[A/N: Yo guys! I missed you! Be a dear and enjoy my fruits of labor!]

Next Life

By: Kaida Matsuki

Chapter 6: Broken

"What?"

Naruto's voice came out weak and from its tone; it was clouded by confusion and guilt. His whole body felt strained from remaining still under the intense pressure. He felt that if he moved even an inch, things would shatter and it would turn for the worse. Regardless of his thoughts, it still did.

"Hinata-sama is dying," Neji repeated, but this time, his eyes were on the ground. "Personally, I would've told this to you sooner, but Hinata-sama forbade me. I just can't simply sit still anymore! If you wish to continue this foolishness, know that the more you're engaged to that demon, the more her health deteriorates. Right now, she's about to lose her eyesight… For her sake, stop this already."

Naruto's eyes widened at Neji's words, his blood running cold in an instant. Neji knew Sasuke was a demon? How did he know of his and Sasuke's current situation? Hinata's going blind…? It was his fault? How could that happen when he hasn't even kissed her? He gulped down the hard lump that formed in his throat, his hands fisting brutally. Did he think that he loved the bastard? Impossible! It wasn't like that! He was only going through with this out of guilt! He mustered his wavering conviction to voice this out exactly, to clear up the misunderstanding. "It's not like that! I—!"

"Don't make the same mistake," Neji said with in a flat and chilling tone. He turned, leaving Naruto no room to retaliate as he muttered softly enough for only the blond to hear him, "After all, fate has already decreed your separation from the start."

Naruto stared at the empty space before him as he watched Neji go, his blue eyes becoming dull with each minute, and to him, it seemed that an eternity passed when he could no longer hear him, leaving him to face his hurtful thoughts. He was killing Hinata? And worse, Hinata knew… His whole frame quivered; what had he done? How could he have deceived Hinata like that? She trusted him, and yet…! He was stealing away her life. He was betraying her.

It was his fault.

The rustling of leaves and grass brought Naruto's attention as he saw the Uchiha walk out of the darkness and into his line of sight. His eyes narrowed and felt every cell in his body boil with accusing hatred. No. It was the Uchiha's fault! Not his. How could he have forgiven the Uchiha so easily? How could he have laid down his body for a demon? He thought with disgust and bitterness, but mostly repulsion at himself. He was disgusting. He shouldn't have forgiven him when Hinata was the one who was there for him, and not the Uchiha. She was the one who picked him up when he was broken, not him.

In the end, Sasuke was never there for him…

He was just foolishly clinging unto the Uchiha again, just like before…

And similar to that time, Sasuke would leave him again…

Naruto's eyes snapped open, the bitter realization settled that hazed and corrupted his mind. He just realized that the tranquility he felt with Sasuke was fake and superficial. They weren't lovers! He forgot that the main reason why he stayed was because he would die. Nothing more. The Uchiha was just taking advantage of that situation, but in truth, he didn't want to work for his feelings and get hurt for it. While Hinata, she practically devoted her life trying to chase him, trying to comfort him; trying to make him love her!

What had he done?

He felt ashamed.

"Naruto…?" Sasuke called softly with concern, approaching him as his hand tried to touch Naruto's blank face. "Is something wrong?"

Naruto slapped away the Uchiha's hand before it had the chance to touch him. "Don't touch me!"

Sasuke mentally cringed and as if on cue, he heard Kiba's words echo from his clenching heart. 'Did you even consider Naruto's feelings when you were doing all this?' He bit his lip harshly, he never did, because rejection was too painful to even consider, but the thought of continuing to pressure Naruto of his presence was also starting to look less appealing. If he wanted to know the truth about that, now was the time! He shouldn't be a coward and take away Naruto's wishes so selfishly. He shouldn't be cornering him when it was his fault for losing him in the first place.

Sasuke clenched his teeth, his jaws locking in place as his fingers curled into balls of fists unto his sides. He knew that, but it still hurt, dammit! Of course, admitting his fault was easy, but actually resolving it? He wasn't stupid. He knew that he'd be left bare and vulnerable to whatever Naruto might choose at this moment. And he wouldn't have the power to do anything, but accept…

"…mistake."

