Every time we touch
Ino sighed. Last time she saw Orochimaru as furious as today was that time she had watched over his training. Unlike that time, his anger now was understandable.
''Does it hurt?'' she asked carefully.
He gave her glare.
''I'm sorry,'' she said honestly.
''You said that already,'' he replied indifferently.
''I really am sorry. I only didn't want you to do something you would regret later and things got a little out of control-''
''Things always get out of control when you are around.''
She frowned.
She didn't need a reminder she'd almost cut in half legendary Sannin.
It was a well-earned title though; someone else would have died of a severe blood loss due to a deep cut across the abdomen. Also a good thing, the cut was high enough and Orochimaru couldn't accuse her of being psycho crazy ex-lover who wanted to nip his future relationships in the bud literally-with a deadly cut below his waist.
''Sorry.''
And that wasn't the worst part! That wound would heal eventually, but she was pretty sure he would never ever forget she'd called him old. And dirty.
She actually said, aloud and to his face, he was a dirty old man! Now when she thought of it, he took it rather well, as if he expected it would slip out sooner or later.
They sat in silence for a few moments.
''You probably did the right thing,'' he said plainly, ''considering the whole situation.''
She forced a smile, but he was looking away.
Ino sighed. She should have known that she wouldn't succeed to avoid him during the wedding party, so she was just waiting for an opportunity to disappear.
Temari didn't have to tell her to be careful with delicious and unlimited liquor because it was better to stay sober than wake up half-nude the morning after. In spite of her sobriety, she was sitting on the ground, trying to cover her naked thighs. She was also barefoot because she didn't have the time to put back on her high heels she had taken off at the wedding. She also had some blood on her clothes, the blood that wasn't hers or her enemy's. It belonged to Orochimaru.
She couldn't have known her plan to come to the wedding alone would turn out this way. She never intended to talk to any man, especially not to single guys who might get ideas about her attending the wedding to find herself a boyfriend. Or a lover. Or anything. Unfortunately, her date thought he had the privilege to be around her all the time. The only way to let him know she agreed to be his date because he didn't give her a choice, by picking her up at her parents' home, she found a duty for herself to avoid dancing and unnecessary small talk.
Mikoto gladly accepted her help with catering and Ino's been happily wandering around to provide more delicious liquid that would make everyone happy and relaxed. Unfortunately, drunk guests were already under the tables and the rest of them were too polite to drink too much, so Ino didn't have a reason not to take a break and hide in one of the kitchens.
Standing up in high heels was much harder while being sober, so she decided that for now it would be better to take her shoes off than have a shot or two. And it was quite tempting to be surrounded with so much alcohol and not be allowed to drink at all. Not that she couldn't, it just wouldn't be her wisest decision. Just like she had picked the gorgeous tight dress in which was impossible to sit. All she could do without fear of tearing the dress was leaning on the counter top, so she poured herself a glass of water, and, leaned on her back, staring at the liquor bottles at the other counter top.
''All of that for you?'' she heard a familiar voice behind her.
''How did you know?'' she replied unthinkingly and finished her water.
''If that wasn't water, somebody will have to carry you home.''
She washed the glass quickly to put it back on its place, wishing she had never come in here without locking the door behind her. That way she could accuse Orochimaru for stalking her and now it seemed like they ended up at the same place at the same time by coincidence. On the other hand, maybe they did. They were both thirsty and trying to avoid people to get some peace and quiet, not leaving the party out of courtesy.
Until yesterday Ino didn't have a moment for herself to sit down and think about what had happened between them. She immersed herself in work to buy a wedding dress for Sakura on time. Yesterday was the last day of exhausting tempo and she took a chance to relax and dress up for today. And here she was, hiding from Orochimaru, who obviously saw through her pretence on the outside, meeting her alone. She didn't plan to make it easy for him and reveal he's been making her nervous by staring silently, having no intention to bring up their last encounter. It ended and that was it. They were both adults and there was no need to not act like ones.
''Nice wedding,'' she said just to end the silence.
''I guess,'' he said plainly.
He wasn't incredibly handsome at the moment, wearing perfectly tailored black attire, and she was able to resist him, as always. Their last night hadn't been perfect and a single thought of it wasn't sending shivers down her spine. He wasn't the best she's ever had neither did she miss him.
She could ignore all of it and not care if it were true or not. It didn't make any difference because of only one thing. He told her to leave him alone.
When she looked back, that was all he was saying for months and she was ignoring it, amused with his inability to reject her explicitly. It was mean to play with him and, in the end, he lost his patience with her and brought her back down to earth.
''Do you want a drink?'' she asked, noticing he's been staring at the bottles.
''I am fine.''
''Are you sure?'' she smirked. ''I will take all of it outside and it will vanish sooner than you expect, so this is your chance to try out extremely expensive sake.''
''I think I'll pass.''
''So you don't want to do or say anything you would regret sober.''
''Exactly.''
''Me neither.''
A small smirk crossed his features because she brought up his restriction on her drinking. Or maybe because she implied she hadn't drunk a thing.
Opportunity to get wasted was a privilege for those who were choosing their lovers wisely. Orochimaru was one of those shinobi who practically spent the half of their life in the hospital and she was a medic. He was legendary Sannin and she couldn't ignore his existence; she was supposed to be professional, obey superiors and their orders, overlook personal opinion and possible disagreements, at all times under any circumstances.
And that was their life outside of this kitchen. Here they were by themselves, waiting for an interruption. She was hoping that would happen soon, before she would remember what they used to do, all alone. In the middle of the day or during the night. Anywhere. Everywhere.
She desperately had to look somewhere where he wasn't in the sight, so she's been staring at the floor, preoccupied with studying her toes, wondering if she should put her shoes back on.
Not like Orochimaru didn't see her barefoot. Or naked. Or maybe she should count the tiles and not think about her nudity.
