CHAPTER 1

Naruto took a deep breath of the cool autumn air when he reached the street of Konoha. It was so nice to be back on the ground again and escape the gruesome six hour flight from Uzushio to Konoha.

He had just finished calling his mother on his cellphone. He did say that he'll be calling her everyday to check-up on her.

Naruto turned the final corner on the way to his new school. He took his time as he ambled down the pathway, stopping to glance in every store window. Although, it had been a long while since he last walked the busy streets of Konoha, nothing in the vicinity has changed.

He hummed cheerfully to the beat of his iPod as he sat down to a ramen bar he found at the corner of the city and ordered himself a large bowl of miso ramen. The ramen bar was new, Naruto notice. Ichiraku Ramen Bar.

Perfect! What better way to drown one's sorrow of being unwanted by his own mother than a nice delicious hot bowl of miso ramen. Naruto thought.

"Thanks mister." He smiled at the owner, nodding his head.

He returned his grin. "No problem, you new around here, kid?"

"Yeah, I just got here this morning, by the way."

"Oh, is that so? Well, welcome to Konoha, um–"

"Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto."

"Teuchi."

"So Naruto-kun, what brings you here? Isn't it an odd time for a young man your age to be traveling? Don't you have school or something?" Teuchi asked, curious on why a twelve year old was here casually eating–and enjoying his ramen, when he should be in school studying.

"My mom forced me to transfer here, ASAP. When she could have just waited until the semester was over. But she said that it was for my own good that I transfer here sooner rather than later." Naruto sighed. "I'll be studying in Konoha Academy starting tomorrow."

"Ah, so that's why. Well, I hope you'll have a great time here in Konoha then." Teuchi was surprised to know that the boy was already a high schooler. He could of sworn the Naruto was in elementary. He swear the boy looked more of a twelve year old than a fifteen or sixteen year old.

"Thanks, Teuchi-san. The ramen was really delicious, by the way. Best ramen I ever had."

"Oh, is that so. Thank you!" Teuchi smiled embarrassingly at the boy compliment. "Now you come back sometimes, okay. Next time you do, the first round of your favorite ramen is on me. Oh, and this one is on me."

"Really, Teuchi-san?" Naruto looked at the owner hopefully.

Teuchi beamed. "Of course!"

"Thank you very much, Teuchi-san. I will come back here sometimes, believe it! Bye!"

The owner then waved the boy goodbye and resumed back in serving his other customers.

Naruto was in high spirits, whistling happily, quiet pleased by the welcoming treatment he received by the owner of his now favorite ramen bar. He walked slowly, eager to prolong his little adventure. Besides, he enjoyed watching all the Konoha-nian's go about their daily business.

He craned his neck to watch a cute small puppy scamper out of an expensive black Bugatti Veyron. The dog was clutching a red leash attached to its matching red collar. The white puppy was wagging its tail waiting for its owner to take it from him. He owner's head poke his head of the car to check up on him. He was really good looking, Naruto thought. With brown shaggy hair, sharp dark eyes with vertical slit-like pupils, and pronounced canine teeth. He has distinct red fangs marking on his cheeks, which Naruto thought it suited him. "Don't you move from that spot, Akamaru," he called to his dog. "I'll be with you in just a sec."

The teen turned back toward the interior of the car, presumably speaking to someone. The little puppy dropped the leash for its mouth and tried to wiggle it way out of the red collar that was clutched its neck.

"Stop that, Akamaru. We'll go in a minute, k'."

But right then, a stray cat streaked across the street. The puppy suddenly let out a loud bark and scurried its way, chasing the feline into the street.

"Akamaru!" The young teen shouted. He broke into a run, following the dog.

Naruto gasped in horror. A red sports car was speeding down the street, and the driver was completely engrossed in conversation with the woman sitting next to him, not paying the least bit of attention to the road. That guy could get killed if he were to get hit by the car from the way it was speeding down the road.

Naruto let go of his luggages. He didn't stop to think as he dropped his backpack and raced into the street. When he was but a few feet away from the guy, he made a headfirst drive through the air. If he had enough momentum, he prayed, he'd knock them both out of the way before they were run over by the red sports car.

The guy yelp, not understanding why a stranger blond had jumped at him, slamming himself into his side.

Just before Naruto hit the ground, he heard more screams.

And then there was only darkness.

Naruto heard voices before he opened his eyes.

"Shit!" a guy's voice wailed. "What if this guy hadn't been here? I could have seriously died!"

