"Green Thumb"
By animefan752

Full Summary: Ah, the unexpected green thumb. And Naruto, who seems to be the least prone to gardening, truly admires watering plants and finds the utmost delight in it! How does one react? How do his friends, enemies, and acquaintances react to such an astonishing hobby? Ah, well, someone certainly responded differently from what's to be expected, secretly and discreetly gifting Naruto with a blossom of hidden meanings. Oh, whoever could it be? Oh, what kind of flower was it? Oh, what did all of this even mean?

Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me in any shape or form. It belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, respectively.

Caution: There's nothing too dreadful to warn you about, my beloved readers, at least not in this chapter. Of course, I can only warn you beforehand of that particularly blissful yaoi in the future, otherwise known as the unmistakable intimacy or lovely relationship between two males, that of you-know-who.

Setting: Well, this certainly takes place in Konoha, obviously, but as for when this happened? Let's just assume this happened before Sasuke escaped the confines of the Hidden Leaf Village and ran off with the Sound Four. I mean, I myself don't necessarily know what time frame this fanfic even takes place in, so. Perhaps I can say this is similar to one of those OVAs, in which the off-handed stories occur sometime around the time the original team seven still existed, after the Chunin exams and before Sasuke's cheap escape.

Side Note: The story will be split into little sections, as you can see, by the random combinations of flowers and their honest meanings. Know that Naruto's affair of the blooming gift occurred yesterday. But today, the Genin Leaf Ninja are each being interviewed about a particular orange-clad fellow and his relationships with others. Well, the wise elders have the unyielding desire to know about Naruto's welfare — you know, since he's the special individual who must learn how to control the almighty Nine-Tailed Beast. Each Genin is being interviewed by their own teachers today, recalling the strange happenings of the day before.

Another Side Note: The weather around my house has been so strange lately! I may have written about gallant and sprightly spring here in this fanfic, but my surroundings are unsettling. It appears to look like autumn, with leafless trees and plants, yet it feels like summer, with a very warm sun and soothing breezes. Besides that, spring here has only barely begun, and winter has barely ended. It's bewildering, to say the least! The rain and thunderstorms of the season might as well be the snow and blizzards from only a month ago! Oh, the weather's so inconsistent!

A/N: Well, enjoy, my beloved readers! Cherish the new season's scenery of plentiful blossoms as you read fervently. Spring has finally arrived!

Today, Kakashi's Interview: Sasuke

"Alright, Sasuke, I know this might be a little strange, considering how I'll be asking you various personal questions about Naruto, but you'll just have to bear with me."

"What?" Naruto? "How is that strange?"

"Oh, I don't know, but, well, you and Naruto got off on the wrong foot, I suppose." The experienced teacher shrugged indifferently. "I wouldn't think you two are exactly comfortable talking about each other."

"Well, if it's about the idiot, there isn't much to talk about, right?" Sasuke proclaimed rather bluntly, an expressionless mask upon his charming face. With a haughty scoff, he raised such a conceited head and indignantly crossed his arms across his chest, leaning back against his chair effortlessly. "He's a nuisance. His time's always spent dawdling away. It's pathetic how he wastes his time. He's of absolutely no use during any of our missions, he's an orphan, and he's the Jinchuuriki of the Nine-Tails, what about him?"

"See, that's just the thing."

The superior Uchiha raised a skeptical brow. "What could it possibly be?"

"You don't understand. I'm not here to ask you for a list of every littlest detail you know about Naruto." Kakashi countered with an exasperated sigh. Oh, the ignorant youth was mistaken, misjudging his words and assuming the simplest answer would suffice. But, Kakashi supposed there was no helping such naïve consciousness within his young students. He slowly huffed, preparing his next question carefully, "Here, let me put it this way: how do you feel about Naruto, Sasuke?"

Now this certainly caught the arrogant ninja in undeniable surprise, his dark eyes widening to the size of enlarged saucers. He was bewildered, thrown completely off guard, for this puzzling question was definitely not something Sasuke anticipated! What kind of information did Kakashi ever intend to gain from him? Did he expect to hear a confession of his most honest emotions? Did he expect to listen to the prideful Uchiha apologize for his discourteous actions and remarks against the blond? Oh, what was the sole purpose of this pointless interview, this peculiar interrogation? What?

