Hey loves! I wanted to apologize for the delay in updates! Life caught up with me. I promise you I haven't given up on this story. I will finish out the trilogy and more. Just be patient with me. Thank you for all your messages, reviews, favorites, and follows! You guys keep me going. Love you all!
"I don't know if I can take anymore," I muttered, breathless.
I twisted my head to the left quickly, trying to look back at him. My face was smashed against the pillow. I could only see his hands grasping the sides of my behind. I gasped once more and buried my face into the pillow. I felt his hot, wet tongue moving around. A moan slipped deep from his throat and he buried his face further inside me. I moaned as the new feeling caused my legs to shake with lust.
"Please. I can't take this any longer," I pleaded with him.
I jolted my body forward and away from his face. My arms shook by my side as I tried to catch my breath. Though, he didn't give me much time as hands flew around my waist and flipped me onto my back. My eyes remained closed as my mouth was open, panting loudly with exhaust, need, and lust. A heavy body climbed over me, but I couldn't open my eyes.
"What do you want?" He questioned me. His voice was hoarse yet soft. It only made me tremble with more excitement.
"Please," I whispered, but instead I was greeted with silence.
The silence was interrupted with lips crashing down against mine. I moaned in agreement as his tongue slipped into my mouth. His breathing was harsh and fast, and I felt more moisture between my thighs.
"Oh, Gaara."
I quickly sat up in bed and looked around me. The room was cloaked in a blanket of darkness and I stretched my arms. I felt a warmth rise over my cheeks.
"Did I really say that aloud?" I muttered while rubbing my eyes gently. Why did I have a dream about that? I haven't even had thoughts about that since… Shikamaru.
Another yawn broke through as I stretched once more. I quickly froze and peered over to my left. I stared at my window silently as the wind outside blew softly.
"Odd." I muttered. I must have been so tired I slept with the window opened.
Not wanting to dwell on it long, I got up and headed downstairs to the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of water and drank it quickly. Looking out the kitchen window, I noticed the blue sky starting to peek up on the night. I might as well get ready. I took another sip of my water and took notice of no one else's presence in the house.
"Mom must be at the flower shop." I muttered aloud to myself.
Setting down the glass of water, I rushed to take a shower and soon I was back in front of the mirror brushing my hair. I smiled softly at a memory of my mother brushing my hair. My sweet memory was shattered by the twinkle of a sterling silver in my vanity mirror. I set the brush down and slipped my fingers around the small charm. The necklace was gorgeous, no doubt. A pang of discomfort rang in my stomach at the meaning behind the simple jewelry. True, I have always dreamed of man giving me jewelry, sweeping me off my feet, and claiming myself as his; but at what price if that same man didn't love me? My vision blurred slightly as I stared at the mirror, and I blinked a few times to clear the forming tears. I can't have my mood ruined. I don't cry, not over a man! How can one red-headed Kage take so much effect on me?
Oh, but his effect… the same warmth crept on my cheek at the remembrance of my dream. I haven't been physical with anyone since Gaara, and haven't really had much thought since… well the Shikamaru incident. But, there was no doubt that my body still yearned for that Gaara even if my heart was shattered into pieces. Yet, a girl can dream right?
I shook my head to the idea, threw on my sandals, placed some kunai in my pouch, and began to head out. I have a tour to give this morning and I wasn't going to Gaara get in the way. Though, I really was not in the mood for this tour. Maybe because I wasn't exactly looking forward to the girl's day out that follows. What are Temari and I going to do? Maybe I can probe some answers about Antwanetsu-san out of her? Would she even know her? Maybe she's met her? Maybe she used to be a… girlfriend? The woman who Gaara seems to care deeply about and I don't understand why. She basically raped him, but he's so convinced otherwise. That man needs help.
"Hmm…" I rubbed my chin as I walked through the village. I quickly sensed a familiar chakra and a small smile tugged on my lips. Why would he be up this early?
"Shika!" I called while waving a hand towards him. He looked over and gave a small wave with his hand. The other was in his pocket as he seemed to be in deep thought previous to my interruption.
"Ino." He muttered in greeting and I placed a hand on my hip.
"Where are you going so early this morning?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. Shikamaru never wakes up this early. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw him out of bed before ten.
"If you must know, I'm meeting Temari for breakfast." His response peaked my interest in an annoying way. Of course, only she could ever get him to wake up this early. I inwardly rolled my eyes to my jealousy.
"I try to get your ass up all the time for breakfast and you NEVER do." I nagged, crossing my arms in front of my chest. I felt a little bit of hurt from this. How can a girl be more important than YEARS of friendship?
