:::

Author's Note: Much love to everyone who has been reading and commenting! Also please excuse my typos, I try to catch them as best I can. Enjoy this chapter!

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PART THREE

:::

We tell lies when we are afraid...afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger.

-Tad Williams

:::

Ino sighed as she stared out the window of her bedroom. It was her day off, she didn't have to report to the TI Unit, nor the flower shop. Two days ago, Ino had stormed off after her and Shikamaru's little spat. Neither one of them had spoken to each other, if anything Ino was avoiding him. Of course, she had a feeling he wasn't exactly looking for her. He was probably tired and wanted to enjoy his time off. The last thing he would want is get into an argument with her—actually, he hardly argued, he just listened to her yell. That was one thing Ino liked about him, he would listen to her rage rather than interjecting whenever he so pleased. It was attributed to his laziness; rather than expend his energy on a long argument, he'd make it short and sweet.

The blonde huffed and snapped the book she was trying to read close. Her mind was overflowing with thoughts of the shadow user. She knew it wasn't good for her to pine over him so much, but she couldn't help it. He was her friend, he needed to be there for her. Ino placed the book on the bench she was sitting on and stood up. Reading wasn't going to help her, so she assumed cleaning might do the trick. When she turned to look at her room, her lips turned into a frown.

Her room was immaculate.

Her book shelf was clean and orderly, there wasn't a single wrinkle on her purple and white bedspread, not a speck of dust on her white vanity, and all her clothes were neatly hung in her closet. That's when she remembered the night she returned after her argument with Shikamaru she spent the entire night cleaning her room from ceiling to floor. She licked her lips and decided she'd go make herself some tea to calm her nerves. It didn't make sense to her why she was feeling so anxious, but she was. She had the house to herself since he mother was out at the shop for the day. If it were any other day, Ino would have the music blasting loud and would be dancing all around the house.

Just as she walked past the front door, a knock came to the door. Ino stopped and spun around on her heels and raised a brow. She wasn't expecting anyone to be dropping by. When she got to the door, she unlocked it and twisted the knob. Ino blinked when she saw Sakura standing on her porch with a smile on her face.

"Sakura?" Ino mused.

"Just got off my exceptionally long fourteen hour shift, and I thought it'd be fun to have girly gossip while painting our nails," Sakura chuckled as she pulled a pink and white polka dot bag that revealed various nail polishes. Ino smiled and stepped aside to let her friend into her home. When she kicked off her shoes by the front door, Sakura looked back to Ino. "I heard you and Shikamaru went out on Valentine's Day, how'd that go?"

Ino shrugged her shoulders, causing Sakura to tilt her head in curiosity. The blonde honestly didn't know what caused her to snap. That was a lie, she knew exactly why she'd asked Shikamaru if he was going to leave. It was one thing that he frequently left on month long missions, but leaving permanently and being with another girl on top of it stabbed her heart. She wasn't sure if it was because she had romantic feelings for him, or if she was just attached to him. It was always odd to her when she'd be venturing the streets and not see Shikamaru with Chouji and the barbeque joint they frequented in their genin days with Asuma. It was even stranger when she'd go to Shikamaru's favorite rooftop and not see him dozing, or on his favorite training ground watching the clouds.

Shikamaru was a simple man of habit. He didn't care much for complexities, he liked black and white versus shades of grey. Ino couldn't really blame him, sometimes it was easier when there were only two choices instead of dozens. Shikamaru was a genius though, he could come up with different scenarios in an instant. That ability gave him a chance to select the best possible route to take. Ino envied that in him, but something told her that he too was confused about what he was going to do. Maybe he'd finally reach a problem he couldn't solve. He may have told her that she'd never lose him or Chouji, but deep down he knew that if he left they'd never speak again. It wasn't like he was simply moving across Konoha, he was moving to a different region all together.

"Did something happen?" Sakura asked, after several moments of silence.

Ino looked at her pink haired friend and shook her head, walking away quickly. The medic, furrowed her brows and followed Ino into the kitchen. She was busying herself, so Sakura was positive something was up. Sakura pulled a chair out at the table and watched Ino, who was in a daze of sorts. It was like she was moving on auto pilot, trying not to think at all.

"Did he tell you about his promotion to the Intel Division Head, is that what it is? I figured you'd be happy for him really." Sakura shrugged her shoulders and opened up her bag, pulling out the nail polishes and lining them up neatly. Ino had stiffened, and Sakura realized that her friend had no idea. "He didn't tell you, did he?" she asked.

