ParaDOXical
By: Disordered Thoughts

Summary: Meet Uzumaki Naruto, the biggest loser to ever hit stardom.
Pairings: SasuNaru, slight NejiNaru and ItaNaru, KibaHina, ShikaTem and GaaraxOC
Rating: M (to be safe)
Warning: Yaoi, Shounen-Ai, Boy/Boy, AU, OOC, Profanities, Angst, a bit of lime and smut XD, Sakura & Ino bashing
Disclaimers: cries Naruto will never be mine, Sasuke I mean Kishimoto owns him. I also do not owe the songs from ELLEGARDEN, SR-71, SALIVA, Savage Garden and many others.
Note:My beta is taking a long time editing it. So it's un-beta'd

The Rumors
Now I don't trust anyone but us
Nothing more to say
Not to be superstitious
Don't trust anyone but us
-ELLEGARDEN-

DREAM SEQUENCE STARTS

He snarled at the group of boys. His eyes were bloodshot and his right hand is clenching too much that he is already drawing blood. He bared his fangs and exclaimed, "Let her go! Let Chezca go!"

"What are you gonna do loser?" one of the boys said in a taunting voice. He narrowed his eyes and said, "I will break your bones that you will be crawling back to your homes!"

Curses rang, shouts were heard and there was blood. He stared at the bloodied face of the boy who had his friend in captive. It was not a pretty sight.

"MONSTER!!! You're a monster!"

He smirked and said, "I am, for I am Kyuubi!"

DREAM SEQUENCE ENDS

Rrrrrrriiiinnnnggggg

Naruto woke up in a jolt. He scanned his surroundings in panic. The dog-boy Kiba is seating in front of him and is giving him a confuse stare. Chezca who is just seating on his left side gave him a concern look. Great. He had fallen asleep during class. His teacher, Kakashi eyed him saying, "All right, please take note that your homework would be passed tomorrow and Uzumaki-san, glad to see you are participating now."

The said person gulped and laughed weakly. How embarrassing, he wasn't able to control himself from falling asleep. He never liked math but to sleep on it is just terrible. "Gomenasai Kakashi-sensei." He replied looking utterly apologetic. "Wow, blondie. You look exhausted. Aren't you sleeping well?" Kiba asked.

"I am sleeping well dog-breathe. I just feel tired for some strange reason." Naruto replied picking up his books and putting it inside his bag. Shikamaru stretched his arms and said, "I think the stress is getting onto you Naruto. I mean we just returned to school and the homework is too much already."

Kiba groaned and said, "Fuck, you don't have to remind me that again Shika. I barely could finish our homework in Chemistry. And we still have that 3rd English project." Neji sighed saying, "Well, we just have to do double time." He then looked at Naruto and said, "Naruto-kun, I hope you'll be fine for our gig in Akatsuki this Friday night."

"Oh yeah, oh man… and this month is almost over, I still have to think and compose a song for our new single." Naruto replied groaning. He wanted to bang his head on his desk at the moment. Shikamaru is right; the stress is getting to him; the tons of homework, the band and not to mention the dreams. These past few nights, his dreams were haunted of his horrible past, of Kyuubi.

Chezca stood up and said, "Come on, we'll be late for Iruka-sensei's class and I know you won't like to be late in his class Naru-chan." Naruto stood up and gazed at Sasuke's chair. The raven skipped class today to arrange their gig on Friday in Akatsuki. He wondered if he should tell Sasuke about his dreams. "Nah… the teme might find it pathetic." Naruto thought leaving his seat.

SHARINGAN RECORDS
UCHIHA SASUKE'S OFFICE

Sasuke glared at the magazine in front of him. It was the latest issue ofZokuwa,one of the leading gossip magazines in Japan. He never bothered reading Zokuwa. He thinks whatever written there are all rubbish. He remembered the article once written there regarding Neji's sexuality. Kiba read the article aloud to the whole band. Though, it is known to them that Neji is gay he doesn't like the idea of people feasting upon it. Neji shared the same sentiments. What repulsing about that article is that, the writer made a speculation that he and Neji are having a relationship. That made him gag and furious to the point of wanting to sue that Zokuwa writer for libel. It was Shikamaru who made him change his mind. Anyway, the issue died for it was apparent that he and Neji are not THAT close. Now he doesn't understand why Kisame, Itachi's secretary delivered the latest issue of Zokuwa to his office. Itachi wanted him to read it. For pete's sake, what's so interesting about it?

He grabbed the magazine and started flipping through the pages. His eyes widened when he saw the article title.

UZUMAKI NARUTO: WHO IS HE REALLY?!

Sasuke frowned. "What on earth is this?" He wondered and he started to read,

We all know, how Uchiha Sasuke, the ever handsome manager of ParaDOXical made the band's new vocalist a top secret. In fact, it was so top secret nobody knows how or where this Uzumaki Naruto did come from. The question: WHO IS HE REALLY? Well, yours truly, did some interviews regarding Uzumaki-san.