''I suppose you don't plan on leaving this place any time soon.''
''I deserve to take a break,'' she said flatly. ''And you?''
''Well, I wasn't busy for awhile and I used that time to tidy up, and while onto it, I ran into something that reminded me of you. And what I owe to you.''
Oh no! She probably forgot her underwear somewhere in his house! Or hideout! How embarrassing was this? Unless he wanted to apologize for the last time and take up where they left off.
''It was the main reason you were looking for me, don't you remember?''
Strange. If he was about to put her in awkward situation by explaining what kind of panties she had left somewhere around his bed, he was way too serious.
''It's not impossible you used it as an excuse only, but I have to check anyway.''
Before she could ask more about this odd subject, he continued plainly.
''Since we are both sober, we can do it right now.''
''Do what?'' she asked warily.
''Start with the forbidden jutsu lesson.''
Oh that! Now it all made sense! He found the scroll by accident recently and he remembered she'd wanted to learn it! It seemed like it happened ages ago.
''Don't you have better things to do?'' she asked casually, trying not to be too obvious while nervous around him.
''So if I don't teach you now, does that mean you will look for me some other time?''
She frowned immediately. That wasn't what she had meant.
''Not to mention you would have to do it in secrecy, because you want to learn a forbidden jutsu nobody should know about.''
She shrugged to agree. He was right and she hated it.
''Or you can learn it by yourself,'' he offered. ''Either way, encountering me would be unavoidable,'' he added pointedly.
Of course. Why would he make it easier for her? Or he truly did come here with the best intention, to be her teacher?
He was silent while she was pondering about his proposal. Since it was a forbidden jutsu, it might last longer than she was ready to spend with him all alone. Then again, meeting him somewhere else, with nobody around, would probably end up even worse. Ino assumed Orochimaru planned this to talk to her and he did give a reasonable explanation.
''How hard would it be if I say yes?''
That came out wrong. Out of all possible words, she had to say hard! What was wrong with her?
''I'll make it fast, since that's how you like,'' he smirked in amusement.
No wonder their casual conversation could have only one ending. She was grateful he hadn't said rough also.
''I meant, if it would waste too much of your time, I can always learn it by myself.''
''It won't be too demanding for you. You control other people's minds, also.''
''I do not!''
''There is no need to be humble about your powerful bloodline limit. Unless you have read my mind.''
''I haven't! I would never do such a thing!''
''Too bad,'' he sighed sadly. ''I wonder if I could resist.''
He paused so she could look at him doubtfully.
''Your mind reading,'' he explained, grinning.
She wasn't in the mood for mind games and she refused to play along.
''Nobody resisted my technique because the subjects were drugged. I have never tried it on a random person for fun.''
''I didn't think you have.''
Ino wasn't sure if she ever wanted to try her technique on Orochimaru if he ever decided to become resistant. Not knowing what was going on in Sannin's head was keeping her calm. She didn't want to find out what he's been thinking for real and, for what she had heard, she wasn't eager to know everything he's been through.
''This is a forbidden jutsu, right?''
He nodded, making a face as if he didn't understand the reason for this question.
''The mastering will last forever, so maybe you could show me basics and I will try to memorize the part I might find useful.''
''Well, since it's used mostly for organ stealing during combats, and it requires healing, my work won't be so demanding.''
''Wait a minute! You can use it? Perfectly?''
Now he was looking offended. She would be looking like that too. He was one of the most powerful shinobi alive and she just doubted his skills.
''I mean, you are able to heal?''
''Of course.''
''Why didn't you tell me?''
''First of all, you won't reveal that secret. Second, I have never healed anyone but myself and I only come to hospital when I am unable to heal fast enough. Jutsu I mastered uses a lot of chakra and more time, so I use it when nothing else is possible.''
''Is it also forbidden?''
''Kind of.''
''Maybe you should teach me that instead.''
''We don't have that much time.''
''I mean, not right now. Maybe I can read a scroll or something.''
Somehow she proposed to meet with him again. What was wrong with her? First unintentional suggestive talk, then this!
It was exhausting to think about every single word after months spent with him not minding screaming dirty words, yelling at him, ordering what to do, tearing his clothes off and doing everything but talking decently. This was torturing of the worst kind!
''Anything forbidden consumes a lot of time and your chakra. Besides, you developed your technique so well that using anything else would only slow you down.''
He obviously didn't have problems with complimenting her skills or talking plainly. He was definitely the only adult in the room and she was an immature girl, waiting for an opportunity to escape.
''Why are you so persistent?''
''It's something you wished for and I owe you that much,'' he explained.
''You don't owe me anything. In fact, you have done something I didn't ask you to,'' she said pointedly.
By his smirk she concluded he understood what she had in mind.
''If you allude to the other wedding, I wasn't the one who set it up.''
''Then who was?'' she demanded.
''It's not something you want to hear,'' he said, staring at the floor.
Now she was the persistent one.
''Try me.''
''It's not a big deal, really. Just forget it,'' he sighed dismissively.
''I can't. My friends think I made you do it and I refuse to take any credit until I find out the real reason.''
''You are the reason.''
''Me? I didn't ask you to do it, how can I be-''
''You have asked me to set a meeting which will last as long as possible.''
''I have.''
''To make sure everything's done, I casually mentioned prolonged break for everyone and Fugaku-san thought of it. Not me.''
There. Just like she thought. He didn't do an extra favour to her; Sasuke's father did it for himself, probably unaware how thrilled Sakura would be.
''Then again, if there hadn't been for you, I would have never arranged the meeting. So it is your credit.''
''It's not. You were the one at the meeting.''
''Which would have never taken place if there hadn't been for you. For us, to be more accurate.''
