DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

Italics mean what the person is thinking.

AN: Definite pairings: SasukeSakura, TentenNeji, NarutoHinata, and InoShikamaru. There is no Inner Sakura in this fic unless you really really want her in it. This story is slightly AU. Remember, nobody likes a flamer!

Three Weeks Vacation

Day 5: Thursday

Sakura woke up and groaned. Her head was pounding, and her throat hurt. Ow…what the hell…Sakura sat up and bit her lip from crying out as the pounding in her head multiplied. Sasuke suddenly walked into the room, holding a steaming mug of water. "Sakura…you have a fever."

Sakura held her head. She muttered thickly, "I can tell…"

Sasuke gave the water to her. "Drink it. You'll feel better."

Sakura stared at him curiously. Sasuke-kun…taking care of me? Sakura nodded and sipped the water. She rasped, "What time is it?"

Sasuke replied monotonously, "Around eight."

Sakura nodded and settled back into the pillows. She closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep. Sasuke smirked at her and kissed her forehead. He exited the room, shutting the door quietly. Suddenly, somebody knocked on the door. Sasuke opened it and grimaced as he saw Ino. She squealed, "Hey, cutie! Want to go to the dance with me?"

Sasuke smirked. "I already asked Sakura. Too bad for you. Now, leave."

He closed the door in her face, leaving her stunned there. Sasuke…you asked…the forehead monster? She stumbled back to her house, numb. Ino burst into her room and realized she was crying. Ino yelled aloud, "What did I do to deserve this? Why did he choose Sakura? Sakura was always following in my shadow! So what makes her more special than me?"

Ino sobbed bitterly, face-down on her bed. She didn't notice Shikamaru until he spoke. "Huh…how troublesome…so you're just going to lay there and cry?"

Ino yelled at Shikamaru, not facing him. "You don't know what I'm going through! When somebody you've loved your whole life chooses someone else over you, the pain is unbearable!"

Shikamaru's mouth twisted grimly. "You're wrong. I know exactly what you're going through. A girl I love doesn't notice me at all. All she has eyes for is another guy, a guy who'll never love her back. But she's blind to that, and she's blind to the care I've given to her as well."

Ino faced him, tear-stained. "Who…who is this girl?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "It'll be too troublesome to tell you. Besides, if I tell you, it might ruin all the chances of me winning her over one day."

Ino grabbed the front of his shirt and demanded, "Tell me, Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru tried wriggling from her grasp. "Sheesh! Why do you want to know so badly, anyway? It's you, okay? How troublesome…"

A tear streamed down Ino's face. "M-Me…Blind to you…chasing after Sasuke who would never love me back…"

Suddenly, Ino hugged Shikamaru, tears streaming down her face. "Shikamaru…I've been so blind…thank you for opening my eyes…thank you…"

Shikamaru looked uncomfortable. He muttered, "How troublesome…"

Ino backed off and glared at him. "Nara Shikamaru, what did you say?"

Shikamaru gulped. He knew that tone of voice. "Nothing…nothing at all…"

Ino smiled sweetly at him. "That's what I thought."

Shikamaru sighed and got up. He walked to the door, turned around, and asked, "Oh…yeah…Do you want to be my partner to the dance?"

Ino smiled a true smile. "Of course."

Shikamaru left the room, muttering, "Women…troublesome…"

Ino smiled happily. She walked into the bathroom and cleaned up her face. She hummed slightly. I shouldn't have chased Sasuke…Shikamaru was my childhood friend, but I was so blind to the kindness he was able to supply, but not Sasuke. Shikamaru…you truly are a genius. She mopped up a face and decided to take a walk. What better time to ask my new boyfriend out for a walk? Ino found Shikamaru in the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee. Ino hated coffee and glared at Shikamaru. "Wanna die?"

Shikamaru blinked. "Huh?"

Ino snapped, "Keep drinking coffee…you'll die young."
Shikamaru glanced warily at Ino. "Fine…"

He dumped the coffee down the drain and followed Ino's command out the door. Ino linked arms triumphantly, and for a while, they walked in silence. Ino suggested, "Let's go to the village."

Shikamaru agreed reluctantly, knowing he wouldn't have a choice anyway. They reached a small café, and Ino sat down at a table near the window. She ordered a sundae, and Shikamaru had nothing. Ino glanced at the sidewalk and noticed a crack. She kicked Shikamaru under the table and commanded, "Let's play a game. If someone steps over that crack with their left foot, I get to slap you. If somebody steps over it with their right, you can slap me."

