A/N: This chapter was originally meant to be another long catharsis chapter, but I (hopefully understandably) don't have the energy for another 13k+ chapter right now (this one alone is 8k+), so I split it into two! So, yay, I get a cool two-parter like a kickass ATLA episode or something! lol.
Hope you enjoy!
The next morning, Naruto stirs earlier than he has been, around 8 instead of the usual 10 or later. Shikamaru hopes it means his body's finally starting to heal again, at more than the crawl it has been, anyway.
Once Naruto's fully awake, the first thing he notices is a vaguely familiar sensation in his legs. He can't quite put his finger on what it is, but when it seems to momentarily flare up like it's trying to remind him, he gasps softly. Bolting upright and throwing back his covers, he reaches down to feel his legs with wide eyes.
Beside him, Shikamaru jumps, the report he'd been reading forgotten. "Whoa, hey! What's up? You okay?"
Realizing his guess was right, an excited smile blooms on Naruto's face. This is nothing compared to his advanced healing at its strongest, but hell, he doesn't care! He'll take anything he can get! This is great!
He turns shining eyes to Shikamaru. "The Nine Tails…" he breathes, joy and shock there in spades, "…it's healing me…!"
Shikamaru's eyes widen, and then he grins brightly. "No way! Really?"
Naruto nods. "Mm hmm! I can feel it in my legs," he pauses, then reaches up to feel his mostly-healed broken ribs, "and a little in my chest, too!" He laughs delightedly, balling like fists at half-mast. "Finally! Maybe I'll even be able to get back to training soon!"
Shikamaru snorts. Honestly… He reaches forward to poke his temple. "Hey, let's not get too carried away," he advises, though the fond smile stays on his face. Hell, he's pretty sure it's a permanent fixture by now, at least where Naruto's concerned. "You still have to get Lady Tsunade's permission before you do anything like that."
Naruto, however, remains undeterred. If anything, his smile just grows. "Yeah, I know! But still!"
Taking a moment, he closes his eyes and sends, Thank you, Nine Tails.
The Nine Tails, for its part, goes still, ingrained suspicion bristling. Humans don't…thank it… They never have before… And yet, as it's seen and, it's sure, will no doubt keep seeing, this child is very different from all the others. It gives a long, slow sigh through its nose, resigned. This brat… There sure are a lot of firsts with him…
It hums softly, something of a growling undercurrent beneath. Knowing you, being bedridden much longer will kill us both…
Naruto snickers. Who knew the Nine Tails had a sense of humor? You're not wrong!
He also figures that's its way of (grudgingly) saying you're welcome. He doesn't mind. After all, it's really helping him out, and the last thing he wants to do is make it uncomfortable by expecting too much. (He learned that the hard way early on. He knows better than to set his expectations too high. Barely off the ground, if that, has always been safest.)
Opening his eyes again, his gaze automatically finds Shikamaru. There's some kind of magnetic pull between them, he swears, more and more as they get older. With anyone else, it might kind of scare him…but Shikamaru's never been scary to him. Even when they were kids, Shikamaru was always the same, unchanging, and to Naruto, that meant he was safe, like a sure foothold in a cliffside—and even if they were never really close back then, for Naruto, that kind of stability…it meant everything.
Hell, it still does. Especially right now, with everything going on – cutting ties with Sasuke, becoming allies with the Nine Tails, and needing to be ready in case the Akatsuki come for him again in the future – he needs that stability like he needs to breathe, and he's more grateful than he will ever be able to properly express to still have Shikamaru as his foothold now, there to ground and steady and catch him if he falls.
"Thank you, Shikamaru…" he breathes, every last beautiful thing he's feeling plain as day on his face; there's something gentle and vulnerable and young in his voice here, his expression and heart so open in a way he's never been able to afford with anyone else, "…for everything."
Shikamaru doesn't miss a single beat either because of course he doesn't. And God, if it doesn't just strengthen his resolve. Helping Naruto achieve his lifelong dream of becoming Hokage, following him and staying by his side…it's his dream—damn it, he is, even if Naruto himself doesn't know it yet (and he will tell him, he just…hasn't found the right time…).
Softening with everything he has in him, Shikamaru rests a hand on Naruto's shoulder and squeezes. "You never have to thank me, but you're welcome." He winks. "I meant what I said: I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here as long as you'll have me."
Naruto stares, blinks, forgets to breathe. Then, heart stuttering with pink spreading from his cheeks to his ears, a slow, almost-silent gasp leaves him. His beam might as well be the sun.
"Then I sure hope forever's okay!"
Shikamaru's eyes widen, cheeks dust pink. Then, his own heart hammering, he gives a wolfish grin. Hell, he'll even call it fox-like so he can match Naruto.
"Just what I wanted to hear!"
"You beat me."
Shikamaru can't help but stare.
"You actually beat me."
A heartbeat, two.
"I can't believe—"
No, that's not true – Naruto's always surprising him…
"How did you even—?"
Sharp eyes move from his prized shogi board to Naruto.
"Do it again."
An equally dumbfounded Naruto blinks. "Huh?"
Shikamaru gestures to the board. "Do exactly what you just did, and explain your reasoning behind each of your moves. Slowly."
