A/N: Hey Everyone! It's been a while since I updated and from now on I'm going to be honest and say that I have no idea when I will update again. School's being a bummer right now and work just adds more to the stress. But have no fear that I will finish this story! And that is an honest answer right there. Really I feel kind of rusty from having not updated in so long so please don't be too harsh on this chapter.

Disclaimer: Don't own. Period.

Warnings: Maybe a bit of OOC'ness. You've been warned!

Chapter 7

A Slight Misunderstanding

…

Naruto ran away again.

As soon as those words had left Kakashi's lips, Sasuke's body moved on its own accordance and he ran. Blood pumped through his veins and his face burned from anger. How could the prince leave after promising not to run anymore? The lord felt cheated, betrayed, but most of all, he felt a constant jabbing pain at his heart. He knew that they rarely got along with each other but even the past week hadn't been so horrible. To say Naruto was annoying to him was the truth but, he liked the comfortable banter between them. It felt nice to have someone…close again. It didn't feel so empty anymore when he could share his emotions with the prince. Sasuke worried less because the blonde was always making conversations for them, distracting him.

"Naruto," Sasuke whispered into the night air when he stepped out back. He looked around trying to spot any movements but got nothing. One thought flashed through his mind and he prayed it wasn't true. He prayed to the gods above that Naruto was still within reach.

Taking in a deep breath to calm his nerves, Sasuke ran forward towards the rock path and followed it into the throngs of wilderness.

…

Naruto sat completely still, waiting in the silence of the night. It was a bit nerve wrecking because there was no one else there but him. Directing his gaze to the small pond, his reflection was mirrored back to him.

"You know Naruto, you shouldn't have run away all those years ago." He scolded to himself. "If you wouldn't have done that then everything would actually be okay, your parents would still be alive and you would have never caused any trouble to Sasuke."

He sighed watching the water image do the same thing too. The blonde had a bad habit of over thinking when he was alone and the guilt he buried down kept resurfacing. No matter what he did, it was always his fault. Slowly, he stood up and walked past the pond towards a nearby tree. It wasn't even two seconds later did he hear footsteps nearby and felt his heart beat faster. Naruto was so nervous, what would Sasuke even say? What would he say? The more the questions filled his mind the faster his heart beat until finally another figure appeared into the clearing.

Naruto took notice of Sasuke's disheveled form and for an instant, their eyes connected. It was as if an electric shock went through the blonde's system and he froze watching Sasuke stride to him. Before the other could even say the raven's name a hard punch landed on his left cheek. The prince fell backwards out of shock and could only stare at the seething raven. His whiskered cheek throbbed in pain and tears threatened to fall from his eyes.

"What the fuck Sasuke!" Naruto yelled out in anger, trying to stand back up from the impact. He didn't get a reply but he could hear the heavy breathing from the other. The man was more than angry and definitely running off on an adrenaline rush.

"Don't you dare say anything you coward," Sasuke countered back to the blonde, voice laced with the most venom he could muster. "What Naruto? Couldn't take the heat so you're going to run again?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Naruto said, confusion clearly written all over his face as he stood to face the other. Quickly, he was pushed back, barely able to stand his ground as Sasuke advance forward like an angry bear.

"Don't try to play innocent here when we all know the truth?" the raven huffed out, his mind no longer filtering what should and shouldn't be said. "It's your entire fault that everything happened and yet you still can't man up to take the blame."

The blonde couldn't voice his thoughts anymore. Though he was confused to why Sasuke was throwing all these harsh words to him, it still hurt like a knife stabbing right through to his heart. He could hear the anger laced in each statement and couldn't help but flinch at the truth. Naruto down casted his head in disgrace, all his efforts of pushing the problem back quickly crumbled. Sasuke took the chance and shoved the other against the tree harshly, raven eyes glaring death at him. Naruto winced as the rough bark rubbed painfully against his back.

"I'm…sorry." Naruto muttered out pathetically. He hated his insecurity when it revolved around this subject. No matter how hard he tried not give in to the guilt, Sasuke's presence was always a constant reminder of his immoral choice.

"Don't try to lie to me, I'm not an idiot Naruto." the lord bit back bitterly, pushing harder against the smaller male. "You said that you weren't going to run again, and here you are lying to me. Is that it! Aren't you ashamed enough that your parents are dead? What more do you want until you realize the truth?"

