*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*
It was night time in Konoha and the beautiful day was replaced with a very warm night. Naruto and Shikamaru walked side by side in silence as they made their way towards Konoha. The two of them were tired and the thoughts of home weighed heavily on their minds.
"Man this mission was a long one," said Naruto.
"Tell me about it," muttered Shikamaru. "What really made it drag on forever was the fact that it was in Suna. We spent almost an entire week just traveling. Three days to get there and three days coming back."
"Yeah but at least your ex girlfriend was beyond happy to see you," teased Naruto.
"Temari and I never dated Naruto, she's not my ex."
"Alright fine, so you technically didn't date, but it's beyond apparent that she still has the hots for you."
"Well I can't control how she feels now can I."
"No, but you guys could have been a thing you at least have to acknowledge that."
"I'm not denying it. I'm very well aware that our paths could have gone a different way, but things didn't turn out that way, and I'm not about to mess up the relationship that I do have."
"I know you wouldn't break up with Ino. If you did something like that she would flat out destroy you."
"That she would, there's no doubt in my mind that she'd kill me, but I'd never hurt her like that, I love her afterall."
"Look at you talking about your feelings Mr. Sensitive," teased Naruto as he playfully nudged Shikamaru in the ribs.
"Yeah yeah whatever."
Naruto chuckled, he knew Shikamaru rarely spoke about his feelings for Ino, he was usually very reserved and private in that department, but it was funny seeing him squirm with discomfort when he was put on the spot. It was all in good fun though, Naruto was in high spirits after all. They had been away from home for three weeks now, and he was exhausted.
His heart suddenly skipped a beat when saw Konoha no far from them. Thoughts of Sakura made there way into his mind. His heart quicked just at the thought of her, he couldn't wait to show her just how much he had missed her. Images of what he had in mind for his pretty pinkett were sadly interrupted when Kiba roughly shoved his right shoulder.
"Hey there lover boy, I know what you're thinking about," snicked Kiba.
Naruto rolled his eyes and punched him in the arm.
"Ouch you jackass what the hell was that for!?"
"What, you can dish it out but you can't take it?" Asked Naruto as he cracked his knuckles.
"Would you two just stop," groaned Shikamaru.
"Hey I'm innocent here, it was Kiba who started it."
"Yeah, and you're just adding to it."
"Hey whose side are you on Shikamaru? I'm not adding, if anything I put a stop to it. Kiba's the one that's being a pest."
Kiba frowned at both his friends.
"Jeez I was just teasing. Why the hell are you two so snippy?"
"We're just tired, and let's face it we've been around each other for too long. No offense but we need a break from each other."
"You aren't tired, I think you're both just cranky because you haven't gotten any in three weeks."
"So tactful Kiba, really, bravo," muttered Shikamaru.
He wasn't phased by the comment, but the same couldn't be said for Naruto who was clearly upset.
"Maybe if you had a girlfriend you'd understand you mangy mutt!"
Kiba's face grew a deep shade of red.
"You know what, maybe Shikamaru is right. I've had enough of being with you two these past few weeks!" Snapped Kiba as he jumped on Akamaru's back. "Akamaru and I are going on ahead."
Kiba sped off before his two teammates could say anything. Naruto scowled in Kiba's direction.
"The feeling is mutual Kiba! Jeez can you believe him?" Muttered Naruto.
"Don't let him get to you alright. You know he doesn't mean any real harm."
"Yeah I know, but god does he know how to push my buttons" said Naruto as he pulled his backpack higher up on his shoulder.
"You make it easy for him, it's your own damn fault, you know that right?"
"What, no it's not."
"Sorry my friend but you fall into Kiba's traps every single time. You know he loves to get a rise out of you, and you make that incredibly easy for him by getting all fired up."
"..."
"We add that to the both of you being so damn thick headed and stubborn, and we get precious moments like this."
"Urgh, I guess you're right."
"Well of course I am, but in all fairness there's another factor that needs to be accounted for."
"And that is…."
"Kiba's upset because he wasn't able to ask Hinata out, he got cold feet at the last minute."
"What? Are you serious?"
"Yeah Shino told me Kiba was planning on asking her out the day we left, but he chickened out. He's been regretting it the whole mission. Instead of running home to a girlfriend who's waiting for him, he has to get the courage to ask her out all over again."
"..."
"We can't blame him for being a little jealous of what we have," said Shikamaru as he looked up at the night sky. "Besides I know for a fact that he still feels like you'll steal Hinata away."
"What makes him think I'd ever do that?"
"Are you serious? It's beyond apparent that Hinata still has feelings you."
"No she doesn't."
"God you really are an idiot."
"Hey watch it."
"Seriously Naruto, how can you say Hinata doesn't have feelings for you?"
"..."
"Alright, you know what, I'm not even going to get into this with you, but believe me Naruto, Hinata does have feelings for you, and Kiba feels that he doesn't stand a chance because of that."
