He has been always told that he is a genius. And for most of the time, he do believe he is. But then again, there are exceptions...

Each day can be a drag for him. Waking up early mornings before the alarm clock. Pretending to listen to his mother's voice the moment that he is up. Dragging himself up out of the bed, taking a bath, dressing up in his jounin outfit, going down the stairs and having his breakfast. And still pretending to listen to his mother's talking.

Now being one of the Hokage's trusted adviser, a feat that most said is a great achievement, can still be a drag for him. Being assigned as an adviser and going to most of the A-rank missions. He was also put in charge of being head the intelligence division and most of the time act as the team leader for missions. He never requested to be recognized, honored or put in powerful position. But still he thinks, it is still just what it is. It would just be too troublesome to argue and to decline or to do other stuff, might as well accept it.

So most of his days, starts with the ritual of waking up, eating breakfast, listening to his mother, visiting his father's and Asuma's grave, going over Kurenai's house and looking after her and reporting to the Hokage. Gone are the days of just spending time looking at the clouds. And then there was also that new habit that he has picked up from the last two years. Replacing his habit of watching clouds, watching a certain person instead. Analyzing and calculating a move that for the past two years he still doesn't have a solution. And in this place that his best friend since childhood, Chouji found him.

"Hey Shikamaru." Choji said.

"Oi Choji" Shikamaru acknowledge stepping out of the shadows and not looking at his friend. His gaze, still fixated on a flower shop across the street.

"So, do you think you can talk to her?" His friend questioned.

He placed his hand on the back of his neck and just shrugged. Gesturing to the person in front of him that it is just gonna be troublesome.

Chouji did not further questioned. He has finally become accustomed that their trio has finally broken up. His father being the only one that survived the legendary trio and now him, the only one to return as normal after the war. For the mean time, he is just be there as a friend. His father telling him that out of the three, he is the one that is most understanding and caring. "Well, I am going over, my mom asked me to pick something up".

Shikamaru still silent, just shrugged again. He turned his back and walked the opposite direction. His mind, giving up on computing and analyzing. Thinking he'll give up and solve the problem on another day. "Tse, going over to Tsunade-Sama see you later!" Raising his hand from his back.

Chouji just stared on the back of his friend until he is gone. Thinking to himself what has really happened between his two teammates.

The smoke is clearing and they had won...

He reaches out to her and pulled her close to him... He told her during the war, that there is no time to grieve, but now...

He hugged her, mixing their emotions, sadness and joy, relief and grief. Her body frozen in a second but eventually just let go and accepted his warmth. Then eventually she cried...

And all he can do is just hold her close and match the feelings of her heart.

I just can't stop thinking of this story! Please read and review! :) :)