Naruto and Ino: Key to My Heart
Summary: Like magnets, no matter how far they were, they would always be pulled back to one another.
"Dude! Where the hell are those two?" Kiba said exasperated as he sink to the ground.
"Babe! You're getting your clothes dirty!" his girlfriend yelled as she tried to pick the man up.
"He was supposed to be coming with Kimi," Gaara stated as he folded his arms looking up at the darkened sky.
"You don't suppose..." Neji started but left his question hanging in the air as he looked around.
"Suppose what?" the green tuxedo man asked, "... Them getting lost?"
"Possibly," the lavender eyed male smirked as he thought about what his question could purpose.
"Yeah, I would," Naruto admitted watching the hurt cross her face.
"Don't lie to her," he heard his lover say and his eyes automatically looked into hers.
"But I'm not," he didn't hesitate in his reply because he knew that it was the truth.
"Naruto!" Ino gritted out as angry as she could toward the man in front of her, "She loves you."
"I know," he nodded.
"You love her too," she stated as she watched his eyes widen in fear.
"N... No... Ino..." he stuttered out yet stopped seeing the coldness of her eyes, "... Yes I do."
It was true after all. He loved Kimi like a sister, but he loves Ino like, like a special person. He loves Ino more and more every time he looked into those eyes of hers; he loves her like the air he breathes.
"You do?" he heard Kimi's voice soft yet delicate entering into his ears.
"Yeah..." he admitted as he looked down not really sure how he should feel.
"So you're in love with two people," a voice stated.
Ino knew who it was instantly and turned to face her best friend. She smiled toward him and Temari as she tried to walk away only to find that she couldn't move.
"Naruto?" she whispered as she looked behind her.
"Please stay with me," he begged hopelessly.
"But my father's waiting," she stated as she faced him once more.
"But... I hate to see you go," he confessed looking down.
"Naruto," she breathed out with a slight smile and embraced the man in front of him, "... I'll see you again, I promise," she whispered into his ears brushing her cheek against the scars of his and glancing at the long haired female, "... Go to Kimi and tell her what she needs to hear, okay?"
She felt him nod against her shoulder so she pushed back gently. When they were face to face, she lifts her hand and ran her fingers against the scar remembering how it got there. She smiled and placed a chaste kiss against his left cheek before walking away leaving Naruto smiling like a goof.
"There you two are!" Kiba's voice bellowed out angrily.
"Sorry," Naruto called out a bit too excited causing Neji to smirk.
"Did you two get lost?" Lee asked cautiously with a concerned feature etched into his face.
"Huh?" Naruto blurted out before shaking his head to the side signifing a 'no'.
"What took you two so long?" the red head asked concern as he noticed the distance between the two new arrivals.
"You okay?" Kiba's girlfriend asked Kimi realizing that she looked saddened.
"I'm okay," she offered a fake smile, "... Just a detour..."
"Detour?" Lee mimicked with innocence.
"What detour?" Kiba asked confused noticing the hurt cross Kimi's face and a slight blush on his best pal's cheeks.
"Nothing important," Naruto lied laughing it off.
"You met Ino," Neji stated seeing the shock crossed everyone's face.
"Yamanaka Ino is here?" Gaara asked a bit angry at the fact he wasn't informed.
"Hinata had told me about her arrival, I didn't think she would come here," Neji admitted as he saw the anger in Naruto's eyes.
"Wait! You knew!" Naruto started angrily, "... for months I had wanted to see her and you hide this from me?"
"You said you were over her," the pale eyed male stated, "... Guess I was wrong."
"Psh! Yeah!" Naruto huffed out crossing his arms above his chest.
Kimi felt her heart breaking slowly as it deteriorates into the air. She knows that she should be happy for him for finding the love of his life, but didn't he know that he is hers? She observed the way the blonde looked every time they mentioned her name, every time they changed the subject only to have the mention of the beautiful blonde once again.
He truly loves her, she told herself sadly.
But I love him, she spoke to herself.
But he is happy with her, he loves her, her innerself replied logically.
What should I do? She asked unsure of herself.
You have two options, her logical side answered.