Those words cut deep and finally pushed Naruto over the edge. In a swift movement that Sasuke didn't expect, he kneed the other powerfully in the stomach. The raven's hold loosened up and Naruto took the chance to push the other man back roughly. When there was a good distance between them he aimed a strong blow to Sasuke's jaw. The blonde watched the pale noble stagger back a few paces and clenched his fist in rage.

"Don't you dare say those things to me." Naruto growled out through clenched teeth. He couldn't take it anymore and was tired of being the man's insult doll. The blonde was furious; frustration barely contained while replaying all the things that Sasuke had said to him. "I know what I did was wrong but I don't need your sorry ass to remind me." Like a domino effect, Sasuke's words hit something hard and the words just kept knocking down more and more barriers. "I know there's no way I can ever repent for my sins but I want to try. I want to try and make things right for once."

He didn't even know it but tears wore flowing freely from his eyes. Just like a waterfall, the tears were rapidly cascading down his cheeks, not slowing down either. Naruto was crashing, and there was no stopping it. It hurt, everything just hurt so much. He down casted his head once again, some tears hitting the ground in silent thump. He must have looked pitiful but the blonde didn't care. He needed this release, needed to cry all the guilt out. "I know that my mother and father may never be able to forgive such a disobedient son but I'm trying. Father always told me that it's never too late to change if a person's heart is in the right place. And I know now where my heart belongs."

Sasuke could only stare in shock at the other's outburst. It didn't make sense at all. If Naruto was running away then why would he want to try and make things right? Quickly the raven scanned their surroundings and noticed that there wasn't a sack anywhere, not even a bag. Something clicked inside his mind and he realized the truth. Sasuke had been tricked by that stupid pervert. Because of his idiocy, he not only punched Naruto but also…made him…cry. That was possibly two of the worst combinations anyone could ever inflict on another person. To say that he felt like a jerk would have been an understatement. He felt like a royal bastard and would gladly accept any punishment at the moment to rid himself of the guilty ache. Gradually he moved to the unaware prince and slid strong arms around the man. He pressed the blonde's head against his chest and pressed both their bodies together. Sasuke felt Naruto flinched in surprise and in response, only pulled him closer.

The pair stayed together for the longest time and in the end it was Naruto who pushed the raven away. Sasuke unwillingly let go and scooted a few inches back, arms still lingering a bit on Naruto's waist.

"I'm sorry," Sasuke apologized, reaching out a hand to grab at the others chin. Lifting it up, he was hit with a tidal wave of oceanic wonder. The moonlight did wonders highlighting the prince's features and made his eyes even more drowning. He leisurely wiped at the tear streaks on the other's cheek, wanting to erase all evidence of Naruto's pain. Without thinking, the raven leaned in hesitantly, wavering for a millisecond before kissing away the moisture at the blonde's eyes.

Naruto just stood there, paralyzed as Sasuke did a complete one eighty and begin pampering him with affection. Wasn't the guy just yelling and throwing punches at him a few seconds ago? And now he was tenderly showering him with kisses?

"What're you doing Sasuke," Naruto stammered out tiredly, a small hiccup making its way out. He struggled against the muscular chest to create some sort of space between them. Sighing gently, he dared a curious look upwards just to see the raven's eyes staring intently back at him. Naruto's breath hitched at the stare and like looking into Medusa's eyes, he froze in place. Sasuke took his chance and slowly descended down, brushing his thin lips against the blonde's teasingly.

"I'm sorry Naruto," he spoke again. Naruto couldn't even comprehend anything, too focused on the tantalizing feel of Sasuke's mouth sweeping across his upper lip. And before the blonde even had time to protest, it connected with his in a savoring kiss. He felt his knees grow weak and instantly, Sasuke's arms rewrapped themselves around him, pulling the younger male closer into oblivion. The raven claimed him and probed hard for an entrance to the prince's cavern. Reluctantly, Naruto shyly responded, creating an opening for the nobleman to explore til his heart was content. It was exactly what Sasuke wanted too, and he didn't hesitate to slide his tongue in. If it wasn't for earlier events, the kiss would have been so perfect. The prince's taste was so bold and addicting it made him dizzy with lust. The raven's lips moved expertly like he'd done it a million times, smoldering the younger man with affection. Sasuke didn't know what possessed him to kiss Naruto but, he felt no regret what so ever.

