A/N: I'm back! Okay, this would have been up earlier but the unthinkable happened. My whole district had a BLACKOUT! A blackout right out of nowhere! And what's worse, I was TYPING when it happened! Everything I had typed… GONE! I was soooo depressed after that. But, after reading the reviews and seeing you guys say how much you like the story, I decided that I had to snap out of it and keep going!
And so here I am! Yay for perseverance!
Now, we all know that I don't own Naruto, if I did, THIS would be the overall plot, yaoi and hentai galore. And Itachi would be my man-slave. *sigh* one can dream. Now then~!
Chapter Three: The Home-Stay Part One
Kicking up dirt, lungs giving way, adrenaline rushing. These were all that the two competitors could feel at this moment. Muscles tensing up as breathing induced, pushing onward for the sake of something beyond comprehension. The reward would be well-earned, well-deserved. It was something both wanted, both needed, and the thrill that they were enthralled in while achieving this goal was only one price to pay. What is this reward you say? What could it be to make them run, exhaustion nearly futile as they endeavored on this conquest of strength and endurance? It was simple.
It was for the sake of free lunch.
Kiba and Naruto were neck and neck, neither giving way as they continued to sprint around the track (completely missing the fact that it was a simple jog for physical education). They rarely spared any one a second glance, remaining focused and unnerved as they rounded another corner. Naruto could feel the strain, the pressure of muscle in his legs, but pushed it aside as minor inconvenience. It wasn't as though he never felt the sensation before, the telltale signs of the pain that was inevitable to come.
But it wasn't enough to make him stop. This ritual had been done before for both young men; to go at each other in a test of skill was something they had done countless times for the most idiotic reasons. As long as there was something to race for, or fight for, or even pursue in eating contest for, they would indulge in it. A sad truth though it was, as it was stated time and time again: such was the nature of men.
Breathe in, breathe out. Naruto kept this pattern going; not daring to let up as he saw Kiba had began to gain a portion of an inch ahead of him. He shook his head, ridding any unnecessary thoughts. 'For Sakura, this is to show her that I'm just as worthy for her attention,' he reminded himself. Keeping the chant echoing softly in his head, along with the thought of how his dear Haruno would congratulate him upon his victory, made him push even harder to catch up.
First lap, second lap, and then third. They were tired, both knew, but it was the simple fact if they were to show the other their weariness they knew it would only give them an edge. Kiba had kept a good system going, the perfect form and breathing as he made way to the fourth lap. He could feel Naruto just a breath away, knowing that should he slip up now the blonde would surely beat him. Such a defeat would surely not sit right with him. He was an Inuzuka, and Inuzukas did not lose. They endured; and persevered.
Keeping the thought in check, he couldn't help but smirk. His family had such pride, and spirit that would remain unbroken. That was what caused him to meet Naruto in the first place. They were kindred spirits in a way. Both wild by nature, never letting someone tell them what they could or couldn't be or do. When they met years ago, he remembered clearly what the blonde idiot had said when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up.
He stood with his small and round face with a fixed look of determination. Raising a hand and slamming it down with much force on the desk the little boy declared what it was. "When I grow up I wanna be the next Mayor of Konohagakure! That way everyone will respect me! Dattebayo!" The little dog lover's eyes widened with disbelief. This boy… Wanted to become Mayor? The same boy who caused the town so much trouble and mischief? His blue eyes blazed with a fierce fire of resolve, even as the class began to laugh at his guile.
"You want to become Mayor? Yeah right! No one would dare vote for you, Uzumaki!" shouted a girl. The class grew louder with laughter of taunt and ridicule. More slander slung their way to the little boy, who continued to stand his ground, never wavering. Inuzuka, who was pulled into the euphoria the class gave off, laughed at him, calling out, "You'll never become Mayor! You're not even worthy to talk to him, much less become one! You're aiming way off your mark kid!" That seemed to make something snap in the blonde, who began to growl lowly.
Kiba could see the anger and hurt in his eyes, but didn't falter from his spot. Shooting up a finger and pointing it towards the class, Naruto barked out with a voice full of uncanny fortitude, "Just you wait! I'll show all of you! Soon everyone will be looking up to me! I'll show all of you that I, Uzumaki Naruto, can and will become leader of Konoha!"