Kimi just stood like a wooden plank watching the guys chit chat and the other female laughing out loudly. She took in the coldness of the air feeling the surge of coolness down her throat.
"Kimi," she heard Naruto spoke softly, "... I'm sorry."
"It's okay," she whispered, "I'm sorry too."
"Kimi," Naruto breathed out smiling that awefully beautiful smile of his, "thank you."
"For what?" Kimi asked caught in surprised.
"Everything," Naruto stated with a smile as he embraced her, "… thank you."
Kimi could feel his warmth encircling her and she melted. She really does love him, but if he was happier with another, should she give him up? If he was willing to risk anything for the blonde beauty, it only showed the determination he was willing to put in right?
Okay Naruto, she said to herself, I guess there's no turning back now then...
Ino watched Shikamaru kiss Temari goodbye before getting back into the car. Her blue eyes watched in envy as she waved goodbye to the sandy blonde woman.
"What are you thinking about?" she heard him asked with a hint of worry.
"How jealous I am," she smiled toward her best friend at the wheel.
"Jealous?" he said a little startled by the open confession.
She nodded and looked toward the front window as she replayed today's event. The dance was fun and she couldn't be more grateful for her ponytailed headed friend for inviting her. She breathed in a good amount of air and blew it slowly to calm her thumping heart down.
Naruto still makes her feel like she was the only one in the world. He still knows how to make her forgive him so easily and so quickly than she normally would. His blush still makes her giggly inside as the butterflies bump one another.
Then again, a slight frown graced her feature as she saw the look of hurt on the one named Kimi's face. The look of betrayal and sadness broke her heart. She loves Naruto, but the thought of her past haunting her every memory was catching up to her.
"Ino," her best friend spoke breaking her out of her thoughts, "... I can't protect you if you don't talk about it."
The blonde beauty had to blink a few times before a small smile graced her face. This man driving the car was her best friend: a man who tried his best to protect her bruised heart, a man who faced hard times and stuck it through for her, and a man who she would never replace.
"I love you," she confessed as she faced him, "... Shika…"
Gaara could tell that something strange was about to occur. As his eyes watched the form of the long raven haired female hunched over a table.
"Cousin," he started, "... What are you doing?"
"Nothing exciting," she replied as she continued to scribble down thoughts of hers.
"You were there," Gaara spoke up, "... What happened?"
He was curious and interested. He knew his cousin has feelings for the blonde and knew it was a lost cause, but she was his cousin.
"He loves her," she said smiling sadly, "... And he loves me."
"And you're okay with that?" Gaara happened to ask without thinking with surprise.
Kimi nodded her head slowly as she placed her pen down. Her cousin stared incredulously at her as if she was someone new and she must admit, she did change. No longer the clingy, gotta-have-him girl she was before and she had to thank the blonde who she still loves.
"Yeah," she whispered softly as she stood up to sit upon her bed.
He nodded his head to show her he understood. What was he to do when he could tell how pained she was. He walked out of the room closing the door softly behind him.
This year is almost over, he tells himself over and over again.
Hinata sat on her bed as the sun hit her face. She yawned softly as a pale hand reached her lips. She couldn't help smiling at the fun night the day before. It was fun and exciting and she was just ecstatic that Ino was there. She had to admit that things weren't the same without her and she missed her dearly. Yet she also knew that maybe Naruto had seen her and probably ignored her.
She breathed a deep sigh remembering what Ino wrote to her before.
My dear Hinata,
You shouldn't worry about me, I'm quite fine up here. Its quiet and peaceful, a place you must see. Everything is so beautiful here; I only wish everyone can come visit me. How is school coming along? Is your father's business running smoothly? I am glad Shikamaru is happy, he deserved it. Also, I am glad you had a great time on your trip to France with your father. You must teach me some French when we meet again.
As for Naruto, it's alright for him to feel the way he does. I will be happy with whatever choice he makes whether it is with that female or not. Things between him and I, are complicated and I honestly do not know what else to say about our situation. Please don't tell our friends that or you'd know what they'll do. I still care about him and I hope him the best.
Hinata, I miss you and everyone there. I hope I will be able to visit you guys again, hopefully soon.
