It's Too Late
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Naruto series, Konoha, Shikamaru, Ino, or anyone else involved or relating to Naruto.
Summary:
Ino Yamanaka is loud and annoying member of Team 10; which annoyed a certain lazy chunin to no end. But when the death of the Yamanaka's parents forces her to live with the Naras, and changes Ino's personality. There is no one he wanted more than that exact loud and annoying member.
Chapter 14: The Final Goodbye
The week continued as normal, Shikamaru and Ino decided not to be openly in a relationship, atleast at home. If Yoshino learnt they were dating and sharing a room, she'd be shocked, and immediately think the worse. Like some sort of love making rendezvous nightly going on! Shikamaru couldn't stand to face hearing his mother talk about sex, so they decided to keep it under wraps till Ino had moved out, that way it wouldn't be seen like that…
It wasn't long till Saturday had arrived, the day of the Funeral; both a day of tragedy and depression, but the way Ino had planned it, something that she was excited about, she had compiled pictures into a book that she has on display at her home, aswell as a couple of pages for people to sign, their friends… it was almost like it was a gift to Nadeshiko and Inoichi, but… it was more for Ino herself, so she could understand further who her parents were outside of the beautiful, caring and at times loud Nadeshiko Yamanaka, and the overprotective, but generous Inoichi.
She thought about it as, people are different around their family then they are to friends, she wanted to know the people they were to their friends, the kind thoughts their friend had of them. It… was very important to her.
Ino stood in the Nara kitchen, assisting Yoshino at cooking, she had thankfully as Shikaku had said, been willing to cater the party at Ino's house, in celebration of her parents.
Ino feeling it necessary to help cook, despite Yoshino saying not to worry, she continued to help in the kitchen, she didn't have to leave till 11:30 since everything was already set up, with Tsunade going to run the ceremony, Ino to speak briefly for her parents aswell.
The time rolled around for the Naras and Ino to leave for the event, Yoshino placing all her prepared food quickly into the refrigerator, then rushing the group out.
"Are you ready for this, Ino?" Yoshino questioned
"I'm excited… my parents… have been waiting long due to the mission I went on, for it all to be organized, sure I could have had it organized for me, but… I wanted to do it myself, I hope they enjoy it, I'm sure they're watching me. Infact I know they are." Ino said, a smile on her face as she walked alongside Shikamaru.
Yoshino smiled, nodding, the group walking mostly silently to the funeral, all dressed in black clothing
The attendance of Konoha citizens were amazing, all lining up as Tsunade stood at the front of the group, Shizune and Ino by each of her side.
Ino glancing out over the group, seeing some of her closest friends, Shikamaru, Choji, Sakura,Tenten, Neji, Hinata, Kiba, among others.
Shikamaru studied Ino's face, looking for any break in the confidence she had, she still looked honestly happy, he did think that her happiness was all for show, and that it was going to disappear… despite the fact that she had grown to accept the tragedy, still… for their funeral… if it were him, he wouldn't be strong like she is… it'd be normal for her to cry, but it didn't seem like she had any plan to cry.
Tsunade cleared her throat before beginning the service. "I'm glad so many could make it to bid goodbye to Nadeshiko and Inoichi Yamanaka. Both murdered tragically while out of Konoha… Nadeshiko, a ninja in her youth settled down to run the flower shop Yamanaka Flowers full-time, while occasionally providing assistance at the hospital with her medical ninjutsu. Inoichi Yamanaka, of the Yamanaka clan was an amazing ninja, gifted with powerful ninjutsu involving the manipulation of soul and mind, he was an asset on and off the battlefield, also assisting the interrogation unit with his skills that he undoubtedly passed on to his beautiful daughter, these loving parents left behind. I'm sure us Konoha citizens will look after their legacy, and treat her like our own during these harsh times for her… as Nadeshiko and Inoichi Yamanaka would have wanted. I know they were well loved in Konoha, having many friends that knew the wondrous people these two citizens were… Ino?" She signalled for Ino to talk.
