Complete~
Who: Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Neji.
What: Naruto wanted to go stargazing with Neji~ This was the result.
When: April 23rd (backlog)
Where: Neji's place first then they head over to Naruto's.
Warnings: Cute? Naruto romancing!? What! I am OCD and color coded everything? Hope ya'll can tell which is which. ;;; |3
It was a bit late--but Naruto had a feeling Neji was still up. Otherwise, he'd still be at home where Axel was. But currently, he was heading to Neji's apartment. he wondered who his roommate was, and if they were nice. Was it a girl, or a guy?
The blond strolled up to the door, dusting himself off--which was just his loincloth. That was it--just his loincloth, and the rest was a bare Naruto (minus some grass bracelets he had twined together out of boredom that day) In his hands was his Pod, which he had gotten the hang of rather easily.
Naruto knocked on the door.
Of course, he was right; Neji was awake and he was staring out the window of his . . hut, was it? He wasn't sure, but it was odd and he already missed his apartment and the rest of his clothes.
Glancing down at his robes, he turned and fell backwards onto his bed with a grunt, wincing ever so slightly when his head almost hit the edge. Stupid island . . The sound of knocking made him look up, pale eyes blinking while he moved to go answer it.
And when the door was opened, Neji stared. ``..Naruto?``
"Yo." Naruto smiled, saluting, standing and leaving... very little to the imagination.
...But then again very little probably wasn't the best term to use...
"Sorry to drop by so late," The bandages Naruto had been put into by the dark-haired shinobi were already gone, leaving his skin as flawless as it had been before. Naruto looked around the small tiki hut. "...But I figured you weren't alseep yet... were you'ttebayo? I'll go home if that's the case..."
He continued to stare for a long moment then shook his head, lifting his hand to touch his forehead. ``Hello.``
Neji took a step back and dropped his arm, allowing the other male to come into the hut. ``No, I was not sleeping. I was merely staring out the window and wondering how everything suddenly changed from modern to a jungle.``
Once Naruto was inside, he moved back towards his room, hoping that the other knew to follow.
"Yeahhh..." Naruto nodded, trying to keep his voice low. After all--they all had roommates, and he didn't want to wake up the other if they happened to be sleeping. "I wonder that too! And our clothes! Man... I hope they come back 'ttebayo! It's the only set I got." he brightened. "...But this loincloth I made is awesome! Not only is it comfy it..."
He rambled a bit as he followed Neji. Finally, however, he got to the point.
"Oh, but, I came here for a reason, dattebayo."
Neji was hoping that Kio was asleep, but if he wasn't, he hoped that his roommate would get there soon. He continued towards his room, pushing aside the leather flap that was supposedly something akin to a door, but it was not even close.
He listened to the blond ramble on, fighting off the urge to smirk towards his thoughts on the loincloth.
``Oh, did you?`` he asked, turning to look back at him from the doorway.
"Yeah ttebayo!" The blond nodded, his golden locks very bright in the dimly lit hut and he gestured towards Neji. "Can I see your Pod, please?"
The Hyuuga raised an eyebrow, moving over to his bed and picking up the L337Pod there, turning to hold it out towards the other now. ``What do you need it for?``
Naruto took the pod. He messed with his, a few beeping noises being made, before pressing a button on Neji's.
He paused.
Finally, the Pods beeped simultaneously, and the blond brightened, handing Neji's back over to him. "Here you go, dattebayo!"
On the screen of Neji's Pod, was a message saying a transfer of Monies had been confirmed.
Naruto had paid him back for the dinner he bought him yesterday--and a little more.
Neji blinked slowly, watching the blond with the two pods and listening to the beeping noises silently.
He reached out to take his pod when it was offered to him, looking down at the screen curiously.
The message made his eyes widen just barely, head tilting back up so he could stare at the younger nin.
``Naruto,`` he started, shaking his head. ``You did not have to pay me back . . ``
"I know I didn't have to dattebayo." Naruto shrugged noncommittally towards the other Leaf nin. "I wanted to." He looked down at his own Pord before smiling softly towards Neji. "So don't sweat it!" Besides, Naruto had hunted down monsters (in his loincloth) killed them (in his loincloth) and then collected the Monies until he had enough to pay Neji back, as well as enough to buy some more food (in his loincloth).
``Well, thank you then.`` He bowed his head for a moment then straightened back up, biting the inside of his cheek much like he had done when they had met up the first time, but not quite as hard.
``Naruto-kun, would you like some pants? I do have an extra pair and I am sure that . . thing you are wearing is not that comfortable.`` That and the blond was rather distracting without pants.
"This?" Naruto gestured to his loin, then grinned at Neji. "It's really comfortable'ttebayo! I should make you one so you can see--it's awesome!" The Konoha nin spared a glance out the window. "Besides--the island is tropical now dattebayo. The weather is all warm--so this keeps the rest of me cool!"
As badly as he wanted to protest again, the other part of him said to give it up because this was a battle that he wasn't going to win. ``Whatever makes you comfortable,`` he murmured, moving to sit down on the edge of the bed and glancing back towards the window.
"Hey, don't sit down yet!" Naruto proclaimed, shaking his head. "Wanna head outside? The stars are out dattebayo. We should go star-gazing together!" From anyone else, it would have sounded romantic--hell. It even sounded just a smidgen romantic from Naruto. He didn't look like the type to stargaze.
