My work is simply creating itself I tell you! And I wouldn't have it any other way! You guys have been so awesome! Reviews are a little slow but I understand if you can't decide whether or not you love or hate it. I just hope you don't hate it. Anywho let's get things rolling! Chapter 11 is here and I've got tongs to pull it out of the flames that some critic might send me about it. Preparation is a plus!! I own not Naruto and its characters but those you don't recognize like Kazuo or Chevy, they are so mine. Ah ownership. Ownership is good. Onward with the chapter!!
"iii" speech
iii thought/telepathy
iii spirit speech
Chapter 11: The Morning After
Dim light and the smell of something either cooking or burning came to twitch Sasuke's nose and his brain back to consciousness. Groggily he opened his eyes, thankful for once that it was a cloudy day and the curtains were detaining the light from blinding his sleep-filled eyes. He, however, cursed the second he set his bare feet on the wooden floor, which was freezing cold. Searching the sides of the bed he finally found his shoes: on the other side of the room. Growling at his own incompetence, Sasuke tried to think of a way to reach his foot wear without setting foot on the wooden sea of frozen floorboards. Skillfully he leapt to the wall, hoping to use the old tree climbing technique (as seen in Book 3: Bridge Of Courage, chapter 18: Training Day) only to be thwarted not only by lacking chakra, but also by benevolent bed sheets that took the pleasure of tangling itself around his legs, sending him face first onto the floor. With an angry curse and a groan, he struggled to regain his composure only to be hindered by another problem: his shoulder's electric spasms of pain shooting through him like no tomorrow. Gasping in pain he collapsed with a thud, holding his shoulder for dear life, wishing for the pain to stop. In the distance he heard the sound of running feet getting louder and louder to be accompanied by the sound of the door bursting open and an all too familiar voice echoing against the walls of the room and Sasuke's aching head. Naruto screaming "SASUKE!! That's no way of getting out of bed! Here! Let me help." He said in his usual annoying voice, making Sasuke's head feel a whole lot worse. Unwittingly grabbing the stoic boy's hurt shoulder, Sasuke finally let out his frustration. "ITAI!! Naruto you dumb ass dobe! That hurt! Get your stupid hands off of me!!" he roared as he struggled to his feet, a blanket still wrapped around one of his legs.
"What? I was only trying to help. You don't have to get pissed at me teme. Now get movin'! She-san is making breakfast!" he said smiling, his foxy grin brightening up his weary face. Small bags under his eyes gave evidence to his lack of sleep, nervously spending nearly over half the night thinking on what to say to his emotionless teammate and best friend. The stoic boy just stared at him. The girl was making breakfast? Finally! I can get some real food. He thought to himself while he straightened at the blonde's words but winced as his shoulder twitched painfully again. The pain was soon forgotten as his stomach made a grumbling noise, announcing its need to be filled. A slight pink tone could barely be seen on his face as a look of misery took over his pale features. Naruto was desperately trying not to laugh his ass off. Watching the boy like this was just plain hilarious! Turning to leave he reopened the door to let himself out saying, "Hurry up slow poke and come an' eat! You've been asleep for a week."
"What? That's impossible! How did I-?"
Waving it away with a hand Naruto just laughed at the astonished babble. "I'm joking, I'm joking! I came in last night with Ms. Nameless. Well I gotta go help set up the table. It's good to see you again… Sasuke…" he said as he shut the door behind himself, a sad smile appearing on his face as he left. Sasuke couldn't help but feel shocked at his friends' sudden change in attitude. That wasn't like Naruto to go from happy-go-lucky to slightly depressed in a span of two seconds. What was wrong with him today? Shaking the thought away, Sasuke managed to free himself from the demon sheets and grab his shoes, hissing in pain from his shoulder and the cold of the floor. Changing into day clothes he opened his door, nearly tripped over the cat and headed to the kitchen. She better feed me something other than soup or I'm gonna get really pissed. He thought to himself as he walked down the hall in a tired and pained pace.
Naruto walked back into the kitchen and started searching the drawers for silver ware. No the one on the left. She reminded him when his search proved fruitless. Pulling it open, he scratched the back of his head and smiled sheepishly. "Oh yeah. I forgot. Thanks."
Sometimes it's best to ask before acting. Her words were solemn in a way, but echoed in his head with a ring of wisdom to them. "You okay? You sick or somethin'?"
No not I. I simply… remember. Worry not. It's nothing to worry about.
"Remember? Remember what? Did you forget something? Need help finding it? I'm good at searches… sort of…"
No but sometimes I wish I could forget some things. And it will take more than determination to find what I seek.
"Oh? Like what?"
Information. To search without knowledge would be pointless, and fruitless. I thank you for your… enthusiasm. But what I search for is probably long beyond my grasp.
"It can't be that bad. Is it?"
I don't know anymore. She said sadly as she mechanically took a spatula to the eggs she was cooking. Eggs are almost ready. Is he up yet?
"Last I saw him yeah. Want me to check on him again?"
Even the dead walk when they wish to, though he does not decay he walks none the less.
"Huh?"
