So very sorry for the long wait! My muse literally ran out on me, and after some rest I have to squeeze in this chapter. It was very difficult to write and I'm not so satisfied with it, but to bring to you now I think this is all I can do so far. Hopefully you will like it... This is where things unfold.
Terms to know:
Daren: -sama
Huang Tai Zi: the prince
Tai Zi Fei or Fei Zi: the prince's first wife
Naruto fitted his robe. He chose a brown rug, unobtrusive enough and average. He ate breakfast rather slowly today, trying to memorize every taste and memory. Iruka-niang is working and Kakashi is still sleeping. He felt bit afraid, yet sure. There's no way of avoiding it. He is probably not going to come home unwounded, but he didn't care. Physical pain meant nothing . Neji will give him a map, Lee will be with him untill the wall, and be at guard and hear if anything is wrong. There are probably thousands of flaws and wrongs in this unplanned plan, but either way he will manage. But also a guilt burned inside him, making his stomach churn. He can't imagine Iruka-niang's face full of tears, or even that pervert Kakashi being sad. They didn't ask much about why he had cried. He felt grateful that they understood, and felt like they seen him truly as a grown up. It felt good, to be on equal terms, yet some privileges for being a child is lost too.
"Iruka-niang," Naruto popped his blond head out the door to Iruka who is working at the plantations. "I'm going to leave now."
"Alright." Iruka yelled back, a drop of sweat streaming down his cheek. Naruto ran back inside again, grabbing the jade under his pillow. He tied the strings to his pocket so he won't lose it. He will return it to Sakura. Naruto glanced to Kakashi, whois still in bed, head towards the wall.
"I will see you later, Kakashi." He murmured softly as he walked to the door.
"You bet I will." Kakashi's low voice rose. Naruto turned around, almost unsure he heard the voice. Kakashi remained still, yet those words hang to the air. The boy turned and cracked a smile to himself, and mumbled yeah.
"Bye Iruka-niang." He strode forward, chewing his lips, afraid if he turned and faced Iruka-niang, his expression will give it away.
"Naruto."
He stopped walking, his back still faced Iruka.
"Be back for dinner, I'm making ramen tonight." Iruka's voice bright and so was his smile. Naruto tightened his fist, and couldn't help himself but ran back and give Iruka a big hug.
"Yeah." He said lowly. "Definitely be back. Can't miss the ramen."
He will be back. Home. To eat Iruka-niang's ramen. Again.
That is his promise. He always keeps his promises.
------------scene change-----------------
The weather is radiant. The sky vibrant blue with few airy clouds, sun shone with the brightest of lights. Almost kind of ironic, Naruto thought.
He walked in the busy crowd, yet today it was not so carefree. He had a something to do, something that's dangerous but a must. He felt like if someone looked at him his face will give everything way, yet such thoughts is just foolish. His heart pounded. This was not an adventure, not a fun explore he does with Kiba and Choji. At that he thought maybe he should have told Kiba and Choji about it too, but the past days there was just much on his mind, and he assumed them to very busy at the moment, with the wedding coming up and all.
As Naruto reached by the teahouse, Hinata, Neji and Lee were already there. He flashed a smile yet felt no so confident, but the thought of seeing Sakura again made him strong.
"Hey guys." He said as cheerily as he can.
"I have the map." And of course Neji just always jump into business. Neji's pale hands held a portable size map. Naruto realized it's not marked with writing but tiny drawings.
"Why is labeled with drawings?" He looked up to Neji.
"Because, you imbecile, you can't read writings." Neji said irritably as ever. Naruto stuck out his tongue. How could he forget, duh. He studied the map a little. It was drawn to be quite simple and straightforward, probably made to be easy for him. "This is where Sakura reside at the moment," Neji's slender finger pointed to the cherry blossom flower on the map. "She is going to move in with Sasuke after the wedding. The Uchias' mansions are fairly far way from where she is now. Her house is in the middle of the gardens, close to the bamboo forest by the western wall." He pointed to a huge tree surrounded by other tiny dots. "This is the center of the forest of Uchia. It is quite a big place, and that tree is a landmark, the only tree of the forest. It's been there even before the palace was built. The founder of their clan, Uchia Madara, decided not to cut it down. It is a giant thousand years old tree of affinity and fate, the protector spirit, as they call it. Once you pass that tree, go up north till you make it out of the woods, and soon you will find her mansion. There will be no guards around today, but still be on your watch." Neji handed the map to Naruto. Lee gave him a thumbs up.
