A/N: Okay! Real life crap kept delaying this chapter (including a double ear infection, pfft), but I am finally posting it! Originally, this chapter was over 15k (and counting) and had Team Kurenai and Team Gai's visits in one ('cause I didn't think I had enough ideas for them to fill two individual chapters, lol), but haha, yeah. I came up with more ideas while writing, and eventually, it just got too long and stressful, so I opted to cut it into two. lol. (Somehow that keeps happening. Pfft!) But this way, that means, more or less, everyone gets their own chapter with Naruto, which is nice, and it also means that virtually the entire next Team Gai chapter is already written, just needs editing and a few parts filled in, so that's cool!

I actually also meant to have this chapter up for Naruto's birthday last Saturday, and I really tried (seriously, I wrote, like, 7-9k in two days between work shifts trying to finish it, LMAO), but real life crap got in the way, so it's going up now! But the intention still stands! Have this late happy birthday tribute, Naruto, my beloved sunshine babe! (You deserved better than canon!) *heart*

Speaking of tributes, time for inspiration thanks!

Thanks to ShadowSpellchecker on AO3 for inspiring Team Kurenai's mission: "It just occurred to me that you haven't put team 8 in yet, then I realized...they are probably part of the group trying to hunt down Sasuke now." (Was a great idea, and I love how it tied in with ideas I already had!)

Thanks to PierceHellAbove on FFN for inspiring/building on some good Kiba-Naruto interaction: "Kiba's labeled Naruto as pack, though. So if he almost dies then Kiba's gonna be riled up for sure." (Worked perfectly with ideas I already had! Was surprised how big this section turned out! Haha!)

And thanks to GreenHunter05 on our KidgeonPost Discord for adding on to my Akamaru ideas: "Please let Akamaru sit on the bed besides Naruto not wanting to leave his side. …Kiba was doing it because he knows Akamaru only does that when one of the pack is hurt and he wants to make them feel better." (They're all so cute, and you know we agree on Naruto and Akamaru not interacting enough! Adorable!)

It's around noon the next day when Naruto and Shikamaru hear hurried footsteps outside the door. But what really gets Naruto's ears perking is the pawsteps, the swift click-clack of nails on tile. A smile starts even before anyone's entered the room.

The door slides open, a flash of white bursts in, and the next thing he knows, Naruto's drowning in dog kisses.

"H-hey, Akamaru!" he greets between licks and delighted laughs, petting the Ninja Dog with equally-excited fervor. He can hear Akamaru's tail wagging like crazy and the worried, yet happy-relieved whines and yips that sneak out, too, and all of it just makes his heart overflow for the precious fluffball. Naruto can't stop himself from throwing his arms around the huge dog's neck and hugging him for all he's worth, nuzzling into his fur. "I missed you, too, buddy! It's so good to see you!"

Akamaru barks in agreement, gives a long whine, and then licks his temple slowly in a tenderer gesture. The difference doesn't escape Naruto's notice. Pulling back, he raises an eyebrow at Akamaru, a small "Hmm?" leaving him. Sadly, despite having a fellow canine in the Nine Tails sealed inside him, he can't speak dog. That'd be helpful for moments like this.

There's a huffed chuckle at the foot of his bed. "He's trying to tell you how much he missed you and how worried he was, but mostly how happy he is you're okay. Every night before bed while we were on our mission, he looked in this direction and whined." Kiba did his best to reassure him every time, but it wasn't easy when he was just as worried.

Naruto frowns at the news, not really registering who said it or his semi-clipped tone, just focused on Akamaru. "You were really that worried about me, boy?" Akamaru growl-whines almost indignantly this time, and Naruto doesn't need anyone to translate to tell he's being reprimanded. Effectively chagrined, he smiles sheepishly and raises one of his hands in his own defense, the other still scratching behind one of Akamaru's ears. "A-all right, my bad, I get it." He takes the dog's huge face in his hands and leans forward till their foreheads are touching, smile turning sweet as his voice drops. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to worry you that much, I swear. You think you can forgive me? I don't mind if it takes a while."

Akamaru barks, bright and clear, tail wagging. "I'm guessing that's a yes?" Another bark with a playful growl this time, and Naruto sighs in relief. "That's great! Thanks, Akamaru!"

Barking excitedly once more and licking him a few more times for good measure, Akamaru hunkers down to rest his head in Naruto's lap. Naruto is a little confused by the action, but he's certainly not complaining. If anything, it makes him feel special. He happily pets him and scratches behind his ears.

At their side, Shikamaru watches cautiously. "Careful, Akamaru. Naruto's legs are probably his weakest point right now." Akamaru makes a noise of acknowledgment and just rubs his face gently, almost empathetically, against Naruto's stomach. It's the tiniest bit painful with the bruises there, but Naruto doesn't mind. He just softens and ups the ante with his pets.

Footsteps come closer, and Naruto looks up. His face breaks into a wide smile when he sees who it is, who's with him, too. "Oh, hey, Kiba! Hi, Hinata, Shino!" Leaning back against the pillows some, he chuckles contentedly. "It's been a while! How are you guys? You were on some kinda mission till now, right? Everything go okay?"

Shino and Hinata are about to reply, but knuckles crack instead, and they turn to their teammate. Akamaru eyes his master warily, ears slowly folding back. Kiba has his head down and fists clenched so hard that they're white-knuckled and shaking. One of his fangs breaks the skin of his lip. "You really have the balls to ask us that after what you pulled?"

"Huh?"