Shikamaru groaned but agreed quickly when Ino glared at him. They watched intently…slap! Ino grinned triumphantly at Shikamaru's red cheek. "That was a left."

Shikamaru glared at the crack. Somebody stepped over it with their right foot, so Shikamaru grinned at Ino in turn. Ino scrunched up her face, but Shikamaru only patted her cheek. Ino grinned at him. Suddenly, a parade came through. Shikamaru's eyes widened with horror as twenty people walked over the crack with their left foot. The café rang with Shikamaru's cries when Ino slapped him heavily but gleefully. Ino leaned back in her chair and smiled at Shikamaru's swollen face. She said sweetly, "Now, that wasn't so bad, was it, Shika-chan?"

Shikamaru muttered, "That's because you weren't the one who got slapped so much…"

Ino scowled, "Nara Shikamaru, what did you say?"

He replied, "Nothing…nothing at all…"

Ino's scowl turned into a malicious smile. "I thought so. Now, let's go buy some clothes!"

Shikamaru gritted his teeth to refrain from sobbing aloud. What did I do to deserve this…For the next two hours, Ino purchased six bags of clothes and accessories. She smiled sweetly at Shikamaru. "That was fun, Shikamaru! We should do it again, sometime!"

Shikamaru's muffled voice was barely heard by Ino. He was carrying all the bags. Ino was decked out in a new outfit, and she twirled gleefully. "Shikamaru, let's go home now."

He nodded, and the pair headed back. Halfway to the houses, Ino complained, "These high-heels hurt my feet."

Shikamaru replied, "You shouldn't have bought them, then."
Ino whined, "But they were the newest fashion! I absolutely have to show them to Sakura!"

Shikamaru sighed. "What good are shoes if they aren't comfortable? What am I supposed to do, carry you back?"

Ino replied, "No, no, you're carrying my bags."

Shikamaru shrugged. "Then I can't do anything."
Ino smiled wickedly. "However…you could switch shoes with me!"

Shikamaru's eyes widened with horror. "Ino, excuse me? Switch shoes? You're wearing high-heels! Men don't wear high-heels!"

Ino glared at Shikamaru. "You're so heartless…I command you to switch with me!"

Shikamaru protested, "What will Sasuke, Neji, and the other guys say?"

Ino gave Shikamaru her puppy eyes. "Don't you care more for me, than what they think? Please, Shikamaru, I can't walk in these!"

Shikamaru made the mistake of looking at her puppy face. He relented, muttering, "I'm going to regret this…"

They stopped while Ino slipped on Shikamaru's sandals, and Shikamaru put on Ino's high-heels built for women's feet. He groaned, "Ah, I can't walk! How am I supposed to- Hey! Ino, come back here!"

Ino had dashed off, giggling madly. "Catch me if you can, Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru yelled sternly, "Yamanaka Ino, get back here this instant!"

Ino merely spun around and walked backwards. Shikamaru gave a groan of frustration and shuffled towards Ino quickly. He couldn't run in high-heels. He would merely break his neck. Ino ran all the way back to their houses, and when Shikamaru arrived, attempting to run in pink high-heels and carrying eight bags of clothing, the residents of the houses could do nothing but stare. Sasuke was allowing Sakura to lean on him weakly. He scoffed, "Shikamaru, are you trying to turn into a woman?"
Sakura gawked, as did Tenten and Hinata. Neji shook his head. "Shikamaru…I used to hold you in high respect…"

Neji stressed the past tense verb and lead Tenten away from the scene. Sasuke glanced one more time at Shikamaru before heading back into the house with Sakura. Naruto commented, "Say, Shikamaru…I think you look better without high-heels."

He snickered and walked away. Hinata followed him timidly. Shikamaru sighed and took off the high-heels. He walked barefooted back to the house, ignoring the stinging plants underfoot. Ino was already in the house. She looked extremely guilty. Ino immediately stood up and hugged Shikamaru. "Gomen, Shikamaru…I didn't mean to embarrass you…"

Shikamaru set down the bags. "It's nothing…"

He headed into his room and lay on his bed. What a fool I've made of myself. He stared out the window at the clouds, and he soon fell asleep. Hinata passed by Shikamaru's window and couldn't help but smile slightly at the sleeping genius. She turned her attention to Naruto again. Hinata wanted to talk to him, just a little, to know him better. Naruto practically skipped down the steps into the cove. Hinata thought, He really likes that cove, huh? She followed him but slipped on a plant she didn't see. Hinata cried out, "Naruto-kun!"

