Next morning my alarm goes off, and I hit it; at least it's back on the nightstand where it belongs. I drag myself through my morning routine, and head off to school with my still unfinished homework. I did all the easy ones at least, so I can't say I didn't do it. I just didn't finish it. I spend first period trying to ignore Sasuke, who keeps trying to pass me notes. At lunch I run into Kiba, who proceeds to drag me off to a big tree on one side of the courtyard. He says it's where he hangs out with Gaara when they're not playing with each other.

It's my new hang out now. We sit around playing mild truth or dare, until someone walks up to us. I turn to see Sasuke looking down at me curiously.

"Can I talk to you privately, Naruto?"

"Uh..."

I look at the other two desperately. I don't think they get it, because they're giving me 'go for it' looks. I sigh in defeat, and stand up. I look one last time over my shoulder, giving them my best I'm-going-to-my-doom face. They get it finally, and shrug apologetically, smiling sheepishly. I can't be saved now. I follow him around a corner and no one seems to be there. Lucky me.

"What is it?"

"Why are you avoiding me lately?"

"Because I already said about a million times, no! And you keep stalking me!"

"But you're lying. I can tell just by looking at you. You said yourself that you always end up saying the opposite of what you mean, so why can't you just admit it?"

"... You know all the fangirls that flock around you everywhere you go?"

"What about them?"

"Do you realise how many worlds would be shattered if you were to get together with anyone, let alone a guy? Do you know how much that would hurt them?"

"It doesn't matter, they're just stupid fangirls."

"And what am I? A stupid fanboy?"

That stops him. He shakes his head, and lifts a hand to touch my face, but I step back.

"A small herd of girls love you. I don't know why you're paying attention to me, when they've been after you since kindergarten! Especially Sakura!"

"Naruto...!"

"I'm serious! I just couldn't do that to her!"

"But, Naruto! I love you, not Sakura. I don't care how long she's been after me, or anyone else. I don't know how, but somewhere along the line, I chose you over her... And I know you did the same. I love you for who you are, not your gender."

"B-but...!"

"Please, Naruto? Just say it?"

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"'Cause I'm a big chicken."

"... Dobe."

Sasuke says with a smile, tapping his forehead lightly to mine and griping my shoulders. I don't answer, and look down. Wow, what a gorgeous smile, even for a god! And I think I really like the forehead knock; it puts us so close... I don't know if I can do this though! He lifts my head with a hand on my cheek, and looks me in the eyes. Oh no! I think I'm blushing!

"All you have to say is yes. Will you go out with me?"

"I... I..."

"Just say yes."

"... Yes."

I whisper, putting my hand over his. He grins, and I feel myself melting.

"Great! Want to hang out after school?"

"... Sasuke?"

I ask weakly, gripping his hand. He looks at me curiously. I'm shaking, and I feel light-headed.

"What is it?"

"I don't feel so good."

Suddenly everything goes dark.

Silly Naruto passes out a lot, ni?