When Sakura up the following morning, she just stared at the ceiling. Her eyes glassy as if she's not seeing anything.
Kakashi hovered and offered her anything to eat. But she didn't give any indication that she heard him. She remained silent, staring at the ceiling, and not moving at all.
Kakashi felt a heavy ache in his chest as he watched Sakura's distant gaze. He sat down beside her on the bed, unsure of how to break through the walls she had built around herself. He gently took her hand, hoping to convey his support and love.
"Sakura," Kakashi whispered softly, his voice filled with concern. "I'm here for you. Please talk to me. I want to understand, to help you through this."
Sakura's distant gaze didn't waver as Kakashi sat beside her, his heart heavy with worry. He held her hand gently, seeking any sign of acknowledgment or response from her. The room felt suffocating, the weight of the unspoken pain hanging in the air.
"Sakura," Kakashi repeated, his voice a gentle plea. "You don't have to face this alone. I want to help, but I need you to let me in. Talk to me, please."
Sakura's eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, and she didn't respond to Kakashi's touch or words. The room felt suffocating, the weight of their shared pain hanging in the air.
Kakashi continued to sit beside her, his hand gently caressing hers. "You don't have to go through this alone. I love you, Sakura, and I want to be here for you. Whatever you're feeling, whatever you need, I'll be here."
Sakura's eyes flickered, but she didn't respond. The silence in the room was palpable, and Kakashi's worry deepened. He knew that the pain she carried went beyond the physical injuries, and he was determined to help her through it.
"I love you, Sakura," Kakashi whispered, his thumb caressing the back of her hand. "We can get through this together. Let me in, let me help."
The room remained shrouded in silence as Kakashi continued to sit by Sakura's side, his touch a gentle anchor in the storm of her emotions. He felt the weight of her pain, the invisible walls she had erected around herself.
"Sakura," Kakashi murmured again, his voice a soothing balm. He recognized the complexity of her suffering, knowing that healing would take time. "You're not alone. I'm here, and I love you. Please, let me help."
Sakura's eyes shifted slightly, a faint glimmer of awareness crossing her gaze. The journey to reach her was a slow, delicate process, and Kakashi was willing to be patient. His hand continued to offer comfort, a steady presence in the face of her silent turmoil.
"I know it hurts," Kakashi acknowledged, his words a tender acknowledgment of her pain. "But you don't have to carry it alone. Lean on me, Sakura. I'm here to share the burden with you."
Sakura remained silent, and Kakashi decided to give her the space she needed. He stayed by her side, ready to offer comfort whenever she was ready to accept it. The weight of the previous night's events lingered in the air, creating a somber atmosphere in the room.
When noon came and she's still as still as a statue, his concern grew. She didn't move an inch from her position. No twitching of hands, no sound coming from her. Not even a blink. She's so still that she almost looked like a corpse if not for her warmth and soft breaths.
He laid down beside her, pulling her close to him but she remained stiff. As if she can't feel him. Tears started to pool in his eyes again as he cupped Sakura's cheek and pushed her head against him. "Sakura, please forgive me." he whispered, then he pressed a kiss on her jaw. "Forgive me." His tears started to stream down his face.
Noon passed and the sun is about to set when Kakashi couldn't take it anymore. She had not eaten anything since the night before. He carefully carried her out of their bed and run towards the hospital.
As Kakashi rushed through the village towards the hospital, Sakura remained unresponsive in his arms. The townspeople stared, some whispering and others expressing concern for the couple they had come to know. Kakashi paid no attention to the onlookers, his sole focus on getting Sakura the help she needed.
Once at the hospital, he burst through the doors, his presence immediately catching the attention of the medical staff. Hatake Kakashi won't enter a hospital willingly, even if his life is hanging by a thread. He would rather die outside than be confined in a hospital. But now the medical staff stared at him wide-eyed as he stood inside the hospital.
One nurse walked towards him, her eyes on the body that he carried. "What happened, Kakashi-san?"
"She... she won't respond to me. Can... can you call Tsunade-sama? She's the only one I can entrust her with."
The nurse nodded quickly and rushed to inform Tsunade about Sakura's condition. Meanwhile, Kakashi sat in the waiting area, still holding Sakura in his arms. The hospital staff worked efficiently, preparing a room for Sakura's examination and treatment.
