Disclaimer: Naruto's characters are not mine.
This is a SasuNaru fic, meaning, YAOI. You have been warned!
A/N: It's 9:30 and I'm late for school. I have a bloody SAC today too!! Arghh… Anyways, just in case it was bugging you, rainstreaked-san (though I highly doubt it), I'm glad u pointed out my mistakes. That your-you're thing always pisses me off, but I promise I'll change the past chapters soon. Hopefully, this chapter had less of those mistakes. And with OOCness, I absolutely agree with you except that I HATE SAKURA! So yeah, that's definitely going to affect my writing of her in this fic. Though, she plays such a minor role in it anyway. OH, and I've changed the rating to PG like suggested!
(Huechi-san: I've mentioned SAC. Does it ring a bell? Hehe)
There might be a certain degree of rushness, so please bear with it. : P
Something Simple: Chapter 6
He vaguely remembered that lunch had already begun as he exited the medical room. The school nurse had been reluctant to tend his wounds at first, but as she witnessed the obvious pain he was suffering from, she felt a sense of duty overtake her. Naruto saw the stiffness in the nurse's movements when she treated him but he tried to ignore it. He was used to this sight, used to the tense atmosphere whenever someone was alone with him. Used to the intense hatred in their eyes. And though he stayed a bit too longer than she –or he –had expected, he didn't feel guilty at all. Yes, she had been uncomfortable with the presence of an Uzumaki in her room, but he couldn't care less. He didn't want to go out and face the many stares of disgust he knew that he would receive. He wasn't ready for that yet. Not when he had been taken off guard so badly just this morning.
But it had taken a surprising 4 and a half periods. And Naruto knew that he was seriously jeopardising his studies for not attending classes like this. It hadn't even been two days and he had skipped a total of 6 periods. He almost laughed. That's exactly one whole day.
Naruto walked down the empty corridors. Every other student was outside, hanging with friends, playing whatever sport they were playing, relaxing in their long needed break. And here he was, alone in the emptiness of a hallway. But perhaps it was supposed to be like this all along. Perhaps this world never had a place for someone like him…
He stopped mid step as his eyes traced the pair of feet to the left of him, a bit further down. He had been too absorbed in his thoughts previously to notice the figure leaning against the wall, arms crossed, as if waiting for him. He lifted his gaze and was met with a pair of dark, penetrating eyes. Sasuke? What was he doing here?
"Are you okay?" the voice was smooth and held no emotion. Perhaps he was waiting for someone? He looked around him but saw no one in sight. He shrugged. Probably still in a room.
He walked on, ignoring the boy and the question that he wasn't even sure was directed at him or not. He didn't like the boy and he was sure that the boy didn't like him. There was no use pretending to care.
Just as he thought, Sasuke didn't even stop him as he walked past. He didn't even seem to move in the slightest. It was as if his passing by had been invisible, like it never even happened.
AndNaruto didn't know which hurt more –to be hated, or to be ignored like this.
----
Sasuke didn't know why he was standing where he was. All he could remember was his mind wondering where Naruto was; and then suddenly overhearing a conversation that he was most likely in the medical room being treated over his wounds. In all vagueness, he had arrived in front of the room, but had decided against going in to check him out. It would appear too abrupt, he had thought, and maybe, a little freaky? It wasn't as if they were friends or anything.
So, he decided to wait for him a little further away. Just a bit down the corridor where he knew that the boy would eventually come across. And then, he'd act normal and ask if he was all right. Smoothly, not showing any trace of concern, because if the boy suddenly asked him why he cared, he wouldn't have known how to answer him.
Thus, he waited. And waited some more until he had the sinking suspicion that, perhaps, the boy had already gone. Gone out for lunch like the rest of the students with that new friend of his. And maybe he was really an idiot to actually wait for him all this time. But as he heard the sudden footsteps headed towards his direction, that suspicion was quickly wiped away.
He saw the long, dragged steps the boy took; saw the thoughtful look on the boy's face. And, as their eyes met, the sad, mournful expression so readily on display. And Sasuke almost choked on his words when he said them aloud.
But he hadn't. And the boy didn't answer him. He didn't know whether to feel disappointed or not as he walked past acting as if the question didn't linger in the air. At that moment Sasuke really did feel like an idiot. He had came as soon as lunch bell rang, for once ignoring his starving stomach, and this was what he got? Not even a sign of acknowledgement from this boy.
He swore to himself that he hated him.
