Chapter 3

"You should really eat something."

Hinata blushes when Naruto fixes his bright blue eyes on her.

"If you don't like your salad, we can get you something else."

"N-no," The heiress mumbles, "Thank you. I am too full from breakfast."

Naruto lets the topic drop. He knows that being picked on for not eating can be very humiliating. His own appetite has up and disappeared in a matter of months. Nothing stays in his stomach anymore. Not even ramen. It's as if his body is actively rejecting nutrition. People have always been telling him that he should be slim and sexy for his future husband. And here he is, wasting away into nothingness.

Neji looks at Naruto's ramen, tempted to just ask the blond for his leftovers. But then fights the temptation and continues eating his leafy salad. The taste isn't much, but he has to stay healthy if he wants to get Shikamaru's attention. Unfortunately, all eating healthy has gotten him is a lot of unsatisfied lunches, and absolutely no attention from Shikamaru whatsoever. The Nara has never seen Neji as anything more than a casual acquaintance.

Kiba, who is watching Neji and Shikamaru, gives his boyfriend a meaningful look. Everyone (even Naruto who has been at Konoha High for just four hours) knows Neji has a serious thing for Shikamaru.

Shikamaru has no clue. His obliviousness is both shocking and worrying.

"Are you going to eat, Naruto?" Hinata asks quietly. "Is the ramen not good?"

Naruto looks at his full plate sadly. "The ramen's great, Hinata. The problem's with me. Just not very hungry."

Hinata gives Naruto a sympathetic look, but doesn't push the subject anymore. It's better to keep quiet than step on a raw nerve.

All of a sudden, the cheerleading table lets out a loud collective squeal. Naruto watches the group of young women, surprised. "What's with them?"

"Gaara just walked in."

Naruto sighs at the beautiful scarlet-haired boy who takes a seat beside Lee. Great, another pretty face. Just what my self esteem needs…

The gorgeous redhead introduces himself to Naruto, and asks for his plate of food, which is gladly passed over. The sight of ramen is actually starting to make Naruto sick.

Neji inwardly mourns Naruto's ramen, and then tries to wake Shikamaru. Naruto fights the urge to beat the sleeping boy. It's annoying to watch someone nap so peacefully when he himself hasn't slept properly in god knows how long.

Hinata smiles at him shyly. "We have Math after lunch. Would you like to walk with me, to class?"

Naruto is thankful for the guidance people are willing to offer him. Konoha High is like a giant maze. It's frighteningly easy to get lost.

"Is something wrong?" Hinata asks as they walk. "You seem tired."

"I haven't been sleeping."

"Oh…" Hinata looks like she wants to prod further but isn't out of politeness. Naruto keeps quiet.

"Have you tried going to a doctor?" Hinata asks, "Maybe a sleep clinic?"

"I have tried it all, all remedies, even sleeping pills. Nothing works."

"I am sorry."

"Don't be," Naruto grins, "I am sure people have it worse."

"Sometimes," Hinata says, "Sleep troubles go away on their own. It will pass. Sleep will come."

Sleep comes, Naruto thinks, But nightmares chase it away.

"What about nightmares?" Naruto asks Hinata.

"You have nightmares? Is that why you can't sleep?"

"No." Naruto says quickly. He doesn't want to reveal his dreams to anyone. Not even his parents, or the psychiatrist he was forced to see. "Just asking. Randomly."

"Alright, what about them?"

"If a person calls out to you, in your nightmares. What does that mean?"

"Demonic possession." Hinata says flatly, and gives Naruto a suspicious look. "A malicious spirit is haunting you. You are under the affects of a curse. Seek an exorcist immediately."

"I am not cursed." Naruto says defensively. "Just wondering."

Hinata vows to keep a very close eye on Naruto. "I believe you." Not… "But hypothetically speaking. Nightmares of such nature usually indicate doom. It's a good idea to tell someone. Your parents…"

"Oh look," Naruto makes a show of looking at his wrist, which doesn't even have a watch on it. "Class is starting, lets run." That said, the blond disappears around the corner.

"You went the wrong way." Hinata mumbles, and starts to follow her new friend, before he gets lost.

Sasuke Uchiha sits in a chair, looking extremely uncomfortable and out of place in Tsunade's bright, sunny office. His posture is rigid, screaming displeasure. Anger and abhorrence consume the boy's aura in its entirety.

Tsunade has dealt with many patients in her career as a doctor, both Uchiha and non. But the fumes of darkness and death surrounding this particular Uchiha boy are so strong that she finds herself cringing. She has never witnessed such malevolence in her entire life. This boy's demon is particularly nasty.

Sasuke's features are that of a typical Uchiha. Angelic, and deceptive. There is no way of knowing, that he has a demon trapped inside of him just by looking at him. Or perhaps the overly beautiful face is a sign of demonic influence in itself. No ordinary human has facial features so perfect.

"Good morning." Tsunade addresses her new patient. Dark eyes regard her warily.

"It's afternoon." Sasuke makes an educated guess based on the shadows cast by the sunlight.

"What year is it?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Sasuke asks defensively.

"Your sense of time is completely messed up." Tsunade says.

