Smokescreen: A Collection of Vignettes

Chapter 3

Sakura sighed in relief for the first time in a few hours. Though she was immobilized, she was glad to be finally resting. That fight with her husband's doppelganger had taken a lot out of her. He probably would have had her, too, if her beloved husband and her brother-in-law hadn't arrived when they did. A chill ran down her spine as she recalled the ominous laugh as he came face to face with his double and the Grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu. She remembered how the monster had stood over her and how that sent her Tomas into a rage. He had wasted no time in attacking the other man while Kuai Liang immediately went to remove his sister-in-law from the area. It was on the way to the med bay that they met Hanzo, who was immediately deployed to aid Smoke in his fight.

Hanzo was the one who would eventually tell all that had happened after her removal from the battlefield. He recalled all of the words and vicious blows that had been exchanged. That battle, he said, had been exceptionally bloody...especially when it came to how his mentor finished off his evil reflection. Sakura could believe it. Her husband had always been protective of her. It did not matter if he had trained her himself. He had zero tolerance for anyone who would dare lay their hands upon her and it was almost always a death sentence when it came to that.

The young man probably would have continued on, but Harumi had chased him out so the violet-haired woman could be alone with her husband. She did invite him back for another visit, though. She always liked to give him whatever guidance he sought.

=================

"Do you need anything?" Tomas asked sweetly.

"Only you."

It was the first time since the timeline broke that they got to be together. The smoke-user had finally joined his wife in the infirmary to treat his own wounds and to rest alongside with her. His mask sat on the little nightstand next to the bed. He pressed a gentle kiss upon her forehead. With the Grandmaster's permission, he was able to take time to take care of her as she recovered from her horrific injuries. Harumi would pick up his duties as second-in-command. The Shirai Ryu would continue to be in good hands.

Sakura lovingly gazed at her husband before a mischievous streak hit her. Why did her husband have to be so damned beautiful? Beautiful and handsome in every way possible. Though she knew that certain activities had to wait, she still couldn't help but tease him a little. She touched his abs and allowed her fingers to slip just below his waistband. Her husband smirked.

"As tempting as you are, Cherry Blossom, you know you have to heal first."

"Oh, I know." She huffed.

It was going to be at least two months before she could walk again. It didn't matter, though. She had what she needed next to her.