It was an autumn, nearing winter midday. Orange, red leaves dangled on branches until a fit of wind would end its misery, but others still dangles. The changing colours of the seasons reminds one of the closure of an era, and the beginning of another one. The city of Konoha was a relatively busy city, where its citizens goes about minding their own business in the crowded streets of Downtown Konoha. In a grand, white building of 98 floors, and sometime during a midday hour, a blond man goes about on his life, oblivious of the imminent event that would drastically change his life forever.
The man stalked down a brightly lit hallway, his shoes clacks against the marble floor. A black Armani suit accentuates his toned body, and his blond hair is swept back in an intended messy fashion. That is what most would notice at first. However upon close inspection, a silver Cartier watch shines almost gloriously from his left wrist; and even his scent, a mild soap and coffee smell, is somewhat alluring. His attire is considered low profile by most, but it's also incredibly eye catching.
He possessed blue eyes that gives one a warm and welcoming feeling of familiarity, almost an inborn charisma of a sort. That charisma draws people in relentlessly. On his tanned face appears two small dimples beside his mouth whenever he smiles, and his aqua eyes would almost sparkle under the light. He stood 6'2 tall, and his body in perfect proportion of toned chest, abdomen, legs and everywhere else, prominent even under the concealing black suit. He had an aura of confidence, approachable nature, and a genuinely amiable smile. With everything else, he's also a young doctor with a medical degree from Stanford University.
On his chest held a small name tag with "Dr. Uzumaki" written across the surface. A petite secretary is carrying a load of papers walking closely by his side, briefing him the various appointments and meetings scheduled. Their conversation was mostly one sided; it always was. Sometimes he choose to block her out. He's always seeking a temporary quick escape in the form of daydreams.
Naruto entered his office and sat there with a cup of coffee already in hand. He sighs a long and heavy sigh as he relaxes into his chair. The cold office felt foreign as he look at the several paintings hanging along the walls. Those supposedly expensive works of art seemed more like scribbles and slabs of pigment in a form he doesn't understand nor bother to care. The glass table was made transparent despite his unease at the fragility of steaming coffee on the surface. And the walls were painted dark blue. A colour that unsettles him. The set up of the office wasn't designed nor approved by him. In some depth of it all, he doesn't feel like he belonged there.
It was at that particular moment in time, as Naruto's reminiscing about all the matters that surrounds him, when his cellphone rang. Naruto jumped at the sudden vibration from his pocket, but still hurriedly reached inside to take out a sleek Blackberry. His frown lifted when he saw "Kakashi" as the caller ID. It was definitely rare for the other man to call. Although they've known each other for as long as he could remember, but they were always on different sides of the circle when growing up. And now, Naruto's most assertive rival in his field.
The moment Naruto pressed on talk, Kakashi's always monotonic voice escaped the phone. "Hello," Naruto put down all the matters at hand and firmly massaged his temples as he replied a quick, automatic greeting. When the other answered with a small chuckle, Naruto cleared his throat in annoyance.
"What is it?"
"Did you read the file I gave you?" Naruto held the yellow folder his secretary just gave him and saw a small sticky note, with the neat scribble "Dr. Hatake" written on it. Naruto murmured a small "en".
"Great, that's what I wanted to discuss with you." Kakashi said. "But don't jump to conclusions right away, alright?"
Naruto flipped open the folder to see a profile like any other, of a young man on the first page. The pixelated image blurs the person's face; his features were made unable to be observed in detail. Routinely, Naruto scanned the paper in it's entirety and took into account of the general information in a matter of seconds time done with many years of practice. It was until he finished examining the page did he answer again.
"Typical Schizophrenia patient, yes?" He stayed silent as he waited for the other to reply. Naruto's brows creased, and his lips are pulled in an uncharacteristic line of disapproval as he waited for the other to answer. Frankly, he didn't like where this is going.
"I want to discuss his transfer under your care." Kakashi said, "the patient is quite persistent, if you know what I mean." His voice came delayed, hesitant and unsure. For a few long seconds, neither spoke, nor made any detectable sounds as they both contemplated the other's reasons. However, when realization dawned, Naruto let go of a smile. He had interpreted it as a declaration of defeat on Kakashi's part. Why else would he want Naruto to take care of a patient he has had trouble caring for?
