Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ To Regain What Was Lost ❯ chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: littleolmee 
Naruto's evening with Lee, his new host, isn't the best of evenings. Naruto still has a temper it seems. Warning: talk concerning adult situations.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure / Action / Shounen | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 10.06.2006 | Updated On: 10.06.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.0K | Visits: 985 | Status: Completed
Naruto's evening with Lee, his new host, isn't the best of evenings. Naruto still has a temper it seems. Warning: talk concerning adult situations.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure / Action / Shounen | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 10.06.2006 | Updated On: 10.06.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.0K | Visits: 985 | Status: Completed
Ch 6: betaed
Blanket disclaimer: I do not claim any rights to Naruto or any characters associated with the anime/manga. They are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.
A/N WARNING: This story contains adult situations, slash pairing (Sas/Nar) & (Kak/Iru), talk of character death, and bad language. Story contains altered events from story line after vol. 32, in the manga. Some spoiler information contained as some characters used are not introduced until later chapters. Japanese words will be translated at the bottom of the page. If you are bothered by slash pairing, not interested in reader spoilers, or not of age to be reading such material then please push the back button now. Please consider leaving a review or comment about the story. Reviews and comments are welcome but no flaming please, anything not to your liking expressed in this warning is your clue to push the back button now.
Author note: Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. Both my beta and I have been very busy with the demands of life in general. Don't you just hate it when life get's in your way of what you want to do? Thanks to everyone who reviewed to chapter 5.
My deepest thanks to Jaded Lady for her work as beta on this story. I appreciate all your hard work.
'thinking'
"talking"
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Leading his friend away from the Hokage Tower Lee's mind was full of questions and his heart felt heavy for his younger companion. They had just learned another tidbit about Naruto's time with Uchiha, it seemed not only did the missing-nin erase Naruto's memories; stealing away part of who he was, but Sasuke had also been using Naruto to fulfill his physical needs with as well.
Lee's mind went to the things he knew from his classes with Ibiki-san and the theory they had been forming. Lee had been given the job of helping Ibiki-san with Naruto's case. Since Naruto returned to the village the Godaime had everyone filling out reports on how Naruto acted after they spent time with the boy. From those reports Ibiki was to try and figure out how badly Naruto-kun had been brainwashed by Sasuke. Tsunade-sama had not been willing to allow Ibiki to interview Naruto, she worried talking to the scarred Captain of the Torture and Interrogation Unit would be traumatizing to Naruto.
The Godaime chose Lee to assist Ibiki since the Taijutsu user had been taking the man's classes for awhile now. Lee had been studying to become a victim’s interrogator. It was painfully obvious Lee would never be able to torture anyone but he had proved himself to be a decent interrogator. Lee had decided to focus his nature of wanting justice for victims into a job, there wasn't many who only worked helping victims and witnesses make sure the right people were punished.
Because of his background, along with the fact he was Naruto's friend Tsunade-sama assigned him to help Ibiki-san with Naruto's case. Ibiki had been playing around with the idea that Naruto had developed one of those hostage/kidnapper relationships where the hostage comes to believe their kidnapper is saving them so they follow the person and do their bidding. It was not something experienced ninjas suffered from, young Genin’s and civilians were the usual targets but with the addition of the memory loss jutsu the theory had its points. Lee hadn't agreed with Ibiki at first, Naruto had been a very strong ninja and wasn't a weak child but with this new information Lee was leaning more towards agreeing with Ibiki's idea.
"Come on in Naruto-kun, welcome to my apartment." Lee said as he opened his apartment door holding it open for his guest. "Thanks Lee . . . where should I put my bag?" Naruto asked holding his backpack out toward him. Rubbing his chin Lee considered where Naruto should keep his things.
While Lee thought about where Naruto should keep his things Naruto got a better look at Lee's home. It seemed a nice enough place, sort of reminded him of the apartment he use to have when he lived in Konoha alone. Lee didn't seem to have many household furnishings, mostly just training equipment. On some of the walls were posters telling the reader to try their best and work hard even some notes Lee had handwritten were tacked up. The place was clean and even if he wasn't with Iruka and Kakashi, Naruto thought this arrangement would probably work out all right. He was brought out of his thoughts by Lee's determined voice.
"That is how it should be." Turning back to his green spandex-wearing host Naruto tilted his head to the side. "How what should be?" Giving Naruto the thumbs up sign Lee pointed with his other hand to one of the interior doorways. "That is my bedroom but being you are my guest it is only right you take it while you stay. I will take the couch." Blinking Naruto stood dumbfounded for a moment just watching Lee pose and his teeth sparkle.
Sighing Naruto turned towards the door he was instructed to. 'He's as silly as ever.' He thought as he peeked into the room, thankfully like the rest of the house this room was plain also. Naruto had half feared he'd find a shrine built in Maito Gai's honor or something located in the house but so far the coast was clear. It seemed only the tenant was unusual. Dropping his bag inside the room Naruto turned back to his host and smiled.
"Thanks a lot Lee, we can take turns on the couch." Finally Lee dropped his pose in favor of going to the kitchen to start dinner. "No, I insist that you take the bed Naruto-kun. You are after all my guest and it's only right you sleep in the bed. It's only for a week anyway." Taking a seat at Lee's small table Naruto nodded. "I really appreciate you taking me in. I didn't mean to make trouble for Iruka-sensei and Kakashi-sensei." Having set some rice to cook Lee looked back over his shoulder and shook his head. "Don't worry Naruto no one thinks you did anything on purpose." Lee assured him as he walked to the fridge and took out some vegetable and meat out to cook up. "Just like I know Iruka and Kakashi didn't do anything to upset you on purpose."
