Rain

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.


Rain
By 11


Chapter 06

He came to coughing. His lungs ached and water and spit fell from his open mouth into the dirt. His body was still half lying in the river. Naruto’s arm arms still supported him, helping him cough up whatever he swallowed before dragging his tired body the rest of the way onto land.

They were under another bridge, it was cold; Sasuke’s clothes were wet – so were Naruto’s. Despite the cloth sticking to Sasu’s lean form, it probably still wasn’t a problem that ‘she’ lacked necessarily hugely defining curves; that was to be expected by now; and Naruto probably wouldn’t have noticed if Sasu were actually a painted potato in a skirt.

Dark eyes opened and noticed that her hair was dripping with mucky water, it smelled faintly of dirt and sweat. Dirty from the water; Sasu shivered aware of the cold of the clothes and air. It was getting late wasn’t it?

“Hey take off your clothes.”

“What?” Sasu croaked, trying to snarl but only managing to force the words past cracked lips. Swallowing felt slimy, and every muscle was quaking slightly to retain some heat as the cold and wet clothes carried the body heat away.

“Take off your clothes, you’ll retain more warmth if you take your wet stuff off.” Naruto explained matter-of-factly, as he stripped off his pants as well leaving him in only his boxers. Sasu turned away; he didn’t really want to see Naruto’s lean legs, and slim form slightly muscled and seeming to gleam faintly even through the layer of dirty water over that flawless skin.

“No.”

“You’ll freeze to death.” Naruto stated.

“Fine.” Sasu grit out as he pulled off the top shirt; though he refused to take off the lower layer; if he did it would show that the bra just beneath was just for show. The pants went to; and the whole time Sasu’s hands shook much more than for the sake of the cold.

Why did he have to anyway? He didn’t want Naruto looking at him… not that he would; the guy was practically a vegetable. But that thought didn’t keep the light stain of a blush from tainting Sasuke’s pale cheeks.

Sasu was shivering horribly. There was a slight breeze that otherwise may have been pleasant but for the wet which chilled the skin so far as to reach the bone. Despite the cold Sasu's face was unbearably hot. 'She' still refused to turn and face her companion - who seemed oblivious to the fact he was being ignored, if his silence and apparent inattention were any indication at all.

It's stupid. Sasuke thought sourly as he quaked with cold. It was uncomfortable and silly like this. Those guys might have wandered away by now; but going up there as they were; even the short walk down the few blocks to the smoky gas station would have been risky and also uncomfortable. The way home would have been even longer.

He started when he felt Naruto's back - or side? - touch lightly to his. But he did appreciate the slight shared body heat now generated in that single spot between them. It would be so easy to turn and just wrap himself around that warmth, and to heck with being a girl; and to heck with the fact it was Naruto and he wasn't gay and didn't even like the guy at all.

Sasuke clamped down harshly onto that part of him that figured "screw pride, I wanna be warm". It had no business thinking that way in his head. So he steeled his muscles and resigned himself to sitting here shuddering all night long; or however long it took before it was reasonably safe to move and head back home.

Just stupid.

It was getting late too. Sasuke could feel the weight of his eyelids increase as they longed to droop over dark eyes; close and welcome the darkness of sleep. But there was Naruto; and the fact he was also entirely naked with another boy under a bridge hiding from people who may or may not be gone by now.

Troublesome. Stupid. Uncomfortable. Sasuke let his breath hiss out in frustration; he really wanted to sleep, he could already tell from his physical body that he probably wouldn't be conscious much longer, powerful will or no.

Well he didn't want to be awake much longer anyway. Who really cared one way or the other. At least they escaped the fight, and apparently those guys hadn't dropped into the water after them.

What was the worst that could happen at this point anyway?

Sasuke's body leaned sideways, his body dropping against Naruto's. But the paler youth did not even notice it. Dark eyes closed.

`

Sasuke's eyes shot open. It was pitch black outside. The light of a street lamp a block away provided a light hazy dimness to the world. Sasuke was currently leaning half side-ways into Naruto's chest. The blond's arms were currently around his upper body, his own pale arms folded inward with Naruto's encircling him.

He was comfortably warm at the time; but when he began to register where he was a heated flush of embarrassment accompanied the tightening of muscles as he realized the situation.

"You're up?" Naruto's voice breathed against the side of his neck; apparently the blond had been dozing too, resting his head on Sasuke's shoulder. "You should probably go back to sleep. It's already almost midnight."

Sasuke swallowed thickly; refusing to acknowledge that somehow in his sleep he had let himself fall into Naruto's embrace to siphon heat. If it was already this late they would have a very hard time getting home, even though their clothes were now mostly dry; though they were still somewhat damp and very cold to the touch. Sasuke's hand retreated from the idle cloth to mold back between the warmed bodies of Naruto and himself.

It was so warm; Sasuke almost thought it wouldn't be so bad going back to sleep here. Even if that meant sharing the night alone under the bridge in Naruto's arms. At least it was comfortable now. The dark flush refused to leave pale cheeks, even after resignation to the comfort of the other's body.

