Calling Sakura had been the easy part of Shikamaru's day. Before he could say much of anything, she had already asked if he had learned if Sasuke was cheating on her. It was nice to say "no" for once. He did tell her that he was still working the case, and asked her to see if she could find out what Sasuke had been up to at the office. Shikamaru's interest laid in checking the files Sasuke pulled and seeing if any of those stood out, all starting at that magical couple month mark. She said she would, and would let him know what she found.
Now came the hard part.
Shikamaru stuffed his hands in his pant pockets as he walked. He wanted to light a cigarette, but instead he settled for closing his fist tightly around the worn lighter in his in the left pocket, as he approached the storefront. Taking a deep breath before pushing through the door, he tried to prepare himself for the inevitable.
He wasn't sure the if the smell of flowers or the squeal of his name assaulted him first.
"Shikamaru Nara! What are you doing here?!" Ino cheerily rushed around the counter of the flower shop to give him a hug. Shikamaru kept his hands in his pockets and looked to the floor, as she pulled him into the quick embrace, which became even quicker than expected as she shoved him away. "Ugh! You smell like an ashtray."
"Nice to see you too." Shikamaru rolled his eyes but he could already feel her gaze appraising his appearance. Her worried expression gave away her assessment. He took a moment and looked at her. She did look nice, even if he didn't. Her long blonde hair was pulled in a high ponytail with a purple scarf tied at the base. She wore a white blouse tucked into her full, purple flower printed skirt, with low white heels. Always looking put together was one of her many talents.
"I guess I should just be happy that you don't reek of alcohol." she sighed, before brightening as she strolled back towards the counter. "So, what brings you here? Something tells me you're not looking for flowers or stopping by just to chat."
"Yeah, not today." He wandered to the other side of the counter. There were no other customers present, which he was grateful for. "I'm working Sakura's case, which you sent my way."
"I'm glad to see it got you out of your office. How's it going?"
"I'm here cause I could use your help, on it. Sasuke doesn't appear to be cheating, but there is something going on. Something related to the a couple of new employees working The Sound. They're siblings, named Temari and Kankuro. I suspect that they're not from Konoha."
Ino was grinning. "Yeah, I know a bit about the two, and you suspect right. They're from Suna. I've gotten to hear how the men talk about her, in particular." Ino rolled her eyes, "You know how guys like to talk when they're drinking and playing cards, though I'm still told she holds no candle to me." she added with a wink.
The flower shop was owned by Ino's family. By day it was just a flower shop, but in the evening and on the right night, it's basement was home to high stakes card games. It was a not so legal supplemental income for the shop, and also how Ino had become so good at reading and manipulating people. She grew up watching and playing cards, and it taught her to play people even better. Between the legitimate flower shop and the illegitimate basement gambling, she had her finger on the pulse of everything going on in Konoha.
"Glad to hear your ego hasn't been hurt." Shikamaru couldn't help but add, and it earned him a glare from her crystal blue eyes.
"Just for that, you're going to owe me if you want me to tell you more."
"What a drag. Ino, this is for a case I'm working for your friend as a favor to you."
Ino just rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Un huh. Don't care."
"Fine, just add it to my tab." he couldn't help but groan. Not that it really mattered, but how was it every time he dealt with a woman they were so troublesome?
"They actually have another brother named Gaara. He's the youngest, and he's still in Suna. He's rising politically, and, apparently, making some enemies among the career politicians and those not quite on the right side of the law. It's interesting because their father was one of those career politicians, until he was murdered several years ago. Overall, I don't know too much, yet, but I'll keep an ear out and let you know what else I hear."
"Thanks, Ino." Shikamaru turned to leave but felt a her tug on his wrist.
"Wait, Shikamaru. We haven't caught up, yet. You can't just come, get all the info you want, and run off." Her eyes were big and sad. He couldn't help but stay, and they both knew it.
"So, what have you been up to, Ino?"
Ino beamed, "I met a guy. He's really good at poker. Even I can't read him!" She drove on, ignoring the lack of interest from Shikamaru. "His name is Sai and he's an artist. That's why he plays poker, to earn enough money to keep making his art!"
"Is this going to be like the other guys you've dated that you've met when playing cards?" Ino's track record hadn't been great. She could wrap men or women around her finger and hide her emotions, but with those she loved, she always wore her heart on her sleeve. The guys of the past took advantage once she let them in, but maybe that's why he saw her as fearless and strong. She got hurt, but she got back up again. She was always strong enough to move on.
Ino flicked her hair in annoyance, "Whatever."
"And this is exactly why shouldn't want me around." Shikamaru sighed, and Ino frowned staring into his eyes until he looked away.
Quietly she said, "But here's the thing, we all want you around. Eight months is too long. We miss you. You know Kurenai would love to see you and have you meet Mirai…"
This was why. This was why he dreaded coming to talk to her. The heavy weight of guilt crushing his chest. He felt himself starting to shake as he clenched his fists and turned to the door, trying to keep from falling apart and needing air.
She quickly came around the corner and lightly grabbed his arm, trying to comfort him, but it was too much. His emotions were bubbling out. Suddenly he was angry. He was yelling. "How can you? How can you say that? When you see me, why don't you see the failure who let HIM die?!"
"You know that's not true!" she shouted back as tears were slid from her eyes.
As abruptly as it had started, he was now calm. "That's the problem, Ino. I know it is true." He pulled away from her soft grip and headed to the door. Just before exiting, he turned and a sad sincerity took over as he stared at her. "I'll see you around, Ino. I've got to get going. Gotta work on this case and all…"
Once outside, he pulled his cigarettes out of his pocket and lit up. He wished he hadn't come. Wished she didn't know him so well. Wished that he was strong enough to move on. But most of all, he wished things were different.
