A/N: Thank you for all the reviews! I really, really appreciate them!
I don't think I cover the sin quite perfectly for this chapter, but I still hope it's an amusing read. Enjoy!
Sin 2: Pride
"Why'd you marry me, Ino?"
"Oh, that's easy. You're the top strategist of Konoha."
"So you married me because of my title?"
She wasn't listening. "Not to mention you are well-known all across Fire Country."
"So it's because of my fame, then?"
She babbled on. "And you're one of Hokage's favorites." He could feel her excitement. "That means your pay is higher than anybody else!"
"Ah, so it's my money then…"
"Besides, not only are you going to inherit your family business–"
"You aim for my fortune?" He said, aghast.
"–but one day you are going to be the head of your clan!"
A scowl. "I don't know you're so materialistic, Ino."
A nasty look. "I'm not! And I'm not finished yet!"
"Okay, okay. Other reasons?"
She shrugged. "You're tall."
"So does a lot of people." He rolled his eyes. This is getting troublesome… He only wanted one, simple answer. Instead, she gave him plenty. "Hey, Shino's tall. Why don't you marry him?"
"cause he's weird. And I don't like bugs." She drew circles on his shoulder. "You're nicely built, too."
"You said the same thing about Rock Lee. Ah…I get it. You married me because I asked you first."
Sensuous touch turned into a hard smack. "Do you have to contradict everything I said?"
He urged her to carry on while silently checking for a bruise.
"And you look really good in mesh." A wicked smile.
Which he returned. "So you want me for my sexy body?"
She giggled. "Yes. And you're very handsome."
"Never thought of that…" He frowned, but sounded amused. "Does look ever matters to you?"
"Duh!"
"There's a lot of good-looking people around, so why me?"
"Well, not all of them have IQ like yours."
"So?"
"Our children could possibly be a genius like you! Oh, no, don't tell me. I'm sure they will be." She patted her stomach lovingly.
"But I'm not the only prodigy around. There's…Neji. He's everything you described, obviously; tall, built, good-looking and a genius, too. Plus, he's from Hyuuga Clan, a top jounin, well-known–"
"Shikamaru, you're doing it again."
"What?"
"Contradicting me."
"Oh."
"Anyway, I don't know Neji as well as I know you. We barely talk to each other."
"So you married me because we're friends?"
"Yes but–"
"You could've married Choji."
She gasped. "Can you imagine me having sex with him? He'll crush me!"
That thought made him cringe. "Then how about Kiba?"
"Too wild. And he smells like a dog."
"Naruto?"
"How can I compete for his affection with Forehead?"
"So…I'm the most suitable?"
"Well, duh!"
He hid his smile.
"Also, as long as I live, I won't ever let some Sand chick sweep you off your feet!"
"Jealous?"
"Nah. You're just too valuable to Konoha. We cannot afford to lose you."
He sweatdropped. "What if…I turn her allegiance instead?"
"I will say 'Dream on, Shikamaru'."
"Why? You don't think I'm capable?"
"As if I need to remind you that Temari is awfully loyal to her village. No, you won't be able to change her mind."
Score 1 for Ino.
"Back to our discussion," she clapped her hands excitedly. "The other reason I married you is because you have two wonderful parents! I couldn't ask for better in-laws."
His father he could understand. But his mother? Shudder.
"And the fact that you are the only person daddy trust–"
"Ino, honey?"
"Yes?"
"Just tell me you love me."
She gaped at him.
"Say it."
She stuck her tongue out at him and continued her rant. "As I was saying, you're the only person daddy trust, and you know how hard for him to trust people…"
He listened without interest. Troublesome…
"And you always make me laugh the hardest, cry the hardest, fight the hardest, give me everything I want and need…"
Was it difficult for her to utter those three simple words?
"I can easily run to you with my problems and you will comfort me with all you have–"
"Just admit that we get married because we love each other, Ino."
She shot him a pointed look, annoyed for being interrupted. "People said action speaks louder than words."
Yes, he knew that. He knew she loved sex – oops, making love to the fullest. But sometimes he just wanted to hear how much he meant to her from her pretty little mouth.
"And I have proof. Right here." She pointed her huge stomach. Another point for Ino.
She looked like she wasn't going to say it any moment so he decided it was pointless to push her.
"Okay, whatever." He leaned in to kiss her goodnight and retreated back to his side. She scooted closer to him.
"Give up already? That's not the Shikamaru I know."
He mumbled 'troublesome'. It was better to sleep and dream about her telling him the words he longed to hear than listened to her meaningless chatter.
"Don't you want to know the real reason I married you?"
He closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.
"Three words." His eyes snapped open.
"I…love…you?" He guessed hopefully.
She shook her head. He could see her big, beautiful smile.
"No, Shikamaru." She said softly, hugging him from the back. "We belong together."
And he found himself smiling back.
"Yeah, you're right."
For those who disagree, you are welcome to shoot yourself.
(kidding)