He rested, but sleep was slow in coming. Wasn't Naruto actually supposed to be really brutal somehow, in actuality? Or he had been?

"Hey," Sasuke started.

"Hm?" Naruto answered, his face still buried at Sasuke's neck.

Gee, what could he say? What really happened with that Kiyotaka guy and the broken arm thing? "What really happened with that Kiyotaka guy and the broken arm thing?"

Sasuke had spoken fairly quietly, and when Naruto didn't first respond he thought he'd have to repeat it. But Naruto had heard.

"Why?" blond head still buried at Sasuke's neck.

"I've been curious, since I heard." Sasuke muttered.

"Ever heard curiosity can kill people?" Naruto asked.

"Curiosity can kill me later." Sasuke frowned. It didn't sound like Naruto was threatening, just being silly.

He felt the other boy smile against his neck, and a light puff of breath substituting a would-be laugh, before the blond lifted his head to speak better.

"Kiyotaka, was someone at one point I may have thought my friend." He began, "He thought he found out something about me. It was pretty incriminating. But it wasn't true." That sounded like it needed an add on 'not entirely'. "He threatened me to do some stuff for him; it wasn't so bad at first, just making me buy him lunch, spend money on other things, or intimidate someone who owed him - supposedly. Eventually I got fed up with him, I told him to back off but he wouldn't. He was going to tell the press; that is slander and libel. I got to him before he could do that, and I broke his arm."

Naruto shrugged. Sasuke figured there was probably more to the broken arm than just that; possibly threats and who knew what else. It sounded fairly straightforward though; person tried to blackmail with false information. But then, why would Naruto obey him to begin with; wouldn't he have set him right about the matter at the start?

There was probably more to it.

Sasuke frowned, wondering if he even cared about the whole story. It was probably just a passing curiosity anyway; right?

"Are you scared?"

"Of what?" Sasuke asked annoyed at the stupid question.

"Dunno. You were being kind of quiet."

"I was thinking. Not that you could understand the intricacies involved with thought."

"No, but you think too long."

"Hn. Dobe." Sasuke snorted.

So Naruto, wasn't entirely a vegetable. This was probably the longest they'd spoken without having a reason to, or an onslaught of questions by boisterous girls. Sasuke couldn't quite wipe off the grin he wore. It was nice that the blonde wasn't actually so deadpan.

He was actually really teasing. Seemed like a nice person even; he was so alive and friendly even. Even though the situation was kind of awkward with the snuggling and the bridge and the night, it was still really nice.

Naruto spoke again; "You think about shoes and clothes?"

"No, that's what you think about."

"What do you think about?"

"Cash and cars."

"You're not very feminine, are you?" Naruto was grinning again.

"You're not very masculine, are you?" Sasuke returned.

"Aw, that hurt Sasu."

Sasu?

Oh that's right. He's still a girl... he shouldn't be goofing around like that. Not with another guy, as a girl. But then, aside from holding 'her' in his arms, Naruto wasn't treating 'Sasu' like a girl either.

"You okay?" Naruto asked after a moment of silence.

"Yeah." 'Sasu' answered slowly indicating her desire for silence. Naruto complied, not attempting to goad another attempt at conversation.

Even though they were wrapped around each other like this, Naruto could still chat like this and not even acknowledge the awkward reality. Maybe Naruto forgot as well? No, his naming 'her' proved he was still aware of the fact.

'Sasu' shifted 'her' body against Naruto's. His arms loosened slightly to give her more room to maneuver before settling again. Sasu frowned. Naruto was a boy; just like those boys in the classroom; even if he had amazing self-control - like Sasuke - there should at least be some kind of reaction.

Sasu's own body was already reacting to the proximity; now that the situation had been called back to mind. The uncomfortably hot flush across the face returned; as did the slight quiver of inner muscle despite the warmth of the embrace.

However, it seemed that Naruto wasn't reacting at all; even as Sasuke fought to keep his breathing level, it grew shallow while Naruto's remained completely even and relaxed. Why?

Sasuke scowled, his abhorence directed inward at himself. Why was he reacting? Even though they were both guys and he was aware of that. He knew his body shouldn't be reacting like it was, but nonetheless, it was. It was odd, and not right. He could always blame his reaction on embarrassment or maybe modesty, but that option was almost entirely ruled out by his common perception.

Sasuke still had most of his clothes on, and not only that he had no desire to leave Naruto's arms. But Naruto! Naruto was a guy, and 'allowed' to be a guy; but there was obviously something wrong with the blond! Deeply and utterly!

He wasn't even reacting a tiny bit! Even though it was a 'girl' in his arms. That wasn't normal! Guy's don't do that! It wasn't fair! If this was going to be uncomfortable - yet pleasant - then Naruto should be going through the same experience!

It wasn't right! Naruto should be flushing! He should be short of breath, and nervous and excited! It wasn't right if only one of the parties involved suffered such anxiety!

Sasuke forced his eyes closed and tried to relax his body to sleep; but it was slow in coming despite the incredible comfort of Naruto's embrace. He couldn't figure it out; it seemed like there was only one explanation. Only one: Sasuke liked Naruto.

