Spiral Falling

Title: Spiral Falling
Author: BeccaAmon
Genre: AU
Pairings: Naruto x Sasuke x Naruto
Warnings: Shounen ai, yaoi, language
Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.
AN: Thank you for being patient. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 26 – Follow through

Sunlight left everything vivid and vulnerable. The glare off the whites of many birds' feathers hurt his eyes. He couldn't look at them for long. When they took off, Sasuke could barely follow their winged bodies as they flew into the sun. He looked away and stepped back further into the shade the tree provided. The plaza was filled with people. Children ran around chasing birds and flew vibrant kites. They tugged earnestly at their parent's sleeves for some coins to give the ice cream man. Students sat in circles, under shades. They studied intensely or grew loud with lively chatter. Dogs fetched sticks. Girls waited for their dates. In the distance, a carousel sang and spun. Somewhere close, he knew there was a hive of bees.

He felt like he was the smudge of ink that stained the postcard scene. It was nauseating.

Sasuke watched the play of light on the pavement and reached his hands out so it washed over his skin. He bent his fingers as if to catch it, and predictably, his fingers slipped right through the rays. He allowed a soft, sad smile. When he had touched Naruto's hair, it never passed through his fingers. Naruto had been warm, warmer than this.

"Today's going to be a good day, don't you think?" He heard the smile in her voice.

He looked beyond his outstretched hands and saw the hem of a skirt waving in the wind. Returning his hand to his sides, he already missed the warm kiss of the sun's rays. Sakura stood before him. She looked cute, if not pleased to have caught him in such a vulnerable moment.

"Why did you call me here?" He skipped the niceties and went straight to the point.

"We have a date, Sasuke-kun." Sakura told him artlessly.

He narrowed his eyes at her easy demeanor, her soft smile and seemingly innocent tilt to the head.

"I don't have time to play games, Sakura. You said you had to tell me something important. Something that couldn't wait until Monday." He had better places to be at the moment.

Taking on an aggressive stance, she caught his gaze and held it. "I'm not playing games, and I wasn't lying."

"Then make it quick. You've made me wait long enough."

Sakura hummed as if considering. He noticed her hair had that freshly cropped look and she had clear nail polish on. He had expected it to be pink.

"Tell you what." She winked. "I'll tell you once you buy me some ice cream."

He gritted his teeth, patience lost. Turning quickly, he strode forward.

"Running away again, Sasuke-kun? That's become such a bad habit of yours lately." Her words stopped him in his tracks. He was bothered that nothing in him protested or denied her implications.

Sasuke faced her slowly and challenged her gaze. "I'm not running away." He ground out.

Her expression melted into the soft smile once more. She stepped forward and looped her arm around his. Propelling him toward where the ice cream truck was parked, she dared. "Convince me."


The ice cream melted quickly, so he ended up stirring the slushy result in his cup. Girls always had a way of eating that barely left a mess. He watched Sakura break off pieces of her cone instead of biting on it. He guessed if she bit on it, all the little flakes that fell on her skirt would be stuck to her lips. Girls were amusing at times. He didn't know who she was trying to impress. Or maybe that's just her way of doing things.

She hadn't said anything for awhile and he hadn't the manner to initiate a conversation. So, they sat silently as clouds passed over them and the breeze tousled their hair. They watched kids play and leaves fall. After awhile she leaned back on the bench, legs shifting to cross ankles and her hands rested on her stomach. Her face turned up to the sky, eyelids closed and lips parted. She looked relaxed, yet taut, as if waiting for a kiss.

He looked away, leaned forward, elbows on his thighs and head bowed.

"Do you love Naruto, Sasuke-kun?" She murmured.

"I don't think that's any of your business." He answered smoothly.

"That’s a yes, then."

He looked back at her and saw that she hadn't moved. Talking with her eyes closed and hair swaying around her face.

"I think it is my business, you know? No matter what you say." She spoke as if talking to herself, just speaking aloud. "I care for him. I don't like to see him hurt. That day, when Hinata told me I couldn't see beyond his smile. It opened my eyes and I saw what she had been talking about."

