Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Do not own Naruto or any of the Characters. This is a fan based fic.


Summary: Konoha has just become a monsters hunting ground, with two women dead and tortured and one missing. Only Ino can get into the mind of this killer. With the help of Shikamaru they're about to hunt for a killer who's madness has no bounds. Ino/Shika pairing. Warning: Lemon and Violence, not for the faint of heart.

"Ino…what are you doing?" Shikamaru said, not liking the fact that she was approaching the table.

"We need a lead right? I'm going to get us one, this can't happen again. These girls need justice. Suddenly pulling down the strap to her shirt she revealed her seal, biting her thumb she ran her thumb against her shoulder

"Release!"

An aura of blue chakra seemed to pulse around her. Ino stiffened. Shikamaru wasn't sure how he knew it but looking at her he was certain that all of her attention, all of her being, was suddenly focused elsewhere. Then he saw her eyes shift to one side, as if she was suddenly intensely aware of some sound, some thing in front of her. She walked between both beds and placed her hands on the girl's forehead. The girl that she touched had brown curly hair, a slender body, and her face was perfect. No blemishes just a calm, innocent beauty. The moment Ino touched her forehead Ino gasped and doubled over, but she didn't release her.

"Ino!" Shikamaru yelled rushing over to grasp her.

"Restrain him!" Tsunade barked. Naruto and Sasuke were suddenly in front of him preventing him from coming in closer.

"Let me go!" Shikamaru growled in frustration.

"She knows what she's doing" Sasuke said in a cold voice.

"Tch, how would you know!?" Shikamaru said hoarsely "You don't know her, you don't really know her. You don't know what makes her smile, what to do to get her angry…tch nothing!"

"Shikamaru, please calm down." Naruto said trying to offer what comfort he could while preventing him from touching Ino.

"I'm okay Shika" Ino whispered, drawing in a shaky breath before continuing. "I didn't get anything from her, other then the fact that he's definitely male. She knew him…I felt betrayal. Legs shaking, she reached for the other table.

"Ino if you need to-"started Tsunade.

"No, I need to finish before I can't reach into their minds at all, their so close to passing on completely. Shika?"

"Yeah?" he responded tiredly

"I want a long vacation when this is all over…the best vacation ever." Ino said attempting a weak smile.

"Troublesome" was his reply with a smirk of his own.

Ino's attention went back to the other girl, the girl that's eyes were taken out from her. She had straight black hair almost reminding her of Sasuke. The moment she touched her forehead a scream ripped out of her throat.

"Ino!"

"Shika, I don't want to do this. I'm scared." Ino said with tears running down her eyes but her hand did not release the girl… "Shika?"

Shikamaru surprised Naruto and Sasuke by escaping from them, when they reached out to take Shikamaru again they were even more surprised to find out that they couldn't. Shikamaru had them bonded with his Kage Mane no jutsu. They could only shake their heads.

Shikamaru came up behind Ino wrapping his arms around her waist. "Talk to me Ino, tell me what you see." Shikamaru whispered in her ears "take a deep breath; I'm here with you I'm always with you." Shikamaru said, rubbing his jaw against her cheek to calm her.

"It's White. It's just white…"

"Alright, what was the girl's last memory?"

She drew in another shaky little breath; her finger trembled as she kneaded the girl's forehead.

"Shikamaru I don't want to, she was so scared, you know I hate being scared and he's there in her mind." tears were forming in the corners of her eyes. "Please don't make me go any deeper. Don't make me touch them."

Naruto's face grew grim at the fear and revulsion he heard in her voice and it was his turn to draw in a steady breath. When he spoke, his voice was cool and certain.

"Ino listen to me," he said, still unable approach the couple because of Shikamaru's shadow bind. "You have to, if you can. This could just be the beginning of his rein of terror. We have to stop him before it's too late. You understand, don't you?" Naruto said calmly, completely unlike his usual loud self. All Shikamaru could do was glare at him as his arms tightened around Ino's waist.

"Yes," Ino replied forlornly, "I understand." There was a moment of silence. It was so absolute that they could hear her pants for air as she went into the mind of the dead female.

"It was dark." Ino began, her voice and eyes lifeless "She's…he's got her tied up. He's got her tied up in a white room. It's all white; so clean. Oh! I can hear her crying!"

"Don't listen, Ino" Shikamaru insisted, "look around find some clues."

"But he's there" Ino screamed, pointing to nowhere "approaching her!"

"What does he look like?" Tsunade yelled.

"He's wearing white…all white. His face…his face… dear god! He has a scalpel and a staff!"

"Ino! What does he look like" Shikamaru said, jerking her; she was getting in too deep.

Shikamaru flinched when he was able to get a good look at her. Her eyes were closed. He'd never seen such pallor in a human face before. And he didn't like it.

"Shikamaru! Release me now, I can help" Sasuke said.

When he was released his Mangekyou Sharingan was blazing as his piercing eyes took in everything around him. He was suddenly with Ino in the mind of the girl. Sasuke could feel Shikamaru's presence outside of Ino's body. The man was approaching them.

"Help! Please help". The girl screamed as the man in white approached her. She couldn't move.

"You're so beautiful, huh? You get everything you want? No? And those eyes, such a beautiful window to the soul, ne?" the man said his voice filled of indignation. "But first thing's first!" He suddenly pulled a wool sack over her head.

Sasuke could only watch helpless as the girl was beat he knew what was coming next as he remembered the scalpel. He was suddenly out of the girls mind as Ino connection dropped from the girl. They were both panting when they were back in their own minds. Ino was shaking in Shikamaru's arms, her face in the crook of his neck.

"What happened?" Naruto asked Sasuke

"I couldn't get a good description, but I do know that the room that he was holding him was a clean and sterile place. It was white…all white…"

"A sterile room?" Shikamaru asked "Well we know that he didn't kill her in a forest or in an alley...a white sterile room…it could be some sort of doctor's office or a hospital."

