The Last thing Shikamaru remembered before waking up in bed was Chouji carrying him and promising all would be well. Shikamaru woke up, and felt a sharp pain on his chest, but before he could even complain delicate hands placed on his chest healing him.
He looked up to see expert medic ninja, and friend Sakura Haruno She smiled warmly at him. He could feel her chakra flowing through his body, taking away the pain. He tried to hit up but she gave him "the look", that made him very aware he should back off.
"You took a rough beating out there." said Sakura.
"Yeah I was stupid I didn't think. My emotions got to me."
Sakura sighed, "I know the feeling, don't let it get to you."
"But Sakura if I hadn't gotten hurt, I could still be out there! My comrades need me." he said standing.
As soon as he stood thought he felt a sharp pain in his chest again, his knees gave and he fell to the floor.
"Shikamaru!" yelled Sakura. She gently picked him up and sat him on the bed.
"God Dammnit." she growled. "What YOU need is rest. You are in a serious condition. Lay down and relax. I just put stitches in you. Don't move around too much!"
"Fine, Doctors Order I guess." he grumbled.
"Now Get in bed!" She yelled.
Shikamaru lay down. His bare chest was wrapped up, his arm in a sling and he was in bad shape, but he was alive. He owed it to Sakura to at least try and rest. Next to his bed on the table was Asuma's lighter. He picked it up, smiling it at it. He lay down and kept opening and closing it. He liked to look at the flames. The flames reminded him of memories. Every time it flickered he got a new one. The smell of the smoke always reminded him of Asuma.
When Sakura returned with his clothes, he was still staring at the flame. She smiled and put his clothes on the table.
"I'm going to heal you some more." She said.
Sakura stood behind Shikamaru. Her hands flowed chakra into him, he felt it healing his chest wound.
"So you haven't been able to part with it yet, huh?" asked Sakura.
"You mean Asuma's lightet right?" asked Shikamaru gripping it in his hand.
"Yeah that."
"I know this is going to sound crazy but, after losing Asuma and Now my father…I feel like their will lives in it. Like holding this gives me strength."
"No I get it." said Sakura. "It holds there teachings."
Shikamaru sighed, "Yeah their Will of Fire."
Shikamaru felt really tired all of a sudden, and old. He hadn't let the effects of the battle hit him till now.
"You are done with the treatment for today." said Sakura. "Here are your clothes."
"Thanks Sakura."
Ino popped her head in moments later.
"How's he doing?" she asked.
"I'm good Ino." he replied.
Shikmaru picked up his navy blue shirt and put it on. Underneath it lied a long red sash. Shikamaru picked it up, it looked oddly familiar.
"Umm Sakura.. This isn't mine." he said.
"Oh crap! Must have got it mixed up. That's Temari's Sash. She was wearing it under her vest." said Sakura. "Ino would you mind bringing it to her."
But before Ino could reply Shikamaru spoke.
"I'll bring it to her Sakura. I haven't seen her yet." he said gripping the sash in his hand.
"Alright well as the medic in charge of you, I recommend you take this cane for support." Said Sakura.
"Ugh fine. What a bother." said Shikamaru.
He placed the sash and the lighter in his pocket. He grabbed the cane with on hand, while his other arm dangled in the sling and began to walk.
When Shikamaru was out sight Ino turned to Sakura.
"Alright forehead what's the deal? You never mix anything up." said Ino "Did you stash the sash on purpose?"
Sakura grinned, "What I want to see how it plays out between these two! Come Ino don't you? You've seen the way they've gotten closer since we took the chunin exams!"
Ino giggled, "I guess you're right. I like the way you think, that was a smooth move on your part!"
Now Shikamaru was on his way over to the tent were Temari had been placed. He took a breath and entered the tent. Many Medics were running around and what not, making sure the ninja were all ok.
It took Shikamaru a second to realize were Temari was because she looked so different. She lay still on the bed, her short blonde hair fanned around her pillow. The only sign of her looking alive was her chests gentle rise and fall. She looked vulnerable, and peaceful nothing like the Temari he new.
The bed next to her was empty so he sat and watched her sleep, until she would wake.
