Just Killing Time {Ino}

[justu]

It was a slow day and the young Chunin had nothing to do which was fine with him. Masaru liked days like this where he could just spend time relaxing around the village and didn't have to worry about any mission objectives. They were nice, plus the weather always seemed to just be amazing here. A soft breeze moved through the village blowing past him and making his hair sway gently as he looked down over the bridge in to the water. He had been here a good hour already just watching the water move lost in his thoughts. He didn't look or act it but he was actually a surprisingly deep person sometimes. Certainly more then he had ever let on to anyone.

As always he was dressed casually in dark comfortable clothing that would allow him to hide in the natural surroundings outside the village without too much trouble. His black flak jacket had the symbol of Konoha on the back showing that he was a Chunin. Though his clothing were dirty and wrinkled and his hair was messier then could be accounted for by the wind. As always he looked very unkempt. Except for his forehead protector, which was shining and obviously well taken care of. A stupid grin was on his face as he watched the current lost in the movement of the water. It was a reflex to smile now he didn't even think about it. But under his smile was a worried boy... well man now he supposed.

After a recent incident while his father was at work some construction fell on him. Masaru was a little distraught about this considering that his father was the main source of income for his household. Depending on how long his father stayed injured they might just lose the house and it wasn’t like Masaru’s “uncles” would be of any help. So the financial troubles will most likely fall into Masaru’s hands.

Normally he wasn't one to mope around and he would just shrug this off as normal but today was just one of those days that no matter how many times he pushed the thoughts out of his mind they came back. He knew that he would have to shape up for his family.... but that was easier said then done. He was who he was and it was hard to change that. He didn't see why the burden had to fall on him. Why couldn’t his “uncles” act like grown men and support the family. Bah snap out of it. There is nothing you can do but wait it out. Even if grown man won’t to act like children its not you so you can’t really control it. My only choices are to either step and support this dysfunctional family of mine are just complain about it all like a little girl and hope somebody else does things for me, Masaru thought to himself.

Still even though he knew all that it was hard to make your feelings think logically. What he needed to do was get his mind off of things. And with that in mind the young Chunin broke away his gaze from the water and looked around the area trying to think of something that he might be able to do for a little fun, something to get his mind off of depressing matters and back into the joy of the moment.

[``yamanaka ino]

Bored out of her mind, Ino-chan leaned lazily against the counter of her family's flower shop and stared blankly at the flowers on the other side of the room. Just this morning, her father had made her arrange a pretty little center piece for a table at a wedding, which was made out of a variety of different cherry blossoms. Her father thought they would fit the occasion greatly, and Ino agreed. She was just glad they had gotten enough, as summer was nearing and cherry blossoms were soon to be out of everybody's sight. More recently, Ino has become interested in the flower business in which her father keeps up. Of course, she has always found it alright, but she is beginning to appreciate the beauty of a flower, and how she feels after she helps one grow and sees it become something beautiful. Much like her, her father says.

All of these thoughts of growing up, weddings, and everything else going on in Ino's mind was quite the plateful. Ino was generally a happy person, but she, for some reason, never felt like she was good enough. Sure, this probably originated from her feelings for Sasuke, as they never really were returned. Plus, since she was almost always in constant rivalry with Sakura in her younger age, she always judged herself based on Sakura, only making herself feel like Sakura was superior than she was, even if she never would show or admit that. She almost felt robbed of experiencing true emotions during her childhood because of these two things, and it really did upset the kunoichi. She'd never been able to date others because of her constant crush on Sasuke, especially considering there were so many more options sitting right in front of her. Shikamaru, for example. However, she wasn't sure on whether or not he was involved with Temari. If he was, that was fine. But if he wasn't, Ino would definitely be in for some confusion.

