finished chapter!

XXX

Chapter 8

Naruto grunted slightly as she picked up the heavy grocery bags.

"Damn. I am out of shape," she muttered. Her eyebrows furrowed. Cooking and cleaning had become such a chore around the house. Not including herself, she had five mouths to feed, and heavens, do Uchihas eat! The children all possessed ravenous appetites, so consuming that Naruto even dropped by Konoha Hospital once out of worry. The present doctor merely patted the blonde on her head and sent her straight home with the diagnosis "Oh silly Uzumaki-san, this is completely normal for kids of such healthy age and stature!" And well, who was Naruto to say otherwise? It's not like she knew any better. Itachi and Sasuke, on the other hand, went on odd ANBU missions every now and then, so she wouldn't blame them for always being hungry when they came home. But the blonde couldn't help but feel a little neglected as she plowed through the day. Even Kyuubi had begun complaining of the draining effect the tasks had on his chakra supply, and if that demon bitched about being tired, then there was something terribly wrong with the situation.

But the love she harbored for the Uchihas - with the exception of a certain someone, of course - was enough motivation, and she honestly couldn't complain. She was happy.

"Though a little appreciation here and there would be well received," Naruto mused bitterly.

There was a sudden snapping sound, and Naruto's heart dropped to her stomach as she had realized one of the plastic bags could not withstand the weight of the groceries, and the bag itself had split in half. Cans and fruits fell to the street and began rolling away in multiple directions. The blonde groaned. Seriously? She immediately began to chase after the runaway items.

"Need help, Uzumaki-san?"

"No, no, I'm good," Naruto said distractedly as she bent over to pick up a clam chowder can. She waved a hand in the general direction of the speaker. "Thank you though."

"I insist," the person said in much amusement. "Let me help you."

"Oh no," Naruto said. She still didn't bother to look up as she hurriedly stuffed the items back into another grocery bag. Her cheeks were tinted slightly in embarrassment. "It's fine, everything - "

"Naruto, you forgot something." The speaker handed an apple to the blonde. "Clumsy as always, ne?"

This time Naruto did look. A masked man with spiky gray hair smiled down at her.

"Kakashi-sensei!" the blonde exclaimed, jumping to her feet. She was at a loss for words. "It's been a while - I mean - Sensei! You look great! What are you doing here?"

Kakashi's smile merely grew bigger. "Mah, Naruto, you really shouldn't call me sensei anymore."

Naruto rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "I guess old habits are hard to break, huh?"

"You were always my brightest pupil."

"Wait, sensei, was that sarcasm?" Naruto said, laughing. The blonde's initial awkwardness seemed to have eased. "It's such a nice surprise bumping to you here."

"Well I got to get food somehow," Kakashi said, raising his own grocery bag in response. "You do look like you need some help with that batch."

"Oh no, sensei, I'm good, I - "

But her protests fell on deaf ears as Kakashi picked up the bags from the ground without a second's hesitation. The older man saw Naruto's stunned expression, and he merely winked at the blonde.

"You may have started off as my student, Naruto, but you forget that you've blossomed into quite the beautiful woman. Let a gentleman humor himself."

Naruto blushed at the compliment, but a bit of the old Naruto broke through as the blonde raised defiant cerulean eyes at the silver-haired jounin. "Don't look down on me, Kakashi! I can still kick your ass!" She then smiled coyly. "But, I wouldn't want to get in the way of such a respectable code of honor."

Kakashi grinned in return and took a little mock bow. "Shall we?"

The two began strolling down the street at a leisurely pace. The old teacher student bond still seemed to be there, although things have definitely changed in the past decade or so.

"So..." Naruto said after a minute's silence. "It's been a while."

"Yes," Kakashi replied nonchalantly. "Yes it has."

"You're really quiet for someone who I haven't seen in a long time."

"Did you want me to say something?"

Naruto furrowed her eyebrows in thought. "You were never one to pry."

"I'll take that in a good light."

"Itachi said you and Iruka were worried about me."

Kakashi glanced over, his one showing eye expressing only exasperation. "Naruto, you're not a kid anymore. Yes, we worried, but we also trusted that you would deal with things your own way and that when you were ready, we'd be here to listen. Itachi-san has proved himself a compassionate man. Were we wrong?"

"No, no," Naruto said hurriedly. "That's not my point." The blonde fell silent, but she fidgeted restlessly.

Kakashi's expression softened. "Naruto, it's okay. You don't have to apologize. The fact that you're back home safe and sound is a blessing that me and Iruka will both take."

"I know I caused you endless worry," Naruto said, blue eyes growing misty with emotion. "I know I should've come to see you and Iruka-sensei as soon as I settled into the Manor. This isn't how I wanted to meet you!"

"Naruto, I know."

"I'm sorry, Kakashi-sensei. I'm so sorry. I should've..."

"We both understood you were going through a lot." Kakashi fondly ruffled Naruto's hair. "Iruka and I are happy just knowing you're here in Konoha. Now cheer up for an old man, will you?"

Naruto chuckled weakly. "Sensei, you are not old." The blonde suddenly brightened and clapped her hands together. "Let me make it up to you! What do you say to dinner? I know Iruka-sensei is out of town, so unfortunately it will just be you and me, but we can still catch up and talk."

Kakashi blinked once before grinning. "I would like that."

"Tonight at eight? The three tree stumps?"

"Sure."

Naruto grinned. "It's a date, sensei."

"Would I have to be on the alert for any crazy, jealous Uchihas?"

Naruto snorted once before punching the joking man and taking her groceries out of his hand. "Don't be late!"

The look on Kakashi's face could only be described as innocent. "Me?"

The blonde stuck her tongue out at the older man before cheerfully parting ways. She was upset and ashamed at how she never made time to meet up with her beloved old teachers, but hopefully dinner tonight would make everything okay. It was only when Naruto reached the Uchiha Manor that she realized the person who came to mind when Kakashi made his Uchiha joke wasn't Itachi, but actually Sasuke.

Sasuke...

Honestly, there was no denying that her current relationship with him screamed awkward, fake and weird. He did his best to ignore her as she did him, but every evening they would have dinner together with Itachi - if he were home - and the kids. And bumping into each other in the hallway was inevitable. Itachi did his best to act as a mediator between the two, but he was very busy with his ANBU duties, as his superior shinobi skills became increasingly more and more precious to Konoha, and it was hard to catch him home. The two older kids, Shiro and Kaira, knew better than to mess with this relationship complicated beyond their understanding, but Momo was another story. On her fussier nights, she would scream to be tucked in by both parents, so Sasuke would stonily sit on a chair as Naruto kissed, hummed and sang the baby to sleep. Then the two would hurriedly bolt out of the room as if Death himself was hot at their feet. It had been a month already, and Naruto wondered how long she could endure this torture before she cracks.

