A/N - Has been a while, right? Sorry, writers block. But the most amazing thing happened. Someone was reading me their story, and the spark I needed came to me at full speed.

I wrote this in about a day in a half. It usually takes longer, which is why this is so epic.

Oh, and just a heads up, expect an update on a story everyone here is in love with but hasn't seen another chapter of it in about 7 months. Nope, it isn't my story, someone elses. A good SakuIno writer. If anyone can guess what author or even what story, you get a prizeeeee.

So the constant for person is the Grandmothers. The two stories are Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby. Pay more attention guys, but honestly the third constant isn't meant to be extravagant. Actually, it is a minor thing with possibly NO meaning for you guys. Yet, it is the backbone of this story. It is only mentioned in every chapter because it is the very REASON why all of this is happening. Company wise.

DISCLAIMER - I do not own Naruto.

"Why is your grandmother saying that you told her you were to old for her stories?"

The once small prized grandchild of her grandmother just sat in the passenger seat, dully looking out of the window as her mother questioned her.

"Because," she replied in a monotone voice, "I am, and have been for awhile. What's the point of listening anymore, she is only starting to repeat herself all over again."

"You listen here," the mother furiously stopped in the middle of the neighborhood road as she shouted, "No matter how old you are, you will never be to old for her stories."

"There is no point if she refuses to tell me everything," the daughter replied, unfazed by the shouting and the sudden stop, "there is no point in listening anymore for her to keep things from me."

"Do you think you have the time to be throwing fits and having a fight with your grandmother?" The mother demanded, trying desperately to shout sense into her child.

"It's the only way she won't treat me like kid," the girl responded.

"You may very well be right, Sakura." the woman spat out in fury, "But do you have time?"

"It will be awhile until I meet her." the child replied.

"Yes," the mother said with a nod, looking back ahead as she started to drive again, "but how long does your grandmother have?"

X

I crept back into the mansion, holding my breath as I tried to be as quiet as possible. It was late, impossibly late, and even as the moon threatened me with its presence, I still had to drag myself away from her.

From Sakura.

Just whispering her name across my mind had my heart thundering within my chest. So loud, so impossibly loud, it seemed to be with my ears pounding with blood and my footstep's creaking rumbles bouncing off the walls of the sound asleep home. I felt as if no matter how lightly I breathed and how soft I took my footsteps, I would wake the whole house soon enough.

But, as hard as it was to force myself to believe, no one could hear me. I was the only one awake; I'm almost certain, for everyone had an early day tomorrow, as they always did. So why did I feel so nervous? Why did I feel…so on edge?

It wasn't just me sneaking back inside that had me jumpy, but the events from the past days. No bachelor meetings, Naruto and Anna fighting, a business deal possibly happening?

Why did it seem that everything was suddenly…coming together? As if something drastic was soon to rise. Then there was this chill, this constant shiver that I have yet to get rid of. It had kept with me every since Sasuke kissed my hand, so delicate and sickly sweet; it was the only way to describe it.

"Miss Ino?"

I whirled around, my heart pounding. There, standing with a small pile of clothes in her hand, was one of the maids I met earlier today.

"Emmy?" I inquire, as if to be sure it was really her.

"What are you doing walking about so late?" She asked, glancing behind me to see if I were with someone else, "Is everything alright?"

I opened my mouth to form a quick lie, but my mind was completely wiped. I was caught in the act of sneaking back into the house. What could I possibly say that wouldn't rouse suspicion?

Did it honestly matter now though, I'm sure suspicion is raised to its peak.

"Well I-" I stumble like a fool.

"Was waiting for your brother?" She so kindly finished, tsking as she shook her head, "I know. He has the whole house on edge. Just how long will he be keeping us waiting tonight?"

I blinked, confused, then glancing on the clock on the wall, my lips shifted into a deep frown, "He still hasn't made it home?"

Emmy shook her head, glancing at the clock as well, "He has not been back since he left this morning. He also hasn't made it a point to call the home either. No one, besides Wilson I'm sure, knows where he is."

