ShikadaiXInojin

Under the Surface

Inojin stumbled to his feet, brushing dirt off his clothes as he looked up at Shikadai. "Thank you, Shikadai," he said, his voice carrying a mix of relief and gratitude.

Shikadai shrugged, though the faint blush on his cheeks betrayed his nonchalant demeanor. "Well, saving you was a drag," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck. He paused, glancing at Inojin. "But... I'm glad you're safe."

Inojin froze, his eyes widening slightly. The sincerity in Shikadai's voice caught him off guard, and warmth rushed to his face. "Shikadai..." he murmured, the name barely audible as his heart skipped a beat.

For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, Shikadai stepped closer, hesitating for only a second before leaning in. His lips brushed against Inojin's in a soft, tentative kiss. The world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them.

Four years later...

The midday sun beat down on the team as they regrouped near a rocky outcrop. Chocho pointed toward the horizon, her expression unusually serious. "Guys, Sarada said the bad guys are holed up over there."

Shikadai sighed, pulling out a folded paper knife with one hand and a throwing knife with the other. "Got it, Chocho," he said, his voice as calm as ever. "The mission's over."

Inojin wiped sweat from his brow and stretched. "Finally," he said, glancing at Shikadai with a grin.

Shikadai smirked, slipping the knives back into his pouch. "Yeah..." he started to say, but his words faltered. His legs wobbled, and his eyelids fluttered as exhaustion finally caught up to him.

"Shikadai!" Inojin shouted, rushing forward just in time to catch him as he crumpled to the ground.

Chocho let out an exaggerated sigh, crossing her arms. "Seriously? This guy acts tough and then goes and faints?"

Inojin cradled Shikadai, his expression softening. "You really push yourself too hard sometimes," he muttered under his breath.

Though Shikadai was unconscious, Inojin couldn't help but feel a pang of affection. The years had brought their challenges, but one thing was clear—he'd always be there for Shikadai, just like Shikadai had always been there for him.

(End of Part One)