"What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger."

-Wilhelm Friedrich Nietzsche


He was back to scrubbing floors today.

Naruto sighed as he adjusted his grip on the rag, moodily wondering why Baba Saya had suddenly pulled him out of his usual Kitchen duties to work on the first floor hallway. Was he being punished for something? He hadn't done anything too bad lately.

He pretended to be focused on a particular grimy spot when she walked past. She paused to glance sharply at him before whisking up the stairs. Naruto made a face at his rag. Crazy old hag.

It was a beautiful Saturday outside, too. Naruto glanced wistfully out the window at the bright sunshine and wished he was working outside instead. His stomach still ached and his back was protesting against crouching over the floor for so long, but what could he do?

He let his mind wander instead, to keep his thoughts away from his protesting knees; and inevitably, his thoughts went back to one thing. Or, to one person.

It made absolutely no sense and Naruto would have sworn he was imagining things… if there hadn't been undeniable proof that—yes, Uchiha Sasuke was noticing him.

The water bottle was the highlight of his week (it was hidden guiltily in the second drawer of his bedside table) but then there was the staring. Which, honestly, Naruto would have denied—like, why would Uchiha Sasuke stare at him, right?—until Gaara had pointedly turned heel and threatened to rip off his eyeballs.

Naruto had nearly died of embarrassment, but was saved by Kakashi miraculously appearing and diffusing the crowd that had formed in front of their classroom.

Remembering brought out the embarrassed flush in his cheeks. But in the privacy of his own thoughts, he was able to admit to himself that it was not only embarrassment.

Like that morning the following day, when Naruto stepped into the classroom and nearly walked right into Sasuke. Before he could hurriedly step away, Sasuke looked down at him and said:

"Good morning,"

Like it was absolutely normal. As if he did it everyday.

Naruto had barely mumbled out a reply before scurrying off to his seat, but the warmth that had settled in his chest was a revelation. Gaara was already there, staring out the window per usual, and Naruto squinted at him, testing out a theory.

"Good morning," He said clearly, waiting expectantly for a reply.

The redhead simply glared at him before turning back to staring at god knows what.

"Yeah, I thought so."

Naruto hadn't been able to put to words the emotions he suddenly had before him, but he took extra care to be more polite to Sasuke. Well, as far as politely ignoring him went. He didn't think anybody noticed (except Gaara, who occasionally took the time off from his window to give Naruto an exaggerated roll of the eyes), until it was freakin' Chouji who brought it up at the lunch table.

"What's going on between you and Uchiha, lately?"

Naruto choked on his drink.

"Oi, Chouji. What's the point of pretending the elephant doesn't exist, if you're going to bring it up?" Shikamaru groused, flicking a french-fry at him.

"Everybody's thinking it."

"And no one's touching it with a ten-foot pole, are you an idiot?" Kiba scowled.

The hacking cough was a good excuse for his beet-red face.

"Nothing is going on." Naruto cleared his throat loudly. "Wh-what are you even talking about?"

"Like we haven't noticed his highness' creepy stares. I mean, come on, blondie, we've got eyes." Kiba tore into another bag of chips.

"Take it up with him, I've got nothing to do with it!"

"Except his stares are connected to your ass—"

"SHIKAMARU!"

"Oh my god." Kiba's eyes rolled back to the back of his head. "Please don't say things like that. UGH."

"I don't see why not. Blondie here's got a nice ass—"

Naruto snorted out loud as he rinsed his rag in the bucket. Shikamaru looked harmless but he had the wit of the devil and a mouth to go along with it.

He was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of the front door opening, and Sakura's chirrupy voice floated over from outside.

Naruto resolutely kept his eyes downcast and his hands busy. He wasn't in the mood to deal with Sakura's face today. Scowling, he realized that Sakura would be muddying his just-cleaned floors. That was totally on purpose.

"We got a new set of tea bags today, from Morocco. We should try them later."

She had a guest?

Despite himself, Naruto glanced up curiously as two pairs of footsteps entered the hallway. Pink hair, pink dress, and behind her, a strangely familiar dark head.

