A/N: So this has taken so long due to lazyiness. It was written and I didn't get to typing it. In my defense I have had a crap load of hw to do. Read…Review…be merry. That sort of thing )

--There's gonna be a party tonight

And do you think that you're invited

I know that you're excited

There's gonna be a party tonight

Wouldn't you think you'd know

If I were excited—The White Tie Affiar

Shino pinches the bridge of his nose, irritated. He's still not sure how or why he's allowed himself to be dragged into this and thinks Kiba must have used a genjutsu. Or something.

Really it's the only explanation. Or perhaps, maybe, if he had been threatened to do D-ranked missions again—but at this point helping fat, unclothed civilians out of sink holes almost seems more appealing.

Kiba grins beside him and Shino steels his face in order to prevent a childish pout. It's not very becoming of an Aburame. "Aw, come on. Hinata will be there, Neji too…I think." Shino turns his face forward, ignores the very annoying nudging at his shoulders.

Thought he has to admit, lately, he hasn't seen Hinata as much as he should have…and seeing Neji was generally a…ok experience. But still. Shino feels like all the forces in the universe are working against him.

Exactly why did Naruto need a welcome back party? And who decided Shino needed to be invited? Shino is very aware it more than likely occurred by association, probably Sakura who didn't want to hurt Shino's feelings.

Next time he'll have to make it a point to let her know her thoughtfulness…while nice…is unneeded.

Just because Kiba and Shino were friends (well more than that really) didn't mean they liked the same people…at all. Heck Shino wasn't fond of people as a whole to start with. And its not as if it's a secret that Naruto and Shino's "friendship" is strained at best.

So sure they could tolerate short lunches, nod in acknowledgement when they saw each other, but a whole four hours…not counting the high probability of Kiba wanting to stay longer….well that was most definitely pushing it.

Shoving it, hurling it off a cliff.

Kiba grinned beside him, looking handsome in a red v-neck and black slim pants. Shino felt some of his resentment simmer.

Usually, for example, if this had been Hinata's party, Shino could just avoid Naruto. But seeing as its Naruto's party—that wouldn't bode well and Shino's upbringing would not allow him such acts of rudeness…no matter how uncomfortable he was going to feel.

When Shino examines his options he's kind of…well in the words of Kiba—screwed. Because even if Shino happened to keep his distance from Naruto the night still would not be fun. Maybe whoever planned this forgot they aren't genin anymore. Things won't just move along peacefully and jolly.

Shino can only imagine the chaos that will erupt once Sasuke shows up. For one Naruto and Sasuke's relationship has always been complicated. Even more so than his and Kiba's. It didn't help that something (though what Shino is not sure) is going on between Sasuke and Neji. And now that Tenten and Neji had broken up things were strained between her and Hinata.

Mentally Shino ticks off every single source of tension and knows…someone did not think this through properly.

Taking a look a Kiba's grinning face, Shino sighs again. He forgot about the issue of Naruto…and Kiba—together. Shino mentally shuddered. And then—there was Lee.

Shino pinches the bridge of his nose again, exhaling lowly. "Hey, we're here." He can't help the disappointed slump of his shoulders. Kiba kisses his cheek and squeezes his shoulder blade reassuringly. This time Shino outright glares and braces himself for four hours of guaranteed hell.

As Naruto's shining face opens the door. Shino is sure Kiba used a genjutsu or something…like poison. And if so he hopes it will kill him…now.

"Hey Guys" Shino winces and wonders if perhaps Naruto was born with a microphone inside of him rather than a demon. "Naruto!" Kiba lunges towards Naruto, grabbing him in a strong hug. For a month they remind Shino of brothers and Shino can't really figure out what it is that makes them different.

But whatever it is…it enough to make Shino kind of despise Naruto. Finally Kiba releases him and Naruto does his well known half chuckle, smiles and nods in Shino's direction.

He waves them in and, with the cover of his shades, Shino rolls his eyes. When Shino walks into the modestly decorated apartment he searches for Hinata as Kiba's hoops and hollers permeate the room.

Deep down it frustrates Shino a little how quickly Kiba has created this space between them, how quickly he's off joking and playing with Naruto's like some kid.

Shino tries to shove these feelings down, swallow them as they come back up like acid reflux with twice the burn.

He decides to scan the room for Hinata and sees her in an intense conversation with Tenten. This isn't the right time to talk to her so he settles on making his way to Shikamaru and Neji's table, nodding at Sakura and Ino as he passes. "But I think they are now…right?"

He catches the last part of their conversation, notices how they stop as he walks by, and is perplexed but keeps walking. "Yeah that's what I heard but…it doesn't seem like it."

Shino really doesn't have time to worry about what two gossiping girls are saying anyways and keeps moving. Shino nods toward Shikamaru ,who with a bored but friendly expression, waves his hand in offering. "Thanks." Both he and Neji nod.

"We were just wondering when you'd show up."Shino shrugs easily "I was in no rush." That makes Shikamaru smirk and Neji nod in understanding. "Yes me neither. I've never been a fan of these gatherings outside of holidays but…Hinata wanted to come and its Naruto so…" Shino rolls his eyes.

If he didn't know better he'd swear half the population was in love with that kid. It was…off putting to say the least.

"So" Shikamaru's voice breaks his thoughts "you come with Kiba?" Its just a question but it feels…accusing? No but …searching? Maybe or just…perceptive? Well not innocent. Shino nods "Yes, he's here…somewhere." Neji nods, pushing a silky strand out of his face "I heard him somewhere. Probably causing havoc with Naruto and Lee."

