Title: No Refunds
Author: Rikugou
Pairing: Neji+Naruto
Fandom: Naruto
Theme: 29 - the sound of waves
Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me.
Notes: Consider this a record for me. XD;; Don't think it'll happen again anytime soon.

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If Naruto had a choice in deciding how he would die, he would have chosen to go out with a bang. The only other option he could think of would be to quietly pass on in his sleep; though, the idea of dying due to old age seemed as silly to him as why ramen wasn't everyone's favorite food.

Besides, it was boring.

Ninjas, on principle, didn't do boring and rarely did they have long lives. The only true exceptions were the Sandaime and his pupils and one of them spent most of his time trying to work around it--which ultimately led to his own downfall. Some might have said that they were merely skilled enough to overcome most of their enemies. Naruto would point out that the Yondaime was considered to be one of the best, but was also a prime example of a potentially prosperous life cut agonizingly short.

No one could ever refute him after that--not convincingly in any case.

Though really, Naruto hadn't truly realized at the time how much those 'bangs' might hurt. So here he was, lying in a puddle of his own blood looking more like a porcupine than anything else and contemplating his ridiculous situation. It was almost a let down. He thought he'd be able to go out with a dramatic explosion--taking out his enemy at the expense of his own life. Of course before he attempted to do something so martyr-like, Naruto didn't think he would have had enough time to take in the pain he caused in his endeavor. Maybe he could ask for a refund or--

"Naruto!"

A panicked shout echoed in his ears and white eyes suddenly appeared in his cloudy vision, interrupting his maudlin contemplation.

"Hey," Naruto grinned, panicking slightly when he found it took more energy than it should have. It quickly disappeared when he saw uncharacteristic tears on his friend's face. His violently trembling hand came up futilely and tried to catch them. "Sorry Neji. I'll be okay soon enough." He tried to smile reassuringly, but the roaring in his ears grew louder.

Naruto's hand fell back, leaving bloody kisses on pale skin.

And then, he knew no more.

-end-

Finished: 4.16.06
Edited: 4.16.06