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Chapter 23: One Step Forward Then Another Step Back

With a resound sigh Naruto burrowed his chin into the folds of his scarf and continued down the sidewalk towards the bus stop; thoughts concerning Sasuke trapezing through his head like a circus act. His boots made dull thumps as he turned the corner, eyes turning upwards to take in his surroundings.

Upon seeing the bus already at the stop he made a dash for it, waiving his hands and yelling for the driver to wait. Luckily Naruto was of the nosy sort, catching the driver's attention without wasting much energy. Thus wearing an accomplished grin he marched up the steps before thanking the driver and continuing down the aisle to grab an empty seat.

Once situated, his thoughts traveled back to the matter at hand. A small frown appeared on the blonde's face as he lost himself deeper in thought, his eyes unintentionally meeting the onyx rubber floors of the bus.

The spy pen idea wasn't working well for him.

Either the company sent him a faulty product or this is what he should have expected for the price of $19.99.

With the pen's constant malfunctions and Kabuto's zipped lip, it was proving quite difficult to get anything useful from his endeavor. Even making oil out of water would be easier than getting Kabuto to say anything drug related. Not to mention the fact that now Sasuke was growing suspicious with his comings and goings. He had sensed it coming. The questioning looks, the frowns. Curiosity reaching his limit Sasuke finally snapped, interrogating him like a convicted criminal.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

"Where are you going?"

Things were going to start escalating rather quickly from here on out. The questions, the lying…

Naruto sniffled and blinked his eyes, trying to restrain his nose from dripping. It was a wonder how it could still be so cold near the end of March. Grumbling smartly to himself he shifted in his seat and continued to lose himself in his musings.

What to do?

Should he risk it?

Was going to the police the only way to disentangle himself from this mess?

What if he got fired? Or worse…Sasuke got fired?

Naruto bit his lip in an attempt to mask the fear he felt creeping up his spine with pain. However it did little to distract him from his anxious thoughts.

Would he be so angry that he'd leave? Sasuke could hold grudges for years…and this? This would be a 'big' something. Of course he could say that Sasuke is as much to blame as himself…but then the Uchiha would counter with some witty remark and in the end he'd be left with his suitcase, standing outside the door to Sasuke's apartment. Dumped.

The blonde sighed and rolled his head from side to side, rubbing his hands together. Casually his eyes examined the leather gloves hugging his fingers. A small smile flickered across his somber face as the memory of his first date with Sasuke came to mind.

Those had been the days. Where his biggest concern was dodging Fuka after class…that redheaded student had been a thorn in his side for a better part of two years. Now…how he desperately wished to rewind the clock. Turn back time to the day he ran into Sasuke's office and change the outcome.

"Hebi Boulevard!"

Naruto bounced up from his seat and rushed towards the doors. How they had gotten to the other side of town so fast was a mystery to him. He couldn't have been on this bus longer than five minutes.

After thanking the driver Naruto got off the bus and proceeded down the walkway with a single destination in mind.

Orochimaru's.

He reached the mediocre house within twenty minutes and stood outside the front door for a good five. For some reason he couldn't bring himself to ring the doorbell. All he was able to do was stare at the lacquered wooden door, admire the glass designs and feel the pulsing fear and anxiety rush through his veins. It was only by the devil's design that Orochimaru had seen him from within. Otherwise Naruto would have probably stood there like a statue all night.

"Come in already!" Orochimaru snapped, motioning for Naruto to step inside the house. "The heat is escaping!"

Feeling somewhat dazed Naruto stepped in through the front door robotically. His eyes immediately took in the décor on the walls. From hanging paintings that looked like they belonged in a museum to shrunken heads nailed into the navy painted walls. The little hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he walked deeper into Orochimaru's home.

The long haired chemist had his hands tucked into his pockets, feet shuffling forwards in his slippers as he walked down the hall and continued up the staircase. They continued walking in silence until Orochimaru paused at a door. Motioning Naruto to follow he opened it and walked inside. With a purpose carried by those of high station he walked over to a cabinet leaning against the far wall and pulled open a drawer. Withdrawing a key he turned towards Naruto and tossed it.

"I had Kabuto move the drugs into the garage space we rent down by the river on the edge of town. Our lot number is 347." Stepping forwards, Orochimaru leaned closer towards the blonde and peered deeply into the set of azure eyes. "You should have no problem accessing it."

