Sorry it took so long to update again! And also sorry if I didn't reply to some of your reviews, I really didn't have the time to. Thanks so much for all of your reviews, I appreciate every single last one of them. I love you all so much! And thanks for putting up with my bad habit of late updates!

Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me.

Chapter Twelve: A Happy Ending

Where was he going? Shikamaru did not know. His legs seemed to have a mind of their own, and they were bringing him all around the village rather aimlessly. His hands were rammed into his pockets, his head was bent low, and it was obvious to everyone that the resident lazy ninja was not feeling happy.

And with good reason.

"Some sense Chouji was making," he muttered quietly to himself, ignoring the noises all around him. How did he come to take love advice from Chouji? If he really wanted it, he could have asked someone else for it. How could Chouji relate? It was not as if he had a crush on anyone before…

"Oi, Shikamaru!" called out a loud and cheery voice, like a sword cutting the air. Shikamaru cringed. The last person he wanted to see at that moment was the loud and hyperactive ninja, Naruto. Said ninja jogged up to Shikamaru from behind, wearing a huge smile. He tapped Shikamaru's shoulder, laughing and unaware of any ill feelings his friend might be harbouring.

"So, Shikamaru! I never really got to talk to you after you asked me about Sasuke and Sakura the other day. How's stuff?" Naruto paused for a while, waiting for Shikamaru to respond. The boy seemed not to hear him. Naruto shrugged it off. "Um…oh, I nearly forgot! Man, you're such a terrible person! You must have forgotten that you were going to treat me to ramen for two weeks, right? Do you even remember that?" Naruto was, of course, referring to the agreement the two of them had made a few days ago. "I've been starving…Kakashi-sensei set me on a strict diet of rice and vegetables two days ago, because he said I wasn't eating right!" He rubbed his tummy for emphasis and sighed. "You know, I really wish I could sneak out to have some rame –"

"Naruto?" Shikamaru finally spoke. Naruto perked up, seeing that his friend was finally responding.

"Yes?"

"Do me a favour…and shut up."

After that, Shikamaru turned around and walked away, leaving behind a very shocked and confused Naruto.

Shikamaru decided that he was feeling too down to be guilty about hurting Naruto's feelings. He did not feel like his usual self. The air of calm and ability to think straight had disappeared. Once he realised that, he really started feeling bad about Naruto. Maybe the happy kid was just trying to cheer him up.

"Argh, how troublesome…"

Yup, it was all Chouji's fault.

By this time, Shikamaru had regained enough of his senses to head to the one place where he could relax and reflect – his spot under the old maple tree. He looked up at and observed the clouds from there. It was, in fact, the very place he and Ino had first met.

"I'm going to make you notice me, Shikamaru. So don't you ever ignore me, huh?" Ino had said rather haughtily that time.

A smile reluctantly tugged the corners of his mouth as he settled onto the soft grass beneath the cool shade of the tree. He liked relieving the memories of him and Ino together. It seemed harder, when he recalled that Ino had been quite hesitant to respond to his somewhat awkward confession.

Shikamaru folded his arms under his head, and closed his eyes slowly. Peace at last – now maybe he could start deciding on what to do next. Should he continue pressing Ino for an answer? Nah, not his style. Should he just let it go? No, it would be a waste. But a waste of what? Shikamaru found himself wondering. He played around with the thought for a while.

A waste of love, that was what it was. Shikamaru suddenly felt very weary, like all this 'love' business was tiring him out. He wanted a break, and he wanted the feelings to go away, but they could not. Besides…the feelings still tasted sweet while they lasted. Still lasting.

As Shikamaru slowly dozed off into a deep sleep, a rather large figure was watching him from afar. This large figure was none other than Akimichi Chouji.

Chouji had been in the village when Shikamaru bumped into Naruto. One look at his best friend's face, and he knew that there was bad news. Upon hearing Shikamaru snapping at Naruto to shut up, Chouji knew for sure that Shikamaru was probably now in a 'touch me and die' mood.

As the person who had tried to advise Shikamaru to confess to Ino that morning, Chouji was feeling pretty bad.

"I need to make amends," he thought aloud, and turned to set off for the Yamanaka's flower shop.

"Thank you for your patronage! Hope to see you again soon!" Ino said cheerfully as yet another satisfied customer left the flower shop. She smiled and sat back at the counter. Business had actually been quite good so far that day, after Shikamaru had left. Ino found herself sighing. Shikamaru…

Just then, the bell at the shop's entrance rang shrilly, giving the signal that a customer had just entered the shop again. Ino sat up in anticipation.

"Hello! Welcome to the –"

"Hi, Ino."

