He hadn't expected the flurry of movement and organising would be overwhelming after the illogical nightmare that had been the battlefield, and yet, he barely registered how he was sent to the hospital. He remembered Konohamaru was the one to sign in he, Naruto, and the others in Kurama. The young Genin had shot forward, yelling Naruto's name upon seeing the signature blonde hair of his big sister in the fox's form. He hadn't even paused before jumping up to wrap her in a tight hug, tears in his eyes. He had finally let her go only to jump on Shikamaru with another strong embrace. After that they had been herded to the triage sector that had been set up outside the hospital.
Kurama had disappeared back into Naruto once Shikaku, Inoichi, and the Cloud woman had been passed into healer hands but Shikamaru noticed that Naruto stayed next to Shikaku, holding his wrist. Sakura stopped Ino and Shikamaru at the door to their fathers' room, telling them to wait whilst they got them stabilised. Naruto, however, had been ushered inside. Shikamaru had had to swallow thickly, realising that Kurama was still manually pumping his father's heart through his girlfriend holding his father's hand.
There was no denying that both Naruto and Kurama were exhausted. The natural tan of the blonde's skin had paled to a sickly chalky grey, her shoulders were slumped, and she seemed to barely registered when people were nearby. The way she kept seeking him out with her eyes told him she wasn't liking the last part.
When Sakura allowed them access to the room, the pink haired woman reminding Ino she would have to get to work soon, Shikamaru went to Naruto, wrapping his arms around her waist. Slowly, she loosened her grip on Shikaku's wrist, prying her fingers from the pale flesh. As she moved her hand away, Shikamaru noticed how it shook. Her whole body felt like it was trembling.
"Is his heart beating on its own?" Shikamaru asked into the silence.
"No," Ino answered, "The machine next to him is so Kurama doesn't have to. They'll keep a close eye on both of them. Someone should stay with him."
As she spoke the door slid open violently, its wheels rattling as it hit the end of the run and bounced. In rushed their mothers, who instantly pulled their respective children into a hug. Aunt Momiji reached out her hand to hold Naruto's as the blonde was engulfed in Yoshino's arms with Shikamaru. Aiai, Eiji, Ryota, and the twins' mother, Kurva entered after them, Kurva quietly closing the door. Their mother was one of the tiniest women Shikamaru had ever seen. He had never noticed because she had a terrifying presence, something that was probably helpful in interrogation. Now, however, with her eyes red, her arms hugging her stomach, and a lost look on her face, she looked every inch of her four foot seven.
"Aunt Kurva," he spoke over his mother's shoulder, his voice wavering.
"I know, Shikamaru." She sniffled, Ryota wrapping his large arms around her small shoulders.
"Mum handed his body scroll over." Ryota's words made a sob come from his sister.
Aiai, having had to be told by her mother and brother looked to be still in the early stages of shock. Shikamaru wondered if it should have been him to tell her, since he was temporary leader until his dad was able to fulfil his duties. Selfishly, he was thankful he hadn't.
Yoshino finally pulled back, Aunt Momiji and Ino taking the opportunity to pull a stunned and stumbling Naruto into their arms. The Heart of the Naras went to her niece, who was being comforted by her husband. Pulling her into her arms she ordered Eiji get her a glass of water and a chair.
"What happens now?" Ryota asked, looking at the adults in the room.
"The Leaders of the Clans will have work to do," Yoshino admitted, looking sorrowfully at Ino and Shikamaru. "Choza will be able to help, but there are tasks you two will have to do."
"I'll do everything I can, but I have to help here too." Ino gestured at the hospital at large after her mother let her and Naruto go.
"I can help. Whatever leg work you and Shikamaru need, I've got!" Ryota exclaimed, looking almost desperate for them to accept.
Both of them thanked him.
"I've been told to get you and Sasuke situated, Naruto," Eiji said, handing his wife her water. "And I'll check up on you both regularly. As will two of your other healers. Sasuke estimated that you will both be out for a few days, at least three, once you finally stop."
"I'm going to go home and shower soon."
