So I probably could have split this into two chapters, but I loved it so much I couldn't stop writing and I wanted to put it all out at once. It was almost 17 pages on Word so stay with me. It's gettng more intense, albeit slowly...and I know that the last chapter I posted was very rushed and not altogether fantastic, I tried to better this time. I hope you ENJOY it.
WARNINGS: Rape references, very very little language
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the characters in any way and I don't claim too.
Dark…the clouds were so dark…there was no moon tonight. Naruto walked up the stairs. Those stairs, those extremely familiar stairs…slowly Naruto realized that each step was bringing him closer and closer and closer to that dark hallway. The hallway…?
No, no, NO! The hallway led to the door, and Naruto had been through this before, he knew exactly what waited on the other side of that door. Screaming at himself to stop, Naruto's body continued forwards in the usual way, just like before.
The unlighted hallway area didn't faze Naruto this time, and the door was unlocked. His hand reached out to open the door…
"No!"
His hand met the rusty metal, and turned the knob slowly…
"Stop!"
Screaming as loud as he could to stop himself, his hand continued to turn the knob all the way, and the door creaked open. Placing a hand on the rough splintered door he pushed it open, moving to take the first step into the brooding darkness of his apartment, the darkness that had destroyed his life. His dreams…his…innocence-
"NO!"
It was too late, Naruto's mouth was covered with that black glove, the hated body pressed against his back as his arms were lashed behind him. Thrashing, Naruto violently tried to wrench away from the man, only to fall back onto the same damn lamp…the cuts, he could feel the blood from the cuts in his back that the shattered porcelain of the lamp base caused as he fell on it. Then came the cord around his feet, once more, feeling the biting cord in his legs, feeling the bruises fresh again.
The next thing Naruto knew, the man was dragging him down the hallway, past the bathroom…the bathroom, Naruto glanced in and saw the mirror untouched, unshattered…still innocent. But not for long. The next thing he knew he was up on the bed, Naruto thrashed and turned to the man, desperate for a glimpse at his torturer, but the man pushed his face away, into the dirty mattress as he ripped the pants off of Naruto's body.
No…not again, not again…
Naruto struggled violently as he felt movement from the assaulter, he was preparing to enter him-not this time…not this time! Naruto fought and kicked, but to no avail, once again he felt the harsh stinging and bursting pain as the man thrust into him sharp and merciless, jarring Naruto's body completely…but it didn't end. It kept going, this man wasn't going to stop!
On and on it went, the torture ceaseless, Naruto could feel every movement every excruciating movement. He was bleeding now, he knew it, and he could feel it. Still no stopping the vile man. Finally there was a break…was it over. Was it all over?
Naruto was suddenly wrenched upwards, a hand grasping at his blonde hair ripping the boys body upwards off the bed, refusing to make a sound Naruto was paralyzed, riddled with fear. The familiar black gloved hand gripped his throat suddenly, like a snake wrapping around its victim squeezing the life out of its prey. Naruto instantly struggled, kicking and thrashing the best his body would, it felt as if his eyes were going to pop out of his skull, pressure and pressure, and then a stinging sensation behind his eyes.
He couldn't breathe, he couldn't fight, but Naruto did fight even as the grip closed tighter and tighter and tighter, the bastard was too strong, too strong…he couldn't stop him. It was over. It was all over….
"NO!" Naruto sat straight up, panting and gasping for air. Instantly he raised a hand to his throat feeling for bruises, or even a black gloved hand still crushing the life out of him. To his relief there was nothing there…It was…a dream? Naruto thought. No…no, so real it was so real!
Naruto couldn't catch his breath, his heart was pounding and he was sweating, his lungs were screaming and his chest was moving rapidly. It wouldn't stop, his body wouldn't stop, Naruto's whole body was escalating to the point that Naruto felt like he would explode-
"Naruto!" the concerned voice rang in Naruto's ears like a gunshot at close range. Naruto looked up suddenly to see Sasuke was standing over him, at the back of the couch. Naruto just stared at the sickeningly concerned face plastered on the raven standing over him, and Naruto didn't respond, in fact Sasuke wasn't sure if Naruto even knew who Sasuke was at the moment. Naruto couldn't stop breathing so hard and so fast, his breaths were rapid and he was pale…so pale…and hot. Burning hot…no, freezing cold…Naruto grabbed his own wrist and rocked back on the couch, his pulse was racing.
Sasuke walked quickly around the side of the couch and knelt down in front of the heaving boy, Naruto's screams had woken him all the way upstairs, making Sasuke think Naruto had been murdered or at least something close to that. Sasuke kept talking to Naruto trying to get him to talk to back to him, but Naruto was completely unresponsive.
