Confusion of Lust or Love?

Firekyoakira26921181

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Hello everyone. Sorry for the late update. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did. It was very fun to write, and now I know how to continue this. I am finally gotten over my writer’s block for this fanfic, but the disease seemed to have spread to one of my other fanfics.

Also, I have slightly rewritten my previous chapters for this story, and added a few details, pairings, etc. etc. If anyone has questions on anything please take the time to PM, or review me.

Well, thank you to all of you who read, review, and stayed with me all this time. Enjoy.

Un-beta’ed

Rated M

Pairings: Sasuke x Naruto, Neji x Gaara, and Kakashi x Iruka

Disclaimer: This is a fanfic, what do YOU think?

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Chapter 4

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Insanity

It was the one word that could only describe Sasuke’s sudden show of affection.

He was frantically pacing back and forth in his room, a wave of exhaustion surrounding him. ‘What was I thinking? He’s probably planning my horrible demise right now.’ thought Sasuke, with an air of frustration, as his eyebrows furrowed in a very Un-Uchiha-like way.

His legs slightly annoyed from pacing around his room for the last hour in nervousness, buckled slightly below him. Sighing, he gave into the mild tug of exhaustion in the back of his mind; as he strolled over to his, all-of-a-sudden rather inviting bed. Flopping ungracefully onto the mattress, he closed his eyes, letting his left arm settle snuggly on top of the indentation of his eyelids.

‘I don’t even know what I should do when I see the dobe. He’ll probably kick my ass’ said Sasuke, a hint of a smile threatened to pull at his previous distressed features. ‘Not that he could, of course’

Laying there for a few peaceful minutes, he tiredly opened his eyes, and slowly pulled himself up on his elbows, leaning backwards against his pillows, at a comfortable angle. His eyes wandered over towards his window sill, noting that it was becoming rather dark out. ‘I guess it all depends. . . ’ thought Sasuke, as a small yawn erupted from deep within his throat, making him pause in mid thought. ‘. . . On how the dobe feels about me.’

Sighing, Sasuke begrudgingly stood up from his comfortable position, slightly arching his back in a mild stretch. Tired, he than started to peel off his rather broken in clothes. To his annoyance, he was too exhausted to really take off all his clothes, so he could go to sleep.

Clumsily, he pulled his high-collared shirt over his head, the soft cloth ruffling up his hair even more, giving him a non-composed look. Lazily, he tried to work his hands down to the zipper of his ninja slacks, to take them off so he could rest. After a few moments of unsuccessfully trying to unzip his pants, he just trudged over to his mattress and fell on top of the comfortable bed with a small ‘Oomph.’

Right when his head hit his pillow, he was already fast asleep.

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A pan was set on to the stove, as it flared to life, preparing the water occupying its contents, for a nice bowl of ramen. After making sure everything was in place, a figure dashed hurriedly from his kitchen towards the entrance of his room, in excitement. Running through the door to his room, he stopped right in front of his closet. As he busted open the sliding closed door, it hit the wall with a loud sickening ’crack’ causing the blond shinobi to wince slightly in mild embarrassment.

Reaching into the closet, Naruto started taking out some of his clothes with a tired sigh. Surprisingly enough, most of Naruto’s wardrobe did not consist of orange. He had various colors of clothes really. He had a lot of black cargo ninja slacks, as well the original navy blue, with a small Uzumaki insignia in at least orange or blue at the left bottom corner hem of his slacks, all thanks to Iruka of course. He has various shirts, that consists of short sleeves, long sleeves, and especially sleeveless ones that all varied along the lines of red, orange, light blues, navy blues, blacks, and white. Although he chose not to wear too many of them, since he thought his jumpsuit was easy to wash and wear considering it was only one outfit. When he did feel the need to wear the other apparels, it was when the orange jumpsuit was inexplicitly dirty or it was when he wasn’t training. Which meant it was a five out of one hundred percent time, in which he wears the other outfits.

‘Damn, I’m going to have to bring my other clothes as well.’ thought Naruto as he begrudgingly took out hanger after hanger of clothes. Considering he was staying over at his raven teammates, house, he didn’t want to bother him to much by washing his orange jumpsuit every day. ‘Ugh, I hate the feel of these clothes.’ Iruka-sensei had bought them for him a while ago, when he complained that Naruto always wore that hideous orange out fit of his, but Naruto just said it felt comfier. He always had been more natural at being loud and sticking out as a sore thumb. He just never wore them because he didn’t think it would make him recognizable, and that they were all considerably . . .bland.

Trudging towards the duffel bag on his bed, he slowly sat down on the slightly hard springy bed. Unhooking the material from their hangers, Naruto carefully folded each piece of clothing carefully, thankful to Iruka-sensei for having the heart to buy them for him anyways. Taking a quick glance out the window, he saw that it would get dark soon. That was just enough time for him to finish making his ramen, eating it, and take a nice bath.

