Naruto's Secret

Chapter 7

     Hey guys I know it's been a long time. It's been 4 years since I've posted chapter 6 and 3 years since I've posted the 'update'. I know it's been a long time and my writing style has changed but I'll try to keep it in tuned with the others so it wont sound to weird. I didnt want to just push chapters out I wanted to put feeling in it, I've gained my passion again and I do plan on finishing this fanfiction.

If the chapters sound rushed please let me know. I dont want it going 0-100 real fast lol
                    

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                      ~Authors POV~

    "What" defeated yet defensive was
the sound of his statement. He was tired of fighting; arguing. They already knew, so what was the point? Was it because he was afraid? Afraid of what they thought? No matter how hard he tried, he couldnt help but care.

    They were-are his friends, yeah, they aren't perfect. But, they've always been there for him. Even Sakura. They had their moments...rarely, but still. He knows her constant banter is meant to be friendly, but it's so convincing most of the time; he can hardly tell.

    He knows she can't control it, it's a bad habit. Constantly being bullied as kids didn't help either. She felt a sense of worthlessness torwards herself. That itself she hid very well, not that anyone was looking. They were too concerned with themselves and their own lives.

    Becoming a ninja gave her a chance to be something. But constantly being told by everyone she knew and cared for, that she was weak gave her a craving for control. And he gave that. Willingly at first but now that she was strong and capable, she didnt need it- him anymore. Maybe if they had time alone together they would be able to have a civil conversation without her being hindered on what others thought of her talking to him.

    The hand on my shoulder dispersed me of my thoughts. "Hm", was my only response. "Let's talk.", a sigh was all that escaped my mouth.

"You dont have to say anything, just listen."

"I'm tired, Sasuke." You could hear the desperation in his voice.

A grunt was let out as he was picked up.

"Why this position?"

"This seemed like the most comfortable for you and any other position would require me to ask for permission and aid on your side." Sasuke responded as he held the blonde bridal style.

"Put me down." He sounded more exasperatedly than intended.

"No."

"I'd rather be on your back"

    After a contemplating pause a 'fine' was his response. Sasuke set Naruto down and they both positioned themselves for Naruto to be carried.

"Where are you bringing me?"

"Home." He said unnecessarily determined.

"We're going to your house? Why? We were already in my apartment! Why are you so extra?" Naruto's exhaustment overthrew his joking demeanor but Sasuke knew it was meant to be a joke.

"I was-"

"I know" Sasuke reassured him.

     Sasuke continued walking along the streets of Konaha with Naruto on his back now. All that could be heard was the mutual silence and the gravel being continuously stepped on. The sound soon lulled Naruto to sleep. Sasuke knew they would've been there sooner, WAY sooner if he had ran but brush away the thought, knowing Naruto needed the rest.

    They would discuss things in the morning. Naruto has been through alot today. All because of them. It was then that Sasuke began to recall the events after Naruto ran off.

    Everyone looked conflicted on what to do. Should they go after him? Should they wait till he was ready? They knew what the right thing to do was, but, the overwhelming feeling of guilt and concern was enough to question.

"Just leave him." Sasuke remembered speaking out. "He needs time."

"But you and I both know where he's going!" Sakura had tried to hide the fear and panic on her face which contorted to frustration.

"He needs time." Sasuke repeated.

    Sasuke assumed the feeling of helplessness caused Sakura to feel stressed. This was his conclusion as he saw her put a tight grip on her hair and began to slightly tug it. Ino went up to Sakura and pried Sakuras hands away from hurting herself.

"Its okay, I'm sure Sasuke is the right person to handle it" Ino said whilst taking both of Sakuras hands into her own.

   Everyone could sense Narutos and Sasukes bond went beyond their insults and constant banter by competition. No one was sure if it was a romance or brotherly bond but that was neither the point.

    "He really trusts you, huh?" Tsunade looked understandably heartbroken. Naruto is like a son to her. She realized this after realizing comparing him to her deceased brother would be considered a sign of  disrespect torwards him. Naruto was his own person and she'd be happy to have a son like him. But the fact naruto wasn't confident in telling her his situation showed she had work to do.

"I'll leave it to you, Sasuke." Tsunade said looking straight into Sasuke's eyes with her head held high.

"Everyone go home and rest, we'll apologize to Naruto. I'll give everyone the details once we're up and running again. Go, shoo." She waved everyone off, dismissing them.

The only ones left were her and Sasuke. "I'm counting on you." She said once before she leaving Sasuke in the now abandoned hospital room alone.

    When Sasuke came to, he was already walking up to his house. Not surprised, he continued to unlock the door and headed inside. He has guessed by now that it would be best to actually let Naruto sleep. Knowing he himself wouldn't be sleeping he decided to choose his room as the first thing Naruto sees when he wakes up.

    He had enough personalized items for anyone to decipher that an Uchiha slept there. And that's what Naruto needed right now. A sense of familiarity. Well, a new sense or familiarity.

    Sasuke headed down the hall leading to his bedroom. This would be Narutos new sense of familiarity. A good one, nothing to remind him of his past. Nothing to remind them of both their pasts.

    They could help each other and that's what Sasuke planned on doing. He would help Naruto. And the first step was bringing Naruto's things to his new home. Whether Naruto liked it or not, a new start is what both of them needed.