Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Lost and Found ❯ Heal ( Chapter 2 )

Thank you so much for reading the story. 2nd chapter is up, I hope it will not be a disappointment and do forgive me for any mistakes.

 

 

Pairing : NejiNaru

 

 

(())

 

 

The almighty sun blazed high above in the fair azure sky, bestowing gifts of warmth and light to all who bowed before it. Vapours trembled with excitement and their liquid counterpart bubbled eagerly to join in the fun. Around them, human expressed their gratitude with vibrant life and dazzling spirits. However, not all appreciate the gifts as much as the others. Some even shunned them, fearing the warmth would scorch them and the light would blind them.

 

 

Burning ray engulfed one of such people, the recumbent form laid under the thick blanket in his bed, devoid of life and spirit. His usually glorious golden locks, which made him once an embodiment of the sun, were now dull sticky clumps and the brilliant cerulean eyes which reminded people so much of the clear sky were now coated a dark hue. The gentle glow of the sun was too scalding for his now raw and tender skin and the zealous air particles were suffocating him, rendering him hard to breathe.

 

 

Desperately, Naruto sat up and shrank away from the sunbeam. He immediately cradled his head when it protested from the sudden action and resisted a whimper when pain coursed through his body. However none of those aching was comparable to the torture his heart was enduring. He had woken up feeling disorientated before everything from the day before crashed down on him.

 

 

`Sasuke had broken up with him'

`His love had chosen Sakura-chan because she can bear babies while he can't.'

`Lee got hurt because of this and tried to commit suicide.'

`It is his entire fault that thing turns out the way it is.'

`He must really be a demon that brings misfortune to everyone.'

 

 

Naruto gave a bitter smile; he felt like breaking down and crying again or even grabbed a kunai and ending his miserable existent for the benefit of mankind. But something at the back of his mind reminded him that he wasn't alone when he fell asleep. Slowly he lifted his head and turned toward the dusty corner beside his bed.

 

 

Lying back on the brown stained wall comfortably, Hyuuga Neji appeared to be in meditation or napping while sitting upright. With his heavy lashes dusting flawless cheeks, soft pale lips parting slightly and prided braid falling messily over to the front of his left shoulder, Neji looked so young and vulnerable, a sharp contrast to the strong, silent sempai Naruto knew.

 

 

`Sleep… I'll be here beside you.'

 

 

In truth, Naruto didn't expect the Hyuuga would really stay beside him while he slept. Or rather, he couldn't even imagine Neji saying those things to him. The fact that he did and followed through his promise invoked a warm fuzzy feeling at the pit of his stomach. Unconsciously, Naruto's gaze had softened and he had started crawling towards the other boy. Unfortunately, half way across the bed, his eyes accidentally came to rest at the bedside table next to Neji. It was the table where Sasuke's Jigsaw puzzle lay scattered from the night before.

 

 

The warm fuzzy feeling instantly transformed into a cold, cruel monster which froze his blood and twisted his face into a mask of pure fear and agony. Naruto cringed and immediately shuffled back to the other corner of the bed.

 

 

Neji's eyes fluttered open at the pitiful whimpers and widened when he saw Naruto curled up like a wounded creature, trembling at edge of the bed. Within seconds, he leaped onto the bed and rushed to the blond's side. However, just when he tried to comfort Naruto, he found himself being pushed away hard. By the time he regained his bearing, the blond had already scampered away from him, and with hands clutching tightly onto his blanket, he stared at him with wide fearful eyes.

 

 

“Na… Uzumaki…”

 

 

“Stay away from me.”

 

 

Naruto felt himself burnt and suffocated when Neji was near him. He was like the sun, and Naruto was too vulnerable now to accept the gifts of warm and light. He didn't deserve it anyway; a demon like him had no right to be blessed with such gifts. Sasuke had already given him a very painful lesson about it.

 

 

“What's wrong? Why are you acting like that?” The slight panicky edge betrayed the desperation under Neji's cool mask.

