It never gets better.
Everything always gets worse.
Maybe that's what our life is based on.
After last night, I began to believe that. Gaara didn't talk much after that night. He wouldn't come near me at all. I had to sleep on the cold itchy grass instead of his solid cold body, the cold was still there but it wasn't the same thing. I woke up to the warmth of the sun and shivered. Removing my arms from around my legs, unfolding my to allow the sun to touch my body. Gaara was no where in sight and I sighed. He was still that Gaara, I see. I crawled to my feet and stretched my body, hearing many cracks and snaps erupt. I then dusted off my blood dripped dress. Guess I'll have to buy a new one again. Correction: I guess Sai will have to buy me a new one.
"Don't even think about it." I frowned. Come on. I'll just dream up another village and get another. Sai rolled his eyes, guess I didn't think him up with a funny bone.
"Before you open your mouth to bitch again, Where's Gaara?" I asked, looking about the trees. The only thing in the forest was Myself, Trees, and a figment of my imagination. It sounded like a dream world but you had to be in my position to know otherwise. Sai shrugged, that oh so hate-able smile burned his lips.
"I'm not sure, shouldn't you keep your boyfriend on a leash or something? That's a law isn't it?"
My blue eyes scanned tree after tree, not exactly paying attention to Sai's useless bitching.
Jeez, It felt like one of those days. When I would be in my room with the door locked and my mother would be on the other side of the door and would bitch on and on about something. Sai was like my mother, how creepy is that? Huh. Sai does look a little feminine in that shirt.
"Maybe it would be a smart idea to call Gaara's name?" Sai mentioned, taping the side of his forehead with his fist like it was obvious to think of that first. Tch, I'm not that blonde. Slowly my blondeness processed the information from Sai's words and I took action.
"Gaara! Oh, Gaara!" I called out in a mocking tone, cupping my hands around my mouth.
"Good job, at least you're trying then you're doing your best." Sai nodded, giving me thumbs up. Touche. I sighed, he could have ran away already to another village. God, I'm not very good at this girlfriend thing.
"Are you looking for me?" I turned to a tree and my eyes glided up the trunk and to the branches. There was prince charming sitting on a branch, one leg over the other, his arms crossed. Huh, with his weight he should have broken the branch.
"What the hell are you doing in a tree?" I asked dully, so not getting it. My excitement to see him was overruled by the question of the giant tree in front of me.
"It's easier to keep a look out for attackers." He stated. I didn't believe him whatsoever.
"That or you're avoiding me." I sighed and as if on cue, he bit his lip and looked off.
Lucky guess. Gaara unfolded his legs and jumped from the branch and landed on the patch of ground next to me.
"Maybe so but it's for your safety."
Gaara said as he rose to stand tall.
I expected his arms to wrap around me but they didn't, it felt awkward and I wrapped my arms around myself so I wouldn't break the habit of that feel.
"Cold?" Gaara questioned, noticing my action with a raised eyebrow. I shook my head.
"Not cold enough, wanna help that?" I asked and he smirked, a piece of him coming back to life.
"Maybe."
I frowned, how long would he tempt me?
"What happened to me being your addiction? You quitting me?" I asked, smiling sadly at the statement as I lowered my head.
"Maybe I should, plenty of other medication out there."
I sighed and went up to Gaara, my head leaning into his chest. I let out a long breath, one that cleared my burning raw emotion to jump him.
"I love you." It was silent, a calm breeze rushing past the both of us. Slowly Gaara's arms were raised and gently held me against him.
"I love you too..." He breathed and locked his arms securely around me.
"You promised never to leave my side, to never let me go." I said, my voice whispered and I knew I was chocking up on this.
"We're going to be together forever, no matter what happens right?" I asked, my blue eyes looking up at him.
"I don't think I can hold my promise but I'll try for your sake."
That was good enough for me.
"So." I finally spoke up.
"Does that mean the game's over?" I tried to make it sound like a joke but it only came out as an attempt to fix what broke.
"I believe so, I won." Gaara said with a smirk. So it came to this.
"Yeah, but you cheated." I said, pulling my head from his chest to come face to face with my psychotic boyfriend.
"Really now, I could never cheat Ino-chan, did your little blonde brain ever think that I was just that good at our game?" I pouted, my little blonde brain was offended by his words.
