Naruto laid on his bed, staring up at the ceiling of his small apartment — it was a miracle that his dingy abode had survived the Pain assault, good thing he lived on the village outskirts. The shadows of the moonlight danced across the walls, and the stillness of the room felt suffocating. He should have been asleep, resting up for the missions ahead. But his mind was far from quiet.

Samui. The thought of her lingered, pulling him back into their last conversation. Her words had been cold, but there was something in her eyes—something she was hiding. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more she wasn't telling him, more beneath the surface that he needed to understand.

He sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Why am I even thinking about this?" he muttered. "I've got enough to worry about with Sasuke." Yet, the truth was undeniable. It wasn't just about Sasuke anymore. It was about her. About the look she gave him when they separated after exchanging info regarding Sasuke.

How could having sex mean nothing…

Naruto's fists tightened. He'd always believed in facing his problems head-on. If you want answers, you have to find them yourself, he told himself. And right now, he had two reasons to move: to find out what Samui was hiding and to confront the man who had sentenced his best friend to death—the Raikage.

He stood up, pacing the room as his thoughts raced. Samui and her team were leaving the Leaf Village at dawn to report back to the Raikage. He'd overheard it earlier, catching the tail end of a conversation between Samui and her teammate, Karui. If he moved fast, he could catch them before they left. He needed to talk to Samui, to get her to see things his way—and, if possible, to convince the Raikage to change his stance on Sasuke through her.

Yet his heart pounded. Doubt lingered in the back of his mind. Was this the right move? He'd be leaving the village during its most vulnerable state. He knew the right thing to do was to stay put and ignore his troubled heart. He was sure that Danzo wouldn't appreciate having the village weapon chase some random foreign shinobi around.

But it wasn't the first time he'd gone against orders when it came to saving a friend —- this time he just had another reason.

Naruto moved to the window, sliding it open to let the cool night air brush against his face. The village was quiet, peaceful. He knew he could just stay put, and wait for the mission orders that were sure to come. But staying put wasn't his style, and waiting around while things spiraled out of control was the last thing he could do. Sasuke's life was on the line, and somehow, he felt that Samui was the key to changing everything.

The air inside her tent was cool and still, with only the faint rustling of the tent canvas shifting with the pleasant breeze outside present. Samui sat cross-legged on her makeshift bed, with the dim light of a small lantern casting faint shadows on the fabric walls. She had finished briefing her team on the new intelligence gathered and further mission proceedings. According to the Raikage, she was to split up with her team and deliver the info herself to him on his way to the Kage Summit, while the rest of her team would return to their village.

The village outside was silent. But her mind was far from quiet. She leaned back, resting her head on her pillow, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. It had been a long day — another in a series of days that felt like they blurred together. Missions, reports, surveillance, training. All tasks she knew well — too well, she wouldn't like to admit. Tasks that used to be so simple… straightforward… mundane.

It should have been cool and simple here, too, she thought, frowning slightly. In and out. Collect intelligence on the Uchiha, report to the Raikage. But nothing about her brief stay in the Leaf had gone according to plan.

She laid her hand on her lower abdomen, still feeling full despite her cleaning out the foreign substance — as much as she could, anyway.

Naruto Uzumaki

His name lingered in her thoughts, and she let out a slow breath, trying to steady herself. I let it go too far. She had a duty—to her village, to her Raikage—and that duty didn't include entanglements with foreign shinobi, especially not one as unpredictable as Naruto. She had tried to manipulate him, to extract information the way she'd been trained, and yet somehow, she had been the one caught off guard.

It was a good fuck though…the best you've ever had, and will ever have, probably…

She mentally slapped herself. Curse her traitorous mind.

She recalled the moments right after their…coitus. They exchanged information about Sasuke, she told him about his known abilities and possible whereabouts, and he told her about his past, arsenal, and way of thinking. A complete opposite to the blonde running around in her head.

He's just a boy, she told herself, as she had countless times before. Naive, emotional. He doesn't understand the world like I do.