Love,
Ino
I still can't believe you Naruto, she thought sadly to herself.
Knock knock
"Who is it?" she asked to the door. She wondered who would fetch her so early in the day.
"Hinata," the male voice spoke up, "... We should talk."
Kiba snuggled into the neck of his girlfriend as he held her closer. After awhile, he heard shuffling around the house and his tuned ears couldn't ignore it after the fifth time the shuffling passed by.
"What's going on?" he asked softly to himself as he got up. Careful to not wake the woman beside him, he cautiously tip toed out the room closing the door softly behind him. He turned to face the living room and he sensed something moving fast so he leaned back against the door not wanting to get smashed. After a few deep breath did he realize that the something was a someone with blonde hair.
"What are you doing up?" he asked confused as he headed to where his best friend was.
"Huh?" Naruto turned to see his friend sleeply eyeing him, "... Morning."
"Morning," the brunette yawned as he stretched his arms, "... Still didn't answer my question."
The blonde blinked a few times before a shrug of his shoulders indicate his answer. He turned away from his friend and continued making himself breakfast.
"Want breakfast?" he asked as he broke the eggs into a bowl.
"Breakfast?" Kiba stared in shock. He was now fully awake and Naruto, his best friend, making breakfast was unnerving. He never ate breakfast and never this early, so he knew something was up.
Tenten walked to the park where everyone was meeting up. She still wasn't sure what relationship she was in with Ino. Even though the blonde beauty forgave her for the rude behavior she gave Ino the night when she left, but a part in the pit of her stomach she couldn't accept it.
She racked her brain in order to find out the reason why she couldn't understand it. Was it because she was jealous? Envious? Maybe she needed to compete with her?
Tenten shook her head from those unnecessary thoughts. She love Ino and no emotions such as those would ever ruin the relationship that they have. She would be sure of it.
"I don't understand," Kabuto admitted confused as he listened to Sai.
"It's not that complicated," the raven head said nonchalantly, "... Beautiful arrived a week ago."
"No, not that," the silver headed male defend, "... I just have a feeling," he ended leaning against the bench.
"Good?" Sai asked curiously as well as worriedly.
"I'm not really sure," he spoke up as he noticed the one they spoke of heading their way.
Naruto cannot believe this; he was being interrogated like a thief or something.
"Nothing's up!" he spoke out furiously.
"I don't believe you," Kiba egged on.
"Do you not have anything better to do?" Naruto was just frustrated at the whole situation. Kiba asking his girl friend to leave after breakfast when he took the time and effort to make and then asking him questions after questions after questions.
What was the deal!
"It's Ino, isn't it?" he heard his best friend say in a serious tone that caught him of guard.
"No," he didn't hesitate and it was Kiba's turn to be caught off guard.
"Positive?" Kiba asked still in his serious moment.
"Positive," Naruto hardened his stare hoping his point has gone across.
"Then tell us," Tenten said full of concern.
"It's just..." Ino started a bit hesitant, "... I saw Naruto..."
She gave an awkward smile that did nothing to lessen the harden stares from her comrades.
"Naruto," Shino said the name emotionlessly which caught the blonde off guard.
"Yeah," Ino nodded slowly as a nervous tension surrounded her.
"You saw the girl?" Kabuto asked curiously.
She nodded with a sad smile and Hinata could'nt help but give her friend a comforting hand.
"He says he loves me," Ino smiled with a spark in her eyes and Shikamaru knew that this wasn't going to go well.
"He better not be lying," Tenten threatened aloud as her hands curled up into fists.
"I think he was honest," Ino defended.
"I thought he was too," Hinata nodded in understanding but her stare was stilled, "... But he lost my trust."
Ino stared with empathy knowing that today was not going to be as good as she thought it should be. A part of her told her that her friends worry too much and yet another told her they had a right to be.
Why? She asked herself.
You always seem to get into trouble, her innerself said logically.
I never intend to, she thought sadly.
They love you, her innerself replied.
I know, she acknowledged.
They only wish to protect you, the innerself spoke up.
From pain or love? She questions.
With love comes pain, her innerself reasoned.
"Ino," Kin called as she moved her face closer to the blonde, "... You still there?"