"No," Ino muttered with a shake of her head. She went back to make the tea, but her mind was bubbling with questions. How could he not tell her something like that? Why would he not bring it up when she was asking him if he was going to leave? It wasn't adding up, Shikamaru wasn't one to brag, but that was something worth bragging she thought. She put the kettle on the stove and stepped away from it as it simmered.

"Maybe he didn't tell you because he hasn't accepted the offer just yet," Sakura said, glancing at Ino. The blonde had pulled out a seat across from Sakura and frowned at her words. "What's wrong, Ino?" Sakura probed.

Ino stared down at the table. If Shikamaru hadn't accepted the offer, maybe he was actually considering making the permanent move to Suna. Ever since the Fourth Shinobi War ended, the Five Great Shinobi Nations were at peace. It was easier to take residents in a neighboring country now, as opposed to before. With all the political reforms going around, ambassadors were constantly traveling around. Ino didn't want to think that Shikamaru would just leave without talking to her and Chouji about it.

"I'm sorry, Sakura. I just have a lot on my mind," Ino said with an apologetic smile. She didn't want Sakura giving her the third degree, and she certainly didn't need her hounding Shikamaru. It was better if she just swallowed the bitter pill for now. "Let's just paint our nails and talk about something else."

Sakura blinked a few times as Ino started admiring the different polishes. She opened her mouth to say something, but Ino stopped her.

"Don't. Please." Ino smiled weakly and looked back at one of the mint green polishes. Sakura nodded stiffly, and decided to not bring it up anymore. It was obvious that Ino and Shikamaru had something to discuss.

:::

"So tell me again, what's stopping you exactly," Naruto said as he flung four kunai knives at the shadow user across the clearing. Shikamaru was knelt down on one knee, a few beads of sweat forming on his brow, and breathing labored. He had no idea what possessed him to agree to train with Naruto and Sasuke. Those two were on an ungodly level of strong while he was a mediocre leveled shinobi. He may have been ranked as a jounin, but he felt like he was still chuunin ranked.

Shikamaru manipulated his shadows to catch all four kunai and flung them behind him where Sasuke stood. The Uchiha pulled out his katana, slicing each of the kunai down like they were pieces of paper. He stood back onto his feet and dusted off his flak jacket. Naruto knew that he was given the opportunity to lead the Intelligence Division, but he also knew that Shikamaru hadn't jumped at the chance yet. He didn't want to share the information that he'd be offered another position elsewhere, especially when he hadn't even told his own mother and Ino. They'd probably kill him if they knew he told others before them. As far as Ino and his mother concerned they were the only women he needed in his life—only people to be more correct.

"When I become Hokage, I need you to be that guy," Naruto said with a smirk, which made Shikamaru frown. He was feeling even guiltier about it now. "Besides, you're perfect for it. You see things when others don't even know what to see." The blonde jumped back when Sasuke went in for an attack.

"I just don't think I'm ready, it isn't the right time," Shikamaru explained as he stretched his shadow towards Sasuke, who jumped out of his range just before he got him. The shadow user cursed and recalled his shadow.

"There's never a right time," Sasuke said, which surprised Shikamaru. Normally, the Uchiha was a man of few words. That might have been the most Sasuke had said to him since they were children in the academy. "You just do it. All you have to decide is if you want to or not."

Naruto chuckled and placed his hands behind his head. "See, even Sasuke knows."

Shikamaru glanced at Naruto and then to Sasuke. "It doesn't change the fact that it's a huge responsibility."

"Quit being lazy, Nara," Sasuke pointed his katana at Shikamaru and continued, "There is no one smarter or more gifted in battle strategy in the entire shinobi world than you. Not even me."

Shikamaru snorted at the last bit of Sasuke's words. Needless to say, Shikamaru was amazed and in a sense honored that Sasuke was saying such things to him. Deep down, Shikamaru still thought highly of Sasuke as a skilled shinobi, as a friend though, Sasuke was a total rat. Sasuke sheathed his katana and looked at Naruto, who was nodding in agreement. If it wasn't for the fear of Ino crying and yelling at him, Shikamaru would tell them about the offer from the feudal lord.

"Eloquent compliment," Shikamaru said as a snide remark, which caused the Uchiha to smirk. "I'm still thinking about it though."

