AN: Yes, I really did publish a new chapter! I kinda hate myself because I had finally gotten people to read this thing, and then I quit for like nine months, unfortunately I must give excuses, after some family issues, my internet broke down for almost two months-afterwards I kinda had forgotten about this whole thing...It didn't really matter though because I had run out of inspiration!
But as usual, after a couple of months away from the story, I finally got back and set up an outline for the next couple of chapters.
I'm not sure why but I had a hard time forcing myself to sit down and finish this chapter. For some reason I liked my last chapter so much last time it was difficult for me to…continue?
Anyways, I have I think I have up to chapter 20 pretty much outlined (barely like, I know the loose plotline) so my only problem is forcing myself to write them! Also writing two stories at the same time is a LOT more difficult than I thought it would be. A major headache.
Okay, so here's addressing a couple of reviews from last chapters (questions) AND to recognize those who reviewed as is my random habit or promise, whatever.
I believe there was a question about the rapist, don't worry, I have some pretty major plans for that, and the rapist will absolutely be stirring up the drama and plot later on in the story, but I didn't want to completely focus on him, seeing as that would get old really quick. BUT he will be back...in some way, I'm not sure if its physical or yeah, you'll just have to wait and see.
Special Thanks to:
HugAZombie,-Krankinator-, PrincessAyla1994, satans-sweety, Angel-Winged-Kistune, nEmo96, Momoluvsu13, Kichou Ketatsuki, TheLittleRedWolf, ClosetMangaFan, Iaka, Book Hippie, AnimePrincess47, LukiStar, and TehBloodSpitter or Ongakukoi now, U...I LOVE YOUR POEM. And your disorder is fine with me ;), UnluckyTeddyBear3, littlelamb83 - thanks for your input (:, Cherry Jade *suppress another squeal*, and kiki2222
Okayyyy on with the chapter.
WARNINGS: language, SasuNaru fluff with a side of Emoness.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto!
(I always put Enjoy here, but it's getting old. Maybe I should put "Enjoy" in a different language every time…I enjoy these Author Notes too much)
Disfrutar!
It was around 8:00 PM when the fight broke out, in Konoha West Hospital's polished hallways.
Sasuke had been sitting beside Naruto, as always, watching him for any signs of improvement, when the door was suddenly burst open.
Sasuke looked up, startled. He was already annoyed with these people, and them opening the door and barging in on him wasn't helping to that fact.
Three nurses had come bustling in, not paying attention to the fact that Sasuke was sitting right there, they started checking numbers on the machines, looking at Naruto every now and then, and then glancing at their clipboards. There moves were hurried and obviously they were in a frenzy to get whatever they were doing…done.
Sasuke watched them, every movement absorbed by the cold gaze of the obsidian eyes, and he easily caught on when one of them start flipping the switches on one of the devices keeping Naruto alive.
Sasuke stood so quickly that his chair slammed to the ground making a loud noise as it hit the tile.
"What do you think you're doing?" Sasuke seethed. The startled nurses turned to him.
They glanced around at each other, unsure of what to say. Finally, the one who had started turning off Naruto's equipment spoke up.
"Please, sir, we have to…unplug these machines." The voice came slow, unsure of the reaction.
"Why?" Sasuke demanded, stepping forwards. The nurse moved back to his friends.
"T-they're needed elsewhere."
"No," Sasuke snapped, his eyes glimmering with anger. "They're needed right where they are."
The nurses looked around at each other, none of them offering up another word, Sasuke glared at them before turning his head to see Naruto's body breathing gently on the bed. The nurses obviously took this as an unspoken threat, nudging each other they finally turned and filed out of the door.
Sasuke tried to calm down his boiling feelings, fumbling around he grabbed the phone that rested on the table beside Naruto's hospital bed.
"Hello, sir," the doctor said with a forced on smile, obviously he wasn't glad to be doing this. "My name is Doctor Hinohara, I'm in charge here. I'm very sorry to inform you that this hospital can no longer keep this patient in our care, due to the fact that as an unresponsive patient after going weeks without showing any improvements is considered brain dead. Without the written consent of his legal guardian, which it says here is…-"
"So what?" Sasuke demanded in an angry and shocked voice. "You're just going to kill him?"
