#inkflowers

The lovely Yasha!

Hey there! So after watching Shippuden and mainly creating this Tumblr to commemorate my love for the series... my Tumblr seemed to lean towards my other interests... nevertheless! I’ve recently gotten into the Saiino ship again, but sadly there aren’t too many fanfics out there for these too... good ones that is. So since I’m a writer (I use the term loosely), I decided to at least try at writing my rendition of the two together... here goes nothing! Hope you'll enjoy! (I intend on continuing this series) 

Chapter 2 here

“Pfft.” Ino exhaled, blowing a tuft of her hair out of her face, just for it to flow back were it had just resigned a few seconds prior.

On any other day when Ino Yamanaka was not on a mission, you could find her behind the register working in her family’s flower shop.

Ino rested her head on her elbow from her boredness. Business had been running slow today, as per usual… other than Kakashi Sensei’s usual purchase of a bouquet of yellow lilies, and some dark red carnations. (The yellow lilies, meaning thankfulness, the dark red carnations, meaning love). Who he got these flowers for every day you might ask? Ino never knew. She was just surprised he was able to set aside time to wander the village being Hokage and all.

Nevertheless, he was the only customer so far today, and Ino was starting to become bored being all by her lonesome.

She started to stare out the flower shop’s window. It was a sunny Tuesday afternoon, which made her even more irritated she had to be working.

She bit her lip and looked down at her nails tapping the surface of the counter. You would expect Choji or Shikamaru to visit her but lately, they had become quite caught up in responsibilities involving their clan. Ino didn’t particularly like to think she was bitter about the whole situation… but bitter certainly was a good word.

Ino truly liked working in her family’s shop, socializing with customers, working with the flowers, all that good stuff… but the shifts were becoming more and more tedious, and it was obvious as to why.

It seemed everyone around was doing something with their lives. Her teammates, her friends, the entire village it felt was succeeding past her, not even giving her a chance to catch up to them. Hell, even Shino was starting to shadow in the AMBU’S tracking division!!!

Ino and most of her peers were 18 now. The Fourth Shinobi war had only ended a year ago… she had only lost her father a year ago.

Although almost everyone had become a repercussion of the war, it seemed as though they were handling it better than her. Everyone was able to pick up with their lives and move on, continuing to do more exciting things.

Everyone except her that is.

Naruto was fulfilling his dream of becoming the next Hokage, Hinata was finally in a relationship with the idiot blonde himself… even Sakura finally dating her childhood Uchiha crush, who was returning to the village because of her.

Ino rolled her eyes just thinking about it. “What a bunch of bs.” she muttered to no one in particular, except the flowers maybe.

Sakura was Ino’s best friend … at least … she used to be. The two had become a lot closer ever been since Sasuke had left the village, but Ino couldn’t help but question if it would change now that the rogue shinobi was returning. The reason why the two kunoichis stopped being friends in the first place was because of that stupid Sharingan user.

Back when they were in academy when Sakura was picked on for that HUGE forehead of hers, the two kunoichis had become friends. Ino had often told off Sakura’s bullies and from then on, the two of them were inseparable. Ino helped Sakura have more confidence in herself, and to embrace that huge forehead of hers. Ino even gave Sakura one of her headbands to push back those bangs of hers she was using to hide it .

And just like that, it all changed.

Just like many other kunoichis, Ino and Sakura started to develop feelings for the Sasuke Uchiha. Could you blame them? He was a handsome, and a skilled genin. Not to mention he had this cool, mysterious vibe to him that had all the girls drooling. It was alluring. To be fair though, Ino did like Sasuke first, but never really pursued her interest in him until after Sakura admitted she had liked him as well, and because of it, Sakura explained they couldn't be friends any longer. Apparently, they couldn't both like Sasuke. Certainly, that was unheard of. After Sakura cut ties with Ino, even giving back the headband Ino gave her, winning Sasuke Uchiha’s heart became an obsession for Ino.

