ParaDOXical
By: Disordered Thoughts

Summary: Meet Uzumaki Naruto, the biggest loser to ever hit stardom.
Pairings: SasuNaru, One sided NejiNaru and ItaNaru (Side pairings: KibaHina, ShikaTem and GaaraxOC)
Rating: M (to be safe)
Warning: Yaoi, Shounen-Ai, Boy/Boy, AU, OOC, Profanities, Angst, a bit of lime and smut XD, Sakura & Ino bashing
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters in the series, except for Yoroi Chezca and I wished there was a character like her in the real series. I also do not owe the songs from ELLEGARDEN, SR-71, SALIVA, Savage Garden and many others.

Beta: Shin Sei

The Acceptance
So I wish you don't grow up
And I wish you don't get hurt
And I wish you don't notice that the world is shit
And I wish you don't be sad
But I'm not so afraid 'cause you won't be like me
-ELLEGARDEN-

Haruno Residence
Sakura's Room

He looked at her. She had the look of one who had lost something precious to her mixed with a sense of dread and a sick feeling in her gut. Tamaro sighed. He was lucky: Lucky that the Uchihas and Uzumaki didn't press charges. He got out of jail alive and well, got beaten up by his father but that's all there was to it. He went to Sakura today to apologize and found her watching the news, looking relieved that the Uchiha was still alive but angry that the Uzumaki got away only with a bullet graze.

Tamaro could not believe it. Was she wishing Naruto to die rather than the Uchiha? Was she really that blind? He remembered the words that Sasuke told him about his sexuality. No. He was not about tell Sakura that. It was the Uchiha's job to tell her that. Right now, he needed to talk to her about something else.

As Sakura saw him, she paled and started to sweat. Tamaro ran his hand through his hair and said, "You're scared of me huh? Don't worry, I'm harmless now. I'm never holding a gun."

"Good. You and guns don't mix. I should have stopped you that day! How dare you hurt Sasuke-kun?" Sakura replied, getting a little bit braver.

"Uzumaki was right. You won't be happy if I killed the Uchiha." Tamaro replied, looking away.

Sakura rolled her eyes and said, "Idiot! Of course not!"

Tamaro sighed again. He remembered Naruto's words:

"Do you really think that everything revolves around Sakura? No Tamaro! I thought it was like that and look what happened to me, look what it's doing to you. You gotta stop!"

"Sakura is not worth it for you to waste your life like that!"

The young Hyuuga's words spoke the truth too:

"Your obsession will kill you in the end."

Lastly, the Uchiha's:

"You have a prominent family, I don't think your father would approve of this things you've been doing just because of one lousy girl."

He looked at Sakura now and he wondered just what was he thinking? Why was he so hooked up with her? So obsessed? Was it because of the sex? No. She had him wrapped around her little finger.

"Anyway Tamaro, we must plan another way to get rid of the loser."

"No Sakura."

Sakura raised an eyebrow at him and asked, "What did you say?"

"I said no. It's over. I'm not part of this anymore." Tamaro replied sternly.

"Fine. I don't need you in it anyway." Sakura replied frowning. Her expression then changed into a sweet smile and look and said, "So, wanna get it on today?"

Tamaro felt like he was punched in the guts. What was he really thinking? He took a deep breath and said, "No, not today not ever."

Sakura stood up from her chair and demanded, "Are you breaking up with me? How could you! How could you break us apart?!"

Tamaro shook his index finger at her saying, "No. Correction. There was no US Sakura. You were using me to do your bidding. You're in love with the Uchiha but never with me and I have had enough of it."

A sad smile formed on his lips and he continues, "Uzumaki was right, I am wasting my life with you. You're not worth it Sakura. I don't deserve this."

"The loser said what?!" Sakura exclaimed looking furious.

"It's not just him. The Hyuuga and Uchiha also told me the same thing. And now, I see that Uzumaki is not a loser. You are the loser, Haruno Sakura." Tamaro replied angrily.

Sakura's mouth opened in shock. "Oh don't be surprised, Sakura. Anyway, I came here to say sorry but I don't think you deserve that apology. I should be getting one from you but since it's you, I won't hope for it. So, my agenda now is to say goodbye and don't even try to threaten me. I'll be changing schools and I'm moving out of Tokyo." he paused and said, "And I came here to say that the Uchiha will never love a lousy girl like you, in fact no right man will ever love a girl like you."

