Author's Notes: Reading week is finally here and I can finally breathe! *Swallows mouthful of air* Although I told myself I wouldn't apologize, here it is anyways, folks: sorry for the delay! Hopefully this chapter will make up for all your complaints. (*_~)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

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The // is equivalent to three consecutive periods. In other words, a pause or an interruption.

The Forbidden Book

Sasuke was just dashing by the Hokage's house when the murmurs from some passing guards halted his process. Slicking back quietly, so as he was concealed in the shadows, he leaned in and eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Did you see that blonde child Kakashi brought in just now? I've never seen someone so gentle and kind looking before. It's strange, but that little girl reminded me of my mother."

"I got a completely different impression. She reminded me of my old man, what with her little face all scrunched up in disdain and yet anyone could see she has a good heart."

"Just like your grouchy, old man?"

"Ah, shut-up!"

The two guards disappeared around the corner, leaving behind a befuddled Sasuke. Why would Kakashi bring Naruto here of all places? But rather that ponder the matter, Sasuke lithely moved down the hall the two men had just transverse. Taking tentative peeks into each room he quickly found Naruto.

The small shinobi was lying on the floor. If it hadn't been for his dainty little feet sticking out from beneath his gown, Sasuke would have mistaken him for a pile of clothes. Slipping in quietly, Sasuke gently closed the door behind him and walked towards Naruto's still form.

Leaning down he saw that the fool was asleep, a content expression on his face. The baka must be having a pleasant dream. Sasuke couldn't resist the urge to reach out and tuck an unruly strand of hair behind the blonde's ear. Naruto stirred then and slowly opened his eyes. Sasuke cursed softly. He hadn't meant to wake the idiot. He had looked so content dreaming whatever he was dreaming.

"Sa // Sasuke?" Naruto asked groggily and sat up.

"Dobe," Sasuke said in a low voice, "What are you doing here? Why aren't you at the hospital?"

"Kakashi," Naruto simply stated and started to pout, as if the name alone should explain everything.

Stretching his arms, Naruto yawned sweetly. As he did, Kakashi's vest slid off his shoulders. Sasuke lifted the heavy vest and eyed it warily before sniffing it. Yes, this was Kakashi's all right. What was it doing on Naruto? Did the pervert //

"Naruto, why did Kakashi bring you here?"

Naruto rubbed at his sleepy eyes. "The Hokage wanted to ask me some questions," he explained. Sasuke sighed with relief. So they hadn't been alone together. Thanks heaven!

"Where are they now?"

"Dunno," Naruto replied and yawned again.

Sasuke leaned over and ruffled the younger boy's hair, the silkiest of which surprised him. Naruto eyed him questioningly before shifting his head to the side. Sasuke immediately retracted his hand, all the while wondering why he had done such a thing.

"Are you staying here the rest of the night?" he asked, awkwardly changing the subject.

Naruto shook his head. "Dunno," he said again and then sneezed into his hands.

Had he seen right? Had Naruto actually covered his mouth before sneezing? Taken aback, Sasuke didn't even notice Naruto slipping Kakashi's vest back on, until he heard the hiss of the zipper.

"Cold, Dobe?" he asked sarcastically.

Naruto rolled his eyes and sniffed. Then an odd expression appeared on his face and his hand slipped into the inside pocket of the vest. When he removed it the all too familiar Come Come Paradise was gripped between his fingers. Naruto immediately dropped the book and began to frantically wipe his hand on his gown. His attention, however, quickly returned to the discarded paperback.

Both boys were now leaning forward, staring intently at the simple orange cover for what felt like ages. The tension mounted with each passing second, but neither of them felt compelled to break the silence. Slowly their eyes skimmed the all too suggestive title and flickered to the curled up edges of the old book. It was beckoning them to take a peek, just one harmless, little peek.

Naruto was the first to succumb. Sliding his hands under the covers, he cradled it gently as if it were a child and slowly flipped open the book.

