[A/N: I know that this chapter was a week late so... Sorry? XD No, really sorry! ^_^ Hope you still love me! :)]

Next Life

By: Kaida Matsuki

Chapter 5: Addiction

'Damn. I feel horrible…' Kiba complained in his mind as it throbbed like hell. 'I have a horrible feeling I'll encounter someone who hates my guts… Great.'

Inuzuka Kiba: a delinquent, happy-go-lucky and breezy type of guy. He's one of the few guys that's only second to Naruto's popularity. Being good at judging people compensated his carefree character and was also known second again to Naruto to be the life of the party. He earned his name of being the most loyal best friend through one thing, though no one knew but him. Perhaps to other people, it was because of his constant support towards his two best friends, Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata, but they never truly saw how much he'd paid for that title. For to attain that special place, he sacrificed his heart.

Looking back, he'd give up all these just for the girl he loved to reciprocate these special feelings. Unfortunately, he knew he would never taste that dream. For the girl he loved will remain in love with his best friend — Naruto. He already knew this significant fact, but despite of it, he would still love this girl even in damnation, because that's how much he loved Hinata.

Regardless of this love, he would never touch her, hold her, and show her his feelings, for that's how much he valued Naruto's friendship…

Out of guilt.

Jealousy and anger blinded Kiba's rational mind as he harshly pushed the small blond to the pool where he'd set to do the deed. For a twelve year old, that was the best revenge that he could come up with after hearing the news. He pushed him out of raging jealousy because he liked Hinata who liked Naruto. He recently found out and was blinded anger because he considered Naruto as his best friend.

The feeling of betrayal seeped into his little frame like poison.

Naruto fell into the waters with a loud splash. The bundle of sunshine flailed his arms around wildly when Naruto managed to float above the surface of the water with panic. His blue eyes were wide with shock and distress. His mouth desperately continued to gasp for air.

Kiba scoffed at Naruto's fake distress, turning away from the sight and raising his head up in annoyance, "If you want to get out, then get out, Uzumaki." He glanced at the sinking boy in the pool, waiting for him to come up, but never did. His eyes widened with alarm in horrible realization, feeling his blood being drained from the tasteless joke. His eyebrows scrunched together with worry, shuffling closer to check if the blond was simply playing with him.

"O-Oi, Naruto!" Sweat formed at Kiba's temples as he asked with a trembling voice. "D-Don't tell me you don't know—"

"I can't swim!" Naruto exclaimed, his last attempt to voice out caused him to sink lower. His head was dangerously no longer above the water, continuing to submerge underneath swiftly.

"Naruto!"

Kiba abruptly turned to face the one who called out Naruto, noting that the person wasn't from their school and was wearing a foreign uniform to theirs. Suddenly, the said boy jumped over the fence, removed his blazer and went straight to their location. Not minding the fact that the rest of his clothes might get wet, he swiftly dove into the pool.

Seconds of stifling silence passed and there was still no sign of them.

Kiba twisted his hands agitatedly, waiting for them to come up. His eyes were shooting back and forth from the pool to the school building. What should he do? Should he go ask for help? Get a teacher? But if he did, then he might get suspended if Naruto told him what really happened, and of course the teachers would ask him how Naruto ended up there in the first place! He started to panic, unable to think coherently under the pressing situation.

All of a sudden, the dark-haired boy plunged upwards, gasping for air and pulled Naruto up with him. Kiba released a shaky breath that he held torturously. Relief washed down his anxiety as the unknown boy carried Naruto out of the water, watching him gently lay his unconscious form on the gutter of the pool.

"Naruto!" Kiba called out and worriedly drew closer to the two, until the dark-haired boy glared at him. He immediately stopped on his tracks at the intense, accusing glower.

"Don't come near him," Came the soft, but menacing command of the stranger.

A cold chill ran through Kiba's body in that instant as suffocating silence enveloped the atmosphere. His eyes looked downwards guiltily. Yes, it was his fault. He couldn't deny it, but he didn't want that! He didn't mean it! If he only knew… Then what? Kiba's eyes grew large at the voice that asked him. He would've exacted his jealousy and anger through a different method? Just as long it wasn't a near dying experience? Would he push Naruto through pain, but just not kill him?

Sharp loud coughs abruptly cut through Kiba's thoughts as Naruto continued to cough out the water. His disheveled form shivering from the cold air. Naruto looked up and saw the dark-haired boy hovering over him. His pale face was calm but there was still a shimmer of panic and concern in his onyx eyes.

