Me: Tonight I've been through hell and back

Me: Hello all you out there. First I want to apologize for being extraordinarily late with this chapter. I want to explain why. Life hasn't dealt me very fortunate cards these past weeks. First my tooth, then a dead computer, then a cold with fever (we had snow on easter, funny, ne?) then a whole lot of problems, some major, some minor, that I had to deal with. My mind wasn't free at all. I couldn't concentrate enough to write a single word. Again my sincere apologies. But now I'm back. Hopefully this time till the end of this story.

Disclaimer: The usual disclaimer applies. I don't own yaba yaba bla bla. And I don't own Naruto.


Chapter 9

An evil, maniacal laughter could be heard echoing through every corner of the mansion. A cackling, so disturbing it could have caused many a person with a weak heart to drop dead on the spot.

"HAHAHAHA, you will never be able to defeat me, little brother! You don't have enough hatred inside of you!"

"No Itachi, now is the time for my revenge! I will defeat you and END you. Once and for all! HAAAAAAAAA!!" Grunting can be heard, shifting and the rustling of clothes. Then eerie silence.

"Oooooh, that's not fair. I almost had you!" I'm glaring at my brother who's standing in front of me, arms crossed and a smirk of superiority firmly planted on his face.

"What shall I say? It's your fault that you constantly challenge me, Itachi Uchiha, unofficial world champion of thumb wrestling." The alarm clock of the oven rings. Pizza is ready.

Three hours have passed since my humiliating defeat at the hands, erm thumb of my brother. Sigh. Scanning my room I see almost every single piece of clothing that I possibly own scattered throughout it. Man, I can't believe that I can't find anything good enough to wear this evening. Groan, I sound like a bloody chick. I'm more than a little frustrated by now. The chuckling coming from my doorframe doesn't help, either.

"God, Itachi, shut it. The situation is dire. I want to look good tonight." I frown at him. He sighs.

"Sasuke, you're an Uchiha. And a gay one at that. You'll always look good, no matter what you're wearing." Gracefully he removes himself from the doorframe he's currently leaning on and walks into my mess of a bedroom, looking around as if searching for something. "Ah, here we go." He grabs a black long sleeve I swear I didn't even know I owned, walks towards a pile of discarded pants, snatches a pair of black Joop! Jeans and throws the two pieces at me. "That'll do." I look at him, then at the clothes in my hands, then at him again.

"You know, sometimes you're giving me the creeps. How do you do that?" It's frustrating, really. Here I am, wading through my complete wardrobe until I'm close to a nervous breakdown and than along comes my brother, needing about five seconds to get me just the right outfit. I take a look at the mysterious long sleeve. When did I buy it? I mean it looks good. It's made from silk and has silvery tribals coming down the sides of the sleeves.

"Just wear your Doc Marten's with these and voila, perfect outfit for the party." I smile at him. "Besides, you're acting like you have a date. Anything I ought to know?" He grins and wiggles his eyebrows. Damn, I can feel the fever rising again. A little bit of pink colors my cheeks. His grin only gets wider. "Aww, me little bro has his first loooove." The fever rises.

"No! No date! Come on, don't be so mean." God, my dobe is rubbing off on me. I whine. Ugh. Uchihas don't whine. I'm pathetic. Sniff. "I just have a reputation to keep, is all." Yeah right, the eagerness to look good for my dobe has nothing to do with it. Nothing at all. My brother's grin only gets wider, threatening to split his face in half as he starts to walk out of my room.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say." I look at his retreating back. I swear to god, one of these days I'm going to strangle him for his omniscience. Mhh, I still have a task at hand. Now let's go to the bathroom and become the perfect sight.

A ten minute shower and an hour in front of the mirror later I'm ready to go pick up my date, erm dobe. It's his first party ever. I hope Shika hasn't done anything during the training, like maiming him or delivering him a black eye. No, he won't. He knows how utterly terrible my retribution would be. So, everything okay? Hair style? Check. Clothing? Check. Eau de toilette? Check. Good, good. Everything's going to be fine. Now tie the boots. Snap! Shit, there goes the shoelace. Fuck it, I don't believe in omens. Just going to wear my vans. And oh so careful to avoid puddles. Vans still dry? Check. Up to the car. Gas? Ch-Shit. Time for a refill, I guess. Nevermind, I will still be on time.

