Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Voices ❯ We Share a Room ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

May 1 2004.....

Tsuna Gaara fell in love with funerals from the tender age of 5. Something about the way a corpse looks fascinated him and he just didn't know why. It wasn't until he was 11 that he figured out what it was. Its that the person always seemed to be smiling. They look calm, at peace... alive. Gaara couldn't say he's ever felt any of those things, not to the extent of smiling anyway. And that left him forever wondering about the dead. What goes on beyond the point of leaving the body? He's heard talk of Heaven and Hell but he believes neither of those things he only believes that you rejoin infinity and with that there is some devine feeling that courses through you and gives you happiness.

And now today, Gaara is adjusting his tie in the mirror as he readies his self for another funeral his father, Hesuke and uncle Yashamaru have been invited to attend. Gaara always insists that he go too, and since his mother is out-of-order as he calls it they have no choice but to allow him to go. Downstairs the sounds of shuffling feet can be heard, so quickly he leaves his room slipping on his dress shoes when reaching the genkan. Kneeling down he ties the laces up then follows his uncle out the front door. The three men load into the hearse; Gaara looks over the back seat at the body they are bringing to be cremated. He can't see the man but he knows what he looks like because he's been down in the basement many times without his father or uncle knowing of it. Gaara liked to talk to the bodies just as much as he liked to ponder their eternal smiles.

Mr. Ogata will probably be cried over. No one ever understood death so they cry about it. Gaara didn't cry, infact he outright laughed a couple times during the services causing people to glare. Tsuna Gaara was then given the nickname 'black cloud' behind his back of course, though, even if he heard it he probably wouldn't care.

"Seat belt on, Gaara."

Smiling at his uncle he says quietly. "I'd hit the back of your seat, your the ones at risk of going through the windshield." Though he slips on his seat belt. He never disobeyed his uncle whom loves him with all his heart and whom he loves in return.

Gaara liked taking the hearse places, watching all the people on the streets dip their heads in respect for the dead. Usually they'd take the car whenever they leave, but since his father is a mortition and generally has the deceased its only right he drive the long black car when attending funerals. The weather was dull today the clouds thick in the sky. The Ogata family and Mr. Ogata's friends are probably feeling this is some sort of sign that the world is sad with them as well. Gaara just wishes he brought his umbrella.

The cemetary approached and the car began to slow down. Once the family was out and his father and uncle began to remove the body to the place Gaara called the 'human couldren', they make their way into the dining hall for the first meal while the body is taken through the burning process. The meal was relatively silent as the family kept their personal thoughts a secret. The young boy liked it better when people spoke kindly of the person that died. He hoped he got something like that at his funeral. It'd be pointless though, because Gaara wanted away as fast as he could get there. He would leave his how ever many years old body lying for dead as his spirit soared away to the great beyond. His uncle wrote wonderful obituaries. He makes it seem like he really knew the person when the family never gives him anything specific to say and he often sits with the man while he types out what's to be sent to the newspaper. He doesn't help him think of things to say, but his uncle seems to appreciate the shrug his nephew offers.

Once the meal was done everyone moved outside to begin the service. Each family member said something sweet and nice, how much they're going to miss Mr. Ogata or they'd throw in a joke or two. When the monk asked if anyone else had something they would like to say, Gaara stood from his seat and walked over to the podium. He knew what it was that Mr. Ogata would like to hear and in a very clear voice he said.

"Now that you've made it, don't ever live again." And with that he was ready to head home so he went to the car leaving a hoard of weeping woman and infuriated men in his wake. The dark cloud struck again.

Gaara was driven home and dropped off. His father had to take another body and his uncle went along to help him as he always does. Gaara walked past his mother, without so much as a spared glance as he reaches the landing of the stairs calling up them. "Temari?" He knew Kankurou wouldn't be home at this time of day but his sister might. When there was no reply, he walked into the kitchen to check the notepad stuck on the wall right around the corner from the entrance. Sure enough there was a note written there from his sister.

