It All Started With A Smell

A Ninja's Promise

Choji's POV:

He could hear them outside, pounding on his door and yelling his name. Three things kept him in the warmth of his bed and the mild embrace of sleep. The first was that if it was an emergence Shikamaru could pick the lock, or more likely Naruto would break the door down. The second was that he was very comfortable lying in his bed. The last was that he was a good friend.

He knew that Shikamaru would often seek out Naruto's company and since graduating the academy he had been looking for excuses to do so. They had seen Naruto's team doing missions around the village a number of times. Often Choji would comment that since Ino wasn't with them it wouldn't be so bad to actually talk to them. Shikamaru though, would simply stare before turning away and leaving the scene as quickly as he could. He had known what was wrong, even when Shikamaru did not. That was the difference with them. Choji thought too much with his heart, not looking at situations logically when it was needed. Shikamaru, however, had the opposite problem. He was ruled by logic. If it wasn't logical than it would not cross his mind for a long time. The only problem was: Naruto wasn't logical.

This was something he had known about Naruto for years. Something he kept to himself though. There were things about the blonde that Choji did not say. He did not feel it was his place to speak them. He did know though that Naruto went on instinct, gut feelings and emotions. Unfortunately, when it came to other's emotions Naruto was illiterate. Unless someone stated how they felt about Naruto the knucklehead would not know. Unfortunately it wasn't logical to state your feelings.

He knew they meant business though when Shikamaru quickly turned to Plan B. In between their munching Shikamaru commented to Naruto that the blonde should not be capable of being so loud in the morning. Choji didn't understand that, since Naruto was actually being quiet for once, but Naruto's reply made him think they were referring to something earlier.

"Shut up, you woke me up!"

"You wear really baggy pyjamas," Shikamaru commented lightly as they devoured the bag of chips.

"So?" Naruto replied defensively.

"They made you look very boyish."

"They're comfy... Don't tell me you're starting on the 'cross-dressing' thing again?"

This was not news to Choji. Choji didn't judge on appearances since he knew how it felt. If Naruto liked wearing both gender's clothing that was his business. Choji just saw Naruto as the gender he wore, since it was easier for him in his head.

The sound of them eating died down. They were at the last one, he knew it. He pounced from the bed, charging at the door. He snatched the chip from Shikamaru's palm, not caring that he was in his pyjamas. As he stared at the two challengingly he couldn't help but notice how Naruto was sitting cross legged, his face unguarded reminding Choji of a peaceful kitten. However, upon registering Choji's presence Naruto pulled back his shoulders, his soft features hardened as he jumped to his feet.

"Even for a bag of potato chips I refuse to let anyone have the last bite."

Naruto took on an appearance of shock, his jacket slipping off one shoulder.

"Choji and I have been on the same team for a long time," Shikamaru explained, his hands in his pockets. "We work well together, so asking him is a no brainer."

Grinning, Choji watched as Naruto started shouting at Shikamaru. He was glad that Naruto didn't seem to be insulting him, but more thought Shino was a better fit. At least, that is how he chose to take it. Naruto was always going to dislike Choji, if only a little, and the bigger boy couldn't change that fact, especially since he had caused it. As he went to eat his chip he noticed something darting towards him. It was Akamaru, his biggest rival. He had noticed how much plumper that puppy had became. Kiba had been feeding him well and now he thought he could steal Choji's food. Unfortunately for the puppy Choji quickly devoured the chip, devastating the animal.