Blushing, you stare at the back of a boy's head . You really, really like him, You always have. Ever since you started at the academy. You don't know why. There's no particular reason to, it's just been a thing. He's sleeping as the teacher gives his lecture. It's cute, almost. A silly smile comes onto your lips, not listening to a thing the teacher says. Why should you?
Recently, you were out on a mission, and barely came out alive. Right now, you're in a hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. It's dreadful, really. Not being able to do anything. You're all wrapped up, and since you tried escaping yesterday, you're tied to the bed.
"Hey there."
You bring your head up and look to the door. There stands Shikamaru, half-inside and half-outside, holding a melon in his hands, That's his thing. When someone is unwell in some sort of way, he brings fruits.
Disappointed, you drop your head again. "What do you want?"
As a kid, yes, you had a major crush on him. It was undeniable. So sweet, fun, and innocent. But that died about a year ago. You were just thirteen, and your first crush went up in flames. He was walking around with a pretty blonde from the Sand Village, the sister of the current Kazekage. "Just showing her around," he said. Bull crap.
"Just to pay you a visit. I brought a melon." He holds up the fruit, like it's a precious jewel.
"My arms are broken. Can't eat it until a nurse comes in to feed me, and they don't let me snack. They tell me that my three meals are plenty enough."
Sitting on the bed, right beside your legs, he pulls out a kunai. Suddenly. he starts cutting the melon, as if he hadn't heard word you just said.
"Got this from a nice stall. All their fruits have been good so far, and melons are in season right now."
You frown at him. "You're a real jerk, teasing me for, no reason."
"Who said I'm teasing you?"
"Over here making sure I know how good this melon will be, knowing full-well I have nobody to help me out."
"Sounds like a real drag for you." he stabs through a chunk with his kunai, and puts it in his mouth. "Tastes as good as I thought it would," he says after swallowing.
"I hate you."
"Ouch, You truly hurt me." He stabs another chunk, though holds it out for you. "Go ahead." Forgetting all your irritation, you take a bite, immediately smiling. "It's amazing... hospital food suck."
"I figured you would appreciate something else to eat." He gives you an annoying grin. "
"Well? How'd the oh so independent Y/n end up needing someone else to feed her?"
"Shut up," you say, looking back at the ceiling. "Cocky jerk."
"Those shinobi were really strong and unexpected And they kicked your and your team's butts?" "So what if they did? I can't go back in time and fix it."
"I just find it funny. You're always running your mouth about how you can take care of yourself, but you can't even hold a fork to your own mouth."
"If you're here to make fun of me, see the exit."
"Nah. Just wanted to pay you a visit. Want another piece?"
"Yes," you mumble, irritated that you need to rely on him so much.
"Ask nicely," he teases.
"Forget it. I'll just starve."
'What a drag....if that's how it is, I guess I'll just leave with my melon." He stands up, already heading towards the door.
You call out, "Wait! Shika.. please?"
"Please what?" he asks, looking back at you with a deadpan expression.
"Please help me eat the melon?"
"Oh, alright. But only 'cause you asked." He sits back down, smiling a bit. "What a drag."
It's times like these that you wonder whether or not you're really over him. Whenever you make contact, your heart skips a beat. Every time he looks at you, everything else fades away. When he smiles, you start drowning in him like there's no tomorrow. It's something that you can't quite shake or ignore. You're forced to struggle against your own mind whenever he's around.
"Here,'' He extends a piece of melon to you.
You take a bite, chewing aggressively. "Why do you like making fun of me so much?"
"Don't be so full of yourself. It's got nothing to do with you."
"Then go bother someone else for a change."
"And what'll you do if I don't?" He leans his face in close to yours practically sending you into cardiac arrest at this point.
"I'll-"
" Y/n," Tsunade Senju walks in, wearing a serious expression, Upon seeing you and Shikamaru, her eyes widen a little and she clears her throat. "Am I interrupting something, perhaps?"
"No, not really." Shikamaru leans back up, shrugging. "What's on her agenda today, doc?" "Actually," Tsunade replies. "I have... a very serious matter to discuss with Y/n. It might be best if we keep it private."
You raise your eyebrows. "Is it something awkward?"
"No, I just... I have some very bad news."
She bites her lip. Shikamaru's eyes harden. "Please, do share with me, Milady."
"Y/n? It's up to you."
"Go ahead. Makes no difference."
She clicks the door shut, "Y/n... there's no easy way to tell you this.. you'll never be a shinobi again."
"P- pardon?"
