Escape *Story Complete*

*-*Happy Thanksgiving!!!*-*

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Part 4
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Tsunade looked over Naruto's chart and added the notes from the exam that that she had just completed on her gaki. Brown eyes roamed over the blond's face and as small smile traced her lips as she reached up to ruffle his hair.

"You're doing much better today, gaki. In just a few minutes, you'll be breathing on your own." She said softly to Naruto's unconscious form as Shizune entered the room.

"How is he, Tsunade-sama?" She asked, moving to give Naruto's arm a pat.

"Much better. We're going to remove the endotracheal tube today. Kyuubi seems to be helping him greatly. I was thinking that he would be awake by the end of the week, but hopefully, he'll at least be conscious by this evening or in the morning.

"That’s wonderful!" The younger woman said with a bright smile as they prepared to remove the tube.

It didn't take long for the tubing to be pulled free and even unconscious, the blond gagged for a few moments before settling down. An oxygen mask was placed over his nose and mouth and after taking a bit of blood, Shizune left to analyze the sample.

The Hokage stood, watching the slow but steady rise and fall of Naruto's chest before turning to the other teen near the window. He was lying peacefully on the soft hospital bed, his eyes closed, but she knew he was awake. The slight rise in his chakra when Shizune took Naruto's blood made it clear to her.

She sat on the bed at Sasuke's hip and looked down at the teen. "I know you're awake." She picked up his unrestrained arm, carefully unwrapping the bandages to check his wounds.

Black eyes opened slowly and looked into the youthful face of the Hokage, as she assessed his arms. "Is he okay?"

"The gaki? Hai, he's doing much better. He's breathing on his own now and his blood pressure is stable. His chakra is stabilizing as well so it shouldn't be long before he awakens." She watched as the teen relaxed visibly, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "If you hadn't shown up when you did, he would be dead."

That very thought sent chills through their souls. Neither could imagine not having Naruto amongst them. Konoha would not be the same without the sound of his voice or the orange-ness that was trademark to him, though over the past couple years, he had toned it down in the color department.

"I know…" Sasuke mumbled, closing his eyes as she lifted his shirt and began to prod his abdomen and feel his ribs. "I'm just glad that I found him when I did. I don't remember when the last time was that I felt afraid for someone else…but I was…for Naruto. I didn't want him to die. Especially since Orochimaru and Kabuto are now gone."

"Sasuke…I would like to hear in your own words, why you left. I want you to be completely honest with me because your punishment will depend on the answers that you give me now." The tone of her voice was serious. She had a feeling she knew why, but she wanted to hear it from the Uchiha himself.

She watched for a moment as he tried to push himself up and helped him a bit and watched as he settled moving his eyes to hers.

"I did it to become strong and to protect my friends and Konoha from him. I knew that if I didn't go, that would mean a battle in which Konoha could possibly lose especially after what happened with the chuunin exams. Many more people would die…my friends would die and it would have been …"

"You think it would have been your fault." She finished for him. "Tell me why, Sasuke-kun."

"Orochimaru wanted the sharingan. He wanted me because it was obvious that he could not get Itachi. I knew that he wanted me for his next vessel and I used those years with him to get stronger, learn how he moved and operated until I had a chance to take him down. I killed Kabuto first…then I went after Orochimaru."

"I'll have you write a report on your time in Oto and how you killed them. I do have a few more questions for you though. Sasuke-kun, how do you feel about your brother?"

Dark eyes closed as he leaned back against the pillows behind his back. "I despise him and will kill him if he threatens my friends or Konoha, but I'm not going to chase after him anymore. Like I told Kakashi, he had his reasons but I won't ever understand them but my main focus is the dobe and knocking some sense into him after he's well enough."

The blonde smiled at seeing the blush that hinted in the Uchiha's pale cheeks. "You have feelings for him." She stated and saw the teen turn away. That was more that sufficient for an answer in her book. "What about reviving your clan? The rest of the council is still eager to see the Uchiha district thriving in the future."

"Well, I'll find a way to do it, but it wont be for the council's sake. Regardless, I'm not going to give him up." He said firmly, though his cheeks had darkened even more.

