Return To Innocence

Return To Innocence

Author: CloudyFire

Rated: M for violence, language...

Last Time

Sasuke walked out and to the left. If he knew Naruto, the Dobe was going to that ramen stand. He was actually thinking of going there just to see this date, he wasn’t going to stock them or anything just simply going to eat at the same restaurant. Sasuke stopped dead in his tracks, God he was really acting like a jealous boyfriend He couldn’t deny it anymore to himself, he was into the Dobe.

Neighbor Thou Are

Later after that huge revolution, the Uchiha had decided just to eat at, “Burger King” then go home. When he was done Sasuke had stopped by a store, he might as well get some groceries for them now. Walking up towards the big building the illuminated the background. He made his way through the hectic hustle and bustle of the parking lot, glaring at anyone who so much as looked his way. He was in no mood to talk to these people.

He entered, “Stater Bros”, with the air conditioner hitting his face and the blinding lights pressing down on him. Feeling more then seeing the atmosphere becoming more dense and suffocating.

Sasuke nonchalantly made his way through the shelves, picking up things here and there. Listening to the music with half a ear while catching other peoples conversions. He was to the check out station when something caught his eye. Naruto’s ‘crazy’ neighbor was at a different check in station loading his stuff in the cart. Sasuke raised an eyebrow at what he saw the man had. Three huge water jugs, four flour packs, and salt. What was with that? Sasuke quickly gathered his things watching as the man eyed him while he left.

When Sasuke got home, he unlocked his front door and went into the house. He turned and was about to lock the door again when he heard the TV and radio on. Sasuke frowned and stepped into the living room looking around. The TV was on, he thought he turned that off when he left. Going into the kitchen he started to put away the groceries. He than looked at the clock, it was around nine so Naruto was still out. Sighing the Uchiha walked back out into the living room, only to stop at the sound of the shower. Narrowing his eyes he put the keys in his pocket and shifted his stance, staring down the hallway. The sound of the water was coming from that vicinity, which led towards the Dobe's room.

Sasuke quickly sneaked down towards Naruto’s room. He opened the door and could see the lights were on. Did Naruto get back already? A quite check around the room confirmed that he had. He black shirt that he had worn earlier was on the floor and Ramen was by the bathroom door.

Sasuke was ready to leave until he decided that he wanted to make sure it was Naruto in there, and not somebody else. Like a hobo for instance. He quietly went to the bathroom door and opened it up a crack. And almost had a nosebleed in an instant. There the blond was in the shower completely naked. The only thing stopping the Uchiha from the full view was the fucking plastic curtain. He could see a lean figure moving around humming softly, he felt his eyes then begin to wonder down past the firm chest and the fine butt that was displayed only for him. He could also tell Naruto must have been working out with his long legs and lean muscled arms. Sasuke quickly grabbed his nose and shut the door quietly. He then turned and went to his room all the while trying to calm down.

It turned out that Naruto’s date had not shown up at all and that he had eaten and waited for her for over an hour. Naruto had figured that she had an emergency she needed to take care of. Whatever it was Sasuke was happy and humming inside his head. He couldn't very well do that outside of reality, after all he had a reputation to up hold.


Naruto was now in the living room with Shadow by his feet and Ramen on his lap relaxing. It had been over three days since the date disaster and he had tried to call her twice now. Finally he had given up, thinking it was a lost cause. He was currently alone on account that Sasuke had to stay late at College for an mid term exam. Naruto was flipping through the channels, bored as hell, until something caught his eye. Changing it back to the news, he found that there was another victim, apparently they had been found near by a lake. Naruto was going to change it again until he saw the picture the police station reveled. Naruto’s eyes opened wide and dropped the TV remote, there she was, Kathy. Naruto couldn’t believe it. She was murdered right on the date when they were supposed to meet for dinner.

Naruto wearily got up from the couch, no longer at peace. Was it a quintessence she had died just before their date. Was she killed by robbers or something else. He was alone in the house with two animals and possibly something else. He thought back to the thing upstairs. Sasuke said there wasn’t anything up there and that he checked. Maybe he should go over to Tsuande’s until Sasuke came home. Naruto padded through the hall towards his room, looking around.


Naruto quickly grabbed his cell and the dagger like knife before walking towards the door intent on visiting his neighbor. He got outside and looked around making sure nothing was there, locked his door and paced towards his destination. Listening to his shoes as they crunched on the asphalt, and weaving in between parked cars. When he got to the house, he saw that the car was missing, meaning that Tsuande was out. Running a frustrated hand through his hair messily, Naruto tried to think. He could go back home but he just wasn’t comfortable there right now.

