Hey guys! Sorry for the late update! I took my time writing this chapter and of course, I had to have it edited by the lovely BuriedInBooks! :) It really pays to have someone look over your stories just in case you slipped up and revealed important parts of the plot that shouldn't be revealed yet. -_-"

Weee~ hope you enjoy this chapter!

(Quality takes time! Thanks for your patience!)

Chapter 25

The Twenty-fourth Complication

Break: Renew

Kiba had never before felt so afraid. Dread filled his entire body, making it hard for him to grip the steering wheel. His legs felt numb as they tried to push the pedals and he wasn't even sure how he managed to drive along the streets without causing a disaster.

All the while, he was thinking about what was going on with Ino and how this was all his fault.

How could he have been so selfish? How could he let his pride get in the way of Ino's safety? He now realized that if something happened to her, it would be on his conscience. If he accepted the olive branch she extended – the reconciliation she offered – she wouldn't be seeking comfort elsewhere. It wasn't her fault that she forgot about him. It was that damned stalker who was to blame.

It wasn't her fault that she denied him when they were children. She didn't know any better. They were both immature. He was blind to her problems and the constraints her status and wealth posed on her.

Kiba's previous realizations of why he couldn't try to be with Ino and why he couldn't forgive her all fell before him like crumbling bricks. His heart that was painfully hammering against his chest signified that he couldn't handle the thought of Ino being harmed in any way. He couldn't lose her under these circumstances. All too suddenly, he couldn't let go of her. He still cared for her. He still…

Loved her.

Yes, he still loved her. He was just so resolved in trying to forget about her, convinced that all she ever brought to his life were heartaches and frustrations. Except for the fact that she was the primary motivation behind his success, she was nothing but the cause of his sleepless nights and drunken stupors. She was the reason why he always felt the need to prove himself and why he always felt that he wasn't good enough.

What would happen now? If he managed to save Ino from that man, would he finally give in and give 'them' a second chance? Would he finally admit that she was the only one for him? Would they have a 'happily ever after', as most besotted, romance-sick girls would hope for?

He didn't give a damn. All he knew was that he needed to sabe her. He needed to protect her and be the one she would run to whenever she had problems. He needed her to stop trying to reign everything in and keep all the sadness to herself. He needed her not to need anyone but him. If it required her staying with him forever, then so be it.

"Kiba, the call won't come through," Sakura urgently said, breaking him from his thoughts. She seemed like she was choking back tears. "Inoichi-san must be busy."

"We'll go to Ino's place ourselves then," Kiba resolved forcefully. "Contact Yugito-san and ask her where Ino currently lives. Tell her to contact the cops. We need to be there as soon as we can."

Sakura blanched but nodded determinedly. This was no time to be afraid. Now was the time to fight even though they knew that the person they were going to confront was proven to be dangerous and a complete psychopath. They had numbers on their side, even though the advantage was only by one. It was clear that Kiba had some martial arts training. Sakura also had some experience with regards to that field too, all because her monster of a grandmother forced her to go through with it. Now, she felt exceedingly grateful that she listened to Tsunade.

"Hello? Yugito-san?" Sakura blurted out as soon as her call connected.

"What is it Sakura?" Yugito answered. "I'm sorry, I can't really talk right now. I'm due to a meeting in five minutes."

"This is important!" she gasped. "Ino's in trouble!"

She heard Yugito sight in exasperation. "What do you mean Sakura? She just called me ten minutes ago."

"What?! B-But we think - !"

"Calm down, Sakura. Talk slowly and tell me what you think happened."

Sakura almost thanked Yugito. Unlike most adults who shot down any justifications before even trying to listen, Ino's manager was different. The older woman was aware that Sakura wasn't the type of person who would call and burst out without any basis. With that, the pinkette inhaled and went into a narrative about what she discovered from Kiba and about the suspicions they had on Deidara.

"Are you sure about this Sakura?" Yugito asked calmly. "Ino informed me that she was with Deidara and that she was on her way home. She didn't seem to be in trouble and that was only a few minutes ago. This might be a false alarm and we might be wrongly accusing someone."

"This is Ino we're talking about!" she exploded, feeling more and more confused and anxious. "We have to make sure and even if we're wrong, we still have to check up on her! What do we really know about this Deidara guy?! He appeared out of nowhere! I don't even know him!"

"People meet people, Sakura," Yugito pointed out. "It's not as if Ino's a social pariah. She's practically the friendliest person we know."

"People like us don't just meet someone whom we instantly spend almost 24 hours with," Sakura explained. "And I know Ino. No offense, Yugito-san, but I know him more than you do and I've been with her longer. I know how she is, especially when she's not herself. She might be hiding it from us, but I already know the truth."

And she knew she made a point. People like them didn't just happen to have random friends. Most people wanted to exploit them and even though they didn't want to be judgmental, they still had to be cautious. Especially for someone as popular as Ino.

"Alright, I'll contact the cops," Yugito relented. "But only to make sure. Are you on your way to Ino's unit?"

"Yeah," Sakura confirmed. "But we don't know where it is and we were hoping you could tell us."

"We? I thought you were alone."

"Kiba's with me."

Yugito sighed again. "Are you sure this is not a fit of jealousy?"

Under different circumstances, Sakura would have laughed. She seriously hoped that Kiba still held enough feelings for Ino to be jealous of anyone.

"I don't think Kiba would go this far," Sakura said. "And besides, our stories match in some way. This is too much of a coincidence."

