A/N: Yooo! Guess who's been working on this and the next chapter virtually every single spare moment between my 2.5 jobs since I last posted? I say that because they were originally going to be one chapter, but haha, yeah, that was before it became a 12k+ monster. Not only was my sanity not having it, I didn't want to kill any of you lovely readers with a chapter that long, so I took mercy on all of us and broke it into two parts! lol. That actually took a lot of agonizing because (not to brag or anything, but) I love how I tied all the different parts in these two chapters together, but it was just getting too long and too stressful, so I cut it. lol. Hopefully, someone still notices at least some of the (admittedly sometimes subtle) connections strewn throughout connecting both chapters, but we'll see! lol. Hoping to have the next chapter, part 2/conclusion of this arc, out tomorrow or close!

Thanks so much for your patience, guys! Really appreciate it!

It's early the next morning, around seven, when there's a tap, tap! at Naruto's window.

Shikamaru wakes almost instantly, and he slowly moves from his chair toward the window with a yawn. He wonders if whoever's there knows what time it is. The sun's barely up. Naruto wakes up a few seconds later, pushing himself up against the pillows to try to see who it is. Whoever it is, they're wearing black. An ANBU member maybe? But why?

Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Naruto asks, voice raspy and slow, "Shikamaru…?" He yawns as well. "W-who is it? And why so early?"

Shikamaru does a double-take when he gets up close and sees who it is. He half-snorts, a small smile coming. "Figures…" Lifting the latch on the window, he answers, "It's Sai."

Naruto blinks, confused. "Sai…?" Why would he be here?

Shikamaru nods. "Uh-huh." With one more yawn and a late lazy wave in greeting, he opens the window and steps aside so Sai can come in. "See for yourself."

As promised, Sai jumps inside, the Ink Bird he was riding poofing a second later. He raises a hand, a small smile on his face – a pretty big one for him. "Good morning, you two! Kakashi told me you were finally awake, Naruto, so I thought I'd come see you!"

Cheerful this morning, isn't he? Another yawn escapes Naruto, this one so long that tears spring to the corners of his eyes. He rubs them again once he's done. "I appreciate it, but…did you have to come so early? This barely counts as morning…"

Shikamaru gently raps the back of Sai's head on his way back to his chair, making him blink in surprise. "Seconded. Some people around here actually sleep past sunrise, you know…"

It takes a moment before his faux pas registers (Kakashi and Captain Yamato talked to him about this a while ago, when he showed up for a mission or two when they themselves hadn't even woken yet), and when it does, Sai's eyes widen, and he bows. "My apologies!" He turns immediately toward the window, stepping up onto the sill to head out. "I'll come back later."

Startled, Naruto reaches out. "W-wait, Sai! Hold on!" Sai looks back at him, clearly confused, and Naruto rubs the back of his head, a sheepish, but also amusedly fond smile on his face. Geez… He can't help but breathe a laugh. "Sorry, I didn't mean you had to leave. We're already up, so you might as well stay, right?" He pats the spot next to him, just an offer. He doesn't think Sai will take it, of course, not as comfortable with non-combat physical closeness just yet, but it's there if he wants it. His smile grows. "I've actually been wanting to talk to you anyway. I've been wondering where you were."

Sai blinks a few times and tilts his head a bit. "You wanted…to see me?"

He nods. "Well, yeah, of course!" His expression softens. "I know you weren't involved with everything like Sakura and Kakashi-sensei, but I still wanted to make sure you were okay."

Sai isn't entirely sure what the warmth is that spreads in his chest. There's the tiniest bit of heat in his cheeks, though, and he can feel himself smiling, so…he's pretty sure he's very happy that Naruto wanted to check on him. The fact that Naruto thinks it should be obvious somehow makes it even better. "I've been just fine, thank you. I've been helping Kakashi, Captain Yamato, and the ANBU gather what clues we can find in relation to Sasuke and the masked man who whisked him away the day you fought."

Despite himself, Naruto perks up at that. Shikamaru watches out of the corner of his eye. Naruto works his mouth like he wants to ask for more details, but doesn't let himself. He worries his sheets, blue eyes somewhat clouded. He wants to know, but…is it just habit? Does he really even want them to find Sasuke? If they do, next time, it might not end like this one did. Next time, he could end up dead – or worse, one of his friends could. He wants to move on, he's ready to let go, but…if the two of them meeting again is inevitable…

His fist curls tighter, though he does his best to take a deep breath, too. He'll have to sort this out on his own later. Maybe Shikamaru can help him.

He snaps up when Shikamaru himself speaks. "If you're here and Kakashi was the one who told you about Naruto being awake, I'm guessing that means you haven't found anything." A beat. "Otherwise, you'd be out there searching."

