Of Stars and Whiskers.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and have never claimed to, I only own my character in this and Dani owns her's... yes we rock haha!

A/N: Salutations, This is the newest Naruto story to come from me, once again OC's for pairings and the main pairings being OCxNaruto and OCXGaara. Anyway me and my awesome friend Dani have been working on this for ages, her more than me cause I've been doing my other stories! But please be kind because we worked real hard to do this. Dani especially! I will not stop praising her cause she deserves it for all her hard work tee hee! -Dani cuts in- SHE LIESS -Me- Haha I don't

-Dani-


Chap 1

He was alone, hated by the entire town because of something he had no choice in. He moved his hand over his stomach, tracing the swirling mark he knew was there. He looked out at his reflection in the dark windowpane. The thin lines on his cheeks still a stark contrast against his tanned skin and bright blonde hair. Sadness in the azure blue eyes deepened as the need to escape grew.

In the small room you could hear the celebrations still going on in the village. It was another anniversary, the death of the Kyuubi and the fourth and his birthday. He learned long ago not to go out on this night. People's prejudices against him seemed to triple at this time. Hateful faces moved across his mind. His decision was made.

He would see the fifth before training and leave before anyone would notice. He'd go, with or without permission but it would help. He moved from his perch by the window. Soon the sky was lit up with fireworks casting shadows around the room. Naruto glanced at them for a moment then eyes downcast he turned away. He moved around his room picking up clothes and the other necessities. He picked up the picture frame that had sat waiting on the desk. There they where, team 7, before the exams, before everything. He couldn't remember why he had been angry with Sasuke but it wouldn't compare to now. Sakura was smiling brightly; she hasn't done that in awhile.

He stared at the photo before replacing it face down. He shuffled around the room even tidying as he went. There were lots of things scattered about that brought back memories among the empty ramen cartons. He stopped at some, relishing them, but moved on quickly. He was exhausted by the time he finished. He flopped on his bed unconscious. He would be up early.

As the sun rose above the village hidden in the leaves, few stirred from their beds. A solitary figure moved uncharacteristically quietly through the streets. Gazing around him Naruto took everything in. Moving towards the centre of town the Hokage's tower came into view. Standing at the bottom of the steps he took a deep breath. Shifting his bag on his back he started up the steps, only seeing his freedom.

The room was quite except for his voice he was as calm and determined as he was. Tsunade could see this and she could only agree to it. That was that. The bright haired, pain in her ass would leave. She wouldn't let him go that easy, he'd first finish his training with Jiraiya. After that it was up to him to come back or not, though he would have to eventually. Tsunade stood up while he was still talking but stopped as she moved round embracing him extremely tight. Naruto stood shocked. Then closing his eyes let himself be hugged.

It had been almost 7 years since Naruto had left. He never returned with Jiraya after his 2-year training. Tsunade didn't seem shocked. None of them had heard from him really, except for Tsunade. Sakura woke early, starring out into the dawn before she got ready for training. She moved through the village greeting the people she knew. There was a commotion outside the hokage tower. She moved closer and saw Kakashi standing near. Sakura ran up to him.

"Kakashi-sensi! What's going on?" Sakura called. He moved from the wall and nodded at her. She stopped beside him as they both looked towards the Hokages tower.

"You'll see." He replied. On cue the doors opened at the top of the steps. Two, blonde heads appeared. Sakura gasped. He'd returned. Naruto was back. Kakashi watched her reaction and smiled (not that you could tell under the mask) he turned and walked towards the tower. Sakura then ran ahead of him grinning like a kid at Christmas.

"Naruto! NARUTO!" his head turned quickly toward the voice as a pink blur came bounding at him before pouncing. Girls who had stood outside giggled and swooned when he smiled but now glared at the Chunin who was hugging him. Kakashi stifled a chuckle and his own glare. Many remembered the demon boy but for some reason had forgotten how good-looking he was.

"Eh…Hey Sakura, long time no see." He dropped his rucksack and hugged her gently back. He held her looking pleadingly towards Tsunade for help. She laughed in reply, "Looks like I'm not the only one who missed you. Well Sakura I suppose you can have to day off." She greeted Kakashi before excusing herself and turned back inside. The door was barely shut when question after question erupted from Sakura's mouth. Kakashi put his hand on her head distracting her from what she was saying.

"I think that's enough for now Sakura"

"But-"

"He'll tell you when he's ready."

