Chapter 3

Naruto stared ahead rather aimlessly.

The full moon that was out and up high in the night sky, completely unobscured by any clouds. He was back in Uzushio, standing on a balcony attached to his room in the palace. His attention slowly drifted to the waves in the ocean, enjoying the occasional breeze that came through and ruffled his hair.

It's been how long now since he's back here in Uzushio?

A couple months or so.

Not much has happened since then, since he had parted with Blake. Sure, they had exchanged information with their Scroll and messaged another every now and then, though the frequency had lowered by a lot?

The last messages they had exchanged was that she was about to head to Beacon in Vale. He wished her good luck as he had some problems in the form of family he was dealing with. He had noticed since returning that his brother had become more antagonizing even with what little contact they had.

His parents had stopped trying to get him to act in line given that he was old enough. It didn't help that he was playing the perfect angel whenever they were within hearing distance.

Honestly, a part of him wanted to just grab his bag and leave, the time out of Uzushio had been some of the best and memorable moments he had in his life. Though, his parents would more than likely send people out to search for him and in the off chance that they didn't, he didn't want his brother to end up feeding them bullshit. He still was trying to make his parents see that he was the perfect one to inherit the throne after them.

As if some higher being was listening to his thoughts, his scroll beeped and he was quick to head back in his room and march over to his desk where it lied. He picked it up and opened it, seeing a notification that he had a new message which he tapped on, sending him directly to the message just sent to him.

From: Blake

To: Naruto

Erm.. Hey.

How have you been? I know we've not exchanged a lot of messages which is mainly my fault but things have been going well for me. I've been accepted into Beacon. I'm not sure if the headmaster knows of my past or not but I'm relieved nonetheless.

There was an entry exam I wasn't aware of but managed to handle fairly well. We're each put into teams of four.. and, well it's partly why I haven't been able to message you as much as we used to. One member of our team, Yang, she's.. well, I don't think she knows the meaning of privacy.

Okay, maybe she's not that bad but she's definitely the type of person that makes up issues where there are none.

So, yeah I apologize for that.

Oh! I'm not sure if you believe that but there's a member of the Schnee family in my team. What are the odds, right? She hadn't said anything since I hid my ears with that same bow but unfortunately I slipped up after she managed to anger me. We got in an argument and I accidently revealed that I'm a Faunus. I caught not just her but my entire team off guard before I ran off.

I know it wasn't the smartest of ideas but at the moment it was the only thing I could think of doing. That argument actually happened earlier today. It reminded me about you finding out about me being a Faunus and not caring.. I really wish more people were like you.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this other than that I kind of miss your presence. It may sound weird since we've spent such little time but it was time I truly cherish. I wonder if we could meet up sometime?

I'm currently at the docks, not sure what to do. Maybe just wait until they find me, at least I can count on the other members of my team. I'm much calmer than I was before so that's a plus.

I hope I hear from you soon,

-Blake

After reading the message Naruto felt the corner of his lips curve into a smile and immediately set out to type a reply.

Far away from where he was, a young woman was seated on a bench overlooking the calm ocean ahead of her. Her arms were placed beside her as she leaned back a bit.

She was wearing a black buttoned vest with coattails that was held closed by a single silver button up front. Beneath this she wore a white, sleeveless, high necked crop undershirt and white shorts. Finishing her outfit were the black heeled boots and thigh high stocking that gave her a rather alluring appearance.

She was wondering if he had already read the message she had sent him. She didn't blame him if he didn't. She really had let both of them down by taking so long before sending him anything. Even a simple 'How are you' would have sufficed.

Blake felt her heartbeat increase as her mind formed an image of him inside her head before shaking her head to rid herself of whatever these thoughts were. Just then she felt her scroll vibrate on her lap and she wasted no time picking it up and pressing the notification button.

She perked up when noticing it was a message of the one she was thinking of.

From: Naruto

To: Blake

Hey Blake, I'm doing fine.. Or as good as it could.

I admit that I didn't expect your message. I'm glad to hear you're doing fine as well. Except for your predicament with the Schnee that is. I would love to give you advice but I don't think my direct way of going into confrontation is suited for you.. :p

Blake let out a soft chuckle before continuing to read.

Regarding the lack of messages.. I can't say it didn't hurt a bit to not hear from you for such a while. I could've used someone to confide in a bit since the situation between my brother and I is worsening, my parents are of no use in this situation either. I sometimes wished I could've packed my bags and simply head out like you are able to.

There's more I want to say but I rather do so in person if that's fine with you. If you're free we can maybe meet this Friday evening. I'll come up with an excuse to meet you.

Just send me a message back

-Naruto

Reading that, Blake felt a welcoming warmth spread through her before she went to type out her reply, agreeing to meet him friday. She'd come up with an excuse to get away from her team.