"I wouldn't stand in his way. He's the real idiot here if he really thinks that."
"Maybe, but you should really talk to Hinata."
"Why on Earth would I do that?"
"I don't know, maybe so she can have real closure?"
"Closure? Look it's not like I led her on or anything."
"..."
"Don't look at me like that Shikamaru. Man look, I feel bad, but I swear I had no idea she had a thing for me."
"It's amazing how dense you can be."
"Urgh whatever," said Naruto as they walked through the open gates of Konoha.
"Don't get your panties in bunch alright, I was just making a simple suggestion. One that can help out two of your friends, and aren't you all about the power of friendship?"
"Alright, alright, I get your point, but stop already," groaned Naruto.
Shikamaru softly chucked as they stopped and waited for the final member of their team. Kakashi was so enthralled in his book that he hadn't even noticed they were in the village. If it wasn't for Naruto clearing his throat he would have passed them without evening noticing.
"You know Kakashi sensei you've read all of Ero-senin's books so many times, yet you still act like it's your first time reading them. Why is that?"
Kakashi smiled when he heard his former student's question. He closed his book and looked at Naruto.
"Well Naruto the answer to that is quite simple. You see every time I read one of Jiraiya-sama's books it's like a whole new story each and every single time. He was such an inspirational author. It's only fitting that I keep his memory alive by reading his literary masterpieces."
"Ok now you're just being ridiculous Kakashi-sensei. Everyone knows those aren't literary masterpieces. They're just the fantasies of an old pervert man," chuckled Naruto.
"To each their own Naruto," replied Kakashi as he put his book back into his knapsack. "Besides I know Jiraiya-sama would have loved to see people still reading his epic novels of drama, love, and sorrow," said Kakashi boldly.
Both Shikamaru and Naruto stared blankly at how bizarre Kakashi was acting. The silver haired jonin noticed he had an audience so he quickly regained his composure. He cleared his throat as he stood before his younger counterparts.
"Anyhow you two I'll report to Tsunade-sama and give her the details of the mission. I know you two would much rather be in the company of two very lovely ladies right now. Bye for now."
With that said Kakashi did a few simple hand signal and in an instant he was gone in a cloud of smoke. Naruto yawned and stretched. Shikamaru looked around the town and finally fixed his gaze on a large clock outside a restaurant.
"It's 9:00pm I better be going Naruto. Are you heading over straight to Sakura's from here?"
"No I'm heading over to Ino's folks flower shop first. You know to get some flowers for Sakura-chan."
"I would have never guessed," chuckled Shikamaru. "Look do you think you can give Ino a message for me?"
Naruto grinned, he already knew what the message was, after all it was the same one every time Shikamaru came back from a mission.
"Consider it done Shikamaru."
"Thanks Naruto I guess I'll see you later," said Shikamaru as he raised his left arm high and waved goodbye to his friend.
The scent of freshly cut flowers filled the air as Naruto approach the Yamanaka flower shop. He was lucky they weren't closed yet. He walked into the brightly lit store and looked at all the dazzling varieties of flowers surrounding him. When he was younger flowers were just pretty plants that you picked for your mom or significant other as a gift. However now that Shikamaru and him were so close he knew far more about plants and their different purposes. He saw Ino on the opposite side of the store helping out an elderly woman pick some flowers. Naruto decided to wait his turn so he watched Ino as she collected the bushel of flowers the elderly women had wanted to purchase.
"Let me wrap these up for you ma'am and I'll ring you up at the register," said Ino as she turned around to make her way to the check out.
Suddenly the elderly women remembered she wanted to add something else to her already large purchase.
"Excuse me miss I'd like to add one more dozen of Jade Lilacs please."
Ino turned her head towards the old women but continued walking.
"Alright ma'am they're right near the checkout station. I'll add them to your purchase," answered Ino.
She continued to walk when she was abruptly brought to a halt. She hadn't moved her head back in time so she had crashed right smack into what felt like a brick wall. Suddenly Ino felt two warm hands hold her shoulders. She shook her head and looked up to see a certain blonde shinobi looking down at her concerned.
"Oh man Ino I'm so sorry I just stood there like an idiot. I thought you'd turn around in time to see me," said Naruto nervously.
Ino's eyes widened, she had been worrying about Sakura all day, but now Naruto was here to help out.
"Oh Naruto thank god you're back home!" Squealed Ino as she wrapped her free arm around his neck.
She brought him down close to her for a close side was speechless as Ino squeezed him tightly. He'd never been this close to her before; he could actually smell her hair. A huge blush covered his face as the busty kunoichi held him close.
"Sakura's really missed you Naruto. I know she's going to be so happy to see you."
"I didn't think this mission would last so long. I've really missed her too."
"She really needs you Naruto," whispered Ino.
"Why? Is she alright Ino? Is there something wrong with Sakura-chan?"