Neji blinked then moved to stand up, giving Naruto a slightly confused look. Why shouldn't he sit yet? Though, that question was answered rather quickly.
``Star gazing?`` he asked, tilting his head then lifting his hand to brush his fingers through his bangs, moving some of the loose strands back. ``. . . what brought this on exactly?``
"Well, there are no more streetlamps and stuff'ttebayo!" Naruto gestured outside. "Because of that, the stars are really bright! And there's not much else to do. But what better atmosphere dattebayo? We talked a little yesterday, but we need to catch up! All the missions we've both been on, hobbies, things we can do on the island, your job--things like that!"
For a long minute, the brunet just stared at his friend, pale eyes blinking thoughtfully. He had no idea that Naruto had even once looked at the stars, though one couldn't judge a book by its cover. ``Alright then, Naruto,`` he paused, moving towards the window to glance out then looking back at the blond. ``Let's go.``
"Lets!" The blond nodded, turning around to lead Neji away...
....Oh. Did he mention that the loin only covered the front? It basically became a thong in the back but, Neji would certainly notice now.
"My house's roof is still pretty secure dattebayo. We can lay there!"
And as soon as Naruto turned around, Neji paled (which was still somehow possible, despite how pale he already was), his eyes widening as he was left staring at Naruto's rather bare backside.
He brought his hand up and cupped it over his eyes, hoping that his face wasn't red because he was obviously embarrassed.
``Right.`` With an almost silent sigh, he moved to trail after the other nin, doing his best to not run into anything. These eyes do not fail me, but sometimes . . I wish they did.
Naruto led Neji back to his house. Upon arriving, he instantly jumped up, peering down and waiting for the other male to follow him. As soon as it looked like Neji was headed up, he sat, splaying himself out on the rooftop and putting his hands behind his head, staring up at the night sky.
"It's so clear dattebayo!" He stated.
It was oddly easy to trail the blond when he was standing next to him, so instead of following, he made sure to stay next to Naruto instead. When the other male jumped up to the roof, Neji shut his eyes again and waited until he was sure that it was safe to jump up next to him.
He stared up at the sky, nodding slowly and moving to sit next to him. ``Very much so.``
"So you think these are the same stars?"
Naruto stared up at them, cerulean eyes staring up at the darkened sky thoughtfully.
He shifted slightly, leaning backwards next to the blond so he could look up better. Naruto was right; everything was very clear tonight.
``Yes, I think that they are. Perhaps the others in Konoha are watching also.``
".....Yeah." Naruto nodded slowly, eyes never drifting from the glowing bright lights above them. He went quiet for a few moments before finally speaking again.
"The stars kind of remind me of your eyes'ttebayo..."
Shifting again, he pulled his legs up and pressed his feet down to keep himself braced, crossing his arms over his stomach. He enjoyed the silence for the few seconds that it lasted, though Naruto's words made him look over.
``And how do you figure that?``
"They're bright'ttebayo. They stand out against a turbulent sea of glittering, swirling mist and the dust of a world far beyond us--like your eyes staring from past your waves of midnight hued hair."
Neji blinked slowly, staring towards the other Konoha nin in slight shock. He kept his arms locked over his stomach for a moment then eventually lifted one up, fingers rubbing against one of his cheeks which he was sure were turning red.
``Wow, Naruto. I . . ah . . wow,`` he repeated.
"...Wow what?" Naruto gave him a blank look, clearly confused. "...You asked me a question and I answered dattebayo. Did I say something wrong?"
He shook his head towards the look Naruto was giving him and stared back up at the stars for the moment, a light smile crossing his face afterwards. ``No, not at all.``
"That's good to know." Naruto laid back down, staring up at the stars once more. They really were bright.... it was nice. He was very comfortable where he was--the weather was nice, the scenery was pleasant, and so was the company. Despite the fact he had no clue where he was, he knew with Neji around, a trusted comrade, things would be okay.
He knew they would. Somehow.
Naruto could only hope Neji felt the same. The blond allowed his eyes to connect the stars on a few constellations.
"...How are things? You said you've been here for a month and a half..."
``Hmm,`` he mused, nodding his head towards the other then looking back up once again. The twinkling stars above them were helping him relax and that was something that he hadn't been able to do in . . he couldn't even remember the last time.
But now here he was, laid out on the roof of a tiki hut with someone that he could actually call a friend.
His smile widened for a moment then faded away soon after, head tilting towards the question.
``...I suppose they are just a daily routine.``
"Well you said you work..." Naruto mused. "...And then there's Itachi... and you mentioned someone named Lavi... a friend? Do you do anything else here on the island'ttebayo?"
``I do,`` he murmured, stretching his arms above his head then tucking them underneath his neck. ``Lavi . . `` Neji glanced away when he repeated the name, doing his best to not seem too obvious about anything. ``Not really.``
"Hmmm..." Naruto listened to Neji's soft, precise (kind of) answers. He wondered if perhaps he and Neji could end up exploring.
"Maybe when you're not busy with work, and Itachi and this Lavi guy," Naruto began, "We could hang out! And you could show me more around the island dattebayo! It's kind of boring exploring alone... though I guess I could ask Axel, maybe..." Maybe.
