The Impossible Technique

Naruto woke with a start when the comm panel near the door chirped an incoming call from somewhere on campus. When he tried to sit up, however, he immediately winced. His left arm was so dead asleep he couldn't even feel it. Then he blinked and turned his head. The discomfort vanished, and he grinned like an idiot. It was no wonder his arm was so numb.

Sasuke was using it as a pillow.

Last night floated up into his thoughts as a pleasant blur. The pair hadn't spoken much after Sasuke told Naruto he wanted to quit using drugs. They'd simply curled up on Naruto's bed. At some point, he heard a sleepy thank you from Sasuke, and apparently they'd just drifted off to sleep.

Extricating himself without waking the raven took quite a feat of dexterity, but Naruto managed to free his arm and gingerly climb over him to reach the floor. Then he hurried to the comm panel and answered the call. Gaara's face appeared, stoic as ever.

"Naruto," the redhead greeted him. "Do you know where Sasuke is?"

The blonde smiled. "Yep. Stayed the night with me."

A short pause. "Is he still asleep?"

"Mm hmm."

"He often wakes from nightmares," Gaara said. "If that happens, don't ask him about it. Just being with him is enough."

Naruto felt a burst of warmth in his chest. Yup. He likes me. He nodded. "Thanks. Wanna meet in the cafeteria for breakfast? It's pretty close to time to get up."

"Yes." Another slight pause. "Take care of him."

Beaming him another smile, Naruto nodded. "I will. See you in a while!"

Turning off the comm, he headed back to the bed. From the top bunk, he heard Kiba shifting.

"Who was that?" the brunette yawned.

"Gaara," Naruto replied. "Go back to sleep. It's only six."

"Fuck," Kiba grunted. "Wake me tomorrow."

With a snort, Naruto carefully climbed back onto the bed and curled down next to his sleeping Coordinator. The raven looked pale but peaceful, seeming undisturbed by nightmares. Unbidden, the memory of Sasuke's drug-induced dream about him floated up into his mind.

I wish there was some way I could visit his dreams like that more often, he thought, reaching over and brushing a lock of ebony hair off Sasuke's forehead. That had to be the sexiest dream in the history of dreams.

Hopefully the time for a repeat performance in the waking world was drawing close.

Sasuke stirred, making a sleepy sound of protest and sort of waving a hand as if to shoo off bugs. He didn't wake, and Naruto grinned. Though he really shouldn't bother the other teen, he couldn't help it. He reached over and feathered his index finger across the bridge of Sasuke's nose.

Another incredibly cute sound of definite protest. Sasuke tossed his head to the side and still didn't wake. Biting his lip to keep from laughing, Naruto did it again.

With a grunt that sounded frustrated, Sasuke abruptly flopped onto his side, perhaps seeking Naruto's warmth. It aligned them from crown to toe, and Sasuke buried his face into Naruto's chest.

Shit, you are so fucking cute! Naruto thought, carefully wrapping an arm around Sasuke's shoulders. Other parts of his anatomy seemed to agree, and Naruto tried to think unsexy thoughts to discourage that certain problem.

Instead, his unhelpful brain dredged up the Technicolor images of Sasuke writhing in the arms of multiple Narutos. He tried to ease his hips back to keep them out of contact with Sasuke, because the raven suddenly couldn't seem to sleep still. And the tiny shifting motions definitely weren't helping anything.

Until Sasuke abruptly made a faint sound like he was choking. A sound of obvious distress, it killed the burgeoning arousal faster than ice water. Before Naruto could attempt to wake him, however, Sasuke's head snapped up. It was so unexpected it struck Naruto's chin (which hurt a lot). The younger teen didn't seem to notice as he scrambled off the bed (managing to knee Naruto right in the gut).

Blinking back reactionary tears, Naruto rolled off the bed and got to the bathroom just as Sasuke dropped to his knees and started vomiting into the toilet. Naruto's whole body ached in sympathy. Ignoring the acrid smell of bile, he put his hands on Sasuke's shoulders and rubbed up and down his back.

This went on for long moments before the heaving finally slowed and then stopped. Sasuke rested his elbows on the toilet seat and buried his face in his hands. "I feel sick," he mumbled.

"Well, yeah," Naruto agreed. "You just puked your guts up."

The raven shook his head. "No, I mean I feel sick. Withdrawal sick. I shouldn't be having these symptoms."

Naruto frowned. "When's the last time you used?" he asked, making sure to keep his voice low.

"I don't know," Sasuke grunted. "Days ago."

"Then, wouldn't you definitely be feeling withdrawal?" Naruto asked, a little confused.

Sasuke didn't answer right away. The dry heaving started up again, and when it finally passed he looked absolutely miserable. He stood up, visibly trembling, and moved to the sink where he rinsed his mouth and splashed his face with cool water.

