Writer's Month Day 10

Setting Prompt: Dark AU

Fandom: Naruto

Pairing: Naruto/Shikamaru

Tags: #writersmonth2019, Narushika, Dark AU, blood and gore, possessive Naruto, possessive behaviour, Dark!Naruto, slight insane Naruto

Shikamaru smelt the blood and death before he saw it; Shikamaru crouched on a high tree branch and fought back the urge to vomit as he took in the scene below him.

Shikamaru set his hand on the tree trunk and used his other hand to cover his mouth and nose as his dark eyes took in the scattered and bloodied bodies and body parts on the dyed blood red grass below.

"What the hell happened here?" Shikamaru whispered as he wiped his palms on the back of his pants and dropped down from the tree branch. He had been sent on a need-to-know solo mission to retrieve a scroll from the temple that was across the bloodied battlefield. He had been told he had to get that scroll at any cost, but Shikamaru had spent his travels here figuring out a peaceful way to get the scroll without spilling any blood.

Shikamaru went still and darted over to a nearby tree, hiding behind the trunk as he suppressed his Chakra. A figure was stepping out of the temple, the scroll that Shikamaru needed was being tucked into his jacket. Shikamaru edged a bit closer to the side of the trunk, needing to get a better look at the one who was clearly the one responsible for this massacre.

Shikamaru's lips parted in a silent gasp when he got a clear look at the Shinobi. He was wearing a dulled orange and black shinobi outfit with a shock of familiar blond hair, but the whisker marks on his face were darker and his usually bright blue eyes were glowing orange and slitted like a feline. His pale skin was splattered with fresh and dried blood and his finger's were still dripping crimson blood.

Shikamaru's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to wrap his head around the fact that this was Naruto. Naruto, who he hadn't seen in almost 3 years and Naruto, who was clearly the one who had killed all of these people to get that scroll.

Shikamaru's hands were shaking and he tensed his body in order to silently jump back into the trees and flee. He knew how strong Naruto was before he left, but now, 3 years later? Shikamaru had no idea how he could fight Naruto, especially a Naruto who was now a cold-blooded killer.

"Shikamaru," Naruto's voice was deeper and it sent chills down Shikamaru's spine as he spun around. Shikamaru gasped as a clawed and bloodied fingers curled around his throat and he found himself pinned against the tree trunk causing leaves to fall down around the two. The hand was firm, yet oddly enough Shikamaru knew it wouldn't even leave bruises behind.

Shikamaru looked up into Naruto's dark slitted eyes and inhaled sharply at the up close view of the blond's blood painted face. Shikamaru lifted one hand and settled it around Naruto's wrist cautiously, but Naruto just tilted his head like he was waiting to see what Shikamaru would do next.

"Naruto, why?" Shikamaru whispered unable to speak any louder than that.

"You don't need to fear me Shikamaru, never you." Naruto crooned as he lifted his free hand up and dragged his blood-coated fingers over Shikamaru's skin, painting the pale skin red.

"You are mine Shikamaru and no one takes what is mine." Naruto's voice took a darker tone and possessiveness emitted off the blond in waves. Shikamaru took a shaky breath, he knew he should be concerned, he should be plotting a way to get away but all he felt was safe and dare he say it… Loved?

Shikamaru instead closed his eyes and slumped against the trunk behind him. Naruto made a little noise and caressed Shikamaru's face once more before hitting his neck in the correct spot to render the other unconscious and he caught the Nara's limp form in his arms with ease.

"No one," Naruto promised, ducking his face into Shikamaru's dark hair, inhaling the scent that reminded him of home and the only bright spots in his childhood. Naruto scooped the Nara into his arms bridal style and without a look at the dead bodies in his wake the blond took off, disappearing into the forest without leaving a trace of either of them behind.