It was chaos. That was all there was to say. The whole village was off kilter that morning. It started off alright, then it slowly but surely descended to chaos. It started with the ANBU guards used to having Naruto wake them up, getting awaken from their shift change -rather rudely as well- and getting a good verbal beating. Then Iruka worrying and angry at Naruto for missing their morning tea. Next was Sakura fuming when the blonde didn't arrive to pick up the parcels in his forgetfulness. Then Kakashi was furious when he arrived only half an hour late -he and Naruto had a deal that he'd arrive within an hour of the agreed time to meet, if Naruto made sure to have a coffee ready- and Naruto wasn't there with the holy elixir of life. Naruto was known for his abilities to make a very strong, a wake-the-dead strong cup of coffee. It wasn't until ten that morning when all the starting ripples pooled and the water spilled.
Sasuke had been awake early like normal, reading reports and getting ready for a meeting with the Kazekage, who just so happened to be Gaara's older sister. He wasn't too worried though, he already knew what he planned on saying, the Godaime was also there with her thoughts, then of course, the key player in his speech, Naruto. Naruto didn't say anything in any of his speeches, he gave his advice beforehand, and stood a comfort in a shadow just right of his sight. Sasuke could do anything with Naruto just off on the right. He was a constant that he'd always had, and it was his presence that allowed Sasuke to act impassive at all times. To appear to know everything and all the answers. That there was nothing that anyone could say or do that would surprise him. That confidence came from knowing that Naruto was just off to the right.
Sasuke began pacing his office at nine. Naruto was late. Naruto was NEVER late. He'd been able to make Kakashi arrive within an hour, thus was always at Sasuke's side by eight forty-five. Sasuke felt twitchy and almost in a state of panic. He was cursing the blonde at first for making him wait, he was starting to wonder if his speech would be the same if he didn't get Naruto to listen to it first, to aid his advice. Then as the clock moved onto nine thirty Sasuke was worried, panicked on what-ifs. Thinking gruesome pains Naruto might be going through. Wondering if he was killed in his sleep. Kidnaped.
At ten, the entire village was aware that Uzumaki Naruto.... was missing. That he hadn't made any of his meetings. Hadn't been seen at all. That his door was left open. His house looking like nothing had been touched. Only his rumbled sleep pants and messed bed were testimony that Naruto had been there. Panic was high. Naruto was gone and no one knew or had any clue as to where he was.
Sasuke canceled all his meetings for the day, and he along with his graduating ninja classmates, went and began looking for Naruto. It wasn't until they had just about given up that Kiba's dog picked up Naruto scent. Soon everyone was racing off to find Naruto. When they wound up coming across a narrow passageway through a rock with the two trees of either side inscribed with "Uzumaki Naruto ... Kyuubi no Kitsume... Sanctuary to all... leave all burdens outside, only the truth may enter." It was very odd, and all were unnerved. They all knew about the Kyuubi, and none thought different of him for it.
Sasuke was the first to press on through the passageway. When they all got to the other side, they were awed. It was like they had stumbled upon a hidden paradise. Flowers blooming everywhere's, birds singing, a water fall and a pond with colorful fish leaping into the air. A blanket of tree limbs filled with soft pink petals, and supple green grass meadow, with a perfect view up through the trees.
What caught Sasuke the most however, wasn't just the cove, but what laid so peacefully and blissfully unaware in the middle of it all. There, dozing in the sun was a fallen star. Wrapped in black and blood crimson, bathed in sunlight, surrounded by four silken foxes; was Naruto.
No one spoke, all bespelled by the sight of the cove and Naruto so innocently, laying right in the middle of it all. It wasn't until one of the fox kits raised its head and looked with sleepy eyes at the guests that anything happened. The orange kit looked at each person until resting its' lavender colored eyes on Sasuke. It didn't need anyone to tell it who he was. Naruto's scent was intermingled on his Hokage robes. The fox kit jumped up and tumbled over and around Sasuke's feet, then started yapping in happy delight.
Sasuke was startled when the fox started dancing about his feet, more so when he noticed the two tails swishing from said fox. All of them however were startled when the other three fox kits awoke and started prancing about, their many tails waving and dancing behind them. Everyone was worried and just about ready to take some sort of action against these almost mini Kyuubi's when Naruto mumbled still half asleep, in a voice smoother and softer than they were used to.