"You know Shizune-sensei? Her main medic is a Shinobi named Kabuto. He knows about Poison, and he gave me something that was supposed to help me quit."

Naruto blinked, and a peculiar anxiety curled through him. "Did he tell Kakashi-sensei?"

"No," Sasuke replied, opening the cabinet under the sink and helping himself to the mouthwash. "He said as long as I never used Poison again, he wouldn't."

That didn't at all seem right. Naruto frowned. "Doesn't that seem a little . . . strange?" he asked carefully.

The Coordinator gave him a somewhat flat look. "Of course. But he already knew about the drug use. So what difference does it make if I let him try to help me?" Sasuke grimaced. "I guess he did indirectly warn me I'd still feel the nausea."

When Sasuke seemed satisfied with his oral hygiene, Naruto grabbed his arm and steered him back toward the bed. "I think you should lay down for a while. We don't need to start getting ready for class for at least another hour."

The younger didn't protest, laying down on the bed. As Naruto pulled the blankets up over him, Kiba peered over the edge of the bunk.

"You okay, Sasuke?"

Sasuke closed his eyes. "I'll be fine." Then he looked up at both Controllers. "Would one of you mind going to the infirmary and getting some nausea tonic?"

"I will," Kiba said, immediately climbing down. "Just let me take a quick shower. You stay in bed."

When he was in the bathroom and the water started, Naruto perched on the edge of the lower bunk. "Can I hold you?" he asked.

For a long moment Sasuke seemed to ignore him. Then the tiniest nod. Naruto carefully clambered up beside him and pulled the skinny raven into his arms. It only took a handful of seconds for Sasuke to melt into his warmth. And then another couple minutes before he fell back to sleep.

Presently, Kiba emerged from the bathroom. He threw the pair a look, then he grinned and shook his head. "Only you bring out that part of him, I guess. He wouldn't snuggle with me."

Naruto snorted softly. "I'm pretty persistent. Hurry back, kay?"

"Sure," Kiba said, putting on his boots.

The Controllers' uniforms were similar to the Coordinators' in only a few ways. They were made of the same material, but instead of a high mandarin collar on a sleeveless tunic, their black uniform shirts had a folding lapel collar. The Academy's emblem was embroidered on the left breast, but the shirt was short sleeved and didn't have the accompanying arm-covers.

Naruto didn't care much about what his own uniform looked like, but he really liked how the Coordinator uniform looked on Sasuke. It didn't have any fabric over the shoulders to maximize the Coordinator's motion capability, and the long arm covers provided at least some warmth and protection.

And frankly, it looked kinda sexy.

At some point, he dozed off. He didn't wake until a hand grabbed his shoulder and shook him, and he came to somewhat groggily. Only to find he'd shifted in his sleep. He'd rolled forward until he was pretty much laying right on top of Sasuke, mashing the smaller teen into the bed. For himself, Sasuke apparently didn't mind. With one hand curled to his chest and his face pressed under Naruto's neck, he looked unbearably cute.

Kiba shook his head with a small grin. "He really is cute when he's sleeping."

Naruto frowned at him. "He's cute all the time."

The brunette snorted. "Until he opens his mouth. Kakashi-sensei has had me and Shikamaru practicing with him, and he can be a total ass."

"Only when you do stupid shit," Sasuke mumbled, sounding barely awake.

The two Controllers looked at each other and burst into laughter. Naruto levered himself upright, which made Sasuke's black eyes open. He glared at Naruto as if chastising him for taking away the warmth. Naruto encouraged him to sit up.

"Here," Kiba said, handing him a little single-dose vial of tonic. "Am I the only one who thinks that med-nin Kabuto is a little creepy?"

"I think he's creepy," Naruto agreed at once.

Which made Sasuke give him a look of somewhat tired annoyance as he tossed back the contents of the vial. He grimaced at the flavor, then laid back down.

Kiba visibly hesitated. "You think you're gonna feel better by tonight, Sasuke?" he asked.

Naruto frowned at him. "Why? What's tonight?"

Kiba broke into a wide grin. "Oh, we're been practicing again."

"Practicing what?" Naruto demanded, trying to control burning jealousy.

His best friend shook his head. "The impossible."

Wondering if he'd have to punch Kiba to make him stop being so cryptic, Naruto gave him a mild glare.

"If you're so damn curious," Sasuke grunted, "just come tonight and watch." Then he looked at Kiba. "I'll be fine."

"Good," Kiba said. "We're so close. I can tell! You should get up, Naruto, or we won't have time for breakfast."

Naruto put a hand on Sasuke's shoulder and pushed him back when the younger tried to sit up. "Nuh uh. You stay here and rest."

