Title: Disadvantaged Children
Rating: M
Chapter Nine
Silence
I wake up to the sound of birds and an empty room. Like clockwork, I jump out of bed, rubbing my eyes and yawning. A glance at my clock tells me that I've woken up before the PA, so I grin and rush to the bathroom.
First, let's take care of business - grab a toothbrush and squirt toothpaste. Humming tunelessly, I glimpse shadows behind me. That's when I look up in the mirror.
Red bleeding into my eyes. Bandages and gauze trailing my entire body. Darkened whiskers.
I walk out of the bathroom, a little confused. How had that happened?
I shrug into my clothes as quickly as I can, already forgetting my disheveled appearance. I couldn't be late for my group meeting! Iruka would deduct points, and I couldn't lose all of my hard-earned points.. Especially when Team 7 was so close to becoming the best!
I beam from the optimism in my thoughts. It's getting easier to find things to be happy about. Even Sai can't escape the love surging through my body. Okay, so maybe he still acted really stupid and grumpy, especially when he was taking cracks at my dick, but he was so cool! Man, sometimes, I really wanted to become friends with him.
I mean, come on. How many people could pull off that pale look, speak two words a day, and still manage to wreak that I'm-unapproachable-but-really-cool attitude? Maybe today would be the day he'd accept my offer of friendship. Besides, he hadn't killed me yet. That had to count for something, right? Rightttt?
But what was really awesome was that Sakura, Sakura, was starting to talk to me more and more. Ever since I've seen her in the lunchroom, I've always thought she was one of the cool kids, someone who would never look my way. But she's proven to be just as freakishly weird as me; crazy and bipolar with a hidden past.
Geez, I loved this place.
I sit on my bed, jittery from my enthusiasm. Where the heck was Kiba? Didn't he know that we always went to breakfast together? Gah.
I mutter some bad words about Kiba and his stupid sleeping habits, then slip on my socks. The clutter in the room almost trips me when I rush to the door, but I manage to balance myself and cheesily flash a victory sign to the empty room.
The cafeteria is filled with sleepy orphans, but they jolt awake when I slam the door open and wave cheerfully. Ignoring the looks on their faces, I quickly head over to the cooks, who laugh at the grin on my face. I bounce over to my table, but frown when I can't find Kiba.
Sakura tosses her shiny, pink locks and scoots over to make room for me. I quickly smile at her, but she's seen my frown.
"What's wrong, Naruto?"
I sit down and shake my head. "Ehhh, it's nothing. Well, maybe not nothing. I can't find Kiba. Have you seen him?"
She makes a clicking sound in her cheeks. "No, I haven't. I bet he's just sleeping in. He's just as lazy as you are, sometimes."
I grin, worry dissipated. "Hey, hey you think?"
Suddenly, Ino's voice pipes in. "Ewwwwww, Naruto! What's wrong with your hands?"
Startled, I look at my hands and quickly shove them into my pocket. They were, frankly, a bit scary. Sakura's curious eyes wander over to my hands, but I shove them deeper out of sight.
"Did you see his hands, Sakura-chan? They're all chewed up. Seriously, Naruto, don't you have any table manners?"
I flush and grumble. "You tell me. You're the stupid psychic."
Ino shakes her head, and reluctantly continues eating. I discreetly take out my hands and look at them in amazement. It was like I had run my hands through a meat grinder. Strips of flesh were laced with blood and my nails had grown into claws. It was fucking gross.
When had this happened?
Shoving the questions deeper into my mind, I force a grin and look over at Sakura. "Are you ready for that group meeting? I'm going to do so well, that Iruka will give me fifty points!"
Sakura rolls her eyes. "Our Team needs more than fifty points to get in the lead. And you never get points from Iruka-san, because he hates your attitude."
I make a face, trying to ignore the hurt fluttering in my stomach. I totally needed to get back into Sakura's good graces!
I think for a moment then blurt out, "Uh.. Sakura-chan! Your hair looks really pretty today! Did you do anything to it?"