She had hoped he would be quiet, that the intensity would pass, and that they could part ways. But instead, he'd turned to her, his expression hesitant, a nervous energy in the way he fidgeted with his hands. Of course, he couldn't leave it alone.

He had looked at her with those eyes—so full of sincerity and hope, it was almost painful. "Samui… does this mean we're… you know, together now?" he had asked, his voice uncertain but filled with a kind of earnestness she hadn't expected.

The words had hung in the air between them, and for a moment, she had felt like laughing. So typical. Of course, he would think that their physical connection meant something deeper.

But instead of laughing, she'd felt something twist inside her—a mixture of guilt and frustration. She'd hardened her expression, keeping her voice cold and flat as she said, "Naruto, this… doesn't change anything. It was just a moment. Nothing more."

The look on his face was enough to make her chest ache. His eyes had softened, and he looked so… hopeful. "But why not?" he'd asked, sounding almost confused.

She shut her eyes. She recalled how she shut him down. A moment of weakness she said. The memory of his expression — the hurt and disappointment — clung to her like a weight she couldn't shake. He's just naive, she thought again, trying to convince herself. He thinks the world is simple, that feelings can fit neatly into the life of a shinobi. But that wasn't the life she lived. She knew the consequences of such entanglements, and she wasn't willing to let herself be swept up in them, no matter how much his sincerity tempted her.

But deep down, she knew the truth: it wasn't just him she was trying to convince.

It was just a moment. The thought repeated in her mind like a mantra. It's over now. It doesn't mean anything.

But as she closed her eyes, she felt the ache in her chest grow, a reminder that some things were harder to push away than she wanted to admit.

And it was the best you've ever had…

Phantom feelings of his cock penetrating her hole, still haunting here till now.

This is going to be a long night…

The early morning light cast long shadows across the village entrance. Samui stood alone, her movement relaxed and paced. The birds were singing their song, and the breeze was pleasant, a perfect day to start her mission. The sound of footsteps broke the stillness, and she paused mid-motion, turning just enough to see Naruto approaching. She didn't react immediately, keeping her expression impassive as she crossed her arms below her chest.

"Samui," Naruto called out, stopping a few feet away. His tone was earnest, like it always was. "I need to talk to you."

She raised an eyebrow, her face unreadable. "I thought we already said everything that needed to be said, Naruto," she replied, her voice cold and measured. "If you're here to bring up the same things, you're wasting your time."

Naruto's eyes flickered with determination. "I'm not going to pretend like nothing happened. I know you're trying to act like it didn't mean anything, but I felt something, and I know you did too."

Samui's expression didn't change. She stared at him, keeping her distance. "You're mistaken. Whatever you think happened between us was just a mistake—an impulse. It doesn't mean anything." Her voice was sharp, like a blade cutting through the air. She didn't have the luxury of letting him believe otherwise.

Naruto's eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked almost hurt. "You don't really believe that," he said, his voice quieter but just as insistent. "I know you're saying it because you think you have to, but—"

He took a step closer, but she didn't budge. "How can you say that?" he demanded. "I know how I feel. And I know I care about you."

Samui's eyes hardened, and she turned her back to him, her posture rigid. "You don't know what you're talking about." She kept her voice steady, forcing herself to remain detached. "You think everything is so simple. That's your problem, Naruto—you're naive. You see things in black and white, and you believe that everything can be fixed if you just try hard enough."

Naruto's jaw tightened, and she could feel his frustration even without looking at him. "That's not fair, Samui," he said, his voice full of intensity. "I'm not a kid. I know what I want, and I know how I feel."

She let out a sigh, her breath visible in the cool morning air. "And what you feel is nothing more than infatuation," she said, turning to face him again, her gaze like ice. "You need to grow up, Naruto. Whatever you think this is—it's not love. It's an illusion. Something you're clinging to because it feels good in the moment."

Naruto clenched his fists, his expression a mix of hurt and determination. "Maybe you think I don't understand, but I know I don't want to lose you. I know you care too, even if you don't want to admit it."

