The inevitable happened after that night, he wasn't sure if he was surprised or not that the Hyuuga had ended things with him. She had known for a long time that they were not going to progress in their relationship. They both had a part of them that wanted to make things work but unfortunately, the fire between them and faded into glowing embers. He had spent the next hour apologizing to the Hyuuga for the lack of effort he had put into their relationship. He had apologized for leading her to believe that something would happen if they stayed together. He apologized for ruining their final date. He continuously apologized and she she accepted his words. He knew that there was nothing more that he could do for her. He could only support her decisions as she turned and walked away out of the romantic aspect of his life. He watched the tears that silently rolled down her cheeks, his eyes casting towards the ground, knowing that it wouldn't be right for him to console her. It was never his intention to hurt her, she was a sweet and compassionate woman. He had just been stupid, fucking things up with not only one person that night but two.
He sighed heavily as he thought about that night, knowing that the blonde woman had yet to forgive him. Not only had he caused a scene, out of jealousy, but he had embarrassed her in front of numerous people. He knew the Yamanaka did not like to lose her composure in front of people. She hardly broke down her walls around him. She was a vulnerable woman, when the doors were closed. He almost wished she would be vulnerable all the time, because he was selfish. He didn't like being caught off guard by her emotions, when they finally showed. He didn't like seeing the expressions of hurt and sadness form in those oceanic eyes of hers. However, a part of him didn't want her to be vulnerable to others. He felt that he was special, being one of the few to see the real her, not the Kunoichi mask she wore in public.
Not like his thoughts mattered anymore, he had ruined their relationship that night. He continued this cycle of self-loathing as he went on with his days. How could he say such things to her? How could he have caused her that kind of pain? They were friends, closer than most people in the Village. He had opened up to to her at the drop of the hat, without hesitation. That was the kind of person she was, she easily broke people's guards, intentionally or not. Her alluring warmth and compassion was what drew people in. Her quirky habits and short-temper was what made people stay. Her freely showing emotions and comical remarks was what made people fall in love.
His breathing hitched and his head felt dizzy. Falling in love with Ino? Sure, he had pondered the thought quite frequently. They had been friends for a long time, they had shared things between one another and they had bonded with each other. It was a logical question but was this really love? He had thought of it as lust for quite sometime. Who would not lust after the Yamanaka Heiress? She was, by far, the most beautiful woman that had ever graced his life. Not only in appearance but her personality was something that any man would lust after. Sure, she had a short-temper and she could banter back and forth with sexual innuendos and dirty jokes, but her heart was always warm. She was never quick to judge (at least now that she had grown older) and she was always there to listen and dish out advice when it was necessary. She was an all around good natured woman, despite the flaws that she had but that was what made them human.
However, he knew that he shouldn't even begin to fall in love with the blonde woman. She was far out of his reach, at least she was now. Besides, why would she even give someone like him a chance? Especially after what he had done. He was a pathetic fool, allowing his emotions to take control of him and making him cause her grief. That was all he had done for her. He had made her cry on more than one occasion and made her seethe out venomous words at him. There was no way that he could make a suitable partner for her. There was no way that she could see him more than a knucklehead, more than a jerk.
His point was only solidified by the fact that she had been avoiding him, much like their last argument. He had only caught a glimpse of her, what seemed like, endless hair leaving the scene as soon as he would appear. He almost wished that she wasn't a Sensor, that way he could easily track her down. Well, if he truly tried, he could track her down easily but he couldn't. Why? He was a nervous wreck lately, terrified even. What would she say to him? What could he say to her, aside from apologizing profusely? She was an enigma most of the time, switching between the role of being a Kunoichi and just being herself. He never knew what went on in her mind, even though her emotions shown through easily within her eyes. He supposed that it was something that she learned over time, using her Mind Techniques. She was truly unreadable.
