Ohayo! Ugh... this thing took me forever to write... and I'm not even done yet... I might add a bit of KibaxHinata in this fic... what do you readers think? Well, I'll leave that up to you... I don't know if you have to do disclaimers every time, but oh well... Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters...There... Well, on with the story.

(Ino's thoughts)

Have you ever gotten to a point where you're so confused, you don't know what to do next? Well, apparently, I'm at one of these points in my love life. Now, I'll admit that I'm not that perfect on the inside as I am on the outside. I thought I loved Sasuke, and that he was the only one for me… until Shikamaru got into the picture. We've been best friends since we were kids, and we do everything together.

Lately, he's been getting kind of… well… distant. At times, when we are doing our usual cloud-watching routine, I'd catch him staring at me instead of the clouds. His eyes have a faraway look in them, like in a dream. And… maybe a hint of… love? Usually, he notices, and quickly looks away, muttering excuses.

And then I'd go home and muddle my poor brain thinking about it. "Of course he doesn't like me, he likes Temari!" I would say to myself. But then, my other self would say, "Since when? You saw the day he practically yelled at her! And Shikamaru never yells."

"But I'm just his friend, and nothing else."

"Do you like him?"

"Of course not! I like Sasuke, and you know it!"

"Are you sure?"

"Well…"

And so on. So, one day, I went to Sakura, having enough of confusing myself. Her advice was: "Go with what your heart says." Well, what exactly does my heart say? That's what I've been trying to figure out all along!

Well, ever since that conversation, I've been thinking about Shikamaru more. I always wonder, when he goes on mission, if he's doing ok. I wonder where he is, what he's doing, what he's thinking...

I think I really am starting to like him... We've been together since we were kids, and he's always there for me. When I'm crying, he suddenly shows up at my doorstepor where I am, and comforts me. I never really thought about it much... But now I'm starting to notice how he's becoming a neccesity. Life seems so... dull without him. But even so... I don't know if he'll accept my feelings. I don't want to loose him...

(end of thoughts)

(Shikamaru's thoughts)

Damn, this is so troublesome. Who would've guessed that I would fall for someone like Ino? She's so perky and energetic, I just don't know what to do with her. Arguing with her might as well be the end of my life... she keeps nagging and nagging untill you can't stand it anymore. But... somehow, I don't mind all that... I just think of her as... I don't know... unique? Strangely, I don't find her troublesome, just the feelings I've been having.

Having no outlet for these thoughts of mine, I went to Asuma-sensei. When I confronted him about this... issue of mine, he chuckled and said something about youthful love... I really think Gai's starting to rub off on him... Well, he did give me some good information... "go with what your heart tells you." True, I do have an IQ of 200, but even I can't figure out exactly what this means!

Well, every day this feeling gets stronger and stronger. I start to wonder how Ino is, were Ino is... when I'll get to see Ino... and all that.

I also have to admitt that I've been spacing out when with her. Of course, I space out all the time, but this is different. I just stare at her for... some time... it's as if I'm in a daze, and I can't snap myself out of it. Of course, Ino's probably noticed this, since she's the one to snap me out of it.

Various times, I suddenly get this strange notion. I feel like Ino's hurt and I need to be there to comfort her. Every time, this feeling seemes to be correct. But... I don't feel any displeasure. holding her just feels so... natural. And when I deeply inhale, I smell the scent of wildflowers... feild lilies, water lilies, lily of the valley, roses, lilacs, lavender... A light and delicate mix of them all. I really can't get enough of it.

And there's jealousy. Whenever she's around another guy, I feel... jealous. Even when she's around Chouji. And I feel, strangly protective of her, although I really try to keep it in and not make an outburst.

But... after thinking about it for a few weeks... I realize that... I need her. I need to feel her in my arms. To inhale her lovely scent... To comfort her... To look into those deep, cerulean eyes of hers...I want to be the one to make her happy... To make her smile... I'll do anything for just one, single, solitary smile...

Yes, life can be a drag sometimes... But... I'll endure all the hardships and struggles... for Ino.

There! Second chapter done... I'm so proud of myself! It's way longer than my first! Well, stay tuned... and remember to hit the purple button below and send in your review... and also whether or not you think I should add a little KibaxHinata in it... Other pairing suggestions welcome.

Ja Ne,

WhiteLilyAngel