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[precincts.livejournal.com]

I've been a posting machine lately, huh? Well, this is the first actual writing I have finished in a long time, so I figured I would share. It's a bit dry, but you're welcome to give it a read and give me the feedback. I would really appreciate it. ♥ By the way, yukari_rin, you were the one who inspired me to go back and actually write, so this is dedicated to you, even though I have no idea if you like the pairing or anything. ^^;; It's the thought that counts?

followsthetrend
Title: Honestly, there is no title. I had it saved under First Kiss
Author: precincts :'D
Pairing: SasuNaru/NaruSasu (can be taken either way)
Rating: Uhm, G? PG? It's innocent.
Word count: 1,401
Warnings: Dry...ness?

The first kiss; a popular subject of many adolescent conversations. Every guy thought about it, every girl talked about it. It was supposed to be perfect; one of the most romantic moments of a females life. For the male? As long as it happened...and a satisfactory setting and circumstance would be appreciated. Whether they got their romantic first kiss or not, someone could bet it wasn’t anything like they had dreamed up. The circumstances could come as a complete surprise, along with the other party involved. In Naruto’s case, everything was unexpected, unwelcome, and a complete surprise. Uchiha Sasuke could relate.

Everyone knew about both boys’ first kiss. Everyone had witnessed it. If one was to question any girls in the village, they would tell about how Naruto stole Sasuke’s first kiss, which was (of course) meant for them. If one really paid attention to what really happened, they would find unfortunate circumstances. The “accident” would be something that would haunt the two boys for long after it happened.

There was an unspoken need to make it right, to fix it. It wasn’t possible to erase the situation, but there might be a way to gain points back, so to speak. Their relationship never changed, but as the years passed the awkward silences came more frequently, along with the weird looks in training and in passing. Undecided vibes radiated from both boys, but they never let it show to the people around them. It was there, though. Oh, it was there. The idea of a male on male relationship was nothing new to the village, and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. It had, by now, been accepted as a normal passing thought, though youth often viewed it differently from those older, wiser, and who had lived it. To Kakashi, it was a lifestyle. To Gai, love was love, and this thought had been passed on to Lee (who often seemed to show a little more brain power than the other rookies). To Shikamaru, it was another troublesome teenage hormone and experience. To Sakura, it was an unfortunate event. To Sasuke, it was not thought about. To Naruto, it was not realized. In fact, the only thing that Naruto had realized was that it was, simply, not done right. His solution, for the longest time, had been “it was not with Sakura.” That satisfied him for a time, but soon it began to make his skin crawl with the knowledge of being wrong.

Once the knowledge of “let’s make it right” was accepted amongst the two, though at different time periods, it was time for the question to present itself.

“How do we make it right?”

Naruto stood before the mirror in his apartment. A full length mirror was not a luxury that he had until just recently. He carefully removed the forehead protector and set it aside. It was a rather odd habit, but he would not wear it in regular recreation for fear of damage, yet it battle or training it was always presented proudly. The orange and blue jacket was removed as well, and a black shirt was its replacement. From under the sleeves fishnet peeked out, and his left hand was wrapped due to a recent injury. Of course the wound had almost completely healed, but the bruise was turning autumn colors now and he had been suffering of wrist pains, so he wanted to keep everything well supported. His hair almost seemed to lose a bit of its bounce, as it had gotten a little longer and the weight was too great without the support of the forehead protector. Regardless, he was still the same Naruto. His looks hadn’t changed through time, much to his dismay. He was still waiting for the day when he would wake up and be prince charming. To his eyes, it had yet to come. He frowned at his reflection and lifted his chin, squinting his eyes shut.

When out in the real world Naruto often dropped out of his mind and lingered in reality. The world, after all, was full of interesting things. As much as he was self absorbed, he was still an observer. If he was as oblivious as they all suspected, he certainly would have had a whole different outlook on his childhood.

It was a nice day for the fresh market, and while the majority of his purchases still revolved around styrofoam cups and synthetic seasoning, several fresh vegetables and fruits were acquired. He needed milk (an item he had been keeping a watchful eye on recently), but he was afraid to buy it now, for it may spoil through the rest of his errands. He would have to pick it up on the way home. Fresh fish was another thing on his list, but he never bought those. Why spend the money when that was something that one could so easily retrieve themselves?

With his basket (yes, basket) of goods left on the riverbank in his line of vision, Naruto had rolled up his pants, stripped himself of his upper apparel, and waded into knee high water. His expression showed concentration, and there was a kunai gripped delicately between his teeth as he rolled up his pants a little more. He had fished this way before and it got easier and easier each time he tried. His motions had become quick and his eyes accustomed to the fishes movements; all in all it was also a good training strategy.

