Mission Impossible: Housewife

By KawaiPanda

Chapter Twenty-Two

An GaaIno Love story

"Gaara?" Kenta's voice pulled me back to reality. Pulling back from the kiss, he looked confused for a minute before putting two and two together. Astonishment shone through as he asked, "You're married to the Kazekage?" And it equaled four.

"Yeah." I stood up, brushing my skirt down so it didn't stick and give Kenta a show. "I am."

"Wow..." At his low whistle, I felt something snap.

"What, that get your rocks off or something?" I asked, bitter. I knew something was off, I mean, who goes out with a married woman? He frowned, going over my question and what led to it.

"Ino..." He trailed off, and I shook my head.

"Mom was right." I turned my back to him and started walking away. "This was a mistake."

At his hand grasping mine, I froze. "Calm down, Ino."

"Excuse you?" My voice was steadily rising along with my anger.

"I didn't ask you out on this date because of your husband. I asked you out on this date because I wanted to get to know you," he assured me quickly. It did nothing to appease my anger.

"Well, you know plenty now." I tossed my hair behind my shoulder and as I walked away, called out to him over my shoulder, glaring at him. "Satisfied?"

"No." He broke into a brisk jog to catch up to me.

"What?" I demanded, whirling on him.

"I still have more things to learn about you." Still going on about that, huh? I shook my head, maintaining the distance between us.

"This isn't going to work," I informed him with a sigh.

"Why not?"

"Because I still have feelings for him," I whispered, looking away. As much as I hated to admit it, it was true. I did care for Gaara. Hell, I was probably in love with the man. Things went quiet between us for a while. After a minute or two of no reply from Kenta, I glanced at him, watching the emotions battle it out on his face. And eventually they settled into acceptance and finally even that faded away to nothingness.

"... I understand," he finally replied, his face a careful mask. "You can't just force the feelings away."

"I'm sorry." Sorry that I allowed him to have hope. Sorry to have thought I could just move on without any hesitation whatsoever.

"It's not your fault." He touched my arm hesitantly. "I do think, however, you need to face him."

I shook my head. "I can't."

"You can't runaway from your problems Ino." Why does everyone think that? ...Because maybe it's true.

I sighed. "I'm... I'm not."

"You are. Things won't be resolved if you don't try to resolve them." He was right. I knew it, he knew it, and hell, everyone knew it. "I'm sorry for pushing you into this."

"You didn't force me into anything. I'm a kunoichi, remember?"

"Right." He grinned at me then, but his grin wasn't right. It was too crooked, too much teeth. His skin was a shade too dark. He was too tall, his muscles too obvious.

He wasn't Gaara.

And I wondered... what could life be like if I could finally force my feeling for my husband away? If I hadn't married Gaara, would Kenta have ever come into the picture? The outcome would have been completely different. But no matter, nothing could change. I married Gaara, and I was in love with that red headed workaholic.

Lifting my hand, I waved good-bye to Kenta and walked away.

I knew what I had to do. I headed for the Hokage's tower.

I had to go back. If anything, I would be to move on with my life. I didn't know if Gaara would be able to convince me to stay, but it was a risk I had to take. I felt like I was living in limbo. I couldn't move on and leave my feelings behind for another man, I couldn't be a ninja, I could only work at my parents flower shop, sleeping in my childhood room like I wasn't a twenty year old adult who had been married and a well-respected member among the ninja of Konaha.

I wanted Gaara, there was no denying that, but the Elders of his village demanded an heir from him. I would be unable to provide him a child. But would my love be enough to keep us together?

I still had no idea how he felt for me. I knew he desired my body, and he enjoyed time with me, but other than that, I had no idea. If we did stay together, would he be able to keep the Elders from divorcing us in favor of a new woman with the ability to give Gaara a child?

All of the uncertainty made me want to curl up into a ball and wait out my fate, but life isn't like that. I knew I had to talk it out with Gaara...

I reached the Hokage's tower before I even knew it. Walking up the stairs, I noticed Hinata wasn't at her desk, but I knew she had probably went home. It was getting late.

Knocking briefly on Naruto's office door, I stepped inside.

He was working diligently at his desk, yawning as he read through the paperwork. It was a surprising scene to gaze upon, but I knew how hard he had worked for the position, and he loved his job. Maybe not the paperwork, but he loved it all the same. Like Gaara. I smiled softly. He was a great Hokage, but hopefully it wouldn't take away from his cheerful demeanor.

