Ok guys, back again with another update, as promised.

On with the show!

"Of course."

Why she said that, Kurotsuchi will never know. As soon as she spoke a glimmer of approval, Naruto had dragged her out of the hospital, even though he should've stayed there for a few more days. Hand in hand, he arrowed for his apartment, and although she enjoyed the gesture she couldn't help but feel out of place as he paced carefully through the crowd of glaring individuals, who despite all odds managed to filter out his existence.

Kurotsuchi paid special attention to their eyes. Their lifeless, barren, and eroded eyes. Dull. Then alive a moment after.

Naruto led her along through the crowd and Kurotsuchi could've sworn she remembered a lot of these places, a lot of old run-down buildings, even an old park they played on. Her heart broke. Block after block, board after board, the buildings rusted and rotted down to the ground as if they were purposely damned to die. Their fate sealed behind the new of Konoha the further they traveled from the hospital, away from the still living businesses.

She could see into some through the mucked and cracked windows. Some left wide open, cracked and tarnished, they let strangers gallivant in, staying and going in the grit and rot of the old decrepit buildings. Inside few, were small stained beds lined against the wall.

It was almost unbelievable. What had they done to have their homes tore down? A silver gleam lit up the corner of her eye. A metal sign swung carelessly in the wind by the hinge it was attached before it lost strength and began its descent. Slowly. Painfully. Almost charmingly, before it crashed against the ground.

Did no one care about them?

"Don't let it get to you, Kuro-chan."

She addressed him with a sad look as he tightened his grip around her palm. The slowed to a leisure stroll. He gestured to the buildings beside them with the slightest peak of his eye. Naruto carried his head loosely with his torso slouching slightly. His eyes holding some mix of a bitter-sweet acceptance not fit for his age.

"This happened when you left. People packed their things and moved to different buildings before customers could have a chance to lose faith, since your fight with the council. Remember? You won... but the people stopped coming and the owners needed business, so they left. I'm surprised Ayame-chan and the old man are still around with how little they make," Naruto exclaimed softly, his eyes staying adrift all the while.

"Is this what you meant?"

"You saw it too?"

Watching the barren street gust the dust softly, it arose to filter the small incline where Naruto led them. She looked back. Empty. No one else was there but them on that lonely dirt-road.

Kurotsuchi didn't answer, instead nodding her head just as Naruto's hand lead her through a linen door and into what she remembered was his old apartment building. Old. Broken. Just like everything else in that part of town Kurotsuchi guessed.

Naruto lead her through the door as his apathy calmed and left his face before the same look he had at the hospital came stumbling back, as if the looks on the street didn't affect him. She watched sadly as Naruto maneuvered over to that old veteran couch, before flopping down, she joining him.

"Like I said. Don't think any of this is your fault. It would've happened anyways at some point or another. People don't like being around me and it would only make sense for them to move if it meant getting away."

Silence ensued and Kurotsuchi didn't know what to say. Before she was doing it because she thought it was right, but now? Her eyes scanned over Naruto's fleeting form as she coaxed herself to say something. Unluckily, for her though nothing came out when she opened her mouth. No matter her attempt to console her friend silence seemed to yell louder, sealing shut her lips before they could even open to try.

Though Naruto's thoughts traveled to someplace else, already having moved on from his somber mood his rising anxiety at having Kurotsuchi near him again was almost too good a chance. It overrid any other feeling he had now. However, anxious, Naruto's thoughts squared off.

I stopped hoping for a time where I could give her the letter. For so long... I thought I would never get the chance to tell her my feelings.

She already said she wanted to see it...but how should I...

Naruto threw an eye cautiously over to Kurotsuchi, who despite all odds, was staring back at him. He couldn't tell what she was thinking as much as he wanted to, so he jerked his head away and looked somewhere else. Under his bed, Naruto's dreams were hiding, steadily, his ambition that once was dust was now possible. That word. Possible.

He smiled.

