Intoxicated
Temari misjudged Ino. Temari thought she would deny it and now Temari knew Ino was smarter than that. Her confession shouldn't be in vain as Temari would advise her.
''Well, there was one thing I think everyone noticed,'' Temari began.
''I would really like to stay, but I need to go,'' Hinata stood up.
''So we'll be seeing each other at the dinner tomorrow,'' Sakura reminded her.
''Forehead, you're at the hospital tomorrow night!''
Sakura forgot about that as more interesting topic was brought up.
Hinata sat back at her place.
''That's not good, Sakura-chan! They are expecting you!'' Hinata said seriously.
''Well, I can go right now and ask Tsunade-sama to switch your shift with someone!'' Ino proposed and started getting up.
''Nobody is going anywhere!'' Temari said strictly. ''I can't believe this,'' Temari turned to Hinata. ''The most interesting gossip ever and you want to leave.''
Ino sat back. Sakura gave her glare.
''What? I wasn't staring like that when you told me about your crush you had on your sensei!''
''Ino!'' Sakura hissed.
''Don't get so upset, Sakura. Every woman wants to see what's under that mask. Get over it,'' Temari said hastily.
''Is it true?'' Hinata asked quietly.
''It was ages ago!'' Sakura explained. ''Nothing happened and, what's more important, he is not that old!''
''What does age have to do with it?'' Temari asked bluntly. ''You are all 20, right?''
They all nodded.
''Both adults, I see no problem.''
''So what about that dinner?'' Ino asked Sakura.
''Wait a minute!'' Temari interrupted Sakura's reply. ''You promised you would tell us and then you tried to run away and you're changing the subject! Forget about that, you are telling us right now!''
Ino sighed.
''You said he was in love with Tsunade-sama!'' Sakura hissed.
Ino was fixated on Temari.
''Begin, please,'' she demanded.
She was eager to find out which move or word had revealed her secret. She didn't intend to confess anything until she was certain Temari had some evidence.
''Don't tell me you are trying to get more important place in the hospital because he's Tsunade-sama's close friend!''
''What?'' Ino couldn't hide her abhorrence. ''And you are my best friend,'' Ino said with disgust.
Sakura stunned. That was a bit harsh. Ino would never use her charm and sex appeal like that, in spite of her interesting relationship history. At least not for her own gain.
''Sorry,'' Sakura whispered, aware Ino was already hurt.
Temari met Ino's gaze.
''You are not like that, are you?'' Temari smirked. ''You did it because you wanted to!''
Hinata was staring at Ino as well. Ino bit her lip and deflected her gaze. Everyone could see she was nervous.
''Well, do you plan on telling me soon? I really don't have in mind to act so carelessly in the future, so would you be so kind?''
''There will be future?!'' Sakura startled.
''Shut up already!'' Ino snapped.
''All right, all right, here's the thing,'' Temari began. ''First of all, you didn't greet him.''
''I did!'' Ino snapped.
''Yes, just not like the rest of us. We greeted him fearfully and respectfully and you were ecstatic!''
''I, I,'' Ino was stuttering. ''No way!''
Temari grinned.
''And what's with the drinking?'' she continued. ''Does he prohibit you alcohol?''
''No,'' Ino sighed, ''he doesn't want me to blame alcohol for my actions.''
''Smart,'' Temari commended.
''I really don't understand,'' Sakura said quietly. ''You hate his stories and say they are unimaginative and shallow!''
''Yeah, and you were totally checking him out when you had seen him!'' Temari added, not minding Sakura's comment.
''I was not!'' Ino snapped.
''Yes, you were,'' Temari smirked. ''Tell her, Hinata!''
Hinata nodded, completely red. Ino looked away, looking furious.
''You were practically drooling!''
''How dare you?'' Ino hissed.
Temari started to laugh. Even Hinata couldn't prevent herself from giggling.
''And when you tried to change the subject after we all had noticed how strange it was for him to be here?''
Ino frowned. She was an open book for Temari.
''You really are Shikamaru's girlfriend,'' Ino said quietly, knowing she's been busted.
Temari looked very proud of herself. She smirked.
''And you said you hated frogs!'' Sakura was still persistent to explain herself what Ino liked about Jiraiya.
''Too bad this one is not so bright,'' Ino said pointing with her head at Sakura.
''What?'' Sakura asked bluntly.
''Really, Sakura, you think Ino's Sannin,'' Temari couldn't think of more appropriate word, ''would compliment another girl, even someone like Hinata?''
''Sakura-chan,'' Hinata whispered, ''the other one!''
Sakura frowned.
''The other what?'' Sakura looked at Ino.
Ino was glaring at Sakura for a few moments.
