Disclaimer: In no way shape or form am I the owner of Naruto and Romeo and Juliet.
Author's Note: I'm alive! Haha. I'm sooo sorry guys for not getting this chapter up sooner, but I finally made it, thank god. I really don't know what to say about this chapter…I kinda like it, but then I don't…Well, as long as you all like it then I'm happy, so it doesn't matter what I think, now does it? Haha.
Anyway, I decided to reply to reviews, because there were some things that I needed to say.
First off: WHAT HAPPENED TO GAARA? Yeah, I'm soo sorry to all of you Gaara fans out there, I know I sort of let him slip away for a couple of chapters, haven't I? I apologize! But I promise he's back and ready for some action in this chapter. I pointedly made sure to bring him back. It's just that to me, Gaara's a hard character to portray… I don't know why, but he is…that's kind of why he vanished for awhile…Well, I'm sorry about that, but he is back and he is alive! There is some GaaraNaruto stuff in this chapter for those of you who've been wanting that.
Second: A lot of you have been dying for some limes/lemons and I'm sorry, but I've never before written one and I don't know if I can…Therefore, at this moment, there will not be any limes/lemons in this story. I hope this doesn't make me lose any readers, because that'd be horrible. It's just that I've never written a lime or lemon before and I don't know if I'll be able to. I never really pictured one in this story either, so yeah. As of the foreseeable future, there will not be any limes/lemons in The New Guy. I'm sorry for all of you who were looking forward to that. Please don't leave because of it!
Third: I was asked about the characters ages in a review, so I thought I'd point it out in case anyone else was confused. I had planned them all to be seniors, and that's still true. However, I realized that Neji and some other characters are in the series a year older than Naruto. But I wanted them all in the same grade…so to do that, Naruto, Sasuke and other respective characters are seventeen, while Neji and the rest are all eighteen. They are however all in the twelfth grade. I had wanted them all to be eighteen…but well I was stupid and forgot about the age difference. Sorry about that… Hehe.
Okay, I guess that's all I really have to say about review responses…other than THANK YOU ALL SOO MUCH! I'm halfway to 300 reviews, it's so awesome! You guys are the best, thanks so much!
And, one last thing that really isn't important, but I just got a deviantart site and it'd be cool if you all could check it out sometime! It really isn't that thrilling, believe me, but if you're ever bored…I've got some drawings up, along with photos and poems. So, if you're bored…I have the same penname, so yeah….
Well, that's all I'll blab about. Go ahead and read! The chapter's nineteen pages long, so no complaining about lateness! Hehe, you guys won't complain. Well, that's all, thanks again for your reviews and thanks for waiting so damn long for me to get this chapter up! Read and review! Yours, SilverRose88.
Chapter Eighteen
"Naruto, this is for you," Sakura said a week later.
"Huh? What is this, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, holding the closed envelope the pink-haired girl had just handed him.
"It's an invitation, silly," Sakura said. "Ino and I are having a party on Saturday. So, you've got five days to RSVP. Tell us if you're coming or not, kay?"
"I'm actually invited, Sakura-chan?" Naruto said, staring up at her.
"Of course you are!" Sakura exclaimed.
Naruto's face broke into a grin. "Well, thank you, Sakura-chan! I'll come for sure!"
"That's good," she said and smiled. Then, turning to the boy next to Naruto, she blushed and held out a card for him as well. "And, you're invited too, Sasuke-kun! We can't have a party without you,"
Sasuke just gave her a glare, took the card and stared at his desk, without saying a word.
Sakura wasn't fazed. "We hope to have you there, Sasuke-kun. You'll come, right?"
Sasuke just grunted, really wishing for the girl to just leave.
"Well…I'll talk to you later then! Bye!" she said with a wave before joining Ino in the front.
"Geez, Sasuke, you could have been a bit nicer to her, you know! She just invited you to a party," Naruto said.
"I don't really care much for parties, Naruto," Sasuke said, eyeing the card as though it was contagious.
"What? How can you say that? Parties are so fun!"
"I take it you're going then?"
"Of course I am! And you'll come too!"
"I don't think so,"
"You're coming! We'll go together, okay?"
Sasuke turned to look at him, trying to fight the blush that was eager to come out. He wants to go together? Both of us…together?
"Come on, Sasuke-bastard, it'll be fun! Please?" Naruto pleaded, giving the dark-haired boy a big pleading puppy-dog face, complete with pouting and trembling lower lip, clasped begging hands, and wide teary eyes.
Must resist…Gah, who am I kidding? I can't resist that look! "I'll think about it," Sasuke finally said.
"Yahoo!" Naruto said, knowing that he'd basically won the Uchiha over. The puppy-dog face worked every time. "Great! This'll be fun, I just know it,"
Sasuke just shook his head and tucked the card away. For Naruto it could be fun. Sasuke, however, wasn't that thrilled to spend the evening with Sakura and Ino fighting over him screaming Sasuke-kun, Sasuke-kun! But, if Naruto was going too, then there was the possibility that this could actually be okay. Just a slight possibility. And, besides, they were going together. If that wasn't enough to make him happy, he wasn't sure what could.
"Naruto, were you invited to this party as well?"
"Hey, Gaara!" Naruto said, looking up at the redhead who'd addressed him. "I haven't seen you for awhile, what's up?"
"Not much," Gaara replied. He held up the envelope and repeated, "Were you invited?"
"Yep! You're going right? It's gonna be so much fun, I can't wait," Naruto said, grinning. "Hey, Gaara, want to rehearse together tonight? I've been slacking on the rehearsing for awhile, so…yeah,"
"Sure, that'd be nice," Gaara said with a nod. "What time?"
"Uh, five; I have work today," Naruto replied.
"I shall see you then," Gaara said and returned to his own seat.
"You do remember that we were going to rehearse tonight?" Sasuke asked, turning to stare at Naruto.
The blonde looked at him, surprised. "We were? …Oh, yeah, we were. I'm sorry, Sasuke-bastard, I sort of forgot," Naruto gave a sheepish laugh.
Sasuke glared at him. "Yeah, I noticed. That's why you asked Gaara to rehearse with you instead,"
"Well, why don't we just rehearse another time instead? Is that okay, Sasuke-bastard? I haven't spent time with Gaara for a while, so I really wanna today," Naruto said, giving him the complete puppy dog face.
God, another puppy dog face? I swear I'm turning soft because of him… "Fine, but don't forget this time," Sasuke said.
"Aye, aye, sir!" Naruto saluted and Sasuke just shook his head.
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"Door's open, come on in!"
"You really should learn to lock your door, Naruto," Gaara said as he shut and locked the door behind him.
"Heheh, yeah, but I just forget," Naruto said, emerging from the kitchen. "I was just making some ramen we can eat while we rehearse,"
"Sounds good," Gaara replied, taking a seat in a bean bag by the T.V. "Should we get started then?"
"Yep. Let's rehearse. And sorry if I suck; I've been avoiding rehearsing for awhile," Naruto said as he got his script from out of his backpack.
"Why've you been avoiding it? Something happen?" Gaara asked, staring at the blonde curiously.
"You could say that. I don't wanna talk about it though," Naruto replied, turning to face the redhead with his script. "So, Tybalt's death scene? That is the only scene we have together anyway. Kinda sad, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is," Gaara agreed. If we had more scenes together, it'd mean more time to spend with you… "All right, I'll start then. We're at Act 3, Scene 1, Line 58...Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this: thou art a villain."
Naruto cleared his throat and read, "Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting. Villain am I none."
"Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw."
"I do protest I never injured thee, but love thee better than thou canst devise till thou shalt know the reason of my love; and so, good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as mine own, be satisfied." Naruto then scanned over the next page and said to Gaara, "Uh, let's skip these parts, since it's other characters…"
"Yeah sure," Gaara said. "Start from line 120,"
"He live in triumph, and Mercutio slain? Away to heaven, respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now! Now, Tybalt, take the 'villain' back again that late thou gavest me, for Mercutio's soul is but a little away above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou or I, or both, must go with him."
