This way to the stars
folder
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
10
Views:
1,384
Reviews:
599
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
10
Views:
1,384
Reviews:
599
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Angel
AN:
FINALS ARE OVER!!
And so is the voting! I will now officially close the voting process! ^_^
Thank you to all those who participated and who were kind enough to cast their much appreciated votes- I LOVE YOU WONDERFUL DARLINGS!!
For the sake of formality-
Votes were officially counted on the 7th of January, 2005 and officially ended 14th of January, 2005. The result is as follows:
a) Sasuke x Naruto = 115 Votes!
b) Gaara x Naruto= 9 Votes!
c) Neji x Naruto= 49 Votes!
And the winner is... Sasuke x Naruto!!!!! ^_^
Congratulations to all those who voted this pair! And to those who didn't get their wished pairing- I'm really, really, really sorry! I'll try to do something for you guys just to make it up! I hate to make anyone feel bad... It breaks my heart. :(
With that said- cookie here, returning full duty after a week of absence! (cough*exams*cough) Thank you darlings, for being so patient!
Cheers. ^_^
*********************************************
~~Angels
"I don't think you trust in my
self righteous suicide.
I cry.
When angels deserve to die."
-System of a down
***********************************************
English Class.
Poetry.
Naruto.
Those three did not match, not in any particular order. The blonde frowned at the myriad of words that was neatly printed on the smelly handout he was currently holding. It figured that they were tackling poetry first. Noooooooooo. He did not like poetry- no, wait, he liked it fine- Naruto considered himself pretty much a poetic person- but that did not mean he understood it.
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight."
Naruto cringed, dropping his paper. What?!!! He glanced helplessly at Kiba who was also scratching his head.
"Everybody got their handouts?" Iruka-sensei pipped up from where he was standing up front. "All right, I want you to scan the poems written there, and try picking out your favorite."
Naruto groaned. He couldn't understand Shakespeare, or Wordsworth, OR Browning! Trying to keep as much of his sanity as possible, he decided to stick to the very first one. He continued reading.
"...For the ends of Being and Ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seem to lose
With my lost saints-I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! -and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death."
-Elizabeth Barett Browning.
Naruto took a deep breath. Okay, so basically, the girl loves the guy... and counts the many ways she could love him. Sure. No problem.
"What the fuck?"
The blonde heard Kiba mutter. Naruto sniggered. Apparently, Kiba didn't understand Shakespeare either.
"Try understanding what the poet is trying to tell you." Iruka continued, smiling at the sea of scrunched up faces. "It could be about love... whether unrequited or returned. It could be about hate... revenge... anger... Its up to you to interpret it."
Kiba mumbled. "So this guy writes about a captain dropping dead...? That is so fucked up."
Naruto burst out laughing. Iruka heard him.
"What's so funny, Naruto?" he smiled in a friendly manner. "Care to share?"
Naruto shook his head. "Naw, just Kiba said something funny..."
"I see." Iruka paused, looking thoughtful. "All right then, why not? Naruto, have you got your favorite pick yet?"
The blonde narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Uh... I guess so."
"Wonderful." Iruka clapped his hand. "Why don't you come up to read it to the class?"
"What?!" Naruto stood up, his chair crashing to the floor behind him. "NO! I mean- no thank you, Iruka-sensei!"
"Come on, Naruto, don't be shy." Iruka cajoled. "Just come up here and read to the class what you picked."
Naruto firmly shook his head, picking up his seat and dropping huffily into it. "No way."
"Why not?"
"I don't read poetry." Naruto declared, as if it was an everyday fact.
"That's why you're here." Iruka rolled his eyes. "Come on Naruto, we don't have all day."
The class watched on curiously as Naruto reluctantly stood up, his eyes pleading for somebody- anybody! to help him. Kiba jabbed at his handout. "What did you pick anyway??" he hissed.
"A really crappy one!" Naruto hissed back.
"Naruto?" Iruka raised a brow. "Were waiting."
The blonde dragged himself onto the front. Kiba had pressed his copy of the handout into the blonde's hands as he passed, hissing a quick "Here, read this one- and be dramatic!"
Naruto quickly scanned Kiba's poem, his stomach clenching as he read the words. Kiba... He was going to kill him.
"Okay, try to put some feelings into it." Iruka nodded encouragingly. "Feel the poem. Read it as though you are the one saying the lines. As if you were pouring your heart out to us."
Naruto scowled at him. "I don't make it a habit to pour out my heart to people!"
Iruka ignored him. "Let er rip, then."
The blonde flicked his eyes towards the back where Kiba gave him a thumbs up sign. Naruto fought the urge to stick his tongue at him. Unwillingly, his eyes fell on Sasuke, who chose that moment to look up from his own paper. Naruto quickly looked away at the smirk that was playing on the boys lips. Grr.
"O Captain. My captain. Our fearful trip is done." Naruto began, his lips barely moving as he read the poem off the paper.
"...The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting.
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring-"
"Naruto..."
Naruto stopped reading. "Yeah?"
Iruka held up his index and thumb squeezed together.
"Try to put just a liiiiittle bit of feelings in it, alright?"
Naruto glowered. "How?"
"Well..." Iruka scratched his head. "All right, first off, what do you think the poem is about?"
Naruto glanced ruefully down his paper. "About a captain who dropped dead."
The class laughed.
"Yes, and what about this captain?" Iruka encouraged.
"I don't know." Naruto shrugged. "It sounds to me as if he had some sort of heart attack or something. There's this line here... wait... ah, here it is."
