Hey! Well, another chapter for Scarlet Fever everyone! ^^ Have you caught this infectious disease yet? Well, let's hope not… cause I won't be able to help you XD And… you seriously don't wanna know what the cure is… well, anyway let us now BEGIN!

KsNandS: *Peeks in through the door* dawwwe… cute.

Tsunade: So how are they anyway?

KsNandS: Well, I wouldn't call it cuddling but it's still cute.

Tsunade: So… where's your friend?

KsNandS: Shirogane? Oh, he's around here somewhere. Why?

Tsunade: Just wondering. You know, it was odd conversing with him. I don't know why though.

KsNandS: Is that because he's a bipedal animal?

Tsunade: *Crosses her arms and sighs* Part of it.

KsNandS: Then what's wrong?

Tsunade: Well… wait… aren't we getting ahead of this Gejiji? We aren't even supposed to go forward in the story line!

KsNandS: …OH! Ehehehehe… okay then… so… well what then? Obviously we can't talk about what we were going to tell everyone reading this here chapter. So what do we talk about?

Tsunade: Well… there are a lot of things…

KsNandS: Like?

Tsunade: Oh… I don't know…

Shirogane: I swear, this place is confusing… how do you find your way around this hospital?

KsNandS: (Hatches a devious plan) 3 Oh, I know what to do… (Whispers in Tsunade's ear)

Tsunade: What!? I will do no such thing!

KsNandS: You know you wanna 3

Tsunade: No I don't!

Shirogane: Do what exactly, I wasn't listening… (Scratches his belly fur)

Tsunade: I can't do that, he'll get… we, honestly I won't know what'll happen but it'll probably awaken something…

KsNandS: Maybe… but what else do we have to do?

Tsunade: …Okay then… come over here hairball…

Shirogane: Hairball, wha? (Is submersibly tackled to the ground) GAH! NO… … stop, stop, stoppp… ugh… ugh… *Pants*

Tsunade: *Scratching belly fur* Oh boy… there's something bulging in his pants!

KsNandS: LMFAO! But… I guess we should continue the story… ready?

Tsunade: Fine…

Tsunade and KsNandS: Let the story continue!

*Early that Morning*

Shadows bounced of the walls gently. The vibe of the calm darkness settling around all that inhabited. 'Twas no malevolent vibe, but also not one of serenity either. Within the darkness, the faintest of outlines could be seen. One resting their head atop the others belly, who laid within a bed. Countless cords mixed along the tile floor made it seem like a minuscule maze within the room itself. A place in which sunlight was forbidden to taint…

Amongst the two figures, one appeared female, the other was unidentifiable due to a cocoon they were wrapped within. However, they proved to be of masculinity because of the size of the cocoon. A few minutes and before long a click of a door was heard as footsteps with the clapping of heels sounded through the room. With a flick of the finger, the lights above illuminated the room. Two brown orbs stared at what seemed like a cute scene. However one could tell that it wasn't just something out of adoration. The sacred emotion of sorrow and guilt, and the feelings of selfishness seemed to leak through the girl who rested her head gently upon the belly of the cocoon bandage cast. Sighing with slight grief and stress, a sign in which she had not slept well at all the past few weeks since the blond and pinkette had been kept within the hospital.

With her thoughts fading gently away from her mind, the woman began observing the blondes monitors, checking his pulse and blood levels. There wasn't any sign that the effects of the poison were evidently visible to the eye, however even she knew, inside Naruto's body was going haywire. Glancing towards the girl who laid calmly upon the blondes cast, Tsunade gave another sigh.

"At least you're always there for him…" she thought mentally before turning around. However, she had not noticed that the sound of her heels clapping on the tile had aroused him.

His cerulean eyes peered through the narrow, rectangular crevice of his cast. The orbs were dull and pale.

"Grandma…" he thought. Last night he was full to the brim with rambunctious activity, but now he felt plain old. As though his body had aged and he was now crippled and upon even forcing his body it'd pull something vital. The blond had a sense of helplessness, his eyes shimmering with deep sadness. Slowly, his eyes drifted down on their own, and out of the corner of them, he noticed a pink locks that reminded him of only one person. One person he cared for so deeply, the feeling was surreal as her face entered his mind. At that moment, he abruptly relaxed, realizing that she had stayed the rest of the night with him. And what he had even found more relaxing, was that she was holding his hand, as if to say she'd be there for him no matter what happened. She would stay by his side, and in that moment the blondes eyes seemed to brighten a little, a few tears trickling down his cheeks. "Sakura… thank you…" he thought from the depths of his heart.

