Burn

♥︎Chapter 9♥︎

A/N:The beginning of this chapter is like chapter 8, but from Naruto's point of view, towards the end is when it switches back and where the story picks up again from when Sasuke ran out.

Naruto P.O.V

I walked out the company doors with Shikamaru, he had took hold of my hand so naturally, sometimes I forget we are a couple and tense up to his touch on the inside, it's as if my body isn't accepting the reality that were in now and finds it as some sort of betrayal to Sasuke, funny how I can feel that way even though it was him who betrayed me.

"You're going to love the place I picked for us"Shikamaru said. I smiled at him as we walked to his car. "Oh is that so?"I chuckled "the place was really hard to get into, but luckily I was able to make reservations" he smirked his tone a little cocky.

"Reservations? You Know you didn't have to go through all that trouble Shikamaru, you could have simply dropped my name, I'm sure they'd let us in on the spot" he shook his head at my words as we got in the car. "I wanted to take control and do something for you for once, I really want this night to be special..." he stated.

'He's so sweet' I thought staring at him 'sometimes I think you deserve someone better than me, someone who hasn't been heart broken and can be more open with you wholeheartedly' shaking away the thoughts I pushed them deep down 'I shouldn't think like that now, not on our one year anniversary'

---

I stared up at the building "wow Shikamaru this place is really something"I was amazed by how classy it looked inside, it gave off such a warm and intimate vibe. "This place is known for its exquisite food and delicious cocktails" he told me as we made our way to the hostess. "Table for two under Nara Shikamaru"

"Right this way Mr.Nara"

The hostess escorted us to our table. It had swan napkins, lavender lit candles, and a single red rose in the middle. I looked around at the other tables to see that no one else had candles nor roses. "Shika, did you have our table specially made?" I questioned taking a seat.

He simply nodded his head joining me at the table "I told you I wanted this night to be special" I reached out taking his hand in mine. "Thank you, really this is lovely" I smiled, gently brushing my thumb over his hand. "Shall we order?" I questioned looking down at the table for a menu, Shikamaru chuckled lightly making me look back at him.

I raised a brow giving him a curious look "this isn't the type of place with menus, this is a chef's tasting course" I looked at him a bit surprised. 'Chef's tasting...that's a bit on the pricey side, especially given how upscale this place is...hmm should I pretend to use the restroom and pay before we leave? Or maybe-'

"Naruto, I know what you're thinking, and don't worry about it, I got it" his words pulled me away from my thoughts. "Oh..yeah of course" I chuckled awkwardly scratching the back of my head 'of course Shikamaru can pay for this place, he's got a decent salary'

"There may not be a dinner menu, but let's order some drinks" he said, waving the waitress over. "What can I get you fine gentlemen?"

"I'll have a whiskey sour"

---

After finishing my second drink, our food finally arrived. The dish was beautifully planted, taking out my phone. I couldn't help but want to take a picture of it, as I took the picture I heard Shikamaru call me.

"Naruto..."

I looked to see how the picture turned out before putting my phone away, my eyes widened seeing him down on the floor on one knee. 'What is he doing?!' I thought I could tell everyone's eyes were on us.

"Naruto I love you so much and I know today marks our 1 year anniversary, but I want to spend my life with you"

'Why Shikamaru? Why are you deciding to do this now?'

"Naruto Uzumaki"

'We've should have talked about this first'

"Will you marry me?"

'Say something, he's waiting! What should I say? Everyone's staring!'

CRASH!

I looked over to the source of the loud noise a man had dropped his drink, looking closer I recognized his raven locks. It was only for a second, but I locked eyes with him, but it seemed as if he was too shocked to even know I was staring at him.

"Naruto?" I heard Shikamaru's voice and looking back at him I furrowed my brows. I could hear hurried footsteps, I quickly looked back to where he was sitting but he was gone. "Shika..."I reached my hand out to him helping him off the ground, we sat back in our seats.

"What's wrong Kuu?(1)" his voice held worried. I sighed staring at the silver band in the red box, I closed it. "I can't Shikamaru, don't get me wrong I enjoy spending time with you, but I don't know if I'm ready to get married...right now, I feel like there's still some things I need to work through first, I know this is hard and I don't expect for you to wait for me, but if you would please give me some time to give you a final answer..." I took a deep breath,standing up from the table I looked at him, he looked like he was debating with himself.

"I'll wait for you, I don't care how long it takes"

I was thrown off by his words, I was sure he'd leave 'you never cease to surprise me' I placed my hand on his cheek. "I promise I won't make you wait long" I leaned in to kiss his cheek, pulling away. I did my best to give him a reassuring smile.

---

Normal P.O.V

Naruto walked out of Otoko, he thought it would be best if they went home in separate vehicles, of course since Shikamaru drove him here, that left him out to try and get a taxi. As he had made his way to the curb, he spotted Sasuke he too was also trying to hail a taxi.

"TAXI!" they shouted at the same time waving their arm out in the air. Soon after a taxi driver had pulled over, rolling down the window he looked at them "I don't know who called it first, but listen boys I'm the last driver for a long while so, how would you like to do this?" he questioned.

"Oh... well we could-" Naruto began but was cut off "he'll take it" Sasuke stated opening up the door for the blonde, Naruto looked at him surprised "are you sure?" he questioned. Sasuke shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly "I doubt you'd want to share a ride with me anyway, so go ahead take it, I don't mind waiting"

Naruto rolled his eyes "stop trying to play the cool card, who knows when the next ride will be, just share with me" before Sasuke could turn him down, Naruto had pulled Sasuke into the car with him. The two sat together in a somewhat awkward silence.

"Where to?"

"1010 Kuto-Ku street please"

Sasuke looked at Naruto, surprised "you aren't staying with your parents anymore?" the raven questioned, finally breaking the silence. Naruto simply shook his head "I got my own place almost two years ago" Naruto chuckled, looking at Sasuke "you didn't expect me to stay with them forever did you?" Sasuke blushed a bit at his words, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed. "Of course not!" he mumbled.

Then came the silence again, it lasted much longer this time, neither of them knowing what to say.After what felt like eternity Naruto decided to break the weird atmosphere that had engulfed them.

"So...I got proposed to today..."

A/N: Here we go with a rather intimate car scene wouldn't you say? ;)

What do you think will happen?

1-Shikamaru's nickname for Naruto(of course very short and inspired by kyuubi's name) :)