Ah man, people are dropping this story more and more…oh well, I'm glad a few of you are still reading it! Thanks so much you guys!

Ino's POV…

I entered the huge banquet hall of the academy with Sakura, and there was only one word to describe the place.

Whoa.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say every 18-year-old in Konoha was there.

"Sakura, Ino! Is that you guys???" We heard a familiar voice nearby, and turned to see Tenten, her hair now flowing loosely to her shoulders, and a dazzling smile.

"Tenten!" Sakura and I said in unison, as we began to exchange hugs. "What's up with you lately?" I asked her.

"Ah, you know, not much, missions here and there…" Tenten said casually.

"Relationships?" Sakura asked, poking Tenten in the side. A hint of blush crept up Tenten's face.

"Well, yeah, Neji at long last," she said. How cute! I knew they would get together soon.

"Aces!" Sakura squealed giddily. "Who broke the ice first?"

"It was sort of mutual," Tenten answered, smiling. "I got wounded, he aided me, and you can guess what happened next." Me and Sakura smiled wide. At least Tenten has met her perfect match.

"I'm so happy for you!" I said, meaning it. Sakura nodded in agreement.

"Thanks guys," said Tenten. "Now go on and dance! Have fun! I'm going to go greet some other guest's ok?" She said. Me and Sakura nodded, and with a parting wave, headed to the dance floor.

"So," Sakura said, twirling happily as we walked. "Where on Earth have you been for the past week? You look even paler than usual…" Sakura's voice turned to worry as she looked at me skeptically.

"Oh," I said, touching my cheek lightly. "Probably just because I haven't seen sunlight for a while if you know what I mean," I laughed it off in hopes of Sakura moving on from the subject, and it worked. Like I was going to tell her the reason behind my pale expression was because of stress.

"Oh, if that's all it is, then-" Sakura stopped walking and talking as her mouth parted in shock. Her eyes were looking at something on the dance floor. I followed them and immediately knew what she was staring at.

Shikamaru and Temari. Standing together. Closely.

I THOUGHT SHE HAD A BOYFRIEND!

"It…it's probably nothing!" Sakura attempted consoling me. I ignored her though, and continued looking at what was happening between them.

"I dunno, but we're going to find out…" I took Sakura by the wrist and brought her around the other side of the dance floor. A spot where we could see what was happening, but wouldn't be easily noticed on-lookers.

Shikamaru didn't really look into the music or dancing at all. Temari was standing awkwardly. Did they come here together?

Suddenly, to my shock, Temari began swaying her hips and walked over to Shikamaru. I saw her lips move, but didn't hear anything. It didn't matter though. I knew exactly what she was asking.

Now, Shikamaru looked around. Like he looking for assurance from someone. Then he stopped, looked back at her and shrugged.

I knew Shikamaru well enough that that was his way of saying 'yes'.

Damn.

He began dancing to the music as Temari got closer and closer to him, my eyebrows scrunching with every step she took. To my surprise, Shika could actually dance.

"Ino…" Sakura said sympathetically, patting my shoulder. I turned back to her.

"He moved on?" I asked in a choked up way. Sakura stood tapping her chin for a bit in thought, before the sides of her lips curled into a twisted grin.

"Only one way to find out…" she said mischievously. Having had some kind of mental capability where one can finish the other's sentences, I could tell what she was saying. And it was the most classic trick in the manual.

"Make him jealous." We both said evilly.

Heh. Again, classic. But you'll see how in the next chapter. Also, if you guys have any ideas that would make the story better (not pertaining to Ino's cutting or how Shika finds out if ever) please tell me! Thanks!