He knew that his answers weren't much, but he really wasn't sure what else he was suppose to say aside from that. Sometimes the island does weird things? Sometimes we lose clothes? Yes, because that sounded just about right.
Neji looked over once again, nodding and moving his arms, propping himself up onto his elbows so he could better see the other male. ``I am usually free when I am not working.``
"Okay. We can contact each other using the Pods then." Naruto held his upward over his head, staring at it and playing the with buttons. "Man, am I ever glad for The Network. But... I really miss Konoha." He grinned, glancing at Neji. "Especially the ramen stand Ichiraku! Oh man--that old man can make a mean bowl of miso soup!"
``That works for me.`` Lowering his hand, Neji touched the device in his pocket and tilted his head back, trying to keep his attention on the stars, though he was enjoying talking to Naruto also.
He nodded once more to show his agreement, bringing his hand back up to touch his forehead then gazing over at the blond beside him. ``You know, you do not always have to go to the sushi place to get ramen. I could make it.``
"Really'ttebayo?!" Excitement suddenly flooded Naruto's voice. His blue eyes shot over to Neji, wide. "You would? Wait. You can cook?"
The excitement was nothing new to him, but he did raise an eyebrow towards the question, pushing himself up into a complete sit now. ``Of course I can,`` he stated, lifting his arm to prop his elbow up on his knee, his cheek in his palm.
"Well, I dunno, I figured if you went on missions with Team Gai... Tenten would cook'ttebayo." Not that he was trying to be sexist, but, Neji.... cooking... over a stove? With an apron maybe? He grinned at the thought.
``It was not that hard to teach myself.`` He lifted his shoulders in a shrug, glancing down at the roof edge then shutting his eyes. ``I knew before I came here, but if I hadn't, I might have gone a few days without food until I had learned to cook.``
"Man," Naruto let out, shaking his head. "I can't cook at all. If I had to do it to save my life, I'd just tell them to kill me then and spare me the humiliation'ttebayo." The blond lips lifted in a smile as he stared up at the night sky. "But that sounds great dattebayo! A homecooked batch of ramen! Dammit. At this rate I'm going to be owing you my left arm Neji!" He laughed.
``Well, let's hope that you won't have to cook for a living then, hm?`` The words left him in a joking manner and of course, he was quick to notice it and it made him purse his lips together. It was strange to be so calm around someone.
His hand lifted, waving slightly as he leaned back on the roof once more, tucking his arm underneath his head. ``You won't owe me anything.``
"Hmmm." But to Naruto, he would owe Neji--though it wasn't the same kind of owing he had felt when Neji had paid for his meal upon arrival. No--this was a different kind--one that pressed Nauto to attempt to be a better friend and person. Who knew--Neji could possibly be the only one from his former life in Konoha that he would ever see again, and he didn't want to grow apart.
The blond shifted on the roof.
"....Hey, remember what you said about those pants'ttebayo?" he said after awhile. "...It's... getting kind of chilly."
...It was a bit of a lie, yes. But what better way to extend a hand in friendship than to accept, gratefully, what was offered to you.
And that would be how he'd repay him.
Neji continued staring up at the stars, his hand underneath his hand clenching for a moment then loosening up once again, soft lavender eyes slipping shut. He let out a sigh, trying not to shift again.
He glanced over again when he heard him.
``Ah, you want them now?`` he asked, moving to push himself up then stand fully.
``I can go run and get them for you.`` Stretching his arms, he gripped his left arm and tugged slightly until it popped then did the same with the right, shaking his limbs out.
"Uh, okay," Naruto stated, holding back a protest. "I guess I'll just wait here. On this building." Like he was going anywhere.
``Alright,`` he replied, bowing his head towards the other nin then moving forwards and jumping right off the roof, taking off in a quick sprint when he was back on his feet.
"...." Naruto watched him run off before laying back down on the roof, staring up at the stars. Things were so strange. Never before had he and Neji talked so much--or even spent time in the other's company. But now all of a sudden--they were always together! He wondered if it would remain that way.
And did he mind?
He wasn't sure yet. But time would tell...
Neji continued running forwards, jumping up to the window of his hut when he got there, gripping onto the windowpane and pulling himself through rather easily. He began to search then eventually found the pair of sweatpants he had, slipping back out the window now.
He headed back towards Naruto's house, thoughts wandering between one too many things. It gave him a headache when this happened.
Crouching slightly, he jumped back up to the roof, landing easily next to the blond and holding the pants out.
Naruto's mind had been wandering too, but on more pleasant things such as ramen and the rasengan technique. He took the pants from Neji, giving him a 'thanks' as he sat up, raising his legs and shimmying them on. His final movement required the lifting of his bottom in order to slide the sweats over the hump there, and he settled back down, tucking the loincloth past the elastic band.
"Awesome'ttebayo," Was all he said, before turning onto his side and grinning at Neji.
Nodding towards the thanks, he moved to sit next to him once again, pulling his legs up and resting his elbows onto his knees, keeping his attention on the sky until he was sure that Naruto was decent. He eventually glanced over, fingers curling into a fist against his cheek.
``Mhmm,`` he mused, blinking lightly then offering the blond a small smile.
Naruto continued to chatter with Neji, mostly stories about what he was going to do on Salkia, such as fishing, surfing, treasure-hunting, and all other sorts of activities he never got to pursue while in Konoha. His desire to return home was apparent, but it was easy to tell that although he hadn't given up hope of getting home, he knew it may be some time before he did.