Deep down, Ino didn’t like to compete with Sakura or anyone for that matter - especially over a boy. The true reason Ino “competed” with Sakura to win Sasuke’s heart - even going to the lengths of growing her hair so that Sasuke would be more attracted to her - was to make Sakura feel the pain she had inflicted on Ino when Sakura told her they could no longer be friends. She made Ino feel unneeded, left behind, and especially - betrayed.  

Ino didn’t notice the tears welling up in her eyes as she continued to tap her nails on the counter mindlessly.

No matter how much Ino tried to convince herself that she didn’t care, or that she didn’t need Sakura, it hurt her that the truth was that Sakura was the one who didn’t need her anymore.

It stung when their friendship ended.

Ino, was the one that gave her all the confidence she had today, she was the one to nurture and care for the stupid pink flower that Sakura bloomed to be today!

And to think billboard brow didn’t even thank me for it! 

Ino slammed her fist on the counter in frustration, letting the hair fall in front of her face.

A tear had slipped onto the counter, but Ino hadn’t paid it much mind.

As of now, Ino and the Pink Haired kunoichi were close, but she couldn’t tell how the severity of their relationship would change with Sasuke coming back and all.

In the past, Sasuke was solely the trophy in the competition betwixt the two. While Ino lost interest in Sasuke as a person a long time ago, her interest in winning him as a prize against Sakura had increased. Winning Sasuke over was winning against Sakura… at what this game they were playing all these years Ino never really knew.

“You're strong-willed, Dependable and responsible...

Choji and Shikamaru...They're total goof-offs. Keep them in line...

And don't let Sakura beat you...in ninjutsu or romance”.

“I’m sorry Asuma Sensei...” Ino whispered to herself as another tear slipped, remembering his last words he said to her.

“I tried.” Ino she whispered as she wiped her tears.

Just then, she heard the chime above the door, meaning someone had entered the shop.

After quickly wiping the tears from her face, Ino shot her head up and smiled, exclaiming almost as if it was rehearsed :

“Hello! Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower shop! How may I help you!?” Ino greeted the customer.

When she opened her eyes she realized it was only Sai.

She untensed a little. Sai wasn’t that new to their tightly knit group of theirs, but still, she hadn’t really talked to him much.

She blushed slightly remembering their first conversation when he had called her beautiful.

It’s only been a couple years later, and yet she can’t seem to remember ever exchanging another word with him following the incident… it was quite sad actually.

The same pale ex-root boy stood in front of her, with the same simple smile he gave her when they had first met, as he gave everyone.

“Hello beautiful, I am here to buy flowers.” He said greeting her.

She could feel her cheeks tinge with color at the nickname as she did a slight little shimmy.

It seems the nickname has stuck with her… even though for some reason it didn't feel all too genuine. Well, as long as it pissed off Sakura considering he referred to her as ugly, she was fine with the nickname. After all, it was the little victories that counted… right?

She laughed lightly to herself.

“Well obviously Sai, this is a flower shop. Any kind in particular?” she smiled leaning over the counter a little more. He turned to observe the bouquets of vibrantly colored flowers before him, scanning each one carefully. It didn’t seem to help much though.

“I-I don’t know really…” he began.

“Well what’s the occasion?” she smirked, interested. He turned to give her another one of his smiles.

“I wish to draw a subject of beauty for my new composition.” he explained. Ino furrowed her eyebrow at him, slightly disappointed there wasn’t any tea to spill today.

“Listen, I’m not complaining or anything… but you do know you could just go outside and pick a bunch of dandelions for free… right?” she asked him.

Sai solely shook his head. “I am after something more vigorous to portray, I do not mind paying.” he assured her. She simply nodded her head in response as the pale boy turned his head back to the bouquets. After a moment or two, he picked one up, and turned to Ino. “These will do.” he told her.

Ino looked from the flower to Sai, and from Sai to the flowers, with a distasteful look on her face.

