This will be a short, multi-chapter fic revolving around ShikaIno with some SasuSaku mixed in! Please leave a review telling me what you think! Hope you enjoy! :)
A blonde woman stepped off the plane that had landed only a few minutes prior with a smile on her face. She made her way through the airport, patiently going through customs and retrieving her baggage, before stepping outside. She inhaled the air and smiled. The sun was setting and the sky line was beautiful, it was simply movie-esque. She looked around the semi-familiar scenery, after all, it had been a while since she had been in her hometown, and only once before had she gone to this airport which was before she had left. Seven years. It had been seven long years since she had last been home. It was undeniable that she had missed this place, no matter how well her new home had treated her, but now she was back and she was here to stay.
"Yamanaka Ino, it has been a while since I've last seen you, my have you grown!" A voice spoke behind Ino, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"It's been two months, forehead. I haven't changed a bit since you came to visit me in Suna." Ino replied as she turned around to see her best friend of many years. A large grin was apparent on Sakura's pale, rosy-cheeked face. The blonde took in her appearance; Sakura's hair was silky, bubble gum pink and rested on her shoulders. She wore a sleeveless red top, black biker shorts and a pink skirt with four slits, making it easier to move around in.
"You're a walking fashion disaster, Billboard brow. I can't believe they allow you to roam the streets looking like this, I think my eyes are burning." Ino chuckled and shook her head while Sakura's grin only widened at the insult.
"It works on me, okay? And you're one to talk; I didn't know they let pigs on airplanes. I guess I owe Naruto that date he's been asking me on since we were twelve, since pigs can apparently fly now." Sakura retorted, in turn causing Ino to grin and giggle at their comments, which to other people would make it seem like they weren't very fond of each other, but in their case, it was how they showed their affection. A low growl broke the girls out of their reminiscent trance, and a protective arm was snaked around Sakura's waist, pulling her closer to the body that appeared next to her.
"The only way you'll be going out with that dobe is when I'm cold and dead, Sa-ku-ra, and even then, I'll be haunting him." The man snarled. Ino recognized him as Sakura's long-time boyfriend, Uchiha Sasuke, the object of every girl's affections back at their days in highschool. He had been the cold, mysterious, untouchable figure that had won every single girl's infatuation at one point or another due to his handsome features, athletic body, incredible wit and his indifferent attitude. In the end though, her best friend had penetrated his cold heart and engraved her name there.
"Who knew that the Uchiha Sasuke actually cared enough about someone other than himself to become jealous?" Ino remarked with a chuckle, receiving a giggle from Sakura and a smirk from Sasuke.
"You might want to watch what you say about your boss, Yamanaka." Sasuke smirked. "And what do I have to be jealous over? The dobe is no threat to me."
"I don't know Sasuke, time has been kind to him. He has matured, sort of, he's grown handsome and he's successful. I might just leave you for him." A teasing reply came from Sakura, only to receive a threatening snarl as Sasuke pulled her closer to himself. Sakura let out a giggle and placed a hand on his chest.
"It's so much fun to rile you up. As if I'd ever leave you, Sasuke-kun, and for Naruto of all people. He's like a brother to me."
Ino watched the interaction with a smile. Sakura's smile had softened and her eyes had sparkled when she spoke to Sasuke, while Sasuke seemed at ease when Sakura was around, compared to how tense she knew he used to be in highschool and instead of only condescendingly smirking, he actually smiled.
"Yeah, yeah. As nice as it is to see you happy, Forehead, I really do not feel like throwing up right now, Kami knows that the airplane food would probably taste even more disgusting coming back up. I thought you were supposed to pick me up from the airport and then go out for dinner to catch up, as if we need it, not stand here and relay our autobiographies." Sakura snorted at her best friend's remark and made a move to pick up one of her many suitcases, only to be stopped by Sasuke, who took it from her hand as well as another and left to place them in the car. The pink-haired woman shook her head with a smile while letting out something that sounded like 'chauvinistic male' before turning to Ino, looping her arm through the other woman's and pulling her along in the direction of the car.
"You really are a pig, Ino. Anyway, excited for your first day of work on Monday?" Sakura asked.
"I know," Ino beamed. "I'm kind of nervous more so than excited, but I'll get over that. Thank you again for getting me the job." She replied quietly.
"It's the least I could do Ino-pig." Sakura stated. "Besides, I wanted you back home, and I knew you couldn't stay in Suna anymore because of what happened with Sai and –"
"It's been a year, I'm over it. I don't care anymore." Ino defiantly replied with her nose in the air.
