A Ribbon On My Wrist

Chapter 1: A Date..?

Sup'? This story is placed around the time of Christmas, although in reality it's like... March or something.

The main line of this fic is from a lyric of Fall Out Boy's song Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued: "The ribbon on my wrist says do not open before Christmas." I'm really not a big fan of theirs, but I can't help but love that song.

-

Naruto found himself lying awake in bed staring blankly at his ceiling, knowing exactly what day it was, and frankly not giving a damn.

It is Christmas Eve... the most depressing day of year. This is the day that everyone gets together with their family, celebrates The Fat Man in Red's holiday, and opens presents from their loved ones. It makes me sick to the stomach to see everyone so blissful and careless with friends and family, the only thing mattering that they be together. For what would Christmas be if you had no one to celebrate it with?

I mean, I do get a few presents, but I know that they're all out of pity from my friends. They mean nothing to me. The only thing that would bring a smile to my face from my heart and not my mind would be a present from the one I love... but I know that's never going to happen.

I got out of bed, igniting this dreadful day with a dull stumble to the bathroom. But a surprise met me on the way. A ribbon lay wrapped around my wrist snugly, tied at the end by a tight knot.

"What the...?" I peered closer to it. Printed clearly in curvy writing, it said:

'Do Not Open Before Christmas.'

Confusion swirled within me. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

I stood stock still, having no recollection of ribbons whatsoever and lost as to how it could've gotten to my wrist.

As I pondered this, I twitched suddenly as a cold breeze blew across my face. My window hung wide open.

"Wait... didn't I close it last night?"

I passed it off as nothing and padded forth to close it.

12:00 pm

I waited... and listened... for the softest sound outside my door. True, it's only afternoon, but that's just it. Everyone got their gift giving done early, so they could party at night and spend time with the people they love for the rest of the day...

Waiting around failed to make them come, so I started to make my own conclusions.

"Ha... How much you wanna bet no one will come at all?" I said to no one in particular. "I bet they forgot about me all together this year, not giving one damn-"

Knock knock.

I jumped at the sound.

... I guess I spoke too soon.

Though I showed none of it on my face, my insides were bursting from hope as I neared the door; but when I opened it, I was only met with disappointment.

Nothing but the cold and empty hallway stood before me, almost mocking me with it's silence.

I turned to go back, my step reduced to a shuffle and a frown upon my face. But I paused as something caught my eye.

A lone piece of paper lay on the ground in front of me.

I hesitated, thinking for a split second that it could be a trick. Desire and curiosity did away with all doubt, and before I knew it, my stubby fingers groped for the letter and unfolded it in a rush.

'Come to the outdoor Cafe.' It said, in that same curvy writing...

I wonder...

Without my consent, my body flooded with excitement. I was thrilled, exhilarated at the idea of a Christmas that didn't include myself greeting the holiday with the brown tabby cat that liked to lay out on my balcony.

I sprinted without another thought, down the hall and a foot away from the stairs, when a nagging voice butted in.

Aren't you forgetting something?

I froze. Not moving a muscle, my eyes shot down, realizing what I had forgotten.

... crap. I thought I felt a breeze...

-

Safely back inside, I now faced a new reason to blush. Him.

I can't believe you ran out of the apartment without pants! You're such a deviant!

I slowly began to turn pink.

Kyuubi...

So... what were you in such a rush for while I was sleeping?

I hesitated, but not wanting to argue, I told him. About the ribbon, and about the newly found letter.

Aww... sounds like you have a secret admirer.

I wonder... do you think so?

Sure. First a Christmas present, and now an invite to lunch? Definitely!

My heart began to hammer against my chest. Did someone actually... like me?

My exitement morphed to depression almost immediately as I remembered: There was only one person in the world that I could possibly love. Even if that love is never to be returned, I could always dream of it. To even like someone else would be an insult to him. I love him too much to do that...

I sighed, letting my back fall against the rough surface of my wall and slide down to the ground in a heap.

Kit, why're you being so depressing? Just go and see who it is!

I pondered the demon's words, but my mind was made up.

No. There's only one person I love; I couldn't possibly see someone else that way.

But you were all for it a little while ago.

