Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Innocent Illusions ❯ Exceptionally Beautiful ( Chapter 9 )

 

A/N: Sorry, it's late. If you haven't read it on my profile, you'll find out now. The rubber that holds all the wires in my recharger ripped open so I can't recharge my laptop unless I want to get shocked. Good news: I have a back up computer. Bad news: It's the family computer that everyone uses so my time is limited. I could've probably finished this chapter sooner, but life got in the way so I'm really sorry. : (

 

Sorry it took so long to put up this chapter. And sorry that it'll probably take a while before the next chapter is posted.

 

Well, here's the ninth chapter!

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and Co.

 

 

 

 

 

Innocent Illusions

 

 

Naruto was sulking in Ichikaru's Ramen Bar. He was thinking about yesterday, while trying to find out what he was forgetting. It happened ever since last night. His mind kept on nagging and telling him that he was forgetting something important, but he couldn't remember what. After a moment, he gave up when he still couldn't find out what he was forgetting and thought about yesterday's events instead.

 

The situation he was in reminded him of a gooey, romantic film Sakura forced him to watch with her once.

 

The plot in the movie consisted of a strong friendship between the two leading actors. The boy in the film always thought of the girl as a little sibling while the sister maintained the same idea. But through some sort of random moment, the boy realizes that he loves the girl as a lover. Of course, Naruto called out that he thought that it was stupid. How could sibling love suddenly turn into a romantic love?

 

But now, Naruto was wondering. Is that what happened to him?

 

No, it still doesn't make sense! His mind declared.

 

Now, Naruto was sure that the idea was stupid. It wasn't as if you could suddenly look at your brother and realize you loved him that way. Even if you weren't related to a person you considered a sibling, it's still the same concept. You couldn't exactly love 'blood' that way. Could you?

 

So, Naruto must've never actually considered Sasuke a brother. He thought he did, but maybe he didn't.

 

That didn't mean that Naruto didn't care for Sasuke. Naruto wanted the best for Sasuke. Naruto never wanted anything to hurt Sasuke in any kind of way. He wanted Sasuke to be happy and protected. He also wanted to be by Sasuke's side. But, that couldn't exactly be classified as brotherly love, could it? But then again, it couldn't be headed toward the lover department either.

 

So what Naruto used to feel for Sasuke was neither brotherly nor romantic. It was always in the middle being tugged in both directions but never falling into the category. But after Sasuke's little kiss yesterday, the romance department won the little tug-a-war. Now, Naruto knew what he was feeling for Sasuke and also knew the reason why.

 

But then another thing to question was his sexuality, Naruto always thought himself to be straight, but now, he questioned if he was attracted to the male gender. But, Naruto couldn't be exactly gay, could he?

 

It was a little hard for Naruto to admit this, but he was a bit perverted. Naruto remembered the times where he tried to peek on girls in Hot Springs, and even tried to peek on Sakura. Hey! He just wanted to see some girl action. Nothing extremely bad.

 

Not to mention that he had some experience with girlfriends.

 

First was Sakura, but that 'relationship' only lasted one day. Apparently, neither of their feelings could go further than the friendship boundary. They both laughed at that experience after though and were still best of friends to this day.

 

His second was Hinata. After finally figuring out that she liked him, they went out for a little bit before it became too awkward for both of them. Naruto somehow always said the wrong thing or got too close, and Hinata would end up on the floor because of her fainting attacks. They both agreed though that the best thing for them would to be just friends. After that little agreement, Hinata became a little more comfortable around Naruto.

 

The third (and last) relationship Naruto experienced with some village girl who wasn't a ninja. It was his longest relationship he had, but she broke up with him after complaining that he went off to missions too much and that she never got to see him.

 

Now, he was experiencing his fourth. But did Naruto actually have a 'relationship' with Sasuke? He had no idea, but he knew he liked him. So what did that make Naruto?

 

He liked girls, but he liked guys, too. What's that called? A bisexual? Yes, Naruto figured it out. He was a bisexual, but it felt a little weird to say that about himself. But what else was he? No, he was attracted to both genders of the human race. So now that that's decided. He had to think about other things.

 

How was he going to bring Sasuke back exactly? He had thought he would just act like himself to distract Sasuke from vengeful thoughts until Sasuke would realize that there were better things in life that he should focus on. And, it was a little nice that Naruto got to spend some time with Sasuke. The person he used to think of as only a friend. But now, Sasuke was his...

