Chapter Five

You know, this is foolish.

"Don't distract me," I snapped as Kurama's voice drawled from within. I pressed my body to the ground, crawling in the bushes surrounding Team Seven's house. I couldn't help but notice the Yokai sounded sleepy as if just woken up from a nap. I guess taking over my body and torching my gremlin friend took it out of him. That was such an asshole move.

I'm sure you already know, but, when you get caught and you will, don't you dare tell those agents that I've awoken. If you do—

"Yeah, yeah. You'll burn them all," I grumbled. This was probably the eighth time Kurama's threatened me since I started heading towards my old home. Pompous fox couldn't keep his damn trap shut.

Just Blah Blah Blah all the way here.

You know, worthless wretch, I can read your thoughts. And Blah Blah Blah is not, I repeat NOT in my eloquent vocabulary.

"Oh for the love of—" I plopped my forehead to the pack soil with a soft thud, exhausted by Kurama's non-stop yammering. He's fairly talkative this particularly stressful morning.

I sense someone near the window, so stop playing in the dirt like a child and get moving.

Bastard, I cursed inwardly.

As I reached the window, I slowly rose to my knees, peeking the very top of my head out of the foliage to peer into the living room. To my dismay, the blinds were down. I could hardly see into the…wow, it looks like Sasuke really spruced the place up. Clean freak. Hey! Where the hell is my ramen poster I hung up over the TV?

Ok, so maybe I could see more than I thought. As my eyes scanned the section of the living room I could see, I found myself being overwhelmed with feelings of…well, loss. I wanted to be in there, lying on my stupidly comfortable couch. I wanted to rummage through the kitchen, even though I couldn't see it. I knew it was stuffed with all of Sasuke's homemade cooking. He didn't like to admit it and I felt weird even thinking it, but damn. That Uchiha bastard can cook. Although, everything he cooked seemed stuffed with fiery determination and hatred than the usual main ingredient—love.

I chuckled to myself.

Damn. I missed this place. Suddenly, my heart began racing, my palms glistened with sweat as every fiber of my being pushed me forward.

There she was. Sakura Haruno walked into the living room, her fingers wrapped around a mug billowing with steam. She carefully slumped onto the couch with a wince. Her movements seemed too decisive, as if she had to think about every step. No, like it hurt.

Damn it.

I squinted hard. Oh, for the love of all that is holy…she's beautiful.

You're pathetic.

"And you're an asshole," I quietly snapped back. Kurama huffed and simply returned to the darkness, officially uninterested in my foolishness.

Yeah, even I had to admit this was a pretty dumb idea, but how could I stay away?

Sakura leaned back into the cushions and pressed her lips against the rim of the mug, sipped and then sighed. Her soft pink hair looked longer than before and those eyes—I smiled—like the purest shade of green. It was nature and earth and it was life. I found myself fading away in that moment as if it was the first time in months that I actually opened my eyes. She was the first real thing I've seen since I ran away.

She was the last too.

I remember savoring her sleeping face as she leaned her head on Sasuke's shoulder. When I sat across from those two on the train, I stared and stared hard. I could feel the longing, the desire and the overwhelming heart break engulf my entire body as I prepared myself to run away. I knew I was doing the right thing by leaving. I didn't know who or what Kurama was. All I knew was that he was dangerous and hell, he still it. I had to leave. I had to…so why am I back?

I left to keep Sakura safe. I came back to check and see if she's safe…But really, I just…

"I miss her," I mumbled to myself as my chest constricted tightly.

I'm such a fool.

Besides Sakura's tired eyes and stiffened body, she looked fine. She wasn't hospitalized. From what I could tell, she looked stable enough. So…She's ok. Even if she's stressed, she's better off without me.

Liar.

I shouldn't be here. I should be—

"Welcome back, Loser," a familiar voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I whipped around, my eyes wide as I stared at my former teammate, Sasuke Goddamn Uchiha.

It was a trap.

Told you.

"Hi," I said nervously as I scrambled to my feet. Sasuke stood before me, hands comfortably tucked in his jean pockets. Those black eyes stared me down, amused and somehow different than from what I remember. I could almost smell it on him. Sasuke…somehow, he's stronger.

"So, I should get going," I smiled and waved nonchalantly as I attempted to walk pass him. Sasuke shifted closer, blocking my path.

"Naruto, you're not leaving. Not again," Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he continued sternly, voice low, "You have no idea what we've went through trying to find you."

The corners of my lips plummeted tightly as my eyes carefully scanned the area for a way of escape. Sasuke had me cornered.

"Sasuke," I began, switching to plan B, "I can't come back. Not yet. I…I need more time."

If I couldn't escape, I'd be force to reason. Yeah, I know, plan B sucks.

"Need time?" Sasuke scoffed, taking a step closer. "What you need is a serious ass kicking."

"Sasuke, you don't understand. I—"

"No, I don't care what happened while you were in Sakura's mind," he cut me off swiftly. My chest constricted. "Whatever you saw in there wasn't real. It was all a nightmare made up by the Itsumaden. I'm shocked that a bunch of starving people freaked you out this badly. I'm sure it was traumatizing, but abandoning the agency? Naruto, what were you thinking?"

