Naruto was not having a good evening. He walked through the streets of Konohagakure feeling quite cold at the stares that were being transpired towards his way and the whispers that had began the moment he had stepped out of his apartment. He was unaware of the fact that they were more curious than hateful at this point considering Naruto wore a black on black outfit which brought out his features and strange resemblance to the fourth Hokage.

However, even if he knew, Naruto wouldn't care. He carried a medium sized box and walked towards the Nara compound feeling slightly resentful at the fact that he had insisted that Kakashi and Anko -his new "roommate", Naruto called bull at that- shouldn't, accompany him to the Nara compound and should only get him back later at night.

He remembered Kakashi's words and he couldn't help but feel his heart warm at that.

"If you feel threatened anyway and are in a corner, you flare your chakra and wake up the entire village if you have to, and remember Tenzo or Woodpecker is there. He's in the distance. Trust him and trust me to come get you"

The man had even given him one of Anko's poisoned Kunai which made Naruto feel deeply relieved and quite safe. He would trust Kakashi as he always did to come save him. So with strength Naruto hadn't know he had possessed, he had walked out of his apartment and ignored the stares that were directed to him and went to his friend's birthday party, because that was all that mattered.

Nothing else. And strangely, even though these stares pricked him slightly, they didn't bother him anymore. Indifference. He just felt nothing for them nor for it. Not even when the mother whispered to a child a soft "demon" that he picked because of his enhanced hearing.

He had stared at her for a brief cold moment and just walked away as if she were nothing. Because to him, she truly was nothing.

He arrived at the Nara compound seeing people come in go. He was surprised to see Choji and Shikamaru at the door and smiled. "NARUTO!!" Choji yelled and bombard him with a huge hug that was both comforting and relieving. Shikamaru walked lazily to them, but even Naruto could tell the other was just as happy if not happier to see him.

"You didn't have to come, troublesome blonde" Shikamaru whispered and he was smacked on the head in an instant. Naruto looked up to see Shikamaru's mom Yoshino with a friendly and soft smile at him, "they've been waiting for since the birthday preparations. We lucky to have you Naruto" the two blushed and Naruto smiled lightly, "I'm glad to be here Shikamaru's mom" There was a small smile on the woman's face as she ushered them in.

Naruto was about to put his gift with the rest when Choji cleared his throat. "Hmm what's wrong?" He asked and Shikamaru blushed lightly, "..well I opened Choji's gift already and I'd like to open yours too" oh. Naruto smiled and gave Shikamaru his gift. "Happy birthday Shika" he said with a grin as the Nara blushed lightly and he nodded as he took the box in his hands.

"What's in it?" A voice said and Naruto looked to see another group of children. Some were from the Nara clan and some were clearly from different clans. He also noticed at the corner of his eyes that some of the adults even Shikaku and Choza were looking their way. And all of sudden Naruto felt nervous, as he stared at Shikamaru. Why was everyone staring, it was just a gift. Choji as if feeling Naruto's nerves gave him a reassuring smile and Naruto exhaled slowly as Shikamaru opened his gift.

Shikamaru's eyes were wide in shock and the other children couldn't help but stretch their necks to see it.

"A board game?" A boy muttered confused and Naruto guessed he was an Uchiha. Although that hairstyle was just... questionable. Naruto wouldn't judge, but this Uchiha would make good friends with Shikamaru and their eh..flunky hairstyles.

"You like it? It's the new Shogi board, it develops into new layers, rises in difficulty, and you can also use chakra on it" Naruto said and Shikamaru nodded slowly, whilst Shikaku blanched. His eye twitched and Inoichi and Choza burst into fits of laughter. "What is it dad?" Ino asked and Inoichi shook his head and ruffled her hair whilst she glared hatefully. "Don't ruin my hair!"

Naruto on the other hand was confused at the joyful atmosphere that arrived, but he was happy that Shikamaru was happy. "Come let's eat the cake!!" Yoshino said and everyone followed suit whilst the Uchiha boy grumbled, "I don't get it what's so special about the boardgame?" Shikamaru rolled his eyes, "well, they're only two of these games in the world you stupid duckbutt" he said, his voice uncharacteristically edgy, whilst Choji snorted trying to reign his laughter. The other boy grumbled at that and glared. "My hair is not shaped like a duck's butt! Nii-san tell him!"

Itachi only laughed while the kids wowed and Naruto shrugged. "That should have been expensive" Choji mumbled and Naruto grinned, "a little bit, but don't worry I got money to spare, you're my friends" he said and the two grinned whilst they went to cut the cake leaving the children and the Uchiha boy grumbling, his eyes staring with envy.

"I want to be his friend too" he whispered softly, only for his Nii-san to hear and Itachi smiled lightly, that was nice for Sasuke to want to make friends, but it was impossible even though Naruto was his godbrother. The Uchiha heir pursed his lips and looked at his father, then looked away whilst he continued walking with Sasuke to get some cake.

Sasuke stared at the blonde and he couldn't help, but feel a small linger of want and jealousy, which should have been impossible. He had never met the blonde kid before.

Said blonde kid was eating his cake wonderfully whilst watching the adults in the distance talking, feeling assured that nothing would happen. He looked at Shikamaru who was still quiet and Choji who was eating happily, "don't worry, he's just too stunned and he can't wait to play" Yoshino said and Naruto saw Shikamaru blushed and then smiled and nodded his head in admittance.

The presents began to be opened and Naruto wondered why the adults laughed when Shikaku gave Shikamaru his gift. "Congratulations kid, you're the only to have these in the world" Shikaku muttered and Shikamaru was surprised to find the other shogi board of the only two in the box. Shikamaru looked at Shikaku who's eyes was twitching as he looked at Naruto and said blonde looked away and released a sweat drop as Naruto chuckled sheepishly. Hehehehe. It wasn't his fault Shikaku was late.

And night continued happily, not for Kakashi though, who was pacing around his apartment, anxiously. Anko was throwing popcorn at him,

"..boo"

"You can overthink better than that"

Kakashi glared at her feeling irritable whilst Anko gave him a bright smile. "Come on baby you can do it, what if Naruto chokes on the cake after realising how good sweets can actually get?" she said more than amused at the usual chill Ninja's stressed appearance.

Kakashi sighed, and came closer to Anko who looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "I need to relax, otherwise my hair would turn gray"Anko opened her mouth to retort and Kakashi shut it with a kiss. Needless to say it was a memorable night for both Naruto and Kakashi.