A.N. Thanks everyone for the reviews!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
A.N.: Oh, and I am not the one who explains long fighting scenes because I think it makes the reader bored (I skip fighting scenes and just read where the part of who was declared as the winner) so I just summarize some fighting scenes in this story.
The next day…
"Okay, so shall we still continue the party Neji-kun?" Tenten asked while all of them were gathered inside Sakura's office room. Sasuke was also there. He was leaning on one wall, probably deep in thought.
"Of course. Why would you think that the party should be postponed just because a Class S criminal is here?" Neji replied. Tenten looked she had doubts. Sakura was sitting on her reclining chair, watching the couple.
"Tenten, we are all going to be there. Remember, the best ninjas are going to attend. And not to mention the whole Hyuuga family. That's enough to bring Itachi down." Sakura stated as Ino nodded.
"And besides! We had a tiresome preparation and I would be mad if it all goes to waste!" Ino added. Tenten smiled and hugged Neji's arm, which made Neji blush somehow.
"Tenten! We're in Sakura-sama's office!" Neji hissed. Sasuke looked up.
'Every time the best ninjas call her Sakura-sama, it makes me sick. Sick because she's now stronger than me.'
If they were in ANBU uniform, they call Sakura with that suffix but they do not do that when they are in their casual clothes or if they are in their day offs.
"That's okay Neji. Cuddle if you want, just don't do something beyond the border. You know what I mean. They are other people around you, you know." Sakura chuckled as Tenten giggled. To Neji, Tenten's giggle was like melody in his ears (A.N.: Yeah, I know, sappy. But hey, it's true!)
"Aw look at them Shika-kun! Let's cuddle too!" Ino pouted as she held on the lazy genius' arm. Shikamaru blushed and tried to push her away.
"Hey! Hey! Get off my arm troublesome woman!" He muttered. Ino looked at him angrily.
"What did you say?" Ino yelled. Shikamaru stopped.
"Uh—nothing." Shikamaru said, sweat dropping. Hinata giggled as Naruto wrapped an arm around her waist which made Hinata squeak in surprise and blush madly. Sakura looked at the people around them.
"Okay people, you all do that later. You're all making me sick." Sakura stated. Ino looked at her and stuck a tongue out to her best friend.
"Sakura! You're just jealous! Look! There's Sasuke! You could cuddle him!" Ino said teasingly. Sasuke looked away (he was blushing) while Sakura looked pissed.
"Stop that or else you'll all be bloody pulps on the next minute." She hissed. Everyone glared at Ino, telling her to stop or else it would cause them their lives.
"Geez Sakura! I was just joking!"
"Good. Now, I want you all to keep your eyes open for any signs of that bastard."
"Hey! I thought Sasuke was the bastard here!" Naruto butted in. Hinata covered his mouth as he gave an apologetic smile at Sakura. Sakura calmed down.
"Interrupt me again and I'm sure you'll regret it." Sakura warned them. Everyone nodded at her, telling her to continue.
"As I was saying, we should keep an eye for any signs of Itachi. We would be guards, but we are under cover. We would not let the party be destroyed no matter what. So, Neji and Tenten, you should enjoy the party and entertain the guests well." Sakura said as Neji and Tenten nodded.
"I have also talked to some members of the Hyuuga family as well. They have agreed. So, no monkey business okay?" She said, particularly looking at Naruto.
"Everyone understand?" Sakura asked.
"Hai, Sakura-sama!" They chorused while Sasuke just nodded. Sakura told them to get out.
By afternoon, Ino was heading towards Shikamaru's house. When she knocked on the door, no one answered but she felt Shikamaru's presence inside.
'Damn that guy, maybe too lazy to answer the door again.'
Ino's smiled evilly and knocked on the door like a wild man. Soon, she heard footsteps and someone cursing inside. When Shikamaru opened the door, half of his body was naked, and the lower half has been covered in a towel. Ino looked at him sheepishly.
"I see you've been expecting me." Ino said teasingly while looking at his attire then she gave her boy friend a peck on the lips. Shikamaru groaned.
"If I was expecting you, I would've created a trap door on where you are currently standing." Shikamaru replied. Ino giggled as she went inside and Shikamaru shut the door.
"Oh Shika-kun, when did you become so… funny?" Ino asked, leaning on him. Shikamaru blushed.
'That wasn't a joke. I was about to take a bath dammit.'
"Anyway, what are you doing here?" Shikamaru asked as Ino walked away towards his kitchen. She gasped at the fridge. It was miraculously almost empty except of a box of expired milk and a box of left over pizza.
"Shika-kun! When was the last time you did some grocery?" Ino yelled. Shikamaru rolled his eyes. He slowly went upstairs to take his bath. Ino groaned.
"I hate him being that lazy. Now where is his wallet?" Ino looked around and went upstairs. Shikamaru's bedroom door was ajar, so she went inside. She heard some water running and figured that Shikamaru was taking a bath. She saw his pants on the bed and found his wallet. It was empty.
'What the fuck! Even his wallet is empty! He's even too lazy to get some money from the bank!'
Ino knocked on the bath room door.
"Shika-kun!"
"Hn." Shikamaru replied.
"I'm going to take your wallet!" Ino yelled back as Shikamaru turned the tap water off. He opened the door. He was wet but he still had his wallet. Damn, he looked sexy especially now that he has short hair (remember?). Ino shook her head.
"What? Why?" Shikamaru asked.
"I'm going to go grocery shopping for you sweetie. And I should also get some money from your account for that." Ino said sweetly. Shikamaru rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. Don't spend too much." Shikamaru said, giving her a peck on the lips. Soon, the butterfly kiss turned into a long and passionate one. When they parted, Ino smiled.
"Be back soon! And oh! Have you bought a kimono already for the party?" Ino asked, while her doorknob was on the door. Shikamaru nodded.
"I didn't buy one, cause I have one already." Shikamaru replied. Ino was about to close the door when Shikamaru called her again.
"Oh and Ino!"
Ino's head peeked inside. Shikamaru smiled.
"Take care and be back soon okay?" Shikamaru said gently. Ino was shocked on his sudden sweetness and gave him the brightest smile she could ever manage.
"Sure thing sweetheart!" Ino replied and closed the door.
A.N.: So this chapter is mostly ShikaIno. I like that pair. :)
Keep reading guys and don't forget to give me reviews!
E.I.