It wasn't long before Tsunade arrived, her expression turning serious as she assessed the situation. "Kakashi, what happened?" she asked, her tone a mix of concern and urgency.
Kakashi explained the events of the previous night and Sakura's subsequent state of withdrawal.
"She won't talk to me, Tsunade. I tried everything, but it feels like see doesn't even see me or hear me. I don't know what to do anymore. She didn't have anything in her system."
Tsunade sighed and gently patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "Let's get her inside and see what's going on. Sometimes trauma can manifest in various ways. We need to run some tests and assess her mental and emotional state." Tsunade placed a hand on his shoulder as her medical staff wheeled Sakura into the examinations room. "You made the right call to bring her here. I'll check her."
With the help of the medical staff, they moved Sakura to an examination room. Tsunade began conducting a thorough physical and mental assessment, asking Kakashi for any additional information that might help in understanding Sakura's condition.
Tsunade conducted a thorough examination, her experienced eyes carefully studying Sakura's condition. Kakashi anxiously waited, his visible eye reflecting the worry that gripped his heart. The room was filled with a tense silence as Tsunade worked.
After what felt like an eternity, Tsunade emerged from the examination room. Her expression was serious, but she maintained a level of composure. Kakashi immediately stood up, his gaze fixed on the Hokage.
"How is she?" he asked, his voice tight with worry.
Tsunade sighed, her features softening for a moment. "Physically, she's exhausted and has numerous injuries that need healing, good thing you had the sense of cleaning it and at least put a salve on it. Emotionally... it's more complicated. She's in a state of extreme emotional distress. Mentally, I'm not entirely sure. She doesn't respond to any stimulus. Kakashi what happened between you two?"
Kakashi took a deep breath, the weight of guilt pressing on him. He proceeded to explain the events leading up to Sakura's breakdown, the loss of their child, and the subsequent fight that left her in this fragile state. Tsunade listened attentively, her expression turning somber.
Tsunade sighed, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "Kakashi, what Sakura needs right now is time and professional help. She's experiencing a severe emotional trauma, and it might take a toll on her mental well-being. I'll arrange for a team of mental health professionals for her."
As Tsunade records something on the chart she's holding, a nurse run towards her. "Tsunade-sama," the nurse panted. "Sakura-san, she's chanting."
"Chanting? What do you mean?"
"I was hooking her with the IV, like you instructed when she suddenly looked at me and then she murmured Kakashi-san's name repeatedly. I tried to talk to her but it was as if she can't hear me."
Tsunade's brows furrowed, her concern deepening. She motioned for the nurse to lead her back to Sakura's room. Kakashi followed closely, his heart pounding in his chest.
As they entered the room, they found Sakura lying on the bed, her eyes vacant, and her lips moving in a continuous whisper. "Kakashi... Kakashi... Kakashi..."
Tsunade approached her, studying Sakura's face and demeanor. She tried to get her attention, calling her name, but Sakura remained unresponsive to anyone but the repeating mantra.
Kakashi felt a sense of desperation welling up within him. He stepped closer to the bed, his eyes locked on Sakura's face. "Sakura, it's me. I'm here," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. This is just a replay of what happened yesterday. He brushed the strand of her hair that blocks her view of him. "Sakura, I'm here. Remember me, Love? It's me Kakashi."
Tsunade observed the interaction, her experienced eyes analyzing Sakura's responses. She motioned for Kakashi to give her some space. "Kakashi, let me handle this for now."
Kakashi reluctantly stepped back, his eyes never leaving Sakura. Tsunade continued to speak to her, trying to break through the mental barrier that seemed to separate Sakura from the world. The medical staff adjusted Sakura's treatment plan, incorporating both physical and mental care.
As Tsunade worked, Kakashi felt a profound sense of helplessness. He wanted nothing more than to be the one to reach Sakura, to pull her back from the depths of her pain. The minutes stretched into hours, with Sakura's chanting persisting.
"Sakura, Sakura." Tsunade's gentle hands trapped her face to make her to look at her. Sakura's chanting stopped for a minute. "It's me, Tsunade. Remember me?" she asked. Then something clicked into Sakura's eyes.
"Tsunade-okaa-san." she whispered, and Tsunade nodded at her. She took over as her mother when her parents died. And since then, she let her call her mother.
