Work Text:
Naruto was tired. He was also hungry but that was a different issue entirely. School had let out a few hours ago and he was now killing time aimlessly walking around before he had to drag himself back to a cold and empty apartment. He had just been wandering around the market when he paused in front of one of the weapons shops.
He had lost his practice kunai pouch sometime yesterday and hadn’t been able to find it. If he was any of his other classmates he’d probably just buy another one, but he had already spent most of his budget for the month and would be lucky to last until his next check in a week. If he did run out he could always ask the old man for more but he hated the disappointed look he got when Naruto failed to manage his budget. He sighed and went to turn away before someone caught his arm.
“Excuse me young man, is something troubling you?” On pure instinct Naruto spun around ready to try and break free of the hold only to see a bulky middle aged man. He had mangy brown hair and stubble across his face. He was smiling at him but something about it seemed…off. Still Naruto quickly shook his head.
“No, I’m already leaving.” He was sure that’s what the man wanted. He was probably just a street vender that wanted him away from his shop. A common occurrence. Naruto stared in surprise when instead the man just shook his head, letting go of his arm.
“Oh, no! You're perfectly fine child. I just couldn’t help but notice you seem to be upset.” That gave Naruto pause. People, adults especially, tended to just leave him alone. Well other than Iruka-Sensei but he was weird and didn’t count. When they did talk to him it was usually because he had done something wrong. They never asked him if he was upset. It was odd. “You can tell me you know. I might be able to help.” The man continued and after a moment of hesitancy Naruto returned his smile. He was a bit weird but he seemed nice enough.
“It’s nothing, I just lost my weapons bag yesterday.” Naruto admitted and watched as the man put a finger to his chin in thought before suddenly snapping as though he remembered something.
“You know I saw one of those earlier today!” Something about the way he spoke sent a funny feeling through Naruto's stomach but he perked up at his words anyway.
“You did?” The older man nodded quickly before gesturing down the street.
“Yes, it was just outside the village gates in the forest.” The forest? Naruto looked up at the sky and saw the sun was already beginning to set. Iruka had warned him he should never go into the forest alone and especially at night. “I’m sure it must be yours, come with me and I’ll take you to it.” He offered him his hand, smile never leaving his face, but still not reaching his eyes, and Naruto paused. Well…it’s probably fine if I have an adult, right? Besides strangers were rarely so nice, he didn’t want to make him upset. Self assured Naruto reached forward to accept the proffered hand only to have his wrist snatched before he could.
Instantly Naruto snapped to look at his attacker, fear already seizing his chest, only to see a tall built man with a black spiky ponytail. He had a big scar across his face and looked incredibly familiar. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” He started coldly glaring at the man Naruto had been trying to grab the hand of. “I’m Shikaku Nara, do you have business with this boy?” Shikaku? Oh! It’s Shikamaru’s dad. Naruto had seen him enough outside of school and the playground to recognize the older shinobi. The reaction to his words was immediate as the peddler quickly raised his hands in a placating manner as he shook his head.
“Oh my apologies Nara-san, I didn’t realize he was with you." He excused, suddenly seeming anxious for some reason. "He misplaced something and I was merely trying to-”
“Yes I heard, surely you’re aware of how dangerous it is to wander outside of the village this close to nightfall.” Shikaku cut him off and he seemed to only grow more nervous. He wasn’t the only one as Naruto pulled futilely at the hand holding him captive. Shikaku's grip was like iron and didn't so much as budge.
“Uh, er of course I am, but you see I was um” The man fumbled over his words as he was glared down by the Nara.
“I’m sure, thank you for your help but I’ll take it from here.” He seemed only too eager to agree before scurrying off. Meanwhile Naruto had never been so confused.
“Hey, what’s the big idea? Let go!” He felt his heart rate pick up as he tried to push his fingers loose. Key word being tried. Shikaku turned to look at him and Naruto almost wished he had stayed silent at the sight of his serious expression.
