Babysitted by the Uchiha Avenger

Chapter the Thirteenth

Ino helped me to bring the hot chocolates to the table. The cups clinked together in her hands as she trembled uncontrollably. She chewed on her lip until it was red and raw, and I honestly thought she could be sick at any second. But she put one foot in front of the other and made it to the table.

Everyone fell silent. Sasuke glanced up, and spotted Ino. His eyebrows raised, and he stood.

Huh. At least he knew how much he had hurt her.

"I-Ino," he said, seeming unsure of how to react. Ino simply stared at him for a moment, then forced a smile. "Sasuke. Hi."

Sasuke swallowed. "I'm neutral." It seemed too simple a thing to say.

"I know," Ino nodded at me. Sasuke nodded.

I couldn't bear to look at either of them. This was almost too painful.

Naruto cleared his throat. "Hey, Ino."

"Hi," her voice broke. She looked away, shaking even more violently. Hot chocolate spilled from the mugs. "Excuse me," she muttered, placing them on the nearest table and dashing out of the room. Sasuke looked after her. He looked like he wanted to follow, but also like he really couldn't handle it.

I shoved the hot chocolates I was carrying at him and took off after Ino. "I'll handle it!"

Shikamaru, Kiba and Hinata exchanged looks. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Seriously. Are you holding her hostage?"

No one replied. They watched me tear out of Ichiraku to the street outside.

I caught Ino's arm, panting. "Hold on, hold on!" She had one hand clamped over her mouth.

"Ino?"

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, okay? Just give me a minute."

I swallowed and let go of her. I knew she wouldn't miss a chance to spend the night with Sasuke. She just needed to collect herself.

"I still love him," she said. I didn't reply. I didn't know how to.

"I love him and hate him at the same time. I can't stand him but I want to spend every waking moment with him."

I mulled this over. "Love and hate. It's dangerous to only use these terms to define things. What is 'love'? It's feelings, emotions, states of mind. And you're on the borderline between what we call 'love' and 'hate'. Because of what he's done, but because of who he is, you both love and hate him."

Whoa, Lucy. That was deep.

Ino turned to stare at me. She didn't say anything, just stared. I held out my hand. She took it.

"Come on. At least enjoy tonight."

She nodded.