Disclaimer: Don't own the Naruto franchise or any of it's characters.

Rating: T

A look into the pairing of SaiXIno; enjoy.

Ino's home

A few days ago

Ino fidgeted a bit, sitting there with Sai, while across from them mom still sat with her eyes closed.

From an outsider's stance, mom might look un-favoring to what she'd just announced - their intention to be married - but she tended to look like that sometimes, real emotions showing in nuances. Plus she knows that specific crossed-arms-and-closed-eyes stance anyway; mom's thinking, with her answer to come - if she'd wanted to reject them outright, she wouldn't have hesitated in expressing it.

Differences in personality aside, that's what she had in common with mom, which she's quite proud of- mom might keep it tightly-under-wraps as a parent, but she'd seen it for certain.

"Well mom?"

Mom's lip curved. "You know what I expected, Ino, when one day you might fall in love?" she asked, eyes half-opening, amusement creaking through. "That after 'only' several months, you'd ask the boy's family for permission to marry him, even though that goes against the tradition."

"Mom!" Ino complained; subtly playing that up, just to mess with her! She knew mom probably wouldn't get a chance like this again, and it's something she herself would do, yet even still! "It wouldn't only be a few months- I'm not that desperate!"

Mom just chuckled even as Sai glanced at her, seeming interested - clearly he knew they're playing each other, yet he was also intent on their relationship. Ino saw this in her peripheral vision, knowing it's because Sai was an orphan; he'd never known/remembered his parents or what happened to them, so any chance to observe family relationships was golden to him.

"Yes yes, I know" mom continued with a touch of airiness, if mostly the same. "Either way, here I find myself being asked by both of you, and I'm not the least bit surprised. In fact, if anything I'm impressed at how restrained you've behaved Ino, with/without any embellishment on my part... I think you've crushed on Sai for two years, and yet you never moved on nor gave up."

Sai took her hand then, quite visibly. "Ino's love is indeed quite pure" he said, a little light. "Given how difficult I am, most people would've given up, but not her. I am quite lucky."

Ino wanted to kiss Sai for his compliment, playful as it was, but just managed not to. "I'll have things to say about that, but later" she assured, lightly moving against Sai's fingers.

Mom had an arched eyebrow, mainly interested and still a touch amused. "No matter how quick or long, that's to be expected" she noted. "And the situation is unique."

Ino felt her mouth twist, but still straightened her spine a little. "I know, mom" she breathed, gentle. "Normally things would've been different, such as you talking with the to-be-groom's parents, along with dad... but obviously that's not to be. Yet even still, I love Sai and Sai loves me too- I'd really love it if you'd grant your blessing."

"And you have it."

Jolting, not sure she heard right, she could stare at mom-

-who's expression softened. "Come on, Ino, you expected anything different?"

"W-Well... you could've said 'no'..."

Even as she said it, Ino felt any/all credibility in the thought evaporate - why had she had even entertained the possibility that mom would've said no, other than possibly 'it's too early'? After all, for months she'd literally restrained herself with Sai even when utterly tempted- despite this, she'd taught him everything she could think of (if still ongoing). Compared to the somewhat-overplayed-yet-likely scenarios where she goes boy-crazy, the guy responds, then suddenly she/he/both of them are rushing things- that probably would've had a much higher chance of 'no'. But like this... she loved Sai and couldn't stand to take advantage of him, which mom had recognized.

Beside her, Sai was blinking several times, looking between her and mom as if making sure he'd also heard right... he didn't really know what to say either.

"I don't think I would've" mom simply said in answer, tilting her head a bit. "Still as head of the Yamanaka clan, you know discussing it with them is next up, Ino."

Yeah, of course she knew that; as the head, both of her clan and the Intelligence Division in the Leaf, she managed a lot of men and women for separate tasks. This included more than a few missions, some of which she went on but mostly the others did that now - Ino knew that the head getting herself married would bring up a lot of questions, a lot of expectations. If the head's getting married, does that mean she's gonna give up her position right away or if/when they have a family, or would she give it up period? And traditionally, the questions involving whether or not which last name she'd take up, and by extension which clan she'd be part of - leaving her own clan for another probably would've had some issues, at least.

As she and Sai already knew though, some of those parts didn't exactly apply... and they'd already chosen the answer.

...

