Vacation Memories

A golden shaft pierced his eyelids waking him from his dreamless sleep. He let out a soft moan as he rubbed his heavy lids. "Man, what time is it" he mumbled incoherently. He turned grumpily to the faded green night stand next to him, blinking once as he stared wide eyed at the alarm clock. " Holy shit! Its 10 already!! Im late!!"

He hurridly jumped out of his bed and running to his closet, grabbed a pair of black baggy cargo shorts, hurridly pulling them over his boxers then grabbed an orange pair of running pants, he hated them but everyone expected him to wear that loud color, and pulled them on. He was going to be hot but he didnt really care. After a bout of swearing under his breath he grabbed a tight fitting black shirt that conformed over well defined muscles. Most wouldnt believe how well built he really is but he hid his form well under his baggy garments. He threw on his signature orange jacket then grabbed his headband, chuunin vest and backpack, he hurridly ran out the front door, locking it, heading towards the meeting place.

Mumbling under his breath, he ran through the busy market place, the villagers giving him wary and disgusted looks. He ignored them, he was used to the hatred. As he continued to run, he almost knocked down Ino. "Watch it Naruto!" she screamed, then cursed under breath about stupid blond idiots.

Naruto scratched the back of his head giving her his biggest fox grin before apologizing and running off again. Ino just shook her head, continued cursing, and walking away.

As he got closer to the meeting spot he put on his idiot mask, then sighed :: Someday I can stop pretending... someday:: he thought miserably. He reached the gate a few minutes later, slowing his pace he waved energetically at Sakura. " Kakashi-sensei is late as usual." he muttered when he got closer

"So are you dobe" Sasuke stated flatly. He continued to lean against the stone entrance glaring blankly at the road ahead.

Naruto sighed inwardly ::Here we go with our daily routine...:: his thoughts trailed off. " SHUT UP BASTARD! I was up kinda late..." he trailed off not wanting to say more. His mask almost slipped. He fought a moment to keep it in place. He stooped down an arm in his lap the other making circular patterns in the dirt next to him hiding his face a little from view. This was going to be a very bad day.

Last night had been one of the more rougher nights. His dreams had turned to painful memories, of the taunts, abuse and hate filled glares of the villagers. Hearing over and over them calling him a monster because of what he carried within him. 'Demon child' one voice said cruelly. In his dreams he remembered the rocks and other debris that had been thrown at him, of several villagers beating him and a few doing something he would much rather suppress. Rape is one thing he really wanted to forget. He had woke up screaming, panting and sweaty from the nightmare. He wasen't able to fall back to sleep untill exhastion claimed him giving him a dreamless sleep.

Sasuke had been observing him. He saw a glint of pain cross his summer blue eyes. ::I wonder whats wrong:: he thought. "Its not our fault you stayed up all night." he said coldly, not wanting to give his concern away.

Naruto didn't hear him, he was to caught up in his memories. Not like being ignored, Sasuke walked over to Naruto, stooping down behind him. Warm arms engulfed Naruto's form, and a soft voice whispered in Naruto's ear "Whats the matter?" came the gentle voice full of concern. He waited paitently, Kakashi had arrived and was busy reading his ever present orange book, waiting for the two, amusment in his one visable eye. They really were cute.

Naruto blinking back his memories, looked up to see Sasuke only inches away. His eyes widened and he fell back on his rump making a swirl of dust in the air. "Sas...Sasuke?" he asked questionably.

" Stupid dobe, what were you thinking. Kakashi is here and you werent even paying attention." he growled trying to hide his concern. He had seen Naruto's eyes glaze over and a far off look with hurt and pain in his azure eyes. Sasuke didnt like it, it dulled the brillance, took away the laughter, mischief and the spark of life that is supposed to always be there. He continued to observe the boy with an eyebrow raised, schooling his irritation into its normal scowl.

Naruto growled then looked over to where Kakashi was. He was in his usual stance, leaning against a tree with an amused glint in his eye. Saukra looked as if she was going to explode. She had watched Sasuke get close to Naruto, engulfing the blonde boy in his arms then whisper something into them. She was fuming at Naruto for getting that close to her true love. Before she could say anything Kakashi spoke up with a hint of amusement in his voice " Okay boys, none of that now. There will be plenty of time later. We need to get going. The resort is 2 days away. We will be there for a week, training, getting to know each other, and relaxing.."

