Misery Loves Company

Author: Ladelle

Rating: M

Comments: Hellooooo out theeeere! Okay, I have successfully passed my first demo class which means I'm officially graduating in June, so I'm sorry for the wait but...you know, graduating takes top priotity. That and I got absorbed in the Twilight series (but omg book four was nonsensical) and...yeah.

But here's the next chapter! Thank you for all of your reviews!

Chapter 22:

As promised, the ride to Nivae was hardly an hour longer and the sickness growing in the pit of Naruto's stomach had become distracted by familiar sights. Conservative little houses lined a chalky white road and the wind whistled through russet pines and caramel colored aspens. It was like a scene from a movie, so peaceful and calm. It was unfortunate that the underlying tension in the car was so contrasting.

Haku followed Gaara's articulate directions to a home that made Naruto's heart beat a little faster in his chest, the memories of his past visit seeming vividly clearer. Their vehicle was too shiny and new for the older town, Naruto guessed, as children stopped playing in their lush and overgrown yards to admire it, and Kotetsu was grinning ear-to-ear with an unknown and unexpected excitement.

"I've never been to one of these places," anticipation was thick in his husky voice. Haku shook his head, indicating that he hadn't either, and without waiting for anyone else to direct him, Naruto practically leapt out of the car.

The mountain air was fresh against his skin, like a cool blanket that smelled of salty brooks and sifting earth. The sun was tumbling across the sky as it made its last go for the horizon, nighttime chasing it from behind. It sent marvelous streaks of colors across the sky, like the canvas of sky had been ripped open and impossible strokes of color had bled through.

"Sunsets are always prettier in the mountains," Haku said softly, and then he laughed a little. "At least, that's what they say." Everyone had managed to exit the car now and was admiring the sight, a strange silence soon replaced by Suigetsu's irritated voice.

"I'm cold." He said brusquely. Stifling the urge to roll his eyes, Naruto wondered if Suigetsu had grown up in the city his whole life. He had met people like him at college; kids who were so used to schedules and dollar signs that they never were able to open their eyes to the beauty around them. A knock sounded though, making Naruto jerk around in surprise, only to discover that Gaara had already sauntered to the front door.

It didn't take long for a response, and when a bowl-shaped head of silk-black hair popped out, a smile created dimples in Naruto's cheeks. He couldn't believe it had been so long. And though there was so much on his mind, his worries seemed to disappear, if only for a few moments.

Gaara was talking to Lee, probably explaining the situation, and Suigetsu slumped against the car and pocketed his hands, releasing a fierce and over-exaggerated yawn. Haku and Kotetsu were still taking in their surroundings, looking pleased with where they had ended up, and Sasuke was standing in a perfectly business-as-usual manner a hairsbreadth from Naruto.

"You…You grew up!" Lee's voice snapped Naruto out of his quiet assessment of his little team, and before he had a chance to say anything Lee had him in a bone crushing hug. Choking a bit against the embrace, Naruto said, "Surprisingly enough, you don't look any different."

"That's because optimism provides youth!" Lee said with a familiar confidence, and Naruto couldn't resist a smile that crept across his features. He had missed this optimism and energy, whether he wanted to admit it or not. He wondered suddenly if Kotetsu and Haku were completely bewildered behind him, so he turned to explain.

"When I first came to this time, I stayed here for a couple of days," he explained. They were looking around as if trying to absorb this new and fascinating little place and not surprisingly, Suigetsu still looked incredibly bored. Sasuke had moved beside him and looked completely miserable, and Gaara, amazingly enough, looked perfectly content.

After a long minute of introductions, Suigetsu started forward towards the door, briskly climbing the steps of the house. Naruto stepped to the side to let him pass and their eyes met for a brief second, enough for Suigetsu to feel obligated to say something.

"As much as I love reunions, they're always much interesting when they involve people you give a damn about," he said a bit coldly, and before Naruto could really form a response, he continued. "This is where we're staying, right?"

