Sparks 3

"Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something" - Dread Pirate Roberts, The Princess Bride.

"What's tacos?" Naruto asked me after I announced my plan. I was going to start Taco Tuesdays at my home. I needed something to look forward to while training under Ibiki. I had a feeling he was going to make my life difficult. I would have to get ready quickly. So, I would invite people over once a week on my day off. By now I had some furniture in my sparce apartment, but much of it was mismatched. My first guest would be Naruto and some unknown man. Naruto wouldn't say who it was. I knew it wasn't family as Naruto didn't have family. He had informed me of this quietly one night that he was alone. He had a friend - only one, besides me and the Ramen cart. It made me concerned about who this friend would be. I hoped it would be no one taking advantage of him.

"I can't believe you just asked me that." I told him, staring at him in shock.

"You are going to love it."

"Not more than Ramen." He assured me.

"Perhaps not. But it's nearly as good." I told him. We were heading to a grocery store nearby. He seemed hesitant to go. Maybe he was nervous about trying something new? Any time he came to my store, I tried to get him to get anything healthier but he would always refuse.

"Do… Do other people have tacos a lot?" Naruto asked. He seemed to have the classic case of FOMO.

"Mmm…" I took the moment to think about it, "Honestly, you may be the first in Konoha to ever have a taco."

The look of awe in his face was worth it. He seemed to forget his worries about the grocery store - until we arrived.

I never truly noticed until we walked in how people glared at Naruto from the corner of their eye. They would never talk to him, never look at him; it was as if he was below their interest. I had thought it was as simple as him being an Orphan. It wasn't until our Grocery trip that my assumption was challenged.

When we walked in Naruto stepped in close to me. It wasn't an odd occurrence that I stared at. It was normal, in fact. However, never before had I ever been glared at. The Citizens of Konoha stared down their very noses at Naruto and I. Their children were sneering as well. The only place I had ever seen such contempt was in the face of my own father. He used to stare down his nose at me just so. From the looks of things the entire village was giving Naruto the very same look.

Whatever.

Should anyone try something, I would handle it. If nothing else, I was starting to understand Naruto's strange questions. I looked down at him, gave him a big grin and ruffled his hair.
"Come on, then. We've plans, don't we? We wouldn't want them interrupted, ah?" I asked, ignoring the onlookers.

Naruto looked up at me with determination flickering in those bright blues and nodded.

"Right." He said.

I patted his tiny head and we made our way into the store. Thankfully, most of the ingredients were easy to get. Unfortunately, no one told anyone in Konoha what tortillas were, or shredded cheese. I vaguely remembered a dough recipe for the shells and I knew shredding the cheese myself would be possible. I made up my mind and made the selections necessary. We were collecting our spices when I heard muttering beside me.

"That foreigner bringing in that monster. I knew she had a screw loose, but-"

I could see Naruto shifting uncomfortably beside me. His face was pulled into a severe scowl and he looked like he was about to lose his temper. Ah - so that was why. Not today.

"But, what?" I interjected. I tossed my head up and looked at the gossiper straight on. "Please, continue. I do enjoy a good web of lies like the next."

The woman who had been talking about us jerked back, disgust etched on her face. It wasn't like she was being quiet or anything.

"No, please, continue. I do so enjoy the laugh." I gave her my best scowl, "After all, I would love to know how a - how old are you, Naruto?"

"Nine." He grumbled.

"An nine year old ever became a monster. Truly, a mystery." I carried on.

"We are all well aware how old that thing is." She hissed.

"Mm." I hummed, seeing that Naruto and I were gaining more eyes by the second. Naruto seemed to be drawing in on himself more and more.

"Pity that an entire citizenship looks down on an nine year old." I commented loudly. Onlookers frowned at me, and others seemed to be whispering amongst themselves. "Come, Naruto. One should never stay where one isn't wanted."

Perhaps I shouldn't have added that last bit, but we carried on. I glowered down at the woman just so, to give her a taste of her own medicine as we walked by.

After this I paid for the purchases and quickly left. I took Naruto's hand in mine as we went. I glanced down and saw his head was lowered.

"Chin up. Don't you dare let them get to you, Naruto." I told him, squeezing his little hand.

He looked up at me, eyes shining.

"Come on. We'll figure out how to make tortillas and enjoy the only Taco Tuesday going on in Konoha." I told him with a grin.

"Yeah!" Naruto agreed in excitement.