Kiba lifts his head a bit, and Naruto gets a good look at his face for the first time. His stomach drops. He's reminded heavily of his confrontation with Sakura. Oh, boy… He can tell Shikamaru's noticed, too, even before he did, just from the changed position of his feet and hands, muscles poised to move at any second, eyes trained squarely on Kiba.

Naruto just hopes it doesn't come to that.

"K-Kiba, you okay? You look kinda—?!"

There's a flash of black and brown, and as it turns out, his hoping doesn't amount to much.

Kiba grabs Naruto by his collar and brings him in close, their noses inches apart. "No, I'm not okay, you idiot!" He shakes him roughly, enough to make his head loll back and forth and the room spin. "You scared the shit out of us! We thought you were dead!"

Akamaru yelps, Shino's eyebrows shoot to his hairline, and Hinata gasps. "K-Kiba!"

Shikamaru is there in a second, trying to pry his hands off of Naruto. "Kiba, that's enough!"

Kiba barely hears them, hardly feels Shikamaru's fingers digging into his skin. His still-short claws rip Naruto's hospital gown. "When Kakashi and Sakura ran by with you on his dogs' backs, you were pale as death and bleeding everywhere and barely breathing! I could smell how much blood you'd lost, you stupid bastard!"

Shino and Hinata join Shikamaru, take his place, do their best to pull Kiba back. Akamaru takes a mouthful of his owner's jacket and tugs forcefully to try to help. What the hell does he think he's doing?!

"Shikamaru's right, Kiba! Let him go! This isn't what we came here to do!"

"Hinata's right. That's because we came here to check on Naruto, not hurt him more!"

Kiba doesn't pay them any mind, his animal instincts tunnel-focused entirely on the rage and fear and worry of the last few weeks. He pulls Naruto even closer, so close the other can see the tears in his eyes. "Do you have any idea what that's like?!" he snarls, honestly does, sounding more like an actual wild dog or wolf than Naruto's ever heard. His eyes look just like a mad wolf's, too, wild and crazed, but Naruto can't make himself look away. "Can you even comprehend how terrifying that was for us?!"

Fwip!

Fwwt!

Before things can escalate any further, shadows root themselves between Kiba's hands and Naruto's hospital gown and break his grip on Naruto admittedly roughly, letting Shikamaru slip between his friend and his charge to land a blow on Kiba's chest, just hard enough to send him stumbling back into his teammates.

"I said," Shikamaru's voice is dark and threatening, and combined with his royally pissed off glare, it's enough to make any retort Kiba might've had die in his throat, "that's enough."

Once he makes sure Kiba isn't going to try anything else, that Hinata and Shino have him, Shikamaru turns his back to give Naruto his full, undivided attention.

Naruto, who's pale and shaking like a leaf, wide blue eyes trained on the sheets, staring at nothing as a few beads of sweat roll down his face, one falling from his chin. He's barely daring to breathe, though Shikamaru's sure his heartbeat would be through the roof if he took his pulse right now, and Shikamaru curses inwardly when he sees the pinpricks of tears in his friend's eyes.

Damn it! This is just like with Sakura. He wasn't quick enough to stop Kiba, even though he was watching, he was ready, he was right there. He'll grudgingly give his more hotheaded comrades one thing: they're quick as hell when they want to be.

Kiba sees it, too, how affected Naruto is, and Hinata and Shino aren't blind either. It's startling to them all. Kiba is the most taken aback by far.

Naruto… He's never reacted to his more animalistic outbursts like this, or at least…he's never taken it this badly… Although, now that he thinks about it, when they were younger and he'd get in his face, Naruto would always freeze up like that, eyes wide, breath hitched, hands so sweaty…and it only dawns on Kiba now that maybe he was subtly trying to get away the whole time. Hell, he remembers one time when Naruto actually bit him to get him off. He'd scramble to put some distance between them once he was let go, and if they were on a mission and he didn't have the time or place to do that, he'd just go quiet and keep to himself. He would never talk much after that unless it was necessary.

Horrified, Kiba covers his mouth with a shaking hand. He thinks he might actually puke from the guilt and shame. Shit! He really messed up! How did he not put it together before?! He may not know all the nitty-gritty details of Naruto's childhood like Shikamaru does, but over the years, he's learned enough to keep an eye on him as he makes his way home after particularly tiring missions, makes sure to check on him at home from time to time with a sniff or two from the street below, watches anyone who gets close to Naruto like a hawk when it's obvious the kid's having a rough day. He should have known better! Hell, he does! He's a fucking idiot…!

Shikamaru, meanwhile, even though he hates it, hesitates to make any moves to help Naruto, instead choosing to carefully weigh his options first. This is similar to what happened with Sakura, but it seems more severe somehow. He's almost sure Naruto's drowning in awful memories right now, lost in his own head, and the thought churns Shikamaru's stomach. He doesn't want to let him stay there, but he doesn't want to scare him even more either. He doesn't want to make this worse than it already is. Whatever he does, he'll have to tread very carefully and just hope the others (Kiba) can keep quiet while he does it. He needs Naruto to focus solely on him right now.

Taking a deep, calming breath through his nose and letting it out through his mouth, then one more time for good measure (thanks, Asuma), Shikamaru reaches out. He just barely brushes Naruto's fingers with his own, wanting to see what kind of reaction he'll get before he does anything else.

Honestly, Naruto's first instinct is to flinch, then fight. But something inside him recognizes that touch that's as gentle and safe as a cloud passing overhead, and he stops himself from doing either. Well, mostly. His fingers still twitch.