"I'm right here dumb ass." Sasuke growled sounding exhausted as he slumped into the chair across from the blonde teenager, unwittingly dragging some of his bed sheets with him. "And if you give me soup one more time," he said with a nasty glare at the girl's back. "I'll break your legs and see how you like soup every fucking day for every fucking meal."
"SASUKE! You teme! That's no way to talk to your hostess! Apologize right now!"
"Or you'll what? Try to get me with your lame moves? Oh please." He said with his infamous smirk, scoffing at Naruto's threat since he knew all too well that the blonde wouldn't dare hurt a sick person. Only they both discovered someone else would do it for them. They both felt a hand grab them by the backs of their heads and sent them both on a crash-course collision into each other. Seeing nothing but stars and holding their heads in pain, the two boys couldn't help but yell "ITAI!!" in unison. The girl's words rumbled through their minds like thunder. Silence is golden while pain can still be given! Now be silent the both of you hard heads or I'll show you the meaning of real pain.
Not wanting a second helping the two turned away from the other, Naruto grumbling on how Sasuke had started it while Sasuke just grunted, crossing his arms stubbornly. This is going to be difficult. The girl thought to herself as she set their plates down in front of them. The cat pounced onto the table at its own respective place, pawing the air and mewling at her. Jumping slightly the girl got out a bowl and went to the fridge for the cream carton, pouring it out for the cat to enjoy. The girl finally sat down, sitting in silence, watching the cat lap up cream that'd spilled onto the table. Staring at the animal curiously Naruto finally spoke up to break the ice. "So uh, does that cat have a name?"
"I already asked that question." Sasuke mumbled as he rolled his eyes at the innocent tone of Naruto's question. "Well I'm askin' now alright teme? It does have a name right?"
Yes he does. Cream.
"What kind of name is that?"
It's the only thing he says.
"You can understand him?"
He says 'meat' now and again but he just chokes on that. So he is Cream. It's probably because he gets excited and forgets to chew.
"Where did he come from anyway?"
She thought this over. The couch.
"He was born in the couch? Didn't you say you slept on that every once in a while?"
Umm no.
"But you just said--."
That's because you didn't specify what you meant. Is it just me or does he have the I.Q. of a spoon? She asked looking at Sasuke for answers as the pale Uchiha was trying not to snicker as Naruto's face started to change color from his anger. "It was just a question! What the hell's so funny about that?"
A lot of things, but nothing is obvious to the uninformed. The cat came and stayed, even if I left the door open. If he wants to stay he can, if not, I understand that too. Because if he does leave, it won't be the first time, and I doubt it'll be the last.
"What do you mean?" Naruto's curiosity getting the best of him again but Sasuke was also curious in as to what this girl was pertaining too. They both stared at her, awaiting the answer, surprised at the sad look in her icy blue eyes. Instead of answering the question she rose from her seat and put the carton away, adjusted her scarf and headed toward the door. Before she left she said. We are three of a kind. People and things come and go from our lives… whether we know of it or not. Without another word and not waiting for them to say anything, she went through the door, her light footsteps fading down the stairs. Leaving the two of them with the cat. Not a good idea. The two sat quietly, their meals cooling, only half eaten, the cat lapping away oblivious to the change. Several minutes passed as the cat licked its chops and carefully leapt to the extra chair onto the floor, padding away to sleep somewhere. Incidentally it chose the couch.
Seeing no other option Naruto picked up the bowl and set it in the sink to be washed later. Still not wanting to face Sasuke again after the all-too recent argument, he cleaned up his own set and walked back down the hall to his room, deciding to take a morning shower to wash away all his thoughts. Things were already uncomfortable between him and Sasuke, and they'd only reunited this morning! Smooth. Real smooth Uzumaki. How the hell you gonna tell him now? That you liked him more than a friend should? Yeah that's gonna roll over real well. If only Iruka-sensei had come with me I'd… ugh forget it. Maybe that girl can help me fix this. I just hope he accepts. Naruto let the thoughts slide as he entered the bathroom, actually remembering to lock the door so that the Uchiha wouldn't bust in on accident. Turning on the water he stepped under the shooting spray and let the drum of running water calm him.
Sasuke didn't know what to say anymore. The girl had just left him alone in an apartment complex with him sick, the cat asleep and a blonde idiot full reign to burn the place to the ground if he was stupid enough to stare at the floor too hard. The stoic Uchiha actually thought he'd set the table aflame if he stared at it any harder than he already had. Blinking out of his tunnel like gaze at the tabletop, Sasuke gripped the table in the full-blown effort to stand. It'd been nearly three days since the girl had brought him there and he still had yet to get his limbs to truly cooperate with his commands. To speak truth, they were still on the sluggish side, making any and all efforts to so much as hold a book, let alone turn the page, displeasingly tiresome. Thankful to have managed to drag one or two of his bed sheets with him on the journey to breakfast, he bent down to scoop them up, only to fall to the floor from his legs giving way. Groaning in frustration he lay there feeling sleepy again. Instead of crawling to the couch, which would've been as close to the original plan at best, he simply rolled over, covering himself up with the still warm blankets to create a cocoon and fell asleep.