She was about to fall, but Naruto grabbed her arm and pulled her back. Naruto hugged Hinata. She was trembling violently. That fall must have scared her. When her trembling subsided, Naruto released her. He asked, "You okay, Hinata-chan?"

Hinata blushed and nodded. Naruto took her hand. "Come on. I won't let you fall!"

Hinata's blush grew even heavier and followed Naruto down into the cove. Naruto sat down on a rock. "This is my most favorite place on this whole island, Hinata-chan! I can just sit and stare at the waves!"

Hinata stammered, "It's a v-very beautiful

place."
Naruto grinned his foxy grin. "You can come down with me, if you want, Hinata-chan!"

Hinata looked away, her face a deep shade of red. "A-Arigato, Naruto-kun. I would e-enjoy it…"

Naruto patted a space on the rock next to him. "Sit down!"

Hinata sat down, lacing her fingers together nervously. Naruto smiled at her. "Ano sa, Hinata-chan, do you want to go eat dinner in the village? My treat! And no ramen!"

Hinata brightened up. "R-Really, Naruto-kun?"

He nodded. Hinata smiled widely. "O-Okay! Let m-me go g-get my w-wallet!"

She hurried away and disappeared up the steps. Naruto's smile grew wider. She really is actually pretty nice. I should get to know her more. Naruto headed back and changed into clean clothes. He grabbed his wallet and was about to head back, but he remembered that he needed a key to the house. Rather than looking around, Naruto walked into Sakura's room to find Sasuke caring for a feverish-looking Sakura. He asked, "Is she okay?"

Sasuke replied coolly, "Of course, dobe. What do you want?"

Naruto said, "I need a key to the house. Where are they?"

Sasuke smirked, "There should be one on the hook next to the door, baka."

Naruto fumed, but he grabbed the key and left quickly without shooting a retort at the Uchiha. Naruto wrapped his jacket more tightly around himself. It sure is cold…Naruto knocked on the door to Hinata's house. Kiba answered it, looking confused. "What are you doing, Naruto?"

Naruto answered proudly, "I'm bringing Hinata out for dinner!"

Kiba grew angry. "Nani? Did Hinata agree?"

Hinata appeared next to Kiba. "Of c-course, Kiba…Can y-you move? I c-can't get out…"

Kiba moved grudgingly. Naruto held out his arm gallantly to Hinata, and she linked her arm through, blushing slightly. Naruto led Hinata into the village and let her pick out a restaurant. Naruto sat down and grinned. "Wow, Hinata-chan, a nice restaurant, isn't it?"

Hinata was looking around. She agreed absent-mindedly and asked, "Isn't t-that Lee-kun over t-there, with t-that girl?"

Naruto craned his head around. "Why, so it is! Should we go over and say 'hi'?"

Hinata shook her head. "No…"

Naruto nodded, knowing that Hinata knew best. They continued to watch Lee curiously, and to their surprise, the girl hugged Lee, and he didn't pull away. Hinata quickly looked back to their table, not wanting to be caught staring. Naruto said mischievously, "Looks like Lee has given up on Sakura…heh…"

Hinata agreed, wishing wistfully that Naruto would have the same feelings Lee had for the girl. Naruto picked up his chopsticks as the food arrived, and the two ate, chatting amiably. When they finished, Naruto paid for the bill, and they left. Hinata stuttered, "Thanks f-for the d-dinner, Naruto-kun."

Naruto smiled warmly at her. "You know what, Hinata-chan, I've never really notice you before. You were always so quiet and shy."

Hinata's face fell as Naruto paused. "But I would like to know more about you. I bet we could become great friends."

Hinata asked hopefully, "R-Really, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto nodded. He declared, "And if I ever decide to give up on Sakura-chan, I know I'll always have a close friend!"

Hinata didn't know whether to be disappointed or happy at this. A little bit of both, she decided. Hinata smiled. "Arigato, N-Naruto-kun…"

He nodded, and they separated into each of their own houses. Naruto let himself in the house to find Sasuke eating dinner quietly. Naruto asked, "Is Sakura better?"

Sasuke nodded. Naruto wrinkled his nose at the rice balls on the table. "How unappetizing…"

Sasuke glared at Naruto and stood up. "Who asked you for your opinion?"

