--I Never Stopped Loving You--

--Chapter 3: What happened to forever?--

-Shika/Saku-

Disclaimer:I Don't Own Naruto.

Shikamaru woke up the next morning feeling empty. He thought that what happened last night was all a dream. But, when he saw that Sakura wasn't laying beside him and that Ryuu was not in his room, and half of the things were missing.....he knew this was all reality. He was now in the bathroom, he punched the wall in anger as a tear threatened to come out. He just couldn't believe that this was happening. She broke up with him....saying she no longer loved him. Yet, an hour or so before that; they were already starting to get into each others' pants. Well, sort of. But, this didn't make any sense to him, and that must mean something cuz he's a genius. He didn't like all this confusion.

'She didn't want to leave,' thought Shikamaru. 'I know that she didn't. She was upset and hesitating with everything she told me. Was someone telling her lies about me cheating on her or something? Doubt it. She would have smacked me and then go on with the 'How could you?' and then I'd have to explain the truth. Besides, I'm always home....how could I be cheating on her? Ugh, what or who could have made her leave me? It had to be something big...we have a son for pete's sake!'

He turned on the shower, undressed, and got in. As he took a shower, he kept thinking of all the possibilities of what could of happen. He also kept on thinking about his happy memories with Sakura and Ryuu. He felt himself wince a bit; 'I can't imagine my life without those two. I need them...I need her. I'll be able to have Ryuu every other week. But, I won't be able to have Sakura...the love of my life. Things won't be the same without her here. Ryuu and I won't even get to bug her. Separation is too hard to deal with. She of all people knows that, so why would she do this? Better yet, what or who made her?'

After he took a shower he put on his everyday clothes and walked down the staircase to his kitchen.

-----Flashback

Sakura was making breakfast in the morning. She was making pancakes. She hummed a tune to herself as she flipped the pancake. Shikamaru and Ryuu were still asleep and would sleep for another twenty minutes or so; was what she thought. She always woke up a bit earlier than them so that she could have breakfast ready for them.

Unknown to her, Shikamaru was watching her from behind. Loving the sight of just seeing her.

'How'd I get so lucky?' was what he wondered.

He slowly crept towards her as he snaked his arms around her waist and turned her around. She was taken by complete surprise and was then pulled into a kiss. When she had finally recognized it was Shikamaru, she calmed down and kissed back. After a brief moment she pulled away, getting a disapproving grunt from Shikamaru.

She giggled, "Why are you down here anyway? I really didn't need that scare, Shika-kun. Haha, I thought for sure you would still be sleeping."

Still keeping his grip on her, "I would have been, but then when I reached over to pull you into my embrace and give you a kiss, I realized you were gone. How do you expect me to sleep, without you by my side?"

Sakura rolled her eyes and shook her head as she placed a chaste kiss on his lips, "Dummy, I'm always going to be there with you, right by your side."

Shikamaru smiled, he knew what she meant. She meant she'd stay with him...forever. That they would go on with life together, and eventually, die together. He knew she was the one, in fact, he was positive that she was the one. In a couple of years, he knew he would propose to the pinkette that he fell in love with. Cuz if he knew nothing else, he certainly knew that he wanted to stay with her, forever.

-----End Of Flashback

Shikamaru frowned a bit at the memory, 'What happened to our forever? Weren't you suppose to stay by my side...always? Isn't that what you said? I really thought we'd stay together forever, what went wrong?'

He decided to shake away the thought; it pained him too much to think about it. He made himself some coffee as he walked into the dining room and sat at the table, by himself. He was by himself at home, left with all the memories of Sakura and Ryuu. There was not one room in the whole house, that they didn't have a good time in. Even his storage closets held some memories! How could he go on like this? He believed...that he couldn't.

