Heavy in Your Arms

Something twisted inside her more painful than any blade could as Shikamaru had to pause and catch his breath. She felt so heavy against him, weighing him down. She could hear an explosion tag going off behind them and felt her heart rate pick up. Tears burned at the corners of her eyes. “Shikamaru, just leave me.”

               “No.” His voice was hard, and his pace fastened around the trees around them. She knew his feet felt like lead and worried about when his legs would finally give out.

               “I can… Just go on for help and send someone back for me. I’ll – “

               “Sakura, shut up.” She could hear tremors in his voice as he forced the words out. “I’m not leaving you here.”