"Sasuke, why— How…?" Naruto trailed off when he saw Sasuke smirk with relief.

"I thought that you're just meeting a friend, not taking a dip." Sasuke muttered with a teasing tone, but his voice still brimmed with anger underneath, shooting a murderous glare at Kiba's way as his eyes softened on Naruto's once more and muttered softly. "Dobe, don't make me worried like that."

Naruto smiled sheepishly, "Sorry…"

"Your dad told me that he was working over-time again. I was supposed to tell you that I'll be transferring to your school, that's why I'm here." Sasuke answered the question he knew would come up sooner or later, narrowing his eyes at sapphires when his attention was elsewhere. "How'd you end up in the pool?"

Naruto tilted his head nervously and saw Kiba over Sasuke's shoulders, sending him a small smile. "Kiba… dared me to. It's nothing big, teme. It was my fault, he didn't mean it."

Kiba flinched at Naruto's eye-contact and his lie for him, pushing down the guilt that mercilessly piled on him. His eyes started to sting from Naruto's gesture of loyalty, despite his betrayal.

"Right, Kiba?" Naruto called out as the boy known as 'Sasuke' glanced back at Kiba, sending him another glareand daring him to come closer to them.

Kiba gulped with fear and truly wanted to go near them, but retained his position. "I'm sorry, Naruto!" He said loudly, turning around and running away from them. His eyes clenched shut, his tears threatening to flow out.

"O-Oi, Kiba!" Naruto stretched his hand out as if he wanted to stop Kiba from leaving.

Kiba shouldn't have done that. He felt so embarrassed, so worthless… so ashamed, that the cause of that incident was because of his anger and jealousy towards his friend! He didn't deserve to have a friend like Naruto, because, despite of his shameless action, he was still forgiven. He was feeling shamed that this 'Sasuke' guy was also considered as the same category as him when he didn't deserve such after what he had done. He wasn't even near him when he found out that the blond had a cold the next day after that incident. He didn't deserve to be called 'best friend' when he wasn't the one who saved him.

He didn't even have the right to even question Naruto why and where he was when Hinata was waiting for him. He didn't have that right when he was in love with his best friend's girlfriend. That's why this time, the least he could do to make up for this grave mistake, Kiba decided to help and support Naruto and Hinata, despite his heart breaking at the mere thought of it.

"Inuzuka, you're in my seat."

Kiba looked up and flinched when he saw Sasuke looming over him arrogantly, and turned to Naruto's way for help. Damn, just when he was building up his nerve to ask him what happened to him last week, after all Hinata asked him to, so it was fine, right?

"Inuzuka, move." Sasuke faced Naruto. "Dobe, tell your mutt to leave."

Naruto's eye twitched at this and shot up from his seat. "Teme! It's already dismissal time! Why do you need him to leave your seat? Are you that possessive?"

"Idiot, it's my seat so I can do anything with it." Sasuke answered simply and smugly. His look alone screamed Naruto's idiocy upon the blond's query, and effectively inciting Naruto's anger.

Kiba watched them both banter back and forth, and couldn't help but stare in awe at the way Naruto was reacting. It was like nothing moved them at that precise moment; as if it was their own space that no one could break. He'd never seen Naruto react like that to anyone… His eyes widened when he saw Naruto blush at whatever the Uchiha was saying, before mentally adding, 'Even with Hinata…'

"Ugh! Fine, I get it! Kiba!"

Kiba flinched away from his thoughts and watched Naruto take his seat again with exuding irritation.

"Sorry about this, Kiba, but can you leave teme's seat?" Naruto asked, firing a glare towards Sasuke's smug face, before turning his head away to see Kiba get up from his seat. "I'm really sorry for the bastard, but you could take a seat in front of me, since—"

"Oi, dobe, we still have council duties, especially since the festival's tomorrow. Just send him back." Sasuke said, taking his seat and leaning his arms on the table as he shot Naruto an amused smirk when the blond twitched from anger.

"Teme! I'll really kill you if you call me that again! I thought you said that you just wanted to get your things? And stop throwing Kiba—"

"It's fine, Naruto. I still have cleaning duty anyway." Kiba grinned at him and started to walk away, calling over his shoulders nonchalantly, "Make sure you're free during the festival, okay?"

