Is It Bad To Want Something More? [Modern Sasuke story]

Chapter 18

"Paging Dr. Michael. Paging Dr. Michael..." I let out a groan as the sound rung through my head. I slowly opened my eyes and found myself in a hospital bed. I cringed in pain as I took a breath. My chest hurts... And on top of that my head feels like it was bashed in by a bat. I lift my arm up and notice I'm connected to an IV bag full of blood. I got queasy just looking at it.

"You're up." I glanced over to see Sasuke entering the room with, what I assume is, cafeteria food. "How are you feeling?" He asks concerned, setting the food down, taking a seat next to my bed. I frowned at the sight of the fresh bruises on his face. It's my fault he was dragged into this... I tried to sit up but it was too painful. "Hey, take it easy!" I looked at Sasuke teary eyed. "You have two broken ribs so the doctor said you shouldn't move around that much for the next few days... On top of that you got a concussion and a hairline fracture on your skull..." Sasuke looked towards the ground "There was so much blood... I thought I was going to lose you..." His voice sounds so pained.

"W-What about... my mom?" I looked towards the hospital sheets.

"Your mom!? Why would you still care what happens to her after what she did to you!?" Sasuke was furious.

"I-I'm sorry..." I clutched the sheets as tears started rolling down my face.

"You're sorry?" Sasuke gave me a baffled look as I cried.

"T-This is all my fault..."

"None of this is your fault." Both Sasuke and I looked over to the door to see Itachi.

"How long have you been there?" Sasuke asked him rather harshly but Itachi just ignored him.

"Your mother had a psychotic break after hearing that she lost. I should've known she'd try something like this..."

"I-Is she still alive...?" I looked away not sure if I even want to know the answer.

"She's in critical condition but she's still alive." Itachi noticed me clutching my fists so he walked over and placed his hand on mine. I looked up at him, tears lingering in my eyes. "Don't worry. She won't be able to try this again. Once she's stable she'll be arrested for kidnapping, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, reckless endangerment of a minor, assault, and attempted murder. Needless to say she'll be locked up for a long time."

"... I kinda feel sorry for her..." I looked back towards the sheets.

"Why!?" Sasuke yells.

"Because of me she lost everything... I was the only thing she had left and even I was being taken away from her. She wasn't the greatest mother but I can sort of understand how she was feeling..." The room fell silent. Both Sasuke and Itachi didn't know quite how to respond to this.

"Naomi, you're up! I was so worried! How are you feeling?" Mikoto says coming into the room with Fugaku. I gave her a weak smile as she came over to me. Fugaku just stood by the door remaining in his normal cold, silent, stature.

"A-Alright... My head and chest hurt but the meds are taking the edge off."

"Are you hungry? Sasuke got you some food." She smiled as she looked at her son. He just looked away from us. I must be seeing things from the medication or the knock on the head because it looks like he has a slight blush on his face... I let out a sigh as I ran my hand through my hair.

"No... I really just want to go home..." Mikoto gave me a sad look.

"You're not going to be released until tomorrow. The doctor said he wants to monitor you overnight..." I frowned.

"A-All by myself...?" Mikoto opened her mouth to speak but Sasuke beat her to it.

"I'll stay with her." Sasuke held a blank face as Mikoto looked at him. Itachi couldn't help but smirk at his little brother.

"... Sasuke-" Mikoto starts but Fugaku interrupts her.

"No. You have school in the morning. You can pick Naomi up straight after that."

"But-"

"That's final." Fugaku says as he turns and walks out the door.

"Sweetie... I'm sorry, but, your father's right..." Mikoto says apologetically. Sasuke just clenched his fists and looked away. "... Try to be home by nine, ok?" Sasuke didn't answer her. "I'm really sorry Naomi. I hope you're feeling better by tomorrow... Come on Itachi. Let's leave these two alone." Itachi nodded and followed Mikoto out of the room.

The room remained silent. I could tell, by Sasuke's face, that he's really upset. I reached my hand out and brushed his bruised cheek with my hand. I frowned when his dark eyes met with mine. He reached his hand up and grabbed mine, resting on his face, so I wouldn't pull away. A slight blush crossed my face as he slightly nuzzled my hand.

"D-Does it hurt...?" Sasuke glanced at me then away as he took my hand from his face.

"You shouldn’t worry about it... I'm fine." Sasuke says softly as he examined my hand. He frowned at the various nicks and cuts as he tilted my hand so my palm would be up. He started to, gently, massage it with his thumb.

"But you got hurt because of me... So I-"

"It was my choice. Stop blaming this on yourself... If anyone should be in blame it should be me..." Sasuke gripped my hand firmly as he looked down shielding his eyes behind his hair.

"Sasuke-"

"No. I don't want to hear it. I wasn't able to protect you... After all I've said I wasn't able to protect you from anything!" His voice sounded so weak... I wasn't used to seeing him like this.

