Okay, so already a new chappy. I think things are going well.
Gomenai for no explanations there. For you wondering, I'm pretending Sasuke is back but doesn't know about Kyuubi, and Naruto knows more than he lets on. As for that last thought, it's Save Tonight by Eagle Eyed Cherri. I just thought it fitted well there. There, we should be on the same page now: D
Though he would never admit it, and would deny it to death, Sasuke enjoyed helping Iruka out, particularly at school and especially when it involved decorating. It wasn't the aspect of helping out, nor was it the colors that decorated the village, and it most definitely wasn't working with the rest of the village. It was mostly due commanding the little ones, when he wasn't scaring them, and using them as target practice, even if it was rolls of tape rather than kunais. He even liked the panic stricken sensei every time someone said something didn't work or that they wouldn't be able to finish in time.
Looking around, he noticed the others his age helping out, though he wasn't sure how Shikamaru was helping by looking at the clouds passing by. He shook his head, wishing he could figure out what Shikamaru had done to keep from working, so that he could do the same also.
Their senseis were helping out as well, but he figured Kakashi was probably just tormenting Iruka, pointing out little details and hanging things wrong. He shook his head and finished what he had been doing. True to his word, Naruto hadn't come and that had raised a few questions from the groups. Every time someone asked why Naruto wasn't there, their sensei would look disapprovingly at them and either tell them it wasn't any of their business or that he deserved a break, which only brought up more confusion.
"Arigato everyone. I think we should take a break now for lunch, we'll meet back here at one." Iruka called out cheerfully before turning back to Kakashi. "I'll go see Naruto, cheer him up. Have you seen him?"
"No, I was planning on going for lunch." Kakashi said happily. "What a coincidence, ne? Shall we go together?" His visible eye was practically glittering with his mood.
Turning to leave, Iruka could hardly be heard mumbling. "Great, do you have to come? Man, I'm starting to think the crazy jounins even for a jounin is stalking me."
Sasuke was close enough to see the eye of his sensei harden sadly at the words Iruka didn't think he'd heard.
"SASUKE!" He heard the stamped from miles away. He didn't need to turn and see who had called him. Years of experience and ninja skills told him he had to run, and run away fast.
"Oi, watch where you're going." He heard Jiraiya say as he bumped into him. "You shouldn't run away from all those girls you know. They can be quite entertaining, if you know what I mean."
Not in any mood to speak of such a thing, especially with the self-proclaimed Master Pervert, Sasuke changed the subject seeing the gift in his hands. "Who's that for?" Short, to the point, it made up for the moment of embarrassment.
"Oh this? It's for Naruto, I'm paying him a visit." His eyes were glancing around, and suddenly he raised his hands and waved. "Hey, girls, Sasuke's over here!"
"SASUKE-KUN! I LOVE YOU!" "SASUKE-KUN! DON'T LISTEN TO HER! I LOVE YOU MORE!" "MY HERO SASU-KUN!" "SASUKE-KUN!"
With an Uchiha trademark 'I'll kill you' glare at Jiraiya, he continued his run, wondering all the while what was going on with Naruto.
A nock came at the door, but Naruto still slept, or at least tried. He hadn't gotten up that morning, and hoped to spend this day sleeping. Another nock and another came, until finally the door creaked open. One of his windows had been broken that morning; someone had thought it would be fun. The pieces of glass still lay on the floor of the kitchen, and he could hear someone walking on them.
His bedroom's door opened, but he kept his face to the pillow. It's Iruka Kyuubi told him, always aware of what was around them. A hand came on his shoulder and turned him around.
"Happy birthday Naruto-kun." Iruka said quietly, his eyes smiling along. "I brought you something, it's in the kitchen. Come on, get up, and let's celebrate if even for a few minutes."
Noise could be heard in the kitchen. The sound of glass and a broom resonated in his sleepy mind. "Alright, Iruka-sensei."
