I have no rights to Naruto.
Enjoy.
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Uncomfortable was a state Ibiki was not used to. But since Sakura had been told of the attack and loss of the foetus she had carried she had become quiet. Not the withdrawn borderline depression that had engulfed her after her rape but a still thoughtful quiet that made Ibiki uneasy because for the first time in months he was unable to decipher her moods, thoughts or actions.
After five days of recovery and monitoring, to keep up appearances for her doctored chart Sakura was to finally be allowed home. After the Chakra restraints were removed. Sakura's anticipation was palatable, the pink haired Kunoichi wary for the arrival of Danzou, or an order that they were to be kept on, or any reason for him to interfere. He had been blessedly absent and they weren't going to chance their luck by asking. Fluids through the IV, an increase in appetite and sleep had Sakura looking healthier and no longer like she had been rescued from a torture camp, as time passed Ibiki reached out and took her hand squeezing it in reassurance as the hour struck. Ibiki was a master, his emotions a tool and weakness/strength he controlled well, he hid the hurt and didn't even twitch when Sakura's hand had stiffened in his, he knew she had debated whether to leave it or pull away and he equally hid well the relief he had felt when she had returned his squeeze.
When the door opened to reveal Suza, both tensed, backs straightening and breath held immediately relaxing in relief when Suza smiled. "You are free to go, no orders to say otherwise and the Chakra restraints are to be removed."
"Thank Kami" Sakura's voice held a world of emotion, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes until she blinked them and eagerly held out her hands, loosing Ibiki's hand as she gave a trembling smile.
Ibiki stood and letting Suza take his spot watched as the matron used the Chakra key tags to open and remove the restraints. He moved in an instant catching Sakura as the rush of Chakra through her system caused her to cry out in pain and bow her back, head slumping forward as she breathed heavily, big gulping breaths as she tried to take the pressure, slumping against Ibiki as her head spun Chakra settling back into her body, filling her blood vessels, organs and sinking into her tissues and into her very being.
Weak from the rush she giggled slightly, light headedness similar to the effects of morphine passing slowly, closing her eyes she savoured the feel of her Chakra, the tingling as it passed around her body. The missing piece of her body, of her soul returned.
"Give yourself a few minutes to adjust; it's been six months so you'll need to take it easy for a few days and you'll need supervision when you start training again."
Suza advised Sakura before summarizing the usual patient release instructions the pink haired Kunoichi nodding easily having given it numerous times.
As she stiffened in his hold and started to sit on her own Ibiki slowly let her go, standing and moving to lean against the wall, nodding with her at Suza's instructions.
"I'll keep an eye on her."
"I know you wi-"
"I'm going to back to my own apartment." Sakura interrupted Suza, not looking either in the eye and missing the open look of hurt that flashed across his face for the briefest second.
"Sakura."
Sakura ignored Ibiki, looking at Suza instead." I'll be going to my apartment; I'll rest for a few hours and then see."
Frowning at the duo Suza felt a pang of sympathy for the tall man now standing up straight and looking down at the pink haired Kunoichi on the bed with what she would call pain in his eyes. Though she knew Ibiki would deny it to his dying day, pursing her lips she nodded her head, it wasn't her place to get into arguments. "I'll leave you to get dressed, come to the nurse's desk when you're ready."
Silence encompassed the room as Suza left, Sakura getting out of the bed and to her feet unsteadily, stepping back when Ibiki moved to help her. Turning her back she jerkily removed her gown and began pulling on her clothes listening to Ibiki as he spoke but not looking at him.
"This wasn't a sprain or a silly accident Sakura, you need to come home and rest, you shouldn't be alone." Ibiki swallowed forcing himself to stop speaking, hands loose on his side, fingers curling into a fist to stop himself reaching out to her.
"I'm going to my apartment. I need to think, to decide what I'm going to do now." Dressed Sakura turned, hiking her bag up on her back, head down she still didn't make eye contact with Ibiki.
"Decide . . . be smart Sakura you can't attack him!" Panicking Ibiki stepped up, hand holding her shoulders as worry over rode him. If she tried to attack Danzou she would be killed, no second chance, no leniency, "You have to recover; this won't be won with force we have to be smart."
Stepping away she broke Ibiki's hold and tucking her hair behind her ears she looked up at Ibiki, emerald eyes meeting dark as she softly spoke. "You're going to be late for your shift."
Without another word Sakura left the room, the door swinging shut as Ibiki was left standing in the middle of the hospital room, feeling as if he had been punched in the gut and the intestines dragged out of him.
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Dia Duit,
Not what you were expecting huh? Don't worry you won't have to wait too long for the next chapter, just a day or two. Hope you enjoyed.
Lots of love,
The Rose and the Dagger x x x