Naruto started reading again.
"...But O heart! Heart! Heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead."
Naruto looked up at Iruka, grinning.
"...See? Heart failure probably. Or maybe he was stabbed at the heart?"
The class erupted into more laughter. Kiba had fallen clean off his desk, shaking with mirth. Iruka put on a pained smile.
"That's a good way to think, Naruto- but try going deeper into the lines. Don't take the words literally."
Naruto shrugged.
"Kay." He glanced back down his paper and opened his mouth to continue.
"O captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up- for you the flag is flung-" Naruto paused.
"Isn't that wrong grammar?"
The girls giggled. Naruto grinned widely. They couldn't figure out if the blonde was being coy, or he was just plain stupid. At the very least, he was amusing. Iruka sighed.
"Just keep reading, Naruto."
"Oh fine... where was I? Oh yeah..." Naruto cleared his throat.
"-for you the bugle trills;
For you a bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths
-for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass,
Their eager faces burning- I mean, turning!
Here captain! Dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the desk
You've fallen cold and dead..."
Iruka looked up when the blonde did not continue. Why did he stop?
"Naruto? What's the matter?"
"Can I stop now?"
Iruka blinked. "Was the poem finished?"
Naruto shrugged. "No."
Iruka tapped his chin. "I suppose that's fine. Thank you Naruto."
Naruto gave a whoop and bounded back to his seat. Iruka hid a smile.
"Oh, and Naruto? To whom do you dedicate this poem to?"
Naruto blinked at him. His face scrunched up as he thought to himself.
"To Kiba!" he replied triumphantly, pointing at the boy. "Since he made me read that crappy thing."
"Hey, I was saving your ASS man!" Kiba protested.
Iruka sighed. "Language, Kiba. All right then- who'd like to go next?"
At this point, many had warmed up to the idea and several hands rose up to the air. Naruto settled back to his seat, glad that the ordeal was done and over with. He playfully whacked Kiba on the head to return the boy's handout and neatly dodged the half hearted swing comeback.
"Shove off, blondie." Kiba bared his teeth, trying to look vicious.
"Oh shut up, Capt'n dog breath."
Kiba made a strangled noise that was halfway between a snarl and a snort. Naruto grinned at him.
"Be quiet," Iruka sent a warning glare their way. "All right, Hayate- you can go next."
Naruto managed to listen for a full five minutes, before quickly losing interest and started doodling on his paper. A nose here... a mouth here... and a bunch of whiskers... tara! He proudly looked at his work. Kyuubi!
Delighted by his masterpiece, Naruto decided to draw more. He never once looked up for the remainder of the class.
"All right, for the last one to read their poem... let's see..." Iruka glanced around the classroom. "Sasuke, how about you?"
Naruto's hand stilled in his doodling and he looked up to gape at Iruka. Was the man mad? He doubted the Uchiha could string together a sentence, let alone a lengthy poem. Naruto's jaw dropped when he heard the scrape of Sasuke's chair as the boy stood up. He was seriously going to do it? He turned around to check if his ears were actually functioning right. Sure enough, the Uchiha had stood up and was making his way over to the front. Naruto eyes widened when he felt a brush of hand on his shoulder- so light, it was barely there. He followed the boy's dark form with confused eyes. What the hell?
Iruka smiled at Sasuke. "And who are you dedicating this to?"
Sasuke shrugged. Noticeably, several female backs straightened, and furtive looks were thrown at each other. Each were thinking the same thing: Sasuke's poem was for HER. Iruka nodded for him to start.
Sasuke smoothened out his paper. Naruto started when stormy black eyes looked up, pinning him to the spot. His jaw slackened as the Uchiha's lips stretched into a slow dark smirk.
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:"
Girls melted into dreamy sighs at the smooth silky voice of the dark haired Uchiha. Naruto snapped back from his daze when those intoxicating eyes moved away from him to glance back at his paper. He shifted uncomfortably and nervously looked around, hoping no one had noticed. No one had. They were too busy gawking at Sasuke.
"Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed,"
Some people blinked. His?
"And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature's changing course untrimmed;"
Sasuke's eyes looked up to meet the blonde's again. This time, Naruto quickly looked away. The Uchiha deliberately slowed his words, his voice suddenly full of unnamed emotions- if that was the right word.
"But thy eternal summer shall not fade," Sasuke softly continued.
"...Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st,
Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st."
The class had fallen silent, enraptured. Naruto swallowed. He dared look up, and was immediately caught in those endless dark eyes. He was drowning.
"So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see," Sasuke whispered, the class hanging on to his every word.
"So long lives this, and this gives life to thee."
Silence followed his finishing line. Faint chirping of birds announcing summer flowers could be heard just outside the window. Iruka was clutching his book to his chest, ultimately moved.
"Wonderful, Sasuke." He choked, giving him a bright smile. "Absolutely wonderful."
The spell was broken.
People started to come to their senses, and the girls broke into squeals and thundering applause.
"Sugoi, Sasuke-kun!"
"Sigh- Sasuke-kun is soooo romantic!!!!"
"Sasuke-kun!!!"
Naruto shivered. Those dark eyes were going to be the end of him. Such dark, endless pools that you can easily drown... drown... drown...
"That person must be very special." Iruka knowingly smiled at Sasuke. He hadn't missed the 'he' in the poem. Definitely noteworthy.
The girls were giggling giddily.
"Sasuke-kun is so shy!"