“Is something… wrong… do you… not approve?” Sai questioned confused as he looked down at the flowers in his hands. There didn’t seem to be anything particularly wrong to him. They were flowers, weren't they?

“Blue Bells are a pretty flowers Sai, but they represent humility. People usually buy them when they are trying to apologize to someone.” Ino told him.

It seemed as though Ino’s explanation of her distaste still didn’t help Sai understand.

“F-flowers have meanings?” he stuttered looking down at the bluebells in his hands.  

“Why of course!!!” Ino exclaimed, walking around the counter towards him excitedly.

“Candypuff's for example-” Ino paused, pointing to a bouquet of white dainty flowers a few feet across from them “-means indifference.” she told him. He stared down at the flowers in his hands still.

“...And what is humility like?” he questioned, looking up to her curiously. She was about to ask him what the fuck he was talking about - until she remembered that he was still new to emotions, being from the root and all. From what she understood, he had a lot of difficulty understanding the concept of human socializing, empathy, and emotions in general. It seemed odd for such a confident, talkative girl such as herself. But really, could you blame him? The foundation trains genin and or younger with the potential to become apart of the ANBU black ops to suppress their emotions to the point where they don’t exist, not to mention every connection you have to the world is cut off. You have no name, you have no family, you don’t even have a gravestone when you die. Your sole purpose it to protect the leaf, and connections get in the way of that. Therefor, it's no wonder the guy has trouble understanding his feeling , for about all of his life, he’s been taught that he shouldn't have any.

She sighed patiently. Ino loved talking to people about things she was passionate about, especially when it came to flowers, so therefor she didn’t mind explaining it to him at all.

Ino paused for a few seconds, trying to come up with the best explanation for him.

“Humility… humility is when you feel vulnerable because of something you might have done that you regret, you especially feel humility at another person’s reaction to it. For example, if Naruto spilled a bowl of ramen on his pants, you would laugh because it looks like he pissed himself, and Naruto would then feel humility.” Ino explained, adding a smile at the end. He nodded his head. “I think I understand.” He stated simply. He then turned to the other bouquets of flowers.

“And what do those mean?” Sai asked pointing to a dark red bouquet of roses. “Those mean sadness.” She responded to him. “Oh… like you were when I came in.” Sai blurted. Ino practically choked on air, her eyes widening at his comment. She blinked once or twice, comprehending that he had seen her upset. He turned his head to the side.

“May I ask what you were upset about?” Sai asked innocently.

Ino stirred uncomfortable, knowing even if she told him, he wouldn't understand. He’d ask her why she felt that way, although she didn’t really understand it either to begin with.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Sai, i’m perfectly fine.” she defended herself. He gave her a shrug. “Whatever you say, Beauty.” he responded every word laced with doubt, even if it was unintentional.

Sai turned back to the flowers. “... What do these mean?” Sai asked pointing to yellow roses. Ino cleared her throat, glad he jumped to another subject.

“Comradeship.” Ino stated. He turned to her with a smile on his face.

“I am familiar with this term.” he stated content. Ino smiled back at him as well.

Sai’s eyes shifted to something over Ino’s shoulder. “And those… what do those mean?” he asked, pointing to something behind her.

She turned around, her eyes drawn to the bright red bouquet of roses on the counter. She had been assorting them for some guy who had ordered them for his girlfriend.

“Love.” she stated in a flat tone at the thought of her love life being so nonexistent. She wished someone had order flowers for her. ...It seemed the bitterness was kicking in again

“...What does that mean?” he asked once more.

Ino bit her lip. That one was simply hard to explain, most likely because she hadn’t known what it felt like yet either.

“Well… it’s a little hard to explain Sai.” She turned around to find his curiosity filled face. She tried to form an explanation of it, in a way that even he would understand. “You see, it’s when you like someone... a lot. When you care for them.” she told him with a nod.

“... So you can say, I love my friends?” Sai puzzled.

