Up In Flames- Book One in Flames Series

by DianneRose2016

It's after the Chounin exams and the villagers and some fellow ninjas are giving Sasuke a hard time. The secret about Orochimaru's interest in him is out and now some people are looking to kill Sasuke before he gets the chance to betray them. Will Kakashi be able to keep Sasuke in Konoha? Or will Orochimaru manage to convince him to join him?

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

It had been a long and annoying two weeks for Sasuke. After the first three days of being awake Sasuke's mind was doing a lot better and he was able to understand what was going on. He still didn't remember what happened to him and he was starting to doubt that he ever would. Sasuke didn't know how he felt about that, part of him was glad that he wouldn't remember, but there was a part of him that wanted to remember. It was driving him crazy not knowing what happened to him or what was done to him. He was afraid to remember, but he was afraid not to remember. He couldn't move his legs and that got annoying very fast. His body was weak when he first woke up and he spent a week just lying in the hospital bed just sleeping and trying to regain strength in his muscles. Tsunade had Sasuke doing exercises from the hospital bed for his hands and his arms. She said that he would need to get them working again in order for him to start the physical therapy. Kakashi had helped Sasuke get his muscles working again by having Sasuke pull himself up while Kakashi held his hands. Now two weeks later Sasuke had some strength in his hands and arms again. Tsunade had brought in a wheelchair so he could get used to being in it and getting in and out of it. Sasuke was not happy at all right now and they all could see it. Sasuke didn't like needing help and he didn't like not being able to do things himself. This was new to Sasuke and he couldn't help, but be afraid that he would never walk again. He knew that everyone had said he would be able to, but this was different. He couldn't move his legs and it didn't matter if he could feel them or not they wouldn't work.

There had been a few times over the last two weeks that Sasuke had kicked everyone out of his hospital room so he could be alone. He knew they cared and it was nice, but after being on his own for so long it was a lot to take in. It was overpowering having so many people constantly around him. Sasuke was still trying to process everything that happened and what Itachi did. He didn't understand why he did what he did and that was affecting him more than what happened to him. He thought he knew Itachi and had him figured out. He thought he knew why he killed the Clan. Him killing the council, the ANBU, Danzou and Orochimaru was starting to make Sasuke doubt what he knew about Itachi. It was that doubt that was eating Sasuke up inside. None of this made any sense and he hated when that happened. Sasuke needed answers and he didn't know when he would be able to get those answers. Kakashi had said he would talk to him about it later, but that day had yet to come. They had spoken about a lot of things in the past two weeks, but they had yet to talk about that. Kakashi never mentioned it and Sasuke was too scared to bring it up in conversation.

Sasuke had been waiting to get out of the hospital, but Tsunade said it would be at least another week before he would be able to leave. She wanted him to be in the physical therapy for a week before he left the hospital. She didn't know how long it would take before Sasuke was able to walk, but she was hoping that after a week doing physical therapy that Sasuke would be able to use crutches to get around. Sasuke was young and if the damage was done later during his captivity then the nerve damage wouldn't be as extreme as it could be. It was good that Sasuke was young, because his body would heal and learn faster than someone older than him. Tsunade was hoping that by the end of the first week Sasuke would be able to be on crutches. She knew it was a very good possibility if Sasuke put his mind to it. If Sasuke started this off on a negative note and not feeling good about it that would push his recovery back.

Sasuke had already been in the hospital for two weeks awake and he was more than ready to leave and get back to his life. The problem was he had to find a new place to live and he didn't know how long that would take. With the village now afraid of him he figured it was either going to be really easy or it was never going to happen. In total Sasuke had been in the hospital for thirty-two days since he had been rescued. Everyone understood that Sasuke was anxious to get the hell out of the hospital. Sasuke didn't like hospitals to begin with so being stuck in a hospital bed for two weeks now was beyond Sasuke's breaking point.

It was ten in the morning and Kakashi, Shikamaru and his parents were in Sasuke's hospital room waiting for Tsunade to come in. Today was the first day that Sasuke was supposed to start his physical therapy. Sasuke wasn't in the best of moods right now either. They all knew that this was going to be hard for Sasuke and in the past week Sasuke's mood had gone downhill slowly. Today he was just not happy and they could see he was feeling a little hopeless that he would be okay again. They had tried to keep a positive attitude about the therapy, but Sasuke just couldn't get there. He truly did believe that he wouldn't be able to walk again. It had all been a lot to take in and he was still struggling with everything. He still couldn't believe he was missing two organs. He had already been given a prescription that he had to take for the rest of his life to help with clotting his blood. It was just too much to take in at the time and he didn't know how to handle everything. He just wanted to be in his home where he could be alone. He had to speak with Tsunade about finding a place; he was hoping that she might be able to find one faster than he would be able to. Sasuke truly just wanted to be alone for a little while to work through everything. He was feeling suffocated with everyone constantly around him. He wasn't used to that and he didn't know if he ever would get used to it. He liked Shikamaru and he knew that his parents would be around at times, but he didn't know what to do about it. He wasn't used to being around actual parents. His parents were there, but they weren't there. There were many times when Sasuke didn't say anything all day to his parents and they didn't say anything to him. His mother was nice and caring at times, but that wasn't often and it usually was towards Itachi. He didn't know how to act around Shikamaru's parents or what to say. He was hoping that it would get easier and when he was in his own place he wouldn't really have to see them.

Tsunade walked through the door just before ten thirty in the morning. She could tell that the tension in the room was a little intense. Sasuke had been in a bad mood for a week and Tsunade couldn't blame him. He was not the type of person that could handle not being able to be on his own and do everything himself. Sasuke was a hard kid to deal with at times. He was so used to living and being on his own that having to be around people this much and this long was driving him nuts. Tsunade didn't know how Sasuke would take to being in the therapy, but she was going to give him some incentive to get better.

"Alright Sasuke, how are you feeling today?"

"Fine" Sasuke said with no emotions in his voice.

Tsunade and everyone knew that Sasuke was getting depressed and none of them could blame him. He had been through a lot and he still had a little ways to go before he was physically healed.

"Sasuke I know you aren't too happy about having to do the physical therapy. I know you are in a very negative mind frame. That is not going to help you get better. You need to be positive so you can put your mind into getting better. I haven't known you for that long, but I do know that you need a little incentive to really get your mind into this. So here is what I am going to do. You have been in the hospital for a total of thirty-two days. I can't let you leave until you are on crutches. So I am going to give you one week, another seven days to be on crutches. I think you can do it. You are young and your body will bounce back faster than someone twice your age. If you put your mind to it you can be walking out of here in a week, you'll be on crutches, but you can leave. If you are on crutches by day seven I will guarantee you an apartment. In one week you could be leaving the hospital and going to your new apartment. Is that enough of an incentive for you to do this?"

"In one week I could leave and be in my own apartment? You can guarantee that I would have an apartment in a week?" They could all hear the interest in Sasuke's voice.

"You get your ass on crutches and I will personally find you an apartment to live in by the time you leave this hospital. Do we have a deal?"

"Deal"

"Good now get your ass out of this bed and I will take you down to the room where your therapist is waiting for you. She knows what has happened and she has already been told not to talk about it or ask questions. She's not the enemy she wants you on crutches just as much as you do. So work with her and that will get you farther."

"Sasuke do you want anyone in there with you?" Kakashi asked.

"Nope"

"Alright. I will go home and get some things done then. I will be back later to see how it all went. Remember be nice to the therapist." Kakashi said.

"I know."

"We should get home as well and get some things cleaned up and organized. We have to get some groceries as well mister." Yoshino said to Shikaku.

"Yes dear."

"What about you?" Sasuke asked Shikamaru.

"Oh you're not getting rid of me that easily. I'll be here for when you get out. I figured I would stay in case you give anyone too much trouble. Besides someone has to put you in your place every now and then." Shikamaru said with a smile.

"You think you're up for the job?" Sasuke asked with a slight light tone to his voice.