Out for a while, stick dinner in the oven around five I'll be home to take care of the rest. Temari.

Great. Walking from the kitchen he heads upstairs into his bedroom. From his dresser he pulls out a small drawer of dead flies and with a tooth pick that he keeps atop the dresser he pokes the stick through the first one he sees then he drops it into the mouth of his venus fly trap, Shikaku. The plant snapped its mouth down over it allowing Gaara to slide the tooth pick from the bug easily. Watching for a moment as the plants head swelled and shrank from acid burning away at its meal he realizes that he's bored to tears and needs some quick company. In his closet he goes for something comfortable to wear, he returns into his bedroom in jeans and a camel colored t-shirt, he then heads downstairs and slips his feet into a pair of black sandles that are all the rage among the teens these days. Checking himself over, he leaves the house after saying 'goodbye' to his mother. Surely Naruto had something entertaining to do today. That boy is a ball of energy and is always the first to think of something for he and their other friend Shikamaru to do.

...........

"Naruto?" Says Minato the blond's, just as full of pep filled, father. "He's at Chouji's for a birthday party. Didn't you get an invite?"

Eyes scrunched for a second, Gaara says. "I had a previous engagement but it ended early. Thank you anyway." He turns and leaves.

Scratching his head, Minato wonders how his son could be best pals with such a gloomy kid. But he's had some odd ball friends when he was younger, so he guessed like father like son really is true.

Gaara was unsuccessful at the Nara home as well, the smart boys mother telling him that he was also at this Chouji's birthday party, she gave him the address so now Gaara is heading over there and he doesn't look the least bit happy.

................

The party is small but very warm and inviting. Chouji was having a blast with his friends, dancing, eating, games that could end up with kissing someone should the passed about card slip- which he noticed happened a lot when it was passed from his best friend, whom thanks to his best friend he hasn't seen in ages, and the spunky blond boy Uzumaki Naruto. Chouji would hang out with Shikamaru more if it weren't for the black cloud hanging over the stickly boys head. But what can you do?

It was around 3:45 that the lights were lowered and a large chocolate cake was carried into the living room of the Akimichi home. Chouji's big face lit up with joy at the sight of the cake he's been eyeing all day now lit up with 14 candles around the rim so the center wouldn't get messed up.

The boy's father who showcases what his son will look like in 20 or so years, smiled just as wide seeing the happy look on the boys face. "As rules go, Chouji gets his name on the cake."

Everyone laughed seeing as how 'Chouji' was written rather largely on the cake.

"Right on!" Cheered the new to 14 year old. Sucking in a breath its choked back when his father shouts.

"Not until we've sang the birthday song!"

Cracking a peeved eye open he says, "Warn a guy before yelling will ya."

"And a one and a two..." He waved his finger back and forth as the kids at the party began to sing.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Chouji!" But on the last line, the front door of the Akimichi home flew open like a terrible wind had struck it.

All eyes turn to the front door seeing a boy they know from school, but for some have never seen. His arms are crossed and a scowl looks glued to his face. His frost green eyes survey the room for something or someone as he steps inside.

A shiver ran down Naruto's spine as he exits on tip-toe to the kitchen, hoping Shikamaru is somewhere behind him.

Eyes locked on the loudly dressed blond, Gaara snaps. "Its no use Naruto, I can see you there."

He laughs weakly before saying in a high voice. "I get that all the time, people thinking I'm my twin brother he's actually at home.... slee- WAHA O-OW!" He's nearly choked from his collar being nabbed from behind. "Ga- Gaaara! Long time no see buddy. Funeral over already?"

"It ended earlier than expected." Says the boy in a bored tone. "We're leaving."

"Wait a minute!" Says a blonde girl, foot stamping the floor. "You can't just boss people around like that, this is a birthday party and if you weren't invited-..."

