A/N: Merry Christmas, my beloved readers (and happy holidays to those who don't celebrate)!

I am so, so sorry this chapter took so damn long! I've actually been working on this on and off forever (for...eight months now?), kept trying to get it up, but besides my months-long hiatus (which was sorely needed!), Life(TM) kept getting in the way, and the holidays are the craziest time of year in my line of work, so I really haven't had the energy to get this up before now! But was hoping you guys wouldn't mind and would just consider this a Christmas present! lol. Can't thank you enough for being so patient with me! I love you all so much!

Hope you all enjoy! :D

The next day, Naruto doesn't make a break for his apartment as soon as classes let out.

They get a day off from the Academy tomorrow, and whenever that happens, the bullies are usually in too much of a rush to really bother with him. So instead, he hunkers down on his swing (no one else has touched it since he 'tainted it' years ago) to people-watch the other kids.

It's something he's always done during downtime like this. When he watches the other kids smile and laugh and have a good time, he imagines what it would be like to be with them, to know what having people who actually like and care for him is all about. He used to try to shove down those daydreams, those heartfelt wishes, because they only ever ended with him hurt, but…it's gotten harder and harder as he's grown. For the last year or two, he hasn't even bothered. Because even if it hurts…it still brings him some comfort.

It's not long before, just like always, ever since he met them and especially over the last several months, he finds himself drawn to a particular group of kids.

The Konoha 10.

They've always been different from everyone else in this village, sans Teuchi and Ayame. They don't hurt Naruto in any of the number of ways the adults and other kids do. They never have, at least as far as Naruto's aware. Hell, the worst they ever do is complain about his pranks sometimes, which, to be fair, is justified (especially when Iruka-sensei doesn't shut up about it for all of homeroom).

When they first met at the Academy all those years ago, Naruto honestly thought it was a fluke. Maybe they didn't know who he was. Maybe they hadn't seen the way literally everyone else treated him. But once they did, Naruto was sure they'd join in eventually. That's just the way things worked for him.

But…they never did.

They still don't.

And given the insane contrast between that and everything Naruto's ever known, sue him for wanting to understand, to know why. Because if they can do it, why can't the rest of them? What do they see in him (or not) that slipped past everyone else?

Well, after all these years of observing and coming to understand the Konoha 10 better than any of their jerk classmates ever could, Naruto thinks he gets it.

As far as he's seen, the Konoha 10 are just good, through and through. They actively choose to form their own opinions instead of letting others decide for them, to get to the heart of matters on their own instead of dismissing and deriding whatever doesn't fit in. It's what makes them kinder and more accepting than the average person, at least from Naruto's perspective. Hell, that's probably what brought them all together in the first place, realizing that they're all misfits, so they might as well make a family out of it.

They're just...special that way.

And while those realizations might seem small and insignificant to anyone else, the knowledge that Naruto has a select few in this village (especially around his age) who don't treat him like the scum on their shoes…even if all they'll ever be is classmates, barely more than acquaintances, just kids who know each other by proxy…it still means the world to him.

It means everything.

He's always wanted to thank them, to tell them how warm it makes him feel, how it helps when the loneliness vice-grips his heart and turns his thoughts darker than the night sky. Hell, it's a huge reason he started this word-giving escapade of his. He can't help with their bullies outright (no matter how much he wishes he could), but he can make them feel better afterward, let them know it's okay, that they're not alone and their bullies are just jealous jerks at the end of the day. He wishes with all his heart he could do more because they deserve it…but with the way things are for him, his good words will have to do. He just hopes it's enough.

Speak of the devil…

The Konoha 10 are far enough across the schoolyard that, as far as he's learned, normal people wouldn't be able to hear them, but Naruto can. They're chatting excitedly about all the good words on their skin, showing them off and comparing them, and Naruto's glad to see them enjoying themselves, so delighted by the words he's so painstakingly chosen. He smiles to himself, feeling light and warm inside.

"What are you smiling at, freak?"

Naruto jumps and looks up to find some of his rougher bullies, smile dropping like a stone. Damn it! Looks like his usual break strategy didn't work. He tries to find an opening to escape, but he's surrounded. He grips the swing's ropes tighter, mentally bracing himself. This'll be fun…

PUSH!

He's shoved off the swing hard, one of his elbows opening up as he skids across the dirt. Before he can even try to sit up or defend himself, they're coming in hard and fast, and Naruto reels back, curling up to protect himself from the blows and kicks that always come.

Except this time, they never do.

He waits a few extra seconds in case he just got lucky, and then he takes a peek. His eyes blow open wide.

The bullies are all frozen mid-strike, struggling, but unable to do anything. He looks around for who in the world could have helped him, who would, and then Shikamaru Nara walks up, hands in his signature Shadow Paralysis jutsu position.

