Hey all, sorry for taking so long yet again. It's just that a lot of things has been going on in my life, it's all really complicated and I don't really feel like telling the world about it so if you really wanna know, you can pm me but the basics are just that there was no time for writing in my life in that particular period. So again, sorry for the delay.

Oh and for those who read manga, I highly recommend that you read Yellow by Makoto Tateno, not green or orange or gray, Yellow. It is AMAZING! I love it to death! And if you've ever read Fake by Sanami Matoh, you'll most likely like this one and vise versa.

To the anonymous reviewers:
Jade: thanks so much .
Someone whos too lazy to long in: EEEWWWW ahahahahaha, your review cheered me up somethin awful! I was laughing so hard I almost cried!.. not that I need anymore tears lol. But wow, you have no idea, it really gave me the boost I needed to get off my ass and write this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Concrete Angel

Chapter Five:

Naruto waited once again by the tree after school. It had been like this for the past week. School would get out, Naruto would rush out quickly like always, but instead of going to Emi's house he went to his tree. He and Sasuke would always go for a walk after school, around the lake, down the old train tracks, just places where they talked endlessly about whatever came to mind. Sasuke normally came up with the conversations first, but after a few days, he opened up some topics. He'd learned much about Sasuke, many of his favorite things, his best course, some of his university options, and that he wanted to move very far away, just like him. It was always the future they talked about. And while it depressed Naruto to some extent, it also gave him false hope that maybe he could have a future like Sasuke. Maybe he could get a job, save up money and go to a university where they've never heard of Uzumaki. But then those dreams came crashing down when reality hit. Who in Konoha would give the Uzumaki kid a job? However, the fact that they never talked about the past left Naruto curious. He didn't mind not knowing about the raven's past, and he wasn't curious enough to ask, but the questions piled up in his mind nonetheless. Sasuke also never pried into the blonde's life. He never asked about the scars, bruises and bandages; which made Naruto more secure and comfortable, but he had caught glimpses of the expressions Sasuke tried to hide when he saw a new injury. He could tell that it occupied the raven's mind quite a bit. Eventually, he told himself, I'll tell him. I'll get it all off my chest. But not yet... I'm not ready.

Hearing the warning bell for the buses, Naruto began to wonder what was taking Sasuke so long. He was never this late.

On his way out of his classroom, Sasuke heard his name being called and turned down the hallway to see Tenten, the student council president. "Yeah?" He asked, not that concerned as to what she wanted. Several times this girl had attempted in getting him to join student council and run for president next year. But that wasn't his thing, he already had enough time in getting some privacy, if he went on the council or became president he'd never have any peace.

"I want some help from you. You're popular, especially among the girls, so... I want you to enter the auction for the carnival. It's really simple... you just go on stage and people will bid for a date with you. Now before you say no!" Resourcefully she cut any words about to leave Sasuke's mouth, "it's for charity, and the girls would spend a fortune to go on a date with you. So... please?"

Sasuke gave a little time to give the appearance that he was thinking it over before answering, "No."

Tenten sighed and whined, "Why not? It's for charity. It's not like having a date for once in your life would be that bad."

"I haven't been turning down dates from rabid fangirls all this time just to sell myself off."

"But it'll be us selling you off... for charity." Once again the brunette added in the fact that it was for charity, as though it would change his mind."

"No."

Tenten huffed, "Come on-"

"No matter how many times you ask, beg, and make up reasons for me to do this it will not change my answer so save us both from wasting unnecessary time." His kind yet firm voice left no room for discussion and made Tenten nod reluctantly before taking her leave with nothing else to say.

Now after that little hold up, Sasuke could head out and join Naruto by the tree. His attitude always picked up near the end of the day when he could look forward to spending time with Naruto. After a few days of walking around in random, slightly private places he'd gotten the blonde to open up quite a bit. He actually started conversations on his own without Sasuke urging him into talking. He talked about very few things, avoided the topic of his home, his aunt and his injuries entirely. But that was to be expected. And Sasuke also avoided almost everything about his past, which didn't seem to bother Naruto that much. However what they did talk about interested Sasuke a great deal. He found out that Naruto enjoyed reading very philosophical books, was very talented at mathematics and whenever Sasuke brought up the future, of what he wanted to do and be, Naruto suprisingly said that he wanted to go into law inforcement. Somehow it seemed fitting for the young blonde. It overjoyed him that he was finally in the friend zone with his crush - and it had kept his mind off a certain someone this past week - but how long would it take for him to go further than the friend zone if ever?

"Hey Naruto, sorry I took so long. I got held up by something for student council." Sasuke explained when he finally reached the back doors of the school were he found Naruto waiting as usual. It may have bee just his imagination but Naruto had appeared a little anxious. Probably just wishful thinking.

The blonde's brow furrowed in confusion at Sasuke's words, "You're on student council?" They'd talked about a lot over the last little while but something as easy to bring up like being on student council had never come up. Either it had just slipped his mind... or he was lying and proving Naruto's suppressed fear.

"Oh, no. The president just wanted me to volunteer for an auction."

"Did you?"

"No."

"Why?"

Sasuke paused, normally Naruto would drop things right at the start... another sign that he was opening himself up.

"I didn't feel like going up on a stage and being some one-day trophy for an overly obsessed girl."

A smile tugged at the corner's of Naruto's mouth. He was trying his hardest not to laugh at the image of several girls fighting for the highest bid while pulling at a dismayed Sasuke in all different direction.

"What's so funny?" Even though Sasuke's face appeared to be angry, his voice was sounded humored.

Naruto shrugged slyly and turned to walk, "Nothing..." Even though his voice was hiding that on-coming giggle.