"Because you're too much to deal with in the mornings," he muttered back with a roll of his eyes.
I punched his arm and stared him down. Maybe he's too much to deal with in the mornings.
"See!" He commented as he rubbed his arm slightly from the punch. He deserves it. I smiled inwardly.
"Whatever Shika," I yawned as I turned around to head towards the hospital. "Catch ya later! Take care of my boyfriend!"
I smiled menacingly to myself as I could sense him stiffen from my comment. I still don't understand why he dislikes Gaara so much. In fact, it's his "girlfriend's" brother. He should like him. Shikamaru wouldn't want to be on his bad side. I would love to ask Gaara more questions about their relationship but he always dismisses it when I do.
"That was weird to say," I mumbled to myself as I continued walking. Gaara, the boyfriend, how unusual, but wanted at the same time.
Will that ever be easy to get use to? No! Because this is only for another week… I found myself frowning to the thought but I straightened my mouth quickly. It's for the best, Ino. He isn't worth your time anyways. I felt my anger simmering inside of me. I gave him so much. Food, sleep, my virginity…
"Who has sex with me and then says goodbye? It's me!" I shouted to myself and quickly dropped my anger when I noticed an older man looking towards my direction in a concerning manner. I gave him an apologetic wave before keeping my head down and walking away faster.
Soon the hospital was in view, and I noted I was early. I smiled to myself, I beat the other four who were coming here. Shikamaru would be impressed. I stood outside the hospital when I spotted a familiar pink haired kunoichi coming by.
"Even I manage to get here earlier than you, huh?" I hissed. "Face it forehead, I always win."
I stuck my tongue out as Sakura walked up next to me. A vein in her forehead popped and she held her fist up in my face. Her green eyes shined with anger, but there was an underlying comfort to it.
"Shut it Ino-pig!" She shouted and my vein popped as well. I hated that nickname.
"Looks like we got a sore loser, billboard brow!" I shouted back in her face. We looked at each other for two seconds longer before dropping our postures and relaxing.
"What are you doing here anyways? I didn't think you were helping us out." Sakura asked and I raised a brow in curiosity. Help with what?
"I'm here to give a tour to the members of Suna's hospital, if you must know." I responded with a flick of my ponytail over my shoulder. "I beat them here."
Sakura nodded her head. I noticed something shined in her eye and her eyes widened.
"So it's true!" She gasped and I flinched at her sudden outburst.
"What's tr-"
"You're really dating Gaara?!" She questioned loudly.
"How did you kno-"
"The rumors around town," she shouted then pointed towards my neck. Rumors? "I also heard he gave you some beautiful necklace too."
I grabbed the charm in my fingers and looked down at it. There's rumors in town? Well there should be, Ino. That is exactly what needs to happen for him.
"Yeah, he did." I looked at the silver twinkle in the sunlight. With a small smile, I looked back up at forehead only to notice she was angry. My smile dropped and I knew she was going to begin yelling. Oh for what?
"How could you not tell me?!" She screamed and I flinched again at the outburst.
"I'm sorry! A lot was going on," I screamed back and she didn't budge. I wanted to be angry at her, but hell, I'd be angry too if she kept something that big a secret.
"Did this all happen when you went to Suna? Did you guys have a thing or something? Oh my kami, did you kiss him? You kissed Gaara?" She began trailing questions not leaving me time to answer any. I'd love to fill her in, but it would hurt to tell her what happened at the end. When Gaara leaves, I can tell her the total truth.
"Kami, if you would stop asking questions I could give you some damn answers!" I cursed in her face and she only asked more questions.
"Did you guys like… do it? Did you and the KAZEKAGE have sex?" She reiterated and I felt the warmth rise to my cheeks.
"If you must know-"
"Ahem."
We both looked over at the sound of someone clearing their throat. I noticed the five figures standing only three feet away from us. Two seemed annoyed, while three of them were embarrassed. Oh shit, they're here.
"Dr. Zureko," Sakura and I greeted in unison then looked back at each other in question. How did she know him? Oh yeah, that's right, she's been to Suna's hospital. I see that she had the same questioning glance at me, but in the same moment she also realized that I knew him from Suna too.
I looked back at the others and noticed that Zanto has joined them. Shouldn't he be guarding the Kazekage? I rolled my eyes before smiling at the three medics.
"Good morning," I greeted cheerfully.
"Morning, Yamanaka-san," they responded in unison.
"Ino is fine," I smiled at them before looking back towards Sakura.
