Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto! Thank you for the review (: the faves , the follows , thank you!

'It looks like the future is really bright' Micheal P. Anderson

The morning soon rose and I was extremely tired. I spent most of the night planning the mask and I was able to create one with bits and bobs I had. It was white pale mask , full face then you had black around the eye holes and then some eyelashes which were lazily added on. A flower on the left cheek and then there was a mouth hole so Zulaikha could speak through it easily and it was rimmed with bright red paint. I can't remember the last time I made a mask and it sure felt great when I was making it!

Entering the room Naruto was sleeping , he was still in bed. His blanket on the floor and he was laying on the bed shivering. I glanced around and picked up the blanket and sat on the bed. "Naruto , get up."I quietly said. He shuffled slightly but didn't wake up. "C'mon Naruto , wake up already.."I muttered , I gave him a little shake. He looked cute , just like a baby when he was asleep but then again most people do. "Are you going to wake up or not?"I said a bit louder , a hand on his shoulder shaking him a bit more violently. He still didn't budge. Then in one swift movement I grabbed a hold of his pillow , pulling it from underneath him and soon started to whack him with the pillow. His eyes soon opened as he grabbed a hold of the plush object abruptly.
"Jeeez! What do you want?!"He angrily said.
"Time to wake up~"I sang before walking out.

So like usually we entered our class room after the trek which felt like it lasted forever. I really wanted to take a bus or ride my bike but ha! We all knew I was to lazy for that and i. Today we weren't the first ones. My friends were all here. Ellie , Zulaikha , Po , Ruth and Harriet. Then some other classmates on the side. We strode down the aisle and I dropped my bag and listened into their conversation. "Tanhaaa~"Paulina smiled giving me a nice warm hug then snuggling towards me. "You're so warm! Hug me too!"She exclaimed. I lazily wrapped my arms around her as well.
"That's much better.."I muffled in her shoulders. Everyone turned their chair. I let go of Po after she let go of me , I got my bag and pulled out the mask it was in a separate bag. I handed it to Zulaikha.
"You did one already?! Oh Tanha!"She happily exclaimed , getting the mask out and looking at it , her eyes widened and she had a smile on. "I love it!"
"That is pretty good , but won't the paint come off?"Harriet asked me. I shrugged , I hoped not.
"Whatever, even if the paint does come off , like Zu would care."Ruth said, using the name 'Zu' which Zulaikha hated.
"Don't call me Zu! Or I'll..I'll..I'll slap you silly!" Zulaika shouted back. Ellie gave a pat to my head and smiled. Through all this Naruto watched with sleepy felt pretty immune to him lately. He wasn't really part of the group since he had his was already part of one of his own however he was a friend to all of us.

On our way to lunch , me , Ellie , Ruth and Naruto decided to go help Zulaikha since I , for one was forced along with Naruto and Ellie and Ruth didn't have any clubs to go to. So they joined along. Paulina had Christianity club whilst Harriet had to attend some sort of crazy Science meeting. Everyone was already thinking of jobs and career , but I don't know what to do with my life , nor do I want to. Make money , live on my talent. I didn't really have any talent unless typing without looking at the keyboard was some talent. Ellie was good at art and a good thinker with good sketching abilities so that she wanted to be some architect or something and then you had Harriet and Ruth who were both good and Science and attended every Science club. Ruth has a good record to and cooking skills , she's good at acting and a good thinker. Then you had Po who was good at art and she was really kind to everybody , she's great at getting peoples attention and making them listen to her , as in general people and she's always wanted to be an art teacher. Me and Zulaikha had no idea, Zulaikha wasn't really that great in subjects but she was amazing in drama and she has a beautiful voice and I..well. I'm not a people person so teaching is out of the question, subjects- I don't think I really want to do anything with them unless literature and you could say I was a leader type of person. But what could a leader do in life anyway? Who would listen to someone like me in the first place? Anyway, back to reality.

