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Naruto isn’t usually this clingy. He’s never minded Kakashi’s lengthier missions because usually Obito, Rin and sometimes even Sasuke is there to keep him company when Kakashi is kept particularly busy. Which has been often lately what with him being an Anbu after all.

But it’s only been a week since the orphanage officially insisted that they didn’t have the manpower to look after Naruto anymore and somehow the Thirds solution was to stick this 5 year old in his own apartment.

Obito had to stop Rin of all people from marching into the Hokages office and give Sarutobi a piece of her mind. Obito is not used to being the voice of reason in his team and frankly he had half a mind to go along with Rin himself. Maybe it’s the fact that spending 5 years looking after a child has made him mature a bit faster than he would have before, but it doesn’t matter. Because at the end of the day, every action they took on Narutos behalf had to be done for his sake and safety.

He was the vulnerable one here. He was the one that needed protection. It’s been half a decade since the nine-tails rampage but somehow the villagers were still incapable of moving beyond their own grief to realize how cruel it was to project their anger onto an innocent child.

And because of that he knows it is still dangerous for any clan to show any open positive inclination towards Narutos well-being. He wishes that it wasn’t but that was unfortunately the current reality presiding over their village. Every clan licking their wounds over the loses they suffered from the Kyubi’s attack so soon after having sacrificed so many to the war. All of them pulling back from the collective to guard over their own.

No clan felt this reality more distinctly than the Uchiha. Being ostracized to the end of the of the village, far away from the other clans had done nothing but sow seeds of distrust among the other clans towards the Uchiha and vice versa. After all, what other clan had the ability to control the Nine-tails other than the Sharingan users?

So Obito knows more than most the political perspective that would be made by the other clans towards another that dared to show Naruto any welcome. A subtle grab for power. Because after all, what else was Naruto to them but a weapon and a monster.

Naruto was still too young to grasp the full scope of the situation but that didn’t mean he couldn’t feel the overwhelming bitterness and disgust directed towards him from everyone else with every whispered insult to volatile scoldings over menial things that left the child cowering.

And right now, Naruto was simply hurting. Hurting and doubly confused more than usual by the detest that emanated towards him from the rest of Konoha. Right now more than ever, he needed to be surrounded by people who cared about him. Rin, Obito and even to a minor extent, Itachi and Sasuke.

But most of all, he need Kakashi and he wasn’t here.

Not that it was Kakashis fault. It wasn’t on his own conscious choice that his skills had him chosen over and over to deal with more dangerous missions as he got older. He didn’t like it anymore than Naruto did but the money was good and every penny earned he spent in caring after Naruto. Almost everything that Minato and Kushina had owned in assets, from their house to their savings and belonging had all been stripped bare by the elders. Exactly why, Obito did not know though he had his suspicions. What he did know was that it reflected nothing in them but a cold disregard of Narutos well being. To scrub clean and bare the essence of the presence of two people who had loved Naruto oh so dearly in the minuscule amount of time they had with him.

If Kakashi and Guy hadn’t managed to sneak into their Senseis house before it had been cleaned out, they truly would have had nothing to keep as mementos of Minato and his life other than the headstone that laid among the rest of the other lives lost that day.

Even so, they had managed to grab only a few things. Among them being a photo album of the married couple filled with tender moments of their childhood up to their wedding and Kushina’s pregnancy. It had been the most important thing they managed to save because even in pictures, the love, affection and kindness that was the foundation of the two beautiful souls stood stark and clear as day in their faces. It was the most vital thing Naruto needed to see in Obitos own opinion. To understand who his parents were even if only through film.

There were a some other things. A blanket Jiraiya had gifted the couple for Naruto as a belated baby shower present. A frog shaped purse that used to be Kushina’s and a pouch of Minato‘s ‘Flying Thunder God’ Kunais.

They had already given Naruto the blanket and wallet. Both of which he loved dearly. The kunais they decide to give when the boy was much older. Because giving a five year old teleportation Kunais was probably a recipe for disaster and none of them wanted to risk meeting their sensei (or Kushina for that matter) in the afterlife and having to explain they lost his son because the boy teleported to god knows where.

