Title: Gesundheit

(Long)

(Y/n) yawned as she stared at the teacher, bored out of her mind. It was (worst subject) and saying she hated was an understatement. She LOATHED it. She had long ago stopped taking notes since she had no idea what was happening at the moment.

Her (e/c) eyes darted towards the class clock and scowled at it. She still had thirty minutes left. The lesson had started ten minutes ago but to (Y/n), she felt like it had taken hours.

A sudden pain shot through her head, making her wince and briefly closed her eyes. She massaged her temples, hoping that it will soothe the pain momentarily. Since morning, her head had been killing her. She had earlier on swallowed some pain killers but it was all in vain.

(Y/n) cursed at the pain and prayed that it would just stop. The (h/c)-haired female hoped that she wasn't getting the flu. The previous day, it was raining hard and (Y/n) was unfortunately caught in it while walking to school.

She shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. The whole day she had been feeling cold yet when she looked outside, Mr. Sun daunted her by shining happily. She looked around the class at the students, listening to the teacher or not, and all had their sweaters off. In fact, one of them was fanning themselves with their book.

She sighed and hugged herself tightly. I must be getting sick... (Y/n) thought and laid her forehead on her desk. She had now began feeling dizzy and more sleepier, her vision zoning in and out. Her eyes began closing but then she stopped herself and quickly sat up straight. The vigorous action made the dizziness worse as she fought to keep her eyes open. She gave in to the feeling and felt herself slip into darkness.

5 years later***
(jk jk jk)
30 minutes later***

Ugh...where am I?.... (Y/n) pondered as she came to. Her eyes flickered open, trying to clear her focus. When it was clear, she sat up from her lying position and looked around. She was in the hospital bed at the nurse's office. She furrowed her eyebrows as she tried to remember what had occurred for her to end up here. Her eyes widened when she remembered and concluded that she must've fainted.

"Ah! (Y/n), you're finally awake!" the school nurse beamed as she appeared from the doorway.

"Uh yeah...what's wrong?" she inquired, watching the nurse as she took some medication pills from her cupboard. She gave the girl some pills and a bottle of water.

"You fainted dearie. Plus, you have a high fever. Must be a flu," she explained as she watched her down the pills and take a swig of water. "Or you're pregnant."

(Y/n) choked on the water and began sputtering while coughing. The woman patted her back as she helped her regain composure, an amused smile on her face.

"Wha-what?! Pregnant?! How?!" (Y/n) exclaimed after gaining her breath.

The worker chuckled and shook her head. "I was joking dearie"

(Y/n) gave the woman a strained smile and turned her gaze to her lap. I just got duped by a nurse, haha yay me...

"You should be getting ready sweetie," the nurse said, her back turned to (Y/n) as she did whatever.

"Huh? For what?"

"Your mother's coming to pick you. She was so worried over the phone."

(Y/n) sighed at the information. The last thing she wanted to do was worry her mother as if she didn't have more problems on her plate at the moment.

(Y/n) threw her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. She found her school bag placed on one of the waiting chairs. She took it and opened it, confirming that everything was there. She also found a white note sticking out of one of her books. She raised a puzzled eyebrow at this and yanked it out. She turned it to read the writing.

I packed all your books and assignments for the day. I hope you get well soon. I'll see if I'll be able to visit you at home.

Tenten.

A small smile grew on (Y/n)'s lips as she reread the note again from her caring best friend. She folded the small note and pocketed it. She sat on the waiting chair, placing the bag in her lips as she awaited her parent's arrival.

As she waited, she was attacked by an array of sneezes. She took her handkerchief from her bag and blew her nose. She sniffled and sank gloomily in her seat.

And so it begins....

At le home***

"Honey? How are you feeling now?" (Y/n)'s mother inquired as she came to check up on her for the third time.

"I'm dying~" (Y/n) moaned from under the blankets. Over time, her sickness had quickly worsened and now (Y/n) felt like utter shit.

"Would you like some chicken soup?" her mother asked as she sat on the edge of (Y/n)'s bed.

"Noooo. I want to get better~" she moaned as she curled herself into a tighter ball.

