"Alright, what happened?" Kankuro asked once he closed the door to the conference room.
"We argued." I answered as I tried to calm myself once more.
"About what, bro?" Kankuro raised an eyebrow at me and I hesitated for a moment.
"She didn't want me to escort her to the hospital." I answered calmly, fighting the frown trying to pull my lips.
"Did you do something?" Kankuro asked, his voice laced with humor.
"No. She asked to go to the hospital and I said we were on our way there and then she got mad." I thought once more before adding, "She didn't want to be a burden and I told her it was no problem. Then she started fighting… why?"
Kankuro shook his head and laughed softly. A smile stayed on his lips before he reverted to a smirk.
"Bro, that's how woman are. They pick fights for no random reason. Just kiss and make up then you guys will forget all about it" He added before turning to open the door. I watched him enter the room and I hesitated entering.
Kiss and make-up? I guess I'm supposed to just follow the name. Really? Would one kiss make this all go away? I have to try, I guess. So if women really, pick fights for no reason… then reason forty-one.
I entered the room and took my designated seat.
"Before we begin. The reply letter from the Hokage." I stated and Zenma stepped forward with the letter.
"Kazekage." He handed the letter but I didn't grab it.
"Read it for the council to hear." Zenma's calm expression faltered before he reverted back.
"Kazekage-sama,
I understand. This is what I'd like to have done:
One. Keep medical attention on my shinobi and I want a report everyday on their status and the situation.
Two. With Yamanaka Ino being under threat, I wish for the team to stay in Suna until this situation has resolved. The rogue ninja may come after her here placing the villagers in Konoha under threat.
Three: Sarutobi Asuma can be of great use. Place him on a team to help retrieve the rogue ninja. He is specialized in close combat. Let him make reports as well.
If in need for any back-up teams or such, let me know. The Leaf Village is ready to aid an ally. I will hear from you soon, Kazekage-sama.
Lady Hokage."
There were few chats and grumbles from the council men as they spoke amongst each other. I listened attentively to the few conversations.
"Why listen to that slug queen? We don't need back-up. We have this under control."
"Maybe we should request her student, she was able to heal Kankuro-san. Maybe she can save the two leaf shinobi."
"She didn't address him formally in the letter."
I sighed inwardly. They were a difficult crowd to please. Even after they helped rescue me from the Akatsuki, the refuse help from the Leaf Village.
"Well, Kazekage-sama?" Baki looked at me and so did the attention of everyone else.
"You heard the letter. Guards will be kept in the hospital room and on Yamanaka. Sarutobi-san will be in charge of reports to the Hokage, unless I make a request to do so. Until further information is gathered from interrogation, I will hold on assigning search teams until we have more information. Understood?"
With a few "yes, Kazekage-sama" from the council men, they began to leave the meeting room.
"Zenma, Zuko." I called to them and they stopped. They waited for the rest to clear the room. "I want Zuko to stay on guard for the hospital and Ino-san. Zenma, you must focus with your team on gathering information quickly. Understood?"
"Yes." They answered in unison.
"Thank you." I dismissed as I stood to leave the room. Temari stood outside the door. Kankuro was already gone.
"Hey, Gaara. How was the meeting? Sorry, I missed. Exam business." She mumbled and I nodded.
"Fine. Hokage sent word and for now the council men agree to address to her demands." I answered as we walked down the hallway.
We were quiet for a moment. I decided I should speak. I haven't really spoken to my sister alone for some time.
"How are the Chunin Exams coming along?"
"Fine, Gaara. A lot of preparation." She answered calmly.
"Hn." I nodded to her and we continued our walk until we reached my office.
"Would you like me to entertain Ino for a bit, Gaara? I'm sure you have work to be done." She looked towards the door. I couldn't read her expression or voice. It was odd.
"No. It is fine, I had work sent to my house." I needed to make up with her quickly. I didn't want her angry with me for long.
"Are you heading there now?"
"No, I will continue here for a bit. Asuma-san must be heading back to the hospital to report to her on the meeting terms."
"She won't be happy about the protection." Temari murmured and I raised an eyebrow. Maybe Temari can understand her behavior. I opened the door to the office and she followed in.
"Why is that?" I asked her as I took my seat at my desk.
Temari sat at the edge of my desk, her attention to the scattered papers on it. For a brief moment I saw Ino sitting on that desk again.
"No kunoichi likes to think of herself needing constant protection. It's demeaning." She stated and I raised my eyebrows in question.
"But she was targeted twice." I stated.