She huffs and swishes her head. "No, because Ino-pig wanted to hog the bathroom all for herself! So, I couldn't even straighten my hair, because my curling iron was broken, which is really annoying!"
She continues talking, but I can't focus because the room suddenly turns unbearably hot. Sweat slowly trickles down my brow and I uneasily frown. Was the air conditioning broken? I look around, but no one else is fidgeting like I am. I nod as Sakura continues her rant, but inside, I'm a flickering mess of nerves and anxiety.
I interrupt, stuttering. "Sakura-chan, is it hot in here?"
"No, what are you talking about? Now, where was I? Oh yeah, you won't believe who broke my curling iron!"
A headache suddenly pounds into my head, and my eyes narrow from the pain. There's something that I'm not remembering, because a niggling thought keeps poking me in the back of my mind. The throbbing ache continues, until Sakura finally notices.
"Naruto, you don't look so good. What's wrong?"
I grab a fist full of hair and growl. "I don't know. I have this headache. Why is it so hot in here?"
"It's not hot in here at all, Naruto! And you seemed fine just a few minutes ago until, oh!"
She stops, then looks at Ino. I follow her gaze, surprised to see Ino's blue eyes replaced with a faded gray. The headache gets even worse, a mixture of blaring noises and odd silences.
"Ino-pig! Stop it! You know you're not allowed to do that here."
Ino ignores her, keeping her gaze steadily focused on mine. I shudder when my mind is suddenly scoured from top to bottom, but then I feel one particular sharp stab. Without a second thought, I clench my fists and throw all of my force into expelling the foreign presence.
I'm rewarded by the sight of Ino shaking her head and dropping her gaze. I sigh as the headache slowly trickles into a dull ache.
Stupid psychics.
"Naruto... You, you..."
Blue eyes meet mine, and they're filled with fear. I give her a curious stare, but she just gulps, wiping the sweat off her face.
I grin. "Yeah, I threw you off, didn't I? I bet that's the last time that you try to read me."
Ino manages a weak smile. "No, that's not it at all. It's something else."
Sakura and I lean forward in her chair, but it's Sakura who asks. "What? What is it?"
Ino suddenly stands up. "Nothing. It's nothing. I need to go, ok. See you guys later."
Her nervous words are coupled with a quick walk to the cafeteria doors. I stare at her back, wondering what she had seen to make her so anxious to leave my presence. Hurt fills me at seeing her disgust and tears quickly well up in my eyes.
What was wrong with me? Why did everyone treat me like a monster? All I wanted was acceptance, some sort of care.. Jesus Christ, why the hell am I crying?!
Before I can take my train of thought further, Sakura stands and drags me with her.
"I know what she's up to! She wants to get to the group meeting early, so Iruka-san will give her points. Well, we'll just have to beat her, don't we Naruto-kun?"
All emo-ish thoughts explode when I hear Sakura's conspiratory voice. She liked me! She really liked me! And she called me Naruto-kun! I salute Sakura then follow her to our group meeting. I really wanted those points, dammit!
When I get to Iruka's classroom, I immediately take an empty seat next to Sai.
"Sai! I haven't seen you in so long! How have you been? Do you want to be my friend?"
I immediately cover my mouth with my hands and blush. Way to go, Naruto. Freaking out your roommate will definitely make him want to exchange cell phone numbers and hugs with you.
Sai smirks. "Really?"
To my utter and complete humiliation, I feel my mouth go ahead of my brain.
"Yeah, I want to be your friend, because you're really cool. And not only that, but you're really good at fighting, you're really cute, and I've always admired you since day – eep!"
My hands have finally made their way back over my mouth and I turn around in my chair to avoid looking at Sai's face. Shitshitshitshit!
Fortunately, I'm saved when the door opens and some kids walk in. I quickly forget about my conversation with Sai when I start looking for Kiba. It takes ten minutes before I give up and sigh. He wasn't here! Where could he be? Maybe I should have been a better friend and knocked on his door.
