Life's Little Changes

I felt so guilty for not updating so I'm putting 2 chapters up tonight!!

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Naruto woke up with a gasp, his eyes opening before the morning sun blinded him.

That had been one of the oddest dreams he had ever had!! It started out as him just reliving the night before…

“You know, Sasuke, we could squeeze five into my car, it wouldn’t b a bother to take Naruto home.”

Blue eyes widened as dark ones narrowed.

“It’s alright, Neji, you have everyone else to get home.”

“Exactly, one more wouldn’t be a problem.”

“He lives in a different direction than the rest.”

An eyebrow rose over an eerily pale eye.

“You know where everyone else lives now?”

Naruto didn’t miss the pale hands balling into fists, why did Neji giving him a ride home effect Mr. Perfect so badly?

“He has to clean up yet.”

The hands relaxed, obviously their owner felt he had found a good enough reason.

“Isn’t he just coming back tomorrow?”

“I’m not letting that idiot get used to leaving a mess in my house.”

“Hey now! I’ve been picking up after myself.” Both eyes turned to Naruto, making him gulp and back up. “I-I’ll go clean up.”

Only his dream had gone wrong at that point, instead of being like the night before where the others had left and Sasuke drove him home, the dark haired boy had come into the dining room, an odd look in his eyes.

“Sasuke?”

“Naruto.”

Dream Sasuke had walked to the table, knocking all the books to the floor before pushing Naruto onto said table. Soft lips came down fast, capturing the blonde’s in a searing kiss, leaving both boys breathless before Sasuke climbed onto the table, settling between the other’s legs before moving in for another kiss.

And Naruto was disturbed, not by the fact so much that Sasuke had kissed him in his dreams, he could attribute that to everyone accusing them of being together, no, what really got to him was that in the dream he had enjoyed it, more than enjoyed it. He had been an active participant, kissing the stoic boy back just as fiercely as he was receiving. Clothing was hitting the floor at an alarming rate and hands exploring freely.

Thankfully his mind decided that it would wake up right before the Uchiha’s boxers had been removed, most likely since he had seen Sasuke in just swimming trunks but not less and his brain didn’t want to make that part up.

Rolling over in his bed, he started when finally reading the numbers on the clock.

The Uchiha would be there any minute to pick him up and he knew having to wait would only anger the other. He debated making him wait after obviously causing that disturbing dream, but then what about the pool?!

The pool! He jumped out of bed, if he made him wait then he could kiss going swimming goodbye!

It was with loud cursing and falling once when he tried to put both feet in his pants at the same time, but Naruto managed to set a new personal record for getting dressed. Glancing out the window showed that the black sports car was already outside, it’s driver appraising the area with a look normally reserved for when one steps on a slug… barefoot.

“Been waiting long?”

He grinned happily beside the driver’s door, still catching his breath from running down the stairs.

“Get in, idiot.”

As he climbed in and they drove off, Naruto couldn’t help but wonder how in the hell his brain could even think of coming up with a twisted dream about him and the ice prince.


“Let’s go swimming.”

“Work first, idiot.”

A pathetic whine didn’t deter the dark haired boy so the next hour and a half was taken up with math equations before Naruto finally declared it done.

“So what’s for lunch? I’m starving.”

“You’re always starving.”

“I’m a…”

“I know.”

He pouted at the Uchiha’s back before following into the kitchen, was it just him or did the uptight boy seem a bit more relaxed than he had been the night before? Maybe it was just that he had been worried about Naruto embarrassing him, but then why had he invited him to join if that was the case?

“Argh! This is making my head hurt!”

Dark eyes were instantly on the blonde, until said person noticed and smiled sheepishly.

“Idiot.”

It didn’t take long until the two had their sandwiches, sitting at the dinning room table while they ate before Sasuke pulled out Naruto’s English book.

“Awww, can’t we take a break?”

“Not since you asked.”

“What?! That’s not fair!”

A smirk crossed the pale face.

“Fine, as soon as you can answer ten questions correctly then we’ll take a break.”

“Swimming?”

“Whatever.”

It took an hour and the Uchiha having to remind Naruto several times not to dent his table with the other’s thick head, but he finally managed to answer ten questions correctly and was very proud. This test was going to be a piece of cake!

“Yeah! Swimming!”

“Go take a shower, I’ll meet you out there.”

Watching the dark haired boy leave the room caused Naruto to remember his dream and instantly blush, looking down at the table made the blush worse and he barely refrained from banging his head on the table before heading towards the downstairs bathroom.

The Uchiha actually beat him into the pool this time as he swam in the deep end, something Naruto couldn’t identify being held under the water.

“Wow, I didn’t have to pull you in!”

The other boy’s smirk was almost frightening, but rather than run as most would, Naruto dove in, enjoying the feel of the temperature maintained water. As soon as he came up, however, the cause of the smirk became apparent as something waterlogged smacked into his shoulder with enough force to shock him.

