Baka: Heh, heh heh! I'm not late. No siree-bob! Not at all! Heh heh.
Inner Baka: Baka.
Baka: Heh heh heh! SORRY! *runs and hides*
IB: Don't worry, Baka was having a slow, lazy, hectic time. And it won't happen again. Chapter 5 will be here a lot faster than chapter 4.
Baka: *peeks out from hiding spot* Yeah! I promise! Please, but the guns away!
IB: Also, it has been decided that Japanese words won't be used in the stories anymore. The only times that Japanese words will be used is if they have some kind of special meaning, titles, and names. Like, Hokage, Konoha, Chuunin, -Sama, -Chan, -San, sensei, etc.
But, things that I've used in the past, like "Aa" or "Sumimasen" or "Uso!" or "Arigato" won't be used, even if lots of people already know them.
Another thing, Baka doesn't want to respond to every review she gets, so she'll just list your names, and comment on things the NEED comments. She doesn't want to continually type, "Heh, thanks!" all the time.
Oh yeah, and expect Baka to update every week (max = a week and a half), for she has other projects, like a comic she is starting, and homework, and things.
Review Response:
Well, I had quite a few reviews, so, like, kudos to WuffieLuver, Wind Wanderer, Bishiehuggler, :D, Sadistic Demon, Babo, hiro-souma, Red Rose, carrot stix, Japime Gurl, Foxgrl, firedraygon97!
Baka: I've decided to really add some relationship building and some major realizations. I think I've done the little things long enough, and I really should speed it up a bit.
Inner Baka: Yeah, it was moving rather slow. Also, chapter 4 sucks so far, revise it!
Baka: I was about to!
IB: Are you being, god forbid, work-ish?
Baka: I am in a school environment. How can I NOT be?!
IB: Ah, I see I see good point.
.....
Disclaimer: Baka does not own Naruto or anything related to Naruto.
....
Konohamaru walked slowly up one of the residential streets of Konoha village. The sun was setting and it was near autumn. The sweet scent of foliage filled the air of the small forest town. But it meant a lot of work to most of its residents if they did not want leaves all over the place. But most of the folk did not mind the little extra work, and most of them appreciated the warm reds and browns of the upcoming season.
He looked up at the sky, a deep orange spread far. *I love sunsets* he kicked a little rock. * I also love fall in Konoha. And winter, and spring, and summer. I love the people. I love everything.*
He caught up to the kicked rock and kicked it again. *But.* he sighed as he reached the town limit. *But, I just might say bye to it all.*
A little song bird perched on a tree branch and looked down at Konohamaru. *I'm sure they'd miss me. I'd miss them too. Bit I can't stand it anymore.* He felt like screaming. *How they all talk about me. How I can't keep a secret safe from them. How I can't do anything that might hurt my family's reputation.*
He picked up the rock as he reached it again and looked at the bird. *I especially can't stand how they don't see me as me, only as the honored grandson of the late third Hokage.*
He aimed at the bird then threw the rock and hit it on the head, knocking it unconscious. *I really don't care anymore.* he though wearily and headed further out of town.
.........
Naruto walked into the dark room and sat in between Sasuke and Sakura. He set the large bowl of popcorn on his lap and used his foot to push a video into the VCR.
"Is this a good movie?" Sasuke asked as he reached for some popcorn.
Naruto nodded, "VERY good!"
Sakura rolled her eyes, "What's it about?"
Naruto grinned, "Some guys from a foreign country go to this other country and try to take over, BUT this martial arts guy comes in and kicks everyone's asses!"
Naruto grinned even more, if it was possible, "Two whole hours!"
Sasuke cheered, "Sounds awesome!"
Sakura hung her head, "It sounds stupid."
Naruto laughed at Sakura's comment, and then quieted as the beginning music began to play.
Despite her earlier remark, Sakura really got into the movie. Sasuke also seemed to be enjoying himself. He seemed to eat the popcorn more intensely during the fight scenes.
