Disclaimer; I do not own Naruto C:
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Hello Fascination.
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Previously...,
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Waiting patiently he examined the small basket in his hands. His parents were always giving small baskets to people, even for a stupid reason. Though he can't necessarily say his parent(s) because his mother was the one who came up with the idea and put into action. His father just went along with it so he wouldn't have to hear her complain. She always put small fruits and flowers in the baskets.
"Well, hello there." Shikamaru looked up to meet a grinning Sakura with her arms crossed and her body leaned against the door frame.
Shikamaru mentally face palmed.
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"What are you doing in front of my door anyway Shikama- ohh is that fruit?" Sakura grabbed the basket, examining it with glee written on her face. Shikamaru sweat dropped at her childish expression. "Is this for me?" She asked hopefully. Shikamaru shrugged.
"My mom made it for you and your family." He spoke, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Sakura looked up to him, her expression changed to blank. She blinked.
"SASORI!" She screamed and flung the basket behind her. Shikamaru cringed at her shriek. But heard a sudden yell from inside the house.
"What the hell, Sakur?- Oh fruit!" Shikamaru couldnt help but sweat drop. He had never met a girl so odd. A girl that spoke to him willingly. Hinata was different. She was a girl, but she was one who only sympathized him. He didn't need sympathy. He didn't need
pity.
He needed something. Something to break his repeatative habits. To cure him of the disease that's plagued him since that day. Since that day of the only person he ever shared everything withs departure of the world of living. The disease of unhappiness. Of course he blamed himself for that day. He had been the one who wanted to go out some place instead of staying in. But Shikamaru knows he needs to break free. Even if he wont admit it. Even if he believes he doesn't deserve it. He needs something.
Someone.
"Aye. Nara. Wake the hell up and stop spacing." Sakura grabbed a hold of his nose and looked into his eyes. Emerald met caramel. A spark, Shikamaru saw. He watched her eyes with curiousity. Her emerald orbs a pool of emotions. But he couldn't see them, the emotions. They were hidden well.
What was she hiding?
He wanted to know. In a way he felt he needed to. He felt they could connect. But to him, It was silly. To get to know her. To communicate with her more than just as an acquantance. He didn't deserve a friend. Not after Chouji. He didn't want to lose anyone else. No, he couldn't.
"Are you going to let go of my nose?" He said in a nasal like tone. Sakura grinned, keeping hold.
"I will. on one condition." She said slyly. Shikamaru's expression was bored, but he raised a brow. Sakura continued. "You have to go some place with me." Before he could protest Sakura tightened her grip on his nose. "If you don't go, then you don't get your nose back." She stuck her tongue out childishly.
He looked at her, his expression bored. He raised his hand, taking her wrist gently and pulling it off of his nose. She stared at him, an confused and concerned expression as she stared into his eyes. Without a word, He walked back toward his home.
"You're missing out Nara! You could have some fun for once!" Sakura yelled to him, He didnt pause. He closed his front door, and walked to his room.
He doesnt deserve fun.
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Shikamaru's eyes hurt. They didnt want to open, because the sunlight beaming through the window of his bedroom would only make them hurt more. He sat up, opening them slowly as he blinked frequently. Ignoring the pain in his eyes he looked to the clock. It was eight, and it was the weekend.
His room was white, his walls were bare. He only had a bed with navy colored sheets and pillow cases, a bookshelf filled with already read books, and a desk, that had a picture frame, faced downward. He slowly rose from his bed, the sheets falling to the floor as he walked over them and toward the door. There was nothing to do today. So he went outside, to a small storage closet, and grabbed a rake.
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Finishing the backyard after two hours he went inside. His parents were gone, shopping, he assumed. He looked to the clock. Almost eleven. He sighed, and grabbed his house key, walking out the door, and in the direction of the library.
Maybe the day will go by fast.
He hoped. But he really wished,
The rest of his life would go by faster.
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Shikamaru sat at the check out desk at the library. He didn't pay attention to those who came in and went out. He just scanned the books and mumbled 'have a nice day'. He felt empty today, just as he does every other day,
since the incident.
"Figure's you'd work here. I gotta say though, it fits you." Shikamaru looked up, seeing his classmate and new neighbor standing in front of him. She placed a book on the counter that he sat behind. Picking it up, he glanced at the book just before scanning it.
"Shakespear? That suprises me a little." Shikamaru said as he handed it back to her. She grinned, looking at him.
"You're kind of a douchebag." She said, amusement in her voice. Shikamaru shrugged. "If you ever want to hang out, you know where to find me." She waved as she walked out of the doors of the Library.
"Troublesome." He murmured as he returned to his work. He thought to himself though. What it would be like to be friends with her. to have a friend again.
No, no. No. You dont deserve it.
You'll never deserve it.