“What were you doing?” He demanded roughly and Naruto shrunk back. “Don’t you know better than to talk to strangers?” He demanded and Naruto bristled defensively as he tried to make himself seem bigger.
“You’re the one who came over here! I wasn’t doing anything wrong!” He hated when people talked down to him like he didn’t understand something obvious. It wasn’t his fault he didn’t know things. Nobody had ever told him. “And Iruka-Sensei says you’re just not suppose to accept candy from strangers, which I didn’t! He never said I couldn’t talk to em’” He was quick to defend himself as Shikaku just gave him a tired look. The man sighed deeply before using his free hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.
“Of course he did.” Naruto wasn’t sure if he was meant to hear the annoyed mumble or not, Shikaku turned back to him with a stern look. “Look, you can’t just go with anyone you meet. It’s dangerous.” He scolded as he moved the hold on Naruto’s wrist to hold his hand instead. Naruto reciprocated by pouting up at him with a huff. He had just opened his mouth to speak when Shikaku kept talking. “Have you had dinner yet?”
What? “What?” Naruto took back what he said about being confused before. Now he was more confused than ever.
“Dinner. Have you eaten yet?” Shikaku repeated and before Naruto could ask him what he was talking about he spoke over him. “Actually don’t answer, you were clearly on your way home so I doubt it.” And the next thing he knew Shikaku had started pulling their conjoined hand along with him. “You can come eat with us tonight. I want to have a talk with you anyway.” And how was this escalating this quickly?
“Hey, hold on!" Naruto protested, digging his feet into the ground. "You just told me not to go with people and now you’re dragging me around?!” He was slightly panicked as his voice rose to more of a screech.
“I told you not to go with strangers, which I’m not." Shikaku instantly corrected, perfectly calm despite acting crazy. "You’ve met me multiple times, you were at Shikamaru’s birthday party just a month ago.” Ok, that may have been true but that didn’t make him any less intimidating. Naruto had always found the elder Nara to be a bit scary and not just because of the scar. At his clear reluctance Shikaku paused to look him in the eyes with another tired sigh. “You’re not in trouble ok? I just want to talk, if you come with me I can promise my wife will have something warm to eat.” Naruto bit his lip as he considered the tempting offer. He was kinda cold and it would be nice not to have to eat instant ramen again for the 8th night in a row.
“Alright fine, but you don’t have to hold my hand, ya know!” He pulled again on said hand but to his annoyance Shikaku held tight.
“We’re in a crowded market and you’re a small child, yes I do.” Naruto did the mature thing and indignantly stuck his tongue out at the man. However at the prospect of free food he allowed it. Shikaku led them over to the front of a small convenience store where Shikamaru was standing under the streetlight holding a small grocery bag. “Naruto’s having dinner with us tonight, can you carry the groceries?” At his dad’s question Shikamaru sighed as he nodded. They do that a lot huh? Naruto thought offhandedly as Shikaku took Shikamaru’s empty hand.
Naruto leaned around to give his friend a look and tried to ask him if this situation was as weird as he thought using only his eyes. He in turn responded with a lazy shrug which was completely unhelpful. They continued walking in silence as they made their way to the Nara estate.
Naruto always found himself surprised at the pure size of Shikamaru’s home. He didn’t know what someone would even do with that much space. It was like that for practically all his friends since he seemed to only ever hang out with clan heirs. As they came up to the door Shikaku let go of Shikamaru’s hand to open it for them.
“We’re home!” Shikaku called as he toed off his sandals in the doorway. Naruto and Shikamaru quickly shuffled in after him, Shikamaru closing the door behind them as he did. It was only when the door shut behind them that Naruto’s hand was finally released as a woman rushed over to greet them.
“Welcome home- Oh, you brought a guest.” Naruto had met Shikamaru’s mother Yoshino more than his dad but even that was only a handful of times. Still he had always found her to be quite nice and she had never seemed upset at having him around. Though at the moment she didn’t look to pleased that Shikaku had invited someone along without telling her. Shikaku was quick to explain as he walked to meet her, placing a hand on her back.
