Without saying a word to Temari, Shikamaru ran off with Sakura. Three reasons: One was because he felt the need to smoke. The second was because he just couldn't glance at Temari directly. And the third was because of Chouji.

He escaped from Temari once more, leaving her crying. The two darted the crowded streets of Konoha. "I left right after your's and Temarai-san's wedding chaos in church" Sakura told him "That was some wedding"

"Yeah..." he muttered beneath his breath

"Anyways," Sakura continued "I ran straight to the hospital and the news about Chouji's condition swept through the hallways"

Chouji...you didn't have to do that.

The hospital was hushed. It wasn't pleasant, comforting, or solved any problems. And right now, Shikamaru's problems are outrunning him. Everyone eyed him as if he was a psycho. The news about his short wedding spread just as quick as the news of Chouji. This was too much drama to handle in one day. Temari, Chouji, and Ino. It felt like a funeral—only worse. Shikamaru attempted to be optimistic.

Afraid of facing his old pal, he bravely pushes the infirmary door. He visited to find Chouji peacefully resting on the hospital bed. Just by looking at him, it was just evident to espy his brutal condition. Ino stood before him, looking astonished and afraid for Chouji. She noticed Shikamaru's entrance, but prevented their gazes to meet. He slowly walked forward just frightened as Ino seemed to be.

"He's going to be alright right?" Ino stated looking cheerlessly at Chouji. "Because I can't afford to lose him. I don't know what I'll do if he just dies "

Shikamaru said nothing. He just resented everything right now. His mind wasn't focus on Chouji alone.

Ino placed her hand on Chouji's heart. Chouji...don't die. Don't die today. Just don't die. Ino wished this seriously. They both looked down at him—thinking the worse possibility. There their friend laid with his eyes shut making it appear as if he was dead.

Shikamaru rested his hand on Chouji's chest as well. It slowly encountered Ino's hand, but she pulled away immediately.

Ino looked at him. Their gazes finally met each other.

You don't have to care for me anymore. You made it clear that you and Temari were meant to be, so I'll leave you two alone. I don't know what the hell happened during that wedding, but please leave my ass out off this case before the village looks at me with this disgusted look. And before you know it, I'll be saying to myself, "Ha! I get to be the big whore that every one hates!" Go on. Marry her. I'm not putting up with you my whole damn life. Oh God!

She looked at Chouji again. Why am I thinking those things while Chouji is right here badly injured..

Shikamaru stared at her, speechless as well. He could easily read her without conversation. Shikamaru knew her all too well. A sudden bang of the door disrupted their silence.

"Ah!" Tsunade greeted cheerfully to Ino and Shikamaru. "He'll be alright. Don't worry"

They both let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness Tsunade-sama is so skilled thought Ino

"However," Tsunade pointed "We'll need a replacement for him. We were thinking of you, Nara."

Shikamaru turned to her. How many times have we fought these guys? The tried counting the numerous attempts.

He knew that this mission would be troublesome. Yes. Very troublesome. The Akatsuki gave him those shivers he'd get when reminiscing about them. On the other hand, this mission would take his mind out of his personal issues…

"Okay" Shikamaru agreed 'I'll go—if I need to"

Shikamaru nodded acting honored to be placed at such a task. Tsunade hurriedly left the room giving them privacy. Shikamaru felt the weight of Ino's stare. Knowing that she'd hate the decision he made, he didn't back down.

"You can't go on this mission" she forbidded him.

"Chouji will be okay, Ino" he said "Just give it time" Was this advice really helping Ino in anyway at all?

"Do you want me to walk you home today?" Shikamaru offered

Ino had rejected his invitation walk her home later that day. So Shikamaru was left to stroll himself down the streets. Tsunade had informed them that he'll be better in a few days. He faced Ino, he faced Chouji. Now it was time to face Temari.

By now, she had changed from her gown and her styled her hair back into her four usual pig-tails. It felt as if the wedding had not occured at all. She sat across from him in his dining table at his little house. Shikamaru fought the urge to scream about what she had done to herself.

"So who is he?" he accidentally blurted.

Temari said nothing, shaking her head. "Temari, we're never gonna work this out.."

"You don't know him.." she quickly responded "He's from Suna and.."

Shikamaru just suddenly didn't want to hear this. She thankfully left the details out.

I shouldn't be like this thought Shikamaru She's great for me. I asked to marry her. Plus I cheated on her. And then lied to her. And lied about lying. She's a good thing. Why do I blame her when I cheated on her myself? And now we're even. We'll make this work. I'd be a fool to let her go..

"Temari" Shikamaru whispered "I still love you. I still want us to work out. I just need some time okay?"

Her lips formed a smile from across the table. He politely smiled back. His insides told him that this was the right thing. Yet, as Temari smiles sweetly, he doens't think about Temari. An image of a bossy, Sasuke-crazed, egotistic, twelve-years old kunoichi captures his mind.

Shikamaru felt his smile gradually fade from Temari.

A/N- Yeah Yeah I know, I totally killed the wedding and redeemed it later. You're probably thinking 'wtf is wrong with you?' but bear in mind that this is a shikaino fic. And it may seem that these three are the biggest whores, but hey drama happens. I thank those 18 reviewers that reviewed on 'The Wedding' YAY! I'll most likely update atleast twice this weekend because of Thanksgiving break. (It also depends on the reviewers!)

Previews: Chapter 13

"Temari is pregneant?"

"Don't go in this mission!"

"Chouji! You're awake!"

"So you weren't the one that ruined his wedding?"