Sorry it took forever to update but I was confused as to whether I wanted this to be a oneshot with the bittersweet end, or a continued story. A reader helped me with that so this is officially gonna be one of the best stories you'll ever read. I hope so anyways.
Enjoy XP
~Secrets
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Sasuke
It's been two weeks since Sasuke's birthday and Team 7 has a mission today. For some reason though, Sasuke found himself thinking of Naruto the entire time they traveled for their mission. Kakashi was barely paying attention while Sakura threw a thousand words at him a second, complaining about something while Naruto was trying to get Sakura's attention. Whether it was to tell her to stop pestering Kakashi or go on a date with him, Sasuke didn't know.
Instead, he found himself trailing behind them, staring at the back of Naruto's head, looking for something. He didn't know what he was looking for though, probably an answer. An answer to what?
At first, he thought it was just because of what Naruto had first told him. About him doing whatever with Neji. He felt bile rise in the back of his throat. He didn't want to think about that at the moment. But ever since Naruto told him that, there had seemed something off with him. He seemed more tense than usual and even though he was still a big idiot, smiling and laughing all the time, he kept giving Sasuke these uneasy glances. If Sasuke was looking back, he would immediately turn away. But the unease from Naruto was making him feel uneasy.
Just as he was going to snap at Sakura to just stop already, Naruto sent him another look and Sasuke glared back at him. Naruto made some type of squeaking noise and turned away hastily.
Sasuke's eyebrow twitched irritatedly until he saw Kakashi give him a look as well. Curious and almost worried. Sakura didn't notice, but she did hear Naruto's yelp and turned to him. They quickly dropped into a deep conversation with Naruto begging and her yelling at him.
Kakashi fell back in step with Sasuke and raised an eyebrow in a silent question.
"What?" Sasuke muttered moodily.
"That should be my question," his sensei said smoothly. "Did you do something to Naruto?"
Sasuke whirled on him, feeling indignant and surprised at once. "No! Why would I do anything to that usuratonkachi?"
"Maybe because he's an usuratonkachi as you say?" Kakashi shrugged. "Naruto seems jumpier than usual. And a bit nervous around you. I wondered if you hurt him too badly with your harsh words you spout all the time."
Sasuke stared at him in shock. "I'm not that mean," he protested. "I wouldn't hurt him badly on purpose."
"Then did you hurt him on accident?"
"No!" Sasuke said furiously.
"Then what did you do?" Kakashi inquired, nonplussed by Sasuke's increasingly irritated tone. At his words though, Sasuke almost halted in his step. He thought about it. Was that why Naruto was skittish? He was uneasy around Sasuke because he… did it with Neji? A small throb in his head reminded him of his missing memories, but then it disappeared after.
Sasuke felt an uncontrollable blush heat his cheeks considerably and he saw Kakashi raise his eyebrows. He looked away quickly. Naruto couldn't be comfortable after that. Of course he wasn't. Sasuke had done it with another male, Neji of all people! He probably felt weird looking at Sasuke now. Or maybe he was guilty? For accidently putting that stupid love jutsu on Sasuke and Neji?
Sasuke looked forward to see that both Sakura and Naruto were staring curiously back at Sasuke. With all three sets of eyes on Sasuke, he felt a horrible discomfort and glared heatedly at Naruto. The retard blonde should feel guilty, putting a stupid damn jutsu like that on him.
Sasuke only realized he'd spoken aloud when Sakura gaped and Kakashi hit him upside the head with his book, a very displeased look on his face. Sasuke was going to protest, until he saw the look on Naruto's face. He looked shocked, but almost like he was gonna… cry?
Sakura noticed as well.
"Naruto?" she waved a hand in front of his face hesitantly, biting her lip. Sasuke's gut felt like it was punched when Naruto turned around and continued walking, like nothing had happened. The only way to tell he was upset was that he wasn't talking. Naruto didn't just stop talking.
"Sasuke," Kakashi's voice penetrated Sasuke's mind like a sharp knife, jolting him back to reality when he realized he'd been staring at the back of Naruto's head again. "You should resolve whatever quarrel you have with Naruto. This could affect team missions, and also…" Kakashi gave him a look that said he was completely serious, without that usual laid back persona he usually had about him. "Fighting among friends can be painful."
Sasuke didn't disagree with him. But he also couldn't bring himself to stand next to Naruto, much less say anything to him. The look on Naruto's face had startled him, totally taking him off guard. There really was pain behind those bright blue eyes. Had Naruto felt that guilty? Sasuke didn't know what to say to that. Sure, he was mad that Naruto went and did something stupid again that involved him, but the blonde didn't have to take it to heart. It was an accident.
Sasuke decided he would fix this after the mission.
Team 7's mission was to investigate a gang called the Pocket Eaters that went around attacking small groups of travelers and taking everything they had before leaving them heavily wounded. At least, originally it was supposed to be an investigation. But when Kakashi had narrowed in on the location of the suspects, finding out they would raid a certain road that was supposed to have merchants on it, Naruto acted took matters into his own hands.
He snuck out of the building they were staying in for the night. Then he went off and was gone. When Sasuke and the rest woke up, he was just coming back.
"Where were you?!" Sakura shouted, who'd been up for the last five minutes waiting and pacing. Sasuke had gotten up moments before her and Kakashi was already dressed, which meant he must have woken up first.
Naruto didn't say anything and Sasuke took that as a bad sign. He was still feeling bad. He must've been. He didn't look in top notch condition either with dirtied clothes all scratched up and a busted lip, as well as various bruises along his arms. His jacket was missing.
Instead, he went over to Kakashi and tugged on his sleeve like a child. Kakashi didn't say anything for a moment as he just looked down at Naruto who refused to look up. Sasuke swallowed past the lump in his throat. He felt nervous jumpy. What happened?
"You acted on your own then?" Kakashi finally said. He cast Sasuke a pointed look and Sasuke twitched. Naruto nodded, still without looking up. "Naruto, that was dangerous." Kakashi said, poking Naruto's forehead so he had to face him. "Team 7 is supposed to work together. Without back up, you could have gotten seriously hurt, captured, or even killed. Do you understand? Next time, don't act on your own."
Naruto nodded again and Kakashi sighed like he was exhausted even though it was morning. "Go take a shower and clean yourself up. Then take us to where the Pocket Eaters are. Or were. Whatever the case may be."
Again, Naruto nodded silently and went off to wash up. His silence made Sasuke uneasy, almost queasy in the stomach. Sakura looked in the same position.
"What's wrong with Naruto, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked uncertainly. "What happened?"