Sigh

God, he’s been sighing a lot lately. Damn, that bastard.

As he folded up the last pair of his pants, he slowly sat back on his bed, his back against the wall, his hand on the windowsill right next to his bed. Looking out the window of his apartment, he could see the Hokage Mountain from here. Looking from each statue of the previous hokage’s, his eyes stopped on Yondaime. Thoughts of when he first found out about the demon inside him, by Mizuki-sensei, the traitor of Konoha running through his head. ‘Why did you choose me as the vessel?’ was what he thought, every now and then when he looked at the head of the man who sealed the Kyuubi no Kitsune in him. Dammit! Every single year, the time when it neared that DAY, he kept pondering on why he was the demon container instead of someone else. Would he have been treated differently? There he goes again!

He needed to stop thinking about such pointless things. Honestly, he was glad. Glad for the Kyuubi to be sealed in him. Even when he concluded that his parents had died in the battle with the fox demon, he would’ve been alone. And as much as the demon hated to admit it, the fur ball seemed to have warmed up to him, through all the years they’ve been together. That thought brought a smile to his face. The demon wasn’t that scary after you got to know him. Honestly it was much better than being completely alone to face all that hatred. He was pretty happy, although, he felt guilty when he ever thought or questioned why he was the one chosen for the sealing jutsu instead. He’s sure that the demon didn’t have a choice either, to choose its container.

‘Don’t worry about it too much kit. I’m glad I got sealed into an idiot like you. It helps with all the entertainment going’ on.’ Said Kyuubi a little teasingly, as Naruto felt the fox wrap his tail around his conscience, making him feel like he was actually getting hugged in reality, with all the nerves and all in his brain that connected to his feeling sensors, he felt safe, all warm in the mental embrace.

‘Che, whatever you dumb old coot.’ thought Naruto, his smile getting wider as he saw the Kyuubi’s grin widen as well. Then . . . his eye’s widened. ‘OH SHIT! The PAN!’ With that, he dashed off of his bed and ran full speed ahead towards the kitchen, his eye’s catching onto the pan, water so hot that it boiled over the edge, causing water to thrash out everywhere. And vaguely in the back of his mind, he heard Kyuubi mutter something along the lines of, ‘idiots’ and ‘same as always.’’ Ignoring the fox, Naruto hurriedly looked around for something to grab the pan with so it didn’t set anything on fire or burn him too badly. A rag catching the corner of his eye’s he swiftly lifted the rag up and went to grab the pan.

‘Kit! You stupid fool!!’ yelled Kyuubi as Naruto grabbed onto the searing hot pan’s handle, lifting it quickly, the pan so hot, his hand got scorched lightly.

“Damn it!” yelled Naruto as he threw the too hot pan into the rather large sink that was next to the stove, the handle as hot as fire on steel, Before he could think to much on how stupid he was to throw the pan of water just like that in the sink, the water that was left in there, splashed against the walls of the sink, a large tide of water went soaring through the air as it collided into Naruto cheek, sliding down hit tan neck, burning the containers face. “Fuck!” yelled Naruto, as he hissed when he felt the boiling water come in contact with his skin. His face burning from the corner of his left eye, all the way down his cheek to his chest. Slipping downwards, Naruto slowly slid down onto the ground, his hand cupping the side of his left face and neck, tears in eyes and wincing painfully as his hand touched at the scorched skin.

‘Baka! You could’ve gotten burned really badly! What if you’ve gone BLIND!!!’ yelled Kyuubi furiously, as he looked, and felt the wound through Naruto, mentally glaring at the blond. ‘How can you be so stupid?’ Starting to heal his injuries, he could see his container grin cheekily at him with a slight hesitation to his movements. ’Well, you’d fix me up all good as new, no?’ said Naruto, his left eye closed, as his right eye opened, regarding the soaked floor, and the pan in the sink with a weary look.

‘God damn it kit! Still! Even if I can heal you, it’s after the injury had been inflicted, or after a short time! You still fuckin’ feel it!’ yelled Kyuubi, furiously, sending a mental image to Naruto, showing how concerned he really was, a look only Kyuubi gave him, as if a parent was scolding a child. Honest to god, Naruto loved the feeling of having a parent hover over him, in worry. It made him feel kind of pampered. As if reading his thoughts, Kyuubi looked even more sternly at Naruto, ‘Even if I am like the parent figure you never had kit, you have to be more careful! Being able to heal injuries doesn’t mean you don’t feel them first, and I know that burn hurts. Even if I do have more endurance than you, I know it was painful. I feel it too!’ Kyuubi yelled, amazed and angry at the blonde’s stupidity.

At the little confession from the fox, Naruto’s eye’s widened. “W-wait. You mean, if I got hurt, you would feel it too?” voiced out Naruto, completely unaware that he looked like a maniac talking to himself. Thoughts from his Genin days plaguing his mind, at how many stupid things he’s done and hurt himself, and how it must’ve affected the poor demon, trapped inside him against his own will.