Great, why for fuck's sake must everyone conveniently have to be on the road at the exact same time as me? And why does everyone conveniently have to refill his bloody car at the exact same petrol station as me? I bloody fucking can't believe it! Hello, good mood? Where've you gone? I want to go with you. Sigh. I still have some time left. I will only be about 15 minutes late.

Did I mention how much I hate traffic jams? Surely not because until now I haven't been in a fuckin one! Why had this motherfucker today of all days chosen to drive his sorry excuse for an automobile on this particular street on this particular time only to have it break down? Moron. I could kill any moment now. Sigh. I hope this piece of junk is off the street soon. I just have to phone my dobe. Oh shit! I've forgotten my cell at home. Great! Just fuckin' unbelievable. Really. Can this day get worse?

Hooray and cheers. I'm finally there. And I'm only what? Oh, yeah, only an hour late! Grr! Does god really hate me? PLOTCH. Yup, god does hate me. Otherwise there wouldn't have been a bloody puddle right HERE!! I hate rain! I hate god! I hate the world! Isn't there any puppy to kick? Calm down, Sasuke, calm down. Count till ten. You're only four floors from seeing him. He'll throw a fit if he sees you like this. If he isn't down yet because I'm a fucking hour late! Calm down.

The four floors indeed help me to get my cool back. I'm not angry anymore. I'm nervous as hell! Geez, moron, this isn't a formal date. Not really. So no reason to get clammy hands and shit. Knock knock knock. His doorbell still isn't functioning. I wait a minute. Two minutes. After three I knock again. Harder. Ah, there are footsteps. The door opens to reveal my dobe. EH? WHAT THE FUCK? A BLACK WIFEBEATER AND ORANGE SWEATPANTS??

"Oh, hi Sasuke. It's you. I thought you've gotten my message." Message? What the fuck is going on here? Why does he look so sad and forlorn? He walks into his "living room" and flops down on the sofa, leaving the door open. I walk in, closing the door behind me.

"No, I forgot my cell at home. Look, I'm sorry for being late but you won't believe what…"

"Nah, it's okay. I'm not going." He's WHAT?? What the fuck? Hell, what happened? A thousand questions are running through my head, all at the same time but all I manage to cough out is a strangled

"Why?" as I sit down next to him. He doesn't look at me when he answers.

"I just don't want to, 'kay?" I snort. I don't buy a single word of this shit.

"Don't want to my ass. You danced around the whole week saying how much you look forward to your first party. So what's the reason? And I mean the real reason." The first words came out really rough but when I heard him wince and shy away from me a bit my voice became incredibly soft. Sigh. I wish I could give him a backbone this instant. And another bone as my eyes fall onto one of his nipples because of his not tight at all wifebeater. I shrug the thought away. Narutos voice is a whisper as he answers.

"Kiba. He found out my phone number. He threatened me. Said it was better for me not to come." He sounds so vulnerable at the moment, looks so fragile that I can't help myself. I scoot over to him and take him into a gentle hug.

"Don't worry, dobe. Shika is there, Chouji is there, I am there. We will protect you. And I don't think Sakura will allow anyone to harm another guest. And she will especially allow no one to harm you. No one in their right mind will dare to touch one of your hairs. Of that I will make sure. So please come with me, okay?" I can see his resolve crumbling.

"He said he will shove an enema up my ass and then lock me into a closet until…, well and thereafter throw me into the main room." He sniffles slightly. I only hug him tighter.

"If he ever comes near you again I swear I will break more than his nose. Please. You were so happy to go a-and I would be happy too if you would come. Don't let this fucker win." Right now I don't give a shit if Uchihas are allowed to stutter or not. The situation at hand is way to dire for these petty things. My dobe said he won't come with me to the date, erm party. This can't happen!

"You would be happy?" He wiggles a bit in my arms and looks up at me, a warm smile on his beautiful features. "W-will you stay with me the whole evening?" I smile back at him, the smile that only belongs to him.

"Of course I will. What makes you think I won't?" God, I want to kiss him so badly right now, I have to do something! So I stand up. Sigh. No kiss for poor Sasuke. Boo hoo. I walk towards Narutos closet and open it, rubbing my chin with my fingers as if thinking and mumbling something along the lines of what to wear, what to wear. AH, found it. Grabbing the burgundy longsleeve with the fancy looking black kanji which run down at the right side of the chest on it and the pair of black baggy jeans I bought him on his birthday I turn around and throw them at him.