"The patient has been here for awhile, and he hasn't shown any signs of recovering in any way. Our policies and rules clearly dictate in-"
"I don't give a fuck what your policies say," Sasuke seethed in a dangerously low voice.
"This equipment is needed for someone else!" The doctor's fake smile had vanished from his face and he was clearly troubled. "Some other man is struggling to survive, and this hospital doesn't have the resources to help him without these machines." Sasuke took a step closer, his eyes never leaving from the others.
Nervously, the nurse standing close by to the doctor tugged on his coat.
"M-maybe we should just come back later?" She whispered. Another nurse nudged her angrily.
"If that man is going to get these machines he needs them now," she hissed. Sasuke walked forwards slowly, like a lion about to pounce on his prey. With his teeth barred he advanced towards the doctor.
"You're killing Naruto," Sasuke said slowly, "he's a human being. You're treating him as if he's laying there dead."
"Well, brain dea-"
"After all he's been through, after all he's lived through and you're just going to push a button and let him die?"
The doctor looked uncomfortable but didn't move. But the doctor didn't expect Sasuke to lunge for him.
A loud explosion of voices filled the room and the whole coma ward echoed with the shouts of Sasuke and the terrified and angry screams of the hospital staff. Finally detaching from the mayhem, Sasuke moved in between them and Naruto, daring any of them to go forwards.
Stepping forwards suddenly, the doctor grabbed Sasuke's arm, and started to pull on him. Pushing him away, Sasuke was pulled out of the door and into the hallway. Sasuke snarled and ripped his arm out of the doctors hands.
The nurses were busily trying to mess with the machines again. Sasuke turned towards the room.
"Don't touch him again!" Sasuke yelled loudly, gaining the attention of other nurses. Frightened by the tone of the raven's voice the nurses retreated and walked hurriedly out into the hallway, making a semicircle around the fuming man.
"You listen to me very carefully," The doctor said calmly. "This is my hospital, and we need that equipment."
"You listen to me, very carefully," Sasuke's eyes glimmered with hatred and intent as he stared down the man across from him, "you touch Naruto, and you'll be the one who ends up dead."
The doctor opened his mouth to answer, but a different voice rang through the hallway, stopping him.
"Dr. Hinohara! What the hell is going on here?"
Everyone turned to see a group of three security guards advancing quickly as they took in the scene around them, gave a sigh of relief, and the nurses instantly turned to each other and started whispering again.
Sasuke, however, took the moment in time when everyone was looking down at the security officers, to turn and dash back inside the hospital room. Slamming the door quickly behind him, Sasuke turned the lock. He knew that the lock couldn't hold the doctor back…
Grabbing the love seat from against the wall, he pulled it over to the door, pushing it all the way against it. Looking around the room wildly Sasuke moved around the hospital bed. There was a medical supply closet in this room, Sasuke opened the door and gazed around. His eyes fell on a sharp object lying on the metal surgical tray.
Grabbing it Sasuke ran back to the door, ignoring the loud protests of the people outside. He heard something scraping on the door handle, and almost immediately after the door was pushed open. Or at least the doctor attempted to, the door was stopped by the couch.
The doctor angrily pushed on the door as hard as he could, moving the couch slightly. He moved his hands around the door, pushing with all his strength.
"Give it up, I don't want to have to cause any more trouble for you, unfortunately this is going to happen…" The doctor heaved again. "You're fighting a useless battle."
Sasuke smirked before he jumped up on the couch. Pushing with all his might on the door, Sasuke was satisfied from the loud shriek of pain as the Doctor's hands were smashed In-between the door itself and the door frame.
The doctor quickly withdrew his injured hands and the door closed again. Sasuke took the sharp instrument and struck into the wood of the door at angle, pinning it to the door to the wall like a large nail.
Stepping back Sasuke wiped his hands off on his pants.
"Actually," Sasuke said his face close to the door. "I'm fighting the only one that's worth anything."
Xx
Sasuke leaned over in his seat, holding his head. They were being so loud outside the hospital room.
Sasuke grimly looked down at the peaceful face of Naruto, he was blissfully unaware that these people were trying to kill him.
Didn't they see that he was a human? A person? He deserved the chance at life, and they were writing him off as a vegetable. Sasuke blinked, unable to rid himself of the burning emotions that welled inside.
Grabbing his cellphone he punched in the numbers, Sasuke waited as the dial tone sounded.
