Hello everyone! This is the beginning of 'Crazy in Love' by me (N-I-N) and Cherry-Blossom-Kunoichi!! Yay!!! It's the first story I've written with another person (i.e. one of my best buddies ^^) so I'm really excited!!!

This is SasuXNaru chapter 1 - 'A New Chapter'

I hope everyone enjoys!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

He walked slowly down the blindingly white corridor, running a single hand nervously through his auburn hair. He watched his feet as he stepped closer to the wooden door, a bead of sweat trickling down his tanned face. The sound of each footstep pounded like a drum in his ears.

"Iruka-san? Are you alright?"

He snapped out of his sudden trance, and looked up, meeting the worried gaze of Yamato, one of his fellow co-workers.

"What?" he asked.

Yamato sighed. "Honestly Iruka-san, I worry about you sometimes. You look so nervous!"

"Who wouldn't be?" he murmured softly, his eyes downcast.

Yamato wrapped an arm around Iruka's shoulders and grasped him tightly in reassurance. "I know what you mean Iruka-san. It's been a while since that time. But don't you think, after all of these years alone, that he deserves a little bit of freedom? A bit of companionship?"

"Of course I do!" Iruka exclaimed, "That boy deserves a second chance more than anyone!"

"So what's the problem?" Yamato asked, chuckling.

Iruka suddenly became quiet, and started nervously tugging on his shirt sleeve. A few moments of silence passed, before he replied, "I just don't want him to get hurt, or see anyone else get hurt for that matter. What if something goes wrong?"

"Then we will be there to stop it," Yamato said, holding onto both of Iruka's shoulders, and staring wide-eyed at him, "That's what we are here for. Don't worry so much Iruka-san. It'll make you sick."

"O-okay," Iruka stammered, "I won't worry so much. But could you stop staring at me like that, it's really creepy."

Yamato chuckled a deep, throaty laugh before releasing Iruka from his grip. Iruka smiled weakly in return.

"Right," Yamato announced, after he had finished his laughing fit, "Are you ready now, Iruka-san?"

Iruka closed his eyes and took a single, deep breath to try and combat his growing fear. When he realized it wasn't working, and his panic was not going to subside any time soon, he decided to give up, and with a slow nod, he replied, "I'm ready. Let's go."

Iruka pushed himself forward, taking the last few steps with a quick stride, before gripping tightly onto the metal handle of the white wooden door. A nervous, sickly feeling grew in the pit of his stomach. He thought that this was such a bad idea, but it was the order passed down from the chief executive herself, and her orders could not be ignored.

But Iruka didn't want this to happen. He was worried for the boy, worried like he was his own son. The boy was delicate, even though he was now sixteen years old. He had always been the same quiet, sweet, caring little boy, ever since the day that they had brought him in. Iruka just didn't want to see him get hurt.

But he knew that being around other people would be good for him. It would develop his social skills, and hopefully, some day, he could be reintroduced to the normal world.

If only he would go away.

Iruka sighed softly, running a hand through his brown locks once more. Taking another deep breath, and gathering all of his courage, he took the key out of his trouser pocket, shoved it into the lock, turned it sharply, pushed the door open, and then stepped inside.

He heard voices growing louder outside of his room. They seemed familiar, but he didn't know for sure. He didn't know anything for sure any more.

But if you know that for sure, that you don't know anything for sure, then isn't that something that you do actually know, for sure?

"Stop confusing me Kyuu. You're making my head hurt," he grumbled.

It's not my fault you can't see the obvious, dumbass. Honestly, what would you do without me?

"I don't know," he replied sadly, "I don't know anything anymore."

Jesus! Kyuu groaned, you're like a fucking broken record!

Naruto laughed weakly, wrapping his arms around his knees tightly and pulling himself into a ball.

His defensive position.

His safe position.

Where nothing could touch him.

Or hurt him.

Not even the voices inside his own head.

Oh for Christ's sake! Not that again! Grow a spine Naruto! Kyuu growled angrily.

"Shut up Kyuu," Naruto moaned softly, "I'm not in the mood right now. Leave me alone."

Since when do you ever tell me what to do?

Naruto paused.

"I don't know."

Naruto hugged his knees even tighter, laying his head gently on top of his cold, bare arms. He was beginning to get a headache – an after effect of something disgusting the white coats had fed him probably. Bile rose in his throat. He had to fight to keep it down, cringing as the acid burned him from the inside. Tears formed in the corners of his eyes.

