Red Storm

Chapter 8: Fear of Rejection

"You will find peace, not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory."

~ J. Donald Walters

Things were in full swing by the time Sasuke arrived. Music pumped through a large black stereo system in the living room and high school students from sophomores to seniors crowded out the house. Ino did always know how to throw a wild party.

If her parents only knew.

He was pretty sure they still saw her as their little blonde angel. A keg was stacked in the corner connected to a hose, and some idiotic seniors were egging on a little freshman to drink from it upside down. Morons.

He made his way through the crowd, starting to wonder why he had come. He didn't like parties, and there was no one he wanted to see here. He saw a flash of blond hair through the crowd and automatically began to make his way towards it. After all, he was in control. He curled his fingers into the palms of his hands, feeling the nails dig into his flesh. He hadn't talked to Naruto in three days. It was time to show that he could see him without feeling like he was going to explode. This would be easy.

Sasuke saw a familiar bob of pink hair in the kitchen talking with a group of people and tapped the creamy-white shoulder.

Sakura turned around and gaped, "Sasuke, I thought you weren't coming."

Sasuke looked around the room with a bored expression, avoiding looking at Naruto who stood next to his date. "I changed my mind."

Sakura fiddled with her hair, "Well, it's nice that you came."

Naruto's smile tightened. "Yeah, great."

Sakura glanced nervously at the blond teen and back at Sasuke, "Uh, if you want a drink there are some beers in the-"

"Aaay, Sasukeeeh!" cried Kiba, throwing an arm around him as he wandered off the dance floor. "What're you doing here, you grumpy sonuvabitch?"

Sasuke shrugged off the arm. "How many beers have you had, Kiba?"

"Pfft, just four." replied Kiba with a huge grin. "Gotta get my courage up to talk to that beauty over there." Hinata stood in the corner nervously next to Neji who was utterly ignoring her as he talked to a petite brunette he could only assume to be the infamous Tenten. Kiba shot Hinata a devilish smile. Her eyes widened and she blushed, looking away.

"I can tell it's going to go very smoothly." said Sasuke.

"You betcha." replied Kiba, and he picked up a can of beer from the kitchen counter. "You want one?"

"Don't be stupid, Kiba." said Naruto, butting in. "Uchiha is a better person than us. He doesn't drink lowly alcohol." He took a gulp of his own beer and glared at Sasuke.

Sasuke raised a brow. Was he seriously challenging him? The idiot should know better.

"Goes to show how little you know about me, Uzumaki. I could drink you under the table if I wanted to."

Naruto snorted. "Hah! Yeah, right. You wanna put it to the test?"

"Hey, let's just enjoy the party, Naruto." said Sakura, putting a hand on his arm. "This isn't necessary. How about we go and dance?" Naruto pulled away, not even looking at her.

"No, he's always mouthing off. I want to see if he can put his money where his mouth is."

"Oh, we got a drinking contest going on up in heeeere!" shouted Kiba, raising his arms and pointing at the two teens, who stood glaring at each other. A couple of people turned around at the noise. Neji glanced over and shook his head in despair.

"Line up the beers, people." said Kiba. Shino pulled a six pack out of the fridge and Kiba handed Sasuke a beer. The teen took it, still maintaining perfect eye contact with Naruto. His heart was beating quickly, but the rest of him was as calm as a millpond. Yes, he was in control.

His grip tightened around the beer can he held and he smirked. "Let's go, Naruto…if you're up for it."

Naruto pulled open the metal tab of his own can with a crack and a hiss of escaping air. He met Sasuke's gaze dead on. "I'm up for it, Uchiha. Let's see who's left standing."

The two boys raised their beers and knocked them together as if having a friendly 'cheers', but the looks on their faces spoke of anything but friendship as they tried to stare one another down.

"This is so stupid." said Sakura. She turned as Ino approached with a curious stare. "What's going on?"

"You don't want to know." She replied, folding her arms with a sigh.

"Ready?" said Kiba, lifting his arm in the air between the two boys as if starting a race. "Three, two, one…driiiink!"

Naruto gulped at the bubbly liquid, letting it pour down his throat, all the while not taking his eyes off Sasuke's. That bastard was going down…

Eight beers later and the music seemed to be pounding its rhythm inside Naruto's head. He felt lightheaded and just a little sick as he glared at Sasuke and swayed just a little. Sasuke, for his part, still stood straight and sure, but his eyes were glazed.

