| [Mar. 2nd, 2011|11:20 pm] |
Tsume skidded down the cliff in a controlled fall of chakra, dirt and small rocks tumbling alongside, toward where Hana clung to Ibiki. Hana shifted her grip as he made sure nothing was broken, refusing to let go. She took a deep breath, coughed, fists tightening on Ibiki and leaving runnels of red skin, and then burst into tears.
Tsume reached out, wrapped her hands around Hana’s thin biceps and tugged. Hana broke away from Ibiki and twisted, falling over Tsume’s chest and halfway into her lap, one leg still draped over Ibiki’s folded knees.
Long hair tangled in everything, and bony joints poked uncomfortably. Tsume petted Hana’s hair, pulling her closer. “There, it’s okay, you’re back on shore.” She glanced up at Ibiki, gaze raking his pale skin and the broad hands that had a slight tremble, as if exhausted.
Upriver, someone was shouting at Yasuo, helping to pull him back in, too. For the time being she and Ibiki were alone on the sheltered gravel spit. “Are you all right?” He wasn’t bleeding, but he didn’t quite look all right, either. She hugged Hana tighter, pulling the lanky girl into her lap and rocking unconsciously. |
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