Chapter 4
Walking into the kitchen, Sasuke led Naruto over to the table where the blonde boy sat down, Sasuke sat down beside him.
"What kind of foods do you like?" Mikoto asked, turning to look at Naruto, he shrugged.
"Any that doesn't involve getting it out of the garbage can." Naruto replied. "But I really do like ramen. There was this guy that would bring me a bowl nearly everyday, but for some reason he hadn't been by lately."
"What did this guy look like?" Sasuke asked, he had the feeling that he knew who it was, because it sounded just like his former teacher.
"He didn't have any hair, but he was kind of dark skinned, and he had a scar going across his nose." Naruto replied. "He was the nicest guy that I ever met, I kind of wish I could run into him again."
"That was Iruka." Sasuke said. "When did you say that he stopped bringing you ramen?"
"The same day that I met you guys actually." Naruto replied. "Why?"
"Because Iruka died of cancer a few months ago." Sasuke replied. "He was one of my favorite teachers around, because he was so kind to everyone that he met. And bringing food to those that didn't have anything to eat, was something that he would do." Naruto frowned, how was it possible that that this man had been giving him food, because he had been certain that this person had been as real as him and Sasuke. Was it possible the man had been an angel or something sent to look out after him? Maybe someone did care about what happened to him after all.
"Seems like someone was looking out for you after all." Mikoto said softly. "Someone cares about what you went through."
"I never thought that there were such things as angels." Naruto replied. "I didn't think that anyone could care enough about me to try and take care of me."
"You know maybe he's the reason that we found you." Sasuke said. "I think you were found because he wanted us to find you." Naruto frowned and tears welled in his eyes, he really wouldn't have thought that this man had sent the kind Uchiha's to him. But if what Sasuke said was true about Iruka having died of cancer, maybe it did mean that someone higher up had been looking out for him.
"I really didn't think Kami or anyone else could love me." Naruto said quietly. "Why would I have been put through so much if I could be loved?
"I can promise you that would those people done to you, it was a problem with them and had nothing to do with you." Mikoto replied. "Something inside of them went wrong, normal people don't treat children like that. It doesn't mean that you don't deserve to be loved." Naruto nodded, he wasn't sure that he believed that, but it was kind of Mikoto to tell him that.
"I wonder why I couldn't have met this guy when he was alive." Naruto said thoughtfully. "I think things might have turned out a little differently if I had."
"I'm glad things happened the way they did." Mikoto said. "Because it's pretty clear to me that he's the reason you were brought to us."
"What's going to happen from here on out?" Naruto asked, as he took a bite of the hamburger that Mikoto had sat in front of him.
"You're going to stay with us." Mikoto replied. "We're going to look into adopting you. And while that's happening my husband is going to find your previous caretakers and toss them in jail for child abuse."
"Can he do that?" Naruto asked.
"My daddy can do anything." Sasuke replied. "That's why he's governor."
"Well, he can't do anything that he wants, just things that are within the law." Mikoto replied. "So yes, it might take a little while to find them, but he can punish them for putting you through that kind of hell."
"Do you think you'll be okay with staying with us?" Sasuke asked. "You'll be safe here and you don't have to worry about anything."
"I think I would like to stay here." Naruto said. "Everyone here has been really nice to me. I think it's going to be nice to be somewhere I'm finally wanted."
"Good," Mikoto said as she stood up. "Because I wouldn't have taken no for an answer. I can't stand the thought of a child living on the streets."
"Sometimes it wasn't that bad, especially when the weather was nice." Naruto replied. "There was just some people that I knew to avoid, even though I couldn't always do that."
"You don't have to worry about that now, because once they know that you live with the Uchiha's you're going to be left alone." Mikoto promised. "No one messes with us and gets by with it."
"Mom's right, we'll take care of you." Sasuke said having remained silent for much of the conversation. "You'll fit right in with my brother's friends."
"I've always dreamed of a place where I could be accepted." Naruto said. "I never thought that I would find anyone that could accept me."
"You don't have to worry about that now." Sasuke replied. "Because you're exactly where you are meant to be."
"I hope so, I hope I'm not too much of a burden on you guys." Naruto said.
"Never." Mikoto replied. "Children are never a burden. Those people never should have had any if they didn't want to take care of them."
"I think they just wanted the check that came from taking care of the kids." Naruto replied. "Not everyone has good intentions. I think I probably found the ones that never had good intentions from the start. They wanted to get rich, but I don't think that's ever going to happen."
"And it shouldn't." Mikoto replied. "People like that shouldn't be allowed to take care of children. They're more than tools to be used."