"I'm leaving." I announced. At the sound of my voice, he looked up, startled. I couldn't help but giggle.

"Huh?" He scratched the back of his head.

"I'm leaving, Naruto." I repeated.

He looked at me like I'd grown a second head. "... Okay? I get that, but where are you going?"

I shook my head at him. Where else would I be going? "Back to Suna."

When it finally clicked, his bright smile blinded me. "That's great! Gaara will be so -"

I cut him off quickly. "I'm not going back for that Naruto."

He looked confused again. "But... I thought -"

"You thought wrong. I'm going back so I can move forward in my life. Things may be resolved with Gaara, but then again, they may not." I didn't know, and I wouldn't know until I was back in Suna, with Gaara. Weakly, I added, "I still think he'll be better off with someone else."

Naruto didn't say anything for a long time. "... Well, I'll start the paperwork to round up an escort for you. When are you wanting to leave?"

"As soon as I can."

"Tomorrow morning good enough?" He asked. It seemed it was time for serious Naruto now.

"That's fine."

"Okay. If anything comes up unexpected, I'll let you know."

"Thanks."

I moved to exit his office, but stopped when he called after me. "And Ino?"

"Yes?"

"Don't... Don't hurt him, okay?" I smiled sadly. He had just as much power to hurt me, yet no one seemed to think of that. Why didn't that matter?

"I'll try." I replied over my shoulder, and left.

XxXxXxXxX

I was already up bright and early when mom to wake me, packing the last of my things I thought I would need. She wasn't surprised to see me up and about. After all, when I informed her and father of my intentions last night, she seemed a bit smug.

We ate breakfast in silence until I was nearly done with my plate and she spoke up.

"You're doing the right thing Ino." I stiffened immediately. For some reason, the way she phrased that really pissed me off. I didn't appreciate people condescending me. With a sigh I stood up and placed my dishes into the sink.

"The right thing?" I turned back to face her, frowning. "I'm not going back to be with Gaara. I'm going back to Suna so I can reclaim my life, and I don't appreciate you acting like I was stupid to leave him. "

"Ino, I'm not -"

I held up a hand and continued. "Sure, he never hurt me intentionally, and he raised his voice to me, but he didn't care enough when I left to come for me, did he?" I let out a snort, my voice raising. "Hell, he sends Naruto letters all of the time, but do you see me getting one? And that's why I don't think I can be with him. He didn't care enough. He doesn't care, period."

"Ino, -"

"Leave it dear," came my father's voice. I glanced at him, leaning against the frame of the door. Mom deflated instantly, and I gave daddy a small smile in thanks.

"I love you mom. I really do." I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing tight.

"I love you too baby." She sniffled into my hair. I knew she wanted what was best for me. I knew she was only trying to help. But the fact of the matter was that I had things I needed to learn on my own. And I had to make my own decisions.

When we finally pulled apart, I went into the welcoming embrace of my father. He ran his fingers through my hair, murmuring quietly of his love for me, and how proud he was of me. As their only child, I knew he had put a lot of hope into me. And even though things didn't work out with the arranged marriage they wanted for me and Shika, I knew that, as a kunoichi, he was extremely proud of my abilities. I just hope that he would never have to be disappointed in me or the choices I'd make.

My father was the greatest man alive. I loved him with all my heart, faults and all.

When I pulled back, knowing it was cutting close to the time of my departure, he let go willingly.

"I love you, princess." He kissed my forehead and went to stand beside mom.

"I love you too daddy."

"Are you guys going to see me off at the gate?" I asked them over my shoulder as I slipped on my ninja sandals by the front door. My bags, already full, were also there.

"If you want," mom replied.

I nodded. I shouldered the backpack, and slipped the side bag over my neck and arm. "I do."

Daddy held the door open for mom and me, and locked up behind him. They walked the whole way there behind me, his arm around her shoulder.

As the gates came into view, we parted ways. I gave mom and dad bear hugs, and we said our good-byes one last time. When they walked back the way we came, I headed closer to the gates. I hadn't known who was escorting me, but upon seeing the familiar buns of my ex-roommate, I grinned. Tenten was standing a way aways from Lee and Gai, shaking her head at something Neji was saying. Why he was even trying to chat her up, I didn't know. He'd broken up with her months ago, and finally realized his mistake? I shook my head, watching as she stalked off. I could see the barely contained anger radiating from Neji. Lifting my brow, I jogged to Team Gai, and greeted them.