Just as her thoughts were progressing into more deeper subjects, the 'cling-cling' of the shop's bell went off, snapping her out of her daze as a customer walked in. He seemed around her age, pretty attractive, but definitely not from Konohagakure. Thinking about whether he was just a simple traveler or someone on a mission for a differing land, Ino realized that her father would want her to be kind to any customer and try to make a deal. Slipping from behind the counter without much recognition from her customer, Ino approached him and placed her fingers gently on the flowers in which he was looking at. "Excuse me, sir, may I help you with your selection today?" Ino smiled pleasantly, awaiting his reply. He exclaimed that he was looking for a gift for his mother, as it was her upcoming birthday.

Chuckling slightly in a polite manner, Ino stated, "Well, I don't think these poppies would be your best bet. They are a symbol of death, after all. Why don't you follow me over here?" She led him to an orchid arrangement that was accompanied by bamboo. It was a beautiful arrangement, and she was sure whoever's mother was his would love it. "I think this would suit your mother's birthday, as orchids represent perfection, and bamboo signifies longevity. Much better than death, no?" Ino felt almost too-happy at this moment, but she realized she was making a sale, so it was all for the better. The guy purchased the flower arrangement and asked her when her shift was over.

Giggling softly, Ino replied, "Look, I know I'm pretty.." Shaking her head a bit, embarrassed, she told him she'd be off within the hour. He decided he'd stick around while she continued her shift. The whole time they were spending together was quite fun, as he was charming, funny, and extremely flirtacious. All was well, until a man passed by the shop, and the guy got up awkwardly and swiftly made his way out the door. Confused, Ino followed him to the door and watched as he assaulted the man, taking him down to the ground, jostling his clothes a little bit. As this happened, a ninja headband from another village became visible that was around his waist. Sighing, Ino couldn't believe she thought that guy was for real. He was simply on a mission, and he was only using her for a spot to stake out for his mission. So much for looking pretty.

Soon after this, her shift was over, and Ino decided to take a walk in the park. She couldn't help feeling bothered by what happened today. Sure, Ino wasn't the purest of people, but she didn't really like that she was the one being used. Of course, the blonde kunoichi had used people before, but she was just realizing what it looked like. So many thoughts were running through her mind. Did that guy really think I was attractive enough to ask out? Questions like this were the ones that made Ino not want to eat for the rest of the day, as they made her feel somewhat.. bloated, to state it lightly. Ino always was a bit self-concious about her weight. That's why she was always trying a new dieting technique in order to maintain her pretty, slim figure. Some would call it a problem, but she called it a way of life. Most everybody knew about her obsession with weight, though. Who hasn't seen her burst out yelling at Chouji for not watching his? With all of this going inside her head, Ino was looking the other way as she crossed the bridge, practically slamming straight into a red-haired guy that was looking down into the water.

"Oi!" Ino exclaimed, angry at her klutziness, "M-My fault, are you alright?"

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[justu]

Clenching the railing Masaru began to grow agitated by his thoughts. No matter how hard he tried he continued to think about his family and his father. Chills ran down his spine as he thought what would happen if he couldn’t support his family if his father couldn’t support his family. Frowning to himself, Masaru tried one last time to push those thoughts away but to no avail. Casting his gaze back upon the water he muttered a family saying to himself and hoped that it would comfort him slightly

Masaru was pulled away from his thoughts as he saw someone approaching him out of the corner of his eye. Sighing to himself he kept his gaze on the water. He was surprised to feel something walk directly into his side. Glancing over he raised an eyebrow as he saw a blonde haired woman standing next to him. Looking her over he determined that she was a couple of years older then him and that she was a ninja by the headband she wore. “Yeah I’m find it didn’t hurt at all,” Masaru grinned at her. Still grinning at her, he jumped up onto the railing of the bridge and balanced himself.

“Do you mind me asking what were you doing that kept you from watching where you were going? Not trying to sound rude or anything but I’m just curious,” questioned Masaru a little happy that something had come along to take his mind of things. Gazing at the woman he blushed to himself as he noticed just how attractive she was. Masaru glanced back toward the rushing water hoping she hadn’t seen his cheeks turn scarlet red.