“Yoshino, you remember Naruto right? I thought he could eat with us.” Her face immediately softened as she turned to look at the blond boy. He responded with a nervous wave.
“Hello, Nara-san” Naruto said politely and just like that it was as if someone flipped a switch on her mood. She smiled warmly at him as she returned his greeting.
“Oh yes of course I remember you! You’re more than welcome to join us.” Naruto felt himself relax as Shikamaru nudged him to take his shoes off. “Luckily for you, I’m used to these two bringing company over on short notice.” She gestured at the two Nara males who gave her matching dirty looks. If she noticed them she didn’t care. “The amount of times I’ve had to unexpectedly serve an Akimichi is ridiculous.” Naruto nodded in agreement as he and Shikamaru finished putting their sandals to the side.
“That does sound hard, I’ve seen Choji eat.” While he hadn’t been joking she laughed nonetheless.
“It is hard," She agreed good naturedly once she stopped laughing. "Why don’t you two go wash up? Me and Shikaku will take care of setting the table.” Her tone suggested it wasn’t really a request and Shikamaru was quick to grab Naruto's arm to drag him towards the bathroom.
Once it was just the two of them, Naruto said what he had wanted to say since this whole thing started. “Hey, Shikamaru, I think your dad’s mad at me.” Naruto addmitted, biting his lower lip in a show of nerves. Shikamaru turned to him and raised an eyebrow up at him in question. “He seemed upset…and he’s kinda scary.” The taller boy shook his head at the mumbled answer as he reached up to start washing his hands.
“Nah, he’s not mad. He probably just wants to talk about street safety or something.” He dismissed quickly, moving to let Naruto have his turn at the sink. He does it to me all the time." Shikamaru added in assurance and Naruto nodded distractedly.
“If you say so” At his dejected tone Shikamaru bumped his shoulder lightly.
“Don’t stress it alright? He’s really not as intimidating as he seems." Naruto strongly disagreed with that assessment. "Come on, if we don’t get down there mom’s gonna start nagging us.” Shikamaru joked and Naruto followed his friend back to the dining room where Shikaku had already sat down at the table. Yoshino was holding a large pot of something that was giving off a somewhat spicy smell.
“Just in time! I hope you like curry Naruto-chan.” She smiled, setting the pot down in the center of the table as Naruto sat down next to Shikamaru. He nodded excitedly as she began dishing up the food, his worries making way for his hunger.
“Yeah! Iruka-Sensei shared some of his with me once and it was really good.” She chuckled lightly as she set a large plate of rice and curry down in front of him.
“Wow, he must be very nice then.”
“Mmhm, Iruka-Sensei’s the best!" Naruto agreed without hesitation, fully believing it. "Tell her Shikamaru!” Naruto turned to roughly nudge his friend who gave him a glare and a huff for his trouble.
“Yea, he’s alright.” He conceded and Shikaku hummed at them.
“He sounds like a good teacher.” He commented and Naruto nodded.
Naruto continued talking for the duration of the meal as Yoshino asked him questions about his day and how school was. Something that he wasn't used to but was still nice. Shikamaru stayed fairly quiet but that was pretty normal for him. He always preferred to listen rather than aimlessly talk. As the meal went on Naruto almost forgot his complete unease with the situation. Almost.
It was only after everyone had finished eating and Yoshino began clearing the table that Shikaku spoke up. “Shikamaru, it’s getting too late for Naruto to walk home alone, why don’t you go set the spare futon up in your room?” Naruto snapped back to stare at him so fast he was pretty sure he twisted something in his neck. Shikamaru though, seemed mildly annoyed at worst as he got up to comply to his fathers words. Once Shikamaru was out of the room, the older man directed his full attention onto Naruto.
“I can walk home just fine at night, ya know. I do it all the time.” Naruto offered before the other could say anything. Shikaku opened his mouth, clearly about to argue, when Yoshino spun around from where she had been placing the dishes in the sink.