If there hadn't been for them, they wouldn't talk right now and, if they were, she wouldn't be walking on eggshells the entire time. She would have been able to take higher paid night shift, so she would have bought the wedding dress months ago; she could get drunk now and she would have been dancing with whoever would ask. Maybe even with Orochimaru himself, although she doubted he would dare to propose it. She wouldn't turn him down because she had a hunch he's been hiding something beneath his façade.
Then again, if they hadn't existed, Hinata wouldn't have gotten the chance to see Itachi two weeks before the wedding neither would Sakura's wedding have been so soon. All in all, both Hinata and Sakura owed a favour to Ino's playful nature. And she liked to play with fire Sannin started so long ago and she was still feeling flames whenever they would meet.
''Are you mad at me?'' Ino asked sheepishly.
''Why would I be mad at you?''
''Because I made you to-''
''Made me? You?'' his quiet laugh was full of mockery.
''Right, you made the decision on your own!''
''I would have turned you down,'' he said strictly, ''if I had wanted to.''
That sounded as if he enjoyed doing her a favour. That didn't make any sense to her, so she didn't ask further about that subject.
''If you want, you can say to your friend I arranged it,'' he offered.
''I won't lie to make myself look better. I did what I could and I am sure Sakura will apreciate my part too.''
''Your part?''
''She showed me a wedding dress she wanted, and it was too expensive.''
''So you've been working like crazy to buy that dress on time?''
She shrugged. Of course he knew. Their meetings were affected by her working schedule too much for him to ignore it. Especially during last six weeks and IOS break due to this wedding.
''Is that some new trend? Buying wedding dresses for your best friends?''
''It's not! I knew how much she wanted to get married and this wedding was making her sad. That's the least I could have done to make her feel better.''
''Huh. That was very thoughtful of you, but also the harder way. Why didn't you borrow the money?''
''Then it wouldn't have been a surprise! Somebody always blurts out.''
''I wouldn't.''
Did he just imply she should've borrowed money from him because she was a gold digger?
''I would've never asked you.''
''Why not?''
Wasn't that obvious? They weren't friends and she hadn't been with him to milk money from him, which he obviously had, she concluded by the size of his mansion. And she had some pride and dignity!
''I don't know, I wouldn't,'' she said simply.
''It's just the money. That's what it is for,'' he persisted.
''True, but I can take care of the money by myself.''
''Huh. So when you asked for my help back then, I was irreplaceable.''
''No money can buy a reputation among Uchiha clan.''
She knew that kind of compliment would make him smile. At least for a moment.
''After everything, I didn't get the chance to ask what exactly happened.''
''Well, it's all over, so I can tell you. Hinata was just a bit worried about everything, so she needed some time alone with Itachi-san.''
''If you had told me back then, I would have found a simple solution.''
''There wasn't a simple solution. It had to look like they met accidentally. If she had announced they needed to talk, he would have thought she wanted to leave him or something! Guys are really paranoid when it comes to talking.''
''I see. And women like to talk. A lot.''
''As you can see, they talked but nothing actually happened. Everybody needs a little encouragement. Even the heirs.''
''They are regular people, having their fears and desires too. On top of that comes their duty of an heir.''
She had to smile to that.
''I am glad you understand,'' she said gratefully.
He simply nodded, as if he didn't think his role was relevant enough.
''The way you asked about my influence, I thought you were mad at me I had something to do with the second wedding.''
''Why would I be mad about it?'' she chuckled.
''So you are glad Sasuke-kun is getting married?''
''If you are asking me if I am glad one of the most promising shinobi of his generation is about to become someone's husband, I am not. Only that lucky woman appears to be my best friend, and if somebody is happy for the two of them, that's definitely me.''
''And you are looking forward to that wedding?''
''As a maid of honour, I would like more time to get everything perfect, but I will manage somehow. Just like I did for the dress.''
''So, by saving money for the dress, you were assured that marriage would occur sooner or later?''
''Of course! Sakura loves Sasuke-kun more than anything, and he knows that and he would never leave her.''
Ino didn't have to reveal she herself would kill Sasuke if he would only think of breaking Sakura's innocent heart.
''Going through all of this proves you really care for your friends,'' Orochimaru said, like he finally got the idea about all the fuss during last couple of weeks.
''I would do it all over again to see her happy like she was today,'' Ino said, smiling while thinking about Sakura's excitement. ''The whole point is seeing somebody else's smile. Because of you.''
''I couldn't agree more.''
Instead of a constant provocation, they were talking calmly and it seemed so strange. Ever since they met, they have never talked this way. He was listening patiently, talking casualy and replying politely, not giving her an excuse to leave. Or maybe she was searching for a reason to stay and talk to him. All in all, she didn't want to change that, continuing with light conversation.
''Maybe you should do it too, by lending money to Tsunade-sama,'' Ino chuckled.
''I lend her money. What do you think why she tolerates everything I think of? I need the Hokage for my agenda and she needs the money. Not necessarily my money, but I don't need it.''
''You don't?''
Her tone was ironic enough so he could understand she had his castle on her mind.
''House was a reward after a mission.''
''I won't ask what kind of mission it must have been,'' she frowned.
''It's a funny story. A rich man who ordered a mission didn't expect we would survive it.''
''You are the only one thinking it's a funny story.''
''You wanted to hear about the house,'' he reminded her. ''Anyway, not only we survived it, we accomplished the task too. And he already spent the money to build the house and didn't have the money to pay, so we both accepted the house instead of money.''
''There is another house as big as yours? I didn't see it anywhere.''
''Actually, Itachi-san got the bigger one because I don't need more space to live by myself. It's located in the village, but no one is allowed to come near.''
''Illusion?''
He smirked.
''It might be.''
''Having secrets with your friends,'' Ino chuckled. ''Speaking of friends, what about Jiraiya-sama?''
''What about him?''
''You didn't hit him back, did you? Your counter attack can be fatal and you are much better prepared than your best friend.''
