realkyuhoney

[realkyuhoney]

Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!

Shanan stepped into her new apartment, the creaky door echoing through the empty space. Her hand instinctively reached for the door handle, as if to rush back out to Kakashi, to beg him to stay. But she hesitated, her fingers trembling. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. She couldn't give in to her emotions, not now. Kakashi had entrusted her with a new responsibility – Naruto.

The memory of his departing words resonated deeply:

"Until we meet again..."

A promise, not a goodbye. With newfound determination, She turned away from the door and surveyed her apartment. The sparse furniture and bare walls seemed to amplify the silence. She wandered over to the window, gazing out at the unfamiliar neighborhood. This window, smaller than the hospital's, still offered a glimpse of the village.

The sunlight cast a warm glow on her face, but her thoughts remained with Kakashi. She wondered if she'd really ever see him again. The uncertainty gnawed at her.

She took a deep breath, determined not to let him down. She began her breathing exercises, whispering, “In through my nose and out through my mouth.”

With her nerves calmed, she began to explore her apartment. The pumpkin-colored walls seemed warm and inviting, a comforting contrast to the emptiness she felt. She walked over to her twin-sized bed, running her hand over her new quilt. The end table beside it held a simple lamp, its soft glow a reassuring presence.

Her gaze shifted to the kitchenette across from the bed. The compact space was equipped with the essentials: a small stove, refrigerator, and sink. Her thoughts turned to the cookbook Kakashi had given her. She envisioned herself cooking hearty meals, filling the apartment with warmth and aromas infused with his expertise. Hopefully, she already possessed some cooking skills. But she already knew by now that she was a fast learner either way.

The area between her bed and the walk-in closet caught her attention. She imagined filling it with a nice bookshelf, stocked with the books Kakashi had recommended. She made a mental note to explore the village for a suitable one.

Moving deeper into the apartment, she approached the dining room table. Its surface reflected the soft light, creating a sense of possibility. She envisioned sharing the meals she made with Naruto, laughing and talking together. Hopefully Kakashi was right and they would get along well.

Her exploration continued. She pushed open the bathroom door, revealing a cozy space with a shower, a tub and pedestal sink. The linen closet and walk-in closet provided ample storage for her belongings.

As she opened doors and cabinets, she found the apartment well-stocked. Essentials like food, clothes, and toiletries filled the shelves. She even found a few surprise amenities, including a set of excellent dishes and a small potted plant. She would need to buy some things with her monthly allowance, but many necessities would be provided weekly.

As she finished her tour, Shanan felt a sense of ownership. This apartment, though small, was hers. And with Naruto soon to be a part of her life, she was determined to make it a home.

She began unpacking, the ritual bringing a sense of comfort. In the kitchen, she carefully placed the cookbook Kakashi had given her on a prominent shelf, running her fingers over the embossed cover. The recipes within would guide her in creating nourishing meals for herself and Naruto.

Next, she tenderly retrieved White Fang, her small bear, and settled him onto her pillow. "Well," she whispered, smiling, "at least we have each other." The bear's gentle gaze seemed to offer comfort.

As she continued unpacking, her thoughts turned to Naruto. Excitement mingled with guilt, as if she was betraying Kakashi by moving forward. But she reminded herself of her promise: to care for Naruto, to be his guardian.

Nervousness crept in, stemming from her own uncertain past. She'd never had a parent, never experienced a traditional family. But Kakashi's guidance had provided her a sense of stability and direction.

With renewed determination, she finished unpacking. Her apartment, once empty, now felt like a sanctuary. She was ready to introduce herself to Naruto and hopefully create a strong bond with him. Much like Kakashi, her duty beckoned. Surely, this was her first test on her path to becoming a shinobi.

Shanan stepped outside, gazing across the street. The spot where Kakashi had stood was empty. Her smile faltered, and she felt a pang of sadness. She leaned over the railing, scanning the street in both directions, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

Disappointment washed over her as she realized he was truly gone.

Her gaze returned to the spot across the street. She forced a smile, waving half-heartedly at the empty space.

Determined to shake off the melancholy, she widened her smile and waved more enthusiastically. "Hi, Kakashi!" Under her breath, she whispered, "I miss you already..."

