Chapter 6
AN: Thanks to MrsHellman again for helping me out!
Minato was currently standing in the kitchen, preparing dinner - what else than ramen - and when he had just finished getting everything ready, he suddenly heard an ear-piercing scream from upstairs. Minato frowned and when he heard the scream again, he knew something was terribly wrong.
Naruto! Minato thought in a panic as he heard his son scream once again, this time sounding more horrible than the last, if that were even possible. "Excuse me, Kakashi, I really have to get to Naruto," he said quickly as Kakashi looked at him with a very serious expression before nodding. Minato quickly ran upstairs and burst into Naruto's room with a loud thump as the door hit the wall.
Minato saw Naruto's tiny form underneath the blankets and saw that his son was tossing around like mad. Naruto seemed to be in the throes of a nightmare, as he was thrashing and screaming in his sleep for all his might.
"Naruto?" Minato called frantically as he ran over to the bed, sitting down on it so that he could reach Naruto's trembling body. "Naruto! Wake up!" Minato shouted, shaking his son lightly by the shoulders.
Naruto open his eyes suddenly, as he sat straight up, screaming again. His normally tan complexion was currently pale and he was covered in cold sweat. His eyes were puffy and bloodshot as he frantically looked around the room. When he saw Minato he glomped him and held on as if for dear life. He started to calmed down a bit as he relaxed in his tou-san's strong arms.
"Naruto, what happened?" Minato asked him as he looked down at the blond mop of hair that was the top of his son's head. "Why were you screaming?" He circled his arms tightly around Naruto's trembling frame as he hushed him as he heard sobs erupting.
"I-I. . .had a horrible n-nightmare," Naruto answered, still breathing heavily. Even though he was covered in sweat he felt so cold.
"Can you tell me what it was about?" Minato asked again as he patted his son's back while Naruto buried his head against Minato's shoulder.
"I was up in a high tree," Naruto began as he lifted his head a little so that he was resting his temple on his father's shoulder. "The next thing I knew, I was falling, and I just kept falling, what seemed like forever. Then all I saw was red, like blood everywhere and I was. . . it was as it I was looking at the world through a red window. . . I was. . . dying," Naruto explained, shivering a little as he whimpered and held on tighter to his father.
Minato tightened his hug. "It's okay, son. It was just a dream. You're safe here, alright?" he hushed his son as he saw Naruto close his eyes, letting tears fall down on Minato's clothes. Maybe some of his memories are finally starting to return...
Naruto hugged Minato back even tighter as he nodded into his chest. Then he suddenly looked up and gasped as he saw someone standing in his doorway. He pointed with his good arm. "Tousan, who's that?" he asked as Minato looked up from Naruto's form, loosing his grip on him a little.
So much for the hope that he'd remember Kakashi, Minato thought sadly. He let go of Naruto completely and turned around. "Oh, that's Kakashi, my former student, from the picture you saw," he explained with a small smile gracing his lips. It spread to a fully-fledged grin when he saw Naruto furrow his eyes as if trying to remember this person.
"Yo, Naruto!" Kakashi said in greeting with a hand lifted in the air and his visible eye looking like a small 'n.'
"Hi," Naruto answered shyly with suspicion in his eyes. He wasn't sure yet if he could trust this man, despite his relationship with his father.
"How do you feel, kid?" Kakashi asked as he re-opened his eyes, not missing Naruto's suspicion.
"Okay, I guess. But it's frustrating not to remember anyone," Naruto answered, frowning when he thought about the color orange when meeting Kakashi's gaze.
"I understand," Kakashi answered as he looked over at Minato who was putting a good front, grinning like an idiot. He must be doing that so avoid feeling awkward at Naruto not remembering me.
"Can you tell me how I know you?" Naruto asked Kakashi, still remembering something orange.
"Certainly. As your father said, I was his former student. I've watched you grow up since you were born," Kakashi answered with that 'n' formed eye smiling at him again.
"Wow. You've known me for a long time then," Naruto said and let the suspicion leave his eyes for a moment.
