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.

***Now back to Konoha! A few months later***

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Nineteen:


Shikamaru smirked, just faintly, before digging into his bowl of ramen. He'd grown to appreciate it a lot more--ever since Naruto had made chuunin in the last exam they'd spent more time together, which lead to several evenings like this. It wasn't all that bad, really. He liked being able to check up on Naruto, see how he was doing given his...strange group.

"So, Gaara's really learning taijutsu?" he asked as they ate. "He's still so damn skinny. It'll be funny if he gets some muscle on him."

Naruto nodded as he tried to swallow his current mouthful. "Yeah. Guy-sensei thinks that, if he can learn to protect himself better, he won't have to rely on the sand so much. Give him some confidence or something." He took a fresh bite, eyes narrowing happily at the warm taste. "He's doing really well."

"Glad to hear it." Despite the several months that Gaara had spent in Konoha he was still suffering under discrimination from many of the upper level ninjas--they didn't trust defectors, let alone one from Sand. If Gaara was improving, and could prove himself…. "He's really improved a lot already. I almost saw him smile the other day." Though it was kind of creepy, too.

He nodded again. "Yeah--he does it more often when there are fewer people around. I think it's because he's actually been sleeping." Like crazy, too. Sometimes he almost won't let me have a bath, he's so excited to get in. Naruto brightened suddenly. "Hey, maybe we should go to those hot springs up north! I bet he'd love that."

Shikamaru lifted an eyebrow. "Yeah, sure. I just got back from a mission, they might let me have some time off…." And it might be good, getting them out of the town for a while. "If that crazy sensei of yours will let you."

Naruto waved a hand. "Of course. The real trick will be to keep him from coming. Though I guess it wouldn't be that bad." Naruto grew thoughtful, staring into his bowl. "I wonder...."

Shikamaru gulped down one of his fish cakes. "Hm? Wonder what?"

He shrugged. "Eh, it's nothing. They probably wouldn't want to come anyway." At Shikamaru's curious look, he went on. "Iruka and Kakashi. They've actually been tolerable since I made chuunin."

"Yeah?" Shikamaru shrugged. "If Guy decides to come, you might want to invite them just to occupy him. For all our sakes."

"That's true." Naruto set his chopsticks aside as they came up empty, lifting his bowl instead to gulp down the last of the broth. He finished off with a gasp. "Hey Pops! You outdid yourself that time!" he complemented, earning himself a grin.

Shikamaru glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. Naruto…. "Hey." When the shop owner turned away he faced his companion with a bit more serious. "What about you?"

"Hmm?" He turned to Shikamaru with wide, innocent eyes. "Me? Well, I guess I ate a lot, but I wouldn't say I've outdone my record."

"No, I mean...man, you're a pain." Shikamaru scratched the back of his neck. "You. How are you doing?"

"Oh. Fine." Naruto hopped of his stool, calling another thanks to the shop owner before facing his friend again. "I was gonna do a little more work. Wanna come with me?"

"Yeah, sure." Shikamaru paid for his meal and followed Naruto away from the shop. Jeez, Naruto, what am I going to do with you? I know you've had a rough time…. "What kind of training did you have in mind?"

"Just strength stuff," he replied. "Guy-sensei says that I should work on my physical stamina more, so I was gonna do push-ups and stuff." They headed down the street, and already Naruto could feel the eyes that followed him as they passed. Strangely, things had gotten worse for him after their return from battling the Sound ninjas--people were suddenly more frightened of him than before, and there had been plenty questioning his actions of bringing Gaara to the town without permission. He kept his eyes straight ahead, falling quiet as he usually did now when walking the streets.

Shikamaru's expression darkened. I...don't like it when he does that. Trying to lift the mood back up he said, "When do you think we should ask about our trip? I'm sure there are a few people that would like to go with us, but too many and it'll be a pain."

Naruto nodded his agreement. "Maybe soon? In a few days? It'd be nice to get away for a bit." His fingers curled as a group of older chuunin bent their heads together, talking and watching them as they passed. Damn them--what's their problem anyway?

