[A/N: Yo everyone! I know I haven't been posting fast lately but that's 'cause I'm so packed with studies! Ugh... Math...(-_-") Anyway, I hope you guys like it! Oh, and your past doubts of the first chapter will also be answered here, but for the new ones in this one... Well, read on to know! ^_^]

Next Life

By: Kaida Matsuki

Chapter 2: Liar

"I think if two people were really meant for each other, they'll end up together eventually." Minato's face broke into a smile, his tone gentle and soft.

His kind voice echoed in Naruto's head the moment he'd awoken – haunting him, and for once, he hated the lecture his father had long ago given him. Ironic enough, it was also his introduction of the topic regarding their move. It wasn't as though he thought of his lesson less meaningful, but it clearly showed of what his father wanted to say about their move that involved his life, and the issue that he had fallen in love with his best friend – Uchiha Sasuke.

Yes, he fabricated about having amnesia just to save face… and to get revenge. He wanted the bastard to feel guilt – to feel his pain, to endure suffering.

That's why he lied.

No.

That can't be all.

Naruto's anger piqued at the small voice as he sneered at it with disgust.

What did his conscience know? After all, the pain he'd endured upon losing his best friend for a silly confession, not to mention that the Uchiha didn't even bother to contact him for years! What else could it be? Of course, it was payback! How could a friend be so heartless? Given that he might've been too sickened of him, but still! He was his best friend. You don't simply attain that title without enduring through every thick and thin! Since then, he never truly tried to rely on anyone… His hate for him was reasonable and not merely out of anger from an insignificant confession.

The bastard deserved every ounce of his hate. Naruto wasn't guilty.

But despite the retaliation in his mind, there was a slim chance that he had lied in order to have a fresh start with him, to be friends again; to make amends…

Ha! Don't make him laugh! As if! If ever it was for that purpose, then the bastard had already ruined the chance to be his friend again, since he just had to remind him. He wasn't that naïve and forgiving. There were limits to a person's kindness, and the bastard had gone beyond it without thought! The Uchiha didn't even know what had happened to his father till yesterday! And now, he was pretty sure that he was the only one bothered by their encounter.

The feeling of desolation seeped through his mind as it brutally hit him once more, darkening his sapphire eyes. Yes… He was always the only one affected.

If you were to ask him if he still harbored the same feelings as before, his answer was a definite no. How could he? He felt drained of all emotions. Even if he still had "love", that would just be so damn stupid – wasting it to fall for the same person. Just thinking of the word "love" was enough to make him blanch.

Although Naruto knew he was being overly twisted against the concept, he didn't care. For how else could anyone have coped with his situation anyway? He knew himself better than anyone and he knew he couldn't have coped with it alone… Losing your dad after being stood up by your first and only love and best friend the following day, it was nearly impossible. But, somehow, he managed, although not without scarring himself. When he was at the funeral, thoughts of his best friend haunted him, as questions like 'What would Sasuke do?' or 'If only Sasuke was here…' Would his pain have gone away if the Uchiha was by his side? If he didn't just ruin their friendship, what would've happened? Would he be there to comfort him through his darkest time?

Naruto didn't know nor did he care what the answer was. It was all too late anyway. His best friend had stood him up, forgotten him and left him. He should just forget him like what he'd claimed and perpetually ignore him like a total stranger. He shouldn't be disturbed by his presence anymore now that he'd returned.

But, no matter how many times he'd told himself that, it still did. He still had an impulse to sense his presence, he still had this urge to search for him; he still had the need to look at him, and it was all so stupid! And he didn't know why! It's as if his body always moved on its own accord without his consent and thought! But to ease his fury upon himself, he reasoned it as his hate for the Uchiha – plain and simple. But somehow, at the back of his mind, he knew that wasn't it, and that's what irked him.

Although he was a hundred percent in denial of this morning's realization, some things were better than what fate had in mind. For if he knew what fate had laid out for today, he was definite that he'd have skipped the day and slept in, because he was sure as hell that he didn't wake up for this.