In addition, the Chuunin exam had been postponed an extra two weeks, due to some strange treaty between Konoha and another nation. Naruto didn't bother with politics so she turned deaf ears to such conversations, but the delayed exams meant more time for Kaira to train. Strangely enough, Sasuke began to spend more time with the kids - Naruto wondered what caused the heartless Uchiha to suddenly man his fatherly responsibilities - but she didn't complain. On days Naruto was busy tending to Shiro and Momo, Sasuke would take an afternoon off to train Kaira in the woods right behind the Manor. The Uchiha girl simply flourished under such training; from Naruto she learned wits and endurance, from her uncle she perfected Uchiha jutsus. The girl was indeed a prodigy, and Itachi became extremely grateful to the two teachers.

A gentle voice broke her out of her reverie.

"Long day?"

Naruto kicked off her shoes at the front door and slipped into more comfortable footwear. "You're back early."

Itachi strode to the blonde and relieved her of the heavy bags. He grunted a little at the weight. "How much stuff did you buy?"

"And that's only two day's worth of food," she said somewhat snappishly.

"You're exhausted."

Naruto's expression immediately softened. Leave it to Itachi to quickly decipher her every movements. "No, silly it's - " She caught Itachi's dubious eye, and she backtracked. "I am feeling a little under-appreciated, yes. But I'm sure that's just my period talking."

The Uchiha put down the bags and placed a hand against Naruto's forehead. "I'm sorry," he said genuinely.

Naruto laughed. "It's okay you big dork. You don't have to apologize. I know if you could, you'd be home more often." She sighed. "It's hard being a mom, you know. In the beginning it was fine. Do-able, even. But with every passing day I just worry more and more about their futures." She smiled sadly. "You must feel the same way."

Itachi gently grabbed both her shoulders. "Are you sure you don't need a break? Take a vacation somewhere?"

"Ha! According to some Konoha Councilmen, I am on vacation. Are they still bitching about it?"

"Your skills are very treasured. The ANBU forces would love for you to be back."

Naruto raised a sarcastic eyebrow. "And should I?"

"Never."

The blonde chuckled. "You baby me."

"You're a grown adult, Naruto." The Uchiha then proceeded to take the bags to the kitchen. He started unloading the groceries onto the counter, separating refrigerated items and cabinet foods. Naruto stumbled after him and fell tiredly into a nearby wooden chair.

"Where are the kids?"

"Kaira is reading them a story. They should be preoccupied for another fifteen minutes or so. Tell me about your day."

Naruto's eyes softened. Who knew Itachi had such a side to him? Not even the blonde could've guessed.

"You're cute."

Itachi made a guttural sound in the back of his throat.

"No, seriously, I know you don't believe me, but I mean it when I say you are everything a woman could want. Can you just get married and make some girl out there the luckiest person on earth?"

"Naruto, you don't know what you're saying. I'll cook tonight. You go rest."

Naruto propped her face up with her hands. She blew a raspberry. "That's what I need to tell the kids about. I have a date."

"Oh?"

"Haha, I'm just kidding. It's Kakashi-sensei. I bumped into him today, and I asked him to go to dinner with me. But I don't want the kids knowing he was my teacher. They might start asking too many questions."

"So you're telling them you're going on a date?"

"What? Am I not good enough to go on a date?" Naruto retorted.

Itachi shot the blonde an exasperated look. "Naruto, you know that's not what I meant. Don't you think it will worry them into a false pretense that you'll be bringing back a new father some day?"

Naruto sighed. "They need to understand that it is very well a huge reality." She blew the bangs out of her face. "Unless of course, I die forever alone," she added bitterly.

Itachi almost rolled his eyes. "You are a drama queen."

"How long will you be staying this time?"

"I don't know. Depends. ANBU has been swamped with missions." Itachi began chopping vegetables with ease. "The war seems inevitable."

Naruto frowned. "Do you have to fight?"

"I'm not going to answer that."

"But what about family? What about Kaira?"

Itachi's steady chopping hesitated. "Naruto..."

"Okay, okay." The blonde got up and walked to the Uchiha. "I'm sorry, I'm feeling out of it. Must be my annoying female hormones." She buried her face into Itachi's back and took a deep calming whiff of his scent.

"You think too much," Itachi said. "Never thought anyone would ever say that about you."

"Shut up, weasel."

There was a moment of brief silence. Naruto bit her lip in thought. "What if we went ahead and did it?"

"Excuse me, Naruto?"

"What if we married each other?"

Chop chop. Chop chop. Itachi's hands never stopped their task. "Why are you asking this?"

"Just answer the question."

Itachi sighed before gently placing the knife on the board and turning around to face Naruto. "Then I think it would be a good marriage."

"You do?"

"You don't?"

Naruto smiled. "No, no, I do. I love you, Itachi, and I think you would make me a happy wife."

Itachi briskly brushed his lips across the blonde's forehead in response. "Why are you thinking about this?"

"Kaira put it in my head the other day. I told her no initially, but then I got to thinking... What if I never find another person?" Naruto's lip quivered dangerous. "After Kiba - " She choked on her words and took a deep, calming breath before saying in a steady voice, "I don't mind spending the rest of my life with you. I realized that today. You are so kind to me."

"You're still very young."

"No, I'm not!" Naruto exclaimed. "I'm freaking twenty-five years old. Most kunoichi have kids when they turn eighteen. Look at me! I think the future possibility of me meeting my Prince Charming is extremely bleak." She shook her head before grabbing both Itachi's upper arms in a vicegrip. "Would you marry me? If it really came down to it?"

Itachi stared at Naruto, his expression blank. The weight of Naruto's question hung over the two, and they both knew it was delicate grounds they were stepping on.

A small rustle in the room immediately shattered the situation. Sasuke was in the corner of the kitchen, rummaging for something to eat. But the white showing in Sasuke's knuckles as he clenched his hand into the tightest fist gave way that the younger Uchiha brother had possibly heard Naruto's sudden proposal.

"Sasuke," Itachi said.

There was no response.

"Sasuke."

Still, Itachi's voice only fell on deaf ears.

The tension became increasingly hostile with every passing second.

"Well!" Naruto said rather loudly. "I best be getting ready then. Itachi, thanks for taking care of dinner tonight. You are such a delight." And without a single glance in Sasuke's direction, Naruto marched out of the kitchen.

