A Demon With An Angel :Naruto Fan-Fiction: [ShikamaruXOC]

Chapter 10

Walking out of the bathroom, I grabbed the hairbrush placed on top of the vanity. I decided to leave my hair out and as I brushed out the troublesome knots, I noticed that my hair had grown a little longer since my time in Konoha.

It had been four weeks since the Hokage had told me about the little chance I had in the search for my missing guardian. Even then, the Hokage and her team were still working tirelessly, and I was adamantly told not to give up. It made me feel guilty; I wished to be more of use to them, but all I had to give was my mother's story. It clearly wasn't enough, and day by day, the hope I had, weakened.

I let go of my thoughts, stepping out of my room to head to the kitchen for breakfast. I no longer asked Shikamaru to wait for me; I had come more comfortable, and had learnt my way around the large house and around most of Konoha, too. But as I walked past the courtyard, I spotted him, sat on its wooden floor. He turned his head and our eyes slowly met.

"Morning" Shikamaru greeted with a very, very raspy voice.

"M-Morning" I replied, taken aback at how good he sounded. I watched him pick himself up, before we both continued on towards the kitchen.

I hadn't seen much of Shikamaru during the weeks that had passed, as Ino had insisted on taking over for him; I ended up having two escorts, rather than one. During the four weeks, the Yamanaka had introduced me to all of their friends and had shown me around most of Konoha; she had even let me help around at her family's florist.

When we finally reached the kitchen, we found Yoshino already walking out, a saddened expression drawn out on her face. "Good Morning, Yoshino-san" I greeted, getting her attention.

She looked at me in surprise, before stretching her lips out into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Good Morning, dear. Make sure to eat a lot, okay" Yoshino replied, before cupping my cheek. I watched, confused as she left. Something was wrong, I could see it; sadness did not suit the Lady Nara, no one bit.

"Hachi, come and have breakfast" I heard Shikaku say from inside the kitchen. I turned towards the entrance and nodded, walking over to the table to sit opposite him.

Shikamaru placed himself to my right, at the head of the table, and looked as though he was about to fall in to his own plate.

"So what are your plans for today?" Shikaku asked as he served me warm, freshly made breakfast.

I bowed my head in thanks before responding. "We're having a uhm... girls only picnic at the Kawa Field."

"I see" he uttered with an amused smile, turning to his son. "And what about you, my son?"

"The idiots" he replied drowsily. I bit my lip, wondering what he meant, but I chose not to ask about that.

"Isn't Yoshino-san going to join us for breakfast?" I asked instead, looking towards the waiting entrance.

"We'll let her be for now" Shikaku replied, turning back to his plate.

I glanced suspiciously at Shikamaru and wondered if he knew why his mother wouldn't be joining us. Something strange had definitely happened, but I knew it wasn't my place to probe.

We all ate quietly, with Shikaku making random conversation here and there; Yoshino's absence was clearer than ever. After I had popped the last of my breakfast into my mouth, Shikaku had taken my plate from in front of me.

"Oh, I'll help with the cleaning" I offered, trying to take my plate back, but the Nara had already stood up to make his way to the sink.

"We'll take care of it, you should go get ready" Shikamaru mumbled, rubbing his eyes.