“Mhmmm, well yes - but the love I’m talking about is more for a significant other… like a girlfriend or boyfriend.” Ino continued. Nevertheless, Sai blinked absentmindedly.

“Someone you like like...like Hinata and Naruto for example!” Ino exclaimed.

“Oh, I see. So if someone is dating another, he or she is in love.” Sai nodded. Ino pushed her fingers together and did her little shimmy.

“Well not necessarily… just because you’re dating someone doesn't mean you love them. It’s-it’s a very hard feeling to explain. You’ll know it when you feel it Sai.” she stated. Sai tilted his head to the left.

“Have you ever been in love before beautiful?” he asked her.

Ino tensed as she looked up at him, but the way he stared at her so intensely made her shift her eyes to the floor again.

“No, I don’t think I have yet Sai.”

A silence formed between the two.

“These will suffice.” Sai stated, breaking the silence. Ino looked up at him, to find him holding the yellow roses. A smile was formed on Sai's face, as well as Ino.  “Of course.” Ino responded taking the flowers from Sai, and walking back to the counter.

Comradeship huh?

“It was interesting to learn that flowers having meanings. In a way, I guess you can say they are like art. There is more meaning than meets the eye?” Sai concluded, then looking to Ino for her response as she was ringing the bouquet up. After a moment or two, Ino’s eyes shifted towards Sai who had the same smile on his face that he had walking. She liked that he was conversing with her about it.

“Hhmm. I guess you’re right Sai.” She nodded. She handed him the bouquet of delicate roses.

“Here, don’t bother paying for them, they’re on the house. After all, it is for research anyways. A respectable cause if you ask me.” She smiled at him. He smiled back gratefully.

“Thank you for your kindness, beautiful.” He said as he held the flowers, turning around. “Mhmm.” She muttered, looking down at her now-empty hands. She began tapping her nails again on the countertop.

“Beauty, Sakura once told me about - well, I forget what she called it.”

Ino looked up at Sai who held the flower shop door open slightly. She felt the warm September breeze of Konoha flow in through the door, and wash over her, giving her the chills for a moment or two as Sai seemed to be thinking.

“Ah yes… lying as she called it.” He said looking over to Ino. She knitted her eyebrows together slightly confused about what he was talking about.

“You lied when I asked you if you were upset, although...I don’t know why exactly.”

Ino almost choked on air again she was caught off guard.

“Forehead told me that sometimes, people lie to protect their friends’ feelings… then again… I still don’t understand how lying about your feelings would protect anyone else’s. It is not good for you. You should talk to the person that is causing you to be upset.” He explained to her, concluding with his smile that never really reached his eyes. Ino’s voice got caught in her throat at his words.

Sai then proceeded to look to the ground again. “Women are a most confusing gender.” he muttered to himself.

And just like that, Sai had left Ino all to herself, and to her thoughts.

She tapped her fingers against the counter, in a calm tempo, as she drifted in thought over Sai’s words to her.

Doin’ that thar Inktober when I found a list I liked!  All purely done with ink and not sure how to feel about it yet.  I’m confident with the flower drawing part, but there’s a want to at least lay down sketchlines to draw over the top with ink.  I dunno if that’s defeating the point of the challenge or not, since there is technique in simply inking that I ... personally have a lot to learn on still!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZrrM_jlxhp/

Here chapter 2 for ya’ll :). Here’s the previous chapter , 

“Ino…” Sakura sighed, staring at the blonde.

The two kunoichis sat together in the Konoha coffee shop.  

Sakura had stopped by to take Ino out for some coffee, a few hours after Sai’s appearance.

Speaking of Sai, his words were still stuck running through her mind from earlier.

She bit her lip.

The nerve of him, telling me that I lie about my feelings when he’s doing the exact same thing. He’s always hiding his emotions behind that stupid fucking smile of his, what a hypocrite.

“INO!” Sakura shouted, causing the blonde to jump as she realized she had zoned out again.