"Well it isn't like Granny Tsunade is gonna give it to anyone else," Naruto said with a shrug.

"What makes you say that?" Shikamaru asked curiously.

"Cause she knows you're going to take the position," Naruto explained, which caused Shikamaru to stiffen a bit. That bit of information added a little more pressure onto him. "And so do I." The blond gave him a thumbs up along with his goofy grin.

Why didn't I just go cloud watching instead, Shikamaru mused to himself. All this talk of what others expected and what he should do and what he wanted were all blurring together. It was times like these when he wished he had Asuma or his father around to play shoji with or to just advise him. Perhaps it was time he grew up and made the tough decisions alone. The problem was he didn't really know what he wanted. It was driving him insane, he was about ready to start picking petals off of flowers.

His clan would probably expect him to take on the position. It was his right as he was the son of the clan head, not to mention he had made them proud during the war. He had almost brought it up the other evening, but his mother was reminiscing on the good times. She had missed his father so much, and Shikamaru didn't want to take those smiles or happy tears away. He didn't want to make her worry about something that wasn't her burden to bear. Of course, she had told Shikamaru that she was proud of him and no matter what he did she'd support him. That had been after the war though when he was in the hospital with broken bones and bruises on his skin. He knew though, she loved him and no matter what she just ultimately wanted him to be happy.

Ino, Shikamaru thought, wondering what the blonde would say. After that night at the park, Shikamaru was weary to even bring up any of it. Out of her own selfishness, Ino would tell him to take the position here and forget the other one. Or maybe she'd surprise him and let him go, but he doubted it. He'd have to tell her eventually, just like he told Chouji and Kurenai, but first he had to tell Tsunade and his mother. You're going to be mad that I made you fifth in line, Shikamaru thought with a chuckle.

"Hey, you coming?" Naruto asked as he and Sasuke were making their way towards the village.

Shikamaru snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the two. "No, I gotta do something." Naruto didn't question him and continued on his way to the village. When it came to ramen, Naruto really cared about little else until he had eaten. Sasuke on the other hand stared at Shikamaru for a bit. He wasn't sure why, but he assumed it was because he was leaving him alone with the bottomless pit known as Naruto.

When the two were gone, Shikamaru shoved his hands into the pocket of his pants and walked in the opposite direction. He needed to go see his dad and Asuma. They may not have been able to answer him anymore, but he still felt better when he went to visit their graves.

It was hard to believe that they had been gone for so long. Sometimes Shikamaru felt like he would wake up and see them both again. Asuma would have a cigarette in his mouth, waiting for him at the training grounds while his father would be waiting on the back porch to play shogi with him in the evening. Those were all just wishes though, hopeful wishes that he was in some sort of nightmare. The reality was that he needed to take what they had left behind and keep moving forward. His father would probably tell him to do what was right for him, forget the rest. Asuma would probably say whatever he chose to do it would be right for him.

Shikamaru stopped when he noticed a familiar chakra signature. His eyes slowly lifted and he furrowed his brows. At the end of the road, Ino Yamanaka walked out dressed in her usual shinobi attire. Shikamaru hated to admit it, but that was his favorite look on Ino. Her purple skirt reached down to her ankles with a long slit right up the middle, beneath the skirt were black shorts that reached mid thigh, her tone abdomen was exposed, and a mid-riff purple vest draped over her fish net top that formed her body nicely. Her hair waved in the wind, and her blue eyes spotted him.

She looked on hesitantly. It was like she was debating if she should approach. It had been three days since the events at the park. He cleared his throat and was about to wave, but Ino walked away. Shikamaru frowned, but decided to let her walk away. When Ino was ready, she would let him know. She might yell, cry again, or worse slap him. No matter which way she chose, Shikamaru would not push her, especially when his decisions were wavering. In a logical stand point, Shikamaru needed more experience and should go with the feudal lord. Naruto had even said Tsunade wasn't going to give the position to anyone else, so they could wait.

But could he just walk away?

:::

She was standing in his door way, arms crossed over her chest and eyes slightly misty with unfallen tears. Her hair was neatly pinned into a perfect bun and her clothes were wrinkle free. She took in a deep breath and looked into his eyes. He frowned and approached her slowly, placing a hand on her cheek. A tear slipped from her eye and he wiped it away with his thumb. He pulled her in close and tried to comfort her.

