Alara pouts acting like the book was protraying "What if I told you I was going to sleep like this? That these were my pajamas?" she was teasing him right now, but loved to see his reaction to what she said or did. Standing up she turns to their tent "I'm going to change, I'll be back out in a second, shadow boy" she smiled heading into the tent for a few minutes.

~ ~ ~

Kakashi brushed the few strands of her hair away from sticking to her face. "I will like anything you wear regardless" Kakashi leaned in kissing her on her cheek "Now you probably should change before something more happens" he winked at her a little after whispering the last part in her ear. Opening the tent for her, he held it open so she could climb inside.

~ ~ ~

Sakura was next to the little waterfall as she swam over to it standing up, if she was going to clean up, she was going to do it her way, and not like Alara who swam through the water to clean up. Sakura stood there letting the cool water rush over her skin and back into the water that went just above her waist as she washed her hair freely.

Shikamaru shook his head and smiled, knowing good and well that she was teasing him... when he heard her say shadow boy he bushed. Alara was the only person who could make him blush so much. It was troublesome yet not, which confused him greatly. Smiling he started reading the book again and was completely content.


Inari blushed deeply and nodded getting inside the tent. Sighing she growled slightly. She knew she couldn't wear her pijama's because it would invoke the same reaction... So instead she changed into her outfit for tomorrow. It was still a bit skimpy but she slept in her panties with no bra, that would really invoke some feelings from Kakashi. Zipping up the short leather jacket and leaving the accessories off for now she cleared her voice, "you can come in now." She mumbled blushing as she fixed her mask.


Itachi blushed slightly as he watched farther off. He tried his best to look away but he couldn't, his love, his fiance was to beautiful to him. So instead he tried to tell himself if was okay to watch since they were going to be wed. He felt something dripping from his nose and sighed as he wiped a little blood out from under his nose. 'I bet she gets a kick out of how I react to her.' He thought to himself.

Alara went and changed into a black night dress with matching pajama carpi pants with slip on slippers. Figuring she should keep one theme she walked back out after brushing her hair and leaned next to him as her hair draped over her shoulders. "Enjoying the book?" Alara asked cutely not trying to do it on purpose, it just happens that way.

~ ~ ~

Kakashi had waited to see if she would come back out, once she spoke about inviting him in, he entered the tent looking at the other two "Goodnight" crawling in near her he said "Not sleeping in night clothes?" he wondered just making conversation.

~ ~ ~

Sakura kept her back to the forest just in case anyone would show up, though when something touched her leg swimming by her she freaked out quietly shuddering looking behind her as her medium length pink hair fell above her shoulders. When a giant snake like monster appear in front of her looking like a crossbreed which would have been underwater most of the time they were there. This annoyed Sakura as it was going to attack her and something about 'pervert' struck in her head "Aaarrrrgh Pervert!" and threw a wild punch that Lady Tsunade had been teaching her at the snake sending it flying out of the water and across the top of sees try far out. Storming out of the water changing into her outfit for the next day to be ready but with eye liner and mascara as well as the mask inari lent her.

Shikamaru blushed and chuckled, "You're so cute." Kissing her forehead he smiled, "And actually really enjoy this book." He slipped it into his pocket turning towards her he grinned "you look beautiful like always." He brushed a string of hair behind her ear and smiled brightly, "Are you ready to go to bed? I can't until Sakura comes back so I can go bath quiickly."


Inari blushed brightly and looked around, "Well, you see.. I don't have night time clothes..... I kind of just sleep in my um.. panties..." She wrapped her arms around herself and her face turned red. "I kind of figured you would find that inappropriate." She looked up at him and smirked hoping she wasn't the only one blushing.


Itachi was utterly surprised when he saw her punch the crap out of a snake and quickly got ready. He chuckled quietly to himself as he moved to get view of their campsite. It wasn't time to scoop her up and take her away. The couples needed to be kidnapped before, which wasn't really known when that would happen.

"I'll stay out here, besides I kind of want to show you something" Alara mumbled the last part watching Sakura return back unhappy and then asked her "You okay?" Sakura nodded not saying nothing and went into her own tent in which Kakashi had set up for her while she was out. Zipping it up she went inside without saying a word. "Um, never mind, I'll see you when you get back" she kissed him on the cheek and went into the woods like she had to go to the bathroom, but didn't.

