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: I realised that I haven't featured Kurenai yet. I'll have to include her in further chapters.
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Poppies
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Most days-- after practice, and before meeting Shikamaru--, Konohamaru would visit Kurenai. He knocked at the door; there was a soft noise-- a whispered invitation--, and he pushed the door open. Asuma's poppies were sitting on the table. Konohamaru passed, smiling slightly at them.
Kurenai was sitting on the couch; her stomach swelled, and strained at the fabric of her dress. She was getting bigger everyday-- the twelve-year-old in Konohamaru wondered vaguely if she could explode from pregnancy. "Konohamaru-kun," Kurenai said, smiling faintly. "It's nice to see you again."
He smiled back, like always. "Can I get you anything?" he asked.
Kurenai just shook her head, like always. He wasn't sure why he bothered asking. "No, your company's all I need right now." She patted the spot next to her on the couch with her free hand (her other hand was resting on her stomach), and Konohamaru obediently sat down.
They never spoke much; Konohamaru was unsure if this was good or bad. Unlike the silences with Shikamaru, these silences were thick, and constricting. They reminded him of his mom right after they were told his dad died in a mission. It had been Uncle Asuma that told her; Konohamaru had been eavesdropping on their conversation (for once he wasn't scolded for it).
The clock struck three o'clock. Kurenai smiled faintly at Konohamaru. "It's time for you to leave, isn't it?" she asked. Konohamaru nodded. He passed the poppies again as he left; this time he didn't smile at them.
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Thank you for reading, and I'd be much obliged if you reviewed!