IN PAIN. Owowow…I got a quadruple whammy, some might say. Not only were my braces tightened, but also-
-I had a chain added
-I got rubber bands
-the woman who was trimming my wires accidentally snapped off a bracket because she's a fool, and had to re-glue it.
-she pushed so frickin hard on my teeth to get the wire in, my gums are so sore.
My bad. I won't gush on about that anymore.
Anyway, I'm REALLY sorry about how graphic and bloody the last chapter was, but as I told some people, I'm really against child abuse and didn't want all of the teens to just leave her honorably like Ino.
And sorry guys…I got a lot of reviews that are like "I liked it BUT…" and you all mentioned some really good stuff that would have been so much better than what I put, lol, but oh well, the ship has sailed.
Last chappie I think! Hope you like!
Chapter 10:
Not Such a Hard Knocked Life After All!
"So tell me again what this woman would do to you if you failed to do your chores?" A policeman interrogated a group of orphans, as other fellow cops questioned other groups, and others scoured the rooms for more evidence.
"Well, she would first slap us," answered a small boy. The cop wrote this down.
"Uh huh…" he said, acknowledging them to go on.
"And if we protested, she would punch us or something," replied an eleven-year-old boy.
"Do you have physical proof of this woman's abuse?" the cop asked them, putting the butt of his pen to his mouth.
Immediately, each kids rolled up their sleeves and pant legs, and some boys even held up their shirts to reveal bruises, cuts and scars.
This was enough for the cops. Nearly shaking, he nodded.
"Right…that'll be enough. We'll get you all on some medicine momentarily," he nodded at the medics. There were many, and each carried out a first-aid kit to tend to the wounds of the many children.
There were also walking next to Kelisa. Speaking of Kelisa, it was decided she would be taken in for questioning at the station, and if she was pleaded part guilty of the acts against the children, she would be jailed, but if not, she'd be let free. Where thing's were at this point, and the children's explanations that she was merely a slave of Mina, it was a pretty good bet she'd be free.
It was then that the cop walked over to Ino, Tenten, Shikamaru, Neji, Asuma and Kurenai. They looked at him hopefully as he scanned through some files.
"Well…according to these here files, all of your claims are true. But do you happen to have the necklaces on ya?" He asked them, tapping his clipboard.
"Sure do," Shikamaru said as he pulled out the necklaces from his pocket. "You might need them for evidence?" The cop did not look up at Shika, but held up a hand in a 'not necessary' way.
"Hm…" The cop looked in the files more. "These kids seem to back your claims as well, so I guess we aren't eligible to charge you for murder. I'm just glad we caught the DP Ripper," he said, looking back at the body bag.
Asuma chuckled. "The DP Ripper?" he asked. "Is that what you called her?"
"Well, it made sense…" muttered the cop sheepishly. "But there still goes something unresolved," he said.
"What?" Kurenai blinked.
"We still need to figure out where we're gonna house all these orphans," he answered, gesturing the all the kids behind him. "Records would say over three fourths would have caught some kind of sickness from the dirty atmosphere down here, and pretty much all of them are bruised up. We can keep them in the hospital for a short while, but after that we just don't know," he shook his head.
Asuma thought for a second. "Well, Kurenai…I think we just might have found a way to make enough money to support our child…and more if you know what I mean."
Kurenai gasped. "Asuma…you can't be thinking…"
"It's possible…" said Asuma.
"But how do you plan on doing that?" She asked.
"Anyone mind explaining what you're talking about?" asked Ino.
"Inherited a large penthouse from my pops," said Asuma. "I've always been wondering what to do with it. Never wanted to sell it- not only was it practically a family heirloom, but also no one would by that piece of crap for more than fifty bucks. So…I was thinking…maybe there's a use for it," he thought aloud.
Now, all four of the teens took in a gasp.
"Asuma, are you serious???" Tenten squealed.
"Starting an orphanage???" Ino finished, just as happily.
"Bingo," he smiled. "If that's alright with the officials," he turned to the cop.
The cop thought for a bit, as the rest of them bit their lips in anxiety. Ino squinted her eyes shut as she pleaded to herself. Please, please, please…
"Well, you're gonna need some training," concluded the cop. "I mean, we can't just hand a bunch kids over to anybody. We're gonna need to check ya for the basic stuff…maternal and paternal capabilities, no homicidal tendencies, the usual," he said, smirking.
"No problem," agreed Asuma. "When do you think we'd get to open it up?"
"Depends," answered the officer. "How's its condition?" At this, Asuma gulped.
"Well, I guess we could fix it up," he answered hesitantly.
"We'll help if you want," offered Shikamaru.
"You will?"
"Of course," chirped Tenten and Ino. Neji gave a simple nod of approval. That was Neji though, always keeping it cool.
"Well, great! So that's settled!"
"But Asuma…" Kurenai put her hand on Asuma's arm. "What will we do about money? If we don't have enough money to support one child, we're sure not going to be able to have enough to support a near hundred or so." Asuma's face fell as the money state kicked into his memory.