"Alright," Yugito said. "She lives at the penthouse suite at Golden Leaf Towers. But you can't just enter without the express permission of the owner. Ino is the most protected resident there."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Don't worry, Yugito-san. I know what to do."

"Have you told Inoichi-san about this?"

"I tried calling him. He's not answering."

"Don't tell him yet," Yugito suggested. "I don't want him exploding and causing all sorts of unwanted press over this issue. We still have to confirm if your guess is right. I'll bring the cops over as discreetly as possible."

"But he has to know!" Sakura objected. "He's Ino's father, for crying out loud!"

"Sakura," Yugito deadpanned. "I know how to handle this. You're not even sure of what you're saying. Just listen to me and don't make any unnecessary moves. And be careful."

Sakura closed her eyes in frustration and cut the line.

Kiba gave her a sideways glance. "Well?"

"Penthouse. Golden Leaf Towers," Sakura blurted out. She looked extremely pale and Kiba was suddenly worried that she might pass out.

"Don't worry Sakura. I'll do whatever it takes to protect Ino," he assured her, his eyes set.

What Sakura said next made Kiba pause for a while, "Then fight for her. Don't give up on her. You know that she doesn't deserve any of this."

What he said in response to that statement was more of a surprise to him. "I will."

When they arrived at their destination, Kiba parked expertly into a free space and rushed inside, a panting Sakura trailing behind. Oblivious to the stares of the people around them, he was about to enter the elevators when Sakura cried out, "Wait!"

Kiba gritted his teeth in impatience. "In case you haven't noticed, we have no time to wait, Sakura!"

"Are you stupid?! This is an exclusive condo and Ino's at the penthouse! She's their most prized resident!"

"So?"

"Do you really think they'll just let two teenagers walk in without so much as a 'hi'?!"

Kiba rolled his eyes. "Just in case you didn't notice, again, I'm not just a teenager. I'm Inuzuka Kiba and everyone here knows me. You're not that ordinary yourself."

Sakura scowled. Trust men to be egotistical even at a time like this. "Just how dense are you?! Almost every single one of these people is trained to keep their customers' private lives secured. And this is one of those moments where your name will not help you! You don't honestly think that these people are ignorant of what happened between the two of you when it's all over the news! You're not 'lovers' Kiba! You're just acquaintances, as you so kindly pointed out!"

Sakura's hissy fit jarred Kiba to his senses. "Alright, alright! Stop lecturing me about what happened between us. We can talk about it when we've finally made sure that Ino's fine," Kiba countered. "How are we going up there anyway?"

After asking, to his dismay, a man that looked suspiciously like the manager walked towards them, a guard trailing behind. It was clear that the men recognized Kiba because their eyes instantly widened and almost sparkled. This might be due to the fact that they were being visited by a celebrity who was associated with their most 'prized resident' in the most intriguing of ways. He almost groaned. As if they weren't used to this by now.

"Inuzuka Kiba-sama! What a pleasure!" the manager explained. "Are you here to see Yamanaka-sama?"

Kiba nearly smirked. They had just arrived and the manager was already sniffing around for gossip, pretending to be concerned with the safety of the people in the building. It was actually an effective way – exploiting one's job to know the secret lives of the celebrities. The man was practically glowing at the prospect of a potential reconciliation or drama within the walls of his workplace.

"Yes," Kiba answered. "Has she arrived yet?"

"Yes, just a few minutes ahead of you," the manager replied eagerly. "Do you want me to inform her that you're here?"

"Was she alone?"

The man instantly beamed – an expression that puzzled and alarmed Kiba. "I cannot reveal information like that about or clients, Kiba-sama. This is a private residential area. Discretion is our topmost priority, even though we know that you are a friend of Ino-sama's.

Before Kiba could open his mouth to give the man a piece of his mind, Sakura lunged forward and rammed her mobile phone against the man's ear. To Kiba's utter surprise, the man went from delighted to frightened in one second.

"Of course," the man stammered. "Y-yes. O-Of course, Itachi-dono. Yes. I will. Right away sir."

"Itachi?" Kiba mouthed towards Sakura, who merely shrugged and glared at the man.

When the manager returned the phone to Sakura, she pulled him by his collar until they were seeing eye to eye. Kiba glared at the people who dared to stop and stare, silently signaling for them to 'move it'.

Even though Sakura was a whole head shorter and a delicate-looking female at that, the manager visibly cowered. The guard moved forward and tried to stop Sakura when she growled, "Poke your nose in, you hypocritical piece of shit, or I'll call Itachi again and tell him what's going on around here. I'll make sure to have your balls."

"W-What is your name, miss?" the man choked out. "So that we'll be sure to have give you the best welcome when you come back."

Now Kiba was definitely confused. Why was this man suddenly kissing the very ground Sakura was walking on?

"Haruno Sakura," Sakura declared, letting go of the man. "Sasuke's fiancée."

With that statement, the manager finally let them through with the guard as escort. Kiba was actually grateful that the idiot had some brains to have them accompanied. Since they weren't sure what was going on with Ino, it was best they brought someone who was armed and who had the means to communicate with the security of the entire building.

As they entered the elevator, Kiba turned to Sakura and murmured to her ear, "What was that all about?"

Sakura smiled wanly. "Itachi owns this place. I knew that there was something familiar about the name when Yugito-san mentioned it. It's one of the many residential units and areas that he started."

