Fading Scars

This is an Alternate Universe fic set perhaps a day or two after Orochimaru’s retreat from Konoha. A lot of liberties were taken from that point on in terms of time-line. This is also a very angsty (especially Naruto) and sexually graphic fic—just the way we like it!

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

// = thoughts
* = emphasis

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Eleven:

//Holy shit--// The world spun crazily--Sasuke felt his body smack hard against the ground, but with his momentum he bounced sickeningly before smacking into another body. But he could feel Naruto's chakra still burning just ahead of him, and he struggled to get back on his feet despite his pounding skull.

As soon as the hit landed Shikamaru had been in motion. He knew there was no chance of him stopping Naruto if he was serious, but this couldn't go on. With Naruto still turning from the momentum of his punch he was able to grab his wrist and jerk him about.

If I can just-- Shikamaru bit his lip, praying he wasn't about to have his arm ripped off as he let Naruto's back turn to him, then grab him in a tight headlock. "Naruto, stop," he hissed in his ear. "It's over."

Naruto grabbed the arm around his neck, ready to throw whoever was attacking him away, but the voice froze him. //Shikamaru....// His hands shook, unable to let go with his body still burning the way it was. //Stop--damnit, stop!//

Shikamaru cringed. //God I don't want him to break my arm.// "Naruto," he said again, as calmly and evenly as he could manage. "It's Shikamaru--calm down. It's over."

"Damnit--" Sasuke finally managed to get some of his balance back, and he rolled stubbornly onto his knees. His jaw already felt swollen but he was pushing against the body trying to hold him, groping for his fallen kunai.

Naruto closed his eyes. "Shikamaru...." Very gradually, his chakra began to fade, and he leaned back against the other. //God...what did I...?// He shivered. "Is…is he...?"

"Sasuke." Neji held on to him as he he could, head spinning faintly from their impact. "Sasuke stop--he's done. Shikamaru's got him."

"But--" Sasuke tried again to stand, but his gaze swam abruptly, and he collapsed onto his side once more. //Damnit! Was he really this strong?// He groaned softly as he pressed a hand gingerly to his face.

Shikamaru watched him, and when it looked like Sasuke wasn't about to get back up he relaxed with a sigh. "It's all right," he assured, though he didn't pull back just yet. "You got him pretty good, but he's fine."

Naruto sighed. //Good....// Despite his relief, he was still shaking. He twisted around, grabbing Shikamaru's jacket. //They'll hate me now.// "Shikamaru...."

Neji sat back, keeping a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Are you all right?"

"I'm gonna be sick," Sasuke muttered, falling suddenly very still to keep his head from moving too much. He sighed. "Shit." //I didn't expect that at all….// He sensed someone approach, and when he looked Hinata was kneeling down in front of him, pulling a small case of medicine out of her jacket.

"Naruto...." Shikamaru sighed again, keeping an arm around Naruto's shoulders. "You okay?"

He nodded faintly, though a moment later he dropped suddenly to his knees. From there he could see Sasuke, lying in the dirt, and his eyes widened. //I did that. I did that to Sasuke....// His shoulders hunched. //Sasuke....//

Knowing how Sasuke felt, Neji carefully moved to support his head, rubbing at his shoulder to help keep him calm as Hinata applied her medicine. "Just relax," he murmured. "This will help--it's powerful."

"I'm fine," Sasuke muttered, embarrassed by their attention. Even if Hinata's medicine really was already working.... He swallowed hard, and when he opened his eyes again he could see Naruto watching him. //He was this powerful, all along....//

Shikamaru glanced between the pair, and after a moment crouched down next to Naruto once more. "Hey." He took his shoulder gently. //Don't flip out or something….//

Naruto looked away. "I'm sorry," he murmured shamefully. //After all that talk about fighting, about protecting and keeping him from getting out, I....// He caught Shikamaru's coat again, hoping for some kind of reassurance.

"It's all right," Shikamaru assured, giving him a slight tug so he could come closer if he wanted to. //Geez I've been nice lately.// "You both got carried away, that's all."

Falling forwardrutoruto hid his face against Shikamaru's jacket, and his trembling finally began to fade. Somehow...he felt like Iruka, and it comforted him.

Kiba finally approached, kneeling down beside Shikamaru. Akamaru watched from the top of his head as he set a hand on Naruto's back, glancing at their leader. //I ain't any good at healing, but...at least I can help Shikamaru out.//

Shikamaru smiled grimly. //Thanks, Kiba. It's not like I'm any good at this.// He shifted onto his knees so he could accept Naruto better against him. //I guess if I can help him, though....// Without a word he rubbed Naruto's arm lightly.

Several feet away, Sasuke was just pushing into a sitting position. His head spun but he didn't falter. A few deep breaths later he felt stable again, and he looked to Naruto. //I guess…we're more alike than I thought.// He licked his lips. "Naruto."

Naruto flinched, but after a moment--and an encouraging tug from Kiba--managed to raise to raise his head. He looked over Shikamaru's shoulder to see his old companion. //Sasuke....// "What...?"

