Catch Me In The Field Chapter 1,2& 3, a naruto fanfic

UPDATE Friday, 6, 11, 2020: CHAPTER 2 and 3 ARE POSTED HERE, chapter 4 is in the next window. JUST SCROLL DOWNWARDS AND ENJOY~

Author's Notes

So with this story, I tried my hand with a football setting lol. I love the sport and I'm a fan of football anime and manga. I didn't want to butcher the sport in my stories, so I always steered away from writing it. However, I couldn't resist the setting anymore. I hope you enjoy it. I really enjoyed writing it! :D Have fun, everyone~!

This will have only 6 chapters. I will update every Friday. It will end in 6 weeks~ Stay tuned~

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto! :'(

"GOAAAAAAAL!"

The announcer called through the microphone. His strong voice sent waves of excitement throughout the huge stadium. Cheers soon followed as the fans of the winning team overjoyed, yelling at the top of their lungs, supporting their team. The vibrant colors of their banners brightened when they called the players' names. Life seemed to come about in every corner of the stadium, tears of joy and tight hugs were exchanged between fans, it was an occasion celebrated between one big happy family called the supporters of the winning team. Half an hour later, both teams were bowing in respect to each other and conveying their joint delight at the game. This was football, it was all about respect and sportsmanship, even if you were to lose, it didn't mean to show a bad attitude. The game taught manners before anything else. Both teams walked back to the respective lockers, the fans of the losing team were shouting loudly, telling the players that they did their best and showed them an interesting game. That was what mattered, not winning or losing… even if it was the final game, at the expense of the cup.

"Did you hear? Naruto is being scouted." One of the players spoke as he changed into his regular clothes.

"Of course he'd be chosen. He's the ace." The other one replied, not thinking the news is important.

"Well, it's true we lost, but he did his best out there."

"You're not sad about it?"

The player of the losing team closed his assigned locker and smirked, not feeling all that bothered. "It's just a high school tournament, we're not even getting paid, who cares about it?"

"It would have been nice if we brought home the cup through." The one beside him commented, "We reached this far… it's a little frustrating that we didn't win."

His friend who was chatting with him, ruffled his hair and consoled. "Then let's play some pachinko on the way home, it'd relieve some of your frustration ~"

"Roger that!"

The two walked out after that. Not a minute later, a blond male with vivacious blue eyes walked inside. He emitted a tense and tremendous aura, the whole room was silent when he entered. His tired eyes and exhausted body showed signs of hidden anger, but his lips were sealed. His tan hands opened his locker and in less than five minutes, he changed and got out of the room. The members of the losing team all released an air they didn't know they were holding. No one dared to speak then, it felt like the weight of the defeat was finally appearing with the blond, heavily smothering their bodies.

The blond walked out of the stadium, his eyes looked up at the stadium and he cursed. He worked so hard and tried his best, yet still he couldn't bring home the cup. The azure eyed male knew where the problem lied and there was nothing he could do about it. His teammates weren't collaborative; they didn't care much about the game. He was the reason why they reached the finals, motivating them and trying to bring out their A-game. Halfway throughout the tournament, he was able to recruit four players who cared enough. However, since not everyone was one hundred percent onboard, of course they wouldn't win.

The cold gush of night's air hit his sweaty body and he zipped his jacket tighter. Holding onto his sports bag and marching to the bus, he sat on the last seat and put on his headphones. His teammates were soon boarding and they were returning to their homes, some had sad looks, some were taking selfies and some quietly watched the scenery from the windows. The manager of the team spoke a little trying to motivate them back, but since not everyone was feeling lousy, he let it go. The blond captain ignored everything and wanted to stay alone. The pain of the defeat was still hard swallow.

The blond was dropped at his apartment complex, he pulled his keys and entered the apartment. The sweet aroma of food hit his nostrils the minute he stepped in. As much as he hated to admit it, he was starving, running around all day throughout the huge field was really exhausting. Making his way to the kitchen, he felt his stomach grumble. When he entered, a man with chocolate-colored hair and matching eyes greeted him, he was tall and had a scar run across his face. The blond could immediately feel warmth and comfort wash over him.

"Hey, Naruto," The brunet started as he came to put a plate on the table. "Sit. I made your favorites today."

The blond quickly threw himself at the other's arms and started bawling his eyes out. The burnet hugged his son and comforted him, giving words of encouragement to calm him down. Finally, Naruto was calm enough to sit down and eat. The hot dishes made him drool, he started eating silently. The brunet gave a small smile and ruffled Naruto's locks when tears started falling down again.

"It's okay, Naruto, stop crying. It's not the last game of your life, you will win others."

"But, Iruka, this was the FINAL game! Do you realize how close I was to the cup!? If only those jerks played better!" Naruto sobbed in between bites.

"Well, it's sad, Naruto, but you can't force people to want to 'win'. Remember, not everyone thinks of football as you do."

"Then they should have quit!" He slammed his hand on the table, causing the dishes to jitter.

Iruka showed a displeased expression at Naruto, but didn't scold him, choosing to comfort instead. "You wouldn't have enough members to play then."

Naruto glared at the dish as he took a big bite of the meat. "We would have found people with more motivation! It's because they treated everything as a joke that we lost."

Iruka stopped giving excuses for the other players and sighed. He allowed the blond to cry-eat his full and complain. He knew how hard his son had worked – the intense training schedules, the long hours spent in practice and all the time spent trying to improve his team – Naruto really did his best. It was bad others didn't. the night finished when the tired blond decided that he had enough complaining, took a shower and hit his bed.

The next morning, he was woken up with loud knocks on his locked bedroom door. Naruto had decided to sleep in that day, trying to mop the sadness and frustration away, but apparently, Iruka had other plans. Groaning, sluggishly Naruto opened the door, glare in each eye and a low growl to go with it.

"Iruka! Let me sleep!" he complained.

"Naruto, quickly, go wash up! There's someone here you must meet!" The excited tone of Iruka made the blond blink in puzzlement. Yet before he questioned further, Iruka pushed him into the bathroom. It took five minutes until he was able to speak to anyone.

Naruto walked to the living room and there on their red sofa sat a foreign guy, sipping tea. The man had silver hair and wore a fancy suit, his hair covered on of his eyes. The other one had a lazy hue emitting from it. Naruto blinked at the new character in his life and walked in. Iruka mentioned for him to sit beside him, opposite their guest.

The silver haired male looked Naruto in the eyes before he spoke. "Uzumaki Naruto-kun, how have you been? My name's Hatake Kakashi, I'm the manager of Konoha University Football team. I'm sure you heard of us."

Naruto's eyes widened at the introduction. Of course he heard of Konoha Uni! It was one of the leading universities in football in the prefecture, it was famous for its strong offense and defense, they always won and brought cups home. Their team was very strong and considered one of the four powerhouse in the league. Naruto heard of many players from Konoha Uni being recruited to play in the national team. His breath hitched and he nodded enthusiastically.

"I've been to your game yesterday; your performance was excellent." The silver haired male put his cup down. "So I came here to invite you to play for my team."

Naruto gulped down the nervousness and pointed to himself in disbelief. "…You want me to play for Konoha Uni?"

"Yes."

The blond felt his heart jump to his throat. He really didn't think he'd be scouted by Konoha University. Sure, a couple of offers were sprung his way the previous night, but they were all places he didn't feel like attending. The man before him, extended an envelope to him, Naruto took it.

"This is a formal invitation. Getting to our university would be a bit hard, but I do hope you do your best. Your talent is very much suited for us."

Having played his piece, Hatake Kakashi stood up and bowed to leave. Iruka walked him to the door of his small apartment and closed it behind him.

"IRUKA! KONOHA UNIVERSITY WANTS TO SCOUT ME!" Naruto screamed on the top of his lungs.

Iruka grinned at him and ruffled Naruto's already messy hair. "I told you, good things will come if you wait! Congratulations, Naruto!"

Naruto held the invitation and continued to jump like a monkey with a banana.

"Oh, Naruto, before I forget, Hatake-san said to give him that invitation when you enter Konoha University."

With those words, his happiness came to an abrupt stop as he remembered something.

"Iruka, Konoha university was an A-league uni, right?"

The brunet sweat dropped, he put a hand on Naruto's shoulder and encouraged. "You should start studying. Last semester you were about to fail chemistry and physics… really, go study."

With those words, Naruto groaned aloud and walked to his room. If his grades didn't allow him to enter, he'd commit suicide and play football in heaven. After all, there was no better team than Konoha Uni's on Earth!

Five months passed since Naruto was given that invitation. His grades were really bad, he had to stop everything and study twenty-four seven. But it paid off in the end, he was able to enter Konoha University with the bare minimum requirements. He applied for the Faculty of Economics, but what he really cared about was the football team. The blond's first choice was something related to sports, but his grades weren't on bar with it. Yet, when he learnt that he could change majors if his grades improved in the first year, he chose economics.

On his first day, he had some time before the welcoming ceremony for his faculty, so he headed to the football club. Running with full speed, he couldn't wait to enroll and start practice. His eyes glazed with brightness and stars played in them when he saw the field. He looked at his watch, it read nine in the morning, he saw a couple of players practicing. A match was on, Naruto felt his feet itch to go down and join, he missed running under the sun. After all, it's been five months since his last match. However, he couldn't just intrude –

Suddenly, a ball rolled to his feet. The blond blinked at the white and black ball. He looked up when a voice called.

"Sorry, can you please kick it here?" A guy with eyes as pure as waterlilies called out to him.

Naruto was mesmerized by his beauty, for a passing second, he thought he was talking to a girl – with the other having long, dark-brown hair tied into a ponytail. His brain quickly worked and he took hold of the ball. He was about to kick it to them but an idea formed in his head and he stopped his movement.

"No." Loudly and firmly, he declined.

The brunet with lilac orbs frowned at the unexpected reply. "No? why not?"

Naruto held the ball tightly and demanded. "I will give it if you allow me to play with you."

"You want to join in? but we already have enough members."

"That's my condition." He insisted.

A different player with redhead put his hand on the other's shoulder and glared at Naruto. "Leave him, Neji, we can find another ball."

The one known as Neji shook his head. "No, we will have him play. Kiba, switch with him."

From the far back, another guy with brown hair and slanted eyes protested. "What?! Why do I have to!? Let's just get another ball like Gaara suggested –"

The minute Neji glared at him, Kiba quieted down and complied like a beaten down dog. "… Fine."

Kiba took off his shirt and threw it to Naruto, stepping out the field. The blond felt his nerves flare from excitement as he stepped in. he sent a small apology the other's way and handed the ball to the one called Neji. Neji on the other hand, asked him in a puzzle.

"Why do you want to play with us?"

"I missed football." Naruto's answer was as simple as breathing.

Those lilac orbs were filled with delight in less than a second. Neji pointed to him and instructed. "Well then, Kiba's a defensive midfielder, please play accordingly."

The blond felt like asking to be a forward, an attacking midfielder or a striker was too much since he was an intruder, however, he was shameless when it came to football.

"Can I switch to a striker?"

"You have some nerves." The redhead who objected earlier spoke. Naruto just noticed that he had no brows visible, and a tattoo of the word 'love' was on his forehead. He raised a brow at the brow-less male.

"Now, now, Gaara, I like a man with ambition." Neji eased. "However, intruder-san, I must decline. We have a very capable striker."

"Then a forward." Naruto asked again.

"You!"

Neji put a hand on Gaara's chest when he was about to charge on the other. "Can't happen again, I am a very capable forward."

Naruto was about to ask to be an attacking midfielder when a different voice entered the conversation.

"You, the only position you will be given is that of Kiba, no one here is willing to give up their place. If you can't, then please give Kiba his place back so we can continue."

The voice was of a player who had sunglasses on. Naruto frowned at him, how could sunglasses be allowed in football? However, the other was right. He was being too shameless, maybe he should just keep quiet and play. After all, this wasn't his puny old team, this was Konoha University's giants.

"Fine, I apologize for my requests. Allow me to play in this position."

Neji smiled at him and clapped his hands. "Now, since everything's settled. Let's play!"

With that they continued their game. In a second, Naruto was reminded of the huge difference between him and them. He was indeed in a position that wasn't appealing to him, but in no time was it hammered into his head how hard it was to maintain it. The level everyone was playing at was beyond his belief. He was left gasping for ear in less than five minutes. Attacking, what a laugh! He couldn't even defend right; it took all his talent not to allow the ball to get past him.

Fifteen minutes later, Neji called for a break. He walked over to Naruto and kneeled beside him since the blond was on the ground catching his breath.

"Intruder-san, you brazenly asked to play as a striker, did you think we were weak? You insulted the position that was given to you, are you sure you like football?"

The words were spoken in a soft, kind tone, but they hurt like sharpened knives. Naruto felt ashamed of himself, being the ace of his team for so long made him overconfident. He forgot that there were players far better than him. Right now, under the blazing sun, he was informed of his real limits. Naruto pulled himself up and walked out the field.

As he walked, another person was coming on the field, Naruto didn't pay attention to him because his eyes were cast downwards and he was beating himself from the inside. However, a small whisper got him out his inner turmoil.

"Worthless play."

His eyes widened when he heard that word. Turning quickly, his eyes came to rest on the back of player holding number ten. Naruto could only see black hair, spiked in the end, and a confident walk. He wanted to continue to look and see what that player meant, but his phone's alarm went off. He needed to get back to the conference room, the orientation was about to start.

Naruto looked at the papers he was given and sighed. After their orientation, he was given instructions to collect some things needed for the faculty. He was still unfamiliar with the teaching methods or ways of the university, but according to one of the papers, he needed to head to hall number twenty-seven and get some schedule for something. He sighed for the umpteenth time that day, all he wanted was to go back to the football club, yet when he remembered the events of that morning, he slumped gloomily.

"You… are you alright?" A sweet voice called out to him.

Naruto was about to ask whoever intruded on his agony time to leave him be, but when he looked up and was met with the same pure looking lilac eyes of long haired player, he shrieked away. The papers in his hands fell everywhere.

Startled by his behavior, the girl who called out to him moved away and apologized. "Sorry for startling you."

Just then did Naruto realize his mistake. This wasn't the same person from that morning. This was a girl – judging from her outfit and petit form. He quickly stood up and dusted himself.

"No, It's my fault. I was rude."

The girl smiled and helped him collect the fallen papers. Not a minute later, two other girls showed up, one had a vibrantly colored pink hair with jade eyes and fair complexion, the other had blond hair, her eyes were on a lighter blue shade than Naruto's, she was extremely beautiful. Her blond hair was tied up in a high ponytail. They looked like acquaintances of the one who'd helped him.

"Hinata-chan," The one with pink hair called first. "Can you not run off on us like that?!"

"We were searching for you for ages now!" The other backed up.

Hinata sweat dropped and bowed apologetically at her friends. "So sorry, Sakura-chan, Ino-chan, I wanted to say something but you two were arguing about lunch, and he seemed troubled. So I thought I'd help him quickly then find you guys."

All eyes were on Naruto now, the blond felt pressured. "Umm… thank you, but I'm alright now, you can leave."

The girl with lilac eyes frowned, not seeing how he's alright. "Really? You're not lost? You seemed like you were running in circles earlier."

Truth be told, he had no idea where he was or where he should be, any help right now would be deeply appreciated. Nodding to her, he requested. "Then, if it's not much trouble, can you help me get to economics hall number twenty-seven?"

Ino and Sakura looked at each other, Ino asked. "You're in the economics faculty?"

"Yes, a freshman, today was orientation day." Naruto replied to her.

"Well then, it's your lucky day! Sakura here is your senpai~ She's a second year in economics faculty." The blonde introduced her friend.

Sakura smiled at him and extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Haruno Sakura, what's your name?"

Naruto grinned back at her and took her hand. "Uzumaki Naruto, nice to meet you, senpai."

"No need for that, call me Sakura. So, Naruto-kun, we were about to head for lunch, would you like to have some with us or we should first drop you off?" Sakura asked.

The blond felt his stomach grumble, actually now that he thought about it, he didn't have anything to eat since morning. Besides, getting to that hall didn't feel like it was something urgent. Shaking his head, he accepted her invitation.