"Kiba," a deep masculine voice said firmly. "Will you just shut up, your not helping anybody here at all."

"Oh, sure. Sorry," Kiba agreed. But in a few moments he was rambling again. "I can't believe a car almost ran over me. What if I had died? Who would take care of Akamaru? My family are going to miss me –well, except for my sister who would be happy if I did–but still, I know deep down she would miss me too. And–"

The other man sighed. "Kiba, for the nth time, shut the fuck up! Your fine, right. You barely have a scratch on you. And, your dog is also ok. So will you just shut up already?"

Naruto moaned softly. He knew he should let these people know that he'd regained consciousness, but in all honesty, his eyelids felt so terribly heavy, and his head was pounding uncontrollably.

"Sasuke, look! I think he's coming around?" Kiba queried.

Uchiha Sasuke, youngest heir to Konoha's largest and multi-diverse cooperation, the Sharingan Crop., sighed. His long time friend Inuzuka Kiba had always been something of a chatterbox, but he did seem to prattle on even more than usual when he was nervous or upset.

"Hey, Sasuke. Should we take him to the hospital or something? He might have hit his head way too hard on the pavement, you know?"

"Yeah, I hate to admit it but you're right. Let's take him there, just to make sure." Sasuke picked up Naruto's hand and felt for the pulse on his wrist. It was strong and steady. "But I think he'll be fine, I guess."

"Oh, good!"

"He'll have a hell of a headache tomorrow, though."

"Ouch! Geez, man, now I feel bad."

"You should. Now I'm not the only one whom you're constantly giving headaches to." Sasuke said jokingly.

"Hey!"

Amidst this banter, Naruto let out a small moan. "Hey!" Kiba exclaimed. "His coming around. You ok, buddy?"

"Who is he anyway?" Kiba suddenly asked. "I've never seen him here before. And I don't think I've seen him around school either. Is he a run away or something? Do you think that someone's been abusing him? Should we call the cops? Or better yet–Child Services. What do you think we should do, Sasuke?"

Sasuke just shook his head. "I don't know. But whoever he is, you were lucky he was there and saved you from that speeding car. Which reminds me–did you get that cars plate number?"

"Dude, I was slammed to the ground by a flying dude–who happened to save my life from a fast speeding sports car. In all the chaos that has happened, do you think I had the time to check the license plate number of that red Porsches?"

"Che. You're useless." Sasuke muttered.

"What the! Well, uh, that goes the same to you, too!" Kiba snarled.

Kiba's loud voice made Naruto's head pound even harder. He moaned again, wishing that these people would just shut the fuck up.

"Shut up, Kiba," Sasuke admonished. "Your loud barking is obviously bothering him. He needs a bit of quiet before his head stop hurting enough for him to open his eyes."

Naruto sighed. Obviously there was at least one person in the car with common sense.

"I know, I know. I'm trying. If you weren't being such an ass I wouldn't–"

"Look, Kiba," Sasuke interrupted. "Why don't you get his luggages over there? He should have an ID there with emergency numbers in case something like this happens."

"Uh, okay, sure." Kiba's brows furrowed together as he did not like the idea of opening a stranger's luggage and rummaging his stuff. But more importantly, he didn't want to leave a poor defenseless blond hottie alone with the young Uchiha Sasuke.

"This is an emergency Kiba. Now go on and do something useful for a change."

"Che. You just wanted me out of the way so that you could have him for yourself."

"Kiba," Sasuke ground out between his teeth. "If it weren't for you and that stupid dog of yours then we won't be in this mess. Now, just go get this guys luggage and find his ID, now!"

Kiba drew back. He knew better than to push the young Uchiha's temper too far. "Oh, all right. Fine! And Akamaru's not stupid!" He turned around and stepped out of the sleek black Bugatti Veyron to fetch and rummaging in the blond boy's luggages for his ID.

"Take your dog with you!" Sasuke called out. "And keep your eye on him this time!"

Kiba stuck his tongue out at him and placed Akamaru on top of his head. "Listen Akamaru, you should always look both ways before you cross the street. Just watch me." He made a great show of craning his neck in all direction. Akamaru yipped loudly and wagged his tail.

