Smile : The Unknown Look Upon A Child's Face

The night had passed without fault. Naruto lay upon Iruka's couch with a serene expression on his young, yet worn out face. After he had explained Kiyoshi's origins and dispelled any questions about his sudden departure all those years ago, they were finally able to get back to sleep. Akito was laying curled up beside Kiyoshi, on guard like usual. Naruto tilted his head towards the blurry window. He could see streaks of yellow sunlight shining into the room, though barely. It was these times that Naruto really regretted his rash descisions in his first real war. He regretted his mistakes that caused his worsening condition. But that was all in the past, and he couldn't dwell upon it. A rustle at the foot of the couch caught his attention. Kiyoshi and Akito stood there, the former rubbing his eyes blearily.

"Yoshi-chan, come sit down." Naruto sighed. It was now or never. Time to tell all.

"What's wrong, otou-san?" Kiyoshi looked up, bright green eyes glistening in the morning sun.

"I think it's time I tell you of my past. Everything that happened before I found you.

When I was born, the fourth Hokage sealed a demon inside me. Have you ever heard of the Kyuubi no Kitsune?" Naruto paused, but continued at Kiyoshi's nod. " Well, he was sealed inside my body . . . "

Naruto spent the next few hours telling Kiyoshi about his adventures in the academy, with team 7, and even the Chuunin exams.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Iruka looked out into the living area, observing his former pupil once again. He just couldn't get over how much he'd grown. It seemed like just yesterday that Naruto had been washing paint off the Hokage monument. Now, Naruto was older, more mature, and if Iruka could say so himself, had better fashion sense. Naruto had traded in his orange jumpsuit for baggy black pants,a button up black shirt with 3/4 length sleeves, black fingerless gloves, a black cloak with a hood that reached to his ankles, and he was barefoot. Heck, he'd even decided to wear his forehead protector on his left thigh, just above a set of bandages that wound up his leg, starting at his ankle. Kakashi had agreed with Iruka that Naruto had changed drastically and they could only hope that they would find out what caused this change soon enough.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

There was a sudden knock on the door and Naruto opened it, revealing Kakashi, who'd left earlier at the call of the Hokage.

"Naruto, Tsunade said she'd found you guys a house. She told me to take you there." Kakashi had an calm look on his face. "Iruka? Do you want to come with us? Koi?"

Naruto snickered at the last comment. Iruka came out a moment later, holding Kiyoshi and Akito. "Well," he paused. "What are we waiting for?"

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

The day had gone quickly, moving things into the house and rearranging everything to fit Naruto and Kiyoshi's needs. By the time they were done, it was nearly dusk. Kakashi and Iruka left a little after everything was set, and Naruto predicted that it was for some 'quiet time' together.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Another night passed quickly for Naruto, marking the second day since his abrupt arrival into Kohana. He awoke quickly, a feeling of anticipation taking over his body. In the kitchen, once he arrived, was a note . . .

Kitsune,

I see you and the kid made it to your destination safely. Good. I hope to be seeing you soon, Koi. I managed to escape the organization carefully. I don't want to go up against you or Kohana in the upcoming war. I presume you have yet to tell the current Hokage of the village's situation. Remember not to put it off for too long. The Akatsuki will not hesitate to kick them when they're down. Don't go anywhere today . . . I'll be over to see you again very soon . . .

You-know-who

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Author's note:

Okay, I'd like to clarify a few things . . .

Naruto is not blind yet . . . YET . . . he is slowly becoming blind from circumstance you will find out in chapter seven

Apparently, this is Shounen Ai or Yaoi . . . which ever you'd like to put it as, but there will be NO lemons. I can't write them!!! There may be implied lemons, but if so, you will have to use your imaginations, I know you can. . .

Yes, Naruto is in a relationship. This pairing is set in stone for the time being ( the time in which I am actively writing the story ) and will not be changed if I can help it.

Some characters will be OOC and there is nothing I can do about it. This goes for all the stories that I have, will, or may write.

Review replies :

davetheman : I'm sorry I made Naruto partially blind, but that is the way to further a plot. Anyways this is a fanfic and Naruto is partially blind because I say so. . . as for the not understanding thing . . . if you want to understand, keep reading . . . it'll get better and make more sense as I go along . . .

Jenniya : Yeah, Naruto taking care of a kid is funny, but you have to remember that he's grown up and matured a bit in the fic. He's about 19 or 20 . . . Like I said above, you'll have to wait until chapter seven to find out how he became blind . . . I'm glad you like the fic, thanks . . .

D.r.i.f.t.e.a.r : I'm glad you enjoy the story . . . chapters 6-12 will go through his journey after he left Kohana . . . I'll try to update more often . . . Actually, I don't really know how he got Akito .; . . . if you have any ideas, feel free to tell me . . .

Izumi : I'm sorry I made Naruto blind . . . I love him to . . .Huggles Chibi- Naruto

but I have to do this to further the plot and unfortunately the story is a Tragedy so, it's not gonna get any better . . . Naruto will have his good moments, but well, I can't exactly say . . .

And to : Gopu, Wolfgirl13, LoveinItStrong, and kashisenshay : Thanks so much for reviewing . . .

Thanks to all who reviewed and thanks to all who read . . . I'm glad you take the time to read my story and I'll update again as soon as I can . . .

Extra :::::

Naruto smiled coyly as he pulled () down to his level.

"You know how absense makes the heart grow fonder, right?" He wrapped his arms around () 's neck, gently pressing his lips to theirs in a slow, but heated kiss.

"Kami, did I miss you!" Naruto said, sighing against ()'s lips, before he captured them again in raptured bliss . . . .