AceBrown: Chapter 1 packaged! Here you go!
*If you don't read the manga, possible spoiler alert inside*
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Naruto characters in this story. Blah Blah Blah…
The Best Man
Chapter 1: Youthful Mistake
Thursday afternoon
Shikamaru landed in Konoha and waited for his arranged escort to pick him up. Shikamaru had hoped Tsunade had sent his best friend Chouji. Suddenly, a dark blue mini-van pulled up with words "Urban YOUTH Development" written on the side. Rock Lee stepped out wearing his traditional green jumpsuit. Shikamaru slapped his forehead.
"Yosh! Shikamaru-san!" yelled Rock Lee as he waved at the lazy writer enthusiastically.
--
"It is very good that you could come, Shikamaru-san!" chirped Rock Lee. He was just as Shikamaru remembered him from a year ago.
"Yeah…you still work at the Academy?" asked Shikamaru.
"Yes! Sadly, majority of my students have failed the graduation exam recently." replied Rock Lee. Lee was a special jonin who specialized in teaching the "dead lasts" of the Ninja Academy.
"Lee…why don't you just take the promotion to "Jonin" and get the 20% pay increase? Let someone else teach the kids…"
"Ah, but they have so much youthful vigor…I know I can turn them into splendid ninja!" said Rock Lee as his eyes literally turned into "flames of youth". Shikamaru knew Rock Lee probably felt a connection with his students since he was commonly known as a failure as a kid because he couldn't learn Ninjutsu or Genjutsu.
"Troublesome…I would think Sakura would have forced you to take the raise by now with how whipped you are." stated Shikamaru. Everyone knew Rock Lee and Sakura were dating…and everyone knew Sakura pretty much had her way with Rock Lee.
"That is not true!" gasped Rock Lee.
"C'mon…everyone see it! No one likes the way she treats you…" said Shikamaru. Every since the episode of Sakura's false "confession" to Naruto as well as lying to the other rookies in order to "save" her true love, Sasuke; Sakura wasn't a particularly well-liked kunoichi anymore. Also, many of the group thought Sakura was abusing poor Lee.
"Sakura-chan is a blossom of beauty and a caring kunoichi!" stated Rock Lee defiantly. He was infatuated with her.
"Eh…I guess she is alright."
"You didn't make her sound alright in your book…Oi!" said Rock Lee, flinching after he said "book."
"Wait…you read my novel?" asked a stunned Shikamaru.
"No, I didn't read anything!"
"How did you get a copy of my book? It's supposed to be sold only in Suna!"
"I don't have a copy, Shikamaru-san! Ino-chan has a copy, but…darn!" blurted out Rock Lee. He was terrible at keeping secrets.
"Ino has a copy of MY book?!"
--
Shikamaru and Rock Lee watched Ino tend to a customer, Hokage Lady Tsunade, at the Yamanaka Flower shop from afar. The shop was filled with customers. Both men haven't introduced themselves yet.
Ino Yamanaka…I bet she is still as bossy as ever
"Is it always this busy around here now?" said Shikamaru as someone bumped against him.
"Yes, ever since Ino-chan took over from her mother! Her youthful energy has attracted plenty of customers!"
"What a drag…" stated Shikamaru as he placed his hands in his pockets. Suddenly, Rock Lee began to sport a goofy grin.
"So when was the last time you saw, Ino-chan?"
"About a year and a half. The last time I visited Konoha, she was off on a mission. Before that, we only spoke briefly since I was busy with the Chunin Exams and she was busy with…what?" stopped Shikamaru as he finally noticed Lee's goofy grin.
"You and Ino…you two shared in the passion of youth, didn't you?"
"Huh? "Passion of what?" What makes you say that?" asked Shikamaru.
"The book! Rose is Ino! Out with it! Back then, you two…you know" stated Rock Lee as his grin got even wider. Shikamaru was a bit shocked at Rock Lee's assumption.
"You're hallucinating, Lee…" muttered Shikamaru.
"Liar! You are lying! It is not very youthful to lie!" said Rock Lee as he folded his arms and kept his "knowing" smile.
"Troublesome…here is the story…"
Flashback
We were both up late studying some scrolls for an upcoming mission. Chouji was already asleep and we were both dead tired. Only Stevie Wonder* was going to help us stay awake…
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio was currently all at Shikamaru's place. Ino was struggling to stay awake as she read a scroll on her desk. Chouji was asleep on the sofa and Shikamaru sat with his back against the wall, dozing in and out of sleep.
