Disclaimer: Do not own Naru-chan...

Ok... Sorry for the late update... But Math is currently eating my alive... So is Science... So I might not be able to update as fast. But I'll still try to... Anyway, enjoy the fic...


Chapter 7: Conscience

Uzumaki Naruto

Did Neji just asked me out? I couldn't believe my ears. Neji, to me, is like an older brother. He seemed like the most mature of all of my friends, he often helps me with my homework and always asks if everything is alright with me. I did notice that somehow, he was more attached to me that the rest of them, but I really didn't know that he liked me like me… Shit… That didn't sound right… I didn't know that he has strong feelings for me… There… Now it's right…

"Naruto… I didn't know to say this to you, but I really can't get you off my mind… I think I'm in love with you, Naruto… And I'd do anything to make you happy…"

"Neji… I…" But Neji placed a finger on top of my lips

"I'm will not rush you Naruto…" He began. "I will wait for you until you fall in love with me… No matter how long, I am willing to wait…"

"Neji…"

He took of his shoes and mounted on the bed I was in. His knees pinned me by my waist and he inched in. I knew he was going to kiss me. Damn, this is like what Sasuke did. My heart was racing and has wanted to leap out of my ribcage. Neji was getting closer and closer. I could feel his breath on my lips. God, it smelled like mint candies. He closed his eyes and his lips were mere millimeters away from mine. I turned my head to the side and shut my eyes, shielding it from what's about to come when…

"Ah… Uchiha-sensei… What a surprise…"

Both of us, or so I assumed, flicked out eyes open. Hearing the word "Uchiha" made my senses go haywire. I looked up to Neji; his eyes narrowed and were looking through the curtains. Yes, through. If looks could make a hole, he could have made a ten-foot hole on it. I wondered why, but Neji's appearance changed from a caring one to annoyed and pissed.

"Sensei… I need some painkillers please…"

Painkillers? What does he need that for?

"Are you alright, Uchiha-sensei?" The nurse asked

"I'm fine… My head is just throbbing real badly today…"

"My… Did you stay up all night checking papers? I heard Algebra tests are the most difficult to grade…"

Footsteps were heard, along with the opening of cabinets and water being poured to a glass. I heard Sasuke murmured a quick "Arigatou" before heading out. I felt concern wash over me. Is Sasuke having a hard time? Did Sasuke have any sleep? Is he mad at me? How is his wound? Everything was about Sasuke… I cared for him. I realized that much already.

"Naruto… Do you like Uchiha-sensei?" Neji whispered

"I--"

I was suddenly cut short by a voice outside. The nurse screamed, yelling something that consists of "blood", "Uchiha-sensei" and "shirt". My eyes widen. His wound must have opened. I looked back at Neji who was still towering above me. His eyes were like daggers. I think he knows I like Sasuke. Damn it, Naruto. That's why he asked, for crying out loud. But Sasuke… I need to know if he's alright…

"Neji… Please move…" I murmured

"You're going out to him, are you?"

"I need to know if he's alright…"

"He won't even give a damn about you, Naruto…" Neji said.

"What do you know? He's not that cruel… Just misunderstood…"

"Really, Naruto? What makes you think he'll behave differently around you? Because you changed him? Is that it? Well, news flash! He's not… Who do you think you are to change a stone to a pillow anyway?"

"I'll prove it to you then!"

I shoved him to the side and stood up from the bed. I then fixed myself before opening the curtains, revealing the nurse dressing Sasuke's open wound. His bloodstained shirt rested on the desk. I watched the nurse treat him with extra care. Sasuke was wincing in pain. The antiseptic must have stung. I wonder what he did for his wound to open up. I walked over to him, looking at him with worried eyes. Just you watch, Neji. He's different….

"Uchiha-sensei… Are you alright?" I asked

Sasuke looked at me. But somehow, he didn't look at me straight in the eyes. His eyes widen before he averted his gaze to the side. He bit his lip as he turned his head away from me. Why, Sasuke? Why turn away from me? I looked back at Neji, who had his arms crossed and a smirk on his face. How? Why? Did Neji know this was coming? But Sasuke… Yesterday… He might still be mad at me, but isn't showing concern like a peace offering already?

"There… It's all done, Uchiha-sensei…" The nurse said

"Arigatou, Shimowaka-sensei… Sensei, could I borrow a shirt or anything to wear? I just need something to cover myself when I make my way to the faculty room…"

"I think I have a shirt somewhere here…"

"Uchiha-sensei…" I asked again, trying to make a conversation with him again

"Where were you during class? Slacking in the infirmary? You won't be given any make up tests, Uzumaki…" He said sternly

"Why? Sasuke…" I muttered

"Try to catch up, Uzumaki… I won't be giving any exceptions…" He continued with the same stern voice

"Sasuke… What happened?"

"How dare you call your teacher like that? I deserve some respect, Uzumaki…"

That was the last straw. I was taken aback with his words. I looked at him in disbelief and then to Neji, who was still smirking. Sasuke… How could you do this to me? How could you make me love you and then break my heart after running away from a kiss? You're so mean, Sasuke!! I ran out of the room with tears welling up in my eyes. I didn't know where I was going or how far I ran, but I just needed to get away from the school… Away from anything that reminded me of him… Away from Sasuke…

Uchiha Sasuke

After being stressed out with what Hyuuga said to me, I went to the gym and released my anger on the punching bag that was hanging innocently from the ceiling. I took of my pristine white Oxford and went to beating the helpless bag. I threw everything at it- my frustrations with Naruto and my rage with Hyuuga. I only stopped when my arm began to throb. Sometimes, I tend to forget I'm injured. Well, that is because I rarely get injured.

