Pairing: ShikaHina

Some canon changes, mostly Asuma and Neji being alive. Crackshipping at it's finest LOL. But I had fun.

Ino elbowed Kiba. "See?"

He scoffed. "I didn't notice anything." At first, Kiba was amused with Ino's crazy imagination. She had come to believe that their respective teammates were an item. He laughed every single time she nudged him towards some sort of proof but he merely waved her off. Now it was getting annoying.

"She's made him lunch for the last couple of missions!" She pointed out. They watched as Shikamaru thanked her for the meal as Hinata insisted it was nothing.

"If that was your evidence, I hate to break it to you but she does it for everyone she goes on long missions with. She makes Shino's and mine all the time," he snorted. "Hinata is just like that. If anything, she's more of a work wife. Nothing romantic, just someone you rely on and have a good relationship with in a professional manner."

The blond puffed out her cheeks in disagreement. There was definitely something between the two. She didn't come to this conclusion irrationally; there were signs everywhere! At least that's how it looked to her.

Team Eight and Ten naturally got closer after news of an unexpected pregnancy spread. The teens came together to form a support system. Team Eight made sure that Kurenai was resting and looked after whenever Asuma was on a mission while his team made sure he didn't overwork himself. Team Asuma got to know the tracking team better but Ino noticed how two specifically seemed to gravitate towards each other.

After Mirai's birth, Hinata took on the role of primary caretaker alongside Shikamaru. It wasn't like everyone else had completely abandoned them; however they had other responsibilities to attend to. Ino had a flower shop to run with her parents, while Choji and Shino were busy with his clan duties. Kiba mostly ran errands since he still felt uncomfortable being responsible for a newborn infant. This left Hinata, who hadn't been reinstated as heiress, and Shikamaru. Ino assumed that Shikamaru would consider it 'troublesome' to care for the infant but he assumed the role readily.

"Don't they look adorable?" Kurenai mused from the living room while she was sipping some tea. She and Ino were chatting while Mirai's godparents fed her in the kitchen. The baby girl rested against Hinata's chest while Shikamaru held the bottle. "They're practicing for when they have their own kids." To which Ino laughed along. But now she wasn't sure that it wasn't true. Not that they were trying to create a family, but that they actually looked good together.

Asuma walked in looking beat; with a family relying on him, he tried to take easier missions whenever possible. However that meant more of them to make up for the missed income from fewer A ranked or S ranked missions. Kurenai would resume active duty in time regardless of how he felt about it. She pointed out that they were both shinobi and immediately shut down any counter argument on his side.

Groaning as he dropped to the couch, he looked lovingly at Kurenai. His wife snuggled next to him and Hinata brought Mirai to them. Yet every time he was greeted by Kurenai's kiss or his daughter's laughter, he told himself it was well worth it.

"We should be getting home," Shikamaru announced. "See you later, Asuma." The older man nodded and the teens walked out, leaving the family time to bond by themselves. Ino began to head home before she noticed Shikamaru was walking closely beside Hinata in the opposite direction. It didn't make sense since he was going the long way home. Intrigued by his strange behavior, Ino quietly followed them.

He had his hands behind his head while Hinata held hers in front of her. They talked in low tones but they would laugh every now and then. Ino's eyes widened as they stopped in front of the Hyuuga entrance. Shikamaru said something apparently amusing to the former heiress, causing her to giggle and playfully shove him. He stayed until she walked inside and continued on his way home.

Ino was giddy. This was groundbreaking news! One of her best friends actually had a love life, and never in a million years would she think it'd be Shikamaru. Choji seemed like the more affectionate type.

Before he made the last left turn, Shikamaru stopped and Ino jumped behind a wall. "I know you're there." He spun on his heel to face her direction. "Come out."

Cursing her lack of stealth, Ino carefully stepped out of the shadows. "Heeey, Shikamaru."

Defenses down, he relaxed his shoulders. "What are you doing here? I thought you went home already."

Frantically trying to find an excuse, she showed him her bare wrist. "I forgot my bracelet! Yeah that's it! I think I might've dropped it around here."

"You don't wear bracelets," Shikamaru deadpanned. "I can't remember you ever wearing one."

Her eyes looked around, desperate to make it appear like she was searching for the nonexistent item. A drawing on a nearby wall jogged another excuse. "Sai!"

"Sai?" He asked.

"Yes! He gave it to me." Ino furrowed her brows together in sorrow. "He'll be so disappointed if I don't find it."

While still looking unconvinced, Shikamaru offered to help her look for it. Ino felt bad for wasting his time but she'd never tell him what her true purpose was. Finally after an hour, Ino announced that she'd look for it later.

"Are you sure?"

Ino nodded. "Yeah, it wasn't an expensive necklace. I'm sure I can find a replacement before he notices it's gone."

She smiled but he cocked an eyebrow. "You mean a bracelet."

"What did I say?"

"Necklace."

"Uh huh… right." Giggling nervously, Ino poorly explained that it was a set and she merely got them confused. "Thanks for the help! Good night!" Before he continued with his incessant interrogation, Ino raced home.