"What the fuck are you doing, council president?" Naruto asked. His eyes were tightly shut as his fists painfully clenched. His tone was filled with sarcasm, and suppressed anger. "Kindly explain, what the fuck this is?"

Sasuke glanced backwards at Naruto's fuming form as he continued to drag him along to the school campus. "What?"

He forced the Uchiha to stop, pulling at the chain that connected them, "This." He brought up his left arm to display a handcuff around his wrist. "Why did you chain me to you?" He asked through clenched teeth, glaring upwards at the calm Uchiha.

"Hn."

Naruto's eye twitched as an audible snap of teeth was heard. "You know, I can give a report of this to the principal." He threatened, twistedly grinning with triumph.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed at blue irises, before he leaned down to Naruto's face level, "Too bad. I already asked the principal for his permission."

Naruto took a step backward, but refused to back down, "Old hag would never agree to this!" He stubbornly replied, taking a mental note to murder the traitor. 'Stupid old pervert!' His mind grew alert when he saw Sasuke smirk down at him as he narrowed his eyes. He grew more irritated when the Uchiha took his sweet time to torture him with his unbearably irritating, cocky silence. He pulled at the chain defiantly to wipe off that annoying smug smirk, "What?"

Sasuke continued to smirk as he nonchalantly placed his hands in his pockets, "Vice-principal was actually the one who agreed first."

Naruto's eyes widened, sputtering from utter disbelief. His eyes averted to the floor angrily. 'What the fuck!' Great. He knew he shouldn't have told his situation with the bastard to them! It was obvious that they wanted him to forgive the goddamn Uchiha. How could he have slipped that?

"What?" Tsunade's booming voice thundered in the desolate corridor where Naruto had taken both her and Jiraiya to speak privately, disturbing some of the patients at the hospital. Their heads turned at the 'shh' sound they've received from the nurse who was in a certain white room. At least, Tsunade had the decency to look abashed by her unexpected shout, before sending a murderous look at Naruto.

"What do you mean you said you have amnesia, brat?" She asked with a clipped tone, apparently annoyed.

Naruto sighed. He knew that this would happen, "Just that. Could you please not tell him?"

Jiraiya laughed at the request even before it was finished being said, "Ah, young love. You know it's easier if you forgive and forget." He patted Naruto's back as the male blond visibly recoiled from his words of jest, his sapphire eyes dilating with resentment at the suggestion.

"No." Naruto's devoid answer cut through the air with its chilling animosity.

Tsunade let out a quick breath, "Well, it's your life, just don't ruin it, brat." She dismissively said, complying with Naruto's wishes, but not in favor of it.

Sasuke's smirk widened, "You can't sue me, too. Since they're your guardians, I've already asked for their permission regarding that."

"What the hell?" Naruto screamed after he heard this absurd announcement. Yup, the old hag was seriously asking for it.

Naruto's temper snapped when he saw Sasuke twirl the chain of a pair of keys around his index finger, unashamedly teasing him. His eyes narrowed, glaring at the Uchiha with intense hatred. He raised his fist and aimed for the porcelain face, but before he could hit him, he felt his other wrist with the chain be painfully tugged downwards. He missed Sasuke's face by an inch, immediately losing his balance at the sudden, unexpected action.

Naruto gripped at Sasuke's shoulder for support, and instantly wanted time to reverse itself.

Sasuke's arms encircled Naruto's waist, and pulled him to his chest in order to steady him. Their chests touched as they both felt each other's breath hitched. They felt a warm humming electricity pass through their bodies in that instant.

"You okay, Naruto?" Sasuke asked, concern ringing in his voice, but he immediately regretted his action when Naruto visibly flinched as he suddenly shoved him for release.

"Don't touch me!" Naruto demanded as he sent a dirty look at him, but was immediately taken aback as he blinked away his anger. Sasuke's look of surprise shocked him. The words had clearly stung the Uchiha, and in effect, somehow hurt Naruto to even look at Sasuke's initial pain. Silence ensued after Naruto's uproar as neither one refused to look at the other.