''The other,'' she said quietly and looked at Sannin's table.
When she looked back at Ino, she had the most horrified face expression Ino has ever seen.
''You, you, you and and,'' Sakura was stuttering.
''Yes, Sakura. Grow up!'' Ino snapped.
Sakura couldn't speak. This was shocking. Even more shocking than Itachi's engagement with Hinata. She admired Hinata's reaction. She was completely calm and red as always.
''Kids, you can go home! I'm not leaving until I hear how she got him!'' Temari said happily.
''Why do you think-'' Ino began, but she changed her mind.
It was obvious she was the one. Even Tsunade knew it.
''Start from the beginning and don't miss out anything!'' Temari demanded.
''Fine,'' Ino sighed.
At least she learnt how not to act in public from now on.
''Ino!'' Tsunade's voice could be heard all over the hospital.
''Yes, Tsunade-sama?'' Ino came to see her as soon as possible.
''You are in charge now, I have some business to do!''
Ino hated being in the hospital while Tsunade was doing the night shift. Not that Tsunade was a bad supervisor, usually her presence meant she was expecting gravely injured shinobi. And IOS was on one of its suicidal missions again. Highly paid and equally dangerous missions.
''Don't worry, your friends are fine,'' Tsunade said cheerfully, noticing Ino's worried face. ''It's the hostage they've rescued.''
Ino exhaled. She wondered how Sakura must have felt every time Sasuke would leave with Independent operating squad. She knew his brother and the legendary Sannin were with him, but their way of solving missions was brutal. And their opponents were often psychopathic killers whose strength, when combined, would overpower even Orochimaru's. Two sharingan users and the Sannin on the squad for Tsunade meant more injured shinobi as they didn't care so much about taking the damage during combats. That was the main reason she recently named Nara Shikamaru as a chief commander of the squad. This was his first mission and Ino felt relieved hearing he was all right.
''Prepare operation room and call Shizune!'' Tsunade ordered and left her office.
Ino hurried to the storage to stock up on bandages and painkillers, and while she was about to leave the room and look out for Shizune, she heard raucous coming from the hospital's entrance. She went upstairs in Tsunade's office and opened the window slightly to find out who has been causing problems.
Outside wasn't too dark so she could see four apparitions. One of them was certainly Tsunade, and the other one was Sakura, because she had been in front of the hospital, waiting for Sasuke to get back. Sakura was standing next to dark-haired man and she seemed calm, so Ino assumed that was Sasuke. Fourth person was kneeling before Tsunade, trying to stand up.
''You did it again, didn't you?'' Tsunade was yelling.
Ino could now tell that person was a man as he was looking at Tsunade. Ino smirked. She should have known that a long-haired man could never be Itachi as she had no memories of him being scolded by anyone, especially not by Hokage.
''Let me see!'' Tsunade came closer to Orochimaru.
''I said I was fine!'' Orochimaru roared.
Ino startled. He never yells. At least she's never heard him yell. Sakura told her that last time IOS returned from a mission, Orochimaru stayed at the hospital and taking care of him was a living hell. Tsunade's anger and his touchiness implied only one thing: Orochimaru performed forbidden jutsu on himself again.
''I'm glad!'' Tsunade said sarcastically. ''Please be so kind and enter the hospital so we don't have to carry you later!''
He said something, which was impossible for Ino to hear. Sakura also said something very quietly, so Ino couldn't hear that either. She frowned.
''No, you two are coming with me!'' Tsunade's voice was very loud and Ino could hear it clearly. 'And if I find him here when we get back, I will kill him personally!''
Ino chuckled. She knew very well Tsunade would never do that no matter how furious she was. Orochimaru, along with Jiraiya, was her oldest and closest friend. She even let him create a special squad so he could do whatever he's been missing during these, mostly peaceful years. However, she didn't let Jiraiya to open a public bath for girls and him as the only man allowed to bath there. Luckily, Tsunade had experience on handling Orochimaru's stubborn personality.
Tsunade, Sasuke and Sakura left and Ino decided to prepare a room for Orochimaru right after she finds Shizune.
Searching for her took Ino too much time as Shizune was very busy with her patients. She was one of the best medical ninja in Konoha and Tsunade often wanted her to assist during complicated procedures. Ino informed Shizune about the upcoming surgery and prepared the operation room, but by the time she came out of the hospital, Orochimaru wasn't there any more.
''Well, at least Tsunade-sama won't have to kill him!'' Ino smirked at her silly thought.