Tamaro left the room in time as Sakura threw a flower vase at him in fury. He chuckled as he heard the vase hit the door. He didn't feel mad anymore, he felt relieved. He was now free from Haruno Sakura. Without a moment to spare, he flipped open his phone and made a call.

"Hey, yeah it's me. You guys, I order you not to bully or even try to hurt Uzumaki Naruto anymore. I owe him my freedom and if you disobey me, you will get it." with that he ended the call and made a new one.

"Hello dad, yeah I'm coming home now. Yeah, it's over between Haruno and I. Yes, I know dad. Bye."

Ah yes. He was free now and he is happy.

Naruto's Apartment Room

Naruto sworn that he saw hearts in Chezca's eyes as she told him how she and Gaara got together after the fiasco the other day. He had to stop the girl from describing how they kissed and what they did after THAT kiss by screaming TOO MUCH INFORMATION for ten times. The blonde had never seen his best friend squeal so much or better yet, he had never seen the girl this happy. That Sabaku Gaara must not hurt her or he'll have the Kyuubi at him.

Kyuubi

Oddly after that fiasco, Kyuubi didn't resurface anymore. He racked his brain calling out for that darker side of him but no one answered. Could it be that he has finally merged with Kyuubi?

"Hey are you listening to me?" Chezca asked, waving her hand over his face and finally getting his attention.

"Yeah, yeah, you're babbling about how lovey dovey you and Gaara were the other day." Naruto replied, smiling cheekily at her.

Chezca pinched Naruto's right cheek saying, "Nooo baka! Obviously, you're not listening. I was asking you how your day with Neji was."

The blonde scratched his chin and said, "Actually, Neji and I weren't able to spend some time together. Sasuke-teme dragged me to the clinic because of the wound on my shoulder." a slight blush appeared on his cheeks as he added, "I spent the rest of the day with Sasuke."

"Oh."

"I actually asked Sasuke if I could spend the rest of the day with him and he said yes." Naruto explained as he remembered the things they did.

From the hospital, the Uchiha drove to Ichiraku and treated the blonde for ramen. Naruto happily ate the three bowls of Miso Ramen while Sasuke was settled with one bowl of Yakisoba. The both of them talked though Naruto did the talking a lot and Sasuke actually found himself listening. The talk went from what are their favorite food to subjects in school and the topic when to love, that's where things got a little hot.

"Anou Sasuke, you said that you were...

"Gay?"

"Y-yeah, well when did you realize you were?" Naruto asked, looking a bit flushed.

Sasuke smiled softy and said, "When this ball of sunshine suddenly appeared before me."

That was vague." Naruto commented with a pout.

"Hn."

"Well does that bother you? I mean..."

Sasuke's smile turned into a smirk, "It's okay, aniki's bisexual so being me gay is not a surprise."

"Ehhh? Itachi-san is bi? Wow! He's just like me then!" Naruto exclaimed rather cheerfully. Realizing what he just revealed, he blushed harder. The handsome raven before him smirked even more as if teasing him. This made him say, "I thought I was straight before since I was in-love with Sakura..."

"You mean the pink-slut?" Sasuke commented.

Naruto chuckled at this and continued, "Like I was saying, I was straight before since I was in-love with THE pink-slut but when she broke my heart and a few months after the break-up, I found out that I am also attracted to guys."

"Hmm so who was your first guy crush?" Sasuke asked.

Naruto blushed even harder and said, "Errr.... that's a secret."

"Okay, so you're bi. Right now what is your preference?"

"Errr... guys..." Naruto answered, turning even redder.

Sasuke chuckled and said, "Nothing to be ashamed about." and he then asked, "Do you like someone?"

The blonde gulped and said, "I-I am not sure yet..."

Sasuke reached out and ruffled Naruto's hair saying, "Just let it be."

"Is that what you did Sasuke?" Naruto asked as Sasuke withdrew his hand.

The raven then gave him one of rarest smile, a melancholic one and said, "Yeah that's what I did, dobe and I didn't regret it."

Naruto felt his chest tightening and said, "Wow, you sound like you're in-love, teme."

"What if I am dobe?"

The blonde then smiled genuinely and said, "Then I am happy for you Sasuke-teme."

"Yo Naruto!" Chezca exclaimed snapping her fingers at the blonde.

Naruto broke away from his trance and asked, "Huh what?"

