Chapter 1: Trauma

A lone girl walked the frosty streets of Konoha, eager for the warmth and comfort of her home. Lost in thought, she failed to register the presences of three males not visible to her in the shadows of the street lights.

"Hey, girrrliiie!"

At the sound of these deep, slurred words, Naruto sped up her pace. Hearing the footsteps behind her, she started to panic. The young blonde and her pursuers were the only people on the seemly abandoned road. Hoping to evade a confrontation, Naruto broke out in a run.

She stumbled immediately and her knees roughly hit the ground, causing her to scream out in pain. By now, her pursuers had caught up with the blonde, and her attempts of crawling away proved to be in vain. Two of her attackers moved to either side of her, each grabbing one of her arms. Naruto tried to struggle out of their tight grips, but even in their drunken state, the burly males proved to be too strong for the petite girl.

"Let me GO!"

"Now now, girlie," said the third attacker, who began unbuckling his belt with a malicious grin on his face.

"Somebody, anybody, please HELP ME!" Naruto screamed at the top of her lungs, tears now streaming down her frightened face.

"Let the fun begin!"
A scream erupted from her throat that seemed to go on forever.

Naruto POV

I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I didn't have the strength; I had used it all up, screaming the entire time. Of course, those… BASTARDS had covered my mouth, so they wouldn't be discovered in the middle of a crime.

I didn't care anymore. I felt dull. Moreover, I felt dirty: inside and out.

As I moved to accommodate my bruised and aching body, I noticed a light being reflected from inside my discarded jacket. Cell phone… right. I should probably call someone.

The next thing I know, I'm crawling to my jacket, cradling my dislocated shoulder. Taking my phone into my okay hand, I dial the first number on my speed dial.

"Kakashi speaking," answered a low, familiar voice.

'Oh god' "Kaka-" was all I managed to get out before a sob fought its way out.

"Naruto! What's wrong? Where are you? Did something happen?"

"Help me," I whispered out, my voice still raw from screaming.

"Monument Lane" I tried to get out as loud as possible.

Black spots started dancing rapidly in front of my eyes, I became lightheaded. Then, I am pretty sure that I passed out.

I woke up in a too-bright white room, with my head feeling like it was about to explode. It was an all too familiar scene for me, and I hoped it would never happen again.

Trying to shift into a more comfortable position, I groaned. Every fiber in my body felt like it was on fire.

This was when I noticed the sleeping figure on the edge of my bed, a silver head of messy hair looking my way.

"Kakashi?" I rasped softly, my throat was dry and I didn't really want to wake him. God knows he has already spent way too much time worrying over my well-being. He deserved a little rest.

The sleeper stirred at the sound of my voice and raised his head with what was probably supposed to be a smile (but then I'd never know, seeing as there is a mask covering most of his face).

"How long was I out for?"

"Three days, hmm well… almost four," my guardian answered groggily.

'Great! There goes the first half a week of my winter break…'

"Naru, I know what you're thinking now, that this is a waste of winter break-" 'Can he read my mind or something?'

"and no, I cannot read your mind, your face is just too easy to read. But I have some bad news."

'What could possibly be worse?' I looked at him expectantly.

Kakashi gave me a serious look (again, it was hard to tell with the mask!).

"Your…injuries were so extensive that you will be in the hospital for the rest of the winter break. And you will be attending therapy while you're here, maybe also after you are released, if you so choose."

I didn't have much to say to this, other than I am definitely not continuing therapy after I get out of here. I hadn't needed it before; I definitely do not need it now. Instead, I asked for a glass of water.

Kakashi nodded and handed me a glass that had been sitting on the little table by my bed. As I reached for the water, his finger brushed mine the slightest bit. The contact made me flinch the slightest bit, but I covered it quickly and took the glass, emptying it quickly.

A silence overcame us. I didn't want to say anything, and was too tired for it anyway. I don't know why Kakashi wasn't talking. After about a minute, Kakashi swung his head towards me quickly, startling me slightly. His face was full of rage.

"Naru… I swear, if I ever, EVER catch those worthless bastards, I WILL rip them into pieces! Those fuckers!" he growled, almost shouting towards the end. I looked at him, surprised. So much emotion from Kakashi was a rarity, but I suppose I understood. If anyone touched him wrong, I'd be destroying the town looking for the attackers.

Kakashi closed his eyes and took a calming breath. When he opened them next, they were full of kindness.

"Naruto, I will always be here for you if you need me." He moved towards me with open arms, wanting to give me a reassuring hug. But, as soon as he put his arms around me, I broke out in sweat. I yelped and pushed him off me. My eyes teared up, but I refused to let them out. I had already hurt Kakashi enough, I wouldn't cry as well.

Kakashi gave me a look filled with confusion and pain, but in an instant it changed to understanding and unconditional love. He came as close as he dared, looking me in the eyes, forcing me to understand.

"Naru, it's alright, I understand. I'll wait until you're ready." At this kindness, my tears overflowed and I broke out into huge sobs.

"Kaka… Thank you…" I brought out in between sobs.

Kakashi shot me a smile (or so I would assume anyway). "That's what I'm here for after all".

He stood up, and told me he would go call for a nurse and tell her I was awake. Right before stepping out the door of my private room, he turned back to me and smiled.

Leaving me in the silence of my room, I was glad I had family like him.