That's because I didn't think of it as a date...which you pointed out...! I ended with a growl.

It was Kyuubi's turn to sigh. Look. This may have no connection with love whatsoever. And if it does, you never know! There's a chance it could be him!

Give me a break, I know he doesn't like me that way. I dont even think he likes being my friend.

You never know, he could have the same... preference as you.

What's that supposed to mean?

What d'ya think?

Are you calling me gay...?

Ugh, just go already!

... no.

You might find out what the ribbon means.

No!

You might find love.

NO!!

You might--

No, no and NO!!

A piercing silence filled the room, leaving me to clap a hand over my mouth in surprise for what I had done.

No one... and I mean no one... ever cuts Kyuubi off. The last man that did found himself stuck halfway down a sewer pipe.

So... you don't wanna go?

I gulped. Oh boy... here it comes.

... I see.

"..."

The expression on my face could have made a chimpanzee look like a genius.

Huh?

I see, so that's how it is. Well, if you're gonna be like that, I guess there's no helping it...

What's... going on? Aren't you gonna take over my body and punch me a few times? O-or kick me in the balls? Or at least make me trip in front of a crowd of people?!

Uhh... no. But hey, thanks for the idea.

... shit.

And I thought I couldn't get any stupider.

I braced myself, feeling my concious being pushed to the side and the fox's taking control.

Kyuubi stretched, and said in a dignified tone: So... what cafe is this date at?

There's only one outdoor cafe in Konoha. Two blocks dow... wait, what?! Y-you're going there?!

Of course. Where else would I be going, you dunce?...So,' two blocks dow-'? I'm guessing you were gonna say, 'two blocks down from here,' right? Oh, wait. Ha ha. I know you were gonna say that, 'cause I can read your mind! Ha ha ha!

I noticed the mocking in his last few sentences.

Shut up! Go back to the hell you were created from!

My words had no effect of Kyuubi whatsoever. He was already at the bottom of the stairs when I came bace to my senses.

W-wait!! Kyuubi, d-dont do it! Stop!!

He ignored me again, instead quickening his pace. The fox ran through the streets, making every other person who caught sight of his red eyes and gashed cheeks gasp in surprise.

Kyuuuuubbiiiii!! Don't go, don't go, don't go, don't go, don't go! Stop! Please!! Don't goooooooooooo!!

My whining could have gone on and on... if it wasn't for a certain demon who showed no response whatsoever to my cries.

... Let me clarify. Kyuubi has a really short temper, so whenever I'm annoying, about five seconds in he'll scream something like:

'Shut it or I'll BREAK YOUR NECK!!'

Or very quietly:

'... You want an early grave?'

Or he'll start growling and snarling and give what he liked to call his 'death glare.' Then I'd keep on whining, he'd continue yelling and that's how we usually start an arguement.

But, you understand? Kyuubi is acting really weird! Not even the tiniest of a glower was sent my way. In fact, he looked calm as ever as we reached a sign bearing the words:

'Cafe la Konoha ma'

"Awwww... ain't that cute?" Kyuubi remarked sarcastically, all the while peering around the dainty tables set around in front of the place.

Cafe la Konaha ma was an odd little outdoor cafe that stayed open all year long, even if it meant freezing your buttocks off while drinking your coffee in January.

Kyuubi's scan of the cafe came up short as he smirked; without another word, he swiveled through the clutter of furniture and locked his eyesight on one little table in the corner nearest to the street.

"Bingo." I heard Kyuubi say out loud, stopping by the table and gazing down to it's clean, white surface. Placed on top of it was an equally white envelope. Kyuubi sat my body down on one of the spindly chairs, making himself comfortable as he crossed his legs and picked the envelope up with his thumb and index finger. On the front, it read:

"Uzumaki Naruto"

Kyuubi smirked, unfolded the paper and read out loud.

"Naruto... if you are reading this, I will be running late. Please wait for me. I will be there as soon as I can."

He reached the end of the short note, folded it back up and looked back as though wanting me to respond.

Oh, now you want to talk to me. Well, damnitt... I don't wanna be here in the first place!

"Too bad."

Kyuubi! Get up, and go back right now!!