"So, you're here to speak for him then?" He couldn't help but feel even more isolated. But that had always been the way. He wondered why he expected it to be any different now?

Sakura sat up suddenly, hearing the bitter edge to his question. "Of course not! He's my friend and I want him to be happy. He's happy when he's with you! I want you to be happy too, and you seemed happy when you were with him." She reasoned.

"He was happy before me, Sakura. Believe it or not. He had a life before me, and it didn't end when I broke it off. He seems to be living fairly well now."

"But you guys were happier when you were together. I want to see that again." Her hand landed on her chest, bunching the fabric.

"We can't always have what we want, Sakura. You don't know everything. So, it's easier for you to think it could be solved that quickly. One life is difficult enough to endure, why worry about two others. Just worry about your own." He delivered coldly.

She fell silent and he was almost disappointed. As if he had wanted her to argue some more. It was ridiculous.

"Stop being a coward." Her voice trespassed inaudible, but he heard it. "Stop giving me excuses. I wish I had found my happily-ever-after. I wouldn't have treated it the way you did yours. If your life is so miserable, why reject the only good thing that came your way!" She stood up and faced him, her voice and body towering over his.

He sighed. She had said it, called him what he was.

"Happily-ever-after, huh? Too bad those barely survived outside daydreams." He also stood up and she had no choice but to step back lest their chests touched. He saw her frown like she didn't get him.

"Did you leave then? Before he left you?" The question gave him pause. Perhaps that had been another reason, if he truly admitted it. Aside from taking away any distractions that would interfere with his goals, leaving had been better than being left behind. In the end, he had never fully trusted that it would last. He had sought after what he had wanted, then left it before it left him.

He turned away from her open expression, his thoughts hurting his head. If he grabbed hold of his goal now, what were the chances that he would let go for fear of discovering he would never succeed.

He had to be sure then, that he could see things through.

Sasuke lifted a hand to his neck, tracing the cold body of Naruto's chain. Resolution licked up his spine, demanding his body to move and do something.

He began to walk away but Sakura's hand on his arm stopped him. "Where are you going?"

"Thank you for the date, Sakura."

"Huh?" She blinked up at him in bewilderment. This close, if he were to kiss her, he'd have to lean down. Naruto was the perfect height for kissing.

"See you later." And he left.

"I apologize for the trouble, Orochimaru-san." Sasuke shook the man's large hands, his hair swaying as he bowed.

The man chuckled, not yet letting go of his hands. "It's no trouble at all Sasuke-kun. I'm glad you considered my offer."

Sasuke shivered. Something about the man's rasping voice bothered him. It reminded him of snakes slithering through grass. A forked tongue hissing in his ears. He expected the hand that had yet to release his to be cold, although it was comfortably warm.

Pulling away from the grip as politely as he could manage, Sasuke looked around the spacious, tastefully decorated office. A combination of polished wood, gleaming steel and smooth glass. The carpet was plush beneath his shoes and the chair he was asked to sit on almost made him sigh in contentment.

"I hope I'm not taking you away from any important matters."

Orochimaru leaned back on his chair behind the glass and steel desk; his legs casually crossed and grin wickedly displayed. The suit he wore fit him well, handsomely. Sasuke’s suit chafed and itched. It had been a while since he'd donned any of the sort.

"My important matter is right in front of me, Sasuke-kun. Please understand that you are in no way troubling me." Orochimaru murmured with heavy-lidded eyes, his gaze sharp and potent.

Sasuke cleared his throat and tried to fight off a flush. He nodded, not knowing how to respond to that.

Getting up, Orochimaru glanced at his watch. "The classes would break soon. Shall we go, Sasuke-kun? You may meet a few students as we tour."

Sasuke got up from his seat and followed Orochimaru out of the office. Their footsteps echoed in the large halls and they were cast by sunlight and color as they passed stained glass windows. They walked into a few classes, looking into the lessons and students. A professor would try to accommodate them, pausing his lesson, but Orochimaru would gesture to continue.