~ ~ ~

Kakashi's face was red under the mask, but he didn't care to hide that as he leaned in closer to hers though he took his mask off sliding it down. "I don't see that being inappropiate, though I may be a guy, I do understand why you would think that. But you don't have to hide anything from me" Kakashi then kissed her on the lips after moving her mask down easily.

shikamaru nodded his head as he went to go get clothes and go to bathe. It seemed like something weird was going on with Sakura but he couldn't really tell exactly what. Sighing he finally got to the water. Stripping down he went into the water and started to wash off, thinking to himself about Alara and how he wanted to keep her safe through the mission.


Inari blushed deeply as he spoke, as soon as he pulled down her mask she kissed him back with just as much passion as he kissed her, pulling away she smiled brightly at him, forgetting how she looked like the Cheshire Cat when she did. "So you it's okay to be in my "pijama's"?" She asked moving her fingers to sarcastically motion with her fingers, She wouldn't care if he didn't think it would be bad.

Alara left a note after he left that she would be right back in a bit and took her usual nightly walk that she preferred, her room was always set up in a nature theme to where plants were everywhere, and any spiders either stayed outside or away from her and her things. Leaving her shoes back at the tent inside so nothing would take off with them, she let the fire continue as she walked farther and farther away following the path of nature unsure of where it would lead her. Alara knew the others weren't asleep yet, though she felt like something bad was going to happen. She closed her eyes as she walked, following the trail of nature with the leaves beneath her feet...everything became silent just then as darkness surrounded her, though she didn't panic, this wasn't anyone kidnapping her...just a very foolish move on her behalf. Once she got back on her path she headed straight for her tent going inside and covering up hoping no one would notice a thing.

~ ~ ~

"I don't think it would be bad, I'll just have to have control" most guys didn't have the control Kakashi did and he knew this, but he didn't exactly pride himself on that. With that being said, the way he would kiss someone would show obviously he had the skills needed for more than just ninja things or uncovering secrets.

Shikamaru walked slowly out of the water and dried off, once completely clean and dry he put on his boxers and then put on his pijama pants that were just forest green cotton pants, as he walked to the camp he used his towl to finish drying his hair. Sighing as he walked into the tent he shared with Alara he smiled, "Have a nice walk?" He had felt her chakra signature walking around. He knew it was dangerous but that's why he had watched her signal. Smiling he laid down next to her, "When do you think we will be kidnapped, and what do you think they do to the couples?" He questioned her. Not really sure himself.


Inari blushed and nodded. She slowly undressed feeling extremely embarrased to show off her whole body. Sighing as she finally was down to her black satin panties. She had only "sexy panties" because she liked the way thery made her feel, confident. Looking away she had her hands crossed against her chest as she was still sitting in her sleeping bag unsure of what to do.

Alara wasn't asleep obviously, but she kept her face hidden from him by facing the other side. "I'm not sure, could be in the middle of the night, but it would be harder to get inside our tents, or such. As far as what, I just hope it doesn't involve pain on anyone, let's sleep we have a long day tomorrow probably" Alara spoke as she answered him.

~ ~ ~

Kakashi undressed as she did, though he was wearing dark green boxers, he didn't like underwear and didn't sleep like Gai did in the nude. Kakashi wondered sometimes how much of a twin was Lee of Gai being similar student teacher wise. Kissing her forehead he said gently to her "I think you're still beautiful and I am not just saying that because you're in your underwear in front of me. Come on we should sleep" he laid down with her in their sleeping bags holding her close.

Shikamaru chuckled slightly as she all but hid away from hiim. Slipping inside his sleeping bag he nodded his head, "You're right, goodnight." He turned on his side, facing her, as he tried to go to sleep. It was weird having his girlfriend sleeping next to him. It was also hard to explain how he felt at the time. Wondering if Alara was the cuddle in sleep type as he eventually fell asleep.


Inari was surprised as she felt him press a kiss into her forehead. Blushing at his words she cuddled with him as best as she could in their seperate sleeping bags. She knew that if anyone were to see them like this they woould definitely get the wrong idea. Smiling she kissed him gently before going to sleep.

Alara turned to face him when his breathing calmed and she could tell that he was out. She would have to change up her outfit tomorrow, but she had a pretty good idea of which to wear. Alara scooted closer to him embracing him in a hug like cuddle and felt at ease finally falling asleep ignoring her thoughts.

