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Moron. Idiot. Jerk.

How could have this happen to Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin?

His only task, the priority of this mission was to keep Ino safe. And he failed.

If he had told her about Seta sooner, she would have been more cautious. If he had let Ino retell an entire story about Arisa, maybe he would have figured out her connection to Seta.

Of course Ino was the target. If for nothing then as an organ donor. Imagine they succeeded to take her! She would have been forced to marry a disgusting rich pervert! Or worse, to be an exhibit at one of the public houses!

Luckily he was the injured one and she was fine. A bit disappointed into people, but fine. His leg had a nasty cut which Ino offered to treat with her herbal lotion to heal faster. It burned like hell. How did she endure the pain and the wound was on her cheek? Her precious cheek he thought he would never see again.

He should have never let her escape by herself in the first place. The people that ambushed them could have been ninja too, not sneaky civilians. That way the only trick they had was some sort of tear gas which disabled him for long enough to get wounded. What was the worst, he would have been injured more severely if Ino hadn't come to his rescue! As she explained while treating the wound, she noticed difficulties with breathing and took the necessary medicine. Unlike him, who appeared in the middle of the cloud of smoke in between the enemy! So mature and wise.

Sure, his serpents finished them off and took Ino and him home. She tried her best to ignore her fear so they could teleport, since walking was causing him pain, and now she walked slower, much behind him, probably to give him an advantage so he wouldn't feel bad about himself. She was pitying him again and he couldn't blame her. After all, he was her gay and/or impotent incapable-of-taking-care-of-his-wife husband.

Ino thought the worst was Orochimaru's mocking and insults.

Wrong. It was his silent treatment.

He didn't say a single word since getting wounded. She offered healing and lotion and he just nodded! They arranged teleportation without making a sound. They were both in a rush to get home and even limping, he was faster than her. It was probably the side-effect of the pill she had taken, she had troubles with breathing. Orochimaru didn't look back to check on her.

At least she knew they were thinking the same.

It was her fault. All of it.

He warned her numerous times not to stand out, to keep quiet and not share intimate details with strangers. But no, she had to make up a story or two to find out about a happy marriage which was a lie just like theirs! Out of all couples, Arisa tried to separate Kasumi from her husband because he was an easy target and for what? Money? No money could buy Kasumi's happiness! Or anyone's happiness for that matter! She was allowed to spend any amount of money on the expensive clothes and all she wanted back then was to get over with this mission. Now she was several minutes away from getting paid for it and her only wish was Orochimaru talking to her again!

Hokage's tower was far enough, but the moment they enter it would mark the end of the mission. If she wanted to act, the perfect timing was now.

''Why are you not talking to me?''

She spoke loudly, but her soon-to-be former partner didn't react in any way.

''It didn't go as planned, but we are almost at home, aren't we? And if you want, I can heal you some more.''

Silence.

''If you are mad at me, at least tell me the reason! We shared everything during these two weeks!''

Still no sound from him.

''Unless you are angry because I found out you had the opportunity to get involved with the masseuse only you didn't.''

A halt.

''Is that it? You wanted it but you had to come to my rescue instead? I will just say I didn't need rescuing because nothing was happening and-''

She stopped talking because he finally turned to look at her.

''The only thing I wanted was you,'' he said through clenched teeth, ''to attack me.''

''So my attack would have solved all of your problems?''

Ino took his frown as a positive answer. And did what he wanted for so long.

''Iruka-sensei! Look!''

Iruka was browsing the papers he had with him, to check one more time if the training ground in front of his students was supposed to be free. Since giant serpents were emerging from the ground, wrapping their bodies around pillars, hissing and spiting poison, he should take his student somewhere else.

What made him stop and watch these animals was their way of attack. First they were focused on their target on the ground then after ten seconds would redirect their attack on something or somebody on the exact opposite side. The large cloud of dust was hiding the actual opponents and their voices couldn't be heard over excited screams of his young students. They were fascinated by the ninja under attack who was defending themselves with almost every elemental release. The counterattack was equally diverse, never repeating the same move. Maybe it was a one shinobi's training, Iruka concluded before leading his students to a different training spot.

Yes, attack.

Why Ino didn't think about it before?

If Orochimaru had witnessed she could defend herself, he wouldn't have arranged a constant watch while at the resort and their stay would have been much less complicated. He wouldn't have had to be upset while she was alone with Seta. Or Kasumi's husband, when he arrived to rescue her and he was supposed to be with the masseuse. If she had demonstrated her skills at the very beginning of their mission, Orochimaru wouldn't have been limping because he wouldn't have brought himself in danger to protect her.

She couldn't see or hear him, but his snakes kept coming. And she was ready to take control over them same like he was ready to defeat his own summons. She would have ended her control if the snakes stopped coming. But they didn't, meaning whatever Orochimaru needed from her, he didn't get enough.

Orochimaru was never mad at Ino. He was silent before because he couldn't think of the valid excuse for exposing her to the enemy. Now he was speechless.

She was amazing.

This was probably the first and only time he was enjoying the combat he was about to lose.

Ino was controlling his weapon effortlessly, no matter how many snakes he summoned to the battlefield. The more summons meant more power for defeating them. And he couldn't get near her! She created the pillars as a shelter for the snakes she was having under control. His moves were not new to her and it was almost impossible to surprise her. Amazing.

