If this isn't that good, forgive me. I did this while listening to music and plus, I'm not so good with oneshots. Anyway, hope you like it. If you don't, don't be too brutal.

I Thought I Was Heartbroken

Shikamaru went to his favorite cloud-watching spot, looking for a relaxing day and he was very comfortable until he heard the sobbing. He looked around and saw Ino, her knees to her chest and her head between her knees. He walked towards her. Though he thought it was troublesome, he decided to help her. He never saw her cry and he didn't like seeing Ino like this.

"Ino," he called gently as he sat down beside her. She jumped slightly and tried in vain to wipe the tears from her eyes.

"What do you want?" she asked lamely, giving up on drying her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Shikamaru asked, pulling her towards him into a small hug. She started sobbing more into his shoulder.

"I-I saw S-Sasuke-kun and forehead g-girl...together...kissing," Ino finished sadly.

"Oh," Shikamaru said, not really knowing what to say.

"Oh? That's all you have to say! Why can't you be more comforting. I just basically got my heart broken!" Ino screamed.

"No," Shikamaru said. She looked at him. "You didn't get your heart broken."

"W-"

"You didn't really love Sasuke. He's not right for you," Shikamaru saying, once again lying down, knowing she wasn't leaving any time soon.

"Who are you to say that I didn't love Sasuke-kun?" Ino said, exploding in his face.

"Why'd you say 'didn't' as if you don't anymore?" Shikamaru asked. And before she could reply, "He's not meant for you, Ino. You deserve somebody better. So much better. You need someone who understands you and who's your friend. Who actually knows how to comfort you. Sasuke was never a friend to you. You know you need someone who actually listens to you and who knows you and who doesn't have expectations for you. Sasuke might love Sakura but she'll always feel like she has to live up to a certain standard. You should be with someone who doesn't care about how strong you are, just so long as you're you."

And Ino just sat there, looking at him. He sat up and turned to face her.

"Ino, were you listening? ...Fine, I'm sorry I said that, Ino. I didn't mean to insult Sasuke-kun," His tone was bitter at the end.

"Shikamaru...thank you. I guess I really didn't love Sasuke. I guess it was just-"

"To make Sakura upset since you liked him in the beginning but knew that you had lost the overall battle. You felt jealous so you basically just decided to pretend you liked Sasuke so you would n't have to face the reality of defeat," Shikamaru continued. "Troublesome, stubborn girl."

"Yeah...I was just in denial, crying for nothing," Ino said. "I thought I was heartbroken."

"Yes, I know what it really feels like to be heartbroken," Shikamaru said. She looked at him disbelieving.

"I think you're lying."

"Why would I?" he snapped. Then in a gentler tone, "I do know what it's like. It wasn't just a little meaningless crush like yours. I loved her, but she never saw it. She was just too blinded by the other boy. And I saw that she liked somone else so I didn't tell her because...I was too afraid of rejection."

"I'm sorry, Shikamaru," she said sincerely.

He looked over at her and shook his head. Even when he described the situation, she still didn't get it. And it was too troublesome to tell her. She might still reject him. But...what if she didn't? He should tell her. There was nothing to lose...but there was a lot to gain. Humiliation, heartbreak, and the list goes on. No, he decided. Plus, why would she love him? A lazy ninja who's always calling everything troublesome, never doing anything except sleeping or watching clouds.

As Shikamaru was deep in his thoughts, Ino was wrapped up in her own.

He knows me so well, Ino glanced over at Shikamaru. How does he understand me like that? He would make a great boyfriend...and he's not bad looking either. He's actually cute. If anything, he should be the boy I loved... Wait! Why did I just think that!? Could I have... loved him? Could it have been him all along but I just didn't notice because I was too blinded with Sasuke and making Sakura jealous? But...now it's too late. Even if I did realize I love him and even if I tell him...he'll still love someone...else. Probably that Temari girl. Why'd she have to come to Konoha? But...I can't really blame it on her since I had Shikamaru long before they came. I could've had my chance then but no! I had to be stupid and blinded and distracted.

Another few tears ran down Ino's cheek, but she didn't bother to wipe them. She just stared down at the ground, looking at a blade of grass she was tugging at. Meanwhile, Shikamaru was staring at the sun that was starting to set in front of them. He looked over at Ino and stared in shock as he watched her cry silently, staring at the ground.

Ino's eyes widened as she felt Shikamaru's arms encircle her waist and bring her closer to him. She looked over at him and saw him smile softly.

"Why are you sad now? Don't cry. I don't like seeing you like this," he said quietly.

She blushed and nodded as she wiped the tears from her eyes. Then without really thinking, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. When she felt him respond and his arms tighten around her waist, she wrapped her own around his neck, deepening the kiss. They broke apart, staring into each other's eyes. She was the first to speak.

"Shikamaru, I just now realized that...I'm in love with you," Ino said softly. Shikamaru smiled and kissed her again.

"I'm in love with you too," he said.

"But what about the other girl?" she asked, still not getting what he said earlier.

"Troublesome...Ino, the girl was you," he said.

"Oh, I thou-"

Ino was cut off as Shikamaru claimed her lips again, pulling her even closer. She buried her hands in his hair, taking it out of his usual ponytail and knocked him to the ground, them still kissing. They finally stopped for breath and she smiled at him again. She rested her head on his chest as he stroked her hair.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize sooner. I made you wait all that time," Ino said softly, looking at a few flowers blowing in the breeze.

"It's okay. We're together now so nothing matters anymore," he said quietly, still stroking her hair. "I love you."

"I love you too."

And that's the end. Hope you liked it. I think it turned out well. Tell me if you think I should make this into a collection of oneshots.