"Seems you can't handle him quite well."Naruto finally spoke, a condescending smirk quietly playing on his handsome face.
"That's not it." Kakashi said.
In his voice, a hollowness resounds. Naruto had to strain to hear what he just heard wasn't weakness from the other, but shame at the acknowledgement of inferiority.
"No worries, Dr. Hatake. I'm sure I can treat him to health again, because it seems he's not so different from some past cases." The aftertaste of victory sweetly lingers on Naruto's tongue as he spoke. He made sure it sounded undetectable over the phone.
"A few months, or even years of therapy. Adequate doses of medication. He should be cured in no time." Naruto reassured, and tried to sound as confident as he could in the process. Naruto knew his attitude is most definitely annoying Kakashi. However, it has always been one of his life long dreams to provoke any sort of reactions from the other doctor. The other man is just too calm and damned self righteous.
Naruto suddenly remembered the time when he was in seventh grade, just barely old enough to have gone through puberty. His voice was going through that awful change from an adolescent boy to a man, and it was undoubtedly the most awkward period in his life. He was a chubby kid back then, clumsy, short, dorky and overall unpopular. Kakashi was five years older than him, and the best friend of his brother like figure, Iruka. Of course, being the perfect boy, Kakashi easily got the attention of all the girls around Naruto whenever he came over to his school with Iruka. Naruto never particularly minded how Kakashi just coolly hogged the attention to himself, until Naruto's long time crush and first love, confessed her love to Kakashi. They were only 12 then, and Naruto can only commend the nerve of that girl to confess to a 17 year old teenager. Of course since then, the relationship between Naruto and Kakashi just deteriorated from there. Naruto hated Kakashi for being the big show off, and the source of his first heart break. Kakashi just hated Naruto because he thought the kid was a brat, and a dick.
However, throughout the years, Naruto changed. He was no longer the lame kid that tagged behind Iruka's back, and actually developed some personality of his own. He developed quite well actually. He got to 6 feet in just tenth grade, and his body eventually toned up with age. Naruto has always possessed that natural tan, that melting smile, and that pair of dazzling blue eyes. His looks alone landed him hoards of girls begging for attention. And his friendly, charismatic personality had all the students, guys and girls alike, swooning for him. And for Kakashi...
He began dating the second girl Naruto has ever loved. Even despite Naruto's changed physique, he never won out the mature and 'manly masculinity' that only comes with age. He has lost to Kakashi once again in love. Naruto experienced his second heart break, by the same man.
That memory has haunted Naruto since then. But since the two times Naruto got owned, he has never failed in love again. He always remembered the humiliation that came with rejection and heart break, and swore to himself he would never fight a battle he can't win, and never chase a girl he can't get. Of course, there isn't particularly any female out there that can resist his charm in this day and age. He knew that fully well, too. Even the two girls who rejected him back then, would surely swoon for him now. But that was all history. The thought that's been on his mind for ages, and still burning with ferocity, was the thought of revenge. Naruto, just once, has always wanted to give Kakashi that feeling of ultimate defeat. The phone in Naruto's hands was tightened in his grip at that thought.
"You think I would've dismissed the typical procedure?" Kakashi's voice comes out passive, but no doubt insulted by Naruto's attitude.
"I've tried all methods. Behaviour, cognitive therapy. All kind of stabilizers and antidepressants, but he comes out unfazed at the end of the day." Naruto can almost taste the impatience in Kakashi's voice. His smirk widened.
"Dr. Hatake, I've no doubt in my mind you did. But it all comes down to method. And different methods results in different outcomes." Naruto's initial interest in this patient heightened as he continued on with Kakashi. He tried not to sound too relaxed, but his utmost confidence prevented him from doing so anyways. His talent and capabilities are noticed anywhere. And of course he can't pass up a chance to hand Kakashi's ass back to him.