"Yes, I have," Kakashi answered, still smiling.
"Why don't we go down for dinner? I've got your favorite, Naruto. Miso ramen," Minato announced with his grin widening. Kakashi could swear he heard something stretch too far and snap.
"Really? Great!" Naruto gushed excitedly, his suspicions about Kakashi were gone with the wind, but he still remembered that orange thing, maybe it was something important? But right now, all he had on his mind was ramen.
Minato laughed and carried Naruto downstairs. They entered the kitchen and Minato saw that Kakashi had fixed the rest of the food, smiling at that, he sat Naruto down on his chair. The young blonde ate very enthusiastically, while the two adults talked about matters that Naruto had no idea about.
After eating, the adults continued to talk on and on. Naruto was starting to feel tired, let out a huge yawn, which didn't escape Minato's notice.
"Naruto-chan, you're tired. It's getting late," Minato observed, looking at the clock. He realized that they had been eating and talking for over one and half and hours and it was now past Naruto's normal bed time.
"No, I'm not, tousan," Naruto denied, with another yawn betraying him. Naruto made a face when he realized what he'd just done.
"Well, I'd best be going, anyway. It was nice to see you again, Naruto. Get well soon," Kakashi said, as he ruffled Naruto's hair as he went by.
"Bye, Kakashi-san," Naruto called after him with a smile and then he saw it. Kakashi had something orange in his pouch. He could only see a bit of it, but it certainly was there. There was something about seeing that book that Naruto associated something bad with it. He narrowed his eyes and then turned to his father, who was smiling widely.
"Thanks for coming over, Kakashi," Minato said, as he saw him to the door.
"Of course, sensei," Kakashi answered, as he left with that 'n' smile again.
"Alright, Naruto, time for bed," Minato announced after Kakashi left. It was really late now and Naruto had to go to bed since the doctor had said that Naruto should rest a lot, or else he'd never get better any time soon.
"Aw, tousan, do I have to?" Naruto whined as he made another face. He wasn't tired! If only his stupid mouth would stop betraying him. He yawned yet again as he rubbed a sleepy eye with his good hand. Darn it. . . why can't I stop doing that? he thought as Minato arched an amused blonde brow.
"Yes. It's been a long day, and you're still recovering. You need lots of rest," Minato answered firmly, with that smile still playing on his lips as his brow returned to it's normal place.
"But I don't want to," Naruto whined again, with – of course – another yawn after the statement. "I'm not tired," he insisted, as he rubbed his eye again.
"Yes, you are. Now, let's go," Minato said firmly, as he picked Naruto up from the chair. "Wow. . . you're getting heavier everyday. . ." Minato complained as Naruto pouted.
Suddenly, without warning, Naruto got angry. "I don't want to go to bed! I'm not tired!" he shouted at Minato who looked at him with raised brows. That was something he really hadn't expected to hear from his own son. Minato was taken aback.
Naruto never acted like this, well, he did whine, but he never got angry like this. Then Minato remembered what the Yoshida told him: 'Naruto could have violent mood swings.'
Minato sighed tiredly. But how do I handle this? he thought. I guess I just have to make him go to bed.
"Naruto, you are going to bed. I'm going to take you up to your room, end of discussion," Minato said firmly again as he took a step towards the door.
"No, no, NO! I don't want to! Put me down! Let go!" Naruto shouted all the way upstairs, as Minato carried him with an annoyed face. He didn't quite get Naruto into his pj's, as Naruto struggled the whole time.
"Naruto. . ." Minato said in a warning tone as Naruto tossed the shirt on the floor.
"I don't want to go to bed and you can't make me!" Naruto retorted.
Minato felt pretty helpless at the moment, even though he knew that something like this would probably have happened sooner or later. But why couldn't it have happened sooner? He would have to try some strong persuasion to convince Naruto to get to bed.
"Well. . . if you go to bed without your shirt, you're likely to get cold, and then sick, and you may even have to go back to hospital…again," Minato told him, as he saw Naruto go pale.
