Hmmm I was feeling too lazy to post this. I spent the day lying in bed because I had/have no energy whatsoever, but at this point, you guys deserve this. So here it is. Say hi to Shika for me.

Enjoy!

vi

Between going out and having people over for snacks and drinks, Sasuke would pick the latter, unless he had a chance to say no and stay at home relaxing. This behavior frustrated Sakura and Naruto many times in the past and continued to do so, although now they would drag him out against his will regardless and make fun of him for sulking like a petulant child. He was not very social, it was in his nature; his brother was only slightly better and he guessed it was because he took after their mother.

Sasuke did not have much time to protest when Naruto kicked open the bathroom door just after he had showered and tried to drag him out of the apartment with only a measly towel covering his body for a walk in the mall. It took a short argument to get the blonde to realize he was trying to shove his naked boyfriend into the hallway, and Sasuke gave him the finger from over his shoulder as he stalked back to their bedroom and chose to ignore Naruto's appreciative comments.

It was raining again and Sasuke was willing to let him invite Kakashi, Sakura and whoever else over if it meant Naruto would quench his thirst for socialization and he would not have to leave the building. He voiced his thoughts and to his pleasure, Naruto agreed with that, but said they would have to go mall.

"Sai's birthday is coming up."

"So what?" He asked as Naruto pushed him towards the door. "He's your friend, not mine."

Naruto patted him amicably on the shoulder. "You keep telling yourself that and maybe someday it'll sound convincing."

He drove them there and somehow they managed to find a vacant space on the underground parking lot. Music played in the background as voices of different tones and pitches mingled, and Sasuke silently followed his partner around the first floor as he studied items on the display windows and tried to find a good gift. It would be a matter of time until Naruto announced defeat and would call Sakura to ask for directions and tips, because he hardly ever picked something on his own.

They found a shop selling art supplies and the blonde eagerly dove in, proclaiming to the man tailing him that Sai was an artist and thus always needed paints, colored pencils and such. He had not expected that there would be so many brands and many products for specific things. Sasuke could practically see the question marks hovering above his unruly hair as the salesclerk showed him the different things on the shelves and gave him a basic description. Naruto mentioned he would need some time to think and tried to sneak away into a corner of the shop, taking his phone from his pocket and sticking his tongue out at Sasuke when he caught him staring with a knowing look on his face.

Naruto stayed the entire time on the phone with Sakura, repeating her questions to the clerk and relaying his answers to her, until she said that a watercolor set would be a good gift for Sai. The blonde sauntered over to the cashier with the rectangular box in his hands and lifted the wrapped gift to his eyelevel once they were out the shop, blue eyes glistening with pride.

He whipped his face to the man standing beside him. "You should get him a gift too, you bastard."

"I already have." He motioned for the plastic bag he was holding.

"What! When did you get that?"

"While you were crying to Sakura that you're helpless and can't do anything on your own." Sasuke did not understand much about art, but some inking pens sounded like something that was useful.

Naruto looked him up and down dubiously, but chose to say nothing about that. "I think I'm going to get myself an ice cream. Would you like something?"

Sasuke looked at the establishment Naruto had pointed with his thumb, a long line of people waiting to order, and shook his head. He wanted some coffee and decided to get himself a cup and then meet him back here when he was done. They separated ways and walked to opposite directions of the floor. The staff was beginning to set up holiday decorations. Already, some string lights were set around pillars and a big tree was set in the atrium, equally big gifts set at the base and surrounded by a train track for kids.

He stepped up to the counter and ordered his drink, spelling out his name to the attendant and ignoring the dreamy looks she was giving him. The cup was handed to him rather quickly and he took his first sip as he glanced at his wrist watch and came to the conclusion that they would have to order something if they did really invite the rest of the group over. If they were to prepare something from scratch, it would take too long. Besides, he did not really feel like washing and drying dishes tonight. He would be up to eating Naruto's hideous instant ramen if it meant he would not have to exert too much energy.