Onyx eyes turned stone-cold. "Let's go, dobe." He tugged at the chain that connected to Naruto's.

Naruto's arm was pulled forward, his anger shooting up again at the degrading action, "Oi, teme! Stop calling me that! And do you have any idea what you're doing?"

Sasuke peered behind his shoulder for a fraction of a second, before looking forward, 'Yes.'

Sapphire eyes narrowed when he didn't receive an answer. "Teme, suit yourself! I warned you."

That comment caught Sasuke's attention, but was unsuccessful to voice out his question when he saw the amount of people waiting for them at the front. 'Why are they…?' That was his dangling thought when a sudden unexpected interruption cut in. This time, it was Sasuke's turn to be pulled when Naruto launched himself in front of him and started to charge forward.

Numerous amounts of guys ran and started to throw punches at Naruto, but he moved with surprising ease, dodging them by each flick of his wrist and catching the hand it hit. He bodily threw his opponents with ease one by one. When he swiftly shifted, his arm complained at the pain that bound his wrist. Although he was still able to throw a few successful attacks using his restricted hand when necessary, he was still limited to move, due to the limited length of the chain that proved to be a great nuisance. He grunted as he resorted to ducking, throwing punches at the abdomen of his opponents, using his free hand. He swipe kicked at his last opponent, finally finishing. He maintained his fighting position until no one dared to charge him. When there weren't anyone else, he stood up, breathed deeply, before releasing his breath with a quick huff, and then a grin split his face. "Hey guys!" He shouted at the amazing large mass of people there watching the fight the whole time.

There was an overwhelming shout of answer from both guys and girls as they all shouted, "Welcome back, Naruto!" Some daring people almost rushed to hug or tackle him, but were wise enough to cease from their said action when they saw a dangerous looking Uchiha next to the blond. They regrettably resorted to friendly waves of greeting. Although it was plain as day that they all missed the energetic blond, they didn't dare go near the furious Uchiha.

The fight lasted for three minutes – Sasuke subconsciously noted as he looked at the pile of guys who were beaten. Of course, during the fight, he didn't idle around. He dodged the bodies that desperately tried to bring down the blond, but they were all immediately defeated, while the student's individual warm welcome took more than ten minutes. He looked at Naruto's happy face as if nothing had occurred during those past minutes. "Dobe, what was that?"

Naruto snorted at Sasuke's incredulous tone, "I told you that the handcuffs were no good."

Sasuke had no idea what the idiot meant, "What?" He snapped, trying to grasp of the logic of what that has got to do with this.

"The old hag most likely agreed to your suggestion, because of my fights at the other school. I bet she wanted to lessen my fights if I had this." Naruto shook the chain to emphasize his words.

Sasuke tiredly rubbed his temple, feeling a migraine from Naruto's diluted answer. "Okay, why did you fight our batch mates when it's only your first day?"

Naruto merely shrugged, "Kiba reminded me that before I left, I promised that whoever beats me in combat, I'll do anything they want for a whole year."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed at his fellow students who wanted Naruto's bargain. His temper blackened at the number of just how many people wanted to have Naruto. His mood grew darker when he also registered the fact that everyone knew about Naruto's leaving, but him. He didn't want to admit that it was his own fault, so he abruptly changed the topic, willing himself to forget this significant; yet hurtful fact. "Why?"

Naruto pondered, before finally answering, "I never thought I'd be coming back, so I thought it was safe."

"Hn." Sasuke pulled at him, dragging him inside. The sound of chain echoed behind him as he felt mild pain shoot from his wrist. He didn't mind the slight discomfort as long as the dobe was tied to him.

"Stop pulling me like a dog!" Naruto jerkily tugged at the cuffs, shouting profanities all the way to the classroom. His new class interestedly looked at the scene when they had entered, most of their expressions held surprise, while others were the look of longing when they saw Naruto enter. It was apparent that they wanted to greet the blond and inquire of the past years, only… If it wasn't their terrifying kaicho, who was clearly intimidating them.

