I'm Only Sixteen, I'm Not In Love Chapter 10: Time Out, a naruto fanfic

I'm Only Sixteen, I'm Not In Love

"Another day is going by
I'm thinking about you all the time
But you're out there
And I'm here waiting

And I wrote this letter in my head
Cuz so many things were left unsaid
But now you're gone
And I can't think straight

This could be the one last chance
To make you understand

I'd do anything
Just to hold you in my arms
To try to make you laugh
Cuz somehow I can't put you in the past
I'd do anything
Just to fall asleep with you
Will you remember me?
Cuz I know
I won't forget you,"

-Simple Plan "I'd Do Anything"

…

'She's w-w-w-what?! No, no, NONONONNONONONON! She can't be going with...him!"

Shikamaru sat there, speechless...he couldn't say anything, ANYTHING!

…

Nope, still nothing. Sakura stands and waits. She watches him. His eyes focused on the ground, hands on the cushions, legs still bent at the knees to sit. He wouldn't say anything. Nothing at all. Sakura was becoming a little concerned. I mean, Shikamaru was just...sitting there. Not saying anything. No "What a drag," or "Troublesome," or "You could do better,". NOTHING! NOTHING AT ALL!

She whispers, "Shikamaru?" He doesn't respond. She tries again. "Shikamaru?" Still nothing.

Shikamaru couldn't speak. Nothing. He couldn't do anything. I mean, he just found out that Sakura, SAKURA, was going to the Spring Formal with Hyuuga. Neji HYUUGA!

"Shikamaru?" Sakura moves in front of him and kneels down. She's a little shorter then eye-to-eye level with him.

"Shikamaru, are you okay?" He still hasn't said anything. Sakura's left hand slowly moves up to his leg, and very, VERY gently, touches his knee. She whispers, again.

"Shikamaru?" Shikamaru swiftly stands up and steps to the side. Not once looking at Sakura.

"Sakura um, I have somethings I need to do. We can hang another time." He still doesn't look at her. Sakura's hand returns to her lap and her eyes desperately searching for his. But they never connect.

"Like what?"

"Homework, cleaning, errands. I just forgot." Shikamaru's eyes still focused on the floor, Sakura's body began to rise.

'Sakura, please. You need...you need to go. Please!' Shikamaru needed peace, he needed to be ALONE!!!!NOW!!! Sakura just stands there, in front of the couch a few feet away from him then she nods.

"Okay." She grabs her bag and heads to the door.

She reaches for the doorknob, turns it and the door is wide open. Before she leaves she looks over he shoulder, back at Shikamaru.

"I'll see you later." She leaves. Shikamaru stands. He can't move.

just

stands.

And stands there...for a very long time.

...

OUT

…

"You know Shikamaru, you'll never know what you have till you've lost it."

Sixteen year old Shikamaru laughs at the pinkette.

"Trust me Sakura. I know exactly what I have."

"Is there anything that's very special to you?"

Shikamaru ponders.

"Yeah. My friends, parents." Shikamaru looks over at Sakura. "What about you?"

She giggles. Shikamaru shrugs and returns his gaze to the clouds.

Sakura whispers away from him.

"One friend."

…

Her meadow is still as beautiful as it was last time. The flowers around the tree trunks are now...brown? She looks up, the trees are still beautifully green. Good. Sakura walks into her meadow and spins.

Around.

And around she goes. She just keeps spinning.

Then it happens. The boy, he's back.

"Sakura." She doesn't turn now. She knows no matter how hard she tries to see his face, she won't.

"Lost." She can hear his footsteps walking towards her. She keeps her back to him, just like he needs.

"Shall we continue?" She nods.

"But, can I ask you some questions yet?" Even though she can't see him, she can hear him shake his head.

"Not yet Sakura."

"Okay. So what are we at?" He answers quickly, but calm.

"About thirteen I think." She nods her head again but she can't think of anything to ask. So she doesn't.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. Can we just talk. No games?"

"If that's what you want." She nods. They both sit on the grass back to back, leaning against each other. He starts.

"So, how's life?" She chuckles.

"What?"

"Nothing, I just thought that was funny. But, my life is okay. I'm a straight A student, one of the top in my class. I'm going to this dance on Friday. Everything is normal." He nods his head.

"Who are you going with to the dance?" Her voice was quiet, and a little...sad?

"A boy named Neji. Neji Hyuuga. He's one of the smartest kids in my class."

"Whose the smartest?" Sakura smiles.

"His name is Shikamaru Nara."

"What's he like?"

"He's ridiculously smart, lazy, sarcastic, a smart-ass...but he's very sweet, nice, caring. He's my best friend."

"Whose he going to the dance with?"

"He hasn't asked anyone. I don't think he's going." Lost nods.

"Well, at least you get to go. Sounds like a lot of fun, and it must be nice to go with someone who you have something in common with. At least the night won't be boring." She nods.

"It's true." She leans her head to the side of his shoulder and whispers.

"But he isn't the one I wanted to go with."

…

"Shikamaru, you're my best friend."

"Good. Because you're mine."

Sakura smiles.

…

Sakura woke from her dream in a panic. What...was...that? Did she just say what she thought she said? Wait, she didn't say anything. But she did, atleast her subconsious did. But that meant she did say something, but that couldn't be really what SHE was saying...right?

Sakura was confused to say the least. She did want to go with Neji to the dance. I mean what was not to like? He was smart, kind, classy, considerate of girl's feelings, a true gentleman. Shikamaru was lazy, irratating, always complaining about something, too brilliant for his own good...but he was Shikamaru. Her best friend. There was no way she could feel something for him. That was against the rules. Best friends don't have feelings for each other. That's why they are BEST FRIENDS! They get along with each other, laugh, hang, relax, talk, and cry with each other. Best friends were people you could count on for anything. Best friends aren't lovers. They don't kiss, cuddle, sleep or share intimate moments with each other. That's what your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife are. Not your best friend.

Not your best friend.

'NOT MY BEST FRIEND!'

But wasn't a lover someone you could talk, confide, talk, laugh, giggle, relax, cry and get along with? Yes, that's what a lover is. Someone you trust with everything.

Sakura sat in bed, gripping the sheets in her hands tightly, as she began to see a lover and best friend are basically the same thing...

...

"Shikamaru?"

"What's the difference between a best friend and a love?"

Shikamaru sat with wide shock filled eyes. After a few minutes he spoke.

"Honestly Sakura, I don't know."

Sakura smiled.

"So does that mean we're in love?"

Shikamaru didn't answer. After all, how does an eight year old answer that kind of question?

...

Written:(04-28-09)

Rewritten:(05-12-09)

Edited:(05-12-09)

~Renaissance