The fondness of the memory still burned fresh in the brunettes mind. Naruto never gave up his dream, and still continued to shoot down and negativity that was thrown his way. That kind of spirit, and that kind of willpower, was something that Kiba just couldn't help but to admire. Should his dream come true or not, it wouldn't stop his admiration. Naruto had the potential to change people, whether or not the whiskered teen knew was beyond the dog carrier.
Fourth lap came and went, leading up to the grand finale. Naruto could feel the strain now, his muscles aching and his lungs burned. 'Maybe I'm out of shape,' he thought sarcastically. The thought eluded his mind just as soon as it entered. There was no time for joking around. The way he saw it, these stakes were high. Naruto didn't get much of an allowance, and considering how Iruka wouldn't let him get a job, should he lose the race he was simple out of luck. It didn't sit all too well in him once he broke it all down.
'Damn it! I have to catch up!' he declared in his mind, leaning forward to gain momentum. Eyes squinted from the sweat, he ran up on Kiba, race nearly at its end. All the while they had gained quite the crowd, students of pins and needles to see who would come out on top. The excitement was overwhelming; teens these days thrived off of stuff such as this. Anything that could get the blood pumping and the euphoria clouding the senses was more than enough to gain their attention. It wasn't to say that the race did that, rather than the simple fact that they were betting on one person to outdo the other.
Neck in neck, they were mere feet from the finish line. Naruto felt somewhat slighted from the sweat that blurred his line of vision, constantly having to blink it away. Kiba shook his head, pace never faltering as they grew closer… Closer… Closer. When what seemed to be an eternity, they stepped over the white strip that signaled the starting line, coming to a final end.
Naruto and Kiba bent over, huffing and trying to regain their breath to a normal rate. The students that remained on the side lines rushed to their sides as they cheered and patted the two on their backs for a job well done. After having a decent amount of oxygen in his lungs, the blonde looked up (still squinting) and breathed out, "who won?" In reality, the race was rather close, none of the students really knowing who won at all. Murmurs radiated through the crowd as the coach made way.
"That was truly inspiring, as a coach and a man!" tears of pride streamed down the regal face, a smile plastered unwavering as he boated on how the race was spirit moving. Finally, one Shikamaru Nara stepped up, a look that showed passiveness and lack luster. "It was close I'll give you that. But the winner won by literally a nose. Congrats Kiba," he said less than enthused. The crowd made uproar of mixed happiness and anger.
Feeling defeated, Naruto dropped his head ever lower. Of course Kiba would win; he had much more stamina than the blonde. And honestly Naruto wasn't all that fast to begin with. It was a miracle that he kept up with the brunette in the first place. But somehow the fact that he did made the teen feel slightly proud. A strong hand smacked Naruto out of his thoughts with a wheeze. He looked up to see the winner smiling down at him. "Hey don't feel bad Uzumaki! You did great! Not good enough though seeing as I won!" he said, mocking a bit at the end.
The blonde made a face at the snide remark his friend gave him as he stood up straight. "Yeah, yeah. Next time I'll win for sure Inuzuka!" he said, the characteristic smile of cockiness and haughtiness gracing his features. They shook hands, signaling that there was no hard feelings as Guy blew his whistles and ushered the class back indoors to continue the lesson.
OoOoOoO
Gym came and went, and soon it was time for Biology. This class was taught by Kurenai-sensei, who knew a great deal of all forms reverting to the topic. When the class was settled, the ruby-eyed woman stood in the front as she greeted the newest addition. "Class, this is a student from our neighboring district of Sunagakure. Everyone, meet Gaara." The class stared on at the odd looking transfer student, feeling the air suddenly chill.
The teen couldn't have been any older than the same age as Naruto, but slightly shorter than the blonde. He sported dark red hair, short and untamed by its looks. He had paled skin, mostly covered by his clothing. Gaara had on a turtle-neck, long sleeved read shirt with dark grey jeans and black shoes. The strap placed diagonally across his upper body held a gourd-like backpack with the designs of a cracked surface and various yellow papered 'seals'. Another odd trait was the red kanji sign for 'love' on the left side of his forehead. But that wasn't what truly intimidated the class.