‘Of course kit, even though we aren’t exactly the same person, your nursing me inside the same body, a small link connecting our souls and mind together.’ Stated Kyuubi, as his eyes softened at the guilty look the blond now held. ‘Don’t worry kit, it’s not your fault.’

“How is it not my fault?” yelled Naruto. “You got hurt because of me, and well all this time when I was hurting, you were too! How can I be so stupid?” at this Naruto fumed silently, looking at Kyuubi through his minds eye as if asking, ‘Why didn’t you tell me sooner.’

Silently answering Naruto’s question, Kyuubi replied. ‘Because it wasn’t important, and at least you know now that your actions were beyond stupid, now lets get your wound treated, baka.’

“W-what? Not important! NOT Important!!! Kami-sama, of course it is!” blurted Naruto, his anger rising at the way Kyuubi said it so calmly. It unnerved him. Cutting the blond of, Kyuubi roared back with a menacing growl, ‘No it isn’t! Now shut up and let’s get that treated! Or so help me I will find a way to get out of this cage and kick your ass. Got it? Good.’ Leaving no room for anymore discussion, Kyuubi mentally sent a small jab, directing Naruto towards the restroom so he could freshen himself up.

Inwardly sighing, Naruto just slowly dragged his tired, lithe form to he room. ‘Now go get into a fuckin’ bath and tend to your wounds, as I reattach your chakra, nerves and blood cells together, so I could heal them.’ said Kyuubi, eyes stern, making sure that Naruto was going to follow his instructions.

“Fine, fine you old coot, stop rushing.” Said Naruto, too tired to argue with the demon, body dragging along the wooden planks. Entering his room, he searched for a towel, before he walked towards the bathroom, getting ready to clean himself up, completely unaware that he was not hungry anymore.

‘Oi, Kyuubi.’ Thought Naruto, as he turned on the faucet to his tub, turning it to a slight warm temperature, making sure it wasn’t to hot, that it was harm his now red, burned, scorched skin. ‘Mmmm?’ replied Kyuubi, as the fox waited to get water over the burnt flesh, to slick the skin real quick before he helped Naruto relax. ‘I-I’m sorry.’

Hearing a faint, ‘it’s okay’ he smiled a small smile, before he began stripping off his messy clothes, slowly, not to make his injured arm even worse. Standing in front of the tub, completely naked, Naruto stepped into the tub, slowly sliding down the wall, hissing slightly when the water washed over his skin, as he leaned back and enjoyed the time he had to soak. Savoring the taste of relaxing.

‘Kit, promise me you’ll be more careful. I can heal you, but I don’t want you to feel the pain. Don’t strain your self like that, okay?’ asked Kyuubi, soothingly, as he felt Naruto slowly drift off. ‘Mmm’kay.’ murmured Naruto, as he slowly dipped his head under the water, soaking his whole being entirely. Diving back up, Naruto took a small intake of air before he leaned back once more. ‘Oi kit, just relax, and if you drift off I’ll just wake you up a little bit after, hmmm?’ offered Kyuubi as he felt Naruto try to hold on to what’s left of his consciousness, slowly drifting off every few seconds.

With a small smile, kyuubi started healing the vicious burn, as the demon hummed a slow fox demon lullaby that was used back in the times the fox was just a kit himself, lulling the blond boy to a slow slumber.

‘Good night, kit.’ A small peaceful silence silently descended upon the pair, in an old, crusty bathroom, in a small apartment, just at the edge of Konoha.

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Naruto slowly opened his eyes as he woke up with a start. Looking around his surroundings, he was shocked at the very least to find out where he was currently standing. ‘Wha? Wasn’t I in the bath tub just now?’ Standing in a dark corridor, Naruto noticed the familiar scratches and dark tunnel ways that lead to where he knew his companion would be. Slowly walking down the path he knew would lead him to the fox demon; he trudged down the path that he took, the first time he was here. Looking around frantically, he couldn’t help but wonder what caused him to be here.

‘Kyuubi?’ asked Naruto, hesitantly, as he neared the end of a certain corridor. Leaving the tunnel, a full view of a cage, bars and everything reached his line of vision, a piece paper held the cage locked deep within the recesses of his mind. The piece of paper, none other than the seal that had contained the nine-tailed demon in his lithe body, stuck to the lock of the cage, immobilizing the cage completely.

That was odd. Why wasn’t the fur ball responding? Quickening his pace, Naruto ran towards the entrance of the cage, trying to look through the bitter darkness where he was sure, the fox was there. ‘Kyuubi? This isn’t funny Kyuubi! Where are you? KYUUBI’ yelled Naruto, as he wrapped his hands around two bars, staring intently into the black aura that surrounded the cage. Not too long ago, when he was a mere genin, he was afraid to even look at the fox, but now he had a sick feeling in his gut, not from fear of seeing the demon, but quite the opposite really.

