Chapter Text
„Please keep your eyes on the road.“
Shikamarus nagging voice emerged from the backseat.
„You were so quiet back there I thought you died. Considered leaving you on the highway to make some space for my bags.“ Ino regretted the words the second they left her mouth.
And indeed, Shikamaru did not let the opportunity slide.
„Wouldn’t be the first Nara to pass on the road.“
Her hands tightened around the steering wheel. It had been about four years since the accident.
After dreadfully long 15 minutes of silence Choji coughed into his fist. „Could we make a pitstop? My bladder is killing me.“
„Anything for my passenger princess.“ She meant it. If it wasn’t for Choji taking her side for once she’d be alone in the car. She wouldn’t have made it out the driveway under such conditions.
College wouldn’t start for another three weeks but the campus offered early entrance ahead of schedule to let students settle in and warm up to this new world ahead of them. Ino insisted on taking the opportunity. If she were to make a fresh start, and she was hellbent on doing so, then she needed all the time she could get.
Shikamaru had protested. He did not want to „waste his last moments of freedom“ by cutting his summer short with school. Ino was suprised he even signed up for college. Not that he wasn’t smart, he was the smartest of them by a long shot, but he never cared about school, much less his future after what happened. She suspected foul play in the form of Asuma Sarutobi, a friend of their families and Shikamarus constant voice of reason. He was a professor at their college, which no doubt must’ve helped getting Shikamaru in, because those grades of his spoke novels.
There had been a fight about this trip. A genuine one. The first real one in a while. She never would have thought it would be a big deal for him, that would imply he cared enough to form an opinion. And yet it had been a big deal. There had been tears and there had been shouting and there had been silence.
And then there had been Choji. Uncharacteristically of him, he intervened. She dreaded her defeat, as Choji would always have a bigger soft spot for Shikamaru than for her. Couldn’t even blame him, the two were childhood bestfriends.
Ino had joined in during junior high, after their families insisted on it. It hadn’t been about the kids, they wanted to continue their adult hangouts, because apparently you still do these when you get old (a word Ino liked to avoid), and having a teenage girl ruin the mood, because the boys were off on their own adventure, was not going to cut it in the long run. And so she became friends with them, but she will always be the plus one. Ino didn’t mind actually but it did mean that she would never truly have her way in the group. Such is the patriarchy. Woe is her.
And despite this, Choji had taken her side. She figured quickly it had been more about getting Shikamaru to do someting other than rot in his room, and less about Ino risking a panic attack on the road. Or maybe it was about both. But definetly more about Shikamaru.
Ino snorted at the thought of Shikamaru changing his ways on campus. He didn’t even rent a dorm room, took a small apartment near the city just so he could avoid human interaction. Many years ago there were talks about a shared dorm room and the pursuit of dreams in the future for Shikamaru and Choji. And then there had been an accident and three funerals and dreaming had seemed so silly.
Choji didn‘t protest his best friends living choices for campus, he had always been understanding. Ino had not been.
She thought her friend was a jackass. But she was too. So maybe that’s why she didn’t protest either.
„Ino. Your eyes. The road.“
She swerved the wheel jokingly. He kicked her seat. She smiled. She could be a bigger jackass, even if it meant giving herself a heart attack at the cost of slightly annoying him.
After all it was her birthgiven destiny to always one-up him, considering his audacity to be just one day older than her. He basically provoked this rivalry with his very entrance into the world, stealing her thunder and even if it wasn’t his fault she still decided to make it his problem.
They had been driving for four hours and it would be another additional five. A pitstop was not just an opportunity to avoid each others presence for a couple of minutes, it was essential for their survival, as Choji had already devoured any and all provisions she had packed for them.
A college nine hours away from home had been an interesting choice, according to Chojis therapist. Because Choji was the only one ridiculous enough to go to one. The school counselor had called it mature. Shikamaru and her agreed that it was ridiculous. And because the two of them rarely agreed nobody opposed their claim and instead let them get along for two days until they found something to disagree about again. And by then their claim had been forgotten, because nothing in life means anything for long, and the counselor didn’t really care anymore because a kid a year below them took their life so that was a bigger issue and the sessions stopped. But Choji kept seeing his therapist. And maybe that is why he was doing better than them.
