I actually had this written out a long time ago. I was just waiting to post this so I could get more reviews on my other chapters, but since that's not going to happen anyway, I might as well post this!

MeAnT tO bE

Chapter 14: Forgiveness

-Shika's POV-

Ino buried her face in her hands. It was obvious she didn't want me to see her crying again. Just looking at her in this depressing state gave me a sharp pain in my heart.

Then…her voice softened. "Without me, your life will be so much easier. Temari's the girl you've always dreamed of. You won't have any problems in your life." Even though I never spoke up, I knew that this was true. But even though my life would be easy, it didn't mean that I would be happy."

I waited a couple of moments and came up to her. "Ino," I whispered and lowered myself so I could sit next to her. I extended a hand towards her shoulder. "Ino," I tried again. But this time Ino sat up, fury boiling in her eyes. She slapped my hand away. I swear I heard my bones crack. Sasuke was right, she does have a fist of steel.

"I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE ME ALONE, NARA! NOW GET AWAY FROM ME!" Ino bellowed. I was surprised at her tone.

Instead, I ignored her and waited for her to cry some more. "Ino, you don't have to listen to what I'm about to say," I began. I decided to leave out the part about Temari kissing me, since she would never believe me anyway. "I was stupid. It takes two people to kiss. I kissed Temari." This only made Ino cry harder.

"I didn't realize that she was not the girl for me. She would make my life easy, but I would be miserable. Just because I wasn't with the girl I truly wanted. I didn't realize until now that that girl that I truly want is right next to me right now." This is good. She stopped crying.

I took in a deep breath and continued, "I'm sorry for not realizing that before. Can you ever forgive me?" I waited a while, then Ino turned her head to look at me. Using my sleeve, I wiped some of the tears off of her face.

"Well…" Ino thought about it.

I just couldn't wait. I sprung into action and wrapped my arms around her thin waist, just like I did 2 years ago. She responded by locking her arms around my neck. For a moment my brown eyes met her blue eyes. It's like I'm looking at the sky…

I moved downwards. Instantly we were plunged into a passionate kiss. I had never expected such passion from such a troublesome girl. And I'm sure she never expected a lazy-ass like me to do the same.

When we finally broke apart, Ino smiled. How long I had been waiting to see her smile like that! "I forgive you, Shikamaru," she whispered as she pulled me into another kiss.

-End of Shika's POV-

XXXXX

The next day at school, walking into the cafeteria, Ino and Shikamaru held hands. Since they were both really popular (Shikamaru was the 2nd hottest guy after Sasuke, Ino was the hottest girl), of course heads turned when they walked in.

Naruto punched Shikamaru on the shoulder. "All right Shikamaru! I knew you'd work things out!" Shika blushed slightly.

Meanwhile Sakura, Tenten, and Hinata were squealing and running towards Ino. "Oh my god, you guys are the hottest couple in the school! Everyone's talking about you!" Tenten squealed.

"I'm so happy for you Ino-chan!" Sakura hugged Ino. Hinata, who was less shy than before, also hugged Ino. They filled her in on all the events that happened when Ino wasn't around, including the fact that Temari kissed Shika.

"I knew it was that witch who kissed my Shika-kun," said Ino. "I wonder how she's taking it." All four turned to find Temari sitting at a table all alone, sulking miserably over her food. Ino bit her lip. As much as I hate her, I can't help feeling sorry for her, she thought.

Ino went over to her boyfriend and dragged him over. "Shika-kun, Temari-san seems really sad. Maybe you should comfort her."

Shika looked confused. "Are you sure I can? I mean, you won't get jealous or cry again?"

Ino nodded. "You're the only one who can comfort her."

Shikamaru went over to Temari's table and sat down. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked in friendly way. Temari mumbled, "Sure."

"Listen Temari, I'm sorry that I had to yell at you. I know I really hurt your feelings. But I just couldn't forgive you for kissing me and making Ino cry."

Temari sighed. "Yeah, I know. That was wrong of me. I just acted impulsively, you know?" She kissed me impulsively? Shika thought, disbelieving.

"Well, anyways, although it was still wrong to kiss me, I wanted to say I'm sorry for snapping at you. I know you've liked me for a long time, but I think our relationship would be better if we were friends. So what do you say?" Shika held out his hand.

Temari shook it. "I think that's the best thing to do too." She sighed. "You're a really great guy, Shika-kun. I don't deserve a guy like you. Ino's lucky to have you."

Shika gave a curt nod. "Any guy would be lucky to have you too."

"So, how'd it go?" Ino asked.

"Everything's back to normal…I think." Shika explained with a grin. Ino giggled. "I guess it is."

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