ShikadaiXInojin

Between Us

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Inojin stirred awake. He blinked, his mind still hazy from sleep, before realizing he wasn't alone. Turning his head, he saw Shikadai lying next to him.

"Oh no..." Inojin muttered, his heart racing as memories of the previous night flooded back. "What did we...?"

Carefully slipping out of bed, Inojin grabbed his training gear and headed outside, desperate to clear his mind.

Shikadai woke up moments later, yawning and stretching. His hand brushed against the bedsheet, and he froze, realizing something was off. Glancing down, his eyes widened in horror.

"Wait... why am I...?" He looked around the room, noticing his clothes scattered on the floor. "What the...?"

Panic set in as he scrambled to get dressed. Once clothed, Shikadai darted outside, finding Inojin practicing his aim with a kunai.

"Inojin!" Shikadai called out, his voice tinged with urgency. "Why was I naked?!"

Inojin froze, gripping the kunai tightly. He turned slowly, his expression a mix of frustration and embarrassment. "You don't remember?"

"Remember what?" Shikadai demanded.

Inojin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You fainted. I brought you here so you could rest. But then you—" He hesitated, his cheeks flushing. "You kissed me, pushed me onto my own bed, and... well, you didn't stop there."

Shikadai's eyes widened as the fragmented memories clicked into place. "Oh no," he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck.

"And you went straight to sleep after," Inojin added, crossing his arms.

Shikadai's face turned red as he processed everything. "But why am I even at your house?"

Inojin groaned. "You fainted during the mission. Chocho told me to bring you here."

Shikadai sighed heavily. "Man, I'm such a drag sometimes."

Inojin softened, stepping closer and taking Shikadai's hand. "You're not a drag," he said firmly.

Shikadai glanced up, surprised. "How can you say that?"

"Because," Inojin said with a small smile, "you're not just a great teammate—you're my best friend."

Shikadai's lip trembled, and a single tear slipped down his cheek. "Thanks, Inojin," he said quietly.

Before either of them could say more, Inojin leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Shikadai's lips. Shikadai responded, pulling him closer.

Their moment was interrupted by a sudden rustling in the trees nearby. Both turned their heads sharply, kunai at the ready.

"What was that?" Inojin whispered.

"No idea," Shikadai replied, his tone serious. "But we're about to find out."

(End of Part Three)