In his little apartment were more people than he thought could possibly fit. Kakashi was perched by the windowsill, while Jaraiya and Tsunaday sat at the table with Kurunai, Asuma and Gai. Raidou and Genma leaned against one of his walls, Shizune stood behind Tsunaday, and even Gaara, Temari and Kankurou stood by the door.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all shouted except Gaara when they saw him come out of his room. "Happy birthday." Gaara mumbled after having looked at his siblings to know if he was supposed to say that as well.
Scrubbing at his eyes, and filled with surprise, Naruto couldn't stay depressed at such a sight. Everyone else burst out laughing at seeing him still in pyjamas. Sitting at the head of the table, he noticed the room was actually clean and he could even see the floor. Today is going to be different, ne? I can just feel it. He thought to himself.
His presents were mostly ninja-related things, though Jaraiya had given him a book titled 'Intercourse for all Sexes', which he had written himself. That had invoked a thought from Kyuubi whom he wished had kept his mouth shut. That might be interesting. Do you think there are pictures in there? Shut-up you perverted fox!
Genma gave him a pack of toothpicks, and was slapped over the head by Raidou who had given him a set of kunais. Temari gave him a small fan with no special attributes, and Kankurou gave him a little marionette of a chibi Naruto.
After eating the cake and laughing, they left the house again to work, and Naruto found himself alone with Gaara.
"What? You don't have any other plans?" Naruto mocked him knowingly.
Grinning, Gaara handed him a little package. "My sibs told me it was custom to give something to someone on their birthday, so here. You should like it."
Opening, Naruto saw a bottle filled to the rim with sand. "If you mix it with some water you can form it into shapes like a house or rope. I used to play with it when I was little." He continued as Naruto scrutinized the thing.
Opening his eyes wide, Naruto embraced him even if the sand had come up thinking it an attack. "Sugai! Arigato Gaara-kun! That is so awesome!"
"I thought you'd like it." He nodded, getting out of the grip of death. "Anyways, I should get going. Temari said I should probably give Hinata some flowers if I want to ask her out."
Alone again, Naruto took out the sand and began experimenting with it.
When Iruka had given them the go ahead to go get ready, Sasuke had hurried home to calculate his plan. He eaten, trained, washed and found his favourite outfit before deciding to go get Naruto. He hadn't kept track of time and notice the day was nearly over already. Refusing to spend the day without the sight of the only one keeping him in the village, Sasuke made his way to Naruto's.
There was a nock, then another, then a third and still no answer. He could feel Naruto's charka inside, and decided if he had to wake the dobe up, then so be it.
Opening the door, Sasuke found Naruto playing with what he thought was Plato. "You skipped out to play around, dobe?" Sasuke couldn't believe his eyes, though he couldn't keep them off the pyjama.
"What are you doing teme? Haven't you ever learned to nock?" Naruto yelled.
"I did but there wasn't any answer, dobe." He let himself smile at how easy it was to reel him up. "Anyways, I came to fetch you. The fireworks are going to start soon." He went on.
"I don't care, I'm not going."
"Oh yes you are, even if I have to beat you, dobe. I've got a hidden place with the best view, don't worry, none will see you in you pyjama. You don't have to be scared." He taunted. Bait set.
"I'm not scared teme! Fine, let's go!" Naruto yelled indignantly.
Bait set and snatched. Sasuke thought as he brought Naruto to a hill just over where the rest of the village sat waiting for the show. The wind was cool, but not cold, and the sky cloudless with the stars overhead.
Look at them, Naruto thought, all happy with their one another, and then there's me. I can't even have anything special for my birthday. He could see Sakura resting her head on Lee, while Choji shared his chips with Ino beside them. Neji and Tenten sat on the grass, a few paces behind Hinata and Gaara, who had Temari and Shikamaru with them. Shino and Kiba were near Raidou and Genma, while Kankurou chatted up with one of the village girls. Take it easy kit.
"Naruto, are you all right?" Sasuke asked, eyeing the fists.