Encouraged, Shikamaru goes a step further. "Naruto?" he hedges softly, as gently as he can. Not because he thinks Naruto's a baby or needs to be coddled or anything stupid like that. On the contrary, Naruto is the absolute strongest person he knows, has ever known. He's proud as all hell to be his friend, considers himself one of the luckiest people on the face of the damn Earth to have a place in his heart. But Naruto only became this strong because he had to to survive, because he'd persevered through a ton of painful and bitter things all on his own, and Shikamaru doesn't want him to ever have to go through that again. He hates that he had to go through it at all. So, if Shikamaru can save him from any further pain by being kind and gentle and loving as hell when it counts, like he knows intimately it does right now…then damn it, he'll do just about anything. "You okay?"

"Get the hell out of here, trash!"

"A monster like you could never be our friend!"

"Why can't you just die already?!"

Naruto takes a small, shuddering breath, the tiniest bit of tension leaving his shoulders even as he curls his fists in the sheets and the tears sting his eyes more.

"Y-…-yeah…"

The word is slow and pained and only somewhat sure. It's raspy and tired and shaky, still a little far away, too, eyes the same. But Shikamaru will take it. He sighs with relief, vehemently thanking anyone or anything listening.

Feeling a little braver, a little more sure of himself now, Shikamaru rests his hand slowly, fully, on Naruto's, a small, soft smile coming. His voice is warm. "Easy there, sunshine." He flushes a bit at the new nickname that just kinda slipped out, but more life comes back to Naruto's eyes for it, so his embarrassment can take a damn hike, as far as he's concerned. He squeezes his hand. "Are you with me?"

That last line brings Naruto back to the night Shikamaru helped him after his nightmare. It drags him out of his memories' dark, tumultuous depths, and he breathes a shaky sigh of relief. He smiles tiredly, as if he's just woken up, and Shikamaru knows that's not far from the truth. While he waits for Naruto to gather himself a little more, Shikamaru doesn't waste any time trying to make him comfortable again, wetting one of the clean spare cloths the nurses left for them to wipe as much sweat as he can from his face, drying it with another. He takes care to discreetly wipe away his tears, too. Naruto leans into his touch eagerly, and by the time he's done, he looks better. His smile might not be his usual, nowhere near his best, but it's still a smile, and that's all Shikamaru cares about, really.

Naruto sighs happily, much more comfortable now. "T-thanks a lot, Shikamaru…" His voice is stronger, but he's obviously still on the way down from wherever he was. Flipping his hand over, he threads his fingers through his friend's and squeezes right back. "I'm…I-I'll be fine, don't worry…"

Shikamaru can't help softening at that, breathing a laugh and shaking his head. "Sorry. Too late for that last part. Appreciate the thought, though."

Soft, gentle footsteps approach, careful to leave more than enough breathing room. "N-Naruto, are you…" a pause, concerned hesitation, "…are you sure you're okay…?"

Naruto looks up to see Hinata, though he already knew it was her. That voice and those footfalls could only belong to one person. He takes another breath and squeezes Shikamaru's hand again for purchase, then smiles at her. Shikamaru is glad to see it's a little brighter than before. "I-I will be, Hinata, just you wait! You don't have to worry about me, really!"

She gives him a look, a raised eyebrow with a small smirk, and Naruto blinks. He never thought he'd see an expression like that on her face. Shikamaru huffs a laugh, smirking himself. Well, that's new. Seems all that extra time spent training with Neji must have him rubbing off on her. After a moment more of observing him, she seems to resolve something for herself and hums thoughtfully, digging into her jacket pocket.

What she pulls out is a small jar Naruto recognizes on sight. He instantly brightens and points. "Hey! That's the healing ointment you gave me during the Chunin Exams!"

Hinata glances between them for a moment before she laughs and smiles happily, a shy blush coloring her cheeks. "Y-yes, it is! You remembered!" But then, of course he did. That's just the kind of person he is.

He nods eagerly. "Well, yeah, of course! How could I forget? That stuff worked great after I kicked Kiba's butt!" He snickers. Shikamaru joins him, and Hinata is unable to hold back a quiet giggle of her own.

When that doesn't immediately get an indignant response (the only reason he'd said it), Naruto's concerned. He cranes his neck to find Kiba huddled up against the wall, and he blinks, frowning. "Hey, Kiba, what gives?" He smirks a little, hoping to get something out of him this time. "It's not like you to be so quiet when I'm ragging on you!"

Kiba doesn't look his way just yet. He can't. It's…he still feels like he might be sick, especially if he looks at a still-recovering Naruto right now. He's the worst…

Krumph!

"Ow!" Kiba looks over to find the source of the sudden sharp pain in his hand, one eye squeezed shut. He opens it, mouth dropping open, too, a moment later. "A-Akamaru…?"

Akamaru's sunk his teeth into his hand, and he's glowering at Kiba something fierce, a low growl in the back of his throat. Kiba swallows and stares, mouth suddenly dry. The others aren't much better. Naruto gasps sharply, and he watches with wide eyes. He's…he's never seen Akamaru do that before…! Shikamaru's staring with mouth agape. What the hell…?! Is this some kind of pack thing? Hinata and Shino, while more accustomed to Akamaru and Kiba's pack dynamics, are still stunned, Hinata dropping her healing ointment in her shock. Shino, as always, recovers quickest, silently observing to see what will happen next.