I made my way to the infirmary. Shit, those punches must have opened my wound. And it's hurting badly too. I asked for a painkiller first, popping the small medicine in my mouth. Before I could say thank you and leave, the nurse went hysterical and quickly pulled me back, shouting "Uchiha-sensei, there's blood on your shirt!! Quick, I will treat it." I had to oblige. She might rip my shirt off me just to get some antiseptic on my wound. I stripped off the stained shirt and placed it on top of her desk while she went to retrieve some of the antiseptic.

While she was dabbing the stingy liquid on my bleeding wound, a certain blonde suddenly stepped out. Was Naruto here the whole time? I was about to greet him when I saw Neji behind Naruto's figure. His arm crossed across his chest and a smirk on his lips. I bit back my greetings, knowing that trouble might be the only conclusion here. I turned my head away, ignoring Naruto and his question. I knew I might have hurt him. But it's for the best… For both of us… I think…

Naruto asked again. This time, I decided to answer him as coldly as I can. I verified that he was hurt when he ran out of the room, as if crying. Maybe he was… I hear a sob escape from him. I sighed out. Maybe Hyuuga was right. Maybe I would only hurt Naruto. Well, it hurts to see Naruto like this… What am I thinking? Hurt, hurt… All I think about is getting hurt… When did I ever learn about it anyway?

"I told you you'll only hurt him… Look what you did… You made him cry…" Neji whispered as he passed by me, walking out of the infirmary

I bowed my head. Shit… I can't accept it. It can't be… I quickly thank the nurse for treating me and giving me and extra shirt. Running out, I scanned the surroundings, hoping to see a blonde or a brunet passing by. Sadly no one was at sight. Just in a nick of time, the bell rung in my ears. Great, classes starts. Good thing I have free period. Maybe I could rest in the teacher's lounge for now and gather all my thoughts.

As I made my way there, I saw a silver haired man on one of the chairs, reading an orange book with a big smug on his face. Was it Kama Sutra or Icha Icha Paradise? I didn't know. But one thing's for sure. It was a porn book. That Kakashi sure is a perverted ass. He has a habit of snogging his boyfriend, during lunch. Man, hearing them while eating my bento makes me want to puke. But for now, I think he is the best man to ask about my current situation.

"Free time, Kakashi?" I asked

"Ma ne… I'm finishing up this book before I start on my paperwork. Do you need anything, Sasuke-kun?"

"Well…" I smiled as I ran a hand in my hair. "How do you know?"

"You rarely speak to your co-teachers. When you do, you need something… I just deduced it from those thoughts…"

"You're sharp… Anyway… I need some advice… Since you got a boyfriend, maybe you can help me…"

"Eh? What's this? The ever so stern, ever so cold Uchiha Sasuke is in love. Are my ears playing with me?" Kakashi teased

"Oh, shut up, Kakashi! Or else I'll murder you!"

"I'm just kidding. Can't you take a joke? Well, anyway… What do you need my advice for?"

"Ok… So, you know that I'm a cold, anti-social and unfriendly person, right?" Kakashi nodded. "There's this one person that changed everything about that…"

"Elaborate…"

"You see… Before, I was very detached to the world. But now, I feel that I need to be with him, protect him or something… I think I like… No… Maybe even love him…"

"So, what's the problem?"

"The problem is… I kissed him out of no where…"

"And he freaked?"

"And he freaked out… But that's not half of the story… His other best friend also fell in love with him. And he threatened me… Telling me he'll blackmail me if I don't back off… I don't know what to do… I tried back off, but ended up hurting him… I can't go near him because of the consequences that might be waiting for me… And I can't believe I actually cared about these little details… I'm so confused… Kakashi… You've got to help me!" I pleaded. Kakashi must have hinted the desperation in my voice and placed his book down to approach me

"First thing's first… You identify if this "thing" you're feeling is love or infatuation… If it's infatuation, I suggest you end everything now… But, if it's love… Then that's a different kind of story…"

"How… do you know that it's love?"

"You get thing tingly feeling inside… Like butterflies in your stomach… Or your heart beating extremely fast if he's around… Or when you can't get him out of your head…"

That's how I feel now… So… This is love…

"I think I love him…"

"Ok… Now you figured that out, you need to fight for it. You should fight for your love, no matter what the risks are… Much more if it's a two-way love… You both need to make your relationship strong… Or else it will crumble down… The two of you could go a long way if you fight for it together…"

"Despite all the risks??"

"Love takes huge amounts of sacrifices, Sasuke… You need to be ready for it…"

"Oh… Right… Um… Thanks… Kakashi… One more thing…"

"What is it?"

"How did you tell Iruka that you're in love with him?"

"Well, it just takes a silent corner. It's the heart that talks after all… You just need to both listen to it…" He said with a smile, returning to his book.

So that's how it should be…. I love Naruto... That's right. The big L-O-V-E! And I'm ready to fight for it. Even Neji or the Akatsuki. I'm ready to give up everything for him… For Naruto…. I will make him happy, even though it would risk my life… Naruto, I love you… So, you better open up for me because I'm going to own you now. Not Neji, but me… Uchiha Sasuke… I don't care of it is too fast… But this is how I feel… And I am going to fight for it…


Well? What do you think?

Reviews please...

maiden.blooddragons