"What!?" Naruto screamed and latched himself onto Minato's left leg with a horrified face. He looked his shirt on the floor next to Minato's feet and picked it up in the blink of an eye, putting it on faster than you can say 'ramen', and reattaching himself onto the grinning Minato.
"I won't ever go back to that dreadful place! You'll never get me to go back there! I'll die first!" Naruto hollered with a determined face. Suddenly, Naruto got quiet and it seemed that his mood had changed yet again. He seemed much more child like now, and when he spoke, it was in very quiet tones. "Y-you won't make me go back there, tousan, will you? Please, please don't make me go back. I hate it there," he finished with tears rolling down his whiskered cheeks.
Minato reached down and hugged his son. "You don't have to go back son, okay? Just get into bed for me, alright?"
Naruto nodded, as Minato placed him into bed, and tucked him in. "Sleep well, son. I'll see you in the morning," Minato said, as he turned off the lights and left and room, closing the door with a click.
Naruto lay on his bed. He felt angry, helpless and afraid all at the same time. It was a long time before he was able to finally fall asleep.
Minato went to his own room. He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. What if Naruto never got better? What if his personality changed forever? What would Minato do? He sure as hell didn't know what to do now. . .
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Another week went by, with no progress shown in Naruto regaining his memories. Minato was getting really worried about him, but tried not to show it for Naruto's sake. It was hard enough for Minato to keep a positive outlook for himself, but it was even harder to do so for his son.
Sasuke came over one day to spend some time with Naruto again. Naruto was happy to see him, and did remember him from the hospital, which was a good sign. After talking awhile, Sasuke suggested that it might be nice for Naruto to visit the academy, as that might help to stir up some of Naruto's memories. Minato was agreeable, but he didn't want Naruto to go alone, and he couldn't come with, because he had to go into the office. Naruto asked if Kakashi could go with them, which Minato agreed to.
They went over to the academy, and took Naruto around the building. Sasuke showed him the room that they took their classes in together. Naruto looked around at everything carefully. He seemed completely lost in thought.
"Naruto? Are you okay?" Sasuke asked Naruto a bit worriedly after he was quiet for so long.
"W-what? Yeah, I just. . . just. . . this place seems familiar to me," Naruto finally said with a small smile playing on his lips.
"That's good, Naruto. What seems familiar to you?" Sasuke asked feeling relief. He was so happy that his best friend remembered this place that was something and at least a start.
"I don't know, exactly. Just a déjà vu feeling," Naruto answered with a frown replacing the smile.
After they were done at the academy, they took Naruto back to his father's office. Naruto looked around the office carefully, noting that a few more things seemed familiar to him, but couldn't place it exactly. Minato was encouraged though, that Naruto was at least recognizing some familiar things. Maybe there was hope after all.
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That night, when Naruto was asleep, down in the deepest depths of his consciousness, someone stirred. Someone who hadn't stirred until now. Kyuubi.
Where am I? Kyuubi took in his surroundings and noticed the all too familiar bars that held him in check. Cursed seal! Why have I been out so long? I remember. The brat had a near fatal accident. Somehow, my healing chakra got disrupted and I got knocked out. Probably from those stupid healers interfering with my chakra. Kyuubi took a few minutes to assess the damage. He was amazed at what he found.
Whoa! The brat's really messed himself up this time! It's going to take a lot of my power to fix him! I'll start with his bones. As Kyuubi started healing Naruto's injuries, he looked into Naruto's head injury. He frowned.
Kami, this brat damaged his head and good, what a mess! Lost his memory, huh? Doesn't remember anyone or anything. . . except Minato? Hm. . . interesting. I'll have to repair his memories one at a time. Now, which one to start with? Ah, yes, that would be good. I'll send it in the form of a dream. . .
Naruto was dreaming. Suddenly, he saw flashes of himself with Sasuke. They were practicing together. They were laughing and having fun. They were at the academy. . . then it got dark. . .
. . .and Naruto woke up. He was frantically looking around the room, his eyes dashing from one place to another before it settled on his feet under the duvet.