My fingers curled into fist as my stomach dropped with nausea. Just thinking about that day sent my body into panic. "I didn't just see starving people. You can't possibly understand. I saw something—no. I experienced something much worse than an illusion. It may have been a nightmare, but that doesn't make it any less real."

"That's impossible. The Itsumaden only projected its memories from when it was still alive. What else could you have seen other than the same nightmare Sakura experienced? She told me what she remembered. Burning, decrepit village, starving victims, poverty and suffering. What did you see?" Sasuke pressed closer, his eyes boring into mine. I could see the concern, the curiosity. I needed to get away. "Naruto, tell me."

I saw you, reflected in her eyes.

My lips flattened into a hard line as my brows furrowed. This wasn't going to work.

Plan C?

Plan C.

"Sorry, Sasuke," I sighed and lunged forward, my fist cutting the air. Sasuke blocked my punch, using his hand to divert my arm to the right, knocking my stance out of balance. I stumbled but used my momentum to send a left hook straight to Sasuke's temple.

Bad idea.

Sasuke ducked and wrapped his arm around mine to trap me in a lock, pulling my body towards him. He was a flash of black and pale skin when I was suddenly swept off my feet. I landed on my back with a resounding thud that echoed throughout my rib cage. Sasuke straddled me, holding my wrist and elbow to bend my arm at a painfully awkward angle.

"You," I winced, "were always good at locks."

Sasuke smirked and glanced down at my free hand wrapped forcefully around his throat.

"And you," he rasped as my grip tightened, "never fail to surprise me."

My fingers clenched, cutting off Sasuke's air. His eyes narrowed as the pale color of his face blushed. Using all his strength, he bent my arm more and more, making my muscles scream and my bones ache.

"We both know what's going to happen," I began, wincing, "You pop my shoulder out of its socket and I strangle you until you pass out. Regardless, I can escape."

Sasuke's teeth clenched as his eyes filled with frustration and the haze of oxygen deprivation. I could see the sleep behind his stare.

He released me and swiftly jabbed my other arm at the joint forcing me to whip my hand away from his throat. He jumped back and I rolled to my feet.

Holy shit. He really almost broke my arm. Jerk.

"Jeez, Sasuke, you're pretty serious about catching me." I grinned, excited for the first time in six months. I was sparing Sasuke and damn, it was fun.

You're an idiot.

Ok, so yeah. I'm stupid. I'll admit that. But who cares? My blood is pumping. I feel alive. And, considering the spark in Sasuke's eyes, so does he.

"It's been a while since our last fight," he smirked.

"Over a year," my grin widened, "Last time, Kakashi-Sensei made sure we'd never fight again. Considering the collateral damage we caused."

"I don't regret a thing," he chuckled and side stepped towards me, whipping his leg up for a powerful round house kick to my head. I ducked and rolled on my knees, popping up on his right flank to land a destructive tiger palm to his ribs.

"Not even when we destroyed half the gym?" I asked mischievously as Sasuke barely evaded my attack. A sharp jab to the back of my neck sent an echoing wave of pain through my skull. Lucky for me, he missed the knock out spot. Unlucky for me, he gave me one hell of a headache.

"No, not even that," he answered with a wicked leer as I fell forward, my face landing directly on Sasuke's bent knee. I would have been done for if I didn't cover the malicious attack with my hands. Again, I rolled away from Sasuke and jumped to my feet.

I could tell I wasn't winning this fight without a broken face or limb.

Plan D?

What? You didn't think I had a Plan D? Well, to be honest…I don't. Plan D is just Plan A.

Run. Run like hell.

I shot pass Sasuke. Pass the lawn and the street. Pass everything.

I'll give you one thing, Naruto. You can run like the wind.

"Ha!" I laughed at Kurama's comment. "I'm faster than the wind—I'm lightening!"

"Who are you talking to?"

Oh, shit. I looked to my right to see Sasuke on side of me, sprinting with all his might.

"Uh, go away!" I screamed and picked up speed. To my surprise, Sasuke was keeping up. I knew he'd gotten stronger, but damn it all. Why did he have to get faster?

"Stop running away!" Sasuke yelled.

"No!" I replied childishly as we came bursting out of the neighborhood. I pushed harder and harder. I could still hear Sasuke behind me, his feet slamming on the cement as he thrust himself towards me.

Two minutes later, I was half way to downtown. And Sasuke? He was nowhere in sight, yet I kept running, because you never know when dealing with that Uchiha. He's not as fast as me, but he has stamina. If I slowed down he could catch up, possibly tracking me along the way.

I circled several streets, not pausing a second to catch my breath. If Sasuke was tracking me, I'd throw him off. My legs screamed as I came stumbling into the alley leading to Shikamaru's lab.

I'm impressed.

"Stop," I gasped, "talking."

Are you satisfied now that you saw your woman?

