Chapter Text
Naruto happily munched on the carrot he'd found in the fridge, his eyes darting from the end credits of the Bubble Guppies to the front door and then to the closed bedroom door that held his sleeping Papa.
Scratching his belly under his black high-collared pajama shirt, he hummed happily along with the opening song of SpongeBob. Naruto finished the last of his carrot and stretched his little arms above his head, the sound of two knocks on the front door drawing his attention away from the TV screen, his eyes blinked slowly in confusion.
Wonder who it could-
Naruto jumped up and nearly ran towards the door, a grin stretching across his lips, he paused before opening it however as a warning from his Papa from last night echoed in his mind.
"If someone knocks and I'm not home or asleep, ask who it is. If it's someone we know - Like Saru-san or Akira then you can open it. However if it's someone you don't know, if I'm asleep wake me up, if I'm at school then ignore it. Never open it before checking."
"Who is it?" Naruto asks as he pulls open the metal flap that allows the mail to drop in; he blinked when all he saw was brown, his head tilting to one side.
"It's a girl that met a very cute and bubbly blonde yesterday at her shop" The familiar voice states, the brown moving slightly, Naruto jerks to his tiptoes and tugs the door open, Akira-nee's smiling face greeting him as she again moves the box in her hands.
"Akira-nee!" Naruto happily chirps, he moves aside and allows the girl to enter before closing the door, he turns and walks back towards the older girl, his head tilting again as he watches Akira-nee opening the box.
"Thought you'd be up, Sasuke-kun doesn't have class today so he normally sleeps in. Wanna peek inside this box?" Naruto giggles and lurches forward, opening the box and peering excitedly inside, a grin stretching across his lips as he sees the first object. An orange fox sat atop the pile, Naruto reached down and picked it up, squeezing it close to his chest, he peered back inside the box and tilted his head in confusion.
"Bags of food?" He asked, glancing up he met Akira-nee's smiling face, she offered a nod and began to tug the bags from the box, Naruto set the fox on the couch before helping pull out bags.
"Yeah, I assumed Sasuke didn't have a full fridge so I stopped by and grabbed a few things. What would you like to do today Naruto-kun?" Naruto paused on his second trip from the box to the kitchen, his eyes widening as the question filled his ears, his vision fading slightly as fear washed through him.
No-no-no-no-no-no- I don't get to pick! What would I want to do? No one has ever asked me that- I don't deserve to pick what we do...I'm-
Naruto jerked when warmth suddenly surrounded him, his eyes jerking open and met worried emerald. He blinked slowly as Akira-nee's lips continued to move but no sound reached his ears, he could feel his chest heaving and felt so tired all of a sudden. He was warm and safe now, neither Papa, Akira-nee or Saru-san would hurt him -though he was still wary of her-, he forced a slow breath through his lips and focused his attention on the older girl.
"I didn't mean to-I'm sorry-" Akira-nee was saying, Naruto blinked and forced his suddenly heavy eyes open. He managed a shake of his head before his lips parted to release the breath he'd taken in.
"No it was my fault- No one's ever- I'm sorry-" Naruto paused when Akira's arms tightened slightly; she pulled away and placed a kiss on his forehead before straightening to her feet. He reaches up and wraps his arms around Akira-nee's neck, his eyes closing as sleep pulls him under again, the warm lips gently placing a kiss to his forehead bringing a weak smile to his lips.
~~~
Sasuke rolled onto his side and reached for the warm spot that Naruto usually filled, his eyes jerking open when all his fingers met were empty and cool sheets, he blinks slowly and focuses on his ceiling, his hand returning to rest on his stomach.
Blinking when SpongeBob's laugh fills the silence, Sasuke slowly sits up and glances at the clock, a yawn escaping his lips as he shifts until he's sitting at the edge of his bed, his left hand coming up to rub his head. Rising to his feet he makes his way towards his door, opening it he moves automatically into the bathroom, the cool water that he splashed against his face waking him slightly, using a fluffy towel to dry off, Sasuke reached for his toothbrush and toothpaste before beginning to brush his teeth.
Rinsing the foam from his mouth Sasuke splashed more water against his face before turning away from the sink and mirror, drying his face again Sasuke relieved his bladder before returning to wash his hands. Exiting the bathroom Sasuke made his way towards his kitchen. He stopped when he spotted a familiar crimson-black haired girl rummaging around, his eyes shifting to fall on the couch, he moves towards Naruto's side and kneels down, his stomach tightening as he notices the boy's normally tanned skin seemed paler than normal.