A little later

Ino's room

In the back of his mind, Sai thought he definitely saw the similar personalities between Ino and her mother - the latter mostly kept it 'under wraps', but it's present in the way she'd teased her daughter earlier. Clearly though, Ino's long blonde hair and blue eye color had been inherited from her father, whom he'd rarely seen/met at all... he regretted that now, knowing that he would've done his best to leave a good impression to Inoichi, as he'd been doing with his wife. Even now he's in Ino's room with permission, while downstairs both women were preparing some big dinner, probably as a celebration of the marriage-to-be... he'd read about such things. Yet even still, his mind remained on other things, and he choose to let it wander...

Looking around the room, he saw a picture frame, whereupon he saw their entire family - he quickly crossed over to look. It was clearly years old, but it showed Ino with one of her usual grins, fingers up in a 'V' gesture and both her parents on either side of her; Sai particularly looked at Inoichi's image, noting that when serious, Ino's expression resembled her father.

Numerous thoughts went through his mind... despite having no proof it'd be 'heard', he felt it best to pay his respects...

"Sir..."

Sai paused, hands held together as he believed was appropriate, trying to find the right words - he also pushed aside all thoughts that he's merely talking to empty air, because he judged it important that he try.

"...if you are watching, you know that I'm formerly of Root" he continued. "Ordinarily, you might not want such a man around your daughter. Yet Ino is a- a beautiful, smart, talented woman, and her energy brings a light that I had otherwise thought lost. I still have much to discover, but with her help, what would've taken me years to learn has taken only months... I don't believe I can repay her for that, even if she may disagree. Yet Ino loves me, and I love her; she is special to me beyond all else. Today we were given a blessing for our planned union from your wife - I hope that extends from you too, Inoichi."

Seconds passed by... he hadn't expected an answer, but saying the words seemed to ease something inside him-

"Uh?"

-his shoulder moved, as if something had touched it extremely briefly.

Feeling a lot, Sai glanced at his shoulder, yet there's nothing there... knowing he wasn't the type to imagine things, he wondered at the touch...

Even as he did so, an actual hand touched that same shoulder, making him lift his gaze in surprise. Ino stood close, bearing one of the softest expressions he'd seen yet, and the beginnings of tears in her eyes... it took him a second to realize they were happy ones in context...

"Ino?" he breathed, blinking. "I-"

She cut him off with a tight hug, which initially staggered him to a small degree, even as he instinctively returned it. Sai still felt many things, both about Ino's obvious presence plus the context of her hug, and on the 'touch' that he'd felt despite nothing being there... after a moment, he closed his eyes.

"If that was you, sir... thank you. If it wasn't, I still- I still hope you approve."

"Oh Sai" Ino breathed against him, really happy, and he opened his eyes. "Thanks for that."

So she'd indeed heard him speaking- he almost asked 'how much did you hear?', but declined at the last second, feeling it'd be irrelevant and possibly a 'mood-killer' as well.

Sai began to smile, feeling warmer without any prompting, which he didn't try to stop. "It was the least I could do, Ino" he whispered, rubbing at her back a little, noting the motion seemed almost natural now. "Even if not official yet, I will become part of a family as well as a clan... it makes me feel many things, but I hope to get used to them, just like I've been doing with friendship and love."

Ino pulled back just enough to look at him, still with beginnings-of-tears in her eyes. "You're right about that, Sai" she breathed back, really gentle. "In marrying me, my family and my clan will be yours by law... even if that hasn't happened yet."

He hummed a little. "Of course."

Barely had he finished before Ino kissed him, a purely soft-and-gentle touch, hands cupping his cheeks- in fact, so much so that he could barely return the favor. He began to wonder if maybe that's the point, somewhere underneath his enjoyment of the sensations; Ino's expressing herself and he isn't meant to return it normally...

He might never know the truth, even as he's enjoying it.

Intelligence Division Headquarters

Back to the present

Just from around the corner, Ino observed the gathered members, who were discussing with each other what this could be about. Also in attendance and pretending she didn't have a clue, mom was doing the same thing... even though she'd known for several days that she and Sai wanted to be engaged. For herself, she knew this was important yet wanted to get it over with- if she could do so without significant consequences, she would've formalized their engagement right now. But that's now how the world works, and she knew her clan would never let her hear the end of it even if they agreed... she's the head of their clan now, taking after her father, and that meant she had to take proper steps.

Ino smiled a little; she'll be proper, but it never hurt to fantasize. Also in the back of her mind, she was still a little suspicious about Sakura, regarding what's 'off' about her stomach - at the moment she and Sasuke are back 'traveling', so she can't confront her best friend/rival about it, but she intended to keep it in mind when they returned.