"No, let's have lunch first, senpai."

"Great!" Ino cheered melodiously. "Now, let's eat~ let's eat~ let's eat some meat~"

"Mou~! Ino, your head if filled with nothing but meat!" Sakura groaned, disliking her friend's tastes.

"That's because there's nothing more delicious than meat!"

Hinata and Naruto sweat dropped as the other two girls continued bickering about what best food to eat. The blond walked with the three nice girls and decided to put the football topic to the back of his head for now.

Naruto took a deep breath, gulped then knocked on the door. He knocked three times. When the permission to enter was given, he made his presence known and walked inside the football club manager's office. Inside sat the person who had scouted him for his dream team.

"Hello, you might not remember me but I am –"

"Uzumaki Naruto-kun." The silver haired manager interrupted, "I never forget a distinguished player."

Naruto grinned at him and sat on one of the chairs provided. He pulled the invitation out of his backbag. "Here, you told me to give it back to you once I enroll."

"Yes, congratulations on passing our entrance exam. Which faculty are you in?"

"Economics."

"Aha, you don't strike me as the type for office work."

The blond shook his head. "I am not. It was the only choice attainable."

A chuckle left the manager's lips. "Well, it's all means to an end. Then Naruto-kun, let's give you a tour to the club. Today is Tuesday so you won't be able to meet our first lineup, but the second lineup is training today."

The blond knotted his brows at his words. "Excuse me, what do you mean first and second?"

"Well," Kakashi started explaining. "the system in here is a little different from normal clubs. We have three groups. A, B and C. Each group has three subdivisions, like A-1, A-2 and A-3. Of course, the top is A-1. We use different teams in different matches according to the strength of the other team. If it's a weak team, we use members from group C. If it's an intermediate team, we use group B. However, we use group A for strong opponents. The first and second lineups are within the division of each subgroup. For example, A-1 has first and second lineups and so are the rest. Over all, we have eighteen teams."

The blond's eyes widened, he didn't realize how vast and big the clubs were. He just knew how amazing the university football team was, but he had no idea it was this huge.

"Then, you must have a lot of players."

Kakashi smiled with a nod. "We have enough. However, not all of them play here. This is the main field; it's reserved for group-A members only. Group-B and Group-C have different buildings. Of course, it's within campus."

"Then… all group A plays here? A-1, A-2, and A-3? With their respective lineups?"

"Yes."

Something inside Naruto's head twirled and he questioned. "Then, manager, which group will I be in?"

The silver haired male stood up and walked towards the door. "We need to test you to know. Now, please, come with me."

Naruto didn't need to be told twice. They left the big office and the blond was taken through corridors until finally, he was within a white room. He was a little bit scared but the silver haired male assured him that everything is well. Naruto thought his 'test' would mean he'd be assessed in an actual match and for his strength to be determined, but that wasn't it. He was placed on machines – a treadmill, a bicycle and some foreign gears that he has never seen before – and strings were latched onto his body. At one point, the blond felt his head hurt.

The blue eyed male spent the whole day cooped inside that room with only a microphone telling him to do certain acts. In the middle of everything, Hatake-san had disappeared. Finally, the voice told him to take a rest and get dressed. Naruto obliged. When he was leaving the white room, a door to his right was opened and a woman in a lab-coat exited. The first thing he noticed was her big breasts, then the slim body and the two pigtails that were extending down her cleavage. He blushed and turned away from her caramel like eyes.

"Uzumaki-kun,"

His ears sharpened at the voice, it was the voice that was giving him instructions for a while. "…You!"

"My name's Senju Tsunade, I'm the head of medical unit in here. I was the one responsible for assessing your abilities."

Naruto quickly straightened himself up and all the insults that he wanted to voice were chocked. If this woman was the one to determine his fate, then he couldn't be rude to her. He mustered all the respect in his life and offered it to her. Bowing first, he sheepishly rubbed his head.

"Nice to meet you, sensei. So how were my results?"

She fixed the glasses on her nose and said. "I have sent my report to Kakashi. He'd be the one to dedicate where you should be best placed. Good evening."

With that, she walked away. Naruto sighed. He really didn't have any say in this, but from what he knew, Kakashi was fascinated with his skills, so he'd probably be placed in group A or B. However, the team he played with the previous time had some crazy skills, were they from group A? His manager had said that this was where group A practices, so it meant they were players from it. The blond felt his blood burns, how much he wished to be in group A! He really needed a rematch! He wanted to prove himself again to them. To be booed off like that felt bad. They still haven't seen his full potential!

With that mindset, Naruto walked out the door heading to his apartment complex. For after all, it was a long day.

"You'd be placed in Group-C."

Naruto was about to fall from his chair when he received the news. Kakashi nodded unfazed.

"You're not in shape for group A nor B. Your best place is C, for now."

"But! But! That's the lousy one! I want to be in group A! I want to play strong teams!" Naruto protested, disliking the place he was given.

"I'm sorry, but your results don't permit –"

"Manager, you can't honestly measure a person's worth with machines! Allow me to play in the field! I will show you what I've got!"

Kakashi sighed and shook his head. "My decision wasn't just based on Tsunade's calculations; I did see you play. A week ago you played with group-A members. You couldn't even last good fifteen minutes, Naruto. How about a whole game? We take the finest of the fine. Right now, you're not that. You need to go and polish your skills some more. Besides, you're in Group C-1, first lineup, it's not that bad. You might learn something new."

The blond felt embarrassed at his overestimation of his abilities. However, he didn't comply and asked again. "Manager, I still think you're making the wrong decision here."

"I don't think I am."

"Then, if you're so confident, how about a bet?" Naruto challenged, eyes filled with fire.

Kakashi raised a bow, it's been a while since someone disobeyed him. "What do you have in mind?"

"If I was able to get group C-1, first lineup to win against group A-3, second lineup, you have to get me in group A-1, first lineup!"

"Hmm… win against group A-2, second lineup and I'll get you into Group A-2, second lineup."

The blond frowned. "That's not what I want."

"That's what I have. Take it or leave it." Kakashi insisted with a calm tone.

Naruto thought about it hard for a while then nodded, extending a hand. "Fine! You have yourself a bet!"

Hatake Kakashi grasped his hand. A smirk forming on his lips, it's been a while since he felt such trills. Really, scouting Uzumaki Naruto was indeed a right decision.

The blond honestly thought that since he was able to pull his team of weaklings – back in high school – to the finals, then winning against this group A-2, second lineup would be a piece of cake. However, when he met his teammates, he knew it won't be an easy job. It wasn't because their level was bad, no mind you, their level was top notch! If Naruto didn't know better, he'd think they were group-A not C.

Which led to his current ordeal, if this was how group C-1, first lineup is, then how about Group A-2, second lineup? How strong would it be? His deadline for the match was a month away. In a month, could he be able to fight against Group A? Naruto sighed as his brain overheated. He needed to think hard and fast about this. This was his golden chance to work his way to the group he wanted to play in.

That's why he befriended his current teammates, honestly, they were all good guys. When he told them about the upcoming practice match, they didn't shriek away nor say he was arrogant about placing a bet and forcing their hands. No, they cheered and were full of enthusiasm. Some claimed that they were bored of always fighting against weak teams, they wanted a real match with real strong opponents for once, so they all took the practice game seriously. The blond was happy to get such collaboration from them.

To beat a strong opponent, one needs to know its strength and weaknesses. A fly can kill a lion simply by entering its ear. That's why Naruto made sure to observe the players of group A-2, second lineup carefully. He made a note about the type of maneuvers they employed, their way of playing and the formations they used. He also worked hard to determine the loopholes. It was exhausting and even though he was helped by his teammates, the blond felt that winning would be very hard.

Group A-2, second lineup used defense as means to win. They were known as the Wall of Iron. Naruto cringed when he learnt the name. He needed to break that wall to win, something that was hard to do with the current power provided. Amidst trying out different methods, the blond felt he hit a dead-end. Sighing, he closed off his laptop and walked out his room. He found Iruka watching some comedy show and plopped besides him.

"Iruka, I'm stuck." He complained with a pout. "My mind's empty. I don't think we can win."

Iruka put the cup of hot chocolate off his hands. "Are you giving up?"

Naruto puffed his cheeks. "You know I don't give up!"

"Then, stop complaining. There's no such thing as impossible, Naruto. The players you will face are humans, they have weakness, you just need to think of how to use their weaknesses against them without them realizing you are."

The blond knotted his brows. "What do you mean? What does it matter if they realized it?"

"Let's say you have torn shorts that you love wearing, you have no idea there's a tear in the shorts. Then one day I point it out, what would you do?"

"I'll fix it."

Iruka nodded to him. "That's why. If they realized you're using their weaknesses against them, they will fix them before you get a chance to exploit them. A great wall can crumble in seconds if you remove the right stone. Think of their weakest link and concentrate your attacks there."

Naruto put a hand under his chin and started thinking. This Wall of Iron formation worked because they were all working as unit. They secured the ball behind a wall, then moved as an entity while passing the ball between them inside the wall. It was risky, because they were leaving their goal without protection. However, they had a seventy-eight success rate with that formation. So… what they needed to do is use the weakness, what was the obvious weakness? The goal without protection.

How would they use that?

"For today, how about you get some sleep. It's already past twelve. You have school tomorrow."

The blond nodded and walked to his room. "Thanks, Iruka. I think I'm close to something."

"Anytime, Naruto."

Naruto ran to the right side of the field, kicking the ball to the player who was unmarked. He prayed that his plan succeeds, right now, they were able to block five attempts at scoring. The defense was doing their job right. At times, he had some doubts if his players would be able to hold their own against the distinguished group-A2, however, within thirteen minutes of the first half, his worries evaporated. Nonetheless, they lost two goals. The score was now 2-0. The first half had passed and they were down to the second one. Naruto wished they hadn't lost those two goals, yet he didn't give it any mind. He was still determined on causing a huge wave and turning the tables. His plan was about to start, forty-five minutes to determine if he'd level up or stay in his place.

The highlight of his plan were the last fifteen minutes, he would score three goals and win the game. How? It all relied on stamina. The blond grinned upon envisioning his victory.

Naruto noticed another big hole in the Wall of Iron formation. All the players would go for the attack –leaving only three to defend the goal – meaning they would be exhausted running back and forth through the 120 meters' field. Of course, it's a universal knowledge that the players chosen to attack and the midfielders held more stamina than the defenders. Yet, group A-2 was making a strategy relying on the defense partaking in the attack. Naruto wasn't sure if they were too conceited or simply never paid attention to this little hole in their formation, whatever the reason, it weakened their defense area. What Naruto wanted to do was secure the ball, and by no means possible allow the other team to steal it, get it to the weakened area of the defense and wait until all members of the other team were on his team's side of the field.

As the blond watched his teammates follow his strategy to a tee, he raised his voice when all pieces were in place and called. "NOW!"

"The ball was stolen!" Kiba whistled from the sidelines, excitement visible in his voice. "Wait! There's no one to defend over there!"

Kiba, Neji and Gaara were sitting on the benches overseeing the practice game, the events of the match were announced clearly for them the previous night. They had an interest to know who was daring enough to bet with their manager. When they saw the blond, it somehow made sense to them. The three couldn't forget the audacity of the blond intruder, whom they now identified as Uzumaki Naruto. Indeed, he had skills, but almost every player in Konoha University football club did. There was nothing special about that. Yet, the little freshman was acting all high and mighty that Neji decided he needed to be taught a lesson. When he recalled the look of devastation on Uzumaki Naruto's face that morning, the long haired brunet chuckled inwardly.

On the field, Naruto was able to receive the long pass and with nerves of steel, he headed to the goal. It wasn't hard for him to pass the weak defense. He could hear the captain of the opposite team call the players to return, he smirked, it was too late for that. The blond raised his left leg and kicked the ball with all his emotions. Not a second later, the referee called a goal in their favor. With their first goal scored, his teammates cheered the success. Naruto grinned and accepted the cheers, however, it was still too early for them to rejoice. He eyed the time and urged them to move fast, two more goals to go.

"He's not bad." Gaara spoke after much silence. "However, it would be hard to exploit the weak defense again. Look, they are already changing their formation."

True to his words group A-2, second lineup changed into a different formation. The blond smirked when he saw it, this was what he'd hoped for. He was able to get them to discard the Wall of Iron formation. Now, he just needed one thing. The blond called over one of the players known for his speed and quick-feet. This player lacked stamina unfortunately so Naruto wanted to save him for the last goal, however, they needed him now – he was their 'winning card'. The blue eyed male told the player to move to the position of a striker while their team defended.

The game resumed and Naruto's team was on defense mode. The captain of his team was able to snatch the ball, sending it around, Naruto's second plan was to distract the members of the opposite team. He'd direct all attention to him, right now, the opposite team was probably thinking he was the most dangerous member. This would give time to his 'winning card' to get close enough to score. His plan worked perfectly, the players of group A-2 were all thinking he'd be the one to score. They kept a tight hold on him, actually it was even hard to pass the ball to anyone, but Naruto was tenacious enough. He was able to maneuver his way and send the ball flying to his 'winning card'.

The security around the goal was very tight, they were caught by surprise when they saw a different player aim to score. Their reactions weren't as fast as his feet though, the player was able to evade them without getting hindered, making Naruto proud he chose him. A few seconds later, a goal was called in. Naruto fisted his hands in victory. There was five minutes left to the end of the game, he was sure the other team would most likely attack vigorously to get the upper hand. After all, two goals in their net from a lower-ranking team were humiliating.

As the referee whistled, group A-2, second lineup attacked like a flood. Naruto's team wasn't able to hold them in place, in fact, it felt like their full potential was released right at that moment. The blond was getting desperate simply getting the ball away from them, however, when dread was entering his system, the sound of the captain of his team calling his name woke him up. This wasn't his old high school team, he wasn't fighting alone, true he had alternative motives, but everyone here was doing their best. They wanted to win against a worthy opponent. He raised his face and saw the desperation on the faces of the other team. They were also doing their hardest wanting to win, it wasn't because the goals in their net made their pride shatter, no, his mindset was misguided. Those players held pride in their way of playing, they didn't want to see that ruined.

Naruto felt a sudden surge of power run through his core. He didn't know what it was, but his stamina returned in a flash and he ran with full force to the other goal. Grinning like a content fox, he felt happy. This excitement, thrill and exhilaration was only in football! The zest he felt as he broke through the tackles and got to the center made his heart fly. His blue orbs shined brightly as he was met with the captain of the other team.

"GOOO, NARUTO, SCORE!"

He heard his teammates yell from behind him, Naruto's heart beat faster and he knew, he needed to score right then. The captain of the other team was a man with a huge built. Getting around him wasn't easy, the blond used a technique he practiced alone. In fact, he never planned to use it in this game – because it wasn't perfect yet – but desperate times called for desperate measures. Twirling the ball behind his back, he used the millisecond the captain's attention was on it and ran past him. The ball twirled in the air and shot forward, Naruto was laying in wait for it. All eyes were shocked at the marvelous scene. Naruto quickly and without hesitation kicked the ball. The guard rushed desperately trying to protect his goal, yet it was too late, Naruto's kick was like a flaming ball, it penetrated without stopping.

Not a second later, the referee whistled calling the game to an end. Needless to say, everyone was in shock. Who would have guessed that group C would be able to win against the distinguished group A? the practice game was called to an end with that, the winning team hugged and cried in joy. The small field was filled with the excited and shocked cheers of group C members. Group A's team got over their shock quickly and congratulated their rivals. After all, winning or losing never meant to discard good sports spirt.

Naruto was approached by the captain of the losing team, the man had a loud voice matching his build. "Uzumaki-kun, I must say, I enjoyed our practice match today very much. You showed me something new."

The blond took hold of the hand extended to him and grinned. "I'm glad you feel that way. Playing against you was an honor."

They bowed to each other and the captain was on his way, he called his players and they disappeared behind the benches. Naruto watched his teammates celebrate and dance, they were getting ready to leave to start a party. He was about to leave with them when someone called out to him. His azure orbs turned to see three young men waving at him.