Sasuke heard Naruto softly utter under his breath. He leaned in to catch what he was trying to convey and asked, "What did you say?"

"This is a mistake." Naruto repeated with anger, his whole body quivering from suppressed anger as he started to lash out to the Uchiha. "I don't want this anymore! You-You never —! If you did love me, then why did everyone say you never came for me? Is it out of guilt? If it is, then why now? You were never there for me before! Do you know how it feels to lose everything you valued? The hurt I've gone through when they all said to move on, but I still kept waiting stupidly? In the end, you never came! Proving that they were right! That they cared, but you! You say that we're mates, but did you even love me before that? How could you do this to me…?"

Sasuke looked down with shame, unable to look at him. He couldn't retaliate anything, for everything that Naruto claimed was true. All that he held for him was his love, but being there for him was crucial and indeed, he was gone at the bleakest moment. He gazed at Naruto's guarded form with pain-filled eyes. He didn't mean it…

Naruto let out a short wry laugh. "You're only jerking me around! Hinata loves me, and yet…" His voice cut abruptly, wavering as he quietly muttered. "I don't want to do this anymore."

Sasuke's mind seemed to have blanked out, his heart somehow lost in the process as it appeared that everything around him crashed down unmercifully and cruelly upon him. He couldn't breathe, couldn't speak and pathetically, couldn't even move. His eyes gradually became hazy and gray as he continued to stare at Naruto awaiting his answer. A tear escaped from one of his bleak eyes. He loved him… He loved him so much, he could never force him to stay… He could never force Naruto to love him. He struggled to mutter the one word that sentenced his own death, "Okay."

Naruto's head snapped to look up at the unexpected compliance, shocking him. He expected Sasuke to fight back and keep him. He was taken aback when he heard nothing else, but Sasuke's swift agreement. Was his mind playing tricks on him? Did he really hear that right?

"You may leave."

Naruto hid his surprise and was quickly shrouded by absolute confusion. It was true that that his anger manipulated his initial words. That's why Sasuke's answer shocked him, but did Sasuke really not care about him at all? How could he have simply and swiftly agree? Or was it all because Sasuke really did feel guilty? His breath hitched uncomfortably, so all that the Uchiha did was not really out of care…? He glared at Sasuke, not heeding any concern when he couldn't see his face that was utterly torn. Naruto snarled with fuming anger. "Fine! I will!"

Sasuke watched Naruto storm away from his peripheral view and leave him. His stare never left the ground when silence became his only companion. When he sensed that the blond was nowhere near his perimeter, he let go of his heavy mask as tears gradually skidded down his contorted face. He was a complete fool. How could he let go of his only mate? How could he have let the one he loved slip and break their bond? He smiled forlornly at these wasted questions, and answered simply. 'Because I love him…'

Yeah, and eventually, he would die because of it.

Reason didn't make sense anymore to his desperate actions when love blinded his mind, and made sure of that. He didn't consider twice the consequences he would endure for Naruto's freedom that tore his broken heart.

Naruto trudged on the grass, marching away with black storm clouds over him as he narrowed his eyes murderously. What the fuck was that bastard saying? To say that he was angered was a complete understatement! He was so furious, he was close to killing someone from the boiling fury! How could he simply say that to him? He was the one who asked him to stay! Now, he was saying that he may leave?

Naruto scoffed spitefully at the Uchiha's refined words. So, all along, the bastard never really cared about him! And if he did, he wouldn't be able let him go like that! It was just wrong! Then, was it merely the Uchiha's own little farce to pretend he loved him…?

Freezing on his steps, Naruto's breath left him and his eyes dilated with dawning realization from the hurt that stung him from his last thought. Why did that hurt? Didn't he already think of the possibility that the Uchiha might be doing this to compensate for his callous actions before? Of course, he'd thought about it, what else could the reason be if not the bastard's guilt? He knew that, but deep down he was still… hurt.

Sapphires widened with shock. Did he just think of that? No, maybe he was hurt from betraying Hinata for someone like the bastard who made an idiot out of him. Yes, that must be it! He was misguided of who his hurt came from. He gulped down, willing himself to forget that train of thought. Sasuke didn't have that much hold on him, not anymore. So his hurt wouldn't be because of him, right? How could he have mixed his feelings for Hinata to the cold-hearted Uchiha?

