Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Am I Too Late? ❯ Releif ( Chapter 2 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Am I Too Late?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any characters from the series.

A/N: Thanks to all the people who have reviewed my work. I hope that I can please everyone by varying my pairings. Well please enjoy this Chapter.

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Time: 12:00 pm. (Noon)

Date: Wednesday April 19, 2006

Location: Lord Hokage's Office.

“You said you have a mission for my Hokage-sama?” I asked half-heartedly. Usually I would be climbing over her desk to get to the mission scroll. “Yes,” she replied looking slightly worried at my odd behavior. “It's a retrieval mission, to the land of Waves.” As soon as she said the word Waves I flinched as my small breakfast began to rise in my throat. “Is everything alright Ino?” she asked giving me a worried mother like look. “Yes Lord Hokage I'm fine.” I lied forcing myself to swallow the vomit that had made its way into my mouth. “Very well,” she said not looking at all convinced. “Here are your mission specifications.” I took the scroll she had offered me and left the office.

Once I was back outside on the streets I noticed angry black storm clouds over head. `Perfect day to match my mood' I thought as I made my way to a small coffee shop that I loved. I walked in and was greeted by the manger and a few fellow shinobi. After forcing a smile I sat down in the corner as one of the waitresses brought me my usual, a hot cup of green tea with honey and lemon. Usually I would begin sipping in right away, but today I felt like anything that went down my throat was going to come right back up. I pushed the tea away and sat back in the chair with a deep sigh. `Might as well get started on my mission.' I thought as I opened the scroll. I read the first few lines then it hit me.

This wasn't an ordinary retrieval mission. This mission was to retrieve a ninja. I was going to go get Shikamaru and make sure her got back to Konoha safely. I didn't even bother to finish my tea or reading the scroll. As soon as I read what I was retrieving I put the money on the table and bounded out of the shop. After a quick stop by my house I ran out of the Village at light speed. `Oh Shikamaru, your alright. Be patient I'll be there soon'

Time: 10:00 pm

Date: Wednesday April 19, 2006

Location: Village Hidden in the Mist Hospital.

“He's waking up” I heard someone say. I try once again to open my eyes but to no avail. My eyelids feel like they've been weighted down. My body is still sore but not as sore as it was previously. “Shikamaru” I hear the same voice say. I can feel their hand on mine. It feels so warm. I recognize it, but am I right? No, there's no way she could be here. She doesn't even know I'm hurt yet. She's still back home, in Konoha. But I know that was her voice. Once again I squeeze my eyes shut hard before I'm finally able to open them. Everything is blurry and seems to be moving. My head feels like it's about to split in two. My stomach heaves slightly. But I only notice it for a moment because as soon as my eyes open I realize I was right. There standing beside my bed was my teammate Ino Yamanaka.

“Ino” I say very quietly. “What are you doing here?” My throat feels scratchy and dry. “I came to get you.” She replies. I notice that as she says this her voice is cracking. I look into her deep light blue eye, I notice that there are tears falling slowly, silently and steadily down her face, but at the same time she's smiling. She grips my hand tighter. “I'm glad you're alright Shika-kun” For a few minutes we just sat there together. Somewhere inside of me I'm dieing to tell her. I'm doing everything I can to keep from reaching out and taking her into my arms. It's killing me. I finally decide I'm going to tell her, now. I took a deep breath and seconds before I was about to speak her name the nurse came in. “I'm sorry Yamanaka-san but visiting hours are over.” The nurse said with a smile. Ino looks at her and nods her head. “I'll be back tomorrow Shika-kun.” She stands up letting go of my hand. When she let go of my hand I felt so alone and empty as I watched her walk out of the room. Once Ino had left I gave the nurse a death glare she'll never forget. The nurse noticed my glare and quickly left the room. `Don't worry you'll be with her for a few more days. Just wait and tell her.' I laid my head back against the pillow. `I'd better get some sleep. I'm going to need it'

Time: 10:00 pm

Date: Wednesday April 19, 2006

Location: Hotel in the Village Hidden in the Mist

`I can't sleep. But why? I know Shikamaru is alright, I should be able to sleep like a baby? The nurse said he'd be out of the hospital by tomorrow right? Then why can't I get to sleep?' I lay there thinking for several minutes before I realize it. `I can't sleep because I haven't told him. Yeah, he safe this time, but as soon as we get back to Konoha and his wounds heal more he'll be sent away on another mission, and another, and another after that. This could happen to him again, and next time he might not be so lucky.' I immediately regretted thinking this because as soon as I did it had me barreling for the bathroom.

After about five or ten minutes of puking my guts out, I sat down heavily on the bed, completely exhausted. `So how do I tell him? Just come straight out and say “I love you”? No, well I guess I'll just have to wing it.' With that I laid back on the bed for a restless night of sleep.

Time: 9:00 am

Date: Thursday April 20, 2006

Location: Village Hidden in the Mist

`Finally I was free. Earlier this morning the nurse came into my room and told me I had been discharged. For the last two hours I had been wandering around the city. Today was absolutely perfect. The morning was warm with a light breeze blowing and the clouds were floating lazily by. On a normal day I would have been content just sitting on the grass and staring up at the sky but today was no ordinary day. I hadn't slept well the night before for thinking about Ino. Why would she ever want me? All she ever talked about was Sasuke Uchiha. I hate him so much! Why couldn't she see that I loved her and he didn't? I would give anything for her to just look at me the way she does Uchiha. So how am I going to tell her?' I thought for several minutes before giving up with a sigh. `She doesn't even know you're out of the hospital yet, Might as well relax for few hours before you go looking for her. Yeah that'll work. Relax I have to think of something sooner or later.' As I finished the finally thought I threw my arms behind my head and continued to stroll through the streets. But as much as I tried the thought of my teammate continued to seep into my mind.

Time: 9:15 am

Date: Thursday April 20, 2006

Location: Village Hidden in the Mist

`Where is he?' I thought franticly as I searched the streets of the Village. Earlier in the day I had gone to the hospital to see Shikamaru only to find the he had discharge an hour earlier. Ever since I had been combing the streets looking for him.

Finally, I spot him walking down the street with his arms behind his head completely oblivious to everyone else. As soon as I saw him I was flooded with feelings of relief and anger. But mostly relief. `If I don't tell him soon it's going to turn my hair gray' I thought with a small laugh. “Shikamaru-kun” I yell out to him. Instantly he turns around and drops his arms from his head. “Ino” he replies looking slightly shocked “What are you doing here?” I ran up to him and smiled.

“I told you yesterday, I'm here to make sure you get back to Konoha in one piece.”

“Yeah I know but I meant what are you doing here here?”

“I was looking for you”

“Why?” he asked as the look of shock once again dominated his face. “Because I wanted to make sure that you were alright” I said. All of a sudden there was an awkwardness between the two of us. It was going to drive me crazy. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore. I slipped my arm around his and gently gave him a jerk down the street. “Come on we don't have to be back for two more days let's take a day off an enjoy the city.” He willing followed me as I lead him down the street. I would figure out where we where going when I got there for now I was content just being with the person I loved.

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