The air in the apartment was thick. It went through my nostrils and crushed my lungs. The weight bore down on my shoulders as every muscle in my body tensed. I was suffocating. I just wanted to run out the door, go home, crawl into my bed, and forget that this day even happened.
"Do you still love me?"
A question I never thought he'd ask but I was afraid to answer. What would change? Would it mean anything to him? What if my heart becomes broken in two again? How do I know he will not change his mind like last time? Unanswered questions raced through my mind and almost left me breathless.
My eyes screened every detail of Gaara's face, which was only just a foot away from mine. His eyes burned into mine as he tried to do the same. For a moment, I stared into those eyes and any sense of fear I had vanished. All my negative thoughts dissolved, leaving behind a wave of calm and peace throughout my mind, soul, and body.
"Do you still love me?"
"I do."
Time stood still for the next second. All loud thoughts halted and left silence behind. A weight lifted off my shoulders and into the air, clinging to Gaara's ears and mine. Allowing itself to be taken anyway he pleased. His eyes widened and those pools of peace froze, then vanished when his lids covered them.
With a sigh escaping from his lips, time resumed itself.
"Good," he muttered before closing the distance between us.
My eyes widened at the startling crash of his lips against mine. Yet I closed them as I began to sink into his kiss. This kiss was different. It wasn't quick, forced, or habitual. It was fierce, wild, and passionate. He wanted-no needed more from me and my body gave in. Falling back on the couch, Gaara pressed all his weight on top of me while his hands flew to my hair and waist. My fingers tangled into his red locks and tugged to bring him closer. I couldn't help but moan as Gaara's tongue thrusted into my mouth, begging me for more. Mine met his too eagerly and soon, they were intertwined, dancing wistfully.
The atmosphere shifted and the temperature rose rapidly. A hoarse groan broke from his lips to mine. The demand to be naked and under him overcame me. My fingers found the collar of his shirt and I began to tug on it. Understanding my message, Gaara broke our kiss and began to unbutton my top. I found myself almost panting while waiting for him to finish. Swiftly, the buttons were undone and I was free of my shirt. I leaned up as Gaara slid the fabric down my arms before discarding my top on the floor. He bent down and grazed my newly revealed skin with his lips. My body shuddered at the caress. A frown graced my lips for a moment when I noticed he wasn't taking his top off. However it was quickly replaced with a small 'o' when he sucked on my neck.
"Gaara," I moaned. I was unsure of what I wanted and why I said his name. All I knew was this felt amazing, and my body was on fire. It has not been touched like this in a very long time and I wanted it badly. However, this felt so fast but almost prolonged at the same time. Gaara took his lips off my neck and looked down at me. His eyes bore into mine and I could see the same need in his.
"Do you want me to stop?" He asked, unsure of whether to continue or not. I looked down from his eyes and stared at the collar of his shirt. For a moment, I contemplated if I should. I was scared. The last time we did this, it didn't end well. My heart was broken into a million pieces that I have slowly picked up over the past six months. Could I handle that again?
"I'm afraid." I whispered aloud. I closed my eyes, anxious of his response. His weight shifted off of me and he sat up next to me, but brought my body up to his. One arm around my waist, the other caressed my chin before he raised my face up to his. I opened my eyes slowly and found his staring at mine. His expression was soft, yet stern.
"I won't hurt you," he mumbled before taking a deep breath. "Not again."
My brows raised at his response.
"It was hard for me too." He continued, his thumb brushed over my cheek and I leaned into his touch. I closed my eyes, savoring the comfort this brought me. "Hell, Ino, I have never felt such guilt and regret for any decision I have ever made than to push you away from me that night."
He retracted his arms and stood up from the couch. His fingers dragging through his hair.
"You deserve so much more than what I can give you."
"No." I interjected, quickly standing and taking his hand in mine. He blinked at my quick reaction, taken slightly aback. I tugged on his hand and he turned to face me.
"You are more than what I deserve, Gaara." My hands cupped his cheeks and I looked into his sweet eyes. This man. He has no idea how much he means to me, to many people. He is more than capable of deserving love, just as much as anyone else. He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against mine.
"I. Love. You. No one else." I whispered.