He left the kitchen and headed into Sakura's room. Naruto followed him, curious about Sakura's condition. He saw Sakura lying on the bed, sleeping quietly. Naruto glanced at Sasuke and was surprised to see concern and…love? in Sasuke's eyes. Naruto nodded to Sakura but directed his words to Sasuke. "I see you've been taking care of her?"

Sasuke nodded. Naruto smiled. "Well, well, the great Uchiha is opening up. This must be the greatest event in history."

Naruto fled the room before Sasuke could kick him out. Since it was too early to go to sleep, Naruto took a walk along the beach and bumped into Lee. Naruto said happily, "Hi, Lee!"

Lee nodded back, preoccupied with something. Naruto asked without thinking, "Who was that girl you were eating dinner with?"

Lee's head snapped up. "How do you know? Were you stalking us?"

Naruto held up both hands. "No way! I was just taking Hinata–chan out for dinner, and we saw you two."

Lee relaxed. "She's…a girl I met in the village a few days ago."

Naruto probed, "Is she you're girlfriend?"

Lee nodded. Naruto exclaimed, "Does that mean you've given up on Sakura-chan?"

Lee flinched visibly. He said slowly, "No…I have not…but…have you noticed Sasuke? He has feelings for her now. Those two would be happier together than with anyone else."

Naruto's face fell sadly. "Does that mean I don't have a chance with her?"

Lee nodded again. "With Sasuke, Sakura will be forever happy. However, Naruto, you should give up on Sakura. Hinata is better for you."

He had added the afterthought slyly. Lee was not stupid. He had noticed Hinata's feelings for Naruto and was convinced that if he pushed Naruto in the right direction a little, he would finally understand. Naruto asked, "Do you think I would be happier with Hinata?"

Lee nodded. Naruto continued, "Because she seems like a nice person…and she's always there for me…"

Lee kept nodding. "You should give up on Sakura and go for Hinata. She would never turn you down or hurt you."

Naruto brightened up. "Yeah…Hinata's pretty nice, ne?"

Lee smiled. "Well, Naruto, I am glad that I have been able to help you out. Now, I want to sleep."

Naruto waved good-bye to Lee. "Thanks for your advice! Night, Lee!"

Lee left, leaving Naruto to brood alone. I should let Sasuke have Sakura, eh? Well, if it makes Sakura happy…I will pay more attention to Hinata then. She's a regular invisible girl, but once you get to know her, she really is nice. Naruto continued to brood, and he didn't hear the approaching person, until he called out. "Hey, Naruto!"

Naruto snapped out of his reverie. "Aa. Kiba."

Kiba glared at Naruto. "What are you doing with Hinata?"

Naruto blinked. "Huh?"

Kiba roared, "I asked you what your relationship with Hinata is?"

Naruto replied, "She's my friend. And soon, I think she'll become much more. She's really nice, you know?"

Kiba snarled, "Stay away from her! I deserve her! Not you!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so the inu-trainer has developed feelings for Hinata, eh?"

Kiba retorted, "I've known her longer, and I know her better!"

Naruto replied, "Too bad she doesn't have feelings for you, Kiba!"

Kiba glared at Naruto. "Well, I'm just warning you to stay away from her! Tonight's dinner meant nothing, do you hear? Nothing!"

Naruto snapped back, "Tonight's dinner means a lot! It's the beginning of a new relationship!"

Kiba's face contorted with anger. "No! Hinata has to have some feelings for me! I've been through much more with her than you have! I'm her teammate!"
Naruto shrugged and turned away. "I don't have time to argue with you over Hinata. I have feelings for her. Just know that."

He walked away, leaving a fuming Kiba behind him. Naruto headed back to the house. Hinata-chan is my friend…maybe more than that…Naruto let himself into the house and changed quickly into his sleeping-wear. As he fell asleep, Naruto thought drowsily, I…love…Hinata-chan…

AN: I didn't make up the scenes of Ino and Shikamaru! I got i from"My Sassy Girl", which I just saw, and I thought it was hilarious, so I added it into my story. Bleah! So sorry for that long update! I have a lot of things going on right now…and not enough time to update. Anyway. Just want to make a few points clear…This is mainly a SasuSaku fic! I am a SasuSaku fan, so this is a SasuSaku fic. That's why the story focuses on that pair. And NaruHina won…6 to 3, but I guess I could add some KibaHina for that pairing's fans. I can't update my profile for some reason, so just to let you guys know, I have decided on When Opposites Meet. The first chapter is already halfway finished, so expect that one. Sorry for that long author's note!