'This is troublesome…' thought Shikamaru as he stood up and turned on some music. Hopefully, the music would keep Ino awake; therefore she could keep him awake by yelling at him. The song "As" by Stevie Wonder began to play. Ino slowly turned to look at Shikamaru as the lazy ninja smirked. He knew Ino loved music and loved to lip-sync as well. Ino stood up dramatically and began sing the lyrics.
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all is born is new
Do know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky---ALWAYS
Until the ocean covers every mountain high---ALWAYS
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea---ALWAYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
As Ino sang, she grabbed Shikamaru's hand; urging him to dance with her.
"C'mon Shikamaruuuu!"
"Troublesome woman…"
Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living but tomorrow
Could make me the past but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind Cause I'll be loving you always
Until the day is night and night becomes the day---ALWAYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away---ALWAYS
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4---ALWAYS
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Did you know that you're loved by somebody?
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left---ALWAYS
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
I'll be loving you forever
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through---ALWAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you---AL~~~~~~WA~~
~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky~~~~~AA~~~~
~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~YS~~A…
Shikamaru and Ino swayed together as the song played. Shikamaru thought it was a pain that Ino was forcing him to embarrass himself by dancing with her, but it did make him feel good to see her smiling and having fun. As the song was nearing the end, Shikamaru kissed Ino on the forehead; a simple gesture. Then, they both locked eyes. Shikamaru's small, lazy eyes into Ino's blue eyes. They both leaned forward and began to make-out. Their lips gingerly touching as their bodies pressed against each other for warmth.
Real World
"I can't believe you never told me!" stated Rock Lee. His eager expression showing how much he was enjoying hearing this story.
"That's because you can't keep a secret." said Shikamaru.
"Yes, I can!" proclaimed Rock Lee.
"Were you supposed to tell me that you read my book?"
"Ah…note taken. Please continue!" said Rock Lee.
Flashback
Shikamaru already had his shirt off as he trailed kisses down Ino's neck. Ino tilted her head back as Shikamaru lifted her purple top, revealing her bra-covered breasts.
But Suddenly…
Unti-Unti-Unti-Unti-Unti-Unti-Unti-Unti-Unti-
The music began to skip.
The pair both turned to the skipping radio, then looked back at each other. Ino stepped away from Shikamaru, feeling the lust emit from his body and eyes. She quickly pulled her top down and went back to her desk. Shikamaru stood in place for a while before turning the music off and moving back to his place against the wall.
And then we both acted like it never happen. She probably realized she was making out with a lazy bum like me and I couldn't believe I made out with a bossy chick like her. So, we both acted like nothing ever happened…
End Flashback
"…And that's the story. Nothing happened." finished Shikamaru with a bored expression. Rock Lee pondered the story before saying,
"So the two control freaks couldn't get in control and get freaky?"**
"Wow…I forgot how corny you could be sometimes…" said Shikamaru.
"I thought it was a youthful play on words."
"Nah, it was corny…"
--
Ino took a deep sigh. Being a wedding planner was becoming a pain. The Hokage came to personally approve the flower arrangements. Suddenly, she noticed Shikamaru and Rock Lee chatting.
Shikamaru…
Ino hadn't seen her old teammate in a long time. Butterflies began to flutter in her stomach as she watched him. Tsunade slid beside her and noticed the two men as well.
"So that's your old teammate…the brat's best man." stated the older woman.
"Yeah…" Ino said almost incoherently.
"We should probably get him to do an interview since his book is a best seller in Suna. You find a way to get Naruto to publicize his wedding?" asked Tsunade.
"No, bu-"
"Get it done." interrupted Tsunade as she took a shot of sake, which she got out of seemingly no where, and headed towards the men. Ino took a deep breathe before following the Hokage.
--
"…and you both use "controlling" techniques! Get it?" said Rock Lee.
"Drop it, Lee! It was corny!" said Shikamaru for the umpteenth time.
"Well hello there, Nara." said Tsunade. Shikamaru turned to the women and quickly took note of Ino.
"Ino…"
"Shikamaru…" Ino seemingly replied.
"Tsunade-sama!" Rock Lee said as he bowed courteously.
