A/N: So, here's the final chapter of the reunion as promised- but not the final chapter of the story (just to clear that up.) It's a bit long-winded but I hope you enjoy nonetheless. As always, make sure to let me know what you think!
Everyone in the room exchanged glances as the laughter died down to a mocking chuckle once more. Only two figures ignored the awful sound- Sasori and Kakashi. While everyone else looked at one another in fear and anxiousness, the redheaded teen remained hunched over his teacher, checking his wounds carefully and thoroughly. He didn't have time to focus on anything else.
"H-how is he?" Obito asked nervously, glancing back down at his best friend- whose head he had gently rested in his lap.
"Not good. We need to get him to a hospital soon. From the feel of it, he's suffered some damage to his ribs, his left arm seems broken and the bruising around his abdomen concerns me. It's more than likely there's internal bleeding." Sasori explained, grey eyes roaming the exposed and beaten flesh of the man's torso.
"Oh, 'Kashi." The Uchiha sniffled.
"Naruto, you okay?" Kiba asked fiercely, eyes not once leaving the monster stood across from them. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No, Kiba. He's not trying to hurt me!" The blonde tried to explain, still confused and unsure on what to do.
"That's right, Naruto. You're starting to understand, aren't you?" Kyuubi smirked, taking a step forward.
"Hey, watch your step!" Deidara snapped. "Or we'll have to deal with you, hmm." The flame-headed man ignored him, walking forward with an expression of determination and focus.
"Don't waste my time, kid." Kyuubi said bluntly, never slowing his pace. "I'm sick of dealing with morons. You don't interest me." He roughly shoved Deidara aside, brushing him off like he was nothing.
"Stay the hell away from Naruto!" Kiba shouted angrily, taking a fighting stance.
"And who are you to stand between us?"
"I'm Naruto's boyfriend! And I love him a hella lot more than you do!" The brunette declared, striking a chord within the heart of the poor, confused blonde. He stared at the Kiba's back in wonder, his heart twisting at his boyfriend's words. Kyuubi, however, stopped suddenly.
"Boyfriend?" He asked, glancing from the Inuzuka to his nephew curiously. "Don't make me laugh."
"If you can't accept the fact that Naruto's gay then how can you claim to love him?" Kiba snapped triumphantly, desperate to find flaw in the man's insane reasoning. The response he received though, was one of amusement. Kyuubi scoffed and chuckled slightly.
"I have no problem with Naruto's sexuality. That doesn't bother me in the slightest. However…" Kyuubi began to walk forward again, more determined than before. "You aren't worthy."
"W-worthy?"
"You're not strong enough to protect Naruto." Kyuubi snarled angrily. "How dare you engage in an intimate relationship with him. Just imagining your hands on him, the kisses and the hugs…disgusting. You have no right to be with him like that without my approval!" Kiba growled in response, lunging forward to hit the man as hard as he possibly could. Kyuubi, however, was far more skilled when it came to fighting. He dodged the fist with ease and slammed his own into the brunette's stomach roughly- causing him to cough and splutter before falling to the floor.
"Kiba!" Naruto shouted worriedly, watching as the guy he loved fell to the ground, clutching his stomach.
"Piss off!" Deidara yelled, jumping forward to join in. Kyuubi was headed straight for Naruto, one hand outstretched.
"Deidara, aim for the appendix!" Sasori yelled encouragingly. Following his lover's orders, Deidara went straight for the monster's right side, hitting it hard enough to cause the man to stumble and halt his approach. "Kiba, kneecaps!" The brunette, from his position on the floor swung round and kicked Kyuubi in the knees, causing him to falls down into a kneeling position. "Obito, get him at the top of the spine." The Uchiha jumped up and ran forward, smashing his elbow into the base of Kyuubi's neck, knocking him to the ground. The triple assault, thanks to Sasori's instructions, had succeeded in taking down the powerhouse. There was an air of achievement in the apartment…not that it lasted long….
"You gotta be kidding me." The flame-headed man snarled, pushing himself back up to his feet. "A bunch of irritating teenagers getting in my way like this."
"We're not just teenagers. We're the people who really care about Naruto." Kiba stated, also jumping to his feet. "We love Naruto and we want him to be happy. You don't! You just want Naruto to be with you, even if it's not what's best for him."
"Don't talk to me like you understand, kid. The reality is that I'm the only one who can protect Naruto."
