A Naruto and Ino Dilemma: I Am Different

By kiwi4me

Part 1:

To think that she would actually feel something towards me… I must be stupid… or maybe crazy. Every guy here likes her… she could choose whoever she wants… what makes me think she would ever stoop so low as to like me? Maybe only as a friend and nothing more… I guess I just never realized how beautiful she is… so free spirited and fun to be with. Maybe if I realized it faster… I may have had a chance, but now all I have is another unreachable dream…

He got up from his bed sighing heavily as he looked toward his window where the light shines through. Grabbing his black t-shirt from off the floor, he headed to the restroom to freshen up before heading out. The sky was clear and blue with the sun brightly shining over the village. He noticed a fellow friend nearby and decided to talk to him.

"Hey Lee," Naruto called out like he always does, "What's up?"

Lee turned to see him and grinned back at him replying, "Naruto… I am doing well, but we are doing great!" He had a huge grin on his face, with eyes shining as he said the word we. Naruto just nodded his head with a small smile upon his face.

"So anything new with you and Sakura?" Naruto asked not really wanting to know, but felt like there was nothing else to say. Lee's smile grew wider as he explains the love he has for her, "Sakura is so beautiful isn't she? I really think she is the one for me… there was this one time when…"

Lee couldn't stop talking after Naruto brought up the name Sakura. Naruto just acted like he was listening, but he wasn't.

"Yo Naruto," Shikamaru called out as he headed toward him with Ino.

"Naruto! Haven't seen you in a long time! Where have you been?" She asked almost like a joke. Naruto just brushed it off and asked where they were doing, "So Shikamaru, are you heading somewhere?" He nodded and replied, "Yeah… we're just going to get a bite to eat…" he said as Ino looked over at Lee.

"Hey Lee… where's Sakura? Did she get tired of you already?" Ino asked smirking at bushy brows.

"No she is not; she is at home while I buy some fresh food for her to make dinner for two," Lee pointed out lifting the bag higher so everyone could see, "… since I have everything, I'm heading home, bye."

He left walking quickly away happily and anxiously; Ino just giggled at the fact that Sakura actually fell for Lee of all of the guys.

"Did you want to come eat with us?" Ino asked as she faced Naruto. Shikamaru was about to add to what Ino said when someone called out his name.

"Shikamaru," Temari called out happily as she ran toward the three of them.

"Hey Temari," Ino smiled as the two guys smiled as well, "… what are you doing here?"

Temari smiled and said she was just visiting and wanted to talk to Shikamaru who was confused.

"If you have something to say, you can say it here…" Shikamaru said bluntly causing Temari to blush a bit. She made an excuse and pulled Shikamaru away and left. Naruto and Ino stood alone as the sun stood over them. Naruto turned to face Ino who was staring at Temari pulling on Shikamaru's arm.

I wonder… what is she thinking… I wonder if… if she likes Shikamaru… Naruto asked himself not wanting to know the answer. A soft breeze flew by letting Ino's light blonde hair flow as it dances with the wind. Naruto watched her reaction, her smile, as the breeze plays with her hair and softly grazes her skin.

"Hey Naruto…" Ino turned to face him with a small smile, "… since Shikamaru is busy… want to go eat with me?" Naruto was happy, almost excited but he isn't about to let her know or see any hints of his feelings.

"Why can't you eat alone?" Naruto asked;

"Aw come one Naruto! Everyone is busy right now… besides, we haven't talked to each other in a long time so… lets treat this as a catching up time!" She winked at him causing him to blush slightly, but he refused to give in right there.

"Ino… why do you always come to me when there is no one else?" Naruto asked almost angry for being picked last.

"Uh…" Ino began nervously but was able to catch up to her nerves, "… Naruto please…?"

Naruto looked at her long and hard before giving out a deep sigh and a nod. "Fine… where are we going…?" Naruto asked as Ino gave a large grin.

"I dunno… wherever you can afford," Ino said giggling happily. Naruto looked at her for a moment before placing his hand on his head, "… I fell for you're trap didn't I…" he finished making Ino laugh as she pat him on the head.

"Aren't you a smart little boy…" she said as she ran her fingers through his dark blonde hair with a smile upon her face. Naruto blushed wanting her to do it forever, but force himself to push her hand away.

"Come on…" Naruto said as he walked away. Ino asked where they were headed and he replied, "… to the Ramen Shop…" which caused Ino to roll her eyes.

They arrived and sat down waiting for their meal; Ino watched Naruto wondering why there was something different about him.

"Hey Naruto…" Ino spoke up ending the silence, "… are you still upset?" Naruto looked up at her for a moment then kept himself quiet. "Look Naruto… I know it was your dream to become Hokage… but you can't change the vote… Choji was chosen… which was a bit unexpected to tell you the truth…" Ino said bringing back a saddening event into his mind. I didn't even get a chance… all because that stupid mission! He screamed in his head.

Ino looked at him noticing his body tensing from stress and his face becoming flushed red. "Are you okay Naruto?" she asked concerned as she reached out her hand to touch his head.

"I'm fine," he said before she could touch him; "… but Naruto…" she tried to say, but their meal came and Naruto begin eating… a sign of him ignoring all else. They finished the meal quietly in an awkward silence that hovered over them as they ate.

"Here you go…" Naruto said as he placed the money on the table and headed out as Ino walked behind him. They walked together in unison around the village then into the forest where the training grounds were.

Naruto kept walking until Ino stopped him; "Naruto… what is wrong with you?" she asked angrily and concerned as well.

"It's nothing… besides… why do you care?" he stated angrily as he turned to face her. Ino hurt by those words took it offensively, "Why do I care?! I'm you're friend aren't I?" she yelled out at him as his eyes widen. "What is wrong with you lately?" she asked in a high tone hoping he would answer soon. Naruto looked away and started to walk away once more before Ino grabbed his arm.

"Stop running away! What is wrong with you? You're different…" Ino stated holding onto his arm. Naruto pulled his arm free and stared at her thinking to his self, I'm different… yeah… but why do you care… even if you are just my friend…

Please let me know what you think... okay?

love, kiwi4me