My eye twitched at Kurama's comment. He really wouldn't shut up today.

"Yes," I answered, exasperated as I carefully dragged my sorry ass deeper into the alley. "Sakura looks ok. Tired and stressed, but ok. She's much better off far away from me thanks to you."

What? I've done nothing wrong, worthless brat.

I huffed and waved a dismissive hand. "You would set everyone I care about on fire if you felt threatened."

I'm not so petty, Peon. I'd rather dedicate my flames to burning the entire agency to ashes if I could.

I raised a brow, surprised. This was the first time Kurama has ever admitted that he couldn't do something.

"So, you can't burn the whole agency to the ground?" I asked, leaning against the cool alley walls before going any further. Shikamaru didn't know about Kurama for his own good. If he heard me talking to myself, he'd add things up after ruling out insanity.

Fool. Majority of my strength is still sealed away inside your pathetic excuse for a body. Don't get cocky, child. The seal is weakening. Ever since you tangled with that demon and summoned my fire, you created a tear in the seal. Over the years, that rip has been growing and growing.

"What are you talking about?"

Demon? What demon? I haven't seen a demon since…wait…

"Are you talking about that sewer demon I confronted when Sasuke ran away? That was years ago."

I could see a wide grin grow from within.

That demon would have devoured you if not for my flames. The fire you summoned was so powerful, it literally vaporized that abomination. Ever since then, I've been slowly getting stronger. All thanks to you.

My stomach clenched. I knew something was off about that demon just up and disappearing. It didn't make any sense. Now, aw shit.

"So, I summoned your fire and bam. You woke up? Great."

I thought you'd be more…devastated?

"I'm annoyed more than anything, but the more I understand you, the better. I'll figure out how to control your power. You'll see."

Hm. You're rather positive….How annoying. I thought I'd crush that childish attitude of yours.

I laughed. "Yeah, you can try all you want to drag me down into the abyss, but I'll always pull myself out." With that, I closed the doors in my mind, silencing Kurama.

Before the door sealed, Kurama's menacing laughter filled my mind.

We'll see, Naruto. We'll see…

My lips flattened as my eyes drilled shut. Yeah, I'll admit it. I talk big, but in reality…

I know I'm in deep trouble.


8:00 PM (Several Hours Later)

Really? REALLY? Are you fucking serious? This isn't happening.

I would have been screaming that if my mouth wasn't covered with duct tape.

"Stop struggling," Shikamaru drawled as he stared down at me with a single raised brow. "You're going to break the table if you keep this up."

I thrashed against the leather straps binding me to one of Shikamaru's metal examination tables. No…This was a dissection table. Shit.

A muffled onslaught of curses escaped my lips as I glared furiously at the alchemist bastard fiddling with a long tube of green slime. With a triumphant smirk, he plopped a cube of chalky white into the strange gelatin substance. The chunk sizzled and disintegrated into the mixture causing the tube to glow a violent red.

I was sort of missing my black and white dog vision right now. Seeing this horror flick in gray scale would make it feel a little less real.

"What are you doing to Naruto?" Temari appeared above me, her eyes filled with frustration as if Shikamaru was a little puppy who just peed on the couch. Bad, Shika. Bad doggy.

I'm strapped to a table!

Temari, I inwardly begged, stop your boyfriend! Soulless or not, Shikamaru was crossing the line. No, he took the line and threw it behind him like a crumpled piece of tissue paper.

"I'm performing an experiment," he replied dryly as he produced a syringe from his lab coat pocket. A long, thick needle glistened in the bright light of the lab. My eyes widened in absolute terror.

I gawked at Shikamaru and then Temari. Back and forth, my eyes the size of dinner plates.

Someone, help me?

Temari sighed and snatched the syringe from his hand. "You can't experiment on your friends," Temari shook her head and leaned over me to undo the strap holding my left hand down.

"Oh, is that bad?" He asked, not really caring, but honestly shocked. Temari replied with a simple nod.

The moment my hand was free, I ripped the duct tape off my mouth and yelped as the sting hit.

"Really, Shikamaru!?" I shrieked, stumbling to undo the rest of the bindings. The back of my head still ached were Shika hit me when I entered the lab. The bastard ambushed me and knocked me out.

"What?" he asked as he mournfully stored away his equipment. He seemed genuinely disappointed that Temari stopped him.

"What were you about to do to me, you asshole?" I shouted and jumped off the icy table.

He glanced at me, eyes filled with…well, nothing. He wasn't even a bit guilty.

"I was going to make sure you weren't tagged with any magic or tracking devices," Shika sighed, "But Temari says experimenting on friends is wrong. Who'd have thought?"

"I would have told you that myself if you didn't knock me out first," I inhaled deeply, "Shika, I wasn't around anyone capable of using magic. Sasuke was the only one close enough to even touch me. What were you thinking, knocking me out and strapping me to a damn table like some lab rat?"

Shikamaru stared at me, mulling it over for a moment. "Eh, I just wanted to make sure," was all he said in reply. Simple, bitter and to the point.

Asshole.