"Thanks man, Neji." Naruto shook Neji's hand. "Always a friend when I need ya." He forced a hug on Neji who stood stiffly and unwillingly. Naruto laughed and Hinata chuckled a little.
"Ready, Lee?" He turned to Lee, who is in his military uniform already.
"When you're, Naruto." Lee answered.
"Best of luck be with you." Hinata mumbled softly.
"Thank you." Naruto smiled. He then notices again the make-up on Hinata, and remembers what he's going to say yesterday. "Oh, Hinata, your make-up..."
"Y-yes?" She replied, almost a little nervous sounding.
"Natural beauty is always the best, you know? I never liked Sakura with those make-ups at all." He said that more to himself than to Hinata, and shook his head at it too. "Well I guess I'm saying, you look much prettier without the make-up. Just yourself." He smiled again. Hinata looked stunned, and Naruto couldn't think of anything more to say but turn around and start walking. Lee made an awkward cough to try to hide his snicker, Neji turned his face around, looking solemn.
"Naruto." After few meters of walk ahead, Hinata said his name with her usual soft voice. He turned and looked at her, her smile aglow. "Thank you."
He smiled and gave her a thumbs-up, turned, and heard one last time from Hinata, "Be back soon", nodded, and held that as another promise to keep.
------------scene change-----------------
Lee told him to another longer but safer route. It was a walk about twenty minutes long of silence, only occasionally couple people walked by, which is what they wanted. Naruto felt his steps heavy, but walked with the most confidence he can get. He felt the jade in his pocket, held it tight, but that is not the only thing he must hold on to.
It was not much later that they reached the western wall, and just like Neji said, no one was around, but you can hear the noises from the other walls as they worked and prepared for the wedding. The red painted wall was about ten meters tall. But Naruto was Naruto, and climbing a wall was not much of challenge. Though it proved to be a challenge, as the wall's surface is finely painted and smooth. He had some help from Lee, and they tried to make their movements as quietly as possible. Naruto now sat on the roof, just a little out of breath.
"Ready and set, Naruto." Lee's face wore the serious expression.
"Right where you are." Naruto nodded back.
"Here's my letter," Lee took out a folded paper from his sleeves and tip-toed to hand it to Naruto. Naruto tucked it in his pocket, knew it was meant for Sakura, knew it was his duty to give it. He held not only his own feelings, but another person's too. It made this seemed even more crucial than it already was, but even more important. He had his promises to keep, too.
Lee nodded. "I will whistle loudly as soon as I hear or see danger. I'm sorry to be able to accompany you. If I get caught, I will lose the chance to be in the military..." His voice drifted.
"I understand." Naruto grinned slightly. "I got it in my hands, Lee."
"Yes." Lee smiled back. "Good luck, Naruto." He fist bumped Naruto, and their arms hung in the air for a moment as they stared into each other's eyes, giving things that is unsaid. "I believe in you."
"I will." Naruto simply said. "I will."
Naruto turned around and jumped down, right onto the bamboo forest's ground. The bamboo, as drawn on the map, grows thicker and thicker deep into the forest, but still walking is not difficult. He made haste and strode forward, his heart pounding loudly. Fear and excitement grew from him.
The forest, as rumored, was indeed easily to be lost in and very, very beautiful. All the bamboos grew high towards the sky, their stems strong and elegant, a pale green with leaves whistling along to the wind. Sprinkles of warm golden sunlight escaped through the spaces, leaving glitters and shines everywhere. The green, as you looked up, matched the azure blue sky perfectly. The whole feel of the forest was calming and the air was crisp and fresh. Naruto held his map, taking a deep breath of the nature's soil, a refreshing smell.
