"You're not serious, are you?"
The Mind Walker glanced up from her packing, a frown on the corner of her lips. She knew that this would be the reaction that was given. "Yes, Forehead, I am."
"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" The pink haired woman exclaimed, collapsing onto Ino's bed, kicking her feet that dangled over the edge of the bed.
"I don't know," the blonde stated. She frowned once more, knowing that she should have said something sooner but there were complications. "Maybe it's because I wasn't so sure that I was in love with him."
"Bullshit," Sakura spat out, lifting herself with the support of her elbows. "I know you, Pig. You fall in love easily and get your heart broken in return."
"See, that's why I was hesitant!" She cried out while tossing her hands in the air."I don't want my heart to get broken again, so I just hid away my feelings for him."
The Medic's eyes fell, realizing that she had stepped on thin ice with the blonde. She knew that the Mind Walker was sensitive about love. She had been there every time the blonde decided to throw away those ideas of romanticism. She was there when the blonde would cry, asking if there was some sort of undesirable trait about her. Why couldn't she connect with the men that she idolized? Why was it always someone else. In all honesty, Sakura had no idea what to say to the blonde during those times. Ino was beautiful, beyond that maybe. She was compassionate and she could hold her own in a fight. She was funny when she saw the opportunity to joke around and she was stone cold when someone upset her. All in all, she was Human, just like the rest of them. She wasn't someone who wasn't unobtainable because the blonde so desperately wanted to be in love with someone who loved her. That someone just hadn't shown up yet.
Sakura bit her lower lip. "With Naruto, huh?"
A low groan left the blonde as her head fell forward onto the side of her bed. "I know, I know," she moaned out, her brows pinching together.
"I just don't get it," Sakura mused out. "I mean, I guess it's not the kind of man I expected you to fall for."
Ino let out a laugh and she nodded her head. "That's exactly how I felt." She pulled away from resting on the side of her bed, licking her dry lips. She inhaled deeply, deciding to tell her best friend when she had first fallen for the Nine-Tails Holder. She explained how it all started. She told of the feelings that she kept to herself all these years. She described all the ideal men that she had created in her mind and how they all failed her, except for Naruto, who strayed from the path that she had created. She told the Medic how much time she had been spending with him, the way he was around her and how her heart couldn't handle how deep it had fallen for him. She recounted every argument that they had, every word that went back and forth between them. She described how in the Greenhouse, they had almost kissed for reasons unknown (Sakura squealed at that recollection). She said everything that came to mind about the Uzumaki.
"For years," Sakura breathed out. "You've felt this way about him this way for years?"
Ino slowly nodded her head, going back to folding and packing away clothes. "Yes, Forehead."
A snort left the pink haired woman as she rolled over onto her back. "Well, it's obvious that he has feelings for you."
A hum of acknowledgement left the blonde as she stood up to grab a few items from her bathroom.
"Wait, you know he does…" Sakura's brow furrowed slightly. "Then why the hell aren't you doing anything?"
A dry laugh left the blonde as she came back into the room. "Like I said, I'm scared of being hurt again. So, I'm waiting for him to make the first move."
"You both are idiots," Sakura muttered, not understanding her friend's thought process. "If anything, you're just delaying the inevitable."
"Who says the results won't be worth it though?"
The Medic rolled her eyes, chucking an easily dodged pillow. "Whatever, don't come crying to me when that idiot takes forever to confess to you."
"I am very patient," Ino mused out with a smirk on her lips. She had been patient for years now, what harm could a few days do?
"Anyways, what were you doing with Sasuke," Sakura asked cautiously, pulling at a loose string on her blanket.
Ino let out a sigh, deciding to tell her how her and the Uchiha had become friends after their night out. Of course, she excluding the part about his secret, knowing that he'd get his ass in gear soon.
