Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine.

Beta'd by Imperfect Snow

Naruto thought he could die of happiness right now.

He was currently in his kitchen, with Gaara, cooking dinner! It was actually quite adorable to see the wealthy Sabaku in such a domestic setting.

Naruto busied himself making rice and edamame, which Gaara insisted they buy because he thought the blonde didn't eat enough vegetables. Naruto had never cooked the peas before, not to mention his crush didn't know anything about cooking, so it was a definite learning curve for the duo.

Gaara dumped the edamame in a pot of boiling water. "What now?" He asked.

Naruto grinned. "Well, we cook the fish now! It's easier to just grill it in the oven. Come!" He gestured for the Sabaku to join him.

Gaara watched his cooking sensei wash his hands before handling the raw salmon fillets. The redhead followed suit. Naruto tore off a piece of aluminum foil to place the fish on.

"I don't really have any seasonings but you can never go wrong with salt!" The blonde said as he reached for the shaker. He handed the container to Gaara.

"You wanna do it? Just shake a little bit on both sides, but not too much. Two shakes should be good, I think."

The redheaded nodded and Naruto watched in amusement as Gaara tentatively salted both sides of the two salmon fillets. When he was done, he looked at the blonde for the next instruction. The freshman grabbed an oven mitt, opened the oven, and pulled out the grate. He gingerly picked up the foil and placed it on the grate before pushing back in and closing the oven.

"While all that is cooking, let's set the table!" Naruto announced.

The two students went about getting plates and chopsticks to put on the table. Naruto felt a bit nervous while watching Gaara take out his plastic dinnerware and eating utensils. However, the redhead barely noticed. When dinner was ready, the blonde freshman served the food and poured glasses of water for the both of them. He heard the redhead murmur 'itadakimasu' and waited in anticipation as his crush raised his chopsticks to his lips and took a bite out of the salmon. The redhead's mouth quirked up in a small smile.

"This is great, Naruto. You cook well," he complimented.

Naruto's heart swelled up so much he thought it might burst. He couldn't help the crimson blush, which accompanied a ridiculous grin, from spreading across his face.

"Thank you! Although, you did help a whole lot, too!" He said excitedly.

Gaara took another bite of his fish, followed by some rice. He nodded, "yes, thank you for showing me how to cook. It was enjoyable."

The blonde student began eating his own meal, content with how well it turned out. He could actually cook well when he put some effort into it. Aside from being lazy, he found cooking for himself to be too lonesome, what with having no one to share it with. He smiled to himself at the thought of sharing this time with Gaara.

The redhead noticed his soft expression and asked curiously, "what are you thinking about?"

Naruto blinked, not expecting the question. He flushed as he looked down at his plate. "Um, well, I was just thinking how nice it is to cook for someone," he mumbled.

"Well, I am glad that I can make you feel that way," Gaara replied. The blonde glanced up at him and beamed.

The teens enjoyed their meal while getting to know each other. Naruto was not surprised to hear that Gaara was an honors student and top of his class, next to Hyuuga Neji and Uchiha Sasuke. His favorite class was on the political history of Konoha and was an avid reader, mostly of non-fiction books.

After dinner, Gaara helped Naruto clean up the plates. For dessert, they had sugar cookies and tea in Naruto's room. The blonde felt nervous excitement having his crush in his room, even if they were just talking. He sat on his bed while the redhead sat in his wooden desk chair. The junior glanced at framed photo of a newborn Naruto with his parents. Gaara could see how much the freshman resembled his father.

"How long have you lived alone?" He asked, taking a sip of his tea.

"For two years now. I moved here once I was legally emancipated," Naruto replied.

The Sabaku furrowed his brow. "May I ask...why?"

The blonde inclined his head, "Why what?"

"Why did you become emancipated? I thought you were an orphan."

Naruto squirmed in his seat, suddenly uncomfortable. He sighed, but it sounded more like a shaky, nervous laugh.

"I, uh, did it to get away from my foster father. Well, I guess I should really say 'former foster-turned-adoptive father'."

