It had been a few days since Naruto returned and he refused to speak about the conversation with Sai. But he had also been avoiding Shikamaru. The idea that there was officially a date for the wedding seemed to really bother him.
"I heard Naruto is back" came Shikamaru's voice from behind him. Kakashi looked back to see him walking his way. He slowed his steps and nodded
"Yes three days ago"
"Is he okay? I haven't seen him at all"
"He may have heard about the wedding" Kakashi told him
"Shit" he groaned and lifted his head toward the sky as he put his hand on his head. "Who told him?"
"Sai"
Shikamaru glared at the floor and looked as angry as Kakashi had ever seen him
"So he is avoiding me"
"Think it's more the conversation" Kakashi shrugged stopping outside Ichiraku's and eyeing it. Okay so he was invested in their relationship, it wasn't his fault. Shikamaru looked under the banner to see Naruto sat there and nodded a thanks before going inside and causing Naruto to jump.
"Should have known you'd be here" he said and Naruto didn't reply his chair scraped across the floor before he thanked Teuchi and left without a word
"Naruto" Shikamaru called and followed as he left heading to his apartment. Shikamaru stuffed his hands in his pocket and followed. But Kakashi was wrong they made a turn to the forest and he supposed that shouldn't surprise him. He wouldn't want anyone hearing this.
He sat down when he was satisfied and Shikamaru stood behind him leaving a little distance.
"I wanted to be the one to tell you, I'm sorry I wasn't"
"Not your fault. Just bad timing" Naruto shrugged his voice void of much emotion "its hard enough now to be around you and not- but this is probably for the best"
"You can't mean that" Shikamaru hissed and Naruto bowed his head
"You're getting married, you'll make a family and... and run your clan" he sighed "and it'll be a hell of a lot safer for you than with me"
"I don't give a damn about what's safe" Shikamaru snapped
"We've run out of time" he looked to Shikamaru "I can't go find them, I have to wait for them to come to hunt me like an animal. Which keeps us apart anyway. If you're married that is it. There is no one day, so let's face it n-now" his voice broke at the end his control slipping
"Then let me tell my parents?!" Shikamaru pleaded "if I tell them Dad will call it off. He wi-"
"No!"
"Na-"
"No Shikamaru!" He snapped standing upto to turn to him his eyes blazing red "I have enough nightmares about it than adding worry for people knowing" he said through clenched teeth.
"This isn't fair Naruto. You can't just-" he cut off
"What break up?" Naruto asked his eyes turning back to his own "sounds right but no"
"We never..." Shikamarus hands were shaking and Naruto moved his own before pulling them back and putting them in his pockets
"Guess this wasn't our time" Naruto sighed "I wish you only happiness with her" he forced out turning to leave. Shikamaru caught his arm in a grip so tight his knuckles were turning white.
"Don't. Naruto if you give up-"
"You think I want this? You think this is going to be easy to sit there and watch you get married, eventually start a family? Dammit Shikamaru I won't be able to be around you anymore. The only thing making it bearable now is that we can be close, lay in the forest, you reading your books I don't understand and now I can't even do that"
"Wait" Shikamaru stepped in close "so not only are you giving up you're going to walk away completely?"
Naruto laughed dryly looking a little manic
"What? Be friends who want to sleep with each other? That tension building up until we slip up and make you a unfaithful man? I don't think so. You'd hate yourself. You really think we could go on as we have and no-" he bit his lip and took a deep breath "You're not stupid, you know this is how it will have to be. Why am I being the logical one here?" He asked and tears finally fell "dammit" he cried hiding his face in his hands.
Kakashi felt bad for them but also proud of Naruto, he was accepting that he couldn't hang around Shikamaru anymore.
"We can make the most of it... now? I know its a bad idea but I'm not married yet" he tried and reached for Naruto but he stepped away
"I don't have the restraint Shikamaru. And the fact it's right around the corner is making it hard to not just-" he shook his head still not looking up. Kakashi saw Shikamaru nod
"I know" he whispered "but nobody has a willpower like yours... I don't want this to be it" Kakashi only just managed to hear him. Naruto was gone in a flash and Shikamaru was stood dumbfounded before he fell back against a tree. He looked devastated and Kakashi knew Naruto would be the same.
Knowing Shikamaru wouldn't want witnesses to his heartbreak he made after Naruto.
-
The wedding day was here and it was a little under an hour away from starting. Naruto was sat in his suit at a park bench with the other Rookie Nine, Sai and team Guy.
"Don't they all look great?" Guy asked walking up to Kakashi's right. They did, even Lee was in a suit.