"What do you mean, Kakashi-sensei? I-I, well, he's nothing special to me." The youthful Uchiha replied with an uncertain twitch of his handsome face, as if he was perturbed and suddenly so unsettled. Kakashi was not at all convinced by his falsely played response. "What, I wouldn't — no way! W-we're each other's competition. And, even if we are in the same team, we're just rivals. That's all, nothing more than rivals."

"Oh, but on the contrary, Sasuke, is that what you really think? Is that how you really feel?"

Instantly, the cool kid was engulfed in mortified reminiscence, floundering within his embarrassing memory of the previous day. Oh, how could he ever fail to recall the unforgettable events of fateful yesterday? Perhaps even everyone had been involved in the squabbling matter of things, as they wandered around the sprightly village and bickered endlessly. That day, yesterday, Sasuke had been unnecessarily bold and valiant, daring against the odds of reality and devoting himself to a deed completely out of the ordinary. It was shocking, boggling, and the last thing Sasuke could ever do was forget it. After all, besides the other ridiculous occurrences that the two of them have been so close, this defeated every other incident. This was — special, — oh, especially different.

"We're nothing more than rivals."

At this response, Kakashi gently settled into his seat, nestling with a tired look etched upon his face as Sasuke formed a troubled expression, like he was deep in thought. The serious Uchiha laced his hands together, discerning the possibilities and pondering silently.

Naruto. How could one ever possibly describe such an unpredictable character? Absolutely nothing was typical of him, — besides the expected recklessness of his personality, childishly impatient and racing straight into foreboding battle, — and his constant optimism was often quite troublesome too. Yet, the enthusiastic blond never ceased to amaze him. After all, Naruto was his complete and utter opposite, and that fact proved true under immeasurable categories: he was unsophisticated, noisy, untalented, clumsy, and repeatedly contradicted Sasuke, striving to prove the superior Uchiha otherwise for any matter. Oh, he was entirely driven by his own spiteful contempt for him, Sasuke, sending him fervent glowers of venomous honey, sickly sweet despite the everlasting opposition Naruto always felt towards him.

He was a persistent rebel, with a soft head of golden silk, regardless of its intimidating demeanor of unkempt spikes, smooth and comforting to the touch. And his eyes, oh, his gloriously blue eyes; one moment, they're jovial and bright and vivid, as if they've drowned happily in the shallow depths of the gorgeous ocean shores, beneath the twinkling sun. Blissful, those pools of aquamarine swirled with anticipation, glazed clear with beauteous delight. But yet, in the very next moment, and only in the Uchiha's presence, Naruto's electrifying eyes gazed at Sasuke with ultimate hate, glaring daggers of bitterness.

Oh, how does one describe such an unpredictable character? How?

Despite the wild blond's astounding traits, somehow, oh, somehow, Sasuke's interest never failed to be piqued by Naruto, definitely reeling the dubious Uchiha in — hook, line, and sinker. Naruto's treatment between the unique people of Konoha constantly varied, which only left the incredulous Uchiha to blunder in his own curiosity, as the blond either smiled with affection or scowled with disdain, or even hugged with unwavering admiration! Oh, Sasuke didn't know how to even react; Naruto's differing behavior to each person was clearly distinguished. For example, if he was casually conversing with Sakura and she just happened to nonchalantly request him of something, then obviously Naruto would comply, keenly listening to her every spoken syllable, readily moving at her every simplest will, like a pathetic pet of her own! Why, if it were Sasuke, the situation immediately changed. If Sasuke was the one to calmly beckon him of something, something insignificant at that, then the offended blond would instantly recoil and utter back at him with upset words:

"No way! Get your own!" He would narrow his cerulean eyes, distraught and unyielding, as he would stubbornly turn to face another direction. And, with a dogged scoff, he would reply and chide, "As if I'd ever buy you something from the vending machine!"

"What's the matter?" Sasuke would heatedly argue back, maintaining his composure, unlike Naruto, who violently thrashed and flailed his thin limbs. With his hands coolly in his pockets, Sasuke could easily perceive their hypothetical conversation unfolding. "You got one for Sakura without question, didn't you? Why won't you get one for me? I accidentally left my money at home. I'll just pay you back later."

"Well, then that's your problem, not mine! You can't just drag me in just because you forgot your money!"