"Chouji?" a surprised Ino muttered under her breath. Chouji in a flower shop was a rare sight. "Ah! What brings you here?" She beckoned to Chouji to approach the counter. He trudged towards Ino with a weird expression on his face, which aroused her curiosity. "Is anything wrong?"

"No, no, nothing's wrong," Chouji said quickly, waving his hands about a little too wildly. Ino rolled her eyes. Silly boy, it was written all over his face.

"Spill it. I know you're bursting."

"No, I'm not. I just…want to talk."

"That's exactly what I meant; you're bursting to talk. What about?"

"Well…" Chouji shifted his weight from one foot to the other nervously, stalling for time. Something was obviously troubling him. She wondered what it was, forgetting about the day's earlier events for a moment. "Say, did Shikamaru come by the shop sometime today? I was wondering if…uh, he came by. Did he?"

Ino's face was unreadable then. Chouji's question was odd. "Yes. Why do you want to know?"

"Oh…" Chouji seemed at a loss for words. "Did he say anything to you? Anything weird? Anything at all?"

Ino raised her eyebrows. "Sorry, I don't speak the language of 'Beat-About-The-Bush'. What exactly are you trying to find out?"

Sighing, Chouji said, "Shikamaru came by to tell you something…" Chouji suddenly realised he was sailing on dangerous waters. He had to use his words carefully. "…something that's kinda bothering you now, right?"

Ino looked away to the wall behind Chouji, crossing her arms. "I suppose so...I…" Suddenly, she looked straight at Chouji suspiciously. "You know something, don't you?"

Chouji automatically held his hands up in defence. "Don't hit me, and I'll tell you."

Ino scoffed at that, saying, "I won't kill you. Just tell me what you came here for!"

"Well," Chouji said slowly, "I know Shikamaru came here today to tell you about his…um, affection for you."

Ino stared at Chouji blankly, then sighed, putting her face in her hands. Stupid Chouji and his lousy way with words, making her feel so guilty. He had touched on the subject which she had been trying to avoid all day. She unconsciously bit her lower lip, trying to still her mind to think. What kind of response was she supposed to give Chouji? That she was very confused and unsure of her own feelings? Was she supposed to tell Chouji how she was struggling to come to terms with her own emotions?

"I…"

"You know, Shikamaru really cares for you. Even though he always ends up hurting himself since you're crazy about Sasuke all the time."

"Am not," she snarled. Was Chouji trying to make her feel even worse? Shikamaru was her friend, how was she to know if her being attracted to Sasuke affected him that much when he never once said a thing? But Shikamaru isn't the sort who openly expresses his thoughts, she realised. She hit herself inwardly.

Just then, Ino's self-righteous streak came into play. "But how was I supposed to know that Shikamaru even liked me anyway? I'm not to blame!"

Chouji shook his head quickly. "I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted you to know how hard Shikamaru tried to say –"

"You weren't there! You wouldn't know anything!"

"What wouldn't I know, then?" Chouji answered shrewdly. Ino was at a loss for words. Her cheeks had become flushed, and she felt her heart beating at a weird pace. She wanted Chouji to get out of her sight – and she would make him get out of her sight.

"Get out from this shop," said Ino in a murderous voice. Chouji gave a last shot at changing Ino's mind.

"I know you like him too, alright! I've been discussing with Sakura –"

"FOREHEAD GIRL!?"

At this, Chouji thought it would be a very wise decision to disappear from Ino's range of sight.

As Chouji deftly slipped out of the flower shop, Ino fumed with rage. So her life story had become a topic for gossip lately, huh? Great. Just…great.

Ino wanted to murder someone. Instead, she vented her frustration on sweeping the floor. Grabbing her broom, she gripped it so tight that her knuckles turned white, and soon she was no longer sweeping the floor, but stabbing at the wall viciously with the wooden end of her broom.

"Stupid –"

STAB.

"Shikamaru –"

STAB.

"Idiot –"

STAB STAB.

After staring at the horrible dents in the wall she had made, Ino felt terrible and flung the broom to the ground. She dropped herself onto her chair, feeling like a mess.

"Who am I kidding," she muttered, head in her hands.

So Shikamaru liked her. Big deal.

Shikamaru brought her out on a date. Big deal.

Shikamaru 'accidentally' kissed her before. The worst thing was – she had liked it.

Ino thought about what she had told Chouji. Yeah, she should have gotten the hint that Shikamaru liked her long before today. However, Ino was not the brightest of blonds, and had thus missed many of the subtle hints that Shikamaru had directed at her. She had also missed the fact that deep down, she actually really cared a lot for the lazy shinobi.

