Title: Angel of Mine

Author: Marshie-chan

Pairing: Neji/Ino, Shikamaru/Ino

Anime/Manga: Naruto

Basis: Samantha Israel's I Wanna Grow Old With You

Status: Complete

Total Number of Chapters: 5

Disclaimer: I don't own NARUTO.

Summary: Ino was engaged to marry Shikamaru. What happens when Neji takes on a drastic measure just to stop the marriage?

Dedication:Lovey or lovewitches, she owns the Neji x Ino FC in NF and to all NejiIno fans out there!

A/N: In this fic,Ino and Shikamaru are already twenty-three while Neji is twenty-four.

Chapter One: Unexpected

It was late spring in Konoha Village, and the soft, rolling mountains were alive with green forests, plants and flowers. Opening the window of her bedroom that morning, Ino took a deep breath to enjoy the sweet smell. She made it sure that she have woken up early because her fiancé, Nara Shikamaru, will pick her up to attend his parents' Golden anniversary. As his future wife, she considered this as a chance for her to get to know his parents and the other members of the Nara clan.

Shikamaru finally proposed to her last month after two years of their relationship. When the guy was promoted to Jounin, his family had also entrusted him to be the new leader of the Nara clan. She didn't expect to see Shikamaru could be so responsible to accept the role—not to mention she had misjudged him a lot before.

She had also agreed when Shikamaru advised her to stop engaging in dangerous missions as a Chuunin once they get married. Instead, she will just focus on being a good wife for him and their future kids; as well as managing their own family business, the Yamanaka flower shop.

"HEY INO-PIG!" Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when she saw Sakura outside waving at her. "What are you still doing up there?"

"I'm waiting for Shikamaru, forehead girl!" Ino replied before her gaze landed at Sakura's bulgy stomach, "Hey… you have gotten fatter, don't you know?"

Sakura looked away bashfully, "I'm pregnant."

Ino's eyes widened in surprise, "What? Congratulations, then." She said with a warm smile.

Sakura smiled back, "Thank you. I'll go ahead. Naruto and Sasuke-kun are waiting for me."

"Okay. Take care of yourself." Ino said as she watches Sakura walk away. After Naruto successfully brought Sasuke back to the village two years ago, he and Sakura got married last year. She admit that it severely broke her heart knowing that she was defeated by her rival for winning Sasuke's heart. However, when she fell in love with Shikamaru, she realized her feelings for Sasuke from the past are simply pure infatuation.

Later on, her father Inoichi went inside the bedroom just in time for her to finish preparing herself for the party. "Are you done? Shikamaru's downstairs." He informed her.

"Okay." She excitedly headed downstairs and found Shikamaru leaning against the wall, waiting for her. Unlike before, Shikamaru looks a lot manlier now. He was still wearing the Konoha ninja vest but his hair was already down making Ino think how good-looking he is.

"Shikamaruuu!!" The blonde girl excitedly called out as she threw her arms around him.

"Hey, easy with the hug!" Shikamaru blurted out, "Mendokusee… I can't breathe!"

Ino freed him from her tight hug and spoke happily, "You look really handsome today."

Shikamaru blushingly looked away, a frown forming on his face, "Zip it, Ino. You always say that when you want something."

"I really mean it!" She inched closer and kissed him on the cheek which caused the reddening in Shikamaru's face.

"Hai… hai…" Shikamaru said as he put his arm around her, "Let's go. Mom and Pop are waiting for us."

As expected, Mr. and Mrs. Nara have a lot of visitors. She could tell that it's almost half of the Konoha village population. Even Naruto, the Hokage, is here, with his wife, Hinata. The couple was talking with sensei Kakashi and Naruto's teammates Sasuke and Sakura. She also spotted Kiba, Chouji and Shino eating at the buffet a few feet away from them. The rest of the visitors then are mostly from the Nara clan. Ino could recognize them because of their similar physical aspects—such as hairstyles and wearing fishnets under their vests.

Ino had an obligation as Shikamaru's future wife to help him estimate the number of visitors. Wherever he was, she should also be there even though she knew she would get bored. She breathed deeply with a sigh. She was already tired smiling to every visitor they meet.