Beep.

`

Sasuke couldn't remember for the life of him how he wound up back at home, asleep in his bed his wet clothes - now dry - waiting to be put in the wash. There was something about Naruto's friend or someone finding them; and a car that smelled like clean soap and giving Naruto his address; but the rest was a sleepy blur of night and warmth and Naruto.

His few remaining clothes were still intact; so chances were everything was fine. Though the situation last night had been dangerous; more for the reason of his revealed true gender than anything else. Thank goodness Naruto was mostly a vegetable.

Actually Naruto should be open like he was more often; he'd probably have a lot of friends. The blond was really easy to like when he started to talking freely and honestly.

Sasuke flushed slightly remembering the night before as well as Naruto and his own... strangely developing thoughts concerning the blond youth. Blocking all thoughts of said blue-eyed blond he got ready to leave for his job - to wait on another certain blue-eyes blond.

"I can't believe we're two girls short! At least Sakura already called in! But Ino just didn't show up?!"

Neji was incredibly annoyed; Naru was in her dressing room, 'Sasu' just arrived but apparently Sakura and Ino were absent. That made sense though; Sakura called in sick because of her family.

The girl was just told yesterday that they both died; Sasuke knew he should probably try to go see her later; just to check and make sure she was okay after she broke down yesterday. Ino had gone with her; hopefully Sakura hadn't done anything... drastic.

The shoot was supposed to begin in a few minutes, but since there would only be Sasu to help Naru get into the clothes; they would probably be behind on the shoot.

"Poor Sakura; not feeling well. I hope she's okay." Naru muttered, more to herself than Sasu after the dark-haired girl informed her why Sakura was absent; unsure about Ino. Oddly enough the girl sounded really worried too; but Sakura was supposedly sick; Sasu hadn't mentioned that Sakura's parents were both gone.

The door opened just as Sasu finished tying up Naru's back. "Ino!" Naru greeted, both excited and anxious in one breath. "How is Sakura?"

"Yeah, she's okay." Ino nodded somberly, her usual chipper smile also somewhat dampened by yesterday's news. It almost made Sasuke feel guilty for the jitters he experienced with Naruto just last night... NO! Not thinking about that guy!

"She's with her aunt right now," Ino explained. "She came over to look after her, so she'll be with her now. She's a nice woman, Sakura will be okay with her today I think."

Wait, how did Naru know Ino would know about Sakura?

"That's good, I'm glad she'll be okay." Naru seemed somewhat relieved at that. But why wasn't the girl questioning Ino why she was with an aunt when she was just 'sick'?

"Naru!! Are you ready to shoot yet?!"

Neji was very impatient.

"Yeah, I'll be right out!" the girl called back loudly, as Ino finished lacing up her gloves and the girl strode out; the garb of white silver and gold feathers and satin and lace and glittering make-up across the eyes and lips with a streak of pink. Her hair drawn up in shining golden curls.

Sasuke had grown fairly accustomed to the shoots. The bright lights no longer blinded him, the glamorous clothes and even the beacon of light at the center which was Naru adorned to showcase all her glory and her cocky, nearly arrogant, gorgeous face.

Even so, he had to agree with Ino and several of the other aides about the set, that Naru was one of the most gorgeous people that probably existed anywhere. Who cared if she had a tiny chest; she was beautiful, her arrogance and conceit was almost a part of her charm.

It started at 9:30, there were several breaks between shots to change costume and to reapply make-up and eat lunch. The work day ended at 3:45. Sasuke severely needed to wash; even Ino whispered the suggested after a bit. Sasuke hadn't had the chance to wash since he fell in the river with Naruto, he realized that the smell of dirt and water and sweat was an unpleasant combination.

He was going to go straight home to shower, but Ino recommended that he go ahead and wash at the studio. The aides and assistants were allowed in there after the work-day ended although primarily it was for the models after the shoots; Naru wasn't going to use it, and most of the other models had already headed home from their departments as well.

Their shoot started late so they ended late; the place would be perfect even for Sasuke, who could let no one see him clean for the sake of gender hiding. About a change of clothes; the ones from before the concert were still at the studio so he could change into those.

Ino was right. The place was pretty much deserted at this point; it would have been high risk to do this at any other time, but right now it was pretty low risk. It was still public - to females - so there was a risk.

At home there would be 'no' risk, but then he'd also have to wait and live with the smell until he got back. Nah, he wouldn't get caught. Besides if he picked a stall on the far side he'd know if anyone came in long before they could walk around and find him.

The water was warm and the soap was complimentary, Ino had leant him her shampoo and conditioner; he'd only use the shampoo anyway. Strawberry scented; just fantastic, but it did belong to a girl.

He'd just finished the actual washing process and was basking in the warm water for a few more moments before dressing and heading home when he heard the door open. Someone had actually come in here and was starting back towards this wall.

Panic shot through him. He switched the water off in an instant. Then leapt out to reach a towel. He dried himself as quickly as he dared. Then reached for his clothes. The person rounded the corner. Sasuke held the towel close to his body, the cloth covered his chest as well as his nethers; however even so, it was likely very obvious that this was not the build of a girl.