"That …that all you got?" asked Naruto a slight slur to his tone. He reached out to pick up another can, but missed it somehow.

A hand touched his arm. He looked up expecting to see Sakura, but it was Ino, her face unsmiling.

"That's enough. How about we stop this now?" she said. You guys are just going to end up puking all over my house and I don't really want to have to explain the carpet stains to my parents on Monday.

Naruto blinked. "Where's Sak'ra?"

Ino folded her arms. "She left when you started acting like an idiot."

"Wha? But I…" He stared around the room. Sakura was talking in the corner with that bowl-cut kid, Rock Lee. She glanced in his direction, catching his eye, but quickly looked away again.

Naruto felt sick, a heavy weight pressing down on his chest. He turned towards Sasuke with a glare. "See what you did? Sometimes I really fucking hate you, man."

Sasuke 's eyes held shock for just a moment, but it quickly faded behind a calm façade.

Naruto wanted to scream.

Why did this guy keep messing things up for him? Was it his evil dastardly plan to get in the way of Naruto's love life? It made him sick just thinking about.

Then he felt really, physically sick. His stomach churned and his chest heaved slightly. Naruto grabbed Ino's arm.

"Ino, where's your bathroom?"

Her pale blue eyes widened. "Oh no, Naruto. Please don't say you're going to be sick."

Naruto groaned, holding his stomach. "Just tell me where it is."

Ino sighed and pointed towards the hallway. "Upstairs on the left, second door."

Naruto turned and ran out of the room, dashing up the stairs. The world was spinning and he was vaguely aware of the curious glances and knowing smiles passing by in a sea of blurred faces as he ran. He got to the door and opened it. Thank goodness it was unoccupied. He ran over to the toilet and took a few deep breaths. He wasn't going to be sick if he could help it. The dizziness passed a little and he walked over to the sink, taking a few gulps of water.

"I told you you couldn't hold your alcohol." said a monotone voice.

Naruto looked up. Sasuke stood in the doorway, his hair slightly disheveled and his eyes glazed. The annoying bastard looked like he'd just rolled out of bed as a fully-formed sex god. Man, Naruto hated him. Sasuke stepped inside and closed the door.

"You ok?"

Naruto glared at him. "What do you care? This is your fault, you bastard."

Sasuke returned the glare. He stumbled slightly as he took a step toward him, but quickly righted himself. "No one made you drink. Besides, this was your idea. Not my fault you're weak at holding your alcohol."

Naruto straightened up, turning his back to the sink. He felt slightly clearer after the water although still a bit sick, and the room was still swaying, but at least it was no longer spinning. The muffled beat of the music downstairs pulsed through the floor.

Naruto suddenly became aware that Sasuke had taken a few more steps towards him and was now very close. In fact, he could feel the heat of his body just a couple of inches away.

He looked him straight in the eye. There was an odd look swirling in those dark depths.

"What're you-?"

"I was doing you a favor." said Sasuke, his voice low and husky.

"What are you talking about?"

Sasuke frowned, his eyes taking a moment to re-focus. "I…realized that you should be with someone who genuinely likes you. You and I both know Sakura isn't that person."

He reached up, his hand going towards Naruto's face.

Naruto pushed Sasuke's hand away. "Ever heard of personal space?"

The other teen let his arm drop by his side, but he didn't move away, a determined glint in his eye.

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Maybe she's not right for me, but at least I'm trying to find out which is more than you do. You just write everyone off."

Sasuke's eyes flicked down to Naruto's lips while he spoke.

"Are you even listening to me?" said Naruto.

His eyes shot back up to meet Naruto's. "I don't write everyone off."

Watching Sasuke's eyes made the room spin more. Naruto leaned back against the sink and sighed.

"Geez, you're drunk too, aren't you? And me?" He gave a harsh laugh and stared at the ground miserably. "I've blown it with Sakura."

"You're always talking about her." said Sasuke with a growl to his voice, and he reached up again, this time grabbing Naruto's shirt, almost using him for support.

Naruto frowned and slapped Sasuke weakly on the shoulder. It was meant to be a punch, but his arm didn't quite move properly. It felt heavy.