"I know, but no matter how times she may be targeted, she still wouldn't want to be guarded all the time." She answered and I furrowed my brow. What?
"But she's in danger." I stated firmer and Temari shook her head.
"I know, but she still doesn't like to be seen that way. It makes her feel weak."
"But she couldn't defend herself on her own." I furrowed my brow and Temari sighed loudly.
"Gaara. Whatever you do. Don't tell her that. It's the most demeaning thing a kunoichi could hear. It's like saying 'you're too weak'. That under the restricted sayings. In-between 'you're fat' and 'you're ugly'." she lectured and I tensed.
"Gaara, I can protect myself!"
"We've seen how that proved."
I swallowed, my throat felt dry suddenly. Temari's eyes widened and she stared me down.
"Gaara, you already have didn't you?"
When I didn't answer she threw her head down.
"I see now why you want to spend time with her. You better fix it." She jumped off the desk and began to head towards the door.
"Kiss and make-up, right?" I questioned softly and she stopped to look over at me with a "huh?"
"Oh yeah, something along the lines of that." She mumbled before leaving the room.
I looked over towards the letters on the desk. So if Temari knows well, then Kankuro was right. Why would a kiss make things better? Do I just go, kiss her and she forgive me? Or do I have to talk first then kiss her? This is going to be difficult.
After finishing a couple hours of work, I left the office. I made my way towards the hospital. I immediately regret choosing to walk as I remembered our debate in front of the villagers. When I made eye contact with them, they smiled and waved. Maybe they forgot.
As I neared the entrance, a villager was leaving. She smiled at me and I returned the smile.
"I'm glad you returned Kazekage-sama. You can patch things up with her." She smiled once more before continuing her way. I stopped and stared at the doors to the hospital. She remembered earlier. So at least to her I'm doing one thing right by coming back.
I made my way towards the room. My heart beat quickened and I felt myself become uneasy. How do I do this? I've never fought with a woman before. Kankuro has never really talked about his fights either except for once he stated something along the lines of "make-up sex is the best sex." If that's true, maybe he picks fights with woman a lot. I need to ask him further one day.
I entered the room and the one to greet me was the guard. He nodded and then nodded at the direction between the beds. As I came closer to view, I noticed her sleeping once more. Well, that bought me some time.
"How long?" I asked Reeno, the guard. He looked towards the clock.
"An hour." He responded. "Sarutobi-san left an hour ago to rest and she remained stationed here. There has been no suspicious activity since my shift."
"Very well. When is the next shift change?"
"Midnight." He stated and I nodded.
"Go eat in the cafeteria for thirty minutes." I spoke to him and he gave me a surprised look. "Your shift began at noon. You must be hungry. I'll stay until you return." I mumbled and Reeno nodded. He flashed a big smile.
"Thank you, Kazekage-sama." He bowed quickly before leaving the room.
I turned my attention to the sleeping figure. She sat with her knees tucked into her chest. Her arms crossed on top of them and her head rested on top of her arms. She sat between the beds. I furrowed my brow as I looked at her. She missed her teammates. I could only imagine how lonely this is for her.
"I'm sorry I'm not as strong as you Gaara…I tried and failed. I can't protect those I care about when needed. But I didn't expect it from you to point that out to me!"
I felt a drowning sensation inside me. A feeling of guilt. Why was I feeling this way? I turned my attention to the window. I watched the sun setting over the sand. The sky was red, pink and purple. The calming scenery began to soothe my rushing mind.
"Kazekage-sama." I turned at the statement to see Reeno standing there. "I am done, thank you."
"Yes, Reeno-san." I walked over towards Ino and stared at her expressionless face. She sighed softly when I brought my arms around her. Swiftly scooping her up in my arms, I nodded at Reeno once more before leaving the room.
I laid her body down gently on the bed and another sigh escaped her lips. She looked so peaceful and young. Not a single worry of today's events rested on her face. I turned to head to the living area until a soft sound stopped me.
"Gaara," she sighed and I tensed.
Was she awake? I turned around to see her eyes still closed and her chest moving up and down heavily. No she still showed signs of sleep. I walked over towards her and examined her up close. She was definitely sleeping.
"Don't ever leave me," She murmured before shifting in the covers.
Even in her sleep, she talks. That comment though… was satisfying. If only I could hear it from her while awake.
"Ino?" I question softly. She sighed heavily.
"Promise me." She slurred. I didn't know people can talk back when they were asleep.
"Hn?" I questioned. Her response was reason forty-two.
"I will never leave you." She murmured once more.