"Listen, your injuries are far too severe. You'll be able to eventually walk and do other every day things, but not shinobi work." She sweeps across the room, resting her hands on the windowsill. "Your body won't be able to handle your chakra levels, and besides, one wrong injury will put you in a wheelchair for life. It's best to play it on the safe side."
Shikamaru stands up. "What the heck are you talking about? Rock Lee was cured!"
Turning to him, she snaps, "Rock Lee was less severe than this! Besides, a woman's body can only tolerate but so much. I don't want to ruin her entire future. She's better off giving this up rather than giving up her independence, Shikamaru!"
Neither of them notice, but tears start rolling down your cheeks. It's over. You won't be a shinobi again. You're ruined.
"What's so bad that means she can't be a shinobi anymore?" he demands.
"She cant contain her chakra levels and she's never going to fully recover! Walking in itself will be a challenge! What do you think Shikamaru?!"
"So that's it? That's her whole future, just ruined? And you're just gonna sit idly by while it happens?"
"I tried, but there's nothing I can do. I don't like this, either."
"It's fine," you choke out. "It's fine. I'll be fine."
Y/n..." Shikamaru says softly, sitting back down. He leans in closer to you, touching your cheek a bit hesitantly. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine," you repeat, a bit choked. "Can you help me get my headband off?"
"Of course," He leans over you. "Can you lift your head up?"
After your compliance, he gingerly unfastens your headband, then holds it a moment. He takes a sharp breath in, then brings it to the Hokage.
"There."
A look of sheer pain on her face, Tsunade nods. "I'll leave you two be, then."
She steps out of the room, closing the door on her way out.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" he asks, sitting back on your bed.
"Not unless you can fix this."
"I wish I'd been there to protect you." He pulls out lighter, flipping it open and then shut again over and over again. "First Asuma... now you."
Suddenly, you're alert. "What happened to Asuma?"
"Died. Akatsuki member."
"Oh."
"Yeah. I came back here and heard you were hospitalized. Ran straight to see you."
"Thank you. This- it's a really hard time for me. Would you... perhaps...stick around?"
"Of course, I will."
You burst into tears again. "The rest came out unscathed."
"How? Your injuries-"
"They abandoned me. My team left me behind."
His face grows dark. "I see."
"I hate it in this stupid hospital. I've been here for days. Every day Lady Tsunade is in here trying to speed along the process, but I just wanna go home."
"I'll make sure to come see you every day, so long as I'm not on a mission", He takes a look at the clock. "I have to go home for dinner. Do you want me to come back?"
You shake your head. "No. You need to get some sleep at some point to."
"I doubt I'll get any, but if you insist." He stands up and starts heading toward the door, dragging his feet a little. "See ya."
Every day, Shikamaru comes to visit you. His company is everything. But, then he tells you he's off to bury the man who killed Asuma. You understand, of course. It's so he can cope, But you'll miss him while he's gone.
In his absence, Tsunade gets you on your feet, helping you take baby steps. One foot in front of the other. It's slow progress, but still progress. Currently, you're holding onto the wall, taking the smallest steps imaginable. The door opens, so both you and the Hokage look over. There stands Shikamaru, slightly beat-up.
"Hey," he says. "I did it."
"That's great," you say, still holding the wall.
"I see you're doing a bit of walking."
"Yeah. I'm doing a lot better."
He comes over, touching your shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm happy for you." He looks to the blonde woman. "When do you think she'll be discharged ?"
"Probably a week to a week-and-a-half."
"That's wonderful." He gives you a soft expression. "I'll have to take you out for barbeque to celebrate."
"Right. Sounds fun."
Tsunade looks between the two of you. "Why don't I leave you in charge, Shikamaru?" she asks, "Let her get some exercise then help her get back into bed. you."
"Of course,' He watches as she leaves, then turns to you. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. My arms are free. I get to feed myself."
"That's great."
You start walking back and forth, exercising your legs. "I can go outside sometimes, too. As long as I'm with a nurse, that is." |
"I'm happy for you. Truly."
You suck your teeth a bit, "I'm ready to lie back down. Can you help me?"
"Yeah." He helps you to the bed. Allowing you to hold onto him. When you're comfortable, he drapes the blankets over you. "Comfy?"
"Mhm. Thank you. No problem."
He perches himself right beside you. "Can't wait for you to be outta this stuffy place. You wanna get barbeque with a bunch of friends, or just me?"
"You're my only friend, so just you."
"Alright, then. It's a date."
You blush. "N- not a literal date. We- we're not-"
He laughs a bit. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to ask you out properly eventually."