They all looked at each other faces grim and tight…This seemed to be getting worse.

"Hokage-sama!" Iyashi a fellow medical nin followed by Kanpou. "We found the identity of the girls that were found."

Kanpou pointed to the girl that looked like Sasuke and that had her eyes taken out of her.

"Her name was Emi. The other girl who had the tampon and brown hair…she's one of our own… we wouldn't recognize her with her hair down. Her name is Kaori, a nurse to Konoha.

"Unacceptable" Tsunade whispered.

"Shikamaru go ahead and take Ino home, let her rest for a while, come and get us if something new develops."

"But-" Ino started

"Shut up Ino" he scooped a dazed Ino into his arms and without another word and left the room.


The fresh air did help Ino to relax but she wasn't going to tell Shikamaru that. He had that annoyed frown on his face. If he kept that up he was going to get wrinkles before he was thirty."I like my males possessive-" Ino began.

"Only male" Shikamaru stated still not releasing her from his iron grip. He had a destination in his mind and he wasn't going to stop until he got there.

"Shika! You went too far! I could have stayed!" Ino yelled as loud as she could; he was starting to grate on her nerves.

"Troublesome" Shikamaru whispered. He recognized that look in her eyes. She was irritated. All he could do was groan as he had a mental debate with himself. Why? Oh why did he have to be like his father? His father was whipped by his mother and he knew in his gut that he was whipped by Ino. As far as he could remember Ino has always been a part of his life. She was the spoiled princess and he and Chouji were her cowardly servants, always weary to make her mad. It wasn't until he was twelve or thirteen years old that he started to look at her differently.

Flashback

"This is such a pain. I hate going over the Yamanaka's house." Shikamaru grumbled to his father.

"Put a step to it Shikamaru, your mother is cooking over the Yamanaka's house, you know how she is when we're late. Shikaku replied with a knowing smile. He then looked at his son. "And… Ino's going to be there, the love of your life." He said with a sigh.

"Tch, shut up old man she's the reason I don't want to go!" Shikamaru said glaring at his father whose face began to contort into a devious smile.

"That is how love usually starts. You hate them but you gotta love them."

"Troublesome" was all Shikamaru could say there was no point in talking to his father, especially when he got in one of his moods…and his father hasn't even begun to drink yet.

"Ah we're here." Shikaku knocked on the door once before letting himself in. "Inoichi! We're here, I got the sake! And there's plenty where this came from!"

Great. Shikamaru thought with a sour expression. Once the Ino-Shika-Cho started drinking there was no hope!

"Oh, ho! Come in, come in, your wife is cooking. Thank god because my wife can't." Inoichi told Shikaku with a merry smiled.

"I heard that Inoichi!" Inoichi's wife replied from the kitchen

"Ino!" Inoichi hollered "Come and greet your guest!"

Now I know. Shikamaru thought to himself. Now I know where Ino gets her big mouth. With a slight groan he looked around the house filled with decorations and flowers for Chouji.

"Hai, Hai!" Up the stairs they heard the running of feet pounding against the wooden floor. A blond little vixen with wide beautiful eyes made her way down the stairs. She had on a yellow embroided kimono. Shikamaru felt his face start to flush tearing his eyes away. He glanced at Ino's father; he could see the obvious pride Inoichi had for his only child.

Inoichi bent down to give Ino a kiss on her forehead. "You look beautiful, princess. You did a good job at the market today looking for that dress."

Shikamaru could only sigh at the obvious doting he was witnessing. No wonder why she was so spoiled. Glancing at his father he suddenly scowled. There was that smile again.

"Shika-kun!" Ino squealed and lashed out for Shikamaru's head while putting him in a choke hold.

Troublesome he thought to himself why? Why me?

"Tch, don't call me that, my name is Shi-ka-ma-ru! What is so hard about that huh?" Shikamaru said prying her skinny arms from around his neck. Stepping back he looked around for Chouji. A frown started to appear on his brow. "Where is Chouji?"

"He isn't coming today" Ino started, not looking directly into his eyes "his family has to deal with some clan issues or something like that." Ino chirped trying hard to ignore the filling of anger that was starting to course through her body. Why doesn't he want to hang out with me Ino thought, she started to feel a slight burn behind her eyes that indicated the tears beginning to form.

Everybody could see the obvious disappointment in Shikamaru's expression that Chouji wasn't there. Especially Ino. She could tell that he really wished he was somewhere else. His feeling was so strong it was like she could feel his disappointment. What's so wrong with me? Ino thought to her self.

The parents wisely decided to stay silent watching the drama that they were sure was going to arrive any moment.

"So what if he isn't here! We can still have a good time." Ino rushed trying to change the subject she then started to get excited.

"Guess what!"

"…"

"We just got a new shipment of flowers from the Wave country; we could have fun arranging it." Ino said trying to change the mood.

"I'm going home" Shikamaru said with a groan in his voice. There was no way he was going to be stranded with Ino and playing with flowers. No way in hell. Glancing at her he suddenly got a sick, sinking feeling in his stomach, he realized he just made a mistake…a big mistake.

"Fine! Go home! I didn't want to play with you in the first place. You and Chouji think your so cool doing your boy stuff well fine! I don't want anything to do with you!" Ino yelled until she was red faced. She felt so hurt, it felt like she always had to force them to do something and she was sick of it.

Shikamaru started to get angry. He knew that he should have just apologized but for some reason he couldn't control the outburst. "Well GOOD! You're too bossy and spoiled anyways!"

"Mou you guys that's enough" Shikamaru's dad injected

"Yes, it is enough." Ino said quietly too quietly I'm sorry Shikamaru I didn't realize I was such a pain to you guys. With a strangled sob she spoke in a soft voice "you don't have to worry about me being to bossy with you guys anymore I...I never want to see you again!" And with a strangled sob she ran up the stairs.

He could feel the gazes of his and her parents on his back.