I froze in my spot. If only she meant it. If only. I shook the thought away. I need to focus on work.
After two hours of work, I took notice of the clock. It was ten o'clock. Maybe I should take a quick shower. I entered the room searching for my casual attire. I ignored the soft sigh that escaped her lips from sleep.
I entered the bathroom and took a shower that was much longer than necessary. I couldn't find a reason to get out of it. Before Ino-san, I was doing just fine. No sexual thoughts occurred to me. No feelings and emotions I couldn't understand. No, everything was simple. How could one blonde leaf kunoichi change everything? Maybe it was just blondes…
I stepped out of the shower and brought the towel to rub at my hair before placing it around my shoulders. I stopped when I noticed myself in the mirror. Those eyes and that mouth. I was still the same person. I looked like the same Gaara I knew. But why do I feel so different inside? I feel like not only I have changed but my appearance. But no, I still looked like the Gaara I knew. Those reasons, I needed to stick to them. I had forty-two reasons, only eight left. I not only had to stay away from her for my own good, but for hers as well. She's too happy and bubbly to be with someone like me.
A sudden sound caught my attention. I looked towards the bathroom door.
"She's awake." I muttered aloud. I hesitated to leave the bathroom. In here I was alone and safe from her challenging, unpredictable behavior. But, then again. I looked at myself in the mirror once more. "I like a good challenge."
I exited the bathroom and stood at the door to the living area. There she sat on the couch. I could only see the back of her head, but she was leaning forward. Her hair was not in a ponytail and it wasn't poofy. It was beautiful. But what was she reading?
Then a snort escaped her mouth. "I thought I was supposed to always remain protected." Her tone was annoying and I pulled my mouth into a frown. Not this again.
"You are." I answered her rhetorical question. She jumped up and looked at me. Her expression flashed one of annoyance before reverting to neutral.
"I need to have a word with you." Her neutral tone mirroring her expression. I nodded to her. She must want to speak of earlier. Keep calm. Remain neutral. Kiss and make-up. Listen.
"You have to stop moving me like that when I'm sleeping. It's creepy waking up some place different from where you had fallen asleep."
My lips twitched but I fought to keep it down. She didn't seem to be in the mood for humor.
"Second, Gaara, I am very upset of this always protected rule."
Ah, so Asuma-san has told her.
"Yes I understand they have targeted me, but for Kami's sake, I feel pathetic. I may not be the strongest one here, but I don't want to have guards all the time to remind me of it!" I want some type of change to this!"
Temari was right. She understood but still felt it to be demeaning. I definitely don't want her to believe that she is too weak.
"And third, what the hell is this about not allowing me on a team to capture these ninja? They tried to kill my teammates! I want answers, I want to punish them as well. Let me join the group. And before you say 'no, it's too dangerous' or some shit, listen to my logic. Every mission of B rank or higher should have a medic nin to accompany them. And as you said yourself, you don't have many medic nin. So why not allow me, to be as a medic nin to accompany to the team. I am aware of some of their strengths and I can be of great value. What am I supposed to do here? Just keep visiting the hospital and sit there until they wake up or I come here to go to bed? I'm bored Gaara, and the longer I have nothing to do the angrier I get. Now talk." She crossed her arms and stared at me. Her anger was evident.
She made a good argument. But even I have thought of it and assigned a medic. And she's bored… Kankuro was right. I had to find other ways to entertain her. I will.
"You will always be protected someway. Whether by me, your sensei, or a guard at the hospital. I will not change that. And no, I do not permit you to be a part of this mission." She scoffed but I continued. "Even though you do have a great point. I already have a medic nin assigned. I have taken one of the medic ninjas in training who have surpassed their skills."
"Then what the hell am I supposed to do, Gaara?" She shouted as she made her way towards me. She stopped standing in front of me. A finger pointing accusingly at me. Remain calm… remain calm… "I want to be part of this! Put the medic nin in the hospital where he is needed and let me go! How come Asuma may be on it, but I can't? Do YOU believe he has more value than me? Is it because I failed and you think I may do the same on the mission? Why him and not me? Why-"
"Because the hokage said he may be on it." I shouted at her. She was so accusing, she was loud, and she was so talkative. How can anyone remain calm around her? "I didn't want either of you two to be on the mission. I didn't want anything else to happen to the both of you, but the hokage had granted permission for your sensei to be on the mission. So I let it be."