“Were you even listening to me?” She asked. “Pfft, of course I was, I just was getting blind from staring at that huge forehead of yours, Billboard brow.” Ino scoffed crossing her arms.

“Oh really Ino pig? What did I just say then, huh?” Sakura questioned her.   Ino looked to Sakura.

“Something about Sasuke I’m sure.” Ino responded. Sakura choked on her muffin she was eating at the time.

She hit Ino’s arm. “NO! I wasn’t! I asked you if you’ll be able to work a shift at the hospital tomorrow at 7!” Sakura exclaimed defensively. She looked to Ino nervously.

“W-why? Have I’ve been talking about him a lot?” She asked anxiously.

Ino couldn’t help but laugh at her best friend. “No, only the whole time we’ve been here.” She smiled taking a sip from her mug. Sakura turned almost as pink as her hair as she tucked her hair behind her ear timidly.

The truth was, that in Sasuke absence over the past year, the two have become closer than they were when they were little. Ino wondered if that was going to change now that he was back.

“O-oh. I’m sorry. I’m just a little excited he’s finally back and all. I’ve missed him a lot over the past few years and-” “-There’s no need to apologize forehead. I understand, it took a lot to get him back, but he’s back thanks to you.” Ino smiled as she held Sakura’s hand.

Ino proceeded to laugh. “Hell, if I had him back after all these years, I’d never let him leave my sight.” Ino snickered at the thought, but then remembered that the two had somewhat competed over him in the past. They still technically were, although the chances were low for him to break up with Sakura and crawl to Ino. She wouldn’t want that anyway. Sakura seemed happy, and she didn’t want to ruin that.

She glanced to Sakura for a reaction. There was a serious look upon the pink kunoichi's face, so serious, it made Ino swallow in fear. That was until Sakura burst out laughing as well - so loud in fact - the whole cafe sent questionable looks their way.

Ino let out a sigh of relief.

“Not tryna steal my boyfriend from me, are you pig?” Sakura teased. Ino shook her head and placed her mug down. She pressed her lips together.

“No, I think I’ll let you have him from now on, forehead.” she responded. Sakura laughed lightly but was a little shocked at Ino’s response.

“Hey, you feeling alright there piggy? Wouldn’t want one of my best medics getting sick on me now would I?” Sakura asked reaching over the table, to feel her friends forehead, until Ino smacked her hand away.

“I feel perfectly fine, in fact, better than ever, FOREHEAD. Now that I’ve let go of my obsession with your little boyfriend that is.” Ino crossed her arms, turning to look out the window again.

‘Ah yes. Lying as she called it’

Ino couldn’t help but tense at hearing Sai’s voice yet again.

She tried to shoo away the thought when looking to her friend.

“Oh really? I thought you’ve been in love with him for as long as I have?” Sakura said doubtfully to Ino.

Ino looked down a little gloomily. “I thought that too.” She muttered in the lightest voice.

“Huh?” Sakura asked concerned.

Just then, the two friends were interrupted as a chair was pulled up to their table to join them. The long dark blue hair automatically gave away it was Hinata. She smiled when greeting the two of them.  

“H-hey you guys.” She greeted in that light voice of hers.

“Hey Nata!” the other two kunoichis greeted her as she settled in her chair.

“S-sorry to i-i-interrupt, but I just stopped in for a c-coffee and I saw you guys sitting over here.” she explained, pushing her two index fingers together nervously.

“It’s fine.” Sakura laughed, giving Hinata a cheery smile.

Perfect timing too.

Even with the closest of friends, at first, you would always find Hinata stuttering over her words. But after a few minutes of conversing, you couldn't get her to STOP talking. Especially after a cup of coffee or two.

“S-So Sakura, how is Sasuke now that’s he’s back?” Hinata asked Sakura. Sakura held her head high in pride.

“Oh, he’s just wonderful. He’s so sweet since he's come back. Doing all the nicest little things for me, taking me out for dinner and such.” She bragged, blushing at the thought of him.