"I guess we'll find out."

"Alright well Sasuke get in the wheelchair and we will head down to the therapy room." Tsunade said.

Sasuke moved the covers off the bed so he could get down into the chair. He had done this quite a bit in the last two weeks. Shikamaru had brought some clothes for Sasuke and he was wearing black pants and a t-shirt right now. He moved over and he put himself in the wheelchair once again. Over the course of the last two weeks Shikamaru and him had taken a few trips outside to the park to get out for some fresh air. Sasuke was having to take vitamins to fix the deficiency that he had from being inside so much. Being outside in the sun helped as well and Sasuke's eyes no longer held the yellowish tint to them anymore. Sasuke had enjoyed the time he had spent with Shikamaru outside. They could be alone and not have to deal with any watching eyes of Shikamaru's parents or Kakashi. Over the two weeks other people had come by and Sasuke did his best not to be annoyed all day long. The problem was it was hard when you couldn't just walk away. So when Shikamaru and him could just be alone for an hour it was nice and Sasuke enjoyed every minute of it. Tsunade started to push Sasuke out of the room and everyone followed. Kakashi really did have things he could take care of at his home. Since Sasuke woke up he had been going to his home to take care of things and get showered and changed. Sasuke had needed some time alone and Kakashi could understand that. So he always made some excuse as to leave for an hour so Sasuke could be alone. Shikamaru and his parents had also done so as well.

Tsunade took Sasuke down to the therapy room and Shikamaru followed behind them. He wasn't going to go in, but he was going to be there outside of the room watching Sasuke. He wanted to be there to support Sasuke and to be there in case he needed some encouragement. Sasuke wanted to walk again, but it would be frustrating for him. It wasn't going to be instant. He would go from a wheelchair to crutches to a cane then to nothing. It was going to take a couple of months before he was back to perfect physical heal. Shikamaru stayed outside of the room and looked through the giant bay windows as Tsunade brought Sasuke inside. Inside the room was to parallel bars, foam padding on the floor and a few other instruments to help with physical therapy. The lady was an older woman in her mid-thirties; she was tall with short brown hair and green eyes. She looked ready for war when Sasuke was brought into the room. Obviously Tsunade had mentioned how stubborn Sasuke could be. Shikamaru knew that the first day would be hard, but after that Sasuke would be more willing to work to get out of the chair.

Tsunade smiled at the therapist and the therapist smiled back.

"You must be Sasuke." The therapist said.

"What gave it away." Sasuke mumbled.

"Sasuke be nice and remember our deal. This is Nikko and she is not the enemy. She is here to help you get back to walking. She is a friend so be nice and work with her. You want out of the hospital in a week she is going to be the one to make it happen." Tsunade said.

"She's right Sasuke. Tsunade told me about the deal and I want you to be out of here just as much as you do. You work with me and put in the effort then you'll be walking out of here in a week. You'll be on crutches, but you'll be walking to your new home." Nikko said.

"Fine, but I don't want to hear any positive energy crap."

"Fair enough. So I will only say this once. If you have a negative attitude about this then you are never going to walk again. You need to have a positive attitude so you can put your mind to getting your legs to work. That's all I will say whether you listen is your choice."

"I'll leave you to get to it. Behave Sasuke."

Tsunade left Sasuke and Nikko alone in the room.

"Alright I will start by explaining a few things for you. When you start to do this it will be painful. Your legs haven't been moved at all in over a month so your muscles will be sore. I need you to push through the pain and we will take breaks along the way. We will only be doing this for two hours today and as the days go on and the pain lessens we can go for longer. So what we are going to do is get you standing and holding onto the bars. I want your legs to get used to just standing and then we are going to work on taking a step. It's truly mind over matter. If you focus your mind to just walking eventually those thoughts will connect with your legs. It's going to be frustrating for the first few days, but it will get better."

"OK"

"Tsunade-Sama did say you weren't one for conversation and that's fine. I can talk enough for the both of us."

Nikko pushed the wheelchair so Sasuke was in front of both ends of the parallel bars.

"Alright I need you to put a hand on both bars and pull yourself up."

Sasuke grabbed the bars with each hand and then pulled himself up so he was standing. It didn't hurt to stand and Sasuke took that as a good sign. Though, he really didn't know if it was or wasn't. Sasuke knew he could feel his legs so he kept reminding himself that, that was a good thing.

"Now this is the hard part. I need you to get your mind focused on walking. Remember walking and how to do it. I need you to focus on it, because your legs need to remember how to do it. As you are remembering you are going to try to move one of your legs. This can take a few minutes to work or it could take days I really depends on how bad the nerve damage was and for how long. I know you were in captivity for nine days, but you don't remember anything. So if the nerve damage was done on day one or two it might take a little longer for you to start moving your legs. If it was done near the end then you have a good chance at moving sooner. Tsunade healed you on day nine so if the damage wasn't there for very long then you will be in a really good spot. So just focus, close your eyes if you want and just picture yourself walking and try moving your leg at the same time."

Sasuke was going to make the effort in listening to Nikko. He wanted to be out of here and in his own place again. Tsunade knew he would need something to motivate him with and that definitely did the trick. Sasuke wanted his own place so badly and he didn't want to be back on the Compound. That was one of the many good things about the Council's death, those Uchiha laws are no more. Tsunade had been working on who to have in the council and who to have as the new leader of the ANBU. So far she had come up with a few candidates but nothing serious yet. Sasuke closed his eyes and focused his mind to remember him being outside and walking around while he tried to get his right leg to move. He felt stupid doing it, but if it was going to get him out of here then he was going to try. Nikko didn't say anything she just let Sasuke try and do this on his own. Realistically there wasn't anything she could do until Sasuke was able to move his legs. Once he did that then her job would truly begin. Shikamaru was standing on the other side of the glass. He could hear everything that was said and he was just standing there watching and waiting for Sasuke to move his leg. Shikamaru was praying that the nerve damage happened near the end of the nine days so Sasuke would be able to move around sooner. Shikamaru was actually a little nervous about Sasuke getting his own place again. They hadn't been able to do anything or even talk really in the last two weeks. They had three adults constantly watching their every move. The only time they had alone was an hour here and there when Shikamaru took Sasuke outside. Even then there were other people around. Shikamaru was so proud of Sasuke for fighting through everything and surviving. He was also hoping that Sasuke wouldn't remember what happened to him. If he never remembered then he could just move on like it never happened. There would never be those nightmares and memories haunting him to remind him of what he had been through. Shikamaru knew that Sasuke would be able to do this; he was just hoping that his attitude wouldn't be an issue.

After an intense five minutes Sasuke actually felt his right leg take a step. Shikamaru was watching from outside of the room and he couldn't help the big smile that spread over his face. Sasuke had done it, he took a step. Sasuke was happy that he was able to move his one leg, but at the same time it took a lot of work and it hurt like hell.

"There you go see you can do it. You just took a step. Now how bad was the pain?"

"About a six."

"From what I hear you have a high pain tolerance so a six to you would be a nine to someone else. As I said it will hurt, because those nerves and muscles haven't been used. This first week will be about those nerves and getting them back to working properly. It will be painful for the first few days. It's like when your leg falls asleep and it can hurt for those few minutes until its back to normal. It's the same thing; those nerves have been asleep for at least thirty-two days. Now you are waking them up and it will hurt until they go back to normal. Your legs will feel weak like your hands and arms did when you first woke up. You haven't been using those muscles in a long time and you need to regain the strength and full use of them. So once we get you on crutches then the rest of the time will be able strengthening your muscles again with exercises that you can do here and at home. It's all about how much effort you want to put in. The more you put in the faster you will be walking normally again. So let's try the left leg and see if we can get it moving. The first step is the hardest after that your body will start to remember the movement."

Sasuke took a deep breath and focused his mind to work on getting his left leg to move. Now he knew how much it would hurt so he was prepared for the pain. He was glad he had the right one moving and he was hoping it wouldn't take this long each time he wanted to take a step. After another five minutes or so Sasuke was able to move his left leg. It hurt the same amount as his right leg did so he figured that was a good thing.