Gaara looks at Chouji then the cake that has yet to be blown out. Leaning over he sucks in a quick breath then blows out the candles. "You should have wished for a smaller cake." Looking back at his friends he says. "Let's go."

With a nervous laugh, Shikamaru looks apologetically at his childhood best friend. "What can I do? Great party Chouji. Happy birthday."

"Yeah, great party." Chimed Naruto. "Up until Gaara showed up... why does he always have to ruin everything? He doesn't even know the guy and he blows out the.... if I weren't slightly scared of him I'd sta-..."

"Faster Naruto, don't wanna keep his majesty waiting." Says Shikamaru. "See you around Chouji."

"Bye.... guys." Says the confused and somewhat hurt boy as he watched his friends disappear beyond the front door.

The three boys walk in silence to where they aren't quite sure since their kidnapper refuses to speak to them. The location looks familiar though. Shikamaru assumed that they are heading to their favorite hill in which they would lay out for the day and gaze at the puffs of cloud going by. Smiling to himself, the Nara boy tilts his head back to look at the sky. Cloudy but thick with a hint of rain to come.

"Gaara?" He walked a pace quicker to fall into step with the silent boy. "Don't tell me you're upset about us going to Chouji's birthday party?"

Gaara's eyes scrunch.

Yeah, he's mad. How troublesome to have to deal with when I was having such a nice day. Placing his hand carefully on the enraged boys shoulder, he says in a calm patient tone. "Don't be mad. We would have invited you too if you weren't at the funeral, you said it yourself you'd be gone for a while."

"Yeah!" Naruto threw in to help a brother out.

"Besides, the party was spur of the moment. Chouji called up and asked."

Gaara stopped dead in his tracks. Shrugging off the Nara boys hand, he turned to drill holes through him with his eyes. "....'Spur of the moment'?" He repeats. "Your parents told me you had invites, that you planned to go- how odd it was that I wasn't invited." He turns and strides off again.

Slumping his shoulders, he then straightens up with a slapped hand to the side of his forehead. He didn't need this today. I should have just stayed at the party. "But you're not friends with him, I was just thinking about you."

"Bullshit." He starts up the hill.

"Not bullshit! Its true!" Says Naruto. "Shikamaru said 'don't let Gaara find out, you know he'll only be mad and tell us not to go', didn't you?"

Balling up his fist, shikamaru resist the urge to sock his loud mouth friend right in the kisser, but instead he follows Gaara up the hill. "It wasn't meant to be said that way. You really wouldn't have had much fun, the fact that you were gone is why we decided to do it. We never would have if you didn't have plans first. Are Naruto and I just supposed to sit around and wait for you?"

Gaara stopped walking, back stiff, head down. Here it comes. But he shocked them both by taking a seat on the ground, laying down with arms and legs stretched out, eyes closed. Both of them seemed physically releaved there wasn't gonna be some big explosion so they took a lay with him. Shikamaru laying down opposite Gaara, their heads facing each other. Naruto lay in between them at the middle, head facing the direction they'd just come. Then silence. Then Shikamaru and Naruto begin speaking quietly.

Sighing, Gaara thinks to himself. If only I were dead. Taking in a deep breath he held it as his thoughts drift towards the sky. Light-headedness came so quickly as his mental soul drifted up, up into the sky. He can see his friends laying there, he can see himself. He smiles with silent laughter since they don't have a clue. They'll probably cry not knowing that their friend is happy to be gone or maybe they'd be happy that he's gone as well. Like his mother. She seems to be in a better place otherwise she would snap out of it. Gaara laughed his held breath out. That's actually really funny. He thinks to himself.

"Hm?" Naruto turns his head, shooting his glance diagonal. "What's so funny?"

Shaking his head, the back matting into the grass. "Nothing." He replies then opens his eyes turning his head away from Naruto's attempt at meeting his gaze. There really was nothing funny. He just felt the laugh shoot out without his meaning for it to.

