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 am beginning to like the dynamic between Ino, and Konohamaru.
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Selfish
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"That's it, we have to do something," Ino said, a note of finality in her voice.
"Why 'we'?" Konohamaru asked, glaring at the pile of azaleas (Ino had beaten the names of several different flowers into his head; otherwise he wouldn't know).
Ino sighed, and gave him a pitying look. "Because we are their friends, and we love them." Konohamaru raised an eyebrow. "Okay," Ino clarified, "we tolerate them, at least." Her expression changed slightly-- it grew softer. "Choji's not a bad guy, you know; whatever Shikamaru's said, he's a nice guy."
Konohamaru resisted the urge to cross his arms over his chest. "I don't care if he's the nicest person in the world. I don't want them to make up," he muttered.
Ino's eyes widened. "Why?"
"Well..." he stared at his shoes, and began toying with the loose string on his scarf. "Why do you want them to make up?"
Ino laughed slightly. "They're best friends; since before Academy. They're my teammates, and I hate to see them upset."
Konohamaru didn't dare look up. "But then... what if they don't like us anymore?" he asked; his voice, somehow, had been reduced to a whisper.
"Huh?" Ino's eyebrows were raised into her fringe.
Konohamaru shrugged. "Our friendship," he began, forcing his voice louder, "began because Choji was busy spending time with you. If they patch things up, what if he would rather see Choji than me?"
Ino smiled awkwardly. "That's kind of selfish, Konohamaru-kun."
Konohamru sighed, and tugged at the string on his scarf. It broke. "I am only twelve, you know," he muttered darkly.
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Poor Konohamaru... I would torture him a lot less if he weren't so cute. Thanks for reading all these; hope you enjoyed them. I would love to hear from you!