Babysitted by the Uchiha Avenger

Chapter 10

I shrugged out of Naruto's grip and gave him a small smile to show him I didn't mean anything by it. He frowned slightly, and it took him a moment to lower his arm fully. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and pretended not to mind, but he obviously looked put-out. Sasuke seemed to be happier, though.

We followed Kiba to the back of the restaurant. My eyes darted about, looking for Shikamaru's face. I couldn't believe this was happening. He was a genius. I had actually spent hours playing chess with my dad, trying to imagine playing against Shikamaru. I always won, so I was confident, and dying to challenge him to a game.

But that's kind of a weird thing to ask someone you've just met, right?

Kiba studied my face curiously. He smiled, looking shy. Up close, he really did remind me of a puppy. His eyes were big and loyal, and his face in general was perky. I smiled back. His cheeks went slightly pink.

He spoke over the noise of the crowd as we walked. "So, Lucy, how do you know Naruto and Sasuke?"

I grimaced. "It's...kind of a long story. They were, uh, well...Sasuke was baby-sitting me and..uh..."

I had no idea what to tell Kiba. Should I tell him I know exactly who he was? That he was one of my favourite characters? That I've always hoped he would end up with Hinata!?

My eyes flickered to Naruto, asking for help. Do I tell him?

Not here.

I was surprised to find his eyes answered, but I kept my mouth shut. No need to cause a fuss.

Kiba's eyebrow's raised. "You need a baby-sitter? You're what, fifteen? Dude, that sucks."

"I'm fourteen, but still, you're right," I rolled my eyes. "My parents are way too over-protective."

"Seriously."

We smiled at each other again. I felt a strong feeling of affection for Kiba. He was like an older brother, a best friend. Someone you admired and you wanted to impress or make them laugh.

We were going to be good friends.

HOLYCRAPI'MGONNABEFRIENDSWITHKIBA.

Whoa, Luce. Get a grip before you start squealing.

We made it to the back of the restaurant without bumping into any waitresses, and there was Shikamaru, looking rather glum. He raised his head half-heartedly and drew back in surprise. His eyes went from Sasuke to me to Naruto and back again. Kiba gave him a look. "They're here for a neutral drink."

Shikamaru didn't look convinced. "Yeah, right." His eyes were cold. He glared at Sasuke. "What are you doing here? Are you just messing with Naruto again? What would you have done if Sakura was here?"

He stood up, fists clenched, trembling. "You're so selfish! Would you make up your goddam mind? Are you friends with us or fucking not, asshole?"

"Shikamaru." I was surprised it was I that spoke up. Everyone looked to me. Sasuke's body was taut. He took Shikamaru's words to heart.

I cleared my throat. "Neutral. Seriously. He made it clear. Sure, it's not the best idea in the world, but...can we just forget it? For one night?"

Shikamaru was looking at me like I was disgusting and interesting at the same time.

"Who're you?"

"Oh, I'm Lucy," I extended a hand for him to shake. "Nice to meet you."

He just looked at my hand for a moment before accepting. He seemed surprised by the formality. "R-right."

"You know, I've been wanting to play against you in a game of chess for a while now," I said. I knew it was up to me to keep the conversation light. He blinked.

"Huh?"

"Yeah, I've heard you're a frickin' genius."

I sensed Naruto and Sasuke exchange a look behind me. More of that manga knowledge again.

Shikamaru's face broke into an enthusiastic grin. "Oh, have you now? Well, I'd be honoured. Lucy, was it?"

I nodded.

Phew.

Peace-keeper Lucy.

This was probably going to be a long night.

But hell, who was I to complain? I was spending the night with my thought-to-be-fictional heroes.

I smiled and sat down, ready to order some Ichiraku ramen.