Photogenic Reality

This chapter sucks worse than...the worst sucking thing ever. Seriously, I have no idea what the hell it's doing in existance.

First off, I write from Shika's POV. Then I think 'oh hey! let's do one from Kiba's POV!' So I do, and plan on having two versions to pick from. Then I'm all 'oh, let's post both of them. That'll eat up some space'.

Then I go to SUPER retard level and say 'hey! why not MERGE THE TWO TOGETHER?!?!?!?!' cos that's not a shit idea!!!

And I wrote it bad, too.

I'm sorry to everyone who reviewed and I havn't thanked yet. But I can't remember who so just THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to everyone. And I'm sorry to dissapoint with this one. Did I spell that right? I've lost the will to correct my grammatical errors. I think that was wrong too...

Ergo, suxxorz. Kill me.


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"How's it goin'...wait, what're you doin' here?" a frowning Kotetsu asked, a dango stick hanging out his mouth as he, Izumo, and Anko splayed themselves over the white leather of the comfortable sofas in the guest lounge. Shikamaru nodded to them and paused in the archway leading to the alcove to talk.

"I going to the thing in the model base," he said, hands in his pockets as he absently crossed his feet over. Kotetsu grinned.

"Yeah I forgot about that...well, whatever you do, don't worry. Tsunade-sama asked us to switch off all the security cameras on the floor so everyone can relax," he nodded, Izumo slumped heavily on his shoulder, apparently taking a well-deserved nap as Anko unhooked his fingers from around his last dango. Shikamaru frowned, stepping forwards a little.

"Isn't that...kinda dangerous? What if something happens?" he asked. Anko laughed and looked up.

"That's the whole point. If they're gonna be going crazy at this party, exposing themselves and stuff, there'll be no evidence. Our models are world famous, we can't risk scandal," she said logically, nodding her head at her own words and relaxing back on her couch. Shikamaru considered this for a moment before stepping back out to the hallway.

"I get it... Have fun tonight, you guys," he called over his shoulder, pressing the button to summon the elevator. Kotetsu raised a hand, staring down at Izumo and bouncing his head lightly on his shoulder.

"You too..." Shikamaru heard, just as the glass doors closed behind him.

He glanced to the glass pannels surrounding him. Against the night sky they created something of a mirror so he simply stared at himself.

He was nervous, no matter how much he told himself otherwise. What if they began asking questions he wasn't able to answer? Like 'why are you here?' and such.

As the doors slid to reveal the faintly lit hallway, he silently hoped for some alcohol. Just to calm him a little. Though he didn't dare show it.

He sighed gently, pausing with his hand on the door handle, waiting to hear a familiar voice inside.

A laugh...that was Kankuro's laugh, he was sure of it. Alright, at least he knew someone well enough to act semi-normal. He tugged slightly at his shirt once more and opened the door, stepping in and looking around.

It was darker than he'd ever seen it, lit in random little spots by coloured lcd lighting. Green, blue, purple, red...dotted all around the room. And a few people were sitting around, some playing pool, some drinking and chatting, and two were playing one of the video games.

"Shikamaru! Hey, how's it going?" he heard a voice. Glancing to the side he smiled as he saw a blond boy with whisker marks, tattoos he guessed, though he couldn't be sure, dashing over.

"Hey Naruto," he said easily, yanking a hand from his pocket to offer it in a wave.

"I didn't know you were coming! Man, we've gotta hang out more. Wanna come play pool? I'm kicking Gaara's ass at the moment," he declared proudly, puffing his chest out and grinning cheesily. Shikamaru smiled but shook his head.

"Nah, maybe later though. Uhh, where's the bar?" he asked, not caring if he sounded slightly alcoholic. Naruto beamed and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt, dragging him over to the illuminated bar counter.

"Lemme make you something. I make killer cocktails, did I tell you? How about a...ooh, a Tequila Sunrise! I love making those!" he said, rummaging around for tequila and grenadine, his ass waving high in the air.

"No thanks, I'll just get myself a beer," Shikamaru laughed. Naruto poked his head up, still grinning madly and nodded.

"Cool, well Gaara's probably waiting so I'll get back to my game. We'll hang later though, yeah?" he asked, seeking Shikamaru's approval. He nodded, moving beind the bar to reach in the small refridgerator for a bottle, uncapping it and moving back to the middle of the room to look for someone to talk to.

