You're not the girl I used to know, Ino. I don't know you anymore. You were not always this moderate. You were defenietly more outspoken.

Flashback a few hours ago:

"I'm coming!" That was his response to the banging of the door. He quickly grasped the door knob and swung it with full energy. He was so disturbed while napping. Without care who it was, he answered.

"What do you w—" it was the least person he predicted it to be. He gasped. "Ino.."

His past team mate stood there outside before him. However, she didn't appear to be Ino.

This girl was calmed and polite.

She gently said, "Hello Shikamaru" with a gentle smile.

This can't be Ino!

He expected a 'Hey you loser! Let me In!'

It was either that, or a personal automatic 'Ino insult'. But, a pleasing smile for Shikamaru? That's way out of character now isn't it?

He found it extremely troublesome to believe the unbelievable.

Nevertheless, this was Ino Yamanaka. She kept her lean figure, her long, blonde hair tied, which reached the very bottom of her back, and her two pools of blue eyes.

"Would you like to come in?" he finally suggested.

She nodded as she stepped inside.

End Flashback

What happened to you, Ino? What happened to those times when you used to scold me and Chouji? I miss that…—WHOA! NO I DON'T!! Did I just admit to missing the old Ino? Naww!

Without warning, the door pounded again. This time; he sprinted to it, eager to open the door.

Ino?

No. It was Temari. "Hey there" she greeted him closing the door behind her. His hopes sank.

"I wasn't expecting you today…" he admitted.

"I had to see you" she confessed

Once she entered the house, she suspected something wrong.

Someone was here today! Her senses were correct

"Anyone important stopped by today?" she tried sounding trustworthy

Without thinking, Shikamaru lied and said "No"

Temari raised her brow.

"No" he repeated shaking his head.

Well, he doesn't look guilty…I should really trust him more...

The truth was, Shikamaru doesn't look guilty because he didn't consider himself guilty. It was his teammate—female, now fully grown, teammate. Nothing more, right?

"So, you have plans for tonight?" she asked keenly. "I was thinking—"

"Actually Temari.." he interrupted "I'm really tired. I'm gonna turn in for night okay?" He offered her a kiss on he cheek. Then he let out a forged yawn as he headed to his bedroom without explanation. Temari was left speechless at his reaction. It was usually Shikamaru that suggested spending time with her. She sighed.

Now, if people are tired, they usually sleep. That's a little interesting, considering that Shikamaru could not sleep that night.

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A/N

Okay, let's get some things clarified:

This is a ShikaIno fanfic

This is a really twisted ShikaIno fanfic

I consider this chapter as chapter 2 and a half

Preview for following chapter:

"It's time; you leave me the hell alone."

"Hello Ino..." Temari greeted with a devious smile

"You said no one important came by yesterday.."

"Chouji, are you sure you aren't doing this so I get nausea watching you eat Korean barbeque?"

Notice: Give the people what they want. So, I updated this chapter. Why you ask? I'll give you a hint: Reviews! If it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't have continued, so I thank you! I honestly thought that it would be better of as a one-shot. See how that works? We both get what we want! Yeah, I know, it's that simple to make me happy! Please keep em comming, and I'll keep you satisfied with the story.

Wow. What a long author's note. I love you guys!