The Demon Woman shook her head and said, "Your Sasuke-teme just called. He wanted me to remind you that he will be picking you up today for the band's shoot for Stars and Philanthropy."

Naruto looked at the watch and his eyes went eyed, he jumped off his seat and exclaimed, "Oh fuck! I forgot! The shoot is today!! Gaaahhhh!!! Sasuke will be so mad at me if I am not ready yet in five minutes!"

"Make that three Naru-chan." Chezca exclaimed waving her index finger at her best friend.

"Oh shut it and just help me prepare Chez!" Naruto exclaimed frantically.

Sharingan Headquarters

Itachi raised an eyebrow as Sasuke entered the room dragging a complaining Naruto. Words were coming out too fast from his mouth that the older of the two Uchihas could not make out what he was saying. Neji raised an eyebrow at the older Uchiha but Itachi merely shook his head and said, "Let them be for now."

"Of all places why there teme?!" Naruto exclaimed. He felt like crying. He didn't like what he heard in the elevator. Not one a bit. While he and Sasuke were in the elevator going to Itachi's office, Naruto asked the raven where are they going to shoot for the reality show Stars and Philanthropy. The answer made his blood run cold. A trip back to that place? At that moment, Naruto just wanted to cry and run away.

When he refused the idea, Sasuke shot him a glare and said that he is being childish and the shoot will continue whether he likes it or not. And now it came to this: he and the teme bickering in Itachi's office.

"Why? Because that's the place where you grew up before you were adopted by Sannins." Sasuke exclaimed.

Naruto gritted his teeth. Konoha Orphanages. The biggest orphanage in the city. Run by Catholic priests and nuns. The place where he was left abandoned by his parents. The place where Kyuubi was born. A place he just wanted to forget.

"I hate that place" Naruto replied clenching his fists. Oh god, he really wanted to cry and run away. Now

"Well time to like it. That is where we are shooting." Itachi's commanding voice suddenly boomed. "I know you have issues regarding that place Uzumaki but you have to set those issues aside first. Please try to be professional."

Sasuke silently gulped. His brother had now spoken and he could see the defeated look in Naruto's face. Maybe it was a bad idea for him to suggest to do this guest appearance for the show. All he wanted was for the people to understand Naruto's past and well for the blonde to finally face that past and move on. While he was bickering with the blonde, he noticed the panic and fear in his voice. He also noticed the lingering tears in his eyes as they threatened to fall at any moment.

"Don't worry Naruto. We're right here beside you. " Kiba replied, placing a warm friendly hand on Naruto's right shoulder. The blonde looked at him and sighed. There was no helping it.

"So, it's Konoha Orphanages huh?" Chezca asked, her voice a little sad.

Gaara frowned at her tone and asked, "You too have issues there?"

Chezca rolled her eyes and said, "Both Naru-chan and I have issues with that place. I mean, no kid who grew up in an orphanage wants to go back a to place that stored all your loneliness and sorrow for how many years." she approached her best friend and murmured, "Nobody wants to be reminded how lonely it was. Nobody."

KONOHA ORPHANAGES

A busty woman with gray hair greeted them once they arrived on the doorsteps of the orphanage. She smiled at Sasuke and said, "Welcome to Konoha Orphanages. It is our privilege to have you all here."

"Thank you, maam. My name is Uchiha Sasuke. I am the band's manager." Sasuke replied. He then introduced the band members. The moment he introduced Naruto the woman's eyes narrowed and her lips terse.

"Kyuubi" she muttered.

Naruto clenched his hands and said, "It's Uzumaki Naruto maam. Been awhile don't you think, Reikoku-san?"

"Reikoku-san, as you may please we have a tight schedule here. The staff of the show Stars and Philanthropy is here already." Sasuke replied, sensing the utmost animosity of the woman before him with Naruto and vice-versa. Reikoku-san laughed nervously and lead all of them inside the orphanage. Naruto in the meanwhile had not yet unclenched his fists. Sasuke noticed this and took one of Naruto's hands , whispering "Dobe calm down."

Easy for you to say, teme" Naruto replied as he jerked his hand from Sasuke's hold. The raven merely sighed. It looked like he needed to look out for Naruto more than he needed to.

Inside the orphanage, Reikoku-san showed them where they could shoot. Once everything was settled, the staff if the show started shooting. First the host introduced the band and what are the things they wee giving out to the orphans. There were toys, old clothes and even money. They also prepared games for the kids. Kiba and Naruto participated in the games with the children.