Kiba, for his part, can't help but remember the last time this happened. Akamaru's only bitten him like this once before, back when he was still a pup and they went after Sasuke the first time. He still remembers what he'd thought then, too—

Oh… So maybe…that's what he's after… A tiny, rueful smile plays, and he huffs a laugh. His voice is considerably quieter and gentler when he speaks up next. "I must be a lousy master…" he glances Naruto's way, "…for you to bite me like that…" He snorts, resigned. Reaching over, he pets Akamaru with his free hand. His best friend, always there for him, biting some sense into him when he needs it… He softens. "Good boy, Akamaru… I'm sorry, buddy…"

This isn't about him. This is about Naruto. He's finally awake and safe and all right, and that's what matters. Hell, that's what Kiba's been praying for every night since that awful day… He just…lost his head for a bit there, not that that's any excuse… He'll…he hopes Naruto at least lets him apologize…

Seeing the change in him, Akamaru slowly releases his hand and starts licking the injury in a half-apology. Kiba gives Akamaru a small smile. He doesn't blame him for anything. He definitely needed that—deserved it. Taking a breath to help steel himself against the rushing pain he knows will come, he forces himself to meet Naruto's eyes.

A shiver runs down his spine, and his stomach churns something fierce. Yep, there it is. Smarts, all right… Shifting to his knees, he places his hands on top and bows his head as low as he can.

"I'm…I'm sorry, Naruto... I'm so sorry…" Naruto's eyes widen, and even Shikamaru's eyebrows shoot up. They've…never heard Kiba sound like this, so…soft and vulnerable and wounded… "I…I didn't mean to scare you like that, I swear… Please know I'd never—hurt you like that intentionally…" He bites his lip, actively has to work so he doesn't slice through in his inner turmoil. "I-I'm not gonna ask you to forgive me. I don't deserve it. I just…" He gazes down at his bleeding hand, the one Shino's silently working on bandaging. He thinks about what it means, how this bite is different from the one back then. He thinks about how scared Naruto was, of him, when all he wants, has ever wanted, is to protect that idiot…! He really is a dumbass…! He runs his good hand through his hair rigorously, frustrated with himself. Blinking quickly at the sting in his eyes, he looks back up at Naruto, gaze charged. "You…you're not just my friend, you know! You're more than that! You may not be an Inuzuka by blood, but to me, to Akamaru and me, you're…—!"

He squeezes his eyes shut against stubborn tears, everything he's felt over the last few weeks coming back in full force. "Y-you're pack, don't you get that?! You can't just—run off like that, almost get yourself killed! What're the rest of us supposed to do if you die, huh?" His fangs pierce his lip and a tear or two escapes as he tries to gather himself, but he doesn't care. Not right now. He rubs at his eyes with his jacket sleeve. "Do you even know what being part of a pack means? It means if you're not there, if you pull shit like this—it means we're not gonna be able to rest until we know you're okay for ourselves! The entire time you were out, while we were on our mission, all I could think about was you! I wanted to know you were okay, needed to, and when we finally got the message on our way back that you were awake and recovering…" He finally opens his eyes, tears still sticking, and his voice drops. "I hadn't felt relief like that in so long... I think the last time was…" he takes in Naruto's injuries for the hundredth time before coming back, a protective edge to his voice, "…when I saw you after Sasuke did this the first time…"

Naruto can only stare, wide-eyed and speechless. His heart is beating in his chest something fierce. After a few long moments, he slowly points at himself. "S-so wait, you're…you're saying I'm really…?" He can't bring himself to say it, the concept so…foreign and sacred for his tongue. "But…" he tilts his head, "…w-won't your family get mad? I mean, isn't that supposed to be for teammates and family and stuff?"

Kiba blinks, then laughs out loud. He can't help it. Leave it to Naruto to worry about getting him in trouble with his Mom or something! His expression sobers into something soft, and his voice matches as he says, "You still don't get it, do you?" Naruto swallows before shaking his head. Kiba beams. "Naruto, you idiot…!" He chuckles fondly, disbelieving. "You are family!"

Saying Naruto is shocked is an understatement. He gasps, eyes wide, heart hammering in his chest. He's so caught off guard, he actually loses his grip on Shikamaru's hand. Did…did he hear that right…? Did…did Kiba really just say…?

Kiba rubs the back of his head. "I mean, yeah, maybe traditionally, it could make things weird, but the way my Mom runs things, she's more about listening to our instincts! Plus," he chuckles again, swiping across the bridge of his nose with a devil-may-care grin, "even if she did object, you've been pack for years, so that'd just be too bad for her!"

Naruto breathes a laugh at that, a little hard around the lump rapidly forming in his throat, not sure if his friend is brave or dumb. He's only ever seen Kiba's mom here and there, never actually interacted with her, but she looks pretty scary, and he's sure that goes double when she's mad! And that's not saying anything about her wolf-looking Ninja Dog!

But mostly, he's still caught up on the fact that…that Kiba called him…Kiba said he's…!

His throat aches, vision blurs, and he's not surprised when tears start falling. Kiba, seeing it, breathes in sharply and shoots to his feet. Luckily, Shino already finished bandaging his hand, but that's the last thing on his mind right now. He makes to reach out, yet hesitates, remembering what happened before. He ends up curling anxious fists at his sides instead. "H-hey, what's—d-did I say something wrong?"

Naruto sniffs wetly, and he clutches at the tissue Shikamaru presses into his hand. He breathes a laugh and smiles softly, shaking his head even as the tears increase. "O-of course not…! S-sorry, I'm just…I'm happy…!" A small sob escapes, and he tries to wipe his eyes, but the tissue might as well be nonexistent while he's like this. Oh, well. Kiba's shoulders lose some of their tension, but he's still confused. "You…you called me…" a louder, more desperate sob comes, but he's grinning up a storm at the same time, happy and touched and filled with so much love that it actually steals Kiba's breath, "…f-family…!"

His friends, every one of them, can't help the way their hearts beat and break for this boy—this precious, amazing person who's clearly so much more to all of them than he knows. How anyone could ever treat him as anything less…they will never understand (or allow it, ever again).

