Healing Sakura

4. I miss your smile, your laugh

Tsunade stood in front of the Uchiha's prison, staring at him as Ibiki continued his relentless interrogations.

The three ninja entered  Tsunade's office, informing her that he has been detained. Payment for their mission was about to be issued when all three men declined, Sakura was certainly special to two of them, they would have done anything for free, for her, and although Sai lacked emotional intelligence, he fully understood that this behaviour was disgraceful, especially to someone he has shared meals with, battles, protected each other and the like. This didn't bode well with him at all.

Sai left first along with Kakashi, while Tsunade detailed the future of the scum that now sits in max security, his life will be forfeit when she saw fit. 

Shikamaru has barely left her side, she receives Healing therapy every morning, the only people who can get near her are Shikamaru and her healing team. It's been a week, Shikamaru has managed to get some words from her, otherwise they have been indulging in shogi, though he has noticed the shaky hands now and then, her wounds have healed, though Tsunade explained the phycological pain that still lingers there, none the less it still pains him when he sees them shake. during a game he noticed, without thinking he gently took her hand in his and his lips grazed the back of her hand, he could feel her hand tense, then relax along with the shaking. 

Looking up he suggested "How would you like to walk in the garden today?" the weather has been beaming, his heart sank a little when her expression changed to worry, she took a moment to look outside 

"I'm not ready to see anyone" she spoke softly 

"You wont have too, I can arrange that" he asked hopeful, with a deep breath, taking a moment before she nodded, a smile formed the corners of his lips as he pressed a call button that went straight to Ino alone, It wasn't long before she arrived

"Hey, how are we doing" She greeted with a smile

"I was wondering if we can have a clear path to the gardens, ensuring no one will try to talk to Sakura, she's willing to go outside, as long as she doesn't have to see anyone" Shikamaru explained 

"Oh! That's not a problem, I know a perfect quiet spot, are we also hungry?" Ino asked, inside secretly thrilled, Shikamaru looked at Sakura to see a slight nod, 

"Yes," 

"Okay, give me 5 minutes and I'll come get you both!" With that she left, arranging a quiet path and some food. Moving the Shogi bored out of the way, he grabbed his dark green hoodie and placed it over her head, seeing her bring the material up to her face and breathing deeply made Shikamaru blush, It was a comfort thing she developed, and he felt honoured she felt that with him during such a traumatic time. 

Just then the door opened, Ino popped her head round to indicate she was ready for them, pulling the hood up over Sakura's head "Are you ready?" he asked, she nodded "I'm going to pick you up, you don't have to see anyone, okay" he explained, he still informed her whenever it came to manhandling her, scooping her up in his arms, her left went around his shoulder and the other gripped his chest as she hid her face. They started their walk to the gardens, and as promise, not a soul crossed their path.

Once at the location, Shikamaru placed her on a bench, a light selection of food before them, with a sincere thank you, Ino left.

It was certainly warm, seeing Sakura's head tilted back slightly, basking in the sun formed a smile on his face, the smiles have been rare as of late. Next to them was a beautiful feature of a Koi pond.

"I'm proud of you" It slipped, Shikamaru didn't even realise he said that out loud, his brown eyes met her emerald, first shock laced her features, which relaxed, as she closed her eyes, a tear or two fell "Sakura," he whispered, worried, gently wiping away the tears

"It's," she breathed deep "Hard" a sob escaped, what shocked Shikamaru was the sudden embrace she instigated, his arms automatically responded.

"I've got you" he hushed, her small sobs got louder "You're safe, cry, it's okay" he could feel the pain in her sobs, he knew she needed it, her body is healed, her mind is in ruins, all because of him. 

"You don't see it, not right now and I know you don't feel it" Shikamaru started as he tried to lift up her head "You have been so strong, you are far from weak and I am proud"  caressing her cheek, she leaned into his hand, slowly, climbing onto his lap, legs either side, he lifted her up gently to make sure she was comfortable 

"I'm scared to leave" She spoke after calming down

"Leave where blossom?" Shikamaru asked tenderly, one hand on her midback and the other on her head, his chin on top.

"Here, leave you" Shikamaru tried not to tense

"What do you imagine when you think about leaving the hospital?" Choosing his words carefully, 

"Fear... uhh, overwhelming questions, nothing is the same anymore" her breathing quickened and she tensed, Shikamaru rocked her with a hush

"Lets not thing about that for a moment, I hear you, I just need you to breath, you're getting good a Shogi you know?" keeping her calm was a challenge, a mixture of trying to get her to talk but not end up distressed. Her breathing took a while to slow.

"He is in maximum security, that's all I will say, I still understand why you're fearful, you're safe I am here, just think of this moment, my voice, whatever you need" he soothed, mixing reassurance in with what's happening. "We have a few options, when you're ready to hear them we can go through them, right now you and I, are not going anywhere" 

He could feel her grip tighten for a brief moment, her breath deepening and long. She was soothing, this still made his cheeks dust over. 

Shikamaru has had deep feelings for the pinkette for some time, he was going to ask her on a date shortly after that dinner, but now they are here, that changes nothing for Shikamaru, other than timing and sensitivity 

He missed her smiles, he missed her laugh.