Naruto went forward and opened the door for him, nodding. He wasn't about to argue with Suigetsu, only because he didn't want to make a scene. Sometimes he really did feel like punching the guy though, and at this point in time, he'd rather Suigetsu go lock himself in a room somewhere rather than be rude.

A small sore of jealously began to fester when Sasuke followed him inside, not bothering to cast any glance his way. It hurt, but Naruto took a deep breath and waved his hands towards his police partners who had just finished introducing themselves. Gaara was next to Naruto in an instant, entering the house as Lee nearly shoved the other two up the stairs with his enthusiasm, giving Naruto another look up-and-down before grinning madly.

"Seeing you makes me so happy," Lee said. "It's a good thing that you came here."

There was something hidden in his tone that Naruto couldn't quite decipher. He was pushed inside as forcefully as everyone else and the thick and juicy aroma of vegetable marinated pasta filled his nose and lungs. His mouth watered and his stomach growled, and he noticed that even Suigetsu had quieted down at the savory aroma.

A dinner table Naruto remembered vaguely was being decorated for the mass amount of people there, and Lee was running in and out of the narrow kitchen with rolls, margarine, and bowls of salads and pastas.

"I'll have to make a bit more, seeing as how there's so many of us," he said lightly, bustling back to make good on his word. And as if the longevity of the day of traveling took over the group, they all found seats at the table, quiet, patient, and extremely tired. It wasn't long before the food was served, and Naruto wasn't surprised that Lee was the only person who managed to keep a conversation going—though most of the time it was all for himself. He talked about Nivae, the people, the activities, their beliefs, so much that it felt like a bedtime story rather than a town's history.

Naruto ate until his stomach pleaded with him to stop, and it was more than once that he glanced up to take in Sasuke's expression while he was distracted by his plateful of food. Well, food and Suigetsu, who seemed to be doing a good job distracting Sasuke as well. Sasuke's hand was over his boyfriend's, plucking away a fork with a sour expression on his face.

Maybe Suigetsu had said something about the food…?

But Naruto didn't want to imagine what Suigetsu had said or done. He was too distracted by the way Sasuke's lithe fingers fell effortlessly over the other man's, and suddenly, from nowhere, Naruto felt warmth over his own, remembering what it felt like to have Sasuke's fingers curled around his.

Had it really been so long since Sasuke had touched him so effortlessly? It felt like it had never happened at all. Had he imagined a relationship between them? Was it something completely lost to memories? Naruto hadn't noticed he was staring, but it must have been obvious to a point because Rock Lee, known for his socialism and not quite for his tact, leaned across the table with curious eyes.

"So I'm just wondering," he said, and Naruto's head whipped to the side to gage his expression. "Why aren't you two dating anymore?"

Naruto's face went red before he could will it not to, and a fork dropped from Suigetsu's hand to his plate. Sasuke was looking at Naruto, he could feel it, but his small bit of remaining pasta salad had never looked so fascinating before. It was green and red and—oh, he hadn't realized there were peppers in it…

The mood of the table had gone cold extremely suddenly, and Lee leaned back, his eyes squinted as he realized he had brought on a rough subject. Surprisingly enough, it was Gaara who worked to cure the situation.

"I think everyone is tired," he said expertly. "Are we able to stay here?"

As if the subject had been forgotten completely Lee was up, shuffling towards a doorway near the kitchen. "Of course, of course. I'll show you all where to stay…" and he disappeared around the corner. Naruto caught Gaara watching him ruefully as the majority of the table rumbled to a stand, following Lee as he ushered them to the extra rooms of the house.

"Thank you," Naruto said quietly, and he wondered if it was his imagination or if he really did feel Sasuke's hand brush his back as he left the dining room. Soon, it was just the two of them. After a reluctant sigh Naruto stood up, collecting dishes from the table. Gaara stared at him.

"What are you doing?"

Naruto knew what he was asking. "I don't want to go to sleep," he said, explaining why he hadn't left with the others. "What are you doing?"

