V4 ch 2
New Family
Saori Nara walked back from the hospital. She had checked on Daiya's condition. It was the same as a few days ago. He was stable, but unresponsive. Visitors were still not allowed for the time being.
She wished dearly that Daiya would wake up. Saori missed his emotionless voice and the way he always looked at them so seriously. As she walked down the street, a figure caught her eye. Saori followed him.
Idai, the boy who had saved Daiya's life, was throwing rocks and twigs into the water. His mood was placid- eyes looking down. He wasn't really seeing the water. Idai only saw Daiya in pain with the lightening popping the ground around his form. He couldn't get it out of his head. The past few days had left him restless and worried.
"Idai," a voice called. He turned around slightly to see Saori standing behind him. His orange eyes looked away. Idai turned back around. "What do you want," he said sadly.
Instead of answering him, Saori sat next to him. "It's the first time I've seen you still. You're usually getting into trouble." She glanced at him. He was trying to avoid speaking to her.
Saori threw a few rocks at the water trying to get them to skip. They sunk despite her efforts. "I can't skip a rock for anything." She tried again, but got the same results.
Idai glanced at her. Why was that girl near him? No one spoke to him, but Kiba sensei, Masaru, and Yanagi. Idai felt a pain in his chest. His mind kept flashing back to the day he had seen Daiya erupting. He averted his eyes. Saori was watching him.
"Hey, I hear from Takeru that you play the flute. I bet you're really good at it," Saori said trying to make conversation. Idai didn't look at her. "Idai, I know you were with Daiya when he overloaded. I know what you did for him."
Idai lowered his head. His shoulders were lightly shaking. How many people knew what he had done?
"Thank you for saving him," Saori said with sincerity. She moved her head to look at his face. His eyes were closed.
"Why does he hate me," Idai asked softly. He was trying to hold back his grief and anger – they were starting to mix together. His fists clenched.
"Huh? Why does who hates you," Saori asked. She looked at him closely.
"D-Daiya," Idai said.
"Daiya doesn't hate you," Saori said moving so she could be in front of him. "He doesn't understand why you're trying so hard to get his attention. Idai, he has to keep his emotions in check, or he loses control of his kekkegenkai. That's what Sasuke sensei said. I'm also not sure that he knows how to react to you. He spends a lot of time alone."
"Like me," Idai said covering his face. He was lonely. It was a big part of why he acted so stupidly around others. Idai just wanted attention. He didn't care if it was good or bad – anything was better than silence.
"Are you seeking Daiya out because he's alone," Saori asked. Idai slowly nodded. "I guess it makes sense that if two people are alone they should get together and not be alone anymore." She petted his head.
"I don't want Daiya to hate me," Idai said with his eyes downcast.
"What reason does he have to hate you?"
"I saw him at his most vulnerable point," Idai said. "No one wants another person to see their weaknesses or voice about their flaws."
"Maybe you're looking at it the wrong way. I don't think Daiya will get angry at you for seeing him at a critical point in his life, or aiding him. He may thank you," Saori said.
"Why would anyone thank the hyperactive sound-nin for anything," Idai said hatefully.
"Idai, I know back at the Academy the others kids were mean to you – which they teased you based on where you came from. You can't change who you are. They teased me, too! I got picked on because my mom is from the Hidden Sand Village; that Gaara is one of my uncles; how I play with puppets,-"Saori took a deep breath. "My point is those guys were jerks. Me, Ryu, Takeru, and Daiya are not like them."
"Yeah, well, how would I know that," Idai said. "This is the first time you've spoken to me."
Saori got embarrassed. She seemed to have dug a hole for herself. "I suppose I'm part of the problem, too, but I want to make it up to you. Want to be friends with me? I'll talk your ear off," Saori said with a smile.
Idai looked up at her. "You want to be friends? But why? I'm just… goofy."
"Yes, sweetheart, you are, but you'll get along great with Ryu. He's not as silly as you, but he has his moments. Takeru's not so bad either. He's actually fun to tease," Saori said smiling. "So what do you say? No more frowning?"
Idai nodded slowly. He didn't understand why Saori wanted to be friends with him. Was it out of pity? He hoped not. What would Daiya say when he learned that Idai was now part of their group? Would he resent him?
"Come on," Saori coaxed as she grabbed his hands, pulling him up. "Let's do something else besides feel sorry for each other." She led Idai away from the water and towards the training area.
"Daiya Eimino is doing better at the moment than he previously was a few days ago. His condition is stable and has remained so. We're pleased with his progress and are allowing visitors starting today. Our concerns are to not upset him in any way. Please only allow one visitor in the room at a time," the medic-nin said.
"I understand. Thanks for informing me about his status," Sasuke said. The medic-nin turned and left to check on other patients.
Sasuke closed the door behind him. Machines were beeping. They were keeping information on Daiya's heartbeat along with his pulse. He glanced at the machine that was linked to Daiya's pulse. It was better than it had been.
