Chapter 2- Sasuke Uchiha
Another four months had passed, and Shanan and Naruto's life together had settled into a warm routine. With Naruto poised to transition from the village school to the Ninja Academy, and Shanan consistently earning top marks, their futures looked bright.
Her memory, once a source of frustration, had finally stabilized. Lapses and mistakes were now rare, a welcome respite.
However, one aspect remained unchanged: her fierce devotion to Naruto and his well-being. He was still her baby and she guarded him zealously.
One unyielding rule governed her life: Naruto was off-limits, protected from any harm or criticism.
This unwavering commitment defined her, shaping nearly every decision and interaction.
Their daily routine was a haven of warmth and laughter. Shared meals, storytime, and snuggles filled their days. Shanan supplemented Naruto's education, focusing on reading, writing, manners, and empathy – essential life skills. She instilled in him a sense of responsibility, teaching him to maintain his apartment and respect hers. Her nurturing nature ensured he was always clean, tidy, and well-fed.
Most importantly, he was well-loved.
At night, they shared a bed, Shanan prioritizing Naruto's comfort and safety above her own. His restless sleep didn't faze her; she was content knowing he felt secure. Her apartment became their home base, with Naruto spending little time in his own.
To them, they were family – a bond no one could dispute. The thought of anyone joining their tight-knit unit never crossed their minds.
The Uchiha Massacre, however, shook the village to its core. The once-peaceful streets of Konoha now whispered with fear and uncertainty. Itachi Uchiha's brutal slaughter of his clan, sparing only his seven-year-old brother Sasuke, left the community reeling.
In the aftermath, their quiet neighborhood transformed into a hub of activity. The apartment adjacent to Shanan's, once vacant, now bustled with the arrival of new furniture and essentials, echoing her forgotten experience when she arrived.
Shanan had never met an Uchiha, but she knew of Sasuke from Naruto's stories. Naruto often grumbling about the girls fawning over Sasuke, eager to marry him.
When Sasuke finally arrived with a shinobi escort, who departed immediately, Shanan wondered about Naruto before she had arrived. She couldn't remember their beginning, and Naruto wasn't able to remember many details, but she knew that he'd been alone for as long as he could remember and the thought made her incredibly sad and angry. She couldn't remember what she'd walked into, but she knew it was probably for the best that she didn't remember those details.
Naruto pleaded with Shanan to stay away from Sasuke, but she couldn't ignore the young Uchiha's pain. She envisioned his fragile state, reeling from unimaginable loss. The weight of his emotions – lost, broken, and betrayed – resonated deeply within her.
A darkness loomed over Sasuke, threatening to consume him. Shanan felt an overwhelming urge to offer a beacon of hope, a reminder that love and light still existed. Only hours had passed since Sasuke's arrival, but Shanan's concern for him grew with each passing moment.
She stepped outside and waved like she always did and then made her way to the apartment on the right. She knocked softly on the door, not wanting to startle him. When there was no answer, she knocked a little louder, still gentle, but the silence persisted. She considered giving him space, yet the thought of him suffering alone overwhelmed her.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked again, her voice soft. "Hi... I'm your neighbor. I'm coming in, okay?" As she entered, she saw Sasuke lying on his bed, his body shaking with sobs. His black hair was messy, and the tension in his shoulders and faint tremble of his body conveyed the depth of his anguish. Her heart ached for him, and she fought the urge to rush over and embrace him until his tears ceased.
As she closed the door, the sound startled Sasuke, and he rolled over to face her. "What are you doing here?" he asked, sitting up.
Shanan paused, taken aback by Sasuke's familiar face, even though she was certain they had never met. His tears stirred her heart as she approached him. "I'm so sorry about what happened, you poor thing."
Sasuke's gaze narrowed as he wiped away his tears with his sleeve, his movements sharp and jerky. "Please just leave."
Shanan's words, meant to comfort, had instead stirred resentment as if she were pitying him. She realized her mistake and nodded. "Okay, I'll go. But if you need anything, I'm right next door. I'm making dinner; I'll bring you some."
He remained silent.
"I'll leave now; I'm sorry." Once at the door, she looked back. "You don't have to be alone, Sasuke. I'm Shanan. I'll see you soon." With that, she closed the door, leaving Sasuke with his sorrow.
That night, she prepared a larger dinner than usual.
Along with a small gesture of kindness—a single white flower and a note that read I'm here she entered his apartment quietly, finding him still on the bed, now covered up. Though he didn't stir, she sensed he was awake. She left the food on his table and returned home to eat.
