Standard Disclaimer Applies

I hope I didn't lose anyone over what had happened last chapter. I don't want to spoil anything but let's follow Kakashi's advice and look underneath the underneath. Anyway, I saw that I have more reviews on my sequel than Scattered Memory, Scattered Dream which is very exciting. Lol I love reviews! Now if only I would see more….

I woke up to find the man, I think his name was Sai, standing over me.

"Are you ok?"

I jumped up.

"Ok? Of course not! You just told me my fiancé is missing and most likely dead and you ask if I'm ok!"

By the end I was in hysterics. At least the man had the decency to look uncomfortable. He gave a small bow before getting ready to leave.

"I am sorry."

I leaned against the wall sliding to the ground as the tears escaped running down my face. I stopped holding them back and sobbed bringing my knees up to my chest.

I didn't move until my aunt almost hit me with the front door.

"Kairi? What's wrong? Did someone try and shoot you again?"

I shook my head trying to relay the message but found my throat closed tight. I finally choked out the words the refused to come. I heard my aunt gasp which caused me to cry tears I thought I no longer had. Soon there was a banging on the door before it swung open and I guessed my aunt called someone. Probably Ino and Sasuke. There they stood, Ino who had obviously been crying, and Sasuke who was holding back unshed tears.

"It's true?"

I don't think I heard him sound so cold since high school. I nodded mechanically. After crying until there were simply no tears left to cry I felt numb. Ino knelt down next to me hugging me fiercely. Sasuke growled looking like he was restraining himself from punching the wall. My aunt hurried out of the guest room with Hanako on her tail. I felt bad that I left her in there all this time.

"I'll put some tea on. Sasuke, could you get her into the living room?"

I barely acknowledged him pick me up setting me on the couch. The couch Naruto and I picked out. Ino sat down next to me rubbing my back. I barely heard her thank my aunt for the tea.

"Itachi is on his way over."

Everything sounded so muted.

"I can't believe Naruto is dead."

Ino's whisper echoed through my head. I looked up from my engagement ring.

"He's not dead. He's missing and he'll find his way back home."

"Kairi-"

I stood shaking my head.

"He's. Not. Dead. He would never give up on any of us. How can you all give up on him?"

"That guy said-"

"I don't care what the fuck that guy said. I can feel it in my heart that Naruto is still alive."

I glared defiantly at all of the pitying looks. Sasuke frowned.

"You're only hurting yourself more. Naruto is gone and there is nothing any of us can do about it."

I glared darkly at him.

"You can give up on him Uchiha, but I will never leave him."

I turned around ignoring his shocked expression ant addressing him by his last name going to my room. Hanako followed quickly followed by Lea. I slammed the door shut, locking it for good measure before flopping on my bed. Lea jumped up rubbing her face against the side of my head purring and Hanako let out a soft whine laying her head on my stomach. I scratched behind her ear while Lea curled by my neck.

"He can't be dead. He would never leave me like this."

It didn't take long for the news to spread and soon people in the neighborhood stopped by and gave condolences and co-workers at work were shooting pitying looks. Even the students knew something was up. No matter how much I insisted he was still alive I got nothing but sad looks and whispers.

"Kairi?"

I looked up from the papers I was grading. Hinata stood next to Ino nervously. Hinata was about eight months along with a little boy, much to Ino's delight. Ino stood with her hands on her hips.

"We need to talk."

I raised an eyebrow.

"What about?"

Ino sighed.

"We think you need to see a counselor. It's not normal to be in denial this long."

I glared standing up.

"I'm not in denial. He's alive. Why won't you believe me?"

I didn't realize I was yelling.

"It's been months with no word! You need to face the truth eventually! Naruto is gone!"

I ignored her storming to the front door throwing it open.

"Get out."

Ino looked shocked and Hinata gasped.

"What?"

"I said get out."

Ino scowled.

"Don't be surprised when you wake up one day and you're all alone."

Ino stormed out followed by Hinata who just shook her head. Ino turned around to say something but I shut the door and locking it. They just didn't understand. They both had the one they loved. They both had children. They weren't left alone. A couple weeks later I found Itachi on my front porch.

"May I come in?"

I nodded closing the door behind him.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush. Since you aren't married to Naruto the decision rests with me. The funeral is going to take place next week."

I shook my head.

"You can't! He's not dead!"

Itachi sighed.

"I know you're in pain. You aren't the only one who lost a loved one here. We're having the funeral that Naruto deserves. It's up to you on whether or not you will attend."

I didn't say anything as he walked out the door.

Sorry about the lateness of this chapter. I'm trying to figure out how to extend this a few more chapters. Lol I have the ending, just not the moment between now and then. Lol