Not that kind
Temari wasn't sleepy. At least that's what she's been telling herself for the last hour. When Shikamaru informed her he's about to go to sleep, she lied she would join him soon. That's why she's been sitting at the kitchen table for way too long, hoping Shikamaru will have been asleep by the time she stops thinking about today's events.
Shikamaru told her about his part, which included keeping Uchiha brothers busy and away from their home, and it had gone easily as expected. She wasn't concerned Shikamaru would fail, she was glad nobody had seen Sasuke and Itachi twice at the same place in short time. It was a precaution she and Ino had to take care of in case somebody spotted four girls invading someone else's empty home. It seemed more natural for two men to take home their beloved ones.
When Shikamaru asked about girls' part, Temari told him everything about Hinata's long waited calmness and Ino's trust in her and Sakura. They were talking about the past month, Temari leaving out the part about Hinata's first kiss with Sakura. Focusing on her significant change,Temari was avoiding talk too much about Hinata's feelings or opinions.
She couldn't tell Shikamaru about her freaking out. Or her hand in Hinata's, while she was Itachi's clone. Or her on top of Hinata as herself. Or her chasing Ino around Sakura's flat. Or her in passionate embrace with Ino.
She wasn't ashamed. She didn't feel regret. She was feeling strange, her behaviour so foreign and unusual. She was certain nothing of this would affect her. She refused to admit Ino got to know her better than she had known herself. Why did Ino have to say anything? Why was she right? Why was Temari refusing to confess the whole truth to her beloved one?
She wanted to tell Shikamaru, but she didn't know where to start. First she would have to explain Hinata's first kiss with Sakura, that had occurred few weeks before. Temari's kiss with Hinata would be a problem only because she wasn't sure if Hinata will ever say something about it, and, with wedding so soon, Temari might blurt something around Shikamaru and other people. She trusted Ino completely because Ino had more complicated things to worry about than girls kissing.
Getting up in order to finally go to sleep, Temari was ready to try to simply enjoy the fact that the most stressful day in the last few weeks was behind her. Her plan failed after she had seen her night gown neatly folded on her pillow, waiting for her to put it on. She didn't do it herself. Shikamaru did. He even left the nightstand's lamp on so she could move around freely, without fear of stumbling on something. In spite of everything, he seemed asleep and she felt the need to wake him up and tell him every single detail that has been bothering her.
After changing into the sleeping outfit, she slid into bed, determined to postpone discussion for some other time. However, the moment she looked up at the ceiling, she shut her eyes and took a deep breath.
''Shikamaru?'' she called out quietly, to check if he's really been asleep.
If things go wrong way, she can always blame him to be in love with Ino and her kiss adventure will be forgotten in a flash. It was mean, but effective backup plan.
''Yes?''
He turned around to see her and Temari literally almost fell out of the bed.
''Why aren't you asleep?'' she hissed.
''I've been waiting for you to tell me whatever is bothering you.''
''What? Nothing is bothering me, I just can't sleep and I was wondering if you-''
''When you're not saying anything, that usually means something unexpected happened.''
''It didn't!''
She sat up, folding her arms on her chest, staring down at his perfectly calm face.
''True,'' he put his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling,''I had expected you would kiss Hinata.''
Although she was staring at him with her mouth agape, she managed to say something.
''What?''
''Then Ino kissed you?'' he asked plainly.
This was not happening! The light was still on, but a few minutes before, she was certain her face wasn't revealing anything!
''How did you get that idea?''
''About Hinata or Ino?''
''Both.''
''You wanted to try for yourself and Hinata did too.''
''And Ino?''
''You spend with her so much time lately. Something about her intrigues you very much.''
''I really can't explain,'' she sighed,''I mean, it does sound like me.''
Now she got his full attention.
''So you are not denying it?''
His voice was different. Could he be thrilled because of it?
''I would really like to say it's true, but it's not.''
''Too bad,'' he was staring at the ceiling again. ''I was looking forward to hear your personal experience. I guess I have stayed up for no reason.''
Knowing he was expecting her explanation, Temari smirked.
''So you want to hear it?''
''You don't have to make up stuff.''
''That won't be necessary.''
''What do you mean?''
''Hinata kissed me.''
Now he was the one having opened mouth and Temari laughed quietly.
''No way! When? How?''
''Today,'' she said plainly,''And what do you think how? Carefully and slowly!''
''And you?'' he also sat up, now interested to hear more,''Did you kiss her back?''
''Who wouldn't? She had finally done it and I was supposed to turn her down?''