Naruto blinks. It's like Shikamaru read his mind, knew what he wanted to say and how before he did. Of course, by now, he's mostly unsurprised. He softens, gratitude clear as day on his face.

Sai shakes his head. "Nothing helpful, anyway. Like Kakashi and Sakura said in their reports, it's like Sasuke and that masked man just vanished into thin air. I think Kakashi was right about that man's jutsu being something all his own. I've never heard of something like that… Not even the Flying Raijin comes close…" He shrugs. "The last thing we found that's provided us with anything substantial is that redheaded woman Kakashi picked up, but since she spent the first week recovering from the vital wound she claims Sasuke gave her and nearly-depleted chakra levels, she wasn't able to give us much information. Her healing factor is incredible, though, so she should be better by now. I've heard she's already freely offered some amazing intel, though I don't know the exact details. Lady Hokage's put everyone on a need-to-know basis as far as that goes. I only know what Kakashi and Captain Yamato have managed to tell me."

Naruto nods. Now he's even more curious about this mysterious woman he keeps hearing about. Not even because she was with Sasuke (though he'd be lying if he said that wasn't part of it), just…she sounds confusing, but interesting, and he always likes meeting new people! It's an opportunity to make a new friend! He really hopes, if he's lucky, he'll get to meet her soon.

He smiles up at his teammate. "Thanks for the update, Sai!"

Sai blinks, surprised, but then returns the smile a little, a light pink tint to his cheeks again. He likes feeling useful. "Of course!"

This conversation reminding him, Naruto's eyes shift to Shikamaru. "Oh! Hey, speaking of updates, Shikamaru, where'd Sakura go?"

Shikamaru, starting at the sudden topic change, thinks back, and he laughs. "Oh, right. You were still asleep. She left about an hour ago, saying something about needing to tell Lady Tsunade what she did yesterday and accept her punishment. She said she wanted to get it over with. She told me to tell you she'll be by later, though, if she isn't too busy with whatever her punishment turns out to be." He shrugs, leaning back a bit and closing his eyes serenely. "As far as I could tell, she seemed to sleep just fine through the night, though, no nightmares," he opens one eye to grin at Naruto, "so I'll count that little experiment as a win."

Naruto grins brightly, and Sai doesn't miss the way Shikamaru softens at the sight. It's definitely one of his favorites. "That's great! I'm really happy sleeping here helped that much!" He flushes some. "Honestly, it was really nice having her here. Too bad we can't do that more often." Remembering the part about her punishment, though, he shudders in empathy. "I really hope Granny Tsunade isn't too hard on her. She can be even scarier than Sakura when she's angry…"

Sai just looks between them. "I'm sorry, but…" he tilts his head, eyebrow drawing together a bit, the tiniest amused curl to his lips, "…what exactly did I miss?"

Naruto and Shikamaru end up locking eyes for a moment or two before turning back to Sai. Naruto sighs. It's too early for this… But at least he doesn't have to worry about Sai blowing up at him. Plus, he was gonna find out eventually, and technically, it does directly affect him and his now-definitely-permanent place on Team 7, so…

They end up explaining everything about Naruto's decision and how Sakura reacted, then apologized and ended up sleeping beside Naruto to get a good night's rest for once. Sai listens intently the whole time, curling his fingers at his chin when he gets a little more thoughtful toward the end.

He nods. "I see… So that explains why Sakura looked so much better than she has lately when I saw her training with Lady Tsunade this morning…" He cocks his head. "Although Lady Tsunade certainly seemed angry and was yelling a lot of profanities for supposed 'training'…"

Naruto and Shikamaru instantly pale and gulp, trading a glance. Oh, boy… So that's what her punishment was… Lady Tsunade's probably pushing her half to death. It's a good thing Sakura's strong and has experience in that area, even if her actual years of training weren't as intense…

Given a moment, Sai puts it together and laughs behind his hand. "Oh, wait… That must have been the punishment you mentioned… How unfortunate…" He snorts a little, something that makes Shikamaru and Naruto blink. He's never laughed like that before. He looks surprised himself, cheeks turning almost red, especially when he sees how delighted it makes Naruto. He clears his throat. "R-really, I think Sakura's the only one who could take a beating like that and walk away smiling." He glances over at Naruto with a small smile. There's…admiration and pride in it… "Well, besides you, Naruto."

Naruto's eyes widen, and his heart skips at the idea of inspiring such feelings in his friend. "T-thank you…?" Thinking back to what he said about Sakura, he grins. "I'm glad she seemed okay! Thanks for letting us know!"

Sai nods. "No problem." Then, remembering something, he turns a little more serious. "So…Kakashi told me you might want to know what I think about your decision to give up on Sasuke."

