Open Your Eyes

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Because I need you to look into mine.

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All this feels strange and untrue
and I won't waste a minute without you
my bones ache, my skin feels cold
and I'm getting so tired and so old

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AN: Oh dear. :( I'm at it again. Maybe I'll finish this story... I plan on it being fairly short. Maybe 7ish chapters.

I don't own Naruto, and before anyone asks... this is kind of a song fic, I guess. Song is by Snow Patrol - Open Your Eyes


The rain pounded harshly against the window in front of him, streaking down the glass and out of sight and mind. Heavy, lidded eyes flickered, a single mantra filling his mind-

Just one more minute…

His head ached and pounded, and he sniffed pitifully. The doctor said it was just a cold- but he doubted the man knew who he was. He didn't get colds. A cough ripped its way out of his throat, and the nurse sent him a disapproving frown, obviously wondering why he fought so hard to stay awake, when it was clear all he really wanted and needed was sleep. But his eyes stayed glued to the grey, angry clouds above, and all around him.

Just like that day.

The wind blew harsh and quick against the trees outside, making one bend over and scratch ominously against the glass as the nurse grumbled about getting them cut. She finally gave him one last look, having finished whatever she had been doing – honestly he didn't care – and walked back out into the hall, the door clicking shut softly behind her. He sighed in relief, muscles relaxing as he sank back into the mildly comfortable pillow that was propped up against the headboard.

The clouds parted briefly, a soft ray of light peeking through before it was covered again. He smiled, blue eyes closing and he sagged into the blankets, curling up into their pleasant warmth.

He hadn't fallen asleep in someone's presence for nearly 7 years, and a cold wasn't going to break that record.

--

The morning found him gone, like it always did; leaving the nurses to scramble and fret until they found his note and money. Forever on the move, and he wasn't going to stop for a cold. Not now, and not ever. He coughed, covering his mouth with one hand, the other gripped tightly onto the backpack he carried. The crowd parted ever so slightly around him, taking in his pale face and red eyes and nose, but otherwise paid him no mind. He was no one of importance; at least not to them.

He was just a man out and about, doing whatever he pleased.

Going, wherever he wished, and sometimes where he didn't.

That's all he knew anymore- go forth, travel. Explore the world- stop and smell the roses; linger and go at the paces he and he alone set. The wind blew through his hair and clothes, and he shivered.

There we times that he sorely missed Konoha- the place he grew, laughed, loved. He missed the warmth, the greenery, the familiar faces and places. The ramen stand that he still swore sold the best ramen anywhere- and trust him, he had been everywhere.

There really wasn't anything waiting for him there, anymore, though. Jiraiya was long gone; and he knew he probably had taken more than his fair share of Tsunade's years from her, and he refused to take anymore. Kakashi had gone missing somewhere around his 3rd year of travelling, or so he'd heard through the grapevine. It had been a while before he could honestly tell himself he wasn't searching for a silver-haired man in the crowds around him.

Sakura had eventually given into Lee's advances; he heard she was expecting her 2nd child. The first had been born a year and a half ago- maybe. He didn't keep a very good track of time- the only times that mattered to him were sunrise and sunset.

They didn't need him; and that was just fine.

He pulled his jacket tighter, and ducked his head.

Maybe if he told it to himself enough, it would make it true.