"You're mean." Gaara smirked and leaned to kiss my forehead.
"You're beautiful." Those sweet coated words hit my heart and it crumbled into dust.
"Yeah, I know." I joked and slid out of his arms, linking one of his hands in mine. Every inch of my body tingled from his cold touch and everything felt right.
"Are you ready for this?" He asked and I took a deep breath. Not in the least. I squeezed his hand and he lead me to the massive gates of the Leaf Village, I closed my eyes and stepped forward into my old hometown of Kohona. It looked as if it never changed. It has only been months but I thought something would happen.
"Ino-chan?" I mean come on, this quiet little village just stays boring. Maybe someone died or something.
"Ino-chan!" I mean death is exciting, no comment.
"INO-CHAN!" Just like that I was jumped into a hug and my body was spinning.
Well good thing Naruto was here to greet me, I thought the welcoming committee had forgotten me.
"Finally! I thought you were never coming back!"
Naruto said, pulling back from my body and gave me a smile.
"W-Who told you I left?" I asked, my head still spinning.
"Tenten and Kiba." Once I could finally focus again, I took a good look at the blonde. Damn, a few months did a lot for him. Naruto grew a few inches so he was now taller then me, his eyes seemed deeper blue and I could read them so easily. The whisker marks stayed in their rightful place on his cheeks, the fox was still in him then. His demon still with him as well as me. Two of a kind.
"It's good to see you again Naruto, you've grown up." Naruto ran a hand through his hair, he laughed.
"Ya think so? Sakura-chan said so too." Sakura? At least one of us didn't disappear. I couldn't wait to see her.
"Hey Ino, did ya cut your hair or something?" Naruto got smarter too, Damn.
"Yeah, I look bad don't I?" I said, running a hand through my short blonde hair. Naruto tilted his head, still smiling.
"Course not, You look great for your first time back." I shrugged, hey why not believe it?
"Did you hear about Sasuke?" Naruto asked and I frowned.
"He died awhile back, An open gash in his back, right in my bedroom."
"I'm sorry, Naruto." I said softly, more guilt piling in my heart.
"It's fine, Hey maybe we could visit him, you were close to him right?"
I gave a weak smile,"Yeah, Kinda."
"Alright, I'll meet you at the cemetery."
I nodded and attempted to swallow the huge lump that formed in my throat,"I'll be there."
The blonde gave me one last smile before running off, waving at me as he left.
"Are you sure you can handle that?" Gaara asked, lacing my hand back with his. I had no answer for that really. I couldn't stand seeing a gravestone knowing I was the reason for the dead body. Hadn't I suffered enough?
"I don't know."' I said, dropping the conversation on just that answer. I slowly made my way into the village, finding the old flower shop. Looking through the shop window, I could see every flowerpot in place and I wonder if Hinata was still home.
"Home sweet home, eh?" Gaara whispered and I leaned my head against his shoulder.
"Everything's falling apart since I left, I shouldn't have come back." All I was doing was coming back to relive my mistakes. I was cursed everywhere I go but only in Konaha I felt the old Ino return. Stepping back into the village, I felt all the memories flood my mind, I watched myself drown.
Not giving a damn if I could save myself, I deserved to fall. I let go of Gaara's hand and go into the shop, I would have to do this by myself sometimes.
"I swear Hinata, It's too obvious, Naruto practically wants you." I opened the door, the little bell above the door rang.
"S-Sorry Sakura but I don't think I'm the right girl." I slammed the shop door and looked to the main counter where I found Hinata. A girl with short pink hair span to face the door, she smiled.
"Well look who finally came home." Hinata's face brightened.
"Ino-chan, you've returned!" I staggered slightly as I was jumped into a hug by Hinata.
"Um, Nice to see you too Hinata." I blinked, awkwardly wrapping my arms around her.
"Don't I get a hug?"
Sakura grinned, spreading her arms wide. I pulled away from Hinata.
"You wish Billboard brow." I joked and Sakura laughed.
"So Ino-pig, How's life with Psycho over in Suna?" God, Tenten and Kiba have a big mouth. I shrugged, what could I say? He's scared to hurt me so we're kinda not together. I'm losing my mind to be near him and I might have an emotional breakdown.