"I'll let you go, pig, but we will continue this in FULL detail later," she narrowed her eyes at me and I rolled mine in response. She really is persistent.
"Alright, forehead." I smiled at her and she smiled back before entering the hospital. I missed my friend.
I turned back to the others and gave them a small apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry for that, shall we get started?"
The tour was a quick blur as I showed them the ins and outs of the hospital. I even made sure to show them our greenhouse while giving Zureko a dirty look in remembrance of his tour. The medics were impressed at how big our hospital was compared to theirs. I noted it was larger but Suna's was coming close to it. However through all the chatter of the hospital and its advanced machinery, I couldn't keep a certain red head out of my mind, and the dream I had with that same red head. It was odd not seeing him so early this morning. I felt a small pain of sadness at the thought, but just as quick as it came, I shook the feeling away. Only one more week, Ino.
At the end of our tour, I was met with another medic to take the group to begin showing them some training. Unfortunately, he didn't take everyone with him.
"So, Zanto, how do you like Konoha?" I asked trying to kill the silence between us as we headed to meet the others for lunch.
"I've been here before." His response was brief and I took the hint that he didn't want to talk to me. Of course, that's what you get for getting both of his sons in trouble. I looked at him taking in his features. You could definitely tell he was their father. He was handsome, in an older way. If only he was as cool as his sons.
"Ah," I muttered while glancing around us. It was close to noon, the streets began to fill with people and children as the stores have been opened for some time now. I grasped the charm of the necklace absentmindedly as I thought of the flower store and if we had any customers coming in. Sometimes, I missed the easiness of running the store.
"Yamanka-san," I looked over at him.
"Ino," I reminded him.
"Yamanaka-san, why are you doing this?" He asked and I inwardly rolled my eyes as he ignored my comment.
"Doing what, Zanto?" I asked, a bit annoyed. We're so close, yet so far from the restaurant.
"Falsifying this relationship with the Kazekage?" He stated so matter-of-fact like.
I stopped in my tracks. He stopped a moment after me, raising his brow in question.
"Excuse me?" I hissed and he didn't falter.
"Feigning, pretending, simulating-"
"I know what it means," I cut him off before he could go further. "Why would you say such a thing?"
"Because you may have others around you fooled, but the council and I aren't so sure."
"Listen, asshole, I don't care who you are. No one is allowed to go around and say shit about my relationship unless that person is ME." I spat and he didn't waiver.
"Yamanaka-san, why is there no evidence of letters between you two before this."
"You go through his mail now?" I raised a brow and crossed my arms. What the fuck is up with his guy?
"No, from records." He simply stated and I closed my eyes. Breathe Ino, don't kill this man.
"Look, Zanto, we had a rough falling when I left but he sent me letters and we spoke and made up. I wouldn't let go of what he did before I left and wouldn't agree to be his girlfriend until he proved to me that he was serious. When I found out about the medics coming to town, I told him I would be his girlfriend if I can see that he really has changed as he stated in his letters. The reason you don't see the records is because Gaara was secretive with our writing and now I see why. So next time before you start saying shit, get your facts straight! You shouldn't even be saying this shit. You're just pissed because your sons did something right and helped me. Gaara would not approve of this. So next time, keep your shit quiet or he won't be too happy when I tell him to get rid of you!"
I found myself breathing heavily as the anger was consuming me. I looked over quickly to notice we were standing in front of the restaurant. I gave him a loud "humph" as I walked away from him to see if the others were inside. I don't know why I used Gaara as an excuse, in fact, I doubt he would even get rid of the guy if I asked. I have nothing to do with his staff and how he runs the place, but damn that guy is something else. His sons definitely fell FAR from the tree.
As soon as I walked in, I noticed them at a booth near the window. I marched over before taking the empty seat next to Kankuro. I looked around to see them all staring at me except for one particular red head.
"Where's Gaara?" I asked, my irritation obvious in my voice.
"You walked right passed him, blondie," Kankuro stated and my eyes widened.
"What?" I asked and Kankuro snickered behind the face paint.
"We saw you explode on the guard, and Gaara went to go talk to him as you entered. You didn't pass him," Shikamaru explained and I only felt myself tense more. Fuck, I didn't want Gaara to bust his balls. Zanto was technically right after all…
"What's wrong with you anyways?" Temari asked and I sighed.
"The damn guard still thinks we're faking it. He even asked me to my face why I was 'falsifying the relationship'. Fucking dick." I muttered
"Calm down there, you might get a wrinkle or two from all the frowning." Kankuro joked and I only slapped his arm. He frowned at me and rubbed his arm lightly.
