R&R
Roomies
The Realist: Okay guys, so this is a short chapter, note at the bottom explains why. Enjoy!
Chapter Six-Part 1
Ino knew loneliness when she saw it. She could see a person's burdened past by the way they held themselves, the look in their eyes, and the weight of their voice as they spoke. It wasn't empathy exactly, she had always had a happy and easy life compared to some, but perhaps it was that very fact that drew her to those types. She wanted to soothe them, to make them come out of the shell they hid themselves behind, to see and appreciate the good things that life had to offer. She wanted them to stand tall, with confidence, ready to take on the world in all its harshness.
And it was because of this that she felt a pull when she first saw him. It was more than the beautiful craft he created with the colorful sand that caught her attention, the way his hands worked swiftly and masterfully as sand spilled down, painting the canvas with a colorful array of swirls and sharp lines, contrasting against each other to create a story only he really knew.
"It's beautiful," She told him, her gaze holding his own as she spoke.
They held each other's gaze for longer than they should have, and it was him that first averted his gaze. But she got more than enough from the look of those turquoise eyes, the hardness and aloofness that spoke what words wouldn't in that moment. They were the eyes of someone that had seen the harsh realities of life and suffered from something inconceivable.
Ino wasn't the type to feel pity. Pity meant you felt sorry for someone, that you thought they were unfortunate in their forthcomings.
No. Ino could never pity someone. Not when they stood in front of her, breathing, standing, creating art.
No.
Ino admired him. She admired him because despite whatever tragedy he had suffered, he had overcome it. And if he hadn't, then he still persevered. He continued to move forward, to live, despite everything the world or people had to say about it. He was here, solid, moving. And even if he did have a burden to carry, he would only become stronger because of it.
He didn't reply to her comment, but silence only fueled her drive.
"What's your name?" she asked, stepping closer.
He eyed her, apparent disinterest in his gaze, but she knew otherwise. He was wary of her, keeping her at bay, gouging her intent. But it wasn't as if he was a cornered animal, there was no fear of her that she could sense. Curiosity perhaps, distrust most likely. Or perhaps she was reading far too much into it and he really just wasn't interested in her at all.
"Gaara."
His reply surprised her, for more than a single reason. She had thought it would take more for him to indulge her, but then again, it was only a name. But more than that, it was the weight of his voice that surprised her. It was deep, riveting, and full of authority. She could see that perhaps her previous image of him had been wrong. This man wasn't someone easily pushed around, someone easily subdued.
This man was the type that you listened to with undivided attention, that you waited to be spoken to rather than speak to first. Suddenly Ino felt as if she had spoken out of line, as if she was intruding on someone she shouldn't be. It was irrational she knew, so she shook it off and smiled instead.
"Nice to meet you Gaara. My name's Ino, are you a freshman?"
She asked because she hadn't seen him around before, and she couldn't imagine how she could miss someone with such fiery red hair and a tattoo on his forehead. 'Love', it said. The kanji seemed to clash with his disposition, and she couldn't help but feel more intrigued by it. She wanted to know the story behind it, but something told her it might not be something she should outright ask. He was silent again, as his hands continued their work on the canvas.
"Transfer student," he finally replied, his gaze tracing the sand's patterns to see if it was what he wanted from it.
Ino resisted the urge to frown at the lack of an answer to her question. While he answered a part of her unspoken question, he effectively avoided telling her whether he was a freshman or not. He could be a freshman and transfer, or he could be anything else.
"Where did you transfer from?" she asked instead.
He glanced at her again, and she was almost sure he felt she was asking too many questions.
"Iwa University," he replied in the same unchanging voice all his answers seemed to be made in.
"That's quite the distance from here," she replied.
"Yes."
Ino smiled, and decided that perhaps she had asked enough questions for the day. Despite his appearance, she was surprised that she had received as many answers as she did. At least he was polite, even if it seemed he rather keep to himself.
"Thanks for indulging me Gaara, hopefully I'll see you around campus. Feel free to ask me any questions if you have them."
Gaara looked up at her, and gave her a curt nod before looking back down to the canvas beneath him.
Ino yawned as she woke from the nap she had taken after getting home from her last class of the day. She had taken a total of three exams in one day, and had to pull an all-nighter the night before to make sure she would pass them all. If she hadn't taken a nap, she would have collapsed wherever she was standing.
She grabbed the phone next to her to check the time, and smiled when she saw a text message from her significant other.
'How did your tests go?'
Her smile widened at his concern. She had complained to him last night about the all-nighter she was going to do to pull off her impossible feat, and the fact that he was checking up on her warmed her heart.
'I think I failed them all,' she replied back, although she knew she had done just fine.
