Author's Note: Yes, all of you can now sigh and say "Finally." Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for all the kind reviews!

Troublesome Love

Chapter 6- First Date

"You're going on a date with WHO?"

"Choji, will you keep it down?! She lives right below us! If you scream like that, she'll hear for sure!" Shikamaru said, tempted to put his hands in front of his friend's mouth. "I can't help it Shikamaru! When I hear my two best friends are going out with each other, I have to scream! I'm…shocked. Did something happen while I was gone?"

"No, not really. You know I've liked Ino for a while. Well…turns out she likes me too." Shikamaru scratched the back of his head. Maybe it was a little too soon to tell Choji. "We're just going on a date! It's not like I've proposed to her!" Shikamaru said, his face steadily heating up.

"Well, that very well could be in the future if things goes well." Choji shrugged. "Choji! Don't say stuff like that…yeesh. I was just looking for a little support."

Choji smiled and patted Shikamaru on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I support you. I'm just still so surprised…Shikamaru and Ino? I'll be listening for the screaming later tonight." He joked. "Screaming? What screaming?" Shikamaru looked at his friend curiously. "Well, you two always end up yelling when you do something together." Shikamaru knitted his brow. Did he and Ino really always end up yelling? He would have to keep in mind not to yell tonight.

"Well, I have to go get ready. Ino's cooking, so we're not going far." Choji nodded. "Like I said, I'll be listening for loud noises. I'm going to stay in tonight and catch up on my sleep." Shikamaru smiled. "Sounds nice. Guess I'll talk to you again later."

As soon as Shikamaru was out of Choji's house, he headed back to his own place. He checked his watch as he walked through the door. He had a little less than an hour before he had to be at Ino's. He just hoped everything went well tonight.

Walking to his room, he opened his closet to pick something to wear. He was just going to Ino's, so it's not like he had to be overly formal tonight. He finally decided on a smile button down dark green shirt and black slacks. He debated on whether he should leave his hair down tonight, but ultimately decided his ponytail would do. He wasn't sure if Ino would want him to look any different than he normally did.

Looking at himself in the mirror, he nodded, satisfied with how he looked. Checking his watch again and sighing, he decided it was time to head downstairs. He first went into the kitchen and grabbed the bouquet he had gotten for Ino. Well, he specifically didn't get the flowers. Earlier that day, Shikamaru had given Sakura some money and told her to get whatever flowers Ino liked the most and bring them back to him. Sakura was happy to help, and Shikamaru had a bouquet of sunflowers to bring to Ino.

Please, please don't screw up tonight. Please. He said to himself as he grabbed his keys and locked up his door. Taking his time and stepping on each step individually, he made his way to Ino's apartment. Once he was outside her door, he raised his fist and waited a moment before knocking on the door.

"Where did I put that spoon? I could have sworn it was…oh. Here it is." Ino moved around the kitchen, frantically preparing for her date with the handsome man who lived upstairs. "Oregano. I need the oregano."

When the two of them had decided not to go out, Ino was happy to offer to cook for the two of them. But what she didn't realize is how much work it would be. Through the course of the morning, she had changed her mind about what to serve Shikamaru at least ten times. He insisted that he would eat anything, but she needed to think of something that would really impress him. Blow him off his feet, and show him she was girlfriend material.

Finally, after much consideration, she had decided to serve chicken breasts and fresh vegetables. That wasn't too hard, and it was simple, and healthy. Who didn't like chicken? She also had a little surprise for dessert. After sprinkling some of the spices onto the sizzling pieces of poultry and stirring the veggies, she wiped her brow and untied her apron. Everything was almost ready, and Shikamaru should be here any minute.

Hanging her apron up on it's hook on the wall, she looked herself over in the full length mirror in the hallway. She had a hard time picking something to wear too. She knew Shikamaru would probably show up in his usual outfit, but she wanted to do something special. She had decided on a simple solid purple dress with some lace at the bottom. Not too formal, but not too casual at the same time. Perfect.

Just as she was touching up her makeup, she heard a light knock on the door. With that one sound, she felt her entire being panic. Oh no…what if he doesn't like what I cooked? What if he's just here to call it off? No, no Shikamaru would never do that. Relax, Ino relax. Her mind fought with itself as she made her way to the door. Placing her hand on the knob and taking a deep breath, she slowly swung open the door.

What she saw on the other side nearly made her keel over in shock.