"They sure do" Kakashi nodded. Naruto had done a tremendous job with acting like he was okay and excited for the wedding. He had even agreed to escort Hinata to the wedding and they had been complimented plenty about how they look good together. He had forgone his usual bright orange and went for a dark blue almost black suit with a purple tie that Hinata had coordinated with her dress. Kakashi was sure she had chosen the suit too but he hadn't actually asked Naruto yet. The others too had forgone their usual and turned up smart and looking all grown. Guy and Kakashi made their way down as Temari and Gaara made it over.
"You didn't even try" Naruto laughed at Gaara who only folded his arms
"I'm in my formal Kazekage outfit. It's what I'm supposed to do" he deadpanned and the group burst out laughing. Temari had gone all out in her faded purple strappy dress and they went to her feet. Similar to TenTen's but in red.
"So when do we head to the compound?" Kiba asked
"We should probably head over now" Kakashi said "We are walking after all" they all stood Neji helping Tenten to her feet as Naruto did for Hinata.
"It's so exciting... Two of our friends getting married" she smiled "I'm glad they're good friends at least"
"Well yeah, gonna get forced to marry best to be someone you at least like eh Hinata" Kiba winked and she shook her head. Kakashi didn't miss the annoyed frown that came to Sai's face. As they all walked ahead he strayed to the back
"You okay there?" Kakashi asked and Sai looked up to him surprised. Had he not noticed I was here? Kakashi wondered
"I think so"
"So you figured it out then?" Kakashi asked and he nodded
"I did. Naruto was very helpful"
"What was your conclusion?" He asked
"That I have feelings for Ino Yamanaka"
"Huh?" Kakashi asked a little confused if that was the case why hadn't he told her
"But you aren't going to tell her?"
"It would be incredibly selfish. I don't know my own feelings or others to ask her not to marry would be a horrible thing to do"
"Even if it is only and arranged marriage?" Kakashi asked. He cursed himself. He shouldn't be getting involved and he certainly shouldn't be prompting him to crash the wedding but it wouldn't just help Naruto, that's what he told himself. He'd seen enough to know none of them would be happy. "Perhaps you should give her that choice, she did ask your opinion after all" Kakashi stated and he seemed to ponder on that the rest of the way. While Kakashi tried not to think that he may have become the reason the wedding it crashed.
Naruto sat in the second row with Hinata, he was tense and Kakashi could see it. He moved up to ask Sakura if he could sit between them. He took Naruto's hand and the boy held on for dear life.
"I can't" he whispered Kakashi leant down
"You can. You have to" Kakashi whispered in his ear.
"Naruto?" Choji softly called and he looked to the end of the row
"What's up?" He asked
"Shikaku wants to speak with you" he said pointing to the Nara head at the doors to the house. Naruto looked back and then to Kakashi who only shrugged before gently encouraging him to go.
"I'll be right back Hinata" he told her and she smiled brightly nodding to him. Kakashi was beyond curious as to what the Nara head wanted with Naruto at a time like this. So he switched out with a clone sneaking out to go listen as they entered the house and went into his office
"So, is there something you need?" Naruto asked nervously
"I'm not blind Naruto. And I'm certainly not easy to fool" Shikaku
"Uh... I know that" Naruto answered
"My son is fulfilling a promise he didn't make. And it is very obvious he doesn't want it. But I need to know you aren't going to make it harder for him"
"I do-"
"Do not lie to me, I'm not angry about it, only saddened" he said and Naruto let out a breath
"You don't need to worry. We've had this conversation. Please don't talk about it with anyone it's... safer"
"I see, that explains his behaviour" Shikaku sighed. "This is the last chance. You may regret not taking the time you could have because of the fear of what could happen. I suggest you truly think about it. In Five minutes it'll be too late" Shikaku said softly and Kakashi ducked round the corner to avoid being caught listening in. Naruto came out and leant against the doorframe arms folded and his face troubled.
"Did I just get the blessing to date him?" He asked softly and Kakashi chuckled
"And crash the wedding apparently"
Naruto frowned and it was obvious Shikaku's words affected him.
"Hey, whatever you choose I'll support it but... I hate seeing you so miserable. You know we would all watch out for the both of you if you choose to take the risk, and you already know his choice on the matter"
Naruto nodded lowering his head shadows covering his eyes.
"Dammit" he spat and headed to the door opposite knocking quickly. Kakashi smiled as he opened the door and burst in. He stopped at the sight of Ino patting on some cover makeup over Shikamaru's eye. One looked fine the other was awful. The eye that wasn't done had a dark circle and he looked more exhausted than usual. Shikamaru looked awful but he seemed to become more alert seeing Naruto.
"Naruto?" Ino asked "is everything okay?" She asked and he looked to her to Shikamaru
"It's... I mean" he put his hand on his head sighing heavily "I'm really sorry Ino, but you are not getting married today" he said she looked confused while Shikamaru stood up behind her wide eyed. She laughed thinking he was joking but when he didn't it died down and worry replaced her amusement.