"You know, last I checked, six against one isn't fair."

Naruto can't look away. The rest of the Konoha 10, all the kids he's helped, are all at Shikamaru's back with fierce grins and cracking knuckles, ready and waiting to kick some ass.

Shikamaru levels the bullies with a molten glare and bares his teeth in a way that would put any Inuzuka to shame. "If you bastards want Naruto, you'll have to go through us!"

"Yeah!"

"Absolutely!"

"You got that right!"

"We'll tear ya to pieces! Right, Akamaru?"

Bark, bark!

Shikamaru can't help but let some amusement bleed into his expression. His friends really are the best! "You heard 'em! So, are ya gonna run home to your mommies like the little piss-ants you are," his eyes glint like kunai in the moonlight, his shadows squeezing in warning, "or are we gonna have to teach you a lesson right here?"

Pale and trembling (and from what Kiba and Akamaru can smell, practically pissing themselves), the bullies nearly trample each other in their haste to escape. The louder members of the Konoha 10 boo them on their way out, putting even more feeling behind it when they see Naruto's blood in the dirt.

Once they're alone, Naruto doesn't waste any time. On hands and knees, he bows as low as he can, forehead touching the ground.

"T-thank you so much! For h-helping me!"

The others are startled. They weren't expecting that kind of reaction. But Shikamaru… He thinks he understands.

He takes a few careful, quiet steps toward him, not wanting to scare him, and crouches down to his level. He hesitates before slowly resting a feather-light hand on Naruto's hair.

Naruto's eyes shoot open, breath hitches and heart stutters, and he freezes on instinct and out of habit, but he doesn't let himself flinch like he absolutely normally would. He's thrown, flashing back to when Ino touched Sakura's head like this. It's just as soft and warm and kind as he imagined it would be, and he can't believe it's happening to him.

He'll freely admit he's freaking out inside, just a bit. It's a good, happy freaking, but part of him's still reeling. This…this has never happened before. Teuchi and Ayame have always been nice to him, but besides that, it's...been hard. That's being generous, maybe ridiculous, he knows, but it's true, too. No one's ever touched him like this before, so sweet and soft and not painful. It doesn't hurt. It...it wants to take away the hurt, he's pretty sure – he, Shikamaru, does – and that's...it leaves him wide-eyed and speechless, breathless. Hell, he has to blink back tears, and while he succeeds, he's not sure how long it'll last. This is...uncharted territory, after all.

And yet, for all that, he can't stop himself from leaning into it, just a bit, then even more when Shikamaru goes a step further and ruffles his hair. He doesn't know why he's comfortable with this, with Shikamaru, but...he is, and he's not about to waste it.

Meanwhile, Shikamaru...his heart's in his throat.

They've been classmates for years, and Naruto's been observing them, learning about them, forever, but they've only just started really seeing him recently, all things considered. And because of that, he's only now realizing...that Naruto's never been touched like this, in any way other than to inflict pain. It dawns on him just how touch-starved Naruto is, just how much he's taken from the villagers and how much it's affected him. The thought makes him want to be sick and punch out every single person in this village who's ever laid a hand on him, never mind all the ones who hurt him with their cruel, ignorant thoughts on his innocent skin. Naruto's scared and hurting and scarred in so many ways...but all he's cared about over the last few months is making them happy. Making them smile and laugh and even cry happy tears instead of ever feeling anything bad.

Shikamaru feels his heart melt for this precious little ray of sunshine. He's the most ridiculously selfless person he's ever met.

Shikamaru's hand leaves, and Naruto blinks at the sudden chill that takes its place, looking up to make sure he hasn't imagined this whole thing. Instead, he's startled to find a helpless smile on Shikamaru's face. He's…not used to people smiling at him…

"You don't have to thank us, you know." Naruto starts again at his gentle tone. "If anything, we should be the ones thanking you."

Naruto blinks wide blue eyes. "'T-thank me'?" He tilts his head. "What for?"

And Shikamaru just frowns at him like he's impossible. But not like...he's annoying him or like he's an idiot like everyone else. It's like…—! Naruto's breath catches, hardly daring to hope. He's…something precious…? His heart skips. He's...never been looked at like that before...

They all reveal their good words as one, and Shikamaru jerks a thumb over his shoulder. "This was you, right?"

Naruto's stunned, cheeks dusting pink. He can't believe it. And here he thought he was being careful...

He blinks at the hand that appears in his vision and looks up to find Shikamaru, ready and waiting to help him up. Dumbfounded, he looks from Shikamaru to the hand and back, just to make sure. Shikamaru merely stretches his hand out a little more, and Naruto only hesitates a moment more before he sets his hand in his.

