Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or make any money of this. It would be nice if I did though.
Beta: I have one now! But she demands to be called a Lambda. The gorgeous Yvalir-chan! She's one of my best friends. She happens to also be a grammar bitch extraordinaire.
Author's Note: I owe everyone who has been reading this story a BIG apology for the lateness of this chapter. I do, however, have a legitimate reason for this. Unfortunately my mum was diagnosed with cancer not too long after the New Year. Unfortunately she passed away a couple of months ago. So it has been really stressful for me and my writing was suffering because of it. Just keep in mind that I am still having issues with writitng and they aren't going to go away quickly. Bare with me. This story WILL be finished though.This chapter just didn't want to be written, but it is like 10,000 words, so hopefully that will make up for it being late. I'm not as happy with this chapter as the previous two, but I will live with it. Anyway, thank you for your continuous support.
Reviewer Responses: HUGS FOR ALL THAT REVIEW! Because I love you.

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CHAPTER 3

A ray of morning light, already harsh despite the hour, warmed the sleeping form on the forest floor. The body stirred and rolled over, still heavy with sleep, and was met with the full force of the sun. The persistent heat forced its way under his eyelids, silhouetting the veins in a blaze of red and piercing his half-asleep eyes.

With a groan he shielded his eyes, and then started noticing the creeping, bone-deep soreness he gained from sleeping on the hard ground all night. He raised his other arm and flexed to loosen his stiff elbow, before rubbing at his eyes and face in a vain attempt to remove a night's worth of pain from his features. Feeling seedy, he eased himself from the ground and made his way to the lake. The reflection that greeted him mirrored the hollowness he felt, from the tear stains that marred his cheeks and raw eyes to the unhealthy pallor that the boy had never seen on himself.

Sasuke stared at this unkind image of himself for what felt like an eternity, reliving what happened the night before…

"I can't Sasuke. I like girls."

…He had been rejected by the only other person he had let himself love since the tragedy of his clan. A single tear trickled down the boy's ivory cheek, adding a fresh streak to an already pain ravaged face. Sasuke knelt down to the lake and began to splash the slightly cool water on his face in a vain attempt to wash away the pain that was evident on his visage. Sasuke then picked up his previously discarded shirt and clothed himself completely once again. He began to leave the mournful solace of the glade and make his way back into society.

With each step he took his pain ebbed away to be replaced with determination. His love was real; he couldn't deny it, especially after looking into the cerulean eyes of the other the night before. Sasuke came to many conclusions while he lay on the forest floor. The most important was the simple fact that he couldn't live without the blonde by his side. He wanted Naruto and he wanted Naruto to love him back and he wouldn't settle for anything less. It was time to commence his back-up plan. He may have been broken refused? but he was still an Uchiha, and Uchiha's don't give up that easily.

Being an Uchiha, and a supposed genius, Sasuke had thought up a plan in case his confession didn't have the desired results. He couldn't say he was very pleased with his plan. It involved deceiving the one he loved and, in the end, that could ruin his relationship with Naruto completely. However, Sasuke was willing to take the chance. The way that Naruto had acted the night before didn't i feel /i right. He left too abruptly. In all the time Sasuke had known Naruto, he had never seen him walk away from a difficult situation without getting his opinion across. Naruto's two-phrase exit line was uncharacteristic, and that was enough to give Sasuke the hope and courage he needed to initiate Plan B. There was a lot more to Naruto's reaction. If only he knew what.

Before he was even aware of where he was walking, Sasuke found himself in front of Sakura's door…

"Sasuke-kun, if you need my help all you have to do is ask."

...The words that Sakura uttered to him yesterday played back in his mind and he realized that he did indeed need the girls help. Sasuke couldn't take the chance that his plan might fail. He moved a tentative hand to the door, still unsure of his decision, and began to knock. He didn't even notice how early it was, all he cared about was Naruto and how he was going to win the boy over. Soon enough, he was rewarded with the sound of the door creaking open.

"Do. You. Have…any idea how early it is." Sakura grumbled, the irritation evident in her tone, while she rubbed at her eyes in a vain attempt to wake herself up.

"No. I wasn't aware of the time."

"Oh. It's you, Sasuke-kun," she finally recognized her visitor, "Things didn't go well with Naruto, then." Her voice tinged with sadness.

"Can I come in?" he asked sullenly.

Sakura moved away from the entrance, gesturing welcome. She shut the door once he was inside, and sighed. This was going to be an interesting day.

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Sakura observed Sasuke as he sat on her couch. That he was hurting was obvious; she was a medic-nin after all. Sakura could see the emotional pain that he was going through. He may believe that he has constructed the perfect mask to hide his feelings but as they say: the eyes are the window to the soul, and at the moment his eyes were wide open. She studied his body language for a few minutes more before she even thought of speaking.

"So...what happened?"

"We met up at Ichiraku's. I took him to… this place…and told him how I feel." He stated dejectedly.

Sakura rolled her eyes and smirked. "Ahh, come on. Detail, boy! What did you say?"

Looking distinctly uncomfortable, "Well…I…I told him that I love him and that I hoped that he could return my feelings." He received a nod of acknowledgement for this brave attempt at elaboration.

"How'd he react?"

"He said 'I can't Sasuke. I like girls', and ran off."

Sakura's eyes opened wide and she nearly laughed with disbelief, "Oooh, harsh! Is that i all /i he said? Then he just, ran off?"

Sasuke glared irritably at his feet, "Yes."

"Seriously? That's strange." Sakura frowned thoughtfully, "That doesn't seem like Naruto."

Glancing up at this comment, Sasuke felt relieved that his suspicions weren't a false hope. It was unusual! "That's what I thought. Naruto doesn't just run away from things like that…does he…?"

Sakura was now looking quite perplexed, "No. He's not one to run away. Usually he tries to explain himself, at least to a greater extent than 'I like girls', anyway." She looked sidelong at the worried creature on her couch. "I…ah…went to lunch with him the other day. We talked about you."

She received a glare, "And?"

"Well, I asked him how he felt about you."

"What? Why?" he asked, almost angrily.

"Because I could see all this coming and I wanted to know whether he was aware of it. He knew of your feelings, he isn't as dense as I thought. He just didn't know the extent of them."

"He knew! He knew…" the shock of this revelation was swiftly replaced by confusion, "But…if he knew then…then why did he go along with it? Why did he even agree to…" bafflement laced his voice.

"I don't know." She sighed

"What did he tell you?" He spoke softly, as if he was afraid to hear what the girl had to say.

