Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and never will. :Sighs: I wish I did!
Story title: True Love
Chapter 3: Tracked Down.
"Why... Why not?" Naruto asked.
"B-because..." She started.
"Because?" Naruto asked again hoping to get a straight answer from her.
"Because... because... I... I just... can't..." she said lowering her head.
"Okay, we'll leave you to rest. We know that you're tired." Kakashi said.
"Huh?" Yuukie said lifting up her head to look at them.
"We'll leave now." Kakashi stated bringing his students with him.
"But Kakashi-sensei!?" Naruto protested.
"Let's leave now Naruto. She needs to rest." Kakashi said trying to make the blonde understand.
"Wait!" Yuukie called at them, but it was too late, they already left and shut the door so her voice wasn't heard.
"When will I leave and go home? ..." She asked to no one in particular, lowering her head again.
"In two days." Tsunade stated as she entered the room.
"Oh. So that means that I can't go to either work or home?"
"No. The medic-nins will move you to the Konoha General Hospital tonight and you will stay there until the day after tomorrow. Do not apply any pressure on your injured arm there as I've already told you." Tsunade told her.
"Hai." Yuukie obeyed.
Outside the room...
"Kakashi-sensei, we should have asked again! Maybe she would have told us her reason!" Naruto protested glaring at his sensei.
"Shh! I have an idea. We'll take turns everyday to look after her and see what happens after she leaves from work, I'm sure they'll strike again. Besides, asking her too much would be rude and maybe it was a personal question that she did not wanted to answer." Kakashi told his students.
"Great idea Kakashi-sensei! I'll take the first turn." Naruto volunteered.
"Okay, but remember not tomorrow." Kakashi said.
"Huh, why ever not?" Naruto asked.
"Because baka she'll be at the hospital where there are people there watching over her. They wouldn't dare to strike there!" Sakura scolded.
Two days later...
"Thank you Tsunade-sama. Bye Yumi-san." Yuukie said waving as she headed for the front door of the hospital.
"Bye! Take care!" Both Tsunade and nurse Yumi said waving back at the young girl.
Yuukie walked down the street down to her own and began to hum merrily. She passed by Ichiraku and waved at the owner.
"It's good to see you cheerful self again." He said chuckling.
"Yes. It's nice to see you again too, Ojisan." She said smiling.
She will have a week of holiday, since she had gotten a sick slip from Tsunade, so she'll enjoy her time while trying to avoid heavy activities. Since her left arm is in a sling, she won't be able to do much. She kept walking and felt as though someone was following her. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around quickly but she saw nothing, she turned back and began walking once again. She could have sworn that she had heard a small giggle as soon as she had turned her back. She smiled to herself and went to a park nearby. She didn't follow a path and went straight to a forest where there was an enchanting lake with crystal blue waters emitting ripples as some of the leaves and flowers of the cherry blossom tree fell on to it. The scenery was indeed breath taking. She then heard that little voice again but instead of a giggle it was a gasp. Yuukie's smile widens. She went deeper into the forest went through the trees and disappeared around a cliff.
"Oh man! Where did she go!?" A stranger asked himself. I guess I have to come out and find her. Mmmph!"
"Why are you following me, Naruto?" Yuukie asked as she covered his mouth.
"How did you know it was me!?" Naruto asked in a disbelief tone.
"I'll never forget that giggle." She said answering the blonde's question.
"Hehehe... I guess I should better work on that." He said giving a nervous chuckle and started to scratch his head.
"It's okay. Nobody's perfect..." She said trying to comfort the blonde at his failure.
"The rest of the team will be watching over you to see if they'll strike again." Naruto explained, seeing on how he was exposed why not tell her the whole truth?
"Oh. But really, you don't have to."
"It's not a big of a deal! It's all just part of being a ninja! Speaking of which, how come I didn't sense you back there?"
"It's just a little thing that my dad taught me before he went away, to scare my the wits out of my mother." She said emitting a soft giggle. "I really miss him."
"I know how you feel, I didn't even know my parents much less saw them."
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know." Yuukie apologized.