''You forgot about Tsunade who is Hokage and the most experienced person when it comes to reckless shinobi.''
They succeeded to laugh about Jiraiya finding out about them and Tsunade's anger afterwards. Ino didn't try to push her luck to ask more about that ominous evening, so she waited for Orochimaru to change the subject.
''Are you familiar with Jiraiya's writing career?'' Orochimaru asked plainly.
''I am.''
''Meaning you've read the romance novels he writes?''
''More than one,'' Ino admitted, chuckling lightly. ''Just to see how his mind works.''
''So you can say it was a research,'' Orochimaru faked seriousness in his voice.
''Well yes,'' Ino was suppressing laughter. ''I found out real men don't waste time to write imaginary nonsense because they are too busy with the real thing!''
''You think all of it is fake?''
''It can't be true!'' Ino shrugged. ''Or you are trying to tell me something?''
''As far as I know, he sometimes creates a parallel world for the real people.''
''Right, like for Naruto,'' Ino nodded. ''But why are telling me that?''
''Well, he had a writer's block for a few months and seeing us arguing, gave him an idea or two.''
''No!'' Ino screamed in despair. ''Why did you tell him anything?''
''I didn't reveal details!'' Orochimaru protested. ''I understand you are upset, but you were the one confirming his suspicion!''
''Of course I did, because I wanted to stop your fight, not so the dirty old man could make a story about it!''
Ino realized what she'd said a moment too late.
''I'm sorry,'' she stuttered, ''I didn't mean-''
''I don't know what you meant,'' Orochimaru smirked, ''but I heard what you'd said.''
None of the Sannin liked talking about their age. Perhaps that was the main reason for acting thoughtlessly and irresponsibly, so nobody was seeing any of them that way. Ultimate proof was jutsu of some kind making them look not even close to their real age. Jiraiya's infamous nickname was a result of his behaviour, but saying that aloud, in front of his best friend, sounded like an insult.
''Maybe you should tell him details,'' Ino said cheerfully. ''For some men it will sound like it's fake.''
Orochimaru smirked.
''Nice try.''
Damn. Why did he have to be smart too?
''You think too much about it,'' he said plainly. ''I know what he is and, more important, what I am.''
''But you two are not alike!'' Ino said quickly. ''You are obsessed with power and fighting and he is not!''
''Impressive. You are still trying,'' he commended. ''You should know it's not working.''
''Fine,'' she sighed, knowing the spoken words couldn't be taken back.
Despite considerable age difference between them, Ino's never had a feeling that's relevant because of the way Orochimaru had been treating her. Last thing she wanted was him to think she was abusing this sensitive subject on purpose. That would mean she had some unresolved issues with him, which she didn't, and that she had been planning on hurting him in the most childish way.
''I'm not mad because you told him,'' she said plainly, ''I just don't want to read it.''
The last thing she needed was a written story about them, romantic and heart-breaking. Or passionate and unforgettable. Or like it really had been – doomed from the start yet worth of happening.
''You don't have to.''
''I must!'' she forced a smile. ''I wonder how many lies you told him.''
''A few,'' he admitted.
''For example?'' she smirked.
''None that would make you look bad!'' he said quickly.
''I know you would never do that. Even if that was the truth,'' she said quietly, deflecting her gaze to the floor.
He was always like that. Polite and considerate, never aggressive or vulgar. What happened to that man two weeks ago? If he was mad at her, why did he deny it? And why did he look for her today? What did cause a drastic change? One moment he was sleeping next to her and the next one he told her to leave him alone.
They got too close to a point she was ready to admit she was regretting they ended and his behaviour was confusing her. More talking would imminently lead in the wrong direction and if this kind of relationship was fine with him, it would be fine for her too.
''I am in here for way too long,'' she said to end the awkward silence.
''Too long with me?''
''I was in charge of alcohol,'' she responded. ''That's how we ended up here in the first place, remember?''
She picked her shoes from the floor and headed to the door. She was about to put them on, but a question interrupted her.
''Why are you leaving empty-handed?''
She couldn't carry bottles and shoes at the same time, but honestly, she didn't think of alcohol either.
''I need to powder my nose first, because of all that water I drank,'' she chuckled.
''Sorry,'' he spluttered, embarrassed he had asked it.
He also deflected his gaze to the floor.
''I can be such a bother sometimes.''
''You never were one,'' she said softly.
He obviously didn't believe her, laughing ironically, but she was serious.
''It was nice talking to you,'' she shrugged.
She almost hated him for reminding her of everything good that had happened because of him.
''Likewise,'' he replied politely, as always.
She was still curious to know when their relationship had changed and what exactly caused its end. She also wanted to thank him for everything he wasn't obligated to do, but had done it anyway, for the time they had spent together and everything she had experienced because of him. More than anything she had to clear her head before returning to the party where she needed to pretend they didn't talk in the kitchen a few minutes ago and that they have been nothing more than acquaintances.
''Orochimaru-sama.''
''Yes?''
''You didn't teach me-''
''I will prepare scrolls and leave them in Hokage's office for you.''
''Thank you.''
She could have locked the door and show her gratitude by ripping his clothes of one last time, created the sound seal to scream his name as much as she wanted and let him have her on every empty counter, meaning four times in total. If only he showed he wanted it too.
''Anytime.''
He was still standing close to the door, but wasn't blocking her path to leave this kitchen and their conversation. She said everything she wanted for him to hear, so she smiled faintly before opening the door.
''Ino!'' annoying male voice yelled at the other side of the wall.
She sighed. She called Orochimaru old, she blamed him for Jiraiya's book while it was actually her fault, and now Shisui was looking for his date and that was unfortunately her. She was definitely the worst ex-lover ever.
Despite all of it, Orochimaru noticed she didn't feel like meeting the person who wanted her company and offered his help.
