So I've received a couple of reviews with people asking me if I truly am dyslexic and one person accusing me of lying. It's a fair question as to if I am or not. Spell check can only go so far after all. I AM dyslexic! I assure you that I would not lie about that. The reason I can write the way I do is because I had one particular teacher take the time to help me, and I mean a lot. There are ways to work around dyslexia, it's just hard and requires someone to take the time and help you. You also have to work hard at it too. And on top of that when the teacher introduced me to literature I fell in love with it so when I realised that I couldn't branch out and read without someone's help I started throwing myself at the wall that separated me from literacy. I threw myself at it until I was bruised and bloody and then I would stand up and do it again.

I am 22 years old, 23 this year. I have been working on my reading and writing since I was around 9. So for over a decade now. To this day it has been the hardest thing in my life I have ever done. And if I had a chose to go back and live an easier life, I would throw myself at that wall harder. I promise you that I would never lie about a disability and I am not the only one who has been lucky enough to work around their dyslexia. One of my teachers at uni, when she found out about me, confided in me that she is dyslexic as well.

Hope you all like the latest chapter, and the mistake of Shikamaru's dad and Asuma saying 'she' and 'her', that was just a screw up on my part. I have fixed it and sorry for the confusion.

Asuma's POV

His heart must have been beating. He was still alive after all. But he couldn't feel it. He felt hollow, empty. The only thing he did manage to feel was sick and guilty. He had seen the barrier but had thought... he had been arrogant enough to think that his father wouldn't need any help. Why would he? He was the strongest man Asuma had ever known, how could he be defeated by a coward like Orochimaru? He should have stayed and helped, there was nothing more important than his father's, the Hokage's safety.

Slowly he rose to his feet. There was no point in staying in his room, staring at the wall. It was so dark too. He hadn't thought to open the curtains but it didn't matter now. He stumbled from the room, avoiding the sight of the pictures on the walls. His brother, and now his father. There was no point wallowing. He needed to do something. Kurenai was in the hospital. Her arm had been injured during the invasion. He could bring her flowers. His father would have encouraged him too. He always said that a beautiful woman deserved flowers, so that she could see how they paled in comparison to her.

Ino took the time to help him select a bouquet even though the shop was extremely busy. Once he left the shop he walked straight to the hospital, ignoring those in the streets who tried to show him pity. He didn't want to deal with it, didn't want to see their faces. Every time he met the gaze of another he saw their heartache, and their scrutiny. They were waiting to see if he would break. With every look he felt a stab of pain and a fresh wash of despair, as though he was seeing him all over again. He was beginning to regret leaving his house when he spotted Shikamaru, pacing outside the hospital.

A small smile appeared on Asuma's face as he noticed that the boy was muttering to himself. This was the ninja... the child that Asuma had gone to rescue, leaving his father to his own battle. Looking at him though, clearly debating on whether to enter the hospital or not, Asuma decided that he didn't blame Shimamaru. He couldn't blame him. Shikamaru hadn't asked to be saved. With a shake of his head Asuma walked up to his student, halting his pacing.

"Shikamaru, just go in and see the boy!"

"What?" Shikamaru yelped, only to scoff at himself. "I don't know what you mean."

He chuckled. It was weak, but it felt good. He put a hand on Shikamaru's shoulder, guiding him into the hospital. Naruto was still in the same room they had put him in yesterday. When they opened the door Naruto didn't move. He sat on the bed, his legs out in front of him, staring at his hands in his lap. It was hard to believe that this was the same person who had stopped the Sand-Demon. The light that always seemed to radiate from the boy was dimmed, near non-existent. Looking at Shikamaru, he could tell the dark haired boy didn't know what to do. Asuma pulled a sun flower out of the bundle of flowers in his arms, considering his actions. The flower had looked out of place to him but he didn't know if Naruto would appreciate the item. Perhaps he would find it odd and feel uncomfortable, receiving it from a boy. Figuring he could always talk his way out of the situation he held the flower out to Shikamaru, receiving a confused look in return.

