Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Second Chance ❯ Ino Story's Part 1 ( Chapter 8 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

A/N: Sometimes… you just can't wait forever.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ino's Story: Part 1

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Where is she?” he asked patiently.

“… She isn't ready yet…”

His glare scared her shitless. “Okay, okay she is here…but…” she paused, thinking her way through this situation. “It's just that… she is having problems with her dress.” She finished, pausing once to breathe.

She didn't flinch when he gave her his second cold glare. Instead she met him with one of her own. “Fine,” he finally spoke harshly. “Make sure she's ready in 10 minutes.” With that, the groom left, and Ino gave a loud sigh, sliding down the wall she was gripping during the whole interrogation.

“Damn that Uchiha…” she smirked bitterly. Didn't he see how hard it was for her already? She fingered her golden chain that ran down to her collar dress line. She let out an invisible sigh that hid her pain. No matter how she tried to forget… she just couldn't.

“Why Sakura? Why?”

That question was never cleared, and so her heart held onto the memories of them all, forever knowing that she could never let go.

“Why can't I let go?” she asked herself desperately, banging her head against the cold wall.

It just wasn't fair.

Bringing the locket close to her face, she carefully opened it, smiling lightly when she saw the picture that was in it.

“Yuki…” she whispered against the wind… This was the man that opened her heart. She closed her eyes to block out his face, “No.” she spoke roughly. “I won't think of you anymore.” With shaky hands she ripped the chain off her neck cleanly, and flung it across the room in an angry manner.

“How could you…” she asked, her face pained in desperate sorrow. “How could you?” Knowing full well that there will be no answer. There never was.

Getting up quietly, she composed her figure, dusting off all the dust she got on her dress.

Ino glanced to the side and a picture standing on a silver frame caught her eye.

Why is she allowed to be happy?

Her eyes closed to block out that annoying sensation of tears.

…when I'm still suffering in pain?

She turned her head away from the happy picture of Sakura and Sasuke.

Even after everything, she is still happy.

She hated how Sakura could just move on like that, when she was still longing for the past. You would think that after throwing herself and succeeding in her attempt to seduce Sasuke, Sakura would bitch slap her or something of the sort… but no. Nothing changed at all.

Was she a bitch? Most likely. Did she care? Not at all. Ino only wanted Sakura to feel the same pain she went through, or at least get a glimpse of the heartache she had caused her… but now she doubted that it made any big difference whatsoever.

“How many more people are you going to hurt Sakura?” Ino whispered sadly.

Letting out a sigh, she already knew how Sasuke was going to feel. The thought of betrayal was more painful than anything Ino had ever felt before, and Sakura was definitely going to Neji, only a fool couldn't see that.

Ino walked out of the bride's room, deciding to wait for Sakura in her room.

She never forgave them anyways…

“Goodbye Yuki-kun.”

There, illuminating in the glow was a picture of Ino and a man. The only man whom she had really loved, with everything she had.

Sometimes… even Ican't wait forever.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

3 years ago.

“Yuki!” she laughed. “I can't believe you did that!”

“Why not?” He smiled, taking off his gloves and kissing her cold knuckles. “You're beautiful Ino-Chan.”

Her pretty blush was gorgeous (in his opinion of course). He was so glad that he went out shopping that day. Who else wouldn't have wanted to bump suddenly into this stunning woman, who was carrying way too many bags? It was fate.

“You didn't have to.” She said softly, her eyes drooping slightly as her eyes tailed from his gorgeous bluish-grey eyes to the nasty bruise he sported on his left cheek.

He chuckled. “It was my pleasure,” he cooed to her. “Besides, it's my job to save damsels in distress you know. Especially cute ones like you.” He winked.

The shock in her eyes made him retreat a little back. He had had enough time to grab that hand that was aiming to smack his already bruised face.

He smiled at her uneasiness. She was too cute. She hid her long silver-blonde hair under a white hat and matched it with a puffy white jacket, blue scarf and those cute blue mitts. He carefully pulled back a strand of her silver moon hair behind her ears. “Wahhh… just kidding,” he teased, getting a hold of himself. Walking forward he, being that perfect gentlemen he is, opened the door for her, making a gesture for her to walk through that made her cheeks, without her consent, burn up. All of a sudden, she felt weak at the knees again.