Sasuke hated to see so many wires and tubes going into his student. It was depressing to look at. He walked over to the bed and looked down at Daiya. The medic-nin had removed the boy's vest, hat, and half of the bandages Daiya used to cover his scars. Daiya was self-conscious about his hair. It was unmanageable.
Sasuke placed his hand on the boy's head. "Daiya," he said. There was no movement. Sasuke kept his eye son the monitor. Even though Daiya wasn't moving, his pulse was increasing. "Daiya," Sasuke called again. "I think you can hear me. Try to look at me. Fight it," he said.
Daiya's fingers moved. He could hear someone saying his name. Was he alive? The weakness that he was fighting told him he was. Move, dammit. Move! I can't lay here. I have to get up. I have to go train with Ryu and Saori. They're waiting for me. Daiya grunted as he tried to get his fingers to respond more.
Sasuke leaned over the boy carefully watching him. Daiya was fighting it the best he could. He didn't want him to over do it. "Daiya, try to open your eyes. It's taking more effort to move your body. I just need you to look at me."
Daiya stopped trying to move his fingers. Right now, they were the only things he could move – even if it was barely enough to be noticed. His legs and arms felt heavy. How long had he been laying here like this? I have to get up. I'm not weak! I'm not!
Sasuke watched Daiya's facial expression as he kept his eyes on the monitor. If he pushed the boy too much, it would have an adverse effect. "Daiya, calm down. Try to open your eyes. I need to know I haven't failed you!"
Daiya knew who it was that was calling his name – that was pushing him. It was Sasuke sensei. Once he knew it was Sasuke, Daiya gathered all of the strength he had and tried to open his eyes. He pushed the weakness he felt overcoming him and met it head on. It wasn't going to get the better of him. He had come too far.
Sasuke rubbed Daiya's head trying to coax him into calming down. Daiya was stubborn. The boy grunted again as he opened his eyes. Sasuke's dark eyes met Daiya's gray eyes. "Stop worrying me, Daiya. You and Ryu are going to cause me to seek therapy," he said with a faint smile.
Daiya opened his mouth, trying to speak. His voice came out weak and low. "I… ha-ve… to go meet Ryu… and Saori." He didn't know how much time had passed. The sunlight was coming through the window into the room. He still had time to make it.
"Daiya, you've been unconscious for days," Sasuke said carefully.
"Wh-What…?"
"We've been really worried about you. Everyone has. Kiba and I have been switching during the day to keep an eye on you. We didn't know if you were going to make it, or not."
"Wh-Why did…I," Daiya asked weakly. By all accounts, he shouldn't be here. He had felt his life slipping away as it was happening.
"Do you want to know who saved you," Sasuke asked. Daiya only looked at him. "Can you handle knowing who it was?" He did not want Daiya to be alarmed. Daiya nodded to the best of his ability. "Idai," was all Sasuke said.
Idai? Daiya's mind flashed to the white-haired sound-nin that always stayed to himself at the Academy. He could see Idai sitting with his arms crossed on the table, head downcast as he avoided eye contact with everyone.
Daiya walked down the hallway of the Academy. A taller boy with white hair and a red streak underneath the white was sitting on a bench, waiting. Daiya stopped.
The boy looked terrible. His clothes were filthy and he had been crying. Daiya has never seen him before. "Who are you," he asked in his emotionless voice. The boy looked at him for a second then looked away. "Can you not speak?"
The boy looked at Daiya fearfully. "I'm not going to hurt you. Why are you upset?" The kid tensed his body, withdrawing from Daiya.
Daiya watched a door open. He saw Anko and Gai-sensei walk out. Anko kneeled in front of the boy. "Hey, cutie, I found a nice home for you," she said reaching up to wipe the tears off of the boy's face. "This is Gai. He's going to let you stay with him, okay? He won't hurt you," Anko said as the kid looked up at Gai.
Gai smiled at the boy softly. He bent over waving at the kid. "Hi, how'd it going," he said positively. "Your name is Idai, right? That's a good strong name. I bet you're really tough coming from the Sound Village."
Daiya blinked. That kid, Idai, was a sound-nin? Weren't sound ninja unpredictable and there wasn't much known about them? He watched as Idai slowly stood up. Gai placed his head on the boy's head and walked off with him.
"Alright, today we're sharing the training ground with Kiba's team. I want you guys to watch and learn. Different people have different skills and in saying so, I want you three to give them respect. Hire, that goes double for you. I won't put up with your remarks," Sasuke said. Hire snuffed the air.
When they got to the training grounds, Kiba was instructing Masaru Uzumaki on how to avoid Idai's attacks. Daiya watched as Masaru threw his large shruiken at Idai. Idai didn't move his position.
