In a rose

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of it's characters.

With nothing to do until Temari arrived, Shikamaru hung around the Yamanaka flower shop.

He looked at the red shaded balloons and multitude of roses that signified the approaching of that troublesome day.

Valentine's.

He picked one up, with Ino watching his moves.

"If even one petal falls while it's in your hands, I'm making you pay."

He looked at her and rolled his eyes. "Troublesome."

he twirled it around, being careful not to prick himself with the thorns.

"What's in a rose?" He thought aloud.

"A bunch of petals, some thorns, and potential pollen to name a few."

"You know what I mean."

Ino giggled, leaving the counter. It was empty apart from the two of them anyway.

"What's in a rose depends on what's in the sender."

Shikamaru waited for her to continue. He knew her well enough to know that it wouldn't be left at that.

"For example, If the flower was bought just because the gentleman who bought it did so because he felt he needed to, well that rose would probably wither within a week. One that was bought out of love, or with a whole bunch of other flowers would last forever."

He blinked. "Crazy woman."

She sighed. "What do you think it is then, smart ass?"

"Well, in terms of the troublesome time of the year we're in now, what's in a rose is representation. Of love, relationships, all of those sort of things. Sure, it probably does mean what's in the guy's heart, but you know, that's a little harder to represent."

He turned around to see Ino looking at him strangely.

"That romantic side must be the only reason she'd ever be with you."

He gave her an annoyed look, making Ino laugh.

"You know something though? Not giving her roses means you aren't showing love, by your logic, am I right? Also, balloons or chocolates would be best to further show that love."

"Yeah yeah, I get it," Shikamaru began as he dug into his pockets.

"No balloons or chocolates though."

Ino shrugged. "I tried."

As she gave him the bouquet, and he began to walk out, she waved him goodbye.

"Troublesome women," he said with a half smile.

"Roses represent empty wallets for us guys too."

End.