His role was irrelevant. She never needed his help. Why didn't she fight like this during their practice match? Was it her plan all along, to appear as a damsel in distress? Or she wanted him for the mission, not some other guy, so she was pretending she was completely helpless? Or she screamed his name to give him an opportunity to be a hero after being called gay and impotent?

Using this much chakra was worsening the pain in his leg. He was still able to stand up on his own, but fighting against his own summons was tiring. The only way out was admitting defeat. That would hurt his ego, but at least he would get some painkillers and some sleep. As soon as he congratulated Ino on a spectacular fight.

Orochimaru was getting ready for the last round of defense, but his snakes didn't come at him. They stood still as if confused by the sudden halt. He seized that chance to dismiss them before Ino took control again. She was nowhere in sight, but from the high rock, where he made his observation point, he couldn't see what was happening on the ground, underneath the thick cloud of dust. Maybe Ino was preparing different tactics? Or she would offer him truce?

The pillars weren't as steady as before meaning she wasn't focused on them any more. Or on anything, he couldn't feel her movement or usage of chakra, if she had any left. His summons exhausted him as well, and he was familiar with them, unlike her.

He left his high rock to inspect the ground by himself. Sending snakes to find Ino might give her the wrong idea. He was not in the mood for fighting any more. He never was, but sometimes a good combat was better than any conversation. He hoped she felt the same because it would be humiliating to fall for one of the oldest tricks in the book – to ignore his safety to help his opponent.

''Ino?'' he called, walking around the shaky pillars.

His sight was useless, but the sense of smell was telling him he was getting closer to her.

''Everything okay?'' he asked, taking turn around another pillar.

Ino couldn't have answered. She was too busy with coughing. One palm was over her mouth and the other on her chest, to ease her pain while coughing. The battle must have worn her out too, she was kneeling on the ground.

''Are you hurt?''

His question was overpowered by the crashing pillars.

Ino heard Orochimaru approaching and wanted to warn him about the unsteady construction. After the first shake she wished to move away from there. Orochimaru appearing only made her desperate because she was well aware of his injured leg in need for healing and dangerous surroundings she created. With her hands preoccupied, she couldn't cancel the jutsu neither she could move, glued to the ground due to a sudden attack of cough. Again her lungs lacked oxygen and the last thing she remembered was Orochimaru saying something to her and then a loud crash.

Now, lying on the ground, she could breathe with less difficulty. But she still wasn't allowed to get up.

''Are you hurt?''

The worried face of her partner was above hers, inspecting her body for injuries.

''No.''

''Are you sure?''

He was adorable. If he only knew how bad he looked, he wouldn't be worried about her. Dirty face, torn clothes, his own blood on them. She really messed up.

''Can you stand up?'' he asked.

''Probably. Can you?''

With the smallest frown, he got up then helped her do the same. The cut looked nasty, but he was standing.

''Thank you,'' she said, staring at the ground. ''For saving me.''

''You did the same for me. Back then.''

''But I brought you in danger. Both times.''

''I disagree,'' he said and she looked up. ''The injury was my responsibility and this,'' he stared at the ground, shaking his head, ''is probably the greatest-''

''I leaned into you.''

His little speech ended. There was no sound coming from his open mouth. He was staring at her open-mouthed. He then shut it, frowned a bit as if thinking and she already knew what he would say.

''What?''

''On our last day,'' she began, ''when we-''

''I know when,'' he interrupted. ''I don't understand why.''

''Because I thought you were awake!''

Her explanation didn't help. He was looking more confused than ever. And he stepped away from her. What else was she expecting after his first disgusted reaction?

''Listen, I am sorry, I didn't want to upset you, just be honest with you and-''

''Why are you telling me that now?'' he cut her off.

''This is the last time we speak.''

He pressed both palms on his forehead, as if having a headache.

''I meant, why didn't you tell me sooner? You had more than one opportunity.''

''You got angry with me!''

''I was never angry with you!''

His clenched fists were telling her the opposite.

''You are yelling at me,'' she said.

''Of course I am yelling! For all this time I thought I traumatized you by behaving like a teenage pervert.''

''I never said you did! And you were so disgusted at the thought I gave up on confessing the truth.''

''And how was I supposed to react? Ask if you liked it?''

''I did.''

''You did?'' he repeated.

''Uh-huh.''

He slowly nodded, staring at her, as if processing what her words meant.

''You wanted me?'' he asked, probably to clarify.

Ino knew her answer would add to his confusion, but it was the truth.

''I still do.''

No reply came from Orochimaru. He stared at the ground, then at her, he smiled, then chuckled, but remained silent, as if he didn't know what to say after being told this. But his body responded in a way she hoped for. First he embraced her palm, gently pulling her towards him, then after her approach, he encircled her waist with his other arm. The closeness of their bodies wasn't unfamiliar, he held her almost the same when he scooped her in front of the falling pillar, but she couldn't find the courage to look up at him.

Talking was simple. Kissing would change everything.

Orochimaru didn't seem in any kind of rush, playing with the strand of her hair.

''If I hadn't known you ran out of chakra, I would have thought I was under a genjutsu of some kind. A pretty cruel one.''

''I would never put you under genjutsu,'' she said, looking at her palms resting on his chest.

''Is that so?''

''Or tease you this way,'' she added, patting the fabric on his shoulders.

''So you are serious?''

