Interpretations.
Naruto is © Masashi Kishimoto/Shonen Jump™/TV Tokyo.
Chapter One; The Therapist.
"Come on, Naruto. It's time to get up. You're going to be late for your session."
Said blond man stared at his lover before abruptly pulling the sheets over his head. "I'm tired, though. Please. Just a few more minutes!"
"No. You don't want to miss your first day of 'therapazing' couple's therapy."
Naruto peeked his eyes over the blankets and stared his boyfriend. "I believe that 'therapizing' isn't a word, dear." he said, amused.
"It is now, sweetheart."
Naruto burst out laughing. "Okay, okay. I'm getting up. I hope you have a quick breakfast made for me, though. I can't arrive hungry!"
"I would never allow you to do that, anyway. It's not much, and you'll have to warm it up."
"That's alright, Sai." Naruto stood from the bed and stretched. "I won't have much time to eat after I get dressed, anyway."
Sai smiled at him. "Perhaps you should go to bed a bit earlier, then. You're nearly impossible to wake up in the morning."
"Meh. I don't think that's necessary. Besides, I had to stay up later than usual last night." Naruto set the clothes he got from his drawer on the bed and began to dress.
"You don't have to. And you know it."
As Naruto pulled on his dress shirt he said, "Well, I wanted to make sure that I was prepared. I've never tried couple's therapy before. I don't want to mess up."
"You won't mess up." Sai tried to assure him. "I pretty much promise you that."
Naruto eyed him. "You can't say that. You do remember what happened last time."
Sai laughed. "Yes, very much so. But everyone has their off days Naruto."
"Well, being in the 'spotlight', I can't have any. The media fed off of it for weeks!" Naruto pointed out.
Sai sighed. "Who cares what the media thinks?"
"I don't," the blond defended, "but they don't even know the details. It was nothing like they portrayed it to be."
"It's over now. so you don't have to worry about it."
Straightening his tie, Naruto walked out into the kitchen. He went to the fridge and took out the breakfast Sai had made for him and set it in the microwave. "They're going to be watching me. They're going to be waiting for me to screw up... again."
"They are always going to be waiting. Whether it has to do with your job or not. That's what happens when you become the most anticipated and young therapist that you are." Sai went to stand behind him and pulled Naruto close. "It's what you wanted. To be a great therapist, to help people. And you have. You've helped so many. That's something that the media shouldn't ruin for you."
It was true. Naruto had wanted to help people with his profession for years. As soon as he was licensed, he made sure that he did the best he could, no matter who the patient was, or what they were seeing him for. At first, he had been nervous as to how the other therapists in his building would take to him, being the new guy. But as he continued to show his skill at his career, and his passion, the others had let him be.
Case after case, he would receive nothing but praise. Currently twenty-eight, Naruto had been voted the best therapist in California, making his fodder for the media. He mainly didn't let the paparazzi get to him, unless they invaded upon his personal life. Other than that, he let them think what they wanted and left them alone.
Being granted the award that he had, it made the more experienced therapists annoyed, as well as jealous. They couldn't see how a 'newbie' could withdraw all the praise out of the higher-ups as he did, when he hadn't been around nearly as long as they had. They were blind to what they didn't want to see, so ultimately, they were blind to the answer.
Regardless of the media, his fellow therapists, and the pressure he was under to continually exceed the others' expectations, he enjoyed what he did, and would endure all those influences to enjoy it if he had to.
Naruto stiffened a bit. "I... I know. But it's still hard. I don't like having someone follow me wherever I go, documenting my every move. I wouldn't be surprised if they were spying on us right now."
Sai let a mischievous grin spread on his face. "Then how about we give them something to watch?"
Naruto slowly weaseled his way out of Sai's grip, suddenly feeling uneasy. "I'm uh... going to be late. I can take the food with me."
"... Alright." Sai had said, a little dejected. "Have a good day at work. Are you staying at the office afterward?"
"Yeah." the blond said nodding. "I have to sort through some of my files. Since I transferred my Friday patient, I have to make sure that her current therapist has all her files."
"So... you're going to be home late. Again."
"Sai..." Naruto paused. This always happened when his boyfriend asked the question, 'Are you staying at the office?' "Look, I just have to transfer her files."
"It's not that. I would just like to see more of you at home."
"I'm almost always home-"
"But not for me. It's either reviewing or planning with you. You honestly can't have that much to plan. With the exception of your session today, you know all of your patients. And you said yourself that you have finished your reviewing for that couple's session today."