"Alright we have movement in both legs. Now I promise that was the hardest part. Until you were able to move both legs we couldn't do anything. Now we know that you can move your legs and those nerves are able to work, we are going to put them to work. I want you to use the bars as a way to balance and hold yourself up when you need to. I want you to walk from this end of the bar to the other end. Once you get there we can take a break. It's going to hurt so take it slow and just get your legs used to moving again. We are going to be doing this a lot. The repetitive motions will help your nerves relearn how to work properly. Once you can do this without having to think about it is when we can get you on the crutches."

Sasuke just gave a nod and he went to work on getting his right leg to move again. It took him a few minutes, but it wasn't as long as the first time. He did the same with his left and he found out that the more times he moved the stronger the pain got. Sasuke did his best to breathe through it and just push through the pain. It wasn't easy and it was a long process to get to the end of the bars, but he finally did it. Nikko went and grabbed Sasuke's wheelchair and had him sit down in it. Sasuke couldn't believe how much it hurt just to walk that few feet to the end of the bars. He knew his body hadn't been moving around in over a month, but he didn't expect the pain, even his back hurt from it.

"Good job Sasuke. You did really great today. How bad is the pain?"

"Nine"

"It's going to be very painful, but you did it. You walked from that side of the bars over to this side. So no matter what the pain is you have to be happy and proud that you did it. Most people it takes longer than an hour to do it. You did it in an hour. That's amazing. You are young and your body is strong and determined and that is very good when you need to recover from something like this. I'm going to go and speak to Tsunade about your progress so far. Why don't you take a break and when I come back we can speak about continuing on if Tsunade wants us to. She might say enough for today with the pain level. If we do too much too soon it can actually hurt your nerves and push back your recovery and that is something no one wants. So I will go and speak to her and you just hang out here for a little bit."

Nikko got up and headed out of the room. Shikamaru figured he would go in the room to see Sasuke and let him know what he was feeling.

"Hey Sasuke" Shikamaru said as he bent down in front of Sasuke so he was eye level.

"Hey" Sasuke said through gritted teeth.

"I know it hurts a lot, but you did it. Sasuke you walked." Shikamaru said with a smile.

Sasuke couldn't help, but smile back. He did do it. He really did walk even if he had to hold on to do it, he still did it.

"It hurts like a bitch."

"I know I saw."

Shikamaru moved his hands so he could start massaging Sasuke's thighs. Sasuke was going to say something about contact, but with Shikamaru he didn't mind it. Sasuke hated when people touched him, but with Shikamaru he found himself really not minding it. The massaging was actually helping with the pain so Sasuke gave Shikamaru a small smile.

"That's actually helping calm the pain down."

"I had a feeling it might. Just think in a week you can be in your own place hiding out from society again."

"You joke, but I like not being in society. Too many looks and rumors going around. It's just easier to be alone inside my own place."

"You can't be in there alone all the time. You have to let me in every now and then you know."

"I'll always let you in. I don't make any promises about your very loud mother though."

Shikamaru laughed.

"She is very loud and can be a little overbearing at times, but she cares. I know it must be hard for you to be around so many adults after being on your own for so long."

"The concept of parents is foreign to me."

"Ya, but you had your parents for seven years. You must remember what it was like to have them around."

"Of course I do, but Uchihas aren't really known for being caring and compassionate. It could be weeks before my father spoke to me and I to him. My mother would be there if you got hurt or were sick, but she never hugged really or was just caring all the time. It really was a cold house most of the time. The only comfort I got was from Itachi really and that didn't work out so well."

"I couldn't imagine growing up and not talking to my father for weeks. We truly did grow up in different worlds."

"I like that you aren't from the same world that I am from. I live in a dark world and you are like this little sunlight shining through. You don't belong in the dark."

"You don't either. Maybe in time you will come over into my world a little bit more and see that parents can really be a great thing to have. Kakashi certainly cares about you. He's barely left your side in the past month. You should try not pushing him away and letting him in on your life. You never know you might actually enjoy it."

"Maybe. He has been really great in the last little while. He went out of his way to keep me safe before all of this happened. I know he cares, maybe I should start to let him in."

"You can't shut yourself out of the world forever. You should let a few people see who you truly are, because what I have seen so far is really great."

"Suck up." Sasuke joked.

"I don't know anything about sucking, but I do know a few things about kissing." Shikamaru said with a smile.

"Well that was dirty. You've been around Kakashi for too long I think." Sasuke smiled back.

"You're probably right about that. Besides you were supposed to say show me and then I was going to kiss you."

"Oh I'm sorry I ruined your little segway there." Sasuke smiled.

"So let's try this again. I don't know anything about sucking, but I do know a few things about kissing." Shikamaru smiled.

"You should show me." Sasuke smirked.

"My pleasure."

Shikamaru moved up slightly so he could kiss Sasuke. They hadn't done anything since that first time in Sasuke's room the night Sasuke was taken. Sasuke accepted the kiss and brought his hands to the back of Shikamaru's neck to deepen the kiss. Shikamaru still had his hands on Sasuke's thighs and he licked Sasuke's lips asking for entrance once again. Sasuke granted it and they deepened the kiss once again. They didn't fight for control or dominance they just let themselves get lost in the kiss. After a few minutes Shikamaru pulled away.

"I can't wait for you to be in your own place."

"I know then we won't have to worry about getting caught."

The door to the room opened and in walked Nikko. She had a smile on her face and both Shikamaru and Sasuke were praying she didn't just see them kissing.

"How's the pain Sasuke?"

"About a seven now."

"Alright well Tsunade-Sama was very pleased with the progress after just an hour. She wants us to stop for today so the pain doesn't get out of control. So we will continue this tomorrow at ten. So you can go back to your room if you want or outside it's up to you."

"Thank-you for the help." Sasuke said.

"It's my job sweetie. Tsunade-Sama is also going to start looking for a new place for you. Apparently she thought you weren't going to be able to do it. Now she is going to try and find you a place before you get out of here."

"She should know better than to doubt Sasuke." Shikamaru said with a smile as he stood back up.

"Indeed. I'll see you tomorrow Sasuke and just rest up. In a couple hours the pain will be gone."

Shikamaru grabbed the handles on the wheelchair and took Sasuke out of the room. They headed outside for a bit so they could be alone and out in the sun. They knew that Kakashi would be back soon and waiting for Sasuke in his room. Shikamaru and Sasuke just wanted a little bit more time to be alone. Sasuke was hoping that in a week he would be able to get out of the hospital and be alone in his own apartment once again. Shikamaru sat down on a bench with Sasuke in the chair beside him. It was a nice warm and sunny day so they sat a little bit in the shade.

"Are you ever going to go back on missions? Or are you just going to follow me around forever?" Sasuke asked lightly in a joking way.

The truth was Sasuke was glad that Shikamaru was here with him. It made the time go by faster and it was nice to feel that support. This was different for Sasuke he wasn't used to people being around him. He was used to being alone and figuring things out for himself. It was nice to have people being there for him, even if it was annoying at times.

"I will shortly once you are back to walking around. I figured you might kill someone if I leave you in the hospital."

"I'll be fine. I only have seven more days." Sasuke lightly smiled.

"You better only have that many. You did really good today. You walked you can't tell me you aren't excited about it."

"Of course I am, but it's a long way to go from being back to normal."

"I know, but at least it's a start. Now you can work on getting back to walking and building your muscle strength again. Before you know it you'll be back on missions."

"I just want everything to go back to normal before all of this crap happened. Well almost everything." Sasuke said as he looked at Shikamaru.

"Everything will be soon. This will blow over and everyone will move on to something else. Some new scandal will come up and that will get everyone's attention. You can go back to your squad and be a ninja again."

"And you can go back to yours. How is everyone anyways?"