Sasuke recognized a few students; a son of a successful politician, a daughter of a tenacious lawyer and a few more from wealthy families. Kids that grew up the same way as him, kids who had their gazes set on the same goal. Their stiff and starched uniforms were impeccable, expensive.

He stood at the back of the class and felt the energy--the drive--these students possessed. He bit his bottom lip in excitement. His blood heated. He wanted to be among them.

A large hand slipped at the small of his back; Sasuke stiffened at the unexpected contact. It pressed against him, slipping down. He looked to his side and Orochimaru smiled down at him.

"Would you like to meet a few students that are in the advanced programs, Sasuke-kun? You may find them interesting." The heat of Orochimaru's hand seeped through his jacket. He nodded in agreement and was guided out of the room.

Orochimaru showed him into a class with very few students. They looked up as he and Orochimaru entered, their gazes on him hard and measuring. When they turned to the man beside him, the gazes lowered, humbled. Sasuke found the silent exchange odd, but it showed him that the man holding his elbow in pretense of guiding him was revered.

The students stood from their seats and greeted him. They introduced themselves, five speaking for the rest. One with hair the color of dirty snow and green eyes, Kimimaro, took him away from the crowd and showed him the lessons and curriculum for the advanced class. The entire time, Sasuke felt hostility and malice from the boy. He smirked; he had forgotten what it felt like to be feared.

He spent quite a bit of time in the class, sitting and fitting right in. He didn't spy from his left any silly girls trying to get his attention or Naruto bickering with Kiba. He didn't hear Chouji munching on chips. Shikamaru wasn't by the window watching clouds roll past. His teacher didn't occasionally throw a board eraser to a sleeping student. The teacher before him was young with silver hair, round specs and a cunning grin. He wasn't sitting in a class of Konoha high school. It was different, but not entirely terrible.

After the class, they returned to Orochimaru's office. The students had told him farewell and said they looked forward to competing against him. He felt the same way.

"I'm very curious, Sasuke-kun." The man perched on the edge of his desk, eyes openly roving over him. "I'd like to know what you're thinking."

Sasuke hadn't sat down. At this level, they were eye to eye. He pulled at his shirt cuff, recalling Naruto teasing him for the nervous habit and put his hand back to his side.

"I," He paused, collecting his thoughts and ridding it of the image of blonde hair and cheeky grins. "I had a wonderful time, Orochimaru-san."

"You looked like you had fun. Was this," Orochimaru gestured around them. "What you were looking for?"

Sasuke lowered his gaze, mind a buzzed with thoughts, decisions and memories. He ignored the heart that skipped a beat at the thought of leaving what he had gained, of who he had gained. A hand slid up and rested around his arm. He followed the arm to its owner. Orochimaru smiled at him, knowing eyes boring into his.

"Destiny, success, our goals does not come to us Sasuke-kun. We must rip through every obstacle, step on every stepping stone," The hand slid up to cup the back of his neck, thumb caressing skin. "And bear every hardship," Intense eyes narrowed and pale lips smiled at him. "To grasp what we want."

Sasuke took a hard swallow, feeling flushed as the rumbling words tumbled out of those lips. His heart beat faster when the hand squeezed his neck briefly, before sliding down his arms once more and then drew back, letting go slowly.

"Is this what you want, Sasuke." Orochimaru asked and waited.

His neck still felt the heavy grip. His arms tingled where he had been touched. He wasn't stupid, he knew what the other man was saying. The deliberate touches throughout the tour and the exploring eyes were hard to ignore. He knew the man would love Sasuke to be on his knees right now, sucking him off in his office. Sasuke repressed a shudder.

The man was right however, about grasping what you want, despite the sacrifices. It had been what he'd been after all this time. It had been the reason he left Naruto, his distraction. This was the bridge to cross to following in Itachi's path; to defeating him.

"Yes, this is what I want." Sasuke rasped.

