Author's notes: HELLO! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I own nothing...


Shikamaru walked out of the Hokage tower with a sly smile. Of course everyone is busy preparing for the "reconstruction" but Shikamaru had managed to secure the appointment he needed.

He walked towards his mother's home. He was reluctant to move out of his parent's house but he has to. He just can't bear the sadness and fear in his mother's eyes whenever he would say that he's going to leave for a mission. But now, he needs to see her.

Yoshino quickly hugged her son the moment she realized it was her only child outside their doorstep. She ushered him in.

"Shikamaru... it'a been a long time." Yoshino said.

"It has only been a week since I last visited you, three days actually." Shikamaru said. No matter how troublesome his mother is, he adores her. For him, she is the epitome of strength. Yes, she had been depressed when she lost her husband but Yoshino moved on quicker than Shikamaru had expected or Shikamaru, himself. He knows she can brave herself to any wreckage, but this visit is for both of them. No, actually it's for him, for his sanity.

"What brings you here?" She said as she placed a cup of tea in front of Shikamaru.

"Troublesome. Is it wrong for me to visit you?"

"No... But I know you. And I know something is troubling you." They were silent then Shikamaru answered reluctantly.

"Mom, if you were given a limited time to spend with someone special to you, for example dad," he ignored it when she winced, "what will you do?"

"Easy. I'll spend it with him. Whatever we do won't really matter as long as I'm with him." Shikamaru laughed. "What's funny?"

"That's the same answer I get from someone." Then Yoshino laughed when she realized who it is Shikamaru is talking about. Then there was a comfortable silence.

"Mom... I want to do the same too." Yoshino touched her son's hand.

"Then I'll support you." She said, understanding full well what he is saying. "Is there something I can do to help?"

Shikamaru smiled, "Yes. Go to the boutique at the marketplace. She's there and she needs you."

After the war, Ino had been a frequent visitor in the Nara household. Ino was helping some the members of Nara, Akimichi and Yamanaka clan in recovering from trauma along with a few medic-nin. When her mother died shortly after her father, Yoshino acted as her mother and they grew really close. When Yoshino found out his son is dating the young Yamanaka, she was ecstatic as she had always wanted Ino as her own. And now that the mind-jutsu user needs her, Yoshino would be there for her.

She smiled, "I hope your father is with us. I am sure he will be very proud of you. I think Ino's mom will be happy for the both of you too. I just don't know about Inoichi, he's too protective of her." The mother and son shared a hearty laugh before Shikamaru left.

Shikamaru immediately went to Konoha Hospital where Sakura also manages under Shizune and Tsunade's guidance. The hospital was busy preparing the medicines and apparatus they'll need on their temporary leave. Shikamaru found Sakura with Naruto and Hinata.

"Shikamaru!" Naruto called. "Why are you here? Where's Ino?"

"Hokage tower, 3 in the afternoon, sharp. Tell the rest of Konoha 11 and Sai... except Ino." Naruto and Hinata looked confused but Sakura grinned widely.

"Finally, huh, Shikamaru?" Shikamaru sheepishly grinned.

"Just go there and wear something formal, nice and white."

"You can count us in." Sakura said. Shikamaru went outside but not before he heard their conversation.

"What was that?" Naruto innocently asked.

"Just do what he says. You two leave and tell the others what he said." Sakura said.

"Hokage Tower, 3 pm. Wear something formal and white." Hinata loudly rehearsed what she was going to say.

"Wait... why would we go-" Then Shikamaru heard a groan. And a hushed murmur. He heard Hinata gasped and Naruto loudly cursed. Shikamaru chuckled. He was looking around for his best friend, when there was a sudden tap in his shoulder.

"Ei, what is it you said that flushed Hinata so much and made Naruto so excited?" Choji asked, Shikamaru grinned.

"You'll find out soon. I was hoping it would be grander but I don't think I'll have the luxury to do that."

"What are you actually thinking Shikamaru?"

"I'll give her what she wants."

"What SHE wants?" Choji asked, emphasizing the word she. Shikamaru sighed.

"Troublesome. I mean what I want, what I need. Happy?" Choji smirked.

"Very. Congratulations Shikamaru!" Shikamaru sighed. "You haven't told her, don't you?"

"No... I... I don't know how to tell her. I'm such a coward." Choji patted his friend.

"You know... you should get home and get this event over soon. You need more time with her." Choji said as he pushed Shikamaru towards the direction of his home before going to his own.

At home, Shikamaru got more nervous. He was wearing the tuxedo Ino had brought for him, in case he'll need something formal in his ambassadorship to other nations. He never used it but now he thanked the heavens that Ino had given him this suit, or else he would have to face everyone on this special day wearing his usual flak jacket and turtle neck.

He quickly went outside. 2:40. He mentally checked everything they needed. The flowers? The Yamanaka clan have already made it. The afterward venue? Reserved a catering service in their favorite barbeque shop and the ramen shop, not classy but that can do. Vistors? Check. The papers? Check. The rings? He touched his pockets and sighed in relief as he felt the box inside. Now all that is left is the bride.