"They are good. Naruto and Sakura I have been keeping them updated on how you are doing. A lot of them are busy with missions right now. The village is kind of in a bit of a weird state without the council and Danzou controlling the ANBU. I'm not sure what Tsunade will do about it yet."

"Kakashi said she had some people she was considering for the council, but she didn't have anyone definitive yet."

"The ANBU haven't been able to go out on missions without a leader. Tsunade is afraid of what they will do. Some are loyal to Konoha, but some were loyal to the five ANBU that attacked us and Danzou. I think Tsunade is going through the ANBU list to see who she can trust or not before anyone goes on a mission."

"That makes sense. Some might have agreed with Danzou and his decision in all of this. Some of the ANBU have been with Danzou for many years their loyalty would have been strong."

"Oh it's strong, just not strong enough to go after Itachi. None even volunteered to go looking for Itachi."

"They never will. Itachi used to be a captain for the ANBU when he was younger. He wasn't even twelve when he was in the ANBU. He was the youngest they ever had. They might be afraid of him, but there is also that level of respect. They can't kill him and they respect him enough not to even try."

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you. That first night you were in the hospital when Itachi came. He went over to you and your heartbeat was going crazy from his chakra being so angry and dark. He removed the curse seal like Kakashi told you last week. He whispered something to you. He said he used to tell you it all the time. Do you know what he said?"

Sasuke was quiet for a long time. Shikamaru knew he was lost in a memory and Shikamaru let him be. Shikamaru knew that Sasuke was either going to share this or he wasn't. Shikamaru was alright if Sasuke wasn't ready to talk about it yet or not, but he was hoping that he was. Finally after ten minutes Sasuke spoke.

"Like I said growing up my parents weren't really parental. They were nothing like yours. I had Itachi though and he was really the one that I would go to if I had a problem or I needed comfort. I used to get nightmares all the time growing up. The doctors couldn't explain why, they just said I would grow out of it."

"Did you?"

"Sort of. I still get them, but not as much. Now I can go a few weeks and be fine and then get them for a week straight. Growing up I used to get them for months straight and then get a couple nights without them. It started when I was three and after two weeks of me going to my parents at night they told me I had to deal with it. I tried for a few weeks, but Itachi noticed I wasn't sleeping enough or at all. So one night he had me sleep in his room with him and he found out why. After that I used to go to him in the middle of the night when I couldn't handle being alone in the dark. He used to tell me the same thing every time and it always made me feel better and safe. He used to tell me that he loved me. That when I was lost in total darkness he would be my guiding light and bring me to safety again. It's silly, but it always made me feel better."

"That's not silly at all. You and your brother had a special bond. He was there for you and it seems like he still is."

"It doesn't make any sense. He was so caring towards me growing up. Then he just switched literally over-night. That night I had never seen him like that. He was never like that with me and yet he killed them for nothing. I'm so confused. I don't know who to believe. I don't know if that night was the real Itachi and everything else was just false. Or if who I got was the real Itachi and there was something more to what happened; something important that I missed or wasn't being told. Now he comes by and kills these people that hurt me. He's protective all over again yet for the last six years he didn't care. None of this makes any sense and I won't ever get answers."

"There was something else that Itachi said that night."

Sasuke looked at Shikamaru. "What? What did he say?"

"Kakashi didn't know if telling you would be a good idea, because we don't know what the information would be. He was worried it would hurt you more and he didn't want that."

"Shikamaru what did Itachi say?"

"He said when you are ready for the truth; look behind where all your secrets were kept. Does that make any sense to you?"

"Ya it does." Sasuke said a little distant.

Sasuke couldn't believe that Itachi had kept something hidden for him. Maybe it would be the truth of that night and maybe it would be Itachi telling him that he never cared. Sasuke didn't know what he would find, but he did know that he couldn't go looking for at least a week.

"Maybe when you get out and feel ready for it you can go and find what he left you. Maybe that will answer some of your questions."

"Or it'll be him telling me he doesn't care. That it was all a lie."

"I don't think that is what you'll find."

"What makes you sound so sure?"

"He didn't need to come back and kill them. He could have let them keep hurting you and possibly kill you. Itachi risked being captured to find out if you were alright and who hurt you. You didn't see him that night he was beyond pissed. His chakra was so dark and angry it felt like I couldn't breathe. You can't fake that emotion. It was true raw emotions and not even Itachi could fake that. I think that maybe there was more to what happened then you know about. Maybe he wanted you to know the truth when he thought you were old enough to handle it."

"I won't know until I can go and look. He was angry?"

"Extremely."

"He rarely gets angry. I've only seen it once and that was when someone in the Clan attacked me. Itachi found out and he lost it. He put the guy in the hospital for a month. Everyone left me alone after that. That was the only time I had ever seen him angry."

"Anger is a strong, raw emotion. For someone like Itachi to get angry then you know it's pure. I think he cares a lot about you and I think he had to do what he did. For whatever reasons I think there was more to it then you were led to believe."

"Maybe. I'll find out in a week."

"We should head back inside. I'm sure Kakashi is wondering where you are and how it went."

"Probably."

Shikamaru got up and started to push Sasuke inside the building and towards his room. Sure enough Kakashi was pacing around the room anxiously waiting for when Sasuke would return. Kakashi turned to them as he heard the door opening. He gave them a smile even if they couldn't see it.

"How was it Sasuke?"

Shikamaru pushed Sasuke over to the bed and Sasuke got up on the bed. Shikamaru put the wheelchair off to the side for now.

"It was fine. The therapist was smart enough not to talk the whole time."

"Well that's good, but did you walk?"

"Yes" Sasuke said with a smile still on his face.

It wasn't often that he smiled, but he couldn't help it. In a week he would be out of the hospital and in his own place. He was going to be back to normal soon and he couldn't help, but be happy about it.

"That's fantastic Sasuke. See in another six days you will be out of here and on the path to getting better. I knew you could do it. How bad was the pain?"

"It was pretty bad, but it's better now. The therapist said that in a couple of days the pain won't be there. She said my legs are asleep and once they are fully awake the pain won't be there."

"That makes sense they haven't been moved or used in thirty-two days. Did she tell you what her plans were?"

"She said that until I am on crutches then I have to use the parallel bars. Once I am able to walk without pain and without having to think about walking is when I can go on crutches. After that she said it's a lot of conditioning work to strengthen my muscles again."

"Okay so once you are on crutches we could do some exercises to help strengthen your muscles."

"Ya she said it's like my arms and hands after I woke up. I just have to build up strength again and then I can go down to a cane and then nothing."

"Did she say how long it might take?"

"About two months and I'll be walking normally again."

"That's great news. Sasuke some people go through this therapy and have to do it for six months some even a year before they are walking normally again. You got lucky that and you are young so your body heals faster and bounces back quicker. This is all good news. You must be happy and just a little excited about it."

"I am, but I don't want to get too hopeful. Something could go wrong, I could move the wrong way and it could get damaged. We don't know how well my nerves are healed. I'll get excited when I'm standing on crutches and Tsunade hands me my keys to my new apartment. Then I will believe it happened and get excited about it."

"Fair enough."

The door to the room opened and in walked Shikamaru's parents.

"Hello Sasuke. How did it go sweetie?" Yoshino asked.

"It went well. I was able to walk so the therapist is hopeful I'll be out in a week."

"Oh sweetie that is fantastic. Did it hurt at all?"

"A lot, but she said it would only be like that for a few days."

"Your legs haven't been moved in over a month it makes sense that moving them would hurt. Did she say how long you would be in therapy for?" Shikaku asked.

"If everything goes well then two months."

"That's not bad. I know of fellow ninja that were in therapy for eight, nine months before they were back to normal." Shikaku said.

"That's what I said. He's lucky he's young and his body is tough." Kakashi said.

"Well we aren't here to over crowd you. We just came to see how it went and to pick up our son. We have that dinner with you aunt remember?" Yoshino said to Shikamaru.

