Please R&R! To those who don't take the time to tell me why they keep dropping by for each and every new installment, I can see you. Favoriting the story and getting an e-mail sent to you when I update isn't as rewarding as a comment. Thank you to the few who do review.

On another note, happy New Years, guys!

C e l e b r a t i o n

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Sakura Haruno giggled, barely audible amongst the crowd of rowdy teenagers. The harsh thrumming of the music blared loudly against their ears, and the excitement from the New Year's party fizzed and bubbled over. She leaned further into Sasuke -still clutching her drink- to avoid being elbowed again, but in her haste to escape danger, she tripped clumsily upon her own feet.

And nearly fell flat on her face, if it wasn't for Sasuke Uchiha. He caught her with rigid but unwavering arms, frowning as he helped correct her. Naruto Uzumaki grit his teeth hard enough to make noise as he broke off from his rather forced conversation with Ino after listening to the raven advise Sakura to go sit down.

Ino scoffed obnoxiously into her hand. "Is Sakura drunk?"

With a frustrated growl, Naruto stormed over and promptly positioned himself between his two teammates. Either he clearly found that he was simply not getting enough attention, or had had enough of watching the rosette smother Sasuke - either way, he was going to fix the problem.

As if reading his mind, Ino trailed after Naruto and latched onto Sakura's wrist, making a point to tease her as soon as the opportunity arose. Eventually she led Sakura over to the punch table and disappeared from sight, and Naruto took his chance to motion Sasuke to follow him.

The raven did so reluctantly, pushing past the marsh of people only to end up on the balcony, the cool night breeze toying with his onyx coloured hair and blowing it into his eyes. Naruto was propped up against the rich railings, gazing out into the starlit sky. Sasuke moved to join him, and the blonde offered him a warm smile.

"Imagine if Kakashi-sensei found out we had all been to a party with alcohol," Naruto laughed, the disbelief evident in his voice. "We'd be so dead."

"I didn't drink any," the other male stated tonelessly.

"Neither did I," Naruto informed him smartly, grinning.

Sasuke only studied the tanned boy unblinkingly in response. He was surprised when Naruto turned to face him fully and continued.

"I would go to the end of the world for you, Sasuke."

Sasuke didn't miss a beat. "But would you stay there?"

The blonde in turn looked caught off guard. "Um, yeah… If you want me to."

The corner of Sasuke's mouth hitched up in a tiny smile. "Let's go somewhere."

"Ditch the party?!" Naruto exclaimed.

The Uchiha nodded. "Come, while the night is still young, Dobe."