Dark eyes looked up and studied the person standing outside a shop that was bustling with women inside. The man was far from pleased and staring at nothing in particular, but Sasuke felt like he was somewhat... Familiar. He took in his features, the frown on his face, the slight slouch of his shoulders, his crossed arms and shoulder length hair. Another drink from his coffee and he debated the possibilities in his head. The man tugged at a hairband around his wrist and Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

He took measured steps towards the figure, drank the rest of the coffee in one go and tossed the empty cup in a nearby bin. "Are you Shikamaru?"

Brown eyes moved up to meet his own. If the man seemed bored before, now he appeared to be slightly annoyed. "Yes. You are?"

"Sasuke."

Recognition flitted across his face and his arms dropped to his side, spine straightening. That was a good sign. If he recognized the name, then it meant he remembered.

"I see." He said slowly, gaze searching the area around them for something, someone. "So, what brings you–"

"I want to know if you have any intention of trying to contact Sakura."

Shikamaru froze. His hands slipped inside the pocket of his jacket; with that simple gesture, he was on the defensive. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Fingers combed through dark hair and the man sighed. "Listen, I don't know how that's of your concern."

"Too bad it is."

"Oh, why? Are you scouting the area to make sure you can finally make a move on her?"

Sasuke realized he did not like this man, not his tone dripping with sarcasm, not the way he sneered as he spoke that last sentence, and by the looks of it, the feeling was mutual. "Don't be stupid." His own voice remained emotionless and steady throughout the entire exchange. It seemed it was only grating on his nerves. "If I had been planning to do that, I wouldn't have bothered to acknowledge you and remind you of her existence. Who is in the shop?"

"What?"

"I want to know if I have to knock on my neighbor's door when I get home and tell her to give up hope." For the first time, some hostility slipped into his tone, and then he repeated the question slowly, enunciating every word. "Who is in that shop?"

Shikamaru tensed and then sagged his shoulders in defeat. "It's my friend. She's dating my best friend and he couldn't come, and someone has to carry her bags, a.k.a. me. Are you satisfied?"

Sasuke studied him in silence. He was maybe one or two inches taller than Shikamaru, and the man had gone back to looking at the exact spot that had his attention previously. He had to confess he did not know what to do now. He had never thought he would ever meet him, much less confront him, and now that he was aware he was not here with a romantic interest, Sasuke was at a loss. Should he keep interrogating him? Should he just leave without saying anything? Could he somehow help Sakura get out of her impasse? Damn her for making all of them so overprotective. If he had minded his own business like he used to do a few years back, this would not be happening. He would not have found out about Shikamaru in the first place, and would not have taken the time to talk to her that evening.

That brief conversation had lifted a weight from her shoulder, though.

Frowning briefly, Sasuke turned towards the direction he came from, spotting a blonde head moving towards the rendezvous spot. "Alpha Building, 12th street, southern district. Sixth floor, number three." From his peripheral vision, he saw Shikamaru face him again. "You know where to find her now."

Without a word more, he went back to the art supply shop. If Shikamaru chose not to contact her now, then it was a hopeless cause. Sasuke would not say that to anyone, not Sakura, not Kakashi. He did not think he could ever tell her that he had given him her address and he chose not to come if it came to that. All he could do was be there for her if she needed.

Naruto had consumed half of the milkshake he bought by the time they met and looped his arm through his to drag him back to the parking lot.

Sai's apartment consisted of a common area for the kitchen, living and dining rooms, plus a separated bedroom and a bathroom. He forewent the dining table in favor of using the space by the balcony to make a studio space for himself, mostly because the lightning there was good. As result, guests either ate their meals on the counter or balanced their plates on their laps and took seats on the couch and armchair; no one really minded.

Ink and paint permeated the air. Paintings and framed drawings of different sizes filled most of one of the walls of the living room whilst sketchbooks filled the shelves, each one with a date written on the spine so he could keep easy track of his progress. Potted plants were slowly occupying more and more space, most of which hung from the ceiling by the glass doors that led to the small balcony. It was an organized sort of mess that made his apartment seem smaller than it actually was, but at the same time, it was homely.