----
As Naruto entered the school gym, he knew, then and there, that the Gods hated his guts. P.E wasn't a subject he enjoyed much. Most likely, because it was part theory, part practical. Sure, he was all right with the theory section, but practical? He didn't possess any of those manly genes. Hell, he was worse than a friggin' girl if he was ever compared! He couldn't kick properly, couldn't run, couldn't catch, and his level of coordination really sucked. The school had chosen a random subject to fill his timetable gap and he didn't really have much of a choice over it since other classes were full. This was all fine to him since the end exam didn't consist of anything practical. But…
That boy was there.
Naruto had only seen him briefly in their short, painful encounter, but he could remember him quite clearly –him and his rough looking face, his well-built body, and the endless people flocking around. He was almost as popular as Sasuke, Naruto noted, which, as realisation struck, wasn't a good thing. If the boy wanted to start another fight with him, he'd have back up for sure. Not that him alone couldn't kick his arse anytime.
The boy seemed to sense his presence as he looked up from whatever he was doing and stared at him. When his mind registered just who he was, annoyance rushed through those eyes. It was almost murderous.
"What the fuck are you doing here!"
The room suddenly turned an eerie quiet as all attention went on them. Naruto stood rooted in his spot, unable to move. He didn't know what to do. Should he yell back and defend himself, or should he just keep quiet? He knew he wouldn't put up a good fight with the boy; the morning's punches had been too strong, too powerful for him to handle. Besides, hadn't he already received the first warning? If he caused any more trouble or was ever involved in any, he'd be kicked out for sure. He couldn't risk it. It was his final year, he couldn't risk fighting back and waste all those years of hard earned education.
"I asked, you fuckhead," the boy continued, "what the fuck you're doing here. Hasn't this morning's beatings taught you anything?" He slowly advanced towards him, sleeves rolled up as if prepared to start another fight. In the background, the class cheered him on. Unconsciously, Naruto placed a step backwards, fear gathering inside of him. Shit, he cursed, what the fuck do I do now?
Just then, the door behind him slid open and the P.E teacher –he assumed –came in. "Class is starting," he announced monotonously. "Kiba, what are you doing?" The boy stopped in his advancements and gave Naruto a scowl. Reluctantly, he went back to his group of friends. Naruto gave a heavy sigh of relief. As the teacher walked to the centre of the class, he started again:
"Okay class, today we're going to be playing baseball. Before that, though, we'll have a quick warm up game. Any suggestions?" Some whisperings could be heard before Kiba immediately raised his hands.
"How 'bout dodge ball, sir?" he asked, a devilish glint in his eyes before the class agreed with him. The teacher seemed to be contemplating the suggestion before nodding.
"Alright then," he clapped his hands, " everybody to the storeroom to get the equipments. We need four balls for dodge ball, two baseballs, two base bats and gloves for fielding. Shinichi, you can be in charge." The boys walked towards the storeroom and Naruto couldn't help but shiver at the abnormally gleeful looks on his classmates faces. He knew that they were up to something but he didn't know what it was. Certainly they wouldn't use the game as an excuse to attack him. The teacher would be watching, right? With that, he quickly approached the teacher. If he doesn't play baseball, then he wouldn't need the warm up, true? Then nothing would –could ever happen.
The teacher turned around as he felt the tap on his shoulder. "Sir," he said quietly, "um, is it okay if I don't participate today? I don't feel too well." He tried pointing at the obvious wounds to prove himself. The teacher gave him a brief glance before looking back at him.
"No. I don't see anything wrong with you."
"But sir," he protested, "I…"
"Go get the things."
There was finality in his voice and Naruto knew that he'd have to participate no matter what. He reluctantly walked towards the room where everyone was when someone stood in front of him and blocked his way. He looked up and was met face to face with Sasuke. Shit, he thought, not another class?
"What do you want now?" Naruto asked with annoyance. He was staring directly at him and he suddenly realised that they were both the same height. Their eyes were levelled and for once Naruto noticed just how dark the boy's pair was. It was a deep, almost sorrowful black. But there was something else in it; he just couldn't figure what it was.
"You're such a coward."
Naruto stood still, the words taking a while to sink in. When it finally hit him, he almost shrieked aloud. "I'm not a fucken coward!" He narrowed his eyes, total anger threatening to burst. Why did he have to be so annoying?
"You act it," came the cold retort. He walked past him; right shoulder pushing hardly against his to get through. Naruto spun around prepared to cry out any insults he could possibly think of at that time when Kiba's face came to view.
"Don't even think about it, Uzumaki." He gave a smirk. "It's bad enough you've poisoned him with some of your germs. Lay another finger on him and die." His eyes narrowed dangerously and behind him Naruto saw Sasuke stopping in his tracks.
