THE FOLLOWERS! THEY ARE OVER 900!... I'm sorry, so so sorry, but when I saw that I couldn't help myself. I'm a bad person.

To the one who wished me a good summer… I couldn't help but laugh since I'm Aussie, it's winter here! Hence I have a cold.

To the one who asked if Tenten knew Naruto's gender now- No, but she does know that Naruto likes boys.

The way Naruto is standing at the gate is cannon! I even double checked with the manga since it wasn't to clear in the anime.

And lastly, the big question I keep getting asked. Is Naruto a boy or a girl? The answer is yes!

Now, let the torture begin! I mean the reading of the lovely, fluffy chapter. *shifts eyes back and forth*

Choji's POV, whoow! Changing it up!

He could hear them outside, pounding on his door and yelling his name. Three things kept him in the warmth of his bed and the mild embrace of sleep. The first was that if it was an emergence Shikamaru could pick the lock, or more likely Naruto would break the door down. The second was that he was very comfortable lying in his bed. The last was that he was a good friend.

He knew that Shikamaru would often seek out Naruto's company and since graduating the academy he had been looking for excuses to do so. They had seen Naruto's team doing missions around the village a number of times. Often Choji would comment that since Ino wasn't with them it wouldn't be so bad to actually talk to them. Shikamaru though, would simply stare before turning away and leaving the scene as quickly as he could. He had known what was wrong, even when Shikamaru did not. That was the difference with them. Choji thought too much with his heart, not looking at situations logically when it was needed. Shikamaru, however, had the opposite problem. He was ruled by logic. If it wasn't logical than it would not cross his mind for a long time. The only problem was: Naruto wasn't logical.

This was something he had known about Naruto for years. Something he kept to himself though. There were things about the blond that Choji did not say. He did not feel it was his place to speak them. He did know though that Naruto went on instinct, gut feelings and emotions. Unfortunately, when it came to other's emotions Naruto was illiterate. Unless someone stated how they felt about Naruto the knucklehead would not know. Unfortunately it wasn't logical to state your feelings.

He knew they meant business though when Shikamaru quickly turned to Plan B. In between their munching Shikamaru commented to Naruto that the blond should not be capable of being so loud in the morning. Choji didn't understand that, since Naruto was actually being quiet for once, but Naruto's reply made him think they were referring to something earlier.

"Shut up, you woke me up!"

"You wear really baggy pyjamas," Shikamaru commented lightly as they devoured the bag of chips.

"So?" Naruto replied defensively.

"They made you look very boyish."

"They're comfy… Don't tell me you're starting on the 'cross-dressing' thing again?"

This was not news to Choji. Choji didn't judge on appearances since he knew how it felt. If Naruto liked wearing both gender's clothing that was his business. Choji just saw Naruto as the gender he wore, since it was easier for him in his head.

The sound of them eating died down. They were at the last one, he knew it. He pounced from the bed, charging at the door. He snatched the chip from Shikamaru's palm, not caring that he was in his pyjamas. As he stared at the two challengingly he couldn't help but notice how Naruto was sitting cross legged, his face unguarded reminding Choji of a peaceful kitten. However, upon registering Choji's presence Naruto pulled back his shoulders, his soft features hardened as he jumped to his feet.

"Even for a bag of potato chips I refuse to let anyone have the last bite."

Naruto took on an appearance of shock, his jacket slipping off one shoulder.

"Choji and I have been on the same team for a long time," Shikamaru explained, his hands in his pockets. "We work well together, so asking him is a no brainer."

Grinning, Choji watched as Naruto started shouting at Shikamaru. He was glad that Naruto didn't seem to be insulting him, but more thought Shino was a better fit. At least, that is how he chose to take it. Naruto was always going to dislike Choji, if only a little, and the bigger boy couldn't change that fact, especially since he had caused it. As he went to eat his chip he noticed something darting towards him. It was Akamaru, his biggest rival. He had noticed how much plumper that puppy had became. Kiba had been feeding him well and now he thought he could steal Choji's food. Unfortunately for the puppy Choji quickly devoured the chip, devastating the animal.

"Shino can't do it. He's off on some special mission with his father right now," Kiba explained, not fazed by the way Akamaru collapsed in defeat. It wasn't the first time he had lost to Choji after all.

"Hey, wait," Naruto started, turning to Shikamaru. "Not them too."

Some things never changed from the academy. Naruto's expression was softer again, willing to show his curiosity and confusion. He stood close to Shikamaru and responded to Kiba but he didn't flinch anymore. Choji had hated the flinching. He had gone mute for a month around Naruto in the hope he could stop it.

