Sun and Shadow

Chapter 9

'Today is a good day' Shikamaru hummed as he laid sprawled in the Nara forest. Naruto wasn't far off practicing his Sealing. Ever since helping Gaara the blond felt a new wave of energy to continue upping his skill as a Seal Master. 

This was Shikamaru's perfect day. Laying in the soft grass watching the clouds roll by occasionally the gentle hoofs of a deer, and the rush of wind and water and to top it off the gentle brush strokes and sighs of the blond. 

Speaking of the blond he gave a frustrated sigh before leaving his work area to lay his head on the Nara's toned stomach. Shikamaru grunted a little before stroking the soft blond hair. Naruto sighed. That always helped him relax. They eventually fell asleep.

Naruto was the first to wake up and by then it was past noon, he sighed and snuggled deeper in Shikamaru. "Shikamaru," He called and was met with soft snores, he checked his chakra pattern and it was steady meaning he was asleep. He sighed again and got off the Nara's stomach.

He looked down at his friend with quiet acceptance. "Ya know, I love you Shika," Naruto started. "When I was crying that day, I was scared. Scared of what I will have to do one day. Let you go, to find some woman, to carry on your clan,"

"It's to be expected, after all your the head's son. Maybe Temari would be a good pick, she does come from a good lineage. Unlike me, the Uzumaki clan was once great but now we're stretched thin, we can hardly find others. Namikaze is already dead," Naruto ran his finger tips down Shikamaru's arm. 

"I want to be yours," He intertwined their hands. "I really want you to love me too, but there is so much uncertainty. As long we stay together I'll be happy, so please when you get your future wife don't push me to your back burner. I love you Shikamaru,"

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Shikamaru tried so hard to let his chakra stay steady, he felt so damn happy and sad at the same time. Naruto love him, he loved Naruto. But Naruto does have a point he was the Head's son, but surely his father wouldn't reject the idea of him and the blond being together. It wasn't the case of being able to bring offspring, Naruto could thanks to Kurama. It was the fact of if his father was homophobic. 

Shikamaru never really got his old man's views on the subject but it was worth a shot to find out before he responded to the blond's feelings, for now he would until Naruto decided to 'wake' him up. Naruto had gone back to practicing his Sealing feeling better since he said was going on in his head and heart. 

'Thanks Shikamaru even when you aren't aware your always helping me,'

The day past like this until Naruto packed up at sunset, Shikamaru had fallen back asleep because he got too tired waiting for the blond. Naruto shook him awake and Shikamaru gave him a sleepy smile, Naruto cooed at him and poked his puffy cheeks. 

"Time to head back to dinner," The blond got up and pulled the Nara up as well. Shikamaru slung an arm around Naruto as they headed back. "Shika your gonna break my neck," The blond whined Shikamaru chuckled lowly.

"I'm just happy Naruto," Shikamaru said while they approached the back of the house. Shikaku smiled as the boys came inside for dinner. 

"So tell me, feeling Chunin now?" Yoshino asked teasingly. 

"We aren't Chunin yet Yoshino-san," Naruto said giggling, Shikamaru smiled and nudged him.

"We might as well be, plus considering how you un-rooted that secret coup before it happened." Shimamaru praised. Naruto shrugged him off.

"Put some faith in yourself, you helped." Shikamaru laughed at the thought. 

"Naruto I was just your shadow," Naruto puffed his cheeks.

"Just wait till you become my advisor then you'll be breaking your back for me," Naruto smirked as he got up and cleared the table and began making the tea.

Shikamaru and his Dad headed to go play Go on the back porch to pass time until the tea was ready. Naruto and Yoshino joined forces to clean up. 

"Naruto," She said softly as she dried the plates. "When are you and Shika going to come out," Naruto paused in surprise and looked at the woman like she grew nine tails. "Don't look at me like that, I know you like him. And so does he, that flimsy excuse to sleep next to you was so obvious,"

Naruto blushed a little as he played in the soapy water. "It was the best way to conserve space," Yoshino gave him a little smirk.

"Naruto there is literally 15 empty rooms here, the Nara choice would be  to have one of those rooms dedicated to your training supplies but yet Shikamaru gave up his room for a chance to share a room with you. He likes you and I approve," Yoshino stated as they finished up the rest of the dishes.

Naruto looked at her with a soft smile. It was profound to receive so much acceptance. He hugged her tightly and she reciprocated. Outside Shikamaru was nervous as he and his father played Go. It wasn't apparent but his thought process was distracted. He just wanted to come right out and say it. So he did.

"Dad I love Naruto," Shikamaru looked down as he waited for the worse. Shikaku only placed down his next move and ruffled his hair with a yawn.

"Shikamaru, your move." He said tiredly, Shikamaru gave him a confused expression.

"Didn't you hear me, I love Naruto," Shikaku smiled at his son.

"Shikamaru I've known since I brought Naruto here. Nothing's wrong with it and he out classes any suitor you could ever bring to me even if you didn't love him. So this makes it easier, you love him, he loves you so smile and be happy." 

Shikamaru jumped over the Go board to hug his father, "Thanks Dad." He hugged him around his neck, Shikaku smiled and rubbed his back. 

"You better go after him," Shikaku mumbled as he looked at his son. "Go get him,"