Kakashi looked at her. "Obviously, Naruto let his feelings affect his judgment again and went off to fight the enemy on his own. As for what's wrong with him, Sasuke-kun should be able to answer that, right?" Kakashi turned to Sasuke this time and he flinched, shrugging off his blanket.
He looked away from Sakura's almost oppressive stare as she waited for an explanation. Instead of giving her one, he went about collecting his clothes then moved to the restroom that Naruto wasn't occupying.
"Wait, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura reached out for him. "What's going on with Naruto? Not that I particularly care but he's going to mess up our missions if he keeps acting like a complete idiot."
Sasuke jerked away from her like she scalded him with hot water. "Would you stop, Sakura? Shut up about Naruto for once." He saw her hurt look, just like that time when they had first became Team 7. But something he did not expect was her to pull herself back together to give him an almost irritated pouty look.
"But you bad mouth Naruto too? Why can't I?" Sakura complained loudly and Sasuke flinched like her words had been a physical blow. It didn't help that something suddenly fell with a loud thud inside the bathroom Naruto was in. Kakashi actually tsked in annoyance.
"Both of you are teammates, along with Naruto," Kakashi told them sternly. "You're supposed to act like a team so don't 'badmouth' any of each other."
Kakashi left them standing there as he went to Naruto's bathroom, slipping in and closing the door behind him before they could see inside.
Sasuke gritted his teeth angrily before stalking into the other bathroom before Sakura could say another word. Why did she suddenly make him feel horrible? And why in the damn morning? And why couldn't Naruto just cheer up and move on? Why anything?
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Naruto
Naruto rubbed his toe where the soap bottle fell on it. He'd heard Sakura and Sasuke's words clearly, as well as Kakashi's. So he couldn't help himself when Sakura's words sent a shock through him. He'd dropped the bottle in his surprise and it landed right on his pinky toe. It hurt as well.
Naruto thought about their words. They hurt even more than his pinky toe. A whole lot more. Was Sasuke always badmouthing him? And why did Sakura hate him so much? Why couldn't it be like the time during Sasuke's birthday party? Why couldn't it be so peaceful and fun and just that blissful happiness?
But Naruto couldn't get rid of the tension between him and Sasuke, and the other kept glaring at him as well. It made Naruto feel a horrible sick kind of sensation in his stomach. He thought maybe lying about what really happened that one night would have made everything easier. But Sasuke didn't seem to like it at all. And what he said before…
"Blond retard should feel guilty for doing something stupid like that…"
Naruto groaned, remembering that horrible glaring that Sasuke gave him. Just like everyone else in the village, heatedly staring him down like they wanted him to just die. Some of them went out right to say it too. Naruto almost expected Sasuke to. It only reminded him of his other life, his other reality where he only suffered. The other reality where there was no one there for him.
Just as Naruto was finishing the thought, Kakashi stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind him with a hand waving.
"Yo," his teacher greeted. Naruto sighed.
"Kakashi sensei. I have to take a shower. Can you get out?" Naruto didn't mean to come off as rude, but lately, he seems to be having problems with that.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow at him. "It doesn't look like you're preparing for a shower," he pointed out and Naruto looked around him. His sensei was right. He was filling the bathtub with hot water, he'd grabbed several different bottles of soup, and he was still standing in the middle of the bathroom without doing anything else. Naruto shrugged.
"A bath feels better," Naruto mumbled half heartedly. Really, what was wrong with him?
Kakashi sighed as well, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Then, as if he had made up his mind about something, he nodded his head. "Firstly," he said. "Turn off the water. You aren't going to take a bath when I'm paying for the rent in this building."
Naruto was taken aback, but he didn't protest as he turned the water off. He really wanted to take a bath though.
"Secondly," Kakashi continued, making himself comfortable on the floor. "You and me will talk before we go back outside. That way we can fix whatever we can right here so that you aren't making a complete fool of yourself."
Naruto slumped to the ground in a depressed mess. "Even Kakashi sensei thinks I'm a useless, good-for-nothing little brat that just keeps getting in the way and-"
"Wait, wait," Kakashi waved his hand, sweat dropping. Naruto looked back at him. "That's definitely not what I was thinking. But if you keep this up, it really will spell trouble for Team 7. Know this Naruto, I want to understand what happened between you and Sasuke that seems to be eating you from the inside-out. As your sensei and as a friend, I am worried."
Naruto stared at Kakashi surprised for a moment. He didn't know the meaning of friend. But he did have friends. Something that was becoming increasingly harder to remember.
"So," Kakashi gestured with a hand towards him. "Do you want to explain or not?"
Suddenly, Naruto realized what Kakashi wanted out of him. The truth.
Naruto hesitated. He couldn't tell him. That was for sure. It was his secret to keep after all and no one other than him could keep it. No one could keep secrets that weren't their own after all. Naruto had to find something to say without telling him.
"Me and Sasuke had a fight," he blurted out. It was sort of true in a way, he guessed. Ever since telling Sasuke that small lie, the other was either glaring or ignoring him. He found himself building on that. "There was an accident with Sasuke and Neji. It was completely an accident and I didn't mean to do it this time. But it happened and now Sasuke's being moody and Neji wants to fight me. And win this time." That wasn't true. But Naruto wasn't going to correct it anytime soon. It was a lie he was going to stick with.
Kakashi nodded slowly. "Some kind of misunderstanding then?" At least the other understood that Naruto wasn't going to explain more than that.
"No. An accident. But I didn't mean it but it already happened and I can't fix it. I sorta tried to. But Sasuke and Neji still weren't happy. So I dunno what to do." Naruto twiddled his thumbs nervously. "I don't want things to be weird. I want them to be happy and just fun… Like it was on Sasuke's birthday…"
"Naruto…" Naruto looked up to see Kakashi giving him a strange look. With a start, he realized Kakashi was trying to see past his facade, trying to read even deeper into the situation. Naruto couldn't let him. He was too smart sometimes.
Carefully looking away, Naruto continued on, trying to lead Kakashi down a different road. "I just don't wanna be hated." he mumbled weakly. That was true. He didn't want to be hated by the people he wanted to call family.
For a moment, it was quiet and Naruto just sat with his head tilted down and away from Kakashi, just in case he could see how he burned with shame on the inside. He didn't like all this lying, even though it was him doing it. Actually, it seemed to make him feel all the worse.
Then, suddenly and out of nowhere, Naruto felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, like on Sasuke's birthday. He flinched before looking up to see Kakashi leaning against the wall behind them.