Before he could stop himself, Naruto said, "I've been reviewing a file I got last week from the court."
"The court?"
"They want me to start seeing a new patient, which is why I had to give up my Friday one. That's why I've been so busy."
Sai turned and started walking to the living room. "Have a good day at work, Naruto. See you tonight."
Rolling his eyes, Naruto grabbed his breakfast and headed for the door. "See you."
Luckily, Naruto had arrived at his office before the couple arrived for their session. His attendance record was safe! He even had some extra time to eat.
Waffles. One of Naruto's favorites. He wasted no time in indulging. He was glad that Sai had taken the time to make him some, and felt a bit guilty that he had slept in and had missed eating with said man. They hadn't had breakfast - or dinner for that matter - together in months. In fact, it was Sai who hadn't been around.
His boyfriend had some sort of art gallery he had to get ready for, and he was hoping to get more sells than he had at the previous one. Sai was a great painter. Naruto had no doubt that he - Sai - would do extremely well. And he hadn't complained about Sai's absence, either.
That was what had set them apart, most of the time. One would have to do one thing, the other something else. Their professions allowed little time to spend together, which caused a lot of tiny arguments to sprout between them. The only problem with that was Sai had always been the one to start them.
Naruto didn't know where that had come from. He doubted that it was from insecurity - Sai knew that Naruto was with him, and that he also wasn't the kind to two-time. Naturally he'd see someone on the street that he would find attractive, even when Sai was around, but he would never dream of stooping to cheating. After all, Sai would be more than happy to oblige.
So much so, that it was the only thing he and Sai had differences about. Currently in California, gay marriage was illegal. Which meant that he and Sai could not currently 'get hitched'. Based on Naruto's morals, he couldn't really bear the thought of sleeping with someone without having such commitment. Yes, to some, marriage may be just a piece of paper, and include a ring to show off. But it was the sense of commitment that made marriage important to him. He had even waited until he was twenty-five to be kissed for the first time.
It happened when he was at college, trying to finish his schooling. He used to know Sai from Japan, when he was little. It took a few weeks for Naruto to realize that his childhood friend and his campus acquaintance were one in the same. They had took a day or two out of their weeks to meet at cafes, where they had caught up with each other. What classes they were taking, what they had been doing since they left Japan.
Of course, they had not attended the same schools. Sai had attended an art school, and was about two years in.
They were getting closer by the week, and when they decided that meeting only once or twice a week was not enough, they had exchanged phone numbers. Naruto's friends weren't blind to his sudden attraction to Sai, and wanted to take advantage of the occurrence. They would try to subtly get them together, and they had succeed in doing so once. And that one time happened to include Naruto kissing Sai for the first time.
It wasn't cheesy, and it wasn't all that predictable. In all honesty, it had been an accident. Sakura, Naruto's best friend, had managed to convince Naruto to visit Sai at his art school dorm. She assured him that his offer to him earlier on that week hadn't a hint of Sai wanting to try anything perverse. So Naruto reluctantly gave in, after hours of whining and complaining and abuse from Sakura.
It was around six o'clock when Naruto arrived at Sai's dorm, and the other was in his art studio. Some art students had them attached to their dorms, so they wouldn't have to go through the trouble of trying to gain access into the main building to use theirs. Sai was putting the finishing touches on a piece he was working on for his class when Naruto had entered.
Sai seemed a tinge surprised, but had returned to painting after giving the blond a signal that he was welcome.
"Is this your art studio?" Naruto had asked.
"Yes. I am a second-year, so they were a bit easier to persuade to allow me to have this dorm. They are only about four other dorms that have studios, and all of them are occupied by upperclassmen." Said answered.
"Am I interrupting?"
Sai had smiled at him. "Not at all. I was just finishing up, anyway."
"I'll stand over here, that way I'm not intruding."
"Nonsense." Sai had then led Naruto by the hand to stand in front of Sai's now completed painting. "What do you think?"
Naruto had scanned the piece, and found himself lost in it. "It's... beautiful."
The canvas depicted a small blond child, shrouded in darkness. He had his knees hugged to his chest. His eyes were a dark, stormy blue, and tears were running down his cheeks. He was looking up at something, and his arm was stretched toward the top-right of the canvas. Naruto felt his heart drop slightly, as it reminded him of how lost and upset he had been when his father passed away. He was only nine years old.
Naruto had turned to him, his eyes swirling with unshed tears. "I don't... really understand, though. Why would you paint something like this?"