Shikaku and Inoichi were looking at him

"Well, Shikamaru, that went smoothly!" Inoichi said with a dry laugh, inching to wring his neck. Great now I have to deal with an emotional daughter tonight…

Shikaku bent down to son to look him in the eye "Where is my smart son? Huh? You never tell a woman that you don't want to see her…that's too troublesome. Go upstairs and fix the problem... and a real man always have the last word with their woman." Shikaku said with a wink.

Shikamaru only scowled their woman? " Tch Don't get too excited." and with a registered sigh he started to walk up the stairs.

"Why does your son looks like he's walking to the gallows?" Inoichi asked Shikaku.

"Because he is." Shikaku said gravely. Then with a laugh he said. "Lets go eat!"

Shikamaru stood in front of her door, not sure on how he should proceed. He could hear her crying on the other side of the door. It was times like these he felt like a jerk. It wasn't that he disliked her, because he did like her…it was just that she was a girl. She was unpredictable! She was his wild card that he felt he had no control over.

Before he could knock on the door with his raised hand she yelled, "Go away!"

Huh? How did she know that he was standing outside her door?

"Yo, Ino… this is troublesome… can I come in?" Shikamaru said crossing his arms across his chest instead of barging in to her room.

"No! Just go away, I know you, Shi-ka-ma-ru" Ino said with a snarl "the only reason why you're here is because your daddy made you."

Against his better judgment he walked into her room and was a little surprised at what he saw. He didn't realize that she had kept all the pictures of them growing up across her wall. There was one picture that made him smile. They must have been about three or four. He, Chouji, and Ino were grinning like idiots all in their snaggled toothed glory. It was the time they all lost their first tooth.

He sat on the bed next to Ino and just stared at her averted tear stained face. He knew that silence was the best course of action. He was just going to sit there until she stopped ignoring him.

She knew that he was looking at her and she didn't want to look at him. She really didn't want to. Yet, she could feel his gaze. For someone so young his eyes were so compelling. The silence between them was profound. She felt like she was falling into his mind, sensing all his frustration and anger at himself yet she could feel comfort. If it was up to her she would stay in his mind forever. There were so many doors; thoughts, feelings she wanted to explore and some of them started with her!

"Ino, stop doing that I know that your probing me" Shikamaru said his eyes not leaving her face. With a sigh he continued "I'm sorry for being a…"

"Jerk?" Ino asked.

Rubbing the back of his head he attempted to smile but all he could do was gulp. He was mental preparing himself for the beating that was sure to follow because she needed to hear the truth.

"Ino…sometimes you can be a serious pain. And usually I'm too lazy to do anything about it." He noticed her eyes cast to the side and how she tried to hide her trembling hands, but somehow he knew that she appreciated him being honest.

"I- I want you to know that even though your spoiled and scary I don't always dislike you." When Ino suddenly looked up at him suddenly he could feel heat starting to rise from his neck to his forehead as he gazed at her unwavering eyes. He was blushing…Kuso!

He could feel himself starting to scowl; he needed to get out of here!

"Tch, Ino I'm sorry for being a jerk earlier, okay! Do you forgive me?" He really was sorry and he wished he kept his mouth shut. He was starting to feel like Naruto. But dammit it was like she always knew what button to press to get a rise out of him. And what was up with the twisting in his stomach? Every time he got a really good look at her he got that feeling in his stomach. Why was it that when she smiled he felt light headed?

Maybe he was getting sick. There was something seriously wrong with him! He looked up when he noticed that Ino did not immediately respond to his apology.

"Ino..? I said I was sorry." Shikamaru repeated, she just had this thoughtful look on her face

"Ino?" Shikamaru asked.

"No" was a soft whisper.

"Huh? Shikamaru was not following.

"No" Ino said, slightly louder then the first time.

"No?" Shikamaru asked again confused.

"No, I don't forgive you Shika-kun!" Ino exploded.

"Oh! O-kay…WHAT!?" Shikamaru said shocked.

Ino just smiled a real smile since the night started. "My mom said that when a guy comes apologizing he better have flowers and chocolates. And you mister… have none." She said deadpan looking him up and down.

Shikamaru sweat-dropped.

"So you're not forgiven!" Ino continued. "In other words…G-E-T O-U-T!" Ino yelled out the top of her lungs, yet in the inside she was floating on cloud nine and the sheer shock on his face was absolutely priceless.

"Are you serious?" Shikamaru asked dumbfounded.

"I am a Yamanaka. I am always serious. In case you forgotten the Yamanaka clan's specialties are in mind justus and flowers. You can't apologize to a Yamanaka without flowers, and not just any flowers.

"What a drag" Shikamaru muttered. Dammit he thought to himself she's worse then my mom!

Ino was trying so hard not to laugh or giggle at the pained expression on the young Nara's face, but a small part of her just wanted to see how far he was willing to go to see if she would forgive him for being a world class ass.

Shikamaru then stood with out another word, stuffed his hands in his pockets before heading for the door .

"Where are you going-?" A startled Ino asked. She knew that she told him to leave but she didn't want him to leave mad…

"Girls, women… you're all too troublesome." Kuso. Why me he asked himself this question for the second time that day. He left as quietly as he entered.

He groaned as he went down the stairs he could hear the adults having a blast in the other room. With a huff he went for the door and to his dismay it was raining…great he thought to himself. This is not worth me getting all wet. I'll just look for some nice girly girl flower tomorrow when the sun is out and the sky is clear an ideal day for cloud watching. Stepping back to close the door something caught his gaze and he happen to look up. He saw Ino leaning on the stair case her head resting on her hands just looking at him with a small smile a small knowing smile.

Kuso! He opened the door back up and slammed the door on his way out, Dammit if anyone ever found out!


The wind howled, Shikamaru was numb. The sudden dip in temperature reminded him that he was cold. But he almost had it; he was on the outskirts of Konoha past the Yamanaka's flower fields. He could remember Ino telling him when he was younger that the precious flowers are the ones that are difficult to get. This is why Shikamaru finds himself on a cliff reaching for this purplish black flower. He thought the flower was ugly personally it was dark something that didn't really fit Ino's personality…oh well he was positive that Ino would appreciate the effort.