Kiba walked out the door, glancing back swiftly. He saw Naruto's eyes discretely trail Sasuke's onyx ones as the Uchiha let a small smile slip on his usual stoic lips. His eyes widened, before finally leaving. He didn't know why, but he felt that whatever was happening between them continued, it didn't bode well for Hinata. His jaws locked in place, narrowing his eyes to the floor. He needed to talk to Naruto. Those were his last thoughts when his watch indicated that cleaning hour was done, finally dismissing them.

Kiba stalked to the student council room, fueling his suspicion when his best friend was lately found there. Although there was a good reason behind it, which Naruto claimed that the Uchiha forced him to be part of the council member, but it still didn't rest his mind. There was really something out of place, something that wasn't there when Naruto returned.

Whatever it was, he didn't like it.

Kiba rounded another corner and was about to climb up the staircase to reach the student council office, until a familiar blond hair caught his eyes in the middle of the stairs. "Oi, Naruto!"

Just as suspected, Naruto turned to see Kiba a few steps below him. His arms were filled with a large stack of colorful papers as he looked at him inquiringly. "Ah, Kiba! I thought I told you could go ahead without me?"

Kiba reached Naruto's side, offering him a hand and getting half of the pile of papers. "Nah, not much in a hurry." He glanced at Naruto's bright face when they started to move. "Also, I wanted to talk to you about something…"

"Well, make it quick 'cause I still need to finish this up for our school festival. What is it?" Naruto cocked his head to the side questioningly, making Kiba feel a slight pang of guilt of his suspicions, but that didn't stop him. He gripped the papers and breathed through his nose nervously.

"Did something happen?"

Naruto stopped, his eyebrows scrunching with wonder. "Huh?"

Kiba evaded Naruto's eyes and muttered, "You've been spending more time in your council duties, and—"

"Yeah, that's 'cause of the festival tomorrow," Naruto began warily, "Why? Is that wrong?"

Kiba shook his head, gradually losing his conviction when Naruto started to walk once more, but this time slowly. "I was just curious. It's just that Hinata was asking for you…" He nearly choked at the last part as he cleared his throat, "I also noticed that you're being… close to Uchiha and… happy."

The silence that hanged was overpowering that Kiba didn't know what to say next. Their soft footsteps were getting slower and slower, until they've pulled to a full stop. He watched Naruto shake his head and sigh, and then all of a sudden, let out a laugh. Kiba didn't know what to make of this, so he waited till Naruto stopped his laughteras he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"You're pulling my leg, Kiba!" Naruto continued to shake his head, "Me? Close to that teme? And happy? With him? Damn! That's rich!"

Kiba laughed carefully with Naruto. "Uh, yeah, yeah… I know right. That's not possible…"

"No duh! What made you think that?" Naruto asked, taking another step to the upcoming staircase and shooting a look at Kiba inquiringly. "Well, dog-breath?"

Kiba grinned at Naruto, hiding his intentions. If he wanted to make sure that Naruto was no longer interested with Sasuke, he needed to push his sore spots to know the truth. He cursed at the method, mentally asking for Naruto's forgiveness. After all, it was for Naruto's as well as Hinata's welfare that he needed to be ruthless. This made Kiba inwardly blanch as he breathed deeply. "Nothing much, but I just thought that you wouldn't be too friendly with him this fast…"

Kiba assessed Naruto's reaction. When he deemed it useless, he pushed further with unnoticing precision and whispered, "You know, since he was your crush and best friend before. 'Cause if it was me, I would never find it in me to forgive him, especially after your dad's funeral. At least we were there for you."

Naruto was silent, turning his back to Kiba.

"Hey, all I'm saying is your girlfriend's been there for you and, dude, you'll always be my only best friend!" Kiba said in a light-hearted tone, hoping that Naruto wouldn't figure his plan as he continued to probe for more reactions and sore subjects. "Heck, I would've done the same thing that you're doing. I would pretend that I had amnesia just to avoid hi—"

"Kiba."

Kiba stiffened, waiting for Naruto to punch him. He wouldn't stop him, since he knew better. It was more than a sore topic. For Naruto, it was a large scar that served as an ugly reminder. His eyes darkened at his shameless action, but tried to find reason for it. It was only to help Naruto and Hinata's relationship… He needed to learn the truth, before it would be too late.

