A/N: Hey Everyone! I'm so glad to have another update ready to go for you guys. Since more breaks are coming up I might be able to give my readers faster updates. Hopefully I can, but no promises. Thank you to all my readers and reviewers, seriously, I love you all! Also please forgive any mistakes that you see, I try to go over everything a million times but I just can't catch them all (sorry Ash).

Disclaimer: Don't own.

Warnings: A bit OOC maybe? And I do apologize that although I wanted to write the moon festival into here, things just didn't play out right seeing as it would be too cliché (as if my story isn't cliché enough XD) but I'm glad that everyone was engaged enough to vote. Thank you!

Chapter 9

Something Unexpected

…

We appreciate the hospitality that you have shown us, please if there is way to repay you in the future don't hesitate to contact us." Sasuke thanked with a well-respected bow.

"It's no problem at all, are you sure about not wanting to stay for the festival though?" Iruka replied back, handing a small bag of food to the lord. "Here's a little something for the road, hopefully you both won't have much further to travel."

"Thank you." Sasuke answered, handing the small bag over to the blonde so he could put it into the sack. After breakfast another wave of silence had come over them again, with Naruto refusing to talk to him. The raven couldn't say he wasn't bothered by the treatment because in reality it irked him to no end. But all he could do was just deal with it. That was why it came as a surprise when Iruka mentioned later that it was unfortunate that they couldn't attend the festival. The lord only nodded in reply but figured that Naruto was probably the one to refuse it. Not that Sasuke minded at all but maybe, it was for the best that they didn't go. It would have been an awkward and unpleasant experience.

"Please be careful on your journey," Iruka said snapping Sasuke back to reality.

"We will. Thank you for all you've done for us." Naruto added in. Sasuke watched the shorter male hug the brunette tightly and push away at Kakashi's advances for a hug as well.

When the goodbyes were all said and done, both travelers took off towards the Decorous Bridge, crossing it not too long after without a hitch. The older lord expected the blonde to awe at the amazing architect up close but strangely, he didn't say a thing. Those curious eyes didn't even wander to the intertwining ropes essentially fastening the whole bridge together. It didn't matter any way. With the river rapidly flowing underneath them, even if words were to be exchanged neither would be able to hear. However, this side of Naruto was a bit unsettling to Sasuke, and he just couldn't shake the feeling of guilt away.

"How far until we reach Lavonia?" the blonde prince finally gave out after the two were well away from the bridge. Sasuke glanced over to the other, a bit startled by the sound but was quick to answer.

"It shouldn't be that far from here, if we're lucky, we might even reach the gates by nightfall." He replied, wanting to prolong the conversation as much as possible. Sadly, the other just nodded and continued on as if he'd never even said anything. Sasuke frowned at the lack of response, noticing that the blonde wasn't even lagging behind nor complaining about the long walk. The nobleman finally established that there probably wasn't going to be any more conversing for the rest of the journey.

…

The sun was gentle on them both as they strolled through the well-worn out dirt path. After hours of nonstop traveling in silence, Sasuke suggested they stop for a lunch break in another hour or so. Again, his only answer was a curt nod that Naruto did indeed hear him. The raven rubbed his temples in agitation, if the prince didn't want to talk then let it be. The lord wanted to focus on other things instead of the pettiness that was going on between them both.

The raven let his eyes roam to the familiar scenery that was wedging its way back to his memory. Sighing loudly he thought about many other things he had to worry about. There was still so much he was hiding and somehow, everything always reverted back to Naruto. No matter what happened, their paths always crossed each other in some way. He chanced a glance back at the other, taking in the strong features of a true aristocrat; the strong yet soft outline of a jaw bone, perfectly sculpted lips, long blonde eyelashes, and a petite straight nose. There was no denying that Naruto was meant to be a royal.

"Is there something on my face or do you just enjoy staring intently at other people?" Naruto questioned, still walking without a skip in his footsteps.

Sasuke furrowed his brow but chose not to reply. Unlike the blonde idiot, he wasn't easily goaded into an argument of retaliation. Turning away he paced onward.

…

"You know Kakashi, I really wished Naruto and Sasuke would have stayed longer, I think we can use some extra footsteps in the house." Iruka began while cleaning the table of only two dishes instead of four.

"Are you trying to imply something here?" the silver haired man replied with a coy smile. He heard Iruka stutter a bit as a pink hue dusted over his cheeks. The older man laughed a little but proceeded to get up and help his spouse with the dishes as well. "I'm just teasing you my little wife, but I agree."

The brunette smiled at the comment, realizing why he did what he did to put up with his husband. Kakashi could be quite a handful sometimes but it was those moments that made his heart flutter so erratically. Setting the dishes over in a wooden bucket, he reminded himself to grab water later in order to wash them.

"Ne Iruka."