“Nonsense! Children your age shouldn’t be walking around without an adult. Especially at night.” She lectured and Naruto glared up at her impudently.
“If I had to wait around for an adult I’d never go anywhere!” He argued and her fierce expression softened at his angry words. Naruto didn't take them back. Shikaku just mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like ‘what a drag’.
“Listen kid, have you ever heard the expression ‘Stranger danger’?” He asked abruptly and Naruto glanced over at him curiously. After thinking it over for a moment he slowly shook his head. “It’s something we adults tell kids. Basically it means you should be careful when you talk to people you don’t know, understand?” Shikaku didn’t really sound mad but Naruto still wanted out of this conversation as fast as possible, he knew how quickly adults could change behaviors. He fiddled with the end of his shirt as he avoided eye contact.
“But that doesn’t make sense! Sometimes you have to talk to people, like what if uh” He paused as he thought of an example. “Oh! What if there’s an emergency? Or if I get lost? You can’t just say not to talk to strangers. Then no one would ever meet new people.” There. Naruto thought satisfied he’d made his point, crossing his arms over his chest in defiance. Granted if Naruto was lost he wouldn’t go around asking random people for help and if there was an emergency he’s more likely to run to Iruka-Sensei or grandpa Third, but it’s the principle of the thing.
Shikaku raised his eyebrows at him in a distinctive ‘really?’ Kind of way but Naruto stayed firm. “If that happens then you should find the nearest Leaf shinobi and ask them for help. At least then you know they won’t hurt you.” Uh, I disagree. Naruto thought with a slight frown. While it was true shinobi tended to be less psychical with him, they were no less rough. He once had a Chunin toss him out of a restaurant. “It’s safer than trusting people like that man in the market anyway.” Shikaku further explained and Naruto pouted confused.
“But what was wrong with him? He was nice…” Naruto mumbled and Shikaku let out a long tired breath through his nose.
“You don’t know that Naruto.” Shikaku said and Naruto paused as he realized that was the first time he had addressed him by his name. “Let’s say, hypothetically, he was just a nice man trying to help you, you still shouldn’t leave the village after dark. Especially not with someone you just met.” He reiterated and Naruto looked down at his hands. “I’m sure if you asked your teacher, he’d tell you the same thing.” That did sound like something Iruka-Sensei would tell him…
Naruto finally gave a tiny nod in acceptance and Shikaku gave him a small smile of approval. “Good.” He affirmed and Shikamaru returned from his room.
“Beds set up.” He informed and Naruto was grateful for the escape as he sprung from his seat and moved to be next to his friend. Yoshino smiled over at them as she wrapped an arm around Shikaku, leaning into him.
“Thank you baby,” She told him gratefully and Shikamaru blushed at the nickname promptly avoiding eye contact in embarrassment. “Naruto-chan, if you’d like you can take a bath before bed.” She offered and Naruto scrunched his nose up in distaste. “I’m sure Shika has some spare pajamas that would fit you.” He paused as he considered it, he really should clean up. He was covered in a thin layer of dirt and if he showed up to school as he was Iruka would have a conniption.
“Are you sure?” Naruto checked and she nodded, taking his question as agreement.
“Shikaku, go run him a bath.” Yoshino ordered straightening up from her position. Shikaku grumbled but got up from his chair to walk towards the bathroom anyway. “Shikamaru?”
“Yea, yea, I’m on it.” He answered before she could ask and reached forward to grab Naruto by the arm. “C’mon, let’s go to my room.” Shikamaru pulled him along down the hall and Naruto let it happen. Shikamaru had a fairly plain room but it was spacious so it made up for the lack of decor. There was a large bed in the corner and a dresser next to it. On the opposite wall there was a small desk with scattered papers and a bookshelf. There was also a board game that Naruto recognized as The Great Shinobi Adventures, a complicated but fun role play game that Kiba, Choji, and them played often after Shikamaru and Choji had taught them how one day. They mostly played when they were cutting class, though best to keep that part to themselves. Right beside the bed was a comfy looking green futon that had been carefully laid out.
