T-T So many reviews…I'm so happy!

Okay, this chapter has been shortened due to the fact I have an English paper I need to write. Sorry, but that's fate for you. The next chapter will have all that I promised you last time. Sorry again. I hate disappointing you, my dear readers. T-T

Please forgive me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just in case you are worried about their ages:

Naruto, Sakura, Shino, Kiba, Shikamaru, Ino, Neji, and Rock Lee are all 18.

Sasuke, Haku, Gaara, and Hinata are all 17.

Temari is 19 (she failed one year).

Kyuubi and Kabuto are both 21.

Itachi is 22.

Please review!! Reviews motivate me to type more. The more reviews, the faster I tend to work.

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Chapter 7: Lost & Found

There are two things that Naruto realized about Sasuke after the talk he had with his brother that he never noticed before.

He was intelligent. Almost as intelligent as Shikamaru. Sasuke was but a second year, however, he took many of the third year classes. It surprised Naruto at first to learn that Sasuke was in fact over a year younger than him. He didn't act it. And also Sasuke took a few classes that too included Naruto; Homeroom with Iruka, English with Kurenai, and Physics with Kakashi. Before, Naruto only knew that Sakura was in his homeroom and in his World History class. He never knew that Sasuke was in the same classes with him. Naruto didn't bother to stop and think about it either. Not that Naruto talked with him during any of those subjects now. Naruto was thinking hard about what Kyuubi had said to him. Was he going to try to understand him?

Naruto didn't know. He was torn between two decisions. He can follow Kyuubi's idea and at start to try to know the boy. It was a good idea since he was stuck with him for the rest of the year. Being on a similar ground somewhere would make the blows less painful in a way. However, Naruto couldn't shake off the feeling of betraying his own beliefs by doing so. Why would he, a perfect boy of society want to befriend a lowly, despicable, and dishonored thing like a prostitute? Naruto couldn't even picture him and Sasuke doing the same things he did with his other friends like going to a club with their fake Ids on Saturday, or hanging out at each other's houses, or even complaining about how their girlfriends drag them around the mall while they shopped.

Naruto laughed to himself. If Naruto would take Sasuke to a club, Sasuke would probably hook up with some guy or girl, then leave early so that he could fuck them in the alleyway behind the club. If Naruto took him to his house, Sasuke would stare at it in wonder, then probably flirt with him, or worse, with Kyuubi…

'Why doesn't Kyuubi see the situation? Why does he insist that Sasuke is like a normal person when in fact he is not? We must have different definitions for normal since I find that there is nothing normal about his character.' Naruto thought.

When Naruto went to school on that Friday, nearly a month of sitting with Haku, Sasuke, and Shino. Naruto's relationship with his other friends slowly started to slip away. Kiba and Ino could no longer look Naruto in the eye as he passed by. Sakura was still fuming, but they haven't officially broken up yet. Naruto was hoping that they wouldn't yet. Not right before their one-year anniversary next week when he planned to make everything up to her. Temari glared at him whenever she could. Rumors spread out from her mouth and she didn't care that Naruto knew. She saw him as a traitor. Gaara and Neji were as indifferent as ever. Hinata and Rock Lee were the only ones that didn't want to cut off all connections with Naruto. They kept him up to date on all the news with the group and he hung out with them on the weekends.

Naruto would never admit it, but in his opinion, this showed a lot about their characters that he never saw before. Rock Lee and Hinata were kind people and valued their friendship above all else. They were the kind Naruto wanted to hang on to. Neji and Gaara didn't care as long as they stayed where they were in the grand scheme of things. Temari was a bitch that cared more for gossip and breaking down others than graduating from her class. No wonder she failed that one year. Kiba and Ino missed him, but they also cared more about their social standing to the point that they didn't want to jeopardize it by being kind to Naruto. And Sakura was stubborn and threw a fit when she didn't get her way.

