Another WIP but ShikaSaku this time. Most just dialogue to work out the argument.
"I'm in love with you."
The silence is deafening. This is the part where Shikamaru cracks a smile, hands in his pockets, cocks a head to the side and say 'what took you so long. I love you too'
But it's just tense quiet.
He finally looks at her.
"What am I supposed to do with that? I'm engaged to another woman"
"I guess that depends on how you feel about me."
"That doesn't factor in at all. I'm engaged that's it."
"Doesn't factor in? This is marriage we are talking about."
"There are countless other parameters to concider than just emotions"
"It's not just emotion Shika, it's everything. If you love someone all the rest falls into place."
He scoffs, "That right there is why you were so hung up on Sasuke for so long and were miserable. It's not true. You loving him didn't make home stay, I didn't give you a family and it didn't make you happy."
Crack - Sakura's hand connects with Shikamarus face. He doesn't stop her from slapping him.
"How dare you." Sakuras voice is shaking and low.
"How dare you come here and expect me to uproot my entire life for some crush you think you have!"
"It's not just some crush"
"It is. I'm the first person to show you a shred of kindness and suddenly your in love with me. I don't buy it for a second."
"You think that's all it takes?" Sakura shakes her head, "I love you for so much more than just a few kind moments. I love your family, your clan, your dedication to work, how you always defend your friends and do the right thing-"
"Stop it."
"Your intelligence, your courage and loyalty. Everything Shika."
"My name is Shikamaru!"
She's shocked into silence again.
"Give it a week Sakura." Shikamaru continues more calmly, "We need some time apart. Give it a week and you won't feel anything for me anymore."
"And you? You really feel nothing?"
He doesn't answer. Doesn't want to. If he tells the truth it's over for him and if he omits, it will only give her hope. Maybe a diversion instead.
"I'm marrying Temari. She's the woman I will marry and that's the end of it."
"But -"
"Sakura. She will be the head of my clan and the mother of my children. Not you. Can I make it any more clear?"
She silent for a few painful breaths. "No. Thank you, for your blunt uncaring rejection Shika."
"Shikamaru." He corrects.
"Nara-san then."
He feels like an ass. And burried deep inside him is breaking something in him too.
"I'm sorry, but trust me. It's for the best. You don't love me."
"Please don't belittle my feelings for you. Especially when you haven't even tried to understand them."
"I understand them perfectly, but I'm not sure you've thought about the consequences of them."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying, what future do you even see for us? Have you thought that far ahead?"
"No but -"
"Then let me tell you how this plays out. You work yourself half to death at the hospital and me as the Hokages advisor. We never see each other and any time at home is just filled with me doing my clan duties. I'd ask you to help, but you've got so much hospital work that you enjoy, I wouldn't want to. We get resentful for not being with each other more. We grow apart until we are just roommates at best. Maybe have a few kids, think that will fix the problem, but it's just more time and stress. Evenually we know its over, the love is faded and gone but stick it out for the kids. And that's it." She's looking at him mouth agape, so he pointedly asks, "Is that the future you want?"
"Have you thought about this before?"
"That's not the point. I need someone who will run the clan with me. Take care of the house and our kids. Temari is that person. She knows politics and how clans opporate and she won't let people push her around. That is what I need."
"And she knows that's what she's signing up for?" Sakura sounds skeptical, "She's willing to leave behind her home and family to be your little house wife? That doesn't sound like the Temari I know."
"Don't degrade the station. It's important and vital. It's a privilege."
"I'm sure she'll see it that way."
"Sakura."
"What? You haven't even told her your plan yet, have you? You never do. Never share what your thinking."
"She is a smart woman. She'll have thought it out."
Sakura wonders if he's implying she isn't smart for not having some 5 year plan already set up before she confessed to him.
"I can't believe this." She says, shaking her head. This had all gone so wrong.
"Well just take some time, alright. You'll see what I'm saying is right when you're thinking a little more clearly."
She scoffs and says sarcasticly, "Of course. You do know best for everyone, Nara-san."
There's nothing more to say. No other way for him to hurt her. Her heart is already in a million pieces on the ground. She decides to just leave it there, turn her back and walk away. If he wants to put it back together again, then so be it. Otherwise what was the point of having it at all.