The sound of laughter filled the area as the blonde turned to find Sasuke busting up at his expense before spotting the nerf football not far from him. This of course, meant war.

It was several hours later when the boys climbed from the pool to lay on the warm cement. There had been a game of peg each other with the ball, then seeing who could throw it harder to the other and was followed up by another dunking war.

All in all both boys were exhausted and happy, Naruto keeping his mouth shut about the smile on the other’s face this time.

Suddenly the blonde had a face over his own, water still dripping from the black locks that framed the pale face, eyes intently studying the other. It was too much like his dream, having the Uchiha over him and Naruto had to swallow before he could speak, even then his voice coming out in an embarrassing squeak.

“Sasuke?”

Hearing his name seemed to break the spell as dark eyes blinked before their owner stood up and grabbed his towel.

“We have to get back to work, go change.”

And he was gone, leaving Naruto to stare at the blue sky in confusion.

What was he doing? Was he actually planning to…? No, Sasuke was the most popular boy in school, he could have any girl he wanted, why would he have interest in another boy, especially him. It made no sense, so Naruto took his usual action.

He shoved it away and determined not to think about it any more.


Snacking on some chips, they studied, the Uchiha quizzing the blonde until he got every question correct.

“I think you stuffed my brain full already! Let’s watch a movie or something.”

“Fine.”

Naruto took the loveseat, stretching out while Sasuke followed suit on the couch, occasionally glancing at the blonde.

What was it about him? How could he make the Uchiha relax and have fun? He built up his emotional walls so well over the years, why did this annoying idiot seem to have some secret door that he would slip through? Did he even realize what he was doing? How he was making him hate being alone now, how his house felt empty after he came back from dropping Naruto off each night. If he did, then why? What did the blonde hope to gain? Of course there was the obvious fact that Sasuke had more money than he, but that didn’t make sense. If he was trying to work his way into the other’s life then why was he so adamant about two boys being together was gross? Was his staunch denials merely a ploy?

Laughter ripped him from his musings as he looked back to the tv, he had obviously missed something.

They had Chinese for dinner that night, Naruto insisting that Sasuke try his honey chicken and sampling the other boy’s coconut shrimp just as happily.

On Monday they had sat with a chair between them at the table and tonight, after just under one week, they pulled two of the chairs close together, sharing food as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

After dinner they couldn’t think of anything that they could do that wasn’t making it look as if both boys were stalling Naruto’s departure.

So the sun hadn’t set yet when the black car pulled up outside the shabby building.

“Wonder why he’s here?”

“Who?”

“That guy.” Naruto pointed to a man who was talking with one of the prostitutes. “He owns the building but usually isn’t out here.”

Something told Sasuke this couldn’t be good, especially when the man’s eyes locked on the blonde and he looked impatient. Naruto climbed from the car, swallowing the pit of odd nervousness that had formed in his stomach before he put his trademark grin in place.

“Hey! Don’t usually see you out here.”

The driver’s side window rolled down just enough to be able to follow the conversation after the passenger door closed.

“Naruto, I’ve been trying to find your sorry ass.”

“Oh, well I was out, here now though.”

“Yeah.” The man gave the car a long look over. “You working now? It’s good thing if you are.”

“What?! You know I won’t do that.”

“Too bad, then I’m guessing you ain’t got money to pay rent.”

Realization hadn’t hit the blonde but dark eyes narrowed.

“What do you mean? You know I only get $40 a month.”

“Exactly, I have four people wanting to move in and you’re costing me money now. Be out within twenty four hours.”

“What? You’re kicking me out?”

“You knew the agreement, well I need the space so get your shit out.”

The window rolled back up before the engine was shut off.

“Yeah, alright, I’ll get on it.”

Blue eyes looked back in shock at hearing the driver door closed, the auto lock button pushed.


“Come on, idiot, let’s get this done.”

“Sasuke? What are you doing?”

“Helping you move.”

Naruto’s mouth made a small ‘o’ before he dashed up the stairs, hearing one of the women try to talk to Sasuke and fail miserably. He was a nervous wreck, his rival and friend was about to see where he lived, not just the outside but see how bad the inside was. Part of him wanted to tell the Uchiha no, that he would handle it, but then he didn’t know anyone else with a car.

He cringed at the raised brow when a rather large rat crossed their path before reaching his room and it took effort to keep his hands from shaking as he unlocked the door.

“Home sweet home, or was.”

It was followed by a nervous chuckle as the other boy took in the surroundings.

“How much of this is going?”

“Well, my picture, my clothes and that pot. Everything else came with the place.”

He no longer had doubts about Naruto’s story of his life.

“Where are we taking it?”

The Uchiha had already moved to the bathroom, grabbing out his few belongings there.

“Hehe, well that I’m not really sure of yet.”

