A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed! Don't worry, Temari will show up in a few more chapters, and that doesn't mean that Ino will disappear. This is a longer chapter, and I hope you enjoy it.

The lanterns were lit when they returned to the site of the festival, emitting a gentle glow. The multicolored globes gave the festival the appearance of an otherworldly celebration, one too fine for human participation. The park was filled with booths, selling food and goods, while people milled about. Music could be heard not too far off, but there were also wandering musicians and street performers. "Isn't this wonderful?" Ino exclaimed, clasping her hands together. He noticed she had tucked the rose in her obi.

"It's nice," he replied. He liked seeing her so happy. It was kind of fun to have a pretty girl on his arm, too, even if they were just friends. "Hey, are you hungry?"

Ino scowled and swatted his arm. "Of course I'm hungry! I spent hours waiting on that bridge for you! And I want something good, too."

He sighed and rolled his eyes, then looked down to where her hand was resting on his forearm. "Okay, okay," he grumbled. Damn, she was a lot of trouble, and yet no trouble at all. He watched her as they walked, her posture straight, and realized that he was a head taller than she was. Blushing, he quickly looked away, realizing that he could see down the front of her clothes if he positioned his head just right. "Uh, thanks for waiting for me," he told her, trying to distract himself.

"No worries," she answered, then pointed at a food stall with the arm that wasn't entwined with Shikamaru's. "Hey, let's eat there."

"Sure." He led her to the booth, seating her at one of the tables next to the counter. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the sound of stringed instruments and bamboo pipes to them, and the stars flickered in the sky above. Ino's face screwed up in concentration as she read the menu, then rattled off her order to him. He nodded and went to the counter, and after he placed their order noticed that the stand right across the street was offering more or less the same thing for half the price. He grimaced; it figured that Ino would punish him through his wallet. The meals arrived, he paid, and took the tray, carrying it over to their table. He served her, then himself, and sat down across from her, watching as she daintily began to devour her meal. It would never have occurred to him that someone could eat so quickly and still do it in a polite fashion. He realized that he was starving, too, and dug in. The noodles he had ordered were surprisingly good, and before he knew it, he had polished off his meal. "Sorry," he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "I didn't mean to bolt my food."

She put down her own chopsticks. "That's okay, I was pretty hungry, too." Her plates were completely empty.

"Hey!" someone called out, and Shikamaru turned to see his friend Chouji walking towards them. At least he thought it was Chouji. Why Chouji would have such a stunning girl on his arm completely escaped Shikamaru, for the girl was easily the prettiest he had ever seen. Her silken, dark hair was pinned to the top of her head with small, butterfly-like clips, curling at the nape of her neck and in front of her perfect, porcelain ears. Her large, green eyes seemed to glow in the lamplight and every single facial feature was absolutely perfect. Her shoulders, breasts, hips, legs, and arms were all perfectly proportioned, and she walked with grace.

"Who is that he's with?" whispered Ino, eyes wide.

"I think that's Naomi," Shikamaru murmured, glancing from Naomi to Ino. Ino's eyes were a little wider-set than Naomi's, and her chin was a little stronger, perhaps more than could be deemed feminine. Her eyebrows were very light, not dark and shapely like Naomi's, and her mouth a little less full and perfect. Glancing between the two girls, he realized that Naomi was too perfect. She was beautiful, yes, but her beauty lacked the sincerity and earthiness of Ino's.

"Holy cow," Ino breathed. "She's way prettier than me."

Shikamaru laughed out loud, causing Chouji to raise an eyebrow as he neared with his date. "Ino," Shikamaru said quietly, "She couldn't possibly be prettier than you."

Ino's cheeks suddenly flamed with a blush, her blue eyes locking with his dark ones. "Really?" she asked, but Shikamaru never had time to answer, only to give her a genuine smile.

"Are we interrupting something?" Chouji asked, glancing between his friends.

"Naw," Shikamaru replied, standing. "I see you took my advice."

Chouji's friendly face split in a grin. "And you took mine."

Shikamaru shrugged. It was too much trouble to explain that Ino had actually asked him to the festival. "And this is?"

Chouji erupted in a fierce blush. "This is Naomi," he said tenderly, his hand on the small of the girl's back.

Ino sprang from her seat and took the girl's hand. "I'm Ino. I was on Chouji's genin team. It's so nice to meet you!"