"It's just as you said…" Naruto began, muttering softly in reply, "Think about it, if I become too hostile to Uchiha, won't he be suspicious of it?" he said, turning to squarely face Kiba with a mischievous smile, easing his friend that he wasn't offended.

Kiba let out a relieved sigh at this answer. Of course! He relaxed and changed the serious atmosphere to aloofness, sheepishly grinning at Naruto apologetically to erase any sign of tenseness. "You're right! I never thought about that view though. Yeah, you're right, it would be too suspicious."

Naruto puffed his cheeks out good-naturedly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "For that reminder, I demand a treat tomorrow! That's settled! Ramen! Six bowls of it!"

Kiba barked out a laugh at Naruto's childish tantrum as he opened the door, shaking his head with disbelief. He shouldn't have doubted him in the first place! This was Naruto he was talking about. He grinned and followed Naruto to the room. "Oi, I never agreed so how was that 'settled'?"

"Your silence was enough." Naruto grinned at Kiba, placing the papers on the nearest desk.

"Stupid, you never even gave me a chance to even have your crappy 'silence'!"

Naruto waved his hand dismissively, "Details. Nothing to look forward to. I don't need a dog's permission." He teased Kiba as the brunet sputtered animatedly, tackling Naruto in a headlock as they laughed rowdily.

"That's for you, you little—"

"Ahem!"

Kiba and Naruto stopped when they heard this, turning without letting go of the other just in case there were any underhanded tricks. Naruto's eyes blinked innocently at the bystander, while Kiba narrowed his with caution as he muttered with poison at the unexpected guest, "Uchiha."

Sasuke ignored Kiba's warm welcome and spared him a glare, noticing that he still hasn't released his hold on Naruto. "Inuzuka, Hyuuga's searching for you."

Kiba dropped Naruto, his attention perked at this, but immediately crushed it as he asked, "Neji or—"

"Neji." Sasuke cut in before Kiba had the chance to utter her name. He wouldn't allow that to happen, especially when Naruto was with him at that moment, not with her. "He said it's important."

Kiba tersely nodded and sent a grin at Naruto, "Later, Naruto." He waved and warily glanced at Sasuke, momentarily stopping at the entrance door. The way Sasuke was looking at Naruto set him off, causing his instincts to remain and screaming not to go, but he knew that if he did listen to his guts, Naruto and the Uchiha would certainly catch onto this. Although, if he didn't go, Naruto would think that he doubted him… and that would also give the Uchiha a hint that he was already suspecting him. His fingers clenched into fists, refusing to move. 'Shit!'

"What's taking you, Inuzuka?" Sasuke called out with false friendliness and oozed with sarcasm, "The door's right in front of you. You do know how to open it, I presume."

Kiba shot a glare at the Uchiha's arrogance, and begrudgingly opened the door, before slamming it once he'd left. He cursed after he was a floor away from the council room. His teeth ground hard, setting out to find Hinata's cousin. This better be worth leaving those two alone!

He shouldn't have left.

Kiba laughed humorlessly at being told that Neji left forty minutes ago, the very time that the damn Uchiha told him that Neji was searching for him! He was never looking for him to begin with. He lied to him! It was obviously his plan to get him away from Naruto. Kiba swore loudly when he stomped to the student council room, only to find it empty.

"Fuck! That mother-fucker!" Kiba yelled, slamming the door harshly to vent out his anger. He tricked him! Now, he didn't know where they were! The stalls were already set up, making it harder for him to search for them. If he didn't pull Naruto away from the Uchiha, Naruto's charade would backfire and instead be his downfall – his addiction. He glowered at the floor. He would stop that before it was too late. For Hinata's sake.

After all, Naruto was still Hinata's boyfriend.

Naruto watched from the rooftop as Kiba left the campus, mildly wondering if he found Neji only recently since he was only leaving now. Though he knew that wasn't the main agenda his mind was thinking since he wanted to distract his real thoughts, but it wasn't easy when it pops up readily. He recalled Kiba's words and for him, it was slightly jarring. His words were right. Rather, it was supposed to be. He should still hate Sasuke after all he's done to him,. The least he could do was act indifferent, but he didn't.

