Secret Lovers

Chapter 3

Part 1: The Deal

Naruto had barely managed to pry himself from Hinata's petrified grasp before Ino reacted, her voice erupting in an abrupt, piercing shriek. Flinching at the offensive noise, he stumbled; first over the small mound of clothes strewn haphazardly beneath his feet, and then over any futile attempt at offering an explanation that would effectively calm down the hysterical woman.

"Ino, wait- I can explain!"

The man's protests, predictably, fell on deaf ears.

From the other room, the sound of Ino's cry barely stirred any overt, obvious reaction from Shikamaru, who didn't even bother to look up. Instead, he merely sighed, having long since grown accustomed to the his childhood friend's melodramatic tendencies. It probably wasn't anything serious. Dealing with the highly strung woman had become a standard procedure for him, really. His lean fingers kneaded at his temple in exasperation, trying to alleviate the tension already settling there, as he wondered what possibly could have set her off this time. Surely Naruto hadn't knocked over any of the stock in the backroom again? He would know better after the reprimanding he had received the last time.

Chouji, on the other hand, expressed signs of sincere concern. Not surprising, as he was renowned for being renowned for being the most patient of the second generation of Ino-Shika-Chou; except when it came to anyone disparaging his rather 'husky' physique. His brow furrowed in worry, as he exchanged a brief look with Shikamaru. The man in question resisted the overwhelming urge to roll his eyes, before inclining his head slightly in a nod as the two wordlessly agreed to move towards the source of Ino's disturbance.

This silent exchange lasted only a few seconds.

Again; standard procedure, really.

The two rounded the rear corner of the shop, heading for the storage room she had just entered a few moments ago. Shikamaru's hand clenched the door handle carefully, before gradually slipping it open, mentally preparing himself for whatever fiasco that would inevitably present itself on the other side.

In spite of Shikamaru's surprisingly high intellect and deductive ability; a sheer contrast to his laid-back, apathetic attitude; he was taken back. If the almost inconspicuous raise of his brow was any indication, he struggled to find any rational explanation for what could have occurred just moments ago to trigger the scene unfolding before him.

He registered a shirtless Naruto; his pants loose and belt buckle still unfastened; with unruly hair and a series of sharp red discolourations marking his neck and shoulders. He was trailing after a flushed and shrieking Ino, who was currently struggling to form a coherent sentence, while Naruto tried in vain to help her pull herself together. This however, proved difficult, as focus was also drawn to avoiding tripping over the pants still trailing around his ankles. All the while, a flustered, tousled Hinata; who looked to be having difficulty maintaining consciousness in her embarrassment; shielded her prone, crouched, and, most surprisingly, half-naked body with her arms.

Amidst the chaos, not one of the storeroom's occupants registered the presence of Shikamaru and Choji, who both gazed on without a sound and in utter bewilderment.

However, upon noticing the rather uncharacteristic blush covering Ino's features and the, no doubt, uncomfortably constrained bulge within Naruto's briefs that had not yet receded, the pieces clicked carefully into place for Shikamaru. A suspicion he had formed some time again being confirmed.

Chouji however, was not having quite as much success.

"What uh," he ventured apprehensively, finally drawing the attention of the room's other occupants. "What's going on here?"

Hinata shrieked at the sudden intrusion, while Naruto's head lashed rapidly in Chouji's direction, before his foot caught in the seam of his pants and his balance was thrown off-kilter. The man subsequently and unceremoniously splattered against the hard word floor face first.

Shikamaru sighed, Chouji winced sympathetically, Naruto groaned, Hinata glanced over in concern, while Ino continued to run aimlessly, her voice carrying at an almost inhumane register. The shaggy blond head was lifted from the floor with a grimace, his hand rubbing at the raw, red mark now forming across his forehead.

"I'll explain in a minute, can you just help me settle her down?" Naruto responded, gesturing towards Ino. He promptly returned to his feet and managed to hitch his pants around his waist, rebuckling his belt. "I'm going to have enough of a headache as is."

It took them the better part of ten minutes, as well as the combined efforts of Hinata, Naruto and a puzzled Chouji, to bring back to her senses. For the most part. Shikamaru, however, was reluctant to intervene.

