For anyone else who felt disappointed by chapter 700, I hope this makes you feel a little happier inside. I was okay with it up until 699, then bam, the epilogue always kills it for me. I won't sit here and complain though, I got to see Kakashi's face carved into the monument. That right there – and his words to Sasuke, I love Kakashi Hatake.

And srsly, why did they have to kill Neji? Sad face.

Disclaimer: Nothing.

Chapter 3 – These questions have answers

Naruto unlocked the door to his place and stepped into a quiet atmosphere. The kitchen, to his left, was empty but the dishes were drying on the rack and the tea pot was missing. He slid off his shoes and instantly regretted leaving his ringer on when the chime of his phone erupted from his pocket. Another text from Hinata – she explained that her father was strict with curfew – she had violin practice. Strange, he mumbled, she never mentioned that she also played an instrument. That bothered him.

''So sorry again, Naruto. See you tomorrow xoxo"

He replied simply, ''See you tomorrow''

This time, he turned the volume down as he headed into the living room. There, he found his uncle in front of a stack of paperwork and Kakashi lazily sprawled beside him with a book. Although he could ignore his phone until the morning, he could not avoid these two men, his guardians.

''How'd it go, Naruto?'' Kakashi immediately asked. The book no longer interested him. A faint smile then appeared on Iruka's lips but he continued grading his work wordlessly.

There he was. His uncle. His trainer. His annoyance.

''Really, Kakashi, I just walked in. Offer me tea at least.''

The tea was tepid, he noted, but at least Kakashi made the effort to pour his glass and stir in the sugar.

''She's too hung up in the hype of the tournament for me. I mean, I really like her… I spent like an hour walking around thinking, as she texted me apologies…and I feel like if she just understood me a little better, we could really hit it off…''

''But,'' Kakashi supplied, because he assumed that there would be something wrong.

''You know how, when you ask someone an opinion, but they don't ask you yours…''

He received a sympathetic nod.

''Well, Hinata never really wanted to start a conversation, or ask me any questions about myself. And she never revealed anything about herself either. But she loved hearing me talk about anything at all, even different types of ramen.''

''Well Naruto, isn't that the best quality a girl could have?'' Iruka could not help but chime from his silence. He smiled lovingly at his nephew for the slight jest.

''Ha! Ha! Not funny, Iruka. I know I talk a lot. I like talking. Who doesn't enjoy a good conversation? I only found out she plays an instrument, after she explained that she had a curfew – in a text! The only time she took a real interest and asked questions was when we discussed kendo.''

Again, a topic he loved. Hinata sounded perfect in theory. What was so wrong with their chemistry then?

They let Naruto relish in a few minutes of silence. He thought for a long time about his words.

''Hey sensei, you know the Hyuga's right?''

''Yes, Hiashi Hyuga owns a large portion of the real estate here. They and several other larger families own most of the city.''

''Hinata may be from a rich family, but she really doesn't act like a snob. She's polite and very kind. But reserved. Maybe I just couldn't break through to her and get her to come out, like me. I don't know. She really doesn't like Sasuke though. She wants me to win and that's all we pretty much talked about. Very actively. That upset me. ''

''Have you thought perhaps that you're thinking too much into this, Naruto? Was she genuine, when she told you that she was cheering for you?''

Naruto nodded to Iruka's question. He knew it was the truth. She acted very genuinely all night and he believed in her honesty.

''Is it wrong of her to do so? Not everyone is going to feel like you do about these matters.''

Naruto no longer knew how to approach the conversation. Hinata was not wrong. But she pushed. And pushed again, at the end of their date, in the form of a kiss. That made him smile to himself. She was bold, after all, under her innocent demeanor and he liked that. Should they try again? Was it worth it, to invest more time and effort? It would take a lot of work, he knew that for sure.

''I really don't know if I should ask her out again…'' he hesitated.

Kakashi's statement, however, shed light on the dilemma, which helped to ease his decision. ''Does she make you want to know more about her? Do you want to discover all the little things about her that you didn't today?''

Naruto was silent for a moment again. He now knew what to say, with confidence.

''I had a nice time with Hinata. She's very refreshing and fun to me but I just don't feel like our personalities matched up. And it aggravates her family that she's taken a liking to me. Her cousin practically hates me. I would rather hold off and maybe in a few years, when she's less influenced by them, we'll pick up again.''

''Already thinking about future women, before his first.'' Kakashi laughed and the tension melted away from Naruto's shoulders. He would explain to Hinata in the morning that he was not looking for a relationship right now and their talk of his lifestyle and schedule made him understand that. Leading her on would be wrong when he could not give her his undivided attention. Wanting to change these details about Hinata meant that any bond they created would be strenuous and his thoughts made him feel guilty.

