ShikaIno: Lifeline

By kiwi4me

Summary: He was supposed to be the one to help her, but she soon realized that he was her death. She was drowning and she couldn't breathe anymore. How long until it was over?


It had been a couple weeks after she was told he was getting married.

He must really hate her.

She wasn't one to cry, but she did. She cried as if her tears could create another ocean for her to drown in. No one knew. No one knew she was dying.

She welcomed death.

She readied herself for the infliction of ultimate pain. She knew she would never be honored with a silent death. She knew it the day she was born. Her life would never be the way she wanted it to be.

Love was something that was too high for her to reach.

If she managed to touch it, she was left with scars. Why continue reaching for an item that would only create more pain? She sighed, because life is short.

Her female friends knew her feeling for the genius, but they didn't know how much deeper the cut was. She knew why he would do what he did.

"You will not die."

Didn't he see this hurts more? She scowled thinking of his large brain. He was supposed to be a genius and yet he was confusing intellect with the heart. Was he really thinking his decision would save the two of them?

She sighed.

Wouldn't dying with her be better than dying alone?

-o-o-

"What is wrong with you?" the kindness left him.

"Calm down Chouji," he tried.

"What are you doing?" the swirly cheek male's voice lowered, but the anger stayed.

"I'm saving her," he admitted avoiding his eyes.

"No," the kindness returned and he sighed with relief, "… you're killing her more."

"No," he shook his head in denial, "… I saw the way she looked at me before I told her," he look back at his friend, "… she was better."

"Shikamaru," he frowned, "… you love her. How could you marry another woman when your heart is with her?"

He was right.

Shikamaru sighed. He was selfish. He was willing to leave the blonde behind and marry someone who he didn't feel for. Was he going to ruin another person? He rubbed his temples unsure of his decision. His rational thinking was telling him to give up, but was convinced what he was doing was right.

He was saving her.

Wasn't he?

-o-o-

In five months. She sighed. Five more months and he ties the knot leaving her behind to drown alone.

She was numb.

Drowning so long and it gets that way. She folded her arms feeling the chilly air tickle her skin. She continued to look out of the ocean where the stars sparkled across the endless water. Would the stars welcome her?

She took a step closer.

She never asked who the woman was, but she was sure she knew. Chouji continued to visit her asking if she was alright. He knew the truth.

She took another step closer.

Chouji always knew. He may not have said anything, but his beady eyes saw more than he wanted. She smiled. She smiled for his sincerity, for his comfort.

She took another step.

Her toes were now touching the bank. The water slowly touched the bottom of her sandal. If this was what he wanted, then she will be happy for him: happy that he moved on without her.

Her feet were underwater.

It was cold. Maybe she wasn't as numb as she thought. She took in the salty smell of the ocean and she closed her eyes. She had been rejected plenty of times. This one is no different.

Her legs were surrounded by water.

Opening her eyes, she looked up at the stars. They were twinkling at her and she smiled. Maybe someday she would be a star too.

Her waist was underneath now.

She could feel her body temperature trying to get herself warm as she stayed soaked in the ocean.

Where was her lifeline?

Her lifeline is gone. He found another to save. She smiled bitterly before taking another step. She slipped and fell in. Her entire body was now underwater. Closing her eyes, she let herself fall further into the depths of the ocean. She smiled. Gravity is her friend. It was saving her from all the trouble she has in her life, all the heartache and pain. As she continued sinking, she felt a tug. Not opening her eyes, she felt the object that had stopped her from furthering down. It felt like a stick.

She wanted to laugh.

What was wrong with her? She had gone through heartbreaks after heartbreaks. She is Ino Yamanaka. She never gave up. She always pushed forward even though she was bleeding from head to toe. He was no different, was he? He was like all the other people who had messed her up and left her to ruin on her own.

She survived without them; she'd survive without him.

She stayed that way for another few minutes before lifting herself up. Kicking up and reaching above her head, she finally felt the surface of th water.

Air.

She intake the oxygen into her lungs. Opening her eyes slowly, she swam to land where her knees touched the sand as she landed on all fours. There were low water washing against her hands and legs as she looked down. She saw herself in the reflection of the water. She looks sad, broken. She smiled.

She didn't need him.

She didn't need a lifeline. She didn't need any help. She saved herself. She figured she had always relied on no one else but herself. So many heartaches and yet she survived. This one is no different. She survived, she breathed, and she lives.

She walked out of the ocean toward land.