Sasuke drew in his breath shakily and looked away. He would not sink to this. No one of the Uchiha clan was a pervert, not even that despiteful man. And he sure as hell wasn't going to be the first to break that cardinal rule.

But even so, he couldn't help but watch Naruto's response. He saw Naruto's eyes round up in surprise and even heard a small gasp escape his lips. The baka was now flipping quickly through the pages, completely engrossed. Damn!

Sasuke couldn't take it anymore. Sliding closer to where Naruto sat, he took a fugitive glance at the page Naruto was reading. But before he could get a clear look, Naruto snapped the book shut. He turned and looked at Sasuke with knowing eyes.

"Finally willing to admit that you're only human, Uchiha?" he teased gently.

Sasuke turned his head away, disgusted with himself for sinking so low, and upset at Naruto for refusing to let it slide.

"It's ok. Shows you're not a complete machine. Come here and help me read this. I don't know some of the more difficult words."

Sasuke gnawed at his lips, lost between the decision to just leave and the stronger urge to do just what Naruto requested. In the end he didn't have to decide. Naruto tugged him closer until they were sitting side by side. He opened the book once more and propped it on their raised knees, so as both could see it comfortably.

"Actually, you read," Naruto said as he shoved the book to Sasuke. "Just tell me when there's a picture."

"I never thought you were such a pervert, Naruto," Sasuke growled.

"Just shut-up and read," Naruto calmly ordered.

Sasuke cleared his throat and began to read, his voice dull and monotonous. Naruto covered his ears and cried out in frustration.

"What kind of story telling is that? You read like an old man, completely emotionless and dry. Put some expression into it."

"This is how I read, Dobe. If you don't like, then don't listen."

Naruto yanked the book angrily from Sasuke and began to read out loud in a mysterious voice.

"It was dark and cold. She was cold // some word I don't know // he something // came over and // umm // something, something // "

"Damn it, Dobe. You're even worse. Give it back to me." Sasuke demanded, grabbing the book away from Naruto furiously.

Sasuke's eyes quickly glanced over the content of the page and he flushed furiously. His reaction didn't escape Naruto's eyes.

"What? What? Tell me," the smaller boy pleaded.

Sasuke took a deep breath and began to read, this time with a bit more emotions.

"It was dark and cold. She was cold, needing of warmth // "

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Kakashi suddenly slapped a hand to his forehead. Damn! He'd left his Come Come Paradise in the pocket of his vest, the very vest that was currently draped over Naruto! He had to retrieve it before Naruto got his greedy paws on it. Kakashi knew that boy was just as much of a pervert as he was.

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What? That's It?

Sasuke gently closed the book.

"What? That's it?" Naruto questioned.

"Obviously, dumbass."

"What a lame ending. Actually, the entire story was lame, like a cheesy romance novel. I can't believe Kakashi's into these sappy things. I was so sure he was a pervert, but after hearing that // maybe he's just a sorry guy who likes happy endings."

Sasuke bit at his lips furiously to keep from blurting out the truth. It hurt to know that Naruto didn't like his ending, but even worse it hurt to see that the fool had acquired a better opinion of their sensei. The man was definitely not the 'decent' teacher Naruto believed him to be. That novel had been laced with sexual innuendos, one right after the other, the graphic descriptions of which had left Sasuke both breathless and aching (it hadn't helped matter either having Naruto pressed up so close against him).

All it had taken was one swift glance over the first page to reveal the extent of its vulgarity. Sasuke had wanted to toss the book aside right then and there, but knew that such actions would only have increased Naruto's curiosity. So, he had altered the plotline, had literally raked at his brain to think up another one immediately, so as not to arouse Naruto's suspicion. And now the moron had the nerve to tell him his story was lame! The idiot didn't even realize he'd just saved his innocence!

Despite suffocating from the injustice of it all, Sasuke managed to control himself and say calmly: "Sure, whatever, Dobe. It's late. Let's get out of here."

