Disclaimer- I DON'T Own Naruto…I'd be typing on a better keyboard if I did.

Regular-Speaking

Italics-Thoughts

Bold-Flashbacks

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Something's not right, he shouldn't look that way." thought Shizune

Shizune was standing in the Hokage's office, just staring. She was just staring at Genma.

He didn't look right. Shizune couldn't decide what was wrong.

Shizune glanced at Genma's feet. He was wearing the same shoes. Plain black shinobi boots.

Then her well-trained eyes traced their way up Genma's leg.

"He's wearing his jounin uniform. Genma wears it all the time. Besides he just returned from a mission."

Shizune's eyes took in the familiar jounin's vest. Perfectly normal, give or take a little blood.

She saw the way Genma's weight shifted on his feet. He was probably wondering why she was almost gawking at him.

"What did you do?" asked Shizune in a soft voice.

She sounded concerned.

"What do you mean?" questioned Genma, in a grumpy mood.

He had a tiring mission. Genma really didn't need any crap from Shizune right now.

Aside from being tired and sore. Genma had run out of senbon. The feeling of metal in his mouth and in between his teeth was absent, Genma didn't like that.

"His voice sounds so clear, a little tired and annoyed but still clear."

Shizune knew what was wrong.

"I should have known from the start."

Her gaze left Genma's chest and to his mouth. First the right and then the left. Senbon free.

Shizune's strong and steady hand undid her weapons pouch. Tearing a senbon from its solitary confinement.

Her fingers gingerly traced his bottom lip. Genma didn't flinch from Shizune's touch; he had known her far to long to be fearful of cautious of her.

Shizune's skilled hands lingered over the corner of his mouth; where his lips parted for air. She tore it apart slightly. Then carefully slid the senbon between the gaps.

Careful to position it just the way Genma liked it. Then slowly removed her hand.

Shizune smiled up at Genma. He gradually returned the smile.

"That's what was different about you." whispered Shizune.

"You always know how to make Raidou and I feel better." Genma replied.

"I always told you both I would, take care of my boys." she laughed.