a/n: This is a very short fanfic! Merry Christmas!

It was the only word he said while walking on his way home.

The snow was cold, moist, and more importantly troublesome. Not only does it give Shikamaru a harder time walking but also itwasgivinghim sneezes and shivers. He walked lazily towards home knowing that nobody was there. His father was away on some mission and his mother…well…he didn't know…he didn't care…

But, on second thought, who will he be with himthis Christmas? The fact that it was Christmas Eve, he knew he would be alone. He steadfastly went home while looking at the other ninjas buying gifts. "For their loved ones…"he said to himself. He searched for the only three gifts he received that entire day-Ino's which was a… well, small porcelain flower; Chouji's which was a small bar of chocolate; and Asuma's, an insignificant piece of rock…

"Merry Christmas, Shikamaru…" he whispered to himself again. "I guess you'll be spending your Christmas alone this year..."

He didn't bother to buy food for that night. Why would he? It would be too troublesome. Moreover, why buy food when you have no one to share it with?

He arrived home at dusk. The sky was like a painter's palette with the mix of colors. He stared at it blankly from his bedroom window wishing for clouds to see. But there came none. The sky colorful slowly faded away and became the dark night. It grew colder and darker. And for Shikamaru, he became lonelier…

He sighted a family a few houses away. They were eating dinner. He also saw Neji and Tenten… "Was that Tenten and Neji?" he rubbed his eyes just to make sure he saw what he thought he saw. But he didn't care or bother, it was too wearisome to do it…He searched his pockets hoping to find something… He did.

He found a small box wrapped in blue gift wrapper. Who gave him this gift? No. The question should have been, "Who will he give this gift to?" He hid it back in his pockets and diverted his attention back to the night sky.

When the streets became empty and the stars became so bright, a soft knock was heard from the door of the lonely ninja. The lazyshinobi slowly glided through the door whispering about how troublesome that knocking was. He reached for the door and opened it.

"Merry Christmas…" A blonde haired Suna kunoichi greeted him and handing him a small present.

Shikamaru gave a soft smile.

"Mind if I come in?"continued Temari and handed the ebony haired man the coat she was wearing.

He nodded. "Hey, I got something for you too…" he threw the small blue box which was in his pocket earlier.

"Thanks…"

"So, would you like some tea?" asked the shadow-controller.

"No, I just want you this Christmas…but if you don't mind..."

Shikamaru made a half-smile. "by the way, merry Christmas. I'm happy you came..."