Soon we sat down on the chairs in the drama studio. Zulaikha did weird gestures to get ready. "Naruto , you're gonna act with me, got that?"She ordered.
"Yes ma'am."He said. I was surprised he gave in , but we all knew that Naruto wouldn't stand a chance with Zulaikha. Even if I knew he was a ninja and he was stronger then all of us..Zulaikha is just..well clambered over and looked at the script, he gave a thumbs up. So they started their play.I glanced at Ellie who caught me staring at her.
"You've been spending a lot of time with Naruto lately , you didn't even come to see me practice over the weekend,"She mentioned with her hands in pocket.I gave off a shrug."Seriously Tanha? You need to tell us things , we're you friends that's what we're here for."She continued. Ruth noticed us talking and joined in.
"A lot of people are saying you walk home with him too , is it true?"Ruth asked.
"Maybe."
They both stared at me and in unison they said. "Tanha." In an ordering manner.
"Fine , he does walk home with me. No big deal.."I replied.
"And?"Ellie wanted me to continue.
"And what..?"
"Where does he live?" I knew she already knew where he just wanted it to be confirmed.
"With me.."I quietly murmured.
"Knew it~"She sang.I was going to burst out and shout at her , but I decided not to for Zulaikha would destroy me if we interrupted her. "So , how come?" Now it was time for me conjure something up.
"His parents are close with mine , they're on a business trip so-"Should I continue? "Yeah, that's it." She arched a brow and nodded.
"Well if you ever need help you can always ask , you know? We're all friends and you should of told us so we could come over and check up on you, exams are coming up and we all want to be in the same class next year," I didn't give a damn. I didn't want to. Things like this , they were approaching to fast and I didn't want that. Thinking about my future. All crap.I shuffled my hands in my blazer pocket a bit more and groaning slowly.
"Yeah, I know.."I slowly said after , lying. "I'm fine , no need to worry about me." Ruth gave me a reassuring look and Ellie gave off a irritated huff , knowing that I didn't care , she knew it all. My moods , my thoughts. Because she knows everyone thoughts and feelings just within a few days, she was that type of person. I sank in my chair watching Zulaikha and Naruto. Guilt was somehow taking over my body, I just wrapped my hand around the wrappers in my pocket and watched them. Zulaikha scolded Naruto for not doing it right and Naruto would just fight back and say he was doing fine then Zulaikha would argue. Ruth would break the fight up but the whole thing just happened again and again. I could almost tell what they would fight about. My eyes fell heavy and broken , I just..What do I do?

So far the lessons went pretty well , I got my test back and all of them had a good result. I was pretty proud but then again all my friends reached the same grade as me too. So it wasn't something I should be gloating about. Me , Paulina , Ellie , Ruth and Harriet usually come out top of the class or it's just me Me , Paulina and Ellie. Then Ruth and Harriet aren't far behind. I grimaced , rubbing my hands was cold. I hated it.

I saw Naruto as he laughed proudly with his friends , I'm guessing he had a good grade too. His eyes locked to mine and he gave me a firm nod. Watching him say goodbye to his friends he then ran towards me. I whipped my head towards the gate as I started to carry on walking , his arms then wrapped around my neck , wanting my attention.
"What?"I hissed. Wriggling out of his grip.
"I got 7A In P.E! Everyone says that's the best you can get for this year!"Naruto beamed. I nodded and smiled.
"Well done," I was jealous. But I never did like P.E in the first place. "Well I'm heading down to the local town for a bit of shopping, so we can grab something to eat , 'kay?" He wasn't listening but he nodded anyway. He was receiving compliments from different people and he was so popular , girls even liked him too. Don't get me wrong , I'm not..you know..jealous or anything. I just feel like he'll slip away if people know too much about it. Shaking my head, I nudged Naruto as he pondered behind me and I walked out of the gate peacefully ... I hate the cold.

I entered the stationary shop , grabbing all the things I need.
Paints, brushes , glitter , plastic , fluff , feathers , anything that could help me. Plus this place was having a sale so I grabbed a few pencils and pens for myself. Naruto fiddled around with different stuff, his eyes gleamed brightly when he looked at the glitter department , he took some out of the tub when no one was looking and laughed slightly but blew it off when he noticed me looking. At this shop it took about half an hour , the shop keeper was kind and helped me with what I needed and gave me a strong bag when I explained I had to walk quite far."Naruto! Come on!"I called out. The blonde boy gave me a nod and followed after me .

"Let me hold your bag!"Naruto gleamed.
"No thanks,"I rejected. "It's fine."
"But I want to hold it!"He exclaimed. "Please let me hold it! Please!"I don't understand why he wants to hold it. After a small amount of time , I handed him the bag and he then grinned."Thank you, it feels better knowing I can help out!" What a weirdo..jeez. The smell of the bakery shop was near and I breathed in my hands, seeing the cold thick air. Sounds of guitars , flutes , pianos drifted through the wind. The orchestra was playing today. It wasn't that far away. I entered the bakery abruptly and jingled through my pockets. I found my five pound note. Hopefully I had enough. Naruto joined in me , looking through the glass.
"Choose one,nothing too expensive "I said. He nodded and pointed to the pink iced doughnut. The old lady who was behind the till , gave me a soft , kind look. I wanted to look away but instead I smiled fakely. "Erm , two pink iced please." I finally said. She nodded , doing what she had to do and put the two doughnuts in a bag for us each.
"Three pounds , forty please." She grinned. I handed her the note , she jiggled through the counter and gave me a change. "Thank you , I hope you enjoy."Her curved smile let out and I nodded. I gave Naruto his doughnut as he soon munched on it happily, we both exited.