"Naruto, Naruto!" Sasuke kept trying to get Naruto from breathing so fast calling his name and trying to get the fox's attention. Naruto was wet with sweat, and his eyes looked wild and the most frightened Sasuke had ever seen. Sasuke quickly placed his hands on Naruto's shoulders, preventing the kitsune from moving around as much, and to try to get his attention. Sasuke shook the shuddering shoulders.
"Naruto, look at me!" Sasuke demanded with a touch of concern and worry filling his words. Naruto looked over at Sasuke, and finally understanding of what was or had happening dawned in his eyes. Sasuke caught a glimpse of sadness and utter hopelessness rush across Naruto's face before it disappeared before his own eyes. But Naruto nev
er broke their eye contact. Finally he took a deep breath and shuddered looking into Sasuke's eyes.
"Naruto…are you okay?" Sasuke asked slowly, looking for some kind of sign, so Sasuke could understand what had upset the blonde so badly, Sasuke waited on a response, his eyes studying Naruto's face. Naruto finally swallowed and said something so softly, Sasuke wasn't sure if he had even used a real word. He gently shook the blonde boy once again. "Naruto, say something!" he demanded. Naruto nodded, still trying to catch his breath.
For some reason, just the touch of Sasuke's hands were helping Naruto, knowing someone was there, beside him, and not the one who haunted him day and night in his thoughts and dreams. Naruto blinked a couple of times.
"S-sasuke…" he whispered, his voice hoarse, from screaming he guessed. "I woke you up," he offered pathetically. Sasuke let a small smile pass over his features before nodding in reply.
"You were screaming Naruto," Sasuke said seriously, his hands were still on Naruto's shoulder and he watched as Naruto closed his eyes, probably remembering the horror he had just visited in his mind.
"I'm sorry," Naruto whispered again, eyes still closed. "I'm…so sorry…"
"Sorry for what?" Sasuke asked, concern and confusion etched over Sasuke's face as his eyes danced over Naruto's searching for any clue to what was tormenting Naruto. Naruto swallowed and looked down.
"Nothing I…I just had a bad dream," Naruto cleared his throat and looked away. Sasuke opened his mouth to say something, but knew that the blonde had shut the conversation off, and goading him would only make things worse. The last thing he wanted was for Naruto to go ballistic again. Besides it was nearly 4 AM, and they both had classes in the morning. Sasuke looked over Naruto once more before rising from his knees and turning to leave the den when he felt a cold hand gently grabbed Sasuke's fingers.
When Sasuke turned to see what Naruto wanted, and the innocent angel like face that gazed up at him could've melted that Uchiha hardened heart in an instant, and Sasuke knew that if Naruto asked him for anything in that moment, he would've done ANYTHING to give it to him…and that terrified him. He gazed at Naruto too afraid to trust his voice to say a word he just gave Naruto the best emotionless mask he could muster. Naruto looked away from a moment and licked his lips.
"I know this is stupid…" Naruto muttered in a low tone. "But…" he cleared his throat again, "I can't sleep I-…would you just…sit there and make sure I do? I uh…I need to get rest for my Classes tomorrow." Naruto explained the last part a little hurriedly. Sasuke cleared his own throat and nodded easily nothing changing on that perfect face of his. Walking slowly Sasuke sat down in the armchair facing the couch that Naruto was sleeping on.
Sasuke shot Naruto a look as the fox began fidgeting around on the couch. Naruto yawned a response to Sasuke's unspoken command for the boy to go to sleep, and Naruto turned over as if to say "You don' tell me what to do…but okay".
Naruto gazed at the side of couch, trying to dismiss thoughts of his dreams and push down the images and memories that would flood his mind, and the fear that as soon as he closed his eyes, the man would be there. Always…always waiting on him in the darkness. Naruto rolled over again, to where he could get a better look at Sasuke. The raven haired boy was about to fall asleep himself, his eyes drooped heavily as he reclined in the chair. Naruto just watched him, feeling safe and protected for the first time in a very, very long time.
And the last thing Naruto saw before he drifted off was Sasuke, sitting there beside him.
XX
Sasuke blinked slowly as the pale sun fell on his eyes and rotated his instantly sore neck. Groaning he shifted his sore head slowly and looked over where Naruto was sleeping peacefully, breathing silently Sasuke moved to get up and Naruto stirred as sunlight fell on his own face. Sasuke stood slowly stretching his back.