Gaara's eyes widened, stunned. The blonde became nervous, but not in a good way. He never spoke about his former foster father with anyone in a long time. He had put that time behind him, even though the man was apparently out in the world now. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell Gaara, but he wondered if he should open up about it. The redhead already proved to be caring and understanding, but he was afraid to ruin things by revealing the skeletons in his closet.

He glanced up at his crush, who looked genuinely concerned, wanting to say something. Naruto was afraid he might have already said too much.

"What happened?" Gaara whispered. He noticed how uncomfortable the blonde looked being asked that question. "I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

He wants to know...The Uzumaki suddenly felt the need to confide in his friend. He hung his head. "It's okay. I've never told any of my friends about it. No one really knows what happened, except for my uncle..." He trailed off, his voice anxious.

"I understand. You can trust me, Naruto." The redhead said quietly. His green eyes only confirmed that truth.

The blonde freshmen knew that he could trust Gaara. Confiding in him felt like the right thing to do.

The blonde sat back against the wall and motioned for the junior to sit next to him. Naruto held onto his folded knees while Gaara sat beside him, his legs stretched out across the bed. The freshmen closed his eyes, took and deep breath, and opened them, gazing at nothing in particular.

"After my parents died, I ended up in foster care. I was shuffled around to different homes. It was really shitty 'cause it felt like I was never truly wanted by anyone. All I wanted was to find a family. I was in foster care until I was five, when I was finally adopted. It's every foster kid's dream to be adopted, but for me...it was probably the worst thing that could have happened.

"I was adopted by a man named Kyuubi Kurama. I was his foster kid for a while before that. He was...a monster, to say the least. He was incredibly strict with me. I couldn't do anything without his permission. Whenever I broke the rules, he would punish me. First, it was spanking, but then he started using a belt. He would lock me up in a closet for hours, or he would tie me to my bed and leave me alone all day. Once I tried to run away and he beat me so bad I couldn't walk for a week. It was like he enjoyed making me suffer." The teen shuddered and his blue eyes seemed to be looking into some distant memory that was only real to him.

Gaara placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Naruto realized that tears were falling down his face. He wiped his forearm across his face, the material of his orange shirt soaking up the moisture.

"He was more than just physically abusive. He always cursed at me, telling I'm a piece a shit without him, and how no one will ever love me like he did. Can you believe that? That fucker claimed he loved me. It's bullshit when I think of it now, but at the time I believed him. I was so afraid of him. He threatened to kill me if I ever tried to run away again or told anyone. So when I went to school, I pretended I was a normal kid and whenever teachers would ask about my bruises or why I was limping...l'd just say some kids in my neighborhood beat me up.

Things only got worse for me. I tried so hard to be a 'good son', which meant not giving him a reason to torture me, but he still found ways...One night when he was really drunk, he came into my room, and he...he..."

The blonde was sobbing, trying to block out the traumatizing memory. He wasn't even aware that Gaara had wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close.

"H-He tried to touch me. It was the first time I tried to fight him...but he got even angrier and punched me and tied m-my hands...and he...h-he...raped me. I cried, I screamed, but he g-gagged me...I-I thought I was going to die. I wanted to die. I thought the only way to escape him was to die, so when I was nine I tried to kill myself." He turned his head so that Gaara couldn't see his face, couldn't read the shame there.

"I don't remember how, but I ended up in the hospital. They put me in the children's psych ward and the doctors questioned me about everything. At first I wouldn't talk at all. They knew something was wrong with me, so they kept me there. Kurama never came to see me, and it took me awhile to realize I was safe from him there. I ended telling the doctors everything and they called police, but Kurama disappeared. I don't know how, but they managed to find an uncle on my dad's side named Jiraiya. I went with him when I was discharged. Jiraiya helped me get my life together. It was his idea to get me emancipated, actually. He got me this apartment and helped me get into a good school. I really owe him my life."

"What happened to your adoptive father?" Gaara asked.

"Former adoptive father. I hate the thought of that bastard being my legal guardian. I don't want any ties to him, so I just call him my former foster father. Anyway, he was arrested and sent to prison."