Once again, he was stuck in this place, a limbo of sorts. He wanted to go apologize and talk with her but another part of him wanted to crawl into a hole and hide for all eternity. It was pathetic and childish, that much he knew but he was not a smart man. He now understood why he had been restless as of late, those nagging feelings that he had unsuccessfully ignored for the last few months, he understood them. It was love. It had crept upon him and not for the person that he had been dating but for his friend. The woman that he had been seeing every Wednesday, spending time with her in the seclusion that came with the Greenhouse. He had been falling for her all this time and it was only now that he recognized those feelings. Why couldn't he have felt these feelings for the woman who had been patiently waiting for him to shower her in? Why did it have to be with the woman who was out of his league?
Why did it have to be Ino?
Was this what it was like to be in love? She had explained it to him but now he was fully grasping the concept. He thought back to the Greenhouse, that day that he had seen that expression of Love on her face. He had been so compelled to her that he had nearly kissed her. He had been sure why he had felt so moved to do so but now he knew the weight of the situation. He had always been in love with her, probably since they were younger but it was finally blossoming right before his bright eyes. The love that he had for her when he was younger was a love for a friend. Now, that he had been spending more time with her, he knew that that love had evolved into something far stronger than friendship. She had not judged him for coming so close into her personal space, she did futilely try to resist his advances, though he wasn't sure if she was lost in the sudden moment as well. She had flung herself away from him so quickly, that he was sure that he had offended her. That was why she had avoided him.
She had been confused by his actions, he could see the questions swimming in her eyes. He could see the warning that was there but also something else. It was almost as if she were daring him to kiss her and he probably would have, had it not been for outside interference. A part of him was thankful that the Shadow User had appeared, giving him an opportunity to escape, to clear his suddenly clouded mind. However, another part of him was disappointed that they were interrupted. He wanted to know how far she would allow him to go or was that crossing the invisible boundaries that they had set up around one another.
He was a mess.
She had spent a lot of time, collecting her thoughts. She went through fits of anger and despair on a daily basis. She knew that he deserved her anger but she couldn't muster up the courage to seek him out and tell him what was on her mind. She would give herself away at that point. She spent most of her time, running away from the places that she was at, once Sensing that he was near. She had yet to recover from that night, her thoughts were all jumbled. What made it worse was the news that he and the Hyuuga had ended their relationship, all too soon afterwards. She had been tempted to seek out the lilac eyed woman. She wanted to investigate why she chose to end their relationship. She wanted to know if the Hyuuga knew about her feelings. She wanted to make the woman swear that she would never tell a soul. She wanted to do all of these things, but she couldn't because he was out there. Knowing the blonde male very well, as soon as he spotted her, he would either look away or try to work things out between them. She wasn't ready for the latter of the two, so she could only hope that he would disregard her.
She knew that he wasn't perfect, he had his flaws but that was what made her fall for him. His emotions were uninhibited and rough around the edges. He was like her in a sense, letting their emotions do the talking for them, even if the words stung. She curled her hand into a fist, feeling a residual sting from slapping him. She knew that both of them knew that he had deserved that blow to the face but it still didn't lessen the guilt that she felt. Why the hell did she feel guilty? He had deserved that slap more than anyone. He had mortified her in the public eye! He had called her a liar! He had crushed her heart with his words, freezing her blood with such a hateful gaze! He had done all these things and she was the one who felt guilty. She knew that he was the one who should feel guilty but she knew that she was partially at fault for causing him to see her in such a light. It was all because of one man, too.
Uchiha Sasuke.
How could she even begin to explain how they started speaking with one another on casual terms? Well, the beginning would be a good place to start.
She sniffed slightly, resisting the urge to allow her emotions to crumble. She could keep herself composed until she was in the comforts of her home. She glanced over her shoulder, watching the interaction of her teammate and his lover. The Sand Kunoichi frowned as she touched the side of his bruised face, muttering something underneath her breath. He leaned his forehead towards her, resting it on top of hers. They shared that moment with one another silently, thanking a higher power that he had made it out of the ambush alive. Teal eyes glanced away, feeling this stabbing pain in her chest. A sense of longing filling her being, turning away to head home, she was met with an unexpected person.
What did he want?
She hadn't expected him to be the one who was waiting for her. She glanced over each shoulder, making sure that his gaze wasn't on someone behind her. She had tried to walk past him, but his hand caught her by the wrist and she paused to look up at him, raising a slender brow. Was he here to scold her for not caring for his friend properly? Was he here to belittle her medical talents? She shrugged her wrist from his grasp, which he willingly allowed her to do so and she turned towards him, crossing her arms over her chest, ready to argue, if that was what he was looking for.