Drying himself off, Naruto went to his room to dress for the day, oblivious to what Sasuke ended up doing in the kitchen. On the kitchen floor to be precise. Having finished with that, he went to check in case Sasuke had decided to go back to bed despite the hour but understandably so considering his condition. Looking into the room Naruto glimpsed at the insides. A chest of drawers against one wall near a window, a nightstand and a messed up bed with no blankets and no Sasuke. If he's not here, then where could he be? Naruto's confusion at why Sasuke hadn't returned to his room puzzled the blonde. Where was the other boy anyway? Maybe he's on the couch, lazy teme. He's turning into Kakashi. With a shrug he headed to the living room in the hopes of finding the stoic boy he'd come to see as a friend. And hopefully further than that if he accepts. Naruto sighed as he thought back to how he'd greeted him not an hour or so earlier. He'd only acted out of concern for the boy and got yelled at anyway. Had he'd been stronger, faster, more prepared… maybe they wouldn't be in this whole mess but then he'd never have met Chevy and the others, seen Kazuo pass on or 'talk' to a strange girl with no past. What if I was stronger, faster, hell as smart as Sakura… maybe he'd treat me better.
Walking down the hall Naruto looked at the couch to see the cat, but still no Sasuke. Where is he? He thought as he tried not to panic. Okay, okay let's not freak out here. He's not in his room, he's not on the couch, not in the bathroom otherwise I would've heard the door close. Then where--? The thought broke off as he dashed over to the kitchen/dining room searching the room for his friend only to find him not at the table but… on the floor? This day was just too strange. The top of the boy's black haired head poked out of the large lump of blanket on the wooden floor, settled naturally right where he'd fallen out of the chair. All he could do was sigh in relief that his friend hadn't tried to go missing again like he usually did. The bundle shifted, a sleepy sigh escaping from inside the blanket wrap that lay oblivious to any outside occurrences that may be in action. Chuckling at himself Naruto relaxed against a wall as he stared at the only person who'd actually accepted him as a friend. But can he accept me as something else too? He thought frowning as the bundle moved again, the soft snore being the only noise it made as it lay there just waiting for someone to trip over it and its contents. Shaking his head in defeat the blonde went back into the living room but stopped to turn and stare at the blanketed teenager on the floor. Coming to a decision he walked back into the kitchen, scooped up the bundle and started the journey back to the guest rooms. Angling himself and the lightly snoring bundle so they could pass the doorjamb, Naruto set Sasuke down on the bed and adjusted the sheets to be less constrictive and tangled. Sasuke shifted again, this time turning over to show his back to the blonde. He knew it was unintentional but for some reason, Naruto felt something stab at his heart, a pang of loneliness that just wouldn't leave. Not wanting to be there should the other boy wake up, Naruto pulled the door shut with a small click, walking back to the front of the apartment.
The girl had just got done walking through the door when he came through into the living room, sitting down next to the sleeping cat. He let out a sigh of despair as he let his head fall back to look at the ceiling. The girl tilted her head at him. What now? She thought as she stared at him, moving to sit in the recliner, respectively separating him from her with the coffee table. Is something the matter? You actually were livelier earlier. Did something happen?
"It's what didn't happen that's the matter. A real conversation, just a simple, friendly conversation. Just between him and me. And where do I find him? On the stinkin' floor fast asleep! And I don't even know what to say anymore."
On the floor? Asleep? Now that's something you don't see everyday. For some reason I'm wishing I'd seen it too. Kind of funny actually. She said as she made a sound that seemed to be a mix of a restrained hiccup or a small cough. Staring at the girl a minute made him realize just what it was. She was trying to laugh or at least show some sort of amusement at what he'd said. She stopped a few moments later and managed to return to the thought at hand. Sorry. Couldn't help it. Causes more damage than help. Now you want to talk to him yet you lack words. Why is that? He's your friend isn't he?
"Yeah but he's so antisocial that it's not funny. The guy's practically a fucking wall for gods' sake! He lives by himself like you do. No family, no nothin'. Just some big ass mansion and all this property under his name all because his brother went psycho and killed everybody except him and now…" a sad look appeared in his eyes, almost close to tears from the struggle to say the right thing. "And now I don't even now how to approach him, let alone tell him what it is I want to say to him." Naruto fell silent as the girl stared at him, fairly astonished by his emotional outburst. This kid's got a lot on his mind but how can I help? She gave this question the old once-ever. There had to be something she could say in response to this kid's problem but nothing turned up. What is it you want to tell him exactly? She pondered, never tearing her gaze from his face. He just shook his head and said, "I just don't know anymore. It's there but it's all in knots, tangled and hard to make out, let alone discern as something worth saying to him."
'To be courageous you must know what you fight for, to be scared is to be knowing you run from the right reasons but to do this is to either be a warrior or a fool.'
"Who said that? Some old dead guy?" he scoffed at the would-be quote. No way some old swami ever said that.
No. I just did. She deadpanned, sounding a little happy at herself. He could swear she was smiling under that mask of hers. Don't worry. What is meant to be said will come to you. Whether or not you actually say it is up to you. I've no doubt you'll know what it might be eventually.
