Ugh I wrote the last part in five minutes. Anyways, i made the characters act older -coughcough- and all that good stuff.

yay

Chapter 6: Reunion Part II

Sasuke took in a shaky breath. She smelled like honey. Sweet. Strong. Soothing. His grip on her tightened, and he felt his shoulders shake. Was he… Was he crying? But no, his cheeks were dry.

Were they?

Sasuke found himself thinking if this were all a dream – just like all the other million ones he had these past eight years.

But her scent, her murmurs into his chest, the feel of her arms at his back…

"It's you. It has to be. I…" he whispered, his heart almost flying out of his throat.

Naruto laughed breathlessly, one damp cheek pressed hard against Sasuke's chest. She whispered his name over and over again, and her hand came up to touch his cheek.

Sasuke knew his heart was going to give out any second. It was beating too fast, too hard. "Dobe."

Naruto laughed again, new batch of tears streaming down her whiskered cheeks. "Teme."

He placed his chin easily resting on the top of her head. She was as short and small as ever. They stayed like that for a long time, each finally allowing the shock ebb away into pure joy. Naruto stirred, and she dared to do the one thing she had most feared.

Taking a step back and craning her neck, Naruto tilted her head upwards and stared deeply into Sasuke's cauldron-black eyes.

The same pair of onyx eyes that had haunted her every night in her sleep. She saw emotions flit quickly in the midnight pools, and her breath stuck in her throat.

They were the same.

Sasuke… He was still her Sasuke. No matter what Kakashi or Kiba said, he was still the same.

Sasuke's eyes softened. "Naruto." The blonde girl's lip quivered dangerously. "Have I changed?" he questioned after a tender moment of silence.

"No," she whispered fiercely, trying to blink off tears. It didn't work. They dripped onto Sasuke's shoulders and mixed in with his blood. "The same, you fucking bastard."

He pressed his face into her sunshine hair and breathed in her scent. "Insulting me already?"

"Training your ass off as usual, I see."

"Hn."

Naruto gave out a breathless laugh. "What am I going to do with you, Sasuke? You'll never learn the right way to train." Her eyes softened with love and adoration, and Sasuke felt his legs go weak. "C'mon, Sasuke, let me fix you up."

To her surprise, the hold Sasuke had on her tightened and Naruto looked up into Sasuke's face. He had a worry line etched on his forehead, and his eyes were flaring with stubbornness. "S-Sasuke?"

"I don't want to let you go," he said softly in a steel voice. "Never am I ever going to let you go."

Naruto's eyes were wet another time with unshed tears. "Oh Sasuke, I'm not going to leave, I promise you. I'll never – "

She didn't get to finish.

He had pressed his lips fiercely against hers, and she felt his need to suppress his insecurity. A fire flared up within her core and she found herself quickly responding. Her lips hungrily pressed back against his, and her arms snaked around his neck and brought him as close as possible. Her body instinctively twisted around his, and the shiver that went through both their bodies made them breathless.

"Sasuke…" Naruto murmured when they broke apart. His eyes glinted passionately as he stared at her and his gaze made her feel naked. The blonde girl brought her uninjured hand up to touch his cheek. "Sasuke, why did you do that?"

"Do you not want me to?" he whispered back, and he brushed his lips against hers once more. "I don't care if this is a dream; I'm going to make the most of it." His eyes glazed over with lust and love. "Naruto, I want you now. Please." Not waiting for her answer, he kissed her lips and began to unzip her jacket.

Naruto was in heaven. How many times she had craved for Sasuke's touch, and now she was getting everything she had ever wanted and even more than what she had ever dreamed of. She felt the fire inside flare every time Sasuke kissed her, and before she knew what had happened, her jacket was on the ground and Sasuke's lips were pressed against her neck. She purred softly, and the purr soon became a quiet moan as she felt Sasuke's gentle teeth bite lovingly into her skin.

But this has to stop… It was wrong, they had just met…

"Sasuke," Naruto whimpered, not wanting this to end but knowing it had to. Her thoughts were once again blown to smithereens when she felt Sasuke's hands start to move down towards her yearning breasts, but…

The blonde gently grabbed Sasuke's hands and eased them away from her chest. Sasuke was not easily deterred, for his lips were soon again on Naruto's, and it was all she could do to not kiss him back. "We need to stop, Sasuke…" she whispered.

Sasuke could barely comprehend what the blonde was saying. "Why?" he muttered, tenderly licking Naruto's three whiskered scars. The small girl shuddered in want and Sasuke felt himself go hard. Never had he ever felt like this. Never, that is, except when he thought about her.

Naruto finally put two fingers against Sasuke's mouth and waited for her breathing to go back to normal. Her vision cleared and she glared at Sasuke in a combination of exasperation and fondness.

"Not two minutes in your presence," Naruto said in frustration, "and you're already making me feel like a newly-wedded bride. What is with you, Sasuke? I've always thought I was the only girl able to resist your charms, but it seems like you have always held back on me, huh?"

Sasuke merely stared at Naruto calmly, his eyes suddenly becoming sad and strange.

Naruto was taken aback. "Sasuke?" she said. "What's the matter?"

Sasuke removed Naruto's hand from his mouth and put her hand against his chest, and she could feel his heartbeat. She searched his eyes, and he smiled tenderly at her panicking face. "You know," he said in an emotionless voice, "I'm surprised you stayed this long. You normally disappear before I can even touch your face. Is it because I've exhausted myself beyond help?"

The blonde caught on and her heart went out to Sasuke. "Oh Sasuke," she breathed out, lips trembling as she tried not to burst into tears. "It's not a hallucination, Sasuke. I'm here for real this time. Honestly."

Something flickered in his midnight eyes, but it was soon gone. A small scowl was sketched on Sasuke's face. "That's what they all say…" he muttered, more to himself than Naruto.

Naruto's chin then jutted out and her eyes flashed. "You don't believe me, Sasuke?"

Sasuke met her eyes levelly. "I can't believe in all of what my hallucinations say, Naruto. If I did, I would've gone crazy by now."

The blonde's body trembled with uncontrollable aggravation. "Fine, if that's what you really think, two can play at this game." She balled her hands, ignoring the pain that shot up her injured arm. "I'll make you realize just how real and living I am."

This time it was Sasuke who was caught by surprise as Naruto crushed her lips against his. Her small body suddenly wedged itself against Sasuke's need and it was all Sasuke could do to hold back his groan. He felt himself go rigid, and his knees were just ready to give out. His hands swiftly shot out to grab Naruto's waist and without thinking he grinded himself into her, and she mewled in astonishment and lust. He lost his footing and fell forward onto Naruto, both of them landing on the foresty ground.

Before Naruto could react, there was a loud rip, and with great shock Naruto realized Sasuke had torn apart her shirt. "Sasuke!" she gasped, in alarm. She saw Sasuke's keen stare at her chest and blush blossomed across her cheeks, tinting her whole face red. Her arms came up to wrap around her half naked torso, trying to shield herself from Sasuke's hungry eyes.

