A/N: Hey everybody, guess what?! This chapter's title actually sort of works with the content, if you squint and title your head a little. Isn't that exciting?! Okay, maybe not. Haha. I'm going to warn you before you even get started, this chapter is dripping with syrupy fluff. I guess it's just 'cause I finally figured out exactly how I'm going to end this story! Now I just have to get us there. I'm not sure whether you'll like me or hate me for what I'm gonna do, but I'm not going to tell you! -feels all powerful- I suppose you probably wouldn't want to know before the end anyways, though. Oh well… -has successfully deflated ego once again- Anyways, thanks for all the reviews for the last chapter, I'll now thank everybody! Today's treat is Jelly Beans, and lots of 'em! (I know that's a totally lame treat, but I'm running out of ideas…)
Red Rose: I'm glad it wasn't crap! I still think it was, but whatever you say goes. Glad you liked the bed scene. Here are Jelly beans.
flyingshadow370: I'm glad you liked it. I thought the bed thing was funny, and it sort of came from personal experience…just without the sexy guys…Anyways, thanks for the review. Here are your Jelly beans.
Ly Mizukage: I'm glad you like it! I'm trying to stuff as much "Happy" into these next few chapters as possible, because last night I finally realized exactly how the story is going to end! Thanks for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Queen of the Paperclips: I'm always interested to hear a bed breaking story! I'm pretty relieved that they're finally together myself. This chappie has lots of fluff, too. Enjoy! Here are your Jelly Beans.
Yaoilover S: I thought the bathtub thing was pretty droolicious my self…but I couldn't really make them do it. Haha. I hope you don't pass out from blood loss! Thanks for reviewing. Here are Jelly Beans to keep you awake.
Gezutaru: I think I might have had writer's toilet, now that I think about it! Haha, I'm glad you like the chapter, and yes, I laugh sometimes during shounen ai moments as well. I'm glad you liked! Here are your Jelly Beans. Thanks for reviewing.
Dark Mimiru-Chan: I'm glad you liked it, and I hope this chapter is good as well. I'm really pretty fond of this one, so I hope you enjoy! Here are your Jelly Beans.
AlterEthereal: Good to know you laughed! You were supposed to laugh! Really! My writer's block is officially gone now, so expect AT LEAST weekly updates, if not more often. Glad you liked! Here are your Jelly beans.
Liliath: Thank you for sticking with me, then! I'm glad you don't regret it, I really am. I know I get fed up with fics that make me wait this long to get to the good stuff! Haha. Thanks for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Momochi Zabuza: I really wanted to put ItaNaru in there, but I just couldn't! I'm sorry! If it makes you feel better, my writer's block is completely gone, and I know exactly how everything will happen now, so no more obscene amounts of time waiting! Thanks for reviewing! Here are your Jelly Beans.
Kali Swifteye: I dunno, I guess I just like having them break stuff. Haha. I'm glad you liked it. I hardly think it was worth the wait, but whatever you say! Thanks for the review. Here are your jelly beans.
Spellcasterz: I posted a link to the schoolgirl pic in my author profile if you want to look there for it. I'm glad you like what you've read so far. I hope you get to this chapter! Thanks for the review. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Hieisbestbuddy888: Awww…I love you too! Thanks so much! I'm sorry your head hurts. I really hope it feels better by now! If not, that would be very sad! I'm okay with a short review…I've never given you a really long review. I wuv you! Here are your Jelly Beans!
tyranimo: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That makes me laugh very hard! I wish I would've thought of that. Oh well. You are a genius. Thanks for the review. Here are your Jelly Beans!
Jen-beyblade- fan: I'm glad you liked it, and I'm glad you liked the kiss! I know Kakashi is weird, but he's not in this story much, so, yeah. Thanks for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Kyuubi-kun: Jeeze! That's the longest review I've ever gotten. Extra treats for you. I don't really know what to say! I'm glad you liked it. Haha. I'm trying to think of something original to write here, but I can't so I guess I'll just say, thanks so much for my longest review ever! Here are your Jelly beans, and a cake!
YoungSasuke: Yes, Itachi is sick minded, but that's why we love him, ne? Thanks for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans!
Alicorna: I'm glad you like my characterizations. I was kind of hoping people wouldn't hate me for 'em! Thanks so much for reviewing! Here are your Jelly Beans.
yphoon14: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans!
