Sorry I didn't upload last week like I said I would ^_^; I was kind of busy, but to apologize for that here's an extra long chapter. I might not be able to upload new chapters as often since I'm going to start some new stories, but as for this one MORE FLUFF TO COME! ^_^ Especially after what happens this chapter and to make up for the last few chapters in which there was no fluff. As always, thanks for reading!

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Sasuke supposed he acted a little unlike himself this morning. It was that damn nightmare. He was terrified of it, of its cruel cold that seeped into his bones and soul, and that loneliness that drove him to insanity. It was frightening enough to paralyze him, to distort his rational thinking. And once he calmed himself on that long walk to school, he came up with an idea. He could never become stronger than Itachi but if he could find a different way, maybe a roundabout way. Like poisoning, dropping heavy objects from above to break his neck, even setting a venomous animal on him, he cheered himself up thinking of all those creative ways that all had one clear distinct goal – kill Itachi. It was a cowardly way he knew, but at this point he was desperate. His resolve was renewed.

No doubt Sasuke missed first period that day, but that wasn't what was soon unsettling him. There was a strange feeling in his chest, a kind of constriction around his heart. A premonition of something significant to occur today, yet he wasn't sure if it'd be good or bad. Maybe he should've stayed home.

Second period class was just about to start. The teacher still wasn't there so there was chatter all around. As he settled into his back row seat for Health class, he spotted the blonde appearing also to settle in his own seat in front of him. Usually they didn't even acknowledge each other's existence, but once in a while one would dare himself a swift glance, just enough to set his eyes on the other's beautiful face. This time however, Naruto deliberately looked at him, as if searching for something. He did it so quick that Sasuke barely had time to put on his façade of disinterest. He wasn't sure what Naruto saw and he turned his back on him too quick to tell.

The bell rang just as Kurenai-sensei walked in, her stomach looking very large as she was pregnant.

"Now class, today we're going to start something different." She stood behind her podium at the front of the class, looking them all squarely. "Write your full names on a slip of paper, any piece of paper." They all did as she said; wondering what will come of this. "You all done? Good. Now you'll all put your pieces of paper in this hat." She pulled a simple baseball cap from behind the podium. "Neji, will you go around collecting names?" The pale-eyed student did so, handed the cap back to Kurenai-sensei, and returned quietly to his seat. "Next, you all will be assigned project partners." She smiled while some students groaned.

"Can't we choose our partner?" Sakura piped up, stealing a glance at Sasuke.

"No, you may not, and no more complaining, students." She dove her hand into the pile and looked at the oddly shaped notebook papers.

"Lee and Sakura." While Lee practically jumped out of his seat in joy, Sakura clearly groaned.

"Neji and Tenten."

"Ino and Sai."

"Choji and Shikamaru."

As more and more people were called on, the more Sasuke worried. He hoped with all his heart Naruto and him would not be put together.

"Hinata and Kiba."

"Sasuke and Suigetsu."

There. That was it. He was safe and he sighed in relief, although it was unfortunate he was stuck with the sharp-toothed bastard.

"Juugo and Karin."

"And finally… Naruto and-" She tipped the cap upside down. "Huh, no more names. Let's see-" She picked up a random piece of paper from the small pile on her podium. "You can join Sasuke and Suigetsu's group."

Sasuke's heart practically leapt into his mouth. Damn it! Nothing ever goes right! He raised his hand.

"Kurenai-sensei, I don't think that's a very good idea."

She turned her head to look at him.

"We all know you two are rivals and practically enemies," he practically flinched at those words while she only smiled warmly, unaware, "but you two have seemed to be getting along fairly well these past few months. Perhaps with this project you'll finally become friends."

That's because we've been ignoring each other, he wanted to scream. Instead, he only nodded politely and looked down at his desk.

"This is an at-home assignment. So I'll pass out a sheet of instructions and directions of everything you need to do. It's up to you guys to set up when you'll get together to complete this assignment."