Asuma nodded towards Naruto, only to have Shikamaru shake his head furiously, pushing the flower away. Giving him a hard look, Asuma forced the sun flower into his student's hand. With a sigh the lazy boy took it, walking up to Naruto slowly, as though trying to draw out the walk to the noose.

"Naruto?" Shikamaru asked in a soft voice.

The blond looked up slowly, his eyes empty. When he focused on Shikamaru a look of surprise flashed through his features before he lunged himself off the bed, wrapping his arms around Shikamaru's neck. The dark haired boy had barely saved himself from crashing to the ground, instead sitting involuntarily on the arm rest of the chair behind him. The hand not holding the flower clumsily came up to Naruto's back as the other boy's shoulders shook.

"Naruto, what's wrong?" Shikamaru yelped before looking over his shoulder at Asuma, seeming to plea for help.

Asuma was rooted to the ground. He didn't know what was wrong. Perhaps Naruto had lost someone close to him and needed someone to comfort him. If so, Shikamaru would be a better choice, as he knew Naruto better. Over a month ago Asuma had thought Naruto was a girl, with pink hair.

"What's wrong?" Naruto repeated, his voice having a hard edge to it. He lifted his face from Shikamaru's shoulder, showing the tears running freely down his face. "YOU never caught up to us! I thought you were dead and no one would tell me anything!" Pain appeared, etched deeply into Naruto's expression. "I don't... I don't have many people," Naruto choked, dropping his head onto Shikamaru's shoulder again. "The Old Man is gone... I don't want to lose anyone else."

Asuma's father had told him that Naruto was an orphan so who was this old man that he was referring to? It wasn't a father, or a grandfather... Shikamaru looked as though he understood. He held Naruto tighter, shooting Asuma a sympathetic look.

"Idiot, I carried you here. I did catch up. I saw you fight Gaara," Shikamaru started, rubbing Naruto's shaking back. "And the Old Man... he died fighting for the village. I remember he told you that... that a Hokage gives everything for the village. If he had to give his life to save the village... he... he..."

Asuma felt his throat constrict, his eyes stinging to the point that he crunched them closed. He found himself speaking before he even knew what he was saying.

"He would believe that his life was well spent! He wouldn't regret it for a moment. That's why he died with a smile on his face. He would also be so proud of both of you. You both fought so well, for the village, and for those precious to you." He opened his eyes but found he could not look at the two students in front of him. Tears were running down his face without restraint, tangling in his beard and making the corners of his mouth salty.

"You're right," Naruto muttered. "I hope Konohamaru is alright though. Once I get out of here I'll check on him." There was a pause. "Shikamaru, why do you have a sun flower?"

"...It's for you... Idiot!"

Asuma looked up, wiping his face with the back of his hand just in time to see Naruto smile.

"I like sun flowers." He took it, Shikamaru practically throwing it at the blond in an attempt to get it away from him.

With a sad smile Asuma silently left the room, leaving Shikamaru to his grumbles of 'troublesome' to go in search of Kurenai. An overly kind and gentle spoken nurse was able to point him in the direction of Kurenai's room. The nurse did everything short of taking his hand and leading him to the door as though he was a lost child in search of his mother. A growl was building in his chest, his mouth becoming a hard line. Knocking on the door harder than necessary he wrenched it open when given permission to enter. It hit the end of the runners with a bang, making Kurenai jump from her position perched on the bed.

"Asuma, are you alright?"

"I'M SICK OF PEOPLE ASKING ME THAT! I'M SICK OF PEOPLE LOOKING AT ME AS THOUGH THEY ARE WAITING FOR ME TO BREAK!" His rage was pulled from his body like a warm blanket, allowing him to notice the shock and fear in the red eyes before him. Taking a step forward he felt a plunge of guilt at the way Kurenai backed off. He sighed, his shoulders dropping from the ridged form in to a shell of a man. "I'm sorry, Kurenai. I just... everyone is..."

There was a heavy feeling in his chest, sitting where his heart should be. It weighed him down and made it hard to breath, hard to move. His throat constricted painfully. The crystal clear memory of Guy coming up to him and trying to stop him from walking any further popped into his mind. The look on the other man's face had said it all, yet he had still asked, still requested to see his father. His eyes burned as the ground shook underneath him. The shaking became so violent that he couldn't stand. The flowers in his hands tumbled to the ground moments before he fell to his knees. It was only when Kurenai put her hand on his shoulder that he realised there was no earthquake. It wasn't the ground that shook.

