SPEAK

Whatever went on in his home, it was his business and his business alone. He could take care of himself, his sister and his mother. Nobody had to know what was going on. At school he was the total opposite from at home. He didn't allow what transpire in the house to affect him nor his personality. He would still be loud, outgoing, even if nobody would take him seriously. He had to survive for his family and the only way to do that was to protect and take the pain away from them. But how much can he take when everything starts to fall apart?

RATED M: DOMESTIC ABUSE, SWEARING. (This is a Naruto and Hinata fanfiction)

The little girl coward in the corner as she covered her ears from the voices. They were shouting at one another. She shut her eyes tightly and started to rock back and forth. She just wanted it to end. She felt strong arms picked her up gently. Her eyes opened as she seen deep blue eyes staring at her. She hugged the boy, her older brother as he carried her to the room. He closed the door softly behind him, locking it. He placed her on the small bed, laying her down smoothly.

This was his little sister, Uzumaki Naruko. She was no older than eight. He couldn't help but smile at her reassuring her everything would be just fine. She believed him. Her eyes fluttered as she tried to fight the sleep that was taken place. He got a quilted blanket and placed it over her, caressing her cheeks. She looked just like their mother. Red fiery hair, excluding it being long as their mothers. Hers was cut into a short bob, her skin was lighter than her brother's, his being a dark tan colour. The bed wasn't big enough for two, so he usually stayed on the floor, resting his head on what little space was on the bed. His eyes never shut. He constantly glanced at the door, questioning whether or not he had lock it. He got up several times that night, just to see if it was lock, he was paranoid, but he had to protect her.

Naruto was his name. Uzumaki Naruto, a sixteen-year-old boy who lived in a lavish area with a lot of land. He went to a prestige school and was dress in the finest of clothing, extravagant parties! You name it. You would think his life was sweet, him being rich because of his step father, but it was far from that. At home everything was sour. There's a saying: Come live with me, get to know me. And if anybody was to see what took place in that household would make their stomach curl. At home he was always constantly moving around, making sure his sister was safe. He couldn't rest, there was never any chance to do so.

Everyone knew his stepfather, a man of power and wealth. He basically had everything going for him, he basically had the whole country eating out the palm of his hands. He was in charge of the Water industry in Konoha and to top it off he had three large corporations in Konoha, America and Europe. He gave to charity every chance he got, making it seem as if he was a savior of some sort. He was far from it. The man was an alcoholic, who snorted cocaine and smoked marijuana. He was a drunkard who made Naruto's life a living nightmare. He hated when he would be home, the house was much better when he left to go on his business trips. But when he was home, it was verbal and physical abuse. Of course, who would believe if he, Naruto, was to tell anyone he and his little sister was being abuse? Nobody of course. Nobody…

"Onii-chan, I'm thirsty." Naruko coughed.

Naruto looked at her and smiled meekly. He turned over to the dresser and looked at the empty glass. His face grimed. She was out of water; how did he forget to fill her cup with water. He couldn't go to the bathroom as they weren't any the rooms, except the master bedroom, they were located next to the rooms for some odd reasons.

"And I have to pee." She added on.

Naruto shook his head, he chuckled. "Okay, but quietly." He whispered.

He got up and held out his hand, waiting for Naruko to take it. She took his larger hand as she got off the bed. Naruto unlocked the door silently. He peeped his head out to see if there was anyone in the hallway. He sighed in relief. He opened the door slowly as he led his sister to the bathroom.

He cursed himself as he forgot the cup on the dresser. He looked at her, and led her to the bathroom. "I'll be right back." He spoke softly.

As he was about to go to his sister's room, he stopped in his tracks as he heard footsteps climbing up the stairs. There were a few slur words and occasional hiccups coming from the stairs. Naruto turned back around and rushed to the bathroom. However, he didn't get a chance to go inside with Naruko who was shaking.

"Wh're ya going boy?" he heard the man.

Naruto looked at his sister and smile. His hands were on the door knob. "Go use the bathroom, I'll be right back." He said. He closed the door slowly behind him.

"You didn't hear me?" the man said now standing in front of Naruto. His breath reeked of alcohol, sour and disgusting.

"Naruko had to use the bathroom." He said staring the man in his eyes. The ma couldn't help but grin.