"Yes, Sakura, It's me." Tsunade whispered back.
"Okaa-san, it's Kakashi. Kakashi left." then her tears started to escape her lids. "Please, Okaa-san, I need Kakashi."
Tsunade glanced at Kakashi, her expression somber. She realized that Sakura's mind was still trapped in the events of the previous day, and the trauma was deeply affecting her. Tsunade gently cupped Sakura's face, wiping away the tears that flowed from her eyes.
"Sakura, listen to me," Tsunade said with a soothing tone. "Kakashi didn't leave. He's right here with you."
Sakura's eyes darted around the room, searching for Kakashi. Tsunade motioned for him to come closer, and Kakashi approached the bed.
"Sakura," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm here. I didn't leave you. I'm not going anywhere."
Sakura's eyes finally locked onto Kakashi's, and a glimmer of recognition flickered in them. And then, it glazed over, and her eyes darted around again. "Where's Kakashi, Okaa-san?" she asked Tsunade. "You said he's here. Where is he?"
Tsunade exchanged a worried glance with Kakashi, realizing the depth of Sakura's dissociation. She gently took Sakura's hand and placed it in Kakashi's, guiding it to make physical contact.
"Sakura, he's right here, holding your hand," Tsunade explained gently. "Feel him. He won't leave you. Kakashi, talk to her."
Kakashi tightened his grip on Sakura's hand and spoke softly, "Sakura, it's me, Kakashi. I'm right here beside you. You're not alone, and I'm not leaving."
Sakura's gaze focused on their connected hands, and a glimmer of understanding crossed her face. But then, her eyes once again glazed over, and she withdrew her hand, her expression clouded with confusion.
"He left," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I can't find him. He... he hates me."
Tsunade and Kakashi exchanged concerned glances. It was evident that Sakura was trapped in a cycle of distress and confusion, unable to fully grasp the reality around her. Tsunade decided to approach this delicately, understanding the fragile state of Sakura's mind.
"Sakura, look at me," Tsunade gently instructed. When Sakura's eyes met hers, Tsunade continued, "Kakashi is right here, and he doesn't hate you." When Sakura started to shake her head, she gently tapped her pointer finger in her cheek, drawing her attention back to her. "You trust, okaa-san, right?" Tsunade asked. Sakura nodded slightly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of vulnerability and confusion. Tsunade continued, "Did Okaa-san ever lied to you?"
Sakura shook her head, a sign that she trusted Tsunade's words. Tsunade then motioned towards Kakashi, encouraging Sakura to look at him again.
"Sakura, Kakashi loves you. He didn't leave, and he doesn't hate you," Tsunade said with gentle assurance. "He's right here, and he's worried about you. Can you feel his hand?" Tsunade asked. When Sakura shook her head. She let go of her face and took hold of her hands. "Can you feel my hands, Sakura?"
Sakura nodded slightly, her hands trembling as Tsunade held them. Tsunade guided Sakura's hands to Kakashi's, ensuring that the physical contact remained.
"Can you feel those hands, Sakura?" Tsunade asked, hoping that this would work.
Sakura hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering between Tsunade's hands and Kakashi's. Gradually, she nodded, a faint acknowledgment of the tangible connection.
"Good, Sakura," Tsunade encouraged. "Those hands are Kakashi's, Sakura. Do you feel it?"
Sakura nodded again, her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. Tsunade and Kakashi exchanged a subtle glance, hoping that this small breakthrough would pave the way for Sakura's reconnection with reality.
"Sakura, Kakashi is right here with you. He loves you, and he didn't leave," Tsunade reiterated, her voice soothing. "You're not alone, and we're here to help you through this. Can you try to focus on his presence?"
Sakura took a deep breath, her gaze shifting from their hands to Kakashi's face. For a moment, it seemed like a spark of recognition flickered in her eyes. Kakashi kept his gaze locked on hers, hoping that she would see the truth in his eyes. Tsunade watched closely, her heart hopeful for a breakthrough.
"Sakura, it's me," he said softly. "I didn't leave. I love you."
Tsunade watched the interaction closely, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and hope. Sakura's eyes seemed to waver between clarity and confusion, caught in the battle within her mind.
"Kakashi," she whispered, her voice fragile.
