A/N: About a week and a half left of posts, and then this fic is wrapped up. I'm thinking about maybe doing a few other fics about the other characters that go along with this series, but I'm not sure. I know I've mentioned it before, so it's a good thing that I'm still thinking about it, I guess, but we'll see how much time I have. Enjoy, and please review, if you so desire. I know I like it.

"Not again," he growled, speeding through the streets of Konoha. His team had returned in time to get ready for the autumn festival, his teammates scattering right away, but he had to make a report to the Hokage, which took an additional half-hour. He was already late, and he had to get home, shower, dress, and make it back to the festival before Ino blew her top.

"Troublesome," he moaned, throwing open the door to his apartment and tripping over a parcel on the threshold. Catching himself before his forehead ricocheted off of the dining table, he snatched up the parcel and shut the door, staring down at it. It was wrapped in brown tissue and tied with orange and yellow ribbon, a card stuck under the bow. Tossing the parcel on the table, he ripped open the card.

"Just a little something," it read. "Affectionately yours, Ino."

"Oh great," he grumbled, shredding the paper and revealing the contents of the package. A lovely outfit tumbled out, made of silk. It was traditional garb, but the craftsmanship was incredible. The colors were blacks, dark browns, and a touch of burnt orange, matching his coloring perfectly. "She must have spent a damn fortune on this," he murmured, running the luxurious fabric through his fingers. It felt wonderful, and he was actually looking forward to changing into it after his shower. Tossing it on the bed, he bathed and shaved quickly, then wrestled the garments onto his body. On his way out the door he snatched up a small box, shoving it in his sleeve, and went running through town.

He was nearly to the festival, stopping by a flower stall. This time he was looking for something in particular. The vendor handed the requested flower over, and he tucked it inside his shirt, hoping it wouldn't get crushed. Speeding on, he arrived at the bridge, only an hour late.

Ino stood in the middle of the bridge, gazing down at the water. Her hair was once more piled high, her body wrapped in a lovely kimono of shades of gold, embroidered with red and navy thread. A dark blue obi, the color of dusk, encircled her waist. "Ino," he called, trotting up to her, and she turned to him, her face lighting up before settling into a scowl.

"Are you always late for these things?" she asked, hands on her hips.

Shikamaru leaned over and put his hands on his knees, breathing hard from his dash across town. "Sorry," he mumbled. "You know I wasn't going to stand you up."

She appeared to consider his words, an index finger resting on her jaw. "Well, that's true. Okay, I'll forgive you, but only if you buy me dinner."

"I was going to do that anyway, troublesome woman," he sighed, scratching the back of his neck. Reaching inside his sleeve, he pulled out the box. "Here," he said, placing it in her hand.

Ino opened the box, a squeal of delight leaving her. "Oooh, it matches!" she giggled, pulling out a lapis lazuli necklace. He noticed as she raised her hand that she was wearing the bracelet and the earrings, too. "I love it!" she cried, flinging herself forward and crushing him in a hug.

He smiled and squeezed her in return, kissing the top of her head. "You're welcome. Thank you for the present, too."

"You look really good," she grinned, holding him at arm's length. She raised a hand and smoothed the fabric across his shoulder and chest. Her touch made him immediately warm, and he looked away with a blush. Ino responded with a laugh and grabbed him by the hand, towing him into the crowd, and held on to his arm tightly, looking into his eyes.

Ino looked so lovely and happy that he couldn't help but smile to himself as they moved through throngs of people. Ino played some games, winning a goldfish, which she gave to a little girl standing at the sidelines. They ran into Chouji and his family at the food stalls, and talked with them until it was time for the fireworks. Everyone gathered together and watched as the sky exploded in hundreds of colors and shapes, the crowd cheering each time one went off. Shikamaru looked down at her, into her shining eyes as she squealed and pointed at a particularly large, blue explosion. Reaching into his clothes, he took Ino's hand. "There's something I want to tell you," he said into her ear, and she froze as he put the flower into her palm.

"A red chrysanthemum," she murmured, her eyes becoming moist. "Do you know what this means?"

"Yeah, I do," he replied, knowing she could hear him despite the noise of the crowd. "It means that I love you, Ino."

"Really?" she whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek.

He smiled, wiping away the tear with his thumb. "Yes, really."

"I love you, too," she cried, and flung herself into his arms, the flower held tightly in her hand. "I think I've always loved you."

"It's too bad it took us so long to figure it out," he murmured, never wanting to let her go, the grand finale exploding above their heads.

"This is the best night of my life," she croaked, and he nodded.

"Mine, too."