Naruto's grumpiness had been palpable all day, and Shanan understood his concerns; he was still learning to navigate complex emotions.
"Sis, what if you like him more?" His lower lip trembled, and he glanced away.
Her expression softened as she placed a reassuring hand on his. "Aww, Naruto, you don't have to worry about that..."
His gaze returned, his eyes welling up with worry. "What if you don't wanna carry me home on your back anymore? Or take me to the village for candy? What if you don't wanna read to me every night?" The thought of losing their special bond was unbearable.
Shanan's hands reached out and gently cradled Naruto's face, her eyes locking onto his. "Look, you lil cutie, I love you very much. You're my sweet little baby, and you always will be. Nobody is ever going to replace you, okay? You do not have to worry." She smiled softly at him, her eyes sparkling with affection.
His eyes locked onto hers, his doubts slowly dissipating.
"But you know what? Sasuke is all alone now, and it wouldn't be right to ignore him when he's just right there," she continued. "Not when we can share our happiness with him. Wouldn't you agree?"
He nodded slowly, his expression softening. "Yeah…"
"And, what have I taught you about putting yourself in someone else's shoes?"
"That it'll help me understand them better," he replied, recalling Shanan's constant lessons.
Her smile broadened. "Exactly! So, put yourself in Sasuke's shoes and tell me how you feel."
Naruto's brow furrowed, imagination taking hold. "Well… his older brother killed his whole clan." He paused, connecting the dots. "So… that would be like you killing… maybe everyone in my class?" His eyes widened, grasping the magnitude. "Even if they're mean to me, I'd still be sad about that. And… confused. Because I love you, and I bet he loved his brother."
"Yeah, and I bet he still does." Her expression remained compassionate. "So, now what?"
His eyes dropped, thinking deeply. "I'd probably feel bad that I still loved you… but sad that I had to stop loving you and start hating you."
She nodded, acknowledging his insight.
Naruto looked up, determination in his eyes. "We should let him know that we understand and that we don't judge him… and tell him it's okay if he still has to figure out his feelings. But we're here for him." His face lit up with a realization. "We can be his family! He needs us."
Shanan's proud smile warmed her entire face. "That's very compassionate of you, Naruto."
"Yeah…" He chuckled. "I'm getting pretty good at that, huh?"
"Yeah, you are," she said fondly. "I'll start by taking him some food every day. And we'll take it one step at a time."
Naruto nodded enthusiastically, already imagining the possibilities of helping Sasuke.
After dinner, Shanan pulled out a worn book from her cherished collection. She had amassed a treasure trove of stories, buying half of the ones on her mysterious list, crafted by an unknown hand and adding more each time she visited the bookstore.
And then, sometimes, she'd walk outside to find a new book waiting on her doorstep, as if the gifter knew exactly what she needed. She was sure the gifter and the list maker were the same person and wondered how they'd managed to ever slip past her hyper-vigilance
Not to mention her cookbook. She'd always enjoyed the notes that accompanied each recipe, filled with familiar symbols and handwriting. She suspected the same person had written both the notes and the list of books, perhaps at different stages of their life. The similarities were uncanny – a curved stroke here, a flourished letter there.
As she delved into the story, Naruto snuggled closer, his eyelids grew heavy, his breathing slowing. Shanan's voice lulled him into a peaceful slumber, the story's ending whispered into his dreams.
Later, she tucked him in and after ensuring he was settled, she slipped out into the evening, her thoughts turning to Sasuke.
She approached his apartment, tapping lightly on the door. "I'm coming in."
Inside, Sasuke lay motionless, still facing the wall. Yet, she noticed subtle signs of life: the empty bowl on the table, a hint of tension in his shoulders. His silence was palpable, but his rigid posture betrayed his awareness of her presence.
She gathered the bowl, her movements quiet and deliberate. "Goodnight, Sasuke," she whispered. "I'll be back in the morning with breakfast, okay?"
She closed the door and waved at the buildings across the street, a habitual gesture ingrained over time. The night air enveloped her, warm and breezy, inviting reflection.
She set the bowl down and leaned on the railing, lost in thought as she gazed out at the village. The soft glow of lanterns and the distant sounds of crickets created a soothing melody.
Her mind wandered to the three children in the building, bound together by fate's twisted threads.
Two of them, Naruto and herself, had never known a life with a traditional family, relying solely on each other for comfort and support.
Sasuke, however, had experienced the cruel reversal – from a loving clan to devastating solitude.
