Naruto made his way home. He hated himself for the way he acted; hated himself for his thoughts.
Sensei offered Kiba help. That was one thing. But Sensei carrying Sasuke…
He needed help, he reminded himself. He was in awful shape.
Still, the way Sensei picked him up – a broad-shouldered seventeen-year-old – as if he carried absolutely nothing –
Stop it. Stop thinking about it. Ju-just stop.
And Sasuke looked like absolute shit. When Naruto found him, he was shirtless and sweating, far too pale, and clearly in pain. Sensei must be incompetent as well if he thought the best thing to help Sasuke was a fucking nap.
Despite the cold, he waited by the open window.
Something sniffed his hair –
Naruto snapped up – still groggy from sleep – and stared at the eyes that looked down at him; the black and the red.
He sighed, relief flooding his form, and hugged the dog's neck, pulling him close. "You're okay," he whispered. "Fuck. You're okay."
The dog rumbled and licked his forehead. He began sniffing him and shifted closer to him, breathing hot air down his back.
"Well, if you don't want me to get cold, you should have come back sooner," Naruto chastised, his chest aching. "Don't leave me," he added, the words rushed and gaping. "I know you like the wild, but…" choose me, he wanted to say.
He couldn't. He hugged the dog and ruffled his fur. "What are you always running to, anyways? Do you… do you have someone else, like a family?"
The dog rubbed his head against Naruto's and rumbled.
Naruto did not know what he meant, so he continued talking. "I keep thinking, maybe I keep you from stuff. I hope not. I mean, it's selfish, but I kinda… I kinda hoped you'd be like me." His voice was weak and soft. He buried his face in the dog's fur. "I don't have anyone. I want to have you. S'not that selfish, is it? I don't wanna be alone, and I thought… maybe you don't wanna be alone too."
He was crying, he realized. He was crying over a dog.
The dog, however, held fewer reservations. He rumbled and wrapped his tail around Naruto.
Naruto held him closer. "See, I thought you were abandoned, and that's… I don't know what that means. No one ever wanted me. I waited ten years at the orphanage for someone – anyone – to like me." His shoulders shook violently, and he probably gripped the dog too hard, but the dog did not move. "I don't matter to anyone. I'm not important to anyone. I'm not – "
The dog growled. He lifted his large head and began to aggressively lick his face.
Naruto angled his head away. "Hey! Stop – "
And he did. He lifted his paw and pulled Naruto into his lap, cradling him against his stomach. He rumbled softly and shoved his snout into Naruto's shirt, his warm breaths caressing Naruto's spine.
Naruto covered his eyes with his arm. "Liar. I didn't know dogs could be liars."
The dog whine softly, his chest vibrating.
"You're just like Sensei. He promised to help me and then went to help Kiba. S'not fair," he choked. "Why am I no one's first choice?"
He pushed the dog away and curled on the bed, facing the wall, sobbing and furious and so very alone.
It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that all Sensei had to do was look at him like he was a human being and not some sort of a monster, and he had already hoped for more. It wasn't fair that he was so nice and considerate and reliable.
It wasn't fair that he was so fucking desperate –
The dog pulled on his blanket, covered him, then curled around him and laid his giant head on his neck. He placed his large paw on Naruto's trembling hands.
Naruto sniffed and leaned into his warmth. He managed, somehow, to fall asleep.
Kakashi watched over Sasuke and waited for the boy to transform back.
They trained together for hours – well, Sasuke trained, Kakashi observed – and it was growing close to midnight.
Kakashi was agitated. After their last conversation, he was hesitant to leave Naruto alone. He observed Sasuke intently as the teen transformed back, looking for any indication that Sasuke would need him to stay the night.
Should he ask? Any sign of rejection was likely to cause the boy to shove him away, yet…
Sasuke sat up stubbornly, jaw clenched, and put on his shirt. He bit his lips, locking them tight, and did not allow a single whine of pain to escape. "Just go," he snapped. "I'll manage. I'm not a kid," he added, glaring at him. "I don't need you to stay by my side while I sleep," he spat.
That dig seemed pointed. Did Sasuke suspect…?
He did not have time to check.