A dark eye regarded her silently, before he let out a heavy sigh. "I need you to come with me, Yamanaka."
"Why should I," she replied back in a hostile manner.
A frown touched his lips and he glanced around, she sensed that he didn't want to cause a scene. So he wasn't here for an argument. He turned his body towards her, his broad chest shielding her from any wandering eyes behind them. He gazed down at her silently and they held eye contact with one another, as if they were having a silent conversation and she let out a heavy sigh. "Can it wait?" She asked, feeling her exhaustion catch up with her but he simply shook his head, walking away from her and she found herself following.
He had taken her to a secluded area, away from the eyes and ears of those around them. It was then that he had been to interrogate her feelings. She had been taken aback at how quickly his calm demeanor had shifted into that of hostility. She felt her own ire grow at his questions, a snarl forming on her lips. She didn't like it when her profession was used against her and the Uchiha certainly understood that much. She knew that if they were to engage in a physical altercation, she would lose but that didn't stop her from grabbing him by the front of his shirt, pulling him down to her height and giving him a piece of her mind.
He had questioned her endlessly about her feelings towards the Uzumaki and she had given him the answers that he wanted. She had given him all the reasons why she had fallen for that idiot and why she wanted to keep it a secret. She had threatened him with turning his mind into a pile of mush, should he feel so inclined to utter a single word to the Hero of the Village. She had made him swear that this was something that could only be known between the two of them.
He agreed.
That was the beginning of their unlikely friendship. After all the years of chasing after the Uchiha male, she had to say, she liked the one that he had become in this time. When she wasn't busy with her Training and spending time with Naruto, she had found out that he was suitable companion to spend her time with. She had never really gotten that chance to know him, simply idolizing the idea of him. However, their friendship was not as simple as it may seem on the outside. She understood the risks of being seen in public with him, when it was simply just the two of them. She knew that she was digging her own grave, as rumors would more than likely spread. She thought, one day, as they walked by a shop gazing into the the window's reflection, that they looked nice together. But there was no lingering feelings that she eld for him and since Naruto had suggested that his two teammates should be with one another, she liked the idea of that more. All they could be was a nice looking pair but their emotions were disconnected in the romance are of their minds, they simply enjoyed the company of one another.
Besides she soon uncovered a secret within Sasuke.
He was not in love with Haruno Sakura.
The moment that he had told her that, she was pretty sure that she decked him in the jaw. The memory was hazy because as many arguments that were created by her, they usually ended in Hand to Hand combat. They had laid flat on their backs, each suffering from minor cuts and bruises, gazing up at the darkening sky. She wasn't sure why she had attacked him, maybe she had always wanted to do that, since he returned. She was sure that he too, understood her need to vent out all her anger from her childhood onto him. He willingly accepted the altercation, though he did his best to not hurt her, while defending himself. She had been out for blood and he wasn't sure if he wanted his life to end so soon. Soon, she began to cry because she was overly emotional at this point and she couldn't understand her feelings. After all these years, was she happy to hear that he didn't love Sakura or was she saddened by the fact that the Medic would be devastated. Ino knew that it would take a long time for her best friend to recover, once the Uchiha finally told her.
Sitting up, she quietly healed their wounds, that way no would question them, once they went on their separate ways. The Uchiha then opened up about why his feelings for Sakura were that way. He explained that although there was a part of him that did love her, it was not in the same way she loved him. Sakura's unrequited love would continue to be just that and the Uchiha felt remorse over it. He explained that while he accepted her love, there was no part of him that could return it. He appreciated that she spent all of these years loving, longing and waiting for him. He appreciated that she had risked her own life for him, on multiple occasions but it was impossible for him to love her in return.