"When you had spoken of your father's passing, your grief was overwhelming. I sensed that in a way, you were still haunted by that, but not in the mourning type of way. I felt that you were still searching for something: a clue, a path, an answer. In class, we had an assignment to paint the unseen, as in paint something that others hide from the world, so that they do not display their burden to the masses. I had immediately thought of you."
Naruto had stood there for a few moments, gazing at the painting. It was amazing how something so simple could evict emotions from your heart that you had not wanted others to see. Naruto allowed some tears to escape, but didn't want to go back to wallowing. He had had enough of that type of grief. It was all too consuming for his liking.
"Sai, I don't really... know what to say. I just... don't see how you could envision that inside me, when I, myself, wasn't aware of it."
"They say that it is one of my many talents." He glanced at Naruto then, and proceeded to wipe away the others tears. "Come on, don't cry."
Naruto had allowed their eyes to lock for a few moments before looking away. "Th-thank you. For this. It really is amazing." He turned to Sai and smiled. "Really."
Sai's heart had fluttered in his chest. "I should be thanking you for the praise. I do not deserve it."
Naruto let his eyes drift to the floor for a few seconds, before looking back up at Sai and placing his hand on Sai's cheek. "In your mind, probably not. But perhaps you will believe that you deserve this."
And without saying anything more, Naruto had raised up onto his toes and close the gap between them. It was soft, innocent, and nothing like Naruto had planned his first to go. He was actually happy to realize that. This kiss, by far, had beat the one he had always dreamed of.
After that, the two were inseparable. They didn't come out and state that they were dating right away, but tested it out to make sure that it wouldn't be over in a week. Once they were sure of it, they had told Naruto's friends, who couldn't have been more happy for him. They had also commented that "it was about time".
Looking back, Naruto could say that not much had had changed since then. He and Sai had still joked around, and they had still were like best friends. But personally, Naruto could feel that their relationship was beginning to become more tense, and he knew why. Since their anniversary earlier that year, Sai had been subtly pushing for more intimacy between them. They had never gone further than kissing, with the exception of Naruto 'treating' him with his hand rather than his body.
Other than that, Naruto wasn't comfortable with going forward, especially since the two weren't married. He knew that it pissed Sai off whenever he used that line, but Naruto was persistent. And if Sai couldn't handle the fact that Naruto wasn't comfortable with it, and he still pushed it, then Naruto would have to leave, no matter how close the two have grown.
He was ripped out of his thoughts when he heard a knock on his door. "You may enter," he announced.
His secretary, Hyuuga Hinata, had stepped in. "Your couple is here for their session."
He nodded at her. "Thank you, Miss Hinata. You may send them in." He stood from him desk and sat in his 'working chair', directly across from the patient's couch. He made sure to grab his clipboard, and their file. He got comfortable in his seat while Hinata showed them in. They took a seat on the couch, and Naruto could immediately sense the tense air around them.
"Good afternoon," Naruto started with a smile, "I'm Dr. Uzumaki. And you are...?"
The female was the first to speak. "Yamanaka Ino."
When her partner failed to respond, she elbowed him. "Nara Shikamaru," the man stated lazily.
"It's nice to meet you two. Now, what makes you feel that you need couple's therapy?"
"We don't." Shikamaru said rudely.
Ino tsk'ed. "I think that we need this because we're not... as close as we used to be. He's been more distant lately, you know, not including me or acknowledging me like he used to."
"I see. Are you dating, engaged, married...?"
"We're dating. I would like for him to propose, but God knows that it's 'so troublesome'." She glared at her boyfriend who just sat there.
"In order for this to work, you will both need to participate equally. This can't be a 'one person does all' type thing. You need to understand that. And also, in order for me to help you, you need to allow me to. Those who don't want help can't receive it."
"Oh, I know! And we talked about committing to this. He promised that he would try."
"I believe you," Naruto told her. "For this session, I'm not going to jump right in. I want to take this time to get to know you two more, and tell you a little about myself in the process. I don't like being complete strangers with my patients."
"Aren't you like, not supposed to be our 'friend'?" Shikamaru asked.
"Technically, it's not 'being your friend'. It helps to know your interests and such for the fact that it's couple's therapy. What you're experiencing could be personality clashes, different view points, and others of the like. It helps me plan our sessions."
"So troublesome. We don't even need this, Ino."
"Yes we do! I'm tired of being ignored by you!"
"Maybe if you had kept your legs closed, we wouldn't have this problem." He retorted.