"Hmph, well, Sakura actually had money. You know she could've just bought her own." Sasuke would counter defensively, cynically observing Naruto as he crossly jeered at him in return. "You didn't have to buy her one."

"Maybe I didn't want her to waste her money! Instead, she could use that money to buy groceries or flowers for her mom, not something as useless as a bottle from a vending machine. It's not worth her hard-earned money!"

"Then why the hell did you buy it?" It was absolutely aggravating to simply discuss matters with the wearisome blond! It was as if Naruto lived exclusively to oppose Sasuke's every single thought and opinion! Every time their petty arguments stretched further and further into restless time, the two continuously butted heads, barely crossing the drawn lines, the infamous borders, the scandalous boundaries between them. Oh, how their intense debates taunted Sasuke! The mere fact that he was troubled, by the torment of Naruto's resistance, tore at the curious Uchiha, teasing him from just below the insistent surface. "You're always like this, you idiot! You don't gain anything by doing whatever she wants!"

"Does that matter? As long as she's happy, I'm happy!"

"You'd willingly waste your money, just like that?"

"I would do anything! She might not like me now, but just watch! She'll fawn over me instead of you soon enough!"

Sasuke could see himself sigh informally, shaking his blue head out of sheer disapproval and resorting to the use of their past experiences, which were all in the gallant Uchiha's favor. "Have you forgotten all those times you were broke and I paid for your expenses?"

And that would suddenly catch Naruto by surprise, as Sasuke eagerly watched him bat those golden eyelashes, those yellow curves kissing his cheeks, the blond blinking on inquiringly with an adorable expression on his cherubic face. "T-that was only that one time—!"

"All I'm asking for is a bottle from the vending machine and you can't even do that?"

"Sasuke!"

Well, their consistent bickering was exhausting, to say the least, dragging on and on without stop, and over such trivial matters! Each day, the two were almost never spared from starting such pointless commotions, causing their exasperated teachers grief and bringing the elders anguished woe. Sometimes, Sasuke wondered whether or not Naruto enjoyed it, indulging in their rebellious fussing and riotous uproars. The idea seemed to prove true and honest, how the two never stopped until one got the last laugh, preferably one or the other. In Sasuke's case, he always had to win their impassioned arguments, — of course Sasuke had to win. He always won.

"Sasuke?"

Oh, perhaps Sasuke gained something out of their daily routine after all? Their quarreling certainly amused him, entertaining him thoroughly, and his "last laugh" was just another piece of the valued prize. But, what did this mean?

"Earth to Sasuke?"

Naruto's eventful company; did Sasuke cherish his remarkable moments with him? Together, they might be wild and untamed, but they existed solely with and within one another like two peas in a pod, like cookies and milk, like noodles with ramen. Oh, on the first day they met, something clicked. Sure, they both dreaded the inevitable moment when they were both assigned to team seven, but there was a meddlesome creature from their subconscious minds that told them the decision was destiny, that it was fate. But yeah, right! Their being paired together would only bring about more chaos, wouldn't it? Where would the peace, tranquility, and most importantly, harmony be with them together? Only in each other's provoking presence, they disagree needlessly, and contest frequently, and fight relentlessly.

But then again, their differences contrasted one another perfectly, didn't they? Didn't their endless dissimilarities string them together forever? Besides, in spite of their countless differences, they still shared common features. They were male, for one, and they were lonesome orphans. And although their miserable pasts left them both mourning, the present gave them hope, as buoyant companions, as confident friends. The past was past, but the present's a gift, hence it being the "present" of day. They were summer and winter, fire and water, orange and blue, imbalanced by their hatred yet balanced by their love. They were Sasuke and Naruto. They were Naruto and Sasuke. Oh, this was all too confusing!

It was incomprehensible!

That's when that very same supernatural being of meddling would gossip to Sasuke, with a softened voice, from the very back of his head—

Opposites attract, Sasuke. Didn't you know that? Opposites attract, with you and with Naruto, so, accept each other. Accept lovingly, affectionately. It whispered gently and comfortingly, as if what it proclaimed was truthful and just, like it was fate, everlasting destiny. Let peace befall you both, with utmost love and care, Sasuke, don't regret it.

After all, you and Naruto were never meant to raise conflict, but to love. That's why you shouldn't conceal your chagrined emotions, Sasuke, but let them roam free. Be lovers, not haters. Don't allow yourself to be consumed by your loathing, your hatred, and your anger. Naruto's there for you. Let him smooth over your troubles. Let him be your guide, your blissful comfort.

