When music melts the heart

Chapter 17

Asuma, Tsunade and Iruka were led into the parlour, where Naruto and Itachi were waiting anxiously for them. Naruto’s felt his stomach turn when he saw Iruka was with them, but he was grateful at the same time.

They welcomed them and Itachi invited them to take a seat before sitting down next to Naruto who had Iruka at his other side.

“Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice,” Asuma said.

“Asuma, would please tell us what’s going on and why is Iruka with you,” Naruto asked him desperately.

“We thought you could use some support so we asked Iruka to come with us,” he said simply.

“Could you explain to us what the problem is,” Itachi said in his business voice. Naruto knew he tried to stay cool and detached in order to keep some control over this meeting.

“Yes of course. This morning I received a call from Yamanaka Ino. She is the counsellor appointed to Kitano Somaru, Hiroki’s uncle, by the court who has to make sure that when the time comes and Somaru is once again released into society, he will be able to fit in and maybe even rebuild his life without his drinking problem,” Asuma explained.

Itachi tensed and could feel Naruto do the same beside him. He squeezed Naruto’s hand to let him know he was there and nodded for Asuma to continue his story.

“He’s been in jail for six months now and in the first week he had arrived there she was put on his case. There have been extensive interviews with him after which the decision was made to let him go through the twelve step program to help him overcome his drinking problem, together with a few other forms of therapy. One of the steps is for the alcoholic to make amends for his behaviour towards his ‘victims’, though not when it would harm them or others.”

Iruka gently laid his hand on Naruto’s knee to stop him from ranting and urge him to listen to the complete story before talking. Asuma silently thank Iruka for his quick thinking and resumed; “Miss Yamanaka has asked me to see if it would be possible for Somaru to apologize to Hiroki seeing how the boy was hurt the worst by his alcoholism,” before Asuma could finish Naruto was up and started shouting.

“No way, that maniac is not coming anywhere near my boy. I won’t let him hurt Hiroki ever again. I won’t let any of you put him through that, he has suffered too much from his actions already,” the blonde practically screamed.

Itachi was up the second Naruto started screaming and pulled him into his arms. He sent Asuma the famous Uchiha death glare telling him he completely agreed with Naruto. But before anyone could say another thing a small voice startled them all.

Sasuke and Hiroki we’re playing hide and seek and currently Hiroki was running to his favourite hiding place. It was a closet for cleaning supplies and table linen and he had found a little corner where he could hide perfectly.

He was in a hurry to get there because he could hear Sasu-nii coming closer, so he tried to run a little harder. He was close to the closet and was about to run past the parlour when he heard Asuma’s voice. He could hear him talking about his uncle.

He decided to listen some more, though he knew he really shouldn’t eavesdrop on the grownups. When he heard Asuma say that he was asked to meet with Hiroki the first thing he felt was panic, he was still so scared of his uncle.

He felt happy and loved when he heard his Chichi yell that he wouldn’t let him hurt Hiroki anymore. But somewhere inside something told him he needed to talk to his uncle even if it was only to say goodbye and if it would help to cure his uncle from his alcohol disease then he wanted to help, just like he had helped cure his Chichi from his headache.

He knew Sasu-nii was behind him and had heard most of what was said too. He took a deep breath and stepped into the parlour and when his Chichi had finished talking he dared to say what he had decided.

“I want to talk to otooji,” Hiroki said quietly, getting nervous when everyone was staring at him. He felt Sasuke put his hand on his shoulder in support and felt a little less nervous. He was afraid he had hurt his Chichi and Tousan by saying that.

Naruto and Itachi looked at their son and when they saw his fear they rushed over to him and held him close to them. Naruto was the first to talk; “You don’t have to see him ever again if you don’t want to chibi,” he said stroking the boy’s hair.

“Please don’t be mad at me but I really want to talk to him, if that will make him better again,” he said bravely, though he couldn’t keep the trembling from his voice.

Naruto and Itachi had a hard time speaking; they just held him tighter till Itachi found his voice again. “Why would we be mad at you? We love you Hiroki and we will support you all the way in this,” Itachi said, looking him straight in the eye.

“I really want to do this Tousan, Chichi maybe then he can become my uncle again. But will you come with me,” he asked looking at both his fathers and then over his shoulder to Sasuke.

The youngest raven nodded his consent to Itachi who then said; “Yes Hiroki, we all will be with you if you want us to be.”

Asuma, Tsunade and Iruka were amazed by the young boy once again. His words showed how kind and forgiving this little boy was and all three were proud to know him.

