INFATUATION

14.

FUN CHAPTER FUN CHAPTER!!
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"Should we be leaving Kakashi sensei all alone?" Sakura worriedly asked as she looked back over her shoulder. "Should we be traveling around without a sensei, is the real question," you added.

"We'll be fine, you heard him! We deserve to go to a fun carnival after our first dangerous fight! For a second, I thought we were goners!" Naruto happily piped in. He flipped his body to face you all since he was leading the way. "You say that so casually.." You mumbled out, followed by a sigh.

Sakura spoke up again, "We really could use a distraction, that Zabuza is scary." The pinkette reasoned. "I guess.." your eyes drifted over to Sasuke, who looked as stoic as ever as he silently traveled.

"You excited, Sasuke?" Uchiha shrugged. "I'd prefer to be training right now. You remember what Kakashi said, Zabuza isn't dead. Meaning he could return later on, which he will likely do."

Everyone became quiet, Naruto grew annoyed as he side-glared Sasuke for making everything serious and awkward. Meanwhile, Sakura frowned, becoming increasingly uneasy at the thought.

But you forced a smile, "Well, I think Kakashi's right too. We shouldn't let those worrisome thoughts consume us, let's relax today! Forget about our ninja duties, just for a moment."

Here you go again, putting up a relaxed act to calm your teammates down. Sasuke didn't need a Sharingan to see what you were doing. He furrowed his eyebrows, with a small frown. He didn't understand why you lied to make them feel better, or why you took on this responsibility to begin with.

"Yeah, she's right!" Sakura smiled, "Let's have fun, guys!" Naruto now smiled too. "Hell Yeah!"

You let out a relieved sigh, 'Good, I got to them..' your shoulders dropped, as you tuned out your two teammates yapping on about possible things the carnival will have to offer.

"Y/n," Sasuke called out, "If I agree to relax, you have to, too." He said, tilting his head slightly to look at you. "I can tell you're just as on guard as I am."

"Can you?" You forced out a laugh, "I guess, I'm not very good at hiding it.. am I?" You sheepishly smiled but then nodded. "You're right. It's only fair." You held out your pinky. "Let's enjoy the carnival."

Sasuke's lip twitched up into a smile. He lifted his arm to link his pinky finger with yours. "We'll be okay," He reassured. Afterward, your hands slowly fell to rest on your sides, but your fingers remained interlinked. "Kakashi said there weren't any ninjas in this village." After he said this, you gently squeezed his pinky with yours. "I hope so.."

Naruto placed his hands behind his head, "Speaking of the village, how far away is it!" he complained. "We should be close by, sensei said it was only an hour's walk." Sakura then placed a hand under her chin as she rattled her brain to calculate how long it's been.

You noticed an upcoming Ferris Wheel and squinted your eyes. "Isn't that it over there?" You pointed forward. Naruto quickly spun around and grinned ear to ear upon seeing it. "C'mon let's go!" he ran full speed ahead.

"Hey!- Naruto! Wait up!" Sakura wasted no time as she chased after him, you felt yourself smile as you watched the scene. Although you haven't been with your team for very long, you already feel attached to them. Even a certain member you don't get along with too well.

Speaking of the one-sided beef, Sakura has kept quiet for a while. She acknowledges your input but has not directly spoken to you at all. You could only hope for its improvement because truthfully you didn't enjoy beating on her the other day.

"They're gonna leave us behind, Sasuke." You gave a hint that you too, wanted to run after Naruto. Though Sasuke didn't notice, or care to notice. He was far too caught up in the fact that your hands were so close together. He wondered if you'd allow him to properly hold it. Even if he knew he wouldn't dare to initiate it.

You curiously glanced over at him. You could only assume he didn't reply on purpose. You let out a soft huff from your nose. To be fair, things have been incredibly chaotic lately. A little alone time with Sasuke wouldn't hurt, it's not like the carnival was going anywhere after all. Maybe he missed the silent walks you shared— Well, used to at least. There's hardly any time to do anything besides training, and taking on missions.

Sasuke was very grateful you were placed together. No doubt you two would have struggled to hang out while in separate busy teams, with your things going on. Similar to how you've been with Ino.

When you arrived a few minutes later, Naruto was impatiently tapping his foot on the ground. "Finally! What took you so long!?" His arms were crossed in an upset manner. You released your hold on Sasuke's finger, much to his disappointment. "Sorry! We didn't think you two would wait for us.." You apologized for the both of you. Sasuke had a blank look, unbothered by Naruto's attitude. He regrets not slowing his pace, and forcing them to wait longer. It was much-deserved revenge for the Uzumaki constantly trampling over your "intimate" moments together.

The four of you paid for tickets, with some ryo Kakashi gave you. Naruto looked around in awe after officially passing the carnival entrance. "Woah! What do we do first?! So much stuff!" His eyes were wide, he'd never seen anything like this before! And neither have you, to be honest. "I'm starving," You placed a hand over your stomach. "Can we grab something to eat?" The last word was dragged out. There were so many aromas hitting you from nearby food stands, that you weren't sure what to pick.

Naruto smirked. "Ramen!" He happily suggested. "They don't sell ramen here, you idiot!" Sakura snapped, already getting sick of him. His smile dropped, and he slumped down. "They.. don't..?"

"Why don't we get some dangos!" You cut in, not wanting to deal with a depressed Naruto so soon. The other two agreed, and you dragged Naruto to the nearest shop. "How cuteee!" You smiled at the display they had, "The dangos are shaped like cats!" Sasuke stared at you, weirdly. Why were you so enthusiastic about blobs with two points at the top, imitating cat ears? Sakura curiously stared at the display as well. "They are cute.." She mumbled. "I'll take four, please!" You happily said, and took out ryo. "I'd like two," Sakura ordered, lifting two fingers. "I'll just have a lemonade," Sasuke said, as he stood behind you (with Naruto beside him.)

The man leaned over the counter as he stared down at Naruto. "Wouldn't you like anything, son?" Everyone looked towards the blond. "Ugh, don't mind him," Sakura said with a roll of her eyes. You took it upon yourself to explain the situation, briefly. "He's upset," You placed a hand onto his shoulder, "He.. really wants some ramen."

"Hmm." The worker excused himself as he went to the back. He returned with an instant ramen cup in his hands. "If you'd like, I could boil this for you." He offered, generously.

Naruto lit up, his once depressive mood completely wiped away. "Really?! You'd do that!?" He grinned up at him. "But what about you? You don't sell that here, so then is this your lunch?" The pinkette questioned, the shop owner nodded, "I don't mind. My wife brought me a better lunch!"

"Thank you so much!" Naruto seemed so overjoyed, that you couldn't help but get happy too.