"No I forgot. Do we have to? She's so loud."

"She is my sister and I love her, but she is loud and can be annoying at times. Which is why we have to go, because if we don't I will never hear the end of it." Yoshino said.

"Go and have dinner with your family. I'll see you tomorrow and you can bitch all about it." Sasuke said with a smirk.

The door to the room opened once again and Tsunade came in this time.

"Full room in here. Sasuke your therapist said that today went very well. How do you feel? Is the pain starting to lessen?"

"I'm fine, the pain is going away."

"Good if there is ever a point where it gets worse you need to let someone know. These first few days are going to be the easiest to damage your nerves again. Once your body is able to walk without pain then we don't have to worry. So for the next few days don't push yourself and if the pain ever gets really bad in your back then you need to say something right away. Do you understand?"

"Yes Hokage-Sama."

"Good. Now hurry the hell up and get out of this hospital. I can't have my only Uchiha lazing about in bed all day. Not only that you have two of my ninjas refusing to go on missions while you are in here. There is only so long I can let Kakashi sit around doing nothing. So get your ass out of this hospital so I can have my ninjas back."

"Hey it's not my fault they won't leave. I tell them to leave all the time they won't."

"That's because we care about you." Kakashi said.

"Yes well it would be more helpful to me if you could care about him from a distance. Kakashi need to speak to you about something in private." Tsunade said.

"Wow you leave the hospital for less than two hours and you got yourself into trouble. That's impressive." Sasuke said with a smirk.

"Let's see how long it takes you to get into trouble once you leave."

"About five minutes probably."

"Knowing you that is very much accurate." Tsunade said.

"I'll be right back." Kakashi said.

"Again I can't go anywhere."

"In a week you can." Shikamaru said.

"We should get going as well. We can't be late. Sasuke sweetie I'm so happy that you were able to walk. That's wonderful news and we will come by tomorrow to see how you are doing." Yoshino said.

"Have fun at your family dinner." Sasuke said.

"Not likely." Shikamaru mumbled.

"Unfortunately part of growing up is still doing things you don't want to do. Let's go son." Shikaku said.

"See ya." Sasuke said.

"I'll be back tomorrow." Shikamaru said.

"I know. Try and have some fun."

"Ya"

Everyone left the room and Sasuke took in the few minutes alone that he would get. He couldn't wait for when he would be able to leave and get out of here. He just wanted his own apartment again so he could be on his own and only around people when he felt like it. Kakashi was brought into Tsunade's office that she had at the hospital for her patients. Tsunade sat down in her chair and Kakashi sat down in the other on the opposite side of the desk. He didn't know what this was about, but it seemed very professional.

"Kakashi I want to speak to you about a new position. I know you love being a sensei to those kids and I want you to know that you still would be. You could still train them and go on missions with them. This new position would really be more paperwork and meetings that you would need to handle and go to. Almost every ninja in this village respects you for your skills and what you have done to protect the village. The Fourth himself taught you and that speaks very highly of your skills. I would like to offer you the position of ANBU leader."

"And what would that require?"

"You wouldn't have to be an ANBU; I know that is something you do not wish to do. Basically your job would be paperwork for missions, organizing missions and their squads. You would be running the ANBU, so basically you would be running a small village. I'm sure you remember from being in the ANBU how it works and what is entitled of you. You can still be a sensei and go on your own missions if you wish. I'm not trying to take anything away from you. I'm trying to add on. It would be a promotion with an obvious pay raise. It's up to you if you wish to take this on."

"How long do I have to decide?"

"I would like your answer as soon as possible. I will give you until Sasuke is back to walking around by himself though. I know being there for Sasuke right now is your main priority and I understand that. I need to know by the end of two months if this is a yes or a no."

"I'll think about it and see if that is something I can do."

"Thank-you Kakashi."

"Thank-you for thinking of me for this position Hokage-Sama."

"You are the right person for the job. I hope you say yes. Think about it and see if this is something you would be able to manage and live with."

"I will and I will let you know once I have made a decision."

Tsunade just gave a nod and Kakashi got up and headed back to Sasuke's room. He had to admit he was surprised that Tsunade had asked him for this job. Kakashi had been in the ANBU, but it wasn't a job he would do again. He didn't know how he felt about any of this and running the ANBU might not go over so well with him being Sasuke's sensei. Kakashi knew he would need to think everything through before he made a decision. Kakashi went back into Sasuke's room to see that he was still sitting there. Kakashi didn't know if Sasuke would be tired from the therapy and the stress on his body from it. Kakashi sat down in the chair beside the bed.

"Are you ever going to leave me alone?" Sasuke asked lightly.

"When you get home and out of the hospital."

"What's the difference of me being here or at home?"

"At home you can walk around and here you can't. Something could go wrong while you are here and I would like to be here in case it does."

"What could happen? I'm fine and healthy. I know I wasn't for a long time, but I'm better now. My body doesn't hurt and the headaches have pretty much completely gone away. I'm okay you can leave me for the night and sleep in your own bed again."

"I know, but I would still like to stay. I know you aren't used to being around so many people for so long, but maybe you'll get used to it."

"Maybe. I'm not used to parents, like actual parents. It's weird to see them so happy and wanting to be together. They're going to a family dinner; we hardly ate at the same table at night. I couldn't imagine being able to have a family where if something happened or was bothering you, you had all these people to turn to. All I had was Itachi and he was gone a lot. Shikamaru said I should start to let some people in so someone knows the real me. This is the real me though, I'm not some happy kid with a smile on my face all the time."

"No you're not, but you have been smiling more with Shikamaru around. You two seem to becoming close friends. That's not a bad thing. You having fun is a good thing. You are young and you act more like a thirty year old then a thirteen year old. You need to have some fun before you get too old and you can't. Don't be afraid to be your own age for a little while. When you aren't on a mission who cares if you act like a thirteen year old. Have fun and be young."

"So I can tell you something and you'll keep it a secret?"

"Secret telling; see now we are getting closer to your age."

"I'm serious if I tell you, you can't tell anyone."

"Alright I'll bite, I promise."

"Shikamaru kissed me." Sasuke said with a slight blush and a small smile.

Kakashi smiled at Sasuke. Sasuke could be more mature than he was on missions, but the second you put him in a teenage position he turns into a confused thirteen year old.

"I know. He did it before you were taken."

"And who told you?"

"I can't reveal my sources."

"B.S it was either Shikaku or Asuma. Shikamaru already told me that you knew. I wasn't talking about that time. I was talking about earlier."

"Ah so you kissed again. That's interesting. How do you feel about it all? First kiss is kinda a huge thing and you had it with another boy."

"It's a little confusing. I liked it and I kissed him back, but does that make me gay?"

"It might. Have you ever had any interest in kissing a girl?"

"No, but I didn't with Shikamaru it just happened one night. We hung out and got close I didn't expect it, but when it happened I didn't mind it. I liked it."

"You are young; you are only thirteen you have many years before you have to figure anything out. You like Shikamaru so go with it. On day you might like a girl or you might not. You don't need to label yourself as anything right now. In a few years you'll figure it out on if you like guys, girls or both. For now just see how things go with Shikamaru. First relationships are hard and if you ever have a question, just come to me and I'll help you figure things out."

"Thanks Kakashi. How are you and Iruka doing? When did that start?" Sasuke asked with a smirk.

"Shikamaru told you eh?"

"He did when I woke up, the time I remember waking up. He thought I could use the interesting information."

"Hm. It's been a game we have been playing for a few weeks now. He doesn't have your straight forwardness. We've been together for a few years now. It's nothing official we are both free to see other people, but we don't."

"So then how is it not official?"

"I don't like labels. I think if you want to be with someone then you are just with them, because you want to be with them. Once you label something I can get complicated and change things."

"So you are dating, but you are not dating."

"Exactly."

"That to me sounds more complicated than just putting a label on your relationship."