 

 

“It's none of your business. Just get out of here,” Naruto screamed, he was getting close to hysteria.

 

 

“Not until you tell me what's wrong with you?” Neji replied sternly.

 

 

Naruto whimpered and looked away from Neji's eyes, casting his head low, he whispered, “Your eyes…” pulling more blanket over himself like a protection cover, he continued, “When you talk to me, your eyes are the same as Sasuke's…. The same eyes he had whenever he told me he loves me.”

 

 

Scooting ever further away and pulling more blanket towards himself, Naruto let out a desperate squeak, “Don't love me… Please don't fall in love with me..”

 

 

Neji felt his heart break when he looked at the broken Naruto, but it pained him even more to know that his presence was adding to the agony the blond felt. There were only so few times in his life that he felt lost and confused, and now was one of those times. He didn't know what to do. He longed to hold Naruto in his arm and comfort him but that would only hurt the boy even more.

 

 

Taking a deep breath, he uttered what he thought to be the best, “I only love you as a… friend. Nothing more, nothing less. It is you who saved me from the darkness that nearly consume me. I cannot possibly leave you now when you are in trouble. Please Uzumaki.. let me help you.”

 

 

Naruto had looked up while Neji spoke, he couldn't help but stared into the pair of earnest pearly eyes and bathed in the sincerity behind them. Unknowingly, his grip on the blanket loosened and his eyes no longer displayed pain and fear. Naruto relaxed his tensed body and crawled towards Neji again.

 

 

It was all Neji could do to keep still when Naruto started crawling towards him. He wanted to smile or even breathe a huge sigh of relief seeing the blond relaxed in his presence. And when Naruto settled himself comfortably in front of him, it took all of his will power not to pull the blond into his embrace.

 

 

“I..,” Naruto looked away from Neji, embarrassed with what he had to say, “I am sorry for yelling at you and… saying that you like me.” His cheeks dusted pink at how absurd the accusation seemed, “I don't mean to call you a gay. Honestly, I don't know what's wrong with me. I…”

 

 

“It's okay.”

 

 

Neji tried reaching out to the blond but stopped when Naruto cringed and stared warily at him. Barely suppressing a sigh, he took two steps back and decided to distract the blond before he grew cautious of him again. Resisting another sigh, he tried coolly, “Let's forget about everything for now. Why not I get you some food? You haven't eaten anything the whole day.” Putting an act as if he was contemplating with what food to get for Naruto, he finally `decided', “How about I get you some ramen?”

 

 

Naruto's eyes widened slightly at Neji's choice of food before he graced the boy with a weak smile. Though the smile paled significantly compared to his usual dazzling grin, it was a smile nonetheless and Neji felt his heart warmed at the beautiful sight.

 

 

“Ramen is my favourite food and I will normally give anything for a bowl or two of it but…” Pale golden lashes drooped low and sadness clouded the cerulean orbs, “I really need sometime to think things through. Besides, I don't think I feel like eating anything right now.”

 

 

“Uzumaki..”

 

 

“Please… I just need a walk and a little time for some self-pondering. It's something I always do whenever I feel upset.”

 

 

Sensing the silent plea in those blue eyes, Neji relented, “Fine, but try not to think too much into it and do eat something later.”

 

 

“I will…” Naruto graced Neji with another heart-fluttering smile before whispering shyly, “…and thanks for being here for me. I really appreciate it.”

 

 

Surprise overtook Neji for a second, before he returned with a warm smile, “You're welcome.”

 

 

Staring at his sempai's smiling face, Naruto felt a very comfortable feeling washed over his body and soul. It was so powerful that it rivaled the healing gift Kyubi had blessed him. Somehow the light and warm of the sun no longer pained him as much anymore. It still hurt his eyes and singed his skin a little but Naruto felt that maybe… he could learn to love it again.

