Our Love Will Last Forever

Chapter Ten: Actions Speak Louder

"Juuzou, are you sure you're fine going home by yourself?" Shinohara called, leaning out of his office.

Juuzou turned around and started walking backwards. He saluted his partner and replied with a smile. "Yeah, I'll be fine! Shikamaru is taking me to get donuts!" He waved and tripped backwards into the elevator as it opened and someone else departed. He hummed loudly to himself as he pressed the Lobby button and the doors closed before him.

Shinohara stared after him with an amused smiled. "Maybe I should have told him that the donut store is closed on Wednesdays."

—

Juuzou got off the elevator and headed for the building's exit, swaying as he hummed. He opened the door to find Shikamaru waiting for him just outside, leaning coolly against the wall. He glared when Juuzou appeared. "You're twenty minutes late," he complained, scowling.

Juuzou shrugged. "Sorry Shika-chan~ I was finishing a report."

Shikamaru tsked. "I bet you didn't even start it."

Juuzou clapped his hands together. "Ahhh~ You caught me!"

"Whatever," Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Let's get going; I have work to do."

They made their way to the donut shop only to discover that it was closed. Juuzou was discouraged. He complained loudly about not having any sweets.

"How troublesome," Shikamaru groaned. Glancing around the area, he spotted a vending machine pressed up against the side of the donut shop. "Hey Juuzou, c'mere." He called, pulling out his wallet.

"Ehhh?" Juuzou despaired, drifting after his friend.

"What d'yah want?" Shikamaru asked.

Juuzou's eyes brightened as he spotted the vending machine. "Everything!" He declared.

Shikamaru smacked the back of his head. "I'm not buyin' you everything in this vending machine, Juuzou."

Juuzou's mood was not dampened. "Then how about half of everything!" He bargained.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "You're so troublesome." He put a few dollars in the machine and typed in some numbers. A few candy bars fell down and he handed them all to Juuzou, who squealed with delight.

"Thaaaaank you, Shika-chan~"

"Don't call me that! I'm not a girl." Shikamaru retorted.

They walked out into the daylight of their love.