"Can you tell me one thing though," Shikamaru began, "Were there any Anbu Agents in the vicinity?"

"Huh?" My head titled. "What's an Anbu?"

Shika raised a slender brow and waved a dismissive hand. "Well then, you're useless," he drawled, "I suppose you're not worth calling in the Apocalypse Squad. Though, if you did have Anbu on your tail, I'd kick you out immediately. I can't afford a home invasion."

I stared at the ground, somewhat hurt by Shikamaru's coldness. I couldn't blame him, because, well, he couldn't help it. Temari slapped my back and said determinedly, "Stay as long as you need to. Shika won't kick you out. I'll kick him out before that happens."

I smiled lightly as Shika rolled his eyes at Temari.

"Thanks, Temari," I sighed and strolled over to the couch to plop down. "Damn, I just want a moment's peace in this crazy lab."

Is that too much to ask for?

The explosion was my answer.


"NARUTO!" A familiar voice screamed as debris whizzed past my head. A chunk of brick collided with my abdomen, sending me rolling over and onto my back. Shikamaru and Temari hit the ground as another explosion rocked the lab entrance. I groaned as my ears rang, dust and smoke blinding me as a blurry figure came torpedoing towards me.

The fuck?

"Naruto Uzumaki! You Bastard!"

Oh, shit.

The figure cleared. I had only a split second of clarity before Sakura grabbed my arm and sent me flying through the air. Her viridian eyes were filled with fury as her visage blurred again.

"What?!" She screamed as I came crashing to the ground with a hard thunk! The air was literally pulverized out of me as I rolled in on myself. "You think you can just disappear for half a year," I was tossed again, "and then pop up at our house without even saying hello!?"

Bam! I crashed onto the couch, the wood frame cracking underneath the cushions. I didn't have time to stumble to my feet before being hurtled once more.

"She's going to kill him," A deep voice mused. Sasuke?

"Probably," another replied.

Who?

Oh, god. My ears were filled with the rush of air as I was slammed into one of Shikamaru's dimensional doors. My eyes creaked open just in time to see Sakura stomping towards me, her pink hair flared with her fists clenched.

"S-Sakura?" I mumbled as my knees gave in. I slid down the bricks and slumped to the floor. She came close and grabbed my collar, yanking me to my feet. Her face was only an inch away from mine.

"You idiot," she cursed. I glanced down to see her arms shaking. The quiver invaded her entire body as tears filled her eyes. "Why didn't you come home? Why did you leave?"

I looked up, my mind filled with the swirling green.

"I-I couldn't," I mumbled. This was too soon. Too unexpected.

She shouldn't be here.

"This stops now," Shikamaru's voice filled the entire room, demanding and, frankly, pissed, like the voice of a vengeful god. Sakura's eyes widened in shock as her body was suddenly lifted into the air by an invisible force.

I reached out instinctively, but it was too late. She was high above my reach, struggling useless against the nothingness holding her up.

My eyes shot around the room, surprised to see Sasuke floating in the air accompanied by a guy with stark black hair and the same complexion as snow.

"How odd. This is very old magic. Is this Shadow Magic?" the stranger mused as Sasuke glared furiously.

"Not a good time, Sai," Sasuke snapped. "How is this happening?"

"I should be the one asking questions," Shikamaru practically growled as he appeared from within the dust and debris. The red couch had become nothing but a pile of rubble. What a shame. I liked that couch.

"Naruto!" Sakura screamed, knocking me out of my haze. "Get me down, right now, so I can kick your ass!"

I grimaced. I felt like my brain was already reduced to pudding. Did she really have to beat me up more?

"Enough!" Shikamaru snapped. Sasuke, 'Sai,' and Sakura were suddenly silenced, their mouths covered with duct tape that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

Sasuke and Sakura's eyes shot to Shikamaru. They looked surprised and extremely confused to see their former classmate. Shikamaru disappeared many years ago after Temari's death. A lot of people assumed Shikamaru up and killed himself. I was the only one who knew they were alive because I helped Shikamaru cover his tracks. Lucky me, right?

"Well," Shika sighed deeply, running a bloody hand on the front of his shirt. I wondered for a split second where Temari was hiding. "Nice to see you again, Sasuke, Sakura. Or rather, this isn't nice at all. This is horrible. You've all but destroyed my lab." With a flick of his finger, debris began floating and bouncing through the air, landing against the gaping hole in the entrance. "Hopefully, for your sake's, I can repair the damage before anyone comes snooping around. That explosion is bound to attract a mess of people."

"You're name is Shikamaru Nara, correct?"

Shika's eyes widened as Sai appeared behind him. I jumped to my feet, shocked. When did he move?

"How," Shika asked calmly, not bothering to turn around. I glanced up to see Sai still floating in the air next to Sasuke, but…he was also behind Shikamaru. Could this guy have a twin?

"It's called a Shadow Clone," The Sai behind Shikamaru smiled as he raised a thin, short sword to Shika's throat. The Sai floating beside Sasuke suddenly disappeared in a plume of white smoke.