"It can be for some people. For us it works it takes the pressure off. That's what is important for you and Shikamaru. Don't put any pressure on what you have. Just let it grow by itself if that is what it does. You are young and you have a long time to make things complicated. Just focus on getting to know each other and become good friends. If something else happens to come from that then take it slow and see where it goes."

"That's actually good advice."

"Well you don't have to sound so surprised." Kakashi joked.

Sasuke let out a yawn and Kakashi knew that he was tired. Sasuke didn't know why he was so tired all the time now. He knew he was injured, but it had been two weeks since he had woken up he shouldn't still be tired. It was just after one in the afternoon and he was already exhausted. It didn't make any sense to him.

"You should get some sleep Sasuke. Your body needs rest."

"All I do is sleep. I don't know why I'm still tired so much all the time."

"You were seriously injured Sasuke, that's not something you can just get over in a few days. Your body is still tired from when you were unconscious for fifteen days. Lie down and get some sleep. If your body is telling you to sleep, then sleep. I'll be here when you wake up."

"That's because you never leave." Sasuke said lightly.

Kakashi smiled at Sasuke. "And I never will. Now sleep."

Sasuke hit the button on the side of the bed to put the back of the bed down. Sasuke knew he would be able to sleep so he closed his eyes and let the exhaustion take over.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

It was dark and cold. All Sasuke could feel was pain radiating throughout his body. He had lost his other senses a while ago. He didn't know how long he had been in this room, but he knew it had been a while. He could hear voices in the background, but he couldn't make out anything they were saying. All he could feel was horrific pain and he couldn't move his legs. He didn't know why, but his mind couldn't even register what that could mean. The pain was so bad it was fogging up all of his senses. His eye sight had gone blurry a while ago; if Sasuke had to guess it was days ago. It was hard to figure out, because there were no windows in this place. Nothing to indicate whether it was morning or night. Nothing to indicate how long he had been in this place. He could hear the voices getting more panicked and Sasuke had a feeling that something bad was going to happen. He could hear the footsteps of their boots on the cold floor and then he was being dragged across it. Sasuke tried to see where he was being taken to, but his eye sight had gotten worse as the days went on. His head felt like it was being split into two parts. He couldn't make out anything and the small lights on the walls were making his head hurt even more. Sasuke didn't have a choice, but to close his eyes to try and make the added pain stop. It wasn't until his body was no longer being dragged across cement did he open his eyes. He felt dirt and twigs under his back breaking and he looked to see trees around him. The dragging stopped and he heard the footsteps moving away to do something. It was just as dark outside so Sasuke couldn't make it out. His mind was too exhausted to even try to get his eyes to focus. There was no point his body couldn't do it anymore. Sasuke felt the darkness pulling at his mind and he was about to slip into unconsciousness when he was being dragged again. Sasuke's mind registered it and before he knew what was happening he was being thrown into a hole. He tried to move his hands and get his eyes to focus so he could see what was going on. He felt dirt being thrown on top of him and he did his best to not breathe in. The problem was there was too much dirt, too fast and he couldn't keep track of it all. He felt the weight of the dirt getting heavier and heavier against his battered body. Before he knew it he was completely buried and trapped. He could barely hear the voices as they walked away leaving him in the grave.

Sasuke's mind was fighting to stay alert and functioning, the problem was the pain was too much for his body and mind to handle. He forced his body to move his hands so he could try and dig himself out. He didn't know how deep he was or how much dirt was on top of him, but he couldn't just let himself die either. The pain was bad, but they obviously thought he was going to die so if he could get out, he could get help. Sasuke's body was weak though and no matter how hard he tried his hands weren't strong enough to get through the dirt. He was scraping and digging at it, but there was just no strength in his body. It was all too soon before he lost the battle to consciousness.

Sasuke startled awake and he was breathing heavy. He sat up and tried to get a grip on himself. He saw that his hands were shaking and his mind was now being filled with horrible images of when he was being held captive. Sasuke looked outside and could see that it was dark out and that Kakashi wasn't in the room. Sasuke fought to calm his breathing down, but he couldn't stop the shaking. He heard a door opening and he couldn't help, but jump at the sound. He looked over and saw that Kakashi was coming out of the bathroom.

"Sasuke you okay?"

Kakashi went over to Sasuke and could see that something had scared him. He was shaking and breathing heavy. Kakashi sat down on the side of the bed and tried to get Sasuke to talk to him.

"Sasuke what happened?"

"I remember. I want to say it was a nightmare, but it wasn't. I remember now I remember everything they did. I remember being in that grave and trying to get out, but I couldn't. I couldn't get the strength to dig hard or fast enough. I couldn't breathe; it was so heavy and so dark. I can hear what they said to me. The things they did to me. The pain it was so bad. I thought I was going to die from the pain alone. Why did I have to remember?"

Sasuke's voice was shaky and Kakashi knew that Sasuke was close to just breaking down completely. Kakashi gently pulled Sasuke into a hug and Sasuke couldn't help, but curl into Kakashi as well as he could with his legs.

"I'm so sorry that you remembered. I was hoping you wouldn't. I'm so sorry Sasuke that I left. I should have stayed and this wouldn't have happened. It's going to be okay in time it will be okay."

"It was so cold in that room. I don't know where it was, but I wasn't in jail. It was a basement maybe. There were no windows and the air was dusty. I don't want to remember."

"Shh it's going to be okay. Soon it will only be a memory. Its' okay it's over Sasuke. They can't hurt you anymore, they're dead. It's over and you can just focus on getting better. Just breathe and it will be okay."

Sasuke could feel the tears burning behind his eyes, but he didn't want to let them shed. He couldn't cry again in front of Kakashi. Sasuke never cries and he couldn't do it twice in front of Kakashi. Kakashi rubbed soothing circles on Sasuke's back. He knew that Sasuke was holding back tears. Kakashi knew that Sasuke wasn't one for emotions and in the past couple of months he had been through a lot. It was easy to hide your emotions when nothing was happening to you, but once your life took a turn for the worse it wasn't so easy. Kakashi held Sasuke closer to his chest as he spoke.

"Just be thirteen Sasuke. That was the deal we made over two months ago."

Sasuke closed his eyes and he couldn't stop the tears from slowly going down his face. He didn't want to cry, but he really couldn't help it. Kakashi didn't say anything he just held Sasuke close and rubbed soothing circles on his back. Sasuke was a ninja, but he was also a thirteen year old orphan that had gone through hell these past couple of months. They didn't talk, they didn't need to. Once Sasuke calmed down Kakashi just simply wiped the remaining tears from Sasuke's face. Kakashi moved so he was next to Sasuke on the bed and he pulled Sasuke to his chest and pulled the blankets over them. Sasuke curled into Kakashi's chest and for one night he let himself be thirteen and take Kakashi's comfort.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

Sasuke stood in front of the mirror in his new bathroom. His mind was racing with everything that had happened in the past two months. Sasuke stood there in front of his mirror and he couldn't believe how long it took him to be finally able to stand up on his own. He couldn't believe how long it took him to finally be able to walk on his own. Sasuke's mind thought back to that first day when he was finally able to leave the hospital.

Flashback

Sasuke stood in his hospital room ready to leave. His bag was packed and he was ready to get the hell out of the hospital. Kakashi was there, Shikamaru and his parents were all there in the room with Sasuke. Today was the day he got to leave the hospital and they couldn't have been more excited for him. Today was the day that he would get the keys to his new apartment, where he could be alone and on his own again. Sasuke let himself feel excited today, because even if he didn't get an apartment he was still leaving the hospital and he couldn't have been happier about that.

He was still getting the nightmares, but Sasuke was used to nightmares he had had them his whole life. He could handle the nightmares as long as he reminded himself that it was over, that he was safe. Itachi had made him safe and Sasuke was thankful for that. Sasuke stood there on the crutches and waited for Tsunade to come in so he could leave. Finally there was a knock on the door and Tsunade walked in. She had a small smile on her face at seeing Sasuke finally leaving the hospital.

