Downpour (DISCONTINUED)

Hold On To Me

Kakashi felt his throat thicken suddenly. Iruka's usually warm brown eyes were stoic. Professional. The bruise on his mouth had healed since he'd last seen him, and Kakashi suddenly raised his hand to his cheek, remembering the sting of his slap. 

"Hello." Kakashi murmured. Guilt twisted in his belly at the sight of him. His attention shifted to Naruto, whose blue eyes were wide, fixed on their fading mother. He walked silently to her bedside, opposite Kakashi, and took her other hand. The room was quiet. 

"I'll give you a moment." Gai murmured, resting his hand on Kakashi's shoulder. He turned to leave, touching Iruka's elbow as he went. Iruka nodded, but hesitated. 

"Naruto, I'll be waiting outside okay?" He spoke clearly into the silence, his voice steady. "And Kakashi? When this is over, I'd like to speak to you." Kakashi raised his head, meeting his cool gaze. 

"Me too. I'll be out soon." He whispered. Iruka nodded once, then left the room, leaving the trio alone. 

"Mom..." Naruto murmured, bowing his head. "I wish I could have gotten to know you more." He pressed his forehead against her hand, shivering. Kakashi closed his eyes, letting the gravity of what was really happening fall slowly onto his shoulders. 

A soft gasp came from the pillows between them, and Kakashi's head whipped up to see his mother's eyes fluttering open. 

"My boys... you came." She breathed, her voice barely audible. Kakashi stared in shock, opening and closing his mouth. Naruto leaned closer, his eyes wide. 

"Yeah mom, we're here." He said softly, his voice low and fearful. Kakashi cleared his throat, aware that he was still clutching her hand. 

"M-mom. Did you... what I said.." Kakashi stuttered, his voice weak. Harumi smiled weakly, squeezing his hand. 

"I heard you." She breathed again, the sound rasping and painful. "Kakashi, dear boy..." She swallowed, turning her head slightly to gaze at him with shining, sunken eyes. "All is forgiven. I only hope... you can do the same for me." Kakashi nodded, a single tear escaping his eye. 

"Yes, mom, I forgive you." He whispered. Harumi's eyes slid shut, and she smiled. 

"And.. Naruto?" She was looking at him now, eyes hopeful. Naruto nodded frantically. 

"Of course I do." He whimpered, laying his head on her stomach as he began to cry. Kakashi squeezed her hand, still clinging to the hope that he could hold her here. It just wasn't fair, after so many years, he'd finally made peace with his mother, and now she had to leave. 

"I wish you didn't have to go." Kakashi whispered, his throat tight. Harumi exhaled slowly, a machine somewhere whirring at the exertion. 

"Death is a part of life." Harumi breathed, her eyes closed. "I don't fear it. Knowing... that I'm forgiven... that peace will be more than enough for me." 

Kakashi was surprised she'd managed such a long sentence, he continued to clutch her hand as she caught her breath. The steady tone from the heart monitor paused momentarily, making Kakashi's own heart leap. 

"Mom?" He gasped, glancing at the heart monitor. The second tone came later, weaker almost. Kakashi squeezed his mothers hand tighter, his eyes refused to leave her face. 

"Mom? Are you there?" The third tone was even slower, a faint beep in the silence. And then a steady tone, the green line falling flat, along with his mother's chest. 

"Mom!" Kakashi called louder, still crushing her hand. He shook her shoulders, Naruto had raised his head, and clutched her hand with a pale expression. 

"Mom! Wake up!" Kakashi screamed. "Help! Doctor!" The door swung open, a woman in a white lab coat rushing in, followed by a team of nurses. Kakashi was quickly pushed aside as the staff swarmed over his mother, talking in loud, animated voices. But somewhere deep down, Kakashi knew it was too late. 

She was gone.