Hello, guys… Sorry about the super delay of the next chapters! I was sick… I was suffering from a dreadful disease called the writers' block… I ran out of ideas for the upcoming chapters of this story but now, I'm back! Let's all be happy! And also, I ran out of internet load… I used it all up in downloading Naruto stuff. Luckily, I have this friend and for the meantime, she'll be the one updating the fic. Let's all give her a big hand! (claps) Arigatou gozaimasu, Beata-chan!  Okay, now, let's get to the story!

Heeeeeeeeeeere's Chapter 49- Christmas Gift Shopping

Everything was done. The interview was over. After Ino had said goodbye to her dear friend, Sakura, she rushed outside the place and met Shikamaru at the gate.

"Hey, sexy." He said, "How was it?"

"Everything went well," Ino replied, "Kakashi-sensei is still as nutty as usual!"

Shikamaru laughed then led Ino outside, where his car was parked. Before he opened the door for her, he said, "We could shop for presents today, if you like."

"Don't you have work?" Ino asked, "You've been absenting for so many days…"

"I don't actually feel like going to work today!" Shikamaru said, "I mean, I get lesser clients these days and I am once again done with all of the files I have. Plus, I think my laziness is once again taking over me. I'm pretty sure my boss won't mind if I spend a day with my girl!"

Ino slightly blushed. "You'd do anything to miss a day at work, wouldn't you?"

"Well," Shikamaru answered, "Now that I have you, I don't even wanna leave the house! All I wanna do now is spend the rest of my darn boring life with you. You spice everything up, Ino!"

Ino giggled. "Well, today's your last day, mister! You're gonna have to come back to the office some day and it's not gonna be next year!" Then she chuckled and went inside the car.

The two buckled-up for a bumpy ride. Shikamaru checked his mirror, turned the keys and started the engine. Then he asked, "What gifts do you have in mind?"

"I don't know." Ino replied, "For the girls, I'm planning on making them personalized necklaces! I saw very nice beads at the bead shop in the mall! There are so many colors to choose from and so many designs to experiment with!"

"I never actually thought bead crafting was your thing, Ino…" Shikamaru said.

"How about you?" Ino said, "What do you have in mind for the guys?"

"Geee… What do I have in store for those freaks? Let's see…"

Ino quietly stared at him and waited for his answer. Slowly, she watched Shikamaru as he out his hands on the stirring wheel and starting driving. Finally, he had an answer… Though it was a really weird one…

"Let me see…" he said, "Maybe I'll get them all some Playboy magazines!"

Ino snorted and frowned. "Haha. Very funny. I never knew all of you were total perverts."

"No, wait… Maybe I'll get them some wine! The guys'll love that."

Ino shot back. "You? Give Rock Lee some wine? I don't think so!"

"Oh yeah. You're right…" Shikamaru sighed and thought some more. He thought and he thought when finally he couldn't think of any good ideas. His mind went blank and he said to Ino, "I give up."

"That's okay, Shikamaru!" Ino said, "You'll still have plenty of time to think at the mall!" Then, an idea sprung into her head. "Hey, um, Shikamaru? Could we… Could we throw a Christmas party at your place?"

"Throw a Christmas party?" Shikamaru replied, "Sure, why not. When are you planning on throwing one?"

"It's your choice!" Ino answered, "It is your place, after all."

"It's our place now!" Shikamaru giggled, "How about on Christmas eve?"

"I guess that sounds fine enough," Ino said, "Now, we'll need a lot of planning… The food, the decorations, the music, everything!"

Shikamaru put his hand on her shoulder and said, "Don't worry! We'll work things out and do the planning together! We still have two weeks left. I'm sure we could make it by then."

"Sure." Ino replied.

Then they continued driving away… The snow was falling gently.