We returned to my apartment and we both tried to make tortillas. Tried.

Naruto had taken to drawing in the flour and eating the dough.

"If you eat the dough we won't have shells." I told him, smiling at his antics. I flicked some flour dust his way. He must have seen this as a grave insult to his person and the flour war began. Naruto didn't seem to know mercy - between his excitement and my laughter, I was thoroughly trounced. Very little was done for our shells. Knowing the child had little chance to be just that, I allowed my kitchen to be turned into a sty. I had lettuce that could be used for shells - it would be fine.

"I yield! I yield!" I called out, lifting my hand in the air dramatically. "You are far too strong, Good Sir Ninja!"

He grins at me but helped me up.
"I won?"

"Of course. But I think my kitchen has paid the price." I told him. He winced.
"I get this - you can take the dishes later?" I bargained. Naruto nodded enthusiastically. Who would want to clean up all this mess? But he would need a task for the time being

"Naruto, love - watch the door while I finish this. You told your friend when to come, right?" I asked

"Yeah." He said simply and camped out by the door.

I cleaned the mess and began work on the food. In no time there was a knock at the door and I heard Naruto answer it. I could hear Naruto's excited tones and a lower quieter male voice speaking.

"Welcome!" I called from the kitchen, picking up the plates. I walked out and found that Naruto's friend was the Hokage. I froze, staring at the man I met so long ago. I had barely even thought of him since.

"Walker." He greeted me with a soft bow.
"Ah - oh, Hokage." I stammered, I bowed back - but with one foot behind the other. It was habit and it was one of the few things I struggled with letting go.

"Tami, you're acting funny again." Naruto told me. I glanced at him and quirked a smile.
"I do tend to do that." I confessed.

"I can say I've never seen a bow like that." He said with a weak smile.

Sarutobi Hiruzen - the Hokage himself. He was a humble man, all things considered. He was the strongest Ninja in the village from what I understood. From what I heard he was a kind ruler, of sorts. The Village ran in a way that the strongest most trustworthy man (or woman, I assume) was put in place to protect the people.

I took the moment to set down the plates and return to the kitchen for whatever else I needed. Mostly it was to regain my grounding.

I didn't expect the Hokage to walk through my door. I never thought I would see him until far later. Perhaps not until far after training. I took a quick moment and pulled myself together. I grabbed the rest of the food and walked back out to the table.

"Forgive me. I hadn't expected the Hokage to walk in the door." I said.

"Naruto didn't tell you?" Hiruzen asked. Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly

"It must have slipped his mind." I glanced at Naruto.

"Must have." Hiruzen agreed.

Naruto chuckled nervously. I broke character and ruffled his hair.

"Come on, then. Taco Tuesday is still on. We've no tortillas, but I'm sure we can make due."

Dinner was a menial success - considering the pains to get it completed I counted it as a win. By the time it was all said and done, Naruto had passed out on the couch.

"That was an… .interesting meal."

"Mm… I missed home cuisine. I thought Naruto might like something of his own at the same time." I said.

"Is this a representation of your culture? He asked, eyeing me curiously.

"Not at all. I don't even know what culture I belong to." I shook my head, and sighed softly. Between being raised away from my parents and family, to moving across the seas to my Uncle - there was very few places I saw as truly home. "This is considered Mexican, though I'm sure it's a poor representation."

"It's fascinating. The world Inoichi told us about - it's beyond comprehension." Hiruzen said, his head bowed. "To think that many people, working together."

"That's generous." I commented and shook my head. "Mostly it's give and take - mostly taking. He must have seen the bad. I had seen so much bad."

Hiruzen nodded quietly, seeming to gather his thoughts.

"You being here has caused me more questions than I thought possible." He said quietly. I studied the man and chose to stay quiet. He wasn't the only one who had questions, but he also seemed to need to voice them.

"To know my favored student would…." Hiruzen paused and cut himself off. "I never thought he would. How did it ever come to this?"

I paused, watching him silently out of the corner of my eye. What was he talking about? Perhaps it was related to his death? I couldn't remember a thing about it. They said I saw it, the men from his employment - but I couldn't, for the life of me, recall any particular detail on it.

"For what it's worth, I am sorry that my existence has brought things into question." I told him, looking away. Imagine someone showing up on your front door, knowing not only your death but details about what was to come for - what? The next ten years? It would be unsettling to say the least.