''You know, if someone is bugging you, I could make him disappear.''
She looked at him reproachfully, remembering well his methods of elimination.
''Or we could,'' he shrugged.
She had to check if she had got it right.
''Disappear?'' she asked doubtfully.
''If that's what you want.''
No, she didn't get it wrong or imagine he suggested their leaving. He wanted them to be together, alone some more, for real, not distracted with others?
For how long did he want to ask her this, but he couldn't because she was avoiding him? Maybe they could have been somewhere far away if she hadn't been so stubborn and simply talked to him! And he could have proposed it days before today! He had the worst timing ever because instead of Ino's answer, both Ino and Orochimaru heard male's voice.
''I have been in this mansion thousand times and if Ino is in the kitchen, she's right here!''
A second after, a dark-haired man opened the door. He was impolite most of the time and it was stupid to expect he would knock.
''Shisui!''
''Ino,'' he greeted, much quieter than she did.
''I was just looking for a bathroom!'' she explained her stay in the kitchen.
''It's upstairs,'' Shisui said, paying more attention to Orochimaru than to her.
Now she definitely needed to leave as soon as possible!
''It's so easy to get lost in these big houses!''
Ino's blabbering was in vain because the two men were staring at each other as if she didn't exist.
She had no idea what to do, having recollections of the last encounter of her date now and her lover back then.
She was friendly towards Shisui since she needed him to share with her what had happened at a secret meeting. She maybe went too far visiting him at the hospital, so he maybe took her behaviour as flirting! That must have been the reason for showing up at her parents' house! Every single person at the wedding got the wrong idea! At the same time she was formal towards Orochimaru right after he had witnessed her leaving in the middle of the night and encounter with Shisui! Not that she wanted to reveal the nature of her relationship with Orochimaru.
''I'll be back in a flash!'' she said to nobody in particular and hurried to find the bathroom.
While she was going upstairs, she was thinking about the best way to get things straight with both of them. Neither of them had a good reason to be jealous or possessive since simple chatting was allowed.
Unfortunately, when she was on her way downstairs, she saw a snake strangling her Uchiha date meaning neither him nor Sannin shared her opinion about the unnecessary reaction.
Ino sighed.
''Now what?'' Orochimaru grumbled.
He was also sitting because he, she assumed, couldn't stand up according to the pain he was still feeling. And it was her fault.
''I can heal more.''
He interrupted her attempt of healing him when he turned to see her. She was only a few steps away from him and he slowly got up. Then she could clearly see he'd healed himself. And she was actually worried!
''If you'd wanted me to scream your name, you should have just said so. Or you wanted to make the scream sound real, while I am bleeding?''
''I said I was sorry!''
She didn't plan to stand so close to him in public. She didn't want to abuse the relationship they'd ended two weeks ago. Then again, she didn't want an incident during Hinata's wedding neither she wanted for Itachi's cousin to get severely injured because of her. She didn't know what happened while she was in the bathroom, but she couldn't ignore it. Her glowing green palm was meant to heal Shisui, despite his rudeness. She believed Shikamaru, but also thought Orochimaru's reaction was exaggerated. Being so close to him in order to calm him down as quickly as possible made her forget about a huge snake stretching along Orochimaru's left arm. Her defence against cold-blooded animal was impulsive and rash and her attempt to defuse the situation ended the worst possible way.
The moment Orochimaru let go of Shisui, the snake started disappearing gradually. Standing near him, Ino noticed the snake too late and impulsively attacked it. Already prepared chakra made too much damage to an innocent snake and its owner. The next step she took, she became half-naked, because she knelt on the floor to heal poor Orochimaru. To a medic, a patient was more important than her tight dress which tore way too easily, so now she was having a side slit all the way to her hip. If people could see her this way, they would think she was the injured one.
''If it will make you feel better, I say you cut me and we call it even.''
''Good grief,'' she heard his quiet response.
She shrugged, having no better idea at this moment. That was all she could do, since Orochimaru was in charge of their departure, from here and from the reception. She suggested they should leave and he chose swamp, not a snake cave, probably because of her most recent encounter with a snake.
Of course, his house was also one of the options, but she could leave from there and he obviously wanted to talk.
''Before you say aloud something as disturbing as that again, let's make one thing clear. I am not angry with you because I am in pain, but because you were keeping important things from me.''
''There is nothing important to tell you.''
''Oh really? When did you learn forbidden jutsu I wanted to teach you today?''
She couldn't tell him she had memorized it after finding the scroll in his hideout, while waiting for him one time.
''You used it as an excuse to talk to me,'' she said quietly.
''True, but not the point.''
She was surprised he admitted it. Once again he was more mature than her. She wouldn't dare to meet him alone just to make sure they were able to be around each other and don't feel awkward. Her hiding seemed so pathetic now.
''Why didn't you tell me? I could have given you tips. For example, never use an entire palm or you might kill somebody.''
''I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do that, I was just-''
''Afraid of snakes, I know. The question is why I found out today and not months ago.''
She thought of her fear as a childish one, but her explanation for not revealing it to a Snake Sannin was more immature. She was concerned he would tease her and realize she was nothing more than a juvenile blonde. She couldn't know he would be angry because of that embarrassing secret she was hiding until today.
''What was I to you?'' he asked, but didn't wait for an answer she didn't have. ''Why was it so hard for you to share with me something as simple as fear of snakes? Did you think I would make fun of you or scare you on purpose?''
Having said that, he got closer to her, as if he wanted to test if she was afraid of him. Of course, she didn't move one bit, since she has never feared him.
''Who do you think I am?'' he asked, staring at the distance, standing next to her. ''I thought you could trust me and feel free to express what you want.''
He sounded disappointed, not angry.
''I do feel free,'' she said quietly, staring at the ground.