"Here. Change."

"Do-do you think I will look good enough in these?" Hell, you will look absolutely gorgeous in this outfit!

"Hn, you will look better than anyone. Well, except me." I smirk at him. He grins at me, the sparkle back in his wonderful eyes.

"Teme." With that he shoos me into the kitchen so he can change. I sigh inwardly at the cruelty of this fact but comply. Poor me, not even allowed a sneak peak. Life really is a bitch.

"I'm ready. You can come." Oh you wish. No, bad Sasuke, get your thoughts out of the gutter! I turn around and hold my breath. Naruto looks at me, very shy and selfconscious. "And, what do you think?" What I think? All my thoughts immediately crash back into aforementioned gutter. Adorable. Kissable. Fuckable. God help me, please! The longsleeve is almost skintight, the jeans ride dangerously low on his hips, parts of his wait, silken? boxers can be seen. Breathtaking.

"Hn." His face falls. I clear my throat. "All the girls will drool over you." He cringes. Damn. What is it with him today? How to say what I want to say and not sound gay? "You sure as hell will be one of the best looking guys at the party." At this his face lightens up again, making my jeans feel a bit too tight.

"Thanks, Sasuke."

"Come on, lets go. Because of me we are already late as it is." He nods, grabs his keys and out we go.

"Say, Sasuke, why is your left shoe wet?"

...

At the party

We arrive at the Casa Haruno in twenty minutes. Yeah, right, when I wouldn't mind some traffic jam induced alone time with my dobe I won't get it. God really is a cruel bastard, isn't he? The first thing my dobe does as he gets out of the car is gasping.

"My god, Sasuke, look at this house! It's fucking huge!" Yeah, I know, the Harunos are one of the richer families in town. But still, their villa is nothing special. But I guess with Naruto being poor and all this shit that he is utterly impressed.

"Hn, it's okay." Wait till you see my house, hehe.

"Okay? You said okay? Sasuke, the garage is bigger than my whole apartment." He just stands there and gawks.

"Whatever. Lets get in before something nasty flies into your mouth." Smirk. His mouth shuts with an audible click and he follows me to the entrance. So okay, it is kind of fancy with the Romanesque pillars at the canopy, the terracotta red color and stuff but it still has this nouveau riche touch. My my, ain't I snobby. At least the garden seems well tended as far as I can see. Music, laughter and the talking of numerous people can be heard. Seems like the party's well underway. Thank god Sakura absolutely hates costume parties. I wouldn't want to be caught dead in a halloween costume. Naruto looks very shy and nervous at my side. I give him a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. I'm here. Nothing's gonna happen. You're gonna have a great time." He nods and takes a deep breath. I ring the doorbell. A minute later Sakura opens. She gives us both a heart warming smile. Hn. Has she finally overcome her silly fangirliness?

"Sasuke-kun! Naruto! Finally. I'm glad you could make it. Come in. Enjoy the show." I smirk. My dobe smiles brighter than the sun, his nervousness gone. We walk in. Naruto turns towards Sakura.

"Hello Sakura. Thanks for the invitation. I'm really happy that I'm allowed to come. A-and your house is really wonderful." She just smiles at him and ruffles his hair. I'm so proud. Sniff. Not even the slightest flinch from my dobe as he is touched. But I feel jealousy rearing it's ugly head. She's touching my Naruto. Grr! Bitch. I clear my throat.

"Come, dobe. Let's search the others." Akh! Out of the gutter, damnit!

"Okay teme."

"Sasuke-kun, Naruto, do you want me to show you the house later?" Good heavens, no! I'd rather dance bare ass naked in the snow!

"Sure! I'd love to!" Groan. Moron. I sure have to learn you decent face reading skills.

"Hn. Whatever." Her face beams up like a pink Christmas tree. Hell, probably their Christmas tree is pink. Before anything worse can happen I grab my dobes arm and pull him away from this nightmare.

"Oi, teme! Don't be so possessive, will ya?" Smirk. Dobe, you don't even know the meaning of possessive. Yet.