They halted. Naruto waited for Sasuke to release him, until his temper got the better of him, "What? Aren't you going to remove it? Don't you have classes?" He snapped harshly at the unflinching Uchiha. He was seriously starting to get on his nerves. Why won't he just leave him alone? He struggled to remove the handcuffs, cursing under his breath when the bastard wasn't even inclined to remove it.

"Dobe, we have the same classes up to the last period."

Naruto's actions instantly stopped as his mind registered the words. His head whipped up, his eyes quickly widened at this, "The fuck!"

"Naruto!"

Both teens and the rest of the class turned to the voice from the door, landing on Iruka's reprimanding form. "That's no way to talk to your council president." He chided, walking towards the teacher's desk. He placed his things down, "Now, class, please be seated. It's homeroom."

"Iruka-sensei!" Naruto pulled at the chain as he beamed a glimmering smile towards his favorite teacher. He apparently didn't care about the stupid handcuff that stopped him from moving any faster or the other occupant of the cuffs who he was dragging. "Sensei!"

Iruka saw the two come closer to his table, thinking that they have finally patched things up. He couldn't help smiling at them when they came, but that is until he saw Sasuke wistful expression that was caused by Naruto's bright smile. Iruka's smile slightly dropped. It was as if Sasuke was jealous of the brunet. But why?

Iruka looked from Naruto to Sasuke and immediately caught the agenda. He tried to lessen Naruto's blow by sending them both to their respective seats, despite Naruto's protests. Then he heard a louder protest coming from his returnee blond student regarding as to why Sasuke was his seatmate. Iruka shook his head. 'Poor Sasuke-kun.'

Sasuke's frown continued to mar his face till third period. He didn't give a shit that his foul mood was raining on everyone's day, for all his thoughts centered on the blond and his actions. He couldn't let go of the fact that Naruto's smile disturbed him. Of course it was beautiful! Damn hell, his heart literally skipped a beat when he saw it! It truly captivated him like nothing in the world mattered, but… that was it. The smile wasn't even directed at him, but at their teacher. God, he felt sick. Even his own body was getting tired of him.

"Oi, Uchiha."

Sasuke looked up and saw Naruto looming above him with an exasperated expression. "Hn?"

"Teme, how could I eat? The chain's not even long enough for me to grab a bite without sitting." Naruto proved his point and brought a stick of chocolate to his mouth. But like what he'd said, it didn't even reach his mouth unless he would sit on the floor or chair.

"Then drag your chair and sit closer to me." Sasuke replied simply. What was he doing? Naruto's already forgotten him and rejected him, and yet he was still going to struggle with this? The memory of Naruto's radiant smile flashed in his head, but instead of Iruka's face, it was Hinata's that appeared. The smile slowly shifted into a fond one as his sapphire eyes softened… Sasuke's blood flowed savagely with rage.

Damn, yes! He would struggle more if that meant Naruto remembering him! And he didn't want to feel ignored by the blond ever again, but how? He saw Naruto settle on the floor instead and began to eat his snack. Then a thought quickly crossed Sasuke's mind.

Naruto's eyes widened when Sasuke's lips suddenly leaned in to take his snack directly from his mouth. "What the fuck!" He mumbled and screamed in between what's left of the snack as he shot up, but the chain suddenly yanked him back, making him lose his balance. His footing slipped as he tried to grab onto something, until his lips met Sasuke's.

Both of their eyes flashed open with surprise. There was a jolt of sensation that passed through them, shocking both teens with its blinding intensity. Their bodies unconsciously warmed as they felt an unknown hunger cross their every cell – Which terrified Naruto. This must be a nightmare!

Naruto's mind circled and panicked as he hastily pushed himself away from Sasuke, then nervously checked if anyone had seen them. His heart skipped a beat at Sasuke's look as he desperately tried to look nonchalantly away. 'Shit! What the hell was that? No! Now I lost my first kiss to the bastard! What next?' He didn't catch Sasuke's reaction, when he covered his lips to hide a small flustered smile.