"I wish you could have come back right after that happened, so I could have supported you more." The pink-haired woman whispered. Ino knew Sakura felt guilty because she couldn't physically be there for her more than a weekend every few months. It didn't matter though, she had made it through and besides, Sakura had been constantly contacting her through technological means; they had skyped every night, texted non-stop in between classes and Sakura would call her every morning to wake her up so she wasn't late for university.
"Who transfers during their last year just because of a breakup? It's stupid. Besides, to have moved back here last year would mean that you would constantly be bothering me and I wouldn't have any time to actually do work. At least I work for your boyfriend now, and if I ever not finish my work, he'll know that it's because of your annoying ass." The blonde snorted as they reached the car. She noticed Sasuke waiting in the car, but waited for Sakura before she would enter.
"Hey, you should be grateful to me for even mentioning you for this position. Even though you have the qualifications, you lack experience so you would not be able to get such a great job as this without the greatness of Haruno Sakura." Sakura replied with a smile. "And it's fiancé now." Ino's eyes widened at the mention of the status. She couldn't believe it, the girl who used to be extremely socially awkward, who cried because of her slightly larger than average forehead, her little Sakura who had grown into a strong, independent, respected, beautiful woman and accomplished doctor was engaged.
"Sasuke actually had the guts to pop the question?! Well I guess it's almost official, soon he'll be tied to you forever." Ino remarked. She opened the front door of the car and popped her face in. "Hey, Sasuke! Get out of this while you can. This one will drive you crazy. And what happens when you two have children and she gives birth to a pink-haired boy?! A pink Uchiha! Ha!" Ino laughed before turning back to Sakura.
"Congratulations, Forehead."
"Thanks, Pig." Sakura replied as Ino pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm glad you're home, Ino." Sakura whispered into the embrace.
"I am too, Sakura." Ino replied back before they released the hug and got into the car. Both of them sit in the backseat to talk, leaving Sasuke alone in the front. During the drive, the pair got caught up in their current personal affairs. Ino questioned Sakura on how her career was going. After seven years in post-secondary school studying to become a doctor as well as interning at her aunt's hospital under her supervision, Sakura was hired by said aunt, Senju Tsunade, renowned as Japan's best doctor. Tsunade had been teaching her all about the art of healing and medicine since she showed up at her aunt's doorstep in the middle of the night demanding to become her apprentice at the age of twelve, so by the time she reached university, she was already more skilled and knowledgeable than the rest of the aspiring doctors and nurses.
Ino, on the other hand, had just finished grad school in Suna with a degree in Marketing. Luckily enough, her best friend just happened to be the girlfriend – er, fiancée of the owner of one of the most advanced car companies in the world, Uchiha Corp, and said friend had landed her a position which she was undoubtedly qualified for.
The rest of the drive was similar, the pair catching up, reminiscing on old times with the occasional comment from Sasuke.
Ino confidently walked into the large building at 7 am, albeit a bit groggy due to jet-lag and one too many glasses of wine at dinner with Sakura and Sasuke. Immediately she followed Sasuke's orders that she received the previous night to show the secretary her I.D, and then take the elevator to the top floor where the Uchiha head office was. She entered Sasuke's office after knocking on the door and receiving a standard 'come in'.
"Good morning, boss." Ino greeted with a small smile. In turn, Sasuke grunted and yawned before sipping some black coffee.
"Hn. Right on time, Ino. I've requested one of my best employees to help get you started here. Your first assignment will be to come up with a new marketing strategy for the latest Uchiha car. If he would only get off his lazy ass and be on time for once." Sasuke relayed the information to the blonde, adding a distasteful hiss at the mention of his tardy employee.
"I understand that he's one of your best employees, but why keep him around if he's always late, as you say?" Ino questioned.
"How troublesome. You just start and you're already trying to get me fired. And I thought we were friends, Ino." A voice came into the room as the figure closed the door. "And to answer your question, it's because I am apparently a genius. Honestly, I just think I'm average and everyone else is extremely stupid." Ino gaped at the familiar man. She took in his sleek black hair pulled into a tight, spiky ponytail at the top of his head, the bored expression in his eyes and his small smirk.
"S-Shikamaru?! Nara Shikamaru?! " Ino exclaimed in shock as she hopped up and ran at him, engulfing him in a hug. "I haven't seen you in forever! How have you been? You work at Uchiha Corp?" She fired multiple questions at the man. His smirk grew a bit wider as he shook his head.
"You have time for catching up later, such as during your lunch breaks." Sasuke tried to intervene but was cut off by Ino.
"What's your position? Are you in marketing too? Probably, considering you're so good at persuading people. Remember that one time that you convinced Choji to trade you his snack cake for a mud pie that you made back in fourth grade? Man, I still can't believe a ten year old fell for that, he had a stomach ache for three days! I wonder how he is, I miss him. Have you seen him lately? Oh! And how are Shikaku and Yoshino? Are you still giving poor Yoshino a hard time? Kami knows if you were my son I'd have sent you away to military school long ago. You really are –" Ino ranted but was interrupted as well as forced to unwrap her arms from Shikamaru as he pushed her gently away from him.