Kiba whistled. "Pays to be engaged to Sasuke once in a while huh?"

Sakura rolled her eyes and aimed a half-hearted punch towards Kiba's arm. The elevator guy was looking at them nervously. No doubt Sakura's wrath already reached his ears.

Kiba stood silently, his hands feeling clammy as he stuffed them in his pockets. He felt his vision blur temporarily, haunted by visions of Ino drenched in blood with the sick bastard hovering over her. What was worse was that if he touched her in any way. He would never be able to forgive himself if something, anything, happened to her.

The minutes it took to travel up the fifty floors of the building seemed like an eternity. If he could, he would fly up the entire thing and smash every frigging door to get to where Ino was.

He felt his soul leave his body when the elevator doors opened to reveal a massive entryway. It led to ornate double oak doors illuminated by a warm orange light with fresh flowers adorning the tables. It seemed like a waiting area because it had stylish couches and a small flat screen television at the far corner.

He nearly flew from the elevator to Ino's door, pressing the doorbell hard. When Ino wasn't answering, he began banging at the wood with his fist.

"Ino!" he shouted. "Ino! It's Kiba! Open up!"

He waited with bated breath as the door opened to reveal Ino wrapped in a bathrobe with a look of supreme irritation on her face. Aside from that, her eyes were red and had pronounced bags under them, evidence that she had been crying. Since she didn't have time to fix herself up, there was no way to hide the truth this time. Her face said it all – Yamanaka Ino was definitely not well.

"What's this all about?!" Ino snapped, her voice hoarse. "I was sleeping and you just barge in her unannounced! How did you get my address anyway?!"

"Before Kiba could respond, Sakura appeared from behind him and said, "We had to ask Yugito-san. We thought you were in danger."

Ino's eyes widened at Sakura's sudden appearance. "S-Sakura?"

Sakura met her blue orbs with sadness. "You don't need to hide from me, Ino. You did that once before. Why do you keep hiding from me when you have problems? We're supposed to be best friends. And if you think for one second that I can't handle your drama, I definitely can. You know that I went through tough times too."

"I-It's not that," Ino said, her fingers combing through her disheveled hair. "I just wanted to get away for a while."

"Then at least tell me that you plan to do that!" Sakura suddenly exploded, her eyes filled with tears. "Don't make me feel like I'm a useless idiot who doesn't even know what's going on with her best friend!"

Ino nodded without any objections. She then looked at the both of them and asked, "Why do you think I'm in trouble."

This time, it was Kiba who answered, "Deidara."

"What about him?" Ino inquired, looking completely puzzled. "He just left a while ago."

Kiba's face immediately turned to an angry shade of red. "You let that man in?! How could you let a stranger inside your home?! Are you really - ?!"

"He's not a stranger!" Ino interjected furiously. "Deidara's my friend and – !"

"That's what exactly what Sakura was pointing out!" Kiba interrupted her. "If you need someone to talk to, talk to us! Don't look for strangers who could very well be the same man who clobbered your head years ago!"

"Clobbered?" Ino repeated. "What the hell are you blabbering about?!"

Kiba's eyes bugged out of their sockets. Seriously?! She really has no idea what I'm talking about?!

"When we talked before, you told me that you can't remember the face of your stalker. I met Sakura a while ago because she was asking me where you were. I told her about Deidara and she said that you met your stalker under similar circumstances. All because you tried to hide your problems from your friends!"

Ino's brow furrowed. "I know that. Dad told me all about the incident."

"Weren't you told that the man who attacked you matches Deidara's description?!" Kiba barked, getting more and more impatient at having to explain why exactly this woman was in danger.

To their absolute surprise and horror, Ino laughed. What she said next shook them up.

"Of course I know that! Deidara is that bastard's twin brother! He confessed his identity the moment he first brought me to his studio."

The moment was perfect.

There she was, kissing a perfectly handsome and decent guy under the burning orange sky, the sunset illuminating their forms by the sandy shores of the beach. For the first time in her life, she felt wanted. But she wasn't happy.

Her mind and heart would always drift back to visions of brown hair and brown eyes that surged with passion and will. Her ears would hear the promise that spoke of a future where she would always be treasured, loved, and protected. Her nose could only pick up the scent of a musky cologne with a hint of wildness that could only belong to him. His hands were burned into her memory – the sensation of the numerous callouses that were the results of hours spend with his beloved instruments.

They only kissed once but she couldn't shake him off.

There was no trace of the blonde boy that was currently touching her lips to his own at that moment. Her mind was filled with Inuzuka Kiba.

She moved away from Deidara, her head bowed down in shame. Tears suddenly flowed down her face without preamble. Her shoulders began to shake as her companion embraced her, understanding how she was feeling without any need for words.

They stayed that way for what seemed like ten minutes. Ino felt that every bit of moisture from her body was already drained. She hiccupped as she broke free from Deidara's embrace.

"I soaked your shirt," she said, pointing at the mess she made.

Deidara chuckled. "It's alright. I'm used to being the hankie chicks use to cry their hearts out over their exes."

Ino grimaced. "So you've had a lot of girls cry over you?"

"Stop it Ino or I'll actually think you're jealous," Deidara dramatically said. "I don't think my heart can handle it."

She rolled her beautiful blue eyes. "Shut up. And besides, Kiba's not even my ex."

"Whatever you say, Ino. Whatever you say."