"We all have our flaws." The boy sounds hostile and monotonous at the same time. "Please lecture me quickly so I can go home."

Tsunade smiles, amused. "A little patience goes a long way. Who knows, maybe I can help you."

"Are you an exorcist?"

"No."

"You can't help me."

"We are dealing with the Uchiha curse here." Tsunade leans back in her chair. "Even an exorcist would be useless. The best you can do is learn how to live with it."

"Live with it?"

"You found your mate." Tsunade says, "You really lucked out. Your clan has so many children which never make it to adulthood. The curse makes sure of that. Count your lucky stars and settle down with your intended."

That said, Tsunade opens a white folder labeled Sasuke Uchiha in bold letters. Konoha General Hospital has gladly sent over his records. They are sick of him.

The patient exhibits a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others. Fails to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest. Is highly deceitful, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure. Impulsive; fails to plan ahead. Irritable and aggressive, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults; Reckless disregard for safety of self or others; Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations; absolute lack of remorse.

"You see this here?" Tsunade gestures to Sasuke's file. "Every single Uchiha child gets labeled this way. Society calls you a sociopath. I have seen this many times. If you mate with your intended, all of this disappears. You get your sanity back. Instant cure."

"I am not a sociopath."

"But you are behaving like one." Tsunade speaks in a low, soothing tone. Like one would an agitated child about to throw a major tantrum. "Your demon is taking over and acting out."

Sasuke looks even more disinterested if possible. "Mate equals happiness. Got it."

"The drinking, suicidal tendencies. They will all stop."

"Wonderful." Sasuke says, "Please write me a note stating I talked to you."

"Cocaine, heroin, stealing, promiscuity."

"I have been a very bad boy." Sasuke nods. "I completely agree. Note please."

"I am not signing anything until I am certain that you are ready for marriage."

"I am completely ready."

"Is that right?" Tsunade looks at the tired, beautiful face. The demon heals any major wounds and keeps Sasuke from dying, but malnutrition is glaringly obvious. There are slashes on his wrist. The boy has been cutting himself. "You are afraid of marriage."

"I am certainly not looking forward to it."

"I understand." Tsunade smiles. "Marriage is hard enough with a person you choose. When the decision is made for you…"

Sasuke rolls his eyes. Even when outsiders know about the Uchiha curse, they don't really know what it's like. "You don't understand a damn thing. Your DNA isn't forcing you to get married against your will."

"You are not being forced either." Tsunade says, dead serious. "Death is always an option."

"Like my brother would ever allow that." Sasuke knows that should something happen to him, Itachi will either go on a berserker rage, or die of grief, or both. Sasuke's money is on both.

"So you are getting married for your brother."

"He needs me." Sasuke's stoic face shows a hint of emotion. "I will never leave him."

"Good." Tsunade completely agrees with the sibling love. "But marriage will be a lot easier if you actually want to get married. Don't think yourself a victim. You shouldn't do it for your brother. It should be a choice."

"I am marrying a complete stranger. It is not my choice."

"He could be a lovely person."

"I still didn't choose him." Sasuke barks out. "I like girls. My mate isn't even the correct gender."

"If there is one positive aspect to this curse," Tsunade ignores the acidic glare directed her way, "It is that the curse creates soul mates. Whoever this boy is, he is perfect for you. No girl could ever make you happy."

Sasuke looks like an angry mule, unwilling to budge. Tsunade sighs. This is going to be a long session.

Kushina and Minato stare at their son, worried. The young blond plays with his food, without really eating any of it. It's sad to watch.

Naruto is a cheerful person by nature. He has spent his entire childhood being frowned upon for being too playful for his own good. It used to be impossible for him to be quiet for more than a few minutes. Now he is depressingly silent. It's as if life has been sucked out of him.

"Naruto, is the ramen okay?" Kushina knows Naruto hasn't had breakfast this morning. The knowledge does nothing to ease her worries. Her baby is wasting away.

Naruto nods slowly, lost in his own thoughts. Usually he polishes off bowls and bowls of his mother's ramen. Now he cannot even bring himself to start eating.

Minato grabs his son's hands in his larger ones and smiles gently. "What's wrong Naruto? You don't like your dinner?"

Kushina's face breaks into an indignant scowl. Naruto just shakes his head. "Dinner's great. I'm not hungry."

"Did school go okay?" Minato asks, worried. "Are you having any trouble? Bullies? What do you think of your new teacher?"

"I made new friends. The teacher's a weirdo."

"How does Kakashi look?" Minato asks, eager. "I bet he still wears that mask of his."

"You know Kakashi sensei?" Asks Naruto, surprised.

"He's probably grown so much." Minato smiles warmly.

"He's tall." Naruto confirms. "How do you know him?"

Kushina quickly changes the subject. Naruto is not ready to hear Kakashi and Minato's story. "I am sorry about this morning, Naruto."

Minato looks at his wife and son, confused. "What did I miss? Did you two have a fight?"

"No." Naruto says, "Just a disagreement."

"I hurt Naruto's feelings." Kushina blurts out, clearly distressed.

"You didn't hurt me." Naruto sighs. "You spoke the truth."

