I do not Own Naruto. Alas.

-

The two stood there, staring each other down. One was curious and the other was nervous. And finally, he with the hair of spun rubies spoke, his nervousness hidden behind a cold mask.

"I asked you here because I want to talk to you about something serious." He said, the cold exterior seeming to shatter. There was a flash of vivid fear, and then he picked up the pieces and the masked reformed.

"Since the day I first fought you, I've wondered about something. Since the day you broke thought the sand that was my shield against the world, I've dreamed about . .You. Since Naruto freed me from the demon, I've been able to sleep for the first time in my life. And you've haunted my dreams.

The other said nothing.

"I want to be there with you. I .. I want to love you. I want to be loved By you." He was trembling.

"There was a time I tried to kill you to get rid of these feelings. But now I want only to induldge in them. No matter how wrong. I want to be there to wrap your wounds. I want to be there to greet you when you come back. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms!" Passion etched every terror laced word.

"And most of all . . " The other figure in green seemed to swirl and fade into nothing.

"I wish I could tell you this in real life."