The Healing

I don’t own Naruto

Summary: Minato Namikaze gives friendship and comfort to Fugaku Uchiha during the weeks preceding and following the death of Mikoto Uchiha. Can a love begun during a time of grief blossom into something stronger?

AN: This was commissioned by annieme. It will be approximately 5 chapters long.

Chapter Warnings: drama, angst

The Healing

Chapter One

“Dad. Wake up.”

“Goway.” Please not today. Just one morning to sleep in, he prayed to some deity who obviously was ignoring him.

“Dad, daylight is wasting so get up.” A heavy weight pressed down on him from above, forcing the air from his lungs. His son would smother him before moving from his position if he didn’t acknowledge his woken status.

“Get off, I’m up.”

According to Minato Namikaze, it was far too early for his son to be screaming in his ear. Why couldn’t he be a normal ten year old and sleep until at least eight? Was it too much to ask for such a small gift as sleeping in on a Saturday? Obviously it was as he was being prodded awake at the crack of dawn.

Prying open his eyes, he stared at the glaring red numbers. Seven-thirty. Well, at least Naruto had let him sleep past seven. Most Saturdays he was bouncing on his bed no later than six. It was times like this he wished his wife hadn’t died in childbirth. She was just like Naruto, awake with the sun. If she was here, she could handle him and let Minato sleep in.

“Don’t go back to sleep!”

Hands smaller than his own pulled down the warm down comforter, exposing his sleep warmed body to the cool morning air. Though still autumn, the nights carried a bit of a chill. Chill bumps erupted across his skin. Again, what ever happened to children? Weren’t they supposed to be lazy?

“I’m awake.” Though he wished he wasn’t.

Minato ran a hand through his sleep mussed hair. A longing glance at his rumpled bed was the only sign he gave of wanting to crawl back beneath the covers. He’d promised Naruto. Every Saturday would be their day. They would never forgo a chance to spend the day together. The only exceptions were if either was sick and even then, they tended to spend the day together; just in a more controlled setting.

“I’m going to go finish getting ready.” Naruto bounced away, leaving his father alone.

Sliding a pair of denim pants over slender hips and shrugging into a loose sweatshirt with his alma mater blazed across the front, he made his way barefoot down the wooden stairs towards the kitchen. The sight greeting him caused his lips to twitch.

“Naruto!” he shouted. “I thought we talked about letting me do the cooking. If you burned down the house I would probably sleep through it.”

Naruto barreled into the kitchen and snatched a piece of toast. “I know where the fire extinguisher is.”

Minato arched a brow. “That’s not the point.”

“Come on, Dad. You take forever to wake up. This way we get out faster.” Naruto flashed his famous grin. Even his most furious temper could be mellowed by that grin. And the little shit knew it too.

“Fine…you can use the toaster oven…but no using the stove.” Minato sat down to his breakfast, spreading jam across his toast.

“Yes! You wouldn’t believe all the stuff one can cook in the toaster over. I think you should get a hot plate too. That way I could, you know, fry stuff and not use the stove.” Naruto began to inhale his breakfast like the growing child he was.

“Don’t count on it.” Minato sipped his coffee and flipped through the Saturday paper. “What’s on the roster today?”

Naruto seemed to consider the question before answering. “The park?”

Minato smiled, shoving Naruto’s arm. “Again?”

“Baseball starts in the spring, Dad. I’ve got to keep in practice.”

Minato chuckled, standing and going about cleaning the morning mess that was Naruto cooking. Ever since he was barely big enough to hold a bat, little league was Naruto’s life. Once he reached middle school, he was likely to start playing for the school. It still seemed like yesterday a twenty-two year old Minato was cradling the tiny baby in his arms.

“Stop being an old man and let’s go!” Naruto already had his windbreaker, baseball cap, glove, bat, and balls. “I’ve got the quarters for the batting cages too.”

“Good boy.” Minato pulled on his shoes and took his own windbreaker from the coat rack. “Let’s go.”

oOo

There was barely a soul about as Minato pulled his truck into the parking lot set up for park goers. A few people were jogging along the gray path and someone playing with his dog out in the grassy area. Birds chirped in the background and the morning chill had him zipping his windbreaker.