"I'm Shikamaru. I'm glad to meet you," he said, extending his hand as well. Naomi's hand was smooth, but the skin was slightly leathery, as if her hands were in water too often.

"It's very nice to meet both of you," Naomi replied. Shikamaru scowled slightly. Even her voice was perfect. It was starting to get ridiculous. "I hear about you both all the time."

"They're my best friends," Chouji exclaimed, smiling at Naomi. The girl responded with her own blush.

The situation was getting a bit saccharine for Shikamaru's taste, and by the expression on Ino's face, it was for her, too. He could tell by the slight working of the corner of her mouth that she was trying to decide if Chouji and Naomi's cuteness was actually cute or if she wanted to throw up. "Hey," he interjected. "You're the one that makes those great lunches for Chouji, right?"

The new girl inclined her glossy head. "Yes. My family is fortunate to be employed by Chouji's family. They treat us very well, and so I do my best to treat them well in return." She looked at Chouji for a moment, her blush deepening. "Especially Chouji. He is the kindest of all."

"Awww," Ino exclaimed, and Shikamaru knew it was all over. "Cute" had won out. "Hey," she continued, "do you guys want to go dance with us?"

"Dance?" Shikamaru and Chouji groaned at the same time. Terror glistened in the portly boy's eyes, whereas annoyance marred Shikamaru's features.

"Yes," Ino declared, and it was just like old times. "Let's go, Naomi."

The boys followed behind the girls, who had linked arms and begun to chatter. Shikamaru could tell from the conversation that Ino's intellect was the sharper of the two, but Naomi was very sweet and gentle. "So you kiss her yet?" he whispered.

Chouji turned purple and shook his head violently. "Hell no! I don't even know if she likes me like that!"

"I think you could get away with it."

"Huh," the husky boy replied. "Have you kissed Ino?"

Shikamaru's scowl intensified. "Man, give it a rest. You know we're just friends, and you know she has a boyfriend."

"She always has a boyfriend!" Chouji whined softly. "It's now or never!"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "We're only sixteen."

"And we might as well be thirty tomorrow, for all the thought you're showing the future."

Something went still in Shikamaru's chest. What about the future? What future? What wife, with the children, the girl born first, then the boy? "Whatever," he growled, peeved.

"I'm just saying," Chouji grunted, his eyes glued to the back of the girl in front of him.

Shikamaru elected not to say anything for the remainder of the walk, instead silently buying Ino whatever she wanted. She had him buy her a new bracelet made of lapis lazuli, a small lollipop, a bag of cotton candy (which she shared with Naomi), and a little something extra Shikamaru decided not to show her, slipping it into his pocket instead. Every once in a while she would turn and give him a brilliant smile, which would make his heart constrict every time he saw it. He realized that it was probably the same smile she gave to all males in order to get them to do things for her. She had no smile just for him.

They finally arrived at the place where dancing was being held. The courtyard was made of stone, and a group of musicians were playing on a raised platform at one end. The place was strung with small, electric lights, the bulbs small and white like stars. Streamers and flags were hung everywhere, and couples moved on and off the dance floor.

Ino led them to the far side of the courtyard, settling down on a stone bench, Naomi beside her. Chouji suddenly stepped forward, leaned over, and asked Naomi, voice trembling, "Would you like to dance?"

"Yes!" she cried, springing to her feet.

"Great!" Chouji sighed, gazing into her eyes. "But I can't really dance very well…"

Naomi giggled. "That's okay, I can't, either! We'll just have fun. It's not about looking good." Taking his hand, she pulled him onto the dance floor.

Shikamaru watched men's heads turn as Naomi passed, some of them shooting Chouji dirty looks. A lot of the guys seemed to want to dance with her, even trying to cut in, but Naomi only had eyes for Chouji. Shikamaru smiled; his friend deserved something special, something that other people wanted, for a change.

"What?" Ino asked, following his gaze.

"I was just thinking how lucky he is," he replied, sitting next to her on the bench.

Ino's fine eyebrows furrowed as she scowled, her eyes suddenly flickering with sapphire flame. "Oh? Because he's with her? Well, I'm sorry you're not lucky."

Shikamaru laughed and shook his head, which obviously wasn't what she expected, since her scowl deepened. "No, no. I am lucky to be here with you. I wouldn't want to be here with anyone else, really."