Naruto turned a slight pink and looked quickly away. Sasuke was fighting back his blush as he glared menacingly at his teacher. Sakura, for her part, had steam blowing out of her ears like an angry mad woman on one of those saturday morning cartoon shows. Kakashi inwardly laughed at the sight of the girl. ::This should be interesting:: he thought.

With Kakashi leading the way, Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto left the village. The summer heat made the road shimmer in waves. The forest they had to walk through, was filled with the sounds of life. Shafts of light peeked inbetween the tree tops leaving sunny trails behind. The trees rustled there amusement as the group walked by. An occasional rabbit or deer skittered across the road, running to take cover in the bushes. ::This is really beautiful:: Naruto thought. He heard the trickling sounds of a near by river and wondered if it was crystal clear, and if it tasted sweet. He always loved the taste of fresh spring water.

Sakura's shrill voice broke into his musings. "What the hell did Sasuke-kun say to you?" she hissed in a whispered tone. Thoroughly pissed that he had been so close to Sasuke. She knew of their rivalary but could there be more?

"Whaa? Why should I tell you" Though he would never admit it, his heart had stopped and then restarted at an astouding pace, he felt his world tilt on its axis, and briefly wondered if that was what love felt like, when he felt Sasuke's arms around him. He was more than elated to know someone had willingly held him, the only person to ever do that had been Iruka-sensei, who had been like an older brother to him.

"Because I wanna know damnit! You know what.. nevermind. Just dont get any idea's. He was only shaking you and slipped" she continued her rantings in her hushed voice. ::Sasuke never lets anyone touch him, let alone touch anyone himself. Grrrr, Naruto probably did something to him:: The inner Saukra ranted on.

Naruto only grinned and nodded. He watched as his teammate stomped over to Sasuke who was taking glimpses of the blond. He sighed heavily to himself. He really wished he could act like the real him. He was so tired of playing the fool.

A slight grimace caressed Sasuke's face when the annoying Saukra came to him, smiling as sweetly as she could. He groaned inwardly, he really hated this woman. She was so damn mental. She only liked him because of his looks, and not for the real him. He doubted she would be able to handle him if she got to know him better.

"Sasukeee-Kun mind if I walk with you?" she asked sweetly.

Sasuke turned to look at Naruto who was now glaring at him. He smirked and turned to the girl "Sure" At this she squeeled and started talking incessantly making him roll his eyes and twitch. Occasionally the tall brunette would take a glimpse at his blond who was glaring holes into the passing trees.

The sun began setting, giving the world a last horah with its glorious rays of light sparkling across the landscape before giving way to the pale light of the moon. Kakashi, after finding a camping spot for the night, gave each something to do to set up for the night, " Naruto collect firewood, Sasuke go with him and help load up his arms when thats done get water for tonight, Sakura can help me set up camp for the night." Sasuke and Naruto both grunted their reply then walked into the woods. Kakashi grinned behind his mask.

Sakura went to work on setting up camp. She collected a few rocks to make a firepit ring while Kakashi went to work setting up the tents. She pulled out a few strips of dried meat and some dried vegetables to make a stew with for their dinner. Grabbing another pack, she dug out a silver pot, plates and silverware. Impatiently, she waited for the firewood and water the boys were supposed to be gathering.

"Kakashi-sensei, why do you always send Naruto and Sasuke-kun to get firewood and water? You can send me instead of Naruto, you know." she huffed irritably.

Kakashi grinned, " Thats for me to know, and you not to worry about. They should be back soon. Dont worry I'm sure Sasuke can handle himself."

As if on cue, Naruto returned and a few steps behind him Sasuke. Naruto's hands filled with wood and Sasuke holding two buckets of water. Sasuke had his normal scowl on and was just grunting as Naruto continued talking loudly. "..and thats what happened! What do you think?" Naruto asked eyeing his rivial. He really didnt care what he thought, he was only talking because it was required of him. He rather like the peace that quiet brings but then that would set alarms off in the Uchiha and he couldnt have that.

" I dont believe you dobe." he stated in an annoyed tone. He really wished that Naruto would just shut up.

"Naruto take the wood over there" Kakashi pointed to a place near the fire pit Sakura had made.

"Here Sasuke-kun, I need some of that water" Sakura purred taking one of the buckets out of the brunettes pale hand. She batted her eyelashes, winked then walked over to the fire that Naruto had started. She poured some into the pot and began chopping up the meat and vegetables placing them into the water. When she was done she placed it on the fire, stirring it occasionally. "So where are we headed?" she asked absentmindly.