Dammit, this just keeps on getting harder and harder.

Lunch time. Sasuke as usual wasn't hungry and picked at his food, and also as usual he was annoyed at how noisy the cafeteria always was. He supposed he brooded too much but he didn't much care when it seemed the whole world was intent on making him miserable.

If Itachi saw Naruto and him together, would he immediately go for the kill? Without even figuring out why they were together? This damn project! It was either going to be death of him from all his worrying or the innocent Naruto. Perhaps they can hide themselves in case they had to go into the public. Suigetsu and Naruto would wonder at this but it'd be worth it. Suigetsu could even be implemented as a cover-up. In case they ever were seen by Itachi, he would wonder why Suigetsu was with the supposed pair and this would most likely have him looking for the reason. And there was a perfectly good reason, a forced school project. It wasn't as if Sasuke was going to disregard the warning.

"It's no fair," Karin whined. "Why do you get to be in Sasuke's group and not me? Ask the teacher if we can switch or something."

Sasuke inwardly groaned. As much as he hated Suigetsu, the guy was still better than Karin. He relaxed a little knowing that sensei would never allow it.

"Ha! Just suck it up, Karin. Your little boy-toy is mine for now."

She glared at Suigetsu and practically wrapped her arms around Sasuke.

"Juugo and I might join you guys just so I can keep my eye on you, you fucking pervert."

"You have nothing to worry about, bitchy. That Uzumaki kid will be there. Sasuke and him will be too busy tearing each other apart to notice me." He grinned evilly. "Although it'd be nice if I can join in too."

Sasuke practically choked on his chocolate milk. He gulped before having a small coughing fit. Of course Karin was there right away, patting his back, getting the liquid out of his lungs.

"See? Sasuke's already excited." The bastard started having his own laughing fit. "So when should we get together, Uchiha?" He asked too flirtatiously, though referring to the project.

Sasuke looked at the white-haired youth irritably, wanting to punch him, but restrained himself and managed to answer through gritted teeth, "Today after school. It's Friday so we'll be able to work a little later into the night."

"Oh? It'll go into late into the night?" Upon looking at Sasuke's face glaring heated daggers into him, he brought his hands up in defeat. "Okay, okay. Sorry, couldn't help it." He laughed.

Just then a familiar voice came behind Sasuke.

"Have you guys figured out a time for when we should get together?"

"We were discussing that right now actually. Sasuke says tonight. S'alright?"

Sasuke refused to turn himself to meet those cerulean eyes. When there was no answer, he figured Naruto had nodded.

"Where?"

"Hmm, about your place Sasuke? My place is too small and too noisy with the parentals yelling their fucking heads off all the time."

"What? What about Naruto's?" He really didn't want Naruto knowing where he now lived in case the blonde got any ideas and did something stupid.

"Being fumigated," the blonde mumbled.

"The library?"

"Closes at 5pm today. And besides, why are you being so adamant about this, Sasuke?" Suigetsu raised a brow speculatively.

"I- Never mind." He trailed off, not expecting anyone to understand.

"There! That settles it. Uchiha's it is then." He leaned back in his seat with that ever-present grin of his.

Fading footsteps told him Naruto left.

"What's up with Uzumaki?" Karin asked, looking over her shoulder. "He's usually so cheery and never shuts up."

"You two finally settled that ridiculous rivalry right, Sasuke? Finally showed him who's boss? Probably pounded him right into the ground, against the wall," he paused, "into the mattress?"

This time Sasuke at last gave into his anger and reached across the lunch table to grasp a fistful of that white hair and yank it as hard as he could forward, smashing that ridiculous grin into the table, that laugh still ringing in his ears long after lunch ended.

They all met up at the front of the school, or at least Naruto and Sasuke met up with Suigetsu as the two had gym last period. They still hadn't said a word and though Sasuke knew this was for the best, he wished they could be able to make light conversation. It seemed he had hurt the blonde's feeling too much.