"I feel sick," he muttered.

Well no wonder genius, what with all the crap they keep shoving down your gullet, Kyuu replied.

"Why won't it stop?"

Because they hate you, Naruto. Because you're different than them. It's not that hard to figure out. Remember what you did to that teacher?

The memory flashed vaguely in his mind – the screams, a sense of pure, maniacal rage – before everything went blank. Naruto sighed. He couldn't remember much anymore. His memories were almost empty. All he could ever remember were blinding white lights, hushed voices, and an army of white coats peering down at him, poking and prodding him with various strange, scary objects. They would gaze at him with fear; with hate; with sadness and pity. Naruto hated it when people looked at him like that, like he was some kind of freak; a wild animal in a zoo. It wasn't his fault that he was different.

It wasn't his fault that he never fitted in.

"Ugh, I think I'm going to throw up," he wailed softly, clutching his stomach.

Kyuu chuckled cruelly. Here it comes! he cackled in a sing-song voice.

Without warning, Naruto started coughing violently and threw himself down onto the floor with such force that he hurt his head, even though the floor beneath him was padded. Naruto blinked, seeing spots, as the world began to turn upside down. His breathing became erratic and raspy as he fought for air, his stomach twisting and tightening under his hand.

"W-what's.....happening....to me?!" he shrieked, stopping several times to cough.

You don't remember Naruto? Kyuu asked, in a sickly sweet tone, This has always happened to you.

It's your disease.

He screamed as an icy sting coursed through his veins, sending a shockwave throughout his entire body. He twitched and wriggled as the pain attacked his insides, and he choked as it burned his throat. The pain was so intense, he felt like he wanted to die.

Don't be so overdramatic Naruto! Kyuu growled impatiently. The pain will stop soon and then you'll be fine! You'll black out soon enough! Don't be such a wimp!

Naruto scrabbled at the floor, digging his nails into the soft surface and ripping it out from under him, trying desperately to find something to hold onto to, to keep himself grounded and under arched his back uncomfortably, fighting to release the pain. He tried to breathe normally, but it wasn't working. The pain was far too intense to go away.

For God's sake Naruto just black out! You're taking way too long this time! Just stop struggling!

He wanted to stop struggling, but he couldn't help screaming out like a wounded animal. The pain was too much; he felt like he was going to burst.

Suddenly, he heard a clang as the door in front of him opened. Naruto wanted to look up to see who had entered his room, but when he tried, another wave of pain reared its angry head and hit him full on, causing him to fall flat on the floor, his head pressed down against the soft, padded floor of his room.

Strong arms wrapped themselves around him and lifted him off of the floor. They began shaking him gently, and someone else was asking him a bunch of questions that he didn't understand. All he could hear was Kyuu's voice, and a loud crackle in his ears, like a radio that wasn't quite tuned in. The pain was still intense.

Naruto lashed out as the arms grabbed him far too tightly. Another hand latched onto his leg and pinned it to the floor, refusing to let it go. He screamed, but the hand still did not move. He wanted to die, and he yelled this over and over, but they did not answer him.

He heard himself curse a whole string of swear words, and then he tried to lash out again, but the hand still had a firm grip on his leg. Irritated, Naruto looked up into the eyes of his captor.

And then he saw him.

Iruka.

His cold, hard, angry gaze softened as he stared into the eyes of the only man that he could call friend. Well, apart from Kyuu.

"Naru………can……me?" Iruka said, his voice fading in and out.

Naruto blinked dazedly, and continued to stare into Iruka's chocolate brown eyes.

Suddenly, without warning, Iruka's voice boomed loud in his ears.

"Naruto, can you hear me?"

Feeling that he should answer, Naruto nodded slowly once.

Iruka sighed thankfully, and then asked, "Are you in pain Naruto?"

Once again, Naruto nodded.

"Where does it hurt?"

Naruto whispered hoarsely, "Everywhere."

Iruka growled, and turning towards a man Naruto did not know, he asked, "Did the doctors give Naruto anything today?"

Naruto wanted to tell Iruka everything that the doctors had done to him, all the scary, cruel things that they had done, but another sharp pang of pain coursed through him. He choked and twitched in Iruka's arms, his eyes immediately closing.