"Hi, you've reached Iruka's cellphone, I can't answer right now so leave me a message! *AT THE TONE…*"
Sasuke sighed in frustration as the tone sounded in his ear.
"Listen, Iruka, I know you're probably working but you need to get up to the hospital as soon as you get off. These idiots here are trying to get in here to unplug Naruto…I need you to get here as soon as you can."
Sasuke threw his phone across the room, before leaning back against the wall.
The calm and rational side of him realized that they would take the door off its hinges soon, and they would be in there, but Sasuke knew that he would kill them all before they would touch Naruto.
"Naruto…" Sasuke said hoarsely, gazing at the ground. Sasuke couldn't stop the single tear that made its way down his face.
There was a loud bang at the door, and Sasuke knew they were almost inside the room. Standing quickly he went back inside the supply closet, finding the most threatening weapon he could, Sasuke moved to stand in front of Naruto, shifting into a fighting stance.
If they wanted Naruto, they would have to get through him.
Xx
Iruka Umino considered himself a calm man. He didn't like arguments or confrontation, and disliked fighting. Altogether he was peaceful and easy going.
All that changed when he saw the mob at his adopted son's hospital door.
Iruka had listened to the confusing call from Sasuke on his answering machine during his drive home from work, after hearing about the confrontation, and the problems with Naruto, he made his way to Konoha West Hospital as fast as he could. He wasn't prepared to turn the corner to see police men, injured doctor, and gossiping nurses blocking the way to Naruto.
When Iruka saw this he ran towards the mob, afraid of the worst, he tried to elbow past a couple of nurses.
In the middle of the mob were a couple of men. One was obviously a businessman, and a doctor with bandaged hands. They were waiting for the police men to finish ripping the doors off its frame.
"What's going on here?" Iruka demanded.
Surprised, the two men turned to see who had spoken. The business man looked annoyed, but the doctor gave him a sad look.
"Ah, uh Mr. Umino," The buisnessman said hurriedly. "Were taking care of this issue, let me just get you in the waiting room-"
"I want to know what you're doing to Naruto's room," Iruka pushed the doctors hands away, anger welling up inside him.
", you see after a period of time without your written-" the doctor started, searching for words. The business man rolled his eyes and turned to face Iruka.
"Some idiot locked himself inside that room," he snapped interrupting the doctor. "And we need the equipment inside, so we're ripping off the door to get to him." Iruka's eyes suddenly flashed.
"You need the equipment that's keeping my son alive?" Iruka said slowly. The doctor stepped away looking nervous. Iruka looked around the suddenly silent mob.
"Look," the business man brushed him off, turning back to the door. "The equipment is better used on the living then the dead."
Iruka felt liked he had been punched in the face.
"My son," Iruka seethed, "is very much alive. And you will not lay one finger even near him." Iruka noticed the police men still pulling the door apart. "Stop what you're doing right now!" Iruka shouted, his voice ringing through the hospital. "This will end now. What you're doing is not legal in anyway, and if you don't stop immediately I will sue this hospital and you whoever you are," Iruka pointed an accusing finger at the business man, "and I will make sure that neither of you have a penny to your names."
Every stopped, shocked by the tone and statement Iruka had just declared. Even the police stopped, gazing at the doctor to see his response.
The Doctor looked for a moment at the lawyer man before turning back to face Iruka. He gave a sigh and motioned for the police to stop what they're doing.
", to ensure Naruto's safety…" The doctor walked up carefully, watching the business man with the corner of his eye, moving close to Iruka he whispered into his ear- "You need to ask for the legal documents to keep Naruto alive."
Surprised, Iruka glanced at the doctor. Slowly, he opened his mouth again:
"I would like to see the legal documents to keep Naruto alive." The business man gave the doctor an angry look but opened his briefcase, pulling out several pieces of paper. Without a word, he thrust them towards Iruka (along with a pen). Iruka snatched the papers away, quickly reading them, Iruka made sure of what every document meant before quickly signing his name at the bottom.
The crowd almost instantly dispersed as Iruka handed over the documents, the nurses and doctors were the first to disappear, the police men finally gave up on what they were doing and begrudgingly left as well. After the hall was once again empty, Iruka nearly ran up to the door.
