Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Pairing: Shikamaru/Ino

Genre: Romance

Based on: The song by Linkin Park – In the End.


In the End

"Today's the day I'll tell her!"

Everyday he got up and said those words. Everyday he ate breakfast and thought of the perfect way to declare his love for her. And everyday he chickened out upon her sight...

She was too much for him... too good...

"I'll wait until tomorrow..." He mumbled to himself always taking her for granted.

Only, that tomorrow never came.

"Hi Shikamaru! You know what? Atashin asked me to marry him! We're marrying next week! Could you please be the best man?"

Marry? Next week? But she was only twelve! ... Oh no she wasn't... time sure goes by fast. She was now eighteen and every boy wished to marry her...

If only he said those faithful words sooner... he could be in Atashin's place...

"Ino... I'm sorry... I cannot be your best man..."

She looked confused.

"Why?"

"Because I cannot stand still and watch the love of my life get married without a fight... and I don't want to ruin your perfect day... I'm sorry."

She was chocked!

"B-but! Shikamaru!"

He was gone... he didn't look back, he didn't return... he finally confessed his feelings for her but... it was too late... it was a lost cause... if only he had made his move faster.

It didn't matter now... no more dwelling on the past... because in the end it doesn't even matter...

03.04.2005