Sasuke wished for just a second that it would be someone he knew and could therefore negotiate with - like Ino, if he explained it to her she probably wouldn't use it against him!

Taking a calming breath he turned to look at who had discovered his secret. It was someone he knew. But it wasn't Ino. It was his boss; Naru Kitsune. She would fire him and expose him and shame him and he would die.

If the smirk on her face was any indication - she was going to eat him alive. Sasuke swallowed... oddly she didn't seem shocked, just smug and conceited as usual. She had stopped when she turned the corner and saw him; but now that he had seen her she stalked forward again.

She stopped when she was standing right in front of him, looking into his face. She leaned towards him. Sasuke stayed completely still; he could never figure out what was going on in her head - what did she think she was doing now?!

"I promise not to tell." she whispered against his mouth, Sasuke almost shivered with the eerie quality she suddenly possessed with her in both words and action. "But you'll owe me."

Her slender, lightly tanned arms, slid around his neck and her body fell against him lightly. Her body shuddered slightly as she giggled at his expression of mortification and wariness. Too much to hope that over the week the girl had matured even a bit; she was still as annoying and touchy-feely as ever.

"You can give me this body of yours," she suggested still grinning widely, like a fox ready to sink it's bloody fangs into a little rabbit's throat. "What do you say?"

Arrogant, stupid girl.

Sasuke glared as coldly as he could. It never seemed to chase girls from him; but usually afterwards they'd at least fawn over him from a few feet away - giving him some personal space.

She grinned and laughed again, pulling away from him slightly. "You're so cute 'Sasu', no wonder I like you so much!"

Sasuke continued to glare. He was not going to move to dress until this girl was at least on the other side of the lockers. Despite the demeaning and uncomfortably awkward truth of the situation he was not going to make it more awkward by giving up the bit of decency he still retained to shield his naked body from the silly flitty female.

"You want me to go on the other side so you can get dressed?" she asked grinning. Sasuke glared harder. "Okay!"

"So what's your real name?" she asked cheerfully from the other side of the lockers now. Sasuke finally started to get back into his disguise, only after the clothes were on did he start to towel his hair.

"Sasuke." He muttered, moodily. He was not happy about being caught; even less so because it was Naru who caught him; and then even more because she didn't care and was being so weird about it. Was there some fascination about girls and boys in drag?

"Sasuke?" Naru repeated in question, then snorted, "You need help coming up with names. You shouldn't make it so close to your original name."

Sasuke walked around the side to where Naru was; she smiled; "You want to drop by your place to get some boy clothes?"

"Why?" he asked sourly. So she was going to turn him in? He could be a boy again though.

"I want you to come with me to the Dentei Amusement park," she explained, "You can dress as a guy when I take just you places. It'll be fun; so come on."

He scowled, but was unable to refuse; if he did the vindictive girl might decide to do something really horrible to him, since now she had blackmail material.

A trip by Sasuke's house and almost 30 minutes later Sasuke and Naru stood inside Dentei Amusement park, with Naru holding onto Sasuke's arm and urging him every which way towards whichever ride caught her fickle eye.

It wasn't entirely unpleasant with the conglomeration of colorful sights and smells of fried food. Naru paid for everything; so Sasuke got free funnel cake - which was fine by him. Running from roller coaster to shooter game, to haunted house back to roller coaster had become nearly exhilarating.

Naru's insistent tugging, pulling; even her whining became bearable and almost nice. "Come on Sasuke! I want to ride this one!"

"Sasuke, it's so big, let's go on that one!"

"Oh! I want to ride the one with loopdie-loops!"

She laughed always, smiling brightly; long golden hair falling around her perfect face and thin flat frame tastefully. Cheeks pink from running, the barest gleam of sweat from sun and excitement across her goldish tan skin.

Sasuke quickly found he didn't mind. "I don't want to." He'd say, "Do you we have to?" he'd ask, already resigned to his fate. He wasn't really unhappy about it; even though he had never been particularly fond of amusement parks. She made it fun.

"I love the feeling when your stomach shoots up into your throat; it's cool right?" she'd spout happily.

"It's okay, but don't you feel like puking?"

"Nope! It's like I want to scream and laugh all at once!" she practically radiated joy, "It's a lot like flying in a way."

"I'm so happy right now!" she declared, latching herself to his middle tightly; "I'm so high." she giggled, nuzzling her face against his shoulder as they stumbled away from one of the many viciously jerky falling rides.

She was so... touchy. It was nearly uncomfortable with her body so close to his all the time. In a way it made him want to touch her too, hold her like she held him, and touch her back. Based on her current treatment of him, and that she didn't seem to want to turn him in - to authorities or the school or anyone else - about his-er-questionable choice of gender/dress most of the time; she wouldn't mind if he did.

Still he gripped his hands to fists and refrained from stroking her hair and setting his arm around her waist; as easy, simple, and comfortable such a movement would be.

"Well, well if it isn't blondie!"