"I am so sorry, Naruto," the redhead murmured. He tentatively gathered the weeping blonde freshman into his arms, his hands hovering awkwardly above Naruto's shoulder before he finally gripped the shaking teen firmly. His eyes darted around the room, not sure where to settle themselves before he looked down at the part of the blonde's face that wasn't covered and his gaze softened.

Naruto buried his face into the Sabaku's soft, cashmere-clad shoulder as he slowly began to calm down. The whole experience proved to be quite cathartic, but emotionally draining as well. Reality settled in as the blonde realized he just opened up about his dark past to his crush, who was currently holding him tight in his arms. He blushed furiously as he reluctantly pulled away, but Gaara still kept a comforting arm around his shoulder.

"Sorry for turning this into a therapy session," Naruto mumbled, sniffling.

"It's alright. I feel a little guilty about making you stir up such horrible memories," Gaara replied apologetically.

The blonde gave a small, dim, smile. "It's okay. It kinda felt good to talk about it after so long. Thanks for listening," he tried to brighten his smile but it didn't reach his swollen, blue eyes.

His normally stoic friend gave him such an unusually soft expression that it made Naruto's heart pound rapidly in his chest. He suddenly became very aware of their proximity, so close that they could practically kiss each other. Naruto looked into those beautiful, sea-foam green eyes and he felt like he was drowning, and all he wanted to do was lean in and kiss Gaara. The redhead stared at him intently, as if he wanted to say or, maybe, do something, and Naruto felt drawn to him like a gravitational pull. He raised a shaky hand to lightly place on his tutor's soft chest, and suddenly, forgot how to breathe-

Then a muffled buzzing sound startled both teens. Gaara frowned as he pulled away to pull his iPhone out of his pocket. He stood up to answer the call.

Naruto was ready to fling himself under the covers in embarrassment and frustration. This time, he knew they were about to have a moment until they were so expertly cock-blocked by a phone call. Of course that would happen.

When Gaara finished speaking he hung up the phone and turned to face the blonde student sitting on the bed. He looked...disappointed.

"I'm really sorry, but I have to go," the redhead murmured regretfully.

Naruto tried his best not to childishly pout before nodding his head. "A-Alright. I'll walk you to the door," he offered.

He shuffled after Gaara out into the living room-kitchen. He grabbed the redhead's leather jacket as he put on his shoes. The blonde helped the gorgeous teen slip his jacket on.

"Thanks for...everything today, Gaara," Naruto said.

"Thank you. It was really enjoyable. Will you be okay by yourself?" Gaara asked, concern etched on his pale face.

The Uzumaki couldn't help but smile reassuringly. "Yeah, I'll be okay," he scratched the back of his head out of habit.

His tutor didn't look entirely convinced but he nodded anyway. He paused for a moment before pulling the slightly shorter freshman into a tight hug. Naruto felt like his heart would burst from sheer happiness as he wrapped his arms around Gaara. Tears threatened to fall again but he held them back, lest he worry his crush even more.

The two students reluctantly separated. Naruto unlocked and opened the door to let Gaara pass.

"I'll see you on Monday, Naruto."

The blonde's smile was a few shades brighter. "Yeah! See you Monday, Gaara. Drive safely."

The redhead nodded his head in farewell before walking away. Naruto closed and locked his door before resting his back on it and sliding to the floor. He sighed in contentment.

Naruto strolled into his third period class, World History. Hyuuga Hinata was one of his classmates, and she gave him a small wave as he sat down next to her. The 'Do Now Assignment' on the board required two students to partner-up to answer questions the teacher had written down. Naruto and Hinata pushed their desks together so they could tackle the questions.

"Um, N-Naruto-kun...Can I ask you for s-some advice?" The dark-haired girl asked meekly.

Her blonde partner looked up at her from his textbook, "yeah?"

Hinata looked away, a pink blush gracing her features. "Um, w-well...I, uh...oh," she mumbled, then hid her face in her hands, "i-it's so embarrassing..."

"Aw, c'mon, I'm sure you can tell me!"