He remembered Sasuke! Sasuke was his best friend! He got up out of bed, and noticed that he could walk. That's weird. My leg seems fine now. He tested his broken arm. It seemed fine too. He shrugged and ran into his father's room with fast but short steps.
"Tousan? Tousan! Wake up, wake up!" Naruto shouted, as he pounced on his father.
Minato woke with a start, to find a hyperactive Naruto sitting on him. And how did he get in here with a broken leg?
"Naruto? Are you all right? What's wrong?" Minato asked worriedly, as he quickly searched his son for any injuries and then focused on his face to see what this whole thing was about.
Naruto grinned madly. "I remember Sasuke! It came to me in a dream! He's my best friend!" he gushed excitedly, which caused Minato to feel the air vibrate around him out of happiness.
Minato looked surprised, and then grinned back. "Well, that's right, Naruto. That's wonderful.! You say, it happened in a dream?" he asked and didn't know what kind of emotion he should let break free; happiness, relief or pure love? Happiness because his son was so happy and because Naruto remembered Sasuke, relief because Naruto was finally starting to remember some things and could apparently walk again and love because his son was getting better. It was three different emotions to feel, but for the same kind of things!
"Yes," Naruto chirped and grinned.
Hmmm, could it be Kyuubi's work? Minato wondered. "Naruto? How are you walking with your broken leg?" he asked, changing the subject slightly.
"I don't know. When I got out of bed, it didn't hurt anymore. My arm too. I think I'm healed." Naruto tested his ribs. "My ribs are fine too!" he exclaimed and ginned wider. That grin would split his face in half if he continued.
Minato frowned, but a smile was still gracing his lips, reaching his cheeks and eyes as well. It must be Kyuubi. But why now? Why not earlier? I guess it doesn't matter. . .
"We should have you checked out by the doctor just to be sure, okay?" Minato said as he sat up with Naruto straddling his thighs, arms on his shoulder, gripping tightly out of happiness.
"Okay," Naruto agreed reluctantly as his smile faded to a smirk. That hellhole they called hospital again? Hadn't he concluded that it was pretty high on his hate list?
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They went to the hospital the next day. A smiling Naruto walked next to his equally smiling father. The Yoshida came to see Naruto at once when he heard that Naruto had regained some of his memories and could walk again.
"So, Naruto, you think your bones are healed already?" Dr. Yoshida asked, a bit skeptical, as he hunched down to Naruto's level to get eye contact with the little ball of sunshine.
"They seem to be," Naruto answered with a nod and smile. His grin clearly showing the family traits shared between him and Minato.
"I'll run some X-rays and we'll find out," Dr. Yoshida said with a smile. He is walking, but how could the bones have healed so fast?
A short while later, Dr. Yoshida came in with the X-rays. "The bones do indeed seem to be healed, all of them. Though I really thought it would take two more weeks, but no matter. I'll get the casts off right away," Yoshida said, leaving to get the saw so he could remove it. Naruto looked nervously over at his father, who smiled reassuring at him. How was the Yoshida going to get the casts off anyway? He soon found out.
When he came back with the saw, Naruto saw it and freaked out, that was one hell of a saw! "What the hell is that? Are you going to cut off my limbs?" he shrieked, thinking out loud.
"Calm down, Naruto," Minato chided the hyperactive blonde gently. "It only cuts through the cast," he assured him with an encouraging smile on his face.
"O-okay," Naruto answered, still sounding pretty hesitant, eyeing the saw with obvious distaste.
Moments later, the casts were off, much to Naruto's relief and health. If his heartbeat had gone any faster, he'd die an early death because of a heart attack.
"So, regained any memories yet?" Dr. Yoshida asked after he put the saw down, Naruto following every movement carefully.
"Yes," Naruto answered. "I remember Sasuke, my best friend, and. . . well, I do remember that orange thing Kakashi always carries around," he added after some thinking as Minato choked on his own saliva, muttering something about castration and Kakashi in the same sentence. "I got a déjà vu when I visited the academy too," he finished thoughtfully.
