A/N
I heard that this was the ShikaIno week? (not really sure)
But if it was, I just had to do a drabble for them! (can't really write a oneshot for them since I'm an avid ShikaTema shipper OTL)
[Ino x Shikamaru] – The Afters | Lift Me Up
He noted she was his pillar of strength, for her words always seemed to make his mood better. He noticed it especially when he was in a dire situation as even a single smile of hers made his day.
Shikamaru could list the many reasons to why he adored Ino, but that might take a lifetime. Sometimes he felt that he hadn't done enough for her when she had gave him her everything. Ino didn't mind though. To her, his existence was enough.
"You're amazing, you know that?" He had told her one time after a mission.
Shikamaru had almost been defeated, his pride shattered when the enemy had found a way to break his mind. He had almost given up, when it was Ino that brought him back to his senses. She had told him that he was better than that, and the only one who could save them.
Of course, the tides turned and they had won.
"Oh." Ino scratched her head sheepishly. "Just doing it for the team, you know?"
"The team?" Chouji snickered and Ino turned red.
"Of course!"
"More like Shikamaru." The former teased again.
This time, both Shikamaru and Ino hadn't bothered to retort for there were truth in their teammate's words, although it was unspoken.
"Thank you." Shikamaru had muttered for Ino's ears only.
This time, she grinned.