“Um…” she started, when her room number came closer. Here she was, Number 109, standing in front of its famous purple door. “This is it.” She stopped, staring up at him. “Thanks for saving me.”

“You worry too much.” He said, tilting down and giving her a goodbye peck on her check.

“I… umm…” she couldn't help it. This man made her feel like she was 14 again. He just made her feel so… free.

“I'll see you again.” He told her.

She gave him a nod and opened her door. Closing it and sliding down, laughing quietly.

She was so happy! Something about him… was… - she was in love.

She touched the mark on her cheek.

He made her forget about everything.

She had to brag to Sakura! Throwing her coat and bags down she made her way to the living room where Sakura was often at, scribbling furiously on the sheets of paper she received at work.

“Sakura!” She called happily. “I just met the cutest guy -” She stopped, a frown adored her lips. Sakura wasn't home.

She sighed and plopped down on the sofa. Oh well… she thought while busying herself by turning on the TV. Waiting is going to be hard. She put her feet on the table and relaxed, not once looking at the screen. She was too busy thinking of her prince charming.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“I wonder what you are thinking about right now Yuki-kun.”

“Hmm…” he chuckled deeply. “And why would you think aboutsomethinglike that?”

She turned her head around and faced him. “It's just… sometimes, when I'm alone, I wonder what you are doing.”

She felt him uncomfortablyshift, his hold on her waist loosen faintly. “I think about a lot of things.” He said, closing his eyes.

“I know. It's just that I can't help but feel like you hide things from me.”

“Sleep Ino,” he urged her, avoiding her question, “it's late.”

“It's just that I wonder if you sometimes think of me, like I do for you.”

“Hmm…” he snored sleepily.

Her eyes cleared and she dropped the subject. “Good night.” She called softly, kissing him on the cheek.

“… I think about you Ino-Chan.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

He stared at the closed purple door and chuckled lightly.

Who would have guessed that his innocent little lunching could lead him into meeting that pretty, depressed little angel over there?

His rich laughter echoed down the hallway as he began to walk away.

He smiled when he heard a frustrated growl come from the doors.

Heading down the hallway whistling, he stopped as he saw through the glass door the image of an attractive woman carrying a lot more paperwork than her entire weight.

And oh… did she have pink hair? He smiled lightly. He loved exotic woman.

His day couldn't get any better.

He has one overemotional princess falling onto him there and another damsel in distress over here.

All in a long days work you know.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Her soft laugh rang throughoutthe club. “Thank you for bringingme here.” She said.

“Not a problem. You seemed like you needed it.”

Everything that this man did amazed her to no end. One moment he would be a complete asshole, and then changed into this softly spoken gentleman. She would never be able to read him.

“Come. I know you know how to dance.”

She smiled at him, taking his arm.

He knew when she was sad.

“I know this is your favorite song.” He smiled at her, leading her to the dance floor.

He knew everything about her, without her ever having to see anything.

Her eyes scanned the crowd and she couldn't help butremember trying to drag that lazy bum to a place like this. He never went with her.

“Don't be sleepy now,” he advised her,when her eyes began to droop slightly. Although he knew fully well that she wasn't drowsy. He entertained her by doing a small chicken dance.

… And he knew how to make her feel better.

She laughed lightly as he twirled her around with the music.

And yet, here she was, a girl that didn't know a thing about him.

“Come-on Ino, you know I love it when you smile.”

Is it wrong to fall in love with someone who is too good to be true?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Ugh” she grumbled. Damn the bastard who broke the elevator! She screamed. Because of that idiot, she now had to walk up 4 flights of stairs. Normally, she would never complain… but today was a different story.

Desperately trying to open the door she somehow managed to squeeze herself plus 10 pounds of paperwork through that itty-bitty space. `Damn Tsunade-sama,' she cursed. She was using both her hands and her chin to hold up the mountain of papers in her arms. Add her purse in her arms and a coffee cup that she was trying so desperately to balance in the other hand; you would seriously consider her a very accomplished woman.