Samui's eyes narrowed, and she felt a flicker of something—guilt, frustration, maybe even fear—but she pushed it down. "I don't have time for this," she said, her voice as cold as ever. "We both have responsibilities. You have your village, your mission to bring Sasuke back. And I have mine. That's all there is to it."

Naruto's shoulders tensed, but he didn't back down. "Fine. But I'm coming with you."

Samui's gaze sharpened, and she crossed her arms. "You're not coming with me. This isn't your business."

"It is my business," he insisted. "I need to talk to the Raikage about Sasuke, and I need to be there when you report back. I won't stand by and let this happen without trying."

Samui's lips pressed into a thin line, and she felt the familiar pull of duty over emotions. She had no intention of letting him sway her, no matter how sincere his eyes looked. "If you come, you're on your own. I won't vouch for you, and I won't protect you from the consequences." Her voice was cold and final, a warning more than anything else.

Naruto nodded, his expression resolute. "I don't need you to protect me. I just need to talk to the Raikage, and I want to be there when you do."

Samui stared at him for a long moment, her eyes unreadable. She wanted to tell him to walk away, to let her handle things alone, but she knew he wouldn't listen. "Do what you want," she said finally, her tone flat. "But don't think it will change anything between us."

Naruto's gaze softened, and despite her cold demeanor, she saw a flicker of hope in his eyes. "I'll take my chances."

She turned away, unwilling to let him see any more of the conflict brewing beneath her composed exterior. "Suit yourself."

Samui led the way, her pace steady and unrelenting as they exited the Leaf Village gates. Naruto followed closely, his expression determined despite the cold reception he had received earlier. The road stretched ahead of them, flanked by tall trees and winding trails, their destination far beyond the horizon.

The silence between them was thick and uncomfortable. Naruto's eyes stayed focused ahead, but she could feel his presence, a quiet persistence that grated against her resolve. She kept her gaze forward, her expression as composed as ever.

For a while, the only sounds were the crunch of their footsteps against the gravel and the occasional rustle of leaves caught in the breeze. Samui preferred it that way. The less we talk, the easier it will be.

But she knew Naruto. He wasn't the type to stay quiet for long.

"So," he said after a while, his voice breaking the silence, "are you always this serious, or is it just me?"

She didn't look at him, keeping her eyes on the path. "I take my missions seriously. If you're planning to come with me, you should learn to do the same."

Naruto frowned, his tone stubborn. "I do take missions seriously. But that doesn't mean you have to shut everyone out."

Samui's grip tightened slightly on her kunai pouch. "This isn't about shutting people out. It's about staying focused. You've been a ninja for a while now, you should at least understand this."

"Why not?" Naruto shot back. "You think just because I want to talk, I'm not focused? That I don't get what's at stake?"

She stopped abruptly, turning to face him. "Do you?" she asked, her voice colder than she intended. "Do you understand what's at stake here, Naruto? My comrade died from an assault from the Akatsuki, led by your ex-teammate. And if I fail my mission, it's not just about you or me—it's about the reputation of my entire village and Lord Bee's honor."

Naruto's expression didn't waver. "I know what's at stake. I've heard the Raikage's orders. But that's why I have to be there—to try and convince him that Sasuke's not beyond saving."

Samui's eyes narrowed, the frustration building. "And you think just because you believe that, it will change everything?" She shook her head. "Lord Bee has been killed and there's nothing to bring him back; plus, you don't know the Raikage like I do. He won't change his mind because of a few words. He's not like you."

Naruto met her gaze, unflinching. "Then I'll make him understand. I won't give up on Sasuke, just like I won't give up on you."

Samui's breath caught in her throat, and she forced herself to look away. "You still don't get it." She started walking again, faster this time, hoping the increased pace would put some distance between them. "This isn't about you or your feelings. This is about duty."

Naruto didn't let up, keeping pace beside her. "Maybe it's about both," he said, his voice softer but no less firm. "Maybe you're just afraid to admit that you care about more than just duty."

She stiffened at his words, but she didn't slow down. "You don't know anything about me."