''Blake! We've been all over looking for you!'' She had just barely managed to send out her reply before quickly putting down her scroll as her team jumped into view. Ruby, Yang.. even Weiss was here as well though she kept her distance.

''Oh.. Hey you all. I didn't expect to see you so soon again.''

''What why?'' Yang questioned. ''I mean, sure we were caught off guard but you're still part of our team, right Weiss?''

The white haired girl fiddled around a bit but nodded. ''That's correct.''

''But, what about before? I mean, I admitted that I used to be a member of the White Fang.''

''Exactly. You used to, not anymore.''

Blake directed her gaze towards the Schnee. ''She's right,'' Weiss admitted. ''There's been a long conflict between the White Fang and my family and while I admit that we definitely could've acted better, we both know the blame is not solely on us. I may have gone overboard earlier today and for that I.. I apologize. You're not a member of the White Fang but Blake Belladonna, member of team RWBY.''

Blake almost teared up at those words. Words of acceptance which were admittedly very unexpected given who it was that had spoken those words. Nonetheless, she allowed herself to smile with her head held down. ''Thank you.''

Unfortunately the moment was ruined by Yang who placed her hand on her shoulder. ''Great. Now that's over with how about we head back?''

''Eh, sure.. At least before Ozpin ends up complaining.''

Yang scoffed. ''More like Glynda. That woman appears to have a perpetual stick up her behind.'' She refrained from using more vulgar language since Ruby was with them.

Blake just shook her head. ''Let's just go.''

The following few days went by fast. Everything seemed to be back to normal…

..For the most part at least.

It was easy to miss but they had noticed Blake was more upbeat ever since that evening a few days back. They initially figured it had to do with a weight being lifted from her since she no longer had to hide to them that she was a Faunus but seeing how it hadn't tampered off, quite the opposite actually caused them to wonder.

Currently, the members of RWBY with the exception of Blake were huddled around another as she was in the bathroom doing.. whatever it was that she did. Classes were already over and it was nearing the evening.

''So…'' Yang's lilac orbs flickered over to her little sister and Weiss. ''Anyone managed to find out more about Blake's strange behavior?'' Two negative shakes of their heads was her answer which had her bite her bottom lip. ''Mhm.. I haven't managed to find out anything either. It doesn't help that she's a very private person. She's definitely been on her scroll a lot lately but I've not been able to peek at what she's doing with it.''

''Uhm.. p-perhaps we should just let it be?'' Ruby offered her two cents. ''I don't think it's polite to intrude on someone else's privacy.''

Yang sighed before wrapping an arm around her younger sister's neck and pulling her close. ''Oh Rubes,'' She sighed. ''You're still so innocent. We're a team and we're not supposed to be this secretive with another. See it as another form of showing concern.''

''I didn't think I'd agree with you but I do.'' Weiss butt in. ''It could be something dangerous or completely innocent.'' Their talk was interrupted as the bathroom door was opened and quickly they brought out some books to make it seem like they were studying so as to not arouse suspicion.

Yang of course was the one to look up from her book first towards the last member of their team, raising an eyebrow at seeing her in her usual clothes but with a leather jacket over it. She still wore her bow but Yang could swear she was wearing make-up, aside from her usual purple eyeshadow that is. ''Hey, going somewhere?''

''...Yes.'' Blake answered softly after a few seconds, not liking that all eyes were on her. She did her best to not look nervous as to not make them suspicious and ask more questions unaware that she was failing hard at that since she was fumbling with her jacket. ''I'm going now.. I'm already late. I'll be back sometime later, exactly when I don't know.''

Walking past the three, Blake closed the door behind her with a click. It only took a handful of seconds Yang's eyes moved over to her remaining team members. ''You're thinking what I'm thinking?''

''We stalk her?''

The blonde nodded with a grin. ''Mhm. And it's following her to make sure she's alright, not stalking.''

''Fine. I'll go and get ready.'' Weiss got up and headed to the bathroom previously occupied by Blake.

''Me too!'' Yang went to join her.

Left by herself, Ruby merely hung her head. ''They didn't even ask me…'' She had no choice but to join in. Thankfully she didn't need as much as they did. Just her scythe.

Making her way through the rather busy streets of Vale, Blake's eyes flickered from one side of the street to another as she was looking to spot a certain blond for their little d-date. Her cheeks turned pink at the thought!

She shook her head and brushed back a few strands of her hair.

''Blake!'' At the sounds of a familiar voice calling her name she looked to her right where she saw Naruto sitting at a table in a small open restaurant. He waved at her before nudging his head to the empty chair opposite of him to which she nodded and made her way to him.

