Author's Note: Hi minna! Thanks so much for the feedbacks and reviews that you guys have been leaving. Anyway I am feeling rather cheerful today so I decided to post the next chapter at an earlier date. Also, again *sigh* Not beta'd yet cause no one seems to like me and would take the job T____T I am still sulking over that little bit of fact.

Summary: Sasuke's been given a chance at a life and love. Transported back in time our onyx-eyed shinobi must do the best he can to make things right while trapped in a 7 year old's body. Will Sasuke be able to pursue his blond and save his clan at the same time?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto cause if I did Sasuke would still be in Konoha and having babies with him.

Chapter 2: Meeting Uchiha Sasuke

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Naruto relished in the sensation and the feeling of warmth enveloping his senses almost seeming like he was being engulfed in an embrace. A blissful emotion seemed to pass throughout his whole body making him fervently hope for the warmth to never leave him. He wished for it to never end.

"Take that you son of a bitch!"

"Rot in hell!"

"Murderer!"

"DEMON!!!"

"Do us all a favor and drop dead!"

The blond's lower lip began to violently tremble. Naruto mentally recoiled, the words beginning its vicious assault inside his head. He could feel his eyes sting with tears at the hateful words once more. Shutting tightly blue cerulean orbs the child drew in calming breaths willing himself to not shed tears. No, he wasn't going to cry. He was sick of crying. Crying was for the weak and he sure as hell didn't want to be weak.

The hope of maybe someday having someone to care and love him would have worked in his earlier years when it came to getting rid of the pain - both emotionally and physically but he knew that wasn't the case anymore. The blond shook such stupid fantasies off his head - of warm hugs and kisses, of loving eyes and soft beautiful smiles that were only meant for him. Yes might have still been a 6 year old child but he had repeatedly told himself that the times of daydreaming and wishes upon a star were long past gone. It wouldn't do him any good to entertain such thoughts.

Unceremoniously, just like countless times before Naruto thought about the reason for his existence and obtained no answer. He thought about where he should go and discovered he was trapped. The familiar jolt of pain began ripping his heart in two. No matter how much he tried he could feel himself breaking once more. It was a futile battle - something he knew he would not be able to win.

Why did everyone hate him so much? What did he do to deserve such harsh treatment? Over and over again he hoped for an answer but nothing ever came. Once again he could feel tears sting his eyes. A choked sob escaped his throat. He was alone. He will always be alone. That depressing realization hurt a whole lot more than the beatings he experienced on a regular basis. At least he could get rid of the physical pain but the emotional torment would always be there along with that big gaping hole in his heart that he fervently hoped to be filled but was aware would never happen. A lone tear made it's way down his cheek.

Naruto brought a hand to his face intending to rub the tears from his eyes when a thought suddenly hit him rendering him halting in his movements. The situation that had happened earlier that day had happened several times before that he was already accustomed to the gag by his mouth and the ropes behind his back whenever he regained consciousness after every attack. And now the absence of the rope and cloth bewildered the child.

Slowly, ocean blue eyes fluttered open and it was then that he finally noticed several things all at once.

He first noticed the pain in his back which he could only assume was from the trunk of the tree that he seemed to be leaning against, he tried moving his legs but to no avail realizing that they had been asleep for a while. Naruto looked up then took a good look at his surroundings - though the area still seemed to have been crowded with trees he could fairly distinguish that it wasn't the same place he was being held captive before. After all, he had been brought to that place numerous times and he had somehow gone accustomed to the environment within that area.

Naruto held his hands to his face, gazing at them with wonder. Not only was he untied but he noticed the absence of the burn marks that the ropes always without a fail left on his skin. The blond proceeded to examine his legs but found no injuries. Resting his fingers to his face, Naruto began tracing the usual bruises and wounds his attackers inflicted upon him. He even made himself prepare for the pain he was surely to feel whenever his hands made contact with his damaged flesh - but to his further surprise found none.

Of course he was aware that he healed rather fast, though he really had no idea how, but he was sure however that despite how fast he healed the process never took shorter than a day. In the previous attacks and beatings he had, he always had to wait for at most twenty four hours before the bruises and the wounds completely disappeared. But now as he studied himself, his arms, legs, his chest and every part of his body that he could feel and see he realized that there was not a scratch on him.

A smile appeared on his lips though a part of him was a tad confused and was demanding for an explanation - well it didn't really matter. He was just happy about the absence of the pain that went along with the healing. Who was he to complain anyway? It was surely better off than having to nurse his injuries while trying to ignore the anguish he felt every single time these incidents occurred.