Tsunade managed to keep the small smile that graced her lips from growing. She could see that the Uchiha was serious about having Naruto in his life. "Glad to hear it, Sasuke-kun." She stood and folded her arms under her more than ample breasts, her caramel gaze meeting his ebon eyes. "Just know this; if you hurt my gaki, I will come after you. Understood?"

"Hn." The Uchiha huffed yet nodded slightly in understanding.

"Get some rest. I'll stop by to check on you two later. Someone will bring you your meal. You're doing better, but you need to regain the weight that you've lost and since I know you wont leave the hospital without Naruto, we'll continue to treat the vitamin deficiencies that you're suffering from." She ordered before leaving the room.

Sasuke sighed and threw his legs over the side of the bed making his way slowly to his feet. He grabbed hold of the pole that held the IV bag he was connected to before moving to the chair at Naruto's bedside. Thoughts of how he found the blond laying on the couch, so silent and still, ran through his mind as he sat at his side, waiting for him awaken.

*-*

Orange tinted light from the setting sun filtered through the hospital window, casting a warm glow within the otherwise dimly lit room. One of the occupants slept deeply, his head resting on the soft mattress as he sat awkwardly in a chair beside the bed. The darkness that clouded the mind of the room second occupant was lifting, bringing consciousness to the foreground for the first time in almost a week.

The rise in chakra caused Sasuke's eyes to snap open, sleep was immediately pushed away from his mind as he gazed down at the face of his blond dobe. Carefully as to not jostle Naruto, he sat on the bed and placed his hand on the blond's and felt his calloused fingers twitch.

"Finally." Sasuke mumbled as he watched as Naruto licked his lips under the clear plastic of the oxygen mask. After a moment of hesitation, the Uchiha reached forward, pushing blond strands away from Naruto's face, noticing for the first time that his hair had definitely grown. It gave his handsome face an younger appearance, causing a faint smile to trace his lips.

"Naruto…Naruto, open your eyes…"

*-*

He could feel the darkness lifting from his mind as his eyes opened slowly. The thick fur of one of Kyuubi's tails was wrapped around him as if to keep him warm and comfortable.

"Kit, you're finally awake."

Naruto looked to the eyes of the Kitsune that resided within him, noting the concern in her voice. "Hai. Why am I alive? I can feel myself waking up…I don't want to wake up." He said, feeling his eyes burn with bitter tears. "Why couldn't you let me die, Kyuubi?"

"Kit, you can be angry with me, but I couldn't allow it. It wasn't your time. They started helping you on the outside and I helped from within."

"If I can't die, I want to just stay here. I don't want to face them." Naruto replied softly, his hands tightening within the reddish fur. He could feel Kyuubi's realm beginning to waiver around him and knew that he was indeed regaining consciousness.

"You can't stay here kit. Don't you hear them calling to you? Listen to that voice…follow it back. The one you've been seeking for so long is waiting for you. Go back."

"I don't believe you…" He murmured as the warmth and soft fur vanished from around him only to be replaced with linens that were cool against his skin in some spots while nearly uncomfortably warm in others.

*-*

"Naruto! I know you can hear me! Wake up!" Sasuke commanded as the beeping from the heart monitor increased right along side the increase in chakra. He could see Naruto's eyes moving beneath his lids as he continued to stir. He watched as the blond's lips moved as if he was trying to say something, but it was so soft that he could not hear him.

The raven-haired teen leaned close to Naruto's lips, his own heart thundering in his chest. "Naruto! Wake up…I know you can!"

"No…don't….please…" Sasuke watched as a tear streamed from the corner of Naruto's closed eye and couldn't help but to reach up to brush it away as he continued to listen to the blonds ramblings. "…its not…his voice…my mind…."

"Naruto, you're mind isn't playing tricks on you. Open you're eyes and see."

"…No…"

"Dobe, don't be a wimp! I know that even you can do something as simple as opening your eyes." Sasuke taunted and felt his lips upturn at the small snarl that he heard leave Naruto's lips.

"Shut...up."

"Is that the best you can come up with, Usuratonkachi?" He baited him further, listening as the sound of Naruto's scratchy voice only increased.

"Teme!!" The blond growled loudly as his eyes managed to open. Even the dim light from the fading sun felt as if it was too much to Naruto's eyes, but he fought against the discomfort and tried to focus his eyes. The blurry image of dark hair and pale skin could be seen and after several moments, features of a familiar face filled his vision, smirking at him.