"I know that but it's just he's so, so, well unapproachable. Like a bomb's gonna go off as soon as you get a little too close or you say the wrong thing. But he's my friend and I want to talk to him… but it's just so hard."
Hmm I see. This feeling was once mine to have for a long time where I wished to speak but could not for knew no means of which to do so. But someone finally showed me how before my problem got any worse. After that I found other ways. Private ways with people I'd come to know all too well but the first way stuck no matter how little I'd used thereafter. I couldn't even go out into the street without feeling outcast. Your means of speech will come in time. She rose to leave. I must go. I'll be back soon.
"Why? Where are you going?"
You two need more clothes than I can provide. Why? Do you wish to come?
Thinking this over, he simply nodded and went to get his shoes. Before traveling back to the living room he cracked Sasuke's door open to see if he was still sleeping. The calm breathing, soft snoring and occasional shift of the blankets as what he suspected was the boy's shoulder moved was all he needed to know he wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon. Sighing sadly he shut the door again and continued on his way back to the living room. "Lets go." Was all he said, following her to the door, only this time she used the knob.
--The Other Side of the City—
Warmth met him head on as he shifted in the bed, hugging his warm pillow closer to him, his brain hardly registering that it'd laughed at him. It wasn't until something poked him in the face that Iruka was brought back from the dark, cozy oblivion that only sleep could bring. His pillow chuckled again as he scrunched his nose against a second poke, mumbling on about not wanting to get up. The third poke was the final straw as he grabbed the offensive finger and tried sleepily to bend it at an uncomfortable angle. The 'pillow' laughed despite the pain being put upon it before finally saying, "Okay, okay I'll stop now let go. That hurts."
Smiling and raising his head to kiss the silver-haired man he playfully responded, "I bet it did. Morning koi."
"Ditto. Yes it did. Was it really necessary?" Kakashi mock pouted, disappointed that Iruka had pulled away so soon. In his mind, too soon. The chunin simply laughed at his antics, a laugh that only made the other shiver from the cuteness of it. Not able to help himself Kakashi captured those laughing lips with his, flipping them both over so that he was on top in order to gain more territory to work with. He bit playfully as Iruka moved underneath him, not helping but to moan at the feeling. The familiar sensation returned as Kakashi started to do some moving of his own, making the Chunin's breathing hitch, making the Jounin slow down a bit but didn't lose the urgency that was in the motion while he continued to playfully bite at the younger man's collar bone and neck. Iruka tried to fight the mind-blowing feeling he was getting from this 'unwanted' activity, but what he wanted to say was being swept away by waves of pleasure shooting through him with each new move the other man made. Deciding that he had no other option, Iruka made a move of his own: biting Kakashi on the shoulder and biting down hard. Kakashi jumped and nearly fell of the bed in his surprise and pain he sent Iruka a pained expression. "Now that was just plain mean!"
"Well if you hadn't started again that wouldn't have happened now would it? Now that I have your attention, maybe now we can talk like civilized people and not like love hungry perverted Jounins." Iruka responded coolly, sitting up to stare at the fallen man. If he'd a tail, Iruka was sure it'd be between the man's legs in defeat.
"I take offense to that!" Kakashi whined as he sat up and in seeing he wouldn't be getting any anytime soon, Kakashi decided to just sit and listen, hoping not to get bit like that again; at least not in that manner. Looking at Iruka's face, he knew the man was thinking real hard about something. He definitely didn't like the worried look on his koi's face. Snuggling closer he gently pulled him into a hug, nuzzling the man's neck again as he felt the arms of his beloved wrap themselves around him, pulling him close as he shivered even though it wasn't cold. "I'm sure Naruto's fine. He may not be the brightest crayon in the box but he's proven to be smarter than he lets on in the past. Come to think of it, he's one of the best students I've ever had the privilege to teach!"
"He's one of the only students you've ever taught." Iruka said with a sniff, his emotions getting the better of him again. He hated it when Naruto went somewhere unknown and unsafe all by himself, even if his team was with him or not. Naruto was like a son to him and seeing the boy go off into what the local warriors had said was very unfriendly territory wasn't helping at all. The Jounin held the man tight as he cried, helping him lay back and keeping him close as a sign of support. Like all the other times that he and Iruka had been alone while Naruto was off on a mission, he held the chunin until his tears put him to sleep. Seeing no point in staying awake, he too let sleep kick in once again.
Meanwhile downstairs the ninja group that didn't sleep in was gathering in the dining area of the bar, Chevy once again cleaning bar glasses. The teenagers were sitting in random places, deep in thought on how to spend their time either waiting for Naruto to come back with Sasuke or for their teachers to give them something to do. Suddenly by impulse, Sakura's curious and info eating brain came to a conclusion. Raising her hand she called across the room. "Hey Chevy. I've got a question."
Her sudden outburst caught everyone's attention, bringing his or her curious stares at her. Blinking and looking up from his task, Chevy gave her a stare of his own. "Okay, shoot."
"What's this girl really like anyway?"