''No, I'm not saying that. I wondered if you had wanted it.''
''I was curious but if she hadn't made a move, I wouldn't have either.''
''Did she like it?''
''I don't know. I haven't asked.''
''You have nothing to worry about. You are a great kisser.''
He got closer to prove his statement, but she stopped him.
''There's more.''
''More than kissing?''
''More than Hinata.''
''And it all happened on the last day?'' he asked, looking disappointed,''What were you waiting for until now?''
''I thought I didn't care!'' Temari frowned,''I was certain Ino didn't care either.''
''So something more happened with Ino?''
Knowing there was no turning back, Temari decided to find out as much as possible before telling Shikamaru everything.
''Has Ino ever confessed her feelings to someone?''
''I'm glad you didn't pop this question differently.''
''I know she is not in love with you!''
After she'd said it, Shikamaru made a sad face.
''Cut that out already!'' she hit him playfully.
''I'm sorry, but somehow every discussion about Ino turns out into senseless arguing.''
''It won't this time,'' she assured him. ''You didn't answer my question.''
''You will never hear her saying it directly, but she is showing it clearly to certain people.''
''What do you mean?''
''I'm not sure if you got the chance to meet the real Ino, different from flirty blonde.''
''I think I did.''
''Then you know there is only one person in her life she loves more than anything.''
''Sakura.''
''Exactly. Thanks to your little project, Ino's been showing how much she cares more than she wished for Sakura to know. She has not accepted to participate because of you, it was because of Sakura.''
''Do you think Sakura will get jealous because other blonde kissed Ino?''
''She might,'' Shikamaru smirked.
''You don't sound surprised.''
''It was evident.''
''How?''
''You should see yourself when you talk about everything you've been doing together! I never cared what exactly was happening, but your enthusiastic way of retelling. You remember something you liked and I am around to take advantage of your good mood.''
''Disgusting!''
''I can't help it! You should see yourself, really.''
He wasn't looking mad or impatient to hear more about this, like when she's been retelling him about Sakura and Ino.
''So you are not mad at me?''
''You were curious and you told me. Why would I be mad?''
''I don't know,'' she said honestly.
''Well, I guess you wouldn't be as calm as I am if I had kissed Ino!''
''That's not funny!''
''I would react differently if you had kissed another guy, probably and some other girls. Hinata is not some random girl who decided to kiss you. I am glad you both did what you've wanted as long as you don't come to the conclusion you don't need me.''
''Idiot!''
''You've been honest, I want to be too!''
''Very well. Why are you more interested in Ino than Hinata?''
''Because you liked Hinata from the start and hated Ino for no reason at all. You didn't even want to know her better and now you are kissing her!''
''I hated her because I was thinking she wanted to kiss you!''
''Relax! She would have never done it! She insisted on my shadow technique when I was teaching her to dance. She has never tried her tricks on any guy at our academy class and around Chouji she is almost unrecognisable. That's all because she doesn't want anyone to get the wrong idea about her.''
''But everybody does have wrong idea! She is always smiling and wears no clothes at all!''
''Because she wants to see people's true intention right away. Somebody who sees her as brainless girl, doesn't stand a chance.''
''Then she should start talking instead of smiling! I had no idea how she feels about anything until I made her confess. It wasn't the best way, but she doesn't reveal anything. She's been telling me what she's been doing, but not what she feels.''
''She will never do that, don't worry. She is different.''
''In fact, she is not. She was just pretending. Kissing her and Hinata wasn't so different. They were both restrained, careful and gentle. And that's what surprised me the most.''
Neither of them was pushy or insisted to be in control. There were few differences due to their various experience, but all in all, they were both shy and thoughtful. They were kissing alike because they were both girls and cared for Temari and her feelings.
Temari hadn't expected Ino would suggest loud and clear to go all the way, but her simple request to be on top completely surprised Temari.
''Was Ino the one who initiated it?''
''No.''
''Good.''
''Why is that good?''
''That means you did it because you wanted to. She could have made you do it.''
''She is not stronger than me.''
''Nobody is,'' Shikamaru smirked,''Ino's bloodline limit made her see and learn more of everything too soon. She knows what needs to be done to get anything and people are quite simple, especially men.''
''What about the Sannin?''
''I would really like to tell you he is the worst or the oldest to lay a hand on her.''
''What? And that was her choice?''
''That's very confidential information I'm not allowed to know, especially not discuss with you! Ino wouldn't be thrilled if she knew any of her friends had known.''
