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It’s all Naruto’s fault. All of it.
If only he hadn’t forgotten those damn scrolls at home, Shikamaru wouldn’t be suffering like this. Of course today, of all days, Naruto runs out of chakra and can’t make clones. He’s been more tired and nervous than usual—over something specific he’d rather not think about.
He avoids going to their home at all costs. It’s further away than most places, and there’s someone there he’d rather not run into if he can help it.
So of course, when he knocks on the door, it’s Sasuke who answers.
“Nara.”
He hums in response. “Hey. I came to pick up some scrolls Naruto left behind.” Sasuke clicks his tongue. Shikamaru hears the words ‘that idiot’ muttered under his breath.
“The ones from the Land of Lightning, right?” Shikamaru nods indifferently. Sasuke returns the same look. “Come in.”
“No, uh… that’s not necessary—” Temari would say he’s being rude. Maybe he is.
“I insist.” Sasuke opens the door wider, and just like that, Shikamaru is faced with the sight of his very pregnant belly.
Sasuke is a beautiful person—handsome. So attractive it’s actually uncomfortable to stand next to him. It would almost be funny to see a man nearly 190cm tall now sporting a seven-month belly. And he's expecting twins. But it’s Sasuke. And honestly, Shikamaru didn’t even expect him to have kids at all.
“Would you like some tea?” the Uchiha asks politely. Why is he being so nice? Naruto probably told him to. Based on all of Naruto’s rambling, Sasuke is apparently more flexible now, more considerate. Affectionate, even. Probably the hormones, he figures. “You can wait in the living room while I find the scrolls.” Shikamaru just nods.
He sits, gazing out at the fields surrounding the house. A couple of cats stroll by. He doesn’t let himself look around too much. There are a few baby books and pamphlets on the table—Naruto, he thinks. And next to them, an ultrasound. He figures it’s the most recent one—Naruto had dashed out of a council meeting for it. Can’t really blame him. Shikamaru would’ve wanted an excuse to bail on that boring meeting too. There’s a post-it stuck to it, with terrible handwriting: “Can’t wait to meet you two!!” Definitely Naruto’s. He frowns.
He’s basically had to listen to Naruto daydream about Sasuke. It was gross hearing him insist, “Because he’s my best friend!” all while practically crying from how in love he was. But he can’t judge—Naruto and Sasuke have always been them. It was even more traumatizing when, just a few years after tearing their arms off in a fight, they mated and then announced they were getting married. He can still picture the look he had when the wedding invitation showed up. Temari laughed at him for days.
Shikamaru doesn’t particularly like Sasuke—not one to be swayed by Naruto’s guilt-tripping attempts to overlook the man’s entire criminal record. He refuses to play blind, not even for the so-called “First Omega.” He avoids Sasuke when he can. Fails more often than not, since one is always following the other. He’s seen more of them than he’s ever wanted—especially after walking in on them doing far more than kissing in the Hokage’s office.
He and Sasuke are not meant to be friends. He knows Sasuke prefers not to deal with anyone in the village either—except Team 7, maybe.
Sasuke didn’t stay in Konoha to live a fairytale as the Hokage’s husband. He stayed for Naruto. Only Naruto.
And soon, their pups.
But as a father himself, Shikamaru understands their excitement—both of theirs, he guesses. He wouldn’t change anything either. Shikadai was a gift to their family. Temari is an incredible woman whom he loves with all his heart. He’s genuinely happy for them, Naruto and Sasuke, finally starting a family after so much waiting and trying. They might be the last ones to do it, but Shikamaru thinks this is their perfect time. They deserve it—especially Naruto.
He takes another sip of tea just as Sasuke returns with the scrolls in hand.
“Thanks,” he says, setting down the cup and accepting the documents. Sasuke just makes a small grunt—hnn.
Shikamaru tries to pretend everything is normal.
But before he can leave, Sasuke speaks.
“Please… tell Naruto to come home early.” It’s almost a whisper, more to himself than to Shikamaru. He watches as Sasuke’s fingers absentmindedly brush against his belly.
“…Alright.”
He sees the corners of Sasuke’s mouth curl up—just a little.