"When did you arrive?" Ino asked as she stared at her older friend.
"It's this your hello to me?" Kin asked faking a frown.
"It's good to see you," Ino embraced her friend.
"Now this is the Ino I remembered," Kin laughed as she broke their embrace.
"To answer your question," she continued, "... Came about 2 minutes ago and noticed you spacing out."
"Sorry," the blonde apologized embarrassed.
"Ino has met the blonde boy," Kabuto informed.
"Oh..." Kin looked at Ino who wore a stressed smile then faced the speaker once more, "... He hurt her?"
"He told her he loves her," Shino spoke up as he stood.
"Hm..." she breathed out tapping the bottom of her chin.
"Beautiful," Sai stood beside her, "... You really believe it?"
"That he loves me?" she asked for clarity and when the raven haired male nodded, she smiled, "... I do."
Shikamaru wasn't necessarily happy that their friends were getting a bit pestering for information, but then again he knew they cared deeply for his best friend.
"What do you think Nara?" Kin asked curiously.
"I think," the genius looked to his blonde friend, "... It's up to Ino to figure out."
Everyone stared in a small understanding, yet everyone wasn't convinced.
"So Naruto loves you," the two bunned female stated, "... And the other girl?"
"I think so..." Ino tried to sound confident, but it didn't work and she felt insecurity setting in.
"He isn't that handsome to be playing with two girl!" her 'sister' spoke up beyond angry.
"Calm down Tenten," Hinata tried to say soothingly hoping her friend would do as she says.
"Kabuto," Sai called out, "... Did you not say you have a feeling?"
"What about?" Ino questioned.
"You really want to know Blondie?" the silver haired male asked in a serious tone.
Back to blondie huh... Ino thought to herself as she nodded to him.
"When you left 6 months ago," he started as he gave off a deep sigh, "... There was a problem."
"Problem?" Shikamaru asked laced with concern.
"Yes," Kabuto nodded as he pondered on what to say next, "... Karin..." he paused to observe their faces, "... She committed suicide."
Ino gasped loudly. Her hands automatically reached for her lips to cover her mouth. Being in shock wasn't half of what was going through her mind. So many questions and what ifs were running through her head like marathons.
"H... How?" Hinata asked.
"I don't know quite much about it," the silver haired male admitted, "... But that was just the beginning."
"What do you mean?" Sai asked confused.
"She wrote a suicide letter," Kabuto started a bit unsure how to finish, "... It says something about finishing what she started..." he looked at the blonde who held wide blue eyes at the moment, "... Be careful."
The only thing she could do was nod as the thought of her once role model committing suicide.
"You being back may not be a good thing," Shino stated looking over at the blonde.
"You trying to tell me something Shino?" Ino glared at him with a pout forming on her lips.
She crossed her arms defiantly causing the one in question to stare mildly. She easily lifted one eye brow as if taunting him to continue.
"You may be in danger," was all that left his lips after failed attempts at an argument by Ino.
She stared at him for a few more times before a smile reached her lips.
"Thanks," she answered knowing his concern.
"You won't be here long," Shikamaru stated looking at his friend before facing the group, "... She's leaving within another 4 days."
"4 days is a lot," Kin said, "... So let's make the best of it," she smiled toward Ino, "... Where'd you wanna go?"
The blonde's smile grew wider as if she was grinning.
I know exactly where I want to go, she told herself as she started to giggle from the excitement.
Author's Corner:
Hello again, I know it isn't as fast as I could upload, but I am still trying to get into the hang of things and multi-tasking. I would like to point out a wonderful friend named 1upHero who still takes the time to review. I am so appreciative and happy that I have someone so thoughtful as a friend. I also, would like to say that the chapters would get a bit interesting with all the dialogues coming.
Questions:
1. What would Ino like to do with her friends?
2. What do you think happened to Karin? Was she really dead?
3. Will Kimi acutally help Naruto with his relationship?
Answers:
Congrats 1upHero! I think you are getting used to me and my questions. You always seem to know what is up my sleeves, lol. Thank you so much for answering and you will (or had) find out soon!
Thanks again for everything!
Love, Kiwi