At the call of his name, he turned quickly to face the recipient of the voice, noting the drastic change in tone. "Is there something wrong Kakashi?"

"I get this feeling that Naruto doesn't know," the silver haired man stated out, piling the rest of the unnecessary things in the kitchen space.

"Know about what?" Iruka questioned, hands finding their way to land on each hip. "I hope you don't mean-"

"That's exactly what I mean," the other replied with a stern look. "Sasuke didn't mention anything to us about it and there was a sense of uneasiness the whole time. It's the only explanation"

"I'm sure that was something else altogether, besides, Sasuke doesn't look like one to lie." Iruka defended. "Look there's nothing to worry about; Naruto's returning home so that should be all there is to it."

"Maybe you're right Iruka," Kakashi agreed solemnly. "But…returning for all the wrong reasons and under false pretenses, isn't going to make the welcome back party very…welcoming."

"Well I think you're over reacting. Besides, there are no indications that prove your theory so we'll just have to see." Iruka claimed, making his way back through the doorway into the adjoined kitchen.

"He asked me the other day if we had messenger pigeons that travel to the castle."

With that sentence, Iruka paused, wheels turning in his head at why the younger male would need a message sent to the castle. "What did you tell him?"

"The truth of course."

"Did you happen to see what he wrote?" Iruka interrogated, staring back over to Kakashi. The silver haired man just shrugged indifferently.

"The note was already prewritten, and was sent out early this morning."

Iruka sighed, closing his eyes knowing that they were going to get news soon about returning back. "This definitely ruins the idea of escaping out here to get away from all the royal obligations."

On that note Kakashi smiled, taking a few steps to touch his spouse lightly on the arm in comfort. "Don't worry; we still have the rest of our lives to spend together." With that the taller man gently leaned down to kiss the brunette lovingly on the head. He knew Iruka was smiling and in return made him smile as well. Wrapping strong arms over the slightly smaller male, he pulled the other in for an embrace. "And trust me when I say that I'll spend every moment of it loving you."

…

After having a quick lunch break the pair continued on relentlessly throughout the day but even with that effort, they were forced to take refuge in the night.

"I thought you said we'd reach Lavonia by nightfall?" Naruto irritably shot at the nobleman.

"Correction, I said if we were lucky then we'd be there by nightfall but I guess we started out a too late," Sasuke answered back. He was just as ready as the blonde to get back but fate was on his side so there was still enough time left.

"I'm going to gather up some wood for a fire." Sasuke announced while watching Naruto unpack their things. The night was getting colder by the day, seeing that winter was only a couple of months away.

Not waiting for a reply, he took off into the woods. Like Iruka had foretold, it was a full moon that night and made gathering firewood that much easier. The raven walked about the chirping night of critters, enjoying the serenity of it all. This was probably the last night he would be able to enjoy the calm conscience of a clear mind. Tomorrow would mean stepping back into Lavonia, into a world where secrets would be forced to unfold. He wasn't sure if he was ready yet to face the problems that lied ahead. It wasn't as if he had a choice in the matter any way, everything had already been decided. All throughout Sasuke's life he'd compared himself to a pawn, being relentlessly pushed around for the sacrifice of the game. So many times he had almost fell into that desolate solitude and barely managed to escape. It was different this time though; he would rise victorious…because now, he had Naruto.

…

It was late when the lord finally made it back to camp, knowing well the blonde wouldn't be too happy about his long outing.

"Did you get lost out there?" Naruto asked sitting crossed legged on his mat. Sasuke apologized silently, knowing well he lost track of time while wandering the woods.

"This should last us the night so we don't have to venture back out again," Sasuke stated, dropping the armful of wood in a corner. Picking out the best dry pieces, he made his way back towards the prince and proceeded to build a fire before the temperature dropped too drastically.

"Sasuke…" Naruto slowly whispered out. The raven stopped midair in rubbing the sticks together and stared openly at the other. He hadn't head Naruto say his name all day and strangely, it was a bit refreshing. "I'm sorry…for snapping at you. I know people have different thoughts and reasons so I shouldn't have said anything. It wasn't my intention to force my beliefs upon you."

The raven felt his heart clench at the guilty feeling that was arising in his chest. Why couldn't he just be the better person and not react so volatile towards such a simple comment? "You shouldn't be sorry, I was wrong in trying to push my views upon you also. I apologize."

"We were both foolish," Naruto answered at last, looking anywhere but at the raven.

"Agreed." Sasuke responded and began on the fire again.

The prince nodded and continued to watch the working man. At least he'd gotten what he wanted to say out. It had been so uncomfortable the whole day with no talking between the two. Naruto was a natural born talker and not even saying much got him to focus on other things, like over thinking. It wasn't good thinking either, just mindless insecurities running through his mind added with a hint of doubt. Bottom line, he was scared. He was scared of facing the people of Lavonia after being away for so long. Would they be angry? Would they accept him? He didn't know and that was the most mind boggling question. No matter what though, he'd already come to terms with himself that there would be no turning back.

