Chapter Text
He was so tired. So, so tired and all he wanted was to sleep. But when does he ever really get what he wants? His stomach was killing him. The horrible cramping pain coming from the days of not eating. Usually he gets used to it by this point, but maybe because he was actually able to eat pretty consistently last week, it hurts more. The gnawing feeling of emptiness was all he could think about for the past two nights. All he wanted was to sleep, but apparently he’s unworthy for even something so simple. He sighed and grabbed gama-chan, opening him up and counting the scarce coins in the little frog. He had just enough to buy some bulk ramen. Hopefully he could get a slightly larger one this time, that way he would be able to eat for longer.
He stood up, and immediately felt his head swimming. He gripped the wall to try and stay upright as his vision became blurred by black dots. He just stood there for a moment, trying to blink away the dots clouding his vision, and the sound of blood rushing in his ears. When he finally managed to regain his surroundings he rubbed at his eyes, he knew he would have to get food tonight, if he didn't want to pass out at training. That would be so embarrassing. Sasuke would probably be so smug and Sakura would be mad, he did not want to have to experience that. So he slipped on his jacket, purposely avoiding the sight of his scarred arms, put gama-chan in his pocket, and walked to the front door, where he slid his shoes on. He took one last glance at the apartment before walking out, remembering to lock the door behind him.
His trek to the store wasn’t that interesting, he was used to all the hateful words, and occasional rocks thrown at him. It wasn't anything special anymore. But he did live in a seedy part of town, and the closer he got to the convenience store, the more drunken men there were, lingering around the entrance and surrounding alleyways. He could feel his heart in his throat. He just wanted to go today. Just today where he can just get his food, and go home to eat, with no extra problems. He kept his head down as he walked in the store, hoping it would lower his chances of being noticed. He could tell he wasn't so lucky. He grabbed a bulk pack of instant ramen, knowing this would keep him satisfied for a long time if he can space out the thirty packs.
He heard the men outside, their whispers and drunken anger stabbing through him. He placed his ramen at the counter– taller than him, he noticed, and looked up at the kind old lady. She always let him buy from here. She never kicked him out, or gave him rotten food, or charged him extra. And she always looked at him with her kind eyes and a smile. Today, he could tell by her face that she understood the words the men were saying better than he did. And her apologetic smile, and refusal of his payment was just more proof. Tonight wouldn't be as simple as he wanted it to be. He reluctantly grabbed the pack of ramen, and bowed deeply, thanking her profusely. Even if he knew it was her way of apologizing for what they both knew would happen to him tonight. He blinked back his tears, and walked out the door. Ramen in hand, and the bell chiming happily behind him.