Disclaimer: not mine

Glad you all like it so far.

Chapter 2

Sasuke sat up on the bed, his eyes closed as he breathed deeply. His chakra was still sealed and he knew he was being guarded even if he couldn't see or sense them. But for the first time his head was clear and the pain was down to a very mild ach that he knew would be gone in another day or two. He hadn't seen anyone outside of the nurses since…since Naruto had snuck in. At least he hoped he hadn't dreamed that and it was the kind of thing Naruto would have done before. If it had been real then Naruto didn't hate him, despite him nearly killing him. That fight…it never should have gone as far as it did.

He reached up to rub his neck, relieved the Seal had faded. Thinking, controlling his emotions, it was all so much easier now that it was gone. He felt like himself again for the first time since the chūnin exams. Except he was different too, he'd grown up, and looking back with a clearer head he could see that he had mistreated his team, he'd been getting better but then he'd been given that stupid Seal and become even worse than he'd been originally. His parents would be appalled by his behaviour and he knew it, he'd always known it, but he'd been too angry at the world to care.

He opened his eyes as the door opened, it wasn't the normal time for the nurse, and that was definitely not medical staff. He fought not to react as the man from the first exam walked in along with Kakashi-sensei. What was his name? It was hard to remember names and faces from the exams, he guessed because of the Seal being placed during them. He did know he was with T&I though and he'd been expecting that at some point, just not yet.

"Kakashi-sensei," he greeted, and then looked at the interrogator. "You ran the first exam but I don't remember your name."

"Have trouble remembering names do you?" the imposing man asked as he put a bag down.

"Only of people I met during the exams," he admitted. That got their attention.

"How are you feeling?" his sensei…ex-sensei?...asked. there was no warmth but he didn't sound like he did when facing an enemy so he supposed that was a good sign he hadn't been written off completely by the man.

"Alright considering the Hokage said I was lucky to be alive."

"Any mental confusion, headaches, or the like?" the interrogator asked.

"No sir," he hated talking but he knew he had to, had to be polite, he didn't want them to think he was resisting.

"Good."

Sasuke watched him empty the bag and then decided that was a very bad idea as he felt a flood of adrenaline at the sight of various tools. He looked back up at his old sensei to find the man studying him. It was strange how he looked exactly how Sasuke remembered, then again for an adult he supposed it hadn't really been that long, not even half a decade.

"Are…are Naruto and Sakura alright?" he asked, seeing a flash of surprise in the one visible eye. He knew Kakashi wouldn't give him any information and he wasn't fishing, he just wanted to know they were alive.

"They're fine," Kakashi finally offered, and Sasuke was relieved to hear it.

So maybe that really had been Naruto and not a dream?

"Let's get started. My name is Morino Ibiki and I'll be handling this session for security purposes. The Hokage hasn't released you yet and if you cooperate then you won't face a full interrogation back in T&I, understand?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Kakashi's here as your sensei and to make sure you don't try anything with those eyes of yours."

"My chakra's sealed, I can't use them even if I wanted to," he pointed out. He hadn't bothered to try activating his eyes, there was no point since he wasn't looking to escape or anything.

Morino didn't give any reaction to that except to look at Kakashi who lifted his hitai-ate, revealing the transplanted eye. It still felt strange to see since he had rarely used the eye around Team 7 and always in battle. He thought of the scroll that had started all this, had helped him push past Orochimaru's Seal to kill him. Because if he wanted him for his Sharingan, what would he have done to civilian relative/s? Maybe he would one day see others with the same eyes again and find it normal as children were helped to activate theirs.

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Kakashi was rather shocked by his first impression of Sasuke. This was not the boy who had deserted the Village, this was the more like the one who had returned from Wave. He'd grown since leaving, he looked more like his mother Mikoto than ever. And he'd asked about Naruto and Sakura - everything in his tone and body said he was truly wanting to know they were alright. What had caused the change? Well, he guessed they'd find out.

He didn't like having to uncover the Sharingan, but for now it was necessary. Who knew what Sasuke had learnt under the sannin, nothing was infallible, including seals so there was the chance he could activate his Sharingan. It wasn't a full interrogation, partially because Sasuke hadn't been released from the hospital and also because, technically, he'd never been officially listed as a missing-nin, just a deserter. There was a thin line between the two designations and he knew the Hokage had wanted to go for the harsher option but had faced too much opposition. Since Naruto had been the only one to fight Sasuke and hadn't wanted it done she'd allowed it, for now. If they'd heard or had evidence of other crimes then she would have upgraded his status. For now, it meant they were being far more polite about questioning him, Ibiki injecting a drug into his IV that would loosen his tongue and make it obvious if he was trying to lie.