 

 

(())

 

 

The sun had grown weary as the day dragged on and had decided to relax in the gentle breeze. Sunbeams slackened their intensity and light grew soft on the heated land. The breeze had come out to play, preparing the land for the time when the moon and stars take their shift.

 

 

Naruto had found himself back at the meadow where his first love had begun and ended. However instead of immense pain, he felt an unexpected calm. Maybe somewhere deep within his heart, he still ached for the loss, but being at the meadow again made the whole thing with Sasuke seemed like a faraway past. Granted that they had only broken up the day before, but the meadow seemed to whispered so many tales, that their break-up looked as if it was only one of many old tales.

 

 

Standing composedly in the middle of the grassy land, he was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't sense the approach of a dark haired boy.

 

 

“Don't think too much. It doesn't suit you,” drawled the lazy voice.

 

 

Naruto whipped his head around and came face to face with the grouchy face of Nara Shikamaru, he exclaimed, “What are you doing here?”

 

 

Shikamaru turned away and lay down a few feet away from him before giving a shrug, “This is one of my favourite clouds gazing spot.”

 

 

“Oh…” Naruto nodded then gave the boy a pout, “But I came here first and I wanted to be alone. Go somewhere else.”

 

 

Without facing Naruto, Shikamaru muttered softly, “Then the more I shouldn't leave you alone. When someone is upset and wanted solitude, the more they should have some companies… to show them that there are people around them who care.”

 

 

Naruto's eyes widened and stared at the kage jutsu user, something inside of him tingled at those words, lowering head he whispered, “Thanks… So I guessed you know about what happened between Sasuke and I.”

 

 

“Ah… Lee and Sakura too. Konoha isn't a very big place you know.”

 

 

Cerulean eyes clouded again and his voice trembled, “Mmm… I am so sorry about Thick-brow. If only me and Sasuke…”

 

 

“If you are going to say it is your fault… It is not.”

 

 

“But…”

 

 

Shikamaru sat up and finally turned to face Naruto, he stared him in the eyes and said seriously, “Listen. Whatever happened is not your fault, stop blaming yourself.”

 

 

Then he lay back down and turned away from the blond, “Gee… Just get that into your head. You are so troublesome.”

 

 

Naruto stared wide-eyes at his friend again before breaking into a light grin. Gingerly, he strolled to Shikamaru and whispered sincerely, “Thanks.” He pouted when no reply came from the lazy boy, and then broke into a wide grin when something lit up in his head. Carefully, the troublemaker crouched down towards his prey and began poking his ribs. “Oi Shikamaru… I never know you are such a great friend,” he cooed. His grin threatened to split his face as he teased harder, “Have you been worried about me? Did you come out here especially to comfort me?.. ne… ne…”

 

 

“Go away…” The Nara boy growled through his teeth, desperately keeping in the laughter and a blush. His hands came up to smack away tanned hands, then wrapped them protectively around his ribs.

 

 

Naruto faked a pout and crossed his arms in front of his chest, “But I thought you said I shouldn't be left alone.”

 

 

Shikamaru scooted quickly away from his sadistic tormentor and gritted out, “I said UPSET people who wanted SOLITUDE shouldn't be left alone… Not manic baka like you.”

 

 

With this Naruto laughed, a clear melodious sound rang through the air. The breeze grasped tightly onto it and carried it as far as possible, wanting to share this beautiful music with everyone. And the gentle meadow eagerly soaked up the euphonious tune, hoping to wash away the tears shred the day before. Glowing low, not too high up from the meadow, the age-old sun dyed the entire place a brilliant vermilion, as if to celebrate their sun-kiss boy laughing once again.

 

 

(())

 

 

The sun was sleepy and had retired halfway down the horizon; its orange ray would soon disappear and that would be the time when the moon and stars shine. Already impatient, the moon took a peek, showing its luminous face. It muttered a silent pray, hoping that the orange orb would quickly fall into slumber.