I stumbled upon his school, Konoha High where he is studying. It is the same school where the other band members of ParaDOXical go to. It was pretty hard getting information about the blonde wonder for reporters are not allowed inside the school. The school Principal is very firm about it. He even slammed the door of his office in front of me. The schools Guidance Counselor barked at me and practically chase me away. Not only that, two teachers gave me threatening glares as if telling me not to ask about Uzumaki-san. Why are they so protective of him?

I thought it was a lost case not until this girl. Ahhh, this girl gave me juicy information about the boy wonder. Of course, I cannot say that this is all true not unless Uzumaki-san confirmed it's true.

How true that he is an orphan?
How true that he has a juvenile record for being a delinquent?
How true that he is a laughing stock and a loser in Konoha High?

Sasuke tear the article from the magazine frowning. He then grabs the remote control and flipped the TV open. Immediately he surfed the gossip channel.

"Helloooo my, my, after the success of ParaDOXical's mini-concert in Shibuya here's another ground breaking news. An article in Zokuwa had caught the attention of fans and fellow musicians. Yes, rumors regarding the blonde wonder. Is her really an orphan? And what's with this juvenile delinquent record? And the blonde wonder a loser in Konoha High? Hmmm…"

Sasuke closed the TV before he could even destroy it by throwing the remote control at it. This is not good and worst; the reporters might be at Konoha High already to ambush Naruto. He looked at the article in his hands and grabbed his car keys.

BACK IN KONOHA HIGH
ROOFTOP

True, he is having a bad day. He is tired and stressed. It doesn't help much he is having nightmares regarding his Kyuubi days. It's bothering him. He never really has nightmares about that, why now? He looked at Chezca who is sitting with him in the rooftop. Not far away is Gaara staring out to nowhere. Kiba, Shikamaru and Neji are all in the library doing their English project. Naruto is done with his, like weeks ago.

"Chez… when you saw me in my Kyuubi-state for the first time, were you scared?" Naruto ask almost mumbling it. Chezca closed her eyes as she remembers the first time she encountered Naruto in Kyuubi-mode. The blonde rescued her from the bullies of their neighborhood at that time. Naruto's blonde hair looked really wild and his eyes flared such anger that it looked red.

Chezca opened her eyes and looked at Naruto. "You know what? I was damn scared of you back then. You beat them to a pulp that I thought you killed them already. But then, I realize that you saved my life. I can't stay scared at the person who saved me right?"

"That is just so you Chez" Naruto replied smiling. Chezca raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why did you ask?"

Naruto sighed and said, "Remember that accident that happened in Shibuya? I heard the voice again. You know that voice that taunts me to be Kyuubi? I heard it in my head at that time I was cornered."

"But Tsunade-san managed to suppress that right? You suppressed that voice." Chezca replied in an alarming tone. The blonde nod his head and replied, "But it resurfaced. I don't know why. I've been in threatening situations before with Tamaro-baka but why at that moment?"

"You better talk to Tsunade-san about that Naru-chan." Chezca replied. Naruto sighed and said, "I know, I wonder if I should tell the teme about it." Chezca whacked him on the head saying, "Of course! He needs to know, not just the Uchiha but the whole band!" Naruto muffled an "ouch" before agreeing with the girl.

"You two take a look at this" Gaara replied who is now looking down the railing in the rooftop. Naruto and Chezca stood up and went towards the railing. Chezca's jaw drop exclaiming, "What the fuck those reporters doing at our school gate?!"

Naruto gulped. He doesn't like what he is seeing right now. He started to wonder what happened that made the reporters hail their assess there. His wonderings were answered when Kiba, Shikamaru and Neji burst through the rooftop door. Neji looked extremely pissed. He is holding a Zokuwa magazine. He showed it to Naruto saying, "The rumors have reached the gossip channels."

"Shit…." Naruto cursed reading the article shown to him. Shikamaru run his hand through his hair saying, "Damn. I don't know where this Zokuwa writer had this information. I'm betting that this girl mentioned in the article is either the Yamanaka or Haruno." Gaara frowned and said, "That doesn't matter right now. What matters right now how Naruto escape these reporters."

Neji nods his head saying, "True. Naruto cannot face them right now. We have to plan this first. Where the hell is Sasuke anyway?" Kiba rolled his eyes and said, "Probably driving as fast as he can towards here. He's not stupid not to have seen this." He then noticed that Naruto looked pale and still looking at that article.

"Hey blondie, ignore that article for awhile. It's just rumors." He replied patting the blonde in the back. "We'll clear this up." Naruto glared at him saying, "You don't understand! This… fuck it!" with that he shoved the magazine at Kiba and darted away. Chezca cursed colorfully and followed after Naruto.

