At the Edge

by kiwi4me and BananaBabe903

Summary: He was dead. She knew that. So why was she still feeling all those feelings she thought she left behind?

It had been a few months after the war; the damn war that took away those she cared about, those she loved. Every time she thought about the aftermath of the war, she was enveloped by way too many emotions she didn't dare show to anyone. She didn't want them to see her cry –she already didn't like the fact her friends seen her at her worst because a ninja was never supposed to show any emotions. She didn't want to hear the screams, see the bloods, and feel the sting of muscles pushed too far from its limits. She didn't want to think about it. War brought nothing but misery in her mind.

Speaking of mind, the blonde female scowled.

She had always had her mind. She used her jutsu to control minds, to invade and ripped her enemies apart with it. She had finished plenty of missions successfully with her jutsu and saved many lives with it.

Now she was at the threshold.

She already knew what would happen if she continued to use her mind controlling jutsu. She would possibly lose herself; fall to her knees as she breaks. She'd probably forget people no matter how long she knew them. She would probably not be herself anymore or maybe she would die from the excess use of said jutsu. Either way, she couldn't find it in herself to care.

This was her jutsu and she be damned if she was restricted from using it.

"I know you are angry Ino," came the voice of Tsunade's, "... but it is for the best."

The young blonde female did not reply as she stared blankly at her leader.
She could still use other methods to succeed in her missions and she has gotten better in other fighting styles. So nodding her head, she stood and attempted to leave, but the Hokage spoke once more.

"It is important that you do not use your family jutsu Ino," Tsunade spoke sternly, "… the results may be unimaginable."

"Hai Tsunade sama," she bowed to the older female and walked out of the door.

She was walking around, lost to the world. She felt unlike herself and she blamed the war. Things changed, people changed, and yet everything remains the same: same village, same people, same innocent naïve faces.

Forcing a smile and waving to those who had greeted her, she continued her walk to a spot where she needed to clear her head. As she neared her destination, she recognized someone there. Her eyes widened and she found herself hyperventilating for a brief moment unsure if what she was seeing was real or if it was her imagination. Nearing the figure cautiously, she called out to him.

"What are you doing?" she stated as she waited for his reply.

He turned and she found her resolved fade. His eyes were still those pearly whites and his hair was still dark and long. Even his clothes were fresh and clean as if he hadn't been in war. As if he hadn't died. As if he was still alive.

"Ino," his voice was still the same in her ears and she found herself unsure what to do.

She glanced around her to see a few people walking by no acknowledging them. Looking back at the figure, she took cautious steps near him. Once she was in front of him, she forced herself not to reach out to him. She spoke instead.

"You didn't answer my question," she commented watching him closely.

He blinked and looked over her shoulder. She continued to watch the way he looked ignorant to her being there, but the slight crease of his eye brows and the small downward curve of his lips told her he was contemplating his answer.

"You're the only one who can see me," he finally said as he looked back into teal eyes.

Ino found herself staring at him with wide eyes and her mouth hung a little low. What did he mean by that? It took her mind a few moments to catch up and when she did, Ino reached out her hand to touch him.

She only touched air.

"Ghost…" she started slowly as she retrieved her hand that passed through him.

Looking up at him, he looked sad and she found him so attractive like that. Shaking her head out of her thoughts, she contemplated on what to say.

"How long have you been hanging around?" she questioned.

"A few months," he replied looking at her.

"After the war," Ino stated and he nodded, "… so no one else can see you?"

He nodded again and she sighed.

She was talking to a dead man, a ghost of all things. Other people probably see her talking to herself and she frowned at that thought. Her name has gone through the gossip mill plenty of times and her being crazy was not one of them. Oh, her enemies would like that wouldn't they.

"Well," she sighed as she turned around to face whatever he was looking at, "… I don't know what you're going to do."

Crossing her arms and sighing, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She really must be at the threshold if she could see ghosts. Speaking of ghosts, aren't they supposed to leave the place of the living and move on to another dimension? Maybe he had something to finish causing him to stay roaming?

She glanced behind her at him.

"Why do you think you're still here?" she questioned facing forward once more.

"I don't know," he replied honestly.

Well, she figured she would help. There really was no use in just wallowing on not being able to use her family jutsu. Besides, she wouldn't be getting any missions any time soon; at least not a C-rank and above. Yes, she was stuck to D-rank missions, but helping the ghost sounded much more interesting and exciting.

"I'll help you," she turned fully facing him.

"Why?" he questioned never remembering the two of them as anything more than acquaintances.

"No reason," she smiled brightly at him and began to walk off.

She paused and turned to him.

"Are you coming?" she questioned.

He took steps toward her and fell into steps beside her. He was happy someone could see him and he was thankful for her help. Her questions did strike a chord in him, however. Why was he still here? What was the reason? Was there a reason to begin with?
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize they were in front of her home. As she opened the door, she entered with him trailing behind.

"Welcome home Neji," he heard her say and saw her lips curve before she headed to the kitchen.

He smiled, but she missed it.

Authors' Note:

Hello everyone! This is a collaboration story for NejixIno fans! BananaBabe903 and I will try our best to post new chapters soon! Please let us know how you like it so far :) The writings are still in progress so any comments would be appreciated!

Thank you for taking your time to read! Much love.

love, kiwi4me

PS: there is a poll up on my profile Be sure to vote for your person :)