"Huh? What do you mean Sakura-san?" he asked, sounding confused.
"The girl. What's she really like? Do you know?"
Chevy could feel his heart stop at the thought of knowing the girl that beat him to a bloody pulp a few years earlier. Shaking that away he only had this to say. "Come to think of it, no I don't. No one does and no one will probably ever will either. She's an everlasting enigma that has no way of being solved. A walking and breathin' mystery that no one can figure out no matter how hard you try to get to the bottom of it, she finds another way to send you flyin' into confusion."
"But there has to be something? Isn't there anything you can tell us about her?" Tenten asked, Neji nodding. "I agree with her. Not all things can remain hidden forever and neither can this girl and her strange ways. Is there not something you can reveal about this strange individual you fear so much?"
Anger took control as Chevy slammed his hands onto the bar counter. "Now you listen up the lot of ya! She may be the most powerful of my kind but by any means do I not fear her! Sure she sent me into the hospital for half a year but so what? Instead of killing me she let me and other victims like me live unlike the ones out here who attack to cause harm! As far as things go, the Enemy is the only victims that she actually takes the time to kill, and no one else." He paused to regain a calm breath on himself and his emotions. If the mask weren't in the way he'd be massaging the bridge of his nose. Finally he responded again. "No one except her knows anything other than what's already known about her which is more than close to nothing. Only she and no one else knows her past and possible identity. I swear to you that's all I know on the subject."
"How about a name? She does have a name right?" Temari queried, her curiosity wanting to be satisfied as well on the matter.
"Well to be truthful her real name is indeed a mystery even to those of a higher rank than her. We don't even have a file on her. But there is a title that she was given due to her innate ability to control any element thrown at her, throwing it back at her opponent ten-fold. As skill that's hard to master, even the twins know how to do this but it took them months to get the hang of pushing more power into an attack they probably don't know how it works!" he paused again, taking a breath before continuing. "She's known by only one name that identifies her as the most powerful of our kind and I think she damn deserves it."
"What name?" Shikamaru asked, surprised that his own interest had been peaked by this meaningless babble.
"Only one name has been whispered since the dawn of our existence: the Ice Bear. Along with the Fire Fox and the Sand Raccoon, the Ice Bear is the most legendary of spirits and is said to have assisted in creating the worlds as they are." His voice was dead serious, seeming full of caution. "No one knows what happened to him only that he disappeared a long time before the Binding of the Races but only his power could go unmatched no matter what occurred to him. Where he is now… well he's the only one who knows now isn't he?"
"Is that a bad thing?" Ino inquired, her voice somewhat shaky. Chevy seemed to think this over a bit, rubbing his chin. "Maybe. Maybe not." He wouldn't say anything else.
--With Naruto—
He found himself following the girl once again through the snow-covered streets of the empty city. He felt a little uneasy about something, like something was watching their every move. But Naruto managed to shake it off. Kazuo said so himself that the girl would kill anything she considered an enemy, especially if it had hostile intentions. But was it possible for her to not detect whatever he could be sensing, or was she allowing it to roam around until it actually did something she found offensive? Shrugging it off he walked a little faster to walk next to her asking, "So where are we going exactly?"
There are still some clothes shops around that may have what we require that is if the weather and the sands of time haven't already ruined their contents beyond use to our needs.
"How much longer until we get there? We've been walking for nearly an hour! And my feet are killing me! Can we stop?"
It's what you get for wearing sandals but I guess that's not your fault now is it?
"I chose to take offense to that." He growled, scowling at her. She merely started to 'laugh' at his antics. I'm sure you do, Naruto. I'm sure you do.
"You just love making fun of me don't you?"
Not on purpose. You just remind me of someone, that's all. He acted a bit like you, very amusing but not as loud by comparison.
"Really?" he said, his curiosity perking again. "Who was he?"
She paused, her step faltering. This question was something she had hoped he wouldn't ask. Instead of answering she began walking again saying. I don't want to talk about it. Her tone was sad and distant like a whisper. Feeling he'd made a mistake he shut his mouth and simply walked after her, knowing that he'd somehow brought up a bad subject and trying to weasel it out of her was a bad idea. After a minute or two her sadness was replaced by a wary feeling of foreboding, making the air colder tan it'd been before. Taking a harsh right the girl jogged over to a glass door, her mask making a tack sound against the frosty glass window. She waved him over as she pulled away from the fragile surface. There's plenty here, all in good condition. To break the glass would endanger spoilage; you wait here and allow me to unlock the door. Got it?
"Yeah but breaking the glass would be easier wouldn't it?"
You speak truth but to do that would have your opponents knowing that there was someone in the area in need of supplies. Without supplies leads to either the need to resupply or leave. To leave would let them take full reign of space for the taking but to refuel your resources with the use of destructive force is another beacon they can use to their advantage.
"So they'll try and get rid of it all or take it themselves to draw you out? Yeah I see what you mean."
'To be stealthy is to be wise, to go in like a pregnant yak is stupid.' And yes I just said that too.
"You like making quotes that don't make sense don't you?"