"Marry me, Sasuke-kun!!"
"I love you too, Sasuke-kuuuuuun!!!!"
Sasuke ignored them.
"Why that particular poem though?" Iruka wondered. "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
Sasuke smirked, shrugging casually.
"Blonde."
Naruto froze.
He was the only blonde guy in the class.
************************************************************************
Reveiw Response!!
First of all, I would like to properly apologize to those reviews I haven't replied to. I'm terribly sorry!!! (sobs) I appreciate your reviews- I really do!
That aside, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all those who took time to tell me what they thought. I honestly, perfectly, absolutely adore you guys for your uber sweet reviews- critiques and suggestions are well appreciated!
To those who hadn't reviewed (or voted) yet, please do! It means the world to all authors, believe me. ^_^ Once again, thank you all!
sherab: Thanks for voting! ^_^ You usually vote only once- but yeah... ^_^
mindy: Thanks for voting. :)
Briryan: Thank you dear... i need all the luck i can get.. ^_^
SimoneV: Haha! All right dear, your wish is my command! ^_^
Moa: Thank you very much! ^_^ Thanks for voting!
Jinx: Thanks sweetie. ^_^
Niuu: Nooooooo!!! Not my candies!!!! ^_^ haha! Im very impressed by your dedication though! Thanks for voting!
Lady D: Awww! You have no idea how much that means to me.. ^^
Sura: Thanks for voting!! .....what's a mofo?
Narubabe: All righty. ^^
dar: thank you for your support. ^^
Sora JR: DARLING, THAT IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NICE OF YOU!!!! (huggggg!!!) Thank you soooo much!! Awww, you made me uber happy today! ^_^ It's people like you guys who make writing so much more worthwhile- I really hope i get to do this right so as not to disappoint. Keep rocking! ^_^
Kitsune: You too!
Trekiael: Dear, you give such nice reviews. :) Makes me think about a lot of things! I am, and i will try my best to keep ALL of you guys happy (though i know thats impossible) and i hope you guys will stick with me till the end! Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
himeyume: *stares at screen and falls off laughing* Darling, i know your cute and all, but i'm sorry! ^_^ Only one vote per person! But since im really nice, if you vote for the second time, i'll count it as an extra vote.. kay?? Thanks for being a such a cute voter!
Tamara: Darling dont cry!!! *heart breaks* I'll try to squeeze in a LOT of Neji-ness just for you!! ^_^
Bakura: Aww, sweetie, you're so cute. ^^
Anon: *confused* I'm pretty sure just a few reviews back you were rooting for Sasuxnaru... hmm.. oh well.. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Zane: hahahaha!! You make my happy! ^^
Mochi~: All righty dear! ^^ Thanks soooooooooo much for being supporting this fic! Happy reading! ^_^
sansty: Thank you! I need all the luck!! ^^
koru: *heart breaks and cries* I'm sorry! I dont mean to make anybody feel bad! *sniff!* It's just that i reply to those who i feel wants to be replied to. I mean, it really shows in the review if that person took time to tell the author a little bit of someting from them.. and i'd like to show my appreciation by replying back. I'm sorry if i tend to forget some peopele... (hangs head)
TenshiKaitou: dont you worry dear... i'll have some more scenes up in a jiffy! ^_^
Saki: Aww, youre such a cutie! ^_^ All righty then.. thanks for voting!!
losthimagain: Its you guys that make us feel very special! Without you wonderful, wonderful readers- we are nothing! ^_^
Kaosu: I wasnt sure if you were voting so i didnt really count anything.. but thank you so much for the review! ^_^
Lone-Chan: Thank you!
razen: They fight and Sasu stalks... *dies laughing* Golly! That cracked me up sooo bad! ^^ Thanks for voting dear!
DazeWolf: Will do. ^^
Ltf: thanks you for the review!! ^^ You make me feel happy!
Jadejj: darling... were you voting? ^^ I'll count that one in, alright?
beebee: You are most welcome. :)
Anon: Ahhh, keep reading! ^^ You'll know soon enough!
Inuchi: all righty!
The return to innocence: Thanks for voting!!
dreamsraven: Keep reading! our favorite redhead will appear soon enough!! ^_^
Haze: *joins in the bouncing* Thanks for voting!!
To JakotsuHajime2@aol.com and TsuzukiMuraki@aol.com: Thank you BOTH for reading and reviewing!! I feel so loved!! ^_^
Kativachan: ooohh! Naughty! ^_^
Ichigo_Heaven: Darling you are totally too cute!! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!!
idiot_lord: Thank you!!! ^_^
Neko: Yes, i do realize this plot is overused... *shrugs* but i write it since i love AU's like this one... Wait, i did mention that in my first few chapters, hadnt i? *goes to check* Okay, so i did.. ^_^ But thanksfor reviewing!
seph: *dies of cuteness* Darling I dont know what to do!! ^_^ All righty! Since I'm nice and since I'm fair to other readers too- I'll count another vote JUST for you!!! ^_^ I'm terribly sorry to seph plushie and all your other cuteness there.. i cant count their votes! *sniff!* Sorryyyyyy!!!!
blood water: All righty! Vote counted!! ^_^
Kirume: *nods head in agreement* Poor curry!!!! haha.. thanks for the wonderful review!! love lots!!
fire: Hahahaha!!! See you at school you sneaky little darling you!
kaka-she: Thanks for reviewing!!!!!!!!!! ^_^
Kai: Opinions are greatly appreciated dear.. ^^ So.. are you voting??
