This can't be happening!

Once more, Hey are you daft! I dont own Naruto. *shrugs*

To my readers:

*Bows humbly*

Please forgive me for being so late in updating... but my master's degree is driving me nuts, along with a theater play and work, I barely have time to update. This time I bring a Looooooong chapter. Once so long I had to split it into two parts... so please bear with me. Chapter 4 is a lemon and happy tears mixed into one. Sorry if you believe my Sasuke is OOC but I am trying my best given the things I am seeing in the series and everywhere. Please review and remember I am human. We all make mistakes. If you dont like this chapter, tell me so, but also tell me why using constructive criticism. I will really appreciate it. Thank you!

Now on with the story...


Chapter 3: Out of the frying pan and into the fire

The fire inside the corner-stove burned brighter as the wind outside picked up in strength. Exhausted blood-shot eyes peered through the gloom, adjusting with difficulty to the flickering light.

“Run… Hot…Must deliver…Water…” the heavily bandaged blonde laying on the bed whimpered softly. Ravaged by fever, his patient fussed weakly. Stretching, he used a wet cloth to push away the sweaty hair, trying in vain to cool down his fever.

“Hush there, dobe… calm down. The mission is done. You are safe now. Rest” He whispered, moving the cloth with practiced ease over the exposed skin. Something in his voice seemed to calm the restlessness inside Naruto and he quieted after a while.

“Sponge baths feel good, ne dobe? They’re certainly killing my back, you know? I hope you don’t remember how many I have already given you because my Uchiha pride won’t be able to outlive it.” He joked softly, willing Naruto to sleep and recuperate. Moving back, he stretched a little before dropping the cloth in the wash basin’s icy water.

Yawning, he waited for it to cool again before bringing it up. Wringing the damp cloth to rid it of excess moisture, he leaned over the bed to repeat the process he’d developed until now: Brow, cheeks, chin, neck, shoulders, chest, arms and hands.

‘I must change his bed-linens soon.’ He thought inconsequently. ‘These are soaking wet.’

Straightening, he dried his brow with his sleeve before returning to the water basin by the bedside.

‘This room is too stuffy, but I don’t dare to open the windows. It’s still too early for that.’ His temperature had gone down a bit but still he didn’t dare to tempt fate.

Submerging his rag inside the ice-cold basin made Sasuke shiver.

Sasuke grimaced, watching Naruto’s labored breathing. Blond hair plastered over a sweaty brow made something inside his heart twist painfully.

‘He really is beautiful… even sweating and sicker than a dog, he remains beautiful.’ His eyes ran over the almost feminine lines of his friend’s face, entranced by his beauty.

Unable to stop, he stretched his hand to lightly touch the fevered cheeks. Recently he’d discovered his legendary Uchiha self-control was not enough to stop his need for contact where his dobe was concerned. Distractedly, his fingers traced the whisker-like scars that did nothing to detract from his flawless beauty.

‘I wonder what they taste like…’ he thought and imagined himself leaning forward for a taste. Only when Naruto whimpered softly and leaned into the caress, did he realized his actions were real rather than imaginary. Jumping back like a scalded cat, he straightened and looked away, incredibly embarrassed.

His lips burned with the imprint of Naruto’s heated skin. A red tongue darted between dry lips wanting to pick up a taste of the forbidden fruit and his gut tightened with desire once more.

‘Pervert! Stop that!’ he chided himself. Facing his friend once again, he noticed Naruto was once more starting to fret under the covers.

“Shh… there… you are safe now… you are home…” he whispered, using the wet rag to refresh the heated skin. Apparently he just needed some calming words and cool water because after that he quieted down easily.

Making up his mind, he stood and went outside to find the necessary items for the task at hand: bathing Naruto. He was not very comfortable with the situation as it was, but he had certainly gotten used to doing it.

The first few times had been very uncomfortable but he complied because he knew bathing Naruto was the only safe way to bring down his fever to manageable levels.

Usually this meant he had to repeat the whole bathing thing 2 or 3 times a day, every day. As it was he was just barely ahead of fever convulsions and that made him glad. Tsunade had been around many times, with and without Sakura.

At the beginning the pink-haired kunoichi had tried to weasel her way inside his house, saying she was worried about his Naruto but he’d seen through her cover quick enough. He disliked the careless liberties she took with his dobe as she…

‘There you go again. He’s not your anything, Sasuke. Its plain Naruto, got it?’ A hard pause. Biting his lip to stem the rebellious thoughts that wanted to argue this point, he chose to ignore himself and his foolish possessiveness.

His gaze fell upon the hapless sheets that struggled to cover Naruto’s body. ‘If I’m going to give him a bath now, I’d better change the sheets too. I don’t want him to catch a cold after getting his fever down.’ He thought, glad for the distraction.

