Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 3: Considerations

The sand shifted beneath Naruto's feet as he took in the massive structures of Suna. The civilians bustled about, going through their routine and a few shinobi hopped the sandy roofs to their destinations. He couldn't hold back a giddy grin as he made his way to the Kazekage Tower. Hopefully, Gaara would have a spare room for him.

Sasuke's eyes held an unwavering focus on the door as he meticulously plotted his great escape. Sakura had just left after a heart-felt goodbye, for which he was very grateful. He needed the solitude to mentally prepare himself for what was about to come. By now the steady stream of sunlight that had been coming through the hospital window had dimmed to a gentle glow. He knew that nightfall was approaching, and needed to be prepared.

Sasuke's heart thrummed in his chest. He wasn't worried. No definitely not. The very thought made him scoff. What was there to be scared of?

Images of his capture and arrest left a bitter taste in his mouth. Sasuke knew that under normal circumstances he would have no problem sneaking out of the village, but these weren't normal circumstances. With his condition still less than optimal, Sasuke knew the risk was far greater than usual. The shroud of night would only help him in his weakened state.

Minutes ticked by. Soon, he heard nurses calling their goodbyes as they left for the night. Only a few emergency doctors stayed. That was good. Sasuke was sure that his room wouldn't be visited until daybreak.

Sitting straighter in the bed, anticipation clawed at his heart. It was now or never.

Naruto beamed at his red-haired friend, "Thanks, Gaara. You're the best!" He slipped the travel pack off his shoulders and examined the room they were in.

He had informed Gaara of his predicament and with a sharp nod the Kazekage led him to a lavish guest bedroom meant specifically for visiting ambassadors. Naruto wasn't an ambassador, but Gaara never really was one to care for rules. Unless he made them, of course. Nevertheless, Naruto graciously accepted the accommodations and was quick to fall into the plush bed centering the room.

Gaara's pointed gaze met the blonde's, "I need to get back to work, do as you please," and with that he left Naruto to his own devices.

"Hehe, same old Gaara," He laced his fingers behind his head and let out a sigh, unsure what his next move will be. 'Well, this is what vacation's all about,' his thoughts were sardonic, 'mind numbing boredom.'

He tried not to let his thoughts turn to Konoha and the undoubtedly enraged Uchiha. He didn't want to imagine the icy eyes that would cut him so deeply. He didn't want to hear the vicious words that would pierce his heart. He didn't want to remember the genuine smiles they had shared before the whole ordeal with Orochimaru.

It always left him feeling cold. Even the infamous dry heat of Suna couldn't permeate his core.

"Well great, now I'm all mopey," he groaned. Deciding that it wouldn't do him any good wallowing in bad memories, Naruto got out of bed and decided to explore the village.

Sasuke couldn't fathom what time it was. All he knew was that it was dark and he couldn't see a damned thing in this forest. His plan went off without a hitch and now he was sprinting along the tree tops to get as far away from the village as possible. He didn't know when his disappearance would be discovered, but it was only a matter of time.

Not only could he barely see a thing in this forest, but he had no idea where he was supposed to be going. On first assumption, he ruled out Iwa and Oto for obvious reasons. He figured Naruto would steer clear of the war ridden territories. He then considered the Land of Waves where their first C-rank mission happened. Maybe Naruto was feeling nostalgic and wanted to visit Inari and Tazuna. Then again, Suna was still an option. Naruto may have decided to go see Gaara and travel around Wind Country. Sasuke really wished he had more of a lead. It wouldn't do him any good to be wandering around aimlessly.

He bounded off another tree branch. The most likely place for the blonde to have gone would be Suna. However, Naruto wasn't known as the most unpredictable ninja in Konoha for nothing. Sasuke really hoped this wouldn't be one of those occasions.

Suna would bring more problems for him too. His presence would not be well received in the ally nation, especially since he personally knew the Kazekage. Not to mention the Kazekage hated him. That wasn't too strange considering Gaara hated practically everybody. Well, except for Naruto.

Nobody could hate Naruto, not even the sand wielder.

Sasuke bristled at this. The thought of Naruto grinning at Gaara and the cold Kazekage smiling back made his stomach knot.

That decided it. He'd go to Suna, find Naruto, and finally fix this whole mess.

AN: And there you have it. Does that count as a cliff-hanger? I don't know. Anyway, please review and let me know your opinions so I can improve. Next chapter will be up soon.