No, it was his face. His face had the impression of one who lived a hard life. Around his eyes were black outlines, but it was his eyes that held such an impression. They leaked of blood-thirst and contempt. The sadistic and unfeeling light blue irises chilled the students to the bone. In truth, none of them wanted anything to do with the new kid. "He's so creepy," was a soft whisper from a nearby girl. Naruto shuddered inwardly as he locked eyes with the other for a brief second.
The blonde could see the hidden torment the red-head was concealing behind his cold, hard mask. Naruto glanced over at Sasuke, noting how even though the raven-haired teen wasn't reacting as everyone else did; his eyes flickered with an eerie uneasiness. 'There's something about that Gaara kid. He's not normal,' Naruto heard himself think. He willed the thought away, trying not to put a bad rep on a person he hardly knew. Kurenai escorted Gaara to sit besides a fearful Rock Lee, whom of which refused to look at the other and instead busy himself with looking at the blackboard.
Once the new student was settled, class continued as usual, though it somewhat felt a bit awkward. Naruto was relieved this time around in the class due to him being allowed to sit further up. He really needed to find out what the problem was, he wasn't near-sided and didn't need glasses, but at times when he wrote notes it just didn't make since to him. Writing the notes and being the assignments, the class remained quiet for the duration. Ten minutes before the end, Kurenai had left to attend other matters, leaving a girl by the name TenTen in charge.
With the chance to now talk, the class gathered up in groups to do work and converse amongst each other. Naruto discreetly made way over to Sasuke who practically exiled himself from the rest of the students, taking interest in a stray bird that perched itself on the window. The blonde grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the other's desk with a grunt. He really didn't know what to say actually, knowing that tomorrow would be the beginning of the home-stay. Naruto wondered what it would be like to be in the house of someone who he didn't see eye to eye with.
Sasuke glanced over to the dobe before making a sound of annoyance. "What do you want?" he bit out harshly, making the blonde jump slightly at the sudden acknowledgement. He tapped the bridge of his nose as he spoke. "Well teme, tomorrow's the beginning of the project, y'know?" he said nervously. Sasuke grunted in agreement as he placed his head gracefully on his folded hands.
"So? What of it dobe?"
"How should we go on about it? I mean… Should we just go to your house or…"
Sasuke abruptly intervened. "No. I want to be able to mentally prepare that an idiot's coming over." Naruto grimaced at the statement, snarling a little as he glared at the stoic teen. "Well I don't find it so peachy either, Sasuke-teme!" he growled at with evident anger. The dark-haired brunette rolled his eyes as he sighed. "Just go home and pack dobe. Knowing you, you probably forgot to do that."
Naruto opened his mouth to retort, but knew that the young man was right. That completely slipped his mind as he left this morning. He folded his arms and huffed out hot air. "Whatever teme," he mumbled out before standing to leave. Sasuke glanced at him only briefly as the teen retreated before sighing as his eyebrows furrowed in agitation.
OoOoO
In the Uzumaki House…
Naruto and Iruka were sitting in silence for the most part, absent conversation about work and school entering every now and then. Deciding it was time to bring up the project (seeing how he chickened out yesterday); Naruto cleared his throat to get the older man's attention. "Hey Iruka… So tomorrow a classmate and I are doing this project…" The new bit of information caught Iruka's attention.
"Really? Who's your partner?"
Naruto frowned before saying an inaudible, "Sasuke Uchiha."
"Who?"
"I said Sasuke Uchiha."
A fork collided to a plate as Iruka tried to regain his composure. "Is that so? I thought you didn't like…" Naruto nodded. "That's just it! I don't like him. Not one bit. But Kakashi-sensei forced us to be partners… I don't want to talk about it though." Iruka nodded in understanding before taking a few more bites out of his dinner. He knew Kakashi since they went to school together when teens themselves and again in college. So of course if he put the two together it was for a good reason. Iruka smiled at his foster son before saying, "If that's the case I won't pester. So what is this project on?"