"You?! And you!?" Her pointer finger alternated between being thrust at Naruto, Hinata, and then Naruto once more. "I can't believe this!"

"W-we didn't tell anyone because we didn't want to make a big deal out of it." Hinata stumbled, having only just found her voice, following the mortification of being caught.

Ino turned to face Hinata once more with such speed and ferocity she risked giving herself whiplash.

"What are you talking about? It IS a big deal!" Ino's voice rose dramatically. "There's practically a pool going on how long it would be before you two finally hooked up!"

"There's a what?!" Naruto's choked indignantly, looking to Shikamaru for and Chouji for confirmation.

"About that," Chouji chuckled awkwardly.

"I have to tell someone-" Ino started, grappling desperately for her phone. Her finger glided over the keypad rapidly. She managed to type out a few key phrases; no doubt with the intention of sending them to Sakura; before she was halted midway through her task.

"Ino, don't!" Chouji caught her arm firmly, in reprimand.

"But Chouji-" began her protest, only to be interrupted by the low drawl of Shikamaru's voice.

"I may have had my suspicions."

"Huh?"

The collective response. Four heads turned to face the figure leaning lazily against the wall; who had otherwise remained silent throughout the entire ordeal; curious.

"About Hinata and Naruto, I mean," Shikamaru elaborated. "I'd been under the impression that something was actually going on between them for a couple of weeks now."

"Ano, what do you mean Shikamaru-san?" Hinata ventured, somewhat reluctantly.

"Well, you two had been acting rather strange lately," Shikamaru began, turning to face Hinata. "Not to mention you kept spending time alone together under the most flimsy pretense. Like when Naruto asked you if you could help him wish his laundry. I felt you must've been up to something.

"And you didn't think to tell me?!" Ino shrieked at Shikamaru indignantly.

"Of course I didn't, troublesome woman," he muttered. "I felt that considering Hinata and Naruto were going to such an effort to try and keep this a secret, I should respect their wishes. It was none of my business, anyway. Besides, if I'd told you, the entire village would've found out within a week."

Ino gasped in response, a mixture of shock and anger overtaking her features. As much as she hated to admit it, Shikamaru's words did hold some truth to them. If, in any other situation, Ino had found out about the 'progression' in Hinata and Naruto's relationship, she would have been overjoyed and graciously informed anyone within hearing distance, in her excitement. That didn't mean she had to approve of the blunt manner in which he'd made his point, though.

"I'm surprised we lasted as long as we did without being noticed by you, Shikamaru," Naruto joked. The man in question, shrugged apathetically, a cigarette now balanced between his lips as he vigorously ruffled through his pockets in search of a light.

"What about you?!" Ino started again, eventually; only this time turning her attention to Chouji.

"Well," he replied, fidgeting uncomfortably under the woman's accusing gaze. "Shikamaru may have pointed it out to me once or twice, but I kept quiet. I thought he was just reading into things a bit too much and didn't really feel it was my place to say anything, anyway."

Ino gaped at the men across from her, her jaw slackening. She couldn't believe what she was hearing! "You two are supposed to be my oldest friends! Why would you not tell me something like that?" She scolded. "We've known each other since we were children! After all that time don't you trust me at all?"

"On the contrary, Ino," Shikamaru responded curtly, silencing her tirade before it went any further. "I would trust you with my life... Just not when it comes to keeping secrets."

Ino was abruptly stunned into silence once more. She coud feel a flush crawling across her cheeks at Shikamaru's unexpected compliment. Yet a scowl pulled threatingly at her lips as a result of the thinly veiled insult that had accompanied it. Noticing the fuming woman, Naruto opted to try and distract her focus in the hopes of preventing another outburst.

"Ino," he spoke. "Earlier you said you would owe me if I helped you out today. Well, I'd actually like to take you up on that offer now, if it's possible."

"What do you mean?" Ino turned to face Naruto, momentarily breaking the glare she'd aimed in Shikamaru's direction.

"I'd really appreciate it if you could keep quiet about this... Hinata and I." Naruto continued, placing his hand comfortingly on the dark haired woman's shoulder; the two exchanging a brief yet meaningful glance. Ino calmly resisted the urge to squee. "I don't want you to tell anyone. Not Sakura, not Sasuke, not any of your random customers, or old acquaintances of yours that you bump into on the street. No one. Okay?"