Waving his hands in front of him Naruto said. "Oh, I wasn't upset. It just shocked me when I walk in on them. I didn't know what to think." Chuckling nervously Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Finding Kakashi on top of Iruka and him putting himself inside Iruka's body like that and those sound Iruka was making." Shaking his head Naruto tried to rid himself of the mental image he was sure was going to be haunting him for sometime. "You could say I had a front row seat. I never heard of such a thing. Of course I assumed Kakashi was hurting Iruka." Biting his lower lip Naruto looked away from Lee. "It's not anything Sasuke and I had ever done before so I had no idea."
Having began stir-frying the vegetables and meat Lee concentrated on what he was doing. "My master, Gai-sensei, says Iruka and Kakashi are wrapped up in the wonders of youth and love. Love no matter who you find it with is a fantastic thing." Naruto nodded his head in agreement even though Lee couldn't see him since the older boy was staring at his wok. Having finished Lee dumped out his stir-fry onto a platter and sat in the middle of the table, turning back to the rice he spooned out two servings and sat them on the table as well. Silently he got them both drinks and sat down opposite of his guest with a quiet "Itadakimasu" they both started eating.
Naruto could tell from the look on his face that Lee's mind was hard at work puzzling over something. Every so often Naruto would cast a glance over to his new host trying to figure out what was going on in the older boy's mind. When Lee cleared his throat Naruto knew whatever it was on the Taijutsu user's mind was finally too much for him to bear. "Naruto-kun, can I . . . can I . . . ask you a question? It’s of a personal nature, if you don't want to answer it I'll understand." Lee asked still looking at the food on his plate. Even Naruto could identify the tension coming off of his friend. Smiling to ease his friend's mind Naruto nodded. "Sure Lee you can ask me anything." He assured the stressed young man sitting across from him.
Lee had chanced a glance at Naruto by this time and gave the blonde a small smile back. "You said that Sasuke had touched you but the two of you hadn't done what Iruka and Kakashi were doing." Taking a bite of his food Naruto made an agreeing sound. "Was that something you wanted to happen or was it Sasuke who wanted it to happen?" Picking up his glass Naruto gave Lee a confused look. "What do you mean?" He asked taking a drink. Quietly Lee explained. "I mean, did he force himself on you?"
Spitting out what he had been drinking Naruto slammed his drink down on the table. "Lee! How could you even think such a thing about Sasuke?" Wiping his chin off with the back of his hand Naruto pushed back his chair and stood. "Why does everyone think Sasuke was out to hurt me?" Naruto demanded waving his arms in frustration.
"Ugh . . . . " Lee drew back, surprised at Naruto's outburst. "Naruto, try to understand. Sasuke abducted you. Surely you can see . . . ." Not allowing Lee to finish his sentence Naruto slammed his hands on the table again. Standing with his palms pressed against the table top Naruto silently bowed his head, his whole body was trembling slightly.
Sparing a glance at his abused table Lee hoped it would make it through their discussion. Gai-sensei had given him the table when he first moved in and he rather liked it. Lee shivered; he could feel waves of Naruto's chakra rolling off of him. Lee could remember times he felt that chakra when they had been fighting the war against the Hidden Sound Village but before Naruto had always been directing that chakra at their enemies, it had never been directed at him before. Watching his friend closely Lee thought for a moment that Naruto's chakra almost seemed to have a physical form of its own. He quickly shook his head to clear his mind of the thought when he noticed Naruto raising his face to look at him.
"I am not a child." Naruto growled as he bared his teeth at him. The act reminded Lee of an animal growling and baring its teeth, especially since Naruto's incisors were abnormally long. 'Had they always been that long?' Lee found himself wondering. "I understand that when Sasuke took me with him he was doing something wrong. If Sasuke was being bad or if he thought he was protecting me nobody here knows." Naruto stressed leaning toward Lee.
Pushing out of his own chair Lee found himself on his feet smacking his table in frustration. "Your teammate Sai reported that Sasuke attacked for no reason." Lee said, raising his voice over his guests. "Aah! Sai . . . Sai." Naruto yelled grabbing his hair and pulling it. "I don't even remember anyone named Sai damn it." Releasing his hair Naruto closed his eyes as he beat his fists against Lee's table gritting his teeth. "Tsunade-baba said that Sai person died." Opening his eyes Naruto explained. "All I know for sure Lee is what everyone has told me. There were only three people in those woods that knows what happened. Me, Sai, and Sasuke. Sai is dead, I don't have any memories of what happened, and Sasuke says he was protecting me."
"But Naruto how can you still believe what Sasuke has said to you? He abducted you from your mission. No matter what his reason, he lied. He told you the village had banished you." Clenching his hand into a fist Lee shook it at Naruto, he was getting frustrated that Naruto didn't understand. "Don't you see he told you that so you'd stay with him and now it seems he was using you for his own physical needs."
Picking up one of his chopsticks Naruto used it as a senbon and threw it at Lee. Barely dodging the projectile Lee was shocked at his friends speed and skill, at the sound of the stick hit the wall behind him Lee took the chance that Naruto wouldn't throw the other one at him and quickly snuck a glance over his shoulder at his damaged wall. There embedded in the wall behind him was the chopstick Naruto had thrown at him.
Taking a deep breath Lee looked back at Naruto. "Naruto, I have taken many classes with Ibiki. You remember him don't you? He is Captain of the Torture and Interrogation Unit." Crossing his arms over his chest Naruto nodded that he did remember the man. "In his classes Ibiki explained how sometimes a person who is taken hostage can come to have feelings for the one who holds them captive. It is a survival mechanism of the brain. We believe this may be what has happened to you Naruto. Don't worry though, as your friends we will stick by you until you come to accept the truth."
