Fading Scars

This was written as a one-on-one RP, so the point of view of the story will change, usually with every paragraph. Scenes will also change abruptly and large periods of time will pass with little notice, though I’ll try to give some warning at the beginning of the chapter.

***Warnings for some graphic material***

Thoughts in Italics


Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Forty-Seven:

Naruto continued to hide his face as he was moved. He could hear voices around them as they left the tower--questions, concerns, anger, all those things he had been trying so hard to escape for so long.... He turned against Iruka's shoulder. "Iruka...." I'm sorry....

"Hush, Naruto," Iruka said softly, keeping him close. They hopped quickly over the rooftops to Naruto's small apartment to keep too many people from noticing. "It's all right. No one was injured."

"No…they were." He coughed weakly. "Neji was, and Kakashi, and Shika--" His voice caught around a sudden sob. "I'm sorry," he whimpered again, feeling ill. "God, I...I didn't want to...."

"They're all fine," Iruka assured, holding Naruto a little closer. "Kakashi and Shikamaru are right here with us. They all fought very hard for you."

He landed on the balcony of Naruto's apartment and let himself in, heading toward the bedroom. "Just rest for now, Naruto. You don't have to worry about that now."

As he was set down, he finally looked up to Iruka's face. You won't hate me, right, Iruka? You never did.... "They'll make me leave," he whispered. "I can't beat it--they'll kick me out. They're gonna hate me all over again, Iruka--"

Iruka shook his head as he began to patiently tug Naruto's shirt off. "No, they're not," he assured. "We were all there, Naruto, watching over you. Everyone wanted to make sure you were all right. They know it's not your fault."

"Iruka...." But he'd always trusted his teacher, and his soft words did help to calm him somewhat. He was still shaking, though, and felt cold. "She'll still have to lock me up," he murmured after a few moments. "Like Gaara. And if I can't use it anymore...." What good will I be then? All my power....

"Shh," Iruka soothed. "No one's locking you up. Once you've gotten some rest we'll take another look at that seal Sasuke-kun put on you, and see if there isn't something we can do. All right?"

But...I'm still scared.... Naruto managed to nod, not wanting to worry Iruka anymore, however he felt; he couldn't risk it. "Okay, sensei," he murmured, tugging the blankets protectively up to his chin. "I'll just...stay here."

"Good." Iruka smiled, touching his hair fondly. "I'll be just in the next room. When you're up to it, I'll make you something to eat, all right?" He stood back. "Try to sleep."

Sleep seemed very unlikely, but he nodded again all the same, rolling onto his side so he could pull his blankets even higher. I don't want to be alone, but.... "I'm sorry, Iruka." I know...I let you all down.

"It's all right," Iruka said again. "It wasn't your fault." Knowing there wasn't anything else he could say he left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

Kakashi had picked a seat for himself at Naruto's dinner table, and glanced up as Iruka appeared. "How is he?"

Iruka sighed. "Physically he's probably fine, but...he's still upset, of course." He moved around behind Kakashi. "Now let me have a good look at the wound of yours already," he muttered, trying to peer through the man's thick hair.

"It's not that bad…."

Shikamaru slipped away from them, and though both noticed, neither said a word as he moved to Naruto's room. His heart was still pounding an aching rhythm, and it made his neck throb as he stepped inside and closed the door again. "Naruto...?"

Naruto flinched beneath the blankets--he hurt. He peeked out from beneath the thick layers of fabric like a frightened mouse, though he couldn't quite bring himself to meet the other's eyes. Seeing his clothes covered in blood…. "Your shoulder...."

Shikamaru forced a bitter smirk. "It's all right," he assured as he came slowly forward. "Lee took care of it for me. It…doesn't even hurt anymore." He swallowed hard, which made it hurt, but he managed not to wince as he sat down on the edge of Naruto's bed. "Speaking of Lee, he...kicked you pretty hard. Are you all right...?"

He looked away. "I deserved it," he murmured, the response muffled against his blankets. "I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have let him get to me. I should have been able to control it." His fingers trembled, voice lowering to a bare whisper. "I...should have said something...."

Shikamaru watched him, his chest tightening to see Naruto like this…. "I'm sorry, too," he said quietly. "I should have realized sooner, and…tried to help." He lowered his eyes shamefully. "Instead of running away. I'm sorry, Naruto."

