Title – Dawn

Rating – M

Main Pairing – NaruSasu

Disclaimer – I don't own Naruto.

Summery – Searching to justify his mistakes, Sasuke makes a deal with the Kyuubi to start all over again. Only, there's a catch – Uzumaki Naruto must fall in love with…her! Spoilers for manga, Het

Author's Notes – New fic. Because I'm brain dead on the others, and because this idea has been eating away at me for months. May be extremely long, but I'll shorten it somewhat.

-0-0-0-

He never thought that it would end this way. The fires raged behind him, mercilessly eating whatever was left of the completely decimated village. Sparks hissed at his ankles, threatening to swallow him whole. Katana in hand, he slowly walked forward, and with each step, he forcefully destroyed his emotions, the feelings of regret, until there were none.

Black eyes gazed into blue. Who would win? The empty, black hole? Or the raging, angry sea? Weapons are at the ready, and the rivals clash in what they both knew to be the final battle.

Naruto's mind was a whirlwind of emotion, the exact opposite of Sasuke's. The blond-haired, blue-eyed shinobi was known for acting on instinct, without thought of the consequences. But with each and every hit he sustained, he could feel the vigor that fueled him begin to dissipate. Why? Why?! WHY!? The word swirled around his head, growing louder and louder. I loved you…

I can't…

Sasuke froze. Naruto froze. Both gazed solemnly into each other's eyes. Sasuke fought against the emotions that were bubbling up inside him. He had to do this…Ever since he left the village, he was prepared for this. No more regret.

He moved. Naruto didn't bother anymore.

-0-0-0-

The sun was setting over the destroyed mountaintop; the faces carved in stone completely unrecognizable. Debris was scattered everywhere, corpses torn and thrown about. Not a single building was left standing. This was the end of the great Konoha.

Sasuke stood at the bridge, leaning against the railing that he had become too tall for. He closed his eyes, and imagined that at any moment now, Sakura and Naruto would arrive, arguing as always. And that Kakashi would appear three hours late, armed with an excuse and a warm, fatherly smile.

The smell of blood was what brought him out of his daydream. His sword, crimson, had been dipped into the blood of the people who had tried to save him. Not a single one of them fought back. They closed their eyes, and accepted their fate. And Sasuke hated that with every fiber of his being.

Orange rays littered the sky, and Sasuke closed his eyes, and pictured himself traveling over the mountain, through the forest, over seas, past the mystery of the world, to wherever he was now. And he chuckled hauntingly to himself , remembering that the place Naruto had gone to was somewhere he could never follow. Twilight approached, and the black sky began coating the breathtaking sunset. The metaphor was too ironic.

Something wet fell on his cheek, and Sasuke repeated over and over again that it was simply the rain. The lies were futile. The emotions he fought so hard to control surged in an overwhelming onslaught. He cried, laughed, screamed, and collapsed. There was nothing else to do.

A second chance? A chance to see the dawn again, to watch the rising sun of a new tomorrow over the horizon, with Naruto's warmth and presence by his side…what wouldn't he do for that?

Hours passed. Tears continued to fall. He was so lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed the huge amount of cursed, but familiar, chakra floating in his direction. When he looked up, Sasuke fought the rising false hope. It couldn't be him. It had to be…

"Kyuubi," he murmured, afraid to meet the demon's gaze. The eyes were red, but he couldn't help but be colorblind at the moment. "What brings you…here?"

"Business," the demon huskily replied. Sasuke felt the air shift as Kyuubi settled next to him. After a few moments of silence, he spoke again: "And you? Mourning over your mistakes, I see."

Sasuke opted for silence. He didn't need a second party to remind him about the events that had transpired, or to hammer him down with guilt. All the Uchiha wanted right now is that single, impossible dream. A second chance? He deserved no such thing. Kyuubi seemed to have read his thoughts, because he chuckled coldly, something that sounded nothing like the dead host the demon was currently inhabiting.

"You know, this is getting really boring," Kyuubi jeered, and the raven wanted to smack that stupid, triumphant grin right off of his face. Much to the Uchiha's dismay, he continued, "No challenge? Nothing? No begging or pleading?"

"What, in my possession, could you want in exchange for my wish? I have nothing, meaning I can't give you anything," Sasuke stated as calmly as he could. Kyuubi, however, caught the slight quiver in his voice.