"Thou wretched boy, that didst consort him here, shalt with him hence."
"This shall determine that," Naruto finished then looked up at Gaara, grinning slowly. "Hey, I think I did pretty well, don't you?"
"Yes, you did well, for having not practiced for such a long time," Gaara replied. "But I'd like to see you rehearse without the script,"
"Uh…maybe I really…wasn't that great," Naruto laughed, then exclaimed, "Argh, Gaara! How am I supposed to memorize all my lines? I suck at memorizing things! Why'd I have to be Romeo; I'll never get all of this learned by heart, and I'll bring the entire play down and Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, and Jiraiya-sensei will all kill me!"
"Uh, Naruto, calm down," Gaara said. "I'm sure if you practice more, you'll be fine. Memorizing lines really isn't that hard. Just keep working at it,"
"But it's hard!" Naruto whined.
Gaara just shook his head. "Quit whining. Let's try this scene again without the scripts, okay?"
Naruto grumbled. "Fine, sure…" he said.
xxxxx
"Break! Please, I need a break!" Naruto exclaimed an hour later as he plopped down on his bed.
Gaara shrugged. "All right, I guess we can,"
"Yes, thank you! Rehearsing the same stupid scene for an hour is hard! Especially since you wouldn't let me look at the script!"
"That's how you have to memorize your lines, Naruto. Practice. So quit complaining like a five year old,"
"I'm not a five year old!" Naruto said indignantly.
Gaara just shook his head. "You sure act like one sometimes,"
"You're so mean, Gaara," Naruto said. "Hey, want to watch a movie?"
"Sure, if you want to. What have you got?"
"I forget. Go check. I'll find us something to drink," Naruto said, heading to the kitchen as Gaara took the box of DVDs and started leafing through them.
"Hey Naruto?" Gaara said when he found a certain movie.
"Yeah?"
"Why've you got Mean Girls?"
There was a clang of something being dropped and an audible shout, "What!"
"You have Mean Girls. It's a chick flick. I didn't know you were into girly movies,"
"I-I'm not! I, uh, was borrowing it!"
"So you could watch it, right? Why else would you borrow it?" Gaara asked, now quite amused.
"Uh, I…was…" Naruto stammered, not knowing what to say. "Oh, big deal! I just wanted to watch it, and I asked my neighbor, whatever!"
"It's just funny. I never expected to find Mean Girls with your DVDs, that's all," Gaara said.
"I forgot to return it," Naruto said, still embarrassed.
"Is it good?"
"It's okay. Pretty funny,"
"Then let's watch it,"
"What! You want to watch Mean Girls?"
"Why not? You said so it's not a big deal,"
"Yeah, but…You just don't seem like the kind of person to watch Mean Girls ever, in your entire life…Yet here you are saying you want to watch it," Naruto said, staring at Gaara curiously.
"Just put it in," Gaara said.
"Hey, want to call for pizza? There's nothing to eat here," Naruto said.
"All right," Gaara agreed. "We can split it like we usually do,"
"Great! I'll call, start the movie," Naruto said, and Gaara obliged.
xxxxx
It was getting harder to keep his cool around him, and right now, it was just ridiculous. How could anyone keep their emotions under control in a situation such as this? Gaara shook his head. He definitely had no idea. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he was trying desperately to ignore the voice in his head that was telling him to just take advantage of the situation. But as much as he did want to take advantage of his predicament, he knew that it wouldn't really be fair to Naruto, and if the blonde was to wake and find him, then there would be a lot of problems. Gaara wasn't willing to ruin his friendship with the blonde just to gain something; to him it wasn't worth it. At least, in friendship, he'd still be able to be with Naruto. If he took advantage of the blonde right now, he was certain that things would never be the same, and he didn't want that to happen. Something was definitely better than nothing.
But it was really hard. How was he supposed to ignore his feelings if the object of his affection was sleeping right on his lap?
Gaara sighed. It'd been only an hour and a half through the movie when Naruto had fallen asleep on his shoulder, and with one slight movement, Gaara had sent Naruto falling onto his lap. Of course the redhead didn't quite mind, but it was getting ridiculously tough to reign in his desire to just jump the boy. He'd already had to tell himself to not do anything to him, but that order had flown out the window when he'd gently begun to run his hands through the blonde's soft hair. It got even worse, however, when Naruto thought Gaara was a pillow and had wrapped his arms around his waist.
This is getting very very difficult…Gaara thought. What am I supposed to do? He's definitely not waking up…and I can't move. The redhead sighed and decided that it'd just be best to leave and let the blonde sleep. He first unlocked the blonde's arms from around his waist, then carefully, he slipped his hands under Naruto's head and lifted the blonde's head up as he quickly turned and pulled his legs out from under him. He grabbed the pillow and put it where his legs had just been and then gently laid the blonde's head on top of it. Gaara got off the bed and took out the DVD and turned off the T.V. He then turned back to Naruto and a small smile escaped his lips. He pulled the blanket over the sleeping figure and then, not knowing why, sat down on the floor beside him. For awhile he just stared at the blonde's unconscious face, silently wondering how much longer he'd be able to keep his feelings inside. He wanted to tell Naruto how he felt, but as he'd decided before, he didn't want to ruin his friendship, and having a friendship was better than having nothing at all. But still, his desires for wanting the blonde in front of him were getting higher, especially with the Uchiha and Hyuuga around all the time.
Gaara ground his teeth angrily. Those bastards were always in the way, and it was getting difficult to spend more time with Naruto without looking too suspicious or without getting the other two to somehow squash any alone time. Gaara knew his feelings were just growing, and any longer, he was certain he'd just burst. How was he supposed to spend more time with Naruto? He wanted to be with the blonde as much as possible, but he didn't want to seem clingy and annoying. The last thing he wanted was Naruto to get fed up with him. That wouldn't do him any good at all. But he knew he just couldn't give up. He would never let Naruto escape into the hands of the Uchiha and Hyuuga, and he promised himself that no matter what it took, he'd get Naruto to notice him. Somehow, he'd make sure Naruto knew about his feelings.
The redhead sighed again as he gazed over the sleeping blonde. He reached his hand over and stroked his fingers along Naruto's cheek. He paused when his fingers had unconsciously met with the blonde's lips. Gaara stared at the blonde, and kept trying to convince himself not to do anything stupid.
Don't kiss him! What if he wakes up?
But Gaara ignored the voice in his head as he slowly lowered his face to the sleeping blondes'. He knew what he was about to do was just what he'd been telling himself not to. He was taking advantage of the fact Naruto was asleep, and even though he knew it was wrong, he just couldn't help himself. He was hungry for the blonde, and he knew there was no way he'd be able to leave without getting something. He just hated the fact that Naruto was asleep…But then again, if he was asleep, it'd be better to get what he wanted and leave without getting into any trouble. That is, unless Naruto woke up.
For a second Gaara paused, wondering what would happen if Naruto did wake up because he kissed him. That would definitely not be anything good for him, and he didn't want to see an angry Naruto. But again the redhead ignored all sense of morality and logic as he leaned his face nearer, closing the space between himself and the blonde.
He pulled away quickly as he felt Naruto move beneath him, and held his breath, waiting to see if the blonde was waking. He sighed with relief when Naruto continued to sleep, and then involuntarily touched his lips. He glanced back down at Naruto, eager for more, but willed himself to stand. He'd gotten what he'd wanted, and even though he'd much rather enjoyed it if Naruto had been awake, he couldn't say that he regretted what he did. That kiss had been just what he'd needed to quench his growing longing for the blonde.