Camedia: Looking forward to seeing more of you too! ^^
Anon: All right dear.. ^^ (*starts to wonder how many Anon's there are..)
hogo-chan: all righty!!!! ^^ Thanks for the support!!!
neversweet: you have an interesting name... ^_^ haha.. thanks for reviewing!
MedicNinM: *blinks at screen, rubs eyes, blinks at screen* hahaha!! Underdog! Wow, it took me a whole minute to realize who you meant! Gosh- I'm so slow!!! XD
monchy: haha! Thanks for voting!
anna: thanks. :)
Set's Darkness: You, my dear, are one charming reviewer!! Haha! ^_^ I agree, Naruto's dense.. but considering that he came from a background where everyone like, hated him.. *shrugs* ^_^
scottishfae: Darling, you made my day!!!! Thanks for reviewing- i really wouldnt have minded if you voted... i mean, i'm cool with that! But thanks so very much for the support!!
Lulu: Its you! ^_^ You know, i have a classmate i call Lulu- just to tease, mind you. And you remind me of her! haha!
Anon: Okay, so i am now majorly confused... ^_^ How many of you guys are there? Or do you just frequently review? Whatever case, THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! ^_^
lo: Thanks!!
Neko Kate-chan: I love my Kiba and Neji too! ^.^
Likana: Darling, i am SO terribly sorry i havent had time to update and i wasnt able to help you... :( I had my finals for three consecutive days, and i didnt have the chance! But i AM curious... which pairing were you going to vote anyway?
sinsoftime: THANK YOU!! I'm glad you noticed them.. They really mean a lot to me!
Shinda: Aww, thanks!
Jinhito: My thoughts exactly!
Stupidity Unleashed: (Hugs!!!!) Darling, i love you!!! You made me really happy!!! ^_^ This chappie is for you!!
Linku: haha! thanks!!
Dylyan: You know, a lot of Neji Naru fans have been telling me the same thing... hmm... *wanders away to ponder* Thanks for voting!!
MeeraMeeraluv: *reads review then spits out her drink* HAHAA!!! I'm sorry darling, but that comment.. (le sob) it really cracked me up!!!!
fragnatic: Sure thing!
powder07blossom: Darling, i'm sorry.. but i'm not a filipino! My classmate is though... ^_^ She thinks i'd recognize her better if she added a few words.. nyah.. ^_^
Ran-chan: Aww! Hugs and kisses!! I feel loved!! ^.^
digi-girl: Haha! Actually, i'll tell you a little secret.. Kiba's blooper? That potato thing? That really happened to me. ^^ But hey, give me some credit here, i wasnt paying attention.. i thought they were peeled already.
I'm just a baka: My darling baka, thanks for the review!!
Einid: I love your review! ^_^ I'm hoping this WOULD exceed 20 chapters.. think it would be too daunting to read?
Reiko: Miss? *looks behind her back confusedly* who me?! Aww, darling, you dont have to be sooo formal. cookie's fine! *take note- cookie with a small 'c'!* ^_^
Maria: *stares at the screen and falls of laughing*
Tsunaide: why not? Chocolate is good!!! sugarness! ^_^
Kali S.: Dont say that! ^_^ You are wonderful darling! Never think otherwise!
omes: Thanks for reviewing!!
moi: Yes, Neji IS sweet, isnt he? ^_^ Thanks for voting!!
tsusami: Haha! Thanks! Are you a neji fan? ^_^
Draco: Darling Draco! Thank you so much for the review! Made me think about a few things actually.. ^_^
You didnt see anything: I'm sorry dear, I dont really get it.. 'name'? Please enlighten me!! I'm curious! ^_^
Kativachan: All righty!!!
Niiro_Yuuyake: AWWWW!!! I feel so happy!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! ^_^
Gloo: Haha! ^_^ I DID put a warning about OOC-ness, didnt i? But yeah, its AU after all.. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!!!
ManChesterEngland: Aww, you make me feel uber guilty about Neji! *cries and hugs Neji plushie*
Tenshi: does this answer your question?? ^_^
Reader: Dear, you made me think about a lot of things... I'll give you the credit of making me decide on making a NejiNaru fic! I suddenly feel so bad for leading all you Nejinaru fans out there, and then breaking your poor little hearts at the outcome of the poll.. But i have to be fair! ^_^ That aside- you just made me soooooooooooooooo happy!! You have no idea how concious i am about my writing style.. ^_^ Thanks for the ego boost!!
Lost Shinobi: thank you!! ^_^ I hope you wont be lost for too long..
MrsHeeroYuy: *stares at name and screams* You are married to Heero-sama?!!! *sob!* I am too late!!
Shinobi-of-the-mist: I'm sorry darling, i really am. But only one vote counts! *sniff!* Aww, i feel really, really, really bad for you Nejinaru fans.. i'm going to reaaaaaaaally try my best to make another fic just for the them!
clowangel: That's right darling! Your lucky vote is still counted! ^^ Aww, another Neji fan... *sniff* I feel so sad....
Hezzer: I'm glad i made you laugh.. ^_^ Thanks so very much for voting! You made it at the last minute.. ^^
Sasu: (to the one who logged in) Thanks for reviewing... which ideas in particular didnt you like? And my style..? Please do tell, so i may improve.. thanks!
SASUNARU biggest fan looli: Darling, your vote made me laugh! ^^
looli: Are you the same looli from above??? ^_^
*To all Neji and Gaara fans... I apologize sincerely for the disappointment. I hope you continue to stick with me till the very end. I will forever love you if you do. ^^ Cheers!
