Now this is what I call a great day. No missions, no troublesome women, just watching the clouds roll by and few games of chess are all I have planned for the day thought Shikamaru. The idea of it all put a small grin on his face, even smiling required him to do more work then he cared for. It was rare for him to have days like this, he was ether getting bothered by a female in his life or had a mission to do and a squad to lead, both of which were not on Shikamaru's favourite things to do list.

It will get a lot worse in the coming days. It is the 5 year anniversary since he became a chunin and the sand village attacked Konoha. Every year since then, the two villages have had a festival to practice their good faith and to make sure their new alliance was more than just a bunch of signatures on paper.

That meant not only Shikamaru had to tour around sand people it also meant that Shikamaru also had one more female to deal with than usual, the chick he lost to in the chunin exams, Temari. Truth be told he did not find ALL women a real pain it was mainly all of the ones that played a big role in his life his mom and his two closet female friends Temari and Ino. Ino he saw on a daily basis and him and Temari kept in touch via letters. Most other girls he could handle easily and hang out with them with little to no frustration. Sakura, Hinata and Tenten he had no problem with at all, yet he was stuck with two blondes who just wouldn't seem to stop telling him to get off his ass and do something.

Despite their lectures Shikamaru cared deeply for them both, and would without hesitation give his life for ether of them if the scenario ever demanded it. He was sure that they would do the same, so deep down I suppose I genuinely care about them Shikamaru thought to himself so many times.

Ino risked her life for Shikamaru on several missions they had together. He count those times on one hand, not because Ino, hesitated but because Shikamaru was rarely put into a position where he needed to be saved thanks to his excellent tact.

Even Temari, has shown her sensitive side to him once in a while, which is saying something for her, especially since they rarely ever see each other. The one time that really stood out in his mind was after the mission to retrieve Sasuke failed and Shikamaru nearly lost his entire team, whom were all his friends.

The red sun had almost finished setting over the horizon. A perfect end to a perfect day Shikamaru thought. It was getting cold, as the summer was turning to fall. Shikamaru found he had to cover up more each day as they passed by. He got up and started walking back to his place when he heard a familiar voice from behind. Hey Shikamaru wait up, Shikamaru froze in place and turned his head, think of the devil and the devil shall appear. Ino do you have a set of outfits for every season. Honestly Shikamaru don't you know me at all? She was dressed very appropriately for the weather both in terms of colors and in terms of coverage. She was wearing jeans which was kind of a new look for Ino, but apparently it was the "in" fashion for fall wear. She was wearing a red t shirt with the Konoha leaf on it (fitting for it being fall). And over that was a brown leather jacket, Shikamaru was surprised she did not dress up for missions. She was also wear a black and red scarf around her neck as well.

Man no wonder mom closed up the flower shop early today said Ino., as a strong wind breeze ran threw her hair causing it to flay all over the place. She did it up into a ponytail and continued to walk beside Shikamaru. Just like her wardrobe Ino too excellent care of her hair, although she always claimed she hated and wishes it would not be so damn strait all the time. Shikamaru gathered that all women did not like the way their hair behaved.

Not that Ino needed to change her hair. She was already getting a lot of attention from boys. All of them were exceptionally nice to her. Even if she had trouble with a boyfriend of hers all the other guys would immediately go to her with their advice, most if not all were attempts to show Ino how caring they were. Who says boys are dumb thought Shikamaru, perfect way to get into a girls pants play off the sympathetic guy long enough and you are going to be getting some action, especially if the girl you are after has low self esteem when she has guy troubles. This would probably explain why Ino primarily hanged around Shikamaru. For all of her blondeness Ino caught onto the tricks of boys faster than most girls do. Her and Shikamaru were friends since they were 12 which was why whenever she had boy problems she would ask Shikamaru before anyone else.

Personally I am more of a spring person myself Ino went on, it goes much better with my eyes wouldn't you agree Shikamaru? Yeah, I guess. This village gathering thing is it not supposed to happen in the spring like when the invasion actually happened? Ino we are far too busy with missions during that time, so we had to move it to the fall. I was just hoping some cute sand boys could see me at the top of my game that's all said Ino. Isn't this something girls talk about together? Fashions? Boys? I'm sure Sakura would love to talk to you about all that stuff. Why am I boring you inquired Ino with a pout. No I'm just curious all the stuff you talk about is just so troublesome. Well there is no one else to talk to about it everyone is busy. Choji is helping prepare the food. Three is a crowd, if you know what I mean when it comes to Sakura and Sasuke. And there is no one else I know well enough to talk to about this sort of thing. I am sure you can pick up some cute sand guy at the dance said Shikamaru. I know it will be indoors which means I can wear that dress i have been saving up for said Ino. I am just curious which color boys from the sand village prefer, or how I should do my hair? Don't you have one of those girly magazines where some chick tells you what a guy is looking for? Great idea Shikamaru said Ino patting him on the back. See you are not only smart on the battlefield your smart when it comes to chick stuff when you apply yourself. Good grief thought Shikamaru. I should go to the grocery store and pick up the latest issue before it closes and then she was off. Maybe I was wrong thought Shikamaru, maybe she is as naive as all those other girls. With that last thought he continued down the stony path a pile of leaves blown behind him across the path.