AN: Good day to you guys! I can't find a way to reduce my writing speed, but I'm not complaining.
An answer to Guest: I'm not sure what you mean by that. If by "Other way around" you mean Sasuke being more prominent in his love than Naruto, then I answer: Sasuke understands more than Naruto, in a way, since he is less naive than Naruto. Naruto is just completely oblivious of what he feels because of his innocence, meanwhile Sasuke is in denial. If I didn't give you the answer you expected, then I'll say "They're just kids! They know nothing about love!" Yeah. Feel free to ask me in case you're still confused, or in case I made you even more confused.
Edit: Okay, maybe I confused myself on that one. Truth is, I don't know if there are certain rules in making ship names. Are NaruSasu and SasuNaru the same thing, or is there a difference on that? Please help me!
Anyways, hope you like this chapter! Please R&R because it helps a lot. See you at the next chapter! Peace!
Naruto didn't need a traumatizing experience to know the world was cruel. Something so cruel was bothering him. It always occupied him eight hours a day—ten if it was feeling extra cruel. And more than that, they always gave them gifts that took about two hours of their time. Then there were the wardens who managed them and gave them the stress.
School.
Naruto was not in the mood to go to school. But school just started on a Monday.
On a goddamn Monday.
What was this life? Naruto was sure there was a law passed that stated that the school year should never, ever start on a Monday.
Naruto was aware that he was excited to go back to school during the summer. He changed his mind. He had already learned a lot about the ninja world and ninjutsu during the summer. He was exhausted. But hey, his time spent with Sasuke rejuvenated him! It was like for every session of practice, a little time with Sasuke gave him the motivation to push through.
Fugaku tested them again the day before on their Fireball Jutsu. He wondered why Naruto's jutsu was different. Naruto was exerting the correct amount of chakra and weaved the correct hand signs. But it works. It just wasn't a fireball. He decided that he can't fix it. The Fireball Jutsu training the day before the start of school took up lots of energy and chakra from the two boys.
Sasuke wasn't feeling it too. They loathed Mondays. Everyone hated Mondays.
Naruto was wearing an orange sleeveless hoodie with a blue shirt inside. There was the Uzumaki emblem at the back, but the Uchiha crest was patched on his chest. Sasuke was wearing the same thing they always wore.
As they exited the residence, the two walked. Disregarding that it was a Monday, it was a lovely spring morning. The Yamanaka family had just started to get their flower exports so majority of the town smelled of gardens and butterflies.
"Naruto, you better study by yourself this time to get an A."
"Sorry, but the teachers told us to ask for help when needed, right?!"
"You're annoying, usuratonkatchi."
As they got to the Academy, both of them finally lost their anxiety. They weren't picked on as much when they attend school than as much they're picked on outside. And it wasn't because of the rules which banned bullying. There were some people who tolerated them.
And one of them was charging at them at full speed.
Naruto decided that it was best for his health and well-being to move a few inches away from Sasuke, because when Sakura Haruno wanted something, it was best to stay out of her way.
Next thing Sasuke knew, his guts were speared by Sakura's tackle
"Sasuke-kun! Long time no see!"
Sakura squirmed and squealed as she imprisoned Sasuke in her clutches. Sasuke tried escaping, but to no avail.
"We just saw each other last week!"
"Aw—you remember that? How sweet of you!"
Sasuke was begging for Naruto's help. Naruto couldn't help but feel weird. Like there was something bugging him about what Sakura was doing. He felt like he could punch Sakura in the face. He felt a distasteful feeling toward the pink-haired girl.
Pfft. She doesn't have the right to do that to Sasuke. If anything, I should be doing that.
Whoa, slow down there pal, and think about what you just said.
He pulled Sasuke up effortlessly. He brushed the cheek that met the floor. It looked a little red. This was the most serious that Sasuke ever saw Naruto was. He had a face of responsibility and care.
Somehow, Sasuke couldn't shake that uncanny feeling that this gesture was almost identical on what he did to Shisui when he pinched Naruto too hard.
"Does anything hurt, Sasuke?"
