Chapter Twenty-Two: Atonement
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto!
Sakura opened her eyes and--disoriented--tried to sit up. Crying out as her body spasmed in unbearable pain she fell back.
"Sakura! Stay still."
"Kak...Kakashi-sensei?" She asked as he pushed her hair away from her face.
"Hmm?" He asked as he turned back.
"Please!" Sakura cried out, "Don't leave!"
"Sakura, I'm not going anywhere." He assured her, sitting on the edge of her bed and letting her hold onto him. She may have been a kunoichi, but she had suffered two terrible blows that day. One physical and one emotional. Besides, they were all still children...children who had been forced to grow up too fast. If she needed to cry, he would be there--just as if she needed to scream or shout or curse or fight. He would be there this time.
"It hurt." She sobbed.
"Shhh." He whispered.
"I know," He added, "I know."
"Kakashi, can I put you in charge of her rehabilitation?" Tsunade asked, knowing the jonin already had his hands full.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." He replied, glancing at Sakura who was sleeping peacefully thanks to a sedative.
"Good. I'll give you some time off. Try to get her walking. Not to far, but just a little."
Kakashi nodded, adding, "I haven't seen them around lately."
Tsunade snorted decisively, "I can't bring myself to care."
Normally, Kakashi may have replied that as Kage it was her job to care about everyone...but today he just couldn't.
When Sakura woke up the next morning, Kakashi was there--having slept in the adjacent room usually reserved for families. But with her parents dead, he was the closest thing she had.
"Sakura, let's go for a walk. Just a short one." He suggested.
Sakura nodded, grinding her teeth to prevent from crying out as she sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
"Easy." He said, helping lift her from the bed and setting her lightly on the floor. When he was sure she was balanced, he carefully eased off until she was supporting her own weight.
And then her knees caved.
Lunging, Kakashi caught her effortlessly.
"So...sorry..." She muttered.
"It's alright." He assured her, "Let's just get you some fresh air."
It was quite uncomfortable having your former sensei carry you...even more so in an open-back hospital gown. But nobody who looked at them did anything more than smile.
"They're glad you're up." He said.
She nodded, a bit embarrassed.
"Kakashi, I want to walk on my own." She said as they got approached the stairs leading to the look-out beneath the Hokage's.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
She nodded.
"Alright."
He set her down, watching as she wavered before gripping the hand rail and pulling herself up the first step. He heard her groan, trying not to cry out.
He stayed close behind, ready to catch her should she fall. And several times he had to move to when she swayed, but she stubbornly refused to break-down or give-up.
"Sakura! You should not be pushing yourself so hard!" Lee cried out as she stumbled up onto the first landing.
"If you can do it so can I!" She replied, taking another step.
"You are not alone." He told her as he took her hand, Kakashi taking the other. They would be her support.
Apparently news travelled quickly, because now Ino and Neji were racing up the stairs towards them.
"Sakura.." Ino began.
"Don't try to stop me!" The chunin replied as she took another step.
"Then allow us to help." Neji said as he moved ahead of her, encouraging her forward while Ino cheered her on from beside Lee.
She could see the platform now. And Shikamaru and Temari smiling down on her.
Only ten more steps.
Closing her eyes, she forced herself up the final steps...and came to rest overlooking the village.
"Sakura, you can rest now. You did it." Kakashi told her as he gently squeezed her shoulder.
Sakura sighed, falling back against Kakashi. He knelt, letting her sit and rest.
A soft breeze lifted the green leaves of spring into the air and the noon sun shimmered brilliantly overhead. It was as close to a perfect day as anyone could hope for.
TBC