Author's Note: Sorry for the confusion regarding Shikamaru and Naruto's ages and when this story takes place. Basically you could say it takes place in an AU, because it's different than the show's timeline. Shikamaru and Naruto are 16. (Shikamaru's birthday is in September; Naruto's is in October) This story has taken place over the span of about one and a half months in the spring. All of the events up to and including the Chunin exams occurred as they did in the show. Sakura and Sasuke are both around and will appear in later chapters. Also, Lady Tsunade is Hokage. I hope that clears things up. Ask questions anytime, thanks for reading =)

Rumours

A few days go by and I train with Ino and Chouji perform my duties to the Leaf as usual… and spend time with Naruto, as usual. The weather seems to be the only thing approving of me as of late. Every day is bright and balmy and there is very little rain now.

Naruto and I have discussed Asuma's vague comments from every possible angle and arrived at the conclusion that we will simply have to ask Kakashi ourselves.

That's why, midweek and midmorning, we find ourselves following the elusive, silver-haired ninja for over an hour. We've only caught glimpses of him so far – one second you see him and the next you don't. Unfortunately, things often don't go according to plan.

"I knew you would come find me," a lilting male voice comes out of thin air, "sooner or later."

Naruto and I spin around to see none other than our target, Kakashi Hatake, standing before us. We were attempting to track him, not the other way around. How troublesome. Then again, it was arrogant to think we could sneak up on a sharingan user.

"Kakashi sensei!" Naruto says excitedly, not thrown off in the least.

I suppose he's gotten used to this transient figure popping out of the scenery. It never seems to faze Asuma either and he's known Kakashi for ages.

"Hello Naruto, Shikamaru," Kakashi says with a grin detectable only in the squinting of his visible eye. The rest of his face remains hidden behind his mask and Leaf Village headband.

We both say hello, standing shoulder to shoulder and watching Kakashi tentatively. You never know what you're going to get with a guy like him. That's why we've decided to make the first play.

With a nod to each other, Naruto and I link hands and stare back at his, once-more impassive, face.

"So it's like that now?" Kakashi asks us mildly. At least one of his eyebrows rises, the one I can see. "Well since we're showing our cards, Naruto's got a pair, Shikamaru's got a flush, and I've got a full house."

My cheeks burn and Naruto squeezes my hand, his gaze still on Kakashi.

"Why does everyone know before we tell them?" Naruto demands, jumping right into it, "Asuma knew and you know too. And Ino!"

I can't help but add, "Does anyone else know? Do my parents know?"

"As far as I know, no one else knows, but since we're on the subject, what exactly is going on between the two of you?"

His eye floats back down to our joined hands and I feel my palm start to sweat lightly. Naruto notices at once, of course, and gives me a searching look that is full of concern. Poor Naruto. He likes everything out in the open and that's just so not me.

"Naruto?"

"Naruto," my ears perk up automatically, "Eh…Naruto and I are –"

"In love," finishes Naruto, giving my hand an extra hard squeeze. I wince as my fingers are cramped in his grip.

"Yeah," I agree, frowning at him.

"I see" Kakashi says thoughtfully, resting his chin on his hand. "Exactly how serious has this gotten?"

"W-what…No, sensei. We're asking the questions!"

"Alright, Naruto. What do you want to ask me?" Kakashi says, sounding about as fazed as Naruto was when he popped up behind us. It's clear to me that they've spent far too much time together.

As soon as Naruto has the floor, he predictably forgets what we planned earlier. Instead of speaking, he nudges me.

"Do you know why Asuma told us to talk to you?" I ask reluctantly. "He was very specific."

"I've traveled a similar path in life," he says delicately, "The two of you should have known you wouldn't be the only ones in the village."

I feel my jaw drop as Kakashi openly confirms everything Naruto and I have been guessing since our talk with Asuma, two days ago.

"Alright Kakashi Sensei!" Naruto cheers, pumping his fist in the air with characteristic enthusiasm, "I always looked up to you!"

"You've never looked up to me," snaps Kakashi dryly. "Don't try and tell me that's going to change now. Now, come on. I need details. I have to manage this little situation you've gotten yourselves into."

Naruto groans as I gasp like a fish out of water. Details?

Kakashi continues, more gently "It would be a similar conversation if either one of you were in a relationship with…say, Sakura. Or Ino. As you can imagine, the situation is substantially more delicate because you're…well, because you're like me."

"I'm not saying you shouldn't have personal lives or that you should sacrifice normalcy for the sake of duty when it can be prevented. I am saying, however, that you are young. You're only sixteen."

"He makes me work harder,"

"He makes me concentrate,"

"I love him"

"I… do too"

Kakashi looks at us with a small, bemused smile turning up the corners of his mask. "That's very sweet."

"Sweet?" Naruto shakes his head frantically, "I don't know if sweet is the right word."

I shake my head vehemently.

We're given a chance to breathe as Kakashi continues to consider us for several long minutes. "There's one thing that's certain. The two of you make a good team."

Naruto flashes a smile in my direction before turning his attention back to his sensei, "Why's that?"

"It's simple. You're the number one hyperactive ninja and Shikamaru's a little more…" Kakashi glances up at me, "…laid back. You balance each other out. Also, Naruto tends to see the big picture while you, Shikamaru, can analyze all of the minute details."

Naruto looks completely awestruck by this new information, "Then why don't we get sent on more missions together, sensei? If we make such a great team and all."

"I've…advised Lady Tsunade against it. Through roundabout means, of course."

"Why?" I ask sharply.

Kakashi sighs, "Your behavior, both of yours, is unpredictable at the moment. You're young and, as you say, in love. The potential for fatality is greater than you realize."

The last thing I want is a lecture about the dangers of love from a guy who basically lives like a monk. Saying this out loud, however, is not an option.

"Plus, things could get really awkward, really fast, if your hormones take over during a mission."

"Got it," Naruto groans and I make a face of disgust.

"That's not even a…" I stammer, "We would never…"

Kakashi wags a finger infuriatingly in our faces, "Never say never, Shikamaru. Take it from somebody who knows."

"If you think I can't resist Naruto you are wrong, Kakashi sensei. Wrong!" I stamp my foot, feeling like a ridiculous, overgrown kid.

Kakashi looks at me in mild amusement, "Well, if you're really so sure, why don't we put it to the test? Naruto, come over here for a minute."

I watch as Naruto trots over to his sensei. Kakashi whispers something into Naruto's ear. I can't imagine what they're saying. I start to panic a little as I wonder what kind of test Kakashi could possibly have in store for me.

After a minute, Naruto begins to look excited, nodding his head up and down vigorously as Kakashi tells him his plan and smiles.

How could Naruto do this to me? I ask myself as Naruto turns to face me with a decidedly mischievous grin on his face. Oh no. He raises his arms and forms a familiar-looking hand sign.

What the hell is he going to do?

"Sexy Jutsuu"