Disclaimers: I Do Not, Will Not, Could Not Own Anything within the TM of the Naruto World. I do however own my OC and only then does my imagination come out on written work for the world to read and for me to keep. (Cackles)
AN: Sorry for the long delay (Bows down til nose touches the floor) Apologies. Had to revise and check for spelling. Plus had to reread for my own pleasures as I didn't think this chapter would come out this way. I had a different, a whole different, chapter previously but that got trapped on my USB stick and I just do not have the funds to recover it. Hope you enjoy!
Warnings: Much Fluff!
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Birds chirping to the morning and rising sun as it filtered through the opening of the curtains, and that is how Naruto woke up.
Groaning, I turned away from the light shining through and held the pillow close. My nice warm pillow… that is breathing… and soft… and sighs.
Opening one eye, I can see something in grey going up and down and so it's safe to say it's not my pillow because my pillow is orange. Cracking open my other eye, it focuses on a face a few inches from mine: Sasuke.
Last night's events came back to me as I remembered that Sasuke spent the night here instead of us spending the night at Roxanne's. So soft. Nuzzling Sasuke and holding him closer, I remembered that Sasuke needed an extra set of clothes and a toothbrush for school tomorrow.
Tomorrow...
Tomorrow?
The sun's up. So isn't tomorrow today?
Turning over onto my back, I checked the clock on my night stand by the bed and it says 6:12 am. Hmm, so it is tomorrow today. Slipping my arm away from underneath Sasuke, I slowly sat up and swung my feet from the bed to the floor. Yawning, I stretched my arms over my head and got everything out. Scratching my head, I turned and looked at Sasuke's sleeping face.
So peaceful.
For as long as I've know the guy, I don't think I've seen him look like this with anyone and that is saying something. Smiling, I brushed a stray hair away from his face and Sasuke sighed while turning towards me and grabs my pillow. I wanna laugh because that orange is so clashing with his skin tone but didn't want to wake him so I'll settle for smiling. Standing up, I stretched out the kinks and crack my bones with one last yawn before heading to the bathroom but something caught my eye. Near the foot of the bed is a bag, a navy bag with something on the side. Picking it up, the Uchiha crest stares right back at me and then I remembered.
After leaving Roxanne's place, Sasuke wanted to grab some stuff from his place for the night and I tagged along. Never been to Sasuke's place and I have to say, I was surprised. Surprised because it's the same size as my apartment, but plain, very plain. Then again I have nothing to complain about, it's cozy and nice. Sasuke grabbed a bag from underneath his bed and started stuffing it with clothes and toiletries. A smile from him told me that he was done and so we took off back to my place.
Shaking my head of the memory and putting down the bag where it was picked up, I went to the bathroom and began the shower.
Half hour later I'm done and while I'm drying up, I noticed something as I looked around the small bathroom: I forgot to grab clean clothes. Cursing myself for forgetting such a thing as underwear, I wrapped a towel around my waist and open the door. Listening closely, I can hear that Sasuke is still asleep. Great, tiptoeing to the closet as quietly as I can and raffling through the many clothes hung. Shirt, pants, sock and underwear later, I turn to go back to the bathroom quietly but froze.
Sasuke is awake.
Sasuke is awake and sitting up.
Sasuke is awake and sitting up, staring at me.
Shit.
"Good morning, um just trying to um" and I'm stuttering but Sasuke is smiling. I could feel his eyes on me and my body warming up from his stare.
"Morning. You'll be out soon?" I nodded and started walking backwards. Back into the wall.
"Yeah, um. You can take a shower after I'm done" and ran for it. Slamming the door shut, I can hear Sasuke chuckle.
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After that fiasco and I'm dressed and ready, Sasuke is now in the shower while I put on some ninja issued foot wear on the bed. Today I picked out a dark blue button up short sleeved shirt, with a tank under that and black jean shorts. Wrapping some bandages on my leg so it can hold up my holster and attaching a weapons bag on my belt, I stood up and walked to one of the drawers and picked out some accessories. Months ago I wouldn't have bothered getting ready because I'll just throw on my orange jumpsuit and that was it; but having a friend like Roxanne and her sense of clothes, well, let's just say it became a habit.