As the tears trickled farther down, tickling his cheeks, he wondered what would happen to him. Would he end up like the ANBU? It was a heart-wrenching thought as he could slowly feel himself being ripped away from Sakura's life. What would happen to her if he died? Would she do something drastic, regretful or something just plain insane and stupid? As he had promised her, he'd give his life for her over and over if it were possible. The connection he had with her was like magic. A mystical thread both held in each hand, bound by emotions.

"Sakura… don't let go…" it was as if the thread was real. A bright golden thread of thin magic that glittered with moon dust. He tried to clench his fist as if the grab the imaginary line. However, there was no hope. The cast he had received completely constricted each and every segment of his body. Even his fingers were bound. Soon, he saw Tsunade leave, eh thought she had left ages ago. Finding that the darkness returned, his ears picking up the faint sounds of her heels clapping down the hallway before vanishing. Sighing, he slowly felt himself drifting off again. Finally relaxing himself to a point where he could close his eyes, thus falling asleep.

*Within Naruto's Dreams…*

Opening his eyes, his orbs scanned his location. Where he was, he could not identify, however all he could see was a never-ending sea of darkness. His body outlined in red and, oddly, the colour blue and that he was naked and saturated in gray sweat that trickled down his back and chest. His darkened blond hair dripping with the gray substance, slopped and stuck against his forehead. Standing up, a feeling a nausea wavering about. His left hand held his head as he teetered about, falling as though drunk and then shambling to his feet again. Tottering around like an animal that had it's whiskers ripped out, he seemed to go nowhere within where ever he currently was. One thing, however, he felt, was a great pain within his chest. Aching and spinning, he felt like it was as if he had gotten drunk and into a fight, and miserably lost with a few punches to the gut and rib cage areas. He even felt a slight burning sensation in his left lung. It never occurred to him that the thoughts caused him to begin gasping for air. However he wobble forward, determined to find a way out of the dampening darkness.

Falling to his knees, he felt the need to take a breath. As soon as he opened his mouth, the ridiculously potent taste of cold iron filled quickly, and soon, Naruto began choking on his own blood. It was thick and strands of it hung from his mouth like stalactites. Coughing, he spat, the liquid spurting out and onto the darkness. Sloshing blood from his mouth, trying to get the disgusting taste out the blond crawled on his limbs. He looked like a baby on a rug.

"Sakura… Sakura… Sakura…" he repeated over and over. His voice echoing delicately in the darkness, as if bouncing off the walls, back and forth until the very sound of his voice began driving him insane. Covering his ears, his eyes crinkled and winced as the sounds of his voice still found themselves plaguing his mind. "Shut up!" he shouted, gritting his teeth! Only to have his voice bounce back at him, he found it annoying. "Shut. UP!" He said in a more intense tone. He kept telling himself to shut up, until his voices began aggravating him, so much he screeched, stood up and ran! "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" Hollering at the top of his lungs! Blood began spurting from his mouth again, thick as grout. In that moment he did not care, sloshing it every which way, all he was focused on was getting away from those voices! He was getting nowhere. The voices were of tenacious nature he felt. He knew he could not run for much longer, he'd have to face it. In a drunken twist, he spun around on his right heel, fist cocked back and then thrust forward! He spun around again, the inertia of his fist taking his body with him.

"C'MON YAH BASTARD! WHERE ARE YA!?" He held his fists up, teetering a little. There was only silence, and in that instant, Naruto began panting for breath again. "I…I…I'll f-find you…" it took him a moment to realize that he was alone in the darkness. Searching around for some beacon that would lead him out. Looking upon the "ground" the blond noticed his shadow, however it was red. Cocking his eyebrow, he frowned.

"What the fack are you lookin' at? Huh? …why don't you answer me, what's the matter bitch? Cat got your tongue?" he asked. There was no answer. Gritting his bloody teeth, he fell to his knees and began clawing at his shadow, of which did the same. "Fuckin' copy-cat!" grunting to himself he began scratching at the imitator. He didn't notice how his nails were being filed down to their ends! It was soon that he began bleeding. He saw blood and grinned. "HAHA! DIE MOTHER FUCKER! DIE!" laughing he kept scratching at the ground. And it was soon that he stopped, pain began welling within his finger tips and he looked at them, only to observe them to be stained completely red.

His fingers were trickling blood from the nails. The blood vessels within his eyes were present, his pupils had dilated and his body was beginning to sweat blood. In the instant the blood looked at his shadow and then his orbs widened and he drew a deep breath, as if startled! His shadow stood up and cocked it's head.

"W-Who the hell are you?" Naruto questioned.

