Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto - Naruto belongs to Kishimoto-sensei. I do own the plotline of this story.
Author's Note: And so it begins - my first One-shot Collection. ShikaxIno of course, as it is my absolute favorite pairing. This first drabble shows how, eventhouh Ino is obsessed by Sasuke, there is still an affectionate connection between her and our fave lazy genius. And who knows, maybe this will be enough for a full-fledged relationship in the future - after all, we all know all Shika and Ino need is a simple spark. Enjoy, minna-san!
"Aw man…"
Shikamaru quirked a brow at his teammates pouting. To his knowledge, Ino only pouted when she didn't get her way with something she wanted badly (like that Sasuke fellow with his herd of fan girls and cockatoo hair), and as far as Shikamaru knew, there had been nothing of the sort this morning.
"What is it, Ino?" He mumbled, letting the words roll of his tongue lazily, walking alongside her.
"Well, it's Sasuke's birthday today! I was going to visit his house first thing in the morning. Sakura is on his team after all, so she can spend all day with him! It's no fair, so I decided I should at least get to see him first. But now that Asuma sensei made us meet up early to plan out the mission ahead, there is no way I can go." She explained, readjusting her hair tie and kicking at puddles.
Shikamaru sighed. It was about Sasuke, again. He wished Ino would change perspective, widen her view and pay a little more attention to other boys, not just that guy. And then he didn't mean himself. There were tons of boys throughout the village who probably deserved Ino's attention more than that ice cube. And now, he really didn't mean himself. No way.
Ino's whining continued. "And I fixed him such a nice present too…"
She halted her pace, drawing Shikamaru's attention. He turned around, following her movements carefully. She had pulled the dark purple backpack from her shoulders, held it in one arm and used the other to spit through, obviously looking for something important. Eventually, she pulled out something that resembled a blanketed baby; a small navy blue bundle.
He feared the worst.
Ino shook the thing and he gaped. What she was holding by the two sleeves now, was a sweater. Well, more like a hideous, navy-blue, flurry creature than a sweater. Letters from the same fabric but in a white shade were sewed onto it, criss-crossing and making no sense whatsoever.
He squinted, concentrated, leaned forward, and when he couldn't make out the writings even after five minutes of trying, Shikamaru gave up. The easier way out was beating making an effort once again. He wasn't Konoha's number one lazy ninja for nothing, right?
"What does it say, Ino?" He inquired.
" 'Happy birthday Sasuke-kun!' " Ino recited. "Well, what do you think?" She beamed up at Shikamaru, her blue eyes sparkling with obvious excitement.
Shikamaru sighed deeply. How could he disappoint such a face? He loved Ino's smile.
"It's absolutely magnificent. You go on and bring him his gift." He muttered softly. He found it hard to hide the sarcasm in his voice.
"But…"
"I'll tell Asuma you're gonna be a little late. That's what teammate's are for, right?"
"Aw, thanks, Shikamaru!" Ino exclaimed, leaning upwards and pressing her lips on his cheek for a second. As she skipped into the direction of Sasuke's house, he looked after her, shaking his head lazily.
"Troublesome girl." A red haze spread over his cheeks quickly.