The two brothers stood in silence.

"Sasuke," Itachi began delicately, "you know I love her very much. It would take a fool to not see that. I love her as a sister and as the mother of my child." He paused, before continuing in a more serious tone. "But I will do what is best for Kaira and Naruto. If one day it makes Naruto happy to have my hand in marriage, I will marry her. But she is not mine. Not yet."

And with that, Itachi resumed his chopping.

XXX

"A date?!" The shock in Kaira's voice was piercing.

Naruto winced. "I'm twenty five, Kaira, but I'm not a nun. Yes, I'm going on a date." The blonde suddenly noticed Shiro's crestfallen face. "Hey, hey none of that. Come on, babies, you should be excited for Mommy!"

Momo's small hands were clamped on her waist. "Mama should not go out so late!"

"And you should be in bed by now," Naruto retorted back. "Mama will be home when you wake up, Momo."

"But Mother," Kaira pleaded. "Can't you two just eat dinner here? In the Manor?"

"Oh God, and have you kids scare him away? You are very sneaky!"

"No, we'll be good!" the Uchiha girl promised. "Really, we won't make a sound!"

Itachi decided it was time to intervene. "Now Kaira, that's enough."

Naruto kissed all three pouting faces. "Children, that's not the encouragement I was hoping for."

"You look beautiful, Mom," Kaira said grudgingly.

Shiro sadly hugged the blonde and planted a warm kiss on her whiskered cheeks. Momo pouted.

"Thank you," Naruto said affectionately. "I love you three so, so much." She walked to the door and blew a last kiss at them. "Be good, please!"

"Wait, Naruto," Itachi called out. "Let me walk you to the gate. Kids, stay here."

Naruto and Itachi stepped out of the front door and onto the porch. The blonde smiled at the Uchiha and took his hand as the two began the short stroll to the entrance of the Manor. The October air was cool and refreshing on their skin.

"So?" the blonde asked.

"You're very emotional right now," Itachi said. "But I just wanted to tell you that it's okay to go out and date."

"What?"

"I know you're still hurting about Kiba" - he didn't mistake the tightening of Naruto's eyes - "But it will be good. It will help you move past this."

"Itachi, I seriously don't know what - "

"The marriage question that you threw at me today didn't come as a total shock. You're scared to get hurt again, and I will take your hand in marriage, but not yet. And I get that there are a lot of unresolved issues, especially concerning everything that has happened. But I really think you should go out and date a couple more times before considering marriage with me."

At this point Naruto was spluttering in shock, but Itachi wasn't done.

"I'm telling you, if something comes up between you and Kakashi, it's okay. No one deserves to grieve forever. I think it's about time to put yourself back out there again."

Naruto could only stare as she tried to collect her wits about her. "Itachi!" the blonde exclaimed. "I told you, it's not a real date! Have you gotten just as gullible as the kids?"

"Just bear what I said in mind, okay?" Itachi kissed Naruto's forehead. "Have fun, little one."

Naruto rolled her eyes. "Love you too."

XXX

Kakashi leisurely sat on one of the tree stumps as he waited for Naruto. Strange, he was in fact early for once. The masked man took a long stare at the surroundings, wondering whatever prompted Naruto to choose here of all places as a meeting point. It was here that Naruto and Kakashi had their first bonding with Team Seven, and although Naruto didn't know it, it was here that Kakashi and Minato had their first meeting together with Obito and Rin. Nostalgia pounded through Kakashi's veins stronger than ever, and the ninja mused in silence.

A small cough alerted Kakashi of Naruto's presence, and he glanced up.

She looked nice. She had on a plain white skirt, and it was billowing slightly in the wind. Her top consisted of a light blue blouse and a black cardigan. It was simple but extremely elegant, comfortably hugging and complimenting her figure. Her long blond hair was slightly wavy and curled at the ends, and she had on small, white pearl earrings.

"Kakashi-sensei!" her voice carried over with the wind. "You're early!"

"Mah, I'm surprised myself." Kakashi got up and cleared his throat sheepishly. "It appears I under-dressed for the occasion."

Naruto shook her head. "No, I rarely get out of the house. I thought I might as well." She surveyed Kakashi's outfit. Normal shinobi attire. "You look fine."

"Does this place bring back memories?"

"Oh yes." Naruto's cerulean eyes softened. "Most definitely."

"First time here since you got back?"

"No, I came here once when I wanted to..." She smiled sheepishly. "When I wanted to kick Itachi's butt to high heaven. Luckily he calmed me down before that fiasco happened. But..." She fidgeted a little. "It is the first time I'm visiting with an old Team 7 member."

Kakashi's lone eye crinkled into an upside down U. "How's that?"

"Make me happy."

"Good to hear that."

Naruto grinned at the masked man. "Where shall we go tonight?"

"I heard that Ichiraku Ramen has new late-night hours."

The blonde could hardly contain her excitement. "You are the best, sensei!"

XXX

Many things about Naruto had changed since her transformation from a boy to a girl, but her appetite was most certainly not affected. Kakashi watched in amazement as Naruto downed bowl after bowl. The dishes were already beginning to make small mountain piles on the table, but Naruto's hunger seemed insatiable.

"Um, Naruto, don't you think you should save some ramen for the other poor customers?" the man sweated.

"Don't call a lady fat."

Kakashi merely raised an eyebrow, humor twinkling in his eye.

"You didn't never talk about yourself," Naruto said, slurping the last of her noodles. "I've been ranting this whole time about my life, but you haven't yet said a word."

"What do you want to know?"

The blonde shrugged. "Anything, I suppose."

"You've got to be more specific than that."

"Okay, how about your parents?"

"I had a mom and dad."

"Oh c'mon, that's not fair. You know so much about me!"

Kakashi smiled. "I was your teacher and mentor, of course I would."

"Then I think it's only fair that I get to know you."

"Let's start with what you do know about me."

Naruto took a napkin and delicately wiped her mouth. "My father was your sensei." She saw Kakashi's startled expression. "Please, there are pictures stuffed in every drawer of Tsunade-baachan's desk. She knows so many people that I think she's centuries older than she lets on. Old geezer Jiraiya had a couple photos too. He sometimes talked about you guys."

"I didn't know Jiraiya knew so much."

"He happened to also tell me about another one of your secrets." Naruto's cerulean eyes glittered sneakily before she waved a waiter over. "Two bottles of sake please!"

Kakashi visibly paled. "Naruto..."

The blonde grinned. "My treat, sensei."