What was wrong with him?

"Ne?" A small blond-haired girl called out to be heard when his father kept a firm hold of her small hand. She puffed her cheeks at not being heard, tugging at their joined hands, "Ne!"

The blond-haired man seemed to snap out of his serious reverie when he heard his little daughter's indignant cry for his attention. He looked down and gently smiled as they stopped from his quick strides. "Yes, dear?"

Her face bloomed beautifully with a tint of blush at finally having her father's attention, but forgot what she wished to say when he saw his dazzling smile. She shook her head, her hair following her movement and muttered downwards, "Can't remember." Her father smiled down at her adorable action, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"Don't worry your pretty little head. You can go along and play outside, okay? But don't ruin your dress, 'cause you're going to meet your fiancé."

She titled her head in question at that new word, "What's fian-se?"

"Fiancé." He corrected as he chuckled and stroked her chubby cheeks. "It's like Mommy and Daddy. Some day you'll be like us with your fiancé. He'll be seeing you today."

"When will I meet him? How will I know it's him?"

"He'll be the first boy you'll see today, since you're destined to be together. In the mean time, Daddy will just be inside talking to some guests." He patted her head and guided her to head towards the garden. He watched her toddle away, before calling out, "Don't go near the forest again, sweetie."

"Yes!" She replied, before picking up her skirt to hurry away before her father changes his mind. The garden to this place was different from her mama's garden, along with her new room where it was up so high. She wanted to check how high her new bedchamber was, but his father forbade her. She glanced at her new surroundings; even now she was still unfamiliar with it, after exploring for an entire week. It was truly different from her old home. It was more isolated and even she knew of that.

Her bright blue eyes caught sight of a color of scarlet. She glanced around to check if her daddy and guardian was nearby. Smiling brilliantly when she saw none, she went closer towards the patch of forest. What could that red be from? Her wonder got the best of her and inched forward. Just when she drew a thick bush and vines aside, her baby blue eyes blinked at the sight before her and cocked her head to the side with wonder. She held her breath and watched at the boy's back that faced her. Her gaze took in his jet, black hair and porcelain skin. "Ne, what's your name?"

The object of her fascination abruptly turned from her voice with evident surprise and glared at her, snarling, "Don't come near me, human."

She scrunched her eyebrows angrily, pouting. "That's not nice. Daddy said that you shouldn't be rude to a princess or a wady."

The young boy snorted, "It's lady, stupid, not wady. Now, leave me alone."

She puffed her cheeks with irritation as the boy turned his back on her and started to walk away. "Wait!" She grabbed his arm to hinder him from leaving without a proper answer, until she saw him flinch at the contact.

"I said don't touch me!" He snapped his arm away from her hold and cradled it to his chest as if it had a grave injury.

Her eyes grew with understanding, after all she'd seen so many people that did the same as he was doing. This time, she stretched her hand to touch him gently and whispered soothingly, "I'm sorry… Can I see it?"

He looked at her warily, but when he deemed that she wasn't going to do anything worse than the wound that was already inflicted, he showed him his arm. It was covered in burnt blisters and dripping blood. He watched her reaction to this and was amazed of the sympathy that reflected in those sapphires. He muttered, "You're weird. You're not the one hurting, yet you look like you want to cry already."

"Because! It looks like it hurts a lot!" She sniffled her tiny nose, her hand coming up to caress his arm gently. She brought his arm nearer and placed it under her face so that her tears would drop on it slowly.

The boy became alarmed by this. Wouldn't his wounds get infected or something? "Oi, stop doing that." He was about to harshly tug away his arm from her, when he saw and felt his wounds started to heal every time her tear landed on it. His eyes widened with shock and became speechless. Do humans have the ability to heal through their tears? Why was she helping a demon?

"There! All healed!" She beamed happily, tears were still visible at the brim of her eyes.

He stared at her with wide onyx eyes as her smile grew dazzling, and causing him to blush lightly. Why was she happy? Why didn't she fear him? And why wasn't he leaving her when she's clearly a human?

