A lot of people talking about Naruto. Some freaking out. Plots and schemes abound. It's kind of all over the place. Sorry, not sorry.
Brief mention of non-con/Madara and PTSD episode.
Notes:Soooo... clearly a chapter a day is a thing with me right now? I have no idea how I'm punching out longer and longer chapters. This one is 14 pages long! Chapter 2 was 11 pages! And chapt 1 was 8! IT KEEPS GETTING LONGER AND I'M SORRY BUT NOT REALLY!
Also, the chapter kind of jumps around a bit. But I think it's pretty fluid in its transitions? At least I hope it is. Lots of different third-person viewpoints and scenes. Some more plot involved. But it's also another talky kind of chapter, so I hope it's not too boring.
Uhhh what else... what else... OH! Another brief break down and PTSD episode about Madara. So..there's THAT warning. Other than that, nothing super uber dark happens in this one. SHOCKING I KNOW!
Anywho! ON WITH THE SHOW!
Chapter TextSasuke arrived at the park that their class used to regularly play at when they were younger. He sighed, shaking his head, hands in his pockets, head lowered in thought. The bright mid-day sun blanketed the park in its summer warmth. He didn't realize that everyone was already there and waiting for him. So when he looked up his eyes widened briefly, his walking pausing for a moment. He had not expected this. Even Shikamaru was there and entirely alert.
He swallowed as he neared his classmates. "He freaked out again yesterday when I had gone back to see him." He frowned, his forehead and brow creasing. "He just...flipped the out. His chakra was..." He shook his head, looking in the direction of the hospital.
Kiba frowned at that, observing Sasuke. "Do you think he'd freak out if it was one of us? You keep setting him off..." He shrugged. "Not like you guys have ever gotten along, so it makes sense."
"I think it should be someone who can stay calm." It was Chouji who voiced this opinion. "Sasuke might be too close to Naruto in a negative way?" He glanced at his best friend for his advice on what he had said.
Shikamaru let out a drawn-out sigh. "Did you find anything out, Sasuke?" He held the Uchiha's gaze, waiting for answers patiently. Everyone else went quiet, all attention now on Sasuke and Shikamaru.
"No. He wouldn't tell me a damn thing." He hesitated then huffed. "Well, he confirmed that he didn't kill anyone. And that the blood he was covered in was...all his." He cringed towards the end of his words because it was a frightful amount of blood. The guy had been thoroughly soaked in it, sure it was smeared, but you could barely tell it was Naruto under the layers of it.
The girls all grimaced at the imagery Sasuke weaved for them. Sakura, Ino, and Hinata all shared looks with each other. The rest of them, the boys, all looked shocked and curious. Of course, the guys were curious, they were guys.
Shino spoke up next. "Wasn't he discovered kilometers outside the village? At the center of the massive explosion we all saw?" It was true, Naruto's landing had been such an immense explosion that it had been seen for over 100km's.
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah, I heard the nurses talking about it. The weird thing was that where he was laying wasn't affected, everything around him was completely wrecked though."
Shikamaru frowned deeply, sitting down and going into his thinking pose. "Did you hear anything else?" He paused his mind, staring up at Sasuke.
Black eyes narrowed. "He has three broken ribs that are still healing, several fractures throughout his body that have mostly healed. Uhm... I saw...bite marks on him. Pretty sure there were more under the hospital clothes. Oh!" He looked at Ino. "They're getting your dad involved. I heard nurse Tomoko talking to one of the ANBU guarding Naruto that she was going to talk to the Hokage about it and to expect your father."
Ino's jaw dropped and her eyes were like saucers. "My...dad? Are...is... what...did Naruto do? Is he gonna be interrogated?"
Sasuke's gaze darkened, his posture straightening properly and his whole demeanor became intense then it had been prior. Even his voice took on a deeper, grave tone. "I think someone tortured him." Everyone gasped.
Silence washed over the group as they all reflected over this new information. Naruto, the brightest, weirdest kid in their class had been tortured. Who would torture a 12-year-old? And why? Naruto was an orphan who lived alone and didn't really have anything. So why? He wasn't even a clan heir. He wasn't a prodigy or a genius. It didn't make any sense why anyone would kidnap him and torture him. And why the hell had they bitten him!? That was just psychotic!
"He must know something. Or there's more to Naruto than any of us ever considered." Shikamaru let out a resigned sigh.
