Chapter 4 – Moving Plans
Naruto gently stroked the chocolate haired woman's hand as she fell asleep crying. Yugito's hands, the bandages starting to stain red with blood, clung to his arm for dear life, her face nuzzled into his shoulder. She whimpered and snuggled closer to him, her breathing slowing to a steady, calm rhythm.
"Shippo…" she murmured, barely loud enough for him to hear. He entwined his fingers in her hair, azure eyes softening.
"Yare, yare," Tsunade sighed, walking to the other side of the hospital bed, "I swear, Naruto, sometimes…"
"What did I do?" He asked, frowning.
"How about sneaking her out of the hospital without my permission, gaki!" the Godaime snapped.
Naruto flinched slightly, but held firm. "Oi, I was just taking her out for some ramen! We were coming right back!"
Sai, standing in the doorway, tilted his head. "Oh? So you were on a date after all?"
"N-not like that, teme!" Naruto exclaimed, blushing. He was distracted when Yugito shifted in her sleep and he turned his gaze upon her. "She's my friend, Sai, so shut the hell up."
The other boy blinked and tilted his head in wonder. He still did not fully understand the concepts of emotions.
Sakura walked up to the bed, standing beside her shishou to look upon Yugito's sleeping face. "Who exactly is she? I know you make friends quickly, Naruto, but I haven't known you to become actual friends with someone in such a short amount of time. And judging from the records I went over this morning, she's a foreigner."
Naruto glanced up at the pink haired young woman; his form stiffening slightly, and briefly locked gazes with Tsunade. The unspoken interaction between the two blondes was not lost on the young medic-nin. The fox boy pressed his lips together, looking back down at Yugito and stroked the chocolate haired woman's soft, bandaged hand.
"I don't think it's be a good idea to tell you without her permission, Sakura-chan. She showed up on my doorstep the other night, looking for someone precious to her. She thought I was him."
"Shippo? She screamed that name."
Naruto sighed. "That's her business, Sakura-chan."
The pinkette huffed lightly, but nodded. As curious as she was, she shouldn't pry into strangers' private life.
"Sakura-senpai!" Called a male voice. They all turned to the doorway to a young, brown haired apprentice medic standing in the hallway. He fidgeted with the clipboard in his hands. "Ah, sorry to interrupt, senpai, Hokage-sama, but Ryuuzaki-san is asking for you again."
Sakura suppressed a groan. "Please tell me he's not trying to propose to me again?" Just thinking of the senile old man gave her a migraine.
Te other medic shifted nervously. "I do not know, senpai. I was just sent down to fetch you."
The pink haired woman rubbed her nose and nodded. "Very well. I'll see you later, Naruto, Tsunade-shishou."
Naruto gave his teammate a little wave with his free hand and watched as Sai lingered for a moment before following the kunoichi. His attention was drawn back to the Godaime, however, when the woman let out a long sigh.
"I'm not sure just how strong of a grip Yugito-san has on you right now, Naruto, but as soon as you can get free, I want to speak with out in my office about her."
The fox boy eyed his mother figure with curious eyes. His first thought was that Tsunade was going to scold him for sneaking Yugito out, but something about the way she had spoken and the look in her honey-brown eyes just seemed… tired.
Nevertheless, he nodded and smiled. "Sure thing, baa-chan."
Yugito whimpered something in her sleep as the Sannin left the room, her fingernails digging into Naruto's arm as a tear made its way down her smooth cheek.
What are you dreaming about, Yugito-chan? He wondered.
Dreamscape
I'm breathing heavily, kneeling in a field of freshly killed demons with Miroku. He's not physically injured, but his mentality is slowly deteriorating and I cradle his head in my lap, ignoring the sweet-metallic smell surrounding us and splashed across our clothing. His breathing is labored, the dark bags around his eyes purple and swollen.
"I'm so tired, Sango." He whispers.
"I know, love."
"He won't stop yelling."
"I know."
"I don't know how much more I can take. It's one thing to go out and kill demons like this, but… I… what if next time…?" he chokes on his words and closes his deep violet eyes.