With a startle, Ino also realised that she must have hurt Shikamaru really badly that morning. She was surprised at herself. Had it really been so difficult to decipher her very own feelings? She hit herself inwardly again for being so stupid.

I admire Sasuke's looks. But…I really like being around Shikamaru more. Right, Ino? Inner Ino whispered conspiringly. Ino rolled her eyes for a moment as she was reminded of Sakura and her own inner self.

Eventually conceding a smile at the irony and because she had finally sorted out her thoughts and gotten a huge load off her mind, Ino got up from her chair and flipped the card over at the entrance, showing villagers the 'Closed' sign. The flower shop had had enough business for the day. Now, it was time for Ino to make amends. She hoped she would know what to do when she found Shikamaru.

The breeze was very calm. It blew lightly at Shikamaru's face, making loose strands of hair fall over his forehead. The shade which the tree provided was cooling, so that the sun did not glare down too warmly at him. Shikamaru had never felt so relaxed in a long time.

Who cares about love? It's just some hormones talking, and I'm not one to listen to such stuff. I should just listen to my head. Yeah. No blonds for me. Not at all.

There. He had said it. Well, said in his head, actually. He had resolved not to succumb to the temptations which life and Ino held for him. Great. Good for him.

No blond was ever to going to take advantage of his wallet ever again, save for the treat he owed Naruto. It was going to be painful, losing money in return for gaining absolutely nothing at all. He was supposed to have gained a certain lady's admiration in return, but…well, it didn't seem to be happening anytime soon.

"Um, Shikamaru? Are you awake?"

…Wait, no It can't be.

Shikamaru was taken aback; he knew that voice very well…too well. Ino, he thought, feeling his spirits dampen. Why was she here? Was she there to tell him she hated his guts for saying weird things to her in the store that morning? To confirm his suspicions? Maybe if he kept really quiet, Ino would get tired of looking at his currently lifeless-looking form and go away. Hopefully.

Shikamaru had never liked troublesome things, and that qualified as troublesome. Therefore, he did not respond to Ino's voice.

"Shikamaru…" Shikamaru heard some shuffling on the grass beside him, and deduced that Ino had sat beside him on the ground. He sighed inwardly. It seemed like Ino was not going away anytime soon. Feigning sleep might get harder as time went on.

There was silence for a while, and soon Shikamaru began to wonder if Ino had really stayed with him, or if she had actually left. Somehow, there was disappointment settling in his heart upon thinking about the latter. He was about to open his eyes in resignation when he felt fingers making sudden contact with his forehead, softly brushing the hair from his face. Shikamaru tensed. Was it really Ino sitting beside him, and not his mother?

The fingers lingered on his face, slowly moving towards his cheek. He heard a sigh. "Shikamaru…"

God, it really was Ino. It took Shikamaru all of his willpower to prevent himself from opening his eyes in shock. There was a rush of thoughts flooding his mind all at once, but there was one very clear question he badly wanted to know the answer to: Did this mean…that Ino might reciprocate his feelings after all? Because she seemed to be stroking his cheek rather gently. Very gently.

No. Bad Shikamaru.

"I'm sorry." His interest was aroused by Ino's words. Ino was apologetic? Whatever for?

"For not giving you a straight answer this morning." Oh, that. The hand was still on his cheek, which pleased but scared Shikamaru at the same time. He never knew Ino could be this gentle. His skin was tingling, really tingling, which was bad, but also good in a way…

"I have been thinking, and it has been really stupid of me to be so blind about this. I mean, I'm a girl, I'm supposed to know better about stuff related to romance. I suppose I must've hurt you countless times. I can't believe Chouji, of all people, had to prompt me to do this at all. Taking advice from Konoha's biggest eater is not exactly what any rational person would normally think of doing!" Ino sounded slightly traumatized.

Huh, Chouji. Of course his best friend had to have a say in things. Getting Shikamaru to tell Ino he loved her had been a great idea. Shikamaru really wished he could open his eyes, just so he could roll them, but that would really kill the atmosphere that Ino was creating.

"You know…" Ino's voice softened, "I bet you can't hear me now, seeing as you are kind of asleep, but… you really aren't so bad. I don't hate you or dislike you or anything, so…I guess I must like you. Argh, that come out wrong…" Ino hit a tone of slight frustration, which highly amused Shikamaru. Ino had never been very good with words. "Alright, if I really, really listen to what my heart is saying…I guess it says that…"

There was a pause. Shikamaru's heart thumped with excitement. He could feel his face growing warm, and he hoped he was not blushing. A seemingly lifeless blushing form was not exactly normal.