Naruto shook his head, peeking out again. "You don't need to apologize. You...." Were scared of me. But thinking that hurt too much, and suddenly he didn't want to keep hiding. If he lost Shikamaru…. Shivering, he rolled onto his back to better see the other. "Do you hate me?" he asked in a breathless whisper.

Shikamaru started a bit at the sudden question, staring down at his friend. "Hate you...? No!" He turned to better see Naruto, leaning forward. "Of course not! I've never thought that! Why would I?"

He shrunk a little at the other's tone, but it somehow reassured him--Shikamaru never got that upset.... Naruto licked his lips. "Then...are you scared of me?"

Shikamaru's fists clenched around the blankets beneath them, a shudder going up his arms. "It's not…." His expression twisted painfully. "No," he said, his voice returning to its normal pitch. "It's not like that, Naruto. That's not why I...."

He doesn't hate me. Naruto let his blanket fall a little. He's not scared of me. Whatever else Shikamaru had to say didn't matter. He slid a hand out from beneath the blankets, fingers stretching up to touch the other boy's cheek. "Shikamaru...."

Shikamaru flinched, focusing his eyes on Naruto's face again. His stomach twisted. "I'm sorry, Naruto," he murmured. "I was scared...that if something happened, I wouldn't be able to help you." He turned his face slightly towards Naruto's hand. "I'm not strong like you are. All I can do is worry, and…that wasn't doing you any good. You were right not to tell me."

"Shikamaru." His fingers curled slightly. You don't understand--I wouldn't have made it this far without you. I couldn't have. Slowly, despite the bitter complaints of his bruised stomach, Naruto sat up. He was crying again, but that didn't stop him from wrapping his arms around Shikamaru's shoulders, face turning to hide against the other's neck.

Shikamaru grimaced this time at the pressure against his wound, but he quickly wrapped his arms around Naruto's waist, keeping him from pulling back. "Naruto…." He held him close, fighting against tears of his own.

I'm sorry, he said silently, knowing the other would only scold him for saying it aloud. "I missed you," he whispered instead, chest aching at the words. His fingers curled fitfully in Shikamaru's shirt. "I missed you...."

"Naruto...." Shikamaru sighed, closing his eyes as he turned his face against Naruto's hair. "Me, too. I won't do it again. All right? I'll stay with you."

He nodded, though after a while pulled back to wipe at his nose and eyes. "I'm tired now," he said, watching the other hopefully. "Will you stay? It's only Kakashi and Iruka, and they already know….”

Shikamaru managed to blush a little as he remembered. "Yeah...you're right. Okay." Being careful of his shoulder Shikamaru slipped out of his jacket and shoes, climbing into bed with him. "If you want me to…."

Though he still felt hesitant, Naruto easily made room for his lover next to him. I missed you.... He reached out, lightly touching Shikamaru's sleeve, shoulder, hair...whatever he could reach. Just reassuring himself. When the other finally seemed settled, he warily edged closer.

Shikamaru smiled guiltily as he welcomed Naruto against him. I shouldn't have avoided him. He touched Naurto's cheek, leaning in for a gentle, long-missed kiss.

Naruto felt his throat close a little. You missed me too, right? We never should have fought.... He returned the kiss with interest, murmuring a wordless apology between them as he leaned closer.

Shikamaru shivered, and when he pulled back his eyes felt moist again. He sighed. "Let's get some rest, Naruto," he murmured. "I'll be here."

Nodding, Naruto squirmed up against Shikamaru's side, cheek pressed to the other's shoulder. After a moment he slid his arm across Shikamaru's waist. "I can't stay like this," he said quietly. "I...." He took a deep breath. "I need...help...."

Shikamaru closed his eyes. "It'll be all right," he assured quietly. "We'll talk to Hokage-sama later. We'll figure something out, Naruto. It'll be fine."

Naruto's lips curled, just a little, as he nuzzled close. "Thanks," he whispered, grateful for the reassurance. "I'll rest now, Shikamaru."

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Naruto had been holding his breath, fists clenched tightly at his sides as he felt the seal being slowly put into place. Sasuke was near his head, Tsunade and Kakashi on either side of him, backing up the Hokage as she placed the seal. The room was quiet, as the only others there were Neji and Shikamaru, and only Tsunade needed to chant at all. It was a slow process, getting ready, and it made Naruto squirm anxiously to have everyone staring at his exposed stomach. When it finally happened, his skin burned, and he felt Sasuke's hands on his shoulders to help keep him still.

