"I don't trust him." says the lazy teen. Him and Naruto were currently in the music auditorium eating their ramen.
Naruto slowly slurps up a mouthful of noodles. "Yeah, I don't particularly either but he's my English partner. I don't really have a choice in the matter." he says with a slight shrug.
"What a drag, this whole camping thing is going to be so troublesome." Shikamaru complains in a rather bored tone.
"It won't be that bad for you, you'll have Choji and just think of all the cloud watching you'll get in." Naruto says trying to convince his lazy friends.
Knowing how much Choji can pack in Shikamaru snorts, "Easy for you to say, you don't have to feed him."
Letting out a slight chuckle, Naruto retorts " just be thankful Kakashi's not making us hunt and gather our own food."
"No, but fishing is still one of the pictures that he requests as part of our assignment requirements. Knowing Choji, he'll get a taste of fresh fish and want more." Shikamaru groans. He was not looking forward to all the effort that was required of him.
"You can't really blame him, if it weren't for pictures being required, you know most of the class simply wouldn't do it, yourself included." Naruto smirks, knowing his friend all too well. Naruto didn't mind the camping, it was being partnered with Sasuke he wasn't too thrilled about.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Shikamaru waves his hand dismissively at the blond.
Naruto chuckles at his friend as they finish up the rest of their ramen. Naruto wasn't a huge fan of it, but it was cheap and easy.
"So, I noticed you don't have a guitar out today, did you switch songs or something?" Shikamaru cautiously asks.
Naruto sighs, "actually, this morning I was writing a song specifically for the tribute and I'm pretty sure I'm going to play it on the piano."
"Naruto, I...Are you sure you're going to be okay doing this? He asks the blond gently. He didn't want his blond friend to suffer more than he already had.
"No, but I'll manage, you know me, I always do." the blond gives a sad smile.
Slightly frowning he asks the blond "do you want to play it for me?"
"It's not finished yet. It's going to be a heavy song and it needs to be perfect." Naruto quietly responds before getting up and tossing his ramen container into the trash.
"If you're not rehearsing, why are you here?" Shikamaru asked curiously, gesturing around the music auditorium as Naruto returned to his seat beside him.
"Because, I was given the time away from class and I'm going to use it. Plus it's easier to write without all the constant whispers.' Naruto confesses.
"Ah, I guess that makes sense." Shikamaru responds but Naruto could see he wanted to ask something else.
"Just ask Shika, you don't have to be shy with me." Naruto teases him while playfully bumping into his side with his elbow.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, he finally sighs "I was just wondering if you would still play something for me. It was so nice hearing you again."
Narutos eyes widened for a split second before giving his friend a gentle smile "Sure Shika."
Naruto gets up and walks on stage and takes a seat at the large black piano. He begins to play a gentle song that sends tingles up Shikamaru's spine. It's not often anything can get a reaction out of the lazy teen, but Narutos music always could. He felt privileged to share these moments with his friend once again.
"I don't trust him!" A rather angry Hyuga sneers.
"I know you don't, but he's my English partner, it can't be helped." the stoic raven responds. He really didn't mind being paired with the blond. Maybe being alone with him would provide some answers.
"Kiba sent you the video, didn't he? How can you be so calm being paired with that sicko! You should request a partner switch!" Neji asks all but yelling.
Sasuke tried his hardest not to think about the video all day, but here it was being brought up again. Something else had been bugging him about the video though, he figured with it being brought up this would be the perfect time to ask the alleged victim. "Kiba, I wanted to ask you something about that video."
"S-sure, what is it?" Kiba stammers, looking rather nervous.
"Why would you stop and record a boy getting attacked then leave? Why didn't you try and stop Naruto?"
"I was scared of him!" Kiba yells frantically, responding a bit too quickly.
"What the fuck Sasuke!" Neji scolds the raven for overstepping.
"Listen Neji, something just doesn't make sense with this whole situation and I'm just trying to understand. I would have never pulled my phone out to record the poor kid, I would have stepped in right away, being a previous victim or not." Sasuke defends his previous line of questioning.