Shikamaru reached down and lazily shoved the dice and character sheets back in the box before tucking it under his bed. He then walked over to his dresser to start rifling through the drawers presumably for something Naruto could wear. After a minute he pulled out some white drawstring pajama pants and a green T-shirt. “Here,” Shikamaru huffed as he deposited the clothes into Naruto’s waiting arms. Naruto tried not to focus too hard on the large Nara clan symbol on the back of the shirt. “You can wear those, the pants might be a bit long though.” They probably were since Shikamaru was a good few inches taller than him, but then again pretty much everyone other than Hinata was taller than him much to his continued annoyance.
Shikaku then lightly rapped on the door frame and the two boys turned to look at him. “Baths ready, if you leave your clothes by the door Yoshino will wash them for you.” He told him and Naruto tilted his head confused.
“My clothes?” He looked down at the white T-shirt he was wearing. Well it was white at one point, it was more grey now. His blue shorts weren’t much better.
“You look like you took a nap on an ant hill.” Shikamaru said bluntly and his dad lightly cupped him on the back of the head. Naruto blushed slightly but rather than answer just stuck his tongue out at the older boy.
“Don’t mind him, come on and I’ll show you where everything is.” Naruto scrambled after him as Shikaku turned down the hall and led them towards the bathroom. “That’s the shampoo and conditioner,” He started and pointed to two white bottles on the edge of the tub. “And that’s the soap. I already set a towel out for you right here.” He finished placing a fluffy looking gray towel on the lid of the toilet so it could be in reach. Naruto couldn’t help but notice their tub was much larger than the one he had back at his apartment. “Leave the door unlocked in case you need something.”
Naruto nodded and carefully laid his borrowed clothes on top of the towel so he could begin to undress. “Just yell if you need me.” Shikaku said once more as he left the room to give him privacy. Naruto took his clothes off and left them by the door as he’d been told. He then got in the tub and happily sunk into the warm water. He put bubbles in it. Naruto thought as he scooped a big clump of bubbles into his hands and blew them across the water. It was fun to mess with but he didn’t want to get distracted and take too long. He washed up quickly and took a moment to find the plug before reaching for his towel.
After he was dry he went to pull on the pants Shikamaru had lent him and to his annoyance, they completely covered his feet. He’s not that much taller than me. Naruto thought with a huff and just tugged the strings as tight as they would go and called it a day. He pulled the shirt over his head and it had a bit of space but was much better. Once he was dressed he wasn’t sure what he should do with the towel so he figured he should just ask. He opened the door and made his way back to the kitchen where Yoshino was putting away some dishes. Upon seeing him enter she sent him a sweet smile.
“Are you all done sweetheart?” She asked and Naruto felt a funny flutter in his stomach. No one’s ever called me that before… He didn’t question it and instead just gave a jerky nod. He then remembered why he’d come in here in the first place.
“Oh uh,” He stumbled over the words and Yoshino paused what she was doing to give him her full attention. “What should I do with this?” He asked, holding the now damp towel up. She gave him another smile as she plucked it from his hands with a shake of her head.
“Oh I’ll take care of that, I’ll just put it in the washer with your clothes.” Washer? Wait.
“You have your own washing machine?” Naruto asked amazed and she laughed lightly. He always had to do laundry at the laundromats.
“Shikaku bought it as a wedding anniversary gift, if you can believe that.” Yoshino spoke in a teasing tone and Naruto found himself smiling back at her. I don’t know why Shikamaru thinks she’s scary. As far as Naruto was concerned, Yoshino was one of the nicest people he had ever met. She disappeared down the hall and returned a few minutes later empty handed. “Well, now that that’s taken care of you can get some sleep hm?” She hummed and it was then Naruto noticed she had changed into something more akin to a nightgown than the dress she had been wearing earlier. She offered him her hand and he took it after a second of pause.
