By Persephonae

Ino waited at the gate to the village with Sakura. Today was the day her team would finally return. Well, her former team. They had been part of Team Ino-Shika-Cho since they were children. Second generation Ino-Shika-Cho, actually—as their fathers had been teammates during their own Academy days.

Ino flicked her hair out of her face. "Where are they?" she swatted a mosquito away from her. The summer humidity made her skin damp with moisture. Her hair was beginning to stick to the back of her neck, a feeling she hated. She quickly sat on the grass next to the entrance to Konoha, as Sakura silently sat next to her.

"I'm sure they will be here soon," Sakura responded, picking at the grass. They had finished their rounds at the clinic, and her pink-haired friend had offered to wait with her. Ino was glad for the company.

"Choji probably found something to eat, or is just being plain slow," she complained ruefully. She smiled at the thought of her former teammate's constant desire to eat. While she found ways to cut calories, he was always finding a way to eat more calories than a normal male his age should eat. She had tried to intervene at one point, years earlier, but he had simply refused her pleas to become more fit. Ino had told him of the dangers of heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a plethora of other complications that ensued from excessive weight gain.

Choji had waved his hand dismissively, as he finished his bag of chips. "I have to be this big," he had mumbled between bites. "I'm naturally big-boned, Ino. Besides, half of the secret Akimichi Clan Techniques require me to turn my extra chunk into chakra. No chunk would equal no chakra," he had explained.

She had simply rolled her eyes at his explanation, thinking it quite lame. Shikamaru had shrugged his indifference. He didn't care one way or another how Choji looked—they had been best friends since childhood. Choji was one of the most kind-hearted people he knew, and sometimes he wished Ino would look past appearances.

"Ino—," Sakura began, her tone stern as she interrupted Ino's distant memory.

Ino sighed, "I know, I know. I'm a bitch. But, it's difficult to look this good!" She grinned her playfulness. Despite her picking, she really did care about Choji. She was worried about his health, for one. Secondly, she truly didn't care what he looked like, though she would never admit it.

Sakura rolled her eyes. It was a typical Ino statement. She had been obsessed with staying fit since their childhood, constantly comparing herself to other kunoichi in Konoha. In fact, Ino was currently instructing an aerobics class a couple mornings every week. Sakura had to admit that Ino did look great. Though her constant dieting was worrisome—as it wasn't necessarily a healthy means to a fantastic body.

The sun was beginning to lower in the evening sky, and Ino was becoming impatient. "Where the hell are they? They are nearly two hours late!"

Her tone was fluctuating from annoyed to worried. Perhaps something had come up? Or gone wrong? She hoped it was the former. Shikamaru was usually the tardy of the three, but they were only coming from Sunagakure. They had spent the last six months helping Gaara on some top secret mission. He had requested help from Tsunade, and she responded by sending a handful of jonin to the Sand, Choji and Shikamaru being two of the lucky ones. Ino would have gone as well, but was hindered because of the finals for her medical training.

She wondered if Temari had finally sunk her claws into Shikamaru. It was only a matter of time, as he was the only man who may actually put up with the horrible woman. Ino had never been fond of Temari, as she thought Gaara's sister was far too arrogant. Besides, Ino thought, she's not that skilled. Ino didn't care one way or another if Shikamaru and Temari were dating, despite her dislike of the Kazekage's sibling. Shikamaru needed someone who would keep him in line, and Ino had no doubt that Temari would do just that. She smirked at the sudden image that formed in her head. I bet she'd knock him around, she thought mischievously.

"I think that's them!" Sakura stood quickly, holding her hand over her brow to shade her light green eyes from the bright, setting sunlight.

Ino squinted in the direction Sakura had indicated. "I think that's Shikamaru…but who's that with him?" She, too, stood as she eyed the stranger next to Shikamaru. The man was about six inches taller than Shikamaru, his body compact with muscles. She licked her lips in appreciation of the firm male body. Someone new! she thought giddily. I hope he's cute!

"That," Sakura whispered, "is Choji!" The whites of her eyes showed as she widened them in surprise.

"No way!" Ino hissed back. That. Was. Not. Choji. No way! "He's too skinny to be Choji. Hello? It's Choji we are talking about!" she hissed.