At last he saw a spark of flame flicker from the two sticks and some dry bark that the raven was using. Sasuke was quick not to let it die and built upon it until it was a roaring flame. Naruto bathed in the heat waves rolling off like a torrent, eyes glued to the orange glow. Yes, there was no turning back.

…

The sun had barely risen over the horizon the very next morning and they were both already up, ready to reach the kingdom. Packing as quickly as possible, Sasuke effortlessly readied himself, so used to traveling by now. He watched with a smirk, seeing the blonde struggle profusely with his belongings until giving in and helping the idiot out. After that little episode blew over with Naruto ranting about some nonsense, they were both off…again.

"How did you sleep last night?" Sasuke asked, warm breath puffing visibly due to the cold chilly air.

Naruto yawned loudly, wiping away at extra moisture forming near his eyes. He was still so tired from all the walking they had done yesterday. "It was good, though I didn't that much sleep."

Sasuke nodded in comprehension, knowing that the prince was probably nervous as hell for the events that were ahead.

"Naruto," the raven said. The prince looked over in response, wondering what the other would possibly have to say and what he saw locked him in place. Sasuke smiled encouragingly towards him as the words, "you'll be great," slipped out into the morning air. He turned away, a slight blush dusting over his cheeks like wildfire.

"Thank you," Naruto answered, feeling a bit more composed after the unexpected compliment. "I'm just a bit nervous."

"Don't worry, there's nothing to be scared about. You're people need you and that's the only thing that should matter." Sasuke explained.

"I don't know, it's still a bit much to handle even after all that's happened. I'm just having a hard time grasping the fact that I'm actually going home." Naruto replied back with a weary smile. "I think the thing I'm most afraid of facing is the ashamed faces of my people."

Before Naruto could even process what was happening a strong hand slipped its way into his, intertwining them both together.

"I'll be here, right beside you so don't worry." Sasuke assured.

Naruto felt as if he'd been hit with a lightning bolt as all his limbs went completely numb. It took great effort for him to keep walking without falling over. His hands felt stiff compared to the warm one's clutching tightly back. The blonde couldn't help the bright smile that split across his face as he turned to the raven.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but, I'm glad that you found me, Sasuke."

The nobleman couldn't help but slowly allow a smile to brighten up his features as well. There was just something about the prince's personality that affected him like no other.

8 hours later

Naruto sighed out in defeat, groaning at how much his feet hurt. He wouldn't be surprised if they had already crossed half the country by now because the travel was so unrelenting. He could feel how heavy his heart was becoming as the dread of reaching Lavonia inched closer and closer.

"Naruto," Sasuke spoke, breaking through his mild distraction. "We're almost there."

Those words reverberated through his muddled mind, creating an odd sensation in his lower abdomen. "I know."

Quietness enshrouded itself over the two for the longest of time as a large brown gate begin to make itself apparent over the distant hills.

"There it is," Sasuke stated at last, shifting the bag on his shoulder as they moved forward.

Naruto turned to look at Sasuke, wanting nothing more than to just run all the way back to Gaia. Living in a life of ignorance had become so much of a crutch for him that now, when facing reality; he was paying for that weakness. Suddenly, when Lavonia was just a dozen or so steps away, he noticed the nobleman stop completely.

"Naruto there's something I need to tell you," Sasuke spoke aloud with such seriousness that it made the prince pause as well. He turned to the lord, watching with calculating eyes at the hesitant look the other was sporting.

"Whatever happens…just don't ever lose sight of who you are."

The blonde clenched his fists in an attempt to stop his body from shaking at the impact those words had on him. If there was a person in the world that could get away with rattling his emotions so much, it would be Sasuke. The lord had a way with tugging at his heart strings one minute and then cutting them to pieces the next. It hurt to realize how much would change between the two once they walked through those gates. He didn't reply, fearing his voice would falter at the intense look Sasuke was giving. Nodding slightly, the blonde turned his focus to the gates standing strongly just a few steps ahead. Catching a slight movement, the prince watched Sasuke stride like a King towards the intensive wooden entrance. The raven lifted up his right fist and pounded heavily on the doors. After a few minutes or so, a little timber slide slid open to reveal a square peep hole. Dark brown eyes scrutinized the strangers, eyeing them wearily before closing the fold back. Naruto was a bit confused at this but stood his ground behind Sasuke. He jumped a little as a loud creek rang through the air, signifying the opening of the gates.

The nobleman stepped back a little as the gates were pulled in to reveal a soldier wearing a light brown tunic with gold lining of a spiral in the middle. He was also sporting a dark brown cloth pixane, covering the top of his torso and leather black boots tightened together by blood red strings.