Fallentenshi128: I'm glad I made you giddy, but I'm gladder that I didn't disappoint. Thanks so much for reviewing, glad you liked. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Sissy: You're only sort of wrong. Itachi did say he was going to work, but he said early next morning, it's still that night when this happened. Thanks for reviewing. Here're your Jelly beans.
Anukis-san: I hate squeaky beds too! I'm glad you liked the pillow fight! I hoped the "Weapons" thing was funny. Thanks for reviewing! Here are your Jelly Beans.
Ruby Love: I've never listened to The Cars, but I'll definitely look into them now that they've been mentioned. Haha. You're right about the Ramen thing…I guess we can just pretend he'd packed his lunch the night before and that was the last of the ramen or something…Haha. Thanks for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans. (I got the Naruto manga from Narutofan. Com)
Suna no Gaara: I'm so glad you like it! I know about the limited internet access thing! Glad you thought his clothes were cool too. Thanks for the review. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Kawaii Thief Kitsune: Hey, I posted a link to the picture on my author profile thingy, so you can just go there. I'm glad you like the story. Thanks so much for reviewing! Here are your Jelly Beans.
Mezzy-kun: I'm glad you thought it was funny. Haha. Those are the kinds of things I do too, so I guess we're not so scary. Thanks for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Broken Coda: First off, I love your name. Secondly, I'm glad you like the story. Thanks so much for reviewing. Here are your Jelly Beans.
Alright. That's everyone. Thank you all so much…and since I didn't say it last chapter, I broke four hundred!! YAY! Thanks so much, and sorry about the short response, my keyboard is being REALLY funky, it keeps adding things I'm not typing and putting numbers in my words. Haha. So I guess I'll just go to the story now! Enjoy!
But Home Is Nowhere…: I Held A Falling Star
For a moment, Sasuke was confused by the white walls and sheets which seemed to be smothering him, not to mention the heavy presence on his chest, but then images of the previous night came flooding back into his mind. He remembered the food fight, the ramen, the kiss, the bed, everything, and it registered that it wasn't just a presence weighing him down, but a person, namely Naruto. He couldn't help but smile, looking down at the serene features of the sleeping blonde, marveling at the softness brought to his face by the flood of light coming in from the window. And for a brief moment, he thought that he wouldn't mind waking up that way for the rest of his life. That is, with different colored sheets and walls.
The night before, they had decided that it would be far more comfortable for them if they simply moved the festivities into the guest bedroom across the hall until the bed was fixed. And so, after a quick change of address, another hour of random small talk, occasional poking, and a smattering of kisses, they had finally managed to calm themselves enough to contemplate sleeping. The clock had read three forty five a.m. when they both snuggled into the crisp white sheets of the guest room, Naruto's head resting softly on Sasuke's chest, and Sasuke's arm back to its snaky ways, laying protectively across the blonde's shoulders.
The hands on the clock were now reading ten forty five a.m., but Sasuke had no real desire to move any time soon. Why disturb Naruto, who looked so positively stunning right then that Sasuke thought he could feel his insides melting together to form a gooey soup of happiness? After all, he was sure the blonde would wake soon enough on his own, and he wanted to watch, just to see how it was and maybe even to gauge just how much he could enjoy having mornings like this when he was ninety. He didn't even realize that his fingers were coasting softly through Naruto's hair until he felt the boy stir, leaning into his touch. When he did notice, though, he didn't care to stop, because Naruto's purr was resonating through both their chests, bringing his attention to the soft, rhythmic beating of their hearts. And as he counted their heartbeats, he couldn't help but get a little weepy on himself, because he couldn't distinguish one from the other.
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The first thing Naruto felt as he slowly came into consciousness was the gentle pull of someone running their fingers through his hair, then the pressure of an arm draped across his shoulders, and then the feel of a heart beating against his own. He was almost afraid to open his eyes, fearing that he was dreaming and that if he were let the light into his vision, the perfection of waking up the comfort of someone else's embrace would disappear. He'd never had such a peaceful awakening in his life, but after a few minutes of lying still, pretending to still be asleep, he was forced to face the world.
Much to his surprise, the fingers and arms and heart didn't disappear when he opened his eyes, but instead became stronger, solidifying themselves in reality and giving Naruto a distinct sense of mushy happiness. When he turned his gaze upon the face of his companion, he felt a wash of memories come over him, and he couldn't stop the lazy grin that spread through his features. "I thought you weren't real."