She went back inside and decided it would be the best if she prepares more painkillers. Maybe stubborn Sannin came to conclusion that's much easier to take some pills than feel the pain for weeks. As she was walking towards the storage, she noticed one of the door was opened at the intense care unit. The light wasn't on, so Ino decided to check it out. She slowly approached the room and, out of courtesy, knocked on an already opened door. There was no answer so she decided to enter the room. She found the light switch and turned on the lights.
Nobody was in there, but the bed sheet was a bit rumpled. Ino frowned. Patients maybe didn't care about the perfect sheets like her, so she closed the door to flatten the sheet. As she reached out to plump up the pillow, she heard a voice behind her.
''You don't like my bed?''
''Orochimaru-sama! I'm sorry, I didn't know-'' Ino began blabbering.
''I don't care. Just leave,'' he said indifferently.
Ino couldn't move due to terrifying scenery: Orochimaru's bewildered look, usually pale palms turned purple and torn shirt revealing gigantic purple scar which was covering his body from the neck to abdomen.
''Is that-'' Ino tried to speak, still too shocked.
''Yes, that's poison. Now leave.''
She nodded and headed to the door. She was about to close it and leave for good, or at least till Tsunade comes back, but she couldn't do nothing.
''Should I get you some painkillers?'' she asked carefully.
''Painkillers?'' he repeated. ''You want to bring me painkillers?''
Ino was confused. She was so glad she asked him this on her way out. Now she can run away as his look was telling her he needed something more than painkillers. However, she had to reply.
''I mean-''
''Don't you think I would already took painkillers if they were helpful?'' he was yelling loudly like never before.
Ino closed the door leaving him alone. She leaned on the wall on the other side of the hallway and buried her head in her palms. Why did she ask anything? He wasn't a baby, he would have probably taken painkillers if they have been helpful. She was so rash. And now she has to come in again as he preferred the room at intense care unit where was supposed to be quiet and he was still yelling at her. Through the closed door. She could hear him like he was yelling straight into her ear.
Suddenly his yelling stopped. Ino froze. Tsunade will kill her if he's... He can't be, he is a tough one.
Ino opened the door slowly. Orochimaru was kneeling on the floor, staring at it with his fists clenched on his knees, struggling with unbearable pain.
''I think I told you to leave,'' he said slowly and met Ino's gaze.
''Shit!''
Ino quickly closed the door and knelt before him in order to stop poison spreading as his chin began turning purple same as his chest.
''Don't touch me!'' he roared.
''I'm not touching you!'' she shouted.
He frowned. She didn't know the reason for his anger because she wasn't touching him as healing didn't require physical contact. She held her palms in front of his mouth and chin and she could feel he was breathing heavily. After a few moments, she moved one of her palms to wipe her forehead. It was all sweaty because she was using a lot of chakra, and the poison was spreading unstoppably.
She knew it because more purple tissue had appeared lower than his abdomen, but she didn't even want to try to heal that part right now. Orochimaru's breathing got faster.
''I'm sorry, I only have two hands!''
He gave her glare. He was sweaty too, but Ino didn't think he cared about that as he had bigger problems right now.
''It's useless anyway,'' he said plainly.
''What did you do?'' Ino asked carefully, prepared for his yelling again.
''Isn't it obvious?'' he smirked. ''I turned blood into poison.''
''And why would you do that?'' Ino snapped.
''To get stronger.''
No surprise there, either. All Konoha's strong shinobi did insane things to become stronger.
Every friendly fight Sasuke and Naruto had without a supervisor was a near death experience for both of them. That was quite often because nobody was strong enough to separate crazy shinobi once the things got nasty. Well, nobody stronger had time or wish to do it, so they were spending much of their time off at the hospital.
That stopped after Sakura had accepted Sasuke's proposal. Naruto'd said he didn't want to hurt someone who has to make Sakura happy. That's so Naruto-like! In love with Sakura from the age of-well, forever, and he was dealing with her engagement pretty well. And as Sasuke as his best friend, he didn't have much choice than to find another training partner. Soon after he left for Suna to train with Gaara. Sasuke, on the other hand, joined his brother and Orochimaru in an elite annihilation team, officially called Independent operating squad. From this day on, Shikamaru would become a permanent member, also.
''How was Shikamaru?''
Orochimaru seemed surprised by that question.
''Is he injured?'' Ino asked as Orochimaru didn't answer.
''He is fine. He is fast and thinks too much. I don't like him.''
Ino didn't care what anyone was thinking about her best friend. She was relieved he was unharmed. And no wonder he thinks too much, he is a genius! In his own opinion, he probably doesn't think enough. Ino grinned while thinking about Shikamaru's worst mission ever with three imprudent shinobi.
''Save that smile for your boyfriend. Right now it's useless,'' Orochimaru rumbled.
