Thanks you guys for the reviews. The fight scene in the previous chapter was hard for me to write, but with the right music and imagination, I think I got it to work good. Thanks ShikaIno for the support, I'm glad you liked it. Hope you guys are enjoying the story. Everyone, please Read and Review, helps me a lot when I'm writing!!
Six months had passed since Shikamaru's team left on their quest to find Sasuke. There had been no word from Tsunade of their safety or their progression. All that was left for the girls was their heart-full hope for their loved ones return.
Since then, Chouji had a mission of his own. Every morning he would go to the outskirts of the village and help keep an eye out of possible attacks. It had been hard at first. Waking up before the sunrise to meet the rest of his team at the village gates. Some days he would encounter an enemy, whether it be from the Sound or group of bandits. Sometimes, he would find himself fighting with his life.
Things also got hard for the villagers. Three months after the team's departure, there had been a series of small, nightly raids from the Village of the Sound. As suddenly as it happened, it had stopped, and things were back to its peaceful state. To most, it was a sign of good hope. Some were still skeptical, expecting a big planned attack on their village. They had boarded up their windows and kept supply of food ready in case of an evacuation. Because of their paranoia, the food supply in the stores had been running low. Three months later, there still haven't been any raids, and Tsunade's word that everything were under control and there weren't going to be any more troubles for a while helped calm the nerves of the people.
Ino was still a little doubtful. She still had the same feelings that something was wrong. Every morning, before she got ready for the day, she would stand by her window and watch the clouds go by. She would then leave and head to the flower shop and help her mother, who was now fully recovered from her surgery. Later, she met with Asuma or the girls for the day's training. At night, before she went to bed, she would stand and watch the stars and moon. He's coming home soon. She would think to herself. She would climb into her bed and hug Shikamaru's pillow tightly before falling asleep. She would have dreams of his homecoming.
The girls often met with the 5th Hokage for any news of Naruto, Shikamaru, and the rest. Tsunade would tell them she had not heard anything, and to keep faith.
One night, Ino woke up to the sound of the front door knocking. "Kiba!" She heard Hinata scream. Ino quickly jumped out of her bed and ran to the door. Just before she busted the door open, she changed her mind. I don't want to intrude in her moment. Instead she opened the door a couple of inches. She saw Hinata tightly hugging Kiba. There were tears of joy streaming down her face. Kiba's face was buried in her neck as he lovingly held her. Kiba looked dirty, as if he hadn't showered in days. His dog, Akamaru, was soundly asleep in his usual spot, on top of Kiba's head. The dog looked worn out, and bruised. He had patches of fur missing from his body, as if he were involved in a hard battle. Kiba looked much the same. He had scratches and bruises on his arm. There was a bandage tightly wrapped around his left wrist, and specs of blood showing through. There was also a cut above his right eye. But that didn't matter to Hinata. All she could think about was that Kiba was home alive. When they pulled apart, he gently kissed Hinata on her forehead. "I missed you so much. You're the first person I wanted to see when I got home." He pulled her back into another hug. "Oh Kiba." Kiba then picked her up and they walked to Hinata's bedroom. Kiba's home. Hinata must be happy. He got here safely.
Ino smiled to herself. She was so happy for her friend and for Kiba's return. She closed the door and silently made her way back to her bed. Wait a minute. That means Shikamaru must be back, too. And if it's anything like last time, he'll stop here first before going to his house. She ran to her window and quickly opened it. He's going to use the window like last time, because he doesn't want to wake Hinata or me up. Ino pulled a chair to the window and sat down with his pillow on her lap, waiting excitedly for her love to come home. An hour later, Ino fell asleep and the pillow fell to the floor. She felt a cool breeze brush against her face.
The morning sun rose and Ino awoke. She stood up and looked around the bedroom. With her eyes filled with tears, she felt her heart break. Her unavoidable feeling grew even more. She breathed heavy to keep herself from crying. Ino then stood in front of her window and looked out to the clouds that were passing by.
Shikamaru didn't come home.
I know this was short. I'm sorry, but I had to write it like that. Please R & R.