Ino rolled her eyes, wanting to gag. She thought they were just about to hop off this subject. He’s been back for about a month now, you would think everyone had enough talking about him. Ino certainly did.

“Oh, well that’s nice to see you’re happy Sakura.” Hinata said with a smile.

“Thank you, Hinata. How are you and Naruto? The two of you have been spending a lot of time together recently, huh?” Sakura asked nudging Hinata’s arm playfully, causing her to blush.

“O-oh. Naruto-kun and I-we’re v-very good... he’s been on a m-mission since last week, but he’s supposed to be r-returning either today or tomorrow, and in fact, w-we’re going out to dinner with my f-family on Thursday .” The Hyuga Heiress blushed furthermore.

“Wow! That’s a big step for the two of you! Congratulations!” Sakura said shaking Hinata’s shoulders.

“Yeah, if that screw up doesn't fuck it up like he usually does.” Ino rolled her eyes as she rested her head on her arm.

When Sakura sent Ino a glare and Hinata tilted her head curiously. Ino decided to change her tune.

Ino laughed nervously waving her hand.

“I-I mean. That sounds really big for the two of you Nata, I’m sure he’ll handle himself...at least he always does...when it comes to you.” Ino said giving Hinata a reassuring smile. Hinata regained her composure, and Sakura stopped glaring at Ino to continue eating her muffin.

Damn, to think that Hinata was going to be having a family dinner with her childhood crush was big. We’re all so proud of her for growing the balls to tell that idiot blonde she liked him in the first place. At least she chased her heart, and now she’s probably gonna marry her childhood crush. Just like Sakura probably will.

Ino sighed thinking about the fact that all of her friends were beginning to end up with the loves of their lives, while she was still just a florist at her family’s flower shop. She had started to regret ever looking that stupid Uchiha's way. Maybe she would be dating someone too by now.

“How about you Ino? Are you talking to anyone?” Hinata asked Ino interested.

No. Everyone I’ve ever looked at more than once already is taken, or a waste of time.

Ino thought to herself. She cleared her throat before speaking.  

“Uh… no I’m actually focusing on bettering myself right now. Hopefully, I’ll find someone when both of us are done with that stage in our lives.” Ino explained.

Hinata smiled at her answer and nodded understandingly.

“Oh shut up Yamanaka, that’s what everyone says when they’re just plain single.” A voice interrupted her thoughts, a husky, familiar one too.

She didn’t even have to look up to know it was Kiba, but she had to send him one of her glares anyways.

“Mind your business mutt!” She spat at him. He smirked at her in a way that showed off his teeth. Akamaru licked Ino’s leg which caused her to jump, but after realizing it was only him, she instinctively started to pet him.

“Sorry, it’s just you were talking so loud I couldn't help but overhear.” he snickered. She crossed her arms as a smirk came upon her face as well. “If I didn’t know any better MUTT, I’d say you were stalking me.” she suggested.

He scoffed and looked the other way.

“Get over yourself Yamanaka.” he responded while Akamaru barked, but Kiba couldn't help but look out the corner of his eyes at her.

She spun around to face her friends at the table, crossing her legs as she sipped from her coffee mug.

“K-Kiba. What brings you here?” Hinata asked the dog of a ninja.

“Well, me and Akamaru here come because they have the best iced coffee, and free dog treats for Akamaru.” he responded to her.

“Pfft, anyways Kiba, you have no place to talk, you’re single as well last time I checked.” Ino said, pausing from sipping her coffee to give him a glance.  

“Mhmm, try again blondie. I’ve been out on a few dates here and there with a few girls, but it’s not like I go around bragging about it.” he explained stretching his arms behind his head.

“Oh really? And by ‘girls’ you mean your dog, right?” she asked then proceeding to laugh as the rest of the girls giggled at her joke.

Kiba’s mouth gaped open at her joke. He then shut it immediately and looked the other way in frustration.