Sasuke hesitated, and finally glanced away in embarrassment. "That...hurt," he muttered moodily. "You got me."

His eyes widened faintly. //Sasuke....// Licking his lips, Naruto pushed himself to his feet and, slowly, moved away from Shikamaru and Kiba. He was still a bit unsteady, but he managed to come before Sasuke. After a moment, Naruto offered him a hand.

Sasuke took it, but he wasn't sure he was steady enough to be pulled to his feet, so he only squeezed it firmly. He even managed a smirk.

//Sasuke.// Naruto grinned in relief, and he easily hefted Sasuke to his feet. When he wavered, Naruto pulled his arm over his shoulders to help him back towards the fire. "Maybe next time you'll listen to me."

Neji pushed himself upright with Hinata's help, and they all made their way back towards the fire. //At least they got it out of their system.//

//Naruto....// Just before they sat down, Sasuke tugged him a little closer, so that he could speak softly enough for only Naruto to hear. "Hey. I...didn't mean it, okay? What I said."

Naruto shivered faintly, eyes closing a moment. "Sasuke...." He managed a nod and lowered them to the ground. "Yeah...."

Relieved, Sasuke sighed as he relaxed near the fire. //But…geez, after fighting this morning, and being stressed all day, and now this…I'm exhausted.// Carefully he stretched out on his back. "I'm taking a damn nap."

Neji promptly joined him, resting on his side with his feet near the fire. "You guys don't mind, right?"

Kiba waved a hand. "Whatever." He dropped down across from the pair, idly petting Akamaru. "Fuck, what a mission."

Naruto laughed softly, glancing around at each of them in turn. //They...don't look afraid. I'm glad.//

Hinata smiled faintly, edging a little closer to him. "Naruto-kun? Do you want to rest, too?" She glanced away shyly. "Kiba-kun and I could...get some food for dinner, later..."

He grinned weakly at the offer, nodding. "If you guys don't mind--I am a little tired." Naruto looked up at Shikamaru, his expression turning sheepish but grateful. //Thanks for stopping me.//

Shikamaru caught his eye, and smiled slightly--uncharacteristically for him. "Go ahead. I guess I can watch over you guys a while longer."

"Thanks." Making sure he wasn't about to fall on Sasuke, Naruto flopped onto his back. Moments later, he was quietly snoring.

Kiba watched as the trio settled in, shaking his head. "Maybe it's better they're leaving," he muttered. "All of them together would be too much for Konoha."

------------------------------------

The group spent most of the day resting and, true to their word, Kiba and Ha bra brought back more meat for their dinner that evening. They even managed to chat a while, mostly idle small talk, but it was relieving for all of them to feel, even just for a bit, that they were still all comrades.

Come morning, Shikamaru handed over the map he had marked for the two of them. "It'll take you a few days by this route," he explained, "but it'll keep you clear of Wind. Just keep yourselves out of trouble or it'll make me look bad, I guess."

Sasuke snorted, tucking the map into his pouch. "You don't have to worry about that."

Neji smirked. "We'll be fine," he assured. He offered a nod to the three boys, but when he faced Hinata, he paused. "Hinata-sama."

Naruto grinned faintly, and he gave the shy girl a little nudge forward.

"Neji-kun...." Hinata gulped, and lowered her head slightly. "I'm so sorry, Neji-kun, for everything. I really do hope...they leave you alone from now on..."

Neji's eyes narrowed faintly, and he took a step closer. He hesitated just a moment before setting a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, Hinata-sa....Hinata." His fingers curled gently. "We'll see each other again."

Hinata nodded, relieved, and smiled shakily as she took a step back. "Okay. Please, take care."

"I'll keep an eye on him," Sasuke promised, shoving his hands in his pockets. He and Shikamaru exchanged glances, and then...he looked to Naruto. He frowned. "Naruto."

He came forward, feeling he had to say something important, but...unable to think of anything. His fingers curled tightly. "We'll...have to finish this later," he finally got out, jaw set stubbornly.

"Yeah...." Sasuke watched him a moment, and then finally offered his hand. When Naruto hesitantly took it he jerked him forward. "Listen," he said close to his ear. "Don't...let them get to you, all right? Whatever happens, look after yourself."

Naruto's eyes widened at the movement, and for a moment he wasn't able to reply. //Sasuke, you....// He finally nodded. "I will," he whispered back, squeezing his hand. "I think...I know a little better now. Just...you take care of yourself, too."

Sasuke nodded as well, and slowly stepped back. "If it makes you feel any better," he told them all, "I guess I won't mind if you tell them you killed us."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Whatever we tell them, it's going to suck. Don't worry about us."

"Yeah, all right." Sasuke turned toward the nearest tree. "We'll see you around."

Naruto waved. "Stay out of trouble, Sasuke! Neji!"

"Keep an eye on everyone for us," Neji replied, offering Hinata one last smile before taking to the trees. The night's rest had completely refreshed him, and he set out quickly for the river, Sasuke close behind.

-------------------------------------------------------