"Listen Sasuke, we believe in each other here, outsiders' opinions don't matter. If Kiba says he was scared, he was scared. Now I don't want to hear another word about the video. It may be new to you, but we've all been through this already, understand?." Neji growls, tossing his turkey sandwich back on the table.
Opting to drop the subject to avoid the headache Sasuke simply nods his head slightly signalling the end of conversation.
'Something really isn't right with this whole situation. What are you hiding, Kiba?" Sasuke ponders to himself.
"Anyways, if you boys are done, I was thinking that to celebrate Sasuke-Kun joining our school and group we throw a party on Friday!" Sakura chirps, clinging onto the raven's arm only supporting his hypothesis that she was only normal when Lee was there.
"Alright, but why not Saturday?" Kiba asks while constantly stealing glances at Hinata, which didn't go unnoticed by Neji who raises an eyebrow at him.
"Because Ino and I have this totally lame English project where we have to go camping!." Sakura pouts.
"Any reason you have a problem with Friday night Kiba?" Neji asks with a smirk, looking between him and Hinata, making his cousin turn a shade of red comparable to that of a tomato.
"Oh, umm, errr, I k-kind of s-sort of asked Hinata out on a date." stuttered Kiba, trying his best not to look directly at Neji for fear of his response.
"Guys, I really don't do parties." Sasuke interrupts, rather irritated at the thought of them just assuming he'd go along with them. He really didn't want to spend his Friday night with a bunch of fucked up teens he hardly knew.
Sending an unreadable look to Kiba, Neji speaks up "switch your date till Saturday. Sasuke the party will be good for you. You said you're staying here, so let us give you a proper welcome. Come on, it'll be fun."
Kiba lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding before nodding. Sasuke doesn't say a word, he just sends his famous glare at Neji who seems to be immune to it.
"Great! 7pm Friday night at the Hyuga compound. Our families are away till next week so this will be perfect." Neji says, smirking at his stoic friend.
Sasuke scoffs then rolls his eyes "fine, but I'm not going to have any fun." This whole situation was annoying. He was glad he finally had a permanent home, but he still wasn't sure about all this socialisation. It all seemed very mentally draining.
"Oh come one Sasuke-Kun, I'll make sure you have the best time!" Sakura bats her eyes at him trying to look seductive.
Sasuke just grunts and pulls his arm out of her grip. "Don't you have a boyfriend?"
Leaning in, she whispers in his ear "I'd rather have you."
Sasuke rolls his eyes at her and tries to slide away. He didn't understand how someone from such a well known family could be so shameless. He was debating if finding a girl was really worth it. There was no question that the Hurano would undoubtedly sleep with him, but so would any other female. He was starting to remember the reason he's held onto his virginity for so long.
Sasuke mentally groans to himself 'why does this have to be so difficult?'
Finishing up his salad, he bids farewell to the group making the decision to head to gym early today. Walking through the halls he approaches the music auditorium which happens to be across from the locker rooms. Before even reaching the doorway his senses are struck by the sound of a piano playing a melody he's never heard before.
Curious, he decides to peek in again today. He sees the lazy kid from English and Math sitting in the front from watching Naruto again. The normally sleeping teen appears to actually be paying attention which surprised Sasuke.
Just like yesterday, as soon as Naruto feels his new audience member he stops and without even looking asks. "Are you going to stand there staring again, teme or are you coming in?"
Slightly startled as to how the blond knew it was him without even looking he made the decision to walk away, at least that's what his brain told him, but his body had other plans.
"Hn." Is all the raven says as he walks in and takes a seat near the brunette.
The brunette looks at him with tired eyes before speaking up "I know we have some classes together but I'm Shikamaru Nara."
'So he's the Nara' Sasuke makes a mental note to himself.
"Sasuke Uchiha" he responds with a slight nod in acknowledgement.
"He's good isn't he?" the Nara states more than asks, never once removing his eyes from his blond friend.
"Hn" is all he can say. There is no way he's going to come out and let anyone know how good he thinks the dobe is. Not only can he sing and play guitar, but he can play piano too. He briefly wondered if there was anything else he could play but quickly put those thoughts at bay in favour of watching the blond meticulously dance his fingers skillfully across the piano.