Ino frowned in a flash. And sighed. At the moment, she didn't have a boyfriend. And her best friend Sakura and her perfect Uchiha were about to set a wedding date, single shinobi were trying to get stronger and she was healing them.
''Oh, there you are!''
Ino flinched and the healing stopped.
She was so concentrated she didn't hear when Tsunade had got back.
''That's useless, stop it,'' Tsunade ordered as Ino started to heal again.
Ino obeyed. It was useless. The poison reached Orochimaru's ears and it looked like huge purple hands were strangling him.
''Let's take a look,'' Tsunade said and crouched down beside Ino.
Orochimaru looked away. Ino looked at Tsunade. She was frowning.
''Leave,'' she ordered,.''It's going to get ugly very soon.''
Tsunade got up and headed to the door.
''Ino!''
''Yes, Tsunade-sama?''
''I'm serious. Leave right away.''
''I told her to leave ages ago. She is quite persistent little pest,'' Orochimaru got up and sat on the bed.
Ino's eyes widened.
''Pest?'' she repeated.
''Don't mind him, he is the worst patient ever,'' Tsunade said softly. ''And you shut up,'' she pointed at Orochimaru. ''If she hadn't been here, you wouldn't be able to walk or talk right now!'' she said seriously.
Ino felt proud and anger at the same time. Proud because her effort gave results and anger because she even tried to help ungrateful Sannin. She stood up and headed to the door.
''Just before you go,'' Tsunade stopped her at the doorstep, ''find something to put in his mouth.''
Ino flinched.
''Wh-what?''
''A cloth or something. He will start screaming in a minute or two, and he is at intense care unit. What did you think?'' Tsunade raised an eyebrow. ''Oh, it's so good to be young and think about that all the time!''
Tsunade chuckled and left.
Ino looked at Orochimaru to check if he heard what Tsunade had said. He did.
''I don't care, he can scream all he wants!'' Ino shouted and closed the door.
Few moments after she was standing in front of the same door, holding gauze in her hand. It was completely quiet. It wasn't like she wanted Orochimaru to scream in pain; she didn't need to go in if he was handling it that well.
This forbidden jutsu seemed quite intriguing. In no time poison will reach his brain and he will go insane. Like he wasn't insane already. What kind of person would poison himself while bleeding heavily in order to heal faster and deal with unendurable pain after the wound is healed? Obvious answer: insane person. However, Ino couldn't simply walk away like Tsunade and Orochimaru himself had told her. All she needed was more time to heal him and it was impossible since the poison was spreading as the blood was coursing through his system.
If only Sakura had been here! Ino hated to admit that Sakura was a better medical ninja. She was calm in every situation and thinking clearly and logically. Unfortunately she had a night off as her fiancé was home again. Ino sighed. Thudding sound from the other side of the door made her flinch.
She knocked anyway.
''Orochimaru-sama?''
No answer. She opened the door. She dropped the gauze.
''What the hell is wrong with you?'' she snapped.
There was no time to wait for an answer. The sound she'd heard before was the kunai hitting the floor. Now that same kunai was lying in a pool of blood. Orochimaru was leaning on the wall having few fresh bleeding wounds all over his chest and arms.
''You really thought I would let you hear my pain?'' he laughed psychotically.
''You are insane!''
Ino approached him and started to heal his wounds again. Suddenly, he grabbed both of her hands with his right hand.
''I told you not to touch me!'' he roared.
Ino didn't see his eyes until now-the sclera was completely red, as if he was a sharingan user with a new technique which included amber iris in the middle of the crimson sclera. Poison has reached his brain.
''I didn't touch you!''
Ino didn't deflect her gaze. Neither did he release her hands.
''I can stay like this forever,'' Ino said indifferently. ''You are the one who will bleed out unless I give you-''
She suddenly jumped and Orochimaru let go of her hands. He was staring at her with his red eyes, completely astonished.
''I'll be right back!'' Ino yelled cheerfully, leaving the room in a rush.
''I told you to leave in the first place!'' Orochimaru yelled after her.
She didn't care. How could she be so stupid? The solution was so obvious!
She knocked on the door of an operation room she had prepared for Tsunade.
''Come in, Ino!''
She flinched when she had heard her name. She opened the door.
''It took you this long!'' Tsunade scolded her.
She was in a middle of a surgery with a mask on, holding a scalpel, while Shizune was assisting her.
''I need-'' Ino began, but Tsunade interrupted her.
''Here!'' she took a syringe out of her pocket and threw it to her. ''You need five more of these, you will find them in the storage.''
Ino nodded. No wonder Tsunade was the best medical ninja in the world if she could predict everyone's actions and be prepared for them.
