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: Anko made sure she was listening to her, "… you are the best the world ever has so don't you break now."
She sat waiting, knowing he would eventually come. She looked over at the clock and sighed. She sat looking bored, yet her mind was constantly going back to the talk with her female friend. It had been a few days later, but she had to admit Anko was right. She smiled softly to herself.
"Ino Yamanaka," a voice spoke up and Ino stood.
"You finally came," she bowed slightly once she reached him holding a smile.
"I apologize for not coming the other day," he excused.
"That's alright," Ino smiled reassuringly, "… I'm sure you were busy."
"Hm," he sounded and Ino took the cue to continue.
"I'm glad you came," she started, "… how was the drive?"
"Temari has the car," she immediately giggled.
"I see," she grinned, "… were you dropped off first?"
"Hai," he nodded.
"Alright, shall we start?" Ino questioned eyeing him with big eyes.
"Sure," he nodded his flaming red hair and followed the blonde down the hallway.
"Here we are," Ino said as she entered the room.
He followed and sat down on the chair and waited for the blonde to sit on the opposite sit behind the table. She grabbed the empty chair and brought it over beside him. He was about to question her, but she sat facing his side.
"Why don't you turn the chair to face me too," Ino offered sitting.
He did as he was told cautiously and sat facing her. She watched him for a little longer before starting.
"Is everything the same?" she questioned concern laced in her voice.
"Yes," he nodded.
"Good to hear," she leaned forward, "… how did you get that scar?" she questioned eyeing the thin line close to his ear.
"A scratch," he responded.
"How did you get that scratch?" she corrected.
"A female did it," he explained, "… she was angry at me."
"Hm," she smirked playfully, "… a female, huh?"
"Temari took me out with her and Kankorou," he explained, "… I denied her."
"Neh," Ino looked hurt yet the smile was still in place, "… denied as in?"
"I'm sure you know already," he stated.
"Gaara-san," she said his name in a pout, "… you didn't want her in bed with you?"
There was a pause and she could see his straight lips curve down slowly.
"Isn't that it?" Ino questioned feigning confusion.
"Ino Yamanaka," he said her name fully, "… I did not dance with her."
"Would you dance with me?" she questioned with a grin.
"There is no music," he spoke up after a brief silence.
"We don't need music," Ino laughed, "… I'm glad you're getting out and having fun."
"Hm," there was a soft smile on his lips.
"How long until she comes to pick you up?" Ino questioned.
"Three days," he said with his lips straight.
"So…" Ino tapped her chin, "… where are you staying?"
"In a hotel," he replied standing as she did as well.
"Don't spend your money," Ino shook her head, "… stay at my place."
"Ino," he said softly, "… are you sure?"
She turned to him and looked into his eyes. Their meetings had been ongoing one every few months. The first time she met him, he was in a terrible state. He had killed so many people and held all the guilt and blame. They were going to execute him at first, but she saw something in him. She couldn't let him die. After years of developing rapport, he eased in and wasn't as angry. He changed.
"Yes," she replied to him with a smile, "… I am."
-o-o-
Ino stirred in bed before her eyes opened slowly. She yawned softly sitting up. She swung her legs over the bed. Did she want to get up now or later?
Later sounds good.
She lied back down without shifting herself only to feel a body underneath her. She stared confused at the ceiling for a few minutes before turning her head to see what it was.
"You forgot I was here," he accused softly.
"Oh," she laughed nervously propping herself off him, "… I guess I did."
"Hm," he said sitting up.
"It's only cause you're so quiet," Ino pouted, yet her eyes were smiling.
"Hm…" he got out of the bed, "… may I use your restroom?"
"No," Ino looked serious as he turned to her.
"Ok," the man started to walk away.
"Gaara-san," Ino sighed, "… I was only joking."
"I know," he said turning to aim his soft smile at her before walking out of the bedroom door.
"You are sneaky," she said under her breath heading to the restroom herself to freshen up.
Once she was done, she headed over to the living room where the redhead sat watching the television. Ino never really enjoyed the box very much. She only received it as a gift from her father. She sat beside him and instead of watching the tube, she watched him instead. People were more of her thing, anyway.
"Do you have to watch me?" he questioned facing her.
"Is it my fault I am fascinated by your beauty?" Ino smiled.
He really is handsome. Ino had to admit she has a crush on him.
"So that give you a reason to watch me?" he decided to ask.
"Yup," she continued smiling.
"I find other ways to distract me," the redhead smirk, "… you should too."
"Neh," Ino grinned, "… so conceded," she laughed out.