Naruto frowned, "Where am I supposed to take it?"

"Tomorrow roughly around nine there will be someone waiting for you by the pitch at Konoha High. You will do the trade off there then come straight here and hand me the money."

Cold dread washed over the young professor, realization causing him to take a shaky step back.

"Why am I taking it to the high school?"

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, his hands coming to cross over his chest as he stared pointedly at the blonde. "That is none of your concern."

Naruto swallowed, liking the situation even less now.

"Are you dealing it to kids?"

The long haired chemist stayed mute, eyes blazing in cold anger. His lips thinned in obvious distaste.

"Oh my god," Naruto took another step back, eyes widening in disbelief. "You are!"

"That is none of your business."

"Like hell it isn't!" Naruto bellowed, anger winning over fear. "Are you insane? They're just kids! You should be keeping this stuff away from them, not handing it over like bars of chocolate!"

"They are not little kids," Orochimaru spoke icily, "A significant portion of them are considered adults by the government."

"Fuck that!" Naruto glared, his hand tightening around the key. "There is no way I'm handing that shit over to high school kids. You're insane!"

Snarling Orochimaru stepped forwards, grabbing Naruto by the forearm. "You will do as I say!"

"Fuck you," Naruto growled. "There is no way you're going to make me responsible for the lives of those kids. No way in hell!"

"You want to bet?" Orochimaru whispered dangerously, digging his fingers into the arm held captive in his grip.

"What?" Naruto spat, "Or you will go to the school board and have me fired? Is that your big ace hanging over my head?"

"Foolish brat," Orochimaru growled, onyx eyes glinting with unshielded malevolence. "You think that's it?"

Naruto glared back, fear completely evaporated. "I will go to the police, I don't fucking care anymore! I shouldn't have let this get so far in the first place!"

Enraged Orochimaru flung Naruto backwards. The blonde, startled, dropped the key as his back collided with the rough entryway. He groaned, attempting to get to his feet.

Still furious Orochimaru rushed towards him and grabbed him, pulling Naruto up by the collar of his coat. "Do not test me, brat!"

Sapphire eyes still glaring, Naruto spat into Orochimaru's face in retort.

Livid Orochimaru roared, throwing Naruto with unmeasured force out of the room. With a startled cry Naruto crashed into the hardwood floor hitting his forehead hard. Rolling in pain he attempted to grab his throbbing skull only to go down head first down the stairs.

For a brief moment Orochimaru stood there with fear in his heart. Quickly he rushed towards the stairs and stared down at the tumbled form down below.

"Shit," he mumbled to himself before rushing down the stairs to examine the blonde.

Naruto lay on his stomach, head throbbing as if someone took a drill to his skull. He moaned in pain, attempting to sit up.

"Careful," Orochimaru's voice said calmly.

Then a pair of hands carefully sat him up.

Naruto lifted a trembling hand to his forehead. Fingers met warm wetness. Further dazed he withdrew his hand and gazed at the crimson mess staining his fingertips.

"I'm bleeding," he said in wonder.

Orochimaru grunted, lifting Naruto's chin so he could get a better look at the large cut. "It looks big."

"I'm bleeding," Naruto repeated like a broken telegraph.

"Yes," Orochimaru sighed. "You are bleeding. Does it hurt?"

"Y-yeah it d-does."

"Hm," he frowned. "You hurt anywhere else?"

Naruto attempted to shake his head but was met with a wave of indescribable pain. Yelping he clutched his head, hand covering the gash on his forehead.

"Alright," Orochimaru nodded more to himself than to the injured man sitting on his floor. "Forget about making this delivery…pretend like it never happened—this visit. You coming here never happened. I'm going to call a taxi and have it take you to the hospital, okay?"

Standing to his feet, Orochimaru quickly disappeared down the hall to make the call. Naruto stayed sitting where he was, cradling his head.

A few minutes later Orochimaru returned with some bandages and a vodka bottle. He knelt beside Naruto and instructed the young professor to remove his hand. The blonde did. A trickle of blood began to drip down his forehead and down his face.

Gingerly Orochimaru poured some of the alcohol onto the bandage and carefully began to wipe away the blood.