Looking off to the other doorway then, she saw Sai's profile, he looking in her direction as well- she nodded to him, hopefully making him understand 'soon'.

Still, she took in a breath, and then emerged from her corner.

"Attention."

Most heard her right away, and soon it began to quiet as word spread to those who hadn't for whatever reason. Thankfully she didn't have to yell to get their attention, probably because they knew that even with a cooler head nowadays, her yelling volume still tended to provoke reactions.

Ino made sure they'd all quieted down, hands held behind her back. "I'm sure you're wondering why you'll all here" she started. "Well, it's a matter that concerns all of you, for reasons that should soon be made clear. Sai, step forward."

Obediently, Sai stepped out from the other doorway, all-too-easily keeping a straight back as he walked to the center stage, standing between her and the other gathered members. As far as reaction, there was some surprise that Sai was present for this, though after the fact not as much; everyone knew she's dating Sai, and what's left of their surprise was geared more toward 'what does he have to do with this meeting?'. Sadly, a few members still held some degree of suspicion for Sai, just on the basis of his previous Root allegiance, despite the obvious differences between his emotionless self and his still-learning self now. Luckily they're the minority, as while not everyone might particularly like Sai, at least 80% had accepted the fact that Sai had truly changed, and by extension of her dating him, even if some couldn't understand why.

Sai glanced back at her- smiling, Ino nodded back, though for formal purposes she said "Go on, Sai".

Turning back to face the other members, Sai took a moment, probably going over the words he'd chosen in private.

"Members of the Yamanaka clan" he started - Ino immediately heard multiple overtures under the surface, hoping at least part of it would be visible to the others. "I am here today, on behalf of myself and Ino... to announce our intention to become married."

The only one in the crowd who didn't react in some way was mom; she just discreetly observed the others - the reactions were about as expected: much surprised, some confusion, a few small darker impulses from the minority (the aforementioned suspicion, among other things), but nothing truly serious. Sai of course stood perfectly still in the ensuring 'onslaught', while she had to make an effort to do the same; they're watching her to make sure this is true by her demeanor, what she says next, and probably what he means by 'intention'.

Ino let this go on for a time, then raised her voice: "When he says 'intention'" she said, only lowering her voice once things quieted down again. "Well, he means literally that. It's not official-"

"Not yet" she thought privately.

"-and won't be until our clan has decided their answer."

Sai slowly nodded, his mouth moving so briefly she almost missed it. "Yes, quite" he said, a little slower, before his emotions started to show (which on anyone else would've been unremarkable). "However, despite this unusual situation my point still stands - we are very much in love, and long past what is called the 'honeymoon' phase, in context of a normal relationship at least."

She managed to stifle her giggles, but kept the little playful smile- professional, yet quite telling to her audience.

But of course, some still need questions answered: "Even if you're asking our permission, what about his clan? He doesn't even remember his own origins."

"Yeah, including his own name, last or first."

They weren't surprised, and neither was mom, who'd predicted this very thing - in fact on the subject of her, some were looking at mom to determine if she knew about this. She never said a word to such whispered questions, but it was pretty clear she knew given her complete lack of surprise, disapproval, or what-have-you.

Sai chuckled, much to the astonishment of most of the audience. "Yes, you are correct" he said, almost cheerful - subdued to most of their ears, yet unmistakable. "I don't remember my original clan or family names, so even if we wished Ino couldn't marry into mine, whatever they might be. So we've agreed that she won't."

After a second of their slight confusion, Ino moved out from behind Sai, going to stand beside him (not too close or anything; professional). "If the Yamanaka clan would consent to our marriage, Sai has agreed to take on our clan's name as his own, once that day comes" she stated, softer and happy. "

For Sai's part, his hand almost involuntarily moved toward her before quickly going back to normal- as if his impulse was to take her hand, she noted with pleasure. "I would be most honored, if you would all give your consent" he said. "I will strive to bring honor to the Yamanaka clan, as Ino herself has done."

Yet again surprise was the most prominent element... however, it was a very good sign that surprised or not, most of the audience had no instinctive objections. If they'd been against this for any reason, she's pretty sure the reaction would be more mixed than anything, or negative - but instead they're mainly surprised, which just meant they needed time to let this sink in.

Ino planned that much, but still she worried a little... maybe though Sai will pick up on this and 'comfort' her, even if she wouldn't 'really' need it...