A part of him chanted. another spoke gently,
You deserve a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance.
This voice was so much more soft, unlike the other that was strong, and over powering.
People who die dont get a second chance, why would you?
Shikamaru had a headache, and after telling Hinata, he left for home.
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It was already a week ahead. A Monday, and Shikamaru was still tired. It was snowing this morning, he noticed disappointed. He hated the snow, he thought.
But he hated the rain even more.
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Arriving to school he went to his locker, only to be greeted by Sakura. She had a toothy grin on as she held her books with one hand. Shikamaru walked up, opening his locker.
"You're as bored looking as always." Sakura commented. Shikamaru grabbed his books from his lockers.
"You're still stalking me, as always." He replied nonchalantly.
"You're still closing me off, as always." She said, Shikamaru's eyes darted to hers as they shared a gaze. He closed his locker.
"And you're still here." He walked off to class, leaving the pink haired girl behind. She watched him go.
"As always." She half smiled as she walked off in the opposite direction.
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It was already lunch, and for some reason, Shikamaru grabbed a tray of food and sat outside in the snow. Even though he disliked the weather, he was alone because no one else wanted to be outside. He still didnt understand why he had grabbed a tray. He supposed that a little piece of him hoped that his dear friend would be waiting for him, to ask him if he was going to eat. So that Shikamaru could respond by sliding it Chouji's way. Sitting outside, alone, he realized
That wasn't going to happen.
He heard loud yelling and turned his attention towards the cafeteria. He could inside since there were so many windows and clear doors. He spotted Naruto yelling at Kiba who in return was laughing at the boy covered in milk. As was everyone else, even Sasuke was smirking. Everyone except the pink haired girl who always badgered him. She looked bored. He stared at her, not being able to tear his eyes away. Then she looked right back, and quickly turned.
Staring at the tray that's contents had yet to be touched. And probably
Never will be.
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School was out and Shikamaru was determined to get home, uninterrupted. Sakura had been stopping him left and right in the hallways to chat and all he wanted was to go home or to the library. Today he just wanted to go to sleep. But sleeping was getting harder, because always had a dream.
It was a reoccuring dream, that he could remember so vividly. Sakura would be far away from him, calling his name as he stood in a darkened area. He'd slowly walk to her, noticing her getting closer he would walk a bit faster. But by the time she was just out of arms reach he couldnt move. And she was suddenly gone. The walls around him began to glow dark red, and slowly turn to blood dripping from the walls. Looking around desperately he tried to yell.
To speak. Something, anything. But he couldnt move his feet. he looked down at himself. blood seeping from his stomach. The same area that held a scar from the gunshot wound. He panicked. looking straight he would see Chouji. His body lay, motionless, blood puddling around him.
And that's when Shikamaru would wake up, pulling up his shirt, if he were wearing one, to look at the scar, to trace it. And when he thought about the dream, something would tell him it's a sign, that he should push her away. Keep her away. Whether to protect her, or to protect himself from more guilt.
He couldn't tell.
A motorcycle vroomed passed him as he walked on the sidewalk, it screeched and turned around, pulling up beside him loudly. The person driving lifted up their helmet as Shikamaru walked by.
"Hey Nara! Come here!" Sakura's voice rang through his ears, he sighed. Turning around he saw her holding a helmet.
"What do you want now?" He asked, looking at her with his hands in his pokcets. She grinned as she motioned for him to walk to her. He sighed inwardly, walking to, only to pause.
The dream.
Something whispered.
Remember the dream.
He looked at her, only to see her curious stare.
"I need to go." He said, turning on his heel. Sakura frowned. she ran up behind him, grabbing his arm. He was about to respond, when she dragged him back to her bike.
"You. Are going to ride on this bike, and if you try to runaway I will I come to your house and tell your mother you got me pregnant and want me to have an abortion because you think children are disgusting creatures. Are we clear?" Sakura glared menacingly.
"You have no proof." Shikamaru looked at her, her grip tightened.
"It's either that or I claw my just manicured nails into your squishy arm." She said with a huff. He held back a snicker. He couldnt laugh at her, she might actually hurt him. Before he could react a helmet was thrown on his head. "let's go Nara!" She put on her own helmet, and hopped on the large bike. Shikamaru decided he had no choice, and got on.
"Hold onto me! You dont want to fly off!" Sakura yelled as she started up the bike. Shikamaru wrapped his arms around her, and as soon as he did, they took off flying.
Watching everything go by in a fast motion he noticed how relaxing it is once you tune out the loud noise of the bike and passing cars. To everything just go by, like time was fast forwarding. Thats how he imagined it. ike he was traveling farther and farther in time. Getting closer and closer to the end of the road. The end of time.
