You have all been spoilt with two chapters in two days. I really need bed now though. So goodnight everyone… or morning… it's 3:30am! Also I went back and fixed Kurenai's name in this chapter… I hate the spelling of her name, it's hard.

He didn't think it was possible for the body to feel so numb. That was the only response he had towards breaking Kurenai. He had to witness the kind, caring woman's heart shatter and he was the one to cause it. He had hoped that being the one to tell her would soften the blow but he realised too late that there was nothing to stop it. She fell to her knees crying and Shikamaru crouched, putting a hand to her shoulder. White noise filled his ears, drowning out Kurenai's pain. When she picked herself up, saying she wanted to be alone, he didn't stop her.

The funeral preparations wouldn't take long. Someone who was proficient with earth type jutsus would be making the tombstone now, putting Asuma's name on the slab. Medical ninjas from the morgue would be preparing his sensei's body. Funerals in the Leaf weren't a ceremony like in the Sand. The body was buried and the tombstone in place before people arrived to say goodbye. Words are said about the deceased next to their burial place and the one they loved the most was the first to put flowers down. Kurenai would be that person.

Shikamaru couldn't help but wonder who would have been the one to put flowers on his grave if he had died instead of Asuma-Sensei. It would probably have been his parents, since, although romantic love always came first in funeral rites, not many knew of his feeling for Naruto. He definitely wouldn't want her finding out through his death. Thinking of Naruto must have affected his directions for he found himself outside her apartment, even though he knew she wasn't home. He turned to leave only to find the door opening and Naruto looking out.

"Hey, Shikamaru, did you want to come in?" Naruto held the door open for him, allowing him to spy a distraught Konohamaru sitting on the couch. She walked out into the hallway, closing her door softly. She moved towards Shikamaru, taking his hands. "Are you alright?"

He frowned, taking in Naruto's pity-filled eyes. A lump formed in his throat, creating uncomfortable pressure. "I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because… of Asuma-Sensei." Naruto flinched at the glare he sent her.

"I know he's dead," Shikamaru hissed. "I was there. I fought the Akatsuki. I know how pathetically weak compared to them we are. I know what will happen when they come for you. You will die, just like Asuma-Sensei and I won't be able to stop it. The fight against the Akatsuki isn't one we are going to win."

"We will, Shikamaru," Naruto whispered, hesitating between walking closer and further away. "Sometimes it's just bad luck."

"ASUMA-SENSEI DIDN'T DIE BECAUSE OF BAD LUCK!" Shikamaru roared, noticing Naruto visibly wincing and moving a step away.

"I'm sorry. Just… come inside. Konohamaru is in there and I can look after you both. I just want to make sure you're okay." Naruto held out her hand to him.

He shot a look at the closed door. The thought of being in a room with someone as heartbroken as himself propelled him in the other direction.

"No, thank you. I just… I'm going to go." He hurried down the corridor before Naruto could stop him.

He couldn't stay still, and yet walking around pointlessly caused the hollow ach inside of him grow. He didn't want to be around those who appeared unaffected by Asuma-Sensei's death, but being around those who were in as much pain as him was unbearable. When he left for the funeral the next day he arrived at the grave yard early only to find that his feet wouldn't stop. He walked past the collection of tombstones, not even looking to find Asuma-Sensei's. He continued until he found a sloping roof to lie on, pulling out Asuma-Sensei's lighter that he still had, and flicked it to life before snapping the lid closed, repeating the motion as he watched the kids run around the street below.

They were the current kings, the most important piece on the board and he would make sure to protect them. He refused to lose this game, even though he couldn't find the motivation to do anything.

When he finally wondered home he sat on his pouch, staring at the sky. He didn't move, not when it started to become cold, not when his mother told him dinner was ready, and not when his mind started to become sluggish from lack of sleep. It wasn't until his father requested that Shikamaru spend time with him did he move. They played shogi in the spare room, not speaking as they moved piece after piece. His father commented on his lack of focus to the game, realising he wasn't trying.

"The Akatsuki, they are strong," Shikaku started, clearly trying to coax words out of his son. "Aren't they?"

"Yeah."

"So, what's your plan?" He received no answer. Shikamaru didn't have an answer. "If someone like Asuma couldn't handle them, what shot do you think you'd have? Sarotobi was a hell of a guy."

"I know."

"Not so hot at shogi though."

That actually pulled a mild chuckle out of Shikamaru. It didn't hurt as much as he was expecting to talk about Asuma-Sensei.

