Kunoichi Love
Part Two - Chapter Two
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Misconceptions...
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-Ino-
“Sakura asked me out on a date!” I squealed to my reflection for the hundredth time in the past few hours as I retouched my hair and makeup to make sure everything was perfect. Finally satisfied, I took a step back to admire the finished product. I had traded in my normal blue combat style dress for a more elegant and streamlined one, keeping to the color to help accentuate my eyes. After some hesitation I'd even donned a pair of high heels because, I reasoned, you're ass could never look too good and I was certainly aiming to impress. My hair I'd left mostly unchanged albeit for a bit more flair and a small pink lily which I had tucked next to my forelock. To complete the outfit was a pair of blue orb earrings, the last present Sakura had given me before our falling out. Giving everything a final once over I deemed it acceptable and went to the living room to wait.
By the time six o'clock came rolling around I had blushed myself silly imagining every possible romantic situation I could think of. I'd narrowed the date down to sushi at the new place that had just opened and either a show at the kabuki theater or a moonlit walk around the lake, whichever Sakura preferred would be fine with me. The minutes were quickly wearing on and more than once the idea that I had missed some important detail had crept up to make me even more nervous. When the knock at the door finally came I had to fight down a squeal of joy. Hurrying as fast as my heels would allow I threw open the door to catch the first glimpse of my beautiful pink haired kunoichi... wearing the exact same worn and frayed sleeveless vest and shorts she had been in earlier...
'What have I done...'
-Sakura-
“Hey Ino sorry I'm a little late I... what are you wearing?!” I shouted in amazement as I looked the blonde up and down. My initial shock first turned into admiration for the girl's incredible figure and then, slowly... into understanding. The look of sheer horror that had taken over Ino's face was like a knife through my heart.
'What have I done...'
“You said you wanted to go out... I thought you meant... I thought you wanted to... oh god I'm such an idiot!” Ino shouted, trying to slam the door. I was just able to get an arm inside in time to stop it and wormed my way into the house.
“Ino, wait!” I called out to the retreating figure, cursing myself for being so blind to all the signals. “It's not your fault it's mine, I'm the idiot!” I managed to catch up with the girl and get my arms around her slim waist. “I never thought you'd feel that way about me, Ino! If I had... if I had I'd... you look so beautiful Ino-chan.” My eyes went wide at the admission as it hadn't been at all what I was planning to say.
“You're just saying that!” Ino shouted, trying to wriggle free. “You think I'm a desperate loser!”
“No!” I shouted back, tightening my grip on the girl and pulling her in tightly to my chest. “You're not a desperate loser Ino-chan, you're just lonely and I'm... I'm too blind to see what I've been looking for even when it's right in front of me,” I said, surprising myself once more with the honesty coming through in my words. Sighing deeply, I pressed my cheek against Ino's shoulders and breathed in the scent of flowers that always surrounded the blonde. Ino let out a sigh of her own and relaxed into the embrace.
“I think I've felt something for you since we were kids... even though I didn't know what it was. Back when you were my sweet little forehead-girl,” Ino said, her voice blending sadness with a hint of joy. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift through my own memories. Seeing how Ino had taken care of me, how she had helped me to become my own person... she'd been so wonderful to me. I frowned as a darker thought passed through the haze of fond memory.
“What about Sasuke?” I asked, feeling Ino tighten up in my arms at the question.
“That was the worst day of my life when you told me you liked that jerk. You had already been growing a little distant from me by then so I did the only thing I could to keep you in my life. Even if it was just antagonizing you it meant I still got to be with you in some way. I know it's pathetic but it was all I could do...”
“So you never really liked him at all?” Ino was quiet for a long time before breaking it with a small laugh.
“Maybe a little, but I don't think it had anything to do with him really... it was his power. If you can believe it I actually felt the same about Naruto after seeing the things he was capable of. Maybe I'm just one of those girls that are attracted to incredible people...” Ino slipped her hands over mine and laced our fingers together. “Which means I've got it doubly bad for you, Sakura-chan,” she whispered, causing my cheeks to flush.
“I-I'm nothing special...” Ino tugged lightly at my hands so she could turn around in the embrace, pressing her forehead to mine.
“You're absolutely incredible,” she whispered. “I used to watch you train with Tsunade-sama whenever I wasn't busy,” she continued, shivering slightly as she closed her eyes, no doubt dwelling in the memories, “and just earlier when you were holding me at the shop... so powerful yet still so deliciously feminine...” The blonde began trailing her fingers up and down my bare arms. “Just thinking about you makes me weak in the knees,” she finished opening her eyes and giving me a wink before feigning a loss of balance falling against me.
“I have to admit,” I murmured as I caught the 'falling' girl around the waist, “it did feel pretty wonderful to hold you like that.” I'm sure my face was three shades darker than my hair after the admission. Everything seemed to catch up with me at once and I eased away from the other girl with a sigh. “This is all so much to take in...” The joy that had been glowing in Ino's eyes dimmed slightly for a moment before she managed to perk up.