Damnit. "You might have to pack some ramen with you," he tried again to draw Naruto's attention away from them. "I don't think they serve stuff like that at traditional hotels and such. Just fish heads and rice."

"No ramen?" Naruto faced Shikamaru with distress. "But...but...." He leapt suddenly, wrapping his arms around the other's neck and practically hanging off the boy's back. "But my ramen..." he whined.

"Hey--" Shikamaru stumbled, but he didn't try to free himself just yet. "I said we could pack some, right? You'll just have to...um…make your own. Over an open fire and everything."

Naruto considered that carefully, resting his chin on his shoulder, just next to Shikamaru's ear. He liked how he couldn't see half the street anymore. "Mmm…I guess so. I'll have to bring a lot, because I got Gaara and Lee hooked on it, too."

Strangely...Shikamaru didn't mind the odd closeness, the way Naruto's voice seemed to rumble in his ear. "So bring a lot," he suggested. "Like, plain noodles. We can buy a lot of cheap ingredients and mix it ourselves."

"Sounds good," he agreed. Naruto considered letting go, but instead only tightened his hold, letting Shikamaru carry him. "So you'll come with us for sure then, right?"

"You invited me, didn't you? I guess I might as well." I guess he's staying on. Whatever. He hooked his arms around Naruto's knees to keep him from falling. "I deserve the vacation."

Naruto giggled, shifting to make himself more comfortable. "And I deserve a ride. To the training field!" He pointed down the road, earning them more stares, though this time he didn't care.

Shikamaru sighed. Man, how do I get myself into this stuff? "Yeah, yeah, here we go." He hefted Naruto's weight a little more comfortably as they went.

Naruto settled after that, glad to keep his eyes closed as they went. "You don't mind, do you?" he asked suddenly, voice low so only Shikamaru would hear. "I can get off...."

"Eh, I don't care," Shikamaru replied, not releasing his knees. "You're not heavy." Better that they look at me and think I'm weird, anyway.

Smiling faintly, Naruto nodded, his shoulders hunching faintly. "Thanks." Once they were further out of town, he was able to relax more, and he sighed against the other's neck. "Just drop me anywhere."

Shikamaru made a slight face as little goosebumps rose along his neck from Naruto's breath. "You're not going to fall asleep, are you?" he asked.

"Naw, I still gotta train. Can't let Gaara and Lee get too far ahead of me." Glancing around, he decided they were far enough and hopped off Shikamaru's back. He twisted in a few stretches. "Thanks for the ride--I should get you to carry me back, too."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "I might have to, after I beat you silly," he taunted boredly. He did a few stretches of his own. "You ready?"

Naruto brightened. "You gonna spar with me?"

"Yeah, sure. Why not?" Though he was pretty sure Naruto was just going to beat him, anyway. Maybe then he'll carry me. Man, what a laugh. "Go easy on me."

"Ha--you wish!" He leapt, deciding that some simple hand-to-hand would be best, leaving his kunai in place as he aimed a punch at Shikamaru.

Shikamaru blocked the attack, letting it push him back. It made his forearm tingle. He's really improving. Biting his lip, he blocked a few more attacks before countering.

They continued on in that way for some time, and Naruto grew to appreciate all over again Shikamaru's ability to plan--he was soon easily predicting Naruto's moves, and despite his greater speed found it difficult to land a hit. He grinned, for the first time in a while feeling tense muscles loosening at the base of his neck as he worked out his frustrations.

He's gotten faster, too. I guess anyone would after working with Lee. Shikamaru pursed his lips. He had to let a few hits connect against his defense, though every time it sent another tremor through him. I'm gonna need a hot springs vacation for all these bruises. He twisted abruptly, having anticipated Naruto's attack pattern--there should be an opening to his shoulder opening up--

"Ah!" Naruto tried to dodge, but Shikamaru's fist still caught him enough to throw his balance. He ducked away to regain himself, breathing hard. "Damn, that was close! If you had a kunai I might have lost something."

Shikamaru pulled back, breathing hard. "Yeah," he huffed. "But if we were fighting seriously, I might have broken bones by now." He rubbed at his aching forearms." I had to take a lot to get that one hit in.”

