They headed to the conference room on the top floor, meeting up with Sasuke and Choiji along the way. The meeting was to finalize the details of an upcoming contract with a new client, so it was no surprise all the 'big wigs' were required to be in attendance.
"They should really consider rescheduling these meetings to a later time during the day. Ten in the morning is way too early to deal with Kakashi and his shit."
"It's lovely to hear how you really feel abvt me Akimichi." Kakashi cut in, coming up behind the group as they approached the doorway.
He walked passed them, silently smirking in amusement at Choiji's shocked expression.
Naruto not so subtly showcased his amusement, laughing so hard he had to hold on to Sasuke who promptly socked him in the head to shut him up.
"I keep telling you he's a ninja, maybe now you will believe me."
Was all Shikamaru said as he laid a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder as he walked passed him into the conferenceroom.
Shell shocked and embarrassed Choiji trudged after his friends into the room so the meeting could start.
"Well now that we've all decided to settle in, I'd like to thank everyone for coming and all that jazz. Enough of that though, lets just get down to business."
Ever the eloquent one aren't you Kakashi. Shikamaru thought as he prepared to assume his usual position for these drag meetings; sleep.
He was just about to lay his head in the comfort of his folded hands atop the table when the blonde woman heading to the front of the room caught his attention.
Shika wasn't much for blondes, as most he came across usually lived up to the ditzy blonde persona, but he could tell simply from the way she strided confidently to the front of a room full of men, all eyes on her, that this blonde was different.
Try as he might he could not stop himself from gazing from her long legs in those sexy black pumps, up the curves of her body. He was mesmerized by the sway of her hips, clearly outlined in the form fitting black dress she wore. Surprisingly it wasn't revealing, covering most of her bust appropriately, yet there was a tempting appeal that urged him to want to see more of her creamy skin.
Shaking his head to rid himself of thoughts he never had in years and thoughts he thought he would never have of another woman since... he didn't even want to think about it.
Deciding its best to keep things 100% professional, and not yield to this weird attraction he seemed to be building for this woman he hasn't even met yet, he played it safe and laid down. He would get the information in time, he didn't need to pay attention.
He couldn't fall asleep fast enough though to avoid hearing when she spoke.
"Morning gentlemen, my name is Ino Yamanaka. The pleasure is all yours to meet me, I know, so let's avoid all the small talk. Let's get right down to business shall we."
He could just imagine the smug smirk on her face as she said that, a mischievous glint in those pretty blue eyes.
What the hell did Kakashi get him into.
XxxxxxX
When Shikamaru woke up it was to someone poking him in the head. He tried swatting the hand away but was rewarded with an unfamiliar giggle.
"You know, if I didn't already know you were a genius I would be really offended you slept through my entire presentation."
He blinked open one eye to see the same blonde woman, her hair now in a messy bun with a few stray strands framing her face nicely, her smile innocent and playful as she waited for him to respond.
"Never would've pegged you for the friendly type given your introduction." He said slowly, still not getting up from his position.
"I'm the nicest person you could ever meet Mr. Nara, the introduction is just to keep creepy old guys from getting any funny ideas." She said, saluting him as if to say 'scout's honor'.
"I'm sure." He said, getting up and stretching finally.
He bypassed her as he walked, ignoring her curious gaze as she followed him outside the conference room.
"You're one interesting fella Mr. Nara."
"Shikamaru, please. Mr. Nara is my dad. I may be old, but I don't think I'm at that stage yet."
Ino giggled again, still following him as he walked down the corridor.
"Don't you have work to do?"
He regarded her with a sideway gaze.
"Ofcourse I do. You seem to be far more interesting though."
Shikamaru rolled his eyes though and continued walking to his office, stepping inside and promptly shutting the door before Ino could follow in after him.
Instead of being offended though, she laughed, wishing him a good day then headed to her own quarters.
What a weirdo. Reminds me of someone I used to know...
Sighing he sat down, his mind drifting back to thoughts he tries to avoid while at work.
God I miss you...
He clenched his fists, trying his hardest to avoid crying through the painful memories that started swirling in his head.
He looked up, coincidentally seeing the family photo of all of them, Tenten smilling brightly at baby Aka, Aki on his shoulders laughing while he smiled down at Tenten, a loving look in his eyes.
God he missed those days.
Sigh.
He shook his head in finality, deciding not to dwell, atleast not at work.
He opted to ignore his feelings for the remainder of the work day, focussing his energy on getting his todo list completed.
XxxxxxX
Soooo sorry for taking so long to update. Been in a slump. Ready to get back at it tho, so lemme know what you guys think, what you wanna see happening and all tht.As always MUCH LOVE!!