Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto - Naruto belongs to Kishimoto-sensei. I do own the plotline of this story.

Author's Note: No apparent specific inspiration to write this piece... Noe it is very small and very tiny indeed, sorry for the large amount of drabbles in this collection. More actual full-fledged one-shots are definitely on the way - Give me a day or two, okay? Until then, enjoy the drabbleness... Be nice and leave a review!

It was always horrific for him to hold her soulles body. Whenever gazing down upon her angelic face, he was frightened maybe she would not return to him allright. Asuma had told him what could happen if Ino got lost inbetween bodies, this being the reason why he was so afraid when their surroundings were crowded. It was easier for her to get lost when surrounded by many bodies, souls and minds. Often, when his nerves got the best of him, he would talk to her quietly, using his thumb to gently rub her cheeks and ensure himself she was still there. It was so hard to believe this was Ino lying in his arms, when she wasn't determindly training, expertly aiding in her family's shop or annoyingly nagging at him for whatever aspect of his behavior she might dissaprove of. It was so hard to believe this was still Ino... He held her close constantly so he'd be the first to notice if she went cold, a sign something wasn't going as it should.

Shikamaru cradled her lithe body in his arms softly. Despite all the worry he had to go through, all the fears he had to face to get here, this was indeed the only time he could get so close to Ino without raising suspicions or earning a slap over the head. And if it ment some alone time with Ino, even if it was only her body as her mind was absent, he was willing to take on all the responsabilities it might bring.

Dipping down his head, he softly placed his lips over hers chastely, secretly enjoying her taste in a simple one-sided kiss. Upon feeling Ino stir, however, he pulled back quickly with a small flicker of pain in his heart.

She opened her bright blue orbs and gazed at him, slowly regaining her senses. Shikamaru smiled down at her, lending the girl an arm to lift her up as her legs slowly set into movement. Afetr a few uneasy stumbles, she found her balance and steadied herself. A bright smile directed at him lifted his spirits easily as his favorite blonde kunoichi pressed her face down his shoulder for less than a second, before letting go. A silent 'Thank you', a silent 'I know I can trust you', a silent 'I'm glad you're here.'

Shikamaru watched as she walked away with featherlight steps. These secret moments, hidden within the darkness of their minds were dear to him. In the original Ino-Shika-Cho combination he was meant to catch her and shelter her body from whatever might be assaulting them, be it a snowstorm, be it a demonic chakra. If he did not, the entire strategy failed and every battle would be lost. Ino needed him to hold her close and protect her, for just those few seconds when she herself could not. The fact that she needed him made Shikamaru feel assured - feel safe. Falling in step beside her, their glances met as she looked up with brilliant blue orbs, smiling gently. Her hand clasped his tightly and he savored the feeling, knowing she would let go once they encountered anyone. A small smirk occupied his lips as he gazed down upon Ino, motcing the determined shine in her eyes. It made him too, feel alive.

"Welcome back, Ino."