Disclaimer: See chapter one.
Reprieve
Naruto awoke with a start. His hands were clammy with sweat and he couldn't stop trembling.
Was that all a dream?
He glanced at his alarm clock. 3:45 am. He was up three hours early. He drew his knees up to his chest.
I've never dreamt about Kyuubi before. Why now?
He tried to go back to sleep, but he couldn't stop the maniacal images from resurfacing. Okay, sleep was moot. What now? He got out of bed and started stretching. He drank some cold water and returned to bed. Sleep wouldn't come. He tossed and turned. He glanced at his clock again. 4:05 am.
I have to meet up with Sasuke to train in two hours anyway.
He left his bed for good now, tossing his night hat onto his pillow as he made his way to the kitchen in a daze. He set up his ramen and set off for his shower with a yawn. He nearly tripped on the pair of slippers lying awkwardly in front of his bathroom door.
Stupid slippers.
He kicked them aside and headed into the shower. He stood under the hot water, letting it relax him. He let his fear of the dream float away with the steam. After what seemed to be an eternity, he left feeling refreshed. He dressed in the usual black and orange sweat suit and headed into the kitchen. The ramen was still warm. Good. He gobbled it all down and headed back to his room for his hitai-ate. He glanced at the clock again. 4:55 am. He took his time packing some weapons and scrolls before finally leaving 15 minutes later.
He was still so early the sun hadn't painted the sky a soft hue of pink. He opted to stargaze on his roof for a bit. The cool wind brushing his cheek was soothing. The rustling of leaves in the not too distant trees lulled him into a dreamless slumber.
Author's Note: I received some encouragement from some friends and my first reviewer Pretty Pessimist. XD So I'm persevering. Please read and leave constructive reviews.