Shikamaru stared in confusion before shrugging his shoulders.

.

.

"So what if we all head to the lake?" Sakura asked. Most of the former rookies had gathered for lunch, except for Neji, Sasuke, and Naruto. The latter of the two were constantly in meetings with Kakashi about Sasuke's probation.

The conversation quickly landed on the topic of growing apart and lamenting how rare their get together were until Sakura stood up on her chair, eyes full of determination with her proposal. "I'm free this week and I know some of you are as well."

There were a few murmurs of agreement before Lee jumped up as well and loudly accepted the invitation. "It will be truly wonderful to enjoy our youth in the company of friends!" Shino nodded, almost faintly but Sakura smiled as the group began to grow.

Scrunching her nose at Shikamaru who had yet to say anything, she called him out. "So what about you?" He sighed and shrugged. Feeling her annoyance grow, she asked him point blank. "Yes or no, Shikamaru? Use your words!"

He shrugged again and Sakura's eyebrow twitched. "Um, excuse me?" Her demeanor changed drastically as she turned her attention to Hinata.

"Hinata! Can you help Choji and I make the food for the trip?" Her eyes gleamed with excitement and Hinata bit her lip. "I know Naruto absolutely loves your cooking." She wiggled her eyes causing a faint blush on Hinata's face to appear.

"Actually, I can't go. I have some things I need to take care of," she said. Guilt was written on her face and she began to fidget under the scrutiny of the others. "I'm truly sorry! I hope you guys have a great time."

Shino put a hand on her shoulder. "It's understandable. Don't feel bad."

Sakura shot her a reassuring smile. "Maybe you can go on the next one?" Hinata nodded and the others began to move their schedules around to make the trip.

"I'm not going either," Shikamaru yawned out. "I have stuff to do."

Not believing him, Sakura leaned closer. "What kind of stuff?"

"Stuff."

They had a stare down until Shikamaru yawned again and Sakura huffed in exasperation. "Fine, but you better go next time!"

"Whatever."

Excitement grew as they began to plan it out, making what was supposed to be a day trip to the lake into a two night outing.

"See?!" Ino whispered to an irritated Kiba. "He waited until she said no and now he's definitely not going?"

"Shikamaru hates doing anything." Kiba retorted. "This isn't breaking news."

Ino dug her nails into his bicep. "If she had said yes, he would have gone as well!" Shikamaru was currently eying the heiress and Ino was becoming restless. "Look-!"

Prying her off of him, he whispered in her ear. "But she didn't so we'll never know." He shot her scolding look; as fun as it was, he didn't want rumors or gossip to swirl around Hinata. He'd be the one to hunt down the culprits who spread it rather than play a part in the rumor mill.

After paying for her food, Hinata politely excused herself. A few seconds later, Shikamaru threw his cash on the table and announced he had to go home. Ino raised an eyebrow and even Kiba looked surprised. Damn you Ino for planting ideas in my head! He shook them off but Ino pulled him off his chair.

"Actually I can't go. Kiba can't either." She dragged an irate Kiba out of the restaurant. "Sorry, forehead. But count us in for the next one." Akamaru followed behind them.

"What the hell, Ino?" He protested. "I really wanted to go."

"They'll be a next time. Don't you want to know what's really going on?" She grinned slyly as he looked unsure of himself. "We can use this opportunity to get to the bottom of things! What do you say?"

Kiba groaned and rubbed Akamaru's ears before conceding. "But this better not go south. Promise me you'll drop this after we confirm that there's nothing going on. Promise me."

Ino wrapped an arm around his broad shoulders, well as best she could. "I promise. If they really are just friends," she scoffed before continuing. "Then no harm no foul. But if they are dating, then it's fine too. I really like them together. I just want to know."

Kiba groaned, already regretting abetting Ino's plans.

"What's the worst that can happen?" she asked with a grin.

.

.

For the next few days, the two followed Hinata and Shikamaru around. "This is so boring! They've only been at Asuma's house and talked like three times outside of it. I missed out on a vacation with my friends for this?!"

"Shhh! They're going somewhere…" Ino narrowed her eyes. "That's the way to Shika's house."

Kiba stood up, disturbed by the information. "What the hell is she going there for?" He went to follow them but Ino reiterated that they had to lay low.

"I know a way in but you can't be huffing and puffing like some sort of caveman. Trust me." Quickly making her way to Shikamaru's house, Ino crouched under the windowsills with Kiba following close by. They managed to sneak in since Ino was obviously familiar with the area and Kiba didn't have his beloved canine companion with him. A large nin dog would undoubtedly draw attention to them.

Ino tried to listen to their voices before she picked up on something and got closer. The curtains were closed but they managed to make two figures out inside of Shikamaru's room. "Hold on. Let me get on the bed."

"That fucking pervert!" Kiba accused in a low tone. "How could he suggest sweet Hinata to do something so-?"