She smiled at him and looked towards the sea. "Why is that no matter how much I try to move on, he's always there to block my path? I mean, he's not even trying. He's already moved on. But he's always there…"

"It's because you put him there, Ino," Deidara replied. "The heart chooses what it wants. But sometimes, it can be downright ridiculous. Take a look, Ino. The world moves on and stays beautiful. It doesn't wait for anyone. If you open your eyes, you'll see."

"It's because I can't forgive myself," Ino explained. "If I knew, then I would have – "

"Would have what? You couldn't have done anything," Deidara ground out, his eyes glinting. "You lost your memory. All because of – "

"Shh!" Ino said, putting a finger over Deidara's lips. "Don't say anything about it. I know how hard it must be for you just staying with me. You won't do anything to your own guilt if you keep remembering your brother. He was ill."

"But still – "

"He should be pitied, Dei-kun," Ino insisted. "Nothing more. I forgive him already. Sometimes I feel afraid and lost – I lost so many years because of him. But somehow, I know that if I hadn't forgotten, I would never have moved forward with all the pain and the guilt inside of me."

Silence consumed the both of them. Ino could tell that he was watching her and she felt a little uncomfortable. Regardless, she let him do as he pleased, knowing that in a way, she was trying to help him release some of that guilt and anger he was holding back. There was a reason why she was drawn to Deidara. They were alike in more ways than one.

"Ino."

"Hm?"

"How do you forgive so easily?"

Her eyes widened briefly before she laughed. "I don't know."

"I think you're too naïve," he commented.

"Maybe that's why I always love those who are hardest to love. Because I understand. Is that naïve?" Ino wondered aloud.

"You understand?"

"Yes," she answered. "Because I understand why people behave the way they do. And when I don't, I just try to get them out of my life."

Deidara looked at her in an odd way before saying, "So you mean to tell me that when we no longer understand each other, we should part ways?"

Ino met his eyes. "Do you think that time will come?"

"Inevitably," he said without hesitation. "Because you'll always choose him and I will never understand why."

Ino frowned. Nevertheless, she nodded. "I wish I could have just fallen in love with someone like you."

It was his time to laugh. "Don't you think your father will throw a fit if you go out with the brother of the man who attacked you?"

She grinned. "I always choose the difficult road, huh?"

His smile gentled. "You'll get your reward someday, Ino."

She hoped he was right. All this time, she wanted someone that would love her as fiercely as she could love anyone. That was how she was – she loved as positively as she could. She loved fully and without any restraints. She fought for love to the very last ounce of her strength. That was why she didn't fight for Kiba the moment he told her to stop. Loving someone also meant letting them go. Letting go also takes a lot of strength.

Look at how she was right now. Letting go of Kiba was taking its toll on her. Her love for him was the only thing keeping her alive. She was fighting for her love by letting Kiba go. Does that make sense? It doesn't. Not to Deidara, anyway. Not to anyone. Heck, it didn't even make sense to her. But that was how she did it. That was her way.

She would learn to be happy as long as Kiba was happy.

And because she loved Kiba so much, it was inevitable that she lost a part of herself in the process.

Isn't that always the case? No matter how much people deny it, the loss of someone they loved ultimately takes a way a piece of their being. No matter how much they pretend to be strong, they could not retrieve that part that was given to the person they lost.

Because the next time a person loves, they would always miss that certain part of them that loved so wholly, hiding it under the guise of 'protecting' or 'shielding' themselves. Like when a person was lied to by the one they loved, the next time they meet someone, they would have a hard time trusting him or her. Like when a person was cheated on, they would always assume that their next lover would cheat on them. Like when a person gives her heart and body to someone, they would always remember the way their touch felt.

Just like how Ino, no matter how hard she tried, could not give away the innocence of her love to anyone. That would remain with Kiba, no matter how much he denied it.

And she knew that no matter how much he denied it, the innocence of his love belonged to her too.

Deidara broke the silence once again. "You completely shot down all my first impressions of you."

"Which are?" she asked with a smirk.

"A snobby, uncompromising, judgmental woman."

"Ouch."

"You do look the part."

Ino frowned half-heartedly. "Keep talking like that and I'll slap you. And as if you should talk. You're not exactly the gentleman I thought you were. Tsk."

"Then both of our assumptions about each other are wrong."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not a gentleman. I actually know how to play dirty," he told her unflinchingly. "I've treated women like shit before."

Ino stared at him in contemplation. "Okay."

"Okay?" Deidara repeated incredulously.

"I've seen worse," she said. "And isn't that how we met at first? You were here in Konoha because you wanted to get over someone. Or was that a lie too?"

"Not really," he said with a hollow laugh. "I wanted to get over a woman. At the same time, I was trying to escape my brother's shadow. And I already told you before. The moment I saw you, I wanted to know why he was so obsessed with you."

Ino raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you afraid that you might fall for the same charms?"

Deidara rolled his eyes much like she always did. "You give yourself too much credit, Ino. And you don't give me that much credit either."

"I was kidding."

"Can you be sure that the only reason why I approached you was to find out about that?" he inquired lightly, although the meaning behind the words was dark.

Ino pursed her lips. "After finding out what it is, you could either leave me alone or hate me for it."

"How so?"

She leaned back, propping her upper body with her elbows. "Because it's either you find out that your brother's obsession was a complete waste or you'll prove that he was completely right in some sick way."

"And?"