‘Kyuubi? Oi, Kyuubi! This must not be some sick joke, you furball! Because it isn’t fuckin’ funny!’ yelled Naruto, as he ran from one side of the cage to the other on the outside, looking in trying his hardest to find the demon. ‘Damn it, Kyuubi! Where are you? Kyuubi!’

Tears now leaking from his eyes, Naruto held onto the cage bars, as he slid down slowly to the ground. ‘Where are you Kyuubi. . .W-where’d you go. . .?’ asked Naruto, pleadingly, as he cried silently to himself, holding onto the bars so hard his hands hurt. Kneeling there in the dark corridor next to a sealed cage, Naruto silently cried as he wondered where his companion was.

“Kyuubi. . .where are . you. . .“ Naruto asked out loud, as his voice drifted off, his silent sobs echoing in the abandoned cell, head down, and tears streaking down his tan face. Deep down in his heart, wondering if Kyuubi has left him, the feeling of being betrayed slightly gnawed at his heart.

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‘KYUUBI!!’ yelled Naruto, as he jolted out of his small reverie, the fast and quick movement causing Naruto’s body to slip, his head falling into the water, causing waves of the now cool water to splash everywhere. Sputtering indignantly, he tried to stop himself from choking on the water as he took several deep breaths to help him get as much air into his lungs as much as possible.

‘Oh god, kit! Are you alright?’ asked Kyuubi, as his container managed to breathe again. A jab of worry was sent, and prodded Naruto in the back of his mind, as he tried soothing Naruto’s nerves. Slowly regaining his composure, he chokingly stood up, his and using the side of the tub as leverage. ‘K-kyuubi?’ asked Naruto, tears threatening to fall, as he calmed himself down, making sure that Kyuubi was really there.

‘Yes, kit?’ asked Kyuubi, albeit a little worriedly.

‘I-I’ stuttered Naruto, as the feeling of loneliness washed over him. But the slight jab in Naruto’s mind, urged him on quietly. ‘I-I suddenly ap-appeared a-at your cage, and no matter how many times I called out to you, you never answered! And it was dark. R-really dark. I-I thought you left me. . .’ Finished Naruto weakly, as he saw Kyuubi’s eyes widen slightly, the Kyuubi’s eyes softened as the fox looked at Naruto. ‘Don’t worry kit. I’ll be by your side forever. And plus, being the idiot you are, you need the guidance!’ and with that, Kyuubi let out a bark of loud laughter, as he received a glare from his host. Eyes softening, Naruto let out a small series of chuckles as well. ‘I guess.’

‘Plus, I need to stay here. Who would make fun of you and your wet dreams of that Uchiha brat, if I were to leave, eh?’ said Kyuubi, winking at Naruto teasingly, as he let out another roar of laughter at the shade of red taking over his features. ‘S-shut up, you perverted old coot!’

His laughter dying, Kyuubi just looked at Naruto in contentment. ‘Oi, kit. Why don’t you hurry up and wash yourself down real quick. You need to get to sleep soon so you can finish getting everything you need, to stay at the bastards huge ass place.’ said Kyuubi, as he felt Naruto slowly drift off once more. ‘Plus, I already finished healing your burn.’ At this, Naruto earned a glare from the thousand year old demon, as Kyuubi received a nervous chuckle. ‘Alright.’

Emptying the water from the tub, Naruto closed the shower curtain and washed himself down just like Kyuubi suggested, as he washed every inch of his body. Finishing up, he rinsed off the soap that he had applied to his body, as he switched off the water that was raining down on him. Grabbing the towel he brought in, he slowly dried his hair, and wrapped that now wet towel around his slim waist. Pulling back the shower curtain, Naruto frowned. Looking around, he saw that the ground of his bathroom was overflowed with water. ‘Must be when I splashed it everywhere when I practically drowned.’ thought Naruto, distastefully.

With an exhausted sigh, Naruto hurriedly grabbed a few more towels, as he ran back into the restroom to clean up his mess. After drying up his restroom floor, he quickly applied toothpaste to his orange tooth brush as he brushed his teeth as quick, fast and clean as possible, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep on his rather hard, old, spring bed. Finishing up in the restroom, Naruto turned off the lights as he dragged himself to his bed, falling ungracefully on top of the cushions, the moonlight streaming into his room, and the sky proving at how late into the night it really was, noticing that he was in the bath longer than he expected, Naruto just let that small thought pass by.. ‘Ugh…can’t wait to head to the bastards place tomorrow.’ thought Naruto, tiredly as he vaguely hear the fox snicker in his mind. ‘Of course you can’t kit, of course you can’t.’

Too tired to do anything, Naruto just laid there, a pink hue dancing across his features, under the beautiful risen moon, as his window curtains drew back, across the window sill, the moonlight dashing through every corner of his room. ‘Whatever, fur ball.’Yawning, Naruto arched his back slightly in a small stretch, as he made himself comfortable on his mattress, his head on a soft pillow, as he held another, rather large pillow close to his chest, arms and legs wrapped around the comfortable item protectively. Closing his eyes, his mind slowly drifted off, falling into a deep slumber. ‘Good night. . .Kyuubi. . ’ thought Naruto. After hearing a small ‘Good night, kit’ being murmured back to him, he fell asleep, dreams overcoming him of days yet to come.

