*Hello! Your loving friendwriter here! And I bring you a, short, chapter featuring our favorite, Naruto! How is the poor blonde to handle the news of his best friend and idol, of keeping secrets from him? Read on to find out! Now, the disclaimer!

DISCLAIMER: I, friendwriter, do NOT own Naruto, or any of it's characters. I am simply a huge fan of the show/manga, as well as it's rightful creator, Masashi Kishimoto (manga), and director Hayato Date (anime).

The only character I own is Narumi. Please read on! :)

**I dedicate this to one of my best friends, Sam. I promise to always be true to myself, and keep you in the loop of things going up, or down. ;)**

The night before would prove to be overly restless as Naruto woke up on the morning of his birthday, feeling tired and not in the mood to face the day. Not when he knew that two people he cared for were keeping secrets from the blonde.

For the rest of yesterday, after overhearing Sasuke and Narumi's conversation about him, Naruto had stayed clear of the two. He was more afraid than angry. He was afraid that they would discover that he had been eavesdropping on them, and never want to talk to him, much less tell him wanted they wanted. Then, there was the nagging feeling that maybe their secrets would only upset him, and that was why they didn't want to tell him at first. Naruto was only angry for the fact that they were keeping secrets from him.

But, nevertheless, the poor boy was full of nervousness as he got dressed, ate a quick breakfast, and headed for school. In the hallways to his classroom, friends who saw him wished him a "Happy Birthday" and "See you later," almost making him forget about how horrible he truly felt. That is, until he walked into his homeroom, and saw them immediately.

As he walked to his desk, Naruto noticed how Narumi spotted him first, leaning over to lightly tap Sasuke on his shoulders to get him to look up from his recent book. Both watching as Naruto sat down in his chair. Both of them smiled as they walked over to his desk, each on either side of him, trapping him completely.

"Happy Birthday, Naruto!" The idol and the raven cheered in unison.

The blonde boy smiled weakly. "Thanks you guys," he replied, praying to Kami that his voice didn't hold any edginess.

Sasuke looked down, frowning. "Yo, what's up with you?" Of course his best friend would see past his guise.

Narumi looked to Sasuke then back to him, frowning. "What's wrong, Naruto? You okay?"

No, he was not okay. But, it wasn't like he could tell him that, though. Naruto only smiled a little wider, deciding to go for a half-lie.

"Oh, just anxious for tonight," he said. "I'm really looking forward to your performance, Narumi."

They seemed to buy his explanation for his "strange behavior," for the idol softened her expression to smile warmly, and the raven relaxed some, although watching him a bit more carefully.

"I'm glad to hear that!" Narumi grinned. "I'm positive you won't be disappointed, Naruto."

Even Sasuke smiled. "Since Narumi is giving you a special performance for your birthday present, and that's hard enough to follow," he smirked at her but spoke to him. "My gift to you will have to wait until after the festivities. If that's okay with you, I mean, Naruto."

Naruto nodded. "Sure, that's absolutely fine, Sasuke."

The bell chimed then, and the two sat back down in their seats quickly as Kakashi entered the room. For the rest of the morning, and afternoon, Naruto would try to relax and do his best from answering any questions from Sasuke and Narumi, unless he really needed to. But, if he did needed to do so, Naruto would smile and laugh as if nothing he heard happened yesterday.

'Oh boy," Naruto thought to himself. 'Kami, help me…'

~Phew! Boy, does Naruto have it rough? :( But, maybe, his luck will turn out better like before? Hm? Please read and review? Please and Thank You! Love always,

friendwriter