Gaara stood up and began to help, pulling plates and silverware into his won hands. "I don't want to leave you alone."

Naruto rolled his eyes, wondering how Gaara could even think he would try and escape someplace. As if reading his mind, the redhead came up beside him, grabbing a glass he had been about to collect and said, "You think about him too much."

Naruto almost dropped the plate-wear in his hands out of surprise, but luckily landed it all in the sink. He started some water and began to scrub with an old cloth hidden in the basin.

"You think about me too much," he said back. Gaara was always hard to read. Was he a good friend? Did he feel guilty about the way things had turned out, and now wanted to make up for it? Or…was there more…? Naruto could never tell.

Gaara grabbed a clean dish from Naruto's hand and started to dry it with a towel from the counter behind them. "You need someone to think about you," he replied, and the comment was so simple that it made Naruto pause in his scrubbing. He wasn't happy with the way he felt warm all of the sudden.

"I have enough people thinking about me," was his response, immediately remembering how everyone was in danger for merely thinking of his well-being. Gaara snorted.

"He's thinking about you too."

Naruto stopped what he was doing and turned to glare. "Is there a reason you're badgering me?"

Gaara shrugged, leaning over him to take another clean dish from his hands. "You need to sleep."

Naruto wondered how that made any sort of sense, but as quickly as Gaara had said it, Naruto felt a wave of exhaustion come over him. Whether it had been the food or the sudden silence, he felt tired now, even if he didn't want to admit it.

"You two didn't have to do all that," Lee was behind them in an instant, looking extremely pleased. "Come on, you guys need sleep too."

He grabbed them both and trailed them to a spare bedroom right near the kitchen and Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Together?"

Gaara was silent, and Lee waved his hand. "Everyone's sharing rooms. I don't have that many," he laughed in reprise. Naruto felt guilty suddenly and waved his hands. "No, no, it's fine. Thank you, Lee."

"Goodnight!"

And in seconds, the black-haired man disappeared. Gaara went in first and Naruto stood for a while, listening to the wind as is rustled the trees outside, wondering which room Sasuke and Suigetsu were staying in. He clenched his fists and loosened them, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him.

Gaara had already claimed a bed, but Naruto knew him well enough to know he wasn't asleep. He fell into his own bed and curled into a ball, pulling a blanket over himself. With the wind outside and the earthy floors creaking beneath him, it was easy to imagine this was all a dream.

It was extremely dark. Usually when it was dark an unfathomable cold seemed to follow, but this dark was different. He was exceedingly hot. Sweat trickled down his face, saturating his neck and his shirt beneath the blanket he was wrapped in. He opened his eyes, but nothing--still darkness.

Had he just survived a nightmare?

The blanket was coarse against his fingers as he struggled to free himself from it, ripping it from his skin like it was suffocating him. Cool air bit at his skin and he inhaled it like an animal, taking breaths like he had been drowning.

He blinked his eyes closed as bright sunlight assaulted them, his temples throbbing. He felt cooler, but rusty, like he had been asleep for too long. Whatever he had been dreaming was beginning to fade from his system, and he was remembering where he was.

"It's been twelve hours," a muffled voice said from beyond his doorway. It sounded like Sasuke. Naruto glanced up, feeling somewhat less groggy, and realized he was alone in the bedroom Lee had lent him.

There was movement on the other side of his bedroom door; a shuffling. "Don't wake him." Naruto recognized Gaara's voice. The conversation continued, but it grew quieter. He figured that they were walking away, and he yawned.

Twelve hours.

Had he really slept that long?

The sun was starting to warm him, and through the window he could tell that it was already high in the sky. He took a languid breath and eased out of bed, surprised that he had been so exhausted. It wasn't as though he had done anything physically demanding, but mentally...

Naruto's eyes flew open. He had forgotten about why he was in Nivae; who he had left behind. His heartbeat raced and he jumped up, his head still thick with lethargy, and he dodged to the door, whipping it open.