"Yeah right," Sasuke followed him with somewhat of a scowl. "It can't be that funny..."

"Ah but it is..."

"Would you bet on me to save me from those girls?" Taking a chance, Sasuke threw it out there to test Naruto's reaction.

He was silent for a time and avoided eye contact, he didn't want to let on... especially since he'd finally made a friend... so how could he respond to a question like that. "Nah... I'd rather live without the scars of millions of insane, angry girls beating me up for getting you instead of them." His eyes widened at the end of that sentence... he couldn't believe he'd just said that... getting you instead of the girls... oh no, Sasuke would definitely figure it out.

While Naruto panicked on the inside, Sasuke's eyes widened for a whole different reason. Living without the scars is what got to him. Was he finally allowing him into that part of his life. Was he at last confiding in him? It was probably too early... something such as abuse isn't looked into within the first week of knowing someone. He'd have to wait.

"Yeah... that isn't a very good idea. Those fangirls can be a hazard." Sasuke forced a laugh, which Naruto in turn forced a smile. And then they continued their walk to the old train tracks in silence.

Sasuke, while looking around at the overgrowing plants, snuck glances at the blonde's face. Not just to stare at that gorgeous face, but to see if he could read what was going through his mind.

Naruto however avoided eye contact as though looking at Sasuke would turn him to solid stone, and focused on the sun beaming through the greening leaves of the very tall trees.

After a while Sasuke broke the silence, "How was class today?" He asked, not knowing what to say.

"Um... normally. Math quiz was pretty easy."

"That's good, you're great at math so it should have been."

Naruto tried not to smile at the compliment but Sasuke caught the gleam in his blue eyes and smiled happily. ""Uh... what about you...?"

"Boring, as usual."

With that the conversation died and a hush fell over the two. Off in the distance birds chirped and a babbling brook could be heard.

"Hey, let's go sit by the brook." Naruto suggested, starting to feel uncomfortable with the awkward silence.

"...Sure." Sasuke was somewhat surprised by his proposition. In their town the brook was one of the most romantic places with it's beautiful array of flowers ranging from white daisies to yellow lupines which grow along the bank. The way the trees part just right, giving it the perfect view of the sunset. And the brook itself was gorgeous, flowing down over colorful rocks which were placed there over the years, all honoring someone special. It was considered extremely romantic and many of his friends had gotten their first kisses there. And yet Naruto invited him to sit there with him... part of him was cursing at himself for jumping to conclusions but the other part was overjoyed that the possibility could be present.

Turning down the narrow path towards the brook, Naruto thought he sensed Sasuke's pace quicken but it must have all been in his head.

As they stepped into the clearing both boys had to cover their eyes with their hands from the sudden rays of light. The sun had been previously blocked by trees but it beamed brightly in the clearing as it glimmered off the rushing water. Sasuke had only visited this place a few times and was once again astonished by it's beauty. Not too many things in a plain town such as theirs stood out and it was one of their main torrist attractions. Glancing at Naruto he didn't seem that impressed... like he was used to this place. "So... do you come here often?"

Naruto gave him a slightly confused look, "Yeah, how'd you tell?"

"Lucky guess." Sasuke said simply, not wanting to admit he was in wonderment at nature.

The blonde shrugged it off, casually walking over to sit on a log covered in moss, which he seemed familiar with. The raven joined him, looking in the direction holding his secret crush's attention. It was a large, golden rock in the middle of the brook. Water splashed up as the brook rushed around it.

After realizing that he was staring at the rock and that Sasuke had caught him staring, Naruto turned a little pink and took in a deep breath. "That's the rock honoring my father." He explained.

The raven did a double take before turning his eyes to Naruto. "He deserves a stone as beautiful as that."

For once, Naruto looked back into Sasuke's penetrating gaze and nodded.

They stared into each other's, neither speaking, for some time before Naruto panicked and stood suddenly, though he's eyes never wandered from Sasuke piercing ones. He couldn't, they drew him in and it was impossible for him to look away even though he felt as though he wanted to run far from his side.

"You know," reluctantly Sasuke broke eye contact with the blonde and looked vigorously at the streaming water, "I care deeply for you... ever since the day I saw you in history class, and I don't want to see you hurt." He looked back to the blonde who hadn't yet moved, though he did appear like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. "Naruto..."

The bewildered Naruto, not knowing what to say or do, tried to do the only thing he could think of... run. But as he stepped back, Sasuke stood making him take two more steps.

"Naruto!" Sasuke cried out in warning but it was too late, Naruto took too many steps backwards, slipped on the banking and fell into the cold water of the brook. The raven practically jumped into the shallow water to see if he was okay.

Naruto rubbed his back, but he was okay... only his pride was bruised, even though Naruto didn't have much pride to begin with.

Sasuke inwardly smiled, thankful he was alright and helped the stunned blonde to his feet. He was lucky he hadn't landed on a rock, so he didn't crack his head open or break a limb. Guiding him back to the log, Sasuke sat him down. "Are you okay?"

Naruto just nodded, he felt like an idiot...

"Good, but... you're soaked." Pausing, a random idea came to mind. "You should come back to my house, I'll give you a change of clothes."

Shock found it's way back to Naruto's eyes. "No... that's not necessary-"

"Yes it is. I don't want you to catch a cold." Sasuke insisted.

"But..."

"My house is closer, it's more logical to come to mine." He said firmly.

Naruto sighed, he was right... why did he have to be right? "Okay..." He muttered reluctantly.

Well... just to be mean, I'm gonna end it here ;P
I know my promises haven't been that faithful... but I actually plan on getting this next chapter up quickly, I've already wrote the beginning of it, and I also didn't want to make you guys wait any longer to read anything.