"Kiba frowned and exclaimed, "What the fuck is his problem?" Neji whacked him in the head saying, "Baka! You are so insensitive!" The guitarist massaged the part where he was hit and mumbled, "Man, what did I do? All I said that it was just rumors and we can clear it up." Shikamaru eyed him and said, "You do realize that it is probably not just rumors right?"

Kiba's frown subsided and said nothing. Shikamaru made a point. Neji cursed saying, "Come on, we must find Naruto-kun."

PARKING LOT

Sasuke got out of his Jaguar and started running towards the school entrance. He could see the reporters outside trying to get inside. The school guards are having a hard time keeping them in line. He picked up his phone and dialed Itachi's number. When the older Uchiha picked up the phone, he said, "Aniki, I need your men here. Things are not looking good."

"They are heading there otouto. Get Naruto-kun out there. We'll plan things here." Itachi replied ending the conversation. As Sasuke stepped inside the school hallway, he is greeted by an angry looking Iruka and Kakashi. Sasuke groaned inwardly. He is gonna get it.

Iruka stepped forward saying, "Uchiha-san, I don't like what's going on here. We agreed on having Naruto be the band's vocalist but this?!" Sasuke bite the side of his cheek trying to calm himself and not lash out on the worried Umino Iruka. "Naruto is missing Sasuke! Chezca called me. He saw the article!" Iruka exclaimed, panic very obvious in his voice.

"Damn it. He shouldn't run off. Those rumors can be dealt easily." Sasuke replied hoping that whatever he said is true however, what Iruka said made him regret it. "It won't be easy Uchiha. Listen here, I will tell you this because you have the right to know since you are the band's manager, the rumors are true."

Sasuke's eyes widened. Kakashi sighed and had Iruka to step aside. "Sasuke, we cannot tell you the full details. You have to ask Naruto." The raven's eyes then darted towards Kiba, Shikamaru, Neji and Gaara who is approaching him. Neji looked beyond piss. The Hyuuga placed his hands on his hips and said, "We can't find him. Chezca is still searching."

"It is possible that Naruto left school already." Kiba replied. Gaara frowned and said, "Impossible. Even the backdoor is clamoring with reporters. He can't possible leave the school without an escort."

Kakashi chuckled slightly, "You are talking about Naruto here, a born prankster. Trust me he can get out of here with or without escort. He is that good." Gaara eyed the masked teacher and asked, "How can you be so sure?"

"I've been a victim of his pranks Sabaku and I also his guardian. I know him more than any of you." Kakashi replied smugly. Chezca appeared from the stairs saying, "I searched high and low. Naruto left the building."

Sasuke groaned. Shit.

"How could he escape? The whole school is surrounded by reporters." Kiba asked. Chezca sighed and said, "He must have used the basement route."

"The what?" Shikamaru asked. "The school's basement has a small opening that Naruto could fit into. He uses it to escape Tamaro-baka and his gang so many times. It leads to an abandoned sewer. "Chezca explained. Iruka smiled ruefully and said, "So that's how he manages to disappear without a trace whenever he does a prank."

Sasuke flipped his phone open and said, "No time for reminiscing. Where does that sewer ends to?" Chezca smirked and said, "A block away from here. It will lead to the street where Ichiraku is." With this Sasuke made a call to Itachi's men to head towards Ichiraku. As he closed his mobile phone, he said, "Come on. We need to get Naruto."

THE HQ
NARUTO'S POV

Jiisan placed the bowl of miso ramen on the crate for me. He even added a cup of tea with it. He gives me a kind smile but said nothing. The old man knew that I am in hiding. I don't need to tell him or his daughter Ayame about it. It's all over the news. I thanked him and he went down back to the restaurant. I looked at my ramen. It is suppose to make me feel fine but it is not. In fact I don't feel like eating. I buried my face in my hands thinking, why should my past be brought up? It should have stayed buried and not be mentioned. My past is shit and fucked up.

I heard the door opening. I looked up expecting to see Jiisan or Ayame to ask me if I wanted more ramen but instead I saw Chezca. I smiled a little. My bestfriend sure does know where to find me. She went in and revealed more people with her. I groaned when I saw the band and the teme.

"Naru-chan, I knew you would be here. Iruka and Kakashi-sensei were worried about you. I bet Tsunade-san and Jiraiya-san is too." Chezca replied approaching me. She kneels down in front of me carefully brushing away my bangs from my eyes. I could see from her eyes that she is worried about me. I always make Chezca worry and that is a guilt I have to live.

Kiba is giving me this forlorn look. I ruefully smiled at him saying, "Don't give me that look dog-breathe. I'm not mad at you." Kiba then sheepishly smiled at me and said, "Yeah, sorry man… it was rather insensitive of me."