"Fine." I replied dully.
Sakura blinked and gave me a judgemental look,"Just fine? You leave the village to be with the boy and everything turned out fine?"
I nodded with a careless shrug,"Yup."
Sakura groaned, shaking her head. "I don't believe this, I risk my life to help you escape from a hospital and things are just fine! What more do I have to do?" I scowled, since when was it any of her damn business.
"Nothing, Gaara and I are fine. We don't need any help and neither do I."
Hinata sighed, finally speaking up. "Y-You changed Ino." I turned to the shy girl, and what exactly did she know? Nobody even asked what she thinks.
"Look I came here for some flowers to take to Sasuke's grave."
Sakura frowned and her head bowed, her pink locks blocking her face. I guess she heard what happened to him too. I asked Hinata to wrap up a mixture of roses and other flowers, just something to put at Sasuke's grave. After all it was good to get one of every kind, Sasuke didn't live long enough for me to know things like that about him.
"Thanks Hinata, I'll see you two later." I waved and quickly went to the door.
"Ino." I stopped in mid step, looking over my shoulder. "Eh?"
Sakura smiled, her hand held out a rose. "Put this at Sasuke's grave for me."
I nodded, turning around to take it. I guess Sakura wasn't strong enough to go to his grave either.
"Of course." I said and the rose slid out of her hand.
"I'm worried, Ino-chan." Hinata spoke softly and folded her small pale hands over her chest as her violet looked dull of their color.
I sighed and shook my head,"Don't worry about me Hinata, I'm not worth it." Then I walked out of the shop, seeing Gaara leaning against the shop's front, his arms crossed.
"You waited?" I questioned with a tilt of my head, thin strands of my blonde hair edging my face. He looked to me and simply nodded.
"I always do, only for you." Gaara fully stood and looked to me. I blinked, his green eyes easy on me, his cold pale hand to my cheek.
"What is it?" I asked in a small tone, for some reason I felt a bit of worry pick at my core. Gaara gave a weak smile.
"It's nothing." His hand dropped from my cheek into my hand.
"Ready?" I took a deep breath and nodded. As we walked, my eyes were glued to the sky. Dark grey, it looked as if it was going to rain. People passed us by, eying us, so I guess they saw us differently too. I bet they were jealous of it. At least Gaara and I found love, Well while it lasted.
The cemetery wasn't very far from the shop which was good, I had a nice little walk with Gaara.
I found Naruto leaning against the tall black sign that welcomed the mourning to the cemetery. KONOHA CEMETERY. It was as obvious as it gets.
"Naruto." I called out and began my search. It was easy as he was the only one at the cemetery and at my calling, the blonde looked my way and smiled, he must of saw the flowers in my arms.
"You came."
I smiled at him, baring the bouquet of flowers. "Of course I did."
Naruto's smile grew and he nodded to Gaara and Gaara nodded back. A boy greeting, I suppose.
"Are you sure you can do this? Do you want me to come with you?" Gaara whispered in in my ear and I squeezed his hand, silencing him.
This was something I had to do on my own. As much as I wanted to hold his hand as much as I could, I had to let go. "It's fine, I have Naruto. We'll be fine." Gaara nodded and looked back to Naruto.
"Take care of her." Naruto nodded, rubbing his neck.
"Yeah, sure." Gaara took hold of my shoulders, turning me to face him. My chin was lifted to look at his face. With no words spoken, my face was brought closer and we kissed. It felt real. Like the old Gaara had returned for a few seconds before the kiss ended. Strong arms held my body against his.
"Be safe." I smiled, hugging him back.
"Okay dad."
Gaara sighed and rolled his eyes before setting a serious gaze upon me,"I'm serious."
I pulled away from him and kissed his cheek. "I know." Slowly I pulled myself away from Gaara and went to Naruto, both of us nodding, we went into the cemetery. I looked over my shoulder to see Gaara waving, a weak smile on his face. I looked ahead of myself but just for a second I looked over my shoulder again. He was gone.
It was a quiet walk to Sasuke's grave,coming upon just a normal rock among all the others except this one had the Uchiha Clan crest craved on the rock.