"Kurenai?" he whimpered.

The woman closed the door behind him before kneeling in front of him, wrapping her arms around his trembling shoulders. With one hand on the back of his head she guided his face into the crook of her neck, letting his tears soak her skin. She made no comment or sound at the way his nails dug into her back as he clung to her. Instead she spoke gently in his ear, repeating soothing words.

"Shh, it's going to be alright, Asuma. You'll get through this. I'm right here."

He tightened his grip, afraid that she wasn't real. That she would also disappear before he could do anything.

"I should have stayed!" His voice cracked, sounding pathetic to his own ears. "I should have helped him!"

"And what would you have done?" Kurenai scolded, pulling back far enough to give him a hard look. "Would you have left Shikamaru and the others out in the forest to fend for themselves against the forces out there? Would you have banged your fists against the barrier until your hands were bloody? There was no way to get through the barrier. The Anbu tried and failed and they are more skilling in such areas. Your dad would be happy to know that you were out saving others instead of standing there watching him fight. Do not belittle your father's sacrifice. He died fighting for the village; he would have wanted you to fight for it as well. You know I'm right!"

She stared at him, as though daring him to contradict her. He wouldn't dare. Instead he gave a wet chuckle, a wistful smile appearing on his face. When Kurenai tilted her head in question he sniffed and spoke.

"My dad always said that women were the ones to help men be strong. I always thought that was an odd saying, insinuating that women were someone for men to be strong for. I think I get it now though. Thank you."

With a smile, Kurenai hugged him again. "You big dummy, of course I'll help you be strong!"

Her words made him laugh. "Shikamaru has his 'Idiot' to look after and you have your 'dummy'."

"Big dummy! And who is Shikamaru looking after?"

Asuma just held her tighter, burying his face in her wet shoulder with a smile on his face.

/ / / / / / / /

The growl had surprised him. After speaking with Kurenai for hours he heard and felt the noise emanate from his body. He hadn't felt hunger since the end of the invasion the day before. He shouldn't have told Kurenai that since she promptly kicked him out of her hospital room with a final thank you for the flowers. A fair bit of the shopping district was destroyed by the invasion but thankfully the restaurant known for its dumplings was still standing and at that moment he had a craving for them. The owners knew his family and when they saw him were kind enough to give him a table out of the way where he couldn't easily be seen. By the time he finished his meal and rose to leave he was feeling even lighter then when he left Kurenai. As he payed his check and walked to the exit he spotted Shikaku grabbing take out. With a small wave he walked up to the other man.

"How are you?" Asuma asked, following the older man out of the restaurant.

"I'm well. Just picking up some food for the family." Shikaku paused, shooting a look at Asuma. "I'm glad I ran into you. I wanted to thank you for saving Shikamaru. I don't know what I would have done if I lost him."

"You don't have to thank me. I can't say I can understand the fear you felt for his safety but I look at him like I do Konohamaru. He did well in the invasion, though he was worried about Naruto whilst he was fighting Gaara. That was an intense fight. Impressive from two so young."

Shikaku sighed, halting his steps. "I owe Naruto an apology but... he has no idea what I did and if I told him, I would only hurt him." At Asuma's confused look he elaborated. "When Shikamaru said that the Nine-Tails we saw was Naruto I automatically assumed the worst and saw Naruto as a monster. I promised myself that I wouldn't do that to an innocent child but all I saw was that beast being carried by my son. I thought he had lost control. I shouldn't have. I'm no better than the other villagers who mistreat the boy."

"You did nothing wrong," Asuma assured. "If Shikamaru knew about Naruto he would have worded it better. You're protective of your son and we both know that the Nine-Tails is... dangerous. Naruto may lose control one day, we don't know. Not only that but it was Naruto who performed the transformation so it's not surprising you worried about what happened."