Kiba, for his part, glances over at Shikamaru before making any moves toward Naruto. He might be an idiot, but he doesn't have a death wish, after all. Like he suspected, Shikamaru's watching him like a hawk, knowing what he's thinking of doing before he even does it. Typical... Not that he can blame the guy any. On the contrary, he winces and wilts a bit under his stern gaze, but after another moment of intense scrutiny, his friend gives him a tiny smile, and Kiba sighs with relief. Thank goodness…

Coming closer, he stops at the end of the bed and hesitates for a moment or two before sitting down and slowly inching up until he's about at Naruto's knee. Not wanting to touch him directly yet for fear of scaring him again so soon, Kiba just rests the back of his hand so it's barely brushing his sheet-covered leg, hoping his unnaturally high body temperature will comfort Naruto some. Looking up at his friend, only to find that he's gotten more emotional the closer he's come, he can't stop himself from melting further. Seriously, this guy…

"Shikamaru was right before," Kiba breathes, adoration in every note. "You really are the sun."

That just makes Naruto cry harder, and Kiba swears it makes him love him more in turn. He really does mean it. Naruto… He draws all of them in without even trying, by just being himself, and sometimes he's so bright, it hurts to look at him, but they look anyway because...

He's theirs.

That sentiment in mind, unable to take watching Naruto like this anymore (he knows they're happy tears, but still), he ventures enough to reach toward him, just slightly. "Can I…c-can I hug you?"

Shoom!

Before Kiba can say or do anything else, Naruto grabs the front of his jacket and pulls him into his arms, wrapping him up as tightly as he can. "I-I forgive you…" he whispers, fists curling in black clothes as he nuzzles in as far as he can. "I-It scared me, yeah…b-but I know it came from a place of love, so…" A strangled sob bubbles up. "You're…you're my family, too…a-all of you…!" He sniffs, sobs. "I…I love you…s-so much…!"

Kiba is frozen while he takes all that in, but once he does, he's quick as hell to hug Naruto back, beaming toothily. He presses into the crook between his friend's neck and shoulder and breathes him in greedily, so happy he's alive and okay and taking stock of what still needs to heal. He frowns a bit when he finds that his injuries really are as severe as they were told and that his healing really is slow as hell (not that he expected a less than up to date report from the Hokage), but Naruto just chuckles and holds him tighter for his pack gestures, and Kiba pushes the rest to the side. All that can wait.

Right now…he just wants to enjoy this.

Of course, right as he thinks that, Akamaru pushes himself between them to lick Naruto's chin, and Hinata and Shino join in on the hug from both sides, unable to help themselves. Naruto laughs and beams for all it's worth, and honestly…in what world could Shikamaru possibly say no to that? Rolling his eyes all too fondly, he slides in behind Naruto and wraps his arms around his waist, burying his face in soft sunflower hair.

He feels Naruto relax in their warm, protective, loving arms, and Shikamaru just tightens his hold and smiles more.

That's right, Naruto… This is how loved you really are…

They stay like that for a long time, until Naruto stops crying. He moves to wipe his eyes and face, but Akamaru beats him to it. He laughs, surprised, and pets him in thanks, and for some reason, that reminds him. "Oh, yeah! Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru is the last to leave the little hug-pile, too comfortable and content, but even then, he doesn't go far. He stays on the bed at Naruto's side, and he won't find Naruto complaining. Hell, he prefers him close, and if Shikamaru's being honest, so does he. "Hmm?"

Naruto's smile grows. "That new nickname you gave me earlier?" He chuckles as Shikamaru flushes. He'd almost forgotten! "I like it! I like it a lot!"

Shikamaru sighs, relieved. Honestly, it makes sense that he would, but still. He runs a hand through his hair and smirks. "Yeah, well…it just kinda slipped out, but it fits, so I'm glad you like it." He winks and taps his temple. "I'll keep it in the repertoire from now on, okay?"

Naruto throws up his arms. "Woohoo! All right!"

Shikamaru just snickers and points at him. "But hey, you still gotta think of one for me, too, remember? You promised you'd make it a good one!"

Naruto points right back. "I promised I'd do my best, but I also said no promises that it'd be good," he sticks his tongue out teasingly, "so there!"

Shikamaru snorts.

Akamaru, his head still in Naruto's lap, yaps playfully and licks them both before carefully climbing up to lay on the bed by Naruto's feet. Naruto just stares for a moment before brightening, while Shikamaru has his hands half-outstretched, mouth hanging open some. His gaze zips over to the middle child of Team Kurenai. "K-Kiba, control your dog!"

Kiba snorts with a wolfish grin. "Hey, Akamaru's his own dog! He always wants to be with injured pack, it's in his nature!" Akamaru barks in agreement, tail wagging happily. "Besides, Naruto doesn't mind," he looks over at his friend, "do ya, Naruto?"

Said boy vehemently shakes his head, a wide, toothy grin on his face. "No way! This is the best!"

Shikamaru's eyebrow twitches, and he looks over at Hinata and Shino for help. Shino raises his hands in a 'don't get me involved' gesture, and Hinata just smiles sheepishly. "I-I've actually seen Akamaru lay with injured pack before. It—it really did help them recover faster, so…" she shrugs, "…maybe it's a good thing? A-after all, the Nine Tails is a fox, so—?!" Suddenly realizing what she just said and where she was going with it, she cuts herself off with a gasp, throwing her hand over her mouth. Wide eyes shooting back to Naruto, she rushes to mend, waving her hands in front of her, "I-I didn't mean— N-Naruto, I'm sorry!" She bows her head low, balling her pants into fists. How could she be so tactless?!