"That's 'cos I'm dating her, stoopid. It's called liking someone, not that you'd know what that's like."

Naruto stiffened in surprise as Sasuke stumbled against him, dropping his head suddenly and burrowing his face into Naruto's shoulder.

"I know what that's like." Sasuke mumbled into Naruto's shirt. "I know it all too well. I fucking wish I didn't."

He looked up again, staring intensely into Naruto's eyes.

Naruto blinked slowly, trying to stop the world from swaying around him in a molten mass.

"Yyyou…" He stopped, his mouth not quite forming the words properly. It felt numb, and an odd heavy feeling stirred in his chest. "You like someone? Who?"

Sasuke sighed. Naruto could feel the faint puff of breath on his skin.

"Are you really that dumb?" said Sasuke.

Naruto's brain clicked slowly into place.

He glared at Sasuke. "I knew it. It'sss Sakura, isn't it? That's why you've been trying to…" He hiccupped. "…steal her.

Sasuke pulled back a few inches, disbelief written all over his face, and he tightened his grip on Naruto's shirt collar, shaking him slightly. "Are you insane? How many times do I have to tell you, I don't like Sakura!"

Naruto didn't back down. He met Sasuke's intense gaze head-on, their faces only inches apart. "Then why do you keep showing up on our dates? Why do you keep getting mad at me every time I talk about her? Why do you keep telling me we're not right for each other? I'll tell you why. Because you're jealous. You're fucking jealous, Sasuke, even if you don't want to admit it."

He flashed Sasuke a triumphant grin.

Argue against that, turdbrain.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "You think I'm jealous of you? Is that what you think? You think I want Sakura?"

"Yeah, I do." said Naruto sticking out his chin.

Sasuke pulled him forward until their noses were practically touching, making Naruto falter slightly and grab Sasuke's forearms to keep his balance.

"Then I'll prove to you I don't." Sasuke said.

Naruto could feel his warm breath on his lips. He frowned in confusion.

"What do you me-?"

But before he could finish, Sasuke closed the few millimeters between them. Naruto could only stand there in drunken shock as he felt a surprisingly soft pair of lips descend on his own. His eyes closed automatically, and the room seemed to spin even more behind his closed lids, only feeling sheer sensation. His mind wouldn't work. Confusion whirled inside his head making him dizzy, and the power of rational thought had flown away. He leaned back slightly, feeling the hard, cold surface of the sink dig into his back and he vaguely registered that something strange was going on as the kiss became more insistent, the lips pressing harder. Then he felt a wet tongue swipe against his lower lip. His eyes shot open and he found himself looking at Sasuke's dark lashes, felt them tickling his cheek, the other teen's eyes firmly closed. And that's when the situation became clear in Naruto's drunken mind, the realization pouring over him like a bucket of ice cold water.

Sasuke was kissing him. He was kissing him.

He tore away, jerking his head sharply to one side and shoved the other teen as hard as he could, almost falling over himself from the force, but he was supported by the sink behind him. Sasuke stumbled back barely staying upright, and stared at him in shock.

"What're you doing?"

Naruto wiped his mouth with his sleeve.

"What am I doing? What am I doing?" repeated Naruto. "What the flying fuck are you doing?"

For the first time that Naruto had ever seen, Sasuke looked…bewildered, as close to a lost child as he had ever seen. His eyes darted around the room. "I…"

Then his gaze settled back on Naruto and he frowned, that arrogant, all-knowing look settling back into place. "I was kissing you."

Naruto was sure his head was going to explode. "I know that! I mean…I mean…" He cast around, searching for the words that wouldn't come before settling on the one simple question roaring in his brain. "Why?"

Sasuke took a few steps closer causing Naruto to try and retreat, but his escape was blocked by an inconveniently-placed, unyielding porcelain sink.

"I told you I don't like Sakura." said Sasuke in a quiet voice.

Naruto frowned as these words sank slowly into his mind. Don't like Sakura…don't like Sakura…

It took a few moments for the drunken gears to grind into place before his eyes widened in realization and he stared dumbfounded at his best friend.

"You mean…" began Naruto.

The dark-haired teen pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's you, idiot. I like you."

