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Warnings: mild language, angst with a happy ending Word Count:1k A/N: so sorry for the long wait, life got in the way but I hope you enjoy!!
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All you wanted was for him to act the same with you as he did with her.
Sure, he'd smile and laugh along with you but as a friend. For a while now, you wanted a lot more then friendship with Shikamaru. The thought of heartbreak and losing him all together stopped you from confessing how you truly felt for the man. That, and Temari.
It was obvious there was chemistry between the two shinobi. And while yes, you could get jealous at times, you held no ill will to her. Temari was a great friend and ally. Despite that, you can't help but feel a bit of heartbreak every time you see them together.
It was when you arrived back from a mission that things started to change between the two of you. Shikamaru made his way over to the gates to welcome you home, something you both did when one of you was home to welcome the other. He paused, overhearing a conversation you had with one of the shinobi in your group.
"A date with me?"
"Of course you can say no and there would be no hard feelings. I've just liked you for a while now and I wanted to tell you before someone else got the chance before me."
He could see you smile brightly shining from where he stood. He wasn't used to the feeling the was bubbling up in his stomach, and he sure as hell didn't like it. Shikamaru left before either of you said anything, missing the hurt look on your face as he walked away.
You didn't spend a lot of time with Shikamaru on the days leading up to your date. Every time you tried to get some time with him, something always seemed to keep you two apart. You truly hated it, being apart from him for so long. Everything was always better with him around.
You truly had a great time, your date being such a sweetheart. They were to distract you about your thoughts of the past week until the very end. Walking you home, your date decided to bring up something that was on their mind.
"There's someone else, isn't there?"
"I'm that readable?"
They laughed, "Well I am pretty well skilled, you know. So, why did you agree to go on a date with me if you have feelings for someone else?"
"I haven't told him I have feelings for him," you kept your gaze on the ground below you, "and I believe he has feelings for someone else. His friendship means a lot to me and I guess I thought going on a date with someone else would make me forget about him for a little while. I'm sorry, I should've said something sooner."
Your date just smiled, "It's okay, really. Whoever he is, he doesn't realize how lucky he is to have you. And hey, I'll always be around if you need something. See you around, [Y/N]."
You said your goodbyes, heading inside your home. Sleep was something you wouldn't be getting, thoughts and feelings keeping you up. You sighed, tossing and turning the rest of the night as you tried to get some sleep.
Shikamaru made his way over to his favorite spot for cloud watching. He had a lot on his mind and wanted some quiet to think things over. He was in for a surprise when he saw you sitting there, a look of sadness and something else written on your face. If he didn't know any better, he'd say it was guilt.
He laid down behind you, arms easily sliding under his head, "Wanna tell me what's wrong? Date not go well?"
"No, the date was fine. Was hoping to run into here, haven't seen much of you this past week."
"Yeah, I've been pretty busy, helping Temari and things. So, what's on your mind? You know you can talk to me."
"Not about this," your hands shook as you squeezed them into fists, "every time I get an ounce of confidence to try and bring it up, I just can't. It's frustrating as all hell."
Shikamaru sat up, sitting close enough that his knee brushed against your own. He placed a gentle hand on your trembling ones, his smile bringing a sense of calm over you.
"I'm a pretty smart guy so I think I know where this is going. I'm sorry I wasn't clear before, but there's nothing going on between myself and Temari."
"I- How did you-?"
Shikamaru chuckled, "Like I said, I'm a pretty smart guy. Also, every time I mention her lately you get this weird expression on your face. I didn't realize until now it was a mix of jealousy and sadness. And I've been feeling that since I overheard you agree to that date."
Your eyes widened, "You- You're serious?"
Shikamaru just laughed, "Troublesome woman, let me just show you."
He leaned forward, nose gently bumping against your own before his lips met yours. His arms reached around to hold you close, a smile on his face when you had to part.
"I'm not big on romance, but I've known there was something between us. I'm just sorry it took me this long to get the courage to say something. Whatever this thing is, it's ours, and I'd like to see when this goes. If you'll have me that is."
You simply nodded, too emotional at his confession to be able to speak. He got his full answer as you leaned in to kiss him once again.
