Disclaimer: I don't own

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It's Been. . .

Chapter 1

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The white and black of the calendar was nothing but ordinary it didn't hold any special meaning to anyone. Well almost anyone. A circle around one of the dates had been erased and the pencil mark was barely visible. Dark eyes were now staring at that ghostly line. The line blurred as tears began to gather in the sorrowful eyes. As footsteps neared the tears were quickly wiped away and the eyes were hidden behind a large book.

'Hey,' a soft voice offered. The book lowered slightly and a smile was forced onto a pale face. 'Hello.' A strange expression crossed the interloper but faded as more feet entered the room. 'Shikamaru!' Ino's brash voice called as she entered room. 'Oh hi, Hinata.' She commented as she slipped down into a chair next to Shikamaru. 'What's up?' Shikamaru shrugged raising the book back to cover his face. Seeing Hinata was too strange for him. He hadn't seen her in at least… a year; he cringed as he thought about the last time he saw her.

His mind drifted toward a dark place and his grip tightened on the book tighter trying to hold off the inevitable. Past images flashed before him and just when it was becoming too much he was tapped on the shoulder. He looked toward Ino and she smiled sadly. Lately she could read him too easily. It scared him and yet at times like these it comforted him that someone knew what was happening without him actually having to tell anyone. He looked toward the rest of the room and realized that during his daze Hinata had left.

'She came to see if you wanted to come to the compound for a get together.' Ino's voice was quiet, a quality that it had recently gotten. He stared into the empty space before him and shrugged. 'I have to face this eventually.' She smiled in agreement. 'Every one from our academy class is going to be there and I think I heard something about TEEEEMMMAAARRRIIII coming.' She taunted, giggling slightly.

Just after the Chunin exams he had wandered down to his secret spot but someone was already there. He stared at the blonde hair laid out perfectly, a beautiful contrast to the dark green of the shaded grass. 'Ahem' he mumbled and brown eyes descended sharply on him. He shivered inwardly, remembering the fierce gaze she had given him the entire time during their battle. 'What?' Temari said rather gruffly. He shrugged and turned to leave. No reason aggravating her. She would leave in a day and it would just be troublesome. 'Hey, Thanks' He turned and the unexpected comment. When he turned she was standing right in front of him. He looked up at her blond hair dangling in flared tendrels next to her gentle face. Her mood had changed completely. Soft lips met his and he stared into the pools of brown as they rippled in his mind. 'SHIKAMARU!' He turned suddenly to see the annoying blonde staring in shock. Her mouth open in complete horror. She turned her face turning red as she started to laugh. He looked at Temari who was putting her blonde locks back into their rightful place. She kissed him again on the cheek and whispered, 'Hope I see you again.'

He grumbled as he put the book down. Ino stopped laughing and her smile flickered when she saw the leftovers of his tears. She touched his face gently and stood. 'Pick you up at your house around 5. Wear your best.' He nodded as she left. He continued reading until he had completely forgotten the date erased from his schedule and the day at his knoll. He looked up and the clock on the wall screamed at him. It was already 4:30 and he knew he wouldn't be ready by the time Ino got to his house. He ran quickly out the door and down the hall. His mind racing with his legs. He got to his home in no time and was showered and dressed just as Ino knocked on his bedroom door. 'Shika, you ready?' She opened the door and he turned frowning. She laughed and pulled him out the door and quickly raced out of the house before he could even tell her to stop. They were standing at the gateway to the Hyuuga compound when she finally let go. There was laughter and delicious smells coming from the other side of the wall. Ino looked to Shikamaru for confirmation that he was sure he wanted to go in. He pushed the gate open and waved her in. His bravery was all for show for inside he was terrified.

Hinata was the first to greet them. She smiled happily and pointed out where the food and games were. Ino had said nothing about the carnival style that had overtaken the very solemn place. As Ino started to see more and more of her friends, well everyone was pretty much her friend since she was friendly with everybody, he started to feel more and more left out. A blond head approached him and he gratefully greeted the hyper nin. 'Hey Shikamaru!' Naruto shouted even though he was only a foot away from the lazy boy. 'This is so much fun, who knew the Hinata could throw such an awesome party.'

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Just the beginning I started this over a year ago and I can't really remember where I was going with it. If you like review and I'll continue it.

-MJ