Shino sighs…that was true. "Where's Chougi?" Shikamaru sits up and stares at him, face held up by the palm of his hand "Away he couldn't make it."

Shino feels a pang of jealousy, but doesn't say anything. He should have, if he had been thinking, just taken a mission.

Shino senses the chakra in the area shift and then shift again when he looks up Sasuke ahs hand on Neji's shoulder and Kiba has Shikamaru in a hug that looks more like a head lock.

Sasuke nods at everyone, lingers on Kiba. "Where's the dobe?" Kiba looks around, shrugs "dunno anymore" and grins, silly and maybe tipsy. Sasuke nods, never removing his hand from Neji's shoulder and Kiba is speaking lowly to Shikamaru, glancing at Shino who has steeled his face.

Well, they had at least lasted an hour without any confrontations. But now the stillness and tension in the room was rapidly increasing…or maybe it was just their corner.

"I wasn't sure you were coming." Neji tries to sound collected but his pupil- less eyes keep shifting to Sasuke's hand and everyone can feel his chakra sparking then being shut down again. Sasuke smirks. "Well its Naruto." And Shino can't understand why that seems to be the appropriate response.

Kiba laughs harshly, trying to break the tension, arm still draped around Shikamaru. "So long time no see huh." Everyone nods and Kiba stares at Shino his expression unreadable. Shino can't really figure out what's going on but it hits him for this weird split second that there's a really good chance Kiba has slept with everyone at this area—except for him.

Its really kind of pathetic.

And probably unreasonable but Shino can't help but watch as Kiba rubs at Shikamaru's shoulders still staring at him in that watchful way. Like a dog taking in a new surrounding. Shino feels like crawling out of his skin and see Hinata, like a beacon of hope, coming over.

She stops just inches away, eyes nervously flitting from each of their faces. "Hinata, yes?" Its Sasuke that speaks and Shino is sure she shudders. "O-Oh. U-Um. Sa-kura is, she's r-ready to do the c-cheers n-now."

Everyone nods and Kiba turns to her, pulls her in his arms and hugs her closely. She melts. Hinata is like that, craving affection but too afraid to ask. Shino stands first, more than ready to leave the area. He hugs Hinata loosely, whispering a hello. They walk together and Shino feels instantly calmer.

"How have you been?" Her stutter is gone now, she still speaks softly but more confidently. "Good I suppose. Better." She nods "and Kiba?" Shino searches the room, sees him grabbing the alcohol, "having the time of his life." He can't keep the bitterness out of his voice or the irradiation as Sakura begins some long winded speech and Naruto grins, rosy faced, arms around a giddy Kiba and solemn Sasuke.

He lets Kiba go, wrapping both hands around Sasuke and speaking to him with a broad grin. Sasuke places his hand on the small of Naruto's back and for the first time in a while Shino sees Sasuke be gentle…loose his bravado…his cocky smirk.

Everyone is clamoring for drinks, shouting things to Naruto who only seems to eat up the attention. "I'm going to speak to him. Will you come?" Hinata leans close so that Shino can hear her. He shakes his head no. "Its ok, go ahead."

Shino moves through the crowd, nods at Shikamaru as he passes and makes his way outside for fresh air. He sighs in relief as the cool air hits his face, the smell of grass in his nose.

Shino closes his eyes, trying to soothe his over stimulated nerves. "Hey" Shino keeps his eyes closed as Kiba walks forward. "Hey" Shino still doesn't move. "Shino" and Kiba moves to shove him.

Shino grabs his hand before it touches him. "Stop…being a brat."

Kiba pulls his hand back but Shino doesn't let go. "What's wrong with you? You're acting like you don't want to be seen with me." Shino sighs. Sometimes he forgets that for all of Kiba's bravado and oozing sexuality he really is insecure. Its understandable because Shino is too sometimes. He loosens his grip."No I just don't want to be here…"

"With me?"

Shino opens his eyes " No…at all." Kiba tugs again breaking loose. "Yeah…" he sounds disbelieving. "You know its ok if you know want to you know…be in public. I'm used to it and I'm sure its awkward for you…Mr. nobility being seen with me…"

And Shino cant believe they are back to this. He's sure he's tries to explain he doesn't care who Kiba's slept with.

Well maybe he does but not enough for it to effect anything and certainly not in the way Kiba thinks. He doesn't really know what Kiba is thinking or what to do to make Kiba understand that everything isn't some direct offense towards him.

So Shino kisses him, just grabs him and slams their lips together gently…attempting to reach him in a language Shino hopes he'll understand.

Kiba pulls back, smiles a little and rises on his tip toes to kiss Shino again softer. "Oh ok so then this…" and Kiba links their fingers together as everyone begins to file out.

In the background Shino can hear Naruto laughing, probably at Sasuke's expense.

"It doesn't bother you at all?" Shino feels his heart hammer, and wonders if Kiba has trained his nose enough to know the smell of nervousness, apprehension, uncertainty, lies. That's a scary thought in itself.

Kiba is staring , waiting and Shino can feel the weight of what he knows must me Shikamaru staring at him. He can't turn back now.

"No." He kisses Kiba again. Kisses him and hopes his kisses are more convincing than his sweaty palms.

-- If the people stare

Then the people stare

Oh I really don't know

And I really don't care

Kiss my shade…oh—The Smiths