It All Started With A Smell

Pure Heart's Rage

Shikamaru was on his way to one of the food warehouses to transport supplies to the food preparation bays when he noticed that people were staring at him. He shrugged it off at first, believing he must be mistaken. He was assured that this was not the case when Genma appeared beside him, slinging an arm over Shikamaru's shoulders. One look at the man's grin made the Nara cringe.

"I had you pegged all wrong!"

"Oh, how so?" Shikamaru asked dryly, brushing the man's arm off and trying to not yelp when Genma's hand brushed his behind. He could tell by Genma's cackle that a reaction would simply encourage him.

"Well, I thought that you would choose a woman who was maybe a bit feisty but over all someone who would just let you do whatever you wanted. But nope." Genma grinned widely at him. "You're a bit of a masochist, aren't you?"

"I'm still talking to you, so maybe I am," Shikamaru retorted, rolling his eyes.

The man sniggered, falling into step with Shikamaru. "But seriously, never did I think you'd go for the most energetic, driven, and mischievous person in the village. Granted, I can see a bonus in dating someone who likes looking like a male and a female, though I didn't think you'd be into that sort of things."

"I'm a man of mystery." He sighed, wondering if the Jonin was going to leave him alone any time soon.

"Still, you should be proud of yourself. You are dating the village's current number one bachelor slash bachelorette. There are a few people in the village who now hate you."

"Please tell me you're one of them and you will never talk to me again after this."

Genma laughed, clapping him on the back. "Naruto is hot and all, and so are you, and you might both be of age buuuut I'm older than you... by a lot."

"How much exactly?" Shikamaru asked with a snigger.

"That's not important," Genma waved off.

"Funny, cause I could have sworn Asuma-Sensei commented that you're over twice my age."

"Well then it's a good thing I don't want to date you," Genma snapped. "Don't remind a man of his age."

"Funny, my mum says something similar, but without the whine in her voice." The Nara was smart enough to duck when the other man swung at him.

"Not nice. But half the village is trying to find out if you really are dating Naruto, or if it's just a rumour."

"So that's why you're here. You want confirmation."

"Nope. Either way I'm entertained, but I've seen how you two interact, and Anko was able to find out Naruto's gender after turning into you and feeling Naruto up-"

"What?!"

"Not important. So it's not that surprising that you two are dating. Hell, I've known for ages that Naruto likes you." At Shikamaru's surprised look, Genma laughed. "I've been Naruto's drinking buddy since she got back. She might not get drunk but she does get a bit loose lipped when the rest of us are drunk. She obviously thought none of us would remember, but she mentions you a lot, and has even admitted that she thought you were attractive."

"You know, this is information that would have been helpful a few days ago," Shikamaru grumbled.

The man shrugged unapologetically. "What is said over drinks is not allowed to be used against someone. If it was I would be screwed." Genma leant back, clear looking at Shikamaru's ass. When the Nara turned sharply to stop his staring Genma laughed. "You know, however your relationship with Naruto goes, it'll still be entertaining for me, but be careful, cause if you break her heart the village is gonna be pissed."