Hi everybody. This is my first FANfic, so not only do I NOT own them but I need reviews to keep going. So be nice : P

I'm thinking, I'm thinking…

Keep working on that kit

It was a hot October day, and the team were bent over panting. It had been one of their hardest training session 'to test their skills' 'see how much they had improved' and 'see what needs to be worked on' or so Kakashi had told them. Despite their skills, they hadn't planned to train from dawn to dusk with a half hour to eat.

It didn't matter though, Sasuke and Naruto were always trying to surpass themselves and beat the other. It had been an exceptional day when Naruto, clearly annoyed at the constant insults, had beaten Sasuke down to the ground. Sakura still trained with them, and spending her weekends under the guidance of Tsunade, she too had become a force to recon with, even if she didn't have the stamina the two boys had.

"That's all for today." Kakashi told them, waving his free hand as he read the newest edition of Icha Icha Paradisu. "Meet back at the school same time tomorrow. Iruka-san needs help with the decorations."

"Ano sa, ano sa, Kaka-sensei, I won't be there tomorrow. I've already told Iruka-sensei and he said it was alright." Naruto spoke up, eyeing the ground before Kakashi could disappear.

A spark of some emotion transpired through the visible eye of the Copy Nin before it turned back into a curve. "That's fine Naruto. I hope you have a nice day without us." With another wave of the hand, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Hey, Sakura-chan, you want to go get some ramen with me." Naruto returned to his usual, energetic self. His eyes were wide and hopeful.

Damn Naruto, don't do that, Sasuke thought, torn between two emotions.

"Um, no, I have to go help my mom. Gomen." Sakura hurried out, glancing lovingly at Sasuke before dashing off.

"Oh, alright. Bye Sakura-chan, Sasuke-teme." He mumbled out, putting his hands behind his head, before walking home as well. Sasuke watched him go a moment, before leaving also.

What's wrong with you Naruto? You were down all day. I've never seen you so down. Doesn't matter, I'll change your mood tomorrow, after all we are celebrating the defeat of the Kyuubi no Youko. Not even you can be down at such a time. Sasuke thought before preparing for bed.

Elsewhere in the village, Naruto sat on his bed looking at the floor. He hated this time of year, hated the way the people treated him, hated the reason for the festival. It wasn't even true. Kyuubi wasn't beaten, he was just sealed away, and on his birthday too. He wasn't really sealed up either. Naruto, still at a young age, had met Kyuubi in what he had thought was a dream. Something had passed between the too, and Naruto had ripped away the seal, freeing the demon fox. The later, being not only lazy but also without a reason to leave had stayed inside the cage to guide the child.

Fisting his hands until you could see the white of the bones, Naruto let a few tears fall on the ground. He had wanted to tell one of his friends the truth, but his inner guide had always advised him not too. It was too dangerous to tell the truth, they might try to kill him for protecting them. He shook his head, tired of being alone, and got ready for the arms of Morphus. As he had done so many nights before, Naruto let the tears fall on his pillow at the thought of all the injustice done to him.

Save tonight, and fight the break of dawn, was the last thing he though that night.

Sasuke : Short

Me : I know.

Kyuubi : Sad

Me : I know.

Naruto: A little late

Me : I said I know! Gomen Nasai : P

Did anyone get the reference to the last thought?

Liked? Hated? Confused? Tell me. Helpful criticism permitted.