Shikamaru looked up into the sky and gazed into the clouds. He was lying on the grass with his hands behind his head. Usually, his head was clear when he was relaxing like this looking up at the pale blue canvas painted with those fluffy legless sheep. But today his head was all over the place. He closed his eyes, not wanting to think of anything.

A shadow loomed over him. He looked up and saw a chubby, smiling face looking down at him.

"Hey." Choji said.

"Hey." He replied.

Choji lay down next to his best friend.

"You okay?" he asked.

"No." Shikamaru said instinctively, regretting it as soon as he had.

"Why? What's wrong?" Choji sat up looking concerned.

"Forget it."

"Tell me."

Shikamaru looked up at his best friend. This was the man who had confused his head and conflicted his feelings. He was the man who made him question his sexuality. The man he loved.

"No, Choji. I didn't mean anything by it. Just forget I ever said anything. Okay?"

"I can't, Shika. You're my best friend. I care about you."

Shikamaru sighed. What was it going to take to make Choji forget what he said? He didn't even know how he felt.

"Shikamaru. Please."

"Please what?" Shikamaru snapped sitting up to face his friend. "Tell you what's on my mind even when I have no idea? My head is too troublesome at the moment."

Choji was taken aback. He didn't realise that Shikamaru was confused. It seemed so out of place for him not to be in control of his thoughts.

"The truth is, I'm scared and confused. I don't know what I'm feeling and I don't know what I'd do if you didn't react as I would like you to."

"What do you mean?"

Shikamaru sighed. He couldn't form a sentence. His head was swimming with possible sentences, but he couldn't choose one.

I like you more than just a friend, Choji. I love you. I need you.

He closed the distance between their faces and their lips brushed. He leaned further and kissed the Akimichi. He was about to pull away when he felt Choji kiss back. Shikamaru parted his lips to deepen the kiss.

Choji was the first to break the kiss saying, "Oh."

Shikamaru stayed silent.

"I love you." Choji said kissing the shadow nin again.

So what do you think? I just love this pairing. R&R