Chapter three: The Red Head, The Obsession, The Cabinet

Naruto let his body drift down into the deep hot bath, letting out a sigh as his heart started to race from the heat.

The Japanese loved hot springs, and in the Japanese home, no matter the size of it, you will always find a very deep bath to relax in.

At first the little tradition of taking your clothes off in an attached room to embark into the water proof bathroom, was a tad strange for Naruto. Or maybe a tad wasn't a good word to describe how strange this was for Naruto or the fact that Sasuke's mother had to sit down and explain the whole thing to him.

Every single evening the bath is filled with steaming hot water, and a cover is placed over the bath to keep the heat in.

When Naruto had his first ever bath, he had found it strange that in this room the floor was lower then any other room in the house. But the fact that this bath was shared with Sasuke probably made that a good thing.

The bath wasn't used for washing yourself, it is just used for relaxing, as Sasuke's mother had said, telling Naruto that he must always wash himself before getting into the bath.

Seeing as Sasuke had his own bathroom, you should have just seen the look on his face when he had to share.

Naruto laughed bitterly to himself, it was only later that Naruto had figured out why Sasuke had made such a fuss about bath time.

It was a little insulting, but it was the fact that in the Uchiha house guests always got the bath first.

So back to the fact of the low floor level, and water proof surroundings, they were like a god send to Naruto who always got water everywhere.

Naruto was also thankful to the thought that because Sasuke wouldn't talk to him in English, he couldn't complain about it.

Oh the joys in being ignorant.

Naruto let his body drift lower into the bath, gasping as the water nearly reached his head. The longer he bathed, the longer Sasuke had to wait, and the longer Sasuke had to think about Naruto's body laying in his bath water.

Another laugh left Naruto's lips.

He should probably stop laughing, if Sasuke was to hear him, he would think of him as even more of a weirdo.

Wait Naruto didn't even know what Sasuke thought of him, he had never even given Naruto a chance, the stupid teme, Naruto brought his clenched fist down hard in the water, making water splash up from out of the bath, making the floor even more drenched.

Naruto watched his arm sink to the bottom of the bathtub, it really hurt to like someone that despised you, it was like the more that Sasuke acted so nastily the more Naruto's crush for his 'onee san' grew.

There was nothing Naruto could do about his feelings, he didn't want this, he didn't need this. He did not need to be treated like the enemy, when really he had done nothing wrong. It was like a hate, obsession relationship, he hated Sasuke's anti social behaviour, but this behaviour fed the crush just that much more.

Life isn't fair…

Naruto lifted himself from the tub, thinking that if he stayed any longer in there he would turn into a prune. Apart from that, Sasuke must have had enough time to fester in his frustration by now.

Sasuke gave out a large sigh of anger as Naruto made his way from the bathroom, how long can someone possibly take in there with out passing out from over heating.

"It's all your's princess."

Sasuke just glared, was it just Sasuke or had Naruto started to talk a lot more. Oh lord, not that he didn't talk enough already, or were all westerner's big mouthed.

Sasuke walked into the small room that was connected to the bath room, pushing the slide door open, and closing it just as fast in case Naruto was watching. This movement made a large slamming sound eco though the room.

Now he probably looked like he was in a really bad mood, and why was he so worried about Naruto looking at him anyway, he wasn't a Sakura, but the whole protecting you're modesty had been engraved into his head last year, and the habit was hard to budge, making him look even more cold.

Sasuke pulled his shirt off in one swift movement, chucking it to the floor. Making him look cold, what was he thinking, he was cold, he was like the ice prince, but it's not like anyone understood him, or interested him.

Sasuke unbuckled his pants and slipped them off, the thought of bathing in that water once again wasn't very advertising, why did he even go ahead with this anymore, he should just shower and that's it.

Sasuke pushed the door open connecting the dressing room to the bathroom, stepping his naked form down into the wet room. It looked like a few elephants had come in to mate, by this point Sasuke had invisible sparks coming off him.