"Yep. They're on the team." Shikamaru had a smirk on his face, watching Naruto out of the corner of his eye.

Choji wondered why until Naruto made it clear what the genius found so funny. Naruto screamed in frustration, Akamaru barking to match. At that reaction Kiba demanded to know what was going on. Choji quickly ran inside to change so he didn't hold up the debriefing. Shikamaru started explaining as they ran in the direction of the village gates. Shikamaru spoke of what Lady Tsunade had told him but the more he talked the more agitated Naruto became. It reached the point that he was breathing heavily, causing Shikamaru to stop; turning to stand in front of Naruto. The blond skidded to a halt and would have crashed into the dark haired boy if Shikamaru hadn't reached out, grabbing Naruto's hips. Choji and Kiba also stopped, looking at the two in confusion.

"Naruto, calm down." Shikamaru used a forceful yet kind voice, something that reminded Choji strongly of Shikaku. "Tell me what's wrong? What's got you so freaked out?"

"We need someone stronger on the team, like Kakashi-Sensei. Or someone who can… eat chakra, like Shino's bugs." Naruto's eyes were wide, his breathing still heavy. His chest rose only to cave in on itself, repeating the process. He either didn't notice or didn't mind that Shikamaru still held his hips, though they were just under arms length away.

"We don't need them," Kiba boasted. "I'm strong enough to handle anything they throw at us."

The look Naruto shot Kiba chilled even Choji to the bone. It was condescending, dark and powerful. Choji had never looked at Naruto and thought dark and powerful before. On the contrary, Choji often received the impression of Naruto being a scared puppy, yipping to scare away all that it was frightened of. In this moment, however, Naruto looked like a wild wolf, restraining itself by choice. The Akamichi boy stepped back, just as Akamaru whimpered, hiding behind Kiba's leg. Kiba looked shaken and pale. Shikamaru was the only exception. He grabbed Naruto's chin, making the blond look at him.

"Naruto! Tell me what is wrong!" Shikamaru pronounced every word slowly, making sure they got through. When he saw Naruto sigh he let go of the blonde's chin, his hand going back to Naruto's hip.

He hadn't thought Shikamaru was this bold with Naruto, but then again, Naruto wasn't stopping him. This helped to confirm Choji's theory. This was a shogi match! However, he couldn't tell if Shikamaru classed this as his turn or Naruto's. He had made a move, yet Naruto didn't stop him. Perhaps it was both.

"He's not right! Something is wrong with Sasuke. I told you about the fight on the water tower. There was something about him that was… dark. You know how powerful the chidori is. And I can…"

When Naruto trailed off Shikamaru appeared to pull Naruto just a little closer. Choji thought it might have been a trick in the light but could see that Shikamaru had definitely tightened his hold on the blond.

What? Choji thought, wanting to know the end of Naruto's sentence. He didn't dare to speak though, nor did he breathe too deeply. He prayed his stomach, which was empty thanks to his lack of breakfast, wouldn't grumble. If Naruto remembered that Choji was there, or even perhaps Kiba, he would stop talking.

"What?" Shikamaru breathed.

"I can sense him. Even now I can feel a pinprick."

Kiba sniggered at the way Naruto described what they assumed was Sasuke's chakra whilst Choji just felt confused. When did Naruto learn to sense people so well and why did it concern him? Shikamaru, however, looked shocked. His eyes widened, his hands on Naruto's hips slackening before tightening. He definitely pulled Naruto just a little closer this time.

"You only sense hostile chakra," he whispered, Choji barely catching his words.

"What's going on?" Kiba snapped, looking from Shikamaru to Naruto with a deep frown.

Shikamaru sighed. "Sasuke might not be at all willing to return. I was hoping that we would be able to talk sense into him but that might not be enough. We may have to fight him."

"What makes you say that?"

At Choji's words Naruto stepped away from Shikamaru, making the Chunin drop his hands. Naruto's face became guarded again.

"Sasuke seems determined to be the strongest." Naruto's face became pinched. "We got a clear demonstration of Orochimaru's powers. And… Sasuke doesn't seem to like how Pervy-Sage has helped me become stronger."

"We have to get moving," Shikamaru reminded them. "Naruto, tell us about your encounter with Orochimaru. It might help us understand Sasuke's frame of mind." He began running in the direction they had been headed, making the rest of them follow.

From everything Naruto told them about Team Seven's encounter of Orochimaru, and with Sasuke's behaviour after, Choji was starting to feel that the mission was going to be far from easy. He felt somewhat more at ease when Neji joined their team. Although the Hyuga lost to Naruto in the Chunin exams he was still a skilled fighter. His presence calmed Naruto down too. He probably realised that if Neji got close to Sasuke he could block the chakra veins and stop the Uchiha easily. Choji still wasn't sure why it didn't work on Naruto during the final exam.