Before they did.
After a good while of talking, Naruto yawned, covering his mouth.
The Hyuuga listened to the other silently for the most part, ever so often giving him an answer whenever he figured he needed one or nodding his head slowly to show that he was paying attention. He wasn't sure when they would be able to do all the things Naruto wanted to do, but they had all the time in the world now.
They weren't going anywhere anytime soon.
He looked over when Naruto yawned, tilting his head to the side. ``Tired?``
"A bit yeah," Naruto stated, nodding his head. He yawned again, patting at his mouth with his hand. "...I didn't sleep so well last night'ttebayo..."
He raised an eyebrow towards that, turning so he was facing the blond and pulling one leg up, resting his elbow onto his knee, his cheek in his palm. ``Why didn't you sleep so well last night?``
"You know, how if you sleep someplace that isn't familiar'ttebayo, you just have this feeling of unease? It was like that." And Naruto wondered how long it would take that feeling to go away--if it would ever go away. But he had his own set of worries right now to think about alongside it.
``Ah, so you were worried about sleeping in a new place? I can understand that.`` He pulled his other leg up now, resting his elbow onto that one and looking down at the roof. ``I have been here for so long and I still feel that way at times.``
That's what Naruto was afraid of. It was apparent, as he pouted, then tried to sink into the rooftop.
"Thanks Neji dattebayo." He uttered.
Neji looked up and blinked slowly, a frown crossing his face afterwards. He had said something wrong without noticing it for once.
``..I am sorry, Naruto. I did not mean for it to sound like that.``
"I know, but..." Naruto sighed, but it quickly turned into a yawn. Good thing he was on top of his house. "...I don't want to feel that way'ttebayo... it's good you're here but.... maybe if there were more people... I wouldn't feel as homesick..."
He felt a pang of hurt go through him, his hand moving to press against his chest before he shook it away and straightened up a bit. Of course, Naruto would miss his closer friends more. ``Perhaps some others will show up.``
"I feel weird that I just can't sleep dattebayo. All these strangers surrounding me..." The blond glanced over at Neji. "...You're the only one here, as far as I'm concerned..."
``So,`` he paused, moving to push himself up into a stand and offering the blond shinobi his hand, resting the other onto his hip for a moment. ``Why don't you try sleeping now? I'll stay with you while you do that.``
Naruto took the offered hand without hesitation. "You sure?" he asked, rising to his feet with the other's help.
Neji nodded slowly, helping pull the other male onto his feet, a slow smile finding its way across his face. ``Yes, I am sure. You do need to sleep, Naruto.``
"I was sleeping'ttebayo! Just not well." But he didn't reject Neji's offer, and he jumped down from the roof, onto the ground in front of the door. "Come on in dattebayo."
He opened the front door for the Hyuuga.
``Ah, my mistake,`` replied the older nin, bowing his head for a moment. He waited until Naruto jumped down and followed after him, landing gracefully next to him in front of the door to the house.
``Thank you.`` He inclined his head once again before heading inside.
Naruto closed the door after them, heading upstairs to the bedrooms. He glanced down the hall, wondering if Axel was in that night before moving the flap to his own bedroom, heading directly to the bed.
"Sleep-time come to meeeee~" The blond stated in a sing-song voice, flopping down into it. "Mmmm..."
Neji trailed after the blond, his arms pressed against his sides and his eyes closed, allowing his other senses to lead him. It felt odd not seeing, but he had been doing this a lot lately to help with other things.
He stopped in the doorway, holding the flap back then moving into the room, sliding into a sit against the edge of the bed.
Naruto opened one eye.
"You can get on the bed dattebayo." He murmured, looking over at Neji who was on the floor by his bed before closing his eyes again. "When I sit on the floor for long periods my butt hurts."
His head tilted back so he could look at Naruto, pale eyes blinking before he lifted his arms and grasped the edge of the bed, pushing himself up and onto it.
He wanted to ask Naruto what he had been sitting on the floor for, but it didn't really matter. Did it? ``Go to sleep, Naruto.``
"Mm hm."
Naruto's eyes were still closed. The blond was already halfway there, really. He shifted, slowly turning to lay on his back, facing the ceiling.
He pulled his legs up and crossed them over eachother, setting the back of his hands against his knees, curling his fingers into his palms and shutting his eyes.
Neji would stay for as long as Naruto needed; he didn't need to sleep and he had gone days without it lately.
There was a bit of silence as Naruto's breathing filled the air.
Finally, the blond fell asleep. The youth's face relaxed slowly, taking on it's softened look of absolute serenity as he drifted into sleep. Naruto lay in bed, his breathing lifting his blond bangs off of his forehead (they were rather long with no headband), gently fluttering in the air.
Once Naruto's breathing steadied into that of a sleeping state, he let his eyes open and glance over towards the blond, watching how peacefully he slept.
A gentle smile crossed his face, there and gone in mere seconds before he closed his eyes once again and tightened his hands some, allowing his mind to slip back into complete thoughtlessness, silent meditation.
``Sleep well, Naruto,`` he whispered, allowing the silence to take over once more.
Naruto merely slept on. It was certainly easier falling asleep... when someone who cared for was close by to watch over you.