"He's fine Sasu, or rather he was until I asked a simple question that caused a minor panic attack." Akira whispered as she neared the couch, Sasuke blinked and glanced up at his friend, his fingers absently stroking Naruto's cheek.
"What was the question?" He asked softly, gesturing for her to sit, she plopped down on the floor and instantly cupped her hands together in her lap, Sasuke reached forward with his right hand and gently traced his fingers against her cheek in soothing circles. He wondered for a brief moment when the last time was that he'd had to help calm Akira from a self-induced panic attack. Maybe two years ago? Three? He hadn't questioned it and wasn't about to ask her. He offered a small smile when Akira took a deep breath and released it, her now white-knuckled hands relaxing slightly, turning his gaze to Naruto, Sasuke patiently waited in the silence that filled the air.
'"What would you like to do today Naruto-kun?'" Akira softly stated after five minutes, Sasuke blinked and shifted until his back met the front of the couch, his gaze focused on his now exhausted looking friend. Reaching out once more he gently tugged Akira's right hand until she shifted enough to place her head against his left shoulder, reaching out with his left hand he snagged the remote from the floor as well as his laptop from the coffee table, he could multi-task.
"I think it's something that has to do from where he came from, yesterday I offered pancakes and after a brief moment of hesitation he agreed. I didn't check but I think he was organizing the pots and pans, Saru-san was outside my door looking perplexed yet curious as to why there was noise coming from my normally empty apartment." Sasuke explained, turning on his laptop as he waited for a reaction. Akira's palm smacking against her forehead had a smirk stretching across Sasuke's lips, the huff of annoyance drawing a chuckle from him as he half focused on opening the Word document from the night before.
"She knows then?" Akira asked after angrily rubbing the palm-sized red mark on her forehead, Sasuke grunts in agreement as his fingers begin to type.
"Yeah, it was tense when she entered at first. Naurto completely shut down and acted as if he was waiting for a blow or something. Saru-san brushed it off and acted like her normal self but I could see she was worried of his reaction, that plus the bruises and the fact that he's small for his age-"
"How old is he?" Akira asked, shifting until she could gently hold one of Naruto's hands, Sasuke paused in his typing and rose to his feet, tugging Akira until she half falls onto the other side of the couch. Dropping down Sasuke lifts his socked feet until they rest on the coffee table, the comforting weight of Akira's head on his shoulder jerking his attention away from the muted TV screen, his tense muscles relaxing.
"-Eight, Saru-san asked what I planned to do with Naruto...I couldn't answer and then she left. Whenever he came from Aki, it wasn't a good place. The other problem is school, I can't take care of him and continue as I am-" Sasuke stills when Naruto shifts and curls into a ball, his spiky blonde head falling to rest on his thigh, he releases a breath when soft snoring fills the air once more.
"I can help babysit." Blinking at the response, Sasuke shifts his gaze to his friend, her eyes focused on the screen as she flips through channels; arching a brow in silent question he repeats the words in his head a few times.
"You're offering? But don't you-" He begins, pausing when a finger is jabbed into his side, he half-heartedly rolls his eyes.
"I know that, however for now I'm taking English as well as Creative Writing and a few basic classes to fill in the rest. Unlike you Uchiha, I didn't sign up to have all my classes in one day so I have them spread out; you know I have today off as well as Fridays. You have classes Monday, Wednesday and Thursday now since your schedule has been altered-" Sasuke blinked and shifted until he was facing her, his essay momentarily forgotten.
"Altered?" Akira offers a grin in response, she sets the control down on the table before shifting, stilling when she's sitting cross-legged before him.
"Mhm, I asked Kakashi-sensei if it's fair for you to overwork yourself and he agreed with me that it's not -don't glare it's true you've been doing it since mid-junior year in high school- so we altered your schedule to spread things out. Mondays you now have English and Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Criminology, and Statistics for Criminology & Criminal Justice. Wednesday you have Criminal Law in Action, Criminological and Criminal Justice Research Methods, and Policing. Thursdays you only have two classes and those are Introduction to Probability and your Psychology class, apparently you were placed in different classes that weren't needed for your degree." Sasuke openly gaped as Akira lowered the hand she'd been using to tick off each of his new courses with, he felt suddenly lightheaded.
