Thinking.(Naruto)

Chapter Nineteen

   In the midst of all the chaos Chouji is the first to speak up. "Listen.... Naruto, you can always come to us, don't hesitate to! We're here for you no matter what you need." Naruto who was wedged between all of his friends smiled softly placing a hand to cover the cuts that were showing, ashamed that this had come out but, at the same time so glad that they cared enough to stay by him. "Thanks Chouji ." Naruto whispers. "Me too, Naruto. I know that sometimes I can be a bit of a jerk towards you, but I'm still your friend so please come to me." Neji soothes while slightly ruffling blonde tufts of hair. "I will, Im sorry I haven't for so long." Naruto turns over to look at Shikamaru who's deep in thought. "Shika? You okay?" A soft quiet laugh escapes  red pink lips and Shikamaru nods his head in resonance. "Look Naruto, I know this is a bit sudden, but I think you should talk to someone. Of course you could always talk to one of us, or all of us if you ever needed it, but I think Kakashi, or Iruka, someone you really trust as an adult needs to know." Naruto is taken aback for a moment.
     That's all it takes to send him into a panic attack. He's breathing unbelievably fast and his chest burns with lack of oxygen. The four around him are in instant panic themselves surrounding themselves around him while of course leaving a little bit of space. Naruto's eye sight is a blur, and tears are hot and pouring out. Tell Iruka? Tell Kakashi-sensei? He couldn't do that. He's pathetic, he couldn't tell them that, they'd be disappointed, disgusted, they'd know exactly how gross and pathetic he is. He couldn't disappoint them, after all they've done for him, he's so weak! Weak, weak, weak, weak— "Naruto!"
     The sound of Nejis voice calls him to he surface, he can't see them but he can hear them. "Are you listening to me Naruto? Nod if you can hear me." And a bod was indeed received. "Good, now I'm going to help you through this okay Naruto? I'm going to grab your hand, give it a squeeze if you feel it."  He did. "That's very good Naruto, I'm going to count to 20 and as I count you need to breathe in and out okay? Can you do that for me?" A tight but small squeeze was received on Nejis end and he smiles softly. "Good, I'm going to start counting now okay ?" Another squeeze. "1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10... 11... 12... 13... 14... 15... 16... 17... 18... 19... 20."  Naruto's breathing had steadied itself, Neji was relieved .
      "Okay Naruto, are you okay ? " Naruto shakily nods at them . "Yeah." Is all he can say. The rest of them let out a huff of air they've been holding. Shikamaru in particular places a hand on his head feeling as if he'd just done something horrible wrong to his friend. Naruto trembled slightly as he pushes upon the couch to stand. "Naruto, I think you need to sit down for a bit." "M'fine." But he's not, after a couple wobbly steps he near collapses if not for Sasuke who's arms catch the falling blonde before he hits the ground. "Air." He mumbles tiredly. "Shikamaru will you grab my coat from over there, he wants to get some air." He does as he's told, handing Sasuke the thick jacket as he backs out of their way. Sasuke gets the jacket around his shoulders and then walks him over to the backyard. "You guys wanna join?" He asks. The three remaining in the room shrug and follow after them. Appearing outside they must say that the remains of the Uchiha garden are beautiful."I'm sorry Naruto." Shikamaru whispers as he sits beside him. Naruto places his own hand on the other boys and smiles. "S'fine."
    They stay out there for a long time, till night fall actually and when it hits night Naruto can't help but lay back on the wood floor and stare up at the stars. He thinks he's found the energy to talk now but before he can say anything... his stomach does. The rumble of his stomach roars loud and the four turn to look at him all flustered . The smirk rises on Nejis face. "You hungry?" "Shut it." Shikamaru sighs and looks at his watch. "It's late... there's only a few places open. Naruto's face lights up. "Ichirakus?" He suggests. "What a drag."
      "Welcome in boys." Teuchi says with a smile. Naruto smiles wide at the old man. "Can I get one miso ramen with extra pork?" Teuchi laughs, "on the double Naruto!" After taking all of their orders he and Ayame begin to prepare them. "Say Naruto you dating this boy or something?" Teuchi says pointing to Sasuke. Naruto's face almost instantly catches fire. "W–What! What are you talking about old man!" "Well you're wearing his clothes..." Naruto looked down and you wouldn't think it was possible for his face to get any redder. "No I–I'm just borrowing some." Naruto of course had to walk out fully clothes in Sasukes, two sizes too big t-shirt, and his super baggy sweats with the Uchiha crest embroidered large in both of them. To say he was embarrassed was an understatement. Shikamaru smirked, "I guess that would explain it, you and Sasuke are awfully close together now a days," he whistled taking some chopsticks from the container in front of him and splitting them apart. Naruto squeaked and softly punched him in the arm. Sasuke himself was smirking, "I will say that Naruto looks damn good in my clothes." That was the final straw. Naruto's face could be mistaken for a light up billboard and the others barked with laughter. "Hey old man! Three more bowls please! Oh and Sasukes footing the bill!" Sasuke nearly spit out his food. The blonde smirked back at him, god life was great when it wanted to be.
     They ate, laughed, and really let go. They all hadn't been able to do this in so long, it felt so good. "Guys it's really late... are you going home?" Shikamaru gaped at his watch. 1:37! Already!? "Why don't you stay the night? All of you? It's really late I mean, but if you don't want to—" "Naruto, we'll stay." A grin spread on his face as they all raced each other back to the compound.
    Sometimes Naruto forgot how amazing his friends were, but that night he vowed to never forget it again. Maybe, just maybe everything would work out.

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Okay that's the end of another chapter peeeeeps. I literally take ages to update I'm sorry :(