Chapter Text
I've seen Shinobu cry before.
In fact, I've seen him cry many, many times.
He cried when we met. Out of nervousness, I think. His eyes shone from the start of tears, but didn't quite spill over. He probably hoped I didn't notice. He cries when he remembers it too.
He cried on his birthday, holding all his little knick knacks that were given to him. Snot dribbling as he thanked everyone. I don't think I'll ever forget that smile. He was "lonely" before... he told me later, accepting my handkerchief. He couldn't believe how kind people could be. I couldn't believe how far he had come.
Though, I've never once seen him cry because he was hurt. At those times, he would proudly tell me 'a ninja never cries!' Yet, there are times he has teared up when he thought someone else was.
He cried when we met a cat along our path. He cried when a sad story was told at lunch by our friends. He cried when he was the centre of attention with the school's rabbit, and ran too. He cried when I said "I love you," and he continued to when he said it back with a smile. He cried the first time we held hands, and I dried his tears with my sleeve.
Countless times... He has shown his tears in front of me.
But.
I've never seen him cry like this.
Never had I heard such heartbreaking sobs, such painful sobs. Not from him.
This was nothing like any of the other times.
I would have liked nothing more in that moment to hold him in my arms, and pat his shaking back until the tears flowing down his cheeks had long stopped. To tell him that it was okay.
But, I have no right.
This was my fault, after all.
I hurt him.
And, he cried.