"Hey beautiful." Shikamaru greeted his, his what? He didn't know what to think of her as. They didn't officially confirm that they were dating. But what did that matter considering they loved each other? She was as good as his girlfriend, but the word didn't seem right to him. They were more than that. They were partners, teammates, and friends, even like family considering theirs. They were all of these things and yet none of these words described their relationship quite right. Ino smiled up at him.
"Hello handsome.'" Shikamaru creased his eyebrows together, turning away. He was embarrassed; not used to being called that by anyone other than his mother. He didn't consider himself to be on the same level as any of the pretty boys at the academy. He snorted a defiant laugh, causing Ino to frown angrily at him. 'You know if you insult yourself, you insult my taste in men." Ino teased him, prodding him in the chest. She left her hand there, feeling the slight curve of muscle. Her smile faded rather quickly though as she thought over the opposite; his taste in women. Ino was hardly curvy in any sense of the word. She frowned sadly at her hips, considering dropping her diet for the first time in her life.
"What's wrong Ino?" Shikamaru followed Ino's eyes.
"You don't get to be self-conscious damnit!'" Ino closed her eyes sadly. 'That's not fair because I… I know I'm nothing like your dream girl." Shikamaru rolled his eyes, lifting her chin with his hand.
"Well no." He admitted, shaking his head. Ino's heart dropped as he confirmed it for her. 'I'll tell you a story…" Shikamaru leaned against the headboard, getting comfortable. "Okay… so, ever since I could remember I've had the same ambitions. I had it decided that I would live an average life, marry an average woman and have two average kids. We'd probably live in an average house and I would die before her.'" Shikamaru half smirked at Ino's confused face. He poked her nose with his, continuing. 'But you certainly screwed that up for me… You are anything but ordinary. I guess I got lucky." Shikamaru grinned at Ino's response to his confession. Her face lit up, blush tinting her smile.
"Oh… I'm so sorry Shikamaru.'" She apologized sarcastically as a thought dawned on her. 'Did you say that you wanted kids?" Ino stared at the brunette, watching his calm demeanor slip for a second.
"Well yeah, eventually… a girl and a boy." Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders, trying to brush off his insecurities. Her face softened even more; Shikamaru sure was full of surprises. She tried picturing them, their kids. She started with the girl, thinking it would probably take after her. She frowned hoping that both kids would look like their father. She smiled thinking far into the future, picturing herself with a baby boy attached to her hip. He would definitely catch the Nara curse and end up being an exact replica of his father. She didn't mind. In fact, she hoped that he would. She was getting years ahead of herself, so she reluctantly pulled her mind back to the present. Shikamaru had been watching her, his ears turning red.
"What're you smiling about?" Shikamaru pushed Ino over. She grabbed her pillow, whacking him hard in the face with it. Perhaps she used a little too much force, because Shikamaru fell clean off the bed flat on his back. He rubbed his head, grumbling about women being 'troublesome'. Although he recovered quickly, grabbing Ino's ankles and dragging her off the bed.
"Eeek!"' Ino squealed, trying to escape him. But Shikamaru was too strong for her. He was fast too. He let her go only to form a couple of half-formed hand signs. She was trapped. 'Ah! No fair Shikamaru!" Ino whined through a poorly concealed smile. Ino was frozen in Shikamaru's shadow. Shikamaru's face changed from playful to downright evil in less than a second. He had her right where her wanted her. He motioned his hands towards his waist, crossing them over his bellybutton as if he was going to pull off his non-existent shirt. He closed his hands and moved them up, Ino did the same. She stared widely at Shikamaru, realizing what he was making her do.
"Shikamaru!" Ino hissed, trying in vain to pull her shirt back down. Fortunately for now, it was just her midriff that was showing. Ino blushed, locking her arms in place. She knew that Shikamaru's jutsu used a lot of chakra; her only hope was to wear him out before he could go too far. Shikamaru smirked, cocking an eyebrow at the display.
"What's the matter Ino? I've seen a lot more of you than that." He grinned devilishly at her, referring to the previous night. Ino blushed, scowling at him. She was already thinking of plenty of ways to pay him back. She smiled coyly back at him, letting her arms go limp. She'd let him have his fun, later she'd have hers. Shikamaru frowned, feeling the resistance in his arms give away. She was letting him take full control of her body. What was she planning?