XXX

It was clear by the time Kakashi had his third sip of sake that spirits were not his forte. Already there were two pink spots on his cheekbones, and he was chatting away pretty open details about his past. He told Naruto about Obito and how the Uchiha had given his Sharingan to Kakashi as a dying wish. There was a lot of emotional baggage concerning that story, but Naruto recognized the drastic effect that the event had on Kakashi for the rest of his life.

"He was an amazing comrade," Naruto remarked. She then hiccuped, as she was also feeling the effects of the sake. "Tell me about Rin."

Kakashi's mask was slightly slipping out of place, but the man seemed too tipsy to notice. "Obito loved her more than anything."

"But?"

"She only had eyes for me."

"Did you not like her back?"

"I don't know." Kakashi frowned. "I was a bitter person. My father had committed suicide when I was a young boy, and that incident deeply scarred me. It was hard trying to understand everything and make sense of my world. I didn't have time for love."

"Then what happened?"

"She died."

"I'm so sorry."

Kakashi waved a hand. "Shit happens. Being a shinobi means you give up comforts."

"But what about now?"

"What?"

Naruto furrowed her brows. "Well, haven't you been seeing anyone else? Since her death."

"There were girls..." The man ran a tired hand through his gray hair. "They came and went."

"Sounds lonely."

"I've pretty much accepted the fact that I'm going to die in battle."

"What?" Naruto was appalled. "That's why you won't settle down? How horrible."

"As a kid, losing my father was the hardest thing in my life. The pressures and traditions of a ninja aren't exactly cut out for a family-style living. I'm not gonna put my kids through that."

"You haven't even tried!"

"I love my father."

"I think that's ridiculous. You sound like fucking Itachi."

Kakashi sighed. "And you? Why am I not being pestered by ten little Naruto brats by now?"

Naruto chuckled bitterly at the image. "I have commitment issues." There was a brief silence as the blonde took a long chug from the sake bottle before continuing. "I love kids and everything. But I'm scared. After Kiba, I don't think I can ever go through losing someone again. It's too painful. I'm scared that the next time my heart breaks in two, it can't be fixed. I don't even know if my heart has been fixed yet."

"Love is always a gamble."

"That's why I truly believe I am so blessed to be living in the Manor right now. I think of those three as my own, and everything else that has to do with true love can come later. When I'm ready."

"That's very mature of you, Naruto."

The blonde laughed and took another swig of sake. She and Kakashi had been passing the bottle consistently back and forth for a while now, and her head felt airy.

"You'll never believe what Itachi told me though," she said.

"What?"

Naruto smiled coyly before shaking her head. She almost fell off the chair. "No, no, I shouldn't tell you."

Kakashi wiped some sake off his mask. "Tell me."

"Nope, it's too embarrassing."

"Tell me." His voice had dropped to a playful growl.

"No!" the blonde giggled. This time she did topple over, and Kakashi's hand shot out to steady her. Naruto fell into a fit of hysterics before realizing her face was firmly pressed against Kakashi's chest.

"Oops," she said.

"Tell me."

"Okay, okay. Stop pestering me." She looked up and saw she was directly face to face with the older shinobi. His breath was warm against her cheek. "Itachi warned me that our little meeting might turn into a real date."

"Oh? And what did you say in regards to that?"

"That he was being dumb," she laughed.

"You think so?"

"Of course! It's preposterous!"

"What if it were a real date?"

Naruto felt a chill run down her spine at the suddenly seductive tone in Kakashi's voice, and she stared at him. His one black eye was clouded with drunkenness and lust. She was then aware of his hands holding onto her waist, and heat consumed her. It had been so long since the last time she went on a date, so long that she had forgotten what it was like to want a man, but right now, at this moment, she knew exactly what she wanted. And from the glazed look in his eyes, she had a pretty good guess of what was going through his mind.

"Kakashi..."

Her hand came to cup his face, both of them marveling at the sensation of the touch, before her fingers slipped into his mask, only to slowly pull the black cloth downwards. The next thing she knew, his lips were hotly pressed against hers. She purred into the kiss, her arms coming around to wrap his neck, drawing him closer. His hands began mapping out her curves, going up and down in a tantalizing motion.

"Naruto." His speech was slurred by the alcohol in his system. "Are you sure?"

She grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him back into another fierce kiss. Kakashi's hands were now toying with the bra outline of her back, and she could barely hold on any longer.

"It's just sex," she murmured as her mind exploded with pleasures. "I'm a big girl. Do you want to take this to your apartment?"

Kakashi didn't need a second invitation. He threw a slab of bills down on the counter before picking the blonde up bridal style.

"Let's go."

XXX

Naruto had barely hit the bed before she felt Kakashi tugging desperately at her skirt. She moaned as her clothing slipped smoothly off her legs, skirt and panties included. She had to give it to the man, he didn't waste any effort playing games. But Naruto didn't have time for any other thought; two fingers were immediately thrusted into her entrance, and the sensation drove her wild.

"Kakashi!" she gasped.

He kept fingering her, adding a third finger and then a fourth. She was dripping wet, and she couldn't think of anything but those fingers, moving in and out in the most pleasuring motion her body had ever felt. She twisted and thrashed on the bed, moaning and groaning without shame.

"Faster, faster!"

And he obliged. She could feel the build up, and he knew she was close. He was almost fisting her, but she was enjoying every second of his handjob. A sudden spasm went through her body and she came, an involuntary yell escaping her lips. She was gasping and whimpering, but he didn't stop his fingers.

"Turn over," he whispered.

She eagerly obeyed his order, and as she was pressed on the bed, she heard the sound of a zipper being pulled down. She shivered in anticipation.

"The condoms are in that drawer in front of you," he said. "Can you grab one?"

"You don't need it."

Kakashi gently rubbed Naruto's back. He kissed her there softly. "Naruto, I get that we are both very drunk right now and we will really regret doing this in the morning, but I don't think we are ready for a kid."

"No. You don't need it."

Something in Naruto's voice warned Kakashi to not press the matter any further, and the hard-on he had could not wait any longer. Without another word, he thrust his throbbing cock into her dripping entrance, eliciting loud moans from both shinobi. He then spanked her, causing her to yell out in protest, but that yell quickly turned into wanton groans as he quickened his pace, each thrust gaining more and more force.

"Oh fuck!" she screamed as she felt herself come a second time. She had forgotten how amazing sex felt. Every part of her was on fire. "More! Please, Kakashi, please!"

And he gave her more.