She knew what was coming next, and it wasn't as if she didn't want it to happen. No, she wanted Sasuke as badly as he wanted her, but she was afraid it was something they would come to regret later. Naruto closed her eyes when she felt Sasuke touch her arm, but the amazement in his voice caused her to open them again.

"Your arm," Sasuke said in wonder and horror. "It's bruised." He lightly fingered her poisoned wound. "I…" His eyes made contact with hers, and Naruto's heart melted with relief and love when she saw realization dawn in the midnight pools. But Sasuke's face was now contorted in distress. "Naruto… You - you are real."

She bit her lower lip, confusion causing her eyebrows to furrow. "That's what I've been trying to tell you, Sasuke. But why – " Her voice stopped when Sasuke snatched back his arm from hers and bolted upright, and the blonde tried to hide her hurt. "Sasuke?"

His eyes were staring at her in repulsion. "Naruto, Naruto…" he whispered, and his hands came up to clutch his head. "Oh my god…"

The blonde got into a sitting position as well and pleaded at Sasuke with her cerulean eyes. "Sasuke, what's the matter? Do you not want me to be here?" Her voice broke. "Do you want me to leave?"

"What are you talking about?!" Sasuke's voice was harsh. "Are you sure you still want to be here? After I essentially just sexually assaulted – " He froze when he felt Naruto jump into his chest and wrap her arms around his neck.

"My poor Sasuke," she said soothingly. "Today isn't your good day, is it?" She kissed his cheek. "You silly bastard, what are you talking about? Sexually assaulted? Excuse me for saying, but I thought rape was something that was done against the girl's will." She smiled at Sasuke's wild, puzzled expression. "Though I do think the shirt ripping was a bit extreme."

Sasuke's eyes never left Naruto's. "You… You - " he spluttered inaudibly.

A smile graced Naruto's face. "Oh I get it now. Ha, you thought I was a hallucination, that's why you were so forward with me. But now that you find out I'm real, you're at a loss of what to do." She giggled. "How disappointing. Here I am, thinking that you actually wanted me. But it was just because you missed me so much that you were confused."

Sasuke felt numb. "Naruto."

Naruto kissed his forehead. "Yes, my dear?"

Sasuke's eyes fluttered quickly to her bosom before he hastily looked away. This time it was Sasuke with crimson cheeks. "I'm… I'm sorry. I just can't believe… I thought I lost you forever."

Naruto was strangely quiet, and Sasuke dared to glance at her face. He was relieved there was no trace of anger in her eyes, but he was unnerved by her unblinking stare.

To his wonder, a smirk flicked onto Naruto's face. "Has anyone told you how adorable you still look when you're embarrassed, Sasu-chan?" she chimed out. Sasuke grew red. She licked his cheek, causing it to turn almost purple in color. "Now, teme," she purred. "Can we get our wounds fixed or are you going to kiss me again?"

Sasuke grinned – sheepishly – the most beautiful grin that took Naruto's breath away. "Both." His lips caught hers.

XXX

Sasuke sat on the couch, his heart feeling the lightest it had felt in eight years. It was all he could do to not jump out of his seat and dash into the bathroom to make sure Naruto was still there. But – here, color came back to his cheeks – he was already pretty damn forward today, and he decided to not push his luck, although he was sure Naruto enjoyed every bit of it just as much as he did…

The sound of the bathroom door opening and footsteps down the hallway alerted his attention and he tried to calm himself down. Already he couldn't wait to see her face, and it had only been what? Ten minutes?

As Naruto strolled into the living room with medicinal balm in her hands, she was aware of Sasuke's eyes boring right at her, and love filled her heart. She grinned hugely at the raven-haired teen. "Missed me, Sasuke-chan?"

He scowled slightly, but she knew it was just a pretense. "It took you long enough."

"Well I'm sorry," she sniffed out playfully, "but do you have any idea how many drawers your bathroom had? And I finally found something that wasn't expired." She held up the bottle. "Sit down."

He blinked at her. "Dobe?"

"Did I stutter? Sit down on that chair and take off your shirt." Naruto furrowed her eyebrows and began to read the instruction's manual on the back of the bottle, so she didn't see the flush across Sasuke's cheeks.

Dammit. It's just your shirt, Sasuke! Stop thinking so… so…

Sasuke proceeded to do what Naruto told him to do, trying his very best to control his inner turmoil, and then he remembered what had happened to her shirt, and he quickly glanced at her. With surprise, he realized the attire she had casually thrown on was his. His black shirt was obviously too big for her and it hung way below her waist. And the white shorts she had changed into – Sasuke had outgrown it years ago – fell a little bit past her knees.

Sasuke broke out of his daze when Naruto clapped her hands together. "All right, let's do this!" Naruto sauntered over to where Sasuke sat and squirted a whole bunch of liquid gel onto her hands. "Tell me if it hurts, Sasuke."

He scowled, but then shivered when he felt Naruto press the cool balm over his back. He sensed that she was being hesitant and careful. "Dobe, I'm not a baby. It doesn't hurt, really. You don't have to hold back." He looked over at her and caught her staring at him intensely. The sudden urge to kiss her made the air spark with electricity and tension, and Naruto quickly broke eye contact.

"Sasuke, you're making me feel like a fangirl," the blonde muttered, reddening. "It's not fair."

Sasuke smirked. "What are you talking about?"

"Why does it seem like you always have so much power over me, and yet it seems like I have no power over you?" Naruto pouted. "It always ends with me ending up like jelly under your touch." She sensed Sasuke's powerful gaze on her face, and she was too scared to look at him. With sudden surprise she felt him turn around, grab her, and he threw her into his lap, her back against his naked chest. She stiffened in shock and anticipation.

Sasuke pressed his lips into her hair, his eyes amused. "Usuratonkachi, don't you remember it was always me who was better at hiding my emotions? I can read you like a book." A glower appeared on Naruto's face.

"You do not," she stubbornly said. "You're just saying that."

Sasuke nuzzled the side of her cheek. "Of course, dobe." His smile grew bigger when he felt her relax into his embrace. "You must really like to be me, Naruto, seeing how you're back to wearing my clothes again."

Naruto's chin jutted out. "Shut up, if you hadn't shredded my shirt, I wouldn't need to wear your shirt!"

The raven chuckled. "I ripped your shirt?" He nipped the back on Naruto's neck, getting a soft whimper out of the girl. "What shall I rip next, then…?" His hands traced Naruto's waistline.

Naruto mewled out a protest. "Sasuke!" Her eyes snapped back to attention and she turned around to glare at him. "I say we need to talk about this."

Sasuke sighed, knowing the blonde was right. "I can already guess what you're going to say."

