Cries of the Forest

5

After that second time, Shikamaru came to visit much more often, varying from every few weeks to nearly every week. All in all, he had very quickly and effectively inserted himself into Naruto's everyday lifestyle.

His frequent disappearances were causing quite a stir among his peers, and he sometimes had to make a slight effort to shake off any curious pursuers (a.k.a., Ino,) in the village before entering his new sanctuary.

He felt a slight possessiveness over his blond mystery and also felt that Naruto wasn't ready for more human contact yet. And although it bugged him slightly, he also knew that it was only a matter of time before Naruto wanted to expand his small world. (For some unknown reason, that put a bit of a damper on Shikamaru's mood. Subconsciously he knew why, but his rational self remained in denial for the time being.)

In the meantime, though, he was on a self-appointed mission. During one of his meetings with the Godaime Hokage, he remembered the strange techniques used by Naruto. Strange techniques unique only to the Shodaime, a member of the famed, (though nearly extinct,) Senju clan.

That began a string of new questions, and quite frankly, Shikamaru was feeling he was in a little over his head. He felt the strong urge to discuss the boy with another over a shogi board, if only to be enlightened from the perspective of a bystander to the situation.

He thought of telling his father,  but, (like with his troublesome newly-realized sexuality,) he'd be forced to inform the clan elders of the developments. Ino would blab, but maybe Choji would be an option this time around.

While his childhood friend was friendly with most anybody, he wouldn't thoughtlessly reveal secrets.

Having made his decision, he headed towards the Akimichi's family restaurant, knowing that was the likeliest place his friend would be.

Sure enough, there was the clan heir himself, in all his big-boned glory. Instead of serving and helping out like he should, he was instead trying to sneak a few servings for himself. Unfortunately, his mother knew of his plans and was ready to whack him upside the head just as soon as he touched a single thing.

Shikamaru casually intervened by calling the boy out, stopping his hand just in time from touching the customers' food.

Having been saved from a sure beating, he threw a grateful smile in Shikamaru's direction. He didn't usually give into his weakness to food so easily, but sometimes his self-control broke when surrounded by delicious treats.

And who could blame him, really? The Akimichis were famous for their special recipes, and there was a reason why every member of the clan was larger than the average individual; (but God have mercy on the poor soul who called an Akimichi fat because they certainly would not.)

Chouji came over sporting a large grin that squinted his eyes and chubbed his cheeks, then called out a greeting while giving a half-hearted wave. It wasn't all that usual for his Nara friend to call him out like this. 

"Hey, Shikamaru. What'cha need?"

"Nothing. I just came over so my uncle could sneak into your guys' cheese and wine cellar," Shikamaru deadpanned. Chouji's face grew horrified and was on the verge of going off to break the Konaha's fastest sprint record before Shikamaru snorted with laughter.

"Relax, my uncle's still recovering from the last time he tried that stunt." Chouji visibly relaxed at that bit of information, his marked cheeked heavily dusted pink with embarrassment. "No, I just need an ear to listen to my troubles."

Now that piqued Chouji's curiosity. He might be Shikamaru's best friend, but it wasn't that often when he'd have the privilege of being privy to the Nara's thoughts. Oftentimes he could hardly keep up with the crazy, (though ingenious,) strategies the other came up with, which was why he was content being the heavy-hitter of the team.