Title: Idiosyncratic Resilience
Author: Shadow Rebirth
Rating: T/PG-13
Total WC: 390
First Written: February 19, 2010
Last Edited: September 13, 2010
Posted: September 13, 2010
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. This work has not been endorsed by Kishimoto Masashi, Shueisha, Viz Media, Shōnen Jump, Studio Pierrot, Aniplex, or any of the others holding copyright or license to the Naruto manga, anime, movies, and products. No connection is implied or should be inferred. Other names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author receives no financial gain from its production or distribution.
Summary: One-shot. "Did you know that when I was five years old, I fell out a third story window?"

A/N: So, yeah. This is a very old, completely random piece that has been sitting around on my hard drive for 9 months now! 8D I figured I might as well upload it, since it doesn't have much use otherwise. Usually scraps like this I manage to fit into story chapter in some way, but I'm pretty "meh" on the whole Naruto fandom at the moment. So instead, here you go. Please note that this is supposed to be set pre-Wave mission.

Idiosyncratic Resilience

"Did you know that when I was five years old, I fell out a third story window?"

Sasuke paused in mid-bite. For a moment he stayed motionless, then he slowly lifted his head to stare at Naruto. "...Excuse me?"

"Yeah," the blond continued enthusiastically. "It was probably one of the strangest experiences I've ever had."

"...'Strangest'? Shouldn't you have died?"

Naruto stared at him blankly, as though unable to understand the question. "Er, no? Why would I? I mean, it was only three stories. It did hurt like a bitch though. I think I blacked out for a few hours because when I woke up it was dark out. It must have rained too, because the ground around me was all wet...Although there weren't any clouds in the sky, which is weird. Must have been a short shower. But I didn't break anything or get any scratches or bruises, so I guess it works out in the end."

Sasuke continued to stare. One eyebrow was half raised, as though he was torn between shock, incredulity, and disbelief.

"Anyway!" Naruto plowed on, oblivious, "It was a strange experience because I felt all numb after it. I mean like I couldn't feel anything, even if I pinched myself. It had me stumbling for a while, you know. I kept running into things. But it didn't really matter because I was numb and all."

"...You should have at least gotten some bruises, even if you didn't break any bones—which I still don't believe, by the way."

"Bruises?" Naruto repeated, confused. "I don't get bruises. Never have. Same with broken bones. I'm as fit as any shinobi should be! ...Er, except for my stomach sometimes, but that's different."

"Right," Sasuke said dryly. However, even as he did so, no memories of Naruto having bruises came to mind. Even after training sessions, the blond was always strangely refreshed—and completely unmarked. The Uchiha frowned darkly. "You...don't get hurt?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head and shrugged. "Eh, I guess not," he said unconcernedly. "I'm a fast healer or whatever. And I'm just awesome like that."

Sasuke didn't react to Naruto's cocky attitude. He was too busy boring a hole into the table, determined to remember at least one incident where Naruto had been hurt for more than three seconds.

None came to mind.