"Uh no, not—"
Naruto turned to Sakura with intense rage. Sakura could see that Naruto's whisker marks were slightly more opened than usual. Naruto took on a more feral appearance. His eyes were . . . crimson. Were they Sharingan? As far as he knew, Sharingan had tomoe. Naruto didn't have a single tomoe.
"No-one hurts my shittakaburi except for his dobe, dattebayo!"
Sakura almost fainted out of the words Naruto said. It's like they came straight out from a romance novel. Sasuke lightly pushed Naruto away. Some people were witnessing them. Some kids snickered.
"Baka." Sasuke used his long hair to hide his flushed cheeks. "People are looking at us. Let's get to class."
Exactly like the Shisui incident.
Sasuke was more than flattered by what Naruto said. He confirmed that Naruto would do the same thing if anyone attempted to hurt Sasuke. Naruto wrapped his arm around Sasuke's neck. They fist-bumped each other. Sasuke felt he could melt at any moment.
"Did you really mean what you said a while ago?"
"Huh? Whaddaya mean?"
"You know . . . erm . . . the whole I-won't-let-Sasuke-get hurt thing."
"Oh. Of course I meant it! I don't go back on my word! That's my ninja way—dattebayo!"
"Your ninja way . . ."
As soon as they walked in the classroom, eyes turned to them and everyone murmured to each other. The prodigy and his pet fox were back. Well, that's what they were called by the people who weren't friends with them in a neutral way, like not friends but also not bullies. Those who were worthy of their respect were some few.
Other than Sasuke, Naruto's closest friend in the friend was probably Hinata. He didn't talk to her much, but they had chemistry. It was probably because Naruto had an early memory of escorting the princess back to her home in a snowy day. It was so long ago . . .
Hinata made an effort to wave weakly at Naruto from the last row. She was always there, at the top left. Naruto smiled back. Hinata wasn't sitting with anyone there and there was space for two more, so they decided to sit beside Naruto.
Sasuke could see it. There was the tiniest hint of a blush from Hinata. But it was too late. Naruto ran to the last row and sat beside Hinata. Then the blush enlarged. Annoyed, Sasuke sat next to Naruto.
Plan A is in action.
"Oi, Naruto—my seat makes me feel uncomfortable. Let's change seats."
"Huh? Sure, why not?"
Sasuke knew his best friend would oblige to his commands willingly. They switched seats. Sasuke smiled secretly, by covering his mouth.
Guess I don't need a Plan B after all.
He glanced at Hinata. She looked discouraged, but also relieved. The Hyuga princess was really sensitive.
People with feelings for Naruto are absolutely NOT allowed to sit beside him.
Which was ironic, because he had feelings for Naruto. Brotherly feelings of love. Obviously. It didn't take a love expert to differentiate what Sasuke felt as to romantic love. It was just platonic love—that simple. There was definitely no way he had romantic feelings for Naruto. Nope, romance is going down the drain for Sasuke.
"Sasuke, I don't find anything wrong with this seat. I mean, we're just sitting on one bench thingy."
Both Sasuke and Hinata held their breaths. One will win and one will lose. The adored shittakaburi of the Uchiha or the royal princess of the Hyuga? They could hear their hearts beating from the tension. If only Sasuke had the Sharingan, he might put Naruto in a little mind-control jutsu. Problem was, he didn't have the Sharingan yet. But he could feel that it might activate from the intense anger if Naruto sat beside Hinata.
"But I don't really see the point of switching seats again."
Dattebayo! Eat that, nasty Hyuga!
The other students were playing and throwing around paper airplanes. Their sensei wasn't around yet. It was still forty minutes before class would start. Naruto decided to take a little nap on Sasuke's shoulder.
"Dobe, your head is heavy. Get off." Still, he let Naruto lean on him. Naruto's messy hair tickled Sasuke's nose.
"I didn't complain the time you slept on my shoulder on the rooftop. Dang, my arm felt painful that night."
Slept with Naruto-kun?! Hinata thought. It's okay, Hinata. They're brothers. There is nothing to worry about.
"You still remember that small detail?"
"Of course! My head memorizes all the events I have with you and stores them in my treasured memories."
Hinata's head was feeling light. Naruto was being so sweet that she took Naruto's words and directed them to herself.