He saw Naruto pause before jogging towards the figure playing with a Labrador retriever. “Sasuke!”

Minato chuckled, watching his son animatedly carry on a very one sided conversation with Sasuke Uchiha. They were close in school. Naruto came home every day talking about Sasuke. It was the first time any friend actual earned a notable mention to his father.

It was nice that Naruto had made such a friend. It was friendships like those that lasted long after the school days were finished.

He noticed Sasuke point towards a bench beneath a large oak where two figures sat. He assumed they were Sasuke’s parents and decided to introduce himself while Naruto was occupied by Sasuke. It wasn’t what he expected. A haggard looking man and a teenager were seated beneath the tree.

They were dressed warmly and speaking quietly. The older of the two was handsome with deep set dark eyes and soft hair falling just below his collar. Bags beneath his eyes gave the impression it had been days since he’d slept.

“Are you Sasuke’s father?” Minato approached, not wanting to intrude on any discussion.

Twin pairs of dark eyes focused on him. The two were certainly related, yet the younger’s eyes were more feminine in appearance. Not that he looked like a girl, he simply had softer eyes. His eyes hadn’t seen the horrors of the world and still possessed that trace of innocence.

“I am.”

“Forgive me for interrupting. I thought I might introduce myself. My name is Minato Namikaze. My son has developed a friendship with Sasuke.” Minato gestured towards where Naruto and Sasuke were alternating between tossing a ball for the black dog to race desperately after.

“Ah. Sasuke has mentioned a school friend.” He turned to the younger. “Narujo?”

“Naruto.” The younger answered, smiling a little at the antics of the two boys.

“Ah, yes…Naruto. It’s nice Sasuke is making friends.” He blinked for a moment before standing. “Forgive my manners. I am Fugaku Uchiha and this is my oldest son, Itachi.”

Minato accepted the offered hand. “It’s not usual for people to be out in the park this early. It‘s usually deserted when Naruto and I arrive.”

“We usually come early on Saturdays before visiting the hospital. My wife is staying on the cancer ward.” Fugaku’s eyes grew distant. It was obvious he was thinking of his wife.

It broke Minato’s heart. He didn’t know which was worse; losing a loved one quickly and unexpected, or watching them slowly die before your eyes. Kushina’s death still hurt even after all these years.

“I’m sorry.”

Fugaku raised his hand. “Itachi go tell your brother it’s almost time to leave. We still have to take the dog home.”

Itachi nodded to Minato before trotting down the small hill towards where the two boys were playing. Minato saw a stiffness in the older boy. He obviously didn’t want to end their time here. It was probably the only happy time they‘d had in a while.

He wasn’t sure why he offered. It wasn’t his place to interfere in a family’s life. He didn’t even know them other than what Naruto had said about Sasuke. At the same time, he could see the hurt and exhaustion in Fugaku. It was obvious he was struggling to keep things together. He could probably use a night where he didn’t have to worry about dinner of if his sons were content.

“Hey, I was thinking…would you and your sons like to have dinner with Naruto and me tonight? I was planning on grilling out before the weather gets to cold. I’m sure Naruto would enjoy a chance to have a friend over.” Minato winced internally, hoping he didn’t sound like he was trying to pick him up. That was an embarrassing thought.

“Please, Father.”

Both men turned to see Itachi, Sasuke, and Naruto standing a few feet away. Both Uchiha boys were looking desperately at their father. It seemed Fugaku wasn’t the only one in need of a night away from home.

Fugaku sighed, turned to Minato, and nodded. “Thank you. We would enjoy that.”

Minato smiled, pulling a scrap of paper from his pocket. “Here’s our address. We look forward to seeing you tonight around…six?”

“Fine. Itachi, help your brother get Sharingan in the car.” The three Uchiha walked slowly towards their vehicle.

Naruto waved goodbye to Sasuke, earning him a small wave in return. His son practically glowed with happiness. If he wasn’t so young, Minato would almost think his son had a crush on the younger Uchiha.