There, ahead of you, only mere feet away, Naruto awaits, Sasuke.

Don't regret it.

"Sasuke!" Kakashi finally interjected, interfering with the distant Uchiha's thoughts and bringing the preoccupied boy to reality.

"I won't regret it!" Was the absentminded reply of Sasuke, who was completely disoriented by Kakashi's abrupt interruption; he was incapable of even speaking properly and realizing the situation he was currently in. "Oh, I was—"

"Are you alright?" The concerned teacher inquired, yet increasingly suspicious. "Do you have something you need to tell me, Sasuke?"

"Um, no, I'm fine, I was just…thinking."

"I could see that." Kakashi sighed yet again, witnessing the lost Uchiha blink rapidly, as if he has just awoken from an indescribable dream. "Look, maybe you've said enough, Sasuke. I'll tell the officials that you and Naruto are simply rivals. Nothing more, nothing less; and that you have no desire to tell me more. That will satisfy them, hopefully."

As the sequestered Jonin gradually hoisted himself up from his seat, Sasuke was left to contemplate. Should he bravely declare his thoughts about the reckless blond? Should he reveal such cloistered secrets, confiding in Kakashi? Was it worth — oh, but the youthful Uchiha certainly knew that the other Genin ninja would only speak of Naruto's evident flaws. If someone didn't simply compliment the innocent blond, surely some disheartening fate would rest on his shoulders, and a perpetually heavy guilt on Sasuke's own shoulders for not faithfully defending him.

"Wait, Kakashi-sensei." With a reinforced feeling of courage and loyalty to a particular someone, Sasuke spoke boldly, dumbfounding the masked Jonin. "I'll talk."

"Hm. Suddenly interested, are you?"

Sasuke restrained himself from replying coldly at Kakashi with clever remarks, instead nodding obediently, which convinced the intrigued teacher to settle back into his chair. "Yeah, I figured I should at least say something nice about him."

"Okay, that's good. Then what it is it? What do you think about him?"

The tension built as the air grew immensely thick with caring affection and concealed love, Sasuke inhaling and exhaling anxiously.

"I…love Naruto."

Yesterday at Noon, 12:30 PM

Pink Zinnias: "The mere thought of your valuable presence absent pains me, but my everlasting affection for you neither wavers nor falters."

Ah, today was such a beautiful day, as the new bright season of enlightened spring brewed into Konoha, sweeping gently over everyone in the village with breezes of pleasant scent. That morning, the fresh blossoms were in bountiful bloom, perking out of the softened soil and cheerfully greeting the whole entire world with the tenderness of their endearing petals. Oh, and did those remarkable birds sing! They joyfully danced, pranced, and loitered among the trees, mingling amorously with one another until dawn gradually broke through the earth floor and spilled colors of brilliant oranges and pinks into the everlasting sky. The moist morning dew of previous rain showers was left to linger, as well as the colorful birds with their blissful chirping and singing, yet it was all very admirable and merry!

Impatient, the steady hours passed on, and ever restless time refused to make even the slightest hesitation. In fact, the generous sun eventually raised high above their heads at precisely noon that day, and yet, the blond slept on as if he still hasn't obtained enough slumber. But granted, he had yet to realize that he has already dozed off with the plentiful amount of fourteen hours! His collective sleep was certainly astounding, to say the least, as Naruto finally but very slowly cracked his aquamarine eyes open and gazed upon the livened world amidst this new season of spring.

"Early." Almost inaudibly, he murmured and moaned and continuously yawned, wearily lifting his heavy arms in a lame attempt to scrub the perpetual sleep out of his drowsy blue eyes.

Hmm…I'm hungry…mm.

Surprisingly fatigued, Naruto leisurely rose out of his comfortably messy mattress and pathetically stumbled upon his own feet, shuddering groggily at the cold that embraced him. Still, the vibrant sun outside his window provided him with cheerful rays of warmth, draping the idle blond beneath an earnest blanket of calming heat.

"Ahh…what time is it, huh." Languid, Naruto mumbled incoherently as he yawned again, raising his fisted hands up to his cherubic face and rubbing persistently at his droopy blue eyes once more. But then, childishly spiteful and stubborn, he interrupted himself and gently slapped at his rosy-pink cheeks. "Oh, wake up! It's breakfast time, breakfast!"