"Ow, fuck!"

Grabbing Orochimaru's hand, Naruto stared angrily at the older man.

"You want it to get infected?" The other raised a thin black eyebrow.

Naruto grumbled, "Just put a band aid on it."

Orochimaru shrugged his shoulders, not bothering to argue about it. "Suit yourself."

Sticking on the band aid the older man got to his feet and helped the blonde stand up. By the time they reached the door the taxi was already waiting outside. Guiding Naruto to the waiting car Orochimaru helped him get inside and handed the driver forty dollars instructing him to take the blonde wherever he wanted to go. Once Orochimaru had gone back inside, Naruto straightened in his seat, one hand lightly cast over the gash.

"Please take me to 1672 Washi drive."

"No problem."

Heaving a sigh Naruto leaned back in his seat closing his eyes. Before he knew it they were driving up to Asuma's place. Groggily he sat back up and thanked the driver before stepping out of the car. With small measured steps he walked towards the front door of his uncle's house and rang the door bell. Within a few minutes Asuma opened the door wearing his robe over a set of pajamas. As soon as he saw Naruto standing on his porch his eyes widened in alarm.

"Naruto!"

The blonde tried to force a smile but it came out as more of a wince. "Hey, Uncle Asuma."

Ushering his nephew inside Asuma inspected him from head to toe, taking in the blood stained bandage poorly stuck to the blonde's forehead.

"Shit, Naruto." Asuma cursed, "What the hell happened to you?"

"I slipped on some ice," he lied automatically. Amazing himself with how fast he was able to do this by now.

"How the hell did you find some ice to slip on?"

Naruto shrugged his shoulders, "Just my luck I guess."

"Who is it, Asuma?"

Both men looked up to see Kurenai shuffling sleepily towards them in her nightgown and robe.

"Hey, Aunt Kurenai."

Blinking away the sleep the dark haired woman frowned and took a closer look. Her eyes widened into saucer-like plates upon seeing the bloody bandage stuck to Naruto's forehead. Pushing Asuma to the side Kurenai quickly ushered her nephew to sit down on the couch in the living room before delicately pulling off the already crusted bandage. Naruto winced, letting a whimper pass his lips. The gash was no longer bleeding, a good sign.

Licking her lips Kurenai examined the cut further before straightening up and sighing. "Sit tight, Naruto. Asuma come with me."

Standing up from the couch Asuma tightened his robe and followed his wife into the kitchen. Kurenai immediately went to her medical cabinet, being a doctor, it was bigger than most. She started ruffling through it, pulling out her suture kit, some antiseptic and bandages.

"Get a bowl of water and clean his cut," she instructed as she searched her cabinet for a pair of rubber gloves.

With a nod of his head Asuma rushed to the sink and grabbed a bowl.

"How did he say he got that cut?" Kurenai asked as she assembled all her things.

Asuma sighed, "He said he slipped on some ice."

Kurenai paused, her brows furrowing. "Where did the bandage come from?"

"I was wondering about that too."

They grew quiet as each lost themselves in thought. Asuma was first to leave the kitchen. He slowly walked towards his nephew who was sitting hunched over on the couch with his eyes closed.

"Hey!" Asuma bent down and lightly slapped his nephew's cheek. "No falling asleep."

Naruto's eyelids fluttered open and he grunted dejectedly.

Pursing his lips Asuma dipped a clean bandage into the warm water and as carefully as he could began cleaning the wound. Naruto bit into his lip to refrain from making any noise. The stinging was beyond anything he'd ever felt.

"Does it hurt?" Asuma asked quietly.

"Yeah," Naruto said through grit teeth, "But it's okay, I can deal with it."

"Hm," Asuma looked up, meeting his nephew's eyes. "How did you say you got this again?"

Without any sort of hesitation Naruto repeated his earlier fabrication. "I slipped on some ice when I was outside."

"How did you get that bandage then?" Asuma motioned to the discarded bloody bandage lying on the floor.

"I walked into a nearby store and asked for one." Naruto replied smoothly.

"Hm."

Dropping the blood stained bandage back into the water Asuma rinsed it before squeezing it out and continuing with his earlier task of cleaning the cut.

"How is Asami doing?" Naruto inquired about Asuma's little toddler.