Naru looked back over her shoulder, and Sasuke looked as well as to where the jeering voice had come from. Dark eyes narrowed; he recognized these guys; they were the same ones that Naru and 'Sasu' had run into on the way out after Naru had spent the night with 'Sasu' before after the rave. Why were they here of all places.

"Get out of my face turds," she snarled, "I have no time for bottom feeders."

"Pretty girl's shouldn't have so much bite;" a switchblade snicked into place, his friends unveiling similar knives from pockets and jackets. "Don't worry, I'll carve your teeth out."

Naru's body tensed, and she stepped away to allow for more room. More likely than not a fight would ensue.

"Oh, don't think we're gonna leave your boy-toy alone, do ya?"

"Yeah, maybe we'll bleed him for ya!"

"Cut up your pretty face. Ya won't be so conceited to spend time with us then, will ya?" And with a lunge from the enemy it began.

The knife cut through the air near to Naru's face. She ducked to the side. Her fist pistoned out to smash into the guy's skull with a resounding crack.

Sasuke dodged the wide arc of the blade the second guy attacked with. He turned and crushing his foot into the guy's gut. Pivoting he took out the third, before he get close enough to attack.

"Sasuke!" Naru called out roughly; before another's blade nearly lodged in his neck.

Sasuke dropped his body to the ground, and rolled his body to trip the guy over to the ground. His face hit the pavement. Sasuke continued the roll till he was out from under him.

Naru's foot lashed out to toss the other guy on the ground before her eyes locked with Sasukes in silent message and she bolted. Sasuke was right behind her. They left the punks behind with bruised limbs spewing curses after them.

They stopped near the merry-go-round, enough people were in the area, and no one had followed them from the looks of things. Now that they were without distractions, Naru latched onto his arm; burying her face in his shoulder.

Sasuke started, and looked at her with a scowl. He knew she was smiling; she was laughing slightly against him; her body likely thrumming with adrenaline from the encounter.

She wasn't weak, that was for sure; she wasn't some silly bubble-headed girl. At least she wasn't when she didn't want to be. She looked up at him grinning, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"You were so cool!" she laughed as she snuggled against him, still gripping his arm tightly; although not enough to bruise.

"Let go, you'll cut off my circulation." Sasuke told her, he sounded annoyed but by this time he couldn't say he minded her clinging too much. She let go anyway and plopped down into the bench nearby.

She took Sasuke's hand and pulled him down to sit by her as well. "Come on, it wasn't that bad, was it? I think we ran into those guys this morning too." she giggled again, "Think they even recognized you were the same girl this morning they were talking about playing with?"

Sasuke smirked, "No. My acting is far too superior for their minds to possibly attempt to unravel."

Naru grinned, "Yeah, because you're the best there is!" she declared happily, before dropping her body against his; resting her head on his shoulder for a moment.

Her long golden hair tickling against his arm, the golden color contrasting brightly with his darker clothes. Actually their coloring probably looked really good together. Light and dark and contrast of sameness most nearly.

Sasuke felt his cheeks heat slightly as his eyes trailed up from her hair to her soft face, flushed cheeks and slightly parted lips, still somewhat short of breath from the quick sprint away from danger. Naru Kitsune was in all truth an extremely beautiful girl.

Sasuke had barely even noticed his head had dropped lower over hers until his lips were centimeters from her forehead; only an inch from the unconscious destination of the girl's perfectly pinked mouth.

Sasuke jerked his head upright; and Naru whined slightly putting her head back in it's original position; "Let's just stay like this a moment, I'm tired."

"We can leave." Sasuke offered, angry with himself and relieved that Naru hadn't noticed anything.

"No, we'll go get some lemonade and pizza, but in a minute, okay?" she said, not even waiting for an answer. It wasn't truly a question anyway, it was her game plan that Sasuke was going to go along with no matter what. That's how Naru was.

Naru... Sasuke likes Naru. He felt his cheeks stain darken in embarrassment at the acknowledgement of that fact. But there was one tiny problem with that analysis as well. Just a while ago, he determined he also likes Naruto.

Beep.

'Am I bi?' Sasuke wondered to himself, infuriated with the haywire emotions that seemed strewn every which way with no semblance of congruity or sense - utter chaos within.

Was he just supposed to choose? Ignore it? Impossible, let it solve itself? Right now he could clearly define that he was attracted to Naru.

Why?

Because she was so alive. She was vibrant and colorful, like a tropical storm sweeping in a whim doing exactly what she came to do, unstoppable with no room for negotiation or pause.

But Sasuke knew he also liked Naruto. A shameful thing perhaps; but the other youth was incredibly kind in truth. He could also become very lively when he wanted to be...

Sasuke had to see him again to be sure; maybe he really only felt admiration for Naruto; and under the bridge... that was just embarrassment and fear of being discovered? He didn't know, not for sure; not with Naru's body heat seeping into him right now.

`

The next day at school 'Sasu' was in relatively little contact with Naruto since she managed to arrive fairly late. Sakura was back in class, but very subdued. Thus Sasu deemed it best not to talk to her right away as if nothing had happened.