Sasuke quickly washed himself before staring intently at the bath, a long outdrawn breath left his lips. He was shivering at this point, part of him wanted to get in the water, while the other was picturing Naruto's flesh.

It wasn't that Sasuke thought Naruto was revolting or anything it was just, that the water had been used, his water, by the Australian idiot.

And now Sasuke had to stand for second best, used water, Sasuke leaned towards the bath pulling the cover off, and staring again at the water, the steam rising from it, the warmth it promised to give.

Goose bumps had now invaded his body, Sasuke breathed out again, it wasn't like he didn't do this last night, or the night before. It was just that every night it was this hard.

Sasuke finally put a leg in the water, after all his cold resistance had gone, atlas it wasn't as bad as bathing in Sakura's water after all.

It wasn't that bad, but it was excruciatingly painful at the same time. There was no evidence that Naruto had been in the water, and the heat had warmed Sasuke up. But the thoughts of used bath water, made Sasuke want to scream he couldn't relax what so ever.

After about five minutes of torture, Sasuke was up and out of the bath.

Why must he share every single ounce of his life with this Naruto, his room, his bath.

Sasuke trudged though the soaked bathroom, pulling the sliding door open, once inside the small room, he commenced in doing a half hearted job of drying himself, running the towel over his hair once, he hung it up. Even though after a week with Naruto he really didn't see the point in being tidy, bath time was clearly like a paddling pool party for the blonde.

Pulling some fresh boxers on, he chucked his other clothes into the washing basket, now to join Naruto in 'his' room.

Sasuke sure wished that look on Naruto's face would just vanish, it looked like Sakura's fascination face.

Sasuke smirked stepping over Naruto, should he say something to him, nah that would give Naruto more satisfaction that it was worth. Sasuke hopped into his bed soundlessly.

Minutes passed in the darkness.

Naruto looked up as he heard the bedroom door open, Sasuke didn't seem to move at all. Suddenly the lights were on, and the sound of Sasuke's groans of annoyance filled the once silent room.

"Sasuke, why is Naruto sleeping on the floor, why didn't you get him a futon?" Yes it was Sasuke's mother, but this was strange, Sasuke's parents weren't around much at all so it must have been a shock for Sasuke to.

"Do you just expect him to sleep on the mat's and that's it," all Uchiha's had the capability to sound dangerous and look it at the same time.

Tatami mats measure at about 90 centimetres by 180 each. You usually only find them in traditional style Japanese rooms and if you can believe it even though the Uchiha's were a rich family with sound business ties with the Western world, they were very traditional.

Sasuke's room was a traditional Japanese style room, these room's are called 'washiss,' these room's have very little furniture in them. Sasuke's room was nearly completely bare, except for his bed and a small stereo. Nearly everything Sasuke would own would be in cupboards; well this is what Naruto had come up with.

Sasuke's room even had a 'tokonoma,' or alcove, for displaying a beautiful scroll, the scroll's that Sasuke's mother usually hung up were expensive bits of art that would be changed with each season. The windows were even covered with sliding screens called 'shoji'. The shoji kept people from looking in but still let light penetrate. Seeing as shoji are slats of wood forming rectangular 'window planes,' they are covered with thin white paper which is translucent. Taking away any need for curtains.

Naruto's hand ran over the Tatami mat below him, the mats were very comfortable. They are made of compressed straw about five centimetres thick and have a smooth woven covering made of rush, each mat is big enough for one person to sleep on. But even if the mat felt good under ones toes, it really wasn't comfy enough without a futon to stop ones back from getting stiff within the night.

Sasuke just glared back at his mother, before looking down to Naruto, who had a look of confusion on his face.

"Naruto san, daijyobu desuka?"

Naruto looked up at Sasuke, how dare he try to confuse him even more with his little psychotic jokes, Naruto looked up at Sasuke, his face illuminated a smug smirk. "Daijyobu desu."

Sasuke's mother just rolled her eyes, before removing her slippers and entering the room. Before entering a room with Tatami mats, you must always take even you're slippers off, seeing as the mat is thought of as a bed.