'So, what are my options?'thought Shikamaru. 'I don't want to date another. Sakura is my only love. Besides, Ryuu might end up upset. Forget completely about her and move on with life? Never. I would see her every week anyway. But, I wouldn't have to see her if I stopped seeing Ryuu too. But, no that would never be an option to me. Never, under any circumstances would I abandon my son. I will help raise Ryuu, just like I told Sakura the day before. We have to work together to raise our son. That would be much harder....now that we aren't together.'

He brought the mug to his lips as he drank some coffee, his life was screwed. Maybe that saying was right; 'Never make someone your everything, because when they leave, you'll be left with nothing'.

"No, screw that shit," Shikamaru said to himself. "I'm going get her back some day. Ryuu and her...they're my everything. They will continue to be. I'll find out why she left, I'll fix things. But, I will no longer mope around like some loser. I'll go on with my life, trying to find out what happened. However long it takes, I'll make sure that I get her back."

He had determination written all over his face. Oh yeah, he'd definitely get her back. Someone ringing his doorbell shook him out of his thoughts. He opened the door and was surprised to see Ino.

"Ino..." said Shikamaru, his eyes hardened. "What are you doing here?"

'What a coincidence....'thought Shikamaru as he narrowed his eyes. 'She visits the day after Sakura breaks up with me...She probably has something to do with this.'

"Hey Shika!" squealed Ino. "I heard you and Sakura had a baby, I was wondering if I could visit. After all, Sakura and I are childhood best friends."

'That's your childhood you stupid bitch,'thought Shikamaru. 'I already know that you've hated her since the beginning of High School.'

"They're not here," said Shikamaru coldly.

Ino showed a fake look of shock, "Why not? They're out shopping or something?"

Shikamaru clenched his fist as he looked down at the floor, 'Dammit your such a bitch. Acting as if you don't know a thing. Don't you know how much it pains me to even say that Sakura and I are no longer together? I can barely let the thought run through my mind that it's officially over.'

"She left me," said Shikamaru in a low voice.

Ino gasped, 'Hahaha the bitch did it. Now Shikamaru will be all mine. I don't see why he's so upset. It's just Sakura. Oh well, I'll help him forget!'

"Oh my god," said Ino. "No offense but she's a bitch. She has your child and she still chose to leave you. No woman in their right mind would do that. Why did she leave you?"

She gave him a look of pity, Shikamaru wanted nothing more than to smack her. How dare she call Sakura a bitch! Ino was the one who made her! Well, he didn't have proof or know for sure that it was Ino's fault but he'd bet that it was.

"She didn't say," said Shikamaru. "Why do you care anyway? Get the hell off my property."

Ino looked at him with wide eyes, "Sorry! I really didn't mean to get you upset! Can we talk about this inside? Please, I want to help you the best that I can."

She was lying through her teeth, if anything she would have liked to get him drunk, make him sleep with her, then he'd have to stay with her since she's pregnant. But, it was too early in the morning for that anyway. Yet, Shikamaru was too upset and tired to see the lies. He decided to let her in; 'Maybe she didnt do anything...'

Ino smiled as he brought her to the living room. Ino kept looking around in awe.

"This place is incredible," said Ino. "She was lucky. To have a home like this, a son, and a guy like you. Why would she leave it all?"

"I was the lucky one," said Shikamaru softly as he sat on the couch and Ino sat next to him. "I had the greatest woman in the world. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen, the most caring, loyal, sensible, honest, smart, comforting, yet stubborn and feisty. Besides all that, she was a wonderful mother. I couldn't believe that I was blessed with someone like her. A goddess. I love her with all my heart. I guess my luck wasn't going to last forever."

Ino had tears at the brim of her eyes. Not because she felt bad for making him suffer, but because she couldn't believe he was saying all the crap about Sakura instead of her. She was the one who was suppose to be his goddess! She was the one who was suppose to end up with him! Not Sakura! Now she felt a stronger hatred for Sakura.

"That's such a nice thing to say," said Ino, as she wiped her tears and made Shikamaru look at her. "She was the lucky one and she gave it all up, for who knows what. Don't worry Shikamaru, I'll help you forget about her."

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes as suddenly Ino went on top of him and placed her lips over his.