"I'm glad you think so." Naruto murmured, as he took another bite of the hamburger. "This is delicious."
"Thank you, I can cook more than that. I even know how to make homemade ramen." Mikoto replied. "And I'll be more than happy to cook it for you whenever you want." Naruto nodded, he really go the feeling that he was going to like it here. He was going to be safe and well provided for, he really was to enjoy having someone actually care about him for a change.
Finishing the hamburger, Naruto pushed the plate away unsure of what he should do now that he was done eating.
"I know it's early, but you look like you could use some sleep." Mikoto said, taking in the dark circles around Naruto's eyes. She couldn't help but wonder when the last time he'd gotten a good rest without worry of being hurt.
"I think a nap sounds like a good idea." Naruto admitted. "I'm more tired than I thought I was."
"You can take a nap in my bed." Sasuke told him, "I can always go bug 'Tachi for a little while."
"That sounds like a good idea. I'll have a room set up for you in just a little while, but I need to go out and get you some things before that can happen." Mikoto told him. "What are some kind of activities that you like to do?" Naruto shrugged, having been on the streets for the last few months he really hadn't had time to think about the things that he wanted.
"I like playing soccer." Naruto replied. "I used to have a ball but one of my caretakers popped it." Sasuke scowled, and looked down at the table. What kind of adult could do easily destroy a child's joy?
"We'll get you a new ball." Mikoto said. "Sasuke likes playing soccer so maybe you can team up against Itachi or something.
"I need someone that doesn't get distracted easily." Sasuke said, thinking about how easy Itachi could distract Deidara with conversation. It was annoying how often it happened and Sasuke was starting to think that Itachi was doing it on purpose so that he could beat Sasuke.
"I don't get that distracted." Naruto said. "Living on the streets you have to pay attention to what's going on because someone will come up and try to take the things that belong to you."
"That's never going to happen again," Mikoto promised. "We'll make sure of it," The more Naruto spoke of living on the streets, the more her heart broke. She hadn't thought it was possible to hurt so much for someone that she barely even knew. She really wished she knew what the adults that had been in charge of Naruto were thinking, when they hurt him so much. It was pretty clear to her that Naruto had a good heart and cared about those around him. Why was it so easy for the adults to turn around and hurt him? It wasn't right, but Mikoto was going to make sure that things changed for the better from now on.
"Why don't you go on and take him up to your room?" Mikoto asked Sasuke, who nodded and stood up. "I don't want Naruto to pass out on the table."
"I don't think I'm quite that tired yet." Naruto told her, "But it would be nice to get in some sleep."
"Follow me then." Sasuke said, as he stood up and headed for the door. "A soft mattress awaits you." Mikoto smiled as the boy's exited the room. Yes, Naruto being here was going to do good things for the family. She couldn't wait to see how the boy's grew up together.
A few minutes later, Naruto found himself pulling the blankets over his head as he rested his head on Sasuke's pillow. It had been a long while since he'd even felt the comfort of a bed, he was pretty sure that it wasn't going to take him very long to fall asleep.
"Naruto Uzumaki, you worthless piece of shit, I told you to get this house cleaned up while I was gone." Orochimaru hissed as he reached out and smacked Naruto across the face. "This house is a pig stye, if your social worker comes for a visit, she isn't going to be pleased that you're not being a good boy."
"I'm sorry," Naruto whispered. "I needed to get my homework done." He really had meant to clean the house, but he'd gotten busy with his homework and then he'd fallen asleep.
"Your homework isn't as important as a clean house." Orochimaru hissed. As he reached out and grabbed Naruto's homework and ripped the papers into tiny pieces. "I never want you to do your homework before cleaning the house is that clear? I want this place shining from top to bottom, I don't care how long it takes you. You won't go to bed or get any dinner until it's done."
"That's not fair." Naruto said with tears in his eyes. He'd spent hours working on that homework and now he was going to get in trouble at school for not having it done. At this point though his teacher probably wouldn't even be surprised, Naruto never had his homework to turn in. Kakashi-Sensei was going to be very upset with him, the man had been dealing with a lot lately, and he hadn't had much patience for Naruto or his excuses as to why he didn't have his homework. Naruto was sure that this time he was going to be getting into trouble for sure for not having it, and Naruto hated it. He hated being a disappointment to anyone.
"It's perfectly fair." Orochimaru said as he pulled his belt off and folded it over. "Get over here, it's not going to be pretty for you if you even thinking about running." Naruto grimaced and looked down at the ground as he shuffled forward, he hated pissing Orochimaru off, because it led to him being beat. Orochimaru grabbed Naruto by the arm and yanked him forward and yanked Naruto's shirt off before raising the belt and slamming it against Naruto's back several times until Naruto started screaming from the pain.