He wished the blond was singing, the music he was playing was beautiful, but he wanted nothing more than to hear the voice that would sync with the music.
Naruto was in a trance as he skillfully glided his fingers across the piano never missing a note. For him he was the only one in the room, getting lost in the melody that he was creating. This is where he belonged, playing music. He had gotten so lost in the pain that he had forgotten how much joy music brought him. Becoming flooded with guilt once again as he realises he's here and they aren't. They'll never play another show, never create another piece, never get another chance.
Feeling rather solemn he switches songs to one he can sing his sorrows through. His voice quaked, his eyes clenched, his body swayed as he portrayed every single emotion he was currently feeling.
"Naruto..." Shikamaru whispers not actually meaning to say it out loud as he looks up at his friend with slightly watery eyes.
Sasuke can't bring himself to look away from the blond in front of him. Listening to the boy is almost enough to make him feel sad. This is not a happy teen, and for some reason it affected Sasuke and he couldn't understand why. Even through the anguish, it was so...beautiful.
The bell rings signalling them to get to class but Naruto continues to play, neither teen dared to move until the blond was finished. Upon finishing they all sat there in silence for a moment until Naruto brought them out of their trances.
Rubbing the back of his neck nervously Naruto says "we should probably get to class."
"That was beautiful, Naruto thank you." Shikamaru gives Naruto a slight head nod before making his way out. Not missing the fact that the Uchiha is still rooted in his seat.
Returning the slight head nod as a way of saying he was welcome he realises the raven is still seated there. "Um Sasuke, shouldn't you be getting to class?"
"That was so sad." Sasuke whispers out loud not realising it until it's already out of his mouth. Widening his eyes for a brief moment at the realisation, he quickly stands up to begin the walk across the hall to the locker room hoping he didn't say it loud enough for Naruto to hear. Too bad for him the blond heard him loud and clear.
'Maybe you're not so bad' Naruto thought with a slight smile on his face.
'I swear he's a fucking sadist.' Sasuke thinks between pants, trying to regain his ability to calmly take in oxygen as he makes his way to the locker room. PE went by quickly, even though his lungs felt like they're on fire he rather enjoyed being pushed so hard. Naruto really was the only other one in class with any athleticism.
Every lap Sasuke ran he took pride in knowing he was in the lead, all the way till the end where that dobe took off in a full blown sprint beating him by half a lap. Sasuke was astonished at his stamina. Sasuke was always on the track team whenever his family's business would permit them to stay in one place long enough. In all the track teams he'd been on, he'd never quite seen anybody who could surprise him, let alone beat him. He thought maybe he was a bit out of shape but quickly reminded himself that wasn't possible.
This just wasn't something he could let slide, he needed to start running more, he couldn't let anyone beat him. In a way it was kind of exciting, he's never had anyone to seriously compete with. Making up his mind he quickly shoots a text to his driver letting him know that he's not going to need a pick up yet. Collecting his clothes from his locker and placing them in his bag he made his way outside to the track field. When he gets out there he's greeted by none other than Naruto.
'Why, why the hell is he out here.' Sasuke mentally groans. He just wanted some alone time to train.
Naruto happened to look up and see Sasuke standing there with a rather irritated look on his face. He was about to tease him about starting again but decided against it. He could tell based on what Sasuke was wearing that he planned on training. Putting two and two together he figured Sasuke was irritated that he was out here. He couldn't blame him, it was outside of school hours now, who knows what kind of shit his friends would give him for being seen training on the same field together.
Making his decision, Naruto lowers his gaze and walks away from the field, heading inside to get a shower and head home, hoping his father was still away.
Sasuke sees the blond notice him and was expecting him to make some snarky comment about starting to which Sasuke was not in the mood for. Sasuke actually felt slightly disappointed when the blond said nothing. Instead he looked down and walked away from the field back towards the school.
'What just happened?' Sasuke thought to himself with almost a slight frown. Deciding it's best to just ignore it he set about running a few laps, trying to keep a steady pace. Feeling himself tiring he puts his all in on his final lap slumping over trying to drastically catch his breath. In the midst of his rapid gasps for air he hears it. "SASUKE-KUN! You are so good, oh my god!" The pink haired girl screeches running across the field to him.