"You should go now." Shikamaru noticed her reluctance. "I'll take you so that you don't collapse on the way."
"No, you have too much to do, and your dad is here." She shook her head, which nearly threw her off balance enough to land on the floor.
"Momiji and I are going to stay here," Yoshino assured, taking her husband's hand. "Please, for us, let Shikamaru see you safely home."
"I'll find Choza and Choji and start getting the Clans in order, with yours and Ino's permission." Ryota looked at them both, ensuring he had their authorisation.
It felt good to see his cousin like that. He had always enjoyed the ranks within the Clans, and the traditions and protocols. Shikamaru had always found them tedious.
"Mum, I'll be back later. If you two need anything, let me know and I'll get it for you." He kissed his mother on the cheek, his lips coming back wet from the silent tears she had been crying.
"Just take care of Naruto," Yoshino whispered, her eyes staying on her husband's face.
With a nod to his mother, Shikamaru started leading Naruto out of the hospital. The further they walked the more she stumbled and needed him to support her. It seemed like every few metres they had someone or groups of people spot them and, seeing they were too exhausted to socialise, gave them solemn nods or even bows.
The somber look threw Shikamaru. There was so much respect and faith in their gazes. He knew that Naruto was seen as a hero to the village after defeating Pein but their eyes weren't exclusively on her. He remembered people giving that look to his father. Even now his chest would swell with pride, knowing that the village saw his father the way he himself did. Having that gaze aimed at him felt unnatural, unearned. The stretch between the hospital and their apartment was endless. But finally, they reached the door, only for Shikamaru to realise something.
"I left the key in my bedroom at the Estate."
Naruto waved a half-hearted hand, turning the handle. The door yielded. "Konohamaru had my key to look after my plants. I told him to give it to Sasuke earlier."
When they entered, they heard the shower running, Sasuke's shoes sitting by the door. Naruto had to lean against the wall to kick her own off. Shikamaru fared much better. Walking further into the home, they paused. On the dining table sat a white box with a shaker of salt on top of it. As Shikamaru turned to ask Naruto what it was about, Sasuke ungracefully stepped out of the bathroom in fresh, plain clothing.
Naruto looked at the Uchiha, pointing at the box and the salt with an amused smile.
"Happy birthday," he grumbled. "It's just from the local store. I can't even remember what I bought." He shot Shikamaru a look before shifting from foot to foot. "Um, birthdays are a Uchiha thing."
Naruto and Shikamaru shot each other a smile as the blonde stumbled to the box.
"I told Naruto years ago how other clans might have picked up the tradition too," Sasuke went on, watching the woman open the box and pull out a cupcake with orange frosting. "I mean, it might have become more common in the four years since I left. Maybe everyone does it now."
Shikamaru bit down on his chuckle, but Naruto didn't. She had cut the cupcake into three pieces and gave each male apiece. "Sasuke, I know birthdays are normally celebrated in the village. Choji let it slip coming up to Ino and Shikamaru's birthdays."
"Oh." A blush dusted his cheeks. He shoved the cake in his mouth and nearly choked on it when Naruto hugged him suddenly.
"Thank you."
The man grumbled. "It was nothing."
Naruto let go of Sasuke, collapsing into a chair by the table, eating her slice of cake. She made a comment about cakes tasting better without the salt, something Sasuke snorted at. They both seemed to not notice Shikamaru's confusion. She watched Sasuke turn towards the main bedroom, his steps wobbly.
"That's my room," she called out, halting his steps for a moment.
"Mine now," he taunted.
"I mean, if you want to sleep in the bed Shikamaru and I lost our virginities in," she sniggered.
Sasuke's face turned crimson as he turned sharply and bolted to the spare bedroom.
After a chuckle, Naruto sighed. "I know I should have a shower but I'm not sure I can stand up."
Shikamaru held out the last piece of the cupcake. "Eat!"
"It's good, you should have it."
He shook his head, a soft smile on his face. "Eat, please." Once she had, he grasped her upper arms, pulling her to her feet and practically carrying her to the bathroom.
