A/N: Is this true? Is OrangeStar really updatin? Lol...not sure how to start things...but yeah! Ohaio! Happy 2013! It's been what? Months since I last updated any of my fics...last I updated this was actually July last year! This fic's actually lucky it's the first I'm updating...but why? Coz I actually have the whole story written down...and it seems it would already be nice to let you guys know what's in store :)) I've really missed writing...it's kinda getting to me now...so it's nice to let my stories rolling :) So yeah...I actually planned posting this soon coz I don't want to make it seem like I'm one of those authors who throw away fics. This was actually suppose to be posted before 2013 though then my computer crashed :( Oh well...it's here now, right?

So...sorry for the very long hiatus and hope you enjoy :)

The Last Message?

A certain raven sat quietly on a dining table. Tea in hand, he looked almost at ease. Almost. If looked quite closely, one would notice how his hand gripped tightly on the cup's handle and how his eyebrows were arched in pure annoyance.

Since the night Naruto had left him, Sasuke couldn't seem to sleep a wink. He was joyous, yes, for a couple of hours or so, that the blonde actually has the same feelings, that his were unrequited. He was happy that with this fact, it was possible the blonde could be...his.

What would only seal the deal was his reply when Naruto comes back. But Sasuke wasn't able to think too much about it when another question hit him: WHEN was Naruto coming back?

And that's where he was long too bothered about the blond's situation. When thought about, now trying to put all feelings aside, it was pretty suspicious that Naruto would have confessed out of the blue, suddenly coming out after weeks of being away from Sasuke's sight. So...hide, come out, spar, confess? It felt wrong. It's just too sudden.

Then, of course, it was fortunate the raven was awake the night before. It helped put a puzzle piece in place yet on the other hand, much more worrisome questions to some of his guesses.

It took some time to find sense in his guesses to sort which ones were sensible and which ones were not. In the end, he narrowed them down to two.

Naruto was out for a mission. That was the acceptable fact as to why the blond could've wanted to confess. So this is where the raven placed connecting ideas...where his guesses come in.

One. Sasuke knew what it was like to have kept a large knowledge of his feelings within him and just being able to keep it in there. Especially when it comes to love. It was one of the things possible to keep in...but it was difficult. It could've been that Naruto had this exact same feeling. The raven knew he was actually better at the blond when it came down to piping down what he wants anyone to know, unlike the other party, who was used to having his messages across.

Maybe it was the fact that since the raven came back, Naruto felt restless...and it could've hurt just more if the mission kept him much more mute. The reason as to why he just had to tell the Uchiha.

Although this first guess has its positive reasoning, there's also some faults to it. Naruto has his pride to withold. If it was this matter, being that he loved Sasuke a.k.a. his childhood rival and enemy -or that's how the rest of the village sees it anyway- who's also most importantly, a guy...Naruto would've at least tried to keep it down...at least just for quite some time until they were both ready. THEN he could confess. He would've thought that the mission could be a distraction anyway.

Then there was number two, the guess that haunted Sasuke...being that maybe it circled around the mission's contents. The question here was: why would Naruto confess...on this mission? Naruto was strong...he could have faith in himself when he knew he could work out the mission right. But what if that was the problem? What if Naruto didn't have faith in himself?

And that's where Sasuke would begin worrying. He knew no one much knew what Naruto was capable of. Everyone knew there was always unexpected results in Naruto's actions. That's why no one exactly knew Naruto's strengths but Naruto himself. So if the blond was actually confessing on this certain mission...then does that mean Naruto doubts himself? Could he have regarded the possibilities? That maybe...maybe...he would have found himself in trouble...or worse...

He could die.

"DAMMIT!", Sasuke yelled, slamming his fists on the table then gripping on his hair roughly.

He couldn't...he just couldn't allow it. Last night, he was probably too busy, blinded by his feelings to realize this, but right now, being finally able to figure out reasons upon reasons, things that may make sense now...he just couldn't afford yesterday or especially last night to be the last time he would be able to see the blonde.

That's why he resolved to himself that he'd at least try to know why Naruto could've reasoned it that way. He wanted to know just what Naruto had to do in the mission.

And more so, he wanted to know if it was a solo mission or if at least Naruto had men to back him up. Sasuke was restless thinking about that fact that it could have been a solo mission. If that was the situation, the raven felt he'd force the Hokage to let him be there with Naruto, to at least be by his side.

When Sasuke thought about it, if...if guess number two was right... Sasuke felt his heart clench at the thought that...that Naruto could've been scared. It was painful to think about it. The dobe actually feeling weak...the raven felt the need to comfort him and let him know he wasn't alone...that at least someone would be there.

But here's where his annoyance rises. Obviously, being it that Naruto a.k.a. Konoha's Anbu Captain, was taking this mission, it's most probably an S-Rank mission or more, meaning top secret. It's not something you'd just give out to anyone. Especially him...a newly returned ninja...who isn't even actually registered.