He could go to the library and work on his up coming term paper. Naruto nodded his head and headed towards the library. He might not of liked homework but at least he could kill two birds with one stone here. Catching the lights to the building he quickly went in ignoring anyone who was coming or going through the double paned glass doors. Then headed straight up the stairs of the white interior and turned left towards the computer screens. Some people were there typing up things or looking through the internet. Surprisingly there was more people here then he had originally thought. Maybe other college students wanting to finish up their own term papers. When Naruto finally spotted a vacant spot for himself he headed for it in the far corner. He sat down and immediately went online. Thinking about that news report and his almost date.

He wanted to see if the murderers were true and what else the police might have figured out. After a few minutes the site was up. He quickly scanned around finding what he wanted.

But all it said was that there were six murders and that there was one more person missing but the police couldn’t locate him. It was useless, nothing was there. The only real new information he found out was that the victims apparently had spiral shaped symbols on different parts of their bodies. That and it seemed like this guy named Orochimaru was also missing. Apparently some big shot with a lot of money and no relatives.

Naruto huffed before standing up from the cheap chair, and going towards the book section. Maybe they had something about ghosts. He figured with all the chills he was getting, maybe the house was haunted. That or they really needed to start paying the electric bills. He scanned the shelves, until something caught his eye. Naruto grabbed the small book, the binding was covered in green and yellow, creating a disfigured spiral. Looking up briefly when he thought someone was looking his way, he looked back done at the book curiously.

“What’s this,” Naruto said softly to himself. He looked at the cover, ‘Folk Lore and Mystics.’

Flipping through the pages, the blond walked back towards a seat by the corner of a large window. Overlooking the dark streets and passing cars from outside.

“Ghosts usually only haunt one house per entity. They usually don’t bother the living unless they feel threatened and can sometimes touch objects if their anger is justified.”

No this wasn’t helping at all. Naruto flipped some more pages around until a symbol caught his eye. Looking at it closer it was a spiral. He narrowed his eyes trying to remember where he had seen this before. Under the spiral there was a little text about it.


“The Spiral in mythology and supernatural have been reported throughout the centuries on many accounts. It is said that the red Spiral is the color for bad omens in some cultures. It signifies that the end is near...”

"Wait what does it mean by, “the end is near?” Naruto said aloud, before looking into it a little more. His body relaxed and leaning against the chairs back.

“It also states that several cults have used this symbol in the past. Along with rituals to bring the dead back.” Naruto laughed at the description yawning. He was not going to believe this crap anymore. He may be slightly hyper sensitive but this was just ridicules.

Getting up from his chair he checked the time. It was now around eight, so Sasuke should be back. Well so much for studying for that paper, maybe tomorrow. Stretching Naruto left the building feeling like he had accomplished nothing. Once outside he could feel the nice cold air gently blow in his face. Replacing the stuffiness of the building he was just in. He could see that lights were now on too indicating it was officially night. Hunching his shoulders forward with his hands in his pockets Naruto headed right towards home.

He didn't like that it was now dark and that anything could happen. He occasionally looked around tense, wanting to go home and relax. After what felt like an eternity with dodging shadows and making sure to stick in the light of street posts. Naruto saw the familiar curb. He turned and went into the little community. He saw his house had the lights on at the front door and inside, so Sasuke was there. Breathing a little easier Naruto made his way up only to stop. There right in front of him was a large shadow of a person. Naruto immediately took a step back, not because the person had just appeared right there, but because it was his neighbor.

“Hey I was wondering what your name was again.” He said, rather in a bored tone of voice. The blond just stood there dumbfounded. The creepy guy was actually talking to HIM

Stuttering over his words, Naruto inched sideways coming closer to his front door. He did not want to be here with this man in the dark of all things.
“Name’s Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto.” Naruto hesitantly said, getting closer to his door until he was right behind it. He fished for his keys all the while.


“Oh well the names Kakashi” He man said smiling with his one eye, while he reached forward with his other hand towards Naruto.

Naruto just nodded his head, also shaking Kakashi’s hand. Being calm and cool outside. Inside his head though was a completely different reaction. He was dumbfounded, he was actually talking to his neighbor and shaking his hand. This was the same guy who had bordered up all his windows and had stayed outside near his porch ever single day. Watching and waiting to strike, Naruto was sure of it.

“Hn,” Naruto made a sound in his throat. Already unlocking the doors from behind and he was actually doing a good job at it too. Not just because he had practiced it of course. He just wanted to be safe after all.

“So where do you work.” Naruto asked, trying to find out more about this guy.