'Do I want to forget?'wondered Shikamaru. 'No but, I said I would do anything to get Sakura back. Even if it means ending up going out with this bitch. I'm sure that she knows something. I'll have to get it out of her. Dammit, but this way? Ugh, I don't like her and this feels so wrong...but, I need Sakura back.'

He kissed back for about three seconds and then pulled away. Ino looked so happy that he kissed her back.

'Don't get all excited you stupid slut,'thought Shikamaru. 'I don't like you. I just need to find out as much as I can about what happened between Sakura and you. Maybe...if I get you drunk one day, you'll end up telling me.'

"So how about it Shika-kun," asked Ino as Shikamaru averted his eyes from her. Shika-kun only sounded right from Sakura's mouth, no one else's. "Want to be with me? Unlike her, I won't leave you."

'Fuck you!'thought Shikamaru angered. 'She wouldn't of left me! Someone is forcing her to. What the hell did you tell her?! Ugh, I can't go out with her! I still have a son either way! Maybe I'll just tell her to be friends and if Ryuu gets a liking to her, then maybe.'

"Only if Ryuu accepts you," said Shikamaru. "You should be leaving now."

Ino nodded her head and flashed him a fake smile, "Okay Shika-kun! See you later! I'll be back. But, think about it!"

She left out of th eliving room and out of the mansion, she clenched her fists and looked angry.

'That twerp won't like me!'thought Ino. 'After what happened yesterday! Ugh, I need to have a conversation with the pink-headed bitch. But, I don't know where she's staying! Ugh, when she comes to drop off Ryuu, I'll get her number and shit and make her do something about this....'

TimeSkip;

A few days has passed since Sakura and Shikamaru broke up. She was usually left home alone with Ryuu and Gaara. Ryuu seemed to have a liking to Gaara. They were becoming really close. As for Sakura, from time to time she'd cry about Shikamaru. But on another note, Gaara was always there to comfort her and she felt like they were becoming quite close too. She was getting Ryuu dressed and packing up his things, it was Sunday and it was Shikamaru's turn to spend time with Ryuu. Ryuu was still confused about all this but, knew he wasn't suppose to mention anything to his dad.

As for Shikamaru, Ino has been visiting him every day, doing whatever it took to get Shikamaru back. He wasn't falling for anything though, even though he pretended to. He hated her, he was positive that she had done something to Sakura and he was going to ask Sakura when she dropped off Ryuu. Cuz he was always able to read Sakura's face...to see if she was lying or anything. Hopefully they were both left alone. Ino always came....he hoped that she wouldn't come today. He really didn't like her....but, he knew he was going to end up going out with her; he had to figure this all out. He wouldn't last long without Sakura.

With Sakura

She was already ready. Ryuu's bags were in the living room as Ryuu walked all around the house. Sakura was with Gaara, trying not to cry once she saw Shikamaru. She looked over at Gaara.

"Are you going to come?" she asked.

Gaara shook his head, "Nara and I never did get along well."

Sakura seemed surprised, "Why not?"

'Because we usually fought for your love....'thought Gaara.

But, all Gaara did was shrug, "We just never really liked each other."

"Well, that's silly," said Sakura. "You're coming with me. I want you guys to become good friends. You're a great person! So is Shikamaru...so, at least try to get along."

'Now that you're staying over my house...'thought Gaara. 'There's no way he will be happy. He knows I still love you. I wouldn't do anything to you but, Shikamaru is really protective of you. I already know that....even though you're two separated...you guys still love each other. Damn, Ino's a bitch.'

Gaara sighed, "Fine."

Sakura smiled and hugged him, since it took him by surprise, he ended up falling on the couch with Sakura right on top of him. Their faces were so close together. Gaara smirked when he saw Sakura blush. He remembered that this position was how they met.