"Back off Kiba," came the low tone. Kiba twisted around to face him.
"Sasuke, you don't need this little punk giving you shit. I'll help you take care of him. He's a weakling anyway."
The boy gave him an almost murderous glare. "I said, back off."
Naruto couldn't suppress his laughter as he looked on. "I'm a coward? Sasuke, you're the one needing help from this jerk."
"Who's the jerk?"
Naruto knew all too well that he was no match for Kiba, but for some reason the fear from before wasn't there anymore. It was like he could see properly now; the cloud in his vision earlier had cleared off. In front of him stood a guy who was the same as all the others. A stuck up to the Uchiha, nothing but a bundle of muscles and bones. Sure the boy had the threat of bashing him up, but Naruto was used to all that shit. Besides, his body had a miraculous healing ability that never left wounds linger too long. Perhaps all those beatings he suffered from did him some good. His body had adapted to the never-ending wounds and was automatically in healing mode. He found himself smiling. And to think that just a moment ago he was shitting himself? What was he thinking!
"Who's the jerk?" repeated an angry Kiba.
"Obviously you. And why don't you try minding your fucking business? It had nothing to do with you in the first place."
The boy's eyes widened. "What did you say?"
Naruto was about to retort when he saw the teacher's hand separating the both of them. "Enough. Go outside now! It's bad enough you're not helping out with the equipments. Behave yourselves before I send you both home."
Kiba gritted his teeth angrily before stomping off. "You watch it," Naruto heard from the retreating form. He gave a little victory smile before he followed suit. Midway, though, he saw the teacher and Sasuke at the corner of his eyes and being the curious that he was, he slowed down.
"Sasuke, you can be excused from the game. That head injury looks serious and it's not like you can bat properly with one hand. I don't want to hear complaints from Tsunade that I was torturing you or anything." The teacher chuckled softly.
"It's fine, sensei. I can play."
"No, I insist. Please don't argue with me."
After a moment, they, too, exited the gym. Naruto couldn't believe his ears. Just before, the teacher had dismissed his injuries without giving it a second glance and now, that Sasuke gets special treatment! It wasn't fair.
He stomped his foot and held his hand in a tight fist near his chest. The act making him look almost too childish. Damn Sasuke to hell!
----
He was sitting at the benches away from everyone. The damn teacher had thought him incapable of playing a lousy game of baseball, thus, making him sit watching at the cruel act in front of him. It was a crappy suggestion, that game of dodge ball, but he realised there was something behind it after watching aimlessly at it for what seemed like hours.
It wasn't surprising that the class had decided to gang up on Naruto. Every person hitting him at least once, even when it was clear that he was already 'out'. It went on like this, people sometimes putting on the act that it was still a friendly game in front of the teacher. But Sasuke knew that the teacher saw what he saw; he was simply turning a blind eye.
The ball was once again aimed at Naruto. This time it was Kiba throwing it. He could almost feel the pain of the heavy shot as the sound travelled and rang in his ears. Finally, the teacher came to his senses and blew his whistle. He was too far away to hear what he was saying but he could tell that it wasn't favouring Naruto. The boy's gestures seemed exaggerated as he pointed here and there at his wounds, as he –what looked like –counted the number of times he got hit, and the pointed finger at Kiba and the rest of the people. Sasuke almost smiled at the scene. Naruto was so easy to read.
Then he saw the figure walk towards him as the rest of the class gathered in a group. Before long, Naruto came and sat at the other end of the bench. He could tell what had happened but the question came out anyway. "Why're you here?"
"Fucken teacher thought I was acting immature and told me to sit out. Did you see what they did to me?" he turned around with a wild face and Sasuke saw the many new bruises on his face and arms. Then, he turned back, as if remembering something. "Like the fuck you care anyway."
He felt a pang in his chest.
"I thought you didn't want to play in the first place?"
"Look," he spat, "I don't want to talk you and stop pretending like you give a shit, okay! I already know you hate me."
Sasuke glared at him before turning away. "Fine," he said in a cold tone.
The class was slowly divided into two teams and was split into fielding and batting. He watched the sport, not really paying much attention to it. Sasuke wasn't a baseball person and lost interest within five minutes into the game. The only reason he watched any longer was because there was nothing else to do and he didn't want to show that he was bored in front of Naruto.