She was, so she lifted her gaze. He was looking at her, struggling not to smile any wider. Apparently this was better than any compliment or praising he got from her. His arms were around her, keeping her close, but instead of trapped, she felt safe. Leaning into him was an impulse. Confessing it now was a hope, for their potential future together, both intimidating and exciting.

''One hundred percent serious,'' she said, slipping her hands around his neck.

He smiled wider anyway.

''And I am going to kiss you now.''

''Okay.''

As the taller one between them, Orochimaru gladly lowered his head. He did wait though. The decision was hers and he wouldn't rush it. Except for the obvious reason, and that was Ino's young age, he was absolutely motionless because he was freaked out! Will he remember how was he supposed to kiss? Will she like it? How much tongue was too much? And what will happen afterwards? He still didn't understand why Ino leaned into him. Her explanation seemed unreal, then again, so was her in his arms and there she was, standing on her tiptoes, closing the gap between their mouth.

Her lips brushed against his once, then the second time, as if timid, simply testing the unknown. She then opened her eyes, gazed at him, her lips slightly parted and forming a smile.

That short introduction left him surprised, if not a bit disappointed until she grabbed the collar of his tunic, holding it tightly.

''Ready for real?'' she asked, running her tongue over her lips.

''Yeah,'' he breathed against her mouth, tasting it. Tasting her.

Damp soft peck turned into a rough one after their lips parted. Ino's playful delicious kisses made him wrap his arms around her, as if he wanted to get as near as possible. Her tongue grazed his for a moment, alarming all of his senses in a split of second. His mind maybe forgot about one of the most pleasant physical contacts, but his body remembered and enjoyed Ino's closeness, scent and taste.

Her confession erased his insecurities, encouraging him to lose himself in their kisses, ignoring their differences and forgetting not-romantic-at-all surroundings.

Until she broke it.

In one moment Ino was smiling in his arms, and in the next one, she was pushing him away, escaping his embrace. Another attack of cough interrupted their kissing and all he could do was watch her struggles to stop and hope it would be soon.

''Are you okay?'' he asked and got a nod as a response while she still coughed.

She turned him her back and pressed both of her palms to her chest, trying to clear her throat.

''Maybe you should visit the hospital before we go to see Tsunade.''

''Not necessary,'' she shook her head, her voice raspy from coughing.

''Or we can part. Or maybe-''

''I should have known the two of you caused this mess.''

Ino held her palm in front of her mouth, coughing quietly, but her attention was also on an intruder, crouching on the small hill created from the pillars' remains.

Jiraiya.

Orochimaru frowned, wondering for how long his friend has been spying on them.

The grey-haired shinobi wasn't injured and his fast movements brought him to the unusual couple within seconds.

''It's a training ground,'' Orochimaru said. ''That's what it is for.''

''Also not adequate for this kind of fight,'' Jiraiya pointed at the destroyed pillars. ''And especially not after a mission.''

''What do you want?'' Orochimaru glared at his friend.

''After a mission as Ino's husband? I want details!''

''We are on our way to see Tsunade, so you can talk to her later.''

Either Jiraiya didn't notice Orochimaru limping or decided to ignore it, having other thoughts on his mind.

''Oh come on, you must tell me if you sneaked into her bed!''

''He didn't have to,'' Ino said before Orochimaru could reply. ''I invited him to join me,'' she said, winking at Orochimaru.

Jiraiya couldn't ask more stupid questions due to his agape mouth.

Several minutes later, Tsunade's interrogation had a different tone.

With mhm or a frown here and there, she read the entire report then sighed, shaking her head.

''Correct me if I am wrong, but it took you a single day to reach the resort but two days to return?''

''We stayed the night at the client's,'' Orochimaru said.

''Why?''

''Because he invited us,'' he explained.

''He liked you?''

''Uh-huh,'' Ino nodded. ''And his wife too.''

Tsunade rolled her eyes, but didn't say anything.

''And this,'' she tapped her pen over the paper, ''resort selling women. How did you learn that?''

''I was offered money for my wife,'' Orochimaru said.

''And that would be Ino?'' Tsunade eyed him suspiciously.

''Yes, she was pretending to be my wife during the mission. If you don't remember that detail, it's written down.''

''I do remember,'' Hokage glared. ''I don't understand how a man approached another one and asked to buy his wife.''

''He didn't approach me, we were invited to dine with him.''

''So Ino was sitting right next to you when he popped the question?''

''No, she left earlier.''

''Why did you leave earlier?'' Tsunade turned to Ino.

''Because the sea food made me feel sick.''

''Ah, okay,'' Tsunade said, returning to the text. ''And the partner in crime was this woman, Arisa?''

''Yes.''

''When did you meet her for the first time?''

''At the hot spring.''

''You went to hot spring? Together?''

''No, only me. It was an activity exclusively for women.''

''And why did the criminals follow you? Because you decided against selling Ino to strangers?''

''No. It was because we messed up their plan to sell women to other men who came to resort.''

''Why did you get involved into it?''

''We didn't plan to, it was accidental,'' Orochimaru said.

''How exactly you prevent women trafficking by accident?''

''Well the other men have been offered women at the resort.''

''How?''

''During the massage.''

''And you found out by having a massage yourself?''

The two blondes were staring at Orochimaru accusingly only because they didn't know how much he hated the massage.

''Yes,'' he admitted shortly, impatient to leave Hokage's office.