Turning on the water to warm it, he got Naruto to lean against the basin as he stripped them both. He tested the water before guiding them both under the stream. The shower was surprisingly spacious, Shikamaru and Naruto not being cramped.
Naruto used the wall for support as Shikamaru started cleaning them both. She stared out passed the glass panels as they slowly fogged. As Shikamaru turned to grab the shampoo, he heard her give a sob. Turning back sharply, he watched her face crumble.
Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered into her ear, "It's alright. Just tell me what's wrong?"
"I don't know," Naruto whimpered. "It's all over, but I don't feel relieved. I feel like I should be doing something but I don't have anything left. I can't… I can't even think. Just the idea of doing something makes me want to lay down. I can't, I can't do it anymore."
"Naruto, you don't have to do anything. I'll finish washing you, I'll tuck you into bed, and then you can sleep for as long as you want. I'll check in on you regularly, and when I'm not here, Ryota will be, or probably mine and Ino's mums. You don't have to do anything, anymore. You've done more than enough, more than anyone expected."
Naruto sniffled, nodding. Even so, she wept against Shikamaru's shoulder, clinging to him as her body shook. Eventually, with a deep sigh, she leant back, allowing Shikamaru to kiss her before he grabbed the shampoo.
It felt good to finally be clean. As he sat on Naruto's bed, he used her first aid kit to rebandage his hands. He was thankful he had moved some clothing to the apartment before marching out. The lack of dirt, blood, and grit made him able to think more clearly about what he had to do for his clan.
Looking over at his girlfriend, he found her curled on her side, blinking at him slowly.
"I'll stay until you fall asleep, love."
She gave him a small smile at his words, silently reaching out to put a hand on his leg. Within seconds her breaths had evened out, any tension in her body evaporating.
Shikamaru waited five minutes before he slowly stood up. Leaning down, he was startling reminded of when Naruto had been unconscious just before the Chunin exams. This time he did kiss her lips. Thinking back, he was very thankful he didn't let his childish idiocy get the better of him and make him do something inappropriate.
As he snuck to the front door, he heard a soft tapping, making him almost reach for a kunai. Instead, he took a breath and opened the door. Standing there were Eiji and Iruka-Sensei.
"Are they asleep?" Eiji asked in a professional manner, stepping into the room without waiting for an invite.
"Naruto is, not sure about Sasuke." Shikamaru looked at his old teacher questioningly.
"I thought I'd stand vigil for them. I know you have places you have to be and I didn't want Naruto to be alone."
"Thank you," he breathed.
He stayed with them until Eiji had set up the jutsus to ensure Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't dehydrate or starve whilst out, and gave Iruka-Sensei bedding for the couch, before heading out. He had had to fight a smile at his teacher's uncomfortable look at realising how at home Shikamaru was. The fact that there were a few framed photos of the two around the apartment probably added to that impression. And he had no doubt that Iruka-Sensei would eventually find the coffee in the cupboard and realise it wasn't Naruto's.
He made a mental note to get groceries for the apartment, even if Naruto wouldn't need them for a few days, Iruka-Sensei would. He started thinking about his clan, and Ino's, adding other tasks to his list. It wasn't uncommon for one of their clans to help the other if the Heads of the Clans were out of commission and the heirs were unable to shoulder the tasks. He remembered when his father had gained his face scars. He had been in the hospital for two weeks and the swelling was so bad he couldn't see well. Shikamaru had only been five at the time and his Uncles had taken it in turn to do any duty his father couldn't around the estate, along with Uncle Satoru.
This fact made him unsurprised to see Choza's bulky form standing in front of Shikamaru's house, calmly issuing orders to a handful of Akamichis and Naras.
"Uncle," he called, drawing close.
"Shikamaru, my boy." The large man tried to smile but it was strained. "How are they?"
"Stable, but we won't really know for a while." Shikamaru blinked away the sting in his eyes. "I think I know what I have to do, but I won't say no to some guidance."
