Chapter 3
Shino smiled upon my weak body. I may have been considered one of the strongest kunoichi, but I felt so frail at this point. Shino had my arms and I was so close to him. I tried to get my mind off of Shikamaru and focus on this moment, but he just continued to come back, like a bad dream. He was warm, but every time I tried to focus on him, he became Shikamaru. Had I become obsessed? This truly had become my worst nightmare. I was in one man's arms, dreaming of another. I broke away, "I have to get home." Shino held my chin up with one hand and wiped my tears with the other, "I'll walk you." I nod, "Yeah, okay." We walked towards my apartment, but took the long way. It was much more scenic than the route I usually choose to take. My gaze falls upon a small training ground. My mouth gaped open. There they were. At the place that Shikamaru and I had first became good friends. Sure, we had been friends since birth, but not on free will. Our fathers, along with Chouji's, had been long time friends and cell mates as children.
Flashback
I was but seven and naïve. Sakura had gone into town with her mother on a shopping day, leaving me on my own. I sat in that very training ground, playing in the dirt as any seven-year-old would have. Some academy students decided to come there to practice their newly acquired ninjutsu. They smirked down at me and one said, "Little girl, get out of here! The real ninja are here to train!" I shake my head 'no', and continue to play. The boy was about to kick me, but, wouldn't you know it, Shikamaru stood in front of me, taking the kick. He landed on the ground next to me, and I checked to see if he was okay, "Shikamaru! Are you alright?" He groaned, but the one academy student smirked, "See? Real ninja only!" Shikamaru sat up, "Heh, you're not a real ninja until you graduate the academy. You four are obviously still in the academy, therefore not real ninja. And more so pathetic, you were going to hit a girl. She's only seven; can she possibly be a threat to someone like you?" The students growled and walked away. I scanned over his wound, "I'll go get help…" He sat up and laughed, "No need. Just a kick." I smile, "May I at least take you home?" He laughed again and nodded, "Sure." Since then, we've gotten closer. But not as close as he was to her.
End Flashback
He was all over her! And it was mutual from where she stood. Shino took my arm and made me face him, "Don't look if you can't handle it." I sighed, this time not fighting him, "I can handle it, just not at the moment." Shino laughed, "This is why you're out with me then? To make him jealous?" I felt low, "Yes…I'm so sorry Shino." To my surprise, he once again held my chin in his hand, "I'll go along with it, but you have to pay me." I felt my eyes widen and the words sputtered out, "How much?" He chuckled once again, "Money isn't an object, but perhaps, when this is over, a date with your bubblegum-haired friend?" I think for a moment, "Fine. I'll see what I can do about Sakura." Shino nods, "Then we have a deal. Shall we start now?" I tilt my head which still rested in his hand, "What are you talk-" Before I could finish my sentence, he had lowered the collar of his jacket and pulled me into a kiss. That was entirely unexpected on my part. I was actually getting into it until I heard a voice shout, "Get off of her!" Shino broke away and we both turned our heads in that direction. Shikamaru was staring at us, his jaw agape. Temari took his face and made him face her, "What's wrong with you? You're with me, not her, remember?" He pulled away, "I know… I just don't trust this guy, and she's my best friend." Temari smirked, "If she trusts him, and she's your best friend, can we stay out of it?" I smile, "Shikamaru. Temari. Have you met Shino?" Shikamaru gritted his teeth, "Now I have." Shino wrapped his arms around my structure, "Then you must know we're dating, right?" I giggle, trying to play along and rest my head on his shoulder. I think that hit a soft spot because he twitched and grabbed my arm, ripping me away from Shino's grasp, "Come on Ino. I'll take you home." Shino stopped him, "Pardon me, but you already have a girl to walk home, who obviously plans on walking home alone." Temari was about fifty feet away, stomping home. Shikamaru gasped, "T-Temari!" Shino tapped his foot, "May I please have my date back?" Shikamaru growled, "Fine, but after this night, I don't want to see you with her!" Shino fixed his collar, but I'm the one who spoke back, "I can see whomever I please Shika-chan." Shikamaru was speechless, but after a few moments of complete silence, he spoke, "Ino… You haven't called me that since…" I nod my head towards Temari, "Go get her… She's angry at you."
Shikamaru sighed, "I'll talk to you tomorrow." He hesitantly ran after Temari. I sighed, glancing at Shino, "He got jealous. I suppose that's progress." He smirked, "That look on his face was priceless." I smile, "I didn't know you knew how to kiss…" He glanced at me, "I didn't know you could kiss back." I felt my cheeks redden. He chuckled, "Shall I take you home then? In order to act like a couple, we have to be convincing." I giggle, "Thank you so much for doing this for me." Shino looked down on me, "Please. I can only thank you as much as you thank me." As we reached my apartment, he stopped me from going up the stairs, "Convincing, remember?" I felt my cheeks get hotter instantly, "Oh, right." Shino folded down his collar and pulled me into another deep kiss. Afterwards he backed up. I saw a small glimpse of a smile, but he put his collar up before I was sure. He yawned, "Goodnight." I laugh and walk up the stairs and turn to watch him leave. I sigh and walk into my apartment and go wide-eyed at the sight. I stuttered, "Wha-what happened here?"
I'm going to be evil and leave a cliff hanger! lol, Review please, and know that I added another chapter because it was a snow day and I was bored! I'll have the next one up in two days at the latest! Review me! Comments and constructive criticism appreciated!
Lots of love hyper-active-naruto-lover