Wrist bands on, I grabbed my new head band and walked over to the mirror on the side to put it on. Adjusting it here and there, I didn't notice the door to the bathroom open and someone looking. That is until they are standing next to me and scared me.
"Sasuke!" a hand on my chest, I dropped my head band. Sasuke smiled and picked it up, twirling his finger at me to turn. Looking back at the mirror and Sasuke behind me, he put the head band on my head just right and tied it off. He stepped back and I turned to thank him but stopped short when I saw what he's wearing.
Light grey long sleeved shirt, with the Uchiha logo on the back no doubt, grey cargo pants and ninja issued footwear. On his leg is also the same kind of bandages for his holster and I can see the weapons bag behind him attached at the belt and grey wrist bands. His headband is already attached and he's smiling at me as he checked out what I'm wearing.
Light clothes against dark clothes.
Day and night.
Opposites but compatible.
Nice.
"Um, thanks. Ready for breakfast" I smiled as he nodded. "Let's go down then" and I grabbed my keys on the table nearby and gestured for him to go first. Locking up the place, we walked down in silence but it was comfortable. Knocking on Roxanne's door and hearing an 'it's open', we went in and I can hear the shower running. We shrugged and got to work in the kitchen.
Today is the day we get to be selected for a 4 man squad and I want to have a good meal before that.
OOOOO
In the midst of cooking, the boys failed to notice the bathroom door open and Roxanne watching the usual scene of Naruto and Sasuke 'dancing' in her kitchen. Tiptoeing to her room, she quietly took out her camera and tiptoed back to the kitchen area. Focusing it as well as she can, Roxanne snapped a few before the boys turned around and that is where the final snap went, the boys looking at her in confusion.
"Perfect" and smiled. The boys blushed a bit at having been caught in a photo heist but waved it off.
"Breakfast is almost done"
"Then I'll set the table" She offered, setting her camera down on the bed, Roxanne got to work and soon enough, the table was set and the food done. But nobody moved, they are all looking at each other. Well at each other's clothes anyways.
"Dang guys, we must think a lot alike" Roxanne smiled as the boys nodded. She just so happens to be wearing a white tee under a black short sleeved zip up hoodie and dark grey Capri jeans with the regular ninja issued foot wear and black and white striped arm bands. And her headband is also in the same place as the boys: on her forehead.
All in all, they are the balance of life: Light, Dark and Neutral. Now doesn't that just tickle you?
"Well" clapping he hands "This food isn't going to eat itself" the boys chuckled "Lets fill up and head out, I wanna see who gets with who, if you know what I mean" and laughs, pulling out a chair and fills a plate, the boys followed suit.
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Every student that passed the exam on Friday is waiting patiently in the classroom and is getting restless. Unless you are Shikamaru, then you are already sleeping. Naruto and Sasuke sat together but the promise made to Sakura the other day to sit next to her, had Sasuke in the middle while she sat on Sasuke's right and Naruto sat on his left. Roxanne is seated on the row right behind them and that sat with her very well as she watched the boys chatting about this and that, ignoring Sakura whom is trying to get Sasuke's attention.
Some of the other classmates have their heads on the desk, some are chatting with their fellow classmates and others are just keeping busy. That is until the classroom door opened up and Iruka walked in.
"Good morning class"
"Good morning Iruka-sensei"
"Hope you are all rested and ready for today's selections" most nodded "Great! Let's get started shall we. I'll be calling out names for a 4 man squad: 3 Genins with a Jonin instructor. Remember who you are assigned to because once I'm done, your assigned instructor will be coming by one by one to pick you up. Alright?" again most nodded. "Good, Team one will be" and so on and so forth.
OOOOO
"Team Seven will have Sakura Haruno (She smiled), Sasuke Uchiha (and here she cheered) and Naruto Uzamaki (Sakura deflated but the boys cheered and high fived each other). Your Jonin instructor is Kakashi Hatakei" none of them knew who that was but Roxanne hid a smile behind her hand because of what had happen on the weekend.
"Team eight is Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame and Kiba Inuzuka (here Kiba cheered) and your Jonin is Kurenai Yuhi" the group nodded.
