What you've given me
I don't own Naruto or its characters.
A/N
Here's another fairly old story of mine, based on a song, though i no longer remember which...
It wasn't the multiple injuries she'd suffered over the years. It wasn't the children she gave him. It wasn't even a sickness of any sort.
It was time.
It was time that took away Nara Temari from her loving family. It was time that her husband blamed for her passing away.
It had been only a few days since she had died so the wound in his heart was still fresh.
Even now he looked to the other side of the bed, ready to kiss her good morning. All he was surrounded by though, was empty air.
He got up out of bed slowly and sat down, looking at the empty chair opposite his. He could still see her smiling face seated in that chair, reading books or drinking her tea.
He reached out a hand to touch her cheek, only to remember it was only in his head. His hands ended up reaching nothing.
With a clench of his fist he placed it back on top of the table, leaving his food untouched.
Being alone no longer suited him. He needed company, even though no one could ever replace that of Temari's presence.
But he decided to look for Chouji.
They sat at the hill filled with so many memories. A haven for him and his love as a way to find peace. Now it only brought sadness and loneliness.
"I know it's hard for you Shikamaru, but you can't really change what has happened."
Shikamaru gazed at the clouds like he always did. "I know, give me time and I'll stop being this way."
Chouji smiled at him warmly. "Don't look at the memories with sadness Shikamaru, look at them knowing that they were made because of her."
They sat in silence for a while, then quietly Chouji left him alone.
When he felt that he could, Shikamaru left the hill as well.
Walking back, he felt the soft breeze pass through his hair, reminding him of her, and turning around, he found young couples hand in hand. It was sentimental and was yet another reminder.
Walking into his home, he expected to still feel sorrow and grief, instead, his eyes saw something different.
He walked forward to find a picture of Temari, himself, and their two children. He picked up the frame.
His beautiful daughter, and his handsome son, both reminding him so much of their mother. Instead of shedding a tear though, he smiled.
She had given him two beautiful children, who now have children of their own.
He looked out the window where the sun had already begun to set. It was so late already.
He smiled again, the sunsets reminded him of her smile. Another thing he'd been given by her. True happiness. He felt happiest when she was around, and they spent many times together out in the fields.
He spent the night watching the stars on top of his balcony. On the table beside him laid his old shogi board, reminding him of the challenges she gave him.
Looking into the sky, he realised what Chouji had meant.
He was given a family, memories full of love and happiness, a sense of belonging, and he had been given so much more from her.
"So thank you, you troublesome woman" Shikamaru whispered into the night sky, a tear falling down his cheek. "For what you've given me."
End.