Never again, he thought to himself as he shivered, never again will I do this. Just a couple more inches, your almost there Shikamaru he thought to himself. Once the flower was in his grasp he pulled it free. He put the flower in his backpack and broodingly made his way down the cliff. At the crack of lighting, he was startled. When he heard rocks begin to slide he cursed. His heart skipped a beat when his hand slipped. Shit. He slammed into the ground. The impact that brought tears to his eyes. For all this pain she better be happy. He was so cold, maybe that was the reason he didn't notice the landing dropped sharply. Shikamaru tried to stop his descent, but the momentum propelled him forward. He fell on his knees then stared to roll. Felt a rush of water…"Oh No!" Shikamaru groaned in the river! He heard the roar before the impact- and then he was falling, falling…

He thought he was cold in the beginning but nothing prepared him for the freezing water.

He was going to drown.

With all of his remaining strength he fought the current kicking as hard as he could. Get to the bank! Get to the bank and grab something anything! His body slammed against a bolder He heard the cracking of his ribs. Something has to be broken. Keeping a death lock grip with the bolder he glanced out three feet away from him…he noticed his bag with Ino's flower! After everything he went to through to get that damn thing. Kuso! And with a groan he let go of the bolder, he had to get it. Kuso! He risked his life for these damn flowers and she was going to get it he just prayed that he was alive for it.

If Shikamaru knew that he was approaching a waterfall he would have stayed on his bolder. I'm sorry Ino; I couldn't bring you back a flower for your forgiveness.


Ino wasn't having a good time. Where the hell was he? Did he forget that my family's flower shop was just around the corner? There was no reason for him to travel so far.

Ino stared at the adults. They were having fun; all of them way too merry for their own good. Rubbing her hand up and down her arms she was startled to find goosebumps. Why was she so cold? And why was it suddenly so hard to breathe? Unexpectedly she felt a sudden hot binding pain rushed against her ribs it felt like some was squeezing her and they wouldn't let go! It was getting hard to breath. She suddenly clutched her head and a strangled screamed ripped out of her throat.

There was a sudden pause from the adult and then a rush of movement. She felt a warm hand soothing her back "Ino?" Inoichi started off tentatively. When Ino looked up she noticed that the atmosphere of the party dropped and everything was still, all of the adults' eyes were on her, all of there eyes all imploring digging. Yet they didn't say a work yet she knew what they were thinking because they're lips didn't move.

"Is she okay…"

"What's wrong with her..?"

"She looks sick…"

"Ino?"

She felt so disoriented. Ino caught her breath again

Another wave of coldness swept over her.

"Ino?" Inoichi began again "Are you okay?"

"Of course," Ino murmured after a long moment. "I'm obviously losing my mind"

She managed to at least partially shake off the cold uneasiness she felt, telling herself she probably needed to get some rest. But with a gasp she clutched her stomach suddenly her face twisted in agony. Something was wrong! She couldn't breath! She wanted to scream but all that came out was a gurgle.

"Ino!" everybody surrounded Ino all she could do was gasp then everything stopped.

It was like she was in the twilight zone; nothing moved around her. Everything was cloudy. She looked around for her family and for Shikamaru's parents but she found no one. She was alone… everything was gray silent and cold. And just for a moment she felt a rush of apprehension. Where was she? She had a sense of dread Ino felt her throat tighten as if afraid the air would suddenly leave her gasping. When she stumbled she was surprised to see that her feet were soaked, and then she heard it. It was a rushing sound something was coming for her! And it was moving fast. It was a wave of water rushing towards her in all its glory. She tried to run but her feet wouldn't move. She was suddenly engulfed and then everything seemed to be falling she was falling. She felt like a bird for a moment before gravity took its place and fear as cold as ice wrapped around her heart before she was slammed into a body of water. Her stomach lurched and she gasped, losing her last bit of air and swallowing the water. She kicked, desperately trying to reach the surface. Until she felt something brushed against her back. Eerily. It felt like fingertips skimming across her shoulder blades and she spun around to find she was face to face with a dead man. His eyes were open and he stared at her in a kind of ironic horror, his dark hair floating like stands of seaweed and his face pale beneath the water. His arms were out stretched as if on a cross, yet swaying with the movement of the water and for the first time she noticed his hand and what was grasped in them… was a flower! And in horror her eyes went back to his face, she knew that face. She felt fear, bone chilling fear, and she screamed and screamed and tried to reach him in a desperate attempt, clawing and pushing towards him. There was no way, just no way! She seemed to be floating away for him yet she wasn't going to let him out of her sight. She almost had him when she felt something grasped her wrist and pulled. And pulled hard.

No, someone was trying to take her away from him. No! She thought she had to get to him she had too. But the grasped on her wrist was unyielding.

She sat up with a gasp. She was out of the grayness. Her eyes widen in shock when she notice that she was in her father's arms his hand grasped around her wrist his pallor was pale. That's when everything came crashing back to her when she was in the grayness, the water and then, then Shikamaru…

"NO!" she screamed and then didn't stop screaming."SHIKAMARU!!!"

"Nani? Ino what happen what's wrong?" Inoichi rasped shaking her to make her stop screaming. But it was like she was in a trance. Shika…Shika…Shika…

Inoichi looked up to Shikaku he was frowning, with abrupt nod he disappeared to look around the house for his son. Not finding him he was back in the living room in a matter of minutes.

Inoichi was rocking Ino in his arms before she suddenly wrenched herself away from him and sprinted for the door. Inoichi was after her in a matter of minutes and stopped her before she could head out the house Shikaku taking the rear to prevent her from escaping. They needed to know what was going on!