Naruto blinks at that, too, tilting his head, but starts picking up the pieces to do as asked anyway.
It's been two days since the Nine Tails started healing Naruto again. He's already feeling better and stronger than he has since he first woke up almost two weeks ago, and he and Shikamaru have been encouraged by the nurses and doctors' reports. It's really exciting!
"Did I hear that right? Naruto beat Shikamaru at shogi?" Both boys look up to see a highly amused Lady Tsunade sliding the door shut behind her, having let herself in. "Now this, I have to see!"
"Granny Tsunade!" Naruto cheers, lighting up.
Shikamaru smiles her way and nods politely. "Evening, Lady Tsunade." He waves toward the board, proud and pleased. "Yeah, you heard right. See for yourself."
Resting a hand on Naruto's head once she's close enough, she does just that. Grinning widely, she barks a loud laugh. "Well, would you look at that!" She ruffles blond hair the tiniest bit roughly with intense pride. "Well done, Naruto!"
Shikamaru laughs himself. "That's an understatement! You're one of only two people who've ever beaten me, Naruto!" He raises his hand for a high-five. "Very impressive!"
And honestly, a little bit scary. Sure, Naruto's always surprising him and testing his limits, so he supposes he shouldn't be so blown away, but like he said, there's only one other person who's ever beaten him at shogi, and that's his father, a fellow bona fide tactical genius, the Leaf Village's Jounin Commander…so for Naruto to have done it… Well, let's just say that once he gets Naruto's win explanation, he'll be keeping it in mind for future reference, just in case.
A blushing, beaming Naruto returns the high-five. "T-thanks, Shikamaru! Thanks, Granny!" He rubs the back of his head. "I-I'm pretty sure it was just a fluke, though…"
Moving the shogi board to the nightstand for the time being (making sure to keep the pieces in their exact positions), Shikamaru tsks. "'Fluke,' my ass." Naruto tilts his head, and Shikamaru indulges him. "If you'll recall, I agreed with Neji when he said your unorthodox strategies are something to behold in the field." Tilting his head right back, Shikamaru raises a soft eyebrow. "Shogi's not so far from a battle, you know. That's why they call it General's Chess."
Realization hits, and Naruto turns thoughtful. "Oh… I never thought of it that way before…"
"Shikamaru's right," Tsunade says as she sits down on the bed at Naruto's side. "I've seen your strategies firsthand, and while there's no doubt they're from out of left field," she flicks his forehead in a certain way and winks, knowing he'll remember how he protected her from Kabuto and Orochimaru with his headband, of all things, "they're also incredibly effective."
Naruto just burns hotter. Normally, he'd protest, but well…he knows there's no fighting these two, especially together… "Th-thanks, you guys…"
Tsunade hums, and then, taking a moment, lets herself sink into the mattress a little more with a long sigh. That feels good… The chair in her office gets so uncomfortable after a while…
Looking back at Naruto, her smile turns guilty. "I'm sorry it's been so long since my last visit. Almost a week, huh?" He raises an eyebrow. What's she talking about? She was just here three days ago, the same day Sai painted all their nails…—! Oh, wait, that's right! She got called away on Hokage business, so she probably doesn't count that on principle. His heart warms at the thought, and she can't help but feel the same. Figures he'd put it together so quickly. She chuckles."I was counting, too, yes. Believe me, I wanted to come sooner…" clenching her fists, she glares at the wall behind Naruto's head, and both boys are very glad they're not whoever pissed her off, "…but sadly, being Hokage means my time isn't always my own…"
Naruto just shakes his head with a wide grin. "No way! It's okay! I had Shikamaru with me, so it's not like I was lonely or anything! I'm just happy you're here, I promise!"
Relieved, Tsunade relaxes. Not that she thought he'd be angry with her – of course not, he understands, knows she'd have been here if she could – but her own guilt about the situation hadn't helped matters. "Thank you, Naruto."
He nods. "Of course!" Taking her in again, a little longer this time, he softens with concern, voice lowering sensitively. "You do look pretty tired, though, Granny. Are you sure you're feeling all right?" Scooting over a bit, he pats the open space beside him. "You can lie down here, if you want. Even sleep a little, if you need it. I don't mind."
Tsunade blinks wide eyes for a moment, and then bursts out laughing. Naruto is thrown, even more so when Shikamaru facepalms and it just makes her laugh harder. This precious boy! Thinking about himself for five seconds would probably be the death of him! Catching Shikamaru's exasperatedly fond gaze, it seems she's not the only one thinking along those lines. She has a gut feeling that this will always be a topic of camaraderie for the two of them…
Clearing her throat once she's calmed down, the smile that finds Naruto is as warm as the sun. "I appreciate the offer, kid. I really do." She chuckles a little more. "I was just laughing because you're asking if I'm okay and trying to take care of me while you're the one in the hospital." She pokes his forehead gently. "If I really need to lie down or take a power nap, we'll see, but don't forget, you're my priority." Naruto's breath catches. There's that word again, 'priority'…and in proximity to him again, too… Seeing it, Shikamaru's heart hurts and heals at once. "I need you to get your rest, and that won't be as easy with me beside you as it is Shikamaru." Shikamaru stiffens, and she can practically see the question dyeing his cheeks red. Her smile just grows, and she winks his way. "Don't worry, Shikamaru. I think it's sweet."