"Your failure to conduct the ideal procedure doesn't result in mine. So have some faith." The smile never really slips from Naruto's face as those words came out. Naruto knows his provocation doesn't go unnoticed by the other. Although unlike him, it's one of his rare chances to prove to Kakashi and the rest of the world he really is better, in something.
"Uzumaki." Over the phone, a frightening, unexpected voice rose quietly. "Please don't think this is a joke." Naruto's smirk faltered as Kakashi's voice became shaky with something he doesn't know.
"I've gone through so much with that particular patient alone." Naruto heard the heaving of breath from the other line, a deep pause before he began once again. "And time, sweat, pain and eventually heartache. I entrust him to you for I believe you are a better candidate to treat him to health."
"Kakashi, I understand your bond, and it's only reasonable-"
"Just listen, because this is a hard decision for me, too." Naruto was struck dumb by the Kakashi who seems to have lost all composure and professionalism. The Kakashi who has lost that laughing quality whenever he spoke. The Kakashi who sounds as if he's truly cornered with no one else to turn to. This is a Kakashi extremely rare to encounter. Even despite their previous grudges, Naruto felt it in his heart to hear the man out. Just for old times sake.
Naruto heard a small sigh from the phone. "There's no way I'd want to give him up after years. But you see, he's suffered so much, and I'm simply not fit." Kakashi's voice held a twinge of helplessness, and it made Naruto shift uncomfortably in his chair. He didn't know how to answer the Kakashi who sounds like he's on the verge of tears. Somehow, Naruto can't fully rejoice in the reaction he has evoked in the other man. But instead, he felt unreasonably irked and annoyed.
"Hatake, I don't know what kind of god he is to make you so pathetic, but I've never failed a single time."
The sun escapes the window, through the drapes on the wall and exposing the darkness of the room, illuminating the interiors in it's halo. The man sitting in front of his desk, that mask of perfect confidence has finally gone. A troubled expression playing on his flawless features seemed real, human, beautiful.
Naruto resisted the urge to pace the room as he would when he talked to someone. But he felt this wasn't the time nor occasion. Kakashi seemed serious for the first time, and there was no way he could underestimate the seriousness of the situation. He sighed into the phone to clear his thoughts just as he was about to wander.
"So leave him to me."
"That sounds like some confidence you've got there." Kakashi voiced, "prove you're better than me once and for all, Naruto."
The phone clicked and Naruto reminisced Kakashi's last few words before he finally put down the phone as well.
"Hinata!" He roared into the glass panel separating his office from the front desk, hoping the sound would penetrate the glass and escape into his secretary's ears. He found no heart in using the intercom, it was simply too much trouble.
When the door to his office was abruptly opened, a dishevelled girl with unbelievably large, light eyes entered. Her complexion paler with fear, an unreadable expression of concern and urgency evident on every crevice of her face.
"What is it?" She asked, in all seriousness. Her eyes travelled the premise to check what had possibly made his employer loose every last bit of discretion. When nothing out of ordinary attracted her attention, her annoyed eyes landed on Naruto, expecting an explanation.
He beamed at her. His blue eyes crinkled into a line, and his dimples made painfully obvious. The playfulness in his actions seemed perfectly harmless. He seemed impossible to reject at that moment. He picked up the file Kakashi mentioned earlier, and waved it before handing it to Hinata.
"Call that number, and check to see if I can meet with Sasuke Uchiha as soon as possible. We have matters to discuss." His said it just like that. Nothing that can't be done with a trip to the front desk, or even the communication over a phone. But no, apparently, Naruto likes to give employees almost-panic attacks.
Hinata glanced inside the file,"When did we start arranging appointments with patients?"
"This one is a little different." He smiled.
XOXOXO
"Naruto?" Hinata asked sweetly and timidly.
"Dr. Uzumaki. Don't forget, Hinata" Naruto corrected gently. It wasn't that he particularly minded being called by his first name, but he just didn't want to appear unprofessional in front of other, more experienced doctors. He have that complex, that ego where he can't stand the feeling of standing in an inferior light.
But Hinata didn't take his pretentious tendencies too well. Sure, she can seem sweet and honest at times. An innocent, pure smile. A soothing presence. Face of a goddess. But she had the mouth of venom.