"...Yami...Kage...Yuki... Ho...enough... 'm tryin' to sleep..." Then Naruto moved a little into a more comfortable position on his stomach. The four fox kits looked over then quieted down. The white, grey and red one going over and joining Naruto in going back to sleep. The orange one though, looked up at Sasuke, gave a fox smile and waved its' tails. Then he pounced over to Naruto and his siblings to snuggle up too.
Sasuke was shocked to say the least. That the fox kits understood, that they listened meant that they were very used to Naruto. He felt a spark of green light up within him. He was relieved that Naruto was alright... now to beat him to an inch of his life for scaring him so much!
Sasuke walked right up to Naruto before punching him in the face. Chuckles were heard from behind him. As Naruto cursed and came to. He then looked up at Sasuke, and merely raised and eyebrow before taking a deep breath, and .... roll over to go back to sleep. The sounds of everyone face vaulting echoed.
Sasuke then shook the blonde awake again and got an annoyed glare directed at him before Naruto stretched like an overgrown cat and stood up. His hair not in spikes but mussed about adding an aura of a man who just rolled out of bed after a good...."romping". At the thought of such, Sasuke's mouth became a tad bit... drool worthy.
"Is there a reason you are insisting I get up Sasuke? I'm not all that friggin' fond of being punched in the face or woken up for that matter..." Naruto asked testily. Sasuke's response was to glare then retort.
"You're late for work Dobe. You left your door open, and no note. Hell you didn't even take any weapons with you! And you want to know why I'm waking you up!?"
"That was the question I asked Sasuke..." Was all Naruto responded. Everyone was open mouthed and shocked that Naruto didn't get the 'picture'.
"DOBE! WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU TELL ANYONE WHERE YOU WERE!!!..."
"Sasuke shut up." Naruto cut in, and Sasuke's jaw made and audible click before Naruto continued. "I have no parents or living relatives. Leaving a note makes no sense. I am not responsible nor is it my duty to do most of what I normally do in the run of a day for everyone. I am not really late for work either..." as Sasuke made to speak Naruto held up his hand and continued. "...by accordance to law 108 section 35B .... and I quote... 'all ninja do not have to appear for duties on the day of their birthday'... I am within my rights to invoke said law, and have, thus... You can go pick pansies for the Snake-Bastard for all I care... today is not a normal 'today'... today I can do whatever the hell I want because I'm off the clock... so if you'll excuse me... I'm going to go back to sleeping with my lil' kitlings here... see you all tomorrow." With that, Naruto laid back down. Yami then snuggled up close, soon followed by the other three.
Sasuke and everyone in the cove were left to the rampaging emotions that over came them. Shock, surprise, and then finally, guilt and shame. Naruto always made sure they didn't work on their birthdays. Always had a present for them, and usually took their workload on as well. None of them had even know that it was his birthday today.
Sasuke took a few minutes to recover, but when he did he gave a soft nod then left to leave Naruto to his sleep. Everyone else left as well. They were all feeling more than a little bit disheartened. They had been angry when they had seen Naruto was just lazing about, only to learn that he was well within his rights to do so. Not only that, but he had more right to be angry at THEM for not caring enough to know when his birthday was.
The village fell silent that day when they found out why Naruto wasn't around. Even Iruka hadn't known it was his birthday. The town was surprised as the day continued on just how much Naruto did. This was the first time he'd ever not been taking up the odd jobs others either didn't want to do or couldn't do without help. Needless to say, they all felt terrible for not caring enough about Naruto to at least know to say Happy Birthday on 'his day' that he deserved just that little bit of acknowledgment.
Sasuke had spent the entire day in a state of near mopping. He refused to go to any meetings merely because he knew he'd be distracted by Naruto's lack of presence. He spent the day berating himself for not knowing it was Naruto's birthday. He was the same person who said he was going to stay home and sleep all day on his birthday. He never had to say anything, Naruto took up his duties, told people if they had any objections. He always took care of everything and still found the time to wish him happy birthday and give him a rice ball with a candle in it. Sasuke realized with a sad smile, that he'd never even thanked Naruto once for doing what he did when he just didn't show up.
It was a long day, but slowly and surely it passed by. It was a beautiful sunset, a gift from nature to Naruto. At least 'she' never forgot his birthday. Naruto arrived home, and went to his bed.