Hello! I apologize for the delay but I promise I am already working on the next chapter. Don't forget to follow my instagram account: yamanaka0927 for updates on stories.
Love you all 3
Outside, the sun shined bright as it was at it's highest point in the sky. A gentle breeze caressed my clean skin. It was welcoming and added a little relief to the heat brought by the sun's rays. I glanced at Temari who was also looking up, admiring the sky as I was. I pondered at the thought of her doing this with Shikamaru. I wonder if she ever truly noticed the sky before him. I know I didn't. He helped me see the beauty and tranquility of it all, that sometimes it was best to just observe and do nothing more. We used to sit together and admire the sky numerous times a week. Now, I'm lucky if it even happens once every other week.
"So how do you manage the tangling?" Temari looked at me quizically, breaking my saddening thoughts.
The two of us have been waiting on the guys for ten minutes, and they say that guys wait on women. I inwardily rolled my eyes.
"Honestly, it's not bad. We have pretty good genes. Our hair stays very smooth. I've thought about wearing it down, but the ponytail thing is pretty strong in tradition." I respond while twirling the ends of my hair with my fingers.
Briefly, from time to time, I've contemplated whether I should cut my hair. Too many times have people told me, 'you have such a pretty face behind all that hair.' Yet, I love how feminine the length of my hair makes me appear. It's also easy to maintain, but man do I blow through shampoo and conditioner.
"I couldn't do it. My hair gets beyond tangled, especially with all the sand blowing around." Temari frowns and my heart cries for her.
"I hated it for the short time I was there, I couldn't imagine it all the damn time." I roll my eyes and the two of us share a laugh.
I look around noticing the guys weren't out yet. How long has it been now? 15? 20 minutes? Are there any other questions I want to ask Temari while we are alone? A small grin plastered across my face when a thought came to mind. I couldn't help it but my curiousity was showing again.
"So, have you and Shikamaru... done it?" I speak low while squinting my eyes at her. As I leaned in, she leaned away.
"Why do you need to know something so personal?" Temari whispered harshly back but I didn't budge. In fact, I just moved closer to her while keeping the grin on my face.
"Girl talk." I simply explain and a blush crept over Temari's face. Her beautiful tan skin turning a light pink under her eyes. Jackpot.
"You dirty whore," I hissed but began to giggle.
An image of Temari's naked body under Shikamaru's flashed across my mind. Okay, maybe lingered more than flashed, but it honestly would be a good-looking sight to see. However, that just made the jealousy in my stomach grow.
"Oh and you are so innocent with my brother?" She raised a brow trying to hide her embarrassment.
"You want details?" I grinned as her questioned pulled me from my train of thought.
"That's my little brother," She grimmaced in horror. Her beautiful eyes widened and I couldn't help feeling more jealous. "Don't you dare tell me a word about it."
"He's well hung."
"Gross!" She covered her ears and my laughter errupted. Her face turned to a slight shade of green.
A sound of someone clearing their throat caught our attention and my heart dropped. Oh kami, what have they heard?
"Nice," Naruto compliments Gaara while elbowing his side. Naruto grinned proudly from ear to ear while staring at Gaara's blushing face. Blushing, Gaara was slightly blushing and honestly, I'm quite proud of that fact. I brought a blush to his face. How many people can say they did that?
I looked at the others and Shikamaru kept the bored expression, but I knew him. He was probably irritated, angered, annoyed, and every other emotion all in one. Choji's sweet self looked embarrassed and Kankuro had a small smirk sitting on his face.
"Hey you decided to go barefaced, Makeup." I broke the silence. My eyes widened as I took in the look of Kankuro without his paint. His face was more rugged. Every small scar, burn, or scratch that has been carved into his face was on display. He honestly looked beautiful. He had a more masculine presence and it was a bit intimidating.
"Had to clean my face, Blondie, don't stare too long," He winked and I frowned at his arrogance. Physically he's winning, but personality wise... eh. It probably makes him a solid seven.
"Anyways," I stood up from the bench Temari and I accompanied. "What did you guys want to do now?"
"I want to be alone with Ino," Gaara's husk voice replied and my body tensed. No man's voice should sound that sexy.
"Okay," My response was quiet and short.
"Typical," Temari rolled her eyes before giving me a smirk.
"Are we meeting for dinner?" Kankuro asked and Gaara shook his head. We aren't?
"I have plans with Ino. We will see you tomorrow." Gaara responded and I blinked in shock.
I'm going to have a whole evening alone with Gaara? My eyes skimmed over Gaara's body before stopping at his handsome face. I mean, I could think of a few things I'd like to do, but... the chances of that are unlikely. He hasn't tried a single move or even showed interest in anything of that nature. It fucking irritates me.