 

Naruto sighed. This was too complicated. Maybe he should tell someone so they could help him. Like Sakura. Should he tell her? She obviously wanted to know what's been going on at the bar, but he already agreed to keep the little secret to himself. Although, weren't two heads better than one? But, if he told her, she'd have to tell the Hokage. After all, she was really loyal to Tsunade who was her previous master.

 

Naruto didn't want the information to leak out. He could handle this one on his own, couldn't he?

 

And didn't Sakura like Sasuke? Actually, she used to be obsessed with him. Well, maybe when they were younger. But would she be mad that Naruto and Sasuke were... together? Damn, it still feels weird to say it.

 

Maybe Naruto should ask her.

 

But he wouldn't want to get her mad, because she gets really, really scary. So he-

 

Naruto lost his train of thought, because he finally remembered what he forgot. Oh, no.

 

Naruto dropped his head onto the counter and banged it repeatedly against the hard wood, ignoring the weird looks he was receiving from some other customers. Don't tell me I missed it.

 

"Naruto!" Sakura's voice rang out. "How could you miss it?!" Oh god. She's gonna kill me, but damn it! How could I miss Sai's first birthday party? Oh, fuck.

 

"Sakura...,"

 

"Do you know how long we waited? Huh? We almost lost our reservation at the restaurant we were taking Sai to, because we wanted to wait for you! But then, you didn't show up! You said you'd be there, but then, you... didn't...," Sakura's sentence trailed off as she saw the pained expression on his face. "Naruto?"

 

"Sakura, what did... how did Sai react... to me not being there?" Sakura felt some of her anger fade away, although, it was still not completely forgotten.

 

"Are you sure?" Naruto nodded, grimly. "I told him you'd be there, but when you didn't show up, he kept on believing you'd still come. He was disappointed, though. He tried not to act like it, because he didn't want to ruin anybody's fun, but I could tell. He was upset." Sakura jumped a little when Naruto suddenly twisted around in his seat and resumed his previous bangings.

 

"I can't believe it. I'm his best friend, and I-"

 

"Idiot. Stop hitting your head on the table. It won't help." She placed a hand on top of Naruto's head to stop his destructive actions. "Whatever stopped you from coming to the party must've been big 'cuz I know you wouldn't have not come for no reason. So what happened?" Naruto flushed as he remembered yesterday's events and chose to bury his face into his folded arms causing Sakura to sigh. "Fine, if you don't want to tell me, I'll respect your privacy." For now at least. It wasn't Sakura's fault that she was a little bit curious. Maybe nosy. But then again, who wasn't?

 

"Thanks, Sakura. So tell me, what did happen at the party?" Sakura sat down next to Naruto and tilted her head into a thinking position as she remembered the events of the party.

 

"Well, it was just a normal party, but there was this one part at the restaurant we were eating. There was a waitress, and you could practically see hearts in her eyes every time she looked at Sai. Every time she would 'check' up on us, she would always accidentally touch Sai and would whisper certain things into his ear. There was this one time when she whispered something, and Sai blushed!" Naruto and Sakura laughed at that.

 

"Really? How red did his face get?" Naruto said, trying to create a mental image with a blushing Sai.

 

"Well, let's just say that the chef could've used Sai's head to replace the tomatoes."

 

"Oh god! What did that lady say, anyway?" Naruto leaned in, almost falling out of his chair. He wanted to hear the magical words that caused Sai to turn into a living tomato.

 

"I don't know. He wouldn't tell me. Damn Sai. I even threatened to beat it out of him. He still didn't tell." Sakura gave an aggravated pout at the idea while Naruto just gave another laugh.

 

"Damn. I should've been there." Naruto became silent as he felt another wave of guilt pass through him. Sakura laid a hand on his shoulder and shook him a little bit to knock him out of the trance.

 

"Idiot. Stop thinking about that. Besides, you're supposed to pay attention to a girl when she's talking." Naruto chuckled a little before giving her a nod.

 

"Yeah, yeah. I know. So what were you saying to me before I zoned out?" Naruto raised his hand to get the man behind the bar's attention while listening to Sakura talk.

 

"As I was saying, it's just been so long since we've hung out together. I mean, it's the longest time period filled with peace so far. Everyone is calling it the Era of Harmony, because there has been absolutely no fighting going on between any two countries. It's so weird. We finally get to relax and finally have time to be around each other. But, you're never around. You know?" Naruto gave a small order for ramen (He wasn't going to go the ramen bar to only just sulk and talk to the girl next to him, was he?) before turning back to Sakura.