Inoichi had his heart in his throat and he felt his limbs tremble it took a lot of chakra to find Ino in her mind. He knew that his little girl was special and one day this would happen. Looking in her eyes he couldn't help but gasp. Her eyes were vacant as if she was no longer there yet tears were steaming down her face. He couldn't move, what ever was going on was bigger then him. He stepped to the side to let her past. Looking at Shikaku he nodded to him to release his Kage Mane no jutsu from Ino. Ino began her flight again with one thing on her mind. Shikamaru, she had to save him. Unknown to her, her father and companion never left her side.

Ino was caught between desperation and panic. But she knew she had to move. So she ran and ran. She wasn't going to stop for air. She didn't care that her chest was burning and she could no longer feel her legs she just needed to get to him…now!

"He's not dead, He's not dead" she chanted in her head. She kept her eyes straight ahead, she knew that there was only one main source of water in Konoha towards the great Kage Mountains she had to get there "Hold on Shikamaru!"

Getting to the river had taken only four to five minutes.

"Shikamaru!" Ino screamed. She would do anything to hear him say troublesome or for him to call her a loud mouth. But she didn't see him

"Shikamaru!!!" Ino called in desperation. Oh Kami, Oh Kami I promise never to be mean and selfish again… please.

Hearing footsteps behind her she whipped her head around to see her dad and Shikaku.

"Ino-?" Shikaku started, he was actually worried he never seen her like this and what was even more troublesome he was starting to get anxious…where was his son…what did Ino know?

Pulling her gaze back to the river bend her gaze continued to look over the rocky terrain. Closing her eyes she lifted her head all of her thoughts on one man.

"Ino.." eyes opened in a flash. Shikamaru? She heard his voice and it was faint. He was here somewhere; she knew that in heart he was here somewhere and he was hurt. Coming across a water fall once again that feeling of dread came across her…she was close then she saw it down the bank she saw it a floating body

"Nooo!"

She was suddenly rushed with memories of them growing up. How mean she was to him at times and maybe she was a little selfish. But he was her best friend no matter what. She didn't stop running until she was in the water after Shikamaru. Nothing was going to stop her this time. She didn't care that the water took her breath away and she knew that she would die if he wasn't alive she just had to get to him and to him she did! She had him by his hair thank god for that pony tail. They were suddenly lifted she look up to see her dad who had them firmly in his arms. She realized that they weren't moving. Looking over to the other side of the bank she saw Shikamaru's dad his hands outstretched in a close fist a prevent them from moving with the currents and with a jerk they were suddenly being wheeled in closer to land.

Ino had a death lock on Shikamaru's waist…Why wasn't he responding. When they were safely to the bank of the river Shikaku quickly took Shikamaru into his arms slightly shaking him to wake up. All Ino could do was stare. Tears started to gather at the corner of her eyes. He had to be playing around. But he wasn't. No movement. There was no rise to his chest. Suddenly she grabbed him by his collar and yelled in his face.

"SHIKAMARU!! Wake up!" yet there was no response the tears fell freely down her face…This was her fault if she just stopped him at the door then this wouldn't have happened. With a scream of despair she started to cry and pound at his chest. There was no way! Just no way! He was not going to leave her! She would fight the death god herself if he did not release her Shikamaru from his grip. She was starting to get dizzy she didn't realize that she was starting to glow but all she knew that there was no way he was going to go; she had his spirit too far connected with hers. With one last cry of anguish she yelled his name both physically and mentally. Her hand resting on his chest she suddenly realize that she felt a thump

Thump, thump it was getting stronger. Her eyes were suddenly on his face. A feeling of happiness started to grow slight as she saw a frown was starting to appear on his forehead. Unexpectedly he started to cough. The first thing that he saw when he woke up was crystal blue orbs glistening with tears.

"Ino?" he whispered in a slightly strangled voice he tried to move but felt his ribs protest in a sudden flare of pain.

Ino gasped holding one hand to her rib yet and the other clasped firmly to his hand. She kept her gaze firmly on his as if afraid to look away. That's when every thing came crashing back to him. The cliff, the water, and the flower!

With an intake of breath he struggled to sit up.

"That's enough Shikamaru" Shikaku said. Shikamaru didn't realize his father was by his side holding his shoulder firmly. He was also a little surprise to see Ino's father. Yet his gaze continued to search around him for his bag.

"My bag? Where is it?" Shikamaru said frantically. When Ino's dad approached them he could see his beaten green bag in his grip reaching for it his hand trembled as he reached for its constant. He pulled out one single flower. Most of the petals were gone and its stem was broken but he held it out to her.

"Shikamaru?" Ino cried

"I'm sorry Ino" Shikamaru said sincerely

"Oh, Shikamaru" she took the flower away from him holing the fragile flower in her hands before placing it to the side. She suddenly latched herself to him crying inherently. Shikamaru had a sight smile on his face he didn't care that his father was smirking or that Ino's dad was suddenly frowning. He was almost glad to have gone through this ordeal. Then his thought changed when he suddenly got slapped, the sound ringing in the air. He looked up in shock at Ino.

"Never! And I mean never do something like this again you could have gotten killed!" Ino said sternly, her eyes flashing seriously. Bringing his gaze back to her he was frowning, she was pale, too pale she looked way to thin and…yet, he thought she was the most beautiful person in Konoha.

Then in a soft voice she whispered something that will stay with him forever. "I don't want to live without you Shika-kun…"

He brought her hand to his cheek to gently sooth the bruise that was starting to appear, they never took there gaze off each other.

End of flash back


"Hello! Is any body there?" Ino said with a huff and a little jealous that he could go to la la land and she was stuck here. They reached his house. And he still wouldn't put her down so she did the only thing that would snap him out of it. Inhaling a huge gulp of air she screamed at the top of her longs "SHIKAMARU! WAKE UP!"

He was so startled he dropped her and she landed on her butt. He glanced down at her with a raised eyebrow

"Why are you on the floor?" Shikamaru said with a smirk knowing what was going to come next. He braced himself for a fury of fists but was surprised when she stood up brushed herself off and looked him dead in the eyes…

"No sex… for a month" she said chillingly. She knew that she would always cave into temptation when he touched her…but he didn't know. With a slight flick of her hair she proceeded to his room and slammed his door.

