A/N: Yikes, I didn't realize how short this chapter was. There's a little bit of strong language in it, too, but not much. I guess I'll post another chapter very soon to make up for this one, and then settle into a regular update schedule next week. Sorry if the pacing is a little slow for you- remember that this piece is pretty long. Please review! I'd love to hear what you have to say about this story, even if it's picking it to pieces.

There was only one week left until the summer festival. Chouji had asked Naomi to the event, but Shikamaru didn't know if she had accepted. He didn't have time to find out- he left in half an hour for a mission.

"Shikamaru!" he heard his mother yell. "Someone's here to see you!"

"Great," he growled, stuffing more shuriken into a pouch. He was strapped for time as it was. Why did someone have to show up now?

He tromped down the stairs, ready to glare at whoever it was that had interrupted his packing, and saw Ino standing in the entryway. "Hi!" she said. "Do you have a second?"

"Only a second," he replied, unable to really snap at her. It would just cause problems and make him even more late. "I have to leave soon for a mission. Should take five days."

"Oh, then you'll be back in time," she squealed, clasping her hands together. Dammit, she looked really spunky and cute when she did that. Then again, she really was spunky and cute.

"In time for what?"

"To take me to the festival," she said with a grin.

"What?"

Ino rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay. I'll do it your way. Shikamaru, will you take me to the summer festival?"

Shikamaru felt his heart start beating more quickly. "What about your boyfriend, Kenji?"

Ino shrugged. "Kenji's old news. My new boyfriend, Toru, is on a mission all this month, and I really want to go."

Ino had yet another boyfriend? "I don't know if I'll be back on time," he answered.

She sighed. "I know how it goes. I have a mission, too, but it's only supposed to take three days. Your teams always finish their missions early, so I'm sure you'll be back. Come on, please?"

Shikamaru took in the sight of her, with her smooth arms crossed over her ample chest, her legs long and strong beneath the curves of her hips. Her neck was graceful also, currently holding her head at a cocked angle. Large blue eyes looked up at him, white teeth biting the barest part of lip in anticipation. She was manipulating him and they both knew it, so why was he so powerless to resist her? "Yeah, okay. I'll take you. Are you sure your new boyfriend won't come back and beat the snot out of me?"

Ino snorted. "As if he could."

He raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh?"

"And as if I'd let him," she added with a grin. "So, meet me at six on the bridge, okay? We'll grab something to eat, play around for a bit, and then watch the fireworks. It'll be lots of fun."

"Okay, I'll be there."

He blushed madly as she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big squeeze, his body painfully aware of which of her body parts were touching him. "Bring plenty of money," she said, breaking away from him. "I'm going to want lots of treats and presents!"

"S-sure," he mumbled, then scowled as he realized what he was agreeing to.

"Be safe on your mission!" she said with a wink and then was out the door.

Shikamaru just stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door. Her smile lingered in his mind's eye, his hands hanging limply at his sides. "Sounds like somebody has a date!" his mother giggled, and he numbly turned his head to look at her blankly. She glanced at the clock, and her grin turned into a frown. "Get your rear upstairs and pack this instant. You're going to be late for your mission!" she snapped, cracking a dishtowel at him.

He looked at the clock as well. Two minutes remained until he had to leave. "Shit," he grumbled, and dashed up the stairs.