"Uzumaki Naruto-kun, our rude intruder. You played very well today." Neji spoke with a playful tone, standing in front of the blond.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, he felt he should apologize at his last behavior but stopped himself when he realized he was complemented. "…T-Thank you!"

"Don't mention it."

"Man, how did you get the ball to rotate in mid-air like that!?" Kiba was beside him in seconds, canines showing due to his excitement.

Naruto sweat-dropped at the close proximity and backed off a few steps. "Err… it's a technique I have been developing… it's not complete yet though..."

"Awesome! It was like that and it's not even complete!" The dog-lover's eyes sparkled and he barked. "You have to teach me!"

Just when the blond was about to raise complains, Neji held the other by the ear and drew him away. With a tiny glare, he scolded.

"Kiba! What did I say about personal space?"

Like a dejected dog, the brown haired male spoke. "Not to invade it."

"Good boy, now stop troubling people with your noisiness."

"Neji, we need to go." Beside the lilac eyed male stood the redhead who was about to chew Naruto's ears back then. His voice was very calm and tranquil right now, the blond had to wonder if he really was the same person.

"Ah, we do, don't we?" He turned to Naruto and smiled. "Well them Uzumaki-kun, I hope we meet soon."

Just before the three walked out of his viewfinder, Naruto called. "Wait! It's not fair, you know who I am and I don't know you."

Neji smiled at him, he stopped his movement and introduced. "True. I'm Hyuuga Neji, this loud one over here is Inuzuka Kiba and this quiet one is Sabaku Gaara. Bye now, Uzumaki-kun."

The blond nodded at them. Having introduced themselves, the three left afterwards, leaving the blond to his musings. He quickly got out of the field and followed after his teammates, in the end, today they were celebrating!

"Alright, Naruto-kun, you have secured yourself a spot in group A-2, second lineup –"

"I want to be on the same team as Hyuuga Neji, Sabaku Gaara and Inuzuka Kiba, sir!" Naruto excitedly interrupted Kakashi.

Raising a think silver brow, the adult of the two put a hand under his chin. "You want to be in Group A-1, first lineup?"

"So, they really were the best!" The blond had stars in his eyes. "I do! Please, allow me to be in that group!"

"Listen here, Naruto, I admit I was acting on emotions when I accepted your bet, there won't be a second time. Our first lineup is distinguished; you can't keep up. That's why I have to refuse. You will stick to your current team. Maybe if you improve –"

"Manager! That's not good! I need to be on that team! What can I do so you'd say yes?"

Kakashi sighed, he could feel a headache forming, the idiot before him was obstinate. However, he wasn't about to let him have his way simply because he was stubborn.

"Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do. Now, get out. I have more urgent business than you. Go great your captain and teammates. Shoo, shoo."

The blond puffed his cheeks and walked out, he wasn't happy about the team he was given but it was still better than group C. At least he was in the leading group. As Naruto was walking out of Kakashi's office, he stumbled upon a person. Quickly apologizing, the cheerful tone of Hyuuga Neji met his ears.

"Uzumaki-kun! We seem to be meeting a lot these days. What brings you here?"

Naruto grinned at him and answered. "I had a bet with manager. He moved me to group A-2, second lineup. But I wanted to be in your team."

Neji blinked. "You want to be in the first lineup? Well, there's nothing wrong with ambition. You have talent, Uzumaki-kun, but I'm afraid that alone won't get you to our team."

"Yeah," Dejectedly, he commented. "Manager Kakashi agrees with you."

A melodious chuckle was given to him. "Well then, there might be a way for you to get what you want."

"I can't place another bet, he already refused."

"No, I'm not talking about that. You see, manager Kakashi loves reading this particular series. For a while now, he's been searching for the missing volume nine. If you were able to obtain it, you can bargain it for a place in our team."

Naruto's face glowed and he put his hands on Neji's shoulders. "Please, tell me, where can I find it?"

The long haired brunet sweat dropped, apparently not only Kiba had problems maintaining people's personal spaces. "If I knew, I would have told you. However, unfortunately Ichi Ichi Paradise had been discontinued for a while now. I'm not even sure if the author is alive or not. However, I heard he made a few copies of volume nine. So, Uzumaki-kun, do your best finding it!"

The blond scowled but agreed to what he was being told. "Alright, I will do my best. Thank you very much for your assistance."

Neji waved at him. "Don't mention it, I also want you on our team. You have a spark that would fit perfectly with us."

Since it'd been a while since someone told him he belonged to the top, Naruto felt tears of happiness trek down his face. Really, the one before him was an angel in disguise. He was about to threw himself on the other hugging the life out of him when a pale hand extended, holding him in place. Naruto blinked and was met with fierce jade orbs.

"Stay away from Neji."

The words were clear and laced with venom. Naruto shuddered and moved away in seconds. Sabaku Gaara stood three inches close – than needed – to Neji. The blond blinked another time.

"Gaara," Neji started, already rolling his eyes. "Stop being a protective hen. Uzumaki-kun wasn't doing anything to me."

"Hn."

The atmosphere was getting awkward so Naruto tried to change the topic, suddenly something came to the forefront of his brain. "Umm… there's something I wanted to know, which faculty are you in, Hyuuga-san?"

"Oh, I'm in the Faculty of Medicine, I'm a third year. Gaara here is in Architecture, he's a second year. How about you? I haven't seen you before so you must be a freshman."

Naruto nodded to them. "Yes, I'm in the Faculty of Economics, first year."

"Then, we are your senpais." Neji smirked. "Show respect, Naruto-kun."

Upon the mentioning of his first name the blond sweat dropped. However, before he was able to reply, someone called with a loud voice.

"Someone, anyone, help!"

The three discarded their conversation and ran towards the voice, on the field of Group-A three players were fighting. Fists out and growling. Neji ran to break the fight with Gaara tailing him, Naruto stood at a distance and watched. Neji was yelling at the three and forcibly broke them apart. He started scolding them and in the middle of his lecture, one of the players scoffed and walked away.

"SASUKE! Stop right there!" Neji yelled at the top of his lungs. "Don't you dare walk away from me!"

Naruto looked at the one called 'Sasuke', he was wearing the number 10 shirt. His profile was somehow familiar. Naruto's eyes widened when he saw the chicken-butt hair and he remembered, soon a set of unfamiliar emotions twirled inside his stomach. This was the one who had called him 'worthless' that morning. Alongside his stomach, his heart stung. Naruto noticed the bruises and the effects of the fight starting to show vividly on this player's pale complexion. He caught himself staring without meaning to and quickly changed his line of vision before getting caught.

"There's no need for me to stay here, Neji. They were acting like idiots and I reformed them. End of the story." The black haired male justified, tone very quiet.

The two other players were about to start another fight but Neji's glare was enough to root them in place.

"You aren't animals and this isn't a zoo! If there's something you have to say to them, use your words not your fists! Or come to me, I'm the captain, it's my job to fix problems!"

"Hn."

Everyone could see how disinterested the black eyed male was. Gaara saw Neji about to lose his temper and slowly walked to calm him down. Everyone – except Naruto – knew how awful Neji was once his temper was lost.

"Neji, let him go. We will solve this quietly." With that soothing tone, Gaara was able to calm the raging brunet. After all, no one wanted another fight that day.

"Fine!"

Sasuke took that as a sign that he could leave and that he did. Naruto watched as Neji calmed down and questioned the other two about what had happened. Apparently, the two were playing against each other, they were trying a new technique and in the middle of that, their ball fell on Sasuke's head. They apologized but it continued to happen two more times, in which Sasuke lost his cool and called them 'losers who have zero control on the ball'. Of course, they didn't take the insult lying down and insulted him back, this led to that, and a fight broke out.

Neji sighed once the events have been recited to him. "You both know he has a bad mouth! Ignore him!"

One of the players growled. "Neji, no man can take insults easily! Sasuke-kun went overboard!"

"Lee, please, next time, ignore him. This only brings troubles."

Lee frowned, Naruto was able to get a good look at him and he stifled a laugh. His face was as round as the moon, he had round eyes and his hair resembled a bowl. The distinguished form of his eyebrows and their thickness left a mark on his memory.

"Why not tell him to fix his attitude then, Neji?" The one beside Lee spoke, it was the guy who was wearing sunglasses back then. Naruto could see the dent in them, he was amazed that even during a fight this one refused to take them off, what if he was injured?

"Shino, I have told him millions of times before, he's stubborn and won't change. We have to accept him like that."

"Like a jerk?"

"Like a jerk." He confirmed.

"By the way, I wanted to ask this for a while, but who is he?" Lee directed an accusing finger Naruto's way, the blond smiled sheepishly.

Neji sighed, having forgotten the presence of Naruto and replied. "Naruto-kun, I forgot you were there, please excuse our mess. I hope this doesn't make you change your mind about joining us."

The blond shook his head. "I don't mind fights. I throw some good punches myself."

At the proud tone, Neji sweat-dropped. "…That's not what I meant."

"Neji, who's he? Who's he? Who's he~?" Lee chanted annoying the long haired brunet.

"His name is Uzumaki Naruto, currently he's a new member in A-2's second lineup, but he wants to play in our team."

Lee's eyes blazed with energy. "You're Naruto-kun?! Kiba told me about you! You did an awesome youthful move at that practice game I hear. Man, I wish I attended!"

The blond grinned like a fox at the complement. This Lee guy wasn't such a bad person. "Don't worry, when I get into your team, I will show you how I did it!"

"Great! I'll hold you to that promise."

Neji rubbed his head, feeling a headache forming. The guys he was in charge of were all a bunch of buffoons, knew zero common sense and actually, sometimes he felt like the zoo keeper not the captain of a distinguished football team. He sighed for the umpteenth time that day and clapped his hands.

"Alright, enough chit-chats. Lee and Shino go to the nurse's office and treat those wounds. Naruto-kun, I don't mean to sound rude, but shouldn't you go report to your new team captain? It's getting late already."

Upon those words, the blond checked his watch and really, it was about to become noon, he had a lecture at one. There was no time to idle around. Saying his goodbyes, he flew to the A-2's second lineup field, he hoped he'd still find the captain there.

"Hmm, I'm not too sure, but I will ask around." Iruka answered as he put the dishes on the table.

Naruto nodded with a smile. "That's all I want."

"Tomorrow morning I'll call my editor; he used to work in the literature department. Even if he doesn't know it, he might know someone who does."

"It's my only chance, Iruka. Manager Kakashi is hard headed. If only he'd allow me to be on A-1 first lineup~" Naruto groaned taking a spoonful of rice.

"Don't forget, Naruto, it's not fair to everyone else if you were handed up the first place without working for it."

"But I heard some of the people he scouted were enrolled there immediately."

"Their tests probably qualified them, yours didn't." The brunet argued logically.

Scowling, his son stuffed his mouth full. "I hate tests!"

Iruka smiled warmly as they continued eating dinner. He worked as a mangaka for the local magazine. Actually, he wasn't all that famous and his work had never sold out, but he was satisfied with where he was. Iruka was able to provide well for himself and Naruto. Their small apartment was just enough for them. He raised Naruto to know that money wasn't everything, there were more important things in life. Love, respect, and perseverance. As he watched the young blond grow up to be a fine young man, Iruka knew he raised him well. Naruto was courageous, outspoken and kind. He defended the weak and refused to betray anyone. Maybe the only real downside was Naruto's unnatural passion and love for football.

Iruka snickered to himself when he started reminiscing. The first day he bought Naruto a football was like watching a Christmas tree lit up. Naruto named his ball and even slept with it. It was his first friend. Before Iruka decided to pursue his dream of being a mangaka, he was a normal salaryman and worked a desk job from eight to five. Sometimes he'd have to leave for business trips and Naruto would be forced to stay alone. That was something that Iruka hated. There was no one out there that would look after Naruto.

Both Naruto's parents died in a tragic car accident when Iruka was still in university. He was close friends with them. When Naruto was put for adoption, he did his best to get custody. There were no relatives alive who wanted him. Iruka wasn't granted full custody until he was fully out of school and held a proper job. Naruto was ten at the time. Iruka would always visit him at the orphanage, he didn't want Naruto to think he was abandoned. The little blond was as strong as he let on.

Iruka found himself ruffling Naruto's golden hair, a habit that grew on him since the blond was young.

"Iruka, what's wrong? You're not eating."

"Nothing, I was thinking about the past."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Well, eat. There's nothing for you to think about. I still remember the days of poverty when you first started your career shift."

The brunet laughed. "Yeah, we barely had one meal a day."

"It was AWFUL! I wore the same shoes until it tore! I remember one of my old teammates offered me his brand new ones in a game," Naruto shuddered at the memory. "I felt so humiliated."

"Sorry, Naruto, thank you for putting up with it."

The blond grinned, eating like there was no tomorrow. "No, you don't need to apologize, it was fun. Besides, you were happy to change to your dream. You know I will always support you~"

Iruka returned the grin. "Yes, you always support me, my lovely son."

"Enough mushy stuff, now eat, your food has gotten cold!" Naruto scolded playfully.

The brunet nodded and held his chopsticks, slowly, he started eating. Thanking the heavens for giving him Naruto to raise.

# Chapter Two#

Author's Notes

Hello, everyone, there have been problems with this chapter, I tried everything for it to show, this is my last option, I hope it appears.

"Naruto-kun! I didn't know you had class in this hall." Haruno Sakura called from a far as she made her way to him.

Naruto's face lit up when he saw her, He walked and met her half way. Smiling, the blond's replied. "Senpai, yeah, today we are having…hmm… what was it again? Financial accounting or whatever… it's something math related."

His tone depleted at the end, Sakura chuckled. "Naruto-kun, you don't seem to like economics very much, why did you enroll here?"

"Because my grades got me here." He didn't even lie to save face.

Sakura laughed outright this time. "Well, I appreciate your honesty. Economics isn't that bad. It's a world with different branches and not that hard to pass. You just need to find your passion ummm … I guess in your case, find the easiest branch in it and go there."

"I don't want to; I want to change to another major. Something sport's related."

"Oh, yes, you said you play football? Are you in our university's team?"

The blond nodded enthusiastically, Sakura even thought his head would pop out of place. "It's the reason why I enrolled here! Konoha Uni's football team is legendary!"

"Is that so?" She smiled, adding the new information to her mind. "Well, then if you want to change majors, I think you need to pass first year first. Most majors have the same basic course, everything changes in the second year where you take courses specific to your line of study. Anyhow, I advise to stick to economics, you might like it."

"Advice taken. Do you have a class right now?"

A faint blush showed on the girl's cheek, she shook her head. "No, no, actually… err…"

Naruto blinked at her odd answer. "Sakura-senpai?"

"I'm going to the Faculty of Business Administration. Actually, why don't you tag along?" Sakura offered with an embarrassed smile.

The blond wasn't given time to react as he was dragged head first with her. Once they entered the building of the faculty, Naruto had to shriek away from the loud squeals and herd of girls, pushing him from right to left. He blinked when Sakura's eyes turned into hearts and her grip on his hand tightened. Not knowing what was happening, he looked to where the girls were squealing. Over to the right, standing like prince charming was none other than the troublesome guy known as 'Sasuke'.

The bruises on his face had disappeared, giving Naruto full view to handsome and cool features. His dark hair fell into the sides of his face, it demarcated the sharp structure to a tee. Naruto was jolted from his admiration when Sakura dragged him further into the crowd. He felt his stomach turn at the collection of perfumes and heavy makeup girls were wearing, the blond disliked crowds. He was getting dizzy and wondered if those girls were coming for the jerk.

He found himself raising a brow at the female gender. True the jerk had a nice face, but was this all that mattered? Girls based their attraction on looks? Naruto wrinkled his nose in disgust, how superficial was that? One of the girls pushed him away violently, and was about to start shouting at him to get the hell out when Sakura stood in her way and defended him. The blond wanted to tell her that it's not a problem, but Sakura was angrily defending. Sighing, he moved to the sidelines when suddenly, a huge brawl broke between the girls. Naruto wasn't sure if he was the fire that lit the candle or they just wanted to fight.

