HEY PEOPLE!!!!! Like many many other people, I have decided to write a Christmas fanfic BUT unlike everyone else, I'm not focusing on Sasuke and Sakura. Instead, this is a ShikamaruxIno Christmas story! Even better, it's a TemarixShikamaruxIno Christmas fanfic thing! So for all those people scrolling through page after page after page of something happening to Sakura and she has to spend the night with Sasuke or the other way around, here's a different view!
And for all those who don't know, all of my holiday specials are linked. So this is the sequel to Happy Halloween! [in which I focused on Sasuke and Sakura] and so they are already together in this. Also, Ino and Shikamaru are together but a certain appearance puts their relationship in jeopardy oh no!........Enjoy! ;)
thoughts are in italics and Andalus font (doesn't it look cool?)
oh! and imagine Gaara as a chibi neh? X3 (He's completely out of his element here people so he's super cute in my story! X3)
Merry Christmas!
"Finally! We've made it! And it's still daylight! Let's go skiing Sasuke-kun!", Sakura said cheerfully as she, Sasuke, Ino, and Shikamaru entered the Konoha Ski Lodge. Of course Sasuke replied with a simple 'Hn'. Nevertheless, Sakura pushed the Uchiha to the checking table, then out the door to the ski lifts, "See you guys in a few!"
"Wow. Ever since Halloween that girl has been really trying.", Ino commented in sympathetic awe (is that possible?). "Her funeral.", Shikamaru replied. "Hey!" she said and hit him playfully on the shoulder and they both laughed.
"Let's get some hot chocolate my butt's freezing." Ino said rubbing her arms. Shikamaru stepped closer to her and spoke softly with a sly smirk, "I could fix that problem, free of charge." Ino blushed and giggled but played along, "Oh really?" Shikamaru was about to say/do something when a voice called his name and the two broke apart instantly out of shock.
"Shikamaru!" the girl called out and walked towards them. Shikamaru hesitated, then responded, "....Temari! How's life been we haven't seen you in awhile."
"Yeah it's just so hot in Suna. I couldn't possibly let a chance to go to a ski lodge pass me by! Thanks for the invite!" she said with a grin.
When Temari said that Ino gave Shikamaru a look that made his hair stand on end. He, however, wasn't looking at her but from the presence behind he didn't think it would be a good idea to turn around. "You girls know each other! You can talk a bit I'll go get us all some hot chocolate!" he said and laughed loudly showing his nervousness (or was it fright? XD) and ran to the small food section to order three cups.
"Hey Ino."
"Hey."
{1 minute passes by slowly XD}
Ino decided to break the silence, "So...didn't know you celebrated Christmas." Temari looked up at the sudden voice. Then smiled and replied, "Shika introduced it to my family. We've looked forward to it ever since." she said and turned to look at Shikamaru waiting for his order.
"Shika!?! Does she have the right to call him that anymore!?! I don't think so missy!! No one calls him hat anymore except for me! He only has ONE girlfriend at a time!" Ino thought as she glared at Temari's head back.
Feeling this evil presence behind her she turned and looked to Ino who was smiling sweetly at her. "That's nice." she said replying to what Temari said earlier. "He's a nice guy." Temari said and smiled back.
"You are SOOOOO pushing it Temari." Ino thought and fought to keep her face smiling and cheerful. She looked down to fix her shoe and scowled.
"Here you are girls." Shikamaru said as he gave each a cup. "Thanks Shikamaru!" both replied simultaneously. They looked at each other and Temari smiled. Ino hesitated but smiled back.
"Shika-KUN, could I speak to you for a minute?" Ino asked emphasizing the difference in what she calls him. "Uh, sure Ino." he replied placing the tray down.
"Won't be long." she said smiling Temari and hooked arms with him as she led him a good distance away from earshot of the dirty blonde.
"YOU INVITED HER!?!" Ino shouted as soon as they stopped walking. Shikamaru sighed. He knew this was it. "Well, yeah. I had one extra ticket and I thought she'd like to come."
"You could have invited Neji and Hinata!"
"Their family has a Christmas tradition."
"Kiba!"
"He and his clan have some ceremony."
"Shino!"
"And deal with bugs in random places and his emo-ness 24.7? We already have Sasuke."
"Chouji!"
"No offense, but he would make us all bankrupt."
"Even Naruto then!"
"For some reason, I couldn't get in touch with him. I think he hooked up with Lee and Gai for some 'special training'. Poor kid."
"But she's...." Ino started.
"My ex. I know. But I'm sure she and I are mature enough to handle the situation accordingly and hang out as friends." Shikamaru finished her sentence and calmly explained his reason.