"Jeeze, Ino, first day I see you and you not only try to get me fired, but you also talk my ear off? What horrible thing have I done to you?" Shikamaru teased. Ino giggled before something clicked in her mind. Her smile was wiped away and instead a malicious glare took its place. A second later and a loud cry rang out.
"AND THAT'S FOR NOT KEEPING IN TOUCH ALL THESE YEARS YOU BASTARD! WE WERE FAMILY FRIENDS SINCE WE WERE BORN AND YOU CAN'T EVEN SEND A TEXT MESSAGE OR WRITE AN EMAIL EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE?! I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM YOU SINCE HIGHSCHOOL. HIGHSCHOOL!" Boomed Ino's voice and Sasuke was sure that the whole building could hear this…pleasant reunion. He turned his gaze to the man who was doubled over, wincing in pain and holding his stomach which had just received an assault from the blonde that would have made both Sakura and Tsunade proud. There was a moment of silence, save for the groans coming from Shikamaru on the floor, and Sasuke took this as his opportunity to complete his intended instructions and get them both out of his office before he got a headache.
"As I was previously saying, I want you to come up with a marketing strategy for the new Uchiha automobile, and Shikamaru here will be your partner in this assignment. Here are all the details regarding the car and its features, it will be the foundation for your project, I expect you to gather data regarding target consumers and come up with something to make it sell. Understood?" Sasuke commanded in a deep voice as he stared at the two with squinted eyes. Both of the employees nodded.
"Good. Now get out of my office before I call my fiancée and sic her on you two for giving me a headache, Lord knows when I'm in a bad mood, she's ten times worse." The Uchiha threatened and smirked as the other two squirmed, knowing fully well that they were both acquainted with Sakura's bad side.
"See ya, Uchiha!" Yelled Ino as she grabbed Shikamaru and ran out of the door, towards the elevator. They both composed themselves inside and Shikamaru pressed a button to make the elevator move.
"Anyway… I'll be your 'tour guide' today, show you around and get you familiar with the place and then we'll begin our work. Sound good?" Shikamaru mumbled as he rested his back against the wall of the elevator.
"Hey Shikamaru?" Ino called quietly. Shikamaru turned to her, expecting her to start complaining about being stuck with him, or about the work they have yet to begin.
"You know," Ino began, a small blush adorning her cheeks. "You clean up rather nicely. In our school days you always looked like a slob, but now," She looked him up and down. "In a suit you look pretty good, even if you are a lazy idiot; at least you're a good-looking lazy idiot, huh?" She finished with a teasing tone and a small smile on her face which grew as Shikamaru's face flushed.
"Troublesome." He whispered, his face hot from both embarrassment and flattery. "Let's go, this is our first stop." He began walking out of the elevator with Ino following closely. The woman smiled to herself, proud of her accomplishment at making Shikamaru blush. From that moment, she decided in order to have a little more fun in this business, that she would take every opportunity to embarrass Shikamaru, just to see that blush. 'He looks kind of cute' She thought as she followed him.
After the encounter at Sasuke's office, the remainder of the first day went off smoothly, considering they didn't really do anything but walk around the extremely large building. Shikamaru would show Ino around, taking the time to go through each and every floor just to get out of starting work that day, they had lunch together in the cafeteria and made small talk, Ino took every possible chance at making him blush available, which led to some awkward interactions with their co-workers, and then before they left work, Shikamaru invited Ino and her father over for dinner at the Nara's for an Ino-Shika-Cho family night. It was something that they haven't had for many years, and Ino was excited to see the faces of her other old friend and their parents again. She raced home and began to prepare herself for the gathering.
Which left her where she was now, walking side-by-side with her father, heading in the familiar direction of the Nara household. Inoichi was going on about something Ino didn't care to focus on, instead her mind drifted to somewhere else.
'Shika sure has changed since I last saw him.' She mused in her head. 'He's gotten taller, more mature.' She thought, and a light blush adorned her cheeks as her next thought popped into her head. 'He has sure gotten handsome. I don't remember him being attractive at all back in highschool. Then again, back then I only did have eyes for Sai.' She quickly threw away her thoughts on her ex-boyfriend and focused back on the path. She then noticed the large house come into view and smiled as she nudged her father and picked up speed.
She was prepared to patiently wait for someone to open the door after she knocked, but was surprised when her father just pushed his way into the home and dragged her along.
"Shikaku! We're here!" Inoichi yelled as he took off his shoes and walked into the living room where the three Nara's and three Akimichi's sat. The blonde man received an open welcome from his friends, but their attention quickly turned to the younger Yamanaka.