Craning his neck to the right Naruto could vaguely hear the sounds of metal clashing against metal, of voices talking - shouting, of footsteps, of the faint rush of water which he could only guess was coming from a lake nearby. Naruto's eyes widened in realization - there was a lake near the training grounds and judging from the sounds he heard it meant he was somewhere near the town square. However, the blond's eyebrows knitted together in thought and in mild confusion. In the previous attacks that had taken place, every time he would regain consciousness it would take him a whole day before he found his way back to town. It seemed the ones attacking him really wanted him to get lost, so them bringing him back to this place was out of the question. So how did he get there?

Naruto slowly rose from his position on the ground then carefully went about dusting the dirt off his clothes. The blond folded his arms against his chest looking thoughtful. Last thing he remembered was meeting the painful sting of a slap and a knee seemingly making permanent residence in his stomach. He cringed and grimaced at the memory his hand instinctively clutching at that part of his anatomy. The blond struggled for some kind of recollection but nothing seemed to come to him. He felt like pulling his hair in frustration. He couldn't remember. Naruto began flailing in his head helplessly.

But then it came.

'Naruto...you're safe now.'

A gasp escaped past his lips. The blond sucked in shuddering breaths for the shock of hearing those words in his head or was that a memory? - seemed to awaken the long buried hope deep inside himself. Countless times before he had envisioned and imagined someone saying those words for him but in the end they were all just a result of his stupid fantasies. Naruto went falling back on his behind on the dusty earth, hugging his knees to his chest, head bowed down, trembling hands clutching at his aching heart. No! He refused to entertain such wishful thinking ever again.

"I'm not gonna cry, I'm not gonna cry." he repeatedly told himself when he felt tears brimming his eyes.

Unfortunately the blond was too engrossed in trying to rid of the emotional roller coaster he was currently battling against that it took him a moment to notice that he wasn't alone anymore - someone was hovering above his trembling form. When Naruto finally noticed their presence he fervently hoped for them to disappear and for them to leave him alone, however since when did things sided with him.

"Hey Rei isn't that the kid your Dad keeps on yammering about." a voice suddenly asked.

The one named Rei rolled his eyes at his friend then stared down at the kid in disgust. "Yeah, that's him alright. I'd know that loser anywhere." he scoffed then squatted in front of the shaking, crying figure. "Though I never really understood why Dad keeps on telling me this kid's dangerous. I mean look at the brat Jun, he's pathetic."

"Yeah, same here. Mom keeps telling me to keep my distance but that really doesn't make sense does it?" Jun replied then walked a few paces forward pulling the blond hair making the face jerk upwards, Naruto winced at the contact. "Not only is he pathetic, he's a crybaby too. What happened kid? Lost your doll?" Jun asked mocking the child which earned a snicker from his friend.

Naruto stared wide-eyed. He could feel the familiar sense of fear and terror that always seemed to accompany the physical pain. Despite how many times he might have been abused in the past the experience still frightened him every time it happened. One would think that he should have gotten used to it by now. But unfortunately he wasn't.

"Please let me go." he pleaded in a soft tone, his whole frame still shaking as tears began flowing freely down his cheeks. He really didn't need this right now.

Rei appeared to be thinking about the request for a while. "Jun, let go of his hair." he finally said. His friend raised an eyebrow but then an understanding seemed to pass between the two. He shrugged and did what he was told.

Naruto visibly relaxed at the notion.

Darting his gaze back to the child a mischievous smirk made it's way to Rei's face. "Mmmm so how about a game? I think we'd like to play with you for a while." he said then met the gaze of his friend who smirked in return.

At the mention of the word play, Naruto can't help but gape at them with a mixture of disbelief and happiness. "Play...with me?" he hesitantly asked blue orbs shining with hope at the prospect of having friends to have fun with. He quickly rubbed the tears off his cheeks then at his eyes before looking up at them one more time.

"Yeah play. After all..." Rei replied grinning then took a kunai from his weapon's holster for a brief moment showing the blond what he intended to do with him. "Me and Jun need some live target to practice with." the malicious glint in Rei's eyes mirrored that of his friend. They were aware of course that somehow their parents and almost all the people they knew hated the brat. So he thought messing him up wouldn't really put them in trouble at all.

Naruto wasn't that stupid. He knew full well what the other meant. In the blond's mind he could practically hear the warning screaming at him to not play with the two genins, to hide and run away, to never let himself out of his apartment ever again. Getting beaten up was one thing, becoming a live target with sharp objects was a whole different scenario.