''I understand,'' she forced a smile, grateful Shikamaru gave her the chance to find out more.
Temari wasn't nervous like before so she was feeling quite sleepy. Shikamaru noticed and laid her down.
''Did you like it?''
Recalling all of her kissing today, Temari was fond of one thing only. She liked the sweet scent of Hinata's hair and Ino's soft skin. She didn't need tenderness or restrains, and thanks to today's episode, she's been waiting for Shikamaru's kiss more than ever.
''Now when I think about it, I didn't. I mean, there is no point in kissing when it doesn't lead to anything. ''
''It can lead if you really want it.''
''Sure, but I don't want it with another girl!''
''So, correct me if I'm wrong, you've been waiting an entire afternoon to tell me you've started something and you want only me to finish it?''
''When you put it like that,'' she chuckled and pulled him closer, knowing there's no need to say anything more.
She was definitely on a completely different level of intimacy with Shikamaru and right now she was feeling better than ever.
She wondered if Ino had anticipated Shikamaru's reaction because she knew him well or any other man would have reacted the same.
Temari was certain neither of that was correct because nobody knew her perfect boyfriend better than her and there was no way that any other man could be even close to Shikamaru. Not in one single thing, kissing included.
Another sleepless blonde had her head full of heavy thoughts. Ino didn't have to lie to herself she wasn't sleepy. She was wide awake in spite of a very busy day. Her mind hasn't been occupied with Temari, Sakura or girls kissing.
She wasn't regretting what they've done. Kissing Sakura was an interesting experience she would have never dared to try if Sakura hadn't requested it. Ino would have never done it if she had known it would bother Sakura so much, in spite of her wish. Temari, on the other hand, had enough time to think about everything and Ino couldn't help but smile remembering how persistent she had been.
Ino was aware Temari probably had told everything to Shikamaru. She wasn't feeling guilty since she'd done everything to make sure Temari had been kissing her because she wanted to. Deep inside Ino knew she should've never let that happen, but she's been curious too. Then again, she was glad Sakura had interrupted because Temari would think too much about everything and regret it in the end, and Ino definitely wasn't worth to be the reason for Temari's anxiety.
She admired Temari. Maybe she was feeling a bit of envy too. Not because she was strong and beautiful, but smart. Hinata did whatever she was thinking it needed to get done today and it had been possible because of Temari. She was the one who had thought of Sakura's charm and subtle approach and Ino's shameless use of her body and persuasive behaviour. Temari knew Hinata could never become like the one or the other, however, after everything combined, Hinata managed to do what she'd planned. None of them was sure what exactly, but only thing that mattered to Ino was that Hinata would be sure of herself in two weeks time. Although Ino wasn't like Temari in any way, she was glad her traits had also been helpful.
She didn't have a strong body, however, thanks to her bloodline limit, in order to discover someone's secrets by reading their mind, her body was used too. If her task was done properly, her body wouldn't be abused. She was taught not to depend on her team mates on that issue, as everybody expected her sacrifice, if necessary. That was the main reason she had to explore men, to get better, faster and avoid anything she didn't wish to happen.
Her medical skills were a lot of help; that way nobody, except Tsunade, didn't have to know what'd happened. Thanks to that combination of her skills, Tsunade, after Ino's request, assigned to her S-rank missions even though she hadn't been jounin yet. However, after one delicate quest Ino'd done flawlessly, Tsunade forbade her any mission without medical supervisor. Afters she had sustained serious injuries, Tsunade has been treating her in absolute secrecy for weeks and Ino decided to become more proficient medical ninja.
She didn't need anyone's compassion or pity, and she wanted to be the best to spare other younger kunoichi.
It's not what you have but how you use it. And she was using her body perfectly. All the time and in every situation. And Orochimaru appeared to be the most suitable help for their plan to arrange perfect moment and surroundings for beautiful Hyuuga princess. In spite of a seemingly easy task, Ino knew that one wrong word would reveal too much information to sharp Sannin.
After her arrival at Orochimaru's cave, Ino was walking nervously all over the big library where she's been usually waiting for Orochimaru to appear. Luckily, she didn't have to wait long this time.
''Am I dreaming?'' Ino heard voice behind her.
''I don't think so!'' she smirked.
''If I am not,'' Orochimaru crossed his arms, ''why are you here before midnight? It's not even dark yet!''
Ino shrugged and chuckled.
''But there's more!'' he continued. ''You are dressed and you don't have to wake me up!''
''I've never woken you up!'' she protested.