Naruto stills, realizing he's right. He never heard what Sai thought about everything. They got on that tangent about Sakura, so… Swallowing a bit, he nods. "Well, y-yeah…" He shrugs uncomfortably, looking away. Shikamaru shifts so his knee is touching Naruto's, and Naruto sends him a small, grateful smile. He doesn't like feeling so nervous about everyone's reactions, but…he supposes it comes with the territory. He takes a breath and looks back at Sai. "I just…want to make sure everyone's okay with it, you know? Since he…" he winces, "…was one of us and all…"

Sai tilts his head, brow furrowing. "But…it's your decision. I don't see what anyone else's opinion has to do with it. Especially considering, at least as far as I'm aware, the others have been over Sasuke's bullshit for years."

Shikamaru and Naruto both stare at him, stunned speechless, for a good few seconds before they suddenly burst out laughing. Shikamaru's is stronger, Naruto subconsciously reluctant, but his soon rises to join him. They end up laughing so hard that tears crowd their eyes. Sai can only look between them, obviously terribly confused.

When they calm down a couple minutes later, Shikamaru wipes his eyes with the back of his hand. "So, let me guess: you heard that from Ino." Sai nods, and Shikamaru barks another laugh, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. "Why am I not surprised?"

Naruto takes mercy on an increasingly baffled Sai, grinning despite himself and waving his hand dismissively. "You're definitely not wrong!" It's still weird for him to talk about cutting Sasuke off, and he feels even weirder for laughing about it, but…if he's being completely honest, it feels good, too. For now, he figures he'll make the most of it. Taking another breath, he softens, voice following. "Thanks for the laugh, Sai. I needed that."

Shikamaru smiles at Naruto proudly, the look he gives Sai appreciative. Sai blinks and flushes a little, still confused, but sort of getting it, so he just decides to roll with it. Even if he doesn't quite understand the relationship Sasuke had with the rest of Team 7, he knows this decision is hardest on Naruto, so…he wants to help in any way he can. He offers a small smile in turn. "O-of course! I'm glad I could help."

Naruto softens further, over most of his shyness by now. "I'm really glad you're okay with what I decided, Sai. I know you never really knew Sasuke anyway, and maybe…" his eyes flit away, expression falling a little; Shikamaru reaches over to squeeze his shoulder, making him smile some before coming back, "…maybe that was for the best, but…I wanted to know your opinion anyway. You have a point about not caring what the others think, too, except…to me, it's the principle of the thing, so I'm still gonna run it by 'em, see what they have to say, at least." He breathes a laugh over it, which Shikamaru considers progress. "I'd just rather all of us were on the same page, you know?"

This part, Sai can understand. Intelligence is a key part of being a shinobi. If one part of a team doesn't know something vital, everything can fall apart. "That makes perfect sense. I think I get it now." He smiles and offers a thumbs up. "Good luck, then, Naruto!"

Naruto laughs. "Thanks!" Of course, that grin of his sparks something in Naruto's mind, and he sits up a little straighter. "Oh, right! Sai, I remembered what I wanted to talk to you about!"

Sai gives him his full, undivided attention with a small "Hmm?", and suddenly, Naruto feels a little shy for some reason. Maybe because what he's about to ask feels private, and he knows Sai isn't particularly known for sharing that stuff just yet, even with his Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal gone. He wants to choose his words carefully, knowing the Foundation and the abuse he suffered are…complicated subjects for Sai, but when he can't think of anything except what comes naturally, he decides to just go for it. If Sai doesn't want to talk about it, Naruto would never force him.

"So…I know Danzo wasn't a good guy. He did a lot of horrible things to you and your brother and the others from the Foundation, including Captain Yamato. But…he was still kind of like a sensei or a master to you, even if he didn't deserve to be called either." His gaze drifts back to Sai, empathy and a metaphorical outstretched hand there if he wants or needs them. "I just…wanted to know how you've been feeling, if you've been okay. Since Danzo's death, I mean."

That was probably the clumsiest way he could have asked that, and it kind of makes him want to smack himself, but…well, he tried.

Sai, on the other hand, is staring at him with wide eyes, lips parted in shock. Clearly, he wasn't expecting that to be what Naruto had in mind. He looks down at his hand, the hand he's used to kill so many under Lord Danzo's order, as if it will give him all the answers he's seeking. Trying to pin down exactly how and what he's feeling about Lord Danzo's death… It's like using a needle to pin down a leaf in a hurricane.

