Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! –for all the reviews!-

Disclaimer: -long sigh- still not mine!

Rated T for now until later on. Then it will be rated M!

Chapter Three: Saying Good-bye

He flopped backwards on the ground, breathing not normal then he should. Who could blame him? His sensei set a hard practice for him to catch up. Maybe a small break would give him time to be ready once more.

"What are you doing, dobe?" the voice came to his side, above him. He cracked one eye opening, letting out a sigh until he shook his tired arm.

"Be gone, Sasuke before I tackle you," his threat was less with heat, but more with just be total whopped out of energy. He heard a thump then he felt a push at his side. He growled, trying but not really to claw at his teammate.

"Don't fall asleep out here. Not good for an idiot like you," Sasuke said, raising an eyebrow when Naruto didn't move. Instead, the blond was snoring lightly. His eye twitched but he let out a sigh. He helped the blond to his feet, hearing mumbles coming to his ear. He wrapped an arm around his neck, keeping his friend standing. Then he went on home. Or at least to the demon host's apartment.

Luckily, he didn't run into anyone, not even Kakashi, who usually came to see them when they were together. Jeez, not like every time they are near one another they set out to 'kill' the other. He jumped in the trees of the training ground, still hearing the blond mumbling. He noticed Naruto was drooling slightly and was peaceful looking when asleep. He hadn't notice this because, the last time they were on an away mission was to Water Country and the Chunnin exam, he saw the blond asleep but not really. It was like he was in a trace, ready to spring at any sound made. But he never need. He also heard the blond growl when usually an animal came near them as they slept. It was strange.

However, this time, when Naruto's chakra is completely gone, he slept like a normal person just more tired like he never slept before.

"Dobe, what is wrong with you working till you lose your chakra?" Sasuke said to himself, whispering so if anyone was near, they didn't think he was a nut.

"…training…to beat…you…all…" Naruto surprised him when he mumbled a so called answer. It crept Sasuke out. A sweat drop and an annoyed look came to his pale face when he heard Naruto snore on.

He arrived at Naruto's apartment, frowning at the mess. As he made his way to the bed, he noticed a milk carton out on the table. He laid his teammate on the bed, shaking his head. If he was like anyone else, he would have thought Naruto was a pig, wait. Recap. He still did, but at least he knew some reasons why. No one was there to take care of him, not even when he was little.

"Sleep tight, Naruto," he whispered, grabbing the now spoiled milk and tossing it into the trash. He closed the door after he saw Naruto roll on his bed, falling into a deeper sleep.

He zipped up his backpack, which was full of scrolls, package foods, and medicines from Sakura. It also had his clothes packed away tightly. With a tired sigh, he fell back on his bed. It squeaked, making his eye twitch. Since, of course, base was under ground, so were the rooms. The room was only four walls a perfect square. The bed was only a mattress on a metal frame. Nothing was on the walls, except a picture. He looked over at it, his throughs running off. The picture was once the first one he had of his team.

His teacher, Kakashi, had both his hands on each of the boys, himself and his now dead teamate, Sasuke. Sakura was in the middle, smiling as Sasuke smirked and he made an annoyed face.

'Uhmm…ten years ago…' he thought. Was it really that long ago? Sometimes he would say it wasn't, or that is how it felt. He guessed it was that he missed his once cheerful team. Who wouldn't when he lived in a world where people set out to kill you?

A knock on his door caused him to look towards the metal plate, as he let out a sigh.

"What is it, Shikamaru?" he asked boredly, only to hear the door click open. The shadow user frowned at him, closing the door behind him. He lend against it, looking at the blond.

"Troublesome, you know that?" he asked, only to see the blond twitch.

"Yeah, yeah. What are you really here for or are you just telling me how 'troublesome' I am?"

"Tsunade wanted me to come get you," he said.

"I'll be there soon…" Naruto said, waving a hand. He coughed, closing his eyes. Shikmaru raised his eyebrow.

"You okay?" he asked, only to here the blond chuckle.

"Just fine," Naruto sat up, stretching. To Shikamaru, he looked tired. The stupid dobe went to missions after missions. The demon host grabbed his bag, putting a hand on the shadow user's shoulder. He grinned, leaning towards him, "Just take care of yourself,"

"Feh," Shikamaru said, "I would worry about myself, traveling 'alone' to Suna,"

Naruto looked at him, grinning brightly.

"Nah. Gaara's a softy now," he said, waving, "See ya around,"

Shikamaru looked at the disappearing figure till he finally said.

"You be careful, Naruto,"

Naruto left the base with a smile on his face.

Short I know. But I promise it will be longer next time!!! I have been really busy with projects and stuff and now we are going to have midterm exams! –bows- please forgive.

Also, today is my birthday:333 it will be awhile this I update this. :3

Uhm…oh! I might start a new fanfic with Naruto but it will be totally different. –shrugs- in reviews, tell me what your favorite Naruto pairings you like. :3 you might just see 'em in my next fanfic.

BYE!!