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Sasuke was jolted awake, by the loud knocking on his bedroom door. Scratch that. He was jolted awake by the loud pounding, on his god damn door, by some god damn idiot, who didn’t know better than to disturb his god damn sleep. Mentally growling to himself, he rolled over onto his side, and proceeded on ignoring the stupid stranger, on the other side of his bedroom door. Mentally glaring towards the door, Sasuke visibly twitched, when the insistent pounding became louder and harsher. ‘Who the fuck is that?!’ thought Sasuke, furiously, as he started planning the oblivious idiots, horrible and painful death. A series of torturous ideas already plaguing his mind, as a slow sadistic plastered itself snugly on his handsome face.

Wait.

Bedroom door?

Sitting upright in his bed, Sasuke growled deeply in his throat, as he flung off his blanket, as he stomped his way towards his bedroom door, ready to strangle the asshole who kept on banging at his door. Yanking the door open, he mustered up all his hatred for the damn idiot, and put it all into the deadliest Uchiha death glare he could provide at that moment, with the state he was in. “What the fuck do you wan--” but he cut himself off, as he stared into wide blue eyes, as the blond shinobi of his wet dreams gawked at him, clad in that orange jumpsuit of his, his right hand raised as it looked like it was going to proceed in another series of knocking.

“Kami-sama, teme! You look like shit!” yelled Naruto, as he recovered from his paralyzed shock. Naruto was now looking at a shirtless, angry, glaring, disheveled Uchiha, with his hair blazing in every direction as he looked back at Naruto with a ‘What the fuck do you think your doing here’ look. although, he was more distracted at the naked pale chest that was capturing his attention. A big grin taking over his facial features, Naruto looked at Sasuke, taking his eyes off that muscular chest, answering his death look. “Well since you said I could come over and stay for a bit, I packed up everything and came by. Since you gave me an extra key, I just let myself in.” said the cheery blond. Seeing another glare directed at him, that clearly said, ‘Than what the fuck did you wake me up for?’

Ignoring the silent death threat behind that look, Naruto replied, “And since it was getting pretty late, I decided to wake you up!” Seeing the look change into a, ‘IS THAT ALL?’ look, he hurriedly added, “A-and since I thought you were hungry, I d-decided to make breakfast!”

At this, Sasuke’s eyes widened comically as he stared at the blond in horror, as he quickly asked. “You didn’t burn down my kitchen did you? “

“Wait. Of course not! What do you take me for! Did you think I can’t cook!!” yelled Naruto as he glared at Sasuke, daring him to say anything. Being the one more worried for his kitchen, the raven replied with a straightforward, “Well, yeah.”

“Well for your information, bastard! I can cook! And I just thought that you’d like something to eat in the morning so I took it to myself to be such a generous friend to do so,but I guess you wouldn’t think so now would you!!” Exploded Naruto, as his face reddened, stretching the word friend sarcastically in anger.

Finally taking the time to look Naruto up and down, Sasuke noted that Naruto was wearing one of the aprons that were left behind by his mom. Staring at the blond, he felt, in more ways than one, touched by the show of affection. Seeing as how he angered the blond, he couldn’t help but think the blond looked adorable with a red face, wearing a cute little white apron, as he glared at him. ‘Adorable, indeed.’ Thought Sasuke, as Naruto began to pout.

Getting fed up with the silence, and with Sasuke staring at him, Naruto glared and said, “What!” Anger obviously lacing his voice.

Well, Sasuke did need a shower considering he just fell asleep last night in exhaustion. Looking at the blond, he quickly locked away the image of the blond in an apron deep in his mind. “Thanks dobe.” said Sasuke, not noticing the blonde’s eyes widen in surprise, as Sasuke turned around, preparing to get some clothes and a towel to go take a quick shower.

“Wait, w-what?” asked Naruto, looking at the muscular tan back in surprise. Did Sasuke just thank him? The arrogant bastard that was always . . . well a bastard?

“I said thank you dobe, if you didn’t hear correctly.” God. Was is that much of a surprise that he thanked the blond. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to go take a quick shower.” said Sasuke, as he got up grabbed two towels and walked towards the door, getting ready to pass the blond, and head towards the bathroom that was down the hall.

Ok, so he wasn’t imagining it. Uchiha Sasuke DID say thank you. Is this a dream? Was what Naruto was thinking, but he took a sharp intake of air, as Sasuke’s bare arm brushed by his very own, causing him to shiver slightly, a small blush beginning to stain his features. ‘Damn you, hormones, Damn you.’ thought Naruto, as he got slightly aroused at the touch. Sasuke not feeling too different than Naruto was.