"I only slept with him because I felt neglected by YOU! Whenever I wanted you, you were always 'too tired', or it was 'too troublesome', or you 'weren't in the mood'."
"Is everything about sex with you?"
"IT'D BE NICE IF MY BOYFRIEND WOULD INDULGE ME EVERY ONCE AND A WHILE!" She shouted.
Naruto raised his hands to get their attention. "Alright guys. No need to yell, okay?"
Ino turned her gaze to the floor, embarrassed. "I'm... sorry, Dr. Uzumaki."
Naruto smiled. "Don't be. And you needn't call me 'Dr. Uzumaki'. You can call me Mr. Uzumaki, Naruto, or even Mr. Naruto." He laughed. "There's no need to be so formal." Before either one could comment, he continued, "Would you be comfortable in telling me what that argument was about?"
The woman nodded. "I... sort of... cheated on Shikamaru about five months back."
"I see." Naruto wrote the information down on his clipboard as she continued.
"I only did it because I feel neglected by him. I wanted to feel needed, and... loved. Like I was desired."
"Did you feel that way afterward?"
"N... No. I felt horrible, actually." She looked guiltily at the floor.
"Was this around the time you two had started having problems?"
"Well-"
"Actually," Shikamaru said, cutting her off, "that's one of the reasons as to why I'm not as close to her as before. I thought I could trust her to not sleep around on me, even if I was being a dick. When she would moan and groan and complain, and even ignore me, I didn't go off and get laid by someone I talked to for five minutes."
"Is her cheating on you the basis of your issues?" Naruto asked.
"It's not the only reason why. This has been going on ever since our two-year anniversary."
"At least we touched on an important factor as to why you're here." Naruto loosened his tie a little. "But let's get to the more detailed introductions. Being totally serious on the first session isn't any fun!"
Ino couldn't help but smile at the therapist. He was just so... enthusiastic. It was very refreshing. "Um, may I go first?" She asked.
"Of course!"
"Well, I already said that my name was Ino." She giggled. "I like sweets, and I'm twenty-seven years old. I'm dating this bum, and I hate alcohol. I attended about a year-and-a-half of college, but had to stop going because of financial issues." She glared at Shikamaru, prompting him to say his own.
Shikamaru sighed. "Troublesome. Anyway, the name's Shikamaru. I'm also twenty-seven." He felt Ino staring at him to say more. "I smoke."
The room was quiet for a minute, before Naruto smiled again. "My name is Naruto. I'm twenty-eight. I'm also seeing someone; have been for the last three years. And to be honest, this is my first time doing couple's therapy." He laughed again. "So you'll have to forgive me."
"I'm sure you'll do just fine," Ino encouraged. She noticed that Shikamaru had glanced at her, a hint of a smile on his face. "So, what else are we doing before our remaining hour is up?"
Once the couple had left, Naruto has gathered his old Friday's patient folders and sent them on his desk. It took him about twenty-five minutes to locate her personal information to put in the file as well. Her new therapist would need it.
While locating her things, he had stumbled upon his new Friday patient's folder. He was about halfway through it. Setting the file on his desk, he stepped out of his office with his transferred patient's folder in hand. "Miss Hinata?"
"Y-Yes?" She replied, trying not to stare at his smile.
"I have Miss Tuyon's file. You can send it to her new therapist if you wish."
"O-Okay. I can... do it now, unless you... needed me to do something e-else before I go."
"No, that's it." He watched as Hinata nodded at him, hesitantly taking the folder from his hand. As she began to walk away, he added, "Thank you!"
She paused in her steps, and replied, "Y-Your welcome, Dr. Uzumaki."
Naruto stepped back into his office, smiling. Hinata was one of Naruto's favorite people. She was always so nice and genuine. Her stuttering was adorable, he had to admit. It was a bit awkward working together at times, since Hinata had a small crush on him. He knew it, she knew it, but he hadn't wanted to just blow her off like a jerk.
They had talked about it, though, over coffee in the break room. He had put her down gently, so to speak, and she seemed grateful. Hinata had admitted to thinking that he was cute, and that she found him attractive. Subtly, though. She hadn't come out and said it that way.
Since then, they had been normal co-workers, and she had not let her feelings get in the way. Naruto had been trying to find ways to show her that she could feel the same around other men, that way he wouldn't feel this small twinge of guilt when he was around her. He had been noticing that she was talking to a man named Kiba, who delivered new and such to the building. He saw that the man liked her, but he assumed that Hinata was unaware.