The Hyuuga peeked from over her hands before placing them carefully on her lap. "Um, well, I really like t-this boy but I don't think he knows so I wanted to know...how to make him notice me..." She said softly.

Naruto grinned. "You're talking about Kiba, right?" He nudged her playfully.

Hinata flushed and looked at her lap, "how did you know?"

"Well, it is pretty obvious how much you like him, and how much he likes you," the blonde replied.

The shy freshman looked up at him with wide eyes, "W-what?"

"Kiba does like you, Hinata. He's just in denial about it 'cause he's stupid," Naruto said frankly, scribbling the questions into his notebook.

Hinata turned the pages in her book to where the answers to the first question would be before speaking. "S-so what d-do you think I should do?" She asked almost in a whisper.

"Tell him, of course!" Naruto all but yelled, "Kiba isn't going to realize his feelings for you unless you tell him how you feel. Trust me," her classmate said with strong certainty burning in his eyes.

The dark haired girl gave a small nod and a smile, "I'll try my best...T-thanks Naruto-kun..." she whispered.

Naruto smiled and gave her a reassuring pat on the back, "No problem!"

The two students continued to work on their joint assignment, which only took 15 minutes. Their teacher was busy helping other students, so they had extra time to spare. Hinata diligently went over their answers to make sure they were correct.

"How are things with Sabaku-senpai?" She asked softly so no one else would hear.

Now it was Naruto's turn to blush. Just the sound of his crush's name made him want to giggle like some love-sick girl.

"Things are good. He came over to my apartment Saturday and we had dinner. It was really nice!" He said jovially.

Hinata smiled, "That's wonderful, Naruto-kun. Have you told him how you feel yet?"

The blonde freshman pouted and shook his head. Then a thought crossed his mind and he murmured, "Do you know, um, anything about the relationship between Gaara and your cousin?" He murmured.

The Hyuuga looked surprised and slightly uncomfortable, "Um, well, they're good friends."

Naruto frowned, sensing more to the story. "Were they ever...more than that?" He almost didn't want to know.

"W-Well," Hinata began, looking around nervously before whispering, "I-I think they were...seeing each other last year. I mean, they were always good friends, but t-then they became more than that. It was kind of a secret though, b-because our family is very old-fashioned and would never approve of Neji nii-san being...well, g-gay."

Naruto raised his eyebrows at that.

"I found out b-by accident because I saw them k-kissing and Neji made me promise not to tell...b-but they stopped last summer, I think, c-cause Sabaku-senpai stopped coming over. That's all I really know, s-sorry..." The timid student said.

Naruto noticed their teacher walking up to the board to start class. "It's okay. Thanks for telling me," he mumbled to her.

"You're welcome," she whispered back.

As their teacher went over the 'Do Now', Naruto wondered more about the relationship between Gaara and Neji. It was a relief to know that they were no longer romantic. For all he knew, his redheaded tutor dumped the Hyuuga for being a total asshole. It made Neji's possessiveness even more irritating.

Whatever, Naruto thought. Gaara wanted to be his friend, and he probably wouldn't like to hear that the blonde was threatened by his ex-boyfriend. He would tell Neji that the next time the upperclassman tried anything. Naruto smiled, no longer worried about the situation.

During lunch time, the Dead-Lasts took their usual spot under tree in the courtyard. It was starting to get cooler, but it was still nice enough to be outside in the sun. Naruto ate from his bento box while chatting with Shikamaru, Choji, and Shino.

Kiba and Hinata entered the courtyard together. The dog lover carried his lunch tray in his hands, pointedly ignoring Hidan and Kazuku, who stood nearby. The gang members smirked and Hidan stuck his foot out, causing the poor freshman to trip and send his lunch flying to the ground. Hinata gasped in fright as the two bullies guffawed. The other students in the courtyard laughed as Kiba struggled to get up.

Naruto immediately went to the aid of his friend, who was being helped up by Hinata. Kiba groaned at the sight of his spilled food, "My lunch..."

The blonde freshman shot Hidan a dark look, "You're a fucking asshole," he growled.

The Akatsuki member grinned arrogantly. "Get over it, dead-last," he sneered.