"Oh. Okay... wait-"
"Don't sweat it. Just focus on your recovery for now. Anything can get you?"
"No. I'm good, Thanks."
"If you insist."
"So... how'd it go on that mission?"
He looks over at you, a bit of a grin on his face. "He's more than just six feet under."
"That's great, Shika, .. I'm proud of you."
An amused look comes onto his features. "Yeah? Thanks a lot. Y/n, is there anything you might wanna do when you get outta here? I could take you to do -"
"Not really," You shrug. "I can't do shinobi work, so either I get a real job or learn to be a housewife." In the highest, perkiest voice you can muster, you mock, "Welcome home, dear! How was work? Oh, do you want me to get your jacket for you? You worked so hard and I know that means you're totally helpless and can't do anything for yourself. Speaking of, dinner's on the table. Do I need to hand-feed you, dear?"
He laughs a bit. "Yeah. Go on ahead and hand-feed me." His face gets close to yours.
Scoffing, you say, "Do it yourself."
Though start blushing a little. "I would suck as a housewife.
"A spunky housewife sounds fun," he says, getting even closer to you. "I would love to come home to your little antics."
"Sh- shut up," You turn your head away. "Shinobi or not, I'll probably never even get a boyfriend, I'm not exactly anyone's type."
"Says who?" He furrows his brows.
"Says everyone," You force yourself to sit up. "Do you know how many people told me that if I ever got a boyfriend, he'd be an ugly a fatso who's just as desperate as me. Try Choji. You two are more on par. I don't like Choji like that. I refuse to use him as a last resort and as he's more of a best friend type guy. Besides, we're a bit too much alike. Oh, well I just figured because the both of you couldn't get anyone else. Screw it. Choji's great. Any decent girl would go out for him. And So what if I'm ugly? It's not bothering you, so leave me alone."
"Contrary to belief," he says, looking a bit irritated. "Not all guys like super skinny girls. We like a little meat on her bones. It's a healthier."
'Yeah yeah,'" You rolls your eyes. "You all say that until someone my size comes along." You shrug it off. "I've had to learn to not care anymore. I don't need a boyfriend anyway. I'm perfectly fine one my own. At least, I was. But I've lost everything. Now what? I don't wanna be that single old lady living in that tiny apartment and never did anything with her life."
"Then don't be, I already told you. Not everyone likes skinny girls. I don't. I think your body is just fine. Maybe even better than that."
By now, you're blushing and your heart is racing out of your chest. "Thank you."
"Anyway, I gotta go home. My mom will get mad if I stay out too late. See ya."
He gets up, stretches, them walks out the door. It's official. You've fallen back in love with him.
○∙ o •0.O.
You've been officially discharged from the hospital, and you're currently on your way to a barbeque restaurant. You're excited, having not had any real food in a long, long time. You tell him all about how you'll eat enough to set a world record, to which he just chuckles.
As you eat, you tell him happily about how much you've missed good food.
"I dropped a few pounds in the hospital.," you say, turning your meat over to cook on the other side.
"But it was miserable. I'd rather be fat and single then be skinny and miserable."
"You don't have to be single, you know."
You shrug. "Nobody's asked me out so far."
"What do you think this is?"
You look up, a bit confused. "A celebratory meal for me getting released from hell?"
"A date, Y/n. This was supposed to be a date."
You drop your chopsticks.
"Why do you think I was so keen on this? Especially on us being alone."
"Y- you made the joke about asking me out properly! I was sure -"
"Yeah. A joke."
"Why would you want to?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
Embarrassed, you shake your head.
"I like you."
"You're not joking, are you?"
"Why would I joke about something like that?"
"Because it's easy too pick on the ugly girl."
"How many times do I have to say it? You're not ugly."
"You really want me? Even if I'll never be the same shinobi I was?"
"Didn't I tell you? I'd love to come back from missions to you. Besides, I always know you're safe and waiting for me. It's dangerous out there."
"What all do you even like about me?"
"Nothing. If I'm being honest. I just like. you."
"At least give ten things". You lean back in your chair. "Or else I wont believe you."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
He rolls his eyes. "I like your smile, I like your eyes. I like how independent you are. I like your ridiculous laugh. I like how much you care about the people around you. I like how you were always good to me. I like how even through all this, you've been strong. I like how you're not afraid to seriously eat in front of guys. And, I guess I just really like how much of a hard time you give me.
You stand up and go over to him. You just grab onto him, falling into the same booth as him. "Shika.. that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." You cry a bit on his shoulder, "This is why I fell in love with you.
"Back up a bit."
"Just shut up before you ruin the moment."