None of the rookie 9 had ever dealt with something like this. Sure they read about torture, prisoners of war, death and all that. But they had never experienced it. They were still or had been, innocent and naive to the cruelty of the world despite their texts. Not even the fangirls could bring themselves to behave as immaturely as they normally would. Couldn't bring themselves to pine and fawn over Sasuke.
What they were dealing with now was likely the heaviest thing they had ever had to deal with. Aside from Sasuke who had gone through the horror of his entire clan being murdered by his older brother and then tortured by said brother in Itachi's Tsukuyomi. In reality, Sasuke was probably the only one who could remotely understand what Naruto was going through. Though not even Sasuke had gone through the level of hell that Naruto had.
"I'm going to bring him flowers..." Ino suddenly spoke up. She glanced around at everyone else. "Anyone wanna come with me..?" She wouldn't openly admit it but after Sasuke's gathered information she was kind of scared to be alone with the blond.
Sakura looked down then shook her head slightly. She was still a single-minded, selfish fangirl. So unless Sasuke decided to haul his drool-worthy ass back to the hospital she wasn't going. This earned her an irritated glance from almost everyone in the group but because she wasn't looking at anyone except Sasuke, she didn't notice.
"I-I'll ta-tag along I-ino." Hinata offered a shy, nervous smile without looking directly at Ino. "C-can I b-buy some f-flowers for Na-naruto too?" Ino gave her a smile and nod of encouragement.
"I'm coming as well." Shikamaru stood up, dusting the back of his shorts off. Chouji stepped up next to him in silent support of his friend and to also convey he was going too.
Kiba sighed, looking at everyone. "Are we sure this many people should be going to visit him? If Sasuke's right and he was tortured could even handle seeing us all at the same time? He couldn't even handle Sasuke visiting him. Twice." The Inuzuka had a point.
Shino nodded in agreement with his classmate and future teammate. "It would be best to go in pairs over the next few days."
"Well, then Chouji and I are going first." Shikamaru shrugged, tucking his hands into his pockets.
"What!? No way! Then I'm coming with you guys!" It was Kiba who spoke up. "The three of us were the only ones who hung out with the guy. If you two are going, then I am too." He sniffed, crossing his arms over his chest stubbornly.
Chouji looked at Shikamaru with raised eyebrows. Shikamaru gave a long-suffering sigh. "Fine. Whatever." This is such a drag.
"I'll try visiting him tonight, maybe tomorrow." Grunted Sasuke. "By myself." He muttered as an afterthought. Sakura looked wounded, shoulders slumping, having held the hope that she could use the hospital visit as an excuse to have some alone time with her crush. Why did he want to see Naruto on his own anyway? He hated Naruto. Or at the very least, was thoroughly annoyed by him on a consistent and frequent basis.
Shikamaru, Chouji, and Kiba looked at Sasuke with their right eyebrows all arched questioningly. Then they looked at each other, clearly communicating silently before all three shrugged at the same time and lazily slumped off in the direction of the hospital. Chouji brought out a new bag of chips, Kiba reached up to give Akamaru a little scratch behind an ear, and Shikamaru rolled his shoulders forward with his hands deep in his pockets. The rest of the group just stared after them before quickly turning to each other to discuss the visiting schedule for the foreseeable future.
"Why do any of them give a flying rat's ass about Naruto or visiting him?" Kiba said casually as they walked, glancing at his companions. Shikamaru was in the middle with Chouji on Shika's left and Kiba on his right.
Shikamaru snorted, shaking his head in amusement while giving a one-shoulder shrug. It was Chouji who decided to speak up. "Who the hell knows? Maybe it's 'cause this is the most exciting thing to happen in Konoha since the Kyuubi attack?" His tone was one of sarcasm and derision. Chouji clearly didn't like how the rest of rookie 9 were reacting to this.
"I have to agree with Chouji... It feels weird that they suddenly give a crap." Shikamaru nodded, his voice laced with annoyance. "At least Sakura seemed to still not give a shit unless Sasuke was involved. Did you see her expression when Sasuke he was gonna go back later today or tonight?" Huffing a sort of annoyed laugh he said, "She almost clung to him like velcro. She looked about to cry when he said he'd be going alone." Shikamaru shook his head in disbelief.