"He does love you and he holds you very close to his heart, Sasuke-kun. He knows that there is a bond there but he sees it as platonic, not romantic." Sakura responded just as softly till her frustration got the better of her, "I just don't GET him! Just when I thought I knew him well enough to predict how he'll react to things, the idiot goes and pulls this crap! And there's other stuff. He knew…he KNEW the moment you got back into the village. He always knows. How? It's like he has a special sense just for you…" she rubbed her face, thinking hard. Sasuke gazed at nothing, trying to work out how he felt about what he had just heard. Suddenly, Sakura's eyes narrowed and she turned to Sasuke with purpose.

"I believe the feelings are there but he refuses to acknowledge them."

Sasuke gaped at her, at the hope offered to him on a platter. "I…I don't know if…"

"But think about it! He has grown up mostly alone. I wonder how many people have actually told him that they love him. How would he know how to react, or even what it feels like to accept it when it's given?"

"…he doesn't understand love…" Sasuke continued her train of thought. Then he caught on, and the epiphany hit him full force.His reaction… it's because I'm the first person to tell him that he is loved…the first in his whole life?

"Then he should take this chance to understand with open arms." Sakura said, almost to herself, determination hardening her eyes.

"What did you mean that he has a special sense for me?" Sasuke inquired, his interest piqued.

"I don't know exactly. When we were eating he stopped suddenly and smiled. I asked him why and all he said was 'Sasuke's back'. I wanted to know how he knew. He simply said that he 'just did'."

"Hey yeah, he turned up at my place yesterday to visit, even though I hadn't told anyone I was back. I asked him how and he told me 'That's my little secret now isn't it?'."

"There's something he's not telling us. And I wouldn't normally have thought of Naruto as the mysterious type." Sakura stated pensively.

"Heh." Sasuke's mood was distinctly lighter than it had been when he arrived. "Sakura…"

"How does he do it? Does he have a sixth sense? Could it be some kind of ninjutsu? I haven't heard of anything…"

"Sakura!" now, with his companion's full attention, Sasuke continued. "I've admitted to Naruto that I love him. He rejected me flat out." he took a deep breath. "But I'm not one to give up. Especially…"Especially…he began to smile as the realization dawned…Naruto had admitted…he felt the bond too!"I'm an Uchiha after all, and as such I have a back-up plan."

"Do tell, Sasuke-kun." Sakura asked, intrigued by the sudden grin she was receiving.

The boy stood reluctantly, still smirking to himself, but now with a tinge of nervousness. He placed his hands together, a look of concentration on his face. I don't believe I'm about to do this…With a flurry of hand seals and muttered words he disappeared in a puff of smoke. Sakura blinked, and then gasped as the smoke began to dissipate. In place of Uchiha Sasuke a darkly stunning young woman now stood. Sakura stared, her mouth opening and closing a few times before she was able to speak.

"…Sexy no Jutsu." She uttered finally.

The female form standing in Sakura's lounge room had all of the allure possessed by her male counterpart. The tips of her silky ebony hair were a vibrant sapphire blue, which shimmered as they brushed the new swell of her hips. Shadowy eyes akin to a feline stared anxiously at Sakura, full red lips quivering slightly, hoping for approval. The perfectly defined, pale face glowed with a luminance that put the moon to shame, and the cheeks were dusted with a delicate blush. The girl shifted uncomfortably under Sakura's astonished gaze, causing the now overlarge shirt to fall off one shoulder. Sakura found her eyes drawn inexorably to the expanse of milky white skin, and the hint of soft roundness that rose from the formerly flat chest.

"Sasuke-kun…" Sakura uttered, stunned. Suddenly, she broke into an irrepressible grin and her hands flew to her mouth as she exclaimed, "You're so pretty!"

"Ah…a-arigatou." Sasuke's embarrassment was evident, but the flush that darkened her cheeks was now paired with a shy smile.

"Damn…I think I want to go out with you…" Sakura shook her head and grinned, "How? How did you do this?"

"Sharingan, obviously. I used my last mission as a training exercise." It was strange hearing Sasuke's words phrased with a soft, female voice, but the manner, tone and the way she unhappily watched her fidgeting hands were all distinctly the Sasuke Sakura knew so well. "As…undesirable as it is to deceive Naruto…he doesn't want me as a boy. So I'm willing to make some…adjustments."

"You're telling me you spent your mission posing as a girl?"

"Hai. This technique is surprisingly simply to hold. Who would've thought that the baka could create such a jutsu?"

"So…how long can you keep it up?" Sakura stopped, and grinned at her unwitting sexual reference. "I'm funny."

"As long as necessary." Sasuke replied loudly, unamused, continuing with the explanation, "It took me almost the entire month to perfect it. Now, it requires so little chakra that I can maintain it whilst I'm asleep. I don't have Naruto's stamina or chakra reserves; I needed it to be flawless so I wasn't wasting energy." Sasuke stated matter-of-factly, as though she were debriefing Sakura on an A-class mission.

Sakura shook her head in amazement, "You really are a genius." she admitted, gazing at Sasuke with fondness and admiration.

Sasuke tilted her head and smirked, allowing a few silky strands to fall across her cheek. "Indeed. A genius that needs your help, though."

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The whistling of a kettle boiling echoed throughout the tiny apartment. The only occupant seemed unaware of the ear splitting noise, however, and stood before his kettle staring into space with a dazed expression. What finally jolted him from his stupor wasn't the persistent high-pitched scream, but the tiny click emitted by the kettle to indicate it had finished boiling Naruto's precious ramen water. He slowly poured the liquid into the packet, leaning down to sniff the savoury steam as was his usual practice. With a melancholy sigh he straightened and sealed the cup, too distracted to take pleasure from the smell of his morning ramen.

After waiting the additional three minutes, Naruto moved from the kitchen, ramen and chopsticks in hand, to the couch that filled up most of his one bedroom apartment. Slumping onto the couch, he began to slurp at the supposedly instant meal.

Instant my arse! Waiting three minutes does not constitute as an instant meal. If it was instant then it would already be cooked before I was even aware that I wanted it.

"Pre-emptive ramen? Baka."

I wasn't asking for your opinion.

Thoughts swirled through his head once again; the act of eating on auto-pilot. Thoughts of last night and what Sasuke had said to him. Thoughts of how he reacted. Thoughts of what he left unsaid. Too many thoughts for someone labeled as an idiot since the Academy. A dribble of soup running down a tanned chin and an empty Styrofoam cup later, the blonde's hunger was completely gone, but he was far from happy. He got up to dispose of his rubbish in the kitchen. A frown pursed his lips as the guilt he had put aside, in order to deal with the essential act of eating a ninja's breakfast, began to surface.

"Damn…" He mumbled to the empty kitchen, exasperation and self-disgust making his tone harsh, "…I screwed up."