"I don't…know how I feel…" he answers at last, quiet and clearly frustrated with himself if the way he's glaring at his hand is any indication."I think there's…relief, ultimately, some residual anger and…guilt for so much blood on my hands, but…the rest…?" He shrugs helplessly, looking back up at Naruto. If nothing else, he knows he'll understand. "You know I'm still getting my emotions back, so…"

Naruto nods, a small, empathetic smile playing.

"I get it, believe me. After learning some things recently about Old Man Third, I'm…not sure how to feel about him either…" Shikamaru watches him closely, frowning in agreement. It hasn't escaped him, the way Naruto doesn't call the Third Hokage 'Lord Third' anymore, probably because he's lost a good amount of respect for him. Honestly? He's in the same boat. He wonders if there was anything else kept from Naruto that even Kakashi doesn't know about. For the old man's sake, dead or not, there'd better not be.

Sai can only stare. He never officially met Lord Third, and Lord—er, Danzo never really spoke of him, but he knows they worked together often. As far as he could tell, Danzo did Lord Third's dirty work. But if Naruto and Shikamaru are in agreement here, he knows there must be a reason. Shikamaru is one of the Leaf's smartest, doesn't let emotion rule his decisions, and Naruto, while emotional for a ninja and not the brightest in everyday circumstances, doesn't dislike anyone without a damn good reason. Even his and Sakura's dislike of him when they first met made a lot of sense once he knew why (not that he made it terribly easy on them either, to be fair).

Interesting new information aside, he can tell that Naruto is trying to share in his pain, as he's so often wont to do, and he definitely appreciates it. He smiles gratefully. "Thank you, Naruto. I'm glad you understand."

Naruto brightens. "Sure! If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me. I don't think I'm goin' anywhere for a while, so," he grins toothily and gives Sai a thumbs up, "keep Team 7 rolling for me in the meantime, will ya?"

Sai's eyes widen, and his heart thumps hard in his chest. He swears his whole world is rippling with some kind of profound change. Naruto is…trusting him with Team 7…! Is this…is this what being truly accepted feels like? Is this what making a real, emotional connection with someone feels like? Does this mean his heart is finally reopening at last?

He can't help it when he finally beams, pearly teeth bared for all to see, and he's only mostly surprised when he feels tears stinging his eyes. Naruto and Shikamaru don't think they've ever seen a smile like this from him before, but it's incredible. They hope to see it again.

Thank you, Naruto…!

"I-I will! Of course!"

Sai doesn't stay too long after that, having promised Captain Yamato some early training, but he promises to stop by as soon as he can. "If I get lucky, maybe Sakura and I will end up coming together! It'll be a New Team 7-plus Shikamaru gathering!"

After saying their goodbyes, Naruto and Shikamaru sleep for a few more hours. Naruto's medicine will make him sleep until late morning, if not around noon again like yesterday. Since sleep is an important part of his recovery regimen, Shikamaru doesn't want him missing much if he can help it.

As expected, Naruto wakes up for good a little after twelve. For whatever reason, the first thing his eyes are drawn to after the clock is today's circled date on the calendar. He does a double-take when he sees what day of the week it is. Double-checking the time to make sure he's not wrong, his gaze falls to Shikamaru, still dozing at his side.

He softens. He's sleeping so peacefully that he hates to wake him, but…he knows Shikamaru will hate himself for missing this even more, which will just make Naruto feel guilty. So, reaching over, he gently shakes Shikamaru awake. "Hey, Shikamaru. Wake up."

Shikamaru, having already had his sleep interrupted twice, takes a few seconds longer to wake up than he normally would. Regardless, he glances up at Naruto first thing on instinct. Brown eyes meet blue, assessing and reassuring at once. "W-what's up?" He yawns. "You okay?"

Naruto can't help but chuckle, softening further. He really is so kind. He squeezes Shikamaru's shoulder and nods. "Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about me." He points toward the clock and calendar. "I just didn't want you to be late. Today's when Kurenai-sensei has her baby checkup, right? Isn't it usually around now?"

His words take a second to register in Shikamaru's mind, but once they do, any residual drowsiness disappears instantly. Wide eyes darting to check the date and time, he shoots to his feet. "Oh, crap, you're right!"

Looking back at Naruto, he studies him with a bemused smile. "Wait, how'd you even know that? You only went with me the one time…"

Even then, though, the fact that Naruto would remember something like this…it's not surprising. Not at all, really – not when Shikamaru knows intimately that things that seem small or insignificant to others aren't at all to Naruto.

Something as small as bringing flowers when he's in the hospital, as holding him while he breaks down, as being there when he wakes from a nightmare…as smiling at him, crying for him, telling him how much he means to them…things that others would see as normal or the least they could do, things most people would take for granted…they're everything to him.