"You and your ostentatious ass piss me off." She hissed through her teeth. It was hard to picture such harsh words spoken with such amiable smile playing on her ivory face. Her lips pulled into a fake, practiced smile as they walked through the hallway.
"Umm... You're in danger of sounding bipolar, dearest. I think you should undergo observation." Naruto said honestly, his childish grin playing on his otherwise composed features. His white teeth were made blinding under the light, and his blue eyes pop out in its clarity.
"Shut. Up." Hinata hissed once again. "Just walk with me." Her tone of voice would make one confused. How could such absolutely girly and dainty voice be used to utter those unforgivable words? And of course Naruto understand her frustration, with how they were unable to book an appointment with the said Sasuke Uchiha under the circumstances of the institution. He, himself was annoyed as well. He guessed Kakashi forgot to inform the institution about the change in doctor, but what can he do? It's not like Naruto is one to succumb under societal rules and regulations.
"That's some way to speak to your employer, Hina-chan." Naruto looked at her with a surprised expression. "I could fire you." He threatened. To no avail.
"Yea right." She actually found the gut to chuckle. "Kiba would fry your ass." The victory was dripping from her tone. "After Neji rips you apart."
Naruto pursed his lips at the thought of his dog like friend who has had this tremendous crush on Hinata since before time begun. Kiba's relentless but futile pursuit of Hinata only grated on both Naruto and Hinata's nerves. However the man won't give up. He believes true love will come through one day, and Naruto knew Kiba will seriously do some damage on Naruto's physical well being if he were to even touch the girl. And as for Neji, Hinata's arrogant, self righteous, a dick of an overprotective cousin, Naruto is rendered overwhelmed. It's amazing how Naruto's social circle itself provides such protection for the girl next to him.
"Like they can-"
"Excuse me," a nurse interrupted their conversation.
"Yes?" Naruto turned around. He found an adorable little lady standing with the warmest smile on her aged face.
"It's not visiting hours yet, so you can't go past this corridor." Her voice was slightly shaky. "Our patients need to rest."
Naruto stood there for a while, with an awkward Hinata by his side. He grasped his chin with his thumb and index in a thinking fashion, and his eyes subtly studying the woman. His eyes showed no sign of leaving, and Naruto can somewhat see the distress on the woman's face. He thought of coaxing her out of it just this once, since they've travelled this far already. However, another idea struck him immediately afterwards.
Naruto pulled out a card contained in a plastic case of some sort and flashed it quickly for the nurse to see.
"Special pass, madam. I got permission from the administration." He smiled his iconic killer smile, and he was suddenly impossible to deny.
The nurse was first struck dumb, possibly at the bright, sunshine-like smile. Her hesitation prompted Naruto to beam even more. His eyes crinkled, a sliver of pure white teeth were exposed, and he knew his access was granted.
"Ah, yes. Please go ahead then. I'll be at my desk." She gave Naruto one last lingering look, not even bothering to take another glance at the 'pass', and scurried away. Naruto heard her let out a long shaky breath as soon as she turned around. He had to suppress yet another smirk.
"You idiot. That's your golf club membership." Hinata hissed harshly, but quietly in precaution as the nurse walked away from hearing range. Her eyes were widened in disbelief as she pointed to the phony pass. Naruto only smiled.
"How are you always so confident." Hinata gave a tired sigh as they continued walking. "What if they caught your lying ways?"
"A little white lie never hurts. The worst scenario possible is for us to get chased out." He gave her a look of an experienced cheater. "And there's always the off chance of success. So why not take a harmless gamble?" His playful expression was almost seductive.
Hinata felt her heart skip a beat as the Naruto in front of her just made himself even more irresistible. There's something in the way he do things, that makes it impossible for others to object. His sheer charisma was convincing enough. Adding onto his quick wit and charm, he's instantly made denial impossible.