"Lemme see."

Naruto tightened his fist. The man seeing this continued to grin. "Hit me. Come on. I dare you." He said pointing to his cheek.

"Can you go away." Naruto said biting his lips. He was now staring down at the wooden floor. There it was again. The constant bickering. Screaming and shouting. Naruko jumped as she felt a bang against the bathroom door. She stood frozen on the spot. Her body trembled. After a few minutes of constant swearing and punches, the door to the bathroom opened. Naruto leaned there, holding his side. His breathing was quick.

"Did you use the bathroom?" he asked.

The girl shook her head as she looked to the ground. She was standing in her own urine. She was too afraid to use the toilet after hearing the commotion outside. Naruto looked at her. He gritted his teeth. He wasn't angry at his sister, but the man that cost this- this pain. He grabbed a drying off towel and wiped the urine up. He felt hot tears on his scalp. He looked up and saw his sister crying. He held her tightly, trying to silence her tears. "Shhh…" he said rubbing her head. "Don't cry, don't cry." Naruto choke. But it wasn't working, she continued to cry loudly, the noise echoing through the house. He picked her up and ran out the bathroom and into their room, locking the door behind him. Not only a few seconds went by and there was knocking and banging on the door.

"Shet the gurl up." The man voice continued to slur. He started pounding on the door as he wiggled the door knob.

Naruto held the girl in the corner, rocking her back and forth. He started to hum a lullaby, silently praying that the girl would cease the crying and go to sleep.

Chapter One

Naruto put his hand on his hips as he started to pant. It was gym class and it was very humid inside.

"Gai-sensei, please. Not everyone can be Lee-senpai." A boy name Kiba said as he crawled on the floor. "How do you expect us to do fifty laps around the gym?" he asked. He was now laying on the floor, sweating pouring from everywhere.

Naruto bended over. "I agree!" he nearly shouted.

"Doesn't sounds like it, dobe."

Naruto turned to face his rival, Uchiha Sasuke.

He smirked. "What's the matter? A little Uchiha tired?" Naruto mocked.

Sasuke eyes twitched. "Dobe."

"Teme!" Naruto shrieked.

Kiba shoved his fingers in his ears. "Man Naruto! How could you still have energy in you to scream?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Gomen." He murmured.

Gai-sensei, their PE instructor blew his whistle signaling everyone to take a shower. "Good work my youthful students!" the man said saluting them.

Naruto sat down on the bench, staring at the locker. He was tired and sore. The boy's locker room was hot and foggy. Some boys came out the shower.

"Aren't you going to take a shower?" Kiba asked the boy.

"I am, just a little sore." He sleepily said.

"Or maybe he's embarrassed by his pinky." Sai, a creepy boy, spoke.

Naruto face reddened. "Shut up Sai!" he said as he grabbed his towel.

After he noted everyone was gone he went into the shower room and stood in front of the mirror. He lifted up his shirt over his head and stared in the mirror. Dark purple marks marked his stomach area, his chest. He turned around saw a large bruise in the middle of his back. He sighed as he turned back around facing the mirror.

Naruto had body. He refused to let what was going on in the household change any appearances he'd work for. He would always work out when he had the chance, he couldn't let that be an excuse for him to look so scrawny. He had to be strong for him, his sister and mother, who was currently in the hospital. One day he would be strong enough to stand up towards that monster. One day…

Naruto quickly entered the classroom just as the bell was about to ring. "Save by the bell!" he shouted.

"Doesn't means you must be so loud, Naruto-baka!" Sakura, a pink hair girl, screamed at the poor blonde boy.

"Sorry." He mumbled. He took his seat on the left side of the class, in the front of Sasuke. A few minutes went by, when their teacher Iruka-sensei came strolling in.

"Good morning, class!"

The class groaned. "Why do we have to be the first to get gym early in the morning?" Kiba cried.

Iruka-sensei just laughed. "Since I see everyone is in a good mood, I would like to introduce a new student." He said pointing to the door. "Please come in Miss Hyuga."

In came a short girl, who head was staring at the ground. Her bangs covered her eyes. She turned to face the class, her head still down.