Rin and Obito tried to contribute just as much of their own share in covering Naruto’s expenses but they didn’t earn half as much as Kakashi did and unlike them, Kakashi had no other family to use it for. Which sounds morbid but Kakashi had made the argument himself so Obito doesn’t feel bad about bringing it up.

But still, he doesn’t begrudge Narutos sour mood over Kakashis absence. He understands. The young boy already had so little. It wasn’t wrong for him to feel clingy for what little he did have and for all Kakashis faults (he was just 14 after all when Naruto was born) their Senseis son adored him.

So he pulls Naruto into his arms and though Naruto doesn’t hug him back, he seems to relax and lean into his pseudo big brothers hold.

Obito gave him a squeeze. “How bout we go to Ichiraku’s?”, he asked. Knowing the two boys attempt at making their own ramen was probably a current inedible mess from the weird smell that his his nose had inhaled when he entered the kitchen earlier.

Naruto perked up almost immediately at the suggestion and leapt off the couch to run into his room. Presumedly to fetch his wallet.

Despise the show of excitement, Obito can’t help but feel his heart clench at the sight. The three of them had been incredibly grateful to Teuchi when they found out about his easy show of kindness to Naruto by offering him a hot bowl off Ramen on a dreary rainy day. Naruto had been starving after having ‘missed’ another meal at the orphanage due to ‘wandering off and being late for dinner’.

The despicable behavior hadn’t been new to Naruto and it was not surprising that he felt like walking alone in the rain was better than staying in the presence of ‘caretakers’ who sneered at the very sight of him.

Still, it was nothing compared to their much colder, purposeful abuse and neglect in caring for Naruto’s well being before. That is until they received some very effective threats from some mysterious outsiders (The three of them had been seething but somehow still managed to find a discreet way to make their anger known. Don’t underestimate students of the fourth)

The three of them had tried to pay for the meals but Teuchi-San had refused to take a single coin from them. Citing offhandedly that Naruto didn’t even eat much. An absolute lie since they’d seen themselves the incredibly generous portions the stall owner unfailingly served Naruto every time (“He’s a growing boy. Let him eat”, the man had said when they brought it up)

Nevermind that the shop had to deal with a drop in their number customers. After all, no one wanted to be in the same vicinity as someone ‘housing a demon’.

“Good riddance”, Teuchi commented with a careless wave of his hand. Adding that those kind of people weren’t worth his time or his cooking.

But the stall was beloved enough for its delicious dishes and cheap prices that it still received a steady influx of loyal patrons. Even if most of them avoided coming around when they saw Naruto already sitting on one of the stools. Which actually worked well for the trio because it helped them to avoid too much attention from spending time in public with Naruto.

As reprehensible as it was for the orphanage to kick out a child from the only home he’s ever known, the arrangement actually worked well for Obito and his teammates because it allowed them to spend more time Naruto without having to sneak around and steal short moments with him in secret.

The Uchiha is brought out of his thoughts when the 5 year old came rushing back into the living room waving around his round green wallet.

“Can we get taiyaki after?”, Naruto asked with a wide toothy grin.

Obito brought a hand up to his chin as if giving the request a deep thought. “Only if you get some vegetables”

Naruto’s grin turned into an annoyed pout but he eventually let out a defeated huff. “Fine, but I want extra chashu”

“Such a brat!”, Obito replied but it was said with such an obvious fondness that it brought back Narutos smile.

“I’ll race you!”

Naruto ran and leaped onto his window sill but before he could jump out, Obito called him back.

“Here, an early birthday present”

Naruto took the small, messily wrapped package he was given and didn’t spare a second before tearing it open.

His eyes widened when he saw what it was.

“Your googles!”, he exclaimed in awe. Turning it around in his hands as if making sure it was really what he thought it was.