~ ~ ~

Kakashi knew it would be hard to cuddle in their sleeping bags so he fell asleep holding her hand until the next night he would change this little obstacle between them. With Sakura asleep before the others, the night went by faster than most would probably want it to, and soon the sun was up.

~ ~ ~

In the morning Alara got up changing into her outfit which didn't have long boots, but more of black wedges with support and her socks did go up above her knees. Instead of making breakfast, Alara left it to someone else and went back to laying down.

Shikamaru's arm instinctively wrapped around Alara, bringing her closer to him and his bare chest. Dreaming of a date with Alara and taking her to his special place on his land full of flowers and a beautiful sunset sky. He stayed still, holding Alara as he slept. Moving when Alara would move as to make them both comfortable in their sleep. Soon it was morning and he yawned as he woke up awkwardly as he tried not to wake Alara.


Inari moved closer to Kakashi, still only holding his hand in her sleep. Dreamless but well rested Inari finally awoke as the sun started to wake up. Yawning she let go of Kakashi's had and started getting dressed in the outfit she started to put on last night. Smiling at all the accesories she wore with the outfit. Smiling she got out of the tent and brushed her teeth outside so she wouldn't wake up Kakashi.


As Shikamaru woke more he put on some black jeans and a white wife beater and his sneakers. Shikamaru left the tent so that Alara could change. Looking at Inari he shook his head and crossed his arms across his chest, "how troublesome it must be for Kakashi." He mumbled as he started the fire up again to cook the oatmeal he brought for everyone. Inari turned to him and flipped him off, "You're troublesome you little brat!" Shikamru shook his head, at least he knew she wasn't a bubbly morning person.

Alara climbed out of the tent easily looking at the others while she had a towel in hand "I'm going to clean up for a bit, alright? I'll be back soon" Alara spoke walking over slowly to Shikamaru kissing him on the cheek, but before she left she made some flowers appear like a ring halo on top of his head. When she didn't notice that he took care to realize what she did, she walked off smiling towards the river wondering how long before he knew what happened. Though it was a pretty light bundle ring of flowers, so missing it wouldn't be a hard thing to do.

~ ~ ~

Kakashi was still out, why would he want to wake up early even for a mission, and if anyone did try to wake him he would probably ignore them. Sleeping as sound as a happy relaxed baby animal, Kakashi was dreaming...he was trying to help Inari whom had been kidnapped, but something was keeping him back and then it went dark. He woke up quickly with a start thinking it was so real that he could feel, see, and know everything that happened it it. And just like that, he forgot the dream slowly, and surely not to remember it again.

Inari chuckled as she saw the flowers around Shikamaru's head appeared, knowing that he wouldn't notice for a while. She spit out the toothpast and stared at the fire for a moment as she felt Kakashi's charkra signal flair up quickly then hidden again. Going to the tent she peeked in, "Is everything okay Kakashi?" She questioned as she heard Shikamaru say something about being troublesome so she flipped him off again returning her attention back to Kakashi.


Shikamru enjoyed the quick kiss and watched as she walked off to do what she was going to do. Inari giggled and he couldn't quiet figure out why. Sighing he sat in front of the fire as he read the shabby book. At some point Kakashi's chakra signal flaired which meant moore than likely to be a bad dream more than anything. Sighing as Inari got up to check on him Shikamaru mumble "Troublesome woman it was just a bad dream." Shikamaru sighed and looked off into sppace wondering just when this little mission was to start.

Kakashi sat there sighing in relief realizing now that she was alright as he quickly pulled her into the tent while the flaps stayed closed and pulled her into an embrace as if something was going to take her away. He didn't say a word or answer her, he just wanted to make sure this wasn't a dream, and so he finally spoke up "Is this another dream?" he was hoping it wouldn't be.

~ ~ ~

Alara felt the flare up but the others felt normal so she ignored it stripping her clothes off throwing them next to the towel and diving into the water going as far down as it would let her, which was pretty deep, this wasn't a fall of a water fall she was at, she was really at the bottom of the waterfall so why was it so deep.

Inari was at first shocked to be pulled into the tent swiftly and was even more surprised by being hugged like that. Giggling she pinched his cheek, "No silly, I'm not a dream." Winking at him she pulled down her mask and his, kissing him gently to show she was real. Pulling away slightly she ran a hand through his shaggy hair and smiled then kissed him again. Smiling when she pulled away she told him "I'm not a dream, and nothing bad happened to me. I'm safe in your arms, like always." She kissed his cheek then and smiled even more, touched that he cared for her like that.


