A Lotus in Winter: A Rock Lee Love Story

Chapter 41: Reparations and Rest

Sayuri's POV:

I was shocked to see my loved ones alive, I was confused but I didn't care how they were alive. I had them back. Now the village had to be rebuilt, but I had to remain in bed.

Elder brother and Lee had to help repair the village, but they visited as often as they could. Elder brother was even called forth by the feudal Lord to possibly be temporary hokage, but Danzo was selected. They chose wrongly, no one is better than my brother, especially not Danzo. He was cruel to Sai and made him emotionless, just like when I was an anbu.

Laying there was tortuous. I was alone with my thoughts. The village had been attacked by the Akatsuki and this wasn't over yet. The cycle of hate was continuing. The villages would retaliate for the damage caused, then the enemy would, and the never ending cycle of hate and revenge would live on.

Next time we might not be so lucky, my friends could be hurt or worse, and Lee might be in the village the next time.

Sitting around thinking about it wasn't helping anything at all, but I could hardly walk due to my leg injury. I was supposed to be resting it, I figured I could do that and still get some fresh air if I rode on Hitsugi's back.

I uncovered myself and went to stand up, it was the first time I saw myself since the village was destroyed. I was wearing one of Lee's track suits and his leg warmers. It was almost  skin tight and suddenly I wasn't so sure if I wanted to go get fresh air, but I couldn't stay in that room. I needed to help, besides I had built up my chakra and could heal others now. I wish I could have healed myself, but my body rejects being healed because I had that curse seal for so long.

I unwrapped the bandages on my head to check the wound, it was visibly healed so I didn't rewrap it. I was still suffering the effects of a concussion however so I had to be careful.

I slipped on my ninja shoes and woke up Hitsugi. I climbed on his back and off we went.

The village was coming along nicely, but the workers were prone to accidents, so my presence was helpful to them. I healed the bumps, bruises, cuts and various injuries.

Needless to say that my outfit made people stare. It made me uncomfortable, that was when I heard a howl and Kiba came bounding over to me on Akamaru.

"Heya Sayuri! How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling much better, thank you."

"Sorry that you have to wear one of  Lee's tracksuits. You know I wouldn't mind it if you wore my clothes. Although the ones you're wearing look much better on you than on Lee."

I blushed as he eyed me up and down and whistled. He was practically drooling and I was regretting I had gone out.

That was when Lee walked up and heard how Kiba was treating me and talking to me.

Lee: "Cut it out Kiba, she isn't a piece of meat."

Kiba: "No she isn't, but she sure looks sweet. Now if you'll excuse us, we were having a conversation. So Sayuri did you know I'm going to be Hokage? I'm going to establish Dog Day and everyone will own a dog."

I saw Lee roll his eyes and pout, it was adorable how jealous he was.

Sayuri: "I was actually coming to get you Kiba, Shino is looking for you."

Kiba: "Ugh what does he want now?"

With that Kiba and Akamaru left, leaving Lee and me alone. I blushed when he looked my way.

Lee: "Shouldn't you be in bed? You don't need to be out here"

I frowned in disappointment. I didn't get a compliment or an I love you or a kiss. I lowered my head.

"You're right, I'll go."

I nudged Hitsugi to take me back. I only wanted to help the village rebuild and escape those thoughts.

Lee stopped me and saw my tear filled eyes.

"I'm sorry Sayuri, I didn't mean it like that. I just want you to be safe and healthy is all. I want you out here, but only when you get better okay? I love you."

He kissed my forehead and held my hand. I couldn't stop blushing.

"How about I carry you back?"

Before I could answer, he picked me up and carried me back to the tent and laid me down.  He was right, I was already worn out just from the little bit I did and before he had a chance to cover me up, I was already asleep.