''One is for his brains, you will inject it just a bit above his chin; one for each of his arms, one in the middle of the chest for the heart-''
''One in the middle of the abdomen and one for the lower parts, got it! And why didn't we try this before?''
Tsunade turned to her with her eyebrows raised.
''On which part will you use the first syringe?'' Tsunade asked seriously.
Ino froze. She didn't think it through.
''I-I-I think the best one is-''
''If you use two, it will be a miracle,'' Tsunade said hastily and continued with the surgery.
Ino frowned. She would never thought Tsunade had such a bad opinion on her medical skills.
''You think he will let you?'' Tsunade turned to her again.
Ino sighed.
''And what will happen if I succeed?''
''He will be in a hospital for only two weeks, instead of six.''
Ino sighed again. It's useless.
''Go now. It will be a good practice for both of you.''
Ino nodded and turned to go.
''And I told you to leave!'' Tsunade yelled. ''But you waited to hear him moan, didn't you?''
Ino startled. She started to blush. Shizune chuckled. Instead of answering, Ino left the operation room and closed the door.
''It's okay!'' Tsunade was still yelling. ''I know about your moaning thing!''
Ino was running to the storage completely red. She thought no one noticed.
Hearing patient's pain didn't make her happy, just more eager to ease their pain, so moan was actually an encouragement, not a sick fetish!
While she was searching for five more syringes, she was thinking about possible order of injections. The hardest ones are those for his arms as she needs to use one of hers to hold the needle and the other one to hold his arm while his other one is completely free to object to her idea.
Maybe if she asks politely, he will let her do it. It was for his sake in the first place! Then again, the healing was also for his sake and he wasn't pleased at all.
The easiest one should be one for his chin as he was taller than her, so she could just put this huge syringe in her mouth and... Bad idea. She wasn't good at deciding tactics in advance. Luckily she was aware of her speciality. Instantaneous adjustment.
She knocked on the door once again. Once again there was no answer. Ino took a deep breath and entered.
Orochimaru was at the same place like before, only this time he was sitting on the floor with his head on his chest. Couple of shurikens were scattered around him and that pool of blood seemed larger.
''Great!'' Ino hissed.
Next time before she leaves him by himself, she'll make sure he doesn't have any weapon with him.
''Why did you come back?'' Orochimaru asked quietly.
Ino didn't answer. She was too busy trying to stop bleeding from new wounds he'd created while she was gone. She knew what his plan was. Losing more blood was postponing the ultimate pain caused by poison. It was a valid plan, but he had lost too much blood and he was getting dizzy.
''Why?'' he asked again when she put her palm on his forehead to check body temperature.
''To annoy you a bit more,'' she said indifferently, concerned for his condition.
He smirked. It wasn't his sly smile he usually had. It was an agonizing smile.
Ino didn't know what to do now. If she injects blood coagulators now, while he is suffering from a severe blood loss, he might die because of an embolus which can block a blood circulation in an important part of his body, like lungs, heart or brain. And if she gives him transfusion, the poison will start spreading again very fast, he will go nuts and he won't let her do anything.
Ino sighed. She cautiously put a palm on his left cheek and with her thumb slowly raised his eyelid. His left eye wasn't red any more.
''I told you not to touch me,'' he swallowed hard.
''Yeah, yeah, my hands are dirty,'' she said hastily checking his pulse.
It was uneven. She decided to heal his wounds and when poison starts to spread again, she will inject one dose at the time. Of course, she was counting on his cooperation and he did seem less hostile than before.
''What are you doing here with me?'' he asked, very quietly.
''Healing you.''
''Are my eyes red?''
''Not any more.''
''Do you like red eyes, Ino-chan?''
Ino flinched. He finally straighten his head and the poison was going up to his lips again. She frowned. Poison was very effective. Not like she expected anything less from legendary Sannin.
She reached to her pouch to get the first syringe, but he grabbed her hand again.
''Damn!'' she snapped.
She waited too long. This was her first time in a situation like this! And who would have known how vital Orochimaru was!
He was glaring at her with his amber eyes.
''While you are so full of life, can you get closer to the bed?'' she asked, trying to sound indifferently, knowing he was affected by poison once again.
''Oh, is that what you want?'' he taunted.
Ino froze. She had no idea what to say.
''All right, we can move. But I'm taking this,'' he said plainly and took the syringe from her hand.
She wondered if he assumed that she has five more with her.
''That is for your own good!'' she persisted.
''I would rather die of a blood loss than a heart attack!''
They got up slowly. He still didn't let go of her hand. They got closer to the bed.
''Heart attack is a kind of a blood loss,'' she began.
''It is,'' he said plainly. ''Only difference is that dying of a blood loss takes longer and it's more painful.''