Slowly Naruto uncrossed his arms and let them fall to his sides, turning so he didn't have to look at Lee he asked. "So, everyone thinks I'm suffering from brainwashing or something then?" Sighing Lee answered. "Yes, that is what we have figured out happened to you Naruto. I'm very sorry." Shaking his head no Naruto turned toward the bedroom and began to walk away. "I don't feel so good, I'm going to bed. Thank you for the meal Lee." Watching his friend walk away Lee wondered if telling Naruto had been the right thing to do. 'Some friend and host I turned out to be. He had already been upset once today and here I turn around and do it again.' Lee lectured to himself, he wondered if he should follow Naruto and try to speak with him but quickly decided maybe his guest needed some quiet and space to deal with the day.
Sighing Lee sat down at his table picking up his chopsticks he poked at the food left on his plate. The longer he looked at it the less appetizing it became. Pushing the plate away so he didn't have to look at he food he was wasting, Lee clutched his forehead trying to push the fight he and Naruto had just had out of his mind. Needing advice he got back up and went to where his phone hung dialing Sakura's number. Everyone knew Sakura had been spending lots of time with Naruto and if anyone would know what to do to make the younger boy feel better it would be his teammate. While waiting for his long time crush to pick up the phone he looked back at his table. The table had survived, there weren’t any breaks in it thankfully but when the light hit it just right he could see some dents in it. Sighing Lee reached over and pulled the chopstick out of the wall.
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Naruto slowly opened the door to the bedroom and quietly shut it behind him. Changing out of his clothes and into his pajamas he crawled into Lee's bed. Grabbing the pillow he hugged it to him. It wasn't long before he had his face pressed against the pillow trying to quiet his snuffling. He refused to allow his tears to fall so he rubbed his face against the pillow. Naruto wasn't upset from the fight with Lee, it was what Lee had said not how he said it that had hit him so hard.
He missed Sasuke so bad at that moment he was half tempted to sneak out through the window and go home to Sasuke. He and Sasuke had always argued but it was over stupid stuff like what they were having for dinner or Sasuke didn't think Naruto was doing a technique right. Even when they would end up bleeding from sparring with one another he and Sasuke always ended up crawling into bed together and making up.
Biting his lip he realized that was part of the problem wasn't it. Everyone thought Sasuke had been using him, using him to make himself feel good. Naruto couldn't help but wonder if they were right. His heart and soul would never believe it though. 'If what they think is right then why did Sasuke always make sure to make me feel good too?' Naruto wondered. 'If Sasuke was only worried about himself then why would Sasuke worry if I was scared or if I liked what he was doing?' Naruto shook his head, he knew what Lee was talking about wasn't what they had shared. 'If you do something against another's will it is done to hurt them not make them feel good.'
He could remember a time before they settled down when they were still traveling that they had come across a man forcing himself on a young woman. Naruto hadn't understood what the man was doing at the time since it was before he and Sasuke had started loving on one another but he had understood the man was hurting the lady. Sasuke had understood though and had killed the man. Naruto remembered Sasuke telling the lady her honor had been restored and she had her vengeance for what the man did to her. At the time Naruto hadn't understood what was going on, he had only known it was a bad thing and that the man had hurt her.
Later Sasuke explain it to him, from what Naruto remembered of Sasuke explanation the things they had done together had been nothing like what that man did. Naruto knew he hadn't felt like Sasuke stole anything from him and it had never been about Sasuke trying to hurt him, if anything Sasuke tired to make him feel as good as possible. Sasuke had always made Naruto feel special and cared about, dare he say even loved, when they touched and kissed.
But the way Lee talked about it, he made it seem as if it was something dirty. Like Sasuke had only been wanting to use him to make himself feel good. That wasn't right though, cause Naruto knew the things they did together had made him feel good too. Gasping Naruto tightened his grip on the pillow when a new thought occurred to him. If the things that Sasuke had done with him was bad and he shouldn't have liked them but did. And Lee talked as if they had been dirty things, did that mean he was bad and dirty too? He couldn't lie; he had enjoyed the kisses and touches, especially cuddling with Sasuke as they slept. So then was Lee wrong or did Sasuke use him like that man did to that lady?
Biting his lip harder Naruto didn’t know what to think. He knew there was something Sasuke had lied about but his heart couldn't stand the idea that Lee was right. Naruto had believed for a long time that he loved Sasuke and that was why he allowed Sasuke to touch him and why he had touched Sasuke back but if Lee was right then that love wasn't real. Naruto hugged the pillow tighter against his chest, that pain he had been feeling in his chest was back.
At that moment all Naruto wanted was to be home. Jerking way from Lee's pillow Naruto finally realized he had thought of the small house he shared with Sasuke as home and not Konoha. In a way that house they built together was more like a home than Konoha was anymore. Even though he knew he had many friends in Konoha, his birth village still held a lot of loneliness for him. While he was with Sasuke he had never once felt lonely. He couldn't help but wonder if Lee was right and he was suffering from brainwashing to make him want to be with Sasuke even though Sasuke had lied to him. Unable to hold in his pain any longer Naruto let his tears fall, after some time he finally fell asleep having exhausted himself, even in sleep his mind was still confused.
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Sakura had come up with a wonderful idea last night, Lee thought as he finished getting ready for the day. Naruto was still sleeping but Lee would wake him soon so he could get ready. He and Sakura would take Naruto out for breakfast and a walk. Sakura had assured Lee that Naruto would forgive everything that had been said the night before. Explaining that Naruto didn't seem to have the ability to hold anything against anyone. 'Probably another side-effect of what Uchiha did to him.' Lee thought pulling on his green outfit.
