It was a couple of months until Shinki was sent to Konoha for one of those diplomatic bouts their elders loved. Since everything was so busy with seemingly every rogue in the continent up to no good, the five Kages were bound home, and their aids would be sent to exchange sensible information that couldn't be run through long distance communications. Shinki would never complain about his duties, but for once it seemed to the Kazekage that his son was almost eager to travel, which was new.

Upon his arrival in Konoha, Shinki was welcomed without fuss by Shikadai, as usual, and Sarada, whom he'll be working along with for a few days. Both Leaf shinobis had been promoted jonin and were handling much of the classified intel and business coming from the Hokage's office, under Shikadai's father's guidance. All three spent a whole day comparing intel and scheduling conjoined missions, and Shinki had to admit they were pretty efficient. When finally evening came, Shikamaru found them and ordered them to go home, or else they would probably have settled for an all-nighter.

- I'm going home then. Sarada said, suddenly feeling exhausted.

- And we're off to find a place to have a drink. Shikadai countered. No regret, Sarada ?

- No thanks, I'll leave you guys to it.

Shinki didn't like drinking much, but Shikadai would only invite him for a beer or two, being way more serious than many older shinobis they passed on their way to a main alley lined up with restaurants and bars. Cosily settled, a drink in hand, Shinki relaxed and let out a long sigh.

- Well, that's unusual. Shikadai smiled. But I feel you, that was good work today.

- I'll take a fight anytime rather than all that paperwork.

- That may yet come. But admit it, the strategic planning part is kinda fun, isn't it ?

- You really found a match in Sarada, you're both enjoying all that plotting way too much.

Shikadai chose to drink rather than answer, but he was smiling still and that was an answer in itself. Over the years, Shinki had learned to appreciate his cousin's company more and more. Still, he felt restless, and somehow it showed because Shikadai noticed it.

- Something the matter ?

- Nothing much. he grumbled. Aren't you supposed to meet with your friends ?

- Not tonight. Inojin and Cho-cho are still away.

- I thought you were a set.

- Still, we have our own area of expertise. Inojin is helping his mother with whatever she's been working on these days, and Cho-cho was given some genins to look over.

- Really ?

- Yep. To be honest, they're not the smartest nor the strongest of the bunch, so we thought she would be perfect for the job. I can't think of someone stronger or luckier than her, and that should help them get through. It's their first C-ranked mission, so I hope it went well.

- When will she be back ? Shinki asked, trying to sound casual.

- I thought something was amiss. Shikadai smiled wider.

- What do you mean ?

- Don't tell me she got to you too !

Shikadai couldn't believe it when the Sand shinobi suddenly turned red, and he burst out of laughter, which only made things worse.

- That's not funny. Shinki tried with a warning glance.

- Oh but it is. I was starting to wonder what she would do once she'd fuck everyone in the village. Simple answer : travel abroad !

- Go to hell.

Even though Shinki was quite upset at being made fun of, Shikadai's hilarity was contagious and he had to smile despite himself. He found out his glass was empty and for the first time ever ordered the next round on his own.

- If you're asking for her, that means you're not yet scared. You're a sensible guy, I guess I don't have to warn you she's bad news ?

- Yeah, I know. It's not like I want to marry her.

- Heaven forbids ! I'm not sure you could afford to pay for her expenses anyway. Maybe we should introduce her to the Daimyo's son.

- That's the worst idea I ever heard.

They drank to that, more amused by the second.

- Just so I understand, you all slept with her ?

- Yep. Inojin and I not for long, it felt weird, you know. She's more like a sister to us, after all we grew up together.

- That's sick.

- Well, it's not like we're in our right mind, you know. Comes with the job I guess.

- Anyway, you haven't told me when she'll be back.

- Truth is, she should have been home already.

- And that doesn't concern you ?

- Not really. I have utmost faith in her.

Shikadai was proven right the next evening. They were both trying to decide whether they would again get drunk or go to bed early, when Cho-cho arrived like a hurricane in the Hokage's office, trailed by three kids. The young genins were pale, bruised and dirty but seemed unharmed, and they all seemed in awe upon looking at their teacher. Cho-cho was the most battered, and to Shinki's surprise she had lost quite a lot of weight, which he would have thought impossible. Shikadai for once seemed concerned.

- What happened ?!