The crowd moved to dancing after the fireworks were over, and as soon as they hit the perimeter of the dance floor, hands held tightly, Shikamaru noticed something strange. "Over there," he said to her, and she looked at where he was pointing. Gai and Lee were both crying, holding on to one another and jumping up and down. Gai actually put his hands on Lee's waist and swung him around as if he were a child, although Lee was as tall as Gai was.

"What do you think's going on?" Ino asked, looking up at him.

"I have no idea," he replied just as Sakura bounded over.

"I'm getting married," she cried, cheeks pink as she stood in front of them, shaking. "I'm marrying Lee!"

Ino's eyes widened, and Shikamaru winced as she let loose an eardrum-piercing squeal. "Oh my gosh!" she squeaked. "Congratulations!"

"This spring!" Sakura chirped, and the two women engaged in a screaming contest. "Will you stand up with me?" she asked Ino, and Ino screamed even louder. Shikamaru thought his head was going to explode. He sighed, looking around to make sure no one was watching the scene as the women dissolved into examination of the ring Lee had given Sakura, a detailed discussion of all its attributes suddenly consuming them. Just when he thought things couldn't get any more troublesome, Lee appeared out of nowhere and crushed him in a hug.

"So you've heard!" Lee crowed, squeezing the life out of Shikamaru.

"Yeah," he gasped in reply, unable to draw breath. "Let go. Can't breathe."

Lee looked up at Shikamaru's red face, suddenly realizing what was happening, and immediately dropped his team leader. "Oh, sorry," he said, bowing. " just got really excited."

"Congratulations," Shikamaru said, reaching out and clapping his teammate on the shoulder. "I'm very happy for you. Is Neji going to stand up for you?"

Lee's eyes went all sparkly. "Oh, do you think he would?" he asked, seeming dreamy.

"Despite how he acts sometimes, he really likes you," Sakura said. "Naruto told me as much."

Lee grabbed Sakura and began planting kisses all over her face. "Then I will! My flame of youth burns ever brighter! Let's go find him and ask, my love!"

Sakura blushed and waggled her fingers at them as Lee towed her through the dancing crowd. Ino waved in return, then spun to face Shikamaru. "Isn't that wonderful?" she cried.

"Yeah," he replied, a half-smile on his face as he listened to her excited ranting. After a while she slowed down, and he gently took her hand. "Want to dance?"

"Sure!" she laughed, springing into his arms as he ushered her out on the dance floor. As they slowly moved around, he could see Lee verbally bombarding Neji, who was standing half-behind Tenten, letting her take the brunt of Lee's enthusiasm. He also spotted Kiba dancing with Moegi, who had grown up into a nice-looking girl and was absolutely enamored with Akamaru, and Hinata and Naruto werequietly talking on a bench. Turning his attention back to Ino, he decided to go for broke and pulled her closer, able to feel her long body pressed against him. She gasped and blushed, but closed her eyes and leaned her face on his chest. His hands roamed up and down her back, eliciting a soft moan from her as he fingered the exposed nape of her neck, and it was all he could do not to throw her over his shoulder and take her home with him. By the time the song ended, he was half-mad from feeling her shapely body and warm, scented skin through her clothes, and he could hardly stand it as she dragged him around from group to group, socializing.

Finally people started to mill about, leaving for their homes. Chouji and Naomi had left a while before to put Inomaru to bed, and Sakura and Lee were nowhere to be seen. They chatted with Kiba and Moegi for a while, then bid farewell to Neji and Tenten. Naruto and Hinata passed them on their way home, chatting as Naruto escorted Hinata to the Hyuuga compound.

Ino began to walk in the direction of her house, but Shikamaru took her hand. "Tired?" he asked.

She shrugged. "Not really," she replied. "Why?"

Shikamaru blushed. "I was, er, well, I wondered if you wanted to come back to, uh, my place. For tea or something."

"I don't know," she said, looking around. "It's late, and my parents..."

He nodded, swallowing. "That's fine, then. I understand if you don't want to."

She scowled at him. "You dumbass. Of course I want to. I just don't know if it's a good idea."

He scowled in return. "Cripes, Ino. You're so damn troublesome. It's just tea."

"I don't care if it's just tea," she snapped.

"You're a grown woman. Do whatever you want," he growled, turning and walking away. Taking a few steps, he realized she hadn't moved, and he slowly turned back to look at her. She was standing in the road, eyes moist and jaw set. He could tell that she was trying hard not to be hurt. "Hey," he murmured, walking back to her and rubbing her shoulder with his hand. "I'm sorry."

"I'll come with you," she said softly, eyes downcast. "I'm just nervous."

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to," he replied. "I just want to spend time with you."

Ino took a deep breath, and he really didn't understand what was upsetting her so. "No, I'll go. I want to spend time with you, too."

"All right, then," he murmured, kissing the top of her head, and led her back to his apartment.