"Of course." Uncle Choza moved to sit on the porch. "I just sent some of my people to accurately identify the diseased Akamichis. I've sent Yamanakas to do the same for Ino, since I know she's needed in the hospital at the moment but I didn't want to overstep with you. Out of the three, you have come into leading the most and I want you to know I see that. I have sent some Naras to just ensure that any ninjas who a well enough to return to the estate don't need aid with food, medicine, or mobility. Best to be safe."
The young Nara cleared his throat. "Thank you, Uncle. I was going to send the Naras who normally oversee our burials to do that, then get them to give me a list of the next of kin so I can inform them. I don't know if I'm meant to do it in person, or by letter."
"Normally it's your mother who does it. She provides a letter from your father and normally some food. In war times, it's a little difficult to prepare enough food to give to everyone. There will be people within the village who will do that for everyone as part of the healing process. Grieving people typically forget to feed themselves."
"Okay, so a letter is expected, but I probably won't be able to spare the time everyone needs. I might ask Ryota to give them out. I don't want to neglect the time each person requires to progress the information I give them, but I can't give them it in person without hurting the rest of the Clan's needs. I'll ask Ino to delegate someone to hand out the letters too, maybe she can find time to sign them."
"Aiko can help with that, and Momiji can always sign in Ino's stead. She might like the distraction. Your mother can do the same for you if she wishes too."
Shikamaru nodded, making another mental note to ask the two women. "I have to make sure all wills of the Nara deceased are accurate to the known wishes they submitted for our files. I also have to see to all injured Naras, make sure they are properly identified if they can't identify themselves, alert their next of kin to their whereabouts if they are immobilised, or if they are fit to return home that they have full access to anything and everything they need, especially if they live alone or it's only them and small children. But you've already done that last one. And I need to find someone to do that for Ino's Clan."
"Choji can do all that for Ino with Aiko's help. You just focus on your Clan at the moment. You seem to have most things figured out, but you forgot something." At the confused look he received, Choza went on. "Members of your Clan, especially those high on the Clan's council, will want to be helpful to you. You have to not only delegate tasks to them, but you have to ask for their help with your own health. What's something you need that is a bit more personal, not a professional task."
Shikamaru thought. "I need to get groceries for Iruka-Sensei who is looking after Naruto, and I need to get food to mum, Aunt Momiji, Aunt Kurva, and Aiai. Oh, and Eiji too."
"You will have to inform the clan what has happened with your father and Inoichi. When you do, ask if any of them would be willing to do one of those tasks. Don't delegate them, just ask. One of the most important things I learnt from my father was that one of the best ways to help the Clan, is to let the Clan help me at times. That feeling of being useful, of aiding in the running of their family in any way can give them the focus or sense of relief they are needing in that moment."
"Thank you. The first thing I'm going to do is gather the Clan to let them know about dad and to let them know the plan for our loved ones. Is Choji going to tell the Yamanaka Clan?"
"No. I've already told Ino that it is something she needs to do herself. The first few hours upon returning from war are always hectic for the hospital, but thankfully most people would have been seen to before we journeyed home. Some will need surgery but Ino can find time to see to her Clan, Lady Hokage will see to that." Uncle Choza dropped a meaty hand onto Shikamaru's shoulder, making him sag a little under the weight. "You're doing well. If you have any questions, send someone to get me. And if you need anyone to check in on Naruto, Choji and I will be happy to do so."
"Thanks. Iruka-Sensei is going to stay at hers but I'll let him know if he needs a break when I'm not free that he can ask you."
Uncle Choza nodded, rising to his feet. "I have to see your mum and Momiji so I know what to tell my Clan about Shikaku and Inoichi. I'll drop by later to check in."
Shikamaru watched his uncle walk through the estate's gates before he took a deep breath. The moment he rose to his feet Ryota rounded the corner.
"Were you listening in?"
"Partly," he admitted, shrugging. "I heard you say what you were planning to get me to do and so I started strategizing how to go about that. I would have started already but I wanted to check if there was anything else."
"I want you with me when I address the Clan. We're down the Head, and the Heart isn't really up for looking after us all, so I want the Clan to see the two of us are standing strong."