Finally breaking away, he couldn't help but give another quick peck to those full lips, wanting to do so much more to it. Both men were breathing erratically, neither saying a word but millions of thoughts running through both their minds. That's when it hit Naruto and quickly he jerked back as if he'd been scorched by a hot flame.

"No." Was all he said, shoving the older man away. "You think that just by kissing me, everything is going to be okay? What are you playing at here Sasuke?"

Sasuke couldn't grasp anything that was being said, the high of the kiss still lingering in his mouth, numbing his mind. Naruto took the silence in a complete different way and glared at the Uchiha.

"Listen here you bastard, I'm not some toy you can manipulate as you please! First you punch me, say all these horrible shit, and now you're kissing me? What the fuck?" Naruto yelled out in anger, fists clenched so tightly it could have drawn blood. "Are you even hearing a word of this?"

"Yes, I hear you idiot," Sasuke murmured out sluggishly, coming down from the high. "I'm not using you, I just…"

He just what? Sasuke didn't know how to continue that response. What was it that made him lean into the blonde prince to kiss those alluring lips? What was that lingering sensation still sending jolts of pleasure all throughout his body? He didn't know.

"Just what, Sasuke?" Naruto questioned, body tense as can be and eyes lowered into slits.

Sasuke looked straight at the other, not knowing how to reply. He was at a loss for words, emotions not registering the feeling. It wasn't love, there was no way it could be love. Both males continued to stare at each other, Naruto waiting for a response while Sasuke debated silently.

When the blonde noted that there probably wasn't going to be a reply, he sighed loudly mumbling incoherently about lame bastards before stomping off, back towards the house. Sasuke could only watch the retreating man disappear into the distance, leaving him alone in the clearing. There was nothing but the constant chirping of the night that kept the lone noble company.

…

"So how did last night's conversation go?" Kakashi happily chirped at the yawning blonde. After the longest time, Sasuke finally returned to their designated room, formally apologizing about the miscommunication. Apparently Kakashi had lied saying that Naruto had run away and that's what caused the onslaught of unplanned actions. The blonde forgave the Uchiha warily but still harbored a bit of curiosity over the uninvited kiss. That was something that neither had bothered to mention.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Naruto replied back half-heartedly, taking a place at the table for breakfast.

"Well seeing as I saw the whole thing, I guess wanting your opinion wouldn't be relevant then, ne?" the silver haired man answered gleefully with an all knowing look. A quick blush ignited its way across the blonde's cheek as he glared hatefully towards the older male. The man didn't even bat any eyelash at the heated look but continued to smile through his cloth mask.

"Kakashi I told you to stop doing that," Iruka reprimanded as he brought in a tray of food. Setting it down lightly he slapped the other in the back of the head, trying to rid the creepy smirk off his face.

"I apologize if Kakashi caused you guys any trouble last night with his quick tongue. He gets carried away with words." Iruka said sincerely. Naruto shrugged it off explaining that it wasn't anything to be worried about. Even though both men had nearly strangled each other last night, at least things had gone to somewhat of a semi balance again.

And right on que, the raven haired noble walked into the room, taking a seat begrudgingly beside Kakashi. Surprisingly, the silver haired man refrained from mentioning anymore about last night but he still had that knowing look in his visible eye. Sasuke chose not to comment and grabbed at an offered plate from Iruka. He ignored the creepy pervert sitting beside him and reached out for a piece of toast. Ironically enough Naruto just had to be grabbing at the same toast as him, both their hands connecting for a brief second before the blonde pulled away. Sasuke sighed irritably and fished for a different piece, wanting the day to be over already.

"So," Iruka began, trying to break the silence in the room. "When will you guys be heading out again?"

Naruto wasn't exactly sure how to answer because really, he didn't even know himself. Hesitantly, he looked to Sasuke for an answer but the other was busy stuffing his mouth with food.

"Well, I'm not sure but I know we have to get back to Lavonia fairly quickly." Naruto decided. He didn't hear a protest from Sasuke so he figured the answer was suiting to the bastard.