But things were looking bright for him, very bright, in fact. The rate at which his own heart was accelerating was so high that he felt his chest might suddenly burst from the impact.

"Argh, Shikamaru," Ino sighed, removing her hand from his cheek. Shikamaru panicked. No!"You know what, forget it. There's…almost no point in telling you now, since you must hate my guts. God, I don't even know why I'm communicating with a sleeping person!" A hollow laugh followed. "Well, see you around. I guess."

Shikamaru heard the shuffling of feet beside him, and suddenly, without a second thought, his eyes flashed open and he leapt up and grabbed Ino's hand as she turned to leave.

It was like a movie in slow-motion. Ino's eyes widened in surprise as she spun around to face Shikamaru, her beautiful long hair flowing out in a fluid movement. Her mouth opened slightly as realization that Shikamaru had actually overheard everything she had just said dawned upon her. Shikamaru looked at Ino earnestly and pulled her towards him into a hug.

Ino felt Shikamaru's arms close around her warmly, protectively. Her heart hammered wildly, still in shock at what was happening. What was this feeling…? She felt her face burning fiercely. This was…impossible. How could this be? Shikamaru…and her…this could not be happening. Shikamaru had not been sleeping – he must have lost his mind! No, Ino herself must have lost her own mind…Shikamaru was hugging her and Ino was shocked beyond senses.

Maybe it was a dream. It could be. But who really cared? Ino's thoughts were frenzied before she took a deep breath and finally gave in to what she knew she really desired to do.

She hugged Shikamaru back tightly.

The two remained like that for some time, standing in the field with the wind tugging softly at their hair. Standing like that seemed to calm both Shikamaru and Ino down, just enough to have a conversation.

Shikamaru first looked down at Ino shyly, releasing his hold on her. "Uh, Ino…"

Ino glanced up at Shikamaru's blushing face, feeling very self-conscious. Okay, this was so not a dream. "Shikamaru." She was at a loss for words. "Just now," she bit her lower lip, "you heard what I said, right? Every single word?" You were supposed to be asleep, she thought with a silent groan.

Shikamaru smiled, hesitating before patting her head gently. "You were about to say something to the sleeping person," he said in a teasing tone. "I wonder what it was." He was secretly anxious to know if what she was about to say tallied with his hopes.

Slightly annoyed, Ino pouted her lips, albeit reluctantly. "Keep wondering then, if you're going to act so nonchalant about it. You heard me apologize. Surely that accounts for something? I can't believe you're acting like it's so funny."

"Funny…?" Shikamaru suddenly went very quiet, his face taking on a serious expression. Ino felt slightly scared. He slowly reached forward to touch Ino's face with his right hand, tenderly, making the latter's heart skip a beat. What the…? Oh, stupid Shikamaru, Ino cursed inwardly at the man who was making her heartbeat accelerate unnecessarily. "It's not funny at all, Ino. So…why don't I say it for you, then? The words you never got to say? The words I told you this morning?" Shikamaru felt like someone other than himself was speaking. It was weird, the way the words came out one after the other so smoothly without thinking.

"Shikamaru…stop playing games with me," Ino laughed uncertainly, grabbing hold of Shikamaru's right hand. She looked at him apprehensively and her heart fluttered again at Shikamaru's intense gaze. He half-smiled, steadily leaning in towards her. Ino felt slightly limp under his unwavering gaze. She could feel his breath on her lips.

"Ino, I love you," Shikamaru whispered simply before pressing his lips against hers.

Ino felt the world melt away as she felt Shikamaru's lips on hers. She found herself giddy with excitement. This wasn't like the time she had received Shikamaru's kiss by 'accident'. This was real. This was not a dream. Shikamaru was kissing her, and she felt herself hesitating before kissing him back.

She pulled Shikamaru closer, encircling her arms around his neck and intensifying the kiss. Her feelings overwhelmed her. Memories of herself meeting Shikamaru for the first time, fearing for Shikamaru's safety as he rescued the little bird, scoffing at him for always looking at he clouds, all of them flashed through her mind. She remembered chasing Sasuke, starving herself for him, always longing for his acknowledgement, when Shikamaru had always been there for her all along.

How could she have been so naïve? This was what she had been looking for all this while. This was what she had wished for upon a shooting star. This was what people called true love.

Shikamaru understood her like no one else ever had. He cared for her above everything else. He had always put up with her, and she had always taken him for granted.

But he was now here. This was a fact, for which Ino was glad. How could she have been so foolish as to avoid him that morning? Avoiding him would do the both of them no good. What was good, was the fact that the both of them were now happy. Right? This was no Sasuke, this was Shikamaru. And this very truth made Ino very contented.