"Shika-ru!" Kankuro yelled, suppressing a loud burp and waving him over. Sighing, he made his way over. Kankuro was talking to Temari; a particularly feisty glamour model who was apparently working her way up the pathway of personal management. She was intelligent, and very beautiful, but had an annoying habit of never hiding her apparent attraction to Shikamaru. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was forceful women.

"Hello," she purred, slinking over in her seat to give him room. He decided not to notice this and instead sat beside Kankuro who slapped him on the back in greeting.

"That shoot today was killer. I saw the photos when I bumped into Chouji and he asked if I wanted a peek. You made them look great," Kankuro complimented him, clinking their beer bottles together. Shikamau smiled.

"Thanks, but you're the one who made them up for me," he reminded the young make up artist. Kankuro snickered.

"Guess so...that Sakura...I swear, everytime she has that shit on her face, it ends up everywhere. I always get it just perfect and she fuckin' goes and wipes her face along the wall or something..."

Shikamaru zoned out a little, half listening to Kankuro's rant as he surveyed the room for the other inhabitants. Temari seemed to be doing the same, responding with occasional questions and comments, but leaving her eyes on Shikamaru at all times. He ignored her, pretending he didn't notice and focused in on one of the two people playing the video game.

It was Kiba, he knew it was. He'd spent so much time memorising the guy from all angles, so was positive that the messy, unruly mop of brown hair belonged to him.

"...And I swear to Kami-sama, I turn around for one second and she's got it smeared all down the Dior dress that Iruka put on her. She's lucky she's a girl, 'cause I think he woulda castrated her..." Kankuro was still rambling.

"That girl's got nothing but looks...don't you think so, Shikamaru-san?" Temari questioned. He looked back over and shrugged, luckily having caught the last few words.

"She's a good model, that's all I really care about her," he offered lazily. He relaxed back in his sat; it was the truth after all, not like he was lying. Kankuro laughed, nudging him playfully.

"This guys such a pro that he's still in work mode when it's play time," he snickered, Temari's eyes flickering mischievously.

"I still havn't experienced a Shikamaru shoot... Perhaps I'll have words with Jiraiya-sama. I'll pull a few strings, perhaps..." she mused, smirking at the young photographer. Kankuro smirked too, flinging one arm along the back of the couch to rest it behind Shikamaru.

"I'll pull the fuckin' strings, sis. Just promise to be nice..." he said, sipping his drink slowly. Temari looked slightly put out but didn't protest. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow but, deciding that he didn't care, looked back towards Kiba on the other side of the room.

"So what's happening tonight, anyway?" he asked after a few minutes of silence. Kankuro shrugged, one finger running along his eyebrow to keep it in shape.

"Whatever happens happens. Same as always. Naruto and Kiba're gonna cause trouble, I know that much..." he mumbled. A shiver shocked Shikamaru's spine at the name and he blinked to clear his head.

"How d'you know that?" he asked, keeping his voice level and impassive, sipping his beer slowly. Kankuro laughed deeply, lowering his voice.

"Heard them whispering in the bathroom earlier. Apparently they have a few little 'surprises'..." he snickered, looking like he knew what those surprises were but wasn't letting either of them in on it.

Shikamaru huffed, glancing over to see Naruto make a mad dash for the door where Sasuke had just entered, talking stonily on his phone and quickly dodging the hyper blond, letting him smash into the wall.

"I'm sure they'll tell you if you ask nice," Kankuro said quietly with a wink. Shikamaru was about to question this when two arms suddenly wrapped strongly around his neck, yanking him back and yelping, nearly letting his beer slip to the floor.

"Shikaaaaaaaaaa!" a loud voice wailed happily in his ear.

"Who is that?!" he gasped, rubbing his neck as the arms let go and suddenly Kiba was standing before him, hands on his hips and laughing loudly.

"Me, stupid. Saying you can't recognise my voice? We've know each other for a month! I'm offended!" he said, laughing all the way through. Shikamaru tried to glare, but it seemed impossible. Kiba was just too...un-glare-worthy...

'Great work, Nara. You just made up a new word...'

"Is choking me to death one of those lame ass surprises?" he growled, redirecting his irritation to Kankuro who was laughing along with the wild boy.

