In God's House

In God's House

All recovered stories will be re-posted "AS IS" -no alterations made since the first time they were posted. Multiple chapter stories will also be compiled into one post for sake of ease.

Summary:Meet Uchiha Sasuke, the son of a pastor of religious faith. But Sasuke isn't as much of a saint as everyone thinks he is. In fact he has some sins in need of serious forgiveness. Warning: implied rape, swearing, and controversial views of Christianity.

Part I: chapters 1-4

Rating: M

C.M.D: One of my earlier works, this is also one of my greatest stories thus far. I went in this, young and naive, and despite having little (pardon the term) faith that I would really get far, this ended up being one of my fastest-written and most successful stories during a crucial time in my own life. I was saddened that after nearly a decade and the hundreds of readers who connected with it, the FF.net admins had it pulled. So, here it is again -collected and reposted as it was (or as much as I believe) before- to commemorate all those who treasured this piece and to share with those who are reading it for the first time.

Originally posted: April 23^rd, 2007

Chapter 1: A song of praise

This temple was finished
King solomon prayed
The people came to see
Was God pleased with this place

Then fire fell from heaven
The priest could not go in
God's glory was more than they could stand
God's glory was more than they could stand....

Fingers grasped his aching member, milking it as he arched against the cool cedar wood of the confession booth. Outside the choir sang in fervency, the clear voices reaching the ceiling beams as the group of singers sang Let Your Glory Fill This Place. He held in another moan, biting his lips as the male released over his own hand, letting out a small whimper as he shivered. Now done with his ministrations, his body would no longer hold himself up and the raven gently lowered himself down onto the little booth's bench.

Outside noone noticed that the teen had been missing for a few minutes, nor did they know of what he did. The dark-haired youth pulled a wet nap out of his pocket and wiped off the milky liquid, tossing the wet nap into the little garbage pail before pulling out a bottle of antibacterial hand gel. The teen squeezed a generous amount of the clear liquid onto his palm, rubbing his hands together quickly, spreading the gel around until it completely absorbed into his flesh. He stood up and zipped up his pants, checking his features in his little pocket mirror. When he didn't appear too frazzled, he slipped out of the booth and slunk to his seat.

The choir was just finishing, and people were were all taking their seats in the pews. Up on the platform, the teen's father got to his feet and coughed to draw his audiences' attention. The young male sat down beside his mother, ignoring the small quizzing look his brother gave him. "Where have you been Sasuke?," his mother asked. Sasuke turned his head to his mother, keeping his expression blank. "I was only in the washroom mother. Please excuse my absence." The older women nodded and turned her head back to her husband, smiling sweetly to the man. Sasuke peered at his brother from the corner of his eye; Itachi was peering at him too.

Sasuke crossed his legs and removed his notebook from his pocket, ignoring his brother's look. 'Whatever. Noone said that bastard had to believe me. It's not like he has the proof to prove otherwise.' Sasuke unclasped the silver buckles and opened the tiny notebook to a new page, writing the date and title of today's sermon on the first line. As his father spoke, Sasuke's hand never faltered its smooth rythme of copying down the words of the lecture, the blue ink glistening brightly. Slowly the raven's thoughts drifted back to this morning's earlier actions, and back to the object that had caused such feelings within him. True, as a son of the pastor, Sasuke should be an example of godliness; following the commandments laid down by the Lord, their Father. But Sasuke could never follow that role spiritually. He could play the part, and act accordingly as everyone thought he should. But in his heart he knew he was sinful because he lusted after another, a male of all people, and he couldn't help but release the tension caused by thoughts of that said male.

So Sasuke had commited terrible sins but he couldn't ask for forgiveness, not when he wanted that person so much. The Lord might punish him when it came to his time of judgment but if he could only have that beautiful person then he would stand the fires of hell for such an experience. His hand moved to jot down another scripture his father pointed out, while his groin began to stir with heat. Again his thoughts were betraying him, leading him to think of that boy that entranced his darkest dreams, and his body was acting out in lust for that handsome specimen. No, I must control myself. I have already taken my leave and have left my sin in the confession booth. This can wait until we return home; then I will take care of this pestering trouble. And in saying so the raven turned his thoughts around to face Jesus, burying those sinful visions for later.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Fugaku was a poweful leader. His tongue was always bathed in the words of the lord, and he gave such meaningful messages to all that came to him. The man had been in God's fellowship for quite a long time, and had even been given a letter of acceptance into the priesthood. But Fugaku had fallen in love with a women of strong faith, and had declined such an offer, saying that God had given him a women to spend his life with. But still Fugaku rose through everything and became the Pastor and founder of his own ministry, preaching to all the people that entered the large church. Sasuke had grown up always surrounded by God, and even when he was very young his father had taught him the elements of the faith so that one day Sasuke would become a man baptized in the faith and power of the Lord.

His father had raised the boys such, so that they would enter the pastor hood like their father, and take over the ministry when their old man passed away. But Sasuke didn't want to spend the rest of his life stuck in robes and preaching to complete strangers who did nothing but kiss ass and ask for repentance that they would quickly throw away in rage or in lust. No that was not the life Sasuke wanted, his brother Itachi would soon better fill that role than he would any day. After the service, Sasuke retired to his room after his father had finished annointing his forehead, and blessing both boys. The raven shut his door and plopped down on his bed, picking up the book placed on his nightstand. It was a four hundred page book, talking about the miracles and wonder of Jesus. A tattered book mark protruded from near the end of the book, and Sasuke opened up the book to his saved page, eyes scanning over the words. The book was an utter bore but it was a requirment for english, so Sasuke would just bite his tongue and finish the damn novel. 'Such hypocrasy, it's laughable.'

