bet once school starts back up next month I'll be throwing updates at you left and write! Get it? Left and WRITE? Pfft, I thought it was pretty funny.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
Chapter Three
Finally it was Saturday. My workweek had concluded, however, I was still here finishing up some paperwork and standing by for a few office calls. I didn't have to come in but with nothing else planned for the day, I figured why not? After all, a bit of extra money on the next paycheck didn't sound too bad.
The daycare was open on the weekends as well but since I was less likely to have clients, I always brought Ryu with me. He didn't mind much and always enjoyed following me around whenever he could. It would always make me smile as he sat under my desk as if it were some kind of fort.
Glancing down underneath my desk, he was indeed there, eyes glued to the screen of his tablet that my mother had gotten him for his birthday. I didn't see a reason for him to have such a thing but of course it proved to be an effective distraction when I was preoccupied. Shuffling a few papers on my desk and with a glance at my computer, I noticed it was nearing noon.
Sliding back my chair, I tugged an earbud from Ryu's ear, "Are you hungry?" He looked at me for a bit before trying to grab the earbud back, "I wanna finish wistenin' to the show mommy." Rolling my eyes, I sighed, "How about we go get food and you can come back and watch your show okay?"
The whine he gave me forced another roll of my eyes. "I'll put a movie on in the car okay? You can watch it while mommy drives," I reassured him. With a smile, he quickly hopped up and placed his tablet in my drawer. With a grin, I grabbed my keys and purse from out of the drawer as well, following behind him as he skipped eagerly to my door and into the lobby.
Locking the door behind me, I turned to see Ryu already running behind the reception desk to see Hinata. She giggled and ruffled his hair before ushering him back my way. "Hey I'm just gonna run out and grab something quick to eat. Did you want anything?"
With a polite shake of her head, she smiled, "No that's all right. Naruto is coming to bring me lunch in a bit but thank you." Smile on my face, I waved her off, "No problem. I'll be right back. If anyone calls let them know I stepped out."
"Come on mommy!" Ryu whined, tugging my hand with a feeble attempt to get me to move. With another giggle, Hinata waved us off and we were on our way. We passed several offices on our way down to the elevator. Most of the people working had seen Ryu before and they all smiled and waved as he did the same.
"Mommy can I push the button please?" He asked, rushing over to the elevator door. With a smile, I nodded, watching in amusement as he jumped up and slapped his hand over the down arrow. The door opened a few seconds later and with a proud grin he rushed in, "I did it mommy! I did it!"
"You sure did," I giggled, ruffling his hair as he reached up to press the button for the first floor. The ride down was quick as we slipped through the main lobby and back through the parking lot. Strapping him in carefully, I claimed the driver's seat, quickly turning on the monitor and popping in a random movie.
Hearing it start successfully, I pulled out of my parking spot and down the road. Taking a quick look in the rearview mirror at Ryu, I smiled as he let out a soft giggle at the movie. Although I preferred to pack our own meals, more so for him than me, we did indulge every now and then. Stopping at a nearby drive through, I glanced at the menu disapprovingly.
"I want nuggets mommy!" Ryu screeched excitedly from the backseat. Rolling my eyes, I nodded, "I know baby just give me a second." Making sure I had my wallet, I went ahead and ordered our food. Placing our bags in the front seat, I paid and made my way back to my office.
Sometimes I liked to eat inside, giving me and Ryu a chance to just sit and talk. Well…more like him talking and me listening. However, I had been receiving a lot of calls for appointments and such and didn't want to be away from my desk for too long. Quickly returning back to my office, I had to nearly wrestle Ryu out the car away from the movie.
After offering him the task of carrying our food upstairs like a big boy, he managed to calm down. Unlocking my office door, I placed our drinks down on my desk. Securing my purse back in the drawer and fishing out Ryu's tablet, I returned to my desk. Ryu resumed his rightful place, leaning against my legs as he sat under my desk.
Picking at a few of my fries, I returned my eyes to my computer. I was sorting through files of completed sessions, determining whether or not the clients needed to return or not. Most of them did, not that I minded. However, determining how long they needed to keep coming was a bit stressful. Many didn't want to return, especially with how pricey the sessions tended to run.
Sometimes I felt bad about how much my job charged for such services. It was extremely unfortunate that I couldn't choose my own rates. However, I understood that sometimes life was unfair. But it wasn't like I was wasting my paycheck on something pointless or illegal. All of my money went towards providing for me and my son, as it should be.
I never expected to have my life together so quickly. Being only 24 with my own apartment, car, a great paying job and an amazing kid. I'd like to think I was doing pretty well for myself. However, no matter how seemingly great my life was, it was dangerous to get too comfortable. Things happened, unexpected things. So I had to stay on top of my game at all times.
