Chapter 16: Fangs for That 2

The next afternoon, Inojin went in for his shift at the restaurant as usual, aside from having to bundle up to hide from the sun. He had left Shikamaru alone after feeding on him and Shikamaru, as was his custom, didn't show his face for the rest of the night. All the while he wondered if his manager was truly alright. Maybe he should have checked on him before going home.

An arm blocked the door on his way out of the backroom, three waiters standing there to confront him. "What happened last night?"

Inojin's heart started to beat faster. Did they know? Did they go in to see the manager and find him a puddle in his chair? Did they see the blood on his lips? He was sure he had cleaned up after he fed and Kakashi never mentioned anything. Surely, he would have told him if he had blood on his face.

"Uh, uh, what do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb," said the one holding out his arm to block his path. "I had to cover your tables when you disappeared for half an hour. Like I didn't have enough to do."

It seemed they didn't know. "Oh, that. Sorry. But I did take care of my tables. I brought the check to one and the plate to the other."

"The other two," he told him. "They hadn't gotten their drinks since you disappeared and flagged me down. So did the table that wanted their check. Said they were going to miss their movie if you didn't show up soon. I couldn't tell them they weren't in my section so I didn't have to cater to them because that would reflect poorly on our business. I had to handle it so I wouldn't get an earful."

"Sorry. Thanks. I mean…" Inojin bowed his head in apology. "It won't happen again."

"What exactly were you doing when you disappeared? Where were you?"

"Uh…" Inojin came up with a simple explanation. "Restroom."

"You weren't doing something with Sarada, were you? Or maybe one of the others who also weren't on the floor during that time?"

This explained why more than one was confronting him. They must have thought he was sneaking around to be with the girls. Cornering them to flirt or gossip without the competition.

"No, it's nothing like that. I didn't see them last night. Honest. I was in the restroom."

"Don't try anything," the one waiter warned. "We're all equal here."

"Yeah, right…"

"What?"

"I said you're right." Inojin tried to move around the waiter's arm. "We should really get to work, right?"

They let him go, giving him dirty looks the whole time.

One of the girls walked by and smiled at the group. "Hey, guys. Let's do our best today."

"Yes, senpai," they chorused back.

"Inojin, can you get the tablecloths for me?"

"Sure thing, Sarada."

"That's 'senpai' to you," a waiter reminded him.

"Senpai. I mean, senpai."

As they were setting up, the manager came in to address them. Everyone stopped working to listen, but there was something else that was holding their attention.

"Afternoon, everyone," Shikamaru said cheerfully. "Let's be sure to do our best today."

The staff raised their eyebrows and exchanged confused looks. Shikamaru was never this enthusiastic about work before, normally grumbling like it wasn't worth his time. He was smiling like he was on top of the world.

"I've got your tables right here." Shikamaru held up the chart on his clipboard.

"Um, it's ok if you want me to do it, sir."

"Don't worry about it, Sarada. I've been making you do it for a while and it should really be my responsibility. You focus on your normal duties."

Sarada stepped back in line, taken aback by his response. "Alright… If you say so."

"Iwabe, you have tables fourteen through seventeen in the upper section, and Boruto gets to join you on the rest. Sarada will be our greeter for the evening, so don't worry about the tables. Chocho will have tables one through four and Inojin will have five, six and seven. And for tables eight through ten…"

Iwabe and Boruto glared at Inojin, realizing he would be on the main floor with the girls while they were running up and down the stairs and hardly get to see them.

Sarada seemed surprised as well, getting an easy workload for a change. Being a greeter wasn't the easiest job, but she didn't have to run food back and forth in addition to escorting customers to them from the door and taking phone calls. Getting to do only half of that was a lightened load for sure.

Of course, this also meant she wouldn't be near the other servers, so Boruto and Iwabe wouldn't get a chance to even speak with her that night.

Inojin was amazed by Shikamaru's consideration.

"Still a no on the clams but we'll get those in soon. Also, nice job on pushing the greens last night. The tablecloths are freshly washed and ready for the tables. Make sure to refill the sugars. A lot of people were ordering coffee during the day. I also need someone to get the tablecloths from the lunch service over to laundry and take out the trash. That bin in the back of the kitchen is overflowing."

When they were dismissed, Inojin returned to dressing the tables.

"Oh, Inojin, never mind that," Shikamaru told him. "I have a different job for you instead. Boruto will take over. Iwabe, the trash, if you will."

Normally they wouldn't have to do Inojin's drudge work so this made their heads turn. They saw Shikamaru put his arm around Inojin's shoulders like they were old chums and lead him to the front entrance. He told Inojin to wash the windows which was one of the easiest jobs there was.

"Be a dear, won't you?" Shikamaru said, bringing the window cleaner and rag to him personally.

Normally he would be taking out the trash and if the bag broke, he would have to clean it all up no matter how long it took. Iwabe was bigger and stronger than he was so it always made sense for him to do it instead of scrawny little Inojin, and it seemed that reality finally dawned on Shikamaru.

"Sir?" Inojin asked timidly. "Are you feeling ok?"

"I'm great," Shikamaru answered, smiling joyfully. He had been in a good mood all day.

Inojin wasn't sure. This seemed weird to him. "It's just… Normally you'd give me the really hard jobs. What gives?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "I just really like you."

"You… you do?"

"Yeah." Shikamaru looked dubiously to the side while his smile remained where it was. "Is that weird? Don't know why, I just do."

Did this mean Shikamaru deliberately gave him the difficult jobs or the ones he knew Inojin would struggle with because he didn't like him? He had suspected as much, but he dumped everyone with a ton of work so it helped mask any distain he had for a particular individual.

"Well," said Shikamaru, clapping his hands together, "I better go help out in the kitchen. Gotta make sure we have enough for the dinner rush." And, with a spring in his step, he left.

Inojin blinked in disbelief and shook his head. "This is so weird." He had to ask Kakashi if this was normal behavior for bite victims. It just seemed strange to him.

Having only three tables to see to made things a little easier for Inojin. Unfortunately, he marched to the all-familiar tune of demanding customers wanting discounts or food prepped to their specifications. Allergies he could sympathize with but some just had personal preferences that were difficult to fulfill. One woman wanted her drink served at exactly forty degrees and kept sending it back when it wasn't the right temperature. A man sent his steak back because there was too much fat on it, which got Inojin in trouble with the cooks who had to redo it in addition to the other orders.

"What is taking so long?" Iwabe asked, standing at the counter separating the servers from the cooks. "Table seventeen needs their fish already and how long does it take to make a salad? Ponytail, what'd you mess up this time?"

Iwabe was referring to Inojin who kept his hair pinned back in a short ponytail. As usual, he figured Inojin had done something to hinder the kitchen staff and make the orders take longer.

"It's not my fault. The guy at my table keeps sending back his steak."

"Tell him we'll run out if he keeps sending them back. What's the problem?"

Choji shoved a plate through the opening between the counter and upper shelf. "Here's your steak. If he sends it back again, I'll just trim the fat and hand it back to you. I'm not making it again."