He finished the book, wrote the report required of him, and sat himself down on his computer. He started his Mac up, listening to it hum softly as he watched the information codes scroll up the screen. Despite the fact that his parents trusted him, and that they believed their teenage son would never do anything sinful even on the internet, that did not mean he would leave his computer without a password. Sasuke knew his brother had a habit of peering into his life, pulling out things better left in the dark. His p.c was set up with so many codes and security passwords that even a hacker would have trouble getting in. Smirking to himself, Sasuke logged in.

His mouse clicked softly as he scrolled through his picture collection, eyes feeding on the beautiful images of his desired one. The heat in his groin was back and this time his hand slid down, resting on the bulge. He wanted to rip off the constricting pants right there and then, but he knew precautions needed to be taken. The raven cocked his head to the side, glancing at his door. Yes; it was closed and locked. But suspicion still filled him. Sasuke got to is feet and scored the room. There was nothing. Then he checked the bathroom; he had his own bathroom. Such was the privliges of having such a prestigious family. But there was nothing there either. Pleased, Sasuke returned to his computer.

Without further ado, he unzipped his pants and hurriedly grabbed his member, rubbing it feirously. His eyes flew open every once in a while, settling on his desire, before closing again to picture that person in very compromising positions. He held in his moans as he imagined his special person grasping his weeping organ in their own tan hands, taking the shivering member into their warm mouth. Sasuke could almost feel the other's tongue sliding up and down his shaft, the other boy happily feasting upon him. And before he knew it, the pressure was gone, white semen coating his hand and the front of his pants.

Huffing lightly, the uchiha got to his feet and strode over to the bathroom. He stripped and threw his pants into the sink, turning on the hot water. He watched distantly as the sink filled up, his slacks drowned in dark waters. He opened a bottle of luandry detergent and poured a bit into the sink, swishing the water around. Sasuke grabbed a scrub brush from under his bathroom sink and worked to get the semen off his pants. After scrubbing for a few good minutes, he rinsed, rung and hung his slacks on the towel rack before getting into the shower. The warm water made his skin cool down after his actions, and his breathing remained normal. But he was still in Sasuke's mind.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

 

Sasuke grabbed a slice of toast as he passed through the kitchen, downing the glass of orange juice placed on the counter. He stuck the piece of bread in his mouth, slinging the strap of his shoulder bag over his head. "Have a good day at school," said his mother as he headed for the front door. Sasuke 'hn-ed' a reply, slipping on his sneakers and grabbing his key off the rack. He padded lightly down the front steps, turning left off their drive and toward the curb. The raven stood beside the red stop sign, gazing about at the row of white houses, not really interested in what he saw. Around the bend the school bus drove up, rambling down the street before pulling to a stop a few inches away from the dark teen. Sasuke sighed, turned and ascended up the stairs, taking a seat at the end of the bus. The girls up front giggled and pointed his way, but he paid them no heed.

After a few minutes of passing houses as his view, Sasuke closed his eyes and laid his head against the glass. His mind wandered over the reports and assignments that needed to be handed in, needed to be done; and about the numerous people that he would have to once again avoid today. But most of all, he was thinking about the classes he had with him, the classes that we're close to his, and the classes that he took. 'I'll have to walk through the tech hallway if I want to catch him after art.' As Sasuke was pondering the many possible ways of getting to his desire's classrooms, he failed to notice that the bus had finally reached the school. The sudden bustling of fellow peers woke him from his daydreams, and he too got to his feet and exited the bus.

Sasuke stayed perched on the curb as thousands of students poured out of various buses, striding up the school's front stairs. Teenagers swarmed all over the concrete steps, pushing and prodding and shouting at one another. Sasuke frowned at their frivalous behaviour, huffing slightly before stepping forward. 'This is supposed to be a catholic school for Christ's sake! Not a zoo!!' Sasuke controlled himself from wringing the neck of the idiot that slammed into him, preferring a quick dusting off of himself and a well aimed insult to the other individual.

Without further ado he, Sasuke Uchiha, probably the only student in all of St. Paul's Catholic school that was actually of christian faith, made his way to class. The room was quite empty still as he sat himself down in his regular seat (the front row, of course) opening his textbook for historic religion. The clock ticked away, and with two mintues left the classroom was finally beginning to fill up. When his two stalkers came in, Sasuke sighed inwardly and asked how God could be so cruel, but as usual he gritted his teeth and beared the terrible punishment of having said girls sit on either side of him and attach themselves to his arms. And just when Sasuke thought he was about to die, he walked in and Sasuke remembered why this class was so great.

Chapter 2: Logic meet Lust

Morning bell rang and Naruto quickly ducked into his first period class. His messy blonde spikes got in his eyes but he brushed them away and then scurried over to his seat. He put his book bag on the desk, standing at attention as the morning anthem started. He hummed to it lightly, under his breathe, keeping an eye on the clock. As soon as it was finished he took his seat, and pulled out his sketchbook. He opened it to a new page, grabbing a pencil out from his pencil case. "I'll take that thank-you!" Naruto huffed as kiba took his pencil, grabbing another one at the same time. "Morning to you too, dog-breath." Kiba grinned and pulled his binder out from his ratty backpack. "You just say that 'cuz you love me."

