Work Text:
Secret Glances
1.
The first time he glanced at her in secret, he didn't realize what he'd done.
His gaze had wandered from face to face before landing on hers. And it stayed there. He'd watched her then, without even thinking about it. He could see her porcelain face come alive as she chatted animatedly with the members of her team. He saw how huge her pupil-less eyes seemed-almost too big. He took note of the tiny wrinkles that formed around her eyes when she smiled. And what a smile. It was sincere, luminous, sunny. As the young woman's smile stretched on and on, he had the impression that-
"Oi Shikamaru! Lost in thought again?"
Finally taking his eyes off the woman he'd been watching for a while to answer his teammate, Shikamaru sighed loudly.
"What a drag," he said finally, his attention now on his Team 10 comrades.
Yes, the first time Shikamaru had watched Hinata in secret, it had been without really meaning to.
The second time he glanced at her in secret, he did so hidden in the midst of other glances. Because this time he wasn't the only one watching. This time, Hinata was the center of everyone's attention.
Everyone could take the time to appreciate the sight of the ceremonial kimono she wore. Everyone could linger over the beauty of her elaborate hairstyle. Everyone, even Shikamaru, could note the young woman's elegance and dignified attitude. Everyone could see Hinata for what she was today: a clan leader.
For yes, today Hinata had succeeded her father and become the head of the clan with the byakugan. And Shikamaru couldn't help but appreciate the scene unfolding before his eyes. He couldn't help but appreciate the way the young woman's eyes lit up with pride at succeeding her father. To be recognized at last by all-at her true worth.
With his gaze still fixed on the young woman, Shikamaru felt as if he were really seeing her for the first time. And with a slight blush visible on his cheeks, he could only admit that he liked what he saw.
So yes, the second time Shikamaru watched Hinata in secret, he wasn't the only one. Yet something deep inside him wished he had.
The third time he watched her in secret, it was intentional.
He had chosen to look at her. He had chosen to embrace her figure with his eyes and appreciate her beauty-in secret, however.
He didn't want to be caught in the act. Not that he was ashamed, far from it. But then he'd have to explain, and Shikamaru was a man of few words.
She had just returned from an A-rank mission in the land of the wind, and her outfit was still stained with tiny grains of sand. Seeing her return safe and sound with no apparent injuries, Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing that she wasn't returning alone, but accompanied by a ninja from the hidden village of Suna, another feeling assailed him. It was the first time he'd felt this way, and he found the experience rather unpleasant. He concentrated again on his observation of the young woman.
He looked at Hinata's silhouette, seeing her chest heave with every breath she took. Her bare arms revealed muscular white skin. Her legs, oh kami, her legs seemed endless. Her clasped right thigh was encased in black bandages. The contrast of black on such white skin - so immaculate - almost took Shikamaru's breath away. He had to force himself to stop the influx of obscene images creeping into his mind.
"Are you going to stand there and watch her without saying a word?"
Choji. Of course he'd noticed. Nothing ever escaped his notice, yet Shikamaru thought he was being discreet.
"She's in love with Naruto," he replied laconically.
"Come on," intimated Choji, grabbing him by the shoulder.
Shikamaru relented and followed his friend into the busy streets of the village.
Yes, the third time Shikamaru had watched Hinata in secret, it had been intentionally, and he'd realized that just looking wouldn't soon be enough for him.
The fourth time Shikamaru watched Hinata in secret, she returned his gaze. She had locked her observant gaze in his. White and brown met. Finally.
The two young people stared at each other intently, while the world around them seemed to stand still. Time seemed to stop and they gazed at each other.
"Are you going to say hello to me today?" she asked, amused. I always see you watching me from afar, without ever coming close," she added, as a sunny smile spread across her face.
Shikamaru felt as if his cheeks were on fire. He blushed, his cheeks taking on a crimson hue under the effect of the young woman's remark. "How ironic," he thought, noting that she was the one who usually blushed. Not him. Never him.
"Hello Hinata," he said finally, unable to tear his gaze from hers.
She then spoke to him and Shikamaru replied. She asked him about the affairs of his clan, the state of his family, his team-mates. In return, he asked her the same questions, listening attentively to her answers. He took in her every gesture, every facial expression, every sound she made. It was as if he were thirsty-hungry for her image. And even looking at her like that-visible and intense-he couldn't get enough. He needed more. He needed-
"Maybe when you feel ready for that, we can both see each other?"
Boom. Explosion. His eyes widened in surprise and he couldn't hold on to anything-not even her gaze-because she'd disappeared.
Yes, the fourth time he'd watched her in secret, she'd returned his gaze and Shikamaru had thought he'd died under the intensity of that moment.
The last time he'd watched her in secret, his eyes had been half-closed and his lips pressed to hers. She had closed her eyes as she kissed him for the first time. But he couldn't help observing her once more. Kissing the scene with his eyes as their warm lips met softly. Soon, Shikamaru knew he'd be kissing those lips with urgency, a sense of frenzy already taking hold of both their bodies, but for now he was enjoying this last secret glance.
It was the last time he'd ever have to hide. No more secret glances.