"Ummm, I ugh...I think I'll pass. I...forgot...I uhhh..." the blond stuttered struggling for something to say that would make the other two to let him leave but couldn't think of anything. He shakily lifted himself off the ground then started walking two steps back trying to distance himself from the two genins but his attempt was futile for the two held both his wrists in a tight grip. Naruto began to panic, eyes darting anywhere hoping against hope that someone would be there to help him. Though he knew it wasn't likely going to happen. "Please...no. I don't want to play. I...can't...I don't..." Naruto gulped the lump in his throat, knees going weak, vision blurring from the tears that threatened to fall once more. "Someone... help me please!" he finally cried out in despair.

"Heh! Such a little coward aren't you?" Jun said gripping the blond's wrists tighter. "Now shut up and stop squirming or I'll make you swallow a shuriken."

"No please don't I...." Naruto pleaded once more. His eyes widened as saucers when he saw the genin name'd Jun lift his free hand. Naruto could see it coming, he was going to get struck in the face. Again, he was helpless. The blond could only shut his eyes preparing himself for the pain that was soon to follow.

"Jun look out!" Rei suddenly yelled letting go of his hold on the blond's wrist tackling his friend to the ground.

Feeling the wind got knocked out of him Jun gazed in mild surprise and mild annoyance at his friend the moment they landed on a heap on the dusty earth. "What...what the hell Rei?!" he exclaimed when he felt the air return back to his lungs. His friend however did not answer question instead Rei was instantly back on his feet scowling at the intruder that suddenly interrupted their fun his hand clenched into fists but the scowl on his face was suddenly replaced with a frightened look when he met the intruder's gaze.

Their gazes locked. Though the child must still be no older than seven years old Rei could've sworn he felt like looking straight into the eyes of a venomous snake. A shudder ran down his spine as he swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. He quickly broke eye contact when he felt his hands start to shake. Fixing his gaze at the ground before him, he began gaping wide-eyed at the kunais by his feet. "What the hell..." he idly thought and then it hit him. "An Uchiha..." he mouthed when he saw a glimpse of the family crest on the child's shirt. He looked back into his eyes again, the child was wearing such a dark expression that Rei couldn't help but feel like his soul was being torn into shreds. Rei visibly paled at the intensity of the glare.

"Why you little..." Jun began to exclaim the moment he picked himself up the ground but was stopped midway when his friend clamped a hand on his shoulder, digging his fingers in for emphasis.

"Don't..." Rei began his face the sole expression of someone who knew his own limits. "He's the Uchiha clan head's second son Sasuke."

Jun gaped at his friend in part anger. "Like that's reason enough to chicken out?" he exclaimed incredulously, however his friend simply grabbed his arm then proceeded to drag him away. "Hey what the hell...we're Konoha shinobi, we can't just abandon our pride...we" he ranted squirming in the other's grip.

"Keep your mouth shut and don't look back." Rei said in a hushed whisper when he saw Jun at the corner of his eye began to turn his head. "Let him be! The look in his eyes..." he paused jaws tightening. "...they looked ready to kill. Don't provoke him."

Jun looked back at his friend, the look of disbelief marring his features. "I can't believe we're letting a little brat scare us off."

"He's an Uchiha, that should be reason enough."

--

Sasuke had hidden in the bushes cursing at himself for being so weak and not to mention for being a total moron. Of course he had been given the warning of not using chakra more than what his body can handle. But then again when he looked at Naruto's wounded and battered state he just didn't have it in him to ignore the sight. So he resorted to what he knew would somehow help the blond.

They stopped at a deserted area near the training grounds. Sasuke carefully let Naruto lie against a tree in what he assumed was a comfortable position and then began concentrating on his chakra until a bluish light enveloped his hand - he then began healing him. It was also strange how his thoughts briefly went back to Kabuto almost missing the white haired medic nin. It was situations like this that he appreciated the bastard's presence. Still, he guessed he should be thankful at least that Kabuto had somehow forced him to study some of the more basic healing techniques.

And it was then when he was almost done in his ministrations that he started feeling his energy slowly being pulled out from his body. His sight doubled and blurred for a bried moment. Sasuke shook his head trying to clear his vision but then the next instance he opened his eyes he began having a fit of hot white uncomfortable flashes that seemed to split his brain into pieces. It was as if his system was begging for him to stop. He growled knowing he had no choice. Plus he wasn't going to risk losing consciousness if the pain of the flashes came to that extent - in front of the blond. What if Naruto woke up and found him lying there? How would he explain himself? It seriously wasn't the first meeting he had planned in mind.