"Naruto can protect himself!" The brunette snapped, causing both the uncle and nephew to stare at him in confusion. His sudden statement was surprising and unexpected, not something any of them were waiting for. "Naruto doesn't need me or you or anyone to look after him. I only started to love Naruto recently, before that he'd grown up completely on his own and look at him now. He's the kindest, most amazing and genuine person I've ever met in my life. And he's become that person by himself, without anyone's 'protection' or help."
"K-Kiba…." The blonde mumbled, his eyes shimmering in wonder and amazement as the flattering and loving words echoed throughout the room.
"If you really loved Naruto, you'd have more faith in him. He isn't some vulnerable kid who needs an uncle or a boyfriend to shield him. You shouldn't want to be with him because you think he needs you…you should be with him because it makes you both happy."
"Naruto's just a child!"
"No! He's not the same baby he was. I've heard about him taking down bullies twice his size, he's gone through more than anyone else and still come out as one of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life. If anything, Naruto should be the one teaching and looking after us." Kiba smiled warmly, glancing over at the boy he loved so much. This was the first time he'd said such things out loud, but it felt like the perfect moment. "You don't know him like I do."
Crack!
Kiba was falling to the ground right in front of his boyfriend's eyes, blood spewing from his mouth right onto the face of his attacker. Kyuubi stared at him without sympathy as he crumpled into a heap on the apartment floor, Naruto's screams and cries following his collapse.
"Kiba!"
Snap!
Deidara was next to go down.
"Oh, hell no!"
Smack!
Obito joined them swiftly.
Sasori and Naruto were the only ones left. The only ones in the way.
"Leave them alone you bastard!" Naruto yelled angrily, running forward as rage overtook him at last. This was far different from pounding on a bully at school, he really wanted to kill this man.
"Naruto, no!" Sasori yelled, his warning going unheard and unheeded.
"I'll never, ever go with you! I hate you!" The blonde boy screamed, tears falling from his eyes, blurring his vision as he got ready to strike the monster stood in his living room….
Crack!
A final sound echoing throughout the room. A sting of pain before numbness. As his eyes slowly fell closed, Naruto stared into those crimson orbs and finally realised…Kyuubi wasn't what he wanted…he already had the life he wanted…with his friends….
…..
…..
…..
"I'm currently stood outside of Konoha's General Hospital, where a group of people are currently being treated due to injuries they sustained during last night's horrific events. The hospital is denying us access at the moment in order to keep the identities of the patients secret. However, we can confirm that at least three people were tragically murdered and one is still missing.
Police have informed us that the people behind the events were two of Konoha's former residences- Kyuubi Namikaze and Itachi Uchiha. To this day, the two of them remain the most vicious serial killers to have ever come from this city and last night they returned once more to remind us of their cruelty."
"And are the rumours true? That the person still missing is actually Kyuubi's 14 year old nephew?"
"Although we can't say for sure now, we haven't been able to locate young Naruto Uzumaki for a personal interview and doctors are refusing to say whether or not he is inside the hospital."
"Have you been able to directly speak to anyone who was actually at the scene?"
"All of the people involved and available to speak are either being kept in the hospital or are actually police officers with no authority to answer questions. We did catch up with Sasuke Uchiha- Itachi's younger brother- while he was on his way to the hospital."
"And what did he have to tell you?"
"Unfortunately, he refused to answer any questions and, er…broke one of our crew's cameras."
"Oh, I see. Well, do keep us posted on the situation. Now, we can confirm that Kyuubi Namikaze and Itachi Uchiha are still at large and being searched for by police. If anyone has any information on their whereabouts, please contact police immediately. It is of the upmost importance that they are apprehended as soon as possible. Coming up next, an interview with the prison warden. How was Kyuubi able to escape? Are the prison to blame? Thank you."
"Fuck me, that hurts!"
"Sir, if I have to warn you about your language one more time I'll have to ask you to leave the hospital." She warned sternly.
"It's not my fault! I swear the treatment hurts more than the injury did!"
"Oh, stop being such a baby."
"Maybe it just needs a kiss better."
"And maybe you need a sexual harassment lawsuit."
"Ouch." Obito hung his head in shame, embarrassed to find that his flirting was having no effect on his nurse. Right now he could do with a confidence boost.
"Mr Obito Uchiha?" A man asked, poking his head through the door- thankfully interrupting the awkward scene. "You have a visitor."
"Rin?" The Uchiha asked hopefully, a grin spreading across his goofy face.
"No…a Mr…Sasuke?" The man replied, struggling to remember the name.
"Oh shit."