Her mother watched the bump under the blankets become smaller and let out a sad sigh. As a mother, her child's pain was her own and she just wished that she could take it away from her.

"Honey, is TenTen coming over?" she inquired, used to having (Y/n)'s dark-haired friend whenever she was ill.

"Noo. *sniffle* She said that her mother had left her a lot of chores to do, so she can't make it. *sniffle*" (Y/n) explained and got out from under her blanket to take out another tissue to wipe her running nose. She had gone through one box of tissues, this was her second one.

(Y/n)'s mother watched her with worried eyes. She usually had to work both day and night shifts. Whenever (Y/n) was sick, she would always be at ease knowing TenTen would stay over with her. But now, that wasn't the case and as much as she wanted to stay, she couldn't ask for a leave on such short notice. There had to be certain procedures.

(Y/n) leaned in the headboard, watching her mother with half-opened eyes and mouth slightly open to allow air in as her nose was currently stuffed.

"So what now?" she asked her mother who immediately hid her worried expression and smiled gently at the girl.

"Don't worry honey," she cooed and brushed a few stray strands of hair from (Y/n)'s face. "I'll work something out, okay?"

"Okay. But you don't have to worry about it. I can manage one night," (Y/n) said, not wanting to add her mother more stress.

"Are you sure?" the adult questioned, looking at her daughter uneasily.

"Yes mum. I'm a big girl now," (Y/n) said, giving her mother a strained smile.

The woman sighed and stood up. She nodded and placed a kiss on (Y/n)'s forehead.

"If you say so. I'll be downstairs. I'll be leaving in an hour. Call me if you need anything, okay honey?"

The (h/c)- haired girl nodded and laid back on her pillow as her mother exited the room.

I want to cry!...

30 minutes of (Y/n)'s suffering ***

A knock sounded on (Y/n)'s door before opening to reveal her mother's figure.

"Honey?"

(Y/n) hummed in response as she threw probably the a hundredth used tissue in the bin.

"Someone's here to see you," she announced before stepping aside to reveal Naruto's form.

(Y/n) furrowed her eyebrows at the unexpected visit. "Naruto?"

"Hey (Y/n)" he greeted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

"Well I'm going to leave you two for now. I'm bringing you some chicken soup in a minute honey," the adult beamed before exiting the room.

(Y/n) stared at the blue-eyed boy who was looking around her room. His eyes stopped at her posters which he stared at in amusement.

"What are you doing here?" (Y/n) sounded her thoughts, trying to get his attention away from her embarrassing obsession. Only her best friend and mother were meant to see them.

Naruto looked back at the female and tucked his hands in his pockets. "I came to see you. I heard about what happened in school so I came by to see if you're alright."

(Y/n)'s (e/c) eyes widened at his concern. Known fact was (Y/n) rarely talked to the boy. They weren't friends to begin with. (Y/n) was the more silent, reserved type while he was cheery, bubbly and belonged to the popular crowd. The only times they came into contact with each other was in (subject) since he sat next to her. So the fact that he was here in the first place was beyond her.

"Thanks Naruto," (Y/n) smiled and brought her knees to her chest and rested her head on them.

Naruto returned the smile and approached the girl. He sat at the edge of the bed, near (Y/n) while the ailing girl watched him.

"You're not afraid of contracting my flu?" (Y/n) asked the boy who shook his head in response. It's not that she cared anyway, in fact if he got sick, at least she wouldn't suffer alone.

Hohoho I'm so evil.... (Y/n) snickered mentally and reached for another tissue as she felt a sneeze coming on.

"I don't get it. Why would you want to see me so disgusting and sick?" (Y/n) asked after a moment of silence. She hated anyone seeing her when sick. It was at those times that she felt pathetic and downright disgusting with snot everywhere. Next to Naruto, she felt even more like shit. Like double shit. Like shit mixed with other shit to make a very disgusting cocktail shit...you get the idea.

"I don't mind. We all get sick once in our lives and plus you look cute with your red nose," he admitted, sending the female a large grin.

(Y/n) tried to laugh at the bad joke, which came out as a French laugh due to her stuffed nose. To make it worse she snorted, causing (Y/n) to choke and start coughing.