 

 

Naruto stood in front of a brown oak door, hesitantly raised his hand before pulling back for the third time. He sighed and wanted nothing more to bang his head on the door.

 

 

After spending some more time teasing the Nara boy and eventually got chased away, he decided he should pay Lee a visit. Though Shikamaru had stated that it wasn't his fault, he still felt guilty about what happened and was worried about his sempai. However once he reached his destination, he began to get cold feet.

 

 

Naruto felt his heart beating faster and palm getting sweaty as he raised his hand to try again. He shut his eyes tightly and clenched his fist, taking a deep breathe, he knocked and unexpectedly, came into contact with warm solid muscle. Surprised, he snapped open his eyes and meet Lee, who was dressed in a light green pajama. After his initiate shock, Naruto frowned when his eyes came to rest at the bandages around Lee's head and arms.

 

 

“Ah… Naruto-kun, I was still thinking when you are going to knock,” said Lee in an amused tone.

 

 

“Mmmm…”The blond lowered his head, afraid to meet the eyes of the other boy.

 

 

“Well… Don't just stand there. Come on in,” Lee beckoned, either not noticing Naruto's discomfort or had chosen to ignore it.

 

 

Timidly, Naruto followed Lee into his apartment and seated himself on the dark green sofa, still unwilling to raise his eyes off the ground. He clenched his fist tightly as he felt the familiar sense of guilt eating away within him. More than once had he felt remorse when he was upset, and started to believe that he really was a demon who would bring misfortune to people around him. Though most of the time, these dark thoughts would be buried deep within him, at times like this, they would rose and torment him with vengeance.

 

 

Lee returned with two cups of tea and gently placed them on the coffee-table. Then he frowned when he noticed his guest's growing discomfort. Sitting himself comfortably on the worn armchair next to the sofa, he asked gently, “Naruto-kun, what's wrong?”

 

 

Naruto unconsciously cringed at the concerned voice; he didn't think he deserved the kindness. Timidly he mumbled, “I'm sorry.”

 

 

Lee did a double-take, unsure whether he had heard the soft voice right, “What do you mean?”

 

 

Pining sorrowful blue eyes on his sempai, Naruto rambled, “I'm sorry. If it is not because I can't bear children for Sasuke, he wouldn't have asked Sakura-chan out. Then… she wouldn't have broken up with you and you wouldn't have tried committing suicide. I… “

 

 

“Hush… hush…” Lee stood up and moved to cradle the hysteria boy in his arm, “It's not your fault at all. Where do you get the idea that it is your fault? Things just happen and there is nothing you or I can do.” Gently he pulled away from the boy who had tensed up in his embrace and began stroking those golden locks. Looking into confused cerulean eyes, he whispered, “I tried killing myself because I was foolish. Not because of you.”

 

 

“But…”

 

 

Lee cut Naruto off by shaking his head and pulling the boy into his embrace once again, “I was devastated when Sakura-chan broke up with me. Especially so, after she told me how useless I am and how I can never be good enough for her. It hurts to know that there is nothing I could say to rebuke her. Everything she said is true…” Heaving a sigh, Lee continued, “It's true that I can never be as good as Sasuke. Whatever techniques I spend years learning, he can just copy it straight away with Sharigan. He even rivals me in speed, one of those few things that I am proud of. Besides, how can a ninja like me, who cannot even perform basic nin-jutsu and gen-jutsu compete with an Uchiha.”

 

 

Naruto finally relaxed in Lee's arm, listening attentively to what Lee have to say. He could fully empathize with his sempai, knowing full well how frustrating the Sharigan could be. Other than that, the feeling of discouragement and helplessness, when placed in front of people that seemed unattainable, was all too familiar to the boy. Besides, he knew Sakura-chan could be very harsh with words, Ino and he understood that very well. Naruto soon felt his heart going out to his sempai.