The blond felt a hand tug at his shirt then haul him away from the scene. He blinked as unexpectedly, he was forced to run once more. The sun blinded his vision and he wasn't able to make up who was dragging him, but he was finally away from the strong collection of perfumes. Besides, the one dragging him had amazing stamina. It'd been a while since he was forced to run so fast. Finally, the feet before his stopped moving and he was let go of.

Catching his breath, Naruto was finally able to get a good look at his abductor. His azure orbs widened when he was met with cool onyx ones.

"Why were you following me?"

The simple sentence was a little hard for his brain to register. He looked puzzled at 'Sasuke', before tilting his head in confusion. "I beg your pardon?"

As the black haired male snorted, those black orbs of his become fiercer. "You have been tailing me for a while now, first in the field and now you come to my faculty? What do you want? What's your motive?"

A vein inside the blond's head popped at this. This jerk, he was so conceited that he thought the world revolved around him!? How dare he!? Just because a bunch of stupid girls treated him like celebrity, he thought he was important!? Even going as far as to think Naruto was stalking him!?

The blond glared and breathed fire, before spatting viciously. "Now, listen here, asshole, no one has been tailing your stinky ass! Everything was a goddamn COINSIDANCE! I didn't even know you went to business faculty! I was dragged there! Actually, if there's someone doing something bad, it's you! You abducted me here!"

The black haired male seemed to be taken aback by the other's words. A look of puzzlement crossed his face then it turned back to the initial coolness. Coughing the awkwardness of the situation away, he turned his back to Naruto and spoke.

"Fine, then it's an honest mistake."

With that, 'Sasuke' was planning on walking away, but Naruto had other plans.

"Wait!" He called out. "Don't think you will leave just like that!"

The black haired male turned with annoyed eyes, not seeing a reason why he was being stopped. "What do you want? I admitted I was mistaken."

"That's not enough!"

"It is to me." Onyx orbs glared.

"When you accuse someone of something bad, you should apologize." Naruto returned his glare, standing his place. "That's common sense."

Scoffing, Sasuke ignored him and started walking away, not even dignifying Naruto with an answer. Naruto didn't speak another word either but started walking beside him. If the other thought he was tailing him, then he'd tail him for real! At least then, he'd be accused of something he was actually doing. It was childish, he wasn't acting his age, but the raven haired male was very irritating. He refused to apologize after doing something so small, what type of upbringing did he have?

Sasuke tried to act as if the blond didn't exist but it got annoying. He sped up his steps, Naruto did the same. He jogged, Naruto followed. Finally, he broke into a run. Needless to say, Naruto ran beside him. Sasuke was so irritated that his legs moved like crazy. Naruto out of sheer will didn't miss him. He didn't want to lose to the jerk in running if possible. If this 'Sasuke' person thought of himself as a big deal, then he'd be the one to smack him back to Earth!

Sasuke took a sharp turn to the right, Naruto didn't lose him. They ran for good half an hour until finally, they couldn't keep up the speed and its decreased. Coming to a stroll and then barely being able to walk straight. Naruto was really going all out.

"Enough, leave me alone, go away!" Sasuke blurted in between gasps.

"I won't! apologize!" Naruto insisted stubbornly.

A vein inside Sasuke's head throbbed and he growled. "I'm not apologizing! Stop following me or I'll call the cops!"

Naruto smirked at the lousy threat. "And tell them what? 'hello, come save me, I can't save myself, I'm a little kid who doesn't even know when to apologize'"

That flared the black haired male more and he pulled on Naruto's collar. "Shut up, you worthless piece of shit! I won't apologize because there is nothing to apologize for!"

"You called me a stalker!" Naruto spat out "That's rude!".

"I didn't!"

"Well, you said something along those lines! It means the same thing!"

Sasuke frowned at the stupid logic. "Why do you care so much for this apology?"

"Because it's good manners. When you do something wrong, you apologize!" The blond insisted on his strict mindset.

The raven haired male let go of him and sighed. Honest to God, it was his first time coming in contact with someone more stubborn than he was. Why would a college student care about manners? They weren't grade school children who followed the rules. However, as he took a glance at those vibrant azure orbs, he felt his heart thump. Suddenly, he was irritated again. His emotions weren't stable, what was going on here?

"Listen, I need to go back to class, and I'm sure you need to get back to your girlfriend –"

"Girlfriend?" Naruto blinked, scowling. "Who?"

"The pink haired girl who was with you. I saw you coming in together." Sasuke found himself replying.

Naruto shook his head at his wrong assumptions. "Sakura-senpai? She's not my girlfriend, she's my friend. And seeing how she's head over heels in love with you, I don't think she'd appreciate you thinking she's taken."

Sasuke rolled his eyes at him and growled again. "Who cares about you or her. Listen! I am not apologizing period. Now, you can tail me all you want, but that won't change anything."

For the umpteenth time that day, Sasuke turned away from Naruto wanting to leave. This time though, Naruto extended his hand to stop him, but a stone tripped him, he grabbed the closest thing to him – which was Sasuke's shirt and pulled him down. Unfortunately, what both of them didn't realize was that they were standing on a trail beside the river. As both of them rolled down and splashed hard, falling into the weak streamed river, Naruto sheepishly looked at the other.

With a smile that conveyed his utmost emotions, he apologized. "…I'm sorry."

The only reply he got was Sasuke standing up and storming away. This time, Naruto didn't stop or try to follow him.

The blond covered his face from embarrassment, the girl on his right was laughing so hard tears were falling from her eyes. He sent a small glare to her.

"Ino-Senpai, I don't think it's that funny." He protested, wishing she's pick up on his dissatisfaction and stop laughing.

"Oh God, Naruto, it is!" She slammed the table unable to maintain her laughter.

The blond buffed his cheeks and looked to the other two girls sitting, Sakura was chuckling softly, while Hinata was stifling her laugh, her shoulders were going up and down. Not wanting to hurt his feelings most probably, but it was obvious she was amused. Naruto told them about the little accident he had with the jerk Sasuke. It was after Sakura had questioned where he'd vanished to that other day. Sighing, he wished he could delete everything from his memory.

"Well, Naruto-kun, look at the bright side," Hinata spoke with a cheerful tone, having had enough laughter. "You clarified yourself. He doesn't think you're stalking him anymore."

"Senpai… that's hardly a silver lining. He still hasn't apologized. His personality sucks."

"That's part of his charm, Naruto." Sakura spoke, already entering fangirl more. "You might not know this, but we love bad boys. The thought of changing him to the better and fixing his bad behavior is to die for!"

"Or when he's rude to the whole world and gentle with only you~" Ino added, copying Sakura and changing to fangirl mode.

The two squealed at their fantasies. Naruto simply looked with disgust at them. "Well, I take someone with good manners over a jerk like him any day."

"Well, you're not a girl, now are you?" Ino smirked.

"Anyway, everyone, let's forget about Sasuke-kun for now." Hinata cut in to smooth the atmosphere. "how about we order now? I'm getting hungry."

"I want deluxe ramen." Naruto answered her.

Sakura rolled her eyes at him. "You always get ramen, change for a day."

"I love ramen, why change?"

They ended up ordering their lunch, the main cafeteria of Konoha-Uni was famous all around for it's delicious delicacies. It wasn't like normal university cafeterias, no, it had dishes that made first rate restaurants put to shame. Naruto still like Ichiraku ramen better though. He was a loyal person. About thirty minutes later, all their orders were placed in front of them. However, before any could dig in, a shadow hovered over them. The three girls looked up at the intruder to their feast. Sakura and Ino were in shock when they saw the person of their gossip stand behind Naruto.

The blond was oblivious to all that and munched happily on his ramen. Yet when a pale hand stopped him, he looked up as well. Blinking, he nervously gulped his noodles down then asked.

"You… why are you here?"

"Come with me." Sasuke's words were as curt as ever.

"No, I am eating." Naruto stubbornly objected, not liking the way he was being ordered.

"I don't want to do this, as well, but you're being called."

"By whom?"

The raven haired male felt annoyed. "Manager Kakashi. But tell you what, don't come, I'll just tell him that your lunch is more important than football."

Naruto got up so fast, Sakura thought he would break a bone. "I'm up, I'm up. Let's go!"

The three girls watched in awe as their friend was snatched in front of their eyes.

Kakashi fixed his necktie and walked towards Naruto, the blond was sitting comfortably on one of the chairs in his office. With a cunning smile, the silver haired manager asked. "Naruto-kun, I heard you have volume nine of Ichi Ichi Paradise."

Naruto immediately smirked. Apparently the news traveled to his manager's ears fast. It hadn't been two days since Iruka's editor was able to secure them a copy. Seemingly, the author of the series, Jiraiya-san, was one of Iruka's fans. Once he heard the brunet was looking for one of his books, he was more than happy to provide a copy. The brunet was startled to know he had such fans, who knew his comedic low-grade manga had such distinguished readers.

This was his time; this was where he is to bargain for a spot in A-1. "Manager, it won't be that easy."

"Don't tell me you want a trade?" Kakashi scowled, feeling that attaining that copy won't be easy.

"Yes. I'm sure you know what I want."

"Naruto-kun, I can't do that. You should stop these underhanded methods and work hard to get what you want." The silver haired male lectured.

"All's well in love and war."

"This is neither."

"This is war. I'm fighting to get something I want. Besides, I'm not forcing you. If you want the book, put me in A-1, first lineup. If not, then I'm fine where I am."

Kakashi felt his vein throb. "What would you do if I returned you to group C?"

The blond grinned. "You won't do that, Manager, you have your pride to uphold. If you do something like that, people would say you didn't hold your end of a bet you'd lost. That's why your best offer is to take mine."

"Naruto, even if I accepted this, you will have a hard time adapting. It will affect the morale of the team."

"Then, there's no need for my presence here."

With those words as his bluff, Naruto was about to leave. However, the silver haired male stopped him. Turning with a foxy expression, the blond knew he'd won. Actually, what the other was saying might have been the truth, using underhanded methods wasn't right, but Naruto didn't know if he'd be able to advance in this life time to A-1, first lineup. He heard rumors about how you'd be stuck in the group you were given until you graduate. Few had the opportunity to advance. He didn't want to take chances with something so important. That's why he used those methods. Besides, getting to the team didn't mean he'd slack off, no, he'd work hard to continue being there. He won't give anyone any reason to question if he really belonged.

"I will take that volume. You can start with group A-1, first lineup tomorrow morning." Kakashi cracked in less than a minute.

Naruto nodded to him with a huge grin. "I'll get you the book first thing tomorrow then, sir!"

The blue eyed male skipped to the outside, happiness evident on his face. Kakashi sighed and hoped the volume was worth the price he paid for it.

Naruto sat in the locker-room benches, he was now being introduced for the third time to a new team. Some remembered him from that morning, some remembered seeing him with group C and other's complained on how he was able to change from group A-2, second lineup so fast. Of course, his weird way into getting to both teams from Group-C team won't be mentioned, it wasn't something he could declare to the world.

"Naruto-kun, if you'd introduce yourself," Neji gestured for him with a smile.

The blond felt like he was a transfer student in a new school. He sheepishly stood up and spoke. "My name's Uzumaki Naruto, I'm a freshman in Faculty of Economics. I love football, I have been playing since I was eight years old. I played as a striker and a forward. In my previous high school, my team reached the finals, but sadly we didn't win the cup. I'm hoping this will change here. Please, take good care of me!"

He bowed deeply to his new teammates. Some clapped to his introduction, some snickered, and others were uninterested.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun, for now I want you to play so we can determine the position best suited for you."

Naruto nodded. He was introduced to the rest of the team, the coaches, the trainers and the players. There were a lot of people, but he was able to remember a few. The goalkeeper was someone named Nara Shikamaru, he had an air of laziness on him but according to Neji, he was a genius. Rock Lee and Aburame Shino played in defense. There was another player with them in defense, whom Naruto thought was weird to be in that mix, his name was Akimichi Chōji, he was overweight to say the least. The blond was amazed at how a footballer was not in shape. No, what amazed him was how could he secure a position in the first league team with his build? It meant he had some special talents that he didn't know about.

"Neji, I'm off to practice."

"Alright, Sasuke."

Naruto's eyes met Sasuke's, the raven haired male glared at him and walked out. The blond still didn't know why, but something in him stirred when 'Sasuke' was close. Naruto walked to Neji and asked.

"Captain, how about him? Where does he play?"

The long haired brunet smirked. "That's our ace, Naruto. He's our distinguished striker, Uchiha Sasuke. He has the position you want to play."

Naruto's eye sparkled for a different reason than they usually sparkle. "I get the feeling he doesn't like me."

A laugh was heard from his right and a hand came to lazily be dropped over his shoulder. "Naruto-kun, oh dear, Naruto-kun, it's not personal, he doesn't like anyone."

The person who spoke was none other than Kiba, Naruto smiled at the male.

"Inuzuka-san –"

"Call me Kiba, Inuzuka is too formal. I'll call you Naruto. Well, I guess I already did." The messy haired brunet laughed loudly.

Neji clapped his hands and got the attention of the people present. "Since Naruto-kun has been assigned to our team, today the practice would be to get him to familiarize himself with the team. He'd play in all positions and please, don't go easy on him."

Naruto blinked when suddenly everyone was giving him a challenging glare. Kakashi's words about the spirit morale of the team came to haunt him, and suddenly, he wondered if this really was the right team for him.

Naruto slumped on the floor, every bone in his body hurt. He never practiced so hard before. He wasn't sure his feet would move an inch anymore. Training was hard, he was drilled to no end and still was considered unfit for any position. Hyuuga Neji was not an angel, he regretted ever putting that label on him. He was a devil in disguise. The blond comforted himself saying that it was his first day, he wasn't used to the team's activities, maybe down the line, his body would get used to the harsh treatment. Little did he know how wrong he was.

Throughout the upcoming two weeks, Naruto wasn't allowed to participate in any game. He was still without a solid position. Though Neji did tell him that he's considering him for an attacking position, he wasn't given anything. The blond was lousy at defending or guarding. Those two weeks, he was taught the different formations the team used. He was asked to observe the momentum of different players and to find out how to work with them. Of course, the blond was lousy at using his head and memorizing, but when it came to football, he could pull it off.

As he watched his teammates, Naruto found himself getting drawn to Uchiha Sasuke's way of playing. The jerk had the worst personality – he was a loner, refused any skinship or chance of deepening his relation with his teammates – however, he was a genius with the ball. The way he played was smooth and strong. You could feel his burning passion and love for the game, Naruto found that it was hard for him not to follow him with his eyes. Every time Sasuke would be on the field, he'd see no one else. The blond disliked this; it has never happened to him before. Yet, he was one to admit when he was hung up on something.

That's why he decided to try and learn more about the black haired Uchiha. Maybe if he increased his knowledge, he'd be able to see why he was pulled towards the other. In his sight, there were two people he could ask. He started with Sakura.

"You want to know what I know about Sasuke-kun?" The girl blinked, sipping her juice.

Naruto nodded.

"But why? I remember you disliked him." She inquired, raising a pink brow.

"Neji-senpai told me I need to understand every player's style. His playing style I can't understand. I figured if I knew more about him, it would help in understanding him." He gave her bits and pieces of the truth.

Sakura put a hand under her chin and thought about what she knew. "Well, I know some basic info and some deep ones. For the basic info, Sasuke-kun's birthday is July 23, he's a Leo, his height is 170 cm and his blood group is AB positive. For the deeper info, he and I were in the same high school. He was in my classroom but always kept a low profile. He didn't like mingling with people, I think his only friend was Neji-senpai."

"So, Neji-senpai went to the same school as you two?" Naruto asked.

She nodded. "Yes, both of them were football-baka. I think their relationship goes way back though. Anyhow, Sasuke-kun is a rich young master, so he has the rich people family drama. I don't know much about it, but I think his big brother did something bad that it broke the family. I think he embezzled some money or something, it was on the news. That time, Sasuke-kun was very tense. I could see how on edge he was about everything. Everyone kept their distance from him." Sakura sighed and continued. "That's all I can tell you. About his football path, I didn't have a chance to watch many of his matches because I was busy with my club activities, they always had a match when I was on volleyball practice. However, I think if you asked Neji-senpai he'd give you more details about it."