There were many flowers crowding around the rock, a chained necklace hanging over the grave with the Uchiha symbol.
A small picture frame leaned against the lower part of the rock, a smirk on Sasuke's lips.
He looked better with the color in his face as he looked so alive. I sighed, placing the bouquet of flowers on the ground. I took Sakura's single rose and set it on top of the stone.
"How close were you to Sasuke?" Naruto asked and I looked to him with frozen eyes as I kept silent. Awkwardly, his hands went in his pockets, his face becoming blank as he set his emotionless blue eyes upon me and the spotlight honestly killed. "Well, We were sorta a couple, kinda a one night stand sort of thing." I said and Naruto weakly smiled.
"What about you?"
Naruto closed his eyes, breathing in deeply before giving his answer. "We were best friends, we were both so alone but then we got closer."
I hugged myself, a cold breeze flowing past us. "I'm so sorry Naruto."
Naruto only shrugged, no big deal, right? "It's not that bad."
I bit my lip, my curiosity growing. "Naruto, how many times have you been here?"
Naruto ran a hand through his blond hair again as he looked up at the sky, as if trying to recall the numbers .
"I come here everyday." The loose black school tie floated with the wind, the breeze swaying my body and my hair in the wind.
"Ya know Ino, I never told anyone this." I blinked, tilting my head. Eh? Naruto looked in a daze, his deep blue eyes to the stone.
"I come here everyday." I nodded, I got that part.
"Have you ever have someone you loved die?" Naruto suddenly asked and I nodded. Sasuke... Naruto must mean he loved Sasuke like a brother. To have someone just liked him disappear.
"I loved Sasuke-kun..."
I nodded with a weak smile on my face. "Like a brother..."I attempt to supply, getting to the point.
Naruto gave a hoarse laugh and shook his head. "So much more...I never told anyone, now even Sasuke won't know."
My heart cracked, Naruto was just like me. I never expected that at all, I didn't know Naruto loved Sasuke.
"You're lucky, ya know?" I shook out of my thoughts, how so? You had the good life, you were accepted of your demon. You have friends, a good home, education. All except love.
"You don't live here, I've always been scared to tell Sasuke and act the way I feel." I blinked again, what could hold him back?
"Why do we have to be judged for that? For who we like?" Naruto asked, I could tell he was choking on this. His head lowered, his blonde hair covered his eyes. I wanted to take Naruto's hand and lead him to Suna. I wanted to hug him and hold his head to my chest, so he could hear my heartbeat. I wanted to take him away from all this pain.
"Aw, Naruto." I said and pulled him into me. I wanted to tell him the words he wanted to hear, Sasuke's alive, though I just couldn't lie to him.
"You don't have to be here, come with me." I offered and he shook his head.
"I...can't leave Sasuke behind." I squeezed Naruto in the hug, why him? Why not Karin? Karin deserved this kind of shit. The heartbreak. God Dammit.
Naruto could hurt Karin, blame her for all this. Instead I had to take the bullet, set the gun right to my head.
"I never got to tell him..." Naruto said softly, crying. Take a deep breath.
"I'm sure he felt the same way." I said, wiping my eyes. Close your eyes.
"We could only hope." Naruto weakly laughed and his arms wrapped around me. Finger on the trigger.
"It's all my fault." Let the bullet free. "I'm sure it's not, don't blame yourself for this Ino-chan." And hit my heart.
"I killed Sasuke." The cold breeze swept past us again and we were frozen.
"He took my virginity and I took his life." I said in a broken whisper.
"I'm sorry Naruto, I'm sorry." It was like no matter what I said, it couldn't make up the debt I owed to both of them.
"I won't believe that..." I pulled back, wiping the tears that rolled down the whisker marked cheeks.
"Naruto..." Naruto threw my arms from his body.
"I'll bring him back!" I was spaced out. You couldn't bring the dead to life, life only goes forward. Never turning it's head to pity one person. Nobody was blessed with that.
"Naruto...stop it-" I started.
"What do you suggest then, Since you're his girlfriend?" Naruto glared, shaking his head. My jaw dropped, a sharp spark image of my bloody hands appeared in my head. I held my head, gritting my teeth so I wouldn't scream. Finally there was peace in my mind and I looked at Naruto.
