HELLO IM HERE sorry it’s been so long since you sent this but NOW I can finally respond!!

So one of my favourite lines I have ever written is from Chapter 4 of Plié-sed to Have Met You. Though it is part of my dance au, this particular snip doesn’t have any kind of dancing mentioned in it. But this bit hits so close to home for me and about how I personally feel when it comes to love and romance. I think about it often because it’s the most of me personally that I have ever put into a character or story, and for that I am very very proud ❤️

Once he had loosened up enough to Ino’s satisfaction, they made their way over to take a seat by their belongings. Sai searched through his bag to find the small towel he carried with him.

“You know, Sai. You’re really hot.”

He chuckled to himself as he dabbed at his neck.

“Ah, yes. I’m sorry. I do get very sweaty when I exert myself—”

“No, no. I mean yeah, I’m sure you’d love to shower right now, but what I mean is that you’re hot. I think you’re hot. Like sexy hot.”

Sai froze.

He was so glad that the towel he had in his hands was hiding whatever expression was currently on his face. He had a feeling this moment would come, but he had hoped it was much further down the line.

Without a doubt, Sai always looked forward to spending time with Ino. How she talked, how her brain thought about the world, how she stood next to him radiating warmth and happiness: all these and more were becoming pillars in Sai’s life. He valued their friendship above most all other things, but now, what he was most afraid of was losing it.

For Sai, that kind of attraction wasn’t there. At least, not yet. Being demisexual came with both its blessings and its curses. He could get there, it was 100% possible he could return Ino’s feelings, but he would need more time to know for sure.

And Sai was terrified that she wouldn’t want to wait.

Suddenly the towel was gone. Ino had snatched it off his head and he was looking directly into her mint green eyes. She must have seen the fear in his own because she immediately asked him what was wrong. Sai was afraid to speak, so instead of answering he stared down at the floor. He didn’t want to hear the disappointment in her voice when he confessed what he had to say.

“Hey, listen. Whatever you need to tell me, don’t be afraid. There are no judgements here, okay?”

He felt Ino’s hand take a hold of his cheek and slowly turn his head to face her.

“If you don’t find me attractive, that’s okay. But, if you think you might find me attractive one day, that’s okay, too. Before anything else, you are my friend and nothing will change that, got it? Never. I knew what I said could go either way, but I still had to shoot my shot, ya know?”

The smile on Ino’s lips helped erase the anxious thoughts from his brain and he gave her a small nod in reply.

“The last thing I would ever want you to do is force yourself into something because it’s what I want. So there is absolutely no pressure from me, alright? If you wanna friendzone me, totally fine. If you ever want to jump my bones, I’m ready. As long as you communicate with me exactly what you want, then I’m on board for the long haul.”

Sai felt like he could finally breathe again as he joined his hand with hers on the side of his face. He was overcome with relief. Ino was so understanding that he was once again convinced that she was a mind reader. She knew exactly what was going through his brain, but not only that, she accepted it with no questions.

For the first time in a long time, Sai felt no shame at being different.

Of course!!! Publishing something is so vulnerable! It's like a beauty pageant except my pageantry is offering my mid writing skills. Like I get all dressed (hair makeup clothes smile body charm) and put forth my best work and then stand up in front of everyone there and you all look and listen and judge me and tell me if you like me or not. 😭😭😭 I always get anxious! putting it out there in the world is a vulnerable exercise.

BUT THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! I'm so glad you like it!! It means the world!

“They have this look like they’re involved somehow. It’s not like they’re holding hands or anything. It’s maybe the looks on their faces and just the general mood? When I saw them the other day, it was totally like that." - Ino to Sakura about Shikamaru and Temari in the blank period.