For DeadUchiha who requested something featuring Kurenai and Shikamaru.
Disclaimer: serialhugger does not own Naruto or any copyrights/trademarks thereof.
Sometimes
Sometimes, it was nice to remember the dead, but sometimes it wasn't very nice at all. Sometimes it was lonely, and sad, like at night, when all alone and missing the warmth from the person whom used to occupy the other half of the bed. Those times only come once in a while though, and only at night.
Sometimes, remembering wasn't so bad. For example, on the thirteenth day of the seventh month, when standing in front of a stone that's surface was etched with the names of the fallen, her hand gently tracing over a name that had been added not too long ago… Then it wasn't so bad. It was actually sort of nice.
Of course not being the only one there helped too.
Various others came and went, stopping to pay respects, and remember those who had fallen, especially those who were close to their hearts. Three of them in particular, stopping to stare in fond sadness at the very same name she herself had been tracing not but ten minutes before.
Eventually though they had to leave. It was getting late after all. Ino was the first to leave, followed by Chouji after another few solemn moments staring at the memorial. And then, it was just them; just herself and the lethargic genius the man they had both come to remember had been so proud of.
Soon though, he has to go as well, and lighting a cigarette, he offers to walk her back to her apartment. She nods her agreement and follows; a small, sentimental smile tugging at her features, the two of them make their way through the streets of Konoha, the smell of smoke keeping them company as they reminisce.
Sometimes, with the familiar smell of smoke in the air, and the company of someone who understands, remembering the dead was actually sort of nice.
And its done!
Hugs and Oreos!
Smurf
