In His Shadow (Shikamaru x reader)

3. Exercise buddies

"Good work, guys," Sensei told us after training.

We all started to leave, but I was asked to stay for a second.

"Yes, Sensei?"

"I know you've been gone for a while, but I need you to work harder so you don't fall behind."

"Yes, Sensei, I'm aware. I'll work harder. I promise."

"Look, Asuma told me what really happened. I'm not mad at you at all. If you need a few more days to bounce back, that's fine, I understand, but if not, you just need to get right into it, okay?" He said softly.

I was pretty taken aback. "A-Asuma told you?"

"Mhmm. Listen, (y/n), I've experienced depression before, so I know how hard it can be."

I scratched my head in confusion. "What did my brother tell you exactly?"

"He told me about how you were in a psychiatric ward for all those months. It's okay, I understand. Take a few more days to get situated, I know it must be hard." He smiled softly under his mask.

Only Asuma would make up a lie like that.

"Thanks for your concern, but I'm alright. Really."

"Alright. Well start working on yourself. It seems you put on a little depression weight. See you later, (y/n)." And with that, he left.

I stood in the training grounds for a few more minutes just thinking to myself.

I'm going to kill Asuma.
Did Sensei just call me fat?
I'M GOING TO KILL ASUMA.

As I walked home, I only grew angrier. I kept saying I was going to work out, but now I actually needed to do it. I decided to start a diet.

"Hey, (y/n)!" Someone called out.

"What?" I asked, a twinge of annoyance in my voice. That was until I turned around. "Oh, hey, Nara."

"You okay?"

"Yeah, sorry." I brushed some loose hairs behind my ear.

"Are you sure? You seem upset."

I let out a quiet sigh. "Maybe just a little. Asuma's being a total dick, and Kakashi-Sensei called me fat-"

"Kakashi said that to you? He's such a drag," He scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"No, he's right. I seriously need to lose weight. I keep telling myself that and then continue to do nothing about it."

"You look fine, trust me, but if you want to work out we can do it together."

"Wait really?!" I grinned.

"Working out is such a drag, but if you want to do it, I'll do it with you."

"Thank you so much, Nara!" I grinned, pulling him in for a hug. "Can we start tomorrow morning?"

"Sure, I'll see you tomorrow at... 8? Meet me near Ichiraku," He instructed.

We parted ways and said goodbye, then I began  to make my way to Asuma and Kurenai's to fight my brother.

I unlocked their door with the key they gave me and went inside. They were standing in the kitchen and immediately turned around to face me.

"Hey, (Y/n), what's up?" Asuma greeted me.

"YOU TOLD KAKASHI-SENSEI I WAS IN A PSYCH WARD?"

"Well hello to you, too," my brother chuckled.

"IT'S NOT FUNNY- hey, Kurenai- HE PROBABLY THINKS I'M CRAZY OR SOMETHING. WHY WOULD YOU TELL HIM THAT?!"