I blinked again, this time my eyebrows furrowing together, "Wilson is back." It was a statement, one formed when I connected one and two together.

"Came in at midnight," Emmy said with a nod, then pausing, she too allowed the worry to show on her face, "Without master Uzumaki…"

I shook my head, not understanding. It was one shock that he wasn't already home yet, but a completely other to stumble on the fact that he wasn't home, but Wilson was. Looking at the clock again, my heart slowly started to beat with strong, furious, worry. One… Two… Three… The beat was powerful, coursing through my whole body. My blood pounded with rhythm as it rushed through my ears like a raging coursing river.

And then I sucked in a breath, my worry in full rage.

"We must call him." I say, moving towards the phone on the nearest wall.

"We tried, miss Ino," Emmy said softly as I grabbed the phone, pausing my fingers from dialing my brother's cell phone number to listen to her, "Believe me, we did. But he has yet to answer the phone, or bother to give us a call."

I whirl around, hanging up the phone before I do so. To say I was on edge would be an understatement. No, I wasn't on edge, I was pounding with so much worry and fret that my breathing started to pick up, "Then Wilson must know what company Naruto disappeared too!"

"He does, ma'am," Emmy continued to speak to me as if I were some child that needed to be soothed over a tantrum, "but he refuses to give up Master Uzumaki's location."

"Why!" I demanded, glowering at her in pure anger. How many people roamed this house? How many tended to me and Naruto's every need? Far too many butlers and maids to count, and even so, they couldn't get in touch with a single man! "Why in the world wouldn't Wilson give up his location?"

"Wilson insisted that Uzumaki didn't want to be bothered," Emmy lowered her gaze to her clothes, my crackling eyes scorching her with no remorse; "He insisted that the young master was fine and he would come home on his own."

"That is no excuse!" I cry out, my voice getting louder and louder with each response I was giving the poor maid. It wasn't her fault; no she was only passing by to put fresh clothes on my brother's bed, I could tell by the size of the shirt. Yet, I was taking out my wrath for the lack of worry and security that they -all of the maids and butler's, including Anna and Wilson- was showing my brother's disappearance and decision not to come home, "There is no excuse to not have him home, or at least a location, on him at such a late hour!"

"I understand you worry, miss Ino-" Emmy offered meekly, her gaze never lifting from the clothes.

"Worry!" I scream, glaring at her as this unusual feeling continued to course through my body, "No! I do not worry! I terrify! Yet everyone is simply sleeping or going about doing their simple chores! Everyone is minding their own as I fret by my lonesome! So no Emmy, I do not worry," I spat out, my steps coming closer to her as I continued to lose my last thread of control, "I agonize!"

"Ino!" Came a strong woman's voice that demanded attention and respect. I snapped my gaze up to the door from which it had came from. I was not surprised, or shocked, to see Anna glowering her eyes down at me from where she stood, her arms crossed and the distaste evident on her features.

I bit back my lip in an animalistic attempt to show her how angry it was, "What?" I demanded, taking a step away from Emmy only to take a step towards her, "Can't you see we are having a conversation?"

"You may go now, Emilia" Anna told the maid softly, who simply nodded her head in silence and scurried out of the room.

"Don't you dare leave my presence" I screamed after her, my furious arm flinging out as I pointed at the maids scurrying back, "I have not released you."

"Are you deaf?" Anna said in a low, dangerous, tone as she took steps towards me, her arms uncrossing, "Or are you selective on you're hearing? I just ordered her to leave."

"And I commanded her to stay!" I challenge back, keeping my ground as I glared at her approaching figure.

"As head maid-"

"As young master," I snapped back, giving her a sickening twisted smile as she narrowed her eyes at me, "I command her. Tell me, Anna, who has the most power here."

"This isn't about power, so don't make it about it." Anna said calmly, dismissing my inquiry as she simply took her eyes off of me, "But if we must go by chain of command, I would say I have the most power."