Naruto was gazing directly at her now, his arms folded his expression determined; almost challenging. She was more than familiar with this look. It was one that crossed Naruto's face whenever he spoke seriously about a matter that was genuinely important to him. Whatever the reason, he really did not want her to spread the news about him and Hinata.

"Alright, fine!" She huffed indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest in defeat. She approached Naruto, jabbing him sharply in the chest with her forefinger, the fluid strikes punctuating each word that fell from her lips. "But I. Want. Details."

"Huh?"

"Well, if I can't tell anyone, I want to at least know the full story." Ino spoke as if she were imparting the most obvious, widely understood piece of information in the world.

"What are you talking about?" Naruto responded in confusion, rubbing his chest. "What difference does it make? Hinata and I are together, you know everything you need to know."

"Honestly, you are all pathetic!" She sighed, throwing her arms in the dramatically, before making her way back out to the front of the shop.

"Come on, Hinata," she said, taking the flustered girl by the wrist and guiding her out with her as she passed. "You can fill me in."

"Ano, Ino-san. What about the-" Hinata answered, gesturing to the stock that had yet to be unloaded.

"We can leave the men to finish it," Ino said haughtily, continuing to drag Hinata along. "I'm sure they'll be more than capable of handling it themselves." She emphasised her point by sharply closing the door behind her, leaving not but silence to radiate in the air between the three.

"So... Great work today, guys."

"Are you sure it's okay for us to do this without Ino here?" Naruto asked, as he helped to finish retrieving the remaining stock. "What if her parents come back?"

"They're out for the weekend." Chouji replied nonchalantly, carefully lowering one of the last few boxes. "Besides, it wouldn't really bother them, anyway. We're old family friends afterall."

"Yeah, don't worry about it too much, Naruto." Shikamaru added, begrudginly deciding to offer his assitance after the number of people working on the task had suddenly almost halfed. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Ino probably just needs a bit of time to blow of some steam."

Naruto nodded, satisfied by their answer, and did not probe any further. He was able to find comfort in the silence. He relished in those few seconds, before one particular subject inevitably came up. It was only a matter of time. Naruto felt some apprehensive. He wasn't entirely sure how to address what had taken place just a few moments ago, and was therefore, content to remain silent until prompted. Fortunately, neither of his two companions seemed particular eager to bring it up.

Shikamaru wasn't one to pry, for lack of interest and motivation, and Chouji would be reluctant to intrude at the risk of seeming impolite. So the silence lingered between for a few minutes longer, until it was Chouji, who eventually raised the question.

"So... You and Hinata, huh?"

"Yeah..." Naruto replied, his lips breaking into a soft, genuine smile.

"What exactly brought that on?" Chouji asked, curious. "I mean, we all kind of knew how feels, has always felt, about you. It was pretty much up to you to make the move."

"I don't exactly know," Naruto answered truthfully. "I mean... It all happened so suddenly. I... I reached a point in my life where I felt like everything I had once felt for Sakura was in the past, just a childish crush I'd had. I care for her, I really do, but I think I'd grown out of the prospect of having any romantic connection with her... I had I guess I just had to take the hint about Hinata at some point, huh?"

"Yeah, it sounds like you might finally be maturing." Chouji joked.

"I wouldn't go that far."

"Anyway," Naruto continued, brushing off his friends half-hearted insults. "I hope you guys understand when I ask that you don't tell anyone about this."

"Tch, don't worry about it." Shikamaru scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm happy for both of you, but sharing the intimate details of others has never really interested me. Why do you think I kept quiet even when I had suspicions?"

"Your secret's safe with us, Naruto," Chouji smiled reassuringly before adding. "Does anyone else know?"

Naruto hand scratched at his chin in contemplation. "No, not that we're aware of, but... We do get the feeling there may be others who have their suspicions."

"Well, if you're conducting yourselves like that, I'm not surprised." Shikamaru answered dryly, gesturing to the back room they had emerged from not long ago.

Naruto chuckled awkwardly, sweat beading at the back of his head.

"I knew there was something suspicious about the way you guys were acting at the Cafe, a couple of days back." Chouji said, "Hinata wasn't really sick, was she Naruto?"