Shikamaru must sense my guilt, because he looks at me with an uncharacteristically grave look.
"Naruto. Are you all right?"
I grin, trying to hide my bleak thoughts. What kind of friend just ditched his best friend just because of breakfast? Gah, I'm a terrible person!
"Yeah, I'm fine." I lie through my teeth. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Shikamaru opens his mouth repeatedly, but fails to make noise. He's about to say something, but the door bangs open and I eagerly lean forward in my seat. Maybe it was Kiba!
I sulk when Iruka walks through the door. Instead of skipping into class, he silently sinks into his chair, like a weight is on his shoulders. His normally cheerful face is replaced with a severe frown, one that makes most of the other people in the room sit up in their chairs.
I raise my hand and loudly yell, "Hey, old man! Why the long face?"
He slowly turns his head up, but it takes a while for him to recognize me. His eyes are immersed in pity and grief, and a sudden feeling of doom grabs my heart. Shikamaru, besides me, keeps staring at me, like I've grown two more ears or something.
"Naruto.. I..." Iruka stops and he shakes his head, slowly, like he's drowning in water.
Trying to calm my fears, I drop my hands into my desk and scowl. "Stop being so dramatic, would you? Just come on, tell it to us straight. We can handle it."
Shikamaru leans over, worry dripping from his voice. "Naruto, what's wrong with you? Don't you remember anything?"
I ignore the pounding in my stomach and frown at my friend. "What are you talking about?"
A dark look passes over his face and he chooses to stay silent. Feeling irritation growing, I stand up and try to get my voice heard over the murmuring of the other kids.
"What the hell, old man? I'm getting pissed off from all the suspense. Hurry up so I can-"
The door suddenly opens and I stop, startled. My eyes widen when I see Sasuke's lone figure walking in and, on cue, most of the girls are sighing from joy. But their happiness is soon turned to frantic concern when they see the state of condition he's in.
"What's wrong with Sasuke-kun? Why does he look like that?"
"He's got cuts all over his body!"
"But that's not the strangest thing. There's not one bruise on his face!"
"Well, that's a relief. Even when he's like that, he still looks so dreamy."
My eye twitches in annoyance and I point a finger at Sasuke. "Hey, Sasuke-bastard! What the hell are you doing here?"
I'm not prepared for the surprise that shows on Sasuke's face or the pounding headache that starts in the back of my head. Wincing, I turn to point at Iruka.
"And you, old man! Stop dodging my questions and tell me what the fuck is going on!"
People around me nod in agreement and I grin, happy to have stirred the crowd. Sasuke just keeps staring at me, his eyes probing my entire body. I cross my arms and make a face at Sasuke, which causes him to frown.
Finally, Sasuke's cold voice penetrates through the chaotic noise in the room. "Sit down, Uzumaki. You're making a fool out of yourself."
I hear snickering from Sai, and I reluctantly sit down, glaring at the Uchiha. What a jerk. Always trying to show off his domination over others... Maybe he was trying to compensate for something.
I silently giggle at the thought, which earns me more weird glances from Shikamaru. This day was going very strangely.
Iruka clears his throat, which emphasizes the shadows under his eyes.
"Sasuke-san has something to say. Please, let this serve as a.. A warning." He falters, then shakes his head. "As a warning for those of you who feel like acting up."
He collapses into his chair and I can see his hands shaking when he shuffles some papers around, trying to act normal. My headache is worse now, especially from Iruka's foreshadowing words.
Sasuke surveys the room, but drops his gaze when he reaches my eyes. His voice is even, but there's an underlying tone of exhaustion.
"Recently, a student was caught trying to engage in a fight with one of our faculty. Not only is fighting strictly forbidden in the Mansion, but fighting with a teacher is one of the worst offenses. After discussing the matter with his teachers, I've come to the very difficult decision of expelling this student."