''Okay, so you released those women?''

''No. The men changed their minds about getting new wives.''

''And let me guess, you talked them out of it?''

''They were the ones who asked for marital advice,'' Orochimaru shrugged.

''And you were the one explaining the positive aspects of marriage? Come on, Orochimaru, I am not stupid.''

''It wasn't me who was explaining.''

''Then who?''

Tsunade leaned as close as possible to the front, but she didn't hear Orochimaru's answer.

''Come again.''

''I let Ino take over my body and talk to those men, okay? Are you happy now?''

''Am I happy? You left Ino's unconscious body unattended in a resort for selling women! How did that even come to your mind?''

''Her body was not unattended,'' Orochimaru explained. ''I took the necessary precaution.''

''It was a mere luck nothing happened to her,'' Hokage said, frowning. ''It was reckless from you. Same as this ambush.''

''It wasn't his fault!'' Ino joined the discussion. ''I also agreed-''

''Yes, it was,'' Tsunade cut her off. ''Orochimaru, as more experienced than you, should have been the voice of reason, even if you did agree. And for the mission of this rank, endangering shinobi's life is unacceptable.''

''In that case, you hold a great deal of responsibility yourself, don't you, Tsunade?''

Ino held her breath while two of the legendary Sannin glared at one another. They were accusing each other, but she knew she was the one to blame. She didn't dare to contradict either of them and they were silent as well. Too much tension and the dusty office triggered another coughing episode.

Orochimaru, as the closer one, reached her first.

''Are you okay?'' he asked, placing his palm on her shoulder.

She nodded, holding her palms in front of her mouth, coughing.

''Leave her alone,'' Tsunade's voice was heard on the opposite side of Orochimaru's. ''You helped her enough.''

Now Ino felt a warm hand in between her shoulder blades.

''Easy now. Then take a deep breath, but slowly,'' Tsunade's voice was calm and kind.

At least her breathing problem was at the center of attention, not the mission.

''What type of gas can cause this reaction?'' Orochimaru asked.

''Many types. And your wound should be checked too.''

Orochimaru removed the palm resting on Ino's shoulder and shared one more gaze with her before heading to the door.

''When you are done, mending of training grounds awaits you.''

His answer was shutting the door behind him.

Now Ino could look at Tsunade, who put both of her palms below her neck and frowned.

''How bad it is?''

''Did you take something, to ease the breathing problems?'' Hokage asked.

''Uh-huh,'' Ino said, digging through her backpack to take out the pills.

''It was too aggressive,'' Tsunade said, holding the pill between her fingers. ''But it should wear off soon. Until then, avoid physical labor.''

''Shouldn't I help Orochimaru-sama?''

That question made Hokage laugh.

''He is probably sulking, far away from the destroyed training grounds.''

''Should I then-''

''Go home and get some rest. We will probably talk about this mission some more on the following days.''

''Tsunade-sama,'' Ino said with a bow and left Hokage alone.

She thought Orochimaru was long gone, but she found him as soon as she closed the door, leaned on the wall opposite of the office.

''Oh. You are here.''

''What did she say?'' he asked, stepping towards her. ''Are you going to be okay?''

''Yeah,'' she shrugged. ''I took too much medicine.''

''Good. I mean, I am glad it's nothing serious.''

''Yeah, me too.''

Either their feet were interesting or Orochimaru had nothing more to say to her.

''I thought you went to the hospital,'' Ino said to end the awkward silence.

''Tsunade's nagging annoyed me much more than the pain.''

Now her gaze dropped to the floor.

''I know it's my fault.''

''It's not,'' Orochimaru said. ''You were my responsibility,'' he added when she looked up.

''But you got hurt because of me!''

''Also my fault. I should have pressured you more to demonstrate attacks since you are much more powerful than you look, as you proved earlier.''

''You liked that?'' she asked to discover the meaning of his grin.

''So much I would like to repeat it.''

''I would rather kiss you again.''

''You-you would?'' he spluttered. ''Like now?''

The first part of her answer was leaning into his arms. Next she moved his hair from his face, what made him smile.

Orochimaru embraced her casually, placing only one hand on her waist. Either he felt uncomfortable because of the public place or he didn't have the slightest clue what she thought of doing to and with his body.

The final and the best part was pressing her lips against his. And his strong arms finally around her. And the soft groaning noises they both made out of impatience and pleasure.

None of it explained his stuttering before. Why didn't he say 'me too' instead? She would understand his shocked face if he didn't like her back, but same like the first time, he was leaned against her, holding her tightly, reciprocating her kisses.

He should really work on his oral expression.

''Ahem.''

Ino opened her eyes to see Orochimaru staring at her, not increasing the distance between their mouths, as if frozen in the moment. Her hands remained in his hair and his on the small of her back.

''The mission's rank will probably change, but I can see your minds are somewhere else already. And whatever you are up to, do it somewhere in private.''

Tsunade found interesting they were both avoiding eye contact, blushed a bit while grinning like idiots, but didn't move an inch from one another.

She returned to her office, rolling her eyes.

Ino was supposed to give Orochimaru the worst time of his life and turn him into an obedient scientist, so he would never have to endure a mission of this kind again. Since Hokage saw them making out like there was no tomorrow, her plan evidently failed.

Only an idiot would bring his girlfriend to the formal gathering full of Uchihas. And that same idiot agreed to meet her there, instead of arriving to the event with her!