Ino rolled her eyes; first Neji and now Kiba? It's amusing how easily riled up the Hyuuga male could get about his cousin but it made sense since they were like siblings. However, the overprotectiveness of the men in Hinata's life made her pity her friend. She couldn't put it past Shino to have bugged Hinata so they'd know her whereabouts at all times.

Trying to see things from a different perspective and knowing how easily innocent things can be taken the wrong way, Ino thought logically for a few seconds. There were a number of reasons why Shikamaru would be laying on his bed. For one, the lazy genius liked comfort and stress free environments.

"Oh! A lot came out this time," Hinata giggled. "Let me clean it up." She hummed as she tried to put some of the oil back in the bottle. "That's the best I can do. I'll just use what's already on your skin. Ready?"

Outside, their friends paled. They couldn't be, Kiba desperately thought. Dear God, don't let it be!

Ino began to think along the same lines but quickly shook her head. Hinata was as innocent as they came, always so modest and bashful about the topic of sex. And Shikamaru…well, Ino didn't want to ever think of her teammate's sexual activities but assumed he had the sex drive of a sloth.

"I think we can try this some other day," Ino whispered in Kiba's ear. "Crawl over there so no one sees us. The Naras are kind of protective over their land." He nodded and they hurried over to the bushes. Ino followed behind Kiba and noticed he stopped moving. "What's wrong?"

"Shh!" Kiba tilted his head to the right. "Shit! Shit! Someone's coming in this direction!"

"What?!"

"Go back!" Ino quickly turned back and tried to ignore the noise coming from Shikamaru's window. He let out a moan and she squeezed her eyes shut. I don't want to hear this!

Kiba's eyes widened and he frantically reached to grab Ino's ankle but she was moving quickly. In her attempt to drown out her teammate, Ino bumped into a pair of legs. Shikaku stared inquisitively down at Ino.

"Ino-?" The two teens swiftly jumped and covered his mouth. They really didn't want Hinata or Shikamaru knowing they were there. Ino would rather talk her way out of this situation with Shikaku rather than Shikamaru's.

Kiba motioned his head to indicate they should move. Shikaku removed the pair of hands on him and opened his mouth to scold them when a frustrated voice nearby rang out.

"My hands are tired already," Hinata exasperated. "Why is it taking longer this time? You're not trying to prolong this are you?" Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"I'm really stressed. Why don't you go deeper?" he pleaded. "Please? It feels so good."

Huffing, Hinata pressed her hands deeper and received a moan in response. "Thank you," he muffled.

"When are you going to return the favor?" She asked. He didn't reply. "Shikamaru? Oh no you don't! Wake up!"

Shikamaru chuckled. "Aw, common. You know I suck at it."

"You can practice," Hinata suggested. "I showed you those techniques and it's the thought that really matters. I don't expect you to be as good as me. I have a lot of experience!"

"That seems like a lot of trouble…" They argued back and forth.

Shikaku, Ino and Kiba were speechless. An aura of awkwardness settled over them. "Maybe we should go," Ino suggested. The men nodded and began to tip toe away from the window sill. Shikaku mumbled something about going to the store and the unintended audience managed to leave the area unnoticed.

"What a selfish asshole!" Kiba harshly whispered as they made their way out of the Nara compound. "I mean, if she's doing that for him he should do it for her!"

Ino shuddered. "Can we not talk about this? I think we got more than we needed to know."

"Oh hi Ino!" Yoshino walked up to the teens. Ino froze. "Kiba! Are you guys looking for Shikamaru? He should be around. "Why don't you guys come with me to the house? I'll make you all lunch."

"No!" Kiba replied. Yoshino's widened at his outburst. "I mean, we were just walking around…not like perverts or anything…just walking."

Ino refrained from smacking her forehead.

"Okay… I'll see you kids later then." She chuckled as they hurried out.

A few days later, Shikamaru returned from his mission and collapsed on his bed. Looking over to his desk, he noticed a brown bag. Curious, he got up and looked inside. There was a small note with his father's handwriting. "Here's help. PS: We don't have to ever talk about it."

"A book?" Pulling it out, he read the title before dropping it like it burned him. "What the fuck?"

"How to Treat Your Woman: Sex Secrets That Will Blow Her Mind"

He stuffed it back inside the bag and threw it in his wastebasket. "What the hell?!"

.

.

Ino and Kiba sat in front of their teammates, excluding Hinata and Shikamaru obviously. Choji remained unconvinced while Shino gave no reaction as the other two rambled on. "Are you guys sure they're going out?" Choji questioned. "I mean Shika hasn't told me anything."

"100 percent."

"Absolutely," Ino added. "Believe me, they are doing things-" Kiba shot her a look. "Well let's just say that they are pretty intimate."

Shino shook his head and stood up. Kiba shouted for him to return to the kitchen table but the stoic male continued to walk away. Rushing to catch up with him, Kiba turned him around. "Don't you want to make sure Shikamaru's a good guy for her? What if-"

"Stop talking. Do you hear yourself? I'm disappointed in you, Kiba." His teammate stiffened. "I would have thought you above spreading such scandalous things about a person we both care about."

"Hey! We haven't told anyone besides you guys," Kiba angrily said. "I only want the best for her."