"Nah. Don't be sorry... I know you didn't mean to. Besides, I don't care much about it. Though I just wish that I could at least see them, even in my dreams..." Naruto said in a soft voice.
"You know Naruto, this is my favorite place in the world. I always come here when I'm sad or lonely. I used to come here with my parents. This place is so beautiful that I named it The Enchanted Forest. I miss those days." She said remembering her past years.
"I see what you mean... It's like you're in an oil painting or in fairytale land. Just letting the sadness float away while you fell calm and leave your troubles behind."
"That's exactly what I feel, when I'm here." She said sitting down with Naruto beside her, watching the fishes swim in the lake.
"I really like it here." Naruto said.
"Yeah me too. Hey, aren't you supposed to be training or doing missions today?" Yuukie asked.
"Kakashi-sensei went on a special mission and we're not sure when he will be back."
"Oh, okay." Yuukie said before she went back to look at the fishes swimming again.
' Yuukie-chan smells nice. I wonder if she uses perfume?' Naruto asked himself.
"Hey, Yuukie-chan?" Naruto asked the raven-haired girl.
"Hai?" She said turning to face the blonde boy.
"Do you wear perfume?" Naruto asked.
"Which girl doesn't?" She asked back.
"Uhhh... well not that I know of." Naruto said sweat dropping. "You smell like... blue raspberry, chamomile and meadowsweet. Is that correct?" (1)
"Yes. That's positively... correct. That's some nose you've got there, Naruto. It's like you're a little fox."
"Well... Hehe... I try. I like your perfume, it's soothing..." Naruto said trying to come up with a word but ended up with soothing instead.
"Thanks. I appreciate that." She said thanking the fox boy.
"Hmn... Your hair smells different though. It smells like... Winter? Where there's snow, dried leaves and misty air..." He said trying to define her scent.
Yuukie let out a small giggle. "You smell like ramen Naruto. Lot's of ramen."
"Well, yeah... I really love eating ramen, it's my favorite food and I spend most my time eating it." He said giving out a nervous laugh.
"You're a very interesting person Naruto. I'm glad that we've met."
"Yeah, me too."
"Hey, since we're talking about ramen, you want some? Yuukie asked.
"Really?" Naruto asked anxiously.
"Yes, my treat."
"Sugoi! But Yuukie-chan... I'll pay." Naruto said a bit embarrassed that Yuukie's the one who's paying.
"No. I insist."
"Well... since you put it that way... Okay!" Naruto said forgetting the embarrassment he felt before.
Ichiraku Ramen Stall...
"Koniciwa Ojisan." Yuukie greeted.
"Koniciwa Yuukie. What would you like to have?"
"Two miso ramen for Naruto and a seafood for me." Yuukie said giving out the order.
"Two?" Naruto asked.
"Why do you want more?" Yuukie asked.
"No, no two's fine."
"Are you sure?" Yuukie asked again.
": Yes, yes I'm sure. It's impolite already to let a lady pay so two is fine."
"Naruto." Said a male voice.
"Hmn?" Naruto turned his head to meet the owner of the voice. "Iruka-Sensei!" Naruto yelled jumping on the teacher.
"Oy, Naruto. You've got a friend." Iruka pointed out.
"Oh yeah. Iruka-Sensei, this is Yuukie-chan. Yuukie-chan, this is Iruka-Sensei." Naruto said introducing his teacher to his friend and vice versa.
"Hi, Iruka-san." She greeted.
"Long time no see Yuukie-chan. You've certainly grown to be a beautiful young lady."
"Thank you."
"Eh. You've met!?" Naruto asked in disbelief.
"Well... Yeah..." Yuukie said slowly.
"So, Yuukie, how's your mother?" Iruka asked.
"She's fine... Well... sort of... The usual?" Yuukie said trying to find words to describe her mother.
"Oh. I understand." Iruka said nodding.
"Eh. What are you talking about?" Naruto asked the both of them.
"Nothing." Yuukie answered.
"Order up!"
"Ramen!" Naruto said as he quickly split up the chopsticks and began to eat.