Nonetheless, he would stay out of it, and let them grow their relationship themselves. He had no doubt in his mind that Hinata would warm up to him sooner or later, if the smiles she sent him were any indication.
Taking a seat at his desk, Naruto opened the file he had placed on his desk minutes earlier.
From what he had already reviewed, he knew that the man replacing his Friday sessions was here not because he had wanted to be, but because he had to. It was court-ordered that he attend therapy one a week for one year, or else he was going to be sentenced to prison.
There had been numerous let downs in the man's life, some events Naruto himself could even relate to. With that in mind, Naruto just hoped that having something like that in common - even though the extents were different – wouldn't potentially ruin his chances of being able to take on this patient. Personally, Naruto thought that it wouldn't be a problem, as long as Naruto did his job.
Yes, he would be fine. He would have to be. Naruto began seeing his new patient that coming Friday. Just four days away. He would then see the man whose future hung by a thread, and also by Naruto's own ability. The man who came from such a noble and respected family.
The man whose name was Uchiha Sasuke.
When Naruto returned home later that night (around 7:00 PM), Sai was in the living room, watching an art show on Pay-Per-View. The blond set his coat on the dining chair, and threw his tie, along with his jacket, on his bed. He then made his way to the living room couch, and plopped down next to Sai.
"Is this that art show you've been talking about?" He asked Sai tiredly. He placed his head on his boyfriend's shoulder.
Sai smiled at him. "Yes. It's almost over. If you would like, I could make dinner afterward."
Naruto hummed. "You spoil me," he said gratefully. He was, indeed, very hungry.
It was quiet for a few minutes before Naruto spoke once more. "I'm sorry."
The statement made Sai look at him in confusion. "For what?"
"For not being... that great of a boyfriend."
"Naruto-"
"No," Naruto persisted. "You and I both know that I have been more concerned with work than my relationship with you. I want to apologize for that." He scooted closer to Sai. "I don't mean to neglect you. I have worked so hard to become what I am: years of school, exams, and all-nighters. I just want to work hard to make sure that I do my job right, and do it well."
"And you know that I understand that, even though I don't exactly like it."
"I know you don't. That's why... this Sunday, you should take me out to dinner." He looked up at Sai with a smile on his face.
Surprised, Sai asked, "Really? You would... allow me to treat you?"
"Mm-hmm. We haven't gone out on a date in what, five months? It's long overdue."
Sai bent his head to kiss Naruto, really happy at the blond's proposal. "I would love that."
Returning the kiss, Naruto replied, "So would I."
They let their lips meet once more, lingering for a few minutes. When Naruto pulled back, he soon realized that Sai had not had his fill. He didn't stop him, for as long as Sai kept to just kissing him, everything would be fine.
"I love you, Naruto," the painter said suddenly.
Naruto stared up at him, unsure of what to say next. "Sai..." He then sat up.
"What?"
"... Nothing." He turned back to Sai, a smile on his face once more. "I love... you, too, Sai." The blond turned his gaze to their bedroom. "I'm really tired. I think I'll head for bed."
"Alright, Naruto."
"Who said that I didn't want you to join me?" Naruto said slyly. He reached for Sai's shirt collar, gently raising the man to his feet.
"Are you implying... what I think you are?"
"Hmm. Maybe not as far as you may be thinking, but I wouldn't mind spending some 'quality' time with you."
"I would love any attention you're willing to give me."
Naruto led them to the bedroom, where he proceeded to shower Sai with all the attention he could stand.
After Naruto's Tuesday session, Hinata had informed him that an officer had requested to see him. At first, he was a little curious as to what an officer would want to speak with him about, but headed to the lobby to meet with him.
"Are you Uzumaki Naruto?" The officer asked him.
Naruto nodded. "Yes. May I ask who you are?"
"Ah, yes. I'm officer Hatake. I wanted to meet with you about your new addition," Officer Hatake stated. "Would you be more comfortable if we were to go somewhere? A cafe, perhaps?"
Thinking on it, Naruto finally replied, "Sure. There's one down the street from here."
Once they arrived at the cafe, the officer wasted no time asking him questions. "Have you looked over the file you were issued?"
"Yes," Naruto said. He paused before he asked, "I hope I don't offend you by asking, but is there a reason you wanted to see me?"
The officer smiled under his mask. "Yes, actually," he admitted. "I wanted to speak with you about Sasuke."
"Who? ... Oh! Mr. Uchiha, you mean. What about him?"