Sasu went after school to find Naruto; hanging behind everyone else to follow the blond out. When most people had meanders from the halls and Naruto was nearly ready to leave as well Sasu approached the youth.

Blue eyes looked up at Sasu in some surprise. "Yes?"

Sasu felt her cheeks pinken slightly when the boy looked at her. But she was probably just slightly remembering embarrassing things from before. "Uh..." she started, but hadn't really come up with a reason; "Nothing really," that's right, track was over. They didn't meet after school anymore and there weren't any projects between them.

"How's your leg?"

"Ah, I... wanted to have that checked actually," Sasu said finally remembering the bandage she'd been wearing beneath pants and skirt from a while ago. Cuts and scrapes took at least a week to vanish after all - a perfect excuse! "Would you mind?"

"Sure," Naruto nodded, "come here, let me see."

Sasu obeyed, it felt strange again to offer her leg. But Naruto's clinical inspection, after unrolling the bandage should have shattered any even slight possibility of romantic possibility or subtle innuendo. It didn't.

Sasu still felt a burning in her skin where his hands touched. Sasuke stiffened, when he felt the burn extend to his cheeks where he knew the skin was becoming pink and crimson. No, he actually did like Naruto; but it wasn't right, and it wasn't fair.

The proximity made him uncomfortable, but it was over soon; Naruto stood up and did not return to bandage once it was off. The skin was pink and whitish where the wound had been.

"It's mostly healed by now," Naruto explained, "There's no infection so the mark you have should disappear in another few days."

"Yeah, thanks." Sasu breathed, finally able to contain her flush to a minimal appearance. Naruto was physically attractive as well; and oddly it was nice just being around him. The two wound up leaving school grounds together.

They didn't talk when they left, but then there wasn't really a need to either. It wasn't an uneasy or awkward silence; though Sasu managed to completely eliminate the blush that had previously bloomed the feelings of attraction lingered.

Sasu was very particular to herself about walking with at least a foot between the two of them when she could manage. The sidewalk narrow as it was made it nearly impossible.

But the closeness just being side by side elicited strange ideas of what might happen if Sasu reached for Naruto's hand. It wouldn't be considered weird, at least not by onlookers like this - a boy and a girl holding hands, not uncommon at all.

But still, Sasuke knew it was wrong; so he wouldn't let himself do something strange like the thoughts his mind kept proposing.

But as he was, as Sasu, he could get away with it; he could probably even pursuade Naruto to go out with him. Then he'd have a solid excuse to be around the blond whenever he wanted. Then as a boy he could date Naru - that was legal too.

No, not 'too' that alone was legal; what he was thinking of now with Naruto was wrong! Wrong! Or so he kept telling himself about actions that his brain kept saying would feel 'right'.

Naruto stopped walking and Sasu stopped as well. Shoot why did this always happen?!

Those punks from the morning with Naru, and the bridge, and the themepark; they just kept coming up in places they didn't need to be! There were four of them.

"Hey, stupid blondie!" the leader shouted over at Naruto, "You gave us some trouble last time. We're thinking of paying you back."

"I just want to pass by you and go about my business without any trouble." Naruto explained.

"Aw! The pussy-boy don't want any twouble!"

"Piss-boy's so scared!"

"Fine," the leader smirked, then pointed his knife at Sasu, "But leave the wench. We'd like to have some fun with her..."

Naruto's eyes hardened and he didn't move; glaring glacial cold killing intent at the punk. "No? Wanna fight?" the punk singsonged happily, as he stalked closer to Naruto, another behind him; two circling around to either side of Sasu. "Feel lucky pussy-boy?"

Naruto's arm shot out like a cobra. Striking once hard in the guy's face. He cried out and lurched back. Sasu whirled to smash one guy in the face, pivoting her leg backward to slam into the other guy's side, tossing him to the side.

Naruto lunged forward to the fourth guy. His fist grinding into his guts, knocking the air out of the guy's chest. While they were momentarily down, Naruto grabbed Sasu by the arm and steered her back away from the punks. But one of them grabbed Naruto by his long hair. Even though it was tied back; it was plenty able to be grabbed and yanked harshly.

Naruto's body lurched back and he nearly fell. The flash of the knife above his neck was the only warning he got. Pulling quickly and forcefully away and to the side, Naruto's neck dodged the gleaming knife. The steel cut into thick golden locks separating the bulk of Naruto's hair from his head.

Naruto's leg twisted around from beneath him to the side and whipped up to land in the guy's face throwing him back against the pavement with a crack. Two more ran forward to him. Naruto hopped up in one movement to his feet.

He caught one by the arm, twisting it so he dropped his knife. Then threw his body against the ground, did the same to the second, his foot landing firmly in one's ribs.

Reaching down he yanked the other up by the hair before tossing his face back down to the pavement. The fourth was not silent. With a cry the fourth ran forward, and Naruto's fist smashed his face for the third time.

Naruto's arm whacked the other guy's arm and grabbing the knife from it when he dropped it. The fourth fell and turned scrambling to his feet before taking off. His knife was gone and he refused to fight the armed blond without it.

The other two lay still; one nursing his face, the other holding his side where Naruto had kicked him while he was down.