"Oh?" The blonde raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Sasuke wrapped his arms around Naruto's torso and gently tightened his hold. She didn't protest. "Naruto, believe me when I say I never – and never will – feel like this around anyone. Anyone, that is, except for you. This feels right, Naruto. I don't care if I haven't seen you in eight years." He blew out a frustrated breath, and Naruto rested the back of her head against Sasuke's neck. She didn't respond.

"Remember…" Sasuke began in a curious voice.

"Remember what?" the blonde echoed quietly, her fingers twiddling around with Sasuke's.

"Remember when we were little? When we couldn't decide if our love towards each other was sibling love or real affection?" Sasuke then changed Naruto's position on his lap until she was face to face with him. Naruto saw the seriousness in his cauldron-black eyes and her breath hitched in her throat. "Naruto, I love you. I love you as a brother and as a lover."

Sasuke saw Naruto's beautiful baby-blue eyes widen and saw her look deep into his eyes, trying to seek out a lie. He had nothing to hide, and so he let her glimpse far into his soul. The dawning of truth in Naruto's eyes made Sasuke's heart feel like it was ready to burst into joy, and he knew from that moment, that he wanted – needed – to spend the rest of his life with her.

"Naruto, marry me."

He waited on thin ice as Naruto's eyes never broke contact, her ocean blue pools staring straight into his own being. He knew that she could tell he spoke the truth, but did she feel the same way? Did she…

Naruto's head came to rest against his neck once more. "Sasuke," she said slowly in a tired voice. "I've met you for less than thirty minutes after eight years of separation. Please keep that in mind. Additionally, love, we are sixteen-years-old, driven wild by our hormones."

Sasuke was ready. "Eight years of separation mean nothing to me, Naruto. I love you for you, nothing can change that, not even death. And we have always been mature for our age, Uzumaki Naruto. Don't put the blame on puberty."

Naruto didn't reply, and Sasuke said affectionately. "Naruto – "

"You dumbass," she suddenly whispered, cutting into his sentence. He calmly waited for her to continue. "Aren't you forgetting some things?" she hissed, her small body trembling, racked with fierce emotions. "I'm the daughter of the Yondaime, you're the last of the Uchiha Clan, and in the midst of that, our brother is lost somewhere out there. And all you can think about is marrying me? A few minutes ago you didn't even think I was real!"

Her head tilted back and she glared at Sasuke, azure eyes flashing different emotions per second.

Sasuke smoothed back her bangs, putting on a calm charade. "And so your answer would be?"

Her glare intensified into a ferocious scowl. "The damn answer is yes, and you perfectly know it yourself, don't you? But you just had to ask me in case I get asked by someone else, am I right?"

Sasuke's face was ready to split in half by his huge grin. "Do you have any idea how many fanboys you left behind? I'm playing it safe, Naruto." He kissed her forehead. "I know you'll also order me to not talk about this ever again until the time comes, and I consent. Siblings, just you and me. We'll pretend this conversation never happened."

Naruto sniffed indignantly. "What conversation?" she asked in a miffed tone. Sasuke laughed freely, and the blonde drank in the delicious sound, knowing it would be a long time before she would heard it again. There was a comfortable silence, broken only by Naruto's inquisitive voice.

"Hey, Sasuke," she said quietly.

"Hn."

"Who exactly are the 'fanboys' you mentioned?"

Sasuke looked down at Naruto, flabbergasted, only to meet her innocent and angelic stare. "You really want to know?" he stated unenthusiastically. She nodded in eagerness. Sasuke sighed. "Everyone that you hung out with, dobe, who was of the opposite gender."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Get out!" she exclaimed, bolting upright. Sasuke scowled at her, but Naruto took no notice. "Kiba got mad at me today."

"Oh?" Sasuke was interested. "What happened?" The raven fought back the wave of jealousy when he realized that Kiba was probably the first person Naruto saw in Konoha.

"I don't know, he just blew up at me when we talked about you and my departure." Naruto's eyes swiftly flitted up to Sasuke's before she dropped them and stared at her hands. She squirmed uneasily.

Sasuke's eyes hardened. Here it was, the topic they both tried to avoid but knew they needed to get to the bottom of. The raven teen took a deep breath. Quick and clean. "Naruto…" She looked up. "Tell me," he urged lightly. "Why did you leave the way you did?" Sasuke's voice was harsh with pain. "Was it because of me? If – "

"No!" Naruto's whisper was shrill and hysterical. "Sasuke, don't you get it? I had to. If I heard you say one more word, my resolve would've crumbled to pieces. Did you actually think I wanted to go? Never, Sasuke. Never in a billion years." Her lip quivered.

Sasuke heard the truth in her words, and the small tight burden that was always against his heart was lifted. "Tell me about the person you stayed with," he then stated, stroking Naruto's hair.

Naruto glanced at Sasuke before her eyes took a distant look, seeing things only she could see. Her voice was suddenly small and frail. "Her name was Satoshi. I didn't know her last name, but somehow she was related to Hokage-jiji. When I first met her, I wondered how I would learn any ninjutsu or genjutsu from her. She was old." The blonde bit her lip.

"Well, the first year was basically Satoshi trying to bring the life back into me again. I… I just wanted to curl up somewhere and die. Thinking about Itachi and you, and everything, there just wasn't much to live for anymore. My heart was broken." A smile soon graced Naruto's face, and the purity of it took Sasuke's breath away.

"Satoshi-baasan saved me, you know. She became the family I had lost and left behind. She taught me everything I know and don't know. I do suppose I am like her: stubborn, crude, obnoxious, frank." Pain shot through Naruto's face. "Then when our money ran out, I… I began to earn our living by working in the town bar, as the maid," the blonde stated emotionlessly.

Sasuke stiffened, and he heard what she didn't say. "Naruto?!" he hissed, and his hold on her shoulders tightened. "Tell me you didn't, please tell me you didn't."

She shook her head, still lost in her stupor. "Do you know when guys are in need, they'll tell you just about anything? That's how Satoshi-baasan and I got our money and news. Through ninjas that pass by the bar who… who…" Naruto hung her head.

Rage consumed Sasuke. "Naruto, are you telling me you sold your body to – "

Naruto smiled grimly and touched Sasuke's face. "Sasuke, I'm still a 'virgin.'"

Sasuke stared at her with glazed Sharingan eyes.

Naruto stroked Sasuke's eyelids gently, trying to soothe him. "The bartender was nice to me, you know. He needed to earn money so he hired me because he knew I would draw attention, but he respected the fact that I was a minor, so he never let me do the real thing. But since I was… more attractive than the real lady of the place, I helped the guys to become aroused before they slept with her."

Sasuke's body shook, and he held Naruto closer, his Sharingan eyes staring into a world of red.

"Sasuke," the blonde whispered. "It's okay, I'm fine. Nothing's bad ever happened, don't hurt for me anymore, Sasuke. It's over." A bloodthirsty shudder went through Sasuke as he tried to pull himself together, and he nodded once, signaling her to continue. She gently kissed his cheek and closed her eyes, bringing herself to remember her most painful memory ever since the Massacre.