"I know," Sakura shot back. "But who else do you know that would have those patterns on his cheeks? Or that kanji on his armor?"

Ino squinted toward the symbol on the front of the…red shirt…. "You've got to be fucking kidding me!" she gasped. Choji!

"Hey Sakura! Ino!" The muscular man waved his armored arm enthusiastically. Shikamaru nodded his head.

Typical Shikamaru move. Six months of not seeing his friends, and this is how he reacts, Ino thought. She couldn't tear her eyes from this new man coming toward the two women. It really is Choji! But…how? she asked herself.

She studied his new frame. He was wearing his usual red shirt, dark, long pants. They hugged his muscular body nicely. His armor covered his well-toned arms and chest. She could see the build of his newly hardened frame under his clothes. His hair had been cut, and was currently in disarray around his head. Sexily disheveled, Ino thought, before realizing she was thinking about…Choji!

The two men were feet from them when Choji pulled both Sakura and Ino into a massive hug. Ino was in shock as she was forced against a rock hard wall of muscle. She was tempted to reach out and touch it to make sure it was real. Oh, it's real! her mind naughtily replied.

Even Sakura was blushing from the close contact with the newly attractive man. "Hi to you too, Choji!" she said, pushing her hair from her face. "You look…great!" She eyed him appreciatively. Almost too appreciatively. Ino felt protective of her former teammate, casting a warning glance at her childhood friend.

"So, Ino, I heard from Shikamaru that you are officially a doctor. Congrats!" Choji beamed.

Ino studied his newly angular face as his forehead protector reflected the sunlight that glistened in his hair. She had never seen him in this light before—both figuratively and literally speaking. Sakura elbowed the blonde physician. "Uh, er, yeah!" Ino stuttered, as Shikamaru studied her with narrowed eyes.

Choji ran his hand through his hair, looking at the ground. "Yeah, uh, so I lost some weight…," he blushed.

Some weight? Ino's brain shrieked. Just some? She realized her mouth was hanging open, and swiftly closed it. "Really? I didn't notice," Ino casually replied. Shikamaru snorted, and Ino sent him a warning glare. Even Sakura had to suppress a smile. She knew exactly what Ino was thinking.

"Thanks, Ino!" Choji smiled, as he put his arm around both Shikamaru and Ino's shoulders. "Sorry, Sakura," he told the Team Seven medic, "It's a Team Ino-Shika-Cho moment!"

"Completely understandable," Sakura gestured emphatically. They had not seen each for almost half of a year, and hadn't been a team for much longer. They were all much older than their younger genin days, and it was nice to relax with old friends. "I was only keeping Ino company while she waited for you guys! I'm gonna head back to Ichiraku's, I promised Naruto I'd meet him for ramen."

"Oh, I'm hungry, I'll go with you," Ino offered. "You guys hungry?" she asked, turning and looking at both Choji and Shikamaru.

"Nah," Choji replied. "I, uh, should be going home to see Mom and Dad. You two go ahead, I'll catch up with you guys later!" he waved his goodbye, before walking into the village.

Ino stared after Choji, this time allowing her jaw hanging open. "Close your mouth, Ino. You're practically drooling."

"I am not!" she said, defensively. "I-I just can't believe he t-turned down food!" she huffed.

"Well, in the words of Naruto, 'believe it'. He's a changed man." Shikamaru nodded in the direction Choji had walked. He had a feeling that Ino was culminating some naughty ideas in her head. He had a deep–rooted respect for the blonde woman, but she was quite shallow when it came to attractive men. And he didn't want Choji to be an object of attraction for her, considering she had looked past him all these years, despite Choji's obvious crush on her. "Ino…" he began.

"Hmm?" she said, her eyes dreamily focusing on him.

"Don't hurt him. He doesn't deserve that,"Shikamaru warned.

"What makes you think I'm interested in…Choji?" she angrily replied.

"Because," Shikamaru retorted, "your jaw is practically dragging on the ground."


It had been months since the Nara and Akimichi offspring returned to Konoha from the Sand-Leaf mission. Choji's sudden change in appearance had created quite a stir, especially with the young, available women in the village. Ino was tired of hearing girls whisper about Choji like he was some object. She had even threatened to beat some young teen to a bloody pulp for her vulgarity. She felt oddly defensive of her old teammate, despite the fact that he was receiving so much well-deserved attention.