"Sasuke... You shouldn't worry about me... I can't be dependent on you forever. Besides, I'm still alive right?"

"You still don't get it do you?" He asked rather roughly.

"Get what?" Sasuke looked up to meet my gaze. His dark eyes looked slightly glossed over.

"Naomi, I-"

"Naomi! Are you alright!? We came as soon as we could!" Naruto yells as him and Kiba came barging into the room. Sasuke immediately dropped my hand and looked away from me.

"... I need some fresh air..." Sasuke mumbled getting up and pushing past them.

"Sasuke!" Naruto called out after him. He seemed even more upset... I wonder what he was going to tell me...?

"Here. I got these for you." Kiba says handing me flowers.

"T-Thank you..."

"How are you feeling?"

"A-Alright. My body's really sore though..." I looked down towards the flowers. This whole situation was rather embarrassing.

"I'm just glad you're ok." Kiba smiled. "Naruto filled me in with what's been going on since, well, rumors spread fast." I glanced over at Naruto and he gave me a nervous smile. "Though, everything seems to make sense now. I always wondered why you'd still stick around Sasuke after all the hell it's put you through. But you really didn't have a choice." Kiba stated that like he was kind of relieved. I looked away from him. I guess everyone knows, or thinks they know, my situation now...

"S-So when are you being released?" Naruto asks trying to break the awkward silence.

"Tomorrow evening..."

"Sweet! We're going to have to throw a party for you!" Kiba smiles. I gave him a baffled look.

"A... party?"

"Yeah. To celebrate you pulling through this." I glanced over towards Sasuke entering the room. His face was full of anger and I noticed his knuckles, on his right hand, were pink and slightly bleeding. "My parents are going to be gone this weekend so we can do it then." I looked back at Kiba.

".... O-Ok."

"Saturday night at my place. It's on!" Kiba glances over at Sasuke. "You in for the party for Naomi?" Kiba asks, probably just trying to be nice since he knows I live with him. Sasuke glanced at Kiba then away.

"Sure, whatever." He mumbled.

"Alright. Then it's settled. Just make sure to have her at my place by five."

"Hn." Sasuke scoffed. He was really upset about something...

"T-Thank you guys so much for coming to see me... But, I'm really tired right now and should try to get some rest..." I looked down towards the flowers Kiba gave me as I gripped them in my hands.

"Alright. Whatever makes you feel better." Kiba said with a soft smile.

"I guess we'll see you in a couple days since you won't be in school tomorrow."

"Get plenty of rest. And text me if you need anything." Kiba says. I nodded my head. A soft smirk crossed his lips as he glanced at Sasuke then back at me. "I'll see you later." Kiba leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my chapped and battered lips. My face flushed as he pulled away. Crap... Why'd he have to do that in front of Sasuke...? "See you later, Sasuke." Kiba says with a smirk playing on his lips as he walked towards the door. Naruto glanced between Sasuke and I nervously.

"... S-See you tomorrow, Sasuke." Naruto said as he quickly followed Kiba out of the room. Am I missing something?

"Bastard..." Sasuke muttered under his breath.

"... W-What happened to your hand?" I ask softly as I set Kiba's flowers on the table beside my bed. Sasuke clenched his fists slightly.

"Nothing that concerns you." His voice was rather harsh.

"O-Oh... Are... Are you mad at me?" His face expression softened a bit as I looked at him. He let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them.

"Tell me... Do you like him?" Sasuke asked quite serious. I wasn't quite sure what he was getting at.

"Y-Yeah... I like both of you..." I say looking away from him.

"That's not what I'm asking. Do you like him more than friends?"

"... I-I don't know..." I look back up at him. His eyes look so cold. "W-Why are you asking me this...?"

"Because it sure seems like you do. You just let him kiss you, with no protest, and you always seem so damn happy when you're with him." Sasuke's voice slightly raised. I looked away from him again. I couldn't stand the way he was looking at me.

"... I let you kiss me without protest..." I said softly almost hoping that Sasuke wouldn't hear me. But I mean it's the truth... I do like Kiba, I just don't know what's it supposed to feel like or what the signs are of really liking someone... I feel totally different around Sasuke compared to Kiba. I just don't know how to classify it...

"You're lumping me in with him!?" I guess he heard my comment... What makes this worse is we haven't actually talked about that kiss... "So what are you saying? You'll just let anyone kiss you? It's no different!?" Sasuke seemed more upset by this. I bit my lip as I felt tears forming in my eyes. Sasuke didn't even give me enough time to answer him. "Tch. This is pointless. I'm leaving." I didn't even bother to look up at him. "I'll pick you up tomorrow..." Sasuke said before slamming the door behind him.

I felt tears running down my face as I rolled over onto my side. Of course it's different... When Sasuke kissed me it made my insides melt. With Kiba I didn't feel that at all. Why couldn't he just let me explain that he's the only one who make me feel this foreign sensation...? I shut my eyes tight and gripped my pillow. I just hope I can get some sleep...