The wedding had been a beautiful ceremony, set in one of the vast fields that was within the Land of Honey. Of course, she didn't pummel her client into the ground, not wanting him to know that all the floral arrangements were done in the last minute, because that could lead to more last minute projects that she despised doing. Instead, she greeted him with a smile and hug before heading off to make sure that the flowers had kept well and proceeded to help set up the ceremony and reception area. She couldn't help but smile as the guests and Bride gushed over the arrangements that fit well with their pink, yellow and orange wedding colors. She couldn't help but shamelessly promote herself when the reception came and the Groom introduced her to future clients. Overall, this small mission (personal mission) was a success and she knew that she would be able to gain more monetary value for her Shop and also she could probably afford higher priced seedlings and buds. There was no one to rival her in the Garden and Botany field back at home. Hell, there was no one in the Shinobi World that could. It may not be a huge accomplishment but it struck a chord within her. She was happy with how far her late father's hobby had come and she would continue to invest and dedicate herself to see that it flourishes properly.
Aside from the shameless plug for herself, she enjoyed being away from Konoha. Sometimes it was simply nice to get away and not to have to worry about life or death situations. Despite popular belief, Shinobi didn't always go out on the field to see if they could survive. Those missions were usually reserved for high ranking Nin or Anbu. She was proud of her status of Jonin and soon to be promoted to Head of T&I (whenever that scarred bastard chose to retire) but she didn't have any desire to move any further, at least not now. She was reaching her twentieth year and she felt as if she should in enjoy it properly. Working at the T&I Department brought in money when she wasn't on missions and the Shop did as well. She was financially stable which was quite the feat for someone her age (Sakura still lived at home with her parents) and she didn't have to rely on anyone else to help support her, despite the Yamanaka Clan's funds that were in a vault in the bank. She was truly happy with how far she had come.
She was sure that her predecessors would feel the same way, hopefully.
When she had returned to her room at the Inn she had been staying at, she indulged in the Public Bathhouse that they provided. She felt her stress melt away as she sunk lower into the water. This was actually more of a small vacation for her. She didn't have to worry about any of the responsibilities that she had left behind in Konoha. More than that, this gave her time to contemplate all that had transpired over the course of the last week or so.
After her lunch with the Hyuuga Heiress, she felt this strange lightweight feeling coursing through her body. It was as if the heaviness in her chest had been lifted, now that she had revealed her true feelings, She knew that Sakura was correct in saying that they were idiots and she was sure that the Medic was upset to find out after so long. She felt a little guilty that she confessed her feelings to the Hyuuga before the Medic, but the dark haired woman had been looking for answers, which Ino was sure that she needed to hear. Speaking of the pink haired woman, she wondered when the Uchiha would break the news to her or maybe Sakura would realize it soon enough. She shook her head, knowing that Sakura wouldn't even dare begin to think that Sasuke didn't have any feelings for her, she would still love him regardless. She groaned, knowing what a headache this could be but she knew that it had to be done.
Things that had to be done, huh.
Blowing air bubbles from her nose into the water, she thought of the man that had been occupying her mind for years now. It was ironic, how she was known for occupying other people's minds and yet someone was constantly on hers. Uzumaki Naruto. She knew that she would have to speak with him soon but she also knew she needed time to herself. She had spent the last several months constantly in his presence, she had given herself little time to think about everything that had happened between them. The blonde knew that there was something there. There had to be. He had almost kissed her back in the Greenhouse, he may not have understood it then but she did. He was attracted to her (rightfully so her younger self would yell out) but he didn't see it yet. She could vividly remember the confusion on his face when she pushed him away. She could see him look down in thought. Hell, even at the restaurant, he was confused. He didn't understand what was happening with him, it was instinctive.
She had spent all this time hoping that he would finally realize his feelings but he wasn't the brightest and she was doubtful. She had had obligations towards Hinata that made her stay in the dark with her feelings but that had never stopped the fantasies that played in her mind. She knew that she had messed up with the Uzumaki, as well. He was not the only one at fault when it came to how they were at this point. She had sent him a cryptic message, saying that she couldn't be friends with him. Friends. Oh how she loathed that damned word. That day, she was positive that he would tell her that he had feelings for her, she could read it in his face, but his mouth betrayed his feelings, much like hers did. He had uttered that word and in her mind, she snapped. She hated that he couldn't see her as a woman, as a potential partner. Only a friend. Friends didn't barge in on dinner with another friend. Friends didn't almost kiss one another. However, she now understood that he didn't mean to say that stupid words but still, the residual stab ached when she thought about it.