"You weren't even here for the funeral." Naruto whispered. I shook my head and walked past Naruto, pushing him back with my shoulder.
"I didn't have to be here for Sasuke to know my feelings." I said and left Naruto at the grave.
Why couldn't Naruto understand?
The sun was still dead and the rain was coming down softly.
I kept walking through the village holding my arms over my head to protect myself from the rain, It was then I found the hospital.
The main reason I came home snapped in my mind. Konohamaru. I went into the hospital to find the boy. I walk up to the counter.
"I'm looking for a boy, Konohamaru." I said and the nurse looks up from her typing on her computer.
"Sorry miss but visiting times are over." I blinked dully, not giving a damn. "Is he here or not?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't see that as any of your concern, are you a relative of his?" I nodded,"Yeah, I'm his sister." The nurse raised an eyebrow.
"Come on lady, I ran around the village in the rain to see him." The nurse's look softened then she nodded.
"Name?" I sighed, trying to remember Konohamaru's last name.
"Sarutobi Ino." I said at last and the nurse nodded. "Room 207."
I slowly pass the desk and find myself back in those hollow white hallways, It all seemed out of place. To think I used to live here, that I actually liked being here. I was never outside the room to see. I heard the fumble of sounds, chatter and the beeping of machines recording the heartbeat. I could just image the flat green line and the last breath. So positive, huh? When your in a hospital, nothing's very positive. Trailing down the hall, I found 207. I walked into the room, seeing only one bed, one TV and a table. Other then that, the room was empty. There in the bed was a boy.
"Konohamaru..." I whispered, the head of the boy turned, his eyes dully laid on me.
"Ino-chan!" He said cheerfully, smiling even when most of his teeth were crooked. I walked closer to his bedside with a weak smile.
"How ya doing kid?" I asked and the boy jumped to hug me.
"It's been so boring here! Jeez, I was wondering when you were going to come back for me!" Konohamaru began and I awkwardly hugged him back.
"I missed you too kid." I lied, hadn't I committed enough crimes? What was on my list now? Ah, break a young boy's heart with lies. Hm. Check.
"Finally you get to see me with your eyes open, Ino-chan." Konohamaru giggled.
"Yeah, I can't believe how cute you are." I mocked, pinching Konohamaru's cheeks.
He swatted my hands away.
"Jeez, don't get so mushy Ino-chan." I laughed, so this was what it's like having a younger brother.
To not be an only child.
I liked it. "Miss, you really must leave." I looked to the doorway, seeing the nurse.
"No way lady, I just got here." I argued, Konohamaru grabbed my arm.
"You're not leaving...are you Ino-chan?" I looked at him, automatically giving in.
"No kid, I can stay for awhile longer." The nurse cleared her throat.
Miss." She said sternly.
"You just got here, you can't leave!" Konohamaru wined, gripping my arm tighter.
"I know kid...relax I'm not going anywhere." The nurse's glare proved she wanted me dead or out of the room now. I'd bet on both.
"There is always tomorrow Miss Sarutobi." Two other nurses entered the room and took hold of my arms.
"Let go." I warned and shook violently.
"Ino-chan, come tomorrow! Promise me you'll come back!" Konohamaru shouted as I was dragged out of the room.
"I promise, I'll be back." I said before I was dragged down the hall and thrown from the building. I fell face first onto the dirt.
"You bitches! I'll be back tomorrow you hear me?" I shouted as I stood up, threading a building.
"I see things are going well." I heard from behind me.
Gaara. I dusted myself off. "Naturally." I spoke.
"It's getting dark, you'd better find a place to stay."
I blinked, what exactly was that suppose to mean? "What about you?"
He smirked and tilted his head which brushed some red hair to edge his face,"I'll be watching you."
I sighed, so not what I meant. I began to walk away, Gaara trailing behind me.
"So what was with you at the cemetery?" I asked, just curious and willing to make great conversation.
"Nothing." He stated, very dull and simple.
"It must have been pretty important." I said and Gaara nodded.
"Kazekage business." I sighed and looked to the sky.
"You know what I love about this village, you can see the stars, at night all the business lights go out and you just stop breathing." I said softly, letting Gaara catch up, so we could walk together.