"The Uchiha brat was right. You really are an idiot." The Fox hissed, his fangs showing slightly, "You knew the outcome when you agreed to meet him last night. You felt it approaching throughout the entire evening. When he took you to that romantic glade it was painfully obvious that he was going to confess. If you didn't know how to handle it, then you shouldn't have let him take you there."

You just looove rubbing this in my face, don't you? Or is this some twisted form of concern? Very unlike the destruction craving demon I'm used to.Naruto spat his response irritably, imagining the blood red eyes of the Youkai staring back at him.

"Don't get me wrong, kit. I'm also a demon that can't escape your soap opera of a life. I've resigned myself to helping you so that I can preserve what little I have of my sanity."

Nice to know you care so much. Just in case you didn't pick up on it, I was being sarcastic.The blonde began to pace around his apartment.

"I didn't realise you were capable of such a high form of wit. Did you inform the papers? I'm sure they would want to know of your achievements." He smirked, fangs showing once again.

Urusai baka Fox! Contrary to popular belief, I am NOT stupid!

The Fox slowly made his way towards the bars of his cage, "Maybe you should tell that to the doorframe you smack into every morning on your way to the bathroom."

The sinister timbre of the demon's voice sent a shiver down his spine, and then he realized that the fox wasn't being menacing, he was just being an arse. His anger came back full-force. i How coherent I am in the morning has nothing to do with my intelligence!

"Maybe, maybe not…" The Fox continued to smirk, "…but it is evidence of how bad a ninja you are. What sort of a shinobi is THAT incoherent in the morning? What if that doorframe was an enemy? You would be dead in an instant and you would be taking ME with you."

DON'T INSULT MY NINJA SKILLS!

"You're so easy to rile up..." He chuckled, grinning with smug satisfaction.

Don't make me knock myself unconscious so I can go in there and kick your arse!

"…and the epitome of stupidity. Why couldn't I have been sealed in someone with some semblance of a brain?" His chuckle becoming a sigh.

I have a freakin' brain! I couldn't have become a jounin without one, it's kinda a prerequisite so I don't, you know…DIE! And before you say ANYTHING, I know what 'prerequisite' means.

"Fine. Let me rephrase that then. Someone with a brain and who actually USES it."

I hate you, you know that?

"Yes. And I'm quite happy about it." The Fox snickered.

ANYWAY!Naruto snapped, hoping to get their conversation back on track. I couldn't just go "Hey Sasuke I had fun" then run like the wind. He would have known something was wrong.

The Fox stated matter-of-factly. "Better that than responding the way you did. He told you that one of his greatest fears was that his confession would destroy your friendship forever. He's probably brooding about how much you hate him right now." Growling, he continued. "Pathetic humans and your emotions. You should just fuck and get it over with."

Not even hearing the last statement, Naruto continued. Tell me Kyuubi, what was I suppose to do? Cause I really want to know.The boy's anger dissipating with every new word, as he slumped back onto the couch.

"As you said earlier, you're not as dumb as everyone thinks. You certainly could have come up with something better than 'I like girls'. I think a kunai to the heart would have hurt less. Where's your tact?"

I was only expecting him to say that he liked me more than a friend. Or that he was…confused. I didn't expect...he sighed, remorse touching every word…I didn't expect his feelings to be…so much…Naruto closed his eyes and allowed his head to drop back against the top of the couch. After a moment's silence, he whispered out loud, "He loves me…and I panicked…"

"He obviously wanted his words to matter. You can't love someone for as long as he has claimed and simply say 'I love you'. He needed you to hear that he was serious." The Fox continued after a small silence,"You didn't have to run away."

I didn't WANT to run away. But I didn't seem to have a say in the matter, my legs just did it.

"Oh right, your legs just did it, you panicked, you weren't expecting…pfftt! Can I just ask, who're these excuses aimed at? Me or you?" The Fox questioned.

What did you want me to do? Jump into his arms going, "Oh Sasuke I love you too!" then prance around the forest making daisy chains?

"Well it just wouldn't have worked without the daisy chains." The Fox smirked."So you admit that you love him?"

HOW many times do I have to say it! He's a precious person to me BUT only as a friend. That's it.Naruto sighed dejectedly, the tone of their conversation becoming melancholic.Besides, I'm starting to think there is no such thing as love. Everyone is fooling themselves. So much of human behaviour is pretension and appearances, why should love be exempt? People talk about it like it's sacred. I think it's dumb.

"Love is different for everyone, kit. What other people say about it doesn't necessarily apply to you."

He chuckled unbelievingly. For once the stoic bastard was showing his emotions and they were directed at me. The number one loud mouthed ninja of Konoha, the idiot, and dobe. Ironic, isn't it. But, honestly, how'd you expect me to react?

"Happy." The Fox stated, as if it were the only logical choice.

Happy.Naruto repeated softly.How can I be happy about it? I have unavoidably, knowingly destroyed my best friend's heart. Why…why did he have to love me so much?his tone took on a belligerent quality. And what the hell does he see in me? I wish other people saw it. I might have a few more friends, and a few less hordes of incoherent, raving anti-me fanatics.

"If you didn't want to hurt him you should have accepted his feelings."

How could I accept the feelings of another BOY! I'm not gay, Kyuubi! I like girls!He screamed, desperately hoping that his prisoner would understand.

"Love does not distinguish between genders."

"ARGH!" Naruto tugged at his hair with frustration, "I can't handle any more of you! Leave me alone!" The demon backed away, but was not completely gone from the boy's thoughts.

Naruto, deciding that he needed to do something more constructive, began to clean his apartment. This didn't last long, especially when the cleaner seemed to have the attention span of a brick. Soon he found himself back on his couch, back to his thoughts, and, eventually, back to sleep.

After an hour or so, the blonde awoke from his catnap. The short rest seemed to have done something for his indecision, for soon after opening his eyes he stood swiftly and stated with a newfound determination, "I need to find Sasuke."

The nap seemed to have done something for the Fox's sympathy, too, for he immediately began to mock, "Yes, kit. Get down on you knees and 'apologize' to the boy." then smirked, waiting for the boy to get the innuendo, the seriousness of the previous conversation lost.

There is no way that I will get down on my knees for that teme. He may think he is superior to me but I am not going to lower myself to that level.

There was silence rather than the sneering rejoinder Naruto was expecting.

"What?" he queried, slightly nonplussed.

The Fox groaned, "OMFG I don't believe you didn't get that…"

"Huh?" then indignation as the pieces fell into place, "Why does everything revolve around sex with you? You really are a pervert!" The blonde screamed, paying no mind to his neighbours.

"I try my best."

"GO. AWAY." The boy spat.

Naruto felt the Fox recede from his consciousness, but he knew that that wouldn't last for long. The Kyuubi was a thousand year old demon, and he always had something to say. About EVERYTHING. And ever since Naruto began talking back to him, it was even harder to get him to shut up.