"I'm fine, let's eat shall we?" I looked at the others and they began to eat their food.
I stared at mine, wondering if I should even eat it right now, or wait for Gaara. My argument with Zanto hindered my appetite.
After a few moments, Gaara returned and took a seat next to me. I looked over at him as he did the same. His face was neutral as always, I wasn't sure what to give him. An angered look? A smile? My lips curled up into a smile and surprisingly, a small smile came from him as well. Okay so maybe everything is fine.
"So, Ino, how was the tour?" Choji asked politely and I smiled at him.
"Done professionally," I beamed at him. Yeah, I sure showed Dr. Zureko how to give one. "It didn't go too long, after I was about done, they were taken away from another nurse to get them started on some techniques."
"I heard the medics from the mist came in today," muttered Shikamaru after taking a long sip from his drink.
"Yes, we greeted them this morning in Lady Hokage's office," Gaara responded after taking a small bite from his food.
I looked down at my food once more and felt a cool hand on my thigh. I looked down to see Gaara's hand there. Odd? He hasn't done that before… but I like it. I closed my thighs together when I felt a long familiar tingle. Relax, Ino, it's just a simple gesture.
"Say, when are we going to see other people? Like Naruto, or Sakura, or someone?" Kankuro asked loudly. I rolled my eyes.
"Are you getting bored already, Kankuro?" Temari teased back and Kankuro shrugged his shoulders.
"Why aren't you eating?" Gaara asked me quietly while the others began talking.
"I'm not too hungry, Gaara," I responded back with a hushed tone. I looked into his jade eyes and felt a lump in my throat. Has he always been this damn handsome? Yes, yes he has.
"Eat," He commanded once more before turning his attention back to his food.
I looked back at my food, irritated. Well that was short lived. I took a small bite from my food before putting it back down. Why am I eating? I don't need to listen to him!
I pushed my plate away and I felt the grip from the hand on my thigh tighten. Ignoring him, I look towards Temari.
"So, Temari, where would you like to go today?" I asked her kindly. She looked my way and I could immediately feel unwelcomed. Ugh, I tried.
"I'm not sure. What did you have in mind?" She responded, but she didn't sound pleased.
"I don't know about you guys, but a dip in a hot springs sure sounds nice." Kankuro jumped in and I mouthed "thank you" towards him.
"That does sound nice," Temari reiterated and I perked up from my seat.
"I guess we can all head there afterwards," I suggested and the rest nodded in agreement.
"Then let's pay this bill and leave this joint! Brother?" Kankuro snickered towards Gaara and he only nodded.
After paying the bill, we were all off towards the hot springs. As much as I wanted to enjoy a nice bath, I could only think of two things. One, I will be there with Temari… Two, I'd rather be in there with Gaara. I quickly glanced in his direction and looked away when I felt a blush creeping on again. Everything was just fine before I was reminded of how good things were between us. Now, I can't get the damn man and his sex out of my mind!
"Was everything alright with Zanto-san?" Gaara looked towards me and I broke from my thoughts to look into his jade eyes.
"Everything was fine, we just had a… misunderstanding," I muttered and couldn't believe I was covering for that man. I guess I didn't want him to completely hate me. "Why? What did he say?" Suddenly I was very interested to hear how their conversation went.
"Same lines as you. He apologized for his behavior," Gaara stated and I rolled my eyes. Sure, apologize to the boss but not the actual person whose feelings you hurt.
I looked forward and could see the bathhouse coming into view. Well, here goes spending the day with Temari… Kami, save me.
"Ino," Gaara spoke in a hushed tone and I looked over quickly.
"Yes, Gaara?" Oh, I could stare at his eyes all day.
"I need to speak with you tonight. Will you come over to our apartment after this?"
What? I stared at him bemused. What could he possibly need to talk to me about? Am I in trouble? Oh no! Zanto must know! Maybe this is about to be over a lot sooner. I knew I should be happy, but a small part of me didn't want it to be. My grip on his hand tightened. Get yourself together, girl!
"O-okay! I'll do that," I responded too quickly, and I mentally slapped myself for that.
"Good," he released my hand and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. Oh wow! That was unexpected. I gave myself a moment to jump back to reality.
"Come on, softy," Kankuro muttered at Gaara, signaling it was time to split up.
"Bye guys," I said to the group before turning to face Temari.
"Let's get this over with," She mumbled while walking past me towards the bathhouse.
"What a fucking sweetheart." I muttered under my breath before following her in.