Title: Miracle
Author: Sparklehunter
Warnings: Light shounen-ai
Summary: Everyone says surviving was the miracle, but Kakashi's not so sure.
Author's Note: Third in a series of snapshots about the aftermath of an almost-death. Sequel to "Ways to Die" and "Expendable." Review if you want more? Review anyway? Sankyu!
Also, should I consolidate "Ways to Die," "Expendable," "Miracle," and any sequels? Let me know, please!
Miracle
by sparklehunter
"They tell me it's a miracle ," Kakashi says.
"They tell me there should have been no way for you to survive, not without Tsunade's immediate attention."
"They tell me to be grateful to be alive. They tell me Tsunade nearly killed herself, keeping you and me alive."
"They tell me you're paralyzed, Iruka."
Kakashi moves his right hand slowly, trying not to stir the bandages, and brushes Iruka's fingers. The other man is on a hospital bed that matches the Copy-nin's, but there's more equipment around Iruka. Tsunade has moved their beds as close together mechanics allow. Kakashi, if he strains the stitches, and the staples, and the glue holding his arm together, can grasp Iruka's hand for five minutes before he notices the blood.
In the three days Kakashi has been awake, Iruka has yet to open his eyes. Tsunade keeps saying, soon, but he knows she is lying.
"They tell me you'll never walk again. That the bastard with the battle ax ripped out a chunk of your spine – the lumbar vertebrae, or something close. You've lost all sensation to your legs."
"They tell me it's a miracle," Kakashi says.
He stays quiet for a long time, watching the ceiling, turning to watch the rise and fall of Iruka's chest. The other man's skin is ash beneath his tan, his hair is limp and brown, his lips are parted and still. Kakashi knows Iruka is breathing, but the whine of machines drowns the slight sound out, and Kakashi does not have the energy to block the noise from his mind.
They tell me it's a miracle, Kakashi thinks, and when Iruka squeezes his hand and squints in the dark, Kakashi believes them.