The blond smiled and thanked her. Actually, she gave him more information than he needed. He even felt like he was invading the privacy of the other a little bit. Naruto shrugged it off though, if Sakura who had no real connection to Sasuke – he didn't even remember her name – was able to know it, then it must have been public. So in fact, he wasn't invading any privacy.

The second person on his list was Hyuuga Neji, Naruto was direct in asking about the black haired male. Though Neji was a little bit more curious about Naruto's sudden interest in Sasuke, and probed him more than Sakura did. The blond was about to stop and drop the whole thing when Neji suddenly started talking.

"I'm not sure if it's something that would help you get close to him or not, but Sasuke is a complex person. His mouth is bad but he has a kind heart. His eyes are sharp as well, especially when it comes to football. I've known him since middle school so I know how much he loves the game. He puts a lot of effort into improving himself. If it was up to him, he'd give up sleep and food to play football." The long haired male snickered. "That's how much he loves it. So if you hear him saying something bad, it's because he demands perfection from anyone who plays. He's very hard on himself, that's one of the reasons why he thinks everyone is just lazy."

"He should know not everyone has the same feelings as he does." Naruto commented dejectedly, remembering Iruka's words when he came complaining how his old teammates didn't appreciate the game like he did.

"Yes, he should, but Sasuke doesn't. In his head, if you're on the field, then you should put 100% effort. No excuses are acceptable."

The blond nodded, somehow he was able to understand the other and relate to his way of thinking. "I understand. What more can you tell me?"

Neji tilted his head thinking hard, before he returned the question when he didn't have anything to say. "What do you want to know more?"

"I don't know… anything's fine." Naruto shrugged.

Smirking playfully, the long haired male provided. "He's single~"

The blond was taken aback by that information, he blinked not following why that was given to him. "…So?"

"So, you have a shot, Sasuke doesn't care about gender." Neji answered smoothly.

Suddenly, Naruto's face flamed red and he stumbled off the bench. "SENPAI! What are you thinking?! I'm not interested in him that way! Besides, we are both guys!"

The smirk on Neji's face only grew in size. "Oh, Naruto-kun, how innocent are you? In this day and age, you can date girls and boys. Love isn't something caged to one gender. Besides, you suddenly showed a huge interest in Sasuke, what am I to think~?"

"Don't think I want to date him! Think other possibilities, please!" Naruto groaned aloud, still blushing like a virgin Mary.

"Then what is your main reason for wanting to know more about him? Don't beat around the bush and answer truthfully." The brunet demanded.

Naruto felt his heart quieten down and he breathed, feeling like there was no need to hide his main reason, he answered. "See… I like the way he plays. I don't know why, but the minute he's on the field, my eyes follow him. You told me to study how others are playing to best know where I stand, right?"

"That I did."

"Well, with him my mind goes blank, I get sucked in and I feel my feet itch. My head goes on ranting 'I want to play with him', 'I want to play with him', 'I want to play with him'." Naruto continued with a puzzled tone. "I thought if I knew more about him, I'd understand why I'm feeling like that."

"Then my initial guess is right. You're interested in him." Neji concluded after a period pf silence, eyes smiling like a content cat.

"Senpai, please, don't twist my words."

Holding his pale hands up, the long haired male spoke. "I'm not twisting anything. Anyways, I understand now what you meant. I hope my information helped you in some way, I do want Sasuke to have more people in his life besides me."

The blond nodded and bowed. "It did, thank you, senpai. I'll go now to practice, later."

After Naruto's form became a little dot, Neji threw a ball that was on his right to the tree branch above him. With a melodious tone, he scolded.

"It's not nice to eavesdrop, Sasuke."

Up on the tree, Uchiha Sasuke was lying on a strong tree branch. He hopped down and explained himself. "You were the ones who decided to sit down here and talk. I didn't eavesdrop."

"So? What do you think? You have an admirer."

Neji could see the hint of a faint blush showing on Sasuke's pale skin. His friend was really too easy to read at times.

"He's an idiot."

"I wonder what Naruto-kun would do if he knew you felt the same way too?"

Sasuke's eyes widened in an instant and he threatened. "Neji, you wouldn't dare!"

"Tee hee~ it depends on how you act around him. Poor Naruto-kun is doing all his best to understand you, and here you're acting like he doesn't matter."

"He doesn't matter." The raven haired male stubbornly stressed.

"Who was the person who got so impressed with Naruto's practice game that came running to me, demanding to let him into our team~?" Neji smirked. "For someone who wants to play with him, you're sending out the wrong signals."

The blush on Sasuke's pale skin darkened a little bit. "Shut it, Neji. I just thought he had potential and not harvesting those would be a shame."

"Yeah, yeah… you know I have no problem with the little tsundere side of you, but try to show him some kindness. I can't always fix your misunderstandings for you."

Sasuke huffed and walked away, Neji sighed at his trail. He knew his words fell on deaf ears, but as Sasuke's best friend, he needed to say them. The raven haired male was clearly interested in Naruto, but he acted like a kindergartener, bully the one he liked. Neji could still remember the fire of excitement in Sasuke's eyes as he grasped his shoulders asking him to get Naruto on their team. It was one of those times where Sasuke didn't have enough time to mask his emotions. The lilac eyed male didn't think Naruto's play made such an impression, but apparently it did on Sasuke. Maybe those two were perfect for each other.

Now, the question was, how to get them closer together?

"Naruto-kun, haven't you noticed that Sasuke-kun has been coming to get you a lot lately?"

The blond looked up from the assignment he was doing, he frowned at the lilac eyed girl and shook his head. "He doesn't do it because he wants to, he's forced to do it."

"Forced? By whom?" She showed interest in his words.

"Probably Neji-senpai. He's the only one I can think of who can make him do anything."

"Oh, Neji-san… you're in the same team as him?"

Naruto grinned. "Yep! I heard you two were cousins. That's cool. You both have the same unique, beautiful eyes."

Hinata blushed faintly at his words. Tugging a strand of hair behind her pale ears, she spoke delicately. "Y-Yeah, although we are close in age, Neji-san has always been better than me in everything. Sports, events and even simple tasks. You know, when I was a kid, I was very shy. I stuttered a lot. Neji-san was the only one who never laughed at me or called me names." She looked back fondly at her perfect cousin. "Even though he was in a positon to bully me, he never did. He was and still is very kind."

The blond smiled at her fondness. "I see."

"What I am trying to say is, if he's the one forcing Sasuke-kun to meet you, then it's probably something Sasuke-kun wants to do himself." The long haired beauty concluded.

Naruto put the pencil down and scowled, wrapping his arms over his chest. "I doubt that. Sasuke doesn't want anything to do with me. I have been in the team for a month now and he still refuses to play against me."

The girl sent a warm smile to his dejected look. "How about you approach him out of the field? Try to build a friendship first."

A laugh broke free from Naruto's mouth at her words. The librarian glared at him and pointed to the sign that said 'Please, Keep Quiet in the Library'. They both bowed to her and the blond whispered.

"I told you, he refuses to even play ball with me, you think he'd want to hang out?"

She shrugged. "You never know; he's willing to fetch you to practice." Hinata added when she saw him open his mouth to object. "Even if you think he's being forced to do it."

"I don't know, Hinata-chan, he's hard to talk to. I don't want to get scolded again. Remember the last time I ran after him; he probably still holds a grudge about throwing him into the river."

The girl chuckled, remembering the amusing incident. "I don't think people hold grudges over small stuff like those, Naruto-kun. Just try it, you won't lose anything. How about this, if he comes today to get you, try asking him to eat dinner after practice. If he refuses, then it means you should keep your distance, but if he agrees, then Naruto-kun, it means he wants to have some kind of relationship with you."

Her words made some kind of sense in his head. Naruto wasn't a coward, asking Sasuke out on lunch wasn't something hard. With bright eyes, he nodded to her. "Alright! I will do it! I hope it works well."

When she saw happiness radiate off the other, Hinata grinned back. It's been a while since she noticed that Naruto wasn't his usual spirit. She didn't want to pry – since she wasn't the type – but she still wanted to help him. Naruto stirred in her emotions no other has in a long time, she really just wanted to always see him smile. The dark haired girl made a mind note to do her best to see that happen.

When the clock hit three PM the blond excused himself and walked out, he had practice to get to. Sadly, Sasuke didn't come to get him that day. It felt like fate wasn't on his side, actually, Sasuke didn't show up for practice either. Naruto wanted to ask Neji, but he didn't want to feel like he 'missed' the raven haired player. However, when three days went by and no sign of the other was seen. He got worried.

Deciding that it was better to ask, Naruto walked to Neji after they finished practicing. The brunet had his hair tied into a bun and was wiping his face with a towel. The small act made him look very elegant. Naruto noted how classy his captain was, really rich young masters had some air of sophistication that a poor male like him didn't. When Neji caught sight of him, he asked.

"Oh, Naruto-kun, was there something you needed?"

The blond fidgeted. His mind was set on asking about Sasuke, but he was still somewhat embarrassed. "Umm… err… I … umm…"

Now, Neji's attention was hooked. He sat on the bench and offered. "Do you have objections about the position I chose for you?"

Naruto shook his head, he was given a temporary position of a center midfielder, of course he was still within trying out different positions. However, Neji said that he wanted him to remain in that one for a while longer. The blond didn't object anymore, at the beginning he was complaining right and left, but as time passed by and he saw how his skills were improving – he stopped objecting. After all, captain orders were to live by.

"No, no, I'm okay. I have no complains."

"That's a first," Neji playfully teased. "Then what is it? Come on, I don't have all day."

Upon being urged, Naruto asked looked anywhere but his captain's eyes. "Umm… Sasuke… I noticed he's been absent for a while now. You didn't say anything about this so I thought it was weird."

Neji's face glowed with a huge beam and he clarified. "Oh, you haven't been with us for long, that's why you don't know. Every month or so, Sasuke takes leave for about a week. It's not something serious so you shouldn't worry. He'd be back next Friday."

The blond tilted his head. "Take leave? For what?"

"Hmm… it's kind of private."

"Oh."

Neji watched as Naruto's face fell immediately, he pondered for a while then spoke. "…But I guess it's fine if I tell you."

Naruto had all his attention on his captain.

"Sasuke's mother is sick, she has some rare blood condition. Every month, she needs to travel abroad for follow up, of course Sasuke goes with her."

The blond felt a tug at his heart, he didn't realize the reason was something like this. Maybe he shouldn't have probed, Sasuke probably didn't want anyone to learn about his mother's sickness. But here he was, asking like it was his right to know more about him. Naruto bit his lower lip and asked.

"Why did you tell me this? I think it's too private."

Neji stood up and started collecting his towel and water bottle. "Yes, it's private, but I trust you. Besides, Sasuke probably won't mind it if you knew."

"What do you mean by that?" Naruto questioned again, bewildered.

"You should ask him yourself when he gets back, Naruto-kun. Now, excuse me, I have to get home."

Naruto bowed to his senpai and watched as the other left. Inside of him a part was happy he got another intimate information about Sasuke, but another part was sad that it wasn't spoken from the mouth of the person concerned himself. Deciding that it was getting late, Naruto headed to get his things and go back home, as well.

Sasuke closed his locker and was about to head to practice. They had a match coming soon and right now, they were practicing like there was no tomorrow. He looked at the time and it read seven in the morning. Morning practice was early and today he had no lectures to attend, he didn't mind. However, when his ears picked up the groans of Kiba and Shikamaru, he felt irritated. Of course, he kept his opinion to himself, knowing perfectly well how it would be received.

"Senpai~ Good morning~!"

His ears picked up on the merry tone he got to be familiar with. Uzumaki Naruto entered the small locker-room. His presence seemed to give life to the dim room. Suddenly, people were talking and laughing. It was like the sun walked into their hearts. Sasuke watched from the corner of his eye Naruto act like an idiot with Kiba and Shikamaru. Shino and Chōji joined the group within minutes. The laughs only quieted down when Neji started explaining the formation they'd practice that morning.

Sasuke wasn't listening, his attention was drawn to the blond. He himself didn't know why he was following the other's movement, but he was. Once Neji finished, they were on the field again. They were divided into two teams. Unfortunately, Naruto wasn't on his team – Sasuke smacked himself mentally, why get down about something like this? Wasn't he the one who refused Naruto's multiple attempts to practice with him?

How many one-on-ones did he ignore and walk away from? Actually, deep down he really wanted to play with the blond, yet… he was too stubborn to admit it. Sasuke didn't know why he was acting this way; it's been a long time since he last was interested in anything besides football. Yet here he was, contemplating ways to fix his messed up personality and actually practice with the blond.

Stopping his train of thoughts, Sasuke moved quickly when the ball was passed to him. He easily broke through the players guarding the goal, however, before he was able to score, his eyes saw something that got him distracted. With that, the player aiming to steal the ball successfully did it. Biting his lip, Sasuke tried again to get the ball, he suffered a little but succeeded. Yet, when he scored, he missed. Shikamaru smirked at him and commented.

"Prince Charming, you'd be mistaken to think I'll allow such a lousy kick in."

Sasuke humph-ed and ran away back to his position, he agreed with Shikamaru's words, his head wasn't with his that day. He was too preoccupied and distracted. Earlier, he saw Naruto root for his team, that's why the ball was stolen. The raven haired male knew he needed to concentrate more. He cursed under his breath and continued playing.

Sadly, his play didn't improve until the game was whistled to an end. Disappointed at everything which went down, the Uchiha annoyingly walked away from his teammates, he chose to go to the secluded side of the field and laid on the soft grass. He looked at the clear skies and just when he closed his eyes to rest, he felt a rustle of grass and someone sitting next to him. Sasuke didn't open his eyes, thinking it to be Neji, after all, the only one who dared to approach him was the lilac eyed male.

"…I know it's not my place to pry, and you might not want to tell me, but are you okay?"

As Naruto's worried tone reached his ears, Sasuke jolted up from his internal agonies.

"What are you doing here?" He tried to sound very calm, maintaining a poker face.

The blond gave him a small smile. "Your play today wasn't like every other day, I thought you might want someone to talk with."

Sasuke turned his face away. "…It's nothing. You should go back."

Naruto was about to leave, but then he remembered Hinata's words and pushed. "I… do you, I mean… do you want to have dinner together after practice?"

The black eyed player blinked, actually the invitation came very unexpectedly. He didn't think he'd ever be asked to go out together; he definitely didn't show his interest in the other publically. Well, Sasuke doubted Neji would go right up and expose him, however, now he was faced with two choices. He could act like his normal self and refuse, or accept and see where this road led to. His play that day told him how much he was affected by the blond's presence. If he continued like that, he might be on the same level as those he scorned. Sasuke sighed inwardly and looked the other in the eyes.

Naruto was clearly fidgeting. This situation was awkward for the both of them. Looking at the ground, Sasuke mumbled softly only for Naruto's ears to pick up.

"…I don't mind."

Sparkles showed on Naruto's eyes, he got up full of energy and exclaimed. "Then I'll come find you after practice finishes!"

The raven haired player watched the ball of sunshine called Uzumaki Naruto go back to the field. He didn't want to, but his heart skipped a beat without his permission.

Naruto greeted the old man at Ichiraku ramen, he took the usual seat he always took and ordered Sasuke and himself some pork ramen with bear. The black haired male put his bag on the ground, he hadn't been to a ramen booth in a while. Actually the last time was when Neji and Gaara dragged him, they wanted to experience the life of normal high school students. Sasuke put a lid on that memory as the blond before him started talking.

"I can guarantee this is the best ramen in the world!" Naruto bragged. "I've been coming here since middle school."

"…You must really love it then." He commented offhandedly.

"I do and you sure would, too."

Not a minute later, they were served their dishes. The blond ate like he was in heaven, Sasuke took his chopsticks and dipped into the noodles. It actually tasted quiet good, he didn't know if it's something he'd eat for a long time like Naruto obviously did, but it wasn't inedible.

"It's good, right?" The blond asked hopefully.

"It's not bad."

"Go on, eat some more."

They continued eating in silence. Sasuke actually wasn't a talkative person and Naruto didn't know what to say. He was the one who asked the other out, but he was still walking on eggshells around him. Yet, seeing how Sasuke had accepted his invitation and was acting liked a civilized human being for once, the blond got a little bit greedy.