"I dunno, never counted on that," he defended himself, still smirking as he held up his hands innocently. Kiba suddenly stared at him in disbelief.

"Kankuro! You told him?!" he whined, dropping to his knees and looking incredibly forlorn. Shikamaru shivered visibly this time, though it went unnoticed, with Kiba pouting up at the make up artist from the floor.

"Hey! I didn't tell no one nothin'! Don't jump to conclusions, baka," he grumbled. Kiba brightened at this and jumped back up, throwing himself down to sit beside Shikamaru and spreading himself out on the little space he had.

"Shika-kun..." he half yawned, squirming slightly in his seat. Shikamaru frowned.

"Yes?"

"Hi..."

Shikamaru sighed. The guy was gorgeous and all, but absolutely exhausting. Of course, his constant energy was always well appreciated on set. He was forever enthusiastic about every single shot, wanting to make them better, to improve.

Shikamaru sighed to himself and settled back with that thought.

Most of them were the same. Naruto, deffinitely, was one. He seemed to shine sometimes, to radiate or glow. Whatever it was, he was a photographers dream. Offering loud, often outrageous, and constantly surprising banter, while working himself into every commanded position and thoroughly enjoying himself the whole way through.

Neji was another one constantly trying to better himself, though Shikamaru had to wonder whether it wasn't really to be better than other people. The guy had some ego; Shikamaru had seen it. But, surprisingly, turned out to be a rather decent guy; once you got past the pretty. He had confided once, while Shikamaru had been out on location with him, than he desperately needed to meditate, to get back to the basics of Hyugya Neji. This had peaked Shikamaru's interest, and they'd shared a lengthy, somewhat deep, conversation. The Nara had been delighted to discover than Neji was a closet Shougi player, and had given him the offer of a game whenever he felt like it.

Sasuke and Gaara, who he could see conversing darkly in a corner, he had come to realise, felt themselves as elite. People around the office called them, sometimes including Neji, the Pretty Boys. Shikamaru had actually laughed hard when he heard it. It was so fitting of them. They were 100% pure model; perfectly flawless asthetic wise, able to tramsform at the click of a photographers fingers into anything. Shikamaru was yet to work with Gaara, though a small part of him was dreading it. Kankuro, he had recently discovered, was the red head's older brother; therefore, knew Gaara better than most. The stories he'd told...Shikamaru's toes curled at the mere thought of it.

Sasuke on the other hand, was simply too cool for himself. His eternal, 'whatever, I don't give a fuck' attitude made him rather difficult to control. Fortunately, Shikamaru shared that attitude, though without the intense ego, and was able to counter Sasuke's approach to his work rather successfully.

The Glamour Girls, as they were collectively known, were exactly that. Utterly glamorous in every way. Right down to the 'how dare you look at me with hair like that' bitchiness. Shikamaru suppressed a snort at the memory of Temari's earler words. 'That girl's got nothing but looks...' what a joke. Yes, Temari was very intelligent, but she had the she-devil demeanor they all shared too which, in Shikamaru's opinion, didn't make her much different. Besides, Sakura and Ino were actually rather sweet, once one got to know them properly. Perhaps he hadn't spent that much time with them, but he knew they weren't all that bad. He'd overheard them talking once or twice, and seemed to be the best of friends, with a touch of casual hatred for each other. They adressed each other the way any two girlfriends should, with hushed whispers and soft giggles, hiding their mouths behind well manicured hands.

"Shikamaru-kun!" he heard a delighted squeal, the clatter of high heels, and then felt two pairs of arms around his shoulders loosely.

"We had so much fun today! You'll never believe," Ino gushed, beaming happily at him.

"You're deffinately a great photographer, Shikamaru-kun. I left feeling refreshed!" Sakura said, hold a hand to her blushing cheek. He smiled at them and nodded, letting them kiss him on one cheek each and dash off together in their little girly cloud, chattering and giggling excitedly. He heard Temari snort, obviously in disgust, but ignored her to glance over and see Kiba's reaction.

It was an odd sort of expression to be worn on such a beautiful face, but Kiba looked slightly wistful, with a touch of interest, a sprinkle of confusion and, dare Shikamaru believe it, a dash of jealousy.