A couple that has the same age as Mr. and Mrs. Nara waved at Shikamaru. Ino then took this opportunity to tell Shikamaru that she'd go outside to breathe some fresh air. Her fiancé just nodded his head and didn't even bother to ask her if she's feeling well. Sometimes this attitude of his disappoints her. Still, she forces herself to understand him. She knew how tough to be a Jounin and a clan leader are at the same time.

Ino headed to the garden and sat at the lawn. The girl picked a daisy and twirled it in her fingers, smelling it and getting yellow pollen on her nose. She closed her eyes and breathed the fresh air while grasping the long, blond strands of her hair.

"If I am your fiancé, I won't let you out of my sight even for just a second." She got startled hearing the cold familiar voice—A voice that she wanted to vanish in her memory because she wanted to forget it. Instead of opening her eyes back… she remained it close. "Ino, are you okay?"

Why is it that she could sense concern in his tone of voice? Maybe her ears are playing tricks on her. Frowning, she opened her eyes back. Her heart pounded when she met the white pair of eyes from a guy who bended down to face her. She couldn't read the emotion through his eyes and she couldn't stop herself observing the man whom she hasn't seen for years.

Based on what she had observed, his confidence and maturity got stronger. The ANBU uniform he was wearing made him more attractive and masculine. When she raised her head up, a nasty smile was formed on his face.

The man smirked, "Well, did I pass your standard?"

She could feel her cheeks warming as she struggled to say something, "I didn't saw you inside."

He raised an eyebrow, "I'm afraid you didn't because almost all of your attention is on your fiancé."

A moment of silence came between them for several long strained seconds. "Aren't you supposed to be enjoying the party inside?" She asked curiously.

"I don't enjoy parties like you."

She knew there was another meaning on what he just said. The guy thought she was enjoying the parties she had attended before but the truth is… she just forced herself for the sake of her friends and for those she cared about.

"What a boring life you must live," She spoke in a sarcastic tone, "Sorry, I forgot that the high and mighty Hyuuga Neji-sama doesn't like this kind of celebrations. I know it's just a waste of time for you." She noticed that his expression darkened. Instead of being scared, she felt glorious. "If you will excuse me…" She pulled herself up from the lawn but Neji stood up as well and blocked her way. "Will you please get out of my way?" She said and shot him a glare.

"I don't understand such hostility. As far as I can remember, you are the one who kept on finding ways for me to notice you." He said casually as he held Ino's arm causing her cheeks to redden intensely at the contact.

She quickly jerked his hand away, "Let me tell you one thing, Neji. I didn't find ways just for you to notice me. Why should I do that? You're too confident on your self." She answered calmly and met his white eyes. She didn't know where she got the strength to tell those things to him. The truth is… he still affected her and she didn't know why. She thought she already outgrown her little admiration she had towards him before.

"Really?" He snapped, smiling nastily.

Ino shrugged, "I don't see the point of explaining this thing to you. You are the person who believes what you wanted to believe. So why waste my time and effort?" Amused, Neji kept on staring at her—the kind of stare that is enough to weaken her knees. "I better get inside. Maybe Shikamaru's looking for me." She said coldly and turned her back on him.

She was already walking ahead of him when he suddenly spoke, "Why didn't you attend Nala-chan's birthday?" He asked referring to Hinata and Naruto's eldest daughter.

Frowning, Ino turned her head to face him. "I've already explained to your cousin and she understood why I didn't come. But to satisfy your curiosity, I will answer your question..." She cleared her throat before she continues, "I was in another country for a mission."

He folded his arms, "Was that the only reason?" Her eyebrows arched. What was he trying to drive at? And is it sadness that she could see in his white eyes? Why?

"Why? Are there any other reasons that I don't know?" She sarcastically replied.

"You're trying to avoid me, correct? I assume that's the reason why you didn't attend Naruto and Hinata-sama's wedding anniversary as well," Neji stared sharply at her, "Oh yeah, their son's birthday is next month… still not coming?"