He didn't say anything for a moment, but when he finally spoke, his tone was gentler. "I'd like to."

Samui clenched her jaw, ignoring the sudden ache in her chest. He's not giving up. He never does. But no matter how much she tried to push him away, he kept finding his way back. And as frustrating as it was, there was a part of her—one she refused to acknowledge—that didn't entirely hate it.

"Save your energy," she said curtly. "We have a long journey ahead."

The night had settled over the forest, and the chilly air carried the promise of snow from the mountainous region ahead. The small campsite was quiet, the only sound being the crackling of the fire as it danced and flickered, casting shadows against the trees. Samui sat a short distance from the flames, her back resting against a boulder, her eyes scanning the perimeter as she kept watch.

Naruto was on the other side of the campfire, poking the embers with a stick. He had insisted on taking first watch, but she had brushed him off. "I'm not tired," she had said, and he hadn't argued. She knew he was wary of pushing her further after the tense exchange earlier that day.

But now, as the silence stretched on, she felt his gaze on her, even as she tried to keep her focus elsewhere. The light from the flames cast a warm glow across his face, making his expression seem softer, more thoughtful than she was used to.

She ignored the way her chest tightened. He's still hoping, she thought. Hoping for something that can't happen.

"Samui." His voice broke the silence, quiet and hesitant.

She didn't turn her head, keeping her eyes trained on the darkness beyond the trees. "What is it, Naruto?"

There was a pause, and she could hear him shifting, the crunch of gravel beneath him. "You've been quiet for a while. I mean, you're always quiet, but now, you're quieter than usual."

Her expression didn't change. "I told you before, Naruto. We need to stay focused. We're not here to talk."

"But it's not like we have anything else to do right now," he replied, a hint of stubbornness in his voice. "We're resting. It's okay to relax a little, you know."

She finally turned to look at him, her eyes cool and guarded. "Relaxing isn't my priority. And it shouldn't be yours either."

He shrugged, undeterred. "You know, you keep saying that, but I don't think it's the real reason."

Her brow furrowed slightly. "And what would you know about my reasons?"

"I don't know everything," he admitted, his voice softer now. "But I do know you've been pushing me away since we left the village. I get it—you want to stay focused on the mission. But it feels like there's more to it."

She felt the urge to stand up and walk away, to end the conversation before it could go any further. But the fire was warm against the night's chill, and the weariness of the journey was beginning to creep into her bones. For a moment, she simply stared at him, letting the silence speak for her.

"You think too much, Naruto," she said finally, her voice almost a whisper. "Not everything has to have a deeper meaning."

"Maybe not." He set the stick down and leaned back, his eyes still on her. "But sometimes, when you act like nothing matters, it makes me think you're hiding something."

Her eyes flashed, and she forced a small, bitter smile. "You think you know me, don't you?"

"I'm trying to." He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Look, I know you've got your reasons for keeping me at arm's length. I get that. But it doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying."

She clenched her jaw, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. Why does he have to be like this? She wanted to snap at him, to tell him he was being foolish, that he didn't understand what he was asking for. But the earnest look in his eyes, the way he held her gaze without hesitation, made the words die in her throat.

"Why does it matter so much to you?" she asked, her tone sharp but her voice low. "Why can't you just focus on what you're here for?"

"Because I care about you, Samui," he said, his voice plain and honest. "I know you don't believe me, but I'm not lying. I don't want to leave things like this."

The bluntness of his words took her by surprise. She felt her composure falter, just for a moment, and she looked away. "You don't know what you're saying," she muttered. "You're confusing a moment for something it's not."

He didn't flinch. "Maybe I am. Or maybe you're just scared to admit it."

Her eyes snapped back to his, a flare of anger flashing through them. "You don't know anything about me."

He met her glare with calm determination. "Then tell me. I want to know."

The words hung between them, and for a long moment, all she could do was stare. She could feel the heat from the fire, the chill of the wind beyond the flames, and the weight of his gaze. She could feel her heart pounding, the walls she had built so carefully cracking under the pressure of his sincerity.