"Oh, because there's a new moon festival taking place tonight if you both want to attend. There's even an old saying that if a wish is made underneath the tall oak tree near midnight, then it will come true." Iruka finished, looking to the two men for any interest.

"I'm sure that's just a myth," Sasuke replied a bit too quickly, reverting back to picking at the scrambled eggs on his plate. "…not all wishes are plausible enough to grant."

"Jeez Sasuke it's just an old saying," Naruto huffed to the pessimistic lord. "Besides, I would understand why they do it. Even if the people knew that their wishes wouldn't come true, they'd still wish with the hopes that it might happen."

"Idiot, if they know it won't come true then why even bother wishing for it." Sasuke rebutted, staring straight at the stubborn blonde.

"Hey it's just a tale let's not get-" Before Iruka could even finish a hand easily slipped its way over and covered his mouth, preventing any more sounds.

"Ma Iruka, I don't think they're even listening to you." Kakashi jaded in, whispering closely to his ear. "You shouldn't waste your breath on the two. I think they're even denser than we've perceived."

Iruka just nodded his head in agreement, gently removing the other's hand from his mouth. Both older male didn't say anything and just stalked off, knowing full well an argument was about to take place.

"It's called hope Sasuke. H.O.P.E." Naruto answered plainly as if talking to a child. "It's something people hold on to and rely on to make the situation a bit better. Something you obviously don't have."

"I know what hope is you moron. But obviously, people like you who believe in that stupid word are delusional because nothing can ever be accomplished through prayers a lone. If something needs to be done, just do it instead of waiting around for this thing called hope to be knocking at your door." Sasuke countered, annoyed to his wits end. There was something about the younger blonde's comment that rubbed him the wrong way. He knew what hope meant and at one point in his life, he did believe that maybe if he believed enough, all his problems could be solved but it never was. Life wasn't ever that easy.

"Sasuke…" Naruto slowly murmured out. That was probably the most he had ever heard the noble say in one go. He must have hit a nerve, or something along those lines to get the raven to rant into an outburst.

"What," Sasuke snapped back, still not quite over the conversation.

"Why did you kiss me?"

That question did the trick and all emotions of resentment were wiped away, replaced with a tingling sensation in his lower abdomen. Like a child caught with his pants down, Sasuke was speechless, not quite sure how to respond. He dared not to look over at the prince, knowing well that those endless orbs would swallow him into an ocean abyss.

"I don't know….it just seemed like the right thing to do," Sasuke concluded, unsure if that answer would satisfy the question. He finally chanced a look at the blonde, sighing mentally in relief that the other wasn't even staring his way. Instead the prince was busy moving a random piece of food on his plate, back on forth with his fork. There was quietness for the next couple of minutes only with the exception of constant clattering of silver ware. Sasuke continue to watch, waiting for a reply.

"When rulers make decisions to negotiate instead of going to war, how do they know it's the right thing to do? How do they know that the enemy won't turn around and stab them right back. A treaty is nothing but a piece of paper." Naruto said at last, setting his fork down and staring the raven straight in the eyes. "Tell me Sasuke, since you're a prestigious lord, how do they know?"

Sasuke was again speechless with no reply. What was Naruto getting at here, asking random questions? "They don't. There's no way possible for them to predict what the other person may or may not do."

"Exactly." Naruto agreed, scooting his chair back, motioning for his leave. "Then why do they even do it in the first place?"

"Because they…"Sasuke started…hesitating a little. He knew what the prince was doing now.

"Because they have to hope Sasuke, they have to hope that everything will somehow turn out the way they want." Naruto finished, knowing the stubborn man would never admit it. "Sometimes, we can try and use all our might to change what we perceive is wrong. Most of the time, what we want corrected can be done without help but you know…even some things we can't control. And those thing right there, is what kills us the most. That's why people like me believe in that stupid word. It's that four lettered word that keeps me going, keeps me optimistic that people like you can understand it one day."

With that, Naruto quietly excused himself, leaving Sasuke all alone at the dining table.

…

A/N: So how was it? I feel so lost to fandom that I really do need to get back into updating again. I miss the feeling of interacting with my reviewers. Please Review and Follow! And also, vote in your review! Do you think Sasuke and Naruto should go to the Moon Festival or not?