Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

AN: This is dedicated to my Bernie who continues to support me, and a super-duper late gift to my friend who will celebrate her birthday together with Uchiha Sasuke. Special thanks to oyasumiQuincy for beta-ing! Sorry Yamada if I didn't wait for you!

Reviews will be very much appreciated.

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The sun will never rise in the west… nor will it set in the east.

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Falling Leaves

by Sapphire Snowflake

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The early times of his life was spent on running towards the past, never letting it go. You remember running after him that time, even following him that night, trying to persuade him to let you accompany him (for eternity) in his conquest for justice, but he refuses (you?). It's his past, he says.

And you might be his future.

There exists no connection between these two so he leaves you on that cold bench all alone.

Years pass like the falling leaves of that old tree near the academy.

At this point in his life, after successfully (unfortunately, for you and maybe for Naruto too) discovering his new goal in life, he turns and walks towards his future, the end.

You are no longer part of this (his) future, for you are the spring, the morning of life, and, spring is the beginning, not the end of things.

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Never conclude that shadows exist just because you can see them. You'll never know if they're just illusions or not.

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This day's noon is especially hot. You sit on the lone swing – the one located near the academy – and try to think and ponder things.

Soon, the sun will decide to rest in his humble abode.

As your mind begins to process today's events, you notice your shadow, lying dully on the ground.

Because of that, your mind wanders from today's events to a shadow, to your accomplishments and failures in life, and then to him.

To him to whom you devoted your whole life (once upon a time)... Him, who kind of dumped you after saying his gratitude…

Suddenly, you wonder if you have become his shadow all these years, following his every move, always staying behind him and trying to support him in every way.

But just like a shadow, you fail to do the last one…

You stand to leave after a few minutes of playing with your own shadow. The sun is already yawning in sleepiness, painting the horizon a mix of orange and pink hues. You shake your head and reprimand yourself. He will never come back. You should forget about him (already!), move on and continue life. You know it will be hard, but you still try because this way will be less painful for you.

You deliberate if you are still his shadow up to now… because up to now, you are still thinking of him even if you shouldn't.

A few more steps and you arrive at your house (that still lacks heat, you think). As you walk up the stairs, biting your lower lip, you can't help but notice your shadow on the wall.

It's still there.

This time, you realize that you are not really his shadow. If you continued to be, then you won't be climbing these steps alone.

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12:12 AM July 7, 2008 Re-edited. Reread. Whatever. 1:05 PM August 31, 2008