Pulling a long cupboard open, Sasuke's mum removed a futon, placing it on the floor for Naruto, Naruto jumped up from the ground, thanking her, he got on the futon and started getting comfy in his sleeping bag.

"Oyasumi," Sasuke's mother chanted, before turning the light out.

Naruto smiled, as his back sunk into the softness below him, this would have had to be one of the most eventful times so far, even Sasuke groaned, Naruto sniggered.

**

Naruto lay motionless on the futon, his eyes focused on Sasuke's sleeping face, could anyone have imagined how peaceful and boy like he could look in his sleep. A pang of guilt filled Naruto's gut at the thought that he was now watching the Uchiha as he slept, but what other time did he get.

May as well take advantage of the time you are given, or the place you are put in.

Maybe just by watching the dark teme Naruto could imagine things were different, maybe that they were best friends who stayed up talking all night. Or even better passionate lovers, and Sasuke had just got worn out. Haha, just the thought.

Naruto's blissful daydreams were completely forgotten as Sasuke's alarm clock suddenly went off, sending the Uchiha up in an instant, his hand slamming down on the clock. Naruto was sure Sasuke would break it one day.

With a slight look to Naruto, Sasuke pulled the covers from off him and was up and out of bed already walking into the bathroom.

Naruto sighed, if only he could always sleep. Stretching his arms out and giving a yawn, he got up and followed his host into the bathroom.

Naruto stumbled into the bathroom, at first he was speechless, a pissed of Sasuke, is a fricking good looking Sasuke. Sasuke seemed to be absent minded towards Naruto's stares as he stood only in a pare of black boxers, brushing his teeth, his hair was a mess. But this took nothing away from his gorgeous good looks.

Naruto let out a sigh, as he saw the Uchiha's back flex under the light, it was probably a mistake to sigh because now Sasuke was staring at him.

"Nani?" gee Sasuke's harsh, deep, sexy voice this early in the morning nearly made Naruto jump.

"Umm, can I borrow your toothpaste?"

Sasuke thought he was going to scream, first he had to share his room, this bath, even the futons, and now his toothpaste, again!

Sasuke gave out a grunt before throwing the tube at Naruto; gee he hated that stupid dumbfounded look the blonde had adopted at late.

Breakfast was quiet like every morning, Naruto sitting opposite to Sasuke, Sasuke kept looking up at the blonde, shaking his head, how can anyone eat ramen first thing in the morning.

Naruto and Sasuke were like opposites, there was Sasuke with his one little bit of toast, and then there's Naruto, with his large bowl of ramen and toast by his side.

It almost made Sasuke sick, how could anyone fit that much food into there stomachs, and stay Naruto's weight.

Naruto lifted his head to see Sasuke getting up from his seat, "I'll just get my bag and we can be off," he announced, putting his bowl in the washer he grabbed his green backpack ready for the walk to school.

Like every morning the walk was the same, to Naruto's enjoyment, yes maybe Sasuke thought he was doing something rude and mean by walking always three paces in front of Naruto, and never looking back.

But the dear truth of the matter was that out of Naruto's days at school, he enjoyed the walk there the most.

It was the only time he could look at Sasuke's perfectly sculpted ass, with out getting accused of perving on him.

Haha

If only they knew, if only…

How many of Sasuke's fan girls would just love to have this same opportunity that Naruto had, living with him, eating with him, sharing toothpaste and baths. Ok maybe there wasn't any conversation.

But when life gives you lemons you make lemonade right?

And how many people would get a good twenty or so minute's, to stare at his perfect form. The Uchiha was so stiff, his posture perfect, Naruto could distinctly see Sasuke's muscles flex as he clutched his shoulder bag.

Yeah and to see that back bare, ohhhh defiantly one of life's lemons.

**

"Will I ever understand this?" Naruto whispered to Neji as they sat in Japanese class, apparently the teacher was giving a lecture about an old Japanese poet.