Ino loosened her grip on the blonde haired shinobi. She realized a little too late that maybe she shouldn't have said anything.
"Oh no everything's fine Naruto….it's just that she's had a lot of stress at work. A lot of people have been getting sick lately so she's had really long hours."
Ino felt really bad for lying to Naruto, but her lie wasn't an actual lie. A lot of people had been getting sick, and Sakura did indeed have longer days at the hospital thanks to that. Either way her explanation worked on Naruto, he was oblivious. Ino slowly let go of her friend and gestured him to follow her.
"Let me just help this customer and I'll help you pick something out for Sakura ok."
Naruto smirked, that Ino knew him well. He didn't even have to tell her why he was there. He silently followed her to the front of the store and by the time he made it to the counter the little elderly women was paying for her purchase. Once she was done she grabbed her bag of flowers and headed towards the door.
"Are you sure you don't want me to help you with your bag ma'am?" Asked Ino.
Before the little old women had a chance to reply she felt the heavy bag being lifted from her arms. She turned to see Naruto holding it with one arm.
"Oh my, if it isn't Uzumaki Naruto," said the little old women. "My you've really grown into such a handsome man."
Naruto grinned at the elderly women as a blush covered his face.
"We'll then my dear thank you for your help. Not only did you provide me with wonderful service but you've also given me this handsome man to help me out," chuckled the little old woman as she grabbed Naruto's free arm.
Ino waved goodbye as the little old women led Naruto outside the shop where her cart was. He turned around and looked at Ino.
"Hey Ino could you please start thinking of a nice type of flower for Sakura-chan?"
Ino smiled and nodded her head as she watched Naruto walk slowly next to the old women. Once they were out of sight she started working on Naruto's request.
"It's a good thing I know Sakura's expecting. There are certain flowers on here that aren't recommended for pregnant women."
Naruto waved goodbye as the little old woman pushed her cart down the street. He had offered to take her home but she said her grandson worked down the street and he'd be walking her home. Naruto walked back into the flower shop and found Ino wrapping up some flowers at the register. She handed Naruto the bouquet she had picked out.
"Here Naruto these pink carnations are perfect for Sakura. I know she'll love them."
Naruto took the wrapped flowers and slid his backpack of his shoulder. He unzipped it and started looking for his wallet.
"How much do I owe you Ino?"
"They're on the house tonight lover boy," giggled Ino.
Naruto looked up at her wallet in hand.
"Are you sure? I mean I don't want you to get in trouble with your folks."
Ino waved her hand at Naruto.
"Sure it's alright. Just think of it as your reward for being so nice to that little old lady. Besides my parents owe me big time, I've been here all day. I had to open and close the shop today. They both got missions so I had to pull a double. I'm so glad the days over."
Naruto put his wallet back into his backpack and flung it back over his shoulder.
"That really sucks Ino you've had a long day then huh."
"Yeah I can't wait to just go home and relax with Shikamaru."
"Oh yeah that reminds me, Shikamaru wanted me to tell you he's checking in, and that he'd make it back here in time to walk you home."
Ino knew exactly what Naruto meant. Shikamaru had Naruto, or anyone for that matter, relay this message to her whenever he was back from a mission. Ever since Asuma died Shikamaru checked on Kurenai and her baby girl whenever he was back from a missions. Asuma had asked him to watch over his family on his deathbed, and Shikamaru was honoring his sensei's last wishes.
"Thanks Naruto," said Ino.
She looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was already 9:30.
"I've got 30 minutes to start closing down the store. You better be heading over to
Sakura's yourself. I know she'll be ecstatic to see you."
Naruto agreed with a grin and waved to Ino as he started running out of the shop.
"Thanks so much Ino you're the best!"
Ino saw Naruto leap onto a building and disappear into the night.
"I know I am," she giggled.
Naruto's heart was pounding as he leapt from building to building. This was the longest he had been on a mission and he had really missed Sakura. He couldn't wait to hold her, smell her, and taste her. Before his mind could wander further onto the things he wanted to do to his girlfriend he found himself on top of her apartment building. He walked over the edge and saw her small balcony that was next to her bedroom window. He jumped off the roof and onto the balcony. The window was open and the lights were still on in several rooms. He started to climb into her room when he caught a glimpse of her in the kitchen. She was wearing nothing but one of his black T-shirts and she was walking around the kitchen while drinking a glass of water. Naruto's shirt was too big on her so one of her shoulders was more visible as the shirt sagged to one side.
Naruto watched as she made sure her front door was locked. Her long stem like legs moved gracefully as she walked around her apartment. Drool started to collect in Naruto's mouth and he felt his heart race when he thought about the things he wanted to do to her. Sakura turned the light off in the kitchen and walked into her room. She noticed something in the corner of her eye. She quickly turned to see Naruto halfway inside while part of him was still outside the balcony.
"Hey gorgeous. I'm home."
Heads up next chapter is a lemon.