It wasn't like she was attracted to him. It was Choji, that they were talking about, here. She just didn't want someone as kind-hearted and loving as him to be objectified in such a manner. Sakura had merely tsk-ed at Ino's explanation, unconvinced of her blonde friend's words. She knew Ino much better than Ino knew herself, it appeared.

Ino had seen Choji only a handful of times since his return. He had been training every day since they came home from the Sand. Shikamaru had informed Ino that Choji had been severely injured on their mission and suffered an infection from his wounds. This ultimately led to his drastic weight loss. After he recovered, he had lost his normal, boisterous appetite, substituting it for that of someone other than an Akimichi Clan member. It wasn't that he didn't want to eat so much, it was that he couldn't bring himself to—he just wasn't hungry. That, combined with their intense training, resulted in the man that escorted Shikamaru back to Konohagakure.

Choji had shared with Ino and Shikamaru that his parents were not happy with his new appearance. "Yeah, Mom cried for days. Dad even cried for a few hours. He's adjusting better than she is," he muttered over his tea.

His mom had tried to entice his appetite by making all of his favorite foods, but he had no real desire to eat like he used to. When he explained that to her, she suffered another bout of tears. His dad seemed to understand, though worried that Choji's ability to use the clan's Secret Technique would be greatly inhibited by his lack of body fat that he could convert into chakra.

"I think it's more about calories being converted into chakra, not fat," he sighed. "I think it's just an excuse for the Akimichi clan to eat so much."

"Perhaps, but it has its merit and uses," Shikamaru nodded.

"Yes, it does," Choji agreed, "but I'm not that boy anymore."

No. No you are not, Ino thought hazily. She had begun to find ways to run into Choji outside of their weekly lunches. She felt guilty for the years that she looked at him as a bigger man, instead of who he truly was. She wanted to take the time to really get to know him. Properly. And, perhaps some of it was for her own guilty purposes, though she was in major denial that she had a crush on…Choji. Of all people! She felt Shikamaru kick her under the table. She quickly cast him a glance, to find him glaring angrily at her. He briefly shook his head, and she sat back in her chair. Perhaps she was running her finger around the rim of her glass too much. She lifted it to take a drink, changing her thoughts into something more productive.

"So, what are your plans tonight?" Ino asked casually.

Choji's face turned bright red, as he remained silent. Ino studied his face, confused by his expression. "I'm relaxing," Shikamaru interrupted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Choji," he nodded to his left, "has a date."

Ino's eyes flew open as she stared at Choji, "What?"

"Yeah…uh, I'm going out, I guess," Choji mumbled, embarrassed.

"With who?" Ino leaned forward. Her stomach felt like it was filled with marbles. She suddenly had an urge to vomit.

"Ayame. The daughter of the owner of the Ichiraku Ramen Bar," he explained. "She's a really nice girl. I finally got up the nerve to ask her out."

Ino was reeled by Choji's revelation. He asked her out? When did Choji go out on dates? Since he became so damned hot, the tiny voice responded as her heart pounded furiously. Why was she so…upset about this? "Oh." She replied. "Well, uh…have fun, I guess."

"Thanks, Ino." Choji replied, studying her reaction. Something about her tone made him think that she wasn't entirely happy for him.


"Why is this bother me so much?" Ino fumed as she stormed into her room. She threw her bag onto the floor, and fell back onto her bed. She closed her eyes, thinking furiously. Why her? What's so special about the owner's daughter? She's not even that pretty!

Ino rolled onto her side, her hair spilling over her face. There weren't many places that a couple could go on a date, and she had a feeling Choji would take her to the typical hot spot. She quickly made the decision: she would show up there, looking her best.

I will not lose to her! Ino fumed. We'll see who's the best woman for him!

Choji was enjoying his date with Ayame. She was a quiet girl, but quite delightful once you got her talking. She had always been kind to Choji, and he had only recently found himself attracted to the woman. She had grown much more beautiful over these past few years, as she shot through the awkward teenage years. When he had run into her a few days earlier, she was her usual cheerful self around him. He decided right then and there that he wanted to spend more time with her--to get to know the only woman who hadn't treated him differently because he returned in a much more fit state than he had been before leaving Konoha. Oh, he knew what people were saying about him. He could see all the appreciative stares from the young women in the village—the same women who would have never given him the time of day a year ago. No, he was where he wanted to be at that moment.