Naruto grinned, bending over his knees. "Yeah, but you probably wouldn't have stood there taking it, right? You would have used your shadow, and there's no way I'd be smart enough to get away from it." Laughing, he scratching the back of his head.

"I guess we'll never know." Shikamaru plopped down in the grass to finish catching his breath. It was a lot of exercise on a full stomach and he needed a moment to settle it. "You up for more, in a sec?"

"If you are." Naruto walked forward, then sprawled out on his back beside Shikamaru. He sighed happily, eyes narrowed. It's nice out.... He fell quiet then, wanting to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Shikamaru blinked down at him. He looks relaxed for once. It's good to see. "You gonna fall asleep?" he asked.

"Mmm…don't know." He stretched, arms over his head and back arching. "It's nice out here." Naruto glanced up at the other, smiling faintly. It's nice with him.

Shikamaru sighed, and after some consideration dropped onto his back next to him. "Yeah, I guess it is." Maybe we can just relax for a while.

Naruto stretched again, suddenly feeling subdued. It was strange how, after all his trying to be accepted by the village, he was beginning to prefer these solitary moments with his few friends more. Lee and Gaara and Shikamaru...sometimes Hinata and her group; they were the only ones who didn't flinch every time he looked at them. Naruto unconsciously shifted closer to his friend. He still wanted to be accepted--he really did--but sometimes...he wondered if it was really worth it.

Shikamaru glanced at him briefly. There were times when he caught Naruto's face like this, looking so sober... It made him wish they'd known each other better growing up. He sighed quietly. "You can take a nap, if you want," he offered. "I'll wake you up."

He shrugged. "I'm not that tired," he admitted, laying his hands over his stomach. Well, maybe I am tired, but not physically. He shifted closer again, his temple brushing Shikamaru's shoulder. "I just...."

"Just...?" Shikamaru twisted his arm--the one not next to Naruto--behind his head. "Well, I'm not in a hurry."

Naruto fell quiet again, not sure what he had been about to say. He leaned against Shikamaru, just relieved that he was allowing him to do so. "Let's stay here a bit," he murmured. "I...don't want to go back yet."

"Yeah, okay." Naruto, I really don't know what to do with you. Is there something I'm supposed to say? He sighed, staring up at the canopy of trees. I guess I've taken a lot for granted.

After a few moments, Naruto spoke up again. "Hey, Shikamaru?" His fingers curled. "You don't...I mean...." His shoulders hunched up around his ears. "You're not scared of me, are you?"

"Huh? Of you?" Shikamaru shrugged idly, felt it move Naruto's head a bit. "Naw. Never been."

"Do you think…." He licked his lips. He'll be honest, and he's smart, so.... "Was I wrong to bring Gaara here?"

That question wasn't as easy, but Shikamaru thought it better to answer quickly and come up with a reason as he went along. "No," he replied. "Not everyone's happy about it, but I've seen him. What you've done for him...that's not easy, y'know? Who knows where he'd be if it wasn't for what you did."

Naruto sighed. "Yeah.... I'm glad I did, just...." He curled a bit closer. "It just seems like I can never do anything right, you know? Everyone just gets mad at me." Naruto tipped his head, burying his nose against Shikamaru's jacket. "But if you think it's okay, then that's fine. You're smart, so...maybe everyone else just isn't as smart as you."

"Maybe." Shikamaru frowned. I'm no good at this. "It's okay," he said carefully. "If you regret it. 'Cause you've taken a lot of heat for him. But wanting to help him wasn't wrong."

"I don't regret it!" Naruto sat up, twisting to look down at Shikamaru, eyes wide and jaw set. "I don't at all! He needed to come here, or he at least needed me. I don't regret going after him." His fingers curled tightly. "I just wish they'd give him a chance."

"Okay, I get it." Shikamaru scratched lightly at his stomach. "I know it sucks, but...you know how the jounin are. They're, like, set. It won't be until Gaara starts doing big missions to save their ass that they appreciate it."

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "We beat Orochimaru," he reminded. "One of the Legendary Three, right?" He turned to glare bitterly towards the village. "What more do they want from us?"