Sasuke tightened his fingers slightly. It's okay, Naruto. It's…working. He closed his eyes, trying to follow the flow of Tsunade's chakra. They had come up with this seal by combining his and Neji's knowledge with that of Konoha's existing techniques, and if all went well, it would allow Naruto to still call on the Nine Tails' chakra without risk of letting the beast free.

If it works…. He peeked quickly at Tsunade, whose eyes were narrowed in concentration as the seal began to appear on Naruto's skin. So far so good...

Naruto glanced up, finding himself strangely grateful that his former comrade was with him. He tried to keep breathing normally, fighting the urge to grab at his stomach as the burn grew worse. When he couldn't take it, he reached up to clutch hard at Sasuke's wrists, voice rising painfully. Still, he managed not to move away from Tsunade's hands. Please, just hurry!

Sasuke frowned but there wasn't anything more he could do. He just kept Naruto still a while longer, until he felt the seal began to slide into place, and….

Tsunade leaned back with a quiet gasp, a bit of sweat shining on her forehead. "That's it," she said quietly, drawing her hands away from the marks on Naruto's stomach. "It's finished."

Naruto gave a little groan as he went limp in relief, lifting his head to better see his marked skin. "So...that will let me use its chakra...without it breaking out?" he clarified. He let go of Sasuke to poke at the seal.

"That's right," Neji replied, stepping closer to look over the seal for himself. "You can think of it as a filter. It will keep the Nine Tail's from invading the rest of you, but you'll be able to draw on its power." He pulled out his canteen to offer to Tsunade.

Tsunade accepted gratefully, taking a long drink before offering it to Naruto. "That's a pretty heavy seal," she assured. As heavy as we'll ever get without…sacrificing something in return. "It should last a long time. But if you feel it slip even a little you tell us this time, you little idiot."

Shikamaru smiled faintly as he moved closer as well. "I'll keep an eye on him, Hokage-sama," he promised with a faint smile.

Naruto happily gulped the water down, sending Shikamaru a brief, grateful smile. "I will," he promised them all. He would have apologized, but he'd been doing so the last several days--it was enough, for now. "Thanks, Tsunade. I feel a lot better, now."

Neji moved to help Sasuke to his feet, watching the way Shikamaru was hovering almost protectively over the blond boy. I wonder if....

"Good. Konoha owes you a lot, after all." Tsunade stood, stretching her shoulders. "You should all get some rest after all this, but there's something I wanted you to know, first, about Hyuuga." She smiled thinly. "I've asked that Hinata be allowed to take over leadership of the clan by the end of the month."

"Really?!" Naruto grinned brightly. "That's great! We'll have to start planning for her wedding, you know. Does that mean that Gaara's gonna be head of Hyuuga, too?"

"He's not the heir," Neji replied, unable to hold in his own smile. "But he'll still be considered part of their family. I can't imagine Hyuuga was all that pleased." Especially when I teach Hinata the jutsu for removing the curse seals.

Tsunade snorted. "He had better be pleased that I didn't have him executed. Did you think I'd let him get away with what he said to me? That was nearly treason, you know."

Kakashi stood as well. "At least," he said thoughtfully, "some good came out of this. Right, Naruto?"

"Right." He licked his lips a moment before adding a quick, embarrassed "thank you" to the group. Naruto quickly jumped to his feet afterwards. "I'm hungry!" he announced loudly. "Who wants ramen? I'm getting ramen. Or better yet, we should have a picnic."

"Picnic?" Neji asked doubtfully.

"Yes, right here," Naruto decided. "You won't mind, will you, Tsunade? We'll go get lots of food. We can get Lee and Gaara and everyone, too, since Gaara's allowed out now."

Tsunade sighed, but she couldn't say no. "All right," she agreed. "We'll have...a picnic."

Shikamaru smirked, trying to look embarrassed as he gave Naruto's arm a nudge. "I'll come with you. Just to make sure it's not all ramen."

"Okay! Sasuke, go get Koshaku-san, okay? And Kakashi can get the other adults." Naruto caught Shikamaru by the wrist, pulling him out the door. "We'll be back soon, with lots of food!"

"That's Koshaku-sama to you!" Sasuke called after him, though he was smiling. He looked to Neji. "Ready?"

Neji sighed, but he was grinning as well. Already the rest of the group was preparing for Naruto's promised feast, and he shrugged. "Yeah. But we better bring extras."

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This is the last chapter of "Fading Scars," though there is still an epilogue and a few author's notes. Thanks everyone for reading!