Putting a bright smile on his face he carefully knocked on the bedroom door. Waiting a few moments without an answer he knocked again but also called out to his friend. "Naruto-kun? Are you awake?"
Inside the bedroom Naruto hid himself under the cover. He hadn't slept well that evening, his mind full of doubt and questions he couldn't seem to answer. All the things that everyone had been saying to him had been rolling through his mind not allowing him to rest. That pain in his chest was worse and now his head hurt too. When he thought about Sasuke and what he thought was between them compared to what his friends said it made him feel sick. Pulling the covers tighter around him Naruto tried to ignore Lee, he wasn't really in the mood to hear how he had been fooled by Sasuke for all these years and now had to rely on the kindness of friends till he accepted it.
He heard the door creak open and knew he wasn't going to be able to escape Lee. Sighing Naruto peeked out from under the covers. He pulled back some and blinked trying to adjust his eyes. Lee's face had been right in front of his own, it seemed Lee had decided to peek into the covers at the same time he was peeking out. "Good morning Naruto-kun. Did you sleep well?" Lee asked. Part of Naruto wanted to snap at Lee but he quickly remembered he had a part to play since everyone thought him to be a child. Mumbling Naruto laid his head back down onto the mattress. "I'm still sleepy Lee." Still watching his host Naruto was glad to see Lee smile at him. "I've got a surprise for you. We are going to met Sakura-chan for breakfast. Won't that be fun?" Forcing a smile Naruto nodded and pushed out of the bed. Gathering up his clothes he went to get ready.
Arriving at Sakura's apartment, they were let in by Sakura who quickly rushed away saying they were early and to make themselves comfortable. Taking a seat beside Lee on the couch Naruto amused himself by looking at the pictures and such Sakura had decorating her home. Before long Naruto started fidgeting in his seat, Lee at first quietly scolded him till finally his patience was being tested too.
Naruto looked over at Lee with hooded eyes while he held his growling stomach. "How much longer Lee?" Straightening in his seat Lee put on a determined face. "We will wait as long as Sakura needs. Try to be patient Naruto." Lee stated, though he still had a crush on the girl Lee couldn't help but silently agree with Naruto. It was taking much longer than it should have. Lee personally blamed it on who Sakura had as a sensei as a Genin. Everyone knew Kakashi was notoriously tardy and it seemed it might have rubbed off on Sakura as well.
Sighing Naruto rolled his eyes at Lee. "What do you think Sakura could be doing that is taking so long?" Seemingly searching his mind for the answer Lee finally replied. "I'm sure Sakura is simply doing what she feels she needs to do in order to maintain her natural beauty." Shaking his head at Lee's idea Naruto crossed his arms over his chest trying to figure out what his old teammate could be doing that was taking so long. Suddenly Naruto's face burst out in a sly foxy grin leaning over to Lee, putting his hand up to the side of his face as if to whisper. "I bet I know what she's doing." Naruto singed to him in what certainly hadn't been a whisper. Warily Lee asked. "Oh, what do you think she is doing?" Still smiling Naruto stated. "I bet Sakura is probably taking a poop." Jerking back Lee turned red, shushing Naruto as he looked in the direction of the bathroom. "Don't say things like that Naruto." Lee chastised just as Sakura came out ready to go. From the dirty look she was giving them both he and Lee figured she had overheard them.
The trip to the restaurant was strained from Naruto's earlier statement but it didn't keep Naruto from wandering around looking at whatever caught his eye as usual. Looking down Naruto found a red marble lying in the dirt. Picking it up he decided it reminded him of Sasuke's eyes when he used his Sharingan and quickly pocketed it hurrying into the restaurant Sakura had picked out for them.
While Lee and Sakura talked all in there own little world Naruto took out his newest treasure, it made him feel better to have something that reminded him of Sasuke. Hearing the servers coming with their food Naruto turned to watch their meal being brought. Happy to finally being able to eat Naruto threw is arms up and cheered only for his marble to fly out of his hands. With a distressed cry he leapt after it. Only to end up knocking the food out of the servers hands, sending it flying into the air and all over the three of them.
Happy that he had his marble back Naruto looked back at his companions only to find them both scowling at him as they wiped the food off of them. Slinking back Naruto held his found treasure close to him for a moment before he took off out of the restaurant leaving Lee and Sakura behind him.
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Sitting outside the Godaime's office Naruto awaited for the next person he could stay with. He felt terrible about the incident at the restaurant but he didn't feel like he could stay with Lee any longer. The fight from the night before was still too fresh. So now here he was waiting for Ino. He would only be staying for part of the day with her, she still lived with her parents and they didn't have the room to put him up. Shikamaru and Chouji had offered Naruto to stay with them for the night. The two currently shared a place but had a mission to deal with before they would be ready to watch him. Ino had been happy to offer to let him help out in her family's flower shop till her two teammates were done with their mission.
Naruto hoped he wouldn't have to deal with anymore well meaning friends that wanted to help him accept what had happened to him. Right now all he wanted to do was forget and maybe have some fun.
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Extra information: The condition Lee speaks about in this chapter is based on a real physiological condition, it is referred to as the Stockholm Syndrome. It happens not only in hostage/kidnapper situations but also with people in adult abusive relationships or children with abusive parents. Any relationship where the person being controlled develops feelings for the one abusing them or holding them against their will. For more information on this subject look up Stockholm syndrome. No, Naruto isn't suffering from this but from the others point of view they believe he is.
