Note: A drabble again dedicated to Kei and Tomoko, taking place in the early Genin years as reality starts to dawn on children far too early in their lives.
Sparkle 22: Nurse Me
"I don't think I'll ever get used to this."
Kei gave me a single look, not even protesting to my applying rubbing alcohol against the most recent training wound of scratches on her arm. Because kunai were going to be a hazard, no matter whether she was out on a mission or in the village. "To what?"
I bit my lip and held back on hugging her, instead gently patting her uninjured arm. "To you getting injured. To you getting hurt."
Kei's stare turned sympathetic in my direction. "I'm sorry, Tomo," she said simply.
Of course she could tell what I was thinking. I was an open book.
Even then, I shook my head. It wasn't her fault. She chose to be a ninja in the end. I chose to be a civilian. I would have to get used to this, no matter what. "Don't apologize for something you can't help." The urge to hug won out, and I couldn't help but wrap my arms around her neck anyways, resting my cheek on top of her hair. It was a messy pillow, but it worked. "Just be safe, and come back to the cafe whenever you can, okay? I miss you."
Kei opened her mouth before pausing. With a breath, she patted my arms in return, nodding. "I'll do my best."
"That's all I can ask for."