Chapter 8
As the world around him slowly came into focus, Kakashi's eyes snapped open, fear running through his veins. He couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of vulnerability as he stirred and looked around in the room. The hospital room offered no comfort and the unfamiliarity of his surroundings only increased his anxiety. Obito and Rin stood nearby, their concerned expressions reflecting in their eyes. As their gazes met, Kakashi's fear intensified and his body reacted instinctively. He lashed out, his foot connected with Obito's leg.
Sensing the imminent danger, Minato intervened, halting Kakashi's strike and steadying him.
"Easy, Kakashi," Minato's voice held a soothing yet firm tone. He held Kakashi firmly but gently, keeping him in place against the bed. "It's alright. Obito, Rin, go home. Rin, tend to Obito's injury. I'll take care of Kakashi."
Obito and Rin exchanged worried glances but trusted in Minato's decision. They quietly left the room, giving Minato and Kakashi the space they needed.
Kakashi struggled against Minato's grip, his mind clouded with confusion and pain. Despite his weakened state, he attempted to free himself, his movements slowly yet with desperation but Minato's strength was too much, pinning him against the bed again with controlled force.
''Trying to fight me, Kakashi?" Minato teased, a playful glint in his eyes. His voice held a comforting tone, "You'll have to do better than that, my student...'' A moment of silence passed between them before the blonde decided to add ''..I understand the fear that grips you but you have to remember, you're safe now." Minato assured, his voice as softly as possible. "You're not alone in this. We'll go through it together."
Kakashi's tense muscles relaxed under Minato's touch, but his eyes still reflect doubt and pain.
"I can't escape it.." Kakashi whispered, his voice heavy with vulnerability. "I-I feel just..darkness..please..j_just leave me alone."
Minato's gaze met Kakashi's, his blue eyes filled with compassion and unwavering support. He stepped closer, their bodies almost touching, a playful spark dancing in his eyes.
"Sometimes, facing the darkness is the only way to find the light again," Minato mused, his words laced with a hint of teasing. "And with a student as strong as you, Kakashi, I have no doubt you'll overcome it."
Kakashi's breath catched in his throat, his eyes locked with Minato's as a mixture of emotions swirl within him.
"I... I want to remember. " Kakashi confessed, his voice tinged with determination. "But I'm scared of what I might discover."
Minato's touch grew firmer, his grip on Kakashi's shoulders grounding him in the present. He gazed deeply into Kakashi's eyes, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
"Kakashi, the path to healing is not without its challenges." Minato reassured. ''but know that I'll be right here, by your side, guiding you every step of the way."
Kakashi tilted his head slightly as he closed his eyes and thought about the words. It was too easy to trust the guy with the blonde hair like the sun, the blue eyes like the sea and the smile that could probably melt any iceberg, but should he really do that?
Sighing, he opened his eyes and nodded.
''I don't like being touched..'' He mumbled slowly to himself as he opened his eyes to see Minato's reaction.
"I appreciate you sharing that with me, Kakashi" Minato replied, his tone gentle. "Your comfort is important and I won't push you beyond what you're comfortable with. We'll take things at your pace, and if there's anything you need or want to talk about, I'm here."
A thoughtful silence settled between them before Minato pulled his hands away from his shoulders and added "Trust is earned, not demanded. I'm grateful that you're willing to open up, and I'll do my best to be someone you can trust."
And Minato knew he had chosen the right words because for the first time in a very long time he saw Kakashi smile.
Meanwhile:Rin sat beside Obito, concern written across her face as she gently examined his injury. The atmosphere was heavy with worry, the weight of their friend's actions was in the air. Obito winced slightly, but his eyes never wavered from Rin's gentle movements.
"Does it hurt a lot, Obito?" Rin asked softly, her voice filled with empathy.
Obito nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's not too bad, Rin. I've had worse, after all."
Rin's brows furrowed in concern. "You've always been so brave, Obito but it's okay to admit when you're in pain. You don't have to shoulder everything alone."
A flicker of vulnerability flashed in Obito's eyes, a rare glimpse into his emotions. "I know, Rin and I appreciate your care. It's just... seeing Kakashi like this, it's difficult. He's been through so much, and now he's lost his memories."
Rin's touch gentled as she continued tending to his injury, her voice filled with emotions. "Kakashi is strong and he's not alone. We'll be here for him, just like we've always been. Together, we'll help him find his way back, one step at a time. "
A hint of a smile tugged at Obito's lips, a reflection of the bond they shared. "You're right, Rin. We're a team, and we'll support Kakashi no matter what. And, uh, thank you for always being there for me too."
Rin's gaze met his, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "You don't have to thank me, Obito. We're friends, and friends look out for each other. We'll do this together, just like we always have."
As the conversation went into a comfortable silence, a sense of calmness settled between them. Obito's weariness began to claim him and with Rin's comforting presence by his side, his eyelids grew heavy. The night stretched out before them and in the safety of Obito's bed, they found happiness in each other's company. Their breaths synchronized, the rhythm of their hearts guiding them towards a peaceful slumber.