Closing his bedroom door, he took a few step from his room before he stopped, turning, he looked at the blond. Clearing his throat he asked, “I-I’ll see you in the kitchen for breakfast than, dobe?” Smooth. Way to go with the stuttering Uchiha.

A grin slowly made its way onto Naruto’s face as he looked at Sasuke. ‘Maybe the bastard was alright after all.’ “Definitely bastard!! You’re gonna wish you haven’t insulted my cooking!” exclaimed Naruto excitedly as he ran down the corridor towards the kitchen he found that morning. Not before getting lost at least a thousand times before, of course. “Be quick about it though! I just finished making it, and it’s better if it’s hot, got it teme?” yelled Naruto, who was down the hall by now, making Sasuke’s lips twitch slightly, a smile about to take hold of his lips. “Whatever dobe. If it’s good, it doesn’t matter if it’s hot or not.” Said Sasuke, turning before Naruto could see the smile now attached to his face.

“Whatever! You know it’s good, and you’re just taking your slow, sweet ass time about it! Now get your ass in the shower, and hurry before the food gets cold!” with that, the blond disappeared around the corner, going to make sure everything was in place for breakfast, a bright grin planted onto his features.

‘Che, dobe.’

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Once inside the bathroom, Sasuke shut the door tightly and locked it before he leaned back against the hard, hazelnut, wood, as he closed his eyes, sliding slowly down the door, one leg laid straight out in front of him as the other bent upwards, propping his hand on his upright leg, sighing. ‘Damn that dobe, and the way he makes me feel.’ Sasuke thought, as he brushed his left hand through his hair gently, his eyes still closed lightly.

‘Kami, that dobe.’ thought Sasuke, once more, as he opened his eyes and dragged his body upright, standing he turned on the bathroom lights, as he set the two towels on the rack that was protruding from the wall. (He fell asleep half naked remember? So he’s only in his white ninja slacks right now.) Before he began to slowly started stripping off his pants, his bare chest leaning down a bit, his arms working off his pants, thoughts of Naruto, playing through his mind like a broken record, repeating themselves over, and over. His slacks now off, he just threw them aside, and paid no heed to where it landed on the spacious restroom floor, as he peeled of his boxers, ignoring the slight cold that prickled against his chest, now consuming his entire being completely.

Quickly taking a small glance at the mirror, his eyes held a wave of tiredness in them. He was confused. Why was Naruto acting so. . .normal? Didn’t the kiss yesterday do anything to the blond? He wasn’t avoiding him like Sasuke thought he would. Sasuke was feeling slightly relieved that Naruto didn’t run away, but did this mean the blond felt something towards him, maybe the same thing? God, and he was worrying for at least hours after the kiss yesterday for nothing! ‘Maybe I should act like nothing happened yesterday?’ thought Sasuke, exhaustingly climbing into the tub, standing straight as he turned on the tap, water spraying down on him like rain, drenching him immediately. God, why was that idiot so, carefree?

Sighing, Sasuke quickly showered himself down, before he turned off the downpour above him, pulling back the curtain, he grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist, water dripping off of his raven locks, as it plastered itself to his forehead, grabbing the second towel, to dry off his hair, not even bothering to tighten the towel on his waist, as it looked like it was going to fall of any moment, hanging right at the edge of Sasuke’s well-developed hips. After he freshened up, he just decided to not think about the certain shinobi in an apron, which was probably in his kitchen right now, wondering where he was. ‘Maybe I worried over nothing. ‘

Turning towards his bathroom door, his hand reached out to turn the knob, and he swung the door open, deciding to run to his room and get dressed when he came face-to-face with the demon-container, looking about to burst into the bathroom. Surprised at finding the blond in front of him, he didn’t notice that the power of thrusting the door back cause him to slip, as he started falling forward right towards Naruto, who looked equally surprised, but not as surprised as Sasuke, as Naruto looked like he had something important to say. He collided right into the blond, sending the two of them toppling over, unknown company presented somewhere near them.

With a small grunt, Sasuke had ended on top of Naruto, arms holding his body up, looking down into azure eyes, both boys, with a pink hue on their cheeks.

Naruto blushed, as he looked up at Sasuke, noticing the raven’s lack of clothing, as the towel Sasuke had in his hand to dry his hair flew off to some odd direction, slightly wet, naked flesh presented to Naruto, pressed up hotly against Naruto’s body. Both stayed where they were, just staring, as Sasuke shifted slightly above Naruto, the loose towel on his waist threatening to fall off. ‘Shit, I should’ve tied it tighter.’ thought Sasuke, the moment seeming to last for ages.

“Ahem. . .”

Sasuke’s eyes widened as he pulled himself up from his position on top of the blond, as he stood up, looking up in surprise at the figure standing at the end of the hall, the stranger leaning against the wall, on eye studying Sasuke’s profile amusingly as the other one was blocked by a dark, ninja mask. Looking a little flushed, Sasuke reached out one hand and pulled Naruto up quickly, before he looked over in confusion, giving off a small semi-death glare, as he looked up at the grey-haired, masked shinobi.