Reaching under his bed, after explaining his need to Kurotsuchi, he grasped a small brown box that oddly enough had several straps strewn meticulously around it as if it held something invaluable, and really, it somewhat did. Opening it, he examined the envelope. He bit his lip. It didn't look pleasant. It was torn in the corner like it had been beaten and trampled. Near the middle and edges it stained as though the box he held it in lazed while it died, but the thing that brought a tear to his eye was the small splattered droplets gracing it just under the address to which it would be received. All the emotions coursing through the small piece of paper suddenly rushed back to him as he wiped his eye.

He had sat at his desk the Tsuchikage had provided for him, singularly for the purpose of homework for the academy. What he wanted was to give the girl of his dreams a worthy gift, something to equal her and all she'd done. Naturally, he spent hours on it. Making changes and on occasion re-writing it completely, he even trickled tears down on it by mistake because of his own eye-twitching frustration.

And though the desk wasn't made for personal business, Naruto couldn't help but use it for just that. The old-man would understand, right? Of course, he was expected to do well by him and thus, because of that, the desk was the first among many things that he had received over the course of negotiations. It was the only thing he really had that was polished, partially because his other belongings had been scratched and plagiarized during the first and last raid that had befell his home. Kurotsuchi had actually helped construct the desk alongside him, perpetually cursing a screw for not obeying her screwdriver. Of course it was all natural—seeing the girl curse mildly. But it wasn't the desk or the letter that made him writhe inside, no. It was the events that took place before and shortly after making the desk that proved difficult to put to words.

Looking back on it now, Naruto had to admit it seemed odd and maybe a little obsessive, but his infatuation was something he essentially couldn't banish, despite all feelings being tossed, roaring, down a well—before it was caught by the voice of an angel.

Sitting back down at his old desk, Naruto rubbed a bit of the dust off casually; never taking his eye off the envelope as he mentally checked it off. Now, to add... something. What was he going to say? An apology? No, he shook his head, that wouldn't work, even if he meant it with all his heart Kurotsuchi might think it was forced.

The penmanship engraved in the middle of the letter was poor, and the actual letter sitting inside the envelope was sure to be worse. Not only that, but Kurotsuchi had a way of knowing things, particularly what, no one knew, but she had a way of just knowing. That, and her insatiable curiosity, and maybe her—sighing, Naruto resigned, he should just give her the letter as is and hope for the best, he was getting nowhere reminiscing.

His head whirled. Kurotsuchi surely would be bored soon. Hurry, Naruto!

Minutes passed slowly and Naruto was walking out of his room thinking madly. What was he was going to say? What sort of stance would he let her see, or better yet was the time even appropriate? He already resolved that he wouldn't change anything, as much as he wanted to. He even told her he wanted to show her something, but she didn't know it was going to be a confession!

Shaking his head, while he shut his eyes, retracing his steps back to the couch, he collapsed down next to Kurotsuchi, who still hadn't moved a bit. Time to start, Naruto! But... when? Or better yet, how!?

Unknowingly to him, Naruto's face scrunched slightly in thought, eliciting a soft smile to erect on Kurotsuchi.

Again, they sat in awkward silence before all of the sudden Naruto plucked out his letter before handing it swiftly to Kurotsuchi. She eyed it curiously, effectively wondering what was inside, and she felt the edges and regarded the stains carefully as she lithely opened it, softly handling the letter inside as if it were a present.

Then, in that moment, Naruto felt his heart skip a beat when Kurotsuchi unlocked his chest and blanketed it with her stare. He gulped.

Please let her understand, he begged himself.

What's worse is that the day he wrote that letter, the hours he spent on it, was the day she left. He had hoped he could catch her at the gate to say goodbye. To say his farewells. If only to give her his letter, but needless to say he was too late. She was gone.

Naruto glimpsed an eye at Kurotsuchi. Her expression sat completely stone-faced at the gold shifting in her hand.

And in as much time it took to give her the letter, she was done. She laid the letter delicately on the small crooked coffee table a few feet ahead where she mothered a few stray hairs back to the crowd behind her ear as she gently slid over to him. Though that didn't bother him. What was she going to say? He watched every little movement she made and rationally deduced that he was in trouble. Kurotsuchi didn't smile, nor did she cringe. She was blank, only a twinge of her brow narrowing further. Like the others. Naruto could feel his skin crawl-just give him an emotion! He didn't need much, a simple semblance, a piece of life!