"Y-you're hopeless." She lowered her head to hide the genuine blush on her cheeks. Her heart was pounding rapidly, and she was suddenly aware of their close proximity between their bodies. She felt Naruto's eyes on her, but only for a few seconds before he turned away. She felt his scrutiny, but was suddenly too scared to face it. She felt like Naruto could see through her. Into her deepest, innermost desires. Those sky blue were penetrating. At times she's had to hide behind that black curtain of hair she's let grown out, and hope Naruto would look away somehow. To stop studying the Hinata that's always praying for his attention.
"We're here." Naruto suddenly stopped.
505 It read.
"Should we go in?" Hinata asked quietly. The silent atmosphere in the hospital was unsettling.
"Of course."
Hinata saw Naruto pondering in front of the door. The usual Naruto would've walked in in a heartbeat, but it seems this particular patient managed to exert tremendous pressure on both Naruto's heart and confidence as a doctor. He was uncertain. Most likely, Naruto is thinking about the many possible ways to present himself in front of the mentally ill. However, no matter how much Hinata pried, she noticed his eyes never fully relax into that friendly crinkle of a smile. He was definitely stressed about something as his hands just rests on the handle, not moving another inch.
"It's okay." She put her hand on his shoulder. "Remember, you're Dr. Uzumaki who never fails." Hinata gave him an encouraging smile and prompted him to go inside. Hinata's hand jerked away as she felt the warmness of his skin through his clothes, and suddenly realized it took a lot to distance herself from his side.
"Who said I'm not okay?" Naruto lifted his eyes on her, "I'm just annoyed I have to personally visit my patient."
"You're lying."
"Shut up."
As they walked in the personalized room, Hinata felt Naruto's body tense for the very first time .
There was a bed, a chair and a small table. The hollowness of the room almost seemed uncanny as he walked through. It held a foreign, bitter smell of medication and antiseptics. It didn't feel homely, nor welcoming. The condition wasn't suitable for mental patients; or any other patients at all. It was too hostile, too unwelcoming. Naruto frowned at the environment, but that frown soon evaporated when he saw the boy sitting on the bed. He looked young, in his late teens at the very most or even younger. Naruto didn't care. For that moment, he forgot to breath.
The morning sunlight basks gloriously on the boy's slender frame. He had impossibly white skin that appeared overly pale under the sun. And his hair was the darkest shade of black possible, but still with a twinge of softness. His eyes were red, a clear crimson colour that held desolation behind a pair of translucent orbs. He seems to stare off into an abyss. He possessed a young face, not yet ashen with age and affliction. Naruto noticed his lips were put naturally in a small, almost undetectable smile; and the pink was made painfully naked under Naruto's eyes. The boy had a beautiful air around him, something sensory descriptions were impossible to conquer.
His long eyelashes casted a perfect shadow on his unmarred skin as his lids dropped; a picture of utter perfection. His hair framed his face in it's entire flawlessness, unintended and still fitting. Naruto had to strain himself to walk, to move, to make himself noticed by the boy who seemed as if he didn't belong in this world.
"Excuse me?" Naruto made himself heard.
He had to suppressed yet another breath as those hauntingly clear eyes turned on him. An expression of puzzlement, confusion, and a clear defensive mask of fearlessness. Sasuke looked at Naruto like he was alien.
"What is it?"
Sasuke had a smooth voice. An uniquely youthful tone as he rolled the words out of his tongue. Although his eyes were pointed towards Naruto's direction, his focus was somewhere else. He held a distracted face as he spoke, like there was something else other than Naruto and Hinata in that otherwise empty room. His eyes didn't have a focal point; he was looking past Naruto.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki. You can call me Dr. Uzumaki or Naruto." It wasn't hard for Naruto to sound, look, feel friendly. He was used to people returning the most basic of courtesies, to introduce themselves in return. However, Sasuke only nodded and looked away.
"Can I ask your name?" Naruto tried once again, silencing Hinata with a wave of a hand. She looked like she was trying to interfere in a conversation out of her control nor care.
"You don't know my name?" This time, Sasuke gave him a very long, hard look. "Then what are you doing here?" Naruto felt like this was the first time Sasuke has looked at him and not somewhere or something else. He had on a blank expression, a pair of curious eyes filled with youthful innocence. No matter how much Naruto studied the boy, from every single angle and perspective; he was young. Too young to be stuck hospitalized in a suffocating room with suffocating people and environment.
