Dream Skirmish

Chapter 13

Doctors have come and gone since Hell has arrived back at the Leaf village, instantly being brought to the hospital for a check-up which confirmed her worst fears. She is indeed pregnant and slightly malnourished, but otherwise as healthy as a seshin can be. A few of her friends, including her sensei have come to visit, more than happy to see her alive and well.
The young woman is currently resting in her hospital bed, a book in hands even if reading is not helping her think of anything but the terrible things she had to go through while in the clutches of the pale madman. Even Guy-Sensei and Lee's positive and encouraging words did little to help her sour mood, though she does appreciate and finds their attempts endearing.
A few others from the village have also come in to say hello during the day, but clearly more out of the selfish reasons of washing their hands in innocence for having said hello and asked how she is doing, rather than genuine concern of sympathy. Not that such matters are concerning the young ghost at this moment, she does have bigger things on her plate than a couple of fake 'I hope you get well soon' visitations from people whose names she can't even be bothered to remember.
Another few hours pass her by until her teammate, rescuer and friend Neji decides to stop by. After a very quiet 'hello', he sits down beside Hell, not entirely sure how to start a proper conversation with her. Instead he gives her a warm smile that she happily returns as he sets a bowl with cooked rice and curry sauce down for her, along with a full glass of water and some assorted fruits.
"I brought you something to munch on... it's not the best, but I'm sure my cooking is still more enjoyable than the terrible hospital food." He states joyfully, hoping that will be enough to break the ice.
She nods numbly, setting the book she's reading aside. "Thank you, I'm sure it'll be just fine."
"If not, I'm not taking the blame for any food poisoning." He laughs softly, hoping to cheer Hell up with his little joke, though nothing more than a brief smile graces her face.
He lets out a soft sigh, his pale eyes staring at his hands as their fingers fiddle with one another nervously. Unsure of what to say, Hell takes the tablet with the food and water and sets it down on her lap, half heartedly biting into an apricot Neji brought with him. Uncomfortable silence grips them both, forcing an awkward tension to rise until the young Seishin breaks the ice a bit more.
"Thanks again for coming to my aid." The young woman speaks tiredly, her white teeth digging into the inside of her lower lip.
"It's alright, you don't need to keep thanking me and Sasuke, you know."
"I feel like I should..." A frown adorns her, as she sets her eyes on a random object in the white room. "It was... Awful, Neji..."
"You also don't need to speak of what happened to you just yet... Take your time with that, I'm not going to pry."
"It's..." She sighs heavily. "I think I need to talk about it to someone though."
"Then I will listen."
The young man shifts his position to face her better and gives her a comforting smile to show he's all ears and ready for her to begin her tale. Taking a deep breath, Hell explains what had happened to her; the experiments, the poking and prodding, the embarrassment and finally, the moment she found out she has been impregnated against her will. The Hyuga's eyes widen and the color drains from his face, but his moment of shock is short lived when he sees the woman before him trying to hold back sobs and tears.
Removing the tray from her lap and setting it aside he moves onto the bed and gives her a tight hug, which she more than happily leans into, clutching tightly to the back of his shirt as her tears of fear and sorrow finally escape her.
"I-I don't know what to do, Neji... I'm... I'm not ready to be a mom..." She admits, nuzzling her face into her friend's chest.
He comfortingly strokes the back of her hair, his chin slowly resting on the top of her head. "You'll get through this, Hell... I know you will... And we will always support you in every way we can." 'Just... why? Why her? What the hell are you planning with her, Orochimaru?! That damn creep...'
"I just... Don't know what to do... I don't want to give birth to something as hideous as Orochimaru..."
"Then..." Neji pauses, swallowing a bit of spit that's gathering on the top of his tongue and struggles to speak the next difficult words. "You know..."
"Are... Are you suggesting... I should get an abortion?" Unable to say it himself, he simply nods in response. "I...I-I don't... Know if I can do that..."
"Perhaps I'm not the person to speak to about that... Maybe you should ask Lady Tsunade for advice? I'm sure she'll know what to do..."
"Yeah... Maybe..." The young woman pulls Neji closer, further shifting into his warm embrace as she stares blankly towards the floor.