Watching

Chapter four, enjoy. ^^

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and am making no profit from this story.

***

Alright, there's something I need to clear up. Due to my reaction earlier to the evil one's brash and disgusting attempt to rape me in a public place, some of you may have gotten the impression that I somehow enjoyed what he was doing. No. No, no, no, no, no. I went home and used up a whole bottle of mouthwash, I swear! I was seriously disturbed! Really! Like I wanted that jerk's gross man flesh all up against me!

His warm... strangely soft man flesh...

Ew! No! Girls! I like girls! And BOOBS! Who doesn't like boobs?! Not me! I love 'em!

...I swear.

***

Naruto jogged down the hall, skidded on the waxed floor as he turned a corner onto the main hall, then slid to a stop outside Iruka's room. He was about to jerk open the door when he paused for a moment to glance inside. Iruka was teaching a class.

The nerve! Naruto had skipped class just to talk to Iruka, and he was teaching? Damn mentors and their lack of psychic powers.

Naruto slid down the wall until he was sitting on the smooth tile floor, arms draped over his knees. He had skipped out on first period so that he could talk to Iruka about his problem with Sasuke. The real problem was that he knew he needed to talk to Sasuke, but he wasn't quite sure how to go about it. So, since Iruka insisted on giving him advice on everything else, Naruto thought he could probably assist in this area, as well. But another problem was how to bring it up. Really, how was Naruto supposed to tell a teacher, father figure or not, that another guy had kissed him and he wasn't sure what to do about it? The obvious course of action was to tell Sasuke that he wasn't gay. But... what if it wasn't a joke? What if Sasuke really did like him?

Well... that wouldn't matter, because, once again, Naruto wasn't gay. But then again, that kiss hadn't been horrible...

Thirty minutes (and seventeen reassurances of his manhood) later, Naruto jumped in surprise as the bell rang, followed shortly by the opening of Iruka's classroom door, which happened to catch Naruto, sitting against the wall behind it, right in the nose. The blonde screeched and pushed the door away, only to have Shikamaru peek around it.

"Why are you sitting on the floor?"

"I was waiting for Iruka! Why did you hit me with the door?!"

"It's common for one to open a door before exiting a room," Shikamaru answered blandly, expression never changing. "Next time, you'll know not to sit right there."

"Yeah, yeah, smartass..." Naruto stood, carefully dabbing at his nose with his fingers to check for blood. Finding none, he stalked past Shikamaru and into Iruka's classroom, pushing through the rush of students streaming out into the hall. He found Iruka sitting at his desk at the front of the room, sifting through a pile of test papers.

"Iruka?"

The ponytailed man smiled fondly, not looking up from his work. "Yes, Naruto?"

Naruto fiddled uncomfortably with the hem of his jacket, standing in front of Iruka's desk. "I kinda need to talk to you about something..."

This time Iruka paused, lifting his gaze to the blonde boy. There weren't many things that Naruto was uncomfortable with discussing. From pranks to bodily functions, nothing embarassed the kid. Whatever it was that he wanted to talk about had to be important. Iruka set down his pen and leaned back in his chair, giving Naruto his full attention. "What is it?"

There was a short pause as Naruto chose his words very, very carefully.

"So, uh, what do you know about gay stuff?"

Iruka slammed his hand down on the desk. "LIES! I don't know what Kakashi told you, but it's all filthy lies! I did NOT--"

Naruto blinked several times. "Iruka... what are you talking about?"

At Naruto's words, the dark haired man stopped ranting, took a few breaths, and said, "Wait... what are you talking about?"

"You know what?" Naruto began, holding up his hands and backing away from his mentor's desk. "I think I'll just handle this myself, because I've probably just stumbled across something that will scar me for the rest of my life, and I'd rather not hear any more about it." Iruka's love life, gay or straight, was not something Naruto needed to know about. A quick exit was looking like the best option at the moment.

"Are you sure?"

"Very."

***

So, it was right after his last class and with none of Iruka's usual foolproof advice that Naruto walked out to the parking lot and spotted Sasuke in his now normal spot, leaning against his car.

Naruto took a deep, calming breath. "Shikamaru?"

