Hello!!!

I am utterly sorry for the long delay-I started writing this chapter right after I updated the last one but I didn't like what I wrote so I rewrote everything and it turned out completely different than what I intended it to be. Though, I must say I like it this way better. Anyway I have an important announcement to make:

I will be starting to work at a hospital from the 1st of September so I won't be able to update often. I am going to be beat from work so I apologize.

Anyway, here's chapter five:

Chapter 5-Interaction Project

.o.O.O.o.

Sasuke closed his eyes. What should I do? The sound of students talking and laughing did little to help him and he mentally cursed. He was stuck now and he had to find a way out of the mess he was in. Naruto… Gaara said some things… did they mean that Naruto loved him? As in love-love? He didn't know what to think of what he heard. First of all… how could that be?! Naruto was talking as if they actually knew each other! But Sasuke was pretty sure he didn't meet Naruto before… did he? Well, he did suffer from amnesia… and secondly that was-he wasn't gay! Was he? "This is too frustrating!" he made his way back to the cafeteria hall, back to his friends.

"Well, did you do it?" he shook his head and gave her a glare. Sakura shook her pink head and sighed. "Really," she said, "sometimes I really don't get you."

Naruto didn't come back to lunch and Sasuke decided that it was for the better. After all, he still had to digest everything he heard.

That day was horrible from the beginning. First of all his brother called and announced that he'd come home. Well that was expected he guessed… the ROCK N' ROLL day was in two weeks and with them performing on that day… He was feeling distressed when his brother told him he'd come back. It's been nearly a year since his brother left and Sasuke had conflicting thoughts about his return. A part of him longed for it very much, part of him still wanted his brother near him, protecting and loving… but the other part of him loathed the idea and dreaded it. That part wanted freedom and independence and he couldn't get those with his brother always by his side. Just thinking about his brother made his head ache and the first thing he did when he got out of bed that morning was to take a painkiller and drown it with a lot of water. Then, when he arrived at school he found out that his damned friend Neji signed them both to some special project that only god knew what it was about (well, god and Neji) Sasuke kept his composure, though. He was good at keeping his composure. Always. But that didn't mean he didn't make Neji pay. He got his own little revenge by assigning him to the sophomores' volunteer project and he was quite content when he watched Neji's reaction when he discovered it. After that Sasuke had to attend Advanced Math and that was when he saw Naruto. The blond boy was deep in thought when Sasuke entered the classroom and the sight made him somewhat joyful.

"Hello Uzumaki," he greeted the boy with a smile. Naruto blinked and then gave him a nervous smile. "Hello Sasuke-kun," he said back. Sasuke took a seat next to him and put down his schoolbag. He could feel Naruto's gaze on him. They didn't talk after that and Sasuke thanked god when the teacher arrived and class began. He was quite surprised to find Naruto in Advanced Math because the boy didn't appear to be so bright but Naruto apparently was. And also a nerd, probably. From the moment the teacher opened his mouth Naruto went silent and his eyes were glued to the teacher and the board behind him. It seemed that he was trying to listen very carefully, afraid to miss anything and excited about the things he learned. Now, Sasuke was quite the nerd himself but not like Naruto. Naruto was a nerd in a… nerdy way unlike Sasuke who was popular, handsome and adored by everyone. Well, he is handsome too… a thought sneaked into his mind and made him blush a little. What the hell? I am so not gay! I'm just stating the obvious…!

When class ended Sasuke decided that it was time for Naruto to accept his invitation.

"You need help?" he asked softly. Naruto seemed to be too deep in his work. "No, I just need to-what?" he was more than surprised to see Sasuke hovering over him. Sasuke offered him an amused smirk and seated himself in front of Naruto. "Analytical Geometry, hm? You're pretty good at this, aren't you?" he asked, slightly teasing the boy. For a moment Naruto looked like he wanted to run away but then his expression changed and he said: "What an honor, student Council president." The change in his tone made Sasuke wonder what caused it. Was it him? He didn't understand the blonde. "I came to pick you up," he announced and Naruto was, obviously, confused. "You said you'd sit with me and my friends," he explained. He had to admit that he wanted Naruto to accept the invitation and he had fear inside of him that Naruto might refuse again but Naruto didn't. He agreed. And when he reflected on it later, Sasuke came to conclusion that that was when things became worse.