Shino slightly frowned. "I want the best for Hinata, too. But I also know he's a good person." He brushed Kiba's hand off his shoulder. "If that's the case anyways. Until she tells me, I won't believe it. When she's ready for us to know, we'll know."

"Tch." Kiba grumbled as he stared after his teammate. If Shino wasn't going to keep an eye on the situation, he'd do it himself. He failed to see Shino dispatch one of his bugs with instructions to follow Shikamaru. While not as obvious as Kiba, Shino was also protective of Hinata.

Kiba finished having lunch with Ino and Choji who still had a difficult time believing it. "I mean, Shikamaru is…Shikamaru. And Hinata is… Are you sure you heard it right?" Choji asked. They had dropped Ino off at her flower shop and walked towards the training fields.

Turning his head to hide a blush, Kiba muttered that he heard it perfectly. "Hinata was… you know. Shikamaru was really into it, too. Pervert kept moaning. Selfish asshole."

"Kiba…what are you talking about?"

"Damn it don't you get it?! Hinata was giving him a blowjob." Kiba erupted. He was tired of Choji's skepticism. His eyes narrowed at his companion who looked pale. "What?"

Choji gulped and pointed behind Kiba. Slowly turning, Kiba wanted the earth to open up and swallow him. Neji stared at him, jaw tense and fists clenched. "What did you say?" Realizing it was Neji who asked, Kiba lost the ability to talk. Incoherent babble spewed from his dry mouth.

"Kiba! You left the kitchen a mess!" Tsume hollered as she came into view. "I come home from a mission to a dirty house? Get your ass home right now!"

Kiba weakly protested as his mother dragged him away. He was half relieved to be away from the angry Hyuuga. Dealing with an angry mother came like second nature to him, but Neji was on a different level. He didn't know how Hinata dealt with it. "Hinata!" he called out. How could I be so stupid? He's gonna kill Shikamaru and Hinata will be locked inside the Hyuuga until she's an old woman.

"You can see her after you clean," Tsume frowned. "The faster you clean the faster you can go with your friends."

"But-"

"Kiba!" She roared. "This is not up for discussion."

Choji felt envious of Kiba. He'd gladly switch placed with him at the moment.

"Where is he?" Neji asked once more. He had just left a training session with his team but Tenten said she left one of her kunai behind. Offering to retrieve it for her, he came across very disturbing information. "If I have to go through you to get to him, I'll do it."

Tenten walked up and grabbed her kunai from Neji's grasp, which was kind of difficult to do since he was gripping it pretty tightly. "Thanks!" He didn't respond.

"Choji, where is Shikamaru?"

Refusing to answer, Choji prayed his friend hadn't done something stupid. Or at least he was prepared for the wrath that was inevitable.

"Isn't he with Hinata?" Tenten said. Both stared at her with disturbing stares, one full of malice while the other wore a pleading one. She was unaware; her attention was focused on examining any damage to her weapon. "They're at Asuma's. Something about a date night for-?"

Neji raced in that direction. Choji groaned and went to follow. "He and Hinata are taking care of Mirai for Kurenai and Asuma." Tenten looked up to find herself alone. "Where did everyone go?"

The Akimichi managed to arrive just as Neji was pounding on the Sarutobi's front door. Hinata, immediately confused by her cousin's haggard appearance, answered the door. He also raised an eyebrow at her attire. The clothes she was wearing were definitely the clothes she left the compound in.

"Hinata," he carefully said. Choji kept a respectful distance but looked around her for his best friend in an effort to warn him.

"Yes, Neji?" His cousin asked.

"What happened to your shirt?" His eyes narrowed as he waited for her explanation. The shirt definitely belonged to a male.

Suddenly feeling the center of scrutiny, Hinata began to fiddle with her fingers. "It got dirty," she replied. Hinata wanted to go home and take a shower. She glared at Shikamaru who strolled up, wondering who was at the door.

Not missing the scowl she gave the Nara, Neji clenched his fist in response. "How did it get dirty?" He skeptically asked.

Choji gulped as he glanced at the three other people. Hinata looked confused by Neji's persistent questioning while Shikamaru picked up on his hostility. "It's my fault but I told her I'd have it cleaned by tomorrow," he said. "But to be fair, I did tell her she was rocking too much."

Hinata gasped and lightly smacked Shikamaru on his shoulder. "I've done it the same way every time. It's you who was careless. Thankfully I had my hair up or it would've been a bigger mess."

"What did you say?" Neji gritted out. How could they be so vulgar about it?! The Hyuuga prodigy activated his Byakugan. He probably corrupted Hinata!

"Neji, what's wrong?" Hinata asked. "Why are you so angry?"

Harshly pulling her behind him, he got into a battle stance. "I'll defend your honor, Hinata."

Choji nervously stepped between the irate man and his teammate. "Neji, don't you think you're going too far?" He'd hate to fight one of his friends but Shikamaru and he were more than that; they were brothers and he'd take his side every single time. "They're both old enough to make their own choices."

