Drabble. Revisiting Haku arc yet again...because it's just so awesome.

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Skeleton Key
sinful serenity

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So this is the infamous Uzumaki.

Kakashi was expecting something a little different when he met Naruto. Perhaps more sober, more intelligent, more...serious. More concerned with who he was and who he wanted to be. But Naruto's not like anything he thought he would be. Naruto clings on to his dreams of ramen and equality and Hokage and all the other stuff he spouts on a daily basis. Naruto remembers his vow, the one he's made on his blood, and his ninja way. Kakashi wasn't sure he was cut out to be a shinobi. But that's starting to change.

Kakashi watches with a crooked grin as he dashes up a tree and promptly falls over.

Again.

Again.

Again.

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So maybe he's not so dumb.

Inner Sakura watches thoughtfully as her blonde teammate jumps, dodges, and makes a swift transaction to a sweeping kick. Sakura turns her attention back to Tazuna and making sure he's safe from the wild-eyed mist Demon in front of them, hoping that Sasuke-kun will be okay.

"Yo! Sasuke!"

Sakura wasn't sure Naruto could be a ninja. So loud, so bright, so stupid--how the hell did he pass genin, anyway? But Inner Sakura cheers none too softly at a flash of bright orange, and Sakura feels her lips twitch upward with hope.

"Naruto!"

...or not.

Sakura watches with growing fear as the torrents of needles grow thicker. Sakura watches Naruto fall over and pick himself back up and growl something to Sasuke. Sakura watches, one hand clenching a kunai, the other wavering over her heart, with something close to please don't get hurt please be alright please, please, please.

Haku's needles fly, with deadly presistence and accuracy. And Naruto falls.

Again.

Again.

Again.

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So this is how it ends.

Sasuke was never completely sure of what to think of Naruto. Idiot would be the first to come to mind. But Sasuke isn't stupid, and he can see raw strength under Naruto's childish demeanor. Sasuke isn't one to ever let something go to waste, and that should be enough to say something as he lies bleeding in icy puddles.

His dreams--his hope--his ambition--his...his...his what? Did it matter anymore?

All he could see and hear was his heartbeat and endless blue. Tha-thump. Tha-thump. Sasuke. SASUKE!

Again.

Again.

and again...

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The lithe body in his arms grows weak, and his eyes fall shut, and his hand never reaches scarred cheeks. Naruto watches with wide eyes, and something snaps, and he isn't sure anymore if it was intact in the first place.

Uchiha's body is lowered to the ground. No--Sasuke--SASUKE--

Somewhere in the background, Sakura screams. I'm sorry...

"Naruto!" Kakashi tries but can't. I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry...

No one accepted his apologies before. But Naruto's like that. He bites and claws and rips and snarls until he stakes his claim in your heart and never lets go, never lets you forget. Like a key that opens any door, any lock, any shield, any wall. Gone. Gone.

Naruto, finally, sits back. And Kyuubi stands in.