Gaara grabbed his script from the floor and made for the door, stopping to put on his shoes. He turned back to look at the sleeping blonde and smiled again, silently whispering, "Good night, Naruto," as he slipped out the door, quietly shutting it behind him.
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"Hey Naruto, want to get something to eat before you head home?"
Said blonde looked up and grinned. "Yeah, sure! I'm starving!"
"You're always hungry, Naruto,"
"That's not true!" Naruto exclaimed indignantly. "So, where do you want to go? Any place in mind?"
Neji shrugged as he and Naruto left work three days later. "I don't really care," he replied. "What about that new place a few blocks down? Have you been there yet?"
Naruto shook his head. "Nope, not yet,"
"Huh, that's a shock. I'd have thought you'd been there the instant it opened," Neji said, giving the blonde a surprised look.
"Why's that?" Naruto asked him.
"Because it's supposedly got the best ramen around," Neji said.
Naruto's eyes widened. "Then what are we still doing here? Let's go!" he yelled excitedly as he began to run down the sidewalk.
Neji shook his head and chased after the blonde, glad that he'd gotten the blonde to agree to spending time with him.
xxxx
"This place is nice," Naruto commented when they arrived.
Neji nodded in agreement, looking around the quant restaurant. "Come on, let's order," he said.
"Right! I get my yummy ramen tonight! Yahoo!" Naruto grinned, following the raven-haired boy to the counter.
When the time came to pay and Naruto took out his wallet, Neji stopped him and said, "I've got it this time, all right?"
Naruto blinked and stared at him. Neji was staring straight at him, and his intense gaze made the blonde blush a bit, along with getting a bit angry. It was the same look Neji had had in his eyes when Naruto had gone to talk to him about the kiss, and it was a look that he didn't like to see…at least not in the Hyuuga's eyes. "Neji, I can pay for myself," he said.
"I know you can, but I want to," Neji said. "Just this once, okay?"
Even though Naruto felt like he shouldn't, he nodded as he put his wallet back into his pocket and said, "Fine, this once,"
Neji nodded, and turned to the employee, paying for both their meals. They then seated themselves at a table in the corner of the restaurant, for awhile just sitting and eating their meals.
"This is really good! I'm coming here all the time now!" Naruto exclaimed, grinning excitedly at the ramen before him.
"That good, huh?" Neji said.
"You have no idea," Naruto replied.
"Are you going to Sakura's party on Saturday?" Neji asked suddenly after more silence.
Naruto nodded vigorously. "Of course I'm going! How can it be a party without me?"
You have no idea how true that statement is…Neji thought.
"You're going, right?" Naruto said.
"I didn't plan on it," Neji replied.
Naruto stared at him. "What! You have to come! It'll be so much fun!"
"But I have other things to do on Saturday,"
"Aw, come on, Neji! Parties are so much fun, you've gotta be there too! It won't be fun without you," Naruto said.
Now Neji stared at him. Does he really mean that? He really wants me there?
"I got Sasuke-bastard to go too, so you've gotta come as well! And Gaara's gonna be there, so it'll be so boring without you, Neji. Please say you'll come!"
Neji inwardly swore. The Uchiha and Gaara are going to be there as well? Now I'll have to go…I'm not giving them any more chances to be alone with Naruto.
"So, are you going then, Neji?" Naruto asked, looking at him hopefully. "Come on, it'll be fun,"
Neji looked up at him and nodded. "Yes, fine, I'll go," he said, knowing that there wouldn't have been any way he could refuse the blonde anyhow.
The blonde cheered. "Great! It'll be so much fun!"
"You're easily excited, aren't you?" Neji noted with amusement.
Naruto stuck his tongue out at him. "So what if I am? I'm just a happy person, that's all!"
I know…that's one of the things that attracts me to you so much, Neji thought. "It's okay to be happy, Naruto, I didn't mean for it to sound bad," he said, and the blonde stopped pouting to look at him. "Being happy just suits you. It makes you cute,"
Naruto blushed. Did he just call me cute? W-Why would he say something like that? "Wh-What did you just say?" he asked carefully, not quite sure if he wanted to know the answer.
Neji stared right at him and replied casually, "I said you being happy is what makes you cute," He noticed the surprised and flushed look on the blonde's face and wondered if he should have just kept his mouth shut. But it was hard to not tell Naruto the truth; the blonde was insanely cute when he was so happy. Keeping his emotions locked inside was getting the more harder, and he knew that letting even slip small things, such as this comment he'd just said, made Naruto embarrassed and uncertain. But he looks so cute when he blushes, Neji thought suppressing a smile at the blonde's flustered face. Maybe I did go too far…He still looks quite unsure…
"I'm sorry if it embarrasses you," Neji said, "but it's the truth. You should ask anybody, they'll probably agree with me. You're just cute when you're happy,"
Naruto slowly nodded, still trying to process the fact that the mighty Hyuuga had called him cute. It was something he'd never expected to hear from such a person, and it was making him very confused. Why was Neji looking at him that way? Like he was…attracted to him or something? It was an odd look that he'd never noticed in the Hyuuga's pale eyes before, and Naruto was starting to feel uncomfortable and even curious. He wanted to know what Neji was feeling behind those eyes…but was afraid of what he'd find there.
He sighed. Why were his friends so hard to read? Sasuke, Neji and Gaara…all three of them stone cold and insanely hard to read. Sometimes he just wished he knew what they were thinking, how they felt, but none of them ever let their guard down. There were a few times, like that very moment with Neji. He still had trouble understanding that Neji had called him cute, it just didn't make much sense to him. And even though the Hyuuga had explained what he meant, Naruto couldn't help but feel as though there was a more deeper part of Neji's sudden reason to proclaim he was cute.
"Naruto?" Neji said, waving a hand in front of the blonde's face.
Naruto blinked and flushed slightly, embarrassed for spacing out in front of a friend. "Heheh, sorry. Just spaced for a moment,"
"I see that," Neji said, sounding amused. "What were you thinking about? You had a very thoughtful expression on your face,"
The blonde just shrugged, knowing full well there wasn't any way he'd tell Neji what he'd been thinking about. "Just random thinking; nothing important," he lied.
Neji gave him a searching look, then said, "Come on, if you're done, we should go,"
"All right," Naruto said, and followed the Hyuuga out of the restaurant.
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"Wilt thou be gone? It is not yet near day: it was the nightingale, and not the lark, that pierced the fearful hollow of thine ear. Nightly she sings on yond pom'granate tree. Believe me, love, it was the nightingale,"
"It was the lark, the herald of the morn; no nightingale. Look, love, what envious streaks do lace the severing clouds in yonder east. Night's candles are burnt out, and jocund day stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops. I must be gone and live, or stay and die," Naruto recited.
"Yond light is not daylight; I know it, I: it is some meteor that the sun exhaled to be to thee this night a torchbearer and light thee on thy way to Mantua. Therefore stay yet; thou needst not to be gone," Sasuke quoted.
"Let me be ta'en, let me be put to death; I am content, so thou wilt have it so. I'll say yon gray is not the morning's eye, 'tis but the pale reflex of Cynthia's brow; nor that is not the lark whose notes do beat the vaulty heaven so high above our heads. I have more care to stay than will to go: come death, and welcome: Juliet wills it so. How is't, my soul? Let's talk: it is not day."
"It is, it is! Hie hence, be gone, away! It is the lark that sings so out of tune, straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharps. Some say the lark makes sweet division: this doth not so, for she divideth us. …O now be gone! More light and light it grows,"
"More light and light, more dark and dark our woes,"
"This is the nurse's lines," Sasuke said, having already memorized this scene. "Then my line…Then, window, let day in, and let life out,"
"Farewell, farewell; one kiss and I'll descend," Naruto said, shooting Sasuke a glance, but skipping over the named action without consulting the other disappointed boy.