The other man must have said something bad, because Iruka immediately started shouting, which made Naruto's ears hurt. Kyuu chuckled softly.

Naruto tried to open his eyes, and he started to panic when he realized that he couldn't. He began screaming again, but he heard Iruka's voice telling him to stop, so he immediately quietened his harsh cries to a low whimper.

"Go and get it! And we need a high dosage this time! His fits are going to get worse!"

Naruto groaned. He wanted so badly to scream, but he knew that it would make Iruka upset, and he didn't want that. But the pain was getting worse. He could feel himself fading in and out of consciousness. It was clear Iruka could sense this too, because he began roughly shaking Naruto, and shouting at him to keep him awake.

"C'mon Naruto! Stay with me! Don't black out on me! Naruto try and keep your eyes open! Please Naruto don't do this!"

Naruto didn't care anymore. He just wanted the pain to stop. He just wanted to make it all go away. As he faded slowly into unconsciousness, he could feel the pain slowly leaving his body. He felt at peace. Kyuu was right. It felt so much better to just give in; just to stop struggling; just to sleep.

"No Naruto! Stay awake! You can't go to sleep now Naruto! Don't let it take over! For God's sake, where is that medicine?!?"

He could feel himself drift off. The sound of Iruka's voice was just becoming background noise. He could hear his heartbeat thudding slowly in his ears; a hypnotic rhythm that felt so relaxing; so soothing. It was bliss, as far as he was concerned.

That's right Naruto, Kyuu chuckled, Just drift off. It'll be alright. The pain will stop. All you have to do is give in to me….

Naruto felt so relaxed. It was so easy just to fall asleep, right then and there. He could feel his strength quickly leaving him. His arms slackened; his head began to loll to one side.

Everything was so quiet.

So calm.

So-

A shot of energy pulsed through his veins, causing him to jolt upwards, and his eyes to snap open. His heart began to race; his pulse far faster than the normal rate. When he tried to breathe, all he could do was pant excessively, gasping desperately for air. Iruka, who was sitting right beside him, began gently stroking him on the arm in reassurance.

"It's alright now Naruto," he cooed, "It's okay. We've got you. We weren't going to let anything happen to you…."

Naruto could feel a dull throbbing in his right arm, and when he looked down, he saw a large needle sticking out of it. He stared at the other man as he slowly retracted the needle, though he wasn't as careful as Iruka always was. He jerked it out slightly, causing Naruto to twitch, and make him bleed.

His eyes widened.

He felt bile rise up in his throat.

Blood.

The smell was already gagging him.

He choked.

His hands began to shake.

All he could see was crimson.

He began to panic.

Sensing the immediate danger, Iruka grabbed onto Naruto, and held him tightly in a hug, turning him away from the sight of his own blood.

"Don't worry Naruto," he said softly, stroking Naruto's hair, "Don't worry. It's okay. It'll be gone in a minute, don't panic. Just imagine it was never there."

But he couldn't pretend. He had seen it with his own eyes. The disgusting sight of blood dripping down bare skin, turning his tanned flesh a bright red. He couldn't stop it. He was going to be sick.

Iruka could feel Naruto jerking in his embrace. He tried to comfort Naruto, but it was already too late. He felt something warm and wet trickle down his back as Naruto hacked and coughed in discomfort. Iruka sighed, rubbing Naruto's back soothingly, until he stopped throwing up. He couldn't help but feel very much like a parent. It was second nature to him now, looking after Naruto. He felt like his father, instead of his nurse. He looked towards Yamato and nodded slowly once. He replied with a single nod, and left the room, removing the needle from Naruto's arm, and wiping any and all traces of blood away.

Naruto lifted a hand to wipe the remnants of his stomach from his mouth, and muttered quietly, "I'm sorry Iruka-san. I've put you through so much."

Iruka froze. He couldn't help but smile sadly. "Don't you worry Naruto. It's not your fault."

"Yes it is," Naruto whispered.

"How is it your fault?" Iruka asked, looking worriedly into Naruto's bright cerulean eyes.

"Because…." Naruto murmured, "I keep doing this to you, don't I?"

Iruka bit his lip nervously; he was unsure of how to respond. But he knew he had to, because Naruto was looking at him in a way that almost demanded an answer.

"Naruto," Iruka began, "You are…..special. That's why you're here in the first place."