Naruto opened his eyes slowly, waking up in the morning was always the hardest thing for him. He always wanted to fall right back to sleep. But when he opened his eyes he saw Sasuke standing in the midst of the sunlight coming in from the window and Naruto gave a small smile, but Sasuke didn't notice. Naruto gave a slight sigh as Sasuke continued stretching and glanced over at the watch on the mantle.
"We've got class in two hours," Sasuke said looking over at Naruto who seemed completely better from the night before. Naruto nodded and stretched his own muscles before pulling himself off the couch. He yawned and rubbed his blonde hair making it stand up in the air. Sasuke suppressed a laugh at the overly adorable boy and gave a little snarl at him.
"Thanks to you my whole body is sore, dobe," Sasuke said dully. Naruto made a face as he stood up.
"So? I never told you to sleep on that chair, you could've slept on the floor," Naruto taunted. "Besides what's it matter anyways?"
"It matters because I get the shower first, to try to get the knots out of my muscles with heat," Sasuke retorted, smirking slightly as Naruto rolled his eyes. Sasuke jumped on the stairs and started up them, heading towards the shower. Naruto watched him go.
"Don't drown in your bathwater, teme!" Naruto called after him.
"Hn."
Naruto laughed, it felt good…to laugh, it had been awhile…since the day he was raped. Naruto shrugged the bad thoughts off, ignoring the urge to shatter a window just so he could feel the cool glass sliding across his skin. Naruto pushed the bad 'energy' away and forced himself to think happier. Humming an old song he heard as he child he bounced into the kitchen and rummaged eagerly through Sasuke-teme's cabinets.
Humming still, and listening to the sounds of Sasuke's running water Naruto yanked out a pan, making a loud clattering noise. Naruto grinned and looked around at the mess he was making. Sasuke would be pissed.
About thirty minutes later, Sasuke came downstairs rubbing his wet hair with a towel, dressed to go, Sasuke was about to call for Naruto when he suddenly smelled food. Curious and slightly afraid that Naruto set the house on fire he walked into the kitchen to find a huge mess, with Naruto, as always in the middle of it. Naruto gave him a crooked grin, but before Sasuke could say anything Naruto pushed a plate piled with eggs, bacon, and other steaming breakfast foods before him.
Sasuke looked at the items on the hot plate and stared wide eyed before he glanced curiously up at Naruto.
"Where did you learn to cook like this Naruto?" he asked him, taking a bite of the food warily. It was delicious, one of the best tasting foods he'd had in a long time. "It's…surprisingly…really good," Sasuke said slowly. Naruto laughed again.
"I used to work at a diner, most of our business was breakfast so I picked up a couple of things," Naruto grinned, and started devouring his own plate. Sasuke gave a grunt, the food was delicious, and the next two minutes were filled only with the sounds of plates scraping as they crammed down the food. Sasuke sat back, taking a deep breath.
"I need to find out the name of that diner," Sasuke said slowly. Naruto looked up at the raven and broke out into a huge smile. Laughing at the Uchiha, Naruto felt so much more like himself. Sasuke gazed at Naruto for a moment, his head slightly tilted. That was more like the Naruto Sasuke remembered, and was constantly aggravated by. That smilingly constantly laughing bubbling pot of sickening and annoying…Naruto.
"You might want to stop laughing like a lunatic and get in the shower," Sasuke said dryly. Sasuke looked back at the mess that nearly hid the counters entirely. "And clean the kitchen." Naruto jumped up and heading for the door.
"You're right, I do need to get in the shower," Naruto said hurriedly as he walked away.
"Eh? Dobe-"
"Too late!" Naruto called over his shoulder as he scrambled up the stairs.
"Hn," Sasuke grunted and got up from his seat, surveying the mess. "If he stays with me for much longer I'm going to have to hire a maid full time." Sasuke sighed as he set to work on the evidence of Naruto's labor over the morning meal.
Several minutes later, Naruto dashed down the stairs, dressed in his only other pair of pants and his only other t-shirt. Sasuke raised his eyesbrows but said nothing, throwing the rag he had been cleaning with into the sink. Naruto messed with his damp flat blonde hair.
"So, Sasuke," Naruto said as Sasuke gathered his things. "We should do something fun for once. You don't do a lot of fun things around here and it's sad." Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"And what do you suggest?" came the question. Naruto looked up for a moment, as he followed Sasuke everywhere he went.
"ooh, how about a movie night?" Naruto demanded. Sasuke turned to him but said nothing. "Aw come on, teme, it'll be fun. Eating popcorn and candy and watching movies all night long…" Sasuke thought for a moment and turned back to Naruto.