"Heh, no... You got us there." Naruto answered, his hand kneading reflexively at the back of his neck. Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

"Seriously, Naruto. If you want this to remain a secret, I would recommend keeping things on the down-low. Namely the heavy petting sessions one room away from present company." Shikamaru spoke. "We can keep the information to ourselves, but it's pointless if you just end up being caught out again.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." Naruto muttered, his eyes downcast and his cheeks flushing.

While, ideally, he would have preferred the progression of his relationship to have remained a secret, Naruto was actually able to find sollace in the knowledge that Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji were now aware. It meant that they could ease into the process of revealing the surprise to their friends gradually, rather than trying to find an appropriate situation and manner in which to unveil it to them all at once. Naruto shuddered to imagine the chaos that would ensue had they chosen to break the news that way. It would have been Ino's reaction magnified fourfold.

While there was a certain thrill that accompanied the danger of being caught; something that he had derived an unusual pleasure from; he felt that his connection with Hinata had developed beyond such basic carnal urges. He genuinely wanted to be with her. This however, proved somewhat difficult to achieve in a public domain. Especially considering the majority of people close to them were still under the impression they were just friends.

For now, he trusted Chouji and Shikamaru, and well... He was sure they'd be able to keep any Ino from revealing anything, allowing he and Hinata to progress through this on their own terms.

Having Neji; Hinata's cousin; or Kiba and Shino find out; her closest male friends; was completely out of the question. They would adopt those weird, over-protective brother roles of theirs and ask him invasive, personal questions about his intentions with her. Catching him engaged in an impromptu romp with Hinata would only result in severe bodily; most likely testicular; harm. He shuddered at the thought.

Sakura and Sasuke finding out would just be... awkward. Something Naruto still wasn't entirely sure he was ready for. It was going to be awhile before he could muster up the courage to even approach those two.

Yeah, if anyone had had to stumble in on them, he was glad it was Shikamaru, Chouji and Ino.

So long as Ino would be able to keep quiet.

Part 2: The Details

Today had been quite out of the ordinary; at least for Hinata.

They had arrived at their usual hangout, the cafe, well into the early evening; an hour much later than they normally would. Their numbers were drastically reduced from the typical group of nine they would flock in. For, today it was just her and Ino alone. The reason being Ino was adamant about thoroughly interrogating Hinata on precise details surrounding her current relationship with Naruto.

Hinata had never exactly flourished in one-on-one social interactions, especially when the topic at hand concerned her not so subtle attraction for a certain friend of theirs. She therefore, understandably, wasn't as 'enthusiastic' as her companion. Ino, on the other hand, was shameless and strangely intense when it came to this particular spectrum.

"So Hinata, spill," The blonde spoke boldly, as the pair seated themselves in a small corner booth, having each purchased drinks. "Did you finally work up the nerve to jump Naruto's bones like you've always wanted?"

Hinata almost grasped at the abrupt question and it's rather crude phrasing, before shifting anxiously beneath her friend's expectant gaze. Even after having known Ino for years, she had yet to completely grasp her friend's concise, forward nature, and penchant for gossip. She, by contrast, still experienced difficulties articulating such intimate details of her life.

"Well, I... Not exactly." Hinata answered reluctantly, her index fingers pressing together in apprehension. She trailed off, hoping vainly that the response would be deemed accurate, but already knowing otherwise.

"Come on, Hinata!" Ino exclaimed in mild frustration over her wavering. She loved the girl, but sometimes prying information out of her was nothing short of a chore. "We're girl-friends! If you can't talk to me about this, who can you?"

"I haven't really felt the need to talk to anyone about it." Hinata admitted meekly, her hands warming against the cup of tea she was currently nursing.

"Don't give me that! I know you've been pining after the guy for years now, we all do!" Ino continued loudly, throwing her arms up dramatically, as if to emphasis her point. Hinata flushed in embarassment, as she noticed her friend's increased volume drawing the attention of some of the other patrons.

"I'd always thought that you'd be shouting from the rooftops if you two actually ever got together. I know I'm struggling not to right now."

"I do find it hard to believe sometimes." Hinata answered, studying the steaming liquid before her with a sudden, avid interest, as a faint blush tinged her facial features. Her voice no longer wavering, but resonating calmly and with a sense of self assurance.