Knocking on the door loudly, Iruka waited for a response. After receiving nothing but silence, Iruka pounded on the door again.
"Sasuke, it's me, Iruka!" Iruka shouted into the door. There a was another moment of silence until Iruka finally heard Sasuke's low voice.
"I'm not opening the door, Iruka," Sasuke said from the other side of the door. "They're trying to kill him."
"I know," Iruka said, pressing himself against the cold wood. "I dealt with it, they're gone. Let me in, please."
There was another period of silence until Iruka heard Sasuke pulling something out of the wall, and the door slowly opened.
Sasuke stood defensively, not completely trusting Iruka, apparently. Iruka noticed the strange possessiveness, but didn't say anything about it. He offered a small smile, and Sasuke slowly moved out of the way, allowing Iruka entrance.
Iruka moved forwards and stood beside Naruto's bed. Rubbing his hand over the smooth skin of his forehead, Iruka gave a shaky sigh.
Considering the actions of this hospital, Iruka knew what the only thing he could truly do. Gazing over at the pale form of Sasuke, Iruka made another mental note about everything Sasuke had done for Naruto…turning away from Naruto, Iruka looked Sasuke in the eyes.
"Thank you, Sasuke," Iruka nearly whispered.
Sasuke nodded, but his eyes never left Naruto's form. Iruka laid a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, before he left the room to make the phone call.
FLASHBACK:
Flames…they were everywhere. How was the fire burning so brightly, when it was raining so hard? Naruto coughed, wiping warm liquid from the corners of his mouth. Struggling slightly, Naruto let out a hoarse sound as pain shot through his body.
He blinked several times; everything was dusty, and dark. It smelled very bad…like burnt rubber. He pushed against the ground, trying to pick himself up off the wet ground. It hurt every bone in his body, but Naruto finally succeeded in standing up.
What he saw was terrifying, as he took in the whole scene that lay in front of him.
Pieces of metal, fabric, and glass scattered the road. Most of it was on fire, Naruto noticed, burning brightly against the dark sky. What did he smell? Looking over to the right he noticed a shredded tire, that must be it. Looking around some more, all Naruto saw was more and more destruction.
Naruto's head was cloudy, and his confused eyes took in the whole situation, he didn't know…
What happened?
"M-mommy…" Naruto called out, his voice cracking. Noticing that she was nowhere in sight, Naruto stumbled forwards, ignoring the protests of his body.
Looking around wildly, Naruto noticed that the burning seemed to lead to a great shadow several feet away. Naruto stumbled closer to the mass, yelping the best he could as he stepped on shattered glass.
Naruto reached the mass, and slowly recollection filled his azure eyes as he realized it was a car. Or at least part of one.
Naruto gasped at the sudden pain in his side, reaching down he placed his small hand on his abdomen. He came in contact with a warm gushy substance. Surprised, Naruto pulled his hand away. Bringing it up to his face he gazed at the blood that was smeared all over his small palm.
Dazed and fascinated by the sight, Naruto finally remembered something else-his mother...
NO!
FLASHBACK INTERRUPTED
Naruto mentally struggled against the memory, forcing himself to push away. He couldn't relive that, he had blocked that out! Desperately his mind turned to grasp for happier memories…
Pictures and snippets of small memories with his friends, birthdays, Iruka…
Finally his mind stopped, discovering a different memory.
FLASHBACK
"You. You're Uzumaki…Naruto, right?"
The blonde turned in astonishment at the voice. He looked strangely at the raven who was sitting beside him.
"Y-yeah," Naruto said, still in shock. "We actually have known each other since grade school-"
"Right."
Naruto looked around, unsure of what to say, he turned back to the book he was supposed to be reading, whilst the professor was out of the classroom. It was weird enough for the dark haired man to talk at all, much less to him.
"So. You're on the kickball team, right?" the man said after awhile of awkward silence, his eyes never leaving the boys face.
"Yeah!" Naruto turned back to him happily. "I just got the word that I made the team, isn't that awesome?" Giving him a big grin, Naruto's attention was suddenly devoted entirely to the other man.
"Sure…" the boy couldn't suppress a famous smirk at Naruto. "You…play pretty well, Uzumaki. Not bad for a dobe."
Naruto eyed him for a moment, not sure it was a real compliment or a backhanded insult. Deciding it was just a cryptic, and rare notification of his existence, Naruto accepted it as a compliment.