Naruto had his opinion about all three of the Sons of Darkness too. Haku was one of the kindest people he knew. Haku didn't pass judgment on people nor did he blame people for their mistakes. He was defiantly good-natured and didn't want to get on anyone's bad side. Naruto wanted to ask why a person like him chose the path of a prostitute, but Naruto didn't want to offend him. Haku was the one that Naruto liked the most out of the group. It was hard not to. Everyone seemed to like Haku.

Shino was like Haku's opposite. While Haku was understanding and kind, Shino was bitter and haughty. Like what anyone would really think a prostitute would act like while off the job. Shino's distaste for Naruto was apparent and he made it clear everyday. Shino never spoke out unless someone asked him a direct question or if he was going to complain about Naruto again. Naruto had come to really detest Shino for it. How could he judge him like that? He didn't even know who he was! Naruto had already devised of a prank that would get Shino back for it.

Sasuke was a total different matter all together. Naruto didn't know what to make of him. 'One minute, Sasuke seems kind and happy, the next he is the spawn of Satan. Seriously, he'll laugh and smile, crack jokes, and he offer to help Haku study for his French class (which he was on the brink of failing). But then he like snaps and turns into this flirtatious, demonic, monster from hell that annoys me to the point I just want to slug him and not even worry about how much trouble I get into by doing so.' But in reality, Naruto did in a way sort of like Sasuke. Sasuke did have this air about him that made everyone want to look at him and watch him with fascination. Naruto knew that he was no different. With his constant spurs of abhor and appeal to the Uchiha's nature, it was quite confusing for him. Sasuke was different. There was no other word for it. He was different. Just different. Naruto couldn't explain the feeling he had for the boy. It wasn't exactly hate nor was it adoration. What was it?

That's why Naruto was doing this today. He was going to try to get to know the raven even if it ends up killing him. When he does end up succeeding, then he can resume hating Sasuke and have Kyuubi off his back. It was a win-win scenario.

"Hey Sasuke." Naruto said a few feet away from Sasuke's desk in homeroom. Sasuke, who had his head down lying on his desk, looked up when he had spoken his name. Iruka wasn't in yet and probably wouldn't be in until the bell rings. That should be enough time for Naruto to get his point out and make it back in time before the bell rang. Sasuke's hair was uneven and covered his face, concealing it away from Naruto's view. Naruto had a violent urge to reach out and move the lose strands away from his face. Naruto didn't wish to speak with his hair. He wanted to talk with Sasuke; look at the dark pools he has for eyes and tell him the news. Besides, the hair only hid the boy's natural beauty. Not that his hair wasn't beautiful. It's just that Naruto liked the look of his skin on contract to his hair and his eyes. This was most unbefitting.

"Hm? What is it dope?" Sasuke's voice sounded dull and far away. That bothered Naruto even more than the hair thing did.

"What's wrong with you?" Naruto was surprised when he heard concern within his words. Then again, if Sasuke were injured or sad, Naruto would want to help make it better. He was an asshole sometimes, but he was not heartless.

"Oh, I just had a rough night last night." Sasuke finally reach up and moved his hair away from his face. Naruto nearly broke out into a smile seeing his face again, but the sight made him gape at him in revulsion.

Sasuke's face, which was usually flawless and handsome, was much paler than it should have been. His eyes looked darker with dark rings surrounding them, like he just broken his nose or something. The bottom of his luscious full lips was slightly split with dried blood overtaking it.

"What happened?" Naruto was now really concerned and he didn't care who saw or anything.

Sasuke shrugged like it was no big deal. "It doesn't matter. Let's just say it is a job hazarded."

"Who did this to you?" Naruto couldn't tell why, but suddenly he was furious. What had Sasuke done? Sure he was a pain in the ass sometimes, but Sasuke never would hurt anyone. Whoever done this must have been some real fuck job. Naruto's teeth were clenched and his fingers curled into tight fists at his side. It was like he was ready to punch the kid sitting right in front of Sasuke is Sasuke said that he had did it.

"It doesn't matter Naruto. Let us just leave it at that, okay?"

