I'll Show You Insanity

Chapter 45

Shikamaru was beginning to grow more and more worried as he and Yuma strolled through the village, hand in hand. She was way too quiet, and staring at her feet.

The streets were empty, seeing that everyone had went to watch the event, so there were no rude villagers to ruin their time together. He just had to cheer her up.

"Hey," he said softly, tugging on her hand and bringing her gaze to her. He was startled to see red bubbling in the corners of her eyes.

That bastard had really hurt her.

Shikamaru brought up his hand and gently swiped the crimson tears away with his thumb. "Don't cry," he pleaded quietly. "That jerk didn't know what he was talking about. He-"

She whimpered quietly, and hugged his torso, hiding her face in his chest.

He sighed softly, and returned the embrace, hiding her from the world for a moment. Then, he pulled away, and took her chin, guiding her face up so that their eyes would meet.

"Come on," he smiled. "I have a surprise for you."

Little Yuma sniffed, but nodded as he took her hand once more and led her away. She followed behind him quietly, though she was indeed curious about this surprise.

It seemed like he was taking her home, but he paused beside one feild in particular, and swiftly moved behind her, covering her eyes with his hands.

"Trust me?" He asked softly.

She nodded slowly, and allowed him to lead her into the field. He was extra careful to warn her of any obstacles, and finally stopped her.

"Ready?" He asked, a smile clear in his voice.

Again, she nodded.

He removed his hands, and she opened her eyes. She gasped as her eyes locked onto the tree they'd first met under. Hanging from one of its limbs was a swing, one that wasn't there before.

"I hung it up for you," Shikamaru said nervously from behind her. "I thought you might-oof!"

"Oh, Shika, thank you!" The small girl cheered, a dazzling smile lighting up her face as she laid atop the now blushing boy.

He smiled, setting a hand on the back of her charcoal grey hair and putting his lips to her forehead.

"Well, come on," he grinned. "Let's go try it out."

She smiled eagerly, rolling off of him and pulling him to his feet in one swift movement.

She sat on the swing, and Shikamaru gave a few good swings before hopping on behind her, his feet planted firmly at either side of her as she leaned back against his legs. 

She sighed contently, closing her eyes as she relaxed against him.

They swung for two hours before stopping, and laying side by side in the grass, her head resting on his bicep as she curled into his side, and him using the hand belonging to the arm she used as a pillow, to run his fingers through her soft grey hair as he smiled at her.

This was how they fell asleep, and how they were found.

It was by Kakashi and Asuma that the two young ninja were found, and both stopped to smile at the scene as Kakashi sneakily grabbed a camera from his pocket. He'd been starting a scrapbook for Yuma and had plenty of good shots, but this would take the cake...

And would be fun to tease the young nara for.

The small girl was curled into the young boy's side, her fingers wrapped in his open jacket, her lips pulled into a small, peaceful smile as she snored softly. Shikamaru had one arm under her head as a makeshift pillow, his hand resting on her head. His head was turned as though he'd been watching her as he'd drifted off, and he wore a similar smile, his other arm behind his head. The two lying together in the dying sunlight made a very nice picture before the two adults decided to wake the children.

"Yuma, Shikamaru, wake up," Kakashi called as Asuma lightly shook Shikamaru's shoulder. 

The young boy's eyes opened slowly, and he blinked sleepily at the adults above him. Yuma, however, only gave a sleepy grumble as she burrowed further into her partner.

Shikamaru looked to the girl, and once again began streaming his fingers soothingly through her hair. "Wake up, Yuma," he whispered. "It's time to go home..."

She grumbled again, though this time she opened her eyes.

Slowly, she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she yawned cutely. "What time is it?" She questioned, blinking at the two smiling grown ups.

"It's almost ten o'clock," Kakashi answered, kneeling before his dear, sweet baby cousin. "Come on, Yuma, let's head home and get you put to bed, hm?"

"Okay, Kashi," the rust eyed girl yawned again as Shikamaru sat up at her side.

The smaller girl sluggishly hugged the young Nara around his chest. "Thank you, Shika," she smiled sleepily up at him. "I feel alot better now."

"Good," he smiled back, returning her embrace. "Good night, Yuma. I'll see you tomorrow."

"G'night," Yuma echoed sweetly, stretching up and planting a kiss on the boy's jaw before releasing him, and turning her outstretched arms to Kakashi, who chuckled as he scooped her up and manuevered her onto his back.

"Asuma, Shikamaru," Kakashi nodded to the two before him.

"Good night, Uncle Asu..." Yuma yawned.

"Good night Yuma, Kakashi," the blue haired sensei smirked with a nod of his own.

As Kakashi carried Yuma back home, he asked. "Did you two have fun?"

Yuma didn't reply.

She was already asleep once again.