They make perfect sense, you're just too stupid to figure out what they mean.
"I'm taking great offense to that too." He growled as the girl walked toward the window again, this time going through the glass. Looking around, she headed toward the door and tested the handle. It was indeed locked. Pulling something from one of her pockets she started to mess with the lock before she tested the handle again only this time it opened. Nodding to him she held it wide in order for him to pass through. Shutting it behind them, she started to look for a light switch. Naruto, already looking amongst the merchandise, blinked in shock when the lights finally came on. Thankfully he was in the guy's section of the store and was standing in front of a rack of pants. The girl had wandered to the ladies side of the store and was looking at jackets. Naruto stacked up on shirts, pants, underwear, pajamas, and socks; and even found him and Sasuke a good pair of sneakers. Out of consideration to Sasuke's early morning frustration Naruto managed to track down some good house slippers. "You ready?" he called out to the girl who was taking a gander at some girls' pants on the other side of the store. She didn't even have to yell to be heard. Just browsing for later. You? She queried as she turned away from the rack she'd been staring at. "Yeah ready when you are."
Let's go then. She responded as she headed toward the door after shutting off the lights to not arouse suspicion, stopping only to help get all the spoils into a spare trash bag that'd been lying unopened on the floor somewhere behind the register. The walk back was easy enough though they had to take turns carrying the bag filled with all of Naruto's selections (which are all of dark colors thank you. I made sure he wasn't being a dumb ass again). Getting up the stairs and through the door was a bit of a challenge considering the size of the bag in itself. Needless to say that Naruto got stuck on the railing, nearly hit a table or two, even nearly falling backwards to fall down the steps. After nearly a half hour of struggle and effort, the poor blonde finally made it through the apartment door to collapse on the couch, nearly squishing the cat in the process. The cat hissed at him with indignation but he was beyond caring. He'd made it and despite the fact that it was easy, he was still tired. Come to think of it, he was tired of a lot of things: being treated like dirt by the villagers, like a dead last by his teammates, and like a nobody by his best friend. My only best friend he thought with a sigh as he lay slumped on the couch, absentmindedly petting the cat behind the ears making it purr as it settled to nap again on his stomach. Not really seeing any point in speaking with the boy, the bear masked girl simply walked down the hall and passed through her door in silence. Best leave them alone. They can sort it out for themselves. She thought to herself, turning her mind to other things.
Sasuke tried to sit up; feeling groggy and exhausted even though he'd been sleeping for what seem like minutes he knew it'd been close to over two hours. He was however surprised that he was back in his room and not on the kitchen floor where he didn't want to be in the first place, or the couch where he'd wanted to be the second he tried to get up from the table. How the hell did I get here? Did I sleep walk or something? This is just too weird for my taste. He thought as he moved to get out of bed for the second time that day only to once again fall face first onto the floor where he swore almost as loudly as human possible.
From the couch Naruto perked up at the sound of a body falling to the floor with a thud and a loud curse echoing of the wall. Looks like Sasuke's up. Guess it's now or never. Removing the cat proved to be an issue since when he got up, he expected the creature to jump to the floor when instead it dug its claws into his jacket and hung precariously from his front. "Hey now let go! You can't stay there. I need to go see Sasuke!" however the cat didn't feel like going anywhere, instead of going down, it went up. Using its claws it practically 'body climbed' its way to Naruto's shoulder where it made itself at home. "Okay. Let's go… I guess." Without another word Naruto moved to stand in front of Sasuke's door, his hand nervously hovering over the door handle. Gulping he gave the handle a turn, opening the door cautiously to find Sasuke on the floor groaning in pain. Much to his horror a pool of blood was slowly spreading across the wooden surface. His shirt was soaked at the right shoulder. Panicking Naruto rushed forward and tried to flip his friend over. "Sasuke? Sasuke! Say something! Sasuke wake up! She-san! Come quick, something's wrong with Sasuke!!"
Shoes pounding and a door actually swinging open in haste the girl's own panic could be seen. What? She seemed to exclaim at him, staring in question to the boy's announcement. "I don't know! I came to check on him 'cause he fell out of the bed again and I found him here just bleeding! What happened to him?"
Not pausing to answer she turned and opened the bathroom door, waving for him to bring the bleeding man into the bathroom. Careful not to touch the bleeding shoulder Naruto managed to scoop his unconscious friend off the floor and across the hall. Set him there. She said pointing to the toilet as she rummaged through the cupboards under the sink. Pulling out a white box with a red cross on the lid she popped it open and began to sift through its contents. Take his shirt off as gently as you can. She commanded, the cat long since on the floor and sat aloofly at the door, watching with curious cat eyes. Naruto didn't hesitate to follow the order, ripping the shirt off since he didn't want to cause further injury by simply slipping it over his head. That task complete, Naruto's face turned a dangerous shade of red at the sight in front of him. He'd seen Sasuke topless before like when they went swimming in the river but this was too much for him and he couldn't shake the feeling of embarrassment that filled him to the bone. The smooth pale skin was flawless, muscle giving the surface perfect curves and line, almost a living sculpture if not so skinny. Shaking himself out of his observations he turned his eyes to his friend's shoulder, a sight that almost made him gag. It was fire red and angry, purple in places as blood continued to seep from the wound, what remained of old stitches torn and busted hung like downed wires. The cut itself was a bloody mess brought back to life, a doctors' worst nightmare. The girl was still trying to find what she was searching for, only to no success. "What happened to him?" Naruto asked again, wanting the answer now. He tried to escape the clutches of his captor and this is what he has to show for it. A feeble attempt I'm certain, but enough to distract it so I could make my move. Unfortunately it got away but I managed to wound it badly enough for its reason to retreat. The wound hasn't really acted up until now.