The last thing Naruto wanted to do was let it go, but he decided to pursue the issue later. For now, he needed Sasuke's cooperation. "Fine. But may I ask you a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Man, why do people always answer other people with another question?! Just tell me yes or no." Naruto wasn't in a patient enough mood to waste time with Sasuke today.

"Depends. What do you want me to do?"

"Well," Naruto began. "It's not really what I want you to do. More of what I want to do and I would like it if you let me."

Sasuke's voice fell low, so those who were listening in around them could not hear. "Don't tell me you want to have sex with me again?"

Naruto gritted his teeth and used all of his self-control to stop himself from shouting at the boy. "No. I want to hang out with you today after school."

Sasuke didn't look shocked. On the contrary, he was probably expecting Naruto to do this a while ago. But Naruto didn't say anything about it. For the most part, Naruto was polite enough to keep his judgments of people to himself. "I have swimming and you have football." Sasuke pointed out.

"I know but after that." Naruto added quickly. His breath hitched as he waited for the Uchiha's reply. But at the same time, the big question was forming in his head. 'How did I get talked into this?'

Sasuke answered Naruto's request with the same three words that had haunted Naruto for the past month. "If we must."

Naruto straightened with a nod. "I'll meet you at the tree we sit at for lunch after school." Naruto turned to walk away but Sasuke grabbed the hood on his jacket, making him nearly fall onto the fake tiled classroom floor. "What was that for?!" he demanded.

"Since you are going to spend an evening with me tonight, you can sit with your friends for lunch today if you want."

"Seriously?!" Naruto felt his heart leap in his chest. It was almost too good to be true. He could hang out with his old friends instead of those other people for once? "What's the catch?" Naruto asked, suddenly becoming suspicious. "This isn't one of those trick situations huh? Like, you won't tell everyone my secret once I sit with them."

"You think I'm going to double cross you?" Sasuke sounded appalled by the very thought of it. "Of course not! Just go okay? I'll see you after school."

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"You're back Naruto!" Kiba exclaimed watching as the blonde walked over to their half of the courtyard. Naruto smiled for the first time in weeks when they all looked over at him. It was a great day. It was warm aside from the cool breeze setting in from the north. Naruto adored the smell of foliage of autumn in the air on this late October day. The grass beneath his feet had grayed from the climate changes and crunched with every step.

But nothing to Naruto was as startling as Sakura sitting there on the bench, glancing up with shock as he joined them. Her light blue button-up jacket covered her arms and chest and her lime green dress made her emerald eyes stand out in her beautiful face. Naruto was so glad to see his girlfriend again.

"Naruto," she whispered as she stood up.

"Hey Sakura, I missed you so much." He blew into her ear as he grabbed her shoulders gently before taking her into his arms. Naruto could feel the tears spilling out of her eyes and staining themselves on his jacket. "Then why haven't you been with me?" she sobbed.

"Oh Sakura, I wanted to be. Believe me! There was nothing I wanted more. But there was something…something I had to do."

"I hate those boys." She eyed Naruto with hate apparent on her face. "I hate the Sons of Darkness."

"As do I Saku." Naruto agreed. "As do I." Naruto saw a tear fall down and streak her face, smearing the mascara she wore. Instinctively, he reached out and caught it with the back of his thumb. Sakura couldn't help but break out in a grin. She stood on her tip toes and pressed her lips on Naruto's.

-Meanwhile-

"Damn Sasuke! Who the hell did this to you?" Haku demanded the instant he sat next to him at their tree. Haku hated the wind that was blowing. It ruined his long hair and made it so he had to spruce up all night long between accepting different clients. Besides, the chilling cold that threatened to overtake the land was going to make everything both better and worse. More clients would turn to them, seeking the warmth that they offer and thus with the demand higher, the prices would be higher as well. However, it would make them very uncomfortable. Walking out every other evening in the cold and getting undressed in alleyways is okay, but doing it six to seven times a night was painful work. Not only that, but the extra clients often lead to more trouble.