"Well look who we have here! Ino! It's been quite some time, huh?" Choji greeted with a grin as he got up and went to embrace his old friend.
"Looking good, Choji! I've missed your bright smile." Ino remarked, her face also adorned with a grin.
"My, Ino, you've grown into a beautiful young woman." Yoshino commented and soon, Ino was engulfed into hug after hug. After getting reacquainted with one another, the group went to the dining room to begin dinner. Ino took a seat between Shikamaru and Choji. The room immediately fell into a cycle of conversation and Ino paid close attention to the details mentioned, as most of them had to do with Shikamaru or Choji's personal lives and what they have accomplished lately. She smirked as she remembered her little joke that she had been playing all day to make Shikamaru blush, and decided now, in front of two generations of Ino-Shika-Cho would be a better time than ever. Her ears spiked up at the mention of Choji being married.
"Huh? Choji, why didn't you tell me! I would've come back for the wedding you know!" Ino pouted at the thought that she wasn't invited to her friend's wedding.
"We didn't want to make it a big deal, Ino. We didn't even have a wedding, we just signed the papers!" Choji replied. Apparently, two years ago, Choji had proposed to his girlfriend of two years, Ayame. He had met her when she was working as a waitress at her father's restaurant, Ichiraku, which was most famous for its ramen.
"Still… Well, you'll have to take me to meet her someday soon!" She stated with a grin and received a smile and an 'okay!' from the man beside her. A thought clicked in her head and she decided to seize the opportunity concerning her little game.
"Hey, Shika, whatever happened to us getting married,hmm? Didn't we plan it years ago?" Ino questioned, acting innocent, but inside she was deviously chuckling. 'I need to talk to someone other Sakura. This "inner-self" is really creepy.' She thought, before turning her attention back to a flustered Shikamaru and tried her best not to grin like the rest of the adults did.
"Ino," He dragged out in embarrassment. "We were six when we said that we'd get married." Ino took this moment to let out a laugh.
"Oh, silly me, how could I forget?" She giggled.
"I always thought you two would make a cute couple." Yoshino chimed in with a smile, causing both Ino and Shikamaru to blush as they stared at the woman. An embarrassed 'Moooomm' came from Shikamaru.
"What? At least that way I know I'd have beautiful grandbabies. And I'd win the bet." She replied to the embarrassed moan from her son, which in turn, received shocked yells from the two.
"You bet on who I'd marry?!" Shikamaru yelled.
"Actually, we bet on which one of you my Ino would end up with." Inoichi jumped in, referring to him and Choji.
"I cannot believe this." Ino muttered darkly as she turned to glare at her father. "And who did you bet on?"
"Heh, I voted that you'd end up with Choji, heh…" Inoichi replied nervously, noticing her daughter's intense stare. He gulped and began to chuckle, before turning his attention back on his plate.
"This is why I didn't place a bet." Shikaku stated in between his food.
"At least one of the older adults acts their age." Ino mumbled with a pout on her face. The discussion quickly turned around, much to Shikamaru and Ino's relief. The latter turned to look at the spiky-haired man beside her and let out a small smile as she referred to the memory of them as six year olds making the promise to get married.
"Shika! Get over here!" A six year old blonde girl called, as she stood beside a small, awkward pink-haired girl. The boy sighed and knew it was no use arguing, it'd only be more trouble for him if he did, and walked over to the two with his best friend Choji in tow.
"What is it, Ino?" He mumbled as he stuffed his small hands into his shorts pockets. A paper with scribbles was thrust into his face as he started at Ino in confusion. "What is this?"
"Sign it. This means that we're going to get married, 'kay?" She grinned at the boy, holding out a crayon as well. Another sigh was let out as he grabbed the crayon and the paper.
"It could always be worse, I could end up with someone more troublesome than you." He murmured as he scribbled his name down on the paper next to Ino's and handed it back to her.
"See? You're already shaping up to be a nice husband! Husbands are always supposed to do whatever their wives tell them to do!" Ino remarked with a grin wider than before, as Shikamaru just shook his head while mumbling 'troublesome.'
Ino's heart warmed at the memory of being a carefree child, the times when boys either had cooties or were your friends only because your parents knew each other, and they definitely did not break your heart like her ex-boyfriend had broken hers.
Pushing her thoughts about Sai away once again for that evening, her thoughts went back on her plan to make Shikamaru blush at every given opportunity. So far, it proved to be a source of harmless entertainment. She wondered if he would catch on. As if he had felt her gaze on him, he turned to look at her with a puzzled expression to which she smiled. 'This is going to be a fun partnership.' She thought, before turning back to the dinner table conversation.