I stood on my feet looking at them; I know why they are here. "I know you guys think that these are just rumors but you see they are notjust rumors." I said, I could feel the anxiety closing in on me. Shikamaru grunted, "Yeah, we figured that out. Care to tell us?"

My brow furrowed. Am I ready to tell these people about me? Am I ready? I don't know. Chezca takes my right hand and said, "You want to talk to Tsunade-san first? I know you want to." Thank God for Chezca. She does really know me for my own good. I nod my head. Chezca smiles and picked up her mobile phone. She texted an urgent message to Baachan.

"Can I be left alone for awhile? I need to talk to Baachan first." I said as I pleadingly look at them. My gaze stops at Sasuke. I was expecting a retort from the bastard but it didn't come. Sasuke made a "hn" sound and immediately went out of the door. I sighed. I thought the bastard is not going to comply but he did. Somehow I was grateful he did because the rest went out without a word well except for Kiba who said, "All right man, we'll be downstairs."

Chezca followed suit saying, "I'll have them entertained. Tsunade-san will be here in 3 minutes."

END OF NARUTO'S POV
ICHIRAKU RAMEN

Jiisan smiled at the group who was seated quietly in one table. He had the store closed when Naruto appeared asking for refuge. He didn't think twice closing. He has always wanted to help the blonde boy. That blonde boy who always looks so lonely and sad, one would think he is a happy guy for his smiles are always bright but he knew better. Oh yes, he knew better.

"Oji-san thanks for your help. Closing the shop would drive reporters and others out." Chezca replied winking at the old man. The old man sighed and said, "No problem young lady. So want anything?"

Chezca shook her head and said, "No thanks, I don't think we can eat as of now."

"Come on, it's on the house."

"I'll have that Vegetable Ramen and Milk tea." Sasuke ordered not looking at the old man. Neji smiled a little and said, "I'll have a Tofu Salad and Jasmine tea."

Kiba grinned; he looked at the old man and exclaimed, "Pork ramen for me and Shika!" Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at Kiba and said, "I'm gonna eat?" Kiba winked at him and said, "Hey it's on the house man!"

"I'll have sake old man." Gaara replied. Chezca smirked inwardly and said, "Make that two."

Shikamaru shook his head and said, "This is gonna be a long day."

Tsunade Sannin arrived finding the group eating and drinking. Chezca who had downed her 5th cup of sake handed Tsunade one saying, "He's been waiting for you upstairs." The blonde woman stared at the cup being handed to her and said, "You aren't allowed to drink sake, yet."

Chezca rolled her eyes and said, "You didn't come for that. Like I said…" she was cut off when Tsunade grab the cup, downed the sake and said, "I know, I heard you the first time." She then went upstairs. Kiba nudged Chezca and said, "Are you drunk? That was just our Guidance Counselor."

The Demon Woman smirked and said, "I can handle my alcohol thank you very much. I just don't like adults telling me what to do. I mostly grew up without adult supervision, why now?"

UPSTAIRS

"Naruto?"

"Baachan?"

Tsunade smiled at young blonde boy seating besides the window. Naruto looked so troubled and in distress. She approached her "son" giving him a warm hug whispering, "What's the matter son?"

Naruto then clung to her crying. Tsunade bit her lips as she rubbed her hand on Naruto's back. Her son is in pain, in so much pain. She released Naruto from her hug, taking out a handkerchief and started wiping the tears that are streaming down his face. Naruto sniffed and said, "I'm so scared kaa-san. I don't want to go back there, I don't want them knowing my past… I…"

"Hush darling. I understand why you are scared. You are scared because you think they won't accept you. But they will! The general public is not as prejudice you think they are!" Tsunade replied trying to calm the almost hysterical blonde. Naruto shakes his head in a panic motion and said. "No, I don't care about them, the band… I… will they accept me? Will they understand? Will they kaa-san?"

Tsunade brought a smile to her face and said, "Yes they will Naruto. You have to believe it." She then holds Naruto's head and stared deeply into the blonde's blue orbs and said, "You are Uzumaki Naruto. You are not afraid of anything so don't go chickening out on this one. We are right beside, back and in front of you my son. Don't be afraid. You are not alone."

Naruto took a deep breathe and nod his head. He exhales and said, "Kaa-san, one more thing. Back in Shibuya, when I was cornered by these "men", I heard that voice again."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow at her son. Naruto frowned and replied, "It's coming back. The anger, the fury, everything kaa-san. I can feel it starting to boil again." The blonde woman sighed; she sat down besides her son and said, "Sometimes I regret repressing that "Kyuubi" of yours. You know your anger? When I repressed that uncontrollable anger of yours, you lost your will to fight back."

"What are you saying kaa-san?" Naruto asks.

"Naruto, I think I made a mistake by repressing it. I should have let you control it. You controlling your anger not anger controlling you." Tsunade pointed out. "Are you saying that I should let it be?" Naruto demanded looking aghast.

