Ino had told Shikamaru that she was going to head out to the market to pick up some groceries for dinner that night. She also had to stop by the flower shop to take over her mother's shift for a bit.
"Would you care to escort me?" she purred, pausing at the door and peeking over her shoulder with a teasing look in her eye.
Shikamaru was leaning back on the couch in their living room, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He glanced at her and looked away quickly. "Can't. I have a meeting with Temari today. We have to go over some paperwork involving the exams."
Ino gripped the door frame, her nails digging into the wood at the mention of the Suna kunoichi. She smiled wryly and nodded, not letting him see how the mere mention of Temari's name cut into her happiness like a kunai. "Okay, I'll see you at dinner then. Seven-thirty, don't be late!"
Shikamaru didn't say anything. She watched as he took a deep drag from the cigarette and let the smoke curl around him, like a blanket made of fog. Despite the fact he had just ignored her, she couldn't help but think about how much she really wished he wouldn't smoke in the house.
Stepping outside, Ino was pleasantly surprised to see that the sun was luminous, without a cloud in the sky to intercept its rays. Birds chirped and danced through the air and the flowers sprinkled along the street seemed to be reaching towards the sun with all their might, trying to absorb as much of the rays of light as possible. She found it completely unfeasible to be upset with life at that moment, despite her circumstances as a wife. It was going to be a good day.
She clutched her shopping basket delicately and took her time walking towards the market place. She strolled along the usual twists and turns that would lead her there, but today she actually took the time to stop and admire the intricate details of the little things she never seemed to notice. She took in the fresh air, stepped over every tiny crack in the ground, caressed the wood of the fences that lined the street, she saw how the leaves on the branches seemed to shiver with every gust of wind, creating a rustling sound that flooded her with nostalgia. This was the sound of her childhood. Her home.
Days like today made her think of her father. Inoichi would have loved a day like today. The smells and the presence of so many plants in full bloom would have been intoxicating to him. He would have probably taken the opportunity to guide Ino around the village, pointing out various plants along the way and quizzing her on each one. If she'd get it wrong-which was nearly impossible at this point in her life-he would grin and go on to explain to her the plant's various names, uses, symbols, and folklore. She would listen intently, accepting the information like a sponge to water, and she would be prepared for when her next quiz would come.
She frowned and felt her eyes sting ever so slightly. She would never get one of those quizzes again.
Of course, thinking of her father also led her to wondering whether or not he would be proud of her right now. Submitting to her mother's wishes and getting married, that part would have upset him, but not nearly as much as her allowing herself to abandon her role as a kunoichi just to cook and clean for some man-Shikamaru or not. This would have infuriated him. He would be so disappointed, and that was probably the worst part of this whole mess.
She scowled and shoved these thoughts back into the darkest crevices of her mind, where they lurked, ready to pounce onto her once more, like a tiger in a cage. She shut them up and began going through the mental motions of ignoring them.
Ino's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden roar of voices. She heard the people before she saw them. Turning the corner, she saw how many people were out and about today and she realized she must not have been the only one who had noticed how nice it was today. Nearly everyone in the village seemed to be bustling through the market.
Ino squeezed into the mass of bodies and began going down her mental list of groceries. Let's see…I need mackerel, sugar, sea salt, sake, minced ginger, soy sauce….
She began to forage for the freshest ingredients she could find. She didn't care if she had to spend a little extra, she really wanted to plan a special night for her and Shikamaru. Even though the memories of last night were a little hazy, she still could recall Shikamaru rejecting her body and the promise of sex that she had practically thrown at him.
She considered that maybe their relationship lacked romance, obviously they had had sex before, but neither of them had ever really tried to bring romantic feelings into the relationship. Maybe that's why they were still stuck at square one. Tonight, she would plan a candle lit dinner with Shikamaru's favorite food as the main course. Maybe then Ino could thaw through that cold shoulder of his.
Ino was just finishing up when she heard a gruff voice behind her. "I thought I'd never see the day…"
Ino's features darkened as she whipped around to face the speaker. She wasn't at all surprised to see the cocky smirk plastered on his face. That smile seemed to be more of a hallmark than the red markings on his cheeks. "What are you talking about?"
"You just never seemed like the homemaker type."
She frowned and furrowed her eye brows. She had to squint to see him a little better, since the afternoon sun seemed to be resting on his shoulder. His eyes were gleaming slyly and staring right back at her. Her face burned red at how close he was and how much more attractive he looked from this distance. The sudden sensation of something cold and wet against her thigh made Ino jump and she looked down to see Akamaru sniffing at her. "I see your dog has less manners than you do."
Kiba flashed her his teeth. "Akamaru, back it up."