It was an old pair Obito used to wear when he was much younger but they were different than his current favorite orange ones. The lens were round and the leather band was a dark mossy green, the colour faded slightly over time. Still, Naruto didn’t seem to care at all. Raising his eyes to meet Obito’s, wide with barely contained joy.

Obito really had meant to give them to Naruto next month on his birthday. But after seeing how devastated his ‘little brother’ was over what happened (it will never get easier to see Naruto being forced to carry the burden of everyone’s hate and grief. Even so, Obito couldn’t even begin to imagine how much more difficult it was for Naruto having to actually deal with it), Naruto needed this. He needed this comfort. He needed this show off affection. That there will be people who want to be there for him no matter what. That he was important.

He needed to know he was so very loved.

“But….. why?”, came the shaky whisper. Naruto raised his sky blue eyes and the stark confusion and uncertainty made something inside Obito shatter.

“To remind you”, Obito answered with a smile. “I’m here. Rin, Kakashi even Sasuke despite the fact that both of you seem to insist on going for each other’s throats everytime you see each other, we’re here. Keep this with you and never forget that”

Narutos eyes glazed over and he barely managed a shaky smile before tears started running down his cheeks and he ran into Obitos arms. Legs trembling so badly that it was probably only Obitos hold that was managing to hold him up.

“Did I….. did I do something wrong?”, came the broken muffled shudder from between sobs. Obito had to clench his teeth to keep his own tears from falling.

“Why do they hate me? Why…. I tried to be good. I really did. I didn’t mean to be hard to take care off. I know I’m stupid sometimes-“

And that was the last straw for Obito. He crouched down and pulled back just enough for Naruto to meet his own eyes.

“Listen to me. Listen to me Naruto. You did nothing wrong. No-“, he gently hushed when Naruto tried to interrupt, “-listen to me Naruto. You did nothing wrong.”

Obito tried to fill his words with as much emphasis as he could and it seemed to work just a bit to put some life back into Narutos small, fragile form.

But even so, Obito could see it, deep inside him, the doubt and self loathing that he knows will never truly disappear. At least not so easily.

He’s seen the same look in Kakashi’s own eyes. On days when he’s had to go to his teammates cold, barren home to find him curled up under the blankets of his futon. Motionless and quiet. Barely acknowledging the Uchiha.

Strangely it was actually the truest way for Kakashi to show how comfortable he really was with Obito. If it had been anyone else, even Rin, Kakashi would have stood and met them at the door as soon as he’d felt their chakra signal.

But not with Obito. With Obito he knows he doesn’t have to pretend.

So he would lie there, deathly still. Silent as Obito knelt and lied down beside him on the hard wood floors. Counting his friends every breath as a small form of assurance and patiently waiting. Sometimes it barely took a minute and sometimes it felt like hours before finally Kakashi would raise his black orbs to meet Obitos own and letting his friend see clear as day and unbidden, the shattered pieces of himself that he hadn’t been able to keep together that day. And Obito would stay. For however long Kakashi needed him to, Obito would stay.

He will always be willing to do the same for this little boy in front of him. Hoping beyond hope that he would see in Obito everything that he needed to see and maybe believe him enough to sooth away the cracks inside him.

Today is not that day but that’s alright. Today he watches Naruto pull the googles over his head with a small crooked smile between his whiskered cheeks.

Today he’ll take Naruto to Ichiraku’s and allow himself to watch his little brother gleefully calling out to the Teuchi and rubbing his palms together when a steaming bowl was finally set in front of him.

Today he’ll take Naruto to buy custard taiyakis and then walk with him to the familiar Uchiha training ground. To that one specific spot deep into the trees where Sasuke always hid.

Today he’ll sit and lounge against a tree high up on a branch, half asleep but ears still open to the gentle, fond bickering between the two boys as they easily reconciled over fish shaped cakes. Resting his eyes but keeping just enough attention on the thud of kunai on practice targets to make sure none were flying astray because that’s really not a conversation he wants to have with Fugaku.