Turning back to Naruto, she ruffles his hair again, a little more roughly this time so he laughs (better that than worried, about her, of all people). "Really, though: I'm fine, Naruto, I promise. Just a lot of long hours, that's all." As if on cue, she yawns. Excusing herself, she shakes her head and claps her cheeks to wake herself up, and then brightens considerably with a clap of her hands. "But enough about me!"
Naruto and Shikamaru both perk up in interest.
Expression gentling, her voice is softer when she speaks next. "I heard Captain Yamato and Konohamaru visited a few days ago." Naruto's mouth goes dry and his heart pounds at the love and compassion emanating from her. "They were your last two precious people to tell, right?"
A heartbeat, and Naruto breathes a helpless laugh, warming and faltering at , knowing him as well as she does... "Y-yeah, that's right. I'm…" there's something so tiny and raw and wounded-but-healing in his voice, in him, here, and after curling shaking fists in his sheets and taking a deep, calming breath, he smiles back at her – not as big and bright as usual, but brave and hopeful, happier and more at peace than he has been, even since she last saw him, "…I'm all done now, Granny!"
That does it.
The next thing he knows, Tsunade is wrapping him up in an embrace that's as tight and all-encompassing as she dares, arms around him as far as they'll go. "I'm so proud of you, Naruto…"
She's said it a good few times throughout this personal journey of his, but she's also said it bears repeating. She knows how hard this has been on him, knows exactly, intimately, how excruciating all this feels from her own experience with Orochimaru, and she needs Naruto to know just how strong the swell of pride inside her is when she looks at him. More than that, more than anything, he deserves to hear it, to be proud of himself. And she's never been able to deny him anything he's more than earned.
Besides, this time, it's different. Before, it was encouraging and loving, like always, but ultimately protective, like she desperately wanted to shield him from this pain despite knowing it was necessary. This time…there's a weighted empathy to it that wasn't there before, one she didn't let herself inject before, but Naruto feels it now like a dumbbell bar across his shoulders, quiet and invisible, but heavy and bowing and there, and…
Well, he can't say he's surprised when the tears start streaming. Hugging her back just as tightly, he curls fistfuls in her familiar green haori as his shoulders tremble with suppressed sobs. All of a sudden, just from those few words, the meaning behind them…it's like a dam's broken inside him. Tsunade doesn't mind in the least, just holds him closer.
At their side, Shikamaru swallows thickly. He wishes he could do more for Naruto. Hell, he nearly beat Tsunade to that hug, barely held himself back if the white-knuckled grip on his knees is any indication. It's almost funny. This reminds him so much of the night Naruto first told them about his decision. To think that was only twelve days ago…
"You've done everything you can for Sasuke. You know that now," Tsunade counsels softly. It's a statement, not a question, but Naruto still nods with a sniff, a tiny sob sneaking out. "You know he can't be saved, so you've chosen to focus on the rest of us, those who love you more than anything." They tighten their holds on each other at the same time at that, and something about it makes them both smile. "Now that you've told everyone, you can focus on yourself, come to terms with your decision at your own pace."
Naruto nuzzles a little more into her safe warmth, and she cards tender fingers through his hair, paying special attention to the small, golden waves at the nape of his neck. She knows Kushina and Minato would be just as proud of their boy, if not prouder. For a moment, she swears she can even hear their vibrant laughter…
"We're all behind you, every last step of the way. That will never change." Feeling Naruto nod against her, she's content to stay like this and openly dote on him for several seconds more. Sue her, she's missed him. Eventually, though, she does draw back, and the tender smile she gives him will keep Naruto warm for days, he swears. "Jiraiya would be proudest of us all."
Naruto's eyes widen at the praise, but with that look on her face, he should have known it was coming. He can't help but smile right back, in-pieces-but-healing though it is. "Thank you, Granny. For everything."
And here Tsunade thought she couldn't possibly melt more. He really is the king of surprises. Curling gentle fingers at his chin, she leans forward to press that sacred, few-second kiss to his forehead. No matter how old he gets, she doesn't think she'll ever be able to stop this gesture that's only theirs. It's something special, just like him. "Always, Naruto."
A heartbeat, and a warm hand finds his shoulder.
"Me, too." Shikamaru's voice is the slightest bit choked, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. Ordinarily, it takes a damn lot to make him cry. The only times in recent memory he can recall are when Tsunade told them Naruto was going to live, when Asuma died, and when everyone made it back alive from the Sasuke Retrieval mission. And yet, he's gotten teary over Naruto so often lately that the kid should officially consider himself special. Not that he minds, really. Nothing wrong with getting more in touch with his emotions. After all, Naruto's gonna be Hokage someday, and look how it's worked out for him! Sasuke aside, Shikamaru thinks he's got a damn good track record!