"Ahh!" She screamed, pointing a finger at him and breaking his previous thoughts.

The boy's lips pulled down into a sad frown. Did she finally figure out that he was a demon? Was she going to avoid him from now on? His eyes darkened. He didn't want that… Somehow, he didn't like the idea of her fearing him.

"I know you!" She clapped her hands excitedly and grabbed both of his hands as she brought her face close to his, smiling brightly with her eyes glowing from excitement. "You're my fiancé!"

He took a step back at this. "Huh?"

Before he could correct her misconception, she was too caught up with her new discovery and didn't give him room to speak, "Daddy said that I would meet you today, 'cause you're the first boy I saw. So that means you're my fiancé! Daddy said that we were destined to be together! So that must be true! 'Cause daddy's always right! Ne, ne, did you know that we'll be like mommy and daddy?"

He blushed madly at what she was saying and was absolutely mute when she continued to bestow him her breath-taking smiles. He could merely watch her as his heart started to stutter, confusing him when it was his first time reacting this way.

She peered at his face closely, startling him as she complained, "Ne, you never said your name! I want to know your name!"

He looked aside, blushing lightly and trying to put some distance as he muttered his name softly. He gasped when she felt her hands tighten his own gently after saying this and heard her say a bliss-filled thank you. All of a sudden, they both stilled when they heard her name being called from afar.

"Princess? Princess Naruto?"

The voice was distant, but it was close enough to reach the forest grounds. Her head perked at this and turned to that direction. She let his hands go and hurried to go towards that voice, but stopped and looked back at the black-haired boy. She went back to him and kissed him on the cheek like how her mommy did with her daddy when would she leave or when daddy would leave, waving back happily as she left. "Bye-bye."

He touched his cheeks bemusedly at the spot where she kissed him and whispered her name, "Naruto…"

It was blurry.

The dream was blurry. He could vaguely see their faces and could vaguely hear their voices, but he heard his name be called. That's his name… but that little girl was also Naruto? He didn't know why, but that scene looked so familiar… And the kid with the black hair reminded him of someone, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly who… Who were those people? What's with this dream?

"… ruto-kun… Naruto-kun."

Naruto's head shot up as his eyes snapped open, his vision instantly greeting the person on top of the pristine Hospital bed with a lazy smile when he relaxed once more, "Ah, morning, Hinata."

"G-Good morning, Naruto-kun." She smiled shyly, her fingers rubbing against one another nervously, "U-Umm… Naruto-kun, wha-what made you stay here for the night? I-It's not because I'm troubled or anything! But-but it seemed like you might get a stiff neck from your sleeping position and it worried me… I didn't want to wake you up, but…"

Naruto grinned widely to placate Hinata's concern, sitting upright and stretching his upper body slightly to rid of the cramps. "Nah, it's fine. You don't need to worry so much. Consider this my apology for not visiting you here often."

Hinata blushed madly, stuttering nervously, "I-I see… Thank you, but you really didn't need to bother, since the doctors said I could go out a bit…"

Naruto tilted his head at Hinata's words, not grasping what she was desperately trying to hint to him, until he saw her smile timidly and whisper something under her breath that he didn't quite catch. He leaned in closer to her, asking, "Hmm? Can't hear you much. What did you say?"

Hinata's pale eyes drifted from one corner to the other, playing with the bed covers agitatedly as she repeated her words louder than the first, "I-I said that-that, if possible, could we… C-Could we go on a d-d-date…?"

Naruto's face slightly held a hint of surprise upon Hinata's plea, seeing a red blush engulf her face as she bowed her head out of embarrassment for asking out loud. He forced himself to speak so that she wouldn't feel awkward about his unexpected silence, "Are you sure? You might get sick afterward… I don't want you to force yourself." He voiced out worriedly, stroking Hinata's hair gently.

Hinata beamed beautifully upon the affection, shaking her head slowly. "N-No, I'm fine! I want to go out with you today… C-Can we?" She implored him with hopeful, lavender eyes that held the blond's look, and it was all for her.

