Stay. (( SasuNaru ))

26. Space

Author's note :

Hey guys! Before I get into the story, Id like to mention a couple things. For starters, I do want to have this story finished by the end of the year so more chapters should be coming soon. I also want to apologize for how terrible those past 25 chapters were. I had just started writing so many of the chapters were either messy or just super hard to read due to the second hand embarrassment. Hopefully you'll enjoy these next ones. Thank you all for reading!

Naruto's POV

I grabbed one of my old schoolbags from the closet and began stuffing it with any clothing articles I could find I didn't even worry about the outfits matching. I just wanted to grab my things and leave. As much as I wanted to bring Menma, I knew it would be impossible for me to pry him from Sasuke at this time. Plus, he was right. As much I was terrified of something happening to Menma again, he should be able to be alone with his father. The father that saved him. I shook the thought away and threw the strap of the bag over my shoulder. It would be stupid of me to leave Sasuke alone with our kid without any explanation.

I quickly searched the nightstand for a pen and paper. Luckily, i found a pen. Paper was nowhere to be found though. I put the pen in my pocket and grabbed my back, making my way towards the kitchen. I ripped off a couple sheets of paper towels.

' I'm spending the night at Shikamaru's. It might be longer. I just need some space away from you right now. I trust you with Menma. Ill see you soon. - Naruto. '

"That should be fine." I placed the pen beside the note and hurried out the door towards Shikamaru's car. He nodded at me as i walked out. I got into the passengers seat and leaned my head back against the headrest. He pulled out of our driveway and focused on the road ahead. "Listen, It'll be alright. No use fussing about it, right?"

I exhaled softly. He was right, there really was no use getting all worked up about it. It still hurt though. "Still down for ramen?" He asked, glancing over at me. I smiled a bit. "I'm always down for ramen." He let out a slight laugh and headed to the nearest shop.

- After ramen -

Naruto's POV

I groaned, rubbing my now bloated stomach.
"Y'know.. that thing about eating 10 bowls was a hypothetical question." Shikamaru looked at me, impressed but definitely concerned. "I feel.. great. Sick, sure. But great? Definitely." Shikamaru smiled a bit as we pulled into his driveway. We both got out of the car once it was parked. Shikamaru helped me up the steps as my arm was virtually glued onto my stomach. He reached into his pocket and scrambled around with the keyring before finding the correct one and unlocking the door, standing aside so i could walk in.

"I can sleep on the couch if you'd like?" Shikamaru took off his shoes and placed his keys on the counter. "I appreciate it, but letting me stay here Is already too kind of you." I replied, taking mine off as wrll. He shrugged. "If you say so." I smiled a bit and walked myself over to the couch, plopping down as soon as i was close enough. Maybe eating 10 bowls wasn't the greatest idea. My stomach felt like it was about to burst. I grabbed the remote and switched through some channels before i was hit with a few pillows thrown at me as well as a blanket. "Ow uh-.. Thank you!" I wasn't sure if i should be grateful or if I should throw things back at him. I was too full to even sit up, so i just adjusted the pillows to my liking and wrapped myself in the blanket.

"Im going to lay down now, do you need anything else?" Shikmaru peaked his head out from the other room. "Im all set. Thank you, though." I heard the door shut and turned my head back towards the television. I felt my pockets begin to buzz softly. Crap, my phone. I haven't checked it since I left. As expected, i was greeted with over 10 missed calls and a bunch of texts from Sasuke.

'Pick up the phone.'
6:32 pm

'Did you really just up and leave like that?'
6:33 pm

'Can you pick up so we can talk about it?'
6:33 pm

'You're so damn annoying, answer my texts.'
6:47 pm

'Im sorry.'
7:25 pm

'Answer?'
7:27 pm

'I'm putting Menma to bed.'
7:49 pm

I shook my head and placed my phone on the arm of the couch face down. I directed my vision towards the television once more and stared at it. A couple hours had passed by like minutes. The show was mildly entertaining. The only reason I even payed so much attention to it was due to the fact that i wanted to keep my mind off of the whole Sasuke deal. I looked at the time on my phone.

10 : 03 pm

I didn't bother to check for any new messages from Sasuke. I heard a door creak open. I lifted my head up to see what it was. "Oh, hey." I sat up as Shikamaru walked over to me. "Are ya comfortable in that robe?" I laughed a bit. He didn't say anything, just sat next to me. "I'd be much more comfortable out of it." He muttered. "I.. what?" I wasn't sure if i heard him right. "Oh, Naruto. Don't act so clueless." He untied the robe revealing his nude, toned body. "Shika.. what the hell are you doing? Sasuke is going to murder you." I turned my head away, trying not to look anywhere near him. To no avail, the male gently turned my head towards him.

"Sasuke? Tch. Who said he has to know."