Sasuke snorted and turned back to the blond boy, who was stretch out along the cushion passenger seat of his car. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw him race across the street and knock Kiba out of the way of the red convertible. Bravery was not something he was accustomed to seeing in people, yet is mysterious blond had just displayed a great deal of that quality. He was drawn to him–he had to admit that. And he wasn't sure why. He certainly wasn't his usual type. Well, he didn't really have much of a "type" when it came to women–and the occasional men, but if he did, he was fairly sure this little blond thing wouldn't be it. But still, he could tell that the blond wasn't anything like the women–and occasional men he usually consorted. He certainly couldn't imagine the people he was associated with and the people his parents and older brother was constantly throwing his way risking their lives to save his childhood friend, Kiba–which was a complete stranger to the blond. And the same held true for the more mature women–and naïve young men with whom he spent his evenings. He was intrigued by this uncommon male.

And now he was unconscious, having hit his head with a sickening thud when he and Kiba landed on the pavement. Sasuke gazed down at him as he brushed a lock of soft golden hair away from his eyes. The blond moaned again, and Sasuke decided he'd never heard such a soft, sweet sound.

Damn it all, what was wrong with him? He knew better then to get romantic over some complete stranger. Sasuke groaned, thoroughly disgusted by the primitive emotions coursing through him. He couldn't deny that the blond had somehow affected him deeply. His heart had started pounding wildly the moment he'd seen him lying lifeless in the street, and he hadn't calmed down until he'd assured himself that the blond was not seriously injured. After checking for broken bones, he'd picked him up and carried him gently back to his car. He was small and light, fitting perfectly against his large frame.

Kiba of course, had panicked the entire time. Thank god he'd been able to get him to fetch the blonde's belongings and hunt for his ID. His ranting were driving him crazy, but more importantly, he wanted to be alone with the blond when he woke up.

Sasuke lean from his driver seat closer beside the blond. "Come on, dobe," he coaxed, gently pressing his lips against Naruto's temple. "It's time to open your eyes. I'm dying to see what color they are."

Naruto moaned again as he felt a large slender hand gently stroke his cheek. The throbbing pain in his head began to subside, and he sighed with relief. His eyelids slowly fluttered open, and he was momentary blinded by the bright light shining on the ceiling of the car.

"Aaaah," he groaned, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Does the light bother you?" Sasuke instantly reached up to the ceiling light and switched the light off. He returned immediately to the blonde's side.

Naruto let out a long breath and opened his eyes ever so slightly. Then he opened them wider. A guy around his age was peering intently at him, his pale face slightly a few inches from his own. A thick lock of midnight black hair with a tint of blue fell from both sides of his head. Naruto longed to reach up and see if it felt as soft as it looked. Then the raven touched his cheek again. "You scared us, you know. You've been unconscious for nearly," the raven glanced at his Rolex watch, "ten minutes."

Naruto stared at him blankly, unable to put together a proper sentence. It was this guy, he thought; he was far too handsome and far too close.

"Can you speak?"

Naruto's mouth fell open. "Onyx" was the only word that emerged.

Great, Sasuke thought. The most beautiful creature he'd laid his eyes on and he's completely crazy. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the blond even more intently and asked, "What did you say, dobe?"

"Your eyes are onyx." His voice came out strangled.

"Yes, I know. They've been that way for as long as I can remember. Since I was born, I think."

Naruto squeezed his eyes shut. Shit, had he actually just told him that his eyes were black? That was the most stupidest thing to say. Of course he would know what color his eyes were. Girls–and even guys probably fell all over themselves to compliment his beautiful, captivating bottomless pits. It was just that he was so close, staring at him so intently, and his gaze was positively mesmerizing. Naruto decided he'd blame his momentary idiocy on his pounding headache.

Sasuke chuckled. "Well, I suppose we should be grateful that the accident has not left you color blind. Now, do you think you can tell me your name?"

"Naruto–um–" Naruto groaned.

"It's nice to meet you, Naruto. My name is Uchiha Sasuke, but you may just call me by my first name, Sasuke."

"Why?" The question tumble out before Naruto caught himself. He remembered that he wasn't supposed to ask questions to someone whom you just met. It's rude.

"Because, I would like to call you by your first name. If it's okay with you?"

"Oh."

"You've an interesting accent, Naruto. Where do you come from?"

"I came from Uzushiogakure," he replied. "I just got here this morning."

"I see. Then I apologize for the rough welcome then."

"It's okay." he said nervously. "I'm sorta use to it, though," he muttered the last part to himself.

"I'm sorry? I didn't understand the last part."

"Ah, ha-ha. It's nothing, nothing! Don't worry about it."

"I'm glad to see you have gotten some spirit back." Sasuke smirked.

"I'm sorry, to have troubled you, Uchiha-san," Naruto said quietly.