Yuukie giggled. "Is he always like this Iruka-san?" Yuukie asked the older man.
"Yeah, since the day I've met him. I see that no one else is with you. So, are you two like... together?" He asked in a teasing tone.
"No." Yuukie said trying to hide her faint blush.
"Whaft gar vyu aching ahout?" Naruto asked.
(What are you talking about?)
"Naruto, don't talking with your mouth full! Especially when in front of a lady." He said teasingly.
"Iruka-san..."
"Gomen, gomen. Just playing around. Well... okay. It looks like I have to go now, see you guys." He said walking away from the stand.
"Bye." Both Naruto and Yuukie said.
"So, Naruto... If you don't mind me asking... What's Sasuke like?"
"..." Naruto stayed quiet ignoring the question and began to chew his noodles slowly.
"S-sorry Naruto... I'm just curious. Its just, well... Why is he always so cold, yet mysterious? I looked into his eyes... they're like... a pool of darkness as though... he had a really dark past, that he doesn't want to share with anyone. He's great, yes? Number one rookie I've heard. But... why does he have to train so hard like that? Over exceeding his limits... it's a mystery... Doesn't he have a goal in life? Doesn't he ever want to restore his clan again? He's the only heir now... He will have many girls to choose from, so why not?..." Yuukie said in a soft tone while Naruto heard every word and it was making him feel uncomfortable. "Why does he act differently on me? Did I do something wrong? But we've just met... Was it in the past? Did I..."
"You did nothing wrong! Don't blame yourself if he's just a cold hearted bastard that doesn't have any feeling but only revenge!" Naruto yelled banging his fists on the counter. (2)
"Now... Naruto, calm down... I'm sure he's not all that bad..." Yuukie said trying to stop the boy from breaking into pieces.
"You don't know him!" Naruto yelled.
Yuukie pulled him into a warm hug to make the boy calm and not break down into a thousand pieces.
"Y-Yuukie-chan!" Naruto said startled.
Naruto felt calm as she hugged him. He closed his eyes as he felt the soft soothing touches caressing his head. Just like a mother would do to her son. 'Clunk'. Naruto opened his eyes to see another bowl of ramen, Yuukie's but there was no Yuukie to be found.
"Hey kid, where's Yuukie?"
"I don't know." Naruto admitted.
The money to pay for the ramen was on the counter top. Naruto looked at it then to the sky.
"Are you giving me yours?" Naruto asked to no one in particular.
' Where's Yuukie-chan? Was she... trying to... comfort me? Where did she go? Does she like Sasuke? I think she does... that's why she's asking questions about him. She's only being nice to me because she thinks that I'm friends with Sasuke. Well... I am or maybe because she's using me to get closer to Sasuke? Argh! I shouldn't be thinking that way about her! But I don't think she really likes me. No one does so why should she? Who would ever like a monster like me?'
"Aye! I'm supposed to keep watch of her!" Naruto said slapping his forehead.
House Number 43, Yuukie's House...
"Okasan, I'm home..."Yuukie said as she stepped inside.
"Welcome back... Do you need anything?"
"No, mother. Are you feeling alright today?"
"Yes, yes. I'm fine dear."
"How about I make some tea?" Yuukie suggested.
"That's good, and oh be careful dear. You wouldn't want to injure your arm more, now do we?"
"Yes mother..." Yuukie felt as though she's being treated like a five year old.
She carefully set the water to boil and took out cups and some tealeaves. She then poured the boiling water into the cups, which were already filled with the tealeaves. She then took out some biscuits and arranged them on a plate. (3)
"So dear, what exactly happened?" her mother asked.
"The usual beating..." She answered.
"Why those wretched..." She began.
"Mother..." Yuukie said stopping her mother's sentence.
"Yuukie, why can't you just follow my advice and be a ninja?"
"I don't want to leave you." She stated.
"I'll be alright dear..."
"No, you know what the doctor said..." Yuukie said trying hard to hold back tears as she remembered the words of the doctor.
"Yuukie, it's been a while since I'm sick. Besides, I'm getting old anyway..."
