Hug Me, Please.

-Part 3-

"I'm sorry…" he apologized. She didn't know why but he reminds her so much of that disgusting man who took advantage of her, the man who used her like a trash, the man who took away her innocence. Every time she looks at him, Naruto's face is blurred and his face just takes over like a phantom that she cannot escape.

"It's okay… I need to go," she said after a brief silence enveloped them. She continued walking and right when she passed him, he grabbed her wrist. She spun around and slapped Naruto, hard.

His head was to the side and Ino just stared in shock. What the hell did I just do? She asked herself. She was shock stricken temporarily as she took in the heat from her palms. She stared at her blonde friend for awhile as she noticed the red mark on his cheeks forming. He didn't turn back to face her, maybe he was mad at her? She wouldn't be surprised… she is acting different around him… and she hated herself for doing this to him. After all, they have gotten a small tiny bit closer throughout the years.

:Flashback:

Naruto was looking up into the sky not thinking of anything in particular. His back was laid against the green grass as his hands became his temporary pillow. He sensed her chakra and a grim revealed on his lips.

"Hey Ino!" he called out not leaving his gaze to the sky. He was about to sit up when her feet landed against his chest pushing him back down. His confused shocked eyes looked up to see a smirking Ino facing him.

"What are you…" he started but Ino laughed hysterically that caused him to tense a little.

'Why the heck is she laughing like this?' Naruto asked himself confused to the point that it hurts him just to think.

Ino finally stopped as she lifted her feet off of him and sat beside him. She let out a soft sigh as the smile never left her features. Naruto sat up and stared at her with a tilt of his head to one side.

"What are you smiling at?" he asked bluntly. Ino's smile seemed to grow a little wider as she turned to face him. Naruto couldn't help but feel the edge of his lips to curve upwards as he continues staring at his counterpart. After awhile of staring at one another she leaned in and brushed her lips against his cheek. Naruto blushed furiously at the unexpected contact. She leaned back to see a red faced Naruto who looked so lost and confused that made her laugh once again.

H… Hey! Don't laugh at me!" Naruto yelled finally able to catch himself before farther humiliation. Ino grabbed him suddenly that caused him to fall unbalanced as she lay on top. He could feel her breath playing against his jaw line as her chest moved with every note of her laughter.

'What the hell is going on?' he asked himself confused, yet okay at the same time… is this even possible?

Ino finally stopped laughing and her heart beat raced normally once again. Naruto just laid still not moving, not tensed at the same time. After a couple minutes he heard a soft snore come from her lips that caused him to chuckle.

'She's asleep…' he told himself as he lifts his hand to brush some hair off her face. She looked like a child when she's sleeping that caused Naruto to stare even more.

'How the heck can someone like Ino look so child-like?' he asked himself before a smile befall on his lips.

:End Flashback:

"I'm sorry Naruto… you caught me off guard…" she said slowly looking away from what she had done. He tightened his grip causing her to look at him. He faced her slowly still feeling the burning pain on his cheek, but he managed to offer a smile.

She didn't mean it… like I didn't mean to call her pig… or maybe she did it because of that right? He tried to convince himself that it was because of the name calling that he was slapped and not intentionally for him.

"Ino… whatever happened to you… just know that I'm here for you," he said softly. She didn't say a word as she looked away and he didn't continue. They stood for awhile in silence, neither one breaking the moment between them. The wind blew softly playing against her hair as it brushed against his cheeks. The smell of lavender scented his nose as it relaxed him a small bit.

There is something wrong… I know it… Naruto concluded watching Ino's tense body as he held her wrist, I wonder what happened…

Why… why does it have to be him of all people that reminds me of that bastard? She asked herself trying best to find an answer, but nothing came to mind, he's my friend… right? Not that stupid rapist… he's my friend.

Ino lifts her hand hesitantly placing it on Naruto's hand that held her wrist. He stared at her for a moment before smiling. She turned to him placing a broken smile and nodded her head of acknowledgment.

"Thank you Naruto…" she said before she bit the bottom of her lip hoping not to cry in front of him again.

She wants to leave so bad! The fact that she cant stand looking into his eyes because all she can see is the man who tore her whole world apart. She couldn't look at Naruto the same again and it hurts her… hurts her a lot more that he knew.

Aw… I swear it'd be happier later… I hope lol!

But review like always! Love you all!

Special thanks to those who reviewed last chapter before this one! Crazy and lovin' it and FunnyLaugh! I love you two!

I hope for more reviews next! And it might take a little longer for the next one… got lots of essays going on so… yeah!

I'll try to get another up as soon as I can! Please be patient! Love yous!

Love,

Kiwi4me