"Team 10 and last team is Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka with Asuma Sarutobi as your instructor. I hope you will do well as your parents have" Roxanne reached over as Iruka spoke of the InoShikaCho gang and tugged Naruto's shirt. Naruto and Sasuke turned and Roxanne leaned in more.
"Sarutobi, isn't that the Hokage's last name?" the boys nodded
"Asuma is his son"
"Oh, Nice!" and sat back down just as Iruka finished speaking.
"Alright class, I hope you all do great in your squads and bring pride to our village. Now you all wait here and your Jonin instructor will be by to pick you up by your group" and was about to leave when Naruto's hand shot up and stopped him.
"Iruka-sensei, aren't you forgetting something" Iruka and the class looked confused at Naruto.
"You forgot Roxanne" Iruka looked surprised and checked his list over a couple times before scratching his head.
"That is very strange. Um, I'll go and check on that and until then, please stay in the classroom" everyone nodded.
Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other in confusion then looked at Roxanne with sympathy. Roxanne sighed and shrugged.
"It's ok guys, as long as you 2 are in, I don't really care if they hold me back. I'll just keep acing the exam until they get tired of me and then sign me with a Jonin or squad. No big deal"
"But"
"Naruto, no worries, ok? Just worry about who your Jonin is. Wonder how long that'll be though"
OOOOOO
That question could be answered hours later, 6 hours later and Sakura is about to blow a gasket. All of the class had already taken off with their instructor except the 4. The boys continued to ignore her and are playing a game of cards that Naruto brought with him and Roxanne is snoozing on the desk.
Slam!
"This is ridiculous! We've been here how long and everyone in the whole damn school has gone home already!" Sakura yelled as she stood up and walked down to the landing to start pacing while mumbling about 'stupid', 'late jerk' and the like. The boys shrugged at her and continued on their game while chatting and ignoring Sakura's outburst, Roxanne only moved an eye and closed it again after said outburst.
Pacing back and forth from one end of the classroom wall to the other and a huge vein is about to pop on Sakura's forehead after the next hour passed, Sakura stood in the middle of the classroom and open her mouth to…
Then a whoosh happen and at the window crouched a Jonin with a mask covering most of his face and only one eye stared at the 4 Genins waiting. Sakura calmed down when she saw him, the boys looked intrigued at the mystery Jonin and Roxanne smirked when the Jonin's eye landed on her. She winked and blew a kiss at the Jonin whose only reaction to that was the narrowing of his eye.
"Roof; 5 minutes" and disappeared.
No one moved or said anything for a second, until…
"Finally!" throwing her hands up in a dramatic fashion, Sakura heads to the door.
The boys shrugged at each other, Naruto pockets the cards and they both got up. A hand reached out to grab Sasuke to stop and in turn had Naruto stop too.
"Pay attention. If you are given an assignment, search for any loopholes in his words and I'll see you after" Letting go, the boys nodded in understanding. Naruto then nudged Sasuke and then nodded to the window when he turned his head. Sasuke smiled and lead the way out the open window where the Jonin left. One last look at Roxanne, the boys waved and chakra lined their feet and jumped out, racing up the wall to the roof. Roxanne chuckled at their antics and yawned, laying her head back down on the desk for more 'zzz's. Not a minute after a sense kicked in and she disappeared only to reappear again by the door, kunai drawn to a neck and back. The intruder tensed at the suddenness of the situation and that's when Roxanne noticed the Jonin vest.
"To whose neck do I have?" Hands up in surrender, the Jonin relaxed as much as he could.
"Milo Hack, Jonin, Specialized" snorting derisively, Roxanne sheaths the kunais
"What make you special" Hands down and the Jonin turns, starts in surprise.
"What?" Roxanne asks.
"Thought you'd be older. When they told me about someone beating the Jonin exams in record time, they failed to mention it was a Genin that did it. How old are you anyways?" Roxanne tsk'ed' at the Jonin and waves her finger at him.
"It's very impolite to ask a lady her age. How old are you?" she smirks.
"Not very polite to ask someone your senior their age" He shoots back with a smile of his own.
"Good one, considering that someone your junior had a knife at your throat and lives to tell the tale" the Jonin chuckles and rubs the back of his head sheepishly. Only then did Roxanne get a good look at him.