Idai reached up withdrawing the two swords on his back. They were very different from each other. One sword had various holes in it while the other had two long stripes of metal missing along its length. Idai put one sword behind him and rotated the handle in his hand quickly.
As the sword rotated, it produced an ear shattering sound. Everyone covered their ears as Idai brought up the other sword and put its blade out, pointing directly at the shruiken – right in front of the previous sword he was rotating. Wind was being produced from the original sword and was being directed down the nose of the second sword. "Sound knife," Idai yelled as the wind increased.
The shruiken was forced backwards with the large push of wind. Masaru ducked as the large spinning star went over his head and lodged into a tree.
Idai stopped. Everyone uncovered their ears. Daiya was watching Idai.
"What kind of technique is that? All he did was blow wind," Hire said snobbishly. "That isn't real skill."
"That's why brains don't go with beauty," Ryu said harshly. "That guy just used a defensive and offensive attack together. With your hands over your ears, you can't throw any other weapons as he gets rid of the first."
"And if you uncover your ears, he shatters your eardrums," Yanagi Lee said. "Either way, you lose. You're very smart," she said to Ryu.
"Thanks, I think," Ryu said.
"Alright, Yanagi, why don't you fight Hire," Sasuke said.
"Oh, this will be rich," Ryu said.
Hire smiled wickedly. "Come on, little girl. I'll teach you a lesson." Hire got into the center.
Yanagi scowled. "Don't' act so high and mighty. You don't know what I can do," she said pointing at Hire.
"Oh, please, let someone kick Hire's butt," Ryu said boredly.
"If she doesn't get her, I will," Daiya said. He was just as fed up as Ryu. Hire was too much for anyone. He couldn't stand her.
Yanagi went straight at Hire attempting to kick straight up at her face, but Hire blocked it. Hire moved back with Yanagi throwing punch after punch; kick after kick.
"You stupid girl. I've been training longer than you," Hire said taunting Yanagi. Hire moved her face with Yanagi's punch, brought her right arm up and elbowed Yanagi right in the side as hard as she could. Yanagi gasped in pain. Hire saw her chance. She started to form quick hand seals. "Time's up! Minotaur!"
A large oxen creature formed out of the earth. It was made of mud, grass, and rocks. It stood six feet tall and brandished a ball and chain like weapon on both of its arms in place of hands. The beast came swinging at Yanagi.
Yanagi avoided a few of the death blow hits, but her side was hurting. She ducked as one of the balls came at her head. Hire was not giving up, or stopping. Hire ordered the creature to finish her. Yanagi was thrown off of her feet as the beast kicked her in the stomach. It felt like she had been punched by a mountain.
"Hire, that is enough," Sasuke said angrily. The girl was not letting up. No, in fact, she was enjoying torturing Yanagi.
Not waiting for Sasuke to put a hold on Hire, Daiya reacted. Hire wasn't as powerful as she thought she was. He opened the long cylinder case on his back and withdrew three of the metal rods.
Daiya threw the rods at the mud-like minotaur. One rod went straight for its back, one for its side, and one for its head. Daiya started to build-up his chakra. He had to be quick and precise, or Yanagi was going to end up dead.
Daiya let the electrical current erupt all over his limbs. He moved his arm back then punched his open hand at the rods on the creature. The lightening took off and struck the rods. The minotaur started to burn and bake under the voltage. Soon it was over. Daiya breathed hard. Yanagi was being shielded by Kiba sensei.
"Whoa, he's pretty good," Masaru said mesmerized at Daiya's ability.
"Hire! That is the last straw," Sasuke shouted at the girl. He pointed for her to sit down. She could have killed Yanagi and Sasuke knew it.
Idai was watching Daiya with wide eyes. Daiya was watching him, too as he caught his breath. "What…?"
"You're a regular lightening bug, aren't you," Idai said smiling at him.
It was the first time Daiya had ever seen him smile. He had no idea what to say in response to Idai – so he turned around and ignored him.
"Daiya, are you alright knowing it was Idai," Sasuke asked.
Daiya closed his eyes. The emotions running through him were overflowing. Daiya gasped as tears started to flow out of his eyes. He didn't have the strength to wipe his eyes, or hide his face from Sasuke.
Daiya had ignored Idai with all of his effort because he thought Idai was teasing him regarding his kekkegenkai. But now, he realized Idai was trying to get to know him every chance he got despite Daiya pushing him off.
Sasuke knew what was gong on in Daiya's head. He couldn't say anything to him right now. It wasn't proper. Daiya was admitting fault to how he treated Idai – and he was just now realizing Idai thought the world of him.
"Hey, Ryu, knock it off," Takeru said as he moved his food away. "You've got your own. What do you want mine for?"
"Haven't you ever heard of sharing," Ryu asked. "I'll even give you some of my omelet. Come on, you stingy brat."