No. No, of course not. Kiba wouldn't get jealous of a kiss. Two kisses, okay, whatever. But still, Kiba wouldn't get jealous of anything. Shikamaru mentally shook himself to reawaken him to the silence that had descended upon the small group of people, and sat up slightly.

"So what's this surprise?" he asked, hoping to lighten the mood more than anything, though he was intrigued. Kiba's face twisted into an excited, slightly sadistic grin.

"Wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," he said, sticking his tongue out and jumping up to throw his legs underneath himself to sit cross legged, face Shikamaru. "But you're allowed to guess."

The photographer frowned, turning his face away and closing his eyes.

"It's too much trouble for me to go to. I don't really care, anyway..." he replied, sighing and absently wondering if he was alowed to smoke in here. He glanced around, catching sight of Gaara sparking a cigarette, inhaling deeply as he nodded along with whatever Sasuke was telling him.

He sighed. Smoking was a short term vice he allowed himself once in a while. Sometimes, he'd just feel a craving for it so he did it. Of course it wasn't a lot, but he'd found himself having nearly two a day lately, which was a rather dramatic change from not even thinking about it for months at a time. He sighed again, reaching into his pocket for his pack and lighter, and lit up.

He exhaled slowly, letting the toxic smoke curl itself out of his mouth at its own pace, and relaxed his head back.

He heard Kiba sigh beside him an held back a smirk. The guy was constantly on an energy-overload, always itching for something to do. Figures he'd get bored after a few minutes of silence. He glanced to the side, sliding his eyes over, cigarette dangling between his lips and stared at Kiba's face, which was almost pressing into his own.

"Hey..." the model said innocently, eyes wide as he continued the staring contest. Shikamaru smiled a little and sat up, twisting around to look at Kiba properly.

"Hey," he said with a nod. Kiba smiled happily, still leaning towards him and staring.

"Tonight's your welcome party," Kiba stated plainly, making Shikamaru blink and sit up a little more.

"I've been here a month already," he said, frowning. Kiba shrugged.

"We wanted to give you a party, but we've all been to busy," he explained, smiling at the photographer. Shikamaru considered this, and came to the conclusion that it had been a very exhausting month, for everyone.

"So...what can I expect?" he asked, breathing in his nicotine, once again letting it leave his body of it's own accord. Kiba grinned ferraly.

"The unexpected,"

"How original..."

"Hey! I thought of that!"

"It sucks,"

"You suck!"

"Whatever, am I going to have fun tonight?" Shikamaru asked, examining Kiba's face for any signs of him letting up on the secret. The other's face lit up, apparently completely disregarding the argument and he grinned again.

"Of course you are! Me and Naruto thought of everything ourselves, and we're awesome. So this party's gonna be awesome!" he rambled excitedly, waving his arms about to show exactly how 'awesome' it would be. He couldn't help but laugh, reaching over and completely ignoring Temari as he grabbed the ashtray he'd noticed beside her.

"Okay then...what's gonna happen first?" he asked, scratching his nose in unshown anticipation. Kiba sat back a little and hummed to himself in thought.

"Hmm...I dunno," he said finally, shrugging again and giggling slightly. God damnit...

"Don't shit me, what's happening?" he asked, glaring at the attractive man who had been eating away at his brain for the past month. Kiba grinned again, winking.

"Wait and see!" he squealed, jumping up and running off to terrorise and conspire with Naruto.


:II:


Inuzuka Kiba loved his profession. He got to dress up, act however he wanted (for the most part) and got to be the centre of attention all day. What more could he ask for?!

He held no qualms of being put in odd outfits and outrageous make up. He enjoyed it, he always had. Back before he'd been noticed, he paid through the nose for his facial tattoos. They were a symbol of his wildness, hiw ability to drop any insecurities in a heartbeat. If people stared, that was their problem, it meant nothing.

He and Naruto were know for their misbehaviour in and around the studios, often going out of their way to cause trouble.

Of course, he'd have it no other way. Naruto was his best friend. They'd studied together in high school, back when the first pangs of maturity were still a long way away. Then, when neither could decide what the hell they wanted to do, and were extremely strapped for cash after moving in together, Kiba had taken up life modelling.

He never had any hang up's about his body, in fact he thought it was quite a good one, so why not show it off a little and earn some quick money? Naruto had laughed at first, but when he realised that Kiba was doing better than him financially, decided to join.