With the need to clear things up with Sasuke at the forefront of his mind, he swiftly left his apartment, pausing at the door just long enough to don his shoes and jounin vest.

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Sakura couldn't help but find the whole situation a little bit amusing. Sitting on her couch was Uchiha Sasuke, a boy she had only recently resigned her feelings for, in the form of a girl so that he could win the love of their ex-teammate, who was another boy. If someone had told her that she would be in this situation a week ago, it would've earned the informer a swift smack to the head followed by hearty laughter.

Sasuke definitely wasn't lying when she said that Uchiha's didn't give up easily. However, the real clincher was that said boy, umm…girl, wanted her help. That was indeed a first, well, a first outside a mission situation anyway.

Still mildly shocked about the whole situation, Sakura began to speak, "So…what am I suppose to call you?"

"Kimura Natsumi." Sasuke responded steadily.

"Summer?" Sakura asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.

Sasuke blushed, whispering, "Naruto's like summer. Bright and cheerful."

"That's so sweet! I didn't know you were a romantic at heart." The pink-haired girl gushed.

"I swear I will hurt you if you don't shut up." She glared, blush disappearing, "You better not tell i anyone /i about this." The Sharingan whirled menacingly.

Sakura began to chuckle, completely unfazed by her ex-teammates actions. "I've been subjected to your glares for a long time. They don't work anymore."

Sasuke released the Sharingan and sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Being a girl for so long must be stressing me out. That or the dobe's idiocy is finally contagious."

"Oh, don't be like that!" She smiled, "So. Shall we get down to business?"

Rolling her eyes at the quick change of conversation, Sasuke started, "I need a reason for being in the village and I need you to authenticate it."

"Do you still want to be a ninja?" She asked, the cogs in her head beginning to turn.

"Preferably. That way my chakra usage can be easily explained."

Sakura nodded her head in understanding, then brightened, an idea forming, "About a year ago I went on a mission to Hidden Mist to meet with some medic-nins to exchange information on healing jutsu."

"I didn't realize we had a treaty with Mist." Commented Sasuke, interest piqued.

"Well, that's because we don't. It's more like we can tolerate each other when it comes to something that benefits us both. Who would be stupid enough to turn down an audience with an apprentice of a legendary medic-nin?" Sakura stated smugly before returning to her original thought, "…We could say that you're a Mist ninja. I doubt anyone will check up on it, it's a fair trek and then it's only accessible by boat."

"That could work." Sasuke ran a now slender feminine hand through her long hair, "I've copied a descent amount of jutsu off Mist missing-nins."

"Excellent! That is one problem solved. Now, why are you here?"

Time slowly passed without a solution by either party. Sasuke was now sitting at Sakura's dinning table in one of her trademark poses: Arms raised, elbows on the table, intertwined fingers, all supporting her head. Long raven locks delicately fell forward as she looked at the steaming cup of coffee being placed before her. Sasuke took a brief second to breathe in its delicious aroma before she queried Sakura on its presence with a glance.

"You looked like you needed it." She stated simply while making her way to the opposing chair.

Sakura let her body slump into the chair as an air of defeat filled the room. Clutching her own cup of coffee with the relief of the caffeine addicted, she took a sip. As the hot liquid ran down her throat, a sense of calm washed over her. She swiftly finished her cup and placed it back on the table. Suddenly her sea green eyes shot open. As she watched her hands shake, she thought two things. First, that she had made the coffee too strong again and would probably be feeling strange for several hours. Second, she thought she might just have an idea.

Shocked at her own stupidity, Sakura cried, "I can't believe I forgot about my own birthday!"

"It's at the end of next week. Your point?" Sasuke grimaced as she sipped at her drink. "Gah! This stuff is strong."

Sakura was momentarily enraptured as she watched a female Sasuke make the act of drinking bitter coffee look so glamourous. Broken out of her staring by a raised eyebrow, courtesy of Sasuke, she continued with her original thought, "That IS my point! You could've come to Konoha for my big 21st Birthday Bash." Sakura wriggled her eyebrows suggestively, "Plus it is a great opportunity to get to knowNaruto. You see?"

Sasuke, deciding to ignore her actions, took another sip, "I didn't realise you were having a party." She remarked.

"I wasn't. I planned on going to dinner or something. But this is absolutely perfect. It would be foolish to ignore this opportunity." A sly smile graced her lips.

"Won't people get suspicious if I wasn't at your party?" She inquired, looking mournfully at her now empty cup.

"Sasuke-chan," She whined, "Why did you have to get a last minute mission that occupied you while it was my birthday!" She plonked her hands on her hips and made a good impression of miffed remorse, "Well, I suppose it can't be helped…"

Dark orbs met green, "It won't work." Sasuke stated flatly.

"Huh? Why not?" She responded, tilting her head in confusion.

"You said so yourself. Naruto i knows /i when I'm in the village. If we told him I was on a mission he would sense me in a second," Sasuke sighed, defeat tingeing her voice, "He would know we're lying."

Sakura tapped the table, obviously perplexed. The desperation with which she was currently wracking her brain was evident on her face. Then suddenly she leapt up, her seat toppling to the floor with a crash, "There is only one option left!" Standing with one hand on her hip and the other raised in determination, "We'll have to talk to Tsunade-sensei. She'll certainly be able to help."

"What! How can that be our only option! Don't be stupid!" Sasuke glared at the pink-haired girl, then sighed irritably, "You don't respond well to caffeine, do you…"

"But Sasuke-chaaaan." Sakura whined with a smile on her face, barely containing the giggles that wanted to break free at the prospect of informing the Hokage of the Uchiha's…situation.

Continuing to glare, Sasuke answered irately, "No fucking way."

"I don't think you have a choice." Sakura stated matter-of-factly, "She's the Hokage! She's gotta know what's up with Naruto. It's not normal, this 'sense' of his." Picking up the fallen chair, she continued, "Plus, she would be able to give you a fake mission."

Sasuke looked once again at her cup, fiddling with the object, hoping it would suddenly become a successful distraction, "I don't want to." She whimpered.

"Suck it up Uchiha!" Sakura pointed accusingly, "Where's your masculine pride?" She giggled.

Sasuke ran a slender finger around the rim of her cup, eyes downcast, "I lost it when I fell in love with the usuratonkachi."

"In that case, it won't matter if we get help from Tsunade-sensei. Come on, we do actually need her." She smiled warmly.