She startled. She has to inject two doses in this masochist's body! And it seemed so easy while he was sitting on the floor few moments ago.
''Fine! Die of a blood loss then, I don't care! Just let go of me already!''
He let her go and broke the syringe. She looked at it sadly.
''You said you wanted to leave. You are free to go.''
''I didn't! I just wanted you to let go of my hand since my skin is so repulsive!''
''It isn't!'' he snapped.
Ino stunned. She grinned when she met his gaze. He was also taken aback because of what he'd said.
''It isn't?'' she repeated teasingly.
Orochimaru swallowed. Ino stretched her right palm in front of his face.
''Really?'' she asked while waving with her hand in front of him.
He stepped back, but they were very close to the bed so, in order to get away from Ino and not looking behind him, Orochimaru ended up sitting on a mattress.
''Now!'' she shouted and quickly took out another syringe and injected its content in his left arm.
The moment he met her gaze, she literally jumped on the other side of the room.
He was looking furious. In a flash he was in front of her, squeezing tightly her right hand in which she was still holding an empty syringe.
''What the hell was that?'' he roared.
''I, I-'' Ino was stuttering because she was aware how dangerous he might be in this condition, so all she could was wait for the injection to take effect.
Blood circulation should get slower, preventing oxygen to reach his brain and other organs, so Orochimaru's movements should become slower and clumsier.
Maybe she should have injected two doses while she had a chance, now it was too late. All she could do was endure the pain his tight grip was causing her.
''What is it?'' he asked sarcastically. ''Something's bothering you?''
''Yes. You,'' she replied hastily.
''See, it's not nice when you do something against other people's will.''
''It's for your own good!''
''This is also for your own good! If I see your hands near me again, I will-''
He suddenly let go of her hand and slowly stepped back. Ino quickly reached for another syringe.
''What seems to be the problem?'' she taunted.
''You!''
He was totally helpless now.
Ino learnt her lesson the hard way, so now she came really close to him and smiled. He was acting a bit dizzy.
''Here, let me help you!''
While holding his right hand tightly enough, she injected the second dose in the middle of his abdomen.
He was already too slow to react and, after the second injection, he was completely lost. Ino was pushing him slowly towards the bed, aware he was in her control.
She decided to be nicer this time because he was sitting on a bed again. She was so happy he didn't object to that idea, so she bent over to look at his face.
''Don't worry, it will be better soon!'' she said cheerfully.
He met her gaze and grabbed her ponytail.
Ino was taken aback.
''What's the big idea?'' she snapped and tried to release her hair from his hand without too much pulling which was causing her pain.
It was useless. He didn't let go.
''Why do you whip with this all the time?'' he asked, much softer than she expected.
She was speechless once again.
''It looks nice?''
''Mhm, it looks beautiful. And its scent is mesmeric,'' he said and pulled her hair so she came closer in order to prevent more unnecessary pulling.
She was standing very close now. He put his free hand on her right hip. If he hadn't been pulling her hair, she would have probably crossed the room in only one step.
''What-what do you want?'' she asked, completely terrified.
He looked at her. His eyes weren't red, but his gaze seemed absent, like he was looking through her. And that couldn't be poison's fault as purple scar was becoming smaller. What the hell was going on?
Ino quickly grabbed his right hand, determined to make him let go of her hair. She was a bit harsh as Orochimaru's grip was already relaxed. She looked at his other hand, the one on her right hip. It was also relaxed, as he was just using her body as a support to postpone inevitable: passing out. Ino straighten up and removed his hands. He looked away.
''I'm sorry,'' he said quietly, ''I didn't want to touch you like that.''
''Maybe you should just lie down for a moment?'' Ino suggested, trying not to think about his touching and part 'like that' in his apology.
He shook his head.
''Once I'm down, I won't be able to get up.''
That's what she's been hoping for. Still, his body was resisting the poison and her shots.
''I can heal your wounds to keep your body free of scars,'' she proposed.
''Do what you want,'' he replied indifferently and propped himself up on his elbows.
Ino smirked. He sounded indifferently, but his posture wasn't. She climbed up on the bed and got close to Orochimaru to heal him while she was waiting to give him another shot. She was sitting and kneeling at the same time, as it was the best posture for healing at the moment.
''That's what you want?'' he asked plainly. ''I thought you wanted to give me another shot.''
Ino stunned. She didn't think he was expecting more injections. But he wasn't stupid.
''Do you know why I refuse treatment?'' he asked after she'd finished healing his left arm.
''I have no idea,'' she said as she got up to sit on his other side to be closer to his right arm.
''Because getting stronger can't be fast and painless.''