Orochimaru was on the third glass of whatever the waiters were pouring while glimpsing around, hoping to spot Ino. She did explain she must stop by her place to change after work, but how was he supposed to know how much time it would take? Or maybe she arrived already and some guy was bugging her! Tall, dark and handsome guy with ocular jutsu.

His neck already hurt due to constant strain towards the door and he couldn't pay attention to any conversation. Meeting with Ino outdoors was stressful for him as well as every other situation common for people in a relationship.

If it had been up to him, they wouldn't have gotten further than holding hands and definitely not every time in public.

Unbelievable, she was the one who invited him over! He would have been gathering courage to do the same much longer than a few hours she needed. Not only because his place at the time wasn't appropriate for romantic activities, but he was a total beginner regarding being someone's boyfriend.

All he knew was he should spend time with Ino. And he wanted and enjoyed her company. Too bad taking her to dinners, to movies, buying flowers or any kind of gifts required way too much effort and overthinking about her possible reaction.

Due to his inexperience with women and fear he would drive Ino away too soon, the safest present for her recent birthday was a gift certificate for shopping. Not only she was happy with it and used it to buy stunning clothes for herself, she also bought him a new piece. And this gathering was the perfect opportunity to wear his fancy new clothes, she advised him as soon as he received an invitation.

And so he was waiting, avoiding people, drinking and skimming the room for the most beautiful locks of the blond hair. Or a bun maybe. Or some other stylish haircut he wouldn't expect and-

Her laughter.

He would hear it anywhere.

And it was coming from the back of the room! How did he miss her entrance?

It didn't get clearer when he finally spotted her.

The pink kimono, his gift while they were still on a mission, was standing out in the room full of dark clothes. Her hands were free of drinks and snacks, so she couldn't have been there for long, neither she was by herself, meaning he couldn't interrupt her.

The person standing opposite of her had dark, long hair, and from behind resembled to another Uchiha clan member. Why would Ino laugh in the company of an Uchiha?

She also patted her companion, putting the strand of the dark hair behind their ear.

She frowned when the dark locks shook, as if annoyed by Ino's intervention. Ino shrugged, not offended and turned her attention to the another person approaching them.

Orochimaru must have been under a genjutsu. He wished he was.

Ino was smiling at Uchiha Itachi.

Her smile got even wider when he took a position opposite of her, greeting her and her friend.

Orochimaru thought she would leave two men by themselves. Or that Itachi was just passing by. None of the anticipated happened and all Orochimaru could do was hope Ino would see him and join him soon.

''Orochimaru-sama.''

Orochimaru nearly spilled the drink he was holding.

''Good evening, Fugaku-san.''

''Could it be you are also surprised to see Itachi in a girl's company?''

No, this was not happening. This must have been a nightmare and he would wake up next to Ino any moment now and they would laugh about it. That's right. A nightmare.

''I guess you are, you are not getting your eyes off of them.''

''I am sorry, I-''

''Did he tell you something?'' Fugaku interrupted, leaning closer to Orochimaru to speak quieter. ''Is it serious already? And does Hiashi know?''

''What? I don't know anything,'' Orochimaru replied, getting away from the gossip. ''And why are you mentioning Hyuuga clan's head?''

''It's his daughter right next to Itachi.''

Now Orochimaru took a better look.

Two people opposite of Ino weren't men. The shorter person was a girl and her hair was dark, but not as black as Itachi's. And she was the one gazing at Itachi, while Ino smiled at the girl, not at Uchiha heir.

''Your son's girlfriend is Hyuuga heiress?'' Orochimaru asked quietly.

''I am not sure about the nature of their relationship,'' Fugaku responded in equally quiet tone. ''I thought you knew when you are staring at them the whole time.''

Apparently Orochimaru's spying wasn't subtle at all.

He glanced once again towards the fresh couple and Ino's gaze caught his. Impulsively he smiled. Naturally she smiled back. And waved.

''Oh.''

Now Fugaku sounded as Orochimaru felt before.

''I had no idea,'' Uchiha said to Orochimaru's red face.

''Yeah, it's kind of fresh news. Not as your son and-''

''I understand,'' Fugaku interrupted.

Then Uchiha head did something he never did during all those years they have known each other. He patted Orochimaru on the shoulder, grinning.

''That explains why you weren't present at the meeting last week.''

''Yeah, well, um-''

''There will always be another meeting,'' Fugaku added with a smile. ''Enjoy your evening.''

Orochimaru's comment was a forced smile. And then he was by himself again.

Ino tried to understand, but she didn't.

Wasn't a wave a well-known signal to her boyfriend he should join her?

She wouldn't think about this at all if she hadn't ran into Hinata who begged her to keep her company until she greeted Uchiha Itachi. Ino agreed, thinking Hinata was nervous to talk to the stranger all by herself about some serious business, but apparently the two of them were dating and Hinata didn't want it to be so obvious to all the present people, Itachi's scary father included.

So now, when everybody knew about the two heirs, but still pretended they didn't, Ino searched the entire party area for her boyfriend who mysteriously disappeared! And she knew he saw her! Unless the friendly chat with one his colleagues turned into a business conversation, so they left to plan and analyze and who knew what in the middle of what was supposed to be a relaxed evening!