"Good." A hand wrapped around his wrist, pulling him down. The carpet seemed hard, hurting his knees. The opening of a zipper sounded too loud in the room as it slid from tooth to tooth. The hands on his shoulder and head were too large, unfamiliar. He gagged as he tried to accommodate the thickness in his mouth, making him tear. Fingers dug onto his shoulders and hair, pulling as hot liquid hit his throat. He spat, ruining the carpet. A hand pet his hair, and this time he couldn't repress a shudder.

Sasuke stared at the dark car in front of him, his brother standing by the door. His driver, Kisame, a tall and unpleasant man, sat quietly at the wheel. Itachi looked at him, appraising.

"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked, it seemed that was the only thing he could say to his brother.

"Get in, Sasuke." Itachi commanded. And it seemed that was the only thing his brother could say to him.

Too tired to argue, his steps dragged and his throat still burned. Itachi opened the door for him and he stumbled inside, their shoulders brushing. Itachi slid in after him. At the slam of the door closing, the car started. The ride was silent, both of them sitting at the end of the back seat. Sasuke kept his eyes on the passing scenery, once in awhile looking at his brother's unmoving reflection.

"Sasuke," Itachi murmured.

Sasuke looked away from the window, turning toward Itachi. His brother said nothing else and the car drove on.

The car pulled up in their driveway. As Sasuke prepared to open the door to his side, a handkerchief was tossed onto his lap. He grabbed the silky square of cloth and looked at Itachi questioningly.

Stepping out of the car, a lock of his hair stuck to his skin. Eyes widening, he fingered the sticky clump of hair and flushed. The car drove off, leaving him weak-kneed and his throat aching.

He ran to his bathroom, washing his hair, brushing his teeth, tongue and mouth. He nearly swallowed the mouthwash—he choked on it and spat it out. The taste wouldn't leave him, the feel of foreign thickness. Sasuke sagged to the floor, hand covering his lips, embarrassment hanging over his shoulders like a cloak. He felt ghostly hands on his shoulder and hair. And he realized what he had just done.


The lights turned green and cars moved in unison. The lights turned yellow, then red. Cars stopped and the crowds crossed the streets. Countless stomping feet, thinking minds, beating hearts and talking mouths.

Naruto hurried his strides, trying not to bump into anyone. His shoulder brushed another, but the crowd was too thick to stop and apologize. The person was gone anyway. He made it to the other side and went into a store to buy what he needed. Emerging out of the busy place, he walked on to find someplace to eat. The fast-food restaurant had been too crowded. He didn't want to feel rushed as he ate.

Pausing in his search, he spied a white-haired man sitting on the steps. The steps lead up to the wide bridge built over the busy road. The man wrote on a notepad and occasionally looked up to leer at a passing woman. Somehow he stood out from the crowd, like a visitor in a house.

Naruto walked over to the man, his bag of food dangling by his side, bouncing against his leg.

"Hey, old man. You're scaring the girls." Naruto scowled, hooking his thumb on a pocket.

The man looked away from whistling at a lady clad in a red dress and slid curious eyes at him. The gaze lowered to his bag of food and before Naruto could blink, the bag was grabbed from his grip.


"Oh, what a good boy, bringing lunch for this hard working old man." He buried his face inside the bag, sniffing appreciatively.

"Hey!" Naruto protested. "Give those back!"

The bag was tossed back to him, minus a burger and a juice box.

"Have a seat boy. This is the best spot in all of downtown." The man patted the place beside him, grinning all the while.

The bridge was fairly wide. A few people had also claimed steps, without bothering anyone. The crowd moved around them easily.

Shrugging in acceptance, Naruto plopped down and reached into the bag for his extra burger. They ate watching the crowd. Naruto shared his fries and the man showed him what he had been writing. The guy was an author. And a pervert.

"So, you write porn?" Naruto flipped through the pages of the notebook, skimming over a few sentences. He looked to the old man, Jiraiya, he had said his name was.

