Return To Innocence

Return To Innocence


I don't own Naruto nor do I make any money...

Rated:M Language, violence


November 21


At Night


The next time Naruto woke up was with the sun blaring down on him through the curtains. Spreading it's warmth and chasing away the shadows once more. He lazily looked at his clock, that was sitting right on a small table, seeing it was 6:00 am. Well he might as well wake up now since he wasn’t going to sleep anymore. Naruto turned on his lamp by the night stand, and looked around stretching, trying not to dislodge his cat that lay sleeping on his pillow. He got up quietly, making a small jump from his bed, turning on the rest of the lights and opening his bedroom door peaking out.

Seeing that everything was in order Naruto walked out slowly through the hall listening to the familiar boards creek on him. His padded feet feeling somewhat numbed by the cold floor. Stopping by Sasuke’s room, the door was closed, which meant Sasuke was still asleep. Yawning Naruto went and turned the rest of the lights on and the TV on low before going into the kitchen to have something to eat. For this was his routine and he dared not mess anything up. He found that if he did bad things tended to happen.

Finding a bowl of cereal Naruto sat down on a cream colored sofa in the living room and ate, while watching morning cartoons. He felt a lot better after he slept, and it was morning making him feel safer. He wasn’t exactly afraid of the dark, it’s just that things would usually come out at night more than in the day time. Naruto shook that thought out of his mind scratching Shadows head where the dog lay on the couch watching, ‘SpongeBobSquarePants.’

Around 8:55am he finally saw the lazy bastard enter the living room with a bowl of cereal. The Uchiha sat at the end of the couch watching what looked to be cartoons on the T.V. His dull eye's staring at the screen and twisting the spoon slowing in his bowl. If it wasn't for his clean clothes and made hair Naruto would have assumed the lazy ass was asleep with his eyes open.

Meanwhile Sasuke was asleep with his eyes open and his feet comfortably positioned. God did he hate mornings, he liked the night time better. But he wouldn't be caught dead sleeping on a couch with a cereal bowl on his lap. It just wasn't a very Uchiha thing, not dignified, so he trained himself to sleep with his eyes open. That was the trick he even used it on a couple of classes that he had already studied for. It was the perfect idea if he said so himself.


“Hey Sasuke.”

"Hey Sasuke..."

"TEME." He heard before he turned to find Naruto looking at him. Well he didn't say he had the idea down pat yet. He was still working on how to answer questions in his sleep. The Dobe looked a lot better this morning. He noticed as a after thought. No more bags under the eyes and his face wasn't as drawn as before. No now it seemed to brighten his clear blue eyes even more and bring color to his cheeks with a small pout on his lips. It seemed Naruto got frustrated, he wondered why.

Sasuke just grunted before eating some more cereal. Naruto turned back to the TV. “Do you have classes today or are you working.” He said, beginning to surf through the channels.

“I’m working until seven then I’ll be home.” He replied adding a, 'so don’t worry,' in his mind.

Naruto looked a little disappointed not wanting to stay in the house all by himself, but he shrugged it off, maybe Gaara or Kiba would come over.

“Hey I have to work too.” He said instead, surprisingly cheerful, much to the Uchiha’s annoyance.

“Naruto why do you work there?” Sasuke questioned. Naruto turned looking straight at Sasuke, determination in his bright blue eyes.

“Because Sasuke I like to help out people. I feel that I’m helping poor innocent people making decisions for themselves.” Naruto said loudly like he always did when it came to his jobs. It sounded like a script he had to memorize or something. The job didn't even pay all that much either.

Sasuke shook his head and narrowed his eyes at the Dobe. Naruto was staring right back at him daring him to say something, which he did.

“Naruto you work at a stupid...”

“Welcome to Wall-Mart how may I help you.” Naruto said cheerful with a grinning face, greeting the costumers. Naruto’s lip cured a little when he thought back to his and Sasuke’s little chat this morning. Ok so what if he worked at 'Wall-Mart', he got to help people, the pay wasn’t to bad and he gets to talk to some of them. A perfect way to meet people, Naruto thought smiling.