They were talking, Ayame laughing at one of Choji's stories as he saw Ino and a few others enter the bar. He waved at them, as Ino flashed him a smile. Her clothing was tighter and shorter than usual, but it was Ino. He continued to focus on his date. A few drinks later, he noticed people gathering around the bar. He could see someone dancing on the top of the bar, swinging around the pole that intersected it. He realized it was Ino, and immediately stood as he excused himself from the table. Ayame watched him, concerned by his sudden change in mood. Choji pushed himself toward the bar, ignoring the few hands that strayed to grab his butt or rub over his abdominal muscles. He pulled his shirt back down, covering his torso, as he approached the bar.

"Choji!" Ino squealed as she quickly spun around the pole.

"Ino what are you doing?" he asked as he pushed some random young man away from the bar as the drunken admirer tried to slip a few coins into Ino's back pocket. "Get down from there, you're embarrassing yourself!"

Ino was shocked at his sudden change in tone, and immediately ceased her pole routine. She unsteadily attempted to jump down from the bar top. Choji reached up to help her, and she leaped down with his aid. She could feel his muscles under her hands.

She stood before him, straightening herself. "Hi! How's your date?"

"It's, uh, going well," he said, looking back over his shoulder. He waved to Ayame, who smiled in response. Ino glared at the young woman. Choji turned his attention back to Ino, "What were you doing up there, Ino? "

"Dancing, Choji. You know, having some fun," she said, pushing her long blonde hair from her eyes. She wore it down, hoping to make herself more noticeable.

"Well, uh, it looks bad. And it's not like you," he replied cautiously.

"What does that mean?" Ino asked through narrowed eyes. She didn't like what he was insinuating.

"Nothing," he sighed, as he turned to walk back to his table, "I should get going back to Ayame."

"Yeah, do that," she practically hissed. Choji turned, casting a concerned look at her before weaving through the crowed. Ino watched as he sat down across from Ayame, reaching for her hand over the table. Ino felt sick at their contact, wanting to tear the young woman's hair from her head. She knew that the three drinks she had didn't help her raging thoughts. Her face became hot as she thought about how non-plussed Choji was at her actions. Had she magically thought he would fall head-over-heels in love with her? Why did she care? Before she could talk herself out of it, she walked through the crowd, pushing through people as she approached the table where Choji was leaning over and talking to the young woman. The girl looked up, surprised to find the newcomer so close to their table.

Ino ignored the girl, clearing her throat as Choji looked up, "Oh, Ino!"

He looked from Ayame to Ino, and back to Ayame. "Ino, this is my date, Ayame. Ayame, this is Ino."

Ino nodded quickly in the woman's direction, turning her attention back to Choji. "Hey, could we talk? Quickly. I promise," she asked.

Choji looked to Ayame, who nodded vigorously. "Go, I'll be fine here." Her innocence was sickening to Ino.

"Uh…sure," Choji said as he stood. "Outside?" Ino nodded. He followed her as she made her way through the human maze. She pushed the door open, feeling the cold breeze hit her face. It was suddenly sobering.

"What's up?" Choji asked, looking at Ino questioningly.

"How's your date?" Ino asked, suddenly confused on why she felt it was so urgent to speak to Choji.

"Good, thanks. Did you want to speak to me about something?" he asked, scratching his chin. "I thought maybe you were in trouble or something…"

"No, no trouble," Ino replied, suddenly embarrassed at her behavior. "Look, Choji, I'm sorry! About what just happened!" she blurted.

He thought for a moment. "It's your life, I had no right to interfere. I just didn't think it was like you to do something like that," he answered.

"It's not like me," she muttered under her breath.

"Then why would you do that?" he asked.

She looked up, amazed that he had heard her. She hadn't expected to say that so loudly. She chewed her lip. "I guess I wanted to get a certain person's attention."

"Well, that's definitely a way to get it," he grinned.

"Obviously," she sighed. "Oh, nevermind, Choji," she waved her hand, "Go back to your date." Her voice was tinged with sadness--which was not missed by her former teammate.

He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Ino, if you need to talk, you know I'm here for you," he offered.