The ringing of my office phone had managed to throw me off as I jumped in shock. Fumbling around with it before calmly placing it at my ear, I mumbled, "Hello, you've reached Ino." A familiar soft voice belonging to Hinata picked up, "Hey Ino, there's um…someone here to see you." I scowled as I opened up my online appointment book. "Uh, I don't have any appointments today," I quickly informed her. I could hear muffled speech on the other end, unable to make out any part of the conversation and the mystery person looking for me.
"Put me on the phone!" I heard another somewhat familiar voice whine on the other end. It was a woman's voice but I couldn't seem to put a name to it. Fingers drumming on my desk impatiently, I waited for whoever it was to speak. I didn't have to wait long as a loud screech sounded in my ear.
"Hurry up and open the damn door Ino! Gonna leave your best friend standing out here forever or what?"
Jaw dropping and eyes widening, I quickly hung up the phone. Nearly falling out of my chair, I rushed over to my door, swinging it open and looking around. Sure enough, my best friend since high school was standing right there, silly little grin on her face. Twin squeals of excitement left our lips as we quickly captured the other in a tight hug.
"Oh my gosh, tell me I'm not dreaming!" I whispered into her neck, tears already developing in my eyes. A warm and bubbly laugh was her answer as she nodded against me, "Nope! I'm back for good this time doll!" A choked out sob left my lips as I squeezed her even tighter, "I thought you said you were leaving for good! What happened?"
Pulling away to wipe my tears, she grinned. "Now how in the world do you expect me to leave without my best friend? So I came on back home." Unable to contain my happiness, I shook my head in disbelief, huge grin plastered on my lips. Before I could speak again however, a meek voice called from my office, "Mommy?"
Ryu stood there, eyes nervous as he clung to my door. "Oh my goodness Ino, is this the little darling prince himself?!" Giggling, I nodded, motioning for him to come over. Glancing at Tenten warily, he shuffled over to me. "Up mommy," he whined, tugging on my shirt. With a roll of my eyes, I hoisted him up and brushed his hair out of his face.
"Hi sweetheart! I'm your Auntie Tenten, can I get a hug?" Ryu instantly whined, turning to press his face into my shoulder. Giving her an apologetic look, I motioned for her to join me in my office. Closing the door behind us as to not disturb Hinata any further, I quickly spun around to face Tenten.
"Sorry about him, he's pretty much uncomfortable around anyone who isn't me, my parents or Ichiro. Here," I said, handing him over. I wasn't surprised to see his face scrunch up as he reached out for me. I shook my head, stepping away to go sit at my desk. I watched in amusement as he proceeded to push against Tenten's chest and whimper in frustration when she didn't put him down.
Not bothered in the least, she patted his back gently and tossed a smile my way. "Nah no problem. Least you don't have to worry about him running off with someone." I nodded, brow raising at the huge grin that lit her face as she looked between me and Ryu. "What? What is it?" I asked her curiously, taking a second to glance at a client file.
"It's crazy…he looks so much like you. I mean sure deadbeat dad has the whole blonde hair and blue eyes thing going on too but somehow he just seems to look more like you," she finished with a sigh, placing Ryu on the floor. The second his feet touched the floor, he was running over and scrambling into my lap.
Brushing the tears from his cheek, I rubbed his back as he leaned against my chest, fingers squeezing my shirt. "I suppose so," I said with a warm smile, "I'm guessing the green eyes come from dad's side of the family though." Plopping onto the love seat in the corner, she tossed me an earnest smile, "Just saying, that kid is going to have no problem with the ladies when he's older."
Rolling my eyes I pulled back just slightly to see his eyes blinking tiredly as he rubbed his face harder against my chest. "Yeah but unlike his father, he'll be a gentleman." Tenten's laugh was expected as she shook her head, "Ooh…someone's salty." Snorting in a rather unladylike manner, I shrugged, "I've moved on but I guess he hasn't."
"Oh yeah? What happened," she asked with a curious arch of her eyebrow. Sighing, I used my free hand to run through my hair, "Deidara showed up at my job unannounced yesterday. Tried to…you know…so I got him in the pair that he somehow still has dangling between his legs and got security on him."
Giving an impressed whistle, she clapped her hands together. "Well done. Well fucking done. You've grown so much." Loose smirk on my lips, I sighed, "Having a kid does that to you."
Shaking her head, she countered, "Well yeah but I don't just mean you've gotten older. You've done well for yourself Ino. I'm 25 and still trying to figure shit out ya know?" Taking a peak, I could see that Ryu had officially fallen asleep. Cradling him carefully, I laid him down on the other end of the small sofa where Tenten was sitting.
Heading back behind my desk, I opened up Ryu's bag and took out his blanket and plush Batman toy. Slipping the toy under his arm, I threw the blanket over him before returning to my desk. "Scores for days for Super Mom," Tenten whispered as she crept her way over to me.