"…Sure why not?" Sasuke said finally. Naruto pumped his fist in the air, and smiled broadly. Sasuke grabbed up his bag of books and walked to the door, Naruto following him. Sasuke grabbed his keys from the hook on the wall as he left the kitchen and swung the manor door open, and the two of them headed to the car.
"When can I drive?" Naruto asked innocently and he slide into the passenger seat of the car. Sasuke snorted and started the engine.
"Never."
"Why not?" Naruto demanded, Sasuke rolled his eyes as he pulled out of his driveway and shifted into the drive gear, pulling out into the long private road that led from the Mansion, to the public road.
"Because, I don't want to die anytime soon."
"Teme!"
This time it was Sasuke's turn to laugh.
XXSasuke closed his book and groaned as he stood from the harsh wooden seat in his Chemistry class, barely hearing the Professor call out the work that was due next week. Sasuke yawned involuntarily as he struggled to push through the throng of students attempting to escape the classroom. Sasuke glanced over at the clock held on the wall by a nail.
He turned and walked down the hallway looking for the Art History classroom, where Naruto currently was. As he turned the corner of the hallway, Sasuke was suddenly and violently pulled away from the classroom door. Angrily Sasuke snapped around to see who dared grab him and pull him aside, burning fire in his eyes, he turned to see the cool and calm face of Shikamaru.
"What your issue?" Sasuke shouted. Shikamaru looked around a moment before answering dryly.
"If you don't pipe down I won't be the only person dragging you through the school hallways," Shikamaru leaned back against the wall, waiting on Sasuke to calm down. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the lazy man but slowly simmered down. Shikamaru probably wouldn't exert enough energy to pull Sasuke away if it wasn't important.
"It's about Naruto," Shikamaru said shortly. Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
"What is it," Sasuke said in a low voice. Shikamaru motioned for Sasuke to follow him and he crept soundlessly back to the door to Naruto's Arty History Class. Sasuke shot Shikamaru a look, but followed his pointing finger and look inside the window.
Sasuke saw Naruto sitting deliberately away from everyone else in the class, he had his knees pulled up in his chair, and one arm covered the side of his face. He looked completely miserable as the teacher called on other students to explain pieces of art in the 1600s. Sasuke frowned.
"So…he's not sitting with anyone?" Sasuke asked sarcastically, but catching Shikamaru's glance Sasuke looked back into the room. "Maybe he doesn't feel good," Sasuke said, annoyed with Shikamaru.
"You're friends with Naruto, right?" Shika asked, as Sasuke shot him another look, but Shikamaru didn't care as he continued. "I've been helping in Art History for the past eight weeks, and Naruto is NEVER like this. He's always joking and laughing, center of attention. Something's up." Sasuke shook his head, still skeptical. Shikamaru sighed.
"Look Uchiha," he finally said, "I have roughly six classes with Naruto every week, I see him constantly-"
"Huh, when you're not asleep," Sasuke snorted.
"-and I know what he's like. And he's never like this, and everyday he gets worse and worse. I've seen him in other classes too, at lunch or breaks during classes he won't talk to anyone, he goes and sits under that old oak tree in the Quad. He's going downhill and I thought since you guys were both all moody and depressed you'd be able to talk to him." Sasuke growled at Shikamaru and Shikamaru shrugged. "Exhibit A." Sasuke pushed past him and walked to the bathroom, Naruto still had 15 minutes and he didn't want to sit there with Shikamaru for fifteen minutes.
Sasuke frowned as he stared at himself in the mirror of the boy's bathroom, thinking about what Shikamaru said. Was Naruto really like that all the time? Or was Shikamaru just messing with him? Neither answer made sense, he remembered Naruto this morning laughing and smiling, but here he was depressed…? No, it must be he didn't feel well or something happened today, but Shika doesn't make up crap like that…Sasuke shook himself, turned and walked out of the bathroom heading for the classroom door right as it burst open and busy students pushed through to escape into freedom.
Sasuke fought his way up to the door looking for Naruto. He was lagging behind, waiting to be the last one out. Sasuke watched closely as Sakura suddenly stopped Naruto and smiled brightly.
"Hey, so I was thinking you could come hang out with us, the whole gang again, we've missed you Naruto!" Sakura smiled and gave that annoying little tinkle of a laugh that just grated on every nerve in Sasuke's body. Naruto gave a fake smile and kept walking, nearly ignoring the pink haired girl barely muttering an audible:
"No thanks…"
Sakura rolled her eyes and shrugged, turned on her heel and nearly skipped out of the room catching up with her friends. Sasuke watched Naruto carefully. Naruto Uzumaki was a social and party junkie, everyone within a 500 mile radius knew it. And Naruto was constantly seeking Sakura's attention. Sasuke turned slightly too suddenly notice that Shikamaru was standing next to him. Naruto walked on, head down looking at his feet and didn't even notice that any one was standing at the door until he literally ran into Sasuke.