"I want the damn house cleaned and I don't want you to say another damn word about." Orochimaru screamed in Naruto's face as he dropped the kid to the floor and stormed off.
"NO!" Naruto screamed as he shot up in the bed, breathing hard as he stared at the room around him. Clothes littered the floor, and toys were also on the floor, he had to get this place cleaned up. Orochimaru was going to be pissed and beat him unconscious again, Naruto couldn't allow that to happen. Throwing his legs over the bed, Naruto started gathering the toys in his arms, he wasn't exactly sure where they went but he would find a place for them.
"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked suddenly appearing in the doorway, alongside Itachi.
"I have to clean the house before Orochimaru gets home. He's going to be upset if it's not clean." Naruto answered robotically as he continued to pick the toy's up.
"You don't have to worry about this Orochimaru person." Itachi said walking over and standing in front of Naruto and placing his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You're not with him anymore, you don't have to worry about having to clean the house, that's not your job." Naruto just blinked at him and bent down to pick another toy up.
"Stop." Itachi said gently, reaching out and grabbing Naruto's arm. "You don't have to do this."
"Orochimaru is going to hurt me if I don't clean the house." Naruto said. "I'm tired of being hurt."
"You're not with him anymore." Itachi said gently. "You don't have to worry about being hurt. No one here is going to lay a hand on you." Naruto shut his eyes tightly as if he was fighting against memories that were crashing through his brain. "I promise things might look a little difficult for you now, but it's going to get better. My family is going to make sure of that." Sasuke reached out and gently touched Naruto's shoulder.
"Do you want me to stay with you while you take a nap?" Sasuke asked, thinking that it might be better for Naruto to have someone in the room with him.
"I don't really want to go back to sleep." Naruto replied, "I don't want to dream about him."
"Having someone else in the room might help." Itachi pointed out. "You're looking pretty tired, so lack of rest is probably the reason why you are reacting the way you are. You need to get at least some rest." Naruto nodded and walked over to Sasuke's desk and dropped the toys onto the desk, before walking back over to the bed and laying down. Sasuke grabbed a book and sat down beside the bed.
"Get some rest." Sasuke said. "I'll stay here and read for a little while."
"You don't mind?" Naruto asked, his voice sounding sleepy.
"Of course not," Sasuke replied. "Your in a stressful situation, it's okay to be uncertain and uncomfortable. It's going to take some time to get used to, and until you do, try not to worry so much about making too much of a nuisance of yourself."
"That poor kid." Itachi murmured, watching as Naruto drew the covers over his shoulders and closed his eyes. "His life must have been hell up to this point. I can't imagine the fear that he must be feeling right now."
"Why do grown ups hurt kids?" Sasuke asked. "You would think that if the kids were wanted the parents wouldn't hurt them."
"Sometimes the kids aren't wanted, they only want the money that can be gained from taking care of them." Itachi said quietly. "I'm pretty sure this Orochimaru person was not Naruto's biological parent. I think it would be a good idea to find out about them though."
"I wonder what happened to them." Sasuke said thoughtfully. "It doesn't seem like Naruto remembers them which means he was probably really young when he went into foster care."
"You're right he probably was really young." Itachi said. "I think Dad is going to try and find out about his parents, something must have happened to them when he was younger. Surely, they wouldn't have given him up from birth."
"That's sad that someone could have a baby and just abandon it when it's born." Sasuke said.
"Well, they could have had him aborted." Itachi pointed out. "So at least they gave someone a chance to have him." Sasuke nodded, he knew his brother was right, Naruto could have been killed the moment his mother had found out that she was pregnant with him, he was glad that wasn't the case, but he was curious about Naruto's birth parents. He wanted to know what had happened to them since he didn't think Naruto would be able to remember.
"Do you think that Naruto is ever going to feel comfortable here?" Sasuke asked. "Do you think that he's ever going to trust us?"
"He's been put through a lot in his life." Itachi replied quietly. "He's probably pretty stressed about his situation right now, and who could blame him. It's a lot to deal with. But I do think that if he's given time and not rushed into doing anything that he doesn't want to do, he'll open up about some of the things that he's been through. It might take a long time, but I believe he'll want someone to know about what he went through. I imagine he's still pretty scared of some of those memories, so we're going to have to do everything in our power to ensure him that he's going to be safe with us."
"Do you think Dad can find anything out about his parents?" Sasuke asked. "I think it would be nice for him to at least know what happened for him to end up in foster care."