Shikamaru was at a loss of what to do, so he entered Alara and his designated tent and smiled as he continued reading of the girl that could control plants and found it rather interesting. That's when he touched his head and found the flowers, shocked he set down the book and walked out of the tent and to the waterfall. Closing his eyes as he reached the waterfall he called out "Alara! Alara we need to have a heart to heart. I know it is troublesome but I promise I'm not looking I just want to talk about the flower thing you do."

Kakashi was a bit surprised by the kiss, now he knew this had to be a dream, then again they were alone in the tent now. Then he heard a -snap- sound. Pulling his mask back up and then hers he whispered "Something is out there" almost mouthing it so no one could hear him. "Come on" he took her by the hand leading her out in the open where the dim fire was.

~ ~ ~

Her clothes would be near his feet as she was underwater doing the one thing she could in order to relax for a bit before walking. She was meditating. This was the only way she kept everything in control and if she skipped one day of it, somehow, it would backfire on her for sure. Hearing Shikamaru's voice she swam up to the top of the water gracefully swimming until she could walk as her long blonde hair stuck to her body covering the front of her. She was angled just right, not on purpose, so nothing could be seen. "What's wrong, Shadow boy?" she asked casually which probably came off a little less cute than she would have expected considering she was in the nature mode without the flowers and towel.

Inari followed Kakashi, not saying a word until they were out in the open. Clinging herself to him like she was scared. She had to act the part of a normal female woman, so she acted the best she could. As she was attached to his arm she smiled up at him, "It's probably nothing hunny! I bet it was everyone going to the waterfall." She nudged her head in the direction she picked up foriegn chakra.


Shikamaru blushed deeply, "I know you have special talents... Like how I'm a shadow manipulator," He paused taking his hand from his face and blushed harder when he saw her, "It's troublesome to hide it from the one's you care about. I'd show you my talents but everyonne knows about them... but you are special." He muttered.

Kakashi knew this was the time as he smiled down at her "You're right, probably just some animals, that nightmare made me jumpy is all. I don't ever want to lose you and I won't" he wouldn't ever let that happen and if she was harmed he would kill for revenge. Kakashi was the kind to get revenge no matter what the cost. He leaned down to kiss her once last time through their masks until a smoke bomb was thrown in the middle of them to make them pass out.

~ ~ ~

Alara felt like she should have stopped with her nature tricks she likes to use against or on others for fun. Maybe she over did it "Saying the word special is considered to lean towards the word 'freak' Naruto and Gaara are amongst those lists, but I already know they both play an important part in the future." Alara looked down walking to her clothes picking them up getting dressed with her back to him and when her outfit was on she put her hair up in a long ponytail with her bangs on the sides separated. Alara knew he probably meant it as a compliment, but she couldn't help be scared of what he would think if he saw her full potential.

Inari tried her best to fight of the sleepiness that the bomb caused, clinging to Kakashi so she wouldn't be seperated, she whispered out to him as she interlaced their hands "I love you." Before she passed out, her hand still interlaced with his. When she passed out it was just black with Nova's voice sounding out through her head, 'Rest my child, a long journey ensues.' With that she blacked out completely.


Shikamaru shook his head violently, "You are not like Garra or Naruto. You're special to me, and always will be, no matter what. Your talents don't make you a freak, if they did I'd be one too!! Think of it... The boy who plays with shadows... if that doesn't scream freak then i don't know what does." Looking at the ground he rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm sorry if I'm troublesome..... I just want to know you fully."

Kakashi passed out with her, but only heard her voice even though he had tried to stay awake, he couldn't any longer as it consumed him. Being out of it, neither would have noticed that a couple people around back as Kakashi himself felt like he was floating.

~ ~ ~

"Something is wrong...I don't sense them. Just Sakura" she dashed running back to the campsite only to find Sakura crawling out sleepily like "What's going on guys?" Sakura asked rubbing her eyes to get the sleep out as she yawned. "Shika hunny, where did our friends go?" she tried to sound like another woman, but being helpless wasn't like her.

Inari woke inside a dark room, "Kakashi? Kakashi! KASHI!" She was now freaking out, she couldn't see anything in the dark until her eyes adjusted to the dark, "Kakashi?" She asked as she walked towards the lump in the floor. As soon as she got to him the lights above them turned on. Kakashi was right in front of her. Checking his pulse and seeing itt was normal she picked his head up and put it in her lap.