"Nothing happened." Naruto mumbled, unprepared of the sudden backlash that followed.

A second passed when the Uchiha's chair skidded back when he abruptly stood up, sharply pulling at the chain that drew Naruto into his arms.

If given a chance, Naruto wouldn't have fallen for the same trick twice, but what stopped him from avoiding this was Sasuke's cold eyes. It was the first time that Sasuke glared at him menacingly. He never saw this side of Sasuke and that scared him.

"That. Wasn't. Nothing." Sasuke's inflection was bitter and flat against Naruto's ear. He felt Naruto's grip on him tighten as his blue bewildered eyes grew wider. He could almost see his chilling figure reflected in those horrified sapphire eyes, and he loathed it. Didn't he vow to himself that he would be the one to protect him? Yet, why was he the one scaring him? Wouldn't that cause him to be further pushed away? He didn't want that…

Sasuke's apology was at the tip of his tongue when something caught his eyes at the corners of the classroom. He reluctantly released him when he caught a glimpse of a few students discretely pointing at their direction. "Tch."

Naruto didn't realize he was clutching at the Uchiha's shirt, until Sasuke reached and pried them open. His daze was snapped when he felt pale fingers skim his tanned hand as he immediately retracted it. He saw Sasuke's pained eyes, before diverting his own right away, mumbling, "I need to go to the washroom."

"Sasuke."

Sasuke turned and saw Neji at the entrance of their classroom. "What?"

"Tsunade-sama wants to speak to you." Neji answered as he leaned on the frame of the door, motioning his head to the right where the office was located. "Now."

Sasuke walked past Naruto whose head was still downcast, the chain tinkling with each motion.

Naruto saw Neji's slight shock at the sight of their handcuffs as he swiftly hid it under his stoic façade. He felt Sasuke fumble around his handcuff as he refused to look at Sasuke. When the contraption was removed, he gently flicked his wrist to get rid of any stiffness that lingered.

"Four minutes, dobe."

Naruto's eyes narrowed at the name, but didn't protest against the term, although he didn't know why. All he knew was that his instincts were telling him to stop rousing the Uchiha's anger again.

He'll do that.

For now.

Naruto's foot got caught by a bag's strap recklessly lying on the floor, causing him to stumble forward. He slammed his eyes shut, he could almost feel the floor hit him, but miraculously felt none. Instead he felt an arm securely wrapped around his waist, keeping him from falling. The arm immediately withdrew after having done its purpose. He blinked in surprise when he glanced up to see Sasuke's retreating figure.

"Three minutes left."

Naruto left the room, heading to the washroom as he tried to hide his face from curious onlookers. He went directly to the sink and quickly gazed at his reflection. His face was flushed after his hurried pace to reach his destination, but something told him that wasn't the case at all.

Naruto slapped his face, refusing to look at his image any more. He clenched his teeth, trying to will away the blush. He hated it. He looked at the faucet and harshly twisted it, splashing his face. He didn't want to delve any deeper. After all, he was pretending that he didn't know the bastard, and that the only thing he remembered was the pain he brought, right? He shouldn't be so soft. He should act like any other stranger would if they were done the same treatment – complete indifference. He shouldn't show how much he was bothered by him, but that still didn't explain his strange reactions to the Uchiha… He furiously shook his head. He should best forget about it. It wasn't significant anyway.

"Okay." Naruto left the boy's washroom with resolution, marching back to the classroom and chanting in his head with complete focus. 'Indifference, indifference, indifere–'

"So, how's Naruto coming along?" Neji's question broke through the blond's short-lived mantra at the mere mention of his name.

Naruto hid behind a door and it slowly dawned on him… Why was he hiding? He had the urge to slap his face again, but refrained, because he didn't want to blow up his cover and pass up the chance. God, he could be an idiot at times! Then he suddenly noticed that his classmates were all gone, vaguely recalling their next subject was Physical Education. They must've left for Gym. Oh well, he'll think up a good excuse to present by then while waiting.