"I hope so, everyone deserves to know about their birth family." Itachi replied. "Dad's pretty good at finding things out when he wants to. Think you can handle things with Naruto for a little while? I've got some school stuff to get done."
"No, you want to go make out with Izumi." Sasuke replied, making a face at Itachi. "And yes, I'm fine sitting here for a while. I want to get caught up on reading anyways."
"And maybe you could pick your room up?" Itachi suggested. "It is a bit messy." Sasuke shrugged, he was a little kid no one could expect him to be neat.
"I will in a little while, I don't feel like it right now." Sasuke said, turning his attention to his book. Leaving Itachi to laugh as he walked out the door. The minute Itachi was gone, Sasuke dropped his book to the floor then crawled up into bed beside Naruto. He hadn't wanted to tell his older that he was getting tired too, he had the feeling that Itachi wouldn't let him live it down, if he caught Sasuke in bed sleeping next to Naruto.
Hearing laughter from the doorway, Sasuke opened his eyes and sat up and saw his brother and mother standing in the doorway, his mother had a camera in hand and was holding it up, like she had just taken a picture.
"What's going on?" Sasuke asked.
"Just decided to come check on you guys because it's been quiet in here." Itachi replied. "And your curled-up smuggling with Naruto. Mom couldn't resist taking a picture."
"I wasn't snuggling." Sasuke muttered. "How long was I asleep anyhow?"
"At least two hours." Itachi replied. "Long enough for me and Izumi to get our homework done." Sasuke frowned and scowled at his brother, as he climbed off the bed, careful not to trample on Naruto as he left the bed.
"Did you get some things?" Sasuke asked his mother who nodded.
"I don't think he should stay in a room by himself right now." Sasuke said suddenly. "He has nightmares, which was why I was in here with him to begin with."
"We can probably fit another bed in here." Mikoto said glancing around. "As long as you pick up your things."
"I'll do that." Sasuke said, glancing back at Naruto. "He must have really been tired to still be sleeping like this."
"I can't imagine the stress he was living with." Mikoto said quietly. "That poor child has been through hell."
"But it's going to get better from here." Itachi pointed out. "No one is going to take Naruto away from here."
"Did Dad find anything out about his parents?" Sasuke asked.
"He's not home yet, he'll be here in a little while though. He stayed late to see if he could dig anything up on Naruto." Mikoto replied. "I hope that whatever he finds is good news, I think Naruto needs to hear that someone out there cared about him even if he couldn't stay with them." Sasuke nodded and then exited the room heading down the hall, Itachi heard the bathroom door shut before turning to his mother.
"I think Sasuke is already attached to him, he's not going to let you or father remove him from this house." Itachi told her.
"I don't plan on letting him leave either, especially since we know that he doesn't have anywhere decent to go." Mikoto said quietly. "He deserves the chance to learn what real happiness is."
"No denying that." Itachi agreed. "I'm just wondering how bad his past is going to affect him. I don't want Sasuke bothered by Naruto's past."
"I don't either, but I'll look into getting Naruto into therapy so maybe Naruto won't always react out of fear." Mikoto said. "I do want to protect Sasuke from hearing about all the painful parts of Naruto's past, but I'm not sure that we'll be able to keep that from him. Sasuke may end up being the one that Naruto turns to in order to discuss his past with. We can't protect Sasuke from all things painful."
"No, but we can try. Sasuke has a gentle heart, knowing the extent of Naruto's abuse isn't going to help him any." Itachi said. "I don't want to see Sasuke with a broken spirit."
"I don't want to see Naruto with one either." Mikoto said softly. "I want him to be able to have a good life. He's a sweet kid, I just hope we can do right by him."
"Your already doing that." Itachi pointed out. "You've given him a safe home, where he doesn't have to worry about anything."
"You know," Mikoto said quietly. "He was telling Sasuke and I that there was this man that would come by and give him a bowl of ramen every day, only today he didn't show up." Itachi frowned.
"I wonder why." Itachi commented. "And anyone know who this guy was? Because he should have told someone that Naruto was out there."
"Naruto said he was kind of dark skinned with a scar across his nose, but he didn't have any hair." Mikoto replied and Itachi frowned again.
"That sounds like Iruka, but that's impossible he died a few months ago from cancer. Kakashi would go with him to feed the homeless, but he hasn't done that since Iruka died." Itachi said thoughtfully.
"Sasuke believes it was Iruka without a doubt and that he was the reason that you found Naruto in the park." Mikoto replied. "I do believe in angels, and I think that Iruka may have been sent to him so that we could find him and bring him home."
"Iruka did have a heart for the homeless, especially if they were kids." Itachi said. "I think that was why Sasuke liked him so much. It was a shame that he lost his battle with cancer, because the world could use more people like him."