His therapist had put out the theory that they were running from the past, which is a claim so far from the truth it had made her laugh out loud when she first heard it on the phone. If she wanted to run from the past she would shave her head of hair that she had been growing since birth in a competition with her father, just so she could look in the mirror again. And well, she had done just that and then cried for a week. She still didn’t know if it had been about the hair. But what she knew was that getting into the best college in this country was not running from the past. It was a march into the future. She had been so proud of that poetic thought it made her consider getting a therapist just to throw it at him. But maybe he would respond by pointing out her need to have the last word, which may be based on her fear of losing control and she didn’t have a comeback for that yet.
On the horizon emerged a brightly blinking neon sign promising unhealthy food, unclean bathrooms and outrageous gas prices. A safe haven from the road.
She pulled the car over and struggled a good two minutes to park it, which Shikamaru left uncommented. Perhaps he knew that his chances of survival where slim to none on solid ground. And so he wandered off to god knows where to smoke a cigarette, a habit he stole from Asuma, and maybe flirt with some girls on the road just to feel connection without running the risk of attachement. The horror. Choji disappeared towards the toilets and would probably return with enough food to feast a village. So Ino was left to her own devices. Going inside was no option, she knew it would smell of drunks and that was the last thing she needed. A reminder of the scum that drives the same roads as her.
Her eyes wandered towards a vending machine, but after a couple of steps she realised they were filled to the brim with all sorts of chocolate bars. Colorful packages with mismatched brand logos. She had overcome her eating disorder, that had been totally unrelated to any events that Ino tried not to think about, but she knew that it wouldn’t take a lot to set her back so she decided not to risk it.
Further down a path to her right was the promise of picnic tables. An opportunity to sit down and stop the world from spinning for a second. It would come at the expensive price of observing happy families taking a break from the same road she had been driving, but a different world she had been living. She also didn’t want to take the risk of ruining her carefully applied makeup by accidently breaking out into tears.
Instead Ino decided to judge the flower arrangements on the window sill of the home that stood next to the restaurant. Most certainly the owners house, otherwise a strange living choice. They planted a bunch of lavenders underneath a bathroom window, which seemed like a good choice, though the leaves were a bit going through it due to constant hot steam escaping everytime someone took a shower. The kitchen window was framed by orchids, also purple. It was her favorite color. Her father had picked every purple flower he came across and brought it home to her. They were still in her room, pressed inside a sketchbook she had bought after learning that flowers can die too. The memory of flowers and death made her stomach turn. Perhaps she should let the flowers be.
There wasn’t much left for her to engage with after refueling the car. As expected Choji had rushed from the restroom to the restaurant. Far off to her left was Shikamaru leaned against a tree, cigarette smoke up in the air, talking to a young woman.
Ino bit her cheek. She knew them so well. The way she knew herself. The way she really knew everybody. It was her gift and she knew to make use of it, which is why she decided to major in psychology. A bit ironic all things considered, but it was her favorite form of humor. It made her feel powerful. The way an artist feels adding the brush strokes that finally bring the painting to life. Being right, being in control, it was satisfying. It filled the void inside her that had shown up one day and decided to never leave her alone. There had been a time where she hadn’t felt this way. All the way back in middle school. And then her father had died and she pushed everything away that might have meant a thing. Her hair, her family, her dreams, her health, her. A breath got caught in her throat. The memory of her had a strange effect on Ino, like a healed scar being forcefully cut open again. That’s why she prefered not to think of her at all. And nine hours should be enough distance to forget everything. At least if she were to run from the past, which she is not.
She breathed in and out, deeply, filling her lungs to the top and pressing it all out again. She was in charge. Of everything. She decides where the air in her lungs goes. This pitstop was tearing her apart. Everywhere she turned there was a memory hiding, waiting to jump at her. Maybe you cannot outrun the past, maybe it follows you everywhere. Though the thought initially made her want to share her breakfast with the asphalt, it quickly turned to something in her favor. If you cannot outrun the past, then that therapist had been wrong about their decision on this college, and then Ino had been right, and that was a good scenario.