Shaking off the feeling, she turned her attention to Naruto's door ready to meet her new neighbor.

Approaching, she raised her hand and knocked, her heart beating with anticipation.

The door creaked open, revealing a sliver of his face. His eyes darted nervously, accustomed to rejection and hostility.

Adults had always been cruel to him, their words cutting deep. Kids ran away, fearful of the demon child. Nobody ever knocked on his door. Nobody offered help. The kid’s wariness was etched on his face.

"W-what do you want?" he stammered.

Shanan’s gaze met Naruto's, and her heart shattered. She took in his gaunt appearance, the dirt and grime etched on his skin, and the haunting emptiness in his eyes. The pungent smell of mold and sour milk wafted out from his apartment, a stark reminder of his neglect.

Her eyes stung as tears threatened to fall. Kakashi hadn't prepared her for this. The reality of his situation was far more dire than she'd imagined.

She smiled softly at him, her eyes filled with warmth, masking her inner turmoil. "Hi Naruto, you don't recognize me?" she asked.

He shook his head, his brow furrowed.

"I’m your big sister," she said. "Shanan"

Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly, trying to place this unfamiliar girl. He searched her features, seeking a connection.

"You can see it in our eyes." She leaned in, winking.

His gaze locked onto hers, and suddenly, his face lit up. "Hey, I have blue eyes!" he exclaimed.

Shanan's smile broadened, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Just like mine," she whispered. "It's a family trait."

"How come I didn't know about you?" he asked.

"That's my fault, I don't really know my way around here. I'm sorry."

Naruto's gaze lingered on hers.

"But I'm here now," she continued, her smile growing, warmth radiating from her face. "And we can finally be a family."

His face brightened with a smile, followed by a curious expression. "Do we have a mom and dad?"

Her thoughts fluttered, seeking the right words. "That's a great question," she said softly. She paused, collecting her thoughts. "I'll explain it to you sometime. But I know they're somewhere they can see us, watching over us."

Naruto's gaze dropped. "Well... you're here at least."

Shanan's smile returned, warm and gentle. "That's right," she said. "And I'm not going anywhere."

His eyes lifted, a hint of trust forming.

"Is it okay if I come in?" She paused, her gaze shifting to the apartment behind him. "I'm way behind on chores! And I bet you're ready for lunch, huh?"

"Yeah!" He stepped aside, allowing her to enter.

As she crossed the threshold, her eyes adjusted to the dim apartment. She took in the cluttered space, the stale air, and the overwhelming smell of neglect.

"Hey, Naruto," she asked gently, "do any adults ever come by to help you with anything?"

His face brightened. "Well, yeah! I get a big box of ramen sometimes. But... it only lasts for... um..." He started counting on his fingers, holding up four, his face scrunched in concentration. "Maybe eleben days?"

Her expression turned somber, her heart aching at the stark reality of his situation. "I thought so," she said softly. She took a deep breath, shifting her tone to something lighter. "Well, do you like bubble baths?"

"What's a bubble bath?"

"Well, if you've never had one, then I know you'll love it!” she said with an encouraging smile. “The first one is always the best!"

His curiosity was piqued, his eyes wide with anticipation.

She guided him to the bathroom, a warm smile on her face. She was surprised to find it well-stocked, but then she noticed how dusty and unused it all was. Nevermind the smell coming from the toilet… She’d worry about that and the rest of the cleaning later.

"Okay, kiddo, time for your first bubble bath!"

She turned on the faucet, filling the tub with warm water. As it filled, she poured in some soap, creating a fluffy, fragrant foam.

"Go ahead and get undressed, okay? I'll grab some clean clothes for you."

Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement as he quickly undressed and climbed into the tub. Shanan slipped out to search for clothes.

She walked to the dresser near the kitchen, hoping to find something suitable.

Opening the drawers, she discovered a trove of never-worn clothes, all slightly too small. Her heart ached, realizing he had outgrown them long ago.

She grabbed a few items that might fit and made a mental note to spend her allowance on new clothes for him soon.

Returning to the bathroom, she was greeted by Naruto's giggles. He was having the time of his life, playing with the bubbles and smearing some on his chin.

