My Trip To... | ShikaIno

Day 1 - Disappointment Kingdom

"So..." Ino looked between the two boys at a loss for words probably for the first time in her life. She glanced between the two boys, wondering what to do that would be better than just standing here. "Anybody up for Expedition Everest?" she offered, thinking the scariest ride in Animal Kingdom would probably be a breeze in comparison to this.

Though this time she would make sure not to sit by Shikamaru!

She blushed at the thought of the chaos that had erupted in her after her last ride with him. Both boys were ignorant of her embarrassment though as they both seemed to avoid looking straight at her or each other.

"No thanks," Shikamaru muttered as he pressed his hands further into his pockets while still avoiding looking anywhere in her direction. Her stomach fell further than any roller-coaster would as she watched him. "You two have fun..." he mumbled before taking off down the path that led towards the hub of Animal Kingdom and the exit...

Ino stared after him. It didn't matter that the Florida heat was still thick and heavy all around her, Ino felt cold. She knew she should feel happy. She was finally all alone with Sasuke. It had been a big part of her plan for this whole week but now that she had it, she felt hollow.

She almost missed Sasuke's words as she gawked at Shikamaru's leaving form. "I'm sorry. What?" she jolted from her trance as she turned to see Sasuke staring at her like she was some kind of invalid.

"I said I'm hitting an animal trail," Sasuke repeated. He looked annoyed that he had to. He obviously wasn't use to being ignored.

And truthfully Ino wasn't used to not hearing his voice over all other things that she stared blankly at him. "Oh... Er -- Which one?" Ino asked stupidly like it mattered. Both trails in the Asia or Africa sections of Animal Kingdom were beautiful and well designed. The months leading up to this trip, Ino couldn't have imagined a better place to spend an afternoon while accompanied by her crush! She could imagine it now. She could subtly lean on his arm as they gazed at exotic animals and the paths were so secluded and romantic.

Yet here she was stalling.

Sasuke shrugged and Ino wasn't sure of what to do with herself. She knew this was her chance yet she found herself glancing over Sasuke's shoulder to see that the path that Shikamaru had taken. He was now gone.

"Oh... Well," Ino gave a smile.

- - -

Shikamaru felt like an outcast. Everywhere he looked he saw joy. Families clammed together for pictures with wide grins. Children looked on with amazement from one attraction to the next. And the worst were the couples who held hands and found secret glee in the small things they did together. He had even caught sight of Sakura and Naruto who were feeding each other in a world of their own, even though Chouji sat with them devouring on. It was hard to pull his eyes from these happy pairs. It was hard not to wish that he could be doing the same.

With Ino.

The girl who was probably happily ever after hanging off of Sasuke like the precious arm candy she had always hoped to be. It made him mad and miserable all at the same time as he wandered one of the happiest places on earth. Even the Cast Members seemed to have a good idea to stay away.

Only one had been brave enough to approach him. "Hey dude!" A guy from behind an ice cream cart had waved him over. "You look like you could use this," the Cast Member with a tag that said 'Rex' had handed him a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar. After the initial surprise wore off, Shikamaru had accepted the free treat with half nod and a word of thanks before walking on, eating the treat.

The moment he left Ino's presence, he didn't see any point in staying in the theme park any longer. He would probably have a better time laying on his bed all day, sleeping than trying to make good memories at this park. While the rides had been fun, Shikamaru didn't feel the need to get on anymore or try and hit any of the other attractions by himself. He knew he could have joined Sakura, Naruto and Chouji but they looked like they were all having such a great time that he didn't want to bring them down with his bitter mood.

This was not how he had expected his day to go and yet he didn't know why he had expected any different as munched on the chocolatey coating of the ice cream bar. At least the treat must have helped some because his plan of leaving was forgotten by the time he had finished his treat. He had wandered by the exit of the park about two times when he finally threw away the popsicle stick.

Finally he planted himself down on a shaded bench near their group's meeting spot and decided to people watch. He swore to himself that he wasn't just sticking around to see Ino's face when she came around with Sasuke.

Yet his eyes scanned every blonde head he could see.

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Author's Notes: My thanks to everyone who has gotten this fanfic to over 300 reads! Seriously! I was never expecting such a thing. This story was just to get me through my excitement for waiting for my own Disney World trip in September ( I have terrible patience... lol ). And yet here we are! It's been a month since my Disney trip and we're still going strong with Shika & Ino's little adventure to Mickey Mouse's house.xD

I couldn't be more grateful! And since we got over 300 reads today, I pounded out this chapter for you all! It's a little short but I believe the next will be longer. Plus Cailisan gave me HUGE feels with the new fanart she did for my fanfic that I had to write this chapter.

All this happiness and here we have poor heartbroken Shikamaru... Ugh... I don't know why I do this to them... Or myself!

Please don't forget to vote and comment! Love you all!<3