It was Christmas Eve and Shikamaru Nara was huffing his way through the village. A bright red sled trailing behind him. The coldness of the Leaf's air and white virgin snow made him feel only worse that he was stuck in this certain situation.
"Ow..."
"You all right?"
"No you idiot my leg is broken!"
"Why couldn't it be your mouth..."
"EXCUSE ME?"
He shook his head, eyes rolling at the blonde female planted on his sleigh. He had been on a walk toward the mountain to have a race with some of the guys, but he had meet her along the road. She had a small stab in the midst of her ankle. She claimed to be attacked by a armed ninja, but he looked at the bloody stick. Not asking if she had just simply tripped.
"How far is your house?"
"I don't know I never stopped to count."
"You're a genius figure it out!"
Stopping his stride, relaxing his stiff muscles, he turned to the girl. She had her mouth open and ready to ask why he had halted, but he was already close to her face. Warm breath on the side of her neck.
"Ino. Please be quiet. The quicker we get home, the quicker I can get you healed."
His fingers laced on the bruise.
"I don't want you to be hurt."
She felt some heat rise into her face. Blushing wildly at the soothing, and type romantic comment he had made. She blinked, trying to comprehend what was going on, but the sled was in motion before she could speak.
They arrived at the Nara household, the spare key under the welcome mat. He leaned down, hosted her up in a bridal position and made way to the coach. She was quiet and dared not to make any motion. For the way he held her was so precious that she could have been a porcelain doll. Setting her down, he left the room in search for a first aid.
The Christmas Tree stood, lite up, ornaments of animals, ninja signs, and family pictures. She spotted one that was special. Two small hands printed in clay. One purple, one green. Their names written in scrambled letters. She felt the memories flow back into her, the gingerbread smell dancing around her and she could hear the laughter of their young souls.
"Shikamaru..."
"What?"
Her eyes shot open, the blue meeting light chocolate brown.
"Um..."
"Spit it out Yamanaka."
She wobbled onto her feet, his hand gripping the side of her waist, to keep her steady. She pointed at the clay print. His look softened, just as her's had as the good times flooded back.
"Do you remember our Christmas promise Shika?"
His brows knotted in confusion.
She took the ornament, tracing the little fingertips, and flipped it over to show a hidden message.
I promise that I will love you. Forever. Happy Holiday's.
He caught his breath, she sat down, his body beside her. The lights making their faces glow.
"I promised Shikamaru to love you, and you promised me. Do you know what I want for the holiday?"
He shook his head.
"For you to show me that you kept it."
He took her arm in his, touching the bang carefully, moving it out of the way. Coming toward her, the smell of flowers on her skin, and the woods on his. Fingers trembling, bodies shaking. Their lips meet and for once their warmths where connected.
The holiday spirit in both of them was tied together. And no present could have been better.
The End
I LOVE SHIKAINO :D
PLEASE REVIEW :) HAPPY HOLIDAYS :)