"You ready to go Sasuke?" Tsunade asked.

"Completely."

Tsunade went over to Sasuke and handed him the keys to his new apartment. Sasuke took them and looked at them. He couldn't believe that Tsunade had found him an apartment in a week.

"Your new apartment is located at 18 Ocena Avenue apartment 4. The owner knows it's you and he is a sweet old man that has two older sons helping him run the place. Your rent is the same as the place you were paying before the fire. I told you I would find you one and you held up your end of the deal. I'm proud of you Sasuke. Most people would have let this take them down. You didn't you pushed through the pain and fought to get back on your feet. You have a little ways to go still, but you can do it."

"Thank-you. I can't believe you actually found an apartment for me. I figured after everything that happened and everything with Itachi, it wouldn't happen."

"I'm the Hokage, people can't say no to me. Now you have been discharged so get out of here. All of you."

Tsunade left the room. Kakashi placed Sasuke's bag on his shoulders and they all filed out of the hospital room. They walked the same pace as Sasuke. Sasuke had gotten better with the crutches, but he still couldn't walk very fast yet. It didn't matter to Sasuke, because he was walking and he was walking to his new apartment, his new home. His apartment was too far, it wasn't in the same area as his old apartment and Sasuke found that he liked that. It was like a fresh start and Sasuke was really looking forward to that. In the past week Sasuke really had tried to open up to Kakashi and just be thirteen around him. When he woke up that first night after the nightmare it wasn't awkward between them. Kakashi acted like it was just a normal everyday thing and that made it easier for Sasuke to act like it wasn't a big deal. As Sasuke thought about it, he figured that maybe it wasn't a big deal. Sasuke wasn't used to comfort from adults and he figured that maybe that was normal for a child and an adult to do. When Sasuke thought about it him and Itachi used to do that all the time when he had a nightmare. Itachi was older than him and acted more like an adult than a child. This was all new to Sasuke and he was sure he would be able to figure it out.

They arrived at the apartment building and there were four steps to get up to the door. Stairs were new for Sasuke but he just took it slow and took it one step at a time. The crutches made it easier for him to get up the steps, because he could use them to lift himself up. They went inside the building and walked down the hallway until they stopped at Sasuke's apartment. Sasuke opened the door and he couldn't believe how nice the place looked. There was even new furniture in the place. Sasuke walked into the living room with the others behind him.

"Wow Sasuke this place is nice." Shikamaru said.

"Where did the furniture come from?" Sasuke asked Kakashi.

"A furniture store in the village donated it. Some people don't like you and they fear you because of Itachi. However, there are some people that are impressed by what you have survived and they want to help you. This store wanted to help you and get you started after your apartment was set on fire. The whole place is furnished and you have everything you need to make a fresh start. I got you food yesterday so you wouldn't have to worry about that." Kakashi said.

"You knew yesterday that I had an apartment. Why didn't you tell me?" Sasuke asked.

"That would have ruined the surprise and I know how much you love surprises." Kakashi said.

"I hate surprises."

"I know that's what makes it fun." Kakashi smiled at Sasuke.

"This place is very nice though Sasuke. You can decorate the walls and really make this a home." Yoshino said.

"It is nice. It's a lot bigger than my last place. Hopefully there won't be any problems."

"I'm sure you'll be fine." Shikaku said.

"Well Sasuke, you're home." Shikamaru said with a smile.

Sasuke smiled back, he liked that word, home. This place he was going to make his home. He hadn't had a home in a long time. His last place was just that, a place, it was an apartment. He didn't want a home; he wanted his old home with his old family. Now though, he could make this his new home with his new family. Sasuke didn't know what to do with a family, all he's ever had was Itachi, but he was going to take it slow and figure it out along the way.

"Finally." Sasuke said with a smile.

"Well let's see what the rest looks like." Yoshino said with a smile.

They walked around the apartment and Sasuke couldn't believe how big it was. There was even a little patio for himself. Sasuke had a brand new double bed with bedding and everything. There were even some clothes for him that was donated by another store in the village. Sasuke couldn't believe that someone was willing to help him after everything that happened. Sasuke thought that everyone in the village would fear him and hate him. He didn't even think that people would be willing to help him. He just figured that everyone would hate him and blame him for what happened to the council and the ANBU. As it turns out not everyone was happy with what Danzou and the ANBU had done so Sasuke and Shikamaru. That night everyone stayed for dinner that Yoshino insisted on cooking for them. Later on when everyone left Sasuke just laid down on his new bed and just let himself be happy.

End Flashback

It had now been two months since that day and Sasuke couldn't believe that he could actually walk normally again. It had been a long process for Sasuke and he had spent many days frustrated, but he had done it. He had gone down to a cane after a month and then just one week ago he was able to walk without the cane. Shikamaru had been by a lot and they had gotten closer and closer. Sasuke blushed slightly remembering all the make-out sessions they had since Sasuke had lived here. Once a week they all had gotten together for dinner. The day always changed because of when someone was on a mission, but when everyone was in the village they had a dinner night. Shikamaru had returned to duty a month ago after Sasuke told him to go. Shikamaru was happy to be back on missions with his squad and Sasuke couldn't wait until he could be back on missions as well. Kakashi had refused to go back onto missions until Sasuke was completely healthy again. They had their first mission back as team seven tomorrow and Sasuke was excited and ready for it. Sasuke left the bathroom to grab his jacket and head out to take care of something that was long overdue.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX

Kakashi walked into Tsunade's office to speak to her about the new position that she had offered him two months ago. Kakashi had spent many hours thinking about it and speaking to Iruka about what he thought. Kakashi really didn't know if he could do it or if he wanted to do it yet. He was completely on the fence with his decision, but he needed to make one. His time was up so he was just going to go with his gut and hope it would be the right decision.

"Ah Kakashi, what can I do for you?"

"I've been thinking a lot about the promotion and I have come to my decision for you."

"And what would that be?"

"I'll do it. I don't know if I'll be any good at it, but I'm willing to try and see if I can."

"If it doesn't work out, then let me know and I will come up with a different solution. For now congratulations and when you return from your mission tomorrow we can go through and over everything."

"Yes Hokage-Sama."

"I believe in you Kakashi. You can do this. Now I have work to do, so get out of here."

Kakashi just gave a nod and headed out of the office. He needed to be somewhere anyways so he was fine with the conversation coming to an end. Kakashi didn't know if he would be able to handle everything, but he was going to give it a try. Kakashi headed over to where he was certain Sasuke would be heading.

It was just after six at night and Sasuke was walking down the street and headed down to the Compound. Sasuke wanted to see what it was that Itachi had left for him and he had to go back to his old house to find out. Sasuke really didn't want to do this, but he had to in order to finally be able to move on from everything that happened that night. Sasuke was nervous and scared to go back into the house. He hadn't been in it since that night and he didn't know if he would even be able to go in, but he had to. The place where they kept all their secrets was in that house so Sasuke had to go in. Sasuke walked up to the Compound entrance and saw that Kakashi and Shikamaru were standing there.

"What are you two doing here?" Sasuke asked.

"We had a feeling you would be coming here tonight. We figured you might need some company." Kakashi said.

"How did you know I would be coming here tonight?" Sasuke asked.

"It was just a guess. You are able to return to duty tomorrow. We figured you might go looking tonight for whatever it was that Itachi left for you." Shikamaru answered.

"I have to know." Sasuke simply answered.

"We know and we thought you could use the company." Kakashi said.

"I haven't been through the house since that night." Sasuke said softly looking at the front entrance.

Kakashi and Shikamaru stood on either side of Sasuke for support.

"Whenever you are ready we can go in." Shikamaru said.

"I don't think I'll ever be ready. So might as well just do it." Sasuke said.

