Author's notes: I am back! :)
I hope you'll like this... and to the guest, I hope you'll make a ff account soon... because I am ecstatic to chat with you... :)
Oh and please welcome, OreosGoRawrEatMe, because she is beta-reading this story! So every little mistake would soon be edited thanks to her... I'll reintroduce her again to the first chapter... :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto...
Months, it's been months since that battle ended. Almost 9 months actually but they still haven't found Ino.
The first few months, everyone were diligent to find Ino but as time passes by they grew tired; tired of all the work they do, tired of finding leads and ending up with false hopes, tired of everything.
Soon, Konoha and the other villages came back to normalcy, and Ino was put aside. Not really forgotten, just placed her to the back of their minds.
After all, Ino's memories bring back tragic ones. But Ino was a part of their history as she was declared a hero. When new books arrived, since the old ones where burned and only a few survived, Ino was included in it. Her life and sacrifice was taught by Iruka and the other teachers in the academy along with the other heroes of Konoha; the Hokage, Jiraiya, Naruto and many others.
To many, what happened with Orpheus was a tragic part of history; like it happened long ago when in truth it happened only months ago. To many, Ino was just a part if history.
But not for Shikamaru, or to some extent Ino's friends and acquaintances.
Since the time of their arrival to Konoha, Shikamaru went straight home. The home he and Ino had spent their months as a couple. The home he and Ino shared their first and last night as husband and wife.
Even when his mother insisted for him to live with her, he didn't. He believes Ino will come home. He kept the whole house clean, his farm attended and his work as head strategist functional, for he believes Ino will get angry if he won't do all of that. But it had almost been nine months and there's still no news of Ino.
"Shikamaru... come out now. Today is your birthday, we need to celebrate." Choji said one day.
"I'm not particularly in the mood to celebrate. I just want to stay at home." He said, 'And wait for Ino.' He wanted to add.
"If you don't come out, I'll drag you out of their and across town towards the barbeque shop."
Shikamaru sighed and went out. He gave up, Choji will definitely do what he said he would do so he just decided to give up and leave with him.
When the two of them arrived, they were quickly greeted by a birthday song. The shop was swarming with people, and Shikamaru got dizzy with all the people approaching him to greet him happy birthday until he and Choji reached their usual booth.
It was a fun night, if only Ino was here it would be way much better.
'Oh Ino, where are you?' He thought as his mother hugged him and placed the cake in front of him.
"Make a wish Shikamaru." Naruto urged.
Shikamaru snorted, "Wishes don't come true."
"Well, there's nothing wrong to try." Kiba said.
"Close your eyes Shikamaru-san and think of the thing you wanted the most then open your eyes and blow the candles." Lee instructed.
Shikamaru sighed and did as he was told. He closed his eyes and started to think of Ino.
'I wish Ino is here. I wish Ino would be found. I wish Ino would be with me until I die.' And he opened his eyes and blew the candles.
Then wishes and gifts swarm him. His mother hugging him every now and then.
"I know this not the gift you wanted but I hope it's enough." He heard his mother mutter to no one in particular though he had a feeling it was him she was unconsciously talking to.
Suddenly, someone burst the doors open and revealed a pink-haired kunoichi. For a moment, Shikamaru thought it would be Ino who would come running to him and hug him tight and then smack him for not inviting her.
"You're late Sakura." Naruto stated. But Sakura was looking at Shikamaru, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Shikamaru..." she started as tears started running down her cheeks though her lips are twisted into a wide grin. "We found her."
Shikamaru's head went spinning and he rushed outside and went straight to hospital. The others followed him while Sakura stated how they found her.
"I sent Katsuyu to her but she was too broken and bruised that Katsuyu sent her to their world and healed them there. It wasn't easy since she's not the only one they need to heal."
"Why didn't Katsuyu said anything? Why didn't you say anything?" Choji asked; half angry, and half of him was happy.
"Katsuyu didn't tell me anything. Ino didn't want her to tell us anything. Not until she knew for sure."
Whatever Sakura said was puzzling Shikamaru to know end but he was more curious of what happened to Ino.
As he reached Ino's room, he couldn't stop himself from rushing towards her.
"Ino!" He cried, and went to gently but tightly hug her, "You're really here."
"I wouldn't want to miss your birthday." Ino said, grinning.
"Why didn't you contact anyone?"
"At first, I was too weak I thought I was going to die. Then I realized something wrong with me and I don't want to burden you so I stayed quiet until I know for sure."
"Know for sure what?" Ino smiled at him. Then Sakura tapped him from the back.
He was astonished when he looked back. Black hair, lazy eyes, and that little yawn. Suddenly, Shikamaru knew what Ino was talking about.
Ino was used by many at that battle. Orpheus even made her his personal sex slave. And Ino was afraid who could have impregnated her. She was afraid that Shikamaru would hate her so she stayed quiet until she know for sure who the father is.
Shikamaru can't help but grin. He scooped the baby out of Sakura's arms and held it in his. This is the best birthday gift he had received in his entire life.
"Happy birthday, Shika-kun." Ino said. Shikamaru stared lovingly at his wife.
Maybe wishes do come true. Maybe sacrifices really bear rewards, rewards that are double than he had expected or what he had gave.
And right now, Shikamaru felt his reward is more worth than his sacrifices. Being with Ino and their little son was more than enough. He just couldn't wish for more.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Actually thank you for supporting the whole story.. because that's the end of it...
It was nice sharing this story with you guys.. no matter how morbid it is, you stick with me and this story so THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Here's a kiss as a thanks; MWAAAAHHHH!
I know I said two more chapter but believe me, you'll like it more if I end here because if I continue it will only be sad... and I don't like sad endings when they already suffered too much...
Thank you again for everything! And support ShikaIno to the end... this ship will never sink, it will keep sailing... so sail with me... :)