"Naruto!" Sasuke stopped Naruto who looked up suddenly. "Are you okay?" Naruto flashed a smile, then turned and looked at Shika.
"Yeah, yeah," Naruto nodded still smiling. "I'm just tired that's all, didn't get much sleep last night." Sasuke caught Naruto's eyes, but Naruto looked away. Shikamaru shrugged and looked over at Sasuke.
"Hey, Sasuke I need you for something right quick," Shika said with a strange light in his eyes. Sasuke looked back over at Naruto.
"No. I'm going to eat with-"
"Go ahead Sasuke," Naruto smiled again, "I'll catch up with you later." Shikamaru glanced at Naruto and then Sasuke, wondering why the two had made 'plans' together, but dismissed the thoughts and led Sasuke away. Naruto stepped in the opposite direction, towards the cafeteria. He had no money, so the free food was worth the lack of taste. And very possible health issues.
XX
Sasuke stormed angrily through the halls, he was going to be late meeting with Naruto to go get the fox some new things.
Idiot Shikamaru, Sasuke seethed, all that crap was for nothing, keeping me for no good reason-30 minutes of my time wasted on that sad lazy obnoxious-Sasuke stopped the tirade of angry thoughts when he happened to look out the window to his right.
Naruto was outside the college, sitting under the old Oak tree just as Shikamaru had told him. Sasuke rested his head on the cold glass, all this strange information Sasuke was getting was adding up. Which is strange for Sasuke, he always could read others and knew situations before they even happened. But this…this made no sense. Sasuke stared at Naruto who was leaning against the tree, eyes shut against the world. Sasuke suddenly made up his mind and turned on his heel, marching out the door and through the Quad. Sasuke approached Naruto, determined to find out what was wrong with the blue eyed mystery.
Sasuke strode all the way up to Naruto, with no reaction from the fox, he hadn't noticed he was there yet. Sasuke reached down and grabbed Naruto's shoulder, getting a strange reaction from Naruto. Naruto recoiled at the touch and started up off the ground, his fists clenched, and his eyes suddenly filled with an angry fear at the mere touch of his shoulder.
"Shit, Sasuke you scared me," Naruto breathed shakily forcing a smile. Sasuke gazed hard at Naruto, who once again couldn't hold the eye contact.
"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked him. "We're supposed to be meeting at the mall right now." Naruto looked up at Sasuke startled, he had completely forgotten.
"Oh…right," Naruto said slowly. "But I have practice tonight, and I've already missed two since we won the semi-finals," Naruto muttered half to himself and half to Sasuke. Sasuke sighed straightened out as he stood up.
"Fine we'll go another day," Sasuke said irritated, "but I don't know what you're going to wear." Naruto shifted slightly.
"I'll manage just like I always have," he said shrugging. Sasuke bit his lip, realizing he offended Naruto, he turned and walked off.
"I'll see you tonight for that movie things, right?" Sasuke turned around facing Naruto who looked up and gave a small grin.
"Wouldn't miss it!" Naruto looked back down at his feet, and Sasuke turned and walked away. Even if Naruto couldn't go today, that just meant more movies right? Sasuke never really liked movies, but it was something he felt would help Naruto, considering his weird behavior and that nightmare he had last night…hopefully tonight would get his mind off things. At least, that was the plan.
Naruto looked at the sky, it was about time for practice. But Naruto felt like a walking mass of lifeless waste, he had no energy and was violently and seriously not looking forwards to the rough practices that they went through at their practices. And they were already pissed at him for missing two practices with the championship coming up. Naruto sighed and made his way down to the field where the rest of his teammates were already warming up practicing high flying aerial kicks and complicated footwork.
Naruto made his way down the concrete steps one at a time, he couldn't really describe the way he felt, but overall he knew he would probably keel over at any time. As he went down the stairs he nearly missed one, causing him to stumble and bump into someone sitting in one of the rows of seats for the games.
"Sorry," Naruto said hurriedly before making his way down the stairs and onto the field. Naruto sat on the bench for a second, gathering as much meager energy as he could before he forced himself to go out there. Tightening his shoes, Naruto pushed himself off the bench and went out into the field, practicing the minimal amount of footwork, t he easiest thing to do in the game.