By the time Kakashi finished, Naruto was up to her fourth orgasm. He collapsed on the bed next to her, panting a little from the rigorous exercise but rather satisfied at the sex they both just shared. She turned around to face him, out of breath as well, but she smiled warmly at the man.

"You're good."

"Thanks," he mumbled. He yawned tiredly. "I hope you won't hate me for this in the morning."

She laughed. "I had less to drink than you."

"Doubtful."

"I'm heading back now."

"No..." Kakashi's voice was getting more and more muffled from drowsiness with each passing second.

"I promised I'll get home with no trouble."

"Not safe."

"Kyuubi won't let anything happen to me."

Kakashi weakly grabbed Naruto's arm as his eyelids fell closed. "Naruto..."

"Good night, Kakashi." She lightly kissed him on the forehead before pulling on her panties and skirt, trying to ignore the small pounding in her head that foreshadowed a huge, oncoming headache in a few hours.

XXX

Naruto took a long bath in the bathroom farthest away from the bedrooms, hoping the sound of the shower wouldn't wake the kids. She sighed into the warmth, enjoying the steam that rose from the water. She felt a tug at the edges of her conscious, and she knew Kyuubi wanted to talk. The blonde groaned before closing her eyes and focusing all attention to that corner of her mind where the fox demon awaited.

What? she thought.

Hatake Kakashi? Out of everyone, you chose your father's student? Your own teacher?

You don't seem pissed about it.

The fox demon snorted. He's a strong shinobi. I respect him.

Then what?

Are you sure you're ready to engage in these meaningless sexual activities? I know what Itachi told you, but in your fragile condition -

I am not fragile, she growled.

Naruto, you're still hurting about Kiba.

She stayed quiet for a moment. I don't know what I should do.

Just be careful, kit.

I will. Thank you. Naruto looked up at the fox curiously. You look like you have more to say.

You idiot. You always forget. Do you not know tomorrow's date?

No. Since when did you care about dates?

Tomorrow is your birthday.

Naruto immediately stilled. Her eyes widened, for she had indeed forgotten her own birthday.

It's the ninth of October already?

Yes. The fox sounded exasperated. You never remember.

Oh...

There was a moment as Naruto tried to recollect her thoughts.

Thank you, Kurama.

I want you to do something for yourself this year.

Like what?

Anything. You've been wearing yourself down. I want you to go out and have fun. Take the damn day off.

You can't just take a day off from being a parent. It's a lifetime job.

I don't care. You only need to ask. Someone will be willing to help you out for a day.

Naruto's eyes began to water. Why are you doing this?

Why? Because you deserve it, brat. The fox demon growled menacingly before adding, Because I want your twenty-fifth birthday to be special.

Oh Kyuubi...

Save it. Just listen to me. You're getting premature wrinkles.

Am not!

You humans are so weak.

And with that, Kyuubi broke the connection.

Naruto finished the rest of her bath deep in thought. She was extremely touched at Kyuubi's thoughtfulness. It's true that for the past few years, her birthdays had come and gone without much notice. Now that she was in Konoha, she did have the time to spend a day doing something special. But the problem was, she didn't know what.

She hurriedly dried herself with an orange towel and slipped into a nightgown. The chill air made her shiver. She turned off the lights and entered into the hall, trying to make as little noise as possible. The Manor was eerie at night, so she quickened her pace. Soon she came to Itachi's room, and quieter than a mouse, she slid his door open and gracefully eased herself in.

The Uchiha had always been a light sleeper, but today he seemed to be deep in slumber. She felt bad at having to wake him up and debated for a moment whether to save the conversation until the morning. But her loneliness got the better of her and she walked to his bed, gently slipping into his covers. He grunted sleepily.

"Itachi," she whispered fondly, running a hand through his silky hair. "I'm home."

"What time... is it?" His voice dripped with sleepiness. He yawned before his arm came to wrap around her waist. "Welcome home."

"I think it's three or four in the morning. I didn't check."

"Did anything happen?"

"Umm..." Naruto said slowly. She felt too embarrassed to look at Itachi's direction. "We kinda got drunk and shit happened. I ended up sleeping with him."

Itachi cracked both eyes open, carefully analyzing the uncomfortable blonde. "Are you okay?"

She scowled. "I'm not a lovestruck teenager."

"You know that's not what I meant."

Her scowl faded, and her eyes became sad. "I don't know. What am I doing? I feel guilty, and - "

"You're not cheating on anyone."

Naruto flinched. "It's still wrong... It should be wrong."

Itachi held firmly onto the blonde. "You know sixth months without hearing any news of a shinobi - "

"Makes them either missing or deceased," Naruto finished flatly. "Itachi, I know. Tsunade-baachan already told me that I should move on. That I have to move on." She recalled that meeting in the Hokage's office when Tsunade sadly explained that the missing or deceased status automatically invalidated Naruto's engagement. Naruto had been livid at such a notion, but Tsunade then pointed out that since Kiba was missing for half a year, the best case scenario meant he was probably captured by the enemy and now held prisoner. Due to the sworn loyalty shinobi make to Konoha, any ties, even marital, are severed in such cases unless rescue teams were being dispatched to retrieve the captured shinobi. But that was impossible since no one knew where were the missing shinobi were. And obviously, the second status didn't need any explaining. Naruto knew what deceased meant.

"Naruto, I'm sure he is still alive. I'm sure all of them are."

"Then I shouldn't be forced to give up our relationship," Naruto bitterly retorted.

"It's the shinobi law."

"Fuck that."

Itachi stroked Naruto's hair in comfort. "Hang in there, little one. Sleep now. You'll feel better in the morning." He noticed her shift slightly. "Is there something else on your mind?"

The blonde cleared her throat. "Well, I was wondering if you were free tomorrow. On the tenth."

"Naruto, I can't. I have a new mission starting that day."

Naruto couldn't keep her disappointment from showing. "Oh... Never mind, it's okay."

"No..." Itachi was confused. "No, it's not okay. Naruto, what's the matter?"

"Nothing!"

"Tell me."

"No, really, don't worry about it."

Itachi forced Naruto to look at him in the eye. "Uzumaki Naruto."

"It's my birthday tomorrow."

He was stunned. "Why did you never tell me?"

"I forgot."

"Pardon?"

"Kyuubi reminded me."

Itachi became more and more perplexed by the second. "That's very considerate of him."

"Yeah, I know." The blonde smiled. "It's okay. It's not a big deal."

"It is a big deal, foolish one. I'll have a talk with Hokage-sama and see if someone else can take my spot."