Knowing fully well how loud she could be, I motioned for her to follow me into my parlor. Gently closing the door behind us, I gave her a look. "Alright…what is it that you're dying to ask me? It's all over your face."
She flashed me a sheepish grin that lasted for all of two seconds before faltering completely. Nodding to the door, she started, "Ryu…does he know who his dad is?" Rubbing my neck and casting my eyes to the floor, I shook my head. "No. Is it wrong for me to want to keep it that way?"
"You tell me Ino. How'd you feel if your mom never told you about your dad? Granted that's not the case and your parents have been together for years, but try to think of how he'll see it." I missed Tenten, don't get me wrong. But the times that she started speaking far too much sense is when I favored her presence the least.
This was slowly turning into one of those times but I couldn't help but find a harsh amount of truth in her words. However, I had my reasons and I was doing what was in the best interest for my son. Parting my lips and taking a second to gather my thoughts, I started. "How do you explain to your two year old son that his father wants nothing to do with him and didn't even come to the hospital the day he was born?"
With each word that I breathed out, I could feel my chest tightening painfully. The more I repeated those words to myself, the harder it was to keep my composure. No matter how many times I told myself that I didn't care about him anymore, I began to realize just how much harder he had made my life. Tenten must've been able to pick up on my rampaging emotions as she quickly pulled me into a warm embrace.
Burying my face into her shoulder as if to hide my shame, I allowed my tears to soak her shirt without mercy. Voice cracking miserably, I mumbled, "How am I supposed to tell my son his own father doesn't love him?" Arms circling me tighter, her chin rested atop of my head as she rubbed my back.
"Shhh. I know sweetheart, I know," she whispered reassuringly. She allowed me to selfishly drench her shirt until she was sure I was finished. Hands gripping my shoulders, she pulled me back to look me over. "Hey now. Seriously, fuck that guy okay? He made his choice. The most important things is that your son is taken care of and you've been doing that and then some."
Fingers rubbing at my eyes, I sighed, "I'm a fucking mess right now." Throwing her arm around my shoulder, she smiled, "That's why you and I are going to have some girl time." With her guiding me back into my office, I nodded at Ryu, "What about him?" Shaking her head, she smiled, "We can bring him too. Or…if you want to stay inside, we can have a few drinks, pig out on ice cream and rent some movies." Biting my lip as I moved over to Ryu, gently brushing his hair I smiled, "Yeah…that sounds perfect."
"Great!" She squealed excitedly. I shot her a small glare, nodding at Ryu. "Oh! Sorry...Little Prince is sleeping," she whispered with a sheepish grin. "But hey, I'm going to go home and shower and grab some stuff and I'll text you for your address so I can meet you at your house." I nodded, giving her a tight hug and quick kiss on her cheek. "Sounds great. Love you, see you tonight Tenten." Throwing me a loose grin, she gave me a wink and quietly slipped from my office.
Watching her go, I shook my head and smiled. My best friend was back for good and I finally had someone who I could talk to about any and everything. My mood however had grown somber almost instantly. With one glance at Ryu, I felt a wave of regret wash over me. Creeping closer, I brushed back his hair and kissed his cheek. "I'm so sorry baby."
Despite Tenten's comment from earlier, all I could think of was about how much of a shitty job I was doing.
X
"You can share my bed Tenten, I don't mind," I told her, reaching out to take one of her bags. Flicking me in the forehead, she grinned, "If I say yes, will you stop asking?" Rubbing my forehead with a smile of my own I nodded, "Maybe?" She rolled her eyes, heading to the back of the apartment to place her things in my room. Coming back, she plopped down onto the couch, motioning me over.
I sat down at the other end, smile on my lips as I watched her stretch out with a yawn. Feeling my stare, she grinned sheepishly, "What is it?" I shook my head, chin resting in my palm, "Nothing. I'm just…really glad you're here. I've missed you." Chest rumbling with a laugh, she nodded, "Well of course I missed you too Ino. We'll see how long it takes until you're ready to throw me out when I'm bugging you every day."
I shrugged, eyes switching to look at the TV mindlessly. "Well, at least Ryu will be used to you by then." Looking around, she scowled, "Oh yeah, where's your little mini me anyway?" Fingers drumming against my cheek, I sighed. Standing up and moving to the kitchen, I fiddled around a bit before managing to find two wine glasses. "Ino?" She asked worriedly, moving to stand in the entrance to the kitchen.
I smiled, shaking my head to reassure her that it wasn't anything negative. "He's with my parents for the rest of the weekend. I told them that you were coming over and they figured I needed a break so they picked him up." Giving a sigh of relief, she sat in one of the bar stools, giving me a soft smile. "So that's why you seem kinda down in the dumps. Miss your little man? I wouldn't have minded him being around you know that Ino."