I rolled my eyes, smirking as I walked over to the nearest chair, "How so, Miss Anna, when all you do is sweep under my feet and offer me refreshments."

"Because you are no Young Master," Anna said as smoothly as if she were having light conversation. The cold stabbing tone in her voice, though, was unmistakable, "and I would remind you, as I do every so years, to not forget it."(1)

This, and only this, silenced me with no retort. And Anna knew, because for some reason she always seems to know, that this would keep me quiet enough for her to get a word in. It was cruel; it was as mean and as low as you could get, to play such a card to force my gaze into a direction I always tried to ignore.

Yet Anna seemed to always break my selective blind streak.

I fell into an ear pounding silence, my worry that triggered anger slowly trickling away as the hurt replaced it with a dull thud.

"So, dear Ino," Anna continued, twisting the invisible knife that she had already so kindly plunged into me, "don't over stay your welcome."

"Shut up," I mumbled pathetically, my eyes stinging as I stared at the ground. My hands bundled into tight fists at my sides as I started to shake. It always hurt unbearably to be forced to hear who I was and what exactly I was used for, "Shut up." I said more firmly, looking up from the ground and glaring at her, "What gives you the right?"

"I could ask you the same," she replied simply, strolling to the other side of the room with light footsteps, "for speaking to my maids in such ways."

I refused to speak anymore, because I knew my voice would shake. Instead, I took a breath, falling into a complete and total silence as my gaze fell back to the floor.

She knew, then, that I would not interrupt at all. And so, because she had patiently waited, she took her moment to speak, "We understand you are worried, but let me be the one to remind you that we worry also." She paused for a moment, turning to look at me, but I refused to acknowledge her gaze, "This thing that he is doing, this thing that he is putting so much time into, it is important. How important, though, is strictly up to him."

A stubborn tear that I tried to keep at bay stubbornly fell and slid down my cheek. I quickly reached my cheek and rubbed it away with my hand, sniffing as I did so. The scene caused her voice to soften, which only made me silently angry. I didn't want her pity, "It isn't our fault that he is deciding to ignore you. It is not our fault that he has forgotten what's important."

Every word that came from her mouth hurt me in worse ways. Yes, it was true, but I didn't want to hear them. I just wanted to crawl into bed and forget the world.

"What you must understand is that it's us who are more angry then you are," Anna said firmly, her voice becoming more hard, "You must realize it is the people of this house that are more furious with him than you. And soon, very soon, you will know why." (2)

At that moment I decided to look up and watch her. I don't know what it was, the sudden urge that broke my silent hurt, maybe it was the tone of her voice. No… it was the underlining tone of her voice that had me finally stopped me from being stubborn. I spoke carefully, my voice barely above a whisper, "What-"

"Don't." Anna commanded, her hard figure coming back in full force. Then, moving to leave, she said without looking back, "Don't ask and don't go losing your head again."

Pausing at the doorframe, she turned and gave a look that had no smile, but I knew she was still the friend that had been with me since day one, "And don't let simple words get to you. And know that we all love you."

I continued to stand there, a smile creeping up my lips as I sadly stared at the ground while she walked out. Even she couldn't fool me with that one, because I knew exactly what the underlining tone was saying…

Don't let my words hurt you. Accept it. I love you.

My emotions were too raw for me to decrypt what had happened tonight. Though it was just Anna fussing me out, I understood there were so many hidden messages in everything she said. Whether it was on purpose or not, Anna had just let me know what exactly was going on, with this home, with Naruto's business, and with Naruto himself.

Tears continued to slip past my lids as I shut my eyes and took a breath. My heart still felt like it was cracking from the words that my friend had so truthfully scorned me with. The pressure of just collapsing on the floor and crying was great.

But I was my grandmother's very blood, and I refused to break down so easily. Anna was right, I should honestly accept who I am, I'm sure my grandmother would. And I shouldn't be hurt so easily, I'm stronger than that. And most of all, I should remember where I put my trust.

Then as I was still standing there staring at the ground, my golden hair brother strolled into the room -because he always loved to make a scene of being fashionably late- suitcase in one hand and coat hanging on the other arm.