He faced straightforward and strode on, to the north. Sometimes he had to push through some bamboos, but it was an almost silent walk. No one indeed was around here, and it was almost as if nature devoured all. He walked around, towards the north, pushing away some bamboos along the way. Naruto was glad the sun was not hitting him, or this could be a lot more tiring than it already was. The forest was silent, all except his footsteps, kicking the stones on the ground and the wind bellowing on the leaves. Everywhere looked the same. The map had no help if he's going to be lost in the forest. Damn, had he forgot to tell Neji his sense of directions is horrible? Naruto mumbled to himself. Neji expected him to navigate his way in the forest with ease. Wishful thinking. All these bamboos are making him dizzy. There was no difference to them, just all tall and green.
He just walked and walked, hoping and praying it's the right direction. He chewed on his lips. This is getting nowhere.
About several attempts of Naruto thinking he at least walked two miles and coming back to the same spot, he slumped down and sat on the floor, frustrated. A sweat streamed down his cheek, and he was a little out of breath. How big is this forest anyways?
"Okay Naruto, calm down." He spoke. "Stress right now is not what you need. Save the energy and walk towards north. When you find the tree it will mark that your close." He tried to recall every advice Neji has given, yet it all surrounds by that tree. Since it's landmark, it must be a huge tree and not too hard to find when you're around it. He looked to his surrounding and knows he is not even close.
He sighed deeply. And then he remembers the famous quote that everyone honored, coming from Uchia Sasuke himself:
"Do not sigh. Everytime you do so a piece of your confidence is lost. Do not sigh. Believe you're invincible. Believe you can do anything."
An arrogant saying, much like the personality of the Tai Zi, but no less admired by many. Naruto grumbled a little. He didn't feel like listening to some quote from the cause of all this, but then again, he didn't feel like sighing again, either. He can't help but see a little truth in this saying, and humans always wanted to believe in the good.
Naruto unfolded Lee's writing. Since he can't read, it's not intruding privacy, or so he convinced himself. He could only grasp what's behind the black and whiteness and the strokes. It wasn't a long letter, but Naruto was sure it said it all. A man does not need so many petty words. He can see Lee's writing, stern and true like his personality, stumbled on some words, and even a tear mark was left. His fingers traced through the strokes of the brush, trying to memorize the patterns.
He stared blankly at the paper for moments to count, folded it up carefully again and tucked it in and safe in his pocket. He felt the jade, warm by his skin, and nodded to himself.
Heck yeah. He so can do anything. He can and will bring it to Sakura, and come back home again. He's invincible. He can do anything. Naruto grinned to himself. He felt his confidence build.
And there a music note entered his ears.
"Huh?" He turned his head, as if trying to make sure that it wasn't an illusion. But he can he hear it, faintly, yet it's definitely there. He couldn't recognize what instrument it was, but it wasn't exactly good news for him. Someone else was in the forest.
He stood up and listened closely now. It was coming from the east of him. He felt his palm sweat. He has to go to the opposite direction, cannot risk of being seen. He walked quickly and silently, into the trail of bamboos. The sound was fading away as he walked further, and he couldn't help but look back everytime he took another step.
He shook his head and kept on walking, but he even knows he was walking towards the wrong way, further and further from where he want to reach. And the music, the music -- it's like it was drawing him over. He stopped and looked back. Even from afar he can hear the melody, so saddened yet beautiful. Alluring him to come. He gulps. Maybe it is from where the tree is. He will be stealthily, he can go without being seen. He will just check from a distance away. It won't hurt, he thought to himself. This is the only clue or chance he's gotten so far. The time he spent in the forest will truly come to a waste sooner or later.
Naruto took a deep breath and turned.
It was easier this time to walk with a source to follow. He follow the tune, it was a solo, of course, yet the music was fulfilled and full. The closer he got, the more enchanting the music sounded. Such a bright yet low sound. The melody was simple but not dull, mournful but not trite. He can identify now, the instrument played upon was the bamboo flute. What an enlightened sound the flute made, shimmering with sorrow, and filling up his heart, almost that a tear could drop. Such skill, yet without emotion behind it, it would not be so mesmerizing. The feel of longing flowed from the song to his heart. Who could make such a music? Wondered. Naruto walked slowly, grasping every sound. Whoever can make music like this can't be a bad person.
He followed the music.
