Shadows

Now before we get started on the next chapter of Shadows. I would like to start by saying "OH MY BAGEBAS!" When these last two chapters where posted, within the next two days It was saved, the story was put on watch, and a comment was posted. Now to many that's not much, but to me it's a lot. So thank you to all you loyal fans and here we go! Join me down this Ninja rabbit hole.

Chapter 7

Choji Akamichi watched the two women ahead of him. Hinata Akamichi, his once girlfriend but now wife, was scanning the area as the woman next to her began panicking. He sighed as he watched the woman, Usagi Hatake was an overprotective woman if he ever saw one.

Hinata glanced back at her husband and gave him a sheepish grin. Usagi looked to Hinata and came to a halt.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing Hatake san, it's just you haven't explained much to us, were just...were a little..."

"Confused?" Cut Choji as he came to a stop between the woman. He looked at Usagi. She wore a sage green long sleeved kimono top with a light blue sash that bowed in the back and hung to just below her knees. On her legs she wore Black above the knee tights, her sandals laced up the sides and went up about mid calf. Her long brunette colored hair was braided and it rested just at her knees. Emerald eyes watched Choji as if child like and he looked away.

He looked to Hinata who was just smiling at him, he looked her over and felt himself swoon. In the three years since the "invasion" Hinata had grown up out of her shyness, she no longer hid her body away with baggy jackets or pants. Her jacket was now like a tight dress. The sleeves were cut off and it kept the hood part, no fishnets underneath. She wore black tights underneath the dress. Her head band rested now around her waist. He knew on her back she now wore the Akamichi symbol.

"We were told to join you so randomly, and no orders came in. Is everything okay?" Asked Hinata as she activated her eyes and scanned the area. They'd been traveling for a day and a half now.

"I belive it is. Crow just said that after the team left, that we were to follow. He knew Shikamaru would be better handled if Choji were near by," Usagi looked sheepishly at the bigger man and Choji just nodded his head.

"Plus the plot to kill Yae Ebisu, should defiantly not be over looked," She smiled brightly at the two as Hinata's eyes widened even more and Choji's jaw dropped.

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Shikamaru was comfortable. He layed on his side his head propped up with his right arm, left leg bent. He layed next to a small bed, Shizu nestled into the blankets. One of her hands was out from under the blanket and gripping onto his green shirt. He ran his other hand over Shizu's head and picked up a few of her dark black strands.

She shifted in her sleep rolling over, she pulled at his shirt as the strands of hair fell from his hand. Touching each finger attached to his shirt he pried each one off slowly. He sat up a bit more, kissed each finger before placing the tiny arm back under the covers.

Standing up Shikamaru moved to the open door and slipped out. Walking down the hall he came to the small living room. Inside it, sitting in the middle of the room was Yae. She sat on a faded blue pillow and her body sat hunched. She was looking at the table before her a single folder lay. Shikamaru leaned up against the door just watching her.

Her green hair was damp, a pale robe wrapped around her body seemed to steam. They'd arrived at her home, Yae forcing Shikamaru into the bath, little Shizu followed him in. No one could seem to stop the stubborn girl, so as soon as the two had finished. Yae had shut herself away inside.

Now here he stood, the day was hazy, gray almost stuffy with the warning sirens in the air ringing. Out here in the forest the sirens were fading and he smiled as he pushed off and moved to sit next to her.

"You must leave," Her whisper stopped his advancing hand. Yae's voice was quivering as she pulled her hands together trying to stop the shakes that wracked them. He smiled at her.

"Tch...troublesome girl," His hands took her hands and Yae watched as the shakes began to subside the butterflies begging to turn her stomach. His hands were cut here and there, a few burn marks littered his fingers. She tried to pull her hands away but he held on.

"I'm here for you, always will be Yae," Shikamaru's voice, it's tender and playful, it's like the times in the meadow. It was just her and him, no danger, no child clinging to him. He was hers for the moment and she was scared.

She pulled away and stood. She turned from him walking to the hallway door only to stop in mid reach. Her hand shook as she tried to force her body to reach but all her hand did was shake.

"Kageshibari no Jutsu complete." Slowly she turned around to face a standing Shikamaru. She tried to fight the pull but her arms crossed like him and her head tilted to the side. He was grinning at her lopsided like.

"Your so frustrating, independent and above all things down right perfect for me." She felt herself blush as Shikamaru's words came out rushed and embarrassed. He took a step to her and she followed.

"Hell you made a hell of a cute kid too." They came out mumbled as he scratched at his head, the copied movements looked so odd that as they came within arms reach, the jutsu released and he held onto her tight around the waist.

"Your not running form me again. Your staying right here. In my arms, no more excuses. Plus I really don't think Shizu will let me leave," She chuckled as she rested her head against his chest. She could hear his heart beat and it brought comfort to her tormented mind. She gave a soft sigh as she closed her eyes and leaned heavily into his embrace.

"I've missed you, I was so scared," Her words are whispered as he kisses her head and lays his head next to hers. His cheek reasting against hers. He took a deep breath, wild fire and damp earth assaulted his censes, he hugged her tighter and she chucked.

"I'm not going anywhere, I promise,"

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Kakashi paced back and forth in the Mizukage's office. She looked at the nervous ninja and sighed for what seemed like the thirty-ith time that hour. After seeing how early it had become, the Mizukage had sent everyone away to rest. Giving them the day to rest and get ready to track the culprits. Kakashi on the other hand had stayed after receiving a message.

'Crow, half a day. Will report to Mizukage,'

A knock came to the door and all three jumped, Dio had been sitting in one of the office chairs going over reports, Kakashi moved to the door and opened it. He was greeted by a flushed Usagi and two out of breath Honoha ninjas.

"CROW!" Usagi jumped into the gray haired ninja's arms and all he could do was blush. Her well endowed assets pressed against him and he grind like an idiot. Choji chuckled at the perverted streak in the old teacher. The others moved around the reunited couple and bowed to the Mizukage.

"Choji and Hinata Akamichi, here to supervise Shikamaru Nara," They straighted while Dio moved to shake both there hands.

"I'm glad you two have arrived, wish it had been sooner, I was forced to put the three of them together in one house. Ebisu was not happy with me," The Mizukage leaned back in her chair her blue nailed fingers swiping away a few strands of hair.

"Not the best idea, I'll admit. But it was necessary, I'm sure Shikamaru can work this into his advantage." Said Dio as he grinned at the larger ninja.

"Usagi Hatake present and accounted for!" Everyone looked to the bubbly ninja who was wrapped around Kakashi's arm. She leaned forward pulling his arm closer to her. She was trying to bow without letting her husband go. It wasn't working to her advantage, the blush on Kakashi's said it was working in his.

"Well for now you all are on rest. Kakashi and Usagi will be set up in an apartment just around the block. Dio will escort Choji and Hinata to Yae's. She has an extra room you two can use," Dio smiled at Choji.

'We may be sleeping with Shikamaru, if he's put his foot in his mouth yet,' Thought Choji as his stomach growled. Hinata next to him chuckled.

"I have a question Mizukage," Everyone looked at Hinata.

"Usagi mentioned something about...Yae being in danger," She said it shyly and Choji took her hand.

"Yes, she is in danger. But it can be discussed later. For now go and rest, in your case eat. Dio knows a wonderful barbecue bistro down the road." She waved them away as she turned her chair to look out at the village below.

All in the room bowed, and like a flash Usagi and Kakashi were gone. The others laughing at the newlyweds.