But what she had told him was true. There was no possible way that she could be merely friends. She hated the fact that she had been stuck on the sidelines for all these years but she had done it to make sure that he found his happiness. She had done so because that was what friends do, but she was tired of that way of thinking. She wanted to be selfish with him. She wanted to be the only thing he saw when the sun came up and when the moon peaked in the night's sky. She wanted to know the feel of his body against hers. She wanted to feel his breath in the crook of her neck, his teeth nibble her ears. Aside for the more primal images, she wanted to feel his body ripple in a shiver when she reached out for him while they slept. She wanted to feel his arms wrap around her behind her while she cooked. She wanted to be the reason he smiled so brightly. She wanted to return all the feelings and the life that he had given her. She wanted to take him away and have him all to herself.
In due time, she would let him know of these feelings that she had, but she also wanted him to process his feelings as well. She wanted to make sure that his feelings were true because she wouldn't be able to handle rejection, not after this long. In a way, she felt guilty for being the reason why Naruto and Hinata didn't work out. If she had never began to hang out with Naruto then they would still be together but the Hyuuga Heiress had even stated that they were doomed for a while now. So some part of her thought that it was a good thing that she had intervened, but that was simply a small part of her. She sank lower into the water, letting out a heavy sigh as she looked across the steaming surface.
She would change things when she got back.
"Is it true?"
In the middle of a demolished training field, two men laid there worse for wear. Articles of clothing had been burned and ripped. Blood, sweat and dirt covered every inch of their exposed skin. A pair of chests rose and fell dramatically as each tried to regain their lost breath. It was kind of funny to him, they had been in this position before but last time resulted in each losing an arm. At least this time they still had all of their other limbs. The only thing that truly hurt was his pride.
"Yeah." His counterpart wheezed out, wincing at the feeling of his broken ribs digging into his lungs.
"Tch. Bastard."
That was all that the blonde was able to manage out as tears pricked the corner of his eyes, rolling down the sides of his face. He clenched his jaw, trying to hold back the sob that threatened to leave him. All he had ever wanted was to make the Uchiha happy. Happy with himself and the life that he lead. He was sure that their pink haired teammate would be the one to help him as well. However, when Naruto had confronted him about the Mind Walker, they began to plummet into a heated argument. When he finally questioned his feelings for Sakura because despite what Ino had stated, he was still curious about where the Uchiha's happiness lay. The raven had fallen silent in the middle of their punching match to confirm one of his worst fears.
He didn't love her.
Somewhere within his large heart, a tiny dark place caught flame within him and he could no longer control his emotions. He had attacked the Uchiha immediately, unable to put what he wanted to say into actual words, he let his body do the talking. A part of him was happy that the Uchiha didn't love Sakura (his childhood self) because Sakura deserved more than what Sasuke could offer her, if only she would open her eyes to world around her. Another part of him was enraged, furious because what the hell had this been for? He had spent so many years chasing after the Uchiha, promising the Medic to bring back the man that she truly loved and the brother that he had never had. Sure, he and the Uchiha shared a bond that had withstood all the trials and tribulations that the Uchiha and the world had placed against him. But more than anything, probably because he claimed that he loved Sakura, he wanted to bring back Sasuke for her. He wanted to see her smile happily again. He wanted to see her laugh more. He thought that he was doing the right thing but….had he?
The Uchiha slowly sat up, allowing the blonde male to sort through his conflicting feelings. He clutched his side in pain, wheezing slightly. "Look, idiot, I love you." He paused to spit out blood that had pooled in his mouth. "And I love Sakura, you both are the only family that I have in Konoha but that's as far as I can manage to go with my feelings for the two of you. Family."
The tears had ceased their falling as he rolled his head to the side to stare at the Uchiha. It was strange but he was elated to hear that Sasuke thought so fondly of them. The raven licked his split lip, hissing slightly. "I wish that I could love Sakura in the way she loves me but I have been in the darkness for too long…" He let out a gentle sigh. "There is no possible way for me to understand her endless devotion and adoration. As much as I hate to admit it, I have had others there in my time of need than the two of you...although I know you both tried."
