~Chapter II~

In this way did the morning come, with Hinata's sleeping form resting on that couch, leaning against Shino's shoulder. He loved her. He really did.

"Shino! Open the door! I know she's in there!" For once, he didn't answer. It was life or death here… Or at least the risk of his heart being broken once again. It hurt. Shino could hear Kiba's fist pound against the wooden door as his shouts were reduced to pleading. "You've never let me down before, man… Please… I don't know what I would do without her! I'm sorry, really!"

Hinata was still sleeping soundly. She had no idea what was going on… And hopefully she never would have to see it again. Shino carefully removed her from his shoulder and laid her gently on the pillows. He went to the door.

"Shino, please…" Kiba was crying as the door opened, rivers coming from his eyes like no tomorrow. This had happened before, over and over again. "I know I messed up! I always mess up! But I can't imagine life without her!" He met Shino's eyes, taking him by the shoulders. "Don't you understand what I mean? I can't help myself, it just hurts too bad to see her go! Don't you get it?"

Shino looked away. Yes, he got it. He understood every word, which is why Kiba should've understood why he couldn't stand to see her hurt again. But it was Kiba… His emotions would overcome any sense of reason in him.

"She's still sleeping, Kiba." He looked over at Hinata; her expression was so peaceful. She looked so happy.

As Kiba finally realized what Shino had known all along, he released his grip on his friend's shoulders. "You… You would never hurt her would you…?" He whispered. "No matter what would happen, you would never hurt her." His shoulders began to shake with remorse. Shino looked down. "You really are the best for her, aren't you?"

No one spoke.

"She doesn't want to go back this time, Kiba."

"That's what she told me." Kiba glanced at the sleeping shinobi with longing. "She said… she would never come back…"

"She really has gotten stronger, hasn't she?" Both were watching her now, as her shoulders moved with her breath, so oblivious to all that was going on around her, lost in peaceful dreams as her best friends were torn. She had no idea what turmoil she caused.

"Yes, but we all have our weaknesses, don't we, Shino?"

"…I suppose we do."

And Kiba left, heartbreak and all, to face another day; the day he would finally face his weaknesses with strength, learning to live without love. Maybe one day he would come back to her stronger, who knows? He would always love her, after all.

And when Hinata awoke, she found not a quarrel between her friend and lover, but simply Shino, awake by her side to tell her all that had happened.

"He's gone, Hinata. You never have to go back." The tears sprung to her eyes, but they never fell. Instead, she smiled.

"Thank you, Shino. Thank you so much. I don't know what I would do without you." He couldn't bear to look at her; he didn't know what he might say if he had to face that smile. He really loved her. But he forced himself to look into her eyes. It all came down to that moment, when he took off those sunglasses and faced her fully.

"I love you."

At that moment, she said nothing. He took her in his arms, and she began to cry. He rocked her slowly, and although she didn't return his feelings directly quite yet, the words that she spoke meant just as much.

"Thank you, Shino. Thank you for everything."

Yes, she was his weakness. But sometimes, the greatest strengths can be born out of weakness, and overcoming those weaknesses can make you feel invincible. He loved her, and that was all that mattered.

The end!!! I hope you all enjoyed it, please R&R~!!!

~Izu