He inhaled sharply before attacking my lips once more. I closed my eyes to the assault, welcoming it. His arms tightened around my waist before lifting me off the ground. Instinctively, I wrapped my legs around him. Not breaking the kiss, he walked us toward what I assumed was his bedroom. I felt the soft touch of cotton against my calves before feeling his weight on top of me once more. Sandwiched between him and a soft, queen sized bed, I felt more restless and anxious. My feelings were subdued with a rough kiss and restless hands running up and down my body.
"I want you," I whispered, unaware I said it aloud.
Gaara gave a small groan in response before breaking the kiss. He trailed feather kisses down my neck towards my bra. The garment suddenly felt very tight and unwanted. As if he could read my mind, his slid his hands underneath my body and began to unfasten it. In two seconds, the garment was free and tossed to the side, leaving my breasts exposed. The cool air caused my nipples to tighten and harden and a small gasp escaped my lips.
"So beautiful," he muttered under his breath, while his thumb and forefinger caressed my nipple. My eyes widened at the sudden action but closed when a wave of pleasure flew through my body. I clutched his arms as he leaned down to blow gently causing me to dig my fingernails into his shirt. Soon, my nipple was enclosed with his warm mouth and his tongue began to caress it. I felt my body convulse as his tongue circled the bud, before giving a light suck to it.
"Gaara," I whined. The pleasure consumed my body as it fought for some sort of release.
Ignoring my plea, he continued tormenting my left nipple with his mouth. I felt a hand around my other breast, his thumb and forefinger mimicking his tongue. Flinging my head back, I opened my mouth to the torturous bliss consuming me. As if I wasn't on fire, his free hand found its way down to my skirt. Swiftly, his finger worked the first button holding the front of my skirt together, then skimming my waist band before undoing the second. The skirt laid open, exposing my fishnets, and lacy underwear.
Aware of my nudity compared to his fully clothed body, anxiety began to enter my mind, blocking the pleasure. Why was I so nervous? He's seen me naked before.
He also denied you right afterwards. He left you. Maybe because you weren't good enough.
The sound of a loud rip broke my thoughts and I gasped.
"Gaara!" I propped myself up on my elbows while scowling at him.
He ignored my outburst while tossing the torn fishnets to the ground.
"What are you-"
I gasped when sand snaked around my wrists, pinning me down against the bed. I crossed my legs in attempt to block my underwear, but more of the fine particle rubbed down my thighs, knees, then calves until wrapping itself around my ankles. Just as the ones around my wrists, the sand hardened weighing my legs down and spreading them far from side to side. I laid there, exposed and vulnerable. My eyes widened at the sudden assault. I tried to wiggle my hands free but the mineral was as heavy as stone. A part of me was shocked yet impressed at the strength. My body, however, was fully aroused. I stared into his eyes, waiting for an answer for the sudden restraint.
"You're too beautiful to cover yourself," he answered before working on the buttons to his shirt.
I blushed at the compliment, and partially due to the nudity I displayed before him. The underwear I wore was small for me, as I needed to do laundry. So I knew a part of me could be exposed and it was almost embarrassing. His eyes burned into mine before slowly trailing down my body. I laid motionless, transfixed as he slipped his shirt off. As the fabric fell to the bed, I stared at the defined body left behind. His abs were prominent, as I could easily count each one. Not a scar was etched on his pale skin, and I knew why. I was marked more than this man, yet he has endured a hundred times more than what I have. The muscles in his arms flexed as he worked the buttons on his pants and my eyes followed eagerly. He was on display just as much as I, and my body was greedy for it.
Before slipping his trousers off, he pressed himself on top of me and captured my lips with a kiss. I moaned at the sudden advance before sinking into his kiss. My hands itched to touch his hair, but his sand detained me. A pout plastered my lips and I could feel a slight hint of a smile on his.
"I want to touch you," I whined.
Gaara pressed a kiss against my neck. He then lightly licked the tender skin and my body convulsed. His tongue trailed softly down my neck a few inches before pressing another kiss. Again, his tongue trailed another few inches down before kissing my collar bone. Waves of pleasure rolled through my body with each new sensation as he continued this. He went past my breasts and down to my navel. I found myself panting as I awaited for him to reach his final destination. The want to close my legs tight to help with the arousal was strong but my legs were still held down. It was difficult. Each agonizing kiss prolonging the only thing to make my body content. He then skimmed past my underwear and pressed a kiss to the inside of right thigh. I groaned in pleasure and irritation. He then slowly trailed kisses down my right thigh, then slowly up my left thigh.