"It was something I had always dreamed of, and hoped for, when I was younger. The scenarios in my head were so built-up and dramatic, I knew they couldn't possibly unfold that way in real life. Naruto had never even looked at me as anything other than a friend. At that time, he only had eyes for Sakura-san."

Ino watched on intently, not missing the hint of bitterness marring Hinata's tone. While Ino knew her friend harboured no ill-will towards Sakura; in fact, the mere thought of Hinata regarding anyone in such a manner was laughable; but she could understand how painful and conflicting the situation must have been for her. To witness the man she felt for so deeply, effortlessly captured by a woman who did see him in the same light. The envy Hinata felt towards Sakura was frequently accompanied by pangs of guilt, as she wondered how she could think such things about someone who she admired and considered a friend.

"I had resigned myself to accepting that we would be friends and treasured that we were able to possess such a bond, even though my heart yearned for something more. I wanted Naruto-kun to happy first and foremost, and well... To me, he seemed to enjoy himself the most around Sakura-san."

"When things did eventually... change, between us, I was taken completely by surprise. I thought I had managed to entirely surpress the feelings I felt Naruto-kun, but I was wrong. In that moment, they clenched at my heart, just as strongly as I could ever remember. Everything unfolded so suddenly between us that, for awhile, I wasn't even entirely sure it was real or just my imagination running wild. "

"So... What exactly happened?" Ino spoke softly, seemingly afraid that the mere cadence of her voice would pull Hinata from this reverie.

"Well, it started about three months ago, we were supposed to be meeting at Naruto's place."

"Hey Hinata," Naruto called cheerfully, as he answered the door with a wave. His expression fell into confusion briefly, as he glanced around the perimeter, finding the young woman alone before him."Where's everyone else?"

"Here, there and everywhere, really." Hinata answered, a soft smile adorning her features. "Sakura-san and Ino-san both got called into work. Kiba-kun said he had to check Akamaru for ticks. Shino-kun offered to help since he's an expert when it comes to insects. Shikamaru-kun's..."

"Sleeping. Or watching clouds, probably." Naruto finished, his eyes rolling.

"Probably." Hinata giggled, thinking it wouldn't have been unlike Shikamaru to not show up at all, simply declaring the event too 'bothersome'. "He isn't answering his phone."

"Well, I was expecting Sasuke, but I can't get a hold of him either." Naruto spoke, glancing briefly down at his own phone. No new messages. "It looks like it might be just us, huh?" He added, stepping away from the door and allowing her entrance.

"It would appear so." Hinata replied, as she removed her shoes, before joining Naruto in his apartment.

"That's cool. It's not often we get to hang out one-on-one like this." Folding his arms behind the back of his head, Naruto's brow creased in recollection. "Well, except for Ino's shindig where everyone pulled out at the last minute... That was weird."

"Yeah, weird..." Hinata answered, struggling to suppress the sardonic edge to her voice. It was obvious that Ino had set this up.

She supposed she could just leave, but she didn't want to appear rude. Not to mention she genuinely enjoyed spending time with Naruto.

"So, how are things between you and Sakura-san?"

"Uh, yeah, about that..." Naruto chringed, his voice suddenly uncharacteristically apprehensive. "We uh- kind of decided to... end things."

"Oh? I'm sorry to hear that." She reached over to lightly touch the man's shoulder, in the hopes of offering a sense of support. She might have given up on the notion of any romantic bond existeing between them, but that didn't mean she didn't care as deeply about Naruto as she always had. "Will you be okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine," he answered, "Actually, I was the one who suggested it at first."

"W-what?" Hinata responded in surprise. That was the last thing she had expected to hear. Ever since he was a young teenager it seemed Naruto had only ever had eyes for Sakura. After years passed, and she finally relented, accepting Naruto's offer to go on a date, he had been overjoyed. It was all he'd ever wanted. What exactly could have happened between them to change that?

"It just wasn't what I had expected, I guess." Naruto spoke, as if reading her thoughts and responding directly to them. She had only spoken a single word, yet her expression held the questions that Hinata felt she currently didn't possess the courage to ask.

"For as long as I can remember, I'd romanticised this idea of being with Sakura-chan. To the point that no matter how well things worked out, it would never live up to the fantasies I'd concocted in my head. Those feelings I had for her, they weren't genuine. At least, not in the way I first thought. She and Sasuke were just two of the first I people I met who didn't completely shut me out because of what they'd be told. They actually took the time to get to know me."