"Come on," he said gently, leading her over to his bed. First he laid down, and she followed in suit, resting her head on his chest. His arm wrapped around her lithe figure, and he stroked her back softly. "It's okay," he whispered, as the blonde sobbed quietly on his chest. She gripped his shirt tightly in her hand and curled closely to him.

"I feel so stupid for acting like this," Ino croaked, staring at the window. The silver moon was shining through the hospital room window. It was the middle of the night and only three weeks since the end of the war. Shikamaru was still in recovery, while Ino had been cleared and was assisting at the hospital.

"You're not stupid, Ino," Shikamaru said, looking at the woman. She wiped her tears and rolled a bit, resting her hands and chin on his chest. Their eyes locked, and he smiled kindly at her, brushing her blonde bangs from her face. "What we all went through...that was hard. And it's okay to feel like the whole world is falling apart."

Ino smiled back at him and closed her eyes, turning her face so her cheek was on his chest. Shikamaru stared up at the ceiling and listened to Ino hum a soft melody. She always hummed when she was trying to calm herself down. A small smile appeared on Shikamaru's lips, and he looked down at Ino. She lifted her hand and slowly traced circles and swirls on his chest. He closed his eyes, enjoying the soothing yet tickling feel of her finger moving across his chest.

"I miss him," Ino whispered, her voice nearly breaking as she spoke.

Shikamaru looked at the woman, as she shook her head and let more tears fall silently down her cheeks. He frowned, hating to see her in such a state. It was hard to lose a parent, a mentor, friends, and allies. Just as Ino felt heartbroken and sad, Shikamaru felt the same way. He didn't express it or show it the same way she did.

"Why'd they have to die, Shikamaru? Why?" she sobbed.

He didn't know how to answer that question. Nothing he said would make her feel better. The best he could do is listen to her and comfort her. She sat up from him, and looked at him. His eyes traced the tear trails on her cheeks before he slowly sat up. He had a broken arm, bruised ribs, and a sprained ankle. Compared to most, Shikamaru had gotten off easy.

"It isn't fair," Ino whined selfishly, slamming her fist into the mattress. "It isn't...it isn't..." she cried, wiping her tears.

Shikamaru pressed his lips together tightly. He agreed with her. It wasn't fair that their father's had to die, that their friends had to die, but that was war. In war, people died, that's just the way it was. He hated that fact, and he hated it even more than he accepted that notion. Perhaps it was his logical side telling him that he didn't get everything he wanted. There was nothing any of them could have done to save HQ. The only option they had was to get up, dust themselves off, and keep fighting. Now that the war had ended and peace was on the rise, they had to keep moving forward.

"Listen to me, Ino," Shikamaru said firmly. He reached for her face and turned her to face him. His calloused fingers moved against her velvet like skin. "It isn't fair, you're right. But your dad wouldn't want you dwelling on it. He would want you to pick yourself up and keep living." He leaned forward and pressed his lips against her forehead.

His lips lingers there for a moment. Ino closed her eyes and the faintest smile graced her face. When he pulled away, Ino opened her eyes and looked at him. Shikamaru's hands slowly slipped from her face and he laid back against his pillows.

"Thank you," Ino smiled.

"You'll be okay, Ino," Shikamaru assured her, taking hold of her hand and squeezed it gently. "You have me and Chouji and your mom and our friends." He smiled back at her, and Ino nodded in agreement.

:::

"You what?" Yoshino, Shikamaru's mother, gaped as she stared at her son at the opposite end of the table. Her son had just informed her of the two offers he had recieved from Tsunade and the other from the fuedal lord. He licked his lips and nodded stiffly as his mother fell into her chair and stared in both disbelief and amazement. It was no surprise that Shikamaru would get such offers, he was a genuis like his father, but he was still so young. She never would have assumed offers like these would come quickly, he wasn't even eighteen. Of course, in the world of shinobi, prodigies were pushed just as hard as their mentors and leaders.

Shikamaru swallowed and circled his white tea cup. "I meant to tell you sooner, but I'm still trying to make sense of it all myself," he explained to her honestly, lifting his tea cup to his mouth. He took a sip and continued, "And, no, I don't know what I'm going to do yet. On a logical stand point, I know what I should do, but for personal reasons...it's all jumbled up." He forced a smile and shrugged his shoulders half-heartedly.

