#!asuma

@fatesrot from here;

She was always the picture of self-assured confidence. Ino did a lot of credit to her father's training. However, it was because she was raised exclusively by her shinobi of a father, that she had forgotten her kunoichi lessons in the excitement and rush of a far away mission. And it was too late to notice on her far-too-male team that she needed... well... some adjustments.

At least for today.

The fair-haired girl could only blame herself for her foolishness. She ought to have been prepared. Any kunoichi worth her weight would have... anticipated...

Her voice was thick with emotion when Asuma's kind and gentle gaze drifted upon her. She had been fearful that he may have scolded her for this... but he was more understanding than she deserved.

She nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Y-yeah... Sensei. Thank you..." she would never let him down again, she promised.

Asuma wasn’t impolite enough to walk into a married couple’s house, which was why instead of vaulting himself through a window, he actually knocked. He waited patiently, but was a tiny bit relieved when Ino herself answered.

“Happy Birthday to my favourite Yamanaka,” he said, grinning widely. “I have gifts and a promise.”

As he spoke, he offered her a bag containing two gifts. Inside was also a note, for later.

Ino

The vase is just something to compliment the beautiful creations I know you’re so capable, while the bracelet is just to compliment the beauty you wear effortlessly every day.

You’ve grown up quite a lot over the years, and I’m proud to say I was part of that.

Your sensei.

“And my promise is, I will take you and Shikamaru out to lunch, and foot the bill without complaint no matter what pain you two put me through. Deal?”

The florist pulled open the door, all smiles since it was her birthday. She was expecting a lot of presents and wasn't going to be shy about saying so. That was why, when her favourite teacher arrived, she pulled him into an embrace.

"Aww, seeing Sensei is a gift," she replied. Ino loved birthdays. She always felt adored and got to be spoiled on that day.

Her smile widened as she peered inside the bag, gasping with delight as she saw the pretty, ikebana vase and sparkly ring- the note would be read later through tear-filled eyes.

"They're so brilliant!! Thank you!"

The fair-haired girl was already thrilled to see her old, Jounin Sensei when he proposed that they would all go for a birthday lunch. Like old times.