Chapter 4

Flashback - 10 years ago

Ino realized, not long after the wedding, how Gaara struggled at being understood by others. He wouldn't talk about it out loud, but she could feel his energy changed whenever they were not alone. Also, it wasn't hard to notice strangers' stares. Although Gaara never really talked of the past in Sunagakure, Ino knew it had been pretty dark before he transferred. From what little she had gathered from her friends, she could see why people felt that way, especially prior to her husband meeting Naruto.

However, after Gaara's re-birth, as Kankurou would joke about, it was still challenging for him to connect. Even Sunagakure citizens, who were warming up to him, kept their distance when Gaara's face was hard to read. Which was most of the time, especially now.

If anyone walked over by them, Gaara would have stood out as the emotionless man reading the grave marker uninterested. They would have missed the small tremor from his pants' pockets, or the subtle hint of pain in his kohl rimmed eyes. People never seemed to take the time to observe the depth of her husband's mannerisms.

Her hands were resting over her eight-month pregnant belly. Gaara's hauntingly beautiful aqua eyes seemed to be looking past the grave into a former memory. She approached him gradually, slid her hand in his right pocket and interlaced their fingers. She leaned against him, and tilted her head to add her weight to his shoulder.

If they had been in the comfort of their home, she would have wrapped herself around him, until every inch of her front was covering Gaara's. She wanted to keep him safe, which may sound ridiculous for the man with the ultimate shield, but the sand was useless against his emotional scars and childhood ghosts.

They stood quietly still until Gaara broke the silence, his eyes never breaking contact from the ground. "I never had a fatherly role model. The closest was my uncle." he stared at the marked grave. An empty one created out of courtesy, since at the time, there had been no body left to bury. Ino bit her lower lip while squeezing Gaara's hand. "I may never know what it means to be a good father."

Ino reached with her free hand, taking Gaara's empty one and placing it on her stomach. "You already are." Her chin rose to caresses his jaw before her lips brushed against his. Their small moment was suddenly interrupted when they felt the baby's kick. Ino chuckled. "See? He knows already how much you love him. He can't wait to meet you."

After a few seconds, Gaara closed his eyes, but did not move away. His hand caressed her belly. He kissed her forehead in gratitude. Ino was his anchor to the present and the future, and he promised himself never to forget how lucky he was to have her in his corner. To have her understand him like no one else could. His eyes opened from sensing a new presence and the awkward tension emanating from his wife's body. He relaxed once he noticed the familiar chakra.

A few feet away from them, with a bouquet of flowers, stood a former student of his. The only one who ever dare to request him as her instructor. Matsuri.

A milepost pointed the way to Sunagakure - ten miles away. Ino adjusted herself carefully on Naruto's back. Her legs ached, especially the one she sprained and her butt felt sore. It was surprising that the only thing that didn't hurt was her head. Despite their drinking last night, she felt more clearheaded than she had in months. That had to be a good sign.

Ino would get Gaara back. He would recognize her efforts and see how dirty and hurt she was and realize the depth of her love for him. He would kiss her and hold her against him. Heero would be happy to see his parents reunited.

As the sandy path became more crowded, she felt anxious to see her husband again. She leaned to asked Naruto urgently to increase his pace. The blonde male seemed tired, but at her tone, with a muttered "Yes, master" he attempted to speed up.

Greatly was her excitement, she missed Shikamaru and Temari's place on the way, where they usually stay when Gaara and her would visit. She held on to Naruto with one arm, as she reached with her free hand into her pocket to pull out a handkerchief. She used it to wipe the sweat off her neck. They were going straight for the Kazekage's headquarters. Primarily for Naruto to check in with her brother-in-law since they were arriving late.

She questioned whether or not she should ask Naruto to stop in a public bath first for access to the showers, to be able to refresh herself before meeting her family, but her eagerness would not let her wait. Ten minutes later, thanks to Naruto, they were walking into the Kazekage's office where a focused Kankurou was reviewing some documents.

It was strange for Ino to see her brother-in-law working this seriously. She was impressed with how mature he looked. The Kazekage, was one of those few people, that you wouldn't automatically pinpoint as someone with power because of their personality. She used to compare him to Kiba, when she and Gaara would discuss his brother's behavior towards women.