"What's wrong Sasuke?" Sakura's voice pulled him back into reality. He shook his had and said it was nothing. She gave him a skeptic look but didn't push it any further and his was grateful for that.

The rest of the day Sasuke avoided Naruto, although Naruto himself didn't seem like he wanted to have a chit chat with Sasuke either. Whenever their eyes met they were quick to divert their gazes and both looked like they were holding something back. A question or an explanation. Sasuke still had an apology to make and Naruto had some serious questions to ask. But neither one of them made the first move. And so the day ended with them avoiding each other and their friends being very frustrated by their behavior.

XXXXXX

"Hey Sasuke, you're home!" Sasuke replied with a sarcastic: "Yeah, what a surprise…" and went upstairs to his room. He didn't feel like talking to the maid. His bed was inviting and comforting as usual and he let himself lie on it and relax, calm his senses. He had some homework to do but it could wait. He got up to turn on his computer and put on some of his favorite songs. Ironically, Akatsuki was his favorite band but he couldn't help it. They were too good to not like them. Forget Itachi, Akatsuki were awesome! Their music was captivating and enchanting; they had soft rock ballads and hard rock and the way they combined guitars with a piano and drums was somehow extraordinary. Sasuke's favorite member was definitely Akasuna Sasori, the pianist. He liked his playing and in his opinion he was the best. But of course the other members were amazing too. He liked them all except for the male vocalist. Whenever Sasuke thought about him he felt so angry that he wanted to scream and it was all because of his brother. If not for him Sasuke might be able to like that vocalist because his voice wasn't half bad actually. It was his relation to Itachi that made Sasuke hate him so much. In a way, it was his fault that his brother left. Sasuke couldn't bring himself to like the guy. He just couldn't do it.

He rolled on his back and faced the window. The sky was a clear crimson, softly mixed with purple as the sun was setting. It could have been relaxing if not for the knocks on his bedroom door.

"What is it?" he asked, irritated. A maid entered and handed him the phone. "It's Itachi-sama," she said before leaving and closing the door behind her. Sasuke let out a deep sigh and held the phone close to his ear.

"Hello aniki," he greeted.

"Hey otouto," came Itachi's voice from the other side. "Was I interrupting something?"

"Not at all. Is there something you want from me?"

"Uh… not really. I just wanted to inform you that I rescheduled my flight and I'll be home by the day after tomorrow."

"That's great! Are you coming alone?"

"Actually Deidara will be coming with me. He says he wants to finally meet my precious little otouto," Itachi laughed softly and Sasuke clenched his fist.

"That's great. I am very excited to meet him too, in person."

"I will tell him. So how's it going with school?"

"Great. There are some new kids."

"Oh really? And how are they? Did you get to know them?"

"Kind of. They're from Wave and they're Tsunade's kids."

"Lady Tsunade? She's back in Konoha?!" Itachi sounded really surprised.

"Uh-huh, and she's the head of KMC now."

"Head of KMC? Well I guess that was expected. I heard her skills are like no other. Anyway, you're saying she has kids?"

"Uh-huh. I don't know how many exactly but I know three of them. Two boys and a girl. They're nothing alike, though."

"Probably adopted."

"But Naruto looks quite like her," Sasuke added.

"Maybe he's her real son. Anyway Sasuke I have to hang up."

"Your boyfriend?"

"Yeah… apparently it's my turn to cook dinner. See you soon Sasuke!"

"Bye aniki…"

Sasuke put his head on the pillow and let out a snort. 'Excited to meet him' my ass! As if…damn Itachi! Why did he have to reschedule his flight? The day after tomorrow was too soon for his liking. He got up and changed his clothes to something more comfortable and went downstairs just in time to hear the doorbell ring. Giving another irritated sigh he ignored it and gestured for one of the maids to open it. While he went into the kitchen she went to open the door.