After that, they had diceded, together, to see if they could make it. It became a competition of sorts; who would get noticed by a professional first? It had been Naruto; a well known toy company had seen him drooling over some of their latest merchandise and offered him the job of poster boy. Kiba almost screamed at the news, still going to auditions for milk commercials and such, it was frustrating to say the least.

But it wasn't long before Orochimaru had seen him in an ad for bubblegum, and decided that he wanted to photograph him. Kiba was excited as hell the first time he entered the Konoha studios, knowing full well what he was getting into.

Since then, Naruto had wormed his way in, though why Tsunade still kept him around, he'd never know. But now here they were; two of the most successful, prettiest people in the country. He'd heard that a few magazines he's been in were now selling internationally, which was all good.

He growled, throwing the controller down, glaring at the character on the screen.

"I hate this game! Let's play another one..." he complained. Sai gave his trademark sneaky smile and shrugged.

"It's only because you're losing, Kiba-kun..." he said softly, resetting the game to a one-player. Kiba huffed and turned away, slightly wishing he had brought Akamaru with him.

He'd obtained the dog on a shoot. Vivienne Westwood's 'people' had decided to dress him up in a ridiculously over-the-top ensamble, making look more womanly that he was used to. Then the puppy had been brought in, and tucked neatly under his arm. At first sight, Kiba grinned; he'd always been a dog person, and this tiny white pup was just too adorable. He'd watched as it sniffed him carefully, eventually resting in it's perch on his arm and glancing up at him, smiling in a doggy sort of way. Kiba laughed, raising the dog to his face, ignoring the angry screeches of the stylists and staring closely.

When it was over, the dog had been taken away, and Kiba had yelled that he wanted it. Tsunade who, thankfully, had been on set with them at the time, somehow convinced the animal carers to sell him to Kiba. Thereafter, he had been known as Akamaru, simply for Kiba's love of the colour red, and travelled everywhere with him. Of course, people had laughed at first. A grown man, a model no less, carrying around a tiny little dog? He figured it must've screamed gay, not that he cared. But now Akamaru was too big to travel in his bag, or jacket, or on his head, and only came into the office occasinally. Kiba figured he must be big enough to ride around on by now, but was scared to try.

He sighed again, watching as Sai made the video game hero prance about on the screen, completing ridiculous tasks and gaining stupid little green things. Surely this was included in one of the levels of Hell? Complete and utter boredom? It made his legs twitch, subconciously begging for something to do.

He glanced over his shoulder at Kankuro; the crazy make up artist was always cool to talk to when he wasn't attacking you with tweezers and foundation. But he was still talking to Temari, and Kiba didn't really like her. Not that she was evil, but there was the way she seemed to hold herself in a higher regard to anyone else. He'd heard the things she said about the other glamour girls, two of which he was on rather good terms on. So no, he didn't want to join their boring conversation.

Naruto was still playing with Gaara...Kiba hated pool. Boooring, almost as bad as Shougi or whatever it was called. He wanted to do something fun! He wanted to dance or something, to move. He was restless, damnit!

Neji was in the corner...he could go talk to him...see if he was still pissed from his and Naruto's prank. Kiba held back a snort of laughter at the memory of Neji covered in flour, a shocked expression on his normally pouting, impassive face. He'd almost died laughing that day, thankfully escaping before he could experience Neji's full-on prima-donna tantrum. Iruka had said that he was screaming, stamping his foot and cursing like a sailor, swearing vengance on those who made the white powder stick to his hair wax in a most unflattering manner.

On second thoughts...there was Shikamaru. Kiba whipped back around, slightly perplexed at the fact that Sai was now on level ten on the retarded game, and smirked.

He liked Shikamaru; he was different from the other photographers and producers Kiba had worked with. They all commanded complete and utter control, demanding that the models practically worship them, doing whatever they said. Of course, Shikamaru did that, but not in an obvious way.

He was manipulative, using soft spoken, coaxing words to gain the upper hand, convicing you to move the way he wanted, curve yourself into the right shapes. Kiba liked that; it wasn't forceful, but somehow, you had to do it. To please him, perhaps. Yeah, maybe that was it. Maybe he had something about him which made everyone want his approval, like something told you that he was so close, yet you weren't quite there, and had to work at it. Kiba smiled at this, chancing another quick glance over his shoulder.