"Three months ago, a group of unknown ninjas appeared in town, and it turned out that they didn't believe that the Yondaime's child wasn't still in Konoha. They were planning an ambush on the Hokage when he was going to visit Suna. I panicked and ran back to Satoshi-baachan, and her face became so pale, I worried she was going to faint on me right there and then. But she merely told me I must travel back to Konoha at all costs to tell Hokage-jiji. I couldn't argue, and I immediately set off."

Naruto bit the inside of her cheek. "I didn't realize until later that Satoshi-baachan had decided to die. The ninjas somehow found out that I was the Yondaime's daughter and attacked Satoshi-baachan shortly after I left. I was then chased by the two ninja Sataoshi-baabaa couldn't kill before she… she…"

Her throat became thick and she couldn't go on any further. She felt Sasuke's strong arms around her shoulder, and she knew it was worth it. She hadn't want to come back, scared that things weren't going to be the same anymore, but for once she was happy to be wrong. There were no more hardships, as long as Sasuke would be right next to her, helping her through the difficult times.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, as her sobs became louder.

They stayed like that for a little while, each lost in their own thoughts, and only the occasional hiccup from Naruto could be heard. Sasuke never ceased stroking her hair tenderly, lovingly, and Naruto, in a long time, felt safe and secure. She cuddled against his warm and sturdy chest, breathing in his clean and soothing scent.

"Sasuke?"

He grunted to show he heard.

"Did you… hear anything about niisan?" she whispered.

Sasuke's heart still skipped a beat even though he knew she was to ask this question sooner or later. "No."

Her face fell. "Oh."

Sasuke rested his chin on her head. "Why do you believe in him so much, Naruto?" His hand suddenly began to trace up and down the blonde's back until he came to the scar he was looking for. "He hurt you. He hurt all of us."

Naruto stilled as she felt Sasuke finger her old scar. "Yeah? But he loved all of us as well. If you love someone, you wouldn't kill them for no good reason. Or simply for power."

"Naruto, you wouldn't know."

"I at least know Itachi. And I believe in him." Her voice rang with tenacity, and Sasuke sighed in defeat.

"Think what you will, Naruto. But just don't get hurt again." He stroked her scar, feeling hatred at the one that caused them so much pain, and Sasuke knew he could never forgive Itachi, no matter what Naruto said. "Did you visit Father and Mother?"

Naruto's face was the picture of anguish. "Hokage-jiji told me they didn't get better. So… So I decided I would visit them with you. I was too scared to do it myself." She caught Sasuke's eye and sensed his fury. "At least they're alive," she whispered softly.

"If you can call it that," came his terse reply. Naruto couldn't argue. Instead she reached over to her medicine bottle and squeezed out some more cream, slowly beginning to apply it to the cuts on Sasuke's neck and chest. She blushed when she felt an involuntary tremble from Sasuke, and she met his intense stare with a grin.

"Gosh, Sasuke, in my mind, you were the least horny person of them all. I used to fret that you were gay," she teased. "What happened?"

Sasuke's eyes never left Naruto's. "What happened?" he repeated slowly, his voice only a rumble in his chest. The raven pressed his forehead against the blonde's. "You."

Naruto crossed her arms and stared severely at Sasuke. "I don't believe you, Sasuke. You're easily the hottest guy in Konoha, I'll admit that. So why the heck would you choose me? And besides, as I've pointed out before, it's been eight years since we last saw each other. I'm pretty sure you have a lady friend out there whom you're keeping a secret from me."

Sasuke stayed silent, and then he proceeded to squirt some balm out of the medicinal bottle. Naruto's suspicious gaze never left his face, and she could only blink when he stuck his hand out at her. "Dobe, your arm," he murmured. "C'mon, I'm not going to hurt you."

She hmph-ed but did what she was told. Sasuke's strong and reassuring hands then carefully began to apply the ointment. Naruto looked at the raven-haired teen, and she knew no matter how much she denied it, she had fallen for him, and bad. Sasuke, somehow sensing Naruto's gaze, kissed Naruto's hand.

"You now realize what a stupid question you asked me?" he asjed simply, taking a piece of cloth and ripping it into long shreds with his teeth. He started binding her wound with them. "Dobe."

She glowered. "Teme."

The clock suddenly struck three, and Naruto watched in fascination as the cuckoo bird flung itself in and out of the wooden house. She remembered back when she had begged Fugaku to buy the clock for Mikoto, and a wistful smile appeared on Naruto's face. It had been so long ago.

Sasuke stirred and placed a finger on Naruto's cheek. "It's my training time," he said. She turned to look at him, cerulean eyes wide. He smiled. "You don't have to come, Naruto. Just stay here, I'll be back in about two or three hours."

A pout appeared on Naruto's face. "I don't want to stay here by myself." She bit her lip. "I don't want to talk to anyone else either." The girl sighed sadly. "And I'm too emotionally worn out to henge."

Sasuke put on a straight face. "Emotionally worn out?"

Naruto glared daggers at Sasuke. "Teme, just because I said 'yes' to your cheesy proposal, don't think it's final. You don't even have a ring." Sasuke opened his mouth, and Naruto leapt agilely out of Sasuke's lap, both her hands held up defensively. "Never mind, I don't want to know. I'm going to search around for some hair dye and colored contacts. It'll only take a second."

Sasuke blinked. "So are you going with me or not?"

The blonde's face fell. "No," she said softly. "I don't think I'm up to it yet. I'm just going to follow you out and then walk around the streets." She saw Sasuke's expression and said indignantly, "Baka, I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Wait for me outside, teme!" And she ran off.

XXX

"Stop staring at me, idiot," Naruto snapped at Sasuke when she walked out of the front door and proceeded to lock it. "I know it's weird, but it was the only color that was left besides black, and black is such a boring color, no offense."

Sasuke furrowed his eyebrows in disbelief. He didn't know how to feel about this red-haired, purple-eyed alien standing in front of him.

"Very far from your connection with Uzumaki Naruto, right?" the girl said matter-of-factly. "I don't even have my whiskers anymore. And my attire is something 'Uzumaki Naruto' would never wear."

Sasuke glanced quickly at her garments. She wore a pink tank top, white jean short shorts, and had on little red flip-flops. He even realized that she had put on a dash of lip gloss and eyeliner. "Where'd you find all of that?" he asked in amazement.

She made a face, though to Sasuke, no matter what expression she had on there was no one more beautiful. "They're old as hell, Sasuke. I think they were Mother's girl clothes. When she was dating Papa, I believe." She jumped off the steps of the front porch. "Let's go."

As they were walking down the little path that led to the main street of Konoha, Naruto sensed a great change coming over the two of them. Sasuke's leisurely pace suddenly became faster and jerkier, and his features were sharper and somehow, more distant. But Naruto knew the same transformation was happening to her. Satoshi-baabaa always told Naruto that her eyes would become misty and veiled in public.