" At least ? So it's a good thing Sakura's still being a raging fangirl cunt?" Kiba barked out, making the other two choke on sudden laughter bubbling from them. Kiba smirked, lifting his chin in cocky pleasure that he had made them laugh.
"I think Shikamaru means that at least she's still behaving true to who she's always seemed to be. Cause it's REALLY weird that Sasuke is so...involved and committed to this. To Naruto and his well being." Chouji shoved a handful of chips into his mouth, silencing him for a bit.
"Yeah...it's troublesome. I can't figure out why Sasuke would care, or go so far as to visit Naruto. Twice in one day." Growling out a sigh his upper lip curled a little. "It makes no sense. They're rivals, at best, and hated enemies at worst. Well, that's how Sasuke always seemed to approach Naruto..." His words trailed off as he got lost in thought.
Kiba nodded and Akamaru gave a bark of agreement. Kiba looked up at the pup. "Ya think so Akamaru? Hm..I dunno. Sasuke's been acting weird ever since they found Naruto." He glanced at his friends. "Akamaru thinks Sasuke was either a part of what happened to Naruto or suddenly has feelings for him. I can't really see either option applying to that emo jerk."
Their laughter could be heard along the streets of Konoha as they turned down another street, the hospital directly ahead of them.
Shikamaru was the first to approach the door. The ANBU at the opening of the hallway had eyed the three boys skeptically from behind his mask before letting them pass. The two at the door to Naruto's room held out their hands to stop the trio. One of them sliding the door open just wide enough for him to fit through.
It became a thing among the ANBU and any visiting shinobi. They were not allowed to shunshin in or out of Naruto's room. The blond had a very negative reaction when it happened. He would scream and throw things, thinking the person who shunshinned was an intruder or someone there to hurt him.
A few minutes later the ANBU returned and opened the door further, motioning the boys in as he gave them a warning. " No loud noises, move at average or civilian speeds, don't crowd him, and most of all... be patient . He's on a lot of medication right now but can still lash out or go into another panic attack." He then slid the door closed on the three shocked faces.
The trio looked at each other before slowly turning around to face the inside of the room. The curtain around Naruto's bed was pulled halfway, closing him off from the door and the rest of the room, so they couldn't see him. The window was still open, and sunshine was still flooding the room.
But at the foot of his bed, sitting probably three feet from it were Kakashi and Inoichi. Kakashi was watching the boys with an eye-smile. "Maa, boys, have you come to visit Naruto?" His voice was quiet, unusually calm, and his posture was very non-threatening, slumped lazily in his chair, legs stretched out in front of him, hands resting in a loose clasp between his lower thighs/knees, shoulders rolled forward in terrible posture, and his body was actually lower in the chair, his ass almost hanging off the edge of the seat.
Inoichi was seated with perfect posture except for the fact that his right ankle with resting on his left knee and he was relaxed back against the chair also coming off as non-threatening as possible, his expression was gentle and thoughtful.
The trio heard a soft whimper from behind the curtain and their eyes targeted that spot. They heard Naruto's impossibly soft, cracked voice. "Is...is it Sasuke..?" He sounded terrified or worried, they couldn't quite place the emotions wavering in the blond's voice.
Kakashi turned a kind gaze to Naruto, smiling softly and shaking his head. "It's Shikamaru, Chouji, and Kiba." His voice still quiet and calm. He motioned the trio forward.
They looked at each other again and let Shikamaru take the lead, filing behind him as they approached the two jounin and Naruto. Shikamaru moved around the curtain first, his eyes landing on Naruto with a look of pure confusion, worry, and caring. Naruto was sitting with his knees to his chest, arms wrapped loosely around his knees and his head resting on his right arm some. The position looked like it might be slightly uncomfortable, but with how agile and flexible the blond was, Shikamaru doubted it really bothered him. Chouji followed behind Shikamaru, a frown pulling on his features as he saw the state of their fellow classmate. Kiba stuttered in his walking as he came around the curtain, shocked by how very small the loud blond looked.
Remembering what the ANBU said they moved back from the bed in measured steps, Shikamaru the only one staying close as he walked around the bed to the side by the window. He kept his distance, unsure if Naruto would be okay with him getting closer.
"Hey, Naruto.." Shikamaru mimicked how Kakashi had been speaking, then offered up a sympathetic smile. "How ya feeling today? Haven't seen you in...a long time." He let out a sigh, realizing it'd been 13 days by this point.
