Ino never imagined herself with anyone but Sasuke. But, that's not how she feels when she's with Shikamaru. Yes, they are only teammates and yes, he rarely noticed her face turn red when they got too-close-for-comfort, but something inside her felt right when they took walks together. Away from the village there was a small path that was perfect for a stride among the scenery. They usually went for walks there together.
Today was the day she decided to tell him. As usual they were walking side-by-side and shikamaru had his arms behind his head and eyes partially closed.
"Shikamaru?"
"Hmm?"
"I…uhm-" she was immediately cut off by a shout from behind them
"Hey! Shikamaru!!" 'Temari?' Ino thought
"Hey shikamaru. Hi uhm…Ino? Was it?" she said with a scoff implying that ino's presence meant nothing.
"Ino, weren't you about to say something?" shikamaru turned to her
"Oh, do tell inu" temari smirked
"Its ino"
"Like it matters" she laughed out
Ino beamed. This was the worst possible time for that sand ninja to show up! Ino knew she also had a thing for shikamaru…Ino sighed deeply.
"It was nothing…."
"Of course not." Temari mocked, "so shikamaru, want to do something tomorrow night?"
Ino's eyes shot up to shikamaru.
"Sorry I already have plans. I got a date."
"Wh-what?! With who?!" temari said in unison with ino.
Shikamaru put his arm around ino.
"With ino of course," he turned to her and smiled, "if that's okay."
Ino blushed brightly, "y-yeah…of course!"
Then they simply walked away from the gaping sand ninja while she tried to comprehend what just happened.