Shikamaru felt cornered as he faced Ino, Sakura and Ten Ten back at the restaurant. Everyone else had left for the afterparty but the three kunoichi had adamantly cornered him. Man, what a drag.

"So Shikamaru. Are you going to tell me what's happening or do I have to force it out of you?" Sakura's tone was serious and he knew she was strong too, having been trained by none other than the legendary Sannin, Lady Tsunade, herself.

But he wasn't going to give in that easily. "What are you talking about ladies?"

When he was still reluctant to offer anything voluntarily, Ten Ten felt it was her turn to join in. "So, you want the hard way then, Shikamaru?"

"I wasn't-"

It was feeble and they knew it.

"I mean..."

Ino had spent enough time around the Nara household as well as out on missions to know that Shikamaru was just like his father, brilliant in everything except when it came to women. Behind the devil-may-care lazy facade, there beat a very strong heart. One that was full of passion and fire.

At one stage, she had even entertained thoughts about him but soon realised after one particularly memorable mission involving Temari and a waterfall that in his heart, there would never be room for her. It was already reserved for the Sand kunoichi. But he had never allowed himself to believe that anything could happen. She wasn't sure if it was the perceived age gap, the different villages or whether he really was that dense when it came to women, but Ino knew he had to work it out for himself.

"Shikamaru, let me tell you something your mother told me once", Ino said. "You are a lot like your father. Brilliant in many things. Shogi, battle, teaching...but when it came to women? Well, your mother would always tell me that he was just as clueless as you. But I hope you'll learn your lessons sooner. Those were your mother's words." When no one made to interrupt her, Ino continued, "Because she told me that it had become too quiet with your father gone and you always out on missions and being called on to help the Hokages. And do you know what else your mother told me, Shikamaru?... "I can't wait forever for grandchildren.""

"What?!", he blurted out. "I'm only-"

"Nara Shikamaru. Have you been listening to me?" She said putting her cup down.

He nodded, knowing he had been beaten.

"And so I told her about Temari..." Ino paused for effect, enjoying the attention.

"What?! You didn't!", he blurted out again.

"Your mother only asked why you had never introduced Temari to her. And I told her that you were too scared of her. Too troublesome. Aunty Yoshino believed that!", Ino recalled, laughing at the memory.

"And what did Shikamaru's mother say then Ino-san?", Hinata asked shyly.

"Do you want to know what your mother said Shikamaru?", Ino replied looking at him.

He nodded. "Go on."

"Your mother told me that your father found her troublesome and scary too. And that getting married was the smartest decision he ever made. And that was even though she wasn't some Princess or gorgeous blonde kunoichi from the Sand Village. Or the Kazekage's sister. And daughter."

Shikamaru was kept silent with shock. Ino was obviously enjoying being the centre of attention.

Looking around at her captive audience, Ino explained further, "Aunty Yoshino told me that your father had already told her about your troublesome woman. So you see your mother already knows about Temari!"

"So I asked her why she didn't make you do something about it. Her response was that your father had apparently told you something about how a man should learn to make his own decisions."

"Yeah, that sounds like dad", Shikamaru conceded. "He told me once that women made men better people. And I, being too young at the time, had thought that he was getting soft."

"And then apparently your dad told your mother that you weren't really scared of Temari. That you just wanted to make her happy even if you would never allow yourself to admit it due to the difference in your perceived age or status or whatever other silly obstacle you had convinced yourself of in your mind." Ino was enjoying the story telling.

"I've seen how you seek her out despite your reputation for being laidback, lazy even. For two incredibly intelligent people, you two sure have been stupid about each other. Remember how you almost died for that woman. What the hell were you thinking? Asuma Sensei was irate for a long time until I told him that it was because you cared for Temari. He calmed down after that."

"Man, does everyone in the Village know except me?", Shikamaru asked in exasperation.

"Pretty much, genius", Ten Ten yelled.

"Yes Shikamaru, it was about as obvious as my own feelings for Naruto", Hinata added. "It took us a long time too but look where we are now. You can make it happen for you too if you try." Hinata smiled at him in encouragement.

