Glitter in the Sky | A Shikamaru Love Story

Chapter 36

When I woke up, I was met with the steady beating of a heart monitor, a white ceiling, and softly chattering voices. Great. The hospital. I groaned and sat up, grabbing my throbbing head.

"Hey, she's up!" I heard Naruto say loudly. I winced and looked at his smiling face. He was joined by Shika, Sakura and Kakashi, who was also in the hospital.

"How long was I out?" I mumbled. My throat feels as dry as the desert. Shika handed me a glass of water and sat down at the foot of my bed. I smiled in thanks and sipped the water, instantly feeling more refreshed.

"Only a day." He answered. I nodded. "You've gotta stop using that thing, troublesome woman." He scolded. I rolled my eyes at him. Sakura must have told him. I hope she didn't tell him anything else.

"Oh yeah, I should have just her die when I could easily prevent it." I said sarcastically. He rolled his eyes at me.

"We don't know how much life it takes from you, Kaori." He said and looked at me worriedly. I sighed.

"I understand that. I don't use it every time someone dies around me. I couldn't just sit back and watch her give her life for Gaara's!" I explained. He dragged his hand down his face. I left out the real reasoning I couldn't just let her die. Now is definitely not the time to tell him. I don't know when will be, but it's definitely not now.

"You did a good thing, Kaori. She wanted me to tell you how appreciative she is of you." Kakashi said and gave me a closed eye smile. I gave one back and narrowed my eyes at Shika.

"See! That's what supportive looks like." I teased. He laughed a little bit and shook his head.

"What a drag." He mumbled. I smiled at him. I missed him.

"Lady Tsunade said you were free to go when you woke up." Sakura said and handed me a bag. I raised an eyebrow at her. "I got you some clothes from your apartment." She explained.

"Thanks, Sakura!" I said and smiled at her. Maybe, just maybe things can go back to normal between us. I got out of bed slowly and with Shika's help and went into the bathroom to change. Sakura packed me my usual black leggings, navy cropped tank top and my jonin jacket, so I put those on and threw my messy hair into a messy bun and called it good enough. I walked out of the bathroom and sat on Kakashi's bed.

"How long are you here for?" I teased. He rolled his eyes at me. "If you didn't overuse your sharingan so often, I wouldn't tease you, you know." I pointed out. Naruto and Shika laughed at me and Sakura smirked.

"You ended up in the hospital too." He said and crossed his arms over his chest. I laughed at him and gave him a closed eye smile.

"Well, at least-"

"Team Kakashi! I found you new members! You're to meet them at the gates for the mission." Tsunade announced when she walked into the room. I raised an eyebrow at her.

"New members? Mission?" I said skeptically. She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Did I miss something? I mean, obviously, but what?

"No one told Kaori?" She asked. Everyone shook their head no. I cocked my head to the side.

"Told me what?" I asked.

"When Sakura defeated Sasori, he gave her information on Orochimaru." She said bluntly. My eyes went wide. Sasori is dead? What? He gave her information on Orochimaru? She must have put up a damn good fight. I'm a little sad that he's gone, but I know I shouldn't be. Wait! Just she say Orochimaru?!

"We're checking it out, right? It could lead to Sasuke!" I yelled. Shika put a hand on my shoulder to calm me down. I looked up at him, and he gave me a lazy smile.