“Thanks for inviting them, Dad.” Naruto pulled his baseball glove over his hand, tossing the hard ball towards his father.

Minato easily snagged the ball from the air, returning it to his son. “He looked like he needed it. They all did.”

“Sasuke doesn’t like going to the hospital. He don’t like seeing his mom like that. His dad makes them both go.”

Minato grunted in answer. “Hospitals aren’t pleasant places some times.”

Naruto nodded sagely in agreement. “Yeah, they smell funny.”

“Yes, they do,” chuckled Minato.

“I’m going to show Sasuke all my video games. He doesn’t have a PS3 or XBOX360. He says his dad thinks he should read books instead of playing video games.”

Minato arched a brow at Naruto expression. “He has a good idea. Maybe I should sell all your game systems and make you read books.”

Horrified was the only word to describe the look on Naruto’s face. “You wouldn’t…”

Minato threw his head back in mirth. “I doubt I could survive you without the video games keeping you occupied.”

“Dad!”

oOo

Fugaku Uchiha sat stiffly at his wife’s side while she spoke quietly to her sons. He could barely hear her raspy voice over the beeps of machines. The cancer had struck so quick, none of them had been prepared. As if anyone could be prepared for the detrimental news of cancer was found.

They hadn’t been overly worried. It was just cancer, he’d thought. They weren’t exactly poor. They could afford the best treatment. If indigent people could survive it, Mikoto would definitely pull through.

Throughout the entire previous year, he still had hope. She’d made it into a trial involving a new medication. The new treatment had to work. He refused to even consider the alternative.

“Mr. Uchiha.”

Fugaku looked up to see one of Mikoto’s doctors standing in the door, gesturing for him to follow. He stood, leaving Sasuke and Itachi with their mother. He couldn’t stop the icy touch of foreboding working its way through his bloodstream. He didn’t like the look on the doctor’s face.

“Dr. Hatake.”

Fugaku took in the rumpled hair and scarred face of his wife’s doctor. He was considered one of the best oncologists in the country. If he couldn’t save you, you couldn’t be saved. If he wasn’t happy, things weren’t good.

“I wanted to talk to talk to you without your sons present. I’ve been going over your wife’s blood work. It’s not good news.”

Fugaku swallowed the building lump in his throat. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, she’s not responding to the treatment. The cancer has metastasized,” Dr. Hatake answered.

“I don’t…”

A look of compassion crossed the doctors face. “It’s spreading.”

Fugaku leaned against he wall, afraid he would collapse under the weight suddenly pressing against him. “I…you mean…”

He took a few breaths, praying for the calm he usually carried with him. This wasn’t like him. He needed to get a grip. “You mean she’s dying?”

Kakashi Hatake nodded his head, obviously not enjoying this duty. “Yes.”

His wife was dying. The girl he’d gotten pregnant in high school and married at the urge of their families--the woman he’d fallen in love with after the birth of their first son was dying. The world seemed to be closing in, sucking the life giving oxygen from his very lungs.

“Can’t…you do…isn’t there some new treatment?”

“I’m afraid it’s to the point all we can do is make her comfortable,” Dr. Hatake answered.

Fugaku searched for something to focus on to keep himself from drowning in the emotions rolling over him. He felt the rough plastic of the guard rail biting into his palms. He smelled the hospital’s anesthetic scent. Tears he refused to shed pricked at his eyes. He needed something, anything to ground him. This couldn’t be happening.

“I…think we need…a second opinion.” Dr. Hatake wasn’t the only doctor out there. There had to be someone who could save her.

The doctor placed a hand on Fugaku’s shoulder. “It’s within your prerogative to seek a second opinion but I’m afraid it won’t do you much good.”

The words felt like a death knell to him. He closed his eyes, wanting the world to go away. “How long?”

“At her current decline…a few weeks. Your family has time to say goodbye. You have time to decide if you want to tell your sons. We’ll keep her comfortable. She won’t be in any pain. I’m so sorry.”

