DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING

Chapter 4: Revelation

As I gained consciousness I realized I was in the medical unit. The medic nins told me I was lucky I survived. I thanked fate for giving me another chance at living. I was definitely going to make the best of it.

The next day the whole squad came to see me. They weren't allowed to stay long though. I was glad they all came back alive. Even though the Uchiha was not brought back, our mission ended as well as it could have. The Uchiha is a traitor, and it's best he left. Konoha doesn't need traitors.

I found out Chouji and I were the ones who returned most damaged. Luckily, the sand village nins helped defeat the enemies. I have yet to know what went on with Naruto, but I will find out.

...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...N...

A week later I was released from the hospital. I was relieved. I couldn't stand another minute in that suffocating room. TenTen and Lee visited me daily. Yet the one person I wanted to see most never came after the one day the squad came. I was disappointed but knew I wasn't exactly a friend of Naruto's yet. But I hope to be eventually. Actually I hope for much more than friends.

I was walking past the practice ground when I saw Naruto practicing his fighting. He looked worn out yet so determined. The determination of his is what inspires so many. He isn't aware of it but he ignites strength in many. He inspired Sakura and my cousin Hinata to become stronger. He taught Kiba to expect the unexpected. He even changed Gaara, a task no one thought possible. No one knows how he did it but he did.

That's Nauruto's mystery though. He has this unexplainable effect that could change the coldest heart. It's that quality that makes people love him. That's just one thing I love about him though. I can't help but smile a bit while watching him.

I stand back and just watch him a while. When he stops I see him lean his head against a tree with his eyes shut tightly. He then punches the tree in frustration. I wonder what's bothering him. Before I can ponder it long enough to figure out I notice him crouch down and tears start to shed.

My heart clenches over his tears and I approach him worriedly. I've never seen him cry. Even though I've only known him months I assumed he never shed tears. Not because he was always happy but because he always seemed in control of his pain. I mean, I've seen pain in his eyes but he hides it so well.

He quickly wipes his eyes when I kneel beside him. For a minute no one says anything. I keep quiet because I don't know what to say. If I ask what's wrong he might get angry. But then how will I comfort him? I've never comforted anyone before. No one has meant enough for me to play such a role. Yet I still find myself needing to know what could cause my angel such pain.

"Naruto, are you ok?"

He looks at me and nods. "I'm fine," he claims.

"Why are you crying," I ask while wiping away his remaining tears.

"I…," he looks nervous.

"Naruto, I know we barely know each other, but I want you to consider me a friend. I'll listen if you need me to."

He smiles a sad smile and says, "I failed."

It took me a moment to understand what he meant.

"You didn't fail, we"

"No, I failed," he interrupts.

I don't understand why he's beating himself up so much about this. I know him and the Uchiha were friends but still.

"You don't understand Neji, I was the only hope to bring him back. And I failed him," he said with fresh tears gathering in his eyes.

"Naruto, you tried your best."

"No, my best wasn't enough. We need each other. We fight, but only cuz' we need each others acceptance."

I still didn't understand. Are friends usually this attached?

"What will I do if he dies or ends up like Orochimaru? I'll never be able to forgive myself," he's crying again.

I look at him speechless. Gently I hug him and let him cry on me.

"He left me," whispers Naruto clinging to me. With that sentence it dawns on me. Naruto cares more deeply for Sasuke than what meets the eye. He loves him. With that revelation, questions spring up and my heart shatters.

AN: SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT. HAD WRITER'S BLOCK. HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE CHAPTER. PLEASE REVIEW. I'LL UPDATE A.S.A.P.