“I understand, Sakura-chan, I really do. Having you fall in love with me all at once is a wonderful dream but I'm more than prepared to work for it in the real world. I think you remember how stubborn I can be so don't be expecting me to give up on us anytime soon. That is... if you want there to be an us...” Ino whispered, turning away when no response seemed forthcoming. I couldn't fight down another sigh as the situation assaulted me.
'What am I supposed to do here? I know I want her as a friend but... I really think I'm attracted to her too. Just look at how beautiful she is...' I thought as I slowly trailed my eyes up and the blonde's body. 'She did all that for me... to make me happy.' I was slightly surprised to find the desire to take the girl into my arms again was almost overwhelming. 'She felt so... soft, so delicate. She really is like the flowers she cares for, beautiful, yet so fragile at the same time. So beautiful...'
“What's going on in your mind, Sakura-chan?” Ino asked, still unable to turn and face me. A bit of a catlike grin spread across my face.
“I was trying to think about what to do but I got stuck on how utterly gorgeous you are,” I said honestly, a little giggle escaping my lips. Ino snorted. “I'm serious! I think we're more alike than we both realized. What I felt for Sasuke... it pretty much faded away into friendship after he was gone and attached itself to Naruto as he continued to grow and mature. But it was all so misplaced... Hinata showed me that...” I said quietly, trailing off as the memories of the pale eyed girl's speech returned.
“That doesn't mean you'd be interested in me... or even interested in any girl,” Ino said. I noted she seemed less downcast than before.
“Oh I dunno, if I felt nothing for you I think I'd have been able to take my eyes off of your ass by now, but that sure as hell hasn't happened,” I said, instantly wanting to slap myself for saying something so cheesy. Fortunately, it seemed to put the girl further at ease.
“Well it does look incredible in this dress and the heels certainly don't hurt things any,” Ino responded, giving in and allowing herself to giggle.
“I'll say,” I whispered, taking a few slow steps toward the blonde. “It's not just your body though... it's that same part of my heart that told me I needed to go back into the store earlier today. Seeing how heartbroken you were at the store, and then seeing how happy you looked when you first opened the door just now... it makes me all tingly inside just thinking about the effect we have on each other. I miss you Ino, I miss what we had before and I hate that it took breaking your heart twice for me to realize how much you mean to me...” I closed the remaining distance and put my hands on the girl's slim hips, feeling her shiver at the touch before sliding them forward to wrap around her waist again.
“If you keep holding me like this I'm going to get addicted,” Ino teased.
“You saying you want me to stop,” I teased back, feigning letting go.
“You do and I'll bite you, and not in the good way either!” Ino growled. My hands quickly returned and we shared a laugh.
“And what is the good way exactly?” I asked with embarrassment filled curiosity, to which Ino laughed even harder.
“I see someone hasn't read Jiraiya-sama's hentai novels.”
“Well the new one was all sold out so I... oh shut up you!” I shouting as the blonde nearly doubled over with laughter. With a grin I pinched her sides, eliciting a surprised yelp from the girl. “I see somebody's ticklish, I'll have to remember to use that to my advantage. Like... now for instance!” I teased. Ino suddenly stiffened and pushed away so she could face me.
“Wait a second Sakura-chan, as much as I'd love to have you tickle me silly... and I would... a lot... you're fingers running all over my...” the blonde shook her head as she began to drift away. “We still have a date to go on! I made reservations at that new sushi place and... well, we need to go now... if you do want to go out with me...” she finished nervously.
“And miss the chance to show off the prettiest girl in Konoha?” It sounded so lame coming out but the blush and girlish giggle it brought out in Ino made my heart soar. “I do need to stop by my place though,” I noted, gesturing at what I was wearing. “I'd feel like an idiot if I showed up in shorts.” Ino looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head.
“There isn't time to go to your place but I think I might have something for you, wait here.” Kicking off her heels the girl scurried upstairs and returned a few moments later with a pair of black cargo pants. “Probably a bit too long but I think they'll look cute on you,” she said, tossing the pants at my face, using the momentary distraction to dart in pull my shorts down around my ankles. “Pink lace... it's like all my dreams are coming true!”
“Ino...” I managed as I removed the pants from my beet red face, “why is it that I'm less than surprised that you're such a pervert?”
“Because you secretly love it, now hurry up and put those pants on before I start looking for more pink colored things on your body...”
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First dates...
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-Ino-
“Would you stop fussing, you look great,” I whispered under my breath in hopes of calming the fidgeting girl. It was obvious that the pink haired girl's hopes of quickly being seated to avoid attention had been dashed to bits as the place was running at full capacity, forcing them to have to wait in the also packed entrance.
“People are staring though...” the pink haired girl whined.
“They're just jealous because we both have hot dates and they're a bunch of losers.”