"I wasn't talking about me," he smiled and Ino's grin slowed into a smile.
"Hm," Ino sounded as she stood hearing a knock at her door.
"Hey," it was soft and Ino sighed.
"Come in," she let them in and closed the door.
"How are you?" the brunette questioned.
"Fine and you two?" she wondered.
"Good," he replied.
Ino could tell they wanted to talk and she didn't blame them. She avoided them for a while now; it was time things get stitched up. She glanced over at the red head that stood walking toward her.
"Hello Kakashi-san," he shifted his gaze, "… Genma-san."
"Gaara," Kakashi smiled, "… we apologize for interrupting."
"That is alright," Gaara said, "… do you wish to be alone?"
"Gaara-san," Ino shook her head, "… are you trying to get away from me?"
"It's possible," he aimed his soft smile to her before heading out of her house.
"I swear he is a sneaky one," she mumbled.
"I'm glad you're talking to us," Genma admitted.
"Did you guys want something to drink?" she offered walking to the kitchen.
"I'm good," Genma said.
"I as well," Kakashi added.
Ino poured herself a glass of water before heading to the couch. They followed and she took a drink once she sat down. She stared at the glass for a moment thinking about everything that cracked right underneath her feet. She closed her eyes and sighed. Why must something beautiful fade?
"I'm sorry," Ino confessed, "… I know you two were doing your jobs."
"You were right though," Kakashi reminded, "… we should've known Kiba would have not done it."
"Hm," she breathed out, "… I know I avoided talking to either one of you."
"We understand," Genma touched her arm gently.
"Hm," she repeated.
It was quiet and she felt their eyes on her.
"I love you," Ino started looking at her glass, "… you know that?"
"You're talking about me, right?" she heard Genma say and she laughed softly.
"Yes, you," she agreed softly with a smile.
"I see," the voice on the other side of her said blankly.
"You knew this was going to happen," Genma pointed out scooting closer to Ino.
Ino let the honey eyed male's arm wrap around her shoulder. She didn't face him, nor did she stop him. Instead, she turned her blue eyes to the silver haired male. His face held nothing, but she saw more in his mixed colored eyes. He stood suddenly heading to the door; he was a few feet away but stopped when he felt himself being tugged. He didn't want to turn, but another tug caused him to do just that.
He met her eyes.
"Hey," she said softly.
He didn't say anything back. She sighed softly reaching her hand up to touch his face as if telling him everything through contact. Ino watched the way his eyes looked angry, confused, and hurt. It was terrible for her to say, but she wanted him to feel all that. He hurt her.
She pressed her lips against his.
It was soft, delicate. Almost like the first time. When she pulled back, he leaned in again capturing her lips.
"Hey," she heard an angry voice, "… what's going on here?!"
Ino turned to look at her other partner after Kakashi and her parted lips. Hurt and pain was in his eyes too. Good. That's what they get. They deserve to feel how she felt. She tried to convince herself, but she couldn't. Hurting them was worse than them hurting her.
"Is something wrong?" she feigned confusion.
"Don't act like that," Genma narrowed his eyes stomping to them.
"Don't be so angry," Kakashi smirked.
"I want a kiss," Genma demanded.
"No," Ino feigned shock, "… what type of girl will I be if I kiss you as well."
"Come on," Genma pouted, "… that's wrong you kissing him in front of me."
"Aw," Ino sounded awfully sweet in his ears, "… poor Genma… do you want a cookie?"
"I'm not a child," Genma crossed his arms.
"Then stop acting like one," she said calmly catching him off guard.
"Neh…" he whined, "… so beautiful, but so mean."
"I told you before," Ino reminded, "… I never said I was nice."
"Hm," a smirk splayed across his face as he grabbed her arm and tug her so she closed the space between them, "… that's right, isn't it?"
Ino just smiled innocently as his lips inched forward wanting to close the distance.
All he felt was air.
"What…?" he didn't finish seeing Kakashi's arm wrapped around the blonde straying her to the kitchen causing her to laugh.
"Hey!" he called out walking quickly to them.
"I'm surprised," Ino laughed, "… not my bedroom?" she quirked and eyebrow.
"After," Kakashi said knowingly.
"No fair," Genma pouted playfully, "… can I join?"
Ino stopped and turned to him with a mischievous smirk. Her blue eyes were dancing.
"You want to share?" Ino's smirk slowly went up into a grin.
"I don't want to," Genma shook his head, "… but if it's what you want, then yes."
"Hm…" Ino thought about it before she started laughing.
Yes, she definitely loves them.
But love can only last so long.