"No, I should be the one who's sorry on behalf of my friend–the idiot that you've saved earlier."

Naruto was flabbergasted. He'd completely forgotten about the brown haired guy and his dog. "Is he all right?" he asked anxiously.

"He's fine. You really don't need to be worrying about him. It's you I'm concerned about, dobe."

"I'm fine, really. I–I should really be going now." Damn, he was stroking his cheek again, and he absolutely could not keep a sane thought in his head when he touched him. He kept staring at Sasuke's full lips, wondering what they would feel against his own. Naruto groaned, blushing at his perverted thoughts.

Sasuke caught the sound immediately, and his eyes clouded with "concern". "Are you sure you're not still feeling faint, dobe?"

"I don't really appreciate you keep on calling me 'dobe', teme. And could you back off a little? You're too close."

"Ah, but I think I should. I like calling you 'dobe', dobe. For some reason 'dobe' rather suits you."

"What the hell?"

"And also, I think I'm not too close enough."

Naruto barely had time to digest those words when Sasuke proceeded to inched closer and closer. He gasped as Sasuke's lips swooped down to capture his in a soft kiss. It lasted only a fleeting moment, but it was long enough for all the breath to rush from Naruto's lungs, leaving his skin hot and tingling. He stared blankly at Sasuke, suddenly unsure of himself and of the strange feelings that overtook his body.

"That's just a taste of what's yet to come, dobe," Sasuke whispered passionately against Naruto's mouth. He lifted his head and peered into Naruto's eyes. He saw apprehension and confusion in the blonde's face and was immediately aghast at his forward behavior. Tearing himself away from the blond, he sat down on the driver seat of his car. His breathing was shaky and uneven. He couldn't ever remember being so strongly affected by a single kiss before. And it was such a small, short kiss. His lips had barely touched the blonde's, brushing ever so gently against the blonde's mouth. Still, desire raged through his body, and all he wanted to do was–well, he didn't even want to think about what he wanted to do because that was certain to make him even worst.

He looked up and saw Naruto staring at him with wide, innocent eyes. Shit, he'd probably froze if he could read his mind. He had no business getting involved with a guy like that. He looked barely twelve years old. He cursed fluently under his breath. He probably even went to church on Sunday.

Naruto started to sit up, rubbing his temples as a wave of dizziness washed over him. "I think I should go now," he said, setting his feet on the cars floor as he reached for the door. His mother told him that the streets of Konoha were hazardous, but nobody had warned him about the dangers that lurked inside a stranger's car.

Sasuke grabbed Naruto's wrist before he reached the handgrip of the door. The raven gently settled the blond back onto the passenger's seat, easing him into a resting position. "You're now going anywhere. You've just hit your head, and you'll probably pass out on the way. I'll take you to wherever it is your going; after we get you checked up in a hospital. Besides, my friend went to get your things and looking for any information or contact number in case we need to call someone, and we have to wait here until he returns."

"My stuff," Naruto sighed, resting his forehead against his hand, as he remembered he had instantly dropped everything he had brought from Uzushio somewhere in the middle of the busy streets of Konoha. He hoped that nothing from his belongings was stolen. "I was in a rush packing–I don't even know almost half of the stuff I put in there. Ugh, I hope nothing got stolen."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed imperceptibly. Were Kiba's fears justified? Was Naruto being treated badly from his home? Considering the whisker-like scars marked on the boy's face it was evident that the blond was really subjected to child abuse. Well, it's not like the scars on his face just magically appeared on his face. He'd not sit back and watch such a delicate boy be exposed to cruelty. It was good that he was able to manage to get away from whatever abuse he had to endure. If only he could take him in and lived together. That would be nice.

Sasuke groaned as a fresh wave of desire pulsed through his body. Of course he couldn't live together with him. Didn't he insist on his parents that he would live in the school dormitory? And wasn't he expecting a new roommate to be arriving earlier today? It couldn't be this boy. He doesn't even look like a high schooler. His more suited to be a twelve year old elementary student rather than a fifteen or sixteen year old high school student. No, he couldn't be. Impossible. He assumed that his new roommate was probably in their room unpacking his belongings right now–since he was out all morning with Kiba. And isn't one of the dorm regulation that your not allowed to take in non-student personnel to sleepover in there room? It was not happening. But if it he did manage to let the blond spend a night with him in his room then–well, let's just say if the blond were to choose to return to a life of abuse and staying in a room along with Sasuke. The blond would probably choose to return to a life of abuse in a heartbeat.