He couldn't believe that he had slept so placidly while his friends were in trouble; while he had people to save. He felt like a sloth as he jogged out to the living room, weaving a familiar path through the kitchen and dining room to get there. He paused when Gaara and Lee were seated on the couch, staring at him with speculative eyes.

"I--what happened? Are we leaving?"

Lee looked confused and Gaara continued to stare. "You look horrible."

Naruto glanced down to his rumpled shirt and jeans and could only imagine what his hair looked like. He took a breath, realizing he was worrying for nothing. No one had left, he had merely overslept, and by the looks of it, hadn't missed a thing.

"Thank you," Naruto said dryly, leaning back against a wall. Lee stood up with his usual energy and pointed towards another hallway, an eyebrow raised.

"Shower?" he asked. The idea sounded wonderful. A moment passed before Naruto nodded. Showers were always good for clearing minds, and whatever dream he had still made him feel like he was forgetting something important. He ignored Gaara's sly grin as he walked by and eagerly took advantage of the bathroom when he had it all to himself.

Lee had brought him some denims and a shirt while he bathed, and after he felt like he was once again a part of the world of the living, he wandered the house, searching for no one in particular. He was surprised to run into Lee and another familiar face he had forgotten about.

"Naruto! It's so good to see you!" Gai hugged him so tightly Naruto could only think to compare the embrace to that of a bear.

"C-can't b-breathe..." he mouthed, and Gai laughed before releasing him, slapping him on the back as though their friendship went back. Naruto grimaced at the force; Gai had always been much stronger than he let on, especially for being the tree-hugger that he was.

"Look at you, all grown up," Gai continued, still looking fascinated. Lee chipped in.

"I know, he lost all his baby fat, didn't he?"

Naruto's jaw dropped. "I was never fat!"

The bowl-haired duo laughed together and Naruto pouted a little, silently agreeing that he had grown into an adult quite nicely. Not that he would ever admit that out loud...

"Do you still have it?" Lee asked, and before Naruto had the opportunity to ask 'what', Lee's fingers were tackling the bottom of his shirt, yanking it up. Naruto's hands flew up in surprise, remembering the henna tattoo they had giving him for healing; a henna that had never quite gone away.

"Uh..."

"Learn some manners," a cold voice came from beside him, and a pale hand encircled Lee's wrist, forcing it to release Naruto's shirt. Sasuke was staring at Lee like he was an ant under a microscope, and Naruto was utterly surprised. One, because he hadn't even heard him approach, and two because he was reacting so passionately to something so innocent.

Feeling a bit too playful for what he knew was his own good, Naruto turned to Sasuke and lifted his shirt anyway, revealing the intricate tattoo. "Don't you remember?"

For the first time Naruto could ever remember, Sasuke did the unthinkable. He blushed. And Naruto felt so completely surprised that the laughter that Gai and Lee had found themselves dissolved in seemed to become obsolete. He shoved his shirt back down, feeling like he had done something inconceivably dirty. Gai was still laughing hysterically beside them.

"It's good to see you still with a sense of humor," Lee chuckled and he glanced up to the wall beside him, taking in the time from a small clock on the wall. His features straightened slightly and he turned to Naruto. "Hey, do you want to come with me to visit some friends today?"

Naruto felt Sasuke go rigid beside him and even Gai seemed to pause in his laughter for a minute, and it made a small swell of nervousness trickle through his veins. "...your friends?" Naruto said a little unsurely.

Lee smiled broadly and nodded. Naruto looked up to Sasuke who merely glanced away, and Gai felt the need to add, "If it's alright with you, Sasuke."

Naruto continued to gage Sasuke's expression, but he simply shrugged. "It was bound to happen sooner or later."

Naruto's eyes scrunched together as he tried to figure out just what exactly he was being left out of, but before he could ask, Lee grabbed his hand. "Let's go then."

Naruto cast another idle glance at Sasuke before letting Lee drag him towards the door, his heart sinking a bit while the other man didn't bother to even look at him. Bumping into Gaara brought his attention forward however, and the redhead's green eyes were alive with a certain anxiety.