"No, I write about love." Jiraiya corrected. "About life and its many aspects. Love, hate, change, fate, people, the future, the past and the present…and so on.” He winked. “Love, above all, takes precedence. It touches most of these aspects. Bleeds into them.”

Naruto frowned, sipped on his drink and let the guy talk.

"Love itself has many aspects, you see? And I focus on certain parts. People and their relationships, emotions like anger, happiness, sadness, lust. I take all these things and fit them into a situation, a story.” Jiraiya explained as his hands imitated stuffing something into a container.

Naruto pulled the straw away from his lips, tilted his head to the side and asked, “So you write porn?”

Jiraiya gave him a long suffering look, sipped on his own juice box and nodded. “Yeah, I guess.”

Naruto sniggered and tapped the notebook on his lap. “The story’s not bad, but I think they should get back together. It would make people sad if they remained separated in the end. I think happiness is a much better emotion. Happy endings are never overused.”

Jiraiya raised an impressed brow and looked him up and down. “You seem to know what you’re talking about, boy. You in love?”

Naruto almost choked on his drink, sputtering most of it out. He wiped his chin and licked his lips, tasting apple juice.

“Why would you say that?” He asked guardedly.

“You’re practically glowing from it.” Jiraiya narrowed his eyes, placing a thoughtful hand beneath his chin. “No, not glowing at this moment, but you are in love. She must be a lucky gal to have someone who won’t give up so easily on a relationship.” He grinned.

Naruto scowled, looking away. He gazed at the passer-bys and sipped on his drink some more. Saying it like that, it sounded so simple. He recalled Sasuke telling him he loved him. He hadn’t known what to tell him and never got back to him. He wondered if Sasuke had known what he was talking about then, if he still felt the same now. Naruto hardly lingered on that memory, even though he should, since no one had ever told him they loved him.

“Maybe I didn’t believe it…Couldn’t believe it.” Naruto murmured.

In the corner of his eyes, he saw Jiraiya leering at a group of girls in school uniforms, but Naruto knew the man was listening.

“I almost believed it, but didn’t and look what happened. We’re not together anymore.” He bit his straw, chewing at its end.

“Then how come you’re still holding on, boy? What’s keeping you from letting go?” Jiraiya asked offhandedly. He hummed approvingly as a woman in a business suit passed by. She looked over her shoulder and smiled in thanks. From the look of her, she’d been working hard. Jiraiya probably just made her day.

“I don’t know why I haven’t let go yet.” Naruto admitted.

“Sure you do.” Jiraiya took his notebook back, flipped to a new page and quickly jotted something down. “You just don’t want to believe it. Try thinking out loud, try saying different things. One of them is bound to ring true.” He advised.

Naruto grinned and turn to Jiraiya, the man was busy scribbling on the pad. He seemed lost in thought. “Is all your porn so deep?” He asked lightheartedly.

Jiraiya looked up and grinned better than him. “Of course! Can’t have my readers get bored with just the porn now could we?” He laughed out loud and people turned to look.

Naruto smiled and shook his head. Standing up, he checked the time. The sun had gone down without his notice. The crowd was still thick, but more silent now, harmonizing with the characteristics of night. The store’s and restaurants’ florescent signs lit up, beckoning the shoppers and diners in. Like moths to a fire. Naruto grinned. Lovers strolled down the streets, hands clasped, floating on clouds.

“Well, old man, I think I’m gonna head home. I’ll see you around.” Naruto said, stretching.

“Alright, kid. I’ll be here.” Jiraiya waved. “Thanks for the food.”

Naruto began to walk away just as Jiraiya called out to him. “And don’t forget to let your little missy know how you feel!” He yelled across the crowd.

Naruto blinked and then blinked again. A slow smile began to spread and he laughed. “Sure thing!”
He walked away, grinning and shaking his head. “Sure thing…” He murmured, smile softening.

He slowed down and slipped his hands into his pockets. Calm fell over him, soothing him. He made his way into the station, hearing the trains stopping and going. Taking his transit pass out, he swiped it as he went through the electronic gate. The resulting beep echoed loudly on the tiled walls and floors and was lost to more beeps as people came in and out.

