Naruto all but skipped out of the Academy, dragging Shikamaru with her. He rolled his eyes as he allowed her to drag him along.

"C'mon Shika! Hinari is waiting!" She said excitedly. She couldn't wait to get her daughter back. They weaved through a crowd, and when they exited, it wasn't Naruto holding Shikamarus hand, but Rin. Shikamaru blinked, already used to how easily Naruto henged.

"Rin! Slow down. Kaachan has Hinari, she is fine." He said, and reluctantly, she slowed her pace, walking rather fast in the direction of the Nara compound.

It only took a few minutes to arrive, due to Rins impatience.

Yoshino opened the door smiling. "Rin! Hinari is amazing! She's in the sitting room, follow me." She looked happy, and Rin smiled, thinking of Hinari and how she put people in good moods.

They walk through the house, and Rin watches alongside Shikamaru as Yoshino picks up a sleeping Hinari and gently hands her over.
Rin cradles Hinari in her arms, and the babys eyes open, blinking up at Rin. She gurgled and Rin cooed.

"Kaasan. I'm heading over to a friends. I'll be back later. I'll probably stay the night though." He said, muttering the last part under his breath.

Yoshino looked ecstatic that Shikamaru had another friend. "Okay. Be safe." She said before waving goodbye to Rin and winking playfully to Hinari.

The walk to Rins new apartment was quiet, the air filled with a comfortable silence, Hinari having fallen asleep again.

When they got home which Shikamaru found himself shocked to find himself thinking that Narutos apartment was one of his homes.

They placed Hinari in her new crib, watching with loving eyes as she snuggled with her blanket. 'Just like Naru.' Shikamaru thought, pink dusting his cheeks.

They went into the living room and sat on the couch. Naruto soon got up and went to the kitchen. Shikamaru could hear her rummaging around, and the sound of pots and pans clattering together. Soon a delicious smell reached his nose and he got up and made his way to the kitchen.

He leaned in the doorway and watched Naruto cook, adding spices that enhances the amazing smell coming from the pot she was stirring. He stared as she did everything flawlessly, gracefully. His heartbeat quickened. He wondered at the feelings he felt. What did they mean?

He moved to sit at the table as Naruto dished out the meal.

"It's katsudon." She said, sitting down to eat. Shikamaru smiled and picked up his chopsticks. "Itadaikimasu." They said, before digging in. Shikamaru hummed at the tasty meal. It was good. Really good.

Naruto finished first, and went out of the room, Shikamaru staring curiously after her.

She came back with Hinari, and had Shikamaru held her as she made a bottle for the baby, who was staring at Shikamaru and babbling.

Naruto pushed the bottle into Shikamarus startled hands, and showed him how to feed her. He stared at Hinari as she drank. mesmerized by her beautiful innocence.

When Hinari was done, Naruto took her and burped her, before rocking her gently in her arms. It wasn't long before she fell asleep and Naruto took her back to her crib.

Shikamaru finished eating and went to sit back on the couch. He felt happy and proud. He fed Hinari! So lost in his elation, he didn't notice Naruto turning on the tv until he felt her sit next to him.

He looked at her, her hair in a sloppy ponytail. She stared at him. "Shika?" She asked.
"Yes?"

"What's up? You have this dopey look on your face."

Shikamaru sighed happily. "It's just... Hinari. I fed her without messing up. She's beautiful." He didn't know how to explain these feelings, he just knew that he would never leave Naruto and Hinaris side.

Naruto smiled softly. She was happy that Shikamaru loved Hinari so much. She turned her attention to the television, and soon, they fell asleep, Naruto laying against Shikamarus chest, and his arm wrapped loosely around her.