Kakashi scratched his head, “Oh I own a book store out of town. What about you?” He finished sitting down on the porch.

Naruto felt his hand slowly fall from the door handle, he could stay and talk but he was not going to sit down by him.

“Part time in Wal-Mart and College.” Naruto answered.

“Oh and what about the guy living with you, he your boyfriend?” Kakashi said slyly before winking at the stuttering Naruto.

“NO!” He said rather loudly. Sighing Naruto shook his head. “No he’s just my friend and he goes to College to.” Naruto stopped and really looked at the guy before him. Now that he could see the man, Naruto didn’t even know why he thought he was creepy or strange. He had on a long black shirt that covered his mouth and jeans on. The only really weird part about his was his eye patch. Naruto started to chuckle at his own insecurity.

“I'm glad you think somethings funny." The man replied as he looked Naruto straight in his blue eyes.

"You know, you shouldn’t be out at night.” Kakashi said before leaning back. At Naruto’s questioning stare the man continued.

“You’ve heard about the killer right, he only attacks at night and prefers cute men.” Kakashi finished before bringing out a little orange book.

“Hey I’m not cute! You can’t say that to men.” Naruto demanded now just plain mad but then his eye twitched on the little old harmless book.

“You read that porn trash.” Naruto said slowly. He couldn’t believe it, his Dean was already publishing those things around. Naruto’s only reply was laughter, after that they both sat or stood, in Naruto's case, in comfortable silence.


You know,” Naruto said after awhile. Shifting to get a little more comfortable and staring out into the dark landscape.


“At first I thought you were a stalker or a killer but now all I see is a pervert.” Naruto finished. Crossing his hands over his chest, still peeved about that cute comment earlier. Men were not called cute it just didn't fly with him, handsome was more like it.

There was complete silence for a moment before Kakashi had shifted, putting his long toned hands by his sides and slouching a little forward.

“Oh well at first I thought you were an insane person, but now I see that your still insane and in denial. Anyway I was wondering if I could borrow some salt.” He finished, but Naruto just flung the door open made a rude hand gesture and slammed the door shut. Screaming PERVERT through the door.

“Naruto is that you?” He could hear Sasuke in the living room. The blonde made it into the kitchen having calmed down a little only to fall into a chair. Clasping shaky hands into fists he replied the best he could.

“What do you want Sasuke?” He growled out.

Sasuke came in noticing the shakiness of the blonds voice. He saw Naruto hunched over the table with white knuckled fists in his lap.

“What happened Naruto.” Sasuke said firmly, walking over towards the table.

“It’s nothing it’s just that the neighbor came around and started to talk to me.” Naruto said slowly. He then looked up at Sasuke remembering what Kakashi said, did he really have those kinds of feeling for Sasuke, his friend. Of course not, they were just that, friends and nothing more. He didn't need anything else besides that, Sasuke had been with him since per-school. They had grown up together and had shared many things. But one which Naruto was not going to tell anyone ever if he had the choice.

“What did the guy want.” Sasuke finished sitting down the opposite side from the blond. Naruto looked up shaking the depressing thoughts out of his mind as he focused on his friend's face. Sasuke’s eyes were cold and indifferent, waiting for his friend to continue.

“The guy all of a sudden just came right up to me and asked if he could borrow salt, then he started to talk about random things.” Naruto said squinting his eyes. Usually neighbors asked for sugar or something, not salt. But then the guy wasn’t normal to begin with.

“He asked for salt? Why would he do that when I saw him,” Sasuke stopped at Naruto’s questioning face.

“Yeah he bought some at the grocery store when I was picking up some things.” He finished.

“The guys probably just wanted to come in, or maybe he was really playing me for a fool and wanted to come in here and kill me.” Naruto said dramatically, he knew that guy was suspicious even after the talk.

“Naruto calm down Dobe. No one’s after you. It’s just your stupid imagination.” Sasuke said loudly. He then regretted what he had said almost immediately. Look at he could see Naruto’s head was bowed and his hair was obscuring his eyes from view.

“Naruto.” Sasuke said, putting his hand on the blonds shoulder before it was slapped away harshly.

“Fuck you Sasuke, your just like all the other bastard’s.” Naruto shouted before getting up intent on leaving. He had moved so violently the table shook a little and the chair had toppled over. He didn’t need this shit now. He had a lot to think about.

“Damn it Naruto you know I didn’t mean it like that.” Sasuke shouted right back. His fists tightening up in a ball of rage. Why was Naruto flying off the handle for something so insignificant. Yes the Dobe had a short temper don't there had to be something else behind his rage and anger.