A second later, he's reaching out to bring Naruto in close, burying his face in his shoulder as he cradles the back of his head like he's the most precious damn thing in his entire world. And honestly, these days, that doesn't seem like it's too far off the mark. "I know how painful this has been for you. I know how nervous and scared you were every time you had to tell another friend. I'm sorry for that." He strengthens his hold, and Naruto returns the embrace twofold. "But this is the best choice for everyone, especially you, and you know that now, too." Another statement-not-question. Naruto nods. Shikamaru's voice falls to a low, endlessly adoring note. "No matter how long it takes, even if you never forget Sasuke completely, even just as a reminder of what not to repeat in the future…" Naruto almost laughs, seeing as that was his exact thought before he told Team Gai; slowly pulling back, Shikamaru fixes him with a devoted stare, "…I'll be here. I promise."
Naruto doesn't miss the conviction radiating from him like heat from a bonfire. Of course not. It's impossible. He also knows Shikamaru doesn't dedicate his heart to anything he doesn't believe in with everything he is, and knowing that means him… Well, he doesn't think he can be blamed for the touched tears that well in his eyes. He beams. "R-right! Thank you so much, Shikamaru! You really are the best!"
Grinning with the best of them, Shikamaru holds out a fist. Naruto bumps it without hesitation. "Any time!"
Tsunade, for her part, is content to just watch them. They really do make an incredible team. It's almost funny. They seem like the most unlikely pair, a loudmouthed ball of energy and a quiet lay-about, but in reality, they're like darkness and light. Can't have one without the other, and in one way or a thousand, you can bet they'll always have each other's back. Honestly, she's happy for them. Hell, she's been rooting for them for years at this point.
That's a huge part of why she approved so quickly when Shikamaru cashed in on that favor she owed him to stay with Naruto while he recovered. It's obvious as hell how happy they make each other, how wholeheartedly devoted they are to one another, and she knew Naruto would need that after everything he's been through with Sasuke. She's very much hoping they'll figure out that the kind of connection they have doesn't come around every day sooner than later. She's almost sure Shikamaru already knows, and she wishes he'd gather up the courage to just tell Naruto straight to his face. Because, well…to be frank, she doesn't have any hope for Naruto in this regard. The poor kid was so starved of healthy relationships for the grand majority of his life that there's no way he'll catch on to something like this without help…
Inwardly, she sighs. She's getting too old for this…
Taking a breath, she figures she shouldn't keep the boys in suspense any longer. Time to share the other reason she came. "On that note," she smiles warmly at her grandson in all but blood, "I have some good news for you, Naruto!"
That sparking something in Naruto as well, he gasps and curls his fists at half-mast, eyes shining with tentative excitement. "Hey, that reminds me! I do, too!"
Now that gives Tsunade pause. She raises an eyebrow. "Oh, really?" Naruto nods eagerly. Well, color her intrigued! She crosses her arms expectantly over her chest. "Let's hear it, then! I'm all ears!"
Sharing a glance with Shikamaru, who nods in encouragement, Naruto takes a breath to steel his nerves before looking her in the eyes. "I've—I've started talking to the Nine Tails, really talking to it for the first time, and I think—" he falters, bites his lip, "—maybe, eventually, I-I'm not sure yet…we…we might be able to become allies. Or at least…s-something close." He swallows. "So…w-what do you think, Granny?"
Naruto holds his breath and worries the sheets with his fingers. He really hopes she isn't mad…!
The very last thing he expects is for her to start laughing.
Naruto blinks. She really must be tired. Maybe she should lie down after all…
But Tsunade just waves away his concern a few moments later, reaching up to wipe her eyes. He can tell these tears are from more than just laughter. "I'm—I'm sorry, Naruto!" She sniffs. "It's just something Jiraiya said to me a while back. He warned me you might try something like this someday, but I'm sure he was joking. I don't think he ever thought you'd actually…!" Another barking laugh escapes, and she swipes her wrist over her eyes again. "If only he could see you now…!"
Naruto's mouth drops open. "Pervy Sage did? Really?" After a moment, though, he just grins sheepishly and rubs the back of his head with a chuckle. "W-well, joke or not, it just goes to show how well he knew me, I guess!"
Tsunade nods. Resting her chin between her knuckles, she regards him gently. "You don't seem angry or upset at the Nine Tails like I thought you might. Things must be going well."
Naruto half-nods, then backtracks, looking a touch more hesitant. "D-don't get me wrong, it's still scary as hell when it's angry, and it could take a long time, maybe years, before it trusts me enough to tell me its name or we're able to work together as a team, if we ever get to that point. But…" he rests a hand on his seal, and his friends don't miss the compassion in the action they're sure wasn't there before, "…we're a lot more alike than it realizes, and I hope once I get that across to it, it'll help a lot. I've already gotten through to it in some ways," he grins, "so I definitely don't think it's impossible!"
Tsunade hums, honestly considering everything she's heard. After a few quiet moments, "It really offered to tell you its name?"
Naruto nods. He's glad she picked up on the fact that he brought that up deliberately. Not that he's really surprised. She knows how significant, important, names are to him, so she must understand that it's the same, even more so, for the Nine Tails. "I told it it didn't have to, and it sounded…nervous, maybe even scared, but it was potentially willing, as long as I earned its trust." Fire burns in his eyes, and his fingers dig into his hospital gown. "I promised I wouldn't do wrong by it, and I meant it. You know I don't go back on my word. I want to be different from all its containers before, all the humans it hates. I want to show it it's not alone, that it can count on me."