“I think I want to go sit with my wife now.” Fugaku opened to door to see Sasuke laying in the bed with Mikoto, her spindly hand stroking his hair while her other was held between Itachi’s. He had to use every bit of willpower he possessed not to weep at the sight. His sons were going to lose their mother. All the power he possessed could not stop the inevitable outcome of her demise.

Slumping in the only unoccupied chair, he sat watching his wife and children. The pain was sharp, a dagger being twisted in his insides. What was he going to do? How was he going to raise his two sons alone?

“Is something wrong, Father?”

Itachi. Always the observant one. There was very little able to get past his son’s sharp eyes.

“I’m just tired.”

Itachi didn’t look as if he believed him but didn’t push the matter. “Tonight will be nice. Sasuke needs it.”

We all need it. The unspoken words hung heavy between them. How had the stranger known how much they needed something to take their minds off this nightmare they all lived in.

“You’re going…out?” Mikoto’s watery eyes blinked open, staring at her husband.

“The father of Sasuke’s friend invited us to dinner tonight, Mother.” Itachi reached out a hand to stroke over her face.

“Oh…that will…be nice.” She smiled, her eyes drifting closed once more. “Have fun…”

Itachi smiled, laying his head above Sasuke’s on Mikoto’s bed. Fugaku didn’t want to think of how his sons would take it. He wasn’t even sure he should tell them. They didn’t need to know their mother was dying. Truth be told…did he need to know either? Did he need to know each moment spent with her might be their last.

oOo

“They’re gonna be here soon. They’re gonna be here soon.” Naruto bounced on the breakfast bar stool while Minato set about preparing the side dishes.

“Calm down. You act as if you never see Sasuke.” Minato chuckled at the antics of his son. Naruto was the most hyperactive child he’d ever known but when times called for it, he could be just as serious as an adult. Naruto’s hyperactivity was just a personality quirk and not some disorder corrected with medication.

“I know but I never get to have him over. His dad is like super strict or something.”

“He didn’t seem that bad this morning,” Minato commented.

Naruto tilted his head, obviously thinking. “Maybe he was still sleepy. You get all cuddly and smiley when you get sleepy.”

Minato tossed a dish towel at his son. “I do not!”

“Yes, you do.” Naruto grinned widely, little demon horns all but poking through his messy blond hair. “I swear, if I want something all I have to do is wait until you are about to fall asleep. You always give in.”

Minato opened his mouth to reply when the doorbell rang. “We’ll finish this discussion later.”

“No we won’t.” Naruto jumped from his stool and raced past his father.

The door was swung open and three Uchihas were standing before him. “Dude, Sasuke. Come on, lets go to my room.”

“Naruto! Is that any way to welcome guests?” Minato strolled forward. A quick glance at Fugaku Uchiha showed him even more worn than earlier. “I’m sorry for my son. He’s a bit over excited at having a friend over.”

“It’s alright.” Fugaku smiled tiredly. “Sasuke was just as excited.”

“Can we go play now, Dad?” Naruto looked pleadingly at his father.

“I expect you to come down when I call.”

Naruto fist pumped the air. “Yes! Come on, Sasuke. You can come too if you want, Sasuke‘s brother.”

Minato could have sworn Itachi Uchiha’s eye twitched. “It’s Itachi.”

“Well come on you two. Robotic zombies from Mars won’t kill themselves.”

Naruto became a flash of yellow and orange, racing up the steps towards his room. Both Uchiha boys looked to their father. Minato almost chuckled at the pleading evident in both sets of impossibly dark eyes.

Fugaku looked down at both sons before nodding curtly. Both boys left the two adults at a slower, more reserved pace though it was evident to Minato they wanted to tear after Naruto as fast as they could.

“Thank you for inviting us. This invitation came at a very good time.” Fugaku extended his hand to Minato.

Minato wasn’t surprised at the soft feel of Fugaku’s hand. He looked like the type to spend his days in an office rather than working outdoors. If his clothes and demeanor were any indication, Fugaku Uchiha probably used lotion on his hands. He wasn’t one to judge though.

“It’s no problem. You looked pretty worn out this morning.”