"Hey, Shanan! Do I look like Lord Third?" he asked.

She chuckled, unsure of what Lord Third looked like. "You're definitely the most adorable ninja I've ever seen!"

Naruto beamed, his grin stretched wide beneath a layer of bubbles. "Do you know how to wash yourself at all?"

His raised brow was answer enough.

Her expression softened. "I'll be right back." She retrieved a towel and washcloth from the linen closet and returned to the bathroom. "Is it okay if I clean you?" she asked gently.

Naruto shrugged, indifference etched on his face. She began washing him, her touch tender.

"Wow... and here I thought you just had a nice tan..." She attempted to lighten the mood.

He continued playing in the bubbles, oblivious to the caked-on grime being washed away.

As Shanan rinsed him clean, her gaze lingered on his brightening complexion. "When we're done, I'll try to make us some lunch. Are you hungry?"

"Yeah, I'm always hungry."

Shanan's brow furrowed. Not only had he admitted to being constantly hungry, but his tone hinted at a painful familiarity with hunger – a resigned acceptance that broke her heart.

Once he was clean, she enveloped him in a fluffy towel, her motions tender and protective. Driven by an overwhelming urge to comfort, she pulled him into a warm hug.

Naruto's body stiffened slightly, unsure how to react to this unfamiliar display of affection. But as she held him close, her warmth seeped into his tiny frame. His hands remained pinned against his chest, wrapped snugly in the towel. He didn't hug her back, yet his face relaxed into a gentle smile. The tension melted from his shoulders.

Her eyes welled up with tears as she held him. This was his first hug, she was certain. The thought broke her heart. As she held him, his confusion gave way to a sense of calm. He liked this feeling. Her hug was like a shelter from the world.

"Naruto, I'm so glad I found you," she whispered.

His smile grew, his eyes shining with happiness.

"Hey, you have whiskers!" she exclaimed, her finger poking his nose playfully, sending tiny shivers of delight through him.

"I do?" his eyes widened in surprise.

"Yeah, I guess all those bubbles made 'em grow!" She said, chuckling.

His face lit up. "Really?"

"Yeah, I've heard some bubbles do that. Now I know not to use them." Her playful grin hinted at the absurdity.

He giggled, clearly delighted.

She handed him clean clothes. "Get dressed, okay? I'll make lunch."

"Okay!" he replied, already racing to change, eager for the next adventure.

As Naruto dressed, Shanan bravely inspected the fridge, her eyes widening at the spoiled food.

"Naruto, have you been eating or drinking any of this?" she asked, her voice measured, hiding her dismay.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Only the milk. But it gets pretty gross when it gets lumpy."

Her emotions swirled, unchecked. She turned away, struggling to contain her tears.

Composing herself, she forced a warm smile. "Hey, wanna see my apartment? I kinda wanna use my new stove." Her enthusiasm was genuine. "And I have a cookbook with some yummy-looking food in it from my best friend, Kakashi."

"Can I?" he asked. "I've never been in anyone else's apartment before."

She held out her hand, inviting him. "Come on, you little cutie. Let's go."

Naruto's small hand slipped into hers, trusting, his grip tight.

Fourteen months had passed since Shanan had taken on the role of attentive big sister. Today marked a special day – her ninth birthday. The warm sun cast a gentle glow over Konoha's streets as they strolled through the marketplace, hand in hand. Naruto, now six and three quarter years old, chattered excitedly beside her. Their mission: to find the perfect ingredients for tonight's birthday dinner.

Shanan's eyes sparkled as she clutched her cookbook and shopping list, her long hair tied back into a ponytail. Naruto's bright blue eyes shone with anticipation, his blond hair messy as always, but clean.

"Rainbow trout," she murmured, studying her list. "The notes in the cookbook suggested it, and I definitely think it'll taste better."

"Sis, didn't you make this one a few months ago?" he asked, confused.

"I don't think so…" Her gaze drifted.

"Well, I remember you saying that before," he said.

Shanan's lips curved into a self-deprecating smile. "Then yeah, I probably did. Was it good with the rainbow trout?"

"I think I remember that one... and yeah, it was really delicious!" he said with a thumbs up!