"No! I don't want to loose you like I lost father! If you're gone who am I to be with!? I won't have anyone anymore!" She said as her eyes stung and tears began to slide down to her cheeks.
"At least try to defend yourself. There are your dad's old scrolls and books in the attic, maybe you can learn a thing or two."
"Alright..." Yuukie agreed wiping her tears.
"Yuukie dearie. Can you do something for me?" Her mother asked.
"Hai?"
"Could you go out and buy some groceries from the market for me? Here's the list." She said, handing her the piece of paper.
"Hai." She obeyed and took out her cloak and went out of the house.
Grocery Market...
Yuukie had bought all the things her mother needed and was about to leave when she saw Sasuke.
"Baka, weren't you supposed to watch over her?"
"I don't know where she went."
' Naruto!?' Yuukie thought. ' I have to get out of her before they see me!'
"You lazy idiot! Can't you just do you job?" Sasuke asked.
"Shut up! Mou... Where did she go!?" Naruto said when his nose picked up a familiar scent, that soothing smell that made him thought of one person.
"Hey Sasuke, do you smell that?" Naruto asked.
"Smell what?" Sasuke asked annoyed.
"Blue raspberries, chamomile and meadowsweet. That's Yuukie's scent!"
Yuukie's eyes widen. She began to panic. Those two were blocking her only way out. What was she going to do now? She put up her hood, that was the only thing that she could do now. She just hoped that whoever's up there watching over would help her.
"You know her scent?" Sasuke asked with a snort.
"Not her scent but her perfume."
"We're in a market, of course you smell those things, baka!"
"Humph! Shut up know it all!" Naruto said crossing his arms.
This was Yuukie's chance. She hurriedly ran through where Naruto and Sasuke were standing. She accidentally bumped into Sasuke but didn't bother to apologize and kept on running.
"Oy, watch it!" Sasuke said at the offender in a venomous tone.
"People are sure in a hurry these days... Wait a minute! That smell! That was Yuukie-chan!"
"Dobe! You let your guard down."
"Where exactly is she going?"
"Looks like home. You'd better catch up with her, maybe she'll change directions." Sasuke advised.
"Yuukie-chan!" Naruto yelled running after her.
"Hayai! Naruto-kun is getting closer!"
Yuukie opened the door and rushed in and locked it. She placed the bags on the table and sat down to catch her breath.
"Home at last. I never felt so glad to be home." Yuukie said breathing hard.
"What happened Yuukie? It looks as though you've been stalked."
"Well, you can say that..." She said.
"By a guy?" Her mother asked.
"Yeah..." Yuukie answered.
"Well, at least it wasn't by them..."
"I guess you're right."
Wah! I'm finally done with chapter 3! Sorry it's short! I know there weren't 5 reviews on the last chapter. But because on Sangokirara5 and my cuz K lovez I (Kai-chan) I made it out early so this fic is just for them! And I just can't help myself from posting it up! Again I'm sorry if there were any spelling or grammar mistakes that I wasn't aware of. If there were OOCness I'm sorry for that too! Hope you enjoy my fic and chapter 4 will be coming out soon! Chpt 4: Missing you.
Sangokirara5: Thanks for the tip! It really helped! Oh and congrats on your fic!
Cookie6: I'm glad you liked it! I'm sorry it's not a NejiOC fic but seeing that I know you like Neji I'll make him appear here once in a while. He's paired up with Tenten. I hope you don't mind.
Jazzywolf: Thankies for reviewing! And I can't wait for you next chapter on the sequel you've made.
K lovez I: Thank for reviewing cuz! You rock! Though I've got to say this: Itachi is MINE!
I have this perfume it smells nice. (1)
I know Naruto is OOC here but he really likes her and doesn't like it when she blames herself like that. (2)
I'm not sure about the traditional way on Japanese tea drinking but I do this at my house. I like black tea leaves. (3)
I'm looking forward on your reviews! And remember... Need 5 reviews for the next chapter! Where Daisuke will be revealed! So press the review button! Don't forget to review I'm counting on you guys!
Much love,
Neogem...
