Chapter 8: Her Smile

A few days have passed as Ame slept soundly. She awakes to the sound of the beeping of the heart monitor. She is about to open her eyes when she hears voices enter.

"Look Naruto, I understand that you care for her too. I just think that she would be safer with us. In a less excitable situation."

"No. You don't understand. Ame loves taking care of others. That's why she has worked so hard to become a great healer and a ninja. She wants the chance to give those that are weaker a chance to become stronger. She works hard to show her love and devotion. That's how you know that you are important to Ame."

Ame fought against the tears that were trying to escape. Naruto did understand her. She wasn't the best with putting her emotions to words. She can hear a sigh.

"I understand that. How would you feel if you accidentally scared her, her heart could stop. Too much excitement or a small scare could be enough to kill her. I lost her father. I'm not about to lose her."

Ame can feel the tension in the air. She makes herself groan and slowly opens her eyes. She looks around confused and feels at the wires and stuff attached to her.

"Grandpa? Naruto? What's going on? Where am I?"

The heart rate on the monitor spikes up a bit. Naruto grabs the grey jacket and lays it across her lap. He gently takes her hands and makes her look at him.

"Easy Ame. It's okay. You're in the hospital. You came in for a follow up for your ninja medical exam. The doctor gave you some news that had upset and shocked you. It caused your heart to start beating irregularly."

Slowly Ame sits up and clings to the jacket.

"Now I remember. I have no chakra. So I can't do most jutsus."

Ame sighs and tries to stay calm. She looks at Naruto.

"Why am I still in here? I just fainted right?"

Naruto goes to speak but Her grandfather steps forward.

"Your heart has been damaged from whatever happened before you came here. So too much excitement or shock can kill you. Hearing the news shocked you too much."

Ame let the tears flow but tries to stay calm. She takes a shaky breath and squeezes Naruto's hand. She smiles lightly.

"Okay. So I'll just find a way to work in the hospital without chakra. I'll get special training to keep myself calm. I may not be able to help the way I want then I will help in any way I can. Naruto, can you get the doctor. I want to go home."

Her grandfather shakes his head.

"You will be coming home with me."

Ame looks at him and shakes her head.

"Grandfather, I love you. I do but Naruto needs me. You have auntie. Naruto doesn't have anyone to come home to but me. I won't let him be alone."

"Ame."

Ame smiles lightly at Naruto. She wipes her eyes and sighs lightly.

"Naruto please go get the doctor. I want to speak to them. Alone."

Naruto leaves the room and sighs relived. He walks to the front desk and tells the nurse that Ame is awake and asks to see the doctor. He is told to sit in the waiting room. He looks down at his feet lost in thought. He looks up when a pair of feet appear in his vision. He looks up to see Teuchi squinting at him as usual.

"Take care of her. If you don't then I'll never allow you to have my ramen ever again."

Before Naruto could say anything the older man turns and walks away. The blonde haired shinobi was confused on what had happened. But turned and smiled when he heard his cousin call his name. Sitting in a wheelchair, she smiles at him lightly.

"Naruto. Let's go home."

Naruto smiles and nods. The doctor smiles.

"Ame. May I carry you home?"

The cousins turn to see Iruka. Ame smiles and nods. Iruka carefully picked her up bridal style and followed Naruto home. The three never noticed a hooded figure following them and watching them. The figure sneaks into the hospital unseen. They slip into the file room and starts looking for a file. Shino stops as he sees Naruto and Iruka talking to the silver haired girl as they walk. He let's out the breath he was holding.

Shino also feels a small pain in his chest seeing the girl smile with the number one loud mouth, knuckle head from the academy. For some reason seeing the two of them so close hurts him. He can not figure out why or what the new feeling is. He watches them as they walk down the street as he remains unnoticed. Sticking his hands in his pockets and heads off towards the training grounds.