A/N; My brother has recently been watching Naruto reruns, especially the Retrieve Tsunade arc. I fell in love with KabuShizu for the first time. This is a product of my love.
Disclaimer; Shizune and Kabuto belong to Kishimoto (that lucky bitch...)
Of Scars and Charcoal
She would never remember him, of course. After all, what had transpired all those years ago was just that-- all those years ago. Before she'd gone off with the Legendary Sucker. That one time, sparring in the rain when she had been left alone, and he'd felt particularly chivalrous. She had cut him, and… for once, he'd been on the receiving end of the bandage.
Face flushed, dripping with perspiration and precipitation. "I'll study hard under Tsunade-sama, so I can heal you better next time." Such pretty charcoal eyes. "I promise, Kabuto-kun!"
Pretty, blazing charcoal eyes.
This wouldn't do. He'd never win her heart by rendering her legs unusable.
The sound of thunder made her jump. The ointment applied stung at her jerky movement and she apologized profusely, blushing with embarrassment. "S-sorry."
Going back was impossible now anyway. If she was going to remember him at all, he might as well leave some lasting impression. Even if it wasn't happy. Even if it hurt like hell.
She was hurt. But she would remember.
A sheepish grin spread over her face. "Well… someday you'll have to avenge that shoulder, huh? Especially if it leaves a scar… Oh, I'm so sorry!!" She was frantic. It was adorable. He grinned back at her new, anxious expression.
"I'll just be reminded of you every time I look in the mirror, that's all."
She now clenched a fistful of grass in her hand, glaring at him hotly. She didn't remember.
And there was no scar. Nothing left to remember her by.
He had his master to attend to. He had no time for old crushes.
"But scars are forever… it's not worth it. We should get you proper medical attention so you won't have one… What if you don't want to remember me?"
"Don't be absurd, Shizune-san."
And he'd seen her again, after all. He would need no scar—her memory was back completely. Now he had a clear image of her again; of her liquid charcoal eyes. If they weren't in the middle of a fierce combat, he'd probably like to touch her hair. But, as the circumstances were…
That really wasn't an option he had.
"Can you still train?"
"It's just a scratch." He stood. She attempted to mask her relief with a glare.
"Are you implying that I didn't cut far enough?!"
"I'm just saying you could have done worse if you'd tried."
"I wasn't holding back!"
"You weren't?"
"Now you're just asking for it!"
He glanced back at her crumpled form on the ground. She was trying to heal herself, no longer facing him. He was walking toward his master anyway… and he'd already gotten revenge for the shoulder that had never scarred.
"Will you fight me again when I come back with Tsunade-sama?"
He adjusted his glasses, striking a defensive pose, ignoring the rain that soaked him through.
"Of course I will."