Naruto felt his cheeks dust with a light blush before looking at his food. "We're going to each other's house once a week or so," he said nimbly. Iruka was a tad baffled. "He's coming here tomorrow?" Naruto shook his head. "It's the opposite."
Iruka went wide-eyed before nodding absently. "Oh, okay then. So you won't be home tomorrow?" Naruto shrugged. "Nope. I hope its okay…" he began. The elder waved his hands in a dismissively manner. "It's fine! Fine! You have fun," he stated quickly before finishing his plate and retreating to the kitchen. Naruto stared at the assorted contents on his plate before sighing and continuing eating.
Well, it went a lot better than I thought it would…
OoOoOoO
[A/N: I don't want to spend a lot of time going through the entire school day again, so I'll just cut to the end of the day where everyone is going home.]
Sasuke was more than a little agitated by the end of the day. Not only did he get chased after a mob of fan girls yet again, almost get in a fight, and annoyed to death by a certain dobe, but now he had to take said dobe home with him. In truth, Sasuke didn't want to bring the idiot back to his place, and if it weren't for the fact that this was for a grade, then the young Uchiha wouldn't even bother to put up with him.
He tapped his foot in an irritated pace as he looked for the mop of obvious spiky hair at the school entrance. The barricade of students that flooded the school grounds didn't help as he tried to stand on one of the cement benches that occupied to area. Twenty minutes passed before he noticed the bright, yellow mass that could only signify Naruto. Jumping down the bench, he pushed his way through the crowd before seeing the teen laughing with a small secluded group of his friends.
Feeling an eyebrow twitch, the dark brunette grabbed the other by his collar, surprising him and his friends as he flew back. Looking over his shoulder, eyes widened in surprise at the owner of the hand. "Sasuke? What the hell teme?" he blurted out in shock. Sasuke glared back with his coaled eyes as he gnawed his teeth together. "You're so stupid dobe! Did you completely forget about today?" he seethed between gritted teeth. Naruto looked as though he was in thought for a moment before making a face of epiphany.
"The projects today isn't it teme?" he said dumbly. Sasuke felt the unshakable urge to face-palm at the statement. "Yes Usuratonkachi. Today we're starting. I've been waiting for you for twenty minutes!" he said furiously. Naruto gave him an apologetic look. "Sorry teme, but if it means anything I brought my stuff from home!" he said piping up and grinning.
Sasuke closed his eyes and released his hold on the teen. He was beginning to feel the telltale signs of a headache. All the while, Naruto's friends (and a few onlookers), watched the conversation with confusion. Starting to notice the unwanted attention, Sasuke etched Naruto to follow him to the exit. When they had fewer people around, the Uchiha sighed as he put his hands in his pockets. "Okay listen up dobe," he started.
Naruto knew that a lecture was about to take place, he could tell by the tone in the other's voice. "I have a few rules. Number One: When you come in, take off your shoes. Number Two: Refrain from saying anything stupid. Number Three: We have dinner at eight, and lights out at ten. No exceptions. Number Four: Don't bother my brother if you see he's busy. And Number Five: Above all else, please try to refrain from saying, "Believe It" or "Dattebayo". Got it?"
His acquaintance could only furrow his brow and frown at the news but nod all the same. It was only fitting that Naruto honor that, seeing how he was going to someone else's house. With a pout, he bade farewell to his friends before joining Sasuke off the school grounds.
OoOoO
Since Naruto had taken his precious time leaving the building, both had missed the buses that left school. Sasuke grimaced at the thought; the dobe was inconsiderate like that. He never took the time to think that maybe it would be best to try to catch the school buses, that way they wouldn't be walking right now to the nearest Konoha Bus Terminal. Sasuke personally hated being there because of the crowded buses and perverts that wandered there from time to time.
But that was neither here nor there, seeing that there wasn't anything the dark brunette could do about it now. He sighed for what seemed the hundredth time since they began walking, causing Naruto to let out an irritated groan of his own. "Why do you keep doing that teme? You're making me depressed here!" he said in his raspy voice, giving Sasuke a quizzical look. The Uchiha glanced over his shoulder at the other, before looking back forward with an 'Hn'.