FINALS ARE OVER!!
And so is the voting! I will now officially close the voting process! ^_^
Thank you to all those who participated and who were kind enough to cast their much appreciated votes- I LOVE YOU WONDERFUL DARLINGS!!
For the sake of formality-
Votes were officially counted on the 7th of January, 2005 and officially ended 14th of January, 2005. The result is as follows:
a) Sasuke x Naruto = 115 Votes!
b) Gaara x Naruto= 9 Votes!
c) Neji x Naruto= 49 Votes!
And the winner is... Sasuke x Naruto!!!!! ^_^
Congratulations to all those who voted this pair! And to those who didn't get their wished pairing- I'm really, really, really sorry! I'll try to do something for you guys just to make it up! I hate to make anyone feel bad... It breaks my heart. :(
With that said- cookie here, returning full duty after a week of absence! (cough*exams*cough) Thank you darlings, for being so patient!
Cheers. ^_^
*********************************************
~~Angels
"I don't think you trust in my
self righteous suicide.
I cry.
When angels deserve to die."
-System of a down
***********************************************
English Class.
Poetry.
Naruto.
Those three did not match, not in any particular order. The blonde frowned at the myriad of words that was neatly printed on the smelly handout he was currently holding. It figured that they were tackling poetry first. Noooooooooo. He did not like poetry- no, wait, he liked it fine- Naruto considered himself pretty much a poetic person- but that did not mean he understood it.
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight."
Naruto cringed, dropping his paper. What?!!! He glanced helplessly at Kiba who was also scratching his head.
"Everybody got their handouts?" Iruka-sensei pipped up from where he was standing up front. "All right, I want you to scan the poems written there, and try picking out your favorite."
Naruto groaned. He couldn't understand Shakespeare, or Wordsworth, OR Browning! Trying to keep as much of his sanity as possible, he decided to stick to the very first one. He continued reading.
"...For the ends of Being and Ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seem to lose
With my lost saints-I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! -and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death."
-Elizabeth Barett Browning.
Naruto took a deep breath. Okay, so basically, the girl loves the guy... and counts the many ways she could love him. Sure. No problem.
"What the fuck?"
The blonde heard Kiba mutter. Naruto sniggered. Apparently, Kiba didn't understand Shakespeare either.
"Try understanding what the poet is trying to tell you." Iruka continued, smiling at the sea of scrunched up faces. "It could be about love... whether unrequited or returned. It could be about hate... revenge... anger... Its up to you to interpret it."
Kiba mumbled. "So this guy writes about a captain dropping dead...? That is so fucked up."
Naruto burst out laughing. Iruka heard him.
"What's so funny, Naruto?" he smiled in a friendly manner. "Care to share?"
Naruto shook his head. "Naw, just Kiba said something funny..."
"I see." Iruka paused, looking thoughtful. "All right then, why not? Naruto, have you got your favorite pick yet?"
The blonde narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Uh... I guess so."
"Wonderful." Iruka clapped his hand. "Why don't you come up to read it to the class?"
"What?!" Naruto stood up, his chair crashing to the floor behind him. "NO! I mean- no thank you, Iruka-sensei!"
"Come on, Naruto, don't be shy." Iruka cajoled. "Just come up here and read to the class what you picked."
Naruto firmly shook his head, picking up his seat and dropping huffily into it. "No way."
"Why not?"
"I don't read poetry." Naruto declared, as if it was an everyday fact.
"That's why you're here." Iruka rolled his eyes. "Come on Naruto, we don't have all day."
The class watched on curiously as Naruto reluctantly stood up, his eyes pleading for somebody- anybody! to help him. Kiba jabbed at his handout. "What did you pick anyway??" he hissed.
"A really crappy one!" Naruto hissed back.
"Naruto?" Iruka raised a brow. "Were waiting."
The blonde dragged himself onto the front. Kiba had pressed his copy of the handout into the blonde's hands as he passed, hissing a quick "Here, read this one- and be dramatic!"
Naruto quickly scanned Kiba's poem, his stomach clenching as he read the words. Kiba... He was going to kill him.
"Okay, try to put some feelings into it." Iruka nodded encouragingly. "Feel the poem. Read it as though you are the one saying the lines. As if you were pouring your heart out to us."
Naruto scowled at him. "I don't make it a habit to pour out my heart to people!"
Iruka ignored him. "Let er rip, then."
The blonde flicked his eyes towards the back where Kiba gave him a thumbs up sign. Naruto fought the urge to stick his tongue at him. Unwillingly, his eyes fell on Sasuke, who chose that moment to look up from his own paper. Naruto quickly looked away at the smirk that was playing on the boys lips. Grr.
"O Captain. My captain. Our fearful trip is done." Naruto began, his lips barely moving as he read the poem off the paper.
"...The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting.
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring-"
"Naruto..."
Naruto stopped reading. "Yeah?"
Iruka held up his index and thumb squeezed together.
"Try to put just a liiiiittle bit of feelings in it, alright?"
Naruto glowered. "How?"
"Well..." Iruka scratched his head. "All right, first off, what do you think the poem is about?"
Naruto glanced ruefully down his paper. "About a captain who dropped dead."
The class laughed.
"Yes, and what about this captain?" Iruka encouraged.
"I don't know." Naruto shrugged. "It sounds to me as if he had some sort of heart attack or something. There's this line here... wait... ah, here it is."
Naruto started reading again.
