A Magical Dream

Chapter 1

Ino's POV:

I stare at the grave before me. Tears pricking the corner of my eyes, making my vision blur. Three months since the funeral... three months since my sensei, Asuma has passed.

The autumn breeze passes through the cold, dreadful cemetery, making my hair tangle into my face. I don't have the strength to push the loose strands back.

I sit in a kneeling position, silently praying that this is just a dream. That I'll eventually wake up and realize that at worst, I was in a coma, but unfortunately, this is not so.  I finally let the tears slide down my face, the pain still fresh and hurting more than ever.

~•~•~•~•~•~

"Chouji have you been eating well?" I ask him, watching him slurp up his third bowl of miso ramen.

"Ino, shouldn't I be asking you that? Are you sure you don't want any?" he questions, a frown slipping onto his face.

"I'm alright and you know me, ramen has too many calories. I'm eating fine though, don't worry." I lie, flashing him a big smile. I feel a twinge of guilt for lying to him because if I'm being honest, I haven't eaten since yesterday.

"Y'know... Ino ever since... Asuma's passing you have always been checking and making sure Shikamaru and I are alright, but are you ok? Honestly?" Chouji asks, softly and after knowing him for so many years, I can tell he feels like he's treading on thin ice. Even though he is, his expression is one of concern and I hate when he worries.

"I'm fine. It's just, I promised Asuma I would take care of you both no matter what and I intend to stick to my word, that's it." I assure, giving him a hearty thumbs up.

"Thank you, Ino." he says, smiling. I return the smile, though not feeling any type of happiness.

I'm lying. I'm not alright.

~•~•~•~•~•~

I hear multiple knocks on my door which wakes me up from my nap. I slowly will myself to get up and shuffle to the door, feeling very exhausted. I open it and am surprise to be met with someone who is not Shikamaru or Chouji.

"Hi, Ino... are you alright? Because you don't look all too well." my best friend, Sakura's, former sensei, Kakashi asks, his forehead creasing from concern at just the sight of me.

"Oh hi, Kakashi." I greet, slightly dumbfounded and open my door allowing him to come in. He walks in and stops as he takes a look around the room. It's only then that I realize how messy it is, there are plates unwashed and blankets piling on the sofa.

"Sorry it's a bit messy." I mumble in embarrassment, suppressing the urge to groan.

"Sakura told me you are sick and since she couldn't come here herself, she asked if I could..." he informs, scratching his head.

"Oh well, I've just been feeling under the weather that's all." I reply, shrugging. Hoping he realizes it's not a big deal.

"Have you eaten anything?" he asks after an awkward moment. I grimace at his question, to be truthful I haven't eaten in almost three days.

"Oh just a little here and there, I guess." I lie, bluntly, hoping it's convincing enough. He stares at me for a second, our eyes meeting. I quickly look away, my eyes landing on the wilting flowers on my windowsill, I sigh.