What: Naruto wanted to go stargazing with Neji~ This was the result.
When: April 23rd (backlog)
Where: Neji's place first then they head over to Naruto's.
Warnings: Cute? Naruto romancing!? What! I am OCD and color coded everything? Hope ya'll can tell which is which. ;;; |3
It was a bit late--but Naruto had a feeling Neji was still up. Otherwise, he'd still be at home where Axel was. But currently, he was heading to Neji's apartment. he wondered who his roommate was, and if they were nice. Was it a girl, or a guy?
The blond strolled up to the door, dusting himself off--which was just his loincloth. That was it--just his loincloth, and the rest was a bare Naruto (minus some grass bracelets he had twined together out of boredom that day) In his hands was his Pod, which he had gotten the hang of rather easily.
Naruto knocked on the door.
Of course, he was right; Neji was awake and he was staring out the window of his . . hut, was it? He wasn't sure, but it was odd and he already missed his apartment and the rest of his clothes.
Glancing down at his robes, he turned and fell backwards onto his bed with a grunt, wincing ever so slightly when his head almost hit the edge. Stupid island . . The sound of knocking made him look up, pale eyes blinking while he moved to go answer it.
And when the door was opened, Neji stared. ``..Naruto?``
"Yo." Naruto smiled, saluting, standing and leaving... very little to the imagination.
...But then again very little probably wasn't the best term to use...
"Sorry to drop by so late," The bandages Naruto had been put into by the dark-haired shinobi were already gone, leaving his skin as flawless as it had been before. Naruto looked around the small tiki hut. "...But I figured you weren't alseep yet... were you'ttebayo? I'll go home if that's the case..."
He continued to stare for a long moment then shook his head, lifting his hand to touch his forehead. ``Hello.``
Neji took a step back and dropped his arm, allowing the other male to come into the hut. ``No, I was not sleeping. I was merely staring out the window and wondering how everything suddenly changed from modern to a jungle.``
Once Naruto was inside, he moved back towards his room, hoping that the other knew to follow.
"Yeahhh..." Naruto nodded, trying to keep his voice low. After all--they all had roommates, and he didn't want to wake up the other if they happened to be sleeping. "I wonder that too! And our clothes! Man... I hope they come back 'ttebayo! It's the only set I got." he brightened. "...But this loincloth I made is awesome! Not only is it comfy it..."
He rambled a bit as he followed Neji. Finally, however, he got to the point.
"Oh, but, I came here for a reason, dattebayo."
Neji was hoping that Kio was asleep, but if he wasn't, he hoped that his roommate would get there soon. He continued towards his room, pushing aside the leather flap that was supposedly something akin to a door, but it was not even close.
He listened to the blond ramble on, fighting off the urge to smirk towards his thoughts on the loincloth.
``Oh, did you?`` he asked, turning to look back at him from the doorway.
"Yeah ttebayo!" The blond nodded, his golden locks very bright in the dimly lit hut and he gestured towards Neji. "Can I see your Pod, please?"
The Hyuuga raised an eyebrow, moving over to his bed and picking up the L337Pod there, turning to hold it out towards the other now. ``What do you need it for?``
Naruto took the pod. He messed with his, a few beeping noises being made, before pressing a button on Neji's.
He paused.
Finally, the Pods beeped simultaneously, and the blond brightened, handing Neji's back over to him. "Here you go, dattebayo!"
On the screen of Neji's Pod, was a message saying a transfer of Monies had been confirmed.
Naruto had paid him back for the dinner he bought him yesterday--and a little more.
Neji blinked slowly, watching the blond with the two pods and listening to the beeping noises silently.
He reached out to take his pod when it was offered to him, looking down at the screen curiously.
The message made his eyes widen just barely, head tilting back up so he could stare at the younger nin.
``Naruto,`` he started, shaking his head. ``You did not have to pay me back . . ``
"I know I didn't have to dattebayo." Naruto shrugged noncommittally towards the other Leaf nin. "I wanted to." He looked down at his own Pord before smiling softly towards Neji. "So don't sweat it!" Besides, Naruto had hunted down monsters (in his loincloth) killed them (in his loincloth) and then collected the Monies until he had enough to pay Neji back, as well as enough to buy some more food (in his loincloth).
``Well, thank you then.`` He bowed his head for a moment then straightened back up, biting the inside of his cheek much like he had done when they had met up the first time, but not quite as hard.
``Naruto-kun, would you like some pants? I do have an extra pair and I am sure that . . thing you are wearing is not that comfortable.`` That and the blond was rather distracting without pants.
"This?" Naruto gestured to his loin, then grinned at Neji. "It's really comfortable'ttebayo! I should make you one so you can see--it's awesome!" The Konoha nin spared a glance out the window. "Besides--the island is tropical now dattebayo. The weather is all warm--so this keeps the rest of me cool!"
As badly as he wanted to protest again, the other part of him said to give it up because this was a battle that he wasn't going to win. ``Whatever makes you comfortable,`` he murmured, moving to sit down on the edge of the bed and glancing back towards the window.
"Hey, don't sit down yet!" Naruto proclaimed, shaking his head. "Wanna head outside? The stars are out dattebayo. We should go star-gazing together!" From anyone else, it would have sounded romantic--hell. It even sounded just a smidgen romantic from Naruto. He didn't look like the type to stargaze.
