Chapter 10- Accidental Gaze
Pain's eyes slowly returned to reality. She yawned and wiped her eyes. Now that she saw everything as it was, it seemed Naruto's bunk was empty. A memory of last night resurfaced. It was pure embarrassment to her now. Pain wasn't sure if she could face Naruto right now.
I can't believe I said all those things to him. And I even kissed him! When did I remember what kissing was? What in the world got into me? It's not like me at all.
She replayed the memory in her head until she was finally able to process it. It started to sink in now and even seemed a little sweet. At last, Pain recalled the strong feelings that had moved her to action.
But what now? I don't know where our relationship will go from here Naruto. I only know I love you and I want to be with you forever.
She pulled herself up and stretched her back. When she was ready, she headed outside to find what had become of him.
Animal Path could hear the sound of water running now. Pain walked around to the other side of her tent. Her feet splashed in a puddle as she stepped onto a concrete platform. She could see Naruto standing with his back turned while he ran his hair under the faucet of a public shower.
Fully aware of what Naruto was doing, she blushed and stepped backwards. Naruto heard her feet scuff the ground and spun around.
"Oh. Good morning!"
"I didn't mean to walk in. I'm sorry!" she said.
"But…" began Naruto, "it's an outside shower."
"It's the same sort of thing. You're showering and that sort of thing is private."
"I guess, though I am wearing pants." he said pointing to his boxers.
Animal Path followed his fingers down to the red damp shorts he was wearing. Quickly averting her gaze, she pulled her eyes upwards. Now she saw his muscular chest glistening as a stream of water flowed down it. Trying to still break free of this interesting sight, she looked up at his face. He was smiling- the boy with the blue eyes and canine-like whiskers. His blonde bangs were hanging over his face, free from the headband that usually restricted them.
Pain quickly looked away, her blush even worse now. She put together the image in her mind. Naruto looked so… handsome. She wished he'd keep his hair that way in the future. Maybe she should say something? But it seemed perverted to her.
"Sorry." she said at last, "I really didn't mean to stare."
Naruto was speechless. He hadn't considered his showering to be awkward for anyone else. Naruto imagined what he would think if he had walked in on her doing the same. It made sense now.
"It's fine. It makes us even for that time I saw you… you know?" he said, regretting bringing back that memory. Unfortunately, he then found himself remembering it all too pleasantly.
"Besides," Naruto said, "you're my girlfriend now."
Girlfriend?
That word washed out any doubt in her mind. It meant last night had really happened. Naruto really did love her. It said he was serious about their new life together.
"Naruto-kun" she said.
Naruto turned off the water and stepped forward. His eyes connected with hers. Even though she was caught off guard, she still consented as he placed a kiss on her lips.
He told her, "I saved some hot water for you. No one else is awake right now so you don't have to worry."
Naruto walked on past, forgetting to tell her how to run the shower or how to dress for outdoor bathing.
One thing was on his mind right now and that was, "I kissed her…. again!"
Author's Note: Sorry, about how short this chapter is. It really doesn't fit in with the chapter before it or after it. Still, I felt I had to address their reaction to the previous night. Next Friday should prove a very interesting chapter. Please look forward to it.