[``yamanaka ino]

Being quite jostled a bit from bumping into a random stranger, Ino was busy brushing her bangs back off to the side. Normally, she would have blasted at this guy about how he got in her way or something, but she knew that, this time, the whole run-in was totally her fault. Sakura always used to make fun of Ino for being clumsy most of the time, but she didn't realize it was this bad. Half of the time, Ino didn't make good first impressions at all. This time would probably be no exception, as the guy probably thought she was some kind of drunk who couldn't control herself or where she walked. Sighing a bit before she spoke, Ino's cheeks flushed a bit red as well, but only because she was embarrassed of making a fool out of herself.

As he inquired her, Ino took a few seconds to respond, "Oh, it was nothing, really.." She hadn't really looked at the guy she ran into. He was actually quite cute, which made Ino even more embarrassed as to running into him. "Sorry, again.. My name's Yamanaka Ino, of the Yamanaka Florists. If you ever want, you can probably stop buy and I'll give you a free arrangement for putting up with my clumsiness!" She giggled a bit as she stuck out her thin, long fingers, offering for him to shake her hand in greeting and introduction. The guy didn't seem half bad, looks and personality wise, from what Ino could see. She probably would've just kept walking away if this was a normal situation, but the guy had actually taken the time to ask her what was on her mind. Something that Shikamaru or Chouji probably would never do. Alright, that's an exaggeration, but Ino was having a tough time liking the opposite sex at the moment.

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[justu]

“I just might take you up on that offer Ino-san. Well my name is Tamahiko Masaru of the Tamahiko family. You have probably heard of one of my cousins whether it be because of their wealth or because of their…. activities,” Masaru grinned. He wasn’t exactly proud to have the Tamahiko clan for a family but there wasn’t much he could about it. With the majority of the clan involved in some kind of criminal activity he should be happy that his father turned out to be good. Glancing up at the sky he pushed himself of off the railing and into the water. Just before he hit the rushing water Masaru concentrated his chakra into his feet and smiled to himself as he stood on the water. Glancing back up at her, Masaru breathed heavily. “Care to join me for a walk on the river.”

Not waiting for a reply Masaru turned around and briskly walked down the river. Glancing below his feet he smirked as he saw a school of fish swim under him. Cutting off the flow of chakra to his feet Masaru plunged into the water. Swiftly grabbing one of the fish he exploded out of the water and landed creating small ripples. “Well look like I found my dinner for tonight,” he muttered to himself keeping a hold of the fish in his hand. Watching as it squirmed in his hand for oxygen Masaru took pity on it and tossed it back into the water with a sigh. “I guess there will be some for me to eat back home… hopefully,” Masaru thought out loud.

[``yamanaka ino]

"No, actually," Ino said, still adjusting herself from her little run-in with this stranger, "I haven't. It's a pleasure, though, Masaru-san~" Indeed, Ino could tell that when he said 'activities' he meant something either illegal or simply reputation ruining. She couldn't really relate with this at all, as her family was actually quite respected in their community. Sure, Ino was known as probably the overly flirty loudmouth who had a bit of a temper, but her parents' status as the prominent owners of the Yamanaka Flower Shop presided over that. Thankfully. Most people in Konohagakure had heard of her family, though, and she liked that. She felt it was a good thing to be recognized. There wasn't a large amount of blondes within the country, minus the obvious ones like Naruto and her father.

As she watched him step onto the water, Ino thought it'd be rude to deny him of her presence. HE seemed decent enough and was definitely cute, so she wouldn't mind spending her time with him "I'd love to!" So, out of either instant infatuation or simple embarrassment for running into him, Ino gracefully slid herself down onto the water, focussing her chakra so that she wouldn't break through the surface. As she watched him catch the fish, she was somewhat repulsed, but, as on her missions, she'd been put into some sticky situations where she had to resort to eating fish from random rivers. "I'm sure you're family will have plenty of food for you, now won't they?" Ino exclaimed, as she watched him toss the fish back. "I know this is sudden, hah, but I was planning on going out to eat later with some friends anyways, you could join if you'd like. My treat, since I ran into you." Ino giggled a bit, blushing at the same time.