6 ft something, clean cut brown hair, headband on the forehead, Jonin vest with a big baggy green knitted sweater that looks to be a bit long in the arm area, green camo pants and basic ninja issued boots.
"So, you're my Jonin?" the Jonin nods and thrusts his hand to Roxanne.
"Milo Hack" Roxanne shakes the hand offered
"Roxanne. I wasn't called to get one though" letting go, Milo crosses his arms over his chest.
"Well that's because they didn't want the other Genin or Jonin to know that you are getting a special Jonin and" and Roxanne interrupts him
"About that, what's so special about being a specialist?"
"Ok" nodding to himself while heading to Iruka's desk and sat on the chair. Roxanne follows.
"I'm going to tell you straight out; as there will be only us 2 and me being a specialized Jonin that usually get these types, we will be assigned all or any A B classed missions. Possibly S classed also"
Silence. Then Roxanne sits down on Iruka's desk with a thump.
"You could have bent it a bit" Milo snickers at that comment and allows Roxanne to soak up this new information. "So you are like a Jonin version of Anbu?" Milo nods
"Wow. Ok. When do we start" and stands back up, cracks her knuckles and loosing up her arms and legs.
"Today if possible. There's an A classed mission ready and waiting"
"So we'll be leaving the village?" Milo stands
"Yep. Pack a bag and we'll meet at the west side entrance in half hour" then he leaves. Roxanne shrugs and walks out the door of the classroom, heading home at a leisurely pace. As she climbed the steps of the apartment building, Roxanne reached out her senses to find the boys and found them still at the academy roof. Reaching her floor, Roxanne unlocked and open her door.
Going to her bedroom, grabbed assorted items from her closet and drawers. An extra outfit with a couple pairs of socks and underwear, a pair of runners and set these on her bed. Reaching underneath, Roxanne dusted off her backpack and packed the items. Going to the kitchen and opening the fridge, Roxanne tossed in sandwiches wrapped in wraps and a couple water bottles. Dropping the bag on the kitchen table, Roxanne went back in the room and opens a secret siding where she hides her 'good' weapons.
Double-edged knives, stars, wires, explosion seals tags and first aid kit. Going to the bed, she up the mattress and slides open another hiding place and takes out a small sword. Setting everything on the bed, making the bed after looking under it to not arouse suspicion, Roxanne grabs a weapon belt and take the one she's wearing off. Sliding the pouch off, she tosses the belt in the closet and clips on the new belt. The new belt has a couple holsters for the knives and stars, a place for the pouch and a hoop for the sword. Stashing everything and picking up the first aid kit, Roxanne tosses the kit in the bag, ties it securely and puts the bag on her back.
Heading one more time back in the room and back again, Roxanne sits on the chair and writes a note. Folding the note and slide it in an envelope with one other item, Roxanne stands, slips on a pair of fingerless gloves and leaves. Tucking the envelope between the door and frame, Roxanne nods and takes off to meet up with Milo.
Landing by the entrance post and surprising the 2 Chunins posted there, Roxanne smiles at Milo, who himself just got there.
"Ready?" Roxanne nods "Let's go then" and leads the way but Roxanne took one last look at the village and the apartment roof from the distance before she leaves too.
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Naruto was in a merry mood, Sasuke too as they made fun to what happen after their introduction. Sakura left right after their new instructors, calling them both idiots and stomps off.
~Flashback~
Beating Sakura to the roof, Naruto and Sasuke sat on the ledge and watched their new Jonin instructor, who in turns stared back. A door slamming open, Sakura is surprised in find the boys already there but did not see them pass her. Walking to the ledge, Sakura sits next to Sasuke and smiles at him but is being ignored. The Jonin clears his throat for attention, well, Sakura's attention.
"We'll go around, say your name, your likes and dislikes, your goals in life and such" Sakura's hand shot up. Kakashi's eye landed on her.
"What you mean our likes and dislikes? Can't you give an example" All eyes on Kakashi as he sighs.
"Well… my name is Kakashi Hatakei. What I like… I don't feel like telling you that. My dreams for the future… hmm… never really thought about that… as for my hobbies… well, I have a lot of hobbies. Your turn" and smiles, well if you can call that a smile hiding behind the mask.
