Chapter 6

Admitting Feelings

Its been a couple weeks since the wedding and Shikamaru and Akina seemed uncomfortable around each other at times. Their friends seemed to notice and kept asking what was wrong and they never got a straight answer or got the two blushing bright red. They had a feeling something happened and was getting annoyed that both were starting to avoid each other.

Shikamaru stood in front of the Hokage with his hands in his pockets. It was bad enough he kissed the Hokage's daughter and they haven't talked about it ever since. He couldn't keep the memory of that night out of his head. Shikamaru wondered why Tsunade had called him.

"I got a letter from the Feudal Lord for you." Tsunade said, laying an envelope on the desk. Shikamaru walked up to the desk, wondering what the Feudal Lord wanted with him. He opened the envelope and read through it. His eyes widen. "What is it?"

"He wants me to become one of the 12 Guardians." Shikamaru said. Tsunade and Shizune share looks.

"You showed quite an impression with the Jonin exams." Tsunade said. Shikamaru was shocked. He be doing what Asuma use to do. It was an honor. Akina's beautiful face flashed through his mind. Her smile when she sees him. Shikamaru lowered the letter. He couldn't leave her behind.

"It's an honor, but I can't." Shikamaru said. Tsunade didn't seem surprised.

"Why?" Shizune asked.

"I rather stay here in the Hidden Leaf to protect the people and my friends. I can't..." He paused.

"You can't what?" Tsunade asked. Shikamaru looked Tsunade in the eyes.

"I can't leave Akina behind." Shikamaru said.

"You care about her. Maybe more as a friend." Tsunade said. Shikamaru nodded.

"I do. I'm sorry, Lady Tsunade. Looks like your keeping me." Shikamaru said. Shikamaru turned to go.

"Shikamaru." Shikamaru turned. "You should tell her the truth."

"I will. I promise." Shikamaru said. He closed the door behind him.

"Looks like I'll be winning the gamble soon." Tsunade said.

"A gamble that you actually win. That is rare of you." Shizune said as Tsunade took a sip of her tea.

"I want my daughter happy but yes." Tsunade said.

Shikamaru had a talk with Asuma before he went to get Akina from the hospital. He didn't seem surprised that Shikamaru turned it down like the Hokage did. Shikamaru stood waiting in front of the door. Sakura, Ino, and Akina came out of the hospital talking. Shikamaru couldn't help but smile to see Akina happy with her friends. Ino and Sakura spot Shikamaru and nudged Akina. Akina saw him and her eyes lit up seeing him waiting for her.

"Can I steal Akina away? I have to tell her something." Shikamaru said. Akina looked worried. It was time for them to talk about the kiss.

"Yeah. Let's go, Sakura." Ino said. Ino and Sakura disappeared.

"To your spot?" Akina asked. Shikamaru nodded. Akina and Shikamaru disappeared into the setting sun.

Akina laid next to Shikamaru, looking at the stars. It was a warm night and the stars shown bright down on them. Shikamara was popped up on his arms. Akina rolled over onto her side and looked at him.

"What did you want to talk about?" Akina asked. Shikamaru let out a sigh and looked at Akina.

"I was asked by the Feudal Lord to join the Guardian 12." Shikamaru said. Akina felt her heart sink at the thought of him leaving her. She was falling for him more after the kiss and he had been avoiding her since.

"I guess then your leaving the Hidden Leaf to do what your Sensi did?" Akina said, avoiding his eyes. Shikamaru didn't miss the hurt in her eyes at the thought of him leaving if he had taken the Guardian 12. He took her chin gently. She looked at him.

"I didn't take it." Shikamaru said. Akina's eyes widen.

"You... You didn't take it?" Akina asked.

"I rather protect my friends and family here in the Hidden leaf." Shikamaru said. He rubbed her check, gently. "Also." Akina let her eyebrow go up almost like how Tsunade would give a quizital look. She had her mother's facial expressions. Luckily not her temper as far as he knew of.

"Also?" Akina asked. Shikamaru studied her face. "What?" Shikamaru leaned forward and kissed her without saying a word. Akina closed her eyes and returned the kiss. She wrapped her arms around him as his hand slid into her hair. He pulled away and let his hand slide so they were touching her checks. "Shika." He chuckled at the nickname she gave him. She only used it when they were alone. He still needed to give her one.

"I'm not leaving you behind. I care about you to much." Shikamaru said. Akina smiled as she leaned into him.

"I care about you too." Akina said. Shikamaru smiled. "I didn't think I be happy after I left the Hidden Stone. You make me happy, Shika." Shikamaru didn't know fully about her history and he hoped she open up more.

"Would you like to go out on a date?" Shikamaru asked.

"I would like that." Akina said, leaning in for another kiss. Shikamaru let her and they kissed as the stars shown bright down on the two.

AN: Started a new job, but was able to finish this. This weekend I'll have more time to write. Got some chapters before we are in Naruto Shippuden. I'm still finishing the show. I got a lot of plans when we get into this story. Till next time.