Naruto gently smiled at her and kissed her on the forehead, softly whispering, "Sure, anything you wish." The bright smile that Hinata displayed was enough to seal their activities for the whole day. He could never say no to that smile or to her. He couldn't bring himself to deny her… To prove that he loved her, he had to put up with it — even if it meant sitting in a movie theater, watching a movie he couldn't care less, but to please her, he would endure it. She deserved it.

Hinata shyly glanced at Naruto's form sitting beside her under the dark confines of the cinema. She blushed at his concentrated face that stared and absorbed the movie before them, smiling with contentment at finally being by his side after such a long time. She leaned her head to his stiff shoulders, but moved back when Naruto flinched from the contact, making her flustered. "Ah, s-sorry." She shouldn't have done that! She should have asked at least, but her happiness upon the events was just too overwhelming!

Naruto berated himself for flinching away from Hinata's touch, praying that it didn't offend or hurt her feelings. He didn't know why, but recently, he's been too uptight and tensed, whispering his apology with a placating smile, "No, sorry, you just surprised me. It's okay."

Hinata immediately took his offer, her heart thrumming loudly and swiftly within her chest. She mildly wondered if maybe Naruto was also feeling the same as her too… That would be nice. She smiled happily and reached for Naruto's hand with her own, interlacing it tenderly. She stole a glance if Naruto was also blushing madly too, the same way that she did.

Hinata's eyes perceptibly widened at the sight she observed, causing her heart to drop and stomach to clench and feeling coldness gradually sweep her. She looked away abruptly, her hand gripping Naruto's tightly as she banished away the vision she beheld. She bit the bottom of her lips and shut her eyes closed.

Naruto's eyes were devoid of light.

Hinata reasoned that it was because of the blond's concentration upon the movie that he wasn't paying much to her. She excused his lack of reaction every time she held his hand, for doing something that was already casual in their terms as lovers, and yet she knew at the back of her mind, it wasn't that. She kept fooling herself for the next four hours of their date, that the reason why every time Naruto smiled and his eyes won't shine, it would be because it was out of gentleness and contentment; not because his smiles never reached eyes. Not because only his body was present, while his heart and soul was blank.

She ignored her rational side and kept holding to hope, until it was slowly breaking her heart apart.

"Naruto-kun?"

Naruto's eyes went back to Hinata's after looking out from the window of the café they were staying at when he noticed that it started to rain. He smiled softly at her worried face. Maybe she was worried of how they would go home later, since she was recently released from the hospital. Yes, that must be the case. "Yeah, Hinata?"

Hinata looked down at her lap, her hands gripping her blue skirt tightly as she drew her courage and uttered, "Do… Do you love me?"

Naruto was taken aback by this question, his eyes darkened as he answered, "Of course, I do—"

"Please don't lie!" Hinata started trembling from her sudden outburst, refusing to see Naruto's reaction to this and softening her tone, "At least, not to me…"

"Hinata… I'm not lyin—"

Hinata shook her head fervently, her tears falling from the way Naruto's voice soothed her and eased her as her voice started to quiver. "Pl-Please don't do this to me… Don't be this kind to me when you… you feel nothing for me. You're just hurting me more by expecting." She bit her lips, cutting the rest of what she was about to say. 'Don't make me expect that you'll love me… when I know you won't.'

Naruto remained silent, waiting for Hinata to calm down and at the same time, respecting her space to voice out her thoughts to finally clear this mess after convincing her. She was the one he was supposed to love, regardless of his own doubts.

"Y-You were never mine…" Hinata spoke with crumbling pain, "Even before this life…" Her voice became less than a whisper, but Naruto's attuned ears were able to pick it up when she heard his breath hitch. She looked up and squarely held Naruto's gaze, "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I know that you and Sasuke-kun were lovers…"

This time, Naruto reacted violently at this news, "It wasn't like that! I wasn't cheating on you! He—"

"I know." Hinata muttered, hurtfully noticing that only with the Uchiha's name was enough to elicit a spark in those sapphire eyes. She watched as Naruto relax slowly, but immediately tensed after her next few words, "You were keeping him alive…"

"What— How…?" Naruto trailed off, surprise coloring his tone.