Kakashi and Yamato sat closely on the couch, despite the fact that there was enough space for three people to sit comfortably. Everyone pretended not to see Kakashi's hand on Yamato's thigh, having decided long ago to leave them alone until the moment they chose they were ready to announce their relationship to them. Sasuke sat to Kakashi's left with at least a foot of space between them, Sakura perched by his side on the armrest, Naruto on the floor in the space between their legs. Sometimes, he would poke the underside of her foot and laugh when her toes wiggled, and then wince when she drove her heel onto his side. Sai occupied the armchair, and the yellow cockatiel he owned was walking on the gifts set on the coffee table and nibbling at the colorful ribbons.

He reached for the first gift: a bonsai tree. "These require a bit of attention." Kakashi explained calmly, eyes smiling. "But I figured you could use more plants."

Sai let out a soft chuckle and lifted the box to read the imprints. "Considering you've given me all the plants I own, I can tell that." He did not recognize the name and made a mental note to check it on the internet later. Inside the packaging was a manual that would help him keep the tree healthy and alive.

Setting it down, he reached for another gift. The contents inside were only one third revealed when Naruto lifted a hand like an enthusiastic student that knew the answer to a question. "That one's mine!"

The artist flashed him a smile and checked the shades of the watercolor paints. "I was trying to find a good ochre shade." He tapped a fingertip beside a specific square. "Thanks, Naruto. Now I can finish a painting."

Naruto puffed out his chest and scratched the back of his head, torn between pride and abashment. Sai unraveled the ribbon from around another gift and retrieved a box from inside, opening it to find a button down shirt that he unfolded for everyone else to see. It was of a beautiful dark blue shade, and he immediately looked at Sakura. "It's for you to use when you exhibit your work on the gallery next summer."

He shook his head at her large grin and replied humorously. "But I don't even know if I'll get the chance."

"I know you will." Naruto nodded his head vigorously in agreement, and Sai's pale face colored slightly.

A rectangular case was hidden within a bright silver packaging, six ink pens of different tip types and ink flow. Sai brought it closer to his face to analyze them better and then turned to Sasuke. "These are great. Thank you." Sasuke only nodded in reply.

The last gift was obviously from Yamato. Phoenix was playing with a green ribbon and then turned to a red one, and on it went, its little paws walking all over the wrappings. "New lenses for my camera." His hands dealt with the objects with a certain care that was not usual to see. "Thanks, dad."

Sakura smiled and pressed her knuckles to her mouth. It was the first time they heard that.

The weather was getting colder as days passed and Sakura could have spent her Saturday inside her home under the blankets playing games with Naruto while Sasuke was being himself in the corner sipping coffee and watching the news as if he found them mildly interesting, but Yamato had been adamant that she go with him somewhere. His car was already there by the time she reached the ground floor and she quickly ducked into the vehicle, unraveling her scarf just a little as the warm air of the heater touched her face.

Although she asked, Yamato did not grace her with a concrete answer as he drove them through familiar streets. Soon they were parked outside Kakashi's apartment building and Sakura tried to mask her surprise as well as her thoughts. Were they finally going to expose the "secret" relationship they had? Was she the chosen one to know of it first? She quietly thanked him as he opened the door to the lobby and climbed up sets of stairs until they reached the third floor.

Kakashi's bare face greeted them and he opened the door wider to let them into his home. Sakura walked until she was by the couch and crouched to greet the dogs that came rushing to her, tails wagging and tongues lolling on the side of their mouths. She thought she saw them kiss quickly in greeting, but could not be sure.

"Sakura." She glanced at Yamato as Kakashi disappeared into the kitchen to tend to the kettle on the stove. "We came here to get your gift."

The medic blinked in surprise. "Gift?" Yes, the holidays were just around the corner, but she could not understand why they were here to get her gift.

"Yes," he replied with a chuckle, as if it was obvious.

Frowning, she returned her attention to the dogs and continued to pet them. Pakkun was there, and so was Akihiro, Hayate, Mamoru, Tadao and Yasuo. "Wait a second." Her frown deepened. "Where's Aika?"

Saying the name of the only female of the group prompted her to hear an extra set of paws coming from the hallway that led to Kakashi's bedroom. Soon, the brown dog with fluffy fur showed herself and trotted over to Sakura, her gait slow and relaxed, tail wagging slowly. Behind her, three smaller figures followed.