Damn, he was talking to Kankuro and that woman. He knew Temari had a thing for Shikamaru, everyone did. She was fucking shameless, honestly. Always flouncing around him, acting all sweet and stuff...it made Kiba sick. He didn't want Shikamaru to think she was really like that. He wanted Shikamaru to know what a bitch she could be, to see that she wasn't good enough for him. He absently wondered if she's ever modelled for him, then casting it off as unimportant.

"Hmm...I'm bored, see ya..." he mumbled, standing from the plush chair beside Sai's, ignoring Naruto's scream in the background, followed by a loud crash. The other looked up, pausing the game blindly, and smiled, eyes forming little crecents.

"Save me a dance for later, ne?" he said sweetly, turning back to the screen. Kiba laughed and walked away. Sai was the local nympho, no way was he getting a fucking dance. Kiba would only end up fucking him. Again.

"Whatever." He twisted around, glancing over to see Naruto sitting on his pool table, hugging the que and talking to Ino and Sakura. Kiba smirked a little at their chosen outfits; exactly the same in different colours. That was just like them; they made something of a set. Though how two people could be so close yet hate each other so much, he'd never understand. Women...thank the Lord he was gay, right?

Gaara and Sasuke were talking...now there's a conversation he didn't want to join in on. Ever. Sasuke irritated him, and Gaara scared him. Both had left Konoha at different times, Sasuke running to Orochimaru, leaving Naruto in pieces. Kiba had been the one to hold him though that, and the one to rejoyce with him at Sasuke's return. He hated the Uchiha somewhat for putting his best friend through that. What he hated even more, though, was his complete ignorance of Naruto's feelings. How was he so unaware of the blond pining for him? It was so obvious!

Upon deciding that Shikamaru looked bored...from the back, he charged forwards, jumping up and resting his feet on the back of the couch, arms hearly chocking the other guy to death.

"Shikaaaaaaaaaa!" he squealed, hugging even tighter. He heard the photographer cough and splutter, making him laugh.

"Who is that?" was the gasped reply. He snickered and jumped to stand in front of Shikamaru, standing proudly before him.

"Me, stupid. Saying you can't recognise my voice? We've know each other for a month! I'm offended!" he joked, not caring to hold back his amusement. At least he could resort to teasing his peers for some entertainment. Kankuro was laughing too, which made Shikamaru twist on him and glare angrily.

"Is choking me to death one of those lame ass surprises?" he yelled. Shit, he knew?! Had Kankuro told him. Not. Good. As Kankuro defended himself, Kiba's heart sank. Now the plan was out the window...and it was all that idiot make up freak's fault!

"Kankuro! You told him?!" Kiba whined exasperatedly, dropping down to the floor and pouting up, looking rather upset, no doubt. Shikamaru shifted in his seat, but Kiba was too emotional for that right now. Kankuro glared at him.

"Hey! I didn't tell no one nothin'! Don't jump to conclusions, baka," he grumbled, snapping Kiba out of whatever depressed trance he'd been in and brightened up immediately. Yes, the plan was still on the go ahead. Now, just to start the ball rolling slightly.

He pounced into the empty space beside Shikamaru, making good use of the little area by spreading out as much as possible.

"Shika-kun..." he half yawned, moving to get more comfortable. Shikamaru cast him a sidelong glance.

"Yes?"

"Hi..."

Damn it...why couldn't he think of anything to say? Usualy he had something to talk about...like the weather or some shit? Nah, that was boring. Shikamaru'd never talk about some crap like that, he was too awesome. Besides, he'd said himself that he liked Kiba's energy...back on their first shoot together. Kiba smiled, drifting off into his own little stupour, though it was okay since Shikamaru seemed to have done the same and Kankuro and Temari were once again engrossed in boring conversation.

Kiba had been excited at being on Shikamaru's first shoot, and would have liked even better if he'd gotten to go first...but Neji had got there quicker than him. The guy took so much care of himself that he hardly ever needed primping. Nevermind...Shikamaru had seemed happier when Kiba was on set, at least that's what he thought.