I hold back a sob and press my lips against his forehead, my pale golden hair mixing with his black locks. I feel his fingers reach up to caress my check, spreading cold, wet blood across my face. Shivers of disgust and guilt race down my spine. I know that I'll always love Miroku no matter what, but these episodes… the insanity, the bloodshed… it's difficult to bear.
"I'm so sorry, Sango."
"I know."
"You don't have to stay with me."
"I know."
"You can leave me if you want to."
"I know."
"I've become a monster."
"I know."
"… Sango?"
"…"
"I want to die."
My tears fall, hot and stinging and a broken sob escapes from the core of my throat. "I know."
End Dreamscape
Naruto stared at the Godaime Hokage in shock, his blue eyes wide and lips parted in surprise.
"Yugito… stay with me?"
Tsunade nodded from the other side of her desk, slender fingers laced together. "Yes. Considering the fact that she's the container for a demon, much like you, I believe it would be wise if she could be allowed to recover with you alongside her. Also, from what we've seen so far, she is definitely more comfortable around you than anybody else. As you saw with Sakura, she broke down entirely and ran after you. It was only then she calmed down. It's obvious that you're a comforting figure to her, Naruto. A 'human safety blanket,' if you will."
The orange-clad teen averted his eyes. "It's the fox she finds comforting, Tsunade-baa-chan."
Tsunade's hazel eyes softened slightly. "Perhaps, Naruto, but I think that's only partially true. She said many kind things about you when she first woke up, remember?"
Flashback Jutsu!
"You smell just like Inuyasha!" She exclaimed, smiling softly. "I missed that smell."
"What smell?" Naruto asked, puzzled.
"Ramen."
Flashback Kai!
"She did, didn't she?" Naruto mumbled, his eyes distant.
"Good!" the Godaime exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I'll start making the arrangements immediately."
Naruto blanched. "Eh?! But-but she's a girl! What do you expect me to do when she… you know… needs girl stuff?"
"Sakura can help you out."
"I only have a one-bedroom apartment!"
Tsunade smirked, twirling a pen between her fingers. "Well, then I'll just have to increase your paycheck, won't I?"
He blinked. "Obaa-chan…"
She stood up, ignoring his stunned expression. "Now get out of my office! I expect there'll be less havoc if you're there when she wakes up, so get going!" she said, pushing him toward the door.
"Bu-but I-!"
"No buts! You made a promise to that girl."
Naruto stiffened.
Flashback Jutsu!
"Don't you leave me too," she pleaded tearfully, "They all left me behind; don't you leave me all alone again too!"
Naruto bit his lip and squeezed her sobbing form against him. He understood. He understood so well it nearly caused him pain. "I won't, Yugito, I swear. I won't leave you alone."
Flashback Kai!
Tsunade has to suppress the grin that threatened to rise when she saw Naruto's eyes take on a determined glint. The boy was so noble and pure of heart he was almost foolish.
Without any further prompting, he strode out of the Hokage's office. He made a promise, and like all others he had made, he was determined to keep it.
-
I roll over onto my right side, my hand hitting nothing but thin air as it hung limply off the edge of the bed. With some effort, I open my eyes and see my hospital room fade into focus. Groaning lightly, I move onto my back and press my fingers to my forehead. what had happened to me? I suppose I lost consciousness. Who was it that had carried me here? I remember orange, and warmth, and strong, gentle hands...
I sit up quickly, only to recoil at the dizziness that overcomes me and I sway slightly before putting my hand back on my head. "Naruto?" I call, looking around the room. There is no one here with me. I am alone.
Alone...
Like when Miroku...
Panic and terror bloom within my breast and I stumble out of bed. No, no! Don't leave me alone! Kami-sama, please, I don't want to be alone anymore! My legs give way beneath me and I grasp the doorframe quickly, hugging it as if I could meld myself into the wood and disappear. It hurts... I hurt when I'm alone...
For a split moment, Miroku's voice goes through my head, engulfing me in grief. I throw myself from the doorway and dash down the halls, forgetting my loneliness and desolation in the need to get away from the painfully familiar voice echoing through my mind. I round a corner, slip on the smooth, tiled floor, and crash into something human. a pair of hands grab my shoulders, balancing both myself and whom I'd run into. I am afraid to look up and see who the person is, but the smell of ramen soon fills my senses as I am crushed against his chest.