Almost ten days had passed since he found his best friend unconscious and bleeding at his doorstep. His hands curled into fists remembering the feelings of impotence and fear that swamped him. It was more than he ever cared to accept but it was true nonetheless. He grimaced, trying to banish the image of a pale and unresponsive Naruto from his mind’s eye.

- Start of Flashback -

“Make sure to keep him warm at all times and bathe him often.” Tsunade, Konoha’s own Godaime wiped her brow tiredly after seeing to Naruto’s wounds. The fight for his life had started early and only luck and fate kept him alive so far. She had chosen to doctor his wounds herself as apparently she didn’t trust her underlings to take Naruto’s well-being to heart. The frown marring her features did nothing to dispel the fear that lodged deep within his heart when he saw her expression.

“Whatever it was they poisoned him with, is powerful enough to make even Kyuubi’s amazing healing abilities work overtime to contain his bleeding. As it stands, It is struggling to keep them both barely alive.” His stomach tightened inside his gut and he paled visibly at her words. This was not good.

“Are you sure you have no problem letting him stay here? I’d hate to move him given his physical condition. He still hasn’t stopped bleeding completely and moving him now could make the difference between life and death. There’s nothing else we can do but wait and hope for the best.” Tsunade’s distracted monologue continued as she picked up her instruments.

Noticing her gaze turn inwards, he knew she was going over her other options, preparing for his refusal.

‘As if I could…’ he thought, annoyed beyond words at her attitude.

Knowing this feeling to be beneath his Uchiha dignity, but unable to let go without a fight, he took deep, calming breaths to bring himself under firm control while she continued to instruct him.

Playing with the hem of his shirt, he stared outside, feigning disinterest. His chest contracted painfully as the truth finally sank in, bringing with it unbearable sadness. He didn’t trust himself not to burst into tears, tearing at his hair and howling like a wounded beast at mere thought of losing Naruto before the horrified eyes of his Hokage.

Panic was so close! It would be easy to just let go. He could almost taste her expression of horror when he did something as un-Uchiha-like as bawling his eyes out. He allowed himself a small, amused smile as it crossed his mind that being able to watch her undignified expression was almost worth losing his cool Uchiha image.

A sudden image of Naruto’s mischievous smile crossed his tired mind and brought peace to his heart.

‘Ah, dobe, you are bad for my reputation.’ Turning around, he filled the empty basin with fresh water, holding tightly onto his emotions.

‘It wouldn’t do to show her how I truly feel.’ He decided soberly, all traces of humor vanishing as he watched Tsunade’s mouth tighten to a hard line out of the corner of his eye.

‘Damn I must have lost my cue to nod approvingly. What was it she was saying?’ he sobered immediately. His distant expression must have given her the wrong answer given her next words.

“I said I didn’t want to move him, Uchiha-san but that doesn’t mean I won’t, if I so much as suspect he’s not being properly taken care of.” She warned, frustrated at her inability to read him.

‘Damn Uchiha self-control!’ she thought with irritation.

He turned and picked up the water basin she’d used to clean Naruto’s wounds, clearly not paying her any mind.

“Uchiha-san! Do you understand? Uchiha… Sasuke!” she raised her voice in desperation, impatient with his apparent lack of worry.

The raven-haired youth stiffened but didn’t turn around. His stiff body spoke volumes and Tsunade’s intelligent eyes took in every detail. The tight lines of his body brought to attention her status as Hokage. She knew then he would not act on impulse and forcibly pull himself away from her grasp even if he wanted to.

It was also a gentle rebuke, for as an Uchiha, it was wholly beneath his dignity to acknowledge her passionate outburst or answer in kind. So it was beneath her to attempt to provoke such a response.

Comprehension dawned in her expression lightning fast and she let him go. Straightening, she speared him with dark, hot eyes bringing into play her years as first a legendary kunoichi and later Konohagakure’s Godaime. This situation was too important not to make difficult questions and he, as one of Konoha’s best Nin had to answer directly to her. Still the task at hand wasn’t one she could delegate by only relying on obedience. He had to genuinely care or everything would be lost and Naruto would die.

‘This can’t be happening! There has to be somebody somewhere to care for him, to love him! Kami-sama, somebody has to care for the little bozu there other than me, Iruka or Jiraiya. I am ineffective for this task because I belong to everybody, not just Naruto, one misstep and its over.’ She thought anxiously and tried to reach him again gentling her tone.

“Naruto is very, very sick. His care is of utmost importance, Sasuke. If it wasn’t so dangerous I-” she stared at his unbending back, despair beginning to drown her hope. Her instincts so far hadn’t been off the mark. She thought Sasuke cared about Naruto at least as much as Naruto cared for him. It seemed this time, she was wrong.

“Is it true, Sasuke? Do you hate him enough to turn your back on him now that he needs you?” she watched him closely, her eyes growing round in disbelief.