Neji blinked then moved to stand up, giving Naruto a slightly confused look. Why shouldn't he sit yet? Though, that question was answered rather quickly.
``Star gazing?`` he asked, tilting his head then lifting his hand to brush his fingers through his bangs, moving some of the loose strands back. ``. . . what brought this on exactly?``
"Well, there are no more streetlamps and stuff'ttebayo!" Naruto gestured outside. "Because of that, the stars are really bright! And there's not much else to do. But what better atmosphere dattebayo? We talked a little yesterday, but we need to catch up! All the missions we've both been on, hobbies, things we can do on the island, your job--things like that!"
For a long minute, the brunet just stared at his friend, pale eyes blinking thoughtfully. He had no idea that Naruto had even once looked at the stars, though one couldn't judge a book by its cover. ``Alright then, Naruto,`` he paused, moving towards the window to glance out then looking back at the blond. ``Let's go.``
"Lets!" The blond nodded, turning around to lead Neji away...
....Oh. Did he mention that the loin only covered the front? It basically became a thong in the back but, Neji would certainly notice now.
"My house's roof is still pretty secure dattebayo. We can lay there!"
And as soon as Naruto turned around, Neji paled (which was still somehow possible, despite how pale he already was), his eyes widening as he was left staring at Naruto's rather bare backside.
He brought his hand up and cupped it over his eyes, hoping that his face wasn't red because he was obviously embarrassed.
``Right.`` With an almost silent sigh, he moved to trail after the other nin, doing his best to not run into anything. These eyes do not fail me, but sometimes . . I wish they did.
Naruto led Neji back to his house. Upon arriving, he instantly jumped up, peering down and waiting for the other male to follow him. As soon as it looked like Neji was headed up, he sat, splaying himself out on the rooftop and putting his hands behind his head, staring up at the night sky.
"It's so clear dattebayo!" He stated.
It was oddly easy to trail the blond when he was standing next to him, so instead of following, he made sure to stay next to Naruto instead. When the other male jumped up to the roof, Neji shut his eyes again and waited until he was sure that it was safe to jump up next to him.
He stared up at the sky, nodding slowly and moving to sit next to him. ``Very much so.``
"So you think these are the same stars?"
Naruto stared up at them, cerulean eyes staring up at the darkened sky thoughtfully.
He shifted slightly, leaning backwards next to the blond so he could look up better. Naruto was right; everything was very clear tonight.
``Yes, I think that they are. Perhaps the others in Konoha are watching also.``
".....Yeah." Naruto nodded slowly, eyes never drifting from the glowing bright lights above them. He went quiet for a few moments before finally speaking again.
"The stars kind of remind me of your eyes'ttebayo..."
Shifting again, he pulled his legs up and pressed his feet down to keep himself braced, crossing his arms over his stomach. He enjoyed the silence for the few seconds that it lasted, though Naruto's words made him look over.
``And how do you figure that?``
"They're bright'ttebayo. They stand out against a turbulent sea of glittering, swirling mist and the dust of a world far beyond us--like your eyes staring from past your waves of midnight hued hair."
Neji blinked slowly, staring towards the other Konoha nin in slight shock. He kept his arms locked over his stomach for a moment then eventually lifted one up, fingers rubbing against one of his cheeks which he was sure were turning red.
``Wow, Naruto. I . . ah . . wow,`` he repeated.
"...Wow what?" Naruto gave him a blank look, clearly confused. "...You asked me a question and I answered dattebayo. Did I say something wrong?"
He shook his head towards the look Naruto was giving him and stared back up at the stars for the moment, a light smile crossing his face afterwards. ``No, not at all.``
"That's good to know." Naruto laid back down, staring up at the stars once more. They really were bright.... it was nice. He was very comfortable where he was--the weather was nice, the scenery was pleasant, and so was the company. Despite the fact he had no clue where he was, he knew with Neji around, a trusted comrade, things would be okay.
He knew they would. Somehow.
Naruto could only hope Neji felt the same. The blond allowed his eyes to connect the stars on a few constellations.
"...How are things? You said you've been here for a month and a half..."
``Hmm,`` he mused, nodding his head towards the other then looking back up once again. The twinkling stars above them were helping him relax and that was something that he hadn't been able to do in . . he couldn't even remember the last time.
But now here he was, laid out on the roof of a tiki hut with someone that he could actually call a friend.
His smile widened for a moment then faded away soon after, head tilting towards the question.
``...I suppose they are just a daily routine.``
"Well you said you work..." Naruto mused. "...And then there's Itachi... and you mentioned someone named Lavi... a friend? Do you do anything else here on the island'ttebayo?"
``I do,`` he murmured, stretching his arms above his head then tucking them underneath his neck. ``Lavi . . `` Neji glanced away when he repeated the name, doing his best to not seem too obvious about anything. ``Not really.``
"Hmmm..." Naruto listened to Neji's soft, precise (kind of) answers. He wondered if perhaps he and Neji could end up exploring.
"Maybe when you're not busy with work, and Itachi and this Lavi guy," Naruto began, "We could hang out! And you could show me more around the island dattebayo! It's kind of boring exploring alone... though I guess I could ask Axel, maybe..." Maybe.
