I'm sort of getting the drift that some people aren't liking this story, and I'm sorry! But I'll go on anyway for those few who like it…we can all have opinions, so it's ok to not like it! Just tell me what I should change if you find something not-too-good. Thanks!

Dear Sakura,

Ok, as you asked, I'm going to give you the full update. But before I do, you must promise me NOT to scream. Or squirm. Squeal you may do, but the rest might blow up your house, since this is I must say some…heavy information. Let's start from the beginning shall we?

So I showed up at the park. With the fine assistance of you, I was looking, dare I say, bootylicious (I can't believe I said that either.). My hair down, my bang sweeping across, the signature little black dress…zit hidden…just perfect. When I found Sasuke sitting on a bench, he looked up at me. His eyes widened slightly at first glance, then he went back to a casual state. There wasn't too dramatic a reaction. However, he then said, "excuse me…" and walked away for a bit, then came back with a bloody tissue crumpled in his hand. He took a sniff, and said, "sorry." I smirked, but pretended I didn't see it.

Then, we took a walk. The evening was flawless, the moon was full, the sky for once wasn't hazy, and the temperature was just in that middle range that feels like your floating.

Our conversation went all over the place. From pasts, to weapons, to jutsus, to friends, then, to my surprise…Shikamaru. Sasuke was the one who brought this up. I was taken aback. I had been so happy about this date because I thought it would take my mind off Shikamaru. But here I am, being asked about him. I had no idea how to answer. He asked, "What do you…think of him?" I heard a rustle in the bushes. I immediately swung my head in the direction of the noise, but then nothing was there. I figured it was only the night wind.

I turned back to Sasuke to answer his question. I said, "…We haven't spoken in quite a while. In fact, God only knows where he is now." I lied, I know. A big whopper of a lie. But Sasuke didn't seem to notice. His eyes shifted to the bush as well. I followed his gaze, but saw nothing. I snapped my fingers. He turned back and apologized. For Sasuke Uchiha, he sure had been apologizing a lot. Weird.

But then he pressed on. About Shikamaru. He was so persistent about the subject, I was surprised. I know I was supposed to be prepared for unexpected things he'd say, but I didn't expect Shikamaru to enter as the object of the conversation. One of the questions he asked was, "Well, do you miss him then?" I stopped walking. I looked at the ground. I had missed Shikamaru. And that is not a follow-up of the lie I told. I really did miss him. I miss hanging out with him, watching clouds with him, shopping with him, training with him, just…being with him. I tried not to let a tear roll, and not just because it would smudge the mascara you worked so hard to put in place.

I couldn't possibly admit all this to Sasuke…especially not tonight. So I told yet another lie. "No, not really." I shook my head. "What makes you think I'd miss that cloud-obsessing, pineapple headed, life destroying…" I stopped when I realized my anger about Temari flooding into my words.

Sasuke looked uneasy now. I looked at him funny before I heard what sounded like a soft moan from the bush from before. Sasuke looked at it and shook his head, as if pitying…the bush. I looked closer at the bush. The bush rustled a bit more, and a figure rose from it. Then the figure spoke to me. The voice sounded like it was male, and very pained.

"If that's what you really think…" After saying this, the figure slowly turned and walked away. "Thanks anyway, Sasuke. Looks like the plan didn't work out after all." Curious about what I had done, I ran after whoever it was, leaving the sighing Sasuke behind.

When I finally caught up to the figure, I grabbed his shoulder and yanked him around. I could not believe who it was. It was Shikamaru.

Oh my God…it's already midnight. I got to go, I swear I'll tell you more tomorrow.

Your very tired friend.

Ino

I won't joke in this author note, since I don't want to kill the mood. So, I hope you like this chapter, Rand R, and look for the next one! Thanks.