Kakashi's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his name on Sakura's lips. He squeezed her hands gently, a silent reassurance that he was indeed there for her.
"Yes, Sakura, it's me," he replied, his voice tender. "I'm here with you."
Sakura's gaze lingered on Kakashi's face, and a glimmer of recognition shone in her eyes. Slowly, as if emerging from a fog, she seemed to grasp the reality around her.
"Kakashi," she said again, this time with more certainty. And then, her brows furrowed and accusation was reflected on her eyes. A small, pained whimper escaped her throat. "You're not Kakashi. How can you lie to me, Okaa-san?"
Tsunade exchanged a worried glance with Kakashi, realizing the complexity of Sakura's mental state. The situation was delicate, and Tsunade needed to tread carefully to guide Sakura back to a clearer understanding.
"Sakura, I promise you, he is Kakashi," Tsunade said calmly, maintaining the gentle tone she had used before. "He's right here with you."
But Sakura, caught in the web of her distress, continued to shake her head. Her eyes welled up with tears, reflecting the deep emotional turmoil within her.
"Stop lying to me." Sakura forcefully withdrew her hands, and she covered her ears with it. "Everyone is lying. No one is telling me the truth." She murmured. Her eyes screwed shut. Then she finally became aware of her surroundings. She can feel the needle poking her veins. She opened her eyes and roughly tore the needles.
"Hey, Sakura stop." Tsunade held her hands to stop her. "Sakura, please calm down," Tsunade urged, her voice filled with concern. "We're here to help you. Trust us."
But Sakura's distress escalated, and she let out a heartbreaking scream, the sound echoing through the hospital walls. The medical staff hurriedly worked to secure her safely, and Tsunade gestured for Kakashi to step back.
Kakashi, torn between his desire to comfort Sakura and the need to let the medical professionals handle the situation, reluctantly stepped away. He watched with a heavy heart as Sakura continued to struggle, her cries piercing through the air.
Tsunade, determined to provide the best care for Sakura, instructed the medical team to administer a sedative to help calm her. As the effects of the medication took hold, Sakura's struggles gradually subsided, and a sense of quiet settled in the room.
The medical staff continued their work, monitoring Sakura closely to ensure her safety. Tsunade approached Kakashi, her expression a mix of empathy and determination.
"She's in a highly distressed state, Kakashi," Tsunade explained. "We need to stabilize her first. It's going to take time and careful treatment. I'll keep you updated on her progress." she explained, and then she looked back at him. "How were you not able to see this, Kakashi?" she asked. "When you first started to notice that there is something different about her, why didn't you ask her right there and then?"
Kakashi looked down, the weight of Tsunade's question pressing on him. "I... I thought she's growing bored of our relationship, and I was scared to ask her. Thinking that if I had, she would have the opening she needs to break up with me."
"And that is your biggest mistake, Hatake. You are insecure and your insecurities landed her in this situation. When she finally opened up to you after months of pushing down the pain and grief, you shouldn't have left. Or at least she should have woken up with you by her side." she accused him. "I regret the day I didn't say anything to her when she moved in with you. I know, even before, that you are going to end up hurting her. She's like my daughter, Kakashi. And you've hurt her."
Kakashi, feeling the weight of guilt and regret, nodded solemnly at Tsunade's words. "I know, Tsunade. I should have been there for her, especially when she needed me the most. I never intended to hurt her, but I see now that my actions did just that."
Tsunade sighed, her expression softening slightly. "We can only move forward from here, Kakashi. Right now, our priority is Sakura's well-being. I'll make sure she receives the best care and support. You need to be patient and understanding. She's going through a difficult time, and she'll need your strength."
Kakashi nodded, his gaze never leaving the room where Sakura lay. "I won't leave her side. I'll do whatever it takes to help her through this."
Tsunade gave him a stern look. "You better mean that, Kakashi. She needs stability, not just now but in the days to come. Don't let her face this alone."
"I won't," Kakashi affirmed, determination in his voice. "I'll be there for her, no matter what it takes." He promised. "I love her, Tsunade. You know that,"
Tsunade look at him straight in his eyes, "You better make her feel that. Your words mean nothing if you don't back your words with actions, it doesn't mean anything." She patted his shoulder in a somewhat comforting manner. "Good. Now, give her some time to rest. We'll do our best to help her through this. And I'll keep you informed about her progress."