"To warn you, cuz, you're going to have to tell the Clan what's happened to Naruto. I know she's okay, but the rest are going to wonder why we won't be seeing her around for a few days or more. It'll put their minds at ease. Hell, I've had some civilian members comment that they missed seeing her around when the war was being fought. She stands out in this estate, after all."
Shikamaru snorted. "Yeah, there's no denying that."
/ / / / / / /
The Nara Clan was always seen as stoic, but telling them about their leader, and the leader of the Yamanaka Clan being hospitalised caused a wave of sorrow to ripple over their expressions. Shikamaru, after having outlined what he was going to do about any injured or deceased members, as well as all aid for the mental recovery of all clansmen, he made a purposely off-hand comment about how he wouldn't be in the estate that much for a few hours a day. He said it in a way that it was clear he was trying to find time for those moments away from his clan duties. When one of the members, a fourth cousin who had been too old to march out with the rest of the ninjas, asked what he would be doing, Shikamaru explained how his mother and Aunt Momiji needed food delivered, and possibly a change of clothing every day, and Iruka-Sensei needed groceries since he was looking after Naruto, he was faced with a number of high up clansmen instantly delegating amongst themselves who would do what. One of the clansmen knew Iruka-Sensei, having worked at the school, so decided they would also check if he needed anything else like clothing, a third-cousin declared she and two of the other women would be the ones in charge of gathering clean clothing for Yoshino every day, and a man not too much older than Shikamaru decided he was on meal prep, and asked Shikamaru's permission to open a kitchen for anyone in the estate who might need an easy meal. He of course agreed, though he pointed out that the village would have similar kitchens open for everyone, so he didn't want the man overworked.
Hiro pushed forward when Shikamaru was ready to dismiss everyone from the council room. He wasn't one of the councilmen, nor had his mother been before him, but as a high ranked Jonin he had a right to be in the room.
"I would like to sometimes sit with Naruto to ease Iruka. Emon, from the Hyuga would also volunteer if he knew. We're her friends, but I don't know if Iruka would trust us without your blessing."
Shikamaru nodded, knowing that the two men, and Jun, had gotten very close to Naruto during her time in the Nara Estate. "I'll let him know when I visit later today."
As everyone filed out, Shikamaru looked down at the paperwork he had to fill out. Most were funeral rights that he had to sign ready for a name to be added later. Once he had all names of lost Naras he would have even more to do, but would probably have to delegate to others to get it all done in a timely fashion. In the meantime, he could sign most of the paperwork at Naruto's apartment.
With that, he gathered the forms he had to work on and headed out, making sure to mention to the members guarding the gates to the estate where he was going.
/ / / / /
Over the next few days, he split his time between Naruto's bedside, his father's bedside, and the estate. He felt stretched thin, often falling asleep in an armchair he had pulled into Naruto's room, or finding himself stumbling to bed well past midnight for only a handful of hours. Ryota regularly checked in on Shikamaru, making sure he ate, even if it was snacking, and drank plenty of water. Even so, after the third day he could feel his head starting to throb. He spent the majority of the day at Naruto's hoping she would wake up. She had estimated three days after all. Truthfully though, he had no clue how she was able to work out how long she would be unconscious recovering from chakra depletion.
As he and Iruka-Sensei ate lunch and talked about nothing in particular they heard a shuffling, then the click of an opening door. The two men whirled around to face Naruto's door, only to find it still closed. It took them both a moment to blink away their surprise before they let the location of the sound dictate where they looked. They watched Sasuke stumble out of the spare room, his clothing wrinkled and his hair dishevelled. He made a beeline for the bathroom as he yawned.
"Is there food?" he asked as he bumped into the lounge, barely slowing his steps.
"Yes, I'll heat you up some lunch." Iruka-Sensei stood, moving over to the left-overs, grabbing a third plate. Luckily the villagers that had furnished Naruto's apartment had given her a full set.
"Thank you," Sasuke muttered before he disappeared into the bathroom.
Shikamaru waited until the other man had filled his stomach some and properly woken up before he spoke. "Do you think Naruto will wake up soon too?"