He placed his black case down in a smooth motion, taking his free hand and tugging at the tie that had been lightly choking him all day. When he finally spotted me, however, he stopped, blinking in surprise.

"Ino?" He inquired, his voice astonished that I stood in the flesh in such an empty random room.

I looked up at him, my eyes looking him over to check what condition he was in. Besides the tired look in his eyes, he seemed perfectly fine, which ruffled me.

"What are you doing still up?" He asked, placing his coat over a nearby chair, "Shouldn't you be-"

"Welcome home you idiot." Was all I said as I pushed past him, my tears threatening to fall all over again.

As I walked down the hall, refusing to look back at the idiot who had caused me to worry and fret and cry and lose control in one smooth motion, I made my way to my bedroom, trying to fathom how I could possibly sleep tonight.

"Ino?" Naruto called after me, confused as to what he had done wrong, but knowing to stay put and not chase me down.

As I turned the corner, ignoring him, he called again, "Ino!"

I continued to pretend I couldn't hear him, my eyes stinging. Maybe it wasn't the fact that he had me worried that I felt like crying myself to sleep. Maybe it was the fact that, in the back of my mind, I knew exactly what Naruto was up to, but I was choosing to continue to ignore until it was completely true.

"Thank you!"

I gave out a watery smile, wiping my eyes as I turned another corner.

Only an idiot like him would say thank you as I welcomed him home with tears.

X

The night before had been… tiresome. I awoke by a random maid tired and eager for more sleep. And if being exhausted wasn't enough, I had a small headache with an origin that started from my eyes. It wasn't unusual, though, seeing as I literally did cry myself to sleep, and tears always made me drained and sick.

I yawned for the third time as I brushed my hair while looking at my bathroom mirror. My door was open, knowing that I was far too tired to take a shower at the moment. It was early enough for the birds to still be chirping merrily but late enough for breakfast to be served within the hour. If I was lucky, or the correct term would be 'if I was right', I would have no meetings today, which would leave me free and useless yet again.

Tink.

I turned towards my bedroom window, where I saw another rock hit the glass. Curious, though I knew exactly who it was, I walked towards it and carefully peaked down without opening the glass. When I saw Sakura, I slid it open and poked my head out, "You're early." I say with a playful smile.

She gave me a small smile as well and called back, "Strictly business, m'lady. May I ask for your time?"

"If you must." I tease, going back to the bathroom to continue to brush my hair.

In record time, she was stepping from my window, brushing herself off as she looked down at herself, checking to see if she missed anything. When she was sure, she looked around the room. Spotting me in the bathroom, her face broke out in a big smile as she stepped towards me.

"My fair lady," she spoke, her eyes twinkling as she came closer, "aren't you looking-"

"Stunning?" I finish, smiling as she stopped mid-step. Placing my brush down, I leaned against the doorframe, waiting for her to regain herself.

She grinned, closing the gap between us smoothly. Snaking her arms around my waist, she pulled me against her, taking steps forward so we could disappear in the bathroom, "Exactly." She whispered while watching me, a grin still on her face.

I laughed; rolling my eyes as I playfully pushed her away. Sakura resembled… a child when she smiled as she did. It was childlike to see her so happy over something so simple… like seeing me…

The thought caused me to blush furiously.

"Oh," her eyes were sparking as she caught the sharp redness in my cheeks, "are you thinking of something out of line, miss Ino?"

I looked away, my cheeks still stinging, "No, of course not." I stumbled, biting my lip when I realized I didn't sound the least bit believable.

"But miss Ino," Sakura said softly as she leaned closer, which caused me to be pressed against the bathroom counter, "you should voice what thoughts you're keeping…" My breath caught as I felt her breath tickling my cheek and neck as I struggled to keep proper footing, "I could very well make those thoughts come true."

Eyes widening, my heart pounded.

And then I felt it; Her lips brushing against my jaw line. It was so light, the simple touch, that I almost thought I imagined it. Then her lips moved down the line, brushing against my skin so smooth and confident that she had me shivering at her very touch.