Ino walked over, as Tsunade stepped to the side. "My parents were amazing people… they really taught me and passed on moral, responsibility, and loved me… I'm so grateful… and I wish…"
Tears began to well in Ino's eyes. "I…wish…"
Shikamaru stared into Ino's eyes, before she closed them, as she whimpered softly, he couldn't stand to see her like this, he knew she was holding it back, regardless of how much she had grown to accept it… this was the day that would be truly the good bye.
Tsunade frowned, as Shizune nodded, walking over to Ino. "You don't have to…"
"I do." Ino replied loudly, she cleared her throat. "I just wish…" She began again, before she stared blankly over the group, shaking her head as she began to sob. "I'm sorry… just… give… me a moment."
"Ino, you don't have to, just… we know how you fee--" Yoshino began.
"I have to.. I do." Ino said as she continued sobbing.
Shikamaru bit his lip as he watched her crying, before stepping out of the audience, walking up to Ino and wrapping his arms around her. "You can do it…" He whispered.
Ino sobbed for a bit, before Shikamaru let her go, kissing her on the cheek, holding her hand standing by her side.
Sakura also stepped out of the audience, standing on the other side of Ino, and holding her hand. "Comeon Pig." She whispered.
Ino nodded. "Th…thank you…" She said softly to the two. Before closing her eyes for a couple of second, opening her eyes, a serious look on her face.
"I wish I had said I loved you, more to them. I wish I had expressed… how much I was grateful for everything they did for me, so much effort they put into helping me, everything… and I'm going to miss them forever, but I want to say here. I truly love them, and I hope… you had the chance to know them and enjoy them… while they were here." She said solemnly, whimpering slightly after she finished then nodding. "Thank you all for coming. So much."
Ino took a step to the side, Sakura and Shikamaru staying by her side as she still had tears running down her cheek, sobbing slightly, among the audience many crying, including the Akimichis, Naras, Harunos and even Tenten.
Tsunade took back in front of the grave. "Thank you all for coming, now if you'd like to go to the Yamanaka House for a celebration party of the Yamanakas… It will be catered, alcohol may be consumed, and if you could please sign the book with any stories you wish to mention for Ino to keep at the Yamanaka house that would be lovely." She said, as the group migrated to the Yamanaka house.
Many signed the book, Ino glancing over the book, seeing the pages filled with messages about stories of Nadeshiko and Inoichi.
The group all chatted, swapping stories, Ino with a smile on her face the rest of the day, the group all eating, and enjoying themselves, it really was a smart idea for Ino to do such a positive take on the funeral, everyone left late in the night, The Naras being the last to leave, all with a grin on their face, Ino holding the memorial book close to her heart as she walked home with the Naras.
Shikaku stumbling slightly from the alcohol he consumed.
"Thank you so much for cooking so much food, Yoshino."
Yoshino glanced back to Ino, nodding with a grin. "I'm definitely happy to; it was amazing day, Ino. You really… made it great."
Shikamaru wrapped his arm around Ino, as they walked, their relationship clearly being revealed to his parents now, as they got into the Nara house, all parting to their bedrooms.
Shikamaru and Ino both laid into Shikamaru's bed.
"This will be my last night here…" Ino said softly.
"Leaving so soon?" Shikamaru questioned.
"No time to be wasting, I've put yous out enough… it's really fine. I miss home now that I've been there for a bit…" Ino replied.
Shikamaru nodded. "You did great…" He said softly before laying a soft kiss on her lips.
"You really helped me out, Thank you.." She said as she slid closer to him, and wrapped her arms around him, tucking her head into his neck. "Thank you so much…"
Ino pulled back, then beginning to kiss Shikamaru, the boy responding taking charge as he slid his tongue into her mouth, the two tongues caressing each other, Shikamaru pulling Ino closer to him, as she wrapped her leg around him, him sliding his hand up her thigh, past her hips, and caressing her breasts, the blonde responding by grabbing his butt.
"I love you…" Shikamaru said as he pulled back.
The blonde teared up. "I… really wanted to hear you say that… I love you too."
The two finished off their passionate kiss, before cuddling for the last night they would spend together with Ino as a part of the Nara house.
Ino woke up noticing Shikamaru was gone, getting up wandering down the stairs to see the Naras all sitting at the table.
"We were just about to call you for breakfast…" Yoshino said smiling, as she placed the last two plates on the table.