Akamaru snorted, spraying a fine mist of snot onto Ino's foot before stepping back and taking a seat by Kiba. Ino's nose crinkled in disgust.
Kiba's face became serious the longer he looked at her and she wondered what he possibly could be thinking. She felt herself stiffen as his eyes began to drift downward, taking in her breasts, stomach, hips, legs…. It's like he could see it all under her clothes. She loosened up a little when his smile returned and he nodded at the basket still gripped in her hand.
"What's all the food for?" he inquired.
"It's just groceries."
Kiba snorted. "Don't lie. You're making a dinner for the hubby, aren't you?"
Ino's mouth fell open. "How did you-"
Kiba pointed to his nose and grinned. "You can't fool me, Yamanaka. Mackerel, right? It's Shikamaru's favorite."
Ino blushed furiously. How embarrassing. Now that Kiba had guessed what she was doing, he had even more ammunition to tease her with. A once great kunoichi now scrambling to piece together her marriage while her husband could care less and runs off on missions every chance he gets? Pricks like Kiba thrived on this type of thing. "Yes. I'm making him dinner tonight."
Kiba chuckled. "I feel sorry for the guy."
Ino felt the fury building deep in her gut. It roared like a fire. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Last I checked, princesses don't know how to cook."
Her eye twitched. He thought she was a princess? He thought she was too spoiled to take care of herself, let alone another person. Funny, coming from a guy who walked around like he was alpha and the whole world was his pack.
"I'm not a princess," she growled.
Kiba raised his eye brows. "Then why'd you drop your title as a kunoichi? Afraid you'd break a nail?"
Ino grinded her teeth. Was this idiot for real? "It's none of your damn business."
She turned on her heel, ready to make a dramatic exit when she felt a hand grab her arm. His tug was gentle, but his grip was firm. She turned back around, staring daggers at him. "What?"
His eyes stared down at her in earnest. "I was only teasing you, Ino."
Her heart skipped a beat at the way her name sounded on his tongue. Her ears begged for him to say it again. "Well it wasn't funny."
"I'm sorry," he said. "If you want, I can help you, you know."
She raised a thin eye brow. "Help me? What do I need help with?"
Kiba's grip tightened. "He doesn't hold you, does he? He barely even looks at you, am I right? Have you guys even had sex?"
Ino's rage began to grow again and she wriggled free from his grasp. "I don't need your help, mutt! My marriage is fine. We are happy together. It's like we were meant to be. Now leave me alone!"
She pulled the basket to her chest and hurried away, trying to ignore that her skin still felt hot where his fingers had grabbed her.
"Mom!" Ino called out, entering the flower shop.
Her mom peeked out from behind a large display of chrysanthemums. "Ino, you made it."
The brunette woman rushed over to embrace her daughter. "Sorry if I took long, I had to pick up some groceries."
Her mom looked into the basket and nodded. "Mackerel? Is that for Shikamaru?"
Ino smiled proudly. "I wanted to surprise him."
The older woman's face brightened. "Oh, honey, how thoughtful. It's so delightful that you two are getting along. I knew he would be perfect for you."
Ino chose to ignore that last part. "So I'm here to cover for you. Where are you heading off to?"
"I just have to stop by the doctor's office for an appointment," her mother said. Ino's eyes widened and she opened her mouth to speak but her mother beat her to it. "It's nothing to make a fuss about, dear. Just a check-up. I should be back in a couple of hours, if that's alright. You should be able to make it home in time to cook your special dinner."
Ino nodded and embraced her mother once more. "Okay, I'll see you in a little bit then. I love you, mom."
"I love you too, dear."
The two hours dragged by painfully. Hardly anyone came into the store except for Choji, who had originally only stopped by to say a quick hello. However, the hugging and batting of eye lashes from Ino encouraged the shinobi to remain in the shop. Essentially, the two were supposed to be tidying up, but this soon turned into a series of shenanigans. Hide and seek, tag, and wrestling became the outcome of their play time. By the time Ino's mother had returned, Ino was sitting atop Choji's chest, tickling him everywhere she could reach.
"Ahem…" Ino looked up to see her mother, gazing down at them disapprovingly. "What on Earth are you children doing?"
Choji was laughing too hard to respond, so Ino chimed in. "Messing around."
"This is the last time I let you be in charge, young lady," her mother scolded, but Ino could see the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Ino lifted herself off of the floor and gave Choji her hand, helping him up.
"Sorry," Choji chuckled. "She was just too strong! I'll talk to you later, Ino. It was nice seeing you today."
"Bye, Choji!" Ino waved.
Ino turned to face her mother, fully prepared to take the blame for all of the rough-housing, when she noticed the grave look on her mother's face. "Mom, what's wrong?"