Then he hugged you for real. 

The two of you had obviously grown very close and one day he was back to being really antsy. 

“What’s up Spencer?” You added the r to the end of his name remembering that he said JJ was the only one to call him Spence, is that how he wanted it or how it was? You didn’t know so you stuck to his full name when you weren’t calling him Doc. 

“You like Thai food.” Spencer said in a rush. 

“I- yes.” You responded, very confused. 

“Would you like to get Thai food? With me. Uh - Friday night. As a… as a uh - date?” He didn’t make eye contact as he asked. Rather he looked down tracing the patterns of your carpet with his eyes. 

“Yes.” You said it as confidently as you could trying to convey the message that Spencer shouldn’t be nervous with you. At your reply he looked up and smiled. 

“I’ll pick you up at 7?” 

“I will see you then.” 

And sure enough that Friday at 7 Spencer knocked on your door with a bouquet of lavender, baby’s-breath, and daisies, your favorite. 

“These are beautiful!” You gasped taking them from him. He took your hands in his and awkwardly pushed his arms between your arms and body leaning in. You took the hint and nearly jumped into his arms pulling him into a tight hug. To your shock he hugged just as tightly. 

The rest of the night was full of hand holding and comfortable, innocent, wholesome touching.  From that date on, it was not unusual to find Spencer holding your hand, playing with your hair, or leaning against your shoulder. 

About two months of your continued normal nights, spent sleeping a foot apart still, and cute dates, it became official  that you were dating. 

As to be expected things moved very slowly between the two of you. But no one was complaining. Spencer was happy and in his comfort-zone and you got to be close to such a beautiful mind and soul, if not physically, definitely emotionally, and that was so much better. 

With enough time, you began sleeping in the same bed when he was back from cases. But none of that would prepare you for the conversation you were about to have with him. 

“Spencer, I’ll be out in a minute.” He knocked on the door twice while you were using the bathroom, once while you were doing your business and the other while you were washing your hands. 

“Hurry!” he called through the door. 

“Why?” you were now drying off.  “Hurry!” He gave no reasoning. 

You opened the door and were met with a wall of cardigan. He had nearly swallowed you into a tight hug. 

“Is this why you were badgering me while I was in the bathroom?” You giggled. You heard him speak softly into your hair, words that sounded like hug and warmth. 

You helped make dinner with Spencer constantly squeezing your hand. He was in a very cuddly and clingy mood and you found it absolutely adorable. 

You could barely watch the movie that night due to Spencer essentially sitting on you. As the night grew later, Spencer realized he needed to shower. You were at his place so you made yourself cozy on the chair with your book and waited for him to finish up. 

“Y/N” Spencer’s voice rang out through the apartment. 

“Yeah, darlin?” You walked up to the door. 

“C’mere for a moment.” 

“Yeah…?” you asked hesitantly endearing the room. 

“Hi.” You heard his voice merrily reply. 

“Let me get this straight, you just wanted me in the bathroom?” You ask.

“Yes.” you can hear him smiling through his words. 

“So, I wouldn’t let you in the bathroom when I had to pee. But… here I am in the bathroom while you’re showering.” You ask in a clarifying manner. 

“Cause Company!” Spencer whined. 

“Oh, yeah. Cause Company.” You felt flattered. 

“Yeah, it’s good.” 

“It’s good.” You smiled again. 

“Hold hands?” Spencer’s hand appeared at the top of the shower over the curtain. You giggled to yourself again and reached up and grabbed his hand. 

“That’s nice, I needed that.” Spencer said, giving your hand a gentle squeeze before releasing you so he could rinse his hair. 

“Should I wait with my hand here for you?” You asked, giving your hand on the curtain a wiggle. 

“Oh, no, I mean you’re shorter and that’s a long time…” you could hear the disappointment and could tell Spencer wanted your hand but wanted you to be comfortable too. 

“What if… can I wait outside?” You asked with a grin, knowing he would say no and be offended at the thought. 