Blinking in surprise, I look up timidly. "Naruto?"
His clear blue eyes meet mine. He looks a little winded, though more out of surprise than anything else. "Are you okay, Yugito?"
I feel my face heat up and distantly wonder if I am getting sick. "Yeah. S-sorry about that."
He grins. "It's okay. Where did you think you were going, though? You sure seemed in a hurry!"
I look away, shame filling my features. Why was I running? To find Naruto, or just any person because I was afraid to be alone? Oh, I'm so confused. I never had a fear of waking up alone a week ago. Without Kirara... oh, I feel like I'm falling apart. I hardly know who I am anymore! What has happened to me?
"Yugito-chan?"
I choke back a sob and press myself into Naruto's firm, orange-clad chest, feeling tears slip from my eyes and into the fabric. His grip tightens around me in a comforting gesture, and I can't help but sigh when he runs a hand through my unbound hair. Ooh, that feels good... I tilt my head up slightly, pressing against his fingers. I cannot see his expression, my eyes closed in a pathetic attempt to keep more tears from spilling, but he seems a little startled by my action; I think he's not sure what to make of it. His hesitation lasts only a brief moment though, and I revel in his soft touch as he pets me again and press further into his hand. I hear him chuckle faintly and growl in response.
"You are just too cute, Yugito." he says, his voice tinkling with traces of laughter.
My chocolate eyes snap open at the comment and I bat his hand away, feeling unusually warm. The blonde boy frowns at me lightly before placing his hand on my forehead.
"Are you feeling okay? You look pretty red." He says.
I place my hand over his, upon my forehead. "I'm not sure. I feel a little feverish." Blinking, I pull my hands away from him to see fresh, wet, redness bleeding though the bandages. I groan. "Not again..."
An arm swoops my feet out from under me and I squeal in alarm, my arms instinctually latching around Naruto's neck. What's his deal? What's he thinking? "What are you doing?!" I exclaim, pressing myself against him. I don't want to be dropped.
I freeze quickly, however, when his breath falls against my cheek. "Don't worry, Yugito," he assures me, grinning, "We're just going back to your room. You shouldn't walk around too much if you're feeling sick."
I nod as he begins walking. Why do I find him so comforting? He's so warm. I like being warm. It's not cold like when I crawled to this village in the rain. Or cold like Kohaku. Naruto is warm and alive, not dead. It's been many years since I've been this close to another living person. I think I should probably feel somewhat nostalgic about that, but I feel very warm and content, like some empty part of me is filling up.
His heartbeat thrums in my ear and I reluctantly let go as he sets me on the bed. He smiles down at me, but I can't help but sense that he seems troubled by something.
I tilt my head. "Is something bothering you?"
He sighs, though his smile doesn't completely fade, and places a hand on the back of his neck. "Well, sort of... Tsunade-baachan thinks you should move in with me once you're out of the hospital."
I blink at the rush of words. "Really?"
His shoulders relax; I guess he's gained confidence since I haven't outright refused him. "Yeah! She thinks that we would able to relate to one another and also, since we get along pretty well, it'd be better for you to be around someone you're familiar with. You're okay with it?"
I nod and a smile creeps over my features. Naruto turns a little red for some reason. I hope I'm not getting him sick too... "Yes. I... I'd like that. Very much."
End Chapter 4
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Triops Master: Here's Chapter four! Sorry for the wait. It's amazing what personal injury can do with a fan fic (Sweat drop) any way there was a miss understanding in the last chapter's author's note I want clear… I'm a boy, not a girl. Sorry for the confusion.
Mysteri: And I AM a girl, got it everyone? Me girl, Triops boy.
Like Triops said, sorry for the wait. Things have been really busy on my end and I haven't gotten as much writing done as I would like. For those of you following "The Demon Prince of Konoha" I'm going to try my best to get another chapter out before New Year's Eve, but I can't make any promises. I have a lot to do, and I also got kicked out of school for something I wrote, so I have to get stuff done before I can go back. I'm seriously considering Alternative School.