"Ryu, leave him alone. If you two could stop for two seconds…" Saori's eye twitched. Ryu was pushing Takeru back and had his arm up blocking Takeru from hitting him. "Ryu Yuhi!"
Ryu turned his head towards Saori. He smiled as he kept blocking Takeru. "Yes, gorgeous, what is it?"
Idai thought they were the weirdest group he had ever seen. He was sitting next to Saori and in front of Ryu at the table. Saori had insisted he get acquainted with Ryu and Takeru because they were her friends. They fight like brothers. Idai's eyes looked away for a moment. He had no idea what that felt like. He poked his food.
"Idai, what's wrong," Saori asked.
"I'm not hungry," Idai said softly.
"We'll behave if you eat," Ryu said coaxing Idai. He waved at him. "You need to eat something. You look thin."
"What's this 'we' business? It's mainly you," Takeru said annoyed. Ryu put his hand over his mouth.
"I don't sleep well is all," Idai said moving his gyuniku negimaki around with his chopsticks. His mind was on his nightmares.
"Why do you have trouble sleeping? Is your mind on Daiya," Saori asked. Idai shook his head. It didn't fit. What was Idai dreaming about?
"I don't want to talk about it," Idai said quietly.
"But,-"Saori started. She felt Ryu's hand on hers. She looked at him. He shook his head at her. Ryu's right. I shouldn't press Idai about it. He hardly knows us.
"Idai, do you want to go to the hospital with me later," Takeru asked. "My dad's taking night shift watching Daiya. He'll be there all night."
Idai looked at Takeru. "Wouldn't I get in trouble for going?" He was more worried about seeing Daiya and the machines hooked up to him.
"No, you can go. We've been checking twice a day to see if visitors are allowed," Takeru said. "Saori's been going in the morning and me at night."
"I don't know," Idai said rather worried.
Ryu knew what was going on. He was older. "Idai, you don't have to be worried about what you will see. The medic-nin are keeping a close watch on Daiya –that's all. Or are you worried he will be angry at you for helping him? Ah, so that's what it is," Ryu said. Idai had a horrified look on his face. "Sorry, but I'm a genjutsu user. I can see past illusions and can tell when someone is putting up a farce. It's my job, you see."
"You're scaring him, Ryu. He's not used to your to-the-point nature," Takeru said. He was watching Idai heavily.
"Well, if he can't handle me, how will he be able to handle Daiya? Daiya is more direct than I am. You need to learn to stand up for yourself, Idai. I'm not talking about physical strength either. I had to learn the hard way, too," Ryu admitted.
Idai averted his gaze. "I'd rather not see him right now. I can't handle it," he said. "Thanks for the meal, Saori, but I'm not hungry. I'll pay you back." Idai got up. He left the three of them at the table.
At home, Idai lay on the floor looking out of the window. He was worried, concerned, depressed, and anxious. The nightmares he had were becoming more frequent. He had been waking up screaming in the middle of the night ever since Daiya had overloaded.
Idai thought the nightmares had stopped when he had been taken in by Gai. Apparently not. He wished he could remember what they were about and why they terrified him.
"Idai, you can't lay around feeling sorry for yourself. You have to get up and show the world what you are made of! It might hit you hard but you have to hit back harder with a punch here and a kick there," Gai said as he did poses. Idai only exhaled. "Come on, kid, what's bothering you?"
Idai owed it to Gai to let him know. The man was raising him. "I'm worried about Daiya. I'm worried about if he hates me – if he'll be okay. I don't want him to hate me."
"Daiya is the emotionless kid on Sasuke's team right?" Gai ruffled Idai's hair. He made him sit up. "Any man who helps another through perseverance, is not hated, Idai. No, that man makes a friend for life. You show me a man who doesn't help another, and I'll show you the lowest form of a coward."
"But… Daiya doesn't like anyone to know about his weaknesses. He's a strong person. He guards his secrets well," Idai said.
"What good are secrets if you have to keep them from everyone? I think Daiya didn't want to hurt anyone with his abilities – that's why no one knew. I mean, I knew because I'm a trainer, but we try to keep personal matters away from you kids. That's how rumors, hatred, and pity start."
"I can understand that. It's just… I want Daiya to like me. And… he's blown me off so many times," Idai said.
"Has he? I think you're a great kid. You want me to punch him for you? It might open his eyes," Gai said acting like he was seriously thinking about it.
Idai watched Gai smack his first into his hand a few times. He waved his hands at the man. "No, Dad, you don't have to do that. I'd rather you didn't."
"Oh, come on, Idai, there's nothing like a good blow to the head, in order, to wake you up a little. Wait- did you call me 'Dad'?"
Idai froze. He smiled weakly. "Y-Yeah, I guess I did." He tensed as Gai grabbed him. The man was crying tears of joy.
"You're the best son a man could ever ask for! I mean, look at you! You're handsome! And you have those sort of humorous charms that ladies really go for!"