“Ugh…” she groaned again as she reached the third flight of stairs. This was harder than it looked. Being Tsunade-sama's apprentice sucked! On her last flight, she stumbled slightly and one of the papers on the top of the pile slipped away.

“Awes shitts,” she cursed aloud.

She turned around to grab it when she bumped into someone unexpectedly. “Wahh,” she yelled out in surprise as she was saved from falling down the very unevenly spaced out staircase.

She let out a gasp and looked up to look at the face of her savior. It was a really, really cute guy! Maybe life wasn't really that bad…

He was a really cute guy, those tall, dark and handsome types you would see on TV. Yes, yes, it's that guy. He had a really nice smile, Sakura noticed. `YEAH! SEXYY!' Inner her screamed out.

She turned around when she noticed that he was staring at her in the same manner that she was… Ugh, how embarrassing! She fidgeted slightly; she just caught him checking her out!

He had the nicest haircut and hair color. This man wasn't afraid of trying something new. His silver hair was all spiked and gelled up in styles that seemed to match his outfit and his bluish grey eyes. This man can match! Damn, she was impressed. His comfortable stylish coat and pants just looked great on him! And his smile was even better.

Wait…My god. She adverted her eyes as soon as she noticed what she was doing… she was checking out a total stranger! She was such a hypocrite.

“Um.” she started nervously, running a hand behind her neck casually. “Thanks.”

“Not a problem.” He said to her. His voice made her weak. Even his voice matched him!

“Um... wait! NO!” She called out when he went to pick up the piece she had dropped.

She grumbled when it was too late. Why oh why had did it have to be THAT sheet. Darn her sensei. She scrunched her eyes waiting for the weird looks Mr. Perfect was going to send her. Every chance with him just floated away. THAT STUPID SHEET!

But when she only heard him laugh lightly, she turned and gave him a look of surprise. “Drink much?” He winked.

She glared at him and tried to snatch the paper from his extended arm, only to miss by inches. “HEY! Give it back!” she tried desperately, jumping up to get the paper. Every attempt failed; it was kind of hard with full arms and all. She inertly took back every nice think thing she ever thought about him.

“LOLS,” he laughed, teasing her a bit, frowning when he saw her fuming expression. “Here you go.” He smiled, slipping the embarrassment onto the top of her pile.

“Humph.” She snorted, turning away and walking past him.

“You're learning how to make sake hmm?”

Damn this obnoxious man!

Her eyebrow twitched vaguely. Now he was following her. “It's for my sensei.” Sakura finally told him, reaching her final landing.

“Oh… is that so?” he moved in front of her and blocked her from the door. “Your sensei really likes to drink then.” He commented, playfully teasing her. He was about to open the door for her when -

“It's automatic.”

He stopped and rested his hand on the door handle. “Really?” He asked her, in a tone that was meant for stupid people. Obviously, he did not believe her. And if put in different circumstances, she being in his shoes right now, she wouldn't have believed herself either. I mean come-on, her apartment couldn't even afford working elevators! But happily, it wasn't and she could hate him as much as she liked.

She sweat dropped and pressed the automatic button at her side, watching the man let go of the handle hastily, giving her a look of shock as the door suddenly lurched forward.

“Guess so hmm?” she said haughtily, brushing past him and entering her floor. In her books, this guy already lost her respect. Bullying Sakura-Chan was a BIG FAT NO-NO.

Almost halfway there to her room number, she heard him shout after her.

“YO! PINK!”

She wanted to punch in his face.

“WHAT?” she turned around glaring lightly.

“I like your sensei's taste.” He smiled, waving his goodbye.

What an obnoxious man.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Ino-Chan, I love you.”

“I love you too Yuki-san.” Ino said softly between her soft kisses.

“I'm not going to hurt you, Ino.”

Her eyes moved with those words and she allowed him to move her onto the soft mattress.

She was so much in love.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Yes, yes.” Sakura answered as she grabbed her coat and laid it gently on the rack, noticing that Ino was following her, chattering a mile a minute.

As soon as she entered that damn purple door, Ino started throwing herself at her, attacking her with news of her new crush, or something.

“- and get this Sakura! He actually saved me!”