Dark eyes pinned him down, making it hard not to squirm.

“What about your friend?”

“Shikamaru? No, his mom says I’m too hyper, I’m not even allowed in their house.”

“Figures. Alright, so where?”

“Well, I could check the boy’s club or maybe the shelter, though you have to really watch your stuff there.”

Was Naruto serious? He had nowhere else to go?!

“You don’t have anywhere else?”

A tan hand was nervously scratching blonde hair.

“No, my uncle said not to show back up there, Shikamaru is my only friend and I’ve already done the foster care rounds.”

He looked around, this could be some kind of trick, but was he willing to risk it? His clothes on closer inspection were very well worn, in fact the whole place was a dump.

“Grab your picture and an outfit, let’s get out of this dump.”

“What? Leave all my clothes?”

“Leave the rags, idiot, I’m not sticking around.”

He shoved the toothbrush into Naruto’s hands before heading back out. He had to be insane, that was the only explanation. He couldn’t possibly be doing this.

The thought of just driving off occurred to him, get away from the blonde, after all, his problems shouldn’t concern the Uchiha, right?

But for some reason he was still sitting there when Naruto came out of the building a few minutes later, his sparse belongings in his hands as he headed to the now unlocked passenger side.

“So where are we going?”

Sasuke blinked, was he really that dense?!

“Idiot.”

“Bastard.”

It was with a smirk that he pulled away from the curb, driving a rather familiar path again.

They pulled back into the two car garage, Naruto looking at Sasuke in shock.

“You’re letting me stay here?!”

“Would you rather be on the streets?”

“No!” It was with a huge grin that the blonde climbed from the car. “So where’s my room?”

In answer, the Uchiha turned and headed into the house, Naruto on his heels as he went upstairs for the first time, eyes wide as he was given the basic tour.

“Laundry closet, linen closet, library which is where the computer is, and this is the bedroom.”

He didn’t catch the lack of plural and his eyes dazzled as soon as he stepped in.

The entire room was done in blues and creams with hints of red. The dresser was large, a solid cherry wood affair that matched the massive bed, in fact it was the biggest bed that Naruto had ever seen in his life! A nightstand stood on each side while a dark blue velvet comforter was at the foot, cream sheets with a beautiful sheen were smoothly covering the pillow top mattress with a good size pile of pillows that looked fluffy enough to dive into resting against the headboard.

“Are those satin sheets?”

“No, they’re silk so you better not drool in your sleep. The master bath is behind that door and over here is the walk-in closet.”

Naruto fell back on the bed, not paying attention as the dark haired boy went into the closet, shifting things about.

“So where is your room?”

Coming back out of the closet, dark eyes studied the blonde, his face steeled though he still clenched his fist from nerves.

“This is my room.”

Blue eyes blinked in confusion.

“Then where am I staying? This place only has one bedroom?”

“Yes, I turned the other room into my library, you’ll be staying here, that bed is more than big enough for two.” He turned away to hide his blush, missing the matching one on the blonde. “I made room in the closet for your clothes.”

“Well, you didn’t let me bring much, and what if I don’t want to share a bed with you?”

“The floor is free or you may use the phone to make other arrangements, if you have somewhere else to go.”

Naruto grinned to hide how nervous he was, his mind picking this inopportune time to recall his dream.

“No, not really.”

“I didn’t think so, we’ll get you some clothes tomorrow, those rags weren’t fit to wash the floor with.”

Blue eyes glared but Sasuke was already back out the door, heading downstairs.

This couldn’t be real, one minute he’s homeless and now he is living with the most popular guy in school. How did this happen?! He had to admit that the place was nice, and this was the softest bed he had ever been on, but he would be sharing it and that was something completely new as well.

Taking a deep breath, the blonde told himself he could do this, he could live this closely with his rival, after all, it was a nice place and it’s not like there was anything romantic going on between them.

He looked at the dresser, the top had several pictures of people that he could only guess were Sasuke’s family. Walking over he picked up one of Sasuke with a middle aged woman as they stood in front of the pool in the back yard, this seemed the most recent. Another was a couple smiling at the camera and the third was a much younger Sasuke with that same couple and another kid, looked to be a few years older than Sasuke but they were all hugging at some picnic.

Did Sasuke have a brother? He said his parents were dead but what about his brother, did he die as well? That had to be hard, to keep losing people.

Naruto finally had an epiphany as to why the other boy was always so cold and distant, keeping himself locked away.

He set his picture of his parents holding him with the other three, seemed that maybe that was the best spot for it, and then quickly put the rest of his belongings away before heading down to find his new room mate already watching tv.

“Hey, Mr. Perfect, don’t hog the popcorn.” Dark eyes looked at him before the bowl was set down where both could reach it. “And… thanks.”

He got a nod, the pale face already trained on the tv and hiding anything those eyes might give away.

Naruto took the hint, relaxing on the couch.