"Please Gaara," I cried, the building sensation too much for my body to handle. He sucked on the skin closer to my underwear and a whine escaped my lips. Tears began to build in my eyes as the pleasure became overwhelming.
With another whimper, Gaara gave me a kiss through my underwear and my hips bucked in response. I felt a finger trace me up and down and although I was grateful for the attention, my body wanted more. I never thought a small piece of fabric would ever get in the way of my satisfaction.
"You're already so wet," he murmured while continuing his tormenting touch.
His finger then slipped underneath and traced me lightly. My body shuddered and screamed at the touch. The little gesture just added to the built of pressure in my body. Fighting back a moan, I looked up to see him watching me. Our eyes met, and the serious expression in his face was replaced with a coy smile. Without breaking eye contact, he leaned forward and gave me one lick.
My head flung back against the bed, as the warmth of his tongue was welcomed.
A second lick, and my legs shook with desire.
A third, and a cry escaped my lips.
"Please," I whispered and he answered with digging his face into me.
As he licked, sucked, and tasted, my body convulsed around me. The sensations becoming too much for me to withhold. My arms and legs were weighed down, leaving me with no control or strength. I began to build and build, causing my extremities to shake. When he inserted his finger, I caved and screamed as I reached my peak. The orgasm bubbled up, bursted into thousands of particles as I cried. The sweet release that I have been craving for months has finally arrived. My body welcomed it as my limbs became heavy and weak. In my moment of ecstasy, I blacked out from what was happening. I forgot about the sexy redhead between my thighs, or the sand around my wrists. All I could focus on was my breathing as I fought to catch it. Suddenly, everything became clear to me. My thoughts, my feelings, my needs, almost as if an epiphany was awakened.
"Ino."
A warm breath invaded my ear and drew me from my introspection. With a slight gasp, I was brought back to reality. His weight, his kisses, his erection, all became distinct. Feather pecks were trailed down my ear to my breasts and I couldn't repress a moan. In the midst of my ideation, Gaara removed his briefs and withdrew his sand. Shakily, my feeble arms lifted to bring my hands to his hair. I tugged the strands, begging his lips to meet mine. I felt a smile against mine as I finally kissed him again. Tasting a sweetness which I only assumed was mine, I devoured him. Suddenly ready for more, I moved my hands down his back, each muscle flexing under my touch.
I could feel his warmth at my entrance and my body jumped at the anticipation. Trying to wrap my legs around his waist, he pulled back slightly and I pouted.
"Patience," He whispered into my ear causing me to shake.
"No," I whined. Tightening my legs around him causing him to probe my entrance by an inch and I threw my head back in pleasure.
"Kami, Ino." He shouted through gritted teeth. He pulled back abruptly. I sat up on my elbows and looked at him with a frown.
"Condom," He whispered into my lips as he bent down to give me a swift kiss. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes because I knew he was right.
Rising from the bed, Gaara reached into the pocket of his pants. Without breaking eye contact, he retrieved the foil packet and ripped it open with his teeth. The sight of that alone about made me orgasm there. While maintaining eye contact, Gaara grabbed his erection with one hand, whilst the other worked on getting the condom out of it's wrapper. While doing so, he stroked his shaft up and down numerous times before applying the condom.
Kami. Can he get any hotter?
I looked away, falling back on the bed after witnessing such a stimulating event. I could feel my whole body blushing as I tried to focus on the ceiling above me. How did I get here? How can a girl be so lucky?
The weight of the bed shifted, and I glanced towards the sexy redhead. My sexy redhead.
"Come here baby," he growled as he gripped my ankles and yanked my body towards him.
I gasped at the sudden assault but couldn't help a slight giggle that escaped. Towering over me, he catches my lips in a heavy kiss. I could feel him probing me once more, and my body was shaking with anticipation. Breaking the kiss, he looks me in the eyes and I stare back into those two beautiful pools. In that moment, I could see everything he was feeling through them.