"Art thou gone so, love, lord, ay husband, friend? I must hear from thee every day in the hour, for in a minute there are many days. O, by this count I shall be much in years ere I again behold my Romeo,"
"Farewell! I will omit no opportunity that may convey my greetings, love, to thee."
"O, think'st thou we shall ever meet again?"
"I doubt it not; and all these woes shall serve for sweet discourses in our times to come,"
"O God, I have an ill-divining soul! Methinks I see thee, now thou art so low, as one dead in the bottom of a tomb. Either my eyesight fails or thou look'st pale."
"And trust me, love, in my eye so do you. Dry sorrow drinks our blood. Adieu, adieu!" Naruto finished then sighed.
"I'm amazed you actually knew most of that scene, Naruto," Sasuke commented.
"Ha, ha, very funny. I've been practicing more these days," the blonde said.
"Well, that's good to know," Sasuke said.
"I can't believe you've actually got half the play memorized! Not only your lines, but everyone else's! That's just crazy, Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed, staring with awe at his friend. "Impressive, but still crazy,"
Impressive? My memorizing lines impress him? …Okay, I'll take it. "It's really not that big of a deal, Naruto. You could memorize the lines too, if you just put the time and effort into it," Sasuke said.
"I think I'll just take my chances with only my lines. I don't want to be up on stage and forget my own lines because I know everyone else's. That'd be pretty bad, don't you think?" Naruto said.
"I guess so," Sasuke said. "But anyway, you are doing better. Much better than when we first started,"
Naruto looked at him in surprise, apparently shocked to be complimented by the Uchiha. "Really? You think I'm doing better?" he asked hopefully.
Sasuke nodded firmly. "Yeah, I do," he said. Then as Naruto grinned happily, he smirked and added, "Of course, it'll take you years to be as good as me,"
Naruto glared at him. "Arrogant as ever, Sasuke-bastard. Maybe I don't want to be as good as you! You're still as good as a girl!"
Sasuke blushed from the 'girl' comment. "Will you drop it with that already? There are a lot of good male actors, why am I as good as a girl and not a guy?"
"I dunno…There's just something about the way you act that makes you seem more…softer, delicate, I guess…Just more like a girl than a guy that's all," Naruto said with a shrug. "And then there's the fact you're playing Juliet, which is still so insanely funny, it still makes me laugh!"
Sasuke's blush deepened, but he bristled at the blonde and said in a dangerously low voice, "Stop laughing, dobe,"
"Hey, you bastard, don't call me dobe!" Naruto said heatedly.
Sasuke just shook his head. "Come on, let's continue with rehearsing," he said. "How about the last scene? It's one of the scenes I haven't memorized yet,"
"The last scene?" Naruto repeated as a certain memory connected with that scene flashed through his mind. "S-Sure, we can do that scene…But, um, I have one request,"
Curious, Sasuke looked up at him and asked, "Request? What is it?"
Naruto looked down at his feet, embarrassed to ask what he was about to ask, but said anyway, "Uh…c-can we skip over the kissing parts? I-I know we'll have to do them at some point…but-but it just reminds me of that night…when…Neji…you know…"
The Uchiha looked the blonde over, disappointment digging into his heart. Since that night when he'd almost kissed Naruto, he'd been aching to find himself in a position when he could, and that rehearsal night had been what he'd had in mind. But now, the blonde wanted out of the kissing because of the damned Hyuuga. Damn.
Sasuke sighed. "Yeah, sure, we can skip them," he said, knowing that he couldn't refuse Naruto when he looked so uncomfortable.
"Really? Thanks, Sasuke-bastard," Naruto said, grinning at him as Sasuke nodded indifferently. "Uh, I need something to drink, do you want anything?" Naruto asked, heading for the kitchen. Sasuke shook his head and Naruto disappeared into the small kitchen. He sighed instantly when Sasuke could no longer see him and sagged against the counter. What he'd told Sasuke about the not-kissing thing was true. Well, at least half true. He didn't want to do that certain scene because it reminded him of when Neji had violated him by kissing him without permission…but there was a more pressing reason that had made him request such a thing from the young Uchiha.
Naruto couldn't forget what had happened the previous week when he and Sasuke had had their cooking lesson. He couldn't forget that Sasuke had almost kissed him…and that he'd wanted to kiss him back. Ever since that day, Naruto had been trying to sort things out in his head, but hadn't come even close to understanding what he'd been thinking that night. How could he have ever thought about kissing Sasuke? It was absolutely crazy! He didn't like Sasuke in that way; he liked girls, he was straight, there was no way in hell he was attracted to a guy, Sasuke of all guys! But yet, that night he'd had every desire to just wrap his arms around the Uchiha and press his lips against his and kiss the living daylights out of him…
What was going on with him? How could he even have thoughts about kissing Sasuke? The very thought was so absurd, but at the same time happened to be unusually appealing…and he was starting to restrain himself from just jumping the raven-haired boy when he saw him. But why would he want to do that? Why would he want to kiss Sasuke? It didn't make any sense to him at all. He couldn't like Sasuke; that thought was as crazy as it got, but if it wasn't that, then what else could it be?
That night that stirred feelings in him he never knew existed, and not only was he confused, but he was also somewhat nervous. What if he really did like Sasuke? Was that even possible? Sure, Sasuke was way attractive, Naruto could admit to that; you'd have to be blind to not notice the Uchiha's good looks. But, other than that…Sasuke was cold and mean, but really nice when he wanted to be, sometimes actually caring and was pretty fun to be with…
No. I can't possibly likeSasuke…c-can I? Naruto shook his head vigorously as he got a glass and poured himself some cold juice. He gulped some down and shook his head again. I don't like Sasuke…I'm not into guys like that for crying out loud!
The blonde sighed. What had happened that night had been on his mind every day afterward, and even now, Naruto was still thinking about it. Not only couldn't he figure out why he'd been thinking indecent things about himself and Sasuke, but he couldn't figure out why his heart had been pounding like drums, or why he had suddenly felt as though everything in the world had gone upside down and the only thing that he was certain about was himself…and Sasuke. The more he thought about it, the more he got confused, and just seeing Sasuke had reminded him again and again about his dilemma. He'd been acting as best as he could without seeming apprehensive around the Uchiha, but Sasuke hadn't been the one bit uneasy after that incident. Naruto had been the only one freaking out, and it was getting him even more nervous.
Now, this very night was making him freak out all over again. Just the thought about kissing Sasuke was sending thoughts and emotions into the blonde's brain, and was making his blood pump rapidly in his chest. If he didn't like Sasuke should he be feeling so nervous? Then did that mean he did like Sasuke? Naruto shook his head again. There isn't any way I like that cold hearted, mean old bastard. No way in the darkest pits of hell…But if I don't then why do I feel this way? Why is it every time I look at him I'm reminded of when we almost kissed…and wishing that we did? And not just some stupid little kiss like when we rehearse…but a realkiss? How can I even think about kissing Sasuke like that? It's just weird and wrong! Besides, even if I did like him, there's no way he'd like me. …But if he doesn't then why'd he almost kiss me last week?
That was another question he'd been asking himself. Why would Sasuke try to kiss him like that? It didn't seem like something he'd do, especially after Naruto had told him how angry he'd gotten from an unexpected kiss from Neji. Naruto didn't think Sasuke would take a chance to kiss him so soon after that experience…but that night had proved him wrong. Sasuke had been one second away from kissing him when his confused thoughts had made him move away. Naruto was glad he'd pulled away, but was starting to wonder what would have happened had he let Sasuke kiss him. Would he be more confused, or would all of his questions be answered? Would he just have more of them, or would he understand his feelings and thoughts?
"Naruto, what the hell are you doing in there?" Sasuke called from the other room.
Naruto jumped slightly, forgotten momentarily that Sasuke was still in the apartment. Taking another big sigh, Naruto returned to the other room to meet a disgruntled Sasuke.