"But...!" Ino was at a loss of words. She felt uneasy for some reason. But she couldn't just tell him that. That would be too selfish. She sighed, "Fine." and started to walk back with him. "Don't worry, I'm sure you two will get along well.", he said putting an arm around her and giving her a little squeeze.
"Okay Ino. Just give it a try." Ino thought to herself as she approached Temari.
She took a deep breath, let it out, and put back on her fake smile, "Here's an idea! Why don't we all go skiing?" she said cheerfully.
"That's a good idea.", Shikamaru replied. Ino smiled, "Maybe I CAN do this?"
"I'd love to, but I have to wait for my brothers. They came with a different ride so I'm waiting on them." Temari said and made a sorry face.
"Well, I'll wait with you then," Ino gave him a shocked look but he ignored it, "Ino, why don't you go ahead?"
Ino hesitated and started sentences again, "But-" but Shikamaru cut her off. "Temari doesn't know anyone else in the lodge right now but you know that Sakura and Sasuke are skiing so you won't be lonely."
"Stupid Shikamaru and his logic. I'm only trying to like her for you, you know!" She thought as she looked down to hide her face from the two. When she brought it up it was cheerful again and had a fake smile,
"Okay sure! You guys will join me soon right?" she asked, her smile so big her eyes were closed. "Yep! I really want to try it! I've never been on one before." Temari answered.
"Okay then I'll see you guys there then!" Ino said as she went through the doors of the lodge and onto the white fluff that decorated the slopes of Konoha's mountain range.
She closed the door slowly, watching the two talking and laughing. When it closed she paused, staring at her glove on the doorknob. Sighing, she took another deep breath, turned, and trudged towards the ski lifts, determination on her face.
"Sakura!" Ino called out as she ran to the pink-haired girl and emotionless navy blue blob beside her. "Hey Ino. Where's Shika-kun~?" Sakura teased and giggled.
"INSIDE. WITH TEMARI" Ino said in monotone. Sakura's mouth literally made an 'O' as the kunoichi gasped, "OMG NO WAY WHAT'S SHE DOING HERE!?!!?!"
"He invited her! Can you believe that?" Ino shouted back showing her disbelief. "How could he!?" Sakura replied in shock.
"He said he's 'mature enough' to hang out with his ex as 'just friends'.", Ino said making a peace sign with both hands and bending her fingers to indicate her sarcasm.
"Well, it IS Shikamaru..." Sakura said and trailed off. Ino gave her a look and her response immediately changed, "Still! He didn't even consider you when he made that decision!"
"Exactly! And now he's waiting with her for her brothers instead of skiing with me!" Ino said angrily. "Well, maybe she'll hang out with them!" Sakura said thoughtfully. "She better." Ino spat. Sakura sweat dropped.
"Sakura.", Sasuke said with a hint of annoyance in his tone. She immediately turned to face him. "Sorry Sasuke-kun. I didn't mean to attack you with all this girl talk."
A light bulb went off above her head. "Come on Ino, let's all go ride on the snow elevator ride thing!"
"Ski lift?", Sasuke and Ino said simultaneously. "Yeah that!" Sakura beamed. The two sweat dropped and followed the pink haired girl.
"That was fun! Right Ino?" Sakura asked, her breath a little heavy after skiing down a small slope. "NO. It wasn't. Because Shikamaru and 'Temari' said that they'd join us and after FOUR HOURS, they're still not here!" Ino said, a dark rain cloud above her head.
"Umm, well, why don't we go find out why? Come on Sasuke-kun!"
"Hn."
The three teenagers entered to see Shikamaru, Temari, Gaara, and Kankuro, sitting around the fireplace and laughing. Well, not Gaara. He was playing with his shoe discreetly.
"Shikamaru Nara!", Ino shouted and everyone in the lodge looked at her for a minute before returning back to the work.
"Oh hey Ino," he replied as if nothing was wrong, "Come join in you guys, Kankuro's telling funny stories."
"No! You guys said you were coming down to the ski lift when Kankuro and Gaara arrived!" Ino fumed.
"Oh well, umm..." Shikamaru started.
"Kankuro was doing some research and found out there's this cool night exploration programme here and so we were waiting it out till then. Also, Gaara doesn't like the cold." Temari explained.
Kankuro blew cool air on Gaara and he cringed and clung onto Temari.
"I'm sorry. I completely forgot. But you can come along and we can all hang out." Shikamaru apologized.
"Yeah," Temari agreed, "It's going to start soon. We should head down now."