"If it was a waste, you would either seek revenge or ignore my existence completely," she answered casually, as though they weren't talking about endangering her safety. "And if I were interesting… if I were the woman your brother said I was… then you would fall in love with me."

"Not obsessed?"

"Definitely not. I'd rather think that you didn't get the crazy gene."

"You better pray that you're right, Yamanaka Ino."

Ino winked at him. "I don't know why, Deidara. But I trust you. Completely."

He sighed. "Ino, this may not matter that much to you, who already made up her mind and her heart…"

"Huh?"

"But I swear to you and to myself, I will make you mine."

Ino laughed a bit nervously. "Isn't that a bit - ?"

He looked at her sharply. "I'm serious. I will help you forget about him. I will help you forget that you ever met Inuzuka Kiba. And this time, it won't be because someone beat your head up with a metal pipe."

Ino watched him in complete shock as he added, "I'll make you fall in love with me. That way, you can forget about him completely."

"Deidara… is the twin brother?!"

Kiba felt his mouth go dry as he said those words. He looked at Ino's face, trying to gauge any sort of resentment or negative feelings, but there were none. He wanted her to repeat what she said again and this time have the appropriate reaction on her face. She looked like someone who thought it was perfectly normal to be that close and at ease with someone who was related to the person responsible of so many lost memories. She looked like someone who believed every single piece of bullshit Deidara fed her. She looked like she was trying to defend a friend who didn't deserve her understanding at all.

He wanted to shake her so hard to make her see that she was being a fool for trusting Deidara. Why should she? Deidara did nothing to deserve her trust. He was just, conveniently, at the right place and time. Nothing about the story fits and his gut was telling him that the man wasn't being honest at all.

"Yeah," Ino said, her eyebrows furrowed. "Now can you please all come in? I don't like making a scene even though the entire floor belongs to me. And get rid of that fellow."

She pointed at the guard, who gulped under her sharp gaze and quickly excused himself. Kiba and Sakura followed her inside her unit. Ino motioned for them to sit down while she sauntered to the kitchen to grab something for them.

Sakura bit her lower lip. "I'm not sure why, but I'm not convinced about that Deidara fellow. I haven't even met him and he's already suspicious."

Kiba nodded grimly but said nothing. Damn right he was suspicious. Even though he managed to convince Ino and had that 'moment of truth', it still didn't explain the convenient timing of his appearance. It didn't explain why he chose to appear now that Ino was clearly in despair. It was public knowledge that she wasn't faring well personally after what happened to the two of them. It wouldn't be impossible for some crazed stalker to know something about someone as famous as Ino.

Then there was also the fact that they didn't know what became of Ino's stalker. If Deidara wasn't the one, then there should be someone locked behind the bars paying for his crimes. What didn't make sense was that Deidara had an eye patch and was always wearing dark shades. Sakura told him that the stalker had his eye damaged terribly during the incident. That would mean that, in more ways than one, Deidara completely matched the description of Ino's attacker.

So what the hell was going on?

Ino emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray with a pitcher of orange juice, three glasses, and a bowl of cookies. She looked irritated and a bit sheepish at the same time.

When she sat down, she went right to business, "Why did you suddenly decide that Deidara was someone who couldn't be trusted?"

Kiba almost blurted out a string of profanities that could have made a nun kneel in prayer. But he decided against it. He took a calming breath and said, "The moment I saw the guy, I felt that something was off about him."

"So what, you decided to just accuse him of being my stalker?"

"No," Kiba grunted. "If I did, I would have punched the guy the moment he led you out of that ice cream shop. I never took you for someone who went out with a random guy just to shake off your problems. Apparently, I was wrong."

Ino opened her mouth to counter him when Sakura interrupted her. "I told Kiba about your tendency to run off with strangers whenever something bad happens to you. I – "

"And what gave you the right to tell him anything?!" Ino blurted out. The moment she said it and the moment she saw Sakura's face fall, she instantly regretted it. "I'm sorry, Sakura, I – "

Sakura shook her head. "You always lose your mind over things, Ino. You always forget that you have friends whom you could trust. People who would listen to you and defend you at all costs. You always choose to run to someone who could potentially hurt you in more ways than one."

Ino bowed her head as she whispered, "I should have come to you, Sakura. But I couldn't. Not in the environment we're in. I'm always… I always…"

"I'm always surrounded by him."

Kiba felt his heart contract painfully. He knew what she meant. He suddenly thought of the moment when he decided to enroll at Konoha Gakuen just to get back at Ino. He suddenly thought of the times when he felt immeasurably happy every time he saw her squirm at his rejection. That was when he recalled… each and every time he did something to hurt Ino, he felt unbearably empty afterwards.

Right now, the emptiness was gone. The pain was back with a vengeance that promised him hell for every moment he attempted to hurt Ino.

"Sakura," he said, his voice low.

Sakura looked at him in askance. "What is it?"

"Can you please give us a moment alone?"

Sakura knew that Kiba was bound to ask that. She looked at Ino, who was gripping the edges of her bathrobe, her fists white with exertion. Her head was bowed and Sakura couldn't see her face. All she could see was the waterfall of tears pouring down from her chin to her lap. Her shoulders were quaking so badly that she looked like she was going to break any second.

But Sakura couldn't hear her sobs. Ino didn't dare make a single sound.

She stood up reluctantly, this time staring at Kiba. His face was set in an indecipherable mask that made her realize that he was someone who wasn't joking around when he promised her that he would always be there for Ino.