"Alright, see you guys tomorrow." Choji smiled before turning to walk away. The rest followed him and I couldn't help but feel... scared? Intimidated maybe? No words come to mind to describe the emotions running through me. A brief moment of anxiety overwhelmed my already racing mind.
"Let's hang out soon, Gaara." Naruto shouted while taking off in the opposite direction. I didn't acknowledge him as I barely heard him over my thoughts.
Now just stood Gaara and I. Alone. What plans could he have? Maybe just a walk through town, or possible dinner? Since when did Gaara even make plans?
"So," I quickly cleared my throat, "what sort of things did you have planned for us, Kazekage?"
Those jade orbs I adore flickered to mine. Any overwhelming thoughts of nervousness and anxiety left my mind and body. I was sinking into the pools that taunted me, asking for me to jump in and never return. How I wanted to... all he had to do was ask. My heart was at peace under his gaze. My body, on the other hand, had a fire burning for his touch.
"I don't know." He murmured back while keeping eye contact.
A little vein on my forehead popped. I should have known.
"Then what was that talk of 'plans'?" I signed quotation marks before turning away from him.
"Do you prefer to not spend time with me?" He asked quizically. I turned to face him quickly.
"No," I responded abruptly.
I cleared my throat for a small distraction before giving him a small smile.
"Not that. I just don't think you should mislead a woman on when you tell her you've made plans for us?" I teased with a toss of my ponytail over my shoulder and flicker of my eyelashes. My smile widened at him before I looked up at the solemn sky. How peaceful it was... I truly see how Shikamaru appreciates the view.
"You're right."
I quickly turned at the sound of those two words us woman know too well. He was also looking towards the sky before slowly returning his gaze to me.
"Of course, I'm right." I grinned. "Well, then what do you suggest we do today then?"
Gaara shrugs but keeps his eyes on me. Well, I guess I have to decide everything then.
"Come, I'll give my mother a break from the flower shop. We can spend time there."
I turn before Gaara could respond and begin to make my way towards home. I sense his presence grow nearer before he ended up next to me.
"How were the baths?" I raised a brow in curiousity. It was hard to picture the Kazekage relaxing in the hot baths... naked. Okay, maybe not THAT hard to picture.
"It was relaxing." He murmured and a small smile greeted my lips.
For a brief moment, I allowed myself to imagine what a future with Gaara would be like. Could I handle the quietness that our life would be? A wife to a busy Kage who is constantly working. A man who will need to put his own village before his wife and family? Is this something I would want? Honestly, in a perfect world, we would live here. Where I could tend to the flower shop like my parents, raise our children here, and stay near my friends and family. But, that life could never be possible, not with a Kage.
Why was I even allowing myself to think these thoughts? A life with him is impossible anyways. I have a clan tradition to think about. Oh, shit, speaking of tradition. There's the dinner tomorrow. Oh, I loathed those dinners. If the clans were getting together, that means someone is either doing something wrong or about to. I have a feeling that someone is me.
I was so lost in my thoughts, I was shocked to see the flower shop sign in view. I glanced at Gaara and caught him looking at me.
"You seem consumed." He muttered and I was surprised he noticed. Of course, that's what quiet people do, they observe.
"Yeah, we have a clan dinner tomorrow and usually that means we are going to get our ears chewed off about something." I responded looking towards the ground.
"Do you have them often?" He questioned and I scoffed at myself.
"No," I looked Gaara in the eyes and stopped walking. We stood outside the shop. "The last one was after Asuma died and we returned from the mission of trying to catch the members responsible for his death. It was a lecture."
He nodded but didn't push farther and I was thankful. That dinner was very uncomfortable. Especially since it was more towards Shikamaru and his habits after Asuma's death.
The door bell chimed as we entered the shop and my mother smiled at us.
"Ino," she nodded, "Gaara-sama." She smiled.
"Hey mom! We're here to give you a break." I headed towards the back of the counter and grabbed my usual yellow apron. Gaara stood in front of the counter, looking very out of place.
"Thank you, dear." My mother smiled while taking off her apron. She walked towards the hooks on the wall and hung hers up. "You can close around 4 today. It's been slow."
"Sounds good." I gleamed at her while leaning forward on the counter. I looked back at Gaara who was staring at the assortment of flowers behind me. He's so handsome.
"Thank you, Gaara-sama." She nodded at him. He returned her nod and she responded with a smile. She left the shop and I stared at Gaara.
"You're so quiet. Flower for your thoughts?" I asked while resting my head in my hands.
"Just observing," he murmurred while staring at a pot of roses on the counter.
"And final conclusion?" I asked, grabbing his attention from the flowers.
