If Everyone Cared ShikaIno

Shikamaru was going to leave on another mission tomorrow. He didn’t know how long he would be gone. The date for return was said to be six months, but it was almost never correct. Anything could change it. He hated the fact that he was going to have to leave his new wife shortly after their marriage. ‘Ino…I hope you will forgive me.’

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight

He slowly rounded a corner and his favorite cloud watching hill was in site. Although it was night, he knew being here would clear his head. He couldn’t believe who he saw at the hill.

“Ino? What are you doing here?”

She just smiled sadly at him. “The same as you; trying to clear my head. I heard about your mission,” She said something else just above a whisper, but Shikamaru caught it. “And I don’t want you to leave me.”

He was very surprised by this statement. Ino was always so strong, and it was rare to see her so weak. He didn’t want to leave her either, but it was his duty to his village.

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

Shikamaru walked over to the woman he loved and sat next to her. They both were looking up to the sky, just gazing as the first stars were coming out. It was such a beautiful sight for such a sorrowful evening. They had been granted a month without missions but still pay because of their wedding, and had gotten lucky with no missions for an extra month. The problem was that they were not getting an income from that extra month off, and their new house was not helping their finances well. Even though Shikamaru didn’t want to leave, he knew he had to go on this mission. They couldn’t live off Ino’s pay at the flower shop forever, and this mission was a high paying one. It was bittersweet being chosen for this mission. More bitter than sweet actually.

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died  

He didn’t know if he could take this life anymore. He enjoyed being a ninja, but right now being with Ino was all he wanted. After the war, fewer missions were coming in and he knew that soon the days of the ninja would be over. There were less ninja than average villagers in Konoha now, and many ninja were learning other trades for when the ninja age was gone. He estimated that at this rate it would be another ten to fifteen years left before it was over. Many ninja parents were not allowing their children to go to the Academy. It was very obvious now; Konoha would soon be a regular village in a short amount of time, and Shikamaru was surprisingly not upset. Even though it would be troublesome to learn another trade, he knew that it was worth it if he could be with Ino more. He finally admitted it to himself ‘The life of a ninja is now almost over…’

And I'm singing

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

It seemed unfair that so many had to die before all could be at peace. Asuma, Chouji, they had all died protecting Konoha and their ninja way, yet the way of the ninja was slowly dying itself. The only missions that were coming in now were assassinations. That was his mission; to capture and kill four S classed ninja with Neji and Kiba on his team.  

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along

Shikamaru looked over at his wife. She was gazing intently at the stars; a contemplative and sorrowful expression caressing her features. She looked beautiful, the way the moonlight shone on her pale hair and fair skin. Her eyes were as bright as the stars. He gasped inaudibly as he saw that tears were just about to fall. He gently used his index finger to wipe them off, caressing her cheek before he let his hand fall to the ground.

Ino turned to look at her husband, the same expression still there. She let out a forced smile. “I knew it couldn’t last forever. One of us would be leaving. I just didn’t think it would be this soon” her voice was barely above a whisper.

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
(I'm alive)

Shikamaru gently brought his arms around her, enveloping her in a hug. She slowly let it out, crying silently against his chest. His hand rubbed her back, up and down, until she had calmed down. This would be their first time apart after their marriage, and what they all said was true; it was tough.

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died

Ino gently lifted herself off him, his arms still wrapped loosely around her. She gazed into his dark eyes as he gazed into her bright ones. There was only one emotion that shone in each of their gazes: love. No more words were needed as Shikamaru gently leaned down to kiss her, her arms automatically wrapping around his neck.

As they slowly pulled apart, Shikamaru knew that this would be the last mission he took. He also figured that Ino wouldn’t be taking anymore also. Their hearts just couldn’t bare the separation and the worry. They would both have to talk to Tsunade before the mission, and even though it was troublesome, it was worth it.

“Let’s go home.” He said, helping Ino to her feet.

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died