No. It wasn't imagined.

Her lips that were moving against my skin and kissing at my neck were real. If I couldn't force myself to believe that, I surely couldn't ignore her picking me up and placing me on top of the counter.

My legs spread as she forced herself between them, her hands grabbing my hips and forcing me to be flush with her. A noise that didn't sound like my voice escaped my lips as she then began to suck on my pulse point, feeling as my blood throbbed for her and only her.

"Oh god," I whispered out, shutting my eyes tightly as I tried to concentrate on everything that was happening with my body. Pulses were running like lightening to places unknown; my fingers, which were at her chest when I was stupidly trying to push her away, were now flinching with each new touch from her, causing my nails to scrape against her shirt.

As fast paced as everything seemed, it was all slow. She was taking her time as she ran her fingers under my shirt, placing her burning palm against my skin, which only brought another sensation and another flinch from my fingers.

I was now holding a fist full of her shirt as I tried to catch my breath, my eyes still shut.

"How… irresistible," she mumbled against my skin, her lips grazing my neck as she spoke. She nipped me as she continued to speak, "You're intoxicating Ino."

I whimpered, and then pressed closer into her, embarrassed I had made such a sound. She sighed, allowing her hands to fall to the counter before rubbing up and down the outside of my thighs, "But we can't. Not now. And plus I imagined it different."

I knew what she meant, but refused to let go of her. I was still shaky on what had just happened, and deep down, I was scared. What she had made me feel in the course of seconds I had never felt with anyone else. This… everything for that matter was a new experience for me, and I was scared.

I don't know why. I couldn't explain it even if I was asked to. But I was scared

Slowly, she understood that I wasn't merely holding her, but clinging to her. She moved carefully, running her hands up my legs and back to my waist, "Hey," she whispered, pulling back gently to look at my face, "what's wrong?"

"Nothing." I forced myself to say, yet it still came out shaky and unsure, almost exactly how I would be standing after something like that; shaky and unsure if I could walk.

"Are you sure?" She pressed, finally prying herself away from my grasp and catching my eyes, "You don't have to lie, Ino."

I looked away from her again, nodding as I brushed a strain of my hair back with my fingers. When Sakura went to catch my eyes again, I smiled and gently pushed her away, "Stop staring at me as if I were some science project."

"Well," she said warily, tutting as she pulled away, "I have to make sure you're alright. And," She continued as I hopped off of the counter, surprisingly landing on my feet, "I must take a note as to control myself next time."

"Why?" I asked, glancing back at her.

"Well you obviously can't handle it."

I blinked, then when her lips curved into a smug smile, I narrowed my eyes and stalked away, "Shut up."

"I just didn't expect to have so much control over your body," she continued, feeling all too pleased with herself as she practically bounced from the bathroom, "I mean, I'm sure you've made sounds in there that you have never made in your life."

"Shut up." I repeated, this time more firmly. For the first time since I met her, she was actually annoying me.

"You know how I can tell?" she continued, walking towards my computer chair and taking a seat. She decided to carry on without any prompt from me, "It's the way you clung to me afterwards."

"You said you had business." I snapped at her. If she continued, I was sure I would have let out a growl.

"Oh yes," she said, hopping up as if she had just remembered the very reason why she made a trip over here, "Business. It's about your brother actually."

This caught my attention. I stopped what I was doing, which was picking clothes to wear for breakfast, and turned towards her, a small frown on my face, "What about him?" I asked, still feeling a tad sensitive about any subject that included Naruto.

"Well my company has noticed him leaving early and returning late," Sakura causally said, watching me with a steady gaze, "Do you have any clue what he is up to?"

I frowned even more, "You're company has notice?"

She nods, her locks of hair swaying to her face as she does so. Taking a step closer, she continues, "It has only been once or twice by which we can tell, but it's noticeable. What does he have up his sleeve?"

"What is it to you?" I said in a more harsh tone than meant. But the old anger was returning. The familiar irritation of other's knowing more about a company of my family's than I knew myself.