The reason Naruto remembers these things, sees them as so precious…it all comes back to love. To him, they're proof he's not hated anymore – not alone anymore. It means he has people in his life he loves more than anything—and the best part is, they love him, too!

Love is all it's ever been about for him.

And for all Shikamaru knows that, has always known that somehow, in the back of his mind, even years ago when they were kids…he can't help but melt. 'Something else' doesn't come close to describing him, he decides.

Naruto, oblivious to the complex goings-on in his friend's head, just grins toothily, satisfied with himself. A mischievous chuckle leaves him. "Hey, I pay attention!" Given a moment, his expression and voice gentle. "That was the day you helped me start to move forward again after Pervy Sage..." His smile falters here for a moment before pained acceptance washes over, and when he looks up at Shikamaru again, his smile's grown, gratitude there in spades. "So, of course I'd remember something like that, you know?"

Touched empathy burns in Shikamaru's chest. He's not quite shocked when he has to swallow the smallest of lumps in his throat. He thinks hanging around Naruto almost exclusively for so long is making the guy rub off on him. He's getting more emotional as the weeks pass, he swears. He nods, a warm smile coming. "Yeah, I get it." He glances toward the door. "You sure you'll be okay here by yourself while I'm gone?"

Naruto waves him off with an even wider grin. "I'm not a baby! Go, go!"

Shikamaru smirks teasingly. "You say that, but you're the one who used to sneak out of the hospital all the time."

Naruto sticks his tongue out at him, grin never leaving. "Hey, sue me! It's boring!"

Shikamaru laughs, then hurries for the door, waving and calling over his shoulder, "Thanks, Naruto!"

Naruto waves back. "No problem! Say hi for me!"

Naruto's pretty sure he forgot just how boring being stuck in the hospital could be.

His mind has been wandering ever since Shikamaru left. He tried sleeping more, but his body wouldn't let him, so he's been reading over the mission reports that Shikamaru brought with him. Or, well, trying. Like he said, his mind's been everywhere.

He wonders if this intense boredom is another reason Shikamaru wanted to stay with him.

When he was younger, he'd always sneak out to train or eat ramen when he was bored, but…with his legs not quite in working order yet (Granny Tsunade tried to explain it to him – not only does he have some broken bones, but also some kind of severe weakness in his legs from Sasuke managing to mess with his chakra network there and the chakra depletion not helping?), he can't really do that this time. Not that he thinks he would – he's grown up since then, after all – but if he got desperate enough, well… Who knows, really?

That is something he's been wondering about, though. He gets Shikamaru staying with him while he was out since his health was so touch-and-go, also coming to be with him at night because of the nightmares, but now that he's awake and okay, even if the nightmares are iffy…why stick around? Doesn't he have missions and stuff he should be doing – or, hell, cloud-watching with Choji during their downtime?

Not that he's complaining! On the contrary, Shikamaru's been incredible, so much more than he really thinks he deserves, honestly. He loves having him here, getting to spend so much time with him. He can't remember the last time they were really able to do that, without a mission or enemy hanging over their heads, at least. Maybe the day Shikamaru helped him start to move on after Pervy Sage's death, but that was months ago.

He just doesn't want Shikamaru to be missing out on money or getting in trouble with Granny Tsunade for not going on missions. Plus, Choji's his best friend, Ino's one, too, and he knows he's pretty close with his parents, especially his Dad. He doesn't want to keep him from his loved ones, from people who'd miss him if he's not around.

He hopes it's not because of that time off he asked for. He knows Shikamaru said he wasn't sick, and he really does trust him, but he did say he was exhausted, so… He just hopes he's okay.

Maybe, one of these days, when he can find the right words, he'll ask him about it.

At some point, he must have fallen asleep again because when he opens his eyes, the sun is starting to go down. Huh... Knowing Shikamaru must be back by now, he looks to his left—and blinks a few times when he doesn't see him. That's weird. Maybe he read his mind and went to go have a night with his family for once or something.

But then, he notices a note left on his nightstand. Recognizing Shikamaru's mostly neat, but somehow still messy scrawl, he reaches over to see what it says.

Naruto,

Hopefully you'll still be asleep when I get back so you won't have to read this, but just in case, I went to go get you something to eat that's not hospital crap. Be back soon.

Shikamaru

He can't help but laugh. He has been getting sick of the hospital food, but he thought he'd been pretty subtle. It's good and nutritious, sure, but it's just not what he's used to, you know? He softens, neatly folding the note and carefully tucking it in between his flowers, right beside Ino's tag. Most people would probably find notes like these a small thing, nothing important enough to keep, surely. But they're way more than that to him. They're sweet, well-wishing notes from his amazing friends, and he's not just gonna throw them away. Anyone who thinks he would doesn't know him at all. He knows Shikamaru would understand.