They all walked through the entrance of the Uchiha Compound. Kakashi had been through here before when he was cleaning it up and finding Sasuke a house to stay in. Kakashi could still remember all of the dried blood that was all over the building walls and on the ground. Now it was like it never happened. The Compound still had a weird energy within it. It was dark and very depressing. The life that once filled these walls was no longer there and Kakashi doubted if it ever would be again. This was all Sasuke's land, his property, and Kakashi wouldn't be surprised if Sasuke tore it all down when he got older. They made it to Sasuke's old house and they stopped out front of it. They stood there looking at the main Uchiha house, the house where all of the Clan leaders had lived with their families. This was supposed to be Sasuke's house when he became the leader of the Clan. That's how it worked. The oldest son was always the one to protect the new heir to the Clan. The second son was the one to become the heir and take over. It was an old tradition from when the Clan first started. It was believed that the job of the eldest son was to protect his younger siblings and older sisters. It was the second son's job to take care of the Clan and lead them to victory and safety. Sasuke's job would have been to lead the Clan, and Itachi's job would have been to protect Sasuke. Should Sasuke die, before any of his sons could take over the title, it would then fall onto Itachi until one of the sons were of age to take over. Now that bloodline was dead and only Sasuke and Itachi were left.

Kakashi hadn't even been inside of this house since that night so he didn't know what they would be walking into. He knew that he could handle it, but he didn't know how well Shikamaru and Sasuke would handle it. Kakashi knew that Sasuke wouldn't be able to handle being in here very well, but he also knew that Sasuke needed to go in so he could have some closure and peace with that night. Sasuke knew he had to go in there and he knew the longer he stood outside thinking about it the harder it would be to go inside. He knew where he needed to go and he could avoid the meditation room so he wouldn't have to see the blood from his parents. Sasuke took a deep breath and decided to look at this like a mission. He was to go in get the paper and get out. No more, no less. Sasuke went and headed for the front door with Kakashi and Shikamaru behind him. Sasuke opened the unlocked door and headed inside and went straight for the stairs. He didn't even look around for a second. Kakashi and Shikamaru followed Sasuke, but Shikamaru couldn't help, but look around as he did so. The place was covered in dust that much was obvious. It was also not very decorated. He didn't see any pictures on the walls of the family. Nothing to make this place look like a home, it was just a house. Shikamaru thought it was weird, because his home was full of family pictures and of him growing up. His mother was always chasing him around with the camera growing up and she still does on family time. Sasuke truly did come from a different world than him and it would take Sasuke a while to be comfortable in his world.

They headed up the stairs and Sasuke went into Itachi's old bedroom. They always had a secret hiding spot that they could use so their father wouldn't see something. Itachi's room was full of books along one wall. There were weapons on another wall that were dusty and starting to tarnish from lack of use and cleaning. There was a bed, a desk and a dresser in the room as well. There were pictures of Sasuke and Itachi together on the walls. It was clear that Itachi loved Sasuke. There were no pictures of anyone else, just the two of them. Sasuke went over to the bookcase and removed one of the books about ninja strategy. Behind it was a book about learning piano. Both Kakashi and Shikamaru were confused about why there would be that book and why it would be hidden.

"Itachi was allowed to read, because father felt like he was strong and reaching his potential. Father was very proud of Itachi and he let Itachi get away with everything. I wasn't so lucky. I loved to read, but he never let me. Itachi used to tell them that he was taking me with him to train and he would train me. He would hide a book in his pack for me to read while he trained. I would spend hours reading while he trained. Near the end he would train me so he technically didn't lie to father. He was a great teacher. He really encouraged me to read and to just be me. When he was away from a mission he would bring me back two books. One was a language book from a different country for me to learn. The second was always a music book. This book was the first music book he gave me. I was four and we went to an auditorium one day for a family gathering. In one of the rooms there was a piano and I sat down and started to just play around on it. The next mission he went on was the first time he brought me books back. He would take me down to the auditorium and let me play on the piano. I would read the book and I learned how to play. When I was six for my sixth birthday he bought me a guitar. I remember father was so mad, but he didn't say anything. Itachi must have told him something beforehand. I had the guitar until the fire. I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. Whenever we needed to tell each other something really important and we didn't want anyone to overhear. We would write it down and put it in this book."

"That's really cool that you can play the piano and guitar Sasuke. You two were really close. That must have made what happened that night even worse." Shikamaru said.

"It did, because it didn't make sense. That wasn't the Itachi I knew."

"Itachi must have wrote something for you before he did what he did." Kakashi said.

"He either wrote that it was all a lie that he didn't care. Or he wrote why he really did what he did."

"Are you going to find out?" Shikamaru asked.

"No. For now I'll keep the book in my place and when I'm ready to know what his final words he wanted me to know are, then I'll read it. For now I just want my life to go back to normal. I just want to go on missions and do what I always do. When I'm ready to know the whole truth then I'll read what he wrote."

"I think that's the best solution Sasuke." Kakashi said.

"You ready to head out of here?" Shikamaru asked.

"Ya. One day I'll do something with this place. Until that day I can just continue to collect dust."

"You'll figure out what to do with the Compound when you are older and are ready to cross that bridge. For now the best thing you can do is just grow up and live your life the way you want to live it." Kakashi said.

"Let's go." Sasuke said.

They all headed out of the house and out of the Compound. It was just after seven o'clock at night and Sasuke was ready to be alone. He headed home and put the book down on his desk. One day when he was ready to know what Itachi wanted to tell him he would read it. Sasuke made something to eat then sat down to watch a little TV before he headed off to bed. He had his first mission tomorrow and he was excited to be back to a normal routine and life. Sasuke was up and ready to go on his mission in the morning. He headed over to the front gate where they would be meeting up. Sasuke was the first one there and he was so happy to be back to work. He didn't let it show, but he was really looking forward to being out, even if it was just a simple C-Ranked mission. Naruto and Sakura showed up about fifteen minutes later.

"Hey Sasuke! It's about time you got back to work." Naruto yelled with enthusiasm.

"It's good to see you back to duty Sasuke. How are you feeling?" Sakura asked.

"I'm fine and ready to work."

"Well it's about time Sasuke. I was starting to think you were never going to get better. It took you long enough."

"It's good to have you back Sasuke." Sakura said.

"It's good to be back."

Kakashi showed up about half an hour later. He was always late, but for missions he wasn't as late as he usually was for training or a team meeting.

"Yo"

"You're late!" Naruto and Sakura yelled.

"I'm sorry, but there was a very informative old man on my path and as you know it would be rude not to listen to your elders. Now shall we go?"

"Of course we can go; we've been waiting for you to show up." Naruto mumbled.

"Sasuke, are you ready?" Kakashi asked.

"I'm ready."

"Then let's go team." Kakashi said.

They all took off to start their mission as a team once again. Sasuke couldn't help, but let his mind wander to everything that had happened in the past few months. His apartment was burned down with him almost in it. He was in the hospital, he was forced to live in the Compound and abide by old Uchiha laws. He lived with Kakashi, Shikamaru kissed him; he was captured by ANBU and tortured for nine days. He was unconscious for fifteen days, he almost bleed to death, he had to relearn how to walk and now his brother's mystery letter that he told him about before he killed all these people to protect him. A lot had happened and most of it was for the worse. There were a few moments when he was able to say was a positive moment. Him and Shikamaru had gotten close and were making out a lot. Sasuke had gotten closer to Kakashi and looked at him as more than just a sensei. Shikamaru's parents had accepted him into their home and lives. Sasuke had been through hell in these past few months, but at the end of it all he ended up coming through with his own little family. Sasuke didn't know what the future would hold, but he found himself wanting to find out. For the first time in his life since he was seven he was looking towards the future and not the past.

The End

A/N: So yes this is the end of this story, but have no fear, because there will be a sequel to this one. It won't be anything serious just a lot of fluffy stuff. It will be about Kakashi and Iruka handling Kakashi's new job. It will be about Shikamaru and Sasuke's relationship growing and them going through each other being on missions and getting small injuries nothing serious. There won't be any major plot twist or anything too serious. It will just be a fun little story, but there will be a sequel.