"I couldn't be happier with how things went between us, actually. I was worried she might be upset; especially considering how much I bothered her just to get one date... It turns out though, that she felt the same way. I'm really relieved, I didn't want to lose her as a friend. Especially because of some stupid childish crush."

Hinata listened in fascination as Naruto revealed to her an intimate part of himself she had always suspected had been there, but had never actually witnessed in the flesh, stripped bare before her. Not like she was right now. This part of Naruto was deeper, more mature, yet still possessed the qualities she had always admired; the kindness, the empathy and the utter conviction lacing his voice.

He was the man she had once believed a young, loud-mouthed blond had all the capabilities of growing up to become.

If he hadn't said otherwise, Hinata would have assumed he and Sakura's relationship was going perfectly well. He didn't seem upset, about the breakup at all. If anything he appeared to be at ease, as some overwhelming burden strain had been removed from his being. It was unusual.

"I had an epiphany," Naruto summarised, with a shrug. Again, answering as if he'd been able to read her thoughts clearly. "I was able to realise who had been there for me all along."

Hinata swallowed, captivated by the intense penetration of his gaze, as she noticed him shuffle closer to her. Her eyesight suddenly drooping to the firm, naked surface of his collar bone.

"W-what do you mean?" She spoke, suddenly realising her throat was unusually dry, as her form became rigid, tense.

Her answer was provided not in the form of rhetoric, but with a caress so brief and tender, she was momentarily unsure if it actually occurred or not. Warm breath tickling flushed cheeks, velvet soft lips sweeping over ivory skin, calloused, strong finger trips trailing lazily over her aching flesh.

Her heart trembled with sheer elation as she responded instinctively, tears clinging to her eyelashes. His lips carefully brushed them away, a beautiful, reassuring smile flashing before her lavender irises.

"N-Naruto-kun?" Hinata stammered, doubt clinging to her, in spite of his ardent act. "What are you doing?" Her voice a harsh whisper.

"I'm not as clueless as I look, Hinata," He spoke simply, his voice thick. "I know how you feel about me."

Hinata could feel her heart lurch inside of her chest, as her reached over to cup her cheek, drawing her prone body closer to his own. A small, timid part of her fought desperately to stop him; to push him away like the need the she suppressed deep within her. Yet, she knew the struggle was pointless. The ardor, the desire she held for this man, had not faded, in spite of her best efforts.

She no longer had any reason to fight.

"Aha!" Ino exclaimed triumphantly, "I knew my plans weren't in vain! So did you guys, y'know... Go away all the way?" She added with a smirk, her eyebrows raising suggestively.

"Ah, no. We haven't... progressed that far yet, Ino." Hinata replied, surprised that she had been able to make it through such a sentence without stumbling.

"Huh, okay," Ino answered, processing the information. "Well then, what are you guys exactly, right now? Are you a couple, or..."

She trailed off, hoping Hinata would pick up on the implication, without her having to spell out the crass details. Hinata fidgeted under her friend's questioning gaze, pressing her fingertips together nervously. The truth was, she wasn't entirely sure how to answer that question herself.

"Well, we haven't really got into that yet."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ino said, somewhat taken aback.

"There hasn't really been a lot of discussion, just... action." Hinata elaborated, choosing her words rather carefully. "You know, Naruto-kun, he's not the most... eloquent when it comes to expressing things with words."

"That's an understatement."

"So it hasn't really been 'defined'" Hinata continued, ignoring Ino's jab. "We've decided to keep this a secret, for now. So it's difficult to find an oppurtunity to talk about it. We can't bring it up with everyone else around, otherwise we'd raise suspicion... And well, everyone time we're alone we just seem to end up doing... other things. So really, as much as I love being with him, I'm still not entirely sure what our relationship is just yet."

"That Naruto." Ino sighed, clencing her fist in frustration. "Just when I was going to suggest he maybe wasn't as dense we all thought, I go and learn something like this." She really hoped he wasn't just stringing poor, sweet Hinata along after things hadn't worked out between him and Sakura.