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Naruto silently entered the room only to freeze as dark eyes locked on him, Sasuke halfway to sitting up. He was awake, his eyes clear, and Naruto could feel his heart thundering away. How would he react now he was obviously doing a lot better?

"Coming in all the way?" Sasuke asked, and Naruto shut the window to keep sound from carrying.

"You're okay?" he asked in return, and Sasuke shrugged slightly.

"Wasn't sure I hadn't dreamed you up," he admitted, not making eye contact.

Naruto hesitated but then crossed the room to stand beside the bed. "It's really you, the real you."

Sasuke physically flinched at that, hand going up to where the seal had been. "I nearly killed you, I would have. It felt right at the time. If not for…" he eyes shifted to Naruto's stomach, and he pressed a hand over the seal, did he know?

That terrified him, Sasuke had been his rival and he hoped friend but if he knew about the fox…

"Orochimaru told me," Sasuke whispered, before finally looking up at him. "It explains a lot."

Naruto fought the urge to flee and nearly jumped when Sasuke touched his arm.

"You are not what they say," Sasuke swallowed. "I…I'm sorry, Naruto."

He bit his lip, trying not to cry and then Sasuke yelped as Naruto practically tackled him in a hug. Sasuke tensed but he didn't lash out or even try to get away! And then shocking him even further, Sasuke shuddered, shaking before one hand clutched onto Naruto's shirt, keeping him there. He kept quiet, not wanting to push Sasuke. He didn't really know what to do except be there for him, like he'd seen other people do.

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He felt like he was falling apart, distantly wondering what had been in the drugs Morino had given him earlier. But Naruto wasn't saying or doing anything, just leaning over him, and holding on as he shook and tried to not actually cry. He hadn't cried since…since that night and he wasn't going to start now, he wasn't. He vaguely felt Naruto stiffen, shifting… protectively… sounds, but all he could do was keep his hand latched in his shirt.

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Tsunade was surprised to find Naruto in the room, she'd seen the reports of how he used to lead the ninja forces on merry chases but breaking into a secure hospital room?! She took in his stance, curled protectively over the Uchiha who…she blinked and moved over.

Naruto tensed subtly and she froze, seeing him blink before relaxing. "Baachan," he whispered.

"What happened?" she asked just as softly, the Uchiha was shaking, was he crying? Hmm, an emotional breakdown, interesting but possible the very thing the kid had needed for years.

"I hugged him?"

"Let me at his arm, I want to take more blood, make sure there isn't something biological to this," she frowned, and Naruto nodded, shifting the arm not clutching his shirt to give her access.

With whatever Orochimaru had done to him and now…yes, the Seal had vanished since her last check on him, because the creator was dead? She'd need to call Anko in for an exam as soon as she returned from her mission, thankfully she was with a team who would back her up if something went wrong. But there was no way to guess what affects it was all having on his system or might even continue having. She'd thoroughly read Ibiki and Kakashi's reports and it seemed the Seal had had far greater effect on his mind and emotions than Anko's ever had which meant he hadn't been in his right mind when he attacked Naruto and it seemed the two had definitely reconciled. She should have words with the blond over breaking in but…he could do some D-ranks.

She quickly took the blood she needed, checking his vitals while doing so to make sure he wasn't about to drop dead. "Stay with him," she ordered, and Naruto nodded, looking grateful. "I'll clear Sakura to work in here too, if he'll accept her."

Her entire view of the Uchiha had to be re-worked, he was a victim of her old teammate, not a criminal.

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Naruto had managed to shift them around so he was on the bed, Sasuke slumped half over him. He'd really scared him with how he'd broken down and he was glad Baachan was making sure it wasn't anything bad. Naruto thought he was asleep now, or at least doing an excellent job of faking it, and he'd stay right where he was cause that was what friends did. He was just glad he now had permission and that Sakura could see him to as long as Sasuke agreed.

He stayed in place for hours, sure now that Sasuke was asleep but determined to stay awake in case he was needed. He grinned slightly, Iruka-sensei would be shocked if he saw him being so quiet and still for so long. Then again, he had before while waiting for victims to fall into his prank traps.

Eventually, Sasuke began to stir, making very familiar noises in his sleep…nightmare. He still had an arm around him to make sure he didn't fall off the bed but now he shifted to cautiously rub Sasuke's back, hoping to settle him, reassure him he was safe and not alone. He was shocked when it worked. What had that monster done to Sasuke? On top of everything Itachi had put him through it was probably a miracle he was sane. And now…would he be happy to know he might have more family out there? Not just clan members but direct relatives? Whatever happened, he'd have Team 7 because Naruto was not leaving again and Ero-Sennin better realise that, his team needed him.

