Soundless Supernova

Disclaimer: Naruto and all its characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto. Lucky him.

100 themes, one per chapter, focusing on Sakura and Shikamaru, their shifting relationship, and the secret explosions just waiting to happen.

Theme #1: The Importance of Being Idle (song by Oasis)

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As long as Shikamaru can remember, he has loved watching the clouds. His most relaxing hobby is done on small grassy hills, preferably during the afternoon. In Shikamaru's ideal dream life, he spends his mornings playing Shougi and his afternoons watching clouds. There is also an ordinary, indistinct wife and two children, complete with retirement. As many childhood plans go, this one sticks around for a while, until Shikamaru realises that in the shinobi occupation retirement usually means death, especially if you're as smart as he is. He also discovers that all women are troublesome, in their own way.

Even though his plans have changed, some things are still the same. His plans now include Chouji, Ino, Kurenai and Asuma's child. They now also include Konoha, and its protection (he discovers surprising protective instincts for his home- not to mention his team). He still enjoys Shougi and watching clouds, though this is often interrupted by his mother, Ino, or even Temari. He also thinks of Hidan, trapped eternally, and his personal duty to ensure his imprisonment.

He wonders, sometimes, if growing up means life is just getting more and more troublesome. His lazy attitude isn't going anywhere, and it co-exists with that inner part of him that protects and plans and seeks vengeance. When he can be bothered to care about something, he doesn't hold back. At least his mum won't be able to nag as much when he's a "cool adult". He hopes.

… you can still find him napping or staring at the clouds on his off day, though.