-----Flashback

Gaara was playing football outside on the field with his friends. As he ran to catch the ball he bumped into a girl who looked to be about his age with.....pink hair? He looked up at her and saw that she had deep emerald orbs. She was running away from one of her friends who were trying to hit her with the dodge ball, and ended up running into him. She seemed a bit shy and blushed as she started blabbering about how sorry she was. I mean, he was the hottest guy at school. Gaara smirked at the embarrassed girl, making her blush even harder.

"Calm down," said Gaara. "I should have been watching where I was going."

Sakura got off of him and reached her hand out to help him get up. He took her outstretched hand and when he was pulled up he accidentally touched lips with hers. Causing her eyes to go wide. She quickly pulled away from him, the blush darker than before, and her eyes avoided making contact with his.

'Her lips...' thought Gaara. 'So soft...and sweet. Not only that...but she's hot. I know her...Sakura Haruno. She's one of the few girls who don't throw themselves on me. Hmm...interesting...I didn't notice til now of how hot she is.'

Was his thoughts as he checked her out.

"I am so sorry!" apologized Sakura. "I didn't mean to do that. I was just helping you up an-"

He stopped her on-going mouth by capturing her lips with his and wrapping his arms around her waist. He pulled away, not releasing his grip around her waist.

"You talk too much," said Gaara.

Sakura's blushed kept on getting darker, "Sorry...does that annoy you? I'll stop. Um....why'd you kiss me?"

Gaara smirked, "Cuz, I felt like it."

Soon Sakura's face turned into an angry one, "You can't kiss me just because you feel like it! Better yet, you can't touch me whenever you feel like it! Damn bastard, get off of me!"

Gaara was surprised with her sudden change of attitude. What happened to the shy little Sakura? She got feisty and stubborn all of sudden.

'Damn, she's just my type of girl,'thought Gaara.

He moved his lips closer to her ear, "Sakura...right?((She nodded her head)) Will you forgive me if I tell you that I kissed you because I want you to be mine?"

Sakura blushed again, "Say what?"

He smirked and brought his face close to hers, "How about it? Wanna go out?"

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. Was the hottest guy in school asking her out? He hasn't had a girlfriend in like two years!

'Well, it won't hurt will it?'thought Sakura. 'He's athletic, smart, hot...and even though he's a bastard, he's my type of guy. It wouldn't hurt...besides having fan girls after my ass all the time. Oh well, he asked me out. I'm not letting this opportunity pass up.'

"Um..." said Sakura. "I guess it wouldn't hurt...sure."

Gaara grinned, "Cool, well I'm going to go play football over there, Sakura. I'll meet you at the end of the day in front of the school."

Sakura nodded her head, with the blush still on her cheeks. He placed a kiss on her lips as he grabbed the football off the ground and ran back in the center of the field. Sakura touched her lips.

'This all seems like some dream...'thought Sakura. 'I don't even know if guys kiss girls once they ask her out! He's different...I like that.'

-----End of Flashback

Gaara saddened at the memory; they should have stayed together. If he wasn't so stupid...maybe he could feel her lips pressed against his once again. Sakura got up off of Gaara.

"I'm so sorry..." apologized Sakura. "I didn't mean to do that!"

Deja vu all over again.

He had a sad smile on his face, "Don't worry about it."

'She still hasn't changed...'thought Gaara. 'That's probably why I'm still so attracted to her.'

Ryuu came tumbling into the living room. Sakura picked him up, "We should get going."

Gaara nodded his head and picked up Ryuu's bags as they made their way outside. She told him the directions and he drove to Shikamaru's house.

"Mommy," said Ryuu. "Me gowin to see daddy?"

"Yeah," said Sakura. "You're going to stay with daddy for a while. Remember, don't tell him anything about Ino."

"Pwomis," said Ryuu.

Sakura smiled sadly as she looked out the window, they finally arrived. Gaara grabbed her chin before they got out the car and made her look at him.

"Everything will be fine," said Gaara. "Don't worry too much."

Sakura smiled, "Okay."