- I am starving, is what's happening ! she cried out, using his shoulder to settle herself. Help meeee…

Since there was no point in trying to make sense out of her complaints, Shikadai turned to the three kids for an explanation.

- Cho-cho-sensei saved us ! I never saw something like that. She just went all out.

- It was soooo beautiful !

Shikadai smiled, happy to see the genins finally understood why he'd made Cho-cho their team leader. Despite all her shortcomings, she was skilled and caring, and she had proved it all the way.

- Well, I guess there's no helping it. he sighed. Let's get you to the YakiniQ. Go home kids, you did well.

The announcement boosted Cho-cho's morale and her newfound strength got them quickly to the restaurant, where she ordered everything on the menu. It was only once she was done with the first three plates that she seemed to acknowledge she wasn't alone.

- What are you doing here then, Shinki-kun ?

- Working.

- And paying the bill, hopefully. Shikadai added.

- I'm your guest, cousin, remember.

- That's such a pain !

- After all I've been through, that's the least you can do, Shikadai ! Look at me, just skin on bone !

- That's what you get for burning up all your reserves. I'm sure you'll be fine in a couple of days.

- But who's paying for that, ne ? I put my life and my beauty on the line for the village ! I think the Hokage could throw something in return, don't you ?

- You never change…

Both of them seemed pretty at ease, and Shinki understood well how after years working together you would trust someone utterly, and know them better than yourself. The bickering was just part of the deal. They were in the middle of the meal when Sarada arrived, out of breath as if she'd been running. She seemed clearly relieved to see Cho-cho enjoying yet another plate of meat.

- I heard you were injured ! I was so worried !

- I'm fine, Sarada-chan. Come, sit with us.

- What happened ?!

- That's not the sort of tale I want to spin while I eat !

- That butterfly mode clearly did some damage. Sarada fussed.

- I told you I'm ok. Cho-cho insisted, now upset that her friend wouldn't drop the issue.

Finally getting her cue, Sarada fell silent. She had always been like this, over worried that Cho-cho would push herself too hard. Even though her best friend would resent it as if she wasn't capable enough, Sarada couldn't help it. After all, Cho-cho was reckless, and Sarada knew she couldn't bear losing her closest friend after having been robbed of every other person she loved. Shikadai understood that very well and asked again that she sat down with them, which she did. The atmosphere soon got lighter as the girls started chatting, with Shikadai offering funny comments. It was often like this when Shinki came to Konoha : everyone was lively, enjoying life as if they had not a care in the world. Shikadai paid the bill with a defeated look on his face, muttering.

- What was that ? Cho-cho asked suspiciously.

- I was just thinking coming here is a stupid tradition. he grumbled.

She laughed loudly, throwing her long hair in her back and exiting the restaurant queenlike. Sarada smiled fondly and followed her with a good imitation of her friend's poise. The men exchanged a knowing look. After the warmth of the barbecue, the cold night air was a blessing. Feeling his burning cheeks, Shikadai realized he'd drank a bit too much.

- Let's go then, follow me ! Cho-cho shouted.

- Aw, I just want to go to bed ! Sarada complained.

- One thing at a time, dear. her friend crooned.

A chill ran through Shikadai's spine and he slid a glance to Shinki, who seemed oblivious to what was happening. While Cho-cho was dragging them behind her, chatting with Sarada, he pondered for a minute if he should say something.

- Where are we going ? asked Shinki, and it appeared he was drunk too for once.

- To my place ! Cho-cho offered easily.

That seemed to be enough information and Shinki stumbled after them peacefully. Once on her doorstep, Cho-cho ushered everyone inside the tiny and cramped apartment and closed the door. Sarada acted as if right at home and went straight for the couch, Shinki followed. With the excuse of removing his shoes, Shikadai took Cho-cho's now skinny arm and made her look him in the eyes.

- What are you plotting ? he asked suspiciously.

- Oh come on now, we're none of us strangers to each other.

Catching the surprised look on Shikadai's face, Cho-cho let out a throaty laugh.

- She's my best friend, you stupid fuck. Of course I know about you two.

- I'm not sure this is a good idea…

But she wasn't listening anymore and went inside, asking loudly around who wanted to have another drink. Cheery answers went up. Smiling to himself, Shikadai let the matter rest. It was going to be an interesting night, and looking at his friends merrily bickering he found out he was actually looking forward to it.