His stomach dipped in sickening dread as he realized who it was.

Rooted to the spot, mind blank, he could only stare in horror at Sasuke's wide eyes.

"Ah, there you are. Would you mind fetching us some tea?" Sakura's words were light, but it sounded like the proverbial drop of an axe on his head.

It felt like ants. Hundreds of them, crawling over his skin.

Humiliation made him sick to the stomach and Naruto scrambled away from the floor, overturning the bucket in his haste. He ran past Sasuke, not looking at his face, and fled up the stairs as fast as his legs could carry him. He didn't stop until he got to his room, slamming the door behind him and locking it with shaking hands. Breathing sharp and heavy, he pressed his back to the door and banged his head against it.

Hot, angry tears spilled over his face as he let out a strangled sob.

Humiliation was not a strange emotion to him, and this was not the first time Sakura had done such a thing. But Naruto could not erase Sasuke's wide eyed expression from his mind, and every time he remembered, it brought another fresh wave of pain in his chest, until it suffocated him.

Knees giving under him, he slid to the floor and gave in to the overwhelming need to cry.


"…What's the meaning of this?"

Sasuke's voice was steady, calm despite the storm raging inside him. He had come in today, wary and expecting to have a few words—but he had not been prepared to see…that. He felt something stir in his chest as he remembered the look of utter devastation on the blonde's face when he saw him. In that instant, Sasuke felt like a monster. He felt helpless as he stood there, towering over the blond slumped against the floor, staring up at him like he had done something unforgivable—

"I'm sorry you had to see that." Sakura replied, just as evenly. "It wasn't the best way to have introduced you to this, hm?"

Sasuke did not reply.

Sakura sighed, gesturing for him to follow her. Woodenly, Sasuke did, unable to do anything but. She led them into a small receiving area, and called for some tea.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions, Sasuke-kun." Sakura began, as the maid left with a click of the door. "However, I'm not sure I'm in a position to answer them."

"What is your relationship with Naruto Uzumaki?"

Sakura cocked her head, studying him. "Why do you care?"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her.

"You can't intimidate me in my own house, Sasuke-kun." Sakura laughed. "Besides, I don't think I owe you any answers, especially since I won't be getting any answers in return."

Sasuke tossed his head, smiling grimly.

"I knew you were rotten, Haruno, but I guess I underestimated just how much. Fine, then. Two can play this game."

"Oh, you misunderstand me." Sakura raised a hand. "I don't want Sasuke-kun as my enemy. In fact, I want to help you."

Sasuke kept silent, a vein ticking near his mouth.

"Shall we play a game, then?" Sakura smiled at him. "A question answered for an answered question."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"I want to know more about you, Sasuke-kun. And it seems this is the only way to get close to you. I heard you have a habit of pushing people away." Sakura leaned in, extending a hand. "So, do we have a deal? I'll tell you everything you want to know."

Sasuke stared down at her hand for a few moments, before letting out a sigh. He got to his feet and slowly, deliberately got up close to her face.

"Maybe you've gotten used to manipulating idiots, but you're a hundred years too early to be dealing with me," Sasuke leaned close, until he was able to whisper in her hear. "New money."

Sakura flinched.

She felt the hot flush of anger and embarrassment spread even as the door closed shut behind her. She sat unmoving, listening to Sasuke's footsteps disappearing into the silence.

Calmly, she raised the teacup to her lips and took a sip.

The tea had gone cold and bitter.


When Monday came around, Naruto was an absolute wreck.

After that disastrous encounter, Naruto hadn't had a moment's peace of mind. At one point, after he got his ears boxed by the cook for a mistake he couldn't even remember, Naruto was so filled with torment that he had wanted to run away again. For once, he had somewhere to run to. Gaara would let him crash for sure.

And then he realized with a rush of bitterness that he didn't know where Gaara lived. He didn't even have a number to call. His only consolation was that Sakura had not looked in his direction since. He wasn't sure what he'd do if she had spoken to him at all.