"I'm bored. Entertain me is all I ask."

Sasuke finally brought himself to gaze into the red eyes of the nine-tailed demon. They were so different from Naruto's: tired and annoyed, unlike the usual cheery, curious orbs that he saw in his dreams. Like they knew everything. However, the eyes were also different from what he expected. They were more…human.

"He's still alive," Sasuke's voice dropped to an amazed whisper.

"Barely. I'm the one in control, this time."

Sasuke turned away, hugging his knees closer to his chest. "Can he hear me?"

"Yes."

"He's mad isn't he?"

A pause. "Yes."

Black, obsidian eyes began welling up, but Sasuke shook his head and bit his lip to keep the water from overflowing. Tears weren't worth it, because now it was his chance to apologize. He opened his dry mouth, but fear clogged his throat. What would Naruto say? What if he doesn't care anymore?

"You wanted a second chance, right?" the voice had softened, with little hints of Naruto scattered in the words. Sasuke's reply was a nod. The Uchiha was afraid that if he spoke, the tears would return.

An awkward silence ensued. Finally, the demon stood up and turned as if to go. But he spoke, "Naruto does, too. There was something he wanted to say before he died. You know, despite everything he…

"…loved you."

The words spun around in Sasuke's consciousness, and an extreme headache, like a billion drills were penetrating his skull, followed. The pain was almost unbearable, and he scarcely comprehended Kyuubi's next words. "The question is…will he love you again?"

And as all light faded away, his world shattered.

-0-0-0-

O n e

R i s e

-0-0-0-

The light seeping in through the window permeated his eyelids, rousing him from slumber. Aching arms and shoulders were stretched, and onyx eyes gazed out the window towards the beautiful rising sun. The sky had scattered clouds, outlined by purple and orange streaks of light that also illuminated the enormous village. Dawn was approaching, and along with it came a new day.

Sasuke yawned, a hand flying toward his mouth, and another rubbing both eyes awake. He stumbled out of the tangled sheets and headed out the hall and towards the bathroom, grabbing a towel along the way. Just as he was about to open the door, an all too familiar figure stepped out from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.

"Sleeping Beauty's finally awake, I see," the voice of Uchiha Itachi said, with a smile. "Hurry up, or you'll be late for the orientation."

Sasuke's eyes snapped open, and whatever bits of sleep he had left in his head vanished immediately. Nii-san is…alive? But…

"Kids! Move it or lose it!"

"Mom?" Sasuke whispered, overwhelmed.

Itachi blinked once, and twice, before leaving his dazed sibling in the hallway. Sasuke, in a dreamlike trance, stepped into the bathroom, and started removing his clothes. At that moment, another surprise hit him…or should I say her. Stifling a scream, she turned away from the mirror, red painting her pallid cheeks. I'm dreaming! I'm dreaming!

After repeatedly taking several deep breaths, Sasuke began to arrange her thoughts accordingly. One: I'm now a girl. Not a big deal…right? Two: My family is still alive, and Konoha's completely unharmed. Meaning…Three: So is Naruto. The very thought gave her a surge of hope and happiness. She became content with the facts as she took a shower and rushed to her room. And thus leads to Four: This is my chance to start over!

Her good mood was shot down when she returned to her room. Clothing dilemma. At first, the male conscious argued that appearances don't matter, and that she should pick comfort over beauty anyway. That vanity was a sin. And then the female came up with a retort that won the argument: Impress Naruto by looking good. And that was a simple enough answer.

Being the skilled ninja she was in her past life, she compared this new life to a mission, and that she must accept it with grace and understanding. Although the initial shock hadn't completely worn off yet, she had become quite comfortable with the girl thing, even as she had to rummage through her messy room just to find a bra. Five minutes later, she sat on her bed, in her underwear, still unsure about what she was going to wear. Itachi then knocked on the door, reminding her about the time, and Sasuke cursed inwardly. She thrust her hands into the closet and pulled out the first thing her fingers latched onto: white shorts and a blue kimono-like top. She threw it on, tied the headband around her forehead and gave one glance at herself in the mirror.