A big smile spread across the older man's face at the mention of his two-year-old daughter. "She's good. Loves orange juice to death. In fact, anything orange is her favorite…I think she get's that from you."

Naruto smiled, picturing the dark haired toddler in her pigtails standing straight with a glass of her favorite juice in hand. "Is she here?"

"No," Asuma shook his head, "She's staying by Kurenai's parents. I have another sting coming up and Kurenai has a few surgeries back to back."

"Oh."

The two fell into silence.

"Let's see what we've got here."

Naruto looked up having lost himself in his thoughts once more. Kurenai was standing beside Asuma with a stern look on her face. Scooting a little to the left to give his wife some room, Asuma moved the bowl of used water and waited for his wife to begin.

"Hmm," Kurenai said after a few minutes of examining the clean cut. "It doesn't seem very deep. Four or five stitches should do the trick."

Pulling out a needle and thread from her suture kit she got to work. Naruto mentally cursed everyone and everything under the sun as Kurenai stitched his cut; his lip now resembling something akin to a rodent's chew toy. Within ten minutes she was done. After snipping off the extra thread she covered the stitches with a bandage and leaned back.

"Don't pick at it, okay?"

Naruto smiled, "Yes, Ma'm."

Rolling her eyes she got to her feet and stretched her back. "Come back in a week and I'll take them out, alright?"

The blonde nodded, standing to his feet.

"I'll fix you up a bed, you can sleep here tonight." Kurenai added, taking off her rubber gloves. "I'll be waking you up every couple of hours just to make sure you don't have an epidural hematoma."

"A what?" Naruto blinked, not comprehending.

Kurenai sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose from fatigue. "I'm just going make sure everything is alright. Head injuries are scary business and I'm worried about you. Like they say 'It's better to be safe than sorry.' Just be happy you have a doctor in the family."

"Oh," Naruto smiled. "Thanks, Kurenai."

She smiled back in return, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a loving squeeze. "Just don't make a habit of falling on ice, alright?"

Naruto looked into her eyes, not missing the hidden meaning in her words.

His smile faltered. "I won't."

"Okay then," she turned to Asuma, "I'll go make that bed."

Description
Chapter 23: One Step Forward Then Another Step Back

With a resound sigh Naruto burrowed his chin into the folds of his scarf and continued down the sidewalk towards the bus stop; thoughts concerning Sasuke trapezing through his head like a circus act. His boots made dull thumps as he turned the corner, eyes turning upwards to take in his surroundings.

Upon seeing the bus already at the stop he made a dash for it, waiving his hands and yelling for the driver to wait. Luckily Naruto was of the nosy sort, catching the driver's attention without wasting much energy. Thus wearing an accomplished grin he marched up the steps before thanking the driver and continuing down the aisle to grab an empty seat.

Once situated, his thoughts traveled back to the matter at hand. A small frown appeared on the blonde's face as he lost himself deeper in thought, his eyes unintentionally meeting the onyx rubber floors of the bus.

The spy pen idea wasn't working well for him.

Either the company sent him a faulty product or this is what he should have expected for the price of $19.99.

With the pen's constant malfunctions and Kabuto's zipped lip, it was proving quite difficult to get anything useful from his endeavor. Even making oil out of water would be easier than getting Kabuto to say anything drug related. Not to mention the fact that now Sasuke was growing suspicious with his comings and goings. He had sensed it coming. The questioning looks, the frowns. Curiosity reaching his limit Sasuke finally snapped, interrogating him like a convicted criminal.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

"Where are you going?"

Things were going to start escalating rather quickly from here on out. The questions, the lying…

Naruto sniffled and blinked his eyes, trying to restrain his nose from dripping. It was a wonder how it could still be so cold near the end of March. Grumbling smartly to himself he shifted in his seat and continued to lose himself in his musings.

What to do?

Should he risk it?

Was going to the police the only way to disentangle himself from this mess?

What if he got fired? Or worse…Sasuke got fired?

Naruto bit his lip in an attempt to mask the fear he felt creeping up his spine with pain. However it did little to distract him from his anxious thoughts.

Would he be so angry that he'd leave? Sasuke could hold grudges for years…and this? This would be a 'big' something. Of course he could say that Sasuke is as much to blame as himself…but then the Uchiha would counter with some witty remark and in the end he'd be left with his suitcase, standing outside the door to Sasuke's apartment. Dumped.

