I do not own Naruto Shippuden or any of the characters.


Apology

Karin sat against the side of the hot spring, staring down at her reflection. Ryuu and Sasuke had left to deal with the ANBU that had been following them, leaving Taka at the hotel they were staying at. So far, Jugo had been in his room where he was the furthest he could get from other people and Suigetsu had yet to stay within ten feet of Karin for more than a few seconds and hadn't even looked at her once since saving her.

"Damnit," Karin eventually grumbled, punching her reflection. "I never should have left my hideout. Then I wouldn't have to deal with..."

She trailed off, gritting her teeth and fighting back teas that refused to stay put, sliding down her cheeks and falling into the water below. Finally, Karin climbed out, going to the changing room and drying then getting dressed and making her way to the cafeteria. It was deserted, because it was nearly eleven at night, but as she reached the door, she decided she wasn't hungry after all. She turned and headed up the stairs to the room that she would again be sharing with Suigetsu. He was lying on his bed facing away from the door and didn't move at all when she entered. She closed the door quietly, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks as she walked to her bed and slipped under the covers. She felt sobs beginning to build up and covered her mouth, muffling herself, trying not to let Suigetsu know she was crying. After about three minutes, she heard Suigetsu shift then felt him it beside her. He picked her up, setting her sideways in his lap, wrapping his arms around her, cradling her gently and letting her sob into his chest. He began to rock gently, running his hand over her hair comfortingly as his chin rested on the top of her head.

"Damn you," Karin sobbed after a bit. "Why couldn't you just stay asleep?"

"I was never asleep," Suigetsu stated. "I haven't slept since I left."

Karin blinked in surprise but didn't respond.

"I'm sorry Karin," Suigetsu whispered after a few more minutes. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I never should have tried to kiss you."

"I-Idiot," Karin cried pulling back a bit. "I-I hurt you first. It was my fault. I kissed you first."

Suigetsu smiled slightly and pulled Karin into a gentle hug. She hugged him back, crying into his shoulder again. After a couple of minutes, she pulled away again.

"Please don't leave again," Karin pleaded, eyes revealing to him that she had no walls left like she usually kept around her emotions. "I couldn't take it."

"I'm not going anywhere," Suigetsu smiled. "I promise."

Karin smiled and nodded. Then, she leaned forward and gently pressed her lips to his. He kissed her back instantly, his arms moving to her hips as hers wrapped around his neck. They stayed like that for a long while, neither wanting to pull away. Finally, they pulled back to breathe and Suigetsu smiled, resting his forehead against hers. She did not smile back. Instead, she began to cry again.

"I-I'm s-sorry," Karin choked out. "I-I didn't mean to hurt you before. I-I j-just-"

She stopped when Suigetsu kissed her again and kissed him back. After a minute he pulled away and smiled.

"It doesn't matter anymore," Suigetsu promised. "I love you Karin. That will never change."

Karin's eyes filled with tears yet again and she threw her arms around him, kissing him and he returned the kiss before lying back, bringing her with him. She smiled into the kiss, left hand tangling her fingers into his unnaturally soft hair while her right slid dow his chest then along his arm to his left hand, their fingers lacing together. Suigetsu smiled, squeezing her hand a bit while holding her with his free hand. After a while, they parted, Karin resting her head on his chest and he pulled the covers up over them before wrapping his arm around her again.

"I love you Suigetsu," Karin mumbled, halfway to sleep.

"I love you too Karin," Suigetsu smiled placing a light kiss on top of her head.

Then, he lay his head back and also drifted off to sleep.


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