Sasuke watched all this from the background. Chezca who was just besides him commented, "I applaud Naru-chan to be able to fake all his anger in this place just for these kids."

"Tell me Chezca, what is this with Reikoku-san?" Sasuke asked.

Chezca sighed and said, "Reikoku-san is an angel in disguise. She favours those who follow her strict rules and has hated Naru-chan ever since he was little."

"I bet he was a trouble maker." Sasuke replied, smirking.

"Wipe that smirk off your face Uchiha. Naruto may be a trouble maker but hes not as bad as the other orphans of our time. Some of them were bullies and ganged up on him because of his foreign looks. He had no choice to fight back and that landed him in Reikoku-san's hate list. Reikoku-san has some prejudice against foreigners and Naruto is foreign, from his hair, eyes and skin tone everything screams foreign." Chezca exclaimed, frowning at the Uchiha.

Sasuke raise an eyebrow and said, "Tell me Chezca, did Reikoku-san hurt him physically?"

"A lot of times. Especially if he landed in a fight or he was accused of something he did not do." Chezca replied as she bit her lip. "She would even raise her hand at me. Hahaha and I wasnt even a trouble maker back then. I got hurt because I usually defend Naru-chan when the beatings got too tough."

"Why don't the police shut this place down?" Sasuke asked, "Or kick her out?"

Chezca smiled sadly and said, "The government owns the place and nobody really pays much attention."

Sasuke remained silent as the shoot went on. He was so engrossed of the things he had heard that he didn't notice that Naruto and the gang with the children moving to the garage to play paint ball.

GARAGE

Gaara looked at the chaos before him. Paintball. Only the Uzumaki could think of something like that. Chezca patted him on the shoulder and whispered, "The camera is still rolling, go and shoot someone."

"I don't like paint ball." the green-eyed drummer replied.

Chezca picked up a paint ball gun and grinningly told him, "Well start loving it boy." with that Gaara sprinted off as Chezca ran after him with her paint ball gun shooting at the red-head.

SPLAT

Red paint suddenly appeared on Reikoku-san's front. The busty woman's face went red matching the paint. Kiba sniggered saying, "Nice shot blondie!" Naruto gulped seeing that he accidentally shoot at Reikoku-san. Sasuke approached the camera man saying, "Cut it! Stop shooting."

"Uchiha-san what are talking about?" the host asks. Sasuke glared at the host, "Stop shooting and delete that. NOW!"

The host upon hearing the seriousness of the Uchiha's glare had her camera man stop shooting. Naruto carefully approaches Reikoku-san saying, "I'm sorry Reikoku-san, it was an accident."

Reikoku-san steps back saying, "Don't come near me Kyuubi."

"Reikoku-san..."

"You intentionally did that you monster! You, you cursed being! You should have not come back here!" Reikoku exclaimed in anger pointing her finger at Naruto.

Naruto frowned and exclaimed, "Who said I want to come back here?!"

Kiba stepped forward saying, "Hey woman, don't be that harsh. Naruto didn't mean it."

"Shut-up! I don't care if that monster is now famous! He is still the same! He comes back here acting all nice but in fact he wants to get revenge from me!" Reikoku-san exclaimed. "That boy, that cursed boy is bad luck!"

Naruto's eyes went red and cried, "I AM NOT A MONSTER!"

Sasuke immediately grabbed Naruto by the hand and dragged him away. As he did this, Chezca approached Reikoku-san, slapping her in the face saying, "No you are the monster! You never really took care of the orphans here, you are a woman full of greed and because Naruto is different you discriminate him, alienated him and made his life miserable!"

"Y-you..."

"Listen here woman, Naruto is not a monster!" Chezca exclaimed.

Shikamaru sighed and said, "Troublesome. Reikoku-san you just made a big mistake."

MEANWHILE INSIDE THE ORPHANAGE

Sasuke dragged the blonde into an empty room as Naruto struggled to get free. His eyes were still blood red and brimming with tears. "Let go teme! Let go!" Naruto exclaimed.

"No dobe."

Naruto glared at Sasuke and exclaimed, "Let me go!"