The blonde sighed and rolled his head from side to side, rubbing his hands together. Casually his eyes examined the leather gloves hugging his fingers. A small smile flickered across his somber face as the memory of his first date with Sasuke came to mind.

Those had been the days. Where his biggest concern was dodging Fuka after class…that redheaded student had been a thorn in his side for a better part of two years. Now…how he desperately wished to rewind the clock. Turn back time to the day he ran into Sasuke's office and change the outcome.

"Hebi Boulevard!"

Naruto bounced up from his seat and rushed towards the doors. How they had gotten to the other side of town so fast was a mystery to him. He couldn't have been on this bus longer than five minutes.

After thanking the driver Naruto got off the bus and proceeded down the walkway with a single destination in mind.

Orochimaru's.

He reached the mediocre house within twenty minutes and stood outside the front door for a good five. For some reason he couldn't bring himself to ring the doorbell. All he was able to do was stare at the lacquered wooden door, admire the glass designs and feel the pulsing fear and anxiety rush through his veins. It was only by the devil's design that Orochimaru had seen him from within. Otherwise Naruto would have probably stood there like a statue all night.

"Come in already!" Orochimaru snapped, motioning for Naruto to step inside the house. "The heat is escaping!"

Feeling somewhat dazed Naruto stepped in through the front door robotically. His eyes immediately took in the décor on the walls. From hanging paintings that looked like they belonged in a museum to shrunken heads nailed into the navy painted walls. The little hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he walked deeper into Orochimaru's home.

The long haired chemist had his hands tucked into his pockets, feet shuffling forwards in his slippers as he walked down the hall and continued up the staircase. They continued walking in silence until Orochimaru paused at a door. Motioning Naruto to follow he opened it and walked inside. With a purpose carried by those of high station he walked over to a cabinet leaning against the far wall and pulled open a drawer. Withdrawing a key he turned towards Naruto and tossed it.

"I had Kabuto move the drugs into the garage space we rent down by the river on the edge of town. Our lot number is 347." Stepping forwards, Orochimaru leaned closer towards the blonde and peered deeply into the set of azure eyes. "You should have no problem accessing it."

Naruto frowned, "Where am I supposed to take it?"

"Tomorrow roughly around nine there will be someone waiting for you by the pitch at Konoha High. You will do the trade off there then come straight here and hand me the money."

Cold dread washed over the young professor, realization causing him to take a shaky step back.

"Why am I taking it to the high school?"

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, his hands coming to cross over his chest as he stared pointedly at the blonde. "That is none of your concern."

Naruto swallowed, liking the situation even less now.

"Are you dealing it to kids?"

The long haired chemist stayed mute, eyes blazing in cold anger. His lips thinned in obvious distaste.

"Oh my god," Naruto took another step back, eyes widening in disbelief. "You are!"

"That is none of your business."

"Like hell it isn't!" Naruto bellowed, anger winning over fear. "Are you insane? They're just kids! You should be keeping this stuff away from them, not handing it over like bars of chocolate!"

"They are not little kids," Orochimaru spoke icily, "A significant portion of them are considered adults by the government."

"Fuck that!" Naruto glared, his hand tightening around the key. "There is no way I'm handing that shit over to high school kids. You're insane!"

Snarling Orochimaru stepped forwards, grabbing Naruto by the forearm. "You will do as I say!"

"Fuck you," Naruto growled. "There is no way you're going to make me responsible for the lives of those kids. No way in hell!"

"You want to bet?" Orochimaru whispered dangerously, digging his fingers into the arm held captive in his grip.

"What?" Naruto spat, "Or you will go to the school board and have me fired? Is that your big ace hanging over my head?"

"Foolish brat," Orochimaru growled, onyx eyes glinting with unshielded malevolence. "You think that's it?"

Naruto glared back, fear completely evaporated. "I will go to the police, I don't fucking care anymore! I shouldn't have let this get so far in the first place!"

Enraged Orochimaru flung Naruto backwards. The blonde, startled, dropped the key as his back collided with the rough entryway. He groaned, attempting to get to his feet.

Still furious Orochimaru rushed towards him and grabbed him, pulling Naruto up by the collar of his coat. "Do not test me, brat!"

