Isn't that what counts?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of it's characters.

Since Naruto had left, Shikamaru had found someone he could relate to.

For now he wasn't the only one waiting for another's return.

They had both found a spot just outside the gate where they overlooked the environment outside of Konoha.

Every now and again, they'd both be there at the same time.

"Hello Shikamaru," Hinata said, walking into the field which he laid in.

"Hey Hinata."

She sat next to him as the sun began to set.

To an anyone else, the two looked like lovers watching the sunset.

When really they were both waiting for the ones they loved.

"I find it almost strange that you of all people like Naruto," Shikamaru said after a period of silence. "He's outgoing, loud, and at times a pain in the ass. You're nothing like that."

"Oh. Well, aren't you and Temari a similar case?"

"Yeah. Only that our differences are the things we have in common. Our different opinions are what makes our discussions interesting, and it always gives us something to do. What's your reason?"

She looked into the horizon. "I..." she paused, trying to think of what to say. "His strong will and determination are things I look up to. It's what's made me stronger, and without him I could never have gotten as far as I have now."

Silence came again, and nothing was said until the sun had set.

"I guess it's not about if you're lazy, shy, over enthusiastic, or troublesome. It's about them making you happier, stronger, and feel greater than you would without them."

Shikamaru got up and began to walk off.

"In the end, isn't that what counts?"

When he was gone, Hinata took her time before getting up to leave.

She looked once more at the view in front of her, before returning to the what was inside the gates.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Yes it is."

End.