Naruto, for his part, raises an eyebrow. "What are you apologizing for?" She lifts her head in surprise, and he chuckles, rubbing the back of his head. "You're not wrong. The Nine Tails is a fox, so I guess that would technically make it part of the canine family—"

A flash of deeply offended annoyance flares suddenly from that part of Naruto's subconscious reserved for the Nine Tails' presence, and Naruto's hand drops like a stone, words dying on his lips. He's only gone for about three seconds, his eyes far away, but it's more than enough to get his friends' attention, Shikamaru instantly using his hand as a grounding weight on his shoulder.

When Naruto comes back, it's to Shikamaru squeezing his shoulder and calling, "Hey! Naruto! Are you okay?!"

He blinks a few times, the life comes back to his eyes, and he glances at Shikamaru like he's just noticed he's there. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Sorry."

They all sigh in relief, but Shikamaru's is loudest of all, and he leans forward to rest his head on Naruto's shoulder. "I swear, one of these days, you're gonna give me a freakin' heart attack…"

Naruto breathes a sheepish laugh and leans his head against his for a moment. "S-sorry…"

"It was the Nine Tails, wasn't it?" Shino asks, and the others look at him. Naruto nods. "So it's finally woken up, even if only in part?"

Naruto nods again, hand moving to his seal. "Yeah, I guess so. I've felt its presence here and there the last few days, so I figured it was waking up, but this is the first time I've felt its feelings that strongly in a while." He laughs. "It does not like being compared to 'lowly canine mutts,' apparently." He winks toward his dog friend. "No offense, Akamaru! Its words, not mine!" The Ninja Dog barks.

"Wait, hold on, back up." Naruto peers up at Shikamaru, and he only just realizes the apprehensive, slightly-weirded out looks his friends are giving him. He shrinks a bit and looks away, not sure he likes them. It reminds him a lot of…when he was a kid… Shikamaru, sensing it, gentles his voice and the grip he still has on his shoulder. "Are you saying…you feel what it feels? And…vice versa?"

Naruto shakes his head a few times. "No, that's…" He scratches it. "Well, I guess…kind of…?" He locks his fingers behind his head and hums, trying to think of how to explain it. He gaze trails back up to Shikamaru. He knows at least he won't judge him on this. "It pretty much knows what I'm feeling all the time, but it really only responds when I feel enough hate or rage. It likes to try to coax me into using its power when things like that happen, but I…" he swallows, looks to the side in guilt and shame, clenching his fists, "…don't let it, not anymore. It's…I only feel what it's feeling when whatever it is is really intense." He wiggles his fingers toward Hinata and Akamaru. "The only reason it responded to any of that is because it has a major pride thing going on." He snickers, smirking a bit as he spreads his arms out wide as far as they'll go, lightly hitting Shikamaru in the chest. Not that he minds. Hell, he might as well just go for broke and admit that he finds just about every damn thing Naruto does endearing. "We're talkin' an ego as huge as the Leaf! Hell, maybe bigger!"

Shino hums. "The Nine Tails being so proud makes sense. That's because almost nothing is known about the Tailed Beasts apart from how ridiculously powerful they are, and the Nine Tails is the highest on that scale."

Naruto peers down at his seal thoughtfully. "Huh… I guess that does make sense… I've never really thought of it that way…" He shivers as he thinks of their few talks. "Still doesn't mean he has to be such a creepy jerk, though…"

"Speaking of the Nine Tails, Naruto…" he turns his attention to Hinata this time, confused about the nervous look on her face, "…Lady Tsunade told us it actually helped save you when…" she swallows, "…things were looking their worst. Is…is that true?"

Naruto nods. "Yeah, that's right. I remember it said, 'Don't give up, brat!', and then…it protected me, kept me from dying." He rests a hand over his seal. "It exhausted itself in the process. That's why it's been like this ever since." He pulls down the torn collar of his hospital gown so they can see all the bandages underneath. "It's why I'm not healing like I normally would, too."

There's a furious-embarrassed lash of a tail or two in the back of his mind. He's gone for about two seconds, but the others don't panic this time. That doesn't stop Shikamaru from holding his breath until Naruto comes back, though. Naruto snickers more than last time, rubbing the back of his head. "Boy, it does not like me talking about that…"

Talking about when things got bad, though, reminds Naruto of what led to it, who did, and…he purses his lips, curls a light fit in his hospital gown. Well, he'll have to tell them sooner or later… Might as well be now…

Sensing the change in him, Akamaru whines a bit and rests his head on his leg. Naruto gives him a small, grateful smile and reaches down to pet his head. "Don't worry, boy. I think…I think you'll be happy to hear what I've decided... I hope, at least."

The other members of Team Kurenai, also not blind to the sudden shift in mood, perk up. "'Decided?' About what?" Kiba asks.

Looking up at him, at them, his heart pounds, and the words threaten to crowd in his throat. He…he wants to tell them, but…he's scared, too. He doesn't exactly want a repeat of Kiba's little outburst earlier, though he's pretty sure Kiba will be more mindful and able to control himself this time. Mostly, like with the others, he's just scared they'll be pissed and hate him for giving up on Sasuke…especially given that Kiba and Akamaru got so hurt when they helped go after him years ago…

Beside him, Shikamaru reaches over to gently uncurl his fingers from his hospital gown and squeeze, offers a sure, encouraging smile when Naruto looks his way, and Naruto takes a deep, cleansing breath. He smiles back, tiny and unsure, but more settled, always grateful, and he nods, squeezing in turn. He's not alone here. He can do this, and the other friends he's seen already have all agreed with his decision wholeheartedly, so…

He hopes these will, too.