"Honor?" Shikamaru was bewildered. "All this trouble over a shirt? What the hell? She's wearing one of my spares. Was it really expensive or something? I said I'll clean it and if it's ruined I'll get a replacement."

Hinata timidly put a hand on her cousin's shoulder. "Neji, it's fine really. Although Shikamaru should have told me he had already fed Mirai, he doesn't deserve to get pummeled over some baby vomit."

Confused, he stared back at her and scrunched his nose. "Vomit?"

"Yeah…all over my shirt." Feeling self-conscious, she stepped back. "You can't smell it, right?" Neji shook his head. Relieved she smiled. "So if I'm not that mad, you shouldn't be either."

"Your shirt was dirty because of that?" He clarified. Hinata slowly nodded, still baffled by his aggression. "I see. We should go home." The sudden shift in his mood confused them further.

Shaking her head, Hinata explained that she promised to take care of Mirai. "They hardly get time to themselves, you know. Asuma wanted to treat Kurenai on one of his days off. And after this mess, I know I can't leave Shikamaru alone."

Shikamaru snorted in disagreement.

"Well since I'm here, I can help you." Neji offered. "Nara, go home."

"Great idea! Shikamaru, let's go train okay?" Choji pulled him outside.

Looking at Hinata, Shikamaru frowned. "But what about-"

She smiled and waved. "It's fine. Neji said he'd help." Grabbing Neji's hand, she excitedly explained everything that came with taking care of a baby. His lip curled as she explained how to properly change a diaper.

"What was that all about?" Shikamaru asked as they walked away. "I think he's a bit tightly wound up if he's so worked over a shirt." Looking over his shoulder, he noticed Choji visibly relieved. "You okay there, Choji?"

"Yeah, don't mind me." He caught his breath. "Hey, Shikamaru?"

"Yeah?"

Choji looked at him before shaking his head. Ino and Kiba were crazy. If there was something serious between Shikamaru and Hinata, he'd be the first to know. He would just wait patiently until then. "Want to get some lunch afterwards? Loser pays?"

Smirking, Shikamaru nodded. Neji's behavior had his nerves on edge and he could release some tension.

.

.

"Don't you think like they're looking at us kind of weird?" Hinata whispered to Shikamaru. Subtly leaning back, he glanced at their friends who were disturbingly focused on them until he raised an eyebrow. Suddenly they pretended to be preoccupied with various tasks. Ino pretended to straighten up some books on the self while Kiba dusted the coffee table. Shino was carrying Mirai and elbowed Choji who kept on smiling expectantly at Shikamaru at Hinata.

"You think they're up to something?" he asked as he turned back to drying the dishes. Hinata wiped her hands after she handed him the last bowl.

She pressed her back against the counter. "I do. I noticed Choji and Ino following me around the village yesterday. When I went to talk to them, they just bolted. Like I had caught them doing something wrong."

Shikamaru motioned her to follow him outside. He slowly closed the door as to not make a loud noise. Akamaru was sleeping under a tree and Hinata rubbed his stomach.

"That's weird but not as weird as those looks Shino keeps giving me. It's creepy."

"Shino's not creepy!" She protested. "You just don't know him like I do."

He put his hands up, showing he meant no offense. "I'm just saying. It's like he's measuring me up for a fight."

Her eyebrows furrowed. "That's not right. Shino's never mentioned anything about disliking you. Do you think we should just be upfront about it and ask them?"

"Wouldn't hurt," he replied. "Maybe we're reading too much into it."

She smiled and nodded in agreement. He was about to push a stay hair away from her face when a boisterous voice interrupted the tranquility around them

"Hey guys!" Kiba shouted as he ran over. Shikamaru returned his arm to his side. "Why'd you run off? What are you guys up to? Hey 'Nata, can you help me pickup Mirai's toys? Shikamaru, Choji left and Ino wanted some help at the flower shop in like an hour so can you go? Akamaru, I'll bring your lunch in a bit."

They both stared at him blankly, trying to decipher Kiba's rant. Akamaru was the only one to respond, which he did with a happy bark. "Actually…" Shikamaru replied.

"Thanks!" Not a second later, Kiba dragged Hinata back inside the Sarutobi house.

He quickly followed and was taken back by the mess of toys; Shikamaru could have sworn the playroom was spotless the last time he left it. Hinata was quickly picking them up while Kiba moved like a sloth. "Akamaru has some new tricks he wanted to show you."

"Today?" Hinata asked. She bit her lip as he nodded eagerly. "How long do you think it'll take?"

"Aw man, there's so many. You might have to stay for dinner!"

Hinata picked up the last doll on her side. When Kiba had his back turned, she shrugged apologetically at Shikamaru. "Oh, okay."

Shikamaru frowned. "Okay, what's up? Why are you acting so strange?"

Kiba laughed nervously. "Who me? I'm not acting strange." Shino walked into the room with Mirai.

"Hinata, can you put Mirai down for her nap? I apologize but my father just sent a message saying that there might be an issue with one of the newer nests," he explained.

