IV: A Friendship Greater than the Last Chip
Choji believes that he's lucky to be Shikamaru's friend.
1. He has never called him fat.
Even Ino, who he has known for almost as long, has used "that word" a few times. Shikamaru has never so much as implied it.
2. Team 10 passed because of Shikamaru.
If it weren't for him, Choji wouldn't have become a genin.
3. He graduated because of Shikamaru.
If it weren't for him, Choji wouldn't even have got out of the academy.
4. He appreciates the simple things in life.
Friendship and food. That's all he needs to be happy. Shikamaru provides the most important half of that.
5. Choji has friends.
He doesn't think he would ever have been able to take that step if Shikamaru hadn't stepped first.
6. Shikamaru allows him to be strong.
Choji knows that he isn't the smartest of people. He has power, but he's never really sure how to use it. Shikamaru knows not only how to use it, but how to use it well.
7. Shikamaru is destined for greatness.
Choji is not, but he is happy to watch his best friend succeed, confident in the knowledge that he will stay his best friend no matter how great he becomes.
8. He's never felt unwanted.
Not since becoming Shikamaru's friend, anyway. Unneeded, yes. Unwanted... never.
9. He knows the real Shikamaru.
Choji is the only person who knows the side of Shika that doubts and fears nothing more than failure, because failure means he let his friends die, and every time it happens he blames himself because he should have done better.
10. He is the one Shikamaru relies on.
When Shika shows his real face, Choji is the one who is there to remind him why he can't give up. Genius or not, he is human, and Shikamaru needs a rock. Choji is happy to be the rock to save the drowning man.
11. He's strong because of him.
Choji is never hit hard by events, because as long as he has his friends he has to be strong for them, so he won't let himself falter. Shikamaru needs him, so he has to be dependable, and if that means everyone else can rely on him then all the better.
12. He stopped doubting himself.
Because Shikamaru never doubted him.
13. Shikamaru could be Hokage.
That he thinks Naruto is better suited for the position is the main reason Choji believes so strongly in Naruto. His best friend is never wrong, so Naruto will be Hokage, and if Shika thinks he wouldn't be as good as Naruto, he will be a damn fine one too.
14. He feels like he has to prove himself.
He doesn't have to prove himself to Shikamaru.
15. He protects people.
Choji wouldn't be a ninja without his best friend, and if he wasn't ninja, then he couldn't protect the people who are precious to him. They are what Choji lives for, and he can't think of a worse existence than being unable to protect them.
16. Shikamaru rarely fails.
Maybe it's a little selfish, but sometimes Choji is just glad somebody so good will help him protect his friends (because they're Shikamaru's friends too, of course).
17. He was Choji's first real friend.
Of all the people who could have made that gesture, lazy-bones Shikamaru was the one who did so. He's not sure if he should feel proud or grateful about this, so he settles for both at once.
18. He would happily give him the last bite.
Choji has never offered, however, because he knows that Shikamaru wouldn't take it from him. Still, it is an honour Choji will never extend to anyone else (except Naruto, maybe, just once, when he finally becomes Hokage).
19. His best friend is a true genius.
The fact that a genius has such faith in him is what allows Choji to fight.
20. Shikamaru will climb high.
But he will stop to pull Choji with him, because that's the kind of person Shika is.
A/N: Er, I think this got a little repetitive at times, but that's what happens when you decide to focus on a minor character. Still, it could have been worse - I could have picked Tenten...
Anyway, I promised it wouldn't be an angtsy piece, and lo, it is not angsty! I think Choji is one of the few 100% honest-to-god, genuine nice guys in Naruto, without any sort of psychological damage dragging him down. In fact, I think he's remarkably normal for a ninja. That may be why I think this one is a little on the boring side. Sigh. I just thought the friendship between these two deserved a bit more fic. No, really, I have seen fics out there where Shikamaru is the main focus and Choji is barely mentioned. Friendship does not work that way, guys!
And now I'm rambling. See what you've done! *shakes fist*