The blonde could understand what Sasuke was trying to convey because he had gone through those same emotions with the Hyuuga. However, the blonde was still upset. How could the Uchiha, whom he claimed to be a brother with, not tell him of all people? He instead, chose Ino to confine to, that stung his pride a bit. He thought he understood the Uchiha more than anyone else.
"I wouldn't have tried to push you two together, had I know," Naruto whined with a small pout.
"I wanted to...try," Sasuke muttered, not sure if that was the proper response.
"Still," he exclaimed in an exasperated manner. "Why didn't you tell me, bastard?"
The Uchiha let out a faint laugh. "Because, idiot, I knew how you'd react."
This had caused the blonde to laugh, knowing that the Uchiha knew him all too well. He wondered how Ino had reacted and he was sure that she had done that same. After all, they were similar in many ways. He and the Uchiha spent hours there, talking about anything and everything. They talked about their missions. They talked about the past. They talked about friendships. They talked about relationships.
At first, the Uzumaki was wary to talk about the feelings that he had towards all the females in his life. He talked about how he had been so madly in love with Sakura that it hurt him to hear that Sasuke didn't feel the same. She truly was amazing but she had her faults. He delved into the time that Sasuke was gone from the Village. He told him of how he had held out as long as he could with Sakura before finally giving up. He detailed the years that followed when he was with the Hyuuga, trying to force himself to believe that they were in love. Then he spoke of the Yamanaka, how she had changed over the years. How she had easily welcomed him into her arms and heart. How she made the most amazing food, sometimes it was even better than his beloved Ramen. How he had fallen in love with her before he even realized it. How Kurama knew before him (the bastard Fox) that he had feelings for the Mind Walker. How she took his breath away with all the compassion and love that she gave to him and those around them. How her temper got on his nerves but she always apologized. How, sometimes, she cared more about her flowers than herself. How she had this annoying habit of being unable to let go of past mistakes. How he hated the smell of the face masks that she claimed were good for her skin type.
He knew that he could talk about all of her perfections and flaws if he was given the chance but the Uchiha had stopped him mid ramble to let him know that he got the point. He felt himself flush in embarrassment and chuckled nervously, though he winced in pain at the cut on his stomach. They both decided that today had been rather successful, there was no more tension between them. However, he made the Uchiha promise that he would tell Sakura soon or else they would have a different kind of outcome to their spar. The humor left the Uchiha's face and he nodded his head and hummed in reassurance. They both knew that there would only be more pain if he held off any longer.
Leaving the Uchiha to figure out himself, Naruto headed back to into the Village, most of his wounds healing as he went, thanks to Kurama. His thoughts were led back to the blonde woman that was constantly on his mind, as of late. She had left shortly after their last conversation, she had had a huge order for flowers and a wedding to attend (he found out with a little help by bribing some of Ino's close friends). He had wanted to set things straight with her immediately, but he supposed that her time away had allowed him to sort out his own emotions. He could confidently say that he had feelings for her, hell, he was in love with her. That was why he had had those restless feelings and why Kurama seemed so full of mirth (spiteful thing, that Fox). He didn't know how long he had had these feelings, they could have been there forever but now they were starting to bloom in full force. It was a strange feeling, in all honesty. He knew the love of a family and of friends, but intimately it was new to him. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. He wasn't sure how to approach her, now that he had hit his moment of clarity.
"Naruto?!"
Well, that was one way.
He blinked, looking around at his surroundings. He had unknowingly found his way to the front of the Yamanaka Flower Shop while he was in his thoughts. Cerulean eyes glanced over to his left, widening for a fraction of a second before he cleared his throat. There, in the flesh, was the woman of his desires. It seemed as if she had just returned from her time away from the Village by her formal attire. A sleeveless white blouse covered her torso which was neatly tucked into a long black skirt, fitting her form like a second skin. Her hair was let down from her usual ponytail, cascading down her back and the tips brushing against the back of her knees.
"What the hell happened to you," she asked in concern, immediately running over to him, her eyes surveying the damage.
"Oh...uhh…" He let out a laugh as he rubbed the back of his head with one hand and the other scratching his cheek gently. "Sasuke and I got into a fight."