"Enjoying yourself?" Sasuke was about to pour some pomegranate juice into a glass when someone behind him talked. He didn't have to turn around to know who it was. He could always recognize Neji's voice, anywhere, anytime. Maybe because their voices were alike; they both held the same arrogance in them, he supposed.

"What are you doing here?" he asked without turning back.

"Remember that project I assigned us to?" Neji asked.

"How could I ever forget…?"

"Good, because it's due to this evening," Neji smirked and Sasuke finally turned around. "What kind of project is it anyway?" he asked, suspicion showing in his narrowed eyes. Neji explained: "Interaction Project. You can also call it Socializing Project or 'Being Friendly Project'!"

"And… will you please enlighten me with the details?" Sasuke asked impatiently. "It's simple," said Neji, "It was the seniors' idea. They came up with Interaction Project in order to help the sophomores adjust to the Academy and help them become integrated with other students."

"Then why did you assign us to this damned project?" Sasuke wanted to know.

"The thing is that the sophomores are not the only ones new in Leaf Academy, you know. So I asked the seniors if we could join their project only that we will be 'helping' the new kids in our grade. Get it?" Neji finished with a smirk.

"You don't mean…" Sasuke started. Neji nodded. "Uzumaki Naruto and Sabaku Gaara." Sasuke was lost for words. He couldn't believe it! What was Neji thinking? But then again, he could refuse and it wouldn't be too weird. Sasuke wasn't exactly the friendly type.

"I thought you liked Uzumaki-kun," Neji continued, "You never invite anyone to sit with us at lunch except for him."

"I don't believe you did this just because you care for my social life Hyuuga," Sasuke replied.

"Indeed. I merely want to meet the Sabaku. He intrigues me."

"From what I've seen, he's over-protective when it comes to his brother," Sasuke said, realization finally dawning on him "…and you know this, which means I am supposed to hold Naruto's attention so you'd be able to 'interact' with Sabaku-kun." Sasuke lifted a brow. "Very selfishly beautiful, Hyuuga." Neji smirked. "What can I say? You were a great teacher!" "Ha ha I am so flattered." Sasuke said dryly and left the kitchen. Neji followed him into his bedroom and Sasuke put on his converse. "Fine, then what are we supposed to do Hyuuga?" "We have a meeting with the two of them."

"Now where the hell would that be? I wonder…" Sasuke couldn't help the sarcasm.

"The mall."

XXXXXX

It was too awkward for Sasuke's liking. That idiot Neji… he felt like punching the soul out of that boy. First of all he assigns Sasuke to some weird project he never wished to participate in and then he comes to his house and says that they are going to spend some 'quality' time with the new kids and now this!

After that little conversation they had in Sasuke's kitchen, Neji took them both to Konoha mall-the largest and best mall in the city- to meet with Naruto and Gaara. That was how he ended up alone with Naruto in one of the cafés around, since Neji took Gaara off to somewhere else where he could 'interact' with him without any disturbances. This kind of feels like a date… Sasuke couldn't help the thought. He was sitting with Naruto around a round table on tall chairs and drinking coffee at that moment. Well Sasuke drank coffee while Naruto settled on milkshake. Neither of them said anything and avoided looking at the other. Well, it was mostly Sasuke. He still felt uncomfortable about what he overheard and he had no idea what to do. Naruto loved him, or used to, and it was too confusing. He wasn't gay. Not at all. But he wondered why the situation he was in kept reminding him of the lovey-dovey scenes he'd seen in movies. Why did he agree to come? Surely it was no problem for him to refuse. It was because of Naruto… he remembered. He really didn't want to come but the promise of being able to see Naruto was what convinced him. The thought of being able to talk to him again, being near him again erased all thoughts of refusing. He never wanted to be with someone so much in his entire life. There was Itachi, of course, but with him it was different. It wasn't as strong as it was with Naruto and Sasuke had a hard time figuring out why.

"Umm…" Naruto tried to start a conversation without success. Sasuke decided to take that opportunity.