When they reached the gates they took a moment to catch their breaths as the guards opened the large wooden doors. Choji looked at Shikamaru, waiting to know if he had a plan. He found his best friend leaning forward, his hands resting on his knees. His face was stony, something Choji recognised. Shikamaru tended to pull the same expression when he was 'taking inventory' as Choji dubbed it in his mind. The Nara was thinking over everything he knew about his comrades, of the terrain, what little he knew of their possible enemies, and of their mission objectives. If he found he had all the variables needed, he would formulate a plan otherwise he would decide what information he needed more of. This didn't surprise Choji, what surprised him was that Naruto had rested his elbow on Shikamaru's shoulder, neither boy seeming to find it unusual.

Shikamaru was not a touchy type of person. He enjoyed his space and became uncomfortable, fidgety even, when people came to close. Naruto, when given the opportunity was a touchy person. Choji had seen it with his own mother, who had managed to make Naruto open up to her. The blond had appeared to enjoy having Choji's mother stroke his hair, rub food off his face when he made a mess, and hug him when he left. Other than his own mother and Iruka-Sensei, Choji had not seen Naruto allow others to touch him until Shikamaru grabbed Naruto's hips earlier. Naruto had always pulled away from touching those who hadn't earned his trust. Allowing Shikamaru those liberties and returning them meant he trusted Shikamaru… or that was what Choji thought until Naruto questioned whether the dark haired boy could be leader.

Choji knew Naruto had trust issues but he thought Shikamaru and Kiba had at least made it so he trusted them to fight beside him. He couldn't tell if Naruto was testing Shikamaru, was just scared or really didn't believe he had the ability to lead. Shikamaru didn't blink an eye, answering Neji's request for a plan. When Shikamaru addressed Naruto, telling him that he would be third in line Choji looked over, noting the smirk on the blonds' face. He looked… amused. Looking back at Shikamaru Choji say an expression he was all too familiar with, thanks to Ino. Choji called it Shikamaru's 'yeah, yeah' face. He was clearly missing something.

Shikamaru turned to Choji.

"Fourth is Choji. You don't have the speed but you've got the most hit power in our squad. Me, Kiba and Naruto will create openings, and you will charge in to finish the game. Basically, you're the striker."

Shikamaru made sure they all understood the plan and checked what weapons they had on them. Before they left the village he made it clear they were all to work their hardest to get one of their own back, even if he technically left willingly. They were slowed down by a crying Sakura though. She begged Naruto to bring Sasuke back, something she really didn't need to do. Her fellow teammate would do anything to help Sasuke. Who wouldn't fight for their teammate?

"Don't you worry one bit," Naruto exclaimed, giving her a thumbs up. "I'm going to bring Sasuke back. I promise that on my life, Sakura."

"Wow, hold on, Naruto," Kiba said, moving closer to the blond. "That's quite a statement. Are you sure you should be promising her that we'll get him?"

Ninjas tried not to make promises lightly, which is why they never promised to return from a mission. It was not something they could always keep.

"Sure, when I give my word you can count on it." Naruto smiled at Kiba. "That's my ninja way."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Shikamaru muttered, looking over at Choji when he realised the bigger boy had heard him. His eyes were wide, if only for a moment, before they calmed.

He thought Choji didn't know, but truthfully, Shikamaru had trouble reading what was right in front of him. Choji had known about Shikamaru's feelings long before Shikamaru knew himself. He had seen it in the academy, the way Shikamaru had reacted when Naruto accidentally kissed Sasuke had told him everything he needed to know. When, after the second Chunin exam, Shikamaru started talking about a puzzle, a 'completely hypothetical' situation Choji nearly screamed "FINALLY!" He had been waiting for so long but he knew he couldn't tell his friend that. Shikamaru thought he was in a shogi match with Naruto. Shikamaru made his move and Naruto responded, either encouraging the genius to continue his strategy, or telling him to chose a new one. Choji wasn't sure if Naruto check mating Shikamaru was classed as a good thing or a bad thing but luckily it hadn't happened yet. Unfortunately it was hard to play shogi when only one person knew they were playing.

