Title: Shadow
Author: Simply Kelp
Pairing: not focused on any one ship, but there may be background ones.
Rating: pg
Summary: Shikamaru discovers that he has two shadows now: his own, and Konohamaru. Little vignettes about the evolution of their friendship.
Disclaimer: It doesn't say "Masashi Kishimoto" on my underwear, that must mean that I don't own Naruto… merde.
A/N: Now it's time for Shikamaru to suffer! Inspired by a comment from claymade.
A/N2: If anyone has any ideas they'd like to see, I've finished all of my planned escapades for the boys, and am just doing anything that catches my attention.
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Hurt
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As Shikamaru was lying in his favourite spot for cloud watching. He lit a cigarette, and let his eyes drift close, mind wandering. A while later-- he was too lazy to figure how long it had been--, Shikamaru felt someone sit down next to him.
"So I see Moegi didn't kill you," he said amusedly.
"Huh?" the person said; it wasn't Konohamaru. Shikamaru opened his eyes to see Choji staring down at him.
Realising he ought to say something, Shikamaru managed an awkward "hi."
"Hi," Choji returned. They were silent for several long moments. During this time, Shikamaru looked resolutely at the clouds drifting over Konoha, and tried to pretend that Choji wasn't there; it didn't work.
"So," Choji said, finally breaking the silence. "What have you been up to lately?" It was awkward, and stilted; had Shikamaru been paying more attention he might have heard a bit of guilt in the question.
Shikamaru shrugged, taking a long dreg of his cigarette to postpone his answer. "Nothing; you?"
Choji laughed nervously. "Oh, not much; I've been spending a bit more time with Ino."
"I've noticed." Shikamaru tried to keep the sourness out of his voice, but he probably failed.
"Wha-? Oh, yeah." Choji managed another nervous chuckle. "We actually have a lot more in common than either of us thought," he explained.
Shikamaru glared at one particular cloud that kind of looked like Konohamaru's hair if he squinted his eyes just right. "That's nice," he said tonelessly.
Choji coughed slightly, and continued. "Ino has this friend; she thought it would be fun if we went on a double-date some time."
"I'm busy," Shikamaru said automatically. He realised afterward that Choji hadn't said a time.
"Oh."
Shikamaru stood, tossing his cigarette to the ground. "I've got to go," he muttered stamping it out as he left. He didn't dare look back, and see the hurt look that he knew would be on Choji's face.
Shikamaru was being stupid; he knew that. He also knew that they weren't going to be eleven forever; eventually they would start dating, and spend less time together. But what he didn't know was that it would hurt so much.
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Poor Shikamaru; I'm thinking Choji's the reason he's been so hesitant to get along with Konohamaru... I hope you like this, and please review if you have time!