"What can we do? There has to be something in that box--."
Normal medicine can do nothing to stop a wound like this. We can stop the bleeding and patch it up but true healing of a wound like this from one of them takes much energy to do.
"Energy? Like chakra? I think I can do that."
Chakra is unknown to me. Is it an energy made by a person?
"And a spirit. Kyuubi and I can do something! Just tell us how!"
I don't—"Please?" those eyes were practically begging for the go ahead. "If you tell us how we can! Please?" his voice sounded desperate. Hell, he looked desperate. Sighing, she moved to pick up the unconscious form of Naruto's teammate. You pick up one end and I'll get the other, head toward his bed. This will take a different environment.
Asking no questions he obeyed, taking the boy by the shoulders and heading back across the hall. Laying the bleeding boy on the bed with great care, the girl left and returned with the first aid box and started to staunch the flow of blood with bandages. Speak with your spirit and fast. He may not have a lot of time.
Anytime would be great Kyuubi.
About time you spoke up brat. I was getting bored in here. What's goin' on?
Sasuke's in trouble and I need your help to heal him.
Heal? That's a lot of askin' outta you kid. Can't the girl do somethin' about it?
I think she's tried as best she can but I volunteered us both so deal with it. Are you helpin' or not?
Don't got a lot of choices in the matter now do I? Okay. Just tell me how.
"Tell us what to do." He said, turning to the girl who was still wrapping up the wound. Not looking up as she worked, she responded with great authority. You and your spirit must gently channel your 'chakra' as you call it into your hands and place them on the wound itself as carefully as you can. Your thoughts must lean to heal not to harm. Channel and heal. That is all.
"That's it?"
That's it?
Indeed. But take caution there is not too much or too little. Too much and you create more than less while very little does nothing. You must restraint and control, the both of you. I will stay and observe to avoid either one.
"Are you sure that's all there is too it?"
Oh and don't panic. You both must be calm during the entire procedure otherwise you'll overdo it and kill him or nothing will happen and he dies anyway.
"Gee that's so helpful. We feel so much better now." Naruto drawled, his words dripping with skepticism. Approaching the bed Naruto kneeled, channeling Kyuubi's regularly donated chakra to his hands, making them literally glow a blood red. Gently placing his hands on his friend's shoulder; he closed his eyes and simply thought about the muscle, sinew and skin putting themselves back together. Cells replacing dead ones; broken ones being restored to their original states. Muscle reaching out to snag loose ends, reconnecting to bone. A process that seemed to take hours took mere minutes to do. Naruto fell to the floor in exhaustion; sweat falling from his brow as he lay there panting as the girl went to inspect his work. Good job. You did well for a first timer. You can rest now, the both of you. I'll take things from here.
He only nodded as fatigue also sent him into unconsciousness. She just shook her head at him and went to find a mop. Cleaning up the floors and the bathroom, the girl wiped away any trace of the event ever occurring. Putting a blanket over the unconscious blonde and brunette, she just shut the door and left them to sleep it off, ignoring the cat climbing up her leg as she headed to the kitchen to eat her own breakfast.
--A Few Hours Later—
The girl, her jacket hanging on a chair behind her, mask on the table top, but her scarf firmly around her neck, stood in the kitchen washing that morning's dishes. The sun was going down and the two boys had yet to awaken from the days' excitement. Cream jumped around on the wooden floor chasing some bubbles that just so happened to get airborne, trying to catch on in his soft paws. She could only 'chuckle' at his efforts. So many reminders lately, are all these things happening to make me remember? I wonder… are those two the key? No that's a selfish thought but then again… are they the key to something else? Hmm… I guess time will tell. Come on Cream. Time to scout.
Cream. Cream?
Later I promise.
Cream.
The girl headed for the front door, grabbing her jacket along the way, wincing at the stiffness in her shoulder blades. She needed to get some practice runs in. putting her mask on she went through the door and down the stairs, the cat clawing its way up her leg again as she descended down the stairs. Once on the street, she took a deep breath of the cold, crisp air. It was rejuvenating in her mind. Coming out of her reverie she headed down the street she and Naruto had traveled some time that morning, her thoughts intent on finding something to take up her spare time with. As she walked, the girl thought back to how a great idea it was to put a special shield on the building… to keep its contents in, and enemies out.