The boy walking next to him waved a hand. "Go ahead. I'll wait for you at your place."

Blinking several times, Naruto gave him a perplexed look. "How did you...?"

"Just go."

Deciding to ponder over Shikamaru's apparent psychic powers later, Naruto nodded and stopped at the bottom of the steps leading to the teachers' parking lot, watching as his friend sauntered away, hands in his pockets.

This was it. Now or never. Time to... do whatever it was he was supposed to do.

With such reassurances in mind, Naruto made his way over to the pale boy, trying to look casual and really only succeeding in looking ill.

Unfortunately, in a cosmic (and typical) blow to Naruto's ego, the first words out of Sasuke's mouth once the two were close enough to converse were, "Why is your nose red?"

Naruto's reaction was to slap his hand over his nose in an attempt to cover it, which really only caused him more pain, but still served its purpose. He leveled his rival with a hopefully cold glare and responded, "Shikamaru and a door. We need to talk."

Sasuke quirked an eyebrow. "About Shikamaru and a door?"

Naruto was rapidly becoming annoyed, which happened to calm his nerves, but really didn't help his attitude. He lowered his hand from his nose so that he could speak normally, because really, a nasally voice would probably ruin the angry image he was trying to portray. "No, stupid, about what you pulled yesterday!"

Dark eyes were fixed on Naruto in an unnerving manner, and the smaller boy couldn't help but squirm slightly. "What exactly did I pull?"

"You know! Don't make me say it!"

"Why not?" Sasuke's trademark smirk was firmly in place. "Did it affect you that much?"

"HA! See? You do know what I'm talking about!"

Sasuke was beginning to wonder why he even bothered with the idiot, but the memory of the other boy returning his kiss in ways he had only dreamed of quickly answered his question. "Fine. What about it?"

This seemed to be something that Naruto hadn't actually thought about, because the blonde paused, finger hovering in midair in an accusing fashion. What had he been planning to say, exactly? "Um... well... I uh..."

"Yes?"

"It... it wasn't funny! Don't do it again!" Yes. That was it. Naruto mentally patted himself on the back for a job well done.

"It wasn't supposed to be funny."

Wait... what?

Wide blue eyes blinked once, then twice in confusion. "It wasn't?"

This was the possibility that had been plaguing Naruto since "The Kiss." What if it hadn't been a joke? What if Sasuke had meant it? What if he liked Naruto? Was that even possible? Nearly as far back as Naruto could remember, no one but Iruka had ever even tolerated him, much less liked him, as a friend or otherwise. Shikamaru didn't quite count, since he didn't really like anything but clouds. If Sasuke really did honestly care about Naruto, was Naruto really willing to give something that... unique up, even if it did make him uncomfortable? Even if it was wrong, in so many ways?

"No. It wasn't." With those words, the dark haired boy touched Naruto's cheek again, eyes unreadable. There was something different in the touch this time, though. A familiarity that Naruto both loved and hated. Sasuke knew the feeling of his skin now, and Naruto knew the feeling of Sasuke's fingers brushing over his cheek, and so much more. There was a dull ache in his chest, and he knew he should slap Sasuke's hand away or run or something, but his legs wouldn't move.

Naruto couldn't say anything, couldn't do anything but stare as the other boy touched him, first with his hands and then with his lips, a light, barely-there kiss to his cheek. The kisses fluttered along his jaw before settling on his lips and lingering there. It was just a gentle pressure this time, with none of the fierce passion of before, but it affected Naruto just as much as their last kiss had. His brain seemed to go numb, to float somewhere above him and all he could do was feel. What was this? What was wrong with him?

Naruto managed to catch hold of that final, distant thought and pushed the other boy away, blue eyes opening dazedly. "Shit...! You can't just... people could see!" It was hard to speak, hard to catch his breath. Why? He didn't understand that or anything that was happening, and it was driving him crazy.

Sasuke's response was to open the passenger door of his car and step aside. "Get in."

***

End Chapter Four
oOKeairaOo

Okay, that's it. Short, I know, but I'm splitting up this part and the next part, as well. I'm really sorry for the delay, but I'm sort of easing into college life and it's a big adjustment. Not to mention I just had exams. But honestly, it was just laziness and a little bit of writer's block on my part that really took so long.