Within moments he had been able to raise a few fish from the water and successfully pin them to the opposite bank with senbon, his weapon of choice in this situation. The kunai was still held between his teeth. Now he was having a particularly hard time with a certain fish. Or maybe it was several different fish, but in Naruto’s mind it was clearly one tricky one that always seemed to slip away from his grip. There were already several empty-handed senbon stuck into the earthen bank. Frustration was setting in, but he wouldn’t let it break his concentration, not just yet. Just as he had maneuvered the fish out of the water, and his hand was coming around with the large needle, the fish suddenly escaped his vision, and again the senbon hit the earth, not the creature. Beside this, however, was a still-wriggling fish pinned by a kunai. One that was clearly not Naruto’s, seeing as the blonde still carried his between his teeth. He whirled around, his eyes settling upon Uchiha Sasuke. The setting suddenly became awkward. The elder turned away, his eyes refusing to meet those of the blonde, whom shortly turned to gather his catch. The senbon were returned to his pouch, and the kunai was thrown carefully back in the direction of its owner, who caught it with ease around one finger and slipped it into a sack.

Once the fish were wrapped and packed away in Naruto’s basket, he looked up to the remaining Uchiha. There had been no word exchange, yet the ebony haired boy had kept his post. This place seemed a little out of the way for the Uchiha, but Naruto was not about to question motives, for he often misunderstood his own. He climbed the bank with little trouble and stood horizontal to the other male. Muttered statements floated through the air, but none of them were important, just filler. It gave Naruto an excuse to once again abandon his basket, and allowed idle moments for the two to begin to fill in the empty space between them.

Before either of them fully knew it, their pulses had increased and their faces were headed towards each other. Their noses collided ungracefully and both of them stepped back, embarrassed. There was a blush and the averted gaze, but the will to try once more ultimately took over the situation. More cautiously this time, the boys tried again. The kiss was almost as awkward as the situation; hard, seeing as the boy’s lips were pressed tightly together, and two pairs of eyes were squeezed shut. It was a kiss certainly unworthy of falling flower blossoms or fireworks.

It did, however, set the world right again. Their world. It wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t accidental. It had been intentional. Though as graceless as it was, the both of them knew they would get it right the next time.


Thanks for letting me take your time. ^-^

Comments

[aradiantsun.livejournal.com]

First off, I'm honored that you dedicated this to me. I am not a fan of SasuNaru/NaruSasu, but I read this because you wrote it. To get technicalities out of the way -

back in the direction of its owner, whom caught it with, I believe "who caught it" would be more correct.
little trouble and stood horizontal the other male., I think "to" needs to be placed between "horizontal" and "the".

But other than that, I enjoyed this. I enjoyed the way that you portrayed Naruto very much. I tend to not really devote much attention to Naruto, but you drew me in. And I love the two last paragraphs. You captured first kisses so well, the akwardness and such. Good job, and I hope you continue to write~

[pococurante.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's dry; you just put a lot of detail into it. You did a great job setting the scene and emotions. I really liked this, even as a non narusasu/sasunaru fan. Sorry I can't think of more constructive things to say. ^^;

[precincts.livejournal.com]

I appreciate the fact that, even though it may not have been to your tastes, you still took the time to read it. ♥ I really do.

Thank you for that, and I have made the corrections. Grammar was never a strong point with me, so I often throw out whatever I think is correct. (I'm one of those people who, if I start writing, will need someone to read over my work. A proofreader. Isn't there another name for it, though?)

I'm also someone who doesn't devote much attention to Naruto. He's one of my favorites, and SasuNaru is one of my favorite pairings, but I tend to get too wrapped up in Sasuke and make Naruto more of the side character (even though I think I truely hate Sasuke more). I'm happy to hear I was successfull with him this time around. I think I've always tried to show a more imperfect world in my writing, but I tend to slip into this whole 'romance novel' type mode. Last night I just seemed to catch a muse that was passing through, and I rode it until I squeezed this out.

Thank you so much, once again. I actually have another project in mind I think I may start. ♥

[precincts.livejournal.com]

Wow; I've gotten the attention of two non SasuNaru/NaruSasu fans with this. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I'm really glad that you enjoyed it. Whether you commented with something "more constructive," just a bit of praise, or just letting me know you read it, it all means that same to me. ^-^ I appreciate it. ♥

[aradiantsun.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. I always double check my stuff before posting but small things slip through, so don't feel bad. It happens to everyone, even published authors. (Is the other term you're thinking of "beta"?)