"I know what you're thinking, Ino, and you're wrong." Hinata answred, steadfast and confident. "Naruto-kun isn't like that at all. He is loyal, and caring, particularly when it comes to his friends. I know that he would never dream of harming me, let alone for his own selfish gain. I appreciate your concern Ino, but you need to understand that I'm an adult, and I don't need your guidance. I can look after myself. I've never been happier."

Ino blew her a stray lock of her from her eye through a frustrated exhale.

"Alright, Hinata. If it means that much to you, I can keep it a secret... But I don't want to find you guys making out in my family's shop, again. Got it?"

"Hai, Ino-san." Hinata giggled.

Upon her return from the cafe, Ino was surprised to find the door to the Flower Shop still unlocked. In spite of the darkness filtering through the window, and the 'closed' sign adorning the front door, Shikamaru and Chouji were still inside, waiting for her.

"What are you guys still doing here?" Ino huffed, as she entered. She was still harbouring some indignation after learning that they'd been actively keeping from secrets her.

"We couldn't exactly look up when you had the keys with you, so we figured we should stick around." Shikamaru answered curtly. "Oh, and you're welcome for the help."

"And what, pray tell, did you do to help, Shikamaru?" Ino responded seethingly.

"More importantly, we said we were going out for Barbeque afterwards," Chouji feigning ignorance to his friends' heated words, eagerly massaging his stomach. "I don't know about you, but I'm sticking with that plan."

"Naruto already left earlier, so it's just us." Shikamaru spoke, feeding his arm through the sleeve of his jacket in preparation to leave.

"Uh huh..." Ino nodded absently, her expression blank and voice impassive, as if she wasn't completely paying attention to them. "Why don't you guys go on ahead without me? I have to lock up, so I'll catch up with you in a minute."

"Alright," Chouji called, as he made his way out.

Shikamaru however, remained rooted firmly on the stop, not yet showing any desire to leave.

"What are you up to, Ino?" Shikamaru asked, tailing her as she shifted unconsciously through her inane routine of closing up.

"Closing up the shop?" Ino offered, her nose wrinkling in confusion. "You said we were going out and I-"

"You know what I mean," he said, his lean digits fisting through his hair in mild annoyance. "What happened with you and Hinata?"

Ino drew a breath in deeply, finding it pointless to feign innocence before someone as intuitive and sharp as Shikamaru.

"Look, I know we've agreed to keep it a secret, and I'm going to, but..."

"But?" He prompted. Troublesome, I don't like where this is going.

"I can hardly be blamed if the others were to find out on there own, right? I know they've gone unnoticed for weeks; probably months, even; but they're being kind of careless now. I mean, look at how easily were stumbled upon them today."

"I suppose so. Though it really depends."

"On what?"

"On whether or not you're planning to try and influence others into finding out about Naruto and Hinata's relationship."

"Do you really think I would betray a friend's trust like that? It pains me to know that you think so lowly of me, Shika." Ino exclaimed, clutching her hand over her heart dramatically."

"If the shoe fits."

"I told Naruto I wasn't going to say anything and I'm staying true to my word..."

"But...?"

"I may lay a few traps here and there, just so that it seems like they found on their own. I'm not, technically, breaking any promises that way."

"Why do I get a bad feeling about this?" Shikamaru sighed in exasperation.

"Oh, come on Shika! I know Naruto and Hinata said they wanted to tell everyone in their own time, but really, if you left it up them it'd be years before anyone else found out. I love them both, but really they're hopeless! If you think about it, I'm doing them a favour. I'm speeding up the process and removing all of those awkward conversations-"

"Right, whereas stumbling in on them in a compromising position like we did earlier today, won't be awkward at all."

"They handled it okay." She shot back, waving her hand dismissively.

"Sure, better than you did at least." He smirked.

"Say what you want, Shikamaru, I've made up my mind." Ino spoke, seemingly not phased by his comment.

"There's nothing I can say to change your mind, is there?"

"Nope!" She answered cheerfully, a bright smile lighting up her features, as she moved to open the front door.

"Alright," Shikamaru answered resignedly, following her outside into the night. "But if either of them ask me about this, I'm not going to lie for you."

"Of course! I wouldn't expect anything less of you, Shikamaru." Ino winked, carefully locking the door behind them.

Again, standard procedure.