All things considered, it goes way better than Naruto could have hoped. For one thing, he barely cries at all this time. And for another, his friends…

Hinata's hand goes to her chest as she sighs heavily in relief. "Oh, thank goodness…!"

Kiba's sigh is rougher, but maybe even more relieved. He grins toothily. "Seriously! I thought you were gonna say you were leaving to go after him again the second you were healed or something!" He laughs. "I thought Akamaru and I'd have to drag you back kicking and screaming!"

Naruto shakes his head vehemently. "N-no way, never again! I promised! You heard me, right?"

Kiba softens a bit at how earnest he is and nods. "Yeah, I heard you. And that's how I know you really mean it."

Shino, who's been quiet this whole time, nods in agreement. "It's for the best. That's because Sasuke was never worth your time in the first place."

They all stare at him for a moment, speechless, but then Kiba throws his head back to howl with laughter. "Wow! That was savage, Shino!"

"But not at all undeserved, especially given recent events."

Shikamaru snorts at his quieter comrade's complete and utter verbal massacre. He's always appreciated that he doesn't mince words, particularly at times like this. He nods, approving. "You're damn right!"

Having gotten all of his friends' positive answers, Naruto relaxes, slumping with relief himself, and Shikamaru nudges him, winking when they lock eyes. See? He told him it'd turn out okay. Naruto grins.

"Still, that does beg the question." All eyes double back to Shino. "If you see Sasuke again…what will you do?"

Naruto's eyes widen and face pales, stomach instantly churning. What…would he do…? Sure, the same question's crossed his mind before, but… Honestly, maybe naively, he was hoping he never would have to see Sasuke again…so he wouldn't have to make that call… He's quiet for a moment or two as he thinks, and then he looks back at Shino, all of them at large. "I…I'd rather…you guys left him to me."

Immediately, it's like a bomb goes off.

"We can't do that!"

"Out of the question."

"No way in hell!"

Akamaru growls and barks in agreement.

Shikamaru is last, huffing a laugh, but there's a daring look in his eyes, too. "You really are an idiot if you think we'd ever agree to that. Not after last time and certainly not after this. I'll kick your ass myself, if I have to."

Naruto can only stare, wide-eyed. Honestly, he was kind of expecting something like this…but he thought catching or stopping Sasuke would be their main priority. He never expected…he would be. Shikamaru picks up on it because of course he does, and he sighs inwardly, has to swallow back anything he might say. Now isn't the time, but…he just wishes… Like he said last night…someday…someday, they're all going to show Naruto just how damn important he is. One way or another.

Finally, Naruto sighs and rubs the back of his neck as he thinks of how to explain things to them. His gaze is intense, no-nonsense, more serious than most of them have ever seen it, when he fixes them with it again. "You weren't there. You didn't…see or hear how he was. Reading reports and hearing from Kakashi-sensei and Sakura or even me won't prepare you for…how Sasuke is now. He's…he's totally lost it and bent on ending us and the Leaf entirely. He's with the freaking Akatsuki now, the same people who've been after me for years, the same people who killed Gaara and—" he winces and his voice falters the slightest bit here, but none of them can blame him, "—and Pervy Sage and Asuma-sensei, too." He squeezes Shikamaru's hand for that one, hoping he isn't upset. Shikamaru squeezes back. If anything, it just stokes the protective fire inside him. He doesn't want to lose anyone else either. "It's too dangerous for anyone else to fight him. I don't—I don't know if even Granny Tsunade could take him the way he is now. Kakashi-sensei was struggling, and he's the one who trained Sasuke. Gaara told me even the Raikage and his sand couldn't stop him when they fought at the Summit."

He tightens his fists in the sheets, the very idea of a single one of his friends being hurt like he is—or worse, actually dying—at Sasuke's hands making him want to be sick. It reminds him way too much of his nightmare. He shakes his head. "This isn't a game. He's not the Sasuke you remember. He can and will kill you if he gets the chance. He won't hesitate. He didn't even blink when he went to drive a kunai straight through Sakura's neck."

They all flinch at the imagery, the fire in his words. All of that is pretty significant, they have to admit. It's quiet for a few somber, stifling minutes, and then Shikamaru breaks it with a tired sigh of his own. "Look, we can figure out what we will do," he eyes Naruto pointedly, "once it comes to that, or at least gets closer. Even if Sasuke and the Akatsuki wanted to attack us, it's too soon for them to make a move now, and they know it." He glances at their knucklehead. "From what I understand, you did just as bad a number on Sasuke as he did you," Naruto nods, "so he's in no shape to threaten anyone. That should buy us quite a bit of time. Of course, all that's provided he even survives."

And truthfully? Shikamaru's sure they're all in agreement in hoping he won't, and they're not sorry for it, not even a little bit. Former comrade or not, he can never step back over the lines he's crossed.

"That said," he ruffles blond hair, making Naruto laugh and gentling Shikamaru's smile – that, right there, is what he fights for, "the important thing is, you're safe and alive and here with all of us. Let's just focus on that for now, okay? Leave the contingency plans to me."

Naruto leans into his touch just like always, going so far as to rest his head on his shoulder, too. "Sure thing." His smile is like sunlight through clouds. "Thanks, Shikamaru."

All of it just makes Shikamaru melt more, and he swears he doesn't care if the others tease him for it later. He's happy as can be right where he is, and he knows it shows on his face. "Any time."

It's quiet for a precious few moments, and then,

"Oh, that's right!" Hinata pipes up suddenly, all this Sasuke talk reminding her. "Naruto, you asked about our mission before."