Naruto took a deep breath as they walked into Konoha's downtown, and the unexpected hordes of people overwhelmed her. She made sure to keep a pace or two behind Sasuke but tried to act like she was not with him to prevent further gossip. Naruto was definitely right when she said Sasuke was probably the hottest guy in town, for women and men alike would stop to leer at Sasuke with a great longing in their eyes.

She felt saddened to see his face harden with every look he got from the strangers, but she knew it was to be expected. This was routine for the both of them; their public masks prevented them from getting hurt.

When they got to the quieter part of town, Naruto saw Sasuke turn his head slightly around and she slowed down her pace. "Where do you want me to drop you off?" he asked apathetically from the corner of his mouth, glaring at a couple of women who were hiding behind a tree and giggling at the Uchiha.

Naruto didn't have to think long. "Kiba," she said softly. Sasuke's eyes darted quickly to Naruto's before breaking eye contact. His speed quickened again, and she hastened to keep up.

XXX

Kiba was in his room, brooding over everything that had happened earlier, but the more he thought about it, the sadder and rueful he felt. Akamaru sensed his owner's pain and suffering and gave a whine for comfort. Kiba smiled sadly and patted the dog's head.

"I screwed up big time, Akamaru," he murmured regretfully. "I can't believe I actually got mad at her. What the fuck is wrong with me?" Akamaru's whine became a long whimper, and the dog licked his master's hand.

Kiba and Akamaru suddenly heard footsteps coming towards their room, and the boy straightened, erasing his face of any emotion. Someone soon knocked on his door.

"Come in," Kiba said hesitantly.

It was his sister. "Little brother, someone wants to see you. They're waiting for you outside. Don't keep him waiting." Before Kiba could ask her who it was, she had whisked away. Kiba then shared a long look with Akamaru before sighing and getting up slowly, stretching his cramping legs.

"Well, Akamaru, let's go meet this visitor."

The pair walked out of the room and unhurriedly ambled over towards the front door. Kiba's curiosity was pretty much spiked, he wondered who -

Kiba stiffened. Uchiha Sasuke!

Akamaru barked once as his owner took over in a mad sprint, and Kiba in record time was at the entrance. He ripped apart the sliding door and came face to face with the stoic Uchiha. They stared each other down.

"You'd better be here for a good reason," Kiba spat out, hands balled into a fist. "Don't tell me – "

"Is this how you treat guests here?" Sasuke cut in, voice vacant and black eyes cold. "Hn. I'm not surprised."

Kiba was ready to tackle the Uchiha when she finally spoke up.

"Sasuke, please, don't. And I'm sorry, Kiba, for this abrupt visit. If I've come at a bad time, I can leave." Her voice chimed out loud and strong in the air, and the tension cleared. Kiba saw how Sasuke's eyes instantly softened, and he looked behind the Uchiha to gaze at the pretty girl who he knew could only be Naruto.

Just an hour ago, when he had last seen her, it was like she was from a different world. Her words were short and brief, her eyes blank and ice-cold. But now, there was a great difference in her presence and manner, and Kiba knew it was all the work of one person: Sasuke. He looked at Sasuke again, and the Uchiha nodded tersely.

"Don't you hurt her again." Sasuke turned and walked to Naruto. The movement – so very brief that Kiba almost missed it – stunned Kiba as well as Akamaru. The Uchiha Sasuke had gently wound two fingers against Naruto's, and after a murmured word to the girl – she grinned cheekily – he was gone.

It was just Kiba and Naruto.

Naruto fidgeted agitatedly. "I know this is so weird and everything, I hardly know why I'm doing this myself, but I can't stand thinking that you're still mad at me and – " In two strides Kiba walked over and Naruto was crushed into his big embrace.

"Naruto, oh my god, Naruto, I'm so glad I have you back." To his surprise, Kiba felt tears well up in his eyes. He rarely cried. "You… In just one hour, I can't believe His Royal Bastardness actually warmed you up to your usual self." He looked the girl intriguingly. "How did he do it?"

The blush that quickly flushed through Naruto's cheeks told Kiba he didn't need to know anymore.

"Never mind," the boy said hastily. He grinned at the girl. "Red hair? Purple eyes?"

Naruto scowled. "Oh be quiet, Kiba. I personally think it's rather fashionable." She saw Kiba's face turn into wonder. "What? What's the matter? It's not that bad, c'mon!"

Kiba could barely put his shock into words. "Naruto, even your manner of speaking is different." He brushed back the girl's newly dyed crimson bangs. "When I first saw you this morning, I thought your voice had become rough. But now, You're no different than when you left!" In his elation, Kiba pressed his lips against Naruto's forehead but quickly froze, wondering if he had gone too far. He saw Naruto looking at him with big, loving violet eyes, and he reddened, wondering if this were actually happening.

Naruto smiled at Kiba. "You're happy, so I'm assuming it's a good thing that I'm back to 'normal'?"

Kiba lifted the small girl up in the air and began twirling her around, feeling the warm tears trickle down his cheeks as Naruto laughed freely. "Fuck yes, Naru-chan, yes."

XXX

Kiba knew they drew attention but he didn't give a shit. He didn't give a shit about anything anymore, except for the girl next to him who was shyly holding onto his hand. His heart jumped excitedly in his chest, like the first time it did when he had kissed a girl. He glanced at Naruto again, knowing that she was definitely no ordinary girl.

Naruto, meanwhile, was off in her own little paradise. She had thought that she would've been scared to meander around the streets, even with Kiba, but it turned out that Kiba was something Sasuke wasn't: social. Everyone seemed to love Kiba, and naturally they assumed Naruto was his little lady friend and they accepted her with no questions. It was too good to be true.

"Hey, hey, Kiba," she said eagerly, tugging on his hand. He smiled at the animated little girl next to him. How did he ever think she wasn't childlike anymore?

"Yes, Mei?"

Naruto smiled at the nickname Kiba picked for her. "I want to see the genin training grounds."

Kiba gave her a skeptical look, in which Naruto stuck her tongue out at him. "If you wanted to see Sasuke train, why didn't you just follow him?" Kiba mockingly groaned. "Now we have to walk in the opposite direction."

She grinned insolently. "You know, Kiba, you only have yourself to blame."

Kiba blinked. "Oh?"

Naruto shook her head in incredulity. "You make me feel safe, Kiba. You really do." Her voice had a tinge of awe. "I can't believe I didn't notice it earlier today, but I think I was too strung up about meeting Sasuke. But Sasuke loosened me up, and though we're both stiff as sticks in public, you help me feel secure around strangers." Naruto's smile warmed up Kiba's heart. "Thank you, Kiba."

Kiba gently touched Naruto's nose. "'It was you who taught me to be open to people. Don't you remember?"

Naruto took both of Kiba's hands in hers. "Then it's up to you to teach me this time, Kiba."