''What do you think I am doing when you decide to show up a bit before dawn?''
''Yeah, about that,'' she chuckled, ''never mind. Are you busy at the moment?''
He didn't reply.
''Well? Are you?''
''Oh, you actually want me to answer? How come? Usually you ask something and the second after, I can't talk. Or think. Or anything.''
If he wanted her to kiss him, his stance wasn't showing it, so she didn't.
''Look, I'm in a hurry-''
''You always are.''
''Yeah, so it would be great if you're not busy.''
''Do you want to get busy?''
She really wanted to answer that, but she didn't have time, so she decided it's the best to ignore it.
''That question,'' she swallowed, ''means Kabuto-san is not here.''
''You came to see him?''
''No!''
''Should I then-''
''No!'' she cut off his question, noticing his devious smile while he was checking out her clothes.
''Well, at least I know I'm not dreaming as you would let me-''
Imagining what he was thinking of didn't let her think at all.
''Can you stop talking?''
''If you want me to use my tongue, you should-''
''I can't think like this!'' she interrupted his torturing. ''I came here for a different purpose!''
''I'm not sure if I'm glad or not because of that.''
''I'm definitely not!''
''I see,'' he was trying to look serious again. ''So what is it?''
''I need a huge favour.''
''From me?''
''Well, it's really complicated. It includes you, me, other people and-''
''I'm listening.''
''Well, it's very important to someone else and I'm not allowed to tell you anything unless you agree to help out.''
''And how will I know I'm able to help?''
''I know you are! In fact, there's no one better than you to do it!''
He didn't look interested at all. Fortunately, Ino knew how to get his attention. She was standing far enough so she wrapped all of her hair around her finger, tapped her chin with another one, blinked as innocently as possible at Orochimaru and smirked.
''If you are willing to do it,'' she smiled cutely, ''I can do a Shadow clone thing again!''
He was interested now, however, not thrilled.
''So you make people do favours for you in exchange for your little shows?''
''I am not making you. It's a simple proposition.''
''Is that so?''
''I don't need to do anything, you do. Will you do it without my part?''
''I can't unless you tell me what it is.''
''And I can't tell you unless you agree.''
She's been forcing herself to speak as indifferently as possible even though she's been in a hurry and needed affirmative answer as soon as possible.
''What will you get if I agree?''
''Nothing. It will just be done perfectly and on time.''
''That doesn't sound convincing.''
''I didn't know you think of me like that kind of girl.''
''What should I think?'' he said indifferently. ''You have offered-''
''But it's not for me!'' she interrupted. ''Or for you!''
''So, if I got it right, you want me to agree to do something I know nothing about. And it's not for you. Or for me ,'' he was suppressing laughter, ''You really are a special kind!''
''You are the worst!'' she tried to sound angrily, but she was giggling instead as it really sounded stupid.
''Fine. Why would you do that, whatever that was?''
''Because it's the right thing to do!''
''Huh. Would I need to kill somebody?''
''Of course not! I can do that by myself!''
''Huh. Money then?''
''You weren't paying attention!'' she scolded him, however, she wasn't mad.
She walked up to him and, after she'd leaned on him, he embraced her gently.
''Didn't I tell you that you are the only one who is able to do it?''
Doubtful gaze, but not anger.
''Only you have what it takes. No one else.''
''Interesting,'' he smirked. ''Is that your opinion on me all the time or just for the occasion?''
She shrugged and smiled. Orochimaru didn't look satisfied with that kind of answer as Ino refused to tell him what she's thinking for real. However, she knew how to avoid direct answer.
She took a strand of his long hair and wrapped it around her fingers. He didn't do or say anything, his gaze following her fingers.
''What do you think?'' she asked slowly.
''I'm not allowed to think anything,'' he said, still looking at her hand, which was caressing his neck at the moment, ''because you might misunderstand again.''
''Make up your mind then!'' she ordered and walked away.
''You are aware how hard it is, aren't you?''
''What exactly?''
''To make a decision on something I don't know how it will turn out for me.''
''Huh,'' she tapped her chin, trying to think, ''that depends on you. And your performance.''
''Are we still talking about-''
''Yes!''
''I see. Please continue.''
''I really can't tell you more.''
''Huh.''
''Unless you agree to do it.''
''Let's say I refuse,'' he said quickly. ''What would happen?''
''Nothing!'' she smiled. ''It wouldn't affect you in any way.''
''I highly doubt that.''