“Hmmm… that's nice.” Sakura replied absentmindedly, walking towards the kitchen. She frowned slightly when Ino didn't help her with the mountain she currently had the burden to carry. She made a motion with her hands for some help, but the blonde just seemed too lost in her fantasies to actually notice.

“- And he has this amazing smile and he actually looks you in the eye -”

Sakura sighed deeply, gently managing to put the stack on the kitchen table without blowing half away. She couldn't help but find it odd that one man and one little crush could change a person so completely.

Well… at least this will get her mind off other things…

Sakura tuned out Ino's crushing, boy crazy talk and went straight to the cupboard, pulling out her favorite Hello Kitty mug.

“I am so glad you forced me to go out shopping today -”

She walked to the greatest invention in the world - the coffee maker, and began pouring some homemade second-class French vanilla coffee.

“And why is that?” Sakura asked, not remembering at all what Ino had said previously, much too busy making sure her coffee had enough milk in it.

“Because then I wouldn't have met Yuk -”

“Oh yeah.” She responded, walking out of the kitchen and into the living room with Ino at her heels.

“How sweet,” Sakura replied happily, taking a sip of the addictive drug.

“Sakura! You aren't listening to me!” Ino screamed in fury, launching a green and white sofa cushion at her.

“I am I am.” She laughed, ducking slightly as the cushion bounced off her seat.

“No you aren't!” Ino yelled, hurt at the way Sakura would just ignore something so important to her.

“I'm sorry Ino,” Sakura began. “I'm just really busy right now, and I have all those papers to look through and sign… how about tomorrow?”

Ino nodded. And Sakura moved up, going toward her paperwork, ready to tackle the hell out of it, but then stopped when her excellently trained ears picked up the sad voice that trailed after her.

“Well, just so you know Sakura, he thinks I'm beautiful…”

Sakura's eyes flashed with sadness, remembering the pain Ino put herself through those weeks earlier with the whole Shikamaru ordeal.

She sighed and stared at the large pile of paperwork waiting for her.

She could always start later. Besides, five minutes of hearing about her friend's new crush was well worth it.

She walked back into the living room and sat back down on the sofa, “Actually Ino, the work can wait.” She ignored Ino's know-it-all-don't-give-me-pity-you-bitch face and leaned back against the soft cushions, moving slightly to find a comfortable position before giving the blonde head her full attention. “And so, tell me again about this guy.”

She looked up just in time to see that slight pout turn into a true cheerful smile.

“Well… I bumped into him on my way to that shop that sells those French hats -”

Sakura smiled lightly, seeing how Ino's happiness just radiated around her.

After everything, she was glad that Ino could still smile.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Ino-CHAN,” he called cheerfully afterher.

“Hmm? What's wrong?” He questioned when he saw tears form in her eyes. “Are you sick or something? Awe, pooie, and I wanted to go to the amusement park today.” Hebounced aroundher playfully poking her. “Hmm? Hmm? Ino-Chan?What's wrong?”

He stopped when she,for someunknownreason,sadly turned her head in disgust and ran off.

He stood there confused for a few seconds, until a joyful laugh broke his perplexity. He let his eyes travelahead to the direction that the blonde woman was staring silently at andit was then whenhe realizedwhat was tormenting her.

Standing ahead was a man and a woman, happily holdinghands and enjoying a quiet little picnic. The man was carefully stroking the woman's belly area, where there was a slight lump.

He turned and said nothing, and followed after Ino.

He met her a few blocks away, leaning against a tree. He slowly approached her and was caught off guard as she ran up to him and started crying quietly in his arms.

Hetightenedhis hold on her and laid his head in her hair, taking in a whiff of coconut. “He's an idiotyou know.” He told her quietly,“Letting someone like you slip away.”

He felt her stiffen and listened to her breatherather harshly, but then felt her nodher head.“Thank you.” She told him, as she tightened her hold on him.

He felt calmly different having someone like her cry in his arms. He almost felt ashamed of himself.

I know that I will be breaking your heart soon, but I am at least glad to know that someone like me, who can only offer pain, can for once, let someone like you move on.

She wouldn't be crying over that man any longer.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

She was surprised to see him waiting there for her the next day.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“So,” he started casually, walking up with her. “Anymore easy ready-to-make sake recipes you want to share?”