“What?! No?! Please.” You could hear the hurt in his voice. 

“Oh I’ll stay here.” 

“Yes. Bathroom Company.” 

“Bathroom company.” 

“I like when we’re in the same room.” You had to admit that made you a little sad, remembering he would mostly likely be whisked away on a case tomorrow. He was going to miss you and you him… that must be why he’s so clingy today, he knows that he will be going away. 

“Being in the same room is good.” you smiled again, unable to hold in your adoration for him. 

“I love you!” He said in a cheery voice. It wasn’t a first but it was not a common thing. 

“I love you!” you replied. Spencer’s face appeared out of the side of the curtain, which he was holding around himself to maintain his modesty, you hadn’t taken that step yet. His lips puckered up, eyes closed awaiting a kiss which you gladly gave him. To your shock one of his big wet hands came up and he rubbed it across your face getting you all wet before ducking back into the shower laughing at your little scream. 

“Spencer! I’m all wet now!” 

“Hey me too!” He said cheekily. 

Love Hoop 35 Preview

As the crowd’s high decreased from Hyuga’s shot, Mayuzumi grabbed the ball as soon as it bounced down from the net. He dribbled it across the court before passing it over to the emperor running in front of him. Hayama and Reo had met their match, and he was sure Nebuya was getting close to losing against Kiyoshi. Not to mention he had been placed in the light no thanks to Kuroko’s overshadowing techniques. Despite everything going downhill, nothing had been said from him, nothing. His eyes landed on Akashi’s back, seeing his usual expression remain the same. ‘Akashi isn’t saying anything. What is he thinking? It’s strange that he is emphasizing one-on-ones with those three. Why doesn’t he attack himself?’

Looking ahead, he stopped in his run upon seeing Akashi come to face Kagami’s wide range defense. The intense pressure coming from the tiger was enough to make anyone run away knowing they could only end in failure. ‘Could it be?’ Mayuzumi blinked, not believing the emperor was restraining himself from going into Kagami’s Zone. Even one step inside from the emperor made him realize he could not take it. As soon as he realized that, Akashi passed the ball to either Reo or Hayama. ‘Is he preventing even Akashi from attacking?’

There was no mistake upon sensing the mix of emotions in Akashi’s aura. The miko could see Akashi was becoming impatient with no plan in mind to deal with Kagami’s Zone, but she could see Akashi was dealing with something much bigger than just the Zone. If anything, it seemed Akashi was struggling with himself to acquire more power – more than he already had. Eyes narrowing on the emperor, her suspicions increased. Was it possible he was trying to enter the Zone? Eyes widened slowly; the idea of it was possible. Knowing the emperor now, it was a possibility he was trying to enter the Zone to go against Kagami. ‘But…can he?’

Nebuya cursed under his breath as he struggled to push Kiyoshi away from his offense. An annoyed scoff blew under his breath as he scanned the rest of the court: all were blocked. ‘Tch! They’re using a stealth full-court man-to-man defense!’

Seeing the difficulty of Seirin’s positions, Hayama gritted his teeth seeing Kagami taking care of him and Akashi at the same time in his defensive Zone. ‘This can’t be good! Considering the range of Kagami’s defense in the Zone, there is hardly any passes Kuroko can’t steal.’ Rushing forward, he called out Reo to pass the ball in his hands. There was no time to waste, and they need to make shots before Seirin’s points caught up to theirs.

Reo turned to the shout of his name; without a second thought, he threw the ball towards his teammate only to see the phantom player intercept his pass.

“Kuroko!” Kiyoshi shouted, signaling for him to make another quick pass to him.

With the ball landing in between Kiyoshi’s hands, Kagome noticed the physical strain Kiyoshi pushed on Nebuya as he dribbled the ball towards their hoop. Despite being injured – and knowing his own pain – she was surprised by how well Kiyoshi could hide it while pushing Nebuya’s buttons: it was working. She winced upon seeing Kiyoshi pivot around Nebuya’s defense using his injured knee; he was applying even more pressure.

