Disclaimer: I do not own any Naruto material. Sorry if this is to short for you guys. Get over it. You'll live.

The battle was over. And the casualties were numerous. But as always the village pulled through. Now both sides were collecting the dead to be buried and the wounded to be cared for. Ino was one of the searchers who had to perform this task. So far evryone was accounted for, except one person. As she searched the woods it began to rain but within a few short minutes it was pouring. She began to run.

" Shikamaru! "

Soon her vision started to become blury as the rain fell heavier. She began tripping and soon enough she tripped over what she thought was a log, until it moaned. Realization dawned on her as she saw it was Shikamaru.

" Shikamaru! Shikamaru! Look at me! " she cried as she tried to wake him.

" Shut...up..." was all he could say before blacking out again.

Ino knew she wouldnt be able to get him back home with this storm so she wrapped her arms around him and hurried to find shelter. She found a small cave that would be the perfect place. Proping Shikamaru against a rock she worked to get a fire going and keeping him awake. Finally after 30 minutes of slaving she had a roaring fire. Turning back to her companion she began looking at his wounds only to find a terrible gash in his middriff. She cleaned and dressed the wound with what little she had. Soon Shikamaru began to shiver and Ino felt useless for all she could do was sit there and hold him.

" Hey I-Ino " he said sleepily, " whattcha cryin' for? "

" I was afaird I wouldnt find you. " she said as she countinued to cry. Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

" I'm right here. Feel like I got hit with a truck but alive at least. "

He inhaled sharply as a wave of pain came over him. " What a drag. "

" A drag huh? "

" Yeah. you wanna know a secret? "

He motioned for her to come closer. As she did he pulled her down and kissed her. She stared at him with wide eyes as he smiled at her.

" What? You took to long. " he smiled at her. " Love ya blondie. "

" I love you too. "

" Whats not to love? So troublesome."

So there it is. For those who are complaing, this is a SHORT STORY. It was meant to be this way. This is for my friend KaiDei103.