What she was doing was disturbing him, she was closer, almost right next to him now, leaning over him. But blank! After all the faceless people he had to deal with, why did Kurotsuchi have to become one now! He tried to rationalize it: she would never do that, she wouldn't, Kurotsuchi was different from the villagers, there's no way! He didn't know if his disturbed look made it to his face or not, and he attempted to shield it from view, however by her surprised eyes he could tell she hadn't become one of them. Thankfully.

"Forgive me," those words," Naruto-kun."

Tears started their stretches, making sure to sweep his eye-lid and glaze over the rest, practicing their bursts before the final competition. A tear drifted down his cheek agonizingly.

A deep silence.

"I shouldn't have done that."

Enclosing Naruto in a gentle but firm hug Kurotsuchi nuzzled his neck, him copying the gesture. She shook her head. Why did she have to be so insensitive?

She hadn't meant to look so emotionless. If anything she just didn't know what to say, how to respond. After all, it's not like she ever really received anything like that; a confession. Because of that, what she thought appropriate was, in fact, the most inappropriate thing she could have done. She forgot.

The sun grew tired as his duty was like no other. So he drooped, allowing his beautiful partner to rise slowly in his place in an eternal dance, lest they grow greed in their hearts. It was now night and Kurotsuchi held Naruto against her if only to comfort him, and against all odds she did harbor his feelings, she mirrored it, though not nearly as intense, but they were still there. They stayed close in each other's arms until now. She hadn't dared say anything. Her feelings were yet to be decided in definite. She just needed a little more time to absorb.

After a while, Kurotsuchi stood, pulling Naruto with her as she made for the door. As expected he was mute out of her silence, and she hated that. Once outside she stopped him from glazing over his eyes from what would be a dull cement by offering him a short smile before walking down the steps. Hand in hand.

"C'mon, we're going to go talk to Hokage-sama."

They walked by the diseased and wallowed buildings as though they were never there, as if everything that transpired years before had never happened til the two met the familiar sight of Naruto's favorite ramen shop—if she remembered correctly. Sitting in the back-street of an old stubborn building Kurotsuchi could smell the broth and hear the slicing noodles resound out of the small walk-in restaurant.

If there was anything that could raise Naruto's spirits and help her think then that would be the Ichirakus. Perhaps they would make a quick stop on their walk before meeting the person who could change it all.

"Don't."

Kurotsuchi met his eyes. What was it? Don't what? Switching back and forth between Naruto and the shop she tried to think of the connections... Did they—

"Everyone's been betraying me."

His shoulders visually slouched, if only a centimeter or two. But then a slight twinge panged in her chest... was he talking about her? She gripped his shoulders tightly and looked him in the eye.

She tried to keep the slight hurt out of her voice as she spoke. "Am I included in that, Naruto-kun?"

She tried her hardest to make the slight crack in her voice go away, but to no avail. Though, her shoulders relaxed when he shook his head along with the lingering throb.

"I know that isn't your fault. It's not something I should've expected of you."

Somberly, he smiled. Her teeth clenched. She didn't know how to take that!

"You were gone for a long time. You probably have a boyfriend back at home, and I was stupid enough to think you would wait for me."

Kurotsuchi huffed, now he was just jumping to conclusions. Even so, his reasoning was stellar. Though that didn't mean she wanted to hear it.

"Shut up you idiot," she stuttered angrily. "I've never received anything like that, a-a confession, so just give me some time, alright? That's all I ask."

Hugging him tightly, Kurotsuchi directed her glare to the restaurant to hopefully negate Naruto's sorrowful look.

"How did they betray you? When I was here, the Ichiraku's were the nicest. Remember when they even held a birthday party for you? I mean... I don't want to defend them if they hurt you, I just don't understand. What happened?" she stammered.

"I heard them talk about me with the other customers." Kurotsuchi knitted her brows together. "I thought it would be a good idea to hide next to the shop. I mean the people would come, eat, and leave like always, but, eventually I started listening."