Inojin took the plate in his hands. "Thanks. Sorry."

"Quit apologizing and get going before he complains it's too cold next."

"Salad, Choji. Where's my salad and fish for table seventeen?"

"Hold your horses, Iwabe. I'm going as fast as I can."

Inojin brought the plate to the table and stepped away to see to another. When that table was finished, he cleared it and carried the dishes to the kitchen for cleaning. Sometimes the waiters had to bus the tables if no one else was available. If the other waiters were too busy, he would get stuck doing it because things had to move quickly and it couldn't be left for someone else to do when customers were lining up.

As he carried the plates and cups to the kitchen, Shikamaru stopped him. "I got that. Don't worry about these. Just go see to the tables."

"You sure?" he asked as Shikamaru took the bin holding all the dishware.

"Yeah, don't want you dropping it. I know my way to the kitchen." He winked and went away.

It seemed Shikamaru was still in a good mood which baffled Inojin. He definitely had to ask Kakashi about this the next time they met.

"Inojin," Sarada called, seeing him just standing there. "Can you show these people to their table and take their order?"

His section was almost empty so it was only natural for them to be seated in that area. He showed them to their table and took their drink order. As he went to the kitchen, Sarada called again.

"Take your time," said the silver-haired man. "I'm in no hurry."

Inojin stopped so fast, he nearly lost his footing. "What are you doing here?"

"I came for a bite," Kakashi answered. It was unclear whether or not he was joking.

"But you were just here last night."

"Is that a problem?" he asked. "I may just become a regular here. Unless, you'd prefer I go somewhere else."

"No, not at all," Sarada said quickly and turned to Inojin. "What are you doing?" she hissed.

"Nothing."

"Are you trying to make him feel unwelcome so he leaves? Don't drive away business." Sarada had gotten so close to his ear that he could smell her perfume.

"I'm not, I'm not. I was just surprised. It's ok. I kind of know him…"

Sarada moved away, no longer angry. "You two know each other? You friends? How?"

"Well, it's kind of a long story."

"I'm his teacher," Kakashi answered, thinly veiling the truth.

"Really?"

Inojin rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, technically…"

Kakashi adjusted his scarf. "Now that I know he works here, I may just stop by on a regular basis. That isn't a problem, is it, young lady?"

"No," she said louder than she wanted to and quickly lowered her voice. "No, it's fine. We're happy to have you, sir. Welcome. Inojin will be happy to seat you."

"Wonderful," said Kakashi. "That cannoli cake was really delicious. I'll have to sample some of your other desserts to see how they compare."

Sarada was blushing in his presence. She turned her head to face the other way, speaking to Inojin. "This guy's really handsome. Is he really your teacher? Lucky."

"You can only see half his face." Though even Inojin had to admit Kakashi was good-looking with or without his face covered up.

Sarada pushed a menu into Inojin with more force than indented and smiled giddily at Kakashi. "Just follow him to your table, sir. He'll take care of you."

Kakashi nodded at her in appreciation. "My, what a charming girl you are. So polite to boot. If he gets too busy, maybe you can see to me."

Sarada bit her lip to keep from making a noise and turned away to hide her blush.

Inojin seated Kakashi in his section and asked as he handed him the menu, "What the hell was that about?"

"You'd be surprised how much free food I tend to get when women take notice."

"You know exactly what you're doing, don't you? Have you no shame?"

"I'm not doing anything."

"You were flirting with her, weren't you?"

"I was being charming. Women love that. It's not like I'm asking her out. If you want to go for it yourself…"

"What? No. I don't feel that way about her. Besides, the guys already…" Inojin sudden remembered his question. "While you're here, there's something I want to ask."

"Shoot," Kakashi said, opening the menu to peruse the selection of drinks.

"Remember how I bit Shikamaru last night? Well, he's been acting weird all day."

"Define weird."

"He's been in a really good mood all day. He's even been nicer to me. It's strange. I don't think he's stopped smiling either."

"Is that a bad thing?" Kakashi asked without taking his eyes off the menu.

Inojin grimaced slightly. "It's weird. I don't know what's going on. He says he's ok, but… Is this normal?"

"Some people form attachments to the vampires who bite them. They bond on some level. The more they're exposed to the vampire, the longer it tends to last. You see this guy every day at work so it's likely to last a while. It also depends on what you told the guy when he went under."

"What I told him?"

Kakashi still didn't look up from the menu. "Based on what you described, I'm guessing you told him to equate the bite with pleasure in some way so he wouldn't resist you. Am I right?"

Inojin remembered what he told Shikamaru before biting him and knew this was accurate. "I told him that being bitten would make him happy. That he'd enjoy it."

"Kinky."

"Not like that," Inojin said sharply.

"Relax, I know what you mean." Kakashi looked away from the menu. "What you told him was fine and typical for most vampires. I've told people to find it pleasant when I don't tell them to sleep through the experience. It's fine."

"You sure there's nothing to worry about?"

"Him being like this is just a side-effect from being bitten. Even without having to be told to find it enjoyable, some feel invigorated after being bitten. It's nothing to worry about. It will wear off over time. Since you fed off him, the two of you have bonded. He feels closer to you and he's still riding on that high of being bitten. He'll be fine."

Inojin looked at the ground. "If you say so."

Kakashi looked up at him from his seat. "Is it really that inconvenient for you? Your boss likes you now. He has a positive association with being around you. His good mood has made him motivated. What's the problem?"

"I guess… I mean, when you put it that way…" Inojin started to see this as a good thing. "He is being more considerate. And he is doing his job instead of making us do it for him. And he does seem happy."

"Has this impacted you negatively at all?"

"Not really. In fact, my work's been the easiest it's been in a long time."

"Then sit back and enjoy it." Kakashi pointed to something on the menu. "Also, bring me one of these cocktails."

Kakashi didn't seem the least bit concerned so why should he be? Maybe this was a good thing.

"Good job today, everyone," Sarada said as she wiped down the tables, cleared of their tablecloths. "Oh. And nice work, Inojin." She gave him a thumbs-up and wink.

Inojin hoped the boys didn't see that. "Oh, uh… I didn't… I…"

She giggled and leaned over to Chocho. "His teacher's so cute."

"Really?"

"He came into the restaurant and said he might become a regular here. Maybe you'll get to see him." Sarada gave a quiet squeal, almost touching heads with Chocho. "The guy is gorgeous."

"He that hot?"

"The parts of him I could see anyway."

Chocho started giggling and squealing, too. "Oh, Sarada, you…"

"I mean, he did have a scarf covering the bottom part of his face. But I could tell he was handsome. I mean, if the top part of him was that good, I can tell the rest is probably just as good, if not better. He probably covers up so girls don't go fainting when they see him."

"A mystery man. Ohh, I like a man of mystery."

While the girls talked, Inojin slipped away to put the tablecloths with the rest of the laundry. Most of the staff had already gone home, leaving only a few behind to finish the cleaning.

