Switched
By kiwime
Summary: She thought in her line of work holding on to love was harder than holding onto anything else. She was wrong. It was worse.
Previously: "Goodbye Neji," Ino dropped the suffix, "… remember what I said," she grabbed him into a hug, "… smile sometimes," she whispered before breaking the hug.
Ino moaned into the pillow feeling her body ease. She felt like she was on cloud nine and she didn't want to come down ever. She smiled feeling the muscles in her relax significantly. She knew she was tense, but she felt like pudding now.
"Kakashi," she moaned, "… did I tell you I love you?"
"Not enough," she could hear the reality in those words as his knuckles kneed her.
She felt his hands roll up her back putting pressure before pushing it toward her sides and up her neck.
"You know," he whispered against the back of her ear, "… there are other ways to ease your muscles."
"Hm," Ino smiled feeling his thumbs put pressure right at the small of her back.
Ino had to admit she felt really good. She remembered when she first had a massage from the silver haired male. Ino swore his hands were of power. She had never had such a great feeling in her life. He was gentle with her and knew where her knots and kinks were. She had never had such a huge appreciation for someone before.
"I didn't give you a gift," Ino reminded him.
"You don't have to," she felt him press his thumb in circular motions.
"Are you sure?" she questioned as she felt the tension release.
"I'm not Genma," he said and Ino smiled; he certainly wasn't.
"Thank you," she breathed out closing her eyes as he removed his hands.
"You're welcome," she felt him still straddling her and she smiled.
She felt his breath tickle her face and she opened her eyes softly.
"You look beautiful," he complimented.
"So do you," she admitted staring deeply into his eyes as she turned herself.
He always seemed to be so calm, cool, and kind. Smiling at him and feeling a great appreciation, she felt content.
"Hm," he said now straddling her front since she turned facing him.
He lowered his face toward hers and she closed her eyes.
-o-o-
Ino looked up at the sky and noticed the grey clouds looming by: rain. She didn't bring any umbrella, but her coat should do. If worse comes to worse, she wouldn't get hurt by water. She entered the building and looked around. She was supposed to meet someone, so where is this person. She sighed and sat in the lobby area.
"Sally," Ino called out as the female entered the room.
"Ino-san," the female smiled, "… is there something you need?"
"Hai," Ino nodded, "… where is the person I am supposed to meet?"
"Hm," the female hummed and lifted her binder, "… it seems he cancelled."
"Oh," Ino nodded, "… thank you."
"Have a great day Ino-san," Sally smiled.
"You as well," Ino smiled back.
She headed down the hallway and after a few turns, she arrived where she wanted to be: the training room. She walked in and headed to a small bench where she could put her coat. It was empty and Ino wondered if something happened without her being informed. She shrugged and headed over to the storage room adjacent to the one she was in. She took out a pair of boxing gloves and pulled out the punching bag. Once she brought it close to the middle where she has room to move around freely, she began her stance. A few deep breaths and her jabs flew and kicks fly. She could feel the tension coming back and Ino smiled. Kakashi was going to be disappointed. Another throw of her punch hit dead center on the weighted item. She could feel her body warming up and her forehead beaded with sweat. Another twenty minutes gone by and she was drenched in sweat. She could feel it dripping off her face as some stuck to her hair. She stopped herself slowly and inhaled deeply. She thought about the tension coming back as she exhaled releasing a small bit of the pain. She sat and relaxed a bit before putting everything away.
"What's bothering you?" she heard someone question.
"Anko," Ino looked over to the female, "… nothing is bothering me."
"Sure," Anko smirked, "… whatever you say princess."
"Where is everyone?" she decided to change the subject.
"Eh," Anko looked surprised, "… didn't they tell you?"
"Apparently not," Ino frowned.
"Well," Anko sat beside the blonde, "… there was a situation. Kakashi and Genma were called in. Leadersama left as well."
"Where did they go?" Ino questioned feeling a little left out.
"They are helping the Tactical Division," Anko informed.
"Hm," Ino sounded closing her eyes and leaning back against the wall.
"They were informed a few days ago before they left," Anko mentioned, "… surprised they didn't tell their little Ino."
Ino didn't say anything, but she was also confused to why neither man mentioned it. They seemed like everything was fine, like every day was just another day. She frowned. They didn't lie to her, yet they didn't inform her either. She sighed and leaned forward.
"I see," Ino took off the gloves and stood pushing the heavy object back into the storage room. She placed the gloves back in their place before glancing at Anko who held a knowing smirk.
"Heading home?" Anko questioned walking alongside the blonde.
"I was thinking of going over," Ino aimed her blue eyes at her, "… to the Tactical Division."
"How did I know," Anko laughed, "… but you shouldn't. If you weren't informed, then it would have to be big."
"That's true," Ino nodded and crossed her arms as they walked out of the building onto the sidewalk.
"Hey," Anko placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "… don't worry, I'm sure everything is fine."
Ino smiled at that assurance, but something was egging at her to find out. She had a nagging feeling there was more to the situation than Anko led on.
-o-o-
Ino was at the edge of falling asleep when the phone rang. She groggily opened her eyes and looked over at the machine. Her hand lazily reached for the item and placed it against her ear.
"Hello," Ino said trying to sound more awake than sleepy.
"Ino," the voice was frantic, "… I need your help."
"Kiba?" Ino questioned into the phone a little more awake.
"You already know your partners and your boss is here," there was a tone of panic in his voice Ino didn't miss, "… there is something big going down."
"What is, Kiba?" Ino questioned into the phone sitting up on her bed.
"They think it's me, but it isn't," he explained quickly, "… I need you to come here and tell them it wasn't me."
"Kiba…" Ino started unsure.
"Please Ino, I need you," he sounded desperate.
"Alright," Ino agreed, "… I'm heading over now."
"Thank you," she heard the relief, "… I'll see you soon then."
"See you," Ino hung up the phone and got up to dress.
In all her years of knowing the brunette, she never once heard him sound so desperate. He never begged either. Ino figured this must be extremely important to him or else he wouldn't be acting in such ways. She frowned. This was the reason her partners didn't tell her they were heading over to the Tactical Department or did they mention her friend was the suspect. She grabbed her coat and her keys knowing that whatever she was stepping into may not be the best situation.