Turning his head to Shikamaru, Naruto wound a finger beside his ear. The thin boy nodded to agree. Silence fell over them now no sound but the wind nipping by. No there is something. Watching curiously at his right, he sees something moving up the hill. Obviously its a person but its hard to really tell with the way a shining black mop is wobbling back and forth the way it is. It could be a weird looking dog sniffing its way up the hill. No. Its a boy.

Gaara met his gaze and the boy looked back intensely. Maybe too intensely. He can't say he's ever had someone look at him so hard before, the boys wide eyes seemed to drink in his soul. The boy seemed rattled, almost shoved by something invisible and he said quickly.

"Sorry." Before dashing off down the hill.

"Hm?" Shikamaru turns his head seeing nothing. "What was that?" He asks.

Tilting his head back, Naruto has an upside down shot of nothing as well. "What's what?"

Gaara only stared after the boys absence wondering what it was he'd seen in him to make him stare so hard. It didn't matter. Closing his eyes, he relaxed himself into a small nap.

............

"I'm telling you, the Chinese say that crickets are lucky so I'm gonna give one to Ramen for lunch."

Shikamaru was snowballed by that. "Naruto." He said dejectedly. "Why catch a lucky cricket just to feed it to a pet frog?"

"Because crickets are gross!" He shivered just feeling the nasty little thing bouncing about in his cupped hands. "And Ramen is usually always with me so I just figure if he eats it, it'll always be with him." He grins as wide as the length of a bus at his ingenuis plan.

"Until he takes a shit." Says the Nara boy with just the slightest hint of 'duh' behind it.

Gaara wondered where Naruto even found a cricket at in the grass, he thought all bugs were dead for the season. But he didn't know much about them even though he's best friends with a bug lord, Aburame Shino.

At the turn off for them to head home, Gaara spotted that boy again. This time he started the staring contest with him, his friends farewells unheard. He wanted to let the boy know that he could stare at someone just as hard. But as he watched him while moving away, the boy looked terrified all of a sudden. Thinking that he was about to hit a pole he hears the boy shout.

"Watch out!"

Turning his head, everything seemed to go in slow motion as an oncoming car barreled right into him. He felt like he had been shoved so hard the wind knocked completely out of him. His breath remained out of his body as he flew backward, eyes closed tight, scrunching in more as his face made very hard contact with the street. A loud popping sound filled his ears before a fog clouded his mind and liquid dripped behind his eyes. His face sank in a bit where his nose would usually keep him on balanced for at least a bit. His arms hurt, but he wanted to get out of the way. Placing his hands to the street his arms begin to shake as the broken bone refused to support him and he fell flat faced to the ground.

Lee was struggling to breathe. The ambulance had to pick up both the strange boy and himself from fainting in the street. He'd bumped his head pretty hard on the street before nothing but numbness came on as his body began to shake from lack of oxygen. The sirens screamed around them so loudly, then shouting as four parametics picked them carefully from the street and placed them onto gurney's to be put into the amublance. They drove quickly down the street placing an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose telling him to calm down and breathe in deeply. How could he calm down?! He's never seen someone get hit by a car before it was horrible! He wondered how that poor boy was doing before he drifted away into sleep.........

One eye cracked open, Lee then opens the other one seeing his uncle zooming in on him at a rapid pace.

"My Lee, you're awake!!" He held him tightly, lifting his back from the bed to rock the boys nearly limp body back and forth with his own.

"Uncle," he pants. "You're making me light headed again."

Panicked, Gai nearly dropped Lee to the bed but he remembered gentle touches and laid him down carefully, patting Lee's chest a bit once he was comfortably against the bed. The man wiped his arm across his eyes, the tears wet the sleeves on his casual, blue shirt. "I'm just so glad that you're alright. You slept for a day and a half, the doctor's said you were fine though you'll need surgery."

