Chapter 38: Aftermath

Kayume's eyes flickered open. She could faintly tell that she was in a hospital. Kakashi was sitting next to her on the bed. He brushed the hair away from her face and smiled. The bandage wrapped around his head and other places made Kayume think of the battle.

"Kakashi, the battle!" Kayume said weakly while sitting up quickly.

"Shhhh.." Kakashi said as he lowered her back onto her back. For the first time she noticed Tsunade and Dashi in the room.

"The battle was a victory, Kayume. The Shadow Riders vanished after you sealed away Karasu's soul. The village is heavily damaged, but it's nothing we can't fix. The people's lives are more important, and they have survived."

Kakashi turned to Tsunade and asked quietly, "How are the chunin?"

Tsunade brightened at the mention of them. "Incredible kids. They had to be the most vital part of our defenses. Not one of them died. Most have scratches, bruises, and other injuries, but are none the worse for wear. I'm afraid Ino and Lee have been sent to critical care, but they should be fine. Konoha is being rebuilt, and it shouldn't be long before we're back on our feet. The ninja from the other villages have agreed to help in the rebuilding and are being treated well for their efforts. I guess it's the worst times that bring people together. Well, we'll leave you alone now."

Tsunade and Dashi got up and left the room. Before he closed the door, Dashi said, "I'm so proud of you, my girl."

Kayume sighed with relief and closed her eyes. She had faced her greatest fear, and with the help of her greatest love, conquered it forever. She opened her eyes and stared out the window. The sight of the sunshine pouring in made her heart lift, and in the relief and joy of the moment, she shed gentle and quiet tears. Kakashi looked at her with a sweet and caring smile, and then held her close to him.

"It's all over now," he whispered in her ear.

Naruto sat up and rubbed his head.

"Huh? Waah?"

He looked around the hospital and leaped to his feet.

"Calm down. It's over," Sasuke said quietly.

Naruto turned to see Sasuke sitting there watching him. "Sasuke…"

Sasuke was never so shocked then when Naruto ran over and hugged him.

"Naruto, w-what are you doing?"

"I'm so glad you're okay, Sasuke. You're-you're my best friend."

Sakura was just coming in the room when she saw the two hugging. She smiled and slipped away quietly. "I'll let them have their moment."

But Sasuke, even in that "awkward" situation, could still sense Sakura.

"Wait, Sakura, come back."

Sakura stopped and came back to the room.

"I think the team should be together right now."

Sakura smiled and sat by the two, giving them both hugs. She couldn't stop the tears that flowed from her eyes.

"I love you guys so much. I-I don't know what I would have done if-well, that's not important. It's over and we're all together."

Naruto nodded and Sasuke gave a smile of agreement.

"Nothing can separate us…"

"Hey, Ino."

Ino glanced up to see Shikamaru grinning at her. Choji stood next to him with some flowers.

"Thanks, you guys."

"No problem," Shikamaru said. "It's all over, and you need rest. We'll stay right here till you're better."

'Not without some chips, though," Choji said as he rushed from the room in pursuit of carbs.

"Love you, Shika," Ino said weakly.

"Love you too, troublesome Ino."

Hinata rubbed her eyes sleepily and sat up.

'Hey, how ya doin?" asked Kiba. She gave a smile and hugged him (yeah everyone's feeling emotional).

"I'm fine, but I need-"

"Yeah, you need to see Naruto. Next room over."

Hinata smiled and rushed from the room.

Sai glanced up from his book and shook his head. "Everyone seems to have somebody. I got nada." He happened to glance over into the hallway and see Temari, who had just gotten shot down by Shikamaru. He strolled out and said nervously, "Hey, how are you-"

"About time!" Temari shouted. "You should have made a move on me three and a half minutes ago."

"Oh yeah? Well I- uh, okay."

Temari grabbed his hand and rushed off with him. Kiba chuckled as he scratched Akakamru's head.

"Well, he got what was comin' to him. Still…I give it a week at the most."

Lee awoke groggily and winced.

"Hey, Lee. Feeling okay?" said Tenten.

"Yes, Tenten. Do not spoil your youth fretting for me."

Neji shook his head and Lee's statement. He looked up and said, "Lee, I wanted to tell you that you were amazing. It seems I was wrong about you. A failure, with the right determination, can overcome anything. Lee smiled and began to cry (in an absurd fashion that he is known for).

"Oh, Neji! For once, I am speechless! The power of your words has stirred the flame of youth!"

Gai broke into tears as well. "Oh, Lee! How well you describe the intensity of Neji's selfless words!"

"Gai!"

"Lee!"

Tenten anime sweatdropped and Neji raised an eyebrow. He mumbled to Tenten, "Speechless, huh? If only it were true…"

Hinata crept quietly to Naruto's room and peered inside. Sasuke and Sakura seemed to be gone. Only Naruto sat by the window, staring out into the endless blue of the sky. Hinata softly shut the door and walked over to him.

"N-Naruto?"

Naruto turned his head and his eyes widened with surprise.

"Hinata?"

"Hello. I'm sorry if I intruded. I…just wanted to see if you were okay."

Naruto smiled and gave his big grin. "I'm great. It's good to see that you're okay too, Hinata."

Hinata was startled and began to blush. "Y-yes, I'm fine."

There was a moment of silence, and then Naruto said, "Hey, Hinata."

"Y-yes, Naruto?"

Naruto hesitated before saying, "I was wondering about…well…that kiss before."

Hinata's cheeks burned a furious red. "Uh-well-I-it was n-nothing."

"Oh." Naruto's head sank a little. "I-I hope you know that I care for you, Hinata."

Hinata's eyes bulged. "Naruto…" As scared as she was to say it, Hinata felt that she could no longer keep it in. "Naruto, the truth is, I love you."

She shut her eyes tight, fearing his reaction. When she opened them, he stood inches from her face.

"Hinata, I love you too." Hinata opened her mouth in shock, and the next second, she found herself being kissed by Naruto. She closed her eyes again, being consumed by unspeakable happiness.

Sakura and Sasuke watched secretly from the doorway.

"Aww, Hinata finally had her dream come true," Sakura said happily. Sasuke smiled for Naruto. "Good for you, Naruto."

Kakashi took Kayume out onto a balcony. She rested her head on his shoulder as the two looked out into the horizon.

"I love you, Kayume."

She turned her gaze to him. "I love you too, Kakashi."

He fished in his pocket. Then, as if finding what he was looking for, he bent down to one knee.

"Kayume, I know you're the only one for me. So I'm asking you, will you marry me?"

Kayume's heart felt like it would stop.

"Kakashi, of course I will."

He opened the small box in his hand and showed her the most dazzling ring she had ever seen.

"Kakashi, it's beautiful. But, not as much as you."

Kakashi grinned and pulled her into a hug before they kissed.

"My hero…my sanctuary."

Nightshroud: Yaay, how nice! Well, one more chapter to go. Please R&R!

Next chapter: Dawning of a New Day