He really appreciates Shikamaru doing this. He didn't have to. He would've been fine sticking with just hospital food till he's out of here. Sure, that'll take a while, but like he said, it's not like the food's bad. He'll pay Shikamaru back whenever he gets here.

Knock, knock!

Naruto looks to the door. That can't be Shikamaru. He would know he doesn't have to knock, and if it's because he doesn't have hands for some reason, he'd use his leg or something smart like that. Maybe it's Sai or Sakura again? "Come in!"

The one who cautiously steps inside isn't at all who he expects, but Naruto brightens immediately all the same. "Choji!"

Choji gasps in turn, beaming. "N-Naruto!" Naruto can already hear the tears in his voice, so he's not surprised when they appear a second later. Normally Choji would hide his face so no one would see his tears, but he knows Naruto is the last person who'd ridicule him for crying, especially when he's happy and relieved.

The next thing Naruto knows – something he's getting used to by now, honestly – Choji's hugging him. Unlike the rest who've hugged him so far, more like Shikamaru's that first night, he's as gentle with him as can be. Not that Naruto expected anything else. Choji's always been the gentlest of them. But this time, it's almost like he's afraid to touch him, like he thinks he's made of glass or something.

Returning the embrace, Naruto just breathes the tiniest sob of a laugh. He's touched that anyone would think he's that worth saving, worth protecting. "You're not gonna hurt me, you know," he reassures softly. "Trust me, if Granny Tsunade, Iruka-sensei, and Sakura can't hurt me, you definitely can't." As if to prove it, he hugs Choji a little tighter, only one arm be damned, and nuzzles into his friend's shoulder. His voice drops to barely above a whisper. "I missed you, too, Choji."

That seems to open the floodgates. The tears are really coming now, soaking his shoulder, but he doesn't mind. Choji starts doing that sobbing-snort thing he does when he's really worked up. Naruto rubs his back to try to soothe him. "I-I was so—so worried…! Shikamaru always updated me whenever I asked—a-and I knew he was with you, so you weren't alone, but—but still…! You've been hurt before, but never like—!" A big shudder runs through him, and Naruto just holds him tighter. His voice is a little quieter, weaker, when he speaks next. "I-I was with Shikamaru, you know, w-when you were in surgery... I-I got here as f-fast as I could, and we waited for hours... W-when Lady Tsunade finally—when you were okay…!" He shakes his head. "I-I hadn't felt that kind of relief in—f-forever…!"

Naruto just listens closely. This is all news to him. He didn't know that, that he and Shikamaru were outside while he was in surgery, that they waited for him. Is that why Shikamaru stayed? Because he needed to see for himself that Naruto was going to be okay? But then…why stick around now? Just to make sure?

"I'm sorry," he whispers. "I didn't mean to worry you, I swear." He feels like he's repeating that a lot these days, but well, he has a lot of apologies to make.

Choji just shakes his head again, tightening his own hold on Naruto. He sniffs. "D-don't be... You were p-protecting your teammate and sensei…t-the Leaf besides… N-no one can fault you for that, n-not really…"

Naruto hums thoughtfully. So Choji, Kakashi-sensei, and Shikamaru, while worried, have the same opinion on this, huh? They're more level-headed in their thinking than the rest of the Konoha 11 and company, so it makes sense. Plus, knowing their gentle hearts and personalities, it makes even more.

"I just wish— S-Sasuke almost—" A strangled whine escapes, a small growl, too. "Again—!" Choji's having trouble getting his thoughts in order, feeling too many things at once. Naruto just holds him and waits, nuzzles in a little more. He can be patient when he needs to be, and his friends' comfort will always come first. After a few minutes, Choji takes a deep, shaky breath. His voice is brittle and wobbly, almost haunted, when he speaks up, so quiet that Naruto might not have heard it if not for his enhanced hearing. "You could've died…"

Naruto is quiet for a long moment. As the Nine Tails' vessel, contemplating his own mortality isn't exactly new for him, but he doesn't expect Choji (any of his friends, really, sans the ones who were here for yesterday's conversation) to think of that. Of course not. Instead, in an attempt to cheer his friend up, he tacks on one of his trademark never-say-die grins and offers, "We're ninjas. It's an occupational hazard."

Choji snorts wetly in surprise, then pulls back to throw his head back and laugh out loud through his tears. Naruto beams and chuckles triumphantly, handing his friend a few tissues while he sinks into the mattress at his side. "You always were funny like that…" Choji sniffs, wiping his face. "Always good at cheering me up when the other kids made fun of me…"

Naruto's eyes widen, cheeks flushing a bit. He didn't think he remembered that. He rubs the back of his head, a shy smile and laugh playing. "Nah, that was mostly Shikamaru! I just did what I could when he wasn't around or when you guys needed backup! I figured it was better if the other kids picked on me instead!"