Naruto climbed the stairs up to the platform and waited for his train to arrive. Both platforms were nearly empty of commuters; he had just missed his train. A breeze passing through the tunnel stirred his hair and clothes. Classical music played, its purpose to bore away the would-be loiterers.

Hunching, he waited some more. As he was about to walk further down the length of the platform, he heard a girl’s protesting voice. He turned his ear toward the commotion and waited. It came again, louder, a little more panicked and less gutsy. Frowning, he looked toward the stairs. Shadows, footsteps and loud voices filled the platform.

“I said leave me alone!” The girl repeated.

“What the hell bitch? You can’t lead us on like that!” A guy’s booming voice growled.

“Yeah, show us how good you are!” Another taunted.

“What’s the matter little girl, not so tough when your girlfriends’ not around?” A third one laughed.

Naruto groaned. He did not want to get involved, and yet his feet had already made the decision for him. He walked to where the voices originated and found three tall guys surrounding a girl. She was effectively trapped against the wall. Between the guys’ shifting bodies, Naruto spied blond hair and a familiar school uniform. One of the guys came closer, grabbing the girl’s wrist—she kicked out and Naruto heard a resounding slap.

“Hey!” He ran toward the group. Pushing one of the guys out of the way, he saw Ran cradling a reddening cheek. Her eyes were bright but she wasn’t crying; still putting up a tough front. Naruto gritted his teeth.

The guy to his left shoved him away. “Mind your own business, man.”

Naruto steadied himself and caught the guy by his shirt collar. Spinning the kid around, Naruto pushed him away from Ran.

“What the fuck! Mind your own business, I said!” And all three turned to Naruto, fists raised, scowls and teeth bared.

“What the hell are you doing? Ganging up on a girl?” He growled.

“Are you defending this whore?” The tall one laughed, pointing a thumb to Ran. “She had it coming. Making herself up like that. We’re just accepting the fucking invitation.” He leered.

Naruto scowled. “Ran, come here.”

“Get away, monster! I can take care of myself!” She spat.

Naruto stared at her in disbelief, hands curling into fists.

“You heard her. Get the fuck out of here!” One of the guys yelled and threw a punch his way.

Naruto dodged it quickly, but didn’t see another fist coming until it landed on his stomach. He coughed; the wind knocked out of him. A fist clipped him on the shoulder and someone kicked his side. Shaking the pain away he kicked at someone’s thigh and swung his arm to his right—catching someone’s nose. Another guy came at him. Naruto stepped back and planted a foot on the kid’s stomach. Someone caught his arm, he twisted out of the hold and his fist hit the guy’s throat.

“Fuck, man!” The third guy coughed.

They attacked once more and Naruto defended himself. All the while, he caught glimpses of Ran, standing still, with eyes wide open.

A leg tripped him, the back his head hit the floor, the world spun and he saw spots. Ran screamed. Before his eyes closed, he saw her run for him only to be grabbed around the ankle and trip.

“Get away from me, bastards!” She cursed.

Prying his eyes open took a great deal of effort, but he managed it. He stood up shakily, head throbbing in pain. Two of the guys were down and the other was on top of Ran, her fingers pulling at his hair. Naruto kicked the guy off her and he didn’t fight back.

“Fuck,” Naruto spat and offered his hand to his cousin. He looked about the platform and wondered why there was never anyone around when help was needed.

Ran slapped his hand away and got up unsteadily to her feet. “I don’t need your help, monster.” She winced when she put pressure on an ankle.

Naruto frowned as she collected her bag and started to walk away. She didn’t make it any further than three steps before a sob escaped and her leg gave way.

“Dammit!” She cried, gripping her leg. “You stupid ankle!”

Touching the back of his head, Naruto checked for blood; a natural reaction. Encountering only a nasty bump, he walked toward Ran.

“C’mon, I’ll help you up.” He offered once more.

