**I GUESS I'VE SORT OF STARTED TO DEVELOP A VERY STRONG BOND TO THIS STORY AND ITS CHARACTERS.**

"Hnnnhh…urrrghhh."

Great. 7:15. Time to get ready for work.

I slowly dragged myself out of bed only to slip and fall on one of my files full of yet to be graded assignments. Picking myself off from the floor I rub my ass as I hit the ground pretty hard. Today was Friday. That meant two things. Shorter school day and a 2 for 1 special on my favourite noodles. I dragged my feet toward the kitchen putting on the kettle to boil some water. I rummaged through the cupboards to find some coffee and sugar.

Walking over to the fridge I notice I forgot to buy milk.

"I really should start making a shopping list."

Drinking my black coffee, my brain starts to wake up and I remember the car isn't working again. Suddenly my Friday seems to be starting off quite shitty, but I don't care right now I have to get to work. Quickly gulping down the hot black liquid I put the cup down on my dresser, take a quick shower, dress and look for the file I slipped on earlier.

Every morning seems to be a rush. Grabbing my apartment keys, my work bag and my wallet I rushed toward the nearest bust stop. Halfway there I remember I forgot to lock my door.

Running back as I fast as I could, I checked my door only to discover it's already been locked.

For fuck's sake I need to stop being so damn paranoid.

Running back to the bus stop my phone starts ringing. In the chaos of running and trying to hold onto my possessions I manage to answer the phone.

"What is it Zabuza?"

"Well for starters are you going to be late for school again?"

"Tch. We both know the answer to that one. Seriously why did you call me? I'm kind of in the middle of running to catch a bus right now."

"Your car's broken again?! Seriously you need to get a new one, or a skateboard or something."

"Look if this is a 'Hi how are you blah blah blah' conversation we could talk on lunch break but right now I really need to catch the bus or else I'll have to walk."

"That's why I'm calling you. There's going to be a meeting lunch time in Tsunades' office."

"Oh God what is it this time?"

"Don't know…but just thought I should give you a heads up. I'll cover for you in the meantime. Hurry the fuck up."

"Thanks. I owe you a case of beer."

"Damn right you do."

He hung up the phone just as I reached the bus stop only to see the bus to drive pass me.

"Just fucking great."

Angered, I had no other choice but to walk the hour and a half to school. Walking I agreed that it's about time that I got a new car. I've had my current one for about eight years now. It had given in and started having problems two years ago. I guess the car had been with me so long that I it was a part of me I couldn't let go of. No matter how much I needed to.

"Hey. Need a ride?"

The voice was familiar and cheerful. I turned around to the car that had taken me home last night. For a second I was about to apologise to the driver before I noticed the beard.

"Morning Shikaku."

"Morning Oreo." He chuckled as he said my college nickname.

"So are we done with pleasantries? Get in, I'm taking Shikamaru to school right now before I go unlock the store."

"Arigato. I really appreciate it."

Getting in the passenger seat I see Shikamaru struggling with his tie.

"17 and you still don't know how to make your school tie?"

Shikaku laughed at me for making fun of his son. He knew I had a soft spot for the smart mouthed slacker and always considered him as a nephew.

"I swear I've tried to teach him many times. He really has a short attention span, but I think he knows very well how to do something."

"Oh I agree with you 100%. Shikamaru is quite the genius. He's just too lazy to do anything with his massive potential. Averaging on 75% for everything definitely shows that he clearly knows what he's doing. Why he gets lower grades purposefully is beyond me."

Driving in the car talking to Shikaku was definitely the turnaround for my shitty morning. Arriving at the school, I noticed that I had about five minutes to clock in and not be deemed late for the millionth time.

"Thanks for lift. I seriously appreciate it. My car has finally given and died on me"

"Oh but you couldn't thank me for driving you home in the rain last night." Shikamaru almost venomously spat the words out at me.

"Hey you better behave yourself if you want that party" I watched as Shikaku silenced his son. It was always fun to see Shikamaru get blackmailed by his father as he knew very well that Shikaku would gladly take the time to embarrass his son any opportunity he got.

Shikamaru got out of the car, his tie still not made, walked to his fathers' window and kissed him on the cheek.

"Sumimasen Tou-san, I didn't mean to get out of line. We'll still have the party right?"

Shikaku looked at me and gave me a wink.

"We'll see. If you don't behave the next twenty-four hours, you can say goodbye to your birthday party tomorrow. Love you son."

"Love you too dad." Shikamaru mumbled something else but Shikaku just gave him a glare.

"Hey thanks for the ride again. I'll make it up to you buy buying up every single 2 for 1 noodle special."

"Hahahaha… It's not really a thank you if you do it every Friday Oreo."

"Aahahahahaha… I guess you're right. I'll think of something."

"Hey maybe you could come by the party tomorrow. I'm sure together we could torture the snot out of the poor kid."

I had to admit, Shikaku was always quite devious. Must be one of the reasons he's one of my best friends.

"And ask Zabuza to come too. Haven't seen him in ages either."

"Hahahahah, sure no problem. See you later at the store." Shikaku smiled and waved at me as he drove off to work. I stared at my watch.

"Shit!"

I ran as fast as I could to the foyer to clock in.

"Cutting it very close, but glad you're on time for once."

"Good morning to you to Tsunade."

Well at least I didn't get yelled at again.