As Naruto went to grab some popcorn, his hand brushed Sasukes. Naruto thought nothing of it, but Sasukes hand twitched at the contact and he looked over at Naruto.
*He looks so happy. Like today's event's never happened.* Sasukes hand lingered in the bowl, he admired how strong Naruto seemed, though he knew that Naruto was actually rather fragile.
Naruto went to grab some more popcorn and noticed Sasukes hand hadn't moved since last time. He looked over at Sasuke, "What?"
Sasuke blinked, "Huh? Oh.nothing." He turned back to the T.V. and pulled his hand away, a slight blush creeping up on him. *Damn, I was staring at him.*
Naruto shrugged and popped some popcorn into his mouth. "Movies good, eh?"
Sasuke nodded slightly, "Yeah."
Naruto looked at him from the corner of his eye, "Doesn't sound like you're enjoying it."
Sasuke gave him a half grin, "Just pre-occupied is all."
"Hmm, I see." Naruto sighed.
"Would you guys be quiet?" Sakura hissed at them, "I'm trying to watch the movie."
Naruto chuckled, "Knew you'd like it."
Sakura punched Naruto's shoulder playfully, "Shuddup."
Naruto shut up and let Sakura watch the movie. He looked over at Sasuke, *It looks like he's enjoying it too. He has a nice smile. He should smile more often. It's so cute.*
Sasuke felt Naruto's eyes on him. *Why's he looking at me?* he thought nervously and glanced at Naruto. *Please stop staring please stop staring please stop staring.*
Sakura got up. "I have to go to the bathroom."
"Ok" Naruto paused the movie.
Sakura left the room leaving the two boys alone. Sasuke quickly grabbed a handful of popcorn.
"Like the popcorn?" Naruto asked, trying to make small talk since some tension built between them the past few minutes.
Sasuke nodded, "Yeah. It's pretty good."
They both reached into the bowl and brushed hands. It finally annoyed Naruto. "Hey, Sasuke."
Sasuke looked up and had a slight pink in his cheeks. "Hm?"
"Have you ever..." Naruto started, but stopped, not entirely sure of what to ask.
Sasuke blinked, "Have I ever what?"
Naruto sighed, "I dunno. I'm just trying to make small talk."
Sasuke shrugged. "I see." He stretched and asked, "How are you?"
"Ah, ok. The movie is a good distraction." Naruto looked at the still figures on the screen.
"What do you mean?" Sasuke scratched his head.
The blonde looked up at the ceiling. "I mean, I have a lot on my mind tonight."
Sasukes dark eyes focused on Naruto, "Want to talk about it?
A toilet flushed in the background, "Maybe later." Naruto mumbled as Sakura entered the room.
...
Konohamaru sat up on a tree branch drawing. Usually when he was upset, he took it out on paper. Though it was harder to see, Konohamaru's eyes adjusted to the moons pale light.
Konohamaru felt a presence. He tensed up and reached for a kunai. He focused on the area he felt the presence. After about half a minute he saw a child walk out of the forest. She was carrying a basket of berries. She seemed quite preoccupied with the path ahead and did not even notice Konohamaru in the tree.
Konohamaru relaxed and looked back at his drawing. The picture was not nice, but it made him feel better. He certainly would never do any of the things that the picture showed.
The one that he was currently working on was a familiar Konoha village street with bodies strewn all over and mutilated. Some familiar people even his father. It looked serene and morbid at the same time.
Though at times he wished they would all go away, he would never hurt them. He loved them all the same, though he did get annoyed with them at times.
Suddenly he felt a hand and cloth over his mouth. He sort of recognized the scent, but didn't have a lot of time to figure it out. He felt his body go weak and every thing went black.
.....
Naruto pulled his t-shirt off and reached for his pajama top. He yawned suddenly, throwing him off balance and he fell onto his bed and sighed.
Sasuke chuckled at Narutos antics. *He's so cute* Sasuke blushed at the thought, *Not cute as in, like, CUTE, but certainly cute as in, like, cuteness. Yeah, that's right.* (a/n: what? I think only he can understand his own thoughts)
Naruto smiled over at Sasuke. "Are you sure you're ok on the floor?"