"...But O heart! Heart! Heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead."
Naruto looked up at Iruka, grinning.
"...See? Heart failure probably. Or maybe he was stabbed at the heart?"
The class erupted into more laughter. Kiba had fallen clean off his desk, shaking with mirth. Iruka put on a pained smile.
"That's a good way to think, Naruto- but try going deeper into the lines. Don't take the words literally."
Naruto shrugged.
"Kay." He glanced back down his paper and opened his mouth to continue.
"O captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up- for you the flag is flung-" Naruto paused.
"Isn't that wrong grammar?"
The girls giggled. Naruto grinned widely. They couldn't figure out if the blonde was being coy, or he was just plain stupid. At the very least, he was amusing. Iruka sighed.
"Just keep reading, Naruto."
"Oh fine... where was I? Oh yeah..." Naruto cleared his throat.
"-for you the bugle trills;
For you a bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths
-for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass,
Their eager faces burning- I mean, turning!
Here captain! Dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the desk
You've fallen cold and dead..."
Iruka looked up when the blonde did not continue. Why did he stop?
"Naruto? What's the matter?"
"Can I stop now?"
Iruka blinked. "Was the poem finished?"
Naruto shrugged. "No."
Iruka tapped his chin. "I suppose that's fine. Thank you Naruto."
Naruto gave a whoop and bounded back to his seat. Iruka hid a smile.
"Oh, and Naruto? To whom do you dedicate this poem to?"
Naruto blinked at him. His face scrunched up as he thought to himself.
"To Kiba!" he replied triumphantly, pointing at the boy. "Since he made me read that crappy thing."
"Hey, I was saving your ASS man!" Kiba protested.
Iruka sighed. "Language, Kiba. All right then- who'd like to go next?"
At this point, many had warmed up to the idea and several hands rose up to the air. Naruto settled back to his seat, glad that the ordeal was done and over with. He playfully whacked Kiba on the head to return the boy's handout and neatly dodged the half hearted swing comeback.
"Shove off, blondie." Kiba bared his teeth, trying to look vicious.
"Oh shut up, Capt'n dog breath."
Kiba made a strangled noise that was halfway between a snarl and a snort. Naruto grinned at him.
"Be quiet," Iruka sent a warning glare their way. "All right, Hayate- you can go next."
Naruto managed to listen for a full five minutes, before quickly losing interest and started doodling on his paper. A nose here... a mouth here... and a bunch of whiskers... tara! He proudly looked at his work. Kyuubi!
Delighted by his masterpiece, Naruto decided to draw more. He never once looked up for the remainder of the class.
"All right, for the last one to read their poem... let's see..." Iruka glanced around the classroom. "Sasuke, how about you?"
Naruto's hand stilled in his doodling and he looked up to gape at Iruka. Was the man mad? He doubted the Uchiha could string together a sentence, let alone a lengthy poem. Naruto's jaw dropped when he heard the scrape of Sasuke's chair as the boy stood up. He was seriously going to do it? He turned around to check if his ears were actually functioning right. Sure enough, the Uchiha had stood up and was making his way over to the front. Naruto eyes widened when he felt a brush of hand on his shoulder- so light, it was barely there. He followed the boy's dark form with confused eyes. What the hell?
Iruka smiled at Sasuke. "And who are you dedicating this to?"
Sasuke shrugged. Noticeably, several female backs straightened, and furtive looks were thrown at each other. Each were thinking the same thing: Sasuke's poem was for HER. Iruka nodded for him to start.
Sasuke smoothened out his paper. Naruto started when stormy black eyes looked up, pinning him to the spot. His jaw slackened as the Uchiha's lips stretched into a slow dark smirk.
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:"
Girls melted into dreamy sighs at the smooth silky voice of the dark haired Uchiha. Naruto snapped back from his daze when those intoxicating eyes moved away from him to glance back at his paper. He shifted uncomfortably and nervously looked around, hoping no one had noticed. No one had. They were too busy gawking at Sasuke.
"Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed,"
Some people blinked. His?
"And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature's changing course untrimmed;"
Sasuke's eyes looked up to meet the blonde's again. This time, Naruto quickly looked away. The Uchiha deliberately slowed his words, his voice suddenly full of unnamed emotions- if that was the right word.
"But thy eternal summer shall not fade," Sasuke softly continued.
"...Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st,
Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st."
The class had fallen silent, enraptured. Naruto swallowed. He dared look up, and was immediately caught in those endless dark eyes. He was drowning.
"So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see," Sasuke whispered, the class hanging on to his every word.
"So long lives this, and this gives life to thee."
Silence followed his finishing line. Faint chirping of birds announcing summer flowers could be heard just outside the window. Iruka was clutching his book to his chest, ultimately moved.
"Wonderful, Sasuke." He choked, giving him a bright smile. "Absolutely wonderful."
The spell was broken.
People started to come to their senses, and the girls broke into squeals and thundering applause.
"Sugoi, Sasuke-kun!"
"Sigh- Sasuke-kun is soooo romantic!!!!"
"Sasuke-kun!!!"
Naruto shivered. Those dark eyes were going to be the end of him. Such dark, endless pools that you can easily drown... drown... drown...
"That person must be very special." Iruka knowingly smiled at Sasuke. He hadn't missed the 'he' in the poem. Definitely noteworthy.
The girls were giggling giddily.
"Sasuke-kun is so shy!"
"Marry me, Sasuke-kun!!"
"I love you too, Sasuke-kuuuuuun!!!!"