"That's all I need for my degree? For this term? We just started a month ago!" He asked with a mixture of horror and interest, he'd wanted to start off easy during his first semester, he didn't need to since he had the brainpower to keep up but he'd wanted to get a feel for the field of Criminology before fully submitting himself to it...now however he was reconsidering.
"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei didn't put down all the classes you needed because he said and I quote 'Sasuke will either snap under so many courses when he only wanted to get a peek into what the field was about. Or he'll come after me and have my head for putting him under all of them at once.' Which is why you're not getting the full list. You can always pick another degree Sasuke, I know you love Psychology as well as being in charge of something; this is your first semester you should take it easy. I can take care or Naruto while you're taking your classes, when I have class I'm sure Saru-sensei would love to watch him. We have time Sasuke; we won't disappear one day if we take a breather." Sasuke reached forward and placed his index and pointer finger under Akira's chin, lifting it he places a soft kiss to her forehead before pulling away and shifting his gaze on his computer screen once more.
She'd been there when Sasuke had wanted no one near him; she'd forced her way into his life and had never left. It was true she had her own demons to face, she'd come to him more times than not barely conscious during a panic attack but she always returned the favor a few days later. They'd met during their junior year of high school, and even now four years later, they were still helping one another. He couldn't find the words to tell her how grateful he was for her help during the darkest time of his life, he could only kiss her forehead and hug her tight. Even now that gesture seemed like the easiest way to convey his thanks, jerking when warm lips pressed against his cheek, Sasuke rolled his eyes and began to type once more.
He glanced up briefly when the warmth of Akira's body left his side, a smile tugging on his lips as he watches her tug bags from the box that sat in the center of the room, her strange hair swaying behind her as she straightens and heads toward the kitchen. He reached down and carded his fingers through Naruto's soft blonde spikes before beginning to type out his essay idea once more; he wanted to share it with the both of them when he was done.
~~~
Naruto blinked his eyes open and immediately shut them with a whimper, his small hands lifting to knuckle at his eyes, the familiar warm hand in his head had his head turning toward the left, the strange warmth wrapped around him shifted slightly before stilling once more.
"Hey little one, how do you feel?" Naruto grinned and opened his eyes once more; his Papa blinked down at him and arched a brow, trying to roll onto his side, Naruto stilled when the arm wrapped around his stomach tightened slightly.
"Where's Akira-nee? I'm fine Papa." Naruto stated softly, attempting to look back and see who had an arm around him, he began to squirm slightly before a pale hand fell on his head and tugged his hair slightly.
"She's behind you; she finished putting everything away about an hour ago and came to lay down for a bit. Didn't think she meant to fall asleep but she did, relax or you'll wake her up, she doesn't sleep very well at night so it's good that she's sleeping now." Naruto blinked and relaxed, Akira-nee's arm relaxing and going limp over more, the feel of the couch dipping had Naruto glancing up on instinct. Papa was making his way toward the kitchen, Naruto glanced at the TV and felt his head tilt in confusion; this wasn't what he'd left the TV on before he went to open the door for Akira-nee. Stiffening when fingers began to dance across his stomach, Naruto relaxed when he remembered Akira-nee was behind him, a giggle escaping his lips as her fingers continued to dance across his stomach before shifting to his sides.
"Glad you awake Naru-kun, we have plans for today you know." Akira-nee whispered in his ear as she continues to tickle him, giggles spilling freely from his lips as he rolls trying to get away from her fingers, the sound of plates being placed on the coffee table had her fingers stilling.
"W-wha- what are they?" He manages to gasp out, a squeal escaping when he's suddenly lifted into the air and spun around until he's sitting upright; he blinks when three plates are sitting on the table. He glances at Papa and Akira-nee before reaching for his plate, he didn't need to be scared here, it wasn't like that place after all.
"Well...it's a surprise, so we can't tell you, once your done eating go into the room and find something comfortable but warm to wear okay?" Naruto nodded as his eyes focused on the TV once more, the dog was now talking to a pig and laughing, Papa's pale hand reached for the remote and hit the volume button, the dog's laughter filling the air.