The man didn't look entirely convinced but he dropped the subject, continuing his journey home. Asuma bid him fair well and returned to his apartment, wondering if he would manage some sleep tonight. The funeral for everyone who lost their lives in the invasion was tomorrow and the last thing he wanted was to have no energy for an event that would surely leave him drained. Thinking over Shikaku's words as he lay in bed he was glad to realise that his thoughts on Naruto hadn't changed since he discussed the matter with his father after Shikamaru's involuntary date.

The cool air was soothing against his sake heated face. With a lazy grin he sucked on his cigarette and looked over at his father. He found the old man staring up at the dark sky thoughtfully. Knowing his father, Asuma knew that he would start talking when he was ready, and until then he would simply follow him wherever they were going.

"Son, why did you ask me to never tell you anything about the one containing the Nine-Tails?"

The question threw him for a moment. He took a moment to formulate his answer before moving his smoke away from his mouth.

"Well, that monster destroyed a lot of my home, killed the Fourth Hokage along with so many others... I feared that I would look at the child as the monster they were saving us from. I didn't want my opinion of them sullied by that thing. I was afraid of how I would react and treat the child. So I chose to not know. Eliminate the possibility of me seeing the monster before I got to know the person. I figured if I got to know the child first that would be the best option."

His father gave a hum at his response, seeming to find it fair. It turned out they were walking to his father's house. They entered quietly, making sure they didn't make enough noise to wake Konohamaru in his bedroom.

"So Shikamaru and Naruto seem close," his father started again, brewing them both some tea. "Put that cigarette out! You know you're not allowed to smoke in the house. Anyway, tell me what you think of Naruto? Do you think him a good friend for Shikamaru?"

Asuma tried not to laugh, thinking that he didn't want Naruto to always see Shikamaru as a friend. "Yeah, I think he is. He has a lot of heart that kid. He cares about the village, he's passionate about becoming a good ninja, he's quite strong, and unpredictable. That trait in particular is good for Shikamaru. Naruto is quite funny too and has an unusual way with people."

"So you think he is a good kid?" At Asuma's nod the elder man smiled. "Shikamaru has a crush on Naruto, doesn't he?"

"Don't know what you're talking about."

"Of course not. Though Shikamaru is in for a surprise if he gets close to Naruto."

Asuma wasn't sure what his father meant by that but the pensive look that crossed his father's face made him hopeful that he would find out if he was patient enough. He drunk his tea and watched his father in his pondering. As a child Asuma had always enjoyed watching his father at these moments. The Third Hokage was often seen with his hand clasped together in front of his mouth. Not many knew it was a habit he started from Asuma and his brother chuckling at the way their father's mouth would twitch back and forth as he mulled over thoughts. Even now Asuma found it difficult to stiffly his amusement at watching the corners of his father's mouth dance into view on either side of his hands.

"I trust you are old enough now to not let the Nine-Tails taint your opinion. Do you wish me to tell you who it is contained in? They were but a new born when the Nine-Tails was placed within them though."

With a deep breath, Asuma started to contemplate the offer, not noticing his father's amused look, or feeling the way his mouth moved. He thought over the 'container's' age. They were younger than Shikamaru by a fair few months. Younger than all of Asuma's students. But if they became a ninja, they would have been in the same year as his students. That would mean they knew the 'container'. The child would have to be strong to handle the monster... and have a lot of chakra. He gasped, eyes wide.

"It's Naruto, isn't it?"

His father nodded. "Yes, the Fourth Hokage's only child became the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Do you still want to set Naruto up on dates with Shikamaru?"

"Don't know what you're talking about but if Shikamaru wants to have a friendly dinner with Naruto that is fine with me."

"Good. Naruto is hyperactive but is a good kid that I have no doubt will become a great ninja one day. When that day comes I will be so proud to know the village finally gets to see what I've always seen."

"Apparently he wants to become Hokage."

"Yeah," his father sighed. "That can be a great thing or a... interesting thing. We will have to just see how Naruto grows up."

So a few of you commented on Shikaku's reaction in the last chapter and about Asuma not knowing who Naruto was even though Naruto has the Nine-Tails. Now you know what I had planned from the start! R and R!