He knew that his answers weren't much, but he really wasn't sure what else he was suppose to say aside from that. Sometimes the island does weird things? Sometimes we lose clothes? Yes, because that sounded just about right.
Neji looked over once again, nodding and moving his arms, propping himself up onto his elbows so he could better see the other male. ``I am usually free when I am not working.``
"Okay. We can contact each other using the Pods then." Naruto held his upward over his head, staring at it and playing the with buttons. "Man, am I ever glad for The Network. But... I really miss Konoha." He grinned, glancing at Neji. "Especially the ramen stand Ichiraku! Oh man--that old man can make a mean bowl of miso soup!"
``That works for me.`` Lowering his hand, Neji touched the device in his pocket and tilted his head back, trying to keep his attention on the stars, though he was enjoying talking to Naruto also.
He nodded once more to show his agreement, bringing his hand back up to touch his forehead then gazing over at the blond beside him. ``You know, you do not always have to go to the sushi place to get ramen. I could make it.``
"Really'ttebayo?!" Excitement suddenly flooded Naruto's voice. His blue eyes shot over to Neji, wide. "You would? Wait. You can cook?"
The excitement was nothing new to him, but he did raise an eyebrow towards the question, pushing himself up into a complete sit now. ``Of course I can,`` he stated, lifting his arm to prop his elbow up on his knee, his cheek in his palm.
"Well, I dunno, I figured if you went on missions with Team Gai... Tenten would cook'ttebayo." Not that he was trying to be sexist, but, Neji.... cooking... over a stove? With an apron maybe? He grinned at the thought.
``It was not that hard to teach myself.`` He lifted his shoulders in a shrug, glancing down at the roof edge then shutting his eyes. ``I knew before I came here, but if I hadn't, I might have gone a few days without food until I had learned to cook.``
"Man," Naruto let out, shaking his head. "I can't cook at all. If I had to do it to save my life, I'd just tell them to kill me then and spare me the humiliation'ttebayo." The blond lips lifted in a smile as he stared up at the night sky. "But that sounds great dattebayo! A homecooked batch of ramen! Dammit. At this rate I'm going to be owing you my left arm Neji!" He laughed.
``Well, let's hope that you won't have to cook for a living then, hm?`` The words left him in a joking manner and of course, he was quick to notice it and it made him purse his lips together. It was strange to be so calm around someone.
His hand lifted, waving slightly as he leaned back on the roof once more, tucking his arm underneath his head. ``You won't owe me anything.``
"Hmmm." But to Naruto, he would owe Neji--though it wasn't the same kind of owing he had felt when Neji had paid for his meal upon arrival. No--this was a different kind--one that pressed Nauto to attempt to be a better friend and person. Who knew--Neji could possibly be the only one from his former life in Konoha that he would ever see again, and he didn't want to grow apart.
The blond shifted on the roof.
"....Hey, remember what you said about those pants'ttebayo?" he said after awhile. "...It's... getting kind of chilly."
...It was a bit of a lie, yes. But what better way to extend a hand in friendship than to accept, gratefully, what was offered to you.
And that would be how he'd repay him.
Neji continued staring up at the stars, his hand underneath his hand clenching for a moment then loosening up once again, soft lavender eyes slipping shut. He let out a sigh, trying not to shift again.
He glanced over again when he heard him.
``Ah, you want them now?`` he asked, moving to push himself up then stand fully.
``I can go run and get them for you.`` Stretching his arms, he gripped his left arm and tugged slightly until it popped then did the same with the right, shaking his limbs out.
"Uh, okay," Naruto stated, holding back a protest. "I guess I'll just wait here. On this building." Like he was going anywhere.
``Alright,`` he replied, bowing his head towards the other nin then moving forwards and jumping right off the roof, taking off in a quick sprint when he was back on his feet.
"...." Naruto watched him run off before laying back down on the roof, staring up at the stars. Things were so strange. Never before had he and Neji talked so much--or even spent time in the other's company. But now all of a sudden--they were always together! He wondered if it would remain that way.
And did he mind?
He wasn't sure yet. But time would tell...
Neji continued running forwards, jumping up to the window of his hut when he got there, gripping onto the windowpane and pulling himself through rather easily. He began to search then eventually found the pair of sweatpants he had, slipping back out the window now.
He headed back towards Naruto's house, thoughts wandering between one too many things. It gave him a headache when this happened.
Crouching slightly, he jumped back up to the roof, landing easily next to the blond and holding the pants out.
Naruto's mind had been wandering too, but on more pleasant things such as ramen and the rasengan technique. He took the pants from Neji, giving him a 'thanks' as he sat up, raising his legs and shimmying them on. His final movement required the lifting of his bottom in order to slide the sweats over the hump there, and he settled back down, tucking the loincloth past the elastic band.
"Awesome'ttebayo," Was all he said, before turning onto his side and grinning at Neji.
Nodding towards the thanks, he moved to sit next to him once again, pulling his legs up and resting his elbows onto his knees, keeping his attention on the sky until he was sure that Naruto was decent. He eventually glanced over, fingers curling into a fist against his cheek.
``Mhmm,`` he mused, blinking lightly then offering the blond a small smile.
Naruto continued to chatter with Neji, mostly stories about what he was going to do on Salkia, such as fishing, surfing, treasure-hunting, and all other sorts of activities he never got to pursue while in Konoha. His desire to return home was apparent, but it was easy to tell that although he hadn't given up hope of getting home, he knew it may be some time before he did.