He wondered if Chouji would be there, waiting for him. Probably not. Chouji would be at a barbaque resteraunt, ordering another plate. That's how Shikamaru imagines him in the afterlife. If there is such a thing, he thought. He also wondered what would Chouji think of Sakura if he were here. Or if Sakura would even care to recognize him if Chouji were still here. He mentally shook his head.
Chouji isn't here. and he never will be. He's been gone for a long time. And Shikamaru knew he was never going to see his bestfriend again. And yet he still hoped, every once in awhile, that he'd see him at school, during lunch. Or afterschool, waiting at the door so they could walk back to Chouji's or Shikamaru's to play video games and hang out.
It's your fault.
a voice called. Shikamaru knew it was. He never denied that it was his fault. He was the one who wanted to go to the arcade. If he had decided to stay home that day, He'd still have his bestfriend.
"NARAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Sakura screeched. Shikamaru cringed.
"What? Geez woman," He rubbed his ears. Sakura flicked his forehead.
"You're the woman. spacing out like a day dreaming house wife." Sakura crossed her arms. Shikamaru rolled his eyes. When he looked straight ahead he saw they were at an ice cream shop. He sweatdropped.
"Why are we here? I thought I was going home." Shikamaru scratched his head as Sakura laughed nervously.
"I have a bit of a sweet tooth." She replied, rubbing the back of her head as she grinned nervously. Then she took his hand and rushed inside. "This place is the best. They have all kinds of different stuff." Sakura said, standing behind someone in line.
"You're still holding my hand." Shikamaru murmured. Sakura let go, smiling apologetically.
"What can I get you?" A girl at the cash register asked. As Sakura ordered, Shikamaru went to sit down by a window. There were booths and several other tables with chairs. He sat at a booth, because they were by the windows. He's never been to this ice cream shop. it was red and white everywhere inside. He didnt really like it.
Sakura walked up, a hot fudge sundae covered in peanuts and a cherry on top. Sitting down across from him, she raised a spoon with some ice cream, fudge and peanuts on it. "I'd offer the cherry but it's kind of the best part and I'm a little selfish when it comes to it." Sakura said.
Why was she telling him this?
Shikamaru looked at her. "I don't like sweet's." He said. Sakura eyed him.
"You cant be serious." She said, keeping her spoon in the same place in front of him.
"I am." He glanced at the ice cream, the back at Sakura. Admitting defeat she put the spoon in her mouth, eating the ice cream.
"You're missing out." She said in a sing song voice. Shikamaru looked at the window.
"Why did you bring me here." He suddenly said. Causing Sakura to look at him.
"I already told y-"
"No, why am I here. Why are you persistant that I hang around you?" He turned, staring straight into her eyes. He saw another spark. He was still unclear of the meaning it held. Maybe if he kept searching her eyes he'd find out, but that was no use, because they were still blurry. Sakura smirked.
"You're interesting." She replied.
Interesting?
Interesting.
That's what she said. What was so interesting about him? he had nothing special. He was nothing special. Not to him, anyway. And most likely not to her, either.
"Welp. Let's go." Sakura stood. Shikamaru looked up. "It was only a small." She said. "Now, let's get going. I've got homework." she held onto her bag that Shikamaru had only just now noticed.
'How did I miss that?' he thought to himself.
following her out, a piece of paper fell from the bag. Shikamaru picked it up. It was a report card. He opened it, only to read in suprise.
Student: Haruno Sakura.
School: Joshiba High School
AP ENGLISH: 100
CALCULIOUS: 100
AP HISTORY: 100
HONORS ENGLISH LANGUAGE: 100
AP CHEMISTRY: 100
AP ART: 100
"What are yo- Oh. Thanks." Sakura grabbed the report card, shoving back into the bag. Before she could start walking Shikamaru spoke.
"You attended Joshiba High School? That's one of the best schools. and hardest to get into." Shikamaru looked at her, she smiled.
"Yeah well, it is what it is. Let's get going." She put on her helmet, hopping onto the bike. Shikamaru hesitated, he stared the girl for a few more seconds, then putting on his helmet and getting on, they drove off towards home.
He couldnt help but feel something. What it was? He didn't know. But he knew this pink haired girl was trouble. But he also knew he wasnt going to get rid of her. She was determined to talk to him, to get his attention.
Their just aqcuantainces, right? that's all there is too it. That's gotta be all there is to it.
She smirked.
"You're interesting."
Interesting.
Maybe he was.
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OH MAN. FOR SOME REAAAASSOOONN! I'm kind of disappointed in this chapter. I really wanted it to turn out well. and I really really dont think it did. Those two really's were intended. anyway. sorry for any mistakes. try not to get too distracted by all of them.
GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS! I'd rather not get flames. Im a fragile teen girl, who bitches to her boyfriend. Don't make my boyfriend suffer! be nice to the Italian boy!
Anyway!
Review! and I'll try to update! byyyyeee!
-Henea