"Ino, I want to ask you something." He asked and I of course I nodded to his words.
"You know, where ever we go, where ever we are, I'll love you as long as your heart beats."
My heart stopped, none of the stars were out, that was for sure.
"I know, I'm not going anywhere and neither are you." I laced my hand with his, back in my comfort zone.
"I'll never leave your side, no matter what you say, you're my best distraction." I smiled and wanted to cry to the talk of him leaving me. I'd kill myself. We went to the flower shop, I got to stay with Hinata in her room and luckily there was a tree by the window. Just like old times.
"Well goodnight Hinata." I said and laid down on my comfy blanket on the floor, right next to the window.
"Goodnight Gaara." I whispered and closed my eyes. I felt a cold blow of wind in the middle of the night and I felt suddenly chilly. I hugged my knees as the cold surrounded me.
"I love you..." I heard and then it was gone.
"I love you...too...Gaara..."
I had always hated mornings, I hated the sun in my face and the pain my crunched up body felt as I untangled.
"Dammit, Make the sun go away." I groaned and heard Hinata's bell laughter.
"Good morning Ino-chan." I made a hmph as I got up from the floor.
"Yeah, yeah. Good Morning." I grumbled and saw Hinata in her school uniform.
"I'm heading off to s-school now." I nodded, giving her a quick smile as she left the room.
"Have a good day, Hina-chan." I shouted and looked to the tree out the window. Huh. No good morning from the psychopathic boyfriend? Probably somewhere in the village. Maybe buying me nice shit. Oh! I sprinted down the stairs and out of the shop. I want new shit, the ultimate boyfriend and girlfriend experience. Shopping together.
"Gaara-kun!" I shouted, knocking people out of my way and shoving down a few kids in the way. Damn, do I have to buy a leash for him? Fuck. I'm lost. Why the hell didn't he wake me up?
"Gaara!" I shouted again, spinning in a complete circle, the world passing around me.
Slowly I saw a figure passed me by, I turned and ran to catch it.
"Gaara!" I called to it, seeing the identical red hair. He was faster than me, I knew that but when was I this slow? I pushed my body as hard as I could, trying to pump speed into my weak body.
"Wait, Gaara!" I shouted, tripping but having my feet on the ground still. I pass the crowds from before, it felt like going back in time. I chased him to the Village Gates, My voice gone from the constant calls of his name. This was not happening. If he left the village, I'd run after him. I'd fucking chase him all the back to Suna if I had too.
"GAARA!" I screamed and he stopped, slowly turning to see me before him.
"Don't leave me..." I said, my fists shaking at my sides.
"Don't you fucking leave me Gaara! I'll never forgive you if you do!" The redhead blinked and then his face softened into a warm smile.
"You'll see me again...you always do." I shook my head, my teeth gritted.
"Why...Why now? Why are you leaving me this time? For my "protection"? You can't protect me when you always leave!" Gaara shrugged and turned his back to me.
"Soon you'll find me or I'll find you, Let's call this a break in our relationship."
I stepped forward. "Fuck you! I'll never forgive you for this! I'd rather die then see you again!" Soon the crowds gathered again in the village and he was gone.
I swallowed my self pity and began moving back into the village's center. I had promised Konohamaru. I held myself together to the hospital and was on my best behavior for the nurse at the counter and then I found myself in a chair next to his bedside. In his hands was a poorly drawn card, very crummy.
"What do you think, Moegi drew it for me." Konohamaru spoke, seeing it as the most beautiful thing in the world.
"It's nice." I mumbled, feeling absolutely dead as I looked to the stupid card.
"I think she might like me, she's really nice." Konohamaru said in small excitement, turning the card at every angle.
"You like her?" I asked dully, my eyes focused on the machine next to Konohmaru, the straight green line barely twitched. No heartbeat.
"What! No, I...we're just friends." Konohamaru assured, waving his arms frantically. I chuckled, looking at the hospital gowned boy.
"Hey Ino-chan?"
I blinked and lazily turned my head to Konohamaru,"Yeah?" I asked hoarsely, nearly drowning in the thoughts that flooded my mind.
I couldn't be distracted, I had made this promise to Kononhmaru and dammit, I'll keep it.
"What's love?" He asked and my heart stopped again.