Naruto had watched three come around the curtain like a feral fox that had been cornered. He looked skittish, unsure, and overly watchful of their every move and breath. His eyes zeroed in on Shikamaru as the genius made his way around his bed and by his side. Naruto's pupils dilated than constricted before dilating back to their drug blown state, his fingers curling into his forearms firmly.
"Hi, Shika..." Naruto forced a tiny, hesitant smile. His voice almost too quiet to hear and it sounded so pained, yet so very much under the influence of whatever they had drugged him with. "I'm...I'm not in pain?" He offered up in response to the inquiry of how he was.
It was Kiba who spoke next, keeping his voice low and comforting. "Well, that's something. What're you on anyways? It looks...nice." He chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly in true Naruto style.
This actually got Naruto to huff a soft laugh, closing his eyes with the faintest of humored smiles. Kiba preened at getting a positive reaction from the small boy. Chouji grinned next to Kiba, glad to see some of the boy they knew showing through.
Shikamaru snickered at Kiba's attempt at humor, though he was pretty sure Kiba actually wanted to know the concoction the other was on. Naruto seemed more Nara than any Nara Shikamaru had ever been around, including himself.
"Tomoko-chan said it's a mix of muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-anxiety stuff, and mood stabilizers." Naruto gave a lazy grin. "And it is nice. Real nice." He was so doped up he couldn't even put emphasis in words. He was almost monotone in his speaking, almost.
Everyone, including the two adults, were shocked at the level of medication the hospital was injecting the kid with. That kind of cocktail would likely hospitalize or kill any one of them. Yet, here Naruto was, pretty much fully coherent and cognizant. Sure his words were slightly slurred and he looked like he was made of jelly or the fun kind of slime. But he was aware and able to hold a conversation.
Shikamaru had been taking in Naruto's form this whole time and he saw the bite marks Sasuke had mentioned. The size of the marks were too large for a teen. It had to have been an adult. Probably a male. His dark eyes scanned over the curled up form, taking in the slight trembles of muscle under the skin, the easily missed twitches of anxiety or fear, the way his pupils tried to constrict with anxiety but were blown because of the cocktail. Naruto was fucked up.
Whatever happened to his classmate went far beyond physical trauma. Really, it looked like Shikamaru was staring at a veteran of war who'd been a prisoner of war and had seen all the worst humanity had to offer. 14 days ago Naruto had been fine. His normal chipper, loud, determined self. Within 24 hours he had become the person Shikamaru was currently staring at. What the hell happened? Who could do this level of damage in just 24 hours?
Chouji approached Naruto casually, trying to cover his slow approach in an attempt to not spook his drugged out friend who definitely gone through something Chouji was sure he wouldn't have survived himself. He offered his bag of chips to Naruto with his trademark warm smile. Naruto regarded Chouji with a faint look of appreciation before an unsteady, trembling hand reached out to take a chip. Naruto seemed to get frustrated, his hand unable to grab a chip properly. He growled in frustration and narrowed his eyes. Kakashi stiffened minutely, giving Chouji a pointed to look to help Naruto.
Promptly Chouji stepped in, bringing the bag down and tugging a chip out to place in Naruto's palm. With a grunt of grudging thanks, Naruto brought the chip to lips and timidly nibbled at it. Kakashi relaxed back into his seat. Shikamaru was observing all of this and came to the conclusion that not only was Naruto suffering from PTSD, but it also appeared that he had radical mood swings in the blink of an eye, his levels of anxiety were constantly right under a full-blown panic attack, and he virtually invariably afraid.
Kiba may not have gathered this same information the way Shikamaru did, no he figured it out through the scents Naruto was giving off. And the kid was all over the place. No matter how outwardly calm he was, just under the layer of forced relaxation was a wild and vicious storm of emotions. Kiba exchanged a worried look with Shikamaru, Akamaru whimpered softly, nuzzling the top of Kiba's head. Chouji was figuring it out between Shikamaru, Kiba, and Naruto. The visiting trio was positive now that Sasuke shouldn't be allowed to visit Naruto tonight or tomorrow, or maybe at all.
Shikamaru meandered over by Kakashi and murmured loud enough for only the jounin to hear. "I need to talk to you."