Finally the practice began in full swing, and everything seemed like a blur for Naruto. He knew that they were all aggravated with him, the once bouncing ball of energy is what they wanted, they wanted a tool a disposable tool to get them what they wanted. Naruto was almost disgusted, but he wasn't sure why. A couple of weeks ago, this team was his life. Now he dreaded being around the happy energetic group of boys.
And the boys were getting fed up with Naruto's complete lack of drive and his usual talented self. Especially Kiba.
"Hey, Uzumaki!" Kiba confronted Naruto. "Whats up with you today?" Naruto just shrugged and started to walk away. "And whats with the long sleeved shirt? I know it gets cold at night now, but come on' this is ball practice for crying out loud!"
Eventually the practice was terminated and they all started to leave, Naruto suddenly remembered that he had no means of transportation. Cursing continuously in his head, Naruto dreaded the hour and half walk back to Sasuke's house. The bus wouldn't go that far into the private nicer parts of town. Ignoring the boys Naruto grabbed his bag and walked away from the field, the laughing and loud voices of the other kids sounded muffled in his ears as he walked on.
The moon was out in full as Naruto walked on the sidewalk. The dark wasn't too frightening, Naruto decided mentally. The dark hid him from the others, from the horrifying scars that littered his very soul. The dark helped him hide from the real life. Then why did he hate the dark?
Naruto blinked as headlights his eyes momentarily, blinking Naruto watched as the black car slowly rolled past him on the road. The sidewalk ended ahead at a large fence that signaled that he was entering the nice part of town. Naruto moved off the sidewalk and into the center of the road walk past the fences keeping his feet on the yellow line that led down the black asphalt. Naruto didn't even notice the cold chill in the air, till light flooded from behind him.
Naruto turned, blinking at the sudden headlights. It was the same black car that had passed him only moments earlier. Naruto moved over into the lane, and walked on, waiting for the car to pass him. Naruto continued walking steadily ahead but the car didn't pass him. Naruto turned over his shoulder again, the car was rolling slowly, very slowly only a few paces behind Naruto. Naruto suddenly felt very cold, the windows were tinted and from what he could tell the car had no plates. Naruto picked up the pace, and the car did as well.
Naruto stopped in his tracks. Turning around once more to completely face the car that stopped completely and they stood there for a few terrifying moments. Before Naruto turned and took off in a headlong rush down the road. The car revved its engine before pulling off in pursuit of the fleeing blonde. Fear was fueling Naruto's legs into movement, his heart felt like it was pounding out his chest. He turned again while he was running to see the car was catching up with him, Naruto turned off the road and onto the sidewalk, pushing as hard as he could off his feet.
There was grating noise, and more light pooled on Naruto's running form. Naruto turned to see the car had half way pulled upon the sidewalk, coming dangerously close. Naruto gasped, his lungs burning he leaped off the sidewalk and closed his eyes, running straight on. He had no idea where he was going, but he knew he had to get away from this car.
Suddenly Naruto realized he was in a cul-de-sac, The worst possible place for him to be, the houses surrounding the circle had metal fences keeping Naruto inside the road as the dark car pulled slowly up blocking his only other exit. Naruto licked his dry lips, his chest heaving he turned to face the car.
The car facing him dead on suddenly started towards him, tires squealing as it burst into speed, Naruto turned and ran as fast he could, leaping onto one of the fences. Struggling, Naruto pulled himself over the fence, gasping as one of the sharp pickets of the harsh metal fence cut into his shoulder. Naruto finally pushed himself over the edge, panicking as he heard the car screech to a stop.
Tumbling over Naruto landed harshly on several sticks, striking his ankle on a rock jutting from the ground. Naruto turned to see the car was at a standstill. Naruto forced himself up on his knees, using the fence as a crutch to stand up all the way, Naruto bit his lip as the pain riveted through his ankle when he put weight on it. Gasping for air, and watching the car Naruto turned and started moving further into the backyard of the strangers home.
Once again Naruto heard the sound of the engine and tires of the car. It was turning and driving headlong towards the fence. Naruto's eyes filled with anger and horror as he turned and fled, only one thought in his head-I've got to get away!
Running as fast and he could to get away on his hurt ankle, Naruto stumbled several times as he dashed into a strip of woods that separated several properties. Tripping on roots and stumbling over rocks Naruto ran, fearing every shadow held something lying in wait for him. Finally, after what seemed like ages Naruto burst out of the woods and back onto the road. But not just any road, the private, long road that led to the Uchiha Manor.