I decided that we should go through the town to get home since it wasn't dark yet. I thought I'd show Naruto the towns sound became louder and louder . So Naruto became more curious and curious. Until we saw the stage and the dazzling lights , the smiles of many , the laughter, the happiness. Mum and Dad would take me to things like this all the time so it was a really deep feeling watching would also bring me to town orchestras. When I was a bit younger he would prop me on his shoulders and let me see it a bit clearer , he would sometimes bring his friends as well and they used to take care of me. I laughed a little. Remembering when Kai would get into 'angry mode' about small things like when he couldn't see clearly because people would block his view. "Wow! This is so cool!"Naruto exclaimed. Grabbing a hold of my wrist and pulling me forwards and I didn't even realize until he started to run through the crowds.
"H-Hey Naruto! Stop!"I exclaimed. But he wouldn't did he listen? Instead he stumbled through the crowds ,dragging me along and then finally we were in front. He was scanning everything like a human robot. He loved it. I could tell by his flushed face , as he held onto the railings and the biggest smile was planted on his face and only his face. I liked that smile. It was like Kai's smile. His breathing was heavy , just like a an excited dog. The music was pretty , happy , jumpy. Something that I wasn't really into but I still like it because of loving memories.
"Sakura-chan would of loved this!" Breathing into his hands and rubbing them slowly. I looked at him , the lights illuminated his face. The background lights shone brightly across him. He looked really cool. He was cool. He was everything I can never be. He's stronger. He's just..He's Naruto.
"C'mon..let's go."

We got home then. Dad's car was there too and I could hear Mum's voice singing along . I opened the door slowly , brushing my feet on the mat. "I'm home."I slowly said. I saw my father on the couch flicking through channels. He turned his head and smiled.
"Had a good day , dear?"He smiled. I gave off a nod. Naruto followed behind.
"How come you're not at work?"I asked.
"Ha. Something happened at work , damn teenagers thinking they're so cool. Jeez."He sighed. I could tell he was happy though. He could took a break and eat dinner with us. My mum soon came forwards.
"Take your shoes off , get changed and then we'll have dinner , go on then! Dinner with Naruto for a change!"Her loud voice electricuted. Naruto let off a sheepish laugh.

So we sat at the dinner table , for a change all the seats were filled. My two little brothers one side , then me and Naruto. Then mum and dad. It wasn't quiet because Naruto was chatting away with my parents. He was good with everyone. His social skills and everything. I sat there, stabbing my food. "So Naruto , your parents?"Mum said. My eyes widened. As I stared at Naruto. He thought for a while. He wasn't sure what to say. I kicked his foot lightly , he didn't look at me.
"Erm , my parents have..erm..they have .. they work far away.."He quickly said. My mum , being the type of mum she is , raised a brow. We were busted.
"Well I'm sure you miss them , when will you be able to see them again?"She asked calmly. I felt relieved.
"Whenever they call or contact me,"Naruto smiled. It wasn't a real smile though. Like his usual ones. It was a fake one. "I don't really have their number since they're always moving about , so I can't really call them."He finished. Mum nodded and smiled pitifully. Dad took a sip of his drink and did so too.
"Ah , Naruto. You can always be welcomed here and we'll always help you whenever we can, you're family now and for a change we've had a good dinner."Dad joined the conversation. I knew he wasn't very keen on a boy staying in our house but I'm pretty sure mum 'explained' it all. Whatever she knew anyway.
"I'm really glad to hear that."
"And Tanha will take real good care of you, won't you?"Mum turned to me. I think it's the other way around. Why would I take care of him? I let off a nod. They carried on talking but I wasn't paying much attention. Something to do with school then money then dad wanting to take Naruto and me out to London one day , when he's got a day off. Lastly they had explained about how both of them won't be here tomorrow , at least dad won't and mum will be back home late. My two brothers have clubs after school then go to a friends house to play. For a good handful of hours , we'll be alone. It wasn't anything new to be honest.

I licked my lips since they were dry. Starting on more mask for Zulaikha. I will probably get them all done by today , if I'm not lazy that is. Calving in the plastic , little by little. Nice and slowly. I wasn't a perfectionist but it isn't for me. It's for Zu. The door opened and It was Naruto."Can I come in?"He asked.
"Go ahead."I replied quickly. He opened the door fully and climbed on my bed , propping the pillow and laying down. He didn't start with a conversation so I thought I would. "Sorry about my parents , you know like..they don't know you know.."I awkwardly muttered. Naruto laughed.
"It's fine, no harm done right?"He chuckled, it was a fake laugh. Stretching his arms and squinted slowly.I didn't like that. Harm was done. Harm was done on him. Not me , or anyone else but him. I hated that.
"D-don't do that."I hissed.
"Don't do what?"He smiled.
"That!"I exclaimed. "Don't fake a smile or a fake laugh , it's stupid. The more you do it , the more you forget your real one. If you want to go cry , go ahead. You don't seem like a person who would do any of those things any way."I was this silence in the air. I went back to planning the mask and such . Until I felt his hand on my head. Naruto's hand.
"You should lighten up a bit more yourself , you know?"I pushed his hand off my head.
"I've lightened up enough thank you very much."
"Oh yes , definitely "He sarcastically said , rolling his eyes. He grabbed the pink furred teddy bear and placed it on his head . I looked up at him and smiled. Lighten up..please.