One of them blocked the door with his body, keeping Inojin from leaving. When Inojin saw the blond waiter standing there with his arms clutching the threshold, he backed away into the lockers. He didn't have to see the waiter's glare to know he was angry.

"What happened between you and Sarada?" he asked, closing the door with his foot.

"Huh? Nothing. I didn't…"

"I saw you talking to her. I saw her blushing. What did you say to her? What part of not getting a jump on us didn't you understand? I thought we were clear on how things worked around here. Have you no respect?"

"No, it wasn't me she was blushing at. It was the guy who came in. She thought he was hot."

"And she got that close to you to express that?"

"Yeah."

"Come off it. You're telling me it's the same as what she's doing with Chocho right now?"

"Considering how they see me, I might as well be one of their girlfriends, so why not?" Inojin knew the arrangement he had with the girls and understood that he would never get anywhere with them, especially Sarada, since she and Chocho both told him flat-out that they saw him as a brother.

He was annoyed that this was the arrangement but even more annoyed and angry that Boruto and the other waiters didn't seem to grasp that. No matter how many times it was explained to them they just didn't understand.

Part of him knew that the waiters were going to see him as a threat because of how close he could get to them even if it was purely innocent. For him, it wasn't about conquest but being a puppy they could pet and coo at, which was apparently just as bad because he was getting more attention than they were.

That's all there was to it. They didn't care what kind of attention it was. They didn't want him to get any. Being seen as a fellow girlfriend or brother was just as bad as trying to snatch one up romantically because it was attention they weren't getting.

Jealousy. That's all it was. And nothing Inojin could say was going to change that.

Unless…

Inojin blinked, a lightbulb going off in his head.

He had a power now. He could change their minds. How they felt about him could change with just one look. It probably wouldn't be as potent as it was without the bite, but he didn't care if their feelings were as strong as Shikamaru's. He just wanted them to not see him as a punching bag or competition.

"You've worked here over a year and you still don't get how things work. How dumb are you to not get it by now?"

Inojin retorted, "How dumb are you that you can't grasp that I can't help how they see me and that you're jealous over nothing?"

The blond waiter put him against the lockers, the metallic clanging making Inojin's ears ring. "What did you say to me? I ought to rip your head off."

Inojin looked the waiter in the eyes. "But you don't want to hurt me, do you?"

"You bet I do," he answered.

Inojin tried again, staring deeper into the waiter's eyes. "You're not angry at me anymore."

Taken aback by this, the waiter wavered a moment. "What?" He looked at Inojin like he was speaking another language. "What the hell are you…?"

"You don't feel angry anymore." Inojin tried to impart his will onto the waiter. "You're not angry at me."

He could feel the waiter's hold on his vest weaken.

"You're just stressed from work."

"Yeah…" he said haltingly. "That's probably it…"

Inojin put his hands on the waiter's, gently removing them from his vest. "All that stress had made you feel angry, but you're not angry anymore. Now you're just tired."

The waiter looked very calm. "I am a bit… tired…"

"You should go home and get some rest. And forget about our conversation tonight. You don't remember seeing me near Sarada."

The waiter's eyes fluttered. "Yeah… That's right…" He didn't move until Inojin told him to, walking slowly towards the door. In a haze, his fingers had trouble operating the knob but he managed to open the door and leave.

He bumped into someone in the hall but barely noticed. "Boruto, what's up with you?"

"I should go home and get some rest," Boruto answered tiredly and walked past Iwabe.

Iwabe watched Boruto leave, wondering what just happened.

The next day, Inojin went to work wondering what kind of effect he had on Boruto. He didn't bite him, so he doubted he would be in the same ecstatic mood as Shikamaru, but he might have been in a relatively good one. At the very least, he hoped Boruto would see him in a better light.

That wasn't the case. He was still insanely jealous of him getting anywhere near Sarada and glared at him whenever he spoke to her. However, there was one change. When he got in Inojin's face to remind him of the pecking order, he kept it brief, running out of steam the second he got started. He seemed to lack the will to tell him off and moved on to do his work.

Curious, Inojin got closer to Boruto to see if he could figure out what was going on. Boruto went from annoyed to shy in a matter of seconds and kept his gaze away from Inojin without moving physically away from him. It was as if he wanted to avoid him while remaining close to him. Boruto would ask him menial questions and pause a while before speaking again.

"Your voice is very soothing," he finally said. "Something about it makes me…" Boruto went back to scrubbing tables with fervor, wanting to avoid the conversation.

A soothing voice? Him? Inojin had never been told that before. Did his voice change when he used his power or was this just their interpretation while under his influence? Because they were already in a relaxed state, they must have associated his voice with the feeling because they would hear it while looking into his eyes.

Shikamaru showed up as usual to give them the peptalk. He was still in a good mood but his smile wasn't as big as it was before. "I'm pleased to report that the clams are in and we're fully stocked. Let's give it our all today. As for table assignments…"

Inojin got the first floor again along with Iwabe and Chocho. Boruto got the second floor along with Sarada so he had something to be happy about. The two of them would be up there together without any other servers. This should make Boruto less cross with Inojin.

The service started and things went well until Inojin got a difficult customer. He ordered one dish after another, sending them back and ordering something else because it wasn't what he was expecting. He told Inojin that he didn't want to be charged for any of the dishes he sent back.

This was a conundrum because the restaurant had policies to enforce and prided itself on good customer service. If there was something wrong with the dish, the customer wasn't charged. However, there were people who just wanted a free meal and would make trouble to get their way. Inojin was told to be wary of such customers but he also had to do things by the book. He knew what he should have done in this situation but he didn't know if that was the best solution.

When he returned to ask how the food was the man hadn't touched his dish, pointing angrily at something on his steak. "Is this how you treat customers here?"

"What do you mean?"

"Someone spit in my food. Look at it right there on top of my steak."

Inojin looked and said, "That's butter."

The man got even angrier. "Are you arguing with me, boy? I know what it is. Now what do you intend to do about it?"

Inojin frowned in uncertainty. He knew there was nothing wrong with the food and the man was just starting trouble. "I can get you another plate."

"You're going to have to do better than that." He man's angry expression turned to one of manipulative wickedness. "I think I shouldn't have to pay the check. And I should have a free dessert coming my way."

Inojin couldn't do that. It was a waste of money and food. This man was a huge scammer.

"I can get the chef to make you another steak but I can't comp all the food and drinks you…"

The man grew cross again. "What kind of service are you running here? Once word gets out how you treat customers here, the place'll shut down. I can ruin you. Maybe I should talk to your manager and see how he feels about you keeping your job."

He'd probably keep it since Shikamaru liked him now. The man spreading rumors about the restaurant would hurt all of them. Inojin didn't want the servers to suffer because of this guy. It wasn't their fault he wanted to start trouble.

Though… what if he didn't?

Inojin looked into the man's eyes. "I'm sorry you feel that way. So sorry. I hope I can make you feel better and make your experience here more pleasurable."

The man recoiled slightly, finding Inojin's words and behavior strange. "Uh, well… Um…"

"I want you to enjoy the food. The restaurant is nice, isn't it?"

