AN: this is where the mature content starts to come in. Just for know, Ino is just trying to figure out a plan. Unlike Sakura though, she isn't quite as intelligent in the way that she figures it out. This is the start of a discussion of kinds, showing the pros and cons of the direct approach in comparison to subtlety. This becomes more apparent later on in the story, when POV's change. Again a lot of this is only for reference in later chapters. Disclaimers still applied.

1048 words in this chapter

Missing in Action

Chapter eight- I think of clouds

Ino sat on the floor in the darkness, opposite Shikamaru.

As usual when the two got in a room together, the first thing they did was argue.

"It's just… so insensitive!" Ino told him angrily

He just yawned and sat back, resting on his hands, glad for a second that he couldn't actually see the uptight kunoichi but regretting the fact that he could still hear her.

"You knew that I was going to be forced into going and you still didn't come and support me. You know what they are like. This mission is not an excuse! You don't even have to do anything! Ughh, the nerve to say that you needed rest and then leave me to deal with them on my own! I bet you even talked to Chouji beforehand aswell didn't you. I bet you told him, rather than waiting for him to call you when you didn't turn up. Did you?"

"I went to see him in the hospital because someone said they were looking for me. That was it."

"So you knew that he wouldn't be there either and came to the conclusion that that meant it didn't matter if you weren't there either?! How dare you! I needed you there Shikamaru… so badly." Her voice went quiet, hinting at something but she drew away from it quickly, the frustration returning in her tone. "And why the hell is there no light in here?!"

"The light isn't turned on" he told her, bored.

"What? Don't be stupid! That's such a…"

He cut her off abruptly by standing up and walking to the wall where the light switch was, switching it on and leaning against the wall in a lazy pose that just oozed the impression that internally he was calling her troublesome.

She stared around the room in horror, taking in the dirt-simple decoration with a critical eye (AN: it's a carbon copy of the other room so I won't go into massive descriptions mode). "How long have you known that was there?"

"Pretty much right away" he shrugged.

"And you didn't say anything?! Why didn't you do that earlier?"

"You didn't ask"

"Oh Kami Shika…" She stopped herself as she remembered her mission. She had to stop treating him like the Shikamaru she's always been friends with and start treating him like… well like someone she was attracted to. She thought back in her experience to guys like him she had flirted with. Emotionless, uncaring, smart guys with dark eyes, dark hair… all she could think of was Sasuke.

Although the idea of comparing the Nara boy to the almighty god of an Uchiha registered in Ino's head as something close to blasphemy, it did somehow make sense. He was always telling her how much of a waste of time her efforts with Sasuke were and how she deserved better. Maybe he really was jealous. Maybe he wanted to be treated like that himself.

Yes. That does make sense. He never gets that kind of attention from girls, and it's obvious from his reaction to Tamari's advances that he doesn't like the tough girls. They must remind him of his mother too much.

That's it then, step one. Stop bossing him about. He likes to take control. That's why he's such a good leader. He's a good strategist and he hates it when others treat him as anything less than that. He wants to be recognized for who he is, rather than for his outside actions. That might explain why he's so lazy all of the time. It could also explain why he hated Sasuke so much. He got all of our attention even when he was a cold, arrogant bastard (yes I'm finally admitting it).

Step two. Treat him like Sasuke. Ok, this one might not work as well but it will throw him off and that's all I need to figure out my next step. I live in the moment, I'm useless at plans.

"Shika-kun" she finished. "Let's not argue. I'm sorry I yelled."

"Fine." He shrugged again and went over to lie on the bed.

This is too easy she sighed and went to lie next to him, leaning on one arm as she stared up and down his body. This is weird. At least he's in his uniform, nothing's tight-fitting or anything. She watched as he closed his eyes and put his arms behind his head in a relaxed manner.

"Shika-kun" she cooed softly, reaching her spare hand up to draw circles on the edge of his vest. Ok, so that's not something I did with Sasuke but I always wanted to. Hmm, interesting thought. Shika-kun, my willing Sasuke. "you're always so laid back and calm. How do you do it?"

He raised an eyebrow at her as his eyes glanced at her position. She smiled in a sweet, innocent way, not directly at his face so it looked like she was dreamingly thinking of something. How glad am I no one can see this? My dad would probably cry with joy.

"I think of clouds" he replied evenly, regaining his stance.

"Wow Shika-kun, that's so…" Cute? Girly? Queer? "Fascinating. I wish I could be like you… to sit and watch the clouds all day, without a worry in the world. Do you not ever think about things? Like, missions, money, women?"

"Too troublesome"

"But if you don't, how are you ever going to get that life you always talked about… the wife and kids?"

He gave her that strange, sideways grin of his; still keeping his eyes shut "I always have you"

"But do you actually want me?" because I don't really want you but I need to know, for future reference.

"Does that matter?"

"Please tell me Shika-kun." She said in a sing-song voice that she hoped wasn't too annoying.

"I don't want to offend you" he sighed, but she knew that what he really meant. He didn't want to have her crying on him like she did whenever Sasuke rejected her.

"No then." She didn't sound too disappointed deliberately, opting instead for the carefree tone that he uses to say everything in. I guess I'll just have to make you want me then.

He stayed silent, trying not to change her un-characteristic good mood.