"Naruto, I want to apologize for what I said earlier today," he said, sounding calm and collected. His heart skipped a beat, though. Naruto's eyes snapped up to stare into his and slowly a smile formed on his lips. "It's ok, I already forgot about it," he said and Sasuke restrained a sigh of relief. "Is that so?" all was ok after all.

"So… what would you like do?" he asked. Naruto looked at him confused. "Eh?" "Since Neji's off somewhere with Gaara-kun and we're supposed to get to know each other why don't we do something instead of sitting here like two old geezers?" Naruto chuckled at that and got up. "Then, where shall we go?" he asked. Sasuke looked around him and then pointed to his left. "Over there," he said and led the way.

It was a record shop. Sasuke went inside and Naruto followed not far behind him. His eyes went wide when he looked around him and saw so many shelves with so many discs on them, organized by year, genre and artist. Sasuke immediately went over to some shelves that said 'Rock' on them. "You too?" Naruto asked in surprise when he saw the disc Sasuke picked up. It was Akatsuki's latest album-'Hanamori'. "You like them too?" Sasuke was also surprised. Naruto nodded with a smile. "Uh-huh, but my brother's a bigger fan than me. He's crazy about them! Who's your favorite member?" Sasuke was slightly taken aback by Naruto's question but he answered nevertheless. "Akasuna Sasori, probably," he said. Naruto laughed. "Really? I like Deidara the most. His voice is great!" Sasuke flinched at that but, luckily, Naruto didn't notice. "Aren't you going to buy something?" he asked. Naruto shook his head. "I want to visit a bookstore. Is it ok?" he asked. "Yeah." So they went to a nearby bookstore. Naruto was utterly happy to find a book called 'Tomorrow' and when Sasuke wanted to know why he said: "It's for my mother. She's been looking for this book for months!" when Naruto was done paying they left and Sasuke led them both to another café'. "I don't really like walking aimlessly," he explained when they took a seat near the window. A waitress came up to them and took their orders before leaving and came back again with their drinks. The silence that followed with her leave was awkward again. Sasuke tried not to look at Naruto but it was hard with the weird feeling inside of him and the voice in his head that kept telling him to steal glances at Naruto. If he weren't an Uchiha he would've probably been blushing like mad by then but he was an Uchiha and his brother taught him that keeping cool and calm is always the best. Itachi never blushed so neither would Sasuke. The view outside the window suddenly seemed very interesting and Sasuke watched as a tiny plane crossed the dark skies.

"Umm Sasuke…?" he tilted his head and looked at Naruto. Seeing Naruto's expression Sasuke had a suspicion regarding to what Naruto wanted to say. "You really don't remember me, do you?" Naruto's voice was low and soft with a hint of hurt in it that Sasuke could easily identify. He said nothing. He didn't know what to say. Naruto sighed and rested his chin in his palm. "I thought so," he said, voice full of hurt he clearly tried to hide without much success. "I guess it's ok, a little disappointing, though." He offered Sasuke a smile. When Sasuke gave him a confused look he let out a chuckle. "You look really dumb right now," he commented and his smile got wider when Sasuke blushed and scowled. Sasuke still didn't say anything. "Want to hear my story?" Naruto suddenly asked. "No, that would be a bad idea. Forget it." Sasuke quickly said: "I want to hear it," before he could even stop himself. Naruto looked surprised. He didn't expect that at all. Then he smirked. "I don't want to tell you," he replied mischievously. Sasuke's eyes narrowed and he gave Naruto one of his best glares. Naruto wasn't even the slightest bit fazed by it, though. "You glared at me five years ago too," he told Sasuke, "And then we became friends." He laughed again when Sasuke put on another confused expression. "Maybe your glares are magical," he added in a softer tone. For a moment silence filled the space between them and Sasuke tried hard not to get up and run away. He wanted to hear the story. Was it that special? Was he really that important to Naruto?