She didn't know the pain of longing for a family, not when she had Naruto by her side. Still, she recognized the depth of Sasuke's emotional scars and knew that her and Naruto's unorthodox dynamics might be just what he needed – and she felt an inexplicable pull to welcome him into their circle.
She couldn't help but chuckle at the thought that, according to a book she'd once read on structural engineering, the strongest shape was indeed the triangle. One more person, she mused, would only serve to strengthen their little unit – a delightful prospect that left her smiling.
As the breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, her resolve strengthened. She would help Sasuke find his way back to the light, no matter how daunting the darkness seemed…
The next day, Shanan arrived at Sasuke's doorstep with a warm smile and a steaming bowl of food. "Good morning, Sasuke. I brought breakfast," she announced gently, setting the meal inside on his table.
For several days, this ritual continued. She would bring meals, leaving them with a quiet word of encouragement. She'd let him know she was there, waiting patiently for him to open up.
One evening, as she placed a fragrant dish of stew on the table, she began to share stories about her cookbook. "I have a really good recipe for tonkotsu soup, and the notes inside helped me perfect the seasoning. You'll have to let me know what your favorite food is sometime. If I don't already know how to make it, I'm a fast learner!"
Sasuke's silence persisted, but Shanan sensed a subtle shift. She continued, undeterred, sharing tales of her culinary experiments and the joy of cooking, her passion infectious. "I also make a really good curry with katsu chicken. If you like a little spice, you'll enjoy it."
The next morning, after Sasuke had finished his breakfast, Shanan returned to retrieve his empty bowl. She lingered, sitting beside his bed on the floor. "I've been reading this book on ninjutsu strategies," she said, pulling out her sudoku book and starting a new puzzle.
"Naruto told me you specialize in fire nature. I find that really interesting, being a water user myself," she continued. "Did you know that the manipulation of chakra flow can greatly impact the effectiveness of a technique? For instance, in water-based jutsu, a smooth, continuous flow of chakra can enhance the fluidity and adaptability of the technique. Meanwhile, fire-based jutsu often require a more forceful, explosive release of chakra. It's fascinating to see how different elemental natures can be leveraged to achieve strategic advantages."
Shanan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "One day, I'd love to find a way to combine fire and water techniques in a unique way. Can you imagine it? Harnessing the intensity of fire and the adaptability of water to create something entirely new… Wouldn't that be cool? Maybe you can help!"
The silence from Sasuke grew less daunting, replaced by the comforting sounds of pages turning and pencil scratching. "Oh, I bet since you use fire nature, you would enjoy spicy food!" She laughed as she played her words back. "Or maybe that's really stupid and completely unrelated. Ooh, this has to be where a nine goes…" she said, writing in her book. "Yep, yep. Definitely nine. I'll show you how to do this sometime…"
Days passed, with Shanan's daily visits bringing a sense of routine to Sasuke's isolated world. She'd bring meals, share stories, and work on her puzzles beside him. "Oh, Naruto said that all the girls in your class have been asking about you nonstop." Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Any messages for your admirers?" She chuckled softly. "I'm just joking, Naruto already told all of them that you hate their guts and that they should just love him instead." She laughed louder, because, although untrue, she wouldn't put it past Naruto to actually say it.
"That has to be pretty annoying at your age though, yeah?" she asked him. "I mean, Naruto certainly thinks he'd love to have all the girls in your class love him, and maybe he would… but I bet it would annoy him if it actually happened. Boys and girls are just different. You never see the one girl in class that every boy likes, because you guys don't care about girls right now. And if you do, then it's probably really special and not just 'oh, look how cute!' You know what I mean?"
One day, however, as she entered his apartment, she was met with the now familiar sight that still pierced her heart. Sasuke, still laying on his bed, overcome with his constant grief, tears streaming sideways down his face and into his hair. Her hands trembled as she placed the food and sudoku book on the table. She'd had a list of topics to discuss with him, but today, his tears became hers, and neither of them seemed to have control of them.
As she sat down at the table, the depth of his darkness finally overwhelmed her. She felt herself being drawn in, drowning in his pain. Their sorrow merged, a shared sea of grief. Shanan's breath caught as the darkness closed in. She covered her ears, momentarily trying to block out the emotional turmoil.
But it was no use. With a sense of urgency, she sought the one thing that felt right – Sasuke. Desperate to anchor them both, she swiftly stood up, slid into his bed, and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly as if her embrace could keep the shadows at bay.
Sasuke's body stiffened, his voice cracking through his tears. "Please, go away, Shanan."
Her grip on him tightened, a subtle defiance. "Oh, you remembered my name..." she whispered.