"No. No, I'm not - you brought us valuable intel. Perhaps with what we've been given we'll be able to change what is to come." Hiruzen said, a sad smile played on his face.

"Like Naruto?" I asked, glancing at the child snoozing on the couch.

"No - from what we saw he has a fine future. Even if his current state is less than desirable."

"So then you know?"

"I know how Konoha treats him. I've done all I can do to change this. Although there are times he doesn't help the situation." Hiruzen looked at the little boy too, and then shifted his gaze to me. "Although I wonder why you befriended him. You shunned one of the strongest Ninja we have because you saw him on a poster. Yet, Naruto is the main character, so to speak, and you befriended him?"

I looked away, playing with the stray piece of lettuce on my plate. It was a valid question. Had I been normal, I would have treated Naruto with the same amount of disdain I treated Silver-Hair.

"Uncle always told me that the person I should be is the one I needed when I was a child. I see far too much of myself in him to leave him be. He seems... alone. I know that feeling." I confessed.

"He sounds smart, that Uncle of yours. And he was a - what was it called?"

"Detective. I worked under him. I gathered intel on cases he needed. I got rather good at it, or so I would like to think." I shrugged my shoulders.

"I'll see what I can do should you reach your goal. Perhaps, until you can find your way you can put your skills to use for us." Hiruzen told me with a small smile. My face nearly dropped but I quickly remembered - of course he would know my plans.
"What? Did you think I remained ignorant of your on-goings?" Hiruzen teased and I huffed.
"I suppose I have my stalkers to thank?" I asked dryly. Were they still following me? Possibly. Probably still out there now. He laughed and shook his head.

"Thank Ibiki. He had a bet running with Inoichi on when you'd finally show up. He nearly lost it had you not arrived when you did." Hiruzen explained.

"Send Inoichi my condolences. Had I known I would have given him the leg up." I responded. I paused and then focused on the Hokage once more.

"I must know - why is Naruto treated with such disdain? Where are his parents? Why is he so alone?" I asked, it had been bothering me for some time. Naruto shied away from such subjects when I even came close to them. He was nine - he didn't seem to know.

Hiruzen gained a sorrowful look in his eye and stared at his plate.
"I'm afraid I cannot answer that. He's had a rough life. The day of his birth was… we lost so many people that day. Naruto didn't cause it but there's been speculation. His parents were lost too. They were good people. Naruto should be herald as a hero, but yet-." Hiruzen turned to regard the child.

"To say that I'm grateful he has someone else on his side is an understatement. For this alone, you have my thanks."

I raised my eyebrows at him. "Lovely bit of a speech there, but you hardly answered a thing."

"We ninja have our secrets." Hiruzen said mysteriously.

"Ah. I'm sure there's a quota you have to hit monthly after all." I replied. He chuckled at me.

Hiruzen didn't stay much longer and Naruto didn't keep his end of the bargain to clean the dishes. The Hokage picked up the tiny boy and promised to see him home. I spent the rest of my night cleaning and I went to bed immediately after- the next morning I had work to do.

Ibiki had told me to up my training. I had little idea of what to do, save running and swimming. But I also knew doing something was better than nothing. If I slacked on this, surely Ibiki would make me regret it later - or, perhaps, he would reject me entirely. I couldn't afford that. I had to do what I knew I had to do.

That next morning I woke up as early as I could. Instead of jogging I ran. I kept my pace up and found the closest mountain range I could. I had two weeks to get up to snuff. I wasn't certain I could even reach half of what I needed to be but I would try my best.

I had thought I was doing well until I saw Guy and Silver-hair running across water in what looked to be a foot race. I just stared in shock.

How on earth were they doing that? They were running on water! I watched them race neck and neck.

Ugh.

As if I needed another reason not to like the one. And Guy? I guess they were friends. I supposed I may keep my distance from him as well - it was a pity. Guy was a good man, although I didn't quite know how to interact with him. I felt unbalanced around his sheer excitement. He was certainly a character.

If they were the example on where I needed to be, I certainly had a way to go. I didn't even know if I could even get to that point. But I had to try

I continued on with my day, my training and my work.

That week was slow, over all. I worked out as hard as I could, went to work, went to bed and started my day over and over again.

That was until another tiny parentless child walked into my store. My coworkers whispered about him - he was all alone. No parents. No siblings. He came in like a ghost, wandering in with a thousand-yard stare of a hardened soldier. He looked around Naruto's age but he didn't have Naruto's child-like glow. Where Naruto gained glares, this child seemed to garner sympathy but no one approached him as he went through my store.

