You leapt forward, throwing your arms around the blonde, who briefly stiffened in shock before returning your embrace.

Upon realizing what you had just done, you quickly retracted and scooted back before mumbling, "I-I'm sorry, I-"

"Don't be," Naruto smiled, "I'm glad you did, for awhile I thought you were scared of me," he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

Lee beamed, saying something about youth that you didn't quite catch.

"Lee," you smiled.

Both Naruto and Lee visually lightened with joy at the sight of your smile. You'd never been so relieved to not be alone.

You turned, seeing Sakura in the door way with a displeased frown etched into her features, "Sakura?" You didn't quite understand her displeasure.

"Why weren't you resting? You were recovering and you weren't even sleeping?? Your wounds haven't healed nearly at all! I can only do so much, you have to put in some effort if you ever want to get better."

She seemed oddly concerned for you, which had you confused. Why did she care?

"You're my patient and if you don't start resting soon, I will keep you here over night so I can make sure you're sleeping!"

You trembled slightly, fearful of the idea and more fearful of Sakura's rather loud lecturing.

Lee looked at you, "(Y/n), is that true? But you need your rest to remain youthful!"

Unable to handle the loud shouting, you tugged your knees closer to your chest as you felt your eyes water. You willed yourself to not cry, but you always wanted to when you were yelled at.

"And one more thing! If you don-" Sakura cut herself off, watching you slowly rock back and forth with watery eyes, "I'm sorry, (Y/n). I really do just want what's best for you though."

You nodded, hoping you didn't look quite as pathetic as you felt; not that it mattered much, you had quite a bit of experience in looking pathetic.

"Is she going to come home with me tonight?" Naruto changed the subject.

Sakura shook her head, "I think it's best to monitor her over night."

You tried to hide your disappointment. It wasn't that you didn't like Sakura. It was just that she was scary when she was loud and you felt more at home in Naruto's apartment.

"Oh, okay." Naruto replied before turning to you, "try to get more rest, okay (Y/n)?"

You blinked before nodding, deeply dreading the idea of sleep.

~Time-Skip~

Lee had left awhile ago. Leaving you, Naruto, and Sakura to chat. It was mostly the two of them trying to coax you into talking more. It didn't really work.

Naruto rose from his seat and stretched before letting out a yawn, "Well. It's getting pretty late. I should probably head home. I'll see you tomorrow, (Y/n)."

The blonde offered a wave before walking past your bed. You didn't want him to leave. So far he was the only person you felt the most comfortable with. As he passed, you reached out and tugged on his sleeve. He turned around to meet your gaze but you didn't know what to say. You opened your mouth but no words came out and you looked at Naruto with pleading eyes.

He gently tugged his arm away and turned to fully face you, "Don't worry, (Y/n). I promise everything will be fine and I'll be back tomorrow and I never go back on my word. It's my ninja way."

You still didn't want him to leave but you didn't want to cause anyone any more trouble so you nodded, "Thank you."

"No problem. You can count on me." Naruto gave you another sunshiny grin before he left.

Sakura stood up shortly after, "I have to go tend to the other patients. But try and get some rest okay?

You nodded before shrinking into your bed and staring out the window near your bed. Stars were much prettier in the leaf village. Maybe because there's less light pollution. You didn't know for sure. But watching the sky brought you peace and soon you were lulled into sleep.

You opened your eyes, back in the dusty hole. You pulled you knees closer, tucking them into your chest while you curled your toes into the floor. You rested your head on your knees while tracing things in the dust beside you.

Suddenly, the barred door swung open and a faint cry escaped your lips. Your breathing quickened and you tried to push yourself further into the wall.

On the other side of the door was a rather tall man, hair plastered to his forehead in a thick layer of grease.

"P-please no." You mumbled meekly.

Slamming the gate shut, he shouted, "keep quiet!"

You whimpered, doing as he said. He closed in on you and the pungent aroma of alcohol seeped off his being. Leaning closer, he grabs your arm and roughly tugs you from your corner. "You're mine tonight," he grins sinisterly.

This man came most often, but he was always rough with you. Extremely so. You hated him. You hated everything. You hated has he slammed you against the wall, hurting you over and over again. You wished it would stop, and it seemed to go on forever.

"Please stop!"

"Please!" You opened your eyes and your heart was racing. You rocked back and forth, tears streaming down your face. It kept happening. You kept going back. You couldn't escape. Your past wouldn't leave you. You were stuck.

You rocked back and forth wishing the images would go away. Wishing everything would go away. The door swung open and a few people dressed in white that you didn't recognize began to approach you. You screamed as they approached you.

"Please calm down." One said, grabbing your shoulder. You flinched away and the other grabbed your arm.

You pulled your arm away and cried out, "No!"

Then started to pin you down to keep you from fighting free, "Naruto!" You called out, knowing he was probably long gone. "Where's Naruto?!" you weeped. You couldn't breathe, your senses were being overloaded and all you could hear and see were the images of that place.

A sharp pain stabbed in your neck and you began to go limp, "Please. Naruto..."

You felt heavy and you eyelids closed.