"This here is Hyuga Hinata." Iruka said resting his hands on her shoulders. "I know many of you know the name sounds familiar. This is Hyuga Neji, senior, cousin. And I know many of you guys own the new Smart Phone that was designed by her father's company. She has been in America for the past two years studying abroad. So please make her feel at home." Iruka said beaming with joy. "Hyuga-san, is there anything you would like to say."

The girl, Hinata raised her head up and stared at the class. Her face was red. "G-good morning." She said. "I'm just a little nervous." She spoke softly. The class had a hard time hearing her. "I hope we can be friends." She said tightening the grip on her skirt.

Sakura couldn't help but giggle, which made everyone gaze her way. Hinata thought she had said something wrong and looked down.

"I'm sorry, but she's so cute and short." Sakura said.

Ino couldn't help but glare at Sakura. "She's a human being, Forehead. Not a toy for you to keep." Ino said knowing Sakura all too well. Her obsession with all things short and cute.

Sakura shot her hand up. "Sensei! She can sit next to me." She said pointing at the empty seat. Iruka smiled as he shoo Hinata to the vacant seat.

"Now please don't forget to show Hinata around. Arigatou!" Iruka said bowing.

Naruto made his way inside the house, he still had two more hours before he had to pick up Naruko from school. As much as he didn't like to be home when he was around, but he was tired and needed some rest.

He opened the door and walked towards the stairs, when he heard someone call his name.

"Is that you Naruto? Come here." He heard. He knew all too well that the man had an important person over for him to talk so calmly. So that meant he had to put on his best behavior and pray he didn't screw anything up.

He walked over to the den and saw two men sitting down on the chairs and a young female sitting down on the sofa. He walked up to them and bowed. "Good afternoon." He said looking at his "stepdad", he turned to the other guest and bowed his head.

He noticed the young girl sitting there, Hinata, the new student in his class. "I'm so glad that you're home." Vincent spoke, his stepfather. He got up and rest his hand on Naruto's shoulder, much to his discomfort. "This is Hyuga Hiashi and his eldest daughter, Hyuga Hinata." He said pointing to quiet lady.

Hiashi got up, along with Hinata and they bowed at Naruto.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Hiashi said, his voice stern.

Naruto smiled.

"Take a seat, take a seat." Vincent told them. Naruto sat beside Hinata. She looked totally different, she wasn't quiet looking, she wore a stern look on her face, almost resembling her father's look.

Vincent cleared his throat. "So I heard Hinata-sama is in your class." Vincent said, rolling the cigar in between his fingers. Naruto knew this had to be a serious meeting. He straightened his posture.

"Hai." He said.

Vincent smiled. "That's wonderful." He laughed. A sour laugh to Naruto's ears. "I'm pretty sure Naruto will take good care of your daughter, Hiashi." He said looking at Naruto.

"I'm sure he will." Hiashi said with no trace of emotion in his voice. "I've heard so much of you, Naruto. How is your mother doing?" he asked. To Naruto it sounded like he barely cared. He nearly shrugged his shoulders, when he caught his self.

He positioned himself towards Hiashi, and smiled. "She's doing a little better, but the doctors are keeping an eye on her, just in case she relapsed."

Hiashi nodded his head in understanding. "My prayer goes out to your family."

"Thank you. I would hate to end this meeting, but it's almost time for me to pick up my sister." Naruto said standing up. He bowed respectfully to Hiashi, Hinata, then Vincent. "Maybe we can schedule a lunch meeting?" Naruto suggested.

"I will make plans with your fathe-

"Stepfather." Naruto corrected him. He knew Vincent was furious at his comment, but he couldn't care. He refused to let someone call this man his father. He was far from it. "It would be nice if we can get to no one another, Hyuga-san." He said looking towards Hinata. She looked at him and smiled.

"That would be nice."

Naruto bowed once more before excusing himself.

Vincent was a smart man, regardless of him being a drunkard. He learned his lesson once when he had hit Naruto hard in his face, it left a bruise. The teacher questioned this, in which he made up a lie that boy was troubled because his mother was in the hospital. He knew exactly where to hit and not hit Naruto, but his patients was running thin.

Naruto stood in the den as his stepfather sat on the chair, a belt in his hand. "You disappoint me. How many times did I tell you regardless if someone makes a mistake about me being your father or not you are just supposed to keep your mouth shut? Naruto stared at the floor. He had cause this upon himself.