"What were you doing in there?" the Uchiha asked.
"Uh, nothing," the blonde lied, averting his eyes from Sasuke's penetrating ebony orbs. "Come on, let-let's just get on with this,"
Sasuke searched his face but then nodded. "You start," he said.
Naruto cleared his throat and read, "…Here, here will I remain with worms that are thy chambermaids. O, here will I set up my everlasting rest, and shake the yoke of inauspicious stars from this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last; arms, take your last embrace; and lips, O you, the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing Death. Come, bitter conduct; com, unsavory guide; thou desperate pilot, now at once run on the dashing rocks thy seasick weary bark. Here's to my love," Naruto pretended to take a drink. "O true apothecary, thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die," Naruto flicked his gaze to Sasuke as he said the k-word and was surprised to find the Uchiha was staring directly at him, his dark gaze not once wavering.
It was the same look he'd had that night, only holding a different emotion Naruto couldn't place…something that looked like frustration, but the blonde wasn't quite sure. After a moment of intense locked gazes, Naruto tore his eyes away, feeling flustered, thoughts of kissing the boy before him spinning in his head.
Sasuke blinked, a frown forming on his face. Something's up with him…He's acting really antsy, even though he's not showing it…
"Uh, Sas-Sasuke, your lines…" Naruto said quietly.
The Uchiha blinked again, haven forgotten about his lines. He looked down at his script since he didn't have these lines down quite yet and recited, "O comfortable friar, where is my lord? I do remember well where I should be: and there I am. Where is my Romeo?"
"I'll be the Friar for this line," Naruto said, and Sasuke nodded. "Uh…I hear some noise, lady. Come form that nest of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep. A greater power than we can contradict hath thwarted our intents. Come, come away. Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead; and Paris too. Come, I'll dispose of thee among a sisterhood of holy nuns. Stay not to question, for the watch is coming. Come, go, good Juliet; I dare no longer stay."
"Go, get thee hence, for I will not away. What's here? A cup, closed in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end, O churl! Drunk all, and left no friendly drop to help me after? I will kiss thy lips: haply some poison yet doth hang on them to make me die with a restorative." Sasuke glanced at Naruto, annoyed that he couldn't kiss the blonde, but continued anyway, "Thy lips are warm! …Yea, noise? Then I'll be brief. O happy dagger, this is thy sheath, there rest, and let me die."
Naruto cheered. "Wahoo! We're done!"
Sasuke smiled slightly as he sat down on the bed. "Are you going to Sakura's party tomorrow?" he asked, suddenly remembering.
"Yep," Naruto exclaimed. "You're coming with me, right?"
"I suppose I am," Sasuke said. "You'd probably drag me there anyway,"
Naruto laughed. "Hadn't thought of that, but thanks. Now if you don't show up, I'll have to just go get you,"
Sasuke groaned exaggeratedly. "Oh, joy," he said sarcastically.
"Hey, think you could give me a ride tomorrow? Sakura-chan's house is too far for me to walk too. Can you give me a ride, please, Sasuke-bastard?" Naruto pleaded.
"I don't know…" Sasuke teased. "Maybe you should just walk,"
"Aw, you're such a bastard, Sasuke! It's too far for me to walk! I'd just die, do you want that?"
He shrugged. "Wouldn't bother me much," he continued to josh.
Naruto wailed. "You're so mean!" he said. "F-Fine then, I'll just have to ask Neji instead,"
This instantly got the Uchiha's attention and he faced the blonde sharply. No way was he letting the Hyuuga take Naruto to the party! He'd die before he let that happen. "No, Naruto I'll take you! I was just kidding," Sasuke said quickly.
Naruto shook his head. "Nah, it's okay, Sasuke. If you really don't want to take me, it's no problem. I'll just call Neji tomorrow and ask him," he said.
Sasuke stared panicking. "Naruto, I was kidding! Come on, I'll take you, you asked me first after all,"
"But you didn't care if I walked and died," Naruto said. "Neji's nice; he'll take me without a fuss,"
That statement made Sasuke cringe angrily. He hated being put down against the Hyuuga. "Naruto, let me take you, it's not a problem!" he pleaded. Well, almost pleaded; an Uchiha doesn't beg. "I was just kidding, I'll take you, it's a promise,"
Naruto turned to eye him carefully. Sasuke held his breath as the deep azure eyes locked onto his own. "Will you really take me?" the blonde asked.
Sasuke nodded. "Yes, I'll come over right on time and pick you up. I swear I'll give you ride,"
Naruto continued to scrutinize him, but then slowly he grinned. "Okay then! You'd better keep your promise or I'll be mad!" he warned.
Sasuke sighed. "Don't worry, I promise I'll be here to give you a ride," he said, glad that he'd beaten the blonde down. There was no way he'd let Neji take Naruto to the party. "I'll be here at six-thirty then tomorrow, okay?"
"Yeah, sure, tha-tha-that's fi-fine--achoo!" Naruto exclaimed. A second later he sneezed again.
Sasuke looked at him. "Are you sick?" he asked.
"Nuh-uh. I don't get sick, remember? Everything's o-o-kay--achoo!" he sneezed again.
"I think you're getting sick," Sasuke said, trying not to sound too concerned.
"I'm fine," Naruto said, trying to suppress his sudden urge to cough.
The Uchiha shook his head. "You should take some medicine at least. Don't want to miss out on tomorrow's party if you're sick, do you?"
Naruto shook his head. "I wanna go," he said.
"Then take some medicine," Sasuke ordered. "And then go to sleep,"
"But I'm fine,"
"No you're not. Come to think of it…you've been sneezing quite a lot at school lately too. You really are getting sick,"
"I said I'm fine, Sasuke-bastard!"
Sasuke shook his head. "You're so stubborn. Fine, whatever. Just get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow,"
"Kay, Sasuke. Don't forget to come get me!" Naruto called after him. "Later!"
"Go to sleep! Don't get sick," Sasuke replied as he walked out the door, shutting it behind him.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"You're sick," Sasuke said.
Naruto sneezed. "I-I'm fine," he said, letting the Uchiha into his apartment.
Sasuke looked the blonde over and said, "No, you're not fine. You're still in your pajamas, you're holding a box of Kleenex, and not to mention you look like a zombie,"
"Gee, that makes me feel a hell of a lot better," Naruto said dully as he sank down onto his bed and stared up at the Uchiha gazing down at him. "I'm sorry I'm not ready yet, but I was taking a nap and didn't hear my alarm…Actually it irritated me so much, I, uh…"
"Threw it into the wall?" Sasuke finished raising an eyebrow as he noticed the small, now broken, alarm clock on the floor by the opposite wall.
Naruto nodded sheepishly, a blush on his cheeks. "Yeah…I just really wanted to sleep and I set the alarm so I'd wake up in time to get ready…but that didn't work very well. Then your annoying knocking on the door got me up," The blonde sighed. "I'll go change then, and we can go,"
"I don't think you should be going anywhere, Naruto. You're sick," Sasuke said.
Naruto waved his statement away with a flick of his hand. "Nah, I'm fine. Some partying will do me good," he said as he stood again and almost lost his balance. Sasuke immediately moved to help him, but the blonde straightened out within a second.
"Naruto, you're staying here," Sasuke said firmly, eyeing the blonde with concern.
"Sasuke, I'm fine. Honest," Naruto said. "I'll be just great once we get to the party, you'll see. Now, I'm going to change, just wait here," The blonde disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Sasuke staring after him.
The younger Uchiha sighed as he looked around the apartment. It was much messier than usual, with Kleenexes lying around the floor, a few dishes and glasses by the bed, along with cold medicine, which Sasuke noticed as he picked it up, was almost empty. Had Naruto been sick for awhile now? Worry and concern swept over his body as he wondered if the blonde was much sicker than he was letting on. Sure, anyone could tell he was under the weather, but was the much more serious? What if he had some incurable virus or something?