Naruto stepped forward, "Don't call me that."

"I can call you whatever the fuck I want, dead-last," Hidan replied, stepping forward until he was right in front of the Uzumaki, "I dare you to try and stop me."

The blonde felt like clocking the bastard right in his face, but he had a better on hold on his emotions than that. Plus, he really didn't want to get suspended and then have to answer to his uncle. Naruto rolled his eyes at the aggressive gang member and turned to walk away. Kiba and Hinata looked at each other in uncertainty before walking away as well.

"Fag!" Hidan called. Kazuku sniggered. He said it loud enough that everyone could hear him.

The color drained from Naruto's face as he turned to face his bully. Kiba gaped and Hinata's eyes widened in shock. Shikamaru, Choji, and Shino, who had cautiously approached in the scene, looked on in disbelief. Naruto could hear the faint murmurs of the onlookers. They wanted to see his next move.

"W-what did you just call me?" The blonde asked, trying to keep his voice steady. There was no way Hidan knew his sexual orientation, but calling him that was a low blow regardless. He knew the upperclassman was trying to set him off. Keep calm, Naruto.

Hidan crossed his arms triumphantly. "You heard me. I called you a fag. You're a bitchy, dead-last, little faggot," he taunted menacingly.

Naruto snapped, and before Kiba could grab him, he forcefully shoved Hidan. The Akatsuki member was briefly taken aback before he sneered and swung his fist right into Naruto's cheek. The impact was so forceful that the blonde freshman's head whipped to the side and he fell, his head hitting the ground. There was shouting all around and in a daze Naruto looked up at the upperclassman towering over him. But in his mind he didn't see Hidan...he saw his former foster father glaring down at him. He was struck with déjà vu and it terrified him. He had been in this kind of situation too many times.

He lies on the rough carpet, whimpering, as he looks up at him. He's done something, he can't remember what, but it's bad because Kurama is livid. He tries to scramble backwards but the man bends down to snatch the collar of his t-shirt, curling it tightly in his hand.

"You never learn, do you?" The man hisses in a low voice. Naruto can see Kurama's fist raise up, ready to strike.

"No, no, no, NO, NO, NOOOOOO!" The blonde screams, his cries echoing through the empty apartment.

Kakuzu yanked his foster father, no, Hidan away from him. His friends surrounded him, and Shikamaru barked at the ever-growing crowd of students to get back. Kiba tried to touch Naruto on the shoulder, but the blonde flinched and covered his face, "No, please, don't..." He whimpered.

"Give him space, man," Shikamaru's voice cautioned.

"Someone get Hatake-sensei!" Choji's voice called.

"I think he hit his head..." Someone, maybe Shino, murmured.

"Naruto?" Kiba asked, worried.

"Please, I'm s-sorry, I won't do it again, just don't hurt me..." Naruto pleaded tearfully into his hands. It was as if he was five years old all over again.

"It's okay, Naruto, he's gone," Kiba said. He felt a light touch on his hand and he tensed. "Hey, it's alright, okay?" His voiced soothed, as if he were speaking to a frightened animal.

His blonde friend slowly moved his hands away from his face to see all his friends looking at him with deep concern. The other students watched with curious and shocked stares. Naruto blinked in confusion.

"W-what happened?" he asked in a shaky voice. In fact, his whole body was trembling. He rubbed his eyes and realized he had been crying.

"You don't remember?" Shikamaru asked.

Naruto's fearful blue eyes widened as he looked around frantically, panic slowly rising. "W-where d-did he go?"

"Hidan is gone, Naruto," Kiba replied.

"Hidan? N-no, I mean-" he stopped when it dawned on him that he was at school and there was no way his foster father was here. The thought brought fresh tears to his eyes but he rubbed them away. Naruto was already humiliated enough; he didn't need to add to it by crying in front of his whole lunch period.

"Alright everyone, step aside please!" A stern voice called. The students parted ways for Kakashi to hurry through, followed by Hinata.

Shikamaru and Shino moved so Kakashi could kneel in front of Naruto, "Are you alright, Uzumaki?" He asked calmly

The blonde student gave a small shake of his head.