"Y- yeah… I guess it is…" The man didn't seem to know what was happening. Something was off.

"You're not upset anymore," Inojin told him. "You like the service here. It's great. And the food is amazing."

The man surrendered to Inojin's will and sat placidly in his chair. "Yes. It is."

"Please." Inojin gestured to the plate with his hand. "Enjoy your food before it gets cold. It's really delicious."

"Yes," said the man, still looking into his eyes. "It looks delicious."

Inojin broke eye contact and smiled. "Take your time and enjoy."

The man turned to his food and started to cut his steak with his knife and fork and eat. He didn't complain. It was the best steak he had ever eaten. He was happy to be here and enjoy this wonderful food.

Afterward, the man agreed to pay his check and didn't complain. He told Inojin that this was the best service he had ever had and never felt so comfortable in a restaurant before. The food was exquisite and couldn't find fault with anything. He didn't seem to remember any of his past complaints either, agreeing to pay for all the food he ordered, even the ones he sent back.

"Wow," Inojin said to himself after the customer left. "I guess I'm more powerful than I thought." He wondered what else he could do. He could make his job so much easier.

As he went into the kitchen to get another table's order, he paused in the middle of lifting the plate off the counter. He felt hungry. It hit him so suddenly, he was frozen, listening to his stomach growl. He looked at the food on the plate, tempted to eat it but that wasn't what he was hungry for.

He swallowed and brought the plate to the customer. He was surrounded by temptation. He stood in the middle of his section, smelling the different foods and hearing the clanging of silverware on dishes. These people eating their meals were cattle, adding flavor to their bodies. He wanted to harvest them so much.

Feeling his fingers twitch with desire to strike, Inojin hurried away to stand at the bar by the stairs. The bartender there wasn't too busy, so Inojin figured it would be a good place to stand and collect himself. The bartender hiss inwardly as he cut himself while slicing a lime and went over to the sink near where Inojin stood to wash it off. It was a small cut but the blood kept coming.

What a waste. All that good blood literally down the drain.

When the bartender lifted his hand up, he saw more blood start to come down and looked for a bandage. Inojin wanted to lick it so bad.

"What are you doing?" the bartender asked in the middle of pulling out a bandage from under the bar.

Without realizing it, Inojin had grabbed the man's hand and was pulling it closer to his mouth. Inojin quickly released him, apologized and hurried to the back of the restaurant.

He couldn't fight this much longer. If he didn't want to make a scene, he had to find blood, fast.

The manager. Inojin went to the office but Shikamaru wasn't there. He was actually doing his job which made it harder to find him. He started to search for him but turned up nothing. His search led him to the breakroom where Iwabe was getting a drink from the canteen he kept in his locker.

He shot Inojin a look when he saw him. "What's up with you?"

Desperate, Inojin figured that Iwabe was better than anyone and now was the time to do it while they were alone.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Iwabe asked as he stashed the bottle back in his locker and closed the door.

Inojin approached and took hold of Iwabe's shoulders. Since the boy was so much taller than he was, it was impossible to reach his neck from this position. He would also be easily overpowered if he didn't get Iwabe under control soon.

"What do you think you're doing, nutcase?"

"Look at me."

Iwabe leaned away from him. "What makes you think I want to? Get away from me."

Inojin dug his nails into Iwabe's arms. "Look at me, Iwabe."

He looked and saw Inojin's eyes. "Wh- what are you doing?"

"Relax and listen to me." Inojin kept his eyes focused on Iwabe and Iwabe did the same. "Calm down. You're fine. There is no threat. You are going to listen to me and do as I say."

Strangely enough, he wanted to. He didn't know why he wanted to, but he did. Iwabe wanted to do whatever Inojin said.

"You are feeling relaxed and happy. I am going to bite your neck and that will make you feel even happier. The more blood I drink, the happier you will be. It is the best feeling you have ever had. It makes you feel so good."

Iwabe smiled dreamily at him, every inch of his body feeling relaxed. He felt Inojin push gently on his shoulders, lowering him and Iwabe let it happen. He had no will to resist, nor did he want to, knowing what was to come.

The bite. He wanted him to bite his neck because it would feel so good. He knew it would. Inojin told him it would. He trusted him more than anyone.

Inojin practically lunged at Iwabe to get at the blood as quickly as he could. The moment he bit him, Iwabe's smile spread, taking up his whole face. His eyes twinkled as he breathed blissfully. This truly was the greatest feeling he had ever experienced. Sweet euphoria.

"Ahh…" Iwabe breathed, enjoying every moment of this interaction. Feeling Inojin suck the blood from his neck was pure bliss. There were no words to describe how good it felt. Inojin's warm body pressed against his was so comforting. A sweet bonding moment, providing nourishment for someone he felt very close to.

Satisfied, Inojin parted from Iwabe's neck, licking his lips. His blood tasted amazing. It really hit the spot.

Iwabe was melting into the floor with the same euphoric smile with two bite wounds in his neck. Inojin tried to lift Iwabe's collar to hide them but the top one still showed. He opened one of the lockers and took out a cloth which was really a handkerchief.

"Iwabe?"

"Yeah…?" he asked in a voice that sounded like he was on the verge of a giggle fit. His eyes were rolling as his eyelids drooped and opened repeatedly.

Inojin held out the handkerchief. "Can you tie this around your neck like a scarf?"

Iwabe tried to take it but his arms weren't working properly. He couldn't grasp it no matter how hard he tried. Inojin did it for him, tying the handkerchief around his neck and tucking it under his collar, making sure the holes were covered up.

"I need you to wear this for a couple of days. Don't take it off while you're at work."

Iwabe blinked his eyes slowly as if to nod. "Ok. You got it."

Inojin tried to pull him to his feet. "Can you stand?"

Iwabe tried but his legs were jelly. He staggered multiple times into the lockers and into Inojin before finding his footing. Inojin wasn't sure if Iwabe was in any condition to work. He couldn't have Iwabe dropping dishes on customers' heads.

"Maybe you need a minute to regroup."

"Why you say that?" Iwabe asked, slurring his words.

"Yeah, you're still a little woozy. Hang on." Inojin tried to think of a solution. Rather than take the tables himself, he figured Shikamaru could do it. Maybe he was back in his office doing work. He couldn't find him before but maybe now would be different. "Stay here."

Inojin went to the office but it was still empty. He asked cooks in the kitchen if they had seen him and everyone said they were too focused on their work to notice. He couldn't find him on the floor either. Where could he be?

Come to think of it, there was another person Inojin hadn't seen tonight.

On a hunch, Inojin went out the backdoor and found Kakashi biting Shikamaru's neck next to the dumpster. "What are you doing?"

Kakashi took his mouth off Shikamaru's neck to answer. "Having a snack. Want some?"

"I just ate," Inojin said automatically then went back to the situation at hand. "I fed off him two nights ago. Is he going to be ok? Can he handle that?"

"Usually." Kakashi turned Shikamaru around so he was facing Inojin. "Say hi, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru's eyes were barely open. "H… hi…" he said weakly.