Sapphire eyes still glaring, Naruto spat into Orochimaru's face in retort.

Livid Orochimaru roared, throwing Naruto with unmeasured force out of the room. With a startled cry Naruto crashed into the hardwood floor hitting his forehead hard. Rolling in pain he attempted to grab his throbbing skull only to go down head first down the stairs.

For a brief moment Orochimaru stood there with fear in his heart. Quickly he rushed towards the stairs and stared down at the tumbled form down below.

"Shit," he mumbled to himself before rushing down the stairs to examine the blonde.

Naruto lay on his stomach, head throbbing as if someone took a drill to his skull. He moaned in pain, attempting to sit up.

"Careful," Orochimaru's voice said calmly.

Then a pair of hands carefully sat him up.

Naruto lifted a trembling hand to his forehead. Fingers met warm wetness. Further dazed he withdrew his hand and gazed at the crimson mess staining his fingertips.

"I'm bleeding," he said in wonder.

Orochimaru grunted, lifting Naruto's chin so he could get a better look at the large cut. "It looks big."

"I'm bleeding," Naruto repeated like a broken telegraph.

"Yes," Orochimaru sighed. "You are bleeding. Does it hurt?"

"Y-yeah it d-does."

"Hm," he frowned. "You hurt anywhere else?"

Naruto attempted to shake his head but was met with a wave of indescribable pain. Yelping he clutched his head, hand covering the gash on his forehead.

"Alright," Orochimaru nodded more to himself than to the injured man sitting on his floor. "Forget about making this delivery…pretend like it never happened—this visit. You coming here never happened. I'm going to call a taxi and have it take you to the hospital, okay?"

Standing to his feet, Orochimaru quickly disappeared down the hall to make the call. Naruto stayed sitting where he was, cradling his head.

A few minutes later Orochimaru returned with some bandages and a vodka bottle. He knelt beside Naruto and instructed the young professor to remove his hand. The blonde did. A trickle of blood began to drip down his forehead and down his face.

Gingerly Orochimaru poured some of the alcohol onto the bandage and carefully began to wipe away the blood.

"Ow, fuck!"

Grabbing Orochimaru's hand, Naruto stared angrily at the older man.

"You want it to get infected?" The other raised a thin black eyebrow.

Naruto grumbled, "Just put a band aid on it."

Orochimaru shrugged his shoulders, not bothering to argue about it. "Suit yourself."

Sticking on the band aid the older man got to his feet and helped the blonde stand up. By the time they reached the door the taxi was already waiting outside. Guiding Naruto to the waiting car Orochimaru helped him get inside and handed the driver forty dollars instructing him to take the blonde wherever he wanted to go. Once Orochimaru had gone back inside, Naruto straightened in his seat, one hand lightly cast over the gash.

"Please take me to 1672 Washi drive."

"No problem."

Heaving a sigh Naruto leaned back in his seat closing his eyes. Before he knew it they were driving up to Asuma's place. Groggily he sat back up and thanked the driver before stepping out of the car. With small measured steps he walked towards the front door of his uncle's house and rang the door bell. Within a few minutes Asuma opened the door wearing his robe over a set of pajamas. As soon as he saw Naruto standing on his porch his eyes widened in alarm.

"Naruto!"

The blonde tried to force a smile but it came out as more of a wince. "Hey, Uncle Asuma."

Ushering his nephew inside Asuma inspected him from head to toe, taking in the blood stained bandage poorly stuck to the blonde's forehead.

"Shit, Naruto." Asuma cursed, "What the hell happened to you?"

"I slipped on some ice," he lied automatically. Amazing himself with how fast he was able to do this by now.

"How the hell did you find some ice to slip on?"

Naruto shrugged his shoulders, "Just my luck I guess."

"Who is it, Asuma?"

Both men looked up to see Kurenai shuffling sleepily towards them in her nightgown and robe.

"Hey, Aunt Kurenai."

Blinking away the sleep the dark haired woman frowned and took a closer look. Her eyes widened into saucer-like plates upon seeing the bloody bandage stuck to Naruto's forehead. Pushing Asuma to the side Kurenai quickly ushered her nephew to sit down on the couch in the living room before delicately pulling off the already crusted bandage. Naruto winced, letting a whimper pass his lips. The gash was no longer bleeding, a good sign.