Sure would like it though, hehe.

...

A little later

"You think they'll all agree?"

Sai slowly blinked, looking at Ino - her question was a bit out-of-character, considering her take-charge attitude and general confidence in things. At least, until he thought it must be a reflection of the nervousness she felt, and this was a rare moment where her natural composure was 'weak'... or perhaps she's hoping for a moment where he tries to comfort her...

Perhaps even both, or neither.

Slowly smiling, he took her hand, "Not all, no" Sai ventured, trying to be gentle. "But if I saw things correctly, they care for you; your happiness matters to them and you've made it clear that you love me. Opinion regarding me seems more, mmh, 'diverse', but my announcements are difficult to accept as anything but the truth... so I believe enough of them will say yes."

Ino stirred against his side, holding him close, close enough that all he could see was her face. "Is that the pragmatic reasons talking, or what you truly think?" she whispered.

He hummed. "Both."

"Good. Very good, Sai."

After that, they entered a period of comfortable silence, knowing they had to wait but not sure what to do (besides being with each other). They were currently alone in another room of the building; the members of the Yamanaka clan were still discussing the announcement, as well as finalizing the 'vote' on taking him into their clan, among other such things. Despite the effort in keeping himself composed, Sai was also worried, both for legitimate reasons and seemingly-random ones... but on the latter, that seemed to be normal for the emotion. Still, being this close to Ino and feeling her breath, even not kissing, kept sending little sensations through him - some were warm while others he couldn't immediately identify, yet he liked it.

Even as the minutes passed, Ino certainly seemed to be enjoying the moment too, leaning her side against his. She was physically warm, which made him smile - he'd noticed this from the beginning, yet only in recent months had he begun to cherish it, as he should've from the beginning.

"Sai?" she whispered after a time.

"Yes?" he breathed, equally low in volume.

"Do me a favor, okay? If you have any thoughts about discussing the heavier stuff, like about marriage life I mean, save it till after it's official."

Heavier stuff... deep under the warmth flickers, Sai felt strange, thinking she must be referring to things like living-arrangement details, intimacy, even children...

His next response came so easily, it was actually quite natural. "One thing at a time, Ino" he said lightly, going for a playful tone- her head jerked up, looking disbelieving (hmm, an appropriate reaction he believes). "I was already prepared to do just that, yet you are bringing down our moment a little."

Two full seconds went by, Ino still staring at him- then a grin overtook her expression, at about the same time as laughter racked her frame, first trying to fight it then giving up. Even as her laughter filled the room, her grip on his body 'tighter' as a result, Sai observed this reaction with what he instinctively knew to be satisfaction - he had intended himself to be playful and for Ino to be disbelieving, then quite happy and/or laughing over his 'attempt'.

All-in-all, a great success.

"Ahahahaahaahaa!" Ino laughed, still grinning and everything. "Okay Sai, you really nailed that one! And make sure to do it more often!"

"Only if I believe it might work" he said, but chuckling, intending to continue learning. "But I will try, Miss Beautiful."

The next minute went by with further laughter (and a few kisses), most of which were Ino's doing yet he didn't mind; he was quite enjoying this moment. However, by the end he believed they weren't alone, and looked to see a figure leaning against the doorway- Ino's mother.

Ino herself quickly caught onto this.

"What? Mom?" Ino breathed, half-embarrassed to be seen like this, but only for a moment. "Is uh- how are the others taking this news?" she asked, more serious as she stood up - Sai did the same, noting that he also felt... something similar to embarrassment at having been seen, but mainly sad that the moment hadn't gone on longer, briefly anyway.

Ino's mother straightened herself, hands behind her back. "I don't think the surprise was subtle" she started, before her lip curved a bit. "But honestly, they were more amazed that you asked them first, rather than stated it would happen; they know how stubborn and forward you can be, dear."

Beside him, Ino made a motion, but returned the smile. "Well... maybe I would've, but Sai means a lot to me" she answered. "I wanted to make sure the others would accept him."

His mother-in-law-to-be nodded, before looking at him for a moment. "Those who weren't immediately convinced asked me a lot of questions" she said, addressing them both. "The gist of them being if you're sincere, that you have no ulterior motives, that you're not faking this- some lingering suspicion of your Root origins probably 'helped' in that regard. I of course told them the truth about you, Sai."

Sai tilted his head, curious - beside him Ino took his hand, which he instinctively squeezed.