As he gets closer he can see bamboos' clearing and scattering little by little, which is the sign: the great tree was really near! He quickened his pace, the music louder in his ear. He can see the tree now, just barely, once he make through these bamboos. The tree is under the sun and around it cleared of bamboos, the dash of light hit the ground. He can see through the leaves a blurred image of a person, leaning against the tree, holding a bamboo flute. He stepped forward, a little closer, his heart to his throat, hoping he won't disturb the playing --
In epic motion, Naruto tripped. Over a part of the root of the great tree, just showing a bit from the ground.
He stumbles a litte but did not fall, just holding his balance barely enough. The sun blazed into his azure blue eyes, clouding his visions for a brief moment. Then, Naruto sees him. Him. Him under leaning against the tree, his slender and long fingers holding the delicate bamboo flute.
Naruto always taunted at the rumors of how beautiful the Uchias were, especially the Huang Tai Zis. He knows from childhood memories it wouldn't be a lie, but he never wanted to admit it either. He would sometimes doze off imagine how Sasuke Uchia looks like right now, but not this. Not this beautiful.
Silky dyed black hair, pale ceramic skin to match, long curtain of lashes covering his beautiful eyes. A strong jaw set, pale and thin but full lips, resting on the flute. His figure was slender and tall, his movements are full of aristocrat grace. Features even a fine woman would be green with of envy for. The sight of Sasuke Uchia, standing under shade of the great tree with glitters of the sun, playing the bamboo flute took Naruto's breath away. The whole scenery was in perfection. Sasuke was like a dark flower blooming under the shade. The wind bellowed gently, the leaves rustled. There Naruto noticed a old, blood-stained brown rag around Sasuke's skinny wrist. That look in his dark eyes, so gentle, full of longing and love, something that Naruto would least expect to see from Uchia Sasuke. So much so that he thought it was an illusion. A mirage.
All in a moment, stretched a long. Naruto's heart skipped a beat. Never could imagine, such breathtaking and stunning beauty, could exist in the mortal world. It belonged to the heavens. And once again he makes the sole mistake, after all those years he told himself not to, but perhaps it's because in his head the image of this prince never changes, the name escaped his lips:
"Sasuke---"
He finally sees the blond boy standing there, mesmerized.
The color of surprise took over Sasuke's eyes. His fingers slipped passed the bamboo flute. The music stopped. Only the wind rang. His eyes grew large. He opened his mouth:
"Naruto---"
His name, from the Huang Tai Zi. Remembered all these years later. His pitiful existence. His low class-self. Nine years. When time can wash away anything and everything.
Their gazes meets, connected. Naruto sees all these things behind the dark eyes, flashed in that one moment. The longing, the missing, the mourn, the remorse.
The joy.
Meet once. Forget for never.
Naruto for that one second felt as if his body is floating, as if living a dream. All he heard was his own heart pounding, pounding. Why he felt that way, he did not know, or understand. He stepped forward, walking toward that man, this man -- the man that's standing there in shock but smiling, in welcoming arms. He felt like he wanted to run into those arms. He stumbles again and the jade slammed against his thigh. His senses comes back to him. The reality slapped in to his face again. So heavy. It felt so heavy.
All the reasons why he cannot do this. All the reasons why he cannot just go up the Huang Tai Zi with a normal greeting. Like an old friend. Like enemies, even.
He turned, his face stone, his body moved and he started running.
"Wait!"
As if the fate remakes the scene, his wrist is grabbed, by the same cold, icy hand. The grip wasn't harsh, almost gentle, but forceful enough. Big hands, always, the same nine years ago. Slender fingers and smooth skin. He tried to be freed from it, his eyes yet again met Sasuke's, and that moment he almost stopped moving. The expression the prince wore. Lost as a child, afraid to lose.
But Naruto had reasons. Reasons to hate him, reasons be strong, reasons not to fall into the downward spirals of that man's black eyes. He shook free and ran to north, to Sakura. Perhaps he might have lost some part of that passion, after reuniting to Sasuke again. But his feelings, Lee's letter, his promises, he must keep.
He ran faster and harder than he ever thought he could, slamming through everything. He can hear Sasuke's footsteps behind him, yet he knows how easily it is to lose someone in these bamboos, as long as he had the lead. He can hear the faint screams and footsteps from Sasuke, but he ran on, almost like a fox from the prey. Ran on like his life is on to it. All he knew was to run straightforward, and in almost no time, he reached to the end of the forest.