It wasn't that he was sexist or a womanizer per se, but he did have some old fashioned beliefs - one of the reasons why Kankurou and Ino weren't always in the best of terms. They disagreed on female shinobi roles and the partnership between the two hidden villages, but they managed to get along well enough. When Shikamaru joined the Kazekage's family and became a tactician for Kankurou, his behavior improved, though he would still sometimes get on her nerves. Not that it had matter much lately, the last time they seen each other was about two years ago.

"Naruto, glad you decided to arriv-" Ino smiled as he looked up and his eyes widen in surprise. "Ino, I didn't realized we were expecting you as well." Naruto walked over to one of the chairs and released Ino carefully into it. The reception was a little lukewarm, but her brother-in-law did seem distracted.

Naruto groaned before turning to the other male. "Ah, well there was a change of plans, and we had to make some adjustments along the way," the blond male mentioned while stretching his back.

Ino watched Naruto stretch with some guilt, but reminded herself why she was there. "Kankurou, sorry for crashing in, it really looks like you're busy. I don't mind catching up with you later, but could we know where Gaara is staying?"

Kankurou's eyes met Naruto before he looked at her. "Gaara should be arriving within the hour. As a matter of fact, why don't you wait for him here?" He noticed how she was gingerly touching the floor with one of her legs, and connected the dots. "Should I send over a medic?" Naruto agreed, while Ino swatted him off with her hand. "Nonsense, I'll be fine, Naruto and I can go meet with Gaara wherever he is at."

Kankurou straightened his back and adjusted his outfit. "Actually, Naruto and I are overdue in discussing some pressing matters. Be patient Ino and I am sure Gaara will be here soon enough. If you excuse us, we will be meeting with the council. Naruto"

Naruto couldn't catch a break soon enough. He nodded to Kankurou and flashed Ino a look to behave while he followed the Kazekage out the door. Ino was affronted by Kankurou's tone, that seem to imply that she was an impatient child. "I'm his wife, I'm sure he would be happy to see me," she muttered to herself, while taking the time to test her ankle and grimace in pain. Maybe she could sit and rest her leg for a bit.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before she heard a familiar young voice. "Pranks and training are both annoying," said her little nephew Shikadai, as he and Heero walked in the office. Ino brightened at the sight of her son

"Ma-Mother!" Heero straightened instantly, his face spreading with a smile. He moved away from the entrance and trotted towards her to give her a hug before noticing her carefully shifting her leg. "Are you hurt?" he asked with that sweet voice of his. Ino reached for him and pulled him into a hug as her eyes watered.

She tried to reassure him. "No love, I just had a little accident, nothing serious." She pulled back and used her fingers to push his hair back. Already her baby and Shikadai, were pre-teens. Shikadai walked over with his hands on the back of his head, so much like Shikamaru, she felt nostalgic. "Hi Auntie Ino." After nodding, she pulled both boys into another hug. "I already missed both of you so much and you haven't left yet." Both boys squeaked from being squished against Ino's chest and quickly moved away.

"Mother you smell dusty."

Ino chuckled and looked up hoping to see a familiar red. "Is you father coming with you?" Her brow furrowed as she noticed that along with the boys a beautiful brunette kunoichi walked in. She registered immediately who this was. The brunette, equally startled at seeing Ino, seemed to recover fast enough.

"Oh yes! Oneesan Matsuri is our new team leader, she is going to be training Shikadai, Moriko and me during the trip" Ino's face soured. She is going? She struggled in an attempt to get up while avoiding putting pressure on her injured leg.

Heero and Shikadai took a step back, "uhm, mom, you need a bath" Ino nodded absently as her gaze narrowed on Matsuri. The brunette had her chin up and seemed to be overly interested of the Kazekage's desk as if she was hoping he would magically appeared on the chair. Her eyes would flicker over to Ino before shifting away. Despite that motion, she stood still in her charming, diminutive figure.

Ino's heart sank. Not only was Matsuri graceful and young but her waist couldn't be wider than sixteen inches. "I did not realized you were going as well Matsuri" she began lamely. Her lips felt so dry she felt them crack as she said the words.

"Yes well, the Kazekage appointed me to make sure to support Gaara's needs." she said shortly.

I bet. Thought Ino bitterly taken back by the younger woman's defensive tone and by using her husband's name so casually. "How does your boyfriend feel about that? I heard you had been in a committed relationship within the last two years. I hope he didn't dump you because of this trip. Long distance relationships can be very strenuous for a young couple"

Matsuri's expression soured more if it was possible "Yes well, we are still together, but haven't had a chance to talk since he left for a mission a few months ago."