Taijutsu: hand to hand combat skills used to damage and opponent externally or internally
senbon: needles
Itadakimasu: phrase said before meals
Sharingan: copy wheel eye (doujutsu-bloodline limit of Uchiha clan) capability to read and defeat all types of nin,tai, and genjutsu can copy almost any technique seen except for hijutsu.
Godaime: term used when referring to the 5th person holding the title Hokage
Blanket disclaimer: I do not claim any rights to Naruto or any characters associated with the anime/manga. They are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.
A/N WARNING: This story contains adult situations, slash pairing (Sas/Nar) & (Kak/Iru), talk of character death, and bad language. Story contains altered events from story line after vol. 32, in the manga. Some spoiler information contained as some characters used are not introduced until later chapters. Japanese words will be translated at the bottom of the page. If you are bothered by slash pairing, not interested in reader spoilers, or not of age to be reading such material then please push the back button now. Please consider leaving a review or comment about the story. Reviews and comments are welcome but no flaming please, anything not to your liking expressed in this warning is your clue to push the back button now.
Author note: Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. Both my beta and I have been very busy with the demands of life in general. Don't you just hate it when life get's in your way of what you want to do? Thanks to everyone who reviewed to chapter 5.
My deepest thanks to Jaded Lady for her work as beta on this story. I appreciate all your hard work.
'thinking'
"talking"
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Leading his friend away from the Hokage Tower Lee's mind was full of questions and his heart felt heavy for his younger companion. They had just learned another tidbit about Naruto's time with Uchiha, it seemed not only did the missing-nin erase Naruto's memories; stealing away part of who he was, but Sasuke had also been using Naruto to fulfill his physical needs with as well.
Lee's mind went to the things he knew from his classes with Ibiki-san and the theory they had been forming. Lee had been given the job of helping Ibiki-san with Naruto's case. Since Naruto returned to the village the Godaime had everyone filling out reports on how Naruto acted after they spent time with the boy. From those reports Ibiki was to try and figure out how badly Naruto-kun had been brainwashed by Sasuke. Tsunade-sama had not been willing to allow Ibiki to interview Naruto, she worried talking to the scarred Captain of the Torture and Interrogation Unit would be traumatizing to Naruto.
The Godaime chose Lee to assist Ibiki since the Taijutsu user had been taking the man's classes for awhile now. Lee had been studying to become a victim’s interrogator. It was painfully obvious Lee would never be able to torture anyone but he had proved himself to be a decent interrogator. Lee had decided to focus his nature of wanting justice for victims into a job, there wasn't many who only worked helping victims and witnesses make sure the right people were punished.
Because of his background, along with the fact he was Naruto's friend Tsunade-sama assigned him to help Ibiki-san with Naruto's case. Ibiki had been playing around with the idea that Naruto had developed one of those hostage/kidnapper relationships where the hostage comes to believe their kidnapper is saving them so they follow the person and do their bidding. It was not something experienced ninjas suffered from, young Genin’s and civilians were the usual targets but with the addition of the memory loss jutsu the theory had its points. Lee hadn't agreed with Ibiki at first, Naruto had been a very strong ninja and wasn't a weak child but with this new information Lee was leaning more towards agreeing with Ibiki's idea.
"Come on in Naruto-kun, welcome to my apartment." Lee said as he opened his apartment door holding it open for his guest. "Thanks Lee . . . where should I put my bag?" Naruto asked holding his backpack out toward him. Rubbing his chin Lee considered where Naruto should keep his things.
While Lee thought about where Naruto should keep his things Naruto got a better look at Lee's home. It seemed a nice enough place, sort of reminded him of the apartment he use to have when he lived in Konoha alone. Lee didn't seem to have many household furnishings, mostly just training equipment. On some of the walls were posters telling the reader to try their best and work hard even some notes Lee had handwritten were tacked up. The place was clean and even if he wasn't with Iruka and Kakashi, Naruto thought this arrangement would probably work out all right. He was brought out of his thoughts by Lee's determined voice.
"That is how it should be." Turning back to his green spandex-wearing host Naruto tilted his head to the side. "How what should be?" Giving Naruto the thumbs up sign Lee pointed with his other hand to one of the interior doorways. "That is my bedroom but being you are my guest it is only right you take it while you stay. I will take the couch." Blinking Naruto stood dumbfounded for a moment just watching Lee pose and his teeth sparkle.
Sighing Naruto turned towards the door he was instructed to. 'He's as silly as ever.' He thought as he peeked into the room, thankfully like the rest of the house this room was plain also. Naruto had half feared he'd find a shrine built in Maito Gai's honor or something located in the house but so far the coast was clear. It seemed only the tenant was unusual. Dropping his bag inside the room Naruto turned back to his host and smiled.
"Thanks a lot Lee, we can take turns on the couch." Finally Lee dropped his pose in favor of going to the kitchen to start dinner. "No, I insist that you take the bed Naruto-kun. You are after all my guest and it's only right you sleep in the bed. It's only for a week anyway." Taking a seat at Lee's small table Naruto nodded. "I really appreciate you taking me in. I didn't mean to make trouble for Iruka-sensei and Kakashi-sensei." Having set some rice to cook Lee looked back over his shoulder and shook his head. "Don't worry Naruto no one thinks you did anything on purpose." Lee assured him as he walked to the fridge and took out some vegetable and meat out to cook up. "Just like I know Iruka and Kakashi didn't do anything to upset you on purpose."
