It was like a dream, only better.

Shikamaru chuckled at himself for having such a lame thought. Chouji muttered in his sleep, rolling over so that the two boys' faces almost touched. Shikamaru smiled, even though he knew that soon, he would have to leave. Through the window, as usual. The two had realized some time ago that Chouza might accept them for who they were, but Shikaku wouldn't, and they knew that Chouza couldn't keep a secret from his best friend.

So they had to. They kept it from everyone. Even Ino, but that was mainly because it would simply be too troublesome if Sakura found out, and Ino couldn't help but tell a good secret once she got hold of one. Then Sakura would let slip to Naruto, and everyone knew that Naruto couldn't keep his mouth shut for ten seconds unless it was filled with ramen. So it stayed between Shikamaru and Chouji. Chouji said it was more special that way, when just the two of them knew. Shikamaru admitted it was less troublesome than trying to explain it to his parents.

Shikamaru rested his chin on Chouji's broad chest, feeling the rhythm of the larger boy's breathing. After a while, he began to wake up. His black eyes fluttered open, and upon seeing Shikamaru, he sighed in contentment. Shikamaru's smile widened, and he yawned. Chouji laughed softly. "That's so cute," he said, yawning himself.

"Chouji," Shikamaru said, embracing him, "You're the least troublesome person I've ever met."

"I love you, too," Chouji voiced the underlying words in Shikamaru's statement.

"I wish…" He began, but Chouji stopped him.

"I know. You wish we could tell them." He gave him one last kiss before opening the window.

"Yes," He said, one leg over the sill, "But I also wish that we could have even a few more hours…"

"Waking up before dawn isn't really your thing, is it?" Chouji laughed again.

"Nope." He dropped to the ground. As he ran through the empty streets, he saw the red sun peek out from the pink clouds. He smiled to himself, knowing that he would soon be asleep in his own bed, dreaming of Chouji. But what they had wasn't a dream.

It was better.


My first ShikaCho! How'd I do?

I wrote it at like, 12:50 AM!