They entered their usual bodega, and were greeted by a new face at the register.

"Welcome to Tanaka's Market!"

The cashier's cheerful tone dropped to an awkward mumble as his eyes met Naruto's, his face tightening in discomfort.

Shanan’s instincts remained on high alert, her eyes scanning the store for the familiar face of Tanaka-san or the previous cashier. She wondered if the new employee knew about their daily visits.

Surely Tanaka-san told him…

After all, they were accustomed to wary glances and whispered comments elsewhere in Konoha.

She navigated to the seaweed aisle, her gaze drifting between the shelves and Naruto, who had stopped near the front.

His eyes sparkled as he discovered new candies.

She observed from afar, allowing him a taste of independence. Yet, her gaze drifted back to the cashier.

As she searched for seaweed, her anxiety interrupted her focus. She checked the adjacent shelves, her eyes darting back to the cashier, then to Naruto, ensuring his safety.

Just as she located the seaweed, Naruto's voice echoed through the store.

"Hey, sis! Look!"

The cashier's voice overlapped Naruto's.

"Damn demon!"

The words hung in the air, loud enough for Shanan to hear, but Naruto remained oblivious, focused on his discovery.

Her gaze froze on the cashier, her expression icy. She swiftly set her items aside and strode calmly to Naruto, positioning herself between him and the cashier.

"Hey, kiddo, I need you to do the thing," she whispered urgently.

He looked up, confusion etched on his face. "The thing?" He glanced back at the cashier, then at Shanan, understanding slowly dawning. "I didn't hear him say anything…"

Her smile was warm and reassuring. "Good." She gently nudged him. "Do the thing, okay?"

He nodded, promptly plugging his ears and turning his back to the cashier.

Shanan’s eyes locked onto the cashier with an unnerving intensity as she glided toward him. "Were you hoping he'd hear you, or that I'd hear you? Because I have some unfortunate news..." she whispered.

The cashier scoffed, but his smirk faltered as droplets of water began to form on her arms and face. Her gaze intensified, pupils dilating, a subtle, unnerving shift.

Tanaka-san quickly rushed from the back, waving his hands in a calming gesture. "Please, forgive him. He didn't understand," he implored, bowing deeply. The cashier's puzzlement turned to alarm as Tanaka-san whispered urgently, "Apologize, or you're fired. You don't understand what you're dealing with."

The cashier's eyes darted between Shanan's serene, yet unsettling, expression and Tanaka-san's worried face. He hastily apologized.

Satisfied, she turned away, returning to Naruto with a warm smile. "Hey, what candy did you wanna show me?"

He glanced to the front of the store, where Tanaka-san was angrily shoving a mop at the cashier. Then looked back at Shanan, grinning. "This one! Can I have it, Sis?"

"Only if you help me with dinner, okay?"

He beamed. "I was gonna help you on your birthday anyway!"

As they strolled home, Naruto gazed up at Shanan with a mischievous grin. "Wow, Sis, it's so funny seeing them act so scared of you."

She chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Well... it only takes turning an entire oak tree into a pool of water to get your point across."

"Yeah, but you wouldn't really hurt anyone."

"No, but let's just keep that between us.” Her expression turned playful. "Also, hey! Were you peeking in there? Do I need to ground you?"

He laughed, unashamed. "Sorry, Sis, I couldn't help it... The way they sweat is just so silly." He started giggling uncontrollably thinking about it.

"Well... normally, I'd feel bad for upsetting anyone, but what's their point in saying awful things if not to upset us? So, it's what they get!"

Though she was training hard to become a shinobi, she both refused to follow and often forgot the whole not allowed to feel thing the instructors always tried to instill in them. She'd even filled an entire scroll with an essay just four days ago that none of them asked for, explaining why it was a bad policy. But all her sensei told her was, "I know exactly who to give this to," and she still hadn't heard any feedback on it. Aside from the fact that that particular Shinobi Principal was still number twenty-five on the list in the classroom.

As they continued walking, Naruto's eyelids began to droop, his pace slowing. "Sis... I'm getting tired," he said, yawning. "Can I have a piggyback ride?"

"Of course!" She crouched down to let him on easily.