"He still doesn't remember me." Sasuke's voice was soft, no one would've heard it unless they gave a hundred percent of their attention, but it was enough to slice through Naruto's thoughts. It wasn't like him. "It seems that his body is also repulsed at my very presence."

"Hmm…" Neji grunted in thought.

Naruto nervously shifted in his place. The extremely awkward air around the room started to get to him. He decided that it was the right time to turn up and thank Sasuke's help when he almost fell before. It didn't feel right when he'd left like that. It still made him blanch at the bad aftertaste. He wasn't an ungrateful person, regardless of his anger towards the Uchiha. He was meaning to leave his hiding place when he stopped. He overheard something that wasn't meant for him to hear, and that made him freeze on his tracks.

"He's still annoying as hell though." Sasuke's weary groan bounced from the other side of the door as Neji chuckled.

Naruto's fist bunched up at that rude comment as his lips formed a sneer. His right eye twitched as his memory decided to mock him at that precise moment, choosing the perfect time to show that he was so close to apologizing for his rude behavior and almost thanking the bastard!

That's it! Like hell was he going to thank that jerk! What was he thinking? The Uchiha's lucky that he was still alive and breathing! He knew he should've strangled him before he left the school! Damn bastard! His mind continued to seethe at his stupidity and at the Uchiha's bitchy comment. He should just enter the damn room for Christ's sake! It was his bloody class room too! He felt like a complete fool for even considering and waiting outside.

Naruto stomped his way to the classroom and grunted in irritation.

Both of the teens looked at him inquiringly at his sudden black mood. Sasuke was the first to move towards Naruto. His eyebrows quirked upwards as he heard a loud huff coming from the irritated blond. Naruto continued to display his displeasure upon him as his frown deepened, not once sparing the Uchiha a glance. After all, if he didn't want him to be upset, he shouldn't have said those things! If he hadn't said those uncalled for opinion, he wouldn't be here waiting for an apology! And he was sure as hell demanded one!

As the Uchiha went near him, it just occurred to him that Sasuke might think that he was eavesdropping on their conversation! Which he was… 'Ugh, stupid!'

Naruto didn't realize what Sasuke was doing until his ears detected a familiar clinking sound. He looked down at his wrist which was freed from the Uchiha's grip and felt a vein pulse in exasperation.

Sasuke had him shackled again.

"Let's go, dobe."

Naruto stumbled behind the Uchiha, making him fume and blush in anger at his predicament, and for once, he didn't voice out his complain. Instead he sent an I'll-kill-you-if-you-do-that-again look, after flicking his tongue out in defiance. It was the least he could do after the irrational treatment.

Neji interrupted their contest of glares when he coughed to grab both of their attention. "Alone, Tsunade-sama wishes to speak to you alone."

Naruto heard the Uchiha curse softly as it was followed by sounds of clicking again, he saw Sasuke hand over his hand cuff to Neji. Naruto's mouth dropped as a gasp escaped him. This was going too far! "I am not a dog, Uchiha! I don't even need a nanny!" He stomped to catch the pompous Uchiha's attention.

"Watch over him." Sasuke pointed at Naruto when he'd ordered Neji.

"Sure."

Naruto looked baffled and insulted at Neji's immediate consent and their instant disregard of his opinion. "Look here, Uchiha, you have no right to –"

Sasuke unexpectedly flicked Naruto's nose, effectively shutting him up before leaving. "Behave, dobe."

Naruto sputtered at the embarrassing gesture as he absolutely did not miss the Uchiha's amused smirk when he'd passed them. He glared at the back of the Uchiha as he prayed to god for him to trip. "Teme!"

"Naruto, may I have a word."

Naruto jumped at the mention of his name. He glanced at Neji, almost forgetting that he was there due to his mind-consuming annoyance for the Uchiha. "Yeah, Neji. What's up?" He mustered a smile, but the sound of the chain was ruining that effort.

Neji noticed this, too, so he came straight to the point. "What's that about? The fight this morning?"

