When Naruto comes home early one evening, the last thing he expects is to find Hinata in the arms of someone else. Shattered and betrayed, he flees the house without a word, heart in pieces and mind spiraling. There's only one place he can go-only one person he knows will understand the storm raging inside him. Shikamaru. Naruto's most loyal friend, his constant, his quiet strength. But when Naruto shows up at the office in tears, Shikamaru immediately knows something is deeply wrong. What he doesn't expect is for Naruto's heartbreak to come with devastating news that will change everything. As emotions rise and truths unravel, bonds are tested, and hidden feelings begin to surface. In the midst of betrayal and broken promises, can comfort turn into something deeper? Can love bloom from pain?

- Original belongs to SeraphimFawn-fallen & SeraphimFallen-fawn - Naruto had brung back the "Last Uchiha" Sasuke back to konoha bloodied only to be banished for "Hurting" their "Precious Uchiha" injured and unconscious. What the council didn't know was that most of the blood on Sasuke wasn't even his to begin with. However a week later, Shikamaru has vanished not leaving a trace after. Three years passed and the Chūnin exams are in full swing, But the said clan to have been rebuilt after it's downfall has joined with their Uzukage and Advisor being mysterious to no end. The duo come back to konoha, but not in the way anyone expected, well maybe the duo. Spelling Mistakes. I don't own the cover. Mature. {Old version status} Began & Finished: 11/27/22 - 5/5/23 --- {New version status} Began & Finished: 8/12/23 -