Now, time for…

Shikamaru's POV…

"Come on Shikamaru," a very annoyed Temari growled at me as she pulled me to the entrance of the academy. Her attempts were ineffective, as I refused to leave my ground.

"I'm starting to regret this decision," I sighed. Temari finally released me hand and waved a finger at me.

"Too late," she said as a matter of factly. "You already agreed, no turning back now. Plus, after all the time Alberto took to get you cleaned up out of your hibernation phase, you can't just back out."

Yes, that was Temari's boyfriend's name. Alberto. His physical appearance backed up his name, as he had sleek black hair side parted and combed to perfection. He had a pointy nose and was tall and slim. You might as well refer to the butler in old fashion movies.

"Yes, come on Shikamaru! It'll me so much fun!" Alberto lisped. I raised my eyebrow at the odd sound of Alberto's voice and mentally questioned the guy's masculinity.

"I lost my knowledge of the definition of that two weeks ago," I said looking at my feet (which by the way, were fashioning penny loafers that belonged to Alberto.) I could just hear Temari sigh.

"Shikamaru, I'm sorry, but you HAVE to get over that. This is supposed to take your mind OFF it remember? So just give it a shot." She said enthusiastically all of a sudden.

"Fine, whatever," I said defeated. For some reason, agreeing to this was so much easier to do on paper.

"Oh good!" said Alberto with a small clap of his hands.

"Oh honey, you're so optimistic!" Temari marveled, planting a big old wet one on Alberto's cheek. Alberto smiled proudly. Perhaps he was metro or something…

When we got into the dance, Alberto and Temari arm in arm, I looked around. I could hardly believe all the people. Did people find these parties this alluring?

"Hey Shikamaru! It's about time you revealed yourself! What up man?" Naruto came over with a drink in his hand, giving me a slap on the back.

"Not much," I answered casually. Or so I'm trying to believe. "So," I said, switching the subject, gesturing to the huge bash. "Quite a crowd tonight, huh? Tenten must be pleased with the amount of RSVPs."

"Indeed she is," said another voice behind me. I turned to see none other than Neji Hyuuga. Looking the exact same. Who knew?

"Ah, Neji," I said, giving a nod. "What's going on with you lately? You and Tenten an item yet?" A smiled curled at the edge of Neji's mouth (AN: That brilliant half-smile!!!)

"You could say that," he said, looking over at Tenten, who was greeting guests.

"And it's only been a thousand years!" Naruto broke in obnoxiously, prodding Neji.

"Shut up…" Neji growled. I should have known. Neji isn't exactly one to talk about his emotions to others. Especially when the "others" include Naruto.

I looked over, and saw Temari hitching her head in the direction of the dance floor, obviously having lost patience with my catching up.

"Well, I'll talk to you guys later, have fun alright?" I parted quickly as they waved off. I walked back to join Temari and Alberto.

"Come on," Temari shouted to me over all the noise and music. "Let's go to the dance floor!" She gestured her thumb to the large dance floor, jam backed with couples and groups of friends, and the inevitable grinders.

Before I walked to the dance floor, I looked over at the doorway one last time.

And surely enough, stood a light-blue-dress-wearing, flawless looking Ino Yamanaka next to Sakura.

How could I have been so dumb? Of course Sakura would have brought her! Ino would never turn down something like this!

I saw her looking around, and knew I had to act fast before her eyes locked on to me. I tried to blend myself in the groups of dancing people.

"I'm going to go get us some drinks, ok sweetheart?" Alberto asked Temari as they started swaying a bit to the beat.

"Sure!" said Temari back. Alberto walked off the refreshment table, leaving her and me on the dance floor, being the only ones not dancing. Temari looked around, then looked at me as the awkward silence increased. Then she started swaying her hips a bit, and walked over to me.

"So, ya wanna dance?"

Uh oh! Let's see what becomes of this little situation…