Her forehead relaxed and she raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Then what?"

"I was just thinking how lucky he is to have a girl that likes him. Girls are a bother, that's for sure, but it must be nice to be so cared about."

Ino looked at him for a long time. "And you don't think people care about you?" she asked quietly.

Shikamaru shrugged. "Not that way. Probably never will."

"Why not?"

"Because they won't ever like me for me," he replied.

She sighed, still looking at him, then covered his hand with hers. "Actually, I understand," she murmured.

Shikamaru had to glance away in order to hide his blush. Dammit, part of him wished she'd just stop touching him. The rest of him wished she'd touch him more. "Hey, look," he said, pointing to distract her.

"What?" she asked sharply, then looked at who he was pointing at. He smirked as her jaw dropped, then chuckled as she began to sputter in surprise.

A tall, lean boy with black hair was leading a pink-haired girl onto the dance floor. She looked absolutely mortified, her sea-green eyes cast downward as she shuffled after the boy, who was gathering a lot of stares.

"He actually got her to go with him," Shikamaru said.

"Show how much you know," Ino giggled, sticking out her tongue at him. "He's been taking her out somewhere at least once a week for two months now."

Shikamaru grunted. "Oh well. You gotta admit, though, this is priceless."

Ino grinned as Lee struck a few poses, proclaiming something loudly. Sakura looked directly at the ground, face flaming red. She didn't look as if she was enjoying herself. To Shikamaru's surprise, everyone backed up towards the edge of the dance floor, giving the couple plenty of room. Sakura's head shot up and she looked about her, her face blank with alarm. "Oh man," Ino chortled. "This IS priceless! I can't wait to get her about this later!"

Shikamaru shook his head. Ever since the return of Sasuke, Ino and Sakura had become friends once more. They had finally realized that he would never love either of them as they deserved to be loved, and so had become his most protective friends instead. He never knew what had happened between the three, but it had been oddly tidy. "Something's up," he murmured to Ino, and they watched as the musicians started a new tune.

It started slowly enough, with Lee merely taking Sakura's hands in his and gently leading her around the cleared space. She refused to look at his face, looking everywhere else instead. Shikamaru chuckled as the pace of the music picked up, and Lee began to twirl Sakura about. Her eyes widened and her fingers turned white as they gripped his body, but Lee wouldn't let her falter, instead making the dance appear effortless. Their bodies swirled and whirled across the stones as the music worked up to a fever pitch, and then suddenly halted, Sakura held in a deep dip move by the young man. His dark eyes sparkled, and he shot her a flashy grin as she clutched at his shoulders, eyes wide. Standing to the applause of the audience, he helped Sakura back to an upright position, holding her as she shook. She took a few tentative steps, then turned to Lee and grabbed his hands, getting ready for another dance with a smile.

"Passion," Ino said, smiling. "She's a passionate girl. He's what she needs."

Shikamaru nodded, thinking that he wouldn't have paired them together, but it seemed to work. He could see how they would balance one another. If anyone could get Lee to stop doing stupid things, it was Sakura.

Something else caught his attention, and he looked over to see Naruto struggling in the grip of a younger girl with dark red hair that was pulled into pigtails. "Please?" she was begging, little red blushing circles on her cheeks.

"Moegi, I don't wanna dance!" Naruto complained, twisting his body around in an attempt to escape.

"How the mighty have fallen," Shikamaru chuckled, and Ino immediately picked up on what he was seeing.

"Oh god, she actually got him to go with her."

"Huh?"

"That's Konohamaru's little friend. She's had a crush on Naruto for years."

Shikamaru's jaw dropped slightly. "So isn't she thirteen or something?"

Ino made a face. "Yeah."

"Eww."

"Yeah."

"No!" Naruto shouted, closing his eyes and half-dragging the girl away from the dance floor.

"Ha ha!" someone laughed, and Kiba appeared out of the crowd.

"Oooh, he's bitter because Naruto's a jounin and he isn't," Ino murmured.

"Shut up, dog breath!" Naruto growled.

"You shut up, dumbass!" Kiba snapped in return.

"Please," someone said. "This is a celebration. You shouldn't be fighting."

"Hinata!" Naruto exclaimed, finally breaking Moegi's grip. "How are you? How are the jounin exam preparations going?"

"Oh, N-Naruto-kun, I think I'll make it this time."