She browsed her phone for some time, checking her email and social sites. Her nap had ran pretty late, and it was close to midnight by this point. Still, she knew she would not have any trouble falling asleep again. Thankfully she had no tests or significant assignments she needed to do the next day, and could sit back and relax for a bit.
His reply came some time later, and she giggled as she read the single word.
'Liar.'
She grinned and quickly replied.
'Why do you say that?' she questioned back.
She knew he was quicker to reply to her at night, and she wasn't surprised that he was awake at this hour. He was usually as busy if not busier than most people during the day, and hardly had the time to talk to her or text her. He was the type that was always on the go, and his busy schedule typically meant he stayed up late working on homework and projects. Still, he usually found more time to indulge her with responses late at night.
'You're smarter than that,' was his simple reply to her.
'I'm glad you realize I'm more than just a pretty face,' she replied with a winky face attached at the end.
She was able to watch a couple of videos online by the time his next reply came.
'I realized that the moment you convinced me to date you,' he replied, and Ino smiled warmly at the memory. Ah, what a process that had been.
'Do I hear any complaints in that statement?' she teased.
This time his text came back almost immediately.
'None. I enjoy every part of you.'
Ino smirked, knowing he had set himself up for her next reply.
'Especially my boobs right?'
Ino could practically picture the look on his face. He would raise an eyebrow, grin, and shake his head in mild amusement.
'…especially those.'
Ino laughed at his reply and turned onto her stomach as a mischievous grin grew on her face and her mind started heading in a naughty direction.
'Well… it won't be long now before you can do whatever you want with them…' she teased, her stomach fluttering at the thought.
A moment of no response followed, and Ino pouted in disappointment. She had hoped she could tease him a little bit more…. As her phone vibrated however, Ino grinned when she saw he had replied after all.
'…I hope you know there's no way I'll be able to concentrate on my work now…'
Ino laughed aloud, and felt a tad bit bad about taking his mind to the gutter. She did remember him telling her he had two tests the next day.
'I'm sorry love, I'll let you go. I have to catch up on sleep too. Goodnight, muah!' Ino added a kissy face emoji for good measure.
She put her phone away and stretched out on her bed. She let out a yawn and snuggled into her pillow while pulling the comforter over her, a smile on her face as she thought about the boy she loved like no other. She still couldn't quite wrap her mind around the fact that she was with him, no matter how many years had passed. And what felt even more surreal, was the fact that she felt like nothing could tear them apart. She was so comfortable in their relationship that she simply couldn't help but feel so at ease with everything. Their relationship wasn't perfect, they still had their arguments, differences, and hardships, but for the most part, Ino was content. She could honestly say that she had never been happier in her life.
She was the type to treasure the little things, those that she cared about like family and friends. Nothing made her happier. Which was why she was also happy to be where she was, in a house full of people that meant the world to her in their own ways. Sure, they were a weird mix, her and her roomies. But somehow, it all worked. No one would have thought it would, and everyone was surprised when it happened. First Shikamaru, then Gaara, then Deidara, and she was the last to join. She could still picture the look on Neji's face the first time she brought home a "stray", as she liked to say playfully. But she knew, she had always known that it would work out, otherwise she wouldn't have done it in the first place.
Just as Ino closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind so sleep would come easier, she heard a movement. It was light, but a sound she recognized. It was the sound of footsteps crossing the carpeted hallway just outside her door. There was a soft creaking that told her someone was walking downstairs, and Ino's brows furrowed.
She knew who it was, and for a moment pondered what she should do.
On one hand, she should be catching up on her sleep.
On the other, she knew what it meant when he went downstairs at this time of night, and she didn't like the thought of leaving him alone.
Ino frowned, as if she really had to think about it.
Without another moment's hesitation, she pulled the comforter away from her and got off the bed in her darkened room. Not bothering to turn on the lights, she headed in the direction of the door and opened it as quietly as she could. She made her way outside and tried to walk as lightly as she could down the hallways, heading in the direction of where she knew he would be.
She had to hold on to the railing as she made her way down the stairs, but saw a dim light coming from the living room. Doing the best she could with the darkness clouding her sight, Ino followed the light until the she came across the sight she was expecting.
Even in the darkness, his fiery red hair looked as bright as ever.
The Realist: Alright guys, so I'm having a reallllyyyyy hard time writing this chapter. I know what I want in it, but every time I sit in front of it, sentences refuse to come forth and finish the chapter. I have literally had this sitting on my computer for AGESSS, and every time I open it with the intention to finish it... nothing.
Sigh.
I posted this because I don't want you guys to think I've left this story. Of course not, the fun part isn't even here yet haha.
But like I said, I rather give you this than have you wait heaven knows how long until sentences decide they want to be made.
Encouragement is appreciated(Kami knows I need it).
Please don't give up on me! :(