Naruto's knees hit the ground, panting and out of breath. He felt it difficult to breath. His hand clenched to the spot close to his heart.
"Huang Tai Zi daren?" An unfamiliar voice came around the corner. He immediately stood up, yet it was too late. A few guards came towards the forest. "Huang Tai Zi daren, it's time to fit your wedding robe---" They see Naruto's face, but he could not run back to the forest or run forward. He clenched his jaws tight, ready to tackle any of them. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" The respectful tone ceased into a harsh voice. "How dare you intrude the grand palace's walls! Seize him at once!"
Those men came at him, and he was caught.
----------------POV----------------
Can you imagine, the joy and the desperateness, as you see that sunshine, that azure blue again, right in front of you. To clang on to it and never let go, even after all this time of waiting, even after telling yourself, it's over. Let go of it. All of it. These forbidden and pathetic feelings.
Can you imagine, him calling out your name, even though you know everyone in the country would know, but still be gleed by it.
Can you imagine, him under the sunshine, the background of the bamboos, almost the symbolic meaning of freedom itself, something you so long wanted, so graciously beautiful.
Can you imagine, him coming forth you, that happiness to be felt, as if next second you can embrace him in your arms.
Can you imagine, him slipping away from your fingers.
Can you imagine, so close, so close, yet still a world apart.
And he cease within the sun light, into the mass green of bamboos, out of your reach.
----------------POV---------------
"Let go of me!"
Naruto screamed loudly as the two guards tied his arms behind his back and shoved him forward into the prison cell. The grand palace cell was as rumored underground. The stairs were cold and steep, Naruto's face had few marks made upon, his arms bleeding a little from the rough rope and his legs with bruises and cuts. He would not stop resisting, and the guards are getting even more impatient.
"Quit yar yapping, ya insolent brat." The rough looking man smacked him hard on the head. Naruto's eyes dazed out. "Imma cut off that tongue of yars if don't shut yar mouth."
"But I do know Sakura!" Another smack. "I do know her! Let me see her! She will let me go!" He's still persistent.
"Think ya can sneak in to the palace and steal some stuff cuz the guards are low, can ya, ya little thief." The rough man shook his head. "Just yar luck the Huang Tai Zi happened ta be in the forest. We will have to check if he's hurt at all. If he got one scratch on him, little brat, yar head is departing yar neck..." He gave a cruel and hollow laugh, and Naruto glared at him.
"I didn't come into steal and I didn't even touch the Huang Tai Zi!" Him recounting such memories was still difficult and made him blush, but in he did no harm at all. "I know Sakura! Just let me see her and she will free me!"
"Likely story, some kid like you knowing the Tai Zi Fei to-be." The other man spoke with disdain and disbelief. "Even her past..." The rough man shushed him, clearly the taboo around here at the moment. "Ain't no man 'cept the Tai Zi lay hands on her."
"I didn't say I lay my hands on her!" He screamed more desperately, his face turning red with such a thought. "I swear I know her! I swear!"
"Swear ta whoever ya want ta swear." They opened an empty cell. Everything is shaded here, only a small window up on the wall with bars. The men threw Naruto in with no mercy whatsoever. His face hit the cold stone floor, few straws of rough grass was all there was.
"Let me out of here!" He got up as soon as he could. "I know Sakura! Let me see her!"
The men already walked away, only the echos of their footsteps remained from the stone walls. Naruto wouldn't stop screaming.
"I know her! Let me see her!"
The guard around kept on giving him dirty looks, but he wouldn't stop. He has to get out of here. The letter and the jade are still intact, but who knows what's going to happen next? If that Tai Zi said he done anything to him, his head is going to roll. He didn't want to think about the gentleness he saw in Sasuke's eyes. He didn't want to remember.
Finally his voice tired and his throat cracked and dry. He slumped to the floor, his head against the cell's metal bars, cold and hard.
"Just let her know I'm here..." His voice was weary and small. "I swear she will know me..."
He realized how hungry he was. The sun right now was highest in the sky, just hitting the prison cell's tall window. Noon. If he were home, he would be eating with Iruka-niang and Kakashi...
The thought of food and home made his nose sour(like when you're about to cry)already. But he couldn't complain. He knew the possibility of this happening, and he swore he knew what's going at him. He sniffled and lay still on the cold ground, the rough grass itching his back.