Shikamaru raced back with her and stopped to look around. "There is remains of a bomb, most likely sleeping gas." He knew what this meant.... Kakashi and Inari were kidnapped. Hugging Alara to try and calm her down he rubbed circles into her back, "They were the first to be kidnapped, we will be soon I believe... Stay close to me... okay?"

Kakashi was out of it, whatever that knock out gas was, it was strong, and it was going to mess with his head later if he didn't wake up soon. Struggling to wake his brain up he opened his eyes to see Inari above him sitting on the ground. Why was his head in her lap and she looked so terrified then he realized he was under cover on a mission. Sitting up he took her hand to let her know he was here "Inari, are you alright?" he asked, he felt sluggish, but that didn't matter right now. A voice came through an intercom.

The door opens as Kakashi looks to Inari "I won't leave you, I won't lose you, and I certaintly am not going to give up on either of us. We will get out of here Inari, together" Kakashi spoke kissing her through their masks on the lips as a promise. "After this, I will have something to tell you, so let's keep going alright?" he would have to think of something later to tell her, but it was his way to leave her guessing for now, and keep them both alive.

~ ~ ~

Her anger was starting to flare up until he started to hug her, but what really calmed her down was Sakura hugging her. Just like a child, then Alara remembered what happened, and what soon would be happening. "Come on, we need to pack up, Sakura, if we get attacked next, I want you to run until you can't run anymore alright? Don't let them catch you, Lady Tsunade i know taught you something about defense, use it well, and I know you want to see your lover again right?" Alara spoke as Sakura looked up shocked until she relaxed when Alara continued

"Don't worry I don't know who it is yet and if I did, I doubt I would care, as long as you both love each other, I see no problem with it. I will treat you not just like a sister of my own, a child I would care for, a cousin, family member, or a friend. I will treat you as another great soul that will be protected" she sounded corny or what not, but she truly meant every word of it. "You're worth protecting no matter what, you both are" not talking about Shikamaru she then made everyone get ready "This is where they were kidnapped, so if we go by the water, then at least they will think we're letting our guards down. Let's go act like nothing is wrong" taking them both by the hand leading them there, not sure what they really should do or not.

Inari helped Kakashi up, "I hope you can keep your promise, because I'm not leaving without you by my side." She whispered in his ear as they headed to the door. Inari looked both ways and sighed, "Right or left Kashi-kun?" She waited patiently for an answer looking at both sides. The right had a light at the end of it that was flickering and had an obvious trap door and to the left was just a dark hallway where the end was completely black. "If we go left I can get Nova to take over and she can see clearly in the dark." She mumbled the last part so only he could hear. No one needed to know of her demon.


Shikamaru listened to her intently, packing up the campsite and smothering the fire and packing their bags. After he threw the bag on he interlaced his fingers with Alara's, "This is so troublesome." He mumbled to her as they started walking towards the water. 'I wonder why they chose couples, and what is happening to them? I really hope they will be okay and not scarred physically or emotionally.' He thought to himself as they were walking. "Lara, I don't think they will be after us so quickly, I think they are going to focus on Kakashi and Inari first. I believe we need to walk along the waterfall and try to find a village nearby. If we are in a hotel room and get captured then it will be easier for Sakura to get away, staying in her own room." It wasn't that good of a plan but he wanted to make sure that Sakura could get away, little did he know that Itachi planned to protect her to his death and was following them as he spoke.

"Both sides is going to have a trap, most would go towards the light, let's try the darker side. It won't matter to them if we use our nin skills now, they're going to try and kill us anyways" Kakashi whispered back to her as he held her hand to walk towards the left side removing the bandage over his eye, not using his powers, just keeping it ready as his hair covered the side of his face.

~ ~ ~

"But if she gets inside and is trapped then they could kill her right there. Sakura remember that necklace I gave you? Hold onto it" taking hers off she put it on Sakura's neck as well giving her two "Stay safe no matter what, first sign of danger run, no matter what your nin side tells you" Alara sighed as she agreed to keep walking, if only she didn't wear the shoes she did she could take them off and lead them to a town. They walked for awhile before any scenery would change. "I'm really just worried about everyone" she whispered into a mumble thinking it more to herself as she kept her hand on his and Sakura's in hers.