''It wouldn't,'' she said firmly. ''It has nothing to do with you, no gain, no loss, whatever you choose.''
''So you would give up on this idea of yours?''
''No!'' she frowned. ''It's the best way!''
''Then what?''
She was worried he might think she was forcing him to fulfil her wish. She had to dismiss that thought, so she stepped closer.
''I would need to find someone else,'' she shrugged, ''less perfect.''
''Huh,'' he was getting tired of this, ''I really need more information.''
''I am not allowed to give you more.''
''I hope you are referring to more information only.''
''You know I am!''
''I can never be sure with you. You say one thing and do something else.''
''It's the last time,'' she said quietly.
''Last time of what?'' he asked seriously. ''You making me wait all night, then leaving right away,'' he deflected his gaze to be more dramatic, ''or not informing me about your upcoming mission or hospital duty?''
He would have probably thought of something else if Ino hadn't interrupted.
''I'm sorry,'' she embraced him around the waist. ''I will make you forget about all of that very soon!''
''Huh,'' he was trying not to smile, ''when exactly?''
''It'll be over tomorrow.''
''Huh. And if you find someone else to help you, will that person get the same reward?''
''No!'' she chuckled. ''It's for your eyes only!''
''And how many of them would I get?''
She knew he was still thinking about Shadow clones and she didn't mind creating as many as he wanted, however, he was still hesitating in spite of his sly smile.
''Depends!'' she stepped back.
''On my performance.''
She wasn't sure if he was frowning because of her answer or sudden retreat.
''I'm sure,'' she said smoothly, ''it will be flawless.''
He was staring at her for a few moments like he wanted to spot any sign of her possible reaction to his final decision. She knew she had to look indifferent, so she was glancing around the room, avoiding eye contact.
''Fine!'' he finally said. ''Let me hear it.''
''I knew it!'' she said happily and gave him a quick kiss.
''Yeah, yeah,'' he sighed like he wasn't glad she'd known he would agree eventually.
After some time of Ino's explanations, he interrupted.
''There is an easier way. I mean, at least million other ways-''
She interrupted his suggestion, aware that was the only way due to the lack of time and a proper place.
''It's a girlie thing!''
''Obviously,'' he sighed. ''When it needs to be done?''
''Till tomorrow afternoon.''
''Tomorrow afternoon?'' he stunned. ''I can't do that, I need more time!''
''I know it's soon,'' she said sadly, ''but it will be too late in two weeks time!''
''How am I supposed to arrange everything until tomorrow?'' he frowned, ''It's not that simple.''
''I know,'' she smiled, ''but you will manage somehow.''
''And for how long does it have to take?''
''As long as you can last. Fortunately, that has never been a problem for you.''
''If you want me to stay focused, you have to stop saying things like that.''
''I thought you needed more than that.''
''Now that you mentioned it, when I'll be seeing you tonight?''
''Yeah, about that. I am at hospital because tomorrow I have to ask for a day off.''
''This is getting better every second,'' he muttered angrily.
''Don't be like that! I'll be waiting for you tomorrow night!''
''When?''
''As soon as you're done.''
''And for how long?''
''We'll see about that. And I really have to go now!''
''Fine.''
He couldn't hide how much he disliked the whole situation. However, Ino didn't have time and she was determined to leave to avoid more questions which would bring up more bad news for him.
''Just one more thing before you go,'' his voice stopped her one step away from the door. ''Do you mind coming here tomorrow morning?''
''Why?'' she asked bluntly. ''Didn't we set an appointment for the evening?''
''Well, you mentioned peace and quiet,'' he sighed. ''I thought you could use extra precaution and assure everything goes according to your plan.''
''You've just become,'' Ino smiled, ''even more perfect!''
The second she'd said it, she closed the door behind her. It was more tormenting that she could've ever imagined. She has never been a teasing type, especially not towards people who has never disrespected her, and this was the most manipulative thing she's ever done.
She didn't have to be so mean. He didn't deserve to be treated like that. There were million other ways she could've done it. And he would've agreed eventually, just like he had, in spite of her obnoxious plea. He would never ask for a favour that way. Or ask for anything. He never did. On the other hand, she couldn't do anything for him even if she wanted to. He didn't need anybody's help. Or anything at all.
Not only he agreed to help, but offered his advice to make it even better.