Sasuke ignored them.
"Why that particular poem though?" Iruka wondered. "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
Sasuke smirked, shrugging casually.
"Blonde."
Naruto froze.
He was the only blonde guy in the class.
************************************************************************
Reveiw Response!!
First of all, I would like to properly apologize to those reviews I haven't replied to. I'm terribly sorry!!! (sobs) I appreciate your reviews- I really do!
That aside, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all those who took time to tell me what they thought. I honestly, perfectly, absolutely adore you guys for your uber sweet reviews- critiques and suggestions are well appreciated!
To those who hadn't reviewed (or voted) yet, please do! It means the world to all authors, believe me. ^_^ Once again, thank you all!
sherab: Thanks for voting! ^_^ You usually vote only once- but yeah... ^_^
mindy: Thanks for voting. :)
Briryan: Thank you dear... i need all the luck i can get.. ^_^
SimoneV: Haha! All right dear, your wish is my command! ^_^
Moa: Thank you very much! ^_^ Thanks for voting!
Jinx: Thanks sweetie. ^_^
Niuu: Nooooooo!!! Not my candies!!!! ^_^ haha! Im very impressed by your dedication though! Thanks for voting!
Lady D: Awww! You have no idea how much that means to me.. ^^
Sura: Thanks for voting!! .....what's a mofo?
Narubabe: All righty. ^^
dar: thank you for your support. ^^
Sora JR: DARLING, THAT IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NICE OF YOU!!!! (huggggg!!!) Thank you soooo much!! Awww, you made me uber happy today! ^_^ It's people like you guys who make writing so much more worthwhile- I really hope i get to do this right so as not to disappoint. Keep rocking! ^_^
Kitsune: You too!
Trekiael: Dear, you give such nice reviews. :) Makes me think about a lot of things! I am, and i will try my best to keep ALL of you guys happy (though i know thats impossible) and i hope you guys will stick with me till the end! Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
himeyume: *stares at screen and falls off laughing* Darling, i know your cute and all, but i'm sorry! ^_^ Only one vote per person! But since im really nice, if you vote for the second time, i'll count it as an extra vote.. kay?? Thanks for being a such a cute voter!
Tamara: Darling dont cry!!! *heart breaks* I'll try to squeeze in a LOT of Neji-ness just for you!! ^_^
Bakura: Aww, sweetie, you're so cute. ^^
Anon: *confused* I'm pretty sure just a few reviews back you were rooting for Sasuxnaru... hmm.. oh well.. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Zane: hahahaha!! You make my happy! ^^
Mochi~: All righty dear! ^^ Thanks soooooooooo much for being supporting this fic! Happy reading! ^_^
sansty: Thank you! I need all the luck!! ^^
koru: *heart breaks and cries* I'm sorry! I dont mean to make anybody feel bad! *sniff!* It's just that i reply to those who i feel wants to be replied to. I mean, it really shows in the review if that person took time to tell the author a little bit of someting from them.. and i'd like to show my appreciation by replying back. I'm sorry if i tend to forget some peopele... (hangs head)
TenshiKaitou: dont you worry dear... i'll have some more scenes up in a jiffy! ^_^
Saki: Aww, youre such a cutie! ^_^ All righty then.. thanks for voting!!
losthimagain: Its you guys that make us feel very special! Without you wonderful, wonderful readers- we are nothing! ^_^
Kaosu: I wasnt sure if you were voting so i didnt really count anything.. but thank you so much for the review! ^_^
Lone-Chan: Thank you!
razen: They fight and Sasu stalks... *dies laughing* Golly! That cracked me up sooo bad! ^^ Thanks for voting dear!
DazeWolf: Will do. ^^
Ltf: thanks you for the review!! ^^ You make me feel happy!
Jadejj: darling... were you voting? ^^ I'll count that one in, alright?
beebee: You are most welcome. :)
Anon: Ahhh, keep reading! ^^ You'll know soon enough!
Inuchi: all righty!
The return to innocence: Thanks for voting!!
dreamsraven: Keep reading! our favorite redhead will appear soon enough!! ^_^
Haze: *joins in the bouncing* Thanks for voting!!
To JakotsuHajime2@aol.com and TsuzukiMuraki@aol.com: Thank you BOTH for reading and reviewing!! I feel so loved!! ^_^
Kativachan: ooohh! Naughty! ^_^
Ichigo_Heaven: Darling you are totally too cute!! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!!
idiot_lord: Thank you!!! ^_^
Neko: Yes, i do realize this plot is overused... *shrugs* but i write it since i love AU's like this one... Wait, i did mention that in my first few chapters, hadnt i? *goes to check* Okay, so i did.. ^_^ But thanksfor reviewing!
seph: *dies of cuteness* Darling I dont know what to do!! ^_^ All righty! Since I'm nice and since I'm fair to other readers too- I'll count another vote JUST for you!!! ^_^ I'm terribly sorry to seph plushie and all your other cuteness there.. i cant count their votes! *sniff!* Sorryyyyyy!!!!
blood water: All righty! Vote counted!! ^_^
Kirume: *nods head in agreement* Poor curry!!!! haha.. thanks for the wonderful review!! love lots!!
fire: Hahahaha!!! See you at school you sneaky little darling you!
kaka-she: Thanks for reviewing!!!!!!!!!! ^_^
Kai: Opinions are greatly appreciated dear.. ^^ So.. are you voting??