"Thanks! But I'm not a dobe," Naruto said in a firm voice. "I'll be the best on the team, you'll see." The other raised an eyebrow.
"I'd actually like to see that," he said in a dry tone.
"If you come to one of the games, you will! Believe it!" Naruto gave a giant grin, not noticing how the other gave way to one as well, although considerably smaller.
"I'll hold you to it, Uzumaki."
"Alright! And you can call me Naruto."
"…and you can call me Sasuke."
Naruto let himself sink slowly into the memories surrounding Sasuke, after that day when their friendship truly began to build…
After flying through several memories of his first days at college with Sasuke, he was surprised at how fast he surfaced to the freshest memories in his mind. Unable to stop the barrage of memories that took over, Naruto was a helpless victim to the current of his mind once more.
FLASHBACKS(AN: these are snippets from previous chapters, to represent all the memories Naruto is flying through in his mind)
The lights in his area had burnt out a long time ago. He finally found the right one and inserted it into the lock; he whistled quietly as he opened the door and stepped inside. The door shut behind him, and Naruto turned in the dark to look for the light switch. When he turned it on he looked around his run down apartment and went towards the bathroom to shower.
Suddenly he felt a gloved hand around his mouth. Angrily he went to elbow the assailant but the person had used this as an opportunity to tie Naruto's hands together swiftly and pulled them tightly, enough to make it rip on Naruto's skin…
FLASHBACK
He looked under him and noticed the tiny drippings of blood dropping from his temple.
Naruto shakily felt his head and rubbed the cut with his finger. Pain riveted through his aching body but he couldn't stop. What was wrong with him? He finally pulled his finger away from the cut and gazed at the blood on his finger..
FLASHBACK
. It looks like a puzzle, Naruto mused to himself, staring at the mirror. He absently picked up a piece of it. It needs something. Naruto thought suddenly. He looked at his bare arm and the piece of glass in his hand. Carefully at first, Naruto slide the glass along his arm, wincing at the pain as blood slowly ebbed from the wound…
FLASHBACK
After about fifteen minutes of non-stop running he made it to the large Uchihah manor. He opened the large black gates and slipped inside, and made his way up the driveway and to the front door. He grabbed the handle and attempted to open the door, but found it looked. Naruto gazed through the two windows flanking the door and saw that all the lights were off in the house.
He walked out slowly into the rain, his mind seemed to be asleep. He walked to about halfway down the driveway before he suddenly sat down and stared off into space as the freezing rain poured down on him…
FLASHBACK
"Your staying with me," Sasuke said almost sternly.
Naruto was about to get up and protest but Sasuke placed two fingers quickly over Naruto's mouth. "I don't want to hear it. It's done." Naruto rolled his eyes and turned himself towards the fire, knowing there was no point in arguing with Sasuke. He watched the flames, as Sasuke gazed at him…
FLASHBACK
"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…
FLASHBACK
That was it. Naruto couldn't take it. Standing abruptly he gazed down at Sasuke.
"You're WHAT?" Naruto demanded. "You're just trying to help out the poor orphan boy living in the ghetto? Is that it? With your fancy clothes and cars and…and your 'protection'."
Sasuke looked up startled at the sudden outburst from Naruto.
"News flash, Uchiha!" Naruto nearly growled. "I don't need you to donate anything to me. I'm not your charity case. Go to hell Sasuke Uchiha, I never asked for any of this and I don't need you to save me, I don't WANT you to save me. Just leave me ALONE." Naruto smashed the napkin in his fist and threw it on the table, turning and storming out of the restaurant…
FLASHBACK
Roughly, the boot was removed from Naruto's wind pipe, causing the kitsune to take a sudden and raspy breath of the deprived oxygen. Shakily, Naruto heaved, leaning his head back he took deep ragged breathes, still unsure if he had died or not.
Slowly, Naruto turned his head to catch eyes with the once again grinning man.
"Something wrong?" came the raspy voice. The very sound of his voice grated against Naruto's nerves, causing him to flinch.
"Go to hell." Naruto snapped back, his voice cracking. The man leaned down, putting his face inches from Naruto's face.
"You first."