Sasuke beamed at him. "I'm still not sure if you are."(1)
For a few seconds, they just sat there staring at each other, but then Naruto got the idea in him to scoot up a bit further and place a soft kiss on Sasuke's lips. He lingered for a moment before pulling away and letting his forehead rest against Sasuke's. "I think I could wake up like this for the rest of my life."
Sasuke made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a giggle and pulled Naruto down for another kiss. When they parted again, he was grinning like a maniac. "What do you want to do today?"
Naruto thought for a moment before answering, "Nothing. Anything. Everything. Let's just do it together."
"Alright then. I'm taking you out today. We'll go wherever you want."
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Sasuke felt a rush of elation falling over him as he came to the realization that he actually had someone there. Someone he wanted to spend an entire day with, doing whatever they wanted. Like Naruto had said, it didn't matter what they did, as long as they did it together. It was the kind of feeling Sasuke had never actually allowed himself to have before then, but for some reason, the blonde had managed to break down every single wall he'd ever put up within the space of a week. He almost thought he would cry and the very idea of it, and then he realized that it wasn't an idea. It was real.
"Come on, Kitsune, let's get dressed."
There was a bright smile on Naruto's face as he very nearly scrambled from the bed, pulling Sasuke with him. They were both laughing by the time they managed to get across the hall, and the sight of Sasuke's pathetic, dilapidated bed did nothing to calm their giddiness. They dressed as quickly as they could, completely disregarding their former use of separate rooms for changing and just throwing on whatever they could find. Sasuke ended up in a pair of black jeans with a white wife beater and fishnet arm-warmers, while Naruto ended up wearing his black cargos with a white t-shirt. They both took a moment to apply a little eye-liner, and Sasuke managed to fasten a band of black velvet around his neck accompanies by a few silver chains on his wrists.
Satisfied with their appearances, the two boys headed downstairs, pausing in the kitchen to call a cab and then moving on, having decided to go out for breakfast. Sasuke stopped for a moment by the door to grab a wad of hundreds from the "emergency" stash. "Technically, I'm not supposed to take this much, but Itachi's being enough of a bitch lately that it should be okay."
They only had to wait a few moments for the cab to arrive, and within fifteen minutes, they were walking hand in hand down the strip, leaving a very satisfied cab driver in their wake. They'd tipped him something like fifty dollars for a twelve dollar trip. "So, my little fox, where dost thou wish to dine this fine morning?" Sasuke was still positively glowing with happiness and there was a bright smile painted on his face. (2) He watched as Naruto took survey of the area, and then knew the blonde had found their destination when his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Let's go there!" He pointed across the street to a tiny, grungy looking café with a few chairs outside. The sign hanging over the sidewalk said "Le Petite Amor" (3). "I went there once before. They have the best crepes I've ever had. Plus, everything else looked absolutely fabulous."
"Le Petite Amor it is, then. Lead the way fine sir!"
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Naruto flashed a brilliant grin at Sasuke, taking his hand, casting a short glance over the street, and then proceeding to run straight through the traffic. When they reached the other side, they walked the few steps to the door and went inside. As they entered, a small bell rang above their heads and a few moments later, a kind faced, rather plump woman appeared in front of them.
"Hello! How are you two today?" Her voice was thick and filled with kindness. If it was even possible, Naruto thought it warmed him even further, bringing even more joy to his table.
"We're absolutely fabulous! And yourself?"
She leaned in, lowering her voice a little, adding a hint of mischief to her tone as she spoke, "Don't tell anyone, but I'm celebratin'! I got me a baby comin'. Of course, if Louis knew I wouldn't be workin' today, but I've got that glow about me!"
Naruto beamed and Sasuke gave a quiet, "Congratulations! We won't tell a soul."
She winked at them. "There's a good boy! Now, let's get you two a table!" She turned and led them to a small round table with chairs. Placing the menus on the glass tabletop, she continued, "You two sure look happy. Are you celebrating something too?"
Naruto smiled up at her. "I guess you could say we're celebrating finally being alive."
He didn't catch the affectionate look Sasuke sent him, but the smiling woman winked again. "That's the way to be, my boy! What do you say I have Louis make you something real special, just for the two of you?"
Naruto lit up in delight. "Really?"
"Of course! Now tell me your names so I can tell the chef who he's cooking for!"
"I'm Naruto, and my quiet companion is Sasuke. What's you're name?"
"My name's Laretta. Now you boys enjoy yourselves, I'm going to go put in that special order to Louis."
The both nodded and Naruto gave cheery, "Okay!" When Laretta had disappeared into the kitchen, he turned to Sasuke. "I think we just made a friend!"