Sasuke nodded and sat beside Naruto. "I'll be fine."
The blonde boy rolled onto his back and put his hands behind his head. He studied Sasuke. His eyes traced the contours of his face, taking in all the little things that he normally did not see. Like the fact that Sasuke shaves, and shaves very well. *He's growing facial hair sooner than I am.I will destroy him.* He cocked his head to the side and pondered facial hair and how to destroy Sasuke in a fun and playful way.
Sasuke turned his head towards Naruto some more, wondering why he was staring. "What?"
Naruto continued looking at Sasuke, now focusing on his eyes. *They are so dark. Is it really possible to have such dark eyes?* He then focused on his hair, the dark mass falling to each side of his face, brushing his cheeks every so often. His cheeks were so soft looking. He sat up and studied him more appreciatively.
Sasuke blinked in confusion. "Please, stop it."
Naruto reached a hand up and touched Sasukes cheek, smiling softly. His tan fingers brushing against the ivory colored skin gently taking in the smooth texture. He moved his hand closer when he felt the other pull back slightly.
The dark haired boys' eyebrows furrowed and he asked, "What are you do-"
Two tan fingers brushed his lip in a silencing gesture. "Shh." the sound was soft and barely above a whisper. The two fingers traced the sensitive skin under them.
Sasukes upper lip twitched. "S-stop it, that tickles."
Naruto blinked, and then blushed. "U-uh. Sorry." He brought his hands back. "I don't know what got into me."
Sasuke looked over at his smaller friend and smiled. "It's alright." He rested a hand on his friends shoulder. "You mentioned something being on your mind earlier, what was it?"
Naruto ran a hand through his hair and sighed wearily. "I-I don't know. I guess I'm just worried about Konohamaru, is all."
Sasuke frowned, "I'm sure he's ok." He put an arm around his friends' shoulders. "He's strong, you know that."
Naruto leaned his head on Sasukes shoulder, taking in the warmth. "I know, but, even the strong can be taken down."
Sasuke thought for a moment then rested his head on the blondes, "Hm, yeah. You were brought down, and it sure took quite a bit of work to get you back up."
The smaller boy clutched at the blue t-shirt under his head and trembled a bit. "He's not ok, no matter how strong he is, he can't just suddenly be ok."
Sasuke felt the distress in the boy on his shoulder; he rubbed Naruto's back, trying to calm him. "Sorry. I should know better to bring it up."
Naruto sat up and smiled, "I-it's ok. I'm just worried about how Konohamaru must feel."
Sasuke smiled back, "You're strong. Damn it." He felt some tears in his eyes. "I mean, I know it was a few years ago, but after that I think I'd still be hurting."
Naruto looked down and sighed. "Can I tell you something?"
Sasuke blinked, "Of course, we're best friends."
Naruto stood up, "Good." He paced to the other side of the room. "I- ah. I still have nightmares, and day-mares." He bit his bottom lip softly and turned around to face Sasuke with wet eyes. "All you know about is those two times. But-"
Sasuke raised a hand to his mouth in silent horror. *Oh God. Please. No more. No.*
"But, in all reality." Naruto continued as some tears ran down his cheeks. "For several months after- uhm- more members of their gang" He stopped as a sob escaped his throat.
Sasuke stood and wrapped his arms around his friend. "N-Naruto. Why?" he felt himself crying too. "Why didn't you say anything?"
Naruto sniffled and clutched Sasukes shirt. "I was scared. And too embarrassed." He sobbed a bit harder.
"Naruto" Sasuke ran his hands up his back and into his hair. "Naruto. Don't be embarrassed, Naruto." He nuzzled his face into his shoulder. "I love you."
...
Baka: You hate me now, don't you?
Inner Baka: Oh yes. I do. Muchly.
Baka: Hee hee, oh, how terrible. I left you hanging.