"That's good- surgery!?" He squeeked out loudly. He didn't want to go under the knife. That's why he does what he does. The excersize and pills, what's it all for? There are so many things that can go wrong during an opperation and he doesn't want to risk a single one on his person.

"Yes, the doctors want to attach an implantable difribrillator to your heart so you can continue to have a steady rhythm."

"But I don't want that." Lee protested watching absently as his uncle clicked the top of the call button to alert the nurses. "Wh- what are they gonna do it now?!" He tried to get out of the bed, but his uncle held him down. "Let me go! I'm fine, look!" He tried to example some jumping jacks to the strong man, but he couldn't get out of bed. "Uncle, let go." He said with a deep frown.

"I won't. You need this Lee." The man's eyes begin to tear up again. "I called your parents, they're on their way here."

Lee felt defeated at that point and he settled back into the bed. Why did this have to happen anyway?

A tall young nurse came into the room, her sneakers squinch as she enters. "Lee-san, you're awake." She said cheerfully. Checking the pressure on the sphygmomanometer attached to his arm, she only smiles as Lee grits at her. Stethascope to his chest she asks. "Please take a deep breath for me."

After a moment, he sucked in a breath. "Miss. Can you tell me what happened to the boy I called an ambulance for?" He let the breath out then continued to take deep breaths.

"A boy?" She questioned while writing on the boys chart.

Nodding, Lee says. "He has red hair and eye brows aand green eyes." Describing the most destinctive thing about him.

The nurse thought a moment, finger tapping to her cheek then she snapped her fingers together. "Oh yes, he's right over here." She pulls a curtain aside.

Lee and Gai turn their heads to see a very bandaged young boy laying in the bed beside his own. He looked dead. So still and lifeless. Wrappings here and there.

Poor boy. Thinks Lee.

"I'm afraid he's gone into a coma."

"A coma!"

The woman holds up her hands. "I can't really discuss the details, but don't worry Lee-san, your friend will be just fine in a few days. He's very lucky."

"Yes he is." Says Lee. He blushed a bit after a second thought. He wished the boy was his friend. He seems... interesting. Plus he wouldn't feel weird about asking why he'd stared at him. "Ozisan?"

"Yes, Lee."

"I'm kind of hungry. Do you think you could-..."

Snapping to his feet the man salutes. "It would be my pleasure. I'll see what they have, be back in a bit."

"Thank you." When his uncle was gone, Lee slipped carefully out of bed, one tiny breathless huff escaping him from his actions. And he slipped over to the boys bed; his moniter beeping a bit more rapidly from his movement. "I'm sorry I didn't shout sooner." Seeing his chart he reads the boys name off. "Tsuna, Gaara." Smiling he says. "Nice to meet you Gaara-kun, my name is Rock Lee."

The boy just lay there.

Frowning, Lee takes the boys hand. "Do you mind if I talk to you for a while?" He waits a moment as though the boy has answered. "Thanks. I won't be a burdon to you. I promise." Pulling up a seat, he rest his chin on the silver bar set at the side of the bed. "I'm staying at the hospital with you for a while. I guess the place must be a little over crowded because we share a room together. I've got hypotension and my parents and uncle think its a good idea for me to get a surgery done. You're in a coma right now, but don't worry the nurse says it might be a light coma and you'll wake up in no time." He continues to caress the boy's hand with the pad of his thumb. "This is so awkward because I never really know what to say to people, I'm kind of a dork." He chuckles. "What about you? I'll bet you're really popular. Do you know anyone that I know? I saw you with your two friends on the hill." Smiling faintly he says. "Do you... think that maybe I could be one of them? -Your friend I mean?"

Silence.

"How 'bout we make a promise to get out of here at the same time? If we can do that, we can dub ourselves best friends forever. That way we'll never be alone again. What do you say? Deal?"

Silence.

With a big grin, Lee nods. "Good. Sweet dreams, Gaara."