Kakashi looked up at Shikamaru and in one fluid motion he stood up, excusing them to the other side of the curtain, near the door to talk quietly. Once there he looked at Shikamaru expectantly, waiting for the young Nara to begin speaking.
Pressing his lips together his eyes darted around as he tried to find how he wanted to word things before giving a resigned sigh and just winging it. "Sasuke shouldn't be allowed to visit Naruto anymore." He looked up at Kakashi, his expression firm. "At all. Naruto can barely handle us being here. And after what Sasuke told us..." He shook his head. "He shouldn't be allowed back in the room. He causes Naruto to have an episode without even trying." His lips thinned into a determined line, eyes narrowing in thought.
Kakashi absorbed what Shikamaru was saying and couldn't deny that he agreed with soon to be Genin. "I'll let the ANBU know and the hospital staff." His jaw clenched under his mask, the muscles twitching. He had been suspicious of Sasuke's visits with Naruto. Sasuke had never taken an interest in the blond before. So why now? Naruto had been hurt before. Not like this of course. But he hadn't cared the previous times. What was different now? It wasn't maturity. Sasuke was as selfish and single-minded as Sakura. Except instead of being obsessed with someone on a romantic level, he was obsessed with revenge and killing his brother Itachi.
Shikamaru and Kakashi's conversation was suddenly interrupted by a howl of laughter from Kiba, a burst of laughs from Chouji, and bubble of soft giggles from Naruto. They looked at each other and then at the curtain. Walking over together they were greeted with the adorable image of Akamaru nuzzling and licking Naruto's face like an excited puppy that hadn't seen its owner in hours or days. Inoichi, still in his seat, was chuckling quietly, a soft expression happy amusement.
Whatever had caused the puppy to leap from Kiba's head and loving attack Naruto with cuddles and kisses was a seemingly good thing. Naruto was having one of his most positive reactions to someone's touch than he had in the past 24 to 30 hours. Sure, it was a dog getting the positive reaction, but at least it was something.
The rest of the visit went smoothly, Akamaru stayed with Naruto the entire time, curled up in the boy's lap with Naruto idly petting him and scratching behind his ears. Inevitably the trio had to leave for class because Iruka was not happy with them and most of the rest of the class missing. Iruka had rounded up the other members of the rookie 9 and was waiting to retrieve the three boys.
"That was a pleasant visit. Did you enjoy seeing them Naruto?" Inoichi asked composedly while watching the boy.
Naruto nodded, a small smile lighting up his otherwise dull and lackluster features. "I did...they were nice." He looked down, the fleeting smile and brief smile fading to the apathetic emptiness he had been sporting since he woke up that morning.
Kakashi frowned when the light died from the usually bright child. He sighed, moving to sit on the bed near the foot of it to still give Naruto space. "Are you okay to continue our discussion from earlier?" The question was posed gently, giving Naruto ample space for argument or to reject the idea.
Naruto stilled at this request, staring at the bruises on his feet that disappeared under his hospital issued pants. His fingers tightened into the cotton fabric, his face twisting into one of pain and anger. He forcibly calmed himself down, looking away and out the window with a sigh. "...yeah…"
Nodding, Inoichi pulled his pad of paper and pen, looking to Kakashi for him to continue the conversation. Inoichi was here to observe while Kakashi attempted to form a connection with Naruto because the copynin was the one who had found Naruto, was seemingly recognized by the boy, and ultimately the one to help him, carry him, and be there for him. If anyone had a chance to get through to the boy or at least get him to open up, it'd be the one who Naruto felt saved him.
With a tight swallow, Kakashi nodded, shifting to face Naruto head-on. Kakashi wasn't good with emotions or with children. But when he had found Naruto smeared in his own blood, appearing broken, haunted, and terrified he felt his entire being clench in pain. He couldn't breathe, his muscles felt like they were on fire, and the depth of anger and furious need to to kill the bastard who had done this was abyssal in its eternity. Kakashi would never openly admit that he would defy the Sage himself to rescue Naruto and destroy the villain behind this.
Clearing his throat he tried to speak again, his mouth opening but nothing coming out aside from a very tiny squeak that was nearly inaudible. A blush swiped across his cheeks that were thankfully hidden under his mask. Much to his chagrin Inoichi had heard this tiny squeak and coughed to cover his chuckle at Kakashi embarrassment. The smug asshole.