"hmmm, if you concentrate Naruto, I'm sure you will," Neji gave a very convincing smile, but not convincing enough.

Naruto groaned letting his head hit the table, "You know you make a terrible liar," both boys laughed.

"Well you know, last year, Gaara, Sasuke and I all went to England and our English got very good," Neji said, trying to get a smile from the blonde.

"What are you guys the three perfect ones?"

Neji laughed again "You don't have to be a genius to learn a language, it just takes time and practice."

Naruto raised his head, squinting his eyes, "So you were on a exchange trip with Sasuke?"

Neji nodded looking down at his books, not looking Naruto in the eye.

"Any idea why he hates anything English?" Naruto asked, suddenly getting interested by the conversation.

"He doesn't hate everything English, but hmm I don't know," Neji stopped mid sentence.

"What Neji, what don't you know," Naruto was suddenly sliding closer to the other boy.

"Well I don't know what happened there, but well Sasuke doesn't talk about his exchange trip much, maybe something happened," Neji shrugged as the bell started to ring.

**

Naruto sat next to Neji, Neji was part of a large group, to Naruto's instant notification Sasuke was also part of the group and so was the blonde haired girl who had her arms slung around his neck, kissing him every now and then.

Naruto shot his vision away from the little love fest going on, it frustrated him. She was the same girl that he had saw the first day he had got to Japan, her and that Shikamaru.

Naruto never really thought of Shikamaru as the type to have a girlfriend but there he was, with yet another blonde feeding all her attention into him. Though it seemed he didn't have a care for it.

Also there was Gaara, who was sitting by himself, Naruto tried to keep his eyes away from that boy, he didn't want to think about what had happened two days ago.

Even if he did want to think more on the whole Gaara incident he couldn't, because right at the moment all his concentration was on Sasuke and his lady friend.

"Who's she?" Naruto said, nodding his head towards the blonde who was now stroking Sasuke's hair, grr Naruto would just love to stroke his hair, or cut a lock of it to keep for the rest of his days.

"Ahh that's Ino," Neji said, chewing on a piece of gum it would seem.

"Why is she touching Sasuke," Naruto said before he could think clearly.

Neji gave out half a laugh, "Well what do you expect they are going out."

'Oh," was all that Naruto could drag from his mouth, that realisation had never came to his head.

So many emotions filled Naruto at once, first was jealousy, how could it be that this girl had got Sasuke's attention when Sasuke couldn't even talk to him. What was so special about her, just because she looked like the perfect model of a Barbie doll.

Naruto also felt hurt, he felt like crying of all things. Why even if Sasuke didn't talk to him at least he could think that Sasuke was untouchable, but at that very moment as that Ino stroked her fingers though his straight long dark hair, Naruto knew that, yes Sasuke was touchable, reachable, but un reachable to him.

An finally, all Naruto wanted to do right now was get up and pull Sasuke from that vixson's grasp. He wanted to get violent, he wanted to start throwing chairs.

Naruto gave out a sigh.

"I'm going to walk to class, I have to talk to the teacher," Naruto was a horrible liar, because Neji started saying he would come along.

"No Neji, its ok,"

Naruto was the first person to be sitting in class, his whole attitude had suddenly plummeted, why it had seemed so good this morning. Watching bloody Sasuke, walk to fucking school.

Now he was mad at Sasuke, no more at himself, why, Naruto hit his fist down on the table, making a few girls on the other side of the room laugh.

Oh god what where they saying now about him, probably how strange he was, how much of a loser he was, he was a loser.

More students started to enter the class room, the sound of them chatting, in what sounded like gibberish to him. Well he guessed it helped him be distracted from all the Sasuke thoughts.

Naruto gazed at the glass door dividing him from the rest of the school, and you know it didn't even bother him when he saw that sexy red head Gaara opening the door and walking in.

Not at all.

Not even if He was staring right at him.

Naruto folded his hands together, lifting his head high he stared back at him. Fuck this, he wasn't going to be scared of this, this, arhh carrot head…

Naruto felt himself blush when he saw the boy smile at him, ok maybe Naruto couldn't try and act like a tough guy after all, he let his face fall back to looking at his hand, he was circling the kanji on his hand again, it was a nervous habit!