“Are you alright . . .Sasuke?” asked Kakashi, as he looked at the two boys, an amused twinkle in his visible eye, looking from one boy to the other.

Blushing, Sasuke looked at his sensei, voicing his thoughts, “What are you doing here, Kakashi?” asked Sasuke, straight to the point, and as rude as always, no honorifics added what-so-ever.

This is when Naruto gotten out of his small reverie, and interrupted, “Ah! Well Kakashi said I had to go meet Baa-chan at the Hokage Tower, because I had an important mission! And I ran to tell you I was leaving, and the breakfast was on the table.” said Naruto, hurriedly. “And well, since Kakashi-sensei and Tsunade Baa-chan knows that I’ll be staying with you, he came directly here to tell me!”

Sasuke, felt mildly hurt, because Naruto had said Kakashi and Tsunade-sama, knew he was here, which means they knew the reason why he was here. . .and he didn’t. ‘Does he not trust me?’ thought Sasuke, Naruto interrupting quickly once more. “Even though I never ever get missions around at this time, knowing Kakashi, Tsunade probably asked him to come get me like 3 hours ago.” This statement, earning a small cough from the copy-nin.

Wait.

Why wouldn’t he get missions at this time?

“So I thought it was unusual, and I ran to tell you I’m leaving but was wondering if you could . . .um. .maybe come with me?” At this Sasuke, could help but smile silently to himself.

“We should hurry than, Naruto.” said Kakashi, earning a small glare from the blond.

“Yeah, sure dobe. But what about breakfast?” said Sasuke, remembering the reason why the blond came here so early. Looking sheepishly off to the side, Naruto replied, “Well, I kinda hopin’ you’d say yes, so I packed it up in a small container and maybe we could heat it up when we get back?” the last sentence more of a question than a statement. A small smile on his face, Sasuke said, “No problem, usuratonkachi.” smirking, when he saw Naruto pout slight. “I’m not a usuratonkachi, teme!” yelled Naruto.

“Sure, whatever, just let me get dressed, now why don’t you.”

Naruto blushed, as he looked another direction, averting his gaze from the very toned, and fine Uchiha. “Tch, just hurry up teme.” And with that, Sasuke walked into is room, putting on his clothes quickly, which consisted of a white, top-sleeve, shirt that fit, tight, and snug to his firm chest, black ninja slacks following suit, over his smooth, navy blue boxer’s

-

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Kakashi chuckled, Naruto grinned, and Sasuke glared, as Tsunade informed him on what was happening.

Gaara of the Sand, the Kazekage, now stood their in the Hokage’s office staring blankly ahead, as Tsunade informed them on their mission.

“Uzumaki Naruto, you are here on a mission, to escort, and provide shelter for the Kazekage, as he is present in Konoha for the Chuunin exams, understood?” (1) Asked Tsunade, as she looked at the three men in front of her, with her serious look, staring at Naruto as if waiting for him to throw a fit about it.

“AH! Gaara!” Well she was partially right. It wasn’t a fit though.

Grinning like a madman, Naruto ran towards the red-haired leader, jumping and glomping him on the spot. “Nice to see you too, Naruto” said Gaara, as he smiled light, returning the friendly hug. The sight, bringing a small twitch to Sasuke’s right upper brow, something clawing at the inside of his heart, snce when did Sabaku no Gaara, even hug? Than the words, the gambling-lover registered in his mind. ‘Uzumaki Naruto, you are here on a mission, to escort, and provide shelter for the Kazekage, as he is present in Konoha for the upcoming Chuunin exams, understood’ Shelter? Wait, wouldn’t that mean, the Kazekage, would be living with him. Now he had a problem.

“Tsunade-sama, Naruto is currently residing at my home right now, for reasons completely unknown to me. I don’t really appreciate having another houseguest all of a sudden, against my own will.” voiced Sasuke, clearly annoyed, although it didn’t show on his indifferent facial features. At this, Naruto stopped his movements, and Gaara looked at him with a stare, unreadable as his own, Tsunade and Kakashi silent as well. “What do you propose I do than, Uchiha?” asked Tsunade, her face impassive, but a slight edge was evident in her voice. Before he could reply Naruto was already in his face.

“Oi, teme! What the hell’s wrong with you? You have enough room in that fuckin’ mansion of yours, don’t you? I don’t see the problem!” said Naruto, practically yelling at the top of his lungs, an irritated look on his face.

Twitch.

“Well, dobe, what’s the problem about me feeling a bit tad uncomfortable with having another person added to my home, without my consent as if I’m not here!!” Sasuke practically spat, back. Getting as irritated as Naruto was.

“What the hell’s wrong with you! Gaara’s my friend! And I’m practically staying with you! In other words I HAVE to provide shelter for him! Can’t you at least be more nice about it, and just provide a goddamn room?! You let me stay over!” yelled Naruto, his voice getting really loud now.