I'll be adding review responses in just a bit, right now I just want to get this chapter up and grab some lunch. But after I eat, I'll add them to the chapter. Hope you all enjoyed this one. I'm less than pleased with it, but I was reading over the first part of the first chapter the other day and am even LESS pleased with it. It'll probably be edited within the next few days, so I thought I'd warn you about that.

Alright, review responses. Let's see if I can get these done before I have to leave for my next class. I just have to say... wow. So many reviews... I think at least thirty something for the last chapter. I really don't know how to thank you guys. I'm going to try to answer them all, but it might be too many ^^; So I may end up just having to answer the ones that ask a question or say something in particular that I feel a need to respond to. If I don't get to your review, I still love you! *HUGS* I'm just lazy.

Crimson_Revenge: I'm glad you liked it! I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

Sora Jr: I'm glad you like how I've written Sakura. My thing is that yes, she's rude to Naruto in the beginning, but she's still not a TOTAL bitch. And she warms up to Naruto eventually. So I'm trying to add in a little of her rudeness towards Naruto while still not making her just... outright cruel.

Mila: I'm glad you liked the kiss scene! I was actually really worried about it, because the way I wrote it is a bit... unconventional, and has a completely different tone from the rest of the story. But I got good response for it, so I'm relieved!

chi no hana: Pervy Sasuke is fun to write. I wish I could get into his head, I'd show a few of his thoughts. Unfortunately, I don't have much of a Sasuke muse. To me, he's such a complex character that I'm afraid if I did things from his point of view like I do with Naruto, I would just butcher his character. Enjoy the chapter!

Sukara: Who knows where Sasuke went? *wiggles fingers mysteriously* He's cool like that. He can just run off and we'll never know what happened exactly. Wow, I'm in a weird mood today, apparently. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Sasuke Fangirl #343: I'm so glad you liked the kiss scene! I was really worried about it, but people seemed to approve, so I'm relieved. Gravity Addicted? Oh, oh! I've read one of your stories... I'm pretty sure I'm still waiting for you to update it. And yes, I think you're an excellent reviewer. You haven't been harsh with me, but even if you had, I wouldn't mind. I can take criticism (to a point ^^; ). What I really like is that your reviews are well worded, and longer than three words. I think all writers like reviews like that.

sasunaru fan!!!: Haha! Horny-stalker Sasuke? I like that. I hope you enjoy the chapter!

silverfox: Glad you liked it!

Anon: I honestly feel like I SHOULD do a Sasuke POV, but Sasuke is so hard to write... I can do his actions and such, but getting inside his head is difficult. I'm afraid I'd butcher his character.

dark mousy: Glad you enjoyed it! I'll try to add in a few of Sasuke's thoughts.

ky0kichi: *laughs* Yeah, it really happened. That unbelievable, huh?

YaoiloverS: Nope, no one can resist hot and sweaty Naruto. Glad you liked it!

MultifacetedTune: The friend who told me you were a good reviewer was Shadows_Call. She's one of my best friends, and writes some EXCELLENT stories. In all honesty, she's a much better writer than I am. But anyway, I'm not sure if you've reviewed some of her stories or if she's just read your reviews on other stories, but she said you're a great reviewer.

Mm, cookies! *munches on them* I'm a Freshman at the Mississippi University for Women. Yeah, I'm from Mississippi, and my grandparents refused to pay for college unless I went somewhere nearby, so I'm still stuck in Hickville. But at least I'm in a bigger town, and two hours away from my family. You would have loved Otakon, it was lots of fun. I cosplayed as Envy from FMA, and we have a picture of Bekah and I doing an Envy/Ed kiss. She made an absolutely adorable Ed. I'm going as ANBU Itachi next year, since I already have an ANBU tattoo, anyway.