"I'm heading out," she said. "Take care of her, Kiba."

The young man nodded. "Tell Yugito-san that everything's fine here."

Sakura nodded and strode out of the room without another word.

As soon as the door closed, Kiba looked at Ino and said, "Do you want me to disappear, Ino? Is that what will make your pain go away?"

In a flash, Ino's eyes were on his. His eyes widened as he felt his own heart break at the sight before him. Gone was the carefree Ino he had known since childhood. In her place was a damaged young woman with no trace of color left on her face. Her eyes were hollow and her cheeks were drawn. Her sky blue eyes that once enchanted him were now dead. Her hair that flowed with the wind was now lank. Her body was positioned in a stance of defeat that he never saw before.

He always thought that Ino was a proud girl that didn't display a single drop of weakness. She was someone who reveled at the spotlight and someone who thrived at being admired. She was someone every single girl in Konoha wanted to be. She was the star – bright, open, talented, charming, and perfect.

She was someone he loved very much. She was someone who made his heart ache. She was someone who had him in the palm of her hands.

And this was how she looked now when he asked her to let him go. Was she always like this? She didn't know him and she didn't remember him before Konoha Gakuen, so why was she affected by his departure from her life? Was he the reason behind her perfection? Certainly not.

But when he looked into her eyes, he knew – they would never be the same without each other.

Without thinking, he stood up and grabbed her hand. He heard her gasp, but even that small sound seemed so weak. He took her almost limp form and held her face in his hands.

She was painted right now as a portrait of pure tragedy yet she looked so breathless to him.

She had never looked more beautiful to his eyes than now. To him, she was Ino without the barriers, without the lies, without the reservations – she was someone who was laid bare before him and because of him.

He closed the distance between them and kissed her.

This time, the feeling was different. When she kissed him in front of the cameras, he was shocked, appalled, and insulted. He thought that she was using the public so that he wouldn't have the chance to think and let go.

This time, it was real. There was a sense of relief and homecoming – something which he had never felt in a long while. He felt that nothing more mattered. All that he wanted was to be there for her and not to lose her again.

Ino's mind was in a whirlwind. One look at Kiba's eyes and she knew that he was someone who was incapable of doing something half-heartedly. He was someone who never lied. He was so in tune with his emotions and his thoughts that pretending would be next to impossible for him. It took a great toll out of him just to act out a bit during interviews and such. Right now, she knew that he was kissing her because he wanted to.

The question was: why now?

When they separated, Kiba embraced her tightly and whispered, "Don't do that to me again, Ino."

"Do what?" she asked, leaning against his body and embracing him back, giving in to her desire to be close to him.

"Make me worry like that," he answered. "I can never bear the thought of losing you. I'm sorry that it took you meeting that blonde bastard for me to realize that."

Ino sighed and moved away from him. They sat down together and she looked at him before saying, "Why did you think that Deidara was my stalker?"

"All my suspicions tell me so," Kiba said with conviction. "If you look at it, Ino, his appearance was just too much of a coincidence."

"What do you mean?" she asked seriously.

"He conveniently came to your rescue at that shop a few weeks ago," Kiba explained. "Then he suddenly becomes very close to you and almost always has time for you. He also matches the physical description of your stalker."

Ino laughed slightly. "That's because they're twins."

Kiba scowled. "And that's one thing that worries me, Ino. I don't understand why you could just accept that story of his and still be friends with him."

"And why not?"

"Because even though he's not your stalker, the mere fact that he's related to that bastard should be something you're worried about!" Kiba exclaimed in frustration. "For all we know, he might be seeking revenge for his brother being imprisoned! And if they're twins, he also has a tendency to be a complete psychopath."

Ino also frowned at that. "But I trust him, Kiba. He's already told me all of this before you even made the connection. He was totally honest with me and when we met, it was just pure coincidence. If anything, he wanted to make it up to me. That's why we're friends."

"You can't really be that naïve, Ino!" he argued. "You don't just trust someone just because your feelings say so! You already made that mistake once, don't make the same mistake again!"

"I am naïve, Kiba," Ino said with sadness. "That's why I find it so easy to forgive people even though they've hurt me. I lost myself because of you – I couldn't eat or sleep for weeks. And then you suddenly come barging back into my life when you said you want to move on, kissing me in my home and telling me that you can't bear losing me. And even with all of that, I forgive you… and I'm accepting you. Because even though I denied it over and over again, my heart just wants to be with you."

She took a deep breath again and continued, "And now I have Deidara in my life. Even though I only knew him for a few weeks, I feel like I've known him forever. He understands me and I understand him. He was there when no one else was – "

"That's because you're not letting anyone in, Ino!" Kiba interjected angrily. "If you did, then you wouldn't fall prey to people who would try to exploit your feelings!"

"What do you suppose I should have done?" she asked. "Talk to you? You know I couldn't do that with Ayame keeping you company all the time. You pleaded for me to release you, knowing very well that I couldn't do that when I only started realizing that I loved you all along and with all my memories just rushing back to haunt me! You wanted me to move on when everywhere I go, I see your face… I feel your presence…"

Kiba bowed his head. "That's why I was asking you if you want me gone. Because I can do that, Ino. I can leave. But if I do, I'll be gone forever. You won't see me again. You'll be free to make your own choices and you can be with Deidara, if he's who you trust."