''Why are you using forbidden jutsu then? It's the faster way.''
''It's more demanding too.''
''Yeah, more demanding for those who need to take care of you later!''
''Nobody is obligated to take care of me. I would be perfectly fine without anyone's help.''
Ino gave him glare.
''Really?''
He didn't answer. She knew what Tsunade's been doing for him during all these years. Although thanks to him and his lunatic way of training, Tsunade was getting faster and more proficient at all types of healing and along with her, entire medical team was improving its skills.
''Nobody expects of you to become a regular shinobi,'' Ino began, looking away, as she stood up to fix her hair which was getting in the way. ''All I am saying is you should consider other people's feelings too. Especially of those who are worried about your well-being. ''
No answer again. So typical. The word 'feelings' was terrifying for all men, including Sannin.
''Shit!'' Ino screamed after looking at Orochimaru's direction.
He was lying tranquilly, having his eyes closed.
''Don't you dare!'' Ino was whispering while sitting on top of him, checking his pulse on his neck.
Ino exhaled. He still had a pulse. His heartbeat was slow, but consistent. His breathing was also slow, but heavy. She opened his right eye. Not red. The scar was a bit bigger than a moment before, but that couldn't be the cause of his unconsciousness.
''It can't be!'' she snapped as she thought of the next possible reason: two shots in too short amount of time!
She looked at the door. Maybe she could get some help. Or yell! Somebody would probably come to check. Not that she wanted to be seen like this: with her hair untied, bloody clothes and in a position as if she was about to mount unconscious Orochimaru!
''Hey! Hey!'' she was trying to bring him back by slapping him gently.
It wasn't working. His breathing got heavier. She decided to get some help as she had no idea why he was already like this. She still had three shots left.
Just when she was about to get up, his hand met hers as she was still stroking his cheek to make sure he wasn't having a fever.
''Your boyfriend is so lucky if you caress him like this,'' he managed to say, very quietly.
''You are awake!'' she squealed, relieved.
He smirked, still having his eyes closed. His expression was revealing pain he was feeling at the moment, as Ino noticed purple lines appearing on his neck. She put her hands on that spot and came closer.
''Better?'' she asked when he calmed again.
Strange sound came out of his mouth. Was that... Could it be... Ino froze and stopped healing. She heard another strange sound, only louder this time. No doubt about it. It was a moan.
Orochimaru slightly opened his eyes. Another painful smile appeared on his face.
''You are whipping with your hair on purpose,'' he said slowly, breathing heavily.
She put her hands back on his neck, as the poison was covering it again.
''That's fine with me,'' he continued his incoherent murmuring. ''I won't tell your boyfriend.''
''I don't have a boyfriend!'' Ino snapped, exasperated by his persistent mentioning of somebody who didn't exist at the moment.
Another smile, only sly this time.
''What's so funny?''
Ino stopped the healing again. She couldn't give him the next shot because his pulse was still too weak and the poison was spreading faster than before.
''Why did you stop?'' he gasped.
His neck was completely purple. She thought she would have more time until he starts to act insanely again and she was trying to think of something. It was impossible because of his quiet agonizing moaning.
''Shut up! I'm trying to think!''
''I thought you wanted to hear me scream!'' he managed to say a bit louder than before.
She thought of the gauze she had brought with her and lifted her hips a bit to get off of him.
''Don't leave, I'll stop!'' he said quickly as he grabbed her thighs to stop her.
Ino froze. Like this wasn't already awkward enough, he was touching her thighs also!
''Okay!'' she raised her hands in the air, like she was about to surrender. ''I'm not going anywhere!''
''Good!'' he said slyly and sat up as he encircled her waist with his arms.
Ino stopped breathing. If he looked down, his chin would touch her breasts. His glare revealed the reason for his unaccountably behaviour: his eyes were red again.
''Don't move,'' he said seriously.
Ino swallowed hard, feeling helpless, so she obeyed and didn't move.
He carefully relaxed his grip, now holding her with just one arm, and, with his right hand, got closer to her face. Her eyes widened. He grinned and licked his lips quickly. Ino was terrified. Not because she was worried what he could do to her, but what he could do to himself. She looked away.
Orochimaru caressed her hair and put it behind her ear. He gently touched her left cheek. Ino took a deep a breath and closed her eyes. She was almost certain he was doing this in order to get syringes out of her pouch.
''Don't worry, it will be over soon,'' he whispered.
His hand was now caressing her neck.
''So sleek,'' he said slowly, ''almost like silk.''
His other hand was still around her waist, but it wasn't so tight any more. She could move if she wanted to. But she wasn't sure what she wanted right now. His touch didn't feel totally unpleasant and he wasn't doing anything to harm her. He was just complimenting her neck. That was all.