Naruto managed to crawl himself into the Uchiha's heart. Now what? He remembered that his original goal was to pretend they were complete strangers again, but at the back of his mind, he wanted revenge. He wanted to do exactly what the Uchiha did to him. He wanted to lead him on, make Sasuke fall for him, and when he finally fell for him, leave him to perish like he'd experienced. Shouldn't he leave him now? It was the perfect time when he claimed he was in love with him. Why was he hesitating? Was it because of pity that that he wasn't following through the plan? Did he really give in to him because of these?

Naruto sighed, leaning his head against the wired fence. He was beyond confused. How could he have forgiven him so swiftly? Even to him, it was frustrating that the Uchiha was unable to feel his agony, but somehow, he felt as if the air was sweeter to breathe than before. He realized it was indeed true that harboring hatred was poisonous, but what did that mean now? Should he really forgive and forget? No, that wasn't the real reason he was sensing these anxiety.

'I love you…' Sasuke's voice rang and echoed within Naruto's head out of nowhere, making him take a sharp breath in an instant. What was he thinking? Why would his voice appear? And of all the sentences, why that? Naruto screamed loudly in his mind, rubbing his head furiously. He stopped his movements as he recalled Kiba's words for a moment.

'I also noticed that you're being… close to Uchiha and… happy.'

Was he really happy with him…?

"Dobe!"

Naruto cringed at Sasuke furious tone, reluctantly turning to find the Uchiha's irritated look. He smiled with apology, "Ah, sorry," he muttered, refusing to directly look at his eyes. Recently, he simply couldn't look into Sasuke's eyes. The reason for that, he didn't know… Why? Did Kiba's words really bother him? If it did, why? Was it the part where Kiba said he was spending less time with them or was it the part where he appeared closer to the Uchiha these past few weeks? How could that be…? He was no longer in love with him. He'd already moved on!

Did you?

Naruto was taken aback by the question posed to him by his inner voice. The question was more staggering than necessary. Of course, he did! He wouldn't take this being 'mates' matter to heart! If he did, then… Naruto froze. Then what?

"Naruto!"

Naruto blinked, his mind reeling back to his present situation. He felt a chilling shiver race through when an overbearing and malevolent aura radiated next to him. With all honesty, he didn't want to spare a look at the source of it. Unfortunately, he needed to face it sooner or later, he thought as he conceded to at least turn to the Uchiha's way. "Umm… Yes?"

Sasuke's cheek muscle slightly twitched, narrowing his eyes at Naruto's face, before letting out a sigh when the blond still refused to look at him. He quirked an eyebrow at this, what's wrong with him? He leaned in to look closely at Naruto's face, eliciting the blond's cheeks to flare up and his body to take a step back, but was denied when he met with the fence earlier.

Did Naruto's eyes just shift…?

"Wh-What?" Naruto demanded, his eyes still firmly glued to the floor under the Uchiha's scrutinizing eyes.

Sasuke leaned back and shook his head, walking back and muttering, "It's nothing. I thought I saw something."

Naruto went pale in seconds as his eyes bulged. "Don't tell me it's a bug? Take it off, teme! Why didn't you tell me sooner, you piece of shit! Hurry!" He snarled in between, jumping and running around in panic to get rid of the imaginary bug.

Sasuke smirked at the sight, slipping his hands in his pockets. It was pretty hilarious that the dobe was still frightened by bugs. It was such a shame that his better judgment was telling him to inform the blond that there was no 'bug'. If he simply didn't care about Naruto's reaction afterwards, then he would've enjoyed himself. Oh well, it was better than asking for his forgiveness later. His smirk grew when he thought of another better plan than telling.

Naruto stopped in front of Sasuke, his blue watery eyes pleading him. Even Sasuke could say it was a heart-breaking sight. "Sasuke!"

A soft chuckle escaped from Sasuke at Naruto's distressed form. "Come closer."

Without a second thought, Naruto did as he was told. Gripping the Uchiha's shirt with a death-like clutch, his fear escalated at the possibility that the bug was in a position where Sasuke needed to concentrate to get the little monster. His lips started to tremble at the idea of the bug entering his clothes, goose bumps spreading all over his skin. "Hurry u—"

Sasuke's lips pressed onto Naruto's as his arms encircled his lithe waist firmly. Naruto's eyes shot open with surprise, sporting a raging blush when the kiss ended too soon with another chaste kiss to his lips, leaving him absolutely mute.