Idai had no idea what was going on. What ladies was Gai referring to? Idai couldn't attract anyone. "Dad, you're crushing me," Idai said wheezing.
Takeru walked the hall carrying dinner for his father. He didn't see Sasuke sitting or standing outside of Daiya's hospital room. Takeru looked around. "Excuse me, do you know where Sasuke Uchiha is," he asked a passing medic-nin. "He's supposed to be keeping an eye on Daiya Eimino."
The medic-nin thought for a moment. "Tall guy with black hair that's a trainer? I believe he's already in the room."
"Thanks," Takeru said. Visitors were allowed now? Ryu and Saori would be pleased. Takeru knocked on the door. His father told him to enter. He walked in quietly. The machines quickly caught his eye.
"Takeru, it's alright. You can come in. There's someone that wants to see you," Sasuke said. He issued his son to come closer. Takeru was nervous and hesitant. Sasuke pointed to the bed. "He can't sit up just yet, so you'll have to lean over to hear him."
Takeru walked cautiously to the bed. Daiya was watching him tiredly. "Y-You're okay?" Takeru wanted to grab a hold of his friend and not let him go. He needed to know Daiya was real – that it wasn't a dream.
Daiya slowly nodded. "Y-Yeah," he said hoarsely. He wondered why Takeru was looking at him like he was. He tried to lift his arm. It came halfway off of the bed.
"Daiya, stop straining yourself," Sasuke said.
"I… have… to get… up," Daiya said gritting his teeth. "I'm… not weak." The thought of having to be assisted got on his nerves. He was capable of taking care of himself. Daiya had been on his own for the past seven years.
Takeru leaned over the bed. He put his hand on Daiya's forehead. Daiya stopped struggling wit his weakness to look up at him. "I know you don't like the thought of not being able to do anything, but if you try too hard too soon, it will take longer for your body to heal. We want you to get better. I have to have someone help me keep Ryu in line," he said smiling.
Daiya smiled faintly. "If… he causes too much… trouble I'll shock… the heck... out of him… when I get out… of here." Takeru seemed to like that idea. "Ta-keru… could you.. do me a favor…?"
"Huh?" He was caught off guard. "Sure, what?"
"Could… you go get… Idai, pl-ease," Daiya asked.
Takeru nodded. "Sure." He looked at his father. "Is it okay if Idai comes, Dad?"
"If Daiya has the strength for another visitor, yes. He has to make the call. I just don't want him to get upset. He's still in recovery," Sasuke said.
"Okay. I'll try to get Idai here. It might not be easy. Saori tried to get him to come and I did, too, but he wouldn't do it," Takeru said.
"Takeru, I have an idea. Stop by Kurenai's and get Ryu. If you can't get Idai to come on his own, force him. He needs to stop running," Sasuke said.
There was a knock at the door. Gai yawned as he got up to answer it. "Hi! How's it going? What bring you two by here at this hour? I see. Oh. Really? You two can try. I agree with Sasuke. He needs to," Idai heard Gai tell someone through his bedroom door. Who was out there? He heard footsteps coming closer.
"Idai, come on out. You have two visitors," Gai said.
Idai cautiously opened the door. He froze. Ryu and Takeru were looking at him. "Why are you two here?"
"We've come to nicely persuade you to go with us to the hospital," Ryu said calmly.
"I'm not going," Idai said. He tried to close the door only to have Ryu's foot block the attempt. "I told you guys earlier that I don't want to see him."
"Yeah, we know, but Daiya wants to see you," Ryu said. "He specifically asked us to come fetch you." Ryu watched Idai's eyes widen. "Yes, he's awake. No, he isn't angry at you. Yes, if you don't come on your own accord, I will make you."
Idai looked at Ryu with loathing. He wasn't about to be taken hostage by the looks of Ryu Yuhi. He would put up a fight. "I guess you'll just have to try and make me, "Idai said with aggression.
"When challenging your opponent, it's always wise to learn a few things about them before running your mouth," Ryu said seriously. "It's also wise to know where your position is when coming up with a battle plan. You forgot that one to be the most important. Grab him, Takeru," Ryu said.
Takeru snuck up behind Idai and grabbed him around the waist, pinning his arms to his sides. "Sorry, Idai, but I promised Daiya. I don't break my promises." He moved back, arching his spine to lift Idai off of the floor.
Ryu pushed the door open. Idai was glaring at him. "Sorry, but you lose this round."
As Ryu threw Idai over his shoulder he looked at Gai. "We'll be back in a little while. Don't wait up," he said smiling.
"You guys have a nice visit," Gai said waving them out the door.
"Dammit, you're supposed to be on my side," Idai yelled at Gai as they left.
Sasuke stood out in the hall. He blinked. "Well, I guess they had to force him." Ryu was carrying Idai over his shoulder. "You can put him down now. I don't think he's going to go anywhere."