The Literature teacher nodded in understanding and offered his hand to help Naruto up. The freshmen looked at his feet as he was escorted out of the courtyard.

"Naruto!" Kiba called.

The blonde turned back to see his friends. It looked like Kiba was going to run after him because Shino was holding into his bicep.

Naruto gave them a sad smile and made a dismissive gesture before following Kakashi through the doors.

"Uzumaki, Shimura-sensei will see you now."

Naruto, holding an ice pack to his swollen and bruised cheek, got up and entered the Vice Principal's office. Shimura Danzo looked up from his desk as the blonde student sat in front of him.

The Vice Principal of the Hidden Leaf Academy regarded Naruto with a stern expression as he clasped his hands and rested them on his desk. Naruto didn't know what to say, so he remained silent.

"How are you doing, Uzumaki-san?" He asked impassively.

The freshman brought his ice pack away from his face to show his bruise.

"I have yet to deal with Hidan, but I wanted to hear from you what happened," Danzo said.

Naruto sighed before going into detail about his confrontation with the upperclassman, omitting everything after the punch. Although the prospect of Hidan being inevitably suspended was appealing, the eventual retaliation from the the Akatsuki was not. The blonde wondered if he was ever going to survive his freshman year.

Danzo sensed that Naruto had left the aftermath out. "Is that all?" He asked pointedly.

"Yeah, that's pretty much it."

The Vice Principal took a deep breath and sat back in his chair. Naruto squirmed under his hard gaze. Danzo was an unnervingly serious man who seemed to know everything about every student in the school. He didn't say anything for almost a minute. Then he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk with his hands clasped in front of him.

The phone rang. "Excuse me," Danzo said before answering. There was a quick pause before he answered, "Send him in."

Naruto didn't need to ask who he was referring to, for the person strolled in. Hidan didn't give the freshman a second glance before sitting down and folding his arms. The principal sternly narrowed his one uncovered eye at him. The upperclassman didn't even glance his way.

"I have just finished speaking with Uzumaki-san about what happened. You realize how serious this is," Danzo said, a statement rather than a question.

Hidan rolled his eyes, "Whatever. If he doesn't want to get punched then tell this kid to keep his hands off me."

"Are you kidding me? I would have never done anything had you not called me a fag!" Naruto shot back.

The upperclassman shrugged. "Not my fault you can't take a joke," he retorted derisively.

Danzo shook his head disapprovingly, "Hidan, using derogatory words is no joke. I can give detention for that alone. Yes, Uzumaki-san was wrong to shove you," he looked at Naruto as he said that, "but you retaliated, and caused bodily harm. That is unacceptable. I'm afraid I will have to suspend for one week."

Hidan didn't even try to hide his contempt. He looked like he wanted punch the Vice Principal too. "Whatever," he muttered.

Danzo turned his attention back to Naruto, "I'm giving you one day of detention for pushing. I hope you both take this time to reflect on your actions and learn not to act your emotions. Hidan, I will be calling your father to come pick you up, so collect your things. Uzumaki, you can go back to the class."

Hidan snorted. "Don't bother." He shot the stern man a cold look before walking out, but the older man remained impassive.

Naruto went to leave, but then lingered nervously at the door. Danzo's eye turned to the blonde student questioningly. "Is there something else, Uzumaki-san?"

"Um, well, I was wondering if I can go home for the day."

The Vice Principal considered the request before looking away, "Very well. I will call your guardian to pick you up."

"That isn't necessary, Shimura-sensei. I don't have a guardian."

Danzo paused to protest, but then nodded as if remembering something. "Ah, that's right. Well, you many leave as you wish."

The blonde student politely bowed before leaving. He got a slip excusing him from classes for the rest of the day. Sixth period was almost over and he wanted to hurry and go to his locker before the bell rang. After what happened, he was in mood to face the rest of the school. He could only imagine how quickly the news of the fight had spread. Naruto felt completely humiliated when he remembered his mental breakdown. He hadn't had one in years. However, in retrospect, no one else had punched him since his former foster-turned-adoptive father. In fact, the man was the only person who ever laid a hand on him.