"Naruto," Kakashi said looking ahead like he was seeing something Naruto couldn't. "I don't know who gave you the thought and I don't know what you've really gone through but no one hates you. It's too strong of a feeling to be directed at someone like you. Besides," Kakashi turned to look down at him. "At the very least, no one on Team 7 hates you. We're your comrades and friends. You can trust us."
Ah, there it was again. Naruto felt himself deflate, his little energy leaving him.
That word again. Friends. He leaned onto Kakashi who let him. Friends. What was the meaning of friends anyways? People that stuck together? People that laughed with one another? People that have parties together? Naruto didn't know.
But if Kakashi was a friend, then he had an idea as to what they were. They were good people.
But good people still didn't have tight lips.
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Sasuke
When Naruto took them to see what happened, Sasuke almost felt sick. Sakura only took one look before running off screaming.
Naruto explained what happened. He had used Kakashi's information and decided to lay in wait for the Pocket Eaters to appear on the road they were supposed to be on. But he had misjudged the timing and the group was already on its way to raid the traders farther along the road. When Naruto heard the shouting, he went in to fight. The gang itself turned out to be a group of sick ruffians who loved harassing people. Three of them knew the way of ninjas.
Naruto took them all on and ended up taking a beating. But by using his incredible stamina, he was able to fight till the Pocket Eaters expended too much energy. With that, he attacked them in their weakened state, killing two of the ninjas that threatened to kill the traders. He'd tied up, gagged, and half killed the other four so they wouldn't move for a long time. The traders had been able to make it out safely.
Looking at the scene though was a bit morbid. The bodies of the ninjas were lying in pieces, literally, in one area while the other four looked so bruised, cut up and lifeless, Sasuke assumed they were dead. One of them had died from blood loss or whatever. The other three were breathing, even if it was unsteadily and ragged and painful looking.
The Pocket Eaters. They'd killed, raided, assaulted and destroyed many people. They got what they deserved. But this was bloody. Sasuke didn't think someone as bright and happy-go-lucky as Naruto would have done something like this.
Sasuke looked away from the scene, catching a pale and sick look on Naruto's face. He didn't look too well. Kakashi was too busy analysing the Pocket Eaters to notice so Sasuke made his way over instead.
Naruto didn't notice him as he stepped up to stand next to him, which was a surprise. It only served to worry Sasuke more.
"Oi, usuratonkachi," Sasuke said. "You look like you're about to-"
Before Sasuke could even finish, Naruto fell to his knees and was sick. Sasuke almost jumped in surprise by the suddenness of it and he only barely registered Naruto's sounds of muffled retching.
"Stand back, Sasuke," Kakashi said walking over to them. He kneeled down next to Naruto. "He needs some space. Go find Sakura and tell her to check out for us at the hotel we were staying at."
Sasuke wanted to protest, but he found himself walking away. He didn't even think about it. But the bodies and Naruto throwing up was making him feel sick himself. It was a good thing Sakura ran away though, otherwise she would have had more material to talk about Naruto with. Him getting sick after mutilating people with his own hands.
Sasuke found Sakura somewhere back along the road, waiting for them to come back. When she was done squealing, complaining and making him all the more irritated, Sasuke told her what Kakashi had told him.
After a loud squeal of "Anything for Sasuke-kun!", Sakura took off and Sasuke cringed but didn't follow her, probably what Kakashi wanted him to do. Instead, he wandered back and Kakashi and Naruto to find the latter sobbing and crying to Kakashi who was still kneeled on the ground, his hand frozen mid air from where he had been patting Naruto reassuringly.
"I didn't mean to!" Naruto was screaming past his crying. "I didn't mean to! I didn't mean to! I just killed them, Kakashi sensei. I killed them! I wanted to kill them so badly. I wanted them to die for doing what they did! I had to! They wouldn't let her go and they kept hurting her and she was screaming and her parents were screaming! I had to kill them, Kakashi sensei! I had to before they could hurt her!"
Sasuke stopped walking, staring as Kakashi didn't move and Naruto continued to rant.
"I wanted to kill them. I wanted to kill them all for laughing and hurting her. They almost hurt her Kakashi sensei. I had to stop them from that! I killed them! I killed them! Please, please, please, please, please. They all hurt her!"
Nothing he was saying was making sense. Sasuke felt dizzy just listening and Kakashi looked like he'd seen a ghost. That is, until Sasuke watched him come back to himself and pulled Naruto close. Sasuke felt sick.
"It's alright Naruto. She's alright. They're dead," Kakashi muttered. "Stop crying now, will you? It's alright."
Sasuke watched as Naruto fell asleep in Kakashi's arms, mumbling something that sounded like, "Nothing's alright…"
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Sasuke
Kakashi finished cleaning up the sight and rented a carriage so they could escort the remaining Pocket Eaters and so Naruto could sleep on their way back to Konoha because after his tantrum, he didn't wake up.
Sakura and Sasuke spent most of their time listening to Naruto's soft snoring behind them as they rode along next to Kakashi who held the reins to the horses. Occasionally, he would go back to check up on Naruto but other than that, he said nothing. Sakura somehow found something to talk about for every minute and the only time she was quiet was when one of the Pocket Eaters woke up and started yelling.
Naruto woke up during that moment as well.
"Oh, Naruto. Are you finally awake?" Sakura said disapprovingly. "Really, falling asleep during a mission. Couldn't you be a bit more serious about this. We are ninjas after all."
Sasuke turned around and looked down at Naruto. For once, it looked like he wasn't hanging onto her every word. Instead, he was staring into space while the Pocket Eater in the carriage continued to yell profanities. Kakashi ignored him and Sasuke could sense Sakura's unease beside him.
Then, Naruto sat up. Sakura looked like she was about to say something again, but Kakashi tapped her and Sasuke. They both looked to him.
"Look forward and don't look back, no matter what you hear," he said in a low voice.
Sakura tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean, Kakashi sensei? What's gonna happen?"
Kakashi shook his head. "Just don't speak. Don't say anything, neither of you. Like I said, don't look back no matter what you hear."
Sakura didn't say anything else but even Sasuke burned with curiosity. But the tone of Kakashi's voice said that he wasn't kidding around. These days, Kakashi seemed to mess around a whole lot less.
There was a shuffling behind them as Naruto moved about doing something. As much as Sasuke wanted to turn around, he didn't. At least he knew the other wasn't sick or broken or something since he was finally up and moving about.
There was a click, a clang and a slam and Sasuke frowned. That was the door to the makeshift cell they had made out of the back of the carriage. Then, the Pocket Eater's shouting ceased and Sasuke heard a strange, muffled noise. A few more moments of that strange noise and then the door opened again and then closed. There was a click of the lock being replaced as well.