Ryu dropped Idai. He signaled for Idai to turn around. "I'll walk Takeru home. See you later, Idai. Behave," he said seriously.
Idai tensed. Sasuke sensei was looking at him sternly. He swallowed.
"Are you that afraid of Daiya? You were never afraid of him before. So why be so now when he's weak?" Idai looked away. "You have to face your fears, Idai. If you live your whole life scared of everything around you, you can't live."
"I'm… not afraid of him per se," Idai said softly.
"Then why are you acting like you are?"
"I'm… afraid of being let down. He never wanted to have anything to do with me. So… why now? I haven't changed. Neither has he."
"No, you two are the same as before. That's how it is right now. Maybe you two will change together, instead of separately," Sasuke said. Idai didn't understand. "He knows you were the one that saved him." Idai stepped back. "Idai, don't run from him. You need to face him as much as he needs to face you." Sasuke opened the door and pushed Idai in.
Idai was not mentally prepared. He was locked in the room with Daiya. Sasuke sensei was not letting him out until the two of them resolved their issues with one another. Idai tried to turn the handle on the door. Nope, no good.
He didn't want to turn around. If he did, he would see Daiya laying in the bed with rubes and wires hooked up to him. Idai put his forehead against the door. Why had he asked to see him?
Daiya was sitting up watching Idai. His arms were in front of his body to prop him up. His head was lowered some, eyes focused on the boy with white hair. Why is he afraid to look at me? Does he think I will hurt him in my condition?
Idai knew Sasuke wasn't going to let him out – even if it took all night. He slowly looked over his shoulder. Idai's heart started to race. Daiya was sitting up watching him. He wasn't saying anything. He looked weak. Idai forced his mouth to open. "Hi," he said feebly.
Daiya grunted some as he put all of his weight onto one arm. He lifted his hand and issued Idai to come closer. The boy was looking at him in shock. Daiya waved again.
Idai turned around fully. He stepped a few feet towards Daiya. "Are you… going to hit me," he asked.
Daiya wondered why he thought that. "No," he said weakly. Idai moved cautiously towards him. The boy stopped again. "Idai, I… won't harm…you."
Idai didn't know whether to believe him or not. "Are you mad at me," he asked looking away. He dreaded the answer.
"No," Daiya said still watching him.
"You hate me, don't you," Idai said not looking at him. He knew Daiya didn't particularly like him. He had never really spoken to Idai before – only ignored him.
"No, I… don't hate you," Daiya said. "Idai,… come here. I can't… sit up… long." He watched Idai come to the side of the bed. "Lean down."
Idai closed his eyes, anticipating a blow to the head. He leaned down closer to Daiya, his body tense. His breathing was quickening.
Daiya looked at him sadly. He reached one of his arms up and grabbed onto the back of Idai's shirt. He held on as he twisted his body and brought his other arm fully around. Daiya placed his hand on the back of Idai's head and pressed Idai to his shoulder. "I… could have…hurt you… when I was… overloading. Don't… do that .. again. I don't hate… you. I'm… not mad at you. I… thought you were… teasing me before. That's why… I ignored you. I'm… sorry, Idai."
Idai didn't know what to say. Daiya was apologizing. He didn't dislike him. What was he to do? Idai never thought Daiya would ever speak to him. "That's the most words you've ever said to me."
"Stick… around. I'll….talk more," Daiya said. He slowly petted the back of Idai's head. "Thank you, Idai. No one…has ever…tried to get…as close to me…as you have. I'm sorry… I didn't notice it….sooner." Daiya took a deep breath. "Lightening bugs…aren't as brilliant…as they seem."
Idai laughed as he put his arms around Daiya to help support him. "Yeah, I guess not." He felt Daiya pull on his ear. "Ah, you faker! You have some strength back!"
Daiya smirked. "So….am I forgiven?" He felt Idai hug him harder. Idai nodded. "Just…don't tell anyone…I have… emotions…and we'll get along….fine."
"When can I be released, Sasuke sensei? I've been stuck here for a week." Daiya watched Sasuke pull a chair closer to the bed. He had a toothpick in his mouth, chewing on it.
"Probably this afternoon. There are a few precautions I want to go over with you," Sasuke said. He folded his arms on the bed. Daiya was watching him.
"Precautions? What sort of precautions? My strength is back. I don't need to take it easy," Daiya said rather annoyed.
Sasuke had to level with him. "Daiya, your test results came back. Even though you have your strength back, your heart is damaged from the stress it was put under. The damage is irreparable. I know you can feel it," he said as Daiya turned his gaze away. "You have heart arrithymia now. I'm afraid for you to go back to the student dorms. If you have an attack and there is no one around to help you, you could go into cardiac arrest."
"So I'm off the team. I'm finished," Daiya said playing with the hospital sheets. He closed his eyes. The only purpose he had in life was to be a ninja. How could he protect his friends? How would he repay Idai back for what he had done for him?