Naruto and Itachi had gone back to their seats with Hiroki and Itachi had put the boy on his lap. Sasuke had positioned himself behind them and unconsciously had put his hands on Naruto’s and Itachi’s shoulder in both comfort and support.

Asuma observed the family of four. He had known that they were a tight knit, but this was the first time they actually showed it to outsiders and he knew no matter what, that Hiroki belonged here and would always be loved and supported by his new family.

He was still a little baffled that Hiroki had spoken up so bravely and decided to confront his worst fear, his uncle, in order to help him heal and Asuma swore to himself that he would help Hiroki and his family through this ordeal.

He got up and walked over to the family on the opposite couch and crouched in front of the boy putting his big hands on his knees and said; “I think it’s very brave and kind of you to want to talk with your uncle and I promise you that we will all be with you every step of the way.”

Hiroki looked at him for a moment before nodding to let him know he understood and the social worker continued; “If at any moment you don’t want to talk to your uncle anymore or when we’re there and you want to leave we will go, we will never make you go through with it if you don’t want to anymore,” Hiroki nodded again and all could see the gratefulness and relieve in his eyes.

Sasuke looked at his soon to be nephew and felt an indescribable pride fill him. He knew that he himself would never be able to forgive anyone who would have hurt him like that but he also knew that the boy would need to confront his fears in order for him to overcome them.

Asuma was grateful that Tsunade offered Hiroki to take him for a snack to the kitchen; he needed to talk about this with the adopting couple and probably Sasuke too. He knew that as soon as the boy was gone Itachi would have a say about the matter. And no sooner than that thought came, did Itachi open his mouth.

“Was the counsellor informed of the abuse Hiroki had to endure in his time living with his uncle?” His voice was as sharp as a knife.

“I doubt she was informed of the true extend of Hiroki’s trauma and the scars he was left with,” Asuma said grimly.

Naruto, who had calmed down and had some time to think looked at Asuma. “Maybe we should let her meet with Hiroki and tell her a bit about his time with his uncle before he talks with the man. Maybe that will make her understand our reservations about this meeting a little better and might help her with treating the man better,” the blonde said, surprising everyone in the room.

“It seems like you aren’t completely opposed to the meeting anymore. Could you tell me why?” Asuma asked, knowing that letting Naruto explain himself would prevent a blowout between the couple and maybe Sasuke.

“First of all I think I would be good for her to see what her “patient” is sorry for, secondly I think it would be to great of a shock for both her and Somaru to see Hiroki without any form of warning or idea of the extent of damage to his body. Thirdly I think Hiroki needs to confront his uncle in order to move on with his life. Confronting the man will hopefully make it possible for him to build a future were his past will not hold him back. Apparently the man wasn’t always the menace he ended up being and Hiroki wishes for that good part of his uncle to come back once more. Remember that the man is the only living family he has left and wishes he can be a part of his life once more. I know I would want the same thing if I were in his place.” All other occupants of the room were truly amazed by Naruto’s emotional speech. Both Uchiha brothers knew that the blonde had spoken from his heart, with only Hiroki’s best interest of in mind and heart.

Itachi knew Naruto was right and though his need to protect his son was almost overwhelming, he also knew that sheltering him for the rest of his life would not be in Hiroki’s best interest, how well intended it may be. “Seeing as Hiroki expressed his need to talk with his uncle out of his own, I will support him in every way I can. Even if he decides to visit the man on a regular basis, but if he ever showed ill will towards my son I will do everything I can to keep him locked in prison for the rest of his life,” the raven stated clearly.

Asuma sighed in relieve. “I can guarantee you I’m feeling the same way. I have to be honest and tell you I had brought Tsunade and Iruka with me to first of all to give you support and secondly to get their support in order to convince miss Yamanaka it would not be in Hiroki’s best interest to meet with his uncle, would you have decided not to allow the meeting,” the bearded man explained.

“But now that Hiroki has said he wanted to talk with his uncle and listening to Naruto, I can say that Hiroki might actually benefit from the meeting and I know for sure you two have nothing the boy’s best interest in mind,” he concluded smiling warmly at the parents-to-be.

Sasuke had stayed quiet throughout the conversation; though he felt conflicted he knew that they were doing the right thing for Hiroki. He had a few issues he needed to get out in the group even if it was decided to proceed differently; he at least felt the need to say them out loud.

“I know it’s not my place to say anything, but there are some things that I think are needed to be considered concerning how we handle the visitation,” the younger raven paused to let his words sink in.