"Why aren't you talking?" Sasuke tilted his head in confusion. "Aren't you going to run tests and interview me on stuff?" Naruto saw the expectant look on Sasuke's face, waiting for an answer and preparing himself for more torture. But when silence was answered immediately, Sasuke frowned and turned away. Like a child loosing interest in his toy.
"Sasuke. I will be your psychiatrist starting today." Naruto told the boy with a smile.
"If you knew my name, why would you ask? And I already have a psychiatrist." He told Naruto with his back facing him. Naruto and Hinata exchanged looks as the strangely beautiful boy seemed lost on basic manners. Naruto decided in his mind it would be easier if he were to explain everything and pray Sasuke would understand somehow. Just as he was about to speak up, something caught his eyes.
Sasuke's hand suddenly reached out for something Naruto can't see. He would search for it with his eyes always with a miniscule smile dancing on his face. Naruto looked hard for what Sasuke was looking at, but sees nothing. He speculated the simple reason, there is nothing there. However, from the way Sasuke tries so frantically to grasp it, and the way his eyes would trace it's path, Naruto realized it was very real for Sasuke.
"What are you looking at?" Naruto finally asked when the curiosity was too much to bear.
"Butterflies." Sasuke's fingers halted in midair. "But I know they aren't really there." He said at the pause, his voice suddenly lost that child like quality, and was instead replaced with a heart shattering note of hoarse agony.
"It would never choose to fly in here on its own free will." Sasuke looked out the window and tightly clutched his hands by his side. The wounds on his arm was painfully obvious on his white, but marred skin. Naruto winced when he saw the marks, fresh from the cut.
"It would soar to unreachable heights. I wouldn't be able to touch it." Sasuke voiced with finality. Naruto realized Sasuke wasn't talking to him at all, but somewhere else Naruto couldn't reach.
Sasuke turned around to study Hinata, and then Naruto. His eyes would travel in a way that even made Naruto slightly self conscious. As if finally making up his mind to trust the duo, Sasuke stood up in a shaky attempt. His hands served as a weak support from the weight of his body as he clutched onto the bed for dare life.
"Sasuke!" Hinata exclaimed when she saw the frail boy trying to walk when he looked like he couldn't even stand. "You have to lie down." Her female instincts refuses to watch him struggle at the sake of his own safety. But the look Sasuke shot her silenced any protesting thoughts. The boy told her he was faultless, and that he was really alright just with a look alone. An assurance she didn't quite want to accept.
He had on a distracted look even as he finally formally regarded the two. "Dr. Hatake gave up on me, too, didn't he?" His voice sounded cheerful, but the dejection in his eyes were impossible to miss. Sasuke looked like he knew this day would come, like being discarded was inevitable in the life he didn't want. Maybe this was why the act of slipping on a front comes so naturally to him. To routinely fix a facade of disregard, to show the world he would come out unfazed no matter the pain, is only a must.
"Too bad, I liked Kakashi." He gave a dismal smile as he looked away from Naruto's eyes.
"He didn't give up on you, Sasuke. He just wanted what was best for you." Naruto gave a warm smile despite the sympathetic sigh that unconsciously escaped his mouth.
"That sounded pretty arrogant, Dr. Uzumaki." And the mask once again fixated itself in place. The way Sasuke put a light emphasis on his name felt taunting. Naruto had to strain for the smile to stay in place.
The Sasuke that looked as if he was about to cry disappeared. Suddenly, what appeared before Naruto was a teenage boy, holding firmly on to a mask of indifference despite the disappointment in those transparent red.
"It's not arrogance, it's the truth." Naruto's smile didn't falter, but it seemed as if Sasuke wasn't looking at him at all despite his efforts.
"I liked Kakashi." Sasuke's eyes were glassy, they were filled with something hard to pinpoint. "He calms me."
"Sasuke-"
"It's okay Dr. Uzumaki, I'll accept you." Sasuke gave him am awkward look that signalled the beginning of a friendship, and his heart prepared for acceptance. "So please get me out of this hospital room."