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So this is a really short chapter. Sorry about that. But I had to cut it off here, or else it would have made the next chapter waaaay too long. But yes.

I think this is an okay chapter. Not the best of them, detail wise, but don't worry. It gets better!!!

I hope you enjoy!!

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Chapter 5: Breakdown

Gaara opened his eyes, blinking a few times as he tried to remember what had woken him up. It was close to 2 in the morning, he was sure. He eyes wandered to where Ino lay. He bolted up, eyes wide. Ino was curled into a tight ball, clutching her legs tightly. Her skin was pale and clammy. The thing that disturbed him the most, though, was that tears poured from her eyes, sobbing silently in her sleep. She quivered, gritting her teeth.

Gaara placed his hand on her shoulder, rubbing it lightly. "Ino… Ino, wake up…" She then jumpstarted awake, bolting upright, her breathing quick and shallow, trembling violently. She looked up at Gaara, her eyes red. She was silent for a moment, before sobs overtook her body. She looked away, clutching herself.

Gaara stared, his eyes wide. He wasn't sure why, but seeing her like this hurt him. He looked around, trying to figure out what he should do. Then he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her onto his lap. Ino was shocked at first, her eyes wide as she choked out sobs. Then her eyes closed as she buried her face in his chest, her arms locked around his waist.

Gaara didn't lower his arms for a long time, clutching her closer to him as he thought about her pain. She didn't seem to mind being held like this by him, which was a little odd to him. He recalled all of the times he had been called a murderer, psychotic, and cruel. Even after he had taken control of the demon within him; even after he had become Kazekage; after he had changed. The people of his village seemed to respect him, but never dared to come near. The only ones that have ever been by his side were his siblings.

Yet this girl, who had seen and surely heard about his old self, was allowing him to hold her like this. To comfort her in her time of need. He smiled slightly when her sobs quieted, and there was only the occasional sniff and a tremor. He gently rubbed her back with one hand.

His eyes narrowed at a thought that had entered his mind: this was the first time that he had ever comforted someone like this. He smile returned after a few moments; he had changed.

His smile disappeared, however, as she pulled away. He immediately let her go, his eyes wide. Had he done something wrong? She was looking down, away from him. "F-forgive me…" She whispered, her voice cracking at the end. Gaara furrowed his brow, trying to recall of anything that she had done wrong, coming up with nothing.

"For what?" He looked up at him, biting her lip. For some reason, he didn't like her tearing up her lips like that. "I-I got your… I got your shirt wet…" She said softly, seeming to look guiltier as she said it. She looked back down, sniffing and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

Gaara looked down, touching his chest where her head had lain. 'Her tears… Her sorrow… She's apologizing for that?' He looked up at her, smiling slightly. "Ino… Ino, look at me. Please." After a minute, she slowly raised her head, confusion written all over her face upon seeing his smile.

"It's okay. Really. You don't have to apologize for this, don't even feel bad." He told her softly. Her mouth was slightly open, a sad, amazed smile twitching at her lips. "Th-thank you…" She said quietly, looking down at her lap. "Now try to sleep. You need your rest." He told her, reaching over to help her lay down. She didn't move for a moment, then nodded and let him help.

He watched her stare blankly at the ceiling of the tent, wiping stray tears away every few minutes. For some reason, he felt a pain in his chest, just watching her lay there like that, fighting an emotional breakdown. He sat up. "Ino." She didn't respond for a moment, and then looked over at him slowly.

"Don't forget that I'm here, and that if you need me, just let me know. Things will get better." He said softly, leaning over and pressing his lips against her forehead. "Don't worry." He told her softly, lying back down. He smiled at her before closing his eyes, leaving a wide-eyed Ino staring back at him.