She turned and finally really looked at him. He was at least a head taller then her. His hair was still the same brilliant blonde, longer now. The spikes that had once stood upright had a gentle curve and were pushed back by a thick pair of goggles. His face had lost all its baby fat over the years and became more defined making him look mature. The trademark triple lines on his cheeks were still prominent against his tanned skin. He had abandoned his orange jumpsuit though the colour remained a part of his outfit. He wore a black, lose, short-sleeved t-shirt. An orange circle on the chest held a thick paw print. A large faded swirl decorated the back.

He wore a strange long, black scarf doubled around his waste. It looked like it could be twice his length. A thick orange belt that was wrapped at least 3 times around his hips half over the scarf. A bright, silver crescent moon buckle held it closed at his side. Black parachute pants ballooned out until his knees where they where tied down by black and orange straps down his shins matching the ones that went from his wrists to his elbows. He wore black, fingerless gloves. His ankle boots were flat-soled with 3 straps wrapped round his foot to a silver hoop. She imagined they weren't that comfortable to travel in. The top of his arm right arm was bandaged.

Naruto laughed at her starring and Sakura blushed. He looked them both over. There were only subtle changes in their appearances making him realise how much he'd changed.

"Wow everything looks like I never left. You two included." Taking a piece of Sakura's pink hair in his fingers he gave a slight smile. Naruto's eyes became far away thou Sakura hadn't noticed. Sakura blushed deeper against her will. Naruto's look had caught Kakashi's curiosity to what he was thinking. Suddenly it was gone. Naruto turned to face his old mentor with a cheeky grin.

"Is Ichiraku's still there?" he asked seriously as Kakashi nearly visibly sweat dropped.

"Don't you think it would be better for you to go see old friends naruto?" pointed out Kakashi as he regained his composer at the same time as Sakura.

"Yes Naruto! Everyone will be so happy to see you home!"

"Yea home," Naruto scratched the back of his head drawing kakashi's curiosity again." Well I was thinking I could meet them all there 'cause I'm really hungry. Plus no ramen is as good as Ichirakus. Come on you know you want to buy me a bowl" finishing with a cheeky grin at Sakura that had become more alluring. He knew it would work, like it had a thousand times before.

"God is food still all you think about Naruto?" she asked, "You really haven't changed."

He laughed nervously, 'You have no idea.'

Kakashi stood thinking and deciding it was a good a chance as a he was going to get to question Naruto alone. "You know what I think it's a great idea. Sakura, why don't you go and round up the others. Tell them I want them and leave try leaving Naruto's arrival a secret."

"That might be a bit hard sensi," Naruto quipped." Considering half the town followed me here when I walked through the centre." Looking out at the drastically, reduced number of people at the bottom.

"Its no problem if they have or haven't, as long as they're there." With that said Sakura turned and ran, shouting back loudly "See you there in about an hour!"


As naruto waved goodbye kakashi looked him over as sakura had done before. Though with his keener eyesight, he could count the various scars along Naruto's arms. As naruto moved his arm, what seemed like part of a large tattoo became visible from the torn part of his sleeve. His ears sported different pieces of jewellery. Kakashi wondered what else had changed about the young boy. He nodded down the steps to naruto and the pair took off towards Ichiraku's.

They had been silent at first, naruto taking in the sights and sounds and comparing them to everywhere he had been and what he remembered of the village itself. Kakashi was arguing with his mind on what to ask first and how to approach it. In the end simple and straight forward would do.

"Where have you been?"

Naruto didn't react to the question. He didn't even look at Kakashi.

"Lots of places, Suna, Ire, Kumo, Kiri and Hoshi. Places like that, nowhere spectacularly interesting. I didn't really do much, you know..." Kakashi raised his visible eyebrow; he didn't believe Naruto but didn't push it much further. He changed the topic instead so to not scare Naruto off.

"So... Meet any hot kuonichi on your travels?" There was silence for a few minutes. This earned him a reaction. Naruto's eyes grew darker in color and the corners of his mouth turned up for less then a moment. Bingo, he did meet someone. They were getting somewhere now.

"Well?"

Naruto finally looked at him. "Is that all you care about sensei? Those smutty books not enough that you have to nosy into other peoples sex lives?"

Kakashi was shocked by his cocky, openness. "So that's code for "I really couldn't get any", right?"

Laughing Naruto's only reply was shaking his head "no".

Kakashi sighed and pulled out his trusty little orange book. Naruto glanced over when he saw a flash of orange and a small smile graced his face.

"Guess I was wrong. You're reading those smutty books" Kakashi turned to him and grinned under his mask.

"They're not smutty. I'll have you know they are fine literature" Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Whatever you say Kakashi. The rest of us know that they're smutty." Kakashi chuckled and then the silence resumed. After a few more minutes of walking Kakashi decided, it was time to ask Naruto another question.

"Naruto, why did you decide to come back?" Naruto shrugged and sighed.