Just then, Sasuke tensed as he heard distinct coughing coming from the bathroom. He quickly strode over and turned the knob, surprised to find the door unlocked. Inside, he found Naruto standing over the sink, supporting himself as he coughed severely.
"Naruto!" Sasuke exclaimed, rushing to the blonde's side as Naruto looked up at him, eyes glazed over with the impact of so much coughing. Not quite sure what to do, Sasuke glanced over him then said, "I'll get some water," and hurried to the kitchen, grabbing a glass on the counter and filling it with cold water. He hastily returned to the blonde and helped Naruto gulp down the water, praying that the coughing would recede. He stared hopefully at Naruto as the blonde continued to drink the water.
"Tha-Thanks, Sas-Sasuke," Naruto said setting the empty class down by the sink.
"Yeah, no problem," Sasuke replied, not tearing his eyes away from the blonde.
Naruto then turned to him and grinned. "Come on, we'll be late if we don't leave!"
Sasuke shook his head. "You're not going anywhere," he said sternly. "Were you awake while you were just hacking your lungs out? You're sick, Naruto. You're staying home,"
"Sasuke, I told you I'm fine, I'll just take some medicine and I'll be--H-Hey, what are you doing?" Naruto exclaimed, his cheeks flushing red from embarrassment as the Uchiha peered into his eyes, placing a hand over his forehead.
"You're scalding, Naruto," he said. "Do you want to risk getting worse? You've got to stay in bed,"
The blonde continued to blush at the warmth from Sasuke's hand, and the intense gaze in his eyes. Feelings and thoughts he'd rather not think about in his rather delirious state came to his mind in a wave. Why does he look so concerned about me? Naruto wondered, finally recognizing the emotion behind the Uchiha's powerful ebony eyes. Why does he seem to care about my being sick? It doesn't really relate to him… "Why're you so worried about me?" Naruto voiced aloud without meaning to.
Sasuke blinked and pulled away, his hand dropping to his side. Naruto ignored the voice in his head that begged for the warmth of the Uchiha's hand to return as he awaited his response. Sasuke just shrugged and said, "I just am, that's all,"
For some reason, his reply made the blonde feel even worse than he already was. Well, what had he expected Sasuke to say anyway? That he was worried about him because he…liked him? Is that what Naruto had expected? Is that what Naruto wanted? He shook his head slightly. It must be the sickness talking.
"Come on, you're my friend, aren't you? Of course I'd be worried about you," Sasuke added, giving Naruto his intense stare once more.
The blonde tried to pull his eyes away, but was again captured within them. The onyx orbs were full of concern; an emotion the blonde wasn't used to seeing in the Uchiha, but liked nevertheless. Unknown to him why, he liked the feeling of being worried about…especially since Sasuke was the one worrying. Now why would he be thinking like that? Why would he care if Sasuke was concerned about his well being? Why would he be happy that Sasuke was vexed about his sickness? Why would he be happy that he had gotten sick in the first place?
Sasuke watched Naruto as the blonde's expression went suddenly confused, as if he was pondering something. Curious, Sasuke wondered what he was thinking about, but then remembered there were more pressing matters at hand. "Naruto, you're not going to the party, got it?" he said. "So, change back into your pajamas and get into bed,"
The blonde blinked, recalling his current situation and pulled his head from the clouds. He nodded slightly at Sasuke and said, "Yeah, I guess you're right,"
"I am right. You're really sick, and you've got to get better, so change. Now," Sasuke said, and left the bathroom to let the blonde change. Meanwhile, he rummaged through the kitchen, searching for any kinds of food that would be good for helping him out of the sickness. But there was nothing except ramen, and Sasuke was sure that too much ramen would end up just making him worse.
The blonde emerged from the bathroom, back in his pajamas and headed for his bed, leaning against the wall behind him. Sasuke walked out of the kitchen and sat at the chair at the table.
"You've got to get some rest," Sasuke said after a moment's silence.
"I have been resting. That's all I've been doing today,"
"Have you eaten anything?"
"Ramen and some eggs, but that's it,"
Sasuke sighed. "I'm going to get you some soup. That'll make you feel better," he said getting to his feet.
"What?" Naruto exclaimed, not understanding exactly what Sasuke meant by his statement.
"I'm going to the store to get you soup," Sasuke said.
"But you've got to go to the party," Naruto pointed out.
"No, I don't," Sasuke replied walking over to him.
"Yes, you do! Just because I'm sick, it doesn't mean you can't go and have a good time," Naruto said.
"Listen, I didn't want to go to that party in the first place," Sasuke said, locking his ebony eyes with Naruto's cobalt ones. "I was only going because you were. And if you're not there, then there wouldn't be much fun for me,"
A blush crept up Naruto's neck and painted his cheeks a faint red. "O-Oh…" was all he could really say to that and then tried to pry his gaze away from Sasuke's eyes which seemed to be piercing through every fiber of his being…but he couldn't. He couldn't remove his gaze from the Uchiha's and he continued to mutely gaze back, slowly and unconsciously getting lost within the deep dark pools…His blush began to intensify as he realized that not only was he staring at Sasuke, but Sasuke was staring back at him ten times more powerful, his gaze not once removing it's grasp on the blonde's eyes.
Naruto was starting to hate it when Sasuke looked at him that way because he could never tell what the Uchiha was thinking behind his dark orbs, and it made him frustrated. And not only that, but he hated it more that he was starting to feel as though he could just stare into those shadowy black eyes forever and have the feeling that everything would be okay…Why was he so affected by this? He'd never been so…so…enticed by anyone ever before, but at that moment he couldn't shake his gaze away, but only stare the more deeper into Sasuke's eyes and wonder what kind of secrets they seemed to hold…
He also hated it because they were bringing back certain memories again, and he wasn't in the state of mind to handle them. But no matter what he tried, they wouldn't leave him alone…Those damn thoughts about wanting to kiss Sasuke and not knowing why…Those damn thoughts about wanting to wrap his arms around the Uchiha and not knowing why…Those damn thoughts about wondering why he was even thinking such things in the first place….All of those things were overwhelming his mind, taking control of everything else, wanting to be answered, but at the same time afraid about what the answers might be.
Naruto had never felt quite so afraid of an answer before. But now, the ultimate question that kept replaying in his head over and over and wouldn't leave him the hell alone: Did he like Sasuke? As in really like Sasuke? For almost two weeks now, that question had been demanding an answer, and every time Naruto had just shoved it away, ignoring it, because not only did he have no idea what the answer was, he was also afraid to even give it thought because of what he might end up discovering. If he thought about it, what would happen if he realized he did like Sasuke? What then? Nothing obviously; Sasuke wasn't like that, he didn't go for boys…well neither did Naruto exactly, but…whatever, that wasn't the point. If he realized he liked Sasuke, would he tell him? Would things be the same between them? The blonde highly doubted things would be the same, and it scared him to think that their friendship could be ruined if he thought about that certain pressing question.
Sasuke was something all right, and as Naruto continued to stare into his eyes, he realized that there were things about Sasuke that were good, things that were nice about him…Like that very night, when he was worried about him being sick. That was nice. But then Sasuke was also a coldhearted bastard when he could be, and Naruto knew all about that too. The Uchiha's blatant ignoring just a week and half ago had proved that perfectly enough. But, after spending so much time with him, Naruto knew that Sasuke wasn't all ice. He'd been trying to defrost the bastard for some time now, and he was starting to see slight progress. He was certain that the 'old' Sasuke wouldn't have cared if he was sick or not, but this defrosted Sasuke was, and Naruto really liked the defrosted Sasuke. …But did that mean he liked Sasuke?