"Naruto, what are you doing back there?" Sakura called out and Sasuke resisted the urge to tell her to shut up. Kakashi on the other hand seemed to be in the same boat.
"Sakura, I told you to be quiet," he said.
Sakura looked at Kakashi in surprise. "But why?" she complained.
"Hahaha," Behind them, they heard Naruto laugh sheepishly. "It's alright Sakura-chan. I just had to use the restroom. So I knocked out the Pocket Eater guy and then went on him!"
Sasuke could pretend he could actually hear Sakura lose her head. She whirled around and yelled "Idiot! That's disgusting!" before giving Naruto a good one upside the head. Naruto weeped pitifully and begged that he was just kidding.
Kakashi didn't say anything. Sasuke didn't look around. Naruto didn't tell Sakura what he really did.
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Naruto
When they got to Konoha again, Naruto felt so sick. After reporting to the Hokage, he ran off for his small, lonely apartment where he threw up everything in his stomach and then some. When he was finally too exhausted to keep it up, a horrible burning taste went up all along his throat. He spat before flushing the toilet.
He lost control of his feelings bad today. Really bad. Killing those men, pushing the others to the brink of death…. What was he thinking?! Kakashi would really want to look into it, him, his behavior. Grandma Tsunade would want to know why he almost murdered another one of the prisoners while they were traveling.
But it was just to get the guy to shut up. He was making too much of a racket. It would've driven Naruto crazy.
He changed then headed to bed. As soon as he hit the rough sheets, he fell asleep. There was no training tomorrow or anything in particular that he had to do so he decided he would sleep all through the next day as well. That would be nice.
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Sasuke
After the mission, Sasuke decided he wanted to go home as well. But along the way, he was stopped by none other than Neji.
"What do you want?" Sasuke said, irritated that he couldn't just go home and rest in peace.
"It's about Naruto," Neji said and Sasuke's eyes narrowed. He stared hard at the other while he continued. "As far as I know, Naruto is capable of a very high level jutsu called the *Kage Bunshin. Am I correct?" Sasuke nodded once. "Well then, does that explain why is he also capable of the *Monogatari no Chushutsu?"
Sasuke furrowed his brows in confusion. "The Monogatari no Chushutsu?" he repeated.
"Yes. Another high level jutsu where you extract memories without leaving anything or any way to regain the memories unless the extractor gives them back. It's a high level jutsu, usually one that only the Yamanaka clan is able to use."
Sasuke's eyes widened. "How do you know this?" he demanded. Damn, why didn't he think about it before. Naruto being able to pull of a jutsu, taking memories away. Something that Naruto should be able to do. Now Neji's telling him that he's got another powerful jutsu under his sleeve. What else was next?
"I thought long and hard about it. Naruto was able to extract memories. That alone should have been too much for him. But specific memories? He shouldn't be able to do that. Especially since there's very few jutsu that enable a person to mess with the mind in that manner."
Sasuke rubbed his head, now very much stressed. Suddenly, he wanted to have a long talk with Naruto.
Finally, he looked back at Neji who was staring at him with those steely grey eyes. "So, what do you want with me. It's not like I can explain it."
"Of course, I wanted to know if you could explain this to me, but seeing as you can't, I'll go to Naruto himself, no matter how much I loath to do so. Have a good day."
Before Neji could leave, Sasuke stopped him with a hand, words pouring out of his mouth before he could stop them. "It was an accident, what happened, okay?"
Neji looked at him in confusion. Then his face considerably paled, even though he already had a pale complexion. "Yes. But I would like to not bring up that matter. Nothing happened for all I care. And there is indeed, and definitely, nothing between us."
Sasuke flushed when he realized what Neji was talking about and he lashed out defensively. "Not that! I know there's nothing between us! But that's not what I was talking about. I was talking about Naruto," he explained, his blush leaving and a stony look taking it's place. "He's beating himself up over it. It completely messed up our mission because he was depressed. Just don't be too hard on him. That's what I'm saying."
Neji raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry if this offends you or anyone else, but since when do you notice if Naruto is uncomfortable or not?"
The words were like a blow to Sasuke but he recovered and already felt the anger bubbling up inside him. "Of course I would notice, I'm not stupid enough not too!"
"Forgive me. Let me rephrase then. I did not know you cared enough to notice." Neji's eyes shined with a knowing look for some reason and Sasuke knew what he was talking about. It made him all the more angry, but guilty as well. Did he come off as a jerk to everyone? To Naruto as well? Now that he thought about it, Naruto was always yelling at him. And even though he laughed, it didn't usually have anything to do with Sasuke unless he was laughing at him.
"Forget what I said. I should be going," Neji said before leaving Sasuke with his words ringing in his head. He decided he would go to the lake, then home. He had to clear his head for a bit.
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Neji
Neji's known for quite a while that Sasuke was much like a tsundere type, cold and unwilling on the surface but passionate and true on the inside. Sometimes, he found it strange that the inner Sasuke was buried so deep, but he'd remember the Uchiha incident and then it made sense. Sasuke probably didn't have much trust in the people around him.
But Neji also knew that he cared for Naruto. It was something he had only picked up after over a year of watching them interact. Sasuke instinctively tried to hide it but nothing could be hidden from Neji's all-seeing eyes. He saw the small gestures, hidden acts, double meanings. As another problem child, from one pain to another, Naruto and Sasuke connected without even realizing it. At least, Naruto being Naruto didn't notice.
"Naruto being Naruto, hm?" he muttered to himself as he traveled at a leisure pace to Naruto's apartment. Everyone knew where he lived. Neji was still looking into why that was.
"He's… interesting," Neji continued, watching a jubilant young boy ordering candy from a trader with his father looking on amused. Neji thought for another moment. Despite Naruto not having been raised properly, without the normal interaction between people and being unfairly hated, he was an unusually bright child. Smiling so brightly, looking forward to the future so determinedly, pushing hate away from him making room for the little love that he did get.
It didn't make sense, how such a horribly treated person could still hold onto so little hope.
It took a few more minutes but Neji eventually found himself in the dim open corridor, standing in front of Naruto's door. He felt an odd sensation of discomfort and frowned, but knocked before he could turn around.
For a few seconds, there was nothing and Neji knocked again. Again nothing. Neji tried the door but it was locked. At least Naruto wasn't so much of an idiot as to forget to lock his door. Being him, that would be unwise.
"Naruto, are you home?" he called out, even though he was feeling the strong urge to just leave.
Finally, there was something. Neji listened as there was some kind of mumbling, before a loud crash and a yelp. Neji blinked. There was more angry mumbling and then a thump before the lock clicked and the door was thrown open.