Waving his hands in front of him Naruto said. "Oh, I wasn't upset. It just shocked me when I walk in on them. I didn't know what to think." Chuckling nervously Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Finding Kakashi on top of Iruka and him putting himself inside Iruka's body like that and those sound Iruka was making." Shaking his head Naruto tried to rid himself of the mental image he was sure was going to be haunting him for sometime. "You could say I had a front row seat. I never heard of such a thing. Of course I assumed Kakashi was hurting Iruka." Biting his lower lip Naruto looked away from Lee. "It's not anything Sasuke and I had ever done before so I had no idea."
Having began stir-frying the vegetables and meat Lee concentrated on what he was doing. "My master, Gai-sensei, says Iruka and Kakashi are wrapped up in the wonders of youth and love. Love no matter who you find it with is a fantastic thing." Naruto nodded his head in agreement even though Lee couldn't see him since the older boy was staring at his wok. Having finished Lee dumped out his stir-fry onto a platter and sat in the middle of the table, turning back to the rice he spooned out two servings and sat them on the table as well. Silently he got them both drinks and sat down opposite of his guest with a quiet "Itadakimasu" they both started eating.
Naruto could tell from the look on his face that Lee's mind was hard at work puzzling over something. Every so often Naruto would cast a glance over to his new host trying to figure out what was going on in the older boy's mind. When Lee cleared his throat Naruto knew whatever it was on the Taijutsu user's mind was finally too much for him to bear. "Naruto-kun, can I . . . can I . . . ask you a question? It’s of a personal nature, if you don't want to answer it I'll understand." Lee asked still looking at the food on his plate. Even Naruto could identify the tension coming off of his friend. Smiling to ease his friend's mind Naruto nodded. "Sure Lee you can ask me anything." He assured the stressed young man sitting across from him.
Lee had chanced a glance at Naruto by this time and gave the blonde a small smile back. "You said that Sasuke had touched you but the two of you hadn't done what Iruka and Kakashi were doing." Taking a bite of his food Naruto made an agreeing sound. "Was that something you wanted to happen or was it Sasuke who wanted it to happen?" Picking up his glass Naruto gave Lee a confused look. "What do you mean?" He asked taking a drink. Quietly Lee explained. "I mean, did he force himself on you?"
Spitting out what he had been drinking Naruto slammed his drink down on the table. "Lee! How could you even think such a thing about Sasuke?" Wiping his chin off with the back of his hand Naruto pushed back his chair and stood. "Why does everyone think Sasuke was out to hurt me?" Naruto demanded waving his arms in frustration.
"Ugh . . . . " Lee drew back, surprised at Naruto's outburst. "Naruto, try to understand. Sasuke abducted you. Surely you can see . . . ." Not allowing Lee to finish his sentence Naruto slammed his hands on the table again. Standing with his palms pressed against the table top Naruto silently bowed his head, his whole body was trembling slightly.
Sparing a glance at his abused table Lee hoped it would make it through their discussion. Gai-sensei had given him the table when he first moved in and he rather liked it. Lee shivered; he could feel waves of Naruto's chakra rolling off of him. Lee could remember times he felt that chakra when they had been fighting the war against the Hidden Sound Village but before Naruto had always been directing that chakra at their enemies, it had never been directed at him before. Watching his friend closely Lee thought for a moment that Naruto's chakra almost seemed to have a physical form of its own. He quickly shook his head to clear his mind of the thought when he noticed Naruto raising his face to look at him.
"I am not a child." Naruto growled as he bared his teeth at him. The act reminded Lee of an animal growling and baring its teeth, especially since Naruto's incisors were abnormally long. 'Had they always been that long?' Lee found himself wondering. "I understand that when Sasuke took me with him he was doing something wrong. If Sasuke was being bad or if he thought he was protecting me nobody here knows." Naruto stressed leaning toward Lee.
Pushing out of his own chair Lee found himself on his feet smacking his table in frustration. "Your teammate Sai reported that Sasuke attacked for no reason." Lee said, raising his voice over his guests. "Aah! Sai . . . Sai." Naruto yelled grabbing his hair and pulling it. "I don't even remember anyone named Sai damn it." Releasing his hair Naruto closed his eyes as he beat his fists against Lee's table gritting his teeth. "Tsunade-baba said that Sai person died." Opening his eyes Naruto explained. "All I know for sure Lee is what everyone has told me. There were only three people in those woods that knows what happened. Me, Sai, and Sasuke. Sai is dead, I don't have any memories of what happened, and Sasuke says he was protecting me."
"But Naruto how can you still believe what Sasuke has said to you? He abducted you from your mission. No matter what his reason, he lied. He told you the village had banished you." Clenching his hand into a fist Lee shook it at Naruto, he was getting frustrated that Naruto didn't understand. "Don't you see he told you that so you'd stay with him and now it seems he was using you for his own physical needs."
Picking up one of his chopsticks Naruto used it as a senbon and threw it at Lee. Barely dodging the projectile Lee was shocked at his friends speed and skill, at the sound of the stick hit the wall behind him Lee took the chance that Naruto wouldn't throw the other one at him and quickly snuck a glance over his shoulder at his damaged wall. There embedded in the wall behind him was the chopstick Naruto had thrown at him.
Taking a deep breath Lee looked back at Naruto. "Naruto, I have taken many classes with Ibiki. You remember him don't you? He is Captain of the Torture and Interrogation Unit." Crossing his arms over his chest Naruto nodded that he did remember the man. "In his classes Ibiki explained how sometimes a person who is taken hostage can come to have feelings for the one who holds them captive. It is a survival mechanism of the brain. We believe this may be what has happened to you Naruto. Don't worry though, as your friends we will stick by you until you come to accept the truth."