It didn't take long after they set out for them to discover that Sasuke had an escort that was deadly. They had to dodge perimeter barriers and trip wires. If it hadn't been for Shikamaru's quick actions Naruto would have stepped on a shadow wire. Their enemy was tricky. When they finally caught up with them they planned everything out in detail and yet, it went all wrong. They ended up traps in a dirt dome that was sucking out their chakra. It became clear quickly that Naruto didn't do well with being trapped. He yelled, and screamed, and demanded to be let out. Perhaps he was claustrophobic, but he wasn't showing the usual signs. Instead it was more like he didn't like being trapped because he couldn't stand being confined. Choji could feel himself weakening. He really wished he hadn't skipped breakfast. Even Naruto, who easily had the most chakra without food pills, was starting to show signs of weakness.

Finally Shikamaru came up with a plan. Choji recognised the look in his teammate's eyes. And then he had started talking. Whilst his best friend knew he had something up his sleeve and that he was trying to find variables for his scheming, the others did not know this.

"Hey out there!" Shikamaru yelled, looking at the wall. "Let me talk to your leader. I've got a deal to propose. What I'm thinking is you let us out of this thing and in return we let you keep Sasuke."

"Huh," muttered Kiba.

"But, Shikamaru," Naruto's voice teetered between confused and hurt, "what are you doing?"

"No deal." The words drifted through the wall as though there was not rock between them and their capturer. "I've never let a captive go before. I'm not about to start now."

"Ah, come on," Shikamaru taunted, "listen, how about you just let me go and keep the others. All this fighting I'm tired of it. It's really not my thing."

Kiba and Neji had reacted as expected. Kiba was loud and ferocious, Neji was quiet and calculative. It was Naruto who didn't react as expected. Shikamaru's shoulders had tensed when he spoke of leaving his team behind. He was obviously ready for the verbal and possibly physical assault from the blond. He would have planned a way to communicate with Naruto in those moments to explain without giving it away to the enemy, surely he would have, but it didn't come.

The blond's eyes had widened, a shuttering, almost silent breath being drawn into his body. This Naruto was all too familiar to the bigger boy. He had hoped to never see it again. Choji couldn't do anything about it though. He couldn't speak or he would ruin everything. He had to stay silent as Naruto looked as though he was imploding and as the enemy badmouthed Shikamaru. He found himself grating his teeth in anger and frustration.

Naruto's pain was replaced with anger. Vicious anger. The venom in his voice was palpable. His anger also made him say stupid things too.

"That does it, Shikamaru! You dirty little traitor, let's take this outside. Just you and me!"

When Kiba started fighting with Naruto Choji reached his limit.

"That's enough!" Choji growled, noticing the dark look on his friend's face. "Everybody just shut up." His tone seemed to surprise them.

"Huh, Choji?" Naruto asked, letting go of Kiba. His eyes were more guarded than Choji had seen in a long time.

Shikamaru instantly crouched, putting his fingers together. Neji obviously picked up on what was going on. Naruto, however, looked as though he was trying to hold onto his anger. Instantly Choji opened a bag of potato chips. Once Shikamaru finished planning he would need Choji's strength. It was how they worked.

"Ar, you've got to be kidding me! Is that all you ever think about?" Naruto yelled, pointing at Choji. He was angry again. Ignoring Shikamaru and focusing on Choji helped him. It was easier.

Naruto didn't trust him. He hadn't for years. Admittedly when Naruto had joined Choji's class the bigger boy had not been kind to him. He had ignored the blond for a number of weeks, finding his loud behaviour obnoxious but then Naruto had approached him. Naruto had smiled and spoken to him about nonsense. Choji had brushed him off, only to realise too late that it wasn't nonsense that Naruto had spoke. He had been referring to the conversation they had had when they first met. He just hadn't recognised the blond. As he realised this he had to watch as Naruto closed off to him, the nail with Choji's name burying its self into the coffin encasing Naruto's trust. His wasn't the only nail in that lid. Choji had tried to fix what he had done but he could tell that Naruto was cut off from him. He was at a loss of what to do until Shikamaru offered him an option.

Shikamaru had commented that they should invite Naruto to hang out with them and Kiba. Choji had instantly agreed but when he went over to the blond Naruto had shied away. He would only respond to Shikamaru, the one who had not lost Naruto's trust. Choji tried to earn it back, starting off with small conversation but the younger boy was not responsive. It baffled him that Naruto would be receptive to Kiba, who did nothing but insult Naruto, more than he was to Choji, who was being kind. It had taken Choji a while to realise why. Kiba liked to push people's buttons. He tried with Choji and Shikamaru but received no response so he moved onto Naruto, his new toy. No matter what he said or did though, there was no malice behind it, the same with Naruto's retorts. What's more is: Kiba showed Naruto attention, showed that he actually liked having the kid around, if only to annoy him. Naruto looked for attention even if it was negative. Kiba's was… playful, like a hyperactive puppy at times.