"We are just curious." Sakura said carefully, acknowledging my irritation, "More accurately, I'm curious."

"For what reason?" I demand, turning away and snatch clothes from my drawer, "It is no business of yours as to what our company is up to."

"Ino," she started, sounding a bit more wary than before, "It is vital that you keep me in the loop of these things. Don't you understand that? If I over look something that deals with your brother and what direction he is taking, I may very well end up having a more difficult fight then I prefer."

I paused at her words, staring at my hands that held my clothes.

"Because I won't lose you," she continued, and even though I was turned the other way, I knew her eyes were on me, "no matter what. But if I do this carefully, no one will have to get hurt."

I sighed, turning and tossing my shirt I had chosen on my bed, "I think there is some deal happening. Some… Important move Naruto seems to be making, but no one will tell me what."

Sakura let out a breath. Then, rubbing her chin, she mumbled, "Well I didn't expect you to know exactly what he was up to, but knowing that much is a big help. I'll have to look further into it."

"Do you have spies on all of the companies?" I asked, feeling bitter for some strange reason.

"Well it depends on the company," She explained openly, walking to the window and looking out at the field, "Your brother's company is very," she paused, thinking of the right word, "open. It makes it a point to help the community, and since your company is ranked 72, the economy with having hundreds of job openings each year. Very well respected through society's eyes for what you do, but it allows the company to be impregnable. Now, a company of, let's say-"

"Sasuke." I offered, watching as her features darkened, but she carefully remained unruffled.

"Yes," Sakura nodded with a frown, "Let's say a company of Sasuke's stature. His is very private. Even we don't know where he gets his employees from. So, as badly as we would like to know what little Sasuke's company is thinking, we are completely blank when it comes to it."

"Why are you keeping such a close eye on our company?" I asked.

"For your sake," she answered, causing me to look away with a blush. Smiling slightly, she continued, "but also because it's very common. I'm sure, right now hundreds of other company's are noticing that I am disappearing more and more frequently."

I blinked. Then after a moment, my eyes widened, "But if they know then-"

"Calm down," she chuckled, leaning against the windowsill, "they might know I'm disappearing more, but no one knows where, not even my closest advisors. I make it a point to stay anonymous; I never know who is on my side or not."

I let out a breath, "You can't keep disappearing. People will worry."

"I'm sure. But I have too much to do to just be subtle at the moment," She replied with a sigh and a shake of her head as she crossed her arms over her chest, "And, for some strange reason, I can't keep away from you for the life of me."

I smiled slightly at her last comment.

"Anyway," she said, pushing herself off of the sill, "I must be off. While I would love to have another day with you, I have more business to attend to."

I watched as she turned to climb out of my window. Suddenly, I took a step forward and blurted out, "What about tonight?"

Sakura paused, straightening up as she glanced at me, "What about tonight?

I bit my lip, struggling to string my words together. I knew what I wanted, but was embarrassed to ask for it, "What about tonight… Will you come visit me?"

She grinned then, from ear to ear. Strolling towards me, confidence shining as brightly as her flawless teeth, she took her finger and thumb and pinched my jaw, steadying it as she started into my eyes, her happiness radiating in pulses, "M'lady, all you have to do is simply command."

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. Blushing furiously, I meekly tried to push her away, forcing myself to stumble out, "Never mind then."

"No no," she said with a smaller smile, catching my eyes and securing it with her gaze, "I want you to. Just… say it Ino."

I breathed out, frustrated that I never seemed to hold any solid ground when it came to Sakura. Huffing, I tore my chin away from her grip as I looked away and said in a stubborn mumble as I gave in, "Visit me tonight…Please."

Another grin split her face as she stepped away, as marry as can be, "Of course, my fair lady. You shall see me tonight."

I couldn't help but smile as she stepped out of the window and waved happily before dropping.

X

I walked into the kitchen without having the greatest appetite. Despite Sakura's visit, which cheered me up greatly, I was still in no mood for anything other than me lying in bed all day.