Ino suddenly felt more weakened. She knew that she couldn't let Kiba go. This was what she had been wishing for, right? This was the second chance that she was practically begging him for all those weeks ago.

"And Ino," Kiba added, "Sakura told me that you stabbed your stalker's left eye when he attacked you. Tell me, if Deidara isn't your attacker, then why is he wearing things that could cover his eye? Tell me, have you ever seen his left eye?"

She suddenly felt cold. She didn't know that piece of information. It was either because her father neglected to inform her about it or maybe because he chose not to tell her altogether. She never thought that it was necessary for her to know all about the incident. She thought that it was better that she didn't remember any of it at all. At that time, it was a blessing for her that she couldn't remember. The only time she started regretting her memory loss was when she remembered Kiba.

And all the while…

Her knees finally gave away as she sank to the floor, her eyes vacant as she tried to make sense of everything that was going on around her. She felt Kiba's arms catch her as she thought of what she was going to do.

Who is he?

Who was Deidara?

Was he who he really says he is?

There was only one way to find out.

"What do you mean you're not sure again?!" Yugito demanded from Sakura, who looked exhausted and apologetic at the same time.

"Sorry, Yugito-san," Sakura said. When she was about to step into the lobby, the first group of people she spotted were Yugito and two burly-looking police officers. "Ino's fine."

Yugito groaned. "You kids are going to be the death of me."

"Everything's a false alarm then?" one of the policemen asked.

"Somewhat," Sakura replied. "But we're still trying to confirm the identity of Ino's 'friend'. She admitted that Deidara is related to her stalker."

"Related?" Yugito said, alarmed. She looked around and led Sakura to a more secluded corner because they were beginning to attract unnecessary attention. Thankfully, there weren't that much people in the lobby. "What are you talking about, Sakura?"

"Ino told us that Deidara is the stalker's twin brother," Sakura explained. "And that's why he matches his description. But something's still not right and I want to get to the bottom of it. Kiba agrees with me too."

"Where's Kiba?"

"He's with Ino."

Yugito sighed in relief. "I swear, if Ino wasn't so in love with the boy, I would tell him to stay away from her. She's getting beaten up because of him. That girl attracts trouble in all forms. Now there's that Deidara fellow."

Sakura smiled wryly. "Don't worry about Kiba. He won't be hurting her again. He promised."

"Let's hope so. Just in case you didn't notice, promises can be broken. And promising not to hurt someone is next to impossible," Yugito pointed out.

"Then we should just have faith," Sakura responded. She then turned to the police officers. "Do you think you can check your record for any guy named Deidara or anyone he's related to? He's got blonde hair and a blue eye, since he has potentially lost his other one."

"The stabbed one," Yugito added. "Is that why you still suspect him?"

Sakura nodded. "It's impossible for his eye to be damaged if he's not the person we're looking for. I don't think any one of you has ever seen his left eye."

The older woman nodded in confirmation. "When I first saw him, he had an eye patch on. I thought it was because of a deformity or just one of his quirks as an artist."

"I don't think so. In any case, we have to be cautious," Sakura suggested. "And we need to inform Inoichi-san about this sooner or later. He won't like being kept out of the loop and you can be fired for this, Yugito-san."

"I know," Yugito agreed, her face grim. "And we're gonna do something about this."

"And we need to ask him about Ino's stalker."

"We suggest you reinstate Yamanaka-san's security detail," one of the policemen said. "Meanwhile, we'll find whatever we can about this Deidara person. If he is who you suggest he is, then he shouldn't be running around free."

"His sentence still hasn't been served yet?" Yugito asked.

"If he has, then he should still be under probation or in a mental institution," the officer replied. "If there's anything we're sure of, it's that he shouldn't be allowed near Yamanaka-san. There should be a restraining order against him in cases like this."

"There was," Sakura verified. "I'm sorry if you were called out here for nothing, officers."

"It's quite alright and it wasn't for nothing," the policeman replied. "This is our job after all. It's better that we didn't have to encounter any sort of action. At least it means that your friend is safe."

Sakura didn't say anything while Yugito said, "I'm counting on your discretion on this matter. We don't need the press bothering Ino about this."

"Of course," both men answered.

"I still have to talk to the management of this condo," Yugito said. "I'm pretty sure you two made a scene. You did manage to get into Ino's unit even with the tight security and privacy policy. I also have to make sure that everything's kept under wraps."

This time Sakura grinned, scaring Yugito a little. "You don't have to worry about the management."

"W-What do you mean?"

"I had a little chat with the manager," Sakura stated. "And besides, this place belongs to Itachi."

"I know that," Yugito said, uncomprehending. "But what does that have to do with – wait… ohh…"

As Yugito remembered, Sakura smirked. "I'm Uchiha Sasuke's fiancée, remember? I'm practically family."

"What do you want me to do?" Ino softly asked. "Talk to him and tell him to stay away? I don't think I can do that. And what if we're wrong? I don't want to judge Deidara for the crime his brother committed."

Kiba closed his eyes in frustration. Why was Ino so kind? Why did she let people take advantage of her? Why did she give unlimited chances to people? He made up his mind about her a long time ago. He thought that she was a person who only thought of herself – how she looked, how people saw her. She made herself seem that way and she looked the part. Now was when he realized that all of it was just a part she played quite well.

