AN: I know it's been a looooong time since I uploaded anything, but after the Naruto Shippuuden filler episode from a couple weeks ago, this had been stuck in my head and just wouldn't leave me alone. So I have typed it up for your reading pleasure (hopefully anyway!). For those of you who are waiting for chapter updates from me, please rest assured that I am working on them as often as I can, but this is a VERY busy time of year for me. I'll keep working as I have time, so hopefully I will have something new for you soon. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this quicky fic.

Ino just walked into the room and put her hand on my shoulder; but no matter what I try I can't seem to focus on anything but him.

She almost caught be by surprise, I didn't notice her until her hand was just inches from me.

She leaned forward to try and read my expression, but I can't seem to look away from his face.

I just keep staring at him, hoping to see his eyes open to reveal the stunningly blue irises that always hold so much emotion.

The eyes that hold so many feelings for me; so subtle, yet able to pierce my heart with their intensity.

She sighs, "Hey. Are you alright?"

I nod hardly realizing what I'm doing, "I'm fine."

How many times have I heard him say that?

Heh, probably more than I can count...

After everything that we've been through I can't help but wonder how much time I've spent sitting beside his hospital bed.

Waiting for him to wake up is the worst part of it.

I sit here counting his heart beats, measuring his breathing against my own.

I jump at every twitch of his eyebrows, every little groan or sharp breath crashes against my senses and my heart leaps to my throat as I wait for his smile and the embarrassed chuckle that inevitably follows unconsciousness.

'I'm fine..." it was the last thing he said to me before he moaned and fell into my arms.

... and I couldn't wake him up.

It was a terrifying feeling; clutching him to my chest, watching him gasp for breath as I examined his wounds and tried desperately to help him.

Panic began to creep up my spine; that awful tingling sensation that every ninja is familiar with.

The feeling snapped me back to my senses; like most ninja, panic and fear are things I've learned to push aside.

My mind cleared and I almost laughed at myself. Yes his injuries were serious, but it would take more than that to kill someone as stubborn as him.

That was almost six hours ago now. I was relieved when we got him back to Konoha, but I wasn't able to truly relax until Tsunade-sama barreled into the room.

I pity anyone who gets caught between her and caring for her favorite ninja. She quickly took charge of everything and I willingly stepped aside, feeling fatigue seeping into my limbs as I was relieved of responsibility.

After I had reported everything to Tsunasde-sama Shikamaru put his arm around my shoulders and led me out of the room.

Even though I don't know Shikamaru very well, I have to admit that his presence was comforting.

He's gentle and kind, and he always seems to know what others need to hear.

It's sort of strange listening to him talk; he's nearly the same age as me, but he talks like a much older person; sort of slow and thought out, and... I guess wise is the right word for it.

Suddenly Ino's face is right in front of mine, blocking out th rest of the room; her hand is on my forehead and she looks concerned.

I blink quickly as I realize that she has been talking to me all this time, "I-I'm sorry. I zoned out. What were you saying Ino?"

She sighs and crouches in front of me, "I said: Chouji and I are going to get some food and tea for everyone. Do you want something?"

I manage to smile at her, "Some tea would be nice. Thanks Ino."

Ino stands and moves towards the door, I don't follow her with my eyes; I'm back to watching his face and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathes; but I can feel her presence.

She pauses at the doorway and in my mind's eye I see her turn back towards me, "Are you sure you're alright? You look tired."

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, "I'm sure. Thanks."

I hear the door close behind her once more and the room is silent, aside from his breathing and my own.

I don't know when I dozed off, but a tired groan suddenly interrupts my pleasant oblivion.

I snap awake and my eyes meet slightly glassy sapphire eyes that are looking back at me, "Naruto you're awake! How are you feeling? Are you alright?"

He grins sheepishly and chuckles, just like I knew he would, as he sneaks a glance at the clock behind me, "Hey Sakura-chan..." he rubs at one eye with the back of his hand, "Have you been taking care of me this whole time?"

I can't help but smile at the sweetness in his tone, "Of course. Someone's got to look after you."

I check his temperature as he grins at me, "You didn't answer me, are you doing alright?"

I feel a blush rising to my cheeks as he puts his hand on mine, and I look away to try and hide it even though I know he must've already seen.

I look back at him as he lightly squeezes my hand, "I'll be fine as long as you're with me Sakura-chan."

I smile and return the gentle pressure to his hand, "Good, but try to be more careful alright?" he nods and I stand, carefully removing my hand from his then brushing his bangs back from his forehead, "I should go let everyone know that you're awake. Everybody's been pretty concerned. I'll bring you back something to eat. Think you can stay out of trouble for a few minutes?"

He manages to chuckle as he settles himself more comfortably on his pillows, "I'll do my best. Thanks Sakura-chan."

I close the door quietly as I step out into the hallway and narrowly avoid running into Ino, "Hey there Ino-pig. Back so soon?"

She smiles at me, "I take it that Naruto is awake Forehead-girl. You can stay with him if you want, I'll go let everyone know. How is he doing?"

I turn back to the room that I just left and I smile at her over my shoulder, "He's fine."