He then thought of Sasuke’s job, which wasn’t all that good. Sure he worked at a movie and video game store and got to watch or play whatever he wanted, while waiting for a costumer. But who would want to do that. This job was good too. Naruto stated firmly in his mind even though a small part of it kept nagging that Sasuke got the better deal on top of getting paid more.

After a long day, dealing with people, Naruto had enough and was ready to go home. He groaned softly walking out of the store saying goodbye to some of the workers. He looked out into the setting sun, seeing the sky disoriented with colors. The sunset mixing with pinks and oranges, making the sky seem alien. It was around 5:30pm and he would have to go home. He had called his friends earlier but they either had jobs or classes so he was alone for tonight. Naruto frowned still thinking about the conversation he had with his friends. It seemed to him like he was the only one without a girlfriend, while everyone else had a significant other. But in the back of his mind, Naruto added Sasuke was in the same boat as him.

Putting his hands in his pockets, Naruto started to walk towards his home. Dragging hid feet and slouching his posture. He would look around his surroundings making sure nothing was there to get him. Taking in all the couples, families, and single people walking around going home or what not. He decided to pick up his pace not wanting to stick around, he again could feel people staring at him and he didn’t like it. He was sure he wasn’t just being paranoid and that there was someone actually looking or following him.

Pretty soon he found himself running towards his house without him even knowing. He turned the curb just in time to see his home, where he felt the safest. He slowed down not wanting to look suspicious or anything. He past the first house when he heard his name being called.

Naruto turned around puzzled, only to come face to chest with his neighbor. Naruto gulped and rubbed his head sheepishly, looking at the blond woman.

“Naruto you brat you don’t even come see me anymore.” She said glaring at the fidgety blonde.

“Tsuande you old hag, I don’t have time for you.” Naruto declared with a smile on his face. Tsuande was the only real neighbor he trusted even though she kept getting face lifts to look around twenty-five when actually she was in her sixties.

“I’m not old brat,” she grumbled, “By the way you still have that job?” She questioned and Naruto nodded smiling a cheeky grin at her.

“I don’t know why I even bother. I could get you a better job but...”. 'Knowing you Naruto, you wouldn’t take it'. She thought smiling down at the blonde. He had grown so much since she last saw him, he reminded her of her dead brother so much. He needed to eat more too, she thought as an after thought.

“So do you still live with the Uchiha?” Tsuande asked smirking at the blond in a way Naruto had decided he didn’t like.

“Oh yeah the pricks still hear,” Naruto turned and looked around finding that his next door neighbor was out again sitting on the porch. The man was staring around until his eye landed right on Naruto. He turned away looking back at Tsuande.

“Hey Old bat, do you know the guy over there.” Naruto said, after blocking a swat from Tsuande.

“No not really, he likes to stay by himself but if you want I can see into it.” She said before walking away yelling that Naruto had better eat more then just Ramen.

Naruto smiled at her turned back. Tsuande used to be a doctor and she would always give Naruto veggie’s and fruit, saying she had bought to many and didn’t want them to go to waste. She was like a mother figure to Naruto and he appreciated it. She knew about his little problem and she would try and help him out.

Turning around Naruto walked up onto his porch, pointedly avoiding the man next door. The only thing that was standing in their way was a small shrubby bush. He didn’t have to turn to see that the man was looking right at him. For a moment Naruto was starting to think the guy was a pedophile or something. Shaking of that thought, Naruto unlocked his door as quickly as three locks would take and slipped right in.

Naruto shut it and locked it back up with the chain before turning around to be greeted by Ramen and Sasuke’s dog Shadow. Both of them looking at him with wide pleading eyes, practically saying feed me now. Naruto laughed, a big grin on his face as he went into the kitchen, turning on lights and the TV as he went. He quickly feed them before making a frozen dinner for himself. He felt to lazy to make anything so he chose a chicken frozen dinner. He sat down and ate while watching TV; just relaxing from the long day. The time said on the cell it was around six so Sasuke should be getting of off work in an hour. Before then he should do some of his homework he had been neglecting, that said Naruto stepped into the hallway towards his room staying by the doorway frame and flicking the lights on. Checking and making sure his closet and bathroom door were closed Naruto grabbed his stuff intent on getting the work done as fast as he could.