That wasn't something she could argue with, but she was going to anyway. "Your mum needs her…"

Sakura shook her head, "Now you're just being childish. Sheesh! Who else is going to give you a believable fake mission?" She allowed the boy turned girl to stew in her juices for a few moments, then, "You need her, Sasuke…"

"Ugh." Sasuke scowled at her, the blame for this latest indignity laid squarely at Sakura's feet. "Okay, okay. Fine."

Sakura smirked, raising a hand to cup her ear as if slightly deaf, "Sorry Sasuke-chan, I didn't quite get that." Oh she loved this.

"I said 'fine'!" Sasuke's responded, her irritation getting the best of her. She got up from her seat, her long hair flicking sharply with the abruptness, and walked away, graceful despite her irritation. Reaching the front door she spoke without turning around, "C'mon then. Let's get this over and done with."

"Better drop the jutsu incase we run into Naruto." Sakura said, loving her victory of logic and Sasuke's irritation.

"Good idea," Raising her hands, she formed a seal and whispered i kai /i , releasing her from the jutsu. Boy Sasuke took one final glance at the pink-haired girl before exiting the house.

Today just may be one of the most humiliating days in Uchiha Sasuke's life and it wasn't even over yet.

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Tsunade awoke abruptly from her sake induced slumber, after a particularly stressful morning of paperwork, to the sound of shuffling feet and rather loud one-sided bickering outside her office. Raising her head from a pillow of open books and scrolls, a very becoming trail of drool down her chin, she glared blearily around in sleep-addled disorientation. Scowling, she ran her fingers through disheveled hair till she deemed herself acceptable for the guests she heard coming. After hearing the foreseen knock, she uttered a "Come in."

She couldn't help but have a twinge of a smile when she saw her obviously over-excited apprentice dragging an irate Uchiha into her office.

Sakura made her coffee too strong again, I see. "To what do I owe the intrusion?" she smirked.

"Sasuke-chan needs your help." Sakura replied chirpily, the evidence of her caffeine high present.I can't believe Sasuke began to chicken out when we got to the Tower. This day just keeps getting better and better.

Chan? Does she have a death wish or something.Tsunade looked over at the surly boy, "Why do you need my help?"

Sasuke scowled, his head hung low as he ignored the Hokage.

"Don't be rude." Sakura exclaimed while smacking the boy on the back of his head, "Tell her now." She demanded.

Sasuke relented at the tone of her voice, knowing that he should just swallow his pride, "I have feelings for Naruto." He confessed, a small blush trying to cross his cheeks against a very resistant Uchiha pride.

"Um…well, that's perfectly natural Sasuke, he's your good friend. I know it has been hard for you considering, well…your past but it a good thing to have friends…good for Naruto, too. I know you mean a lot to him…" She rambled, yawning slightly. "Now. What was the point?"

Sasuke raised his head, dark eyes just noticeable through his black bangs. "That's not...quite what I meant. I…um…really like him…a lot and…"

"Well, you and Naruto have been through a lot. Being i best /i friends is probably more like it. Although I do sympathize with you, Naruto is high maintenance when it comes to friendship; he expects a lot of attention. Being his best friend must be a strain on your sanity…" Ranting some more, she noticed the boy getting more miffed with every word she spoke. This is priceless. I guess there was a good point to being torn away from my beauty sleep. Does he really think I don't know what he means?

"No, I mean I reallylike Naruto." He said, stressing the 'really', hoping she would pick up his meaning through his tone. His eye hardened with annoyance and desperation. Miserably, "Don't make me say it again…"

An evil smile plastered her face, "Good, good! It's nice that young men these days are so receptive to their emotions."

A sigh of annoyance hissed through his teeth. "No, no! See, I want to…um… be with Naruto." He gave Sakura a fierce glance, and noticing the obvious enjoyment of his predicament on her face, turned away and seethed.

"Well, go find him then. I really don't see what you needed me for…"

Sasuke forced his fists to unclench at his sides. After a moment of calmness, he snapped, "Just listen! I want Naruto! I want him! Don't you understand?" his outburst deteriorated into a snarl of aggravation when he remembered he was supposed to be polite.

"Eh? What do you want him for? Oh, I get it. What's he done now?" Tsunade sighed, eyes rolling, "I swear those pranks of his…"

Forced calm again, and a measured tone. "No." What the hell does this woman want from me! A fucking neon sign with 'Sasuke heart Naruto' on it! "I want to get into Naruto's pants." He tried, a blush definitely appearing this time, a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

"Hontou? Sasuke honestly, I don't think orange is your colour." She sniggered, also noticing Sakura's amusement.

Finally reaching the end of his tether, Sasuke almost screamed, "Listen to me you infuriating woman! I want to do him! Hard, fast and in quick succession! I want to bed him thoroughly every night for the rest of my life!"

"You want to sleep in his bed? With Naruto? But…won't that be awfully hot and sticky." Tsunade's smile reached ear to ear.

"Yes, that's the point!" he snapped, and turning to Sakura he hissed, "This is ridiculous! I'm leaving…"

Tsunade queried the boy innocently as he turned to go, "Is something wrong, Sasuke?"

He whirled on her, his pride severely battered and his patience gone, "I want to fuck Naruto senseless! Till we're both chafing and bleeding at all orifices! You understand now?" This whole meeting would definitely warrant a trip to a psychiatrist.

And with that outburst came the roaring laughter of both Tsunade and, the almost forgotten, Sakura. Tears poured out of their eyes as they both gripped at their stomachs, which were in pain from laughing so hard. After several minutes their cries died down and they both looked to Sasuke, who had taken a seat while waiting. Completely humiliated, he held his head in his hands shaking it from side to side and chanting to himself 'this is not happening, this is not happening' over and over.

Now having recovered sufficiently to speak, Tsunade questioned sternly "I hope that isn't allyou want from Naruto." her protective motherly side rearing its ugly head, the giggles forgotten.

Sasuke was broken out of his mantra by Tsunade question, "No. I love him." He stated sullenly, slowly meeting her eyes.

"That's good to hear." She smiled as she heard the sincerity in his voice, "It's about time somebody loved the gaki."

Ebony eyes widened, the surprise evident on his visage, "You don't have a problem with it?"

Tsunade sat up from her chair and made her way over to the raven-haired boy, "Love is love, Sasuke. We don't get a choice of who we'll fall for, it just happens." Sitting next to the boy she continued with a genuine smile, "At least that's what I've always believed.", this last statement getting a approving grin from Sakura.

Placing one leg over the other, and reclining in her new seat, Tsunade asked, "So why do you need my help?"

Sasuke's head once again hung low, in sadness instead of embarrassment, "I confessed to him and I didn't get the…desired results."

Tsunade leant down and peered under his hair, "And…?"

When it became obvious that Sasuke wasn't going to respond, Sakura interjected with a grin, "He has a back-up plan."