Now it was Naruto's turn to sound exasperated. "Brother, there is no one that can take your spot. Forget it. Don't you dare bring this up with baa-chan. It'll send the ANBU headquarters into chaos. They need you."

"But - "

"But nothing." Naruto hugged the Uchiha. "Thank you so much, but I'll be fine. I can always just ask someone else."

"Promise me that you will do something special."

"Now you sound just like Kyuubi."

"Promise me." Itachi placed both hands on her shoulders. "I'll find someone to take care of the kids. You start planning what you want to do."

Naruto gave the man a lopsided smile. "Thank you. But I really don't know who else I'd want to spend a whole day with."

"Kakashi?"

"Oh God!" Naruto groaned. "You want me to go spend my birthday with a man who I just had meaningless sex with? Do you want to destroy my relationship with him?"

"It was worth a shot."

"Not really!"

"You'll figure it out. Sleep. It's way too late in the night to think."

Naruto sighed, but she listened to the Uchiha. She made herself comfortable next to him, and soon enough, her eyes were closing as she slowly fell into a slumber.

"Naruto."

"Mmmm?"

"What do you want as a birthday present?"

The blonde fell asleep with a soft smile on her face.

XXX

"Shiro-chan?"

The little boy quickly put down the book he was reading and looked at the doorway, where Naruto stood. He grinned at her and clapped his small hands in excitement.

"Hey, good morning to you too!" she said. She walked over to the child and sat down on his bed. "What are you reading?""

He held up a thick book titled "Konoha Wars of the Past."

"Wow, Shiro-chan, that is way beyond your years!"

Ryūshiro's grin only grew bigger.

"Shiro-chan, I need to talk to you about something. You know how we were supposed to go on a fun trip tomorrow?"

The boy nodded furiously.

"Well, something came up and I'm going to be busy tomorrow." Naruto saw Ryūshiro's face drop in disappointment. "No, no, I mean I was wondering if we could move our play date to today! Would that be okay with you?"

He jumped up and gave Naruto a big hug.

The blonde laughed warmly. "Great! Now we need to go tell your father that he's going to be in charge of Momo. I don't think he's going to like that very much."

Ryūshiro's face paled. The little boy inwardly shook as he imagined the interaction between his mother and father. It was not going to be pretty.

The two quickly came to Sasuke's door. Naruto gently knocked twice.

"Come in."

Naruto slid the door open without further hesitation. Sasuke had his back facing the door as he stood by the window, gazing off in the distance. His room was clean and empty, not to mention dim. There were no personal items in sight. Even his bed seemed like no one has slept in there for years.

"Morning, Sasuke."

The Uchiha turned around and directed two black eyes at the blonde. He seemed angry, and Naruto wondered distractedly if he were still pissed at the marriage proposal she had made to Itachi. Not that she cared.

"Your son and I will be going out all of today. That leaves you in charge of Momo."

"Where is she?"

"Still sleeping."

Sasuke's expression was unreadable. "I thought you two were going out tomorrow."

"Something came up."

"What did?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly. "Talkative today, aren't we?"

Sasuke glared, but he didn't say anything. He then redirected his gaze back to the window, indicating that the conversation was now over.

"C'mon, angel," Naruto whispered to Shiro. "We're done here."

After informing Kaira and Itachi of their absence, Naruto and Shiro headed for the heart of Konoha. The little boy skipped happily next to Naruto, although he never let go of his firm grip on her hand. Naruto smiled warmly, noticing how his face was flushed pink from excitement. She made sure she went out of her way every week to spend some extra time with the five-year-old. Out of the three, Ryūshiro was affected the most by Sakura's neglect. Momo had been too young to remember and Kaira knew to avoid her aunt at all times, but poor Ryūshiro, who wanted nothing but love and acceptance, only received physical and mental abuse from the crazed woman. The physical injuries of his ordeal had long healed, but Naruto believed Ryūshiro still suffered psychological traumas, as seen in his stunted growth and inability to speak.

And although Naruto couldn't quite understand it herself, she felt a special bond of intimacy with the boy. Every time she looked at him, an all-consuming protective feeling would rise from her chest, and she wanted nothing but to draw him into her embrace, shielding him from whatever trials and tribulations he would have to face in the shinobi world. To Kaira and Momo, she was their surrogate mother, and there were instances when she knew she could never replace their biological mothers. Kaira was already a teenager, and Momo... Momo's green eyes were a constant reminder of Sakura, whom Naruto knew she would have to contact someday. But towards Ryūshiro, there was an unexplainable throb of maternal instincts that would arise whenever she was around him. A part of her felt like she was his mother and he was her son, but she knew it was impossible. She clamped all of those foolish thoughts and tried to burn them away with the facts of reality.

But...

Even then, Naruto could not help but notice that Ryūshiro resembled nothing of Sakura. He was the splitting image of his dad; beautiful, pale and flawless. Yet his personality differed greatly from Sakura's and Sasuke's, and Naruto wondered at this mystery.

A tug at her hand broke Naruto out of her brooding.

"Yeah, kiddo?"

Ryūshiro pointed to a snack stand.

"Of course!" Naruto pulled some bills out of her pockets before dropping them into the boy's outstretched hands. "Go for it."

Ryūshiro pointed to Naruto and frowned.

"What do I want?" Naruto laughed freely. "Surprise me!"

A couple minutes later, Ryūshiro returned with two riceballs and a large lollipop. Much to her surprise, Naruto was given the lollipop as well as a riceball.

"What?" Naruto asked. "You didn't buy the lollipop for yourself?"

Ryūshiro shook his head, making a face.

"You don't... like sweets?"

Ryūshiro nodded his head at the question.

"Wow, you are just like your father. He will eat nothing but riceballs and tomatoes - "

There was a brief silence as Naruto choked on her sentence. Ryūshiro stared at the blonde, noticing the glazed look in Naruto's blue eyes as she fought to regain her composure.

"Never mind, Ryūshiro." Naruto hurriedly took a big bite of the riceball. "This is delicious! Thank you, my love." The blonde didn't see the sad look on Ryūshiro's face as they continued their walk.

The rest of the day passed by in a happy blur. Naruto first took Ryūshiro to a children's park, where he spent more than two hours on the swings silently laughing as Naruto pushed him. They even rotated shifts. It was Naruto's turn to laugh as she watched Ryūshiro become red with exertion as he struggled to push the blonde on the swings.

"Don't hurt yourself there, big shot!"

After playing on the swings, they made sand angels in the sandbox, although Naruto couldn't exactly fit in the small area. Ryūshiro then built a small sandcastle. He delicately crafted a prince and a princess, to which he pointed at Naruto, telling her in his silent way that he thought she was royalty.