"I wanted to ask you something." He began with a neutral tone. "Why do you hate me?"

Sharp onyx eyes looked at him, Sasuke clarified. "I don't hate you."

"You always scold me, insult me or fight me. Remember the first time we met? You called me 'worthless'."

Sasuke ate some noodles and commented. "I didn't mean your person, I meant the way you played."

"It was 'worthless'?"

"You were too conceited and underestimated your opponents. You were overly confident. Though it's a good thing to have confidence in your skills, you need to recognize that there are people stronger out there."

The blond couldn't refute his words, he was right. Naruto's first game was a disaster. He sighed and said. "You're right, I was wrong back then."

"Hn."

Even though he said nothing, Sasuke was glad his words were accepted. It's been a while since someone didn't take him the wrong way.

"Can I ask something else?" When no objections were made, he continued. "Why do you always refuse to train with me? Since you don't hate me, I'm confused."

Sasuke remained quiet at this, he wasn't sure how to answer. Simply because, he had no clear answer. There was no reason why he refused him, he just did. Maybe he didn't want to get close and become familiar, or maybe he was just scared or shy –

"Is it because I caused you to fall in the river?" Naruto offered, interrupting his thoughts.

Sasuke blinked then shook his head. "I won't refuse you over something that silly. Besides, it wasn't your fault, you grabbed the closest thing to you."

Grinning like a fox, Naruto countered. "Then it means there's no reason. Next time, please agree. I really want to practice with you!"

"Why?"

"Because I like the way you play." The blond found himself speaking his mind without filtration.

The black eyed male remained silent at declaration. He had people praise his play many times, but Sasuke didn't know why this time was special. He was happy. Looking the other in the eyes, he was met with clear azure orbs. His stomach did flip flops and he ignored it.

"Then come to my house." Sasuke invited. "I'd take you up on your offer there."

Naruto's eyes widened, already getting an invitation to his house, they sure were moving fast. He grinned and nodded.

"It's a date then, Uchiha Sasuke."

"Hn."

With that they continued eating the rest of their dinner in peace.

Naruto whistled at the huge estate, he toed behind the butler who met him at the front door. Sakura did mention Sasuke was rich, Naruto just didn't know how rich until then. He was taken through lots of corridors, finally, the butler bowed before a door.

"Sasuke-sama is waiting for you, he asks that you change into one of the uniforms in here."

Naruto knotted his brows but entered the room. He found three different set of football uniforms. He picked the one with an orange and black design and wore the shoes matched with it. He got out and found the butler waiting for him. They walked thought different sets of corridors, then finally Naruto was directed to the outside. His eyes widened in surprise at the huge court that was placed in the middle of the enormous garden.

Sasuke was warming up on the sides, he ran over to him upon spotting the blond. The black eyed male nodded his butler to leave and greeted his guest. "You're here."

"Yeah… I am." Naruto replied sheepishly, not knowing what to say to the other's greeting.

"Well, start warming up. We will have a match after you do."

Blinking, Naruto looked at the huge court and asked. "A match? Just the two of us?"

"Yes. You will try not to get me to score and I'd do the same. The loser has to do whatever the other wants." Sasuke set the rules simply.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "What's with this childish set up?"

"Then what do you want the winner to do to the loser?"

"Hmm… does the loser have to do something?"

Sasuke frowned at him. "It's meaningless if there's no reward. Even at real games, you play hard to win because there's a reward in the end. Us just running around without a goal isn't exciting."

It was logical, so Naruto contemplated. "Okay, we'll have a reward, but not something fancy. I'm against violence, abuse and corrosion."

This time, it was Sasuke's turn to roll his eyes. "Who wants to do those things to you?"

"You were the one who said 'the loser should do whatever the winner wants'."

"I meant something light, like maybe treat to a meal or run errands for a week. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Naruto thought hard about this, then something flashed in his head. He excitedly asked. "Then, then, how about going to an amusement park!?"

"Amusement park?" Sasuke wrinkled his nose. "why would you want to go there? It's childish."

"No, it's not! There's this amusement park that has a football themed rollercoaster. I read about it last week, I'm too broke to go there. However, if I win against you, please take me there and pay for the whole thing!"

"Now you're extorting me." Sasuke smirked.

Naruto grinned. "It's you who said anything goes."

"Well, it's fine by me. Now, go warm up. Winning against me won't be easy." Sasuke warned as he left for the other side of the court.

The blond started stretching, after fifteen minutes, they called the beginning of the game. Since Naruto was his guest, Sasuke allowed him to have the first shot. However, in less than a minute, he was able to steal it away. Sasuke was more skilled than Naruto, it was hard to get the ball back from him. In the first twenty minutes, Sasuke scored his first goal. He smirked at the blond. Yet, Naruto wasn't the type who goes down without a fight. He used his strength and was able to maneuver past Sasuke, this time, there was no one in front of him and he kicked, evening the score.

They continued playing until the time was up. Sadly, for Naruto, Sasuke won over him, 3-1. Apparently after his first goal, Naruto wasn't given any chances at other shots.

Lying on the court, Naruto could feel his tears trek down his cheeks. He really wanted to win and go to that amusement park. But now, not only was he robbed the chance to go, he would have to obey whatever stupid request the other demanded. He groaned aloud for Sasuke to hear.

The raven haired male handed him a bottle of water and rolled his eyes. "Don't be such a sore loser."

"…" He groaned some more.

Sasuke smirked and told him. "Well, for my rewards… I want –"

"Just to be clear, my family's poor, I can't invite you to fancy places and god knows I can't buy you anything."

"Why do you think I'd ask for something expensive?" The black eyed male questioned.

"You have a court in your backyard." Naruto reasoned. "believe me, you'd have an expensive taste."

"I don't own any of these things, it's my father's money. It's not mine."

"Your father's money is your money. Anyway, just let it out, let's hear it… what do you want me to do?"

Sasuke stayed silent for a while, then softly said. "I want you to …."

#Chapter Three#

Author's Notes:

I'm having the same problem as the last one, *sighs* I don't know what to do anymore.

Naruto's eyes sparkled when he saw the huge rollercoaster, the line was so long but he didn't mind. Clutching his backpack, he inspected the map of the theme park at hand. He recalled earlier when Sasuke's request was for them to go to the park together. Naruto was baffled as to why the raven haired male decided to give him the reward, but Sasuke insisted that it was something he felt like doing too. However, to Naruto's pleasure, he wasn't asked to pay for the Uchiha, they agreed to share the cost.

However, once they entered the big theme park, they were congratulated at winning the lucky number for set entrances. The blond wasn't aware that there was such a contest, the reward was that they got a free day; meaning they could play any game for free for that day. Naruto was about to hug the living hell out of the amusement park worker when Sasuke stopped him. They were given a platinum card, and were told to show it to the staff when they wanted to play. So far, they used it six times.

They wanted to start with the rollercoaster, but the line was very long and they didn't want to waste time waiting. Therefore, they went to some other games, like the kamikaze ride and race cars. Naruto was happy that he and Sasuke had the same taste in games, they liked thrilling rides or something that they could compete in. As the afternoon closed in, they got some ice-cream and cold beverages, afterwards they headed towards the football themed rollercoaster. Currently, the two were standing beside the 'one hour left until riding' sign. Naruto sighed and fixed the cap on his head, shielding from the sun.

"It's hot." The blond commented, trekking the ice-cream that dripped down his hand.

Sasuke ignored the uncivilized action and nodded. "Sure, it is."

"Do you think we should give this up?"

"It's the reason we came in the first place, are you giving up already?"

Puffing his cheeks, Naruto answered. "No, but it's too hot and we have to wait for another hour. I mean, I do want to ride it, but I never knew it would be this long… I hate waiting."

The black eyed male nodded, he was able to notice how impatient the other was. Naruto insisted on them riding rides that had short lines, however, almost every ride he wanted to get on had a line. Maybe they chose a bad day?

"Since we made it this far, let's just wait." Sasuke commented.

A groan left Naruto's mouth as he whined. "But it's soooo hoooooot~"

This time Sasuke stayed silent. He was a man who knew when to keep his mouth shut and not engage, but as the blond continued whining and complaining, he decided that the best means to distract him was by talking. He should get the other's mind off the waiting topic.

"During the practice game with our A-2, second lineup, who made your formation?"

The blond was taken back by his sudden question, he rubbed his head as he answered. "The captain and I thought of it."

"It was good."

"You think so?" A grin lit Naruto's eyes. "I actually was thinking a lot about it. They had a very strong formation and we wouldn't have won if we faced them head on. They were stronger than us in everything, strengths, stamina and maneuvers. Probably the way they trained was different, that's why I had to think of something that we could use to win."

"It was an unusual plan. You risked a lot." Sasuke spoke up. "If you'd started off with it, you wouldn't have won. A lot of elements worked in your favor, you were lucky."

Naruto didn't know if he was being complemented or insulted. Sometimes, it was like that with Sasuke, especially when it came to playing football. Deciding to take the words as they are and not to overthink, he replied.

"Yeah, timing was everything. I'm glad luck was on our side that day. In fact, I made a little bet with manager Kakashi," Embarrassed, the blond spoke. "I'm not sure if you knew about it or not, but the bet was if I were to win, he'd transfer me to group A-2, second lineup."

Sasuke hid from Naruto the fact that everyone knew about his little bet and pretended not to know. Asking with a puzzled tone. "But how were you able to switch here? Kakashi wouldn't allow it a second time."

Grinning, the blond replied. "It's all thanks to Neji-senpai, he told me about something manager Kakashi wanted, a lost volume from a book, I asked Iruka and his editor was able to get it for me. I bargained the volume with a place."

"Hmm… you're sneaky." Sasuke commented.

Naruto puffed his cheeks in protest. "I was desperate! I wanted to play on your team, you guys were so cool when I played with you, I couldn't shake that feeling off. Besides," He added. "In this world, if you want something you should use everything you have to attain it, and as long as no one is hurt, it's fine."

Nodding his agreement, the raven haired male walked when they were signaled to advance. They were getting closer to the rollercoaster. Before Naruto could come to complain again, he asked him.

"Who's Iruka?"

The blond blinked and replied. "He's my dad."

"You call your dad with his given name?" Sasuke croaked a brow.

"Well, he's my dad and not my dad."

Feeling perplexed even more at his answer, the black eyed male pried. "I don't understand."

"My real parents died when I was a kid, Iruka was my father's friend, he adopted me then and officially he's my father. He allowed me though to retain my family's name. actually, I have my mother's last name. You see, my father's family was against him marrying my mother, even though they didn't refuse her entirely. They just decided they wanted nothing to do with us. My mother on the other hand didn't have any family, so when I was born, as not to have her name die out, he asked that I take on her family's name. My father said that his family will already carry out his name, but there was no one in my mother's family to do so…" Naruto finished with a grin. "Don't you think he's romantic?"

Sasuke was a little taken aback by the private information that he was being told. Naruto spoke about his life like it was someone else's story. There were no hidden emotions. Delight and happiness were visible in his eyes. The raven haired male felt himself unconsciously fix the cap on Naruto's head, then patted it.

"Yes, he must have loved your mother deeply."

The small act and those kind words made Naruto's smile widen. Actually, talking about his parents wasn't easy. He was proud of Iruka and proud to tell anyone who asked who he was to him, but at the same time, when he told people he was adopted and an orphan, a look of pity would cross over their eyes. Not once in his life did he think he was unfortunate. True, his parents were dead, but he wasn't alone. Iruka never made him feel like he lost his parents. So being pitied felt like an insult to the brunt's efforts. Naruto sometimes shied away from discussing anything that would relate to his family's situation; because he feared this.

Yet now, he was happily reciting everything, it was weird how comfortable he felt with the black eyed Uchiha.

"In my family," Sasuke found himself speaking. "There's only my mother and I. I had one elder brother but my father disowned him. My big brother, Itachi, was perfect. He was the heir to my father's companies. Since we were young, the way he was brought up was different than mine. He was always treated a little bit strictly; my father didn't allow my mother to interfere with his upbringing while I was left to her. Itachi never once complained, he would take everything and do as told. My brother was very kind. I could see he would break one day, but I didn't do anything."

Naruto and Sasuke walked as the line advanced again. The blond kept quiet and waited for Sasuke to continue.

"When I was in second year in high school, my brother lost it. He embezzled a lot of money from my father's companies and fled out the country. My father was outraged. He didn't believe the son he raised himself would betray him. But you know what, mother and I were glad. My brother has never done anything wrong, this was the first act of rebellion he portrayed. It made the news and my father was hell-bent on finding him, but he couldn't do it." Sasuke released a laugh. "I hope he never finds him. Itachi should live freely. He should do what he wants and live his life by his own rules."

The blond didn't know what to say, yet before he spoke, Sasuke said.

"You know; I honestly am happy that my brother decided to break free. The money he embezzled was probably his retaliation for father's treatment throughout the years. Logically, he didn't need to do anything, he was smart enough to make his own money, we all knew the reason behind his embezzlement."

"Then, why are you studying business administration?" Naruto asked a little curious about the answer.

The black eyed male looked at him. "Why indeed. You know, I've loved football since as long as I can remember. I never saw myself without it, I still want to pursue it as a career. However, I also need to share the burden with Itachi. He was forced out of our home because I ignored his troubles. It's time for me to atone. That's why I will inherit the stuff he left behind. I will fill the shoes he discarded. It might not be enough to get him to come back, but I hope one day he would feel it's alright to come. That there was someone here who would help him and hold his hand."

Naruto put a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, he squeezed lightly sending his silent support. He didn't think the other would open up to him about his family so soon. He appreciated Sasuke's words and was glad he trusted in him enough to tell him this.

"I'm sure he'd be back one day, never lose hope."

"Hn."

They were asked to advance a third time. The blond looked at the line and he could count how many people were in front of him. Smiling that they were getting closer to their destination, suddenly he turned to where Sasuke should have been at but the raven haired male was nowhere to be found. Blinking at the sudden disappearance of his companion, Naruto didn't know what to do but wait. When there was only one group of people left until their role comes, Naruto sweat-dropped. He brought his cell phone and was about to dial Sasuke's number, then he realized he didn't have the other's contact information.

Did Sasuke go back home and leave him? Naruto shook that possibility, he just told him something to intimate, no one would say stuff like those to someone they wanted to desert…right?

Naruto felt his anxiety raise when it was finally their turn, the minute the people in the roller coaster leave, he'd be asked to board. Actually as much as he wanted to enter, he didn't want to ride without Sasuke. They came here together, what point if he's the only one enjoying himself. When the park worker asked him to ride, Naruto allowed the people behind him to go first. He waited with the other group.

Time stretched on and two hours passed since then. Unfortunately, it was time for the last group to enter. The amusement park worker asked him if he really didn't want to ride with the last group, Naruto was perplexed, but at the end, he refused and left. He sat on a bench close to the hellish rollercoaster, his eyes teared a little when he heard the laughs and squeals of joy from the last group. He should have just ridden with them. Waiting for Sasuke was pointless, now he didn't even know what to do anymore. Evening was drawing close and he needed to leave soon.

They had actually met in front of the amusement park, so even if he left alone it wasn't a problem. Just when he was about to head to the gates and call it a day, he saw the raven haired male come towards him walking in slow steps. Naruto was about to yell at him but as he saw Sasuke's bandaged head and bruised face, his eyes got worried.

"Sasuke, what happened!?" Naruto exclaimed as he ran towards him.

Onyx orbs brightened vividly at the call, the blond was too preoccupied with Sasuke's condition that he didn't notice the slight change in the other's aura. Softly, as if he was afraid the air would hurt his cut lips, the black haired Uchiha commented. "I went to get us something to drink but stuff happened."

Naruto frowned at the curt answer and shouted. "That won't cut it! You disappear on me without any word then come looking like this, tell me now… what happened?"

"Umm… I can explain."

Naruto blinked at the sweet voice coming from behind Sasuke, just then did he see the girl hiding behind his friend. She had short brown hair and big matching caramel eyes. She wore a mini skirt and an overlarge shirt, tugged under her skirt. Naruto looked at the fidgeting female and at Sasuke who refused to explain. He tried to ease his voice as not to scare the small girl and requested.