He climbed onto her back, wrapping his arms snugly around her neck. His warmth and weight felt comforting against her.

"I'm surprised you waited this long to ask," she teased, chuckling. "Usually, you're fast asleep by now."

"I guess I'm growing up, huh?"

Shanan's stride remained steady, but her thoughts wandered. "Yeah..." she said, her gaze drifting ahead. "Just don't do that too fast, okay? I won't get to carry you like this anymore."

As the sun began to set, Shanan and Naruto strolled through the village, a familiar sight to its residents. Even when he wasn't sleepy, Naruto loved riding on Shanan's back, his laughter and chatter filling the air. There he felt safe, shielded from the whispers and the name calling. In fact, he no longer noticed it.

By the time they reached home, his gentle snores filled the air.

Shanan smiled, gently lifting him off her back. "Okay, kiddo, bath time's early today. Deal?" she whispered, trying not to startle him.

Naruto nodded, still half-asleep, his eyes blinking slowly.

As he bathed, she browsed through her cherished cookbook.

A note near the recipe made her chuckle. "Make sure to use salt, not sugar this time!" The handwritten comments often made her smile.

She wondered, as she often did, where she'd acquired this treasured cookbook. Occasionally, she'd stumble upon a personalized written on the inside title page:

"Shanan, remember to say, 'Thanks for the food.' You always forget."

Her brow furrowed, questions resurfacing. Who had written this? How did they know that she always forgot? The note's gentle teasing warmed her heart, but the mystery lingered.

Naruto burst into the kitchen, his hair dripping wet, dressed in fresh clothes. The aroma of dinner wafted through the air, enticing his senses. "Dinner smells so good!" he exclaimed.

Shanan's face lit up with a warm smile. "Thanks!" But her expression swiftly shifted to mortification as she took in Naruto's soap-sudded locks. "Seriously?" She rushed to turn off the stove, concern setting her features. "Let's get this soap out of your hair first, you silly baby," she said.

"What? I'm not a baby!"

"Well, you're my baby."

He corrected her, already heading back to the bathroom. "Your baby brother."

As Naruto settled into the tub, Shanan's chuckles filled the bathroom. "Oh yeah... I'm only ten, huh?"

"Shanan, it's your ninth birthday!” he giggled. “Did you think you were my mom again?"

Her cheeks flushed. Though she grasped the concept of a mother, her mind often got tangled in its own web. "Maybe..." she said, watching Naruto turn the water back on.

"Which number is bigger, anyway?" he asked.

"Ten is," she replied, smiling. "Maybe I am too small to be ten yet..." Though, she wasn’t really sure she knew any ten year olds to compare. "I think tomorrow we'll practice numbers. What is that school teaching you, if not your numbers, Naruto?"

He shrugged, unrepentant. "I only like recess."

"White Fang will be hearing about this!" She shook her head, playfully stern.

“Hey, why is his name White Fang, anyway? Shouldn’t all his teeth be white?” His face scrunched in thought.

Her gaze drifted, her mind searching for an answer that had long slipped away. "Oh, hmm… I'm actually not taking any questions right now," she said finally, a gentle smile masking her forgetfulness.

He giggled, unfazed, as she rinsed his hair. The warm water and soothing touch eased his tensions. She often said this when she couldn’t remember something but didn’t want to admit it.

As the night descended, Shanan and Naruto settled into their comforting routine. The past year hadn't been easy due to Shanan's fragile memory and Naruto's mysterious ostracism, but together, they'd found solace.

For Shanan, life without Naruto was unimaginable. He was her purpose, her constant. She literally couldn't recall a time without his bright smile and infectious laughter. Her protective instincts sometimes bordered on excessive, but she knew no other way.

Naruto, once longing for family, had adapted effortlessly to their unconventional dynamic. Shanan's strictness and overprotectiveness were balanced by her playful nature and irresistible jokes. Her public displays of affection – kisses on his face, bold declarations of love – proudly proclaimed his cherished status, shielding him from others' cruelty.

In her eyes, Naruto's happiness was paramount. She'd absorb the world's fear and darkness, making it her problem, never his. Caring for him felt instinctual, like breathing.