"Hey, Shikamaru… what's the matter? Suddenly you don't want to take advantage of me like a total creep or something?" Ino growled angrily at the shinobi, hitting below the belt. If she couldn't stop him physically, she could always try verbal. Taken aback, by her hurtful words, he moved one of his hands lower.
"Fine… I wasn't going to do anything. I was just playing you know. You don't have to be like that." Shikamaru released the kunoichi, falling back down onto the bed, dejected. As she regained control of her body, Ino removed her shirt on her own accord. She flicked her hands into a series of quick hand signs as she approached the bed. As soon as she was in front of him she pounced on top of him, pinning him down yelling, "mind transfer jutsu!" Shikamaru barely had time to blink before his body belonged to Ino. Ino's limp body fell face first onto the bed, as Ino stood up in Shikamaru's.
Ino took a few moments to enjoy the view. She had always wanted to see what it was like in Shikamaru's skin, what it felt like to be him. She ran to the bathroom, checking her new reflection in the mirror. She stared at herself, feeling strange. She ignored a tiny voice in the back of her mind screaming at her to "get out!" She only rolled her eyes, placing her hands on her hips.
"Oh I don't think so Shikamaru! You're not the only one who gets to have fun. You play with me… and I… well…" She trailed off, getting an evil idea and grin to match.
'Hey! What are you thinking?!' Shikamaru watched in horror as Ino moved his body back to the bed, tying up his hair with a spare elastic. She went on further to pick up her own body, rearranging herself. She laid her body back down, spreading her legs open. She dragged off her pajamas shorts and bra with his hands. Once she was done with her limp body, she quickly removed Shikamaru's boxers, blushing madly but continued regardless. She smiled to herself, knowing her plan would work. More frantic protesting could be heard within Ino's thoughts but she wasn't done yet. She climbed onto the bed, pressing their naked bodies together. As soon as she was comfortable she released her kai. The result wasn't exactly as she had expected. Shikamaru regained consciousness on top of her, immediately throwing his hands over his mouth.
"What's the matter?"' Ino breathed into his ear, wrapping her arms tightly around him. 'Isn't this what you wanted?" She whispered, serious this time. Shikamaru blushed staring determinedly into her eyes. What he saw there was exactly the same thing. She wanted it too. He placed a hand over her navel, feeling her breathing quicken.
"Yeah." Is all he said as he moved in to kiss her. This time was gentler, but somehow more passionate. Goosebumps rolled in a wave over both of them. She moved her hands to his back, bracing herself for what was coming. She wasn't sure exactly how it would feel, him inside of her, but she wanted to know. She hungered for that knowledge, for him. He broke away from her kiss, holding himself over her. His breathing started to pick up, as the moment drew closer. Their eyes locked for an extended moment where time seemed to stop. Shikamaru only hesitated for a moment before stepping past the metaphorical line. And then, it happened.
He lowered himself into her, moving slowly, not wanting to hurt her. Her eyes were closed tight from both pain and shock; her mouth parted. A shaky moan escaped her, her grip on his back tightening. Ino dug her nails deep into his skin, Shikamaru moved deeper inside her, pressing his hips into her inner thighs. Their hearts picked up their pace, beating in time. Blood pounded through Ino's ears as she bit her lip to keep from screaming. It was very painful, but somehow she never wanted to let go. She clawed at Shikamaru's back, moaning his name. Shikamaru smirked slightly, liking the sound.
He lowered his mouth to her neck, kissing her. Her breathing hitched as a new wave of goose bumps disturbed the surface of her skin. As his face inched closer to hers, Ino whispered in his ear. She repeated the same thing over and over again; I love you. He smiled before finally kissing her lips, harder this time. Their tongues mashed together, both gasping for air. Ino whined as Shikamaru starting moving faster in and out of her. He was forgetting to be gentle. One of his hands tightly gripped the sheets below them for support as he stared thrusting harder and harder inside of her. Tears started welling up in Ino's eyes. She crossed her legs over his back, bracing herself further. Shikamaru caught his breath, concern flashing over his face.
"Are you okay?" He breathed heavily, moaning as he slowed down. His eyes poured into hers, searching. Ino smiled back at him, kissing his cheek gently.