Sasuke tightened his grip on the blonde and pulled the boy towards him, capturing the blonde's lips in a kiss. Naruto's eyes widened as he felt Sasuke's lips on him, letting out a small gasp in surprise. Sasuke took this opportunity and inserted his tongue. When that happened, Naruto found himself slowly calming down. The raven's tongue intertwined with the blonde's. Naruto could not help it but moan and fall deeply into the kiss that he actually responded to it.

The grip of the raven on the blonde's wrist loosened. He didn't realize that the blonde had also closed his eyes. His hands left his wrist and travels down to move around his waist. He pulled the blonde closer to him, indulging in that sweet taste. Naruto's hands landed on Sasuke's chest gripping the raven's shirt. Too bad, air is needed and they have to pull away from each other, rather slowly of course.

"T-teme..." Naruto replied his eyes back to normal and with a flushed face.

Sasuke smirked and said, "Looks like you are calm now."

Naruto looks away and slowly detached himself from the Uchiha. "I..."

"It's okay. I would be angry too."

"No I released Kyuubi. I.... might have hurt Reikoku-san physically!" Naruto exclaimed, tears brimming his eyes again.

Sasuke hushed him saying, "No, you didn't you were yourself. You didn't attack her."

Naruto shook his head saying, "I could have Sasuke!"

"But you didn't. It's okay Naruto."

"I'm not a monster right? I'm not right?" Naruto asked, grabbing Sasuke's shirt with both hands. Tears were following from his eyes now. "This place, so many hurtful memories. Reikoku-san... she would... she would..."

This time, he embraced Naruto as the blonde buried his face on his chest crying out his hurt and his pain.

GARAGE

Itachi raised an eyebrow. He arrived at the scene to see all of them looking distraught. Reikoku-san upon seeing him squeaked like a gray mouse. Shikamaru was the only brave enough to actually tell Itachi what was going on which he did in a full three minutes. Itachi sighed. What a disaster. He gave Reikoku-san a glare and said, "I suggest you get all these kids back inside. Shooting stops today."

He then approached the host and said, "Can we re-schedule it tomorrow? I'm really sorry."

The host sighed and said, "What can we do? I've already informed our bosses and they are okay with a re-shoot. We are a week in advance anyway."

"Thank you." Itachi replied.

The host merely smiled and walked away with her cameraman. As they pass by Reikoku-san, she gave the woman a heated glare and said, "You are a bitch you know? Uzumaki-san from what I've seen is probably one of the sweetest men I've ever known. How dare you. You are very shameful."

"You don't know anything about that boy!" Reikoku-san snapped angrily.

"If I were you maam, you will shut your mouth now or I will be the monster that you've been calling Naru-kun." Itachi exclaimed, hissing. Reikoku-san shut her trap immediately. The host smiled smugly and left.

I hope the blondie is all right." Kiba replied, looking worried.

"Don't worry Inuzuka, he will after all my little brother is with him." Itachi replied in a confident tone. He then glared at Reikoku-san saying, "You maam, please stay. I want this problem cleared as soon as Naru-kun is all right."

MEANWHILE

Naruto wipes his eyes with his sleeves muttering sorry and thanks to Sasuke. The Raven smiled a little looking into Naruto's swollen but endless blue eyes and asks, "Are you ready to face them?"

"Yeah."

"If you feel like hitting her let me do it."

"Teme

A smile.

Sasuke then cupped Naruto's cheek and whispered, "Don't cry anymore Naruto." and then placing a quick but chaste kiss on those plump lips.

GARAGE

Chezca got to her feet upon seeing Naruto and Sasuke approaching. She wanted to rush to her best friend's side but the over protective hold of Sasuke on Naruto's hand was enough to tell her that Naruto was okay and ready to face whatever it is.

"Are you okay dude?" Kiba asked. Naruto nodded and turned his attention to Reikoku-san. He took a deep breath. "We need to talk Reikoku-san." he said calmly.

Reikoku-san glared at him and said, "There is nothing to talk about monster!"

"One word monster out of your mouth bitch I'll have my dog sick you!" Kiba exclaimed almost snarling. Reikoku-san meeped at this threat. Naruto sighed at the scene. He then grabbed a seat.

"Look Reikoku-san, I know you loathe me, heck you loathe anything that is out of ordinary and to be truthful I know I was a trouble maker but the beatings I got from you, I don't think I deserve those." Naruto replied eyeing Reikoku-san.

The woman gritted her teeth and said, "You deserve those. You beat those kids almost to their death."