She grinned warmly and kissed him on the cheek before saying, "Aww, baby, you are my prince!"

But the highlight of Ryūshiro's day came when Naruto brought him into a huge, intricately designed building. He wondered what business Naruto possibility could've had in the Hokage Headquarters, and he fearfully latched onto Naruto as they came into the presence of none other than Tsunade-sama herself.

"What? Brat, what are you doing here?"

"The question is what are you doing here, baa-chan, all sober?" came the flippant remark.

Tsunade barely caught herself from throwing a chair at Naruto when she noticed Ryūshiro just in time.

"Is that Sasuke's..."

Naruto beamed before nudging Ryūshiro forward with her foot. "Shiro-chan, this is your fairy great-godmother. Go on, give Tsunada-baachan a hug."

Shiro-chan shyly made his way to Tsunade's desk where he was crushed into a warm embrace.

"Well, you are every bit an angel as the rumors claim you to be!" Tsunade exclaimed. She brought the blushing boy to her lap. "Look at you! You are so precious." The Hokage directed her gaze to Naruto. "Why didn't you bring him to me earlier?"

Naruto's cerulean eyes glistened with mischief. "Well, I assumed that the Hokage-sama would be busy, but clearly I thought wrong."

Tsunade snorted. "What do you want?"

"A mission."

"A - what?" Tsunade's voice was beyond baffled.

Naruto raised her head determinedly. "I think Ryūshiro is more than capable of completing a D-rank mission."

"Naruto, you know I can't give missions to anyone but those graduated from the - " Tsunade immediately saw the burning excitement in the Uchiha boy's black eyes, and she sighed in defeat. "Damn you, Naruto."

"Language, baa-chan."

And for the rest of the afternoon, Naruto and Ryūshiro were crowned the task of painting one of the larger fences in the village. But the tediousness of the mission never occurred to Ryūshiro. Instead the boy's chest puffed out in pride and importance as he completed the task, and Naruto's heart burst with joy. She remembered how much she wanted to be given shinobi missions as a kid, and she had a hunch that Ryūshiro held the same desire. She wasn't disappointed.

By the end of the day, both their clothes were stained white from the paint, but the fire in Ryūshiro's eyes never dimmed.

"You're going to be a great ninja some day," Naruto stated proudly. "I know it."

Ryūshiro didn't need words to express the passion in his heart as he vowed to live up to Naruto's promise.

Itachi greeted the two at the doorway when they came in. He immediately took note of the white paint stuck in Ryūshiro's hair and clothes.

"Ryūshiro, you look just like a white dragon," the Uchiha stated with much amusement. "What were you up to?"

Naruto could hardly keep her excitement suppressed. "This ninja here just completed his first mission! How about that, Itachi!"

Ryūshiro's grin almost split his chubby face in two. He raised his chin and glowed with pride.

"Whaaaat!" Kaira exclaimed as she entered the room. She ran to Ryūshiro and grabbed the boy in a bear hug. "Brother, that is exciting! How did you manage to get your hands on a shinobi mission?"

Naruto winked. "I payed Godaime-baachan a visit."

"Mother..." Now Kaira was plain flabbergasted. "You know the Hokaga-sama?"

"Of course. She's my godmother."

Itachi raised an eyebrow. "I did not know you had such a relationship with Tsunade-sama."

The blonde shrugged. "Well, my dad and mom made Jiraiya my godfather, so I automatically assumed Tsunade-baachan would be my godmother. Which makes her your guardian as well, kids."

"That's amazing!" Kaira's eyes shone. "I never thought I'd be related to a Hokage!"

Naruto laughed freely. "It's definitely a title to live up to! Which Shiro-chan here definitely did today."

"You did well," Itachi praised, placing a hand on Ryūshiro's head.

"Where's Momo?" Naruto asked.

"With Sasuke-san," Kaira answered. "We were cooking dinner. Are you guys hungry?"

"Oh, you bet we are!" Naruto said. "Wait for us. We'll be right back after we shower!" And with those words, the blonde and small boy quickly sprinted for the bathrooms, leaving an amused father and daughter in their wake.

XXX

Naruto sighed as she sat on her bed, upset that she still could not decide on her plans for tomorrow. The time was ticking, but nothing came to mind. She could feel Kyuubi's restlessness in her mind, and she knew he was not happy.

"Mother?"

Naruto's head shot up to stare at a very uncomfortable Kaira in the doorway.

"Kaira! Come in."

The Uchiha girl made her way to Naruto. "Sorry to bother you, Mother."

"You are not bothering me!" Naruto noticed that Kaira was clutching onto a bindered book. "What is that you're holding?"

"It's what I came to talk to you about."

"What is it?"

"I..." Kaira hesitated. "Father told me you were going to be gone tomorrow."

"Yes, but not gone forever, Kaira, only - "

"I know," the girl cut in hastily. "I know you're not leaving. I realized that awhile ago. I know that you're just taking a day off."

Naruto blinked. "My dear, do you not - "

"No, Mother, that's not what I mean either!" Kaira shook her head in frustration. The words she wanted could not come to her. "You deserve a break. Really."

"Then..."

"It's about Shiro-chan."

"What?"

"Mother, I really don't know if I should place this heavy burden on you."

Naruto firmly grabbed Kaira's shoulders and made the Uchiha girl stare her straight in the eye. "Baby, anything and everything that concerns you three is something that I definitely must know about."

Kaira sighed before handing over the bindered book. "This is Ryūshiro's written diary from the Academy. The kids are expected to write something in there every day. It's supposed to help literary skills for a ninja. Not that we really need it as shinobi... But he left it open one day and I came to read a couple entries." The Uchiha girl flipped to a certain page.

It was Ryūshiro's handwriting, of that Naruto was certain. Ryūshiro's English grade was the highest of the class, so Naruto never worried for him in that aspect. She noticed the date on the top of the page that marked the entry a few weeks old.

Dear book,

Last week, Daddy got home from his mission. I did not see him in a long time. I think he still hates me. When Mommy came home, she did not like him either. Later she broke the dinner table because he made her mad. But Uncle Itachi made them say sorry and then we all went to dinner. It was nice. I cannot remember the last time I had dinner with Daddy. Momo liked him a lot, but she also liked Mommy. I can tell Mommy did not like Daddy even after they apologized to each other. I am confused. Does this mean I cannot like Daddy either? I do not like the pink haired lady, but I like my yellow haired mother. I want to like my Daddy but I will not if he makes Mommy sad. Dinner finished weirdly. Mommy only talked to Uncle Itachi. Daddy stayed quiet.