The sun had risen by the time Sasuke jerked awake, tensing, hand shifting to be ready to shove him. "Morning Sasuke," he spoke quietly to let him know it was him, and some of the tension left his teammates body.

"Naruto?" Sasuke sounded confused, slowly lifting his head to stare at him,.

"Hey," he grinned but before he could say anything else the door opened and Sakura walked in.

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Tsunade examined the latest blood work, frowning slightly. That explained his extreme reaction last night. His hormone levels were fluctuating beyond normal levels, Uchiha mood swings, wonderful. Hopefully they'd level out in another day or two; if they didn't they'd have to do deeper testing and maybe look at using medication to help. It he had to be on medication permanently then that would mean a limited career as a ninja, there'd be missions he could no longer take. Then again, after what he'd been through, he might choose to retire and she wouldn't stop him.

She pulled out the mission file, torn. With Itachi involved, she wanted it dealt with, but she knew Naruto would tell Sasuke and the boy would want to go as well. Would he be healed enough in time? Mentally stable enough? Would making him stay behind be better? She wished they had some idea what Itachi was planning, it would make deciding easier.

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Kakashi watched from the doorway as Sasuke reclined in the bed, Naruto perched on the edge of it while Sakura bustled about the room. He'd never thought it would happen, that his team would remain torn apart like every other version of Team 7. He'd talked with Tsunade-sama, had been shocked and relieved that after the examinations Sasuke was being reclassified as one of Orochimaru's victims, wiping his record clean. There were still some health issues that were concerning but he would live.

Sakura looked up and truly smiled for the first time in years. Oh, she'd still smiled and laughed but there'd been something missing from it since Naruto had left as well. "Kakashi-sensei!" She greeted, and Naruto twisted to grin at him.

"Hey sensei."

With their greetings he moved into the room to slouch against the wall, feeling Sasuke watching him. Their eyes met and he realised Sasuke was nervous, though hiding it. "You're looking better," he offered. "How're you feeling?"

There was a flash of surprise in dark eyes before Sasuke shrugged slightly.

"He's doing a lot better," Sakura spoke up, smiling fondly at both boys. She picked something up and injected it into his IV, Sasuke eyeing it warily. "Just your last dose of antibiotics, you've been on them as a preventative measure due to all the open wounds you came in with," she quickly explained, and he relaxed.

Was that because of Ibiki using it for the questioning…or something that blasted snake had done to him? the teen watched all three of them, often glancing at their hands, and Kakashi knew they'd have to be careful, the Hokage had explained he'd have trouble regulating his emotions for at least a while thanks to what was done to him. He would also likely have issues with paranoia because Otogakure was unlikely to have been a very safe place to live.

"I talked with the Hokage, she said if you remain stable health wise then you can be discharged in two days," he informed his student.

"To where?" Sasuke asked stiffly.

"Not the Uchiha Compound," he told him firmly, before glancing at Naruto who grinned.

"He can stay with me!" he cheered before looking at Sasuke. "Well, if you want?"

"Not a cell?" Sasuke sounded bewildered.

Kakashi shook his head. "You were never listed as a missing-nin, just a deserter. And that's been erased now due to what's been learnt about how the Seal affected you," he explained.

"I see…"

"Well, while you think about Naruto's office I'll go get lunch. And no, not ramen Naruto," Sakura scolded when he opened his mouth. "You both could use something nutritious." She punched Naruto lightly on the shoulder, well for someone trained by their Hokage anyway, then gently touched Sasuke's shoulder before leaving, the Uchiha staring after her in confusion. Considering how she used to act around him, Kakashi didn't blame him.

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Sasuke snapped awake, fighting to keep his breathing even, hearing the sounds of someone else…his eyes focused on a water-stained ceiling and he realised where he was, relaxing. He was in Naruto's apartment, it was Naruto he could hear, asleep in the bed above him. he was in Konoha and he was safe, Orochimaru and Kabuto were dead. He really hated nightmares; he'd had enough before ever meeting them.

He sighed, pushing his hair off his face, grimacing at the length, he needed to get it cut. Once the Hokage announced he was cleared, back, and on medical leave for the foreseeable future. He hated it but he also understood considering his breakdown with Naruto hadn't been the only one in the last few days. He was a mess but at least he wasn't being force fed continual rage anymore.

He would be seeing the Hokage tomorrow, the first meeting he'd be fully aware for since the last time had been during that night with Naruto and the first he'd still been drugged. At least he remembered why he had been so desperate to leave Orochimaru and kill the two – family…he had family out there. Or he'd had family, the record wasn't up to date but it had been something.