"Please, do."

"Uchiha-kun saved me earlier, that's why he was late. I was buying some beverages for my friends, a guy was recording under my skirt, Uchiha-kun saw him and got in a fight because of me." She dejectedly looked at the bruised male. "I'm so sorry again… it's my fault all this had happened."

Naruto sighed, he could picture the scene now. Smiling to the tiny girl, he comforted. "There's no need for you to be. Anyone would do what he did, he's very strong. You don't need to worry."

The girl bowed and gave Sasuke's bag that she was clutching to Naruto. The blond accepted it alongside the three candy pieces she gave as a thank you gift. Looking at her wave goodbye to them, he smirked at his companion.

"You're really a prince charming."

Sasuke rolled his eyes at him and snatched his bag. "Shut up."

They walked in silence, looking at the gates of the attractions they went through close. Naruto thought back on how he didn't have time to ride this and that, there was a circus that he'd just noticed. Sighing, he thought that he needed to come another time.

"This was the first time…"

His blue orbs looked at the Uchiha when Sasuke started speaking. "Excuse me?"

As if talking to himself, Sasuke continued. "My name. This is the first time you call it."

Naruto felt something in him stir at those words, but he ignored it. Coughing lightly, he thought a bit. "Really? I'm sure I called you once or twice. This can't honestly be the first time –"

"It is." Sasuke looked at him in the eyes. "If you'd called my name, I'd have remembered."

Somehow, the blond was getting embarrassed. He shifted his eyes away from those captivating ones and nonchalantly said. "Well, I don't think you called my name, too. How about we drop all honorifics and just call each other's given names?"

A smirk showed on Sasuke's lips, causing the cut to throb at the stretch. "You do realize you're my kohai, right? Basically, you're being shameless right now."

Naruto's mouth gaped like a fish out of water. His eyes widened as he exclaimed in utter shock. "YOU'RE OLDER!?"

A few eyes looked at them oddly, Sasuke pretended that he had nothing to do with the blond as he quickened his base. He was one who hated attention. Unfortunately for him, his companion brought attention everywhere he went.

"Sasuke! Wait up! When's your birthday? Tell me!"

The Uchiha slowed his steps and rolled his eyes. "I see you're already using my first name."

"Birthday!" Naruto demanded, ignoring him.

"July, 31st. Happy now?"

The blond recalled when Sakura told him about Sasuke's birthday, wasn't the date wrong? Was Sasuke playing with him or maybe Sakura was the one who got a wrong date for the raven haired male? However, he knew he couldn't ask Sasuke without having to reveal where he got the information about his birthday from. Deciding that it was best not to question and take Sasuke's words as truth, Naruto asked more.

"What year?"

The raven haired male picked up his pace. "Naruto, I'm older than you, period. You can ask all you want, but it won't change the facts."

Naruto felt his stomach flip when those soft lips called his name. he didn't why but a strange feeling swirled inside him… a feeling he liked. Grinning like an idiot, he questioned more.

"By how many years? Or is it months?"

"You're in your first year, right? I'm in my second –"

"Only one year? That's awesome!"

Sasuke looked at him and scowled. "You need to learn not to interrupt people. So as I was saying, I'm in my second year, I should have been in my third, but I was held back a year in middle school."

Knotting his brows, the blond questioned. "Middle school? Why?"

Onyx orbs looked away from him to the gates and gently, he answered. "I don't want to talk about it now."

If anything, Naruto was one who honored people's boundaries. Sasuke was telling him that he wasn't close enough for that information and he respected that. Choosing to omit the whole topic and switch to another one, Naruto conjured.

"You know, Sasuke, you left me for three hours, let's say you fought with that asshole, why did it take such a long time for you to come back?"

Sasuke silently thanked the blond for respecting his wishes, then answered him. "We caught him and had to wait for the park's security to come, she filed a complaint against him to the police afterwards. I was taken to the infirmary. I head-butted that bastard so the doctor didn't allow me to leave until he made sure I was alright. He advised me to head straight to the hospital… now that I'm thinking about it, I should go, my head hurts."

Naruto was on his toes in a second, worry clouding his eyes. "Then why didn't you? You should have gone. There was no need to come back here, the rollercoaster closed ages ago."

"Then why didn't you go back home?" Sasuke's eyes were sharp as he returned the question.

The blond felt his heart skip at Sasuke's words, he remembered the set of emotions he experienced while waiting. Unbeknownst to him, he smiled warmly. "Well, sorry to burst your bubbles, but I wasn't waiting for you. I was about to go back home."

"Hn."

A pale hand was extended to him, Naruto tilted his head, not knowing what was needed of him. "What?"

"Your phone number. I realized I don't have it."

The blond was about to give him the number, but he couldn't pass an opportunity to tease. "Well, well, aren't you busy today, saving damsels in distress and still trying to pick me up? What a player~"

"Stop being an idiot and give it."

Naruto quickly took out his cellphone, he gave it to Sasuke who dialed his number and saved his on Naruto's phone. Then handed it to him, before doing the same to his own phone. The blond looked at the number, it was saved under 'Uchiha Sasuke'. He rolled his eyes, no originality at all. He made a mind note to change it to a befitting nickname later on.

"Should we leave then?" Naruto asked when he saw Sasuke clutching his head. "You need to go to the hospital now."

"Hn."

Sasuke didn't object to his suggestion, with that they left the amusing theme park. Naruto was a little sad he didn't get to ride the hellish rollercoaster, but he was consoled when he thought of how close he and Sasuke were getting to each other. Truly, it was a great day.

"Naruto, I have to go to Osaka for three days. I leave on Monday and would be back Thursday morning. Would you be fine by yourself?"

Those were the words his caretaker told him before Naruto left for university that morning. The blond sighed as he entered the hall of his faculty. Three days alone. He didn't mind being by himself, after all, he wasn't a child – he had past experience with staying by himself. But Naruto was lazy, he didn't cook, clean or do any of the house chores. Now that Iruka was away, he'd need to fend and take care of the house himself. Which meant, he wouldn't have as much free time to play football as he liked.

Their match was on Friday, actually this was the worst week for Iruka not to be home. Naruto's mind was preoccupied throughout his first and second lectures. Actually, he didn't think he paid any attention to anything that day. Overthinking about stuff was sadly, one of his bad habits. As he made his way to the football field, he was met with Gaara. The silent redhead was always tagging behind Neji like a shadow. Naruto thought it was weird how attached he was, but never voiced that opinion.

"Naruto." Gaara greeted him as he started bouncing the ball.

"Where's Neji-senpai today? You're not together." It was more of a statement rather than a question.

The pale redhead answered. "He has DR class today. I think he won't make it to practice."

"Oh."

Naruto wanted to say that their game was very close and they needed to practice but let it go. It wans't his place to question people's circumstances. From the corner of his eye he saw Sasuke, the bandages on his head were removed. That night when they went to the ER department, he did a head scan and everything was alright, no concussion or any form of serious injuries. Sasuke was forced to spend the night just in case – of course, Naruto stayed with him. He was released the following morning with some painkillers and an advice to rest for three days, after which the raven haired male could continue his normal activities.

"Excuse me, Gaara-senpai."

Naruto ran away to the Uchiha's side, the redhead only nodded to his departure.

"Sasuke, how are you?"

The black eyed male greeted back, already starting to warm up his body. "Good, you?"

"I'm doing fine. Hey, I wanted to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"Do you have something to do Monday morning?" Naruto fidgeted in his position.

Sasuke thought up on his schedule and said. "I have two lectures in the morning, then I wanted to practice some more. Probably have nothing to do at the end of the day, why?"

"Then how about Tuesday?" The blond quickly switched to the next day.

"It's free. However, I wanted to practice."

Naruto scowled. It felt like every free minute of Sasuke's day, he'd want to practice. He understood the emotions, he himself was feeling them, yet how could he ask the raven haired male to come over to hang out and discard practice? Then an idea formed in his head.

"Then Tuesday after we finish practice, I want you to come over to my house."

Sasuke stopped warming up and looked Naruto in the eyes. "A home visit? Why?"

"There's no particular reason, you invited me to your house that time so I'm returning the gesture."

"No need. The game's coming up, we can reschedule this."

The blond didn't think he'd be turned down, he dejectedly nodded. If Sasuke didn't want to visit him, then there was nothing he could do about it. Deciding not to dwell on the bad, he found a nearby ball and took it.

"Okay, I'll take a raincheck on that then."

Naruto ran off to where their team was assembled and mingled with the other players. Sasuke watched him from behind and blocked the feeling of missing a golden opportunity from his head.

"It's okay, Iruka, don't worry. I'll be fine. No, no, I didn't skip any meals. The house is fine," Naruto rolled his eyes at his nagging father, he nodded even though the other wasn't able to see him. "Yes, yes, I will. Iruka, stop nagging, God! Everything's fine, I can live until you come back. No, I'm not lonely. Okay, take care, don't forget to bring souvenirs."

With that Naruto closed the line. He sighed. It was Thursday, Iruka was supposed to come back, however the brunet called to inform him that his stay would extend until Sunday. Naruto was dejected at the news, but he didn't show it. He knew that the minute Iruka sensed he wasn't alright with it; he'd come flying back. If anything, Naruto didn't want to be a burden. Iruka's work was important to him and he made his peace with loneliness a long time ago.

The game was the next day. One of the reasons he was sad was because he wanted his father to attend. It had been a while since Iruka last saw him play. Naruto went into his room, changed into his football uniform and left the house. Quickly, he found his way to the vast field of his university's club. It was nine at night, supposedly, no one should be there – however, he found some members of his team practicing. Brightening, he went down to the field and met the sweaty players.

"Hi, everyone, I didn't think anyone would be here this late."

Chōji, Kiba, Shino and Shikamaru all glanced at him. The one who answered was Kiba though.

"There was nothing better for us to do, so we came. You know, it's hard for us to sleep before a big game."

"Speak for yourself. I was dragged here against my will." The lazy tone of Shikamaru refuted Kiba's words. A not so gentle growl was sent to him.

"If we left you alone, you'd sleep until you die!" Kiba barked.

Shikamaru seemed to decide that engaging in more conversation would make his low energy die out, so he closed his mouth and yawned, signaling the end of his participation in speech. Naruto was able to learn a few fun facts about the males before him. They were friends since middle school, and were used to each other's personalities. Kiba was the loud, obnoxious one, Shikamaru was the lazy, smart one. Shino was well – Naruto couldn't define him because simply he was too mysterious. The blond wanted to know why he always wore shades, but every time he would come to question him, the black haired male would answer in a mysterious way. It made Naruto's head hurt form trying to think of the deeper meaning, that's why he decided to just take him as he was… shades and all.

Chōji was very simple to understand. He liked food. He was that friend who always spoke about food and just being with him, made you hungry. The big guy had a vast knowledge about the best places to dine. Naruto was amazed at his palate. Chōji had an excellent taste! Naruto once asked him to recommend a ramen shop – since Sasuke was complaining about him going to the same place for ages – he gave him directions to a ramen stand which blew his senses away. From that day onwards, Naruto would frequent that place alongside Ichiraku.

Smiling at them, he said. "What are you practicing? Can I join?"

Chōji kicked the ball to him. "We were going over a technique Shikamaru developed for shooting."

Naruto received the ball and twirled it between his feet, rejoicing at the familiar feeling. He raised a brow and enquired. "A shooting technique?"

"Yes," Shikamaru answered him, feeling like he was the best to explain what they were doing. "When a player shoots, he tends to use his favorite leg unconsciously. The goalkeeper has to decide which foot the player will use to score. Sadly, Kiba, Shino and Chōji are very obvious in this. They don't even know how to conceal it right. That's why most of their shoots get caught. I want them to learn to deceive the goalkeeper and use their non-dominant feet to score."

"So… you want them to bluff?"

"Yes."

Naruto nodded at his clarification, the lazy genius felt like that explanation took the life out of him as he retreated to the shadows, probably taking a rest. Naruto aimed his words at Chōji.

"How is your progress going?"

"Baaaad!" The chubby male replied. "I don't know how to focus on my non-dominant leg without making it obvious, Shikamaru makes it sound very easy, but it's haaaard!"

Naruto looked at Shino and Kiba who nodded repeatedly, sharing their comrade's thoughts. Thinking of a way to help the three, the blue eyed blond got an idea.

"How about I show you how it's done? I have been practicing concealing my thoughts while playing for a while now. Hey, Shikamaru-san," He called the relaxed male. "Can you help me out a bit?"

Shikamaru wasn't fond of moving, however, he knew if he wanted this day to end, he'd need them to learn fast enough. He reluctantly walked towards the goal. Getting in position and putting his protective gloves on, he waited for the blond to kick the ball.

Naruto warmed up for five minutes then headed towards the goal. Before he started running, he instructed the three to look at his feet and for each to put in mind which foot he'd use in scoring. Naruto reached the goal in seconds and without much thought, he kicked the ball. Shikamaru's feet moved to the left but in a split second, they changed direction to the right, it was hard but he caught Naruto's ball in both hands.

A look of disappointment which altered in a second flashed across Naruto's eyes. Shikamaru looked at him with serious eyes and complemented.

"You're good."

Naruto sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "But not good enough, you caught it."

"It wasn't an easy catch, you fooled me until the last second."

Laughing, the blond countered. "It would've worked if I fooled you until the end."

Shikamaru smirked at him and retreated to the shadows once more. His fingertips burned and he fisted his hands. Few were able to burn the inside of his gloves like that, Uzumaki Naruto wasn't someone he should take lightly.

The three players were beside Naruto in seconds.

"Oh my God, Naruto! I totally thought it's going to the left!" Kiba howled.

"Me, too." Shino nodded.

"Me three." Chōji raised his hand.

The blond smiled at them and picked up the ball that Shikamaru discarded. "Actually, the trick is easy. You just need to not think about which feet you'll score with. If you think about it, the goalkeeper will read the little gestures you make. We might not notice it, but our body tells a lot about us. My old coach told me this, he said that even if I think I'm hiding my thoughts well, the body betrays. In football, one wrong gesture can cost you a whole game. So… my advice to you is not to think, keep it simple."

The three looked at him then at each other, the advice was a little different than what they were used to. No one has ever told them not to think, maybe not to overthink, but not to think entirely was… new.

"It's something original, I tell you." Chōji commented. "let's give it a shot!"

His two other friends nodded. Naruto smiled and watched as they all continued giving his advice some practice. Shikamaru on the other hand, groaned aloud for all of them to hear when he was told to come guard the goal once more.

It was the second half of the game, Naruto felt his feet burn. He wasn't part of the main formation because Neji said he wasn't needed. The blond had expected to be enrolled, sure he wasn't given an official number just yet, but he worked his ass off the past few months and thought his efforts would be appreciated. However, his shock at being benched made him want to kill something.

"I'm glad Iruka wasn't here for this." He mumbled under his breath.

Yes, how embarrassing would it be to brag that he was playing when he wasn't. Naruto bit the insides of his lip when a player from the opposite team stole the ball from his team. He wanted to shout at the player but his tongue was tied. That player had the right to be on the field, he didn't.

"Relax, Naruto." A calm voice called from his right. "It's not time for you to make an appearance yet."

Naruto glared at the silver haired manager, he had a feeling he was the reason he wasn't included in the formation. "Manager Kakashi, please tell me it wasn't you who refused to allow me to play."

Kakashi looked him in the eyes and answered. "Yes, you're not ready."

"What do you mean by that? I passed everything Neji-senpai gave."

"Neji isn't in charge of the team, I am. His opinion is taken into consideration, but it's my call who plays and who doesn't."

"You mean Neji-senpai wanted me to play?"

Kakashi nodded, shouting at one of his players to keep his composure. "Yes."

The blond told his ragging nerves to calm down, there was no means in shouting and acting like an idiot. Kakashi's words were true, he was the manager, after all. Whatever he says goes, if he thought Naruto wasn't ready and this wasn't his time, then the blond would trust that call. This was the dream team, and their manager's opinion was probably just. He just needed to stop the fire within from exploding.

