Okay here is some SasuIno-ness update before anyone decides they want to secretly kill me. (cough)Lamanth(cough) Ohh look, a birdy!! lol Read and Review!!

--Chapter Two: Remembrance--

"Year four exactly." The blue-eyed blonde sighed. Ino took a white rose between her fingers and inhaled the scent. Today was the day Sasuke had betrayed the village, and for reasons unknown to her, Ino couldn't help but remember it. The day was like a bad anniversary she couldn't help but celebrate by thinking of him wherever she was.

'It's been four years and I still can't forget him. It's not like I want to anyways.' The Yamanaka took hold of the necklace around her neck and put the ornament in her mouth. It had become a habit of hers when she was in deep thought.

The sun shone brightly upon the tree the raven-haired boy was sitting under. He growled quietly under his breath as he saw his sensei leave to Kami-sama knows where. How did the idiotic loser of Naruto make a bigger hole then him? It was impossible! He, Sasuke Uchiha, was definitely better than Naruto.

Out of nowhere, Sasuke felt a familiar presence near him. He looked up to notice Ino walking towards him. Her sly smile was clearly visible. Sasuke, in return, gave her one of his famous smirks.

"Hey, Uchiha. Shouldn't you be in the hospital resting?" Ino asked as she plopped herself next to him. The tree they were both currently sitting under provided them with perfect shade.

"Shouldn't you be out training, Yamanaka?"

"Hardy-har-har. Very funny." The young girl lightly bumped into her companion. Ever since Ino had kissed the Uchiha, Sasuke hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. So the Yamanaka had been secretly allowed to keep him company. It was just like old times for them. "I'm glad we're talking again."

"Yeah. Just like when we were younger." Sasuke smirked towards the blonde. They both smiled as they recalled at the evenings they had spent together during the academy days. They would train together, talk, or just hang out. That's what most people didn't know about the duo. Before the Uchiha massacre, Sasuke and Ino had been best friends. Ino had been the only one who had seen him for him and not as an Uchiha or Itachi's little brother.

"I'm surprised no one's discovered us secretly hanging out. Especially, your darling Sakura." Giggles erupted out of Ino's slender lips. The giggles were then accompanied by a small glare from the Uchiha.

"Shut up." His glare then went away and a small chuckle came out of his lips. "But I like it better this way. Hey, want to go train?" As soon as the girl agreed, the two raced to their secret training ground. For a few hours, the duo sparred intensely—which was interesting considering Sasuke's condition. Once they were done, Ino sat herself and leaned against a tree. Sasuke sat next to her and allowed Ino to lay her head on his shoulder. He rested his head on top of hers. "I have something for you."

"Yeah?" The mind-possessor inquired. Ino watched as Sasuke took two necklaces out of his pocket.

"I've been carrying these for a while. Here. One is for you and the other one for me. I hope you like it."

Ino smiled brightly and hugged the Uchiha tightly. She kissed him on the cheek and said, "I love it! More importantly, I love you! Why don't we think of these as promise-necklaces. A promise that we'll never be apart again."

Sasuke agreed and laughed at Ino's statement. "I promise." And then he returned Ino's kiss. Only this time, he placed his lips over hers. They shared a sweet kiss and then pulled apart. They looked into each others eyes and smiled before going to their original positions.

Sasuke smirked as he thought of Ino. She was the only girl he had ever kissed or hugged willingly. Ino knew this and she took pride in that. If she gave him just enough time, it was possible that he could confess the feeling they both knew he had.

But Sasuke never had the chance to confess. The next day, he had left the village. Without as much as a goodbye to Ino.

Ino sat on her stool reminiscing until she heard the bell at the door. With slight confusion in her voice, she said, "Hey, Shikama—."

"Before you say anything, I want to say that I love you. I don't care about whatever you say to keep us apart. Ino, I've liked you since we were genin. I know you feel something for me too. Don't deny it. Let's try it again."

Ino was speechless. She knew she felt something for Shikamaru, but a part of her knew she'd never be able to forget Sasuke. But before she could give any type of answer, Shikamaru's lips were on her own. The Yamanaka was slowly beginning to relax into it, when she heard a voice speak to them.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but Ino Yamanaka, you have been summoned." A young mad timidly said as he tried to cover up his blush.

Ino quickly broke off the kiss and nodded. "Okay. Shikamaru, I have to go."

"No, I'll go with you." Ino reluctantly agreed and they were off to Tsunade's office.

"I wonder what the Hokage wants." Ino thought. She had so much to deal with right now that she hoped it was nothing that would add to her stress. Too bad for her, it was going to add a great deal.

Okay the only reason I'm updating twice this week is because...well frankly I don't know why. lol The next chapter is really short. Yeah that's why. xD But please review. I'm wondering if anyone actually likes it... Well Review please!!