But she wasn't ready. Not yet. She turned her eyes back to the darkness beyond the camp, pulling her cloak tighter around herself. "There's nothing to tell," she said, her voice clipped. "And even if there was, it wouldn't change anything."

Naruto sighed, the sound heavy and resigned. "You keep saying that," he murmured. "But I think you're just scared."

Her grip tightened on the edge of her cloak. "Scared of what?"

"Of letting someone in."

The words cut through her defenses like a blade, and for a moment, she felt the urge to shout, to tell him he was wrong. But the truth of his words lingered in the air, and she couldn't bring herself to deny it.

"So? What's your story, Samui?" Naruto spoke up again, breaking the silence she had tried to settle into.

She kept her eyes fixed on the flames, her expression unreadable. "There's nothing to tell."

"I don't believe that." He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Everyone's got a story. You didn't just wake up one day and become the Cloud's top kunoichi."

She felt a pang of irritation. "What does it matter?"

"Because I want to know you," he said simply, his voice sincere. "I know you've got your duty, and I get that. But there's more to life than just following orders."

She let out a slow breath, trying to keep her composure. Why does he have to keep digging? "You think knowing my past will change anything?"

"It's not about changing things. It's about understanding." He shrugged. "I want to get to know you, Samui. You said what I'm feeling is just infatuation, right? Then, I'm going to change it."

His ocean blue eyes pierced her icy blue. "Let me show you I can grow to love you."

She averted her eyes, fearing what looking into him — his soul — would do to her already softening heart. "My story isn't like yours, Naruto," she said quietly. "It's not heroic. It's not about changing the world. It's quite uncool."

"Then what is it?" he asked, his tone softer now, patient.

She hesitated, her fingers tightening on her cloak as she felt a wave of memories flood her mind — her early training, the pressure of always having to be the best, and the constant reminder that her loyalty to the Raikage and her village was absolute. "It's about doing what I'm told," she said finally. "About being a tool for my village, no questions asked."

Naruto's eyes softened, and he leaned back, giving her space. "I get that. I know what it's like to feel like a tool." He glanced up at the sky, the stars twinkling faintly above. "I used to think that was all I was—a container for the Nine-Tails. Something everyone could use, or be afraid of."

She glanced at him, surprised. "And you don't feel that way anymore?"

He shook his head. "Not as much. I still have my responsibilities, and I know the risks that come with being a jinchūriki. But I've found people who believe in me. I've found my own reasons to fight." He paused, and she saw the determination flare in his eyes. "And that's why I want to understand you, Samui. Because I think there's more to you than just following orders."

She let out a soft, humorless laugh. "You think everything has a simple answer, don't you?"

Naruto smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in it. "No, I know it's not that simple. But I think you're more than just a shinobi, more than just someone who does what they're told. And I think you know that too."

She turned her gaze back to the fire, the flicker of flames reflecting in her eyes. He's persistent, she thought. But he's also childish. "It's not that easy for me, Naruto," she said, her voice quiet. "I've spent my whole life being trained for this kind of life. It's all I know."

Naruto moved to speak but was cut off.

"This isn't some idealistic life where things work out just because you believe hard enough," she said, her voice colder than she intended. "This is my life. My duty. It's not something that can just change because you want it to."

He leaned back slightly, studying her. "I know you're not like me. You've had to make hard choices, and you've been carrying your duty longer than I can imagine. But that doesn't mean you're not allowed to want something more." He paused, his voice softening. "Why do you keep acting like you're not allowed to have a life outside of what the Raikage says?"

She stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "Because that's the life I chose. And I'm good at it."

"But is that all you want?" Naruto pressed. "Just to be good at following orders?"

Samui's patience was wearing thin. She had spent years perfecting her control, building up walls, and compartmentalizing emotions that would only get in the way of her duty. And now, this boy—no, this man — was chipping away at those walls with every word. She didn't know if she hated it or feared it. Maybe both. "What I want doesn't matter."

"It should," he countered, his tone firm. "It matters to me."