The game was about to end, only ten minutes left, they were leading by three goals. Naruto hated how he won't be able to make an appearance. Ten minutes later, the referee whistled and both teams bowed in respect, ending the game. Naruto took his bag and was about to leave the stadium when Kakashi held him by the hem.

"Wait, you're not leaving just yet."

The blond frowned, disliking being treated like a stray dog. "The game's already ended, what do you need me for?"

Kakashi smiled. "There's another game after this, you'll be participating."

Big azure orbs widened in shock. Naruto looked at the members of his team – who were already boarding the bus – they ignored him. He asked his manager in confusion.

"What other game? I thought we only had this game today."

"No, it's an unofficial one. Actually, it's more of a practice game than an actual match and we were asked, so you'll go."

Naruto didn't want to question more and blow his chances at playing, official or unofficial it didn't matter, what mattered was that he gets to play. However, one question was on his mind.

"Who are we playing against?"

Kakashi grinned and didn't answer him. He signaled him to get in his manager's car and off they went. The blond asked where the rest of the team was and why wasn't he allowed to go with them on the bus, but Kakashi refused to answer, he only told him to wait until they reached their destination. An hour later, the blond looked at the high school building they parked before. He was full of questions but followed after his manager. They entered the school and made their way to the field. Naruto's face brightened when he saw Sasuke sitting on a bench with his legs crossed.

It'd been a while since he last saw the Uchiha, probably since the last time he was rejected on the invitation home. Sasuke wasn't in the official game as well – something Naruto was perplexed about. jogging the short distance separating them, he greeted with a grin.

"Sasuke! You're participating in this game, too?"

The black eyed Uchiha looked at the excited male and croaked a brow. "...I see; he didn't tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"It's not the 'team' he needs, it's just 'you' and 'I'."

Not understanding what the other meant, Naruto's puzzled thoughts came to an end when Kakashi caught up with him.

"Sasuke, I'm glad to see you'd accepted my invitation."

The Uchiha humph-ed at him and stood up. "You made sure I had no other choice."

Slyly, the silver haired male commented. "Sure, you have. I'm all about free will."

Sasuke ignored him and sat back down. Naruto looked between them but before he questioned, Kakashi enlightened.

"Well, since you're both here then it's time I tell you, Naruto, what's going on." he addressed the blond. "You and Sasuke will help this high school's team win today's game."

The blond blinked at him, as it sank in, his eyes widened and he exclaimed. "HUH!?"

"Just like I said, you will play with them and win the game."

"…This is a high school, it's a high school team, manager." Naruto reasoned.

"So?"

"I'm pretty sure, it's against the rules for us to play."

"Nonsense!" Kakashi refuted nonchalantly. "You're in your first year so it's not like it's that much difference from high school, and Sasuke would pass as a third year… probably."

Naruto pondered his thoughts a little but shook his head. "Even if, it's not right. We can't play this game."

The silver haired male looked him in the eyes and explained. "Then, Naruto, you be the one to tell them that. I won't refuse. They've been playing for a long time now and lost lots of games, finally, they were able to get a good coach and better players. They qualified to a few games yet, last week, two key players fell ill. Unfortunately, they don't have enough members to play, they will end up forfeiting, some of them are third years, this is their last chance at advancing or reaching the semi-finals."

Naruto felt the words shake him up a little but he stood his grounds. "Even so, they can just get any other high shcooler to play with them, we can't play."

"That won't do," Shaking his head, the manager said. "I told you they lost 'key players' so the people replacing should also be 'key players'."

Scoffing, Naruto complained. "If I'm such a key player, why did you refuse to enroll me in today's game?"

"Because he didn't want you to miss this. If you played in that game, you'd be too exhausted for this one." Sasuke was the one to answer him. "He did the same for me."

Now the blond knew why he wasn't allowed in the formation. A part of him was irritated that he was removed from an important match for this one, however, another was glad that he wasn't cut out for being unworthy. Sighing, Naruto put down his bag.

"Fine, since we are already here, there's no harm in helping them. Sasuke, you're on board as well."

The raven haired male wanted to send him a snarl remark but sufficed with a nod. Clapping his hands as if he won the argument, Kakashi directed his players to the locker room, for after all, their truth about being university students would have to stay hidden.

Naruto stretched his arms as a yawn escaped his lips. He waved goodbye to the high school players and walked beside Sasuke. They helped the players win, actually it was a very heated game. Naruto remembered his high school days, his team didn't have half the fire burned in those players. Maybe if he was in a different school, he would have brought home the cup. Sighing and removing the old regrets from his heart, he looked around him before asking.

"Sasuke, do you know where manager Kakashi went?"

"Drinking. His friend called him." Sasuke answered.

"Oh… I thought he'd at least wait until we finish."

"He did, the minute the game was called off, I saw him get in his car and leave."

Rolling his eyes at their manager's personality, Naruto frowned. "How would I get home now? I'm not even sure where I am."

Sasuke looked at him. "He drove you here?"

"He drove me here." The blond affirmed. "Hmm… let me see if I can get to the nearest train station. I think the trains are still running."

"The train station is an hour from here, by the time you reach there, the last train would have left."

Naruto's eyes blackened in distress. "Damn you, manager! You should have at least dropped me off at the station!"

Suddenly Sasuke stopped and brought out a car's key, with a press on a button a black sports car flashed red before them. Naruto's eyes bulged out of their sockets at the expensive vehicle. He couldn't stop the desire in him to check it out, feeling more curious when the driver's door opened upwards. Naruto whistled at the masterpiece, he had only seen cars like this in sport shows.

"Get in."

Stars danced in his eyes and he obliged. The interior was black leather with red strips in the middle, a futuristic design. Naruto sat down, the seat was a little bit hard for his liking, but comfort wasn't one of the qualification of these sports cars. They drove off in a second and Sasuke put on some thin glasses. Naruto blinked at the new add.

"You wear glasses?"

The Uchiha nodded. "Just when I study or drive."

"What's wrong?"

"I'm nearsighted."

The blond blinked. "Hmm… what does it mean?"

Sasuke explained clearly. "I see objects near me clearly, but distant objects may blur."

Naruto contemplated those words. "Then how can you play without glasses?"

"It's not that serious. I can play just fine, but when it gets tiring, I wear contact lenses. However, without glasses I have to focus a lot. In games, I usually focus on playing so it doesn't matter. But when I study or drive, I focus on the task not my sight."

Naruto stared at him for a while then with a grin, he complemented. "You look good with it."

Sasuke was about to swerve at the unexpected complement, but held his feet. If anything, he was a master at foot control. Though a faint bush showed on his face, Sasuke acted as if those words did nothing to him.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

Suddenly the atmosphere turned very awkward. Naruto looked at the outside as means to avoid any unnecessary eyes-lock. Whilst Sasuke turned the music on, one of the rock bands he liked was playing. He lowered the sound a little because – since he always liked it loud – the car was vibrating. Naruto found himself relaxing with the somewhat foreign music and the smooth car ride. Looking at the outside, he realized something, he didn't tell Sasuke where he left. He was about to open his mouth and speak, but the thought of having no one at home bummed him down so he kept quiet.

Sasuke probably didn't remember to ask him and Naruto decided not to bring it up. Right now, he was in the company of the comfortable Uchiha. No need to think about a lonely house waiting for him. With those thoughts in mind, Naruto allowed the tiredness of the day to wash over him, and without meaning to, he fell asleep in the nice ride.

The Uchiha looked at the sleeping blond and pondered. He'd driven to his house and for a minute had forgotten he was with a guest in his car. Once he parked in his house's driveway, he remembered the blond. Naruto was snoring loudly enough for him to hear now that the music was off. Sasuke sighed and tapped him on the shoulders. There was nothing to do now, he was too tired and even if Naruto wanted to, he couldn't go back home. The blond would have to stay the night.

"Naruto, oi, wake up."

The blond curled away from his hand and groaned. Sasuke rolled his eyes and called again.

"Oi, baaakaaa! Wake up!"

Still, there was no answer. Feeling irritated and weary, Sasuke picked up his cell and dialed a number. A minute later, two butlers were standing before him. He asked them to carry the sleeping blond inside. He carried Naruto's bag and entered his home. Once inside, his mother came to greet him. She raised a brow at the odd add and Sasuke quickly explained the situation. Uchiha Mikoto was amazed then delighted. Her son has never brought home a friend, except for Hyuuga Neji. She sometimes thought Sasuke was an introvert who disliked human ties, however now that she was presented with this unusual pickle, she brightened up.

Directing the butlers to put their guest in one of the many empty guestrooms, Mikoto asked her son to go and freshen up.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he's well suited."

Sasuke wanted to complain that she shouldn't bother with the blond, but the glint inside her eyes told him that his words would fall on deaf ears.

As soon as Naruto was placed on the comfortable, soft mattress, his eyes shot open and adrenaline shot to his nerves. He was awake in less than a minute. This wasn't his home; his bed wasn't as heavenly as this one. Just when he was about to freak out, he saw a woman with black haired, pale complexion and very kind eyes approach him.

"Naruto-kun, you're up." The voice was as cheerful as the smile on her face. "You must be confused."

The woman signaled the two men beside her to leave and sat beside Naruto on the bed. She pointed to herself and continued.

"My name's Uchiha Mikoto, I'm Sasuke's mother. You fell asleep and he brought you here. He didn't know where you lived."

Her words brought his memories back and he recalled what went down. Realizing who he was with, Naruto quickly straightened out and bowed. "Sorry for my appearance. Nice to meet you, I'm Uzumaki Naruto, Sasuke's teammate."

The blond politely introduced himself, she clapped overjoyed. "Oh, May, what good manners!"

He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "My father was a little strict with manners."

Mikoto chuckled and stood up. "Well then, Naruto-kun, I'll leave you to wash up. There's a bathroom to your right. I had them bring you a clean set of clothes for you to change into. I'm sure you haven't had dinner yet, so when you're done, we'd come get you for dinner."

Naruto bowed to her again and nodded. "Thank you for all your trouble."

The black haired beauty shook her head. "No trouble at all."

He found himself bowing until she left the room. The blond sighed and slumped on the bed. He was inside Sasuke's house, spending the night. This wasn't one of the scenarios he thought this day would end in, he had expected Sasuke to wake him up and demand his address, not to drivee them both straight to his house. A small smile tugged at his lips, even if it wasn't what he thought, this was a good end to an exhausting day.

Getting up, he walked to said bathroom and started washing up.

Naruto wiped the drool that left his mouth. Actually he was a little bit nervous dinning with Sasuke's family, being all rich folks and all, but his mother was very nice. She never made him feel anything but comfortable and the food was to die for! Naruto couldn't even pronounce the names of some of the dishes presented. Yet the taste was magical! He felt like he died and went to heaven. As he ate with happiness, Mikoto chuckled and commented.

"Naruto-kun, here, have some of this." She pushed one dish to his side.

The blond felt a little embarrassed but didn't refuse her invitation. "Thank you."

Sasuke was eating from the other side of the table, watching the exchange between his mother and the blond. He had mixed feelings. When he woke up that day, he didn't think he'd have a blond Uzumaki dinning with them. However, as he saw pure happiness cross Naruto's face, he found himself smiling. Maybe breaking the walls for a single night wasn't something bad. He continued eating in silence, every now and then he'd answer some of his mother's questions or correct a wrong information said by Naruto.

By the time dinner ended, Sasuke's mother excused herself and retreated to her room, she asked Naruto to act as if he was home. The blond smiled at her and complied. Sasuke was about to leave to his own room when Naruto stopped him.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"My room."

"Take me with you."

Sasuke grimaced. "You have your own room."

Naruto didn't want to say he was lonely, his pride didn't allow him, so he sufficed with. "I'm your guest, you can't just leave me after we eat, you need to entertain me."

The Uchiha put his hands over his chest. "Is this also in the 'good manners' package you keep speaking about?"

Naruto nodded. "Yep~!"

"...It's," Sasuke checked his watch. "Eleven at night. Its true tomorrow is off for me, but I'm tired and I want to sleep. Can entertaining you wait for tomorrow?"

"Let's sleep together then!" Both were startled with Naruto's words. The blond blushed when the double meaning sank in his head and he explained sheepishly. "I d-didn't mean it like that! I meant, you know, when you have sleepover, you sleep together in the same room!"

Sasuke felt himself getting embarrassed by the other's embarrassment and he quickly shut it down. "N-NO! You have your room, I have mine, each sleeps in their own rooms!"

Naruto held the other's hand and refused to let go. "Wait, Sasuke! It will be fun! Come on!"

The Uchiha didn't even know why he was so against the idea of sharing his room with another, but he just didn't want to do it. The more Naruto insisted, the more he refused. It was like he was running just because he was being chased. No other reason. Suddenly the pull on his hand stopped and Naruto stood straight, letting go of him.

Blue orbs darkened slowly as Naruto mumbled. "…Fine, if you're so against it. Good night."

Sasuke watched the blond walk like a living zombie back to the room that was given to him. He sweat dropped, he recalled the sad look on Naruto's face that day when he rejected his invite. Tonight as well, he was hardcore on refusing – even though he didn't have a legit reason. Something pulled at his heartstrings and he called.

"Wait, Naruto," The blond stopped his movement in a blink of an eye. When azure orbs met his, Sasuke quickly looked away. "You… you can come to my room."

The moment his lips said those words, life returned to Naruto's pupils and he jumped on him, grasping the black haired Uchiha in a tight hug. Sasuke didn't know what to do, the only people who have ever hugged him were his mother, Itachi – when they were kids – and occasionally Neij. Even when he scored, he had this invisible wall that told other players not to even think about touching him, let alone a hug. So to receive one just because he allowed the other in his room… Sasuke had no idea what to do.

Naruto smiled when he felt a nervous pat on his back. The moment he held Sasuke, he felt the other stiffen, however, after a while, he relaxed and returned the hug. Naruto was the first to break free and gave the other a bright grin. Sasuke looked away from him and started walking, Naruto followed.

The room he was taken to wasn't far from his guestroom. Sasuke's room was very simple and neat. It had a very big bed, a large closet, a desk and some chairs and a sofa. Naruto looked at the simple and cool layout and smiled. It spoke of Sasuke's personality. The raven haired male was probably just like his room, cool and collected. The colors blue and black were the main ones. Naruto sat on a chair in the middle of the room and waited for Sasuke to close the door.

"So? Where will I sleep?"

The Uchiha spoke clearly. "I said you can come into my room, I never mentioned sleeping here."

"What!? What's the point in being here if you won't allow me to sleep?"

Sasuke pretended like he didn't hear that question. "You asked me in, you're in."

Puffing his cheek, Naruto's eyes turned into slits. "Uchiha Sasuke, you're sneaky."

"Says the one who bribed his way to our lineup."

"Hey! It wasn't a bribe!" Naruto defended his past wrong actions. "It was an exchange, there's a difference!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes at this. "Whatever."

The blond watched Sasuke dim the lights then lay on his bed. He blinked when he pulled the blanket over his head and was about to sleep. Shooting to his side in seconds, Naruto was baffled with Sasuke's actions.

"You really want to sleep!?"

Showing an eye out, he answered. "Yes."

"How about me?"

"…"

When Sasuke pulled his blanket over his head again, Naruto pulled it away. "SASUKE!"

"Don't shout, it's late. Listen, I'm really tired, my eyes are barely open. Can we discuss this tomorrow?"

The blond felt like Sasuke's brain was honestly shutting down – he wanted to discuss the topic of sleeping together the next day when they have already slept. Naruto removed his hand from the blanket and allowed the other his peace. However, since Sasuke didn't tell him to get out, Naruto thought that maybe it was alright for him to be there.

He opened Sasuke's big closet and searched until he found another set of blankets. He took the fluffiest and laid on the bed. The huge bed had room for both of them. Naruto tried to sleep in a way that won't get the Uchiha to notice him and be uncomfortable. After all, he didn't want to wake up in the middle of the night to be kicked out.

Switching off the lights, Naruto allowed his eyes to close. Finally, he felt relaxed and not soon after, he was flying to the land of dreams alongside Sasuke.

Thank you for reading!