FLASHBACK
"Sasuke…listen to me," Naruto was saying softly, every word was an obvious effort. "I…I lied…about, everything-"
"Stop, stop Naruto, I know and I don't care-"
"I…do. I do need, saving…" Naruto continued, his eyes shimmering. "And I…always...needed it to be you." The deadpanned silence filled the dark air as Sasuke shook his head, trying to make Naruto to shut up.
"Naruto, stop-"
"S-Sasuke…I…"
FLASHBACKS END
Gazing up at Sasuke was the last thing he remembered…
He remembered.
Xx
The sound of beeping machinery was the first thing that Naruto Uzumaki heard as he slow swam up through the darkness.
His mind was very foggy, and his whole body felt like a rock. Suddenly terrified that he had died, Naruto clenched his eyes shut, afraid to breath. Finally gathering enough courage to see where he was, Naruto took a deep breath.
Slowly, Naruto tried to move his fingers. They responded, although slowly, and Naruto did the same with his feet, wiggling his toes gently. Satisfied that he wasn't crippled and no bones were broken, Naruto slowly opened his eyes.
The sudden lights blurred his eyesight.
Blinking rapidly, all Naruto could see was a blurry white surface and some sort of shadow was looming over his body…his heart skipped a beat.
I'm dead. I've died, I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm dead…
His blue eyes finally adjusted to the brightness of life, and Naruto finally could see. The white surface was a ceiling…and the shadow-
Naruto gazed almost wonderingly, though confused, at the shining black eyes that gazed down at him.
Sasuke.
Naruto licked his dry lips, his eyes locked on to Sasuke's. Mustering up his voice to speak, Naruto swallowed hard.
"Sasuke…?"
Naruto's voice was nothing more than a hoarse whisper, but it caused Sasuke to fall forwards towards him.
Naruto blinked, he felt extremely groggy, and hungry…and thirsty. The slight shudder on his leg made Naruto to look down at Sasuke in confusion; he had never seen Sasuke like this. The usually impassive man was shuddering on top of him, hiding his face from Naruto, his breathing was irregular. Concerned, Naruto forced his weak arm and shakily reached out and placed a cold hand on Sasuke's shoulder.
"S-Sasuke, are you okay?" Naruto said, trying to speak louder than before. Sasuke finally looked up with a small smirk, his eyes were still shining as he looked back at Naruto.
To Naruto's surprise, Sasuke let out a laugh. A happy laugh. Naruto had rarely ever heard Sasuke laugh before, and never like this…it was beautiful and sent chills up Naruto's spine.
"You're asking me if I'm alright?" Sasuke finally still smiling, the thought humored him, and every fiber of his being was filled with a strange warm emotion, something he had never felt before…but he liked it.
Naruto gave him his best scowl, still not understanding, the only explanation was that Sasuke was making fun of him.
"What's so funny?" Naruto demanded, trying his best to sound upset. His body was still refusing to respond all the way, like an old computer after someone restarts it. Sasuke's face was still happy, as if he hadn't heard a word Naruto had said.
"Naruto…" Sasuke gently reached out and carefully touched Naruto's face, feeling Naruto's warm skin. "I'm…I'm so glad you're alive," Sasuke whispered.
"I-I'm alive…?" Naruto said shakily, searching Sasuke's face, a sparking thrill spread through his body like a warm wave as Sasuke's tender touch reached him.
"Naruto," Sasuke finally said in a firm tone. "If anything…ever happened to you, I…I don't know what I would do."
Astonished by the seemingly unneeded declaration, Naruto was speechless.
Sasuke gazed into the deep blue eyes. Those beautiful eyes, they were open, he was alive.
"Naruto," Sasuke said softly, his Uchiha pride willing himself to stay in control, but Sasuke couldn't hold anything in anymore. Not after he had come so close to losing Naruto.
"Naruto, I thought I'd never see you open your eyes again," Sasuke said, his voice below a whisper, making Naruto strain to hear him. "And…I have to tell you something."
Naruto, confused once again, opened his mouth to say something, but at that moment the sound of a door bursting open broke the moment between them.
Naruto looked over to see Iruka standing still in the middle of the room, as Sasuke hurriedly withdrew his hand.
Tears sprang to Iruka eyes before he rushed to Naruto's side.
"Naruto! Naruto, you're okay!" Iruka grabbed Naruto's hand squeezing it hard, as if he was trying to make sure Naruto was really there.