With one thrust, he was completely inside me and I froze. While it was welcomed, it was also painful, very painful. He must have noticed. Waiting another second, he slowly withdrew and sank back in. I groaned at the assault. My eyes scrunched shut as I tried to breathe through my discomfort. He repeated. Withdrawing slowly and so slowly filling me again. After two more rounds, I opened my eyes to look at his. I could see his desire, his need all etched onto his beautiful face. I could only imagine my face reciprocated the same. I capture his face with my hands and give him a deep kiss, letting him know that I was ready for all of him.
Taking my consent, he began to pull back and in a little faster. His cock filling me more than I could remember the first time. As the friction grew, I felt myself slowly building again. He began to move faster, groans escaping from his lips. I could feel his need for release along with mine. He needed this-needed me, just as I needed him. I could feel my orgasm building, on the brink of release.
"Oh, Gaara," I cried as it rippled through my body once more. Tears formed as the strongest orgasm I ever felt overtook my body. My legs and arms shook as I tighten my hold on him. My nails dug into his back as I clawed into him. I needed more of him as the very moment and he felt the same
"Ino baby," he groaned into my neck as he came. I could feel his cock twitch inside of me as he had his release. I'm not going to lie, it made me want to go again.
I laid under his body. My fingers slowly tracing the fresh marks that I left on his back. A smile plastered large on my face. I missed this man, I loved this man. Tears prickled in my eyes from the bliss of this moment that I can call my life.
As reality overcame my bliss, my eyes darted towards Gaara. He had already discarded the condom and was in the process of getting dressed.
"Where's my underwear?" I asked searching around the bed. Before he could answer, I found the remaining pieces of fabric lying inches apart from each other.
"First my fishnets, now these?" I held the torn fabric up and Gaara only replied with a smile while gathering his clothes. I flipped over to my stomach as I exhaled.
"That's fine, I don't need underwear anyways." I countered while stretching out on the bed. I noticed Gaara slipped on a black t-shirt instead of his usual attire. It was a v-neck. The article was fitted well around his chest and arms and brought attention to his biceps.
"Already dressed?" I titled my head while raising a brow.
"Your father wouldn't be pleased if I kept you out late." He murmured while
"Now you're being chivalrous? Or is this an excuse to get rid of me?" I laughed but for a moment my mood shifted. What if it was the latter? What if-
"If I could, I'd have you here with me." He leaned down and gave me a kiss. "Every single night."
He laid down next to me and gave me another kiss. I couldn't fight the smile breaking on my lips. Who is this man? This was all I ever wanted.
Suddenly I felt a rush of anxiety. I could feel them. His siblings coming near. Their chakra signatures were close by. Kami, I forgot he shared an apartment with them.
"Your brother and sister are almost here!" I shouted, jumping up to search for my clothing. Skirt, top...
"Have you seen my bra?" I shout while quickly working the buttons on my skirt. I glanced towards him, only to find him watching me. He had no intentions of helping.
"Seriously, Gaara?" I roll my eyes as I scanned the room for it. Where the hell did he put it?
"You are so beautiful." He stated and I couldn't help but laugh.
"You can stare all you want, AFTER I find my bra." I picked up a pillow off the ground hoping it was underneath it. "They're seriously almost here."
No, not there. Did it just fucking vanish?
"They're literally down the hallway." I clamored at the infuriating Kage that lazily laid in bed.
Oh shit. How did I not notice their chakra before? Shikamaru and Choji are still with them too.
"Please get up. My teammates are with them!" I pleaded to him, clasping my hands together to emphasize my begging.
"How-"
"-How do I know?" I cut him off, taking the moment to scan the bed.
"Cause reading chakra is big for me as a sensory ninja, Gaara. If I wasn't so 'distracted', I would have noticed them about a kilometer out." I see my bra near the pillows of his bed. I climb onto the bed and reach over him to grab it.
"Interesting," he muttered before wrapping his arms around my body and rolling me next to him on the bed.
"Gaara!" I screeched trying to suppress my laughter. He burrowed his head into my chest, capturing one of my nipples in his mouth. Having to suppress a moan, I pouted at him.
"Gaara, this is serious!" Oh, I don't want them to catch us in this! What would they think? What would Shikamaru think? I'm not going to find out. I fight him, flinging my arms and legs.