Tsunade looked to her pink-haired apprentice Yep. Definitely too much coffee, "Oh?" She returned her attention to Sasuke, "This will be interesting."

Sakura turned to her ex-teammate, "C'mon then." She almost yelled, while flailing her arms in a 'get off your arse' motion.

Removing himself from his seat, Sasuke's made his way in front of the two. Tsunade looked on in curiosity, Sakura with a smug grin. His hands forming the familiar seals, just like at Sakura's house earlier that day. He uttered.

"Sexy no Jutsu."

Once again there stood a beautiful woman wearing the overly big clothes that the male Sasuke had been wearing only seconds before. Tsunade stared at the familiar stranger briefly before continuing as if nothing had changed.

"Let me guess." She smirked, "You need me to fabricate a mission for you and back-up your story if anyone questions it, especially one blonde haired loud mouth ninja."

The two jounin looked at her, shocked.

"Don't give me that look." Tsunade pouted, slightly offended, "I didn't become Hokage for nothing you know."

"Gomen nasai, Tsunade-sensei." Sakura bowed apologetically.

Tsunade waved at her dismissively, "There's no need for that." She shifted her gaze to the now female Sasuke, "I can't say that I'm too fond of your plan. It involves lying to Naruto and I have come to think of him as a son."

A frown began to etch its way onto the Uchiha's face, while she shifted uncomfortably.

"Yet…" She continued, "Since you claim to love him I may just help. I do, however, want to know why you are going to such lengths if he has already rejected you."

"It's simple…" Sasuke's previous frown changed into a small smile of hope, "I love him and I don't want to take no for an answer."

"That's an incredibly selfish thing to say, Sasuke." The Godaime sighed, as if she expected a different answer.

"Maybe, but it's the truth." Sasuke looked into Tsunade's eyes, determination schooling her features, "If being with him means that I have to spend my life as a girl then I will."

"You Uchiha definitely go to the extremes to get what you want." She sighed once again, "This could end up bringing you more pain, you know. What if he does fall for you as a girl? Will you reallybe able to stay like that, knowing that he is in love with a person who doesn't actually exist? Look at yourself." Tsunade pointed at her.

Sasuke didn't need to look at herself. She was fully aware of what she would see. However, she still did. Her dark sultry eyes peered down at the breasts that had become almost familiar over the last month, and the delicate slimness of her waist and wrists. She knew it all. Better than anyone.

Tsunade continued, "He won't be in love with the real you, Sasuke. Are you sure you can live with that?"

Sasuke returned her gaze to the woman, "I wish it didn't have to be this way, Hokage-sama. But I'm willing to be whoever Naruto wants me to be." She bowed her head sullenly, subconsciously placing her hand over his heart, "As long as I get to be the one he loves."

"Do you think you two will be able to live through the deception? What about when you have to revert to your male self to recharge your chakra? What about being a ninja? What about your goals?" Tsunade questioned some more.

"I can live with that," She whispered, as if she was afraid that saying it any louder would prove her statement false, "I mean it, Tsunade-sama, I am willing to do anything." At this last she couldn't even meet Tsunade's eyes. The prolonged questioning of her motives was reducing her confidence.

Sakura shifted uncomfortably in her seat at the uncertainty the Uchiha demonstrated, and due to her coffee come-down. She was used to an over-confident boy, not the shy uncertain creature before her. Broken from her daze, she noticed he began to speak again. Definitely with more of the determination she was used to seeing.

"As far as being a ninja," She took a deep breath, "I can still be one, even using this technique. I have mastered it and the longer I use it the better I get." She smirked, followed by an accomplished look, "I have been preparing for this possible outcome. I have been training to increase my stamina and chakra reserves…"

Tsunade returned her smirk, the mood of the room lightening once again. "…I'm still a competent ninja; I will just not be as strong as when I am in my true form. If given advance warning I could still do missions as a male." She stated matter-of-factly, "And as for my goals, they will not suffer because of this. In fact, my love for Naruto is making them seem less important with each passing day."

"You've obviously thought about this thoroughly." The Godaime made her way back to her desk, "I will help you out, but I have two conditions." She raised two fingers, signaling this fact.

Sasuke nodded, having expected a need to compromise.

Tsunade continued, "Firstly: you must tell him the truth about who you really are. When you wish to do this I'll leave to your discretion. This deception will NOT be a permanent arrangement. Secondly: if he rejects you again then you're to leave it be."

After a thoughtful moment, Sasuke sighed and nodded, "Yes, that is reasonable. I accept your conditions." she bowed, her long raven-hair falling in front of her like a waterfall, "Arigatou gozaimasu, Hokage-sama."

A small but warm smile graced Tsunade's face as she contemplated whether she had made the right decision. Looking at the female Sasuke in front of her, she couldn't help but hope so.

"Now that's sorted. Can you fill me in on the details you have already decided?"

Sasuke returned to her seat, letting the pink-haired girl inform the Hokage of all they had discussed earlier. Sakura spoke at length, and without hesitation, despite the concern that she held in her heart. I hope for your sake, Sasuke, that we can pull this off. I don't want to know how you'll react if this was to fail.

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"Uchiha Sasuke. Your mission: Reconnaissance in Hidden Stone. I expect details pertaining to the village's defense, ninja population, commerce, leading families, the topography of the area etc. Plus whatever you deem necessary to tell me. Although this is a basic information gathering assignment, you shall treat it as if it was A-class level. This is a one-man operation to assure your safety and discretion. Your mission has no set time frame, but I expect results as soon as possible." Tsunade stated sternly, however, there was a tinge of a smirk on her lips. "Well, that should do it. Don't you think?"

The two simply nodded their affirmation. A small smile graced the raven-haired girl's mouth as she let everything that had transpired over the past couple of hours sink in. On the lips of the pink-haired girl was a much bigger smile that reached from ear to ear.

By the time Sakura and Sasuke had finished ironing out the details with Tsunade about Natsumi's arrival into the village, it was early afternoon. The sun shone through the windows, warming the entirety of the Hokage's office.

Tsunade turned her head, with eyes closed, to the rays of sunlight coming forth from the window, basking in its warmth, "Since Sasuke is officially on a mission and not in the village we should probably do something about your clothes." She said, not diverting her face away from the window.

"She can just come back to my place and I will set her up there." Sakura offered, placing a friendly arm around the shoulders of the new girl who would be a girlfriend to her for the next couple of weeks. She chose to ignore said 'girl's' flinching at the contact.

Tsunade leisurely turned her head towards the girl, opening her eyes, "What if you run into Naruto on the way?" She questioned.

"She makes a good point, Sakura." Sasuke looked into the girls green orbs, "If I'm going to be Natsumi from now on, then I should probably get used to it as soon as possible."