The bell rang as soon as Naruto left the building, and he was able to leave without being seen. Although, his absence would definitely be noticed, especially by Gaara. He felt disappointed that he wouldn't see his crush today. He didn't want the redhead to see him like this anyway. He wouldn't be too happy when he saw the massive bruise that bloomed on Naruto's cheek.

As soon as he got home, he looked at his face in the mirror and cringed. The right side of his face was purple and swollen. Hidan had punched him right in the cheekbone, so the swelling left his eye half-open. Even making facial expressions proved to be painful. Fan-fucking-tastic.

He threw himself into bed and called his uncle. The poor teen broke down into tears when he told Jiraiya about being punched and having a flashback to when he lived with Kurama. His face hurt from crying.

Jiraiya sighed, "I'm really sorry to hear that, kid. You know, I always worry about you being on your own. I know you're strong and you've been doing well this past year but...I don't know. I wonder if leaving you on your own was the right thing to do."

Naruto wiped his tears away on his school shirt. "W-what are you saying?" He asked shakily.

"Nothing kid, nothing. Look, I'm going to leave for Konoha first thing in the morning. It's about time I take a break anyway."

Although the blonde didn't want to take his uncle away from his work, he did miss the perverted writer. The thought of a visit made him smile slightly. "It would be nice to see you," he said softly.

"I'll be in tomorrow evening. We can get some ramen."

"Sounds great!"

Naruto heard his uncle chuckle, "You never change, Naruto. Only you would perk up at the sound of free ramen," he chuckled again.

"You better believe it!" The blonde said.

"Alright, kid. I gotta go. I was in the middle of research."

The freshman rolled his eyes. "Stop spying on naked girls, you pervert!" He yelled playfully.

His uncle snorted. "This research helps pay for that school and apartment of yours, kid. I got a deadline to make!"

"Okay, okay. Just don't get caught. Bye."

"Later, Naruto."

Naruto hung up and placed his cellphone on his desk. Since he had nothing to do (besides homework, but he didn't want to think about that), he relieved himself of his school uniform and fell asleep.

The sound of the doorbell woke Naruto up. He groaned, thinking it was morning, until he looked at his clock and saw the time read 5:07 PM. The doorbell rang again as he slipped on a black t-shirt and orange gym shorts. The blonde shuffled to the door and looked in the peephole. He gasped and scrambled to open the door.

Gaara stood before him, looking amazing as usual in his black leather jacket and burgundy skinny jeans. His seafoam green eyes widened at the sight of his friend's face.

"Hey Gaara! Um, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked. He had to try hard not to grin, but it wasn't working and he was feeling the consequence of it.

"Your face..." Gaara murmured.

Naruto wince as he ran his fingers over his bruise, "Yeah, it sucks. Kinda hurts a lot too."

The redhead did not look pleased. The freshman quickly ushered him inside to take a seat at the kitchen table. He was about to ask Gaara if he wanted tea when his crush pulled him into a tight hug. Naruto was was completely stunned. This was the first time he had received any form of affection from his tutor since the last night. His heart pounded rapidly into his chest as he slowly returned the gesture. Gaara slowly pulled away and Naruto had to stop himself from whining in disappointment.

"I was looking for you during study hall when Neji told me that you got into a fight with Hidan and that he made you cry. I tried calling you, but you didn't answer your phone. After school I spoke to Nara Shikamaru and he told me what really happened," the redhead said.

Naruto looked away in embarrassment. Great, the whole school was gossiping about him. It sounds like everyone thought he was a big crybaby. He groaned.

"Nara told me that you were screaming and he had never seen you so frightened before. It was like you were seeing something that wasn't there," Gaara murmured.

The young blonde couldn't stop the tears from falling as he hung his head. "When Hidan hit me, I remembered being hit by him. I-I just..." He trailed off sadly.

The Sabaku drew a weeping Naruto back into his arms. He could feel the older teen's hands softly stroke his back.

"It's okay now. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you," he murmured into his ear.