"Hey, hey take it easy," Naruto soothed in a gentle voice as he rubbed her back.

When she stopped coughing, she dived under the covers, her face flushed red with embarrassment.

That was so embarrassing!... (Y/n) thought as she curled into a ball.

"(Y/n)? What's wrong?" Naruto's voice sounded as he wondered what could have triggered the reaction.

"Leave me. I'm an embarrassment to all people with flu~" the (h/c)- haired girl moaned and held onto the blankets in case he decided to yank them off of her.

Silence was followed after (Y/n)'s words, making her briefly think that he had gone but could still feel his weight from where he sat.

"I don't think that of you (Y/n). You aren't an embarrassment to me, sick or not. Trust me, I've seen worse," the blond-haired male said, a smirk forming in his lips as he recalled the times he was sick.

"Are you trying to make me feel better about myself?"

"Maybe," he responded, hoping that the girl would emerge from under the blankets.

(Y/n) pondered for a while before emerging. Besides, it was getting hot under the heavy cloth.

She looked at Naruto, who was smiling at her and forced one of her own.

"Honey! Here's your soup!" the voice of her mother sounded as she appeared at her bedroom door.

She brought it near the duo and placed it on the bedside table.

It took more than a minute... (Y/n) thought bitterly as she stared at the delicious smelling liquid.

"Naruto, sweetheart, I'm going to be leaving now and I don't want to leave (Y/n) alone so, I'd like to know what time you'll be leaving," the adult asked, an innocent smile on her lips.

(Y/n) narrowed her (e/c) eyes at her mother, releasing what she was getting at. She was indirectly asking Naruto if he could stay over. Tsk tsk.

"Uh...I don't I'll be going home soon Mrs (L/n)," Naruto confessed, and briefly glanced at (Y/n) and turned to her mother.

"Oh please sweetie, call me (F/n). And you know you can stay over the whole night if you want to," the woman piped making Naruto's eyes widen at the revelation.

(Y/n) rolled her eyes and took another tissue, throwing the used one in the bin.

"You-you're okay with me...staying over?" Naruto inquired unsure of the adult's intentions.

"Of course I am! Why would I be against my daughter's boyfriend taking care of her when she's sick?" she winked, earning sounds of surprise from the two teeenagers.

"Mom! He's not my boyfriend," (Y/n) exclaimed defensively, her face slightly burning as a rosy hue appeared on a tongue-tied Naruto. She blew her nose and threw the used paper in the bin.

"Not yet he isn't," (Y/n)'s mother chuckled and turned to leave the room. "Tata!" and closed the door behind her.

(Y/n) cleared her throat making Naruto turn to look at her. "Sorry about my mom."

Naruto shook his head as he brushed off the unnecessary apology. "No no it's cool."

"You know you don't have to stay over if you don't want to," (Y/n) clarified, trying to put ease to the boy in case he felt pressured.

Naruto chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "No. It's fine. I actually do want to stay."

Surprise quickly flashed on the sick girl's face before disappearing. His behaviour made her wonder. They weren't close friends, heck, they weren't friends to begin with, yet here he is, offering to stay over and take care of her. He even knew where she lived, if that's not suspicious enough.

Naruto reached over the bedside table and took the bowl in his hands, ready to feed (Y/n).

When his hand went to lift the spoon, (Y/n) placed hers over his to stop.

"I can feed myself you know," she interjected with a serious look in her eyes.

"Oh really? So why does something tell me that you usually don't feed yourself at times like this?" he asked, lifting a cocky eyebrow at her.

Because you might as well be a stalker....(Y/n) retorted mentally, not daring to voice her thoughts. She took her hand off his and straightened her legs to become more comfortable.

Naruto began feeding her the soup, the room going silent as the only sounds heard was that of the spoon hitting the side of the bowl and the distant laughing of neighbours.

All the while, (Y/n) couldn't stop wondering what Naruto was playing at. She had heard rumours that he had a huge crush on Sakura and that it had lasted for a long time. So who in their right mind would stop stalking their crush to take care of someone who has never even breathed in their direction?

God-sent that's who.

But (Y/n) knew better than to base this as the kindness of his heart. She'd have to find out, once she gets better.