The Rogue Nin shook his head, not looking up from his plate. "She used more chakra than I did. She had been fighting for longer, and I had time to recuperate as I travelled here before joining the battle. She's always had more chakra than me, even without touching on Kuruma's power, but I'm pretty sure having Kuruma extracted… and the result of that… took a lot out of her. I'm not even sure how long she'll be out but she'll recover."
Shikamaru couldn't help the deep disappointment that those words caused. He wanted to hear Naruto's voice, see her eyes light up and a smile pull at her lips. But he couldn't deny that Sasuke's reassurance that Naruto's sleep was all she needed calmed him. He had found himself low on chakra many times, especially since he had a pitiful amount compared to many other ninjas. However, he had never became comatose.
"Do you and Naruto reaccumulate chakra quickly?" he asked, making Sasuke look at him in confusion.
"Yeah, why?"
"That's the only reason you both didn't burn out. If I had pushed myself that hard, I would have had my chakra veins destroyed. You both were able to push past your limits, which shouldn't be possible. But that's why you two back off from a fight and even get your opponent to talk to you. Five minutes for you two, it can replenish your chakra enough, can't it?"
Sasuke frowned as he pushed his plate away. "Yeah. I didn't realise it wasn't common for a long time. Naruto was the one to give me the idea to trick my opponent into giving myself the time I need. When we fought together, she would naturally get them talking, or we would cover each other to give each other breathing time. It wasn't until Kakashi ran out of chakra in a fight that I realised it took longer for others to get even a little back."
"What a drag. You two are basically the definition of power houses." He nearly jumped when his words caused Sasuke to laugh. He knew the man was human, but it was still creepy.
As the day went on, Naruto still didn't wake, but also Shikamaru started to realise how little he truly knew about Sasuke. The man had watched Shikamaru fill out paperwork for almost an hour before asking him what the forms were for. When he explained how he was checking over the wills of the Naras who had died in the war, and checking the living wills for those in the hospital, Sasuke had asked why it wasn't the next of kin doing it for each individual person. The Nara had been surprised by the question, since Sasuke had also been born to the Head of a Clan.
"Well, some don't have an actual next of kin. Their parents could be gone, no siblings, cousins, or partner. The Naras typically don't have more than two kids, so after a while it happens that some Naras, though they are family, feel more like neighbours since there is so much separation over time. On top of that, a lot of couples are both ninjas, so they could have both died, or one could be dead, and the other in hospital. And then, there is always the risk of an argument between the person's close family. I don't know about all clans, but Ino's, Choji's, and mine have a rule that once a clansman either becomes a Genin or turns 16, whichever becomes first, have to create a will and have the Head of the Clan sign off on it. The next of kin of all these people are doing anything that needs to be done with their treatment, or inheritance, but I have to just ensure everything is following the wills and that everything is done correctly. It's a drag, but I'm glad my dad doesn't have to deal with it."
"Should I be sitting in view of the papers?" Sasuke asked, looking as though he was going to get up from the table.
"None of this stuff is sensitive material," he assured, only to get a confused look from the other man.
"But it's clan information. Any and all clan information should be kept from those outside of the clan," Sasuke said, sounding suspiciously like he was quoting someone.
Shikamaru shrugged. "I guess our clans just operate different. We have things we wouldn't broadcast to the village," he thought of their gift to feel things through their shadows, "but at the same time we don't have anything we would hide from people. Our jutsu is even one other people can learn, we have just perfected it. The style comes naturally to us but we've never stopped others from using it. I guess cause your clan ability is entirely hereditary unless through nefarious means the secrecy is a bit more needed."
Sasuke pondered what Shikamaru had said. "I'm not sure our level of secrecy was the wisest choice. Maybe the village would have trusted us more if we were more open."
"Maybe you would have been more open if the village trusted your clan more." Shikamaru gave Sasuke a blank look when he looked at him in surprise. "Sasuke, you can never know what would have happened. One led to the other, but who knows what came first. Maybe neither. Power causes fear. Naruto is a great example of that. She was a harmless child, but she had power in her, so people feared her. Your clan was powerful. One person with power can show that they will use it for good, but a clan has to be more careful with their displays. You can never guarantee a large group of people will all be good people so there is always a risk of fear."