"Didn't you hear what else I said?"
"No."
"Go away," he whispered.
"I said no, Sasuke."
His body shook with renewed sobs, overwhelmed by her refusal to abandon him. His distress was palpable, a desperate cry for solitude.
She squeezed him tighter, her hold unyielding as she sobbed with him. She wouldn't let go, wouldn't leave him to face his darkness solo, even if it took her too.
As their tears slowly subsided, Sasuke's exhaustion claimed him, and he slipped into a deep, restful sleep. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, his slumber was sound, his chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm.
She cradled him close as the darkness dissipated like clouds parting, revealing a glimmer of serenity. Her presence soothed him, a beacon of hope in his shattered world. In this fleeting moment, she felt a sense of tranquility settle between them.
The next time she slid into bed beside him, he offered no resistance. He simply surrendered to her warmth, his body melting into her embracing arms, feeling her gentle breath in his hair. His rigid muscles relaxed, his breathing slowing.
Calm claimed him faster now, sleep wrapping gratefully around him. Tears still fell, but fewer and farther between. When they did, they held a complex mix: sadness, appreciation, and a hint of guilt for not fully surrendering to his grief.
Shanan's presence remained a constant, unwavering counterpoint – unconditional comfort.
With each passing day, their moments together underwent a gentle transformation. The tension eased, replaced by an unspoken understanding.
One day, as she slid into bed beside him, he turned to face her, his teary eyes finally locking onto hers. No words were spoken, but the connection between them spoke volumes.
Her arms enveloped him, pulling him close. As she stroked his hair, his tears still soaked into her shirt – the darkness still trying to wrap its tendrils around them, but unable to penetrate the warmth of their embrace.
Their moments together grew stronger, a bond of trust and comfort forming as Sasuke anticipated her arrival.
The next time she climbed in, he desperately clung to her. Resting his head on her chest, the steady beat of her heart lulled him into a deep, peaceful sleep. Clearly, his exhausted body and mind were eager to catch up on much-needed rest.
As Sasuke's eyes fluttered open, the warm glow of the setting sun bathed the room in a golden light. The savory aroma of dinner wafted from the kitchen, teasing his senses.
Shanan and Naruto moved in harmony, setting the table with effortless synchrony.
Naruto's excited voice pierced the air, shattering the peaceful atmosphere. "Sasuke, you're awake!" he said, running to kneel in front of his bed.
"Perfect timing, dinner's almost ready." Shanan smiled as she placed the final utensils.
"I got your clothes ready for you," Naruto said. "We have to take a bath after dinner. Trust me, you don't wanna make her mad."
Shanan's chuckle intertwined with Sasuke's quiet gaze. "I heard that, Naruto."
Naruto stood up and rubbed his neck sheepishly, his grin faltering. "Oh yeah... and she hears everything."
Sasuke sat up and watched them, mesmerized by the ordinary, lighthearted exchange. It was a side of life he thought he'd lost forever – carefree laughter and effortless love.
His gaze lingered on Shanan, his heart skipping beats as her smile illuminated the room. A soft, ethereal light seemed to surround her, as if darkness itself couldn't touch her.
He'd never noticed anyone like her before. Girls had fawned over him, which he'd never understood, but none had ever captured his attention.
Shanan was different. Her radiant beauty mirrored the warmth within. But her kindness, compassion, and strength shone brighter than any physical feature.
As he watched her, Sasuke felt an unfamiliar sensation – a gentle flutter in his chest. It was as if his heart had awakened, beating solely for her. And suddenly, he understood. He suddenly did care about just one girl, and she'd been right – it was really special. Though, he couldn't truly grasp the complexity of his emotions.
Her gentle voice broke the spell, beckoning him to join them. "Come and eat, Sasuke."
Without hesitation, he rose from the bed, his movements quiet and deliberate, and took his place at the table. His eyes observed, drinking in the scene.
Naruto and Shanan slipped into an effortless rhythm, their banter and laughter filling the space with warmth. Sasuke listened, his expression softening, his gaze lingering on their joyful faces.
As Naruto launched into an animated tale, Shanan playfully rolled her eyes, her smile radiant.
Sasuke's face relaxed, a soft smile creeping onto his lips.
Shanan and Naruto didn't pressure him to participate. They simply welcomed him as they shared stories and jokes, Sasuke's defenses slowly dissolving.
His heart acknowledged Shanan's bravery; she'd walked alongside him in the night, banishing the shadows with her gentle, illuminating presence. Now, bathed in her light, he knew he'd found his haven – a place where darkness could no longer claim him.