"Hmp," Shika scoffed. "Naruto," he addressed me with contempt, "This is an Anbu, you twit. They're masters of chakra distortion. It's a special form of magic used by Shinobi warriors."

"Well, aren't you well informed," Sai said smoothly. "The FCA has been looking for you and Naruto Uzumaki."

"Who are you?" I growled as I took a step towards Sai and Shika. Sai pressed the blade into Shika's skin.

"Don't misjudge me," Sai said almost pleasantly. "I'm not here to fight. I was assigned to Team Seven to find Naruto Uzumaki. I'm not here to take in Shikamaru Nara. Although, I will report this to Head Quarters."

"Goddamn it, what a drag," Shika cursed. "Thanks a lot, Naruto. I'll kick your ass for this eventually."

With that, Shikamaru's body shimmered and disappeared along with every single piece of equipment in the lab. Sai glanced around, slightly confused.

"I knew he had a backup plan in case anyone found the lab, but damn," I said, shocked. Shika must have placed a teleportation spell on everything. Even the T.V. and destroyed couch was gone.

"Ah!" Sakura gasped as she came crashing from above. I opened my arms instinctively, catching her to my chest. Sasuke fell as well, landing clumsily on a pile of debris. His foot slipped and he stumbled forward before Sai appeared before him in another plume of smoke to catch the Uchiha before he face-planted on the cracked floor.

What the hell? Can Sai teleport too?

I glanced down into my arms to see Sakura looking up at me, her green eyes boiling. I contemplated for a moment if I should let her down, but…

My arms were trembling. No, my entire body was shaking. I couldn't let her go now that she was here.

"Sakura-chan," I breathed. My knees buckled and I fell on them, curling in to press my forehead into the crook of Sakura's neck. She gasped and grabbed a fist full of my shirt, shocked by my sudden break down. "I missed you."

"Idiot," she grumbled. "If you missed me so much, you should have come home. And don't call me Sakura-chan, you jerk."

I chuckled at the thought. If only it was that easy.

"Hey."

I looked up to see Sasuke staring down at Sakura and I.

"I told you I'd catch him," Sasuke smirked and nodded at the pink-haired girl cradled in my arms.

Sakura smiled lightly and nodded back. "Thank you, Sasuke."

I weakly straightened my knees, rising to my feet with Sakura still in my embrace. I was holding her like she was a princess made of glass. So precious and fragile, despite the complete and utter ass kicking she gave me only moments ago.

"Actually," the boy named Sai came forward to stand besides Sasuke, "I was the one who found Naruto. Sasuke simply tagged him for me."

"Tagged me?" I asked, confused. "Wait, how did you guys find Shika's lab?"

"First off," Sasuke snapped, "You have a lot of explaining to do about why you left and why the hell Shikamaru is your bunk buddy. We all thought he was dead, but here he is, playing with some serious magic."

"That'll have to wait," Sai sighed deeply and glanced around. "Sasuke and I will search this lab. There are some rather strange dimensional gateways circling this entire area. We should disperse the magic before doing anything else. It could create a black hole if the gateways were made unstable by the explosions."

"Speaking of explosions!" I yelled, "You didn't have to blow the whole place up!"

"You didn't have to run away," Sasuke retorted dryly.

I stopped. No. This isn't happening. I took in a deep breath and sighed, gathering my resolve. I gently placed Sakura on her feet and stood straight, my eyes shadowed by my bangs as I stared at the ground.

"I'm sorry," I began, voice low, "I won't go home. Not yet."

"What?" Sakura grabbed my sleeve as if she was afraid I'd disappear like Shika.

"This is so easy, you know," I said through clenched teeth, "It's so damn easy to just fall back into our crazy, Team Seven flow, but…Sakura," I looked up, determined, "I just can't."

Why?

I inwardly jumped at Kurama's voice.

Not now, I complained silently.

Yes, now. Tell me, Naruto. Why won't you go home? You made it quite clear that you're not afraid of me. Let's see, what did you say? 'I'll learn to control your flames.' Ah, yes, that was it. You're not worried about burning your companions. Somehow, you know you won't, am I right?

My chest tightened. Kurama was right…I could feel it. I wouldn't hurt Sakura or Sasuke. I don't know why, but I knew I was strong enough to stop Kurama for now. I don't know what the future will bring, but I know my friends are safe.

So, why have you been lying to yourself? Why act like I'm the reason your so hell bent on staying away? You know what you're really afraid of.

And—what would that be?

I shouldn't have asked. Kurama flashed an impossible amount of teeth as he grinned. I could almost see his eight fiery tails whipping in the darkness.

A gunshot echoed inside my mind, reminding me of the real reason I ran away.

I've been trying so hard to escape the reality. Why it hurt me so much, I don't know. All this time I wasn't running away for anyone else's sake, I was running away from—

"Sakura," I began, "I can't come home. Not yet…"

Sakura grabbed my wrist tightly and glared. "Why, Naruto?" She pressed. "Why can't you come home?"

"Because you don't know the truth. You don't know what really happened that day and now, it's time you did."