"Zozuko mimbly tiachite… kovero nijuko chiasbletahk. K… KAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" His shadow laughed. Naruto had no idea what it said.

"W-What?" Naruto asked, however he did not receive the answer he sought. Instead, the shadow morphed. It grew until it was nearly 3 times his size! It was then that Naruto gasped and screeched! He recognized that figure! He stood up and ran, the pain within his chest and lung increasing. Soon, holes began opening in his chest and blood began spurting. The thick crimson liquid oozed from his punctured body, and ever began trickling out of his mouth. He soon found himself face first on the "ground". A pool of his blood soaked his skin a deep red. The scent attracted his shadow that roared like a monster in the distance! Only thing was he could not interpret where it was coming from! Sitting up, the liquid ran down his body. His hair soaked to the roots that even oozed down his forehead a bit. Another roar came from the darkness. Backing away, within the distance he saw something running towards him. He had no idea what it was until it came into full view. It was the beast, composed of his own blood. Heart beating within his chest to the point of explosion, his body completely drenched in bloody sweat.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Naruto screeched and closed his eyes! He stayed still for a while, until he then opened them again. However, upon re-opening them. He saw nothing, the blood from his body was gone, his puncture wounds were gone, there was no pain dwelling within his lung. He let loose a deep sigh and then sat up.

"I'm… okay… thank ka-" He could not finish his sentence due to the monster rising from the shadows and sinking it's fangs within his body! He felt his lungs nearly about to explode as he pierced the darkness with a deafening screech as he arched, middle body caught within the creature's jaws. Just as he thought it was over, a bright light shone from above, shower an assortment of white and blue dew drops that pelted the monster! And finally, an arrow composed of the substances shot down at the speed of light itself and pierced the beast through the heart! The beasts claws immediately released Naruto as he fell to the ground! His eyes slowly shut, and as his vision blurred, all he could see before him was a calming aura of green.

*Reality…*

"NARUTO, HOLD ON!" Sakura screamed! She had awoken because of Naruto's heart monitor. The had just about beeped it's mechanical heart out, Naruto's beat was off the charts and he was sweating profusely. Sakura gritted his teeth as she pumped her healing chakra into the blondes suffering body.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!?" Tsunade bellowed as she burst through the door. As soon as she saw Sakura over Naruto and the green aura she immediately dashed over and assisted her pupil. "Now apply it right here. And tell me what the hell happened now!" The woman was paranoid enough with his condition. He was unstable and now this? What worse could happen at a horrible timing such as this? Naruto's heart monitor died down, and soon there was a calm spindle. Sighing in relief, Sakura watched as Naruto opened his eyes slowly and stared at her, muffled something the closely resembled her name. In that instant she laid her head on his chest and cried. Tsunade patted the girl's back and then pinched the bridge of her nose.

"I swear… it's only been one two days and one evening and it's already starting. Hang in there kiddo, even as we speak, many medics are raking their brains to find a cure for you. You're not going to be left behind, and we aren't giving up." Tsunade said. Even she knew there was no cure most likely, however how could she break it to them both without giving effort? Rubbing her temples she walked out of the door, leaving the sobbing pinkette and the cursed young man alone for a while.

Naruto felt his heart ache at the sound of her crying. If he could move anything intentionally he'd comfort her any way he could. He felt her grab his hand and turned her head to look at him, reclining his bed so he was could see her.

"I'm sorry for crying so much… but I just can't take this. It's only been one day and I'm already breaking… I'm such a crybaby… I can't do anything right while concealing my emotions…" she sniffled. At the instant Naruto's ears heard her he wanted to tell her how wrong she was! But, all attempts seemed so pointless as it was, being within a cocoon of bandages. It was frustrating, maddening to be helpless. He blamed himself for her pain, it was the only truth he could see. And dying would only cause her more pain. Even he knew she cared about his well-being whether it was to a certain extent of not. She showed him she cared many times before. "Maybe Sasuke as right… I just get in the way…" she said and closed her eyes. Naruto seemed calm and cool on the outside, however inside he was enraged. He felt the need to set her straight, however doing that would make her fear him, and besides he couldn't really do anything anyway. Although, nothing said he couldn't try. The blond cleared his throat to begin. She took notice and lifted her head. He muffled a series of nameless words Sakura had trouble interpreting. He did it as best as he could to make her understand, his lips were sealed slightly however. It was to prevent his skin from slopping away.

"What did you say?" She questioned. He mentally cursed himself out. Instead he narrowed his eyes at her, hoping she would get the message. His expression was all to familiar to her, and she felt ashamed to call herself these things in front of him. Even she knew he could hear her, but it was true!

