Until the Next Time
By Kimmy
Summary: ShikaIno ficlet They are shinobi, they are tired, and this is one of the few moments of tranquility their chosen lifestyle can provide.
Notes: Huh. Well. What to say...
This is my first ShikaIno fic.
I'm pretty dang proud of it. I was tempted to call it a drabble, but
after the different versions I've heard of what a drabble is...well,
I just decided to call it a ficlet. This fic came to me when I was
trying to write another. It was supposed to be another fic with a
completely different storyline, but it kinda diverged from what I
intended...and so this came out of it. -shrugs-
I hope you like it as much as I do! Happy New Year to all y'all!
----
They sit together in the clearing; silent, happy, and at peace with the world. They are shinobi, they are tired, and this is one of the few moments of tranquility their chosen lifestyle can provide.
And yet they choose to spend it with each other. They do not ask each other why, for they both know the reason. They do not ask each other why, because acknowledging the reason would be accepting it.
And they are not ready to accept it just yet. So for now, they are silent, content only to spend what little free time they have being happy; being with each other.
His clouds float above, and her flowers sway in the wind as they both sigh, deep in thought.
It is always like this now. They meet up, say a word or two of greeting and then fall into silence. And they remain in that silence for many minutes, sometimes hours, until one has to leave. She is almost always the first one to leave, for she has to get back to her family's flower shop.
And so he takes it upon himself to walk her home. He tells himself that it is only right; that is it his duty as her teammate and friend. And while that is true, there is one, much more personal reason behind his actions.
But he lies to himself, saying that those feelings of love for her do not exist.
It does not matter that he never believes himself anymore. It is his excuse, his safeguard against heartbreak.
When they reach her doorstep, he says, with a fake sigh that never convinces her anymore despite his best efforts, "Until the next time, Ino."
"Until the next time, Shikamaru," she replies softly, knowing that there are so many things left to say, yet no words powerful enough to do them justice.
So she waits, until she is ready to show him. So she waits, for another chance. So she waits, until the next time.
End
So. How'd you like it? Lemme know