''Are you sure you want to make that decision so soon Naruto? I thought you still had another date?''

That question, unbeknownst to Naruto, would unleash yet another torrent of words from his annoyance.

''Oh, another date? I have not heard of this juicy news.'' Kakashi said and the awkward realization dawned upon Naruto in that moment.

Iruka had not told Kakashi about his decision. Or about Sasuke's decision.

''Iruka… you didn't… you didn't tell him?'' There was no being discrete. This family had no secrets. They all eventually surfaced. Usually within twenty four hours.

Iruka sheepishly shook his head. Naruto instantly ran away, leaving his tea behind. He would not be the one to tell Kakashi. He would not. He really did not want too. He had not even thought of Kakashi's opinion, in all of this.

''Oh Iruka,'' his partner grinned and that curve was maliciously devious and very intent on the truth.

''Kakashi… '' Iruka sat up straight and prepared to curse his nephew. ''Damn you Naruto!''

Silence. So very awkward. ''Well, you see my love, your student Sasuke asked Naruto out on a date last night.''

''He WHAT?!''

Iruka began to laugh as he watched Kakashi stride dauntingly down the hallway to the reclusive bedroom at the back. Even though Kakashi burst into Naruto's room, with dramatic vehemence, the man stood there, with almost nothing to say. How to begin.

''Well?'' Naruto sighed from his bed. He was sprawled there, hidden beneath the comforter.

''Sasuke…and you?'' Kakashi asked, as if unable to understand how that made any sense.

The blonde shuffled awkwardly. ''Yes.''

''He asked you out? Really?'' Kakashi sat on the floor, at the foot of the bed, leaning back on the wooden frame. The comforter slowly drifted over to him.

''Yea, last night, he came over. Told me he liked me and I decided to give him a chance.''

It took a moment for Kakashi to process Naruto's straightforward statement. Again, he had no idea where to begin. He felt proud of Sasuke, for being able to express his emotions to Naruto, but he had no clue how either of them could manage a relationship, let alone one of this nature. Not now. Yet, Naruto was willing to entertain this and try. He was not humoring Sasuke but indulging him, Kakashi figured. He must be. But this wasn't just a date. This contained a larger issue. Many issues neatly wrapped in a ball.

''But he's your rival, and you're his?''

''Are you doubting Sasuke's feelings, Kakashi?''

Kakashi glared at the comforter and snorted.

''No, I would never doubt either of you, which is why I don't understand why you just didn't say no.''

There, he said it. That question. Iruka had asked this as well, after the confession, before he went to bed. That was the last inquiry of the night. It disturbed Naruto for quite some time; he tossed and turned. But he wanted to think about Hinata then, not Sasuke. He was supposed to be the afterthought and yet always in the forefront of his mind. Naruto only fell asleep after accepting that he was sorta interested in his best friend but as what he was still not sure...

''Sensei… you see, I really liked Hinata. I met her over a year ago, but her cousin kept us apart. Then, we finally had the opportunity to date and someone else asked me out as well. I didn't know how to feel, honestly. And it really didn't matter to me that it was Sasuke. I did not want to hurt anyone, especially not him. Iruka told me that when I am with someone, I should feel like they understand me… and unfortunately, Hinata just didn't. No one does. I guess you don't either. That's okay. I realized that Sasuke does really understand me. And he thinks like me. He respects me. I respect him. I think that all relationships, or even friendships, should have trust and respect. So why not try and talk to him properly and see?''

Kakashi sat there, mesmerized by the honesty and genuine feeling that his nephew was trying to desperately to convey. His partner was correct to instill these great values into the caring heart of this boy. They would bring him far in life. Kakashi smiled reassuringly; Naruto always amazed him.

''Sure, I understand you now. Talk before you really decide on anything. But be careful Naruto, your heart is on the line now as well, not just your reputation. One will inevitably be more important than the other.''

It became clear to him then, that perhaps he did like Sasuke. Or at least, the idea of their friendship and mutual esteem filled him with warmth. Naruto was not afraid of losing his relationship with Sasuke, if, in the end, their dating did not work out. They were the type of friends that would grow old together, he knew it.

''Don't worry so much Kakashi.'' Naruto flashed him an upbeat smile.

Naruto was fearless sometimes. Kakashi saw it then. His confidence. His humble embarrassment. His desire. Always when he needed it the most.

''And do you think you could drive me in early tomorrow, so I can talk to Sasuke?''