Tsunade shakes her head and replied, "No, I am saying that this time around, when you felt that again, try to control it. Don't repress it; control it and fight back as you, as Uzumaki Naruto not Kyuubi. Do you understand?" A grin spread across Naruto's face and said, "I will kaa-san. Believe it."

"Good. Now, they are downstairs and you have some explaining to do. Tell them the whole story." Tsunade replied standing up. Naruto also stood up. He stretched his arms and said, "I guess so. Thanks baa-chan!"

"Don't call me that brat! Where did the kaa-san go?" Tsunade exclaimed wanting to whack the boy in front of her. Naruto grinned and gave his mother-figure a tight hug saying, "Right here, beside me, always."

ICHIRAKU RAMEN

Sasuke stared at the stairs; Naruto had come down the stairs with Tsunade. The blonde looked at them with solemn eyes, he looked very hesitant. Sasuke stood up saying, "Good to have you here dobe. However, no matter how edgy people here wanted to know the truth this is not the proper place for that."

"Itachi-san is waiting for us in Sharingan Records. The cars are all in the backdoor in case." Shikamaru replied and led the way. Naruto merely nod his head. Tsunade looked at Sasuke and said, "Easy on him Uchiha." The raven merely gave a "hn" and followed Naruto out the back door. The others followed quietly leaving Tsunade pondering to herself.

SHARINGAN RECORDINGS
ITACHI'S OFFICE

The atmosphere inside the older Uchiha's office was so thick that everyone seems to be sweating; to think the air conditioner's temperature is below 20 degrees. Itachi laid the revolting Zokuwa magazine on his desk, the page turned on the offending article. All meetings and interviews were cancelled and everyone in the room was focused on Naruto.

"I know that this is something you don't want the public to know but you do realize Naruto-kun that this is showbizness and privacy is something we don't enjoy that much." Itachi replied lighting a cigarette. Naruto bit his lower lip as he looked down. He doesn't know where to begin. Sasuke eyed his brother as if to say he'll take over the matter.

"Dobe…"

"Don't call me that teme!" Naruto snapped back his eyes glaring furiously at Sasuke.

"That's it be angry!"

Naruto's eyes widened. Kyuubi!

"Naru-chan!" Chezca exclaimed.

"Whoah blondie! What's with the stare? You looked at Sasuke as if you wanted to kill him." Kiba exclaimed eyeing Naruto nervously. Sasuke stood there rooted. The glare that Naruto gave him the sudden chill; he cleared his throat and said, "Naruto…"

Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes still staring at Sasuke. His body shook and trembled from the stress and pressure. The anger that suddenly appeared inside him seemed to be boiling up. "Naru-chan calm down, onegai?" Chezca whispered to her best friend's ear. Her voice filled with worry and concern. Chezca had a hard time not to sound frantic. It would make things worst.

"Do you really want to know? Are you ready for the story I am going to tell?" Naruto asked still trembling. He seemed to be talking only to Sasuke. The raven equaled this challenge giving the blond a smug smirk. Naruto chuckled lowly and said, "So be it." He closed his eyes and said, "When I was in the orphanage, I was known as the Kyuubi."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and inquired, "Kyuubi? As in the nine-tailed demon fox?" Naruto nod his head and replied, "Yes Shika. The Kyuubi; the fiery demon of the Konoha Orphanage. I had an uncontrollable anger that when I get mad I go blind with fury and start beating people out of their wits. I nearly killed a group of kids by sending them to hospitals with fractured skulls and broken ribs! I was called a monster and people hated me for it."

"Please don't misjudge him. He only beat people who were cruel and mean to others in the orphanage." Chezca replied jumping to Naruto's rescue. "I was such a helpless little girl and a lot of boys used to bully me. Naru-chan saved me a lot of time from them."

"For a price Chez! You do realize every time I save someone from danger; I just end the others in the hospital. You were the only person I saved who was grateful for being rescued by a monster like me." Naruto exclaimed opening his eyes. "It only worsens since I am an orphan. With foreign features, abandoned by unknown parents… with such temper, people think I was abandoned because I am a demon." He continued.

He looked at everyone in the room saying, "The juvenile records were true. All of it! I am demon and a loser! That is the truth!"

"I don't understand. If you say that you have a temper like that and can beat the shit out of people, then why Naruto? Why do you let Tamaro and others hurt you? Why?" Neji demanded looking angry.

"Because I don't want to be called a demon anymore that's why!" Naruto cried. "Tsunade-baachan helped me control that anger. She repressed the Kyuubi in me. I don't want that all going in vain and start beating people up again whenever I'm angry!"