Sasuke glared at him. "I can't miss class. Kakashi will ask about it, and I can't stand it when he fusses."

A partial truth, Naruto read between the lines. His guardian would suspect Sasuke might be sick for a very specific reason. "But . . ." he tried to protest, voice weak. "I'm a little worried about you."

This time he didn't stop the raven sitting up. "I'll be fine. That tonic works pretty quick, especially if I walk around a little. I'm going back to my room to shower and get a clean uniform. I'll see you at breakfast."

"I'll walk you to your room," Kiba offered.

Sasuke glanced at him and just nodded. Then, as if sensing Naruto's flare of jealousy, looked back at him. He seemed to hesitate, then he abruptly leaned down and brushed his lips over Naruto's cheek. "Thank you," he whispered, barely audible.

Naruto practically melted. Gah. So sweet.

Then Sasuke straightened and wouldn't look at him as he stalked out of the room. Naruto grinned.

Well, sometimes sweet. It was Sasuke, after all.

~o0o~

Feeling shaky and tired, Sasuke didn't resist Kiba putting an arm around him in silent offer of support. He leaned against the taller teen, grateful for the help. However, when he reached his room he straightened and wouldn't let Kiba follow him.

"I'll see you in the cafeteria?" he said quietly.

Kiba nodded, the concern in his countenance muted but there. "Take it easy, okay?"

Sasuke just nodded. He closed the door behind him, heard the lock snick into place. He could hear the shower running.

"Sasuke?" Gaara's voice called from the bathroom. "Come in here."

Entire body crying out for a little attention, Sasuke stripped without a second thought, leaving a trail of clothes to the bathroom. Gaara opened the stall door, and Sasuke climbed under the hot spray. It poured like balm over his achy skin.

"You're pale," Gaara stated, pouring shower gel into his palms and starting to massage Sasuke's shoulders and back.

"I feel better now," Sasuke said, turning to drop his head to rest on Gaara's shoulder. It was true, too. The hot water and tender ministrations of his best friend were blessedly welcome and healing.

Gaara said nothing more, just continuing with their morning ritual. When he started washing Sasuke's hair the raven all but turned into a puddle. By the time he finished, Sasuke felt human again. Only a minor twinge of nausea still remained, and he went when Gaara nudged him out of the shower.

Drying off, he dressed in a clean uniform and laid down to wait for his friend. I can't believe I actually slept with Naruto last night. I mean, in his bed. I basically cuddled with him like we're . . .

His thoughts choked off and wouldn't continue further. Dangerous. That line of thinking was too dangerous. He could admit he and Naruto were probably friends (an admission by itself difficult to make, even in his head), but nothing more. Friends could snuggle in bed together and make out. While not high.

Yeah right, whispered a completely unwelcome voice way, way in the back of his mind. You wouldn't even make out with Gaara like that.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he rubbed his hands vigorously over his face.

"What's on your mind?" Gaara's voice asked from so close it startled Sasuke.

Who promptly sprang to his feet. "Is Suigetsu still in the infirmary?"

Looking unbothered by the abrupt change of subject, Gaara shook his head. "No, he should have been released this morning. Said he'll meet us in the cafeteria."

Feeling incredibly antsy, Sasuke headed out. "Will you tell everyone I'll be there soon?" he called over his shoulder.

He didn't hear Gaara's reply. His stomach still felt a little queasy, but he had a feeling some food would settle it down. Breaking into a jog, he headed to the second years' dormitories. Neji's room was on the third floor, and when Sasuke reached it he pressed the announcer chime.

For a full forty seconds, nothing. Then the door opened, and pale lavender eyes regarded him without emotion, cold and clear as ever. Having come here with no clear intent, Sasuke hesitated. He didn't really know what to say, and Neji did nothing to make this easier for him.

So he took a deep breath and plunged in. "I'm sorry," he stated.

Though Neji's expression didn't change, his eyes flared with small traces of satisfaction. His hand came up and cupped Sasuke's chin. "Of course you are."

Irritated, Sasuke slapped his hand away. "I'm sorry I tried to punch you in the face. You deserved everything else."

Neji's eyes went dark, and he turned to stalk back into his room. Sasuke managed to shove into the room before he could close the door.

"I don't like fighting with you," Sasuke said. "It's pointless."

"Fighting," Neji repeated, going about finishing dressing in his uniform. "Is that what we're doing, Sasuke?"

"Well, what would you call it?" Sasuke demanded. "Nothing's changed between us, Neji. Nothing except me trying to find my independence. Do you really want me to keep drowning? Like Naruto says?"

Neji rounded on him. "What does that pathetic idiot know? How dare you let him sum up our relationship when you've known me for years and he's known me a few weeks!"

