Disclaimer : I do not own the characters or the story of Naruto.
A/N : Thank you for the reviews, glad that readers are enjoying the idea of different lives. Please read and review if you enjoy.
Context : Modern
Day 2
Amaranthine : Everlasting and unfading; an eternal beauty
His eyes fluttered open and he looked around the room he was in, lying on his back. The bland whites of the walls, the large windows off to the side covered with sheer drapes, the steady rhythm of the beeping machines around him let him know he was in a hospital bed.
The smell of disinfectant, that he loathed, flooded his nose as he adjusted to the pungent odor, letting out a sigh at finding himself in here again. His eyes turned next to his side and he wasn't surprised to find the head of dark hair, with strands of grey, resting on the bed, while sitting on a chair nearby. A small smile curved his lips.
He had no doubt in his mind that she had spent the night in that uncomfortable position just like last time. He had forbidden her to do so again if it were to happen in the future, but she can be so annoyingly stubborn at times. He lifted his hand, which had various foreign tubes sticking out of it, and ran his fingers lightly through her hair.
She stirred slightly in her sleep under his touch, turning her face towards him, unwilling to wake up. He stared at her for a few moments, before caressing her cheek with the back of his fingers. Her face held the usual signs that came with age but to him, she was just as beautiful as the first day he had seen her, some thirty years ago.
A few moments passed before her own pale eyes fluttered open, and once she realized he was awake in the fog of her sleepy mind, her upper half shot straight up off the bed as she stared at him. "You're awake..", she whispered to nobody in particular and hearing his "Hn", she closed her eyes shut, pressing her hand flat on her chest, her shoulders sagging as she heaved a sigh of relief.
He could see the unshed tears when she opened her eyes, from what must been, a period of constant stress for her, for however long he had been in here. "I..I thought..", she said but let the words hang in the air since he certainly didn't have to hear her say it to know what she had thought.
He saw her quickly wipe at the corner of her eyes, before giving him a gentle smile and ask, "How are you feeling?" "Like crap", he answered and was once again mesmerized by the sight of her laughing softly, her eyes lighting up, the sound so melodious, for the millionth time in his life.
"Do you need something?", she asked next, her eyes surveying every inch of him for signs of any discomfort. "Help me up", he said, already attempting to sit up without waiting for her, and she quickly caught his arm to balance his weight as he clumsily sat upright. "I think the doctors would like you to rest..", she mused but, contradicting her own words, brought some extra pillows over from the closet and stuffed it behind his back.
Now comfortable in the position he was in, leaning back, he asked, "How long?" He watched her eyebrows crinkle in worry as she answered him, "You've been unconscious for two days. If I didn't find you on time that day..", and left the rest unsaid.
He closed his eyes and leaned his head back, taking in a deep breath, exhaling it slowly. He knew his time was going to come sooner rather than later, they have all known it for some time now. Not that he minded, he had lived long enough, satisfied with his achievements and it wouldn't have mattered if it wouldn't completely destroy the person he loved most in the world.
He opened his eyes and looked at her smiling at him when she placed her hand on his, the joy of seeing him alive and the love she held for him, shining in her lilac eyes, and she never looked more bewitching as she did now with that look on her face. "I'll get something for you to eat okay?", she said, giving his hand a squeeze before leaving the room as he followed her with his eyes.
"Hn" was all he said in acknowledgement as he wondered how had he been so lucky to have her in his life, yet again. He knew he had taken her for granted over the years, focusing all his time on work, he wouldn't have been surprised if she had left him and took the kids with her. Maybe he should try to show her how much he appreciated her, now that they didn't have much time left together. Specially since God knows, he loved her enough to fall for her even in his next life.
A/N : Reviewer Beru Wang asked about the connection between SH, I didn't have any particular type in mind when I wrote it but I suppose twin flames is close to what I was going for. If readers have suggestions, please leave them in the reviews. Hope you enjoy and thanks!