Camedia: Looking forward to seeing more of you too! ^^
Anon: All right dear.. ^^ (*starts to wonder how many Anon's there are..)
hogo-chan: all righty!!!! ^^ Thanks for the support!!!
neversweet: you have an interesting name... ^_^ haha.. thanks for reviewing!
MedicNinM: *blinks at screen, rubs eyes, blinks at screen* hahaha!! Underdog! Wow, it took me a whole minute to realize who you meant! Gosh- I'm so slow!!! XD
monchy: haha! Thanks for voting!
anna: thanks. :)
Set's Darkness: You, my dear, are one charming reviewer!! Haha! ^_^ I agree, Naruto's dense.. but considering that he came from a background where everyone like, hated him.. *shrugs* ^_^
scottishfae: Darling, you made my day!!!! Thanks for reviewing- i really wouldnt have minded if you voted... i mean, i'm cool with that! But thanks so very much for the support!!
Lulu: Its you! ^_^ You know, i have a classmate i call Lulu- just to tease, mind you. And you remind me of her! haha!
Anon: Okay, so i am now majorly confused... ^_^ How many of you guys are there? Or do you just frequently review? Whatever case, THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! ^_^
lo: Thanks!!
Neko Kate-chan: I love my Kiba and Neji too! ^.^
Likana: Darling, i am SO terribly sorry i havent had time to update and i wasnt able to help you... :( I had my finals for three consecutive days, and i didnt have the chance! But i AM curious... which pairing were you going to vote anyway?
sinsoftime: THANK YOU!! I'm glad you noticed them.. They really mean a lot to me!
Shinda: Aww, thanks!
Jinhito: My thoughts exactly!
Stupidity Unleashed: (Hugs!!!!) Darling, i love you!!! You made me really happy!!! ^_^ This chappie is for you!!
Linku: haha! thanks!!
Dylyan: You know, a lot of Neji Naru fans have been telling me the same thing... hmm... *wanders away to ponder* Thanks for voting!!
MeeraMeeraluv: *reads review then spits out her drink* HAHAA!!! I'm sorry darling, but that comment.. (le sob) it really cracked me up!!!!
fragnatic: Sure thing!
powder07blossom: Darling, i'm sorry.. but i'm not a filipino! My classmate is though... ^_^ She thinks i'd recognize her better if she added a few words.. nyah.. ^_^
Ran-chan: Aww! Hugs and kisses!! I feel loved!! ^.^
digi-girl: Haha! Actually, i'll tell you a little secret.. Kiba's blooper? That potato thing? That really happened to me. ^^ But hey, give me some credit here, i wasnt paying attention.. i thought they were peeled already.
I'm just a baka: My darling baka, thanks for the review!!
Einid: I love your review! ^_^ I'm hoping this WOULD exceed 20 chapters.. think it would be too daunting to read?
Reiko: Miss? *looks behind her back confusedly* who me?! Aww, darling, you dont have to be sooo formal. cookie's fine! *take note- cookie with a small 'c'!* ^_^
Maria: *stares at the screen and falls of laughing*
Tsunaide: why not? Chocolate is good!!! sugarness! ^_^
Kali S.: Dont say that! ^_^ You are wonderful darling! Never think otherwise!
omes: Thanks for reviewing!!
moi: Yes, Neji IS sweet, isnt he? ^_^ Thanks for voting!!
tsusami: Haha! Thanks! Are you a neji fan? ^_^
Draco: Darling Draco! Thank you so much for the review! Made me think about a few things actually.. ^_^
You didnt see anything: I'm sorry dear, I dont really get it.. 'name'? Please enlighten me!! I'm curious! ^_^
Kativachan: All righty!!!
Niiro_Yuuyake: AWWWW!!! I feel so happy!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! ^_^
Gloo: Haha! ^_^ I DID put a warning about OOC-ness, didnt i? But yeah, its AU after all.. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!!!
ManChesterEngland: Aww, you make me feel uber guilty about Neji! *cries and hugs Neji plushie*
Tenshi: does this answer your question?? ^_^
Reader: Dear, you made me think about a lot of things... I'll give you the credit of making me decide on making a NejiNaru fic! I suddenly feel so bad for leading all you Nejinaru fans out there, and then breaking your poor little hearts at the outcome of the poll.. But i have to be fair! ^_^ That aside- you just made me soooooooooooooooo happy!! You have no idea how concious i am about my writing style.. ^_^ Thanks for the ego boost!!
Lost Shinobi: thank you!! ^_^ I hope you wont be lost for too long..
MrsHeeroYuy: *stares at name and screams* You are married to Heero-sama?!!! *sob!* I am too late!!
Shinobi-of-the-mist: I'm sorry darling, i really am. But only one vote counts! *sniff!* Aww, i feel really, really, really bad for you Nejinaru fans.. i'm going to reaaaaaaaally try my best to make another fic just for the them!
clowangel: That's right darling! Your lucky vote is still counted! ^^ Aww, another Neji fan... *sniff* I feel so sad....
Hezzer: I'm glad i made you laugh.. ^_^ Thanks so very much for voting! You made it at the last minute.. ^^
Sasu: (to the one who logged in) Thanks for reviewing... which ideas in particular didnt you like? And my style..? Please do tell, so i may improve.. thanks!
SASUNARU biggest fan looli: Darling, your vote made me laugh! ^^
looli: Are you the same looli from above??? ^_^
*To all Neji and Gaara fans... I apologize sincerely for the disappointment. I hope you continue to stick with me till the very end. I will forever love you if you do. ^^ Cheers!