Sakura almost threw her purse at him.

“Stalker.”

“Alcoholic.”

She almost laughed at his childish response.

“Alright,” She started, arriving at her floor. “Seeing as how you just don't get the point,” she glared at him. “What do you want?”

“Well… seeing as how busy a person like you is, I wouldn't want someone like you to just make do with instant noodles or anything…”

Her glare intensified.

He must have noticed that she wasn't too pleased with his hidden insult that his voice speed increased. “Although, there is noting wrong with instant noodles of course, ha-ha,” he laughed nervously, running a hand through his silver hair.

She nodded for him to continue.

“I was wondering if you would like to… I don't know… maybe go to that new restaurant that just opened.”

“Are you asking me out?” She inquired, raising her eyebrow slightly. This guy, she had to admit, had some nerve.

“Depends on your answer.” He replied slyly.

She laughed, “You have got to do better than that.” She said, opening the door, hoping that she broke what little spine that man possessed.

Just before the glass door closed completely, and just before Sakura could celebrate her complete and utter victory over the obnoxious man that would certainly be leaving her alone from now on, he yelled carelessly after her.

“But Sakura-Chan! The place is supposed to have the best alcohol in the town!”

She wanted to groan.

She would be seeing him tomorrow too, wouldn't she?

- - - - - - - - - - - -

“I never knew.”

“You never knew?”

“I never knew what was happening.” She stopped and stared off deeply into the horizon. “All that time…” He brought her into his arms and her hands gripped his white and blue shirt. “I never even looked.” She spat bitterly, her hold tightening against his shirt.

He hushed her to stop. “It's alright Ino… it's behind you.”

“I know…” She agreed, not helping but let that last tear fall.

In his arms, she felt so safe.

…And she thought…

He would never hurt her.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

“GET away from me stalker!”

“Oh come on, I say we met on the wrong foot, you know you like me! Come on… admit it.”

“Pshh, as if.” Sakura waved it off.

She was walking up the stairs again.

“Come-on… I know you do. If you didn't you wouldn't be going up these stairs anymore.”

Sakura stopped and stared at him. “What are you talking about?”

He grinned, and Sakura couldn't hide the small smile that crept on her face. He was too cute.

“It'll be fun, promise.” He gave her that cute kiddy smile again.

She glared at him. “What are you talking about?”

“I'm talking about you, me and dinner!” he sang out.

She blinked. “You're so immature.”

“Buttt… Mean lady ahhh…” He pouted cutely.

Sakura sweat dropped. “Why are you asking me out? Huh? Huh?” she asked sternly. “You don't even know my name.”

He didn't answer, but instead shrugged. “And why don't you just tell me it?”

She raised a delicate eyebrow at him.

“You, me and dinner!” he proclaimed again, this time clasping his hands together happily, like a small child would.

She found herself sighing and looked at him closely.

“Come-on… I'll pay… It's FREE!”

It was tempting.

“Yes? No? Maybe? So?”

She wanted to laugh at his humorous personality, but a smile would do.

“Ahhh… she smiles.” He teased, stepping back slowly. “I think maybe she's gonna eat me… hmm…” He ducked hide behind the banister, then behind her, and then behind his fingers.

She laughed out loud, and Yuki couldn't help but be amazed with how joyful and free it sounded to his ears. “Why do you follow me everyday?” she asked with a smile on her enlightened face.

He just shrugged and continued walking off. “Why don't you take a look at your new elevators?” His voice echoed up the stairs, childishly.

She smiled.

“7 o'clock, mean lady.”

He was too cute.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Tap. Tap. Tap.

It was raining.

…On Valentine's Day.

She was miserably lying with her chin on her arm in a relaxed position, staring out to space on her living room windowsill.

She hugged a cushion against her chest and sighed deeply. She hated this day.

She got hurt on this day.

She ignored the sound of the door opening and the soft footsteps that followed. It was probably just Sakura.

She was watching the small droplets slide down on the clear window when his soft spoken voice broke the depressed atmosphere.

“It's nice to smile.”

She held her head up and stared at him hard.