My heart freezes in my chest, making it difficult to breathe. Shikamaru's concerned whispers pass me over like ghosts, but it's Sasuke's voice that hits me next.
"I regret to be the bearer of bad news, but for those of you who knew Inuzuka Kib-"
There are gasps and wails all across the room, but I'm silent. Hinata trembles and suddenly bursts into tears, while Shino and Shikamaru look away from the finality of the situation. But I'm silent. I hear a chuckle from Sai, some comforting murmurs from Iruka, and I see several glances thrown my way.
But I'm silent.
Sakura raises her hand, a grim shock on her face. She doesn't wait for Sasuke to prompt her, and instead blurts out.
"You said you expelled him. But what does this mean? Where is he now?"
Sasuke shakes his head. "I'm not at liberty to say."
Sakura's eyes show that she won't take Sasuke's answer. "Is he in another group home? How will Naru.. I mean, his friends keep in contact with him?"
Sasuke's silence seems to strike a match within my teammate because she suddenly gasps.
"Sasuke-kun, you couldn't possibly have sent him to the Island? That would be heartless, even for you! At the very least, you could have-"
"That's enough." Sasuke glares at Sakura, and she backs away. "Kiba specifically requested that I not divulge any information about his whereabouts, and questioning me is, quite frankly, a useless endeavor."
He turns to Iruka and nods. "Iruka-sensei will take over, for now." His gaze softens when he turns his head towards us.
"For those of you who knew Kiba, I'm truly sorry."
With that, he leaves the room, never looking back.
Iruka reluctantly stands up and begins talking, but I can't hear anything except the roar in my head. I can't move, because every feeling in my body has gone numb. People around me keep whispering to me, expressing their pity, their concern, but I don't answer. I can't think.
I don't even know what to do.
I let out a small whimper as my headache comes pounding back, and, ignoring the worried looks on everyone's faces, I slam my head against my desk. My breaths are shallow and uneven, but I eventually calm down and give way to a blank peacefulness.
For the rest of the class, I sleep.
"Naruto, this is ridiculous! Are you going to stay in bed for the rest of the week?! Shikamaru, do something!"
"He's not going to get up if he doesn't want to. Give him some time, Sakura."
"But my Team keeps losing points because of him!"
"..."
"Okay, that was kind of selfish, but I'm also concerned about his health. Every day he-"
"I know. But why bother getting up to eat if that means facing reality? Just.. Just let him sleep."
"You're right. But, it's just so unnerving! If it weren't for.. For the news, I would think he's just being lazy."
"But he's not."
A sigh. "No, he's not. "
"...Is he dead?"
"Of course he's not. Look, the blankets are moving."
"How are we even sure that it's Naruto under the blankets?"
A shuffle. Light.
"Oh, yeah. That's him."
"He smells."
"Well, it has been three days, already."
"But I could never stay in bed for three days!"
"You have."
"What?"
"Well, technically, it wasn't just you."
"Kakashi!"
"Four days, if my memory is correct."
"Not in front of the kid!"
"Four wonderful, wonderful days."
"Oh, go to hell."
"Only if you meet me there."
"You know, that line may have worked the first time, but it's stale the second time around."
"Kind of like that strawberry-flavored condom we used-"
A scuffle.
"Naruto, I'm so sorry you had to hear that."
"That's my ear, Iruka!"
"Anyway, we just wanted to let you know that we're here for you. And even though I understand why you've taken residence in your bed, you can't stay there forever. Do you think Kiba would have approved of this behavior?"
"And for the love of God, brat, take a shower when you get out of bed... Don't look at me like that, Iruka-kun, it's true."
More scuffling. Resignation.
"Oh fine, fine. Get better, brat."
Door opening. Closing. Silence.
"It's been four days now, dickless. Get up."
A sigh.
"You look disgusting."
Silence. Walking.
"I hope you die. It would make my job a lot easier."
Drawers opening. Clothes shuffling.
"Ugly won't shut up about you, even though I think the peace is a good change."
