𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑳𝑳 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯 𝒀𝑶𝑼 | 𝑲.𝑰𝑵𝒁𝑼𝑲𝑨 [2]

Nowhere to escape

The hospital room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over Ruka Sarutobi as she lay propped up in bed. The battle with Pain had left her battered and bruised, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil she was wrestling with. The beeping of the heart monitor was a constant reminder of her fragile state.

The door creaked open, and Kakashi Hatake stepped inside, his face half-hidden beneath his mask and his eyes concealed by his signature headband. He paused, his gaze taking in the sight of Ruka with a mixture of concern and amusement.

"Still here, huh?" Kakashi said with a smirk, his tone light-hearted. "I was starting to think you might make a break for it."

Ruka's lips curled into a small, tired smile. "Wouldn't dream of it. The hospital food might be bland, but it's better than the alternative."

Kakashi chuckled softly, moving to pull up a chair beside her bed. "Good to hear. I was prepared to chase you down if necessary."

Ruka's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced at him. "How is everyone? When they thought I was dead, and Jiraiya-sensei..."

The mention of Jiraiya's death brought a shadow over Kakashi's features. He took a deep breath before answering, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. "It was a rough time. Losing Jiraiya was a huge blow. And when it seemed like you were gone too... well, it was like the world stopped for a moment."

Ruka's gaze dropped to her hands, resting on the blanket. "I've been thinking about it, and I can only imagine how much it hurt. I didn't want to add to anyone's pain."

Kakashi leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "You have to understand, Ruka, we're all a part of this. When we lose one of us, it affects everyone. And when you're a part of it, it's even more personal. But knowing you're still here, that's something."

Ruka looked up, meeting his eye with a mixture of relief and lingering guilt. "I'm sorry for everything. For the worry I caused, for everything."

"Hey," Kakashi said softly, "you don't need to apologize. We know the risks we take. What's important now is that you're recovering."

Ruka nodded, her expression a mixture of gratitude and weariness. "I'll do my best to get back on my feet. But... I have to ask, what was everyone's reaction when they thought I was gone?"

Kakashi's gaze softened, and he paused before speaking. "There was a lot of grief. People were numb, and some even felt lost. Your absence was felt deeply, and it brought out the best and the worst in everyone. But they've been coping. It's what we do."

Ruka absorbed his words in silence, the gravity of the situation settling in. "I'll make it up to everyone," she said finally, her voice resolute. "I'll do whatever I can to help."

Kakashi smiled, though it was a gentle one. "I'm sure you will. But for now, just focus on getting better. We need you in top form."

Ruka's eyes sparkled with a touch of mischief as she looked at him. "You really think you can keep me here with your jokes and casual threats?"

Kakashi grinned. "Oh, I'm not worried about keeping you here. You're too stubborn for your own good. I'm just making sure you don't get bored enough to try escaping."

Ruka laughed softly, the sound a welcome reprieve from the tension that had been building. "Alright, alright. I'll stay put. For now."

As Kakashi prepared to leave, he glanced back at her with a reassuring nod. "Get some rest, Ruka. We'll catch up soon."

"Thanks, Kakashi," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

Kakashi gave a final nod before slipping out of the room, leaving Ruka to her thoughts. The brief visit had lifted her spirits, and she found herself feeling a little more hopeful about the future, even as she continued to heal.