Naruto rolled his eyes, propping the history textbook up in front of him. "So he's not here yet? As usual."Kiba muttered, glancing at the empty teacher's desk at the front of the class. "Ya know, if you keep not expecting him to show up then you should stop complaining."Naruto answered. "Nah, takes all the fun out of class," kiba replied. "What better way to start of a school day than to mock a teacher who doesn't even give a damn?" Naruto grinned at that, still buried in his sketchbook. Kiba watched as his best friend's hand moved in a crazy manner across the page, knowing full well that at the end something remarkable would cover every inch of that blank piece of paper. "So whattcha drawing now?" The brunette leaned over to look into the book when it was promptly shut on him.

Laughing blue eyes sparkled as the blonde turned to look at him, wearing his best fox grin. "Not yet, my sweet puppy-chan. You have to wait like the rest of the world to witness the wonder of my priceless talent." Kiba slouched back in his chair, snorting. "Yeah, okay. Don't flatter yourself, foxy." Naruto stuck his tongue out, opening up his sketchbook and resuming his previous activity. At half-past 8:15, the history teacher finally strode in, waving slightly at his students. "Good morning class. Sorry I'm so late, the nurse needed my help." The whole class held in their groans, and gave quiet 'hello's to their eccentric teacher as he strode forward and placed his pile of books on his desk. Naruto watched as the class representative raised his hand, glaring at the raven. "Mr. Hatake, sir? Will we be learning anything of importance this term?" Kakashi sat at his desk, visible eye clenched shut in amusement, obviously smiling under the dark scarf he had wrapped around the lower part of his face.

Naruto laid his head on his desk, sighing at the feel of the comforting cool wood. "Hmm…excellent question, Sasuke? What would you like to learn this term?" Naruto furrowed his brow. 'Oh, yeah, sure. Ask the smart person what we should do..' Naruto closed his eyes as Sasuke began to describe topics necessary for a grade 10 class. The mere thought of all that work was already doing a number on his brain. "Hey, Naru…" Naruto turned slightly, glancing at kiba. "You'll never believe what that guy said to me this morning." Naruto arched an eyebrow, showing his dog-loving friend that he was interested. "Okay," Kiba leaned in closer, keeping his voice lowered. "I was walking up the stairs right, and well Gaara's groupies were like messing with me, so I ended up nearly tripping. I fell back, and lo-and-behold, I knocked into Mr. Prissy over there. He gave me this look like he had just stepped into some dog shit, and called me a fucking pansy that spent too much time fucking my own bitch of a hound. Can you believe him?! He is such a fucking asshole!"

Naruto glared over at the Uchiha, whispering back to Kiba. "That bastard. Can't believe all the girls think he's such a prince. Assholes like him should be shipped off to Madagascar.” “Would you like to share that opinion with the class Naruto-chan?” Both boys tensed in their seats, before looking up at their history teacher who somehow had ended up behind them. Naruto could feel his heart racing, an oh-shit-I'm-caught kind of smile making its way onto his face. “N-no sir. It-it's not of im-importance...” Mr. Hatake just patted the boys on the head before moving back toward the front of the class. “Then I'll have to ask you two to keep opinions of no importance to yourself until the end of my class, understood boys?” “Yes sir,” both Kiba and Naruto answered back. The class tittered nervously, afraid to get into trouble but unable to keep the hilarity of the situation to themselves. The grey-haired teacher sat himself back at his desk, and both teenage males finally collapsed in their seats already sick of the day. Mr. Hatake

Kakashi pulled out his book, and leaned casually in his chair. “Alright for the remainder of the period, open your text books and read pages 15-30. No chatting.” But everyone knew that the man could hardly care less if they talked or not, as long as no one was stupid enough to disturb him as he read. Immediately the class broke into a quiet roar, some boys talking about the girls they knocked up or who was the victim of Gaara's group these days. The girls though talked about the usual: hair, make-up and (of course) Sasuke. Sometimes they would argue about whose more madly in love with the emotionless raven; that was always interesting to watch. Today it seemed that another fight was starting to brew between the pink-haired Sakura Haruno (head cheerleader) and the blonde headed Ino Yamanaka (head of the journal, news and video club). Both girls were tightly latched onto the Uchiha's arms (whenever weren't they?) But you could easily see the way they were baring their teeth at each other from the behind Sasuke's back. “Good morning Ino-pig, I see you're trying to stake claims to MY Sasuke again.” “I don't need to stake claims, bill-board brow. Sasuke is already MINE.” Silence descended over the class, watching the two girls fight over the silent teen. “Hey, why don't you go try to steal someone ELSE”S boyfriend,” Sakura growled, pulling Sasuke closer to her chest. “What makes you THINK you're even girlfriend material,” Ino retorted, pulling Sasuke to her chest also. A boy whistled at the diss, going unnoticed by both girls.