She sat down before sending him a smile and greeting him. ''Hey Naruto. Hadn't seen you.'' Blake took a few seconds to look him over. His outfit was a casual looking button up shirt which he had left open with beneath it a light orange t-shirt. It was a weird combination but it strangely fit him well. His blond hair was still as unruly as ever though was longer than the last time she had seen him. ''You look.. nice.'' She complimented before looking down at her own outfit and sheepishly scratched her cheek.

''Thank you and don't worry. I didn't quite specify what to wear and your outfit looks good on you, the jacket is a nice touch.''

Blake suddenly found the table rather interesting as she felt her cheeks heat up at his honest words. She mumbled out a soft thanks that he barely caught.

''..You really do look great. Much happier than when I saw you the last time as well.''

''Likely because I am. I'm glad to have this opportunity to turn things around for myself. I'm not even sure if I would've done the same without ever meeting you.''

''Mm. For some reason I doubt that.'' Blake sent him a curious stare and he elaborated. ''I mean, who knows what might've happened if I hadn't found you that day. Your condition was quite bad.''

''I guess that's true.'' She gave a soft chuckle as she sipped her water that had been ordered by Naruto beforehand. ''But what about you? Things don't seem to be going well for you.'' Blake looked up to meet his eyes.

''It's true.'' He admitted with a frown. ''Things have really escalated back home. I'm not quite sure how to deal with the situation at hand.''

''Maybe I can help? You offered me advice so I could try and return your help. I feel like you need someone to talk to.''

''You're right, I do. Want to order something to eat first, my treat?''

''Sure, I haven't eaten yet as I somewhat figured we'd grab a bite.'' She felt herself smile as he made a soft 'Ah' noise while scratching the back of his head.

''Um.. Y-Yang? ..Sis?''

''Shh! Quiet Rubes.''

''But, I-I can't-''

''Hush! I second Yang, we're concentrating.'' Weiss hissed at the younger girl before feeling the blond bump her shoulder.

''Look! Over there, it's Blake.'' The two watched as their remaining teammate came into view. She was looking around while making her way through the busy street.

''..That jacket does suit her well.'' Weiss commented offhandedly before quickly quieting down when she saw something catch the ravenette's attention. Squinting, Weiss could make out a small smile before she turned and walked towards a small restaurant where they saw a blond male waving at her. Her surprise increased when Blake sat at the same table opposite from him and slowly she turned her head to the blonde beside her, meeting her as Yang looked at her with equil surprise.

''Blake has a date!?'' They exclaimed at the same time.

''EH! Lemme see!'' Ruby finally managed to squeeze herself between her two teammates as her silver eyes frantically flickered around to see Blake and eventually spotting her.

''Oh wow. You're not lying.''

''Guess that explains her behavior the past few days.'' Yang said with Weiss agreeing.

''Yeah. Never would have guessed honestly. No offense to her but she doesn't seem like the type for these kinds of things.'' They were used to Blake being rather unsociable. Prefering to be left alone if the matter at hand wasn't important so she could read her books and not saying more than is necessary.

''I see where you're coming from. I wonder who he is though as I don't recognize him. He's blond and it's hard to see from here but he doesn't appear to be that blond from a few days ago which triggered the whole.. you know?''

''No, I agree there. His hair definitely has a darker shade to it. He's also clothed properly.'' Weiss gave her own two cents and nodded at her own rather crude assessment. They kept watching the pair from a distance as they talked while having dinner before getting up and starting to move.

The pair were positioned close to another, almost shoulder to shoulder as they walked to the end of the street and turned the corner where they went out of their view.

The RWY of RWBY quickly scrambled to their feet in order to follow them. They wanted to make sure that whoever this guy was had good intentions towards Blake. At least it's what they told themselves to make excuses for their stalking.

Blake and Naruto sat on a bench located on top of a hill that was overlooking the town in which they had their dinner.

It was rather calming. Neither spoke but at the moment just having the other around was enough. Slowly and with a bit of hesitation Blake moved to lead her head onto his shoulder, blushing furiously all while doing so.

The blond didn't seem to mind however as the close contact was welcoming even if it was unexpected. He felt calm after telling Blake the issues he's been dealing with. He did wonder exactly what their relationship was at the moment. He didn't voice it out loud, though.

Likewise, Blake herself was busy questioning herself where she wanted this to go. She'd be lying to herself if she said she didn't feel anything for the blond. Something had been there, deep inside of her the moment she had woken up and found herself in his care. A small flame of which the intensity grew the more she came to know about him.

It was weird. She never really put much thought in relationships. Sure there was her old partner at the White Fang but that was more of a one sided infatuation he had with her.

This was different.