"Your clan is filled with geniuses that could easily cease power."
Shikamaru gave the man a cynical smile. "And we have low chakra. Part of the reason we are so lazy is because we don't like exerting ourselves unnecessarily and using chakra. I mean, I'm not saying I'm not lazy, I'm just saying, that weakness is known to the entire village, which makes people feel safe."
"So, if I wanted to make a place in the village for my clan, I should let our weaknesses be known?" Sasuke pulled a face, clearly uncomfortable with that thought.
"No, just maybe don't be so closed off that it breeds mistrust. Hearing Naruto talk about you, even Ino, who thought she knew you well, was surprised. I don't think you let anyone but Naruto see who you truly are. None of us could understand why she wanted to get you back after what you had done to her, and the things we were hearing. But talking to her about the real you, I can understand. I can't say I like you, but I don't want to break your nose as much as I used to."
"Comforting," the other man snorted.
"It's the best you're getting from me."
/ / / / /
He managed to get all of the paper work done, even if it took him well past midnight. With that monumental stack out of the way he knew he should have a lot less to do the next day. He couldn't say he was thrilled by that fact though. His father's state was still precarious and now he didn't even know when Naruto was going to wake. Every time he stopped to think about two of the people he cared about the most, he felt like he couldn't breathe. He knew that, when in hardship or in confusing times, he turned to either his father or Naruto to help. He didn't need them to take over, or give him the answers, he just needed them there, to hear their voices, to find comfort in their presence, and mostly, he needed to know they were safe.
Naruto, he knew, would be fine, given time, but his father didn't give him such confidence. As he stepped into Naruto's bedroom, he felt another wave of that, now familiar, feeling wash over him. Shikamaru stifled the sob in his throat as he tried to blink away the burning in his eyes. There was time to prepare for the worst case. Logically, it would be best for him to prepare himself mentally. If his father pulled through, he would be elated, but if he held onto that shred of hope, only to have it ripped away, he wasn't sure he could survive that. Not without Naruto. He still remembered the white noise that clogged his head and emptied him of anything but pain and shock when he thought his father was dead. Something told him that watching his father slip away in a hospital bed, surrounded by loved ones he didn't know were there would be more painful. The Tailed-Beast Bomb was quick. He had time to say goodbye but then he was gone and then Shikamaru was fighting for his and others' lives. There had been nothing he could have done. He couldn't stop the bomb, he couldn't reach his father, he could only give his father one last goodbye. Now, he laid on a bed, unaware that he was surrounded by loved ones. His father was always strong, and yet, they may have to watch him slowly slip away without a fight. But to give up that hope felt like willing his father to die. In the end, perhaps the extra pain the hope gave would be worth it over the guilt of getting rid of it.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he looked at the arm chair. He had curled up in it a few times to get some shut eye whilst watching Naruto but it was honestly uncomfortable. He looked at the space beside Naruto. It wasn't like they hadn't shared a bed multiple times but something about her being unconscious instead of simply asleep felt cold. She was unresponsive in her condition, not a sound, or a twitch in reply to him kissing her forehead or holding her hand. Even so, sleeping in the chair, out of reach of the blonde made him feel hollow.
Grabbing his pajamas from the draw, he changed before slipping under the covers. His side of the bed was cool, but there was a radiation of warmth coming from Naruto. Once he was comfortably settled on his back, he turned his head, looking over at the woman beside him. Reaching out, he brushed Naruto's growing fringe out of her eyes. She gave a noise, not quite a sigh, or a moan, or a groan, but it seemed like a soft mixture of the three. He held his breath, wondering if she was finally waking. He could see her eyes flutter behind their lids. They didn't open though. Instead, she rolled towards him, shuffling her head onto his shoulder. This time she did sigh, one arm and leg sliding cross Shikamaru's body until she was cuddled tight into him.
Wrapping his arm over her shoulders, he kissed her head, feeling his raging mind starting to ease as eyelids became heavy.
/ / / / /
R and R if you like.