"I think it's about time you know my side of the story." Hinata smiled forlornly. "I'm born from a demon hunter's clan and our traits are unique from other people for our eyes and our ability to recall our ancestor's memories. To be exact, our previous lives before this era. We accumulate knowledge from this as our eyes develop to determine which humans are demons. When we love, our health reflects our relationship towards that person, but when we change our lovers, our nature applies to that, only with a different person this time. You were the same as my kind, you were also a demon hunter, but your clan was more known as healers. In your previous life, you were a female while I was a male, but even then, I was also in love with you so much, although…"

Hinata paused, hesitating to relay anything more. If she resumed her story, there was a possibility that the blond would vow to love her from hearing her side out of guilt for his past life's deeds. She wouldn't mind that in order to tie him to her, but another possibility would be… She cleared her thoughts of any doubts, and grasped unto hope and prayer. "We met when we were so young and innocent, but I knew that the instant I saw you that I wanted to be with you. When I was chosen to marry you, I constantly paid you a visit in your tower and always made sure that there wasn't a day when I failed to make you smile, but… You still ended falling in love with another… A demon." Hinata's voice was an octave lower and softer with a hint of melancholy as Naruto's breathing ceased.

"A demon named Sasuke." Hinata smiled sorrowfully at the breathless gasp that escaped from Naruto's lips, and whispered brokenly, "In this era, I knew that Sasuke-kun was a demon ever since I laid my eyes on him, but other than that… I also knew he was your lover even before this life…"

Naruto shook his head. That can't be true! Then all this time… No, he refused to acknowledge it without solid proof, his mind fervently denying the impossibility of Hinata's words as his thoughts were filled with chaos and conflict. His voice cracked from the start, "Hinata, what are you saying? I-It can't be true…"

"Ask Iruka-san, if you doubt my words… He knows, since he's already lived for centuries." Hinata's wistful smile breaking slowly as she watched Naruto's confusion shadow his expressions. That's when her eyes grew with despair at the effects of what she relayed. Naruto was slipping from her grasp, she could feel it. It sent a spear to her heart as she gradually realized that Naruto was fighting with himself, with his happiness…

Naruto's eyes held bewilderment, his hands clenching from suppressing his body to remain calm. "That's not true! I do love—!"

"You don't… Not as much…" Hinata muttered and hid her face. She cringed when something warm and moist hit her arm, reaching it and only to recognize then that it was her tears falling. She was crying… For she finally knew the answer, that even centuries wouldn't change. "You still love him, don't you?"

Naruto's eyes widened and stood up from his seat abruptly, surprising Hinata to the point where she jumped from her seat. She saw him leave his seat from her peripheral view. Her heart clenched, tears threatening to fall once more as the thought of Naruto walking out on her brought her an indescribable agony. The silence was unbearable when she closed her vision to anything as time seemed to flow on harshly, wishing that it would give her some space and stop time for a bit. For how could everything go on, when the person she loved was leaving her…? Then all of a sudden, a pair of arms engulfed her in a warm embrace that caused her to lose her breath. Her eyes went wide when she realized that Naruto hasn't left yet. She could nearly cry again from the relief she felt at that second…

"I'm sorry, Hinata." Kiba whispered as the arms around her tightened with security and comfort, feeling Hinata stiffen when she noticed that it wasn't Naruto who was hugging her, but Kiba. He felt her slowly shatter in his arms as her tears dampened the front of his shirt, whispering softly words of comfort to the girl he loved. "Shh… It's okay, it's okay. Just let it all out. I'm here… I'll always be here."

Naruto ran.

Never in his life did he run away so much and so desperate, his mind clouded by uncertainty. He slammed his eyes shut, blocking the complaints that passed through his ears when he heard the people he collided along the way. He didn't know what to do. He was so confused and lost. Hinata's voice seemed to repeat over and over again. 'You still ended falling in love with another… A demon.'

Sasuke.

Naruto clutched the top of his shirt that was directly near his frantic heart. What was this gripping feeling in his heart that it could nearly crush his soul from its potency? Why did it hurt him every time he heard that bastard's name? What did she mean their past lives? Was it even true? If it was, why didn't it bother him? The fact that he wasn't bothered by it was the reason why he was so adamant of his confusion. Not only that, but she also mentioned that Iruka knew… How could he? Did that mean Kakashi also knew of his past? Did Sasuke also know of this…?