"Do you remember seeing me when I found you?" Kakashi watched Naruto, taking in his every movement and reaction.
Naruto nodded numbly. "I remember reaching out to you too…" He whispered it, lowering his head as he hugged his knees to his chest tightly.
Kakashi's breath caught, he remembered that bloody limb reaching out to him, the glazed pleading look in sky-blue eyes, the tremble in his bottom lip, and the desperation in the boy's words. Even the memory cause him great discomfort, he felt like he couldn't inhale correctly or fully. Seeing his sensei, mentor, substitute father's child curled up in the middle of a blast site covered in blood and calling out for help was not an image the would be leaving his mind anytime soon, if ever.
Closing his eyes to gather himself again he steadied his breathing before asking the next question. "Who...who bit you, Naruto?" He hesitated, glancing at Inoichi who nodded encouragingly. "Are they...the same person who…" He didn't know how to word it. It was vile and left a rotten taste in his mouth. "..violated you?" He grimaced, hating himself for even daring to voice such an act. I'll skin the fucker, then feed him strips of his own flesh. He WILL know pain in every sense of the word. I'll eviscerate the son of a bitch.
Naruto sucked in a haggard breath, his hands flying to his hair as he gripped it viciously, his nails biting into his scalp. His eyes squeezed shut as he started rocking front to back, whimpering. "No more.. Please.. No more…" He heaved desperate breaths. "It hurts.. Take it out… please… I'll do anything.. Please.." He moaned in agony and choked on a cry. "N-no! Not him!" He gasped, his eyes snapping open. "Please don't make us! NOT AGAIN!" His eyes glazed over, he was lost in the memory.
Kakashi looked back at Inoichi is horror. Someone else had been forced to participate in whatever that bastard had done to Naruto. Inoichi had gone deathly still, his pen clicking to the floor, the notepad barely in his grasp. Somewhere...there was someone who had been hurt and forced to hurt Naruto.
The copy in hit the button for the nurse, having already agreed that if he hit it meant it was time for another dose of the numbing cocktail. Tomoko rushed in, straight to Naruto's side and administered the drug straight into his IV because Naruto still wouldn't eat. Not even ramen. Not instant or Ichiraku's. And that was cause for concern, the boy was already severely malnourished and always, ALWAYS , accepted food.
Moments later and Naruto was in zombie mode once again, staring out the window with a blank and emotionless expression and gaze. His body slack even as it held itself. And even through the drugged haze tears slowly slid down his cheeks. Kakashi hesitantly brought his hand up to cup the side of Naruto's head. To everyone's shock, Naruto tilted his head into the touch with a soft little whimper, closing his eyes and nuzzling into the large, calloused hand. Kakashi's breath caught in his throat as watched the blond seek his comfort and warmth.
Inoichi decided he would go into Naruto's mind. Not today anyway, and not in the near future. He needed therapy first and foremost. Not an intruder violating his mind without his consent and poking around. He gathered up his things into a small bag and left the hospital room with Tomoko, leaving Kakashi alone with Naruto to provide some semblance of comfort.
Just outside the hospital window, hidden from sight and sensors, a small flash of white-grey hair whipped by under the window. A figure taking off into the forests of Fire Country and headed directly north, towards Shūmatsu no Tani and the direction of Otogakure.
Sasuke was seen leaving the hospital, for the second time that day, looking thoroughly pissed. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides and his chakra flared like a fiery whip as he snarled. ANBU was denying him access to Naruto without a valid reason or explanation. They refused to give him a reason, saying they weren't required to inform a 12-year-old of why certain visitors were forbidden from seeing Naruto. Sasuke nearly gut-punched the ANBU who had said that to him. It took everything in his power to not attack the masked guard.
Scowling he narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth before turning and looking up at the hospital. He will fucking get in there one way or another. No one was stopping him from seeing the other boy. Not if he could help it.
Shaking his head, Sasuke backed up in shock, staring dazed at Naruto's window several flights up. What is wrong with me? Why was he suddenly so obsessed with the blond? No, no, he wasn't obsessed. He was maybe a little overly concerned for his classmate. But could anyone blame him? If there was anyone who felt familiar or like they could understand Sasuke, it was Naruto. They had shared brief glances and moments that eluded to such a connection. And though Sasuke treated him like a rival or an idiot obstacle he had to overcome, he still...was drawn to the other like a moth to a flame.