An hour later, Naruto had only got half of his work done. Ramen was sitting next to his side while Shadow had opted to sleep by his feet. Naruto checked his cell phone noting he would be needing to charge it soon. It read 7:15pm. Sasuke should have called by now. Contemplating on whether he should call Sasuke or not, he turned the small phone around his hand.

“I’ll wait until eight.” Naruto murmured before getting up to take a shower. God only knew he needed one with working in the sweltering heat of the store.

He padded slowly towards the hall when something caught his eye. The stairs... before stopping Naruto looked up making sure he didn’t see anything. He kept staring up at them getting goose bumps along his skin. For a moment it looked like a shadow had passed by on the top most step. Naruto shook his head rubbing his arms, and wishing Sasuke was here. He looked back at Shadow who had followed him but the dog was just waging his tail at Naruto. Shuddering one last time, he went into his room looking around then unlocked his bathroom and turned on the light. Waiting for the annoying spots to clear from his vision Naruto looked around not seeing anything.

He quickly jumped into the shower listening to the background T.V. that was on in the bedroom. After he got out and did his little routine in the bathroom, Naruto exited the place locking the door behind him. Looking at the time it was now 7:50pm, which meant that Sasuke should be there any minute now. Naruto sighed jumping on the bed seeing what was on. His dark orange comforter lay around the bed messily. On the night stand the blonde had several pictures of his, ‘family.' On was with Gaara and his two siblings, all standing around, trying to look kool. Another showed Sasuke and Naruto together with their arms folded and glaring at each other. Inside the drawer the bought knife was safely put away. He had decided to charge his cell, which was also on the night stand, now having to wait in the morning to use it. The light of the room illuminated the other furniture and scattered clothes.

Naruto was just settling down watching a TV show when he felt a cool breeze brush his arm. Naruto scowled absentmindedly rubbing his arm laughing at the show until it happened again. He turned to make sure that his windows were closed and locked, which they were. He then turned slowly looking around the room noting for a moment that he needed to vacuum his cream colored carpet. Looking around the rest of his room nothing was amiss, the doors were closed along with the closet.

Frowning Naruto got up from the bed with a small jump to the floor looking around. He scratched his head, thinking he was going crazy when he heard a shift on his bed. Turning around fast, heart thumping, he came face to face with Ramen. The cat was now sitting up on the bed looking intently at the closed door. Naruto frowned seriously getting nervous seeing as his cat was acting strange. Shadow was in the living room and he couldn’t hear the dog bark so why the intense look?

Naruto slowly crept from his spot towards his door a shaking hand on the knob. He started to slowly twist it until the door squeaked open. He peaked out fast seeing nothing, then back at Ramen to see the cat was now looking outside with its back hair on end and it’s green eyes narrowed making it look more feral then the placid cat was normally. Naruto who had never seen his cat act like this walked slowly into the hall wanting to get away from all windows. All the lights were on and the TV in the living room was playing but he couldn’t see Shadow anywhere. Naruto quickly went into the kitchen to check if the back door was locked and to get something, anything to arm himself. He grabbed the nearest thing a spatula in a tight closed fist, berating himself for not bring his knife that was in his dresser drawer. Looking around the place Naruto slowly walked back to the living room, wanting to know where Sasuke’s dog went. He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard soft growling, Naruto turned towards the front door he almost passed when he saw Shadow.

The dog was standing by the door, icy gray eyes locked with it and occasionally growling. Naruto narrowed his blue eyes gripping the spatula tightly and thinking he was a fool to have not brought the knife. Shadow only acted this way when someone he didn’t like was outside. Ramen had acted the same to, Naruto’s breathe came short and fast with his heart pounding in his ears as he walked up to the dog, wondering what could be out there. Maybe a coyote? Or another dog...

After reaching Shadow Naruto slowly put his hand on the dogs head, trying to comfort it and himself.

“There’s nothing there boy, right?.” Naruto said softly, wanting to believe what he said. Shadow looked back up at him before going back to the door. Naruto shook his head now knowing the dog had gone of the deep end. He couldn’t hear anything, there was no reason to worry. Naruto stepped beside the door trying to calm himself and slowly went to do the locks when his breathe caught in his throat, the locks were already undone. The only thing left was the chain lock. Breathing rapidly Naruto unlocked the chain and opened the door, spatula in hand raised above his head to come face to face with...Nothing.