"It's called Kipper, Akira picked it. Seems to be running a marathon, too bad we're going to miss most of it." Akira-nee growled softly as Naruto giggled softly, finishing his breakfast Naruto stood from the couch and made his way towards the kitchen, pausing when a black step ladder caught his attention. Reaching it and slowly placing his socked foot on the first step, Naruto pushed up and grinned when it brought his closer the sink and counter. Stepping onto the second step Naruto giggled when he came face to face with the sink, placing his plate inside, Naruto jumped down and ran back towards the couch. Reaching Akira-nee and Papa, Naruto tackled each unto a hug before moving towards his Papa's room.
"You're welcome Naru-kun!~" Naruto giggled at Akira-nee's happy shout before glancing around the room and coming to stand still in front of their bed, his eyes blinking at the different array of clothes spread across the rumpled sheets. Biting on his lower lip in thought, Naruto focused on each shirt before moving to the next, his fingers absently beginning to tap against his thigh. Reaching for a orange shirt with a green frog on the front, Naruto slipped it on after removing his pajama shift, his eyes shifting to the pants that were spread out, he reached for a pair that were a darker shade of blue then the other five and tugged them on. Glancing down and smiling, Naruto grabbed a pair of white socks before turning and making his way towards where his Papa and Akira-nee were waiting, his pace slows when he finds them on his Papa's computer, his head tilting as he reaches them and easily jumps up on the couch.
"Ready Papa, Akira-nee" He stated quietly, his fingers easily unwinding the bundle of socks, his attention shifting to his bare feet as he slips the first sock and then the next, the fingers that softly caressed his hair had his head lifting and eyes focusing on soft emerald. Lowering his feet and swinging them, Naruto watched as Akira-nee rose to her feet and made her way towards the door, her hair swaying behind her as she moves. Papa rises as well and shuts the screen of his computer before turning the TV off, his hands slipping into the pockets of his jeans as he moves to follow Akira-nee to the door.
"Nothing important, I found another jacket this morning for you. Is orange okay?" Akira-nee asked as she bent to sit on the step, her hands reaching for the boots she'd removed when she entered, Naruto perked up and slowly moves forward where his blue-orange were placed last night, he bends down and easily slips his socked feet inside.
"Yes! Thank you Akira-nee!" Naruto chirped happily, spinning on his heel and wrapped his small arms around her waist, Akira-nee's giggle had a happy smile spreading across his lips, pulling away he watched as his Papa reached for a orange jacket he hadn't noticed, his head tilting as his Papa snorts softly and gestures for him to move forward.
"Let's get this on and be off, it's supposed to rain later." Papa Sasuke stated softly, lifting his arms above his head, Naruto smiled when the orange blocked his vision for a moment before settling on his shoulders, it was a bit big but it was warm and smelled of something that comforted him. The arms that lifted him had a giggle escaping his lips; Akira-nee's laughter rang in his ears as she shifts him slightly in her arms before moving towards the door.
"Rain won't hurt us Sasu, don't ruin today for Naruto." Naruto blinked at the serious tone, the sound of the door closing drawing his attention from his investigation to see how his Papa would react, the soft snort and shake of his head was something new.
"I wasn't planning on that Akira, I was just reminding you that rain was in the forecast." Naruto giggled when Akira-nee playfully stuck her tongue out and took off down the hall, their laughter mixing into one as they reached the elevator and patiently waited for Sasuke to join them.
"Don't listen to grumpy-pants he's normally not a morning person. Think of a sleeping dragon and when you poke its snout it'll wake and try to attack- Ow! Sasuke!" Naruto giggled when Akira spun around and glared at his Papa, his eyes narrowed as Sasuke merely lowered his hand and arched a brow.
"Don't compare me to a dragon then, shall we?" Naruto glanced towards the elevator as it chimed and opened, his laughter subsiding as they enter and silence fills the air, his head falling to rest on Akira-nee's shoulders as they slowly make their way down. Reaching the first floor, they exit and make their way towards the glass doors; the lobby drawing a soft gasp from him before the frigid air from outside hit him.
"I forgot how chilly it was this morning, the rain will only lower the temperature...let's get there and back before that happens. Walk? Or Taxi?" Naruto burrowed deeper into his jacket, his arms tightens around Akira-nee as she continues forward with Papa Sasuke right beside her, his nose stinging as another breeze blew around them.