"Fine I was violent. WAS Reikoku-san. I was violent but I beat up those who wanted to hurt me and those who were weak. They came to me first. They beat me up first! I just fought back!" Naruto exclaimed standing up. "All I wanted was to be understood and for someone to believe in me! All those false accusations you gave me, they were all lies while I spoke the truth. You never, never ever tried to understand or take care of me."

Naruto's tears started to fall down again. "You blamed me for the unknown death of my parents, no one knew how they died, even you but yet you blamed me just because you felt like it. You gave me these scars on my face as one of my punishments and called me Kyuubi because I'm like an evil fox spirit. You are the one who is a monster Reikoku-san not me!"

Gaara snarled at the woman, "You gave Naruto those scars?"

"You gave those scars to a child?!" Itachi exclaimed almost shouting.

Reikoku-san trembled upon hearing all of this. Chezca gritted her teeth and said, "It's all true. I've seen it all." with this the busty woman looks at Chezca asking, "You, who are you?"

"Yoroi Chezca, that girl that you usually beat up too just because I was too kind to him." Chezca replied clenching her fists.

Gaara reached for her hands squeezing it and said looking at Reikoku-san, "You are a horrible woman." He said, frowning

By this time Reikoku-san was already sweating with fear and nervousness. She fell to her knees and started begging, "Please don't hurt me and please... don't let this out in the public... I beg of you please."

"We are not heartless Reikoku-san. We will continue with the shoot here but mark this, with what you have shown we will take action." Itachi remarked. He then looked at his brother and said, "Sasuke you know what to do."

Sasuke nodded and said, "That's it for today. We'll just come back tomorrow but for now, let's all go home."

NARUTO'S APARTMENT

The ride to Naruto's apartment was very quiet. As soon as they got there, Naruto went straight to his room. Chezca followed suit. As she is about to enter the room, she faced Sasuke and said, "Sasuke, let me handle this for a while. I promise you can talk to him after I talk to him."

Sasuke didn't counter the Demon Woman. On matters like this, it was best for the childhood friend to talk to Naruto at the moment. He merely nodded. Chezca thanked him silently and entered Naruto's room. The young Uchiha heard a soft click. Chezca Yoroi just locked the door. No one was to disturb them now. No matter what happened.

NARUTO'S ROOM

"Naru-chan"

"Tell me Chez, is accepting Kyuubi as part of me is worth it. Is it worth it for me to do it?" Naruto asked, his face buried in his hands.

Chezca knelt in front of him and said, "Yes it's worth it because no matter what people say about the Kyuubi, there was one person who thinks Kyuubi is not evil." with that, Naruto slowly removed his hands from his face.

Chezca bit her lip and said, "I am that person Naru-chan. How many times should I keep on saying that?"

The blonde vocalist flung his arms around Chezca embracing the girl tightly, "Gomenasai, Chez! I know that, I've always known that but I'm scared you know. I'm really, really scared and because of that I lose all my self-confidence."

"You can stop being scared now Naru-chan." Chezca replied embracing him. "You don't have just me now. You have Paradoxical and Itachi-san behind you."

As they released each other, Naruto rubbed his eyes saying, "Easier said than done... but I'll try my best."

Chezca ruffled his hair and said, "I know you will. You've always been a fighter Naru-chan." she then stood up saying, "I'll go out now, feel free to come out if you feel okay and ready." with that she left. Naruto smiled to himself a little thinking, "I can stop being afraid now huh?"

He took a deep breath and slapped his face lightly saying, "Come on Uzumaki be a man. Stop being a wimp." He then stood up and stretched his body. Naruto moves towards his closet thinking, "I better change"

As he stripped off his shirt, his door opened.

"Hey dobe are you- " Sasuke was not able to finish his sentence because as soon he entered the room, he got distracted by that smooth tan skin that was exposed to him.

"Gyah teme, knock will ya?" Naruto exclaimed covering himself up with his hands. A smirk formed on Sasuke's lips. He closed the door behind him and took the liberty to sit down on Naruto's bed, in front of a topless Naruto. "Don't tell me you're shy dobe."

Naruto blushed as he grabbed a shirt from his cabinet. "I am not, teme!" he exclaimed as he put a shirt on. Sasuke mentally pouted. He was enjoying looking at that smooth tan skin of the blonde. Now, he began to wonder how it would feel to run his hands over it.