Kakashi nodded. He got up, shaking his mane, and sniffed Sasuke cautiously, searching for any symptoms of pain or discomfort.
Sasuke shoved his nose away. "I said I'm fine," he grumbled. "Go. He needs you more than I do."
So he knew. Kakashi wondered if he should explain himself, but Sasuke did not smell hostile (at least, not more than usual), so he jumped through the window and disappeared into the night.
He ran through the forest surrounding the town, trying to stay hidden – the inconvenience of having white fur – and reached Naruto's window. Which was opened and beckoning him closer with a soft, golden light.
Naruto waited for him again.
Kakashi cursed, gathered speed, pounced, and entered through the window.
It was close to midnight, but Naruto was awake, sitting on his bed, curled up with his head hidden between his arms, knees pulled tight against his chest.
His shoulders shook, the movement as sharp as the boy's thin limbs, and Kakashi hated himself for trying to sever his connection with the boy.
He sat on the bed and nuzzled at the kid's hair, whining as he licked him.
Naruto jumped up. His blue eyes – though broken and tortured – shone with light when he saw him. He wiped his face furiously and wrapped his hands around Kakashi's neck. "You came!" he declared and picked up his clock. "N' just in time, too! I was worried that – "
But Naruto fell silent. He hugged his neck again, planted a soft kiss on his cheek, and jumped off the bed.
Kakashi tilted his head and rumbled, trying to voice his confusion. Naruto looked rather… happy? The kid, face flushed and eyes bright, grinned through the trails of tears staining his cheeks. "S'good that you came. I hoped you would."
He ran to the table and pushed it next to the bed. Next, he set two plates, one of which was chipped, and then ran back to the kitchen.
He returned with one half-melted candle and a small lighter.
Kakashi's heart stuttered.
Today was the 9th of October. Naruto's birthday – his Naruto, the boy who was proclaimed dead, was on the 10th of October.
And it was nearly midnight.
Kakashi looked up just as the oblivious blond placed a sandwich on the plate near Kakashi and a small cupcake on his own plate.
"It's good that you're here," Naruto said, his voice bright, and snuggled into Kakashi's lap. "I hate celebrating alone." He pushed the candle into the cupcake and picked up the clock. "One more minute! Now's the time to wish me happy birthday, y'know," the teen said, nudging Kakashi with his shoulder.
Kakashi was quick to comply. He licked the boy's cheek quite thoroughly.
Naruto laughed and pushed him away.
Despite the hollow agony echoing in Kakashi's heart, Naruto's eyes were unmarred. He really did seem excited, and the notion that he was excited because of his presence felt like another punch to the stomach.
Naruto lit the candle, turned off the lights, and held the cupcake with two reverent hands. "Guess it's wish time."
The room was dark, but Naruto's eyes shone, reflecting the soft candlelight that danced upon his face. His hair shimmered, as beautiful as spun gold, and his excitement was as pure, untarnished by the neglect and abuse the boy endured.
Naruto closed his eyes, brow furrowed in concentration, and blew out the candle.
Kakashi hit the light switch with his tail and licked Naruto's cheek.
The boy giggled. "Clever dog," he declared, then bumped his shoulder against Kakashi's chest. "I have a good feeling about this wish coming true. This is the first time I did this properly. With a friend." He picked up the sandwich. "Go on. You gotta eat at my birthday party!"
Kakashi glanced at the sandwich, noting the familiar smell; the boy must have taken the sandwich – and the cupcake – from the teachers' lounge.
Well, at least it's on the first floor. Kakashi grimaced and tore a small bite without using his lips, hoping the teen could be enticed to finish the rest. He nudged the offering toward Naruto's mouth.
"You don't like it," Naruto stated, looking oddly crestfallen. "M'sorry. That's what they had left – "
Kakashi growled softly and nosed at the blond's stomach, then sniffed his hair and licked his eyes. Eat, Naruto, he thought and wrapped his tail around the boy. Eat.
Eventually, the boy must have gotten the message because he sighed and placed the cupcake on the table. "Fine. But only cuz you didn't get me a present," he said with a watery smile, then grabbed Kakashi's head and kissed his forehead. "Though, y'know, I'm just happy that you're here. I was really worried you wouldn't come and that I'd have to celebrate alone." He bit into his sandwich after tearing off the bits Kakashi's teeth had touched. He hummed. "I don't get why you're so picky. It's not that bad."