Everyone at the fire (except Gaara) got up and started walking towards the door. Shikamaru took Ino's hand and walked to the door but she pulled away. He looked back at her.
"No! I don't want to go! I waited for you for four hours and you didn't come! Now I'm freezing and you want me to go back out there? How inconsiderate can you be?" Ino exploded. A few people where listening in on the interesting conversation.
"Ino..." Shikamaru trailed off. He looked at her with sad eyes and she met him back with a frustrated face.
Temari broke the stare off, "Well, if you feel so strongly about not going, you and Gaara can keep each other's company! C'mon guys let's go!" she said and headed for the door.
"Yeah!" Kankuro shouted and put Shikamaru in a headlock and nuggied him to the door. "Hey!" he laughed, trying to free himself.
"Sakura, Sasuke, you guys want to come?" Temari asked. "Sure!" Sakura beamed. "Sakura!" Ino shouted at the poor girl and she jumped slightly. "I can't I'm freezing too." Sakura replied with the same beaming face. Temari quirked an eyebrow, then shrugged, "Suit yourself."
The trio left the lodge and thee place was quiet again. Ino stared at the door in disbelief. "He left...He left with HER!" she thought.
"I can't believe he left with her!" she shouted softly (lol). "Ino..." Sakura said and pointed at Gaara with her chin. Ino looked across and saw (chibi!) Gaara with his arms crossed and glaring at her. An ominous aura surrounding him and some of his sand out on the floor.
"I don't care!" she said. She turned and looked a Gaara again, then turned around and curled in a ball with her back to him and facing Sakura, "Okay fine I do." she pouted.
"But still!"
"Maybe you should just get some sleep. The activity might last long and you look tired already." Sakura said with concern in her voice.
"I can't sleep knowing that, you know." Ino replied taking a side glance at the Kazekage. "Just try. You can relax here in the couch and listen to Christmas carols." Sakura said and patted Ino's head.
Ino sighed, "Okay. I know I'm spoiling your holiday with Sasuke so I'll do it for you." "Wha-? No I never- You don't have to-," Sakura said a bunch of nonsense before she finally calmed down when Ino closed her eyes.
Sakura looked askance at Sasuke, wondering if he saw her. The Uchiha was leaning back slightly in the four-seat couch they were in. (Gaara was in a different chair)
"Um, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, her cheeks turning pink already.
"Hm?" he replied, raising his eyebrows but keeping his eyes closed. (that's an M! Concern is being shown! XD)
"I'm cold." she said looking away at the carpet, as if she was breaking eye contact.
"Hn." he said without emotion. Sakura fell off the couch. She got back up and took a deep breath and nodded to herself, determination once again evident in her eyes.
"Could I, umm..." she started. Sasuke opened one eye and looked at her, waiting for the question she was asking. She blushed when she saw him looking at her and bowed her head as she said a little loudly, "Could you share your sweater with me please!?!"
Her eyes were closed tightly and she was praying he would. He furrowed his brow as he stared at her wondering why she acting so dramatic over such a petty thing. He looked around and saw some people staring at him and he sighed.
A zipper sound was heard and then Sakura felt a hand pull her forward. She opened her eyes in shock and found herself pressed against his chest with his arms around her. The people looked away and Sasuke closed his eyes again.
Sakura looked up at him, then closed her eyes and snuggled closer to him, smiling. Gaara got up left after that scene. (XD)
"Dude that was so wicke-!" Kankuro started to shout but Temari covered his mouth quickly and shushed him. He was about to ask her why when she pointed to Ino and Sakura, sleeping soundly. Sasuke was looking at them boredly.
"ohhhhhhhhhh", Kankuro replied in a hushed voice. "I think Gaara went up already." Temari said softly. "Probably couldn't take all the mushiness! Ha-ha!" Kankuro replied.
"We'll just head up first then. Shikamaru, meet back up tomorrow?" Temari asked. "Yeah, I'll take up Ino." Shikamaru said quietly. "Oooooh~" Kankuro teased. "Whatever." Shikamaru brushed him off and the siblings went upstairs.
Shikamaru knelt down to Ino's level in the couch and brushed some hair out of her face smiling.
"She was waiting for you." Sasuke said, his eyes closed. "Five words. Congrats." Shikamaru said, still smiling. Sasuke opened his eyes and glared, "Hn."
"What about you? Ever since Halloween, you guys seem to kicked it off." Shikamaru said, playing with Ino's fingers.
The Uchiha only shrugged slightly in response. He looked down at Sakura and smirked. "Heh. See you around then Uchiha." Shikamaru said. Sasuke didn't reply.