Nodding understandingly, she gently took the baby from his arms. The only ones left were a jumpy Kiba and an unconvinced Shikamaru. "Out with it."

Kiba inwardly cursed. He didn't want to be the one to confront either one of them about their relationship. However, he just couldn't stop himself from meddling. It irked him how Hinata hadn't mentioned that she was seeing Shikamaru.

Lowering his head, Kiba tried to ignore the other man but Shikamaru kept pestering him. "Do you have an issue with me? What is it with Team Eight that has it out for me?"

"Not all of Team Eight," he mumbled and walked out.

Shikamaru frowned and followed him to the backyard. "What did you say?"

Kiba turned around angrily. "Don't act stupid. We caught you! I never noticed because I was either too stupid or blind to see all the signs but Ino wasn't! I can't believe you guys are together and never said a damn thing. She's like a sister to me and if you do anything to hurt her I'll kick your ass!"

Ino had prepared some sandwiches for a job well done. She hummed happily when she found them, stopping when she noticed Shikamaru and Kiba in an intense standoff. "Hey guys…what's going on?"

Her teammate stared at her. "You tell me. Apparently you know more than I do."

Clicking her tongue at Kiba, Ino fumed. "You didn't! Damn it Kiba, we said we wouldn't meddle! Why did you have to open your big mouth?!"

"Like you're so innocent. Choji said you made him tag along to follow Hinata!" he retorted. Ino thinned her lips but couldn't refute it. Kiba smirked in triumph.

"Enough!" Even Akamaru was taken back by Shikamaru's outburst. "What did you tell them about me and Hinata, Ino?"

"I didn't tell them anything, exactly. Just pointed out some things I noticed. Then we went to find definitive proof," Ino sheepishly said. Kiba snarled as he stared Shikamaru down.

"And what kind proof did you find?" He questioned patronizingly.

"We went to your house. Hinata was in your room. She was…you know," Ino struggled. "Don't make me say it!"

"What are you getting at?" Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. Slowly, the pieces all started falling into place and he opened his mouth in panic. "You guys thought-?!"

"She was pleasuring you, okay?" Kiba blurted out. The tips of Shikamaru's ears grew pink and Ino scowled at him. "What? It's better than saying she was giving him head. By the way, you better be treating her extra nice. You aren't forcing her to do that, are you?"

"No!" He protested. "I didn't- We weren't-"

"Good because I'd castrate you otherwise," Kiba threatened. Akamaru barked in agreement. "I wouldn't make it quick either, Mister Selfish Lover."

Ino scoffed. "Oh c'mon, like that'd ever happen." Shikamaru was flattered his teammate thought highly of his skills. "We all know Hinata really likes it and would be angry with you for making him a eunuch. But Shika, you should know that it's not that hard to make a girl feel good."

Shikamaru's eyebrow twitched. "You guys are so stupid…"

"Hi guys!" Hinata ran up with a picnic basket. "We can have lunch now. The day is so beautiful I think it'll be nice if we have lunch out here. It's unfortunate Shino and Choji left. We'll have so much extra food." She began to set everything up, looking up when no one moved. Shikamaru sighed and started to help her.

"Hinata, I told them," he said. "Apparently they spied on us when you came over. They seem to think there was more to your help than a friendly gesture."

"That's why you guys are acting so weird?" Hinata asked as she handed Ino a drink. "Are you guys just too shy to ask me to do the same for you? Honestly, I'd it for anyone who needs it. Shikamaru knows I'd never refuse a request," she innocently replied. "You can say he's a repeat customer. He's so needy." Hinata giggled but no one laughed along.

Ino choked on her drink and coughed violently. Shikamaru was blushing furiously while Kiba looked traumatized.

"Anyone?!" Kiba shouted while he paced. "Oh man, I knew there was something going on. This is so messed up. Ino, check Hinata's mind. Something's horribly wrong."

Baffled by everyone's behavior, Hinata slightly furrowed her eyebrows. She wondered what was wrong with giving massages. "What are you talking about? I'd offer to do it for you, Kiba," she pointed out. "But I know you're so ticklish."

"I'd never! I mean, holy shit Hinata!" The Inuzuka jumped back and pointed at her accusingly. "What's going on? Is someone blackmailing you? Did your dad cut you off? If you need money you don't need to do that!"

Ino nodded vehemently. "I'll get you a job at the shop and make sure you go to therapy. I'll foot the bill if I need to. How does that sound?"

Feeling a headache coming on, Shikamaru rubbed his temple. "You two have got to be the dumbest people I know," he muttered. However, Hinata was unknowingly adding to the misunderstanding.

"Why would I need therapy?" Hinata felt uneasy. "It's not like that. Shikamaru thinks I should make a small business out of it. But I feel bad about making people pay for it and I don't want this to get back to my father." Said male stopped muttering to himself and looked at her in horror at the implication of her words.

Ino gasped with indignation while Kiba narrowed his eyes and growled at the other male. "You fucking scumbag!" He launched himself at Shikamaru and they began to tussle while their teammates tried to separate them. Hinata wrapped her hands around Kiba's waist as she pulled him away.