Neji stared down at Naruto who looked like he died and came back. His hair was tousled, eyes were closed and almost invisibly red, only wearing green froggy boxers. Neji actually had to resist the urge to smile. How embarrassing and impolite.
It didn't look like Naruto noticed though, because he was swaying, looking horribly tired. "Whaddya want, bas'ards? If you rapis' touch me I'll kill you dammit. Go home. 'M tired."
Naruto threw the door shut and then there was stumbling on the other side. Eventually, the grown of an old bed and silence. Neji blinked again. He almost didn't catch what Naruto said. He must've been in quite the bad mood. But why rapists? Peculiar. He would look into it.
Neji opened the door because in Naruto's haze, he forgot to lock it.
"Pardon the intrusion," he said into the home but there was no reply. Normally, Neji would never find himself doing this, but he was unbearably curious as to how the village trouble maker lived. He was being intrusive, very much so, but he didn't think Naruto would mind too much.
Closing the door behind him and taking off his shoes, Neji looked around. It was bare. More so than even his living quarters. Naruto had no pictures, or much of any furniture other than a table and a small couch. The table was scattered with instant ramen cups and chopsticks but other than that, there was little of anything in the first part of the house. Neji should have seen that coming. Naruto probably couldn't afford anything else with only his ninja allowance.
There was a hall that lead away from the small kitchen and living room area so Neji explored some more. There were two doors along the hall. One was open, the bathroom where all Naruto had was toothpaste, a toothbrush and a few towels sloppily hanged.
The other room was open as well and Neji leaned inside, his nose cringing slightly. Naruto was messy, that was for sure. Clothes and trash were strewn about the floor. He was lying facedown on his bed, snoring softly, not hearing a thing as Neji looked around. A lone picture on a small nightstand caught his attention.
Neji hesitated. It would probably be going too far as to enter Naruto's room while he was sleeping. Neji looked at Naruto. No. No it wouldn't be. Besides, he needed some important questions answered. Very important indeed.
Neji stepped past the threshold and took a closer look at the picture on the nightstand before his lips twitched in a slight smile. It was a picture of Kakashi, Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto, Team 7. It must've been the only picture he owned.
Stepping back from the picture, Neji was going to wake Naruto until he stepped on something that wasn't clothing. He looked down. There was a small orange book with a naruto on the cover. He picked it up and opened it before quickly shutting it again.
"A diary…" he muttered. Reading it would be going too far. Besides, he didn't want to invade Naruto's privacy in that way. He set it next to the picture frame and went to Naruto instead. Just as he was going to call out to the blonde to wake up, he thought for a moment. Sasuke said that the mission didn't go too well. Neji needed to find out what happened. It could help him find out what Naruto was hiding.
Because Neji learned that he did indeed not do anything with Sasuke.
When Hinata asked Neji what was wrong with Naruto the other day, around the time of the incident, Neji didn't know how to respond. Hinata ended up explaining to him that Naruto had sneaked onto the Hyuuga estates while being closely watched by the guards including herself. No one apprehended him because he was caring Neji, at the time who had been unconscious.
That part didn't surprise Neji. What did surprise him though was that Hinata saw Naruto looking like he was beaten while carrying Neji. He wasn't wearing his own pants, his jacket was a little on the worse side, and he was bleeding in various places. Another reason no one attacked.
Neji had thought long and hard on it. In the end, he came to the conclusion that Naruto had probably been beaten, or in trouble and Neji had somehow found himself in the midst of it. It was most likely that Naruto didn't want word going around, so he took Neji's memories. That only made sense because if Naruto was being this secretive, it would explain why he kept the Monogatari no Chushutsu a secret.
Which only made Neji all the more curious as to what really happened that night. Sasuke saying that the mission went wrong because Naruto was feeling off was enough to harden Neji's theory. After all, little got to Naruto unless he let it, or if it was overwhelming.
And if it was overwhelming the younger ninja, Neji felt responsible to help him.
"Naruto, wake up," he called down to the figure lying on the bed. The boy didn't even stir. "Naruto. I have to talk to you. Wake up now." Again nothing.
Neji grabbed his shoulder to shake him and recoiled when the skin felt hot and sweaty. Neji frowned before trying again. Naruto's skin felt too warm. It was cool out today and there was no real heat inside the room. But Naruto was burning to the touch.
Rolling Naruto over, Neji felt Naruto's head. It almost felt like Naruto had a fever, but Neji couldn't quite tell. He was unusually warm and his skin was a little too slick with sweat. But it was off somehow. He was breathing fine enough and didn't seem to feel the warmth or sweat.
Naruto's eyes fluttered open and Neji looked down at them. They were unfocused, glazed over. Neji frowned.
"Huh? Wha?" Naruto swatted Neji's hand away and the latter stepped back to give the blonde some space. Naruto sat up with a loud groan. "What happened? What's going on?"
"Naruto," Neji called again and the other's eyes finally zeroed in on him. Naruto stared for a long minute before catching up with the situation.
"Wha-wha-what?! Whatareyoudoinginmyroom?!" Naruto rushed the words out, jumping up from his bed only to stumble and land face first onto the ground. He groaned again. Neji didn't know what Sasuke was talking about. Naruto seemed fine to him.
Except for the feverish skin and previously glazed eyes. That wasn't considered good.
When Naruto finally calmed down after seeing Neji, he went about his room grumbling about no privacy and "dumb Hyuuga". Neji scowled most of the time but didn't say anything until Naruto was more appropriately dressed while picking up random things and putting them away, or throwing them away, whatever the case was.
Naruto just threw on his orange jumper pants with a black tank top, not bothering with anything else. He ushered Neji out and locked his bedroom from the outside before going to the kitchen and puttling out yet another ramen cup, shoving all the others into the trash.
"Want some ramen?" he asked. "I don't have much of anything else though. There's some rice I can make and green tea."
Neji nodded. At least there wasn't just ramen. "I'll have some green tea." Naruto suddenly grinned broad and brightly. "What is it?" Neji asked.
Naruto shrugged, setting his ramen cup down and getting out materials for tea. "This is one of the first times I've gotten a visitor. Or at least, a nice one." he added and Neji raised an eyebrow at that. There was a story behind those words and he was going to wring it out of Naruto, because he knew already it tied with what he was doing there.
"What other visitors do you have?" Neji asked and Naruto shrugged.
"Sometimes my old teacher, Iruka-sensei will visit. But that's because he wants to take all my ramen away and make me eat real food." Naruto paused in what he was doing to thump a hand onto his chest and grin. "I was made to live off ramen. He doesn't know that."