 

"Sorry 'bout that, but I already told you. I have to finish something at the bar, and then, I'll quit. Simple as that."

 

"Yeah, I guess." Naruto thanked the man for the ramen before picking up his chopsticks and jumping into the food. "God, Naruto. Calm down!" Naruto gave Sakura a look while still nibbling on his noodles causing Sakura to roll her eyes. "Oh, yeah. You and your love of ramen."

 

"Yup." Naruto chugged down the rest of the broth, ignoring the disgusted looks Sakura sent him.

 

"I swear, you're such a pig." Sakura smiled slightly at the sight of Naruto's messy face before it turned serious. "Naruto, you said that you had to finish something at the bar. Is it really that important?" Naruto placed the bowl down before thinking of a way to answer her question without arousing her suspicions. If he said it was important, she would probably want to know what he was doing so she could help. If he said it wasn't that important, she would wonder why he wanted to do it then and demand him to stop.

 

Ha, he was just making it sound more complicated than it was.

 

"Well, it's not that important, but I know I have to do it before I go," Sakura nodded her head.

 

"Is your time limited?" Naruto gave the money to Ayame before turning toward Sakura again.

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"I mean, do you have a time limit or can you your spare some of your time to spend with us?"

 

"Well, I guess." Naruto said, uncertainly. Where was this going?

 

"Good." She muttered, leaving Naruto to wonder what she was up to before he remembered what he wanted to ask her before. But how would he ask her? Hmm... Oh! I got it!

 

"Hey, Sakura." Naruto called out to her in his most `innocent' voice.

 

"Yeah?"

 

"You're Tsunade's assistant so she tells you things that happen in the village. Right?" Naruto stroked his hair and gave an innocent look toward Sakura, another part of the I'm-going-to-ask-you-for-something-so-please-say-yes stance.

 

"Yeah..."

 

"Well, can you tell me if they found any traces of Sasuke?"

 

"That's confidential, Naruto," Naruto changed his expression into a disappointed one and hoped it would work on Sakura. "Don't give me that look, Naruto." No, it didn't work. "I don't even know yet. Anyways, the scouting shinobi are supposed to come back with their news today. So I know nothing so far."

 

"Fine." Naruto paused as he thought over his next question. "Hey... uhh... do you... still like Sasuke?" Naruto watched her closely to see her reaction, hoping it wasn't anger. So naturally, he was confused when Sakura became all flushed. "What's wrong?"

 

"Oh, nothing. Well, no. I don't like Sasuke that way anymore." Naruto nodded, greatly relieved.

 

"Well... uhh... why not?" Naruto asked when he couldn't think of anything else to say.

 

"How should I know? I just… don't." Sakura waited for an answer, but when Naruto stayed quiet, she knew he wanted her to explain why. "It's just... it's like you and me, Naruto. Remember when you used to like me?" Naruto smiled as he thought back to those old times.

 

"Ha, how weird was I when I was a kid? I can't believe I used to like you like that." Naruto paused as he felt Sakura's murderous glare at the back of his head.

 

"What's that supposed to mean?" Naruto quickly raised his hands and waved them in a gesture that meant he didn't mean it the way she thought he did.

 

"I-I mean... you're my best friend, and I can't look at you as anything more than a really close friend. So I was just saying it felt weird to remember how I used to think as more than that." Naruto covered his face and waited for the blow to come.

 

His heart slowed down when he didn't feel any pain. He peeked nervously at Sakura to see her sag in the chair tiredly.

 

"Okay, good. Well, back to what I was saying before. You don't like me anymore. Why?" Naruto shrugged his shoulders before giving out an answer.

 

"I don't know. You're my friend." Sakura nodded at his answer.

 

"Yeah, well, Sasuke's my friend, too."

 

"Yeah."

 

"Besides," Sakura looked away, as if she was embarrassed at what she was going to say. "... I'm going out with Rock Lee." Naruto jumped out of his chair and pointed at Sakura.

 

"What?!" How could bushy brow and Sakura end up together? She thought he was horrifyingly creepy when she first saw him. How did it come to this?

 

"Calm down, Naruto. You're embarrassing me." Sakura waved off the people that looked strangely at the overreacting blonde.

 

"But... but... how?" Naruto sat down and sent a confused look toward Sakura.

 

"Well, after all the flowers, candy, and gifts, I started to feel guilty. I mean, he even sent me some jewels. So when he asked me to go out with him, I felt really bad so I just said yes. And he was really sweet, and it was just really nice." She gushed about her boyfriend with a small blush.