He felt the gaze of the guard on him, a little bit of sympathy. His head was spinning fast. If this whole pity act was going to work, he better work it right.
Naruto forced tears out of his eyes. All he had to do was thinking about Sakura, and the stupid, arrogant prince -- yet that look. That look in his eyes. And how he reacted to it, almost running into Sasuke's opening arms. It was all so confusing. He didn't want to think. All the thoughts came to be tears, fake tears, and loud whimpers. He didn't care how pathetic he looked right now. As they say, survival is what's important.
Look here, guard. Naruto thought. Look here. This innocent boy is crying. Give him sympathy.
"Kid," After few moments, the guard finally moved towards him. "You're not lying when you say you know the Tai Zi Fei to-be?"
His misty blue eyes looked up to the guard, and the man seemed to gulp a little. Naruto never knew his little teary eyes act worked for others too. Always Iruka-niang. He made his face full of sadness for unjust, and nodded stiffly.
"Yes..." He lips barely moved. "I just wanted to see her... We were childhood friends, and suddenly the Tai Zi marries her..." He sniffled again. This part, at least, was true of true. "I just wanted to see her... I...."
He couldn't say anymore. The tears fall to the dirty ground.
The guard looked sympathetic, he opened his mouth: "Well... I guess I could tell her you're here...."
"Please." He said, a little too eager, but tamed himself down. "Please... Just let her know...."
"But I can't let you out, and you can't run away." The guard warned. "You're going to get caught even if run, and I will be the one in trouble."
"I understand." Naruto nodded quickly. The guard seemed to made up his mind and went up with the keys. Naruto bit his lips. When the guard was out of sight, he sat up instantly. He can see the blue sky from the tiny window between the metal bars. Naruto stood up and walked up to the window, squinting to see with the sun in his eyes, yet nothing could be seen, except the grand buildings around and only few people passing by.
Damn it. If only Sasuke wasn't at the forest today! Even Neji couldn't really expect that. One would think Sasuke would be busy around planning his upcoming wedding, not going off to some solitude island. The thought of the Tai Zi not around his to-be wife before the wedding made him uncomfortable, not for himself, but for Sakura. But what he saw today, perhaps the Tai Zi would treat her well... But why was the sad eyes? And why run away to the forest? Shouldn't he be overjoyed that he gets to marry her when finally his father agrees?
And why does he remember Naruto's name?
Naruto kept on convincing himself that Sakura would have told him. But it wouldn't make sense then, because Sakura knows not to mention him. It's not like Naruto's famous or anything either. Maybe his blond hair and blue eyes is a rare sight around, but nine years, man. He would forget the Tai Zi's name some weeks after if it weren't spoke of almost everyday of his life.
He couldn't think of a reason for it, and nothing is making any sense anymore.
Frustrated by his own thoughts, Naruto shut his eyes and lean against the cold wall, taking in deep breaths. It will be over once he tells Sakura his feelings and give her the letters and the jade. He will go back home, to his little house, and maybe one day he can love someone again. That will be it. That's all there is to it.
Then Sasuke's face flashes before his eyes again. Naruto honestly don't think he can mock about Sasuke's looks now. He felt a little flustered just thinking about it, and shook his head wildly as if trying to clear the redness.
Even a man like himself cannot help but be shocked by such beauty, and what to say a woman?
He smiled bitterly, his head held low.
He wants to fall into slumber, but he can't, not yet. He felt his eyelids heavy as lead, his lips quivered from thirst. He's fighting to keep awake and his stomach grumbled. Still, he regrets nothing. He has do it, not matter what happens...
As he almost shut his eyes completely, the stomping footsteps came across again. He sat up straightly as if alarmed. The guard came, huffing a little, and cracked a smile. Naruto looked to see if she was behind him, but no one came.
"She's very busy at the moment, you know." The guard said to him when his face fall. "But she does know you! She was kind of surprised and upset when she heard you were here, but she told me she's going to come by tonight or tomorrow, so I guess you have to stay..." The guard scratched his head. "No worries though, we will get you to a better room and some good meals."
Naruto sighed in relief, and felt excited by the news. He can see her tonight, or tomorrow. He grinned to himself. One night won't hurt. He's saved, and he can go home and explain to Iruka-niang tomorrow.