"The girl…" a smirk, "…knows what she's talking about." Tsunade removed herself from her chair, "I will let you clean up in my personal chambers. Shizune probably has some clothes that will fit you." With that she left the confines of her office, beckoning Sasuke to follow her, she paused at the door, "Sakura, we'll be back soon." They were off.

Sakura nodded in understanding. Deciding to do something constructive with her time while she waited, she picked up one of the many medical journals that lay on the Hokage's desk and began to read. All that could be heard in the room was the sound of turning pages and noises of understanding.

After roughly 15 minutes of being engrossed with the latest medical knowledge, Sakura looked up at the sound of Tsunade reentering the room. Sasuke-turned-Natsumi glided along gracefully behind her, no evidence in her movements that she was previously male. Finishing off the paragraph she was reading, Sakura looked up at the two of them.

"Sasuke-chan! You look so pretty!" She squealed for the umpteenth time that day.

"It's Natsumi-chan now." She replied, with a smirk.

Sakura gazed at the girl approvingly; to say she looked pretty was an understatement. Sasuke, no, Natsumi wore black knee length tight shorts, like Sakura's own, which accentuated her long legs. On her feet, the simple sandals of a regular ninja, also black. On top she wore a short-sleeved, lilac Yukata that reached mid-thigh, tied with a dark purple obi. The lilac colour shimmered in the sunlight, giving an ethereal quality to the slender frame it hid. Underneath, a long sleeve net shirt covered her arms to the wrists. On the hem of the garment, were small and simple white embroidered flowers. Long ebony tresses moved freely across the expanse of her back, contrasting with the delicateness of the silk. At the front framing her face were two long plaits, each with a purple bead at the bottom that matched the outfit.

Sakura sighed as she absorbed the beautiful appearance of the girl that stood before her.

"If that's all then," Tsunade started while making her way back to her desk, "I might leave you two to it." She muttered to herself, "I'm hungry."

"Actually, there's one more thing." Natsumi said while fiddling with the obi she wore.

Sakura interrupted, turning to Tsunade, "Naruto has this little habit of knowing whether Sasuke's in the village or not."

Natsumi continued, "If we tell him that I'm gone, it won't hold much merit, especially if he can tell that it's me right in front of him."

"Do you know how he does it?" Sakura inquired, "I thought it may have been some kind of jutsu he picked up off Jiraiya." She shook her head in confusion. An amused expression crossed the Hokage's face.

"Maybe." Tsunade responded knowingly, before leaving her office once again. When she returned she was holding a vile of mysterious liquid, "This should do the trick." She said as she passed Natsumi the vile, "Put a dash on you neck and wrists every couple of hours."

"What is it?" Sakura requested.

"A perfume…of sorts." Tsunade explained.

Both girls looked at her puzzled. How could a perfume do anything?They were just about to question the Hokage, when she started talking again.

"You can ask but I'm not giving you an answer."

Sakura glanced at Natsumi, and was reassured to see that her new girlfriend was just as confused as she was. "Um…"

Tsunade smirked, returning to her chair, "That's my little secret now isn't it?" and was rewarded with two similar looks of consternation.

Natsumi blinked in bemusement. That's exactly what Naruto said to me the other day.She looked down at the bottle. "Will this even work?" Natsumi sniffed tentatively at the sweet smelling liquid, before placing some on the suggested spots.

"I don't see why not. I did make it." Tsunade huffed defensively, "Now, I'm sure Shizune has some more paperwork for me. A Hokage's work is never done." She whispered with a small smile, "I hope the gaki will be able to handle it when he takes over."

The two girls started to take their leave after missing the words Tsunade had muttered. However, they didn't miss the last statement she had for the Uchiha.

"Sasuke, if this is all just a spoilt brat wanting what he can't have, then you will suffer my wrath, and I don't mean my fists. If you hurt him then your status as a ninja will be revoked and you will never step foot outside the village." Tsunade's tone suddenly became chirpy, "Sayounara Natsumi-chan, Sakura-chan."

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After the two girls exited the Hokage Tower, they were met with the blazing afternoon sun and hot air brushing past their faces. With the desire to escape the heat of spring they made their way to catch a late lunch. Sakura had picked Ichiraku's, secretly hoping to run into the very boy who had started this whole escapade.

Sitting at the counter, they sipped refreshingly cool water, while waiting for their ramen to be served. The time was spent in silence till a pair of long arms encircled Sakura's waist from behind, and a familiar weight of the persons head rested on her shoulder. The pink-haired girl, already knowing who it was, placed her hands over the others. All the while noticing the jealously that shone in the eyes of the Uchiha.

"How're you today, Naruto?" Sakura asked happily, turning to give Sasuke a sly smile.

"I've been better." Naruto sighed, his breath tickling Sakura's ear. Catching sight of the girl sitting next to his ex-teammate, he removed himself from Sakura, and offered his hand in greeting, "Hey, I'm Uzumaki Naruto."

Sasuke shifted on his stool so they were facing each other. She blushed, looking away bashfully, while shaking Naruto's hand, "Kimura Natsumi."

The girl's voice flowed from her crimson lips, the sound rivaling that of a Siren, making Naruto feel like he was being led to his death. He stared at her in rapt fascination now realising the extent of her beauty. Their eyes locked onto each others, both of them feeling as if they were drowning in each others gaze. It wasn't till Naruto noticed their still linked hands did he look away, a deep shade of red covering his cheeks.

In an attempt to remove himself from his embarrassment, Naruto made his way to sit next to Sakura. "Oi, ojii-san! Miso ramen."

Sakura merely smirked at what she just witnessed, "Natsumi-chan is my friend from the Mist. She came to visit for my 21st."

"Hontou?" He questioned, a smile gracing his visage. Continuing only after seeing the girl nod in affirmation, "That's excellent, Sakura-chan."

Seeing their orders being placed in front of them, they silently decided to hold all conversation so they could consume their lunches. All that could be heard was the activity of the people walking outside of the stand and the slurping of noodles. Especially from Naruto, simply because he had no manners when it came to shoveling his precious ramen into his mouth. He was the first to finish.

Naruto looked sullenly at Sakura, finally remembering his initial reason for talking to the girl, "Have you seen, Sasuke?" he questioned grumpily, embarrassed that he needed to ask this in front of Sakura's pretty friend.

Finishing her mouthful of noodles, she replied, "Yeah, this morning, he got another mission. Re-con in Stone."

Naruto frowned at her response, "You know when he'll be back?"

"Why?" She tilted her head questioningly.

Naruto hung his in return, staring at the empty bowl in front of him, "I really need to talk to him."