Licking her lips Kurenai examined the cut further before straightening up and sighing. "Sit tight, Naruto. Asuma come with me."

Standing up from the couch Asuma tightened his robe and followed his wife into the kitchen. Kurenai immediately went to her medical cabinet, being a doctor, it was bigger than most. She started ruffling through it, pulling out her suture kit, some antiseptic and bandages.

"Get a bowl of water and clean his cut," she instructed as she searched her cabinet for a pair of rubber gloves.

With a nod of his head Asuma rushed to the sink and grabbed a bowl.

"How did he say he got that cut?" Kurenai asked as she assembled all her things.

Asuma sighed, "He said he slipped on some ice."

Kurenai paused, her brows furrowing. "Where did the bandage come from?"

"I was wondering about that too."

They grew quiet as each lost themselves in thought. Asuma was first to leave the kitchen. He slowly walked towards his nephew who was sitting hunched over on the couch with his eyes closed.

"Hey!" Asuma bent down and lightly slapped his nephew's cheek. "No falling asleep."

Naruto's eyelids fluttered open and he grunted dejectedly.

Pursing his lips Asuma dipped a clean bandage into the warm water and as carefully as he could began cleaning the wound. Naruto bit into his lip to refrain from making any noise. The stinging was beyond anything he'd ever felt.

"Does it hurt?" Asuma asked quietly.

"Yeah," Naruto said through grit teeth, "But it's okay, I can deal with it."

"Hm," Asuma looked up, meeting his nephew's eyes. "How did you say you got this again?"

Without any sort of hesitation Naruto repeated his earlier fabrication. "I slipped on some ice when I was outside."

"How did you get that bandage then?" Asuma motioned to the discarded bloody bandage lying on the floor.

"I walked into a nearby store and asked for one." Naruto replied smoothly.

"Hm."

Dropping the blood stained bandage back into the water Asuma rinsed it before squeezing it out and continuing with his earlier task of cleaning the cut.

"How is Asami doing?" Naruto inquired about Asuma's little toddler.

A big smile spread across the older man's face at the mention of his two-year-old daughter. "She's good. Loves orange juice to death. In fact, anything orange is her favorite…I think she get's that from you."

Naruto smiled, picturing the dark haired toddler in her pigtails standing straight with a glass of her favorite juice in hand. "Is she here?"

"No," Asuma shook his head, "She's staying by Kurenai's parents. I have another sting coming up and Kurenai has a few surgeries back to back."

"Oh."

The two fell into silence.

"Let's see what we've got here."

Naruto looked up having lost himself in his thoughts once more. Kurenai was standing beside Asuma with a stern look on her face. Scooting a little to the left to give his wife some room, Asuma moved the bowl of used water and waited for his wife to begin.

"Hmm," Kurenai said after a few minutes of examining the clean cut. "It doesn't seem very deep. Four or five stitches should do the trick."

Pulling out a needle and thread from her suture kit she got to work. Naruto mentally cursed everyone and everything under the sun as Kurenai stitched his cut; his lip now resembling something akin to a rodent's chew toy. Within ten minutes she was done. After snipping off the extra thread she covered the stitches with a bandage and leaned back.

"Don't pick at it, okay?"

Naruto smiled, "Yes, Ma'm."

Rolling her eyes she got to her feet and stretched her back. "Come back in a week and I'll take them out, alright?"

The blonde nodded, standing to his feet.

"I'll fix you up a bed, you can sleep here tonight." Kurenai added, taking off her rubber gloves. "I'll be waking you up every couple of hours just to make sure you don't have an epidural hematoma."

"A what?" Naruto blinked, not comprehending.

Kurenai sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose from fatigue. "I'm just going make sure everything is alright. Head injuries are scary business and I'm worried about you. Like they say 'It's better to be safe than sorry.' Just be happy you have a doctor in the family."

"Oh," Naruto smiled. "Thanks, Kurenai."

She smiled back in return, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a loving squeeze. "Just don't make a habit of falling on ice, alright?"

Naruto looked into her eyes, not missing the hidden meaning in her words.

His smile faltered. "I won't."

"Okay then," she turned to Asuma, "I'll go make that bed."