W a r m vs. C o l d

A tale of a boy's quest for the love of a girl.

Disclaimer: None of the characters in this story belong to me. They are all property of Masashi Kishimoto. And also, just for future reference, when you see "(| ... ... ... |) ", those are the thoughts of inner Sakura. This is an update, because I forgot about the formatting thing, all the italics on the last chapter. Didn't exist. That may have caused confusion, this should be clearer. Thanks.

Chapter 1: Ramen-Fiesta!

"Waahh!" Uzumaki Naruto quickly rolled out of his bed, his eyes darting from wall to wall of the room.

"...Ramen." He jumped to his feet and dashed off towards the kitchen. He came to a hasty halt when he saw the cupboard.

"There...Better...Be...Some..." He grabbed the rings of the cupboard doors and yanked them open. A moment later an avalanche of packs of the quick-ready ramen welcomed him. The smell itself immediately made drool start to build up and overflow from his mouth. They scattered across the floor, and Naruto lost his mind for a moment as he rolled amongst them, covering himself in their scent.

He finally stopped and laughed. "What a stupid dream! Like all the ramen in the world could ever disappear all at once!" He grinned as he stood up and picked up all the scattered packs, save one. He sloppily threw them back into the cupboard and quickly slammed the doors shut before they could spill out again. He turned around with a smile on his face as he eyed the little cup of ramen that lay on the floor.

"Eh heh. I am a bit hungry, anyways" he convinced himself. He walked over to get some water but was startled first by a knock at his door.

"Damnit, I was just about to eat too. Better get it." He muttered, always upset when something comes between him and his ramen. He hurried over to the door and pulled at the door handle to reveal Haruno Sakura. His heart immediately melted and he felt goose bumps along his arms and chest. What is she doing here?

"Sakura-chan?" he looked quizzically at her. He was a little blushed, but other than that nothing was noticeable outwardly.

"Naruto, I... I need to talk to-"

OH YES OH YES! Sakura-chan finally has recognized me. Soon we will be official! This is it! His inner thoughts were soon disrupted.

"...Sasuke-kun." She finished. "Do you know where he is?"

"Whaa?" Naruto was confused. All his hopes, dreams; shattered by the mention of Sasuke.

He mumbled under his breath, "Sasuke....That bastard." His fists began to clench tightly. His comment was nearly inaudible. But to Sakura's keen ears, she could hear every word of it.

"Naruto...What...Was that? I don't think I heard you correctly?" She growled and her eyes narrowed. Naruto knew this look well.

"Um! It's nothing Sakura-chan! Nothing at all!" He hesitantly laughed as he tried to convince her he had said nothing.

She looked at him suspiciously for a moment, and then continued, "...Anyways. Do you know where he is?" He wasn't even looking in her general direction anymore, his eyes seemed to be everywhere but on her.

"Like I know.." He muttered. She blinked a few times and then peered inside of his house. She noticed the opened pack of ramen, and sighed.

"Ramen again, Naruto? Is that all you ever eat?" She questioned.

"Of course it's all I ever eat. It's the best food ever!" His eyes lit up for a moment, and then quickly died back down. "What is it to you?" He seemed to be staring at his foot and kicked at the ground.

Sakura's eyes took on a look of curiosity and regret. Well, I did say I would be nice to Naruto. After all, he has changed a lot. And he does care for me. I can tell. Ah, Sasuke can wait. "Naruto, do you mind if I join you?" She smiled sweetly, not too sure if it was such a good idea.

"Wha-what? He looked at her for a moment and then his eyes too, gained a look of suspicion. "This better not be some sort of joke, Sakura."

She giggled for a moment and then stepped past him and into his home. Naruto was still staring blankly at the street. What the hell? I guess it isn't a joke. Good thing I cleaned up yesterday... He laughed inwardly and stepped inside after her, closing the door behind them. Maybe she'll be impressed with my tidy house! Yeah, I bet she will.

What's that smell? This house is disgusting. When was the last time he cleaned up?! Sakura thought. Sakura seemed a little uneasy, but she quickly brushed that off. I don't want him to know that I feel a little awkward. It might make for a very bad vibe.. She glanced to her right to see some dirty boxers tucked behind the couch. (| WHAT THE HELL?! NARUTO! YOU ARE SCUM AND I WILL KILL YOU! THAT'S DISGUSTING! |)

Naruto trailed behind her watching her expressions. Yeah, she's totally impressed. Eh heh! I'm the greatest. He walked past her and led her to the kitchen. This place is small, and she shouldn't get lost… But it's my job to lead her to safety, that's the role of a (future) husband, y'know?! Naruto thought.

Jeez, the stench is getting stronger. Maybe he has spoiled fruit or bad milk or something? I hope so, because if that's him I'm not staying here any longer. Well, I guess I couldn't really expect anything other than this from him... That all can be changed once we get married. And th-... (| WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING?! GETTING MARRIED TO WHO?! You better not be talking about that total idiot over there. |) Her inner self didn't seem very fond of Naruto. It may just be what she wants to feel, not necessarily how Sakura actually feels though. He's not that bad. She thought. He has changed a lot ever since we became official genins, and...To be honest. He's been on my mind a lot recently. She took a seat at the table in the kitchen.

I bet Sakura doesn't even think I'm a total idiot anymore! Naruto thought. Yeah, now this really is my chance. Maybe I'll tell her how I feel. But.. She likes Sasuke. He quickly pushed the thoughts aside for the moment. "Sakura-chan, want some ramen? It's good!"

"Um. Okay, Naruto. I'll have some." She smiled weakly. Her inner debate was still going on. (| Look at him, Sakura! Look at him! He's a very...Dumb person! And all he ever eats is ramen. In fact, I bet every cupboard in this kitchen is filled with ramen! His house is a total sty, and he's not nearly as cute as Sasuke-kun! |) She sighed, and looked at Naruto for a moment.

His back was too Sakura as he gazed at the cupboard in front of him. I don't want to open this. All the ramen will fall out, and she'll think I'm a complete drop-out for having nothing but ramen. I'm sure I can find a pack somewhere. He spotted the edge of a package behind an empty box. Oh, thank God. He quickly grabbed the pack and turned to Sakura. His eyes immediately diverted to the glass in the door down the hall. There was someone outside. Who is tha—Damn!!! It's Sasuke! Why now? WHY NOW DAMN YOU!