Author's note:

Yes! I'm back again.. I hope it isn't a crap anymore unlike the story before this.. ahahahahhahaha

I don't know a tittle that would fit this so.. let's just bear with the current one shal we?

Also, I am not a Japanese so I don't know if the Japanese words here that I used are right? so correct me okay?

Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Naruto.. obviously.. (sigh) I wish I am...

Chapter 1: Guilt and Secret Wishes

Shikamaru patiently waits for Ino outside the Yamanaka residence. He was wondering what the Hokage could want for calling a huge meeting; even the civilians are called too. He also recalls his phone conversation with Choji.

"Hello." said a voice evidently trying to hide the panting.

"Choji. Konoha Park. 9 am. Hokage's orders." Shikamaru briefly answered knowing his bestfriend would recognize him.

"Awww," Choji childishly answered, "but I'm in front of Ichiraku right now with Kiba and Lee."

Shikamaru silently sighed, "Troublesome. I would just make it up to you after the meeting."

"Uhhmmm… Let me think about it." Shikamaru rolled his eyes, "Sure! But we, I mean you still have one big, very big problem."

"What could that be?" Shikamaru asks himself. As if reading his mind, Choji spoke the dreaded words. Shikamaru's eyes grew big. "Wha-! I forget about her!"

"But I just did that yesterday!" Shikamaru protests

"I know… but Ichiraku is far from her residence. Your hill is near them."

"I'm at home"

"Still near them. Besides we both know you have an effect on her."Shikamaru blushed at the last comment.

"What are you talking about?"

"I know you know what I mean. Come on Shikamaru, we have been teammates for so long and you're the genius of the group. I don't believe you actually don't know that she softens up when you're the one asking her."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Well, Inoichi trusts you more than anyone else."

"That still-"

"Even me and Asuma when it comes to his precious little daughter Ino."

"But-"

"And you made a deal with him that you would protect her at any cost."

"Stupid Shikamaru! Why did I even agree on that deal with her father. Troublesome."

"So Shikamaru, see you later and goodluck!" Choji said then he turned off his phone.

"Hey Choji!" Kiba called, "Come on, the ramen would get cold."

"He doesn't need to know I have been eating here since it opened this morning. He would still treat me later. Yay! It's still 7, we still have time, I would just enjoy having a date with this ramen."

Shikamaru stared at his phone. His word"So Shikamaru, see you later and goodluck!" has been bothering him.

"Tch. Troublesome. What could he mean by that?"

Then he remembered his last encounter with Inoichi Yamanaka. He then gulped and dialled Ino's number.

Lucky for him, unlike his last visit, the Yamanaka dwelling seems calm and peaceful. Inoichi didn't interrogate him since the first was in hurry to inform everyone about the meeting and Ino is in a good mood. But just to be safe, he stayed outside the Yamanaka abode even though Inoichi was pestering him to come in.

So now Shikamaru is patiently waiting for Ino outside their house, sighing every few minutes.

"We're going to be late. Troublesome. If I have known then I should have not come early and just sleep. Sigh."

"What are you thinking Shika?" the man in question was practically startled by Ino's sudden appearance. He hadn't noticed her at his side.

"Nothing. H-how long have you been there?" "Stupid! Why am I stuttering?

"You're an obvious liar, you know? So spill, spill, spill!" she said while she pinned him to the tree behind him and searchingly looked at him.

"Cut it out." He said, still struggling to get out of her grasped. "We would be late. If you still want to gaze and admire your dear Sasuke, let's start moving or else he would be crowded and you won't stand a chance against his fangirls."

Ino's eyes saddened, which did not go unnoticed to Shikamaru. She turned around just in time before he could see a tear crawl down her face.

Shikamaru bows while he castigated himself in his mind, "Why did I mention that? Now she's sad. Troublesome. I am bad with handling girls, let alone a crying Ino. I'm sure Inoichi would kill me if he hears this. Stupid Shikamaru! Troublesome woman!"

"I don't like Sasuke anymore" She declared. With that Shikamaru's head shot up and gazed at her back with wide eyes. He remembers her gloomy eyes.

"Stop lying."

"I'm not lying."

"Then why are you down?"

"I'm just guilty and depressed that my friendship with Sakura was torn because of a guy."

"But you're friends with her again, right?"

"That's true. But it doesn't change the fact I have been an idiot for letting go of my friend. So, you would be my witness that I, Ino Yamanaka swear to Kami that I would never fight any of my friends just because of a guy."

Shikamaru was speechless. Ino turned around and smiled at him, the sweetest smile that he had to stop himself from gaping and drooling.

"Maybe, Just maybe…"Shikamaru silently prayed.

"And besides," She continued, "I like someone else." Then she wheeled around and started walking away from him leaving him broken.

"Stupid Shikamaru!" He chastised himself for believing something impossible. "I'm a sensible person. Why the hell did I even hope that?"

Ino, not noticing his presence, turned around to see her friend still stuck in his place. She run towards him.

"Shikamaru, are you alright?"she called, "Is something wrong?"Shikamaru shook his head, "Come on then, let's go." She then grabbed his arms and started walking towards Konoha Park, not detecting the eyes gazing intently at them.

Author's note (again)- So do you like it? or do you hate it? Let me know what is on your mind.. :)

Thank you for reading.. kindly review.. :)