Slowly Naruto uncrossed his arms and let them fall to his sides, turning so he didn't have to look at Lee he asked. "So, everyone thinks I'm suffering from brainwashing or something then?" Sighing Lee answered. "Yes, that is what we have figured out happened to you Naruto. I'm very sorry." Shaking his head no Naruto turned toward the bedroom and began to walk away. "I don't feel so good, I'm going to bed. Thank you for the meal Lee." Watching his friend walk away Lee wondered if telling Naruto had been the right thing to do. 'Some friend and host I turned out to be. He had already been upset once today and here I turn around and do it again.' Lee lectured to himself, he wondered if he should follow Naruto and try to speak with him but quickly decided maybe his guest needed some quiet and space to deal with the day.
Sighing Lee sat down at his table picking up his chopsticks he poked at the food left on his plate. The longer he looked at it the less appetizing it became. Pushing the plate away so he didn't have to look at he food he was wasting, Lee clutched his forehead trying to push the fight he and Naruto had just had out of his mind. Needing advice he got back up and went to where his phone hung dialing Sakura's number. Everyone knew Sakura had been spending lots of time with Naruto and if anyone would know what to do to make the younger boy feel better it would be his teammate. While waiting for his long time crush to pick up the phone he looked back at his table. The table had survived, there weren’t any breaks in it thankfully but when the light hit it just right he could see some dents in it. Sighing Lee reached over and pulled the chopstick out of the wall.
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Naruto slowly opened the door to the bedroom and quietly shut it behind him. Changing out of his clothes and into his pajamas he crawled into Lee's bed. Grabbing the pillow he hugged it to him. It wasn't long before he had his face pressed against the pillow trying to quiet his snuffling. He refused to allow his tears to fall so he rubbed his face against the pillow. Naruto wasn't upset from the fight with Lee, it was what Lee had said not how he said it that had hit him so hard.
He missed Sasuke so bad at that moment he was half tempted to sneak out through the window and go home to Sasuke. He and Sasuke had always argued but it was over stupid stuff like what they were having for dinner or Sasuke didn't think Naruto was doing a technique right. Even when they would end up bleeding from sparring with one another he and Sasuke always ended up crawling into bed together and making up.
Biting his lip he realized that was part of the problem wasn't it. Everyone thought Sasuke had been using him, using him to make himself feel good. Naruto couldn't help but wonder if they were right. His heart and soul would never believe it though. 'If what they think is right then why did Sasuke always make sure to make me feel good too?' Naruto wondered. 'If Sasuke was only worried about himself then why would Sasuke worry if I was scared or if I liked what he was doing?' Naruto shook his head, he knew what Lee was talking about wasn't what they had shared. 'If you do something against another's will it is done to hurt them not make them feel good.'
He could remember a time before they settled down when they were still traveling that they had come across a man forcing himself on a young woman. Naruto hadn't understood what the man was doing at the time since it was before he and Sasuke had started loving on one another but he had understood the man was hurting the lady. Sasuke had understood though and had killed the man. Naruto remembered Sasuke telling the lady her honor had been restored and she had her vengeance for what the man did to her. At the time Naruto hadn't understood what was going on, he had only known it was a bad thing and that the man had hurt her.
Later Sasuke explain it to him, from what Naruto remembered of Sasuke explanation the things they had done together had been nothing like what that man did. Naruto knew he hadn't felt like Sasuke stole anything from him and it had never been about Sasuke trying to hurt him, if anything Sasuke tired to make him feel as good as possible. Sasuke had always made Naruto feel special and cared about, dare he say even loved, when they touched and kissed.
But the way Lee talked about it, he made it seem as if it was something dirty. Like Sasuke had only been wanting to use him to make himself feel good. That wasn't right though, cause Naruto knew the things they did together had made him feel good too. Gasping Naruto tightened his grip on the pillow when a new thought occurred to him. If the things that Sasuke had done with him was bad and he shouldn't have liked them but did. And Lee talked as if they had been dirty things, did that mean he was bad and dirty too? He couldn't lie; he had enjoyed the kisses and touches, especially cuddling with Sasuke as they slept. So then was Lee wrong or did Sasuke use him like that man did to that lady?
Biting his lip harder Naruto didn’t know what to think. He knew there was something Sasuke had lied about but his heart couldn't stand the idea that Lee was right. Naruto had believed for a long time that he loved Sasuke and that was why he allowed Sasuke to touch him and why he had touched Sasuke back but if Lee was right then that love wasn't real. Naruto hugged the pillow tighter against his chest, that pain he had been feeling in his chest was back.
At that moment all Naruto wanted was to be home. Jerking way from Lee's pillow Naruto finally realized he had thought of the small house he shared with Sasuke as home and not Konoha. In a way that house they built together was more like a home than Konoha was anymore. Even though he knew he had many friends in Konoha, his birth village still held a lot of loneliness for him. While he was with Sasuke he had never once felt lonely. He couldn't help but wonder if Lee was right and he was suffering from brainwashing to make him want to be with Sasuke even though Sasuke had lied to him. Unable to hold in his pain any longer Naruto let his tears fall, after some time he finally fell asleep having exhausted himself, even in sleep his mind was still confused.
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Sakura had come up with a wonderful idea last night, Lee thought as he finished getting ready for the day. Naruto was still sleeping but Lee would wake him soon so he could get ready. He and Sakura would take Naruto out for breakfast and a walk. Sakura had assured Lee that Naruto would forgive everything that had been said the night before. Explaining that Naruto didn't seem to have the ability to hold anything against anyone. 'Probably another side-effect of what Uchiha did to him.' Lee thought pulling on his green outfit.
Putting a bright smile on his face he carefully knocked on the bedroom door. Waiting a few moments without an answer he knocked again but also called out to his friend. "Naruto-kun? Are you awake?"