"Just fine." Naruto answered, forcing himself to calm down. The fireworks began and he let himself drift away in them. "Beautiful." He breathed out. He couldn't see them from his apartment and hadn't left his room in years on this day, not since he was five.
"Yes, beautiful." Sasuke breathed out, looking at the one beside him.
He placed his hand over that of Naruto's, and the other just over the blonde's thigh. The later turned his head, a puzzled expression gracing his features. "Sasuke?" He asked.
Before he could say more, the boy's lips came down over his own, so softly that Naruto had trouble understanding what was going on. Is he kissing me? Why would Sasuke kiss me? Why would something so good happen to me? Shut it kit, and kiss him back. Kyuubi retorted, getting Naruto to do just that.
After what seemed like an eternity, the two boys separated and looked in each other's eyes. The fireworks were still being sent out, just for my birthday, Naruto thought, afraid it really was just that. Afraid it really was just a one night thing for Sasuke.
Naruto still in bewilderment huffed when Sasuke removed his hands and gave him that superior grin of his. "I knew the festival couldn't keep you down. Even you can appreciate what today is about, dobe."
Sasuke backed off some when Naruto stood, briskly. "Teme, what do you know about today?" His voice was laced with more venom than Sasuke had ever heard, and watched as Naruto ran. What did I do?
The Uchiha prodigy soon ran after him, catching him in one of the deserted alleys. Doing the only thing he knew when confronted with an irrational Naruto, Sasuke pushed him against the wall, pinning his arms atop his head. "Naruto, what's wrong with you? I didn't say anything bad." Did I?
"You're wrong. You only think you didn't say anything bad." The Kyuubi holder growled. I'm going to tell him, I can't hide it anymore. That's fine kit, I'm ready if you need me. Kyuubi growled, equally vexed. "What do you know about today anyways?"
Puzzled, Sasuke let go of his hands and shook his head. "It's the day Yondaime-sama defeated Kyuubi and saved us all." He responded, knowing full well that Naruto knew it too.
"Wrong!" He shouted. "Today is the day the Yondaime destroyed my life. Today is the day the Yondaime condemned my life to misery to save the people." Tears were forming in his eyes, and he hated not being able to hide them like before.
"What are you talking about?" Sasuke whispered, profoundly confused.
"It's my birthday Sasuke. I was born the day the Kyuubi was defeated. I was used to seal the 'beast' who just wanted to find a cave to sleep. I am the 'beast' to the people of our village." He spoke with all the confidence in the world, not feeling it in the least. There, now whatever happens happens. I just hope he doesn't hate me. If he does, you can always join Itachi and his group. True, true. Naruto nodded.
Sasuke couldn't find the words to say. What do I say to something like that? I mean, sure it makes since now that he told me, but I don't care. He was the holder before he told me, why he thinks it would change all of a sudden is beyond me. He saw Naruto turn to leave, tears starting to come down his cheeks, and acted on impulse.
Grabbing Naruto's arm, who tensed, he turned him around. Instead of his lips touching those of Naruto, his face was met with a fist. "Baka, why did you do that?" He asked, holding his face.
Naruto burst out laughing at the sight. "I didn't exactly think you were going to kiss me." He retorted, pointing.
"Why would I hurt you when I love you?" They looked at one another. Sasuke had one of his hands on Naruto's cheek, his thumb wiping at the tears. The fireworks were finishing, lightening the sky.
"You mean it?" Rather than speak, Naruto got his answer with another tender kiss, more confident than the first. The final blows were exploding; the Yondaime came into view in the sky.
"Happy birthday Naruto." He watched the back of his team-mate leave in the darkness, and couldn't help smiling. Touching his lips, Naruto hurried on home.
Today really was different, ne? Naruto thought, and for the first time in a long time, he laid in his bed a smile on his face as he fell asleep. Happy birthday kit.
There you have it people, twice as long, and things seem to be looking up. Will it last?
Kyuubi : Oh yea, give us more of that stuff. Great kiss, but needs more details.
Me : I'm working on that Kybs. I just need to catch them a few more times...