"It's nothing. So don't worry about it." Sasuke muttered, angry that everyone seemed to worry about it. "It's no big deal."

"No big deal?! No big deal!? I'll kill whoever has the balls to do that to you!" Haku continued to curse but Sasuke only sighed.

"I know you worry too, but really, I'm fine. I'm sure it won't happen again."

"Just tell me who did this!" Haku cried out. "And if you don't, I'll find out on my own. I have my sources." Haku's dark eyes widened for a fraction of a second as if he realized something. "He didn't do this to you did he?"

"No." Sasuke corrected quickly. "If it was him, you guys would be the first to know."

"It wasn't that Uzumaki brat either, was it?" Shino chimed in.

"No." Sasuke said quietly. "Not him either."

"Cause if it was, I'd kill him and hide the body where the bugs can feast on him-"

"Good thing it wasn't huh?" Haku spoke edgily. Shino glared at Haku for interrupting him, but with the look Haku gave him, gesturing to Sasuke with his eyes, Shino stopped. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything-"

"It's alright Shino. I know you mean well." Sasuke wished they'd change the subject. Sasuke reached into his pants pocket, pulling out his silver lighter and cigarettes like he did every time their conversation happened to include the blonde.

"Damn it Sasuke! Why are you still obsessed with him?" Shino demanded, watching as Sasuke lit his cigarette with a red glow of fire. "Didn't having him sit with us teach you anything? He hates us and a character like his could never change."

" I don't know," Sasuke spoke after taking a long drag on his cigarette. "He asked to 'spend time' with me after swimming today."

"Is that why he's not here? I thought you finally got your brain back and gave up on him." Shino spoke like his dream had been shattered.

"I can change him." Sasuke argued. His eyes moved across the courtyard in a flash and saw the blonde standing there embracing his girlfriend. "And tonight will be the start of it." After seeing Sakura kiss Naruto full on the lips, Sasuke felt like his heart was breaking. Just like it did everyday at lunch and homeroom since he started high school.

And why shouldn't it?

Sasuke was in love with him.

Ever since the first day of Sasuke's first year over a year ago when Sasuke first set eyes on the blonde. Why else would he play with his lighter during lunch? It was the only time he could get Naruto to look at him. Sasuke looked forward to lunch, knowing for at least a minute or two, Naruto would watch him. Everyday since then, Sasuke hoped that he would one-day entrance Naruto, but that day never arrived. So, Sasuke saw him alone at the party that night. It was probably the only opportunity he'd get to talk with Naruto. Things didn't turn out the way he wanted it.

It was difficult for him, watching Naruto hug and kiss Sakura. Sasuke always would fanaticize that it was him Naruto was holding and making out with. But his dreams would be shattered once Sakura would giggle or drag Naruto away from sight. It broke Sasuke out of his undetectable trance and brought him back to grim reality. It hurt Sasuke deeply knowing that Sakura would always have one up on him. There was no competition between the two. Naruto was straight and he was in love with Sakura. No matter how much Sasuke could force himself into their lives and tried to separate them, there was no room for him in their world. It was the world of the rich, popular, and powerful. No place for a poor boy who has to whore himself out just so he can keep bread on his table and a roof over his head.

He was not worthy of him.

"What was I thinking?" he asked himself out loud for Haku and Shino to hear. Both of them knew not what Sasuke was thinking, but they weren't stupid enough not to have an idea. "Am I just a fool?"

"No." "Yes." They both answered simultaneously. Haku was saying no and Shino was saying yes.

Sasuke gave a wry face. "Thank you, you guys. I knew I could count on you."

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Okay, I lied. If I add the whole evening scene in here, it wouldn't be posted for a long time. Sadly, I have a paper I need to write and it will take me a week to do. So the next chapter will only take me an extra week for me to post at the latest. It shouldn't be that much longer so you don't have to worry too much about it. Thanks for the reviews! Review again!