Takes place during the prequel to The Color Blue. So, SPOILERS.

54. Stars

Aelu and Naruto stretched out on the grassy hill, rubbing their hands in the velvet moonflowers. The stars above them were twinkling brightly, illuminating the dark, moonless night. Naruto chuckled as a piece of grass tickled his face and he pushed Aelu playfully. Laughing, she tickled him, and they rolled around on the hill for several moments before they lay back, exhausted.

"I really like the stars," Naruto said with a sigh, holding up his hand and drawing constellations with his fingers. "They're so pretty."

"Mhm," Aelu hummed quietly, a tune Naruto couldn't quite place but that made him smile. "I like them, too," she whispered, taking Naruto's hand and tracing a constellation he had missed. He grinned and showed her another.

"Hey, Aelu?"

"Hm?"

"There's something I like better than the stars, though."

"Is it ramen?"

"No. Well, yes, but no." He rolled over and looked in her teal eyes, almost black in the dim starlight.

"What is it?" She looked back at him, eyes wide.

"I like you."

"Oh."

Grinning, he took her hand and drew a heart in the stars.