"Sorry… but sometimes I think it's true…" she sighed. She jolted when Naruto gave a loud shout from within his cast! He noticed him glaring at her, willing not to accept the fact. "Hush you!" She snapped and crossed her arms and turned her head away, "obviously being in a cast doesn't affect your personality at all, does it… still stubborn as ever." she said in a cross tone. Naruto groaned and sighed. At the moment communication was just as useless as setting her straight. There was a thick layer of silence that settled calmly within the room. Sakura broke the silence by turning around in her chair and looking towards him.

"…I'm sorry," she said in a mellow tone, "but sometimes I feel it's all true, no matter what anyone says. I know you think differently, and it makes me happy that you do. Really happy. I guess that's what we all respect about you, not accepting one thing until you prove it right or wrong, if there really is a difference." She said apologetically. To show he heard her, the blond softened his eyes so that they shimmered in forgiveness. Smiling, Sakura stood up. "I have to go take a shower and get ready. I'll be back tonight, okay?" She asked. Naruto muffled an "okay" and she was sure she heard him. Walking over, she gave him a small peck on the forehead. His face heated up and his heart spindles increased! "When you get better, you'll might find those to be a little less common," she said walking away, causing him to groan. However, she stopped at the door and turned around to meet him, "or will they?" she questioned, winking at him before exiting. She left him with burning cheeks and an increased heart beat. That was all he really needed at the moment.

"I'll be waiting…" he thought. Moments later Tsunade walked through the door and looked at him.

"Sakura seemed more than happy when she left the room didn't she? And your cheeks are red and your heart is beating abnormally." she observed. Cocking her eyebrow, she glanced at the, seemingly innocent looking young man. "Boy you'd better not be thinking with that head of yours…" she warned. Naruto sweat dropped as she walked over.

"Okay you, time for a check up. Not sure if you know this but… you're naked." She said. Naruto's eyes turned into white circles.

"SHE SAW MY COCK!?" he mentally bellowed. Tsunade could see what Naruto was thinking about and chuckled.

"Oh c'mon Naruto. You know you have nothing I haven't seen yet. Besides, it's a pretty good size for your age… that or bigger, one or the other." She said as she emptied his catheter bag. Naruto was sweating up a storm!

"Oh jeez! OH JEEZ! YOU'D BETTER NOT TELL SAKURA YOU OLD BAG!" he shouted! Once Tsunade finished, she took the bag and sanitized it and the re-connected it.

"Anyway, Sakura seemed really happy when she walked out of here. You always make her glad to be alive, and I'm sure she's happier around you, with you. And I do happen to know, mind you," she said crossing her arms, "that you slept with her before you went on your mission. How do I know that you ask?" she said in his view.

"Honey, I know a lot of things." she replied to herself. Naruto gulped and Tsunade chuckled. "Don't worry kiddo, I know you wouldn't try anything intentionally. You're a good kid, and you know what?" the woman asked, knowing he wouldn't answer but wonder, "I think… wait, no, I'm positive you'd be the ideal young man for her." she smiled and laid her hand within his. "There's no doubt in my mind you'll find that part within her boy." the woman Hokage said. He looked clueless, and she had to admit he looked very funny! "Alright you, get ready for some checkups, you'll be getting more than enough visitors today anyway." she said.

"More than enough… what?" was all Naruto thought.

*In Konoha…*

"Okay guys, now when we see Naruto, we give him a group hug, got it!?" A girl said as she walked down the street, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Wait… wha!?" One of them said, "dammit! You didn't say a group hug!"

"Oh well guess what?" She said and whisked around, "we're doing it… GOT IT BUB!?" She screeched in his ears!

"Damn not so loud! You're voice will make my tattoo's peel!" he shouted back!

"Oh please dog breath, " she said and locked his cheeks in a piercing pinch, "these'll be on your cheeks forever… and besides, you look like such a cute puppy." she said and pulled his cheek before letting go.

"DAMN IT!" He cursed. The others stared at him and sighed. "Naruto had better be dying…" he said.

*Sakura's House…*

Sakura had gotten chosen a nice dress to present herself to the blond. A strapless, scarlet red dress with a headband and high-heels, with a white flower design, all matching of course. Though it was still the afternoon, and she didn't want to get it dirty. Meanwhile she was choosing barrettes and other types of jewelry. It had been a long time since she had even gotten this dressed up before in the second night. Usually it was because of something "imperative" her father had barked at her about. Although she didn't mind dressing the way a woman would when going out, she had to admit, it seemed a little odd. However she wouldn't complain, the blond was hurt and she'd do almost anything for him.

