Naruto:A Touch Lost or Forgotten - Chapter 3:Them

A Touch Lost or Forgotten

...but found and recalled again.

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Chapter 3: Them

It was almost sundown and birds were seen flying towards their nests. However, one seemed to take a detour, breaking apart from the rest of the group who were flying in a V form. Carrying out its necessary bodily functions, unaware of the consequences, it headed back towards the group taking its previous spot in the formation.

Plop.

A brow creases, stirring its occupant.

Plop. Plop.

An eye cracks open against the blaring sun.

PLOP.

Both eyes snap open, a face furrowed in a frown, turning into an angry glare.

"Damn moronic birds!” yelled a livid Naruto, standing up and raising a fist towards the disappearing flock.

Tsk, nobody ever lets me get some sleep.

Yawning, Naruto stretched his muscles. Licking his lips, blinking to adjust his eyes, he realized where he was – atop the Hokage Mountain. Smiling, he thought to get some Ramen before heading back to his apartment. Just then, he thought he felt a jolt of familiar chakra and grinned.

Looks like Ramen's gonna have to wait . . . for the first time in 18 years.

Running down the secret path opening up towards the side of the mountain, Naruto felt the most relaxed he had ever been. And the most anxious. The rest of the way, he literally hopped his way through the crowded streets of Konoha, pausing just for a few moments to greet Ino who was working her shift in the Yamanaka Flower Shop, wave at Shikamaru and Chouji who were getting lunch from the Dango Shop, as well as Kiba's retreating form from the BBQ Restaurant, appreciate Konohamaru and his squad's combined Oiroke no Jutsu, and run away from a disapproving Sakura who was running her shift at the hospital.

Huffing and puffing, Naruto came upon Sai outside the male bath house. To be honest, he still couldn't understand the Root Anbu's fixation with the male anatomy, being one himself. 

Now to find the source of that delectable chakra. 

He sneaked away from Sai's usually creepy behavior, bumping into an equally bizarre character – Shino – who just emerged from the Bookstore, carrying something in his hand. Naruto shuddered, guessing what it could be related to; he wasn't frightened of insects and the like but he definitely wasn't interested in creepy-crawlies like his friend was.

"Hiya, Shino! Watch'ya got there?"

"Hello, Naruto. Our team got back from a mission from Iwagakure a few hours ago. Apparently, while we were camping for a night in a forest, I discovered a new species of Bikouchuu which is not only good at tracking but emits a dangerous poison when it feels its existence is being threatened. The Kamizuru Clan has already started on the antidote. Hence, I was just doing some research." With that, Shino showed Naruto the encyclopedia related to Anthropoids he had just bought.

"Ah, ehehe, wow. Umm, that's... err... interesting, Shino. I hope you find out about the evolved Bikouchuu before the Kamizuru do!"

Shino gave a slight nod and bid Naruto farewell. Just as he reached the corner, Naruto bumped into a firm chest. "What the. . . ?!"

"Ah-HA! What a pleasant surprise, Naruto-kun!"

Said ninja looked up to come face-to-face with his favorite training rival. . .

"Lee!"

Grasping Naruto in a bear hug, the Taijutsu specialist grinned. "What brings you to this part of town, Naruto-kun?"

Not quite getting Lee's query, Naruto looked around and realized he was outside the Weapons Emporium – Tenten's family business. Naruto face-palmed and smiled sheepishly.

"Ehehe. . . well, I've been loitering around town, without any idea where I'm going." Lee gave Naruto a questioning look.

"Don't worry about it, Lee! I'm just looking for something." SomeONE, actually.

"Oh! Then let me help you find whatever it is you're looking for, Naruto-kun!” beamed Lee.

Lee's mood was indeed infectious; Naruto found himself all keyed up and energized for what was to come. "No need, Lee ol' pal! I know where I can find it – the trail's fresh and clear and leading me to wherever it is!"

Lee nodded, understanding, and gave him his usual thumbs-up. "YOSH! Just let me know if I can be of any assistance!"

Naruto gave Lee a big grin and was about to run towards where the trail lead him to when he caught sight of a disheveled Neji inside the shop with Tenten writing something on the summoning scroll she carried on her back for her new projectile-throwing techniques.

Looks like even Neji has his limits. Though, I don't blame him – Tenten sure is scary when she's amidst weapons.

With that, he jogged towards where he felt the chakra, farther away from the clan districts which included the Uchiha and the Hyūga compounds.

Naruto's breath came in harsh, short gasps. Bent over, his hands on his knees, he tried regaining his breath, taking a lungful of air. Once he felt better, he looked up to see the gate which led to the Forest of Death. 

What? Don't tell me my stalker isn't even human!?

Taking a tentative step towards the root of the situation which brought him here, he felt that calming burst of energy again. The doubt nagging at the back of his mind was instantly gone, replaced with a sense of certainty. Gathering his wits, he entered through the gate.

Is. . .is this real?

Naruto was dumbstruck with what lay before him. Taking in the fact that there was someone who cared about him took him long enough but knowing who the culprit was was an entirely different matter.

Lying in front of him on a bed of soft, green moss was someone he would never have imagined to be the one following him, let alone come to rest in the Forest of Death!

She sure did a good job hiding her chakra. No wonder I couldn't find her even if I tried. Her resting out in the open made her risk exposing her identity. Though, I admit, I'm glad to have found out.

With that, he went closer towards the sleeping form. Lowering himself down on the ground, he scooted a bit more closer (for comfort *wink, wink*) and found himself gazing intently at the source of chakra that overwhelmed his mind. Not grasping the situation, and not realizing his actions and what their implications would be, he let his hand wander aimlessly upon the delicate skin of his admirer, taking in the softness; the body stirred and, not knowing what was truly happening, lay a hand upon Naruto's, which made his breath hitch.

Eyes so pale, with just a subtle hint of lavender, slowly opened against the harsh dying sunlight. Stretching on her bed of moss, she let out a cat-like purr, which instilled a response from her watcher – a deep chuckle, which denied any hint of malice towards her, hinting a sense of curious admiration.

She gasped, jerking her neck towards the source, and was dumbfounded, eyed wide as saucers.

"N-Naruto-kun?"

Naruto grinned, a twinkle in his eye. Noticing something out of place, she looked down and saw where her hand was resting. Blushing a brilliant shade of red, she thought she would pass out; however, Fate had other plans.

His hand was still on her cheek and, even now, her hand was resting upon his. They were still in awe of each others' presence, forgetting the real world, drawing each other in. Then, the inevitable happened.

"Aah-CHOO!"

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After-notes:

Oiroke no Jutsu – literally translates to Sexy Technique.