She made a sound, as if amused. "That you're not perfect and you still have a lot to learn, but you're sincere in everything you say - including this. Moreover, I've mentioned that you've been mentally intimate several times, ie sharing via Ino's Mind Transfer Jutsu; if there were any deceptions, Ino would've found them right away."

Ino let out a breath, agreeing. "Yeah, if you'd had anything hidden in your mind, Sai, I would've noticed long ago."

Somehow, he didn't doubt that for a moment - it made him 'glad' that he had nothing to hide.

"So then, did this compelling evidence convince the others?" Sai asked.

In answer, Ino's mom pulled out a paper, presenting it to them - he and Ino both made sounds upon looking. Every member of the Yamanaka clan had voted in, and while the answer wasn't unanimous, it was clearly a vast majority... in favor of 'Agreed'...

"ALRIGHT, YES!"

Sai barely registered that yell before he was suddenly slightly-airborne; Ino's doing, filled with so much emotion she'd lifted him up in a hug, however short it lasted. By contrast, Ino's mother didn't appear one bit fazed or surprised by her daughter's yell, instead just shaking her head with some amusement, along with leaving the room entirely.

He'd later be glad too, as he should be - but currently he's still surprised by his fiancee's sudden emotions, as semi-always seemed to happen. But once the shock started to fade, he was also chuckling and doing his best to return things, even if it took him a little.

It seems the story of their relationship.

...

Hehe, even she knew she'd gone overboard with things, but she's just so happy and excited! Even knowing most of her clan would be likely to agree in the end, wanting her to be happy and such as long as Sai's sincere (he is, no doubts about that!), she'd still wanted their acceptance.

Now she had it.

Ino grinned, having just finished kissing Sai again - he was somewhat short of breath, but didn't seem too shocked anymore

"You really are full of energy, Ino" he ventured, tone light and lip curved.

"I should hope so, Sai" she teased back, giggling - he chuckled back, still slightly delayed yet getting better. After that she took his hands in hers, just looking at them for awhile. "Still, look at us" Ino whispered, happy and a little mild. "We're engaged, officially now, and not a single ring to show for it. How odd is that?"

After a second, Sai seemed to recognize her question was rhetorical, and hummed. "Do you want one?" he asked, head tilted and sincere.

She shook her head. "No, I wouldn't want you to dump a lot of money just for an engagement ring, Sai" she answered gently. "Not this late into things anyway."

He slowly smiled, nodding his head in response to that - for awhile, he just played with her fingers in return.

"And you know, Sai-"

"Hmm?"

"-right now, I'm thinking of what flower you remind me of."

A moment, then an interested hum. "I see" Sai said easily, going with her sudden change-of-topic. "Which do I remind you of, Ino?"

"A blue rose" Ino said without hesitation.

He made a sound, curiously confused as if he hadn't expected that answer- he looked at her then. "Why is that?" he asked, blinking and head tilted. "And why blue?"

She just smiled, scooting a bit closer. "A blue rose symbolizes 'mystery, attaining the impossible, and/or love-at-first-sight', Sai" Ino explained, before tracing a spot on his chest, which he glanced at. "I'm thinking of putting together an arrangement of them as a corsage, for you to wear when our wedding comes around, as well as my wearing the natural bush clover type on my dress."

A few seconds passed as Sai digested that, expression turning quite interested. "Oh" he breathed, before closed-eyed smiling, "I see. I believe I understand too, Ino; before I was a complete mystery outside of a few facts. Plus my entire goal was, and is, attaining a difficult-but-not-impossible task of regaining my emotions. However, I didn't fall in love with you at first sight- you know that."

Ino just laughed. "No, but I did, as far as crush-at-first-sight" she teased, grinning big. "Same thing basically."

A raised eyebrow, still interested as his eyes opened, if almost 'knowing' about his look. "They aren't."

"Are."

"You are quite 'difficult', Ino, like now for instance."

"And don't forget it, Sai, because that's probably never gonna change."

Unfortunately, that's the end of this fanfic - for those of you wondering why I didn't end it with the actual wedding, well I thought that'd be more of a good starting point for the M-rated stuff, whether shown or referenced. Either way, that will be a separate fic (no idea on when thus far), probably not nearly as long as this one, and it'll be a bit more spread-out as well between events.

After all, there's not just the private sessions between InoXSai, of which there'll be a few detailed bits that would up this fic's rating - some focus on their to-be-born son will also be showcased ;)

With all that said, hope you've enjoyed this.