Nothing was out there at all but, darkness and small lights on the other houses. Naruto could feel a cold breeze brushing against his face, and it seemed to make him more relaxed. He turned to see the spatula still raised in his hand. Shaking his head Naruto chuckled at his stupidity and lowered his hand ready to turn around and berate the dumb dog. He started to turn, when a heavy object attached itself to his shoulder, scared to death. Naruto turned around fully and yelled, jumped back, falling on his backbone and threw the spatula at his attacker screaming and shouting trying to get back up. He was so panicked all he could see was a dark figure in his house, his heart painfully thudded against his rib cage while his brain screamed for him to get the hell out of there.

“Ah, Goddammit. ”

The figure yelled stepping into the light of outside. Naruto quickly looked up to come face to face with Sasuke. Naruto just stared dumb struck up at Sasuke. He couldn’t believe Sasuke would scare the hell out of him.

Pointing a shaky finger at Sasuke. Naruto yelled the best he could, “What the fuck Sasuke.”

Sasuke seemed to be rubbing his forehead where the spatula had hit him. Shadow was right beside Sasuke’s side waging his tail and seemed to be enjoying the show every much.

“Naruto why did you throw a spatula at me.” Sasuke said through his gritted teeth, trying to calm down.

Naruto got up with as much dignity as he could looking up at the bastard. “Why did you scare me Teme. And how did you get into the house.” Naruto snapped right back going into the home.

Naruto really didn’t want to start a fight right in front of the neighbors like last time. And he was pretty sure Sasuke wouldn't want his name being tarnished.

“Dobe, I went the back way through the kitchen because I couldn’t get through the stupid chain lock of yours.” Sasuke said almost yelling. He had just came back from a long night and found out that he couldn’t even get into his own house. He then went the back way and had opened the door and walked through the kitchen only to see Naruto standing outside the front door, looking around like some crazed person, raising a cooking utensil over his head.

“Well Teme you could have knocked on the door.” Naruto said right back flopping onto the couch, trying to calm down. That had been scary for him, he was truly frightened back there. He could still feel his heart pounding and his breathing had yet to calm down.

“I did knock and no one answered.” Sasuke stated standing by the door frame with his hands crossed on his chest. “Why did you have a spatula in the first place.” He said as an after thought.

Naruto didn’t say anything at first opting to rubbing his hands on his face. He huffed before looking up at his friend.

“I... the dog and cat were acting strange and watching the outside door intently. I thought something was out there.” Naruto muttered turning his eyes away from Sasuke.

Sasuke stayed where he was until he walked over towards Naruto sitting down. Naruto did indeed look like he was scared.

“Look there was probably nothing out there Naruto. The dog was just waiting for me and your cat’s stupid.” he said to the blond. Naruto glared at him through his bangs, opening his mouth to retort but Sasuke beat it to him.

“Listen it was just probably me. There’s nothing out there, no monsters or ghosts Naruto. Just you and your spatula.” Sasuke finished angrily.

Naruto turned his head, eyes glazed over thinking of what Sasuke had said. He didn’t believe him like everyone else out there, which wasn’t a big surprise, and he did hit the cold prick with a spatula.

“Naruto, Dobe look, I’m not saying you were wrong maybe there was something out there, but a spatula?” he finished not knowing what else to say. He wasn’t good at this kind of thing to begin with.

Laughing a little Naruto turned and hugged the ice prick.. Sasuke was just trying to cheer him up and not call him crazy like everyone else does.

Sasuke looked down at Naruto hugging him. He was in complete surprise. Slowly bringing his hand to awkwardly pat Naruto’s back, he couldn’t help the little warmth that spread across his cheek, which he promptly squashed back down. An Uchiha does not show emotions after all.

Naruto moved away almost reluctantly smiling a true small smile at Sasuke before declaring he needed to get something to eat, leaving Sasuke with his feelings. The dog and cat sitting next to him watching him and the TV.

That's it for this chapter, hoped everyone enjoyed it.