His gaze drifts to the open sky out the window, a small, pained expression playing. "I know it attacked the village and killed my parents and a lot of other people. I understand why the villagers hate it, why they might never be able to forgive it. I get why they hate me." Shikamaru and Tsunade clench tight fists at that. "But even so…the Nine Tails and I both know what it's like to suffer at others' hands for things beyond our control. We know what it means to feel like we don't matter, to anyone." Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, he looks back at them. "I don't want that for the Nine Tails. It deserves better, just like I do."
There's a steelier kind of resolve running through him now. Tsunade swears she sees yellow lightning flash across his eyes. "More than anything, I want to give it what it's been missing all this time, what you guys and all our friends have done for me." A heartbeat. "I won't let it be alone anymore. I can't."
He goes on to tell her everything he's learned and realized so far about the Nine Tails and his relationship with it, and by the time he's done, even more so than before, Tsunade can only stare.
Anyone else would hate the Nine Tails for the rest of his life without a second thought for all the pain it's caused him, however indirectly. But Naruto…he's actually managed to turn things around and see them from the Nine Tails' point of view so accurately, understand things so intimately, that he doesn't even hesitate to offer friendship and healing in the same hand. This level of conviction in him, the righteous inferno burning inside him, the empathy that's such an unshakable, core part of him bleeding from him in spades…it truly is remarkable. She hopes Jiraiya's watching, Kushina and Minato, too. The pride they're feeling in their boy right now would probably be enough to light up Heaven for weeks to come. That's exactly how she feels, too.
Shikamaru, for his part, having already heard the barebones of this from Naruto, isn't surprised, but that doesn't mean he's unaffected. Naruto's empathy has always been unrivaled and, therefore, incredible to Shikamaru. He's always been a logical thinker himself, careful not to let his emotions come into play, but he knows how to admit when another way of thinking also works, might even be better, in any number of ways, and Naruto's…he's proven its worth over and over again on the battlefield. His emotional intelligence is off the damn charts, and it's saved not only his life, but the lives of his comrades and entire village so many more times than he can count. And he doesn't even do it with the intent to stop their enemies, not really – he does it to understand, so he can help them, hold out his hand and lead them into the light they've been missing.
Anyone who's willing to change for the better, be a 'Gaara,' for lack of a better word, Naruto is always ready and willing to help them – and the fact that that goes for the Nine Tails, too… It killed his parents, for God's sake, and even overlooking the fact that Naruto's entirely made sense of the reason, he still wants to help it, is determined to be there for it, to show it that not all humans are only after its power and nothing else, that there are a rare few who just want friendship and to heal what's hurt and that's all.
It's the most impressive, effortless, altogether loving thing Shikamaru's ever seen in his entire damn life, and he swears nothing will ever be able to top it for him.
And knowing all that, that he's sitting beside someone who has more empathy for his fellow being, man or beast, in his pinkie finger than most people have in their entire bodies…Shikamaru's prouder than he's ever been to be Naruto's friend.
"I'm with you all the way." Wide blue eyes snap to meet brown. "You know how the Nine Tails feels better than anyone else, and you know you'll have to work hard to break down its walls," huffing a breath of a laugh, he smirks, "but there's no one more qualified than you. If anyone in the world can turn that fox into an ally, it's you, Naruto. There's not a doubt in my mind."
The conviction he's shamelessly putting on full display here steals Naruto's breath "S-Shikamaru…"
"He beat me to it," Tsunade agrees, a pleased, proud grin on her face, "but he's right."
Naruto's mouth drops open. "Y-you, too, Granny? Really?"
She nods. "Absolutely. After all, you got me back here, didn't you? And after I swore to never set foot in this village again…" Naruto's ears perk. For her to bring that up… "I do think it's risky, and I want to make sure you're taking the necessary precautions before you go any further, but we can discuss the details later. For now," her smile grows, "from what I've heard, I think your plan to ally with the Nine Tails, just like your decision to let Sasuke go, is the right one. It's the best course of action for everyone involved." Softening, she cups his cheek, and he doesn't hesitate to lean into her warm touch. He loves her so much. "You're the perfect person to help the Nine Tails, Naruto, in a way only you can. There's no one better." She winks. "So do your best. Hokage's orders, you got that?"
Naruto's beam blinds. "Yes, ma'am!"
Naruto's dinner comes not long after that, and they talk about the measures he's taking to negate any risks of losing control. Tsunade smirks something fierce when he tells her holding Shikamaru's hand has been doing the trick to keep him grounded in the mindscape, even more so when Shikamaru blushes and looks away, though Naruto doesn't really get why.
Afterward, he's entirely prepared to take his sleeping meds, but Tsunade stops him with a sweet smile. "I still haven't gotten to share my good news, remember?"
Naruto gasps. "Oh, that's right!" He rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry about that, Granny! I didn't mean to derail things that much!" Excited now, he balls his fists at half-mast. "So, what is it? Am I getting outta here early or something?"