She had no idea why he was acting strange. It's none of his business if she is or she isn't going to attend any occasions he mentioned. He should be happy because it was the guy himself who told her to get lost and he doesn't want to see her. She took a deep breath and told him, "Look, Neji, I don't have anything to explain to you. You're wasting my time, so please excuse me." The blonde girl proceeded to walk away before he could reply. She knew that his keen eyes are still following her.

When Ino came back inside the house, Shikamaru met her with a smile on his face. "Oi Ino, I was looking everywhere for you. Where have you been?" He asked.

"I was in the garden to breathe some fresh air. I felt a little dizzy earlier." Ino replied as she held his arm.

"Are you okay now?" Shikamaru asked worriedly.

Her heart warmed when she sensed concern in his voice. He even caressed her cheek. "Yeah…" She whispered.

"If you want, you can go upstairs to rest. I'll just explain to Mom and Pop."

She shook her head, "No, I'm okay. There's no need to worry. Besides, I want to meet your other relatives." She said showing a sweet smile.

"Are you sure?"

Nodding her head, she answered, "Yes, I'm sure."

"Yosh, let's go." He put his arm around her and led her back to the party. When Mr. and Mrs. Nara saw them, the couple waved at them. They sat down on their table accompanied by Ino's father, Akimichi Chouza and other Naras'.

"See what I told you…you'll end up with a troublesome woman like your mother." Shikaku told Shikamaru.

Mrs. Nara smiled at her warmly, "I'm glad someone as beautiful as Ino will be our daughter-in-law." She glared at Shikaku and whispered, "Troublesome eh? We'll get to that later, hubby dearest."

Shikaku gulped, "I'm cooked…" Laughter then overwhelmed the crowd.

Later on, Nara Shikaku thanked everyone who went to the party and proudly announced Shikamaru and Ino's engagement. Shikamaru then, held her hand and kissed it slightly as he met her baby blue eyes. She was touched by that gesture. She never knew that someone like Shikamaru could be so sweet.

But sometimes, she couldn't understand herself. It's as if there's something lacking in their relationship. She loves Shikamaru but there are times that she doubts her own feelings for him and even his feelings for her too.

There could be times when she couldn't feel that he loves her…but she keeps on making reasons for it. There could also be times that he becomes so sweet but never did Shikamaru attempted to do things over the limit. She wanted to get frustrated on this attitude of his. She admires his being a gentleman but sometimes she gets annoyed for his lack of aggressiveness which she found unlikely for a matured man like him. Doesn't she attract him? 'No,' the back of her mind says, 'Shikamaru respects you very much!'

She let out a deep sigh making Shikamaru look back at her, "Oi, it looks like you're in deep thought."

"Huh? No, not really." She smiled at him.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked.

"Nope. I just remembered something." She shifted her gaze towards Shikamaru's parents who were still talking about their memories as a happy couple. Shikamaru then placed his arm around her and allowed Ino to rest her head on his shoulder. When the guy courted her before, she could feel that wonderful spark but as time goes on, it suddenly faded away. Well, she's too comfortable with him anyway. After all, they used to be in the same team.

"I love you so much, Ino." Shikamaru whispered to her while kissing her blonde hair.

"Thank you and I love you too, Shikamaru." She whispered back. But why is it that she could feel a nagging doubt inside her while telling those things?

All of a sudden, her blue eyes landed on Neji who was staring at her from the other table with their teacher Gai and teammates, Tenten and Lee. She gulped out of nervousness when his white eyes seem to glare at her when he noticed how close she and Shikamaru are.

Neji Hyuuga… the guy who snubbed her beauty before. Ino slowly closed her eyes as she recalled what happened years and years ago…

IN THE FOREST OF DEATH, Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji were hiding behind the bushes when Neji happens to pass by. "Stop hiding and come out." He spoke coldly.

Their eyes widened in unison, startled by Neji's voice. "But we hid as fast as we could!" Ino retorted. They were still twelve at that time, struggling to pass the Chuunin exam.

"Geez… a troublesome guy found us." Shikamaru whispered to her.