His response was just a small smile. I inwardily rolled my eyes for his silence. However, his smiles bring a tingle to my body and warmth to my heart so I couldn't help but smile back. I guess I won't know what he was thinking.
I stared at the aprons hanging on the hooks to my right. An idea popped in my head and I quickly headed towards it and grabbed a tan one.
"Here," I handed it to Gaara and he took the material from my hands. "You're going to work like us peasants, Kazekage."
I gave him a large smile before heading towards the back of the shop. Here, we had many flowers growing as well as some herbs I have been working on. My latest assignment has been creating some poisonous herbs that I can rub on my kunai and shurikens. A few moments later, I hear footsteps behind me. I turned around and admired the look of the Kazekage in an apron. He looked... normal. Again, I found myself daydreaming about a simple life with Gaara, but here in the Leaf village instead.
"Well, look at you. You look like one of us." I smirked and he raised a brow.
"I wasn't aware that I looked different." He responded and I shook my head. A little shocked that he is actually giving me responses.
"You are so oblivious, Gaara-sama," I murmured while grabbing a bucket. I turned and handed him the bucket before pointing towards the back door.
"There is a hose outback. Do you mind filling this with water? Fill it half full and meet me at the counter." I grabbed a few flowers that were ready to be cut and wrapped before heading towards the front counter.
"I hope he does it," I muttered to myself. I can't believe I'm comanding the Kazekage to do something. Who am I kidding? I love it.
I pulled out some paper, rubber bands, and scissors. I took a seat and began trimming the stems of the flowers and creating bouquets. Footsteps and the sound of a thud on the floor caught my attention. Gaara had placed the bucket on the floor next to me. It was filled half way exactly, not too little or too less. I smiled before looking up at him. He actually did it.
"You actually did it?" I raised my brows, catching Gaara off guard.
"You asked me to." His simple response melted my heart and I couldn't help it. I got up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. My affection caught him off guard once more.
"Thank you." I beamed. Not even Shikamaru would do this for me when I asked. I could count on two hands the amount of times I asked him and later found him just sitting outside. This simple gesture just showed me he cared, at least a little.
For a moment, we just stared at each other. My eyes shifted down to his lips and I could feel my mouth water. Oh, I wanted to kiss those lips so badly. I wanted to tangle my fingers in his hair and feel his body against mine. Sadly, I can't do anything. I refuse to be the one to make a move. I will not be rejected again.
"So," I quickly sat back down and diverted my attention to the bouquets in front of me. "What do you think?"
I raised the bouquet of various colors of carnations. It was a simple bouquet that was very popular among woman villagers. Something about a fresh bouquet on the dinner table just made your home feel more welcoming.
Gaara stared at the bouquet then his eyes flickered to mine.
"Beautiful." He responded and I couldn't help but feel like he wasn't talking about the flowers. A small blush crept across my face and I glanced down at the remaining flowers on the counter.
"I-uh"
The chimes from the front door filled the tense air and I physically relaxed. Quickly excusing myself, I went over to the help the customer who wandered in, leaving Gaaara to stand alone behind the counter.
"This is perfect." The woman smiled and I smiled back, trying to hide my irritation of how long this took. Twenty minutes of her fighting with herself over which bouquet would look best for the in-laws.
"I'm so happy. The perfect bouquet makes the perfect home." I smiled while leading her to the register.
I rang up her up and gave her a smile as she turned to walk away with her flowers. I looked over to notice Gaara made his way over to a seat near the front, reading a book on herbs. He looked solemn and incredibly handsome. It reminded me of the times I watched him focus on paperwork back in Suna. There was something so sexy about it. I never thought watching a man read and write would be a turn on for me. I glanced at the clock and noticed it was five past four.
"Gaara," I called softly and he looked up without missing a beat. "Do you mind flipping the sign for me?"
I pointed at it and Gaara got up from his seat. I turned my attention towards the register so I could begin counting the inome from today.
A moment later I hear the faint sound of the metal hitting the glass window. Good boy. I smiled at myself before counting the last of it and locking the register.
"Alright, I just need to sweep and water the plants then we're good to go." I informed Gaara while heading to the closet to grab the broom.
"I can sweep... if you want?" He was hesistant and I closed the door to the closet before looking at him quizically. He was standing by the register, holding the book in his hand, and apron still around his waist. I could pounce on him.
"Really?" I raised my brows and he nodded. I couldn't help the smile to come across my lips. "Thank you."
I handed him the broom before heading to the back to water the flowers.
10 minutes later, I watered the last bush and Gaara was sweeping the last of everything out the front door. We were quiet, as always I suppose but it was a different silence. It was comforting. His presence is comforting. I found myself wishing for this as a daily life style. Us, running my parent's flower shop. It gave me a small sense of hope and brought a warmth to my heart. However, it didn't last long when I realized how that dream could never be.