Naruto shook his head and in doing so, broke his locked gaze with Sasuke. The blonde continued shaking his head, denying that he had any feelings for the other boy present in the room. It made no sense. There wasn't any way he was attracted to Sasuke. Naruto glanced back up at the Uchiha and shook his head again. Okay, so that was a lie. He was attracted to Sasuke, but that didn't mean his liked him. Just physical appeal wasn't enough. He actually had to like him to really like him…If that made any sense at all.
"Are you okay?" Sasuke asked suddenly, causing the blonde to jump slightly. He had a frown on his face, disappointed at Naruto pulling away from his gaze. He wished the blonde could have held on longer; he loved just staring into his sparkling cerulean eyes. But, Naruto had pulled away and had that confused look on his face again, only this time accompanied by another emotion that was a surprise to Sasuke: anxiety. What's he so anxious about?
"I-I'm f-fine," the blonde replied in a strangled voice.
"Okay then, I'm going to get you soup, since you have nothing else in your kitchen but ramen. Just rest while I'm gone, all right?" Sasuke said.
"Yeah, sure," Naruto replied as he watched the Uchiha head to the door. Just as he was about to leave, Naruto asked, "Why are you doing this for me, Sasuke?"
The Uchiha looked a bit surprised, but then a soft smile spread across his lips, surprising the blonde and causing him to blush. Sasuke shrugged lightly and said genuinely, "Because I'm worried about you, dobe,"
Naruto's blush deepened as Sasuke's smile turned into a smirk and he left, shutting the door on the way out.
xxxxxxx
"Are you okay? What happened?"
"I'm fine, really. I feel better than I look," Naruto replied, shutting the door.
"Are you sure? You don't look that great, Naruto,"
"Thanks, Gaara, that just makes me feel all warm inside,"
Gaara narrowed his eyes at the blonde's sarcasm. "Really, Naruto. You don't look that great," he said.
"Gah, I've heard that way too much already tonight! Please, just drop it," Naruto said, annoyed. Sometimes having concerned friends were good. That is, until they were so concerned it became a pain in the ass. "Sasuke already bitched about it, so I don't need any more from you,"
Upon hearing a certain Uchiha's name, Gaara instantaneously tensed, and his fisted curled into balls. "Uchiha was here?" he gritted out.
"Yeah, he should be back though," Naruto replied simply. "So, what are you doing here anyway?"
The redhead calmed himself and answered, "You never showed up at Sakura's party and I knew you wouldn't just cancel, so I came to see what was wrong. I hadn't known you were sick,"
"Yeah, well, I just caught a cold, it's no big deal," Naruto said. "How's the party going?"
"It seemed okay, except Sakura and Ino were absolutely freaking out because the Uchiha hadn't shown up," Gaara said.
The blonde looked away guiltily. He was glad Sasuke was 'taking care' of him, but he shouldn't be so selfish. …But hadn't Sasuke said that he only wanted to go because Naruto was going to be there, and that without the blonde there'd be no reason to go? Still, he felt a bit bad about making the Uchiha help him out, when he was able to take care of himself. What he realized, however, was that he wanted Sasuke to take care of him. He didn't want to be alone, and he wanted Sasuke to be there with him. Why he felt that way was beyond him, and he kept telling himself it was only because Sasuke was his friend, and he wanted a friend around and that was all. Only, he had this sinking feeling that he wasn't telling himself the truth.
"When did you get sick?" Gaara asked.
The blonde shrugged. "Guess I've been feeling a bit down for awhile, but I got really sick last night,"
"Have you taken any medicine?"
"Yes, I have. I know how to take care of myself," Naruto said. Then why do you want Sasuke to take care of you? a little voice asked him. Naruto shook his head, ignoring the question since he didn't know the answer.
"What was Uchiha doing here?" Gaara asked suddenly.
"Oh, he came to pick me up for the party," Naruto replied. "But, obviously, I couldn't go. He went to get some soup or something,"
As if on cue, the door opened and Sasuke walked in with a grocery bag.
"Speak of the devil," Naruto said, grinning. Sasuke looked up at him, confused, and then saw Gaara. He froze, and glared at the redhead who only returned it evenly. Naruto glanced between them and rolled his eyes. Why were they always doing that? Sasuke, Gaara, and Neji, all the time he saw them in the same room together, they were always just glaring at the other. Naruto shook his head, wondering what made them hate each other, and then said, "If you guys are going to glare at each other, go outside, because I don't want any negative vibes in here while I'm sick,"
The redhead and the Uchiha both stopped eyeing each other menacingly and turned to Naruto. Sasuke was the first to speak, as he began taking out the foods he'd bought, "Naruto, I got you some soup and stuff. After eating that, you should feel a bit better,"
"Thanks, Sasuke-bastard," Naruto replied. He turned to Gaara who was watching him and Sasuke closely and said, "Gaara, you can go back to the party if you want. I'm sorry I couldn't go…I wish I could have,"
"It's not a big deal, Naruto. The party's not that important. I'll stay here," Gaara said.
Naruto shook his head. "No, you don't have to. Go and have some fun, okay?" he said. "Besides, Sasuke's already taking care of me, so you don't have to worry!"
Except this did make the redhead worried, because if the Uchiha began spending too much time with Naruto…then who knows what he would start to do? Gaara seethed under his breath as he turned to glare at Sasuke, ignoring Naruto's previous warning, and seethed even more when a smug superior look was plastered across the Uchiha's face. Gaara had never felt the desire to pummel Sasuke so badly before than he did at that moment. Gaara turned back to Naruto and he said, surprised at how calm he sounded when he was anything but calm inside, "Are you sure you want me to go?"
"Yeah, Gaara, it's okay. I'll be fine here. You go back to the party and have fun, for me, please? Since I can't go and all," Naruto said, pleading the redhead with big starry eyes.
The redhead sighed. Like I can refuse that look. "Fine," he said. "I'll go, for you. But get well better okay? And call me--" He shot Sasuke a look. "--if anything happens,"
"I promise!" Naruto exclaimed in a salute. "Later Gaara,"
"Bye, Naruto," Gaara said as he walked out the door.
"What was he doing here?" Sasuke immediately questioned when the door shut behind the redhead.
"He didn't see me at the party and came over wondering where I was," Naruto replied simply. Then, changing topic, he asked, "So, what'd you bring, huh?"
"Soup, juice and some other foods. Your fridge is insanely empty, have you noticed that?" Sasuke asked, heading into the kitchen to put the foods away and start making the soup.
"Yeah, I know. I just forget to go and buy stuff sometimes, hehe," Naruto said. "Besides, I've got enough ramen to last me awhile,"
"How can you stand eating so much ramen? It's bound to catch up to you later, that much ramen will make you fat, sick, or die,"
"I'm immune to it by now,"
"I bet you are,"
"Well, ramen's yummy and that's what matters!"
"Even if it's not good for you? Maybe that's why you got sick in the first place. Too much ramen,"
"I don't think so. It's just probably because it's getting much colder," Naruto said. "I hate the winter,"
"Why?"
"Because it's so cold! I hate cold, so I hate winter. Do you like winter?"
"Yes, I do. I just find it relaxing somehow,"
"How is freezing your ass off relaxing?"
Sasuke just shook his head. "Nevermind. What's your favorite season then? If you hate winter?"
"I dunno, I really like autumn I guess. It's just pretty," Naruto replied with a shrug. "Never really thought about it before. Guess I like all of them, except winter, of course,"
"Of course," Sasuke repeated, as he began to heat the stove and prepare the ingredients for the soup. "Do you like chicken noodle soup?"
"Yeah, it's my favorite," Naruto replied.
"Good, that's what I bought," Sasuke said.
"Well, hurry up, I'm starving and I need food!" the blonde complained.
"If you're hungry, then go eat some fruit I got. Fruits are good for you," Sasuke said.
"Can you bring me one?" Naruto asked.