"Yeah…" Ino sighed, feeling herself near climax. She barely managed to finish her sentence before a series of moans escaped her. 'You… y-you're just a lot to handle, Shikamaru." She spoke as evenly as she could, before sliding both of her hands around his neck. Shikamaru's grip on Ino's waist tightened a little.
"I love you, Ino Yamanaka.'" Shikamaru spoke over Ino's heavy breathing. Shikamaru moaned; they were both getting dangerously close to the finale. He could feel it coming. Ino could barely stand it anymore. 'S-sorry Ino… I, I can't hold back any longer." Shikamaru's eyes closed, his eyebrows creasing together. He started moving even faster. Ino swore through clenched teeth, begging him.
It lasted like that for a few moments longer, both breathing quickly. They were edging towards the climax, Ino hitting waves of orgasms. She dug her nails into his neck, causing Shikamaru to whine in pain. They were both nearing their limit. Then finally, Shikamaru released inside of her. He let out a huge moan of pleasure as the pressure was lifted from him. Ino's eyes widened, her back arching into him. She screamed his name, taking it. Shikamaru slowed down, eventually stopping as he pulled out of her. Ino went limp, the built up tears escaping her eyes. She released her grip on his neck, allowing him to fall on his back next to her.
They lay there, catching their breath. They smiled at each other, exhausted but happy. Ino wiped her bangs out of her eyes, the hair sticking to her forehead. It appeared that neither Shikamaru or Ino had remembered that they were presently on a mission.
It wasn't until the envelope on the table next to Ino's side of the bed fell to the floor did they remember their purpose in the Village Hidden in the Waterfall. "Shit!" They both swore, throwing themselves out of bed. Ino winced slightly, feeling her body ache in places previously unscathed. But she smiled ignoring the pain, remembering all of the other feelings that came with it. She shook her head, trying to focus her thoughts on being professional.
They were supposed to be preparing themselves to meet their contact. What time was it? Luckily they had woken up relatively early; it was only 9:23am. Shikamaru wrenched open his traveling pack, digging through his belongings. Ino was doing the same thing only a little less violently. They both finished at the exact same time, running to the bathroom. They both frowned at each other as they fought to get through the door.
"I'm taking a shower Shikamaru, wait your turn." Ino pushed her hands into his chest. He tried to grab the door handle with one hand while holding Ino away with the other. That tactic of course didn't work.
"We have work to do Ino, we don't have time to be fighting over the bathroom." Shikamaru nudged her with his hip.
"Exactly! So let me shower, I'm probably quicker than you are. I take less than five minutes!" Ino growled her argument through her teeth, struggling to reach for the door. Shikamaru rolled his eyes, starting to think showering was more trouble than it was worth.
"Okay, that's it!" Shikamaru grabbed Ino around her waist, throwing her over his shoulder and walking through the door.
"What the?! Shikamaru!'" Ino huffed, scrunching up her face. 'We can't both use the bathroom at the same time, we need to stay focused here!" Shikamaru sighed knowing Ino was right. He set her down on the cold tile, rubbing his neck.
"What do you propose we do then?" Shikamaru frowned at her, waiting for her solution. She breathed through her nose, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Let me shower first, I'm quick." She repeated her sentiment, thinking of the minutes they wasted arguing.
"Fine! I'll go pack our things for the day. You'd better be quick!" Shikamaru walked back to the bed, unhappily rummaging around for all of the things they would need. He opened up the fallen envelope, reading its contents. Before he could finish the first sentence, a muffled thud echoed from the bathroom. Shikamaru bolted to the bathroom. Had she fallen? What happened? Shikamaru's heartbeat quickened as he flung the door open, confirming his worst fears. Ino lay face down in the shower, water pooling here and there around her body. He didn't hesitate, throwing himself into the warm wall of water. He turned her over, fear marked in his wide eyes.
"Ino! Hey!" Shikamaru placed a hand on her cheek, turning her face over to the side. He felt a bump through her hair at the back of her head. He closed his eyes, scrunching his face up, placing a wet hand over his face. How'd she get hurt? Shikamaru picked her up, cradling her head against his arm. Shikamaru was shaking badly from the water cooling through his clothes, but mostly out of fear. He was more scared than he had ever been in his whole life.
Blood pounded loudly through his ears as Shikamaru lay Ino's limp body on the bed. From what he could tell, she wasn't breathing.