Sasuke gave him a soft smile and replied, "Of course we did. You're really easy to befriend. You just haven't been hanging around the right kind of people."
"I guess not, huh? So, what do you think she'll have him make us?"
"I don't know. Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll love it."
For a moment, they were silent, just enjoying the atmosphere of the place, and then Naruto turned bright eyes to Sasuke and said, "You, know what? I've never been this happy in my entire life, and it's all because of you."
Sasuke reached forward and took his hand softly, bringing the blonde's fingers gently to his lips before saying quietly, "No one deserves it more than you do, Kitsune." (4)
"I like it when you call me that."
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Sasuke just smiled, never letting go of Naruto's hand. There was soft music playing in the background, and just as he was starting to think he could get lost in that moment forever, Laretta appeared carrying a large plate with what looked to a be a piece art in the middle. "This is Louis's specialty. He only makes it for his favorite customers."
When she set the platter on the table, Sasuke realized that it was, in fact, a beautifully arranged platter of food. In the center, there was a fan of crepes centered around gentle swirl of whipped cream. Along the edge of each piece there was a delicate assortment of berries and the whole thing was powdered with sugar. Surrounding this was a fringe of mango that was sweetened with a burgundy syrup, and on the very out ring, there was a ring of different colored spreads, which, he discovered, were fruit butter. "He calls them the 'crepes of love'."
Sasuke smiled up at the woman. "Thank you."
She reached forward and patted his shoulder before answering, "You boys enjoy it. On the house. My treat to the boys who know how to live."
Sasuke thought his heart could've melted just then. He wasn't sure if he'd ever met someone so beautifully kind as this woman. Naruto gave a heartfelt, "Thanks, Laretta! That means a lot to us."
"You boys enjoy! I'll be back in a few minutes!"
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The crepes were absolutely delicious, and Naruto could barely contain himself as the sweet syrups and butters melted over his tongue. He didn't think he'd ever had anything that good in his life, and he thought maybe it was better because Sasuke was sitting there, across from him. They were both silent while they, but the room lent a chaotically happy feeling through its light colors and gently trilling music. He could hear Laretta and Louis talking in the kitchen, and felt like he never wanted to leave.
When they finally did finish, Laretta appeared in front of them again, a huge smile on her face. "How was it?"
Sasuke looked up with a small smile on his face. "Excellent."
She smiled. "Good. Where are you two off to now?"
Naruto spoke up this time, "We haven't really decided. We're just kind of letting the wind blow us wherever."
The woman before them let out a hearty laugh. "That's the way to be. Never lose that spirit, boys. Never."
The two boys stood slowly, placing their napkins on the table, and then Naruto found himself hugging Laretta, a huge smile on his face. "Thank you, Laretta." Sasuke stepped forward then and hugged her as well, adding his quiet thanks before they both pulled away from her, grinning.
"Anytime, boys! Anytime. Now, you get going. You've got an entire world to explore and the rest of your life to do it!"
They both scurried to the door, and just as they were about to leave, Naruto turned back and called, "Don't forget us! We'll come back and visit when we've seen everything!"
TBC…
A/N: Okey Dokey, everybody, that's it! I hope you like Laretta as much as I do. I absolutely loved her as I was writing this, and even if it seems kind of unrealistic for a bond to be formed so quickly, she's supposed to be one of those people that you form an instant bond with. Or someone who can have an effect on someone's life in five minutes. You know? Anyways, I hope you liked. The chappie title is from "Death of Seasons" by, guess who? If you guessed AFI, you're right!
ISAN
1. I know, I know! You're all going, "Wow, is she trying to win the award for most schmoopy sap within the space of a page? This is terrible. I'm going to have a heart attack if she doesn't quit stuffing this cliché drivel down my throat." Sorry. I'm feeling very sappy right now! Haha.
2. Okay, I know this is SOOOOOO OOC, but I'm just imagining how it would be to be totally and completely in love and to have just realized it. It's like, the only people they want to be with are each other, and it actually works out. They're just floating in the euphoria of it all…if that makes any sense. In case, please forgive the COMPLETE ABOMINATION of all thinks IC.
3. I have no real knowledge of whatever language I'm faking here…I just thought it was fun to say…plus, it sort of means "The Small Love", which is kind of like what Sasuke and Naruto have going. It's like a small child waiting to be nurtured. Their love, I mean. Haha
4. I know I haven't really had him call Naruto this a lot so far, but it's kind of going to become a pet name today…haha...