Neji slammed his fist on the wall besides him and exclaimed, "But that doesn't give the reason for you not to fight back!" Naruto stood up from his seat and exclaimed, "Oh yeah? Guess what Hyuuga? I started to fight back when I was cornered back in Shibuya and guess what? I felt Kyuubi! I felt that boiling volcanic anger coming back to me!" he took a deep breathe, "You don't want a vocalist with a bad temper. You don't want your vocalist sprouting fist fights whenever he's cornered. You don't want that!"

Naruto then turned his back from everyone saying, "I would understand if you want me out. I am disgrace to the band if this goes out." Sasuke sighed saying, "You dobe…"

"What?!" Naruto exclaimed whipping around.

"Listen here dobe, we are not chucking you out, you got it? Don't compare us to those fucking retards who hated you. So what you have that Kyuubi-whatever?" Sasuke exclaimed. "Look at Gaara! He has the same temper as you have! He has beaten people worst than you have!" Naruto shot Gaara a confirming look. The red-head smirked and said, "True. My parents even called me a homicidal monster."

"Naruto-kun, please don't think we are going to chuck you out!" Neji exclaimed grabbing the blonde the shoulders. Naruto looked at the pale-eyed boy and smiled sadly, "N-Neji… but…"

Itachi smirked and asked, "Kiba, Shikamaru what do you think?" Kiba sighed scratching his head. He looked at Naruto and said, "I can't believe I'm saying this but how troublesome Naruto. I'm a troublemaker myself. I have people hating me for being one. I know I wasn't called a monster or anything cruel but man, we will never hate you. You didn't do anything to harm us."

"Kiba had said it. It will be troublesome for me to repeat." Shikamaru replied smiling at Naruto. Sasuke looked smug. He crossed his arms and said, "Its unanimous dobe. You are stuck with us."

Naruto felt like he is about to explode with unexplained happiness. "I can't believe you guys! I can't believe you're just accepting that fact so lightly." He said almost sighing in relief. "Past is the past dobe. The important thing is who you are at the present. You did say awhile ago that Kyuubi was repressed.

"Teme! Haven't you been listening? I felt Kyuubi again; it means it's coming back. The glare you saw me giving you is one symptom already." Naruto replied exasperatedly. "What did Tsunade-san tell you about this?" Chezca asked.

Naruto sighed and said, "Well she told me she's not going to repress it again. She told me this time around, I should let myself control my anger not the anger controlling me."

"Wow, you're mother-figure made sense blondie." Kiba exclaimed knowingly. Naruto raised an eyebrow at him saying, "Yeah, yeah rub it in dog-breathe!"

"Anyway, how to deal with these irritating reporters?" Chezca asked changing the subject all together. Sasuke stood up picking the magazine from the desk and said, "Simple. We have a press conference inviting all the reporters on every station here in Tokyo." Sasuke replied eyeing Naruto. "Now, in the press conference, you are going to tell them what you've told us here dobe."

Naruto's eyes bulged and exclaimed. "Are you insane?! That would make Paradoxical look bad!"

"No it won't dobe. Trust me. Tell them the truth." Sasuke exclaimed. Naruto shook his head and exclaimed, "No Sasuke! I am not going to risk the band!" in a flash, Naruto found Sasuke's fist on his face. He went crashing to the ground in a loud thud. Naruto glared viciously at Sasuke demanding, "What the fuck was that about teme?"

Sasuke cracked his knuckles saying, "That is for acting like a coward."

"What did you say bastard?!" Naruto demanded as he tackled Sasuke to the ground punching the raven in the face in the process. Nobody dared to stop them, as if understanding what's going on. Sasuke got himself off Naruto's tackle and exclaimed, "You heard me dobe!"

Naruto gritted his voice and somewhere inside him, he felt that anger boiling again. "I am not a coward!" he hissed. He could feel the blind fury coming. Sasuke smirked and said, "Then prove it usuratonkachi. Tell the truth. There is nothing to be afraid of the truth."

"You don't understand!"

"You are the one who doesn't dobe. Do you think we'll leave you hanging there?" Sasuke exclaimed eyeing the dobe. Naruto opened his mouth to retort but no words came out. "It's time to tell the people who you are dobe. I won't let you hide from your mask anymore." The raven exclaimed firmly.

Naruto sighed in defeat. He slumped to a seat saying, "I give up. You guys are way too stubborn for me. Especially you teme!" with that he gave them a hard look.

"Well, it settled then." Itachi replied picking up the handle of his desk phone. "When do you want the press conference Sasuke?" he asked his younger brother. Sasuke looked at the band and said, "Before the gig in Akatsuki. Probably after lunch."

"Whoah Sasuke, before the gig? Isn't that too risk?" Kiba asked. Sasuke chuckled and said, "Do you doubt me Kiba?" Kiba looked at the confident posture of the Uchiha despite his little brawl with Uzumaki. He grinned and said, "Whatever you say Sasuke."

Naruto massaged the place where Sasuke hit him and said, "That's on Friday, how will I dodge the reporters until then? I bet they're at my place waiting for me."

