Disclaimer: don't own Naruto
A/N: thought I'd do one on just team ten.
Smoke
His fingers itch as he pulls the pack of cigarettes and lighter from his pocket, flipping the top open with a practiced ease. The entire operation is rather therapeutic as he pulls the cigarette out and drops the box back into his pocket. Slipping the tip of the cigarette between his lips he cups the other end in preparation to light it.
The flame blazes to life as he draws the lighter closer, the heat warming his numbed fingers against the cold. The end of the cigarette catches quickly, emitting a soft orange glow in the dark. The lighter is returned to the pocket as he repositions the cigarette taking a long hard drag.
He closes his eyes as smoke flows back, hitting his throat and dropping into his lungs; for a moment he can almost imagine Asuma is standing there with them. He holds it for a moment, until his lungs ache before breathing out a bellow of smoke.
His body relaxing as the tension too leaves his body.
''Really Shikamaru,'' Ino groans waving her hand in front of her face against the offending smoke. ''You know you shouldn't be smoking those.'' She can't help snap, even if the smell reminds her of Asuma; reminds her of simpler times.
Missions spent bonding as a team, diners in celebratory victories. Watching his relationship bloom with Kurenai. Excited for what it would bring and unsuspecting of the heartache that would follow.
He was there with watchful eyes and guiding hands.
And always the smell of smoke.
''Leave him alone Ino,'' Chōji moans out in exhaustion, as he shifts the baggy t-shirt, starving and tired. He trudges alongside them, knowing he shouldn't, but he takes great comfort in the smell of the smoke; he can almost imagine Asuma too is walking beside them.
The chuckle that he would give around the cigarette as the three of them bicker, full and hearty and warm; though he imagines he wouldn't be too thrilled with Shikamarus new habit. He'd hurry home from the mission to his wife and daughter, spend his days enjoying the peace they fought so hard to earn.
He can pretend that Mirai isn't growing up without her father, that they hadn't lost him all those years ago.
Imagine if even for a moment that that he's here in the flesh and not just the stories they tell and a grave they visit.
Shikamaru sighs as he flicks the cigarette, knocking the ash off before he takes another drag, careful to blow the smoke in the opposite direction. Ino watches, face scrunched up slightly as the cigarette burns down, then leans over suddenly to pluck it from his hand when he pulls it from his mouth.
Both of her teammates watch wide eyed as she lifts the cigarette quickly to her own lips, without hesitation, face steeled in determination.
''In-" Shikamaru starts, coughing out smoke, trying to stop what he knows is about to happen.
She sucks in as deep a breath as she can mange, realizing the mistake she's made all to late. Face instantly contorts in pain as she rips the cigarette from her mouth, overtaken with a coughing fit of her own, struggling to breath. She shoves the cigarette at Chōji, eyes red and moves away when he gingerly takes it from her.
He stares at it for a moment before hesitantly bringing it to his own mouth, the wet cotton just barely past his lips and takes the smallest puff. His lips curl back in disgust and immediately he blows the smoke straight back out, handing it right back to Shikamaru he goes to check on Ino.
Shikamaru shakes his head at his teammates, bringing the cigarette up, cringing when the wet cotton touches his lips. He takes a last drag, savoring it as he stomps out the butt. Blowing out the last puff of smoke he walks away knowing the smell will fade all too quickly, as me moves after his team.
Remembering the man who smelled of smoke.
A/N: share your thoughts and ideas are welcome :)