She assumed he would be done with business talks until she arrived, that's why she suggested getting here separately in the first place. Getting involved into a scientific discussion wasn't fun at all, but she couldn't forbid Orochimaru to stop being a scientist while out of the laboratory.

Actually the only place he wasn't thinking about work was her flat. Maybe because the first time she took him there was with the purpose to continue their kissing, only in private.

In the hallway they were kissing while standing up, in the living room they sat on the couch while smooching, the natural next step was to make out while lying on the bed. She was sitting atop him and while he was preoccupied with what's beneath her top, her hands went down to stroke and eventually disrobe her partner. Until he stopped her.

''What is it?'' she asked, staring at her hands he's been holding in his.

''Would you mind if we turned off the lights?''

''Do you need dark to relax?''

''Maybe.''

Orochimaru released her hands, but she kept them to herself. He wasn't pushy, so she wasn't about to be either.

''I thought men become more confident as they gain more experience,'' she smiled, her arms relaxed and around his back.

''It works against my favor after a certain age,'' he said without a smile.

''Forty-five?''

''I am obviously forty-six.''

They both knew that was a lie, but to Ino, more important than the age difference, was the one-sided desire. Never she met a guy who preferred darkness over illuminated room. She was still completely dressed and on top. He never said aloud he wanted this. Maybe he didn't. Or she was doing it in a way he hated! If he had doubts, it was better to find out!

''Do you want this?'' she asked, her arms folded.

''Do I want what?''

''Sex. With me.''

''Do you want it?''

''Yes, of course I do! I mean, that's why we are here.''

''It's fine if we postpone it for some other time.''

Some other time meant more waiting but also that he counted on repeating this on days to come!

''So you want me too?'' she asked.

He smiled then pulled her towards his chest.

''I have been fantasizing about having you naked in my arms,'' he whispered in her ear, ''ever since I walked in on you in your underwear.''

She let out a surprised sigh and he laughed.

''Now do you understand?'' he asked, staring at her. ''I need dark so I wouldn't see your beautiful body as well as keep my clothes on as a barrier. Once this starts, it won't last long.''

''Oh,'' she chuckled, relieved. ''It doesn't have to.''

''Last long?''

''Uh-huh. I have been horny for two days straight.''

That got him on top. The lights remained on same as the great part of their clothes.

Ino's bed wasn't meant for two grown-ups, but both being exhausted after the trip home, it felt more comfortable than any other. The next morning they got up, had breakfast, shared their schedule as they have been doing for the last two weeks. The confusing part was getting together in the evening.

Orochimaru seemed constantly alarmed, checking the time, fidgeting, tapping his foot. The only peaceful state was while asleep. And that was rare, as she learned back at the resort. He usually spent the night watching her asleep.

Ino explained to herself Orochimaru's lack of spontaneity was related to unfamiliar surroundings. Unfortunately he seemed way more nervous when they were hanging out at his place. He was a terrible host, offering drinks and food from the moment she entered until she left. His constant questions about her hunger, thirst, warmth and tiredness were driving her crazy, as if she was a child that needed attention.

Some time later she remembered he didn't bring his lady friends to his home, so it wasn't surprising he didn't perceive it as an appropriate spot for romance. Despite not being accustomed to guests, he was generous and considerate lover. His only flaw was keeping his thoughts and desires to himself. Wasn't he present when she said the key to every successful relationship was communication? Blaming him was unfair, she knew in advance he didn't experience many relationships, so he couldn't have known what was usual behavior and what wasn't. She was convinced he would consider usual to hang out with his girlfriend, but since she was still looking for him, she guessed wrong.

The only positive thing was the huge garden, illuminated with different lanterns and she would take a stroll on her way home. Or maybe she could look at the fragile flowers now, while nobody was there and-

''Hey.''

On a small porch, facing the garden, but hidden in the shadows, Ino found her boyfriend.

''There you are!''

Her shoes made noise while she walked towards him.

''I have been looking for you! Why are you here all by yourself?''

''It would be rude to drag you away from your friends,'' he shrugged.

''That's why I waved at you so you would join us!''

''I didn't want to interrupt.''

She knew he was right, but for all this time she thought he left. And not by himself.

''You talked to a woman when I got here,'' she said, staring at her shoes.

''A woman? I don't remember.''

''To a very pretty woman.''

''I had a few drinks and many people talked to me while I waited for you. I don't remember anyone in particular,'' he explained.

''So you didn't practice small talk on her?''

''What are you talking about?''

''Nothing,'' she muttered.

Ino's voice was quiet, so Orochimaru took her by the hand to pull her towards him. She didn't let him.

''Only you are all dressed up and then you disappeared!''

Orochimaru saw Ino once before wearing this kimono, only that time she wasn't angry with him. Out of all reasons to be mad, she mentioned his clothes and a woman he knew nothing about! He had to bring back the happy Ino, the one smiling at him.

''I put on these clothes because you bought them and here I am hiding from people who bothered me, including the said woman. You can't be thinking I came here to flirt with other women?''

''You didn't?''

''I didn't,'' he confirmed. ''Why would I? I am in a happy relationship.''

The lanterns' lights revealed Ino's tiny smile and he approached her, putting his arms around her.

''I'm sorry,'' she sighed, now in his embrace. ''This is a meeting, I taught you about the small talk and the stunning clothes and I couldn't find you-''

Her voice trailed off when he cupped her chin, lifting it to look at him.