The 3 looked at their Jonin and thought maybe he had a couple screw loose but went along with it as they don't have a choice in picking their Jonin. Sakura started her monologue with Sasuke ending it.
After each intro, Kakashi told the group to meet up tomorrow early, like 6 am early and to not eat anything before or else they'll puke.
'Sakura looks sick already' thought Naruto and stood up like everyone else to go. Heading to the door, Kakashi calls out to stop the 3.
"Hey, boys. That girl that was left in the classroom, who is she?" Back facing the three, the boys looked at each other and Sasuke answered.
"She's our friend"
"Yeah but who is she?" a turn of the head.
"Our friend" Naruto emphasize the word.
"How do you know her?" no movement
"Why, do you know her?" Sasuke shot back, getting annoyed.
"No" head turns back facing away from the 3 "But I suggest you don't hang out with her if you know what's good for you" and just like that, he was about to leave when 2 kunai is thrown a foot from his feet. Whipping around, Kakashi see the boys standing with another set of kunai's in their hands and Sakura behind them in shock.
"If you don't know her then don't act like you do"
"And keep your damn opinions about her to yourself"
"Mind your own damn business while you at it"
Then Naruto and Sasuke crossed their arms and smirked at Kakashi who narrowed his eyes at them and poofed away.
~ End of Flashback ~
Climbing up the stairs to the apartment and making a left, the boys stop by a door and raised their hands to knock but Sasuke stops Naruto.
"What" Naruto asks but Sasuke didn't say anything except point at an envelope by the doorknob. Plucking the envelope from the frame, Naruto inspects it and read out loud the writing on the front.
"'S & N'. Who do you think it's from" Sasuke exhales in exasperation and pinches the bridge of his nose with one hand while waving at the door with the other. "Whose door are we at?"
A moment passed and only then did the notion of what Sasuke said clicked in.
"Oh, right" and chuckles. Sasuke rolls his eyes to the heavens but smiles nonetheless. Ripping open the envelope, Naruto takes out a folded letter and something else drops out. Both boys looked down to see a key and Sasuke picks it up.
"Why is there a key in here?" no answer and so Naruto reads the letter out loud after unfolding it.
"'Boys, I'll be out for a bit. The key you are holding is my spare key. Come in and make yourself at home. I should be back tonight but if not, then don't worry, It's just a project they got me doing. Much love if you cook a nice supper. See you then. Roxanne' huh?" Sasuke takes the letter and hands the key to Naruto, who is looking confused and rereads the letter. Naruto looks at the key in his hand and after a minute unlocks the door. Leaving Sasuke outside reading the letter, Naruto looks around the empty apartment and all of a sudden feels lonely, looking at the emptiness and quietness of the apartment.
Sasuke, having finished rereading the letter a few times, came in also and stood next to Naruto and saw his expression.
"Naruto. She didn't just up and leave for good. She said she'll be back tonight" laying a hand on his shoulder, Sasuke tried to turn Naruto's frown upside down. "Look, her stuff is still here. Like her picture frames and her camera is still on the bed from this morning. She'll be back, ok" Naruto turns to Sasuke with a look of uncertainty and that did something to Sasuke's insides. Without thinking, Sasuke grabbed Naruto into a hug and rubbed his back. Naruto at first stiffens, not expecting the hug, and relaxed after a second and hugged Sasuke back.
"She's going to be back, ok Naruto" he didn't answer with words but did nod his head. They stood like that for a couple minutes, Sasuke assuring Naruto and Naruto accepting the hug as comfort.
Stepping away, Sasuke clapped Naruto on the shoulders and smiled a small non noticeable smile;
"Let's go get some groceries for that nice supper she asked for, maybe it'll take your mind off it" just as he suggested it a loud rumble made itself known and not only from one stomach. Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other and started laughing.
"Come on, we'll make a stop for ramen first before we stop for groceries" Naruto fist pumped and cheered.
"One bowl Naruto, only one. Don't want to spoil your dinner, do you?" Naruto deflated for a second and then all smiles, leading the way out.
"You say one bowl Sasuke but you're hungry too"
"Hn" from Sasuke and closes the door. Naruto locks it and follows Sasuke to the stairwell.
"I didn't hear a no"
"Hn"
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