Then it hit him. Sasuke was known enough to be someone who loathed the Uzumaki, so it would most probably sound wrong that he'd barge in to the Hokage's office and plainly just ask about Naruto's mission...so he'd just have to set it aside as a curiosity kind of question once he applies for registration.

It wasn't his most brilliant plan in his life, seeing that it reeks of desperation...but it was the only choice he could give a shot at the moment.

And so, with his mind set, hoping Naruto was safe or having a goal to actually being with him in his mission, the raven left.

Never in his life had Sasuke felt so needy, only proving it when he stopped dead in his tracks in front of the Hokage tower, heavily panting and sweaty...it almost seems like the fastest run he's ever done.

And it was all for the blonde.

Without caring about all the stares and murmurs he's surely receiving, Sasuke made his way in until he ended in front of the Hokage's door. Once he heard a quiet 'Come in' after knocking, Sasuke did so. He saw the usual blonde woman looking annoyed with all the paperworks she had in store and with the ones she's currently working on.

Upon the shut of the door, she quickly looked up, a bit looking surprised at seeing the Uchiha then cleared her throat anyways. "Sasuke...I didn't expect you here anytime soon...".

The raven wasn't in any mood to talk-well at least at the moment-, so with his usual stoic face, he muttered his, "Hn".

Tsunade sort of expected it anyways so she went back to business. "So, is there anything you need?".

Sasuke sighed at last. "I'm just here for registration...I'd want to return as a Konoha nin".

The Hokage nodded and went to her drawers to get the papers needed. Handing it to the raven, she said, "You could get your headband from me the day after tomorrow at the latest...I have to take care of much more important matters tomorrow...".

Sasuke just nodded until he finished the paperwork and handed it over. Now was his chance. He had to make sure he wasn't going to slip up.

"Ummm...Tsunade-sama...if I may ask...you see, I haven't seen Naruto lately...I was wondering if he's been given a mission recently".

It wasn't very visible, but Sasuke noted how the Hokage tensed up a bit. "Yes...he has. As a matter of fact, it's very serious...it's the one I'm monitoring tomorrow. Why? Is there anything you needed from him?".

Sasuke didn't answer at first so the Hokage continued.

"Anyways, if there is, it would have to wait...the mission may take a while".

Sasuke can't really make things stop there, so he tried to make something up. "Well...Hokage-sama, there is...it's just a bit confidential though...".

The Hokage just nodded though. "I see...".

"Is...is the mission that serious?".

"Well...yes...", Tsunade replied, now looking curiously at the raven. As if reading his mind, she added, "If you're worried about Naruto's safety or anything, Sasuke, of course, I have to be honest, we can't always be sure about anything...his missions can't possibly be not dangerous...I'm sure you've heard of his position, I assume?".

The Uchiha nodded. "Yes, Tsunade-sama".

It seemed with a stern voice, like she knew the raven had other ulterior motives, she said, "So there's nothing more I can say about his mission...it's not something freely given...so if you have no more business, you may go, Sasuke".

Sasuke nodded once then quietly followed, dismissing his annoyance for the failed work for a while, until soon, after his exit from the tower, his pace quickly grew while his heart began to race, and soon he was just sprinting anywhere to release his anger.

He didn't know where he was leading himself. He didn't know on where he was already sprinting on. He didn't know where he'd possibly stop. His anger was just getting the better of him. Before he knew it, he was running.

After what seemed to be some very long hours of running in his life, Sasuke didn't seem to find himself within the village anymore, but it wasn't the only thing he noted. He found that his muscles were aching, each breath he released came sharp and painful, but he tried not to care. Unfortunately, soon enough, the Uchiha just found himself feeling devoid of air, his lungs seeming to be squeezed too much with how much energy he was using, while his legs totally felt in agony.

His whole body screamed of stopping.

As soon as he realized this, he grunted out loud, a blue orb forming on his right hand and was soon sent flying off, holing a tree, then another and another, and another until it was spent up.

Sasuke's legs gave up, stumbling not long after his Chidori was released. There, he at least tried to use the little energy he had to lay flat on his back. Still breathing heavily, his eyes darted into the sky, a setting sun coloring its surroundings. That's when he noticed the trees that seemed to have blocked the other views. Craning his neck, he checked where he was. His eyes widened as he scanned.

Ugghhh...Kami, this can't be happening. With that thought, Sasuke raised his arm to block his eyes. Everything around him was cruelly reminding him of Naruto...even he himself reminded him of the blonde, now that his mind has been opened to think about him.

He had not much stamina than Naruto. The orange-dusted sky was reminding him of Naruto. The blue left in the sky reminds him of the blue orbs that has defined Naruto.

Oh...and where was he? He just happened to have stopped in the middle of the ground of where he saw Naruto unconscious below a tree, where he and Naruto decided to talk face to face, being the taunting and silly dobe he is, where their spar had taken place, where through the result of this...