He was aware of the healing powers of the Kyuubi no Kitsune of course but he wasn't going to risk letting Naruto wake up aching all over. Not a chance!

Running to a nearby bush, Sasuke released the henge and instantly dropped on all fours panting.

As minutes passed by the onyx-eyed child began to feel relief and was more than thankful that the uncomfortable flashes seemed to ease down as well. Sasuke lay on his back still heaving out deep breaths, his breathing pattern was being a major ass, his heart continued to ram against his ribcage. "Fuck this, I'm so useless. I need to get stronger soon." he thought sharply pounding the side of his fist to the ground. "I won't be any good protecting Naruto in this state."

Minutes moved again while the child continued to get his breathing to normal. Sleep seemed adamant to lure him in into its peaceful clutches but he knew he had to stay awake for Naruto. However the damnable thing called slumber was being a persistent bastard. Sasuke fell in and out of consciousness. One part of his mind struggled to stay awake, another one wanted to give in into the calmness. He faintly heard sounds of voices nearby but his mind was already muddled up to take any interest on what was going on around him. Stupid sleep was winning.

"Please...someone help me!"

Sasuke's eyes snapped wide open. The first coherent thought that immediately passed through his mind was to get to Naruto. The pair of midnight black orbs instantly took on a dark murderous look. He was instantly on his feet peering through the bushes the sight made his blood run cold once more. Screw his chakra reserves already he wasn't going to let those good for nothing kids get away with what they were doing. Picking several leaves on the ground around him, Sasuke performed a few quick handseals turning the leaves into kunais and without as much a second's hesitation, he aimed the sharp metals to the general direction of the two genins.

The ebony haired teen decided to make himself known. He rose to his feet standing a short distance away from the other two. Sasuke's left hand resting on his hip, head cocked in an angle to his right, piercing gaze boring holes into the other's skull.

He knew something in his eyes despite the absence of his sharingan must have triggered a wave of fear in the kid's gut that was the first to look at him. He didn't spent the last ten years of his life glaring and scowling at everyone that crossed his path for nothing. He heard the kid mutter the words 'an uchiha' before breaking eye contact quickly dragging his friend away from the scene. Sasuke would have wanted to do something more intimidating other than targeting them with kunais and having them subject to his evil glare of doom but knew he was in no position to do so. The white flashes came back with a vengeance.

Making clear that the two little bastards weren't around or within the vicinity anymore, a puff of smoke erupted - the kunais on the ground turned back to their normal state.

And that was when he noticed blue cerulean eyes locking gazes with his pitch black orbs.

Sasuke's breath caught in his throat.

Time seemed to stand still.

Naruto was watching him, still trembling, still afraid, tears still flowing freely from his face, but no longer in a trance of terror.

It felt like forever since he'd seen those eyes.

The ebony-haired child's gaze softened a smile forming on his lips as he began drawing closer to the other blond ignoring the searing pain in his head. "Are you...alright?" he asked voice a tad hesitant. He knew this Naruto couldn't possibly know what he had done in his previous life. However, with the way the other child was watching him he couldn't help but feel like he was peering into his soul.

Sasuke clenched his hands into fists willing himself to stay in control. He didn't want his emotions overwhelming him again. It seemed to be happening a lot that day. He mentally barated at himself, not missing the way Naruto's form flinched with his actions. The blond must have thought he was there to beat him up as well. The child's hands reflexively wrapped itself around his legs seemingly trying to protect itself from the blow. Sasuke let out a calming breath despite the fact that the thought of Naruto being afraid all the time demanded harsh punishment on his part. He so wanted to make all the people that dare laid a finger on his precious blond writhe in pain.

But he had more pressing matters to attend to, for instance the fact that he had Naruto in front of him practically shaking in fear. Sasuke loosened his fist into an open palm gesture then started reaching towards the blond.

"He's going to hurt me..." was the only thought that passed through the child's mind and he was sure of it. However, he never expected a soft hand to land on his head. Naruto let out a startled gasp opening his eyes in the process.

"Hey...you okay?" Sasuke asked in his softest tone gently prying a stray strand of hair from Naruto's forehead

Jerking his head back the blond blinked in surprise. "You're not...going to hurt me?" he asked with eyes wide open.

Sasuke thought about what his reaction would be if he was indeed a seven year old then proceeded to wipe the tear stained cheek acting like the words surprised him. "Hurt you? Why would I do that?" he asked, a frown on his forehead making it appear that he was confused.

Naruto fixed his gaze on the hand on his cheek then back to the face before him feeling a strange sense of deja vu.

"Naruto...you're safe now."