By nightfall he had a new bedroom, the ones guards slept in, a good warm meal and a new set of clothes and shower. He felt replenished and happier. When eating his dinner he had a pleasant conversation with the guard that helped him. As his cheerful personality get him close to anyone, even the coldest of the cold. He felt a little more personal to others when they talked about things and shared, like the guard has a wife and a newborn child at home, how he's gotta work hard to earn money, and just other small things like that.
"You know, when I was your age, I fallen in love with this beautiful gal too..." The guard was opening up his shell, like a part of soul being exposed. Naruto can do that, without him knowing it. He can, with his smiles and words, make people take off that mask and truly show themselves. His inner nature allows that. "It sure was hard, cuz she didn't give me a damn look." The middle aged man chuckled as he remembered. "But you know when you marry, the prettiest one often aren't the best to have. My wife back home, she isn't some gorgeous woman, but she's fine and quiet, and you know, love comes around and hit you dead before you know it's happening."
"Man." Naruto shook his head and laughed. "Seems like so far away when I will get my own family." When he was child he often thought of having kids with Sakura and start a family with her. Such foolish dreams so distant and away now, and perhaps that's a little sad.
"Comes quicker than you think." The man wiggled his finger. "I was 18 and whoa -- I'm married and I got my own kid!"
Naruto laughed when the man made funny gestures like he was shocked, but with joy, too.
"I just wish my kid can get a better life than I do." The guard said. "Though us common folks, it don't get much better than this... But I do wish he can learn how to write and read."
Naruto nodded in agreement, and remembers the letter in his pocket. Lee learned how to write a little, from the workers around, probably. Maybe one day he should too. Somehow he feels that after he says his feelings, a lot of things are going to open up. His life won't revolve around Sakura anymore, and maybe, he thought guiltily, that was for the better. Because he kind of knew that she didn't care.
The night sky was dark. The guard left for the night and went home. Naruto sat on the warm bed, looking outside. Iruka-niang must be so worried. He bit his lips. How embarrassing to admit this, but he missed his home. The little house by the countryside, the trees and the tall grass. His eyes caught a shackled piece of a mirror. He picked it up, careful not to hurt his hand. He looked into it, a pair of azure blue eyes and messy blond hair. He had a weary and saddened look. Immediately he slapped his face lightly in disapproval and shook his head wildly.
"C'mon now." His hands on his face. "Get it together, Naruto."
He looked outside again, the night sky vast and clear. He smiled, and lay down on his bed, a good sleep in peace.
He tossed and turn a little. Though the bed was softer than his usual one, he didn't really like it. It just.. didn't feel right. Like the saying among the low class, "Us poor want the rich life, but we ain't going to get used to it when we going to have it." Also his body sores and though the kind guard gave him some cheap medicine, it wasn't much of a help.
He almost fall asleep. Then the stomping of footsteps of couple men alerted him. Naruto rubbed his eyes, and the next second the door is slammed open.
"Wha---"
He didn't get to finish his sentence when the men that came in whose face were covered dragged him out of his bed.
"Stop it!" He yelled. "What do you think you're doing!"
They didn't speak, but merely had him in control and pushed him towards to the deeper ends of the cells of the dungeon.
"Sakura said I'm innocent!" He screamed, thinking it maybe a misunderstanding. "Sakura Haruno! The Tai Zi's bride! She said so! You can't disobey her words!"
The men did not react to his words but just become even rougher. He stumbled and struggled against the stone floor but it was no use. One of the men muffled his mouth and he couldn't scream. He bit the hand but it didn't even pull away or react at all.
It seemed like they reached almost near the end of the dungeon. They threw him into a cell, the only lighting was the pale silver moonlight. Naruto knees fall to the ground and immediately again he was pulled back, his arms now chained against the wall, his knees tied to his legs. He screamed in fear again. The other man tied a black cloth against his eyes, everything went dark. Another cloth was shoved into his mouth, and all his struggled are futile.
Only his ears could hear the men going away quickly. And almost he didn't caught it, but another footsteps, soft and almost not audible, entered the cell.
Dread of the night.
Thank you for reading!
So this is such a cliffhanger. . Hopefully the next chapter won't take so long again, and tell me what do you guys think or predict?