"Plan Number One—hide and avoid trouble, failed!" She whispered back, "Now that this happened, we have to execute Plan Number two."

"What? Really?" Chouji replied unbelievably.

"What? Do you have a problem with that? It'll work for sure!" Ino assured them.

Shikamaru sighed, "I don't mind…"

The three of them went out of the bushes to confront Neji. "Oh my, how lucky of us to meet last year's number one rookie, Hyuuga Neji-sama here…" Ino said with enthusiasm.

"Can I have your autograph?" Chouji spoke.

"Oh, it's just you three." Neji said casually.

Take this, Plan Number Two! You'll be drooling over my sexiness!' Ino thought as she loosens her hair and tried all her best to make her voice sound seductive, "I've always wanted to see you once…"

"Begone." Neji snapped as he turned his back on them.

Ino gritted her teeth out of anger, "Why?! Why didn't my charm work on him?!" She clenched her fists in anger, "Argh! Now I'm pissed! Damn it!"

Neji stopped walking and told her, "You're pointing your fists towards me… Does that mean you want to fight?"

Ino's eyes widened in panic and immediately moved her arms down. "N-no… not at all…" She answered nervously.

"Then begone. Even if I take a scroll from cowards like you, I'll just become the laughing stock of the village."

"Okay!" Ino said as they jumped back to the bushes. The three of them were panting and grasping for air. Ino was taken aback. For the first time, she didn't saw any sign of admiration from that guy. She's not sure if it's just her imagination when she could sense that Neji was disgusted on the way she acted. 'That arrogant goof! I've never been so humiliated in my entire life!' She felt really bad… however she forced herself to smile as she tied her hair and faced Shikamaru and Chouji, "Yosh! Let's go find some weak people!"

After four years, Ino was promoted to the Chuunin rank. Aside from being a medic, she had also engaged in delicate missions like spying. Because she was always successful in her tasks, she was always called by the Hokage for high-leveled missions.

That's why it was no surprise that she was called again by Tsunade for another mission. "Am I going to this mission alone, Tsunade-sama?" She asked curiously.

"No." Tsunade replied, "You're going with…"

"Sorry I'm late, Hokage-sama." A cold familiar voice from behind her said.

Her blue eyes widened in surprise upon looking at the man who was wearing the traditional Hyuuga robe, "N-Neji? I'm going with Neji?"

Tsunade nodded her head, "Yes… both of you possessed the special abilities that were needed to defeat the enemy."

"B-but…" Ino was about to object when she saw Neji's white eyes averted towards her. A nasty smile was formed on his lips sensing the fear in her voice.

"Are there any problems?" Tsunade asked.

"N-not at all." Ino replied. 'Why should I be afraid of this guy? Now it's my chance to show him that he snubbed the wrong person! Damn you, I hate you Hyuuga Neji!'

After the Hokage explained clearly the details about the mission, Ino and Neji left the village and began searching for their target. "Pick up the pace, Ino!" The guy informed her while they vaulted from tree to tree.

"Hai!" Ino answered with enthusiasm in her voice. She couldn't just let Neji getting all the praise if they succeed in this mission. The first thing she had to do is to show him how much she had improved.

As what she had expected, both of them carried out the mission successfully. Well at least she had proven her worth in front of Neji since she had done almost all the work in the mission.

They were on their way back home when the two of them decided to stop for a while and rest under a tree beneath the forests. "I think we could stay here for the night." Ino told Neji as she sat down on the ground.

Neji stared back at her and leaned against the tree. "You don't appear to me as a person who can sleep in wild forests." He said.

"Because you don't know me." She said, frowning.

"And I don't intend to." He replied coldly.

Ino could feel all her blood rising but she tried to keep her cool. "Don't worry, the feeling is mutual." She said irritably. However, she got scared a bit by the anger shown in Neji's eyes.

He smirked as he inched closer to her, "But that was not the feeling I saw in your eyes when you tried to seduce me by your looks. Did you still remember that day, Ino?"