“Whatever blondie, but whenever you’re done grieving over the fact that you’re single, call me and maybe we can change that.” he said playfully as he smirked at her.

Ino almost choked on her coffee at his suggestion. She looked to him trying to see if it was a joke, but instead, she got a wink.

She had nearly fell over in her chair if it hadn’t been for Sakura grabbing her arm. “By Nata, see you tomorrow.” he said as he gave her a brotherly pat on their head. He then turned around and walked out of the cafe without giving her a second glance.

She looked down at her hands in her lap, reviewing what just happened.

“Seems like Kiba’s interested in taking you out sometime Ino, as well as a bunch of other guys I’ve noticed. Huh, leave it to Ino to have options.” Sakura shook her head while taking a sip from her latte.

Hinata looked over her shoulder to check if anyone was listening to her. “Well, Kiba is c-cute, isn’t he?” Hinata asked Ino.

Ino pressed her lips together. She hadn’t really thought about it much. Ever since she was young she always just saw him as the mutt he was. Still, it was hard to deny that over the past few years, Kiba had gotten hot.  The rest of the girls in Konoha had noticed it too. Not to mention that cute dog of his has helped him when it came to the ladies.

Nevertheless, Ino just couldn’t picture herself ever going on a date with a bonehead dog-nin like Kiba.

She cleared her throat. “Yeah, he is. Why, does Naruto have some competition he should be worrying about, Hinata?” Ino asked playfully as she raised her eyebrow. Hinata pushed her fingers together nervously.

“O-of c-course not. I-I love Kiba like h-he’s my brother. N-nothing more.” she defended.

“Hmm, I always thought Naruto looked a little like Kiba, how about you, Sakura?” Ino asked the pink kunoichi across the table with a smirk. Sakura returned the smirk as she responded.

“I always thought that as well, Ino.” Sakura quirked.

The two kunoichis started to burst into devilish laughter as Hinata blushed furthermore.

-

After the three Kunoichi finished talking about their love lives including Ino’s nonexistent one, they had left the coffee shop. While walking the streets of Konoha, a shop woman had told Hinata that she saw Naruto running around asking people where Hinata was and told her that Naruto was at the Hokage tower. After waving goodbye to the two other kunoichis, Hinata ran off towards the tower, leaving the two kunoichis to themselves.

“So what were you talking about in the coffee shop before Hinata came?” Sakura asked her. Ino kicked the ground as she walked. “I’m just telling you now, I’m happy for you Sakura. And that I don’t want you to worry about me liking Sasuke anymore.” Ino told Sakura. Sakura gave her a curious look. Ino turned to her and gave her a reassuring smile. “So I guess you gave up at winning his heart huh?” she asked. Ino smirked. “More like let you win.” Ino snipped. They both smiled as the two became silent again.

“Are you okay Ino, you seem a little-” “I’m fine.” She smiled, trying to reassure Sakura. She pushed Sai’s voice out of her head.  

“I’m just tired of competing with you over someone who doesn’t like me to begin with. I want my own happy ending Sakura, and I don’t wanna take away yours to have it.” Ino said looking to down. Sakura placed a hand on Ino’s shoulder. And without the two kunoichis having to say anything, they both reached an understanding.

“Ms.Haruno!” someone had shouted, causing the two girls to look up, only to find a medic-nin making their way over to the two in a rush. He bowed to Ino, before proceeding to turn to Sakura.

“Lady Tsunade has summoned you to the hospital. She’s in need for extra hands on a surgery.” The man informed her. Sakura raised her eyebrows surprised.

“Of course.” Sakura nodded, snapping out of her trance.

“I’ll come along as well.” Ino nodded. The nin turned to her, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

“S-sorry Ms.Yamanaka, but Lady Tsunade specifically requested for Ms.Haruno… I don’t know if -” “But you said she needed extra hands. I’m an experienced medic-nin, I can help!” Ino insisted. The man looked from one kunoichi to the other, obviously uncomfortable.