"But why?" he asked.

"Because…." Iruka paused, "…It's difficult to explain Naruto. I can't really put it into words. You are just you."

"Oh."

"But that's a good thing!" Iruka exclaimed, "That's a very good thing! I'm very glad you are you Naruto!"

Naruto giggled quietly at Iruka's stressed expression, which made Iruka relax. He felt so peaceful seeing Naruto smile. But the peaceful feeling quickly changed to one of sudden anxiety. He still had to tell Naruto the news.

"Naruto," Iruka said quietly, "Do you know why I came to see you today?"

Naruto immediately paused, tilting his head to the side in confusion.

"I came to see you today, because I have some good news for you," Iruka replied, feeling his nerves increasing as he spoke.

"Good….news?" Naruto asked.

"Yes. The doctors in your ward have said that…….that they want you to go outside."

Naruto's face contorted into a look of puzzlement. "Outside?"

"Yes. Outside. In the safe ward."

"The…..safe ward?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Yes," Iruka responded, feeling suddenly uneasy, "You'll be surrounded with lots of other patients who are just like you. You can interact and have fun together. Sound good?"

Naruto paused. "Will……will you be there, Iruka-san?"

"Of course I'll be there Naruto!" Iruka replied, "I would never leave you. I hope you know that."

Naruto smiled. He was glad Iruka was going to be there with him. A place without Iruka, would be a place that Naruto would not like to be a part of.

"What do you think Kyuu?" Naruto asked cheerily.

I think it's a bad idea if you ask me, Kyuu growled. You know you don't get along well with other humans. Well, apart from this one, the exception. Though even him I don't trust.

"Kyuu!" Naruto exclaimed in horror, "Don't be so mean to Iruka-san!"

"It's alright Naruto," Iruka replied quickly, "If Kyuu says he doesn't like it after the first few days, then we can move you back into here. What about that?"

Hmmm….

"C'mon Kyuu, please?" Naruto pleaded.

Very well then. But only for a few days. I haven't been out in a while, so it'll give me a chance to stretch my legs. However, human, if anything bad happens to Naruto, or if anything happens to me, or my connection with him, whilst he's out there, I will have your head. Do we understand each other?

Iruka sighed, rubbing his aching temple with one hand. "Alright Kyuu, we have a deal. You can stay outside for as long as you like."

Very well then.

Naruto giggled with glee as he leapt towards Iruka, his eyes wide with childish wonder. He could not wait to see 'outside'. It sounded exciting.

Iruka sighed worriedly, and gently grasped Naruto's hand within his own. Very slowly, Iruka pulled Naruto towards the door, and reached towards the door handle with one hand.

Oh human?

Iruka froze.

I am watching you, Kyuu chuckled. I hope you know that. And change your shirt. You look a mess with all of that shit down your back.

A shudder went through Iruka's spine, which he tried to desperately ignore, but found that he could not. Kyuu had always scared Iruka, ever since he had arrived. The sound of his mocking tone made Iruka's blood run cold. The mere mention of Kyuu gave him the creeps. And this is exactly what the beast wanted. Fear.

Iruka shook his head, removing any and all thoughts of Kyuu from his mind. He looked down at Naruto, who was staring back at him, his blue eyes alight with excitable impatience. Iruka smiled sadly in return.

Oh Naruto, he thought to himself, I don't know if this is such a good idea. Kyuu is harsh, and I am not sure if he is going to like this. And if he doesn't, then what will happen to you? This sudden leap of faith is foolish. However, for you, I am willing to give it a try.

Iruka grabbed the door handle tightly, squeezing it in his palm. With one swift pull, the door flew open, revealing the outside world to Naruto, for the first time in three years.

Because I don't want you to be alone forever.

So what did everyone think? I hope you guys liked it, because it took me forever to come up with what I wanted to write for the first chapter ^^

Naru-chan is so adorable isn't he? I loved writing for him, because one minute he's really sad, then the next he's jumping about like he's eight years old. He's so sweet.

The next chapter of SasuXNaru shall be titled: 'My name is Sasuke' so stay tuned for that!

Next chapter is SasoXDei with Cherry-Blossom-Kunoichi so I hope you guys enjoy!

Please review, because we would really appreciate your views on our story as it progresses.

Until my next chapter!

Ja!

N-I-N

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