Kuso!

"What's wrong Shikamaru?" Shikamaru's mom asked she came around the corner with a plate of food and water.

"Is that for me? Thanks mom." Shikamaru said in relief he took the tray of food and preceded to his room.

"Wait" Mrs. Nara began then with a sigh "Never mind, I'm going to the market…ohh and tell Ino I said hi." With a low hum that sounded like 'here comes' the bride' she continued out the door.

Shikamaru could only shake his head in wonder. How many people knew about him and Ino? They really need to get their own place. He went to open the door only to find out it was locked.

"Troublesome" he muttered to himself. He smirked when he herd her giggle, he wasn't anbu for nothing. Instead of breaking down the door he took out his extra pair of room keys, and heard her curse on the other side. When he came she was still cursing under her breath. He couldn't help but laugh.

Ino was surprised at his laugh. He didn't really laugh that often and when he did it made her feel so good like nothing bad could ever happen to them. It also made her think of things they did in bed.

"I come bringing food" Shikamaru said with a yawn

"Don't try to distract me with food Shikamaru it won't work" she said trying to ignore the hunger pain.

"Fine, don't eat. I'll eat it all my self" Shikamaru said knowing what buttons to press to get his way.

He brought the rice ball to his mouth and started to eat very slowly. The way that he did it made it look so sensual, Ino couldn't help but lick her lips. He sat on the bed eating. She had to bit the side of her cheek. Having a mental debate with her self. Shika was bad today: first he was making her look weak in front of her comrades, he dropped her, and now he's starting to eat all the food.

Giving up with another huff she was sitting in front of him reaching for some food. It seemed she had no will power when it came to him

"Hmm this is good" Ino said in surprise "your mom must have made this." knowing full well that he couldn't cook or maybe he just didn't put the effort to try.

She looked up to see that his gaze was on her and she felt warm, a little too warm. How did he make his eyes melt like that? She suddenly leaned over her face inches from his then said very slowly "N-o- s-e-x…"

They way his face vaulted and the chagrin on his face made her laugh until it hurt. Shikamaru looked like a wounded deer. Being the genius that he was he tried to think of ways to get around it.

"Foreplay?"

"No"

"Oral?"

"No" she said with a blush

"Kissing?" He asked desperately.

"…"

"You're serious?" Shikamaru asked in wonder. He was cursing himself for earlier actions…

"Troublesome" he said out loud. It was a good thing that he loved her. It looked like it was going to be cold showers for a while, maybe this was for the best. There was something serious happening around Konoha and he needed all of his wits.

"No" Ino said out of no where

"No what?" Shikamaru asked

"I'm not serious" Ino said her eyes flashing she proceeded to put the food to the side and crawl towards Shikamaru.

"Well maybe it is a good idea to wait a while so we could put-." But the words died in his throat as her lips gently tugged on his

"You talk to much Shika-kun" Ino said as her eyes started to heat up with desire. He took it a step further and kissed her with everything he had. All the tumultuous emotion in Ino leaped to meet Shikamaru's fury. They met and clashed like two storms, in violence and in yearning. With a gasp, he lifted his head. He stared down at her, silently demanding.

Sliding her hands around his neck, she pulled him close and kissed him as boldly as he had kissed her.

Everything about him she loved, especially the weight of his body on hers. The fire of passion he ignited in her gave her skin sensitivity that scorched her- and made him moan as if he felt the same burn. Her nipples grew taut and painful against her shirt, and she pressed herself against him, trying to ease the ache.

He pushed his fingers into her hair, massaged her scalp, the shells of her ears.

She curled her nails into his skin not hurting him but keeping him in place as if he were trying to get away. Yet it was his tongue that explored her mouth, demanding. His large hand slid down her neck, down her chest. His palm cupping her breast, holding the weight, testing her heat.

His touch shot electricity through her body. She pushed her aching breast against his chest sidling against his body. The sound of his breath catching made her want to laugh. It was almost like there first time. Every time they touched was like the first time, minus the pain on her part and both of them being inexperienced.


Flashback

A 17 year old Yamanaka Ino walked down quickly down the streets of Konoha, in a rush of excitement to meet a certain someone. It was Shikamaru and Ino's first year anniversary, and they had managed to keep their relationship hidden this entire time.

It was very awkward for the young couple, trying not to be intimate in front of others. Especially when they saw each other in public on a daily basis, being teammates they were always practicing with Chouji and Asuma. It was hard not to at least touch the other, but they just weren't ready to admit to the world that they had a relationship.

It was very fortunate for them that not only Shikamaru and Ino's parents were away on a mission, but that Chouji and Asuma were also absent from the village. Perfect. Ino thought with a smirk. Now no one would be able to interrupt their special night.

Shikamaru, on the other hand, was nervous as hell. Ino was supposed to meet him at his house at 8, which was in 15 minutes. They were going to have a dinner…alone. Which we all know, of course, could lead to some…other things…

The jounin groaned. He loved Ino, and was excited for tonight, but was afraid of where it could lead them, and was not sure if Ino wanted that and most importantly if they were ready for it.

-Knock Knock Knock-

Kuso! It's time already?! Shikamaru thought as he looked in his mirror one last time. Well, here it goes…He then walked out of his room and down the stairs to the entrance hallways. He walked over to the door, took a deep breath, and opened it.

Shikamaru's eyes widened slightly as he looked at Ino. She was wearing a light blue dress that stopped right above her knees. Her long platinum blonde hair was tied in a long ponytail that draped over her right shoulder.

Shikamaru was not the only person in shock of what the other was wearing. Ino could not stop staring. Shikamaru was, for once, out of his ninja gear! No matter how sexy a fishnet is, what Shikamaru was wearing now was HOT! Shikamaru was wearing a pair or black dress pants and a white collared shirt. The top buttons of his shirt were left undone, giving Ino a nice view of his tan and well-sculpted chest. He didn't do it on purpose, he was probably just too lazy to button the top ones, but damn was she happy that he hadn't!