And the world seemed to freeze inside Naruto, yet melt around him at the same time as Naruto stared into Sasuke's storm-filled eyes. He was looking for the lie, or for Sasuke to burst out laughing and say it was all a joke, but he just stood there. His eyes were still glazed from the alcohol in his system and his cheeks were flushed, but his expression remained a passive mask, just watching.

"I like you." He repeated and raised his hand to touch Naruto's cheek. Naruto stood stock still as the hand caressed his skin. He could only stare at Sasuke in utter shock, gripping onto the edge of the sink behind him, completely paralyzed as the other teen's warm body moved closer against his.

He saw Sasuke hesitate for only a moment as he brought his face nearer once again, eyes looking into Naruto's as if asking permission. Naruto felt his breathing quicken as Sasuke's eyes flicked towards his mouth. He wanted to say something, anything that would make all of this slow down and stop so that he could think, just think about this, but his mind wasn't working, and then before he could form the words or even the thoughts, Sasuke lowered his lips to capture Naruto's own.

Sasuke was more insistent this time, more desperate, deepening the kiss and pulling Naruto closer to him in a tight hold. Naruto put his hands up against Sasuke's chest, pushing back, his mind faintly apprehending that if he wasn't so drunk he would be stronger and able to control his body properly.

He felt Sasuke's hand curl around his wrists stopping him from pushing, and his back was pressed against the sink, bending his upper half painfully over it. He screwed his eyes shut. He was unbalanced, unable to move.

Apprehension began to creep up Naruto's spine like a poisonous spider. He was drunk, he realized, utterly vulnerable, and the force of the touches began to feel too familiar as Sasuke's hand let go of his wrist and wandered to the back of his neck, pushing up through his hair and pulling Naruto deeper against him. Naruto's kept his eyes shut tight and he was sure he was going to be sick as the face of Orochimaru flashed through his mind, those sickly yellow eyes and that pale smile smirking at him.

That was when Naruto's mind kicked into gear and he brought his knee up as hard as he could.

Sasuke let go immediately and fell to the ground with a groan, clutching his crotch. He looked up at Naruto, giving him an accusing glare through pain-filled eyes.

"What did you do that for?" His voice was tight with pain.

Naruto could barely speak. The sick apprehension faded as he stared down at the indignant Sasuke only for it to be replaced by a rage hotter than molten lava. "Why the hell do you think, you pervert? What the hell was that?"

Sasuke got slowly to his feet, using the towel rail to help him. He was bent over slightly. "Ugh, you didn't have to do that. You could've just asked me to stop."

"And how the hell was I supposed to do that with you blocking my air supply?"

Sasuke frowned. It was clear the thought hadn't crossed his mind. "I guess I got carried away."

He straightened up. "I just wanted to prove to you…" He reached out his hand, but Naruto slapped it away.

"Don't fucking touch me." He said, glaring at Sasuke with as much hatred as he could muster. Sasuke pulled back as if he'd been stung.

"Don't touch me." repeated Naruto. "Don't talk to me. Don't even look at me. I don't want to see your face ever again."

And with those words, he shoved past Sasuke, yanked open the bathroom door and ran as fast as his unsteady legs would carry him.

He was vaguely aware of Sasuke shouting his name from the bathroom, but he didn't stop. He had to get out. He had to get out of this confusing place. The pumping beat of the music hit him afresh, filling his ears with the pulsating bass, and he stumbled down the stairs, clinging onto the banister and ignoring the looks he drew from the few people walking past him. A small romance was blossoming on the bottom step between a couple of teenagers, and Naruto didn't even mumble an apology as he knocked into them, earning himself a nasty look from the guy. He had to get out. He ran straight past the entrance to the living room where he glimpsed a mass of drunken teenagers partying in full swing, laughing, and gyrating to the beat, and he headed straight for the front door and out into the night. The cold air hit his face and he almost fell over as he stumbled down the front steps, but with the cold air, his head cleared a little, and then the night's events became that much clearer too. He bit his lip as he ran headlong into the darkness. This couldn't be right. Sasuke, his best friend had kissed him. His best friend liked him.

He had to get home, get somewhere safe. He had to just get out of here.

"Have you seen Naruto?" asked Sasuke limping quickly up to Sakura and Ino. He leaned onto the kitchen counter next to him for support. Naruto's kick to the groin had really done a number on him.

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you ok, Sasuke? You look hurt."