"I don't think he's ok."

"Oh, he's just a little tired. Aren't you, Shikamaru?" Kakashi took Shikamaru's jaw in his hand and made him nod.

Fearing his manager was on the verge of death, Inojin begged Kakashi to stop, reaching out to take Shikamaru away from him. "Don't take anymore. He'll dry up. Please. I don't think he can handle it."

"No worries. I was finished anyway. Here you go." Kakashi held Shikamaru out as if handing him off. As soon as he took his hand away, Shikamaru fell to the ground, completely limp.

"What did you just do? You drained all his blood, didn't you? Is he…?"

"No, he's fine," Kakashi assured him. "You tell people to feel happy, I tell them to feel tired. He'll live, if that's what you're worried about."

Inojin bent down to make sure Shikamaru was still alive and heard him breathing. "I was just coming to ask if he could take over for Iwabe. Now neither one of them is in any condition."

"Why? What's up with Iwabe?"

"I drank from him and now he can barely stand. He's kinda woozy, so I thought he needed a minute to collect himself."

Kakashi nodded. "Ah. I see. I'm pretty confident that he'll be able to work if you tell him to. You'd be amazed how easy it is for someone to fall back into old habits, doing what they've done hundreds of times. It's autopilot."

"Can he do it and not cause a scene? Like, dropping food on people for example? And get the bill taken care of?"

"Tell him to do it and I'm sure he can handle it. He's already in a fragile state and highly suggestable. Just make sure to look him in the eyes to make sure it takes."

Inojin looked at the man lying at his feet. "And Shikamaru?"

"If you're that worried about him…" Kakashi bent down to speak in Shikamaru's ear. "Shikamaru," he called as if coaxing a child awake. "Wake up. Look at me."

Shikamaru opened his eyes which took great effort on his part. He looked hazily at Kakashi and as soon as he found his eyes, he became slightly more alert.

"Get up," Kakashi told him.

Shikamaru picked himself up, eyes glued to Kakashi's the whole time.

"You're feeling much better. Go back to your office and relax. Take it easy for the rest of the evening."

Shikamaru looked away, standing up. He made his way over to the backdoor and went inside without acknowledging either of them.

"See?" Kakashi said to Inojin. "That's all you have to do. It's easy. Now you on Iwabe."

Inojin nodded. "Ok." He felt he was getting the hang of this.

When he returned to the backroom, Iwabe was struggling to stay standing, holding the lockers for support. He looked like the earth was spinning. Inojin guided Iwabe's chin towards him and looked him in the eye.

"You're feeling better now. You feel strength in your legs again. You are ready to get back to work."

Iwabe became more steady on his feet and stood up straight.

"Let's get back to work, Iwabe," he said, breaking eye contact.

"Yeah," Iwabe answered, gradually becoming more alert. "Let's get back to work."

The two left the backroom together to pick up where they left off.

"I feel a little foggy," said Iwabe, holding his head. "Did something happen?"

He didn't remember a thing.

Inojin shrugged without looking his way. "Guess you're working too hard."

"Yeah…" Iwabe was staring at Inojin's back. "Did you become less irritating somehow?"

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't know," Iwabe confessed. "You just seem more pleasant somehow. Like I can finally tell that you're a nice guy. And charming in a weird kind of way."

Iwabe was starting to bond with Inojin and he wasn't sure how he felt about it. As long as it made Iwabe nicer to be around and kinder to him, he supposed he didn't mind.

"Say, uh… this might be a weird question, but… um… what's your favorite color?"

Inojin's brows knitted together. Iwabe was starting to sound like a schoolgirl with a crush. "Purple?" he said hesitantly.

"Purple," Iwabe repeated. "Yeah, I can see that."

Inojin flinched. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing insulting."

"I like blue, too. I just happen to like darker colors." He rubbed his arm, feeling self-conscious. "Pastels would clash with my complexion. Purple always looked better on me. My mom likes the color, too. Which also doesn't mean anything."

Iwabe shook his head. "No, it's cool. Not judging."

Inojin's cheeks started to turn pink. "Rah, I just made it sound even more awkward. Why do I do this to myself? I should've kept my mouth shut. It's no wonder the girls don't see me as… Not that any of you seem to care. I've explained this so many times and it never seems to get through."

For the first time ever, Iwabe cared about Inojin's feelings. He didn't like seeing him upset or hurt. He wanted to comfort him and he didn't know why. He just wanted Inojin to be ok.

"Sorry." Iwabe wasn't sure why he said that. "Maybe we've been holding you back. Maybe you would do better with the girls if we left you alone." He didn't know why he said that either.

"You talking about that stupid pack about if you like someone, no one goes after them?"

"Maybe?" Iwabe scratched his jaw. "I don't know what I'm talking about or why I'm saying it. I just… want to see you happy." Iwabe's face turned bright red. "Not! Things! Say… Ah! Words not working. I gotta get back to my tables. Later!"

Inojin raised his brow. What was that about? Iwabe was even more awkward than he was. What was he trying to say before he panicked? Was his connection to Inojin stronger than he thought? Was Iwabe starting to develop a crush on him? He certainly didn't want that. Maybe Iwabe was afraid that's what was happening and freaked out.

Inojin decided to keep his distance from Iwabe until things calmed down. According to Kakashi, these feelings went away after a while but the longer they interacted with each other, the longer it would last.

The next day, Inojin came in to work as usual and noticed Iwabe deliberately trying to avoid looking at him. When setting the tablecloths for the dinner service, he and Iwabe touched hands which made Iwabe gasp and quickly turn away, blushing.

Not knowing when he'd get another opportunity like this, Inojin decided to tease him a little. "You like me, huh?"

Iwabe's jaw clenched. "Can we forget I said anything yesterday? It came out wrong."

"What came out wrong? Then you don't like me?"

"I do." Iwabe avoided looking at him. "I mean… Yeah. I mean… just that you're a nice person to be around."

"You wanna be friends?"

Iwabe didn't know what he wanted. "Maybe? Sure? I don't know."

"Can you lift that up for me while I get the cloth on?"

"Sure thing." Iwabe instinctively hoisted the seasoning dispensers off the table. Immediately after he wondered why he did it. He was helping Inojin but why did he want to? He should have made Inojin do it. He had things to ready for his shift, too.

"Thanks, Iwabe."

He blushed, feeling warm inside. "You're welcome." He couldn't stop smiling. Feeling awkward, Iwabe moved away from Inojin's table. He liked Inojin but thought he couldn't be near him. Not until he knew what was going on. He had never felt like this before and wasn't sure what to make of it. Was it ok for him to feel this way? What was this feeling?

"Ok, everyone. Gather up." Shikamaru walked to his usual spot to address the group. He wasn't smiling as much and looked like he hadn't gotten enough sleep. "I got your table assignments. Inojin and Iwabe are on the upper floor tonight."

It seemed he no longer desired to give Inojin the easy work. His effect must have worn off or Kakashi's countered it.

"Uh…" Iwabe stuck his hand in the air. "Can I get a different section?"

