Chapter 11

The next few days went by in a blur. I stayed with Iruka while the worst of my injuries healed, but after four days I was bored of it all and itching to go back to school. I never imagined myself actually looking forward to classes, but retaining a sense of normalcy in my life was what I really needed right now. Sasuke hadn't been to visit me since the hospital, but he sent me texts everyday. I understood why he couldn't come; he had to heal as well.

Finally Iruka decided that I could go back to school, after much argument between me and him. He wanted me to stay at home for the two weeks until my stitches came out, but I argued that missing that much school would put me farther behind than I already was, being a transfer student and all. Reluctantly he let me pack my bags and he personally drove me to the school, which was about an hour from Iruka's home.

"Are you sure you're ready?" He kept asking, eyeing the bandages still stuck to various places around my body.

"Yeah I'm okay Iruka, really," I'd always reply with a smile.

The truth is that I was really terrified of going back. I was terrified that the secret of my gender was out. I was terrified of the questioning looks I would get because of my injuries. I was terrified that everyone would know who my father was, and that I would get kicked out again. I was terrified that I would be harassed by my classmates again because of my past. I was terrified of my father.

But I had to go back. I had to force myself to move on. I couldn't keep living in the shadows of my past. I couldn't hide forever. Life goes on, and I had to accept that. I had to move on with it.

We arrived at the gates and Iruka questioned my readiness once more, and I confirmed my readiness once more. He wouldn't let me take my own bags to my room, and after greeting Tsunade at the front desk, I followed my guardian down the hall to my dorm.

As soon as I entered I was greeted by an overly excited Sakura who immediately jumped up and hugged me, the tears brimming in her eyes threatening to ruin her perfect eyeliner.

"Naruto! You're okay! I was so worried. I'm so happy to have you back. It's not the same without you here," she sniffed. I gently patted her on the back and smiled.

"I'm happy to be back, Sakura," I replied, stepping back to get a view of the room. Just like I had left it.

"Welcome back, Naru-chan," Hinata smiled, gracing me with a gentler hug. She took my bag and put it on my bed, nodding to Iruka by way of greeting.

I followed the older brunette out the door and gave him a big hug. "Thanks for everything, Iruka."

He ruffled my hair and chuckled. "Stay out of trouble kiddo. You know how much I worry."

"I know, I know," replied, letting go and smiling at him. "I'll be careful. Don't worry."

"Haha, what did I just say? I always worry," he sighed. "But really, I'm so relieved that you were able to recover from this so quickly." He paused, and looked me straight in the eyes. "I know you're not over it, and that you are putting up a strong front. Please, don't burn yourself out. If you need to talk, I'm just a phone-call away. I will always answer, no matter the hour. You know that, right?"

"I do, Iruka." I nodded.

"Okay good. I love you Naruto, remember that. I'll see you next week when we go get those stitches out." Iruka gave me one more hug before heading back the way we came, leaving me alone in the hallway.

I knew one day I would tell him everything. It was just a matter of when.

I sighed, and went back into my room where my roommates awaited my return with much anticipation. I flopped back onto my bed and closed my eyes. Sakura immediately divulged into a detailed account of everything that happened around the school while I was away, choosing to steer clear of asking me about what happened. I was extremely grateful for that. Hinata typed away at her computer, probably writing an essay, and occasionally pitched in a tidbit that Sakura had missed. It was so great that things were back to normal. Well, as normal a life as a boy secretly enrolled in a prestigious all girl's boarding school could be.

"...and then Ino sneezed and smeared the lipstick she was applying ALL over her cheek! The look on her face was priceless! She was so scared that cute boy at the store would be appalled, but apparently he laughed and approached her instead! I guess he found it charming. Good for her I guess," Sakura blabbered.

I tuned in and out of the conversation until I fell asleep. I had gotten back a little after eight, so it was too late to go to dinner and I was much too exhausted to go see Sasuke. So, in the end I chose to drift off to dream land.

I woke up with a start, cold sweat making my t-shirt stick to my back. I had another nightmare. I didn't want to think about it at all, so I went to the bathroom to wash my face. I was wide awake now, not wanting to chance going back to sleep now, so I decided to go out for a two AM walk. As quietly as I could, I slipped on my Convese and a black hoodie and slipped out the door.

The hallway was nice and quiet, albeit a few snores here and there. It was rather comforting actually. Guided by the dim lights in the hallway, I made my way up the stairs to Sasuke's room and stood outside the door. I was going to knock, but I really didn't want to bother him at this hour, so I backtracked and headed out to the gardens.

They were beautiful at night, the bright red roses were illuminated by the light of the full moon and the stars. I inspected several rose bushes, wondering what exactly Sasuke did to them to make them "prized roses". Certainly they were beautiful, but I couldn't really tell the difference between these roses and any other roses. I sighed, walking down the path to the circle of grass in the center. To my surprise the clearing was already occupied.

"Good evening, Naruto," the velvety voice called from the center of the circle. He sat up, ebony hair seemingly glowing from the moonlight reflecting off it. "I didn't think you'd be up this late."

"Well, I couldn't sleep," I said, scratching at my cheek. "Why are you out here, Sasuke?"

He patted the grass next to him and I came and sat down, leaning my head on his shoulder as he put his arm around me.

"I like the stars," he stated simply, then let me go and laid back down. I followed his lead.

The sky was a deep blue, with specks of white littering it's vast expanse. From this spot the world seemed so small, and my life seemed so insignificant in comparison to the entire universe. It was a little depressing actually.

"I think the stars are sad," I blurted, instantly wishing I hadn't sounded so stupid.

"They are. They are not as close in the sky as they appear to be. They're miles apart, each occupying it's own empty space up there. They seem lonely, because they can never come together and be one," Sasuke mused. I blinked, very surprised by this poetic moment.

"Not like humans. We can embrace and enjoy the warmth of each others' arms. The stars have no one but themselves," I replied, trying to be equally as poetic.

Sasuke smiled and rolled over to his side to face me. "Exactly."

He reached out and pulled me close, and I huddled up against his warm body, closing my eyes in the comfort of his embrace. I matched my breathing to his, and eventually I fell into a calm sleep in the arms of the person who made me feel special and safe. It was the best night's sleep I've ever had.

A/N: It's been over a year since my last update. I'm really sorry guys! I always say that I'm going to consistently update and I never do, but I swear from now on I will make an effort to complete this story. I WILL FINISH. Just please bear with me through the sporadic updates, as college and real life tend to get in my way. We will meet again my lovely, patient, followers. 3