"What do you want teme?" Naruto asked.

"Just making you sure you're no longer moping."

"Hey! I don't mope." Naruto exclaimed, pouting.

Sasuke stood up and said, "Naruto, how do you feel now? If you want me to leave I will." Naruto shook his head and said, "No, you can stay." with this answer, Sasuke went back to his sitting position. The blonde vocalist sighed and sat down on the floor, just beside Sasuke's legs. He opens his mouth and started singing softly:

"I want to be the one
Everybody wants
I want to be more than just another small-town-hero
Don't wanna"

"Are you trying to encourage yourself?" Sasuke asked.

"Maybe"

"Hn."

As the raven slid down quietly besides the blonde and took his hand, he said, "You're not alone."

Naruto turned his head to look at the raven. He slowly laid his head on the Uchiha's shoulder and said, "You too Sasuke. I know you have your own problems and there is a reason why you decided not to sing again... but... you're not alone too."

"Hn."

"When the time comes you want to tell why, I'll be here." Naruto replied smiling softly. This made the young Uchiha smile.

When Chezca entered the room to check on them, both males were dozing off already. She smiled to herself as she saw how comfortable they looked. Naruto's head was on Sasuke's shoulder, while Sasuke's head was on the blonde's. Chezca didn't miss the part where Sasuke clutched Naruto's hand as if it was his lifeline. The Demon Woman closed the door she picked up the phone to inform Itachi that his little brother will be spending the night at their place.

THE NEXT DAY
BACK IN THE ORPHANAGES

The filming went smoothly compared to yesterdays. Reikoku-san didn't even bother to show herself in the filming. Kiba commented something about that the woman being too damned scared to face the wrath of the Uchihas or Naruto's. Whatever the reasons, there were no more troubles. At the end of the show, the host hugged Naruto so tight as if he was her own son.

"You're a naturally good boy, don't be scared of your past okay? We all have our skeletons in our closet." the host replied releasing the blonde vocalist from her hug. The blonde meekly smiled at her. The host and the rest of the crew bid goodbye and left. At this moment, Shikamaru and Kiba were also bidding goodbye since they had another engagement to attend. Itachi sent them off, leaving Chezca, Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara and Neji behind.

"Naru-chan, where are you going?" Chezca asked, as she noticed her best friend going further inside the orphanage. The blonde scratched his head and said, "I want to talk to Reikoku-san."

Neji raised an eyebrow at him and demanded, "What for? That woman treated you like shit."

"I know Neji but I am not like her. I'm not gonna be unforgiving like her." with that Naruto went off.

Neji was about to follow him but Sasuke stopped him saying, "Let him be Neji. This is own battle."

The fox-boy Naruto was able to find Reikoku-san easily. She was in her office as always. Naruto entered her office after knocking. Reikoku-san was kind of surprised to see Naruto there. She gritted her teeth demanding, "What do you want?"

"Nothing Reikoku-san. I just want to say something to you."

"Then say it"

"I'm not a monster. Whatever you say I am not a monster" Naruto replied. The woman was about to retort but Naruto cut her saying, "I'm not gonna let you retort Reikoku-san, I'm gonna finish what I have to say. The point it, no matter how much you hate me, I will not hate you. In fact I forgive you and if you ask why, the answer is simple. I am not going to be like you. I'm not going to be an unforgiving bitch like you."

At this moment, Reikoku-san was rather speechless and the color from her face had already drained away. Seeing this kind of reaction, Naruto smirked inwardly and went off with his tirade, "Oh, I was told that Itachi-san is going to buy this orphanage, so if I were you be nice to the kids. Itachi-san doesn't like your ways, if you want to remain here, be good.

"Are you threatening me? "

"No Reikoku-san. I'm warning you." Naruto replied glowering at the woman. "You lay a hand on these kids, I promise you even before Itachi-san says you're fired? I will be the one to make sure, you are out of here." with that he left the office.

Naruto took a deep breath as he walked towards the corridor and back to the place where Sasuke, Chezca, Gaara and Neji were waiting for him. Every step made him want to shout for joy. He knew he took a big step there and at that moment, he wanted to celebrate with the people he cared about. It looked like coming back to where he came from was not a bad idea. Acceptance was really is the key for him to finally move on.

Tsuzuku

The Feeling of Falling In Love: He stared at him, he stared back. The next thing he knew, he was kissing him, passionately with tongue.