"The truth is, I came here to find some answers," Naruto continued slowly. "You probably have no idea what I'm talking about and why I am acting so weird. Let me ask you, and please answer me honestly. Are you pretending? Or do you really not remember me?" Naruto's eyes burned into his own and Sasuke felt like he was being pulled towards the other boy by some unknown force. "I'm sorry," was all he could say, "I am not pretending." To his surprise he could see relief showing in Naruto's blue eyes. "I guess forgetting is better than pretending," he said and sighed once again. "Then, let's just forget about this, ok? Let's forget I even asked you that question."

"That would be pretending." Sasuke said without thinking. Naruto's eyes widened. "You're pretty stupid, aren't you?" he continued mercilessly. Naruto swallowed. Something stung in his eyes. Tears? He wouldn't let them. "If there is something you want to say, say it. I don't like people who always hesitate, who don't act because of their own cowardice. It's useless just to want." He didn't know why he was being so cruel but he couldn't stop himself. Something made him angry. What was it? He couldn't remember…'then let's just forget this…' oh that's right. Naruto wanted to forget. That was what made him so angry. "You ask if I remember you and then you tell me to forget it. It seems like you have nothing better to do than to play with people's feelings and minds. Maybe it is for the best that I've forgotten you."

It seemed like everyone around them stopped moving and the silence was too loud to listen to. It was painful and he couldn't help it.

"Yes, I guess I am stupid. And yes, maybe it's for the best that you forgot about me. But you see, I can't back away now. I told my brother I can take any insult and any hit from you, and I mean it." Sasuke stared at him with disbelief but Naruto wasn't finished. "You said you wanted to hear my story, right? Let's make a deal then." Sasuke waited. "In exchange for your own story I'll tell you mine. What do you say?" Sasuke said nothing. Naruto recovered pretty fast and that was what amazed him-his will power. Of course, he knew about what Naruto told Gaara but he didn't think Naruto actually meant it. Now that he found out he did, Sasuke couldn't find back his tongue. "Well?" Naruto urged him. "What makes you think I still want to hear it?" He finally asked coldly. Naruto shrugged "then forget about this day and pretend that you don't know me," he said simply, though Sasuke could tell that he was holding back his tears. Maybe even rage. Sasuke clenched his fists. "What do you want to know?" he asked. I will not forget nor would I pretend! Naruto instantly looked up. "Huh?" Sasuke sighed. "You said you'd tell me your story in exchange for mine. What do you want to know?" for a moment Naruto just stared at him like he was a talking cow but he quickly regained his composure. "Why did you forget me?" he asked.

"I don't know," Sasuke replied. It was the truth. "I don't remember you, you expect me to remember why?"

"Ok then, what happened to you five years ago?" Naruto went on. Maybe if he delved into Sasuke's life he would be able to find the answer.

Sasuke looked into Naruto's blue eyes. Here it comes he thought. It was for the better, he supposed. It was about time he did this anyway. Why not tell him? Because you're afraid told him the voice in his head. You're afraid to lose what you gained. You're afraid to lose yourself. I guess I am afraid…he thought. But Naruto is willing to listen to me and if he does that, I think I'll be able to stay Sasuke. So he told Naruto his story.

XXXXXX

Gaara sent glares at the back of the other boy the whole way to the small remote café. He had no idea what that boy was planning but whatever it was, he didn't like it. Neji seemed to be unaware of Gaara's glares and he calmly led the way inside to a remote table at one of the café's corners. He took a seat and Gaara followed.

"What do you want?" Gaara spat at the other boy. Neji was slightly startled by that but he immediately smiled. Or rather smirked. "I am 'interacting with you Gaara-kun," he said smugly. "Then buy me something to drink," Gaara demanded. Again, Neji was surprised by Gaara's foul attitude but did as he was told nevertheless.

"You are indeed very unfriendly," Neji commented when the waitress came back with their orders. He nodded to her and she left. "I never said I'm not," Gaara replied, taking his drink. That made Neji smirk again and Gaara barrowed his eyes. "You're weird," he informed the pale-eyed boy. "I could say the same about you," said Neji and gave the other boy a sharp look. "I don't get you." To that, Gaara snorted. "Wow I already feel special," he said sarcastically. Neji smirked, "you should," he told Gaara, "I always know people's personalities."

