The Fox that got Lost in the Clouds

Your Welcome, Naruto

Shikamaru sat at home, in his room on his futon. In front of his bedroom door. He sat with his both of his legs bent at the knees, his feets facing each other, but not touching. He wore a dark green shirt with dark gray sweat pants. His hair in its typical Nara style.

His arms were laying comfortably in his lap, as he looked out the window. The sky was dark, and the stars could be seen twinkling far above, waving from the heavens.

Shikamaru calmly breathed in through his nose and gave a sigh from his mouth. He slowly blinked. Down in his lap was a bento box, next to him was a chopstick case. They were both a blinding, orange with white on it. His thumbs were caressing it, gently like fine glass. He looked down, away from the window, and looked at his bed.

There on his bed laid Naruto. She was asleep, her legs bent, laying on top of one another. Her feet side by side. Her arms curled up under her chin tightly. Her long blond, sun kissed hair, undone and straight. She wore his dark blue shirt, and some of his old shorts. She was so small, she was practically drowning in his shirt.

His eyes soften when his eyes landed on her face. It was peaceful, calm, happy. It read safe. She was safe, comfortable and relaxed. He gazed at her a little longer, memorizing the rare peaceful look on her face, then to the bright, white moon outside. He thought back to earlier that afternoon.

         EARLIER TODAY

Both Shikamaru and Naruto was wondering aimlessly through the village. Shikamaru and Naruto was talking and laughing, taking ally ways to avoid the villager's harsh glares. They laughed and joked, no destination in mind. Being what they truly were. Two small, innocent, young children. Living in their youths, enjoying life the proper way a child should.

They talked about nothing, but to Naruto and Shikamaru it was enough. "Naruto." Came a man's voice. Both Shikamaru and Naruto stopped, startled by the voice. They looked around, tense and alert. However they could see nobody. It was silent, the wind was steady and calm. Then, like a rock, he dropped from the sky.

"AHH!!" They both yelled in shock as they both fell down on the ground. Shikamaru quickly jumped back up, ready to defend Naruto with his life, Naruto getting up just as quickly with the same thought in mind.

However, their tense bodies relaxed when they seen the gravity defying, silver hair, and the ANBU mask. "DOG!!" Naruto and Shikamaru yelled. Naruto's in excitement and Shikamaru's in relief.

"Yo." He calmly said, with a wave of his right hand. His left hand rested on his hip. Naruto ran over to him and engulfed his waist in a tight hug. His left hand came to pat her head affectionately. Shikamaru sighed, his eyes soften at the sight.

Naruto eventually let go of Dog and showed him her emptied Bento and her million dollar smile. "Look Dog, I finished the Bento. It was amazing." She said happily as she took off the lid to present her proof to him. She held it out in front of her. He lightly chuckled at her antics, and softly patted her head, she closed her eyes and soften her smile.

'This is why I have to keep on living.
This is why I have to continue to fight.
So that I can always protect your smile.' Dog thought affectionately as he looked at her. He then looked over at Shikamaru.

Shikamaru straightened up when he noticed the man looking at him. He couldn't read his face, for the mask prevented it. He gulped, suddenly nervous,he moved from foot to foot, as he was studied. 'Damn, this is like meeting her parents for the first time, this pressure is overwhelming.' He nervously though as he waited for his judgment.

Naruto pouted, and lightly hit Dog on his right arm, catching the man's attention. "Dog, stop it. Your scaring him." She said with a pout. Dog gave off a chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck with his left hand, as he gave a half-assed apology. "Maa, I'm sorry Naruto. I just don't want you to get hurt is all." He said in a gentle voice as he looked down at her.