Kiba leaned forward in his seat, nudging Naruto to pay attention. Like the blonde male really cared. He had seen this fight a million times already, and actually he was quite disappointed that people's friendships could be so easily broken over a cold prick like Sasuke. “Lay off Kiba, it's a stupid cat fight and I'm trying to do something. Besides it's not like we've never seen it before.” The other teen shook his head, before pulling up his jacket's hood. “Perhaps, but man I never get tired of it.” Naruto glanced at his friend's tattooed face, before shaking his head in disbelief. He returned to his sketchbook, adding shade to the arm he was currently working on. “You know what, “Kiba began, after another set of insults from the two girls. “I really envy that guy at times. I mean, he gets all these girls chasing after him yet he doesn't even give them a glance. I mean, the guy's like a fucking robot. He can grab any females attention without even trying and I can't even get her's.” Naruto knew who his friend meant when he said her, it was possibly the only female Kiba had been actually interested in despite his many comments about which girl was the hottest babe in school. Her was actually Hinata Hyuuga, a shy and quiet girl who had a major crush on Naruto; but unfortunately the blonde didn't return the feelings. Now, it wasn't that he didn't like females, he did, he just couldn't think of Hinata that way especially since his best friend had been crushing over her since elementary school. “I don't envy him.” Naruto answered after a moment. “I mean, why would I want a bunch of harpies squabbling over me like I was a piece of meat? The bastard can keep all that attention to himself.” Kiba just sweat-dropped and looked away. “Yeah, you're right. That's not the kind of attention I'd really want...”

Naruto looked ahead of him to see the two girls practically screeching at each other now, while the raven silently got to his feet, most likely to escape the two banshees that were beginning to get closer to each other. And yet, the dark-haired boy's sudden movement seemed to shock the two out of their quarrel for they flung themselves at his retreating form. “Ah, Sasuke-kun don't leave!!” “Sasuke-love, don't go!” Afterwards it would be quite funny, but at the moment that it happened it was quite startling. One minute the Uchiha had been starting to walk away from the two females, when they threw themselves against his back to halt his retreat. In turn, they ended up surprising him and causing all of three of them to fall to the ground -hard- in an undignified pile. Boys whistled their approval at the sight of Sakura's and Ino's underwear, while others laughed at the fall of the mighty Sasuke. Although the rest of the girls took to rushing over to try to the comfort Sasuke. Kiba smacked the desk as he laughed uncontrollably, while Naruto himself was busy clutching his gut, as he too laughed. Kakashi sighed as he returned his focus to his class, closing his book. Their was still ten minutes in the period yet the had managed to cause minor chaos within the short time limit of first period. The grey-haired man got to his feet, before picking up the Uchiha by the collar and putting him back up on his feet.

Most of the class had fallen silent now, except for Naruto and Kiba who were having trouble it seemed from holding in their laughter. Kakashi smiled as he ushered the girls back to their seats, Sakura and Ino included. “Well, well, well. It seems someone will need to escort Sasuke-kun here down to the nurse's office to get himself checked. “ And indeed a visit to the nurse's office was needed as a rather large welt seemed to be rapidly forming on the dark teen's brow. Kakashi scanned the class, ignoring the hopeful looks of all the girls. He already knew who he was going to choose, but it was more fun this way. He turned his gaze up, gazing at the blonde, before smiling to himself. “Naruto.” The blonde immediately shut-up, nearly falling out of his chair. “Wh-what?!” Kakashi's smile grew. “You're to escort Mr.Uchiha down to the nurse's office, and no manner of complaining, whining or pleading will get you out of this task.” Naruto's jaw dropped and he visibly shivered in disgust before getting to his feet and grabbing his things. “You might as well grab your things too Sasuke. Now I don't want any diddly-daddling or I will come looking for you two. Oh, and Naruto?” Naruto paused at the door, Sasuke close behind him, the blonde looking back with fear and anger. “I will be asking nurse Shizune if you both arrived or not, so don't even think of leaving Sasuke's side,” Kakashi ordered with an amused voice much too happy for the current situation. “Yes, sir,” Naruto replied.

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Naruto scuffed his feet of the linoleum floor, grumbling under his breath about the cruelty of history teachers these days. A couple paces ahead of him was Sasuke, who was at the moment trying to hold down the terrible throbbing of his head and the urge to just madly kiss his blonde right then and there. Instead he took to sneaking glances at the blue-eyed teen, his own obsidian eyes carefully following those luscious pink lips. After a few moments though, Naruto glanced up and caught the Uchiha staring at him with a strange gleam in his eye. This caused shivers to go up his spine, and he was quick to glare at the raven. “What are you looking at?,"he demanded. The other teen said nothing, just continued on, glancing back every once in a while at him. What was up with this guy? Is there something on my face or what? Naruto kept careful distance away from the raven, watching with a keen eye. If he tries anything funny, Naruto thought, then I'll be sure to punch his lights out.

The threat seemed unnecessary though because they soon came to the Nurse's office. Sasuke was sure to knock but Naruto just brushed him aside and opened the door. Together the two entered, Shizune coming from behind her desk to greet them. “Good morning, Naruto? What brings you here at this hour?” Naruto smiled at the nurse, before scratching the back of his head nervously. “Heh, I'm not here for myself this time. Sasuke-bastard here smacked his head off the floor and Mr. Hatake made me bring him down.” “Well, that was very nice of you Naruto.” “Yeah, well it was nothing. I'm gonna take off now and try not to hurt him too bad Ms. Shizune.” Shizune shook her finger and the blonde, smiling. “Naruto, you know better than anyone else that I've never hurt a single patient of mine. Now get out of here before I give you another shot.” Naruto grinned and turned to leave, but Sasuke grabbed his arm. “Where are you going, dobe? You're supposed to stay with me, teachers orders.”

