Sorry about the lack of updates, loves! I've been busy with school. Luckily, next week is finals week and I'll be off for 3 weeks. I'll be writing like crazy! Hope you like this chapter x

I loved the apartment. It wasn't very big, but it was perfectly my size. It was my first time having my own place...

Although, it made me realize how little I actually owned. The only belongings I had were things I had recieved or bought while I was in Suna, aside from the photo of my mother and I. The apartment came with the basics- A bed, a couch in the living room, a small round wooden table, a TV in the corner of the room, fridge, oven, etc. Its just so plain. I guess I'll have to do some shopping to make it feel more... homey, I suppose.

I was starting to miss Gaara. I could already picture him milling around in here, his books all over the coffee table while he lays on the couch... but thats just never going to be the reality of our relationship. He's the Kazekage, a job you can't do from another village. I couldn't ignore it anymore, everything was about to change...

I decided to pass out on the couch, exhausted from my trip, and the thoughts in my own head. I don't know how long I'd been asleep when I heard a ruckus coming from outside my door.

"MEI-CHAAAAN! MEI! MEI-CHAN! OPEN UP!"

I kind of recognized that god-awful yell. Who's voice is that? I groped around on the floor for my pants which I'd kicked off before I fell asleep, and dragged myself to the door.

"What business do you fucking have yelling in-" I paused "Naruto?"

He grinned. He's just as cute as ever. He's like a ray of light.

"Heard we're neighbors. I thought it would only be right to come over and greet you. You hungry?"

"YOU'RE my neighbor?"

He made a face

"You say that like its a bad thing!"

I ran my fingers through my hair

"This is just too much..." I muttered

"What was that?"

"Oh, uh, nothing... Yeah, I guess I'm hungry,"

"Well, then let's go!"

Naruto grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the apartment, dragging me into the streets of Konoha.

"Ugh... Naruto... where are we even going?" I groaned

"To my favorite place in the entire world. Its not much, but the food will blow your mind," He gushed "So, how was Suna?"

I was getting sick of answering that question, or moreso, how everyone knew my damn business. I mean, Naruto did bring me there, but you get the point.

"It was fine. Gaara sent his regards,"

Naruto blushed

"Ah, that Gaara..."

"Why are you blushing? You act like you have a crush on him or something..." I joked

"WHAT?! Thats ridiculous. I like girls!" He insisted

"Doesn't mean you can't like a boy, but whatever," I said with a smirk

We approached a small ramen stand, and he came to a halt.

"You see that? Read that sign,"

"Ichiraku Ramen?"

He dragged me into the stand. The inside was so warm and cozy, and the aroma was intoxicating.

We sat at the counter

"I'll order for you," He said "Hey Mr. Teuchi, two miso ramen with extra chashu, please?"

"Hey, Naruto! Coming right up." The owner replied

Given everything that he's been through, Naruto sure seems to be a happy-go-lucky fellow. Even at the age of 19, he still seems to be just as energetic and bright as any given 10 year old. I could feel his eyes on me as we waited for our food.

"What?" I asked

"Nothing, I just..."

Naruto had definitely met Mei before. He had the same feeling that he couldn't shake when he transported her to Suna a couple of weeks before. Maybe he knew her from the ninja academy?

"Mei... did you attend the academy for a few years before you..?"

I hadn't thought about those days in years. In fact, I had blocked out most of my early memories about Konoha... but as I studied at the blonde nin, he began to seem more familiar. What happened to me at the academy... who was I even friends with? A short blonde trouble-maker came to mind. I recalled running through the village chasing him. Was that Naruto? I strained my mind to try and picture his face... whisker marks on his cheeks... Yep. That was most definitely Naruto.

"Yeah... I think I remember you," I replied, suddenly excited

"I remember you too... you were one of the few kids that was nice to me... but then you got advanced and became a Chuunin a year early,"

Two steaming bowls of Ramen were placed in front of us.

"The fucking Chuunin exams," I reminisced "Those should be outlawed, I swear,"

He laughed

"Well, its nice to see you again, Mei-chan... I know you've been through alot... and I look forward to getting to know you... again,"

I smiled at him as I took my first heap of noodles into my mouth. I was instantly overwhelmed by the delightful flavor of the broth and the smooth texture of the noodles.

"So, how do you like it?" He asked eagerly

"Its fantastic!"

He grinned

Naruto and I ate and he continued to try and jog my memory about my younger years in Konoha. There was quite a lot that began to resurface for me, but the whole time we spoke, I couldn't top thinking about Gaara.

Naruto studied Mei as they walked home. Her dark hair swung in the autumn breeze. The look in her eyes was distant, her mind seemed to be somewhere else.

"Whatcha thinkin about?" He asked

"Huh? Oh... nothing,"

"Liar!"

"No! I'm just... thinking about tomorrow. Tsunade wants me to report to her at 7AM,"

He laughed

"Granny Tsunade... She can be tough. But all in all, she really loves the people of Konoha, and she'd do anything for us,"

Kind of like how Gaara protects his people.. I desperately tried to change the subject.

"Word on the street is you're gonna become Hokage next, Naruto,"

He blushed.

"Thats the goal!"

We stopped in front of the door of my apartment

"Thanks for dinner, Naruto..." I said

"C'mon, Mei! Cheer up,"

He put his hand on my cheek. His hand was rough and calloused, from training no doubt, but it was okay... I didn't mind it. Naruto's eyes were glowing a beautiful shade of deep blue... No. Stop it. You're with Gaara...aren't you? No. I don't know. Ugh, I'm already sick of this shit.

"I'll think about it," I said "Goodnight, Naruto-kun."

I hurried into the apartment and locked the door behind me. I sank to the floor against it and kicked off my shoes. I glanced around the dark, empty living room.

I stood and walked to my bedroom, fumbling awkwardly with my clothes to get them off. I got straight into my new bed. It wasn't as soft as my bed in Suna, but it was okay. I rolled onto my side, staring at the empty space next to my body. I ran my fingers over the soft pillow, imagining what Gaara would look like, laying sleepily next to me. God I fucking miss him. If I could just lay in his arms once more...