Shikamaru paced nervously as he reached the Hokage Tower. His friends were all there, the Hokage was also there along with some ANBU, Shizune, Kakashi and Guy. Now, where are his mom and Ino?

He looked at the clock again. 2:58. Where are they? Suddenly there was a gushing and gasping out of awe. Shikamaru saw what they were fawning about and understood why they were like that.

There at the front door stood the most magnificent goddess Shikamaru had ever seen. He gulped. She looks so damn lovely. His mother was beside her, smiling at her son's reaction. The goddess hurriedly went to him with Yoshino following closely, trying to guide her way and to help her not to trip.

"Wow! Is that Ino?" Choji asked.

"Ino... you look so beautiful." Hinata timidly complimented.

"Whoah! Wait... Ino-pig... you look stunning today!" Sakura said with a grin. The others stared at her in amazement.

"Sorry, we're late. Ino here doesn't want to get out of the dressing room." Yoshino said with a laugh. The other people there laughed too.

Ino went to Shikamaru and harshly whispered, "What the going on Shikamaru?!"

Sakura who heard her, said, "Well, well, Ino-pig... you may look like a goddess but your mouth still blabber like a witch!"

"Shut up Forehead!" Shikamaru embraced Ino to calm her down. She relaxed when she felt his arms wrap around her.

"Just come and see for yourself..." Shikamaru said. He let the others go inside first before he lead Ino to the Hokage's office.

Inside, there were the Nara, Akimichi and Yamanaka Clan. and held Shikamaru's arms tightly.

"Shika... what's this? Why is everyone here?"

"Not really everyone... a few Nara, Akimichi and Yamanaka members, some friends and senseis, that's all. I know you like a much grand wedding but we can do that when we get back from the reconstruction of Konoha." Ino can't help it. She cried.

"Ino... if you don't want to do this we can just tell the Hokage."

"Baka! Of course we're doing this. I've been waiting for this moment all my life." So she went and led Shikamaru to Tsunade.

Tsunade smiled at them. The ceremony began and everyone was joyous. When the words "You are now pronounced husband and wife", Shikamaru never felt so happy in his entire life. It made him complete. The audience and the newly-wedded couple went straight to the Nara estate where the whole Konoha is. They all are already eating. The newly arrived ones, dashed and excitedly went to join them.

"I thought this isn't a grand wedding. Why is everyone here?" Ino asked. They were a little behind everyone.

Shikamaru chuckled, "Our departure is going to start here in the Nara farm. I just thought a little festivity won't hurt. Besides, this is the happiest day of my life, might as well share it."

"Shika... you don't have to do this."

"I don't have to but I want to. I'll give only the best for you because that's what you deserve." Ino cried again.

"Troublesome. Please don't cry. You're going to smear your make-up." Ino laughed.

"Whose fault is it anyway?" Shikamaru wiped Ino's tears away before tying her to a tight embrace.

"Oh God! You look so beautiful Ino!" He exclaimed. Ino laughed again.

"And you look dashing." She seductively whispered. Shikamaru quickly dived in for a quick kiss.

"I know you two just got married... but can you not just do that? It makes me lose my appetite." Choji said. The other boys are staring at the two in complete disgust.

"Bleh!" Naruto commented, he faked a gaging sound.

Kiba laughed like a maniac then grinned like a pervert, "Just go find a room." The couple blushed.

"Oh! Look! You made them blush Kiba!" Tenten teased. The others laughed.

"Oh, please.. Don't embarrass Shikamaru-san and Ino-chan..." Hinata tried to compensate as Sakura pushed the couple inside the house.

"Go have fun Shikamaru!" Naruto and Kiba cheered in unison. The others laughed again.

"Maybe Ino would be the one in command because Shikamaru is just too darn lazy." Choji joked.

"Or maybe Shikamaru had some kind of energy only reserved to these kind of events." Sai added. They all laughed again.

"Okay, who wants to bet?" Naruto shouted. Sakura smacked her again on his head while Sasuke muttered "Dobe." Hinata quickly went to aid the blond guy.

"You guys should really stop teasing them. They're red already. They might pass out even before the fun part." Sakura said, all of them burst out laughing again.

"Just don't mind them." Shikamaru said trying to distract Ino. He closed the door but not before he heard the wild cheering outside. Ino smiled shyly at him before she wrapped her arms around his neck. She started to plant kisses all over his face.

"I love you, Shika-kun. I am very happy you made me Mrs. Shikamaru Nara today." She murmured in his ears as she pressed her face to his chest and closed any distance between them.

Shikamaru whispered, "I am very happy too my Mrs. Nara." Then he smiled and grabbed Ino's chin to make her look at him. He then dived in and engaged her into a deep and passionate lip lock.


A/N: Thank you for reading! :)