"Mei…" Kiba's eyes were serious now, and his grip on her tightened. "What happened to you? What caused you to become like this?"

The girl sighed, eyes dropping to the ground. "Kiba, it's such a long story..." She hugged Kiba's waist, for her head only came up to his chest. "I promise I'll tell you someday."

Kiba smiled ruefully. "That's at least more than what you told me this morning." He suddenly picked Naruto up and threw her onto his back. "You walk too slow, little girl. So thank me for giving you a piggyback ride."

Naruto giggled. "Of course." She punched her fist in the air. "Let's first go buy some snacks and then off to the training grounds we'll go!"

XXX

Sasuke breathed heavily, knowing most of his wounds opened during the intense battle with Sai. He cringed, and it took all his willpower to not fall onto the ground. Everything within his eyesight blurred, and he swore the sky turned black for a second. All of a sudden he felt soft hands around his shoulders, and his heartbeat increased.

Naruto?

No.

Sakura bit her lip as Sasuke tried to shrug her off, but she didn't back down. "Sasuke-kun, we need to check your wounds. You can't hold it off any longer." He didn't reply, but the glare Sasuke sent towards Sakura's direction said it all.

Kakashi sighed. "Maa, Sasuke, Sakura's right. How long do you keep on battering your body like this? What happens if we suddenly get a C-ranked mission?" He nodded at Sai. "Go hold Sasuke down. Sakura, here's the cream." He tossed the medication at the to-be medic nin.

Sakura blushed as she looked at Sasuke, and he knew it wasn't going to be good. "Sasuke-kun," she stuttered out. "Most of your wounds are underneath your shirt. So I'm afraid…" Her voice trailed off.

Sasuke felt Sai's hold on him tighten. "Sasuke-kun," Sai said, smiling cheerily. "If you are going to resist, I'm afraid I'll have to take off your shirt by force."

The raven teen seethed as his wounds were tended to. He thought back to just an hour or so back, when it was Naruto putting the cream on his chest. The feeling was completely different, and instead of irritation he felt towards Sakura right now, love had filled his heart.

"It's okay," Sasuke said stiffly after a while, and he stood up. "I'm fine." He took back his shirt from Sai and glanced at Kakashi. "I'm leaving."

Kakashi looked into Sasuke's vacant pitch-black eyes. "Wait." The silver-haired nin got up slowly. "We'll go out to dinner together." He nodded sternly at Sasuke, who obviously had something else planned. "Sasuke, Chuunin Exams are in two days. I want you guys to have some form of bonding. Remember, teamwork is very important." Kakashi glanced at his three students. "Ichiraku Ramen, my treat."

Sasuke consented unenthusiastically – what choice did he really have? – and he dusted off his pants and began walking. At least he didn't have to pay. But just as Sakura was about to fall into step with him, Kakashi said softly, "Wait, Sakura, I have something to discuss with you." The three ninjas turned to look questioningly at their leader, but Kakashi only shook his head. "No, it's just Sakura. Sai and Sasuke, we'll meet you guys there. Go." Sakura gave Kakashi a confused look before unwillingly leaving Sasuke's side.

Sasuke was puzzled, but he brushed it off and resumed his walk, leaving the Team 7 training grounds. Sai was just a pace behind him, and the two ninjas soon were strolling down the dirt path of downtown Konoha. The raven teen wanted more than anything to find Naruto, but he knew that if she were having a bad time, she would've sought him out already. Or would she…?

Suddenly, a loud shout rang through the air, and a big ruckus was heard down the road. Someone's charka spiked, and Sasuke became rigid.

Naruto?

Sasuke immediately dashed towards the riot, Sai calmly following. Just what could've happened? the raven thought in dread to himself. Naruto! What met Sasuke's eyes stunned the raven teen in his tracks.

The two Suna ninjas were definitely Kankuro and Temari – he recognized Kankuro's tattoos and Temari's four pigtails –and Sasuke saw with discretion that Kankuro was busy cursing his head off at Kiba, who was on the other side of the alleyway. The dog master had one protective arm around Naruto's shoulder, and Kiba was answering Kankuro in his own foul language.

"The fuck is your problem?" Kiba yelled. "You think you're so cool, attacking these little punks here?" Kiba pointed to the whimpering Konohamaru and his two friends, who were hiding behind Kiba's towering figure.

"Fuck off, you mutt," Kankuro shouted back. "They're the ones who crashed into me." He whisked out two shuriken. "You looking for a fight?"

"Kankuro," Temari began, trying to calm her brother down. "Don't do this. We don't need to start a brawl – "

"Shut up!" the scarecrow puppet master said. "They already pissed me off enough; it's not my fucking problem." And before anyone could say anything, Kankuro threw the two shuriken directly at Kiba and Naruto. Sasuke inwardly cursed, but his tired, paralyzed legs prevented him from moving fast enough, and –

With one rapid movement, Naruto's charka spiked arm blocked the two weapons Kankuro threw and the shuriken landed on the fence next to them, harmless. The blonde raised her blazing violet eyes and stared silently at Kankuro. Her face was contorted slightly with restricted rage.

Kankuro shifted uneasily under Naruto's piercing stare, but he put on a tough face. "Bitch. You won't be so lucky this time – " He paused when he felt the ground underneath his feet start to rumble softly. Kankuro's eyes quickly snapped to look at Naruto, cagey. "What the fuck are you doing?"

Naruto's violet eyes flashed blue for a split second, and her hands started to glow red. She turned to look at the now uneasy Kiba. "Let go and step back a bit, Kiba" she murmured delicately, voice coated with rancor. "I don't want you to get hurt." The girl then stepped forward, falling into an aggressive crouch, and her teeth bared. Sasuke could only stare, dumbfounded. This Naruto… was feral, wild.

Kankuro laughed. "You think you're something, ain't you, little girl? Well, think twice before you fight me. " He whipped out the bounded-up figure on his back, and Sasuke felt fury race through his veins when he realized Kankuro was seriously thinking about killing Naruto.

The raven-haired teen couldn't hold it in any longer, and he instantly jumped in front of the hostile Naruto. In a blink of an eye, he flung two throwing stars towards Kankuro, and they whizzed by the Sand ninja's hands, cutting into his flesh and drawing blood. Sasuke met Naruto's eyes for a brief moment, and he wanted more than anything to crush her into an embrace. But he knew better than to touch her when her eyes were tinted crimson with bloodlust.

"Fuck!" Kankuro yelled in outrage. The sand ninja's eyes burned irately as he met Sasuke's deadly glare. "Another small fry, is it? No matter, this is –"

"Kankuro. Stop." The voice was hollow and ice-cold, and everyone lifted their heads to glance at the newcomer who dangled upside down from the tree branch. Sand shifted everywhere, and before anyone could say a word, the redhead had appeared before Kankuro and was now squarely gazing at Naruto and Sasuke in the eye.