After more staring, Ino finally spoke. "Shikamaru, may I come inside?" she was looking into his deep chocolate orbs, trying not to look down. Must resist…temptation…they thought simultaneously. Shikamaru just moved to the side, letting her enter. Ino took off her shoes and walked into the carpeted room.

"Let's go to the dining room." Shikamaru said, gently grabbing her hand and pulling her with him into the dark room. Ino gasped at what she saw. There was a table set for two with candles in the middle. Rose petals were scattered across the tabletop. The meal consisted of BBQ pork. Chouji would be so mad if he realized they ate without him. Ino walked over to Shikamaru and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Happy Anniversary." he whispered in her ear. Shikamaru then released her and walked over to a chair, pulling it out for her. Ino giggled, and sat down.

All throughout the meal, Ino and Shikamaru couldn't stop looking at each other. With only the candles for company, it was a very romantic scene. Now it was time for dessert.

"Shikamaru? What's for dessert?" Ino asked as she saw him getting out of his chair. She followed him into the kitchen. Shikamaru then grabbed a box and opened it. She gasped at what she saw. It was a box of the rare Suna dark chocolates, Ino's favorite.

"How did you get these?" she asked, eyes wide.

"Let's just say they were a gift from a friend." he said, a small smile gracing the shadow nin's lips. He handed her the box. It was tedious to get these chocolates from Temari, especially without telling her his true reasons, but it was well worth it. Shikamaru knew Ino's love for these chocolates, and anything that made her happy made him happy.

Shikamaru and Ino headed back into the dining room. Shikamaru sat in his chair, but was surprised to see that Ino sat down on his lap, placing the box of chocolates on the table beside her. In her other hand was a bowel of whip cream she found in the frig.

"Ino? What are you doing?" he asked, slightly anxious with her being so close. Pelvis to pelvis. He had held her many times, but this was a completely different situation. They were so close. He could feel the outline of her body.

Ino popped a chocolate into her mouth and let it melt in her mouth, savoring the rich taste. Before it had entirely melted, then dipped her finger with the cream and traced his mouth before she kissed him on the lips Shikamaru tasting the hint of chocolate on his tongue.

"Sharing." she whispered seductively after she broke their contact. She went and grabbed another, repeating the process. She was shocked to feel him swell under her the shock faded she felt a seductive power. She was the person making him feel this way. He was growing hard under her each second his excitement was her excitement. Soon the small box of chocolates was gone.

Ino only sighed as she was about to get up she teased him enough. But Shikamaru had other plans and pulled her back down his piercing eyes gazing at her. He captured her lips in a burning kiss, full of his passion and desire for her. Ino hands slowly ran down his chest inching slow under his shirt. He shivered slightly at her fiery caresses. But, two could play at that game. Shikamaru's large hands traveled slowly up and down her sides, just barely touching the sides of her breasts. Now it was Ino's turn to shiver against him. Her breasts grew taught and she subconsciously pressed herself against him even more.

Their lungs were burning now, and they unfortunately had to break for air. They rested their foreheads against each other's, gasping for breath. Shikamaru was the first to speak.

"I love you, Ino." he whispered in her ear before stealing a kiss. Tears sprung to Ino's eyes at this confession, and her hands traveled up to his neck and finally to his hair tie, pulling it out. After they broke for air one more time, she gasped at how he looked without it. His dark hair fell in soft waves, barely caressing his shoulders. His dark eyes filled with passion, it was almost too perfect.

"I love you too." she whispered. They kissed each other again, Shikamaru hesitantly running his hands up her exposed thighs making Ino squirm under his touch. Ino gave a startled gasped when she felt his hands spread against her buttocks. While he gently scrapped his teeth against her ears while whispering "I've always wanted to do that. You have a great ass Ino." Shikamaru said in a husky whisper that made her feel like liquid lava. Shikamaru slipped his tongue in to her mouth again searching for that hidden taste of chocolate and whipcream. This was the farthest they had ever gone together, and they had no intention of stopping.

Shikamaru's lips soon found their way to Ino's neck. He traveled slowly down her neck, then at its base bit her softly, leaving a mark. Ino moaned in pleasure marveling at what he could do to her, and what no one else could do to her. His hands roamed her hips and slowly made their way to her breasts. She pressed herself closer to him, stuck in the pleasure he was causing with his hands and lips. His lips traveled lower, reaching her collar bone, and his tongue dipped into the dip of it.

Ino's hands then moved from their hold in his hair to slowly down his front, unbuttoning more of the buttons on his shirt until it was completely undone. She spread his shirt out and caressed his front, tracing the contours of his muscles. For somebody that was so lazy when it came to training had the best abs she's ever seen.

Shikamaru kept traveling lower and lower until he reached the top of her dress. He was about to get rid of the obstruction, but stopped, finally realizing what he was doing. Ino made a noise of disapproval when she felt him drop his hands and lip contact, and halted her actions as well.

"Why did you stop?" she asked, her eyes slightly hazy but burning with desire.

"Ino, if we don't stop now I may never be able to." He said. It was obvious what he wanted, not just by his voice. His member was pressed hard against her.

"Maybe I don't want to ever stop." she whispered. He looked directly in her eyes and saw the same need, and started to kiss her on the lips with new fervor. He picked her up bridal style and carried her to the nearest room, which happened to be his. He carefully set her down like she was glass, not breaking their lip contact. He settled himself on top of her, careful to not crush her with his weight.

"Too many clothes, Why are you wearing so much clothes" Ino whispered desperately she didn't know why her body was reacting to him why she always arched to his touch and why she felt so damped. But she did know one thing. She wanted him and she wanted him now. Shikamaru was half naked before her eyes in a flash.

