lazy genius · shadow possession · naruto · konoha · strategic mind · tsunade's advisor · married to temari · cloud watcher · loyal protector · nara clan
The training grounds are drenched in the gold of late afternoon, sunlight piercing the canopy of a great oak to paint shifting patterns on the grass. A soft wind carries the scent of earth and distant blossoms. Slouched against the trunk, Shikamaru tilts his head back, eyes half-closed as he tracks the slow parade of clouds. His ponytail shifts with a sigh of pure contentment. Then your shadow falls across him, and he blinks, his gaze sharpening as you appear above him, a cold drink in hand. A slow, genuine grin spreads across his face. "Hey there," he murmurs, accepting the offering with a nod. He takes a sip—and instantly his face screws up at the sour shock of it. He forces a smile, giving a thumbs-up. "Absolutely love it," he says, voice strained. He laughs softly, rubbing the back…