"You see... I am speaking with you on a... more personal note, you could say," Kakashi started. "There are things that you probably should know that neither the file nor Sasuke himself will tell you."
Intrigued, Naruto asked, "Like...?"
"Sasuke has had... a very strict - as well as troubled - childhood, which probably lead to most of the issues he faced, or is facing. I was hoping that perhaps I could clear some things up for you, maybe answer some questions that you may have regarding him or even his family. I'm sure they appeared in his file."
"Did you know them personally?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. I was a very close family friend. When Sasuke and Itachi, Sasuke's older brother, were little, I would watch them when their parents went out."
"I see."
"Now that I have revealed my purpose to you, is there anything you would like to ask?"
"You can start by explaining his childhood. I didn't read much of it in his file."
"Naturally," Kakashi said, a little amused. "The Uchihas are very secretive. You wouldn't believe how many skeletons that family has in their closet. But anyway, all Uchiha children have had strict childhoods, no matter what branch of the family they come from. Technically, they are raised with little to no childhood at all."
"... That bad?"
"Worse. Basically, they are 'trained' to be little versions of their parents. The girls get taught how to act womanly, and that their husband is their top priority. They listen to them, they obey them, they fulfill all their dirty little needs with no complaints. They are there to make their husbands look good, and nothing more."
Naruto frowned. He didn't like the fact that they were raising their women that way. He was a believer that all genders, races, religions... whatever, were all the same. It didn't change the equality that everyone shared. He also believed that women weren't lap dogs, or just some piece of eye candy for their husbands.
"Of course, being loyal didn't come without perks. They could pretty much do whatever they wanted, as long as they had fulfilled their usual chores beforehand. Once they were done teaching the children, choosing their husband's outfits and so forth, they could go out and spend their husband's money, make themselves look pretty. You'll never hear any of those women complain."
Naruto kept quiet and waited for the other to continue.
"As for the boys, they were taught the way of the business. It didn't matter to them whether or not their children had interests such as being a doctor, or maybe even a dentist. They were going to be businessmen, regardless. They had little time for friends, and while at school, their main focus was their work. That's why they seem so... secluded, and 'mysterious and handsome' to the girls." Kakashi laughed. "I remember that Sasuke would always complain to me about those so-called 'fangirls'."
"I wouldn't be able to relate," Naruto commented, amused as well.
"Sasuke never complained to anyone besides myself or his brother. He knew better than to be public about it."
"About his brother..." the blond said hesitantly. "I read some very... unnerving information about him."
"Ah, yes. I have no doubt that you would." The man sighed. "What happened to Sasuke was... devastating, when I learned of it."
"Are you referring to his busts, or what happened when he was little?"
"When he was little. Being as keen to body language and such as I am, I should have noticed. If I had, then maybe it wouldn't have happened."
"It's not wise to place grief where it doesn't belong," Naruto advised.
"I think that it does belong, at least in a way." He stared at Naruto. "But, I suppose that you are the professional."
"I'm not as great as people think. In fact, I'm still learning." Getting back on topic, Naruto said, "Would you by chance know anything about his drug busts?"
The officer nodded. "Not all the personal details, but yes. I know that he first got interested in drugs when he started dating a man named Hidan. I'm not sure if he was in your file or not."
"It didn't say they were dating, but I knew that they were somehow affiliated with one another."
"Don't ask me what Sasuke saw in him. Hidan was one of Itachi's friends. A real potty mouth. I told Sasuke that Hidan had a record, and that it wouldn't be smart to get involved with someone such as that. He told me to 'fuck off', and that he could do as he pleased."
"It must have... been a slap to your face, to say the least."
"Oh, it was," admitted Kakashi. "But I didn't resist it. I didn't fight it. And now look at where he is."
"That's where I come in, I suppose," Naruto said, smiling. "I can tell you that I haven't had someone in his situation, or even his past, but if it comforts you any, I will promise that I will give it my all."
"... I know. I can see in your eyes that you mean it." Kakashi checked his watch, then immediately stood. "I must be on my way now, Doctor Uzumaki. It's been a relief speaking with you." Without another word, the officer had left the cafe, leaving a confused Naruto in his wake.
"Well huh." Laughing he said to himself, "Man, was that guy something."
Quick Notes: Naruto's "laid-back" personality toward the middle and end of the shown session was there for Ino and Shikamaru to feel comfortable around him.
Also, please inform me of any grammar mistakes.
Thank you. :)