Sasuke gazed at Naruto with aching tenderness. "All gone," He whispered softly, letting him go slowly and making sure Naruto's knees wouldn't give out as his blue eyes gazed at him in a daze. He gave a small smile, before leaving Naruto to his thoughts. And as predicted, Naruto's eyes hastily cleared that haze as his mind wrapped around what the Uchiha had done. "Teme! You didn't even catch anything!"

Sasuke smirked with amusement and brought his face closer to Naruto's. "Do you want me to catch it again?"

Naruto's face bloomed and immediately flared at the double meaning, narrowing his eyes pathetically to show his irritation, but his flushed face ruined it. "Hmph! No!" He said, flustered, leaving the rooftop in a hurry. His blood pumped hotly and spread throughout his entire body. His hand slid towards his moist lips where he could almost feel the warmth left.

Was he happy?

Naruto looked up at the dark sky, absent-mindedly smiling at the beautiful scenery before him. Tonight was beautiful and the festival was a complete success, he thought happily as his eyes roamed the colorful bright lights illuminating the school grounds under the darkness. His attention was steered away when he remembered that he was supposed to find Kiba. He sighed, he was so busy by the programs he was in charge of, he completely forgot his supposed tour with Kiba.

Naruto scanned the heavy crowd he was in the middle of. His body started to sweat after being near other random people's body heat. Damn, it was crowded. He was amazed that with this heat no one has collapsed yet. Sure, it was still in the middle of spring, but it was so humid. Coupling it with the fireworks set a while ago, it was obvious why the sudden heat. He fanned himself to relieve some of his heat, turning back when he couldn't find Kiba in any of the stalls he'd passed.

Naruto's interest was caught when he saw people gather around the bonfire where the field was. He glanced around once more to find Kiba. Shrugging tiredly, he could always say he was too busy. It wasn't a lie anyway. After all, he did try to search for him.

With that resolve in mind, Naruto headed towards their campus' Sakura trees. After a whole day of handling large crowds, he truly needed some privacy and the much needed cool air. Where else could he attain that, but in that small sanctuary of his? He checked if anyone was searching for him and when he deemed that it was fine, he quietly slipped away.

As soon as the smell of Sakura blossoms invaded his senses, he relaxed and breathed in the sweet smell. He went in further the trees, trying to find his special spot where trees surrounded him, but gave enough room for the heavens and stars to be seen. His eyes gradually adjusted to darkness, smiling when he finally located his spot. He leaned against the large Sakura tree.

Naruto let out a soft breath. He only realized how really tired he was after leaning his weight against the tree for support. Everything was so relaxing, if only he could sleep here under the stars. He closed his eyes as he felt a cool breeze pass.

"I knew you'd be here."

Naruto jumped at the voice and scanned the small forest of cherry blossoms. That was when saw Sasuke leaning on one of the trees, staring at him intensely. He gulped at the sight as his throat ran dry from his heightened nerves. "How… Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the bonfire?"

"No. Besides, it's been awhile since you've been to your thinking tree." Sasuke walked nonchalantly towards where Naruto was. He could tell from Naruto's scent that he was tense around him these days, making him wonder why. Today, he would know. He'd been letting it pass, but not anymore. He felt a prickle of sensation rush through him. His eyes never left Naruto's. For ever since he'd noticed this change, the scent that Naruto was emitting subconsciously from his body was driving him mad.

It smelled delicious.

Naruto pouted and glared at him for his amusement. "Teme, what do you mean 'thinking tree'?"

Sasuke placed an arm beside Naruto's head and loomed his body near him, leaning his face Naruto's blushing face. They were eye to eye and a few centimeters away as he tauntingly replied. "Just that."

Naruto's composure crumbled when he noticed Sasuke's breath was close. His mind immediately shut down when Sasuke smirked down at him, making him blush more and forgetting his retort as he muttered weakly, "I-I like it here, I can see a good view."

Sasuke's smirk widened, leaning closer and causing Naruto's heart to race and his breath to cease at their close proximity. He slowly closed in Naruto's space, watching Naruto's lips closely. "Yeah, I like the view too."

Naruto's eyes widened at what he meant when Sasuke kept staring at him, sputtering with a maddening blush as he tried to look away from those smoldering onyx eyes. "T-Teme! I wasn't referring to you! I meant the stars! And stop looking at me! I-It's creepy!" He stuttered pathetically and completely blamed it on his damn stupidity. God, he wanted to bury himself somewhere, or better yet, he wanted to get away from the Uchiha.