''I would rather be at home with you,'' he said and she smiled. ''Not wearing clothes at all.''

Now she chuckled and hugged him back.

''I am sorry,'' she repeated. ''It's been a long day.''

''For me too,'' he said. ''And then I saw you in the company of Uchiha Itachi.''

Only a moment ago she was jealous and now frowned because he was too!

''He is Hinata's boyfriend. I would have never spoke to him if she hadn't asked me to.''

''Also I mistook her for a guy,'' he said. ''Why didn't she put on a dress?''

''Because she is the shyest girl I have ever met.''

Angry or not, Ino was in his arms and he was done with unnecessary questions.

''When I first saw you tonight, you were in the company of that woman, so I waited until she left you alone. Then Hinata found me and begged me to keep her company.''

''So it's my fault,'' he said and they laughed.

''Now when we are finally alone,'' she raised her gaze to look at him, ''you look handsome.''

''Not as nearly as breathtaking as you.''

No woman was immune to compliments and Orochimaru let himself kiss Ino's smiling lips once. Then the second time. On the way to the third kiss he discovered how tiny the kimono's fabric actually was and how well he could feel curves of Ino's body.

''What time it is?'' he murmured into her neck. ''Would it be rude to leave already?''

''You naughty boy!'' she chuckled, throwing her head back and offering more of her soft skin.

''I missed you,'' he said in between their kisses.

''I missed you too,'' she replied, kissing him back.

Although it was nice to hear it, Ino didn't have to say it. Orochimaru felt her dainty arms around him, her lips impatient for more of him, her breaths short and excited. And she was right, a woman like her deserved effort. And the timing, again correct, because she as an acquaintance made a significant impact on him in only two weeks, making him reconsider his lonely way of living. And for still unclear reasons, she accepted him, all of his flaws and imperfections. Only a fool wouldn't take the natural next step.

''Will you move in with me?''

''What?''

''There you are!''

Two lovers released one another out of their embrace and stared at the ground while listening to Tsunade approaching.

''I hope I am not interrupting,'' she said only a step away.

''What is it?'' Orochimaru asked.

''Remember that mission of yours, the one that brought you together?''

Tsunade expected silly chuckling from Ino or rude comments from Orochimaru. The couple remained silent.

''I guess you do. Anyway, now it's A-rank and it could be changed to S-rank if you-''

''You wasted my expertise on a mission lower than A-rank?''

''But it got you a lovely girlfriend, didn't it?''

Orochimaru opened his mouth to speak, but shut it when Ino elbowed him in the ribs.

''As I was saying,'' Tsunade continued, ''further investigation would bring you higher rank and more money if you-''

''Orochimaru is not going.''

''Ino is not going.''

Tsunade laughed at their frowning faces and equal answers about the other one's participation.

''Of course neither of you is going,'' she rolled her eyes, still giggling. ''Not only the target might have seen you, but how would you pretend you are unhappily married when you are lovey-dovey all the time?''

Her observation appeared to soften Orochimaru.

''Okay, so we are done with pretending we are married. How else can we contribute?''

''With your experience,'' Hokage said. ''The couple undercover should know as much as details about the mission as you can provide.''

''Tell them to avoid, under any circumstances, sharing the bed,'' Orochimaru said.

''Dating and proposal story,'' Ino jumped in. ''They shouldn't make it up on the spot.''

''They must be prepared for questions about children.''

''And possibly sex.''

''Yes, I know how the babies are made,'' Tsunade sighed. ''What else about the mission?''

''If a guy is offered a new wife, he must tell his partner,'' Ino said.

''And he should pay attention to every little detail his partner shares.''

''Keep cool head when talking to a guy who wanted to buy his wife.''

''Never leave a woman unguarded, no matter how strong she is.''

''They should get to know each other, learn food preference, sleeping habits, special abilities.''

''So basically I should send a man and a woman to a hot spring for a weekend first then send them on an undercover mission,'' Tsunade laughed.

''Wasn't this helpful?'' Ino asked.

''I didn't hear any advice on the mission, but how they would become a couple, just like the two of you.''

''There is my favorite couple!''

Three pairs of eyes were on the approaching tipsy shinobi.

''Good evening, Jiraiya-sama,'' Ino said when he stood on Tsunade's right.

''Smart move to get here with Ino,'' Jiraiya said to Orochimaru. ''Romantic garden, nice lighting, too bad Tsunade interrupted you.''

''And what are you doing here?'' Tsunade asked.

''Hoping to spot another romantic soul,'' Jiraiya said, leaning on Hokage.

''And did you find her?'' Tsunade asked.

''Of course I didn't when Orochimaru refuses to share a single tip! I don't even know what kind of panties Ino-''

Jiraiya couldn't pronounce another word, Tsunade's elbow was in his stomach and instead of disappointment he was feeling a second earlier, now he felt only pain.

''Pay me a visit tomorrow,'' Hokage said, not giving her friend the needed air. ''Enjoy the rest of the evening.''

Tsunade pulled Jiraiya by the ear, dragging him back inside and away from Ino and Orochimaru.

''Shall we go too?'' Ino asked.

''Sure. I am not in the mood for another interruption.''

After saying goodbyes to all the acquaintances they ran into, they took a general direction that lead out of Uchiha district. They walked side by side, but in silence.

Ino's arms were folded, her head was down and Orochimaru needed to find out how he screwed up so he could fix it.