Before they did.
After a good while of talking, Naruto yawned, covering his mouth.
The Hyuuga listened to the other silently for the most part, ever so often giving him an answer whenever he figured he needed one or nodding his head slowly to show that he was paying attention. He wasn't sure when they would be able to do all the things Naruto wanted to do, but they had all the time in the world now.
They weren't going anywhere anytime soon.
He looked over when Naruto yawned, tilting his head to the side. ``Tired?``
"A bit yeah," Naruto stated, nodding his head. He yawned again, patting at his mouth with his hand. "...I didn't sleep so well last night'ttebayo..."
He raised an eyebrow towards that, turning so he was facing the blond and pulling one leg up, resting his elbow onto his knee, his cheek in his palm. ``Why didn't you sleep so well last night?``
"You know, how if you sleep someplace that isn't familiar'ttebayo, you just have this feeling of unease? It was like that." And Naruto wondered how long it would take that feeling to go away--if it would ever go away. But he had his own set of worries right now to think about alongside it.
``Ah, so you were worried about sleeping in a new place? I can understand that.`` He pulled his other leg up now, resting his elbow onto that one and looking down at the roof. ``I have been here for so long and I still feel that way at times.``
That's what Naruto was afraid of. It was apparent, as he pouted, then tried to sink into the rooftop.
"Thanks Neji dattebayo." He uttered.
Neji looked up and blinked slowly, a frown crossing his face afterwards. He had said something wrong without noticing it for once.
``..I am sorry, Naruto. I did not mean for it to sound like that.``
"I know, but..." Naruto sighed, but it quickly turned into a yawn. Good thing he was on top of his house. "...I don't want to feel that way'ttebayo... it's good you're here but.... maybe if there were more people... I wouldn't feel as homesick..."
He felt a pang of hurt go through him, his hand moving to press against his chest before he shook it away and straightened up a bit. Of course, Naruto would miss his closer friends more. ``Perhaps some others will show up.``
"I feel weird that I just can't sleep dattebayo. All these strangers surrounding me..." The blond glanced over at Neji. "...You're the only one here, as far as I'm concerned..."
``So,`` he paused, moving to push himself up into a stand and offering the blond shinobi his hand, resting the other onto his hip for a moment. ``Why don't you try sleeping now? I'll stay with you while you do that.``
Naruto took the offered hand without hesitation. "You sure?" he asked, rising to his feet with the other's help.
Neji nodded slowly, helping pull the other male onto his feet, a slow smile finding its way across his face. ``Yes, I am sure. You do need to sleep, Naruto.``
"I was sleeping'ttebayo! Just not well." But he didn't reject Neji's offer, and he jumped down from the roof, onto the ground in front of the door. "Come on in dattebayo."
He opened the front door for the Hyuuga.
``Ah, my mistake,`` replied the older nin, bowing his head for a moment. He waited until Naruto jumped down and followed after him, landing gracefully next to him in front of the door to the house.
``Thank you.`` He inclined his head once again before heading inside.
Naruto closed the door after them, heading upstairs to the bedrooms. He glanced down the hall, wondering if Axel was in that night before moving the flap to his own bedroom, heading directly to the bed.
"Sleep-time come to meeeee~" The blond stated in a sing-song voice, flopping down into it. "Mmmm..."
Neji trailed after the blond, his arms pressed against his sides and his eyes closed, allowing his other senses to lead him. It felt odd not seeing, but he had been doing this a lot lately to help with other things.
He stopped in the doorway, holding the flap back then moving into the room, sliding into a sit against the edge of the bed.
Naruto opened one eye.
"You can get on the bed dattebayo." He murmured, looking over at Neji who was on the floor by his bed before closing his eyes again. "When I sit on the floor for long periods my butt hurts."
His head tilted back so he could look at Naruto, pale eyes blinking before he lifted his arms and grasped the edge of the bed, pushing himself up and onto it.
He wanted to ask Naruto what he had been sitting on the floor for, but it didn't really matter. Did it? ``Go to sleep, Naruto.``
"Mm hm."
Naruto's eyes were still closed. The blond was already halfway there, really. He shifted, slowly turning to lay on his back, facing the ceiling.
He pulled his legs up and crossed them over eachother, setting the back of his hands against his knees, curling his fingers into his palms and shutting his eyes.
Neji would stay for as long as Naruto needed; he didn't need to sleep and he had gone days without it lately.
There was a bit of silence as Naruto's breathing filled the air.
Finally, the blond fell asleep. The youth's face relaxed slowly, taking on it's softened look of absolute serenity as he drifted into sleep. Naruto lay in bed, his breathing lifting his blond bangs off of his forehead (they were rather long with no headband), gently fluttering in the air.
Once Naruto's breathing steadied into that of a sleeping state, he let his eyes open and glance over towards the blond, watching how peacefully he slept.
A gentle smile crossed his face, there and gone in mere seconds before he closed his eyes once again and tightened his hands some, allowing his mind to slip back into complete thoughtlessness, silent meditation.
``Sleep well, Naruto,`` he whispered, allowing the silence to take over once more.
Naruto merely slept on. It was certainly easier falling asleep... when someone who cared for was close by to watch over you.