When they'd met this morning, she was trying to notice if he's been mad at her because of what she'd asked for. However, he hadn't shown in any way he wanted to discuss yesterday's encounter, completely dedicated to teach her the sound sealing. He didn't say anything that could be misinterpreted even though they were alone. She was certain she wouldn't be focused because of the exhausting night shift, but Orochimaru's guidance made her learn everything quickly and she was ecstatic! The last thing she wanted was to waste his time because of her lack of skill. After everything had been done, she was the one reminding him of tonight, feeling bad because of the way she'd asked him to help. Not even then he showed anger or impatience, simply informing her he's been looking forward to their meeting.
She was very confused by his unusual behaviour.
Although Orochimaru's been longing for her body, he wasn't like any other man before. Not selfish, rude or uninterested in her desires. It was obvious he was much more than she could ever imagine he would be.
She hated that she had to lie. Then again, why would he care about the main reason she had asked him to help? The thing that surprised her the most was that he hadn't asked for anything in return. She herself offered him her body as a compensation even though he hadn't asked for it.
She's done it million times. Using her body to complete the given task. Men were like that. Doing everything in order to get a young gorgeous female that can be treated any way they wanted, knowing she can't do anything but fulfil their obscene needs.
She hated her body. Her beautiful young body was a burden for what she wanted to become. When she was younger, she was thinking her looks will be an advantage. Getting more experienced, she got the picture what kind of role good looking kunoichi like her had.
She hated men and their urge to have her. They were all the same. Self-centred and uncaring. She gave up on searching for someone different and she resigned herself to fact she was good for nothing more than pretend to be helpless busty blonde.
Well, she might have not enjoyed men's company but she was determined to take a good care of her only tool. Her body. So she began acting like a man. Using others' bodies to provide pleasure for her own. She was feeling bad about it at the beginning, but none of her partners didn't seem to care so she didn't care either.
Orochimaru has never made her feel that way. That first time at the hospital was the only time he did something against her will, and even that time felt great. He's never been selfish or forcing her to do anything she didn't like. Well, except that one time, but that was months ago and they were just exploring. How could she admit her childish fear while he obviously enjoyed it? Luckily, during that period of experimenting, she thought of creating a Shadow Clone. She didn't bother, but it felt kind of weird seeing him with some girl on top of him even though she herself was that girl.
Ino smirked thinking of his excitement while trying to decide which one of two naked aroused blondes needs his touch more! Although he somehow knew which one was the clone, he let them drive him crazy with two pairs of hands, two pairs of lips and two blondes on top of him waiting for him to decide to have his way with them. Well, with one of them. And not entirely his way.
Tonight was completely different. She thought he would nag about last minute favour she'd asked him to do or at least show in some way he doesn't want that to happen again. She's been waiting in vain. His actions weren't showing regret he'd accepted to accomplish his task. It would be wrong to say she'd expected a reprimand because he never did something that would harm her or said anything to offend her.
She'd expected anything but what really happened.
Maybe he wasn't in the mood and didn't want to admit it, like any other man wouldn't.
Maybe she'd created too many clones or hadn't chosen the right fetish outfit for them.
Maybe something bad happened at the Uchiha meeting he'd said he must arrange and didn't feel like discussing it with her, since she was the one to blame for the whole thing.
However, nothing strange happened. Well, nothing strange and bad.
First he destroyed all of her clones. She felt a bit disappointed, as she didn't know what was the reason for that, but she forgot all about it very soon. Instead of fast and rough, like she preferred, he was slow and tender, making her hate herself for being so rude to him the day before. Why did he have to act that way? So sweet and gentle for no reason at all, and much more considerate than ever before. Why, why did he treat her that way and, more important, what did she do to deserve it? She was enjoying every second of it even though it was completely opposite of her usual preference, then again, with him everything felt amazing. She wasn't rushing anything as this was the one night reserved for him, as she'd promised. She would've come even if there hadn't been for their deal.
Stupid deal. It had to be done, but it wasn't worth of whatever had happened that made him like this, strange and unusual him. Instead of her, making it up for all the trouble he had to deal with because of her, he acted like she'd done a favour to him.
She wanted to go home and think clearly about everything once again so she could ask him tomorrow. Unfortunately, she couldn't do any of that.
She was worried because she didn't know what could've caused all of this. Was she the one to blame? Did he think this was the part of their deal too? She was completely freaked out at the moment and wished to disappear. But she couldn't and she wasn't sure if that was what she truly wanted.
Ino took a deep breath and turned her head to the right, avoiding to move more than necessary. Although she wanted to sleep more than anything, she couldn't ignore unfamiliar presence. For the first time ever, having his arm wrapped around her waist, Orochimaru was sleeping peacefully next to her.