Kurotsuchi lead them to the door entrance as he talked.

"Teuchi-san would talk about how they had to serve me to sate the Hokage's demands, and then I heard Ayame-san say something, but I couldn't make it out. She sounded upset."

Kurotsuchi sentried the streets quickly before peeking in the door. She saw Teuchi and Ayame propping their heads crestfallen on the counter. She couldn't make out what they were doing.

"What did you do?" She asked, quietly.

Naruto gripped her hand a little firmer like a child would a mother before tears slithered down his cheeks again.

"I walked in, bought the ramen, and left. I haven't been to Ichiraku's in months."

"Why didn't you try to talk to them about it? Surely there was some reason," Kurotuschi reasoned.

Naruto waved his toes and stared at them in mock interest.

"I guess I just didn't want to hear them then."

"Would you like to go somewhere else then?"

Naruto shook his head.

"It doesn't matter now. They must hate me now anyways."

Strolling through the door, hand in hand, Kurotsuchi made sure to step quietly over to the counter. Faint mumblings came from the old man in the back. His daughter peaked over to the door slightly at the ringing bell before her eyes shot open at the sight of Naruto. Her mouth blew ajar and she was in front of them, slipping around the counter, in a moment faster than Kurotsuchi thought possible. Kneeling down, Ayame addressed them with teary eyes.

She gulped after a moment of what seemed an eternity of just analyzing, and selecting her words carefully.

"Naruto-kun?"

Naruto bowed his head. He wouldn't meet her gaze.

"What's wrong?" She grasped his shoulders firmly and tried to meet his eyes, only to be rejected with his gaze acting like a magnet to anything but her.

"C'mon Naruto-kun, you can talk to me. What's wrong? Did the villagers tell you to stop coming here? We haven't seen you in months!" by now Ayame was letting the slight tears in her eyes gently fall down the contours of her face. "We were worried about you, Naruto-kun!"

"Oh really?"

Naruto couldn't believe what he was hearing... Shadows covered his eyes... The nerve. All of those comments they made, and she was acting as if it were nothing! Oh, we're just serving him because the Hokage wants them to! Naruto could feel the rage finally radiate out of him in what he felt was a huge cascading torrent of wind bursting out. He could almost hear stones chattering and grinding inside because of the rage he surely couldn't resist.

"Oh really? What are you saying, Naruto-kun! Of course we were worried! You are our best customer!" Her trembling voice and that quivering smile of hers cried more.

He'd had enough. Turning on his heel, Naruto made for the door as his conscious left his body and a haze settled over his eyes. He didn't want to hear it. Naruto could feel the floor carry him back to the door with Kurotsuchi by his side. He was sure she was just making it up in order to meet the Hokage's commands.

"Naruto-kun?" Kurotsuchi's voice echoed in his ear.

"What?" he gripped his hands tight to let the blood leave while his skin restricted.

"Maybe she's telling the truth?"

Naruto leveled an even stare back at Kurotsuchi. "If she's telling the truth than she would've apologized by now."

"But what if she doesn't know what she did wrong? Her feelings might be sincere. The owner, however, might be the one to have made the deal." Kurotuschi made a point of fondling his head in between her hands and pointing it towards the center of his grief. "Look at her, Naruto-kun. I don't think someone on a mission would cry if they failed at serving the pariah, gomen."

Naruto searched every part of Ayame for true deception like he was taught by Kurotsuchi before gulping slightly, he needed to ask. In order for things to ever get better he needed to be brave and ask... and hopefully not be rejected, again.

"Ichiraku-san," Naruto began, "Remember a few months ago when the shop was flooded by people? The time when there was that hole in the wall?"

Ayame seemed to ponder over this, all the while leaning to her side on the floor as she thought.

"Hai," she said, shakily.

"I was there."

Ayame creased her eyebrows in confusion, which irritated Naruto.

"I was there, damn it! I heard the old man talk about the 'mission' you two were on!" Naruto bit out.