Tsunade can't help but snort, poking his forehead. "We should be so lucky. You've still got a ways to go before that, kid. This is related, though." She rests a gentle hand on his knee. "I told you how Sasuke managed to damage the chakra network in your legs so badly that you've hardly been able to move them since you woke 've been healing, sure, but at a snail's pace. You said the Nine Tails started healing you again two days ago, right?" He nods. "Well, based on reports from the staff and what I've seen in your charts, it's doing a good job so far. Granted, it's not much, but it's enough to see progress. Enough that it gives me hope for the next stage in your healing process."
Naruto's brow furrows as he tilts his head. "'Next stage'?"
Tsunade nods. "I think you're ready for the physical therapy that'll get you walking again."
Naruto and Shikamaru's eyes widen. "Wait, so it's really bad enough that he needs physical therapy? He can't just wait for the Nine Tails to heal him?"
Tsunade hums, dropping her chin into her hand. "Technically, you could wait around for the Nine Tails to heal you completely, but that could take a while since it's still recovering, too. And Shikamaru or no," she smirks over at her almost-grandson, unable to keep back a chuckle, "I know for a fact trying to keep you here that long would leave Shikamaru and me prematurely gray."
Shikamaru hisses in sympathy at the same time a shiver runs down Naruto's spine. If it'd only be a few more weeks, Granny Tsunade would tell him straight up, but since she's not specifying… The idea of being in here that long makes him want to run and hide like when he was a kid. He shakes his head furiously and gives her a pleading look, comically huge tears in his eyes. "No, no, no! No way! I can't be stuck here that long, Granny! I'll go crazy!"
Tsunade laughs, reaching out to ruffle his hair to reassure him. "Relax, Naruto. I know that better than most, believe me." She eyes him seriously. "That's why I'm saying you need this therapy. It's only until you're fully healed, but with both of you working at it, that shouldn't be too much longer. You pulling your weight will help the Nine Tails along, too, take some of the pressure off so it can work on getting back to full strength."
Naruto takes a moment to think it over. When she puts it like that, it doesn't sound so bad… "I wouldn't want the Nine Tails to do all the work. Vessel or not, that's not fair, especially since it just risked its own life to save mine." He fixes Tsunade with a determined stare. "I don't mind doing my fair share, Granny. That's fine." He tilts his head, raising an eyebrow. "But, uh…what does this therapy involve exactly? And when do I start?"
"First thing tomorrow morning!"
Tsunade goes on to explain everything in a way they'll both understand that Shikamaru can only guess has come from years of experience of dealing with people who have much less medical knowledge than she does. Not that that's exactly hard since she's her, but still. It's the principle of the thing, and he appreciates it.
Once she's sure they're properly prepared, Tsunade has to smother another yawn. That's her seventh in the last hour. Naruto opens his mouth to offer the bed again, but she shakes her head. "There's still one more thing…"
Naruto frowns. "Whatever it is, can't it wait? You should really get some rest…"
Tsunade smiles tenderly and shakes her head again. "A promise is a promise. I wouldn't be a very good Hokage if I didn't keep my word, now, would I?"
Naruto raises an eyebrow, and Shikamaru just shrugs when he glances at him. He's not sure what she means either.
She reaches forward to gently poke at Naruto's bandaged chest. "According to everything I've seen, your ribs are healed enough that you won't need these anymore. Which means…"
Naruto instantly brightens. "My necklace!" Eyes shining, he balls excited fists. "I get it back, really? You mean it, Granny?"
She laughs. "Of course! It is yours, after all!" After removing his bandages, she reaches back to take his necklace from around her neck and put it back around his. Pressing it to his heart, her voice and expression are tender as anything. "There. Finally back where it belongs."
Reaching up to squeeze her hand, Naruto beams. He's not surprised or ashamed at all when tears sting his eyes. "Thank you so much, Granny!"
Tsunade attempts to reply, but ends up yawning again, so long that it leaves tears at the corners of her eyes. It's obvious even after drying them that she'll be fighting to keep her eyes open any second. Naruto gives her the puppy-dog eyes as he pats the space beside him one more time… She sighs. Oh, screw it. She doesn't have the willpower to deny him anymore, and even if she did, that look would probably break her regardless. He's too adorable for his own good sometimes.
"All right, all right, you win. I'll get some sleep. But only for a few minutes. Don't—" another huge yawn, "—don't let me stay here all night, you hear me? You need your rest, brat…"
Naruto nods and chuckles triumphantly while she lies down beside him. He covers her with the blanket up to her chin, and she's out like a light not three seconds later, soft snores filling the room. Seeing her like this, having her with him like this, he can't help the full feeling in his chest, the sort of lofty, almost choked up kind of joy he feels when he's surrounded by the ones he loves. And Granny Tsunade and Shikamaru…they're two of the people he loves the most.
Shikamaru wordlessly hands him his sleeping meds and water, and Naruto takes them without complaint. It's been a long day of explanations (which reminds him, he still needs to spill his shogi strategy), and he'll need his strength for his first day of physical therapy tomorrow. Getting a good night's sleep will be the best thing for him.