His mother only stared at him. He could see that she was a at a loss for words. When the feudal lord had offered him the position, he was speechless as well. Shikamaru watched his mother as she poured herself some tea. He didn't know what to expect from her, happiness or anger, most typical parents would be happy, but his mother wasn't typical. She was a tough lover, not a caring nuturing one. Yoshino had her moments though, she loved her son and occassionally babied him, especially after the passing of his father.

"So what are you planning on doing? Those are both...wonderful, Shikamaru," Yoshino said with a proud smile, which made Shikamaru stifle a laugh. "I'm proud of you. This is great news, and you are very deserving of it. Your father," she paused for a moment, "he would be so proud of you."

Shikamaru nodded knowingly. "Thanks, mom," he said. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet."

"You're an idiot if you think I don't know you have some sort of plan," Yoshino chided with a wave of her finger. Her son chuckled and shook his head, taking another quick sip of his tea. "Thirty days goes fast, you're already nearly a week in. What are you planning?" she pressed, and Shikamaru sighed heavily.

Shikamaru wasn't entirely sure he had a plan. There wasn't really a need for a plan. He had to make a choice, and once it was made he'd have to follow through. No matter what, Shikamaru would not turn back for the decision he made. He wouldn't let anyone change his mind once he informed Tsunade or the feudal lord. All Shikamaru really had was reasons to go with one or the other. And after going through all those reasons, Shikamaru still wasn't sure if going with the feudal lord was a good idea.

"Honestly," Shikamaru began and cleared his throat. "I'm probably going to go with the feudal lord."

Yoshino stared at her son and looked down sadly. "I won't stop you," she assured him with a soft smile, looking up to meet his eyes. "I want you to do what you feel you need to do, even if that means you'll be gone for a while." She got up from her seat and walked around the table to him.

Shikamaru smiled at his mother and stood up, wrapping his arms around her tightly. She kissed his cheek and cupped his face in her hands.

"When are you going to tell them?" she asked.

"Soon," he answered, and his mother frowned. "What?"

"Have you talked to your friends? Particularly Ino?" his mothered inquired with a raised brow. She stepped away from her son and made her way into the kitchen to start preparing dinner for the two of them. Shikamaru followed her into the kitchen and leaned against the threshold archway.

"I don't know how to tell her," Shikamaru answered truthfully and rubbed the back of his neck.

"She should know, Shikamaru," Yoshino told him firmly. "You need to tell her."

"I know, and I will," he assured his mother with a weak smile. For the past two days Shikamaru had been mulling over ways to tell Ino, he knew he couldn't keep putting it off. Chouji knew, his mother knew, and now he just had to tell Ino before he told Tsunade that he was going to pass on the offer due to the feudal lord's.

:::

The night was young and Shikamaru was sitting on the roof of his home. He was staring up at the sky, watching the stars twinkling brightly. He put his hands behind his head and laid back on the roof. The entire dinner had been his mother lecturing him on not telling Ino about his plans. As if he didn't feel bad enough about the decision he was planning to make.

"Did you have fun today?" a cheery voice echoed in his ears. Shikamaru sat up at the sound and looked towards the front of his house that faced the street. He stood up and walked to the other side and looked down at the street.

"Yes!" a child squealed happily. "Look! Shi's home!"

Shikamaru smiled when he realized it was Ino and Mirai, heading back towards Kurenai's house. He watched them for a moment before biting his lip. Part of him said, let them go and the other part of him said go down and talk to them.

"Yes," Ino said as she stopped in front of his home, holding the child in her arms. "That's Shikamaru's house."

"Go see?" Mirai asked with a beaming smile, causing Ino smiled back at her.

"No, we have to get you home. Your mommy is probably worried," Ino told the little girl and continued walking down the street. She stopped when she heard the soft pad of feet landing on the ground.

"Shi!" Mirai cheered gleefully, reaching out to Shikaamru from over Ino's shoulder. The child squirmed, and Ino put her down rather than risking her falling. When the child's sandal covered feet his the ground, she scampered over to Shikamaru and leaped into his arms.

Ino could hear Shikamaru laugh and Mirai babbling about how Ino took her to the park to play on the swings. She hesitated to turn around, but she knew she would have too. Taking in a deep breath, the beautiful blonde spun around on her heels and looked at Shikamaru and Mirai. She smiled weakly at the sight. Ino still didn't really want to face Shikamaru, especially after Sakura told her about Tsunade offering him a position and he hadn't accepted yet. She couldn't help, but wonder how he couldn't have told her yet.