Choji left the restaurant, bags of food in his hands. Yes, being right feels good. And because Shikamaru would hate to let Ino enjoy herself for more than one minute he decided to prove her wrong.
„Look, Shikamaru made a friend.“
Ino turned around and could not believe her eyes. Shikamaru strolled towards them with that girl he had been talking to by his side. She was a good head or two shorter than him. He had his hands in his pockets and seemed to be talking to her about something.
As they got closer (Shikamaru walked at the pace of a man that has all the time in the world, completely disregarding Inos desire to arrive before sundown) she could take a better look at the girl. She must be their age and far from his type. Long dark hair falling down her back, bangs covering her big eyes. She practically drowned in it. Her face was sweet, she looked quite shy. Ino had always thought Shikamaru was into women that carried the stare of a professional killer. Although, he didn’t seem infatuated with her, rather a bit worried.
The duo came to a stop in front of her and Choji.
„Okay, so these are my friends Ino and Choji. Guys, this is, uhm, Hinata was it?“ She briefly lifted her eyes from the apparently very interesting gray asphalt to show that she had listened and answered with the shakiest voice Ino had ever heard: „…yes.“
„Her car broke down and she doesn’t know what’s wrong with it. Told her I don’t know either, but we do have an extra seat open, cause she is also heading towards Lane Oak College, first year like us.“ He shot a dark look at Choji, a bitter one at Ino. „Good opportunity to get to know folks, right?“
She heard the sarcastic demon that he calls his soul escape up his vocal chords, but he was actually right.
She was suprised about how relieved she felt at the thought of another girl joining the ride, especially one that embodied the nervosity of Inos inner world. Made her look far more relaxed than she actually was. „And that is okay with you? I mean, to just leave your car behind and continue with some strangers?“
The girl fiddled with her fingers. „I called my dad earlier, I have been here for a while, he said I need to sort out this issue myself, so I guess it doesn’t matter what happens to the car. It’s pretty old anyway.“ She took a deep breath. „You guys won’t be strangers for long if we go to the same school soon. I might as well tag along or something...“ The last words were mumbled into the wind.
Ino felt a bit sad for her, she clearly went through a lot today. And it’s not like the space wasn’t there. And it’s not like her logic was flawed.
„Alright honey, you can take the passenger seat, Choji was about to switch to the back row anyway.“ „Was I?“ „Yes, you were.“
Shikamarus eyebrows shot up. „I thought the deal was that I get my own space?“ That it had been, they drive to college early and Shikamaru will not be bothered by anyone. But plans can change. „You can always ride in the trunk if you need your peace.“
And so this strange girl, that could be about anybody really, entered the car next to Ino, Choji occupied the seat behind her and Shikamaru, after truly considering the offer for a moment, sat down behind his blonde friend. Hinatas bags had just about fit between the stuff of the trio and their journey continued.
Ino turned up the music, their shared playlist was connected, disturbingly switching between glittery pop, moody hiphop and dadrock.
Choji pulled two large burgers for himself and Shikamaru out of the bag.
„Hinata would you like some fries?“ The girl twitched at the mention of her name, as if she had been lost in her own world, a luxury Ino could not afford with the increase of drivers in the midday hour. „Uhm, yes please. I haven’t eaten since five in the morning.“ She took the bag of fries that appeared from the backseat and started munching. „I would‘ve killed someone by now if I had gone this long without food.“
Choji had an appetite that could rival pythons.
„Ino, I got you a salad, do you want it now or later?“
He knew that she would’ve never accepted the fast food trash that younger her used to beg for on road trips.
„Well it’s a bit difficult to eat right now.“
„I can feed you.“ Ino knew better than to accept that offer from Shikamaru. Last time he did that she almost suffocated because he thought it would be funny to attempt to stuff as many green leaves into her mouth as possible.
„No thanks. I ate a big breakfast. I’ll get back to that salad once we’ve made it.“ „Whatever floats your boat.“ The boys went quiet as they started eating.