I finished and stared at her. Her mouth hung open and her face was of shock. Now was my chance. I had to make-up for shouting at her. I stepped forward to break the barrier of air between us and pressed my lips against hers. Her lips were so soft and warm. My anger began to retreat as I kissed her. I broke the kiss when I felt all my anger gone. She stood there. Shock filled her face along with a blush. Kankuro was right… kissing and make-up made everything better.
"G-Gaara, what was that for?" She stuttered and I froze. What? Did she not know?
"Isn't that what you are supposed to do?" Oh no, was my brother wrong? But he seemed so sure…
"What do you mean?"
"Kiss and makeup. That's what Kankuro said." She didn't show any emotion. Oh no, what if I assaulted her? "Was he wrong?"
Suddenly, she laughed with a shake of her head. Why was she laughing? Was he right then?
"Oh Gaara," she breathed with another laugh before heading into the bedroom. She climbed in the bed then stopped to look at me. A smile still playing on her face.
"Women." I muttered as I turned to head on the couch.
An hour later I sat on the couch working on the paperwork brought earlier. I paused momentarily to stare at the fan letter in my hand.
A soft sound on the table caught my attention. I looked up to see blonde and blue. Big blue eyes staring at me. Her blonde hair hung down below her hips. Her outfit… was dangerous. A black top with lace and matching underwear. The top was tight around her breasts which pushed them forward. While it became looser towards the end, flaring at her hips. Her underwear had matching lace and hugged her hips. It was mouthwatering. I looked her once more before stopping at her face. A beautiful face that held depth in her cerulean eyes.
"You need to get some sleep," she whispered. Her voice didn't hold any meaning to it.
"I'm behind on work." I replied and she shook her head lightly. She stood up to her full height and extended a hand towards me.
"Come lay with me." She stated gently like the time before.
This time I agreed to it. I knew I shouldn't. I knew I should stay away, but I couldn't. I took her hand in mine and followed her to the bedroom. I climbed in automatically beginning to feel the day's events weighing on my eyelids. This is what it's like to feel tired. Ino headed towards the bathroom and after a minute exited. I got a better view of her. Her underwear covered only half of her behind. Making her behind look even bigger. The curves were tantalizing. Why was she wearing this? Where does one get lingerie like this?
"What are you wearing?" I asked her and she shrugged her shoulders as she got under the sheets.
"It's for bed." She stated but I couldn't stop staring at the top. The material stuck out. Not only did it just emphasize her curves, but it looked so…
"It looks…" I muttered aloud trying to figure the word for it. "Soft." I ended. Just like her hair and her skin. She had soft qualities except for her personality. As far as I learned, it was tough. A giant contrast. Maybe the soft features of her appearance made up for the tough personality…
"It's silk, feel it." She smiled and my hand quickly took hold of the edge of her top. It slid through my fingers, the fabric shining in the bare moonlight. It was…
"So soft." I muttered once more. Just like her hair…
"Yeah. It's even softer here." Her voice came out smooth as she placed a warm hand over mine. She guided my hand towards the top of her shirt.
The lace slide under my fingers as I traced the bumpy pattern. I watched my fingers touch her top. It was intriguing how something so soft matched her. Her hand stayed on top of mine as she moved it further along the edge. My fingers then grazed something softer than the top. Her skin was silkier than the top. Goosebumps followed after my fingertips and a sudden rush went through me. I closed my eyes as I brought myself to calm down. Her skin was softer than hers…
"You're right." I muttered as I pulled my hand out of her grasp.
She smiled and laid down on her side to look at me. She put her arms around my shoulders once more so I would lay with her. I followed with bringing my arms around her as I did the night before. She stroked my hair gently and I found my fingers gripping her top. The soft silk slipping in my fingers. I hooked my thumbs underneath her shirt to feel her soft skin. I traced small circles on her skin. Much softer than the top. I stared in her sky colored eyes and we held eye contact. Her face only inches away from mine. Both of us lying at the edge of our pillows. Her eyes slid closed but a small smile still rested on her lips.
"Good night, Kaze-sama." She whispered. My lips twitched and I let it pull into a smile.
"Good night," I stared at her face. A pretty face that slept next to me. Me. "Ino."
Her smile widened and she began to draw small circles on my neck. My eyes closed as I took in the soft assault of her fingers. My breathing was harsh but I focused to even it out. Kankuro was definitely right. Kiss and make-up is the best strategy after a fight.
Well there's another update. We are finally going to get to the juicy parts soon, I cannot wait to write it! Enjoy and please review guys. You all seem to be dying out there. D: and for those of you who are sticking with me and writing to me, I love you all!