Curiosity had gotten the best of me once more.

I approached him carefully, as one would a wounded doe - slowly and in full view.

"Are you finding everything you need?" I asked him.

"Yeah." He responded dully. He didn't even look at me when he spoke. He just stared at the wall of products.

"Perhaps you can humor me. I do like to pretend to be useful. Have you need of any help?" I tried again. Finally he looked up at me. I felt like I was looking into the eyes of a broken man not a child.

"I guess." He said.

"And…?"

"Toothpaste, bread and rice." He said plainly.

"Rather somber list. Nothing else? No sweets? Nothing?" I questioned, trying to get a read on such a strange child. Where Naruto was like the sun - shining with joy and excitement; this child was like the moon - withdrawn and subdued. I bent down to his level as he made a face at my mention of sweets. It was almost as if it offended him. I figured I'd test him and see if he at least had a sense of wonder.

What a strange child.

I slipped a hand in my pocket and found a coin. I gained a lot of strange skills over the years my detective work. I dabbled in silly magic tricks from time to time. They came handy in all sorts of instances. Mostly pick pocketing but in this - maybe I could earn a smile from a broken child.

"Well, I suppose my job as a - oh." I paused suddenly, shock registering on my face. He jerked, looking surprised.

"What?"

"Is that-?" I clicked my tongue and looked to the side of his head. I readied my trick. "It is."

"Is what?" He asked again

"Hold on." I told him, pretending to pull a coin from his ear. "My, you have money falling out of your ears!"

I produced the proof in my hand and he stared at it in wonder.

"Where'd that come from?" He asked, his wide innocent gaze staring up at me. I didn't get a smile but the pained look in his eye was gone.

"I couldn't tell you. It must be yours. It came from your own ear." I told him, trying to sound perplexed. I pressed the coin in his tiny hand. His brow furrowed in thought.

"Are you a ninja?" He asked. I smiled wistfully.

"Aspiring." I stood and held out my hand which he took cautiously. "Come - we'll go gather your goods."

It didn't take long to find his purchases. He didn't talk much and barely reacted when I asked which brand. Finally we arrived at the counter and he paid - however he kept the coin I gave him.

"It was a trick wasn't it?" He asked after everything was done. He was still staring at the coin, with this bag in his other hand.

"Perhaps." I told him vaguely. "Does it matter?"

The child was quiet for a moment before suddenly shaking his head.

"No."

"My name is Walker Tami - if you ever need help, a listening ear or a senseless magic trick you know where I am. I've an open door policy for a handful. Consider yourself one of them." I told him.

Quietly he looked up from the coin and stared at me for a good minute.
"Uchiha Sasuke." He said before leaving.

All things considered I had worse introductions. Hopefully, whatever happened to the kid would be in the past and he would find a reason to smile again.

Again my days were filled with training. I was often sore, but a good hot bath at the end of the day helped ease any lingering pain. I started adding in singing to my runs, just to increase my stamina. I was incredibly thankful that the area I chose was empty. I wouldn't want the ninja to hear me sing. I wanted to at least seem threatening. Singing would nearly entirely destroy that.

My next Taco Tuesday arrived, and this time I was far better prepared than last time. I was able to make the tortillas. It was probably easier as Naruto wasn't there at the time. He already told me that Hiruzen would be coming again. I would be asking about my new friend. I hadn't seen Sasuke since, but the strangeness wouldn't leave me. He was an interesting child. He was far too young to have such a look about him.

I was in the middle of placing the food on the table when I asked Hiruzen about Sasuke. The news about the last Uchiha hit hard. That poor child. Naruto was off watching a movie on my phone (after making him swear never to tell a living soul about it). I needed him distracted while I cooked. He liked to be a part of it. Usually I didn't mind, but I needed the reprieve.

"He's the last Uchiha. His brother… he killed the entire clan in one night, save for Sasuke." Hiruzen explained gently. He spoke under his breath as to not alert Naruto. I gaped at Hiruzen. The man had a look of guilt for a moment before it faded.

"So he's in a children's home, ah?" I asked.

Hiruzen shifted uncomfortably.

"Right?" I hissed. I studied Hiruzen who shrunk away.

"There was no place to put him yet. He, being the last of his clan, placing him anywhere could potentially start all kinds of conflict. No one could take him without the fear of being seen as taking advantage of a bad situation."