Inside the bedroom Naruto hid himself under the cover. He hadn't slept well that evening, his mind full of doubt and questions he couldn't seem to answer. All the things that everyone had been saying to him had been rolling through his mind not allowing him to rest. That pain in his chest was worse and now his head hurt too. When he thought about Sasuke and what he thought was between them compared to what his friends said it made him feel sick. Pulling the covers tighter around him Naruto tried to ignore Lee, he wasn't really in the mood to hear how he had been fooled by Sasuke for all these years and now had to rely on the kindness of friends till he accepted it.
He heard the door creak open and knew he wasn't going to be able to escape Lee. Sighing Naruto peeked out from under the covers. He pulled back some and blinked trying to adjust his eyes. Lee's face had been right in front of his own, it seemed Lee had decided to peek into the covers at the same time he was peeking out. "Good morning Naruto-kun. Did you sleep well?" Lee asked. Part of Naruto wanted to snap at Lee but he quickly remembered he had a part to play since everyone thought him to be a child. Mumbling Naruto laid his head back down onto the mattress. "I'm still sleepy Lee." Still watching his host Naruto was glad to see Lee smile at him. "I've got a surprise for you. We are going to met Sakura-chan for breakfast. Won't that be fun?" Forcing a smile Naruto nodded and pushed out of the bed. Gathering up his clothes he went to get ready.
Arriving at Sakura's apartment, they were let in by Sakura who quickly rushed away saying they were early and to make themselves comfortable. Taking a seat beside Lee on the couch Naruto amused himself by looking at the pictures and such Sakura had decorating her home. Before long Naruto started fidgeting in his seat, Lee at first quietly scolded him till finally his patience was being tested too.
Naruto looked over at Lee with hooded eyes while he held his growling stomach. "How much longer Lee?" Straightening in his seat Lee put on a determined face. "We will wait as long as Sakura needs. Try to be patient Naruto." Lee stated, though he still had a crush on the girl Lee couldn't help but silently agree with Naruto. It was taking much longer than it should have. Lee personally blamed it on who Sakura had as a sensei as a Genin. Everyone knew Kakashi was notoriously tardy and it seemed it might have rubbed off on Sakura as well.
Sighing Naruto rolled his eyes at Lee. "What do you think Sakura could be doing that is taking so long?" Seemingly searching his mind for the answer Lee finally replied. "I'm sure Sakura is simply doing what she feels she needs to do in order to maintain her natural beauty." Shaking his head at Lee's idea Naruto crossed his arms over his chest trying to figure out what his old teammate could be doing that was taking so long. Suddenly Naruto's face burst out in a sly foxy grin leaning over to Lee, putting his hand up to the side of his face as if to whisper. "I bet I know what she's doing." Naruto singed to him in what certainly hadn't been a whisper. Warily Lee asked. "Oh, what do you think she is doing?" Still smiling Naruto stated. "I bet Sakura is probably taking a poop." Jerking back Lee turned red, shushing Naruto as he looked in the direction of the bathroom. "Don't say things like that Naruto." Lee chastised just as Sakura came out ready to go. From the dirty look she was giving them both he and Lee figured she had overheard them.
The trip to the restaurant was strained from Naruto's earlier statement but it didn't keep Naruto from wandering around looking at whatever caught his eye as usual. Looking down Naruto found a red marble lying in the dirt. Picking it up he decided it reminded him of Sasuke's eyes when he used his Sharingan and quickly pocketed it hurrying into the restaurant Sakura had picked out for them.
While Lee and Sakura talked all in there own little world Naruto took out his newest treasure, it made him feel better to have something that reminded him of Sasuke. Hearing the servers coming with their food Naruto turned to watch their meal being brought. Happy to finally being able to eat Naruto threw is arms up and cheered only for his marble to fly out of his hands. With a distressed cry he leapt after it. Only to end up knocking the food out of the servers hands, sending it flying into the air and all over the three of them.
Happy that he had his marble back Naruto looked back at his companions only to find them both scowling at him as they wiped the food off of them. Slinking back Naruto held his found treasure close to him for a moment before he took off out of the restaurant leaving Lee and Sakura behind him.
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Sitting outside the Godaime's office Naruto awaited for the next person he could stay with. He felt terrible about the incident at the restaurant but he didn't feel like he could stay with Lee any longer. The fight from the night before was still too fresh. So now here he was waiting for Ino. He would only be staying for part of the day with her, she still lived with her parents and they didn't have the room to put him up. Shikamaru and Chouji had offered Naruto to stay with them for the night. The two currently shared a place but had a mission to deal with before they would be ready to watch him. Ino had been happy to offer to let him help out in her family's flower shop till her two teammates were done with their mission.
Naruto hoped he wouldn't have to deal with anymore well meaning friends that wanted to help him accept what had happened to him. Right now all he wanted to do was forget and maybe have some fun.
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Extra information: The condition Lee speaks about in this chapter is based on a real physiological condition, it is referred to as the Stockholm Syndrome. It happens not only in hostage/kidnapper situations but also with people in adult abusive relationships or children with abusive parents. Any relationship where the person being controlled develops feelings for the one abusing them or holding them against their will. For more information on this subject look up Stockholm syndrome. No, Naruto isn't suffering from this but from the others point of view they believe he is.
Taijutsu: hand to hand combat skills used to damage and opponent externally or internally
senbon: needles
Itadakimasu: phrase said before meals
Sharingan: copy wheel eye (doujutsu-bloodline limit of Uchiha clan) capability to read and defeat all types of nin,tai, and genjutsu can copy almost any technique seen except for hijutsu.
Godaime: term used when referring to the 5th person holding the title Hokage