Shikamaru glanced over the clipboard in his direction. "Aw, you got a problem with your assignment?"

"I'd just rather not be working so close to Inojin."

"Who could blame you?" Boruto muttered under his breath. He did a doubletake when he noticed the look Iwabe was giving him. Almost like he was offended by the remark.

Shikamaru put his hands on his hips. "Oh, I'm sorry I'm making you do your job. What would you rather do? Look for another one if this is too hard for you?"

Iwabe shook his head. "No, sir. It's fine. I'll work where you tell me to."

"That's better." Shikamaru looked at the clipboard again. "Chocho, you get tables…" He lowered the clipboard again, looking at Iwabe. "What are you wearing?"

He looked up. "Hm? Me?"

"Yeah, you. What's around your neck?"

"My neck?" Iwabe touched the handkerchief he had fastened around his neck without realizing. "Oh. A scarf, I think." Something popped into his head and he said, "Is it ok if I keep it on?"

Shikamaru eyed him up and down. "Well, it's not really part of your uniform, but alright. Just keep it under your collar."

Iwabe nodded, stroking the cloth around his neck. For some reason he had a strong desire to keep it on. Something told him he couldn't take it off but he didn't know why.

It seemed he remembered Inojin's command, even if it was done subconsciously. Inojin smiled, seeing this.

"Something funny, Inojin?" Shikamaru asked.

He shook his head. "No, sir. Just trying to remember to smile for the customers."

"You need to practice that?" He shook his head. "Make sure you remember to do the rest of your job."

Shikamaru was definitely in a mood tonight. Maybe he should fix that if he had the time.

When the dinner service began, there was hardly any time to do anything but work. Sarada wanted to use the restroom but customers kept flagging her down or Shikamaru would chase her back to her station. She finally managed to slip into the restroom while waiting for her table's order to be filled. Seeing her missing, Shikamaru was irritated and started looking for her.

"She is allowed to use the restroom, isn't she?" Inojin asked, following at his heels. He had been trying to calm Shikamaru down but he wouldn't look in his direction, intent on finding Sarada.

"If she thinks she can escape work by hiding in the restroom…"

"She's not like that. Shikamaru, could please look at…"

Shikamaru noticed there was no one at the podium. "And why is there no one here to greet guests? How does this reflect on the place?" He stormed over to the front door and greeted the customers. As Chocho ran by, he handed her a stack of menus and told her to seat the customer who just came in.

"Y- yeah. Right this way." Chocho was going to check on the food when Shikamaru interrupted her and quickly attended to the customers, knowing she had little choice.

"And where's table seven's order?"

She paused a moment to grit her teeth and continued on to seat the customers.

"I think she was on her way to do that when you…"

"Be quiet, Inojin. You got an empty table in your section?"

"No."

"Too bad. I was going to seat the next one in yours." Shikamaru turned to the next person in line. "Welcome to… Uh…"

Kakashi was standing casually in front of him.

Shikamaru suddenly forgot how to speak.

Kakashi raised his brow at him and smiled. "Hello."

"H… hello." Shikamaru blinked, trying to snap himself out of his trance. "Um, just one tonight, sir?"

"Just me for now, but we'll see if I'll be dining alone." He winked.

"Uh. Yes. Very good. Um…" Shikamaru reached under the podium for a menu. He paused and straightened up without taking one. "Have I seen you before?"

"I have dined here before, yes."

"You seem so familiar to me. Have we met?"

"I just said that I ate here the other night."

"Oh. Right. Sorry." Shikamaru was still staring at him. "It's just… you seem so…"

"Hungry?" Kakashi's eyes went from the podium to Shikamaru and back, giving him a board hint.

Shikamaru flinched. "Oh. Right. Sorry." He took a menu and almost stepped on Inojin's toes as he moved towards the dining room. "Right this way, sir. I'll be happy to seat you."

Kakashi stepped forward, following him. He was seated in Sarada's section which Inojin was certain she'd be thrilled about.

After watching the awkward interaction, Inojin suspected that Shikamaru subconsciously remembered Kakashi or had bonded with him in some way. He wondered if that was why Shikamaru no longer seemed interested in being nice to Inojin. Maybe it wasn't just that it had worn off, but that he was now bonded with Kakashi. Could a victim only be bonded to one vampire at a time?

If he bit Shikamaru again, would he return to his doting tendencies or would he be torn between his adoration of both vampires?

Shikamaru hurried back to the front, nearly running Inojin down. "Are your legs broken? Move your ass."

Inojin stepped quickly towards the kitchen, trapped in the current of Shikamaru's furious steps. On his way, Shikamaru stopped to give a curt remark to Sarada who was carrying two plates in her hands to her table. She kept her lips pressed together as she hurried to her section with the food warming her palms. Inojin hoped seeing Kakashi would cheer her up.

"Why are you still here?" Shikamaru demanded, seeing Inojin underfoot. "Get out of my way."

Inojin hugged the wall to get out of Kakashi's path and was immediately scolded for that.

"Don't hide like a wallflower. Work, boy."

Inojin didn't know what to do. No matter what he did, it seemed it was wrong.

He turned towards the kitchen and hit something muscular and heard the sound of dishes rattling. Iwabe instinctively looked down and snapped, "Watch where you're-" He immediately shut his mouth, afraid to breathe another word, and gasped with his eyes wide. "Uh, sorry. I mean, sorry."

In all the time he had worked at the restaurant, Inojin had never heard Iwabe apologize for being bumped into. He was always quick to throw the blame on someone else, even if it was his fault.

"Aw, don't worry about it," Inojin told him, being courteous. He was just happy to hear Iwabe speak to him like this for a change.

Iwabe held the tray supporting the plates high, resting part of the tray on his shoulder as servers often did. He looked back and forth awkwardly, as if contemplating whether or not he should say something. "Well, um… bye." Iwabe hurried towards the dining area, keeping his eyes on the ground. He was trying not to look at Inojin but not out of disgust. Inojin saw the blush on Iwabe's cheeks and knew why Iwabe was trying to avoid his gaze.

Wondering how long this would last, Inojin thought about taking advantage of the temporary power he had over Iwabe. He didn't want revenge because he was smart and sensitive enough to know that it wouldn't make him happy. Basking in the awe of a devoted servant or possible friend seemed much more pleasing.

First, Inojin had to deal with Shikamaru. The only way he could get Iwabe alone for more than five seconds would be if someone else was picking up the slack and wouldn't notice him missing.

Inojin went to Shikamaru's office and found him booting up a videogame. Immediately angry at being caught, Shikamaru slammed the game down and snapped at Inojin, "What?! You got tables, don't you? I don't want to hear how you're busy or not busy or I don't care! Would you get out and work? What am I paying you for?"

"Sir…"

"I'm certainly not paying you to stand there and mutter."

Inojin stepped closer and looked Shikamaru in the eyes. "Stop talking and listen. Listen to what I tell you."

Shikamaru's voice muted, standing motionless on the other side of his desk. He was in full compliance mode.