"I'm fine." said Sasuke shortly. "Have you seen Naruto?"

The girl frowned. "No, I thought he went to the bathroom."

"Weren't you just there?" asked Ino, raising a brow.

Sasuke ran a hand through his hair and looked quickly around the room. Crap. This was bad. Where had that idiot gone?

"Yeah. He bolted though. I need to find him before he does something stupid."

"What?" asked Sakura in surprise, putting her drink down on the counter. "Why would he do something stupid? What's going on?"

"It's nothing." said Sasuke, glancing at her distractedly only to see her wide green eyes filled with concern as she too began searching around the room for a sign of the blond-haired teen.

He swallowed. Ok, so he felt a bit guilty now. He had just been upstairs kissing her date and trying to convince him to break up with her. What was he supposed to tell her? Yeah, I just practically forced your date into a make-out session and then he kicked me in the crotch and ran away. The dizzy high of the alcohol had been quickly fading since Naruto's, shall we say, 'strong' reaction (Sasuke's privates were still screaming in protest at the pain) and hasty exit, bringing Sasuke back down to earth with a very sobering thump.

"We just…had an argument." He said with a sigh. Where had that idiot gone? Sasuke gritted his teeth. The look on Naruto's face when he'd bolted – it had been sheer terror. Sasuke rubbed a hand over his face. Man, he had messed up. Why had he even done that? What had come over him? One minute he was wanting to punch some sense into Naruto for acting like a girl on PMS, then the next - it was like every other rational thought in his mind had faded away to oblivion.

"Let's split up and look." said Ino, interrupting his thoughts.

Sasuke was about to agree when Kiba stormed up to them, his face like thunder. "I am going to kill Naruto when I see him on Monday."

"What happened?" asked Sakura.

"I was finally managing to have some alone time with Hinata," Kiba slammed his fist on the counter. "Then freaking Naruto shoved into me on his way down the stairs, making me spill my drink all over her. It was so bleeding embarrassing. Completely ruined the moment. He is going to pay."

"Did you see which way he went?" asked Sasuke.

Kiba stared at him. "Did you even hear what I said? My chance was totally ruined, man. It'll be a million years before I manage to talk to her without that freaky, bodyguard cousin attached to her hip sending me his death glares."

Sasuke grabbed Kiba's t-shirt and pushed him against the fridge, making the boy's eyes widen in surprise. "Did you see where he went?" asked Sasuke again through gritted teeth.

Kiba just stared at him in shock for a moment before gesturing back to the way he had come. "Straight out the front door."

His expression turned grumpy as Sasuke released him and he smoothed down his t-shirt. "Geez, take a chill pill, mate."

Sasuke ignored him and turned to an extremely surprised-looking Sakura, holding out his hand towards her. "Lend me your phone."

Sakura nodded, not even questioning at the commanding tone in Sasuke's voice. She dug out her white flip cellphone from her bag, the cupcake phone charm jingling as she handed it over. Sasuke flipped it open and quickly found Naruto among the contacts. There was no way Naruto would pick up if he tried calling him right now, but maybe if he thought it was Sakura…

He lifted the phone to his ear and tried to listen to the faint ringing, but the music was still pumping loudly in the living room and he could barely hear anything let alone whether or not Naruto was picking up.

"I'm taking this outside." He said to Sakura who just nodded dumbly, three pairs of eyes watching him exit the room, the phone still held to his ear.

Naruto panted for breath as he ran and sweat was beading on his brow. He hadn't stopped running since he'd left Ino's house and the world was passing by in a drunken blur, but somehow he had made it back to his own neighborhood. True, it wasn't far, but a part of him was still mildly surprised he'd made it here. He couldn't remember the journey at all, only the accompanying feeling of fear, the feeling that some invisible entity was chasing him. Or Sasuke. He wasn't sure which idea terrified him more right now.

He ran up the garden path to his own house, stopping at the front door, and leaning down on his knees. His breath came out in short gasps and he was pretty sure he was either going to faint from lack of oxygen to the brain or pass out in a drunken stupor. He was saved from collapsing on his own front door step when the door itself opened, and Iruka stood there, staring at him in surprise.

"Naruto. I thought I heard someone." He said and then frowned at the boy's condition. "Are you all right? You don't look well."