Catching hold of a scrap of hope, Naruto limped up the road, heading towards the dark house up the hill. By this time his lungs and body felt like they were to collapse, and only a string of fast and terrified thoughts were streaming through the kitsunes mind, the main of which was still escaping. Naruto had nearly gotten to the gate when he saw a glint of light on the black iron bars. Turning Naruto saw the black car. That horrible black car, the car that contained someone who wanted to hurt him. To run him over.
Once again in a state of frenzy Naruto struggled with the gate, shaking the doors of it, turning around constantly to watch as the car got closer up the road. Finally Naruto was able to open the doors of the gate, and slowly force them back together, closing it tightly. Naruto didn't wait to see if the gate stopped the car, he just continued up the driveway towards the door of the house.
Falling twice on the stone stairs, Naruto used the door knob to pull himself up off the ground and with the last of his fading energy pushed down on the doorbell.
Sasuke stood in the small movie theater he had in the manor, when his brother used to live in the manor he had built it for his own enjoyment, though Sasuke never used it. Pulling out random handfuls of movies from Itachi's collection Sasuke tossed them down on the chairs, and glanced at his watch. Naruto should be home soon, right? Sasuke walked from the theater and headed down to the kitchen. He passed his door, when he heard a loud noise on the doorknob.
INSIDE-
Sasuke turned, and headed for the door, noticing that a car was pulling out of the private road from his house. But Sasuke didn't see anyone outside the door. Frowning, Sasuke turned away, but another loud noise on the door stopped him. Sasuke walked back to the door, flipped the deadbolt and yanked it open.
A body caught Sasuke off guard, it had been leaning against the door when Sasuke opened it. Sasuke struggled to stop the limp body from hitting the tile floor as he caught it in his arms. He looked down and saw-
"Naruto?" Sasuke breathed, surprised out of his mind. Naruto groaned in response, and Sasuke saw the blonde was injured and bleeding. Dragging him to the couch, Sasuke laid the fox on the blankets and hurriedly knelt beside him.
Examining him, Sasuke noticed dark blue bruises covered Naruto's exposed legs, his pants were torn to pieces and one of his shoe soles was nearly ripped off a purpled swelling ankle. Blood was dripping from Naruto's mouth, and his shirt had a rip in the shoulder, which also was bleeding heavily. Sasuke frowned and got up quickly.
Rushing around the house Sasuke grabbed a first aid kit, and several hot cloths, before returning to Naruto's side. Naruto was making noises again, obviously of pain, but he seemed to be mostly lucid. Sasuke looked at him.
"What the hell happened to you, dobe?" Sasuke demanded, opening the first aid kit and removing alcohol and several swabs along with bandages. Naruto groaned again.
"Fix your doorbell," came the hoarse voice of Naruto. Sasuke glanced up at Naruto before looking over at his shoulder. Putting his fingers into the rip in his shirt, Sasuke tried to pull the fabric away so he could look clearly at the injury. It was too bloody, and the shirt was getting in the way. Sasuke pulled on the fabric making the tear bigger, intending to rip the sleeve completely off.
Naruto slapped his free hand on Sasuke's fingers before he pulled the fabric apart.
"Stop," Naruto said suddenly. "Leave it alone."
"I have to pull it apart Naruto, you're bleeding and there's already a tear in the shirt-"
"Just leave it alone!" Naruto snapped. Sasuke glared at him, but shifted his fingers, pulling the tear a little more he left the sleeve in tact, he didn't have time to argue with the stubborn idiot. Putting the warm cloth on the wound, he wiped away the blood as Naruto cringed at the touch. Finally clear Sasuke saw it wasn't too serious, no stitches were needed, so Naruto should be fine…
Sasuke pulled a swab out and poured alcohol on it before apply it directly to the wound.
"HOLY SH-OWWW" Naruto gasped nearly jumping off the couch. Sasuke firmly pulled him down and continued, not giving a word to the writhing blonde. Finally Sasuke placed five butterfly bandages on the wound before moving on to the rest of Naruto's injuries.
Finally, Sasuke had finished, Naruto was cleaned up, with some of Sasuke's old clothes, and a tight bandage around his ankle. And despite Sasuke's misgivings Naruto refused to give up the movie night. The last thing Naruto wanted actually, was to lay in the dark again, for his mind to take over his body completely..so, limping, Naruto followed Sasuke into the theater room. Naruto looked around in awe.
"This…is amazing," Naruto turned to Sasuke, "why didn't you mention this before, teme?" Sasuke grinned, Naruto was acting much more normal…very different from earlier today…Sasuke's mind was pulled back to the present when Naruto snatched up a movie and threw it at Sasuke's head, who grabbed it just in time.