"Dammit!" Shikamaru placed a shaky hand over his face, trying hard to think. It was impossible though; all he could do was panic. He lifted her into a sitting position, begging her to wake up. He didn't know CPR, sleeping through the basics of medical jutsu at the academy. A tear fell from his lashes, regretting ever being a slacker during school. He knew that if the situation had been reversed, Ino would have known exactly what to do, never wasting a second to save his life. Why did he always have to be so worthless? Shikamaru closed his eyes, gripping Ino tightly to his body. He sobbed into her already soaked hair, not noticing her open her eyes.
"S-shika-maru?" Ino stuttered, reaching a shaky hand for his face. Shikamaru's eyes flashed to her, his mouth forming into a weak, relieved smiled. He laughed nervously, crying tears of joy. He kissed her; grateful she didn't leave him. He was lucky enough to have her at all, equally stupid enough to almost lose her.
"Thank god." Shikamaru breathed.
"Shikamaru… you, you're crying?"' Ino tried sitting up helped by Shikamaru's arm. 'Are you hurt? What happened?" Ino peered into his eyes, worried about her lover. His warm eyes stared at her incredulously, sadly revealing the pain her innocent words caused. Even though Ino seemed blunt and inconsiderate with others, Shikamaru knew her better. He knew that this Ino was the true one. The one that put others first, never concerned for herself.
"No sweetheart, I'm not hurt.'" Shikamaru held her body to his, tears threatening to spill from his dark eyes again. He sighed guiltily, stroking her hair. He could feel her starting to shiver, so he carried her back to the bathroom. 'I was just a little scared, that's all." He shot her a furtive glace. Ino stretched a tiny hand to the back of her head, feeling the sore spot with her fingers. Her eyes widened.
"Did I, hurt myself?" Ino questioned him, realizing the situation she was in. It was obvious to Shikamaru that she was still confused.
"Yeah. I heard a loud noise from outside the bathroom, and then I found you lying in the shower."' His heart started beating faster as he relived the event. 'You had me scared half to death." His brow crinkled into a miserable frown. He violently rubbed his temples, trying to calm down. Ino looked up, frowning sadly at him. She took his hands from him, stopping the abuse.
"Stop that… I'm okay, see?" Ino smiled, eyes still half closed. Shikamaru only groaned unhappily at the pathetic display before him. Ino continued to shiver, getting colder. The shivering caught his attention. He placed Ino on the bathroom tile, drawing a nice safe bath for her. He scowled bitterly at the showerhead, as if it was personally responsible for nearly killing Ino. By the time it was ready, he too was shivering violently; his skin ice cold and damp.
He helped Ino into the bath, setting her down gently, careful with the back of her head. He thought of how fragile she seemed to him at the moment; like a baby. A small smile formed over his lips as he pictured what it would be like to have to take care of a real baby. His heart nearly stopped. If it felt just half as scary as this did, then he didn't know if he could handle it without dying from a heart attack. The pain of almost losing Ino was enough to last him a lifetime. He knew that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and yet even she somehow could be careless enough to endanger her life in such a simple way. Shikamaru lost all confidence in ever having children. What hope could he have looking after a helpless infant, if he couldn't even protect his full-grown girlfriend?
Ino sunk into the bath slightly sore, the fall starting to catch up with her. But also, other more private parts of her were starting twinge a little more than before. He certainly did a number on me… Ino thought to herself, an evil smile forming on her lips. She was starting to think clearly again. Shikamaru leaned over the edge of the tub, resting his chin on his arms, watching her carefully. He was determined to stay there, even if she didn't want him to.
It wasn't long until Shikamaru was sneezing and shaking violently against the tub. Still he didn't move from Ino's side. Eventually Ino gave in to worry and requested that he join her. He didn't hesitate, not for an instant. The water felt so much nicer on his cold skin than the freezing bathroom tile. Why didn't they do this in the first place? Shikamaru lay there; comfortably soaking as Ino washed her hair. He shivered for a little while his body adjusted to the temperature.
"Come here for a second.'" Ino motioned for Shikamaru to tilt his head forward. He did so, and Ino started scrubbing shampoo through his thick hair. He smiled, relaxing. 'Thank you Shika-kun… for protecting me like that." She spoke into his ear, barely audible. Shikamaru blushed in response, his ears turning red. Shikamaru's voice turned husky, grateful to be loved by such a woman.
"I would do anything for you Ino. I love you."