Sasuke's eyes widened as he realized my intentions. He walked forward, about to protest, but I guess something in my eyes told him not to. One look and he stopped. He could tell that I needed this.

Maybe I'd regret this later. Maybe I wouldn't. It didn't matter right now. All that matter was the truth.

Because I couldn't go home being the only one who had to carry it.


(Sakura)

"What do you mean?" I asked Naruto, confused and absolutely dumbfounded by the recent onslaught of events.

This morning started out so quietly. Next thing I know, I hear tussling in the front yard. I come outside to see Sasuke chasing after Naruto. I almost lost it when I saw the blonde sprinting away from the house. It reminded me of the first time he left when he disappeared out of the train station six months ago. The feeling of absolute panic almost drowned me for a second time before Sai appeared next to me with a slight smile on his paler than snow face.

"Don't worry, Sakura. Naruto won't get away this time," Sai drawled. "Even if Sasuke loses him, he already tagged Naruto with my Will-O-Wisp."

"A Will-O-Wisp? Isn't that a form of Shikigami?" I mused as we quickly made our way back into the house. I needed to put on my fighting clothes, because once we find Naruto, I'm going to kick his ass.

"Yes, I suppose. Will-O-Wisps are used for tagging prey and spying, yet you could use them as messengers similar to Shikigami. Although, Will-O-Wisp are made of sacred black fire, not purified paper such as the Shiki."

"I see," I began as I entered my room. "Excuse me." I closed the door and turned around to run through my room like a whirlwind, tugging on a pair of black tights, shorts, a shirt and combat boots.

Once Sasuke returned with a triumphant smirk on his face, we departed. The reformed Team Seven stormed downtown and found Naruto by 8:00 PM.

We made one hell of an entrance. Now, here I am, staring at the blonde I've been searching for and what? He tells me he won't come home?

Not until I learn the truth.

"Naruto," I began, voice soft. He looked so afraid, so hesitant. "If you need to tell me something, just spit it out. I know Ambriel helped you enter the Itsumaden's nightmare. You saved me and I understand that must have been a horrible experience, but please. I went through it too. I can help you," I reached out to grab his hand, but he flinched away as if I would burn him.

"Ambriel wasn't the one who put me in the nightmare…" Naruto's voice was so low as he explained. My eyes widened. "Griffons don't have such a power. Sasuke and I…We lied to you because we knew that you would get angry if you knew the truth and if things went wrong, you'd blame yourself."

I turned to Sasuke with narrowed eyes. "Sasuke, what's the meaning of this? You lied to me? About what? What did you two do?"

Sasuke's black eyes darkened, but he didn't look away. He started right back at me and confessed.

"We summoned a Baku."

"What!" I screamed.

Out of all the idiotic things to do! They have no idea what Baku are capable of. Damn it, no wonder Naruto is traumatized and no goddamn wonder I'm hallucinating and having issues recovering! Baku taint everything they touch.

I get possessed for just a day and these two manage to screw up everything!

Idiots!


(Naruto)

Sakura's face went from confused, concerned, almost friendly to furiously homicidal. Sasuke and I backed away a few steps as she digested what we confessed.

"A Baku?" she seethed. Sasuke nodded, his facial expression strained. "So, let me guess. You summon a Baku, hoping it'll eat my nightmare and then what? Rainbows and sunshine? The day is saved! You idiots! Baku are monsters who'd sooner eat your soul rather than lift a single claw to help someone out!"

Sakura turned on her heels to glare at me. Angry didn't seem to cover it.

"So, what happened? How are all three of us still walking around with souls, let alone our lives?" Sakura's green eyes bore into mine, boiling with rage.

"I can't explain why it left. I don't know how to," I murmured. I shouldn't tell her about Kurama. I'm confident I won't hurt my friends, but still…best not to provoke the Yokai. "That doesn't matter as much as what happened when I found you."

I took a step forward, grabbing her wrist and pulled her to me in a tight embrace.

"N-Naruto!" Sakura shrieked and struggled against me, pushing at my chest.

"I love you."

The entire room grew silent, the air practically sucked out of the atmosphere.

"Sakura," I whispered in her ear. "I love you."

I felt her begin to quiver, her struggling ceased.

"W-What are you talking about, Naruto?" she stammered, shock filling her viridian eyes.

I looked down and felt my expression soften.

"When I found you in the nightmare, you were suffering. I didn't know what to do, so I confessed my feelings for you. Over and over, I told you how much I love you. It seemed to work. Slowly, you were coming out of it." I smiled lightly.

"But then…" my eyes darkened.

I wasn't me. At least not in your eyes. You imagined Sasuke. Not me. Not—

Tell her, fool.

And what will that do?

How should I know? Just tell her the truth already.

No. I'll do something better.

I shook my head and sighed. If I told Sakura the whole truth, she'd feel guilty. I know it and then what? My love for her would leave nothing but a bad taste in her mouth.

"You woke up," I lied. "But I stayed in the nightmare. I was left behind and the Baku toyed with me for what felt like hours."

