Chapter 9: A Crossroads

Sasuke couldn't describe what he felt at that moment. As Naruto, stumbled toward him, Sasuke felt warmth. A type of warmth that he had not felt before. It was as if he was witnessing a miracle. Sasuke felt confused by this. He wondered what the big deal was, but at the same time he seemed to know what it was in his heart. Naruto had learned to walk. The Uchiha felt a strange sort of pride in his heart. It was hard to describe.

The Uchiha's stony face remained in place, but his onyx eyes softened slightly at the infant in front of him.

"Gah!" squealed Naruto as he fell down on his butt.

"Hn…good job…" Sasuke whispered as he unconsciously put the boy in his lap.

Team Gai approached them and congratulated Naruto on his first steps. Lee was the most enthusiastic one of the three, proclaiming how youthful and magnificent it was. Tenten fawned over the blond and Neji just gave Sasuke a nod of acknowledgement.

For the first time in a long time Sasuke felt truly happy. The raven had almost forgotten what the feeling was like. It was like having his mother back again. Like those warm summer days that seemed to go on for an eternity. The sun slapping on your skin and the shade's cool breeze.

Gai also made it just in time to find out what happened. When the older man arrived, his team was huddled around Uchiha Sasuke and his ward. Lee was the first one to notice him.

"Gai-sensei! Naruto-kun just learned to walk! Isn't great!" the green youth exclaimed.

"That is astounding!" replied Gai, moving closer, "what a glorious occasion!"

He and Lee cried like babies while they hugged each other saying that it was joyous and youthful occasion. The sunset seemed to appear from nowhere as teacher and student cried with gladness.

The rest of the people present-minus Naruto who just giggled-sweat dropped.

Lee pulled away from his sensei and wiped his eyes.

"We should all go celebrate!" Lee said.

"That's a good idea," Tenten mused, "we should go out for lunch or throw a little get together?"

"Perhaps," Neji replied, "but it is up to Uchiha-san. "

All three members of team Gai, plus Gai himself, stared at Sasuke. The raven blinked for a few moments before sighing. He wasn't a party person. Nor was he very extroverted at all. But…he could bend himself just this once.

"Hn…whatever. You guys can do what you like," the raven replied, which meant a reluctant yes.

"OK! I'll tell Kakashi," exclaimed Gai, "but we have to wait a bit for everyone to get back. Your friends Ino and Chouji went on a mission recently. They might have gotten back today. Kurenai, Asuma, Shikamaru and shino probably won't be back until next week. We should wait, that way everyone gets to see the little tyke!"

Lee grinned, "sounds like a plan!"

Sasuke said nothing, briefly pondering if he had made the right choice. He looked down at Naruto, the warm feeling immediately flooding his chest. Sasuke didn't understand it. 'I've tried so hard for this not to happen…what would Itachi say if he saw how weak I've gotten…" he thought.

The path back to his apartment was a calm one. Sasuke carried Naruto through the streets, ignoring the glances of fear and hate. To Sasuke, it was ridiculous that the villagers hated Naruto for something he couldn't control. Then, wondered if he would have acted the same way.

The Uchiha suddenly realize that, he had in fact, acted the same. During the first few days of this baby fiasco, he had resented Naruto for all that had happened. At least part of him did. He suddenly realized he was no better than the villagers who sneered at them. After some time walking, Sasuke arrived at his home. He put Naruto in his crib so he could sleep and headed toward the kitchen. The raven noticed there was a scroll on the table as well as note. Sasuke carefully picked up the note.

Sasuke-kun

It is a shame that you were hindered to come to me. I have sent the Snake Summoning contract along with this note. I've sent Kabuto to watch your current state of affairs from a distance, and he's been keeping me updated. Do you still want the power I can give you? It seems that Konoha is blinding you my dear boy…regardless you have a choice to make. If you choose to stay, I'll be forced to take you by force once we meet again. If you still want to join me sign the Snake summoning contract before the week is up. As soon as you do, Kabuto will prepare accordingly and smuggle you out. If you don't…well we'll see each other again Sasuke-kun.

Orochimaru.

Sasuke cursed silently and put the note down on the table. 'Kabuto must be well hidden…he most have sneaked in when I was gone knowing the Anbu would follow me. He's also keeping his distance in order not to be discovered.' Now…now Sasuke had a major problem. What would he choose? If he went with Ororchimaru, he could very well gain the power to kill Itachi. But if he left the village again, there was a risk that they'd capture him and strip him of his freedom. Not to mention Naruto, he'd lose Naruto.

'Damn it,' Sasuke thought, 'since when do I care about losing him!'

Sasuke put the Snake summoning contract and the note away in his room. He sat on his bed and glanced at the sleeping infant and then back to one of the compartments of his nightstand where he put the scroll. Sasuke groaned and cursed himself for letting Naruto get so close.

"Could you leave him again?"

Gaara's words echoed, floating in his mind, jabbing him. Over and over again. He also remembered that horrible dream he had…

"You are the most wretched trash I have ever taught."

Sasuke let himself fall on the bed. His eyes fixed upward.