"What do you mean?" She asked
"What I said"
"Naruto?" Shikamaru asked his voice calm and even if his face was saying otherwise.
"Please? Just... I know I'm being an asshole here but" he sighed
"Get to the point Naruto" Ino snapped and he looked back to Kakashi who ushered them in and closed the door behind them.
"I'm in love with Shikamaru" he blurted out and looked to the man in question "I'm sorry! I am not strong enough and I just..." he lifted his hands and let them fall he didn't respond he only looked at Naruto while Ino stepped to the side looking between them her mouth open it shock.
"What changed your mind?"
"Your Dad... and my parents" he said which had everyone focused on him. "My Dad wasn't safe either but... that never stopped them. If- if you are sure it's worth the risk I don't... want to regret not knowing what we could have" he whispered and Kakashi noticed how Ino had put her hand to her chest her eyes wide and a small smile on her mouth. She didn't even seem to care Naruto trying to ruin her wedding.
"Don't you think it's bit la-" Shikamaru started only to jump when Ino yelled
"No!" She stomped her foot and then blushed "I mean... no. I get it. This is why you wouldn't say anything against it" she smiled softly "I love you Shikamaru and I want you to be happy" she looked between them "he is who you want?" She asked and Shikamaru only nodded "Well I don't get the issue, or the secrecy but alright" she nodded clapping her hands together and nodding with determination. "Okay, leave it to me. Go back into the garden" she ordered pushing Naruto and Kakashi out of the room
"Wait you're not even going to-"
"Nope. Now go" she shut the door on them. They looked at each other and quietly left to take their seats Kakashi subtly using his ckone to come see Naruto so he could return to his seats. Naruto was nervously biting his lips and a few minutes later the door burts open causing everyone to jump. Ino stood there in her dress and all scouring the garden.
"Dad?" She called and to everyone's surprise Sai was at her side in an instant
"Are you alright?" He asked and she took his hand shaking her head and then Inoichi made it to her
"What's wrong? Is something missing?"
"I don't want to do this" she whimpered and shook her head "I thought I could but... I can't and I have feelings for someone else. Daddy please?" Tears fell and Kakashi was impressed with her acting, though he knew it wouldn't be hard for the people to believe her, she was considred dramatic after all "I don't want to let you down but... can't we just call it off?" She pleaded and he took her in his arms looking to Shikaku worried.
"I'll happily deal with this" he reassured him
"I'm so sorry Mr Nara!" She cried and he smiled at her
"Not at all. I'm not in the business of forcing kids to marry"
"We're almost Eighteen, wouldn't call us kids" Shikamaru drawled coming in
"You want to get married today?" He asked flatly
"God no" he said then looked to Ino apologetically "no offence" and she laughed wiping her eyes. Kakashi cleared his throat and stood up.
"Okay folkes... I think we should all head off. I think they have things to do" he announced. Clan elders looked furious and remained seated
"Please, head to the clan Hall, it is already set up. Enjoy the rest of the day" Shikaku announced as people filed out.
"You two go too" Inoichi said
"Shouldn't we at least help with the elders?" Shikamaru asked
"No. This is our job. You two go with your friends"
Sakura, Hinata, Tenten and Temari quickly rushed to Ino in comfort while Choji put his hand on Shikamaru's shoulder
"You got lucky" he laughed. Shikamaru only nodded in agreement
Naruto took Sai's arm and lead him out. He was watching Ino with a concerned look and Kakashi understood. Now he was likely wondering who she had feelings for.
The party went on as normal and nobody else seemed to notice Shikamaru and Naruto were missing.
"I hope they're finally having at it" Ino said approaching Kakashi. He chuckled because it was quite the opposite. After having Naruto confirm it was a relationship he was talking about Shimamaru passed out. So Kakashi supposed they were technically sleeping together tonight. He imagined they'd talk properly when Shikamaru was well rested.
"You did a wonderful thing for them, for someone who once hated Naruto so much"
She waved her hand dismissively
"I'm annoyed I didn't see it. He's always had this effect on Shikamaru and he was truly miserable this last week" she shrugged "they both deserve to be happy" and she actually skipped away. If Naruto let his fears get the best of him tomorrow Kakashi wasn't sure he would be able to refrain from pummelling the idiot. Kakashi threw in two wild cards to stop that wedding, and watching them struggle was exhausting. He'd do everything to make sure Shikamaru wasn't used as a hostage to get to him. His nightmare months ago still had him uneasy. He never wanted to live it.
Whoo! I have no idea where all the Drama and angst came from in this chapter I'm sorry! Honestly I am not to blame most of my stories just... write themselves!