You really will do anything for that girl? Even lie to spare her feelings?

How pathetic.

"After the Baku was done, it simply left. It's hard to understand but it said our souls weren't worth it's time," I continued.

Sakura gazed up at me. Her eyes were swarmed with emotions, but guilt wasn't one of them and that made it all worth it. If she knew the whole truth, she would blame herself for my leaving the agency, just like she blamed herself for me getting hurt by that Kappa on our first mission. All this time, I've been running away from Sakura, terrified of rejection. I was even more afraid of seeing her and Sasuke develop a relationship. I couldn't handle that, but Sakura doesn't even remember what happened and Sasuke and Sakura's relationship doesn't seem to have changed. So, what's holding me back now?

Nothing but my own insecurities. Screw it.

It's time for me to be the better man.

"Naruto, I…I don't know what to say," Sakura murmured. "We had no idea…what did the Baku do to you?"

I smiled sadly. "Let's just say it made me realize my worst nightmare." I pulled Sakura closer and rested my head on hers, closing my eyes to savor her warmth. "I never want to experience that again. I'm sorry I ran away…I just didn't know how to be around you when all I kept seeing was my own nightmare."

"I'm so sorry," I repeated, my grip tightening.

"Naruto," Sakura whispered as she pulled away, her face only inches from mine. "I…I—"

"Sorry to break up this affectionate scene, but," the Anbu, Sai, interrupted, "If I don't disperse the magic surrounding this place and get rid of the dimensional gates, we could very well have a black hole on our hands and I quite frankly don't want the world to end. So," he smiled, "Sakura, escort Naruto home. Make sure he doesn't change his mind and run away. Sasuke and I will take care of things here. First thing in the morning, we will all report to Head Quarters."

"Deal?" Sai asked pleasantly. Sakura stepped away from me and nodded.

"Thank you," she replied to the Anbu. "Naruto," she addressed me with a light, tired smile, grabbing my hand in hers, "Let's go home."

Ah, home. I never thought something could sound so good.

I nodded, taking one last glance at Sasuke to see him smirking as if he knew something I didn't.

"Finally," Sasuke whispered to himself. I thought I almost imagined it until I saw the glint in his eyes. Was he waiting for me to 'finally' confess?

I grimaced at the Uchiha and turned to walk beside Sakura as she pulled me towards the open night.

Hand in hand, Sakura and I began to walk home.

"Um, you're still holding my hand," I mumbled nervously as we made our way downtown.

Sakura huffed, her grip tightening. "I'm not letting you go until I know for sure you're not going to run away," she replied determinedly.

I smiled and walked a bit closer to the pink-haired beauty.

"You know," I began, "Sasuke tricked me. He said you were still suffering from the possession and I came running back like an idiot."

"Shut up," she grumbled. "I'm fine and don't act like you're the one who was worried. I was practically driving myself mad trying to find you. Even the Inuzuka gang couldn't help us. Who'd have thought you were hiding out with Shikamaru this entire time? I thought he was dead. What the hell is that all about?"

"Ha," I grinned, "Shikamaru's story will have to wait another day. It's too long and depressing right now. I just want to go home and sleep in my bed."

"Idiot, if you miss your bed so much, you should have come back sooner," she scoffed.

"After what happened with the Baku, I wasn't ready to tell you that I love you again," I leaned towards her and flashed a grin.

She blushed violently. "Ah…oh, You…I—that's a stupid reason to run away!" She stammered.

"I needed time to get over my experience so I could tell you how I feel properly. You know, I've loved you for a very long time," I sighed. Opening up like this felt so…relaxing. I should have confessed years ago. I feel like I've been bottling it up for forever.

Sakura's blushed deepened. For a moment, she just started at me, wide-eyed and dumbfounded by my honestly. She wasn't use to me being so blatant.

It was sort of cute how she reacted.

"S-Stop being all weird and mushy!" She complained, pulling her hand away from mine. "Let's just hurry home already!"

Sakura pouted and ran ahead of me, her blush reaching all the way to her ears. I smiled and couldn't help but laugh as I jogged behind her towards our home.

Finally, we came to the front door. Sakura's eyes didn't meet mine as she opened the door and waved for me to come in. I grinned excitedly as she stared at the ground, her jade eyes filled with embarrassment.

"Stop grinning like an idiot and just get in the house," she demanded. I complied happily and walked past her. She followed behind me, but suddenly tripped in the doorway, an untied shoe lace caught in the rim in-between the wood floor and porch.

I wasn't prepared for her fall as I whipped around to catch her in my arms.

"Ah!" She gasped as she stumbled into me, her forehead knocking into my chest as I wrapped my arms around her.

"Are you ok?" I asked quickly. I couldn't help but notice Sakura's body felt warm, really warm. "Wait," I began, "Lift your face up and let me check your temperature. I think you have a fever."

Sakura flinched in my arms and looked up, her face bright red. "I-I I'm fine! Let go," she commanded and struggled against me.

I sighed and pressed my forehead to hers. She stopped, her breathe hitching in the back of her throat.