Smell of paint. Silence. Scratches on an easel.
"I have one drawing of you, dickless. This will be the second one. You're not even listening, are you?"
A touch. Hesitant.
"Get up. Stupid."
More touching. Shoving.
"What was so great about that dog-face anyway? He acted just like you. Stupid. Annoying. Dickless."
Sounds of paint brushes.
"Emotions are pointless. You'll learn this soon."
Pause. Sigh.
"You really loved that mutt, didn't you?"
Painting.
"I noticed. It's hard not to notice that moronic grin of yours. You were always happy whenever you were around him. And you would never shut up, either."
Silence. Pause.
"His name was Kiba, wasn't it? He was good for you. But now he's gone and you're giving up. I bet he really wanted that to happen."
Shuffling.
"Go ahead, rot in that bed of yours. What do I care?"
Squirming. Silence. Whisper.
"At least I don't have to see your stupid happy face now."
"I was here before, with Iruka. He looks exactly the same. Hasn't eaten. I don't even think he goes to the bathroom. Bladder of steel, that one."
"This isn't a laughing matter, Kakashi-san."
"Just trying to lighten the mood, Sasuke-kun."
A hiss. "How the hell was I supposed to know this would happen? Look at his bruises. Do they look familiar to you? Because they sure as hell look familiar to me."
"And you're sure he doesn't remember a thing about that night?"
"I'm positive."
"Well, what do you expect? This is Uzumaki Naruto. Let's not forget that you also took away his best friend! You know. The same best friend who he lost six years ago."
"That's not funny."
"I never said it was."
"Then stop smirking!"
Silence. A sigh.
"My apologies, Kakashi-san. I'm just.. Frustrated."
"Why not tell him the truth?"
"We can't do that!" A lower whisper. "This is what Inuzuka Kiba wanted. I'll respect his decisions, even if the price is my own life."
"Do you think he took Naruto's response into consideration?"
Sputtering. "Of course he did! He left no holes in his plan. Besides, the mutt bastard did everything to get into this Mansion. He practically worshiped the very ground Uzumaki walked on.."
"And yet, here we are. Smelling five days of filth."
"That's the dobe's problem. He should have picked up on the hints. We even arranged that conversation in my room, so he could overhear it."
"Naruto doesn't strike me as a very brilliant boy."
"Which isn't my problem. I have no concern for the moron."
"Really? Is that why you carried him back to his room, even though, and I quote, 'his filthy hands almost strangled me.'"
"You're dismissed, Kakashi-san."
A chuckle. "You never could face the truth."
"Get out."
The door closing. Silence.
"You're a moron, Uzumaki. Get over it. You think you're the only one who's faced the pain of loss? You're not. Everyone here has undergone obstacles, but no one shrinks from reality. Frankly, I'm disgusted with you. You're taking up space in my house, you're stinking up everyone's attitude, and you're wasting my pity. If it weren't for your friend's wishes, I would have expelled you long ago."
A snort.
"You really don't remember, do you? Well, that's fine. It makes my job a hell of a lot easier."
Door opening. Pause.
"Kiba did everything for you. Don't fail him."
Door closes.
xxx
"Hinata, is he all right?"
"Y-yes, Shino-san."
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Shino. Just plain Shino."
"Oh, sorry. Shino-sa.. Shino."
"Hey, Shino! Don't be such a bully! Hinata just lost a teammate."
"So did I."
"Oh, well.. Chouji! You're going to spill your ramen if you keep eating like that."
"Sorry."
Door opens.
"Ino-pig, did you use my straightener again?! How many times did-"
Silence.
"Oh. I see everyone is here to gawk at my number one loud teammate. What's it been? Six days?"
"Seven. Dickless really likes to sleep."
"Don't be so callous, Sai. He's your teammate too, you know."
"Unfortunately."
"Chouji! The ramen! Stop spilling it!"
"Sorry."
"Hey, Shikamaru. There seems to be more movement in his bed than normal."