Natsumi froze. Suddenly the remnants of her ramen became exceedingly interesting. Sakura took this in in a glance, and sighed silently. Come on, Sasuke, this is a good chance to grill him, AND get noticed! Sheesh...She turned to answer Naruto before he got suspicious.

"He didn't specify. It could be weeks, months even." Sakura devoured some more noodles, "What's so urgent?"

Natsumi listened avidly, her ears burning under her dark, concealing curtain of hair. Is it my imagination, or is he…somewhat flustered? Anxious, even? She flushed when she realised she was breathing heavily and audibly. A few moments later she had to muffle a choke when her over-zealous attempts to control her breathing nearly suffocated her.

"It's nothing." He sighed, "Never mind." Naruto paid for his ramen, and being the gentleman he is, the girls as well. Walking under the flaps of the ramen stand, a thought hit him, "So he won't be here for your birthday?" he muttered, "That bastard."

"No, but he wished me a happy birthday." She smiled deviously, "He even gave me my present."

Natsumi gave her a funny look, tilting her head in confusion. I didn't give her a present.

Sakura continued, "He said I could use the Uchiha estate for my party, because it's bigger than my place." Her smile got bigger, and if possible, more devious.

A choking sound came from Natsumi at Sakura's revelation. Clearing her throat slightly, she questioned the girl, her female voice sounding a little too sweet for his disposition, "He did, did he? You sure he won't have a problem with that?"

"Nah!" She waved her hands dismissively, turning to face him, "If he did he wouldn't have offered." She smirked, eyeing the 'girl' sitting next to her, "Sasuke-kun is such a great friend, isn't he."

Naruto stared at the two girls for the duration of their conversation, his eyes glazed over in confusion. He also had the distinct feeling he was missing something, but being stressed over Sasuke's absence he didn't have the presence of mind to work it out.

"It's next Friday." Sakura went on. Naruto, already at the door and not as with it as he should have been, looked at her vaguely, "You'll be there right?"

His eyes regaining their focus, "I'm not one to say no to a party, unlike that teme."

"Naruto! Don't speak about Sasuke-kun like that!" Sakura scolded, wishing he wasn't out of range of her fists.

"Gomen ne" Naruto plastered a trademark grin on his face, "I better be off. I'll see you two later." He turned to Natsumi, "Nice meeting you, Kimura-san."

Natsumi responded shyly, blushing once again, "Call me Natsumi, Uzumaki-san."

"Only, if you call me Naruto." He smiled warmly at her, noticing another blush on the girl's face, "Sayounara." Waving as he walked off.

Sakura turned to Natsumi, watching as the other tried to hide said blush, "I think that went well."

Turning to look away from Naruto's retreating form, Natsumi scowled at the pink-haired girl, "What's this about me letting you use my estate for your party?"

"C'mon, it's no big deal. We can just shut off the rooms you don't want anyone in. And I'll clean everything up. Besides, it's true, your place is bigger," Sakura smirked, "And this is definitely going to be a party to remember."

"Fine," Natsumi conceded, "But if anything happens…"

"Nothing will happen, Natsumi-chan." She placed an arm around the others shoulder, "Now let's go shopping. We must have you looking your best for Naruto-kun!"

Natsumi sighed as she was hauled away. When will this day end? Naruto looked sad that I was gone. I wonder what he wanted to tell me. I hope I'm making the right decision...

Sakura decided to peruse the markets for clothes to wear to her party. A party she had yet to organize I might add! After spending the remainder of the day searching endlessly for the 'perfect outfit', they found themselves back at Sakura's house, hands loaded with bags and very sore feet. In the end, it was more like Sakura decided to go shopping and drag a reluctant Natsumi around like a handbag. However, to the pink haired girl's surprise, Natsumi made quite a good girlfriend, when she wasn't bitching that is.

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Following his late lunch with Sakura, and her friend Natsumi, Naruto began to walk home. A melancholic air surrounded him as he trudged down the streets, kicking at random stones that stood in his way.

He began to mutter to himself, noticing the lack of villagers, "Damn Sasuke..." he scowls viciously, "And I was beating MYSELF up for running away…"

Turning another corner he caught sight of a fluffy ginger kitten sitting out the front of one of the many shops that lined the streets. The kitten stopped briefly from lapping at its bowl, to meow softly at the boy. A small smile found its way onto Naruto's face in response. The fluffy kitten also served to remind him of a similar, but less cute, fluffy animal that resided in him, a fluffy animal that had said surprisingly little over the last couple of hours. And that never was a good thing in his experience, even if he did enjoy the silence that came with it.

Oi, Kyuubi! You're being unusual quiet. What're you thinking? You know I don't like it when you think.

"There was something familiar about that…girl." The Fox uttered pensively, not really caring if his vessel heard him or not.

Now that you mention it…She kinda reminded me of the Hyuuga, except without the creepy eyes. Man, those things make you feel like they're piercing into your soul or something.

"Interesting." The Fox continued, obviously ignoring the boy.

There's something you're not telling me, isn't there.Naruto questioned, suspiciously.

"There's always something I'm not telling you." He grinned, baring white pointy fangs.

Baka Youkai.Naruto pouted, crossing his arms, while he continued walking home.

After several minutes of silence the Kyuubi began to stir once more, mostly just to irritate Naruto some more. Why would he want to provide the boy with any of those pesky answers he sought? That just wouldn't be right, you know, for a demon and all.

"I'm looking forward to this." He smirked, running a pink tongue over his previously bared fangs.

o what! You're not making sense! Naruto sighed, exasperated.

"Hmm…"

Why do I get the feeling that you're not listening to me.

"…because I'm not." Kyuubi chuckled darkly, noticing Naruto's patience about to snap.

Fuck this! I don't have to listen to your cryptic crap. I'm leaving!

"Ja ne." He replied chirpily, well as chirpily as a demon can be.

When Naruto's presence had left the confines of the cell the Kyuubi was bound to, the Fox began to think to himself.

Well Sasuke-kun, or should I say, Natsumi-chan? Looks like I was correct when I said you would make a good mate. It was, however, foolish of Tsunade to think that she could outwit centuries of animal and demon instincts with something as simple as perfume. Nevertheless, because I like you, your secret is safe with me. In fact, I may even help you. He grinned, like a cat that has caught the canary. A soft chortle escaping him, Yes, I'm definitely looking forward to this.

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TBC…

See you all next chapter! I'll try not to take as long to update. I'm hoping that I'll be able to finish this fic and get onto another one. Aren't you all looking forward to that?

Also, I've decided to do an oneshot for my 44th reviewer! If I get that many! You set the guidelines and pairing and I write something for you. Only things I won't do are incest and SasuSaku. Otherwise I think everything else is good. Well, hopefully. I guess I'll let the person know if it comes up.

Anyway…Ja ne!