Itachi who is done talking on the phone said, "You can stay at our place." Everyone looked at Itachi in surprise especially Sasuke. Of course, Sasuke lived with his brother in the Uchiha mansion. "You can't be serious?!" both Naruto and Sasuke exclaimed. The older Uchiha chuckled and said, "Yes. Beside otouto, you do realize that the Uchiha mansion is the safest place for Naruto to hide. You can drive him to school and to our house safely."

"Fine, fine. Have it your way." Sasuke replied giving up. It's pointless to argue with Itachi especially when he is making sense. "You can start tonight Naru-kun." Itachi replied sweetly. Naruto blushed. Chezca grinned and said, "I'll go back to your apartment and pack you some clothes Naru-chan!"

Gaara took out his car keys and said, "I'll give you a lift." Now this time, everyone's eyes were on Gaara. The red-head bluntly said, "If she's with me the reporters won't dare approach her. Let me see them try." He said this so sinisterly that everyone except for Itachi and Sasuke to get chills.

"In that case, you better off Chezca. Better pack too. You'll be staying with Naruto." Sasuke replied. Chezca smirked and slyly said, "Of course I will stay with Naru-chan. Can't leave him with you. Heaven knows what you'll do to him."

Sasuke raised an inquiring eyebrow at the Demon Woman and demanded, "What are you pointing out woman?" Chezca grinned and said, "Oh nothing! Go ask Naru-chan!" with that she stood up saying, "Let's go Gaara!"

"What did she mean by that?" Sasuke asked looking at beet-red Naruto. The blonde merely shook his head as if to say he doesn't know anything at all. Itachi clapped his hands and said, "Well things are a bit calm. I suggest you guys go relax in the recreation room. I'll send some snacks and refreshments." With that Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba and Naruto went out of the office leaving Sasuke and Itachi to themselves.

When they were out of earshot, Sasuke shot a glare at Itachi demanding, "What are you thinking offering our house as a hiding place for Naruto?"

"Ohohohoho dear brother. It is obvious that you desperately wanted to the blonde closer to you." Itachi pointed out. Sasuke flushed red and flared,"Close to me?!"

"Yes, to protect him better otouto. Isn't that your intention? Or do you have others?" Itachi replied eyeing his brother slyly. Sasuke coughed clearing his throat and said, "Whatever Itachi. You and your perverted ideas." With that he left his brother and to his amusements.

"Perverted ideas? I wonder dear brother, is it me or you?" Itachi thought as he chuckled away.

RECREATION ROOM

Naruto happily slurped his ramen as Kiba and Shikamaru played arcade. Neji stared at him as he indulged in his miso-ramen goodness. Naruto noticed Neji staring at him, asked, "Do you want some Neji?"

"Um no thanks Naruto-kun." Neji replied shaking his hand at him. "Anyway Naruto-kun, back there… I didn't mean to offend you. I'm sorry." He said this bowing his head at the blonde. Naruto smiled kindly at Neji. He took the pale-eyed man's right hand and gripped it saying. "Don't apologize Neji. You did make sense, I'm just being stubborn."

Neji blushed at the hand contact. He smiled sweetly at Naruto saying, "I just hope you realize what I said. I find it sad for you not to defend yourself and let those bastards get away with it."

"Neji is right blondie. It's your time to fight back! This is your retribution!" Kiba replied. He stopped playing and pointed his finger at Naruto saying, "So fight back! If you don't I'll beat you up myself blondie!" Naruto frowned and said, "You sure about that dog-breathe?"

"You bet I am!" Kiba exclaimed. Naruto smirked and said, "I'll take that challenge Kiba. Believe it!" he exclaimed standing up. Neji put his arms around Naruto's shoulders saying, "That's good to hear Naruto-kun."

"What's…" Sasuke exclaimed his words getting cut as he entered the recreation room. He froze to see Neji and Naruto so close with the Hyuuga's arm around the blonde's shoulders. He stiffened at the image and for some reason it irritated him. The Hyuuga saw this and inwardly smirked. Sasuke walked passed Neji and Naruto and sat himself at the bar station.

Sasuke silently observed Naruto as he chatted with Neji on the sofa as Kiba resume his play with Shikamaru. He coolly grabbed a bottle of vodka from the bar and poured himself a drink. The dobe is going to sleep in the Uchiha Mansion tonight. Not just tonight but for a few days. To have the blonde so near him, it brings some kind of an exciting feeling into him. It's going to be one hell of a night.

Thirty minutes later, Chezca arrived with 2 luggages of clothes and a bag of shoes and accessories. Naruto and Sasuke immediately left the building with Chezca to get some rest and to prepare for tomorrow's school. This time, it was Sasuke smirking inwardly as he took the blonde's luggage and had Naruto following him insisting he'll carry his stuff.