"What truth?" Minato gives Kushina a look. "What did you say, Kushina?" His wife has quite a reputation for being brutally and painfully honest.

"May I be excused?" Naruto asks softly. "I am tired."

"Good night, Naruto." Minato places a kiss on his son's cheek. "Sweet dreams."

"Yeah right." Naruto mutters and leaves. Kushina is left alone with Minato and his accusatory gaze.

"He lives in a dream world." Kushina stares at the abandoned ramen, sad. "A world where romance exists. He doesn't understand that…"

Minato sighs. "Let me guess. You told him all about teenage pregnancy, and abusive relationships. There is no possibility in today's world for two people to be happy outside an arranged marriage."

"I am trying to introduce him to reality. It's my responsibility as his mother. He needs a husband who can care for him. Someone mature and kind with good financial resources."

"The highest bidder."

The pained look on Minato's face makes Kushina's heart clench. "That's not what I mean and you know that."

"My son will not be forced into anything." Minato vows. "He will marry whoever he wants to."

"Our son is young, and naïve. If we don't step in…"

"I found a perfect mate all by myself and my son will do the same." Minato says, and smirks when Kushina blushes at the praise. "Great taste runs in the family."

Kushina sticks her tongue out. "When he elopes with some bum, it's all on you."

"And if that bum hurts my son," Minato says icily, "He better have some life insurance so my son can benefit from his death."

"Do you know of a way to dispel the curse?" Sasuke asks Tsunade after an hour of pointlessly arguing. "They say you are a brilliant healer."

Bargaining, are we? "I already told you I am not an exorcist."

"There has to be something you can do." Sasuke pleads, desperate. "You have to free me."

"Let's say I do." Tsunade says, "What about your mate?"

"He's free too." Sasuke shrugs. "Doesn't have to bond with me. He can actually choose his own mate."

"If I break this curse, your mate ceases to exist."

Sasuke glares as his demon suddenly awakens and starts wailing like a banshee. The temperature of the room drops abruptly.

Tsunade feels the chill in the air. Sasuke is somehow even paler and sickly looking. "Your demon is reacting, I take it?"

"Why is it doing that?" Sasuke wants to hit the damn demon. Annoying spirit. "Make it stop whining."

"Your mate is a part of you. A very important part. Your demon doesn't like talking about his death… Every time an Uchiha is born, a demon is born within it. You are a nasty spirit, and inside you, an even nastier spirit resides."

"I know that." Sasuke gives Tsunade a bored look. "Please sign my paper so I can go."

Tsunade wants to murder the little brat. His arrogance and lack of respect are starting to get to her. "Your mate is the part that you need to find to placate your demon, otherwise it will kill you."

"Why?"

Tsunade glares. "How the hell am I supposed to know? I didn't curse you."

"How will I recognize him?"

"Did Itachi ever tell you how he recognized his mate?"

"Yes," Sasuke groans, "Something something perfect creature, blah blah blah."

"He was created to please you." Tsunade tries appealing to carnal aspect of Sasuke's personality.

"He better be good looking." Sasuke growls. "I don't even like boys and I am willing to settle. But If he isn't pretty enough I won't marry him. The curse can go fuck itself."

"How romantic." Tsunade says sarcastically.

"Fuck you too blondie." Sasuke gives Tsunade a challenging look. "Don't sit there and judge me."

Don't murder the brat. Don't murder the brat. Tsunade chants in her head. "If you don't claim your mate he will be raped. His body is starting to produce pheromones to draw your attention."

"I will just murder all competition." Sasuke says casually. "My mate belongs to me and me alone."

"You have an answer for everything, don't you brat?"

"Sure do. Now please sign my paper so I can go get drunk."

"Help yourself." Tsunade gestures toward a bottle of vodka sitting nearby which disappears within minutes now that it has Sasuke's attention. "I hope you are not planning on driving."

"My brother will pick me up." Sasuke licks his lips. "This is good. Ukrainian?"

"Your mate is created for you, and only meant to be claimed by you. Anyone else will ruin him. He will kill himself. His body needs your touch. Your absence in your mate's life will compel him to self-harm."

"Yummy," Sasuke gives the now empty bottle a fond look. "May I have one to go please?"

"Take this seriously." Tsunade snaps, "Two lives depend on it. Your mate is already having nightmares. He is confused and frightened of something he isn't even aware of. He has probably stopped eating and sleeping. What do you think happens to mates who aren't claimed on time. They don't lead content lives. They don't get to have a happily ever after."

"It's not going to come to all that." Sasuke sighs as if his patience is being tested instead of Tsunade's. "I am going to claim him and we will be together."

Tsunade knows that this is the best she can hope for at this point. Even the miniscule amount of concern Sasuke is showing is better than nothing. It's enough for now. She starts signing Sasuke's papers, and pulls out her prescription pad. "I am ordering painkillers."

"Nice," Sasuke smirks, approving. "Don't forget my Demerol."

"Brat," Tsunade says as she holds the papers out. "Your mate is one unlucky individual."

"Fuck you," Sasuke grins like a shark. "He is lucky to have me."