Reason I Breathe

A/N: Okay, this would be the last chapter for this one. I didn't get it back from my beta just yet but I've kept everyone waiting long enough. I can edit it later ^^ I'll start another one later so if you have any request let me know. I'm thinking og the GaaraxSai that was mentioned to me awhile back so if you're interested in that keep an eye out in the next few days for it. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! And like with this story, if there is something you want to see happen just let me know and I'll try to get it in for you ^^ Enjoy!

Chapter14

Kiba’s fist connected with Pein’s jaw. Pein was pushed off of the bed and a bent over Naruto with the force. Shikamaru was running forward to the blonde boy.

"Naruto! Stay with me!" Shikamaru called as he shook the boy’s shoulders.

Kiba picked Pein up roughly by his hair and slammed him into a table. The table was knocked over, its drawers opening and its contents spilling onto the floor. Kiba was yelling as he hit the man repeatedly. Pein could not find the strength to push him off. Kiba smashed his head into the wall behind him and blood clouded the man’s vision. Kiba aimed for his ribs.

"It’s about time you learned what it feels like!" He screamed as he felt the ribs crack under the force of his fist.

Shikamaru ignored the scene and wrapped Naruto in a blanket. Naruto’s breathing was shallow. His skin was sickly pale, and growing colder. Shikamaru heard sirens in the distance getting closer very quickly. He focused on warming Naruto up while Kiba held Pein down. The man had found his strength, and was struggling to free himself. His threats and curses fell on deaf ears. The door downstairs was kicked open. Kiba yelled for the police to go up the stairs to find them. Pein struggled harder. The cops were in the room in a matter of seconds. They arrested Pein, and herded the boys outside. Shikamaru demanded a hospital for the blonde in his arms.


*****

Shikamaru watched numbly as they pried Naruto from his arms at the hospital. He moved to follow the boy, but found himself restrained. He felt his mouth moving, but couldn’t hear what he was saying. He pulled against the restraining arms. Naruto disappeared around a corner on a stretcher. As the door to the E.R. closed, Shikamaru gave up on his struggle. He allowed Kiba to lead him to the waiting room. Time passed slowly as they waited. Shikamaru would not respond to anyone. Hours after Naruto had been admitted, a nurse collected the boy and took them to a room. Naruto was lying in a bed. He was attached to an I.V. and several other machines monitoring his vitals. Kiba lingered at the doorway in shock. Shikamaru rushed to Naruto’s side. He captured the cold hand and watched Naruto struggle to open his eyes. The nurse was telling Kiba what had happened.

"Shika," Naruto smiled.

"You’ll be okay. We got him. I’ll take you home soon," Shikamaru promised.

"Shika… I never really told you why."

Shikamaru choked back the tingling in his nose and burning in his eyes. Naruto’s voice was barely loud enough to be called a whisper.

"Just rest. Tell me later."

Naruto shook his head.

"Dad worked. All the time. Mom turned to smack when I was really little. I suppose she wasn’t that bad about it though. They were never truly there. And my friends, sure they’re great. But if I’m not useful, I’m not a close friend. I never really felt love until you saved me. I guess I was looking for a way out without being so cliché."

Naruto paused to close his eyes and focus on breathing. Shikamaru kissed the back of the hand he held.

"Shika, I don’t know if this is love. But, when I met you, I decided to find out what living is really about. I guess, in a way you’re the reason I keep going now. The reason I’m still breathing. I’m not going to give up on you."

Shikamaru sighed. He arranged his face into a passive mask.

"Throwing out your things will be a bother. If you’re leaving me, you better pack your own stuff away properly."

"Okay."

Naruto flashed him another smile, before closing his eyes and letting himself sleep. Kiba tapped Shikamaru on the shoulder minutes later. He followed the other boy slowly out into the hallway.

"Pein got him good. Not just rape, Shika. He injected him with a major overdose of morphine. He’ll be okay, he’s just really out of it. But think of it this way, he won’t feel the pain of the abuse."

Shikamaru hugged Kiba tightly. His shoulders shook with the force of not crying.

"Thank God. I was so scared," He muttered.

Kiba hugged back quickly, before separating himself from Shikamaru. Shikamaru’s face was painted with relief. Kiba grinned, knowing the feeling.

"We’ll let him sleep. Let’s go wait out in the waiting room."


*****

Kiba had told all of their friends what had happened. Naruto had asked him to tell the whole story. It was a few weeks before he was released. The doctors had been worried about the effects of prior abuse coupled with the new drug in his system. Shikamaru had brought him homework and made him complete the assignments. When he walked onto campus with Shikamaru, his face shone with excitement. He ran to his friends and tackled Sai in a hug. He was talking fast as he told them all about how hospital do not carry ramen. Shikamaru wrapped his arms around Naruto’s chest from behind. Naruto snuggled back into him.

"So, Halloween’s coming up. What are we doing?" Naruto asked.

"Whatever you want," Shikamaru answered.

"Party!" Kiba demanded.

"Naru-chan~ its your turn this year," Sai reminded him.

"Aw, but I just moved in!" Naruto protested.

The bell rang and Naruto attempted to slip off before they pushed. Shikamaru stopped him with a smirk.

"I guess its okay. Never really had friends."

Naruto kissed him deeply. He ignored the cat calls and whistles. He rested his forehead on Shikamaru’s, and licked his lips.

"You’re the best," he whispered.

"I know."

Shikamaru kissed him one last time before they headed off to class holding hands.