After Sasuke and Sakura worked out their issues, Ino and Shikamaru were able to spend time together. If they weren't on a mission or training they were on dates. They were inseparable.

"Shikamaru-kun I'm too busy today, I can't go on a picnic with you"

"Please Ino-chan. Please. I have a surprise for you today. It will only be an hour or so. I promise."

'How troublesome, but I still love her."

"All right fine, only an hour."

They walked in silence to the place where he had set up the picnic. While they ate, they spoke of everything and anything, as usual. Then Shikamaru dashed away quietly while she turned to watch a butterfly fly by.

When he returned, he had his hand clenched around a small red box. Sweat drops on his forehead.

"Shikamaru, what happened? What is the box from? Why do you look like you saw a ghost?" Ino got to her feet running toward him, then stopping dead because he was smiling. "What is going on? Why are you smiling?"

He knelt down, looking up at her he took the ring from the red box and slipped it gently over her finger. With a soft voice and a bright smile he asked, "will you marry me Ino-chan?"

With no hesitation she answered, "yes!"

Moments later the couple heard clapping coming from the bushes. Then everyone came rushing out to congratulate the two. Ino looked at Shikamaru and smiled.

About a month after the engagement Ino and Shikamaru decided to have the wedding during the spring. Her family shop was supplying the flowers. Sakura was helping with the clothing and decorations. Shkamaru's father was helping with the alcohol.

Everything was going great until Sakura realized something very important. "Hey, Ino-chan who all is invited?"

"Oh no the guest list. Um.. I'll do that tonight. After I make the list could you look it over to make sure I forgot no one important?"

"Yes. Yes. Of course, but only if you help with the decorations."

"OK sounds like a deal!"

DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Shikamaru was sitting alone in his room pondering about how his life is changing so fast. He then realized he had to shower because he had a mission that morning... nothing important though... find a cat again... ' This is so troublesome. Why does this have to be such a big deal?'

While Shikamaru showered Ino lay on her bed staring at the ceiling thinking about how wonderful her life is going to be. 'I wonder what life will be like with him. Wait I already know.'

As the wedding day was here Ino felt as if a pound of bricks had fallen on her and there was a bunch of butterflies in her stomach. She was getting all spiffed up when Naruto ran into the room.

"Ino-kun! Ino-kun! Shikamaru-kun has fallen very ill. He's asking for you! Come quick!" Sakura screamed while opening the door with a loud bang.