Sasuke grabbed Naruto's arm that pushed him from getting any closer, entrapping him more as he continued to smirk down on him. "No, you like it, dobe."

Naruto glared up at Sasuke, while his raging blush ruined his attempt to reprimand the Uchiha and feebly snarled. "Get away from me, teme."

Sasuke's eyes grew wide after this and let out a surprised gasp as he slightly distanced away from the blond. His smirk was wiped off in that instant.

This made Naruto slightly regret what he said as he looked up and found himself staring into his shocked onyx eyes. Naruto's face furrowed with concern as his tone reflected his worry. "What's wrong?"

Out of nowhere, Sasuke stroked Naruto's cheek and whispered with amazed delight and wonder. "You want me…"

Naruto's breath hitched and quickly diverted his gaze everywhere but at the Uchiha's way. He didn't want Sasuke to see the confusion surely found in his eyes as he quickly denied it too fast for his liking. "No, I don't!"

Sasuke's smirk returned, his intense gaze making Naruto weak. "Dobe, do you know how I know?"

Naruto's head snapped indignantly, "I'm not—"

"Your eyes are red." Sasuke saw Naruto's eyes widen as his smirk grew, whispering, "You're my mate, so when your eyes shift that implies that you want me."

Naruto watched Sasuke's onyx eyes shift into scarlet, causing him to feel a shiver run through him at the mesmerizing sight as he heard him mutter against him.

"Just like mine are now."

Naruto's breathing stopped. His whole body seemed to have been frozen in place as his eyes were held by Sasuke's unwavering gaze. It was hypnotizing to the point when their surroundings was no longer accounted. He vaguely heard Sasuke's fervent whispers of love for him. His lips trembled as their lips drew closer, whispering, "Sasuke, I lov—"

Sounds of snapping twigs were heard that caused the both of them to nearly jump, disintegrating the mood like sand as their eyes reverted back to its original colors. The noise seemed to be headed their way, which made Naruto abruptly push Sasuke an arm away to put some distance, before they were seen in that position.

Sasuke stared at Naruto, his mind replaying the scene that was about to present itself. What was he about to say? Dammit, he knew it was crucial to hear it, but he didn't want Naruto to feel pressured. He wanted him to say it! His onyx eyes stared expectantly at blue eyes. He couldn't just let it slip like that! How could he?

Naruto's blinking eyes reflected his wonder at what he was about to say. He tried to mull his brain over it, but all he could recall was… Suddenly, there were voices that echoed from the trees that was added by the noise of snapping of twigs and bushes, resounding closer to them than earlier.

Sasuke was glaring fiercely at the specific spot he knew those intruders would come from, while Naruto followed his gaze. Naruto's eyes and was surprised when he got a good look at the two people who stopped when they reached their destination. "Kiba?"

"Yo!" Kiba raised his hand in a lazy wave, giving a wolfy grin towards Naruto. "I couldn't find you, so I searched everywhere. I thought I told you to meet with me."

Naruto meant to apologize, but a voice next to Kiba caught his attention instead.

"The closing ceremony's about to commence, Sasuke." Neji said from behind Kiba and went out to let them see him. He nodded his head to the direction the bonfire's location. "You're supposed to give the closing remarks, remember?"

"Hn."

Naruto smiled at Kiba, offering his apology. "My bad, Kiba, the air was suffocating me a while ago, so I really needed some space away from the crowd. Also I was beat, thought I could get some peace out here." He let out a short breathy laugh and scratched the back of his head nervously, walking to them. "Guess we should head back now, huh?"

Sasuke intently watched Naruto's back as the blond left with Neji in tow. He indifferently slid his hands in his pockets, but when it was in the confines of its cloth, it hid the clenching of his hands that showed his dissatisfaction of how the events flowed. He was never able to find the answer. He scowled at this, why is it they were always interrupted?

"Uchiha, hold on a sec." Kiba spoke with dire seriousness, his tone flat and hard.

Sasuke immediately took notice of this sudden change, and nodded curtly as he stopped on his tracks. "What is it?"