"Oh…you've got a point there," he said, gritting his teeth.
"How bout this then," offered the cop, putting his hands together. "We'll train you for a few months while the children are hospitalized and counseled, and when it's all done, we'll hand them over to you. Leave the custody papers to us. Keep in mind, by then, we expect it all to be spick and spam in that place of yours, we clear? Don't want any germs coming within a two-mile radius of these kids after what they've been through. The PD will offer full financial aid until you get up to speed with everything, how bout that?"
Asuma's eyes widened, and as did Kurenai's. Kurenai looked up at him and tweaked an eyebrow, her eyes saying 'well?'
"You've got yourself a deal," smiled Asuma, taking the cops hand and shaking it.
"Good to be doin business with ya, buddy," the cop said, putting his sunglasses back on. "So we're just gonna clear things up here, and contact some hospitals, and then you better get crackin with that house!"
"Uh, er, yes sir!" stuttered Asuma in confusion that seemed to be overcome with pure joy.
Tenten and Ino looked at each other with the biggest smiles they've ever had. This was way too good to be true.
Even Neji had to smile at the occurrences. So many years, so many bad memories…and they all have come to an abrupt halt today. As hard as it was for him to admit, the whole thing seemed surreal.
Shikamaru grinned. That was Asuma for you. Taking initiative when needed. It's a shame he couldn't be a father.
"Wait a split sec," said the cop, turning back to them. "What about these here kids?" He pointed his pen at them.
"Well, what about em?" asked Asuma. "They'll be staying with us too."
"Oh, really? As orphans?" he asked, blinking.
"Well, yes…what did you have in mind?" Kurenai replied, tilting her head.
"Oh, nothing…I just assumed they were yours, is all," the cop said. He simply shrugged and walked away.
Asuma thought hard on what the cop had said. Now that they had financial aid, not to mention the fact that Kurenai had torn up the legal papers, Marnie was now theirs again. But…there's always more room for a family, right?
"Hey, hun" he said, giving Kurenai's shoulder a squeeze.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Have you ever considered foster care? Or better yet…adoption?" he said this in a lower whisper.
"What?" she said loudly. Asuma shushed her, and then she spoke softer. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, first off, if we were to take in anyone's children here as our own, who'd be better to take in than our best friends kids? Second, I have a feeling Marnie would want some siblings. So…what do ya say?" His voice grew more and more powerful with enthusiasm as he asked this.
"Well, I don't know what to say," Kurenai answered in shock, yet obvious happiness. "Well, I'm ok with it. But it's not really up to us in the long run. What do the kids think?"
Asuma stroked his chin. "Well that's simple. We ask them," he said obviously.
"Ask us what?" Tenten said, coming up behind Asuma, looking up at him in curiosity. Behind her was Ino, followed by the two boys.
"Well," said Asuma, turning to face them as he put his arm around Kurenai and gently moved her over beside him. "Kurenai and I were thinking, were wondering, if we could possibly, if that's alright with you that is, and it's perfectly ok if you-"
"Dear," Kurenai hissed. "Just get on with it," she chuckled. Asuma laughed as he sweat-dropped in slight embarrassment.
"Ah…right. Well, we were wondering what you guys would think about us adopting you."
At this, silence followed. It wasn't mockery silence, but serious silence. Silence that had great thought, and still great happiness. Though it may have felt like the most prolonged silence in the world, it was definitely the loudest silence.
"Oh my god, Asuma!" Ino suddenly shrieked in joy as flung her arms around his neck for a hug. "Are you being serious???"
"Completely," he said, smiling.
"OH MY GOD!" Tenten said in the exact same fashion, also flinging her arms around Asuma, as the two girls hugged their soon-to-be-father.
The boys, however, stood still in thought. They looked at the floor bashfully.
"What is it, boys?" Kurenai asked, as her face turned worried.
"Look," said Shikamaru softly. "I'll answer for both of us. You guys are awesome…if we were ever to have any other parents, it would definitely be you guys. But at the same time, that's the thing. We don't…we just…" Shikamaru began to tear as he said this to the ground. "Please don't be offended…"
Asuma put his hand on Shikamaru's shoulder. Shikamaru looked up at him.
"I understand every word you're saying, kid," he smiled fatherly. "If you don't wanna cut your old parents out of your life, that's honestly fine by me."
Neji and Shikamaru looked at him shockingly. How did he know…?
"I'm good with reading people," Asuma laughed, reading their minds. "After all, I did know your fathers almost my whole life. I could read them better than I could read a book, and who's to say the same doesn't go for their sons? Don't be sorry boys. Your parents were great people. And like them, whatever choices you make, we're here to back 'em." Asuma nodded.
"Thank you," said Neji in his low voice. Tenten looked closer. Oh my gosh…is he crying???
"Dit…ditto," Shikamaru agreed, smiling.
The girls watched on. For some reason, it touched their hearts to see the boys act so emotional. It told them that they could be real, and didn't just hide behind impassive masks as some boys often did. They were genuine.
And that's what they loved about them.