"So I assume you're here for the brat's wedding. You think we could get you to do an interview? I know the Konoha citizens would love to hear about your novel's success." asked Tsunade
"My novel?" replied Shikamaru.
"Yes, Ino has been raving all about it! I didn't think you were as much as a pervert as Jiraiya." said Tsunade. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at Ino.
"Well, it is my job to keep up with all the latest trends and gossip!" exclaimed Ino happily.
"Hmm…the interview sounds troublesome…but I'll do it." stated Shikamaru. Shikamaru and Ino met eye contact and awkwardly looked away.
"So…give me a hug. I haven't seen you in forever." said Ino with her arms outreached. Shikamaru walked into her embrace and they gave each other a warm hug.
"You can help me set up the interview, Ino."
"Okay!"
"Alright, I'm all yours…" said Shikamaru. The comment came out awkward. Rock Lee made his goofy grin at the statement. Ino smiled uneasily before resettling herself.
--
"OH MY GOD!!!!" yelled Ino as she hung up her cellphone. Ino, Shikamaru, and Lee walked through Konoha, the cool breeze flowing through the streets as Ino yelled several extremities, shocking a few people passing by.
"Planning this wedding is becoming hell! Naruto wants ramen at the wedding?! RAMEN?! And I still haven't gotten a photographer yet! Why me?"
"But Ino-chan, did you not personally ask to plan this wedding?" said Rock Lee in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Shut up, Lee!" yelled Ino.
"So where are we headed?" questioned Shikamaru.
"We are heading to the bar to meet up with Neji. A youthful evening awaits!" stated Rock Lee as he suddenly took off running down the street. Shikamaru shook his head.
"So Ino…how did you get a copy of my book?"
"I have access to all thingsthat are IN. Your book just happened to be IN." said Ino with a smirk.
Troublesome woman…she should mind her own business…Shikamaru should have known the gossip queen would have gotten her mitts on his novel. Now, he just hopes it doesn't fall into the wrong hands…
"Also, you do know Neji has a copy of your book as well?"
Thursday Evening
Neji strummed a solo tune on his guitar for the large crowd at the bar. Whether it was painting or playing instruments, Neji was a true genius in the field of Music and Art. When Neji finished, he took a bow as the crowd erupted in cheers. Neji could clearly hear Rock Lee's cheers over most.
Neji walked over to the group with a smirk on his face.
"Nara…welcome back to Konoha!" said Neji. He had on the usual Hyuuga attire.
"Your song was most youthful, my eternal rival!" said Lee and Neji greeted him with a handshake and Ino with a hug. Shikamaru gave Neji a hardened expression before saying,
"Let's talk…"
--
Neji and Shikamaru sat at a table across from each other. Neji had a smirk permanently plastered on his face. For those who knew Neji, they knew three things about him: he was a genius, he was a player and he was an asshole. There was a brief silence between the two.
"So…"
"So?"
"My book…you read it?"
"…I have to admit, Nara; you have talent in writing. I'm surprised you actually applied yourself to it. Just one question though."
"Yeah?"
"Did you have to make my character so addicted to fate?"
"You are addicted to fate…"
"Yes, but you could have at least embellished my character! I sound too much like a…"
"An asshole?"
"Hn! But, I guess that's the glory of being an author…You can word everything to fit it the way you want." said Neji as his smirk grew even bigger. Shikamaru knew exactly what Neji was implying…
"Watch it, Hyuuga…" growled Shikamaru.
"I'm just saying…your book made me reminisce about some things I haven't thought about in a long time." stated Neji. Shikamaru figured this conversation wasn't going to end well as he bawled his fist.
Unexpectedly, a young brunette woman near the entrance squealed in delight.
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Naruto is here! Naruto is here!
Anddddd I'mma leave you hanging here :-P…Chapter 1 is in the books!
Naruto arriving to the scene! Who is Naruto marrying? Will the book cause trouble? Stay tuned!
As much as I'm a Team Guy fan…I think I suck as "youth" talk…sorry to sorta "bash" Sakura as well…it fits with the story though! Also, Shikamaru was suppose to "lip-sync" the song with Ino, but I thought that was a lil too OOC for Shikamaru.
*I know I know…Stevie Wonder? Blame the movie. Good song though.
**I smiled heavily while typing this…Imagine Rock Lee saying this!!!
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