Occasionally, she forgot she was his sister, not his mother. When Naruto reminded her of their first meeting, reality clicked back into place. Yet, their bond transcended blood ties.

As Naruto drifted off to sleep, Shanan read to him, her voice soothing. Later, she'd watch over him, half-asleep, ever vigilant. Like any devoted mother – or sister – would.

[realkyuhoney]

Kakashi 🥹 and Kakashi 🥵

Might as well plug some of my fics with my art! 🤗

[realkyuhoney]

Barely Holding On to You

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"I'm fallin' apart, I'm barely breathing

With a broken heart that's still beating..."

Sasuke is heartbroken and can't sleep after Naruto breaks up with him. So he takes this time to reflect.

Based on a meme and heavily influenced by the song Broken by Lifehouse because it was on repeat while I wrote this.

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"If you take one more step, Naruto, that's it. This is the end."

Sasuke opened his eyes and stared at the broken clock on the wall. Somehow the lack of ticking was helping him sleep, but then he'd hear the words again and wake up. Why? Why had he said it?

"Sasuke, I'm breaking up with you."

The words wouldn't stop echoing through his memory. Yet, he still couldn't believe it had happened.

"Yeah, right."

He'd been so smug… Of course he had been. He always was when it came to Naruto. When they were kids and he thought he was the better ninja, more advanced in every way. And then even as they grew, he still behaved as though Naruto would never catch up to him. And then when he realized that he loved him and Naruto kissed him. Even then, he considered his time more valuable than Naruto’s. Always showing up late to their dates. Always leaving when he felt like it, finding pleasure in the way Naruto would pout and say that he wasn't ready for Sasuke to go.

He liked making Naruto beg for his attention. He didn't know why.

He loved Naruto so much, but he couldn't stop pretending as though he didn't.

"I can't keep letting you do this to me. I'm sorry."

Even then, he was waiting for Naruto to start laughing and say that he was joking. He stood there smirking at him, waiting for a playful kiss. But Naruto cried instead.

Soft. Heartbroken. Full of sorrow as he turned away from him.

"Naruto…"

In that moment, the look in his eyes had completely broken Sasuke. He wanted so much to run to him and scoop him up and pepper his beautiful face with the softest kisses. Apologize genuinely and profusely. Beg for his forgiveness and ask how he can do better.

But then his pride took over and stopped him. Changed him from regretful to offended. And all he could think was how dare he? Naruto, break up with him? Naruto?! With his big blue eyes and cute little whiskers… That… warm, tanned skin and perfectly toned body…

He couldn't bear the thought. He didn't want to lose him, but he couldn't make himself do the thing he had originally wanted to do. So instead of softening his facial expression and falling to his knees, he scowled. He balled his fists and clenched his jaw as he stared at Naruto’s back moving farther away from him. And he yelled after him.

"You think I care? I never really loved you, you know that?"

He had been so sure Naruto would turn around and look at him angrily. That he'd march over to him and call him a jerk, inches from his face. And then he'd be putty in Sasuke's hands again. Sasuke had every intention of telling him that he knew he'd never go through with it. Never quit Sasuke… but… he didn't look at him. He didn't even stop.

Even then, he'd wanted to soften. He'd wanted to reach out and say something, anything other than what he was saying. Please. I'm sorry, Naruto. But he couldn't do it. His mind and his body betrayed what was in his heart. And he couldn't stop himself from reacting.

"If you take one more step, Naruto, that's it. This is the end."

Tears were streaming down his face, but his voice refused to show even the slightest inkling of weakness as it stayed perfectly even. And the words were not at all what he had wanted to say. But he said them and they were so final.

And Naruto stayed strong. For once. Believing so much that Sasuke didn't care. Because… that's what he had wanted him to believe. He couldn't show Naruto how weak he actually was for him.

And give him the upperhand?

Though, what was so wrong with that?

Sasuke looked back over at the clock. He could've put a new battery in so many times in the last six months. But he almost preferred to leave it broken. Then he could tell himself that he didn't have any obligations. Especially when Naruto slept over. He knew what time it was. But he could pretend he didn't and get lost in kissing Naruto. Touching him. Cuddling with him after. And then he could look at his watch suddenly and tell Naruto that he had somewhere to be. Training to do. A mission to go on. Something. Anything to keep Naruto wanting more.