His heart felt as if it had stopped within his chest as clear sight returned to him. His throat felt drier than the hottest desert and his body shook as he looked at the raven-haired teen that sat on his bed. "S-Sasu...ke? Y-you're…back?" His voice was scratchy and weak from the breathing tube that had just been removed that morning.

"Uzumaki…you have a lot of explaining to do." Sasuke said firmly, not noticing that his hand was still resting on top of Naruto's.

"Sasuke…you came back…" Blue eyes moved down to where Sasuke's hand rest on to of his own. With a burst of energy he really didn't have, the blond grasped the Uchiha's hand, hugging him tightly as he buried his face into the older teen's shoulder a bit awkwardly with the mask on. Naruto inhaled what he could of his scent that seeped through his hospital issued pajamas and that surrounded him in general.

The former avenger's eyes widened as he heard Naruto chanting his name as if it was a mantra and felt the dampness that told him that though there was no audible sobbing, tears were flowing from the blond's eyes. He sat stiffly for a few moments before allowing himself to relax and wrap his arms around the younger male.

'This is what you had trained for two years for, right? Don't hold back like you always do.' A voice within Sasuke's mind rang out as he continued to hold the blond. 'Tell him what you told Tsunade-sama…'

"This…this is real right? You're here to stay?" The muffled question was heard in the nearly silent room.

"Hai. You've been unconscious for almost a week and I haven't left this room, Dobe."

"Teme!" Naruto huffed against his shoulder as his energy ran out. "Don't call me Dobe!"

"Hn..." Sasuke laid the blond back on the bed before moving to fill a cup of water and lifted the mask to allow his bedridden friend to drink. "Are you going to tell me why you did what you did? If I hadn't reached you in time…"

Blue eyes widened as he heard the tone of the Uchiha's voice change. It sounded as if he was almost pained. Naruto dropped his head in guilt and fisted the blankets that surrounded him. "I couldn’t deal with it anymore…it fucking hurt and I couldn't stop it. I wanted you back Sasuke and after trying to find you for so long I just…I thought you were gone for good.

"You were my first and only friend for a long time, even though we fought a lot. I kept tellin' myself that I was going to find you and bring you home for Sakura's sake and because of the fact that you were one of," He paused for a moment and averted his eyes as his whiskered cheeks turned a bit red. "One of my precious people…because you were my friend."

'Kit, I think you should tell him…'

'What if it makes him hate me?'

A rich chuckle was heard as Kyuubi responded. 'Believe me, he will not hate you.'


Sasuke watched as the blond's eyes glazed over slightly. It was a look that he had seen from time to time and knew that he was talking to the demon within him. But as quickly as the look appeared, it seemed to have disappeared. He remained quiet, waiting for Naruto to continue.

"It was more than that though…I knew that Sakura-chan loved you it I promised her that I'd bring you back. I know now though that I wanted you back for myself…I betrayed Sakura-chan…"

"Wait." Sasuke broke in slightly confused but deep down he had a feeling he knew what Naruto was going to say. "Tell me how you think you betrayed Sakura."

"Because…I…I like you too…a lot." The blond said, feeling very tired all of a sudden. "I know you'll probably hate me for saying that now because-"

"Naruto, shut up." Sasuke commanded as Naruto looked to him with sadness in his indigo eyes. "I don’t feel that way about Sakura. " He dark gaze became intense as he said those words. "She's my comrade and I guess you can say that she's a friend when she's not stalking me with Ino. Girls are too…troublesome."

That brought a smile to Naruto's lips. "You sound like Shikamaru."

"Hn…" Sasuke moved to his seat at the side of the bed once more and watched as Naruto rolled on his side to look at him. "I didn't mean to be gone for so long, but in the end I was able to take care of Orochimaru and Kabuto. I did it mainly because of you, dobe."

"WHAT?! What did you do, Sasuke?!" He bellowed in a more Naruto-like manner, his eyes wide with amazement.

"I killed them, dobe. I had to get strong enough to do it so it just took a while. I didn't want those two coming to get me and hurt you…or anyone else who may have been in the way."

Though Sasuke didn't come right you and say it, he could see in those dark eyes. Sasuke did care about him too in the same way he cared for Sasuke. "I can't believe you killed them…" The blond said with a slight pout on his lips that made Sasuke's smirk turn into a grin.