She rolled her eyes immediately, taking hold of his hand and leading him around to the backside of her place. She was muttering under her breath how stupid men were as she unlocked the door and practically dragged him upstairs. "I-Ino, I'm fine," he said in a feeble manner to protest her actions as she shove him onto her couch and proceeded to heal him.
"What did you two argue about this time," the Yamanaka asked, ignoring his prior statement.
It was weird. The air was weird between them, he could sense it. He was sure that she was still adamantly avoiding him, much like last time but she had so casually spoken to him as if nothing had happened. He found himself easily responding to her question, telling her that he had to force the Uchiha to tell him about Sakura, oh and of course he won the spar. He watched her lips curl into a smile as she responded to his tale, telling him that he was so reckless when it came to his friends while she continued to heal his minor bruises and cuts. That he could have seriously been hurt, if the two men had decided to brawl without holding back. He felt his heart well up with a familiar emotion, realizing that she wasn't trying to ignore her feelings. That she was openly expressing herself to him, since they were alone.
She sat down, resting her weight on her knees, as she moved to heal the bruises and cuts on his chest, her Mystic Palm felt more comforting than Granny Tsunade's and Sakura's combined. The concern that had been etched into her features had long ago faded away, replaced with a look of content, as she watched him being healed. She shifted, trying to get a better position, though the skirt was a bit restrictive. He sighed happily feeling the warmth of her healing Chakra seep into the side of his face, as she cupped his swollen jaw. His hand fell over hers as she healed the bruise, her eyes flickered up into his. A slender brow raised in question.
"Ino, about the other day, I wanted to tell you that…" He felt his heart flutter rapidly and his throat run dry. He felt his resolve to tell her how he felt falter as his courage began to run out. It was just...she just...looked so beautiful. Too beautiful. His doubts about her returning his feelings began to fill his mind. Although Hinata had suggested that Ino was in love with him as well, he was unsure. He cleared his throat, trying to find his words. He was never good at speaking though. He reached out the tuck her bangs behind her ear. "It's just that I-I…"
"I already told you, Naruto, I can't be friends with you," she stated gently, her eyes looking away from him, her head dropping slightly. "It isn't possible for me."
That was when he understood. Previously, her words had confused and stunned him. He had been unsure why she would say such things, but he realized what she had meant. She couldn't be friends with him...because she...He couldn't stop the grin the touched his lips, causing him to chuckle slightly. He knew that he caught the Yamanaka off guard with his laugh, her head snapping up to glare at him. His grip around her hand tightened and he looked into her confused and mildly annoyed eyes. He spread open his legs, his other hand snaking around her lower back, to pull her closer. Leaning his head down, he rested his forehead against hers, rubbing affectionately against her.
"I'm not asking to be friends, Ino," he muttered gently.
Her eyes widened as she gazed up at him, he pulled away slightly to watch her reaction. A blush crept up from her collarbones, painting across her cheeks and nose, all the way up to lightly dust the tips of her ears. He could see her mind spinning and turning as she processed the words that he said. Her lips parted as she took a sharp intake of breath. She blinked a few times as the realization settled and the blush began to fade away. Her tongue slid out, wetting her lips as she cleared her throat slightly. Her eyes gazed into his and they stared at one another. The silence was pleasant, as if they were sharing this moment together, their minds as one.
"I swear to God, Naruto," she breathed out, her warm breath fanning across his lips and chin. "If you don't kiss me soon, I'll-"
Her threat was never finished as he leaned down to gently place his lips over hers. Her eyes fluttered close immediately, as her wish had been granted. She sighed into the kiss, enjoying the feeling of his lips over her own. It was short lived however as he pulled away and she slowly opened her eyes, gazing up at him. They looked at one another for an instant before the blonde woman moved closer to him, this time she initiated the kiss. The arm around her waist pulled her closer to him, causing her hands to rest on his chest. His other hand cupped her face gently, tilting her head back in order to deepen the kiss. Her lips parted and he gained access to her mouth, their tongues meeting and battling for dominance. Her hands slowly moved up from their resting spot on his chest, sliding into his hair slowly and gripping his soft locks. When she nibbled on his lower lip, he let out a small growl and he could her the small chuckle that left her.