Eyebrows shot up, feeling insulted yet again as Naruto glared at the brooding teen ahead of him. Honestly, it wasn't like he was asking a dumb question… But then again seeing how this was Sasuke pretty much everything that came out the blonde's mouth was considered stupid and uncalled for. The thought sat bitterly in his mind as he mauled it over, suddenly not wanting to go to the Uchiha's house for worry of being on the receiving end of Sasuke's constant down-putting, obnoxious, degrading criticism. Naruto's steps faltered, somewhat stumbling; before he regained his composure just in time to see the mop of raven locks turn and look at him cautiously. Naruto looked at him questionably before blinking and giving him a signature smile.
Sasuke's look didn't waver as he looked at the blonde, taking notice in how his walking seemed to slow up, then stumble, and get back on track. The nonchalant smile didn't deceive the coal-colored eyes, but wanting to press and see just what bothered the dobe didn't appeal to him in the slightest. Sasuke closed his eyes and made a small grunting sound before turning back to the path ahead.
Perhaps the dobe didn't want to go? But there wasn't anything peculiar about that, they were rivals after all. But still… There really was something about this arrangement, something that he would regret in the long run. Disgruntled, the passive young man willed such thoughts from his head. What the hell did he have to worry about if it concerned Naruto of all people? He smirked, knowing that he was right just as they made it to the bus terminal.
OoOoOoO
The only problem that Naruto had with being on a public bus was the fact that there was everyone else who needed it just as much as he did. And because of this, he had to deal with a full-capacitated, cramped, and entirely uncomfortable ride through town. With all the people who packed themselves, there was very little room to move, and not to mention the heat because of the fact that there were so many people huddled together. And what's more was another key concept.
If he hated being here, then Sasuke loathed it.
True to the fact was when he heard Sasuke grimace and let out a curse when there was a bump in the road, causing a girl to press into his front (in the most uncomfortable way), and have himself be backed into the blonde. Strange enough, the dobe didn't move at the transaction, so when Sasuke had faltered back he was met with the firm, chest and a precautious hand that landed on his shoulder in an act of kindness. He looked up a little, (seeing how is knees buckled and he couldn't stand straight), and saw Naruto's sapphire eyes studying him.
"You okay teme?" Sasuke barely registered what was asked, instead taking notice in the rippling muscle under Naruto shirt. He was well-toned, not overly fit but not scrawny as the brunette had imagined. But most of all, he was so warm. When Sasuke didn't answer right away, he felt the hand on his shoulder twitch, as if to say that things were getting awkward. He blinked and moved away. "Fine," he huffed out, trying to stand up straight.
Naruto looked at him before giving off a nervous laugh and rubbing the back of his head. "Y-yeah! The roads are so unstable here, tebayo!" Sasuke winced, knowing that the blonde was just covering his own embarrassment. He agreed all the more, not wanting the other to figure out that he was just as embarrassed, and if not, then more so.
Before anything could get anymore uncomfortable however, the gracious sound of the bus making a stop was heard. Sasuke sighed in relief as he made way of the stuffed vehicle, Naruto not to far behind. When they got off, the blonde noticed that they were in a side of town that he had never been before. The providence looked much more refined here, the houses bigger than his and yards greener. He saw some kids playing here and there, but it definitely gave off that 'high class' feel.
Awkwardness elated in him, as he looked around carefully while following the other. "You really live here teme?" he said in awe, watching as they went house by house. He was answered by a grunt just as the other made a turn to one of the finer houses in the neighborhood. "My brother makes a good living, so we can afford to have one of these houses. It's no big deal," he heard himself say as he grabbed his house keys out of his pocket and into the locks. With a click, the door was opened. Naruto was taken aback by the inside; it looked just a good as the outside!
The moment you stepped inside, there were two sets of stairwells on either side of the walls that showed the upper floor. On the ground level (where Sasuke and Naruto were), there was the living room area (or what the blonde presumed to be), at a flat screen 36" television. If there was more to the bottom floor it couldn't be seen, being that there were corners that blocked his range of vision.