"Come sit down, Ino."
She ushered Ino towards the counter where Ino easily hopped up and seated herself. She gazed intently at her mother, awaiting the news. "What's up?"
Her mother shifted uncomfortably and swallowed before looking the young Yamanaka in the eyes. "The doctor has found a lump in my right breast. He says it is most likely benign but that he cannot be completely sure until more tests are done. I'm scheduled to return in a couple of weeks."
Ino felt a wave of fury and disbelief crash over her. First her sensei, then her father, and now her mother?
Kami, why are you so selfish?
"Don't worry too much, dear. I'll be fine. No sense worrying about it right now when we aren't even sure of the circumstances."
"But, mom-" Ino began.
"Not now, dear." Her mother reached out to her and held her hand. The gesture was meant for comfort, and Ino latched onto that comfort like a child to a blanket. "Go. Enjoy your night with Shikamaru."
Ino gulped back the tears pricking at her eyes. She pulled her mom into a tight hug.
"Maybe even make me a grandma!" her mom hinted with a laugh.
Ino blushed and rolled her eyes. "Okay, mother. I'm leaving now."
"Tell Shikamaru I said 'hello'!"
When Ino returned home, she wasn't at all surprised to see that Shikamaru hadn't returned yet. She tried not to let that discourage her. After all, this just meant she could prepare his dinner in peace. She dived into cooking as though it were surgery, her demeanor becoming more serious. She scrubbed her hands thoroughly before preparing the dish.
Right around 7 o'clock Ino had completed the sashimi-styled dish and had set up a candlelit dinner, complete with a center piece she had arranged herself. She untied her apron from around her waist and hung it up next to the sink. A jolt of excitement rushed through her as she squealed with joy and leapt into a chair. She planted herself firmly on the seat and began to wait.
Once a half an hour had passed, Ino began to feel the pangs of worry. She felt a twinge in her heart as she checked the clock.
He'll be here, she assured herself. Absentmindedly, she reached for the narrow neck of the ceramic tokkuri which she had filled with ginjo. Her hands shook as she began to pour herself some of the chilled sake.
An hour passed and Ino bit at her nails savagely. She stood up, feeling the sudden urge to clean something and help pass the time, but sat back down when she realized that the floor was swept and the dishes were put away.
Where is he?
She poured herself some more sake and saw that the bottle was noticeably lighter. She stared out the window at the darkening sky and sipped at her drink.
Two hours passed. Ino's face was beet red and she was now chugging straight from the tokkuri.
That bastard. That sonuvabitch. I'll bet he's fucking her, Ino slammed her hands onto the table and forced herself to stand. She clung to the wood for support. I'd bet he's into that kinky shit and that's why he won't screw me. Fucking dominatrix….
She stumbled towards the bedroom and began to scream at no one in particular. "I don't need you! I can take care of myself! I have pillows to hug! I have dildos! I don't need you!"
She started falling into a fit of giggles and she crashed onto the floor, clutching at her sides. She roared with laughter until tears fell from her eyes and her cheek bones hurt from smiling so much. She laughed for what felt like an eternity. But when the giggles left her, she realized she was all alone and she felt the loneliness settle in her stomach like an anchor.
She lay on the floor, resting on her side and halfway curled into a ball. Her hair pooled to the floor behind her. She stared straight ahead at the doorway where her husband should've been standing nearly 4 hours ago, saying hello to her before coming in and enjoying a romantic dinner with his loving wife.
She thought back to earlier that day, to what Kiba had said: "He doesn't hold you, does he? He barely even looks at you, am I right?"
She remembered the sting of his words as he'd said them. The way the truth had sounded coming from a complete stranger had just made it all the more real. She could sit here and deny, deny, deny but all it was doing was hurting herself. Obviously she wasn't doing something right, and she was determined to find out how to fix it.
She closed her eyes and an image of Kiba materialized behind her closed lids. He was staring at her intensely, digging through the secrets of her soul. If he could have found the truth in her, surely he could find it in Shikamaru? He had offered to help her, hadn't he? Did she even want his help? She considered it for a moment.
Her husband barely spoke to her, hardly looked at her, and they hadn't had sex in months-at least, she hadn't. She was lying on the floor, drunk, miserable and broken. She had officially hit rock bottom.
What could it hurt?
Okay, hope everyone liked this chapter! It took forever and it's longer than my others so hopefully that makes you happy. I know it's kinda late in the game but I don't own any Naruto characters. Nor do I own the cover photo for this story. All rights and ownership go to those responsible for the picture and all characters are Masashi Kishimoto's. Read and review, thanks to those of you who are following my story J It means the world-really!