Naruto was clearly surprised as he blinked a few times. Did everyone see that? He hoped not or else Tsunade would pulverize him. He paled at the thought and realized that that may be the reason why Sasuke was called to the office. Excellent! Now Sasuke became his guardian, too! Now, even his mind was filled with unhealthy sarcasm. He inwardly sighed. He wasn't usually like this, but when it came to the bastard, all bets are off concerning him. He simply couldn't control it. Shit, where was Kiba when you needed a good distraction anyway?

"Uzumaki?"

"Huh?"

Naruto was slightly dazed, his thoughts circled around as he was still mentally not there. His blue eyes blinked back innocently as he watched Neji's face expectantly looked back at him.

It suddenly occurred that Neji was still awaiting his answer.

Naruto's face was immediately enflamed by an embarrassed blush. "S-Sorry! About that, I challenged the batch before if anyone could beat me, I'd do anything they'd want." He released a nervous chuckle, before adding, "Although I seriously didn't think I'd be back to even fulfill that –" His hand reached the back of his head to sheepishly scratch it, trying his best to conceal his humiliation by acting fine – Which he was clearly not!

All of a sudden, Naruto was on the floor, his back flat against the ground. His eyes blinked with incomprehension. 'Huh?'

Naruto couldn't register what had happened, other than the fact that his back hurt when he fell. But, how did he fall? His eyes landed upon Neji's face when he offered him a hand. He reached for it absently, still slightly disoriented. "What just…?"

This time, it was Neji's turn to apologize. "Sorry, but you did say the condition for the challenge. There wasn't any specific time or place needed, so I thought it was allowed. Did I win?" He gave a small smile for the first time since he'd arrived.

Naruto couldn't help smiling back at the devious act, shaking his head for falling so quickly. "Yeah, you win. What's your wish, oh great master?" He grinned when Neji's smile widened for a fraction at his lame joke.

Neji patted his shoulder before walking towards the Uchiha who Naruto didn't even sense his arrival. "Don't get too close to Uchiha." He whispered when he'd passed him as he handed the handcuff back to Sasuke, before waving his hand coolly at them.

Naruto looked perplexed at the request. Wasn't it obvious that he was doing his damned best to stay clear of him? He paled, thinking that Neji concluded that he still liked the bastard! 'Holy fu…'

Instinctively, Naruto sensed a disturbing feeling of being intensely watched, successfully cutting through his thoughts. He automatically turned, his mind blanking out as his heart almost stopped. His breathing hitched at the sight of Sasuke staring at him.

Sasuke's eyes never left Naruto even after Neji tapped his shoulder as a bid of farewell. When Neji was out of plain sight, Sasuke didn't waste his time to announce why Tsunade called, "It's about your room in the dorms, dobe."

Naruto sighed with relief when Sasuke's eyes finally released him. Thank goodness, that was the only good news he'd received for the whole day.

Of course he wanted to know where he was staying before the day ended. He didn't want to be under the same roof as his godparents for too long. He wanted some healthy privacy, especially since they knew of the case regarding his little lie. At least now, he was certain that he won't be bothered by this minor problem. He found his first smile for the Uchiha. "And?"

Sasuke watched him as a smirked formed on his lips, making Naruto suspicious. His smile slipped in caution. Whatever the bastard was smirking about, it didn't bode well for his future.

"Well?" Sapphire eyes narrowed. They were already late and the bastard still had the gall to prolong it. Naruto pressed his fingers to his temples and squeezed his eyes shut. He could swear that the Uchiha proved to be more troublesome than a real headache.

All of a sudden, Sasuke grabbed his wrist without warning and pulled Naruto to him, making him look up into onyx ones with shock.

"You're mine." Sasuke's smirk grew as if he'd liked the announcement, despite its huge misconception. "I'm your roommate."