The blond mentally shook his head. He knew those words were just a figment of his wishful thinking. Yet somehow feeling those hands upon his face, Naruto couldn't dismiss the feeling of warmth...the warmth that he could've sworn he had felt before.

"People don't really...like me that much."he replied bowing his head hiding the sadness in his pair of blue orbs. "They tend to...hit me all the time."

Sasuke's eyes hardened for a brief instant. "Those damn villagers." he mentally growled. Lifting the blond's chin so their gazes met again which earned another surprised look from said blond, Sasuke spoke. "I'm Sasuke...what's your name?"

Naruto's upper lip began to tremble menacingly. What was happening? Why was someone suddenly friendly with him? Uncertain eyes studied the ebony-haired teen for a while searching for any sign of hatred - of evil intentions but found none. Closing his eyes as if debating whether to answer the question or not the blond finally replied. "Naruto...my name's Uzumaki Naruto."

Sasuke was grinning at him. "Naruto..." he started smiling happily for the first time. "...let's be friends."

The blond couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Friends?" he muttered in a low tone as if tasting the word in his mouth. He tore his gaze away from the child before him for a while seemingly deep in thought, after a few seconds he met his gaze once more and added firmly this time. "Friends!" he exclaimed cheerfully the blinding bright smile that Sasuke had missed so much was making itself known - back on full force on the blond's lips.

The onyx-eyed child's smile matched the brightness of the blond, a wave of happiness washed over Sasuke it was the start of...

Sasuke stiffened feeling an electric current pierce through his brain.

"Teme...not now." he moaned under his breath clutching his face in his hands. The demented flashes were relentless, he could feel the familiar attack pattern he had just a moment ago. "Dammit." he mentally cursed.

At the sudden pained action - for Naruto knew that feeling more than anyone else, his hands were instantly on Sasuke's shoulders, his voice dripped with concern. "Sasuke...Sasuke are you alright? What...what's happening?"

"Ngghh..." Sasuke groaned falling on his knees then into the arms of the blond. "Naruto..." he said panting, breath ghosting against the other's ear.

"What...what is it?" he asked his eyes panicking. The blond's arms tightly snaked its way around the other child's figure. Somehow, Sasuke here with him, them in this position, it felt right.

"I'll be fine. I'll just sleep for a while." was the ebony-haired child's soft whisper.

"Sasuke..."

Gomen...nasai Naruto." Sasuke managed to utter before falling limp into the other's embrace.

The blond was confused beyond comprehension. Why was Sasuke apologizing? "Nani?" he asked explosively but no reply came.

TBC

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Ohohohho! Yesh! I am evil! LOL! I try to be evil at least!

Like it? Hate it? Let me know ne? Reviews will be greatly appreciated.

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[FEEDBACKS)

zchocolatebunniesrulezworld: Phew, thanks so much for saying that. I felt oddly relieved knowing it wasn't that...corny! . Though I still think it was! LOL! *nervous laughter*And of course Itachi! YOSH! I am having a hard time though in how I would introduce him as being not the one responsible for the family. But I do have an idea now, I'm just not sure if it's believable enough! Anyway, thanks so much for the wonderful feedback.

shadowphoenix143: You are too nice! T___T Arigatou phoenix-san! *bows down head fervently* Hmm, the residents can be stubborn idiots, it's going to take time.

eeaagoh: I feel so inadequte lately. I mean seriously, I've approached several beta readers here in but not one...NOT ONE! cared to bother and reply T___T At least if they didn't want to take the job they'd say it so I won't have to keep on hoping! *is bricked* I really want it to flow smoothly, honestly I cringed reading my work. *shrug* Thanks for taking time and reviewing this! *gives cookie*

SolitaryLightning: What do you mean by Anbu of all things? It was a bad idea wasn't it? *gets shot* . hehehe! Sasuke will have to constantly remind himself he's back being puny and cute...and possibly having raving fangirls after him again! *shudders at the thought* O_O

ensis013: Thank you so much for dropping a feedback! I know what you mean. *blood boils at the memory* He very rarely appears in the manga now and if he does he's being a major dick! GRRR!!! But still can't help but love him cause of course our lovable blond just doesn't have a hateful bone in his body for the Uchiha. *grumbles* LOL! I love nice Itachi!!! After hearing the truth (well half truth since I have a feeling Madara's lying in some aspects) I can't really imagine Itachi being a cold heartless killer anymore.

demon'sLOver: I know sorry! I don't know, this fic is going to have it's sad moments...but am more than adamant to build a happy atmosphere for this two. I hope you continue to read this story! Thanks so much for the review.