Sakura sighed, placing her hand back on Ino’s shoulder again. “It’s okay Ino, I’ll handle it. I’m sure you’re busy at the shop anyway.” Sakura assured to Ino with a smile. Ino’s mouth fell open wanting to protest, but Sakura and the other ninja had already made their departure for the hospital.

Ino gritted her teeth irritated.

As per usual, all her friends had left her behind for more important things… that didn’t involve her.

-

“Shit.” Ino cursed she accidentally burned herself from the hot water pouring over the rim of the pot. She turned off the burner immediately and washed her hands under the sink.

“Are you alright?” Choji asked, sitting at her kitchen table. “You’re the one who asked for the ramen to have a lot of broth!” Ino shouted, turning off the tap and shaking her hands.

“That doesn't mean fill it up all the way Ino, jeesh you’re going to be a horrible wife.” Choji sighed.

Ino gritted her teeth turning to her teammate.

“Shut up Cho!” she exclaimed.

Ino then carefully poured out some of the water from the pot into the sink.

She had closed the flower shop early today. She couldn't stand being behind the register any longer after Sakura’s comment.

“Where’s Shikamaru!?” Ino grumbled grabbing a bowl from her cabinet.

Choji only shrugged as he continued stuffing his face with potato chips. “Doing some work at the Hokage tower I’m assuming.”

Ino rolled her eyes with a scoff.

“Well he’s not on a mission, so he should stop by occasionally shouldn’t he?!” she questioned frustrated. Choji shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the tension suffocating the air of Ino’s apartment.

“I-ino… is something wrong?” he asked.

“NO!” Ino exclaimed defensively. Choji raised his eyebrows at Ino’s obvious exhaustion.

Ino pressed her lips together.

“You wouldn’t believe what Sakura said to me today!” Ino yelled, turning around to face Choji.

Choji sighed. “Here we go…” he began.

“Today some ninja came running up to Sakura saying Tsunade needed extra help with a surgery, but when i volunteered to come along he said he needed help from SAKURA! Even though I’m just as experienced!” Ino shook her head.

“You should have heard Sakura Cho! She said ‘It’s okay Ino, I’ll handle it. I’m sure you’re busy at the shop anyways’!” Ino mocked the pink haired kunoichi.

Ino stomped her foot on the ground, crossing her arms and looking the other way.

“What a condescending bit-” “Ino I'm sure she didn’t mean for it to come off like that.” Choji interrupted.

You could practically see the steam coming out of Ino’s ears from her frustration.

“But it seemed like that!” Ino insisted. Choji titled his head, trying to sympathize with her. Shikamaru was better at making her come to her sense than Choji ever was.

Ino looked up, her expressions softening.

“Sorry Cho.” she apologized with a soft mutter.

“That’s okay Ino.” Choji nodded. Ino turned back around to the counter.

‘It just feels like lately everyone’s been surpassing me.” she admitted shamefully.

Choji had to choke down his chips before speaking up.

“Ino what are you talking about?” he questioned. Ino rolled her eyes at him.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. You, Shika, Naruto, Sakura, everyone! Everyone has been so much busier lately with all these awesome responsibilities, while I’m just stuck in my shop selling flowers!” Ino cried tiredly.

Choji furrowed his eyebrows together.

“Ino that’s not true. Running your shop is awesome responsibility too, it’s a hard job.”

Ino scoffed in response.

“Not to mention you work hours at the hospital! You have a lot to be proud of Ino!” Choji continued.

Ino only shook her head. “Nevermind, forget I said anything.” Ino gritted her teeth stubbornly.

Choji rose out of his seat, walking over to her side.

“Chip?” he asked, putting the bag out to Ino. Ino looked over her shoulder to the bag, and then to Choji.

“I’m on diet,” Ino stated softly, looking up to Choji. Choji stifled a smile before answering.

“Diet? I don’t know her.” he responded, evoking a smile out of Ino.