 

"So, you and bushy brow, huh?" She crossed her arms and sent a glare toward Naruto.

 

"Don't call him bushy brow!"

 

"But I always call him that, and he never minds."

 

"Well, I do. And, I kinda ...got him to wax his eyebrows. Well, I tried to trim them down to normal size, but he wouldn't let me. So it's not that big anymore, but it's bigger than the average eyebrow." She muttered the last part and ignored the laughter that came from Naruto; her soon-to-be-dead best friend if he didn't stop laughing.

 

"I never expected you guys to be together. It's so weird!"

 

"Whatever." She snapped. "Don't you have to go to work?" Sakura retorted in her annoyed state and received a very satisfied feeling when he froze in shock.

 

"Oh, shit. What time is it?" He looked at the clock before whipping his head to Sakura. "I gotta go! Bye!"

 

"Okay. Well," Sakura watched as Naruto ran toward the gate, leaving behind him small dust clouds that caused some of the people nearby to start coughing. "...bye."

 

Naruto ran until he reached the gate. He walked up to Sai and began the usual routine. "Hurry up. I'm late to work."

 

"Okay, Naruto you can go." Sai said, emotionlessly.

 

"Oh, and by the way...," Naruto gave Sai a giant grin and whispered his question to the man. "... what did that girl say to you yesterday?" Sai turned his head to the side, but Naruto could clearly see the uneasy look on his face.

 

"I don't know what you're talking."

 

"Sure, Sai." Naruto gave him a wink at his flustered expression before leaving. Sai shook his head and sighed.

 

"By tonight, Sakura will tell everyone in the village." Sai sighed again. Shikamaru, who had been sitting next to Sai the whole time, just watched the troublesome events with silence.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

"So, where are we going?"

 

"Hn." Naruto glared at the man beside him. Apparently, nothing had really changed for the two. Sasuke was still a bastard, and Naruto was still stuck with him. He didn't know what to do. Naruto didn't want to bring up the subject, but how could he ignore what happened yesterday? But maybe this would give him time to think. Forget it. If Sasuke's not gonna talk about it, I won't either. "Where do we usually go?" Oh, look. Sasuke talked.

 

"The bench in the fields?"

 

"Yes."

 

"But we always go there, don't you wanna do something new? Something exciting. I mean, going there every, single day gets... boring! Come on, let's do something else in town." Naruto sent an excited smile toward Sasuke, but it was ignored when the man continued to walk toward the fields. "Why won't you answer me?"

 

"Because you can understand me without the use of words." Naruto wrinkled his brow and gave Sasuke another tired look.

 

"That doesn't mean I like silence. You have a voice. You can use it!" Sasuke sent Naruto a look that stood for a silent 'no'. "You suck, you know that?" Sasuke didn't retaliate to his statement, leaving a grumbling Naruto to walk beside him through town.

 

Eventually, they reached the fields. Sasuke sat down while Naruto chose to stand. He looked upon the blonde who was deep in thought.

 

Naruto stood looking at the fields. There was a slight breeze blowing, but Naruto barely felt it while he underneath Sasuke's thick jacket.

 

It was so bright out there. The sun was shining, but there were some clouds out to make sure it wasn't too bright. The fields were covered in small flowers that swayed with the breeze, and Naruto could make out a few butterflies fluttering around. Today was one of those exceptionally beautiful days that didn't happen too often.

 

Naruto turned around to face Sasuke. It was beautiful today, but he probably wouldn't get to enjoy it with the dipstick here.

 

"Maybe we can go over there." Sasuke raised his head and looked at the direction Naruto was pointing at.

 

"There's no bench." Naruto was about to open his mouth and make a sarcastic comment, but Sasuke stopped him. "And I'm not sitting on the ground, either."

 

"Why do you wanna stay here? Let's go over there."

 

"No." Naruto walked over to the bench with a pout before switching to another plan. Annoy Sasuke.

 

Naruto reached a hand over and poked Sasuke's arm. "Let's go." No reaction to Naruto whatsoever. So he reached over and gave Sasuke another hard poke. "Now." Naruto scowled when Sasuke remained unaffected by his antics. He reached over to give another poke when Sasuke smacked his hand away. Naruto sent Sasuke an annoyed look but mentally smirked. Ha, I got a reaction out of Sasuke. Just need to do a little more before he cracks.