''Are you upset?''

''No.''

''Are you angry with me?''

''No.''

''Then why are you silent?''

''I am thinking.''

''About my question?''

''Uh-huh.''

Ino seemed so small, with her arms wrapped around her, and Orochimaru wondered if she was cold and when she would accept his hug. Too bad his question was still unanswered.

''You can share your thoughts with me,'' he said.

''I have never lived with a man before,'' she said, not lifting her gaze from the ground.

''Me neither.''

''With a man or with a woman?'' she glanced at him.

''Neither.''

''And it's been just two months!'' she hissed, hugging herself tighter.

''It would be fast if were a normal couple.''

''And we are not?''

''Well I didn't exactly try to charm you from the moment we met.''

''No,'' she chuckled.

''So you got to know the real me, not the nicer version of me. As well as my habits. Despite knowing me, you leaned into me. And retold me about it so we could be together.''

''True.''

Ha! A smile! And there was more.

''It would save us a lot of time.''

''How?''

''You wouldn't have to dress up to meet with me. Instead you would come home and make yourself comfortable. Of course, it's not forbidden to wear nice clothes, but to me you are most beautiful while dreaming. No clothes, no make up.''

''Staring at me asleep should count as a fetish.''

''How can you blame me when you are the one being irresistible?''

Ino glanced at him who was faking seriousness. Then she chuckled and he seized that chance to take her hand and get her back to where she belonged – into his arms. She didn't mind, letting him warm her arms and shoulders.

''Why do you think living together is a good idea?'' she asked.

''Except that I like being around you, I have a feeling we are constantly debating at who's place we will spend the night.''

''We are a couple, that's what couples do.''

''I know, but I have so much to ask you and learn from you, ask about your advice and retell you about my projects.''

''I am not really an expert in your field.''

''It doesn't mean I don't care about your opinion.''

Ino was playing with his hair in silence for a couple of moments, then lifted her gaze.

''What am I going to do about my habits?''

''None of your habits annoy me,'' he said and gave her nose a kiss. ''I wouldn't have suggested living together if that had been the case. It annoys me when you make dinner in your spare time and I already ate, thinking you work late. And what I absolutely hate is your rush to shower at your flat, since your clothes are there, when we could have a shower together.''

''That's not possible if your experiments occupy the bathroom.''

''I would find a new place for my laboratory. Or we could rent a completely different place.''

''And what if-''

She stopped in the middle of the question after he pressed his forehead on hers.

''I don't need your final decision now,'' he whispered and she nodded. ''Just think about it.''

''Okay.''

''And now,'' he released her from his hug, but kept one of her palms in his, ''we need to get indoors.''

The path Orochimaru took lead to both of their apartments. Same like the two of them, their living space was different. As well as the way of living. And yet he proposed to move in together! Shock was an understatement.

''If you have doubts-''

''And you don't?'' she cut him off. ''It's a huge step!''

It was the biggest step for any couple and she couldn't understand his constant smiling!

''I want to spend more time with you, that's all. And here is a better idea.''

''I am listening.''

''Why wouldn't we set a test period?''

''For living together?''

''Ten days. Two weeks tops. And then we see how it goes.''

Now she chuckled. It sounded too familiar.

''Like the doctor and his wife?'' she asked.

''That story inspired this idea.''

''Do days when you are away count?''

''Absolutely, it's the part of me and my occupation. But I wouldn't worry, Tsunade doesn't want me to travel. Neither do I, especially not on an undercover mission again.''

''I liked the way you said you didn't want me to go.''

''Me too.''

Despite their small steps, they got to the street where they had to decide who would get up earlier tomorrow morning. Orochimaru didn't invite her neither did she say anything. They stared at the ground, motionless, never breaking the linked palms.

''For how long have you been thinking about this?''

''Since you left the warm bed at dawn,'' he said and she looked at him. ''Without an explanation.''

''I had to go home to get ready for work! I didn't want to wake you up!''

''If we move in together, not only you get to sleep longer, but I don't have to worry if your shift starts early or you broke up with me.''

''But I don't even have a toothbrush next to yours.''

''Exactly.''

''And if we start looking for a totally new place-''

''We can have separate bathrooms.''

Ino let go Orochimaru's hand, she needed both of hers to suppress laughter. She couldn't help it. Ever since he brought it up, he was so persistent she knew he would offer something as unreasonable as two bathrooms. He didn't understand her laughter, watching her silently. His worrying frown disappeared when she put her arms around him.

''And you let me believe you didn't want a relationship.''

''I didn't want it. Then you came along and I realized everything I believed was wrong.''

''Shall we go to my place?''

''Sure.''

It was closer and after a short kiss she gave him, Ino was getting impatient for a lot more.

''If I remember well,'' she said, now when they walked again hand in hand, ''you wouldn't mind a hot tub.''

''Isn't that common for hotels only?''

''Then we should go to the hot spring after we are done with the trial period,'' she suggested.

''No matter how it goes,'' he added.

''I'm in.''

Since Orochimaru said her habits weren't annoying, and she barely knew he was around, being neat and quiet, Ino expected the next two weeks would include goodbye kisses, silly arguments about dirty laundry, retelling the busy day over dinner, nagging about too much work, discussing tomorrow's plans while getting ready for bed, leaning into each other while asleep.

''Orochimaru?''

''Huh?''

''Yes.''

THE END