As much as that exhausting twinge of responsibility was a chore to the relaxed blond as it was to anyone, really, he brusquely forced himself to fully awaken and gathered up the undeniable nerve to approach his precious refrigerator, which should contain his valuable provisions, his cherished food, — or, well, at least some sufficient cup noodles. And so, with heavy laggard steps, Naruto drew near and half-heartedly pried open the door, expecting a little too positively for some gracious shape or form of his dearest food, eagerly staring within the restricted confines of the metal box.

There was no food.

Oh, it was simply unfathomable, unbelievable, preposterous! Had the reckless blond Naruto forgotten to buy his blasted groceries after all? Perhaps he has foolishly dismissed the troublesome task in order to play with his amusing friends? Perchance he has believed that there still existed wondrous provisions in his house? Oh, but what did any of that matter? With honestly no food whatsoever, — besides the occasional leftovers lingering around his humble abode, — the unsatisfied blond came to the irrefutable conclusion that there was just no helping his essential errand. He must seek out his own supplies now, his basic necessities, his beloved food!

"Well, that's just great! No food in here, I guess." Sighing disappointingly, Naruto pouted his two pink petals, his two moistened lips, out of forlorn dismay and pensively pressed them together. Then, exclaiming rather discontentedly, he groaned, "Ohh, now I have to go buy the groceries! I—"

—But couldn't he just visit Ichiraku Ramen?

Hey! Ichiraku Ramen! Then that immediately changed things, deciding Naruto's inevitable destination! The youthful blond would quickly drop by the friendly ramen shop and purchase another one of their irreplaceable bowls of delicious noodles. Who needed groceries when Ichiraku Ramen was there for anyone to dependently fall back upon? In an urgent predicament such as this, Naruto was immensely and impossibly grateful for the ramen shop. He smiled as a soothing tide of comfort briefly washed over his discomposure and pitiful hunger.

Determined to pursue his simplistic goal, Naruto soon made haste and carelessly shut the deceiving refrigerator. And, shoving golden strands away from his face with a tender hand, he quickened such impulsive footwork and prepared for his abrupt leave. Oh, the dogged blond's eyes were swallowed by purposeful resolve, like they were always, stunningly mesmerizing. With alluring pools of sapphire submerged in the magnificent depths of the ocean, Naruto's eyes were innocently beautiful, swimming within the clouded cerulean sky and embracing its enchanted prisoners affectionately.

Naruto started for the entrance door, wearing an excited grin that accommodated his youthful face. He was miserably and hopelessly oblivious to his own captivating blue eyes, their magical ability to fascinate their helpless victims. And he was naïve, as he smiled adorably out of blissful enthusiasm. "Alright! Ichiraku Ramen, here I — oh! Wait, that's right! I forgot to water Mister Fern!"

Ah, the lovely companion Mister Fern has always been tolerant and forbearing. For perhaps as long as Naruto can remember, Mister Fern has loyally endured his irrational actions and his crude lifestyle. That tall and particularly large patch of green grass stood firmly within an honest ceramic pot, perched beside the wall and adjacent to the blond's disorderly bed. Each fleeting day, Naruto delighted himself in nurturing his peaceful plant, the gentle giant of a plant, and carefully watered it, devotedly caring for it. And now, as the wild blond hastily grasped onto a plastic object in the shape of a cute baby elephant, he cautiously tipped the elephant's nose towards the earthy dirt, or Mister Fern's healthy roots. Nourishing drops of tranquil water trailed into Mister Fern's large pot, and, to Naruto, the charitable plant appreciatively bid him his thanks, smiling with a strong lift of its solid branches.

You're welcome. Naruto responded with a radiant smile of his own, beaming with mirthful bliss. After all, Mister Fern was an actual living creature that never failed to bring a pleased grin upon the blond's cherubic face, flushing his fair cheeks in a lovable rosy-pink.

No one truly respected Naruto's utmost efforts like Mister Fern did. No one sincerely liked the childish boy like Mister Fern did. Mister Fern was kind and benevolent, a faithful companion.

"Are you full now, Mister Fern, or should I give you more water?"