Something in her voice tugged at the remaining scraps of honesty still left in his heart. His resolve not to answer thinned with every passing second and after a while he threw her a look over his shoulder, his cheeks aflame with either embarrassment or anger.

“I promised I would take good care of him, didn’t I? Then do not fear. It is my word as the Last Uchiha you are getting, Godaime-sama. I am not one to go back on my word.” he said softly, piercing her with a hard look.

“But still you must understand that if you don’t really care-” she tried again.

He sighed. The only way to calm her fears while still keeping his pride intact was to let her glimpse into his heart. And the only way he knew how to do that was to take off his mask and let her find the truth on her own.

‘Times like these make me resent all this Uchiha pride… Damn!’ Taking a deep breath, he dropped his barriers and allowed his expression to show her the paralyzing fear that ran as strong as his fierce determination to see Naruto through. There was no way he would allow death to take what was rightfully his. Words were not necessary to convey his message since apparently what she saw satisfied her. With a small smile, she nodded and left.

- End of Flashback -

After that she returned every other day to gauge Naruto’s condition. She didn’t say much nor did he talk about anything other than his patient’s needs but he trusted her to tell him whenever he was doing something wrong.

Naruto was going trough periods of apparent lucidity interspersed with high fevers. Tsunade hadn’t been able to explain why but still they tried their best providing his failing system with the best antidotes and remedies to boost his and the Kyuubi’s chakra.

**** At the Hokage Tower ****

“Tsunade-sama, Are you sure…” Iruka started hesitantly, clearly unwilling to voice his opinions. He’d waited for her return from visiting the Uchiha complex; he was that desperate for news about Naruto’s welfare.

Iruka didn’t try to visit because from the moment Naruto brought Sasuke back from Orochimaru, he’d buried himself inside Uchiha territory only coming out for missions and the like.

Eight months ago, the council passed judgment over him and it was decided he would prove himself to Konoha by doing small tasks until they got increasingly harder. Last week he’d finally received permission to become an active ANBU inside Naruto and Neji’s team.

‘Even if she grows angry, Naruto’s safety comes first.’ He squared his shoulders. Kakashi had warned him against this course of action, but he insisted. He was not sure Tsunade was even aware of certain incidents when she made her decision and he felt they had to be taken into consideration given the gravity of the situation at hand.

“Sure of what?” she turned with a distracted air.

Suddenly unable to talk, he shot Kakashi a desperate look over his shoulder. The silent man shrugged from his place against the window, watching Iruka grow desperate. Knowing no help would be forthcoming from that quarter; he straightened.

Turning around, he froze, watching Tsunade’s expression go from distracted to curious to impatient and was well on its way into anger before he reacted. He was busy stammering an apology when Kakashi decided to step in.

“He actually wants to know if you are completely sure of the wisdom of your decision. He is afraid for Naruto’s welfare since the Uchiha’s been less than eager to let us visit at the complex during the past weeks.” He smiled disarmingly, knowing the kind of bomb he’d just dropped on kind Iruka’s lap.

‘Well, I told him not to do this.’ Kakashi thought, pushing down his concern.

Iruka paled when Tsunade turned her impassive eyes towards him, raising her eyebrow with displeasure. He straightened his spine; he was not leaving without some answers!

“Other than the fact that he returned from Orochimaru’s grasp just a few months ago, he hasn’t been able to gain my trust yet. The council just gave him permission to become part of the ANBU but that does not relieve my mind. In the past months he’s used his kunai to threaten Sakura with bodily harm more than twice! And he beat Kiba within an inch of his life for daring to sneak past the main gates! I understand his need for privacy and maybe Sakura really did push him with her stalking ways. Still, I’m not sure we can trust him! We don’t know if this is a trap and then Naruto would be in the midst of danger if it is! ” Iruka pressed on recklessly, his fear tightening his stomach.

Understanding dawned on her face. A tired sigh left her lush lips and she sat down. ‘Naruto, it is always you. One way or the other… Kami-sama, I need some sake…’ she reclined on her chair, trying to ignore the dull throb starting at the base of her skull.

“Naruto himself vouched for Sasuke’s worthiness, so did I. He has not done anything to make us fear Naruto’s welfare at the Uchiha complex. The fact that he was just given ANBU responsibilities by the council should set your mind at ease not further your worries, Iruka-sensei.” She massaged her neck surreptitiously, trying to reign in her temper and avoid inflicting bodily harm into this kind man even if her patience was currently spread way too thin.

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful or anything, but I don’t find that reassuring. He still hasn’t proven himself or his worth to us and using Naruto as a guinea pig is not only unfair it is downright reckless.” Iruka insisted from his side of the room.