"Hello, Ino," Shikamaru greeted, holding Mirai in his arms. The little girl was clinging to him tightly with her tiny arms wrapped around his neck. Ino knew that Mirai loved Shikamaru, she always loved to play with him and go see him.

"Hi," she replied quietly, brushing her hair behind her ear. "I really have to get her home, we're already ten minutes late." Ino getsured to the young child, who looked at her and shook her head.

"Play Shi!" Mirai exclaimed, looking to him for approval.

"I'll come with you," Shikamaru offered, but Ino started to protest. The shadow user didn't listen though, he just started walking in the direction of Kurenai's home. "You coming?" he asked, glancing back to Ino.

"You really don't have to," Ino tried, but Shikaamru dismissed it and continued walking. The blonde sighed softly and followed behind him. She felt a bit awkward, following a step behind him. Mirai was talking to him, and he was listening and joking with her. A smile crept onto her face as she watched them. She didn't realize Shikamaru had become such a man. He'd really become someone admirable.

"Shi play tomorrow?" Mirai asked as they were walking down the street.

"Sure," Shikamaru agreed with a smile.

"Sissy too?" Mirai asked with sparkling eyes as she looked back to Ino. Shikamaru stopped walking and turned around. Ino looked at the two of them and smiled weakly before agreeing.

"We can go see the deer. Would you like that, Mirai?" Shikamaru asked the child, and gave a side glance at Ino. The little girl loved the idea and clapped her hands together happily. Shikamaru smiled and kissed the little girl's temple, causing Ino's heart to skip. She never would have assumed he'd be so good with children. Of course, when Mirai was a baby, he was always around her.

"Hi! Mommy!" Mirai shouted when they reached Kurenai's apartment building. On the balcony. Kurenai was watering her flowers and looked over at them. She waved to the three of them and put the watering can down to go retrieve her daughter from them.

When Kurenai reached the bottom of the stairs, she beamed at her daughter and reached out for her. Shikamaru handed her over and stepped back, listening as Mirai told her mother they were going to go see the deer tomorrow. Kurenai seemed happy to hear that and looked to both Ino and Shikamaru, noticing the slight tension between them.

"We'll come get her tomorrow at noon?" Shikamaru asked.

"That'll be fine," Kurenai agreed with a single nod. "Say bye, sweetie, it's time for a bath and then bed." The dark haired woman looked at her daughter, who did as she was told. Kurenai looked at Ino and Shikamaru one last time before telling them to have a good evening and walking back to the staircase.

The moment Kurenai and Mirai were out of sight, Shikamaru turned to look at Ino. The blonde was standing beside him quietly with her hands behind her back. It looked as though she was having an internal debated, based on the furrowing of her brows and the twitching of her lips. Shikamaru wondered if she wanted to say something about the night at the park. He licked his lips and tried to speak, but Ino did as well. They both looked at each other, and Shikamaru shook his head, telling Ino to go first.

Ino cleared her throat. "I'm confused, Shikamaru," she said.

"Confused about what?" he asked.

"About you," Ino stated a little more harshly than she intended. She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of the nose. "Why didn't you tell me about Lady Tsunade offering you the position as Head of the Intelligence Unit?"

Shikamaru opened his mouth, but no words came out. He wasn't sure how to explain it to her, nor did he want to explain it to her in the middle of the road outside of Kurenai's apartment complex. He wanted to tell her in a more tactful manner, somewhere more private.

"You aren't...you aren't going to take it...are you?" Ino asked him.

"I don't know," Shikamaru answered truthfully. "That's...it's a huge thing, Ino."

"What aren't you telling me?" Ino asked him.

"Ino," Shikamaru tried, but she snapped at him to tell her the truth. He sighed and rolled his eyes, Ino could be such a hothead. Of all the ways he envisioned this moment going, this was the last way he wanted or hoped it would go.

"We're friends and teammates, Shikamaru," Ino said harshly. "We're supposed to help each other out and be there for each other. I know this is selfish of me, but I told you I don't want to lose another person I love. Perhaps you don't feel the same, but I certainly-"

Shikamaru grabbed Ino and pulled her into his muscled body, pressing his lips gently on hers. Ino fell into complete silence and froze as Shikamaru's lips meshed perfectly with her own. Her eyes slowly closed and she placed her hands on his chest.

She pushed him away and looked at him breathlessly before running away, and leaving Shikamaru standing in the road with his heartbeat racing.