Chapter 1
We had always been friends. Best friends if that. He was always there for me, even if it seemed like we hated each others' guts. He always seemed to know how to tick me off or make me smile. Either way, we had been through it all together. The first day he laid eyes on her, their eyes locked. I didn't think much of it, so I ignored it. It began to blossom into something. She always giggled when he was around, making me furiously jealous. Her green eyes locked onto his brown, and this whole time, I thought it was Sasuke-kun that I wanted. The whispers of sweet nothings I heard him recite to her made me sick to my stomach. I couldn't bear to see my Shikamaru with that… thing. It all started at the Chuunin exams. She starred at him, making him blush madly. He looked at me for approval, but what was I to do? He had fallen for someone other than me. I smiled at him, and he took it as a yes. He embraced me in a warm, tight hug. Feeling his skin next to mine was almost too much for me. I had fallen for him, but he was with another woman. He was with Temari.
She's very pretty, don't get me wrong, but couldn't she have batted her eyelashes at some other unsuspecting male? I couldn't bring myself to tell him because he was still convinced I was for Sasuke. Forehead-girl can have him, I want my Shikamaru. After his hug, he walked over to her and she began courting him with flirtatious gestures. I found myself getting red with jealousy, but thankfully Chouji was there to stop me from making a fool of myself. Asuma-sensei dismissed us and Chouji and I walked to the ramen stand together. He knew something was up so he figured food would cheer me up. I smiled at his consideration, "Thank you Chouji…" Chouji smiled, "No problem…What's up with you? You seemed steamed when Shikamaru was with Temari." I swallow hard on the verge of tears, "Oh… It was nothing, that girl… Temari… She's just so…"
He smiled again, as if he understood, "I get it…" I looked up. Could he have possibly guessed my infatuation with our cellmate? Maybe Chouji was smarter than we gave him props for. He laughed, "Yeah I get it! You like him, a lot, and want Temari out of the picture!" I felt my cheeks redden, "Please… Don't tell him. I don't want to ruin his life; I just want him to be happy." Had those words really erupted from my throat? Apparently so, because Chouji had a grin on his face, "I promise. I'll keep your secret." Who knew Chouji could be so sweet at times? After a few bowls of ramen, I stood to leave. Chouji waved, "I'll see you tomorrow Ino-chan." I waved, "You too Chouji." I walked outside, only to see them holding hands, sharing secrets that made the other giggle. I had never seen such a petrifying sight in my life. I was frozen. Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I couldn't stop it. I was stuck, crying over the one person I had never had feelings for until now.
I hated her. I wanted to attack right then and there, but Shikamaru's smile made me pause. I couldn't do it. Seeing him so happy made me want to be the woman holding his hand. I ran home as fast as I could. Sakura tried to stop me, but I kept running and crying. She knew something was up, so she followed me home, "Ino pig! Wait!" I didn't. I had finally made it to my apartment and walked in. I had moved out of my father's home a few years back. Now I was fourteen, and he saw it fit for me to live on my own. Sakura banged on the door, "Ino… Please let me in!" I cracked open the door sniffling, "What do you want forehead?" She smiled, "I want to help…" I let her in, "Just don't tell anyone how hysterical I'm acting, okay?" She smirked, sticking out her tongue, "That's what best friends are for." She embraced me in a hug, "Tell me what happened…" I told her about Shikamaru and how he was all over that Temari girl. She brushed my blonde bangs from my face, "Steal him back."
It dawned on me, "Yes… That's the idea!" She smiled, "How will you do it?" I smiled and sniffled once more, "Can you stay the night and help me?" She nodded, "I have to get some clothes, but sure, I can definitely help you unravel this plan." So as she went home I sat on my couch, planning out a few things. There was a knock at my door. I absentmindedly opened it, not ready for who was there, "S-Shikamaru?" He smiled, "You were expecting Sasuke?" I shook at the name, "No…I wasn't." "May I come in and have a chat with you?" I stepped back, "Sure…" He came in and we sat in my cramped living room. He coughed, "Well… As you've seen, Temari and I are dating." I twitched, thinking of the most dastardly deeds I could do to that wench. He took a note of my expression and continued, "We saw you run off, and she excused me to come see what was wrong. Mind explaining?" My mind went wild, "N-no… I can't tell you."
He laughed, placing an arm around my neck. I fought the urge to wrap mine around his and kiss him deeply. He sighed, "You know you can tell me anything." I shuddered, "Yes…I know I can too, but I… I just can't tell you this… It's out of your hands." He raised an eyebrow suspiciously, "Ino…" Sakura walked in and smirked, "Ah… I'll just put my things in your bathroom." He ruffled my hair, "I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow then." I went pale, "Okay." He wasn't being his usual self. He seemed happier. This made her more depressed and deprived. He waved, "See you later cherry blossom." Sakura waved back and he left. She sat next to me, "Did you tell him?" "No…"
Well… Review please, and then I'll write more. This is my first attempt at a ShikaIno, so gimmie a break if it sucks. Constructive criticism so very much appreciated though!
lots of love! Hyper Active Naruto Lover