Sighing, she glanced out the window. Walking towards the seal the pinkette opened up the pane of glass and felt the warm breeze flow gently through her hair.

"It's such a warm day today," she said, inhaling a deep breath of fresh air, "too bad Naruto can't get out. It'd probably be a good time to get lunch." She went downstairs and entered the living room. Both her parents were out doing their duties for the village. She could be out there right now doing whatever was needed, but obviously she wasn't that bored. Instead she walked outside and took a walk around. It was obvious to her that there was nothing to do. She wasn't supposed to meet back with Naruto for a few more hours. "I'd probably die of boredom by then…" she sighed.

She strolled casually throughout the village window shopping a bit, checking for a few things she might be able to buy to spare time. Unfortunately there were no sales and she didn't have very much money. Groaning about her shortage of funds she headed towards the park. Walking along a line of cherry blossom trees that had bloomed extravagantly throughout the park, she sat under one and leaned back, closing her eyes. She hoped she would be able to come here one day with someone who loved her, and for some reason Naruto entered her mind. Handsome, young, tall and a piece of beef-cake all in one. She giggled, "beef-cake Naruto, hahaha!" she laughed out loud. She could just imagine Naruto looking like that, for some weird reason. Though, she had to admit, he had filled out a lot since child-hood. And to be truthful, she had taken quite a liking to it too. He looked good with all that muscle underneath. She then abruptly shook her head, her thoughts of Naruto disappearing.

"What am I talking about?" she questioned herself, "this is Naruto, sure he's gotten bigger, stronger and, mildly, good-looking over the years. Surely I can't think such things of him." she said. She thought for a moment, "hmmm… no, it can't be really. I mean, sure we had a small sleep-over, and I'm glad I was with him during that time though." sighing, not wanting to remember further. Craning her neck to glimpse at the clouds, she noticed something from out of the corner of her eye. At first she thought it was just the kids playing a game of tag. However, she saw a flash of silver out of the corner of her eyes. Suddenly, it reminded her of that little Wox boy, Silver-Sun. She immediately stood up and ran over in the direction she saw the silver flash! Searching amidst the bushes, she caught a slight glimpse of the bushy tail! She ran through the trees and came out to a street. It was then that she saw a figure walking in the distance, a tail swaying back and forth lazily. "Got you!" She gasped and sprinted! "Silver-Sun!" she called, almost breathless. Calling his name a few more times, she noticed he began to get larger in size and girth. She called his name one last time before she saw an ear twitch. Catching up she noticed it didn't look like the Wox she had seen. Instead she saw a much larger figure. Broad shouldered in a mystic silver fur that looked almost luxurious! The back muscle was cut to perfection, the triceps large and almost threatening. Wearing nothing but a pair of shorts the calves were trimmed down and the feet were humongous! She took a glimpse of his forearm and hands. Calm and not clenched. She hoped it was a good sign.

"Silver-Sun… is that, you?" she questioned, gulping for air.

"Silver-Sun…?" he asked, the tone of his voice quite deep and young. Turning around, she saw that wolf like snout, those fox-like ears and eyes that gleamed sharply with the tint of silver. Black nails a very bushy tail, and a large V-shape chest and torso. "Sorry, but you're mistaken."

"But… I thought you were-"

"I'm not, sorry. I'm sorry to cut this conversation short with you Sakura, but I must depart. I have important business to attend to." he said. She sighed and watched as he walked away, looking at the ground. It was at that moment that she realized something.

"Wait… I never told him my…" she looked up quickly. However, he was not there. "…weird… how did he know my name?" she pondered. It scared her a bit, however the Wox seemed friendly. Scratching her pink locks, in utter astonishment, she walked away. Dropping her head, knowing that she had found the wrong Wox made her upset. "Silver-Sun… where are you? We had a deal…" she thought. Ultimately she could not convince herself that Silver-Sun had given up, although the chances of him were slightly high, she could not abandon hope for him. If she did it'd most likely not happen that he'd hang on to that promise. She had no idea why, but things were just so ironic that way. Walking about with her head hung low, her hope nearly diminishing, she did not sense the presence of someone eyeing her.