"Do you want to come too?" Lee asked. "I'm sure they'd love to see you again!"

Gaara cast a cautious glance towards Naruto before looking past him to Sasuke. "Uchiha's not going?" he asked, his eyes still turned towards the other man across the room. Lee answered in the negative. "No. Do you want to go?"

There was a pause, and Gaara was still looking back to Sasuke. Naruto wished he had eyes in the back of his head so he could see the expression Sasuke had. Before he could turn to look, Gaara's eyes narrowed and he turned to follow them out. "Yes, I'll go."

Naruto could feel Lee's mood brighten and he was yanked forward, wondering who on earth he was going to see. Gaara was beside them as they broke out into the warm fall day, the sun bathing them as they trampled through a lush backyard. Spider vines and clusters of poppies and dandelions claimed the whole area, spare a small cobblestone trail that led to the backyard of another house.

Naruto inhaled the sugary scent of wild flowers and cruised behind Lee, shaking his hand free when he was done feeling like a little kid. From behind him, Gaara cleared his throat, but he didn't say anything. After a few minutes of following the quaint little trail, Naruto raised an eyebrow.

"Do they live close?" he asked, still wondering where they were headed. He wondered if it was Chouji, or maybe even Gaara's siblings they were going to see.

"Right here," Lee said and he turned to the side, ducking under a low-hanging branch of a willow tree that blocked Naruto's line of sight. Following Lee's example, Naruto marveled a tiny back door that matched the one he had just exited, raising an eyebrow as Lee knocked, something people in this time hardly ever did. In seconds the action was explained.

"I was wondering if you'd actually come."

The voice was rich with memory and full of warmth, not at all matching the hesitant look that Kiba Inuzuka was giving him. Hair once long and layered was now cut short, and his bright hazel eyes were glimmering with happiness. Naruto's breath caught in his chest, this being the last thing he had expected and he stepped back, wondering if maybe he was still dreaming.

"Naruto?" Kiba frowned and stepped past Lee to properly greet him, nervousness showing in his eyes. Shoved from behind by Gaara, Naruto jogged forward and accepted a hug.

"It's been too long," Kiba was smiling against him, and Naruto stumbled over words he couldn't quite arrange.

"Wha—how did you—why--?"

Kiba and Lee both laughed, and Naruto felt Gaara come up beside him in a way that was almost protective. He didn't think much of it, but Kiba's hand replaced Lee's as he broke their hug, pulling Naruto up the stairs of their back doorway.

The inside of the house hit Naruto close to home. It wasn't completely new age, or even full of bizarre contraptions like Lee and Gai's home. It was as if he had gone back in time, to the time where he had been born, and walked into someone's perfectly cozy little residence in a perfectly normal little cul-de-sac.

"It looks nice, right?" Kiba said, looking more and more excited the further Naruto crept in. "We've worked really hard to make it homey. I mean, technology is great but…I never did like leather couches." His point was validated by a cushy plush couch seated in front of them.

"Sit!" Kiba said. "I honestly want to know everything. And that means everything, man," he almost threatened, and Naruto sat down, still feeling awe-inspired. Even though he knew that Kiba was still in the future, he hadn't expected to run into him so suddenly. But now, here he was, and once again it felt as though no time had passed at all.

As Gaara and Lee sat on either side of Naruto, Kiba scooted an inviting recliner closer to them and nearly collapsed in it. His eyes remained rooted on Naruto though, and his fingers twiddled with interest.

Naruto felt overwhelmed momentarily, before he collected his thoughts. "I want to know what happened with you," he said instead, curiosity getting the best of him. He had been sent back before knowing that Kiba was even safe, and now, feeling relieved, he wanted to know how he had managed to escape.

"It's really no biggie," Kiba said, reclaiming a lingo that made Naruto feel closer to home. "After Gaara here saved you, his sister and brother saved the rest of us. Something happened with the Akatsuki and Itachi actually helped a bit too, though. It was…a lucky break."