"You are going to go out into the dining area and help with the service. You are going to pick up the slack for the other servers, taking orders and cleaning up, doing the job of a regular waiter and you are going to do it well. You will be polite to the customers and understanding to the other workers."

Shikamaru made no indication that he understood whatsoever. Even without any signal from the man, Inojin could sense that he understood.

"If anyone asks why you are helping with the dinner service, you will tell them that you wanted to help because we are shorthanded. Do you understand, Shikamaru?"

"… yes…" Shikamaru said so softly, it was almost indistinctive.

Inojin nodded and stepped aside. "Go now and help the staff with the dinner service. When the last customer leaves tonight, you will return to your normal self and not remember this conversation."

He broke eye contact, but Shikamaru was still staring in the same spot his eyes had been. Slowly, he blinked and walked around his desk and opened the door. As soon as he was in the hall, his eyes gained some vitality, shaking off the daze of his trance. Once he was in the dining area, he donned the demeanor of a helpful server and started to take orders and run them to the kitchen.

This was his chance.

Inojin went over to Iwabe who was waiting for an indecisive customer to place their order. Iwabe looked bored, annoyed that the customer was taking so long to choose. He kept his pen to the pad of paper, ready the instant they said a menu item. He kept his eyes on the paper, too, so he never saw Inojin walk over and stand beside him.

"Iwabe."

Upon hearing and seeing Inojin so close to him, Iwabe made a high-pitched yelp and flung his order pad into the air where it landed on a woman's head at the next table. "I- Inojin! I… Uh… Hi. Uh…"

Since Iwabe was avoiding his eyes, Inojin knew he wouldn't be able to use his little eye trick to coax him into the breakroom, but he also knew that he didn't have to. "Iwabe…"

"Yeah, um, I'm a little busy right now, so if you could just…" Iwabe kept his back to Inojin, focusing his attention on the smooth tablecloth instead. His breathing had quickened and his hands were shacking.

Inojin slipped his hand around Iwabe's back and placed it on top of his. Giving it a gentle squeeze, he told Iwabe, "I need you to come to the breakroom with me. It's important."

Feeling Inojin's hand atop his robbed him of his will and Iwabe suddenly found himself agreeing with everything Inojin said. He couldn't argue. He didn't know how. "Ok." His voice cracked a little and hoped no one noticed.

He pulled Iwabe away from the tables and towards the breakroom, moving briskly. It was embarrassing to guide Iwabe by the hand like this but it was the only way he could get him to move. Iwabe's brain didn't seem to be working. Even when he told him what he needed him to do, though Iwabe complied, he didn't actually do anything. He couldn't seem to control his legs or any other part of his body.

His face felt hot and his head felt light, but Iwabe still managed to muster some amount of professionalism and ask, "What about the tables I have to wait on?" He didn't sound that concerned. He sounded more like a child speaking their last thoughts before falling asleep.

"It's ok," Inojin told him, trying to hurry him to the breakroom to avoid the stares of the customers and staff. "Shikamaru has agreed to help so you got nothing to worry about. Trust me."

A smile started to spread across Iwabe's face and he tightened his hold around Inojin's hand. "I do," he said dreamily, his mind in a warm, pleasant fog. "I trust you completely. More than anyone. Though… I'm not sure why that is."

Iwabe put up no resistance, allowing Inojin to pull him all the way out of the dining area and into the breakroom. He pushed Iwabe into a seat at one of the round plastic tables in the far back corner and walked around to make sure they were alone. Iwabe watched him with a kind of besotted interest, observing everything he did and how he did it simply because it was him. He had no idea why Inojin was doing any of this and didn't question any of it.

When he was satisfied, Inojin went back over to the table and spoke to Iwabe from a standing position. "Iwabe."

It was a good thing he was sitting because Iwabe couldn't feel his legs anymore. He looked up at Inojin, as if expecting great important news. To Inojin, Iwabe looked like a schoolgirl awaiting to hear her crush's confession of love.

Feeling uncomfortable, Inojin asked him, "What are you feeling right now?"

Iwabe blinked slowly up at him, eyes still a dreamy blur. "Feeling… now?"

"Yeah. How do you feel? What are you feeling right now?"

"I guess… I feel kinda… Good. I feel good. Sorta happy. I'm not sure why you're asking me this."

Inojin knew it would come out awkward but asked anyway. "How do you feel about me?"

Iwabe smiled happily at him. "I think you're nice. Special. You make me feel calm and safe and happy. So happy."

All the malice he felt towards Inojin was long gone and the events of the past were all but a distant memory. In fact, he couldn't remember why he ever bullied him in the first place. It didn't seem right. What reason could he possibly have? This young man here was…

He was…

Some of the light started to return to Iwabe's eyes and his dreamy gaze turned to one of confusion. "Why is that? Why do I feel this way? Why do I feel like…?"

Was his effect wearing off or was Iwabe putting up a resistance?

Iwabe knew he hated Inojin. He knew he found him annoying. So why did he feel like this? He shouldn't be feeling this way.

Iwabe put a hand to his temple and started to massage the area, attempting to work the memories back to him. He knew something was amiss but didn't know what or why. It felt like he was in a dream where he knew what was happening but nothing made sense. Him liking Inojin was like taking a math test at the public pool. He was here and he was doing it and everyone else carried on as normal but something just wasn't right.

"I don't get it," Iwabe said to himself, trying to wake himself up from this nonsensical dream. "Why am I…?"

Inojin pulled up a chair and sat next to him. He took Iwabe's hand in his to get his attention and said, "Look at me and listen."

Iwabe looked up and saw his eyes. The second he did, everything stopped. His confusion, his concern, his curiosity, everything. He was just blank.

Sarada turned around to look at Shikamaru dropping off a table's order and moving to a different table to collect the check. "Where's Iwabe?" she asked Chocho. "Aren't those his tables?"

"I heard he wasn't feeling well and went home," Chocho said even though she didn't actually hear anything. She was just starting a rumor based on what she thought best explained the situation.

"And what about Inojin? Shouldn't he be here?"

"I saw him earlier, but…" Chocho shrugged and adjusted the tray in her arms. "He's so mousey, it's hard to notice him sometimes. He's probably around and we just didn't see him."

If they weren't so busy, Sarada had half a mind to go look for them to make sure both boys were alright. A customer called her over and just like that, Sarada's attention was on something else.

Inojin ran his tongue over Iwabe's flesh and heard the taller boy giggle.

"Tickles," he said, resting his chin on his hand as he sat slouched over the table. His other arm was stretched out and in Inojin's grasp, blood oozing down his flesh like melting ice cream. His sleeve was rolled up and Inojin's lips were pressed over the two bite wounds between Iwabe's elbow and wrist.

Inojin licked up some of the escaping blood before it could drip onto the floor and gave a halfhearted chuckle at the smiling Iwabe, still finding that dreamy look odd and uncomfortable.

He had told Iwabe to find the feeding experience very relaxing and joy-giving. Because of this, Iwabe not only didn't mind being fed upon, he looked forward to it. The more blood Inojin drank, the happier he felt. It was more intoxicating than anything.