"Sakura," I exclaimed worriedly, "You're burning up."

"Stop doing unnecessary things," she complained. Ah, I couldn't help but notice she wasn't pulling away, my forehead still against hers. My eyes focused and I seemed enchanted by Sakura's warmth. Something stirred inside me.

Hm.

What's this feeling?

Fire. It was everywhere. Inside my veins, inside my heart. It was engulfing everything, but it wasn't the kind of fire that burned.

It was the kind that ignites your very soul.

"I think I want you," I said suddenly, not even thinking about what I was saying. My body was just so…oh, crap.

"What?" Sakura gasped and glared, but I didn't see anger in her eyes. It was more of a mixture of hesitation and shock.

I think I'm losing it. My control, it was all gone and somehow I wasn't scared. I wasn't even worried. I let the feeling flow. I just wanted Sakura so badly.

No, I needed her.

"Sakura," I whispered, pulling away only half an inch so I could stare into her eyes, "I'm going to kiss you." She flinched, her viridian gaze widening with shock. "And if you don't want me to, push me away and I'll never touch you again. If you hate it, just punch me, kick me. I don't care anymore. Sakura," I lifted her chin up and cupped her cheek in my hand. Her burning heat resonated through my palm as I murmured, my voice soft like velvet, "I love you."

I closed my eyes and pressed my lips to hers.

The fire within erupted as I wrapped my arms around her, tangling my fingers in her hair. Sakura gasped underneath my lips as I kissed her hard, pulling her closer into me. She pulled away, her breath hot and haggard.

"W-What are you doing? You—" I cut her off with another hungry kiss. This time I kept my eyes open, my striking blue gazing into her viridian orbs. She had to see it. The passion, the longing.

The fire.

Don't you feel it? Somehow, I know you do.

Slowly, Sakura's body relaxed. Something in her eyes changed. They softened as our heat mingled and intensified.

Then it was her turn to shock me. The softness in her eyes ignited and suddenly, she shot out her arms and wrapped them around my neck, pulling my face to hers while entangling her fingers into my hair. I was too surprised to react as her lips flowed over my own, passionate and fiery.

Holy shit.

I snapped out of it and returned her enthusiasm, drilling my eyes shut, grabbing her at the waist and pulling her to my hips. My mouth was invaded as Sakura's tongue danced against my own. She started to take the lead, pushing against me, leading me down the hall as our lips collided again and again.

"Where," I breathed before she crashed her lips to mine, "are you taking me?"

"Don't talk," she grumbled, her face redder than ever as we suddenly came barreling into my room, our lips finding each other once more.

Oh.

I see.

Oh my god.

My mind literally shattered, filling with a white hot haze as Sakura unbuttoned the front of her shirt. Somehow, my shirt was gone. Then my pants.

A moment later, we were on my bed in only our underwear. I didn't have enough of my mind left to remember how we got here, how I ended up tangled in a bundle blankets with Sakura pressed against me.

Everything was just a flurry of heat.

Sakura's skin glistened in the dimness of my room. Faded rays of moonlight filtered through the blinds to illuminate her blushing face in a way that made me go mad.

I wanted her more and more. I wanted her everything.

"Naruto," her voice filled my mind. Over and over she called out my name as if I was something precious. Our hands explored each other, curious, afraid, hesitant, and so goddamn frustrated.

We were both losing it.

Lost in each other.

Lost in the heat. Lost in the fire. And guess what?

Neither of us seemed to mind.

We needed each other. Somehow, I knew she felt the same way as she peeled off my boxers and wiggled out of her underwear. I unsnapped the back of her bra and tossed it over the headboard.

We clashed, closer than ever.

"Sakura," I breathed.

"Naruto," she sighed, her nails pressing into my back.

I was me. Right now, she called out my name. She wanted me. No one else.

This was a dream and I wish—I hope it never ends…


Author's Notes

Eeeee. I did it. I finished Chapter Five! I agonized over this chapter for days. I hope it's up to standards.

If anyone has any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for reading and please review!

I've never written such a long kissing scene before. I hope it expresses the characters' emotions properly!

Here is a sneak peek of next chapter….


(Chapter Six)

"Naruto Uzumaki, you are charged with abandonment and illegal association with an unregistered magic user. How do you plea?"

I glanced up, underneath my bangs as I strained against the cuffs holding my wrists together. A light smile graced my lips as the judge glared into my eyes.

"Guilty." I replied, my smile turning into a devilish smirk.

The judge sneered, sickened by my cheerful attitude. Hey, after the other night, how could I not be happy?

"The accused pleads guilty," the judge announced to the jury and witnesses. Sakura, Sasuke, and every single FCA agent from my graduating class were in the crowd, waiting for my sentence. I don't know why everyone is so worried. There have been agents charged with abandonment before. I expected nothing more than a probation period and maybe a few restrictions on my daily life for a few days. Nothing I couldn't handle. "The punishment for your crimes against the Fiend Control Agency is…"

"Execution."

Oh, shit.