"Hmm…"

She continued walking until she reached the Hospital. She had nothing better to do really, being with Naruto would make the time pass by quicker, and surely he'd enjoy the company, even with Tsunade doing his check ups. She walked back to her house to get ready. Jogging upstairs into her room, she got dressed into her clothes, not without washing up a bit first, putting on a bit of make-up. Making sure she looked appropriate and presentable. After, she plopped down on her bed and waited for a few hours. Staring at the clock until it was around 7-o-clock. She had no idea how she did it, but the sun was slowly setting, colours of orange, yellow and a bit of pink and purple scattered across the sky as the clouds deteriorated into nothing and the stars began coming out the play. The lanterns were being lit and exclusive shops were opening for the night-time rush. It was so beautiful after dark, the village stayed awake until around 12-o-clock. She walked about the village, lips poofed out with a bit of pink lip-stick and some glitter here-and- there about her eyes. Blush on her cheeks, giving them a rosy appearance, her scarlet dress embroidered with a few golden butterflies and designs meant for a family of incredible wealth. Her head band pulling back her hair, a golden bracelet on her right wrist and to top it off, a bow wrapped around her waist, sticking out towards her left.

She noticed she was attracting some attention from the other shinobi and young men.

"Hey sweetums, where ya headed?"

"Hey, nice dress!"

"*Whistles*"

"Hey there, wanna come back to my place?" they would ask. It was the ones that asked to her to accompany them back to their homes that made her angry. This one was just as tenacious. His nonchalant attitude and sunglasses with a denim jacket and kahki pants and muscle shirt made him look like a bad-boy. She should've guessed, he wasn't nearly filled out in the chest and arm regions as Naruto. Far from Naruto's level of bulk. "C'mon baby, you're all dressed up and lookin' good. I got money if you want it." He said, flashing a grin. Annoyed, she turned around and sent him a death glare, raising her fist, causing it to flare with her blue chakra. The boy stepped back, sweat-dropping a bit. "Uh… so you don't want money eh… oh! I get it! You're those girls who're just in for the fun of it! Sweet!" chuckling he failed to receive any glint of Sakura's message. And when he slapped her on the ass, she unleashed a devastating beat-down on the dude, thrashing him and sending him soaring inside a house wall. Blowing her cocked fist off, she put her hands on her hips and took a stance, glaring at all the others. They immediately turned their gazes away from her.

"Good." she said and walked away, leaving the smoldering mess behind. Arriving at her destination, she entered and walked up to the second floor. Walking down the secret hallway, she arrived at the door. It was quiet, and she and Naruto were alone for the time being. Opening the door, she walked in. However, instead of just Naruto greeting her, she found all of her friends instead!

"Whoa! Naruto's got himself a little play-mate eh?"

"Ohhhhh! Sakura! You look so cute in that dress!"

To say the least she was shocked!

"How did you guys find this place!?" she demanded. A girl about her age sighed.

"Oh please Sakura, Tsunade told us about Naruto too. It was quite a shock when we discovered our ramen-loving-whiskered fox was in the bed feeling down." she said and ruffled Naruto's hair a little bit. Sakura's face reddened in anger.

"Ino… perhaps you should stop…" another girl with blue hair suggested.

"Ohh, I didn't know this handsome young man was taken." she teased, rubbing his head. Sakura clenched her fist.

"Damn it Ino!" she gritted her teeth. Ino sighed and shook her head.

"Jeez, calm down! I was just teasing you." Ino sighed.

"Damn… didn't know Naruto had such a fan girl…" a boy with messy brown hair grinned. Sakura glanced towards him with a Inner Sakura glare. Walking over to him she groaned and quickly her fist ended up knocking him out of his seat next to the blue haired girl.

"Hinata, next time you do that when Kiba acts like an annoying idiot!" she fumed. Hinata looked at the boy on the floor and sweat-dropped.

"O-Okay…" she said in a tender voice. Sakura looked at the boy on the floor and cleared her throat.

"Hey Naruto." she said with a cute smile. She ruffled his hair gently. The look in his eyes made her giggle. "What?" she questioned. The blond stared at her blankly, making her giggle again. "You're funny!"

"I believe Naruto wasn't expecting you to look like that," Kiba said as he stood up, rubbing the large lump on his head. Sakura looked behind her and cocked her eyebrow.

"I dressed up like this when I arrived here last night," she explained. The dog tamer looked at them both, cocking his eyebrow.

"Last night eh?" she nodded at her question. It was then that a smirk smeared it's way to his face.

"So… did our buddy get a lap ride last-KCK!" before he could finish his sentence Hinata quickly hit him in the stomach. She gasped and covered her mouth!

"Kiba I'm so sorry!" she squeaked! Sakura grinned in victory.

"What a pain…" another boy said, rubbing his shoulder. Wearing a fishnet shirt and a pair of green pants with a Jonin leaf green vest. Hair tied up in a peak in the back and hunched over with both arms resting upon his shins.