"Alright," I sighed while hanging up my yellow apron. Gaara did the same, and I gave him a small grin.
"Thank you for all your help today. It was... nice." My smile grew into a very genuine one and I noticed Gaara's eyes take in my expression.
"You're welcome, Ino." His response was expected but oddly satisfying.
"Come, let's get you home." I gave him a smile that didn't reach my eyes before walking towards the exit.
The walk to the apartment was quiet. The sun began to slowly make it's way to meet the ground again. The blue started to slowly meet an orange hue and it was breathtaking. The sunsets were beautiful in Konoha. Yet, they were more beautiful in Suna, or maybe that was because I didn't watch them alone there.
"The sunsets in Suna were breathtaking." I murmur just loud enough for Gaara to hear me. I kept my eyes ahead, knowing he was listening to me.
"They are," he muttered back and I glanced at him. His eyes were straight ahead.
"But it's still too damn hot there to enjoy it." I turned my head to the right noticing we were outside of the apartments.
Hmm, I didn't sense any familiar chakras in there so everyone must still be out. They're probably having dinner together. Jealousy hits as I imagine the four of them hanging out, care free. While I, on the other hand, have no idea what is happening between Gaara and I.
A sound of a sliding door distracted my thoughts and I looked up to see Zanto standing on the deck of his apartment. I almost forgot about him...
"Well," I smiled sweetly at Gaara. "We're here."
It was really weird knowing we were being watched. It made us seem... forced. Even though there is a mission for this, it still feels worse with Zanto watching us, waiting for us to be wrong.
"Thank you," Gaara murmured, focusing his eyes on me, not paying attention to the watching guard. "Come."
"Huh?" I furrowed my brow as his hand grasped mine.
Quickly, my confusion vanished as I remembered Zanto's presence. My fingers intertwined with his as I followed his lead into the apartments. Surprisingly, even as we entered through the front doors and headed up towards his apartment, he didn't let go of my hand. I couldn't help but smile.
We entered the door to the apartment he shared with his siblings and I looked around. It was standard furniture, with a kitchenette, living and dining area, three small bedrooms with two bathrooms.
"Funny," I muttered as I walked over towards the couch. "I've never been in one of these yet I feel like I know what they all look like."
I sat down and quickly observed the place.
"It's similar to the apartments in Suna." Gaara responded, taking his gourd off and placing it on the floor near the kitchenette.
"Yes, but the furniture I think is a little more colorful in Suna." I smiled at the rememberance of the brownish red couch that overlooked the small apartment with so many memories.
"I haven't noticed." He muttered before taking a seat next to me on the couch. I glanced at him and couldn't help but feel odd at this situation. We used to do this all the time when I stayed at his apartment, but now it's just different. I miss the casual part of it that we used to have.
"Gaara," I sighed before turning my body to face his and taking in his eyes that watched me with curiosity. "What are we doing?"
His brow furrowed at my question.
"Talking?"
I laughed helplessly at the unknowing Kage next to me. His ignorance to all this was almost innocent. Yet 'Gaara' and 'innocent' don't really go together in one sentence.
"No, not that." I breathed and looked down at my feet. I was afraid to look at him. "I meant this. Us."
I pointed at the both of us, keeping my gaze down.
"Fulfilling a mission?" His response followed after a lengthy five second pause. He wasn't wrong.
"Yes, the mission." I muttered while grinning to myself. I looked up at him, trying to fight the inevitable tears in my eyes.
Gaara's body tensed, he sat more forward towards my direction, and his eyes searched mine. They were looking for an answer for the right words to say.
"This mission is hard for me, Gaara." I whispered while the tears began to pool in my eyes, fighting to break the barrier between eyes and skin. "I thought this would be easy, but it just feels so real that it's hard to remind myself that it's not."
His brow furrowed further. His confusion obvious. The tears began to fall over and I tried to ignore it.
"I'm sorry," I nervously laughed while turning my attention towards the coffee table in front of us.
"You have nothing to apologize for." His response caught my attention. I glanced back at him to find his eyes waiting for mine.
"No, that was out of line." I apologized once more, wiping the tears off my cheeks. "That won't happen again."
His facial expression gave nothing away but he was watching me intently. I wish I knew what he was thinking of.
"This mission will not fail." I smiled at him, but he didn't smile in return.
Instead, Gaara ran his hands through his hair.. The response was simply but very strange from him. It made him look helpless and it almost made me feel guilty. Don't fight the power of what a crying girl does to a man. He looked right at me and there was something I couldn't read about the look.
Then he asked me a question. I question I didn't expect to have to anwser so soon. It made time freeze and my breath hitched.
"Do you still love me?"