Ran crossed her arms over her chest and faced away from him. He could see her pout and her defiantly narrowed eyes.

“Stop being so stubborn, Ran.” Naruto sighed. He stepped over the unconscious bodies and crouched down beside her. Peering closer, he saw her lips start to tremble.

“Ran?”

“Why the hell did you have to be here?! I could take care of myself!” She yelled, facing him.

Naruto shook his head and looked to the rails and then back to her. “I guess this just isn’t your lucky day, cousin.”

“Don’t call me that!” She sobbed.

The rails rattled and the air stirred. From the distant, the train’s light shone. People came up the stairs and the three goons stirred.

“C’mon. Get up.” Naruto said as he reached around her waist. She stiffened and looked like she was going to fight him, but stopped when she moved her leg. She bravely bit off another sob and let him carry her to the train.

They sat in silence as the train moved. Naruto tended to his wounds and Ran made herself decent. She fixed her hair and rumpled clothes. The train’s movement would often jar her ankle and she’d bite her tongue to keep from crying out. Naruto felt a certain amount of pride at how tough she’d become. He’d like to tell her that, but as the ride went on, their gazes never met.

When her stop came, he helped her up once more. Once they were outside the station, he offered his back to carry her. It took some more arguing, but in the end, she reluctantly and with lots of drama, accepted.

Naruto adjusted his hold on Ran, making sure she wouldn’t slip from the piggy back position. Her arms hooked around his neck and her cheek rested on his shoulder. The street was silent; an occasional car would zoom past. He could smell home cooked dinner in the air and a few house lights were already turned off for the night. Blue light flickered from someone’s window, a basketball game was on. A cat out for a walk stopped to watch them, its eyes flickering and then it crossed their path.

Naruto hadn’t been to his Aunt’s house in a very long time. His memory of it was blurred; only at certain parts were there color and detail. As time passed, he remembered even less. Now, he walked slowly with his cousin on his back. Walking to the house he had been unwanted from.

“You look like them, you know.” Her voice had been but a mere whisper and was muffled against his shirt, he had almost missed it.

“Them?” He asked.

“The pictures. There’s some in my mother’s room. She doesn’t have them up like she used to. Once in a while, she would take them out and she’d be happy.” Ran paused, shifting her head. “But then she’d start crying and put away the albums again.”

“Who do I look like?”

“The people in the pictures. You have auntie’s eyes. They’re so blue.” She whispered, amazed.

He felt a stinging around his eyes and his throat clamped up. “Is that so?”

“And the man, uncle, you look like him too.”

“Do you remember them?” Naruto asked.

“No,” A breeze blew past. “Not really.”

“Oh.”

He adjusted his hold on her and he kept walking. He could barely stand it when she taunted him and called him names, but he had never blamed her. She acted on somebody else’s hate. She had been taught to hate him. He wondered if she had ever thought about why she acted the way she did. He wondered if she would ever decide to step out of her learned hate and decide for herself how she felt.

“You could stop here.” She said as she began to wiggle out of his hold. Her feet touched the ground and she leaned on the sidewalk’s rails to keep the pressure off her injured ankle. Her house was a few more steps away.

“I could carry you all the way there if you—“

“No, it’s fine.” Ran looked toward her house and then back to him. “Mom’s probably had a hard day. Like, she doesn’t need to see you to make it worst.”

He stepped back, confused at her altered tone. She sucked her teeth and limped away. He watched her go, making sure she made it to her front steps and then inside, before turning away.

The house had looked different. They had added another section to it and the garden seemed less tended. Life and time brought changes, but he hadn’t encountered these changes as they happened, so the house in his memories, stayed unchanged.

He wondered at Ran’s behavior and grinned. She always put up a tough act, but sometimes, when it’s quiet and there’s not that many to see, she was a kind girl. He sighed. His injuries complained, but he ignored them. He remembered what she had said, that he had looked like his parents. In a way, it was sort of her way of thanking him. He smiled and went home.


TBC