"Kiba! What has gotten into you?!" She exclaimed. "I said you'd get it for free. You always will if you promise not to giggle every time I touch you!"

This only caused Kiba to struggle harder against her hold. Ino was trying to calm the feral looking male as well, shouting accusations at Shikamaru whose patience had worn thin.

Shikamaru used the Shadow Imitation technique and forced Kiba into a still posture. "Everyone shut up! There's obviously been some sort of miscommunication going on and stupid insinuations floating around." Ino scoffed and he scowled at her.

"What do you mean?" Hinata innocently asked. Shikamaru turned his gaze away from her as he began to explain.

"They think we were doing things…" he began. She tilted her head in confusion and he sighed uncomfortably. "In my room…"

"But we were," Hinata interrupted. "I gave you a-"

"We don't need to hear everything!" Ino pleaded as she covered her ears. "What you two do is between you guys, I get that now. I know we shouldn't have spied but I didn't think you guys would already be there."

"I don't care if they were doing that or if Shikamaru sucks as a partner," Kiba yelled. Shikamaru rolled his eyes, not knowing where he got that particular assumption. Frankly, it was insulting. "But I do care if he's making her do other guys!" Unable to move, he ordered Akamaru to attack Shikamaru but he whined in protest. "C'mon, Akamaru!"

"We weren't doing anything inappropriate!" He retorted.

Ino shot him a skeptic look. "Please, I know what we stumbled upon."

"What's so bad about a massage?" Hinata wondered. She knew that her father and some of the Hyuuga wouldn't appreciate her using her skills to help others this way. They'd see it as lowly and an insult to their teachings so she didn't advertise her assistance to the general public. "I won't do it if this upsets you. I still don't know why it does but can you stop fighting if I never do it again?"

Not wanting to be deprived of her magical touch, Shikamaru shook his head in protest. "There's nothing wrong with them, Hinata. These two think you were getting me off," he said. When she gave him a blank look, he motioned to his crotch. "You know, sexually…"

"Oh…OH!" She turned angrily to Kiba and smacked the immobile man on his shoulder. "How could you think I would…What's wrong with you?!" She smacked him again. "It was just a routine massage, you pervert!" Shikamaru let it go on for a few minutes before he released Kiba.

"Stop! Damn, Hinata. I was just looking out for you!" He said as he shielded himself. Kiba knew she was upset but was glad she hadn't resorted to her family's signature jutsu. He grasped her hands and pulled her close. "I'm sorry, okay!"

Breathing hard, she refused to look at him. However, in her line of sight stood a sheepish looking Ino. "He he…its funny how twisted things can get, right?"

Never had she felt so offended. These were her friends and while they said they had her best interests at heart, they had also assumed the worst of her. To think that she would prostitute herself… the mere thought nearly brought tears to her eyes but she refused to cry. Her face red with humiliation, she looked up at an apologetic Kiba. "Hina? I'm really sorry."

"We all are," Ino added. Shikamaru looked at her and scoffed; he was not guilty in any way.

"Stupid…" she pouted. "I should k-kick your ass."

Kiba gave her a guilty smile and slowly they began to chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Hinata sniffed and asked them to clarify how they even came to that conclusion; even Shikamaru snorted every now and then as they retold their misguided adventure. "So you can see how we got here," Ino simplified. "But next time, we'll just be upfront about it and ask."

"Man, I'm glad we cleared that up. At least it was just a couple of us that thought that," Kiba added casually.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. "What do mean? It's not just you two." Kiba shook his head.

"Nah, Choji and Neji thought they caught you two after doing the dirty deed," he recalled. Hinata and Shikamaru visibly relaxed. At least they had cleared up that misunderstanding rather quickly before anyone came to blows. "Oh! And your dad was with us when we were spying on you guys." Kiba laughed. "Man, that must've been awkward for him."

Craning his neck to face the sky, Shikamaru figured out why his father had left him that book. "You guys suck." He took in that information better than Hinata.

"Shikaku thinks I was…What if he tells my father?!" she began to hyperventilate before her eyes closed. Ino was quick to catch her before she slumped to the ground.

Kiba dropped his sandwich but was prevented from helping her up by Shikamaru. "I'll take her inside. You are going to help Ino out at the shop and you're going to tell my dad everything." He didn't want to have the conversation with his father about it but he couldn't allow him to think Hinata was like that. His father wasn't one to gossip but if Hiashi even caught a whisper he didn't know who would have it worse, him or Hinata.

"Go."

The dark tone in his voice made Kiba readily agree. Ino hastily put everything in the basket and followed him. He softened his stare as he looked down at the young woman in his arms. She woke up a few minutes later, getting up from the couch bit wobbly. He gently pushed her to sit back down and handed her a cold glass of water. "Take it easy."

She groaned as she rubbed her temple. It had been so long since she had a fainting spell but her fears had overwhelmed her. "Where is everyone?"

"Clearing up everything," he replied with a smile. "I doubt we have to worry about your father anytime soon."

"Do you want to...Maybe we should cancel our..." She mumbled. "They'll think we were lying and I understand if it's too much."

