Lotus Of The Leaf ~Book One~

Chapter 56! Sudden Confession!

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"Wow!" Ino and Choji praised as I ruffled at Shikamaru's hair during lunch. "You know, even a guy who's as lazy as you are somehow seems respectable all of a sudden!" Ino praised.

"It doesn't suit ya!" Choji laughed.

That red flush was casting over Shikamaru's face permanently. I had to admit- that vest looked so natural on him. "Are you saying that I didn't seem respectable, Ino?" I ask snidely.

"You're not lazy, Ren, you're always respectable." Ino shot back as I pushed my lower lip out. "It's just funny knowing Shikamaru's gonna have a bunch of responsibilities now~"

"You know, it's not that funny." Shikamaru groaned.

"Funny or not, let's have a toast and celebrate Shikamaru's outstanding promotion to Chunin!" Asuma cheered.

"Yeah! Let's eat!" Choji cried.

"Choji! Hey! Lay off the meat, we're about to have a toast!" Ino scolded as Choji scarfed down ninety percent of the meat.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't want it to get burnt." Choji apologized.

"There's plenty of meat for everyone." I giggled as I propped my elbows on the table. "Asuma finally caved into letting me help pay."

"Don't make me rescind that, young lady." Asuma smirked. "Everyone dig in!"

Choji cheered as I nudged Shikamaru's ribs. "Eat up, Shikamaru, it's your party~"

He just flushed and sunk into his seat. "So tell me Shikamaru, a little birdie tells me you've got a date tonight." Asuma teased.

"WHAT?!" Ino and Choji shrieked.

"Who the heck told you?!" Shikamaru gaped as his entire face turned bright red.

"I did," I mentioned as I took the last piece of cooked rib. "Was I not supposed to?"

"I-It's not that- It's just-" Shikamaru stammered.

"Who're you going to meet?" Ino asked in sudden interest.

"Me?" I say as if it were obvious.

"But you went on a date with Sasuke!" Ino cried.

"And? Ever since that night, he's been acting odd. Especially now. He wont even talk to me." I cross my arms over my chest. "It's not like we were official or anything."

"Man, that sucks. He's so dreamy~" Ino coos as she leans against her hands. Shikamaru and I cast a glance at one another and roll our eyes before chuckling.

"Ah, I gotta get going. Kakashi said he had something to talk about." I mention softly. "Congratulations again, Shikamaru~ See you tonight~" I cooed as I got up.

"Bye Ren~" Ino, Choji, and Asuma chime as they lean into the flushing Nara.

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Shikamaru's POV

Choji scarfed down the short ribs simmering on the table top grill with gusto, bringing a new meaning to hogging out. My mind wandered to the blonde girl who had just left a while ago. My brain felt like mush every time I thought about her. I sighed heavily as Ino started scolding Choji for overeating again. "You're gonna end up in the hospital again, Choji, and Ren's gonna murder you if she sees you inside for over eating." Ino explained. "Haven't you ever heard of savoring you food?"

"Don't worry, I figure the more bites I eat, the more bites I get to savor, right?" Choji explained with a wide grin.

I yawned tiredly as I twirled my chop sticks around. Choji snatched the last piece of meat. "Ah!" Ino yelped. "C'mon, Choji! That's the last piece of meat and I cooked it!"