Naruto went to the leader and stepped on his hand, the one holding the knife grabbing the weapon and tossing it away. He kneeled and lifted the guy's head by his hair. The blond glared down into the bruised and battered face.

Sasuke watched in morbid fascination at the scene, the blond kneeling to the level of his foe holding the knife near his throat; listening to the blue-eyed blond's words and the voice he used like a cold and unfeeling demon.

"If you or your friends come after me like this again, or any of my friends," Naruto spoke touching the blade against the youth's throat; the punk whimpered slightly trying to edge away from the sharp steel blade, "I'll take this knife and slit your throat along with your friends'. Got it?"

The guy nodded as minimally as he could without cutting himself on his own knife.

"Good." Naruto stood and tossed the knife away. The guy stumbled to his feet and took off like the one before had done. The other two crawling to their feet weren't far behind.

"Sorry you had to see that," Narut said turning back to Sasu, his voice back to normal his expression almost sheepish.

"No, it's okay," Sasuke shook his head, "you did what was necessary." After that, those guys would have to be suicidal to bother Naruto again. The blond could actually be really violent when he wanted to be. Naruto smiled guiltily and started walking again; Sasu jogged over to catch up to him to walk beside him. No more words, Naruto looked kind of flustered and embarrassed too; he really hadn't wanted Sasu to see that had he? But he wasn't threatening her either. Did he trust her then?

Sasuke felt a strange giddy happiness well up inside him; and oddly he found that the encounter with Naruto's violent side had only fed his attraction to the youth. He really did like Naruto.

Beep.

Well at least he'd confirmed his own feelings. But what about Naruto's? The blond had never once reacted to him, even though Sasu was a 'girl'. What was up with that? Was there any way to make sure the guy was a cold fish? Was there any way to try and get Naruto to show some interest?

Sakura and Ino once talked about ways to get guys interested; maybe he could try some of that... but it was pretty embarrassing, he didn't want to try and employ any of it here in the open on the street.

"Hey Naruto," he started before he could think it through entirely.

"Yeah?"

"Uh... want to come over to my house for a bit?" but why? An excuse? Need an excuse! "I'll make you some coffee; or get you some juice?" Lame excuse. Very lame! Sasuke felt his cheeks burn anew; that was so stupid...

Naruto seemed to think the request a bit odd too, "Sure." he said, and Sasu looked up surprised; apparently Naruto was going to humor her in any case.

Sasu grinned, and led the way; the apartments weren't much farther and she let them both into the small living space; apologizing for the mess thought there truly wasn't much of it.

"I'll get you some juice, or coffee?"

"Juice is good."

"Okay, I'll get you some, apple?"

"That's fine."

"Okay." Sasuke was happy when he got to the kitchen and could draw a breath and wonder what the hell he just did. Now Naruto was sitting in his living room; and he was thinking of trying to get Naruto to show interest by how girls did it... and now he had cold feet. Why was Sasuke so stupid; he internally bemoaned his horrible idea.

He went to the fridge and got the juice pouring the cup for Sasuke; he was really an idiot about this. Now what was the first thing anyway? Got to show some skin; right?

"Here you are, Naruto."

The blond looked up at Sasuke in surprise; oh the juice was fine but Sasuke had changed his sweat for a spaghetti strap top. Sasuke had only gone out when he had figured that even with that top he looked like a girl; it was very sad.

His small frame, pale skin and long-ish hair was enough to let him pass for a merely small-chested girl. Nothing at all unsual; not something he normally liked but right now it might be useful; since Naruto shouldn't suspect a thing, even in the small top and short skirt.

"Ah, thanks." Naruto finally said, snapping out of his daze. Sasuke sat and smiled as flirtatiously as he could.

"Is it good?"

"Yeah it is, thanks." Naruto said, and paused taken aback by Sasu's suddenly glowing smile.

He could swear the girl was doing this on purpose. Sitting invitingly across from him; actually she'd scooted so close to him he was pretty sure she was nearly sitting on top of him.

That smile looking suddenly too come-hither for the Sasu he knew in the classroom and everywhere else. He stayed completely still willing the blood to keep away from his cheeks where any noticeable sign of his discomfort may have been known.

Sasuke stayed stationary as well. Darnit this wasn't working, what was the other thing? Show skin, look pretty, show neck surreptitiously and artfully or something?

"Oh I think I might have hurt my neck when we ran in with those hooligans." Sasu moaned delicately, and lifting stood lifting her hair and knelt, turning to show Naruto the back of her neck; this was so lame.

"Does it look like I've got a bruise?"

Naruto stiffened eyes glued to the delicate line of her neck, pale fingers splayed in her dark hair with a finesse to suggest almost sexual guile. "Your neck looks fine." He managed unable to keep the flush from his cheeks any longer. Sasu was in all probability; likely, flirting with him!

She sighed and her other hand reached back, gently tapered fingers massaging against the skin in a near carress. Her neck arching into her own touch, Naruto swallowed thickly. "Are you sure?" she asked plaintively, "I think I might feel something. Would you please check?"