"Sir!" The woman snapped angrily, raising one hand as though she were going to strike him. Did she have no mercy? Quickly, Obito leapt to his feet and ran from the room to get away from here, pulling the messenger man along with him.
"Let's go!" He shouted, eager to get away from his strict and harsh nurse. All he'd done was accidentally let his tongue slip a few time, nothing too bad about that. Just a few swears here and there. That's all.
"What are you doing, you idiot?" Sasuke sneered, glaring at his older cousin angrily.
"Oh, hey Sasuke." Obito said, smiling happily. The boy just looked him up at down, trying to fathom why the man was stood in the middle of the hallway in nothing but his boxers. "So…er…you heard what happened?"
"I called the ambulance." The boy said nonchalantly, shrugging it off. "You're lucky I got there when I did."
"Awww, thanks!" Obito grinned, outstretching his arms for a hug. Sasuke, of course, declined but offered a gentle smile nonetheless.
"No problem. Glad you're okay. We better check on everyone else, right?"
"Yeah." Obito mumbled, worry overtaking him as true realisation hit him. Not all of them were alright.
"You think you have it rough? I wasn't even injured but they've got me hauled up in here too." Sasori complained, stretching his lithe body out on the bed. "Not to mention this is the hospital my grandmother's in. Now I get to visit her whenever I want…lucky me…."
"Right, cause not being injured is such a bad thing? That dick busted my lip, hmm." Deidara hissed, touching his bottom lip gently. It was swollen and bloody and the blonde couldn't help but wince as his fingers traced over it. Sighing heavily, he dropped his hand back to the bed and fell into thought. Dropping his tone to a serious one, he looked up at the redhead curiously. "So, have you heard anything about Naruto or Kakashi?"
"Not a thing. I looked in on Kakashi's room at one point but he isn't allowed visitors. They say he's in extremely rough shape and things aren't looking good. And I still remember how injured he was….I wouldn't put my money on him." Sasori said, eyes darkening as the words left his lips. He didn't like talking about someone in such a way.
"Damn, that's bad. I hope the dude's gonna be alright. And Naruto?"
"Nothing at all. I tried asking the police and the doctors but no one will answer any questions." Sasori mumbled, staring down at his lap thoughtfully. He was worried. "Kyuubi knocked him out and I lost consciousness soon after. But when I spoke to Sasuke…he said that Naruto wasn't in the house when he got there."
"Can't we just ask at reception to see if he's been signed in?"
"Like I said, they won't tell me anything at all. They said that they can't give out any information in case it reaches the press. Because we're not family, they don't have to let us know anything." The redhead murmured, biting his lip in annoyance. "I tried looking round the rooms to find him but everyone's being really secretive. This is the biggest news story Konoha's had for years."
"Guess you're right, hmm. But I hope we hear something soon."
"Me too."
"You don't think Naruto would have gone willingly, do you?"
"After the speech Kiba gave? Not a chance. Besides, I saw the hit Kyuubi gave him. He wouldn't wake up for quite a while after that." Sasori assured him, offering the most forced smile he'd ever given. Deidara knew it was fake but he appreciated the effort and couldn't help but force a smile back. At least he had one thing to be thankful for…both he and Sasori were safe and currently sat close enough to feel each other's presence. That was good enough for him at the moment….
"Well…looks like we'll be missing school, hmm?" Sasori's eyes rolled over to stare blankly at the blonde, narrowing in disbelief that he'd make such a stupid comment at a time like this. "Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood."
"Please, don't."
"Mr Sasori?" A nurse spoke up nervously as she made her presence known. She jumped slightly when the two teenagers looked at her, her arms hugging her clipboard tighter as a blush furiously rose up on her cheeks. She avoided eye contact, glancing down at the floor as the two shirtless boys stared at her expectantly. Despite the situation, Deidara couldn't help but chuckle at her shyness. He couldn't blame her though…it wasn't too often these nurses get to marvel at two artistic beauties.
"What is it?" The redhead muttered.
"Oh…erm…y-your grandmother is a-asking for you." She stuttered, the colour of her face deepening.
"You've gotta be kidding me…."
"Will you put some clothes on already?" Sasuke hissed coldly, glaring over at his cousin's chiselled and unhidden body with displeasure.
"Can't, they're covered in blood. And there's no way I'm wearing those stupid hospital gowns." The man replied simply, offering a slight smile to the boy as they made their way down the hallway together. Obito was getting a lot of looks from doctors, nurses and patients alike but he didn't really care after the night he'd had.