Ino was a girl and she was the best of her kind. She wanted to look perfect to feel good about herself. So what? She talked down to stuck-up girls who thought they knew better and would often talk like one herself. So what? She chose to stay away from him and spend her life the way she was always used to. So what? She was the daughter of the woman his father left them for. So what? Those were all parts of her and it was up to others to decide whether they were flaws or not. What he knew was that he considered all of those the reasons why he shouldn't be with her. But right now, it didn't matter. None of it mattered.

What mattered was this young woman who was so worried about hurting other people that she was often endangering herself. He realized that she was a person who never took anything for herself. When she begged him for a second chance, that might be the only moment when she tried to take something for her own.

What about her career then? He knew that the only reason she became an actress was because she wanted to be her own person and to have people look at her and see someone worth while. He once thought that she took it for her own gain but he knew better. She did it for the approval of others so that she could finally approve of herself.

When she begged him, that was the only selfish thing she ever really did. She was so damaged after that that she couldn't even approach anyone to vent out her sadness. She didn't talk to Sakura, fearing that her best friend would worry about her incessantly. She didn't talk to any of her friends, thinking that she would just be a nuisance.

She couldn't face him, fearing and knowing that she would break. She would shatter because all she wanted was to be with him yet she couldn't. He wanted to let go and she let him. That was why she looked like she was going to lose it.

And because of that, she met someone who was willing to listen – someone who let her vent out her aches and pains. Turns out, the man could potentially be a danger to her and now, she didn't know how to go about things because she didn't want to hurt him.

"Ino," Kiba said, gathering her in his arms once again, "you can't stop yourself from hurting people. You will, whether you mean to or not."

"Like what I did to you."

"Ssh," he stopped her. "I think what I really meant to say by 'moving on' is to forget about the past completely. But not in the way you forgot, just so we're clear."

Ino laughed – this time a genuine and heartfelt one. He suddenly realized how much he missed the sound.

"But we still have to make sure," she said when her laughter died down. "I really don't want to lose a friend because of suspicion."

Kiba frowned at that but relented. "You're really giving me a hard time."

"A hard time?"

"I don't like sharing and I'm sure that Deidara fella has the hots for you."

Ino reddened. "W-What are you trying to say, Kiba?"

He looked into her eyes. "I mean, you're mine. That's why I don't want to share you with anyone. And if you don't like hurting other people, I'll hurt them for you. I'll protect you. I'll tell you that it's alright to take what you want. And when you don't want to think about yourself, I'll think of you."

She was floored. Did Kiba mean what she thought he meant?

But a thought suddenly sobered her. "What about Ayame? If you don't like to share, so do I."

Kiba scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "She broke up with me."

"W-What?!"

"Well, I was rushing to you and I was sort of in the middle of a date with her…" he trailed off.

"So you ran off?!" she gasped.

"Kinda," he said. "Don't look at me like that! You had me worried!"

"How did she break up with you when you left like that?!"

Kiba wordlessly handed Ino his phone. There was an angry text that warned Kiba that if he didn't go back after ten minutes, they were officially over. The message was sent a little over an hour ago.

She sighed. "What a shame. You were so perfect for each other."

Kiba grimaced. "Don't even joke. I was in physical pain whenever I was with her."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? I don't think you were in physical pain whenever you made out or had sex with her."

"H-How did you - ?!"

"I walked in on you two in a classroom."

"Oh." He suddenly felt ashamed.

"So you two did it?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

Ino scoffed. "What do you want me to do, Kiba? Throw a fit? We weren't together when you did it. And besides, you had plenty of flings before we met again. I won't be shocked that you lost your virginity at 13."

"14!" Kiba contradicted, his face red while Ino laughed. His gaze softened. "What did I do to deserve someone like you?"

She smirked. "I'm glad you finally realized that. You almost threw 'this' – " she gestured to herself, " – away."

"Sorry," Kiba said, kissing her forehead.

She blushed again. "I guess I should be thankful that at least one of us has experience."

Kiba flustered. "W-What? W-What do you mean - ?!"

Ino stuck her tongue out. "If we're going to be a couple, we'll eventually have to do it. I mean, not now. But in the future… you know. I think it's great that you're my first and all…"

He chuckled and smiled brightly at her. "You're one real gem, you know that?"

She rolled her eyes. "Please. I know you're just shocked that I'm still a virgin when almost everyone in Konoha Gakuen is doing it."

"Hmm, maybe. Well, your circle is pretty fucked up. Who gets engaged at 16?" Kiba commented. "But I think your friends are still virgins."

"Except Tenten."

"W-What?!"

"I just feel like she's not anymore," Ino said conspiratorially. "With all that sexual frustration between her and Neji, it's bound to happen."

"You have a point," he agreed.

"So…" she started, "we're… like… us. You know."

Kiba grinned. "Girlfriend and boyfriend."

"Yeah. It sounds cheesy when you say it."

"How else are we gonna call it?"

Ino shrugged. "Ayame's gonna throw a fit."

Kiba blanched and looked away, making Ino laugh loudly once more. She leaned her head against his shoulder. "I suddenly feel a lot better."

"Good."

He was about to kiss her again when the doorbell suddenly rang.

Ino's eyebrows furrowed. "Who could that be? Do you think Sakura left something?"

She stood up while Kiba followed closely, about to lash out at the person who dared ruin their moment. Without preamble, Ino opened the door.

"Hey Ino. You forgot your wallet in my car and – "

"Deidara?"

Check out my new story! From Naruto to You! :D (It's in my profile.)