Neji raised an eyebrow, almost smiling. Naruto finished making the tea and gave one cup to Neji and setting the tea pot on the table without serving himself a cup. Instead, he prepared the ramen noodles and waited. Neji waited as well and for once, Naruto wasn't talking, wasn't filling the silence with words or laughter or complaints or anything. It was almost strange, but it was also peaceful, because there was no awkwardness. Only Naruto smiling quietly and going about what he was doing. It was comfortable. Again, a small irritating that Naruto was a hated member of Konoha creeped upon Neji.
Naruto finally sat down, clapping his hands together and closing his eyes. Neji followed his example. "Itadakimasu."
Neji took a drink of his tea. It wasn't too warm or was a strange taste to it, but then, he expected as much. Naruto probably didn't drink tea too often anyways. Naruto smiled and started slurping his noodles loudly.
"So, whaddya want from me?" Naruto said with a mouthful of noodles. Neji sighed at his mannerisms.
"I wanted to talk."
Naruto nodded like that was obvious. "'Coarse you do. 'Bout what though?"
Neji set his cup on the table, giving Naruto a pointed look now. Forget pleasantries, he had important matters he wanted to discuss, important questions answered.
"What really happened that night you took Sasuke's and my memories, Naruto?"
Unlike Neji's expectations, Naruto didn't react in surprise or shock or confusion. Instead, he continued to calmly eat his noodles, giving him a look before downing his entire cup. He gulped down the juice before throwing away the cup with the others. He poured himself some tea and left it untouched.
There was a silence, strained on Neji's part, collected on Naruto's. For some reason, Neji felt that the tables had just turned, that the roles had just been switched. What was going on?
"I really do hate how easily you catch onto things," Naruto muttered and Neji looked at the blonde in surprise. His eyes seemed darker for some reason, purple almost. The dim lighting of the room didn't help. And Naruto's expression wasn't even his anymore. He looked too serious and cold, unlike the bright, happy and determined Naruto everyone usually saw.
Neji contained his shock for the most part, but he knew that this new Naruto had seen it. "Do you?"
"Yeah. Sasuke's pretty easy too trick 'cause he doesn't see anything he doesn't expect. But you see everything, which is annoying. And you're smarter than him, which makes it worse."
This cold feeling from Naruto… Neji had to control a shiver that wanted to take him. Why? What was happening here? "Naruto, you didn't answer my question."
"Nope. I didn't. I don't want to either." Neji frowned.
"So you were lying to Sasuke and me. We never did anything, did we? What really happened?"
This time, Naruto frowned, looking away. "I'm not answering that," he said stubbornly. Neji scoffed.
"Then give me back the memories that you took from me." But Naruto rolled his eyes.
"Why would I take them just to give them back?" Naruto snapped, still looking away.
"You have no right to keep them!" Neji yelled, finally catching Naruto off gaurd, making him flinch back. "Whatever happened that night that caused you to take them must be serious. Especially for you to pull off such a strong jutsu such as the Monogatari no Chushutsu." Naruto's eyes widened but Neji continued on. "I am no idiot, you are right about that Naruto. I know that something is going on with you. Enough that you won't let anyone know what it is. But that doesn't-"
Neji blinked. A small, sad smile spread across Naruto's face while Neji felt a sudden head rush, blinking the dots out of his eyes. His vision was getting blurry and everything seemed to be spinning now. Neji grabbed onto the table, knocking the cup of tea over.
In Neji's muddled mind, he proccesed a new revelation. Naruto didn't drink tea at all. It wasn't in his character. And the tea tasted funny. It had been drugged. Neji leaned his head onto the table to try and stop the spinning, but that only seemed to make him tired. He had the sudden urge to just drop everything and go to sleep for a long, long time.
"It'll take a while to kick in but eventually, you'll go to sleep," Neji heard Naruto say. He felt a hand on his shoulder, turning him so that he was sitting back against the back of the chair. Another hand held his head still and kept it from lolling backwards. But Neji couldn't find the urge to open his eyes.
"Don't worry, you'll forget about all of this in a bit. Just hold on a sec." Neji heard Naruto mumble. It was those words, slowly being registered, that jolted him somewhat back to reality.
Neji grabbed the hand that was holding his head still, ripping it away from him. Naruto yelped and Neji looked to find that Naruto had jumped back, holding his hand to his chest.
"You… you were going to take my memories again," Neji mumbled. He got up, slowly coming back to himself. But he could still feel the drug coursing through his entire body. This burst of energy wasn't going to last long.
Naruto looked at Neji and he thought he saw disbelief, but it was hard to tell with Naruto glaring at the same time. "You're gonna fall asleep eventually." Naruto muttered, walking away with his hand cradled in the other. "You can't leave since you'd just collapse at the front door. But do whatever. Once you're asleep, I'll just take your memories."
Neji sneered. "As if, Uzumaki Naruto." Neji made his way to the door but then the world started to spin and he fell to his knees, holding his head to try to make everything stop. Behind him, he heard a snicker and then a laugh.
"Doesn't matter that you're Hyuuga Neji. Poison's poison," Neji heard Naruto say. There was a pause, then a shuffle, Neji tried to focus his attention and his senses on Naruto only, just to make everything stop spinning. To narrow down on something but it was proving to be difficult. Then there was a hesitant hand on his shoulder and he focused on that instead. "I'm… I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone… Sorry Neji."
Then those same hands, unexpectedly strong, hauled him to his feet and onto something softer than the floor. As Neji's mind began to lose most coherent thought, one last thing crossed his mind. Something he had to get out. He had to get it across to Naruto.
"Na...ruto. You… You can trust me… trust… Sasuke… Kakashi."
*~0~0~0~*
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead
*~0~0~0~*
Naruto
Naruto watched Neji drift off into slumber on his couch, his body relaxing and his breathing stabilizing, no longer erratic as he tried to fight the sleep inducing drug. His hair was starting to slide out from his ponytail and head protector. He wouldn't notice if Naruto fixed it a bit, right?
Naruto straightened Neji out on the couch before untying his headband and pulling his hair tie out. Then he redid both and went to grab a blanket. He could always take Neji's memories later. But at the moment, he was still tired, something even ramen couldn't fully heal. So, with one last look at Neji, Naruto went to his room and crashed to the bed once again.
