Naruko picks Shikamaru over Sasuke. To be honest, it wasn't that hard of a choice. Both males are confused nonetheless. Semi-established relationship.

"You picked a Nara." The 'over me' was unspoken, but they both heard it. "I don't understand you, dobe."

She had to fight back a bark of laughter. Who would have thought that Sasuke Uchiha, her ultimate rival, would be the one to become jealous of her newfound relationship? The irony of her life never ceased to amaze her. "Whatever, teme, I have to go," she drawled obnoxiously, glancing down the street to judge how long it would take her to get back to Shikamaru. "I'm already running late."

"Naruko," his voice called to her and the use of her given name made her pause. She could feel him staring but for reasons that she didn't dwell on, she refused to meet his eyes. "Do you ever think about me, when you're with him? About us?"

Of all the questions she had been expecting, Naruko had not been prepared for this one. There was a flash of righteous anger (How dare he, of all people, ask that?) and then an incredible weariness settled over her, the kind she could feel in her bones. Her breath fogged the air with soft clouds as she exhaled. "Not even once," she admitted, honestly.

He didn't stop her when she walked away a second time.

Shikamaru should have known better than to worry, because he knows Naruko. The girl is loyal to a fault, faithful to the point of self-destruction. That is also another worrying point. Her allegiance had lain so long with the Uchiha, what if she fell back into her old role? Doggedly chasing after Sasuke as she had for so many years, Shikamaru wasn't foolish enough to believe he could compete with that.

"Shikamaru!" He jerked out of his daze to find Naruko waving fervently at his from the doorway of the restaurant. She hurried over, dropping down into the seat next to his, despite the vacant seating on the other side. "Sorry I'm late. Did you order already? It's okay if you did." She picked up a menu and glanced over it. "Man, I'm starving."

"No, I didn't," he replied, relief flooding his body in a peaceful wave. His arm came around to rest on her shoulders and she eagerly leaned into him. "I'm not too hungry, so I didn't mind waiting."

"Ne, you really should eat more, Shikamaru," Naruko scolded, trying to transfer her heat into his cool frame. She had been outside but she was still warmer than him. "You're always so cold."

"That's why I have you," he responded easily, taking a sip of his sake.

She grinned, arching her eyebrow. "Is that all I am, a space heater?"

He shrugged the shoulder she wasn't resting on. "You serve your purpose."

That had her laughing until the rest of their friends arrived, shivering and complaining about the winter weather as they stepped into warm restaurant.

Decided to post this on, too. Comments are very much welcomed. The writing process requires a lot of motivation, I can assure you.