In a sense, the Mind Walker understood the Uchiha. She understood when he explained that he thought that he was in love with the Medic. She understood when he explained that he thought that he could spend a lifetime with her. This was how they had connected. He didn't mention if he had feelings for anyone else but Ino knew that in time, he would find someone that he cared for. It was only a matter time, he stated, that he would tell Sakura about this but he had felt that it was necessary to tell Ino first. That way she could be better prepared to comfort and console the Medic and he wanted to get this fight out of the way prior, he added with a slight smirk. That had earned him a punch to the gut as they made their way back to the Village but the blonde smiled nonetheless.
Yes, she really did like this new Sasuke.
Did that mean that she was falling for him? No, her unresolved feelings for him and been settled that day after she expended it all through fighting and crying. She felt at peace with the Uchiha now. She had admitted that she had loved him for a long time but it was simply the idea of him that she loved. She had began to loathe him for taking away her best friend at such a trying time in their lives. However, she thanked him for it, contradicting her previous statement. Thanks to the Uchiha's betrayal, Sakura had grown and blossomed into a beautiful flower. She had grown so much over the last five years, thanks for her determination and adoration of the Uchiha but Ino feared that it may be lost once he broke the news to her.
But there was no reason to keep leading her on like this.
That was how it all started, her friendship with Sasuke. They would meet up, typically in the evening, discussing anything and everything under the sun. He would tell her about his other Team and the hilarity that would be involved with the bunch. She found herself laughing at a few tales. Sometimes, their conversations would turn serious and she would interrogate him extensively, wondering if her would the Village again. It wasn't like she didn't trust him, it was just out of habit. If he could do it once, he could do it again. Each time, he would give her a simple 'no' as an answer and she would accept it. It never seemed to ruin the mood between them but she brought it up more often than not, even a few times, it would get under his skin.
However, they continued on with their friendship.
Well, for right now, they were not speaking with one another but it wasn't because she was mad at him. She only wanted things to settle down with the Uzumaki. She knew that she needed to explain all of this to him. She grunted as she lifted up a few boxes from the storage room, it was about time that she threw out all the old equipment. She struggled to carry the heavy box, listening to the clinking noises of metal hitting one another with each step she took.
"Here, let me help."
"Thanks," she breathed out, before her lungs ceased functioning and the air became stuck in her throat. The weight was lifted from her arms and she stood there watching with wide eyes as he carried the box away. She watched him so casually bring out of the storage room, she internally chided herself for not realizing that he was here. How could she just so calmly say that to him? Well, she had been lost in thought, which greatly hindered her Shinobi ability.
"Where do you want this?"
How could he act as if nothing was wrong? How dare he so casually come here and expect her to welcome him with open arms. She felt her temper flare and her eyes narrow on him. "Why are you here?"
He paused his steps, his head dropping slightly as he looked at the box in his hand. With a heavy sigh, he set down the box and she silently begged that he wouldn't turned to look at her. Slowly, he turned to face her, sapphire hues looking at her with a mixture of emotions. She was unaccustomed to not knowing what emotions were swimming in his eyes. She didn't like that she was unable to read him. A frown touched her lips and she crossed her arms around herself, in an insecure manner. "Why are you here?" This time she repeated the question, the hostility in her voice fading into a weak tone.
"I came to apologize about the other night," Naruto said gently. He ran a hand through his unruly locks, a heavy sigh leaving him. "I...I have no explanation for why I acted that way…"
A small snort left her as she rolled her eyes. "That's not helping your case." She shifted her weight on her feet, biting her lower lip gently. "I'm not over it. I'm not sure when I'll get over it. I can't believe that you would accuse me like that."
"I know, Ino. I don't know why those words left my mouth. It's just…:" His voice trailed off. It was as if in this moment, he could hear the pounding of his heart within his ears. His mouth felt dry and there was no way he could speak. He had no right to tell her about his feelings. She deserved someone better than him. However, the thought of her being with anyone else was unsettling. Realization dawned upon him, perhaps he had known for a while now but just didn't want to admit it.
He had fallen for the Yamanaka.
He cleared his throat as he tried to piece together his thoughts and she watched him expectantly. She was waiting for him to say something, anything to ease the hurt that he had caused her. When he had yet to formulate an excuse, the Mind Walker let out a heavy sigh, her guarded arms falling from their hold around her. She tugged at the end of her ponytail, pressing her lips together in a thin line. Her eyes studied him briefly before she looked away.
