Naruto trembled in his arms, her expression was bitter, and her eyes sharpened in anger as she wrapped her arms tighter around Shino's torso. The male in question carefully ran his fingers through her golden curls. He was mindful not to get that bastard's blood in her hair. Naruto was the same, she held on tightly but her bloody nails didn't make contact with his clothes.

The sun had long since set and they were now standing outside of her apartment. Naruto didn't want him to leave while Shino only wanted her to get inside and clean up. "Did I upset you?"

The question took Shino aback. Upset him? Naruto could never be upsetting to him. "Never, don't put that thought into your head."

"But I brought drama-"

Shino cut her off by lifting her cheeks which were streaked with tears. "No, you didn't, I brought this on myself and I wanted you to be outside of the blast zone but they brought you in. This is my fault and I'll fix it."

It was said with so much conviction that Naruto believed him wholeheartedly. She nodded and placed her face back into his chest. "Can't you stay tonight?"

Shino bit his lip at her continued request. "Naruto-"

"Why won't you let me take care of you?"

"Because I feel so unworthy," It left his lips before he could bury the thought. "You are so perfect, accepted everything on the chin and you don't complain. It upset me that you were wronged so I took it upon myself to get revenge but I dragged you down with me when that was never my intention."

"Shino-" Naruto tried to interrupt but he wasn't finished yet and placed a finger on her lips.

"I'm not done. Don't try to comfort me," His voice was stern. "I wasn't careful and you got hurt. I will rectify that at a later date but right now I got you involved. I feel like a shitty boyfriend and I accept these feelings. How could I ever sit by and let you take care of me when you need care yourself?"

He emphasized this by running a finger across her scratched cheek, her bruised knuckles, and her bloody knees. How could he have let Naruto get to such a stage? One thing he found desirable about Naruto was how clean she was. Nothing was ever out of place when it came to her outfit or features. Looking at her ruined and knowing he had involvement in her becoming this way hurt his heart.

"I'll clean you up and get you something warm to eat but I must take my leave afterward."

Naruto didn't protest and Shino bathed her, got her in her night dress, and heated some leftover burgers for her. Comfort food. He rubbed ointment on her injuries and kissed her good night before leaving.

Naruto drummed her fingers on the table. Her gaze was unfocused as the warmth from Shino's kiss lingered. A blush crawled up her eyes and dyed her ears. "Silly boy," She chided softly as a smile broke out over her face. "I love you so much."

Shino got home late, he left Naruto's apartment but didn't go straight home. He spent some time reworking his plan in his head, seeing the faults in the plan and correcting them. He caught the last bus and as he sat on the bus he realized that maybe it was time to invest in a car. He was lacking funds but before he didn't mind taking the bus now that he had a girlfriend he could take her to his favorite places all over Japan.

He now had someone he could share them with. Someone he hoped didn't resent him secretly after today. His footsteps were slow when walking up to his door and turning his key in the lock. He sighed quietly when he locked his room door and proceed to shower away the blood. He bandaged himself while looking in the mirror.

He couldn't help it, he felt so unworthy. What did Naruto see in him to like? To share her world with? He was surrounded by friends but those are some of his loneliest times. He wasn't alright mentally. It was a first for him. His first real relationship and he can't understand why Naruto chose to be with him. He was physically attractive but he was crass underneath, hiding his sharp edges so they didn't cut his blonde's beautiful tanned skin. He was weak for her, he loved her.

"I love you, though I think I am not worthy I will cherish you because you make me so happy."