"Well...I'm not really sure. I just had this feeling that it was time to come back. I'm not sure what exactly. Maybe it's something that will determine my future or the future of others. Who can say? But I just couldn't help return. I dunno, whatever it is I'm here now and that's all there is to it. What happens happens." Kakashi nodded as he pondered Naruto's reply. It sounded like he was dodging the question.


Soon they rounded a corner Ichiraku's came into view. Stepping into the stall Naruto took a deep breath. Nothing had changed. They sat at the counter and waited. Naruto drummed his fingers, while Kakashi watched him. It was a little unnerving.

"You keep looking at me like that Kakashi and I might start to think you read those books for the boys more then the girls." Naruto laughed slightly. Kakashi looked away. Before he could reply to Naruto's comment he heard familiar voices getting close.

"You ready for this?"

Naruto had heard it to with out needing to turn around, he knew who it was.

Hinata and Kiba came under the curtain. They where standing close, they had been together for over a year now. Kakashi smiled at them when they stood still staring at the blonde head in wonder. When naruto turned, their faces become the embodiment of shock and surprise. Hinata's hand rose to her face with a gasp.

"Naruto?" he noticed how strong she sounded. She hadn't changed much either. Hinata's hair was longer but she still had her fringe. Her widened eyes were white as ever. She wore a long purple zip up jacket with grey sleeves and hood. She had purple leggings on, her pouch strapped around her right thigh and a pair of plain sandals. Naruto noticed with a smile how she had grown up and filled her own skin. Then a hand slid around her waste and she blushed pink. He gave kiba, who was out of his shock and glaring, an innocent smile.

Kiba moved forward with the same expression. Naruto wasn't sure if he should be worried then suddenly kiba smiled.

"Welcome back, Blondy!" Kiba half shouted, giving naruto a strong hug. Hinata giggled and moved forward repeating the sentiment. Suddenly there was shouting they turned and saw the waiter giving out to them. Akamaru had just walked in. Naruto looked in shock at his size. Glad someone else had changed.


Sakura soon arrived with Ino both turning into schoolgirls. Lee wasn't far behind them. Shino and Chouji came next, one with a silent nod and the other loud, no prizes for guessing which. Tenten and Neji arrived hand in hand. Shikamaru ever the lazy one strolled in last.

"Is this all you wanted? How troublesome, you could have just said. Welcome home Naruto." He said to a mix of laughter from everyone except Sakura and Ino, who were squished in with Naruto, shot him disapproving looks. They continued on laughing and telling stories. Few coming from Naruto though he was asked the most questions. When Sakura asked why he hadn't returned everyone turned to listen. They understood him leaving with Jiraya to train. His not coming back with him was another matter.

He looked around at his old friends, surprised to see that even Shikamaru perked up to hear his reason. They honestly hadn't changed. He laughed at their seriousness, trying to lighten the mood. Then Kakashi put his glass down showing his own interest in this particular subject. The silence strained and Naruto sighed.

"I suppose I can't avoid it any longer." 'Lie or truth? Lie or truth?' he thought taking in their faces again. He smiled.

"Well…eh I had learned all I could from Jiraya-sensei. So I thought it would be good for me to travel, learn new techniques and meet new people. Ya know…plus not like I was leaven much behind…well except you guys." The smile slipped for a moment, "And looks at us now, all grown up! As Gai would say 'TO YOUTH!'" at this he raised his glass. Hesitant at first they all raised their glasses with him and agreed, laughing.

Each pushed aside the slight hurt and unease at his words, and the shadow of the one who wasn't present. Had they not been enough? Was it because of what had happed? Did he think they blamed him or something? In turn, they all took in his big smile and tried let it go. He wasn't like that. They moved on but the comment had stuck in the back of their minds waiting to be tended too. They drank and talked the night away stumbling home in celebration of their friends return.


A/N:

Iona: Well that went well didn't it

Dani: Yup it did what do you think Naru?

Naruto: -looks up from his bowl of Ramen. Reads- Dude! I've become so cool! Check it out Gaara!

Gaara: ¬¬ Hmph, I don't see whats so great, I haven't even been mentioned yet! I don't like this, can we do something else? Can we get some chips?

Dani: Dani wants cake!

Naruto: -Glomping Dani- I want cake too!

-Iona sweatdrops as arguments begins-

Iona: Ok shut up! We'll go! Thanks for reading guys! Until next time, when two new characters shall arrive, I wonder what will happen...

Naruto: I know, what happens is th- -Naruto has Dani and Iona slap their hands over his mouth- SHUTUP NARUTO!!

(thanks for reading, Reviews are welcome! We prefer nice ones to Flames!)