It was well known throughout Konoha that Sasuke was a confirmed bachelor. He knew he'd never be in a serious relationship with anyone. He kept his distance from all of the 'girls'–and 'boys' of his generation, preferring the company of older and sophisticated women–and the occasional men. He had little patience for most of his generation and trusted no one at all. Still, 'girls'–and 'boys' flocked to his side every time he's presence was acknowledge, viewing his aloof manner and hard cynicism as a challenge. Sasuke rarely had gently thoughts about any of these people. If people of his generation flirted with him, he assumed that they were either exceedingly foolish or knew exactly what–or rather, whom–they wanted. He occasionally shared his bed with them, but nothing else.

He looked up. Naruto was still siting upright, staring demurely at his hands folded in his lap.

"You don't have to be scared, you know. I won't kiss you again."

Naruto glared up at him, his sapphire eyes piercing. He didn't say anything. In all truth he doubted his ability to put together a coherent sentence.

"I said you don't have to be so scared of me, dobe," Sasuke repeated. "Your virtue is safe with me–at least for the next few minutes."

Naruto's mouth fell open at Sasuke's audacity. Then, disgruntled, he clamped his lips shut and looked away.

Sasuke groaned as he watched Naruto's full lips pursing together. Damn, he was gorgeous. His hair shines bright gold in the sunlight. And his eyes–first he'd thought they were turquois, then blue as the heavens above, but now they looked quite dark like the deep end of the ocean.

Naruto felt like he was about to explode, bristling at the nerve of this arrogant, overbearing guy. He took deep breaths, trying to contain the temper that already made him famous back at Uzushio, he wasn't going to make himself famous here too. He lost the battle.

"Do you have to look at me like that, you pervert. It very unfair of you to take advantage of my weaken conditon in such a lecherous way, especially when the only reason I'm sitting here with a fucking lump on my head–not to mention in the company of the most bastard of a guy I ever had the worst luck to meet–is because I was watching that guy's puppy when you and that guy were both to careless to look after him properly."

Naruto sat back, please with his speech, and gave Sasuke his fiercest glare.

Sasuke was stunned by his tirade but careful not to show his surprise. "You've got quite a vocabulary, dobe," he said slowly. "Where did you learn to speak so well?"

"That's none of your business," Naruto spat out.

"But I'm really interested. I'm sure you can tell me a tidbit about your past?"

"Why would I want to share my past to you, you bastard. You know it's rude to pry into a person's past–especially to the one whom you just met." There, that sounded good.

"Of course. It was very rude of me."

Naruto sighed and rolled his eyes at his sarcasm.

"Sasuke!" a flamboyant voice called out. "I'm back! And I've got the kids luggages. Although, I didn't find any ID or anything that would tell us who this kid is in either one of his luggages. And it looks like nothing in here was stolen or anything."

Naruto sighed in relief. Good there was nothing in his belongings that were stolen. But still, he didn't appreciate someone rummaging over all of his stuff.

The door swung open and Kiba's face appeared. "Oh, you're awake!" he exclaimed, looking at Naruto. "I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you, man." Kiba grabbed one of Naruto's hands and clutched it in his own. "If there is any way I can help you, let me know, okay, buddy. I'm Inuzuka Kiba, of the Inuzuka Group, by the way. And I will forever in you debt. Here," he said, thrusting a card in Naruto's hand, "take this. It's my calling card, and you can call me day or night if you need anything."

Naruto could only stare at Kiba as the dog lover paused for breath.

"Ah, sorry," Kiba continued. "What's yer name, buddy?"

"His name is Naruto," Sasuke said smoothly. "And he hasn't seen fit to share his surname with us."

Naruto fumed. He hadn't even asked for his surname.

"That doesn't matter," Kiba rambled. "He doesn't have to tell you anything if he doesn't want to–"

Naruto looked at Sasuke triumphantly.

"–as long as you remember that I'll be you friend of life and you can count on me for anything."

"Thanks," Naruto smiled. "I'll remember that. But I really would like to be getting back. I've been wondering around her for a while now, and I have to go somewhere before I'll be heading to my new dorm."

"We'll go there later. First, we have to get you to the hospital to get you checked up." Sasuke inquired as he started his car.

Naruto looked at him blankly.

"You did bump your head hard on the ground. It's just for pre-caution to see if you didn't crack your skull wide open."

But before Naruto could protest Sasuke had already set his car to drive and headed to the direction of the nearest private hospital.