As Kiyoshi scored with another dunk, Rakuzan became filled with anger and worries over Seirin’s constant push on their defense. Akashi – the only one remaining calm from the outside – narrowed his eyes at Seirin as they ran back to protect their hoop. “Mibuchi.” He called. “The four of you will go during our next attack.”

Reo’s eyes widened as he heard the order. Taking a step forward, the shooting guard shook his head as he held the ball between his hands. “W-What? Sei-chan, what do you-?” The words at the tip of his tongue dried; his sweat went cold upon facing Akashi’s threatening glare.

Even with the Uncrowned Kings and Mayuzumi being dealt with – to her surprise – she could not shake the uneasiness. She recognized this feeling, a little too well. It was at times when she felt the enemy nearing where she felt this premonition. Eyes landing on the emperor, her fingers curled on her clipboard.

He was doing nothing.

The ball – given to him by Reo – stayed in Akashi’s hands, and that is when her guard lifted. Seeing the rest of the Rakuzan members run ahead while Akashi stayed under the hoop only made her feel suspicious of this game ‘plan’. As Rakuzan met Seirin, everyone blinked at the sight of Akashi making a fast and swift pass of the ball and into Hayama’s hands before making a score.

Izuki quickly turned his head over his shoulder, realizing what had happened. Akashi’s pass had been to quick and exact for anyone to register its direction.

“T-They broke through in a second…” Riko whispered under her breath. “How…?” Seeing the manager slowly rise from the bench, Riko blinked to see Kagome staring at Akash with wide eyes. “Kagome-chan?”

“He…” The grip on her clipboard loosened; she was paralyzed with fear seeing Akashi continuing to stand under the hoop. His aura began to flare; the gold aura was beginning to take full control of his red. Something was not right, and it was telling her she had to warn everyone else.

Hearing Kagami catch Kuroko’s pass and quickly charge towards their own hoop, Kagome shook her head. “K-Kagami-kun! Chotto!”

‘He can’t stop my Meteor Jam like he did in the first half!’ Jumping up towards the basket, Kagami prepared his shot. “Take this, Akashi!”

The ball was swept away from his grip – to his and everyone’s shock – leaving Kagami to lose his balance and crash down on the floor. Eyes widened slowly having seen Akashi’s hand with the ball. He had not moved from his spot. Did he simply get the ball from Kagami’s grip the moment he jumped? Did he…?

“Akashi-kun?” Kuroko whispered, surprised he had been able to stop Kagami’s shot just like that.

Kagome could only stare in fright at the sight of the emperor’s eyes being similar to those of the tiger’s; the clipboard in her hands slowly slipped from her hand before falling to the floor. ‘…impossible.’

“Akashi is…” Unable to hold back his own shock, Aomine’s eyes glided from the emperor down to the miko who had stood up the second Kagami grabbed the ball. She had sensed it; she felt the ominous aura.

Shaking his head, Kise could not believe what he was seeing with his own eyes. When he witnessed Aomine’s and Kagami’s game with this atmosphere, everyone could feel the overwhelming power from the two, but having Akashi with the same power…

“I will demonstrate my superiority to everyone here.”

The spark in his aura made the miko’s body numb. Feeling everyone else’s underwhelming auras of shock made her feel heavier and she was sure Akashi entering the ‘gate’ was going to make things worse, for everyone.

“Kagome-chan…did you sense it before he entered it?” Riko whispered. If she had sensed it, there was no telling what Akashi was capable of now.

Kagome regained her ability to move; eyes followed Akashi’s and Kagami’s fast movements around the court as the emperor charged forward to score. Everyone on Seirin’s side tried to stop him, but he was able to make them fall forward, avoid their blocks, and shoot all without Rakuzan’s help.

“Witness my sublime form and realize your defeat is absolute.”

Mayuzumi tried to regain his breath as he tried to process what had happened before him. ‘Even without us…no, he’s stronger without us. Such a monster shakes our very existence. Does he really not need us?’