He wouldn't like me, would he?
Chapter 9: Little loving gestures
"Breaking News: Just this Morning heroes have been called to a burning building. Most of the tenants have been evacuated in time though a small boy was stuck inside. Thanks to the heroism of our winged hero Nightwing, the heroes were able to safe the boy but not with some casualties involved. As of now, we have no further information about Nightwing's state, but rest assured, she has been brought to a hospital where they will treat her injuries.", this message was all over the news. Some went into further detail what happened others just seem to hope that this spunky heroine isn't injured too much. Due to interviews with pro-heroes that were present, it is clear that everyone holds her in high regards for no one could have saved the boy other than her.
"Well, she is specialized in saving people from burning buildings. Nightwing is always there to help when there is something burning. Still I'm a little concerned, what happened was a rookie mistake from her.", the hero Deatharms stated.
"Nightwing has a sense of justice comparable to All Might's. Whenever someone needs help, she'll be there, though lately she seems a bit out of focus, like something is occupying her mind.", Backdraft added to what Deatharms said. Some other pros have said their opinion to Nightwing, making it really clear that she isn't just a fan favorite (even though she doesn't have a huge fanbase).
In the hospital, Sakura just woke up in a bed. She had no recollection of how she got there or what happened. All she knew was that she blacked out after some immense pain.
"Good, you're awake.", the doctor said as he entered the room. He looked familiar to Sakura, she just couldn't quite figure out who he was.
"Do I know you? You seem familiar.", Sakura just asked. The doctor smiled: "You know me alright. We visited middle school together, Miss Aizawa."
"Minato Iwata? You really did it. That's amazing.", Sakura smiled at her old class mate who just shrugged it of. Sakura always believed in him being a doctor one day, but he didn't believe in her, a lot of people didn't believe in her.
"Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we could make sure the bones can heal properly, the bad news, we don't know if this'll have consequences on your ability to walk.", doctor Iwata said and left the room just as Shota entered. To say that Shota Aizawa was furious with his sister was an understatement, he was livid at her.
"Hey, Shota.", Sakura smiled and laughed nervously.
"What were you thinking, Sakura? If you wouldn't have been so lucky to just break your ankle and shin who knows what'll have happened!", Shota said in an angry tone. It was rare hearing him in such an emotional manner, because he was always rational, but when it happened, it was so much more powerful.
"I'm sorry, Shota. I shouldn't have worried you, but I had to save that little boy. It would've been too late if we waited for the fire fighters. And even if not, they would've put themselves in too much danger.", Sakura explained. Shota sighed. When did his little sister become such a reckless girl?
"It kinda feels like I still have to watch you. You're 25 years old and I feel like you have become more reckless since you spend time with All Might. Do you wanna die trying to impress him?", Shota asked. Sakura looked at her hands: "No, I don't wanna die trying to impress him. I've always been kinda reckless, you know. It just feels like, I HAVE to save as many people as I can before I kick the bucket, because I'll never know if I'm here the next day. That's what mom used to tell us."
"Mom and dad weren't nearly as reckless as you are, Sakura! Yes, hero work is dangerous, and yes, they died because of it, but they never, ever were as reckless as you. Whatever am I gonna do with you, butterfly?", Shota had calmed down a little.
"You called me butterfly. You haven't called me butterfly in years.", Sakura was surprised. Shota last called her butterfly at their parents funeral when they started to head home.
"So what?", Shota wondered.
"You used that nickname almost daily when we were young. It died down once you started at U.A and stopped completely after mom and dad died. You know, I liked that nickname.", Sakura just stated and the two became silent for a few minutes. Then Shota decided to leave the room.
"Well, thanks to you being reckless, I now have to keep an eye on the security system. At least as long as you're in the hospital.", Shota said with an ever so slight smile and left. Sakura waved him goodbye and was left alone with her thoughts again. Not long after Shota left, All Might entered the room.
"How are you doing? I was worried after I heard the news.", All Might sounded very concerned. Sakura just smiled at him and stated: "It had hurt like hell, but the good news is, the bones'll probably heal normally."
All Might sighed out of relief and sat himself on the chair that was standing next to the bed.
"So, what do you have for me, Toshi?", Sakura asked. She was an expert at picking up small things. She learned it as a useful skill in her career as a pro hero.
"You noticed. I know you said that roses aren't really your favorite, but I thought maybe one won't hurt.", All Might replied and handed her the flower.
"A pink rose. Thank you, that's really thoughtful of you, All Might", Sakura smiled sweetly at the blonde man sitting in her room. All Might blushed a bit, rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh it's nothing, really. I just thought it would make your stay a little less boring.", All Might smiled back. Sakura just looked at the rose again: "I also said, though they're not my favorite, they're nice to look at."
It was quiet between the two for about 5 minutes, yet it wasn't awkward. Sakura actually liked this silence, it helped her sort her thoughts about the blonde man looking at her.
"Why did you do it, anyway?", All Might wanted to know. Sakura looked at him again: "I had to. I know it was reckless, but I had to save that boy. If I hadn't I would've never forgiven myself for being responsible for someone dying."
"You out of all people should know how this feels.", she added as she locked her eyes with his. She could see pride in them, like he was proud of her.
"I know and I'm actually proud to know that you have the same sense of justice as I.", All Might grinned, leaning forward a bit. Sakura grinned at him. It looked like he wanted to kiss her, but didn't have the courage to do so.
"You know, it hurt like hell when I broke my leg. It still hurts a bit, but I manage.", Sakura told All Might, who just chuckled and said: "I believe that."
After that, he said good-bye and promised he'll be back the next day. Sakura let him know that she'll be waiting.
Over the month that Sakura was in the hospital, All Might had visited her everyday, like he promised. He brought her flowers and other little presents. Even Shota visited her now and again and brought her some things. Sakura was supposed to be released from the hospital a week before Tanabata, the Japanese star festival, so All Might asked I she would spend the day with him.
"Like a real date this time?", Sakura wondered.
"Yes. Like a real date this time. We'll go to the festivities and eat and drink and all that.", All Might responded, blushing slightly. Why was he so nervous to ask her out? They have been on a sorta date before, so why was this any different?
"It's different because now you know how you feel about her even though she is just a friend.", All Might thought. Sakura just smiled: "Okay then. We'll have a date. I haven't been to a festival in a long time."
The two said their goodbyes and All Might left, giving Sakura a peck on the forehead. Sakura has been teased by doctors and nurses that she had paid All Might to be so nice to her, because there would be no possible way he was all buddy buddy with her. Sakura of course denied all those claims but they just stopped when All Might himself said that the two were friends. It was nice knowing that the two could call each other 'friend' without it being weird for either side. Besides, friends could fall in love with each other, right? Nothing awkward in having feelings for a friend, right?
When Sakura was finally released from the hospital, not only did Shota wait to pick his sister up, but All Might and Present Mic too. It seems to Sakura that All Might has become good friends with her brothers, which of course made her happy. She liked spending time with Hizashi whenever he called or texted her, so it was nice that the man she had a crush on was getting along with him.
When they arrived at the door, Sakura exhaled: "Home at last" and just dropped down on the couch. She liked cooking, but she was actually pretty tired so the 4 decided to watch a movie (not a trashy horror one) and order Pizza. What a nice start into the weekend.
Author's note: Originally the chapter was going to be different, with just little bits of All Might and Sakura giving each other little presents, because that's what friends do and was going to end in All Might leaving a lily at the security office for Sakura, but I was really disappointed in how I started it so I started from scratch and now you have this. I hope you still enjoy and if you do, please leave a review. Thanks