"Are you mad that you weren't there, Naruto?"

"I'm not mad! But I wanted to kick that snake's ass too, teme!" He couldn't stop the yawn from escaping his lips. He now understood why Sasuke was sporting and intravenous line himself and was wrapped in bandages here and there. "But I'm glad they're gone. How'd you do it?"

"Hn, that can wait for later. You're obviously tired dobe, and Iruka-sensei, Kakashi and Tsunade-sama will be here in the morning so you better rest while you can."

"Okay…" Naruto reached out and took Sasuke's hand as it rest on the bed and gave it a squeeze.

"Dobe, if I promise you something, will you promise me something…"

"What?"

"I promise that I wont just run off like that again-"

"Even if it's about Itachi?"

"Hai, I'm not going chase after him anymore but you have to promise me that you wont try anything like that ever again."

"I promise, teme."

"Good." Sasuke hesitated for a brief moment before leaning forward and pressing a lingering yet light kiss on the lips of the blond. When the kiss broke, both the cheeks of both teens were a bit rosy, but small smiles traced the lips of the one whom had never felt loved and the one whom had forgotten how to show love. The Uchiha reached out replaced the mask back over Naruto's nose and mouth with care as the blond began to relax.

*-*

Tsunade slid the door open to the room quietly and moved inside. Instantly, a smile traced her lips as she saw the rooms two occupants.

Naruto was curled on his side near the edge of the bed, his mask-covered nose buried in the dark strands of the Uchihas' hair. Sasuke was perched on his chair, his temple resting slightly on the pillow that Naruto was using, their hands entwined.

The Godaime moved to Sasuke's bed and grabbed a blanket, draping it over his shoulders. She placed her hand on the raven haired teen's shoulder and allowed healing energy to seep from her hand into the Uchiha's body. No doubt when he roused, he was bound to be a bit sore, this would help in taking the edge off.

The green light faded from her palm and after studying the two boys once more she headed towards the door. "Brats."

Tsunade nodded to the two ANBU guards and smiled to herself as she went in search of Shizune. She knew that her friend would want to know this tid-bit of news about her gaki and the last of the Uchiha's.

The End (?)


-o-o-Author's notes-o-o-

This had been boiling in meh brain for quite a while and I just had to get it out. For me, someone can give me two words and I can probably get a plot bunny out of it…as Mystic_fate and Shadowbeaw can tell ya. They have been witness to some of my ideas from random subjects. I actually carry around a Mead five-star notebook for all the ideas that randomly pop into my mind.

I was watching the discovery channel and they did a little segment on Tetrodotoxin. Its found in puffer fish…which is used in the Japanese dish, fugu. The poison is highly concentrated in the internal organs, gonads and skin of the fish. I picked this because of how lethal it can be and figured that even Kyuubi would have a hard time with this stuff.

…as I was writing this, I just happened to remember the episode of the Simpsons where homer ate fugu and they thought he was dying…

Yeah…so this was my first fic in the Naruto fandom. I may make a sequel to this one day. Maybe a one shot, maybe more. I was also thinking of writing a lemon for this…hmm…I guess that means I'll have to start thinking of more ideas. -grins-

Well, I gots ta get going so I can post my new chap for my final fantasy story…I have some folks over there that have been sendin' me death threats over it.

Thanks for reading!

Solitare1: Thank you much! I hoped you enjoyed the final chapter of this and I appreciate your support through this and I'm going to have to find that song and listen to it :-D

lexjamandme: LOL! I loved your review! The way I see it, Naruto and Sasuke are the two that Tsunade, Iruka, Kakashi and Jiraiya would see as their own in some way. I like the idea of them having a 'family' in the adults in their lives.

Silver: Thank you and you're welcome! I hope to have a continuation up eventually but right now, I'm working on the outline of a new Naruto fic that I, for one, haven't seen one like it. Hopefully I can get something new up, because I love this fandom so much.

Kallipso: -gets glomped- Here ya go! Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoyed!


Ezri-Candy

PS: I know Sasuke-kun doesn't usually talk very much but hell, it's been 3 years and he's back with his dobe… ^_^ I can do OOC if I want to 'cause its my ficcie, lol.