This time, Sasuke didn't let those words rile him. "I'm not. But that is how you're acting. Even if you don't mean to, it's what I feel from you. And I hate it. You, Gaara, and Suigetsu are the only reason I'm still alive. So please support my trying to quit using drugs and face my future with open eyes instead of a numb mind."

For long moments, long enough for Sasuke to start feeling awkward, Neji just looked at him with an inscrutable expression. Then,

"I don't like it when you let someone you barely know have so much influence over you. Unlike him, I've seen you nearly broken. It's not an image I'll so easily forget."

Sasuke shrugged. "Then don't forget. Just don't let that be how you see me from now on. I'm trying to put myself back together, Neji. Is that such a terrible thing?"

Another pause, though shorter this time. Neji abruptly took the few steps necessary to bring them close enough to yank Sasuke into a rough, one-armed hug. "Of course not. Fool."

Emotion, thick and choking, immediately welled up behind Sasuke's eyes. He took a deep, shuddering breath and pushed Neji away. Without looking at the older teen, he headed to the door. "Good. Because that'd be really shitty of you."

Was that a faint snort of laughter that followed him out of the room? He sincerely hoped so.

~*o0o*~

There were two reasons Kiba liked Sasuke. The first and most obvious: Sasuke was a damn powerful Coordinator with a lot of untapped potential. He was like a book only one-third written. Plenty of empty pages for Kiba to fill with his own stamp. Second and less obvious: Sasuke was damn cute.

This statement of thought had little to do with Sasuke's face, even though the raven was pretty fucking easy on the eyes. It was something much more intangible that made him practically irresistible to the dog-loving teen. The raven was so spunky, so feisty, so foul-mouthed, so unwilling to take shit. And how he got a little shy when Kiba flirted with him was stupid cute.

And he liked how Sasuke didn't give up. Every evening Kakashi-sensei pushed Sasuke real hard, trying to help him achieve the impossible: bonding with two Controllers at once. Sasuke's raw determination had even thawed Shikamaru to the idea of working with him.

Basically, Sasuke's terrible past could have turned him into a whiney, spoiled prick. Instead, they'd made him focused, determined, and absolutely driven toward accomplishing his goal of being the best. He never asked for favors, none of his achievements had been handed to him, and he worked harder than any student Kiba knew.

With the possible exception of Naruto, he thought with a grin as he, Shikamaru, and Sasuke faced each other for probably the one-hundredth time.

These last three days, this trio had gotten very good at sparring with each other. Though they hadn't been able to mount much of an offense against a fucking killer Shinobi like Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke had gotten insanely fast at switching between the two Controllers to maximize their chances. Kiba didn't have to think anymore when he and Sasuke bonded, and he knew Shikamaru had gotten just as proficient with the raven Coordinator.

Their scores together were so high Shikamaru had risen to the top three Controllers at The Academy, and Kiba was now in the top ten.

Yanking on the hand held between both of his, he put his mouth right on Sasuke's ear. "C'mon, beautiful," he breathed. "This time for sure."

Sasuke didn't verbally or physically react as he straightened, but a hint of color flushed his pale cheeks. He straightened his spine and opened up a flow of chakra. That unique ability only Controllers could utilize. Kiba and Shikamaru had tried this so many times now they didn't need to speak, just looked at each other.

One.

A deep breath in, steeling himself to have perfect timing.

Two.

Poised on the very edge of channeling his own chakra.

Three!

At the exact same time, the two Controllers reached out to accept the offered opportunity to link with the raven Coordinator. Like every other time before, three sets of chakra fell into alignment. Like every other time before, Kiba felt the pull of his body beginning to transform.

Unlike every other time before, he transformed.

His first reaction was one of disappointment. If he'd transformed and not Shikamaru, maybe this wasn't possible after all.

His second reaction was one of confusion, because Sasuke was holding a long black quarterstaff.

His third reaction was more along the lines of, Holy fucking shit!

Sasuke grunted and went down to one knee, eyes squeezing closed and jaw visibly clenching. His hands gripped the quarterstaff so tight his knuckles were white, and his breathing sounded painfully labored.

"Holy shit," Kiba exclaimed. "Holy fucking shit, Sasuke! You did it! You're linked with us both!"

"This is really taking a lot out of him, though," Shikamaru noted. "I doubt we could maintain this link, and definitely not during combat."

"Yeah, but with practice we'll get better!" Kiba dismissed it.

"Sasuke?" Kakashi-sensei said, kneeling by the raven's side. "How're you doing?"

Lifting his head, Sasuke looked up at their instructor. "It-it's really . . . really hard," he panted.

"I think," Shikamaru said slowly, "I'm part of the problem. I don't have a huge amount of chakra."

Kiba immediately grinned. "But we know someone who does."