"Yeah, I do. I didn't want him to go but my parents insisted. Granted it's only for another day but it's just so quiet without him here. I've been popping in and out of his room nonstop since he left," I admitted shamefully. Chuckling, she rubbed her neck amusedly, "That's not something to be ashamed of. There's parents who are throwing their kids around every other day just so they can go out and get some kind of fix. I know you're bummed but I want you to have a night to enjoy by yourself."
I nodded, reaching into the fridge to grab a bottle of wine. "Mhm. I've been saving this since I don't like to drink with him in the house," I hummed softly as I poured our glasses. "Oh now we're talking!" Tenten piped excitedly as she rushed over and snatched her glass, pulling me along to the couch. I laughed as she began downing her glass. Shaking my head, I punched her arm, "Great job dork. Go get the rest of the bottle because I see now that you're going to be the one drinking it all."
Her musical laughter was light and bubbly and I couldn't help but laugh too as I took a sip of my own glass. I was missing my son a tremendous amount but my best friend was here, helping me enjoy the night like we had done back in college. Soon enough, we were pretty far gone and somehow ended up on the floor with me sitting on Tenten's back.
"Come onnn, I hear you give amazing massages Inoo. Just one," she whined, hips wiggling as she tried to get me to move. I giggled, nails scratching her back through her shirt, "Nope, this is gonna have to do tonight." She let out another whine, turning to face me with a pout. Rolling my eyes, I bit my lip as I slipped my hand under her shirt. Thumb gently brushing along her spine, I smiled when she shivered and arched her back.
"You're so sensitive, I barely touched you," I teased, tracing my nail along her shoulder blades. "Sh-shut up Ino," she huffed out in annoyance. Smile warming, I placed my palm fully onto her back as I rubbed it slowly. She didn't respond but the contented sigh was more than enough assurance to keep going. Gently scraping my nails down her back, I pressed my thumbs deep into her skin as I began kneading firmly. "Ino…" She whispered painfully.
Smirking, I continued with my ministrations, "Hmm?" Her hand reached around, grabbing my thigh as she turned to face me. Her eyes were hazy but were deeply focused on my own. Pausing, I drew my hand back as I frowned with a blush, "Don't look at me like that." Smoothly rolling over so I was now sitting atop her waist, she pushed herself up as she leaned forward.
I leaned back but her hands on my waist kept me in place. "Tenten," I stumbled out nervously. The proximity was nerve-wracking and I had no means of escape. Leaning forward, she caught my chin, breath mingling with my own, "Ino…I have to go to the bathroom." Jaw dropping, I screamed and shoved her back with a huff.
Even drunk, she someone managed to be a jerk. The laugh that followed as she collapsed on her back was grinding my gears. Stupid jerk. "Oh man, you shoulda seen your face Ino," she laughed between a series hiccups. I rolled my eyes, "You ass. I thought you were gonna—"
"Oh trust me, I know what you thought I was gonna do. You thought I was gonna do this," she slurred and before I had time to respond, her lips were already on mine. I gasped into the kiss, hands pressing against her shoulders to steady myself. Despite her drunken self, the kiss wasn't at all sloppy. She pulled away first, smooth grin on her lips as she chuckled, "Should've known that would happen Ino."
Blushing, I looked away to hide my embarrassment, "It's college all over again." Rolling her eyes, she smirked, "Hand those magic hands back then too. Couldn't resist." I blushed even harder, groaning as I shakily stood to my feet. A hand caught me at the waist as I nearly toppled onto the floor. I spun around to see Tenten giving me the same look as before.
"If you're going to tease me again don't bother," I mumbled coldly. With a smile, she shook her head and pulled me on top of her on the couch. Hand sliding to my neck, she pulled me down before running her lips along my throat. "Tenten…we shouldn't," I breathed against her cheek. Of course, like every time before, she ignored me and continued to suck at my skin.
I whimpered when she bit me, nails digging into her shoulders. Her lips moved lower and lower as her hands gripped my waist. Everything was happening far too fast and I didn't know what to do. I could just go with it but I knew I'd hate myself for it in the morning. It wasn't the first time we've messed around but I knew better. Thankfully, Tenten knew too.
"Come on Ino, don't get all distant on me. I'm just messing around," she whispered as she placed a quick kiss on my cheek. "I just really missed you and I think the alcohol got me worked up. That's not why I'm here tonight, just wanted to hang with my best friend." I smiled and moved to lie down on her chest, "Mm. Can we go to sleep now best friend?" With a smile, she threw her arm around me protectively and yawned. "Oh we are going to knock the hell out." And that's exactly what we did.
Didn't want to end it like that however it was kind of the only way to end it in order to make the next chapter happen. I had this one nearly finished so I figured why not? Two chapters in one day. Hopefully, I can go ahead and get some more out to my amazing fans. Love you all!