'Great, why didn't I think she'd find me?' he berates himself, using all his might to try and will her away.
Looking over when he feels something leech onto him he realised she was there clinging to his sweat drenched body. Feeling defeated he asks "What do you want Sakura?"
Using her index and middle finger to walk their way up from his wrist to his bicep and batting her eyes at him she says "I was hoping we could spend some time together."
"Sakura, I'm busy and I thought we were through this, you have a boyfriend." Sasuke says flatly while snatching his arm from her grip.
"But I want you Sasuke!" she whines, fake pouting and stomping her foot like a child in an attempt to look cute.
Sasuke just glares at her. "No."
He couldn't help but feel bad for Lee. Sure he just met him, and he seems rather annoying but no one deserves to be strung along like the poor sap. Then what Naruto said yesterday rang through in his mind "Try me, at least I'm not fucking with someone's heart." Sasuke could know if it was true for Naruto, but Naruto had definitely pegged Sakura that was for sure. She was stringing Lee along like a damn marionette.
"But Sasuke-Kun I could make you feel so good." she purrs while reaching and barely palming the young Uchihas crotch.
"What the fuck Sakura! Get the fuck off of me! Don't ever touch me again!" He rages at her, the nerve of this slut. She thinks she can just touch whoever she wants. From the moment she touched him, Sasuke knew she would not be the one privileged enough to be his first.
Leaving the girl standing there trembling, he storms off. Finally reaching the parking lot he realised he needed to text his driver to pick him up since dismissing him earlier. Grabbing his phone from his bag he unlocks it and sends a quick text to Kotetsu, his driver.
Sasuke:
Hey can you pick me up at the front of school?
Kotetsu:
On my way.
Locking his phone he slips it back in his bag. He really wished he'd gotten a shower and changed now, but he'll just have to wait till he gets home now. He'll know next time just to leave his things in his locker. As he leans against the wall and waits for his driver his body finally reminds him that he had almost no sleep last night. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't impressed with how he was able to push himself with so little sleep. Just as he feels like he can't wait a moment longer Kotetsu drives up and Sasuke hops in, finally heading home to get a well deserved shower.
Sasuke arrives home to find a rather empty house, not even the maid is anywhere to be seen. Being used to the emptiness he goes to the fridge grabbing a well deserved bottle of water and a small container of cherry tomatoes. Quickly downing his water he sets about devouring his tomatoes. He didn't finish his lunch today because of the pink haired slut so he was rather hungry.
Making his way to his room he gets himself out some clean boxers and a black pair of sweats, making his way to the shower. Beginning the process of allowing the water to cascade down his body he wanted to think about why Naruto left the track field so abruptly. Realising he was thinking about Naruto while he was naked now he quickly shook the thought of the blond away for now.
Sitting on his bed, clean and clad in fresh sweats he digs out his copy of Crabbe and begins reading the next journal entry. The next thing he knows he hears a loud banging. He springs up out of bed to find his brother opening his door chuckling at him.
'Shit I must have been more tired than I thought' he thinks to himself as he realises he fell asleep.
"Tired today are we Sasuke?" Itachi teases, giving a smirk to his half asleep little brother.
"Oh shut it Itachi." grumbles the younger Uchiha.
Letting out a soft chuckle he says, "suppers ready."
Supper was quiet, it was just the three of them, Fugaku was busy preparing everything for the move. Next week they were leaving to look at the new location and to get everything set up for when they move next month.
After supper Sasuke thanks his mother before placing his dishes in the sink and making his way back to his room. It was 8pm now and Sasuke had read the same page for the last fifteen minutes. He was still wondering about Naruto. He wanted to know why he just walked away mid lap after seeing him. Sasuke knew he didn't really want anybody with him at the time, but still part of him felt a little offended. He's not used to people trying to avoid him.
Remembering he had gotten the dobes number so they could meet and get the things they'll need for their project next Saturday, Sasuke made the bold move of texting him. After writing and erasing what had to have been ten different messages he finally manned up and sent the text.
Sasuke:
Hey dobe it's Sasuke, when did you want to get stuff for the project?