His question earned an immediate groan. That was too early for him. No one should have to be up at 5:30 in the morning. He only had morning lessons with the boys on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Not Tuesday.

''Can't you just text him? Isn't that why everyone has a cellphone?''

Naruto begged and pleaded. ''Please Kakashi, texting is too weird right now. I don't want him to know, you know. I just want to be there and talk to him in person about all of this.''

He did not wait for the retort he expected and continued his lament. ''Please, please. It will be less awkward that way. Can you help me, just this once?''

Naruto was not expecting his savior to be Iruka. The man stood in the doorframe, smiling at both occupants in the room. ''I have an early meeting at 6:30, have to be in at six for prep work, so I'll drop you off.''

''Thank you so much Iruka. Lazy Kakashi here wouldn't sacrifice some sleep for me.''

''You think I want to be there while you and Sasuke have your little conversation.'' Kakashi laughed as he watched Naruto turn a bright crimson. He was disappointed to hear about losing his bedmate, though. ''Really? Oh Iruka, 5 is just too early.''

''I promise I won't disrupt your precious sleep.''

Kakashi grumbled as he strode back over to his partner, having been freed of any driving responsibilities. He would be sure to thank Iruka for always being incredibly thoughtful.

''Goodnight Naruto,'' Both men said in unison.

Naruto sighed in relief, as he made himself comfortable in his bed. It was still early, but he felt utterly exhausted mentally. Too many thoughts and emotions made him weary. He almost instantly fell asleep, free of any lingering doubts. They would talk first and then resolve the rest after.

Tomorrow…

At 2 in the morning, Naruto woke up, buried beneath his comforter. But it was too hot. He had fallen asleep completely dressed. Each piece fell to the ground, as he strode to the bathroom, adjacent to his room, disrobing with every step. He drank water, set his alarm, and dove beneath the covers again, for sleep to consume him for several more hours.

By the time his alarm rang, Naruto felt incredibly pleased with his long slumber. He woke up smiling and refreshed, even that early. The shower was warm and lulling; he felt at ease and relaxed. Iruka made them breakfast and thus far, everything was perfect. His uncle even had a lunch ready for him.

''Iruka, I don't know what I would do without you.''

''That's how I know you love me. Kakashi says the exact same thing.''

Only as he sat in the car, did Naruto feel slightly restless. It began with a fidget; he kept toying with the straps on his duffle bag. Then, his foot began to tap against the floor mats. Finally, he gnawed on his lip, just as they arrived.

''Good luck,'' Iruka said, and added, for reassurance, ''Remember, it's just one date. Then maybe you'll figure out how you guys really feel about this.''

Naruto waved as his uncle drove away from the school, before he entered by the gymnasium. The lights in the dojo were on; he expected this. He let the doors slam loudly, alerting Sasuke of his presence. They only met, however, in the locker rooms.

''Good morning'' Naruto instinctively said, as he headed to his locker.

''Good morning, Naruto.'' The Uchiha replied nonchalantly, which he followed with a casual remark, ''I'm surprised you're here today,''

Sasuke's stare, a side glance, hesitant, but defensive, was definitely present. Naruto could feel that gaze on his back. He smiled to himself. No sense in beating around the bush and playing around. He turned that grin to his best friend, as he tried not to appear utterly nervous.

''Sasuke, I…I would like to go on a date with you.''

Sasuke continued to stare. The only difference was that his heart was now beating wildly in his chest. Were his ears deceiving him? Did Naruto just…

''Naruto, you…'' He tried, but no other words came out.

It took almost a minute, but Sasuke began to smile, because Naruto started to chuckle. ''Yes,'' the blonde said. ''There's a lot more to this than just me saying yes, but we can talk about those things later. I don't want you to feel uneasy with me anymore. Go back to being the old you, for me.''

Sasuke nodded. ''Thank you, Naruto. I'm glad that you asked.''

Naruto almost deflated onto the bench, as he sighed heavily in relief. ''Now I know how you must have felt. I was so nervous.''

The remark earned him a snort and laughter. He enjoyed hearing Sasuke at ease again. The eagerness that pumped in his chest dissipated; he felt comfortable in the other's presence.

''Naruto, why would I have ever said no to you?'' Sasuke sat down beside him.

The blonde boy sulked instantly. He crossed his arms over his chest and stuck out his tongue jokingly. ''Fine, I just didn't want to sound dumb, or have this be really awkward.''

''Sorry about that…'' Sasuke trailed off. He understood that tense rigor that invaded your body and stilled your senses. How overpowering it felt to be anxious, unnerved, and completely open.

''Don't be, it's not awkward anymore, and it wouldn't be much of a date if it was, right?''