"You and Gaara-kun...I mean...you love each other right?" Konohmaru asked, rubbing his neck nervously, looking like he had struck a nerve in me.
"No, not anymore..." I said, my voice as dull as ever.
"Do you think I'll ever have that kind of love, well the kind you used to have?" He asked.
I nodded,"I'm sure you will, I love you like a brother if that counts."
He shook his head and failed his small arms, clearing I misunderstood,"No way, I mean like...love that parents have." Yeah, I wish I had that too, I thought bitterly. I felt like Gaara with his sand armor, beneath it, I was useless and oh so breakable.
"I wish I knew." I told him with a bitter shrug and looked off once again. Konohamaru edged closer to his bed, closer to me.
"So what kind of love do you and Gaara-kun have?"
I shrugged again, annoyed with the topic,"There is no love..." I whispered.
"Then what is it?" I sighed, closing my eyes as I lolled my head back.
"I really don't know anymore, kid." After all, he had left me again. There was no love left.
"Tenten-chan said you guys were always together, always connected ya know?" Konohamaru spoke up, almost arguing.
"Yeah, Well our bond broke." I said dully, touching my forehead that was pounding like a drum.
"Besides Gaara's gone." I announced sternly, pulling my legs to my body, snuggling to the back of my chair.
"Well when's he coming back?" Konohamaru asked, seeing it as simple as that. "I don't know."
I answered sadly, not sure if he was going to come back at all.
"Well go after him then!" Yeah, a three day journey to see him only for him to tell me it's over to my face. Sounds worth it.
"Look kid, When someone you love just doesn't love you anymore...they leave, there's nothing you can do to bring them back or fix what was broken." I explained, my eyes looking to the dirty tiled floor.
"Do you still love him Ino-chan?" I didn't answer, I just looked down at the floor.
"Does that mean you'll be staying here?" I nodded.
"Yeah, for awhile or so." I lied, not knowing at all. The eleven year old boy leaned over his bed bar and wrapped his arms around me.
"Don't cry Ino-chan, I wont leave you." He whispered.
"I'm not crying." I said, pulling off the tough act, I rubbed my eyes. I was too old to be crying over such things, Never to old to get my heart broken.
The only thing I had left was a shattering heart.
I could see Gaara holding it in his hands, crushing it to bits with his strength.
Then opening his hands and he would blow away the dust, his green eyes filled with greed.
Still knowing that no matter what I did, I still belonged to him and him alone.
The thoughts that filled my head made me feel almost weightless. Mostly about him. I snuggled my face into the boy's gown, soaking it with my tears.
"Ino-chan..." Konahamaru groaned, "You're getting my gown all soggy." I gave a sad laugh.
"I'm sorry Konahamaru, I'm just...venting." The boy laughed and patted my back.
"Venting? Ino, you're crying like it's the end of the world or something." I shrugged, hell maybe it was. After all, he didn't know a single thing about love.
"Shut up, I'm venting." I snapped and continued to cry. Konahamaru sighed but didn't say a thing after that.
"There better?" He impatiently asked after a moment or so.
"Yeah, Yeah." I sighed and pulled myself from the hug, I never did like hugs anyway.
"Jeez cry a river why don't ya?" Konahamaru mumbled, trying to wipe away some of the tears that soaked the gown. I looked to the clock that hung on the wall. Eight o' clock.
"Well visiting time is over." I said and got up from my chair.
"You gonna be okay by yourself, Ino-chan?" Konahamaru looked up at me with worried eyes. I bit my lip, was it okay to lie to a child?
"Yeah, I'll be fine on my own." I told him and ruffled his hair.
"Should I come with you?" He suddenly shouted as I passed out of the room. I debated with my answer.
"You can come home with me next time." I said, knowing that I was lying to the poor kid.
"But the doctors said-" I turned to look back at the kid, he smiled.
"Oh, Well hurry up and leave!" He said with a grin and shooed me away with a waving hand.
I laughed and turned forward to continue walking,"Fine, Jeez I'm going."
Hearing only the sound of my heels click against the polished marble floor.
What was I to do now?
I raised my eyes from the floor and kept my chin high.
I could only hope for the best but then again.
Luck was never in my favor.
A/n: Please Review.