"Come get it yourself,"
"But I'm sooo sick! I'll just fall over if I stand up! Ahhh, it hurts to move!"
"I know you're faking,"
"But it hurts! I can't move! I-I think I'm starting to see black! Oh, no, I'm dying!" Naruto continued dramatizing.
Sasuke just ignored him, and kept on cooking.
Naruto pouted and said, his voice getting louder, "Ahh…if I don't eat anything right now, I swear I'll just keel over! I need something to eat! I can't move; it hurts my head. I'm seeing dots! Is that good? Ahh--OUCH!" Naruto exclaimed loudly, clutching his head. He turned to glare at Sasuke who was just glaring at him. "You bastard! What the hell was that for? Throwing an apple at my head?"
"You said you wanted something to eat, so eat!" Sasuke snapped. "Now quit being so annoying! You'll probably giving yourself even more of a fever by acting like a five year old,"
"But you didn't have to chuck it at my head! I'm sick, you know!" Naruto exclaimed, grabbing the apple a few feet away and wiping it on his sleeve.
"Fine, I'm sorry. Now just shut up, or I won't make you your soup," Sasuke said, sauntering back into the kitchen.
"Aww, you're so mean, Sasuke-bastard! Are you going to let me starve? I thought you were taking care of me," Naruto said dejectedly.
Sasuke froze and suddenly felt guilty for acting so rude. He walked back out and looked at Naruto who was staring at his lap, sitting on the bed with the apple in his hand. Sasuke reached him and crouched down in front of him, but Naruto looked away, a bit of a blush on his already flushed cheeks. He sighed and said, "Naruto, I'm sorry,"
The blonde turned slightly to face him and caught his dark eyes within the azure orbs.
"I didn't mean to snap at you, I'm sorry," Sasuke said again, and he nodded.
"Okay," he said quietly.
"And, I am taking care of you, all right? So, don't worry about anything," Sasuke said, staring directly at Naruto, his gaze sharp and penetrating.
Naruto swallowed slightly at the gaze in the other boy's eyes, and he wanted to say something, but felt his mouth go dry. He's so close…It's like that night…This only brought a deeper blush to spread across his face and he unconsciously flicked his gaze to Sasuke's lips. He heard a small voice in the back of his head that was telling to him to kiss him…To just grab the other boy and press his lips against his because as he'd been desiring to do so for such a long time… But Naruto shut the voice out of his mind; he wasn't going to listen to it, despite how appealing its orders were sounding. He stared back into Sasuke's eyes and wondered what the Uchiha was thinking, because once again, his thoughts and emotions were blocked by the pools of onyx that Naruto was so curious to explore.
No…What am I thinking? Damn my stupid thoughts! I-I don't want this…at least not when I'm sick! Naruto shut his eyes tight and turned away, breaking the powerful tension in the room. He glanced at Sasuke who was slowly getting to his feet, blinking confusedly. Goddamn it, I can't believe I was thinking about kissing him again! …It just has to be sickness getting to me…
"I-I'll go make your soup…" Sasuke said hoarsely, and returned to the kitchen, leaving the perplexed blonde sitting on the bed. Sasuke sighed deeply when he was alone and sagged against the counter. What had just happened? Had he just almost kissed Naruto again? Could I be any more stupid? He's sick for crying out loud and I'm trying to jump him! Damn it…
But what was bothering him more was not that he'd been about to kiss Naruto…but that Naruto had also been about to kiss him. He had definitely seen the blonde's gaze flick to his lips and he had seen the blush on his face, and he knew he did the same things when he was about to kiss Naruto…So did that mean Naruto had been about to kiss him? If it did, then what else did it mean? Did Naruto like him? Was that possible? Sasuke was starting to get even more confounded, and he was certain Naruto didn't like him in that way. And even if the blonde had wanted to kiss him, it didn't mean he liked him. He had turned away, hadn't he? Maybe that just meant his feelings were just very very confused.
But still, I can't believe I was even thinking about kissing him when he's sick! Sasuke reprimanded himself.
"Hey, Sasuke?" Naruto called from the other room, breaking his train of thoughts.
"Yeah, what?" he asked.
"Are you sure you don't want to go to the party?"
"I've told you already. Yes, I'm sure I don't want to. It wouldn't be fun without you and besides, I've got to take care of you tonight, haven't I?" Sasuke asked, walking out of the kitchen and fixing Naruto with his stare.
"O-Okay then…just making sure," the blonde said, blushing again.
"Hey, start up a movie, or something, I'll be back when the soup's done," Sasuke said, returning inside.
"Sure, what do you want to watch?" Naruto asked, making his way to the T.V.
"Doesn't bother me, you chose," he said.
"The Secret Window it is then!" Naruto exclaimed, and Sasuke smiled as he continued cooking.
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He glared around the room, trying to ignore the constant blast of music that threatened to destroy his hearing, and watched everyone, wishing for the one person who wasn't there to just suddenly pop up. But even after and hour, that hadn't happened, and he was getting worried as well as a bit angry. The Uchiha wasn't there, hadn't come at all, and Gaara had come, but left about twenty minutes later. The party was a fiasco, in his opinion. A certain pink haired girl and her blonde friend were practically in tears that Sasuke hadn't come and were glaring at everyone that crossed them. Some hosts they had turned out to be. The other girls present were chatting away in the corner, while the rest of the boys were outside playing football or something, he wasn't sure; he'd glared at them when they'd tried to get him to play as well.
Neji sighed and stood, deciding that if the reason he'd come to the damn party wasn't even there, then he shouldn't be wasting time acting like he was having fun. He was unnoticed as he left the house and headed for his car, wondering where Naruto was, and if he was with the Uchiha or Gaara. Fuming, he drove instantly to the blonde's house, ready to pummel either bastard if they were with his Naruto. He was angry with himself for not realizing it sooner. He knew that the Uchiha wouldn't be coming if Naruto wasn't coming and that could only mean that he was with the blonde. Gaara must have realized this too, and that was why he'd left, and Neji was reprimanding himself for being so stupid. If Naruto was alone with either, or both, of those bastards, he'd just about lose it.
He wondered, however, why Naruto hadn't come. The blonde had been way excited to go to the party, and just not showing up was something he hadn't expected. Had something happened to him? Worry overwhelmed the Hyuuga as he pressed his foot against the pedal, gaining speed as he drove to his destined apartment. Neji instantly tensed when he saw the Uchiha's car parked in the lot, but wondered where Gaara had left his car. Maybe the redhead wasn't even there. …But that meant Naruto was truly alone with the Uchiha, which was even worse. Neji ran inside and cursed when the elevators were stuck in the highest floor. He turned to take the stairs again, ready to beat the crap out of Sasuke if the bastard had done anything to Naruto.
The Hyuuga was surprised to find that no one answered when he knocked. He knocked again, but still heard no answer. He tried his luck on the knob and shook his head when it opened. Naruto really had to learn to lock his door.
However that thought instantly escaped his mind when he saw the scene before him. He tensed even more, and felt like screaming. What the hell was going on?
The Uchiha was there, as he knew, but he was sleeping on Naruto's bed…with the blonde laying next to him, also asleep. The soft drone of the T.V. was playing in the room, and Neji realized they must have been watching something when they'd fallen asleep. At least that's what he hoped had happened. But what he couldn't stand was that not only were they sleeping together on the bed…but the Uchiha had his arms wrapped over the blonde's motionless figure, as if protecting him from all evil. Neji seethed; he'd never felt so pissed off and jealous before in his life.
The sight sickened him and even though he wanted to rip the Uchiha away from Naruto, and kill him, but he'd seen the peaceful look on Naruto's face, something he hadn't ever seen before and that look was what made him turn away and shut the door behind him.
As he walked towards the elevators, he sighed.
For that night he had lost, and he knew it.