A maid was there, setting the table by herself as she waited for everyone else to arrive. I pulled back my chair and sat down, looking at the clean table. Within seconds a clean plate appeared in front of me. Smiling, I looked up at the maid, "Thank you very much."

"Of course, Miss Ino." She replied with a bow before continuing her business.

For a moment I sat there without saying a word, looking down at my plate with mild interest. I traced the design with my eyes while I kept my mind completely blank. But when the maid set down another plate in front of the chair next to mine, my mind sparked back to life.

"Do you know where Emmy might be?" I asked the maid, glancing up at her.

She blinked in surprise, turning to answer respectfully, "Yes ma'am. I believe she is washing clothes today."

I nodded, my hands fidgeting in my lap under the table, "I am guessing you heard about last night."

The maid shifted uncomfortably, "Well ma'am, news travels fast around this house." She offered softly.

I smiled slightly, nodding as my eyes dropped back to my plate, "Do you think there is a chance I would be forgiven if I apologized?"

"Miss Ino," the maid said so sharply that I raised my eyes back to her. Giving me a steady hard glare, one that resembled Anna with so much likeness it was frightening, she continued, "We do not care who you are. What we do care about is that you are the granddaughter of the madam who started this home and company. And while you may not have come into terms on what exactly you need to do and what you want to do, I can assure you that we care for you all the same. Deeply. What is whispered around this house is irrelevant. What is plaguing this home with so much worry is even more so irrelevant. In this residence we are a family, no matter blood or responsibilities."

I listened, feeling my eyes starting to sting again. And as I tried to keep my tears at bay, she kneeled down in front of my chair and said much more softly, "So when you ask silly questions about forgiveness, I want you to remember this: There is no such thing of asking for such a request while you live in this house. You are simply already forgiven."

A tear slipped and fell down my cheek. Choking on a sob that pushed up my throat, I simply pushed back my chair and hugged the maid. She didn't seem to mind, only wrapped her arms around me gently and rubbed my back soothingly.

"There there miss Ino," she said quietly as I continued to choke and sob on her shoulder, holding her tighter and tighter with each breath, "there is no need to cry. We are all here for you. And we fight for you. Never give up hope."

I cried even harder, pressing her even closer. I was crying because this maid was finally telling me the truth. She was the only one who was honestly telling me what was going on, even though in the back of my mind I had already figured it out and she hadn't exactly told me straight out.

Yes, everyone pushed me towards the right direction of the correct answer, and maybe this maid was doing that as well; Hinting me to see the light; Cluing me to prepare for the worst, because it has yet to come. But still, finally knowing that there was no mistake about it, that this was the truth, hurt me so deeply I felt like falling into a never ending sleep.

Because the man that owned our family's company was the very boy who had protected me so valiantly when I was young. The man who was making the decisions was the very boy who forced the world to be a certain way just so I may be happy. So to know the unthinkable, unfathomable, unimaginable truth simply… hurt.

Naruto had decided which company to give me away to…

And he had done so without my thoughts in mind.

(1) – She technically isn't. Naruto inherited the house and company, which makes him the one and only young master. Ino, on the other hand, is only to be used as a chip to bring Naruto's and one other company together. Her position is respectable, don't get me wrong, but that does not make her a master of that home, or any home for that matter..YET. Simply a well respected guest.

(2) – Pay attention.

Ooooooh snapp! Ino has realized what is up. Figured out the house is angry about it as well. Now for her to realize who the company is. But I'm sure in the back of her mind she knows exactly who it is.

Which might cause her to finally do some *DUNDUNDUUUUUN* research. *GASP* Oh no don't do it INO! DONT DO IT.

Hey you. You beautiful fan right there that is just so beautifully staring at the screen. I want you to know. I freaking love that face of yours. It's amazing. So simply... STUNNING. Yup, I used a Sakura word.

Now if you can so kindly review. Like right there because your so STUNNING I will dies from absolute happiness. DIES

Shycadet loves. Out.