Author's Note: I do not own Naruto.


"Out of my way, fools!" Temari makes yet another visit to Konoha. She blows up when she hears that Shikamaru is not around.

"What the heck, Godaime?! Where is he?"

Godaime replies politely with, "On a mission, he'll be back tomorrow." Temari mumbles in grouchy approval and then storms off. Tsunade is not very pleased with how she handled herself infront of her.

"That desert witch needs to learn some manners."

Shizune feels like this is an opportune time to chime in.

"Tsunade-sama, remember that Temari-san is in love with Shikamaru, so we can't afford to be rude to her like she is with us, lest we want to hear it from Shikamaru."

"Shizune, there is no indication that Shikamaru is returning the love back. Trust me, I know these things because I'm a young wom—"

"Old woman?"

"SHIZUNE!"

"Regardless Tsunade-sama, it is none of our business. We shouldn't place our focus on such trivial matters such as this, but on protecting Konoha and paying off your debts…"

"shiZUUUUUNNNEEEE!!"

"AAIIIEEEEEE!"


Temari is walking around Konoha during the late afternoon, wishing that Shikamaru was with her right now. It was late in the day and she did not want to make the long trek back to her village. She would stay at Sakura's house for the night and head back home at dawn.

Meanwhile at the Yamanka flower shop, Ino was closing up for the day. She was midly disappointed that she did not get to go on the mission with Shikamaru. Things at the shop were getting to busy to take time off for a mission, though it would have been nice to go on a mission again with her boys. Her BFF TenTen swung by just before she shut the door.

"Ino, I know you are about to close, but can you get a dozen roses for me? Lee got hurt again overdoing his training. Boys, I tell ya. They never listen to us."

" No problem, here you go."

"Hey thanks. So… how are things with the …you know… the boys?"

"In what way?"

"Don't play with me; you know what I'm talking about… Shikamaru & Kiba! That's who! What's going on with them, who are you with?"

Ino blushed for an instant, then quickly composed herself.

"Kiba parties too much. Now I'm pretty social, mind you, but I can't keep up with him because he is too wild for me. As for Shikamaru, well…"

"You like him more?"

"Well…"

TenTen was bewildered.

"You either like him or you don't, which one is it?"

"TenTen, I like him, but my mind tells me that he is not long-term material. I don't why it thinks that way. Shikamaru is such a sweetheart."

"Ino, you're still young. Keep your options open when it comes to men. It's okay."

"Yeah."

TenTen says bye, poofs away, and Ino is left there wondering just what lurks inside of her mind. When her thoughts turn to Shikamaru, she is interrupted momentarily when Anko comes in.

"Ino, can I get some flowers…"

"get the hell out of here. Can't you see we're closed?"

"But I wanted to get a rose for my beau Tenzou…"

"OUT!!"

Anko shrugs and then leaves. Ino is fuming. Her stomach then starts rumbling.

"I'm hungry. I need some Shika… err sushi. Yes. Sushi sounds good right now."