"Maybe. Tch. So troublesome."
Door bangs open.
"NARUTO HERE IS JUST DISPLAYING YOUTH!"
"Oh, god. It's you."
"CAN YOU NOT FEEL THE YOUTHFUL AMBIENCE IN THIS CRAMPED ROOM, SAKURA-CHAN? GAI LEE AND I HAVE DISCUSSED NARUTO'S EXUBERANT BEHAVIOR, AND WE HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION-"
"Chouji! Look at all the mess!"
"Uh.. Does anyone... E-else see the blankets.. moving?"
"Ino-pig! You did use my straightener, didn't-"
"SAKURA-CHAN, WHY DO YOU NOT RETURN MY LOVE? I-"
"Everyone. Get out before I kill-"
"Chouji! Sto-"
"Tch. Troub-"
"YOUTHFUL YO-"
"Chou-"
For the first time in a week, I flip the covers and sit up in my bed with a huge scowl on my face.
"SHUT THE FUCK UP."
Every single person in the room stops and stares. Conscious of the drool on my cheeks, my wilting hair, and the odor around me, I struggle to fight off the flush creeping to my neck. My voice hurts from yelling, and different emotions attack me from every side. Nausea, a cramp in my stomach, my full bladder, a certain drowsiness that I can't shake off... But it's not any of those ailments that hurt me the most.
A thick silence passes until Chouji helpfully pipes up.
"Do you want some ramen, Naruto?"
I stare, head pounding from being awake. Being alive. Slowly, I shake my head, but Chouji ignores me, literally shoving the ramen into my hands.
"This ramen is really good! Sorry I spilled all over your room, but I was almost dying from hunger. You wouldn't beli-"
An eruption of frantic whispers and scolding swirls through the air, but I only hear one word.
"-how good it is! But.. What? What did I do? Was it.. Oh. Oh. Naruto, I'm-"
My hands shake.
Dying.
"-so sorry! I didn't mean it.. I mean, I just.. The ramen and.."
Abruptly, I fling the bowl from my hands, watching the noodles ooze and streak the wall. Everyone's eyes are on me, pitying and scared. I don't care, because I'm alone. I've always been alone.
I clench my fists, savoring the strength building within my aching muscles. My rest was over. It was time.
Dying.
I sharply turn my head and glare at everyone in the room. "Get out."
Sakura takes a step forward, almost trembling when she sees the snarl on my face. "Naruto, we just want-"
"GET OUT!"
The next few seconds sees the orphans taking one last look at me and backing out of the room. My breath is harsh, twisting and burning. My pulse hurts, everything is too much. I stagger out of bed, almost screaming from the lazy muscles in my body. Why had I stayed in bed for so long? What was wrong with me? There were better things to do. I needed to get out.
I was going to find Kiba. And the only way I could do that was to get to the Island myself.
My legs wobble and I curse silently to myself as I lean against the wall for support. Then, without thinking, I look out my window, grinning.
God help everyone if you're dead, Kiba.
My friends always say that I say the wrong things at the wrong time.
I brought that ramen with me on purpose, to wake Naruto. I've missed him. But when he woke up, there was something terrible in his face. For a second, I saw those eyes. They were red. Why do I have the feeling that I'm to blame for waking up this... This thing inside Naruto?
I'm an idiot.
Chouji
AN: First off, i LOVE, absolutely LOVE every single reviewer. You guys are the best rewards that any author could ask for. Of course, sometimes i get depressed because of the huge gap between the feedback for UnWanted and the feedback for DA, but i just have to shove aside that concern and keep writing.
For those of you who are particularly observant, yes, the writing style is different in this chapter than the others. Naruto is a lot more childish after Kyuubi comes out, making him more sensitive to insults. He also handles difficult situations in a different manner (by sleeping) because he has the mentality of (almost) a baby. needless to say, i had a lot of fun writing cute!naruto, but he won't show up a lot. :(
THANK YOU FOR READING. :) tell me your thoughts.
