So I think you guys deserve a cute, Shika-filled update. I realize he hasn't been mentioned a lot, but he is important to the story. Shadowfan Girl guessed chapter 8's band correctly, her character is going to be introduced in my next chapter. Speaking of, it will be action packed. Whoo! Leoni Liponscovi's character has already been introduced and will be seen through the story a lot.
Chapters 6,7,9 and this one are still up for guessing.
Contest in place: If you have noticed that my story title and chapter names are songs, then try and guess the artist.
If correct, I will either make you a character in my story or write a story about your character or write a one-shot or any request similar to those. Or you can just guess for the hell of it.
Tired: adjective, exhausted, as by exertion. Also meaning fatigued or sleepy. My mental dictionary whirled as a tornado in my mind.
I'm more than tired. What's the word? Synonyms were picked from the depths and were cycling in a rapid motion. Oh, yes, lethargic. Then the calm. All blank, no thoughts.
My shoulders were slumped and my feet were barely picking up off the ground. My mental fatigue was so great, my mind was temporarily reduced to the capacity of a five year old.
As I trudged home, people of the night hurriedly rushed around trying to get home. Lights bobbed with the breeze, glowing faintly across the deep backdrop of the night. I stumbled, almost falling. My mouth opened into a huge yawn bring tears to my eyes. Everything begin to fade and blur together all around me. Just one huge blur of color and activity. I began walking, eyes closed, feet shuffling.
A couple of inches later, I paused again, unable to go on. I yawned again and began to feel a rush of air along with lightness. I was falling forward. My already closed eyes squeezed together while my hair danced with the wind. I internally braced myself for the damp cold ground, the sound of my body drumming against the ground.
I awaited the 'thunk' but received a soft, dull 'thud.' Instead of the cold, I felt a surge of warmth. Someone had caught me, piggy-back style. I nuzzled into my rescuer, breathing in his scent: A subtle mixture of sweat, the woods, mint freshness, and a hint of smoke. It was strangely familiar. He began carrying, the steps causing his hair to brush across my face.
My eyes widened in shock as a warm blush spread across my cheeks. In attempt to hide, I buried my face into his neck. "Shika~" I mumbled tired drawing out the last syllable. A short, "Hn," was the only reply.
Shikamaru continued carrying me in silence. I nuzzled deeper against his neck and back, feeling the warmth of his body. The closeness of our bodies allowed me to feel the beat of his heart. A little above average. Sighing, I paced my breathing, matching mine to his. I focused on this, making me feel closer to him on a different level.
"Shika, do you like me?"
The question caught both of us off guard. His grip on me tightened and he hesitated. It just blurted out; the fatigue caused thoughts to be spoken. Once again, I felt I had the intelligence of a five year old. This time, a love-struck five year.
He walked on in silence. I mentally cursed myself before focusing on the sounds of the night. Shikamaru's footsteps, breathing, heartbeat, the way his hair 'swooshed' in the wind.
I shifted my gaze to what I could see of him: the left side of his face. His profile was so stunning in the moonlight. The backlight of stars emphasized his features, pulling out brightness in the shadows. Then before I realized it, we had arrived at my house.
Shikamaru shifted, standing me upright. He stared deep into my eyes curiously. I evenly gazed back, trying to read the emotion in his charcoal orbs. A wave of tiredness crashed over, making me avert gazes. His hand reached out, ready to knock on the door.
I shook my head, unable to contain my thoughts. He knocked, three times, a short light rap against the door. Footsteps were heard from the other side.
I continued my blurting from earlier, "Cause I li…like you."
Shikamaru gulped, looking at me. His hand reached up, caressing my cheek. Faintly, he mumbled, "I know you do. You…, you're," His words faltered, vanishing into nothingness.
The door creaked opened, drawing Shikamaru's hand from my cheek. He shoved his hand in his pockets, returning to his lazy demeanor.
"Troublesome."
My body crashed, my mentality reaching it's limits. I fell forward again, eyes closed. This time, I was caught by my father. Kakashi nodded to Shikamru, who then turned and began walking away. I peered at him through half-lidded eyes. He withdrew one hand from his pockets and lifted it up in a parting wave.
Using the last of my strength, I pushed my consciousness into his, reading his thoughts.
If I'm the shadow, then you are my light. Shadows need light to live.