~~~
Sasuke glanced to the left where Naruto was burrowed into his sweater, his golden spikes peeking out, his nose coloring almost instantly as another gust of wind blows past them, he pulls his gloved left hand from his pocket and reaches forward, lifting the hood and placing it atop his head. They continued walking in silence until they reached the intersection that divided his apartment from the rest of Konoha, his eyes scanning the filled streets as he thinks of an answer to Akira's question, they could walk but Naruto hadn't been out since the day before and the fact that it was oddly chilly didn't help matters much. Any of them getting sick would be bad, Sasuke glanced once more to his left and his decision to get a taxi strengthens when he spots the light pink flush to Akira's cheeks and nose, he pulls both hands form his pockets and moves forward, his eyes locked on a taxi moving toward them.
"Taxi, it'll get us there faster and keep us warm." He stated softly, raising his right arm and waving it, the taxi slowed and stopped in front of him, he turned and gestured for Akira to move forward, his lips twitching when she nears him and tightens her grip on Naruto. Opening the door and slipping inside, he waits until she's seated before closing the door, his gaze shifting to the driver, he hands a sheet of paper he'd pulled from his pocket and handed it over.
"Bit cold to be going here don't you think?" He asked after scanning the words written on it, Sasuke sat back and watched as the man rolled his shoulders and began to drive, relaxing against the leather of the seats and the warmth blasting through the AC, Sasuke sighed softly and allowed his eyes to close. He wasn't an early riser, never was but when Akira voiced their plan just before she'd fallen asleep, he found his sluggishness fading into excitement. There was more than one reason they had for wanting to walk around Konoha, more specifically the place they were headed now even, time outside would be good for all of them. He allowed his mind to wander to the conversation that had started this, his head falling back against the seat as it filtered across his mind.
"I think it'd be good for him to be out, don't you think?" Akira asked softly, her fingers gently carding through Naruto's golden hair, her eyes blinking every few seconds as if she was having trouble keeping them open, it surprised him that she hadn't fallen asleep yet. Closing the document he'd been writing on, Sasuke focused on his friend and found he agreed with the idea, though where would they go? It was unusually cold outside.
"Where to?" He asked, his hand lifting to card through his own hair, his eyes shifting from the muted TV screen to the window, his eyes blinking slowly as he waited for a response. The feeling of Akira's fingers gently tugging a strand of his hair; Sasuke turned his attention back to her and found her exhausted gaze focused on his face.
"Central Park I'd imagine, we could run around catching falling leaves or play hide-in-seek, anything really just so long as he's moving around and having fun. The bruises are fading and he doesn't seem to tense as if waiting for a blow to come, maybe with this he'll relax further and not hesitate to ask for things or think for himself." The last part was said with a bitter tone, Akira's eyes narrowing as she removed her hand and flexed her fingers, Sasuke reached forward and tugged on a stand of her own crimson hair.
"Seems fine to me, let me change and when he wakes we'll set out. Come sit by him so he doesn't wake when I get up." He stated softly, rising to his feet and reaching towards where Akira sat on her knees in front of the couch, her eyes drooping had him tugging a bit harder. Maneuvering her until she was on her side, Sasuke moved towards his room, his gaze glancing back in time to see Akira curling around Naruto and instantly drifting off, the faint tremors his eyes alone could see ceased as she wrapped her right arm around Naruto's small frame. Shaking his head fondly, he turned back and made his way down the short hallway and entered his room, his fingers absently tugging his gray shift over his head as he neared his closet, his obsidian eyes scanning the pants and shirts that filled the majority of the closet space, the duffle bags and boxes holding the things he didn't have space for around the apartment. Choosing a pair of gray jeans and navy-blue long-sleeved shirt, Sasuke proceeded to change, finished he tugged a pair of socks from the top drawer of his dresser and made his way back to the living room, pausing to grab his phone from the night table Sasuke continued towards where Akira and Naruto were.
Pausing before nearing the couch once more, Sasuke gave into impulse and unlocked his screen and tapped on the 'Camera' icon, a smile tugging his lips up as he takes a picture of the two sleeping on one end of the leather couch, Akira having shifted so her back was against the couch and Naruto wrapped snuggly in her arms. He took a moment to observe his best friend, his head tilting to one side as he took in her features, she'd looked different when they met back then, he shook his head and rose back to his feet, moving to sit beside Naruto's head. He reached forward and began to card his fingers through Akira's oddly-colored hair, his eyes closing as he waits for them to wake, excitement bubbling just under his skin, the soft beeps of his cell drew his attention away from the weather channel he'd changed it to while Akira had been busy putting the food away. His brow arched when he noticed he had a new message, unlocking his screen and clicking the 'New Message from Gaara' he blinked when the words that filled the screen caught his eye.