"Hiruzen, where is he?"

The man didn't answer.

"Please tell me he's not still in that house."

He still didn't say a thing. I set down the meat and fillings. The puzzle pieces were falling into place. Sasuke had a traumatic event happen to him - and he still lived in the home where family were slain in front of him.

"Where." I bit out.

"Tami, people will think you're -"

"I'll handle it. Where is he?"

He gave me the address and I shot out the door. My body was already sore from the work out that morning - but I had no choice. I have to get there!

I don't know why there weren't any Anbu stopping me from leaving - maybe Hiruzen had stopped them.

Instead I kept moving.

Why on earth would anyone leave a child in a home like that?!

The home was more of a Japanese Mansion. It was large and sprawling. I had passed it a couple of times not even knowing. It probably was stately at one point but now it stood as a strange memorial. Clean, but - lacking life.

I banged on the door. It took a good five minutes for it to be answered. The door opened slowly, revealing the tiny boy behind it. I didn't even know what to do when I arrived. I hadn't even thought through what I would tell him. Invite him to stay with me? Tell him he had a new home? Reiterate the open door policy? I didn't even know. What did he need?

"Walker?" Sasuke asked in surprise.

"Tami is fine." I knelt down to eye level to the child. What would I even say? "I - I - ah, forgive the intrusion. I'm having a little get together at my apartment. I forgot to invite you when I last saw you. I thought it might be fun. There's another little boy your age. You may get along - you never know."

Sasuke seemed uncertain. I figured I could sweeten the deal.

"I can teach you my coin trick. I assume you wish you to be a Ninja - it might help." I continued. He looked at me funny, his nose scrunching up.

"How would pulling a coin from someone's ear help with being a Ninja?" He asked skeptically.

"Information is information - it's how it's used is what matters." I said. Sasuke still didn't seem convinced but came out anyways.

"Just until I learn the trick." He said.

Kids…

I smiled weakly at him. "Come on, then. I've been a pitiful host. I'm not far."

We walked together back to my apartment, the Hokage and Naruto waiting for us.
"Naruto, Hiruzen - I am pleased to introduce you to Uchiha Sasuke. He's come to learn a trick - perhaps a meal too?" I glanced at him to see his reaction. Sasuke scrunched up his nose again. Ah - perhaps not.

"You're welcome to pick at what you would like. I've a feeling I'll be preoccupied for a moment." I told Sasuke ushering him to a plate. Hiruzen was watching me behind a scowl. Naruto was staring up at me in wonder, as if I did something he simply didn't expect. I shoved my hands in my back pockets and went over to the Hokage.

"What do you think you're doing?" He asked.

"I'm doing something. That child has been in that home, living amongst memories of his lost loved ones who were killed in front of him." I muttered to Hiruzen. "I'm not leaving him be. It's no wonder he-"

"He what?"

"He hasn't even seen a battle field and he has the thousand yard stare." I snapped. Hiruzen frowned.
"You're going to make more trouble for me. I've already gotten worried reports about you befriending Naruto. I can only imagine what is going to happen now that you're choosing to help Sasuke." Hiruzen rubbed his forehead in frustration.

"Let them talk to me then. I've no time for people clucking like hens about something they refuse to do anything about." I told him.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked suddenly.

"No one will help either of them. Naruto because they seem to be afraid of him, and Sasuke because they're afraid of what others think. Personally, I'm not the sort to sit there and idle by as two boys go through intense pain on their own. I absolutely refuse." I told him sternly.

Hiruzen let out a sigh and smiled at me.

"Are you sure about leaving Konoha? We could use more people like you. There simply are far too many clucking hens as you put it." He told me humorously.

I looked away uncomfortably and turned to see the boys sitting at the table. Naruto was trying to make friends, but Sasuke was intent on ignoring him. It seemed that Naruto had tried to show Sasuke how to make a taco from the toppings and taco meat nearby, but the Uchiha had decided all he wanted was the diced tomatoes. The little boy had found one of the few pairs of chopsticks I had and had been eating them delicately.

"I was alone for a long time. Had it not been for my Uncle it would have stayed that way. I owe him - everything." I gave a weak shrug.

"It is too bad he didn't come as well. After hearing so much about him I wish I could have met him." Hiruzen said gently.

I hummed in agreement. It was too bad, indeed.

I made my way back over to Sasuke and Naruto.
"Are you enjoying yourselves?"

