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--Chapter Seven: I've Chosen--

There was no way to describe the immense joy inside Ino. After four years, Sasuke was finally back and he was hers. She and Sasuke were finally an official couple! Kami-sama only knows how long, and much, Ino had wanted this. But even though she loved the feeling of being taken, there was something tugging at her heart.

'Shikamaru…' Ino recited slowly in her mind. The other most important man in her life: he best friend, platonic crush, and the boy who had always been there for her…'I have to go find him.'

Ino took off and searched restlessly throughout Konoha. She had told him she'd let him know once she had chosen. Ino knew this wouldn't be easy for either of them. After the Uchiha had left, it just seemed right for her and Shikamaru to end up together. The Nara had always shown his love for her and he was the perfect guy, just not that guy for Ino. In some degree, it hurt Ino that she couldn't love him the way he wanted her to love him.

After half an hour, the blonde spotted her best friend. Ino tried to be as discreet as she possibly could when she approached Shikamaru. Though is his eyes were closed and he seemed to be asleep, the Yamanaka was surprised when Shikamaru spoke.

"Hey, Ino. What's up?" Shikamaru opened his eyes once he felt Ino plop down next to him.

"How do you always know it's me? Nothing much. You?"

"Just here. Everything all right? You seem kind of…down."

"Shika," the blonde sighed. "Well, I finally…chose someone."

The shadow-possessor supported himself by his elbows. He looked into Ino's eyes and smiled sadly. Now was the moment of truth and something told him it wasn't him. "Let's hear it then."

"You know I love you. You're like the best guy in the whole world." Ino paused a moment to smile. "I mean it. I seriously thought in the back of my mind that we were going to end up together."

"So does this mean you chose Sasuke?"

"I'm sorry."

Shikamaru sighed and smiled at the blonde. "It's fine." The indolent man then lied back down only to discover Ino following him. "Troublesome woman."

"I know." Ino giggled. "You know, you should get back with Temari. I know you still got a little thing for her."

"Ino…" The blonde felt the heat radiate from the man's cheeks. "It's still too soon, you know?"

Ino looked up and winked. "I'm sorry I couldn't love you the way you wanted me to. But you'll live without me. Kami-sama knows I'll be too bossy for you."

"Don't worry about it. I'm glad we at least tried it once. Besides, like I told you, I'm happy if you are. And you know what else?" Shikamaru inquired. "Temari's bossier."

"You're lying!" Ino gasped. "That—."

"Ino!"

"What?" Ino batted her eyelashes playfully. "I was going to say, 'That sand kunoichi, her.' What did you think I was going to say?" Ino smirked at Shikamaru's reddened state. "But glad to see you come to her defense."

"Shut up." The Nara said as he poked Ino and then held her tight. "You're one troublesome woman."

"I better be the most troublesome. I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

Meanwhile, Tsunade was in Sasuke's cell with a poker face on. Inside, however, she was burning with excitement. Thing were finally getting interesting in the village.

"Uchiha, are you sure about this?"

"Yes, I'm sure." Sasuke said nodding. He had gone through every possible outcome in his head, but he was going to do this.

"All right." Tsunade said smirking as she stood up and walked out the door. Behind her, she left a man filled with anticipation. If his plan were to work, things were going to be highly entertaining for the Hokage.