"Y-yes-OW, but I won't be if you keep squeezing me like that-" Naruto's voice cracked, but he smiled anyways, as Iruka squeezed his sore body.
Iruka nearly leaped over the railing along Naruto's hospital bed and grabbed his adoptive son in a tight embrace, ecstatic to hear his voice.
"N-not HELPING!" Naruto wheezed out. Iruka slowly let go, smiling at him.
Sasuke stood slowly and looked down at them.
"I'll give you two sometime alone," Sasuke gazed down at Naruto with one last lingering look before turning to walk out of the room.
Naruto followed him with his eyes as Sasuke left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
"Naruto, don't ever do that to me again," Iruka said in a firm voice. Naruto turned back to him, and gave him a small smile.
"Iruka, do you think…" Naruto looked over at the small table beside his bed, "you could get me some water? I'm really thirsty."
Iruka's smile widened before he burst into loud laughter. Reaching over to the table he poured the water into the cup and handed it to Naruto who carefully took it from him, his hands still shaking.
"After all this, I'd be happy to give you pretty much anything Naruto," Iruka said watching him, a chuckled escaping his throat. Naruto gave him a strange look.
"I'm not even sure what's going on…" Naruto said slowly. Iruka's eyebrows shot up.
"Iruka," Naruto turned to him suddenly. "Sasuke…whats up with him? He's acting all weird and not like himself…I don't know what happened did I…" Naruto trailed off unsure of what to say, he gazed at Iruka helplessly.
"You don't remember…?" Iruka said slowly. "Anything?"
Naruto furrowed his brow, obviously in thought.
"Well, the last thing I remember is Sasuke…he was-" Naruto stopped abruptly, color flushing his face. "He was looking down at me, he pulled me out of the water I think…"
Iruka studied Naruto's face carefully, setting away the thoughts that filled his mind, Iruka turned back to the problem at hand.
"Naruto," Iruka said slowly. "Do you…remember the…attack?"
Naruto looked down at his lap, a sudden wave of nausea came over him, suddenly turning pale at the thought of that awful night.
"Yes."
Iruka clenched Naruto's hand in his own, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Sasuke, he came looking for you," Iruka started. Naruto gazed up at him suddenly. "I don't know the whole details of what happened, but when he found you…that, monster was…well-" Iruka cleared his throat, quickly moving away from that. "Sasuke hasn't said exactly what happened, but he obviously got the…man away from you. He pulled you out of the water and took you to the hospital when you didn't respond."
Naruto looked astonished into Iruka's eyes, waiting for him to continue.
"Naruto…you were in a coma for six weeks," Iruka said gently. Naruto felt like he had been hit by a train. "And Sasuke sat here…with you…the whole time. In fact…"
Naruto stared at him, his heart was pounding, his mind racing. His eyes were begging for Iruka to continue the story.
"There was an incident at the hospital, they…tried to unplug your machines, Naruto. The only thing keeping you alive. Sasuke locked himself in here with you until I could stop them." Iruka looked into Naruto's eyes, searching for some kind of reaction.
Naruto let out a breath he didn't even know he had been holding in. Finally he leaned back into the bed, his eyes thoughtful and completely shocked.
Iruka stood quickly, knowing that Naruto was processing everything he had heard…it wasn't easy hearing that you were in a coma hovering at death for six weeks.
"I'm going to go let Shikamaru know that you woke up, I'll be right back," Iruka grabbed Naruto's hand and squeezed it before he rushed out the door.
Naruto didn't even notice, his mind was still whirling. Sasuke…he had done all that for him? Sasuke wouldn't do that much for his own brother, much less…someone of the likes him.
The came the horrible memories of that night…Naruto…he was disgusting. He wasn't worth anything to Sasuke, and he never would be. How could Sasuke waste time on him?
Glancing over, Naruto noticed a large vase with yellow flowers near his bed. Tears threatened to push to the surface, as Naruto mentally swore to keep Sasuke away from him, for the Uchiha's own good.
AN: Alright, so, this was the best I could churn out as quickly as possible...I hope you liked it, I obviously did away with the whole time jump thing...because I hate those...tell me what you think! If you even read this!
Honestly, it it were me and some dude left off on a story for months I wouldn't come back. Just saying.
But if you did read, thanks and I hope you enjoyed it!