Ino nodded. "I slept a lot more than I thought!... Thank you for breakfast." She said as she sat down next to Shikamaru at the table.
"So you two are dating?" Shikaku questioned.
Ino nodded. "Yes…"
Yoshino smiled. "We saw it coming a mile away to be honest, don't think you fooled us!" She said then grinning.
"Shikamaru told us you were planning to leave today. You can stay here if you want…" Shikaku commented.
"We'd really like you to stay; we couldn't have you living by yourself…" Yoshino said softly.
Ino giggled. "That's really sweet… I really wish to return home, though… for my parents."
"So it's truly what you want?" Yoshino questioned, the blonde merely nodding.
"If that's the case… I'd like to move in with you." Shikamaru spoke up.
Ino's eyes widened. "W-What…"
Yoshino and Shikaku glanced at eachother, frowning, Shikaku's face softening then nodding.
"I… I…I'm not… sure…" Ino said softly.
Shikaku nodded. "If you're willing to take in the lazy slacker… we'd be happy."
Ino glanced at Shikaku. "It's… really okay…?"
Yoshino stayed silent at the breakfast table, unsure if this decision was right, The Yamanaka excited, Shikamaru looking pleased, and Shikaku nodding in approval.
It wasn't long until Ino had pulled all her clothes into her plastic bag, getting another plastic bag for the rest of her stuff like photo frames that they had brought over recently to make her feel more at home, Shikamaru packed as much as he could; clothes, small items, into a bag for the move to the Yamanaka residence.
"I can't believe this!" Ino said excitedly, kissing Shikamaru on the cheek.
"It'll be troublesome… but worth it" Shikamaru replied, as he walked down stairs, Ino then following, the two older Nara's standing at the door.
"Surprising, just this morning you were living here, now you're moving. Just like that" Shikaku commented, grabbing Shikamaru rubbing his head. "We'll be seeing you a lot still anyway, no doubt."
Yoshino glanced down, a solemn look on her face.
Shikamaru broke out of his father's grip on him, then smiling. "Yea. I'll have to hire some people to move all my stuff next weekend… Mum?" He glanced at Yoshino.
Ino frowned, noticing Yoshino's depressed look. "I… can't believe I'm losing my son. But… I'm truly happy. I am." She said looking up, then smiling. "I hope your relationship works out, infact I'm sure it will. Just don't bless me with grandkids to early or something."
Shikamaru frowned, she was talking as if they were married, or dating for years, it was still early to talk about kids, they were still virgins for god sake!
Ino smiled. "Regardless if it works out, we'll always be close friends."
Shikamaru nodded. "Although don't talk hypothetically, you know it's gonna work."
Ino's eyes widened at what Shikamaru had said, the cynical Shikamaru saying such things was a shock to her.
Shikamaru embraced both his parents, kissing his mum on the cheek. "See you mum, dad. I love you, I'm grateful for everything."
Ino's eyes lit up as he said that, it was everything she wish she had said to her parents, obviously she reached Shikamaru to treat his parents better, and tell them how much he valued them.
Ino followed too, also hugging the two. "I too am really grateful, you're like a second family to me. I love you both so much, you've helped me a lot. Thank you."
Yoshino and Shikaku smiled, Shikaku putting his arm around his wife's waist. "Well. Get out of here you too! You're really troublesome!" Shikaku said with a grin.
"Thank you so much!" Ino yelled out as the two walked towards the Yamanaka residence. "So we start our life as a couple, thank you for not letting me live by myself, Shikamaru."
"I was thinking about it last night… It's alright, I love you, I want you to feel safe always, even if it puts me out, no matter how troublesome it gets…" He replied.
Ino nodded with a smile. "Me too… for you…" She said simply, as she kissed him on the cheek, then running ahead. "Come on!! Let's get there quick! Not far now!" She yelled out calling Shikamaru over.
Shikamaru nodded, then smiling at Ino, it was a risk moving in together, so early in their relationship, but he knew the two had been together as close friends so long, he was happy. He knew it would work out, and is glad he will be able to be by Ino's side for the rest of their lives as a couple, to be able to support here through any other tragedies she or he may face… he knew the two would be able to get through anything, with eachother.
End.