She felt the chilling air wash itself over her and she stood still. Feeling the coldness hitting her bones, she shook for lack of heat. Smile never leaving her face, she headed home as her clothes clung to her skin. The sound of wet sandals followed her into the night.

-o-o-

"I don't need you," she sounded relieved.

"Ino," he frowned walking toward her.

"You don't have to save me," she smiled openly and he was taken back.

What brought on this new revelation? What made him think she ever needed him?

"Shika," her smile seemed so much brighter.

He knew she was not the same female from before. She was better, much better. He smiled at her, but he felt lonely now. Was he alone now? Did she move on without his help?

He felt useless.

"I'm glad," he nodded offering a smile.

She was inching closer to him and he didn't want to feel her touch. He didn't want to stay too long before he dies without her.

"I would like to come to the wedding," she continued smiling and he felt envious, "… I want to wish you well."

He gave up.

He grabbed her into a hold. He didn't want to let her go. He didn't want to feel like this. He didn't want to feel empty without her. He felt her rubbing his back soothingly. He didn't know how to move on. He didn't want to.

"No," he said softly, "… you can't."

"Why?" it was sad and he felt it.

He pulled her away and turned to leave.

She was better. She found a way to heal her heart, cover his footsteps.

She lives. She will live without him.

"Shika," she called out and he paused not wanting to turn for her to see the pain in his eyes.

"Shika," it was softer as he felt her body pressed against his back.

He was going to miss this. He was going to miss her touch.

"Are you drowning?" Ino questioned laying her head against his shoulder blades.

Shikamaru didn't reply as he felt her soft beating heart against his back. He knew she didn't need him anymore. He knew she was better and better without him. He would be selfish to say that he was the one who saved her, but in reality he knew; she saved herself.

"Yeah," he sighed feeling her hold on him tighten slightly.

There was more quietness that enclosed itself around them and he closed his eyes. He honestly wanted to cry: cry for her revelation, cry for his loneliness, cry for them.

"You don't have to save me anymore," she said softly against his neck, "… but it doesn't change how I feel."

It was true that he was like everyone else, but she truly loves him. She knew she could save herself, that she could live without him, but she didn't want to. He was there for her. He tried to save her and make her better. He was her lifeline then, she wants to be his now.

"I know," he sighed itching to turn around, but he refused.

He knew if he did, he would drown even quicker. He would love her more. He couldn't convince himself that he didn't already died.

"Would you do it?" she questioned softly.

"Do what?" he asked softly turning to look at her.

All he saw was emptiness, darkness surrounding him.

"… love me?" that smile, the smile that would make his heart beat louder than normal.

A light was seen.

"Yes," he admitted watching the way her lips widen.

"Marry me Shika," she offered gaining a shocked face from him.

She wants him. She needs him. She loves him. If he was going to love someone else, she wanted to be there as well. She still wants his love.

"Are you proposing to me?" he questioned with a smirk once he got over the shock.

"Shika," her voice was soft and he moved in closer to hear her.

Bodies pressed to one another.

"I love you," she looked at him, "… I'm sorry."

He thought he would drown more, but it seems as if he was floating.

"You don't have to feel sorry for me," he touched her face feeling lighter than before.

"Are you still going to marry her?" Ino questioned closing her eyes leaning into his touch.

Yes, he was floating. He smiled. There was light and he was reaching it.

"How am I going to be able to take care of two wives?" he whispered into her ear hearing her laugh.

He loves her, loves her so much.

"Neh Shika," she pouted, "… you're so lazy."

"Are you saying," he smirked kissing her cheek, "… you will share?"

Before she could say anything, he kissed her.

She was meant for love. He was meant for happiness.

He wasn't her lifeline, she was his.

She didn't need saving, he did.

He touched the surface of the water. He wasn't drowning anymore. A hand, slender and soft pulled him up and there he breathed again.

He smiled. He supposed he was never as smart as others made him seem. If he was, he should've seen this coming: happiness, love, and beauty in both their lives.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I know," she smiled happily, "… I love you more."


Author's Note:

This is the end of this series. I thought it would be another after this... but... I like how it ends.

I hope you all enjoy. I for one love this couple even though I am a big fan of NaruIno. I may begin writing more of this couple, but when that time comes, I hope everyone enjoyed reading.

Also: A BIG THANK YOU for all those who has stuck around reading and who has reviewed. Your inputs make me smile and urges me to update sooner than I thought I would. Thank yous.

Love,

Kiwi4me