"Good. You're making progress. Come back if you need anything else," Dr. Yoshida said, as he left, frowning slightly when he heard 'orange book' a blush was also visible on his normally pale cheeks. Minato looked at the Yoshida's back the entire time, muttering curses and pervert. Naruto had no idea what a 'pervert' was, but hmmm…maybe he should ask Kakashi, he seemed to be a smart person.
As Minato and Naruto left the hospital, Naruto suddenly asked something that made Minato smile.
"Neh, tou-san?" Naruto asked as they walked down the busy streets of Konoha.
"Yes, Naruto?" Minato answered as they turned to the right, Minato nodding to people who greeted them.
"Can we go over to Sasuke's? I want to tell him the good news," Naruto pleaded, giving Minato those 'oh-so-famous' sparkling blue eyes that Minato could never resist. Damn those eyes.
"Of course!" Minato answered, grinning back at him, like a blonde idiot. I really have to learn that trick of his.
Sasuke was more than happy to hear that Naruto remembered him. He told him that he hoped he would regain more of his memories soon. After spending a good length of time there, they left Sasuke's house, and got ramen at Naruto's favorite ramen stand.
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That night, Kyuubi gave Naruto a few more memories in his dreams. This time, when Naruto woke up, he remembered the academy, his friends there, Iruka-sensei and Kakashi. He then realized why he remembered the color orange when thinking of Kakashi. It was that little orange book that Kakashi always had with him. Naruto had looked in it once. Minato went ballistic and Kakashi had paled.
Minato was thrilled over Naruto remembering more. Not only was Naruto remembering things, but his personality was going back to normal also. It was beginning to look like Naruto would be okay after all.
Every night when Naruto was sleeping, Kyuubi would repair his memories. Soon, Naruto remembered his house, his room and his dad's office. He also remembered his dream to become Hokage, and all his ninja skills came back to him.
About a month later, Naruto woke Minato up with an ear-splitting scream. Minato came rushing into Naruto's room and shook him awake.
"Naruto? Naruto! Wake up! What's wrong?" Minato shouted, frantically, as he looked down on his son's form. Was he having a nightmare!? Was he forgetting things again!?
Naruto opened his eyes. He sat straight up and looked at Minato in the eyes. "I-I. . . finally remember everything. I remember what happened to me. . . the accident. . . I really remember. It came to me in a dream," Naruto explained, as Minato realized that the scream he'd heard was out of happiness, not fear or sadness.
"Tell me about it," Minato coaxed, sitting on the bed as he let Naruto lean on his shoulder.
"I dreamed about what happened. How I climbed a tree, and fell, hurting my head, and breaking some bones. I remember being scared in the hospital, and not knowing anyone, but you. I remember everything that happened to me now," Naruto answered and smiled as he cuddled his father's arms. It felt so good being back to normal, and having his memories back.
"Oh, Naruto! That's wonderful! I'm so glad!" Minato gushed as he threw his arms around his son and hugged him tight.
"Me too, tou-san," Naruto said, returning the hug. "It was all there, in the back of my mind, like a splinter, nagging at me, but I just couldn't reach it."
"Well, I'm glad you're you again. I've been so worried," Minato said, brushing a stray tear from his eye. It must have been Kyuubi. I owe him one.
"Tou-san?" Naruto asked after a long pause.
"Yes, Naruto?" Minato answered with a grin, as he hugged his son tighter.
"I just want you to know something. . ." Naruto began as he peered at his dad.
"Yes, what is it?"
"What I really remember the most is that I really hate hospitals!" he exclaimed loudly, with his face scrunched up along with the cutest pout ever. Then his face broke into a big, wide grin. Yep, he was himself again.
Minato laughed, as he ruffled his son's hair affectionately, while Naruto flashed him a 'foxy grin'. It sure was good to have his son back.
THE END
AN: That's it folks. Sorry if it's too short, but I never intended this to be that long. It was nagging at me to write, so I wrote it until I felt it was time to end it. I'm not really very good at writing super long fics. I know I've gotten a lot of hits, views, and favs. Please leave a final review and let me know what you think of it. Thanks!