Because Naruto was used to it and didn't mind if it meant protecting them…

Choji just stares at him, realization dawning. Of course… Of course that's why he did it. He thinks he kind of understood it as a kid, at least partly (Shikamaru understood the whole thing, he's sure), but now…now, he really does.

Oh, Naruto…

He breathes a laugh and smiles at Naruto in such a soft, endlessly kind way that it makes Naruto's heart skip and his blush deepen. "Thank you, Naruto." He beams. "For being such a good friend all these years."

Naruto's eyes widen again as he turns even redder and his breath leaves his lungs. His heart stutters in his chest, and he has to swallow back touched tears, though he can still feel the tiniest sting at the corners of his eyes. Oh, well. He knows Choji, of all people, won't mind. He mirrors the other's expression, giving a thumbs up on top of it. "Right back at ya!"

A comfortable silence falls between them, and for a few moments, things are nice. Of course, then Choji's worries and even anger about Sasuke and what he did to Naruto float back into Naruto's mind, and blue eyes drift to his bad arm, the one he can't move, never mind his busted legs. He supposes he should tell him now, while he can. He's…maybe Choji already knows about his decision, being Shikamaru's best friend, one of Ino's, too, but…just in case… He doesn't want to assume anything.

He takes a reedy, still steadying breath. At least with Choji, being as kind and loving as he is, he doesn't think he'll have to worry about him having a bad reaction. But still...he wants to be careful, with all his friends' hearts and feelings. The change in him doesn't escape Choji's notice, but he just waits. He can tell Naruto's about to get whatever it is off his chest.

"So…do you already know? Did…Shikamaru tell you?" Naruto asks slowly, hesitantly, keeping his eyes averted. He doesn't think Shikamaru would do that, not really into sharing others' mindsets without their consent, but still. If he did, it would save Naruto some of the heartache he goes through every time he tells another friend. Of course, Naruto's sure that's partly the grief talking, the pain. At least, that's what he figures it is. This is…his first brush with this stuff, after all. Honestly, part of him wishes Shikamaru was back already. It's been really nice, having his support through telling all the others so far. "What I decided about...Sasuke, I mean…"

Choji tilts his head a bit, concerned. "I know it's about Sasuke, but as far as specifics go, I don't know anything. Shikamaru and Ino said it wasn't their place to tell me that part, just that I should be prepared. They figured you'd tell me on your own."

Naruto takes another deep breath, through his nose and out his mouth this time. He's picking up Shikamaru and Kakashi's calming exercises, it seems. He's grateful to find it really does help. "I see…"

He goes on to tell Choji everything, and he's a bit surprised, but also happy when he doesn't cry too much this time. And when he does cry, though Choji tries to hold it back to try to be strong for him, he cries, too. It makes Naruto feel like less of a baby, so he appreciates this odd little camaraderie they have going.

The next thing he knows, Choji's pulling him in for another hug, even tighter than the last, and Naruto's shocked for a few seconds before he returns it, burying his face in Choji's shoulder. "I know this is hard for you… I can't imagine how much…"

—!

Naruto swears those words go straight through his heart. His breath hitches in his throat as heat flares behind already-teary eyes, filling them to the brim and overflowing. He blinks at the sting, a lurching sob escaping without warning. No one's really…acknowledged that yet…so it hasn't really sunk in till now... It hurts… It really does, so much… What really kills him, too, is he knows now…that Sasuke isn't truly worth this much pain…

"But…" Choji squeezes him gently to get his focus back, "…I think you're doing the right thing, Naruto… The best thing you can. I mean that."

Slowly, gently, he pulls away so he can look his friend in his bright blue eyes, and while he has his attention, he takes the time to wipe away a stunned Naruto's tears with tender thumbs. "You've always deserved someone more like you, but different, by your side, and Sasuke… He's not it." Grinning, he snorts and teases, "Hey, maybe it'll be Shikamaru! You and I can share him like a bag of chips!"

Naruto blinks wide eyes, and it takes him a few seconds longer than it usually might to understand that Choji's joking, so caught up in the emotion of it all. But when he does, his smile is bright and jubilant, much like the laughter that comes with it, and Choji will stand by it being a sight to behold.

Drying his eyes a little more, Naruto softens lovingly at his friend. "Thanks, Choji. I think I needed that." He sniffs. "And I'm glad you're…okay with it, everything. I really appreciate the support."