Naruto frowned at the Uchiha's attitude; his anger growing at the childish nickname the raven took to calling him. “No, Mr.Hatake said I had to escort you to the Nurse's office and I did. I'm done here.” And with that Naruto pulled from the black-haired teen's grip and exited the office. Sasuke could only growl with frustration at his own idiocy and failure to keep his beloved blonde from leaving.

Chapter 3: Restless notions

Pinned to his bed, slick with sweat and cum, panting madly with a beautiful blush crossing his cheeks. Oh, god. Bless the Lord and the messiah Jesus Christ for such an amazing creature. There were no words to describe Naruto, that delicious blonde that was laid down underneath him, straddled under his hips. The blonde made a small move, and Sasuke felt it vibrate through his whole being. His erection continued to press down upon the blonde's, making the smaller teen moan and pant more. This was ecstasy, to rub against that magnificently tanned body, to hear his angel beg for more of his touch. His lips caressed the shorter male's lips, neck, and chest. He licked the sweet flesh, fingers slipping into Naruto's waiting bliss, pushing and searching for what would make the boy cry out in the way that Sasuke liked best. A throaty, needy moan. That was it; the blonde's arching back and pleased face was proof of it. Sasuke pulled out, his own breath becoming ragged, poised to thrust back into the welcoming warmth that was Naruto. That was of his Naruto. A deep breath, and he pushed forward, deep inside to hear-

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Sasuke groaned as he rolled over in his bed, sheets tangling up in his legs. His groin throbbed with the after effects of the images granted to him in his sleep, and he knew if he didn't take care of it now, his arousal would plague him all day. Turning the alarm clock off, Sasuke got to his feet and strode to his bathroom, turning on a hot shower for himself. He stripped, dealt with his problem, and got ready for school. `School...I hope Naru-chan will be there...' First period went by, and then second and the Uchiha was beginning to worry. He hadn't yet seen Naruto that morning and his day couldn't even be considered bearable without that loudmouth blonde. Frustrated to the point of nearly killing the annoying fangirl sitting beside him, Sasuke was forced to raise his hand and admit he needed to get out, even if for a minute.

“Mr. Jiraiya, I need to use the facilities and would be grateful if you would pardon me from the classroom.” The Law teacher seemed a little taken back by Sasuke's request, but shrugged it off. “Do what you have to, Uchiha. But you hurry your ass back here as soon as you finish, you hear?” Sasuke nodded, ignoring the glare the old man was sending him along with the jabbering motion of his chalk. Sasuke got to his feet, took a hall pass, and left the room. Immediately he felt a little better, now that he wasn't surrounded by all those terrifying female masses, and pondered what he should do now with his free time. `Look for Naru-chan, maybe?' Sasuke liked the sound of that, but shook his head nonetheless. He didn't have his copy of the blonde's schedule (not that it mattered, he had the blonde's courses memorized) and besides he wasn't some lowly, obsessed fangirl. Stalking wasn't what Uchiha's did. So to the bathroom he headed, intent on just heading in, stall for a few minutes, then head back to class. The red door swung open as he pushed it, stepping into the restroom. Five porcelain sinks protruded from one wall, three stalls and a line of standard urinals on the other. There was a sudden sound of rustling, then a toilet flushing, Naruto stepping out from the stall furthest away.

The blonde looked up, his curious eyes turning hard when the noticed who the other occupant was. Fixing his shirt, Naruto strode up to one of the sinks, warm water spreading over his hands as he washed. His hands now clean; the blonde cupped his hands and splashed some warm water on his face, before turning off the faucet. Naruto, still ignoring the raven, grabbed some paper towel and began to dry up. “What do you want, bastard?” Naruto finally said. Sasuke was silent for a second, watching some droplets fall from the other boy's yellow spikes and onto his scarred cheeks. After a moment he replied with a `hn', watching in amusement as his bright angel turned a shade of red with indignation. Naruto crumbled the paper towel into a ball before throwing it across the room and missing the trashcan. “Taking your anger out on an inanimate object won't do anything for your cause,” Sasuke teased. Naruto glared at the taller teen, lips twisted in a frown. “Yeah, well it's better than me taking it out on your face.” “Dobe, what makes you think you can,” the Uchiha replied. The blonde pouted as he adjusted his vest, clearing trying to avoid an argument. Sasuke smirked. This was turning out to be fun. “Do you mind moving away from the door?” Sasuke raised an eyebrow, staring at Naruto amusingly. “Are you afraid to catch cooties from me?,” Sasuke countered. Even from across the room the raven could hear the fox's teeth grinding. “Ya never know with Uchihas and truly, I really am trying to be the better man here. You sure make it hard for a guy not to smack you.” `I'd prefer it if you were the bottom man...,' Sasuke thought. Naruto strode forward, stopping inches away from the pale teen. “Move,” the blue-eyed male demanded. Sasuke's smirk grew wider. “Ooh, I'm so scared,” he sneered.