Without another word, Asuma took the two boys into a hug. However, it wasn't a mushy hug like the girls was. It was the masculine, slap high five, pull the other in shoulder to shoulder and slap them on the back kind of hug. (AN: I've witnessed this amongst my brother and his friends.)
"But," said Asuma. "If anyone comes around to the orphanage, looking to adopt some strong, responsible teenage boys, I just may need to hide ya!" he joked, punching them in the arms.
The boys smirked back. "No worries," said Shikamaru, as each boy was now composed. "I can tell we're going to be at your orphanage for a long time."
The girls couldn't help but notice that as this was said, the boys look pointedly at them.
But the girls weren't the only ones who noticed. So did Asuma.
"Now boys!" he said, pretending to be taken aback. "You're not thinking of getting cozy with my soon to be daughters, now are you?"
The boys looked away to hide their blush.
"I'm just kidding with ya," he said as he patted their shoulders and walked past them. "We'll see you guys later, ok? We're just going to need to go over some legal stuff. Till then!" He saluted them as he and Kurenai walked off.
The teens laughed as they saluted back. Well, at least Tenten and Ino did. Shikamaru and Neji mostly smirked and did a half-wave.
"So," said Ino, breaking the eerie silence that followed. "That's one heck of a happy ending for you."
"Sure is," agreed Shikamaru, walking closer to her.
"Come on," said Neji, gesturing his head towards the balcony. Let's get one last look at the wasteland before we're out of here forever, what do you say?"
"I'm in!" Tenten chirped right away.
"You game?" Shikamaru asked Ino, looking at her for approval.
"Of course!"
With that, they all walked down the hall and to the double doors that led to the balcony.
As they took the first step out, they were overwhelmed to face the fresh air once again. These doors had been locked when Mina was in control, as fresh air was her mortal enemy practically. They each took a whiff of the air as they stepped over caution tape that was put there by police for whatever reason. They walked out further on the platform and rested their arms on the railing.
"…What a day," said Shikamaru, sighing.
"You can say that again." Neji drummed his fingers on the ledge.
"You guys looking forward to Asuma's orphanage?" Ino asked. The boys lifted there heads.
"Yeah," they both said in unison.
"Us too," said Tenten, twiddling her thumbs.
"I'm really happy for you by the way," Neji told her, as Shikamaru and Ino started up a conversation between them selves. "You deserve parents. Having not have ever experienced what it was like…you need it more than anyone, huh?"
Tenten let her hands drop to her sides as she looked up at Neji. "Yeah, I guess you're right," she said. "I'm really happy for you too," she added. Neji looked baffled by this remark.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I think for the first time since I've known you…which has been, what? Five or six years? I've never seen you shed a tear once. And for some reason, having seen you shed one today, make me realize…that you're not a stoic after all."
Neji's eyes widened mostly at the praise, but half at the last remark. "Pardon? You thought I was a stoic?" he looked partly embarrassed.
Tenten giggled. "Truth?" she asked him. He nodded. "…yep."
Neji smiled now. "Good. That's what I aim for, remember?"
Tenten giggled more at this. After these words were exchanged, she was almost freaked to feel a hesitant hand creep up her back, moving to around her shoulder. She blushed a deep shade of crimson. I think I broke Neji Hyuuga, she smiled to herself. And what's more…I think he's glad I did.
With Ino and Shika…
"Glad you have parents again?" Shikamaru asked Ino warmly.
"Yeah," she answered softly. "I don't think I'd ever want to be adopted by anyone else."
"That's good," he agreed. "Besides, unlike me, you have a really high chance of being adopted by any old fart who waltzes in the orphanage, and now, that won't happen," he noted.
"Haha, well that's true," Ino agreed. "But I really do respect you for standing strong like that."
"Why, because it would be wrong to have a relationship with your brother?" Shikamaru laughed.
"No, well, hm…actually, yeah, but not just that," Ino added, as this realization just dawned on her. Wow…nice save, guys! "But also because not everyone could stay true to their pasts like that. I'm not that strong…it's really nice to see that you are."
Suddenly, Shikamaru slipped his arm around Ino's waist and brought her closer to him. "Don't say that," he said.
"Say what?" she asked.
"That you aren't strong," he answered sternly. "You're the one who took the initiative to come bring food to us. None of this would have happened without that one action. But also…not harming Mina after everything she's done…I haven't seen honor like that before in my life. As far as I see it, Ino Yamanaka, you're the strongest person I know."
Ino now buried her face into his chest as she hugged him close to her.
"Thank you Shika…" she said into his chest. "Thank you."
"No problem," he said as he stroked the back of her hair.
When they released, Ino caught tenten's eye, and noticed that Neji had his arm around her. Tenten gave a giddy smile at Ino regarding this, and Ino returned it.
Shika was right. Despite all that's happened here…I wouldn't have changed a thing.
THE END
I hope you guys liked it!!! I have another fic coming up, which may or not be any good to anyone since its unfortunately not action/adventure, but it is romance. It's a holiday fic, so I hope you guys look for it! THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!