Naruto devoured the 'not that bad' sandwich while offering him the parts he tore off.
Unable to refuse Naruto further, Kakashi ate them and then proceeded to lick the boy's palm. It made him giggle – and complain about dog drool, again – but his mood seemed to have improved.
When he finished, Naruto removed the candle, which he placed next to the lighter with care that indicated the candle was also used on previous birthdays, and picked up the cupcake.
He licked his lips, gazing at the treat, and mumbled, "Happy birthday, Naruto. You're really super duper awesome, and this year's gonna be amazing. Just you wait."
Kakashi rumbled gently and rubbed his forehead against the teen's cheek.
Naruto grinned. He devoured his cupcake, making sure to capture every single crumb, and licked the paper clean.
Kakashi had an odd feeling the boy didn't notice the flavor.
Still, Naruto stretched on the bed, smiling contentedly, and guided Kakashi to lie next to him. He curled into his lap, burying his face in the white fur, and lifted one of Kakashi's paws, tangling himself within Kakashi's embrace.
Kakashi lifted the blanket with his teeth and pulled on it, covering the boy. He licked his forehead and guided him closer.
Naruto snickered and gazed up at him, his eyes shining bright. "' M seventeen now, y'know? So you don't have to take care of me like you did before. Bet I'm older than you," he declared, pushing himself deeper into Kakashi's lap. "Bet – "He yawned. "Bet you're young. I hope you're young. Then you can stay with me…." His voice grew weak and soft. "Forever."
Kakashi's breath trembled as he sniffed in the scent of the boy. Naruto. His Naruto. He had no more doubt as to who his parents were. Now he only had to plan how to tell him…
Kakashi sighed and rested his head on the boy's neck, listening to his pulse and breathing him in.
And plan at least a semblance of a birthday party.
Naruto rushed up the stairs, eager and grinning, all the way to Sensei's classroom.
The dog was gone when he woke up, but his bed was still warm, which comforted him. And yesterday he had a birthday party; and he did not celebrate alone.
It felt as if his wish was already coming true.
He opened the door dramatically. "Morning, Sensei!" he greeted, still full of energy despite the bike ride to school.
Sensei was sitting as he usually did – legs folded on top of the desk, one hand hidden in his pocket while the other was holding his book, leaning back as he read.
"Morning, Uzumaki," the man replied, smiling back as he lowered the book. "What subject will we be reviewing today?"
"History," Naruto announced, grabbing a chair and sitting next to him. "Got a quiz tomorrow."
Sensei hmmed. "All right. But before that," he paused and retrieved a small cake, enclosed in a shiny plastic box, and offered it to the kid, "Happy birthday, Uzumaki."
Naruto's grin froze on his face. He stared, eyes wide and unblinking, at the treat.
His chest shivered as the air escaped from his lungs.
Sensei – Sensei got him a cake – he – how did – why –
"How," he managed, swallowing with difficulty, unable to take his eyes off the transparent plastic and the treat waiting inside. "How'd you know?" he choked, curling into himself.
Sensei was quiet, then moved closer. Naruto could feel the weight of his eye boring into his head.
"We have access to all of the students' birthdays," he said eventually, slowly. "I noticed yours was today and, well, since we work together every day, I thought…." His voice trailed off. "What's wrong, Uzumaki?"
His voice was soft and quiet and worried, and it caused Naruto to bite his lower lip as he tried and failed to calm himself.
Sensei got him a cake, a real one, not a cupcake like the one he stole. He tried to do something nice for him. And there he was, fucking –
"Uzumaki?"
A sudden sob escaped his throat, torn and anguished. Fuck.
Naruto jumped up, panic burning through his veins and tears running down his cheeks, and fled from the classroom. Run, his body ordered, desperate and cold. Run, now!
"Uzumaki!"
He ran. He sprinted up the stairs, dashed across the roof, and landed behind the small room on top of the building. He was snuggled right between the entrance to the roof and the roof of the building next to him. From that position, he had a pretty good view of the schoolyard, yet he was hidden from the searching eyes of anyone who might have followed him there.