Naruto growled at the comment, fisting the front of the raven's shirt in his hands. “Ya know,” he started, pulling the Uchiha toward him. “If it wasn't for all those goddamn fangirls of yours, I really would kick your ass.” Sasuke shook his head, chuckling under his breath. “Not all my fans are girls, you know,” the dark-haired teen said, reaching a finger out to stroke the scarred cheeks. “And I'm always willing to accept a new addition to the ranks.” Naruto released Sasuke, backing away in panic. His cheeks had just been stroked -stroked!- by Sasuke Uchiha! Naruto slapped a hand over his touched cheek, blushing madly. `Dammit! Traitorous cheeks!! Making me blush in front of Sasuke no less! What is he, gay?!' As Naruto went on a mental rant, Sasuke took this time to stare at the delectable blonde, his pants getting constricted as his thoughts got carried away. Damn, looking at that boy's pink lips made him hungry to seal them against his own. `Hmm...I wonder just how far that tan goes?,' the raven thought. The bell rang somewhere above their heads, snapping both teens from their thoughts. Naruto paled slightly, trying to hurry and escape before Sasuke took notice. Unfortunately, the blonde wasn't paying attention to where he was putting his feet and ended up tripping on his way to the door.

Sasuke coughed as the smaller body crashed into his, Naruto still pulling on him as he continued to fall. Instinctively, the Uchiha wrapped his arms around the blonde, pulling the other teen closer to his body and effectively keeping him from taking both of them to the floor. The contact made his whole body buzz with anticipation, and Sasuke was tempted to push Naruto against the wall and ravish him. Speaking of which...Sasuke decided that he really wanted to do that, and spun the blonde around, pinning him to the washroom wall. The sapphire eyes sprang open in surprise, anger and question as Sasuke moved closer to the warm body. “Where do you think you're going? You've made a big problem and you're not going anywhere 'til you've solved it,” Sasuke whispered to the blonde, his breath ghosting down the teen's neck. Oh how he wanted to kiss that flesh, sink teeth and tongue at the collarbone. The Uchiha was pushed away as Naruto finally regained his senses, blushing madly as he finally got the raven at a far enough distance before running out of the restroom. “Bastard!!,” he yelled back at the pale man. Sasuke frowned as his prey escaped him, the red door swinging shut on the sight of the runaway blonde. Forcing his libido down, Sasuke took to making sure that he looked somewhat proper before leaving. It was getting harder and harder for him to resist touching the boy.

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Naruto nervously paced the library, chewing his nails as he walked back and forth between the shelves. He had told Kiba to meet up with him after school in the library's history section but now he was having second thoughts. He'd been totally unnerved by Sasuke's strange acts third period when they had ran into each other in the washroom, and he really needed some advice but...was Kiba the one to go to at a time like this? His friend might accidentally take it the wrong way and break off all ties with him or the dog-boy could tease him endlessly, saying he got a queer after his ass. To which they would then both be stalked down and beaten up by the Uchiha's fan club. Sighing again, Naruto leaned into the rows of old musty bibles. This whole day was a mess. “Wow, what truck hit you?” Naruto gazed up at Kiba, before sliding down to rest on the floor. “You have no idea,” he muttered. Kiba shook his head, pulling down his coat's hood. “So...you gonna tell me what happened, or is it one of those really fucked up situations you don't feel like talking about again?” The blonde chuckled nervously at his friend's question, staring at the red triangle tattoos. Kiba sighed, “It's the latter one, ain't it?” Naruto nodded and grumbling, Kiba sat down beside him. “Can I get a summary, maybe?”

Naruto picked up his book bag, playing with the frayed ends. “Well, let's put it this way...I ran into someone I don't normally associate with in the washroom. He pretty much courted me in his own fashion and pushed me up against a wall. I nearly got kissed and I don't think my would-be-stalker is happy with a close-call.” The blonde cast his eyes to his best friend, who was actually quiet. `It's unanimous folks, I'm screwed.' As soon as the thought processed through his gold spikes, the brunette burst out laughing, going on about having to watch out for his ass- literally. Naruto frowned before nailing his friend in the arm. “Hey,” he growled. “You're supposed to be helping me out, not fucking laughing at me!!” Kiba rubbed his arm, tears in his eyes as he fought to stop laughing. Several moments later, the dog-lover finally had regained control of himself and wiped away what tears rested in his eyes. “Ahh...ha...well, heh, I guess you're in some deep shit, huh? I've never dealt with a homo before but if you play your cards right he might end up being noticed by Gaara. Then you won't have to worry about him anymore.” Kiba gave a shrug and got to his feet. “Come on foxy, to your feet. I've got to head over to Mac's...I finally got a date with Hinata!” Kiba smiled cheekily at the equally cheeky blonde, who was getting to his feet.

“Final level! You better be nice with her or you'll have Neji all over your ass. And he's just as scary as Gaara.” The two teens laughed merrily as they left the school, Naruto smacking Kiba upside the head for good luck for his date later, before parting ways. It was about time the dog-breath took some action instead of just talking. Sighing, Naruto walked home alone. `As if Sasuke would let anyone know he was gay. And besides, he's got his fans to back him up. The impenetrable human shield.' Naruto chuckled at that, but he still couldn't get his mind off the incident. Things were going to be a little complicated at school now. The blonde pulled out his key, walking up to the front of his apartment door. As he went to put the key into the lock, the door opened, showing Iruka. “Oh, Naruto! I was wondering when you were going to show up?” Naruto cocked an eyebrow but entered nevertheless, taking off his shoes before heading to his room. “We're having a guest over for dinner tonight. So be on your best behavior,” Iruka called down the hall. Naruto shouted back a reply, shutting his room door behind him. It was the first time that they had ever had guests over, and Naruto fervently hoped it wasn't someone from the agency.