Shikamaru started to kiss her neck and down again, she was so addicting. Reaching for the clasps on her dress he took it off her with no hesitation this time. Ino allowed him to do this with no protest. She was clad in only her bra and panties now, and she looked even more enticing than before. She sat up slightly so he could take off her bra, wanting him to do it, and it took him a few second before unclasping it, her breasts spilling out. Shikamaru resumed his kisses once more, then taking a rosy nipple into his mouth, he licked and suckled like a starving man. Ino gave a deafening moan, her hands running through his thick hair nails scraping against his shoulder. God Shikamaru she thought to her self.

Ino's hands moved from his hair and traveled down his front, lower and lower, until she reached the buttons on his pants. She quickly undid them, and Shikamaru kicked them off before giving Ino all of his attention. He was only clad in black boxers, which could not hide his excitement.

Shikamaru slowly went up to kiss her lips again, silencing Ino's moaning. She pressed her chest against his, loving the feel of it. Shikamaru's hands traveled own her front, finally reaching their destination. He pulled her panties down and sat back to admire his love. Her long blonde hair had fallen out of its tie a while ago, and slightly fell onto her shoulders, and fanned out over the pillows. Her breasts were perked and the perfect size. She was glowing she started to feel self conscious with his stare and started to move her hands to cover herself before Shikamaru grabbed her hands and placed her fingertips into his mouth.

Shikamaru captured her lips again which were so soft. His hands traveled up her thighs before reaching her womanhood. His slowly slid a finger in, helped along by her wetness. He needed to make sure she was ready for him. Ino gasped against his lips. Her body jerked in pleasure against his finger. This was her first time being touched their, and it felt so damn good. His finger gained a momentum, and he added another soon after. Ino couldn't take much more of this. She pulled down his boxers in a silent beg for him to enter her if it felt this good with just his fingers she wanted the real thing. He took the hint and removed his fingers.

They were both gasping for breath, sweat bonding their bodies. Ino loved the sound of his heavy breathing, knowing she was the only one who could do this to him. They were both virgins, which would end after tonight. Shikamaru placed his member inside her. She was so tight the heat of her nearly scorched him. Ino winced when he reached her barrier.

"I can stop if you want." He muttered resting his forehead against her trembling at the effort it took from moving any forward.

All she did was shake her head as she reached for his hips urging him to continue

Gritting his teeth he one smooth thrust he droved into her quickly before loosing his nerve. Ino held back her tears and bit her lip from the pain. Shikamaru held himself perfectly still. He didn't move for a while, and reached up to wipe away a tear that had escaped. Slowly the pain subsided and Shikamaru began to move tentative. The pain subsided Ino gasped at pleasure gently bucking her hips as a sign for him to start moving.

Shikamaru obliged and soon they were lost in ecstasy. Ino moaned and told him to move faster, harder. Shikamaru pushed his self to the hilt. And he explored, He found the place to make her moan the loudest and aimed to hit it with every thrust. Ino's inner walls tightened as she began to shiver with pleasure. She always heard stories about orgasms but this was the real thing and it didn't compare to what she was feeling. It was like she was reaching for something she tried to keep her eye on Shikamaru he was so arousing but she kept loosing focus as her eyes rolled behind her eyelids as she came, Shikamaru so absorbed in her first orgasm came soon after. He collapsed on the bed next to her, and wrapped his arms around her lovingly. His heart threatened to explode from his heart. He could feel a silly grin trying to emerge. She was still trembling as he pulled up the covers over their naked bodies and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Ino." he whispered

"Mmm, I love you too, Shika…we have to do that again" she said drowsily while snuggling up to him falling into a content slumber. Shikamaru tried to go to sleep as well but being Shikamaru his mind started calculating all the creative ways they could make love. And when and what they should try next.

End Flashback


A/N: Thank you guys for sticking with me I know it took forever to update (God I hate it when authors do that!) I made it extra long for your troubles almost 23 pgs…wow. writing semi fluff is kind of hard so don't expect to much after this chapter… It's plot time! I'm pretty sure we will be wrapping it up pretty soon.

Please give a round of applause to Tomboy 14 who beta this chapter. I hoped everyone enjoyed her first lemon with the 'first time'

Thank you Tomboy for all your help and pushing me to complete my homework…-

I just want to let everyone know that I'm working on chapter 4 as we speak. I'm over the writers block and ideas are flowing.

Special thanks to:

LunarRose73: Its going to get intense now/SilverInsanity5: I love guys point of views

Foxy411: Sorry it took so long/ Lady Kenley: cough Ino and Shikamaur are bAack to doing things… but I hope you enjoy this chapter more not so many errors hopefully./Krazzy-chan: Me and my damn cliffhangers errr wait until you read the preview for chapter 4/C.A.M.E.O.1 and Only/ArAshiMitArAshi: not so dark this chapter…lol/mika-chan!


Chapter 4 Preview

When Ino heard the scream, it was so loud in her head that she dropped the glass she'd been holding and clapped her hands over her ears.

"No," she whispered helplessly.

Without her volition her eyes closed, and behind her lids colors flashed whorls of vivid colors streaked with black. A second scream made her jerk. And her throat began to hurt.

"No, please…please don't hurt me…"

Abruptly Ino was somewhere else. She was someone else. She felt the painful constriction of something around her wrist, felt a sharp edge at her back and cold hardness beneath her. She couldn't see, it was all black, but then the bag over her head was jerked off.

"please don' hurt me…please, please don't hurt me…please don't-"

Ino felt her terror soar.

"Please don't hut me! Oh, god I won't tell anyone, I promise! I swear! I…Please just let me go!

For an eternal instant Ino was paralyzed, completely trapped in the woman's spiraling emotion. Shock, wild, terror, despair, and the cold, cold certainty that she was going to die soon and horribly it all clawed at her. Through the woman's tear-blurred eyes she saw his eyes it was full of madness but it was something about his head gear…

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(If you want more review…It makes me work faster….)

Ja Ne

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