"Look, I get it. Both Sakura and Sasuke mean a lot to you," she said gently, trying to hide the bitterness that threatened to fill her tone. "You three have been through a lot and it's only right that you want to see them happy. But sometimes, things like that don't work out. Life never goes according to what we plan out, Naruto."
"What do you mean?"
She bit the inside of her cheek, knowing that it wasn't her place to tell of the Uchiha's feelings. She knew that she was known for letting information slip through her lips, but that was just for the Gossip Group that was in the Village. When it came to people she cared about and missions, she learned it was best to keep her lips sealed. "You should seek out Sasuke. He'll have the answers you're looking for," she reassured him.
"Why can't you tell me," Naruto asked, he could feel his hostility grow as she continued to refer the Uchiha in such a familiar way.
"It isn't my place to tell you, Naruto." She shook her head slightly, gazing at him with somber eyes. "I don't know what made you think that the Uchiha and I were in a secret relationship but I can tell you that you were wrong. He and I are nothing more than friends, that's all it will ever be."
"I don't get it," he muttered out, a growl rumbling from his throat. "We tell each other everything, Ino. No matter how big the secret is, we've always found comfort in one another." He ran his hands roughly through his hair once more. His clenched fists settled on his hips as he glared down at the ground and he shook his head in disbelief. " But when it comes to Sasuke, you can't tell me?"
"I told you, I just...can't…"she said in an exasperated manner. "Why can't you just take it like it is. If you want to know so bad, just go ask him!" She threw her hands up in the air, feeling her temper beginning to rise from a simmer to a boil.
"You're in love, aren't you?"
It was like the air suddenly chilled around him, her eyes narrowing on his face, her expression matching is own frustrated one. "What are you talking about, Uzumaki,?" He flinched at how icy her tone suddenly become, her eyes turning into glacial shards, pinning him with a dangerous glare. The way she spat out his last name warned him, he had stepped over his boundaries.
"Who is it?" He questioned, the warning that he felt from her was not enough to deter his determination. "You said that you weren't interested in anyone but...I saw your expression, you're in love with someone." And it's killing me to not know, he thought to himself.
"Is this why you're like this? You want to know who I'm in love with," she asked slowly, feeling her voice slowly begin to rise. "And you thought that I was in love with the Uchiha, so you went and caused a scene due to…" She paused, her brows knitting together in a mild anger. "Due to jealousy?"
When she said that word, he felt a pang of guilt hit him. He hadn't meant for her to so easily pin down the emotion that he had been internally warring over in his mind. However, when it came to reading people, no one compared to the Yamanaka. The female across from him shook her head as a dry laugh left her, incoherently words were muttered under her breath. Clenching her teeth together, she let out a heavy exhale, knowing that she could easily lose herself over how idiotic he was being.
"Or was it disbelief? You thought that I was lying to you all this time, even though I had blatantly told you that I held no residual feelings for that man." A snarl tore across her face and he could feel the bloodlust rise in the air. "Why is it so important to you?"
"B-Because I…" He paused, clearing his throat gently. "We're friends, Ino." He managed out in a tone that betrayed what he had wanted to sound like. He sounded weak and unsure of himself. Weren't they friends? He knew that deep down that he wanted to be the one that she saw in such a romantic light but he was digging his own grave at this point.
"Friends?" She breathed out, her heavy breathing becoming louder now. He watched as her face went through varying states of emotions. The first was shock, it caused her eyes to widened and for her to take a fraction of a step away from him. Her hand rested on her chest before curling into a fist as anger touched her features. Her whole face slowly turned a light shade of red, her cheeks puffing out slightly as she held back the words that threatened to explode from her. Disgust caused a sneer to curl at her lips and her eyes to narrow suddenly. Then there was a sadness that took over her face, her expression softening as the creases of anger faded from her angular face. She sucked in her lower lip, biting into it viciously as she was battling silently with herself. Then ever so slowly, her eyes lifted to him, softening into a solemn expression. "I couldn't be friends with you, Naruto. Not even if I tried."
The final arrow to his heart had been struck.