"I know," she replied sadly. "I know, Choji. You've always been there for me."

"Yes, and probably not for all the right reasons," he admitted.

She looked up in surprise. Did he mean what she thought he meant? "What?"

He nodded, "It's true. I used to have a major crush on you, Ino. Maybe more than a simple crush. But, I realized that you would never be interested in someone like me. I was so stupid!" His face reddened slightly at his sudden truthfulness.

"What do you mean 'someone like you'?" Ino whispered. She suddenly felt guilty. She was aware of what he meant. Someone like him. Someone fat. Someone who's not a cookie cutter male. He was partly right, and she was ashamed to admit it.

"Ino, I know I was fat. Despite all of the denial on my part, I was overweight and unhappy with myself. And I hid it by pretending to not notice how large I was," he admitted. "And you were always so caught up with the other guys in the village, that I knew I didn't stand a chance. No one wanted to go out with me. I'm well aware of how women look at me now, since I'm no longer overweight." He shuddered at the unwanted attention and stares.

"Yeah, I guess I can see why," she answered cryptically. She was still contemplating what he was saying. He had been in love with her!? Why hadn't she seen this? Oh, you wouldn't have given him the chance, admit it! she told herself. Shut up, I would have!

"And I hate it!" Choji quickly spat. "I hate it. That's why I asked Ayame out. She was the only person who didn't change the way they treated me based on my appearances. She's always been kind to me. That's what I like about her."

"Do I treat you differently?" Ino asked, afraid to meet his eyes.

Choji was quiet for some time. "Yes," he whispered.

Ino met his eyes, tears forming in her own. "I do?" She had asked the question, not wanting an answer.

Choji nodded. "I know, Ino. I may be slow with some things, but even I can tell."

She felt as if someone had knocked the wind out of her. So it was true! She was infatuated with her childhood friend. "I'm sorry," she whispered, dropping her head in shame.

"It's alright," he replied softly, pulling her chin upward with his forefinger. "It's just…you."

"But this isn't how I want to be!" she replied angrily. "I'm not just interested in looks, you know!"

"Maybe not, but you never gave me a second look before now," he answered calmly.

"I had a lot of stuff going on!" she replied, her voice tense with emotion.

"For fifteen years?" he shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry Ino, but there's more to me than just how I look right now."

She nodded, swallowing her pride. "I'm sorry to have interrupted your date," she said softly. "She seems like a nice girl. I'm sure she's wondering where you are."

Choji studied her for a moment, "Are you going to be alright? I can stay and talk if you want to, Ino."

His sudden concern rubbed salt in the wound, "No, I'm fine. Thanks, Choji. Now go back to your date!" she commanded, turning him around and pushing him toward the door.

He nervously ran his hand through his short hair. "Thanks, Ino!" he grinned. "Do me a favor?"

"Huh?" she asked, raising her blue eyes to meet his laughing gaze.

"Don't dance on any more bars. I can't promise I'll be around to help you down," he said solemnly, shutting the door behind him.

Ino listend as the bar noise clouded her thoughts briefly, before the closed door muffled the noise. She let the tears fall down her face as she thought about what Choji had said to her. She had been a complete idiot tonight! Stupid! She clenched her jaw, angry at how manipulative she was being.

She had never expected that she would ever fall in love with Choji. It was Choji! But, he had changed over the past nine months, and she felt some strange, new connection to him. Yes, she had been attracted to his new appearance. And yes, his weight had been a distracting factor when they were children. But, what she hadn't admitted to herself until these past few days was that she had cared about him even before he left for Sunagakure.

She realized it by the way she missed him after he left. She had been giddy when thinking about seeing him for the first time since he and Shikamaru had left for their mission. She had denied it, until she could deny it no more.

It was a bittersweet feeling, this new-found devotion to Choji and his apparent rejection of her feelings. He had admitted his former attachment to Ino, only to reclaim them as she was ready to accept them. Her tears slowly dried, as she made the silent promise. She would win…no, earn, Choji's affection and admiration. She didn't care how long it took him to see that she was not just in love with his exterior, but also his persona and being...with him.

She loved his heart. She would wait for him to see that she had changed—truly and permanently. She turned and silently walked home. She looked up to the moon, as if making her dedication to this new mission permanent--no matter how long it took or how much she suffered.