Naruto stared as Kiba said what he did so nonchalantly, and suddenly shook his head. "That is definitely a 'biggie', Kiba! I left without even knowing if you were dead or alive!"

Kiba's eyebrows furrowed and he looked pleased by that comment. "Well, basically, the old man told Itachi that the police were going to send you back if they got a hold of you, and by the time he found out Gaara had let you go, it was too late."

Gaara cleared his throat. "The Akatsuki isn't as strong as it used to be," he explained. "Itachi wasn't sure who to trust, and so when Temari and Kankuro demanded he release the other travelers, he didn't put up a fight. It doesn't make much sense but…Kankuro also mentioned that his only stipulation was that he know if you ever returned."

Naruto frowned. "And you agreed?"

Gaara's eyes narrowed. "There wasn't much of a choice. But…Itachi's connection with the Akatsuki…isn't what it should be. He isn't your enemy anymore."

Something inside of Naruto wondered if that was the truth, or if it was merely a trick. He decided not to worry too much because Itachi already knew he was alive and well.

"It was exciting at the time but now it's old news. But you—it's like the trouble's started all over again. What have you been up to?" Kiba asked, looking invested in whatever stories Naruto had to tell.

Naruto decided to start from the beginning, simply because he felt like it would explain most of the trouble he had landed himself in the present. He told Kiba how he had been forced back in time and how he had gone back to school, and Kiba pouted when he realized he was now a year younge. Even Gaara looked intrigued when Naruto explained how he had become a police officer and that his partner was Neji, and how his first assignments had involved capturing Kisame.

"He's scary," Kiba had said, and Naruto learned that Kiba had met him on a couple of occasions, simply because he was Itachi's partner.

Kisame's story led to Deidara's, and Deidara's led to Danzo, and without an ounce of hesitation, Naruto sadly admitted that he had been blackmailed a majority of the time. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity of rambling, Naruto ended at the present.

"And now I'm here, and Neji and Morino are there…and I'm still stuck not knowing what Danzo wants from me, if anything."

There was a sort of stunned silence as Naruto concluded his recap, feeling more anxious as he remembered Morino and Neji's predicament. Hating the fact he seemed to ruin a lighthearted mood, Naruto clapped his hands together.

"What about you though? This place is nice. You keep saying 'we' though. 'We' who?"

There was another small trace of silence and Kiba took a small breath, only to be interrupted by the front door creeping open. He lowered his head. "In here," he said to whoever had entered, and there was a rumbling sound as something seemed to be making its way to the living room.

Naruto jumped to his feet.

Anyone who had their vision intact could see that the small boy that had come from the front room was the exact replica of Naruto Uzumaki. Blond hair, caramel colored skin, and eyes the color of frosted icicles made Naruto's heart beat a thousand times a second.

It wasn't possible…

"Hey, so I stopped at the market and—"

Naruto's eyes lifted from the boy's to the woman who had just entered, her familiarity ringing a bell as well. Strawberry blonde hair was wrapped into a loose bun, loose strands curling over her shoulders as she stared at him, her emerald eyes wide in surprise.

"Naruto…"

Kiba stood up as well, looking a bit like he wasn't sure how to react. Naruto was shaking, and he couldn't will himself to stop. Why one earth did she still have custody of their child? Why was Kiba housing her? Were they together? Was she still a lackey under Itachi?

But when he expected Sakura to do something drastic, like yell at him, or speak cruelly like she had before, what she did was the complete opposite. The bag she had been holding in her hands fell to the floor and her eyes welled up with tears, her lips trembling as she raced across the room, enveloping him with such a force that he stumbled backwards to keep his balance.

"It is you? Is it really you?"

Naruto could feel her tears soaking the fabric of his shirt and she held him close, shaking almost as much as he was. "Oh my God, Naruto…Oh my God…"

An awkward hand curved to the small of her back, Naruto not quite sure what to do with himself. From the corner of his eye he saw Gaara and Lee stand up, disappearing into another hallway of the house, obviously to give some privacy. When Sakura seemed to calm a little she pushed herself off of him, her eyes bloodshot with emotion.