Thinking fast he tried to get the blond to turn back around, wanting to see his eyes, but something hit his face hard making him stumble back. Yelling involuntarily and clutching his cheek.

Sasuke looked up through narrow slitted eyes barring daggers with them. Naruto had hit him, they hadn’t fought like that since high school. Hadn't used physical force since that last time that had landed them both in the hospital.

Something snapped inside of him and the next thing he knew was Naruto and him rolling around the ground physically punching, kicking, and yelling out profanities.

Naruto rolled on top and hit the bastard with his right fist, while Sasuke had bucked up and threw the blond off him, before Sasuke got on top of him again. Naruto literally snarled and kneed the Uchiha in the gut, while Sasuke had punched Naruto in his at the same time. They both broke apart, panting for breathe and holding their stomachs.


“Teme”.


“Baka.”


They both said at the same time glaring at each other. Naruto was determined to win this little fight if it was the last thing. Naruto and Sasuke charged at each other again falling unto the dirty ground rolling around all the while, making a rather large racket not to mention a mess. Distantly they both heard barking and growling in the background.

Finally Sasuke got on top and pinned the blonde to the ground. Naruto was panting from the small scuffle just like Sasuke. Chests heaving and mouths panting for more air. Sweat sliding down their hairline and hearts pounding in excitement.

Heck Naruto didn’t even know why he started to fight with the cold prick in the first place. Maybe it was because he had been tense all day. Or maybe he just needed an outlet for his anger and fear.

Breathing a little more normal now Naruto looked up and could see Sasuke’s dark eyes looking right into his own, like he was searching for something. And was it him or did it seem like his eyes were getting closer. Naruto didn’t like the intense look in them and was about to turn his head, when he felt warm lips crush into his. Snapping his eyes all the way open with surprise he gasped and felt an intruder enter his mouth. He could feel Sasuke’s tongue gently move in his mouth, and before he knew it Naruto was answering it with his own mouth and tongue. He felt wondering hands go to his sides lightly before traveling up towards his clothed chest. All the while Naruto's hands were idle by his sides, not knowing what was actually happening or going though the ravens head. Breaking the kiss, Naruto panted for air, looking up at Sasuke with wide blue eyes.

Sasuke looked down and just stared into blue depths before shaking his head and quickly getting up. Naruto also got up before exiting for his room in a rush, leaving Sasuke to stand there and think. Not saying anything nor turning around to see what the Teme was doing.


Naruto slammed his door closed and cursed, Holy Shit Sasuke had kissed him and he kissed back.

Naruto ran his hand through his hair, messing it up, pacing back and forth. Trying to ponder this insane new development. He felt like screaming on top of his lungs, but he settled for jumping on his bed. Ramen who was sitting on the bed watching Naruto, jumped up onto the blond's lap and settled back down again purring. Naruto angrily snatched up the TV remote changing through the channels. His hands having to be used in some way or he thought he would have ripped out his hair by now. He was trying and failing to forget what happened. He sighed angrily through his nose before touching his lips.

‘It had felt rather warm and nice, he wouldn’t mind doing it again.’ Ok where had that thought come from. This was Sasuke he was thinking about. The cold emotionless jerk that he had known since childhood.

Sure he had known Sasuke throughout his life all twenty-three years practically so maybe his body all of a sudden wanted to start experimenting again. God no he was not a teenage with crazy hormones anymore. This was hopeless, he had decided, and just laid back staring up into the ceiling all throughout the night thinking about the stupid kiss.

When morning came, the blonde was so tired he just wanted to laze in his bed all day. Naruto rubbed his hands on his face before squinting his eyes in the morning sun. He got up jumped, off the bed but stopped in his tracks. His bathroom door was open, why was it open.

He didn’t take a shower yesterday so maybe Sasuke went into his room. After he had semi fallen asleep to barrow shampoo or soap. Grunting he walked in through the doorway frame, standing by before flicking the lights on. He checked and made sure nothing was there before splashing cold water on his face and changing from the clothes he had picked up off the floor when he headed towards the bathroom. Naruto exited the tiled floor and went straight out of the room, down the hall, he kept tripping on his own feet the whole way. His vision just a blur of colors and shapes. His mind a blissful blank even as the events of yesterday had stared to catch up with him.


Looking around the living room and kitchen it seemed that Sasuke had already left for work. While Naruto had to go to College. He would have stayed home but he had a test in English and Math today and frankly he couldn’t miss any of them. Naruto grabbed his things and headed towards the front door only to feel warmness on the bottom of his feet. Looking down with a eyebrow raised he saw a puddle of yellow. Naruto turned narrowing his eyes at the dog who was standing by the small fireplace looking at it again.