''If that is true, why didn't you tell me you wanted to leave me?''
''I didn't!'' she protested.
Now he looked at her.
''I know you didn't,'' he said calmly. ''Why?''
''You don't understand! You were the one who wanted to be left alone!''
He gave her an ironic snort just a moment before he made her gasp in astonishment. She couldn't help it because Orochimaru, out of the blue, embraced her around the waist and flattened his body against hers.
''I have never wanted you to leave,'' he whispered. ''Not even once.''
She was holding his gaze breathless. She was used to his closeness, but not while his voice was so unfamiliar and his embrace insecure, as if he was worried he might cross the line by holding her this way. Since she's been trying to forget how his touch made her feel, he definitely crossed the line if he wasn't about to give her an explanation!
To her surprise, he traced a path down her jaw to her neck with his knuckle; gently, slowly, perfectly.
''Am I doing something unpleasant?'' he asked quietly.
She knew well one simple nod or an indecisive negative answer would stop him from coming near her again.
''Depends,'' she responded whispering.
He lowered his head to speak more quietly.
''On what?''
''Well, are you playing with me,'' she brought her lips very close to his, ''or do you really want to kiss me?''
He didn't draw back, probably a bit stunned by her sudden closeness.
''I have never played with you.''
He needed a permission or encouragement or whatever that would assure him she was craving for his lips. After all, this was the first time she wasn't an initiator of their physical contact and it was thoughtful of him to check if they wanted the same, before taking the next step.
Without breaking the eye contact, she smirked.
''Why are you hesitating then, Orochimaru-sama?''
Her hands slipped around his neck at the same moment he kissed her; slowly, tenderly, the way she loved to be kissed. Now certain he didn't misunderstand Ino's hints, Orochimaru broke their kiss to whisper his delight of having her again, being with her this way and leaving behind everything else.
He managed to express all of it using three words only, saying them quickly to start another kiss and also clearly, so Ino couldn't ignore them. That way he was not pressuring her to say the same or to respond in any way, only holding her gently while he spoke.
She couldn't stop thinking about it because she didn't expect he would say it first. Or at all. She was naturally glad and couldn't stop smiling, probably because she felt the same, only confessing it now would mean a forced stop of their long waited make up kiss!
It didn't matter since it was only one out of many today, so she opened her mouth to spill it out.
''I missed you too!''
He hugged her and she sighed deeply, relaxed in his firm embrace. The moment she'd seen him today, she wanted to be held like this, let him play with her hair, what he was doing right now, and tell him how much she hated the fact she's been neglecting him for weeks.
''Are you mad at me?''
If all of this had happened a week ago, she wouldn't have had a reason to be mad at all. Since it took him this long, since he almost caused an incident at the wedding, since he brought her in this swamp and didn't start undressing her a minute ago, she maybe was mad.
''Because of what in particular?''
''You left without saying anything and-''
''Yes, I left your house, not you!''
''How could I have known that? You didn't say a word. Or woke me up to do it.''
She forced a smile noticing he was concerned about her behaviour out of the ordinary. He couldn't know he was the one who had made her worried.
''That was the first time I saw you asleep and I couldn't wake you up even if I wanted to. You were so different from usual!''
''Different?''
Tone of his voice revealed he thought of something negative, and she chuckled to dismiss that thought.
''Yeah, you were cute and cuddly!''
''Cuddly?''
''You are frowning like I said you were snoring!''
''Everything's better than cuddly,'' he muttered, still having a frown.
She chuckled, amused with his denial. He was probably convinced it couldn't be right for a man like him to like cuddling, so she decided to redirect his thoughts.
''I couldn't wake you up,'' she said softly. ''You wouldn't let me leave right away.''
Like he pointed out long time ago, she had woken him up many times with one purpose only.
''True,'' he finally smirked. ''Although it would have been easier if you had told me. You must tell me what you want. Any time. Every time.''
She grabbed his collar and stood on her tip toes to touch his lips while she spoke.
''I hate talking.''
It was only a matter of time when they would move on to catch up on the time they wasted on unnecessary chatting. For the first time she was hundred percent sure he wanted the same and as much as her.
The gorgeous dress was ruined and her hair was probably a total mess; the ground she was lying on was kind of wet and she was a bit cold, but Orochimaru was finally where Ino wanted him to be-on top of her!
Surprised by her indifference, he stopped kissing her to see for himself she couldn't care less if they were outdoors or somewhere else. To make sure he wouldn't get crazy idea and get up, she clasped his clothes tighter, that way making him lean forward to her and closer to her impatient lips.
He laughed at her determination.
''You always succeed to distract me while I am speaking of something important.''
''Yeah, yeah,'' she chuckled. ''So long story short, you want me to be more explicit?''
''Yes, loud and clear, if possible.''
''So you like it loud?'' she asked playfully.
''I don't care as long as I know what will keep you satisfied.''
''So for the start,'' she stroked his cheek, ''would you mind going down?''
She chuckled when he pulled up what had left out of her dress to start what she'd asked for, but he couldn't because she stopped him.
''Not down on me, just down!''
He was actually looking disappointed she'd rejected him between her legs, but he didn't hesitate to switch places with her.
''Don't get this wrong,'' he began when she settled in his lap, ''it doesn't matter to me if I am down or not, but am I hurting you when I am on top? Why didn't you say something before, I am heavy and-''
Now on top of him, Ino could prevent him from talking more easily by kissing him. Unfortunately, light peck didn't make him stop thinking about her simple request.
''Am I doing something unpleasant while on top?''
''You are not; it's my impatience. I know you are holding back and hesitating.''
''Well, sometimes I am uncertain what to do with you,'' he admitted.
''What do you think you should do when a woman gets naked in front of you?'' she asked teasingly.
