When they had returned from their walk, The Fifth was talking to Shikamaru's parents. They looked extremely happy.

As Ino walked up to them, The Fifth said, "Oh hello Ino-kun, just the person I wanted to see. Shikamaru will be fine, but he will have to stay in bad and off his feet for a month or so. What I did really drains the body."

"Thank you so much for saving him. He means the world to me, if I had lost him, I don't know what I would have done," Ino said with tears streaming down her face.

"Don't worry. It's what I do," The Fifth said walking off to get some well deserved rest.

As Ino entered the room, Shikamaru was lying on the hospital bed sleeping off the anaesthetic. All she could do is smile and sit by his side until he awoke.

When Shikamaru awoke, he felt something warm holding his hand. He didn't even have to look to know it was Ino. As he opened his eyes, he saw her sitting there resting her head on the bed, asleep.

"Ino-kun are you awake?" Shikamaru whispered.

Nothing, no movement what-so-ever. He let her sleep. When he looked at the door, he noticed Sakura standing in the doorway with a smile on her face and flowers in her hand. She looked pleased to see the sight she saw.

"I'm glad you are letting her sleep, but she's been awake for a couple of days right by your side. These flowers are from her to tell the truth. She would have gotten them herself but she didn't want to leave your side. So I went to get some instead. She really loves you Shikamaru-san," Sakura said while putting the flowers in water. "I'll be leaving now."

Before Shikamaru could say anything Sakura was gone.

'Ok this is troublesome, I have to pee. But I can't move I'll wake her, and I don't want to do that.'

A FEW HOURS LATER.

'Ok I can't hold it anymore. This isn't fair. She looks so peaceful in her sleep.' "Umm . . . Ino-kun I have to go to the washroom. I'll be right back. Sorry."

"Mmm . . . " Ino groaned waking from her sleep. As she realized who was talking to her she sprang up and glomped, not hugged, Shikamaru. "Oh I'm so happy you're awake. Don't ever do that again. You scared the shit out of me." SLAP, "sorry reflex. Hahahaha."

"I finally wake up and you repay with a slap? Well I guess I deserved that, after all I did make you worry so much. Sorry my love."

She looked up and just said, "I love you more than anything, if you had died I wouldn't have known what to do."

They were laughing and holding each other the rest of the day. They slept, ate, and did everything sense able together.