He waited, and waited, and waited some more. Two hours had passed and not a single reply. 'Is this dobe ignoring me, did he give me a wrong number?' he thought a bit annoyed at the possibility. Why was he so difficult. Had this been anybody else he was sure that he would have gotten a response right away.
The time was now 11pm and Sasuke was so done with waiting on this dobe, he was ready to go into school early just to lecture the blond on manners. After deciding to do just that he gives himself a mean nod of affirmation. He goes to the washroom, brushes and flosses his teeth then comes back to bed and climbs under the covers ready to drift off into a hopefully normal sleep when all of a sudden he hears his phone go off.
'This dobe, now he's going to reply?.' He mentally growls.
Dobe:
Shit sorry! I didn't mean to keep you waiting, I just got off work and I'm not allowed my phone on shift. I work most evenings and nights most days but I'm available before 5pm on the weekends. Just let me know!
'Wait he has a job?' Sasuke felt like a dick now. Here he thought he was being ignored, but the guy was just working.
But that raised another question, 'why the hell does a highschooler need to work that fucking much?' Sasuke wondered. Sure Sasuke has been to the Sharingan Corp offices to shadow Itachi and his father, but that's way different. Finally finding a weird sense of relief that Naruto wasn't ignoring him he sent him a text back.
Sasuke:
Sure how's Sunday morning?
Dobe:
That works.
Sasuke:
Alright see ya tomorrow.
Dobe:
Night
Sasuke:
Good night dobe
Dobe:
Teme!
Locking his phone and placing it on his night stand Sasuke finds himself smiling ever so slightly before turning over and falling fast asleep. All previous thoughts regarding the track field seemingly forgotten.
Reaching his house Naruto is thrilled to see an empty driveway. His dad was still gone which meant he was safe for another night. Unlocking the door and walking in, Naruto slides off his converse and makes his way to the kitchen, still avoiding the living room. He opens up the fridge grabbing a bottle of water and chugs it down. He didn't have much food for himself at home as he usually eats while at work so he goes to his cupboard to see what he has for a light snack.
Realising he didn't have much here either he decides to eat his last banana. Making short work of his fruit he heads upstairs to get ready for his shift at work. Izuki had a day shift today so he knew he wouldn't be seeing her, which was fine, that just meant he'd have a quiet lunch for a change. He enjoyed her company but sometimes she was a little too clingy, and she was starting to try and dig further into his life. He knows that's what friends do, but it's not something he can allow to happen.
Narutos shift was pretty quiet, aside from the angry customers that blame him for certain shelves being empty. How was he supposed to magically pull stock out of his ass that hasn't arrived yet? Then there are the old horny women that make him reach things on the top shelves, or bend to grab things down low. He wasn't stupid, he knew they were finding ways to shamelessly check him out.
Sighing to himself he can't help but wonder 'Am I just a piece of meat to everyone?'
The store finally closes for the night so Naruto makes his exit after retrieving his phone from his locker. Placing his ear buds in he switches on his phone to see he has a missed text from an unknown number.
"Who the fuck could this be?' he asks himself.
Unknown:
Hey dobe it's Sasuke, when did you want to get stuff for the project?
'Oh this teme...well I did add my number under that name' he sighs before realising the time the text was sent.
"Shit this was three hours ago!" he curses himself, not really sure why but he felt bad for leaving the raven unanswered for so long. Quickly adding Sasukes number, obviously under Teme because it only seemed fair, he finally replies.
Naruto:
Shit sorry! I didn't mean to keep you waiting, I just got off work and I'm not allowed my phone on shift. I work most evenings and nights most days but I'm available before 5pm on the weekends. Just let me know!
Teme:
Sure how's Sunday morning?
Naruto:
That works.
Teme:
Alright see ya tomorrow.
Naruto:
Night
Teme:
Good night dobe
Naruto:
Teme!
Chuckling to himself, Naruto found himself smiling. For some odd reason he couldn't put his finger on he rather liked their childish bickering.
Finally resuming his original task of finding what music he's in the mood to listen to he found himself unable to decide. Leaving it to chance he decides to randomise and between the bar by Elliot smith begins to play through his ear buds.