Choji snorts. "After all this? I wouldn't be a good friend if I weren't!" Naruto flushes happily at that. Another comfortable silence falls, and after a minute or two of looking around to make sure he's not missing anything, Choji finally asks what's been on his mind since he walked in. "So, speaking of Shikamaru, where is he anyway?"

Naruto perks up, remembering. "Oh, yeah! While I was asleep, he left a note saying he went to get me something that wasn't hospital food," he has the grace to look sheepish, "since I've been getting kinda sick of it lately." He waves his good hand in front of him. "I-I didn't tell 'im that myself," he shrugs, "but you know how perceptive he is. He should be back soon, I think." He tilts his head, a warm, knowing smile coming to his face. "You probably came looking for him, right?"

Choji nods. "Partly, yeah. His mom sent me to tell him to come home once in a while. She misses him." He chuckles while Naruto's brows knit together some. His mom…? "The other reason was to see you. I figured, two birds, one stone." He scratches his cheek. "I was actually surprised when I walked in and didn't see him." He snorts. "To be honest, I didn't think anything would make him leave you."

Naruto blinks dumbly. "W-wait, what? What are you talking about?"

Choji opens his eyes wide. "Wait, you mean he didn't tell you?" Then, realizing what he's saying, he snorts and snickers. "Oh, right. Of course he didn't."

Leaning forward to give the illusion of privacy, never mind that they're the only ones here, he tells Naruto, "The truth is, Shikamaru hasn't left your side since you were brought in. Kakashi-sensei and Sai have been helping the ANBU look for Sasuke, and Sakura was holed up in her house till last night, but Shikamaru's stayed here this whole time. He hasn't left once." He shrugs. "Till now, apparently. He even risked Lady Tsunade's wrath by calling in a special favor to be temporarily relieved of assignments, at least until you're better."

Leaning back, Naruto can only sit there in shock and stare, blue eyes wide. He doesn't… For him…? But…why…?

As if Choji can read his mind, he says softly, "To Shikamaru…you were more important."

Like a stone making ripples on a still lake, that does it. Naruto is reeling. It actually leaves him breathless, the idea of being that important to someone.

This must be what Shikamaru meant before when he talked about his special request. That…also explains the secret little smile and laugh he gave him afterward…

When he first woke up to find Shikamaru here, he remembers being so appreciative because he knows Shikamaru doesn't put his time and effort into anything he doesn't deem worth it. And yet, he's been here for…today makes two weeks? Of that, there were ten, almost eleven, entire days where he must have been bored out of his mind. Hasn't he missed his family? Hasn't he missed hanging around Ino and Choji? Hell, how have his neck and back not been aching like crazy from sleeping against the wall or leaning on the bed for so long? Maybe they are, and he just hasn't said anything.

But still…the why of it…—!

That's when it hits him.

Back when he was wondering if Shikamaru missed being with the people he loves while he's with him…

He never considered—never realized till now, not truly, friends or not—

He is one of the people Shikamaru loves, too…

He looks at Choji like he's told him the best news he's heard since he woke up from his sort-of coma, taking a deep, almost gasping breath as touched tears spring to his eyes. He breathes a laugh, the beam on his face rivaling the sun outside his window.

"I love him, too…" he says softly, all too happily, not that he thinks Choji doesn't already know. Of course he does. Anyone who sees them together knows it. Naruto loves his friends – his family – more than anything else in the entire world, and Shikamaru's always been a special case. Hell, he's not even sure he's really telling Choji anything so much as…just stating a fact.

Choji softens. He's so glad Naruto and Shikamaru have each other. From what he's seen and heard, Naruto's going to need someone strong and dependable, but also kind and caring to lean on through this.

And in Choji's opinion? There's no one better than Shikamaru.

A/N: All of you who take the time to comment on these chapters I work so hard on/put my soul into, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart and soul! I know I have a lot of quiet readers, too, and thank you so much for reading as well! I love you all!

That said, I'm always curious to know what my fics make people think, and I realized I hadn't asked this yet, so I'd like to take a moment to open the floor to ask if there's anything I can do to improve my writing! Is the fic boring at all? Does the present tense turn anyone off? Maybe the (increasing, despite my best efforts) chapter length? How's the plot/pacing? Is the characterization wrong/not good enough/missing something? I will take any insight you have to offer (just please be kind about it)! Even emojis and keyboard smashes are amazing! Whatever floats your boat! lol. Thanks a lot!

(Don't know if anyone caught it, but there's a "How to Train Your Dragon" (movie 1) reference in this chapter! It's Naruto's "We're ninjas. It's an occupational hazard," mirroring Hiccup saying that to Stoick (obviously replacing 'ninjas' with 'Vikings')! ;))

Thanks so much for reading, as always!