"Put it in!" Naruto said eagerly. Sasuke rolled his eyes but put in the action comedy movie. Handing Naruto a bowl of popcorn, he helped the fox into his seat before sitting beside him. But for some reason Sasuke was more drawn to watching Naruto, who was of course fixated on the movie. And Sasuke couldn't keep his eyes off the wide blue eyed boy who was absorbing everything on the large projection screen.
Five hours and three movies later, Naruto finally dozed, dropping another bowl of popcorn on the floor. Sasuke could tell that Naruto had been fighting sleep for awhile, whatever had happened had sucked every ounce of energy from the kitsune. Sasuke went to chair and shook and the boy gently, who opened his eyes quickly. Looking at Sasuke, then the credits running on the screen.
"Come on dobe," Sasuke said softly. "Time for sleep." Naruto looked away but struggled up with Sasuke's assistance. Finally Sasuke led him out of the room and down the hall. Naruto turned towards the den, but Sasuke stopped him, motioning upstairs. Naruto looked puzzled but followed the raven without a word.
Helping Naruto up the stairs was chore, but once Sasuke got him up there, he took him into his own bedroom. Naruto glanced around, surprised.
"Why…"
"Don't be stupid, Naruto," Sasuke said quickly. "I'm not going to force you to sleep on a couch when you're injured." He helped Naruto into the bed, under the black sheets. Naruto gazed up at Sasuke, unsure of what to say, so he said nothing and just looked away. Sasuke nodded, brushed his hands off on his pants and turned to leave.
"Sasuke-" Naruto stopped him. Sasuke turned again, this was the second time Naruto had stopped him like this. After something weird happened to him. Naruto licked his cracked lips before offering: "Thank you." Sasuke nodded, a little stunned by how the simple words seemed to crack his shield. Sasuke walked out, closing the door behind him.
Sasuke wasn't downstairs for long, soon he heard a loud thump on the ceiling. Sasuke sprang up from the couch and ran up the stairs to see Naruto lying on the floor groaning as he woke up after slamming on the ground.
"Damn it Naruto, you're the most accident prone person on this planet," Sasuke sighed and walked into the room.
Sasuke bent down and picked him up, placing him back on the bed, the bed with tangled and thrown around sheets, so Sasuke started fixing them around the boy. Naruto's groan of pain caught Sasuke's attention again. Naruto's chest was heaving, and his eyes were closed tight in pain as he leaned against the head board. Sasuke climbed onto the mattress and over to the boy.
"Naruto…" Sasuke said quietly. Naruto shook his head, closing his eyes tighter. The feelings of and thoughts of the recent hours and Sasuke's hospitability and even through all that, Naruto felt overwhelmed and more alone than ever before. Sasuke pulled the wounded fox over to him, and Naruto powerless to pull away, his whole body felt like a concrete block.
Sasuke pulled Naruto to sit in front of him, before letting go, Naruto leaned back against the warm chest of Sasuke, his head on the front side of one of the raven's shoulders, Naruto took in a shuddering breath. Sasuke looked down at the tangled mess of a boy that was resting against him.
"Naruto," Sasuke said a little gruffly, "what happened to you, you've been acting so strange, and then you come home like this?" Sasuke had been wanting to ask Naruto why for a long time, but was afraid of Naruto going off on him, or running away. But now that he had the blonde securely in his arms, he knew that he couldn't go anywhere. Naruto shivered slightly.
Naruto wanted to tell Sasuke. He really did. But how could he tell Sasuke the things that had happened to him. How could Sasuke ever be friends or care about someone like him, the things that had happened to him. He was worthless, and Sasuke was…priceless.
"I…I fell," Naruto said finally. "I was walking back to your house and I accidently walked out in front of a car, when I jumped out of the way I fell and busted myself up. Then I tried to take a shortcut through some property, and I cut myself on a fence and then…"
"Its more than an hours walk from the school to here," Sasuke said staring down at kitsune in shock. "Why didn't you call me, or try to get anyone else to…to help you!" Naruto didn't say anything but tightened his eyes. Finally Sasuke relaxed, thinking over the strange abundance of incidents and actions that concerned Naruto Uzumaki.
When he looked back down Naruto had fallen asleep leaning against him, so peaceful and so…tired. Sasuke sighed and rested his head against the blonde before his own eyes grew heavy.
What is happening to him?
Okay, so I'm planning on having an intense chapter next time, a little more then just a car chasing him down and trying to spatter his brains on the asphalt. I hope you've enjoyed it...