"'Bout time you got back already, Sai was starting to worry that you might have run away too," the brunette joked light-heartedly. He moved the door a safe distance away to let the travelers in and then afterwards, shut it back tightly.

"Where's Shikamaru? And why are you guarding the gates here?" Sasuke questioned the other male, completely ignoring Naruto. It wasn't as if the blonde truly cared anyway, he was too busy dealing with the tidal waves of déjà vu coming in. He didn't remember the gates but then again, he had never left Lavonia other than through the tunneled entrance near the back. Sensing the familiarity of it all, it wasn't so bad anymore. It would be a ten minute walk before they hit the town streets and then another twenty minute walk to the castle if he remembered correctly. Sighing loudly, the prince felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders and that the hard part was over. He was home.

"Yo, you're the prince right?"

Snapping out of his reminiscence, he turned to the soldier from before. The man was just a bit taller than him but definitely not by much. But the oddest thing was that he was sporting a red upside down triangle on each cheek that would look like fangs when he grinned. Naruto shook off the thought, noting that the guy had asked him a question. "Yes, I am."

"Good, I guess it's clear to send word then." The man said mostly to himself, muttering something incoherent as well. "We have a resting house adjoined to the gates to make it easier for guards to change shifts, why don't you two follow me there and we can talk."

Sasuke nodded in agreement pulling the blonde along. Not even two seconds within returning and Naruto was feeling like a doll again, being dragged around without any information. The brunette walked further up ahead while the other two trudged along.

"Sasuke, what's going on?" Naruto asked as Sasuke let go of his arm. "Aren't we going straight to the castle?"

"We will, but there's someone who's been waiting a long time to see you." The lord answered truthfully, not wanting to look back at the younger man.

"Who?" Naruto questioned, not liking that he was being treated like a child again. The raven didn't reply but just kept walking ahead, not bothering to wait for the blonde to catch up.

The prince lagged a step or two behind the nobleman, lips pressed tightly together in irritation. He still didn't even know what the soldier's name was but Sasuke seemed to know the guy pretty damn well. It wouldn't kill the bastard to at least enlighten the blonde with that answer. When they both reached the door, the brunette already had it opened, waiting impatiently for them to step inside. There was a rush of warmth that surged through Naruto's body as he went through the doors. Hearing it close softly behind him, he didn't bother to look as an onslaught of colors bombarded his vision. Heat radiated off the large fire place in the far right, creating a nice cozy atmosphere that was just perfect for any inhabitants of the house. The place was definitely convenient and well-built to keep the working guards comfortable during different shifts. It was very spacious, more than able to hold at least fifty people, with beds lined up in a corner and chairs scattered around. There were a couple of tables here in there but what caught the prince's eyes the most was a giant portrait of the King and Queen hanging over the fireplace. It was as if something had lodged itself into his throat and refused to budge because Naruto couldn't breathe. A wave of nausea passed over him and the prince swore he wanted to vomit. He felt his hands shake uncontrollable and knew his knees were going weak.

"Naruto…" Sasuke whispered out to him, pale hands grabbing ahold of the other. The prince looked over to the lord, eyes swirling with emotions as he failed to get ahold of himself. He had mentally prepped himself for this reality but it was too much. How was he supposed to lead a nation when he couldn't even face his demons without faltering?

"Sasuke I-"

"-can do it. You're not a child anymore Naruto. You wanted this chance to prove to yourself that you've changed so don't cower away." The raven sternly finished. He squeezed the blonde's hands for extra support then casually pulled away from the prince.

Naruto squeezed his eyes shut for a second; calming his erratic heart that decided to beat again. Air filled his lungs greedily as he stood erect, eyes glued to the hanging portrait. As if in a trance, his body moved on its own, taking small steps towards the massive painting. The portrait was painted to perfection, seeing as the two aristocrats resembled so much of their actual selves. The colors blended flawlessly like bread and butter, creating a radiating glow. He wished he could run his hands up and down the canvas to feel the texture of his mother's ruby red hair or his dad's sunshine locks but unfortunately…it was just a picture.

"Breath taking isn't it…Naruto." a voice muttered from behind him.

A cold chill ran through the prince's veins, stilling him on the spot as those words sank in. It wasn't possible; he'd recognize that voice anywhere. Eyes wide from shock, he refused to turn around as panic began to speed up his heart rate, another wave of queasiness engulfing him completely. That bastard…it couldn't be true…after so long…how could he ever forget!

"You've grown up so much, my son."

…

A/N: Hoped everyone liked this chapter, it took me forever to revise and edit because I was being so indecisive! I think the next chapter will be my favorite to write though since so much will be going on! If anyone has any guesses on Sasuke's motives feel free to share them, I would love to hear it C: Please review! Until next time!