There he was. Shikamaru was standing outside her door. Instead of the usual outfit he wore, he had on a neatly pressed button down shirt, and dress pants. Ino had never seen him so dressed up. Gone was the boy Ino grew up with, and in his place was a handsome, charming gentleman. She had to admit: it was a pleasant surprise. Just looking at him made her heart flutter, and a small smile appeared on her face. "Good evening, Shika."

As Ino swung open the door, Shikamaru wasn't prepared to see anything different than what he usually saw. But once that door was open, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked…beautiful. Her outfit was something different, but it didn't make him felt like he stood out at all. Her hair flowed over the straps of the dress perfectly. When he heard her greet him, and use her nickname, he smiled broadly. "Hello, Ino."

The two of them continued standing at the door for a few more moments, and Ino cleared her throat. "Well? Come in and eat. Everything's hot." Shikamaru took a step forward, pulling out the flowers he had been hiding behind his back. Ino gasped. 'Those are…that's the bouquet I made for Sakura earlier! How did you get it?" Shikamaru chuckled. "Sunflowers are your favorite, right? I asked Sakura to get these for me. I know you would like them, because you made the arrangement yourself." He said as he handed her the bouquet. "They're for you."

"Shika…thank you." Ino said as she closed the door behind them, sniffing the flowers in her hand. As she closed the door, she didn't notice a certain someone leaning over the railing to the second floor, watching the two as they disappeared into Ino's apartment. "Well, I'll be." Choji chuckled as the door closed. "Maybe this really will work out…"

"You made all this yourself?" Shikamaru asked as Ino laid out plates on food on the table in front of him. "You really went all out. I hope this wasn't too much trouble…" Ino waved her hand. "No trouble at all. You know I like to cook, especially for my friends." Shikamaru nodded and waited for Ino to sit down before he served himself.

"I can't remember that last time I had a home cooked meal. Probably not since I moved out of my parent's place." Shikamaru said, taking a bite of his chicken. "Mmm. It's delicious, Ino. Best meal I've had in quite a while." Ino smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'll have to cook for you more often. Always eating out and eating packaged foods like you do can't be good for you."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Not like I can help it. If I could cook, then I would. But unfortunately, my cooking skills are about as good as Choji's will to not eat whatever's in front of him." Ino giggled. "Well, we'll have plenty left over. Feel free to take some home." Shikamsru smirked, taking another bite of chicken. "I might have to take you up on that offer."

The two of them ate, idly chatting about any topic that came up. Shikamaru couldn't remember the last time he had been with a girl this long and not thought it was troublesome. Each time Ino laughed at something he said, he wished he had a camera so he could take a picture of her expression and never stop looking at it.

As Ino picked up the dirty plates from the table and brought them to the sink, Shikamaru got up and followed her, wanting to at least do something for her. "I'll wash, you dry?" Ino asked as she handed him an old dishrag. Shikamaru gladly accepted the rag, and started drying off the dishes that Ino handed him.

"We're having dessert soon. It's almost finished." She said, sneaking a peek at the oven. "Dessert?" Shikamaru asked as he finished drying off a glass. "I hope you didn't make something too extravagant." Ino smirked. "Oh, I think you'll like what I made."

Shikamaru raised his eyebrow at her, but decided to wait it out and be surprised. If Ino made it, it was sure to be delicious. He watched her as she scrubbed off the pan she had used to cook the chicken. This girl that lived directly below him was pretty special.

"You look beautiful tonight, by the way." Shikamaru said, and laughed when Ino nearly dropped the pan. "Don't stay stuff like that!" Ino snapped, her face heating up. "It's embarrassing." She scrubbed the pan a little harder, refusing to look Shikamaru in the eye.

"Or what?" Shikamaru teased, finished drying the glass and bending down to try and see Ino's bright red face. Ino reached down and splashed some soapy water from the sink at him. "That." She smirked, not looking up at the shocked Shikamaru's face.

"Hey! Two can play at that game!" He laughed slashing a little water back at Ino. Soon, the two of them weren't washing the dishes anymore, and were instead splashing soapy water at the other. The sound of the oven dinging brought them out of their playful daze.

"That's your surprise ~" Ino sang, grabbing another towel to try and dry herself off. She moved over to the over, grabbing the oven mitt on her way, and once she opened the door, Shikamaru instantly knew what was inside. The smell totally gave it away. "You didn't…apple pie?" Apple pie was Shikamaru's weakness. Without fail, whenever he saw one in any bakery he entered, he bought it. And to have it fresh out of the oven? Shikamaru moved closer to get a good look at it.