"-I-"

"Sakura, don't...touch me," Naruto's lips moved on their own; he was confused, angry, and completely shocked. Kiba was beside him in an instant, his voice soothing but still making no sense of the situation.

"Naruto, a lot of things have changed--"

"Like Itachi being a good guy and now you--" he glared at Sakura, "--being a good mother?"

Sakura choked back a sob and Kiba's happy expression fell a bit, making Naruto wonder just how much could change in a year.

"Hey you," Naruto felt a tug on the bottom of his shirt and turned to look at the little boy who shared his features. "Don't you make mommy cry!" Blue eyes were pulled down in an intense stare, and Naruto didn't doubt that his son would defend his mother.

Sakura was kneeling down almost immediately though, scooping the child into her arms and shaking her head. "These are good tears, Ju," she said as she sniffled. "This is a very special man, so don't be mean, okay?"

The little boy nodded but skeptically eyed Naruto. "Why are you special?"

Naruto couldn't begin to explain the feelings harbored inside of him, all released in this one moment. It was as though hearing he had a son and seeing the evidence were two completely different things. And to see those porcelain blue eyes full of everything that was him, Naruto stumbled to catch his breath.

"He's your daddy," Sakura said softly, and Naruto's eyes widened. Sakura stared up at him, smiling as tears trailed her cheek. "I never lied to him. I told him you'd come for him someday, I just…Naruto—" tears began to spill from her eyes gain and Kiba stepped forward to help with Ju, but Naruto was already reaching for him.

And amazingly enough, Ju welcomed himself into the embrace.

"You're my daddy?"

Naruto stared into Ju's wide eyes and nodded unsurely. It was so surreal, almost as though he was truly dreaming. "If…that's what your mom says," he replied, and to his surprise, the boy grinned. Naruto wasn't sure what to say, but the serene eyes of his son made him feel calmer. He wanted to know why he should trust Sakura, to know what had changed. For his son's sake, for teh beautiful little boy curled in his arms, he wanted to know why he should give Sakura another chance.

"Honestly, seeing the two of you together is like…seeing twins. Except with a huge age difference." Kiba said. "I'm so happy...God I'm so happy you made it back to this time."

"I am too," Sakura said, and Naruto could see teh regret behind her eyes, though he couldn't bring himself to forgive her on a whim.

"I thought I'd wait forever to meet my daddy," Ju said, still examining Naruto. "Are you going to stay now?"

Naruto felt another smile tug at his lips, but also felt his heart deceive him. As much as he knew it was his son cuddled against him, he had been absent for four years of the boy's life. Who knew how many more would follow with the way things looked back in the city; the things he had to resolve.

He didn't feel like a father…at all.

"Take your time," Sakura said quietly, and Kiba smiled.

In a way, time was the only way to make up for the earlier years that he had missed.

And the previous year that had apparently changed everything.

***

Fifteen minutes.

That's all the time he had left. Then Danzo would be back and he and Morino would be threatened with Hinata's life, something he could stand less than turning his back on Naruto. He hated admitting that.

Even though he and Hinata were well enough known as cousins…In Neji's eyes, she was like a sister. A little sister you always wanted to protect, one who had great ideas and ambition but was too shy to take them anywhere. And that's where he had stepped in, the brash and overconfident cousin, ready to do anything for the spotlight, even if it meant starting a company that dealt with cryonics—something he knew next to nothing about.

But he had studied; he had learned, and together, he and Hinata had created Boshi—a company that rivaled Uchiha Industries. Even in their eyes it was a feat, and even though Neji hated to admit it, the success was all Hinata's.

"She's a good girl," Neji whispered to himself, burying his head deeper into his hands. But on the other hand, Naruto was a good guy. So what should he choose?

He could be anywhere, Neji thought. His mind was racing; he couldn't think straight he felt so sick with worry.