This was his favorite spot to hide from Iruka, who knew all the other hiding places the school had to offer. It was safe, he repeated to himself. He could hide here and Sensei, who just started teaching, would never find him.
Naruto curled unto himself, wiping his tears furiously.
And froze when he heard footsteps.
"My, my, that's quite a view," Sensei said quietly, then sat next to him.
Naruto did not move. His hold of his knees tightened. He gritted his teeth, trying to will himself to stop crying. He could feel Sensei looking at him.
His heart drummed in his ears, ordering him to run to fight to flee –
The man sighed quietly. "I'm sorry, Uzumaki. I did not mean to upset you."
An odd noise captured his attention.
Naruto peeked from between his arms and saw Sensei slowly sliding the cake in his direction, pushing it toward him with his finger. It felt… almost like a peace offering.
Sensei retrieved his hand, leaving the cake near Naruto's leg, and Naruto, slow and hesitant, reached for the box and grabbed it, hiding it against his chest. He swallowed. "Didn-you didn't upset me," he mumbled.
His eyes were focused on the man's hands, hidden within his pockets. He refused to meet the man's gaze.
Sensei said nothing for a while, simply observed him. Eventually, he replied, "Want to tell me about it?"
His quiet voice had a raw edge, barely hidden by the low notes, and something about it felt warm and safe and reassuring.
Naruto shook his head. He did not look up.
The man waited still, sitting by his side until Naruto stopped crying. He exhaled softly. "Well, you know where to find me. If you want to talk," he said, his voice low and quiet. "Come by tomorrow, and we'll review the material for the quiz."
And got up.
Naruto waited, listening to the sound of his receding footsteps.
Only when he was certain the man had left, he sat up and gazed at the treat he held safe in both hands. The shiny plastic box contained a small chocolate cake crowned with smooth orange glazing –his favorite color – and looked… amazing.
He could not wait to get home; back to his dog.
The rest of the day passed so slowly. Even though he tried really hard, he could not focus for the life of him on anything except the ticking of the clock. He had to get home and show the cake to his dog and –
The bell rang.
Naruto ran out of the classroom the moment he could, yelling to Sasuke and Sakura that he had something to do, and zoomed past the rest of the students, teachers, backpacks, down the stairs – and almost ran straight into Sensei.
The man blinked, reaching out to break his fall, but Naruto shifted, spun, and half jumped half fell to the bottom of the stairs. He picked himself up and ran to his bike, cheeks flushed red.
He had to get home.
Naruto grabbed his bike and paddled as fast as he could, faster, faster, faster – and reached the apartment complex. He dragged the bike, ran up the stairs, hooked the electricity, unlocked the door –
And breathed in palpable relief when he saw his dog curled on his bed and sound asleep.
He leaned the bike against the wall, locked the door, and ran to his dog.
The creature perked up his ears and opened one eye, looking very sleepy, but Naruto could not control his excitement. "Wake up, buddy!" he cried. He jumped on the bed and hugged his dog, ignoring his warning growl when he accidentally jabbed him with his elbow. "You're not gonna believe what happened today! Sensei got me a cake!"
The dog opened both eyes and gazed at him, his head tilted. He leaned forward and licked Naruto's nose, rumbling softly.
Naruto grinned. "It's real, this time! I'm a get the candle. I don't think it's cheating, right? Cuz the other one wasn't a real cake. I think it's fine," he reassured himself and giggled when the dog sniffed his neck and licked his cheek. "Stop! It tickles!"
He shoved his head away and rushed to the kitchen to grab a candle and a lighter. He ran back and snuggled on the bed, leaning against his dog's chest, and opened the box.
He tried to be as careful as he could, but some of the icing still smeared on his fingers. Naruto licked them eagerly, grinning at his dog. "I think it tastes like orange! It's my favorite color," he confided.
He lit the candle, grinning, and watched the tiny flame's reflection on the orange glazing. His eyes gazed at the flame as his smile slowly started to wither.
His dog sat up, rumbling quietly, and licked his cheek again. His rumble sounded like a question.