Keep him guessing.

Not letting Naruto see that the only thing Sasuke really had to offer him were his lips and his body. Not letting him see how truly damaged he was.

Sasuke sat up suddenly as the realization hit him. He'd been so scared to let Naruto see him in that way. Naruto had always admired him and thought him strong. But to know he was damaged in a way that may never truly be fixed? He would've lost him much sooner.

Tears poured down Sasuke's face as his chest heaved. He felt as though he were falling completely apart and he could barely breathe as he sobbed through the heartbreak. He'd held happiness and sunshine in the palm of his hand and he had taken it so much for granted.

"What's wrong with me?" he asked himself through his tears as he clenched fistfuls of his own hair. He could barely breathe at this point. Memories of Naruto flashing through his mind. Smiling, laughing… Looking at Sasuke with more affection than Sasuke was used to. Naruto's love for him had always been so selfless. And all Sasuke had ever done was take advantage of that.

As Sasuke sat in bed falling apart, he couldn't help but wonder if Naruto was half as broken as him. Though, he was sure he wasn't. He was probably relieved, free. Finally.

And Sasuke couldn't blame him. He couldn't blame Naruto if he moved on quickly. If he fell in love with some girl, maybe Sakura. They'd make a great couple. He couldn't blame Naruto if he never spoke to Sasuke again. If he never even so much as looked in Sasuke's direction. No. Sasuke couldn't blame him.

He would pine for him always. No matter what. And Naruto deserved to be pined for. To be loved, to be longed for. From near and afar. Sasuke probably always was best suited to love someone from afar anyway. Even if it hurt him. Naruto would find someone to be close to. Easily. Hinata had always had a thing for him.

Sasuke couldn't help but feel jealous as he tried to consider a new partner for Naruto. Sakura? Hinata? With Naruto?

"Over my dead body," he said as he tossed his blankets aside and got out of his bed. He was in pajamas, but he didn't care to find normal clothes, it was still the middle of the night anyway. He didn't even bother to put shoes on or lock his door when he left.

Naruto needed to know how he felt. His true heart. Or nevermind… Naruto already knew. He always had. What he needed was to hear it. From Sasuke's mouth. Sasuke had to tell him. Tell him about his pain, his struggles, his weaknesses. Tell him how despite all of that, his love for Naruto was what kept him going. What brought him home. What kept him here.

And even after he told him. If he still didn't want Sasuke back, then that would be alright. At least Sasuke tried. He communicated. He opened his heart, and he said it was open, and he told Naruto it was his forever. No matter what, at least Naruto would know for a fact that Sasuke was his and his alone.

Always.

AO3 LINK FOR KUDOS 🫶

[realkyuhoney]

Kakashi Hatake, 18

[realkyuhoney]

Same on the tags tho 😫🤗

Hanma sees a dude looking at you for just a second too long and then suddenly disappears at night, coming home with his suit soaked through with blood. And when you ask what's happened he'll kiss you so tenderly before he sinks onto the sofa and lights a cigarette saying "don't you worry your pretty little head sweetheart" before parting his legs and patting his thigh so you can settle between them and rest your cheek there, like a pet.

[realkyuhoney]

There's Rock Lee... and then there's Fuck Boy Lee. 😆

[realkyuhoney]

Artober day 1: Minato's kids

[realkyuhoney]

Artober day 6: Copy Cat Kakashi

[realkyuhoney]

Kan kan sasunaru no debatt 😭😭 . Cre:_chugege_

[realkyuhoney]

I don't know who, what, when, where, how or why we all know this, but we do and it's a universal truth - Shikamaru fucks good.

[realkyuhoney]

Shh

[realkyuhoney]

Awww 🥺

Local neglected demon baby wants noodles. Please feed him

[realkyuhoney]

Kakashi thirst trap???🥵

[realkyuhoney]

Still so proud of this... 🥺

SasuNaru ASMR.

Written by me. Performed by Yuri Lowenthal.

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Naruto…

Are you… already asleep?

Heh… Of course you are. It's been a long and exhausting mission. Feels like we’ve had a lot of these lately.