Shikamaru silently thanked the gods as he felt Ino press herself against him, their lips playing about with each other's. He loved her, god, he loved her so much. And she loved him too. She had to. This was what he had been waiting for. This was why she was kissing him back, right? It wasn't a result of her raging hormones, right?

Shikamaru suddenly felt breathless. He broke apart from Ino, looking down at her flushed and dazed expression. He felt himself breathing hard. Did Ino really love him? What if he was wrong again? Her words…her actions…Ino herself was still an unpredictable character. "God, Ino, I'm sorry, I –" He had let his emotions get the better of him.

Ino leaned her forehead against Shikamaru's chest, stopping his speech abruptly. He glanced at her nervously. What was going on in that girl's mind?

Ino finally whispered softly, "No, I'm sorry, Shikamaru." Shikamaru felt his breath catch. Ino? Apologizing for a second time that day? And, as if his mind could be read: "Yeah yeah, I'm apologizing again, but, oh, I am so sorry for not realizing this sooner! I hurt you, and I confused myself. But I finally realise how I really feel…please forgive me. I'm going to say this only once, so you'd better listen up carefully." There was a temporary halt in her speech. There was also a temporary halt in Shikamaru's heartbeat. Then, "Shikamaru, I love you too."

"What?" Shikamaru could not believe his ears, his eyebrows knitting together in disbelief. His stomach did countless somersaults. She… "Ino, you…"

"I said I'd only say it once!" Ino hissed impatiently. Then she lowered her voice. "It's embarrassing! I'm not going to repeat it! It feels so corny, you know?"

Shikamaru grinned in giddy relief. Ino loved him, she really did – and he was going to make her say so again, even if it killed him. He wanted to relieve the moment over and over. This time, there was no mistake about Ino's feelings.

"Ino," Shikamaru said lowly with mock confusion tainting his voice, "I didn't hear you properly the first time. Could you please repeat that?"

Ino knew that Shikamaru was playing with her. Well, two could play at that game. "Too bad for you, then. It's your loss." But she didn't want Shikamaru to let go of her. She wanted to continue feeling his warmth. Maybe if she stalled for time, the tingling sensation she was enjoying would last longer.

Shikamaru heaved a long sigh. "Ino, Ino, surely you do not want to have any regrets? I never did hear you, if what you said is really that important, you should repeat it." When Ino did not budge, Shikamaru added with a grin, "Alright, since you have nothing more to say to me, I guess we should stop hugging each other now, I really need to get home. See you around, Ino."

"No!" Ino burst out uncontrollably, eliciting a laugh from Shikamaru. Ino was so cute when she acted like that. "Alright, alright, I love you! I love you, I love you, I love you! Is that enough, now? I hope you're satisfied, God, that was embarrassing!"

Shikamaru smiled gladly as he watched Ino banter on. She loved him, and he definitely loved her. Okay, maybe some credit could be given to Chouji after all. A treat would do the trick. But first…

"Ino, stop going on like that, I heard you the first time." Ino rolled her eyes, wearing an exasperated look on her face. Shikamaru would have smirked if he had not been about to say something important. "Actually, I need to ask you something." Ino inclined her head.

"Ino, will you…be my girlfriend?"

The question was simple and innocent. Ino smiled widely with a faint blush tainting her cheeks. What a silly question. She poked Shikamaru.

"Treat me to another movie, and I'll consider it," she replied loftily. Shikamaru felt like he was on cloud nine. Ino loved him, he loved her, and she had agreed to be his girlfriend. Well, technically, she had. But, details – who needed them?

Shikamaru inclined his head, kissing Ino's hair. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you so much."

They held each other tightly.

-The End-

A/N: I AM DONE. Well, if anyone still wants to know if Naruto finally got his ramen in the end, say so and I might consider writing an epilogue. Other than that, I consider myself finished…this chapter was very exhausting for me.

I am sorry if things seemed rushed in this chapter. But I really wanted to get something posted before my next bout of exams start next week, because this chapter has been long overdue. I apologize to anyone and everyone who has been waiting for ages for this to be completed. Thank you for bearing with me!

I wouldn't be surprised if any of you forgot the original plot of the story and what happened in the previous chapter, since I took ages to update. I mean, I love the story and all, but it's so difficult to write with writer's block and exams almost every week.

Thanks for reading this long-winded and full-of-rants author's note, it is much appreciated. See ya, and please leave a review! It is those reviews you people give each time that really encourage me. I love reading every single review, they fuel me with energy to keep on writing! XD 31 reviews for the latest chapter…I'm amazed that the story has come this far.

Once again, a big THANK YOU to all of you!