Naruto tried to reply, but his body had other priorities. He clutched his stomach with a groan and vomited. Iruka took a quick step back as it splattered on the stone path, but quickly went over to Naruto and held his arm to support him.

"What on earth has happened? I thought you were out with your friends tonight."

"Uhm sorry, 'ruka." said Naruto, and Iruka's eyes widened in surprise.

"Have you been drinking, Naruto?" he said, but there was no question in his tone. Naruto realized he must reek of alcohol. He pulled his arm away and tried to stumble inside.

"Got to go to bed." He said, but his legs wouldn't quite work properly. His head felt slightly clearer though after being sick, and as he made his way gamely to the stairs he found his way blocked by an angry-looking Iruka. No, angry wasn't the word. The man was livid. Iruka's arms were folded, his dark brows drawn together into a thunderous look, and his eyes, those usually soft, caring brown eyes, were glaring a hole into Naruto's own.

"Get to the sofa. Now." he said, his voice tight.

Naruto blinked, trying to take in the situation. "I-" he began, but Iruka cut him off short. He grabbed his arm and dragged him through to the living room, sitting him down on the couch, before pacing in front of him like a tiger. Naruto tried to follow the movements, but it made him feel sick again to watch, so he just stared numbly ahead, holding his stomach. He could hear the words though. Each one battering into his already aching head.

"What on earth are you doing coming home in this state?" asked Iruka, pacing back and forth, fixing Naruto with an angry glare every now and again. "What do you think you're doing drinking alcohol? You know you're underage. This is completely unacceptable, Naruto. Do you realize that it's illegal?" He paused and looked at Naruto who was ignoring him, looking straight ahead. "Are you even listening to me?"

He stopped and bent down in front of Naruto's passive gaze, holding his shoulders and forcing him to look at him. "Look at me. What on earth were you thinking?"

Naruto frowned. He hadn't been thinking. It was… a party. After all that had happened tonight, drinking a bit of beer was the least of his worries. Ok, so maybe he'd gotten a little carried away with the drinking challenge.

"It's no big deal, Iruka." He heard his mouth say, "It was just a bit of beer."

Iruka's eyes widened and he looked like he was about to have a hernia. A vein stood out on his forehead and his mouth opened and shut a few times making him look very much like a surprised fish.

"No big deal?" He said finally, the words almost a whisper before he repeated himself, rising in volume. "No big deal? NO BIG DEAL? Of course it's a big deal!"

He straightened up. "Naruto, what if the police had come? You could have been arrested! Is that something you want on your record, something you want following you for the rest of your life?" He let his arms fall at his side. "Aren't you the one who's always saying you want to become mayor of this town? How do you expect to do something like that when you're satisfied with throwing everything you worked for away for such a small and stupid thing?"

Iruka shook his head and put a hand to his temple. "I thought you wanted to be better than this."

Naruto's head was spinning, but a hot poker of anger shot through him at those words. It wasn't fair. He had had a crappy night. Hell, he had had a crappy life! So what if he wanted a little alcohol? Everyone else at the party had been drinking it and you could bet your ass that they weren't getting any lectures right now. Who was Iruka to be telling him what he should and shouldn't do?

Naruto stood up, swaying slightly and looked the man in the eye. "What I do with my life has got nothing to do with you." He heard himself say. It was like the words were disjointed from the rational party of Naruto's brain. He could hear himself speaking, could feel the emotions flowing through him, yet a small distant part of his brain was yelling at him to stop only to be smothered by a blanket of hot rage. His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored it as he glared at his guardian.

"It's got nothing to do with you." he repeated harshly.

Iruka frowned at the boy scowling back at him.

"What are you talking about?" said Iruka. "It's got everything to do with me. I'm your guardian."

"Yeah, well, you're not my dad." his foster son spat out.

Iruka's eyes widened in surprise at the hostility, and he said nothing for a moment before replying in a firm voice. "I know I'm not your father, but while you're under my roof, you'll do as I say. That means not a single drop of alcohol will touch your lips without my permission until you're 18."

Naruto stuck out his chin. "And if I don't do as you say?"

Iruka frowned. Seeing Naruto in this drunken state was almost painful. The happy mask had completely slipped off, leaving in its wake a hostile and angry teenager, and Iruka wasn't sure now if he was grateful to finally see the mask gone or not.

