This Isn't Such A Drag (Shikamaru love story)

Birthday

It has been 5 months now and it was Hashiru's birthday. Little did she know that Shikamaru knew.

Hashiru was talking to Ino outside in the morning around 9 am. "Happy Birthday Hashiru! What are your plans for today?" Ino said excitedly "I still don't know-" she was cut off by a certain pineapple-headed ninja who wrapped his arms around Hashiru's waist and lifted her making both of them laugh and Ino looking shocked. "Stop it Shika! It tickles." Hashiru yelled. "Happy Birthday Hashi! You thought I forgot now didn't you?!" Shikamaru said hugging her from the back and burying his face at the crook of her neck.

Ino was shocked because she had never seen Shikamaru this lively and happy. Not to mention his smile that always appeared on his face whenever he sees Hashiru and also the nicknames that they gave each other. Ino knew that Hashiru changed Shikamaru in a good way. Shikamaru saw a light in his life that shined brighter and warmer than the sun. It gave him hope that life isn't a drag anymore. One problem is he doesn't know how to tell his feelings for her and since Hashiru doesn't know what love is she couldn't help but think of what is this feeling that was occurring to her for the past months.

"So... What do you want to do today?" Shikamaru asked. "I don't know. Any suggestions?" Hashiru spoke. "How about we walk around Konoha and see if we find something we can do?" Shikamaru suggested. "Alright. I'll go ready up." Hashiru ran back to her apartment leaving Ino and Shikamaru outside. "So... Are you going to confess?" Ino smirked. "I'm afraid I can't. I'm scared that she might not even like me and things will just get awkward." Shikamaru said sadly. "At least if you tell her, those thoughts will be over now. Who knows, she might even like you back." Ino advised.

"It's easy for you to say. In shogi, it's okay to make bold moves because there are still ways you can rethink a plan. But... In this scenario, I can't. Because once I messed this up I can't think of another way to get her back. I can't lose someone who made me realize that life is really fun and happy. Never once in my life, she became a drag to me. So it's safer to love her from a distance." Shikamaru explained. "You're a smart person, Shikamaru. Never once in my life have doubted you because I knew that you think ahead. But this time, I don't think it's a smart move to love her from a distance. I'm just saying, okay? Try thinking about it." Ino left.

"Shika I'm here!" Hashiru spoke. "Hashi, I know what to do now!" Shikamaru spoke.

"Amusement park."

"What?! Shika, I can't I'm scared of rides!" Hashiru said. "It's gonna be fun I promise! Now hop on!" Shikamaru said while signaling her to hop on his back. "Shika.. I'm fine walking on my own." Hashiru giggled. "Well we can't let the birthday girl get tired of walking now, do we?" Shikamaru smiled warmly. "Aren't you the one who gets tired ea- AAAAH"

She couldn't finish her sentence as she realized that she is being lifted up by him and giving her a piggyback ride. She nearly fell backwards but she was quick enough to wrap her arms around his neck and put her head on his shoulder shutting her eyes as she got a mini heart attack to thinking she was about to fall.

She slowly opened her eyes and looked at him a little startled to the quick movements but smiled at her as she can smell his lovely scent. She smiled back with all her teeth showing to show him that she was thankful.

He began to hold her legs and guiding them signaling her to wrap her legs around his waist. She couldn't help but hug him tighter and closer. This is nice. She thought as she closed her eyes while smiling.

"Amusement park it is!" Hashiru yelled putting her first up in the air while Shikamaru laughed and started to run fast which cause Hashiru to get startled. "Shika stop I might fall!" Hashiru said laughing. "Sorry Hashi but we need all the time in the world so that we can ride all the rides. And don't worry, you're not gonna fall. You're in safe hands!"