IB: You are gonna die. ^_^
Baka: YAY!
Inner Baka: Baka.
Baka: Heh heh heh! SORRY! *runs and hides*
IB: Don't worry, Baka was having a slow, lazy, hectic time. And it won't happen again. Chapter 5 will be here a lot faster than chapter 4.
Baka: *peeks out from hiding spot* Yeah! I promise! Please, but the guns away!
IB: Also, it has been decided that Japanese words won't be used in the stories anymore. The only times that Japanese words will be used is if they have some kind of special meaning, titles, and names. Like, Hokage, Konoha, Chuunin, -Sama, -Chan, -San, sensei, etc.
But, things that I've used in the past, like "Aa" or "Sumimasen" or "Uso!" or "Arigato" won't be used, even if lots of people already know them.
Another thing, Baka doesn't want to respond to every review she gets, so she'll just list your names, and comment on things the NEED comments. She doesn't want to continually type, "Heh, thanks!" all the time.
Oh yeah, and expect Baka to update every week (max = a week and a half), for she has other projects, like a comic she is starting, and homework, and things.
Review Response:
Well, I had quite a few reviews, so, like, kudos to WuffieLuver, Wind Wanderer, Bishiehuggler, :D, Sadistic Demon, Babo, hiro-souma, Red Rose, carrot stix, Japime Gurl, Foxgrl, firedraygon97!
Baka: I've decided to really add some relationship building and some major realizations. I think I've done the little things long enough, and I really should speed it up a bit.
Inner Baka: Yeah, it was moving rather slow. Also, chapter 4 sucks so far, revise it!
Baka: I was about to!
IB: Are you being, god forbid, work-ish?
Baka: I am in a school environment. How can I NOT be?!
IB: Ah, I see I see good point.
.....
Disclaimer: Baka does not own Naruto or anything related to Naruto.
....
Konohamaru walked slowly up one of the residential streets of Konoha village. The sun was setting and it was near autumn. The sweet scent of foliage filled the air of the small forest town. But it meant a lot of work to most of its residents if they did not want leaves all over the place. But most of the folk did not mind the little extra work, and most of them appreciated the warm reds and browns of the upcoming season.
He looked up at the sky, a deep orange spread far. *I love sunsets* he kicked a little rock. * I also love fall in Konoha. And winter, and spring, and summer. I love the people. I love everything.*
He caught up to the kicked rock and kicked it again. *But.* he sighed as he reached the town limit. *But, I just might say bye to it all.*
A little song bird perched on a tree branch and looked down at Konohamaru. *I'm sure they'd miss me. I'd miss them too. Bit I can't stand it anymore.* He felt like screaming. *How they all talk about me. How I can't keep a secret safe from them. How I can't do anything that might hurt my family's reputation.*
He picked up the rock as he reached it again and looked at the bird. *I especially can't stand how they don't see me as me, only as the honored grandson of the late third Hokage.*
He aimed at the bird then threw the rock and hit it on the head, knocking it unconscious. *I really don't care anymore.* he though wearily and headed further out of town.
.........
Naruto walked into the dark room and sat in between Sasuke and Sakura. He set the large bowl of popcorn on his lap and used his foot to push a video into the VCR.
"Is this a good movie?" Sasuke asked as he reached for some popcorn.
Naruto nodded, "VERY good!"
Sakura rolled her eyes, "What's it about?"
Naruto grinned, "Some guys from a foreign country go to this other country and try to take over, BUT this martial arts guy comes in and kicks everyone's asses!"
Naruto grinned even more, if it was possible, "Two whole hours!"
Sasuke cheered, "Sounds awesome!"
Sakura hung her head, "It sounds stupid."
Naruto laughed at Sakura's comment, and then quieted as the beginning music began to play.
Despite her earlier remark, Sakura really got into the movie. Sasuke also seemed to be enjoying himself. He seemed to eat the popcorn more intensely during the fight scenes.