"Why are you doing this, Naruto?" asked Iruka softly. "Why are you behaving this way?"

Naruto drew back slightly and looked away. "I'm not doing anything. You're the one who's butting into things that are none of your business." He mumbled.

Iruka sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, I know that things have been hard for you in the past, and I've been trying to help you through it, but how am I supposed to do that if you keep shutting me out?"

The teenager took a defensive step back, his legs apart as if readying himself to run. "Well if I'm such a burden to you, why don't you just throw me out already?"

That stopped Iruka in his tracks and he stared at Naruto in surprise. "Why on earth would I throw you out?"

"Why not?" replied Naruto. "That's what my last guardian did whenever I pissed him off, and the children's home director when I got into fights."

Naruto gritted his teeth trying to look like he didn't care, but Iruka could see the pain shining in his eyes.

"I know you don't really want me here." said Naruto. "You've regretted it since the day I moved in, right?" He didn't wait for an answer as he continued, "I tried to be good enough, tried to be the perfect kid, but let's face it, all I'll ever be is a problem."

He trailed off, staring at the floor for a moment before squaring his shoulders and fixing Iruka with an angry glare. "So if you want to throw me out, Iruka, go ahead. It's not like I care. You'd be doing me a favor. Just get it over with so we can stop this stupid act. I'll never be your perfect kid, and you can't fix me, so just give it a rest."

Iruka felt a pang of pain shoot through him as the realization sank in. So that was it. All this time – the polite wall of reserve that had been between him and Naruto - this had been the real reason for its presence.

He took a step towards Naruto who flinched and took an automatic step back only to have his exit blocked by the sofa. He glanced behind him before meeting Iruka's gaze, and Iruka for his part smiled and put his hands gently on Naruto's shoulders. He looked him square in the eye and said, "Naruto, no matter what you do. No matter what tricks you pull, or nightmares you have or rules you break, I will never, never throw you out. Whatever you become in the future and whatever you do, you will always be welcome in this home. Do you understand me?"

Naruto stared at him and Iruka could see the shadows of disbelief lurking in his eyes.

"You're lying." He whispered.

Iruka smiled. "I'm not lying. You can test me on it if you like, although," He let go of Naruto and grinned ruefully, rubbing the back of his head. "Of course, I'd prefer it if you didn't. It would make my life a lot easier."

Naruto frowned. "What if I keep drinking?"

Iruka sighed. "I'll be disappointed, but I won't throw you out."

Naruto bit his lip and his eyes became shiny with unshed tears as Iruka put a friendly hand on his shoulder. "You'll change your mind in future."

Iruka shook his head. "I won't."

Naruto wiped a sleeve across his eyes, avoiding Iruka's gaze.

"I just want to be normal." He said at last in a voice barely above a whisper, "I want to be strong. All I do is fail at everything."

Iruka felt like his heart was going to break clean in two.

"I know, Naruto." he replied gently, "But remember, there is no normal. Some people have things easier, some people have it worse, but everyone has their problems that they need to work through. The only difference between the weak and the strong is that one gives up where the other doesn't. Don't give up and believe me, you will get through this. And I'll help you in any way I can."

A couple of tears slipped down Naruto's cheeks and he sniffed, rubbing his nose as it began to run.

Iruka grabbed a tissue from the coffee table, handing it to the boy who took it gratefully and blew his nose.

"Ahm sorry, Iruka."

"It's ok." Iruka replied with a gentle smile. "Just promise me you won't go drinking again, at least, not until you're 18. I don't mind it if it's in this house where I can monitor you, but I don't want you going out and doing that again, ok?"

Naruto nodded and hiccupped, wiping at his eyes. "I don't want to anyway. It makes me act like an idiot."

He swallowed and looked up. "My last guardian always drank too. I hated him when he was like that."

Naruto sniffed and rubbed his nose, looking back at Iruka. He gave the man a small smile, and Iruka felt like he was going to burst with pride. It was the first genuine smile he'd seen in a long time. It was small, but he finally felt a glimpse of hope for the future.

"Come on." He said, putting an arm around Naruto. "Let's get you to bed, ok?"

Naruto stumbled slightly as Iruka guided him from the room. "That's probably a-" He hiccupped. "-a good idea."