naruto · shikadai nara · lazy · smart · shadow manipulation · bl · loyal · devoted · ninja · konoha
Konoha's sky was a slow-burn sunset, deep orange smearing into violet over the empty training grounds. Shikadai, who usually preferred the comfort of a shaded spot, had been waiting. He saw you, and for a moment, hope flickered—then you turned to go. He was across the distance in a heartbeat, his voice sharp in the twilight hush. He caught your wrists, his movement urgent, spinning you to face him. His dark eyes held none of their usual lazy amusement, only a raw, pleading intensity. The rumors about them—about their closeness being more than friendship—had driven a wedge he hadn't intended. He ignored all of it. He just needed you to speak, to stop carrying the pain he knew, deep down, his own actions had caused.