Naruto stood up and walked to the youngest raven and put his arm around his shoulder. “Sasuke, you are just as much part of this family as anyone of us, if you have something to say about the matter please do,” the blonde said smiling warmly at his best friend. He looked at his brother and saw the almost imperceptible nod he gave at the blonde’s words.

“I think we should be careful not to intimidate the uncle by showing up with a large group. It might make the meeting too awkward for both of them and I don’t think it would be a good idea if Itachi or myself would go with Hiroki maybe Naruto, though I personally think it would be better if it were you to accompany him Asuma,” Sasuke said hoping his brother and Naruto wouldn’t be offended by his remark.

Naruto squeezed his shoulder lightly as a signal for him to go on, which surprised the younger raven, so he continued; “I’m not saying we shouldn’t go with Hiroki, cause he asked us to come and we promised we would be there. I assume the visitation will be held in a separate room so they would have some privacy, so what I mean to say is; that we stay in the waiting area or maybe if there is a see through mirror we could observe until they are finished. But I seriously think things will be too awkward if Hiroki’s new parents or one of them would be there. I think it would be hard for the man to deal with the fact that the son of his brother will have strangers to call his parents, well strangers to him at least,” Sasuke finished his reasoning.

Naruto and Itachi didn’t like the things Sasuke had said about them being there, but knew he was right, so both sighed in resignation.

“Then there is one more thing I’d like to suggest. We already spoke about Hiroki meeting with Miss Yamanaka and I assume after what you said Naruto, that you want her to meet without Hiroki wearing his makeup. That seems a good idea and I think he should visit with his uncle like that too, so the man can really see the damage he has inflicted and hopefully feel true remorse for what he has done to the chibi,” Sasuke didn’t like saying it, because he knew Hiroki will be insecure about the meeting without his cover makeup.

“I think you’re right Sasuke,” Asuma said, looking at both Itachi and Naruto, who nodded, showing they thought so too. This was going to be hard on all of them, but the hardest on their boy.

Tsunade and Hiroki came back into the parlour with the boy looking like the cat that ate the canary. When the others saw him grin like that and looking utterly contented they just smiled, smirked or gave a knowing smile.

“So chibi, did you just spoiled your appetite with Lady Tsunade’s help,” Sasuke asked, with his trademark smirk plastered on his face. The boy just grinned wider, giving him the answer he wouldn’t say in words.

“If that’s the case, then he can skip dinner and go straight to bed,” Itachi said with a straight face. Naruto knew he was kidding because he could see the mischief in his lover’s eyes, but otherwise he would have been fooled.

“No Tousan, I’m not full yet I still have room for dinner,” Hiroki started protesting and swiftly Itachi got up from the couch he was sitting on and picked the boy up placing him on his hip.

“I’ll believe you this time,” he said with a wink to his boy, telling him silently he was joking.

“Okay, everyone I think we have said everything that needed to be said for now and I will set up an appointment with miss Yamanaka as soon as I’m back at the office and I will inform you right after that,” Asuma said getting ready to leave the mansion and do as he just promised.

“We’ll be waiting for your call then,” Itachi said shaking the man’s hand. Then he turned towards Tsunade and Iruka; “Would you like to join us for dinner tonight,” he asked them, knowing he wouldn’t need to ask his lover if that was okay.

Both declined the generous offer, but Iruka did say he would like to take them all, that meant Sasuke too, to Ichiraku for lunch sometime soon. Both Naruto and Hiroki we’re practically dancing in glee. Itachi, Sasuke and Iruka looked at them fondly.

After that the little family said goodbye and showed their guests out.

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Later that evening, when Itachi and Naruto laid in bed softly talking about the day’s events, there was a soft knock on the bedroom door and Hiroki popped his head in.

“Tousan, Chichi are you still awake,” he asked in a very timid voice.

“Yes chibi, we are. Come on in,” Naruto said gesturing for him to sit on the bed with them and the boy sat down between his parents, snuggling close to them.

“Did you have a nightmare,” Itachi asked carding his fingers through the boy’s hair.

He shook his and said; “I couldn’t sleep Tousan.”

“Is there something bothering you chibi,” Naruto asked, though he could guess what it was.

“Because we talked about otooji, I thought about what happened when I still lived with him. I never talked to anyone about it, because I wanted to forget it ever happened, but after talking about him I think I need to tell someone, cause I think I’m never really gonna forget it happened,” Hiroki said looking sad.