"He don't like Tacos." Naruto said with a frown. Sasuke seemed annoyed with the outburst.

"Not everyone will." I answered, ruffling Naruto's hair once more.

"I guess you're a fan of tomatoes, though?" I asked.

"Can I learn the trick now?" Sasuke said, looking up at me.

"You've a one track mind, don't you." I commented and dug out another coin from my pocket.

"Hey! You didn't teach me any tricks!" Naruto protested.

"Naruto, love, if you are patient and watch you'll learn it too." I told him as I produced the coin. I showed it to them both as they crowded around me.

"Now, watch. It's simple. Nothing but smoke and mirrors." I told them and placed the coin in the crook of my thumb and pointer finger. "That simple. And then you just-"

With the snap and roll of my fingers I produced the coin as if out of thin air. Sasuke's eyes lit up but Naruto leaned away and his arms were crossed.
"I can do that." He said with only the confidence a child could have.
"Ah - but have you?" I grinned at his scowling face.
"I could." Naruto insisted.

I placed the coin in Naruto's hand, allowing him to try the trick. The glee written on Naruto's face could potentially power a small home for a week.

"Sasuke, may I speak with you for a moment?"

The young boy looked at me curiously and nodded. I nodded over to the kitchen. He followed me quietly. I didn't even know what to say to him. How long had he been living in that home? I couldn't just adopt him. I doubt it would be allowed, and I didn't plan on staying in Konoha for any length of time. I couldn't just take him with me. But while I was in Konoha I wanted him to know he had a reprieve from that house of his. I couldn't simply just tell him that either. Men and boys in general didn't take kindly to being seen as weak or needing help. So perhaps if I concealed it as myself needing help - he would take the offer more seriously. I hated telling a child a lie such as this, but it couldn't be helped. Then again, Sasuke seemed to be rather clever. He would probably catch on. At least I hoped.

"Thank you for humoring me. I know leaving your home with someone you only met a few days ago can be rather scary." I told him gently. I could hear Naruto and Hiruzen in the other room, the coin dropping to the floor. Naruto seemed to be having trouble - I would help him later on but now I needed to do this.

Sasuke just shrugged his little shoulders. He seemed so small.

"I just know how it is, living on your own. I confess, I think I have Gremlins on some days." I shot my pantry a look. There were things only children knew - monsters existed. They were in any and every nook and cranny. They resided in the dark spaces between the walls and below the furniture. It was a global thing for all children. Adults knew monsters existed too, however we knew they were more likely next door than below the floorboards.

"Gremlins?" Sasuke asked, his tone seemed interested.

"Mmm. Green little monsters. At least I think. They keep me up at night with their rummaging around my kitchen and living room. It's a little scary on my own."

The next emotion I saw flicker through Sasuke's eyes made me know he wasn't beyond help. He understood. With that look I knew all I needed to know about how Sasuke had been taking to living on his own. I took a deep breath, drawing in the strength to keep my story going. I couldn't afford to break down in front of him. The clever little boy would catch on soon enough.

"If you ever find yourself wondering about how I'm coping with these Gremlins of mine, and want to pop on over for a night - you're more than welcome. At any time. My door is always open for you, alright?"

Sasuke looked up at me and nodded firmly. It was as if I gave him a grave and serious responsibility. I could barely handle it when I walked him back to Hiruzen. I kept my face calm and impassive. It was fine.

"I'll walk you boys home. Good night, Tami." The Hokage smiled at me and began to corral the boys out.

"Night, Tami!" Naruto waved. The coin was still in his hand.

"Good night! Keep trying, Naruto. Don't give up, ah?" We traded grins. Sasuke glanced at my kitchen in concern before giving me a small timid wave goodbye.

I held myself together only long enough for the boys to be long gone. I breathed in shakily and ran a hand through my hair. Those two boys were so different but had similar struggles. I breathed out slowly. I needed my nightly bath. I needed to read something and unwind. What did Sasuke experience? Naruto even? How could I leave with them alone? Returning home would be harder than I thought but I owed my Uncle that much. But, for as long as I was in Konoha I would do everything I could to help those boys.

AN/ So that wasn't a hard chapter at all to write D: D: D: Heartbreak city!

Tami Fact: If Tami calls someone by name, she sees them as someone she can potentially befriend. If she calls someone by love, darling, lovely or any other pet name - she adores that person. The only two who are excluded from this are her Cousin and Uncle. They are related by title and name - Tami has a high opinion of them both.