He doubted he'd be allowed to leave the Village any time soon but if he'd been cleared then he should have access to the family accounts, he'd put in a mission request for Team 7 since they'd need Kakashi if Itachi showed up. Sakura as medic and Naruto for sheer unpredictability, not to mention how good he was at turning even enemies into at least allies if not friends. Maybe request two teams since they were down a man, unless someone had joined the team in his place? No….Orochimaru would have enjoyed telling him if they had. The last intel had been…Naruto had been out of the Village as Jiraiya's apprentice, so why was he back? Had they recalled him when Sasuke had turned up?

He nearly jumped when a hand was suddenly in front of him, fighting the urge to hold his breath. But then he realised Naruto had always been a restless sleeper, even on missions which could be dangerous, so he figured he'd just rolled over…until his fingers waggled at him. He snorted but reached up to take his hand, finding he felt more settled with the physical contact.

"It's gonna be okay," Naruto whispered sleepily.

He shook his head but tried to relax, falling asleep with Naruto gripping his hand firmly.

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Sakura fought the urge to pace, wishing she was inside the office, and she could tell Naruto was the same, his leg bouncing as he slouched in the chair. But it had been made clear that only Kakashi-sensei was allowed to accompany Sasuke to the meeting. Some of it was just paperwork, giving Sasuke back control of the family funds and things like that. But he'd also be finding out if he could be cleared to continue as a ninja or if Orochimaru's work had done irreversible damage that could be a danger in the field. She didn't think it had but she hadn't done the more invasive tests, she'd just delivered meals and administered the last doses of various medications. And since his discharge she thought things had levelled out.

It had been so good to spend time just the three and sometimes four of them. Sasuke hadn't spoken of the years apart and who could blame him? But that much trauma on top of the massacre… well, he was back with them now and they would help him. He seemed to be sleeping better now he was staying with Naruto at least. She just hoped the news her Shishou was going to impart wouldn't undo all the improvements. If there was one subject sure to make Sasuke emotional, it was family.

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"I know," Sasuke stated calmly. He stood before her desk, hands folded behind his back, body straight, but lacking the sheer arrogance she'd seen from him before he had left the Village.

"Itachi?" she asked warily.

He shrugged slightly. "Most likely. I returned to my room one day to find a scroll written by my Father waiting."

"And Itachi broke into the Uchiha Compound two weeks before you returned," she grimaced. "So why send you the scroll?"

"A taunt probably," he shifted slightly. "Stop me if you can," he almost growled. "Hokage-sama, with the return of the clan assets, I would like to request a mission."

"I haven't cleared you medically yet."

He blinked. "I wish to hire one, perhaps two, teams to investigate the information and protect any possible family members from Itachi. I assumed I wouldn't be allowed out of the Village for some time and he's had long enough already."

Well…that was a shock but a good indication the kid was thinking far more clearly now than any time she'd met him before. He definitely had the funds to cover such a mission, A-rank perhaps even S depending on what was discovered. She glanced down at his latest bloodwork as with ass Jiraiya's report.

"I'll give you Team 7 since if Itachi shows up, Kakashi will be needed," she glanced at him and he nodded, despite the fact he'd lost to the Uchiha prodigy the last time they met. "And two weeks until you leave. Your bloodwork stays steady and you prove you can follow orders and keep up then Team 7 will be complete."

She had the satisfaction of watching his eyes widen in shock, hiding her smirk.

"Two weeks?" he asked in concern.

"I've had Jiraiya on this since he and Naruto returned. He's working on narrowing down the location and needs another two weeks. When he's done, the Team will leave. If you're not cleared, others will be sent with Team 7. the Uchiha are a founding clan of Konoha, if there are surviving members at risk then it's our duty to bring them home."

Her Grandfather and Grand Uncle would have done the same, even if the Nidaime had never truly trusted them. Those two weeks also gave her time to deal with the Council…and the Elders. They'd been sniffing around the high security patient since he'd arrived and she wanted all her evidence to be iron clad before they learned Sasuke was back. His presence in the Tower would get back to them which was why she had Anbu shadowing Sasuke. They were hand-picked by Kakashi for their loyalty, no chance of them being bought off. There was something about their interest in the last Uchiha that she really didn't like, maybe she should start looking through the archives too.

"You've got two weeks so what are you still doing here?" She asked and the two quickly vacated the office.

TBC…

No HP this chapter.

So the Seal plus Orochimaru wanting Sasuke as strong as possible really messed with him and he's having to deal with that. Two traumatised teens soon to meet and be told their family, poor world.

Yes, it's taking them a long time to go after Harry but they have no intel hence the spy master being used to gather some first. The world is a massive place and Fugaku's info is very out of date. Sadly Itachi didn't plant any of the info he found in England on where to find Harry, he thought it'd be too suspicious if he did.