Bags under his eyes and exhausted after a night of fitful tossing and turning, Naruto showed up to school at the last possible minute, hoping to avoid confrontation with the Uchiha. Seeing Sasuke's empty seat nearly made him cry with relief. Gaara took one look at his face and frowned but Naruto shook his head. Later.

The seat next to Gaara was conspicuously empty until third period.

Sasuke slunk into the class during History with Kakashi-sensei, who didn't even glance his way and chattered on about the bloody history of the Silk Road. Taking cue from Kakashi and Kiba (who was snoring into his book), Naruto kept his eyes firmly on the board and ignored the sound of the chair scraping behind him.

He felt more centered now, somehow, not like this morning, when he felt ready to fly into a million pieces. Naruto glanced to the front of the classroom at Sakura's pink head.

Que sera, sera.

What will be, will be.

Naruto had planned to eat lunch with Kiba and the gang, since they could always be counted on for a good distraction; but when the bell rang for lunch, Gaara did not waste any time. He grabbed Naruto by the wrist and dragged him out of the classroom. Naruto let him, determined to make sure Gaara did not find out what happened over the weekend.

Or at least, that was what he had intended.

"You're a terrible liar." Gaara informed him. "I don't know why you even bother."

"Thanks." Naruto said dryly.

"What happened with Uchiha?"

Fucking Gaara and his weird sixth sense or something.

"I told you not to go near that guy." Gaara seethed, misinterpreting his expression.

"It's not like that!" Naruto cried. Backed against the wall, he threw his metaphorical hands up in the air. "He… he showed up where I live."

Gaara waited for him to go on.

"…so?"

"So," Naruto gave him a look. "He knows."

"Knows what? That you live with her and her child-molester father—"

Naruto slapped a hand to his mouth, scowling heavily.

"Don't fucking say it!"

Gaara glared at him over his hand.

"He came in through the door, and there I was, on my knees, cleaning the stupid floor." Naruto's face colored with bitterness and humiliation over the memory. "He saw me at my worst."

Gaara shook off his hand.

"Is that what you're upset about?"

"Oh, I forgot. I'm talking to you. Why the hell should I expect any sympathy?" Naruto sighed.

Gaara frowned at him.

"Why the hell should you care what Uchiha thinks of you?"

The defensive retort was halfway out his mouth, but Naruto gave up and sighed instead.

"You're right."

Of course he was right.

Gaara leaned back against the topmost bleacher, a spot they favored since it promised a good view and a peaceful lunch.

"You're better off not involving yourself with that guy." Gaara murmured, staring out into the grassy field.

Naruto snickered half-heartedly.

"Why? Looks bad for my rep? Gaara, half the school thinks I sleep with you, for god's sake."

Gaara extended a mulish sort of silence and Naruto took the time to stretch out and plant his head on Gaara's lap. The red-head kicked at him in protest.

"Don't be stingy, you jerk. Let me close my eyes a bit. I haven't slept for two days." Naruto muttered, elbowing Gaara and forcing his legs still.

Finally, begrudgingly, Gaara settled down,

"…do you think he'll ever talk to me again?" Naruto murmured with his eyes closed.

Gaara ignored him, which made Naruto dig his elbow deeper. Gaara glared down at him but replied:

"You have detention with him."

Naruto wasn't sure if the thump in his chest was one of trepidation or hope. As soon as the thought arose, he squished it down violently and decided that things would be easier for him if he forgot this entire fiasco.

"Hey," Naruto suddenly remembered. "Can I visit your place next time?"

He felt Gaara tense under him.

"You've been to my place."

"I mean like, later." Naruto emphasized, hoping Gaara understood what he meant. "You can, uh, help me with my homework."

"I don't think that's a good idea."

Naruto couldn't help it. He felt the sting of rejection.

"Why not?"

Gaara looked down at him. "Can I come over to your place, then?"

Naruto paused and then sighed. "No, I guess not."

"Oi."

Naruto and Gaara both looked up in surprise. They hadn't heard him approach, but there he was, dark hair fluttering in the breeze and expression carefully blank.

Naruto scrambled off of Gaara's lap, suddenly self-conscious. Gaara sat up at a more leisurely pace, crossing his arms and regarding the Uchiha with a challenging gaze, as if saying: And? What are you going to do about it?

