A/N: This is it. Go on, read it and read my author's note at the end.
We came to the world not by finding someone perfect to love, BUT to learn how to love an imperfect person perfectly.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...
The snowflakes glittered in the pale moonlight as they slowly fell down from heavens onto the already thick layer of snow, all over the city.
"So beautiful." Ino whispered to no one, sticking out her arm out of the open window. Few snowflakes fell right in the center of her palm, melting instantly.
"True. If it keeps that way, we'll be having a wonderful Christmas." A hushed voice echoed in her ears, warm breath caressing skin.
Ino closed her eyes, leaning backwards and feeling strong, lean arms embrace her around her waist. "It's going to be our first Christmas together." She said dreamily, putting her arms on his.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes with a smile. "Not surprising since we became a couple just three days ago."
Ino was signed out of the hospital really quick, much to her intent persuading. The doctors had no objections, except for insisting on her staying in bed for the next days. Ino told them that: like hell she would stay in bed, when Sakura's party is so soon and...that was it.
Ino's soft fingertips brushed delicately on his skin and he closed his eyes briefly, just enjoying the touch as much as he could.
Suddenly, the feeling stopped. "Shikamaru..." Ino whispered, in an uncharacteristically serious and quiet tone.
His arms tightened on pure reflex, pulling her closer to him. "Yea?"
"I was wondering...If we weren't taking it too fast."
He stayed silent, silently asking for explanation.
"I mean, we did meet just recently and I'm already living with you... I mean, shouldn't we go on few dates first or something like that?"
He analyzed her words carefully. "Is it because of what your father said in hospital?"
The woman's cheeks colored lightly. "Perhaps a bit. He was a bit right, about us taking things too rapidly."
Shikamaru grimaced a bit. "Actually, we're not taking full advantage of living together. It's less troublesome that way. You have closer to the flower shop and your parents, I don't have to walk you home or something...And we do get to spend more time together."
"I know, only it does sound a bit strange when you think about it. Like, something's not right."
"We can go on dates, no matter if we live together or not. It makes no difference. Besides, we're adults not some teenagers with raging hormones. Our feelings are more mature, stronger and we don't have so many doubts."
Ino smiled slightly, cuddling to Shikamaru's warm body. "It makes sense, now that you think about it. It looks like it was love at first sight."
"Or we're just destined to be together." Shikamaru replied, grimacing at how cliche it all sounded. "Wait, not like that. It sounds too cheesy."
A moment of comfortable silence passed and Shikamaru rested his chin on the top of her head.
"It's not that bad living with me, is it?"
"Of course not, lazy. When you're healthy with no excuses to lie around all day, it's really pleasant." The sentence ended with a giggle from Ino and a displeased huff from Shikamaru.
"Ne, Shikamaru? Tomorrow's Christmas Eve and there's party at Naruto's. We're going together, right?"
"Sure." He answered simply, taking few cautious steps backwards before landing on the couch, with Ino on his laps.
"But you know, together as in... Our first going out as an official couple, right?"
Shikamaru settled for an approving sound, his face already lightly buried in Ino's blonde locks, breathing deeply her scent. He shifted a bit, arranging their positions so that they were both comfortably sprawled on the couch, bodies tightly pressed against each other.
The snow continued to fall, just like it had for ages and just like it will for the next centuries.
A/N: Well... this is it. My christmas fanfic, 'Believing' has officially ended. Once and for all. And damn, I think I'm close to tears. Everytime I finish a story, it feels as if a small, important part of me vanished... and everytime I start a new story, I feel as if starting a new era in my life. Speaking of which, I might start a new one soon... After updating some of my ongoing stories.
I must say, I expected it to be much, much better. I never thought it would turn out this bad...I hoped I could do better. Seems like I need more practice.
I wanted it to be a heart-warming story, sweet, pure etc- Because it's for christmas. I hope I managed to do that.
Thank you all for your support, by reviewing and reading- however, mostly for the reviews. I love you all.
And my wonderful beta-reader, Francesca. I love you too.
I know I didn't manage to end it in time, like I promised. Sorry. Thankyou for continueing reading it neverthless. Honestly, thank you very, very much. As a gift (although, a poor one) visit my profile and look for the link posted there. I started drawing fanarts and one of them is a ShikaIno drawing...not good, but a ShikaIno nonetheless.