“So how exactly have you two stayed together for so long? Which one of you asked the other out?” Sakura asked as your two teams sat together at Ichiraku.
“I bet (Y/N) asked Shikamaru first,” Naruto said with a mouthful of ramen.
Choji and Ino just chuckled knowing the story behind the two of you.
“It’s their business you two. Stop being so nosy.” Sasuke grumbled.
You just let out a chuckle and looked to Shikamaru. “Do you want to tell it or shall I?”
He let out a soft chuckle and rested his chin on his hand. “You can tell it. It’s too troublesome to tell these guys when they just might forget.”
“Hey!” All three of them shouted.
You just laugh and shake your head. “Alright, so it all started right after we both got out of the academy and became Genin.
“So, uh, do you want to go out with me?” Shikamaru asked with a slight blush on his cheeks.
You smiled and let out a small giggle. Who would have thought that your childhood best friend and now teammate would have a crush on you, let alone actually return your feelings! “Of course, Shika!”
Shikamaru grumbled out something about not calling him Shika, but you knew he was both happy about your response and the nickname—he would never admit it, but it made him feel special. Like it was something only you were allowed to call him.
As time went on, you two fell more and more in sync. At first, you were a bit insecure about the relationship working between the two of you because you were so high-strung and well, Shikamaru, wasn’t. But, when you told him your fears, what he said not only was the essence of his personality, but it calmed you a lot. “If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”
That single sentence practically became the mantra for your entire relationship. It was how you made things work through the toughest of times. It especially came through when the Chuunin exam hit. Shikamaru rose to the rank of Chuunin while you stayed at Genin. Shikamaru didn’t feel like it was a big deal—he even said it didn’t change the fact that he loved you. But you couldn’t help but feel like it was a big hit to your ego and made you feel insecure.
Shikamaru noticed the immediate change in your happy-go-lucky nature. You continue to curse how observant he is. But he didn’t let up until you told him what was wrong. You two sat down in the nearby park and you spilled your guts so to speak.
“I feel like I’m not good enough, you were able to ascend to Chuunin and I’m so proud of you. But with me as a Genin, I don’t feel like I deserve you. I’m not good enough. It’s just like a few people of the past have told me.”
“Oh, you troublesome woman. Don’t ever think that. It doesn’t change how I feel about you, you dork. And you are a beautiful and amazing ninja. It’s worked out for us for so long and I believe we will continue to make it work. Besides remember our mantra?”
“If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”
He smiled and kissed you on the forehead. “That’s right. So, chin up love.”
As soon as you finished your story there was a resounding “aww” from the entire group. Even Choji and Ino even though they heard it many times before.
“That is such a sweet story! So that’s basically the secret to your relationship? All of these years? Cause it’s been such a long time since we were kids. From the war to Naruto becoming Hokage—”
“Yea, who knew that would happen,” Sasuke said.
“Hey!” Naruto snapped back.
Your team just snickers. “Yep, it’s that simple phrase that keeps us together. Doesn’t it Shika?” You say with a smirk.
He shakes his head but chuckles none the less. “It certainly does. Because if it’s meant to be—”
“It’ll be.” You finish for him.
“If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, if it’s meant to be”
The Rebel Fae 