Silence

64. Bloody Ceilings

Shizukana's P.O.V.

The soft chirping of birds filled my ears as I opened my eyes to meet the familiar scratched and dented ceiling of my flat.

My eyes scaled the cracks of the ceiling before I shifted around on the bed. Why was I back at home? I furrowed my eyebrows when I found a red liquid seep its way out of the cracks. A drop of what I assumed to be blood detached itself from the ceiling and fall towards my face. I shut my eyes in anticipation but felt nothing.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The steady beeping of a machine filled my ears as I opened my eyes to meet the familiar plain white ceiling of the hospital.

It was then I recalled my recent memories. Takada. Just as I remembered his name, I also remembered what he told me. He is so occupied with my friends.

Jolting from my position on the bed, I ignored the ache of my bones and searched for Kakashi Sensei.

The hospital room was empty and there didn't seem to be any traces of Kakashi Sensei's presence in the room. Noticing how someone had changed me back to my usual hospital wear, I quickly removed all the wires that were connected to me as I got out of the bed and dashed to the door.

My bones were screaming at me, begging me to go back to the bed and lay there but I couldn't. Not until I cleared the horrible suspicions in my head. Pulling the door open, I searched the corridor but there didn't seem to be anyone.

Just as I was about to head to the left, I heard the familiar voice of a bubbly blond. Naruto. Heading towards the voice, I found myself staring at the very person I was searching for. If Sensei was alright, then Sakura's safe as well.

I finally succumbed to the pain as my legs buckled under the pressure of my weight. I expected to harshly meet the hard floor but I was held by Kakashi Sensei who grabbed my shoulders.

Gripping onto his jacket, I let out a shaky exhale. "You're okay," I muttered softly. It was more of a reassurance for me than anything else.

"I'm okay," Kakashi Sensei repeated softly. "But you need to get back to bed and rest."

Exhausted, I nodded.

"Naruto, get Lady Tsunade. She should be nearby the lobby." Kakashi Sensei said, facing Naruto.

The sound of acknowledgement reached my ears before Kakashi Sensei turned his attention back to me. "Let's get you back?"

I hummed in agreement.

"Can you walk?"

"I'll manage," I muttered as I let go of Sensei's jacket. Kakashi Sensei did the same with my shoulders before he positioned his hands to help me back into the room.

Once we had reached the room, Kakashi Sensei helped me back onto the bed and covered me with the blanket. I wordlessly watched as he grabbed the chair nearby and took a seat.

I noticed that he had some bruises and cuts on his face. A wave of immense guilt washed over me.

"How's Sakura?" I asked.

"She's doing alright. A little shaken but she's strong." Kakashi Sensei replied.

Just as I was about to respond, the door opened revealing Lady Tsunade followed by Lady Shizune, Sakura, and Naruto.

"How are you feeling?" Lady Shizune asked as she walked up towards me. I simply shrugged while I glanced at the others in the room.

Lady Tsunade was reading a file while Sakura and Naruto stared at me with small smiles. She seemed to be avoiding my gaze which was odd since Lady Tsunade wasn't the type to cower from eye contact.