 

"Let's go!" He reached out to poke him again but was swatted away. Okay, so that method won't work anymore. "You know, it would just be easier if you'd just go." Sasuke ignored Naruto. "Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! Leave! Now! Get up! Get up! Get up! Get-" Sasuke's hand covered Naruto's mouth, effectively blocking any other words that would come out of the hyper blonde's mouth.

 

Wordlessly, Sasuke got up and started to walk in the direction Naruto pointed at. Grinning, Naruto ran up to catch up the man.

 

"See! Was that so hard?"

 

As expected, his question was met by silence. They continued to walk until Naruto finally decided he was satisfied with the distance and grabbed Sasuke. He yanked Sasuke down before he managed to get away. Somehow, Sasuke even managed the fall with some sort of grace.

 

"We're here. What do you plan on doing now?"

 

"I guess we could... talk!" Sasuke sent Naruto another look. "Or we don't have to. We can just lie down and look at the clouds."

 

Naruto watched the man mentally decide what was the better option. Sasuke suddenly lied down on the grass, and Naruto soon followed.

 

They looked upon the clouds in silence for about a few minutes before Naruto became restless. Looking at clouds was interesting, but it had a hypnotizing affect on its viewers, which meant Naruto had a hard time keeping his drooping eyes open.

 

"What do you see?" Naruto elbowed Sasuke when he chose not to talk. But even that did not get him to talk. "Well, I see... a sheep... a deformed apple... and oh! Look! It's a turtle. Tell me what you see."

 

"Clouds."

 

"Hey! That's no fun! You have to imagine something. Do it! It's fun." Naruto twisted his head to view Sasuke. His face was caught in the sunlight, and it looked... Naruto turned his head back before he could finish that kind of thought. "So do you see anything yet?"

 

"..."

 

"Fine. We don't have to play this game." Since one of us isn't talented as I am at this game. "What do you think of the... weather?"

 

"What do you mean?" Naruto placed his hands under his head into a more comfortable position.

 

"I mean. Today. It's really nice out, but I don't know. It seems like you don't really care. Do you prefer rainy, darker days?"

 

"They're all meaningless to me." Naruto looked at Sasuke.

 

"What?"

 

"It doesn't matter whether it's raining or sunny. It's meaningless to me."

 

"What days do have meaning for you then?" He watched closely for any expressions that could possibly display any emotions Sasuke was feeling. Naruto was surprised when Sasuke suddenly turned toward him.

 

"Those days are over."

 

"Why?"

 

"..."

 

"Why won't you answer me?" Sasuke had turned back to face the sky.

 

"It's none of your business."

 

"Then, what's the point about telling me that your days are meaningless, but that you used to have some meaningful ones? That makes me want to know, but now, you won't tell me why or what happened in those days!"

 

"You would've pestered me until I talked." Naruto flipped onto his side and watched Sasuke who still kept his gaze out of reach.

 

"Well, you talked before, because you knew I'd bother you. Why did you stop talking now? I could just start bothering you again."

 

"But there is a limit to how much I will tell you."

 

"That's not fair. I tell you a lot of things about myself, but you tell me nothing!" Naruto retorted.

 

"On the contrary, you tell me mostly things that have happened to you but not about yourself." Naruto thought about that comment and remembered all the stories he had told Sasuke about Konoha and his adventures. Damn. He's right.

 

"Well, I tell you about my friends. Why don't you tell me about your friends?"

 

"Aren't you the one who declared that I probably didn't have any friends at our first dinner?" Naruto winced when he remembered the dinner-not-date thing.

 

"But that was because you were ticking me off, I didn't think I was actually right. So… is it lonely without friends?"

 

"I have people talk to me everyday. That is not what you call 'lonely'."

 

"The people that talk to you, aren't they your friends?" Sasuke frowned (a different kind of frown from his usual bored one).

 

"They're hardly what I would call friends."

 

"Oh. Well, can you tell me about those people then?"

 

"No."

 

"What?!" Naruto's loud voice boomed through the quiet field.

 

"You want tales to amuse you. I don't have any."

 

"Oh. Umm...," Naruto thought hard to come up with something to say. But, that meant he had to abandon their current subject even though he wanted to know more. "... well, you say that I don't really say that much about myself, and I say the same thing about you."

 

"And?"

 

"Let's start with small things. Like 'what's your favorite color'?"

 

"Fine. What's your favorite color?" Naruto wrinkled his brow.

 

"I asked you first!"

 

"..."