She pulled away from him and got out of the car. She took Ryuu out of the back seat and carried him over to the house, while Gaara got the bags. She rang the doorbell and heard shuffling behind the door. Her breath got caught for a split second when she saw Shikamaru open the door. They both looked like they would cry at any moment.

He looked down at Ryuu and smiled sadly as he ruffled his hair. Ryuu smiled and reached out to Shikamaru.

"Daddy!" said Ryuu. "We bwak fwom Vacshun!"

Sakura looked down at the floor as Gaara came with the bags. Shikamaru's eyes suddenly turned cold as he gave Gaara a dirty look.

"Sakura, don't tell me..." said Shikamaru.

Sakura could feel the tension between the two, 'Gaara wasn't lying when he said they don't get along well.'

"Um...for now," started off Sakura. "I'll be staying at his house. Until I can find a place for myself...and Ryuu."

"It could have been any house!" said Shikamaru. "Why his?!"

"Why the hell does it matter?!" retorted Sakura angrily.

Ryuu started crying, he didn't like it when his parents fought. He also didn't like the fact that his daddy didn't like his 'Uncle' Gaara.

Shikamaru shook Ryuu a bit, "It's okay Ryuu-"

"What's going on Shika-kun?" asked Ino as she arrived behind Shikamaru, making him stiffen. He had forgotten that she was still there.

Sakura's eyes widened as she glared at Ino, and Ino smirked. Gaara clenched his fists, he wanted to kill the damn bitch.

"What the hell is she doing here?!" asked Sakura.

"This is my house!" said Shikamaru. "I can allow anyone that I choose to. You no longer live here. So don't act like you have any rights to order my guests around."

Sakura was shocked at the way he was talking to her, 'What happened to him?'

She felt like crying. Gaara could see this and he glared at Shikamaru as he set the bags on the ground and hugged Sakura.

"Let's just go," she murmured.

Gaara agreed and they both were going to go on their way back but Ino stopped them. Shikamaru was surprised at what he was telling her. He guessed he was just angered that Gaara was there and that of all people, she chose him to live with! He already knew their past, and he disliked Gaara.

"Wait Sakura," said Ino. "I want to talk to you!"

Sakura stopped walking and slowly turned around, 'What the hell does the bitch want now?! She's destroying my whole damn life! All because of Shikamaru...'

Sakura ran a hand through her pink hair and nodded her head. Gaara glared at Ino and stood next to Shikamaru. Sakura and Ino went to the backyard to talk. While Gaara and Shikamaru were left their to talk.

"Daddy!" said Ryuu. "Gawa ish me uncle!"

Shikamaru smiled at Ryuu, "That's great. You should go inside."

Ryuu nodded his head as Shikamaru set Ryuu down and Ryuu walked into the living room. When Ryuu was gone Shikamaru glared at Gaara.

"Make her move out," said Shikamaru.

"No," said Gaara with an equal amount of anger. "How the hell can you talk to her like that?!"

"She left me!" said Shikamaru. "Without any reason! How the hell am I suppose to react to that?!"

"At least TRY to find out the reason!" said Gaara. "You don't have to act like an asshole towards her! After all, she still loves you!"

Shikamaru froze, 'Didn't she say that she doesn't love me so she broke up with me?'

"She told you that?" asked Shikamaru.

"Yes," said Gaara harshly. "That bitch is behind all this. I'm not allowed to tell you what the reason was...but, don't think Sakura doesn't love you and just abandoned you. You know damn well she ain't that type of girl. As for why she lives with me, it's because she's best friends with Temari. So stop acting like such an asshole and don't allow Ino to get close to you."

Shikamaru averted his eyes, "I'm going to allow Ino to get close to me. I had a feeling she had a part to this. I'll let her think I like her....and then I'll somehow get her to tell me what she did. Obviously she's not letting Sakura tell me. But, I need to know what happened. Tell me, I must know! I love her, and I'm not willing to lose her!"

A/N: I know, took a while to update. Forgive!

Have been really busy. Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter. Please review!! I'll update when I can!

-x Emerald Goddess Of The Night x-