"I don't know." Shikamaru frowned, his own frustration getting the better of him a little. He closed his eyes. "Sorry, Naruto. I don't understand it, either."

He sighed. "Well, at least it's not just me." Naruto flopped down onto his side again, promptly curling close to the other's side, though only his forehead was touching Shikamaru’s shoulder. "Wanna stay a bit longer?" he asked. "I'm too wound up to go back just yet--I don't wanna upset Gaara."

"Yeah, sure. Whatever you want." Shikamaru sighed. I'm sorry, Naruto, but...what can I do about it? "I'm okay with him," he blurted out. It was the best he could offer. "Though I know that's not much."

Naruto smiled faintly with some relief. "He'll be glad to know it," he murmured. "Thanks." Wiggling a bit closer, Naruto sighed into the other's chuunin jacket.

He's so close.... Shikamaru let his eyes slip shut as he relaxed a little. Well, I guess I helped a little. "Just chill for a while. We can go back when we feel like it."

"Okay." Naruto settled, letting the other's presence relax him. After some time it began to get dark, and he pushed himself upright again. "We probably should head back, huh?" He poked at Shikamaru stomach teasingly. "Or are you still too full?"

"I'm fine." Shikamaru sat up, oddly disappointed. It was actually kind of relaxing being outside. He pushed to his feet. "But I'm not carrying you this time, got that?"

"Aww...." Naruto grinned as he stood as well, catching the other's wrist. "What about you? You want a ride?" He giggled as he poked at him again. "Since I beat ya up so bad."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "I can walk," he replied, shoving his hands in his pockets. "But if you want, you can buy me dessert." He started back toward the village.

Naruto pouted, and in retaliation draped an arm across Shikamaru's shoulders. He wasn't sure why he was seeking so much contact, just...he might have needed it, just a bit. "But I'm poor," he complained.

"Fine, then, you just owe me. I'll collect later." Shikamaru twisted his arm around Naruto's shoulders as well, for the hell of it. "That okay with you?"

More pleased than he would admit, Naruto giggled and leaned into him. "Fine with me! We can have ramen tomorrow."

"You have ramen everyday," Shikamaru complained. "But...whatever. Just as long as it's a different flavor." He's not so bad spending time with. I wonder if I helped at all?

Naruto gave him a one-armed hug, tipping their heads together briefly. "It's a deal, then." So long as I can be with them, it's okay. I'll be okay.

"You're being awful friendly tonight," Shikamaru had to remark at last. His fingers flexed idly against Naruto's shoulder. "Is there something else bothering you?"

"Naw, I'm just being stupid." Naruto leaned back a bit. "Want me to stop? If you want me to...."

Shikamaru drew him back. "Naw, it's fine," he muttered. "Really." It's not so bad, after all. Being...friendly. Now that I don't see Chouji or Ino as much, it's been weird.

Reassured, Naruto rested his head again against Shikamaru's shoulder. It felt pretty good, being close, feeling like he was being supported. "We should all hang out more," he murmured. "Us and Gaara and Lee...I'm sure they'd like it." He grinned a bit. "We could call you captain."

"Me, captain of you guys?" Geez, be serious. Compared to you, I'm…. "Yeah, whatever. But sure, we can hang out. If they don't mind a boring guy like me."

"It's fine--Gaara doesn't say that much anyway." He'll be glad, though, to have another friend. I think he's finally starting to trust me and Lee.

They finally reached the village, and Naruto made a tentative move to pull away. "You're heading home, right?"

"Yeah." Shikamaru released him and stepped back--his side felt warm from where Naruto had been pressed against him. "I'll see you tomorrow, right? We'll have to start asking people about our trip."

He nodded. "Sounds good. Invite whoever you think will want to come with us." Naruto took a step back, a bit reluctant to leave and knowing it was stupid of him. He offered a wave. "See ya later, then!"

"Yeah…seeya." Shikamaru waved back, and it wasn't until he'd turned away that he realized he'd been smiling. Geez, what a pain. Naruto's making me weird. He shoved his hands back in his pockets and started home.

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