Naruto was kind and warm. He treated both humans and Faunus the same, he held no prejudice towards her kind which was refreshing to say the least. Not to mention that he was an actual prince, unlike Weiss which they jokingly called princess.

There wasn't anything negative she could say about him. And while Blake wouldn't say he was perfect he was definitely at the top of her list of people she liked. Then again she couldn't quite think of anyone else she liked in that manner...

Her musings were cut short when she took note of Naruto flicking his wrist towards the shrubbery to the right of them.

''OUCH!'' A familiar sounding yelp reached her ears and Blake saw not one, two but three familiar faces coming into view. They untangled themselves from another before getting to their feet and dusting themselves off afterwards they gave an awkward laugh.

''Ahaaha.. H-hey Blake.. What a coincidence you're here as well..'' Yang shuffled in place, looking at Weiss and Ruby for help who kept silent.

It took a few seconds for it to hit Blake but when it did she jumped to her feet. ''You guys?! What are you doing here?!'' She hissed accusingly towards them while fighting down her furious blush.

''We uh..'' Yang scrambled to find the right words before Ruby came to her aid.

''We were following you two. It was Yang and Weiss' idea! I was merely forced to go along.'' ...Or not as Yang gave her little sister a look of betrayal.

Blake took a couple of deep breaths to calm her rising anger before asking a question. ''And how long have you two been spying on us?'' Her ears twitching beneath her bow when they averted their eyes.

''So, these are your teammates?'' Naruto had gotten up and stood beside Blake.

The raven haired girl had momentarily forgot he was there as she turned to him and nodded with a hint of embarrassment. ''Yes.'' She admitted with a sigh.

''Heh. Calm down Blake, they were just concerned.''

''T-that's right! Wait, you knew we were watching you two?'' A nod.

''Of course, none of you put any effort in concealing your aura.'' He said off handedly.

Here Blake sent him an accusing look. ''Why didn't you tell me?''

''There was no harm to it. I just wanted to enjoy our time. I doubt you would've acted the same if you knew they were watching.'' He referred to her putting her head on his shoulder. ''But if you wish to I apologize.''

''No.. It's fine.'' Blake said rather subdued.

''I suppose he was the reason you acted different these past days?'' Weiss asked while occasionally glancing towards the blond. She could swear he seemed familiar but couldn't say why.

''What's his name?'' Ruby butt in.

''I think it's polite to introduce yourself first, right?'' He gave them a smile.

''Right! I'm Ruby Rose.'' The smallest of the three introduced herself.

''Yang Xiao Long.'' The blonde was next.

Last one was the white haired girl and though Naruto already knew who she was he kept quiet as she introduced herself. ''Weiss Schnee.''

''Mhm. Nice to meet you three, I'm Naruto Uzumaki.''

As he spoke his name a audible gasp left Weiss while the blonde girl furrowed her brows as the name did sound familiar.

''U-Uzumaki?! As in the island Uzushio, those Uzumaki?'' A nod came from him. ''But- But that means you're a royalty. An actual prince!''

''Ah! That's right!'' It finally came to Yang. ''I knew it sounded familiar. Oh wow.. an actual prince. And Blake, you're dating him!?'' A trickle of jealousy seeped into her voice. She wouldn't mind a boyfriend who was an actual prince. They were hard to come by, though.

The Faunus' orbs of gold widened. ''Ah! No, I mean- It's uh, we're not- I think…'' Blake was at a loss for words. It was true they just had a date, even if neither called it that but they weren't dating either. She didn't want to outright deny it though as she wasn't quite sure how that would affect their relationship as she wasn't opposed to the prospect of him being her boyfriend.

''Anyway,'' Naruto cut in, saving Blake from saying something she may come to regret and earning him a thankful look from her. ''I think our time together has come to an end for now. I had a lot of fun though and it was good to see you in person. You uhm, want to meet up again sometime soon?''

''Of course.'' Blake answered quickly. ''I mean, I had a enjoyable time as well and wouldn't mind seeing you again. We'll decide a date later over our scroll as I'm not sure when I'm free.''

''That's fine with me. I do hope you'll send a message quicker than last time.'' He joked which had her roll her eyes.

''Sure. You want to walk back with us or..''

''Nah I'm good. I'll call in a Bullhead to pick me up as it should still be here in Vale.''

''I see.. then,'' Not only did Blake surprise herself and him, her team looked surprised as well when she leaned up and pressed her lips to his cheek. ''Till next time.'' She spoke with bright red cheeks while he gave a nod at the unexpecting gesture.

''Yes.. till next time.'' He mumbled as he watched her run over to her friends, looking back one more time as he waved her goodbye. His lips turned into a fond smile as he watched the blonde bring an arm around Blake who struggled. ''Such an interesting group those four.''

End Chapter.