Shikamaru pulls him up with barely any effort, Naruto being a lot smaller than his clothes make him look, and Naruto almost forgets to let go of his hand once he's on his feet before he remembers and pulls back, blushing something fierce as he cradles his hand. He can't help but stare down at it in wonder. Someone else's warmth feels…so nice...

His gaze moves back to Shikamaru. He stares a few moments, considering, before he guesses, "It was you...wasn't it?" Shikamaru raises an eyebrow, a small "Hmm?" leaving him. "You put it all together, led them back to me."

For a moment, Shikamaru's eyes widen, but only just. After that, his face breaks out into a grin, and he laughs. Leave it to Naruto to figure him out so easily. He may have gotten to know Naruto through all this, but he forgot…Naruto's been watching all of them way, way longer. He finds it endearing and feels a twinge of pride. They're more alike than he ever thought they'd be, that's for sure.

Finally, he shrugs. "It was a group effort. We all put our evidence in a pile and worked it out together. Wasn't long before we found you to be the common denominator."

"You're being too modest, Shikamaru," Ino tells him, tone somewhat scolding with arms crossed over her chest. "You had him pegged from the start. And if it hadn't been for you, the rest of us might never have found out who it really was."

Shikamaru pouts, a bored look on his face. "Being in the spotlight isn't exactly my thing, Ino," he reminds, clearly already done with this conversation. Naruto wonders how many times they've had it. "You know that."

"Yeah, but still..."

Shaking his head, Shikamaru turns back to Naruto. "Look, it doesn't matter who figured it out. What matters is, we know it's you, and it's..." he reaches up to trace the genius along his temple almost reverently, "...it's really amazing, what you've done for us, especially without asking for anything in return. Hell, I'm pretty sure you never counted on us finding out, did you?"

Naruto flushes brightly and drops his eyes, fiddling with his fingers, and he shakes his head quickly. He wasn't sure what they'd think if they found out it was him, so... They've never been like the other kids, but...still... He was afraid of the backlash, if they didn't like his meddling or observing or...maybe they'd think it was invasive or creepy or not his place. He didn't...know what to expect, so...he figured anonymity was the way to go.

But now, he's...he's glad he was proven wrong. It's...this feels...scary in its own way, but...a lot better than the alternative, too. At least…so far…

Shikamaru can't help but soften at his frankly adorably sweet reaction. This kid really is something else. Something incredible. "Well, we wanted to thank you anyway, and I think we've figured out just how to do it." He regards Naruto gently, knowing what he's about to ask might be too much, but wanting to try anyway. It'll probably be a better surprise if he listens, but Shikamaru planned a few alternatives in case he refuses anyway. "So, would you mind...closing your eyes?"

Naruto's eyes widen, breath pauses, and for a moment, it's like his world stops. He glances around at all of them, his classmates he's observed silently for years, more so in the last months in wanting to help them, and he feels...a little funny being the center of things for once. Well, a good center, he should say. Usually, everyone thinks the worst of him. And yet, these guys...

His gaze comes back to Shikamaru's warm brown in the end, his kind, safe smile, and...

He just knows.

Taking a deep breath, almost comically so, Naruto screws his eyes shut and covers them with his hands for good measure. They're trembling the tiniest bit, not because he's scared they'll hurt him, but because he's nervous, not sure what they have in store for him. Today has had...a lot of 'firsts' for him.

The others, for their part, are ecstatic, barely able to contain their excitement. Apart from some excited whispers and laughs, it's quiet all around Naruto for a good minute or so, and it makes him even more nervous, but he stands tall. He knows they won't hurt him, knows the kind of people they are. He's...he knows he can trust Shikamaru, if nothing else.

Finally, Shikamaru calls, "Okay, you can open your eyes now."

He lowers his hands, and it takes a few blinks for his eyes to readjust to the sunlight. Around him, the Konoha 10 are all grinning, beaming, and he isn't sure why. Sensing his confusion, Shikamaru nods toward him, and Naruto looks down.

His breath leaves him in a choked rush.

Important

Nice

Kind

Sweet

Loving

Protective

Selfless

Strong

Smart

Observant

Perceptive

Determined

Adorable

Dedicated

Hardworking

Incredible

Handsome

Special

Funny

Amazing

Sunshine

Loved

All these and so many more beautiful, amazing things are painted across his skin, completely overwriting the awful thoughts of the rest of the village.

Naruto barely has a chance to read a quarter of them before his vision blurs and tears start streaming, but he stubbornly wipes them away so he can read more, doing the same each time it gets to be too much. The lump in his throat is painful as hell, begs for release, but he doesn't care, just wants to read everything he can. He doesn't even notice that he's started trembling something fierce until he has trouble reading, and it's not long after that that his legs give out. His shoulders are already wracking with barely-suppressed sobs, small whines escaping here and there.