It takes a while for us to spot Shika and Chouji in the crowd but finally we're able to reach them. Guess I should've searched in the kitchen first. Shika sits at the island looking bored out of his mind – which he probably is – and Chouji stands at his side, talking and, well, eating. A skill he has honed to perfection. Hn, the kitchen is blue. A deep Prussian blue. I'm surprised. Someone in this family actually has taste. Naruto greets them warmly with that bright smile of his. Chouji gives my dobe a once over and grins.

"Hey Naruto, you look good. You should wear no orange more often." Naruto blushes and puts his tongue out. Smirk. I love his blush. I fetch us both something to drink, something with no caffeine for my dobe and then we settle down for an hour of goofing around, small talk and backbiting of other party guests. Then Shika leans over to me and whispers in my ear.

"Don't you think today is the perfect opportunity to tell him?" He smirks. He actually has the cheek to smirk at me. I smirk back, deciding to play dumb.

"Tell whom what?" Shika lets an annoyed groan out.

"Chouji that his zipper's open." My eyes flash there. Ugh, bad idea. Shika grins. "No, dumbass. Tell your secret love that you're gay. And I'd prefer it if it were in this life." I suddenly become shy. No, Uchihas don't… agh, cut the crap.

"But what if he screams bloody rape and runs away? I really don't want to lose him as a friend. And if he doesn't take it well it will be the end." Shika only smiles reassuringly and pats my shoulder.

"Trust me, I have a feeling he won't. You should give him a little bit more credit then that." Just as I want to answer him I feel a hand on my other shoulder. God, what is it? Is it the Touch-Sasuke-whenever-wherever-you-want-day? I turn around and suppress a groan. Oh great, it's Neji, my self-proclaimed rival. Trying for years to outdo me in everything, anything. Hell, if he thought I'd knit he would learn it just to outdo me there. He's pathetic. I raise an eyebrow.

"Hyuuga." He glares at me. I glare back. Moron. From the corner of my eyes I can see Shika talking in a low voice with my dobe but then my attention is drawn back to Neji.

"Uchiha. Didn't you once say that you'd rather be tortured to death by a horde of pillaging squirrels than to ever set another foot in this house again?"

"Hn." As if I would grant you the honour of a decent answer, pale eyed freak. Yeah, I know. One could tell I really don't like him. He smirks.

"And what's with your sudden change of hearts towards him? Some sort of community service or just pity with a failure?" I'm fuming by now but I don't show it. My outwards appearance is as cool as ever. I hope.

"Hyuuga, one might think you are actually jealous because Naruto is a dear friend and you are not. So why don't you do yourself and the world a favour and go drown yourself in the pool? I'm sure you will beat me at that." His smirk only gets bigger.

"At least it's nice to know that it's not some evil prank you're playing him. Have a nice day." He turns around and walks away. Huh? What the hell did that suppose to mean? I turn around to be greeted by the sight of a Shika who looks like a cat that got the cream.

"What?"

"Didn't you know? Neji was scouting. His cousin has a crush as big as a mountain on our little blonde here. And when she's concerned he is concerned. That's all." Oh great, just what I needed. Female competition. I turn my focus to my dobe. He's talking with Chouji.

"…eat so much?" Chouji grins at him.

"I work out every day and fat burns faster into muscle. Also have to keep my weight class for the wrestling team."

"You're on the wrestling team? Wow, I didn't know. I have to watch one of your matches." Yeah, yeah, whatever. Chouji in a skin tight spandex suit. The dream of my sleepless nights. Naruto on the other hand…no, no! Bad daydreams! Shika nudges me.

"Ahm, Naruto?" He looks at me, slightly bewildered. Huh? Why does he blush all of a sudden? Hn, never mind. "I have to talk to you. In private." He nods. Gosh, he looks as nervous as I feel.

"Yeah, me too." Huh? Shika decides to be helpful once again.

"I recommend the left corridor on the second floor. It's off limits."

Our walk towards the second floor is shared in awkward silence. It feels like hours till we reach the left corridor but still we are there far too soon. I'm scared shitless. How will he react? I can't afford to lose him, I know it will be the death of me. This isn't just a silly school crush or simple sexual affection. I'm truly and absolutely in love with this blonde little sunshine. But I have to tell him. I owe him the truth. I owe him so much more for all my past crimes but at least at this very moment I owe him this fact of my life. And if he does freak out I can still join a monastery. I look into his deep blue eyes, captivating, more beautiful than the sky on a frosty and sunny autumn day. Once more I wish I could just drown in them, sink into them and leave this world for good. I steel myself and take a deep breath.