He could vividly remember the day he took a walk through town and had ended up near the hospital. He had watched a distraught and furious Kakashi carry a bloody, limp, and almost lifeless body into the hospital. It had taken the black-haired boy several seconds before it dawned on him that that naked, bloody body was Naruto. It had shaken him to his core and thrown him right back to the night of his clan's massacre.
Maybe that's why he was so...intensely focused on the idiot? Seeing Naruto like that, and the reaction he'd had when he first saw Sasuke the previous day. Maybe it had triggered some sort of innate response. Like Sasuke couldn't handle losing someone else he knew, even if it was the loudmouth knucklehead.
Naruto has been one of the only constants in Sasuke's life. More so than anyone else at the academy. Naruto was the only one who challenged him, didn't worship him, didn't treat him like an endangered species, didn't overly praise or reward him. No, Naruto was more real and honest than anyone else in Sasuke's life. And he couldn't lose him. He wouldn't lose him. Not if he had anything to say about it.
Sure, this was going to put his mission for revenge on hold. But Naruto was slipping away from him and he couldn't allow that. He had to keep the blond. Somehow, someway Naruto had to be in his life.
So he'd hide his time and wait. He'd wait for the ANBU to be called off, or for the teams to switch enough times that maybe he could slip by. Maybe he'd figure out a way to sneak into the hospital room via the roofs. If the ANBU inside the room could be called off duty...it'd give him the perfect chance to get in there.
With that thought he smirked, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he headed to the library. He needed to know how to hide his chakra. Maybe learn a henge that couldn't be sensed or seen through. He was patient, he could hold out far longer than the hospital staff and the ANBU.
Little did Sasuke know he was being followed. Kakashi stuck to the shadows like he was part them and they were a part of him, watching the sheer possessiveness Sasuke seemed to be emitting as he strode purposefully down the path away from the hospital. It would appear the young avenger had discovered a new, far more pressing purpose for himself. And the level of intensity the Uchiha was putting into it was bordering on psychotic. Kakashi has been there when Sasuke had nearly punched an ANBU. Something the black-haired boy would have never considered doing prior to Naruto's hospitalization.
Kakashi followed Sasuke into the library, his one visible eyebrow arching in curiosity. Why on Earth would Sasuke be here so late into the evening? It was even easier for him to hide in the shadows within the dim confines of the library. Moving swiftly and easily as he followed the Uchiha to a section on henges and chakra cloaking.
Narrowing his eye it started becoming apparent what Sasuke was after or planning. This was disturbing to Kakashi, very disturbing. Something was twisting in Sasuke in a way that no one could have anticipated. Kakashi would have never thought Naruto being hospitalized like this would flip a switch in Sasuke from avenger to obsessor. He was bordering on becoming a stalker.
Though, Kakashi shouldn't leap to the worst case scenario. Perhaps Sasuke's break from revenge was more caused by a budding friendship with Naruto. Perhaps this whole situation triggered a more emotional side of Sasuke, making him face the realities of his relationship with Naruto. Kakashi would have to continue watching Sasuke to really know what the dark child was up to.
Kiba and Akamaru were walking back towards the hospital with two takeout boxes of Ichiraku Ramen him and Naruto, and a serving of Yakiniku for Akamaru. He was going to get his usual mass amount of chewy meat from the BBQ place but had decided to share in a meal of ramen with Naruto. It was silly, but he thought it'd show solidarity and might brighten up Naruto's night.
Akamaru gave a bark, getting his master's attention and pointing his nose in the direction of a fuming Sasuke. Kiba arched a brow, watching the incensed Uchiha stalked down the street. A shiver slid down his spine when he saw the fury transition into a dark, wicked smirk.
"That...can't be good." He muttered under his breath. Akamaru whimpered, getting a really bad vibe from Sasuke's chakra. Kiba frowned, the scents wafting off Sasuke filled with confusing intent.
Shaking his head he turned back to the hospital as he continued walking. He made it all the way to Naruto's room and begged Tomoko to let him in to see the blond. Tomoko instantly agreed, hoping the boy and his dog would be able to cheer up Naruto and maybe even get him to eat.