Naruto continued to walk towards the bonfire. Subconsciously letting his hand reach for his lips. He gently traced it with his fingers. What was he about to say again? Why did he feel so nervous a while ago? More importantly, why deid he feel disappointed when Kiba and Neji came? He started to purse the bottom of his lips worried, it couldn't be that…

Naruto ceased his movements as his head whirled to look at Sasuke from the back, but found him gone. He blinked with confusion, trying to find the dark-haired teen. Sure, it was dark and they could've easily blended in the night, but he only saw Neji behind him, as even Kiba wasn't there with them. His eyebrows furrowed with concern, did they get separated or did they manage to get lost? No, it was their school campus, which would be unlikely. He turned to Neji for answers, but was temporarily silenced when the ebony-haired teen began.

"I need to talk to you." Neji's stance was rigid and tight, creating a tense feeling to slice through the night air. "It's about Hinata-sama."

Naruto's attention was caught by this and nodded his head to indicate for the Hyuuga to continue. "And?"

"I'll be frank." Neji's face was stony as his eyes were cold when he nearly snarled out the words, his pale eyes narrowing fiercely, "You're killing her."

"What?"

Kiba suspiciously circled Sasuke from a fair distance, his eyes narrowing dangerously, before stopping behind him that was directly where Naruto left. So even if the Uchiha was displeased by the topic, Sasuke would have no way out other than where he was blocking. He crossed his arms as his whole body was rigid. "Whatever you're doing, stop it."

Sasuke wasn't one to take someone's order so easily, especially so when it was accommodated with hostility as he glared at Kiba. He wasn't stupid that he had no clue of what the mutt was saying. Clearly, there was no chance of lying when the truth was already out. His glare intensified, but for once, Kiba stubbornly narrowed his own. He snarled bluntly, "No."

Kiba's face contorted with anger at the quick reply, his hand slammed sideways and hit a tree nearby. "Naruto already has Hinata, you prick! What? You think, now that Naruto has amnesia, you'll have a 'clean slate' with him and start over? That doesn't work like that." He shook his head, "You're just being selfish."

"So what? I'll do anything to make him mine." Sasuke said, his hands clenching more. "And who are you to tell me I'm selfish, Inuzuka? You have no idea what I've gone through."

"Yeah, I don't, but I know what Naruto's been through." Kiba noticed Sasuke's stance stiffen for a fraction and knew full well that this was his weakness. This was his chance. "Tell me this, Uchiha. Where were you for the past few years in Naruto's life? None. Want some proof? Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? When you stood him up, I was there. When his car crashed and was sent to the hospital, I was there. When his dad died at the hospital bed, I was there. And when he was all alone in the funeral of his dad, I was there, and in all those events in his life, Hinata was there for him too, comforting him! Not you. You weren't even close to how he suffered, because of you. So don't give me that bullshit excuse."

With no reply at hand, Sasuke's head bowed and let his bangs partially cover his face, refusing to let Kiba see the agony shown in his eyes as his heart squeezed with pain. More than ever, he wished that he was the one to be with the blond, he could turn back time.

"From what I see, you're just a whiny kid, Uchiha." Kiba continued, his voice dripping with venomous poison, "Now that Naruto's out of your grasp, you want to attain him. It's not because you love him that you're doing this. You wanted to have him only because you lost him, only appreciating things once lost, just like a child with a play toy gone from his grasp. Did you even consider Naruto's feelings when you were doing all this? Did you even bother to know?"

Sasuke didn't answer, for in his mind, the answer was no. He didn't take account of Naruto's feelings in exchange of his selfish and greedy desires. He had forced himself into Naruto's life, like the blond didn't have a choice in it… His throat constricted hurtfully with guilt that anguished his every breath.

"I didn't think so," Kiba muttered distastefully as he turned around to leave the Uchiha and follow Naruto, relaying out the last of his message, "Just stay away from him."

Sasuke heard Kiba's footsteps against the grass as he left, his gaze was still fixated downwards. He didn't want to let Naruto go, but if he didn't… The light in his onyx eyes gradually vanished. If he didn't, what would happen to Naruto? Would his memories be ever regained? And if it did, would he come to hate him more after he realized what he's done to him? He frowned as tears threatened at the brim of his eyes.

Sasuke didn't want to be hated.

Not by him.

[A/N: What will Sasuke do? What did Neji mean about Naruto killing Hinata? I bet you guys never knew that behind Kiba's aloof smiles and laughs, underlies a devious and observant mind. O.o Seriously, I know some people that are like this, so be very careful. As I said, hope you still love me enough to review after reading this pitiful chapter. C'mon! I did this for you guys! Pretty please? :) Please Review and Comment! ^_^]