He knows Shikamaru won't forget to wake Granny Tsunade for him in a few hours or so, and he's grateful. Lying down beside her, he curls up close, reaching out to gently thread his fingers through hers. He's surprised-yet-not when her other hand automatically comes up to curl almost protectively in his hair. Warm affection overflows in his chest, and he holds her hand a little tighter, leaning into her touch. She really is the best…
"Night, Granny. Night, Shikamaru," he whispers, already falling into the sweet abyss of sleep. "Love you…so much…"
Tsunade mumbles something unintelligible and leans down to bury her face in his hair, and Shikamaru responds in kind. "Night, Naruto. Love you, too."
Warm and safe with people he loves who love him just as much, Naruto has no trouble falling and staying asleep. He doesn't so much as stir when Shikamaru takes Tsunade's place a few hours later.
The next morning, Naruto is right on time for physical therapy, Shikamaru dutifully pushing his wheelchair through the door. They recognize the room as the same one Lee used for his therapy sessions during his Chunin Exams recovery, and something about that makes this whole thing a little less scary for Naruto. He suspects Granny Tsunade did that on purpose, and he really appreciates it.
His therapist is a tall, broad man named Gantetsu, all patience and sunny smiles. He kinda reminds Naruto of Gai-sensei, which makes him think Granny Tsunade chose him on purpose, too. It's comforting, honestly, knowing she's looking out for him in even the (seemingly) smallest of ways. He'll have to find a way to thank her somehow…
Starting out is a bit slow-going, if only because Naruto's so nervous, but once he gets started, things get better. He's still frustrated at how slowly and carefully he has to move, how much effort walking just a few inches takes, but Shikamaru and Gantetsu are quick to remind him that it's normal and necessary and encourage the hell out of him, too. Naruto knows they're right, and he's grateful for their support. Never one to give up, no matter how insane the frustration, he keeps going. He just has to think of this like another form of training!
By the time they take a break about an hour and a half in, Naruto's tired, but a touch more satisfied. He'll take it.
He glances up when the door opens and raises an eyebrow at who walks in, even more so when Shikamaru smiles and raises a hand in greeting. "Hey, you made it!"
Lee smiles and bows politely. "Good morning, Shikamaru, Naruto!"
Shikamaru turns to Naruto to explain. "I figured you'd be a little nervous on your first day, so I asked Lee to come offer moral support since he's been through this, too."
"You did?" Naruto tries to think back, but comes up empty. "When was that?"
"Last night while you were asleep. He was passing by on his training route home, and I called him over to ask if he'd mind."
Lee nods, voice soft and empathetic, always kind. "I know how scary it can be when you are just starting out, and I meant what I said about wanting to help you in any way I could." He offers a grin and thumbs up. "I want to be there for you like you were for me, Naruto!"
Naruto's struck speechless, mouth agape. He looks between them, two of his precious friends, unsurprised when tears make his vision blur. He can't thank them enough. Pushing himself to shaky feet, he shuffles forward to hug Lee tightly. It's more of a stumbling fall, really, but Lee's strong arms are ready and waiting to catch him, and Naruto doesn't fear for a second. How could he possibly when he has friends like these? His heart thrills when he feels Shikamaru's gentle hand in his hair a moment later. "Thank you…" he whispers, holding Lee a little tighter, burying his face in his shoulder. "Thank you so much…"
Nuzzling into him in turn, Lee chuckles all too fondly. "Of course, Naruto. You are my friend. I will take any opportunity I can to be here for you and cheer you on, recovery or otherwise. All you need to do is ask."
When they separate a good few seconds later, Lee helping Naruto safely back into his wheelchair, a beaming Shikamaru nods. "You can thank us by putting your all into this therapy and getting better sooner than later!"
Naruto grins, driving a fist into his palm. "You got it!"
Lee has to leave for a mission with Team Gai a few days into Naruto's therapy, but he sends notes when he can to ask how Naruto's doing and to cheer him on from where he is (with Gai, Neji, and Tenten's own notes tacked on), and Naruto is eternally grateful. Standing by in case Naruto needs him, Shikamaru works on answering them, leaving room for Naruto to answer himself at the bottom like always.
Things only change when Naruto's ready to move on to the next step a week into his sessions.
The idea, Naruto's told, is to hold on to Gantetsu while he walks toward him.
In other words, put all his trust in Gantetsu.
Naruto's left just staring at him, almost through him in his startled, frozen kind of shock. He's not really sure what to say, but even if he did, he's pretty sure his words are locked up tight. He really does like Gantetsu, enough to consider them budding friends (his wife, Setsuna, and his six-year-old daughter, Kasumi, know Naruto by name now, too)…but for Naruto, this is still…
His grip on the metal therapy bars tightens until his knuckles turn white and pop.
It should be so easy, so simple. It would be for anyone else. But…Naruto isn't anyone else, and those others haven't been through what he has, so for him…this order is as tall as the clouds are high. He just doesn't know how to put that into words in a way Gantetsu will understand. It's not even that he doesn't trust Gantetsu, it's just…this much trust…it takes a special, important, precious kind of person to inspire that in Naruto.
The kind of trust he'd bet his life on…
…!
A familiar hand appears in his line of sight in the next moment, and like he's reaching down into the depths to pull him back to the surface, Naruto looks up to find Shikamaru smiling at him in Gantetsu's place.