Sasuke saw a shudder go through Naruto before the girl blinked and straightened. Her poised – now back to 'normal' violet – stare matched the stoic redhead's. "Are you with them?" she asked dangerously, her voice barely above a hissed whisper.

"I apologize for their behavior," the redhead stated blankly. Kankuro protested, but one glare from the redhead silenced him. "Kankuro, Temari, let's leave." He turned and was about to depart when Naruto, whose temper seemed to be quickly fading, furrowed her eyebrows.

"Gaara?" she murmured out, eyes wide. There was an obvious change in her countenance. She took one small, involuntary step forward – Sasuke tensed and he was going to stop her from getting any closer – but Kiba beat him to it: the dog master quickly grabbed Naruto's shoulders, shaking his head warningly at her, his brown eyes filled with worry and fear.

Gaara merely paused in midstep and slightly shifted his head so his teal eyes caught Naruto's. There was a pause.

"What's your name?" Gaara asked, his question almost a statement for there was no hint of emotion in his voice. "How do you know me?"

Naruto's eyes grew big as she recognized the sand ninja, and her lip started quivering. "Gaara, it's me," she cried out, her voice breaking at the end. "It's me, Naruto!" The street abruptly became deathly quiet, and a breeze stirred up slowly. No one dared to make a move or take a breath, and Sasuke could see the widening of the three sand ninjas' eyes, including Gaara's.

It was Temari who first spoke. "What? Naruto-chan?" she whispered quietly. She took in Naruto's attire. "Impossible, the Naruto we knew had blonde hair and blue eyes. You're… You can't be her."

Naruto merely ignored the sand kunoichi, her beseeching eyes never leaving Gaara's face. "Gaara, don't you remember me?"

A gust of dusty wind suddenly blew towards Naruto, causing the small girl to stumble backwards into Kiba's arms, stunned. Kiba and Sasuke stiffened, and the two glared at the hostile Gaara. The redhead's eyes now burned with a fire of loathing.

"G-Gaara?" Naruto whispered softly, her expression one of shock. "Why?"

Gaara's scorching teal gaze seared into Naruto's mind, and she couldn't look away. "I don't know you," the redhead then said stonily. "Leave me alone." Without further ado, he turned and disappeared, the dumbfounded Temari and Kankuro following.

Naruto could only stare. Kiba's strong arms tightened their hold around her, but she couldn't think properly. The girl turned to Sasuke for help, and his heart went out to her. Sasuke gazed calmly at Kiba, signaling the dog master to let go, and reluctantly, Kiba obeyed. Naruto immediately fell into Sasuke's embrace.

"I don't get it," she said, feeling Sasuke soothingly stroke her hair. "Why, Sasuke? Why did he…?"

Sasuke smiled sadly. "Dobe, you know it yourself. People change, and Gaara changed more than others." His eyes widened when he felt Naruto grab the front of his shirt and stare at him with fierce eyes. "Naruto?"

"He was hurting, Sasuke. He was crying." Naruto's teeth gritted together. "What had happened to him?"

Sasuke looked away, unable to answer. He didn't want her to hurt anymore.

Kiba growled angrily. "Uchiha, you can't expect to protect her forever." Naruto looked up into Kiba's eyes, and he sighed. "I heard it from Shikamaru a while back. It turned out that Gaara's father had ordered someone to ambush him, and the poor boy hadn't been the same ever since."

Naruto's mouth was in a grim line. "Who? Who was it?"

"Yashamaru."

Naruto searched Sasuke's face. "Why would Yashamaru do it?"

Sasuke looked up at the sky, eyes callous. "He never loved Gaara, Naruto. It was all a pretense. Yashamaru detested Gaara. He blamed Gaara for the death of his mother."

Naruto thought back to the kind, smiling brown-haired man. She then realized where Gaara's pain was coming from, and the small girl's mouth formed a thin line. "I'm going to help him." She met Sasuke's and Kiba's perplexed looks, and she jutted out her chin in determination. "I'm going to help Gaara return to who he was before. I refuse to let him suffer like this." With that said, Naruto smiled softly. "Gaara's still there, I know so."

Kiba was taken aback, but Sasuke simply smirked.

"Dobe."

The girl then proceeded to walk over to Konohamaru and his two friends, who were watching Naruto with some wariness. "Hey, little ones," she said soothingly. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?" She pointed to Konohamaru's bleeding leg.

Konohamaru got up shakily. "I've never seen you around here," he ventured bravely, his knees shaking in fright. His two small friends whimpered.

Naruto's eyes softened. "No, you haven't. I'm new here, for the Chuunin Exams." She took out a Band-Aid from the pocket in her white shorts and ripped it open. As lovingly as a mother would, Naruto placed the Band-Aid on Konohamaru's cut – he flinched involuntarily. "Run along now, and be careful of strangers from now on." She smiled as the trio quickly jumped to their feet and dashed away, but not before they gave Naruto one last mystified glance.

Naruto next turned to Sai, who stayed quiet the whole time. "You must be Sai," she said cheekily, eyes wrinkling into a grin. She stuck out her hand. "It's nice to meet you. I'm 'Mei'." Her eyes glittered warningly, daring him to ask her the obvious question.

Sai looked at Naruto for a long time before he smiled cheesily in return and took Naruto's hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mei." His smile grew bigger. "Are you related to Kiba-kun or Sasuke-kun?"

Naruto grinned. "We're all related, one way or another," she said evasively. Suddenly, a thought came to Naruto and the girl glanced at Sasuke in bafflement. "Sasuke, why are you here? I thought you were training?"

Sasuke shrugged carelessly, but his onyx eyes glowed with some kind of strange emotion Naruto couldn't decipher. "My team was supposed to meet up at Ichiraku Ramen." His face softened as he saw Naruto's eyes instantaneously sparkle at the word 'ramen.' "Dobe."

Naruto could hardly contain her joy. She ran over to Sasuke and grabbed both his hands. "You mean it, Sasuke? Can we really come with you?"

The raven teen feigned indifference, although his heartbeat rapidly sped up. "Hn. Kakashi's treating us."

"Hooray!" Naruto bounded back towards Kiba and Sai, but to the surprise of them all, her hand sought out Sai's. The Root ninja calmly gazed at Naruto in phony astonishment.

"Mei-chan?" he asked, grinning falsely.

Naruto wrinkled her nose at him. "Baka, when you're surprised, you're supposed to open your eyes wide and drop your jaw a little bit. Like this." And she proceeded to show him. Sai looked at her in all seriousness and imitated her. Naruto nodded gravely. "Well, I suppose you're pretty good for a beginner." The girl motioned to Sasuke and Kiba. "C'mon, slowpokes, let's go!"

XXX

Sakura abruptly stopped in the middle of the restaurant's doorway, and Kakashi nearly bumped into the pink-haired girl. "Sakura? What's the matter?" He caught a glimpse of her appalled face, and his curiosity was instantly aroused. Kakashi looked over Sakura's head.