"I agree. My heart hurts for Kakashi because he has to live without the one that he loved." Mikoto said. She didn't care that Kakashi and Iruka had been in a same sex relationship, it was their actions towards others that mattered to her. Both Kakashi and Iruka had spent a lot of their time helping out in homeless shelters and doing charity work. She hoped that one day Kakashi would be able to move past his grief and find someone else to love. He was such a kind person that he deserved to be loved.
"I don't know that Kakashi is going to be able to move on from his grief." Itachi said quietly. "He's been getting lost in the bottle ever since Iruka died, I think if he doesn't drink himself to death, he's going to end up killing himself."
"I really hope that doesn't happen." Mikoto said quietly. "He doesn't deserve that."
"He shouldn't have to live without the one that he loves either." Itachi pointed out. "You can't fault him for that, he probably hurts more than he ever has before."
"So, whose going to coach Sasuke's soccer team if Kakashi is drinking himself to death?" Mikoto wondered. "Because those boy's need someone to help them."
"I don't know, I'm hoping that Kakashi will open his eyes to what he's doing before it's too late." Itachi said. "Sasuke likes him too, always has. It would be a shame for Sasuke to have to lose him too."
"Maybe we can figure out a way to help Kakashi realize how much he means to the soccer kids." Mikoto said quietly. "Because I know those kids love him." Itachi nodded, Sasuke used to come home and tell them all about something that Kakashi or Iruka had said or done that he'd found hilarious. Kakashi was great with the kids, it was a shame that he couldn't see a life away from Iruka. There had to be a way they could convince him to quit drinking so much.
"Maybe we should sign Naruto up for soccer as well." Mikoto said thoughtfully. "It would be a good way to introduce him to some other kid's his age. It would be good for him to make some friends, so that he at least knows a few people when he starts school."
"Is he going to be going to school with me?" Sasuke asked, suddenly appearing behind Mikoto and Itachi. Sasuke went to a private school so he was curious if Naruto would be going to the academy as well.
"Yes, I think it would be a good idea to have him stay somewhere close to you for now." Mikoto replied. "I'll see if Jiriaya can have him put in the same classes as you." Sasuke nodded, he liked the idea of being able to keep an eye on Naruto at school. Some of the kids could be a real pain to deal with but Sasuke would make sure that they left Naruto alone. If anyone messed with Naruto Sasuke wouldn't mind knocking them down a peg or two.
"What do you think about Naruto playing soccer with you?" Mikoto asked.
"I think that would be fine. Why?" Sasuke asked.
"I don't want you to feel like you have to be around him all of the time." Mikoto replied. "Your probably going to want some time to yourself ever now and again." Sasuke shrugged.
"He's stressed about his situation, it's okay for him to want to be around someone to help ease that stress just a little." Sasuke replied.
"Who knew my baby brother could be so wise in his young age." Itachi teased, laughing at the glare that Sasuke sent his way.
"Shut it jackass." Sasuke muttered.
"Sasuke!" Mikoto said, coughing to hide a laugh as she reached out and smacked the back of Sasuke's head. "I don't know where you picked up such language."
"From Itachi." Sasuke muttered. "He uses it all the time. I think Jackass is his favorite word."
"If I had thought you would be a parrot maybe I wouldn't." Itachi said shaking his head. He loved Sasuke but maybe he should watch what he said so that Sasuke didn't end up repeating it. Sasuke shrugged and looked up at Itachi with a grin on his face. Itachi shook his head, if Sasuke wasn't so adorable Itachi would be mad that Sasuke kept ratting him out. As it was Itachi couldn't stay mad at him for long.
"You're lucky I love you." Itachi muttered as he reached out and ruffled Sasuke's hair.
"Cut it out." Sasuke said smacking Itachi's hand away. "Leave my hair alone."
"Stop being a little rat then." Itachi said chuckling at Sasuke's glare. His little brother tried to look furious, but it ended up with a grin spreading across Sasuke's chubby cheeks. Mikoto shook her head as she watched the boys interaction, she was really glad that the two of them got along so well otherwise it probably would have been hell in the house.
"Settle down you two and let Naruto get some rest, he desperately needs it." Mikoto said. "Itachi here in a little while can you help me take down a bed and put it in here for Naruto?"
"Of course, I'll leave Sasuke to mother hen and snuggle up with Naruto again." Itachi teased and Sasuke shook his head, and the moment his mother's back was turned shot his brother the middle finger, causing Itachi to burst out laughing. Things were going to be interesting in the Uchiha household, there was no denying that fact.
Thanks for reading and reviewing Liz