"Anyway, I was told to come and book myself in despite the fact I don't even have a scratch on me."
"It's to protect your from the press." Obito said, ruffling the younger Uchiha's hair affectionately- much to Sasuke's disdain. "Did you happen to speak to Rin?"
"Yeah, she should be on her wa-"
"Obito Uchiha!" An angry yell echoed throughout the hospital, causing many people around to stop in their tracks and Obito to tense up in fear. "What the hell do you think you've been doing?!"
"Oh, shit." The man muttered, listening to the heavy footsteps approaching him from behind. He stood, frozen on the spot, as the person approached. He was too frightened to turn around.
"Here I am, recovering from the biggest hangover of my life, when I get told that my dumbass of a boyfriend is in the hospital!"
"Rin, I can explain!" Obito said in defence, spinning around to face the red-faced woman storming towards him. She wasn't the kind to get angry like this- the couple hardly even argued- but on the rare occasion she did get like this…it was damn scary.
"All you were asked to do was walk Naruto home! Not even you can turn something so bloody simple into a nightmare!" Sasuke blinked, eyes wide in surprise at what he was witnessing. He personally had never seen Rin like this. "You stupid, selfish jerk!" She yelled, hitting the Uchiha in the bicep before throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him forcefully into a tight hug.
"Er…"
"Never, ever worry me again." She sobbed slightly, burying her face in the nape of the man's neck. Obito lifted his arms to hug her back, smiling softly at her concern. It was just the mood lift he needed after the events of the previous night. Just to have Rin hold him like this.
"Ugh." Sasuke grunted from beside them, stuffing his hands into his pockets and walking off to leave them alone. He wasn't really in the mood to stay and watch their loving exchange.
"Been a rough night, huh?" Glancing to the side, Sasuke was relieved to find one of the less annoying people he happened to be friends with- Sasori- without his blonde companion. The boy was alone and, thankfully, clothed.
"Sorry I wasn't there to help you guys."
"No worries. It wouldn't have made a difference anyway." The redhead murmured, leaning back to rest the rear of his skull against the cooling wall of the hallway. It helped soothe his throbbing headache. "Kyuubi was physically stronger than all of us put together."
"How did you work it all out?" The Uchiha asked curiously, eyes narrowing in thought as he scowled at the other's uncaring face. Sasori's lack of expression had always been irritating for him- it made him difficult to read properly.
"You can't win against your loneliness. The human heart is one of the most complex things in existence. But also one of the most fragile. People will always seek out one another, no matter what. The desire to belong, to be part of something, drives humans through life from birth to death. Religion, politics- it's all just the product of soul searching." Sasori muttered on a sigh, closing his eyes slightly. His mop of hair was rather messy, hanging over to cover part of his face as he rested his head against the tiles. "Loneliness is one of the most deadly things there is. It's used as a punishment everywhere from schools to prisons- the ultimate sanction. Without others around to confirm your existence, your heart withers. That's how I worked it out. That's how I knew that Kyuubi's true intention was to take Naruto with him and that's also how I knew that Naruto was in danger of going willingly."
"You figured all that out, huh."
"Yeah. Just like I figured out that the reason you were late was because you met with Itachi." Sasuke froze, eyes snapping into an accusing glare as the redhead whispered out the words so damn casually. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." The boy assured him, looking over as though to reaffirm his words.
"How did you know?"
"I'm good at reading people, that's all." The lithe teen said, shrugging it off as he pushed himself away from the wall and onto his feet. "It's none of my business, so I won't ask what happened but I'm here if you ever want to discuss it. Although…" Sasori turned to head down the hallway, offering a small smile over his shoulder. "I think you should let Obito in more often."
"Tch."
"Just consider it. I think you'd feel relieved if you confided in him…just once in a while." And with that the redhead was off, waving farewell as he headed to an entirely different ward, leaving Sasuke confused and sceptical. The Uchiha didn't like being lectured…but he wasn't in the mood to get angry over it. There were other things on his mind.
"What time does your shift end, anyway?"
"Man, I have no idea. I haven't had time to check. Besides, I'm actually dreading it."
"How come?"
"How easy d'ya think it's gonna be to leave the hospital with the press hanging around."
"Ah, good point. I might just stay and get my overtime in. Still, I can't believe Kyuubi and Itachi were actually here last night."
"No shit. They sure did leave a mess."
"You're on the team overlooking that school teacher, right? How is he?"
"Kakashi? He's in bad shape. He must have put up one hell of a fight; his injuries are far beyond any of the others'. Personally, I'm worried."
