Ack, sorry that last chapter was insanely short. A note; techiniquely, according to the manga, Izumo is 24…well, not in my fic he ain't! ^_~ Although, thanks for pointing it out ^_^;;

Kotetsu leaned on Ino with one elbow like a shelf, smirking. In the moonlight he was rather freaky looking with that wild hair and tape across his face.

"Ehh?" Ino was completely caught by surprise.

"Better watch yourself," he addressed Shikamaru who only glared now.

"What are you doing here?" Ino wanted to know.

"I was only on my way home." He played innocent. "I guess I've only assumed that Izumo claimed you, didn't think I'd have to defend you." If Kotetsu hadn't been speaking so loudly, Ino may have heard Shikamaru's small growl slipping through his clentched teeth. "But I suppose I ought to be continuing on my way. Ja ne kiddos."

"Eh-" Ino was rather speechless as Shikamaru gave her one last moment,

"I knew this would be troublesome," he said, his tone very flat. "Maybe I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."

Inner Ino: Now look what you've done…well done Ino Pig…wait, did I just call myself Ino Pig?

Ino blinked and she was alone outside her home in the night. What just happened? For one moment she had been secretly celebrating the fact that she had 2 guys asking her to the festival…and now…she had a very screwy situation. What if things w/ Izumo don't work out?! Now Shikamaru won't even want to give me a chance! BAKA!

"Ino? What are you doing out here?" she turned to her father's approaching voice. The tall man with a long blonde ponytail looked down at her. "Asuma said you left training hours ago, and when it began to storm I was worried."

"Sorry daddy," she apologized. "I went out and got Ramen with one of my friends."

"Shikamaru?" he asked as they walked into their small home.

"Er, no…a different friend." She couldn't tell him who exactly…no, that'd wreak things.

"Why not Shikamaru – you know you ought to ask him to the star festival before he asks someone else."

"Daddy!" Ino couldn't believe he had just suggested that. With her hands on her hips she told him, "Girls don't ask boys!" Duh.

"Oh, right." She received a cocky glance from her father before he disappeared into his study. Sighing, she headed up to her room. She removed her forehead protector, which she wore around her tiny waist and placed it safely on her nightstand. What is with these crazy boys? She wondered looking herself over in her full body mirror. I coulda sworn I'd gained weight, and that I've got more split ends than usual, but oddly enough they flocked to me. She smirked. I really am a sexy pimptress.

Giggling she fell back on her bed to dream of her boys.