"To a resort between Earth and Fire, its in Fire country though. Not many know of it but I've been there a few times. It's rather nice. They have a training facility as well, so no worries about not being able to train." Kakashi said gleefully.


Sasuke snorted ::Probably some perveted resort::. He continued leaning on a nerby tree staring into the fire. The light dancing off his pale features.

Naruto was taking peeks at his rivial wondering what he was thinking of. He didn't look to happy. Though he had his usual stoic look on, Naruto could tell something was bothering the Uchiha. Deciding that he didn't like the brooding look in his black eyes, Naruto got up from where he had been observing and casually walked over to Sasuke. " Hey teme, whats the matter with you?" he said in a low, but concerned voice.

He was deep in thought, he blinked rapidly when he realized someone was watching him. He felt a warm presense near him, he knew this warmth. He dreamed of it nightly, and all he wanted to do was reach out and grab it. Bringing it closer to him. He knew better, and there were others around. Looking away from the fire, his onyx eyes met sapphire. Ocean deep blue eyes full of concern and worry with a hint of laughter and warmth was staring into his own. "Its nothing". He quickly pushed himself away from the tree, walking over to the camp fire to get away from the intense gaze.

They ate their dinner in relative quiet, each trapt deep in memories and thoughts. Once they were done they went to their own tent. Sasuke and Naruto sharing one, Kakashi in another. Sakura taking first watch.

---------------- Later that Night-----------------

He wasen't able to sleep. A few stray tears running mutinously down his tan cheek. To afraid of his nightmares that haunted him nightly. He gazed over to the other sleeping form. A cold shaft of moonlight graced the pale face giving it an erie etheral glow. Long cresant lashes caressed his face, while the blue black bangs dangled haphazardly over his graceful cheeks. His pink lips were partially open, his breath even. It was a breath taking sight. ::An angel, he looks like an angel. My beautiful, avenging angel:: The other boys face was screne in his sleep. Naruto continued to drink in the sight before him, he absently rubbed his hand over his chest where a painful ache started. After a few more moments of watching, he got up to get ready for his shift.

Sasuke had felt eyes on him, but kept his act of sleeping up. He had his eyes just barely cracked to watch the kitsue container. Naruto had a look of awe gracing his face, his features were gentle as they appraised Sasuke. Sasuke felt a slight warming, and his heart beat stopped then started at a much faster pace. He was fighting a blush from forming. Struggling to keep his breath even so the other wouldnt know he was awake. After Naruto left he was trying desperately to calm himself. :: Does this mean he likes me...:: After a few moments he had calmed down. Dreams of laughing azure eyes and rays of sunlit hair took over his normally dreamless sleep.

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Dawn was aproaching. The sun was rising between the distant mountain range chasing the last moments of moonlight, basking the earth with its golden rays. A red glow blankted the scene in front of Naruto who was deep in thought. He heard the silent steps of someone approaching him, but wasent worried. He knew those steps and the chakra all to well.

"Morning dobe" a soft voice whispered into his ear. Sasuke's breath hitched at the view that awaited him. Naruto had his hand against a tree, barely leaning on it. The sun was haloed around him, making his sunkissed features look as if they were on fire. His blue eyes were crystal clear like that of a summer day sky, they were deep, and he could clearly see the emotions that were warring through him. His blonde hair blazed around him like rays from the morning sun. It was truely a stunning and awe inspiring sight. Sasuke felt his heart beating harshly in his chest and had trouble swallowing past the lump in his throat.

"Saskue-teme, dont call me that!" Naruto nearly shouted, he gave him a curious look. " Uhh..umm is something wrong? Your kinda freakin me out with that stare." Naruto asked nervously. After a moment he shrugged then returned his gaze to the dawning earth before him.

"It..its nothing. Nothing really important." A slight blush graced his pale features. His normal glare turned wistful and a small smile softened his face for a moment before he returned it to its usual scowl. " Kakashi said that we will be leaving in a few hours. He went scouting ahead. Sakura has breakfast waiting for you." his voice was even, though his heart continued to race.

"Kay, thanks. Umm... Sasuke.. I was wondering.." Naruto began still staring off into the distance. He really wanted to tell him, to be able to talk to someone and share the real him. He cared about Sasuke and wanted him to be the one, the first to see the real him.. well besides Tsunade-baa-chan. He just wasent sure if he could take the rejection. "Umm.. actually you know what.. nevermind.." He jumped down from his perch and took off at a slight run, back to camp leaving Sasuke staring after him in slight confusion.