I have more in common with Sasuke, so he's easier for me to relate to, whereas I don't really have any connection with Naruto that makes me care about him anymore then is necessary. When I do write Naruto he's always serious, which is a bit annoying since he's not serious as often as I make him. I'm glad you were able to catch a muse and squeeze this out!

You're quite welcome. And I'm glad you've got another project possibly in the works. ♥ I would love to see you write SasuSaku, even if it's just a tiny drabble. *is shot*

[precincts.livejournal.com]

I didn't actually double check this one, and I'm surprised that there weren't any more mistakes than that. (Though Word does do a bit of double checking for you, hm?) Yes. "Beta."

I think I have yet to find a Naruto character that I have anything in common with, I just try to take my understand and views on life and turn them around. I don't like people who write Naruto as airheaded and stupid by nature, because he's a lot smarter than he looks. He understands a bit of the world. A serious Naruto is always a nice turn on things, because lately he's been nothing but. I'm just happy I found a muse. T_T

♥ I meant to write on that today, but a trip to the doctor and surgeon took the place of that. I could write a smidge of that, just for you. Given...I've never dabbled in that pairing before, it might be a bit off, but I still could. Just for you, of course.

[aradiantsun.livejournal.com]

Heh, just goes to show you know your grammar~ (I don't type my stuff up in word, actually. Only one of my compters has it on them, and the keyboard is utter crap so I use the cheap "notepad" program on my Mac.)

I don't like people who write Naruto as airheaded and stupid by nature, because he's a lot smarter than he looks. He understands a bit of the world. - I completely agree with you. I think one of the reasons I don't read a lot of fanfiction centered around Naruto is because so many author write him as the airhead, and it gets so boring after a while. *throws confetti into the air to celebrate*

♥ Aww, well I hope everything went well with the doctor and surgeon, and you're health is more important than fics. Kyah! *glomps you* It's all right if you've never written them before and if they were a bit off. You'd be expanding your horizons and you might be rather good at the pairing. *squishes you and offers you three platefuls of brownies* You're so wonderful, dear!

[precincts.livejournal.com]

I don't think I ever really understood gramamr (I couldn't take a sentence apart if my life depended upon it), but 75% of my friends are grammar nazis, so I'm used to it. I use perfect grammar/sentence structure and such even in idle AIM conversations. *aimh0* I used to use notepad all the time, but then I realized that I can't spell worth anything, so I got Microsoft Office. I really needed the program for school, anyway.

I find it really hard to find good SasuNaru fanfiction because the relationship that's always written is "uncaring evil" against "slow and stupid." Now a stereotypical crack fic every now and then, fine, but if that's all you think Naruto consists of? You need to seriously go back and rethink your fandom. I've never really ventured into the SasuSaku fandom, but do they stereotype Naruto there? (I feel guilty saying this but they always stereotype Sakura in my fandom.) ....*gets Naruto's actual IQ scores?*

♥ Everythings fine as of now, I'm just "on the lookout." We only had a bit of a scare today. I'll write no matter what. Besides, it gave me a bit of inspiration for the my-project-to-you. Yes! Expanding my horizons! That's what I need. Ahh, youth. I love chocolate. T_T *never lets you go*

[yeexueyan.livejournal.com]

I don't know, maybe others might not favor it as much as I do, but I think it was really nice. Was listening to a soft and nice sounding instrumental by Ayumi Hamasaki while reading it, added a great mood to the ficlet. Great work. ♥

[precincts.livejournal.com]

Your icon is super cute. ;3

I'm so happy that you liked it! I really am. This is exciting; I'm pleasing the fandom. That's a really nice mood you created for it. I was listening to Toy Box. Ayumi is really talented, I admire her work.
♥♥

[aradiantsun.livejournal.com]

Ehehe, I use proper English as often as possible, too. And I'm one of those "grammar nazi friends"... :3

*thinks about your question* There're a lot of fics where Naruto is stereotyped, but there's a fair amount where Naruto's got some depth. The fics where he's stereotyped tend to be the noobish/mary sue fics. The fic writers that know how dimensional the characters are don't sterotype, though. It's nothing to feel guilty about - there're plenty of fics where Sakura and Sasuke are stereotyped out the wazoo in the SasuSaku fandom. But those are the fics that suck and only get reviewed by little kids who don't see the wealth of character traits the cast has.

