Warning. Boy love. Don't like it, don't read it.
Disclaimer. Naruto isn't mine, so don't go suing me.
Author's Note. Written as a gift for Adiva-chan.
.x.
"Chouji, I'm not sure that this is a good idea," Shikamaru sighed, eyeing the items that his best friend had set on the table.
"It's okay Shikamaru, I'll be right here for your first time," Chouji reassured the strategist, stuffing the now empty paper bag into a corner.
The larger teen stretched out on the floor, casting a curious glance at the other boy who hadn't moved an inch since the objects had appeared before him.
It wasn't that Shikamaru hadn't done it before, he actually indulged in the act whenever he saw fit. But he had never shared the experience with someone else before, and he wasn't sure he was quite ready, especially with Chouji of all people.
Sure, they were best friends, and their teamwork was flawless compared to that of Team 7's Naruto and Sasuke. But to expose his vulnerable side to the pot-bellied teen just didn't add up. Why make that much of a fool of himself in front of Chouji of all people? Not that anyone else as an audience would be any better…
Shikamaru sighed, rolling his eyes skyward, "How bothersome."
"Oh come on, I was only teasing you," the blond cajoled, tugging at a tuft of his hair anxiously. He had secretly hoped things would be going smoothly by now, both of them off in their own little world. Without failure, however, the chuunin was proving to be as formidable an opponent as he was out in the field.
"Look, Chouji…" the dark-haired teen began.
"No, it's fine, I understand," Chouji interjected, deciding that his plan was going to crash and burn if he didn't change tactics. "It'd be awkward, ne? Wouldn't want that to happen. Though after all we've been through, I must confess that I'm hurt that you don't want to participate."
A groan came from Shikamaru as he rubbed at his eyes in an irritated manner. He knew what would happen if he gave in, if he listened to the nagging voice in the back of his head. Did Chouji even realize what he was getting himself into?
Muttering, "fuck it," under his breath, he reached for the closest bottle, popping the top and drinking deeply. The sake burned a path down his throat and into his stomach where it rested comfortably in a pool of warmth. He sure hoped that his friend would never ask such a task of him again.
Chouji watched as his companion took draught after draught of the rice wine, his eyes wide. Soon, two bottles were lying empty and Shikamaru was reaching for his third. A hand landed on his arm, stopping him mid-reach.
Glazed eyes turned to rest on the offending hand, then on its' owner. When their eyes met, Chouji paused, the words falling off his tongue as he tried to analyze the look that Shikamaru was giving him.
"Chouji, what are you doing? Let go of my arm," Shikamaru asked incredulously, his eyes piercing as they landed on the larger teen.
"I think you've had enough…" the blond murmured, looking away.
"And I think you're in no position to say such--" The chuunin never got to finish his sentence. Instead, he pitched sideways, landing hard on the tatami mats underfoot. His unfocused eyes slid closed, and soon a string of drool cut a path down his chin.
A wave of disbelief washed over Chouji's face as his eyes confirmed that the sight before him was indeed really happening. Suddenly, a bark of laughter burst forth. Giggles followed, so fast that he could hardly catch his breath.
The fact that the nearly stoic Shikamaru was an almost aggressive drunk who couldn't keep his eyes open long enough to finish a simple threat was overwhelmingly hilarious to the boy.
Besides, having something to tease the shadow-master was always advantageous to the chubby teenager.