If they're happy...

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or it's characters.

A/N

My first attempt at a story not focused on Shikamaru or Temari. I hope I did alright.

He decided to take the job of watching the city during the festival because he thought it would clear his head a little, give him some peace of mind. He didn't realise that he would be seeing things that would put him back into thought.

Shino surveyed them from above, watching his friends walking by. They were all dressed formally, kimonos and all.

A beautiful night,with the stars twinkling in the sky and fireworks about to begin. It was no wonder that he saw them all passing by in pairs.

He could see Shikamaru and Temari in the distance, sitting in a secluded corner, conversing silently.

Neji and Tenten, eating sweets at a stall nearby. They were smiling, which Neji did rarely.

Kiba as well, with a girl he was not familiar with, yet she still made Kiba grin, and that was all that mattered.

Even Chouji. Being here with Ino obviously pleased him.

It seemed like everyone had found someone to be with tonight. Everyone seemed happy.

He looked around to see Naruto and Hinata walking out, hand in hand.

A pang of jealousy hit him then. He closed his eyes and balled up his fists.

"If they're happy," he began softly, turning his gaze to the sky. "Why can't I be?"


As they began their walk to the park for the fireworks, They past by the emotionless Shino.

"Hey Shino," Naruto said with a grin.

He glanced their way and nodded. "Hinata. Naruto." He continued on walking as if they were never there.

"Jeez," Naruto whispered to Hinata. "He's always so...serious. You can never tell if he's happy or sad. It's sort of scary."

Hinata looked back worryingly, glancing at the hooded figure walking away.

"Do you think...he's alright?" She asked him.

Naruto replied with a comforting look. "It's Shino. He's fine."

Hinata glanced back once more, only to find that he had disappeared into the night.

She forced a smile, only to reassure herself. "Yeah you're right. I'm sure Shino's okay."

Hearing this, a shaded figure closed his eyes, before continuing his patrol.

End.