Name: The last kiss

Date: 7/21/12

Authors note: trying to get some creative juices flowing. I also have some romance nagging at my brain and I need to release it before it drives me with insanity. This is a one shot story, just to get my creativity going. This shall go in my private archives so no one can see this awful document.

Summary: shikamaru is off to one of his most dangerous missions and ino has something to say…

Shikamaru let out a sigh as he secured his utility belt. He really didn't want to go on this mission, especially not with Naruto. Why couldn't he just stay home and relax in front of the tv? But his pleas to reject the assignment were futile. Ever since Asuma died, the village made him into some sort of idol to call upon when help was needed. It was a drag, but he did it for Asuma. He grabbed his bag and headed for the door. The familiar whining of the front door opening made him sigh once more. He knew that this might be the last time he would hear the noise. Smell the scent of smoke in his house. But with a hot head jinjuriki like Naruto, he was sure he would make it home. As he locked the door he heard footsteps coming closer. He looked over his shoulder and saw ino standing behind him. "Ino?" her hand reached to push a strand of hair away from her face, revealing her azure eyes to him. "H-hey shika. I know you're about to go on your mission but I just thought id stop by to say hi." A perplexed expression grew on his face. What possessed her to, "stop by?", they always argued since they were little. They never knew why, but friction was always between the two, and the arguments didn't help any. "Well.. thanks, I guess." She gave a nervous chuckle and smile. "I should be going now." He said rubbing his head making no eye contact. He started for the village gate to meet with Naruto. As he moved farther away from her she called for him. "Wait!" he turned to face her once more. "look. I didn't just come here to say hi. I have to tell you something." He was puzzled now. Couldn't whatever it was wait? He was already late enough as it is. "I know we've had our differences over the years, but I never really meant all the things I've said to you." "I know you didn't, neither did I, but friends always fight, right?" Yes shika, but I don't want to be your friend anymore. I want to be more than that.." what the hell was she talking about, more than friends? "What? Best friends? She jerked her head from the ground to face him. Tears streamed down her face and her face scarlet. "No. Don't you get it, i've been In love with you since we were 8! All those years I called you those names was just because I was so angy at myself for not expressing my feelings so I took it out on you." He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was it true? Did she really love him like she claims? And more importantly, how did he feel? She was beautiful, smart, and funny. And no other girl caught his attention like her, and he couldn't imagine being with anyone else. " Forget it shikamaru, you don't feel the same. I just couldn't let you leave without knowing tha-" he stopped her in mid sentence with a kiss. He stroked her blond strands of hair with a soft touch. It was perfect. Illusory even. He pulled away. " I have to go. Ill be back, I promise." He walked away to the leaf gate leaving without another word. She knew it wasn't guaranteed that he would return, but she held on to the hope." The hope that this wouldn't be their last kiss.