"Damn. I'm on the team watching over most of the others. It isn't much work- just a few minor injuries. That Obito guy makes it less tedious though. He's a funny dude."
"Lucky, I just get to look over an unconscious guy. Kakashi hasn't so much as blinked since we got him here."
"Have fun with your overtime."
"Aw, come on! Trade with me?"
"Nope!"
Sasori and Deidara sat, sharing a single chair, beside Chiyo's hospital bed. The three of them were chatting rather comfortably together, smiling as they did. The two teens had just announced their relationship to the old woman and she had been more than welcoming of it, just happy that her grandson had found happiness. Chiyo was avoiding the dangerous events- only pleased they were safe- and was instead asking how the party had gone and about their individual art projects for the exhibit. Unlike his boyfriend, Deidara was very open and happy to discuss his work in depth and Chiyo was overjoyed to see that his openness had an effect on the redhead. For the first time in years, Sasori actually sat down and discussed his puppetry with his grandmother….
Obito and Rin sat watching the hospital TV together; cuddling on the bed the Uchiha had been assigned. The man had fallen into a rare but comfortable silence, snuggling up to the woman he adored and cared about most. Every so often, his mind drifted and he began to worry about his best friend, but Rin helped him stay positive for the time being with her soothing words and touch. Obito wasn't loud, excited, hyperactive or horny for once…just calm as he sat, placing a gentle kiss on the woman's soft cheek and giggling sweetly. He noticed the looks he was getting off the other people he shared a room with and couldn't help but feel pleased with their obvious jealousy. After what had happened the night before, he'd earned a little special attention….
Sasuke wandered through the hallway, having no true destination in mind as he kicked at the clean floor. Sighing heavily, he inwardly debated what he should do. He didn't really want to be around Obito and his girlfriend right now but what Sasori had said had really gotten to him. Maybe he should open up to his older cousin more often, especially about Itachi. The brief meeting he had had with his brother was one he thought he should keep to himself but now he was doubting his original opinion- starting to believe that the spiky haired idiot deserved to know. After all, everything Sasuke had been through, Obito had shared. That was it. Sasuke was going to finally open up and be honest with Obito.
Kiba ran his fingers through the brown spikes atop his head, growling in annoyance at both himself and what had happened the night before. Everything had been so damn perfect! Why did it come to this? Glancing over at the mirror on the opposite side of the room, he stared in shame at his own reflection- covered in cuts, bruises and bandages. His body wasn't the only thing broken. He so badly wished he could hold Naruto in his arms- as soppy and corny as it sounded. But instead, the brunette was sat on his hospital bed, going to great lengths to avoid his friends. He didn't know what to say to them, how to act with them or whether or not he could handle that kind of interaction right now. He just really wasn't in the mood for talking to anyone…except Naruto….
"Where to now, Kyuubi?" The black haired man asked curtly, glancing over at his tired-looking companion. Once again, Itachi was forced to drive while Kyuubi allowed himself to settle and relax.
"Back to the prison. I need to keep my promise to Kakuzu and Hidan." The flame-haired murderer growled, allowing his head to rest backwards and his eyes to close ever-so-slightly as a pleased smile crossed his lips. It was time to move on to the next part of the plan.
"So you're really breaking them out? Despite knowing that security would have been greatly improved after your escape?" The Uchiha said sceptically, raising one eyebrow at the other questioningly. He was a doubter when it came to Kyuubi. He didn't trust him like other people seemed to…he had no reason to.
"Of course. Just like me, they have plans and ambitions for the future. But they're relying on me to make sure those become possible. And what about you?" Kyuubi glanced over, a genuine smile widening. "You were invited to join Yahiko's new organisation as well, weren't you?"
"The Akatsuki? Yeah, I was. I'm not too sure though…."
"You always come across as a lone shark to me. Not the kind to work as part of a group. However, it sounds like they have everything planned out well. It sounds like a grand opportunity."
"I'll discuss it with Hidan and Kakuzu once you've broken them out. And you?"
"I like working as a team but I'm not the kind to take orders…besides…I have other plans…." Kyuubi glanced over his shoulder, eyes darting to the back seat….
…Naruto awoke…
A/N: Well, there ya go! I know the conclusion of the reunion probably wasn't how you expected it but the way I did it was entirely necessary. Now the long-winded drama is almost over and the results will become apparent soon.
Please let me know what you thought of this via those incredible reviews of yours! I can't believe how popular this story has become, I appreciate it so much everyone!