"Aren't you modest…" Gaara commented dryly before taking another sip from his drink. "But you don't get mine, do you?" he went on and devilish smirk crept on his face. Neji looked at him with pale eyes. To Gaara, the boy seemed like he was ready to attack, like a cat ready to bounce on a mouse. Only Gaara wasn't a mouse. He was far worse than a mouse or a cat.

"You want to know why?" he asked but Neji only looked at him. "It's because I'm a predator different than the ones you've met. I am not bound by rules and I don't give a shit about the prey. It's like playing Resident Evil-you have to kill as many zombies as you can." Neji swallowed. Definitely unfriendly he thought. "So are you indicating that I am one of the zombies?" he asked calmly. Gaara shrugged, "I don't care what you are," he told the surprised Neji.

"But you care when it comes to Uzumaki-kun." Neji didn't know where he found the guts to say something like that but it did what he wanted-it made Gaara really look at him. Though, it might not have been the best idea by the judge of Gaara's eyes. They were very dark. Very, very dark. But to Neji's surprise, Gaara didn't yell at him nor did something of the sort. He just looked very dark… and scary. But then, just as quickly as it came, the dark aura evaporated and Gaara averted his gaze elsewhere.

"My brother is very special," Gaara said after a moment, "and he is even a greater predator than me. At times I am shitless scared of him and at other times he's like a lost puppy that I can't leave alone. Most of the times he's dumb, though." Gaara chuckled to himself. Neji couldn't quite believe Gaara's words. "Uzumaki-kun, a predator? You're kidding me, right?" Gaara shot him another glare and Neji swallowed but he continued: "Is that why he is special to you?" he wanted to know and he couldn't control the tone of his voice. He himself knew that it was slightly shaken. "Because he's a greater predator than you are?! Because you can't beat him and you feel intimidated by him? Is it?" Gaara's eyes examined him indifferently and for once in his life Neji had a slight idea of how people felt when Uchiha Sasuke looked at them with those dark, cold and indifferent eyes of his. He didn't like the feeling at all.

"I would never beat Naruto even if I could and had a reason to," Gaara said coldly and surprised Neji.

"Why?"

"Would you beat your own brother?!" Gaara wanted to know and it made Neji realize that he hadn't seen Gaara as a person. In his mind, Gaara was something else, different than everybody else. Never did he think of Gaara having ethics and principles.

"So you do hold some ethics," he said, rather contently.

"Only when they concern my brother."

"Then why would you beat anyone else but not your brother, even if you had a reason to?"

"Because I owe him my life."

Neji stared at the boy in front of him, not knowing what to think or what to say. Owe him his life? What exactly happened? It wasn't possible that Uzumaki-kun beat someone in order to save Gaara, was it? Really, Uzumaki-kun was soft and gentle… he was a kind person from what Gaara had seen in the short time the boy was in school. And I kind of feel sorry for him for flaring Sasuke's interest…but Gaara did say something about Uzumaki-kun being the greater predator… was he just mocking Neji?

"Don't think about it too hard, pretty face," Gaara said and offered him a smirk. "My relationship with my brother is none of your business."

"I don't get you," Neji said once again, looking into Gaara's emerald eyes. "You're rude and impolite; you are absolutely not friendly and anti-social. You tell me you don't give a shit about people but you hold ethics when they concern your brother. You mock me with your stupid answers and yet you tell me none of this is my concern." Neji was slightly panting when he stopped. Gaara looked at him with the same cold eyes but there was something else in them, something new. Neji shivered under his gaze and at the same time felt feverish. "If I save your life, would you love me as much as you love your brother?"

.o.O.O.o.

Again, I am very sorry for the delay and I want to remind you again that from now on I will be updating even more slowly than ever because from the September the 1st I'll be starting work at the hospital and it's going to be very busy! So, sorry for that. It absolutely does not mean that I won't update! It merely means that I won't have too much free time to write the next chapters. I hope this chapter made up for the long delay!

-HairoM