''Did you have something in mind?''

Naruto nodded. ''Are you free tonight? I have the place to myself. Both of them are teaching.''

''Yea, sure.''

Sasuke finally felt relieved. He stared at Naruto without reluctance now. He could look at him again and smile. That wave of release eased all of his pent up nerves. His self-doubt was disappearing to Naruto's beaming confidence.

''So I'll make dinner.''

''Can I bring dessert?''

Naruto was pleasantly surprised by the question. ''Sure, anything delicious.''

''Good. So suit up and come practice.'' Sasuke stood up and held his hand out to Naruto. A part of him wanted the touch, but he wanted Naruto to trust him anew.

''Sure, if you're so eager to lose again.'' Naruto said, as he granted Sasuke the gesture and took his hand. It felt soft against his and he noticed that Sasuke's thumb gently caressed his middle knuckle, as the touch ended. He was already blushing from the offer; his cheeks burned a darker red now.

It was a small victory for Sasuke, despite Naruto's instigating boasts. They agreed to go after school and their practice that morning was invigorating. There was no hesitance. They saw each other again as rivals. Like a switch. On the floor, at the center of the ring, as both of them blink for the last time before first striking, they become absolutely indifferent to one another.

After practice, they parted for the showers and began their morning routines. The stalls were all empty but they were both silent. Naruto sang a popular tune, as he washed, and Sasuke laughed. He eventually began to sing the lyrics. They were in opposite classes today and would only meet again later in gym class that afternoon.

The bell rang and surprisingly, Naruto was ready before Sasuke. Usually he would toss a casual remark and leave but now he felt compelled to wait.

''Hurry up, Sasuke, or we'll both be late.'' He half expected a rhetorical comment to drop from Sasuke's mouth but he was silent.

Smiling. Naruto immediately noticed that that very expression had never left Sasuke's face since their practice ended.

''I'll cover for you'' came the reply and Sasuke met him at the door.

They left the gym together and headed to class. The halls were strewn with their classmates. The wave of good morning's greeting them began. Naruto's cheery demeanor was instantly present with everyone.

Sasuke had no idea that his love for Naruto's smile would make him grin even more. This was going to be a good day.

''I'll see you in gym!'' Naruto said as he winked at his best friend and departed with another group of teenagers.

Sasuke nodded and disappeared in the opposite direction. He sauntered to his class and took his usual seat in biology.

''Good morning Sasuke-kun,'' Sakura greeted him, from two seats behind.

He nodded back to her, ''Good morning''

His smile was natural today, she instantly noticed about Sasuke, as he entered the classroom, unaware of her alert eyes. She knew his behavior very well.

''It must be,'' she laughed but the moment was interrupted by his biology partner, Karin, dropping unceremoniously into her seat.

''Stop flirting with my partner,'' she angrily snapped at Sakura and snidely scowled at her for good measure.

''Oh Sasuke, I love it when you come in with wet hair in the morning.'' Karin turned her attention to Sasuke and instantly, his good humor vanished. He remembered now, even before she said it. Just the sight of her reminded him of...

''Remember, we have our project meeting tonight, at your place.'' Karin sighed happily at the thought.

''Well, about that…''

Sakura began to snicker.

''I have an important meeting with my brother and he's only free tonight, before he flies out again on business.'' The lie rolled off Sasuke's tongue like it was the truth. Itachi had left last night. And would not be home until Saturday morning.

Karin began to pout. There was no other way to describe the sour expression that furrowed into her face. She turned away from Sasuke and very pointedly muttered, ''Tomorrow morning, 6am, and you better fucking bring me the best coffee and breakfast in town.''

Internally, he felt relieved. Sasuke did not have to practice every other morning until next week for the upcoming preliminaries of the national tournament in March. He could miss one morning workout, to gain one hopeful night. Problem solved.

There was no denying that he was excited about Naruto's straightforward demeanor. It helped them both forget their inner qualms and attempt to drive forward.

Karin left him alone until the teams were given time to prepare for their assignment. Her attitude was icy but before leaving, she said with a smile, ''And if I see you playing online tonight, Sasuke Uchiha, I will kill you.'' Her words echoed in his ears, as she disappeared down the hallway after the bell.

At lunch, Sasuke ventured into the city and passed by several bakeries. He lacked a sweet tooth and could easily restrain himself from the saccharine treats but Naruto secretly loved to indulge in pieces of cake topped with ice cream. Or his mother's brownies; Naruto loved those. But Sasuke knew exactly what to purchase, as he stood staring into the freezer at the grocery store. He smiled. The gesture, he knew, would be meaningful to his date.