The blonde girl's anger worsened when she recalled the embarrassment she felt at the forest of death. Why can't she just forget it? And why does he remind her of that incident? She spoke confidently, "Flattering yourself, Neji?"

Instead of answering, Neji laughed slightly. Her face reddened in fury. "Why, you're blushing like a virgin." He spoke in a sarcastic tone.

"Pervert!" Ino shot back in anger as she stood up and was about to slap Neji but he quickly grabbed her arm.

"Don't you dare lay your hand on me. I punish women harshly and you might not like it." He warned her with his face darkening. "Or maybe that's what you intend to do. You wanted to make me angry so you can get my attention." His white eyes are filled with contempt and hostility.

"Let go of me! I don't intend to get your attention!" Ino yelled at him as she felt the pain that was piercing in her arm caused by Neji's tight grip. Somehow, she couldn't help herself being afraid of this man. She knew how dangerous Neji is and any time, he could kill her. Just like what he did to Hinata before on the Chuunin exam.

"Really? Try harder, you little witch…you're not convincing enough. You're trying to flirt with me. Why? You find me interesting, because I'm not one of those guys who drool over your beauty." He glared at her, his white eyes raging with anger, "Well, sorry to disappoint you but I know your kind." It's obvious that he really emphasized the last word, "And I'm not interested. In fact, you disgust me!"

Her eyes widened in surprise by what he just said. It's as if she swallowed her own tongue.

"Well?" Neji met her eyes challengingly.

"I won't stand here and listen to any of your insults, Neji," She said firmly. "Why, you lead me to suspect that someone must have hurt you deeply. Was it because a girl like Hinata-san won against you?" She saw him gritting his teeth in anger. And she was secretly happy because of this reaction of his. "Now that Hinata-san showed to everyone that he had surpassed you, the great Hyuuga Neji-sama doesn't have a chance to be the leader of his clan, am I right?" She laughed nastily in purpose.

Neji's stare got sharper and clenched his fists. Her eyes widened when he activated his Byakugan. Ino was quick. Her hand grasped for a kunai inside her pocket. 'Is he going to hurt me?'

"Nice try, Ino. But try harder… I might kiss you if I reach my limits. I know you're head over heels to Uchiha and you're willing to share his bed with him, am I right?"

Her anger got the better of her and a tight slap landed on Neji's cheek. Ino suddenly found herself being locked inside his powerful arms and held her tightly. His lips crushed into hers. There's no tenderness in his kiss. It's as if it was filled with rage and anger. She tried to push him back but Neji just pressed his lips harder on hers. She kept on punching him on the back but the guy doesn't seem to mind. When it lasted, his kiss got gentle. It was too late for her to realize that her lips are responding.

Ino felt she ran out of breath when their lips parted. She couldn't understand the mixed emotions in her heart.

"Now tell me you didn't enjoy my kisses." Neji said with a wicked smile. Ino felt so humiliated that she wanted to vanish from his sight.

"You brute!" Ino was about to slap him again but she got scared of the possibility that Neji might kiss her again. Instead, she turned her back on him and separated ways from her comrade.

When she came back to the village, she informed Tsunade about the success of their mission but didn't dare to tell her about what happened between her and Neji. She went home immediately and locked herself inside her bedroom. How she wished Neji and her would not cross paths again. Remembering the guy, Ino gritted her teeth out of anger. 'You don't have the right to insult me, Neji. You don't know me.'

However, they saw each other again in Naruto and Hinata's wedding. When their eyes met, Neji smiled at her. Even if she got confused by the way he acted, Ino just flashed a small smile back at him.

He was about to approach her direction when Shikamaru suddenly came in and put his arm around her. That time, she and Shikamaru had just started to become steady. The Hyuuga wasn't able to come near her and his smile faded away. His eyebrows even arched when Shikamaru kissed her on the cheek.

The wedding ended with Neji and Ino not being able to talk with each other. She thought that maybe the guy was still angry at her. The blonde girl just shook her head and sighed deeply in disappointment.

After that day, Ino hasn't able to catch a glimpse of Neji in the village. She heard from Tsunade that he left Konoha for a special ANBU training and will only return after two years.

TBC