Gaara walked around the table letting his bag fall next to were Naruto's chair was, Gaara didn't even ask, he just sat, right next to Naruto.

Ohhhh what guts he had, was Naruto seriously such a push over.

Naruto kept looking down at his hands, waiting for Gaara to speak, there was no way he was going to talk first to his near rapist, would that be like, playing with fire?

Silence filled the space between them, it seemed Gaara wasn't going to speak, then what was the point in him even sitting next to him.

Naruto lay one of his hands down on the table, he could feel it clamping up, he wasn't in a very good mood, he wanted to turn and scream at the red head. What guts he had, Naruto let out a heavy sigh as the teacher started to talk.

The whole class went silent as the teacher spoke, about well Naruto didn't know.

"I'm sorry about the other day,"

Naruto's eyes widened, oh so he wanted to start talking now, at this very unconfident time.

"Oh great time to talk, what are you, fucking Einstein," Naruto grumbled, scribbling on the paper in front of him.

His anger had just intensified because he realised Sasuke was nowhere to be seen, how was he supposed to make the cabinet now.

"I want to make it up to you," Gaara's sweet husky voice came to Naruto's ears once again; oh god he could feel his anger was being swayed.

"And how to you propose to do that," Naruto gave out a evil chuckle before consciously stopping himself.

"I'll help you make the cabinet" It wasn't a question it was a statement.

Naruto found himself blushing, oh god why, at that moment it seemed like a very good idea, well Sasuke wasn't here, and even though he had drawn out the plans, the stupid teme had wrote everything in bloody Japanese.

"Whatever, deal," Naruto said looking up at Gaara, Gaara's lips rose up to make a smile, it was weird but Gaara looked sorta scary when he smiled.

After the teacher stopped her little lecture, it was all into work, Gaara wrote the plans out in English, and was now in the process of cutting out some wood. What was it with there boys, it was like all of them were multi talented, perfect, talented.

But Naruto hadn't forgotten the other night, no it was still fresh in his mind. Naruto just stood back and watched the sexy man work.

That was until 'he' came in.

"Oh so the Uchiha has finally found it fit for him to grace us with his holiness," Naruto said sarcastically, as the dark haired boy walked towards them.

But it wasn't like Sasuke had payed any attention to him, he was staring at Gaara, but more at the wood Gaara was holding.

That was when the argument started, they were fighting over the wood, and Naruto heard his name mentioned more then once.

"kabaneto, kabaneto."

Naruto heard it ring though the class room, so predictable, it was just a piece of wood. But some how Naruto knew that these two had issues, and it wasn't just Gaara sexually assaulting him, it had to go deeper then that.

So here he was, the red head, the obsession, the cabinet or what was made of it.

Naruto crossed his arms, it was going to be a long lesson.

**

Naruto stretched out on his futon, yet again Sasuke was taking forever to have a simple bath.

Naruto didn't care, he was so tired and emotionally drained, he still felt hurt all over from what he had discovered about Sasuke's love life. It upset him that Sasuke was so, hmm more mature then him, he had a love life, Naruto had nothing.

Though he was happy that Gaara was such a distraction today, those two didn't talk much, but when you got them fighting together, it never stopped.

Naruto quickly rolled over in bed when he heard Sasuke enter the room, Naruto stared up at him. His perfection, Naruto had to wonder how Sasuke had such straight hair when he dried it so badly. Naruto laughed inwardly, well at least he got to spend more time with the dobe then that Ino did.

Sasuke stared back at Naruto, Naruto smiled, what beautiful eyes he had, they were dark, and to Naruto it brang off to distant places.

Sasuke smirked to Naruto immediate attention, putting one leg over Naruto's form to reach his bed, he looked down at Naruto again, Naruto's heart started beating twice as fast.

"Am I making you hard dobe?"

teme, teme, TEME