As Naruto went to grab some popcorn, his hand brushed Sasukes. Naruto thought nothing of it, but Sasukes hand twitched at the contact and he looked over at Naruto.
*He looks so happy. Like today's event's never happened.* Sasukes hand lingered in the bowl, he admired how strong Naruto seemed, though he knew that Naruto was actually rather fragile.
Naruto went to grab some more popcorn and noticed Sasukes hand hadn't moved since last time. He looked over at Sasuke, "What?"
Sasuke blinked, "Huh? Oh.nothing." He turned back to the T.V. and pulled his hand away, a slight blush creeping up on him. *Damn, I was staring at him.*
Naruto shrugged and popped some popcorn into his mouth. "Movies good, eh?"
Sasuke nodded slightly, "Yeah."
Naruto looked at him from the corner of his eye, "Doesn't sound like you're enjoying it."
Sasuke gave him a half grin, "Just pre-occupied is all."
"Hmm, I see." Naruto sighed.
"Would you guys be quiet?" Sakura hissed at them, "I'm trying to watch the movie."
Naruto chuckled, "Knew you'd like it."
Sakura punched Naruto's shoulder playfully, "Shuddup."
Naruto shut up and let Sakura watch the movie. He looked over at Sasuke, *It looks like he's enjoying it too. He has a nice smile. He should smile more often. It's so cute.*
Sasuke felt Naruto's eyes on him. *Why's he looking at me?* he thought nervously and glanced at Naruto. *Please stop staring please stop staring please stop staring.*
Sakura got up. "I have to go to the bathroom."
"Ok" Naruto paused the movie.
Sakura left the room leaving the two boys alone. Sasuke quickly grabbed a handful of popcorn.
"Like the popcorn?" Naruto asked, trying to make small talk since some tension built between them the past few minutes.
Sasuke nodded, "Yeah. It's pretty good."
They both reached into the bowl and brushed hands. It finally annoyed Naruto. "Hey, Sasuke."
Sasuke looked up and had a slight pink in his cheeks. "Hm?"
"Have you ever..." Naruto started, but stopped, not entirely sure of what to ask.
Sasuke blinked, "Have I ever what?"
Naruto sighed, "I dunno. I'm just trying to make small talk."
Sasuke shrugged. "I see." He stretched and asked, "How are you?"
"Ah, ok. The movie is a good distraction." Naruto looked at the still figures on the screen.
"What do you mean?" Sasuke scratched his head.
The blonde looked up at the ceiling. "I mean, I have a lot on my mind tonight."
Sasukes dark eyes focused on Naruto, "Want to talk about it?
A toilet flushed in the background, "Maybe later." Naruto mumbled as Sakura entered the room.
...
Konohamaru sat up on a tree branch drawing. Usually when he was upset, he took it out on paper. Though it was harder to see, Konohamaru's eyes adjusted to the moons pale light.
Konohamaru felt a presence. He tensed up and reached for a kunai. He focused on the area he felt the presence. After about half a minute he saw a child walk out of the forest. She was carrying a basket of berries. She seemed quite preoccupied with the path ahead and did not even notice Konohamaru in the tree.
Konohamaru relaxed and looked back at his drawing. The picture was not nice, but it made him feel better. He certainly would never do any of the things that the picture showed.
The one that he was currently working on was a familiar Konoha village street with bodies strewn all over and mutilated. Some familiar people even his father. It looked serene and morbid at the same time.
Though at times he wished they would all go away, he would never hurt them. He loved them all the same, though he did get annoyed with them at times.
Suddenly he felt a hand and cloth over his mouth. He sort of recognized the scent, but didn't have a lot of time to figure it out. He felt his body go weak and every thing went black.
.....
Naruto pulled his t-shirt off and reached for his pajama top. He yawned suddenly, throwing him off balance and he fell onto his bed and sighed.
Sasuke chuckled at Narutos antics. *He's so cute* Sasuke blushed at the thought, *Not cute as in, like, CUTE, but certainly cute as in, like, cuteness. Yeah, that's right.* (a/n: what? I think only he can understand his own thoughts)
Naruto smiled over at Sasuke. "Are you sure you're ok on the floor?"