Naruto growled blaming Sasuke for not taking the dog outside. He dropped his things on the group and stalked up to Shadow, but stopped when he smelt something foul. Naruto winkled his nose and turned his head walking a little towards the hall again.

The smell was getting a little stronger. It smelt like something might have died. Why hadn't he smelt it before now. Naruto shook his head, he didn’t have time for this right now. He walked back and grabbed Shadow's collar, before finding that the dog had peed again on the carpet by the fireplace. The dog fought him tooth and nail before Naruto had finally dragged the dog into the tiled kitchen. He did not know why the dog was acting like this but he could not stay in the house today. He went outside and chained Shadow up before going back inside. Frustrated and hoping he would not be late for his exams.


Watching the dog outside Naruto frowned now seriously getting worried. The dog was acting so strange.

He would wait for Sasuke to come home to deal with his own dog. Naruto closed the back door, locked it and went back to get his stuff by the front door before exiting and locking it back up. Naruto walked out letting the cold morning air hit him before slowly walking down the street. Today was not going to be his day. He still had to talk with Sasuke too about what had transpired last night.

He arrived at College more edgier then usual. He had felt like someone was watching him the whole morning and with the tests on top of that. He just needed to calm down and relax, but how could he, when Sasuke had kissed him. Which he found out from a long talk in his mind that he liked it. Even thought he knew it was insane, and then the dog.

Why was the dog peeing everywhere, Shadow had never done anything like that. He was well trained.

Tightening his backpack Naruto walked up towards the buildings walking left and right past people and their groups. His mind a jumble with half thought out plans and theories.

The building's he was walking up to this time were much newer, with tan paint on the outside and soft vanilla paint on the inside. All the halls were clean and tiled, with classrooms that had automatic door systems. And bright light streaming in through the many windows.


Around 3:25pm Naruto was done and felt a little better. He had talked to some of his friends and had felt like he aced both tests, maybe today wasn’t so bad after all. But he still felt tired as hell and just wanted to sleep. He had tried to call Sasuke but with his mind on other things from last night he had forgot to charge his stupid cell. And it looked like Sasuke wasn’t even going to come home until eleven or so because of some convention thing.


Naruto headed towards his well known route for home. He looked around seeing that people were getting ready for the holidays, putting up Christmas trees and reefs on the doors and small lights flashing. Seeing presents surrounded by green pines and like figurine like angels dotting the tops of those trees.

This was one of the holidays the blond liked the most. That and Halloween though he hated Halloween at the same time. He liked to see the costumes on kids and give out candy or eat it, but it was also the time of the year where his friends would try to scare the hell out of him. Which they had succeeded this year as well as last year also. But with Christmas there was nothing to be afraid of, well maybe spending more money and having to deal with unhappy relatives, but that was the holidays for you.


Smiling a little he turned to his street, also seeing the festivities, and ran into Tsuande. She was setting up a large reindeer on her porch. The Christmas lights blinking in and out throughout the dully in the still sunny day.

“Hey Old hag, I thought you detested the holidays.” Naruto said walking up.

“No brat I actually like it. It gives me an excuse to show off.” She said laughing, Naruto joined in.

“Hey so have you heard anything about the creepy neighbor.” Naruto questioned sitting on the porch stairs.

“No not really, he’s every hard to read, that man. I only found out that he used to work as a detective that hunted down cults and psychopaths” Tsuande murmured. She turned around seeing that something was troubling the blond.

“Hey what’s wrong Naruto? Are you really that worried over that guy.” She finished also sitting down. Dropping her colorful reef on the floor beside her feet.

Naruto hummed looking around. He could see that the other neighbors were also getting ready for the holiday. No he wasn’t too interested in his neighbor anymore it was the other one.

“Well it’s about Sasuke...” And then Naruto went into dept of what happened. He could tell Tsuande anything and she usually knew what do to. She always found a way with words for him, and helped him better understand what was going on in this crazy world he lived in.

“... And that’s about it.” Naruto finished, looking back at her. He was surprised when she smiled and laughed at him.

“Naruto it’s not up to me but up to you. Do you think you like him in that way?” Was her parting words.

Naruto got up and headed home still thinking about what she said. Tsuande was smart for her age but she would always say cryptic things towards the blond that just confused him more often then not. Was it what he wanted, what did that mean exactly. They were just friends right? Yeah friends that kissed, and liked it...

TBC

Naruto's so contradicting, until next time, R&R

ClouyFire