Confused further by this, Ayame slowly spun her head around, gradually letting her vision adjust on the white cloth. Behind it lead to the kitchen where her father's voice hummed and chopping sounds repeated. A small pool of water gathered in the corners of her eye and the memory seemed to magically pop into her head.

"I remember now..."

Picking herself up from the floor Ayame couldn't help but let her body sway and her lip tremble slightly in repent. It wasn't her idea, it was so clear, Kurotsuchi could tell this, but could Naruto? His knuckles still stood taught and strained. His piercing gaze surgically scoured over Ayame until saw the false signs disappeared and he came up with nothing against her.

He turned his head to Kurotsuchi and muttered, almost so that no one could hear him, something that put a twinge in her chest, "You really are an angel, aren't you? It's no wonder I fell..." his voice receded before he was hugging the life out of Ayame, letting her gently wrap her arms around his small body carefully and as softly as possible.

"Forgive me, Naruto-kun, it wasn't my idea. When I was serving you I didn't do it because I was required to. It was my Tou-san who did it for the money, b-but he would've served you anyways."

"Please don't," Naruto interjected.

Ayame cupped his cheeks and made him face her.

"Please don't what, Naruto-kun? We're not bad people. We love you."

Naruto nodded, he knew that, all too well.

He continued, "But I just don't want to hear it. I'd just like to eat here again, ok?

"Ok," Ayame turned to the white cloth and strode in and not long after she came out again, this time with his favorite ramen in hand, along with a bowl for Kurotsuchi.

"Forgive me for taking so long but it's getting late and tou-san has already stepped out."

"You're fine, Nee-chan."

Ayame set the bowls across from them.

"Naruto."

Naruto looked up from the bowl before he nodded his ascent.

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, would you like for me to make your ramen from now on?"

Awkward eyes merely ogled her, and then Kurotsuchi, who by now knew she wasn't needed, merely listened and enjoyed her meal, but nonetheless smiled back at Naruto.

"Hai."

Time passed as if it were traveling at Mach nine. Hours flew. What was early night became early, early morning as it took time for Kurotsuchi to regale what happened a bit earlier, leaving out Naruto's 'incident' of course.

"Ah, I think I understand," Ayame stated. "So you're the representative sent by Iwa for a meeting with the Hokage," she nodded. "Cool."

Ayame's eyes lingered over Naruto for a second. She sat down comfortably across from them at an open table so as to let the older girl relax.

After a long uncomfortable silence, Ayame finally spoke up, "Now, tell me. Why are you wearing that uniform?" Ayame questioned.

Not being one for these kinds of things, Kurotsuchi opted to speak on his behalf, despite Naruto's look of surprise, "It's because he will be joining me back on my trip to Iwa."

Then her stare locked onto him expectantly waiting for his response in some grotesque, cruel way of saying, "You're turn!" but what was he supposed to say? Was this her actual reason for coming in the first place? Give him the uniform for Iwa and then get him out after seeing the Hokage? It was nice, but then her coming was just nothing but a mission? Was it even a mission?

"-I've decided to take you back with me-" she paused, "-and we're going to the Hokage's for approval, Naruto-kun."

Blue oceans could've flooded the world and tanned skin could've become redder. Today was really too much... He swallowed and tears strolled down his face again, and because of that, he was half-tempted to jump both of them and give them both strong hugs they would never forget, but, he'd had enough. He almost killed himself yesterday, and now, he wiped the tears out of his eyes and his stomach drummed with laughter. Now his dreams were coming true...

"I was waiting to tell you when we arrived at the Hokage's office about you coming along with me."

Naruto nodded and spoke quietly, restraining the trembling beating down on his voice, "That's ok, it's really ok, I... I... just don't make me cry again."

That caused Ayame and Kurotsuchi to giggle warmly as they watched.

"So, that means you're going to leave me alone then?" Ayame questioned suddenly.

And despite the situation, Naruto shot off a quick reply under his sniffling, "Of course not! I'm going to come here every chance I get! Got that?"

Ayame chuckled, "Hai."

"So, Naruto," Kurotsuchi said. "Let's go to the Hokage's."

I'm glad to see you've made it to the end. Thank goodness. Now, please, REVIEW.

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