“All I did, was fuckin’ ask if he had to stay at my home!” growled Sasuke, angrily.

“Well hell, It’s a mission, you have too!”

“Well, it’s not MY mission now is it! God damn it!” said Sasuke, his temper flaring uncontrollably, as he stared at the blond unbelievably, looking as if he was going to ring the blonde’s neck.

“Well fine! Since it’s not your god damn mission, I guess Gaara and I will just have to find somewhere else then, because your being a self-centered, selfish, inconsiderate ass!” yelled Naruto, his fists clenched in anger, the other occupants in the room just staring at the two bickering. That did it. Sasuke had just about enough of the idiot’s attitude. “WELL SORRY! I wasn’t the one who fuckin’ asked to live at someone’s home for god knows what reason, I don’t even know, and everyone practically knows except for yourself!” hissed Sasuke, venomously. That seem to shut Naruto up, and he continued. “Also, is it my fuckin’ fault that my home is so big, and fuckin’ empty, that it looks like some place anyone can just waltz into and take over without my consent!” Sasuke wanted nothing more than just punch the blond right now as he felt rage coursing through his body.

“And did I mention, that this wasn’t my mission, and I also KIND-heartedly went with a friend, because he was being too fuckin’ scared of nothing, to go and see the hokage for a fuckin’ mission!“ he continued spouting out words like a madman, Naruto’s eyes widening just a small fraction, at every word. “Also, I was fuckin’ generous enough to provide you a place to stay, when you actually ASKED for shelter from god knows what! Now after saying yes, you let people come prancing’ into my home, just like that!”

“Hey! I’m not doing anything like tha-” started Naruto, guilt, slowly overturning his features.

“WELL I DON’T FUCKIN’ CARE, ANYMORE!” exploded Sasuke. “YOU CAN GO FIND SOMEONE ELSE AND STAY WITH THEM, IF YOU WANT TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! ’! IF I WAS BEING SUCH A SELF-CENTERED, SELFISH, INCONSIDERATE ASS, AS YOU PUT IT, THAN FINE! GET YOUR STUFF AND GET OUT OF MY HOUSE BECAUSE I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY YOU ASKED ME IN THE FIRST PLACE! I PROVIDED A PLACE FOR YOU BECAUSE I WAS FUCKIN’ NICE ENOUGH TO DO SO! WHY DID YOU THINK I DID IT FOR, OUT OF SHEER PITY, DUMBASS?!” With that, Sasuke stomped towards the office door, grabbed the door knob and pulled so roughly, he almost pulled the door off its hinges, slamming it with great force, the door, abused by the strength, looked like it was going to collapse any moment, silence descending upon it’s wake.

Sulkily, standing there, Naruto looked at the door where Sasuke left, guilt written on his face. ‘Maybe I should’ve have blamed him for being selfish, he did give me a place to stay when I needed it. I guess I was being thoughtless.’ thought Naruto, staring at his feet.

‘Kit, you should go apologize. You were too harsh on the kid. You know it wasn’t his fault. He was just asking if he had to have more company than he planned to. He has been alone most of the time. You should’ve known better, kit.’ scolded Kyuubi, slightly, as he looked at his container. ‘I guess. . .’

‘No kit, don’t you ‘I guess’ me. You were wrong, now go apologize right now.’

After what felt like hours, Naruto looked up and said quickly, “Oi, Baa-chan! I’ll be back in a few, alright!” and with that, he yanked open the door, running out towards the direction of the Uchiha compound, not hearing the light, ‘don’t call me old hag, brat!’ and a small sigh from Kakashi, hoping, that Sasuke wasn’t too mad at him.

With that, Naruto ran as fast as he could, deep down in his heart, wishing that he didn’t completely crash his friendship that he tried so hard to obtain once more, when they brought Sasuke back to Konoha from the evil clutches of the Snake Sannin, Orochimaru. Regretting what he had previously said, with everything he had.

-

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(1) Gaara is now the Kazekage, and right now, the Chuunin Exams are being held this year at this time. So Gaara needs a place to stay. (For some unknown reason, I could only think of the Chuunin Exams) Just go with the flow, because that’s where I could only find where the ‘Kazekage’ comes into Konoha.

Gah! Sasuke is so jealous of Gaara right now! Man, Sasuke really got pissed off didn’t he? What will Naruto do?

I hope most of you weren’t disappointed with how this chapter came out! Is the little beginning with Kyuubi and Naruto, considered slight fluff? Still dunno.

Oh and what does PWP mean by the way? It would be nice if someone could tell me.

Next chapter is where Naruto tells Sasuke why at this time of year, he doesn’t go on missions and stays far away from his rusty, old apartment! And what’s this it that is coming. And is Gaara going to be living with them for the time being? Find out next chapter!

Please review! I hope you enjoyed it! Love you all!

Fire-chan