"You know what you're doing?" Shikaku asked, making Shikamaru wonder if he meant with the game or not.

"Look, you play your way and I'll play my w-"

"No, son," cut in Shikaku. "I'm not talking about shogi." Shikamaru glared at his father, who met his gaze evenly. "Well you wouldn't do anything stupid, I suppose." He fell silent for a moment. "I'm lucky in that respect. Who wants to go to his own son's funeral? You've done well for yourself. I'm very proud to be your father."

Shikamaru groaned, dropping his head to his knee. He wasn't in the mood for a lecture.

"You're as sharp as they come," his father continued, "with great talent. Someone the leaf can depend on in the future. But now, Asuma is dead-"

The anger boiling inside him spewed over at those words and he slapped the shogi board and table to the side. The force caused a gust of wind that took out the candle's flame, plunging them into darkness. He glared at his father, gripping his knees tightly.

"Just what are you getting at here?" Shikamaru snapped.

"Only the truth." Shikaku remand calm, even after his son's outburst.

Shikamaru rose to his feet, his hands balled tightly into fists. "WILL YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH? ALL THIS TALKING IS MAKING ME SICK! SAY WHAT YOU WANT, I'M STILL NOTHING BUT A USELESS COWARD!"

"You're wrong." Shikaku shook his head.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?" He watched as his father slowly rose to his feet. He wanted his father to be as angry at him as he was himself. He wanted his father to show some type of emotion. He wanted his father to hate him, not praise him.

Shikaku met his angry stare with calm compassion. "Let it out, boy." That shocked Shikamaru. "All of the anger, the sadness, and the fear, everything that's brewing inside of you, you've got to let it go."

He tried to stay angry, but he could feel a pressure in his chest, throat and eyes building.

"It all starts from there, son." Shikaku walked out, something Shikamaru was thankful for. He paused at the door, not looking at his son. "Naruto worries about you. When you are ready, you should talk to him."

As the door closed he lost his battle against his tears, wailing loudly. He kicked the pillows and screamed until it felt as though everything he had been holding inside left him. Lying on the ground he stared blankly up at the ceiling. Hearing a noise, he turned his head, spotting the king tile from the shogi set.

He would be no use to the king in the state he was in. As he sorted through the shogi pieces he thought about the two Akatsuki members he had fought. Determination fills him as he righted the shogi board. He thought about their fighting techniques and what they said to each other, trying to tease out hints from the words. He planned strategies for fighting the two. He worked out he would be able to manage Hidan himself once he separated him from his partner but it was that other, mostly unknown entity that was the issue. He would be left to Ino and Choji. Shikamaru wished he could have an adapt fighter who was versatile, with enough chakra and experience to hold their own in a lengthened fight but their mission would have to be done in secret.

Twenty four. That was how many strategies he went through before he found one he believed would work. It would be close, but he believed they could do it, especially if he could get a major ace in the hole to appear. Illogical behaviour can often be the best. With new resolution, he cleaned the room and went in search for more information. As much as he wished he could be certain Naruto could somehow help him, even without being on the battlefield, he was going to have to convince both her and himself that this wasn't a suicide mission.

He had planned to visit the library before seeing Naruto but he had barely left the Nara Estate before the blonde appeared in front of him. There were bags under her eyes, which wasn't surprising since it was before dawn, but she would have had to stay up waiting to meet him so quickly. She wasn't wearing chest binds and hadn't bothered to transform herself into a boy. The short pants were back, and she wore an orange shirt that cut into a V, highlighting her shape. Her appearance was not conducive to thinking straight.

"Naruto, what are you wearing?" he yelped.

"Konohamaru is sleeping at my place and had no other clothing besides the funeral clothing. I leant him my last clean set of boys clothing. Can't believe the kid is the same size as me." Naruto scratched her head before slowly walking closer. "Shikamaru, I just wanted you to know I'm here if you need anything."

"Naruto, I appreciate it, but I don't need to cry, and I don't need a hug at the moment."

"I know," Naruto replied calmly, walking closer. "I didn't mean I was here as a shoulder to cry on. If you wanted that I would be. When you want a hug you've got it. But I'm here because if you need to yell at someone, yell at me. The Akatsuki are a threat to the village because of me so take it out on me. If you want to hit me, go ahead, I can take it. I promise to not hit back."

Shikamaru stared at the blonde hard before stalking forward. Naruto closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to prepare herself. She was obviously not expecting Shikamaru to grab either side of her face and slam his lips against hers. After getting over her shock she returned the kiss, even though Shikamaru was certain he was bruising her lips. When he finally pulled away from her he put his forehead against hers, breathing deeply through his nose.