The pictures had been amazing; like the one of both of them, Kiba lying on his stomach, still on top of the amp, Neji leaning against it, staring up at him. That had been his favourite, it was still on the wall beside his bed. One day he'd get a picture of Shikamaru and stick it up beside it, he did that with all his friends. Naruto did the same, though with only those he deemed close enough to do so. But Jiraiya was up there for some reason...hmm...

The clatter of women's shoes awoke him, along with a high voice calling Shikamaru's name. Then Sakura and Ino were behind him, leaning down close to his neighbour.

He frowned in thought, wondering how the session went earlier. He'd heard that it was Shikamaru's first glamour shoot, so it was natural that the girls would speak to him. They could be bitches sometimes, sure, but they always appreciated a good photographer to take care of them.

Oh, he must've been good. They'd kissed him. They only ever kissed Jiraiya, and that was only because he was something of a sugar daddy to them. Kiba vaguely wondered if the rumours were true and they had in fact slept with him before, but then they were gone and Shikamaru was staring at him again. He stared back, not bothering to change his expression, wondering what the other would say.

"So what's this surprise?" he asked. Kiba perked up instantly, feeling the thrill of an oncoming taunt.

"Wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," he replied, jumping up and repositioning himself to sit more comfortably. "But you're allowed to guess."

Shikamaru turned away, frowning and closing his eyes.

"It's too much trouble for me to go to. I don't really care, anyway..." he murmured, snapping one eye open and looking about the room before slipping his hand in his pocket and withdrawing a packet of smokes and a lighter.

Kiba watched as he sparked it, watching the faint trails of smoke leave his mouth and nose, and looked back to his face. He hadn't known Shikamaru smoked. He'd never seen it, and nobody had said anything to him. Not that it was a big deal. Gaara smoked, Jiraiya smoked (and not just tobacco), he was sure Kankuro smoked from time to time. Sai smoked cock. He held back a laugh at his inner-mind monologue.

He glanced over again. Shikamaru was still staring into space, apparently lost in thought. Kiba sighed...he was losing interest quickly, he needed entertainment. Leaning in, peering closer to Shikamaru's face, he stared, waiting to see when the other would notice him. It seemed to take a decade before Shikamaru's deep chocolate eyes slid across to gaze lazily back at Kiba.

"Hey..." Kiba offered, widening his eyes to continue the staring match innocently. Shikamaru blinked softly, turning his body around to look at him more comfortably.

"Hey," he replied with a nod. For some reason, Kiba wanted to let Shikamaru in on one secret. The least important, of course.

"Tonight's your welcome party," he said blankly, smiling vaguely at the other. Shikamaru sat up a little more.

"I've been here a month already," he stated. Kiba shrugged.

"We wanted to give you a party, but we've all been to busy," he explained, smiling happily.

"So...what can I expect?" Shikamaru asked after a few moments, taking a deep drag, letting it filter out slowly. Kiba grinned.

"The unexpected,"

"How original..."

"Hey! I thought of that!"

"It sucks,"

"You suck!"

"Whatever, am I going to have fun tonight?" Shikamaru asked, looking over Kiba's face carefully as he smiled, cigarette hanging between his teeth lazily. Kiba abandoned the pointless argument and grinned.

"Of course you are! Me and Naruto thought of everything ourselves, and we're awesome. So this party's gonna be awesome!" he excaimed excitedly. Shikamaru laughed a little, flicking some ash into a glass tray he had found on the small side table beside Temari.

"Okay then...what's gonna happen first?" he asked, rubbing his nose with his thumb idly. Kiba thought to himself.

"Hmm...I dunno," he said finally, grinning and holding up his arms in an exaggerated shrug. Shikamaru frowned.

"Don't shit me, what's happening?" he asked, glaring at him darkly, clearly annoyed at having been lead on. Kiba grinned again, winking and giggling slightly at having successfully irritated Shikamaru.

"Wait and see!" he squealed, jumping up and running off to terrorise and conspire with Naruto.


--------------------


Zomg.

I wanna die.

I was watching early One Piece eps before and somehow they burned into my mind. I hope it didn't show. Though the introduction to Shika smoking was probably because of that, but I don't mind. I love when he smokes. It suits him in my opinion.

Anyways, flame away. I'm expecting it.

*By the way*, I dunno when the next update will be. Probably sometime this year but don't hold me to it.

xxx