Naruto felt the burn in his face extend through his veins as his mind leapt to the implication of what she was after offering him to touch her neck. He would simply have to be clinical about this.

Sasuke gasped when he felt Naruto's warm fingers trace his neck, pressing gently at the sides and moving across the skin. Sasuke shuddered and barely noted the sigh that escaped him.

Her skin was soft and smooth as his fingers glided over the flesh conducting their short study - for a bruise! Nothing more! When his fingers brushed her spine she arched to the touch eliciting a soft moan. Naruto's fingers faltered in their task and fell away.

If he touched her anymore while she kept acting like this he wouldn't be able to just stop and leave her alone. He would just tell her now that there was no bruise, and thanks for the juice and he would be on his way.

But Sasu had other plans apparently, "Naruto?" she asked at the absence of his touch. Turning to face him; her gentle body twisting gracefully toward him.

Dark eyes glazed with wanting, pinked lips parted for words and breath; the same lips that let out miniscule moans that sounded only too loud to Naruto's sensitive ears. A pale flush of red across her alabaster cheeks completed her as onyx colored eyes unintentionally batted thick dark lashes as her eyes closed and opened.

He couldn't take it.

Sasuke's eyes widened when Naruto suddenly closed the short distance between them. His lips locking over Sasuke's own with a passionate heat that drew Sasuke in until his mind held no thoughts beyond that of Naruto.

That warm cavern that drew Sasuke in and in turn plunged into him. The taste of sun and sky; Naruto's taste. His musky scent and his warm body pressed against him.

He didn't even realize how far he was letting it before his back was on the floor. It didn't seem real; he couldn't think. It felt so good; he wanted more. Naruto's hand touched on his thigh; riding the skirt up farther. Sasuke started then - if he let it go like this he'd be found out. Naruto would hate him anyways then!

"No! Wait!" Sasuke started, pushing Naruto's body away from him. For a moment the blond's grip on him tightened; unwilling to let go. It scared him for a moment; that he would have to fight Naruto; that the blond could probably overpower him as he was. "Naruto! Stop!"

His grip loosened and he pulled away. Sasuke lay on the floor gasping. Naruto turned away ashamed of himself; his head in his hands, breathing to get himself back under control.

So now Sasuke had his answer. Naruto was affected by him; Naruto did find him attractive as a female. "So... you are attracted to me." Sasuke breathed finally, when he was able to sit up; and felt in better control of the situation. Naruto still wouldn't look at him.

"Yes Sasu." That's right, 'Sasu', Naruto was only attracted to him as a female. "I do find you attractive. You had to go that far to find out?" Blue eyes glared back at him briefly in hurt and accusation; "I find I want you a lot of the time actually." Blue eyes darkened, "Sometimes I want you so much it hurts."

Sasuke shivered, but it wasn't in fear, at least not completely. He still wanted Naruto's body pressed against him; those eyes that gave him such chills... he wanted to see him writhing in please. Those same eyes dark with lust.

"But you're also my friend." Naruto broke into Sasuke’s mind. Shocking him with it’s sincerity and the underlying love in those words, “and I respect you.”

Sasuke suddenly felt cold with guilt; for being so petty about this, for feeling like he did; for tricking Naruto, and Sakura and everyone…

Naruto stood and moved towards the door. Sasuke sat in silence, unmoving; “Please don’t try something this insane again.”

The door shut behind him and he was gone. Sasuke was left alone in his apartment still sitting on the floor where Naruto had dragged them down in the heat of the moment.

His body shook in small tremors, guilt, confusion, and oddly enough arousal shook through him. He felt afraid; he had never felt so unsure of himself before now.

He knew it now, confirmed; he liked a guy, Naruto. And that same guy liked him back; but as a girl… Then of course there was Naru. She knew his secret, and he liked her too, didn’t he?

His blood ran hot and cold at the same time, unable to reconcile the parallels his life had created. That’s what he was, a single person split into dual shadows side by side but never touching. He felt so confused! What was he supposed to do?!

What was he thinking he was doing before anyway?! He’d done that entirely on a whim; and he had gotten far more than the answer he originally sought.

He felt like an idiot. What was he supposed to do? He liked Naruto, he knew that now. But he also liked Naru. But parts of it are so wrong… the shadow was crooked and marred another still bent and misshapen. Like a forked road and both led to hell; two sides of a coin, two shadows equally bent and disproportionate.

“What am I supposed to do?” he whispered to the silence; asking himself more than anyone else in the world.

Blame rested with his mother; this whole mess would never have started without her! But it also could have been prevented if he hadn’t tried to meddle with himself.

If he hadn’t been stupid; and let himself get close to those two! If he had only been smarter; hadn’t let Naru catch him; hadn’t attempted to seduce Naruto…

But he wanted it. The entire time with the both of them he’d actually wanted it. But which one? He wasn’t allowed to have both… and one was wrong… but he wanted it too anyway. He was so confused.

The two shadows grew longer and more bent and broken.

If only he could be like rain: always falling in just one direction.

If he could be like rain and let his confusion wash away with tears from the sky.

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