Bluebird (Naruto Fanfiction)

Part Two: 10, cheers to a new beginning

*Aiko's Perspective*

It was another lonely day for me. I sat in the hospital bed which grew more and more uncomfortable as the days went by. Physically, I was beginning to feel a lot better but as for my emotional state, I was still feeling down. I missed Neji. My heart ached for him. I wanted to hear his voice, get lost in his warm embrace. I think that I was also hurting from the fact that he hasn't come to visit still. Days and days had passed and the only time I saw him face to face was when I saw him with that woman a few days ago.

I was beginning to question myself, or more so us. Of course I still had a bit of hope in the back of my mind, but I was alone for too long these days and my negative thoughts began to harass me more and more. As much as I hated the thought of losing him, I didn't want to chase and beg for someone who did not feel the same. If he was happier with someone else, then I guess I should be happy for him.

But after all this time I just couldn't wrap my head around the one simple question, why? What had I done in order to deserve the betrayal of my boyfriend. I wondered how long this had been going on, Neji and that woman together. Had he been dishonest with me this whole time? Was I just someone to keep him company when she wasn't around? I frowned at the thought that maybe I just wasn't enough for Neji, maybe he still viewed me as the small weak ninja I was when I first came to the leaf. I had so many questions, but no answers.

Neji and I had so many moments, and memories. We had been through so much. He was there to console me when Kiyomi was abducted by the Akatsuki, then he stood by my side and helped me get back onto my feet when she ran away. I had risked my life to save not only him, but his entire clan. Was that all not enough for him? I knew Neji had a tough, cold exterior but I always thought that maybe he had a soft spot for me. The recurring question popped into my head once again, what could have made him change in such little time?

I wanted to believe in what Kiyomi told me, and to hear him out but at the same time I was scared for whatever he had to say. If this was all over, closure would be the best thing for me, but it will also be the hardest thing for me. After being with him for all this time I couldn't see myself without him.

I sighed, trying to pull myself away from these thoughts that only brought me more pain. I wondered where Kiyomi would have gone last night, Gaara seemed troubled that he couldn't find her. I figured she was out with Naruto, oddly I felt a pang of jealousy that was quickly followed by guilt. I wished I could be more happy for my cousin, she was finally getting what she wanted, and instead of being happy for her I was wishing it was me and Neji.

"Miss Akimoto, it's time to go out for your daily walk" My nurse, Suki said softly coming into the room to retrieve me from my bed. "Would you like to try your crutches again today? Or would you prefer the comfort of your wheelchair?" She asked kindly. I had to think for a moment. I could be lazy and just sulk while I'm pushed around in my wheelchair, or I could push to get better with or without Neji. I figured option two would be much more beneficial.

"Crutches, I suppose" I croaked, my voice was weak. I hadn't been talking much lately so my vocal chords were a bit rusty. She smiled genuinely and helped me adjust to the crutches.

"Whenever you're ready Miss Akimoto" She nodded in approval as I rose to my feet.

We moved slowly down the hall, I didn't want to push myself too much. This is all part of the recovery routine so I might as well just get it over with. The route seemed a lot longer than usual, I looked at Suki skeptically.

"You are due for release soon, I need to see how capable you are of getting around with little assistance." She explained, feeling my cold eyes watching her. I nodded as we continued on.