"How unfortunate that work must come between you. Although serving your country is a much more nobler reason than something more… personal" Ino's blue eyes flashed as she raked Matsuri from top to toe. The younger woman looked away while licking her perfectly kissable lips. She was getting more and more in Ino's nerves.

Matsuri reciprocated Ino's stare with a look of extreme dislike of her own. "You are right, my service for my village would exceed anyone's relationships or insecurities. I take my mission very seriously and personally guarantee, Gaara will finally have someone reliable by his side to train and take care of his son. Have a good day" she added sternly before turning around to exit the door.

Bitch. Ino turned away with hands in fists. She missed Gaara entering and awkwardly bumping into Matsuri. Matsuri gave Gaara a pitying look before walking away.

"Ino" A tired Gaara asked sternly "what are you doing here?"

Her lips almost pursed in anger. She looked away while trying to calm down, except that it wasn't working. This was not according to plan.

"I traveled all this way with Naruto to meet you." She stated automatically while her fingers were shaking as she moved them to brush her long bangs off her face and behind her ear.

"I see that" Gaara said before clearing his throat. "But I don't understand why." He noticed Heero and Shikadai standing quietly observing them both. "Boys, go check in with the Kazekage. Their meeting with the council should be finishing soon. Ino let me walk you to your inn, you must be tired."

"I don't…" Ino took a step back and bit her lip in pain, at the pressure on her injured ankle. "I don't...have a room." Gaara was distracted enough not to notice her moving her leg carefully.

Not surprised at her lack of preparation, the redhead nodded. "That's fine, I think Shikamaru and Temari would be okay to let you stay unexpectedly."

Ino's jaded blue eyes met Gaara's aqua. "I thought I would stay with you."

His face reddened as he raised his voice to make sure she would understand. "I don't think that's a good idea. You will be more comfortable at Shikamaru's." He came forward to put a hand under her elbow.

Ino pulled away as if he burned her and cried out when her ankle gave up on her. Gaara muttered a swear in surprise as he dashed forward to catch her.

He realized she was favoring one of her legs. "What happened?" He asked as she avoided his gaze. Settled her against the chair and knelt in front of her foot. As she cried out again when he removed her footwear, his eyes narrowed concerned and carefully revealed the swollen limb. He gently inspected the ankle, before raising his sand to form a makeshift cast around it. "You are hurt, puppet".

Ino leaned forward and swatted his hand away from her foot. "Don't call me that." High color had rushed into her cheeks; her whole body was stiff with righteous indignation. Her breath came short. At his wounded look, some of the negative energy released from her body. She uttered softly, "why is she going in my place?"

Heero who had hesitated leaving, spoke up hoping to reassure his mother. "Mother, I told you Oneesan Matsuri is going to train us and take care of our injuries. So you don't have to worry about me at all. Father said she will turn us into fine shinobi"

A thousand images flashed in Ino's brain. Her hands tightened again in fists. It was as if someone had bombed and collapsed a water dam of emotions. "You are wrong if you think I am going to stay here like an ignorant wife, while you leave my son in that slut's care" Ino jerked from the chair to hit her husband while forgetting about her injured leg. Gaara's sand rose to protect him, but she still slammed her fists against it, even as she cried in pain. Gaara did his best to grab her arms and lift her up to stop her from hurting her leg further.

"Ino!"he grunted confused. " Settle down, and remember where you are"

"You asshole, I remember very well where I am"

"Mama!" Heero cried out concerned.

Gaara twisted her body away from him. Giving him enough time to take her chair and lift her legs from the floor. As he felt her ragged breathing against his chest, he now noticed his son and nephew watching them in amazement. Cursing deeply, he mutters in her ear "Ino Yamanaka! I do not know what got into you, but you are scaring the children."

Ino took heavy breaths, in an effort to calm down against Gaara, and responded in a restrained tone. "Now you think of them as children, but you are willing to take them to watch people die. You are a hypocrite."

An alarmed Heero turned to Shikadai and swiftly back from one parent to another. "You won't change your mind about us going on the mission, will you, Father?"

"Go, before I do." Gaara commanded while still wrangling Ino. Heero gave a last pleading look to his father before pulling Shikadai with him out the room.

Once the door shot close, Gaara eased his hold on his wife, but did not remove his arms. "Be very careful with what you say next Ino. You don't want to regret it later on."

