Shikamaru was engaged to a sweet and wonderful woman named Temari. Ino knew her; she met her quite a few times. And she was thrilled to see her co-worker and friend engaged to such a nice person. Temari really loved Shikamaru with all her being and he was always a priority. Their dynamic was out of this world. They were happy.
However there was just one problem. Shikamaru and Ino have been sleeping together for the past two years. It wasn't intentional. It just happened one night. And they both felt horrible, but that didn't stop them from making the same mistake again. It wasn't love, nor was it lust. It was just an instant connection. The kind where you just get lost in it. It pulls you in and you can't stop it. You're drawn to that person, no matter how much you want to avoid it.
But their timing was off. You see with love, the connection is important, you need that spark. But without timing, the spark cannot cause a fire. Without timing the spark is useless.
Shikamaru and Ino had the spark...but life got in the way.
Another short story :) The idea is that it's in a modern setting (like a law or whatever firm) and Shikamaru and Ino aren't childhood friends.
I hope you liked the story :) Also I should point out that some of the future couples will be canon and fanon, if you have any suggestion of the pairing I am opened to it :)
J*