Sasuke realized that the playful curve on his lips kept reappearing. Every time he thought of Naruto.

The coin to his happiness, however, had two sides. During the car ride back to school, negative thoughts percolated in the back of his mind. It seemed as though they always surfaced during bouts of self-doubt.

What if the date is a bust? What if there is no chemistry between us? What if Naruto does not understand me? Will we be able to go back after all of this? If it doesn't work…

But those questions, Sasuke knew, had been dwelling on his conscious for several weeks now. And so, he took the first step in order to resolve them. The next one would be tonight.

How should I act? Flirt? How do I be flirty? I should be clever instead. And straightforward like him. I need resolve and confidence. Communication. Honesty. Or else, how will I reassure him?

In English class, Sasuke wrote this note alongside his actual coursework. His thoughts were distracted from poetry.

I know that we will talk about this – obviously you are going to ask me how I feel… Naruto… even as your best friend, I never get to tell you how proud I am of you. How amazing you are. How much you impress me. I'm your rival… and I will always strive to beat you, but I like you because I feel like you complete me as well. We are opposites but the same. I lack your enthusiasm and lighthearted nature. You lack my calm, patience, and insight. But we both have such instincts. You make me want to fight you and win. And now… you make me want to kiss you and get lost in something of our own making.

He tore the page and pocketed it. Later, he knew that it would serve him well, not if his mouth failed him, but when. He would watch blue eyes read over every word and perhaps a blush would darken Naruto's cheeks and their faces would then match almost perfectly. Reading it out loud seemed almost impossible. These words felt sacred now written. Nonetheless, he read it over and over, memorizing each word and hoped Naruto would someday do the same.

They were on his lips every second of gym class, as he watched Naruto and Kiba play volleyball against Shino and Lee. The winners would face off against Sasuke and Suigetsu. Naruto jumped to receive the pass and spiked it, scoring a point for his team. The other boys cheered. Lee served a perfect ball and balanced the score for the opposition. Kiba and Naruto were unstoppable though and claimed victory shortly after the tying point.

Their class would end with the last matchup and Naruto began to jeer Sasuke with feisty taunts.

''Hey Sasuke, try not to lose to us, we're on fire!''

Their peers snickered and even Sasuke chortled, entertained by his lively attitude. Naruto was dribbling the ball and dancing to his own rhythm.

''You're so lame Naruto, just serve the ball would you and lose to us already.'' Suigetsu complained and he was met by an unexpectedly calm stare from his blonde opponent.

''Fine then.'' Naruto nodded and Kiba did as well. They were focused now.

The teacher told them to commence the volleyball match and within a minute, Naruto scored the first point. Sasuke glared at Suigetsu, who missed the rebound. He took every match against his rival seriously.

''My serve.'' The Uchiha called for the ball and swiftly served to his opponents.

They struck back with vigor but did not stand a chance against Sasuke's spike. The score was even. The other eliminated players were hollering loudly. Then, the fire alarm sounded and an even louder chorus of groans ensued. The intercom rang out with instructions for the students to follow during the fire drill. Their match would never be concluded.

''Damn,'' Kiba cursed in frustration and Naruto patted him on the back, ''Next time buddy, next time.''

The students filled outside and listened less than attentively to their teachers discuss safety tips and analyze their overall performance, before dismissing the classrooms. The boys headed back inside to change from their gym uniforms.

The end of the day arrived early and as Sasuke finished changing, he looked around the dressing room for Naruto but did not see the familiar blonde. He hesitated leaving and took out his cellphone, in order to leave a message and to his surprise, there was a text waiting for him from Naruto.

Side exit in five minutes, meet me there.

He instantly felt relieved to see Naruto's discretion and punctuality. It was reassuring.

The wait, however, was nerve wracking. Sasuke seemed casual, almost stoic, as he waited, leaned against the wall nearest the designated exit. But he breathed unevenly. His fingers twitched nervously around the strap of his backpack. Several classmates passed by, all equally excited to leave early. He prayed for a swift departure; he did not want to see Karin. His car was waiting for them a few blocks away for their privacy.

Naruto arrived a moment later; he was lightly jogging, his backpack swinging around comically on his back.

''Hey Sasuke. So did you want to come to my place now and help me get dinner ready?''

Sasuke nodded, ''Yea, sure. I called my driver, so we have a ride.''

Naruto was amused; he laughed and shook his head. ''Go figure, already got things planned and ready.''

They walked out together and in that moment, as Naruto seemed so carefree and relaxed, Sasuke realized that this was actually happening.

Their date had begun.

-=TBC=-

Next chapter is going to be awesome!