By the time he finishes reading every last incredible word, Naruto's had it. He's absolutely spent. He doesn't have any restraint left. He hopes they'll forgive him for the scene he's about to make. (Luckily, most everyone else has already gone home.)

Hugging himself, pressing his arms into himself as if the words will absorb through his skin onto his heart and stay with him forever, he bawls like his life depends on it. Head thrown back, tears absolutely flooding his face, lurching, happy sobs ringing out through the schoolyard. It's nothing pretty, so messy, but...maybe that's what makes it so real.

When he started this all those months ago, all he'd been thinking about was making their days better, putting smiles on their faces, making them happy. He hadn't thought anything like this would ever happen, that they'd ever figure out it was him, that they'd track him down, that they'd...that anyone would ever do something like this, for him.

The idea that he could be this lucky...hell, it was practically a freaking fairy tale for him...! But now...now...!

Shikamaru is the first to break out of their collectively stunned daze and step forward (because of course he is).

Dropping to his knees in front of Naruto, slowly so he doesn't scare him, he hesitates before reaching out to bring him into his arms. He starts out gentle, touch feather-light, but the way Naruto freezes in his hold for a long moment before he seems to realize he's being hugged (he's...never been hugged before, has he...?!) and buries himself in his embrace, throwing his arms around him and holding him like he's afraid he'll never get to experience this again...

Shikamaru didn't even realize, but apparently, he's been holding back tears this whole time, too. He knows because they're suddenly stinging and then falling in a matter of seconds, too many for them to have just built up now, and he doesn't stop himself from pressing his face into Naruto's shoulder and holding him as tightly as he dares, one of his hands moving to cradle the back of his head.

The others are quick to join in on the hug, and soon enough, Naruto's at the epicenter of a happily-crying pile of fledgling ninja. It's weird and a little embarrassing, but it's ultimately the best afternoon they can remember, too. Definitely the most rewarding. It's the most amazing thing they've ever been a part of, and they have Naruto to thank. For this and so much more.

They can't wait to see what a future with him brings.

Several minutes, tissues, and a bandage on his elbow (courtesy of Ino) later, Naruto and the others are much more composed.

Naruto can't tear his eyes away from the good words on his skin, eyes wide and wondering and cheeks pink with joy. He feels better and lighter than he thinks he has in his entire life.

"You know, Naruto," he snaps up at Shikamaru's voice, "that was only part one of our Thank You plan."

Naruto's eyes widen, and his mouth goes dry. He can't imagine anything better than this. "'P-part one'?"

Shikamaru nods, and he and the others trade wide smiles. He's still sitting right in front of Naruto, so close that their knees are touching, and he's made no move to pull away. Something inside him warms at the fact that Naruto hasn't either. "How would you like to be the eleventh member of the Konoha 10?"

And here Naruto thought he'd cried himself dry.

The next thing Shikamaru knows, Naruto's throwing his arms around his neck with a lurching sob. He ends up flat on his back, but he honestly can't say he cares. Hell, pinpricks of tears are stinging his eyes, too, and he doesn't stop himself from holding Naruto back just as tightly. Oh, yeah. He could get used to this.

"We will take that as a yes!" Lee triumphantly surmises, and they all burst into laughter and cheers.

Shikamaru chuckles when Naruto goes so far as to nuzzle in a bit, choking up a little more when he realizes this is probably the first time he's ever gotten the opportunity, let alone felt comfortable enough, and he takes a moment to hold him closer and breathe him in.

He doesn't really know how or when it started, but...this feeling welling up inside him while he holds a happy-crying Naruto has been building for a while now. And even as young as he is, he thinks he's realizing...he wants to stay here, at Naruto's side. He wants to follow him, stick close, make sure he's happy and safe and healthy, that these good words on his skin don't ever fade...no matter what.

That thought in mind, he whispers, a promise he swears he'll keep for the rest of his life:

"Welcome home, Naruto."

A/N: Fun fact: This scene is actually one of the very first scenes I wrote for this AU! (I've obviously edited and added to the hell out of it, haha, but still!)

Fun fact #2: I posted one of the most important chapters, Chapter 14, of my main Naruto AU, Surface Breaker ( s/13570086/1/Surface-Breaker), on Christmas 2020, and now, I'm posting this chapter, one of the last and most important in this fic, on Christmas two years later! Haha! IDK, I just thought it was cool! :D

That last little Shikamaru reflection is a parallel/reference to Shikamaru's speech about wanting to stay with Naruto in Shippuden episode 169, "The Two Students": "When I'm with Naruto, he makes me want to follow him, to walk by his side...no matter what."

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy New Year! I love you all so much!

Thanks so much for reading!