Yahiko was damaged. Physically, he would heal. But some wounds could never be fixed.
I gently wound the white bandage around his arm. He had burns and cuts across his chest and right arm, and a deep gash on his scalp.
His scouting group had been attacked by Iwagakure shinobi, ruthless and merciless. They fought with deadly explosive tags and kunai.
Yahiko's face was tense. I could see he was in pain, but was trying not to show it. Maybe for my sake.
The rain was falling too hard. Yahiko didn't see the footprints, or the trap. He led his men straight into it.
I accidentally jarred his injured arm. He hissed in pain, a sharp intake of breath, and jerked away from my hands.
They were outnumbered two to one. The enemy ninja were more skilled and powerful than any of Yahiko's men, and they took him by surprise.
I leaned forward, wanting to comfort him, or apologize. Anything to take away his pain. Yahiko moved towards me, and met my eyes.
Four of his men fell almost immediately. Yahiko retreated, seeing that there was no hope of winning.
Somehow his lips lightly met mine.
Yahiko could never forgive himself for leading his men into the ambush. It was his failure, as leader.
The kiss felt beautiful and right. I carefully pulled Yahiko closer to me, and rested my head awkwardly on his good shoulder. He was shaking.
He blamed himself for every death, for not noticing the ambush, for not being able to protect his comrades.
I looked up to see silent tears sliding down Yahiko's face like rain. I kissed him again, longer and deeper.
Maybe I could heal him.