Fading Light

Chapter 19: Senju Power and Sasuke's Betrayal

The next morning I woke up feeling like someone beat me up. I remembered Shikamaru 's words about me not being allowed to die. 

"Shikamaru..." I muttered. "I'm sorry..." My head spun as I went to sit up. The sun had not yet risen, but I could tell it would soon.

"You shouldn't be moving yet." I nearly jumped when I heard Shikamaru's voice. He was standing in the doorway of my room.

"Why are you up?" I asked. 

"I made a promise to Lady Tsunade."

"Seems I've made trouble for you again." I sighed. 

"Why do you think its okay to throw your life away?" He walked over to me. 

"Shikamaru, its not that I want to throw my life away. I don't want trouble for the Leaf." He shook his head. 

"What a drag."

"Sorry..." I whispered. 

"Amaya, you're too important for me to lose." I was surprised by the raw emotion.

"Shikamaru..."

"Please don't talk like that again." He begged.

"Alright." I agreed. 

"Now why don't we get some more sleep?" He smiled. 

"I..." I trailed off. 

"What is it?"

"I think I would like to stay with you." He blushed. 

"Amaya..."

"We've been together for over a month now. I...don't want to hide anymore." I waited for him to argue.

"Okay." He said without any argument. 

"Huh?" I asked surprised.

"I said okay. As much as a drag as it will be to be made fun of by Naruto and the others you're important to me." I gave him a small smile. 

"Thank you." I muttered softly as he sat down in the chair beside the bed. 

"Of course. Also since we're both up...how are your powers? The Ruby, the Senju?"

"They're both fine. I can feel my powers coexisting. The Senju is much stronger than my Uchiha, but something feels different with my Sharingan."

"Good or bad?"

"Not sure. I think good." 

"Well if its not hurting you then alright." He yawned. 

"Get some sleep. I'll be here when you wake up." I smiled. Instead of going to his room though he laid his head in my lap. I gently stroked his hair, smiling down at him as he fell asleep. 

~

I didn't remember falling back asleep, but I must have because when I woke up the sun was up and I could smell Mrs. Nara's cooking.