A/N: I'm back! Sorry for the wait, folks. Things have been hectic lately, and every time I settled down to write it seems like something else came up. That and I've been trying to finish up a story for another fandom. But anyway, here's a little something to tide you over for now. May Shikamaru's misfortune entertain you. ;)


Dear Journal:

So, after the little revelation that there was indeed another secret admirer, the others of course decided to announce that they were all behind me, and were going to help me find the guy before, in Kiba's own words, Temari 'Wizened up and dumped me for him'.

They all proceeded to (loudly) make 'plans of attack', while I sat down on a stool beside Naruto, who was still pulling ramen out of his hair and clothes.

I still felt a little guilty for accusing him, and offered to buy him a new bowl.

He looked at me all wide-eyed, before very seriously telling me that he should be buying me a bowl, because I really needed it.

Which made me feel worse. My situation must be really bad if Naruto was offering to buy me comfort ramen.

Dammit.

Anyway, Ino suggested I spy on Temari's place and see who drops the stuff off.

I told her that it was wrong of me to spy on my girlfriend, and that I wasn't going to do it.

I didn't, however, tell anyone that it was not technically spying on my girlfriend if my friends were doing it instead of me and I didn't know about it.

Because if would be wrong of me to ask them to spy for me.

But it isn't wrong of me to 'accidentally' leave my journal here on the bar where one of them can pick it up and read it.

And hopefully get the hint.

Your sneaky author,

Shikamaru


Sly.

- Shino


Oh, we getcha buddy! Don't worry, I'm on the case!

Your awesome spy friend,

Kiba


I shall enlist Lady Hinata as well. Nobody will be able to get past our eyes.

- a determined Neji


Don't worry, that chump won't get past us!

~Tenten~


Yosh! We'll use the power of our youth to help you, my friend!

Youthfully yours,

Lee


We understand, Shika! Don't worry!

Your friend,

Choji


Don't worry Shikamaru, I won't let anyone screw this up. You can count on me to be subtle, at least. Plus Sakura says she'll help as well.

~ Ino


Dear Supposedly Clever Son,

Ino dropped this off just now, and after reading your friends' comments, I've got to wonder if you really thought this through.

I'm guessing not.

Your amused father


Dear Journal:

Oh, God.

What have I done?

Your horrified author,

Shikamaru


A/N: The return of the nosy friends! For a smart guy, Shikamaru really didn't think that through. Will hopefully have an update for all of you soon, as well as a new chapter for 'Me and My Shadow' and 'The 10-step Program for Reforming villains'. Thanks for all of the reviews, they always make my day! :)