"Huh? What was that? 'Stay put and don't move?' Okaaay, but I was gonna do that anyway."

My eye twitched. Well if he won't listen, I'll just have to be agressive!

Kyuubi, you're such a bastard!!

"Ha ha haaa! I know, right?

... okay then, I'll make him feel bad!

You're so selfish... don't you ever show any compassion?! So mean...!

... and? Tell me something I don't know!

Let's try begging.

... please? Just go back... pretty please master Kyuubi-sama?

Hmm, let's see about that... NO.

I... Kyuubi, I... you... I-

What's the matter, cat got your tongue?

Aghh!

Anger spread from the tips of my fingers to the soles of my feet. I clenched my fists as they began to shake; I was so angry I failed to notice Kyuubi switching my mind back into control. Words tumbled from my mouth without my consent.

"I... I HATE YOU!!"

The whole cafe went quiet as dozens of eyes flickered in my direction.

I slapped a hand to my mouth, but it was too late.

Umm, shit. K-Kyuubi...? ...help please?

Do you still hate me?

I twitched for a second time. You... you bastard!! Of course I still hate you, you stupid... you stupid butt-munch!! You can go burn in Hell for all I-

My words paused mid-way as I glanced back at the people ogling at me.

So, face embarassment from this crowd of people, or lose my pride to this jackass demon...?

"..."

Okay! I dont hate you!!

Kyuubi smirked as he took over yet again.

He hung my head low, creating an eerie shadow across my face.

Kyuubi slowly got up from the chair, raising his head to level with the others. The demon's blood red eyes snapped open, causing a wave of gasps and muffled screams to issue among the people around. The dead silence was only interrupted by Kyuubi, who was steadily scaring them out of their wits.

He raised one of his daggered claws (each of his movements followed by multiple pairs of eyes), and stabbed it into my tongue (My tongue!). Blood spurted from my mouth, which then dripped and splattered all over. Kyuubi bowed his head slightly while his eyes stood gazing at the onlookers, giving the look of pure madness.

He raised another claw.

"What are you lookin' at?!"

They scattered.

Kyuubi loosened his pose dramatically, and seconds later he bursted out laughing.

"Ha ha ha ha haaa!! Oh, that was too fun! Let's do it again!"

I spared myself from rolling my eyes.

Couldn't you have at least done a cleaner job of it?

"... Hmm?"

Kyuubi was lost; oblivious to the fact that blood was splattered all over the front of my body, visible spots on the pavement too. Maybe it was a demon thing to not realize how much trouble they cause.

It looks like we just came out of a war.

"Ah...? Oh whoops. Sorry bout' that." The demon then half-attempted to wipe the liquid from my clothes. "My bad," He added.

Whatever... let's just get out of here.

"What're you talkin' about?! Your date hasn't even shown up yet!"

Yeah, and I'd like to keep it that way.

"Oh loosen up."

Look, just go back! I don't wanna be here!

"No."

... you... you stupid...

Again, I felt myself slipping back into control.

"...YOU STUPID BASTARD!!"

My voice echoed through the empty cafe.

...again?

I don't think I'll ever get tired of doing that!

I glared bitterly, plopping back down on the spindly chair, cross-armed and frustrated. Kyuubi took over again.

You don't have to do babysit me anymore. I honestly don't care what happens now.

Oh really...? I wouldn't say that so quickly if I were you...

Why do you say that...?

Heh heh... Well, time for me to go!! See ya!

Hey, what're you-?

My conscience was yet again pushed forth.

By this time, I was really starting to get sick of the whole 'mind switch' thing.

Kyuubi? I called, but no one answered me. Instead, I felt a light weight against my shoulder. I glanced at the source from out of the corner of my eye, finding a hand laying peacefully upon me. It was pale and slightly worn, bearing a masculinity that could not have belonged to a woman.

And somehow, it reminded me of someone...

I felt movement from behind me, followed by warm breath against the back of my neck.

I began to panic.

Wh-who...?

The hand upon my shoulder slid down my arm and stopped at the red ribbon still tied neatly around my wrist. The person began to fondle it gently, tracing the curvy lettering with the tip of his index finger.

C-could it be...?

To Be Continued