A Slight Issue

Chapter 5

Third person pov

Lennox is going to absolutely die. Fall over, heart stop, no feeling in his left arm, simply pass away. He's never felt more scared in his entire life, staring up at Konoha's Ninja Academy fearfully, hugging Sasuke's bag close to his chest as though it would protect him from what was inside. He didn't want to come here. It was crowded, and there were people who existed, and thought people thoughts, and did other people things like... l-like talk. God, he was terrified just thinking about it. But Sasuke needed his bag! Surely he did! Why else would he dare to bother bringing it to school? It was most certainly full of precious and irreplaceable items. 

It was quite heavy, but Lennox would never betray Sasuke's trust by invading his privacy and looking! Even still, he was sure he could feel a lunch bento sitting in the very bottom, as it pressed against him anytime he squeezed the bag for comfort. What if Sasuke got too hungry and collapsed? Or died? It would be all Lennox's fault! Sasuke had been so nice, and considerate, and forthcoming! Lennox refused to be an awful friend. He had to do this! Besides, hadn't his uncle always said it would be healthy for him to step out of his comfort zone on occasion? 

So taking a deep breath-- because Lennox doesn't want to be the reason Sasuke keels over-- the short boy started forward, nervously making his way into the large building. The air inside was a lot cooler than the outside, and Lennox was endlessly relieved to see the front lobby empty. Though the chilliness put him off a little, that wasn't exactly hard to do around these busy parts of Konoha. Pretty much anything could throw Lennox out of orbit. That didn't really matter right now, though! Sasuke needed his books and lunch! Lennox is committed. He's going to do this and he isn't going to cry about it!

"Hello, dear. Can I help you?" The receptionist asked, a kind smile on her face. She was an older woman-- possibly a retired teacher of some sort based on the headband hanging loosely around her neck. That didn't stop the ginger's entire body from stiffening. He forced himself to offer a smile, sweat pouring down his face and eyes darting around in a desperate attempt to find something else to look at just so he wouldn't have to meet her eyes. This was the worst day ever. He couldn't breathe. Was this real life? Is this a nightmare? No, normally he's in his underwear in those, and there's always a lot more people. That means this is real, which is somehow worse!

"U-U-Um... Um, m-my friend, S-Sasuke Uchiha... he uh... h-he left... his b... bag." Lennox's voice died out into a squeak on him, coming out a pathetic choke that made his face light up red with embarrassment. He felt like his ears were going to start smoking at this rate. Why couldn't he just talk to people normally?! His life would literally be a million times easier. He could give Sasuke the fruitful friendship he deserved and return his bag without almost passing out in the process. Wait, what was that noise? Was that the sound of his consciousness leaving him?! NO! The world is fading to black, the floor is rocking, there's no air in his lungs! Breathe, Lennox! Inhale and exhale and then repeat it all over again!

"Alright, dear. Thank you for bringing it by for him. Why don't you take it to him yourself?" The woman smile, not phased by the crisis he was going through in the slightest. Lennox felt another little part of himself die, his internal flame dampening dangerously until it was only a few embers that would be all too easy to stomp out. He was being extinguished, body and soul, by this entire experience. Bring the bag... to him? Did he look qualified for that in any capacity? He wasn't capable! He's a pathetic, ginger worm! "See that hall right there? It's the second door to the left, dear."

Lennox stared at the hall in absolute, complete horror, the light in his eyes going out completely when he realized he didn't have the confidence to say no to the woman or leave the bag with her. All he could do was smile a small, empty smile and give a blank nod of thanks. Sasuke is so nice. He deserves to much better than Lennox, who is now nothing more than a shell. A useless pot about to boil over and then explode into a million, tiny little metal shards. He gave a weak nod to the receptionist, shuffling like a ghost towards the dastardly hall in question.