Getting home his stomach dropped at the sight before him. "H-he's home" Naruto stutters to himself in barely a whisper.
The fact that he was home was bad enough, but what scared Naruto was that the lights were on which could only mean he waited up for him. When Minato waits up, nothing good comes of it.
Naruto opens the door and walks inside. Just as he closes it he's face is met with Minato's fist.
"Basement now!" Sneers Minato. You could feel the rage dripping from him.
"W-why? What did I do?" Naruto asks as his cheek begins to throb.
"Don't you fucking question me you fucking monster!" Minato rages, grabbing Naruto by the hair dragging him to the basement door and throws him down the stairs giving Naruto no time to brace himself.
"Fuck" Naruto groan in pain, his body landed twisted and on his shoulder. Cement flooring really isn't any good at softening blows.
"Wall now!" Minato demands while winding up and delivering a brutal kick directly to the young blond's abdomen causing Naruto to gasp and lose his breath.
Unable to move momentarily, Naruto wasn't able to comply with Minato's demands which only pissed Minato off more. Kicking Naruto once more but this time in the face causing Narutos body to be pushed around so he's now on his back.
Minato violently grabs hold of Narutos blond locks once more, dragging his body over towards his restraints. Naruto has no fight in him, it's already too late. He hates that he allows this to happen to him, he could fight back but it will always end the same. He hates so much that he's stuck because no one would believe the son of a high ranking detective could possibly be abused by such a "good" man.
Minato binds Narutos wrists and ankles together behind his back with chains before saying, "you know I think I'll use the crane tonight."
With a sickening grin on his face Minato swiftly latches the hook onto Narutos ankle chains and presses a button causing a low humming sound to echo off the walls as the chained hook slowly lifts the young blond off the ground until he is dangling by his ankles. Then Minato cuts Narutos shirt from his body leaving his torso bare.
Walking over to a table that has an assortment of "tools" as Minato likes to refer to them, he places the shears down and picks up a belt that's been wrapped in razor wire before walking back to Naruto.
Crouching down in front of the young blond and tightly squeezing his face with one hand while the other grasps the belt with such force it behind to turn his knuckles white, he began to explain "So I heard a message from Orochimaru today. He called because for some reason he didn't think I got the message he left yesterday. You not only were you late to class and failed a test, but you assaulted him! If all of that wasn't bad enough you act like a sneaky fucking shit and delete the messages before Nadire could hear it!"
Naruto knew he was screwed, he had nothing to say, nothing would change the outcome. Seems even with making the deal, he was destined to be punished. He hated himself for not knowing Orochimaru would be suspicious as to how he was at school, he should have been recovering from whatever punishment Minato deemed suitable.
Without another word Minato delivers a blow to Naruto back, the sudden on slot of pain causing the teen to yelp.
Over and over Minato delivers blow after blow making sure to crisscross and layer his hits. "You like being late to class so much! Lets see you get to school tomorrow, or work for that matter!" Minato sneers before turning into a laughing maniac enjoying the pain he's inflicting on the teen before him.
Each hit was being delivered with more force then the last, Narutos throat hard gone hoarse from cries of agony. Tears streamed up Naruto's face landing on the floor and mixing with the pool of blood that lay beneath him. He could feel every nerve in his back exposed, each blow felt deeper than the last. Naruto had shut his eyes long ago, he didn't want to see the monster before him taking such joy in his suffering. Hearing the belt tear through his bloody flesh was already too much for him to bear, the sound mixed with the excruciating pain made him nauseous.
Minato begins to tire after delivering what must have been the fiftieth blow. Throwing the blood soaked belt into a laundry tub he walks back over to his table and grabs a pair of pliers.
"You know you really deserve for me to go much harder on you, you got lucky that I'm tired and need to leave early or I'd let this drag on all night." With that Minato clamped the pliers onto Narutos Orbital piercing and rips in out of his ear causing Naruto to attempt to scream only for it to come out and a cracked cry.
Placing the pliers down Minato presses the release button on the crane causing Naruto to drop on the ground immediately with tremendous force leaving the barely conscious blond laying in his own blood. The last thing Naruto remembers is the monster tossing a bucket of salt water on him before everything turned to black.