Naruto sighed and curled against his side, eyes glued to the burning flame. "No one celebrates my birthday anymore," he whispered. "Um, I mean, the adults used to throw me birthday parties in the orphanage and at school, but… that was a long time ago. And I think they were mandatory. Although I got ice cream one time," he remembered, thinking about the time he saved up – just enough – to buy himself a single scoop. He remembered how excited he was. "But I paid for it. I always saw parents eating with their kids and they looked really happy, so I saved up, and…." He remembered the cashier, who offered to add sprinkles, and then said it was free when she realized Naruto did not have enough to pay for the added candy. He remembered the first time he tasted the frozen treat, how his entire body lit with wonder –
And he remembered looking up, his face smeared with chocolate ice cream, to find that he was the only kid eating ice cream alone. Everyone else had parents, and their parents wiped their mouths and fed them and brushed their hair –
A soft lick snapped him back to reality.
The dog whined quietly and licked his eyes, nudging him, and Naruto realized he was crying.
Fuck. He wiped his eyes and shook his head. His eyes widened when he noticed the candle began to drip –
He blew out the candle, perhaps with more force than was strictly necessary, and removed the offending wax from the frosting.
"I forgot to make a wish," he muttered, gazing at the mess he had made. "I can't do anything like a normal person today."
Still, he closed his eyes, readied himself, and bit into the cake.
Rich, creamy flavor flooded his mouth. The chocolate conquered every corner of his mouth, overpowering his tongue with extravagant sweetness and velvety cocoa. The frosting was sweet and zesty – and just slightly metallic – and the whole thing tasted like heaven.
He opened his eyes to discover he had finished the cake and quickly erased his pout with a grin. "That was really good," he mumbled, his smile aching. "Well, never mind. Next year I'll have lots of money for sure and I'll buy lots of cakes."
He lifted the box, searching for the brand's name, and blinked in surprise when he noticed the box's weight. He rattled it.
An odd cluttering sound. Huh.
Naruto frowned as he opened the box, dug inside, and fumbled until his fingers encountered a small object.
He retrieved the item – and huffed in surprise.
The box contained a small plastic toy in the shape of a fat frog smoking a cigarette and wielding a katana.
Naruto snorted as he ran his fingers over the plastic. "That's silly. Frogs can't grab things," he mumbled to the toy. "They can't wield swords. Do frogs have thumbs?"
He leaned back, blinking curiously at his dog, but the creature angled his noble head to one side and blinked back, equally puzzled.
Naruto snickered and nuzzled at his dog's neck. "I'ma put it in my box. And I'll sketch it in my notebook, the cake and the gift!" He ran to the loose wooden board, removed it, and retrieved his beaten metal box. He jumped back on the bed, curling into his dog's lap, opened the notebook, and sketched the toy. "What's today's date…? Oh." He blinked and wrote down his birthday. "I forgot."
He sketched the cake and the colorful box and wrote what the treat tasted like. "I wonder what homemade cakes taste like," he mumbled. "I hope Sensei's not mad I ran away. I didn't mean to, but I didn't want him to see me cry."
The dog sat up and licked his cheek, then gently guided him to snuggle against his side. He licked his forehead and nuzzled at his neck until Naruto managed to grin again.
"Stay with me forever," he whispered, caressing his fur.
He did not stay, however.
The dog left early in the evening and returned late at night. The next day, and every day after that, he arrived after midnight and left early in the morning.
And still, Naruto sat and waited, alone and shivering, unable to stop himself from desperately holding on to the hope that this time, he'd stay.
He did not ask him again.
Notes
Oh my god guys I'm so excited I published this chapter just in time for Naruto's birthday! I didn't plan it, I swear! I'm ecstatic because of this coincidence!
Also, I know this chapter was a bit angsty, but there will be a payoff later, so I hope you'll think it was worth it when the time comes!
Also also, what did you think of Kakashi's acting skills? Pretending to sleep when you know he rushed like hell to get to Naruto's apartment before the teen did haha
Next chapter is going to have a MAJOR development. Up until now, the pace was kinda slow. Time to pick it up, I think.
What did you guys think? I'd love to hear your thoughts! See ya next Friday!