Minato led his guest into the kitchen while he finished up seasoning the steaks. Fugaku eased himself wearily into a chair at the table. He gratefully accepted a bottle of beer.

“I haven’t had beer in ages.” Fugaku sipped it cautiously.

Minato laughed. “It’s not poisoned. I don’t drink often but I do like one on occasion after a hard day.”

Fugaku barked a small laugh. “Lately, every day has been hard. If I went on your way of thinking, I would be an alcoholic in a month.”

“What about your family? Can your parents help with the burden? I know it must be hard having an ill wife.”

“Itachi and Sasuke are my family. Mikoto and my parents died several years back, before Sasuke was born. It’s been just us for a long time.” Fugaku took a second, less cautious sip. “What about your wife?”

“Kushina.” Minato said fondly. “She died giving birth to Naruto. She started bleeding and they couldn’t stop it in time.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. She gave me Naruto. I cherish our time together, short though it was. There are times I wish she was here…most often in the mornings when Naruto is waking me up.” Minato shook his head. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t cherish every moment with his son, even the ones where he was dragged from bed.

“Our sons get along well. I’m glad Sasuke will have someone to lean on.” Fugaku twirled the bottleneck between his fingers.

“Recovery from cancer will be long and hard on your wife. I’m sure your sons can handle it and if you need a break, your more than welcome to leave them here. I‘m sure Naruto wouldn‘t mind the company.”

Fugaku grunted, continuing to stare at his bottle. Minato left to place the steaks on the grill, returning to find his guest finishing the bottle. Having this chance to look over the other without his knowledge, Minato noticed the way his clothes hung. It was faint but obvious he’d lost weight recently. The bags beneath his eyes added ten years to his face. He was obviously grieving for his wife’s illness.

“I just had an idea while I was putting the steaks on. Why don’t we do this every Saturday while your wife is in the hospital? It will be good for you and your sons. I make a mean chili once the weather cools off a little more. It will give you a night to relax amongst friends.” Minato took a seat next to him.

“Why would you do that?” Fugaku frowned, his tired eyes meeting dark blue. “You don’t even know me.”

Minato had never seen eyes so dark, they were nearly black. He could barely discern the iris from the pupil. He could also see the hurt, hidden beneath the surface. Fugaku Uchiha put up a good front but not good enough to fully hide from Minato.

“Our sons are friends. Why not us? Friends help each other.”

Fugaku smirked a little, showing the man he would normally be when not weighed down by the weight on his shoulders. “Friends?”

“Yeah. If you’re good and eat all your dinner, I’ll even snag the XBOX from my son’s room. We can play Gears of War.” Minato grinned, looking like a child.

Fugaku snorted, probably as close to a laugh as he could come. “Video games. Sasuke has been on me about one. I just don’t know. I don’t want his grades suffering because he’s too busy…as your son said, killing mutant zombies.”

Minato chuckled, “ you just have to know how to handle them. Naruto gets two hours a day and any time during the weekend to play as long as his grades are good. If they start to drop…well he doesn’t want to know what will happen then.”

“Maybe for Christmas.”

“It would be a good present…but you might want to get your older son one too. Or maybe a PS3 for him. I would hate for them to fight over it,” suggested Minato.

“Itachi…I pushed him so hard before his mother got sick. He could have skipped several grades but Mikoto refused to allow him to be pushed more than one grade forward. I don’t know if he ever had a childhood. ”

Minato shrugged. “All the better to let him have one now. He’s what? Fifteen?”

Fugaku nodded, “Sometimes I forget he’s still a child.”

“Dad!” A yell preceded the thumping of feet on the stairs. “We’re hungry. Is it done yet?”

“Almost. Come wash up and set the table.”

Naruto barreled towards the sink, washing his hands and commandeering the assistance of Sasuke and Itachi to set the table. Soda for the three boys and beers for the two adults.

The minute the food was placed before him, Naruto dug in with gusto. Both Uchiha boys looked to their father who chuckled and nodded. Though they ate with a little more decorum than Naruto, it was obvious they were enjoying the meal. Little was spoken during the meal, Sasuke and Itachi even going so far as to ask for seconds.

