It was late when Naruto returned to the apartment. He'd spent all day training, trying to work away his frustrations. He was dirty, beat up and exhausted. His knuckles were bloodied, and he hoped Kurama would have the decency not to heal them overnight.
Naruto walked past Ino's room on his way to the bathroom. The plan was to shower quickly, then head to bed and pass out. That quickly changed when he found Ino's door half-open. Ino had barely said a word since being discharged from the hospital, and had spent most of the time in her room.
Naruto tentatively walked in, towards the heap lying on her bed. He knew calling out to her was pointless, she hadn't responded to anyone since she woke up. Instead, he fell down on his knees besides her, where he could hear her sniffling lightly. He placed his hand on her shoulder, caressing her lightly. At his touch, she looked up.
The look in her eyes conveyed everything she didn't want to put into words. Her sadness, anger, and feelings of powerlessness. But mostly, of a need to feel something, someone. Naruto understood, without her having to say anything. He repositioned himself, and laid down next to her. His arms wrapped around him, and hers sought the comfort of his skin. He pulled he in, and she didn't resist.
Neither of them fell asleep. They spent the night curled up into each other, not saying a word