The front door knob turned and Gaara got up swiftly from the bed while lightly tossing my bra onto the bed next to me. Rolling my eyes, I grabbed the garment while hurriedly fastening it. The sounds of their voices filled the living room as they all entered.
"Hey Gaara!" Kankuro greeted. I quickly slip on my top and begin to make work of the buttons.
Kami.
A button popped off as I was distracted and I watched it roll to the floor. Fuck, it was the middle one. My breasts are exposed.
"Is Ino already home?" I heard Choji question and I literally cursed 1000 times to the heavens above. Glancing over at his dresser, I prayed that he had clothes unpacked and to my delight, I opened a drawer and I found his t-shirts. Quickly slipping it on, I undo my ponytail and gather it again into another one in an attempt to fix it.
Play it cool, Ino.
Gathering my top and the button, I exit the bedroom.
"Gaara! Seriously none of you have a sewing kit of any kind?" I walked out, holding my shirt up, feigning irritation.
I find Gaara in the kitchen pouring himself a glass of water before glancing at the others. Kankuro stood near him on the other side of the peninsula countertop turning and giving me an up and down before birthing the largest smirk I have ever seen. Choji stood next to him and I could see just a hint of confusion in his demeanor. Temari looked unfazed as she glanced over from the couch. Shikamaru, who was sitting next to her, was boring his eyes in to mine. He feigned disinterest but I could sense more behind those onyx eyes.
"Oh thank Kami, Temari please tell me you have one? I lost a button after getting this damn thing snagged." I held up the article for her and she got up from the couch and smiled in response.
"You're in luck. I keep one in case of emergencies like this." She walked towards her room and I followed. I sighed a breath of relief as I passed the kitchen. I caught Gaara's gaze for a moment and he looked unfazed as he drank from his glass. That bastard.
A few minutes later, I am sitting on Temari's bed with her as I am sewing the button onto my top.
"How was the rest of your day?" She asked, tilting her head quizzically.
"Uneventful," I murmured, as I finished the last stitch.
"Bullshit," she hissed and I peeked up at her. Her eyebrow was raised and a small smirk on her lips.
"And you say that because?" I raised a brow back at her.
"You're chest isn't tall enough to snag on the cabinets." She raised her other brow and I looked away with embarrassment.
"We only kissed!" I retorted and her eyes widened.
"REALLY? Just a kiss?" She hollered with laughter. "How do you rip a button off with a kiss?"
"Ugh, it happened when I was buttoning my shirt up okay?!" I groaned.
"Ah! You're disgusting! We could have walked in!" She exclaimed and I raised my hands in an attempt to lower her voice.
"Hush! You want them ALL to know out there?" I could feel the heat on my cheeks and she responded with laughter. The door was wide open!
"So I was right? I was only taking a guess! Oh my Kami!" She snickered. "You all just finished didn't you?"
"Temari, keep your voice down!" I pleaded. Her hands flew up to her mouth as she tried to suppress the giggles.
"Ha- I knew it! Why else would Gaara just be standing there in the damn kitchen chugging water. Girl, what did you do to make him so thirsty? You're nasty!"
"Oh like you haven't done it with Shikamaru lately!" I got up from the bed pulling off Gaara's shirt.
"Keep the shirt hun, you earned it!" She winked and I glared back.
"Oh shut up." I rolled my eyes while putting on my top again. "Let's go."
We exited the room and joined the rest of the group. They all remained in the same places as before.
"We should get going guys, it's late." I muttered to my teammates. Avoiding eye contact with him and his siblings.
"Alright! We will see you guys the day after." Choji smiled to the others.
"The day after?" I questioned.
"Yes, tomorrow is an off day. Clan meeting remember?" Shikamaru yawned in response before rising from the couch.
"Right." I muttered, frowning inside. Will I even see Gaara tomorrow?
"See you all later." Kankuro bid farewell while heading to plop down on the couch.
"Bye," Temari smiled at Shikamaru.
"Bye," he smiled back at her.
I walked over to Gaara and handed him his shirt. He took it but I could sense the curiousness in his eyes.
"Bye?" I muttered quietly with a small smile.