"Naruto, never, and I mean never offer for anyone to hit you. Do you hear me?" His gaze bored into hers. "I would never hit you and you shouldn't let people hit you for any reason. None of this is your fault. The only one I want to hurt is Hidan."

"Then I'll help you with that. I will have my technique finished by the time you need me. If you need it finished in five minutes I'll have it done. Just tell me what you want," Naruto rambled as the boy dropped his hands from her face. "If you want Temari here I'll contact Gaara. He owes me a favour."

"I need your help, I do. I just don't know how. I can't put you in danger though. I can't lose you too. And I don't see how Temari would help, even though she is a powerful ninja. But at the moment the only thing I need from you is a smile. Show me your smile so I have something positive to focus on while I plan how to take out two Akatsuki members before they can take you away from me." When Naruto gave him the smile he requested he stared at her, burning it into his mind. Once he knew he could summon the image in command he closed his eyes. "Now please go back to training and looking after Konohamaru so your smile is the last thing of yours I see before I start my plans."

He could still feel Naruto's body heat and wondered why she hadn't left. Before he could ask why, he felt something on his lips. It was a much softer kiss than the one he had given Naruto. His hands blindly found her waist as one of hers went to the back of his neck. Although he didn't remember the drunk kiss he had no doubt this was the most tender kiss they had ever shared. There was more hesitation in it and he realised this was the first kiss Naruto had given him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

She was warm, and alive, something that he could still protect. He had let Asuma-Sensei down, but he would not do so with Naruto. And in the mean time he was going to enjoy having her in his arms. He was going to take the opportunity to pretend, even for a moment, that they were more than they were, pretend he didn't have something blocking him.

Naruto was the first to pull away, her hands on his shoulders. He rested his forehead against hers again, eyes still closed. He tried to get his mouth to form the words he wanted to say. To tell Naruto, but still he couldn't do it. Instead he found himself speaking something else, something he didn't plan.

"Naruto, you need to learn to put yourself first. You're important to a lot of people, and none of us want to see you hurt because you think others should always come before you."

The blonde didn't speak for a moment, instead playing with the neckline of his shirt. "I should go finish my training. Konohamaru will be there already. He wants to watch, and I think he just doesn't want to be alone."

"Before you go," Shikamaru spoke up, opening his eyes. It only just occurred to him to ask the one person who saw the village for what it was the question that plagued him for so long until the day before. "Naruto, if the village, or even the world, was a shogi board, who do you think the king would be?" The words slipped passed his mouth casually, hiding the weight of Naruto's answer.

"Easy. The king is the one that holds our heart, our souls, and our minds. They are the one we will rush to protect." When Shikamaru raised an eyebrow she smiled sadly. "I learnt long ago that the children are the kings. We are the shields for the next generation. When we fall, they grow to fill the spaces. That's why I have tried to teach Konohamaru, Udon, and Meogi. If they learn even one thing from me that will help them survive and protect the king than I can die feeling like I accomplished something."

He was almost afraid to ask but his mind wouldn't let him drop it. "How did you learn that the next generation were the kings?"

"I saw it every time a parent called me 'dangerous', every time their eyes were filled with fear when I was near their child but anger and hate when I was near the parents themselves." A tear rolled down Naruto's cheek. "I even learnt it when your dad saved me when I was little. He kept yelling, 'he's just a child' and I knew my age meant something important to him. It held more weight than even the beast inside me did to him." She paused, frowning. "I thought you wanted the last thing you saw of me before you started planning the Akatsuki's doom was my smile. You opened your eyes!"

"I decided you walking away in those pants would be better." He smirked at her blush.

"You are such a pervert."

"Am not."

"Satin underwear!" Naruto grinned.

"I'm just going to crawl into a hole, excuse me." He turned to walk away, only for Naruto to grab his arm with a laugh. She kissed his cheek, smiling widely. "There's that smile I wanted." He closed his eyes. "I'll come find you when I'm done." He heard her run off before opening his eyes, filled with determination.

When he finally pulled himself out of research and sort out his team he had expected reluctance, or that he would have to convince them. Instead it appeared that they had both been waiting for him to come to them, were awaiting orders off him as though he was their leader. Neither of them argued with the parts they were to play and assured him that they would work hard.