You know, despite everything that’s happened. I bet you’ve never experienced a bad night’s sleep a day in your life. But… you’ve always been that way, haven’t you? Even when we’ve had to sleep outside on the ground like this.

You’re fierce and you’re determined and you protect the people that you love and you love the people you should hate. I suppose there’s nothing to keep you awake. You’ve always had this innate ability to just know that everything’s going to turn out alright. You just…

*Sasuke chuckles softly at what he’s about to say*

Believe it… You always have and you make others believe with you. Or you beat them down until they do.

I, on the other hand, am riddled with regret… and… if I’m being completely honest. Fear.

My past haunts me to no end and I fear I may have ruined the future. I’m terrified of losing the people I love. I’m terrified that, no matter how powerful I may have become, that I’ll never be able to protect them. But the thing I’m most afraid of… is me. I’ve spent most of my life alone and I’m still terrified of making the wrong choices. I’m afraid that I’ve ruined any chance at any kind of relationship with my daughter. I still struggle to even think of myself as a father. Because I haven’t been.

I’m glad she has you, Naruto. I’m glad they all do.

I’m no longer… angry… all the time. And I’m still learning how to express any other emotion. I feel them… I just *sigh* I don’t know how to shut off my indifference. I’m not indifferent. I care. Deeply. Maybe too deeply…

I suppose I’m much like Kakashi in that respect. But maybe he’s braver than I am. Maybe I’m just such a coward that I won’t ever be able to truly let go of that darkness. It’s like a comforting blanket that I can never let go of, even though it’s cold and it's wet, I still cling to it. How did he let go of all of that? How did you? And what’s so wrong with me that I can’t? Especially with all of the good things I have in my life. I’m surrounded by beauty. So why am I still like this?...

All those times you came after me and I just ran away... I don’t know if I would’ve ever done that for you had our roles been reversed. I’m not sure I’d do it now… I’d want to. But something dark would stop me. It would tell me to give you your space. It would tell me to let you have your revenge. Let you be angry. Let your hatred consume you so that you can be stronger for it. I would want to help you, but I don’t have the light for that. I’ll never be like you. But you make me want to try.

I’m sorry for fighting with you. That time on the roof… I was such a petulant little brat. Throwing a tantrum, because I’d always thought of myself as some kind of prodigy, I put myself so high above you, but I wasn’t and it drove me crazy. I don’t know why I did. And it’s not true that I only spared your life on a whim. I was just trying to sound detached and… well, maybe a little cool. I never wanted to kill you. I never even wanted to hurt you. I just knew that you wouldn’t let me go if I didn’t. One of us was going to end up in the hospital after that fight. I couldn’t let it be me… And then that fight after the war. *soft chuckle* We were both a bit foolish that day. But you know, you already had my respect. I just… I wanted to make sure that I had yours too. I wanted you to see that my time away from the village wasn’t a complete waste.

Though, looking back now… of course… I no longer believe that. I should’ve let love guide and motivate me.

Not hatred.

You were the first light in my life. Even though I kept trying to shut you off. I tried so hard to blow your flame out, but you’d just light it again. And then you’d make it bigger. And everytime I’d get more and more angry, furious. You’d match my darkness with your light until finally… I couldn’t extinguish your fire. Everything suddenly stopped feeling so cold and empty. It was like… I looked up one day and finally saw how full my heart was and the warmth just… washed over me.

You pulled me from my darkness even when I didn’t want you to. I’m not sure where I’d be if you hadn’t. Probably trying to burn the world to the ground.

I would love to just put my past behind me entirely and be the person I want to be. Not just for me, but for Sakura and Sarada. Even for you and Kakashi. Say thank you. Say I’m sorry.

Say… I love you…

I can’t be too sure, it’s all still so unfamiliar and new to me, but I’d like to think that I am motivated by love and light now.

And… well… I know you’re asleep, but I guess all I mean to say is. Thanks.

Loser… (said affectionately)

[realkyuhoney]

Obito and Rin for my Princess Bride AU.

That's PRINCE Obito. 🤗

[realkyuhoney]

What we have in Boruto vs. what we should've had. Made this one like a year ago after I edited the second Pic of Shikamaru!