“You are accusing me of using Naruto’s welfare as a way to prove the Uchiha’s worthiness? Is that what you mean?” Her eyes searched Iruka’s, searching for confirmation. When he lowered his gaze, she hissed angrily. “How dare you question my decisions? You are overstepping yourself, Iruka-sensei! You seem to forget who I am!”

“I am not trying to do that… please understand.” His eyes sought hers and his voice cracked. His kind heart lurched painfully as he finally realized he was hurting her with his words. “That… I just care for Naruto’s welfare… I didn’t mean to be disrespectful.”

“Then what is it? You keep on questioning the wisdom of my choices, saying to my face I am using Naruto to test the Uchiha’s loyalties! If that does not count as doubting my wisdom then pray tell me what does?” She argued fiercely, looking around for her sake, public opinion be damned.

“She has a point there, Iruka.” A lazy voice cut the tension, reminding them they were not alone.

Iruka had the grace to blush as he realized that in his worry he’d probably alienated the only person able to take Naruto away from his captor and into a safer place.

“I… I” he tried, feeling miserable.

“Don’t tease him, Tsunade-san. Iruka-sensei is just worried about him. You know how he gets whenever he thinks Naruto’s welfare is at risk.” Kakashi cajoled softly from his perch, hating to see two people with the same concerns hurting each other.

“He should remember I also worry about Naruto. His welfare has always been the main issue here.” She countered furiously, refusing to look at either of them.

Iruka’s eyes went from one to the other, biting his lip. “Please forgive me, Tsunade-sama. I didn’t mean to question your decisions or anything of that sort, it’s just that…” he hesitated but plunged ahead, he was going to say his piece one way or the other. “I am not sure Sasuke is the best candidate to take care of Naruto in his actual state.”

“And just who is going to take care of him if we take him away from the Uchiha? You?” she turned and pinned him in place with a frosty glare. Iruka gaped like a fish, scratching his scar compulsively while looking around for an answer.

“You seem to forget you are not the only one wanting to drop everything and take care of Naruto, Iruka. I too want to do the same but as the Hokage it is my duty to look out for everybody’s welfare, even if my heart is set on protecting just one. You are the same, Iruka-sensei. I need you at the academy teaching, not at home playing nurse.” With a pause, she glanced at the masked man to the left.

“Other than the Uchiha, who could be up to the task of nursing Naruto back to health? Kakashi? He is not exactly the nurturing type, if you understand my meaning, and Jiraiya is not even an option. I need somebody to take care of him but I am not leaving him under the care of a pervert.” She stood, rage flashing in her dark eyes, moving to come around her desk.

“Just who did you have in mind? My medic-nin-in-training, Haruno-chan? His other friends Kiba, Hinata, Tenten, Inu, Choji? Think about it, Iruka. They are all strong and capable Nins currently performing other missions. Between them they don’t possess the necessary maturity to care for a plant, let alone nurse a gravely ill Naruto back to health. They are used to a self-healing Naruto, always laughing his aches away not one that struggles for his life just like they would if they’d survived such an attack.” She was on a roll now; there was no way she was going to stop without drawing intellectual blood.

She was also frustrated because she couldn’t find anybody better than the Uchiha to care for her Naruto and she was damned if she was going to allow Iruka to badmouth her choice even if she had done so too.

“Even, Sai my assistant would rather stab him in the heart than care for the wounds of the ‘fox devil’ that bewitched Konoha’s finest including 2 Hokages, namely Sarutobi-san and me.” She smiled at the foolishness of that thought. Naruto was like her younger brother, a strong, intelligent child worthy of love and admiration. Returning to the conversation at hand she continued.

“So, that would only lead us to the Konohagakure Hospital, hordes of doctors and nurses and their ideas regarding ‘merciful death’ and Naruto. Fate has played him for a fool, handing him a heavy load to bear on his own. Through no fault of his own, nobody in this village will ever volunteer to take care of Naruto and we all know why. Yondaime intended his to be a happy life, cherished and admired as our hero. Regretfully, he never took into consideration human narrow-mindedness, vengefulness and ignorance. Thus his purpose was defeated and his precious sacrifice all but lost.” She paused, her expression heavy with grief and resentment.

“Inside the hospital ward, he would be alone, exposed and in constant danger of being ‘put to sleep’ with every passing minute. I would have to make Naruto a virtual prisoner to protect him. Imagine just how Naruto, our #1 loudmouth ninja would react to that.” She stole a glance at her companions, glad to see comprehension light their expressions.

“Surely you understand that is not an option, gentlemen. Naruto stays where he is at until he recuperates. Understood?” She queried with finality, daring them to argue.

Nodding in silence, Iruka left, his arguments charred into ashes by the blue flames of his Hokage’s righteous anger.

******************

There goes the fist part... what do you think? was it worth waiting for this update? I will put up the second part shortly... and I verified the terms twice... if I made mistakes tell me... I will be more than happy to correct... ok?