 

"Okay, okay. I'll tell you. I like a lot of colors though. Most of them are bright colors, but there are some dark colors. I really like... orange and black. Those colors are awesome." Naruto plucked some pieces of grass and started flicking them at Sasuke, but stopped when he received a glare. "Umm... what's your favorite color?"

 

"I don't have any use for those kind of trivial things."

 

"What? I answered for you." Sasuke sent a bored look toward Naruto that was translated in a 'Do you think I care?' before looking back up the sky. "Tell me! Is it blue?"

 

"No."

 

"...black?"

 

"No."

 

"Grey."

 

"No."

 

"Indigo?"

 

"No."

 

"Pink!" Okay, well maybe that was a bad thing to say. But unfortunately, Naruto had run out of dark colors for Sasuke. Speaking of Sasuke, he was currently sending a strange look while Naruto tried to wave it off. "So... is it pink?"

 

"No."

 

"You know, this would be so much easier if you just told me." Naruto waited for the man beside him to say something but sighed when he didn't. Dealing with Sasuke was truly tiring. "Fine, another question. What do you want to be when you grow up?"

 

"..."

 

"Okay. I'll start. Like I always do. When I grow up... I dream I'll be able to protect the ones that are close to me, but that's probably everyone`s dream. But I know I'll achieve it! So what about you?"

 

"I have certain plans for the future that I won't be telling you."

 

"What?"

 

"But after that, I'm not sure what will become of me." He replied softly. That made Naruto slightly angry. Wouldn't Sasuke want to return back to the village? Would he just let himself slowly fade away?

 

"Really? Well, you don't have to worry about that now. Some people choose to go along with the flow, but others make plans. I thought you would be one of those people."

 

"What are you implying?" Naruto smirked. Did he anger the great old Uchiha? But then again, he couldn't really tell when Sasuke's voice was devoid of any emotion.

 

"Oh, nothing. What are… your likes?" Naruto smiled a very cat-like grin when Sasuke didn't respond to his answer. "Okay, I'll go first." He paused a minute as he thought about what to say. "Well, the things I like are... ramen, working: everyone says that it sucks, but I like it. And hanging out with friends, hanging out with you: even though you don't talk that much. I also like to talk: I can talk about anything, but you wouldn't know because you don't like to talk so then, I have nothing to say. And another thing, I don't like talking to myself. I think that's kind of weird. Some people would think I'm fine with that kind of stuff, but I'm not. Besides, it's more interesting to talk with other people than yourself. I also like to fight. Not the I-wanna-beat-you-up fights, but the thrill of the competition. You know? I'm also interested in just haven't plain fun. That means a lot of things, because there are so many ways to have fun! Also, I-"

 

"Stop." Naruto glared at Sasuke. How dare he try to boss Naruto around like that? Who did he think he was?

 

"No."

 

"Do you want me to cover your mouth again?" Naruto thought over the scene at the bench when Sasuke covered his mouth. He was a little mad, but it had quickly disappeared when Sasuke had gotten up to leave. But now, he was threatening to do the same act. That made Naruto really mad.

 

"I'll bite your hand off."

 

"That's not very lady-like."

 

"That's not very gentleman-like to threaten to cover my mouth."

 

"..."

 

"Ha, I beat you. You can't command someone to stop. You have to ask them, but even if you asked me right now, I won't stop. So you can't stop me from talking! Do you have anything to say?" Naruto glanced over at Sasuke who looked like he was in deep thought. "Hey! You're supposed to pay attention to a girl when she's talking!" Naruto repeated Sakura's line to Sasuke. He smirked when Sasuke glanced up at him, a sign to show that he was paying attention now. "So anyways, where were we? I remember! Okay, so what do I like... well, there's this thing called-"

 

Naruto was unprepared for when Sasuke pushed him so that he lay completely on his back and that Sasuke happened to be on top of him. Their faces merely close enough to make Naruto blush, but far enough so that Naruto could push him away if he wanted.

 

"You still think I don't have other ways of silencing you?"

 

"W-what the hell? Get off of me!" Sasuke quickly pinned Naruto's arms down to his side and sent him another arrogant smirk.

 

"What are you going to do? Bite me?"

 

"Well, I can kick you where you don't want to be kicked!"

 

"Really? I'd think you be too busy." Naruto paled when he understood the meaning behind Sasuke's words.

 

"You wouldn't dare."

 

"Would you want to find out?"

 

"Oh no! You better not even think about-" Sasuke leaned down quickly and pressed his lips against Naruto, shutting up the blonde for now.