She looked away, focusing on the shadows cast by the fire. She could feel his sincerity, the weight of his words, and it made her want to lash out, to shut him down. But the truth was, she didn't want to fight with him. And that scared her more than anything. "Naruto, you don't know what you're asking."

He tilted his head, curiosity in his eyes. "Then tell me."

She let out a soft sigh. "You think it's that easy? You think I can just forget everything I've trained for, everything I've sacrificed, because you want to get close to me?"

His expression softened, and he reached out, his hand hovering close to hers. "I'm not asking you to forget anything. I'm asking you to let me be a part of it."

Samui felt her breath catch, and for a moment, she almost let herself believe him. The firelight reflected in his eyes, turning them into pools of warm blue. She felt the heat of his hand so close to hers, and the urge to close that distance, to feel his warmth, was almost overwhelming. But she pulled back at the last moment, crossing her arms over her chest as if to shield herself. "I can't."

"Why not?" His voice was softer now, patient.

"Because… if I let myself care, if I let myself believe there's more… It makes me weak." She forced the words out, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I can't afford to be weak."

Naruto's eyes softened with understanding. "It's not weakness to care, Samui. It's what makes us strong. It's what gives us something to fight for."

She shook her head. "Maybe that's true for you. But for me, it's different. I can't let myself be swayed. I can't let someone like you—" She stopped, biting back the words before they could fully form. I can't let you in.

"Someone like me?" he repeated, his tone gentle. "What, someone who won't give up on you?"

She felt the ache in her chest grow, and she turned her gaze back to the fire, the flames reflecting the turmoil in her eyes. "Naruto, this isn't some romantic story where everything works out. I have responsibilities, and I can't—" Her voice caught, and she forced herself to steady it. "I can't let those go because of a feeling."

"Then let me prove it to you," he said, his voice full of quiet strength. "Let me show you that I'm not just chasing a feeling. That I can be someone you can trust, someone you can rely on."

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the sincerity in his voice. He doesn't understand, she told herself again. He's chasing an ideal. But the truth was, she didn't know if that was true anymore.

She opened her eyes, her expression hardening once more. "What do you want from me, Naruto?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I just want you to be honest," he said. "Not with me—with yourself."

She closed her eyes, the weight of his words settling over her like a shroud. The fire crackled, and the cold night air wrapped around them both. When she finally opened her eyes again, she forced herself to meet his gaze. "You don't know what you're asking."

He smiled, and there was a warmth in it that made her chest ache. "I know it's not easy. But nothing worth having ever is."

She looked away, feeling the sting of tears she refused to let fall. "You're going to be disappointed," she murmured. "I'm not who you think I am."

"We'll see," he said softly.

The silence between them returned, but it felt different now—less like a barrier and more like an understanding. She didn't know how long they sat there, the flames casting shadows across their faces, the cold wind whispering through the trees. But for the first time in a long while, she didn't feel alone.

"Fine," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Fine, what?"

"Do what you want to do…But don't expect me to make it easy for you."

Naruto's grin widened, and the look in his eyes was as determined as ever. "Wouldn't expect anything less."

She turned her gaze away, fighting back the smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You'd better rest. We have a long journey ahead."

As she watched him settle down and close his eyes, she allowed herself to relax, just for a moment. The fire burned steadily, and the shadows danced across his face, making him look peaceful—innocent. She knew that letting him in, even a little, was dangerous. But the way he looked at her, like she was more than just a tool or a mission, only fueled the traitorous part of her mind harder.

As the fire crackled and the night grew colder, she sat in silence, watching over the campsite and the boy who refused to give up on her. And for the first time in a long while, she felt the smallest flicker of warmth within her chest—an ember she wasn't quite ready to extinguish.

This is chapter 2; no smut yet.

I managed to finish this before my exams finally begin, wonderful :). The story won't be all smut, so apologies to those who came here hoping to see two blondes going at each other every chapter. I promise there'll be more, so don't worry!

Anyhow, Samui's a pretty tough nut to crack, huh? Not even our MC's signature talk-no-jutsu is enough to warm her icy heart fully.

Thanks for reading.