Ino pulled out the pie and placed it on the counter, shielding Shikamaru from getting too close. "It's still hot, Shika. Wait just a few more minutes." Ino knew Shikamaru loved apple pie, so she didn't hesitate to make it for him tonight. "Ino…I don't know what to say." Shikamaru said. "This is way too much. You did too much tonight, Ino." Shikamaru was stopped when a finger was placed to his lips.

"Stop saying that. It's not true, Shika, and you know it. When you go on a date with someone, you want it to be special, right?" She smiled, her finger still on his lips, and took a step closer to him. "So, I wanted to make something you like." She finally took her finger off his lips.

Shikamaru was still dumbfounded. Never in his life had someone every done something like this for him. Cooked him an entire meal, and made his favorite dessert. In that moment, he had never felt like he owed anyone more than he owed Yamanaka Ino. Maybe this would be a good start on repaying her…

Shikamaru leaned down to the side of Ino's face and kissed her cheek ever so softly. It only lasted for a second before he pulled away, but Shikamaru knew Ino liked it from the silly look on her face. "Thank you, Ino."

Ino froze when Shikamaru leaned down, and blushed when she felt his lips on her cheek. Yes, she definitely liked that. She could tell by the way her heart started beating out of her chest and the way her mind went foggy. After a few moments, she finally came out of that trance. "I…um…pie?"

Shikamaru laughed. "Yes. Pie." He said, and moved towards said dessert sitting on the counter. Ino pulled out a pie cutter and a small plate, and cut a huge piece for Shikamaru. He couldn't even make it back to the table before he took a huge bite of the pie. He hummed, and felt his eyes roll back into his head in delight. "Oh my god…" Those were the only words that left his mouth as he leaned against the counter and took another bite.

"Good?" Ino chuckled as she heard Shikamaru's delightful noises as he tried her pie. And that was the icing on the cake. She thought to herself as she took a bite of her own slice. No way Shikamaru was leaving here tonight without craving more. She just hoped he would be craving more of her, and not her cooking.

Soon enough, the two of them finished their dessert and the dishes, and were standing near the doorway of Ino's apartment. "Thanks again for cooking, Ino. It was delicious. That pie…that was the best apple pie I have ever had." Ino smiled. "You're very welcome, Shika. I'm so glad you could come over, and you enjoyed it."

All in all, tonight didn't really feel like a date for Shikamaru. It felt more like a gathering. He had come to Ino's house for dinner in the past. There needed to be something that made tonight special. And, as Ino took a step closer, he knew exactly what that thing was.

Ino took a step closer to the Nara, and smiled when he didn't pull away. No way he wasn't going to kiss her. There was no way. She had slaved over the stove and made his favorite dessert. She smiled, and stepped up on her tiptoes so her face was level with his.

Shikamaru leaned his face a little closer too, leading her on. Soon their faces were merely centimeters apart, but Shikamaru reached back and turned the knob of the door behind him. "Thanks again for tonight, Ino. We should do it again soon." He smirked, and pulled away like he was going to leave.

Ino couldn't believe it. He was actually going to leave. When he pulled away, she huffed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. The nerve of Shikamaru. He was no better than Sasuke. "Nara Shikamaru, you are the biggest tease in all of Konoha. You're greedy, and stingy, and-"

When Shikamaru saw her cross her arms in a defensive stance, he made his move, quickly closing the space between them. He cut off Ino's ranting by pressing his lips ever so slightly against hers. The kiss only lasted for a few moments, but when Shikamaru pulled away, they were both breathless.

Ino finally felt those warm lips she had been longing for against her own. It came as a surprise, and just as she was registering the feel of the kiss, Shikamaru pulled away, making her pout. Shikamaru gave her a playful smirk. "Satisfied?" He asked.

Ino didn't even have to respond, and simply wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips back against his, really feeling the kiss this time. Shikamaru's hands came off the doorknob and wrapped around her waist, supporting her weight as she clung herself to him. Finally, Ino pulled away, looking into his eyes as she breathlessly said "you taste like apple pie."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and slowly set her back on the ground. "Gee, I wonder why." He stood there for another moment before looking at his watch. "I really should go…" He sighed, not wanting to leave the sight in front of him. "When can I see you again?"

"Is this you asking me on a second date, Shikamaru?"

"Call me Shika, and after a kiss like that, I would think it was necessary." He smirked, leaning down and kissing her one last time before turning the knob on the door. "What time does the shop close tomorrow?"

"6."

"See you at 6 then."

"Oh? Where are we going?"

"Anywhere. As long as I'm with you. Goodnight."

And with that, Shikamaru scurried out the door, and back to his own apartment.

To say Ino had butterflies in her stomach was an understatement.