After what seemed like ages, he looked down at his watch. He cursed softly when he realised that there was still half an hour to go. Unconsciously, his eyes travelled to Naruto. The boy was staring at the game intently, an obvious interest present in his eyes even when his body betrayed none of that. His gaze concentrated on his face, the old bruises slowly fading, replaced by new ones that hadn't come up until now. He could see the few bandages that were recklessly pasted on and thus, easily falling off because of the recent event, to reveal dried up blood. His gaze then landed on those eyes again; a light, pleasant shade of blue that blended in with the sky behind him. He looked lower, scanning his nose, his lips; the slightly squared chin, the long neck, and then back up till it rested again on those lips. Swollen and bruised with the thin trail of blood trickling down before it was carelessly licked away. And then the face spun around and it took Sasuke a while to realise that he had been caught red-handed.
"What are you looking at?"
Sasuke considered it for a while. He really didn't know why he was staring in the first place. Why he had found Naruto's face so interesting. It was weird, even for himself, because he couldn't recall any other time when he had…studied someone's face so intently before. What was wrong with him?
"I should've known. You're probably thinking I'm, like, the ugliest human who's ever walked the planet, right? Fucking get a grip! No one was born perfect like you."
What? He thought. I'm not thinking that! I don't think you're ugly! And he caught himself just in time as the last thought hit him. Realisation struck. His eyes widened. It couldn't be, he thought. No way!
"Like you're shocked I know what you're thinking? You've got a problem, Uchiha. Stop being so vain and act like you own the fucking planet!" The voice was raised with anger but Sasuke didn't pay much attention. He looked up at him, at the angry face, at the golden hair slightly tousled by the light wind, at those enchanting blue eyes...
No!
"I don't know what's so good about you anyway. Why everyone in this school practically bows at your feet. Oh, wait, that's right, it's 'cos of that rich father of yours, isn't it?"
He had heard the statement clearly and should've been offended by those words. Like all the other times when they talked about him like he owed everything to his father, that he was nothing without his rich daddy.
But…He didn't feel his body trembling.
"He probably buys you everything you want, everything you need. You don't know what it's like having to earn money –how fucking hard it is. You probably don't even know what it's like to suffer!"
It wasn't true. He knew suffering, all right. Being stared at as if you were non-existent, like you couldn't think for yourself because your father had made all plans for you. How everyone would just compare you to your brother and give you dirty looks because he was always smarter –the fucking genius in the house!
"God, why am I even talking to you?"
He should hate him, he really should. He had said everything to offend him and he wasn't sorry for it. But, as he searched deep down for that familiar hatred he directed to anyone who had belittled him, it was surprisingly not there. He couldn't hate the boy. He couldn't, because he knew that the boy had suffered like him. Because he knew that they were similar in so many ways.
Because his sudden closeness had made it difficult to breathe..?
Fuck!
"You're like a walking brick of ice."
They were mere inches apart and Sasuke couldn't help but notice those lips being so close within reach.
Fuck!
"I hate you."
And that wasn't supposed to hurt more than anything else that he felt. And he wasn't supposed to feel disappointed when he moved away.
It's only been two days, he tried to reason. I don't even know him! He's probably a show off retard he is right now. You're thinking too much into him. That lame past was probably all made up.
But such reasoning had sounded pathetic even to his own ears. The Uzumaki past wasn't just made up. The look in those eyes earlier in the corridor wasn't just a figment of his imagination. Hadn't he wanted to find someone like him all his life? Hadn't he wanted to share a part of himself with someone else? To live a life that wasn't his? Something different? Then why was he denying it now?
He was attracted to Naruto, in ways that he hadn't ever thought possible.
But did this mean he was… a queer?
No, he wasn't.
He collected himself.
"I hate you too," he heard himself say. He stood up and stared down at the angered boy. No, he wasn't a queer, because Itachi had a gorgeous girlfriend, and he was supposed to have one even more gorgeous. He was supposed to beat Itachi –like how he was supposed to beat him in everything else: academically, socially, physically… That was the only reason why he was trying so hard at school. He had to beat him in everything because it was the only dream he remembered –the only dream he kept.
Because it was the only way for him to keep sane in the fucking shithole called life…
He had no time to be gay.
He dusted himself and walked away. In his mind lingered the hurtful expression in those crystal blue eyes. No, he chided, and shrugged the thought away.
TBC
A/N: okay, I know it seems a bit all over the place. And trust me, I didn't plan the last Sasuke bit. But it seems to fit, right? I remember someone giving me a review saying that they wanted something more than them being physically attracted to each other. Wells… I hope you don't feel that it's just physical attraction that Sasuke is feeling 'cos, I didn't plan it that way! And it certainly isn't supposed to be that way. Hehe… OH, one more thing, just in case yer wondering… That wasn't the 'drastic' move Sasuke took… there's more to it. And hopefully, the angst will come soon. : P Please review!