Vincent put out his cigar and stood up. The belt hanging loosely from his hand. Naruto didn't bother to look up for he knew the man was standing in front of him. He sunk his nails into Naruto's chin forcing him to look at him in his brown eyes.

"I'm talking to you." He sneered. The boy remained quiet. Vincent raised his hand with the belt and swung it at Naruto hitting the boy on his right arm. He flinched in pain, but never moved an inch. This irritated Vincent to the max. He walked around Naruto and swung the belt at his back. Naruto fell to the floor bending on his knees. A little tear escaped his eyes as the man continued to hit him across his back. Naruto closed his eyes tightly, praying that he would stop. Skin slapping echoed throughout the house and Naruto was about to collapse on the hard floor. He opened his eyes, they went wide as he saw his little sister standing at the door, her legs trembling. How long had she been standing there? The beating finally stopped as Vincent was getting bored. He threw the belt to the floor and walked past the girl pushing her towards the ground. She scrambled to her feet as she ran to her brother, who was trying to get up. His back ache, but he couldn't let that bother him.

He patted his sister on her head. "I thought you were asleep." He whispered. He picked up, his arms trembling as he mustered the strength to walk up the stairs.

After his sister was in the bed sound asleep, he walked out of the room with a towel and went into the bathroom next to her room. He opened the door and shut it behind him. He didn't bother to turn on the light. He sat on the floor. He couldn't lean against anything. He put the towel in his mouth and let out a muffled screamed. His eyes watered. He pulled his knees to his chest, and continued to scream. His back was hurting severely and the pain was killing him. He needed some pain killers, but alas everything that had to do with medications was in Vincent's room. Snot ran down his nose as tears fell to the floor.

"Iruka-sensei! This is boring." Naruto groaned as he laid his head on the table. The teacher was going over formulas for Algebra and Naruto was not having that. The class agreed.

"Can it Naruto!" Sakura shrieked.

"But Sakura-chan!" Naruto whined.

"You can either stay and learn or go to detention." Iruka said. "Pick one."

Naruto puffed out his cheeks as he mumbled underneath his breath.

"You're so troublesome, Naruto." Shikamaru said raising his head off of the table.

"Wow Shikamaru, five words." Naruto said giving the boy a clapping hand.

Naruto sluggishly walked towards the locker room. Everyone was gone. He rested his hand on the countertop and stared in the mirror. His back was still aching. He lifted up his long sleeve gym shirt and stared in the mirror. Wails of bruises new and old covered his torso. He turned around and stared at his back. His eyes opened widely. It was sick to look at. The bruises were now purple and black. He wanted to vomit. He turned back around and stared at his arms that were also covered in bruises. As he was about to head to the shower he stopped in his tracks. His eyes opened widely.

"What are you doing here?" he growled as he slammed the petite girl against the locker.

"Ho- how did you get those?" she asked shakenly. Naruto let her go and ran his hand through his blonde damp hair.

"It doesn't matter. You're in the wrong room." He said avoiding eye contact.

"Did your… dad?" she gulped.

Naruto glared at her. "No it isn't. So mind your own business and leave, Hyuga-san." He said raising his voice.

She turned around and was about to leave. "Um… I have some painkillers if you want any. It looks like it hurts."

Naruto stared at her. Either Hinata had another twin or she had a multiple personality disorder. This Hinata was quiet and soft spoken, while the other one in his house was stern and fierce.

"Thank you." Naruto said as he swallowed the pill. The standing behind the bleachers, due to the fact that she had given Naruto a pill without a permission slip. It was awkward between the two.

"Pretend you didn't see anything." He warned her.

Her expression saddened. Naruto seeing this felt his heart tug. The same expression his sister wore every time he had to take a beaten. Naruto as instantly rubbed her head. Hinata looked up at him confused. He was smiling down at her.

"See my stepdad didn't tell you guys this, but I'm actually a bad boy, so fights are what I do." He said smirking. "Just a little beating, but I can take it. You should have seen how had them running." He boasted.

Hinata giggled. "Hai, hai." She said.

Thank goodness Hinata didn't pry anything further from him. "Let's go. Class is about to start." He leading her from behind the bleachers.

"So how was America?"

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