“You're so mean, Ino-chan!” Sakura said, trying to look disappointed but only managing to convey a somewhat stern grin.
“Whatever happened to wanting to show off the prettiest girl in Konoha?” I asked, batting my eyelashes cutely.
“I was talking about me but I can hardly do that dressed like this,” Sakura whispered cattily.
“You suck!” I squeaked, slapping the girl on the arm before turning away and huffing angrily. “Maybe I should just find a girl that would appreciate me! One with enough taste to show up dressed properly for a date! Someone like her... holy crap it's Tenten!” I shouted, pointing at a girl wearing a gorgeous, eastern style, red dress. I had to do a double take to make sure it really was the weapon addicted tomboy standing in front of me.
“Wow, she looks beautiful! Guess this means she finally landed Ne...” Sakura drifted off as Temari of all people broke through the crowd and stepped over to Tenten's side. The blonde then whispered something into the girls ear while placing her hand on the small of the girl's back in an almost possessive show of affection.
“Sakura-chan?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the obscure pair for an instant.
“Yeah, Ino, I'm seeing the same thing you are,” Sakura responded, her eyes also glued to the two young women. “Wow, I wonder how they...” I was already on my feet and waving at them, Sakura slapped a hand to her forehead.
“What's wrong with you?” I asked upon noticing my date's reaction.
“You're lucky you're pretty... hey Tenten, hey Temari!” Sakura said brightly, her demeanor shifting gears almost instantly as the other girls arrived.
“Wow, Tenten, you look absolutely gorgeous! You should dress like that more often you adorable little tomboy you,” I giggled, giving the nervous and blushing girl a quick hug. “Not at all like this lazy bum, can you believe she showed up wearing that vest and shorts for our date?!”
“Oh shut up, you're the one who wouldn't let me go change and then pulled that little reverse stripper ploy... which I really wish I hadn't brought up in this public place,” Sakura said with a groan before recovering. “You really do look stunning Tenten, and you too of course Temari!” She blurted out, almost uncomfortably. Tenten, clearly as nervous as Sakura, blushed and smoothed out her dress.
“This old thing has been sitting in the back of my closet for months and I thought, what better time to pull it out then... then on our...”
“Our date,” Temari said, slipping her arm around the girl's waist and eying us like we were a couple of potential thieves.
“I see. Well, you have got to...” I trailed off as the hostess approached us and bowed.
“My apologies for interrupting but there is a bit of a situation. As you can see we are at full capacity and are low on tables. I was wondering, since you all seem to know each other, if your two parties would be willing to share a table?”
“No problem from our side,” I chimed happily.
“I don't have a problem with it,” Tenten said quietly before turning to Temari who merely shrugged.
“Oh thank you so very much! Please, follow me.” We followed the somewhat frantic woman to a table in the back of the restaurant and quickly placed our orders, leaving the table in an awkward silence that lasted for several minutes. Oddly enough, it was Temari who broke it...
“I didn't know Sakura was gay.”
...by causing the pink haired girl to spit the sip of water she had taken right into my face.
“Wh-What?!” Sakura sputtered, then upon noticing what she'd done, quickly began to dab at my cheeks with her napkin.
“Temari, that's rude...” Tenten murmured.
“I'm just curious is all, if you liked girls than why did you turn down my offer, Sakura?”
“Oh god...” Sakura groaned, trying to hide her face in her hands.
“Oh ho! What's this?!” I shouted triumphantly. “Anything that can make my Sakura-chan this embarrassed has to be good!” I thought I saw a hint of a smirk cross the other blonde's lips for a moment before she began recanting the story.
“Well, Kankuro had been poisoned during Akatsuchi's attack on the Sand and nobody in the village was able to heal him so we were fearing the worst. Then Sakura arrived as part of a medical envoy and worked long into the night to cure him. To show my gratitude for saving my brother's life I offered to share my bed with her but she refused me.”
“You turned down a night of love with the Sand Princess... for me?” I asked, adding in the last bit after throwing Sakura a mischievous wink.
“Well, you know me, ever the romantic,” Sakura replied dully, managing to disguise a dirty look with a flickering smile.
“Aww, that's so sweet!” Tenten cooed. “You really do make a beautiful couple, I can't believe I never saw it before!”
“Well, we did have our rough patches, but Ino's always held a really special place in my heart. Seeing her happy means the world to me...” Sakura finished quietly, a surge of warmth filling my heart when I realized she wasn't simply going along with the joke. She then turned to me and smiled, laying her hand on top of mine.
“Sakura-chan... why do you have to go and say something so sweet when I'm wearing eye liner,” I whispered back, voice hitching slightly as tears welled up in my eyes. Reluctantly, I pulled my hand from underneath Sakura's and stood. “Sorry, I'm gonna go take care of this before I make a mess of myself.”
“I'll join you,” Tenten said, standing and leading me off to the washroom, leaving Sakura and Temari in awkward silence.