''Ino,'' he said softly, ''I found out today, in the worst possible way, you won't speak up if you find disagreeable my plan for pleasing you. That makes my role much more complicated than it already is.''
No matter how much he tried, it sounded like scolding in the end.
''The time when I decide to have my own way with you, and we both know I can physically do whatever I want, will also be our last time. Nobody would choose a selfish partner over a giving one. We are in this together so we could both have fun, discovering new things that we like.''
She couldn't deny she had chosen him because he was so different and all what he's been saying only confirmed what she thought of him-he wasn't even close to any other man she's been involved with.
''I am not asking to reveal to me every detail about you, but a little honesty wouldn't hurt. After all, I am only a man and I hate faking.''
She decided not to admit she has never faked anything; he might become complacent and stop making an effort.
''When you see a dozen snakes around you, scream!''
Shouting wasn't allowed during the game of dominance. In fact, it should be called the game of trust, because she wouldn't allow someone else to tie her down. If Orochimaru hadn't summoned snakes to do it, it would have been a pleasant experience. Now her fear was even worse!
''I won't get mad,'' he assured her. ''If you dislike something, let me know. Only don't do it by cutting me open.''
Not only she caused him pain, she also ruined his clothes. She dabbed at the wound, now healed, but his garbs had a diagonal rip across the abdomen. No wonder the technique was forbidden.
''Sorry.''
The world's best painkiller was definitely a kiss and he smirked when he got it.
''It would be such a shame to scare you away inadvertently, before discovering the reason you came to me.''
There were many reasons, she only didn't find important to share them with him.
''I really wonder,'' he said, pretending to feel indifferently about her reply.
Maybe because she expected someone dissimilar from a tender and considerate man she got the chance to meet. To have. To drive crazy and make it up to him soon enough. Maybe because she was waiting to get tired of his never-ending teasing caresses or because she was unable to forget everything that would follow.
Maybe because of the excitement their secret affair was bringing her, or because she had a feeling nobody else existed while they were together.
Or because he was reserved, after all this time, still respecting her desires, not daring to lead and have his own way with her, never showing his true self. None of his moves was implying what he really was and it made her unrestrained and carefree. With her, he wasn't one of the legendary Sannin, but an ordinary man instead. And she loved to make him feel desirable because that's what she wanted. Him.
''I find you intriguing,'' she finally said.
It was far from a lie and yet he looked doubtful.
''Is that so?''
While he spoke, he ran his tongue over his lips, slowly, sensually, quite seductively in fact and instead of being reminded of snakes, Ino thought of how well he was using that part of his mouth while with her. She accepted his little game and leaned in to brush her lips against his, not breaking the eye contact, smiling.
''Very intriguing,'' she said in a slinky voice.
''Since when?''
He wasn't playing, he was curious. She could answer and make him stop asking stupid questions so he could use his tongue for something better than talking!
''I couldn't forget your first touch and I needed to know why you had done it.''
''So you didn't wish for more?'' he asked, slightly worried and not playful at all.
''Well, when I learned your caress would feel great every time, I couldn't stop thinking how would more of you feel!''
''So you were actually ready for more on the very first night?''
Before she lied about it, because the truth was making her look like a woman of easy virtue, she noticed his smirk and that meant only one thing – his question made her a bit red.
''So what if I was?'' she muttered.
''Ino,'' he laughed into her neck, because that simple and obvious confession made him create a love bite on the same spot he had felt up months ago.
Instead of letting him make another one, she stopped him because she finally realised nothing more could have happened on the first night and it was his fault.
''You wanted the same!''
Now he was the one looking ashamed and she smiled victoriously.
''That's why you took the shots! To physically prevent yourself from doing something more than touching me!''
''It was a precaution!'' he defended himself. ''I was resisting the temptation quite well until you sat on me!''
She was suppressing laughter because he was looking embarrassed because of what had happened.
''Men are so strange,'' she shook her head disapprovingly. ''You could have died back then. I guess I was the only one thinking about that possibility.''
''I couldn't think at all!''
He was frowning and she was chuckling unstoppably. He admitted she had made him lose control and, like that wasn't the sweetest thing to hear, he was concerned about her motives. After all this time she never let him know how much she was attracted to him or tried to seduce him for real. She would always skip that unnecessary prelude, knowing what awaited in the end, never treating him like other men. It could have been much simpler if she had because Orochimaru was like every other man, looking for a proof of her true interest.
''It turned out great,'' she assured him, nuzzling his lips tenderly.
He wasn't convinced, but she knew how to lighten up his mood.
''We are still together, aren't we?''
He couldn't deny it and she had a feeling he was also glad they weren't over yet. If they both enjoyed, what difference did it make how they ended up together in the first place? They obviously got along so well, like at the moment.
She got carried away while kissing him and Orochimaru was pinned down to the ground, looking adorable and not complaining, unreservedly giving her as much as control she insisted to have.
''It's a relief you do what you like while being with me. If you only did it every time.''
She straighten up.
''What do you mean?''
He also sat up.
''Overnight staying upsets you.''
Most men didn't waste time on cuddling. Even though Orochimaru wasn't most men, she was surprised when he gave her a kiss that didn't lead into a foreplay. She was unfamiliar with the stage of relationship when one of the partners would curl up against another and, with a goodnight kiss, drift off into sleep. And he did exactly that on their last time.
''It doesn't have to happen ever again,'' he said plainly, noticing her discomfort because of this subject. ''I don't want to force anything.''
She couldn't say whether or not she liked it. It didn't feel unpleasant yet she was unable to relax or enjoy.
She could lie she didn't feel comfortable enough in his huge house. Would it sound like she wouldn't mind to spend nights at her place? How would she leave from there?
It wouldn't have been a big deal if he had insisted to stay awake. It was the two of them tucked in under the same blanket, his arm around her waist, not lower or higher, his tender kisses all over her naked body in a way far from lustful! That freaked her out.
