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?

Think, think, think.

The ticking of the clock didn't help her in her concentration. She sighed aggravated feeling the need to throw the clock shattering it into pieces. She thought against it. It was her fathers. She couldn't do that to him.

She walked out of the shop with a water pitcher in hand. She started watering the plants outside only to stop.

"Ino Yamanaka," she automatically knew what was needed, "… Hokage-sama wishes for your presence immediately."

"Understood," she sighed waving the ANBU off.

She turned the sign closed as she locked up heading over to where she was needed.

-o-o-

"Do you feel it too?" the question was the softest he had heard her emit.

"The pain?" he asked touching the scar on her thigh.

She didn't reply as she continued to stare at the bed as she sat on the floor with her back to the wall. He watched the emptiness in her eyes and he automatically cupped her cheeks. He bore his eyes into hers hoping to heal what she couldn't.

"Yes," he admitted knowing exactly what she meant.

Pain was everywhere.

He sighed pressing his forehead against hers as if to read what was in her mind. No matter how smart he was, he could never read anyone, especially her.

"Liar," he heard her whisper as her breath tickled his face.

Lies, lies, lies.

That was what it was wasn't it? He loves her, she loves him more. He tries, she tries harder. He fell, she fell harder.

He breathed her in.

She had found her way into his heart making a home. He found his way into her heart leaving un-washable footprints everywhere. He could move on if she leaves. Another could always make a home. She on the other hand couldn't. He stained her heart claiming it as his.

He ruined her.

"If you die," he kept his eyes closed, "… I will die too."

He felt her hand on top of his over her cheeks. She sighed and he knew what he was doing was killing her. He was taking whatever air she had left. What he tells her was the truth. He would die. He didn't know how to live without her. He would always love her.

But she was always first.

She was the first to make interaction when they met. She was the first to reach out. She was the first to love. She was first to admit it, first to fall.

He knew if they drowned, she would be first.

There was nothing he could do to stop it. No matter how much he felt like he was drowning every time his eyes met hers, every time his lips touch hers, she was drowning faster. Was he selfish? He was a genius. He knew this would happen. He knew it the first time she touched him that their fate would end up like this.

They would die.

"That's funny," she felt her chest rumble against his and his face heated.

"Is it?" he smiled softly watching her.

"If I told you I'm already dead?" she questioned aiming her blue orbs at him.

Why did he feel like those words reign truer than they seem? Why was her smile so shattered? He stood parting his body from her. He walked toward the door and paused.

"I won't let you," he was determined to not let her drown.

She will not die.

She will live.

-o-o-

She didn't think her heart would hurt so much, but it did. It was strange really. She hadn't seen him in more than a month. Honestly, she didn't think it was possible to avoid one another for that long.

But her heart hurts.

She may not be drowning, but this hurts more. Maybe drowning wasn't so bad anymore. Yes it was painful, but her heart seemed to be overly suffocating her.

She still loves him.

Did he really think this would work? Maybe for him, but she continued to feel nothing but the hands of death itching for her throat. She sighed and closed her eyes. Maybe he is living in Suna now. Her kind friend informed her that he was there for some renewed treaty. Was that the truth Chouji? Or was it something to ease her pain?

"Ino," a voice caught her from her reverie.

"Ah, Shino," she smiled to him, "… what do I owe the honors?"

"Are you able to use these?" he questioned lifting the bundle of flowers to her.

"Hm…" she took it and observed it for a few minutes longer, "… yeah."

She headed behind the counter placing the flowers in a bucket of water.

"How much do I owe you?" she questioned grabbing a bag underneath the counter.

"It is free," Shino nodded to her, "… I will leave now."

"Eh?" Ino lifted and eyebrow, "… I should pay."

"There is no need," he started and paused once he felt her presence closer than should be.

"Here," she took his hand placing the currency in his hand, "… tell Aburame-san thank you."

"Ino," he started but paused noticing her smile meant there was no room for change, "… thank you."

"By Shino," Ino waved him goodbye.

And it's quiet all over again, she thought sadly.

-o-o-

It was strange seeing him. It had been six months, half a year exactly. He didn't look much different. Did she? She headed over to where her friend was waving for her to join. He turned and she felt her steps falter.

She inwardly cursed.

Putting a smile on her face, she waved. As she neared, she could tell he wasn't expecting her.

"Hey Naruto," Ino greeted, "… Shikamaru."

"Hey," they both said in unison, but their tones meant differently.

"Oh Ino," Naruto started, "… Sakura gave a massage, but…" he smiled nervously.

"She didn't do a good job?" Ino smirked.

"No, she did… but…" Naruto looked away nervously.

"Pssh," Ino shook her head, "… she won't kill you, you know."

Ino went behind the blonde putting her hands on his shoulders and begin pressing her fingers. Naruto slacked releasing a relieved sigh. Ino motioned for him to sit. As she continued her massage, she could tell he was watching her.

Why?

Why was he still there? Wouldn't he leave when he had the chance to escape from her? She was unnerved, but then again, she didn't care. Why was that? Her heart wasn't breaking, but she wasn't drowning. Maybe the distance did help. Maybe he did save her.

"Feeling better?" Ino questioned as she finished up.

"Yeah," Naruto grinned as he breathed out a pleasured sigh.

"You know," she whispered seductively into his ears, "… if you want," her fingers trail down his arms, "… we can do this in the comfort of your home."

"Okay," he sighed happily before what he agreed to hit him, "… wait! I mean… uh…"

"Is that a yes or a no?" Ino questioned with a sly smile.

"Uh…" Naruto looked flustered, "… I… I have to see Baa-chan… yeah! Later Shikamaru, Ino!"

Ino watched him take off and laughed to herself. He was funny. Her laugh didn't last long as her eyes looked to the male beside her. He wasn't directly looking at her, but she could tell he was uncomfortable like she was.

"You look good," she decided to say.

"You too," he nodded in agreement.

Silence.

Did it have to be this awkward between them now? Her heart wasn't doing flips. She didn't feel like she was going to fade away.

"Thank you," Ino smiled.

His eyes finally looked straight into hers and a loud thump sounded in her ears. Damn. She was right back where she started, except it was worse.

She loved him more.

"I was in Suna," he confessed.

Another thump.

"I'm getting married," he added softly.

The thumps faded and she thought she had hit the bottom of the ocean.

It was over.

Author's Note:

I just want to thank everyone who has reviewed and read up to this point. I appreciate it. Oh dear, I got teary eyed reading this part... sigh... Hope you all enjoy. There will be two more chapters after this one. Until then, thank you all once again.

love,

kiwi4me