Ino turned her attention to the girl next to her. „So, Hinata, what’s your deal? Where are you from? What’s your plan for college? You already know your dorm? What happened with the car anyway?“ The questions shot out of her, one after the other. Clearly the girl wasn’t prepared but if she were to survive the next five hours with them, she better get accustomed quickly. Not as if college will be any easier on her.
„Uhm well, my car just started making strange noises and they kept getting louder until I had to stop at the restaurant to check. I have no idea what happened to it. It wouldn’t start up or anything. I was really frustrated and didn’t know what to do. And then I saw Shikamaru over there and figured he may also be on the way to college if he is on the road right now. I guessed correctly. Lucky me.“ She chuckled to herself. „That could’ve ended in a horror movie.“
„You are correct, insane to just walk up to a guy at a highway restaurant and ask for a ride. Do you not care about your life?“ Ino couldn’t believe a nervous girl like that would have such balls.
„Well, he didn’t look that threatening.“
Choji burst out laughing. Ino looked in the rearview mirror just in time to catch Shikamaru grin. Their eyes locked and he kicked her seat again. „No wonder she wasn’t scared Shika, you act like a kid.“
„I didn’t mean it as an insult, I’m sorry.“ Hinata spied concerned in the direction of Shikamaru.
„No, no, it’s fine. Rather hear that than being called a creep.“
Choji and Shikamaru engaged in some quabble over the last fries and Ino focused on the road and the girl again. „So what else. That was just one question.“ „Oh, you really want to know?“ „Of course, we are road besties now.“
„I just thought you tried to make easy conversation. Oh well, let’s see. I am from Hinode, a city near the capital. I applied to Lane Oak because all of my family members went there. So now I have to as well. I am not really sure what to major in for now, maybe something with literature? I did book a dorm room. My cousin also goes there, he is a year older, he booked an apartment so he wouldn’t have to share space, but I think that could get lonely.“
„Oh, a cousin? Is he as pretty as you are? What does he major in?“
Hinata blushed at the subtle compliment being thrown at her. „I d-don’t think I can judge that!“ „Right, sorry.“ „He majors in business. He hopes to take over the family business, I hope so too.“
„Uuhh so a man with a plan. You see, Shikamaru also booked an apartment, but he for sure has nothing figured out.“ A kick from the back. The fry-fight had stopped. „Do you know which dorm you’ve got?“
„Hold on, I’ll check!“ Hinata pulled some papers out of her backpack. A quick look made Ino spot a violet worn down plush bunny, a small make up bag and a book with a red-golden cover inside. „Uhhh…“, Hinata turned some pages. „Ah here it is, Building F, Dormroom 305.“ „No way!“ Ino thanked the higher powers of the universe. They picked up her roommate on the road. „This is great! The two of us together against the terrors of college.“ Ino winked at her. Hinata nodded, clearly relieved as well to learn who she would be sharing her space with.
Ino turned her head slightly towards the backseats. The guys had torn each fry apart in the middle to make shairing easier. Because violence triumps over simple math.
„Actually, what about you Choji? I never asked about your dormroom really.“
„Uhhhh, pretty sure it’s Building H, Room 409 or 410.“
„Pretty sure is just great. Why do you guys never prepare for stuff like this?“
„Ino, I beg of you, keep your eyes on the road.“
When Ino turned her head to the front again she noticed that Hinata had turned a concerning shade of red. „Honey, do you need me to roll down the window? It’s quite warm, isn’t it? That AC definetly needs to get fixed.“ She turned down the windows a bit.
Hinata slighly shook her head. „It’s okay, I mean it is a bit warm, but that is not why…, I mean…, yes the weather…“ Now Inos interest was raised.
„Choji do you know who your roommate will be?“ „Of course not. How on earth would I know?“
It didn’t matter that Choji didn’t know. Hinata had turned a darker shade of red, which meant for Ino that she found the issue. It had been easier than anticipated but then again Hinata was like an open book. She seemed to know something about Chojis mysterious roommate and it had gotten her all bothered.