"I have to tell you something…" just as he starts at the same time

"I want to tell you something…" We both look at each other and start to giggle.

"You first." My dobe shakes his head no.

"No, you first. Please." I take another deep breath.

"Naruto, I-I wanted to tell yo-"

"SASUKE-KUUUUUUUN." Oh why good heavens now of all times? ARRGH!! Why had this god damned pink haired leech now of all moments decided to latch itself at my arm? Why me? Excuse me while I kill myself.

"There you are, you two. Do you have time now? Pleeeeaaaase, I want to show you the house." Yeah, and I want to bash your bloody way too big forehead in. I look at Naruto. He looks positively relieved. I plead with my eyes. Please no. Then he opens his mouth.

"Erm, sure, I suppose." God, I'm doomed.

One and a half hours. Bloody one and a half hours. Sakura was blabbering so much the whole time. Who the fuck can talk about a fuckin bathroom for fifteen bloody minutes. And the whole time this fiend had my arm in her clutches. Aaaahk!! I have to burn this longsleeve when I come home. And the whole time Naruto was grinning. Grinning! At my predicament. Wait dobe, you will pay for this. The last stop was the garden. Now finally it's over. After the thing on my arm had blabbered for about ten minutes about the fountain Naruto and me are currently standing in front of. Sakura had bid her farewell five minutes ago. And that only because Shika had yelled and waved her over. He positively saved her. I don't know how much longer I could've hold back my urge to kill her. Now we both just stand here, enjoying the silence. Then my dobe turns his head towards me, smiling.

"You know, this fountain is actually pretty…pretty. When one can look at it without getting ones ear talked off." I only hn at him, still angry about the tour. He sighs. "I'm sorry. I didn't know it would be so much torture for you. I didn't know she would try to get into a symbilowhatever relationship with you." Huh? Was there a bit of venom in his voice? I look at him and smile.

"It's called symbiotic, dobe."

"Whatever, teme. So…what did you want to tell me?" Sigh. Moonlit night. Stars. A fountain. Me and my secret love. Pretty romantic, actually. Still looking at him I start again.

"Naruto, I want you to know… see… I-"

"There he is! That's the asshole that broke my nose, Lee! Get him!" GOD DAMMIT!! Why did I even bother waking up today?! Kiba, you JERK!

"Naruto! Into the house! NOW!" My dobe runs off, Kibas goons still to far away to stop him. Good.

"I don't know, cousin Kiba. These two seemed to enjoy their moment of youthfulness and energy. Why disturb them. We could've at least waited till after sunrise." Hn, that's a voice I don't know. He's not from here. God, what a freak. So…green. And a bowl cut. Geez, is he a neighbour of Gaara? Help, his eyebrows are going tot eat me. He's a miniature Gai!!

"Lee, I'm family! We are supposed to help each other. So now beat the crap outa this bastard!" Hn, I must give this Lee-weirdo some credit. He doesn't seem to be very eager to fight. Lucky for him.

"I know, cousin Kiba. But you know my philosophy is not to fight unless to protect myself or someone precious to me." Whatever, you still don't stand a chance.

"I'M FAMILY!! I AM PRECIOUS!! NOW DO IT, FOR FUCKS SAKE!!" Sai looks pissed because my dobe has made his escape while Shino only looks annoyed. He seems more interested in enjoying the party than being in this circus. Must be because he sits down and watches some glow worms dance. Bushy brow weirdo seems rather miserable with the prospect of having to fight. I take my typical stance. Instantly his face lightens up. Huh?

"Oh, I see. A worthy opponent. You studied Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu by the look of that stance. I'd love to spar with you one day." Then he goes into his stance. Shit, he's a martial artist? His legs wobbly, upper body swaying back and forth. Wait. Drunken style? Oh great. He wouldn't even consider fighting if he hadn't mastered it. This isn't going to be a piece of cake.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE!? I said NO FIGHTING!! Stop immediately!" To be honest, I was never before so glad to hear Sakuras voice. I get out of my stance and look at who's coming. It's Sakura, of course, then Ino, Temari, Shika, Chouji and my dobe. Ha, he must've called the cavalry. In no time at all they are at my side.

"Kiba! I thought I made myself perfectly clear when I told you to behave yourself! Now get out! Sai, you too! Out of my house! And you, mister-" She turns to Lee and suddenly stops yelling. "Oh, who are you? Oh my god…your brows are so bushy and… and your hair is so, so bowly."

