Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the characters.
A/N: This is a companion piece off my sister's story called "Habits". You must read that one first in order to understand that.
His lips were soft and his kiss tasted slightly of ash. But, for some reason I didn't mind. But, that kiss…it was so unlike him. He's never the one to make that sort of move first. But, he hasn't been himself all day I wonder what happened. I could tell something was wrong but I figured if he wanted me to have known he would've told me.
Settling in for the night, I lie down on the bed and place my hands underneath my head, letting my mind wonder, still feeling Shikamaru's lips against mine.
I wake up to the sun in my face. I look at the clock and it read 6:00. I'd love to go visit Shikamaru so I could talk to him, but I have a mission waiting for me back in the Sand.
I have so many questions I want to ask him. I don't want to pressure him to talk but, his actions were so abnormal yesterday. He's never been that affectionate before. He's never sent me a message like that. Normally his letters are about how his life's such a drag, or how his Sensei's training him to hard and that it's troublesome. It's never a message saying that needs to see him. Also, the way he let me cuddle up into him like that, what the hell was that?! Then there's that kiss. That amazing, but, completely strange kiss of his, it was only strange because it's not like him to be that assertive. But then when I kissed him, it was like I was seeing a different side of him. He was tender and caring with his kiss. I have to wonder what it will be like when he's voracious instead of tender. But, one of the things I liked the most about his kiss was the smokiness if it. Yes, it was because of those damn cigarettes but, there's just something about them that makes him more attractive. I feel like they taint him a little bit. He was always so good. Now, that he smokes, it's like he's got this bad thing going on.
But, when did he start smoking. He always tells me how he hates when his Sensei smokes. He's always complaining about how bad it is for him and he's always trying to get him to quit but, all his attempts fail. I don't understand why he started if he hates it so much. Has his view on the whole thing changed or was it that damn Sensei of his? Did he finally get to Shikamaru? Shikamaru is always doing things with his Sensei, maybe they started smoking together? But, when I asked about it he got really defensive and short with me. He's always been snarky; it's why we get along so well together. But, he's never been mean…at least…not like that.
I need to talk to him, but I don't have the time. I have responsibilities back home that I need to attend to. I can't waste anymore time here, I have to go. I pack up my stuff and head out as I walk past the booth at the front gates of the Leaf Village. Before I'm outside the gates I overhear the men's conversation.
"I can't believe he's really gone."
"I know, I never imagined Asuma would be killed off like that and for Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino to have been there…I can't even imagine how those three are handling it."
I stop walking and turn to look back towards the village. Asuma…has died. That's can't be. Shikamaru would have….no, he would never share something like that. I'm such an idiot. I should have known. He didn't mention his Sensei once yesterday. Not even about a Shogi game which they have daily.
I'll send him a message when I get back to the village. But, right now I have to get back. I turn back around walk passed the village gates.
"Shikamaru…I'm sorry."
A/N: Well, I hope you liked it and thanks for reading. Please review.