'Ugh… Where am I?' Naruto's bleary eyes heavily blinked as his mind tried its best to remember what had happened. He felt soft sheets underneath him. He's on a bed? How'd he get there? If he remembered correctly, yesterday, he came back to his old school, then…

"Sasuke!" Naruto quickly sat upright when he recalled the Uchiha's presence, suddenly having a sense of anxiety that everything that had happened was all just a dream. Was it all created by his imagination? His lowered eyes dimmed at his pathetic behavior for still dreaming of the Uchi–

Naruto's mind came to a screeching stop as his eyes grew wide. His skin color became a shade lighter at the sight. This can't be happening!

Sasuke was with him.

On the bed.

Smirking at him.

Sasuke's smirk grew when he leaned in to touch Naruto's baffled face, whispering under the moonlight, "You said my name…"

Naruto snapped.

"Teme! What in hell are you doing in my bed?!" Naruto screamed as he threw a pillow at the shocked Uchiha who miserably fell from the bed. Sapphire irises panicked at the sight that this wasn't his room at all. He jumped from the bed, ready to bolt at any time, but before he could do that, Sasuke blocked the door – His only source of exit. His eyes murderously dilated. "Step aside, pervert."

Sasuke released a deep sigh of exasperation. "Dobe, it's not like what you're thinking…"

Naruto refused to remain still and made a grab at another pillow near the bed. He ruthlessly hurled the pillow towards Sasuke's face. "Teme, I said move!"

"Naruto, wait, listen. We're in our dorm room. You fainted, remember? That was when I announced that you're my –" Sasuke ducked at the pillow that was thrown at him, evading once more when a smaller pillow was next. "Usuratonkachi, just listen!" His eyes widened with horror when he saw what the blond was about to throw at him. "Dobe, put the book down." He raised his arms, trying to calm the panicking blond. Suddenly, he felt a gush of air pass his face; that was followed by a crash.

Sasuke's head swiftly whipped behind him to check if there was any damage and winced when he saw a lamp broken. "Are you mad?!" His tone was an octave higher than usual as he returned his gaze to Naruto's. Unfortunately, he was unlucky when he turned around.

Sasuke's head suddenly drew back as he was firmly shot right on the forehead with a notebook.

As soon as Sasuke removed the wretched thing off his face, he threw Naruto a glare, narrowing his eyes when he saw him get another object – This time it was a large book. "Don't. You. Dare."

Naruto's determined face didn't flinch under the firm command. "Step aside." Before Naruto could even toss it, Sasuke crossed the room in a few strides and immediately pinned him on the bed.

"Stop." Sasuke curtly demanded, evidently annoyed at the blond's irrational and childish behavior. He was about to exactly point that out when his mind stuttered.

Naruto's flushed face caught Sasuke off guard as they both panted from their spent energy. His onyx eyes centered on the blond's rosy lips, releasing puffs of hot air, until he swiftly gasped and caused them to snap from their reverie.

Those blue orbs that Sasuke admired since their first meeting turned into cold, lightning blue. "Get out!"

The next thing Sasuke knew… He was outside. A door's slam echoed at the abandoned corridor, indicating that what he was seeing and experiencing was true.

He was kicked out of their room.

Naruto crawled under the covers, pulling the blankets over him, trying to desperately calm his speeding heart. He slammed his eyes shut, doing his best to forget what recently occurred, but it was futile. His mind wandered off to an image of Sasuke's fathomless eyes that mysteriously crooned at him with its shifting emotions, confusing him further. An absurd blush came forth when he abruptly recollected of the kiss. His traitorous heart skipped a beat at the memory as his jaw tightened, bringing the blankets closer over his face to cover when he felt his face heat up more. He fervently prayed for sleep to sweep him away, and steal this odd feeling forever – Never to be found.

Neji's voice somehow echoed in the midst of his chaotic head, 'Don't get too close to Uchiha…' Naruto's grasp on the sheets crumpled the pretty blankets. How could he avoid him when he's constantly there?

'Goddammit, what's wrong with me…?'

[A/N: Hehe, I loved the part when Naruto woke up! Hilarious! I could actually imagine Sasuke being hit by the notebook! XD Anyway, how's the chapter? You like? Then, you must Review and Comment! ^_^/ ]