"He-hello. I'm Lee, Konohas handsome devil. Yo-your forehead is so wide and charming. It makes me feel like… kissing it." God, somebody please give me a bucket. And Sakura blushes?

"Well…, there's lots of room up there…" And then they both walk away, together, ignoring each and everyone of us. Well, that was rather random. Hn, at least I have one less fangirl, I suppose.

"And, have you told him?" Shika is suddenly at my side, whispering, startling me from my thoughts about this…incident.

"How? Every time I want to someone else shows up and screws the scene." He snickers.

"Well, seems like not the luckiest day for poor Sasuke, hn?" Yeah, laugh at me, lazy bastard. Just you see, I'm going to tell him. In fact, I'm going to tell him now!

"Hey, Naru- Where is he?" I can't believe it!

"Oh, he went back inside with Temari. I think they are talking about Gaara." Thanks Chouji. That saves my day.

Great. Just great. How many people are here? I search for half an hour and still neither hide nor hair of my dobe. Where is he? And why do a lot of these people act so strange at once? I almost believe they are getting drunk. But Sakura never has alcohol at her parties. So I dismiss this as another facet of this jinxed day and venture farther on the quest for my dobe. Suddenly someone pats me on my shoulder. Sigh. Another fangirl? As if there weren't enough today. I turn around. It's Temari. She looks worried and annoyed at the same time.

"I think someone tampered with the punch. My guess: alcohol."

"Why?"

"Because Naruto is completely wasted. He's on the couch, sleeping. I heard you're his lift so I suppose you better bring him home." With that she's gone. Groan. Why me? Why's that happening to me? What did I do? Sigh. Nothing I can do about it now. I walk over to the couch. The sight that greets me is horrible. Tempting, but horrible. His hair is dishevelled, his clothes wrinkled, a stripe of his belly can be seen and his sleep is very obviously alcohol induced. I pick him up bridal style and carry him out of the house to my car. Great. Just great. This was by far the worst day of my life. Hn. I can't let him be alone in his state. Very cautiously I place him on the passenger seat and shut the door softly. Then I send Shika a text message. Plopping with a sigh and a groan in the drivers seat I take a weary look at Naruto. Sigh. I shake my head. Stupid. When I ever get my hands on that dick that poured the alcohol into the punch I'm going to wring his neck. I start the engine and drive home.

Finally home. I only had to stop two times because of a drunken dobe threatening to vomit all over my car. But now I guess his stomach's empty. He was half awake for most of the ride but I don't think he will remember that fact tomorrow. He was only babbling incomprehensible nonsense anyway so I didn't pay attention. Only one time when my name fell I bothered to listen but unfortunately that was the last word before he fell asleep again. I hope my brother's already asleep when I bring my wasted crush in. In his oh so perfected omniscience he will immediately know who it is and that can very well wait till the morning. So I get out of my car, shut the door, go to the passengers side, open the door and haul my drunken dobe out. I close the door with my foot and carry Naruto to my room. I know we have many guest rooms but I don't think that he will take lightly to waking up in an unknown place with what I'm positive will be his first hangover.

I lay him on my double bed and look at him. God, am I frustrated right now. Carefully I take of his shoes. Sigh. I start to think. Will I take advantage of him when I take of his jeans and the shirt? No, that's ridiculous. So, again very carefully I take of his longsleeve, the jeans and the socks. He's lying there now only in his dark blue silken boxers. God, this was a mistake. The moonlight shining through the window makes him look otherworldly, beautiful, making it a sin to so much as look at him. Sigh. Why did I have to fall so hard for you? I put him under the blankets and make myself ready for bed. When I got out of the bathroom I walk to the other side of the bed and lay down. Just as I make myself comfortable something scoots up to me, mumbling in its sleep and cuddles, seeking warmth. Well, who am I to complain. Sigh. I can't resist anymore. I give him a small peck on the forehead and smile.

"I love you, Naruto."

TBC


Shikamaru: Well, that was rather long.

Me: I owed it to my readers. I still feel bad for not having updated for such a long time.

Shikamaru: As long as you do it now…

Me: That's a promise. BTW, somehow Temari made her way into this fic.

Shikamaru: (smirk) I realized…REVIEWS PLEASE