Sasuke ignored the red-head and tossed something to Naruto, who gazed down confusedly at the key-card in his hand.

"Detention starts today. 3 o'clock, at the Greenhouse." Said Sasuke.

"What?" Naruto stared incredulously at the note attached to the card. "He's making us do manual labor?"

"The hydrangeas need re-potting." Was Sasuke's curt reply before he turned around and left.

Naruto tried not to take it personally and ignored the way his stomach clenched at his retreating back. Gaara gave a sigh to his right.

"Give me a break—"

"I didn't say anything!"

"Your face tells me your every disgusting thought."

Naruto kicked him with a scowl and then immediately regretted it when Gaara moved to leave. He latched onto Gaara's leg, apologizing.

"I don't suppose you'd like to help re-pot the hydrangeas?" He smiled weakly up at Gaara, who looked like he was about to throw him off the bleachers.


When Naruto arrived at the Greenhouse later, he awkwardly poked his head inside and spotted Yamato-sensei, already talking to Sasuke and giving instructions. He shuffled in, apologizing for being late, and occupied himself with looking everywhere but in Sasuke's direction.

They were indeed re-potting the hydrangeas, and for the first time, Naruto was glad for this kind of mindless work, as it did not require him to talk or interact with his fellow detention buddy. Still, physical labor was physical labor, and Naruto winced as he stooped down to lift a sack of dirt. His ribs were still sore, damn it.

And then suddenly, Sasuke was there, wordlessly helping him hoist the sack onto the wooden worktable. Naruto quickly turned his back and began gathering the clay pots they needed, ignoring the heat creeping up his cheeks.

They worked in silence, setting up the worktable as Yamato-sensei instructed. They had not spoken a word yet, but Naruto was surprised every time Sasuke handed him something he needed, or moved the heavier stuff within easy reach. It was almost…thoughtful.

The temperature was pleasantly warm inside the greenhouse, and not the muggy kind he was expecting. Outside, birds could be heard twittering a faint melody, accompanied by the rustling of leaves against the autumn wind.

With a strange calmness, Naruto selected a pot and began to work in earnest, digging through the roots and carefully transferring the plant to a larger, awaiting pot.

He was on his third pot when he realized that Sasuke was not making any progress. He paused in his work and sat back to watch as the dark-haired boy struggled with the plant, spilling dirt everywhere and possibly ruining the delicate buds of the flower. Finally, unable to watch any longer, Naruto placed down his tool and gently took the plant away from Sasuke's crushing grip. He coaxed it into a fresh pot and began filling it with fresh earth.

Sasuke watched him work, simply handing over tools when Naruto needed them.

"You're good at this." He murmured, finally breaking the silence.

Naruto kept his eyes on his work, nimble fingers untangling gnarled roots with practiced ease.

"…I used to do a lot of work in the gardens."

The silence hung heavy between them at the implication of his words. The memory of the other day was still raw and painful for Naruto, and he had no idea what Sasuke was thinking. But Gaara was right. It was no use beating himself over something that was past. He was laid out bare. The ball was now on Sasuke's court.

"How long…?" Sasuke trailed off, and then fell silent.

Naruto waited nervously, almost afraid of the question, until it seemed Sasuke wouldn't speak up anymore.

"My parents are dead." Naruto finally blurted out.

Sasuke did not reply. He simple dragged a fresh pot towards him and silently began to copy Naruto's gentle ministrations.

Naruto tried not to let the awkward silent between them get to him. It was so embarrassing; they were so out of sync. He secretly hated himself for being unable to hold a normal conversation. And then—

"I'm sorry."

Sasuke said it so softly, Naruto thought he might have just imagined it.

And then, just like that, the silence didn't seem as strained. Naruto felt his chest slowly lighten up on his next exhale.

Sasuke kept his eyes on his hands, half wondering if the blond even heard him. But then he felt a brief brush of shoulder from the blond. That spot remained warm even after they had packed up and gone home, where Sasuke dreamed of sunlight and the impression of fresh buds in Spring.