~Shikamaru x naruto~

Shikamaru x Naruto

Naruto grew up surrounded by love. Minato and Kushina were always by his side, so he never had to feel alone. He was loud, impulsive, and always looking for some new adventure. Shikamaru, on the other hand, preferred quiet afternoons, watching the clouds, and avoiding any problem that seemed too complicated.

But there was one thing Shikamaru had never been able to avoid: Naruto.

From a young age, Shikamaru had begun to notice him. At first, it was small details, like the way Naruto smiled after accomplishing something difficult or how he defended his friends even when he was terrified. Over the years, those feelings grew until they became something Shikamaru could no longer ignore.

He was in love.

Naruto, of course, had no idea.

For him, Shikamaru was one of his closest friends. He enjoyed spending time with him, talking about any old nonsense, and dragging him into his plans. He had never thought about love in that way. He didn't even feel romantic interest in anyone.

One afternoon, they were both sitting under a tree. Naruto was excitedly talking about a mission he wanted to undertake, while Shikamaru watched him silently.

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked. "You're giving me a weird look."

—Nothing. I was just thinking.

-In what?

Shikamaru looked away towards the sky.

—In that you are quite problematic.

Naruto burst out laughing.

—I already know that!

Shikamaru smiled slightly. He wanted to tell him the truth, but he knew it wasn't the right time yet. He didn't want to pressure him or risk their friendship. It could wait.

—Come on, Naruto. Your parents must be waiting for you.

-TRUE!

Naruto got up and started walking. Then he turned around.

-You come?

Shikamaru followed him.

Perhaps it would take Naruto a long time to discover what he felt. Perhaps he would never feel the same way. Shikamaru couldn't know. For now, he only wanted to be close to him and protect their friendship.

Because, even though loving Naruto was complicated, for Shikamaru there was something