(A/N: Ok, I know that the chapters have been a bit short, but I'm trying not to be too boring, but still keep in detail. Hope you enjoy!! .)

Disclaimer:Don't own any Naruto material or characters, so HA! You can't sue! What now lawyers?! . bows to Kishimoto-sama Ello Master. :D

Chapter Three:Innocence Part2

The moon was full as Shikamaru, and Sakura walked towards the Haruno girls home.

"Shikamaru, I just realized that I don't know where you live. How far is it from my home?" She asked once she noticed they were getting close.

"Oi, I'm on the other side of the village."

"Shika. I can walk on my own from here. You should head that way or your never going to survive training tomorrow."

"No training. I get a break. Just got back from the four month mission, remember?"

"Oh yeah. Oops, I forgot." Both broke out in cheery laughter. "Shika. can I ask you something?"

"Sure Sakura, shoot."

"At the club tonight. What was that? I mean..what are we I guess?"

"We're friends Sakura. I know that you still love Sasuke. And you know that I still love Ino. While you're talented, beautiful, and stong I don't think I could feel anything for you as more than friends. I..hope that doesn't offend you."

"No. Just making sure we're on the same page." Her voice was solemn and sad.

"Sakura? What's up? You seem so ...down all of a sudden."

"Oh me? Nothing. Just..thinkin'."

"About what?"

"How things were. I was actually..ummm..nevermind." She looked down at her feet, as her cheeks tinted pink.

"Ok, now you have to tell me. C'mon it can't be that bad."

"Fine," She sighed quietly to herself, "I was thinking about what it would be like if...we...were..umm..together. But I know that it was a stupid idea considering what you said is true and I'm sorry that I-"

"Sakura." They had stopped moving at this point. "You're rambling again." He pressed his lips agains ther own and she thought she was going to melt. Sakura couldn't remember the last time she had been kissed like this. It was gentle, and innocent. Nothing rough, or passionate about it just..a kiss. Pure, loving. She threaded her fingers onto his vest before pulling herself closer to his body. "Sakura...we can't." He murmured, pulling away from the girls, but keeping his arms round' her waist.

"I know. I'm sorry."

"No it was my fault. Don't get me wrong I want to but...I can't."

"I know what you mean."

"I'm sorry Sakura."

"It's ok. But for the record, that was the best kiss I've ever gotten."

"Hmph, better than an Uchiha huh?" She smiled at him.

"Don't get your ego too far up there. He's still the master in the bedroom." Before she realized what she had said, Nara pulled her so that their waists were touching much like when they'd been dancing in the club.

"Is that a challenge?" His teeth grazed her ear as he spoke. She shivered slightly but shook her head.

"It's an invitation." Shikamaru grinned against her neck.

"I accept. When do I R.S.V.P.?"

"Hn, for you. None needed." Laughing the pair stepped inside her apartment.

He slipped a tanned hand along the flat planes of her stomach as she began to slowly writhe beneath him. Sakura wasn't used to taking alot of time when it came ot sex, althought much more prefered to call it, "making love".

"I..I...un." She moaned against him.

"You what Sakura? What is it? Tell me." Her partner grinded against her and continued his gentle attack on her neck. Kissing, and licking everywhere. He didn't want to leave a mark because this was a one time thing for them..he thought.

"I'm...I'm..almost...there." Both knew the euphoric feeling that she'd been refering to.

"Let it come. Let it go. You need this. Let it go.." He whispered to her.

"No. You...you too." He smirked against her skin. Hadn't she realized how close he was as well?

"I'm there. After you." She gave into the feeling and let it comsume her, bringing Shikamaru down with her. Her rosette hair flowed around her as her back arched against the bed.

"Thank you." She spoke after a moment.

"What for?"

"For being here. For being my friend. For caring. For this. For everything."

"We both needed this. You do know that there are no strings attatched to this right?" She nodded.

"I know. I was hoping that's how it would go."

"So, is it true that Sas...Uchiha is better in bed than I am?"

"Truthfully? No." His brown eyes widened.

"You're serious?"

"Yes."

"How so?" He smiled again when she blushed.

"You were..gentle. It was slow and calm. Together, as one. It was safe, comforting."

"Hm. Well thank you Sakura. I should go. It would be all around the village if I was here in the morning."

"I know. I'm sorry about dragging you into this." Zipping up his Jonin vest Shikamaru sat on the bed beside her.

"Don't be. I'm not sorry it happened. At least we know that we could be happy together if it was needed. Just not yet." She smiled softly at him. He traced a finger along her jawline. "You're so beautiful when you smile. You know that?"

"Um..thank you." She tinted crimson and he laughed lightly.

"I'll see you around. And don't worry, I'm not going to tell anyone. Be safe Sakura."

"Hn, you too Shika."
"I will."

"You promise."

"Yes blossom. I promise." He stood to leave.

"Blossom? That's new." His eyes glazed over her face.

"It's my name for you."

"Ok. Just you can use it."

"Goodnight Sakura." He pressed a kiss to her forehead and went to leave the room.

"Goodnight Shika." She heard the door close quietly and she smiled lying down under her satin covers to sleep.

(A/N:Ok, so I know that some of you may not see the plot but it's coming I promise. And I didn't think that Sasuke, or Ino had a right to interupt this chapter. They'll be in the next one. .)