Sasuke felt once again like shit. As though he'd overdone training again and had fallen asleep in the middle of the exercise for heavens knows how many times. But memory kicked in to make him realize that he wasn't looking at the sky over the Uchiha estates or that of his bedroom, but that of the guest bedroom belonging to some weird girl out in the middle of some deserted city that he'd never seen before. His mind still a little fuzzy from the fall he'd taken earlier was he finally realized he was back in bed for the umpteenth time, he had no shirt on, his shoulder looked bloody but brand new and something on the floor was snoring. Blinking in confusion at the noise, he looked over the side to see what could possibly be making the horrendous racket. None other than the comatose form of a familiar blonde teenager lay on the cold floor being covered by a single wool blanket. He could swear there was drool hanging precariously from the boy's lip as he shifted in his sleep; a look of hurt and sadness marred his once peaceful features. His shifting was becoming more serious by the second, almost starting to become twisting and turning as whatever was haunting the boy got worse.
Not knowing what else to do, he reached over hesitantly and tried to shake the boy awake. Only to be pulled off the bed and on top of the blonde when he thrashed again. Trying to fight the shade of pink coming to his face the Uchiha tried to get up and away from the flaying form on the floor only to be pulled again, this time into a desperate hug, nearly squeezing the life out of the brunette. He tried to wriggle his way out of the blonde's grip only to be pulled closer, a bit closer than comfort would advise. The blush grew worse as Naruto brought Sasuke to lie under him as he moved again, pinning the boy to the floor. Sasuke could feel heat burning his face and another uncomfortable area of his person that seemed to be reacting in a way he didn't want it to.
Blushing furiously, Sasuke struggled to remove the arms and body keeping him stuck to the floor only to find the grip keeping him there was stronger than he thought it was. He was about to try again when he heard Naruto mumble something, a sentence mixed with a sad and fearful whimper of pain and longing. Confused at this, Sasuke tried to ignore it as he moved escape the binding limbs that trapped him. As he did the clutching arms and hands only tightened further making Sasuke swear he was probably bruising by this point. The sad and pained mumble came again, only louder and easier to understand. "…Don't… don't go. Not again. Can't… can't take it. No not again."
Hesitant but curious Sasuke responded to the unconscious babble. "Can't take what? Can't take what Naruto?"
"Don't leave… not again… only one I have… only one…" but the speech broke off again as the boy started shaking, almost shivering as though freezing to death. His breathing was hitched and wet and Sasuke could feel something on his shoulder as the boy continued to shake even though the blanket was now covering them both. Naruto was crying. And his tears of pain and loneliness were being shed unwittingly onto his, Sasuke's, shoulder. Too stunned to do much else, Sasuke could only lie there and let it happen, wondering what the hell his friend was talking about. What's he so afraid of losing? And why is he crying? Does it mean that much to him? What are you hiding Naruto? And why do I feel like I'm the only one who can fix it? Why do I feel like this? Is this even right? What the hell is going on?
He decided to let the questions slide for now and since he couldn't really go anywhere, Sasuke could only let sleep take over, finally giving in to his friend's sleep filled vice grip. Thankfully it let up enough for him to breath a little easier, and much to his own surprise, he felt safer and more at ease than he'd ever been. But this notion slipped past him as sleep kicked in once again, tossing reason and logic aside to let piece reign on two troubled minds.
The girl came walking down the hall again not ten minutes later, pausing at the door to peer in at the couple on the floor. Naruto was hugging Sasuke like a teddy bear with no fur and could breath, Naruto's past tears dried, the nightmare obviously passed on to haunt someone else. Her head tilted with curiosity on how the brunette had ended up on the floor. Probably noticed the other's pain and tried to heal it somehow, maybe to free him from it. Oh well. At least now I can change those damn sheets. Got blood everywhere. She grumbled to herself as she took the sheets of the mattress and put them in the laundry hamper in the hall. Coming back she inspected the mattress, finding a blood splotch where the wound had been. Placing a hand on the surface her hand began to glow an eerie white. Several seconds passed before it abated, revealing an unspoiled mattress, ready to be slept on. The cat entered the room, its belly full of the thing it craved most, went over to the sleeping pair and then decided to make itself at home on top of Naruto's head, making itself into a living night cap. The girl could only shake her head at the sight, turned and left the room, leaving the door slightly agape before walking down the hall to her own room, remembering to take her new prizes with her.
I've been makin' 'em long and I've been workin' hard today people. This story is getting more intense and I'm hoping you enjoy it the same way I enjoyed writing it! Finally some Kakashi on Iruka action! Never did it before but I hope you enjoy it 'cause it took me forever to get it the way I wanted it. And if you guys like this story as much as I do, then I'm sure I'll find a means to do a sequel but first things first. Gotta finish this one first. Hmm… no notes again… this is happening more than I expected. Oh well.
Next time: Chapter 12: Renewed Bonds, Discovering Pains
It seems Sasuke has his hands full figuring not only what's wrong with his best friend and rival (who's crushing on him) who seems to be in more trouble than he lets on and in putting the puzzle of events together on what occurred during one of his episodes. Can this story get any weirder or am I just gonna leave ya hangin'? Read, review, no flames and let the story continue in:
Chapter 12: Renewed Bonds, Discovering Pains