They were going to leave just before first light, during the small gap in guard duty. When they returned he would have to bring it up with Lady Tsunade, but that would have to wait. He had hoped to see Naruto again, to ensure that she would be able to help him but he found he had to simply trust her blindly. When Lady Tsunade appeared in time to stop him he had a hollow feeling that this was Naruto's doing. He didn't think she would rat them out. However, when Kakashi-Sensei made his presence known Shikamaru nearly laughed.

Of course she would send him the exact fighter he needed. One that was an adapt fighter, versatile, with enough chakra and experience to handle a prolonged fight. He wanted to be sure, and he wanted to find out if the blonde had any other plans in that brilliantly underrated brain of hers.

As Choji and Ino cheered at being given permission from Lady Tsunade to go on the mission Shikamaru turned to the white haired ninja. "But Kakashi-Sensei, what about Naruto?"

Kakashi-Sensei smiled behind his mask, pulling a heavily bandaged arm out of his pocket as answer. Shikamaru had to fight a laugh. She was a woman of her word and had clearly used her new jutsu on her perverted sensei first.

"You're arm," Ino gasped.

"Oh, it's nothing. He doesn't need me at the moment. Plus, he's got another squad leader with him now so…"

He did give a chuckle at that. "Man, that guy." He doubted his teammates realised what Kakashi-Sensei was getting at. They had a few hours head start, in which time Naruto would be restoring her chakra and perfecting the jutsu as much as she could before she charged into battle, with or without permission from the Hokage. The Akatsuki were going to get a first hand message why they should leave the Nine-Tails alone, and the village it guards. Shikamaru would make sure that the two Akatsuki were not going to leave the battlefield. They would learn the hard way that they couldn't kill a member of the Leaf, and they certainly couldn't have their favourite jinchuriki.

/ / / / / /

He walked out of the Nara forest, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. Brefew walked beside him, nudging him upright when he stumbled. His body felt like lead, his head pounded from lack of sleep, his nostrils were burnt from the smell of Hidan's smoking flesh, but he felt relief. He would not have to sit Asuma-Sensei's child down one day and explain how he had failed the man. He would be able to teach that child, guard them, without every action being tainted by guilt.

The light stung without the trees' leaves blocking it. Blinking he was not surprised to see Naruto meters ahead of him, running closer. She stopped a short distance away, eyeing Brefew with appreciation.

"You did it?" the blonde asked, giving the male a tentative smile.

"Yeah," Shikamaru whispered, not even sure if she could hear him. "Naruto…"

The blonde smiled and held open her arms. Instantly the young Nara fell into the waiting embrace, choking out a sob into Naruto's neck. He leant so heavily into Naruto that the shorter ninja stumbled and fell to her knees, the Nara following to the ground. The blonde rubbed Shikamaru's back, muttering into his ear soft words of comfort.

With a sniffle Shikamaru unburied his head from Naruto's shoulder, his face pale and drenched in tears. He grasped Naruto's face, looking desperately into the blonde's eyes.

"Naruto," Shikamaru's voice shook as he spoke with urgency, "promise me that you will be careful. Promise me that you wouldn't let the Akatsuki get you. I can't lose you, especially not over the Nine-Tails inside you. I know you've gotten strong and you're incredibly brave. It wouldn't surprise me if you were Jonin level. But… Please promise me! Please. Promise you'll be save and stay with me."

With a gentle smile Naruto reached up and wiped a tear from Shikamaru's cheek. "I have Kakashi-Sensei, Iruka-Sensei, Captain Yamato, Pervy-Sage, Granny Tsunade, Sakura, and even Sai backing me up. And I have you." Naruto's face turned strained, her eyes misting over. "And you're wrong. I'm not strong or brave. I'm a coward. And I'm scared. I'm always afraid, of what people think, of what they might do, not just to me but to the people I care about. And mostly I'm afraid of waking up back at the academy, back before you started talking to me and gave me friends. I need my friends to make me strong. And I need you to make me safe."

Shikamaru's deep breath was audible through the field. Every good ninja knew that safety wasn't something that came easy. To find someone who made you feel at peace was rare. It took trust and respect on multiple levels for a ninja to feel that way around someone.

The black haired boy moved forward, dropping his forehead against Naruto's, his small, genuine smile turning into a slight grimace.

"Did my forehead protector hurt?" Naruto chuckled.

"Yeah."

"Well maybe if you wore yours on your damn forehead than that wouldn't happen," Naruto half-heartedly scolded, sounding amused.

