Day number two for the training trip from hell. Today I found a bog all by myself first thing; this means another bath for me later. No one would help me out because they were all laughing at me. I was extremely happy and grateful when Sasuke recovered first and pulled me out roughly by the scruff of my neck. The whole freakin' area is out to get me! A tree grabbed my jacket and bag, and then wouldn't let go until I broke the stupid branch. It's still stuck on there. After that I was stupid enough to lean on a rock as we navigated the bog, and about a million little Venus flytrap type plants immediately glued themselves to my hand so I was stuck there. I called for help, and once again it was Sasuke who came to my rescue by gasping between laughter that I should cut them with my Kunai knife. I knew that...

I still have their remains stubbornly attached to my hand as we go back into the forest. I glare at the trees hatefully, and because I have my eye out for twigs that grab my bag, I trip over a huge root and down a small hill. I skid to a stop, facedown, and decide my luck might be a bit better if I just don't move. Turns out moving or not has nothing to do with luck, because a skunk spotted me, and I think you understand what happened.

Sigh

Right about then, I was sure I would be dead by the end of the trip. Sakura was glaring at me the whole time, but when I voiced my fear of death to Sasuke, he laughed, which made me feel better. It was around lunchtime when we finally stopped in a clearing. To my dismay, I discover the tree has ripped my bag, and I've lost my lunch. Poor, poor innocent ramen. I bet those jerks knew the whole time. I have to retrace my steps, but it appears that no matter how far back I go, my food is nowhere in sight. Halfway back I sink to my knees, and take a deep breath so I don't scream in frustration.

I gave up on the rest of the day, and went back to camp where I scrubbed myself down as best I could. I especially scrubbed my hand where those stupid plants had tried to digest me. With low spirits, I go back to my tent and open my suitcase. Looking at everything at once, I was pretty pathetic. 'Hi! I'm the famous I've-never-even-heard-of-you Naruto, and I proudly live in a suitcase in what shouldn't even be classified as a tent! Not to mention that, I've just gone through in one day what most people don't even do in their whole lives!' I shrugged it off, and got comfortable in the little nest I'd made myself.

Naturally, as you might guess, the great out doors wasn't done with me quite yet. It got extremely hot. Hot enough that I coulda bin stretched out naked and still bake, so I had to move outside. I hid from the rays under one of the hated food snatching trees, and lie on the cloth cover for the blanket. (I left the feathers in the suitcase.) Determined to get one last laugh at me, kind Mother Nature sent be some friends to keep me company. Mostly mosquitoes and the occasional biting fly.

I went back to the hot spring, and decided to stay there till the others returned. I don't even care about being pruny anymore, not after the day I just endured. I can't believe I thought yesterday sucked.

"Here again?"

I sigh, and sink up to my chin in the water.

"It seems to be the only safe place left in this hellhole..."

Oh, no! I'd dropped my act!

"I mean, I'm loving this trip! It's so much fun! I can't wait for tomorrow!"

I put on my usual 'genuine' smile, and pump one hand into the air. The black haired boy doesn't look convinced as I scratch a fly bite on my arm. It's my turn to have completely braided hair. What! I have been here almost half the day you know.

"You didn't even want to come in the first place, did you?"

"..." Busted. I look down and to the side to cover my expression.

"Then why did you come?"

'Because I didn't want to lose you to Sakura, but I did anyway on the very first day.' "I'm here now, and there's no turning back!"

I think he heard my thoughts again, because he's looking at me funny. I know I definitely did NOT say anything out loud that I didn't want to, so how is he picking up on this stuff!

"That didn't answer my question."

"I didn't mean it to answer your question."

"Naruto, is someone picking on you?"

I laugh, but quickly cover my mouth with my hand as he frowns.

"No, nobodies picking on me to come here." 'I only spent my whole life getting picked on, but I actually chose to be tortured this time! What do you think, Sasuke-god?'

"Sorry."

"Easy mistake."

I dismiss it, and continue to smile brightly.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?"

"Quit smiling when you don't feel happy. It looks creepy."

Sharp as a whip this one. Whips bring up very interesting visuals of Sasuke and I... He slips into the spring in the same place as last time. I've stopped smiling now, and am just watching in silent unhappiness.

"Does it really?"

I ask after a minute or two. He looks at me curiously, so I decide to elaborate a bit more.

"I mean does it look creepy." I smile as an example.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because it's near impossible to tell it apart from your real smile,"

... Real smile? What real smile? Oh no! It's like he's looking through me! I think he can hear me! What do I do! I know! Try to seduce him! Coooome over heeeeere my precioussssss...

"... if you even have one."

"Nope!" I grin.

Oops, I just discovered acting happy is now a reflex action. I wonder if Sasuke noticed? Maybe I can just pretend it never happened.

"It's not... It's not like I can stop smiling; I need to. To me it's a necessity because I'm telling myself, as well as everyone else, everything will work out. Even if I don't believe it. Don't tell, okay?"

He's giving me a look I've never seen him give anybody before. Oh no! I've done something wrong again! What was I thinking! I can't just go around telling people the truth! What if I start to believe it as well! Then who'll be the one to pull the others through?

"Dobe."

I fight off the vein that's about to pop. He could stand to be a little more considerate!

"I won't tell... But only on one condition."

As if anyone would believe him if he told. But still, I'm curious as to the condition, and he can see it.

"Hang out with me more. Sakura's grating on my nerves."

Why that selfish- What am I! A distraction! Well, I did sit through an hour and a half of her lecture the first day... But he smiled and laughed! I was obliged by the law of worshippers to sit and take it!

"She trying to rape you or something?"

It was out of my mouth before I even thought it, and immediately regretted it because my tone was somewhat harsh. I sure hope he didn't pick up on my jealousy.

"No, but she's moved her flirting up a couple of notches, and decided she was going to kiss me."

I feel my chest tighten. I already know, Sasuke.

"First day out here, right? You two should keep it down. There's only one scrawny bush between our tents you know."

"You heard that? How much?"

"Only up till 'I know', and then I decided to move my tent away even more..."

"So you didn't hear the end?"

Why does he sound a bit depressed? Why would I want to hear them making out! I shake my head vigorously, feeling a blush creeping into my cheeks. I'll just blame it on the heat. He sighs and we sit in a very shared uncomfortable silence. Eventually he gets out, and redresses.

"It's not what you think, Naruto. I don't even like her."

I don't believe him. I just let myself slip down another inch and a half, and he points at me to get my attention back.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did."

"Can I move my tent closer to yours? I'm almost afraid to sleep at night. I mean, have you see the look in her eyes lately!"

"Unfortunately."

"So? Can I?"

"Since when do you ask me these things? As I recall, you've never asked me for anything let alone permission to move your own tent."

We stare in silence a moment.

"You're right. I don't know what I'm thinking." He turns his back to me "Oh, and you hair is still braided."

"Ah, shit!"

And I was just about to get out too! It'll take me forever to undo them all!

"Put them in the water. Your hair is short; some might come apart on their own."

And then he was gone. I wish he would've mentioned that last time...

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End of Chapter 3! You lucky people you; you get two chapters at once. I owe the submission of all my Naruto Fanfic substance to my Auntie Sandy and Uncle Bruce who lent me thier internet access computer for twenty minutes max. R&R Because it truely makes my day. Later days!

-Tyori-Chan