Naruto felt tears watering in her eyes as she finished the last sentence of the excerpt. But Kaira was grim as she flipped to another page.

"Mother, there's more."

I had a nightmare last night. I woke up in someone's arms, but it was not Mommy. It was Daddy. He told me it was just a dream and he asked me what happened. I tried to show him that the pink haired lady was hitting me. Daddy got sad and told me he was sorry. He told me he will never let that happen anymore. I believe him. But now I am worried. Will I have to choose between Mommy and Daddy some day?

Kaira flipped to present day. There was only one quickly scribbled sentence.

Why does my mommy hate my daddy?

Naruto felt her heart break, and she could not stop the trail of tears from running down her cheeks. "Oh my god," the blonde whispered. "I had no idea..."

"Mother." Kaira hugged Naruto. "I know you hate Sasuke-san because he was not there for us when Sakura abused Momo and Shiro-chan, but it's confusing Shiro-chan. He senses it, and it's making him so conflicted. He is not old enough like me to understand that sometimes things just don't work out the way you want them to, and he is not young enough like Momo to not see through your pretending."

The truth in Kaira's words hit Naruto like a ton of bricks.

"You forgave my father," Kaira pleaded. "Maybe it is possible for you to someday forgive my uncle as well? He is not a bad man. He is hurting, and I do not know why. But ever since you came into our family, he has treated us children with nothing but kindness and a gentle hand. I know Sasuke-san is not good with words, but Mother... please. I can't see Shiro-chan suffer like this anymore."

"What are you suggesting, my child?"

"Can you and Sasuke-san go out on a date tomorrow?"

Naruto stilled, and her shocked eyes flew to meet Kaira's. "What?"

"Not a romantic date," Kaira then said hastily. "But a hang-out. It will be good for Shiro-chan and Momo to see their parents spending time together."

"I..."

"I already asked Sasuke-san if he had ANBU duties tomorrow, and he said he didn't. Mother, you have no idea how much this would - "

"Child." Naruto's hand came to cup Kaira's cheek. Love and adoration swirled in Naruto's cerulean eyes, and the blonde smiled softly. "I would like that."

"Oh Mother!"

Kaira tackled Naruto as gratitude swept through the girl's being.

Naruto laughed and wiped away her tears. "I suppose I will go ask Sasuke right now if he'll spend time with me tomorrow."

"One more thing, Mother."

"Yes?"

Kaira timidly pulled a camera out of her pockets. "I just think... it would be a good idea if you could show Shiro-chan some pictures. It would make him very happy."

Naruto took the camera out of Kaira's hands and smiled. "Of course I will. Don't you worry."

XXX

Naruto knocked on Sasuke's door for the second time that day.

"Come in."

The blonde pulled the door aside and immediately saw Sasuke as he lay lazily on his bed... shirtless. His chest was extremely cut, and his skin was as flawless as it had ever been. Naruto forced herself to not be sidetracked by such a sight.

"Sasuke."

"Did Momo wake up?"

"No..." The blonde stepped forward and gently slid the door behind her. She awkwardly stood there, not sure how she wanted to go about addressing this issue.

"It's almost midnight," he said.

"Yeah, I know."

Sasuke sat up and stared at the blonde, genuinely intrigued by her presence. He had never seen her so vulnerable before. Most of the time she would be filled with so much hostility that two angry, flashing blue eyes was all he could notice of her. But tonight, something was different.

"Gee, I really don't know how to say this," the blonde muttered. Her body was stiff as a board.

"Getting to the point would be a start," Sasuke stated blankly.

Naruto scowled, her two red whiskered cheeks turning an even darker shade. "Kaira told me you were free tomorrow."

"Yes."

"What do you do on your free days?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Are you beating around the bush?"

"Would you like... to spend tomorrow with me?"

The Uchiha froze. He couldn't possibly have heard right.

Naruto sounded absolutely miserable. "It's Kaira's idea, don't get me wrong. But Shiro-chan has been wondering why there seemed to be a big disconnect between you and me, and I don't want to keep hurting him."

The blonde walked over to Sasuke and handed him the diary. She opened it to the same pages Kaira had, and she silently watched as Sasuke read over it. His expression was indiscernible.

"I see."

"So?"

"I'll see you tomorrow morning." Sasuke gave back the diary to Naruto. "What about Momo? Ryūshiro gets off school at three and Kaira's Genin training changes every day."

"Your brother said he took care of that. I think he asked Ino to make Genin training at the Manor. And she'll probably pick up Shiro-chan herself."

"Hn."

There was a long awkward pause before Naruto cleared her throat.

"Umm... Kaira wants us to take pictures." The blonde showed Sasuke Kaira's camera. "For Shiro-chan to look at later."

"Hn."

"Well... I mean, if we're going to do this, we should do a good job at it."

"What are you saying?"

The blonde looked like she wanted to spontaneously combust right there and then. "We should match."

"What?" Sasuke blinked.

"We should match. Like real couples do." Naruto's face was as red as a tomato. "I suggest blue."

Sasuke stared at the blonde. "Blue... sounds good."

"Great," the blonde said hastily, whipping around to run out of the room.

The big Grandfather clock in Sasuke's room suddenly struck twelve, and a soft melody came from its interiors.

"Wait."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock as she felt Sasuke grab her arm. She slowly turned to face him, and she stared. He looked conflicted, as if there was something he wanted to say to her. Blue eyes met black. The clock's melody kept playing, but Sasuke did not say anything.

"Never mind," he then said, letting go of her arm. He looked away. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"O-okay."

Naruto stumbled out of the room, and she realized her body was shaking uncontrollably from that encounter. She wondered what exactly did Uchiha Sasuke want to tell her. So many theories and ideas ran through her mind for the rest of the night, and Naruto tossed and turned for over an hour on her bed before she finally fell into a restless slumber.

Deep in her consciousness, unbeknownst to the blonde, a fox demon purred in satisfaction.

Hey everyone! here is the completed chapter! Thank you for being so patient.

Eep! I am pretty excited to write the next chapter. I'm not even sure how these two characters will play out, but hopefully something good with come out of it... right?!

I'm trying to push the plot of the story along a lot faster than I originally intended. It's been two years already and my mind is burning with the idea of another story. But don't worry, I won't start another one until I have this fanfic finished. I haven't figured out the ending yet, so there might be a lot of changes. bear with me!

What do you guys think Sasuke wanted to tell Naruto? Leave your answers in a review!