“We will always listen if you want to talk to us about what happened,” Naruto said hugging him and he nodded to show he understood. Just then there was another knock on the door and Itachi told Sasuke to come in.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was checking on the chibi and saw he wasn’t in his room. So I decided to check if he was in here with you guys but I can see he is,” the youngest of the brothers said. “So then I’ll be going back to bed then,” he finished.

Itachi and Naruto nodded showing their thanks and goodbye when Hiroki softly asked; “Could you please stay Sasu-nii?”

Sasuke looked at his brother and Naruto for a sec to see their reaction and then said; “Sure chibi,” and he walked over to the bed positioning himself at the feet of his aniki.

When Naruto let him sit between them again he started to speak; “When papa was still alive, otooji would come on the weekend and he would stay with us and take me too the park or go for ice cream if it was really warm outside. He used to stay with me during the week too if papa had to work the late shift, he would come and pick me up from school and we would play for awhile and then he would make us dinner. When it was time for bed he would read me a story and then tuck me in and before he would turn off the lights he would always say: Dream a dream for me too kiddo. When papa got sick he started drinking in the weekends and started changing, but after papa had died he started drinking every day and changed even more. He didn’t pick me up from school anymore and he would leave me alone even past my bedtime, so I would have to go to bed without him,” he sighed softly trying to tell his story without crying.

“The first time he spanked me was a few weeks after papa died. I had tried to cook dinner for myself because otooji wasn’t home yet and I was hungry. I had to climb on the counter to reach the cookie jar and slipped on a wet spot on the top and had made a big mess. When he came back he saw the mess and grabbed my arm shouting that I was a bad boy and gave me a hard smack on my bum, after that he would spank me more often,” Hiroki looked at his hands that laid limp in his lap. He took a deep breath to calm himself and continued;

“At first he would spank me when he got angry with me for doing something bad but after a while when he started drinking even more and he would hit me with his fists or even his belt, that’s how I got most of the scars. Sometimes he would push me so hard I would fall on the floor and I would cut myself on the raised edges of the wooden floor planks. Because we had no money he couldn’t take me to the doctor and I got all these scars on my face. I know he didn’t mean to hurt me, he was just not himself and I really hope he will become my otooji again,” after his last words he couldn’t stop himself from crying anymore and in the comfort of his parents arms and the soothing rubbing on his back from his new uncle he cried himself to sleep. Naruto scooted over on the bed to make room, so Hiroki could sleep with them tonight and Itachi laid the boy down gently so he wouldn’t wake him.

Naruto didn’t know what he should be feeling, on the one hand he was pissed with the uncle for doing what he did, but on the other hand he understood that it was the alcohol causing this behaviour. He could see why Hiroki hoped he would get his old uncle back, he could see why Hiroki hoped he would get his old uncle back but that didn’t lessen the anger he felt towards the man.

Itachi watched fascinated at the blonde’s face and eyes, where his thoughts and emotions were portrayed for him to see. It never ceased to amaze him how easily Hiroki and Naruto showed their emotions on their faces. The feelings displayed, were mostly how he felt himself only with less compassion for the man then Naruto or Hiroki.

Sasuke was lost in his own memories of pain and was startled when he felt a pair of arms wrap around him. He had to blink a couple of times, realizing he was crying, to get his vision clear again and was surprised to see his aniki holding him. For a moment he didn’t know what to do but then wrapped his own arms around him. He was shocked to feel something wet soaking through his shirt and he realised his brother was crying. Both brothers, for the first time in their life, allowed their emotions to run free. Naruto came up to them and wrapped his arms around both brothers trying to give all the warmth and comfort he had to offer.

“Listening to Hiroki made me realize he lost not one but two loved ones when his father died and that made me remember how we all have lost loved ones,” Itachi explained after he composed himself somewhat.

“Please don’t hide your grieve from me, neither of you. I know you think that crying means being weak, but know that I know you are everything but and I will never judge you for showing your emotions,” Naruto said, smiling warmly at them, trying to convey his sincerity.

Itachi like Sasuke had felt his own grieve rise to the surface, from where he had buried it so long ago, being reminded of his own loss by the story his son had told them.

Itachi looked at Naruto, who nodded knowing exactly what his lover was thinking. The raven pulled his little brother to his side and laid down next to Hiroki, allowing his otouto to put his head on his shoulder. Hiroki rolled onto his side and snuggled into Itachi’s side .

Naruto spooned behind his son and wrapped an arm around his little waist. Tonight the four of them would sleep here, forgetting who and what they were supposed to be, to comfort each other.

TBC