He waved her off with a smile. “Here. I got these for you.”

He handed her a bunch of roses.

“Happy Valentine's Day… Ino.”

She took the roses carefully in her arms and her eyes started watering. All she could do was stare at the silver haired man in front of her, knowing that it wasn't Shikamaru handing her roses. He never gave her roses.

“I thought they were perfect for you. Red roses signify beauty. I only thought of you when I saw them.”

“Yuki-san…” She whispered, dropping the flowers and going into his arms. Surprisingly, not one tear fell from her.

“I love you Ino.”

Her eyes widened and she stared at him like he had just grown another head. Being with him changed her so much. He was her prince charming that she could only dream about. And Ino couldn't believe why she could deserve someone like him.

“What is with you Hama Yuki?” Ino softly said to him. “You make me feel so happy.”

And inside, sheltered from the raining weather, she kissed him.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

“My name…its Sakura.”

“Hmm…It fits you.”

She giggled. “That's what everyone says…”

“Well it's true.”

She nodded, smiling.

“You never answered my question you know.”

“What question?”

“The one I asked you before you forced me to have dinner with you that question.”

“First off, I never forced you to go anywhereeee, Sakura-Chan.” The tall grey eyed man cheeked up.

“Oh whatever.” Sakura replied.

“Tell me you didn't have fun.” He smiled.

“I didn't have fun.”

He pouted. “Awes… but mean lady…”

“But what…obnoxious one?”

He faked a look of hurt and gave her a pout. “Give me back my ice cream.” He said, making a grab for the frozen desert.

“Hey! No!” she replied playfully, sticking the spoon inside her mouth. “Hahaha. Now what are you going to do? Hmm?” She said cutely, egging him on.

At this, he grabbed her around the waist and tickled her, earning a squirm from the pink headed woman.

“Let go,” she laughed, entering her apartment front door with her Sir-Tickler at her heels.

“Give back my ice cream then,” he said, somehow opening the door for her.

She took the spoon out of her mouth and plucked up her lips, making a playful face. “Make me,” she taunted.

She let out a laugh when he started his tickle advance on her.

They were on her floor when he cornered her. He pulled her so that her back was facing the wall and so that he was just in front of her.

They were really close together, and Sakura couldn't help but stare at his perfect face. She never knew she could feel this way; maybe she didn't hate this guy completely.

He smirked and leaned in gently, kissing her cheek.

If she was surprised by his actions, she didn't show it. “Why did you just do that?” she asked.

“You had ice cream on your cheek.” He replied smugly.

She smiled at his response. So sly… “You haven't answered my question yet you know.”

“What question?” he asked, as he moved off of her.

She gave him an unreadable expression. “Why do you keep following me?”

“I don't. Well, I want to.”

She gave him a light smile when he opened her floor door for her. Somehow she knew he wasn't going any further. There was no need to. She smiled at him as she walked through that door.

“Hope to see you again Yuki.” She said softly.

“I bet we will Sakura.” He answered with his smile.

She nodded her head and closed the door firmly turning slightly around to give him her own smile.

Although overly obnoxious as he was, her mind couldn't help but resist the urge to smile at him.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was raining on that day.

…The day he broke her heart.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The blue-grey eyed man walked cheerfully down the stairs, smirking slightly when he saw the elevators open and close.

Even when the elevators were finally fixed, Sakura found herself wanting to walk up the stairs. She didn't realize until it was too late - She had fallen for him.

Sakura had fallen in love with Ino's dream man.

And she never even knew it.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Present

“Sasuke,” Ino called after him.

The man stopped and acknowledged her, nodding once.

“Why do you care about her so much?”

He didn't answer choosing to ignore her with a cold shoulder. He turned around and walked silently out of the room, leaving her once more to her depressing thoughts.

“… Is it the same reason why I can't forget about you, Yuki-kun?”

- - - - - - - - - - - -

A/N: Me and my Toblerone, me and my Toblerone, me and my Toblerone - YUM! =)

P/S: EDISON IS HAWT! Hate me more XD

(Y)?(Y)?(Y)

(-. -)(-. -)(-. -)

((")(")C((")(")C((")(")

Bunny POWER!