Still, strangely enough, Naruto has always owned this peculiar interest in gardening, gently caring for every single one of his lovely plants, vegetation, and shrubberies. With the responsibility on his own two shoulders, it moved the youth. And just having the definite requirement to water them with tender loving care was emotional and touching, completely and utterly different from his usual troublesome chores. It was simple enough; Naruto never actually felt needed for anything! That was why, — these helpless plants yielded to Naruto, even happily, for they would constantly ask for his supportive aid, regardless of his reckless personality! All they'd kindly request of him was to provide them graciously with water. That was all. They neither asked for much nor were hopelessly needy, but they were still so kind and compassionate, radiating with fresh aromas and bright happiness at every liquid drop. They always bounced and flounced sweetly at him.

Why weren't people like that? Not that everyone should be as obedient and trustworthy as plants, but at least some modesty and decent humbleness was all the virtuous blond desired. Why were people such liars, deceiving others with falsely perjured hopes and dreams? Have they no heart?

"Okay! Now I'm coming, Ichiraku Ramen!" Frantically, the elephant bearer of water was briefly placed upon the wooden floor. And quickly, with every haste step towards the only exit, Naruto's blond strands of hair glided across his enthused expression, flying away from his adorable face like newly drawn curtains of golden silk.

As the clumsy blond scrambled for the exit, his warm hand met the knob, and instantly the door flew open out of careless impatience. It swung beyond his petit figure, and immediately, the humid air of blithe spring casually drifted into Naruto's constricted home, swallowing the reckless blond in natural fragrance and moistness and uplifting warmth. Oh, the sweetly honey smell of spring was so fresh, and perhaps even nostalgic, bringing upon him the recollection of pleasant memories. Divine spring has settled into Konoha, as everything green flourished and thrived into ample blossoms.

"Ah, it's so warm!" Naruto sighed wistfully when he began his swift journey with one antsy step, down below, to the acquainted ground beneath his feet, oblivious and forgetting, unknowing, misinterpreting the situation, and — wait!

Flowers?

Naruto was utterly bewildered at the unpredictable sight before him; on his doorstep, the matted wood floor, just below his hasty foot was —

Why, yes, they were small appealing blossoms in the jolly hues of both white and yellow. Innocent snow-colored flowers bloomed quite nicely, with golden centers and softened white petals, gently brushing against one another as if they desired nothing more but doting attention. And, while they all spruced up cutely together, the considerate yellow buds and florets smiled up at him gratefully, even appreciatively, accompanying each other out of tender delicacy. To put it into simpler terms, within this simplistic little pot was this charming gather of white and yellow flowers. From where they've originated from, Naruto had no clue. When they had first appeared there, Naruto had no knowledge. And as for what reason they were there, Naruto didn't know! Why were they there? What in the world—?

Does such an occurrence happen often? When does someone, out of all the joyful people of Konoha, ever receive such a baffling gift of delightful blossoms?

Not often, right?

It couldn't possibly!

"Well, I can't just leave them here…alone, without water." Marveling over the pot ahead of him in helpless amazement, Naruto quietly murmured to himself, gazing thoughtfully at the darling blossoms. Oh, without their mandatory nourishment, the pleasant flowers would certainly wilt all on their own! Oh, but these wonderful florets weren't even his own to generously assist, were they? Oh, but then why would they even be sitting there, on his lonesome doorstep? Oh, who was even strange enough to care for such a mysterious plant in front of Naruto's house? "They'll die if I leave them here…oh, should I even bother?"

Such endearing blossoms were these precious flowers, in which the gracious blond simply could not leave them to be abandoned. They were nature's fragile gifts, cherished and highly valuable within their one ceramic pot. They swayed gently in the breeze, and immediately, this moment was when Naruto decided resolutely to foster these peculiar yet lovely gather of flowers himself. Well, since it seemed that no one else would eagerly claim them for themselves, surely the shrubberies would die away into piteous nothingness. Of course, this was why Naruto cared for the appealing blossoms, regardless of his guaranteed questioning and doubting and speculating, — wondering almost idiotically, — about whether or not the fleeting individual intended for him to kindly nurture the charming plant. Of course the curious blond would always inquire for the several possibilities, deliberating and demanding for answers.

"Let's get you some fresh water, straight from the river." Naruto offered as he lifted the wonderful pot of graceful blossoms, observing and handling them carefully as if they were made of pure glass. "And let's find out why — in the name of all five Hokages — you've ended up on my doorstep, yeah? We'll find the culprit, the one who left you here so cruelly!"