See, he was an orphan. Naruto had no home, no parents, no birth records which made for a hard time tracking down his parents or even much of his heritage. As it stood Naruto was the only Uzumaki in history, and had been going through foster homes since he was two. All the kind of dark stuff they said about that business was in many ways very true, Naruto felt convulsions be brought on just from the thought of most of the stuff he went through, and honestly the blonde didn't want to go through another set of homes again. The first one had given him his scars on both cheeks, the others left scars on his mind and soul, ones he would never speak of to anyone. But finally the services had managed to get him around and he had ended up with Iruka. For four years now, he had been living with the brunette and had enjoyed everyday of his life. He'd made no trouble for the kind teacher, which he had done to all the other homes he had lived in, so no one from the services had come knocking yet. Naruto hoped that would be the case still for a long while, at least until he was of legal age to leave the agency's protection. Throwing on a clean shirt, Naruto left his dark room and walked to the apartment's kitchen. He strode into the small dining room, and ended up back wheeling. “K-kakashi-sensei?!” The blonde felt his jaw drop in surprise as he stared at the grey-haired man.

“Ah...Iruka-sensei, you never said the student was Naruto-kun.” Both males turned to the brunette who was smiling nervously as he brought over some food. “Well, I thought you already knew that.” Naruto folded his arms against his chest, taken on the look of a sullen child. “Iruka-sensei...why did you invite him for?,” Naruto whined. “You do know he's an pervert, right?” Iruka sighed as he sat down, dishing out food onto the three set plates. “Iruka-sensei,” Kakashi cooed, leaning towards the other teacher. “Are you aware of how excellent an artist Naruto-kun is?” Naruto choked on his food and turned to see Iruka staring at him in surprise. “Really?,” the brunette asked. Kakashi smiled behind his scarf -wasn't that guy ever going to eat?- brushing a couple bangs away from his one revealed eye. “Oh yes. A true genius. Hasn't he shown you any of his work?” Both adults turned on Naruto, and the blonde happily glared at them. Truth was, he never let anyone look at his sketchbook. If someone had seen any of his pictures it was because they had been snooping in his stuff, and were wise enough not to blab. If Kakashi-sensei had really seen, then he was either a fool or just didn't know what Naruto was known for. It seemed the first choice was more likely.

“Naruto, why don't you show me some of your drawings?,” Iruka asked the fuming teen. “Sorry, sensei,” Naruto gritted. “I don't know how Kakashi-sensei saw my sketchbook, but I don't like anyone looking at my pictures. I don't even let Kiba, and he's my best friend.” Iruka seemed a little thrown off but was happy anyways. If Naruto didn't want to share, then he wouldn't. After dinner, Naruto returned to his room, where he wrote conspiracies against the scarecrow history teacher. At 11:15, Iruka came in to say goodnight to the blonde only to find him still sitting up in bed, a scowl on his face. “What's wrong?” Naruto snapped out of his daze, and looked at Iruka as the brown-haired man sat on his bed. “Iruka-sensei...do you like Kakashi-sensei?” The teacher blushed a deep red, turning his face away. “O-of cou-course not!” Even an idiot like himself could tell his foster parent was lying. Naruto stared at his feet, shifting in his seat. “Iruka-sensei...wh-what if there was someone, who seemed to like you...who was showing that they did, b-but they happened to be a guy...b-but you didn't like them `cause they were a bastard...what would you do?” Iruka blinked in shock, gazing fondly at Naruto. This was the first time the blonde had ever come to him with a serious problem. Iruka patted the golden spikes, watching with soft eyes when the teen stiffened at first before relaxing. “I would tell them how you feel. No matter who you they are...if you don't return their feelings, then you don't. There's no other way around it.” Iruka paused for a moment. Before getting to his feet. “You'll know when the time's right, who you like. Until then, it's best just to let all your suitors down nicely, dontcha think?” Naruto cuddled under his orange blankets, green toad and red fox plushie seated beside him. “Thanks, Iruka-sensei,” the blonde murmured, smiling softly as he closed his eyes. “Goodnight, Naruto,” the brunette replied.

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Rain pounded against the windowpane, making Kiba feel gloomier and gloomier as time passed by. Hinata stared out the window as well, but her mood didn't appear as dampered. `How the hell am I supposed to take Hinata home if it's fucking raining!?' Kiba bit at his thumb nail, breaking the thing off before spitting it out. He turned hazel eyes to the girl standing beside him, silently gazing at her. Hinata was so beautiful, and unlike the rest of the female population at school, the Hyuuga was dignified and quiet and much more sweeter. Kiba blushed when the soft violet eyes turned to him, a gentle smile on the girl's face. “Kiba-kun...is everything alright?” `Her soft voice is sweet too,' Kiba thought as he shook his head, diverting his eyes away. “I don't think the storm's going to let up. Perhaps we could run to a bus?,” Hinata asked, noting how Kiba was avoiding her gaze. A small blush still adorned his cheeks. Kiba finally glanced up, looking both ways up the street. The bus to Hinata's house just left and another one wouldn't be coming in half an hour. Kiba scratched the back of his head, turning to look at the dark-haired female. “Another bus won't be coming for a while. And to wait out in the cold isn't good for anybody. Your house isn't too far so perhaps we can just walk there.”