Seated around the biggest table in Ichiraku Ramen were Sasuke, Kiba, Sai, and a redheaded girl, who Kakashi knew could only be Naruto. But the thing was, Naruto was so cheerfully chatting to the impassive Sasuke and awkward Sai - Kiba joined the conversation once in a while - that there was not a customer in the eatery who didn't have his or her gaze ogling the bizarre foursome.

Kakashi hastily cleared his throat and tapped Sakura's shoulder. "Maa. Sakura," he said sympathetically. "I know you're surprised, but blocking the entrance isn't the best way to be invited into the restaurant. Let's go join them, shall we?" And he gently veered the stunned kunoichi in the direction of the table.

Naruto at once perked when she saw Kakashi and Sakura arrive. Her face lit up with a beautiful grin, and she excitedly waved Kakashi and Sakura towards the two remaining chairs.

"Sorry," she said in a friendly tone, "I was hungry so we got the table first." She winked furtively at Kakashi and turned to Sakura. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Mei, what's your name?"

Sakura blinked cagily, and she forced out a weak smile. "I'm Sakura. Nice to meet you, Mei. Are you new around here?" She saw how close Mei was to her Sasuke-kun and Inner Sakura immediately flared up. Chaa, there's no way she's getting my Sasuke!

Naruto nodded spiritedly. "Yes, I'm here for the Chuunin Exams." She smiled widely again. "My deepest apologies, we all ordered before you guys got here. I'm sure you like miso ramen, ne?"

Kakashi's one visible eye twinkled. "Of course… Mei."

Dinner consisted basically of two conversations. Naruto – who had shared an amused look with Kiba – somehow sensed Sakura's rivalry towards her, so with an apologetic touch on Sasuke's hand, she had turned her back on the Uchiha – much to his alarm– and began to chat with Kakashi and Kiba. Sakura, pleased with the turn of events, tried to get a word or two out of the now irate Sasuke (but to no avail), and Sai was just Sai. He stayed quiet the whole entire time, though if one watched him closely, one would see the half, almost mystified glances he sent at Naruto every now and then.

Alas, dinner was soon over (Naruto having downed four bowls), and Kakashi glanced at the table in dismay. Empty bowls were stashed everywhere.

"Maa, do I really have to pay for all of this?" His question was met by five pairs of merciless and blank eyes. The silver-haired shinobi resignedly rubbed his masked face and sighed. Taking out a thick wad of money, he placed it on the table and stood up. "I thank you all for your generous appetites, especially yours, Mei." A sassy grin flashed at his direction. "Sakura, I'll walk you home. Sai, you can come along as well."

Under Naruto's attentive eye, she saw Sakura glanced longingly at Sasuke's direction, and the small girl slyly kicked Sasuke in the shin. The Uchiha sent a half exasperated, half annoyed glare at Naruto before directing his calm gaze at the pink-haired kunoichi.

"See you tomorrow, Sakura," was his detached goodbye.

Naruto waved. "Bye, everyone! Thank you again for the treat, Kakashi-sensei! Catch you guys later." Kakashi's lone eye twinkled once more, and then the three were out the door. Kiba stood up next, smiling wistfully.

"Well, today's been a blast, Mei, but I'm afraid I'd better get going. Sissy is going to lay an egg if I don't get back soon." Kiba nodded politely at the Uchiha and turned to leave.

"Wait, Kiba," Naruto said, quickly jumping to her feet. "Am I going to see you tomorrow?" Her eyes were wide, and Kiba laughed raucously.

"Mei-chan, you know exactly where I live." He patted her head and ruffled her hair adoringly. "Good night, little chibi." With one last bear hug, Kiba was gone into the night. Naruto turned to Sasuke, who was suddenly standing right behind her.

"Sasuke, let's go home too."

Home. It had never sounded so good to Naruto.

XXX

"So… you and Sakura-chan, eh?" Naruto laughed at the look of incredulity on Sasuke's face, and she snuggled up closer to him, a delighted purr starting in the back of her throat. "I think you guys make a cute pair, Sasuke. She cares a lot about you."

Sasuke gave Naruto an exasperated look. The two were sleeping on Sasuke's big bed, and Sasuke wondered if his life could get any better. Everything that he had wished for in the past eight years had come true, and his most beloved person in this world – thank the gods she had changed back her hair and eyes color – had placed her head on his chest and was humming contentedly there. Screw Sakura.

"Dobe." Sasuke closed his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous."

Naruto grinned. "I'm serious, she's totally fallen for you."

Sasuke snorted. "It's not the other way around."

The blonde sighed in mock frustration. "You don't know that unless you let it become a possibility." She caught Sasuke's eye and laughed. "All right, all right, I get it, bastard." A look of curiosity suddenly came to Naruto's face and she stared unblinkingly at Sasuke's face.

Sasuke was slightly unnerved. "What? Dobe? Stop staring like that!"

Naruto raised one hand – Sasuke flinched – and the blonde placed it on his head. The girl ruffled Sasuke's hair warmly and she laughed. "Still the same!"

Sasuke growled, "What's still the same, dobe? Just what the heck are you doing, Naruto?"

Naruto's ocean-colored eyes twinkled. "It's still the same soft silky hair, that's what! What kind of nourishment do you use?" She snickered. "Seriously, you are such a girl!"

Sasuke's eyes suddenly burned with a strange look, and Naruto was immediately uneasy. "Huh? Sasuke, what are you… Sasuke? No, stop, what are you – !"

In a flash Sasuke had Naruto on her back, his hands pinning her wrists against the bed mattress. He looked at her in amusement as she vainly struggled to break free. "I'm a girl, now, am I?" He bent down and tenderly licked the blonde's earlobe, and she instantly stopped thrashing. Her eyes snapped towards Sasuke's and held his calm gaze.

"Bastard," she hissed. "You're just lucky you're slightly stronger than me in strength, now let me go." She gasped as he suddenly – but carefully – dropped all his weight all her until he was lying right on top of her. He placed his head against her chest and closed his eyes, a small smirk gracing his aristocratic face.

Naruto's heartbeat sped up and she knew Sasuke could hear it. "This is such an indecent move to make on me," she snapped out, cheek tinted with red. "Now get off me, you uncouth animal."

Sasuke's smirk grew bigger, and he stared at Naruto squarely in the eye. "Of course." He bent forward to gently kiss the embarrassed blonde before rolling to his side. He chuckled when he felt the girl jab him in the forehead.

"Don't you do that again. It's not nice." The blonde scowled meaningfully.

Sasuke's eyes glittered with merriment. "This attitude is completely different than that in the morning."

Naruto's scowl deepened. "Okay, well this morning was because you caught me by surprise. I'm not like that normally!" She sighed and a sheepish grin appeared on her face. "Bastard." She kissed him on the cheek and closed her eyes. "Good night."

He smiled and brushed back her bangs. "Night."

Please review! xoxo :)