 

It was the same kind of kiss that had happened yesterday. Just a light press. Although, yesterday, that had been enough to cause Naruto to go into a trance. But luckily, his anger stopped him from falling back into another haze caused from the kiss.

 

Besides, Sasuke couldn't just kiss him and expect him to suddenly become obedient (Naruto had a little more self-control than that). Also, Sasuke shouldn't be kissing him at all. Naruto had to admit, he wasn't ready for that kind of stuff yet. His feelings were just so new. He wasn't ready.

 

Naruto twisted his head, trying to tear Sasuke off of him. Luckily, it worked.

 

"What are you trying to do?" Naruto moved his arms, but Sasuke held them tightly. "This could be considered as rape!" Sasuke laid above him, unaffected by Naruto's shrieks. "Let go, teme!" Naruto managed to get an arm free, but it was quickly grabbed and held in a tighter grip.

 

"You didn't seem to mind, yesterday?" Naruto's face flushed at Sasuke's words because of two things. One, Sasuke was mentioning to yesterday's actions. Two, Naruto never imagined Sasuke would say something like that. Especially, to Naruto himself.

 

"Well, you surprised me yesterday. And the second kiss, I... wanted." Naruto said, whispering the last part and hoping that Sasuke wouldn't hear it. But, he did.

 

"So, why don't you want this right now?" Naruto's face turned to a darker hue of red.

 

"W-what kind of question is that?!" Naruto had stopped struggling, his attention stolen by their little argument.

 

"It's something I want to know." Sasuke said coolly to the annoyed figure beneath him.

 

"But you don't go around asking stuff like that!"

 

"Why don't you want this?" Naruto sent a glare toward the man, but it was ignored.

 

"I'm not gonna answer that."

 

"Why not?"

 

"Because I don't want to." He turned his head away, refusing to look at the Uchiha who still wouldn't get off of him.

 

"Why not?"

 

"Because it's embarrassing. And don't ask me why." Naruto felt the questioning stare from Sasuke that was silently sending the annoying word, 'why'. "Damn it! Stop asking me."

 

"I didn't say anything."

 

"You know what you're doing. So stop it." Naruto looked up at him before shoving at the arms that propped Sasuke up. "You know, you could get off of me!"

 

"I will if you answer my question."

 

"What question?" Sasuke leaned down and whispered into his ear, the heat from his breath caused Naruto to freeze.

 

"The question that tells me why you don't want this."

 

"I'm not gonna answer that!" Naruto screeched when he recovered his voice. "I just don't want it! Okay?" Sasuke stared at Naruto, but he could tell that Sasuke was in deep thought rather than checking out his transformation. Finally, even if he wasn't actually 'seeing' Naruto, the staring was becoming creepy. "What?!"

 

"I know the answer."

 

"What?" Naruto's head hurt from all the confusion that Sasuke caused.

 

"Do you want romance?"

 

"What?" Sasuke slowly combed slowly through the transformation's hair. "Hey, stop." Naruto replied in a softer tone.

 

Suddenly, Sasuke's lips were on his again, but... it felt different. It was softer and had a deeper intensity to it. Is this what he means by romance? Wait, he's trying to be romantic?

 

Naruto quickly shook that idea out of his head. Sasuke couldn't be romantic. But the kiss was somewhat different from before.

 

And maybe Naruto wanted to have some romance in the 'relationship'. Whoa. Naruto sounded almost like a girl. No, that couldn't happen. So Naruto didn't really want 'romance'.

 

But the romantic kisses were more sensual and sweet. No! Damn it! Gotta stop thinking!

 

Fortunately (mostly unfortunately), Naruto did stop thinking, but Sasuke was causing the distraction. Oh, god.

 

Naruto could feel Sasuke's tongue in his mouth! It felt... strange. But... nice. Naruto didn't know when he started, but he was kissing Sasuke back.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Sasuke had been softly kissing the girl. It had been a small success when she didn't push him away, but he had a feeling that her mind was elsewhere.

 

Slowly, Sasuke deepened the kiss. He sucked one of her lips causing her to gasp. Inwardly, he smirked as he snaked his tongue into her mouth.

 

The girl stayed still causing Sasuke to frown. Was his plan not working?

 

But the question was silenced as the girl kissed him back. Although, it produced an unexpected reaction.

 

Sasuke slipped one of his hands behind the girl's head to bring her closer as the girl placed her hands around his neck. Suddenly, his heart rate quickened. Sasuke immediately concluded that he was running out of air.