"And then when Asuma Sensei died, I remember her tellling me that you had decided to help raise her child. And she laughed at you, saying that you should have first sorted things out with Temari. Apparently, Asuma Sensei had told her that when Temari of the Sand spoke, you would listen. And that you didn't even listen to Asuma Sensei much", Ino recalled. "But then I told her that you were not just listening but watching her lips the whole time. She said pretty much the same thing, that you were too proud to let Temari know and that it was a real shame about that. And then she would tell me that after Asuma died, she noticed you spending more time with Temari. Not even she or Chouji could get through to you then."

Finally it hit Shikamaru. "So everybody really does know then?"

"That's what we're trying to tell you. I've grown up with you Shikamaru and truth be told, I found Temari quite scary at first. But you know what? Even though you two are a weird combination, it's one that works. Its an enigma really and you just have an odd way of showing it to each other. But it's really fun for everyone else watching!" Ino gave him a wink just to let him know she was still on his side.

Sakura decided to jump in before Ino could continue. "So the evidence is all there Shikamaru. The question now is what are you going to do about it?"

"Come on Shikamaru. You are the man in the relationship after all. Tell us what you think", Ino added encouragingly.

"Well, this conversation has been enlightening for a start. It's given me some more perspective. Even running into you lot the other day in the streets and dinner tonight. I can't believe how obviously clear it is to everyone but us", Shikamaru said in amazement.

"I think Temari is a very strong and attractive ninja even if she can be violent. Sometimes especially when she's violent, I love the way she moves when she's training and fighting. I could just sit and watch her move and think myself the luckiest man in the world. Though at the same time I'm scared something will happen to her."

The girls smiled knowingly to each other. "Maybe she needs to hear that from you, Shikamaru", Hinata said.

"But she's three years older and she's from another village. And-"

Ino stopped him listing the rest of his excuses, "Shikamaru Nara, you may be a genius like your father but I'll say it again. When it comes to women you are just clueless. So take my advice and don't let the best thing that has ever happened to you walk out of your life."

"But-"

"But nothing. Age shouldn't be a barrier. Not when it's real. And this is real. Everyone can see it but the two of you. And sure, the 'another village' thing may be hard work for you but you really are a genius. If Chouji and Karui can make it work, I'm sure you can especially if you get Naruto and Gaara involved."

"Yes, weren't you listening to Gaara at dinner?", Ten Ten added. "He basically said that if you really cared for Temari, then he would help you find a way."

"This is what you do with love. You go after it, no matter what the cost. Because love really does conquer all. If it's real and true and pure", Sakura exclaimed. "And I would know. Just look at what Sasuke put me through."

"For once Forehead is right, Shikamaru", Ino said, agreeing with Sakura. "I can't vouch for Temari but I know your feelings are pure and true. You've always been a good judge of character so I'm sure hers is too, once you get past her defences. And besides, the villages are at peace now. Finally."

"Yes Shikamaru, we've all had a tough time finding our soulmates", Sakura said softly. "But it has been worth it. Your dad may have told you that women make men better but it also works the other way though we don't always let you know."

"Yeah, or it'll go straight to your head", Ten Ten added.

"Lucky it's not the forehead, because Sakura's is plenty big enough", Ino chimed in teasingly.

"Enough already Ino Pig!", Sakura yelled, glaring at her friend.

"Shush you two, this is about Shikamaru and Temari", Ten Ten interjected before it really got out of hand.

"If only dad were here, he would know what to do!", Shikamaru finally said.

"Haven't you been listening to us, at all Shikamaru?", Ino exclaimed loudly. "Your father, if he were here, would tell you he would give his life all over again to see you happy. Asuma Sensei too. And you know what? You are happy with Temari."

Four pairs of eyes looked at him silently as he sat thinking, digesting all the new information.

Finally he got up. "Thanks for the chat ladies but it seems I have a princess to woo!"

"That's the spirit, Shikamaru. You can do it!", Hinata said quietly.