I was brought out of my slumber by the sound of my door closing. Soft footsteps echoed off the walls as I slowly rolled onto my back and let out a groan of pain. As I opened my eyes I could see a figure hovering over me. Was I seeing things? As my eyes adjusted to the darkness my heart began to race.

"M-Mom...?" My voice cracked as I spoke. My body was frozen solid. A devious smile took over her lips as she quickly held a pillow over my face. I let out a scream and started struggling as she put more weight on me to keep me down. My body was getting weaker and I was running out of air. My body began to go numb as it slowly started to give up. My consciousness was fading as my eyes felt heavy and everything went black.

I jolted up in the bed, out of breath and in a cold sweat, as I looked around the room. Thank god... It was just a dream. I lifted my hand to my racing heart as I choked back tears. I really wish Sasuke was here. But then again he's still mad at me and probably wouldn't want to deal with it... I took in a few deep breaths trying to calm my nerves. I glanced over at my phone on the table. I reached out and grabbed it. I stared at it for a moment before unlocking the screen. I guess it's worth a shot...

~Sasuke's pov~

I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, and let out a heavy sigh. I can't sleep... I wonder how Naomi is doing... She must hate me for leaving and blowing up on her like that... I clenched my fist but winced in pain from where I hit it against a wall earlier. Does she really see me the same as Kiba... Or does she like him more...? Gah. It pisses me off just thinking about it! I heard my phone buzz against my wooden night stand. I reached over and grabbed it. Who could be texting me at this hour?

"Are you awake...?" It was from Naomi.

"Yeah... Why are you still up?" I responded. It took her a little bit to reply.

"I had a bad dream..." A frowny face ended the text. If I were with her I could hold and comfort her until she falls asleep... Like last time. I don't know why but for some reason I feel like she's only texting me because Kiba didn't respond... I stared at my phone for a long time thinking of a way to respond. But no matter how hard I tried I couldn't shake the feeling that I was her backup choice. Especially with how things played out earlier... My phone vibrated in my hand interrupting my thoughts. "Sasuke... Please talk to me... You're the only one who can make me feel better..." I let out a heavy sigh and muttered a curse word. Why do I let her affect me like this?

*Ring, Ring, Rin-*

"S-Sasuke...?" Her voice cracked as she spoke. She sounded so frightened.

"... It's going to be alright..." I said softly. My heart sank as she began to cry. I should have never left her like that... But I guess all I can do now is try my best to calm her down until she falls asleep. At least I get to bring her home tomorrow.

I woke up with my phone still in my hand. It took forever to get her to fall asleep. I got out of bed, groggily, and headed for the bathroom. I figured a shower would wake me up. I was not looking forward to school today. Especially since Naomi's still in the hospital and I'm sure I'm going to be bombarded with questions and more rumors...

All eyes were on me as I pulled into the parking lot. Naruto and Lee were waiting as usual but Kiba was nowhere to be found.

"Where's that dog?" I ask as I get out of my car. Naruto seemed hesitant to answer.

"He told me that he was going to go see Naomi before school." I scoffed. Of course he'd do that... This day just seems like it won't go fast enough.

As we entered the school the halls were full of whispers. Do these people seriously have nothing else to talk about? I let out a heavy sigh as I opened my locker. They all just need to mind their own god damn business.

"Sasuke! Is it true!? Does she really live with you?" Sakura came running up to me. I gave her a slight glare as I slammed my locker shut.

"None of this concerns you." I say harshly as I start to walk away.

"She's just playing you, Sasuke!" Sakura yelled out at me. I just kept walking. Sakura has no idea what she's even talking about.

The day went by slowly as anticipated. That and rumors about Naomi filled the school. The big one going around is that her mom finally snapped after Naomi ran away from home, whoring herself out, and her mom just couldn't take having a promiscuous daughter anymore. Of course whenever I enter the room everyone is quick to shut up. I seriously hate people sometimes...

The last bell of the day finally rang. Finally, I can go pick up Naomi now.

"Yo, Sasuke. You going to get Naomi now?" Kiba asked as he approached me. I gave him a slight glare as I continued to pick up my stuff.

"What's it to you?"

"I want to go with you if you are." I scoffed.

"Fat chance."

"Afraid I'll get in your spot light?" Kiba smirked. "I don't know what your game is, Sasuke. Forcing yourself on her causing all this trouble for her. She'd be better off with someone else."

"And that someone's you?" I growled. His smirk intensified.

"You got it. I'm warning you now, I'll make her mine." I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to hit him. "Hn. I guess I'll leave you alone this time. Just make sure you get her to my place on time tomorrow." Kiba smirked satisfied with my reaction and left the classroom. There's no way in hell I'm going to lose out to him...