She hated to admit it: practically nothing changed about her appearance. The same impressive brow, thin eyebrows and sharp eyes. The eyelashes, she realized, were a part of her before: long and beautiful. The only difference was the waist, the chest, her…other parts…and a good length of hair, reaching mid-back. It was plain, and clean. She blinked once, then turned around in front of the full-length mirror. An impatient yell from her father broke her out of her stupor, and she quickly dashed down the stairs.

"Again, with the clothing fuss?" Fugaku complained, sipping casually on his coffee.

Mikoto smiled as she sat down at the table next across from her husband. "She's becoming a young woman. Let her be." And then to Sasuke: "Let's go shopping this weekend, okay?"

Sasuke nodded in gratitude, and Fugaku muttered something about the bills. "Don't buy anything too expensive." Her father's expression softened, and then he said calmly, "Eat up so that you have enough energy at the orientation. Show them what you're made of." The smile that followed was a rare treasure, something Sasuke knew she would never forget.

"Of course!"

Mikoto smiled cheerily and handed her daughter a large bento box. "Share with your new teammates, okay dear?"

Sasuke nodded and headed toward the door, but she paused when her father called her name. She turned around, allowing him to continue, "Sasuke. I'm proud of you. But remember one thing…"

A dramatic pause, before he said something drastically ridiculous, as most fathers were prone to doing: "No boys."

Mikoto laughed, and Sasuke fumed, her face resembling a bright, red tomato. She marched out with what little pride she had left.

-0-0-0-

The walk was relaxing, and it allowed Sasuke to overlook the situation over again. Kyuubi had given her a chance, something that shouldn't be wasted. Her family was alive, and probably not risking the original plan to take over the village, which would explain why her brother is still alive. Naruto would be, too. The thought of his name brought along another wave of happiness. Stupid hormones.

Sasuke was reincarnated a female…meaning that maybe she didn't possess the Sharingan. A small obstacle, but nothing she couldn't overcome. And who knows? Considering the special circumstances, she might end up being the first female Uchiha who was able to wield the Sharingan. The thought was appealing, and so she worried no longer.

Much to her surprise, the Academy loomed above her in just a few minutes. Memories flooded her brain, and she smiled, renewing her promise. I won't mess up. This time…I'll be better.

She swung open the door, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

Familiar faces, faces of those she killed in her past life were scattered across the room. They all turned to look, and for a moment, Sasuke felt as if she should run, escape. As if she wasn't welcome. But the expressions were harmless – no hatred. Either indifference, or smiles. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and meandered her way through the bodies and towards a classroom desk.

After a few moments of waiting, another body sat next to her, and the world completely stilled. Slowly, Sasuke turned her head, and the radiating warmth from his body was…spectacular. Naruto smiled casually at her, cerulean eyes twinkling with life. "Hiya, Sasuke! What's up?"

Struck speechless, Sasuke turned away to hid the blush rising onto her cheeks. Finally, after composing her jumbled thoughts, she said, 'Nothing. Uh..."

"Oh, I get it," the blond said in a smart-ass tone. Sasuke wanted to punch his living daylights out – she may be a better person, but the rivalry relationship was to etched into her persona to resist. What does he get…Does he…know?

"You're nervous about the orientation, aren't'cha?"

For once, Sasuke praised the gods that Naruto was an idiot. She took a deep breath an turned to face him, hands clenching into fists to keep from leaping atop him and crying. "No…not really."

There was a silence, and then Naruto scratched the back of his head, saying, "Of course you wouldn't be. The great genius and first female number one rookie Uchiha Sasuke wouldn't be nervous over something as simple as this. You graduated top after all." A mocking tone was apparent in his melodic, rich voice. However, Sasuke still wanted to punch him. Again with the stupid hormones. She found a new respect for Ino and Sakura, despite their annoying attitudes.

"Hn." She almost smiled to herself. Well, at least one thing didn't change.

Naruto rolled his eyes and turned away, stretching again. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched her, and he couldn't help but smile. "Whatever… spoiled princess." He whispered the last part, not wanting to get pummeled.

Ino and Sakura entered the room, arguing about some idiotic rivalry. Both finally huffed their cheeks and stomped away to opposite sides of the room. Several others walked in after them, chatting excitedly about the orientation. Inuzuka Kiba, a good friend of Naruto, walked over to him and punched Naruto's arm lightly. The blond looked up, opening one eye, obviously annoyed at the fact that the brunet ruined his daydreaming. "What?"