He was star-struck, and could only leave his mouth agape as he took it all in. Once his mind started to register back to normal, he looked over at Sasuke who had already taken off his shoes and was beginning to leave from the front door. Mimicking the act, he took off his shoes while saying in a voice filled with admiration (towards the house of course), "Wow, you're really living it up here huh?"
Sasuke scoffed and ignored the notion. Everyone who came over had the same reaction, but it really didn't faze him anymore. Making his way upstairs, he called out, "Aniki, I'm home! And I brought a guest!" He began his ascend to the upper floor, the blonde shuffling around and the sound of his hurried steps close behind. Once they made their way up, Naruto fell in awe once more. 'So many room! How can four people need seven bedrooms?' he heard himself think, flabbergasted.
They went down one of the corridors to what was presumed to be the way to Sasuke's room. Walking pass one door the blonde nearly had a heart attack when a man appeared from nowhere. He was in an old fashioned house kimono; black with red clouds covering it. He didn't bother to close it up all the way, showing the whole of his chest. His hair was tousled, laying on his shoulders and draping around his pale face. Eyes black as coal studied the two as the man leaned against the doorframe, weight shifted to his right side and arms folded.
"Welcome home, Sasuke," he regarded, giving him a small nod. Sasuke returned the gesture before starting to continue to his room, only when he didn't hear an extra pair of footsteps, he turned back to see the dobe still gawking at the older man. Something foreign grew in the pit of his stomach, similar to disgust if the blonde even thought what the younger Uchiha was considering. Naruto locked eyes with the elder, before he felt his mouth go dry from apprehension.
With a pointed stare, he blinked once before grinning widely. "I know you! You were on t.v. the other day!" he barked out happily, taking notice that the other had absolutely no idea what was going on. Naruto pointed at him as he lowered his head in thought. "You're… You were… Oh man!" he began to snap his fingers as he tried to recall his name. Sasuke frowned, feeling a bit of relief however in the fact that Naruto wasn't staring at his brother because of the thought he himself was considering beforehand.
Sasuke's duplicate (or was it the other way around?) finally caught on, giving him a small smile as he said in his velvet-like voice, "I'm Itachi Uchiha." Naruto beamed at the name, clapping his hands together. "Yeah, yeah! You're that author I saw on that show the other day!" Itachi, most humble, waved away the notion.
With a small, almost translucent smile he regarded to the teen, "I see you have heard of me, however I am at the disadvantage here." The blonde blinked before taking notice, smile dimming down to a bashful one. "Sorry. I'm Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki." He bowed curtly to the elder, showing that he did have some form of respect. The name clicked something within the confines of Itachi's memory, seeing how for a moment his eyes widened only a miniscule before repeating the name mostly to himself.
On the other hand, in the midst of the admiration and hospitality, one sidelined Sasuke began to grow more and more annoyed. Grabbing Naruto by the wrist and excusing the two of them, they rushed down the hall to his room, earning a few protests from the one being dragged closely behind. Once they were in the confines of the brunettes' room, Naruto dropped his book bag, giving Sasuke a look of confusion and frustration.
Before he could form a sentence describing his displeasure to the situation, Sasuke sent a small effective glare his way. "Don't start. We're here to do the project, not swoon over my brother." A sound mixed between a grunt and groan was heard, before the subject was dropped.
It occurred suddenly to the blonde, why was teme defending himself? Surely he didn't find the fact that he was talking to his brother that much of a nuisance, did he? But then again they didn't really like each other in the first place, so why would he allow Naruto to converse with anyone in his family? The fact was that Sasuke truly must not have wanted company, or worse. Naruto watched as the Uchiha pulled out his books and papers, obviously starting to begin his homework. Naruto sighed. It was his house, so he would respect it at least.
But still… He couldn't help but feel that something a little off about normally passive teen.
A/N: Gah! This wasn't my best work, but I'll do better next chapter I promise! I was writing this while constantly hitting wall after wall in my head. It was difficult to write this for some reason, I guess because of the fact that I was pushing through writer's block. *sigh*, anyway, sorry for the cliff hanger, but that's why the title had PART ONE in it. Lol.
Well, till the next chapter, in which I will work diligently on and stop procrastinating!