Naruto dreamt of the men beating him in the alley, the woman throwing their trash at him and telling him to die, the children sneering and throwing insults at him. It was the same. All of it was the same. Everyone was the same. They hated him, they wanted him gone, they left him alone. Then there was those men. The wild ones that went even further than throwing him down and kicking him. The ones that made him feel sick, worthless, dirty, helpless, those rapists. After the first time it happened to him, finding the will to fight was too hard, too scary. They only made it more painful, more embarrassing. They threatened him with telling everyone. He had no one.
Suddenly, Naruto jolted out of bad memories with a bitter taste in his mouth. Then he frowned, looking around him. Did something wake him? No, there wasn't…
Naruto's eyes went wide and he scrambled to check the time.
"Dammit!" he cursed out loud. His little froggy clock told him it was already evening. It's been two hours since Neji was knocked out, long enough time for him to shake the drug off and take his memories back from Naruto. Then Naruto sat back in bed. No, he couldn't take the memories back. The jutsu he used meant only he could had control of the memories now. Naruto laughed quietly before getting up to check his home.
Neji was nowhere to be found in his house but Naruto saw that his keys were placed in the very middle of his table. They definately weren't there earlier. He smiled. At least Neji wasn't cold hearted.
Naruto frowned, his mind going back to what the other had said earlier.
"Naruto, you cn trust me, trust Sasuke, Kakashi…"
As if. Naruto was very well aware that he could rely on them. He had people he could go to if he needed help or if he wanted to talk to, laugh with. But that wasn't the same as trusting someone. Trusting someone meant giving them your secrets. That probably didn't even make them secrets anymore. He couldn't trust someone like that. Only one could keep a secret and that was the person that owned it.
Ah, everything has to be so hard! Naruto thought, frustrated. He ruffled his hair in irritation before going to his room to change into his deadtime clothes.
He threw open his closet and dug for the items at the bottom, a black hoodie with the red swirl on the back and some orange and black jumper pants that were more snug fitting than his other, normal jumper pants. It was the outfit he wore when he didn't want anyone to recognize him. It worked too, because no one ever expected him to wear something other than his orange jumper suit. It wasn't like he could wear that all the time though. It would get boring like that.
Naruto threw on the clothes and pulled the hoodie low over his face, getting some skin cream from his bathroom to cover up the six scars on his face.
Before he applied the cream, he touched the scars like he did everyday. It was wierd. He wasn't even sure if they were scars or what, but he's had them ever since he could remember. Maybe they were like birthmarks, he'd thought for maybe the hundredth or so time. Scars would go away with time, right? I dunno. He applied the cream to his face and, as the perfect skin tone, it covered them up nicely. No one would even notice.
Naruto grabbed his keys and locked his door behind him before stuffing his hands in his pockets. He started walking, not really knowing where his feet were going to take him. It didn't matter. Anywhere to give him some peace for the time being.
As he walked, he made sure to keep his head down so that people wouldn't be able to see his face too well or his popping blonde hair.
Maybe I could dye it brown or black? No, then Sasuke and Sakura would laugh at me. Nevermind.
Before Naruto even realized it, he had walked all the way to the lake near the now empty Uchiha estates. No one lived there anymore, but the lake was still open to the rest of the village. At least it wasn't within the estates, otherwise Naruto wouldn't have had the will to actually go inside.
Naruto slid down the green hill to the small dock at the shore side, holding his hood after it flew back. When he reached the wooden planks, he walked forward till he was at the very end, looking out over the still, blue water. It was really clean for a lake. Naruto heard that the Uchiha clan used to clean it and all that, but he'd never actually thought about that. Why would he? But now that he did think about it, the lake was never too polluted or dirty.
Shouldn't it be now, though? Naruto thought. There' no one around to clean it anymore. But then, there could be other villagers that do clean it.
Flopping down to sit, Naruto took off his shoes to swing his feet in the water. The surface and a few inches under was warm from the sun's rays, but further than that was a bit cooler. It felt good. Naruto leaned back and enjoyed the peacefulness of it all. Simple things like this were the best. Where absolutely nothing mattered. As long as naruto could get lost in it before something happened, he was totally happy.
There was no secrets for him to hide from the sun, nothing to be afraid of from the water, nothing to care about with the wind around him and the animals and fish didn't avoid him either. They didn't give him snide looks and even though he couldn't really play or something with them, they were accepting of him. This was all easy.
"Oi, usuratonkachi. What do you think you're doing here?"
Naruto's feet stilled. Like hell he could mistake that voice for any other. But how did the other know it was him? He'd never recognized him other times Naruto came out while wearing this getup. Maybe he saw him while he was sliding down the grass? His hood did fly back a little.
I don't wanna talk with him right now. Naruto decided. He wanted to be comfortable for a few more minutes. But he couldn't if that teme was there with him. Should he just run? No, then Sasuke would be suspicious.
"Hey, did you hear me? Idiot, I think you're a few years too early to be ignoring me." Naruto heard Sasuke's feet thump as they walked over to where Naruto was sitting. Maybe he could just ignore him. But that was totally something that he wouldn't normally do. That's something teme did. So… what?
Taking a deep breath, Naruto turned just as Sasuke loomed over him. He wasn't wearing his normal clothes either. Rather, he was wearing normal grey boxer shorts with a black long sleeved shirt. Naruto wanted to comment that it was too warm for that kind of sweater, but he was one to speak, since he was wearing a jacket.
"Whaddya want, teme?" Naruto said as Sasuke stared down at him. For some reason, he looked… Naruto couldn't really place it. But it definitely wasn't Sasuke's normal haughty, arrogant look.
"I already asked you, what are you doing here?" Sasuke said. There was a strange tone in his voice too. Naruto refrained from frowning.
"Hah? This lake doesn't belong to you, right? Why can't I be here?" Naruto asked, feigning annoyance. He stared back at the water and started splashing with his feet again. "Besides, this water feels amazing! I should come by here more often."
"Why are you wearing that stuff?" Sasuke interrupted. "What happened to your usual clothes?"
Naruto clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What's up with all the questions? And you can't say anything since you're prancing around in your boxers and a sweater!"
Sasuke's normal, annoyed look came back and he clicked his tongue in turn. "That's because I came out of my home to find someone else in my spot on the lake's edge. And I was sleeping before this. That doesn't explain why you aren't wearing your jumper though."
"Your spot?" Naruto said, but then he remembered. A long, long time ago, there was a raven haired kid sitting in the same spot he was sitting in, looking out into the water with the sun setting in the distance. Naruto remembered making eye contact with the person, then looking away, walking away with a smile. That was Sasuke, right?
"Yeah, my spot," Sasuke said in that haughty tone. Naruto stuck his tongue out at him.
