Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Inuyasha.

Of Books and Librarians

Chapter 4

Shikamaru learned from a young age that surprises led to trouble. When Shikamaru was a child, he had made plans to go to the flower fields to enjoy his beloved pastime of watching the clouds. It didn't turn out as planned because he ended up meeting a blonde girl that had been picking flowers in his secret spot; that girl turned out to be his father's best friend's daughter; that girl turned out to be his classmate; that girl turned out to be a fan girl of the Uchiha; that girl turned out to be a team mate; that girl turned out to fall out of love of the Uchiha and set her sights on him.

He didn't like surprises.

Maybe it isn't suitable to be called 'surprises' it is more like 'seemingly innocent and unexpected events that lead to a chain of unpleasant occurrences for him'. Then again, that could be termed as a surprise; when he was a child he was surprised in seeing that blonde little girl in his secret flower field, then said girl became a permanent-troubling-fixture in his life.

He didn't like surprises.

"Nara-san?"

A familiar voice reached his ears and Shikamaru was pleasantly surprised at seeing the lovely lady that he had without for the past week. Kagome. "Higurashi-san, what a pleasant surprise." It was a pleasant surprise.

Kagome smiled at him as she adjusted the strap of the purse over her shoulder. "Nice to see you as well Nara-san." A tiny pout made her strawberry glossed lips purse alluringly - though Shikamaru was sure that it was not supposed to be lustful, and more of disapproval and question. "You hadn't been by the library lately."

"I'd been on a mission." Shikamaru was surprised that she had even noticed that his presence was missing. This new piece of information was definitely enlightening - to miss him, must mean that Kagome Higurashi liked his company.

Kagome's blue eyes traveled down his body - Shikamaru was certain that it was her way of inspecting him of any injury, but he liked to entertain the idea that she was checking him out. "I'm glad you came back safely."

Kagome, the starring librarian in most of his fantasies as of late, concerned over his safety? "I can't tell you of the details, but everything went smoothly."

"OK," Kagome smiled at him as she nodded her head in understanding.

Shikamaru watched as a few ebony strands came tumbling down from the loose bun behind her head. It had been a while since Shikamaru had seen Kagome, so he took his time in taking in her appearance and figure while she stood there before him. It was a Sunday (and the library was always closed on Sundays) Shikamaru was blessed in being given a chance to see Kagome outside of her Librarian outfits. Kagome was wearing a fitted white tank top that had an empire waist and a plunging dip between her breasts; she had on a pair of dark navy blue skinny jeans that were like second skin, hugging her curves quite nicely; on her feet were white strapped thong sandals that had a thin inch heel. It was simple yet very alluring and tempting to Shikamaru - especially that tank top that only provided white triangular pieces of cloth to cover her breasts.

A frown marred Shikamaru's features as he pondered over her outfit. She was dressed well enough to be going on a date; to be picked up for a date; to be looking for a date.

"Is something wrong?" Kagome drew her delicate brows together in a frown.

"No."

It was his fault really. Shikamaru knew that nothing good came out of surprises - even if that surprise came in a very sexy package such as Kagome. He should have kept his guard up. He should have covered his face with the menu to elude her attention. But he drew her attention, kept it, and dropped his guard down.

A familiar presence washed over him as he turned his attention towards the blonde that he had never been able to escape. Any other day, he would have greeted Chouji first, but it wasn't good to keep Ino mad. "Ino, Chouji, you guys are late."

Ino looked over his shoulder (gauging Kagome) before averting her gaze back at him, a smile on her lips. "Shikamaru, how rude of you, you haven't introduced us to your companion here."

Trouble.

"This is Kagome Higurashi, she's a librarian." Shikamaru ignored Chouji who was giving him a pointed look and a subtle wiggle of his brows. He really didn't need that right now, especially with Ino around to witness it.

"Nice to meet you, Higurashi-san, my name is Ino Yamanaka-" Ino gestured a hand towards Chouji, "-and this is Chouji Akimichi. We are Shikamaru's team mates."

"Pleased to meet you." Kagome bowed to them, and Shikamaru was internally berating himself for not looking down her shirt. He also had to remember to hit Chouji for staring too long.

"So what brings you to this bistro?" Ino sat in the booth beside Shikamaru, pushing him farther from Kagome.

Troublesome.

"I'm meeting a friend." Kagome looked at her watch, "I'm sorry, but I need to get going. It was nice to meet you Yamanaka-san, and Akimichi-san." Kagome turned her attention to Shikamaru, "Hope to see you soon Nara-san."

"Goodbye." Ino waved Kagome off as she walked deeper into the bistro.

Shikamaru didn't get a chance to enjoy the view of watching Kagome's derriere move as she walked away from him - he knew it would have been a fantastic sight, especially in those skin tight jeans. He just couldn't risk angering Ino. Though he had a confirmation from Chouji that it was a beautiful sight - he was drooling and couldn't stop staring at the direction that Kagome walked off too. Shikamaru made a mental note to remind Chouji of their rules.

"A librarian?" Chouji leaned across the table towards Shikamaru, disbelief and wonder on his face. "Is that some sort of code word or is she actually a librarian?"

Rule number one: Don't talk about prospective girls around Ino and Temari.

Shikamaru ignored the killing intent and heated stare that Ino was throwing at him. "She's just a librarian. She works at the old library down in cedar street."

"You were there for the art." Ino accused him.

"With her as the librarian? Yeah, I bet everyone is there for the art." Chouji's remark had caused Ino to bristle some more with anger - and he continued to fan the flames. "Do you, or have you, even opened a book there? Anyway, you've got to take me the next time you go there."

"I do read there." Shikamaru glanced towards Ino who was staring at him with icy blue eyes that accused him of lying - which was rude because he was still reading Demonology: From Above and Below.

Shikamaru was relieved when the waiter came. Though it didn't last long.

"You have any hard liquor?" Ino looked at the waiter expectantly.

Out of all the bistro's in the city, Kagome had to choose the one he was in - or was it that he chose the one that Kagome came to. Out of all the days they meet outside the Library, it was on the day that he was with his team mates - particularly Ino. Most importantly: On the day he gets to see Kagome in sexy civilian clothes, he was monitored by Ino, making any attempts of even a minute glance at Kagome, dangerous.

Wait a minute.

She's meeting a friend: Guy or girl?

A/N: Did you like it?