Ino's shrugged his hold off her and twisted towards him. "Dear wife, I have been very unhappy as of late." She paraphrases his words mockingly. "I think we need some time apart to pursue our own desires. I am going on a mission with our son, but you can't come... because I need space in my bed for Auntie Matsuri"

Gaara's jaw tensed, then shook his head. "It is not what you think, you are misreading the situation, because you are obviously tired from the trip over"

"You are wrong. I am angry about how blind I've been, wondering on the way here what could I possibly say to fix our relationship, when you already moved on." Gaara's skin went from pale to red.

"Damn it, Ino! It doesn't matter if it's true or not what I say or do. You are the one who already made up her mind!" He added agitated. "We agreed to take time apart, because you and I are not working together. It has nothing do with anyone else. Before you start accusing learn to take responsibility for your actions."

Tears were very near the surface again as anger began to give way to sadness and exhaustion. "I came here ready to do that." Ino swallowed hard against the lump in her throat. "I came to be who you want me to be"

"That is not the point, Ino"

"I love you Gaara, I meant it eleven years ago, and I do still now. Above everything else, including the flower shop or Konoha." She got off his lap and slowly knelt on the floor. "I swear I am willing to change. Do you want me to be happy and start training again? I am willing to take Tsunade's offer. I am willing to diet to lose the weight. Do you want me to take over the shop while you become an active shinobi? I can do that, I am willing to follow you to Rock country for two years. I feel I can do anything if you are there to support me." She looked up to read his face, her blue eyes soft with pleading.

Gaara released an exasperated breath. "Puppet" His eyes traveled over her, but were not really seeing her. It was as if all he could focus was on the past, on all the times he had been there, and nothing had changed. "Don't, that...that's enough" he said softly.

Her hands griped the material of his pants. "No! it's not nearly enough. I …" She breaks eye contact to stare beyond the floor. "...On the way here, I rehearsed everything I was going to say to you. The promises I was going to make." She used the couch to prop herself up while still looking away. Her chin jutting forward. In that moment she had gained strength and some self control.

"I thought about it, and acknowledge that you are right to be mad at me. I disappointed you in many ways." She caught her reflection on the Kazekage's window. "I allowed myself to become weak. Fear of death and dying - our baby daughter and my own- made me a coward. I almost drowned myself in self pity"

Gaara sat still uncomfortable in the presence of her unexpected honesty, at a loss of what to say, he pressed his lips together solemnly.

"I cried myself thinking about how you must have suffered, how lonely you have to have felt these last two years while I shut you out. I knew you were trying to help me, but I needed time." She laughs at herself in self-deprecation.

"On the way here I kept painting fantasies of how …of how you would forgive me and kiss me, and change your mind about taking me with you." She gritted her teeth until the muscles beneath her jaw strutted. "You would have laughed to see me"

"I would not have laughed" Gaara denied stepping towards her.

"Come on, Gaara, the thought of your old fat wife, spraining her ankle on a puddle of mud, while crying and hoping that you would still love her. Even I find it funny"

He met her eyes while stressing. "I would not have laughed" He surprised himself by the intensity of his statement before breaking eye contact.

Ino searched his face for any sign of softening of acceptance. But instead Gaara stirred restively. He looked away exhausted. "This conversation is not going anywhere, I wish I felt differently, but I stand by what I told you then."

Ino felt a void opening beneath her heart. It didn't matter what she said, he remain cold and immovable. It was over. Pain and humiliation cut thru her, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

Gaara watched her struggled heroically for enough control to not break down in front of him. "Ino…"

Her pride surfaced for a moment and she stopped him with a slashing motion from her hand.

"You are right, there is no point, nothing I say will change the fact that it's over"

"I did not say this had to be a permanent separation Ino, I just-"

"-Spare me the sap, I get it. It's too late, you are not interested in whether or not I can change. You want to leave me for two years, maybe forever, so what is the point in delaying this further? I'll stay overnight in the inn and tomorrow morning, I will take Heero back home with me."

Gaara's eyes moved dangerously "that's not happening Ino"

"It is happening, just because you are done with me, doesn't mean you get to take my son away as well. With him at Konoha, you can continue exploring all the pleasures of your mission at your will, for however long you want."

"That is enough Ino Yamanaka." He came towards her with menacing movement. "I am warning you"

But she wasn't deterred. Refusing to look at him any further, she turned and limped to the door. His voice followed her. "I am not going to let you take Heero to turn him into a florist."

She drew herself haughtily "Try and stop me. My father was a florist and he was twice the shinobi you'll ever be."

With those words she left him, the door slamming behind her.