"Move. I want to sit next to Sasuke."

Sasuke's ear twitched at the sound of her name. Apparently, the fan girl/boy stuff hadn't changed either, except for the gender, that is. Sighing, she rolled her eyes and said, "Kiba, I wanted to sit next to Naruto, anyway. You can sit here." She motioned for Naruto to switch places with her, so that she sat in the center, and both boys could sit on either side of her. Naruto nodded and stepped atop the desk to switch places…

…until some unlucky guy had to pull back his elbow and push Naruto…right onto Sasuke.

Naruto noticed that he landed on something soft, and very warm. The feeling was every bit nice…but the state of euphoria was shattered by Sasuke's girly screech. Girls proclaimed, "Pervert!" while guys patted Naruto's back and exchanged high fives. For Naruto landed right onto Sasuke's…breasts. Those soft, pert, warm breasts…While Naruto's thoughts ran wild, Sasuke punched the blond across the room and right into the chalkboard, and sank into her seat, embarrassed.

At least it wasn't the kiss…

"Never mind. Kiba, you sit there," her voice was inaudible, but Kiba took the hint and sat next to her, but gave her personal space, also not wishing to be pummeled.

Naruto was finally tugged out of the black board, and was forced to sit somewhere across the room from Sasuke. He was nursing his bruise, while many of the vigorous men asked him what they felt like and what size she was and other perverted things like that. Naruto cradled his face in his hands, cursing at himself for ruining such a rather good opportunity to get to know "Miss Perfect," as everybody referred to her.

-0-0-0-

Uchiha Sasuke was always so far away, so skilled, and so untouchable. Like a goddess, who was kind enough to grace this village of her presence. Of course, Naruto hated her at first, but it was a false sort of hate. He…didn't know what to think of her. A few nights ago, he had explained this to his father, the Fourth Hokage, and he laughed and said, "The best way to know, is to be friends with her."

So he decided to follow his father's advice. Unfortunately, Naruto knew how inept he was, and he seriously messed it up. But in the few minutes he spent talking with her this morning, she was…different. Like an actual human being. And Naruto was even more transfixed than ever.

And her breasts…No…don't even go there! He banged his head against the desk, frustrated and ashamed. From the corner of his eye, Sasuke's tomato red face was flushed against her usual pale skin. And yet…she was glorious.

The door flew open, and Iruka stepped inside, several papers in hand. He greeted the student warmly and began the orientation. "You are all going to be set up in teams of three. The teams are set up so that the abilities are statistically equal. Each team will have a jounin as the head. I will announce the teams now. Team one is…"

Sasuke closed her eyes and took a deep breath. If luck was on her side, the teams will be set up exactly as before, and she'll be with Naruto. Although she dreaded having any more experiences like the one that just occurred, she still loved his company. Hopefully, things will turn out okay.

"Team Seven: Uzumaki Naruto…"

The blond perked up, and prayed to the heavens. Her. I don't care who else. Just as long as it's her!

"Haruno Sakura…"

The pink-haired girl groaned at the thought of getting close to the class dimwit. Other girls around her attempted to console her, until Iruka raised his hand and stilled the room. He continued.

"And Uchiha Sasuke."

Boys groaned in disappointment. Naruto internally did a jitterbug dance, and Sasuke smiled inwardly. Iruka announced the other teams; all the same as before. The simplicity was…heartwarming in a way.

The future genin dispersed, opting to sit next to their new teammates to smooth tensions. Sakura had shoved Naruto aside, accusing him of perverted thoughts and both girls huddled at the corner of the desk. The blond groaned and rested his forehead on the cool wood, and every once in a while, he stole a glance at Sasuke. She was looking at him with a deep intensity, black eyes boring holes in his tan skin. What are you thinking?

Their eyes met for a fraction of a second before both party's turned away, huffing and pouting and blushing. Naruto glanced up from his desk and saw that most of the teams had already left with their sensei, and Iruka had already gone as well. He groaned again.

Sasuke expected this much. She bit her lip to keep from laughing about it. Kakashi-sensei… She mentally prepared herself for an extremely long wait.

Like before: Something's never change.

-0-0-0-

Long, I know. But please bear with me. Read and Review, please and thank you.