"Here," Shikamaru offers, holding his other hand out beside the first. "These hands are yours as long as you'll have them, remember?" Naruto can only stare, and Shikamaru's grin just grows. "That goes for stuff like this, too."
The sheer swell of love and gratitude and feeling seen that surges in Naruto steals the air from his lungs, flares hot tears in his eyes, makes a painful lump form in his throat – all of it as easily as breathing.Of course. Of course Shikamaru would take one damn look at him and be able to see, to parse out exactly what's wrong and figure out the best way to fix it and make it better in a matter of seconds (or maybe minutes, however long he was lost in his head). He's able to understand Naruto without him having to say a word, without even being near him, reading between lines Naruto might not even see in himself, and it's…Naruto's never had something, someone, like this before. It's amazing and overwhelming and scary-but-not because this is Shikamaru, and he doesn't feel worthy…but he swears he'll do everything in his power to be for the rest of his life.
Shaking himself out of his stupor, Naruto's quick to swallow the lump in his throat and wipe away his tears as best he can, and then he reaches out to put his hands (his trust, every last shred of it) in Shikamaru's without a second thought.
"Right!"
The next two weeks go by quickly, and true to form, Naruto's kept his word. He's been working as hard as he can to get better, and it shows. He barely needs to hold on to anyone or the bars anymore, and Granny Tsunade says he should be fully healed soon. He and Shikamaru get along so well and make such a good team (and Shikamaru does wonders for Naruto's morale) that Gantetsu's long opted to step back and let them handle it, just supervise instead of lead (with Tsunade's approval, of course).
Tonight is another evening therapy haul. Gantetsu went home hours ago, Shikamaru assuring him he'd be more than enough to take care of Naruto. "If the knucklehead wants to work himself half to death, let 'im. That's what he has me for."
For the moment, Naruto's taking a break, but by the time Shikamaru cracks his neck and stretches out both shoulders and looks over again, the kid's slumped over snoring on one of the medicine balls. Shikamaru breathes a helpless laugh, shaking his head. Typical… Guess this is another night where they won't need his sleeping meds (that's been happening a lot lately)…
One of the nurses checking on them periodically pokes her head in to offer the wheelchair to take him back, but Shikamaru politely declines. Crouching down to his level, he brushes Naruto's sweaty, unruly bangs from his forehead with gentle fingers, fondness in every line of him. This idiot…his idiot…
Carefully maneuvering him onto his back like it's second nature (and it practically is by now with how many times he's done this over the past two weeks), he considers it a personal best when Naruto doesn't stir even once. Good. He's earned the rest.
As he leisurely makes his way back toward Naruto's room, Shikamaru can't help noticing how light he is. He's gotten taller and has more lean muscle than when they were thirteen, sure, but he's still small for a boy his age. "You really should eat more that's not ramen, you know that? You're too damn scrawny." Naruto mumbles incoherently and nuzzles into the crook between Shikamaru's neck and shoulder, and Shikamaru snorts. Geez… Even while he's sleeping, he's ridiculous and adorable. This guy… "If you drool on me, I swear I'll drop you." (He won't.)
Once they're finally back, he gets Naruto in bed and makes sure he's as comfortable as possible before climbing in himself. Naruto immediately curls up to him and buries his face in his chest like it's his second home, and Shikamaru just beams and chuckles and tugs him closer. "That's right, sunshine…bring it in…"
It's funny, really, if he thinks about it. In the waking world, Naruto's all about protecting them, but in his sleep, he seeks out that same safety and comfort and finds it and so much more in Shikamaru…
But hey, he is Shikamaru's dream, after all.
And by that logic?
Shikamaru is only too happy to provide.
A/N: This chapter title (and next) comes from all the milestones Naruto's hitting in it: he's told everyone he needs to tell about his Sasuke decision so he's free to come to terms with it at his own pace, Kurama's started healing him again, he has his necklace back, he's starting physical therapy, his relationship with Kurama is evolving, and he beat Shikamaru at shogi!
The character of Gantetsu, Naruto's physical therapist, was more or less lifted from Naruto filler episodes 209-212! I made him more talkative and extroverted here than in those fillers, but I liked his name and look while rewatching those eps, and even though he's technically not canon, he fit my purposes for this chapter, so I borrowed him'! I also gave him a wife and kid 'cause in the filler eps he's a nice guy who deserves nice things! lol. He probs won't appear further besides in passing, but I wanted to give credit where credit is due! ;)
Don't know if anyone caught it, but the 'dedicate his heart' line (He also knows Shikamaru doesn't dedicate his heart to anything he doesn't believe in with everything he is) is an Attack on Titan reference! I binge watched the show for the first time while too sick to write before surgery and during recovery and loved it, so couldn't help myself! lol. (I also may or may not (read: I do) have a few fics for that series in the works, so keep an eye out for those eventually! ;))
Next chapter, we have some more milestones for Naruto to hit, including celebrating his sixteenth birthday (but it's a surprise, so shh! ;))! We start getting into some heavier stuff in the following chapters (Karin Uzumaki in the damn house, fuck yeah, finally!), so best buckle up! :D
Again, thank you guys so, so much for being patient with me! I love you all so much!
Thanks so much for reading!