Finding Love

By kiwi4me

Summary: She had always done what she was supposed to, so why does her heart hurts so much?

"Ino!" his voice called out waving to her.

"What are you doing?" Ino questioned holding the bouquet of flowers.

"Do you need help?" he questioned pausing before her.

Ino blinked a little startled before the suspicion set in. Eyeing the blonde warily, she handed him the bouquet.

"Hold this would you?" she questioned.

"Sure," he took it in his arms and Ino continued watching him as they started walking once again.

"So," she started, "… what do you want?"

"Huh?" he tilted his head toward her, "… I just want to help."

"Hm…" she sounded but shrugged as they headed to where one of the customers lived.

Glancing once more to the male beside her, she walked up to the door.

"Hello," she greeted as the door opened to reveal an older woman, "… you have delivery," Ino smiled and turned to Naruto who handed the bouquet to the woman.

"Oh, how sweet," the crinkling around her eyes made Ino grinned, "… thank you so much."

"No problem, glad doing business with you," Ino bowed respectfully before turning.

"Here son," the older woman looked to Naruto, "… give this to your girlfriend," she glanced at Ino before pulling out a flower from the bunch, "… good luck," and with that said she closed the door leaving Naruto staring with wide eyes.

She watched him turn to her aiming a nervous smile her way.

"Uh," Naruto rubbed the back of his neck as he headed toward her.

"No," Ino interrupted as she turned and walked away.

She wished she would've seen what his reaction was. What did he do with the flower? Did he give it to Sakura? Was he hurt? She had to admit, she really was mean. Lying on the floor not being able to do any more than that, she continued to relive her memories.

She knew it had been about four years since she had seen the world of living. She wonders how he was doing. Did he find love? Is he with Sakura, Hinata? Did he move? How is he doing with school, work? She hated all these unanswered questions. She certainly has gone through this before and it never made things easier. Closing her eyes, she lied unmoving.

"It is time," the figure spoke up and Ino didn't move, but she looked confused.

"It has only been four years," Ino reminded softly.

"Yes," the voice sounded and she sat up.

"It is too early," Ino turned to the unfocused person.

The figure didn't say anything and Ino felt her heart quicken. The feeling of panic took over her as she quickly stood up.

"He isn't…" she let the sentence hang searching whatever she could read from the figure.

"Five minutes ago," the figure informed and Ino felt like her heart broke all over again.

"I see," Ino found her voice as she fisted her hands so she didn't scream in sadness.

"He will be rebirthing soon," the figure added, "… you may see him. Five minutes only."

Ino nodded and saw the figure disappeared. She stood there feeling the dreaded feeling of nothing but pain. A few seconds later she heard his voice. Turning, she saw his blonde hair and bright smile.

"Naruto," she smiled to him as she met him halfway.

"It's been so long," he smiled embracing her.

"Yes, it has," she hugged back leaning her head against his shoulder.

"I never got over you," he admitted in a whisper.

"I'm sorry," she closed her eyes.

"So am I…" he pulled back causing her eyes to open.

"How?" she questioned touching his face.

"Well," he looked thoughtful, "… after high school, I left town. I tried, you know, to get over you… but…" he paused placing a kiss on her forehead, "… I couldn't. All I remember was feeling like crap and thinking about wanting to see you again," he looked at her, "… and here I am."

"Naruto," she softly reprimanded feeling like he committed suicide.

"It doesn't matter how I got here, but at least I got to see you again before…" he stopped and smile, "… I know I said just one, but can I have another?"

Ino couldn't help giggling. Shaking her head, she looked at him.

"No," she saw his lips curved down, "… when we are living again," she kissed his cheek, "… then I will."

"Then I will be waiting," he smiled as he left a kiss on her cheek.

"It is time," the figure spoke up.

"Goodbye Naruto," she continued to watch him.

"Bye Ino," he offered a smile, "… I'll never forget you."

"Neither will I," she saw the figure touched his shoulder and just like that, they disappeared.

Hearing nothing but the beat of her heart, she closed her eyes wishing for his touch.

-o-o-

"I have a proposition for you," the figure spoke up beside her.

"What is it?" she questioned a little interested.

She hasn't left the white room since Naruto had rebirthed. Normally she would already be watching someone, but she wasn't. Looking to the figure beside her, she waited for a response.

"You may reincarnate," the figure informed, "… but you will lose all your memories."

Ino hesitated in taking the offer. She had given up rebirthing so she could see her family and friends. She didn't know if she was willing to give it all up, but the thought of living again was something powerful. She never thought she would ever get this chance. She suddenly felt sadness. If her memories are going to be lost, she would lose the promise to the blonde male. Then again, she will see him again. Whether she knows it or not, she will.

"I thought I couldn't…" Ino said softly.

"It seems you have done well," the figure informed, "… what is your decision?"

Ino smiled.

"I want to live."

Author's Note:

And this would be the end of this story. I'm thinking of making a continuation, but i'm on the fence about it (had a bad breakthrough with one) so i'm unsure. Please let me know if I should or not. Thank you.

Also, there is a poll up on my profile. I hope you vote for the next leading man! :)

love,

kiwi4me