To Sasuke, it was a little insult. Every moment? They spent so many moments together. That also meant embarrassing ones. But hey, maybe Naruto couldn't recall any detail on how many times they would wake up and find both of their futons wet and smelly. Maybe Naruto couldn't remember the size of Sasuke's manhood after all of the baths they took together. Probably not. Because Sasuke could remember comparing lengths one day. If Sasuke's member was an average novel, Naruto's was a short story. The shame Naruto had, no doubt, would scar him for eternity that he'd do anything to forget.
But that also meant that every experience that Naruto had with Sasuke, big or small, important or insignificant, would be cherished forever. The thought made Sasuke giggle. Naruto asked what the matter was Sasuke dismissed his dobe away.
Oh, Naruto had such beauty in his words.
"Now, let me sleep—dattebayo."
Naruto rested his head on Sasuke's shoulder one more time. Sasuke didn't feel so hot, since it was Monday, so he decided to place his cheek on Naruto's head and drifted off to sleep.
Kiba caught something in his sharp nose and sniffed the scent carefully. He, Lee, Choji, and Shikamaru were talking about their summer. He asked Lee to stop, who was talking about how he and Might Guy had a race around the village.
"Akamaru, do you smell that?" The dog's head popped out of Kiba's jacket and sniffed the air. The dog barked.
"Kiba, don't try to pull off a prank on us," stated Shikamaru. Kiba was one of the most troublesome people he had met. A bit of extra precaution wouldn't hurt.
"No, I'm not. I smell . . ." One last sniff. "Bromance."
Choji, while crunching a mouthful of potato chips, pointed at the two Uchiha brothers. The group looked at the two.
"Kinda noticed that already before you, Kiba," Choji said after swallowing the food.
Kiba's wild smile was meaning trouble. Whatever Kiba was planning, Shikamaru didn't want to be a part of it. He backed out and resigned in his seat.
"Do we have some kind of camera here or something?"
Rock Lee replied, "No, we don't."
"Maybe a good artist or something?"
"No-one can draw in our class."
Kiba cursed himself. He at least saw that the two boys would do something like that. They were so close the school year before. Hell, they were inseparable! They were perfect for each other, like salt and pepper. Kiba betted that he would see the human race go extinct from the afterlife first than see the two a good three feet away from each other. They were just damn too tight.
Kiba was jealous. He knew he and Akamaru were best buddies, but they couldn't beat Naruto and Sasuke's bond.
They weren't able to devise a way to immortalize the moment. Until their teacher came in.
"Good mo—"
By that time, the whole class knew what Kiba wanted to do. They were supportive of their plan . . . except for a few envious girls, namely Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka.
Their sensei, Iruka, was curious of what they were doing. Then he looked at Naruto and Sasuke. He expected it. The two simply won't let go of each other, it was adorable!
"Iruka-sensei, you always bring a camera during the first day of class, right?" Kiba asked.
"Yes, but I use it to take pictures of the class I'm assigned to."
"Never mind that!" Kiba used his puppy eyes he learned from Akamaru and exposed their majesty. "Please! Just one!"
Iruka rubbed his nape. Kids these days. Always so persistent to get what they want. He had to admit: They did look great when they were each other. He handed the camera inside his pouch to Kiba.
"Just one."
It was an instant camera. Perfect! Kiba would love to see their reactions when the Uchiha brothers wake up.
Naruto was snoring at an impossibly high-pitched level. Sasuke's rosy cheeks blended well with his innocent smile. Kiba didn't see it at first, but Naruto was also flushed. It just wasn't that prominent because he had tan skin.
Kiba tried to offer Ino to take the picture because out of the entire class, she was the most skilled aesthetically. Her envy got in the way and she refused. No-one else wanted to, so Kiba decided to take it.
"Alright, you two lovebirds, say cheese!"
They sleep-grumbled at the same time, "Dattebayo . . ."
"Close enough."
Kiba pressed the button. The picture immediately started printing out. Kiba snatched the photo and shook it. The image started to appear. The spring atmosphere made the picture look so peaceful. That was a keeper.
The photographer shook both of them awake. Their eyes were half open. They yawned and stretched at the same time. Sasuke was the first one to fully wake up.
"Why is everyone . . . looking at us?"
