Thought it was You Shikamaru. (Shikaino Shikamaru x ino)

Chapter 42: Shadows of Grief

The days that followed Asuma's death were shrouded in a thick fog of despair. Team 10, once filled with laughter and camaraderie, now felt like a hollow shell of its former self. Each member dealt with the pain in their own way, but the absence of their sensei left a void that echoed through their lives, casting a shadow over everything they had known.

Shikamaru found himself sitting in silence, staring at the ground as he replayed the final moments in his mind. The image of Asuma, lying motionless, haunted him day and night. It felt surreal, like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. Ino often joined him, her eyes swollen from crying, and the two of them would sit together, the weight of their grief heavy in the air. They didn't need to speak; the shared silence was a testament to their understanding.

Choji had become withdrawn, his usual appetite for life diminished. He spent most of his time at Asuma's grave, a shadow of his former self. The vibrant energy he once exuded was replaced by a somber stillness. He often sat there alone, offering quiet prayers and remembering the moments they had shared.

On the day of the funeral, the atmosphere was thick with sorrow. Friends, family, and villagers gathered to pay their respects, their faces reflecting the pain of loss. The sight of the casket draped in flowers was almost too much for Shikamaru to bear. He could hardly bring himself to look up, the weight of guilt and regret pulling him down. Asuma had believed in them, had seen potential in them, and now he was gone.

As the service unfolded, Ino stood beside him, her grip on his hand tightening as tears streamed down her face. It was unbearable to see their sensei laid to rest. Shikamaru felt a surge of anger mixed with sorrow. Why did they have to lose him? He wanted to scream, to lash out at the world for being so cruel, but instead, he remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

After the funeral, the small group of mourners began to disperse, each individual lost in their own grief. Shikamaru turned to his teammates, searching for a sign of comfort. "Do you want to come over to my house?" Ino offered, her voice trembling. "We can talk, or just... be together."

Choji shook his head, his eyes cast downward. "I can't... I want to stay here for a while longer." His voice was thick with emotion, and Shikamaru could see the pain etched on his face. It pained him to see his friend hurting so much, but he understood.

"Are you sure?" Shikamaru asked, concern lacing his tone. "I don't want you to be alone."

"I just... need some time," Choji replied softly, his voice breaking. "I'll be okay."

Shikamaru nodded slowly, respecting his friend's wish. He didn't want to push him, knowing that everyone coped differently. He looked over at Ino, who had been watching Choji with a deep sense of empathy.

"Let's go," he said quietly, taking Ino's hand. Together, they walked away from the grave, leaving Choji to his solitude.

As they made their way to Ino's house, the weight of their sorrow hung heavily between them. Once inside, Ino closed the door behind them, and the familiar comfort of her home felt surreal against the backdrop of their grief. The vibrant flowers and bright colors were a stark contrast to the darkness they felt inside.

They settled on the couch, the silence enveloping them. Shikamaru looked at Ino, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I can't believe he's gone," she whispered, her voice breaking. "He was always there for us. I don't know how to move on without him."

Shikamaru swallowed hard, his heart aching for her pain. "I don't either. He believed in us... in me. I feel like I've let him down."

Ino turned to him, her expression one of deep understanding. "You didn't let him down. He wanted us to be strong, to protect each other. That's what we have to do now." Her voice trembled as she leaned into him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Instinctively, Shikamaru wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. They sat in silence, holding onto each other as the waves of grief washed over them. Ino buried her face in his shoulder, her sobs muffled against his shirt.

"I miss him so much," she cried, the weight of her emotions spilling out uncontrollably. "I just wish... I wish we could talk to him one last time."

Shikamaru held her tighter, his heart aching for both of them. "Me too, Ino. Me too."

They remained entwined on the couch, two souls finding solace in one another amidst the darkness. Shikamaru felt the warmth of Ino's body against his, a fragile lifeline amidst the storm of grief. as Ino cried softly against him As they sat together, enveloped in their shared grief, Shikamaru felt a sudden surge of emotion. He gently lifted Ino's chin, tilting her face toward his. Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them, and in that fragile moment, he leaned in. His lips brushed softly against hers, a tender kiss that spoke of comfort and unspoken feelings. Ino's breath hitched, and she melted into the kiss.