The shriek that came from Sakura at the sight of the puppies caused Yamato to flinch slightly. She sat on the floor as they climbed onto her legs and bit at her fingers, the little adorable noises they made got her with tears in her eyes. Two of them were of a chocolate brown whilst the other was of a lighter color with two large spots of the same shade as the other. She did not know which one to give attention to and resorted to letting them have their fun while she struggled not to squash them all to her chest because they were all so cute.

"So, Sakura." Kakashi was leaning against the wall with a mug in his hand. "Pick one."

Sai made himself comfortable in Sakura's couch, sketchbook in hand as he doodled the puppies playing on the rug. They were taking turns in watching the dogs since they were so young, and because it was his day off, he did not mind staying inside to do that. Phoenix was slowly getting used to them, but would still rather stay perched around Sai and not risk being used as toy by the energetic puppies. They growled as they tackled each other and tugged at ears and tails, and then ran a lap around the coffee table, tripping on their own paws.

By popular demand, which actually meant Naruto and Sakura and Sai going along with that just fine, all of the dogs were named after dessert. Sasuke was very displeased when he realized he would have to call for Fudge if he ever went out with it for a walk, but the rest found it amusing. Sakura was the proud owner of Cookie, the female spotted one, while Sai now had little Brownie to look after, and Naruto and Sasuke had taken in the only male of the litter.

He turned the page and not for the first time, inspected the pens he got from Sasuke. These were actually good. He would have to keep the case around so he could remember the brand name and get new ones once those ran out of ink, and considering they were pretty much all he used lately, it would be happening sooner than he expected.

The doorbell rang just as he was about to drink the tea that had long ago gone cold. Setting everything on the middle of the coffee table so that none of the puppies could reach the items, Sai dragged his feet towards the door as the sight of his sock-clad feet caught the attention of the pets and they began nipping at his feet. Phoenix lifted his head as he awakened from his slumber and shook its feathers before walking closer to the crook of Sai's neck where it was warmer.

Gently pushing the puppies back with his feet, he opened the door and froze.

"Sai?"

The shocked voice of the visitor snapped him back to reality. "Sh... Shikamaru."

They stared at each other for a long time, silent. Shikamaru's shock dissipated and he concealed his troubled thoughts rather quickly, only allowing the artist to catch a brief glimpse of them. Sai wondered if the weird feeling inside his chest was what people would call anxiety or even panic; what would he do now that Shikamaru was here but Sakura was not? How did he find out where she lived in the first place?

"I haven't seen you in forever." Sai found himself saying and was surprised with himself that he managed to push past the silence. "Do you want to come in?"

"No, I... I don't want to be a bother." They both looked down as a growl caught their attention, only to see Brownie tugging at shoelaces. Sai sighed and reached towards the dog. "You... Have dogs?"

"Yeah, I'm babysitting until everyone comes from work and then I'll go home." He shooed the puppy back inside, smiling a little as it went rushing towards her siblings and jumped on an unsuspecting Cookie. "We're waiting for one of the apartments here to go vacant so I can move and be near everyone else."

Shikamaru was intently watching the dogs behind him when Sai stood up and the cockatiel entered his line of sight. "You're not living with Sakura?"

He shook his head. "She mentioned once that I could be her roommate, but I own too many canvases and other stuff, I'd need an apartment of my own."

The man across from him was silent for a moment, a concentrated expression on his face as he set his narrowed eyes on the doorjamb and frowned his lips. "So you're not together then?"

Sai blinked, surprised, then laughed. "I thought I just said I need my own place."

Shikamaru appeared almost relieved at the words that came from him. For the first time since he arrived, his lips curved in a smile and his body seemed to relax completely.

"Are you sure you don't want to come in?" He asked again. "Sakura will be here in a few hours."

"Where is she now?"

"The hospital." Sai reached to cover his ear as Phoenix found that it was a good time to start pecking the skin there. "She's in the afternoon shift today, taking care of emergencies."

Shikamaru nodded. He was a bit paler than before, Sai thought, maybe because months had passed since the beach and all the tan was gone. He had been prone to keeping his face in that default bored expression of his unless something happened that made him laugh or frown in annoyance.

"Sai." He started slowly. Dark eyes snapped to his face, and he set his lips in a firm line. "Can you do me a favor?"