Thanks to my good friend penumbra, who mention this to me in a review of this particular series of one-shots, I have decided after much thought, to write this chapter.
(This also ties in with the LCCD series)
InoShikaCho
HARD RAIN
It had been several days since his death; however the whole village was feeling it.
The solemn breeze billowing the leaves one the trees, the silence in the air, there was no denying it.
It was a good day, however
It would have been better if he were here.
We sat down in our usual spot in the restaurant, I looked over the menu, but for once, I just couldn't order anything. I looked over to Shikamaru, the bitter sting of tears he was desperate to hold back were almost out in the open. I looked at Ino, she was usually so full of words. She was so quiet, so pale, so fragile. Her eyes were bloodshot, as were mine, but she could collapse at any given moment.
Shikamaru spoke "Choji… why didn't you order anything?" I could tell he was trying to make a joke but after a few seconds he fell silent again. He could tell that I wasn't at my best either…
I put my arm on his shoulder, then Ino's, they both looked at me.
"I think its time we left, don't you? I know nothing I say could bring him back, but at least we got each other right?" We all left for the funeral…
The rain clouds were building up.
No one knew Asuma like us. He used to try and beat Shikamaru at shogi.
Used to take us out for dinner after every mission.
We each had own little way of showing our appreciation,
Ino would help him with the flowers he'd give to kurenai,
Shikamaru would give him a chance at shogi,
And I worked that extra bit harder to do my best…
It had started to rain…
"how troublesome…" Shikamaru said sadly, Ino nodded in total agreement
Each of the people who had worked with him on separate occasions had something to say. When it came to us three, well…
Ino took the stand and looked out to the crowd
"Asuma, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever"
Shikamaru then took the stand and looked toward Kurenai.
"If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
And bring you home again"
He always was good with words….
Then finally it was my turn… this is what I had said…
"Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die"
They had no idea I was so deep, I had no idea I was crying…
it was raining, it was a cold rain, a heavy rain, a hard rain… as if the heavens had opened up to cry.
I then spoke once more but not on my own, the three of us spoke as one.
"How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------dedicated to: Luke Day (teacher at my old school) and to anybody out there who has lost someone and didn't get the chance to say goodbye