But then something else gnawed in the back of the female's mind. She recalled a conversation she once had with TenTen about the blond-haired male. She remembered her best friend telling her of how Naruto had gotten over his unrequited crush and moved on to another girl. The identity of the female was yet to be known. Unless...

(Y/n)'s eyes widened in shock as she put the pieces together.

Mother ffffff

"You okay (Y/n)?" Naruto asked, concern filling her voice.

"Huh? Yeah, I am," (Y/n) quickly confirmed, her mind still reeling from the realisation.

"You sure? Your face is all red," he said as his eyes raked over her facial features.

"I'm just feeling...very hot," the girl said, trying to veer away from the topic.

Naruto placed the now empty bowl on the bedside table and went over to her window to open it. (Y/n) watched him, still unbelieving from what she had concluded.

What if I'm jumping to conclusions? Maybe TenTen sent him in her place and here I am mistaking his kindness for feelings. But still there could be a possibility....you know what (Y/n)? Just don't think about it. You'll do some investigation on your own... (Y/n) decided mentally and sent a grateful smile to Naruto who was returning to her.

"It's still early. So what do you want to do?" he asked as took the bowl in his hands.

"We could watch a movie downstairs?" (Y/n) suggested as she got out of bed. She wrapped her blanket around herself, box of tissues in hand and nodded at Naruto.

After le movie***

(Y/n) yawned as she went up the stairs, Naruto walking beside her.

"That was a pretty decent movie," (Y/n) commented, a small on her face.

"Told you you'll like it," he smirked and gently nudged her side with his elbow. "Yeah especially when..."

"No! Don't remind me of that part!" (Y/n) shrieked, pointing her index finger at the laughing blue-eyed male.

"I thought you liked it!"

"No! You liked it! Not me!" (Y/n) exclaimed, joining in laughter.

(Y/n) had to admit, she really had fun with the male, even though her flu was a bother. Her eyes would water at times, making Naruto think she was crying during the movie and to start laughing. At that moment, it was safe to say that they were now friends.

As (Y/n) got into bed, Naruto was closing the open window. (Y/n) laid her head on her pillow, watching the boy as he closed the curtains.

"Naruto?" (Y/n) called out to him before he left.

"Yeah?"

"Sleep with me,"

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise as his mouth flew open. "Wh-what?"

(Y/n) propped herself with support of her elbows and beckoned to the blushing boy. "Please sleep with me,"

(Y/n) knew that her request had two sides to it but now she didn't really care. Her illogical part of her brain just wanted someone to snuggle to.

"Uh...you're okay with that? I'm pretty fine on the couch," he explained as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"The couch is uncomfortable. Plus I don't bite," (Y/n) smiled innocently.

Naruto seemed hesitant of the idea. (Y/n) pouted, trying to convince him and he finally caved in.

He took off his varsity jacket and placed it on a nearby chair. He walked to the opposite side of the bed and entered under the covers.

(Y/n) waited for him to get comfortable. When he did, she laid her head on his chest, making him stiffen under him.

"Naruto?"

The boy hummed in response, his eyes glued to the ceiling.

"Thanks for being here for me."

There was silence for a bit before...

"You're welcome (Y/n). Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

In middle of the night ***

(Y/n) woke up, feeling stuffy and suffocated. Her nose was blocked once more, making it harder to breathe.

Fucking flu... (Y/n) thought angrily as she reached to the other side of the bed to take out another tissue. She blew her nose and threw it in the trash.

Her nose was still blocked, forcing her to breathe through her mouth and (Y/n) wanted nothing more than to cut it off.

She turned towards the sleeping Naruto, lightly snoring causing a twinge of jealousy course through her veins.

At least he can use his nose...

(Y/n) sighed and laid her head back in his chest. She mentally smiled as the earlier night's events resurfaced in her mind. Naruto had surpassed all her expectations. He had gone out of his way to take care of her and (Y/n) was ever more grateful. Her thoughts went back to her wild assumptions about the possibility of him liking her.

If he really stopped liking Sakura then she lost a really good guy. She also hoped that the new girl in his heart would open her eyes to see what a good guy she had.

Because if there is any chance that she is her, she'd never let him go.

***