Even in tears Naruto could feel a shiver of delight go down his spine at the feeling of Gaara's low, warm voice in his ear. He looked up into the green eyes he had come to love and saw a burning resolve in them. The intensity of his gaze made Naruto blush and look away. All his life he had no one to truly care for him. No one offered to protect him except his uncle. For his Senpai, someone who had gone out of his way to tutor and befriend him, to care so much for his physical and mental well-being was baffling.

The teens reluctantly parted and Naruto got a tissue to wipe his eyes. He had been crying way too much lately. Gaara took a seat at the table and the blonde joined him.

"Are you hungry? I'll order us food. And don't tell me to do otherwise," the older teen said with a glare.

Naruto beamed, but winced at the pain. Gaara frowned ever-so-slightly at the sight of his friend's discomfort. The blonde student picked up a menu from a local sushi place and handed it to his guest. The two teens ordered dinner together (with the wealthy Sabaku ordering the most expensive items on the menu for the two of them). Gaara could not forget about Naruto's Math homework, so they had their private tutoring session while waiting for their food to be delivered. The freshman felt completely at ease with his tutor-turned-good friend, forgetting all the crazy shit that happened at school. That was what Naruto loved about the redhead; Gaara was able to turn his dark days into bright ones.

Their time together seemed to fly by because it was already 9:00 at night. Gaara helped Naruto clean up after dinner before getting ready to leave. The blonde had enjoyed himself so much - he didn't want his crush to leave. He wondered if it would be weird to say that aloud. The whole time he debated whether or not he should come out and reveal his feelings, but he was too afraid to make the first move. As he watched Gaara put on his leather jacket, he remembered the advice he gave Hinata. Just tell him!

"Um, thank you so much, Gaara!" Naruto said.

His crush's lips quirked into a slight smirk, "Anything for you, Naruto," he said confidently.

The blonde's heart stopped. God, why did that seemed so incredibly sexy? His face reddened as he shuffled over to open his apartment door. Now is your chance, Naruto!

"G-good night, Gaara," he stuttered.

The redhead gave his arm a squeeze as he went out the door, "Yes, good night."

Come one Naruto! Just do it!

"Uh...Gaara?"

Gaara, who was already out in the hallway, turned around.

"Yes?"

I Like you! The blonde opened his mouth but he couldn't find the words.

"Uh, I, uh..."

His crush tilted his head in curiosity.

I like you, Gaara!

"I...I-I'll see you tomorrow!" He blurted. He felt like face-palming. What an epic fail.

The redhead frowned slightly but nodded in agreement.

"Alright...tomorrow," then he turned and walked down the hall.

Naruto groaned in frustration at himself and in pain because his cheek throbbed. He felt like such a coward. He wanted so bad to tell Gaara how he felt! Every time he was close to the redhead he wanted to kiss him and pour his heart out. The blonde sympathized with poor Hinata. It was easier said than done.

Sighing, he went to get ready for bed when his doorbell rang. Naruto furrowed his brow in confusion as he went back to his door. He opened it to find Gaara, who looked very determined.

"Uh, hi! Did you forget something?" Naruto asked.

The redhead said nothing as he grabbed a fistful of Naruto's shirt and pulled him forward, instantly capturing the younger teen's lips in a soft, warm kiss.

Fireworks went off in his head as the blonde timidly kissed back. It felt so good that Naruto prayed he wasn't dreaming.

All too soon Gaara pulled away and smugly smirked at the breathless freshman. He seemed satisfied with his stunned yet happy expression when he said, "I'll see you tomorrow," before turning and leaving.

Naruto stood at his open door, gaping in disbelief. Did Gaara just kiss him? On the lips? He touched them, still feeling a slight tingle. He turned to shut and lock his door. Gaara kissed him.

I can't believe it, he must have read my mind! Naruto grinned, ignoring the pain, as he went to bed.

He couldn't wait for tomorrow.

Well, there you have it! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Sorry if it was so weird and depressing. Please review! I love reading your comments.

Also, I want to find an artist to make a cover for my story. If you know of anyone, or if you're interested, drop me a PM.