"Oh Shikamaru!" Ino sighed, "do you always have to think everything is a pain?" the blond haired girl asked. He shrugged lazily.

"Everything IS a drag Ino… troublesome and a huge pain in the ass."

"You're a pain in my ass…" Ino mumbled. They heard Naruto chuckle from his cast. Sakura smiled and ruffled his hair gently.

"Oh c'mon Shikamaru," a large boy started, clad in red armor, "you have to admit that sometimes you complain a little too much…" he said. Shikamaru groaned.

"Whatever Chouji…" with a sigh he leaned back and closed his eyes. Chouji groaned at his teammates laziness and Ino couldn't believe she was dating him.

"It seems, " another boy clad in a hoodie and black glasses, "as though we all have a few problems… we have different judgments and base our opinions differently from each other. In the end, individually we think both alike and different, based on one's opinion, or if it's a fact." he said shadily.

"Uhhh… wha?" Kiba cocked his eyebrow, "is Shino on drugs or something'?" he said with an amused chuckle. Shino cocked his eyebrow at his team mate.

"That was so amusing I forgot to laugh…" he said and turned away. Kiba groaned in annoyance.

"Jeez, have a sense of humor." he said. Shino said nothing to his team mate. Groaning, the messy brown-haired boy looked at Naruto. Sakura was preparing a meal for him of his favorite ramen. Standing up, the Inuzuka walked over to him, grabbed a chair and twisting it backwards before sitting in it. "Hope ya feel better buddy… just hand in there. I'm sure there'll be a cure found soon." the boy said with a toothy smile. Naruto sighed and hoped Kiba was right. After the steaming ramen was heated, she hooked him up and hung the bag on a hook. She flipped the switch and the ramen ran through the tube and Naruto began enjoying his dinner.

"Is that good Naruto?" Sakura asked with a cute smile and wink. The blonde crinkled his eyes. Kiba smiled and it spread throughout the room. The dog tamer got out of the chair and turned it around and offered it to Sakura. Smiling she took a seat and held Naruto's hand, stroking his fingers. She looked around, and noticed something she hadn't noticed before, "where's Neji, Tenten and Lee?" she questioned.

"They're out on a mission. They were here with us earlier today though, but Tsunade had called them for an important matter with Gai." Shikamaru explained.

"Oh…"

"Although we did give Naruto a group hug when we were here. Too bad you weren't with us." Ino said. Sakura looked at her.

"Well, I was at home picking out this dress. I have to look presentable Ino." the pinkette explained. Ino shrugged, and Sakura turned towards Naruto. His eyes looked vibrant and hyper active again! Shimmering in the light, she could tell her was overjoyed to have friends such as them.

"Well guys, we'd better get going. You guys probably wanna be left alone." Kiba said. They all stared at for a second. It then clicked in Ino's mind.

"Yeah, c'mon Shikamaru." she said and stood up. It then clicked in all of their minds. However, Kiba saw Shino already gone, one step ahead of them already. They walked out of the door, the Inuzuka waving good-bye before closing the door. It became silent for a while, and Naruto was still taking in his food. Gripping the blondes hand further, Sakura spoke up.

"They're really good friends, aren't they?" Sakura asked. Naruto could only agree! "Gosh… I feel like it's been a long while since you could move," Sakura said, "I hope you'll be able to move again in the future, I sincerely do." her soft tone seemed to calm him a little bit. She stared meekly into his eyes, and although she could not feel what he was currently going through… she could see it clearly, that inside he was wishing, wishing desperately for a cure of this disease. Vibrant upon the outside, a feeling of hope, and wishing inside. She had not noticed, however, that her thoughts had turned into her emotions.

Naruto could see her frowning for some reason. He had no idea what was going on, although whatever it was, he wished he could make her feel better. He hoped she wasn't concerning herself about him. If only he could move, if only he could wrap his arms around her and whisper in her ear how much she meant to him, how much he loved her. Then maybe it would all end and they could be happy together. However life was cruel. A world of pain and misery for him. She was his world, she made him who he was now, she did everything for him when she had no idea in the universe that she had molded him into a fine young man. Those, were his deepest wishes. If that Shade-Tree Werewolf hadn't fucked up the mission, and if he did tell her he loved her, his memory slipping slightly, and if she thought about it. Perhaps they would be together right now, somewhere else instead of being locked up in this damned hospital! Sighing to himself, the blond stared at her.

"Oh Naruto…" she squeaked. Whatever the reason she was crying again. Something obviously getting to her emotions and tugging them like a violin string. Her hands were placed over her heart, and her tears of impurity ran down her plushy cheeks.