...hope may have actually existed for Sasuke.

A hope that was suddenly cruelly crushed with anxieties in the place he was suppose to call home.

And he had to go back there too.

Sasuke just can't help thinking why, just even the last thing...last person he felt he wanted-needed, after all the times he didn't ask for anything more in his life...it just always has to have complicated situations.

'They just want to be taken away from me, don't they?', he thought.

Sasuke's hand fisted as he muttered, "Dammit, Naruto...just come back...".

From under his wrist that covered his eye, a trickle of tear fell glistening in the day's last light.

Under the same skies, meanwhile, a certain blonde was huffing heavily, running from tree to tree.

Hey, kit, slow it down, will ya? I know I'm giving you lots of stamina, but I know your body...it needs rest too, don't you think?

Naruto chose to ignore him. If he wanted to run, then he'll do it. It helps anyway in -

You know, if it's the matter with the Uchiha you wanna avoid, this doesn't really help...

At the word 'Uchiha', Naruto immediately lost concentration in moving through the trees and stumbled down. "Owww? Kyuu!", the blonde complained, rubbing his head, as soon as he became stable enough to at least sit himself up on the ground.

Naruto felt the demon roll his eyes in his head, then soon he was seeing him do it right in front of him. He's in the usual sewers. Great.

Injuries to you are nothing. And anyways, it's not my fault you got startled with that Uchiha's name

Naruto immediately looked away, heat rushing to his face. "Sh-shut up...". It was no use hiding from Kyuubi anyways...he knows everything going on in his mind and probably even about how he felt, but he can't help being a bit defensive anyways.

The fox sighed. Kit, do you really think you can just run away from it all? Sooner or later, you'll have to get that answer. But you know, I don't even get you...you want to escape the answer yet you seem to want to end this mission too fast!

He flinched. He was right...if that was the case though, but... "Kyuubi, you know, I'm not actually sure where you're leading me...I haven't really noticed a hostile chakra or anything...".

You know, I actually have no clue either...

"Tsunade just said I'd have to monitor this area...recent sighting and everything...but damn, if he's left, what's the use of going all the way here...and I still have to go back tomorrow and report...seems they had the right expectations and he did flee...", Naruto muttered, annoyed, though glad of the change of topic.

Kit?

"Hmmm..."

'Are you actually scared of this mission right now?'

"Honestly, I don't know anymore", Naruto shrugged, "I just think I want to end this mission soon, ending whatever or whoever I face...but I...I...". The blonde quieted, needing to silence his incoming thoughts due to Kyuubi's earlier remark.

The fox tried to hold on to the topic. "You'll find him soon, kit...'

"Yeah...".

Then maybe you'll stop wasting your energy removing your thoughts of the Uchiha, Kyuubi bossed.

The blonde glared at the fox.

Or even better, maybe this mission would end soon so you can go straight home, answers waiting for-

"Kyuubi?".

Hm?

"Shut the fuck up".

The demon smiled, baring his teeth. He didn't really mean to make it sound like he he was making fun of the blonde, he just wanted to give it to him straight what he could and would have to face anyways. Just get some sleep alright...like you said...you have a long way to go tomorrow...

"Yeah yeah", the blonde yawned as he began to lie flat on the ground, all energy really feeling drained out of him now as his eyes fluttered close.

For a while, the fox just watched his host looking carefree while asleep, no troubled thoughts or problems to ghost his face. That is until blonde brows scrunched up as he muttered. "Ngh! Sasuke...".

Kyuubi frowned. Through the years, he's really grown attached to the blonde...as he literally was. He loved him like his own. He just can't stand the fact that Naruto was just really clutching so desperately into something that's hurting him right now.

It wasn't like Kyuubi could go as far as reading minds, so he can't really say if the Uchiha was reciprocating the blonde's feelings. If he did have the ability, he would have at least tried to talk to Naruto slowly until he can downright say what was in store.

Either let his troubles cease...

...or save him the pain of a possible hearbreak.

But seeing as he didn't have the ability, since there was a possibility of the Uchiha turning him down, and if he did...he was sure of what the blonde may have to deal with in the future. It wasn't something good...surely something his good-hearted host who has already undergone a lot in his life, just didn't deserve.

Kyuubi sighed. He just wished it wouldn't turn out that way.

Soon, he laid on the ground, wanting to get his share of rest as he gently positioned himself beside the blonde, seeming to look like a possessive mother fox, yet also just a loving, caring, pet fox companion. Complicated life...you're one hell of a kid, kit..., he muttered.

There, a small smile crept on the blonde's face. "Sure 'urama...".

A/N: One chapter done :))) So...well...I wanted you guys to get already the glimpse of Kyuu and Naru coz I just love them :))) And I remmeber someone asking bout this ;) Sorry this seems like a filler :(( Review please!