They followed Sasuke all the way, not speaking much or hardly at all. Sasuke could tell Suigetsu was irritated at the silence and the white-haired finally decided to break it.

"So what's up with you, Uzumaki?"

The blonde looked up from his feet. "What do you mean?"

"Where's your…annoyingness." He paused and looked up thoughtfully. "Is that even a word?" Then he looked back. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Anyway, where is it?"

"My… annoyingness? I guess I'm too tired today." He shrugged.

Sasuke knew it was a complete lie. It was because he himself was here that Naruto was like this.

"Incessant chatter, cheery spirit? I've noticed you're only gloomy like this around Uchiha." He looked to Sasuke. "I'm seriously starting to think you finally creamed him."

Sasuke flinched.

"We're here." He said, attempting to steer the conversation. He dashed ahead to lead the group through the complex. The apartments were on the dated side and the paint chipping. They were less in quality as Naruto's, but they also cost less monthly.

As they entered the apartment, Suigetsu whistled.

"It's almost empty." He walked around the bare room. "Not even a piece of furniture to lie back on."

"There's a breakfast table and some chairs we can sit in on in the kitchen."

Suigetsu headed left where the kitchen was openly displayed across the supposed empty living room and threshold in which they stood on. There, they all settled into a round wooden table. Everyone got out their materials from their packs and immediately started up on the project.

They all worked diligently, nonstop for a few hours, occasionally interrupted by Suigetsu to complain about why they had to do such a meaningless project. Sasuke and Naruto never really spoke to each other directly, and even if they had to, it'd only be a few words, a comment, and that was it. Of course, Suigetsu's patience was clearly drawing thin by the time the few hours had passed as he was annoyed he was the only person doing most of the talking.

"How about we take a break?" he said, standing up from his chair.

Sasuke leaned back, thankful for the break as he was starting to get a headache.

"Got anything good in here?" He shuffled through the fridge. "I should've known. Practically nothing. No wonder you're so skinny, Uchiha." He came back with a plump apple in his hand. "I'm sick of homework. Let's do something different, shall we?" He came walking back with a smirk on his face, and before Sasuke could figure out what he was up to and pull back, the white-haired, pointy-teethed bastard grabbed the back of his head and titled it upwards to brush lips for only a second before Sasuke gave the harshest punch he's ever given right to Suigetsu's face.

"Bastard! How many times have I got to tell you, I'm not interested in you – at all - Never!"

He felt like he was going to be sick. For fuck's sake, Naruto was right there! No doubt he saw it. Sasuke could've groaned at this mess. He couldn't help but glance at Naruto. That beautiful face looked as shocked and disgusted as Sasuke felt. He couldn't stand being there. He had to get away. He stormed his way into his bedroom and slammed the door shut behind him.

White frost clung to his fingers. He attempted to breathe life into them, yet it was pointless. His breath was as Death's, equally as chilling and as futile to regain warmth, there never having been any in either.

He was trapped, trapped within an ice prison. No entrance, no escape. A box made completely of black ice in which he was confined in. Icicles hung precariously overhead, threatening to pierce so easily through his soft flesh, or imbed itself into his heart. Occasionally one did fall, and sometimes he wished for those frozen lances to have hit him just to escape this bitter, unrelenting winter. That way, the box would melt and he could finally look out upon the world.

He picked up one of those broken shards of ice, grasping it between his hands, feeling those sharp edges. He was shivering so violently though, his grip slipped, instantly there was a dull throb on his finger. Something slippery started to coat his shard of ice; the source of it came from his thumb. Was he bleeding? He wasn't sure. There was no color. He could only feel liquid streaming that spot. Was he turning into ice? The horror of that realization, he felt himself get sick, yet his stomach was empty. That finger started turning cold, so cold it felt as if it was on fire. The feeling spread to his other fingers. As his panic grew, he started to hear the sound of ice cracking and saw that it was almost that, though it ice was forming – his hand was turning to ice. The feeling started crawling up his wrist into his arm.

"No!"