Choji remembered the quieter, easily startled Naruto he had first met who was so different from the Naruto he came to know in the academy. It had been this difference that had prevented him from connecting the two in his mind. Once he did though, he began to wonder what it had been like for young Naruto, to have everyone dismiss his presence, his existence. He had asked Shikamaru once. He wished he hadn't.

"Well, we all have our existence validated by those around us," Shikamaru commented, shrugging his shoulders. "When our parents yell at us for doing something wrong or dangerous it not only tells us we shouldn't do it, but that they care about us and what we do. When they point out the good things it's their way of saying they are proud of the person we are turning into, and that they are glad we are there. To have no one respond to that sort of stuff is like having everyone say they wished you were never born, that you just take up space and are more hassle than you're worth. I don't think I could live that sort of life."

That was what Choji had done to Naruto. The boy had been showing Choji how he had appreciated what Choji had said and had kept it with him and Choji… he had shown that not only did he not remember Naruto but that he didn't care what the blond did. Naruto had validated Choji's existence whilst Choji, like so many others, had dismissed Naruto's. That was why Naruto responded so well to Kiba and his barbs, because Kiba liked having Naruto around, if only to annoy and to be annoyed in return. That was also why Naruto would sit closer to Shikamaru than others, because the genius would ask Naruto random questions and actually note the responses. He showed Naruto attention different from others. He showed him curiosity and as they grew older, affection.

Choji had hoped that through the years at the academy he had won back Naruto's trust but as he munched on his potato chips to gain strength he realised that he hadn't. Naruto let him believe so for his own self preservation. It was Shikamaru's words that made him realise this. Naruto had been so quick to believe that Shikamaru would actually betray them even though Naruto was one of the last people Shikamaru would do that to. In the end Naruto would always be waiting for another nail to be added to that coffin, and once it was it became near impossible to remove them. Choji wondered if it would take a lifetime and if it did he would spend that lifetime ensuring that the nail Shikamaru had just embedded in the coffin did not remain there. Surely Naruto would understand when this was all over that it had been a rouse. Unfortunately his trust in people was limited, and the bigger boy knew that part of that was his fault, that he had helped to remove Naruto's faith in his friends.

Naruto tried to lash out, tried to have Choji or Shikamaru fight back but his barbs were weak. It was doubtful he could throw a punch strong enough to make an impact. When Choji had hurt him a wall had slammed into place, prebuilt, with a resounding thud. But with Shikamaru, Naruto didn't have a wall ready for him. Perhaps he had when they first met, when they first became friends, but Shikamaru must have dismantled it somehow. And now, Naruto didn't know what to do. He had no way of protecting himself from the pain he felt. Trembles were running through his body, he was starting to shrink into himself and Choji… Choji had no issue seeing that scared little child he had met at age seven.

When Shikamaru opened his eyes Choji saw his chance to help both Naruto and Shikamaru.

"Naruto!" Choji yelled, cutting off the blond. He didn't want to draw attention to Naruto's state, since the others didn't seem to notice. He also didn't want to point out to Neji and Kiba the fact that Shikamaru and Naruto were close. There was always the risk that the enemy would hear too. "You still don't get it, do you? Don't you remember what Shikamaru said when we came together as a team?"

That got through to the blond.

"Okay, Choji, keep your voice down." The way Shikamaru spoke was calculated. He was playing the part of leader whilst also trying to guard Naruto. He didn't realise what an edge he was teetering on. If Choji had his way he would never know what he just did to Naruto. He didn't need to know.

Choji was thankful when Neji was kind enough to explain to Kiba and Naruto what they had missed. He could see Naruto calm down. He looked raw though, as he looked at Choji. The bigger boy could tell Naruto had connected the dots to Choji and the potato chips. Naruto was more willing than Choji expected to accept the truth. He wondered if it was because it was Shikamaru, the one who had worked for the trust he had, or perhaps because Naruto had never had a betrayal repaired before. He was willing to forgive Shikamaru and even became angry when, upon their escape, their enemy started badmouthing their leader.

It was as he sent the others ahead that he made a promise. A ninja's promise. If he managed to survive this battle he was going to do the one thing he should have done from the start. He was going to go up to Naruto and admit what he did. He was going to apologise and hope that Naruto was willing to forgive him. No matter what though Choji was going to work hard, and never stop, to deserve Naruto's trust.

I know there's not much dialogue but Choji, similar to Shikamaru, doesn't actually talk a lot. They are very similar but at the same time the complete opposite in my mind. They are heart and mind. I hope you all like the touching into Choji's and Naruto's history (obviously it's not canon history).

I'm off to bed; I'm meeting with my celebrant in the morning, yeey!

R and R!