Slipping into the hospital room Akamaru hopped off Kiba's head and instantly jogged across the floor and up onto Naruto's bed. Kiba didn't hear anything and hurried around the curtain only to smile when he saw Akamaru curled up against Naruto's chest who was laying on his side, staring out the window at the night sky, one arm curled around the puppy.
"Hey again," Kiba said lightly, moving around the bed and bringing one of the chairs in the room with him. He held up his takeout bag. "I brought yummies." He grinned his wolflike grin and snickered.
Naruto's eyes were unfocused until he finally registered Kiba in front of him. "Kiba.." His voice was rasped due to screaming and crying, but he gave a faded smile, watching the rough boy sit down, showing off his food. Akamaru licked his cheek and his smile became a little more solid.
Once settled into the chair he scooted it forward, resting the bag of food on the bed. "I wanted to eat dinner with you and Akamaru... if..if that's okay with you?" Kiba peeked up over the edge of the plastic bag he was digging through.
Blinking owlishly at Kiba, Naruto's lips parted in shock and he whispered almost too softly to hear. "..you..wanted to eat dinner... with..with me? A-alone?" Thanks to Kiba's enhanced sense, he picked it up easily.
Akamaru nuzzled Naruto in his own confirmation of wanting to be with the blond boy. Kiba, on the other hand, lifted his hand to stare at Naruto like it should have been the most obvious thing in the world. "Well...yeah." He gave a lopsided grin, one of his canines poking out from under his top lip.
Naruto blushed bright pink and hid his face in Akamaru's tiny body. Kiba chuckled, still grinning as he watched his friend. "Will you... will you eat with me?" Kiba tugged out Naruto's favorite ramen and held it out to him, his eyes hopeful and eager.
Naruto looked over Akamaru's belly at the offered food. He wasn't hungry, his appetite was none existent. But...Kiba had never been this kind or caring, or even interested in Naruto before. Not like this, not until Naruto was practically Hokage. So this was definitely a new development and Naruto really wasn't complaining. He had always liked Kiba. The Inuzuka was loud just like him, confident like him, cocky like him, maybe a bit more arrogant and egotistical than him but he liked it. He had been fun to play with as a kid, they pulled pranks together, and challenged each other in a friendly way, unlike the rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke.
Setting Akamaru down by his hip Naruto rolled to his back and pushed himself up into a sitting position, pressing the buttons on the hospital to raise the top so it was more he comfortable reclining. He held his hands out for the box of ramen with a shy smile. Kiba brightened visibly and quickly placed the box in the other boy's hands before producing chopsticks from the bag and resting them on top of the box. Akamaru was given his meal in a takeout box as well and settled down to munch quietly. And Kiba opened his ramen and began to eat.
The two boys chatted quietly, comfortable in each other's company as they ate. They would continue to chat about random topics that held no meaning and were fun or light in nature. Eventually, Naruto would get his final dose for the evening with the addition of a heavy duty sleep aid.
Naruto asked Kiba to stay until he fell asleep. And he did, he rambled about pointless, useless, nonsensical things until the blond was breathing softly and in the land of deep sleep. Kiba tucked the blankets around Naruto, pausing to stare at the other boy as a million thoughts swirled in his head.
Everyone is so wrong about him... He's so much more than even I realized... Kiba smiled, his hand combing through blond locks before he realized it. And when he did it was because Naruto gave a soft noise of contentment and nuzzled his hand. Kiba blushed brightly, grabbed Akamaru and hurried out of the hospital room, headed for home as quickly as he could without looking suspicious, though he didn't know why he thought he looked suspicious.
A/N: Please don't hate me? Haha, I know this chapter was a bit...mmmm all over the place, like I said in the top notes. But I hope you all enjoyed it anyway. Don't worry the story will be moving forward. I just gotta build the foundation first. So, I apologize if it's slow or not action-packed enough yet. Trust me, giant shit storms are on their way. I promise.
Also, please remember I'm proof-reading and editing this myself AND I have dyslexia. So if there are mistakes and you feel so inclined, please send me a message to let me know.
Don't forget to hit the kudos if you enjoyed this! And drop a comment! Lemme know what you think, how you're feeling, what you think might happen. OH! I'm still not set on who Naruto might end up with. I'm even considering having him stay single. But... dunno. There will be several potentials floating around him, and it'll likely be kind of obvious who they are.
Okay, I've rambled enough! Bye bye! 3
(orginally from Archive Of Our Own)