Involved people didn't have to sleep next to one another. For what she heard, not even engaged couples were sharing the same bed through the night, so why would she have to be the one doing it? Whoever invented that idiotic habit probably didn't have in mind independent women who didn't care to develop a strong bond with men.
''Did you like it?'' she asked warily.
''I don't need you to pretend! Just tell me and-''
Although it was exactly what she wanted to hear, she was also impatient to find out his opinion. So she hugged him in a way to demonstrate what he's been missing without her. If he wanted to keep talking, she didn't leave him an option, pulling him tightly against her. He didn't complain, silently snuggling against her neck. That way he was making it easier for her. She didn't have to think about their first night together, just ignore it. Forever. Especially if they both hated it and-
''I liked it,'' he murmured into her hair.
She swallowed, cursing herself for popping the question in the first place. It was said and it couldn't be taken back. He liked it; spending the night with her, be with her or even her.
Like she already wasn't overreacting over an expected answer, he added two more words, much quieter and her heart missed a beat.
''A lot.''
A voice in her head was screaming to run away, but it was too late to ignore their intimacy that obviously existed, when he didn't mind doing nothing but hold her. Til the morning light. When he liked it.
She had a chance to let him go, long time ago and more than once. She didn't because it was easy to do it back then. Now it was impossible because he invited her to stay.
She took a deep breath, thinking of what her reply should be to his honest confession.
''I see only one way,'' she shrugged.
She wasn't sure if she had seen worry flickered in his eyes, only a moment before she smiled.
''I am ready to try sleeping next to you. Only that way I will make it through the entire night someday.''
Implying there were many sleepless nights ahead, she made him smile, honestly and shyly. If she had known he would smile this way, she would have let him know about her work, asked him about the meeting and made love to him again. And then she would have left his house.
She made him insecure and doubtful, he rejected her so she could come back what she didn't do. Giving him a simple hint about their future made his embrace more confident and firm.
She left out the part it was scaring her like nothing else and she was hoping he wouldn't notice her heart pounding. What he didn't know couldn't hurt him. And vice versa. She didn't wish to know for how long he was planning to propose her overnight staying or why he wanted it in the first place. If his hands were under her dress instead of atop, the reason would have been obvious. To make her worry, he was hugging her with no intention to see her naked any time soon. Like that wasn't enough, he was gazing at her strangely and she had a feeling he had much more on his mind than their sleeping habits from this moment on.
It was less complicated before, when they didn't talk at all. Or when they did, only about time and place of their next encounter. She didn't know when exactly everything changed, but today their fling was officially over.
She ended an awkward silence the best way she knew. Non talkative way, to prevent every possible question, confession, proposition; anything she didn't wish to hear. Unfortunately their kiss was just like she was afraid it would be; shy, reserved and fearful, as if they have never kissed before and had to get to know each other all over again.
She was aware there was no turning back to the way they were, but these short and timid kisses were ridiculous! Unless he wanted to talk some more!
''Look, if you have something to say, do it when we get back.''
''I wasn't about to say anything!''
She frowned.
''Liar.''
''Okay, I was,'' he admitted.
That only made her feel bad. Of course they needed to discuss many topics sooner or later. Her plan to spend time passionately making out to make up for real was actually selfish. And manipulative. Again.
''Didn't we talk enough for one day?'' she asked as cutely as possible.
''One more,'' he persisted, ''until we get back.''
''Fine! Me first!''
Ino smirked mischievously, crossing her index fingers.
''How much did you miss me? Or how many of me will be enough?''
''No!''
His terrified expression along with a desperate whisper made Ino reconsider her idea of creating a clone or two.
Was it possible he didn't like it?
''Unless you want to give me a heart attack,'' he explained quietly.
She laughed, seeing him even more desperate after her teasing squirm on his lap.
''I feel these two weeks had an effect!'' she looked down pointedly.
He encircled her waist to prevent her movements, pleasant and frustrating at the same time. She was smiling because he was usually the one testing her self-control.
''That aside,'' he cleared his throat, ''I need only one.''
She leaned forward to whisper in his ear. ''Oh yeah?''
''Uh-huh,'' she felt his breath on her neck's skin. ''Only real you have an exceptional scent that drives me wild and if you don't stop fidgeting, I will also start with tormenting.''
''I can't wait!''
''It will be very slow instead of fast,'' he grinned slyly.
''I won't stop you.''
After her whisper, his grip became tighter and he cupped her neck. It was hard to pretend she wasn't impatient to feel his lips and tongue on her neck's skin. Unlike previous times, when he was above her, he began with a soft kiss a bit above her breasts, slowly brushing his lips against her skin, proceeding up to her right shoulder, following the curve of her neck to her jaw. Her breaths were short and fast, her head tossed back to expose more skin, her body shivering because of her arousal growing stronger. After one very quiet and unintentional moan, his breathing got uneven, yet he didn't stop.
He didn't want her. He wanted to please her and she couldn't decide if she should stop him to give him the same or enjoy more.
''Ino,'' he called quietly, being near her ear.
Even her own name sounded differently coming from him right now, while she was refusing to admit how badly she yearned for more of his mind-blowing caressing.
''Do you want me?'' he breathed.
''Yes!'' she moaned immediately.
''Yes what?'' he asked, more clearly.
''I do want you,'' she purred to dismiss his every doubt and he began unzipping her dress. Finally!
Her body was doing all the necessary talking and she was biting her lip in a desperate attempt to delay inevitable.
His only response to her louder groans was quiet laughter; he was enjoying making her lose her mind so easily. Even if she wanted to restrain, she couldn't; he knew her and her body too well.
Unable to control any more, she let her voice break the silence around them. At that moment, she wasn't concerned about consequences of her action. It was his fault for making her feel this way in the first place.
''Orochimaru-sama!''