"I know you will!" the blonde boy said, reaching forward and squeezing Hinata's shoulder.

"Thank you," she replied, cheeks rosy.

"Hey," Kiba snarled. "Keep your hands off my date."

"I can touch her if I want to, so long as it's okay with her," Naruto spat in return.

"Naruto, let's dance!" Moegi pleaded.

"It's not okay with her!" Kiba shouted, teeth bared.

"Is it okay with you, Hinata?" Naruto demanded.

Shikamaru moaned and shook his head, putting his forehead in his hand. "Oh my god, they're acting like they're still six years old," he groaned.

Hinata looked back and forth between the boys. "Yes, it's okay with me," she said, and didn't stutter once.

"Go!" Ino cheered, loudly enough that Shikamaru was afraid that they'd be caught eavesdropping.

"Hey!" he hissed, scooting closer and clamping his hand over her mouth.

She said something that was muffled because of his hand, then licked his palm. He shuddered and let go, recoiling in disgust, but she merely leaned into his side, smiling evilly. "That's what you get," she sneered.

"Ugh," Shikamaru said, looking up just in time to see Naruto's face break out in a grin.

"Hey, Hinata, do you want to dance?" the blond jounin asked.

"Yes, I do," she replied, and took his hand. The moved out on to the dance floor, smiling at one another.

"Hey, Sakura-chan!" Naruto screamed above the heads of the crowd. "Look who I got to dance with me!"

"Oh, Naruto," Ino sighed.

Sakura's head swiveled towards her teammate as Lee continued to twirl her about. "Good job, Naruto!" she cried out, and was then swept away again by the black-haired boy.

"Aw man," Kiba groaned, plopping down on the ground. Akamaru, who Shikamaru had noticed waiting in the bushes, bounded over.

Moegi, who was also seeming dejected, glanced over at the full-grown dog. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "He got so big! I remember when he was just a puppy."

Kiba looked up at her. "Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah! He was cute then, and now he's grown up into such a handsome dog!"

Kiba's expression brightened a little. "You like dogs?"

"Oh yes. I love dogs. My parents wouldn't let me have a dog, because we don't have a yard."

"That's really sad," Kiba said with a sigh, looking Moegi up and down. Shikamaru was thinking that she certainly didn't look thirteen, not with that kind of body. "Hey, you have pretty hair. What was your name?"

"Moegi," the girl replied, suddenly shy. "I'm glad you like my hair."

Kiba stood up, brushing off the seat of his pants. "Say, do you want to dance? And then we can walk Akamaru?"

"Sure!" the girl said, and soon they were also lost in the crowd.

"Eww," Ino remarked. "Isn't that against the law or something, to go out with someone that much younger than you?"

"Oh, like Kiba's more than six years old, mentally," Shikamaru replied. "Moegi could probably mop the sidewalk with him."

Ino laughed. "Yeah, okay, you're right."

"Besides, who knows if he's even interested in her romantically? Maybe they'll just be good friends," he offered.

"Yeah, like us," Ino replied.

Shikamaru felt the mirth fade from his face. "Yeah, just like us," he murmured. "Well, it's funny to see people pairing off."

"It is. I saw Neji and Tenten together, and Asuma finally started dating Kurenai."

Shikamaru casually flung his arm around Ino's shoulders, since she was still leaning on him. He hoped she would only take it as an indication of their friendship. "Wow, did she finally get him to stop smoking?"

"Kind of. He's eating incredible amounts of sunflower seeds now."

"That's not much better."

Ino laughed. "No, I didn't think so, either."

"Hey, Ino?" Shikamaru asked softly.

"Yeah?"

He swallowed hard, feeling a strange knot in his throat. "Do you want to dance?"

Ino pulled away from him and smiled. "Sure. I thought you'd never ask!"

Shikamaru scowled as he stood up, offering her his hand. "You could have asked me, you know."

Her smile widened into a grin. "I know, but where would the fun be in that? Besides, I asked you to the festival."

"Yeah, okay," he grumbled as he led her onto the dance floor. The musicians started a sweet, slow tune, and so he gently took her hand and put the other one on her back. "I'm not good at this," he admitted.

"You're a genius and a ninja," she replied. "I'm sure you'll figure it out."