''Do you find my touch repulsive?'' he asked and quickly pulled away his hand from her.
Ino opened her eyes. She couldn't answer that. At least, she couldn't tell him the truth.
''It's the poison that makes you act like this,'' she said carefully.
''Poison,'' he sneered.
''I am here because of the poison'' Ino said quietly.
''That's right,'' Orochimaru sighed.
He relaxed his grip and she was now completely free to move.
''Leave,'' he said and looked away.
''I can't.''
He startled and met her gaze again, waiting an explanation for her staying.
''I still have-''
''Three shots to give me. I know.''
Ino flinched. What was he doing then if he knew the whole time? Why didn't he destroy them and yell at her to leave?
''You're making it hard for me to tell you to leave when you're sitting like this.''
She started getting up again. Once again, he was faster and encircled her waist.
Ino sighed. He was caressing her neck again.
''Let's do it!''
Ino stunned. She swallowed and grabbed his hand.
''Before we do it,'' he said quietly, ''you have to promise you will never do anything extreme to your beautiful skin.''
Ino met his gaze. His red eyes were calm and he wasn't holding her waist any more. He slowly lowered his back and propped himself up on his elbows again. She was completely confused.
''The two of them will be enough, you healed my arm properly,'' he said plainly.
Syringes! He was willing to take two more shots! Tsunade will never believe her!
Ino grinned and reached for two syringes from her pouch. She bent to get closer to his chin. He stopped her.
''You didn't promise.''
He put her hair back behind her ear as it moved when she had bent and caressed her cheek again. If Orochimaru's eyes hadn't been red from the poison, Ino would have thought of some really inappropriate things she wanted to do to him right now.
''I promise.''
He smirked and moved his head so she could inject effective substance.
''I'm sorry,'' she whispered after she had been done with the second shot.
''Me too,'' he said and closed his eyes.
''I remember now! Tsunade-sama gave you a two week vacation after that night!'' Sakura said happily.
Temari gave her glare.
''Why are you interrupting?'' she roared.
Hinata was all red, but also eager to hear more.
''And then what happened?'' Temari rushed Ino.
''Nothing, he passed out,'' Ino said flatly and took a sip of water, as she was a bit rosy as well.
Temari flinched.
''It was so intense he passed out?''
''Yeah, he said that was unavoidable. Afterwards he was fine.''
Sakura was looking terrified again.
''What?''
''Let's get one thing straight: you had sex with him, and he passed out in the middle of it?'' Temari asked seriously.
''Of course not!'' Ino snapped.
''Then after it?''
Ino sighed.
''Well, that's nothing strange since he is hundred years old,'' Sakura said. ''Ino, you should be more careful, especially while he is in that condition,'' Sakura scolded her.
''We didn't do anything! Are you all insane?'' Ino hissed. ''What kind of person do you think I am?''
''Very aroused right now,'' Temari said plainly.
Ino smirked. Hinata was staring at the floor and Sakura was looking disappointed.
''Then why did you tell us this?'' Sakura asked.
''You wanted from the beginning and that was the beginning!'' Ino explained and finished her water. ''Follow-up will have to wait because I'm leaving!'' Ino said happily and stood up.
Nobody was willing to stop her. She was practically running towards the exit. Temari noticed Ino'd left money for the bill on the table.
''That's quite a tip,'' Temari said, counting the money.
''Yeah, like her head was somewhere else,'' Sakura added.
They giggled.
''I can't believe she didn't tell me!'' Sakura said sadly.
''Please, your poker face is even worse than Hinata's!'' Temari taunted.
Although Hinata was silent, Sakura saw something strange about her gaze.
''What's wrong, Hinata?''
''Wasn't that the night when we-?'' Hinata stuttered.
''That's right, when Sasuke left with Shikamaru to see Hokage and we were out and-'' Sakura suddenly stopped.
Temari looked at both of them.
''Sakura, go ask Tsunade-sama to switch your shift!'' Temari ordered.
Sakura stood up and left their table. At Sannin's table there were only two Sannin left. Temari smirked and turned to Hinata.
''Are you sure you want her to be your maid of honour? She is pretty heedless.''
''Yes, Temari-san! She is the one who started the whole thing!'' Hinata grinned.
Temari raised an eyebrow.
''I would really like to hear about that too, but after Ino's story, I really need a long shower! See you!'' Temari said and stood up to leave.
Hinata looked at Sakura. She was walking towards her.
''We'll be seeing tomorrow night!'' Sakura said happily.
''Great! I'll pick you up at six!'' Hinata said, even more thrilled than Sakura, and finally left Pixie's dreamworld.