Chapter 35- One Lazy Morning
As soon as they got back to Shikamaru's place, Ino quickly took off her shoes and ran upstairs to her room to sleep.
"Should I order us something for lunch?" Shikamaru called out to her from the dining area.
There was no reply.
"Ah, already asleep, I see." Shikamaru smirked, "Okay, then… I'll go order something… I wonder if a pizza delivery sounds nice…"
He walked to the side table and dialed the Konoha Pizza Hotline.
"Um, hello?... Yeah… May I order a box of pepperoni pizza with extra cheese?... Okay…"
Meanwhile, upstairs, Ino sleeps soundly on a soft, comfy bed in an air conditioned room. She was as still as the serene river and also as cute as a little kitten. She was sleeping so peacefully, not a noise could wake her up. After making a call, Shikamaru walks inside her room to check up on her. He smiles upon seeing her sleeping on a bed, looking like a fairytale princess waiting for her prince to kiss her and release her from the sleeping spell. He walks to her bedside, kneels down and holds her face tenderly.
"You know," he whispered, "You look kinda cute when you're sleeping. It's really quiet and I enjoy the peace." Then, he sighed, "But the truth is, I sometimes like it when you yell at me like you always do. During all those years that you weren't with me, I kinda missed that high, squeaky voice that would nag me and scream at me, for no reason at all. I even missed the way you used to annoy me back when we were in Asuma's team. I know it hurts you when I say 'no'. I know you really like me, Ino. I also wanna be honest with you and show you how I feel. But I don't think I'm the kinda guy you're likely to end up with… You deserve someone better. I'm not even sure I can stand being in a relationship… Stay with me 'til the right one comes for you. I'll take care of you 'til the time comes. Then, once your dashing prince comes for you on his white stallion, leave this place and forget all about me… Forget all the times we had. I'll be alright, don't worry."
Shikamaru slowly stands up and walks on his way to the door. Then, he pauses and says, "But if you believe that no one else can enter your heart except me, Ino, tell me… And let me in." Then he walks out of the room and goes into his own room to take a nap.