"Troublesome." Shikamaru's forehead slipped off of Naruto's. He kissed the girl's cheek before burying his face in Naruto's neck again, his arms wrapping around the blonde's shoulders. Naruto held onto Shikamaru just as tightly, her arms around his waist.

Brefew walked up to the pair. The large animal touched its nose to Naruto's head before dropping down next to the two to guard them.

"See, even Brefew is here for you," Naruto remarked, rubbing the boy's back.

Shikamaru chuckled before pulling away from Naruto. "I'm guessing you dealt with your target."

"Yeah. My new jutsu is kind of a one in two chance jutsu but I got him. And Captain Yamato and I found we can combine my rasengun with his water style which is cool. Choji doesn't like my new jutsu's name either." Naruto started leading Shikamaru back to the group, holding his hand comfortably.

"What is it?"

"Rasenshuriken. He says since I don't throw it then I shouldn't call it that, but I can feel that I should be able to throw it. I guess I just need more practice, or more chakra." Naruto sighed.

"If you don't have enough chakra than it can't be done." Shikamaru pulled Naruto closer to him, letting her warmth give him the energy he would need to get home.

When they met up with the rest of the team he could tell Choji and Ino were in higher spirits than before. Neither of them commented about Naruto and Shikamaru holding hands, though the genius knew Choji was already aware of his feelings for the blonde. He had drunk Shikamaru to thank for that. Kakashi-Sensei and Captain Yamato were also obviously aware based on commented they had said after the Nine-Tails incident. If Ino wasn't aware already than he figured it wouldn't hurt for her to find out on her own. With her pushy personality she might get him to confess.

They stumbled into the village, not able to take the shortcut through the Nara Forest because it would be too dangerous, and up to Lady Tsunade's office, giving her a report of the mission. Captain Yamato assured her that they had gathered Kakuzu's body for autopsy. When they were finally allowed to leave Shikamaru groaned.

"Why does my estate have to be so far from the Hokage Tower?" he complained to Naruto. He knew he was trying to coax an answer from Naruto, but didn't want to admit it.

Kakashi-Sensei and Captain Yamato were walking ahead, Ino had stayed behind to help Lady Tsunade with the preparations for Kakuzu's autopsy, and Choji had gone in search of food. Shikamaru had been the only one of the three Chunins to stay awake for two nights straight. Looking at the blonde he could tell Naruto hadn't been getting sleep lately either.

"Konohamaru is sleeping on my couch, but you're welcome to stay at mine."

"Where would I sleep?" Shikamaru asked even though he had gotten the invitation he had wanted.

"In my bed. It's not the first time." When Kakashi-Sensei turned around sharply, looking as though he had just heard the latest book in his perverted book series had been released Naruto scoffed. "When he was sick, you old pervert. Keep walking or I'll use my jutsu on you again."

The threat made both team leaders hurry to leave their presence.

"I'm going to have to remember that threat," Naruto chuckled.

"Where would you sleep?" Shikamaru asked slowly.

"Are you honestly so immature you can't sleep in a bed with a girl? Or is it your perverted personality coming through?"

"Funny."

"If you don't want to I can get out my bedroll I use for missions."

Shikamaru gave her a small smile. "No, I'm fine with sharing a bed. Truthfully I… I can't sleep lately. Having you beside me will help."

They snuck into her apartment, not wanting to wake the young Genin snoring on the couch. It wasn't until Naruto closed her bedroom door that they spoke again.

"I told him what we were doing today. I hope you don't mind but it calmed him." Naruto threw a pair of her male boxer shorts at him. "Either turn around or go to the bathroom, I want to change out of there sweaty cloths."

Swallowing thickly he turned his back on the girl. "You better not look either."

"You're the pervert here."

He heard her laugh before he heard the rustle of clothing. He blocked out his thoughts by focusing on changing his own clothing. "Done," he informed when he was finished changing.

"Me too."

He turned to see Naruto climbing into bed wearing boxer shorts and a shirt. She sighed deeply as she lay down.

"I haven't slept in a bed for ages. I forgot how nice it was."

He slid in between the sheets next to the blonde, feeling the coldness against his skin. Putting one arm around Naruto's waist he pulled her closer. "Thank you for helping me. And I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"It's fine. I forgive you." Naruto buried her face in Shikamaru's chest, falling to sleep quickly.

Smiling down at her he let himself drift off. "I honestly don't deserve to have you care about me but I hope that you do."

He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of how Asuma-Sensei would react if he knew where Shikamaru was at that moment. The idea eased him into sleep, making him realise the ball of pain he had been carrying was gone.

R and R please.