Lost in Green. 🍋

Shikamaru.

Once I finished my meal, I waved goodbye to everyone and set off toward the field. I leapt into a tree and peered into the clearing. Sure enough, Shikamaru was there. He was covering his eyes roughly and grumbling to himself. "Idiot," he kept saying to himself and I bit my lip. I didn't want Shikamaru to beat himself up. I reached towards him and wanted to be near him and suddenly I teleported next to him with a gasp.
We both jumped back in shock. "AH!" Shikamaru screamed and there was a slight pause as we stared into each other's eyes. We both erupted into laughter at Shikamaru's scream. I was holding my stomach as I threw my head back and laughed with tears in my eyes. After a few minutes passed we stopped laughing and Shikamaru looked at me pitifully. "I'm so sorry Aphrodite..." Shikamaru said softly and full of guilt. I looked back at him and nodded before stretching my arms out. Shikamaru hugged me and we stayed there for a moment before he looked back at me. He was inspecting my body and I flushed hoping he wouldn't notice any hickeys or bite marks. "I'm glad you weren't hurt after you left, I've felt so horrible since the Hokage spoke with me. I know I was being an idiot and you would never do something like that. I've just been in my head so much and I was feeling insecure about how we ended things and I know we're not together so you really don't owe me forgiveness..." Shikamaru rambled until I lightly covered his lips with my pointer finger. "Shhh," I breathed and Shikamaru and I both took a deep breath.
"I care for you Shika-kun," I said and Shikamaru's eyes widened slightly in emotion. "Regardless of where we stand or what we're doing, I hope that as we all get to know each other, you don't hate me. Because I care for everyone here in the Leaf Village and although I was a Rogue Ninja for a long time I want to be here now," I added and he nodded. "I am a Killer, Shikamaru," I said more seriously. "In order to survive, I had to kill a lot of people. Never anyone innocent though," I reassured and Shikamaru nodded. "The Hokage explained a little to me.. You don't need to explain yourself. I'm sorry Aphrodite," Shikamaru said again and looked down.
    I embraced Shikamaru again and we held each other for a moment before deciding to get up. "I hope you do well on the rest of the Chunin exams, Shika-kun" I said lightly and Shikamaru blushed and rubbed the back of his head. As he walked me back to my apartment I looked up at the moon and sensed Shukaku's energy near my apartment again. "You can head back," I informed Shikamaru and he nodded and gave me a light kiss on the cheek before turning around and running off towards his house.