Gaara: Meet us at Central Park.
Sasuke: You headed that way? I thought Neji hated the cold?
Gaara: We finished our homework and have nothing to do. Meet us there.
Sasuke: Is it okay if Akira comes along? She's here and should be waking up soon, she'll need to move around a bit.
Gaara:...
Gaara: Did she have an attack?
Sasuke: A small one, but it drained her and she crashed on my couch -she brought food-
Gaara:...She's always welcome, just make sure she dresses warm and doesn't overexert herself. We'll meet you near the frog fountain.
Sasuke smiled and locked his screen once more, he wouldn't sleep but he could enjoy the silence and steady rhythm of Naruto and Akira's breaths. He had a moment to ponder how Naruto would react to Gaara and Neji, he dismissed the thought just as quickly, as long as he and Akira were both near he shouldn't feel the need to panic.
Opening his eyes when a frigid finger poked his cheek, Sasuke glanced to his left and found a beaming Naruto looking out the window and nearly bouncing in Akira's lap, Akira smiled and shrugged her shoulders, her gray coat moving with her as she shifts and begins to point to things that would interest the little boy. They were close now, the park was located in the west of Konoha, it was being moved next summer to the center -an old car dealership had been torn down- so that the residents and visitors wouldn't have to go across town to explore it. Shaking his head as the familiar shops began to thin as they neared the park, Sasuke felt himself sitting up straighter, his hands moving to his cell, slipping it from his pocket he unlocked his screen, found Gaara's messages and sent one before locking it and slipping it back.
Me: Here. Should be at the fountain soon.
He glanced at his friend and Naruto and had the same thought, how would Naruto react?
~~~
Akira could feel the familiar gritty feeling that prickled at her eyes; she smiled as Naruto pointed to a jogger running with her poodle, his childish giggles helping her ignore the itching in her eyes. Turning her attention to the front of the taxi, she saw the familiar sign and felt a smile tug on her lips, she released her hold on Naruto and reached for the right pocket of her coat. Drawing out a familiar black ribbon, she absently tugged Naruto further into her lap when the taxi went over a curb, before beginning to tie her hair back. It was easy by now; leave the longer strands free while the shorter ones were tied up, her fingers absently doing the process she'd picked up since-then.
Dropping her hands once she finished, Akira focused on gaze on the open entrance gate, the taxi coming to a slow before stopping had Naruto nearly bouncing off the walls with his excitement. Opening the door with her left hand, she shifted until she rose to her feet, Naruto's little arms instinctively wrapping around her neck, closing the door she hefted him higher and smiling when his legs wrapped around her waist. Turning she saw Sasuke paying the driver, watching as he stepped away and the driver took off, Akira allowed her gaze to search her surroundings, the gesture instinctive by now.
"Naruto? Wanna see the frog fountain?" Sasuke asked as he neared them -they'd moved towards the nearest bench without Akira really knowing that she'd moved- Naruto picked his head op and nodded vigorously, a giggle escaping her lips as Sasuke half-heartedly rolled his eyes.
"Lead the way?" She asked with a grin, her earlier exhaustion after her near panic-attack gone as she waits for Sasuke's answer, her tense shoulders relaxing when she spots notching amiss, she couldn't help being on alert though really.
"You know the way; I'll go get us some hot-chocolate so we don't freeze to death. I'll be right back." Akira tensed once more, her grip tightening on Naruto, Sasuke offered a smile and a pat on her cheek with his gloved hand before turning and making his way towards the coffee shop across the street. Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, she turned and began to make her way towards the fountain, her eyes once again scanning the slightly filled park with unease. She took a deep breath of frigid air and forced herself to relax, she could already tell that Naruto was starting to get nervous, his small body snuggling closer to her own, she nuzzled her nose against his cheek and smiled when he giggled and relaxed. She shouldn't be this tense, she'd suggested this after all, shaking her hair and forcing her unease away, she continued forward, a familiar song beginning to come from her lips. She could feel her phone vibrating in her pocket as she walked; she blinked and decided that whoever it was could either call or leave her alone, she didn't need anything else added to her already tense nerves. Passing a rather large pile of leave, she allowed Naruto down and gestured for him to take a run; he glanced up at her and blinked his cerulean-blue eyes, Akira smiled and took a hold of his little hand.