[justu]

“Yeah I guess my family will have something to eat,” Masaru muttered. He couldn’t believe how much a person could love yet hate their family. When he was younger he loved them for everything little thing they did for him but now that he was older he just simply hated them and the life they lived. Masaru was so entranced in his thoughts he almost missed what Ino had said to him. “Sounds nice, maybe after that we could go somewhere else not all the friends but just the two of us,” Masaru grinned at her taking a step toward her. He wasn’t sure what was coming over him but something about this girl just had him entranced. She was beautiful and all but there was something else he just couldn’t quite place his finger on something that was starting to bother him a little. As he stood there he began to not want to be alone with her for fear of what he might say.

Placing his thumb in his mouth Masaru slowly bit down just hard enough to draw blood. Walking over to the edge of the river he placed his hand on the ground. Seeing the summoning seal appear he smiled as a couple seconds passed by and Soudai appeared. Gesturing for the monkey to jump on his shoulder Masaru crouched down to make things easier. As Soudai hands on his shoulder he couldn’t help laugh a little at how this sudden summoning was. With Soudai sitting comfortably on his shoulder Masaru walked back onto the water toward Ino. “Ino this is my personal summon Soudai, she a bit hyper but she’s nice enough. Soudai this is Ino, a girl I met just recently,” Masaru introduced them both.

[``yamanaka ino]

Ino was one who would never hate her family. Through thick and thing, no matter how obnoxiously stubborn she could be or how much attitude she could have, her family was always there for her. She respected them deeply for that, which is probably why she didn't normally complain when her father asked her to work their flower shop. It must be in the Yamanaka genes to like flowers, though, as Ino did quite so. Still, she wasn't one who favored working, so it was pretty clear that she cared for her family a ton. She was always daddy's little girl growing up, getting mostly whatever she wanted. However, she knew it was time to repay her father once she was put into the Academy, as she was teamed up with Chouji and Shikamaru, descendants of none other than her father's own team when he was a child. She needed to keep up the family's ninja reputation, and Ino planned on doing so.

Although Ino wanted to keep her family's reputation up, she didn't really realize how excessive flirting wasn't exactly praised.. She was a shameless flirt, always going after the guys she liked, who she randomly got a crush on, etc. She didn't even have to know the boy for that long in order for her to start flirting: with Masaru, it wasn't any different than the others. "Ooh~ I'd be more than happy to escape from everybody else afterwards.." She gave him a quick little wink and giggled a bit as they continued walking on the water. After this, it was kinda obvious that Masaru wasn't having an easy time picking his words, which was extremely cute to Ino. Smiling, she listened as he did some kind of strange summon, drawing blood from his own thumb by biting on it.

As the little monkey appeared, Ino let out a little, "Aww!~" It was so cute, and it was so fitting for the little monkey to be Masaru's. Sticking out her finger for the monkey to take, if it would, Ino exclaimed, "Hi there, Soudai! Aren't you just the cutest thing!?" She giggled a bit, glancing at Masaru, a little nervous that the monkey may not want Ino putting her finger in front of her and whatnot. She had many experiences where she's seen animals lurch themselves at humans in attempt to harm them. Hopefully, this monkey was not one of these cases.

[/blockquote]

[justu]

Masaru merely grinned as Ino giggled at him. As he stood there grinning like a fool he realized how idiotic he must look to her. Seconds after removing the grin it was replaced by a small grimace, as Ino reached out a hand to Soudai. Although the monkey was usually kind, within the first few minutes of her summoning she acted a bit moody. Fearing something bad might happen Masaru closed his eyes an let out a small sigh. As if to comply Masaru's fear he felt Soudai move a little on his shoulder.

Glancing over to see what Soudai had done this time, Masaru wasn't surprised to see the monkey biting Ino's hand. Grabbing the monkey, Masaru muttered an apology to Ino. Giving Soudai a strong glare he couldn't help but laugh as the monkey back at him as if nothing had happened. Letting out a small sigh Masaru winced as Soudai let out a strong growl. "Don't you ever try to touch me again," Soudai barked at Ino. Taking in a deep breath Masaru dropped Soudai into the river, and smirked as Soudai attempted to swim.