Naruto blinks, and upon remembering, he lifts his head. "Oh, yeah! I heard it was some kinda tracking mission?" He rubs the back of it. "Not sure what exactly you were looking for, though." He inspects them all over again, relieved when he doesn't see any signs of injury. "I just wanted to make sure everything went okay."

Hinata smiles helplessly. Leave it to him to always be thinking about them, even or maybe especially while he's the one recovering in the hospital… Still, she's not sure how he'll take the news, worrying the material of her jacket between her fingers, her smile shrinking some. Naruto doesn't miss it. "Well, actually…w-we were trying to track down Sasuke…"

Naruto's eyes widen, and his mouth drops open some. "W-wait, really? But I thought the ANBU were taking care of that."

She nods. "T-they were, but there aren't as many sensory types, so when they came up empty-handed, Lady Tsunade sent us out instead. We were working in tandem with Sai and Captain Yamato. Kakashi-sensei and his nin-dogs helped out where they could, too." She takes a breath and frowns deeply. "But...despite our best efforts, even extending our mission by a few days, we couldn't find anything either." Her fingers curl tighter in her jacket, and she glares at the floor. "It really is like they just disappeared into thin air. I couldn't even see their chakra signatures. It was like…they were never there in the first place."

Kiba nods with a frustrated huff, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yeah. Akamaru and I couldn't smell anything at all. Usually if there's even the tiniest hint, that's more than enough for us," he shrugs roughly, "but all we got was Akamaru cowering at how strong Sasuke was, the other guy, too."

Hinata giggles into her hand at the memory while Shino snorts. "H-he tried to climb into Kiba's jacket like when he was a pup, knocked him into the river and everything! It was hilarious!"

Akamaru whines, embarrassed, and Kiba blushes and pouts, though the sound of her laugh makes him less embarrassed and annoyed than he normally would be. "G-gee, thanks, Hinata…"

Hinata waves her hands their way. "Ah—! N-no offense, you guys! W-we just think it's cute, that's all!"

Naruto laughs a little, too, but…he's also processing the Sasuke news, what little there is. Another dead end, huh…? He wonders what kind of jutsu that masked guy has that could make all traces of a person – hell, two people – disappear like they never existed. If that's the kind of thing he's facing in the Akatsuki, on top of the other stuff he knows about or has faced from them already…Pervy Sage and Granny Tsunade and all the others really do have more than good reason to worry about him.

And yet, as painful as this is…he gets the feeling that he might have chosen the perfect time to wake up and let go of Sasuke. Because now he can focus on recovering and getting stronger so he can be ready to protect himself and the people and home he loves when the Akatsuki come knocking!

Blue eyes finding Hinata again, Naruto grins. "Thanks for telling me, Hinata! I really appreciate it!"

Hinata smiles right back, a light, happy blush coloring her cheeks. "O-of course! Don't mention it!" She bows her head a bit. "Sorry I didn't have better news for you."

Naruto's smile wanes some, but he just shakes his head. "No, don't be. I think…" he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "…I think this is for the best. This way, I don't get caught up in the cycle again." Not that he intends to let himself anyway, but still.

Shikamaru and the others nod, in complete agreement. Thank goodness for that.

His smile brightens as he thinks of something else. "Oh, hey! Did you guys see my nails?" They all blink or raise their eyebrows, Akamaru tilts his head, and he holds them up proudly, beaming up a storm. "Check 'em out! Sai painted them last night! Aren't they great?"

Shikamaru snorts fondly at his ridiculousness, and he just watches as the others crowd around him to get a good look at the intricate designs. Hinata gushes at how adorable and Naruto-like they are, and Kiba gets excited wondering if Sai would do Akamaru's, too. Naruto tells them about how Sai thought up special things for everyone, and knowing Sai's thoroughness, he's sure that includes Akamaru! Kiba cheers, and even Shino names specific bugs he'd want on his, and soon, the whole room is buzzing with joy and laughter, very much carefree.

Shikamaru's eyes are drawn to a beaming Naruto again (they always find their way back somehow, no matter how far they might travel, like they're tied together – it reminds him of that red string of fate story his mom used to tell), and bright is all that comes to mind.

Yeah… He's their sun, all right.

And Shikamaru will make damn sure he keeps shining. No matter what.

A/N: Because there aren't technically meant to be any ships in this fic (besides maybe in background) and because I feel like, at least in this AU, Hinata most likely would have outgrown her childhood crush on Naruto enough to realize she actually just admires and cares for him a lot as a friend at this point (especially since/while he was gone for 2.5 years), Hinata isn't meant to have her crush on Naruto here. But hey, if you want to think she still does, feel free! Just wanted to clear that up in case anyone's confused! ;) She also only stutters when she's particularly nervous, shy, or caught off guard, that kind of thing (pretty sure it's the same in canon at this point, but it's been a while, so clarifying just in case!). Hopefully all that's okay with everyone!

The line Kiba says about Akamaru biting him is from Naruto episode 120, "Roar and Howl! The Ultimate Tag-Team!"

The lines about Naruto having to persevere through so many horrible things all on his own and Shikamaru wanting to be there for him so that never happens again are from his little speech in Shippuden Episode 383, "Pursuing Hope": "I only found out later, but Naruto had persevered through a ton of painful and bitter things all on his own…and…I don't want him…to ever have to go through that again."

And of course, those last few lines are a reference to Shikamaru's other speech about Naruto, how he wants to follow him and be by his side through anything in Shippuden, Episode 169, "The Two Students": "When I'm with Naruto, he makes me want to follow him, to walk by his side...no matter what."

Thanks so much for reading!