 

 

Lee continued hugging Naruto and began stroking his golden locks while he recounted what happened, “After Sakura-chan broke up with me, I feel like the most useless person in the world. I ran like a lunatic to the training ground and started pushing myself to exhaustion. Every time I failed to meet my targets for trainings, I became even more depressed. Eventually, I started believing that I really must be useless. That was why I was foolish enough to try suicide.”

 

 

Lee paused and gave a sigh, before continuing with a smile, “I am so grateful that Gai-sensei stopped me from performing my idiotic act, though I may deserve a thousand deaths for making my beloved sensei cry again.” Lee paused in stroking Naruto's hair and spoke out serious, “Naruto… now I'm going to tell you something very important. It is a very valuable lesson Gai-sensei had taught me in this incident in his Cool-guy pose. You must listen carefully, okay.” Sensing a nod, Lee said solemnly, “Your value is not determined by what others have to say but what you think yourself. Even if many people think lowly of you, there will always be someone out there that believes in your strength.”

 

 

Naruto couldn't help but smile and nodded his head. If only Lee knew how much Naruto had gripped onto this statement during his lonely and painful childhood, hoping one day to become Hokage to find those people that would acknowledged him and understand his value.

 

 

The glow of the sun had long disappeared and the moon and stars had adorned the sky for some time. However even with the absent of the heaven lamp, Lee's apartment remained fuzzy and warm. The air particles floated dreamily around the hugging duo, as if afraid that moving too fast would break the brotherly spell cast upon the two.

 

 

Unfortunately, the serenity was broken by a strong female voice and the slamming open of a door.

 

 

“Lee, we brought dinner… oh…”

 

 

Lee and Naruto immediately whipped their heads towards the door, conveniently forgetting that they were still wrapped in an embrace. Standing at the doorway were an amused TenTen and a rather irritated Neji.

 

 

“Lee, why are you hugging Na.. Uzumaki?” The Hyuuga asked coolly. However if one was to know Hyuuga Neji for some time, you would detect a hidden anger or even… something more extreme.

 

 

Since Lee had been his comrade for a good 4 years, he immediately sensed the danger he could be in and released the blond. Nervously, he laughed, “Nothing at all. Just telling Naruto-kun about my foolish attempt in suicide.”

 

 

“Is that so… ' Neji replied icily, a chilling wind suddenly intruded Lee's apartment causing all its occupants, except for a certain Hyuuga, to shiver.

 

 

Just when Neji wanted to continue his attempt at turning his comrade's apartment into a fridge, he was interrupted by a loud growl. Immediately, he turned his attention to the flush blond and frowned, “You haven't eaten anything since I left you, haven't you?” At Naruto's embarrassed silent, he berated sternly, “Didn't you promise me you will eat…” Resisting giving a sigh, he said, “Come, I'll get you some food.”

 

 

“Actually, Naruto-kun can join us for dinner. I am sure we bought enough food to spare,” suggested TenTen.

 

 

“Yea… Join us for dinner. I'm sure Neji will be very happy to have you around,” Lee exclaimed. “He was so concerned about you. You should have seen him this morning. He nearly broke down my door when he dashed out to see if you are okay after learning about your break-up…”

 

 

Neji whipped towards Lee, Byakugan activated, looking as if he wanted to murder someone. TenTen tried desperately to shut Lee up before her two comrades decided to kill each other.

 

 

The air particles froze and warmed, changing temperature as appropriate through the night in Lee's apartment. Out in the night, the moon and stars amused themselves with the play humans put up for them. They dazzled and sparkled just like the smile a certain blond had on his face.

 

 

(())

 

 

Hope the chapter isn't too bad and sorry if there isn't too much action in this chapter. I have mainly used this chapter to show how both Naruto and Lee deal with their break-ups and eventually getting out of depression. Shikamaru is introduced to make Naruto realize that there are a lot of people that care about him and his world does not just revolve round team seven and Iruka-sensei. Thank you again for reading the chapter. Reviews will be greatly appreciated.