"You're not off the team. I can't do that to you. You've worked too hard to get where you are," Sasuke said. "My request is this: I want you to be with someone at all times on missions and until we know for certain how bad the arrhythmia is."
Daiya looked at Sasuke. "I don't understand. I have n home. I have no family. Where am I to go until I am well? It might never happen."
"You have me, don't you?" Daiya wasn't following. "I'm offering you a home, Daiya. The only catch is you have to put with Takeru, Onari and Izumi."
Daiya's eyes widened. "You…want me to stay with you? Wouldn't I be a burden to you and your family…?"
"No, it would be the other way around actually. Izumi loves kids. She'd be all over you in a heartbeat. Takeru is alright, but he might want more attention from you than you're willing to give. And Onari… she's highly curious. I don't know how she will react to you."
"Onari is the girl that is a foreigner, like me and Idai," Daiya said contemplating.
"Yes, she has a room next to Takeru's. I would want you and Takeru to share a room for your won security and my piece of mind," Sasuke said. "So do you want to stay in the student dorms, or do you want to stay at my place?"
Daiya thought for a moment. If he remained din the student dorms by himself, he'd be alone. What if he did have an attack? If he went with Sasuke, he'd be gaining a family – a mom, dad, brother, and sister. "I'll go with you," he said softly.
"Takeru look like girl," Onari said laughing.
"Oh, shut it, Ri. My hair is wet," Takeru said. He had put his hair into a ponytail to keep it from touching his neck. He couldn't stand it. The earrings in his ears were more visible.
"He makes a pretty girl doesn't he? Perhaps we should get him a date with a nice Chuunin," Saori said. She started to laugh, too.
Takeru narrowed his eyes. "Saori, I swear – stop encouraging her!" Saori was making kissy faces and pointing at Takeru. Onari, of course had tears coming out of her eyes.
"Onari no want sister," Onari said still laughing. "Onari like Takeru like boy." She had her arms around her stomach. It hurt from laughing so hard.
"I don't have to sit here and take this!" Takeru stood up and left Onari and Saori in the family room laughing. "Stupid idiots," he muttered.
"Are you guys fighting again," Sasuke asked as he walked towards Takeru.
"Saori and Onari are making fun of my hair," Takeru said with his arms crossed.
"Well, I need you guys to calm down. We have a visitor rand I don't want him excited," Sasuke said. He watched Takeru tilt his head.
"A visitor?" Takeru blinked. What his father said sunk in. He got excited. "Daiya?"
Sasuke could tell Takeru had no problems with Daiya. In fact, now he was more worried about Takeru being the excitable one, aside from Onari. "I want him to stay in your room with you. Daiya suffers from heart arrhythmia and I don't want him alone. He could have an attack." He watched his son's confusion. "It's when a person's heart doesn't beat normally. The beats can get erratic if the person gets excited. Daiya could go into cardiac arrest."
Takeru stood very still. His mind was trying to understand what was wrong with his friend. "Daiya is permanently injured, isn't he?"
"Yes, Takeru," Sasuke said calmly. "Would you mind Daiya permanently living here with you and Onari?" His son's opinions mattered greatly to him.
Takeru smiled at his father. "I'm getting a brother," he said happily. Sasuke's eyes softened.
Sasuke carried Daiya on his back to Takeru's room. A second bed had been added with Saori and Izumi's help. "Alright, you can rest now. Sorry for taking so long. I had to get Takeru to distract Onari –easier said than done."
"And how did he accomplish that," Daiya asked as he was lowered onto the bed. He fell back. His body was tired. It had been the first day he had sat up on his own for such a long period of time.
"The only way to distract Onari is to wave a dumpling at her. She loves those. I blame Naruto for her obsession over those things," Sasuke said. "Takeru and Onari shouldn't be back for a while. You can rest without any distractions."
Daiya closed his eyes as Sasuke left. He hadn't had a home since hew as six-years-old – since the fire. Even then, it wasn't ever much of one.
Onari crept into Takeru's room. If she got caught, she would be in unbelievable trouble with Sasuke. There was a strange boy asleep on the second bed. Onari tilted her head as she moved closer. The boy had brown hair that was tied in a ponytail. He wore a hat, too. She moved her eyes across his attire. He wore a vest with padding and metal plates on the chest. Onari looked at his arms and legs. They were bandaged like hers. Who was this boy?
Onari crawled onto the bed and over the boy. He had a scar over his right eye. She moved her face closer to his, her long hair brushing his skin lightly.
Daiya felt his face itching. He opened his eyes. He gasped. There was a girl watching him. His heart skipped. Daiya gritted his teeth. The girl had startled him. He looked up at her. Was this girl Onari?
Onari tilted her head. The boy was weak, but not badly. His eyes told her hew as hiding himself – but from what and who? "Who boy," she asked. She wasn't afraid of him at all.