"We're going to run towards the pile of leaves and jump in it, it'll be fun." She smiled encouragingly, remaining still until Naruto gave her a nod, his eyes filled with confusion. Shifting her hold she easily lifted Naruto and took off at a run, his laughter filling the air as they neared the pile, twisting as they neared it she plopped down and laughed when a happy squeal escaped the blonde's lips.
"Again! Again! Akira-nee again!" Naruto happily chirped as he tried to fight his way through the pile, Akira remained where she was and allowed the blonde to move towards the tree that stood behind the pile, her eyes closing for a moment as she inhaled the smell of fallen leaves. The feel of ice-cold hands on her cheeks jerked her upright, the pile of leaves that were thrown in her face had her sputtering, Naruto's happy laughter drawing a chuckle from her as she wiped the leaves away. Rising to her feet and drawing the blonde to her, his arms instinctively opening in a gesture to be picked up, Akira nuzzled her nose into his cheek and turned back to the path that needed to take.
"Later Naru, for now we have to get to the fountain, after we explore a bit we can find more piles and jump in them until you're ready to head back." She stated with a smile, her free hand lifting to tweak Naruto's now red nose, his giggle and bright-eyed smile had her kissing his forehead. Hefting him up once more, Akira began to hum the tune once more, her fingers beginning to tap along her other arm as they continued down the path, the silence was normally welcome, but now it seemed to mock her.
She mentally went through her morning routine, her eyes shifting from side to side as they trees around them began to thicken and the voices from the few people within the entrance of the park began to fade, Akira could feel her heart beginning to pound in her chest. She'd taken her medicine she knew she had, she just needed to get to the fountain and then Naruto could play on the small playground that was only a few feet away from it, she'd be able to relax and breathe easier when Sasuke came back. Spotting the familiar fountain, Akira felt her pace quickening, the shiver that ran up her spine as a frigid wind blew had nothing to do with the cold, she felt eyes watching her. Forcing a slow breath through her suddenly aching lunges, Akira slowed her pace and absently commented on the things that Naruto was pointing out with excitement in her arms, her grip seemed to tighten further around the small bundle. The soft thuds of her boots against the pavement drew her attention for a moment, the feeling of eyes on her back her eyes scanning frantically now from side to side, the breaths she tried to take into her lungs only managing to make her choke.
Spotting the fountain and its oddly sized marble-made frogs, Akira felt herself relax slightly, maybe she'd just been hyperaware since her almost attack, that was it they weren't being followed-
-the hand that wrapped around her arm had her stilling at once, her breath catching in her lungs as her eyes focused on Naruto. The bright gaze he had fixed on her seemed to dim, his smile fading until his face was expressionless, his arms tightening around Akira's neck. Swallowing the bile that suddenly filed her throat, Akira shifted Naruto to her right arm and discreetly nuzzled his cheek with her nose, the hammering of her heart against her ribcage nearly deafening her as she turned slightly to face the person who had a hold of her arm. She needed to focus on keeping her fear and panic from her face, she could feel the unease eating at her stomach, her eyes met and were held with bright gray eyes. She also noticed with a flinch, that others stood behind him, ones she knew from high school and now in college as well.
"Been awhile, hasn't it Akira." The gray-eyes male stated softly, his voice coming off as a near purr, his fingers flexing absently on her arm, Akira swallowed once more and saw his gaze flicker to her lips before holding her gaze once more. His eyes seemed to glow as he stepped closer to her, Akira felt her stomach recoil as disgust and hatred filled her very core. Her arms tightening and drawing Naruto impossibly close, his arms mirroring her gesture and his face ending up pressed into the curve of her neck.
Where was Sasuke? She thought frantically as the pressure on her arm increased slightly, she wanted him here, she wanted Gaara and Neji here too, she couldn't do this on her own. She didn't want to lose control, she didn't want Naruto to see her...when she was like that. She took a deep breath and forced her gaze to meet storm-cloud gray. She had to keep Naruto safe and she wasn't about to let them bully her, not now.