"No," Shikamaru responded firmly. "Once Kurenai returns from the store, we'll go on our date. Unless you want to cancel. I don't want to cause you any trouble."

She straightened up. "No! I mean, I was thinking about you. Kiba and Neji wanted to attack you. Even Shino was giving you those looks."

Touched by her concern, he sat next to her. "I don't care. So do you want to go?"

"I do." She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "I can't wait."

Shikamaru had really enjoyed her company and couldn't ignore the butterflies whenever she looked at him with those lavender tinted eyes. The time they spent together had made him realize Hinata was a wonderful person. She was perceptive of the stress weighing on his shoulders and helped as best she could; whether listening to his troubles or her wonderful massages, Hinata was a godsend.

He didn't know that she had also become smitten with him. It has caught him by surprise when she asked him out two days ago but his acceptance was automatic. He knew how hard it must've been for her to be so forward after putting herself out there last time but he was delighted.

Mirai's cries interrupted their moment. "I'll get her," Shikamaru said. "You just relax."

.

.

Shikamaru wanted to choke Kiba as he scarfed down another bowl. Ino reached around him to grab the salt and Hinata could only smile as their friends unknowingly interrupted their date. "So then Shikaku said he didn't want to talk to me again," Kiba continued his story. He wiped his mouth. "Shino says he knew already but c'mon."

"I told you to leave things alone," the bug user replied. "But your lack of manners continues to make you a pest. Can't you see how rude you're being right now?"

"Hey, we came to eat here and happened to find them," Ino argued. "Hinata and Shikamaru don't mind us sharing a table. Right, guys?"

Shrugging in defeat, Shikamaru quietly ate his food.

"See? If you feel weird being here you can leave," Kiba said. "But the four of us are going to enjoy a nice meal amongst friends."

Without another word, Shino stood up. Hinata went to grab his arm but he shook his head. "It's fine. Enjoy your meal. We'll be leaving now." Grabbing Kiba's collar, he pulled the other male along. "Make a bigger fuss and I'll send some bed bugs to your room. Just your room. Coming, Ino?"

She gulped and paid for their meals. "C-coming! See you guys later!"

Now alone, they could return to their date. His nerves almost got the better of him for the majority of the date but he remembered who he was with and enjoyed the rest of their time together. He intertwined their hands as he walked her home and she blushed. He smirked at her bashfulness. "If only they could see us now," he mused. "How long do we have before they drive us crazy again? I say less than a week."

Hinata giggled and felt a bit saddened when they reached her house. "I had a good time."

"Just good? Not great?" he asked. "Great. It's bad enough that they thought I was lousy lover. I suck at dates too."

He was joking but Hinata felt she had upset him. "Oh! No, I mean I had a great time!" she frantically replied. "I can't wait for next time!"

"Good," he smirked. "Because I wasn't planning on making this a one- time deal."

She brightened up, picking up on his playfulness. "I can't wait. Goodnight." She turned when he called her name. "Yes?"

He pressed his lips against her cheek. "Good night." She touched the skin where his lips previously were, blushing as she walked inside.

Shikamaru waited until she was safely inside and began to walk home. He rounded the corner before sighing. "Again?"

"I knew it," Shino replied. "I knew you two were on a date. Most likely your first since you were uncharacteristically nervous when we left the table."

"Yeah?" They walked side by side. "Are you going to tell everyone?"

He shook his head. "I'm not like Ino or Kiba. They've intervened enough."

Shikamaru glanced at him. "Then why did you follow us?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were being a gentleman." Shino stopped walking when they were near the Aburame clan's compound. "Though I am quite sure you don't need me to tell you what will happen if you hurt her. Once you two are ready to tell everyone else, you better be ready for the headaches."

"I don't plan on hurting her, but yeah I get how many people are willing to maim me."

"Good." Shino began to walk away. "But I'll have your back if you and Hinata are willing to deal with them. You two are good for each other. You make her happier. I noticed her change and now I know you had a big part in it. Thank you."

Taken back, he nodded. When he walked inside his home, Shikamaru nearly bumped into his father. The awkwardness was stifling. "So…did you have a good time?"

"Yeah…" Shikamaru forgot that he had told his father about his date. It was before he knew that his father thought he and Hinata were sexually active. The thought brought some arousing images to his mind but he tried to ignore them. Getting a massage from her would be difficult to deal with until he controlled his thoughts. Damn Ino. Damn Kiba.

Shikamaru tried to walk around his father but he stopped him. "You know if you and the Hyuuga girl ever… you might want to go somewhere more private. I know you aren't yet…but our forest is really secluded. I've used it many times-"

"Good night!" He hurried to his room. "How troublesome." As exasperating as everything had become, Shikamaru didn't regret getting close with Hinata. He stretched out on his bed and went to sleep knowing that there was at least one person in his life who could keep him sane.

AN: So there we have it. My schedules become much more restricted but I am drafting up some Sasuhina pieces and outlining a greater story. Here's to hoping my free time opens up.

Thanks for all the feedback!