Daiya kept watching her. "Are… you Onari," he asked. The girl leaned her ear closer as if she couldn't believe that he knew her name. "I'll take that as a 'yes'."
"Who boy," Onari asked again
"I'm Daiya," he told her. Onari was confused. "You don't understand."
"I'mdaiya," she repeated quizzically.
"No, that's… incorrect. You don't understand sentence structure well," Daiya said. The girl hovered over him tilting her head. She's confused. He pointed to himself. "Daiya."
"Daiya is boy," Onari said. She watched him nod. "Daiya same Onari?"
"Ri! You're not supposed to be on him like that! He's not well," Takeru yelled at her. He couldn't believe Onari had snuck into the room to check Daiya out. He ran over to her. "Daiya, I'm sorry. I should have kept a better watch on her."
"What does she mean I'm the same as her," Daiya asked. Onari was completely studying him. She moved even closer, her forehead practically touching his. Daiya blushed.
"Onari, please, get off of him. You're embarrassing me," Takeru said. Onari wasn't budging.
"Takeru, Daiya same Onari," she said.
"What do you mean he's the same as you? If you mean a 'foreigner' than, yes, he is," Takeru said. Onari was shaking her head. She pointed at Daiya.
"Boy from Onari from," she said trying to make them understand.
Takeru looked at her bewildered. "You're from the lightening country like Daiya? How do you know that?"
"Onari no understand. Boy same Onari," she said again. There was something about him that told her he was from the same place she was. "Who boy?"
"Onari, Daiya already told you who he was," Takeru said his brow twitching.
"I didn't tell her my surname," Daiya said as he sat up. "What do you mean 'Who am I'?" Onari was thinking. He watched her hit her head trying to get the language straight.
Onari pointed at Takeru. "Takeru Uchiha." She pointed at Daiya. "Daiya…?"
"Oh, she is asking your surname," Takeru said. "I wonder why it's important. Ri, what are you getting at?"
Daiya watched her face as he said 'Eimino'. Onari knew the word. "You know my surname? How?"
Onari held her hand up high. "Onari mom and dad." She lifted Daiya's hand. "Eimino." Then she put her other hand below Daiya's. "Onari."
Daiya watched her, alerted to what she was insinuating. "She understands clans. That's what she's trying to say. My clan served the main lords. I can't tell you the name. I was too young."
"Onari, why are your parents' clan above Daiya's and why did you put yourself below him?"
"My family must have served her family," Daiya said.
"Onari dad here," she said raising her hand really high. "Onari mom protect Onari dad. Onari mom here," she said putting her hand next to Daiya's raised hand. "Onari foul. Onari here," she said putting her hand way below Daiya's.
"I don't understand what she's saying," Takeru said.
"I do," Daiya said. "Onari's father was a lord, or man of importance. Her mother served her father – like a bodyguard or fighter. Her mother was seen as a lower class of the clean. The reason Onari is blow my clan is because of her inheritance. Her father was important. Her mother was not."
"So that makes Onari like… dirt to the lightening country," Takeru asked.
"Onari scum," Onari said a little too happily for Daiya and Takeru.
Daiya reached up putting his arms on her shoulders. He hated that word. His mother had used it on him when he was younger. Daiya's real father had left his mother because of her clan status and the fact that she was pregnant with him. His father did not want his reputation to be tarnished. "Don't say that word," Daiya said forcefully. "You and I are the same. We are not scum." He grabbed Onari's hand and held it at the same level as his own. "You are not beneath me, Onari."
Takeru looked at Daiya sadly. Daiya. "You two are more like brother and sister. It's just neither of you knew about the other."
Daiya's heart skipped, but not badly. This girl was from the same country as him. She knew his clan. She was like him – in a way. "I don't know. Do you want a brother," he asked her.
"What brother purpose," Onari asked.
Daiya made a vow right then and there. Onari was not ashamed of his clan status, or the fact that he had been casted out because of his bloodline. He looked at her seriously as he interlaced his fingers with hers. "Brothers protect their siblings. I'll protect you and Takeru."
"How about we change that. We'll protect each other," Takeru said. "Onari is not my sister. She's more yours. You can protect her as I will and I'll protect the both of you," he said seriously.
"Onari have Daiya brother now," she asked. Daiya nodded, his stormy eyes watching her. She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"Ri!" Takeru flipped out. He couldn't believe she had done that.
"Onari kiss Daiya brother! Onari no kiss Takeru!" She watched Takeru's heart sink. "Takeru too pretty girl," she said pointing at him.
Daiya started to laugh at her.
"Ri! Shut up about my hair," Takeru said annoyed. "And Daiya isn't technically your brother, so stop kissing on him!"
"I'll be damned," Sasuke said as he heard the commotion from outside the room. "Onari is from the lightening country like Daiya. Now, if only I can find out what those marks on her body means."