"Calm down," Neji heard Morino say from the cell beside him, and Neji realized his breathing was loud and labored. He frowned.

"That's easy for you to say—"

"I know where he is," Morino said suddenly. "Or at least I have an idea. What we need to do is decide who's more important to protect."

Obviously that was the problem.

"Trust Naruto. We'll protect Hinata," Morino decided. Neji frowned and turned to the side, not that it made much of a difference, he couldn't see his commander anyway.

"Do you have a plan?

Morino laughed. "No. Just faith. It's not like Naruto to stay in hiding."

Neji let his head fall again; that conclusion didn't make him feel any better. Naruto needed to stay away, needed to stay safe.

Ten minutes.

He would protect Hinata.

And pray that someone else would protect Naruto.

a/n: The next two chapters will get really exciting and the Sasuke-Naruto love is supah close. But yes. Naruto has finally met his son and like whoa, Sakura is a changed woman. Or is she? The next chapter will explain. XD

Okay...interesting stuff about me and why this update didn't come sooner. School, work, Twilight...Oh, you know, I got sucked into Goong, too. Korean dramas are starting to own my soul. One of my managers is Korean and I learned a few phrases before work one day just to freak him out, and it worked! He said, "Why are you speaking to me that way?" and I laugehd and said, "What, now you cna't speak Korean?" But then he said something complicated to me and I had to give up, haha. It was pretty funny.

Ah, and we had another blizzard. We got...a little over a foot of snow where I live. It was pretty crazy because Colorado is so bizarre. Jobs and schools won't close unless they absolutely have to. I mean, I was at the bank until 3pm and my house, which is ten minutes away from my job, took me 40 minutes to get to. And the next day was 65 degrees so it almost all melted away. This state is bipolar, I tell you what.

I found out my crazy aunt got breast implants. You know--the one from author's notes a few chapters back, who went crazy and I had to move out? Yeah. HAHA. Man. I still crack up when I think about it.

Oh, I'm for sure going to AX too, so if anyone's going, that will be fun. And I'm going to cosplay which is actually a bit scary :hasn't done it in years: and intimidating. I tried explaining it to a friend and she raised an eyebrow and said, "So...it's like...a four day anime Halloween thing?" And I said, "Yeah, except instead of candy you get ramune and posters!" and she respectfully called me a dork. LoL!

That's all I can think of for now...I'm posting pretty regularly on my LJ account though. Visit me!

Naruto Spoilers:

Since I'm weeks late.

OMFG NARUTO MET HIS DADDY! Best moment ever in the history of manga and anime. I stared at my computer screen for a long time before I willed myself to go to work. I love Minato; he's so cool. I wish that wasn't the end of him. He would have made a great dad. And Hinata! So, even though I write yaoi, I don't really hate Sakura or Hinata at all. I think Sakura and Naruto will probably end up together, which for the manga is kind of cute. But for our little slash-crazy world, NaruSasuNaru forever, right? haha :has a hard time hating Sakura when she's the only female character that can kick butt like the boys:

But poor Hinata. She didn't even get a chance to do ANYTHING before Pein nailed her. Which was actually disappointing. I wanted her to do something kind of cool...because her and Neji's power is supposed to be legendary but...I guess only on occasion. I'm still waiting for Sasuke to show up...and wondering what happened to KillerBee. And Danzo. These characters are like roaches, only instead of scattering at light they scatter at the first signs of plot progression.

Hmmm...what else has happened...oh! Today's!

I felt really happy when Naruto used his rasengan today. Especially with that last quote. I miss Jiraiya...And...is anyone else wondering if the villagers are even alive? LOL I was totally thinking that the other day. Poor Naruto. He has no city to be Hokage over. :laughs:

Well, we'll just have to see what happens.

Thank you for reading, as always. I feel like I've been majorly distracted. I've had the gigantic urge to start my real novel but I feel guilty when I really want to finish my fanfics. I'm caught, lol. But I love you all to tears. Have a good weekend!