“My dad’s a good cook; ain’t he, Sasuke?” Naruto asked, food making his cheeks puff out.

Sasuke nodded, followed by Itachi. Both looked to their father. “Father can’t cook.”

Fugaku choked on his beer, making both his son’s snicker. “I’m not that bad.”

“Mother did all the cooking. Father makes us eat take out a lot. Or easy stuff like ham sandwiches.” Sasuke chimed in with an almost uncharacteristic grin.

Minato smirked at the scene. Naruto was already rubbing off on the two Uchiha children. His son had that effect on others. Even adults usually bent under his influence.

“You like ham sandwiches,” argued Fugaku.

Itachi leveled a gaze on his father. “Not every day.”

“I see how it is.” Fugaku crossed his arms across his chest, expressionless eyes looking over the occupants of the table.

Naruto cowered a little. Sasuke and Itachi met the gaze head on.

Seconds ticked by until a smile curved across Fugaku’s face followed by giggles from Sasuke and chuckles from Itachi. Even Naruto joined in the laugher after realizing Fugaku wasn’t upset.

“Dad…can we go play some more?”

Minato eyed his son. “Okay but try not to corrupt them too much.”

Huge innocent appearing blue eyes gazed up at him. “I wouldn’t dare corrupt them…”

Minato popped the back of his son’s head. “Don’t lie to your father.”

“I was going to say…I wouldn’t dare corrupt them…much,” explained Naruto.

Minato rolled his eyes skyward. “That’s what I thought you meant. Get out of here.”

The three boys plodded up the stairs, leaving the two adults to clean up. Fugaku smiled faintly. “I haven’t seen them so happy in a long time.”

“Friends have that effect on people. You seem to be lightening up too. I guess that makes us friends.” Minato held out his hand to the other man.

Fugaku nodded, accepting the gesture. “Friends.”

“Go into the living room. I’ll put on some coffee and bring out the dessert Naruto missed in his excitement of killing more zombies with your sons.”

Minato started the coffee pot and cleaned up the remnants of dinner. He packed the leftovers in travel containers for the Uchihas. If what Sasuke and Itachi said was true, they would appreciate the option of not having to deal with take out or cold sandwiches.

“Fugaku…how do you…”

Minato paused in the doorway. Fugaku was sprawled on his couch, his chest rising evenly. His dark lashes fluttered lightly on his pale cheeks. The dark bags beneath his eyes stood out even more. This man needed rest and likely wouldn’t allow himself the luxury of it for whatever reason.

Taking a blanket from one of the linen closets, Minato spread it over Fugaku and dimmed the lights.

“Sleep well,” he whispered and moved towards the stairs.

“Naruto.” Minato called, knocking on the door.

“Come in, Dad.”

Minato stuck his head in to find Itachi staring determinedly at the screen aiming the character’s gun at a hostile local in Resident Evil 5. The boy looked thoroughly engrossed in what he was doing.

“Your father fell asleep. I’m not going to wake him because he looks like he needs the rest. So you guys keep it down. Sasuke, you can wear some of Naruto’s clothes to bed. Itachi, I’ll bring you some of mine.” Minato smiled at the two boys. “Itachi you can sleep in the guest room and Sasuke you can sleep in the top bunk on Naruto’s bed.

Itachi nodded. “Thank you for not waking Father, Mr. Namikaze.”

Minato smirked at the boy. “Are you saying that because you know he’s tired or because you want to play the PS3 more.”

A blush spread across Itachi’s pale cheeks. “A little of both.”

“Bed time is eleven.”

“Aww Dad…I have guests.” Naruto crossed his arms and pouted.

“Bedtime is eleven. Until then, have fun.”

Minato shut the door, hearing his son griping to his new friends about his father. He walked quietly to check on Fugaku. The man was curled tight beneath the blanket, deep asleep. He’d never thought he would click with another person so well.

On a spur, Minato laid his hand on the silky black locks. Fugaku was nearly broken and needed all the support he could provide him. He only hoped it was enough. He had a feeling things were going to get worse before they got better.

To be continued…