The feeling of her body pressed up against him sent a wildfire rushing throughout his body from head to toe. He groaned as he wanted to feel more of her against him. He knew this feeling all too well. He knew that this was what he should have felt when kissing the Hyuuga. He knew that there were only certain reasons why he felt this with only Ino. He knew that this was partially because he had lusted after her (like any normal human being) and that he had true feelings for the blonde in his arms and she had feelings for him as well. It was an amazing feeling.
"My my," she purred out, sending shivers down his spine. "We haven't even had our first date."
He blinked pulling away from her, realizing that their position was different from when they first began kissing. She was gazing up from beneath him with hooded eyes the shimmered like rolling waves, her hair was in disarray around her. There were red marks littering her collarbone, her lipstick smudged and one side of her blouse was falling off her shoulder. He felt his face heat up with embarrassment and shame, not wanting her to think that he was simply trying to undress her. She propped herself on her elbows, pulling up the strap of her blouse and she brushed back the bangs that fell in front of her eyes. A coy grin was on her lips as she breathed heavily.
"You've got something," she murmured, wiping away the lipstick at the corner of his mouth. "There you go."
"Ino, I'm sorry, I-I didn't-"
A slender finger pressed firmly against his lips and she shook her head, as if reassuring him that she had been fine with what had happened. "It's fine, I promise." She smiled gently as they removed themselves from one another. They sat side by side on the couch, Ino leaning against him and his arm around her shoulders. It was familiar and she smiled to herself. "You know, just because we kissed doesn't mean that you get to skip the wooing stages of this relationship. I expect dates and presents." She smiled as she heard him chuckle, his hand tightening its grip around her shoulder. "And I also expect you to properly ask me to be your girlfriend. You've got your work cut out for you, Naruto."
"It'll be worth it." He stated in a matter-of-fact tone that caused her to feel embarrassed, which she wasn't used to. She swatted at his chest, laughing gently. Knowing herself, she would probably get impatient with the courting stages, after all, she had been waiting for this moment for a while now but she was a hopeless romantic. She just wanted to experience what she had wished for as a child and what she longed for throughout her teenage years. She wanted to enjoy this moment a little longer, but she knew that even she, would easily lose her self-control if they stayed like this.
"Alright, how about I make dinner. I'm sure you're hungry after that fight," the blonde woman stated, while getting up from the couch. She tossed a look at him from over her shoulder. "I'll make anything you'd like."
The Uzumaki beamed brightly and he crossed his arms over his chest, in thought. He opened his mouth to reply to her but a tap on her window caused him to not respond. She walked over to the window, opening it. A scroll was handed between them and she bowed as she turned. "Looks like dinner will have to wait," she said with mild disappointment as she handed the scroll over to the man sitting on her couch.
"They always have the worst timing," he muttered, taking hold of the scroll. With a flick of his thumb, he popped open the seal, his eyes scanning over the contents before he let out a sigh.
"How long will you be gone," Ino asked, leaning against the counter in her kitchen.
"Just a few days. We leave tonight." He replied, another sigh leaving him. He was sad that he wouldn't be able to eat her food (Kurama too). He got up from the couch, smoothing out his clothes and he walked over to the Yamanaka. She looked at him with gentle eyes, her fingers reaching out to brush his hair from his eyes before they caressed the side of his face gently.
"Be safe or else," she muttered in a mock threat.
He chuckled gently. "Always." He leaned down, giving her a chaste kiss, knowing if he kissed her any longer, he wouldn't leave. "I'll come see you first thing when I get back, okay?"
She scrunched her nose slightly, a devious grin touching her lips. "Take a shower first, it's bad enough that you're filthy now, I don't want your stench to mess with the plants."
His hand touched his chest as he feigned being hurt by her words and she rolled her eyes, nudging him away from her. "Go on," she said with a gentle laugh.
"Right." He leaned back in, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "I'll be back soon, Ino!" He moved to head down the stairs but paused, looking at her from over the shoulder. "Oh and you look really beautiful like that!"
"Leave!" She exclaimed with a laugh, shooing him away with a flick of her hands. He called out his farewell as he bounded down the stairs. She let out a sigh as she heard the door close. Running a hand through her hair, she felt her face heating up. "Idiot," she murmured under her breath, biting her lower lip gently.
But he was her idiot.