Naruto stopped.

Sapphires locked dazedly with surprised, unseeing eyes as his heavy panting and protesting muscles went unnoticed. 'Did Sasuke know?' His mind froze at this notion. Why didn't he say anything? Why did he hide it from him? After all they've been through, shouldn't he have said that in the first place so that he could've kept him? Wouldn't saying it to him be more advantageous to keep him? Why did he lie to him about only being mates when they were so much more?

Why did it bother him?

Naruto cringed away at the last question, refusing to answer that and avoiding it like a plague. He shouldn't care… It shouldn't matter! His mind screamed desperately, trying to get a hold of himself. He shouldn't be so weak-willed. This shouldn't sway him! Despite his thoughts, it did matter…

"Naruto?"

Naruto's head looked up at the familiar voice that called to him, taking in the scenery around him at the same time. He dimly noted that he was at the middle of a park where a grand fountain was placed in the middle of, but these details were dismissed when the person right before him was gazing at him with evident concern with an umbrella in hand, shielding him from the pouring rain.

"Are you alright?" He asked to Naruto, peering at him to get a better look of the blond's face. His eyebrows scrunched together with concern. "Did something happen?"

"Iruka-sensei…" Naruto croaked, surprised by how weak and tired his voice came out, but brushed it aside. He glanced beyond the Iruka's shoulders and saw Kakashi behind Iruka, looking at him knowingly. He gripped himself together; he shouldn't fall apart without knowing. He should learn the truth, and he wanted it now. He held Iruka's hazel eyes and muttered, "Could you tell me my past…?"

Iruka's expression was covered by confusion, "Naruto, I already told you that you don't need to lie to us about your amnesia—"

"Not that. My past life…" Naruto murmured as he saw Iruka's surprised face. He observed him closely and watched him nod with consent as he led them to their car, away from the rain and under the warmth of the vehicle. He sat at the back passenger seat as Kakashi took the driver's seat, while Iruka sat beside him on the front passenger seat. His feet squeaked when he shuffled them, his whole body drenched.

Iruka handed him a towel to dry with. "Here, dry yourself up, before you catch a cold."

Naruto gratefully took the offer and rinsed himself distractedly, and when no one was explaining anything, impatience got the best of him and complained. "I could dry myself while you talk. Since all my life was a lie. Hell, I bet you guys know it better than me."

"Naruto… It's not like that." Iruka gently soothed his temper, but was stopped when Kakashi shook his head seriously to just begin with the explanation. He sighed and relented, whispering, "It wasn't because we wanted to hide it, but interfering wasn't our goal. We just wanted to protect you both… For even your previous lives, we were there for you."

"Naruto-hime, where are you?" The young teen's voice escalated with worry as the bundle of sunshine was nowhere to be found. He groaned, what would he say to the king when it was only his first week as the princess' bodyguard? Sorry, I lost her? He'd receive hell! Then out of nowhere, he was tackled from behind as he turned around to see bright, blue eyes shining up at him.

"Iruka, Iruka!" she chanted happily, eagerly jumping up and down from her unconstrained excitement. "Ne, ne, I have something to tell you!"

Iruka went weak-kneed from relief as he tried to contain the princess' jerky movements to a minimum, so that she wouldn't end up hurting herself in the process. "Where have you been? I was so worried!"

She smiled brightly at Iruka, not the least bit guilty ofher deed. "I met my fiancé today! Daddy said I would!" She announced proudly.

Iruka blinked. What fiancé? The Hyuga's weren't here yet. They haven't even crossed the barrier. He tried to reason her announcement, but could find none. Unless… He gasped at the possibility of an intruder. "Hime, are you sure? Do you know him?"

"Yes! His name's Sasuke and he's my fiancé!"

[A/N: I'm estimating that there would be only two chapters left and one epilogue. :) Yes, so many questions left unanswered! What did Hinata mean? What will Iruka reveal to Naruto at last? What's currently happening to Sasuke? And lastly, WHO will Naruto choose? Hinata or Sasuke? To know... Please Review and Comment! (^_^)/]