"But what about Kakashi-sensei? Shouldn't I wait until he comes back?"

Like hell I'm going to let you stay here with that creep after knowing his particular masochistic likes and preferences!

"That won't be necessary. We can simply leave him a message. Besides he may take all night and you need your rest."

"Is that concern I hear in your voice, Sasuke?" Naruto mocked and received a slap to the back of the head for that wisecrack.

Sasuke went to a large, oak desk and got out a piece of paper and pencil from its drawer. Handling it to Naruto, he ordered him to write a quick note.

"Why must I write it?" Naruto demanded even though he had already picked up the pencil and began jointing down the necessary lines.

Because I can't let the perv know it was I who dragged you away Sasuke inwardly explained.

Once Naruto was finished, Sasuke quickly read over the note, relieved to see that Naruto hadn't mentioned him anywhere in it. He then replaced Kakashi's beloved Come Come Paradise back into his jacket and draped that over the back of a chair. Rising, the two of them headed for the door. But just as Sasuke was about to slip out, Naruto drew him back inside.

"What, Dobe?"

"Sasuke, I can't go out in this!" Naruto hissed.

Sasuke's eyes skimmed down Naruto's hospital grown and noted that it was at least three sizes too large. The collar was wide and drooped off Naruto's right shoulder, revealing a nice expanse of golden skin, while the billowing hem whirled around Naruto's knees with his every movement. It didn't help matter one bit that the material was thin with wear and did nothing to hide the luscious curves of the kitsune's body. With the pale light of the moon casting her rays over Naruto's little form, Sasuke could just make out the faint outline of his figure beneath the simple fabric and felt his mouth go dry. He quickly wetted his lips, thankful that the baka was too preoccupied staring disgustedly at his gown to notice his reaction. How can he make even the most unappealing of clothing look so seductive?

Shaking his head angrily at his train of thought, Sasuke hastily coughed to regain Naruto's attention before asking with a heavy note of frustration: "You came in that way, why can't you go out that way?"

"Kakashi was covering me then," Naruto replied, "but, you're not tall enough//"

Sasuke nearly exploded then. The fool really had some nerve!

"Fine!" he growled and swiftly removed his shirt, which he tossed indignantly at Naruto.

Naruto stared blankly back at him with wide opened eyes.

"Put it on, fool. Once you're decently dressed we can leave, right?"

Sasuke was just about to turn around when Naruto once again stopped him.

"What is it this time?" he demanded in annoyance.

"Where did you get that?" Naruto asked, pointing to Sasuke's lean stomach where a hideous, purple bruise tainted the fair skin.

Sasuke rolled his eyes as if to say: 'you of all people should know'.

"I really did that?" Naruto mouthed stupidly.

"Look, we really don't have time for this // " Sasuke began, but immediately stopped when Naruto reached out a small finger and began to trace the outline of his bruise delicately. Sasuke shivered involuntarily.

"I'm // I'm // " Naruto began in a hushed voice.

"Yes?" Sasuke asked with a hint of a smile.

"I'm sor // "

"Com'on, you can say it."

"I'm sorry, ok!" Naruto finally hollered.

Sasuke smirked and patted the blonde on the head approvingly.

"That wasn't too hard to say now, was it?" he teased.

Naruto scowled and quickly headed out the room.

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Awww! Sasuke's such a dear! And Naruto, as always, is a little dense, but lovable nonetheless! Hope you guys are enjoying this!

I know that some of you may be a little upset that I made Naruto appear so // 'uneducated' for lack of a better word. You're probably thinking that although Naruto may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, he should, at the very least, understand a few sentences in Kakashi's book, if not most of them. I completely agree. I don't believe in demeaning characters (beyond necessary that is). (*_~) Therefore, I'm going to propose that he had his eyes closed and was peacefully listening to Sasuke read. At least, that's what I always do when someone reads to me, so accept it and don't question the absurdity of the situation.