"Tomorrow," He responded to my silent question before capturing me into one last quick kiss.
"Tomorrow." I whispered.
I joined Shikamaru and Choji as we exited the apartments. The silver charm between my fingers, I brought it up to my mouth as I toyed with the metal, hiding my grin.
We stopped near Choji's first and said our farewells before heading to my place. The moon was up high and the stars shining as bright as ever. Nights in Konoha can be so beautiful. Shikamaru and I didn't say a word but I could feel the tension in the air. He knows. He must know what happened.
"How was your day?" I tried to break our silence. His response was immediate and I bit the inside of my cheek in anticipation.
"Not as eventful as yours," he responded back, the venom between each word sinking into me.
"What's your problem?" I stopped walking and stared at him. After taking a few more steps, he ceased walking yet he never glanced back towards me.
"You know my problem, Ino." The response was short but it proved it's point.
"No I don't know, Shikamaru. 'Cause Choji doesn't have a problem. My parents don't have a problem. Your GIRLFRIEND doesn't have a problem. It's just you!" I barked, vaguely aware of the level of my volume.
"She's not my girlfriend, Ino." I could see his hands clench into fists at his sides.
"Ha," I scoffed. "That's it? That's the only thing you respond to?"
"Ino, everyone has a problem but they haven't said it." He turned back to look at me. The anger sketched all over his face.
"You're lying!" I shouted in disbelief.
"Open your damn eyes, Ino. He is the KAZEKAGE. A kage from another village. You are a member of Konoha. Shika-Ino-Cho, remember? It will never work. He won't just stop being a Kage. And you're not going to break generations of tradition." He scorned and I shook my head in disagreement.
"What about Temari? What is she going to do? Leave her family behind? Leave her job behind? Move to a new village just for you?" I pointed at each finger as I shrieked. Each question was accompanied with a stomp closer towards him.
"We aren't talking about her!" He exclaimed. His hands flying to his hair.
"What the difference?" I wailed at him, aware that we could possibly be waking up the apartments near by.
"We are talking about you! Are you going to leave all of your family behind? Are you going to break tradition?"
"Shut up about the damn tradition! Why would you be so damn worked up over this? This is my life not yours!" Tears were threatening to pool over as I listened to the man I trusted so much, question everything about me and my life.
"I can't just sit here and watch you make stupid decisions with your life." He sneered.
"So now all my decisions are stupid?" I snickered as the tears cascaded down my face.
"Yes! They are, Ino. You get back together with someone who BROKE your heart after taking your virginity. Now you're fucking him again. What's next, Ino? His people want to see him married. Is that going to be you? Is he even serious enough about you? Do you think he would ask you to marry him? He's just using you, Ino! You need to open your damn eyes and think with your brain and not your fucking body."
Slap.
The sound broke the air between us as my hand connected with his face. I glared into the eyes of my teammate. The one who has grounded me in many tough times. The man I thought I knew more than anyone else. The man who just broke me down and insulted me in the worst ways possible.
And he stared back. Not an expression on his face. No remorse or hesitancy about his earlier statements. His cheek turning a light shade of pink where my hand connected with it moments ago. Yet he didn't flinch, or yell, or frown. He just stared at me, like I was a damn wall. Until, suddenly, his stern expression began to change. His mouth hung open, readying itself to speak.
"Don't-" I raised a finger in his face as I tried to fight off the sobs coming up my throat. "Just, don't."
I shook my head as I stepped back, took one more look towards him, and then walked past. Holding my head high, silent tears fell down my face as I kept the sobs down, waiting. Until I was far enough away that I couldn't sense his chakra anymore. Until the familiar shop sign was just above my head as I entered the doors and up the stairs to my room. Until my tired body hit the bed and I buried my face into my pillow. The sobs erupted from my throat as all my insecurities and issues poured out with them.
I felt angered, betrayed, and bruised from the statements he made. However, as much as I didn't want it to be the case, I cried more about the fact that everything he stated was in fact true. So true, that I know I needed to open my eyes soon and face all the consequences my actions are bringing me to. Because he knew me more than anyone else knew me. And he was right. And what shocked me even more, as I walked away from him. He never moved. He never went after me nor did he leave. He just stayed there. All I could think, was why? Why didn't he move?
And what is next?