Sasuke felt uncomfortable. He didn't like it when he was the center of attention. Naruto slapped his cheeks to wake himself up.
"Yosh! I'm . . . w-what's up guys?"
Kiba shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe this." He handed the picture to Naruto and Sasuke.
Now this is the moment they're gonna blow up like mad!
Kiba was shaking with anticipation. He could see Sasuke smile due to their sleeping position.
Naruto said "It doesn't look half bad."
Kiba's jaw dropped. That was out of the blue. He was expecting them to get pissed at Kiba and bludgeon his dog teeth him. It didn't make any sense!
"Agreed. We can ask Mama to frame it."
"Wait, wait, wait!" Kiba held his hand for attention. "You're not mad?"
Naruto shrugged. "Why would we be mad? It's a great photo, dattebayo!"
Some of Naruto's other classmates groaned from disappointment and sat back down. Kiba was all about provoking Naruto. It was listed second in his favorite hobbies. The first one was provoking Naruto and Sasuke.
"You two are nuts."
The stars were already out when Sasuke and Naruto finished training. They were assigned to a pair project to affirm their partner's best affinities. Of course, Sasuke and Naruto paired up without any hesitation. They discovered that Sasuke's best affinities were Fire and Lightning. Meanwhile, Naruto's best affinities were Wind and Fire. Last year, they did a similar project. Naruto's only affinity was Wind. His training with the Uchiha was most likely the cause of his Fire affinity.
Sasuke was drained. Naruto saw that in his onyx eyes. He snorted and gave Sasuke a piggyback ride without his consent. Sasuke didn't mind his surprise. He rested his head on the hood and tried to sleep.
"Arigato, usuratonkatchi."
"Anything for you."
"And that's why you're my special, unique dobe."
Naruto blushed and kept walking. He was always flattered when Sasuke reminded Naruto that the jinchuriki was his idiot. It was like being Sasuke's property was the best feeling he could ever taste.
Sasuke drifted off with a smile. As Naruto trudged back to the Uchiha residence, Iruka caught up to him.
"Oi, Iruka-sensei."
"Good evening, Naruto. Would ya mind if I carry Sasuke for you?"
"Sorry but . . ."
"Yeah, I figured you don't want to let go of him."
Iruka handed Naruto a brown paper bag. There were two sticks of dango inside—one of Naruto's favorites to go with ramen.
"Thanks. Sasuke would probably be hungry once we get home."
Quickly, out of nowhere, Iruka changed the topic and asked, "Naruto, what do you think love is?"
What a weird question, Naruto thought. "Why'd you ask, sensei?"
Iruka scratched his hair and knew that he wanted to be subtle about clarifying Naruto's feelings for Sasuke. It was confusing, to say the least. He had seen lots of close pairs in his years of teaching. But this duo was special.
"Well . . . I just wanted to interview some people about love." What a lie. "And love . . . I mean like the crushing kind of love. Romance."
Naruto was clueless on how to answer. He always thought that kind of love was like loving ramen. So that was what he answered to his teacher. Iruka rubbed his chin and nodded.
"I see."
Naruto is definitely clueless on romantic love. This is gonna make it harder for me to ask about Sasuke.
"Well . . . how do you love Sasuke?"
Naruto felt pressured, so he calmed down as much as he can. "Um . . . I love him a lot."
"That's why you get low grades on your seatworks sometimes." Naruto raised his eyebrow. "I asked you how you love Sasuke. I didn't ask you how much you love him. Like in what way do you love Sasuke?"
Disturbed. So disturbed. He didn't understand anything at all. It was like a multiple choice test, except that all the answers were almost the same. He was affectionate to Sasuke more than other people. He couldn't compare Sasuke to anything he liked in life.
"I love Sasuke like . . ."
Before he was able to answer, an injured jonin interrupted them. Iruka prevented the ninja from stumbling. Blood leaked out from his mouth. Naruto had never seen someone like that before. He shook Sasuke awake. Sasuke was quick to wake up. He already had genuine concern on his face, but he wasn't able to do anything. Iruka provided first aid to the ninja.
"Those . . . eyes—"
Iruka commanded. "Don't speak! You have to—"
"NO! This . . . is important."
People started crowding around them.
"The Uchiha . . . are under attack."