Hand in hand they walked back to Shikamaru’s room where he was already sitting up in bed talking softly with his father. They quieted down when they entered the room and Yoshino released him to go crouch down by the futon. “Get in.” She prompted him pulling back the blankets and Naruto very hesitantly crawled beneath the covers as she gently tucked the ends around him. Once she finished she stood to do the same for Shikamaru, planting a kiss on the top of his head when she was done. Her and Shikaku then moved to stand by the doorway, Yoshino pausing to give them a reassuring smile as she rested her hand on the light switch. “Goodnight boys, if you need anything our room is just down the hall ok?” She checked and Naruto gave a tiny nod from where he was snuggled under the impossibly soft blanket. She gave one last reassuring look before she flicked the light off and closed the door behind them.
Once they were alone with the room completely shrouded in darkness Naruto finally closed his eyes so he could get some much needed rest.
Or he tried to.
“...Shika?” Naruto whispered after only a few minutes later. He got no response from the lump on the bed. “Shikamaru, are you awake?” He tried again sitting up to try and see him. Naruto heard him let out a very long sigh before he turned to look down at the blond.
“What?” Shikamaru ground out in exhausted exasperation. Naruto shifted uncomfortably as he began to fiddle with the edge of the blanket.
“I’ve never slept away from my house before.” He mumbled and he couldn’t quite make out his friend's expression in the dark to see his reaction. “And your room is kinda dark.” He felt his face heat in embarrassment and he hoped Shikamaru couldn’t tell. He didn’t have a lot of nonessential things lying around at home but one of the few things he did have was a small frog shaped nightlight that would light the room in a soft green glow. Shikamaru didn’t have anything like that and he couldn’t help but find the dark a bit unsettling. He had ever since he was young. He swore sometimes he could even hear a deep voice call out to him.
When he had gone to the Hokage about it, Lord Third had said that it was normal for kids his age to be scared of the dark but that he had nothing to fear because it was all in his head. Still Hiruzen had the lamp bought for him a day later in an attempt to ‘ease his mind’. It helped but now that Naruto found himself without it, it was as if the creepy feeling was back worse than before. Shikamaru hadn’t actually ever openly poked fun of him before, which is more than he can say for the majority of his class, but he knew that even he could have his limits. He heard Shikamaru sigh again before he reached over to flick his bedside lamp on so they could properly see each other.
“There should be a small lantern over in the closet. If you grab it I’ll turn it on.” Shikamaru instructed him and Naruto quickly nodded before crawling out of the futon to go and open the closet door that was near the desk. Just as he had said, there was a small green lantern resting near a pair of brown boots. Naruto carefully picked it up and brought it over to the Nara boy. Shikamaru turned it on as soon as he gave it to him and then leaned over to switch his lamp back off. “Here, you can put it over by the door.”
“Ok.” Naruto agreed quietly, moving to set the lantern down where directed. Shikamaru had already snuggled back under the covers before he finished and Naruto wouldn’t be surprised if he had somehow already fallen asleep. Shikamaru had always had a knack for being able to sleep anywhere at any time. He had tried to teach the rest of their group of friends but none of them had ever been able to master it like he could. The lantern wasn’t like his at home, but the light it gave was still comforting.
“G’night” He heard Shikamaru sleepily mutter as Naruto resettled back into his makeshift bed. He briefly wondered if this was what it was like to have a sleepover with someone. He had heard stories from his classmates but had never experienced it himself. Kiba had invited him once but he had been too scared of his mother to accept. He grinned at the prospect and felt a warmth grow in his chest even if this was an unusual circumstance.
“Night, Shika.” He returned happily, finding himself relax even if this wasn’t his home. Shikamaru hummed in acknowledgement before going to sleep for real this time and Naruto could feel himself joining him. Maybe he’ll want to come over to my place sometime. He didn’t hold out hope of ever being invited back to the Nara household but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have Shikamaru at his apartment. His parents seemed to like him ok that they would maybe let Shikamaru come, even if it was only for the day. The idea excited him and he wondered if Kiba or Choji would want to as well.
He didn’t get to consider it long as he fell asleep seconds later.