Ah, okay. I hope your health improves~ Ah, that's the way to write. *grins* \(^o^)/ Yay! Aw, I'm glad you like chocolate. *gives more and squeals happily at never being let go*

[precincts.livejournal.com]

I like grammar nazis. They teach me well, though it's up to them to put up with me. :'D

I know what you mean. I despise mary sue type fictions. It spoils the fun in the 'flawed beauty.' It's too Hollywood or magazine like for me. I also know, though, that in the SasuNaru fandom, a lot of the time Sakura is the evil in-between who hates their relationship or tries to sabatoge it and what not. Oh, and also make her weak. Then again, with writers who actually have sense, they realize the importance of her relationship and incorporate it in stories. I really applaud and appreciate people who can hate/dislike a character, but still understand their importance, role, and be on a "level playing field," so to speak, with them. It helps in stories.

I hope it does, too. I don't want surgery. T_T Damn appendix. We don't even need them anymore. Chocolate is my lifeblood. Along with Kool-Aid. o_o *curls up in your lap and purrs whilst inhaling chocolate*

[aradiantsun.livejournal.com]

Hehehe, yes. Grammar nazis are the good nazis.

I agree, author's who take the objective approach for characters they don't favor tend to produce enjoyable work. If only all fan-writers understood this.

I don't want you to have surgery, either. I've been down that road several times, and it bites. Chocolate and Kool-Aid, huh? *concots a chocolate Kool-Aid medicine for you* Maybe this will help... *pets you like she would a kitten*

chibi!happy!Hayate icon for the win!!! *squees*

[precincts.livejournal.com]

I think their universal symbol should be... The semicolon, since it's so often missused. (I missuse it all the time.)

The quality in fanfiction authors and roleplayers has really started to decline. It's rather sad, you know? I'm not asking for perfection but a smidge of skill and understanding would be nice.

Oh, that's no fun. ;[ But I can't help but think that getting it removed would just make me feel a lot better and relieve me of problems down the road. Ohh my gosh I think I love you. We should move to Canada, get married, and create a bookclub! *tehomgcutekittenface*

I love this icon. The person who made them and the Ultimate Naruto Fan Flash...the two of them own my soul.

Oh, beeteedub, do you have AIM? *whorestoyou*

[aradiantsun.livejournal.com]

Hehehe! Yes, a semicolon would be perfect! (I do, too. Though I tell myself the rule everytime I abuse one...)

I think when older people are involved in a fandom geared towards kids (specifically boys) in their tweens and early teens, that there's defintiely going to be a big lack in quality. *determined pose* We must teach the younger generations the proper ways to be involved in a fandom! Oh, I totally agree with you. I saw one fic that made my eyes bleed once - "Susuke"....*runs to the bathroom since her eyes bleed just thinking about it*

Having it removed probably would make you feel better in the long run. *squeals gleefully* If we do, I hope you're okay with bigamy, since I'm already married to two other people and have a possible fiancee. If you are, though, I'm up for it~ *squishes your and your cuteness*

I saved that entry so I can go back and gank 'em later. So so cute. And that Orochimaru one... *squishes him as well*

I do~ And while we're at it, may I friend your journal?

[precincts.livejournal.com]

I don't even know the rule, that's how bad I am. I just try to put off using it until I really feel I want to stick it in somewhere. It almost makes me feel proffessional. *is shot*

It is our responsibility, as the generation going out, to teach the rising YOUTH generation how to keep the fandom alive in the correct manner! Oh my gosh. That makes my eyes bleed. What makes my brain bleed is the fact that I once found a fiction where the paring was SasuHaku. Haku was a girl. The scary part? The author really thought Haku was a girl.

Now if I only had the recovery time and the money for the operation... Oh well hey, you'd had to put up with my TONS AND TONS of husbands, wives, lovers, boyfriends, girlfriends, sechz, h0s, bitches...I think we'll get along fine. *squees!and huggles*

I didn't save the entry, and I wanted to save more, and I had to backtrack. T_T I have a thing for not saving the entries. It made me sad that the spinning Neji was too big.

Ahh, may I ask for you AIM? You don't have to post it here if that makes you uncomfortable. You can just comment my journal entry and I can delete it. Of course you may friend my journal! I shall add you back.

[aradiantsun.livejournal.com]

My English Comp 101 professor was the ultimate grammar nazi, he made sure we knew it.

*heals you*

*determined pose* Shall we start our quest? ACK!! *runs away in horror of the fic* That's so sad.

Aye, that's always the catch, isn't it? That's not a problem. I don't mind sharing~ *also squees and huggles*

I tend to bookmark rather than memory simply because my memories section is gigantic. *kicks a random pebble* Yes, the spinnig Neji was awesome.

I have my sn listed on my user info page~ And yay, thankie~ Anoher friend~~