UCHIHA MANSION

Naruto ogled at the mansion. The Uchiha's were sure damn rich. Really damn rich. Sasuke ordered one of the maids to lead Chezca and him to their rooms on the third floor. The raven even mentioned that after settling their things, they can come down for dinner, with that the young Uchiha disappeared into the dining room. As Naruto and Chezca climb the stairs towards the third floor, the maid who goes by the name of Tenten rattled, "Yoroi-san, your room is three doors from Uzumaki-san and Uzumaki-san's room is right besides Sasuke-sama's room."

"W-what?" Naruto sputtered. "Why can't Chezca's room be next to mine? Why three doors apart?" the blonde asked. Tenten smiled and said, "Because the three rooms are currently occupied Uzumaki-san."

"Really? Who are occupying them?" Chezca asked. "That is for Sasuke-sama or Itachi-sama to answer." Tenten replied stopping first at Naruto's bedroom door. She opened it to reveal a room twice as big as Naruto's apartment room. Naruto's jaw dropped when he saw the grandiose.

Chezca grinned eyeing the bed, "Wow, a queen-size bed. The Uchiha's sure do live like royalty." Tenten then ushered Chezca to her room. Naruto followed as he dumped his luggage on the floor. Chezca's room is not as big as Naruto's but it was damn beautiful as well. As Chezca dumped her things, the two followed the maid to the dinning room.

DINNING ROOM

"Bastard, who are the people staying on the three rooms before Chez's room?" Naruto asked as he sat down beside Sasuke. Sasuke eyed him and said, "My brother's associates. They are his partners in running the bar Akatsuki."

Chezca's eyes nearly popped out and said, "You mean they live here with you guys?" Sasuke shook his head and explained, "Not all the time but brother had already reserved those rooms whenever they drop by here. When they do, they usually stay for a month or so." with that he clapped his hands and the butler appeared with some maids. The maids placed the food on the table and wished them all to eat happily.

"Wow Sasuke, the food looks so grand!" Chezca exclaimed digging into her own food. Naruto said his blessings and started to eat. Sasuke smiled inwardly. The night sure do will look interesting.

They ate dinner in a hearty manner and soon enough they were done. Chezca excused herself saying she needs to freshen up leaving the two boys alone in the dinning table. Sasuke wiped his hands clean and stood up saying, "Well dobe get some rest soon. I'll just talk to the chef for our breakfast tomorrow."

"Um Sasuke…" Naruto began. "Why aren't you a bit disgusted with me? After all I've told you?" Sasuke looked at the blonde. Naruto looked forlorn again. The raven placed his hands in his pockets and said, "We all have our bad side dobe, face it."

"But you know, it won't be easy, it was never easy. All my life I have to live with the name calling, the cruel gestures and remarks. All of it." Naruto replied looking at the chandelier on the ceiling. "I envy you Sasuke, despite what happened to your parents, you still have it easy."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow at Naruto wanting to question how come the blonde knew about his parents then again the answer is obvious. Who doesn't know what happened to them? Instead he asked, "I have it easy?"

"Yes Sasuke. You were never hated; you were always adored and loved. You have Itachi as a blood relative. You have the money, the looks, you have everything." Naruto replied his eyes not leaving its look on the chandelier. "You have the life I always wanted."

Sasuke was dumbfounded. He can't find any words to say to the blonde. Naruto nailed him right on the spot. The blonde sighed deeply as he stood up from his chair and said, "That is probably why I hated you so much in school. I always wanted to be you but I can't and I know I won't be." With that Naruto gave him a willful look.

"You can't be me dobe. I would hate that." Sasuke replied. "Dobe, you need to be you. Just you, don't wish to be someone else or to be me. People will like you more just to be you." He pointed out.

"Ha! That's what you think! Did the people in Konoha like me for being just me? They hate me." Naruto counterattacked. Sasuke smirked and said, "Usurutonkachi, I didn't hate you for being you."

Naruto smiled sheepishly and scratched his head. He went up to Sasuke, swallowing his pride, he gave the raven a warm hug saying, "And I stop hating you already Sasuke."

No words were exchanged after that hug. It was all said and done. Sasuke went to the kitchens to talk to the chef while Naruto headed towards the living room to wait for Sasuke. As the brunette went to the kitchens, Sasuke invited Naruto to watch TV in the living room and the blonde obliged. As Naruto sat on the soft and warm sofa in the living room, a happy smile crept into his lips. Uchiha Sasuke didn't hate him. The band didn't loath him. He was accepted among them. Maybe, maybe, as he drops his mask, people will start to accept him too. Right? He can only hope for the best but for now, he'll enjoy this acceptance. Especially, Uchiha Sasuke's acceptance.

Tsuzuku
Next:The Truth vs. The Rumors: I jerked awake from my sleep. The dobe is having a fitful nightmare!