After introducing this pairing in my last story, I now feel that some background is needed. I liked the idea of these two together because it was different from what I'd seen before... Plus, I felt that Shiho offered a chance to explore new territories.

I find that I get the most enjoyment from unconventional story ideas... Especially when it allows me the chance to use characters that otherwise might not get that much attention. I also enjoy writing for female characters, since it gives me a chance to flex my muscles creatively.

BETWEEN THE LINES

Part I:
"The Secret Lives of Cryptographers"

.o.o.o.

Not only was Shiho one the youngest members of Konoha's cryptography department, she was also one of the only female members on it as well. Of course, she had gone into the field fully aware of the fact that it wasn't the most glamorous or sexy line of work.

As if to further compound the young woman's predicament, there was precious little excitement to be found... as nothing ever seemed to happen. While not technically part of the Shinobi infrastructure, they were still part of the overall military arm of Konoha... However, in place of danger and intrigue, there was mind-numbing bordum... Well, most of the time.

The exceptions to this rule came in the form of the sudden appearance of Shikamaru Nara and Naruto Uzumaki (the pair were soon to be followed by Kakashi)... And then, the sudden violent invasion of Konoha by the Akatsuki! They'd only just broken the code of the late Lord Jiraiya's final message- "The real one is not among them"- when things started exploding! The invasion certainly put a damper on what had otherwise proven to be a very productive day for Shiho.

Up to that moment, things were coming up roses for her. She'd enjoyed working with Shikamaru... until the Six Paths attacked! She blushed, recalling how much she'd swooned over the presence of the dark-haired youth. She shook her head, willing herself to calm down.

The brunette proceeded to set down her stack of books on a nearby table. Shiho then stepped back and adjusted her glasses (mainly to calm herself than for any functional reason). She was normally so calm and collected, but when HE showed up, that all changed. The glasses-wearing girl grinned to herself as she thought about him...

No matter how she looked at it- she just couldn't get over how cool he was!

She checked all the titles to make sure she'd collected the correct volumes. Absolute accuracy was required in her line of work. Even basic code-breaking required precision delicacy.... A single mistake could render the cipher useless. She took a seat at the large table and opened one of the books. However, it wasn't long before she grew restless and looked up from her books. She adjusted her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

She knew of the young man's formidable mind. With his keen powers of deduction and logic, he was fast becoming one of the most promising tacticians that Konoha had seen in generations. With that in mind, she wondered if he'd noticed that she had been attracted to him. If so, he hadn't shown any awareness of it...

No, it was more likely that he had been too absorbed in his assignment to take any notice of her 'antics'. She reminded herself that Shikamaru was a consummate professional- with a lot of a responsibilities and a lot on his mind. Surely, a frumpy girl like herself wouldn't even register with him. With that in mind, she resigned herself to her work.

.o.o.o.

It was a nice sunny day in Konoha: the sky was clear and their was a pleasant breeze. Though not everyone was quite so cheery...

Having grown weary of his mother's nagging him to 'get off his lazy but'. Shikamaru had set out from his house with nothing particular in mind- only to no find himself walking aimlessly through the bustling streets of Konoha.

After some consideration, he opted to go by the bookstore and see if there was anything there worth picking up. As he made his way down the sidewalk, he thought about how his mother had been so adamant that he leave the house. "It's not as if she had anything she wants to do that couldn't be done when I'm there..." He thought to himself.

"After all, it's not like I haven't ever seen her yell at my old man before now..." He mused to himself as he continued walking. "I mean it's not like she wanted to be alone with him for any other reason." He told himself confidently with a smile.

He opened the door- causing the bell the jingle in the process- and ventured inside. It wasn't long, however, before he spotted a familiar figure... The girl had light brown hair that pulled into a ponytail in the back, though a few stray strands hung loose. She still had on her white jacket over her loose fitting clothes. Topping it off was the familiar round glasses.

.o.o.o.

Ever since she was a child, Shiho always had a mind for finding patterns and sequences where others normally wouldn't. So it was only natural that she went on to pursue as her field of study. Her efforts finally paid off when she became the youngest person to be recruited into the Konoha Military Cipher Corps. Unfortunately, this didn't negate the fact that her job was boring as hell.

And so, to escape the tedium of her day-to-day life, she had turned to reading (both novels and manga). The worlds contained in those pages were far more exciting then anything she knew- and in some cases (specifically her girly shounen mangas) infinitely more stimulating!

Shiho quickly made her way over to where the manga were and picked up hers (featuring a flashy fantastical cover). With the aforementioned manga in hand, she turned around in time to see Shikamaru approaching her. Realizing she was clutching her romantic manga in her hand. Not wishing to be seen as some sort of swooning schoolgirl, she quickly tossed it over her shoulder. After all, she had her pride- so it wouldn't be any good to have the dark-haired teen thinking she was hard up!

His hands tucked casually into his pockets, Shikamaru regarded the startled girl now standing before him. The youth reached up and brushed a hand through along his dark hair. He couldn't help but find the situation amusing... and after a moment, a small smile graced his features. "Well... I hope that I'm not to blame for your sudden discomfort."

Shiho's complexion went from near-white tone to a rosy pink hue as she tried to collect herself. After a moment, she shook her head and managed a smile. "N-No... not at all." She replied. "But, er... what bring you here?" She asked with some effort.

Again, he found himself smiling. "Well normally I'd say 'chance'... But today, I'm more inclined to believe that it was fate that lead me here." He replied coolly. "But none of that matters now... Shiho, would you like to get something to drink?"

(- End of Part I -)

I normally wouldn't do this, but I feel compelled to take a moment to give a shout out... This story is dedicated to the memory of Carl Macek. He was a producer, director, writer and one of the major pioneers in bringing Anime to America.

He's most famous for his work on Robotech- a series that changed how Americans viewed Anime and animation in general. He would go on to become a major force in bringing totally uncut anime to America. His company Streamline Productions went on to release numerous classics- including Akira, Vampire Hunter D, Crying Freeman, Wicked City, 3x3 Eyes, and Robot Carnival. Macek was even working on Bleach towards the end of his life!

If not for the efforts of people like Carl Macek, Anime might never have become the success in America that it is today. Macek, who was only 58, died unexpectedly of a heart attack. While Carl will be missed, he'll never be forgotten.

-Bojack727