Making her way back towards the hospital, she didn't get very far before someone called out to her.

[b][color=darksalmon]"Huh?"[/color][/b] Sakura turned around and saw Shikammaru hurry towards her. [b][color=darksalmon]"Shikamaru...?"[/color][/b] The ninja wasn't sure what he wanted with her. She gave him a sideways look, not sure if she was really who he was looking for. Not to mention he seemed a little stressed or even in a hurry, which wasn't like him at all. She began to worry about his health be it mental or physical. Was he okay? Was he in trouble? Was there some kind of emergency? Shikamaru went on to ask if he could walk with her. She gave a stiff nod, still not sure what his intentions were but she told herself if it was something urgent, he would have already gotten to the point. [color=darksalmon][b]"Sure, I'd enjoy the company."[/b][/color] Ever since Naruto and Sasuke parted ways with the village, she had missed being a team, had missed her friends dearly so even a small visit with Shikamaru would be very much welcomed.

The pair began to walk a slightly slower pace than Sakura was used to. She glanced to Shikamaru, her hands clasped behind her back, her right hand lightly grasping her left wrist. [b][color=darksalmon]"What's on your mind?"[/color][/b] The genius was clearly consumed with some kind of issue and if he sought her out she would do whatever she could to help. Sure, they weren't exactly friends but she didn't think they were strangers either. When Shikamaru began to say he had been thinking about a girl, a slight dread began to fall atop her shoulders. [i][color=darksalmon]'He doesn't mean me right? He couldn't mean me! That's insane!'[/color][/i] She kept a straight face as her Inner Self was beginning to worry. 

He finally mentioned who he had a crush on. Ino.

[i][color=darksalmon]'Of course it's Ino.[/color][/i]

Her brief moment of feeling insulted was brushed aside. [i][color=darksalmon]'I mean...thank god, it's Ino.[/color][/i] She thought and shook her head. Sakura kpt her eyes on Shikamaru as they walked, passing through a series of vendors as they neared the village's hospital. She felt a little sorry for the guy. As much as Sakura loved Ino's friendship, Ino could be so stubborn and at times shallow. Part of her wanted to tell Shikamaru to just give up and that he could find someone better than Ino, someone he'd be better suited for, personality wise. But he had determination and that's was struck her the most. He was such a lazy, laid back, casual guy that for him to want to [i]try[/i] and make Ino happy was a real interesting turn of events.

Shikamaru looked off, blushing. He quickly looked off and finished, expressing a need for Sakura to offer advice or to even probe Ino's brain on his behalf. Sakura stopped walking as they stood outside the hospital. She was sure Ino was already inside, tending to some of their regular patients. [b][color=darksalmon]"You really sound lovesick. I think it's sweet that you want to really try to make Ino happy."[/color][/b] Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. [b][color=darksalmon]"But I already know what she thinks about you...I mean there's a lot of downtime so your name is bound to come up."[/color][/b] Sakura offered him a small smile. It wasn't good news for the Chunin. [b][color=darksalmon]"She kinda views you as a...brother. Like you two bicker but then make up."[/color][/b]

Sakura knew that was the last thing Shikamaru wanted to hear but it was the truth, Ino just didn't view Shikamaru as boyfriend material. On one hand, Sakura couldn't blame Ino. Shikamaru was a slacker who had tons of potential but it often went unused. His looks were fine but if he kept comparing himself to Sasuke, that would be a losing battle. [b][color=darksalmon]"You know...if she saw you dating someone, it might make her view of you change? I think that would get her to consider dating you, get her intrigued and show that you can be attentive and considerate."[/color][/b] She removed her hand from his shoulder and gave a shrug, not sure if he'd be up for dating someone when he had feelings for Ino but it was all she could come up with on the spot. [color=darksalmon][b]"I need to get going but I'll talk to and see if I can nudge her in your direction, just be sure you want Ino, she can be quite a handful."[/b][/color] She winked playfully and waved before she jogged up to the hospital's entrance and headed inside to report to Tsunade.