"So… beautiful… don't cry Sakura… please don't cry. You've cried enough, don't be sad!" he pleaded to her! He wish he had telepathy so he could talk to her. He wished many things for her, all good.

"Oh Naruto… please don't die…" she cried, "please don't leave me tonight or any other… other night! Stay with me… be with me… just don't leave me. You're the only one I feel like I have in my life, you're the only one who understands me," she sniffed, wiping away her tears. Naruto even began to hurt a little inside, and it sent a few tears streaming down his cheeks as well, "you shouldn't be crying… I'm the one who needs to cry… if I lose you… I'll feel like I've lost everything." she cried. She hunched over and laid her head on his chest cast and nuzzled into it. What she was showing right now, it never occurred to her that it had been coming out of her mouth. She felt screwed up for some reason. She just had a feeling… a feeling he should know… something about her. She had already told him her deepest wish, and she probably knew what one of his wishes was. To be with her… and she knew it all along of course. She had seen how he acted when he was younger, always going gaga over her, while she was going crazy for Sasuke Uchiha. And it was true, she thanked Naruto for getting him back, she sincerely did. However, she had lost Sasuke as a love interest of the years she had been with Naruto. Back then she needed him, and vise versa her. And now, he needed her more than anything, but she felt as though she was the one in need, not him. Sakura Haruno wanted to see what it was like to be more in-depth with the blond. She sat up and looked him straight in the eyes.

"I'm sorry for breaking down like that…" she apologized as she swept the tears cascading down her cheeks away, "I could just never picture losing you for any reason what-so-ever. I've never said this before, because I thought it'd cloud my attraction for Sasuke," she sniffed, and then sighed, "you're everything to me… Naruto Uzumaki. And I know I must look really ridiculous, it's like I'm bipolar… friendly and then angry in a split second, then crying and… and then repeating again. But that's the truth… you're everything I thought Sasuke was, and one of those is a hero…" she said. The pinkette looked at the time and sighed. It was only 8: 00 and already she was tired. She was nervous to ask, but then again, she wondered if it was something Naruto would like.

"Naruto… can I lay down with you?" she asked. The blondes eyes widened.

"Lay down, with me!? Hell you slept with me, SURE!" he mentally shouted! He blinked once and muffled loudly, doing his best to give her a sign. She noticed, seeing his eyes shimmer with delight. Smiling, she crawled onto the bed and laid on him, since, there was no room for her to snuggle into a corner beside him.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?" she questioned. The blond muffled a "nuh uh". Smiling, Sakura laid her head down upon his chest. She had slept with him before, and the memory of that frightening night would always be burned into her mind. She put her head in the crook of his neck, scooting up further, careful not to hurt him anywhere being he was delicate. Though Sakura was sure the cast would hold. Naruto smiled underneath his cast and inhaled deeply. Sakura could even hear his gentle heart beat, lulling her to sleep soundly. Naruto didn't know if it would work, but if it was to make Sakura happy, he began to move his arms, implying all of his strength so he could hug her. Instantly Sakura awoke and looked at him!

"Naruto! …you aren't supposed to move…" Sakura said. Determination showed within his eyes, if he was to sleep with her he'd hug her dammit! She understood, even though it was against her being a nurse, she really couldn't stop Naruto from being Naruto… she got off, ejected the food bag as it was empty and tossed it, and turned off the lights, darkening the room. There was just enough light to see where she was going. She climbed back on and nuzzled into his neck, tired from something she could not seem to understand the reason why. Naruto sighed and implied his strength again, it was a bit difficult, but he got his arms to move. He wrapped them around Sakura's body, in a hugging embrace. He knew he would not be able to live… and as he had previously thought, that dying was his future, that becoming Hokage was not in his future… he would accept it. Accept death, no matter how excruciating. He'd do it for Sakura… he'd die for her, she was his world, and so long as she remembered him after he died, she'd always remain, his world. He closed his eyes, the girl of his dreams, dressed elegantly and beautifully for him wrapped nice and snug in his arms and on his body. He inhaled, and then exhaled. They both drifted off peacefully. However… from the window of the door, two eyes watched over them.

"Hmmm…"

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Sorry for the VERY LATE update yet again. But, here it is! J I'm going to finish "Demon in the High School" so that can be done and over with and I can move on with the High School series. "The Demon of Konoha Castle: Curse of the Crystal Lantern" will be updated as well. Thank you for reading. As of next chapter, expect emotional trauma, but also expect my special guest to appear in this story. All hope isn't lost yet! Bye!