Author's Note: This is my sister's (Vegetarian Salad) birthday gift (March 11th). It's random and I really don't like it, but it'll do.
The crowd of ninja closed around and he turned only to be blocked by more. He already reached his chakra limit and things were getting increasingly troublesome as he lost more and more ground. He couldn't even remember how he got dragged into coming to the run down building – Ino just had to go exploring, "heh …" how was he supposed to know this old, what was left of a house would house rebel ninja … stupid genius stereotype. He sprang at the nearest target and caught his wrist. Shikamaru let his shadow extended, but his chakra was low and his captive was smarter than he looked. He flinched and twisted free and fled. Before Shikamaru could follow, someone behind him gripped his elbow. Chouji's breath was warm on his cheek, "this way," and he pulled them back through the gap he had created in the horde.
They worked their way through the surge of their enemies and once they had escaped, Shikamaru followed Chouji down a corridor to a locked door and Chouji produced a lock pick and employed it with long practiced ease. After a few silent moments the lock clicked sweetly and he opened it and smiled.
"Impressive."
Chouji looked extremely please with himself, with him, with the entire world in general. His eyes held his with a steadiness that made Shikamaru bold, "thanks."
"You're welcome. May I clam a reward?" those warm lips were so close to his, his breath like fire against his skin.
Shikamaru felt unaccountably breathless, "certainly."
Chouji leaned even closer and murmured, his lips brushing his ear, "where are we going?"
Shikamaru blinked, "… out." --
"Yes, but then?"
Shikamaru felt a bubble of hilarity grow until he could hardly keep his voice steady, "I have the slightest idea."
Chouji laughed and climbed through the open window onto level ground, holding out his hand, "may I have this dance?" his voice went husky as his form was silhouetted by the rising sun.
Shikamaru put his hand into his, "eh … how troublesome," but he didn't protest as he was pulled through the window and into waiting arms.