Ino glanced into rearview mirror again. Tired, perceptive, brown eyes stared right back at her. A smile on his lips. Oh, they could fight all day, but nothing united Ino and Shikamaru more than the opportunity to take the piss on someone. Two jackasses in their element.
It took them about ten minutes to crack Hinata.
Chojis roommate was a boy named Naruto. Hinata had met him couple years back at a fair when he beat up some guys bullying her and they exchanged their Insta. She was hopelessly in love with him and he has no idea. And then he had casually mentioned that he would go to Lane Oak and that had made Hinata very happy, since she hadn’t been too excited at the idea of going there. He wouldn’t be there until the first week, Shikamaru called him a reasonable man, and so Hinata decided to get a headstart to get more comfortable. She didn’t say it but you could hear it in the air that she hopes for something to happen in the next four years.
She showed them a couple pictures of him on Instagram, a sunshine, blond hair defined by the wind and a tan skin from probably spending all his time outside. Shikamaru mused his sharp canines and Choji said a silent prayer to never be awoken by those frightening blue eyes. He seemed very active and a fan of ramen based on his feed and Hinata assured them that he was friendly but maybe Choji should hide his food from him.
Hinata continued scrolling on his profile, lovestruck and in her own world, when a specific picture was caught in the corner of Inos eye and made her almost step on the brakes. „Uhm, could you maybe go back a couple of rows? Yeah, like that.“ Hinata slowly scrolled up, past selfies at concerning angles, ramen snapshots and graffiti pics. There it was. A selfie of three people. Naruto in the middle. A boy his age next to him on the left. Dark hair framing a pale face, pretty, not happy about being in the picture. Not interesting. There she was.
On the right to Naruto was a girl. Grinning at the camera. What once had been brown long hair has been cut to her shoulders and dyed pink. Piercing green eyes focused on the lense. Looking at her. She smiled the way Ino had taught her to smile. Because she had looked ridiculous in every picture and Ino had wanted everyone to see how pretty she was. They practiced for hours in front of the mirror. Only interrupted by the pizza her mom had ordered for them. She wore a tie-dye shirt underneath a pink overall in the picture. She branded herself in her favorite color everywhere she went. Ino did too. They had looked so pretty together.
„Do you know them?“ Hinata asked innocently. „Uhm, no, I thought I did but maybe not, or I do. Do you know them?“
Inos nervous stammering seemed to echo in the car, but maybe it was the spinning feeling returning. Hinata didn’t notice. But then again she didn’t know Ino well enough yet. But they did.
Shikamaru and Chojis conversation about potentially replacing Ino with Naruto as the group-blondie had stopped. She wasn’t sure when it had stopped.
Hinata broke the silence. „Yeah they are his friends from high school. Sasuke comes from a big family, I met him a couple of times at events, since my family is involved in similar markets. And to his right is Sakura.“
The air became thick with tension. Ino felt two pairs of eyes on her back. „She switched to his school. I think a year in or so. They became pretty good friends. At first I was worried because Naruto said he had a crush on her, but then he found out she liked Sasuke, so he moved on. But I don’t think they are dating.“
Ino forced a smile. „I see, yes, we used to go to school, her and I. Good to know what happened to her. We weren’t really close but we shared many classes. So yeah.“
Hinata smiled, not forced at all. „His friends will also be going to Lane Oak.“
Ino bit her cheek. „Really? That’s fun. Small world.“
„Yes, I know! The odds of us meeting, Naruto being Chojis roommate, you knowing Sakura.“
Ino, still with a smile on her lips, pressed further. „You wouldn’t know which dorm she is staying in?“
„Oh, I actually do. She is down our floor. You see, the funniest coincidence is going to blow your mind. She is sharing her dorm with my cousins girlfriend. That’s how I know.“
Ino didn’t dare to stop smiling when she asked: „Do you know what she is majoring in?“
„Oh yes, she is going for medicine. I didn’t ask yet what you will choose, how rude of me!“
„Psychology.“
„Well that’s incredible. The two of you will share a lot of classes then!“
„Hooray.“
„Ino please keep your eyes on the road.“