 

Pulling back, Sasuke studied the girl for the moment, but the only thing he could focus on was her blue eyes. They were unique and mystifying yet familiar. Strange.

 

Sasuke automatically pulled the girl back quickly, leaving him wondering why he did so. They played the game of dominance with their tongues, which he had won, but the girl moved her tongue back into his mouth, shyly exploring his mouth.

 

What was this he was feeling? It was unexpected. It didn't matter that the girl didn't disgust him, but he was feeling desire and want. He needed to pull away, but his body wouldn't comply with his wishes to get away from the addicting kiss as he continued kissed the girl with an intense passion.

 

Finally, Sasuke mustered enough strength to remain unmoving. The girl continued her actions for a few more seconds but stopped when sensing that something was wrong. Reluctantly for both parts, she pulled away and sent him a confused look.

 

"We should go back." He told her.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

"We should go back." Naruto looked strangely at Sasuke. He was feeling disappointed and... angry.

 

"What?"

 

"You'll be late going back to work. Come on."

 

"Why do you care?" Naruto wondered. He had been... enjoying the kiss and thought Sasuke was too by the way he had held him.

 

"Do you want to get in trouble?"

 

"I...," Sasuke got up and started walking, leaving Naruto to lay on the ground.

 

What the hell happened? Naruto thought as he walked back. He could feel that Sasuke wasn't mad or that he didn't hate him, but he could feel that Sasuke's mind was far away from where they were now.

 

Sasuke didn't even stay for a while like he usually did. He left as soon as Naruto got inside of the bar.

 

Did I do something wrong? Naruto worried but couldn't think of anything that he could have done to make Sasuke act this way. He watched Sasuke's figure slowly dissolve. Strange.

 

But Naruto managed to walk away with a smile. Today was one of those exceptionally beautiful days that didn't happen to often.

 

But turns out, maybe he enjoyed it with the dipstick after all.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Sakura pressed her ear against the door and strained to hear to words being spoken. As soon as the scouting shinobi came, they were whisked away into the meeting room where no one else was allowed to come. Tsunade didn't say it was that important so she would probably tell her and Shizune later. But Sakura was what you would call... impatient.

 

She pushed her body as physically possible against the door. Come on, people. Speak louder!

 

Suddenly, the door went open. Sakura had felt the early vibrations and pushed against the door. She didn't end up falling face down in front of everybody, but you could bet her butt would have a pretty, little bruise on it later.

 

"H-hey, Lady Tsunade." She said nervously, hoping the easily angered Hokage wouldn't do anything to harm her in any way.

 

"Sakura...," Her voice led off, and Sakura winced, scared of the words that hadn't come out yet. "... I need your opinion on something."

 

"Oh?" Sakura popped her eyes open as soon as she heard that.

 

"Come in." The ninjas sent her respectful looks on the way in. Sakura remembered a time when they would send skeptical looks at her, wondering if a child could handle the knowledge that they held. Boy, did she prove them wrong.

 

Immediately, a scout stood up and read off his report. They had searched the lands far and beyond to look for Sasuke.

 

Sakura nodded as she received the information. She stood up and gave them a simple solution that they had overlooked. They nodded and smiled as Tsunade dismissed them for a well-earned break.

 

Sakura walked down the hall, practically bouncing. She couldn't wait to tell Naruto the news. He's going to be so happy.

 

First, she had to go tell Sai.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

His location was in a different spot this time, but he couldn't lose Sasuke. He ran with expertise through the woods until he came upon a rock with a barrier. Raising his hand, Sasuke sent the right amount of chakra through it before ripping off the seal. Even though it didn't seem that complicated, but if the amount of chakra that you sent through it was the tiniest fraction from the right amount. The barrier would explode or do some other trick that Sasuke didn't care for at this moment.

 

He quickly ran through to the center of the cave and stopped. Sasuke stood and waited for the voice to come.

 

"Sasuke. You're early. We planned to meet a few weeks later to discuss the girl as you continue your examination of her use of powers." Sasuke stood glaring at the darkness. "So, you must have important news if you're here. What is it? Did you grow attached?"

 

"I told you it wouldn't happen. And it didn't." Sasuke replied with an annoyed scowl on his face.

 

"Tell me what your news. I don't waste time." The figure said, cutting down to business.

 

"Be ready." Sasuke warned. "I'm bringing the girl next week."

 

The figure smirked at the younger Uchiha. He still didn't understand what he was doing. "Good. I'm tired of waiting." The plan was starting to set in motion.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

A/N: I wonder if I should've ended it like that... Review. : P