He smashed his converted arm against a wall where it broke into several large pieces of pure ice. It was too late. His shoulder was turning to ice, soon his neck, and his chest. He couldn't breathe. His lungs felt like heavy blocks and his heart, God! His heart felt as if were pumping ice water throughout his body, crystallizes everything it was to diffuse into. He wanted to scream but he found he had no voice. He was becoming an ice sculpture, a sculpture that had no need to feel, touch, say, breathe, or do anything except exist for the entertainment and viewing of others.

"Uchiha!"

That word sounded familiar. Did someone say something or was it just an illusion brought on by being so close to death?

Though his eyes leaked tears, they soon became beads of frozen water.

"Uchiha!"

So familiar… Was that a name? His name?

He screamed again, half desperately attempting to call for that person , half so mortally terrified of what was happening.

"Sasuke!"

Sasuke woke up covered in a cold sweat, he was shivering uncontrollably, his teeth chattering audibly and he felt numb. He was confused to where he was for a moment. He recognized the feel of his mattress beneath him and the sheets in which he grasped so firmly and… that smell of oranges. Though his eyes were already opened, it was then things around him started to make sense. He was in his room. Apparently he had fallen asleep and… Naruto. Naruto was here with him and he, Sasuke was clutching that dobe's shirt! Yet he didn't care. He was so full of anguish and terror. He wanted to erase the trauma of that nightmare and completely forget all those nightmares before it. He wanted warmth, and he was cold, so cold, he sat up and buried himself against that blonde. Real, silent tears trailed down the corners of his eyes as he gave in to his long-held desires.

"Sasuke?" Naruto whispered, obviously surprised at what was happening.

Sasuke didn't answer and only started to shiver harder with the absence of his blankets. Instantly, warm arms wrapped themselves around him and hugged him close. He tried to sigh in relief but it came out sounding like a chocked sob.

Naruto's head leaned against his. It warmed his face and neck so he didn't pull back. They stayed like that for a few minutes. The only moving was the rise and fall of their chests, the only sound, their breathing, Sasuke's own soon returning to normal.

With that, Sasuke's reason started to come back, the terror of his nightmare slowly fading into an ill memory. What they were doing was wrong, he knew that, yet he couldn't bring himself to break the embrace. He longed for this, for Naruto. Finally, after so long, he couldn't bear to break it once again. He had never wanted to break Naruto's heart or his own. He especially never wanted to hurt the blonde. It was damn Itachi. And even with that bastard of a brother in mind, he never broke away because for the moment, he and Naruto were together and he was happier than he had been for months, even his whole life.

"Jeez, you're like ice," the blonde said, his voice heavy with concern. Sasuke could only mumble something and proceeded to clutch Naruto harder. "I missed you, Sasuke," he whispered in a more somber tone.

Sasuke wasn't sure how to respond. "I'm sorry, Naruto," he whispered finally, fresh tears threatening, "so sorry."

There was a long uncomfortable silence after that. Once again Sasuke was at a point of no return. If Naruto accepted his apology, Sasuke could never break that relationship between them again, because the next time, he knew the blonde wouldn't come back.

An arm lifted itself off his back, Sasuke's heart stopped, but resumed its beating the second the hand laid itself on his head and proceeded to stroke his hair. He openly smiled against Naruto's chest, knowing the dobe wouldn't be able to see it.

"You know the back of your head looks like a duck's ass?"

"Dobe."

"Bastard."

Sasuke laughed. Not a small chuckle, a laugh so tangibly happy and true, Naruto couldn't help but laugh also. At that moment, Naruto seized the opportunity to tilt the other boy's head upwards and plant his lips gently onto the raven's, who hesitated for only a second before moving his own lips eagerly against the blonde.

No, for the moment he wouldn't think about Itachi. Itachi could just go to hell for now. Right now at this moment, it felt as if the only people in the world were Sasuke and Naruto, and the raven wanted it to feel that way for just a little while longer – as long as possible.