Redemption In Your Eyes

Doomsday

The stone floor was cold as Madara's warm blood dripped onto it. Panting, he removed his shirt by candle light. Gathering chakra that he had pilfered from the brothers, he began to heal himself. His inhuman body has withstood the attack, though not as well as he would have liked. Grimacing as the wound slowly closed and bone and flesh regenerated, he reflected on his hesitance to finish his clansmen. He ruefully decided he would not be so generous, should they oppose him again.

Letting his mind wander, he realized that Aster's nine months were almost up. Soon, he would take what he wanted. Konoha was his focus, for it contained the kyuubi jinchuuriki and his fledgling successor. The wound was closed, but the technique was exhausting. He would need time to recover before obtaining his final goals. Standing slowly, he moved to hook himself to the IV and medical equipment nearby. Sitting on the granite alter, he sighed.

It wouldn't be long before the world knew peace under his rule. He would have just enough time on this earth to groom a successor after achieving his destiny. There wasn't a moment to spare, every minute needed to be milked for his plan to come to fruition. The fight with Itachi and Sasuke had slowed him, but he had also been holding back. Madara wouldn't make that mistake again.

"This is more exciting than I expected." Aster smiled and stroked Itachi's hand.

He laughed softly. "And what did you expect?" His eyes were bandaged still and he squeezed her hand back. "There's really no good time to have a child. There's no point in dreading it- just enjoy the ride."

"Ha!" She crossed her ankles, leaning back into her wheelchair. "I never thought I'd hear you say something like that." Suddenly, she threw her arms up. "Wait, gimme-" she grabbed his wrists. Putting his palm on her stomach, she waited. "Can you feel it?"

Pressing his hand to her, he felt the gentle push back of a small foot. "That's incredible-"

She sighed in contentment. "You know, you're in high spirits. I like it."

"I just," he hesitated, "I just want to enjoy whatever time we have. I want to live in the moment, just for a little while at least."

Aster frowned and pushed his hand away. "You still think I won't make it."

"Aster," he began, blindly trying to grasp her fingers. "I can feel how frail you've become. I know you're unable to walk." He swallowed a growing knot in his throat. "I don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. And I can't picture tomorrow without you-"
"Then don't!" she urged. "I'll be there. We've got a baby that needs me. I'm going to survive. Don't think twice about tomorrow."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Sakura put her hands near Sasuke's face. Inhaling sharply, he nodded. Gently, she leaned in and undid the clasp holding the thick, white gauze in place. Slowly, she unwrapped his eyes. Catching the gauze in his upturned palms, he clenched his jaw.

Sitting back, she observed that he seemed to have healed nicely. His smooth skin revealed no evidence of scarring or trauma. For a long moment, they waited with bated breath. Finally, Sasuke opened his eyes.

Sakura's wide green eyes stared back, the corners of her mouth turned down slightly in anticipation. Her pastel hair caught the gloomy light coming in the window. Soft shadows played over her features.

"You can see me?" She asked quietly.

He smiled. "Yes. Yes, I can."

Not waiting for him to say more, she threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. Relieved, he returned her embrace and rested his chin in the crook between her neck and shoulder.