How To Make A King
A/N: Hey guys, back to writing after a very long time dealing with writer's block. This is what came pouring out of my head, enjoy :-) This is a ten chapter story, possibly with more to come at a later date. I will be posting one or two chapters a week, depending on the reviews I receive. Please R&R, let me know if you love it, hate it, or just need more ChoIno love!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the following characters. The events that unfold are the product of my own twisted mind, and any resemblance to actual Naruto events or characters should be met with derisive suspicion.
*please fangirl responsibly ^.^
Chapter One
Choji Akimichi led the way for his two best friends as they headed toward their favorite bar and grill. He smiled to himself as his arm brushed against Ino's, though she appeared not to notice. Shikamaru took the lead as they headed to a large booth in the back. The other two friends lingered slightly, brushing against each other as they settled into the booth. Choji glanced over and caught Ino staring at him; he smiled as she ducked her head, grinning sheepishly with bright red cheeks.
The two quickly looked away from each other and began to converse with the many other friends gathered into the booth and surrounding tables. Everyone ordered food, and sat back to enjoy their drinks while they waited. "Man, I'm so hungry! We've been training non-stop lately; it's wearing me out.." Choji exclaimed as he chugged down his tea, sighing in satisfaction after banging the cup down on the table. Ino slapped him on the arm. "Choji, don't be a slob! The food will be here when it gets here! And breaking the dishes won't make it come any faster!" It was Choji's turn to smile sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head as he looked down in embarrassment.
"Heh, sorry Ino, I just get so pumped thinking about food!" Ino sighed and rolled her eyes as she sipped her own tea, glancing around at the other guests. She noticed Lee about to take down a bottle that looked suspiciously like sake. She grabbed it out of his hand and brought it to her nose just as he put the bottle to his lips. Ignoring his squawks of protest, Ino sniffed cautiously then quickly reared back, a look of smug satisfaction on her face. "Lee, you can't drink this! The last time you did that in here you took the whole place down!" He sniffed and grabbed a glass of water, sipping at it forlornly. "You are exaggerating Ino, I hardly touched the inside! Besides, it is part of my training! How will I get stronger if I cannot overcome my deepest challenges and master my own destiny?!" The slim girl responded by rolling her eyes again and pouring two measures from the large bottle.
Lee looked at her hopefully before she grabbed one of the cups and handed it to Choji, taking the other for herself. "Might as well not let it go to waste, right?" she asked with a sly smile. Choji smirked back at her and clinked glasses before tossing the sake down his throat. Ino sipped hers delicately, though she didn't stop until the entire cup was empty. The dark haired boy in the strange green bodysuit watched them both with quiet resentment, knowing they were ultimately right. The blonde haired beauty leaned back against the booth, a slightly dazed look crossing her features. "Wow, that stuff sure is strong!" she remarked, leaning against the large boy next to her. His cheeks reddened slightly as he looked over at her only to be greeted by an ample display of bosom.
Choji leaned forward slightly so that Ino was forced to sit up, and poured them each another small cup. He smiled as he handed her the less full one, sipping on his this time. "Don't worry, you'll feel better after you eat something. You shouldn't drink too much on an empty stomach." Ino smiled back and took a small sip of her own before setting her drink down. The grill order came and everyone took turns amid the talk and laughter to place meat and vegetables on the grill in the center of the table. Choji tried to snatch up all the meat, only to put half of his bounty on Ino's plate. Everyone at the table politely ignored their small gestures of affection, guessing that the two were oblivious to one another at this point, and that they would eventually figure it out.
As dinner wound to a close, Choji poured out a fourth measure of sake for himself and the small blonde. Shikamaru was suddenly by his friend's side, deftly grabbing the half empty bottle while he wrapped his other arm around the tall boy's shoulders. "Hey, not too much pal, you don't want to get sick do you? That would be such a drag, please don't puke.." Ino made to grab the bottle from him and instead Shikamaru deftly blocked her and managed to grab up the cup intended for her at the same time, all while not spilling a drop. "You, I think, have had plenty of this. We can't let it go to waste though, can we?" With that the diminutive shinobi gulped the entire cup down, then turned and walked off, cup and bottle still in hand.
Choji grumbled for a moment, defiantly guzzling down his last cup, before Ino put her arm through his, the side of her breast pressed tightly against him. "Hey, do you wanna get out of here, maybe get some air?" she asked, gazing up at him through a haze of alcohol. He stared down at the amazing display of cleavage her shirt afforded him for a moment, then slowly snapped out of it and met her gaze with an unsteady smile. They found themselves out on the street, walking arm in arm toward the flat Choji and Shikamaru shared. The cool breeze and exercise helped sober them up slightly; they made light conversation as they reached the flat and Choji let them in.