Unless, unless, it was from a secret admirer? Oh, what if it was from the ever revered Sakura?

"Hey, maybe it was from Sakura-chan!" He smiled adorably, genial with enlivened determination. Gentle, he grasped at the ceramic pot delicately, perhaps even cradling the object of precious green life. "You think I should ask her? Oh, but of course you do! Okay then, while I'm on the way for your water, we'll go see her. How's that?"

Then let's go!

And then he was off.

Look Forward to the Next Chapter!

A/N: Wow, another Naruto fanfic by moi! And I wrote about something so trivial! Ah, well, when I had first discovered Naruto's unusual love for gardening, I realized I just absolutely had to incorporate the fun fact into a fanfic, hence this — "Green Thumb"! Oh, and by the way, when I made haste for some extensive research over the backgrounds of certain people, — which only led to the gardening interest, — I instantly conceived a love for Naruto's virtuous parents! I think it's depressing how they resorted to sacrificing themselves for the citizens of the Hidden Leaf Village so faithfully, and I think it's touching for them to have the gracious chance to reunite with Naruto even if they did it separately, regardless of the fact that Naruto's parents still ceased to exist in reality, — but it's still astounding! The youthful blond truly is their child! With Minato's shocking gold hair and blue eyes, and both Kushina's liveliness and cute face, Naruto inherited the admirable traits of his parents! Oh, and did you know Naruto was a Libra? Librans are apparently the type to keep the peace with balance. Meanwhile Sasuke's a Leo, lions that are arrogant and rather full of themselves. Just something random. Also, I take pride in being a Sagittarius, the adventurous and independent centaur. :)

Still, I'll never stop adoring the ages, heights, and weights of everyone from the Naruto series! It's impossibly adorable and absolutely amusing how short and young they were back then! Ah, when I myself was twelve, I was taller than most of their lot of young'uns! Well, of course now, they've all surpassed me by at least six inches, but I choose to dwell on the past. I mean — Naruto was only 4'9" at that age! He was so cute! He was so young, so short, so naïve! It makes me want to smother him with my hugs, despite the fact that I know he'll only thrash in my doting hold.

Anyhow — this A/N will run on forever if I don't shut my yap! Heh, yeah, please excuse me. They're all just too cute for their own good.

Side Notes:

- About the collection of flowers, — well, I honestly don't know how they appear in real life. I mean, I definitely wouldn't trust my poor judgment and actually order a certain bouquet of flowers in these arranged combinations, because they aren't official and neither are they recommended. I only threw them in the same pile because their meanings and symbolizations accompany one another nicely. Although, if they do somehow spruce up well together, then that's great! Fantastic!

- It's strange how I've written about the season of spring and its bountiful blossoms, when I can honestly admit to you, my beloved readers, that I am not a big fan of spring itself. I mean, I do admire the fresh new flowers, but the unyielding rain and the constant humidity in the air are unnecessarily just as plentiful! The worms appear all over the floor, I always accidentally step on my shoelaces upon the wet ground and get my shoelaces all dirty before I can tie them again, all of the paper in school is somehow moist, and the gloomy rainclouds never stop making me feel miserable.

- "Mister Fern" probably doesn't really exist in the legitimate series, but since there has always been that particularly random fern in Naruto's room, I figured he might as well name it "Mister Fern", huh?

- Personally, I prefer keeping my own precious cup noodles away from the refrigerator, but, well, Naruto's strange and unexpected. You'd understand, right?

- Random: Hey, if you're bored, my sweet beloved readers, you should come visit my dA account on deviantArt! You don't have to if you don't want to, but I've drawn some Naruto-related items lately, and I merely wanted to share. I'm neither trying to be modest or arrogant, but, well — anyhow, my username's still under the same name, in case you don't know. I drew my own profile picture, haha. Oh! If you'd like, I have the helpful link in my bio!

- Edit: Whoa, what? I just realized that I assumed everyone already knew Naruto was the Jinchuuriki! Whoops! Only the adults knew about Naruto being a Jinchuuriki. Ah, oh well, it'll do, won't it?

- Reviews? I'd truly love to hear your opinions! I have no intention to request so much of you, my beloved readers, but allow me to overcome my mistakes with your constructive criticism, supporting me with your kindest words of advice and assistance.