He led Ino slowly across the dance floor, impressed by how easily she followed his lead. Her lithe body was graceful no matter how he asked her to move, and he felt his palms begin to sweat against her kimono. He could feel her supple curves through the silk and had to really concentrate to keep from imagining the bare skin beneath. Thank goodness his hakama was so loose, for having her so close was driving him crazy.

Before he knew it the song was over, and Ino had him dance with her time and time again. They bumped into Chouji again, who looked absolutely beatific, and Naomi seemed overjoyed as well. Hinata and Naruto said hello, smiling and laughing. Hinata seemed to have lost some of her stutter. Lee and Sakura spun by, Ino sending her friend a sly wink, and even Neji and Tenten acknowledged their existence. Kurenai and Asuma were lurking at the edges, surreptitiously grabbing parts of one another's anatomy every so often, and Shikamaru thought he might have seen Shino with a tall, somber-looking girl. Even Gai was there, with either Anko or Shizune, either of which seemed terrifying to Shikamaru's mind. He was happy he hadn't had a chance to look closely.

Then, before he could blink, the festival was coming to an end. The clock struck midnight , marking the end of the first day of the season, and the musicians began to play one more song. The tempo was slow, and as Shikamaru took Ino into the formal dancing stance, she suddenly threw her arms around his neck and pressed him close, holding the rose he had given her in the fingers of her right hand.

"I-Ino," he stammered, then silently cursed himself for sounding unsure.

"Shut up," she murmured, resting her head against his chest. He tightened his arms around her waist, closing his eyes and simply experiencing the warmth and feel of her. The scent of her silky hair wafted up to him, as well as the milk-and-honey smell of her skin, ever so faintly touched by a hint of violet. He felt utterly at peace, his busy mind stilled, only his body receiving sensation. It was as good as watching the clouds. No, it was better. He felt free in her embrace.

The song ended and he reluctantly released her. She took a step back, looking up into his eyes. Hers were the color of the sky and just as endless. Her cheeks were rose-colored and the skin of her chest and neck was flushed. She barely came up to his shoulder, and Ino wasn't a short woman.

"Walk me home?" she asked, voice small.

"Of course," he replied, and, feeling bold, took her hand in his. He squeezed it gently, she returned the pressure, and they walked soundlessly towards her house, lost in the departing crowds. She had a strange expression on her face, but he smiled down at her, and when she looked up at him, her face relaxed as smiled back. They walked through town until they reached her street. As they stood under the streetlight, everyone passed by them, and soon they were alone. The night breeze blew past them, lifting strands of Ino's golden hair from captivity, making her face seem framed by a halo. She was so beautiful and somehow so pure that it nearly broke his heart.

"I had a really great time," she murmured, something shimmering in her eyes as she looked up at him, resting her hand on his chest. "Thank you for taking me."

"It was my pleasure," he replied, and he meant it with all his soul.

"Shikamaru," she began, a strange, slightly pained look crossing her face for a moment, then was suddenly up on tiptoe. Her nose passed close to his and he closed his eyes, feeling her nuzzle his face. Tentatively he nuzzled back, holding his breath to keep from panting. His whole body was suffused with a sweet warmth, and suddenly her full lips were pressed against his, probing. He kissed her back before he even knew what he was doing, and then suddenly she was away from him, walking slowly backwards as her clear, blue eyes studied him.

He watched her go, breathless, stunned, and unfathomably, inexplicably happy, and he jammed his hands into his pockets, holding her gaze. His fingers brushed against something in his pocket and immediately he remembered the earrings he bought for her. He took a few steps toward her, but she was already turning away, fading into darkness as she left the circle of the streetlight.

"Ino," he said softly, hoping to get her attention, but at the same time another voice called out her name. That voice echoed between the buildings, making Ino's body snap around with attention. Instantly she started to run towards a figure in the darkness, a male, well-built figure.

"Toru!" she cried, her back all that was visible to him.

He watched her go, watched the other boy scoop her up in a fierce embrace. What had that wounded look been on her face? Did she love him?

Shikamaru shook his head, sighing.

No, she didn't.

He watched her go into the house, the young man following her, the two hand-in-hand. The door shut, but he could still hear Ino's excited squeals from down the street. He wondered if she would put the rose he had given her in a vase, or if she would just throw it away. Turning, he walked off into the night.

He wondered, as he walked away, did he love her?

Stopping, he turned and looked at her house one last time.

Possibly.