It made things so much easier, but the look of adoration was still a little off-putting. No matter how he looked at it, his bully-turned-subservient-meal-source giving him these affectionate stares was still awkward.

Inojin took his mouth off Iwabe's arm to speak. "You know, we should probably get back to work soon."

"I'm content right here," said the smiling Iwabe as if talking about what movie they were going to see. "But if you think we should go back to work, we can do that. It's whatever you want to do."

Inojin swallowed the blood in his mouth and licked his lips. "It's probably a good idea. One of us should head out first, that way we're not seen together."

Iwabe smiled giddily at him. "Whatever you want."

The bleeding had stopped and Inojin gingerly rolled Iwabe's sleeve over his arm to hide the wound. The next step was crucial. Inojin had told Iwabe to forget what happened as soon as he finished feeding and stood up. The first half was complete. Now he just had to stand up and get out of sight as fast as possible before Iwabe started asking questions.

It also meant that whatever he said or did in this moment would be forgotten as soon as he stood up.

"Say, Iwabe…" He couldn't pass this up.

"Yes?" he asked, smiling politely. Iwabe's lashes fanned over his eyes slowly, almost flirtatiously.

Inojin held Iwabe's hand, afraid that if he let him go, he would start to come back to his senses and Inojin would lose his control over him. "The way you treat me here at the restaurant… Is it just because of the code? Or… or am I really that annoying to you? Or is Boruto putting you up to it? Or the other way around?"

Iwabe looked slightly confused, his smile diminishing slightly as his eyebrows came together. "What do you mean?"

Inojin kept his eyes on Iwabe's arm where his sleeve hid the bitemarks. "Whenever I get too close to one of the girls, you and Boruto are always the first ones in my face about it and you never listen when I say it's nothing. The girls don't feel that way about me and I don't really feel that way about them either. I'm not into chubbies and bossy know-it-alls don't get my motor running, so…"

"Chubby girl and boss with specs?" Iwabe looked as if a memory were coming back to him slowly. He was so deep under Inojin's control that he seemed to have forgotten about all relationships. "What about them?"

"I know you like one of them. And you get mad when I talk to one of them or if they talk to me."

"I do?" Iwabe truly didn't remember. "Why would I get mad?"

"I don't know. But you're mean to me all the time, so I just wanted to know if it was because of that stupid code or if I'm just really annoying."

Iwabe's smile faded a little more. "I'm mean to you?" he said slowly, as if trying to understand. "Why would I be mean to you?"

Inojin shrugged. "I don't know. That's what I'm trying to figure out. I know I make mistakes and I can be clumsy…"

"That's part of your charm," Iwabe said, his smile coming back.

"Yeah, but why me? I just wanted to know why." Inojin's voice had grown softer, regretting having brought up the subject. He felt like it was wrong somehow. He wanted to know but he felt like it was wrong to ask.

He should have known he wouldn't get a straight answer from a drugged-up Iwabe who idolized everything he did. Under normal circumstances, if he were to ask, Iwabe would shove him into the wall or tell him it was none of his business. Ironically, asking him now would yield better results, even if they were vague and noncommittal.

"Why would anyone want to harm you? You're great."

Inojin looked up at the sincerity in Iwabe's voice only to turn away when he saw that lovestruck smile pulling his cheeks up and making his eyes squint.

He knew he was only saying that because of Inojin's influence. It felt fake even if Iwabe didn't think it was.

There was no way he was going to get answers out of him. Inojin turned to say something to him when the breakroom door opened. Inojin released Iwabe's hand, stood up and dove behind the row of lockers.

Iwabe's hand still hung in the air, staring dazedly where Inojin had been. He didn't look in the direction Inojin had gone, having already forgotten he was even here.

"There you are," said Sarada, throwing her hands in the air and letting them drop, slapping off her hips noisily. "I've been wondering where you've been. Chocho said you had gone home from a stomach bug. What are you doing back here? Shikamaru's been waiting your tables while… Are you ok?"

Still staring into space, Iwabe had slowly lowered his arm to his lap. When it brushed against his thumb, he paused as a sensation ran through him. He touched the area where Inojin had bitten him and warmth gradually filled his body. He held his arm in his hand, rubbing it slowly, bringing a smile to his face, as if reliving a pleasant memory he could no longer remember.

He felt comforted in a way he had never experienced before. Content and relieved and just… happy.

"Iwabe?"

He turned in his chair towards Sarada and smiled at her. "Hey, Sarada."

"Uh, hey…" Sarada took a step back, uncomfortable. "Are you ok?"

Iwabe stood up and nodded. "I am. We should probably get back to work. You coming?"

"Uh…" Sarada stepped out of his way, staring suspiciously at him. She questioned whether she wanted to ask what he was doing back here then thought it was best if she didn't know. Shuddering at the possibilities, she turned and followed him out of the breakroom, albeit at a distance.

Inojin waited until they were gone to come out of hiding.

He returned to work with everyone else and Shikamaru returned to his office, beside himself with wonder. He still couldn't figure out why he wanted to help like he did while wrapping things up for the night and making sure everyone did their jobs.

Sarada and Chocho whispered to each other while wiping down the tables as the boys gathered the chairs and tablecloths. Inojin pushed a mop around after the chairs had been stacked on top of the tables, passing by Boruto with a broom in his hand.

When the girls whispered something and Sarada started to giggle, Boruto shot Inojin a dirty look since he was in the vicinity and apparently thought he was the cause.

"You doing something?" he hissed with his back to the girls. "Giving them looks? Checking them out?"

"No," said Inojin, pushing his mop across the floor. "I didn't do anything. They're probably just sharing a private joke or something."

"Such as?"

"How should I know? I can't hear them from over here."

"Why would they be whispering like it's some kinda secret?" Boruto followed Inojin with his broom, chasing him away from the girls as he swept around Inojin's feet. "You got something to hide?"

"Come on, stop." Inojin's meek voice didn't carry past the mop's handle he kept near his face as a kind of shield. He doubted Boruto would do anything out in the open, but he still didn't like the harassment.

"Where were you, anyway? Spying? Secret project? Or do you just get your jollies making us do all the work while you hide?"

"It's not like that."

"Shikamaru had to cover for you, you know. If he takes it out on us tomorrow, I'm gonna-"

Boruto stumbled and knocked a chair to the ground as he threw out his arms to brace himself. The clatter caused everyone in the room to stop and turn to see what happened.

Iwabe pulled the broom he had been using to clean under the tables back to his ankles and looked curtly at Boruto braced against the table. "Sorry. Did I trip you?"

Boruto gave Iwabe a disbelieving look, certain that his coworker would never do something like that on purpose and doubting at the same time.

Iwabe didn't like Boruto treating Inojin that way and took it upon himself to remind Boruto of his place. He didn't threaten him, but his actions were enough to send a message.

Inojin hadn't told him to do that. He must have acted based on the feelings he was developing for Inojin. He was starting to like him.

Realizing he could use this, Inojin decided it would be a waste not to use this to his advantage.