"Move your feet, lose your seat," he retorted childishly. Sasuke's eyebrow twitched and he grinned wide. This teasing wasn't so bad either, he guessed. But then the normal Sasuke was gone again, replaced by the one from moments ago. With the expression that Naruto couldn't place.
"Yesterday, during the mission…" Sasuke began and Naruto already knew where this was heading. Inside him, the light feeling faded, replaced by dark worry. But he grinned and waved Sasuke off like there was nothing to worry about. Because there wasn't. Really, not for him at least.
"Ah, I went crazy during the mission. That's my fault so don't remind me, teme," he said easily. It was a miracle that his voice didn't trip up or something. But then, he's had practice. Sasuke wasn't expecting anything too dramatic from him anyways.
To easy.
"... Are you sure then?" Sasuke asked and Naruto looked up at him, somewhat surprised the other was worrying about him. Well, it seemed like worry. Hopefully it was.
"Yeah! Won't happen again. That's for sure. Next time, I'll beat the bad guys up so they can't mess with anyone again. I won't lose my cool either! That's a part of being a ninja too! I gotta do what I gotta do after all."
Even after he finished talking, Naruto felt like Sasuke still wanted to say something. But the last second, it looked like he decided against it. Instead, he rolled his eyes, giving a stiff "goodbye" before leaving.
He's surprisingly quite the tsundere, huh? Naruto thought as he watched the other guy leave. Well, if he suspected something like Naruto having a few screws loose after killing those guys, he didn't show it. But he's a bit of an open book, so he probably didn't suspect anything in the first place.
*~0~0~0~*
Look into my eyes
Now you're getting sleepy
Are you hypnotized
By secrets that you're keeping?
I know what you're keeping
I know what you're keeping
*~0~0~0~*
Response to Reviews
MaiNaruLover69 chapter 1 . Apr 13 said "Complete?! Author-san... please continue! This is amazing and im sure everyone who reads this, they will think the same! This could definitely go somewhere or be made into a series! Consider please?"
Hey, MaiNaruLover69, I finally got around to updating and officially continuing this story. It's going to be great and I really hope you enjoy the rest of it, considering it took me over a month just to write out a good plot. Thank you for reviewing~
Libra-no-ninja9 chapter 1 . Apr 14 said "Oh kami-sama ! That fic was just so sad and tragic TT (thought this fic is still very good). I don't have any world to describe what I feel about it) how can we not feel sorrow and empathy toward the character of Naruto ? I know he is just a fictitious character but I still want to magically enter into the chapter and kill all the bastard that have dared to hurt poor naruto. He deserve to feel safe and loved by his friends, but he is to afraid of the consequences of them knowing the truth, and then he do all he can to make sure that nobody know or remember that he's broking himself more and more everyday, and this is the most sad and tragic. Naruto and the readers are the only ones who really know what happens to him. (By the way sorry if I made mistakes in my sentences since I am a french one)
Thanks for reviewing, Libra-no-ninja9, and sorry it took a while to get back to you. I understand your feelings, you know? I love Naruto too, even if he's a fictional character. I work on bringing characters to life and making them seem real. It makes it easier knowing I have my own 'Naruto' in real life too. But I'm glad you enjoyed the story so much. Wait up for me and my next update, please? I'll appreciate it and make sure you aren't disappointed. (P.S., french people are awesome~!)
guest chapter 1 . Apr 14 said "Kill yourself, pathetic delusional virgin fag."
Yeah, not sure if I even wanted to reply. But I will. I'm not cruel enough not too after all. So, guest, it seems like you didn't like the story. Maybe we can talk it civilly so that the story does suit your tastes. I dunno. But I should tell you, I'm not suicidal, not a virgin, and not delusional since I've got a good life going. I won't say anything about being a fag since I guess I am one since I'm writing this kinda story. Try not to lean toward hate comments. It's not like they hurt me, but if you say it to the wrong person who may be suicidal, don't be surprised if the next update never comes. Be careful with words, is all I'm saying. Thank you for the review though. It's good for the review count. X)
Also, OTHER READERS, LEARN FROM THIS AND PLEASE DON'T ABUSE THE INTERNET TO TALK HORRIBLY TO A PERSON. IT'S WRONG TO CYBER BULLY, EVEN IF THAT PERSON IS A COMPLETE STRANGER.
Save Me From Candy chapter 1 . Apr 15 said "Is this multichapter cause it'll be a crime to stop there. Lemme follow this and hope for the best"
Thanks for following! And yup, it's multichapter now. I hope you like this chapter of mine and I hope you like those to come. Thank you for your review as well. Like I said before, I like when the number of reviews goes up because I know people went to the trouble of time leaving something to say, whether positive or negative, I don't mind. (I like positive though, of course).
Spacejounin chapter 1 . May 11 said "To that ugly hater who told the author to kill themselves , please take your immature ass somewhere else if you don't like it lol simple logic geez , anyway author I just want you to know that this fic is really amazing so far! I wanna break the 4th wall and hug naruto after reading thisI'll patiently anticipate more of this story~(no pressure tho i know we all have busy lives gah) xoxo"
Thanks for sticking up for me, the author. That's nice. The hater though, has been notified of my feelings and stand on their comments so don't worry about trivial things like that. I was having a somewhat busy life I guess but I've finally finished the plot line I've been working on for this story so I know where it's heading and how to write it. Hopefully, the next updates will come swifter and more to your liking. Please enjoy~!
Spacejounin chapter 1 . May 11 said "Oops I didn't pay attention cause this fic is completed? Ah it felt like there was more coming so I thought it wasn't completed but still it was a great fic"
Ah, I would like how you were able to review twice. Is it a secret of yours? I don't know but I'll let you keep it to yourself if that's the case. Thank you for the reviews though. But this isn't finished quite yet so please stay with me and wait for more chapters. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much.
Arw165 chapter 1 . May 21 said "The story's not listed as complete, but it has that "bittersweet ending" vibe, so it's hard to tell. I'm going to follow just in case, though. Feel free to clarify that for us. As much as what happened to Naruto was horrible, I must say the lie he told to Neji and Sasuke was funny. Not sparing details like Sasuke being the bottom etc. :p At the same time, I hope he didn't lose friend it Hyuuga. Naruto seems to need any friend he can get with the life he has.
It seemed like it ended, didn't it? Before, I was going to have it end simply like that, but readers wanted more and I felt obliged to give it to them. Thank you for following though. I appreciate it. And I'm glad you enjoyed the story as well. I hope you can enjoy the rest that's to come. Thank you again.
It was on a whim of mine to reply to the reviews. Thank you everyone for reading and reviewing. It does wonders on my self esteem and energy to write more. Until the next chapter then.