Sasuke nodded and sat beside Naruto. "I'll be fine."
The blonde boy rolled onto his back and put his hands behind his head. He studied Sasuke. His eyes traced the contours of his face, taking in all the little things that he normally did not see. Like the fact that Sasuke shaves, and shaves very well. *He's growing facial hair sooner than I am.I will destroy him.* He cocked his head to the side and pondered facial hair and how to destroy Sasuke in a fun and playful way.
Sasuke turned his head towards Naruto some more, wondering why he was staring. "What?"
Naruto continued looking at Sasuke, now focusing on his eyes. *They are so dark. Is it really possible to have such dark eyes?* He then focused on his hair, the dark mass falling to each side of his face, brushing his cheeks every so often. His cheeks were so soft looking. He sat up and studied him more appreciatively.
Sasuke blinked in confusion. "Please, stop it."
Naruto reached a hand up and touched Sasukes cheek, smiling softly. His tan fingers brushing against the ivory colored skin gently taking in the smooth texture. He moved his hand closer when he felt the other pull back slightly.
The dark haired boys' eyebrows furrowed and he asked, "What are you do-"
Two tan fingers brushed his lip in a silencing gesture. "Shh." the sound was soft and barely above a whisper. The two fingers traced the sensitive skin under them.
Sasukes upper lip twitched. "S-stop it, that tickles."
Naruto blinked, and then blushed. "U-uh. Sorry." He brought his hands back. "I don't know what got into me."
Sasuke looked over at his smaller friend and smiled. "It's alright." He rested a hand on his friends shoulder. "You mentioned something being on your mind earlier, what was it?"
Naruto ran a hand through his hair and sighed wearily. "I-I don't know. I guess I'm just worried about Konohamaru, is all."
Sasuke frowned, "I'm sure he's ok." He put an arm around his friends' shoulders. "He's strong, you know that."
Naruto leaned his head on Sasukes shoulder, taking in the warmth. "I know, but, even the strong can be taken down."
Sasuke thought for a moment then rested his head on the blondes, "Hm, yeah. You were brought down, and it sure took quite a bit of work to get you back up."
The smaller boy clutched at the blue t-shirt under his head and trembled a bit. "He's not ok, no matter how strong he is, he can't just suddenly be ok."
Sasuke felt the distress in the boy on his shoulder; he rubbed Naruto's back, trying to calm him. "Sorry. I should know better to bring it up."
Naruto sat up and smiled, "I-it's ok. I'm just worried about how Konohamaru must feel."
Sasuke smiled back, "You're strong. Damn it." He felt some tears in his eyes. "I mean, I know it was a few years ago, but after that I think I'd still be hurting."
Naruto looked down and sighed. "Can I tell you something?"
Sasuke blinked, "Of course, we're best friends."
Naruto stood up, "Good." He paced to the other side of the room. "I- ah. I still have nightmares, and day-mares." He bit his bottom lip softly and turned around to face Sasuke with wet eyes. "All you know about is those two times. But-"
Sasuke raised a hand to his mouth in silent horror. *Oh God. Please. No more. No.*
"But, in all reality." Naruto continued as some tears ran down his cheeks. "For several months after- uhm- more members of their gang" He stopped as a sob escaped his throat.
Sasuke stood and wrapped his arms around his friend. "N-Naruto. Why?" he felt himself crying too. "Why didn't you say anything?"
Naruto sniffled and clutched Sasukes shirt. "I was scared. And too embarrassed." He sobbed a bit harder.
"Naruto" Sasuke ran his hands up his back and into his hair. "Naruto. Don't be embarrassed, Naruto." He nuzzled his face into his shoulder. "I love you."
...
Baka: You hate me now, don't you?
Inner Baka: Oh yes. I do. Muchly.
Baka: Hee hee, oh, how terrible. I left you hanging.
IB: You are gonna die. ^_^
Baka: YAY!