Healing Sakura

7. Their first night

Over 300 reads, I hope that means you're all enjoying it? 😅  Is there anything you guys wanna read within the story to happen? Anything you want revisiting and more of?

*********

Shikamaru

My back is flush against the wall next to the bathroom door, I couldn't bring myself to leave.

My ears focused on any noise with the room as my eyes were closed, hearing her get into the bath and exhale. I feel like I went over the top with the presentation of the room, candles around the sides, so many bubbles that smell of spring, relaxing salt crystals.

I have certainly become a fool for her.

I felt myself slide down the wall, my left knee bent as I rested my arm on it, head back as I also exhaled. I could hear the swash of the water as she presumably washed her hair, there were times when it was quiet. After a while I could hear footsteps from around the corner, my mother came holding a bowl of fruit. Placing a finger to my lips so she knew not to make a sound I stood and took it off of her, whispering a thank you with an arm around her. I'm already exhausted, the constant alert and worry has taken its toll already.

When she left I could hear more swash of the bath water, indicating Sakura getting out, I quickly placed the fruit in her room, by the time I returned, the door slide open.

My right hand rubbed my neck as I glanced at her, wearing black shorts and large pale pink t-shirt that tucked in the front. I felt my face flush.

"Thank you, Shika'" she whispered, I smiled softly as I dropped my hand to reach for her, she took it, I led her back to her room.

When we entered, her yawn didn't escape me "Would... You like to turn in for the night?"

Her face nervously looked around the room before landing on me

"Would... You like me to stay?" It would only make sense after spending weeks in her hospital room, she nodded with relief
"Alright," I sighed
"You get comfortable, I'm just going to wash and change, there's a snack on the table if you want" tugging on her hand I pulled her close, my other hand cradling her head "I won't be too long" and I left for a quick shower and change of clothes

I returned in black joggers and a kakhi green sleeveless top, Sakura's side lamp was giving off a soft glow as she lay sleepily on the far side, watching the door. I found myself smiling as I close the door and walked over, the nervousness on her features were showing, so I decided to lay above the covers facing her, I waited for her to move to me, the last thing I want to do is trigger anything. After a few moments, she indeed started crawling over, bit by bit, I lay out my right hand on the bed between us, to which she took.

Even though it was a simple little act, it made me warm. Sakura then drew it towards her, encasing my hand -and arm - to her chest.

With my left hand, I slowly brought it to her face, moving a few strands behind her ear.

"Are you comfortable?" I asked in a whisper, a soft smile graced her lips with a small nod

"Are you not cold? " She asked, I didn't understand at first

"I didn't want to make you uncomfortable... Considering... I uh-"

"It's ok, Shika' I trust you, would.... It be ok if you held me ... Tonight? " The last bit she looked away nervously, I sighed

"As you wish" I replied softly as I climbed off, pulled the cover back to get under where I moved from, returning my hand and arm back, her hand clasped mine as she nuzzled into it, closing her eyes.

Today has certainly been eventful since getting out of the hospital... And each day will be just as challenging until her mind is more resilient and stronger from her trauma.

*Sakura*

All I remember is waking up in sheer panic, dread, fear and I felt pain, when I wasn't even injured, it went after calming down, rocking in Shikamaru's arms as he soothed me. Taking in a deep breath he released me slowly, the soft lamp was still on.

"You're safe," he whispered as he moved hair from my eyes, I nodded, still shaking I pulled him in closer to me, we were practically flush. His left hand rubbed circles over my lower back as his right cupped the back of my head.

All of a sudden I hear him chuckle, not realising I took in a deep breath of his neck where my face was currently buried. I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Are you ok?" I heard his voice, in a sleepy husk which made me blush more

"I'm sorry, I don't remember what that was about"

"It's ok, as long as you're ok" he whispered, there was 3 hours left until 8, where Ino will be arriving to start my mental healing.

I wasn't looking forward to it.

I felt Shikamaru guide me back down and I lay in his arms.

"When... Will this be over ?" I asked absently, hearing his breath deeply

"When your body and mind have processed what happened, you'll find you can finally relax, and... Breath" which is something I have noticed I haven't been doing, I held my breath quite often.

I could feel his left hand rubbing on my lower back in a comforting way, his right hand held my head, he took in a deep breath, I could just about hear him whisper an apology, I wrapped my arm around his waist, pulling us closer, my head buried in his neck.

We stayed like this until Ino arrived