Heehee, ANYWAY, I'm so glad you liked the chapter! I hope you like this one just as much.

blisblop: Hee, you'll find out what's going on with Itachi later. I have a vague idea of what I want to do with him, but I'm just not sure how some readers will respond to Uchihacest, even if it is one-sided, so I may have to change my plans a bit. Hm... I do like Sakura, and I don't think I've made her cliche, really. I haven't tried to make her seem like she's not smart, in fact, the reason she's doing the project is because she's such a good student. They make a point in the anime of describing how intelligent Sakura is, so I'd never intentionally portray her as stupid. As for her lacking compassion, if you'll notice, she did sympathize with Naruto in either the first or second chapter, I can't remember which. But if you'll remember, in the beginning of the series, she was quite cruel to Naruto. She even commented very cruelly on his lack of parents, which is why Sasuke snapped at her at one point. I'm just trying to keep her in character, so I can't make her a complete sweetheart, because that's really not how she is. She can occasionally be cruel, she is sometimes selfish, and she often hurts Naruto in her quest to win Sasuke over. Those things don't make her a bad person, and she still has lots of good qualities, but those things are still there, nevertheless, and I don't feel that I can leave them out just because I like her. She will warm up to Naruto in my story, but, just as in the series, it will take time.

Hm... I like your reviews, they make me think. Thanks for your review, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Carrot: Um... okay. I updated. Patience. *pets*

lucifel: I'm glad you like it, thanks for the review!

Sauki: I LOVED your review. Made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Thank you so much! I'm really glad you liked the fic! I'll hope to see another review from you.

Jurion: Another review that I absolutely loved. Wow, I just don't know what to say. As for you not wanting to write anymore, noooo! What fanfictions are you working on right now?

Horizont: Thanks for the review, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Bloodyfire: Heh, I was SO getting ready to flame you. You made me giggle. Glad you liked the fic, and thanks for the review!

WynterMajik: *laughs* "After almost making him cream his shorts..." It's funny that you used that phrase, because I ALMOST used it at one part during the fic. Thanks for the review!

Lease: Addicting, really? Thanks so much!

yukiko: Yeah, I do get annoyed when Kakashi shows favoritism towards Sasuke. He does that even more in the anime than he does in the manga. I actually got really annoyed with him when, after the first part of the Chuunin exam, Naruto asked him to train him and Kakashi shoved him off on Ebisu so that he could go off and train Sasuke. He's making the same mistake with Sasuke that Sarutobi made with Orochimaru. *sighs and shakes head* Ah well.

Ryn: I'm glad you like how I write Naruto. I will admit that he's a bit OOC, but I'm trying to adapt him to our time/world. Not to mention I just like making him funny. What you asked me about Sasuke and Sakura doing the project as well was actually something that I debated on whether or not to include, then decided not to because I couldn't find a good place to put it without making it sound awkward. The actual reason is that, like in most high school fics, Sasuke and Sakura are the type of students who do any extra credit that they can get. They're the top of the class type people, who, even though they get good grades, still strive to do better. Sakura also probably wanted to do it because Sasuke was, too. But yes, my original plan was for the project to have been voluntary for everyone except Naruto, and that Kakashi had three open spots for it. One was automatically taken by Naruto, and the other two were open, so Sasuke and Sakura took/signed up for them. But you're right, I probably should have found a way to include that ^^; I shouldn't assume that my readers are going to read my mind. Anyway, I'd like to know what you think about that, and if you know of any good way for me to insert that reasoning so late in the story. If not, I suppose I could go back and find a way to add it into the beginning when I edit the first chapter...

insert_fetchy_name_here: Thanks a lot! I hope you like this chapter.

Leasan: *laughs* Yes, that could very well be why Sasuke ran off. *winks* I'll leave it up to the readers to think what they want. *imagines*

Demon: I'm glad you liked the kissing scene, I was very worried about it. Thanks for the review!

Shelbi: Heh, you read my mind. I won't say any more, I don't want to ruin the ending...

Nanaka: Thanks a lot!

yurathewicked: Thanks, I'm really glad you liked it. I hope you like this one, too.

DrapedInBlack: Thanks a lot!

charappoko: ^^ Aw, thanks! Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Whew! Alright, done. Sorry it took so long to add the review responses, but I had to go to class before I was finished. Just got back and rushed to finish them. Once again, thanks so much for the overwhelming amount of reviews! Keep 'em coming, they inspire me!