Shikamaru lifted Ino bridal style and walked to the dormitory area. She unconsciously curled into him as he walked. The guy smiled as he looked at her. He placed her gently on her bed and tucked her in.
He sat down beside her and watched her for a few minutes, then kissed her forehead, "Sweet dreams Ino." before he left.
[next day]
Ino stretched and yawned as she woke up. "What a night! I slept like a baby! Huh? How'd I get here? Where's Shikamaru!?! And Temari." she spat the girl's name.
Ino quickly dressed herself and went downstairs. She entered the breakfast area and found Kankuro, Sasuke and Sakura eating breakfast. She could hear their conversation as she approached them.
"MMMMMM! This is some good food man! And the waitress is smoking!" Kankuro said heartily. Sakura gave him a look. "What? It's true!" he replied in defence. "Hey Ino! Over here!" Sakura called. Ino joined the table, "Where's Shikamaru?" she whispered to Sakura as she sat beside the kunoichi.
"Oh he, Temari and Gaara went for a morning hike. I think they said it was to build up an appetite or something." Sakura answered, cutting her bacon.
"And Gaara? Doesn't that kid hate the cold?" Ino thought to herself.
"Yeah. But what gets me is that Gaara went. That kid hates the cold! Only a guy like Shikamaru could get him to go. That guy brings out the best in us sand siblings. Too bad he's not with Temari anymore." Kankuro said while bringing a forkful of food to his mouth.
Sakura gave him a look again. "What? It's- Oh. Sorry Ino. Didn't mean it like that." Kankuro apologized.
"It's okay Kankuro. I know you were all pretty close." Ino said with a fake smile.
"I was so ready to start calling him brother! Why'd he go for you anyways? I mean, your body is much smaller, despite how much you try to show it off, and you're so naggy all the time."
An evil aura started to encircle Ino.
"Okay!" Sakura said standing up and slamming her hands on the table, "Why don't you go check if they're back yet Kankuro?" she said with a forced smile. "Probably not, but okay." the boy shrugged and went to the window.
Sakura slumped in her chair with a sigh. "Thanks Sakura." Ino said to the pink haired girl. "Kankuro needs to be more aware of other people. He just says things!" Sakura replied.
"I know! Let's go to the hot springs!" Sakura beamed at Ino. "Definitely! That'll definitely relieve some of this stress!" the blonde replied just as enthusiastically. The two girls got up and started to leave but Sakura was pulled back by Sasuke. The two had been holding hands unconsciously at the table and the Uchiha wasn't paying attention to their conversation.
He looked at her wondering why she was getting up all of a sudden. She turned to him, "Sasuke-kun? You want to go to the hot springs too?" Sakura teased him. He instantly let go of her hand and went back to his breakfast.
The girls giggled at his embarrassment as they left the room. Kankuro returned shortly from the window. "They're not- huh? Where'd they go?" Kankuro asked.
"Hn." Sasuke replied, not looking up from his food.
"Hey Uchiha, that Sakura chick's pretty cute where'd you pick- " Kankuro started but froze as he felt Sasuke's glare on him.
"...food's great huh?" Kankuro said and laughed loudly. He smiled nervously at the Uchiha who still glared at him. "Um, I think I'm gonna go skiing." The sand sibling said and literally fled the building.
"This feels great~" Sakura moaned happily. "Just what I needed!" Ino added, leaning back against a large rock.
{2 minutes of silence later}
"It's not my fault my boobs are so small but am I really that bossy?" Ino asked. Sakura sighed as soon as Ino spoke.
"Why couldn't she just let it go? T-T. There goes a relaxing bath time." Sakura thought as she sighed.
"Don't let Kankuro get to you Ino. He's just a clown, like Naruto: still unaware of others, but meaner because he has more common sense." the kunoichi said slowly, affected by the scented candles surrounding them.
Ino laughed, "Okay forehead girl. Shikamaru chose me for the same way I am now so why should I change?"
"Yup. We should get massages next~" Sakura said with a smug look on her face.
"Definitely." Ino laughed.
OKAY GUYS. This was SUPPOSED to be a one-shot, but it's kind of long, so I'm going to make it more than one chapter okay? Hopefully it'll only be two chapters long. But don't worry, it gets worse in the next chapter (will saying that really make you read it?). If it ends in the next chapter there'll be fluff! XD
I know you all love fluff! XD Please review! And don't worry, the rest is currently being typed up now but might not be up till this evening or tomorrow morning cuz I ish playing zOMG! on Gaia :).
-Kiiri