The dog-lover left the option hanging in the air, waiting to see what Hinata's reaction would be. The raven brought a hand up to her mouth, her eyes looking towards her house as she contemplated the Inuzuka's words. “But Kiba-kun,” she began. “We don't have any umbrellas, and we'd get wet.” “We'd get wet once we step outside anyways. As long as we're quick it should be ok.” Kiba smiled encouragingly to the Hyuuga. “That is...unless you don't want to, of course.” Hinata blushed a little before smiling at the brunette. “No I don't mind,” she replied. Kiba's stomach was doing back-flips as he took his jacket off, placing it on Hinata's shoulders. The pale-eyed girl looked at him in surprise, and he only smiled and led them outside into the rain. “My coat's water-proof and is big enough to keep you plenty warm and dry. Sorry I can't do anything about the dog smell.” Hinata's gaze caught his out from under the fur-trimmed hood, her joy evident in her smile. Together the two walked up the street, Hinata wrapped up warmly in the Inuzuka's coat while the brunette was run through with cold rain. All was silent for a while.

“Many people do not like the rain.” Kiba was snapped out of the quiet as the raven spoke, the lights changing to red as they halted on the street corner. His hazel eyes glanced at Hinata, signaling that she could go on. “They say that it is useless and only ruins plans and appointments that people have made. But rain is sweet and nurturing. It gives us life and is a beautiful gift from our Father.” The walking man blinked on, and the two teens crossed the rain-slick street. “Do you believe in God, Kiba-kun?” Kiba gazed at the dark sky, before answering. “No, I don't.” “To not believe in Him is not a crime,” Hinata said, noticing Kiba's withdrawing state. “There are many people who corrupt the Father's image, they decide who is worthy of God and they twist his Holy Father's words. Because of that people such as you and I ignore such people and mock their belief.” Kiba was shocked...Hinata had actually made fun of those lunatic bible-thumpers too? “Yes, I was once the same. I couldn't stand that level of hypocrisy and their unfaithfulness, so I would make jeers at them. After a while though, I stopped. I had found the true Father and I had learned his word. He showed me many things Kiba-kun.” Hinata stopped and Kiba stopped too. The violet-eyed girl pulled back the hood, turning her face up to the pouring sky. Raindrops plopped softly against her skin, running down her face in little streams. “Our Father gave us rain and sun and animals for companionship. He gave us wind, earth and people to love. He wouldn't want us to hate each other, and he doesn't hold anyone to their wrongdoings. He loves all his children, no matter what culture, race, or sexual orientation they are. That is what he has taught me, and I try so hard to follow his teachings.”

Hinata paused, her hands clasped together in prayer. Kiba gazed, shivering slightly in the wind, as he watched the girl close her eyes. “Too many people do not see that God is of love. Those that are most prominent in their faith are the ones who are usually corrupt in their belief. I may just be one person, but I will still love and care in the same way my Lord does. After all, his son Jesus did come to save us all because of His great love.” Hinata seemed to just glow, and warmth bloomed in his heart as he heard the raven's words. Her eyes opened and entranced him, and Kiba could clearly see the love and tenderness that she had just spoke of. “W-what...what if I wanted to believe?,” he asked fearfully, almost afraid of rejection. The Hyuuga stepped forward and took his hand. “No matter what sin you have done, the Lord won't hold you accountable. If you wish, you can seek Him and he will not turn away. He is real, Kiba-kun, and he cares for you as much as I. He will never hurt you.” He couldn't explain it but he felt more at peace than ever before; he didn't feel so cold anymore. He smiled gently, his eyes gazing admiringly at the dark-haired girl before him. “I-i...think I'd like that,” he whispered, stuttering just slightly. Hinata wrapped him up into a hug, her head resting on his shoulder.

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Sasuke sat straight against the couch, his eyes glued to the screen. The Pope was speaking, sunshine and crowds surrounding the old man upon his seat, while rain and thunder circled their home where they sat. His mother and father sat down beside him, enraptured by the program. His obsidian eyes flickered about the room, as he maintained his level of bored attention, searching. Itachi had been disappearing more often as of late...and it made his gut clench in slight fear. His brother's escapades went continuously unnoticed by his parents but Sasuke wasn't as ignorant; he knew something was amiss in his older siblings behavior. `What are you up to, aniki?'

Chapter 4: Society Belief

“A-aaa-aaa...CHOOOOOO!!” Naruto ducked as Kiba lurched from his bed, sneezing at the air. The blonde looked beyond the boy’s desk, blue eyes crinkled in worry. “God...are you sure you didn’t break something with that sneeze?” Kiba glared at him from his bed, red-rimmed eyes and runny nose not seeming that terrifying to the blonde teen. “Shut ub,” the brunette sniffed. Naruto chuckled nervously, standing up fully. “If I approach, I won’t get blown away, right?” Kiba glared at him again, trying to growl but only ended up coughing. “Geez,” Naruto started, moving over to his friend’s side. “What gave you the bright idea to walk around outside without a coat, and during a storm I might add?” Kiba continued to cough, his gold friend rubbing his back as the fit began to calm down. “I -hack- g-gabe by coat toe Hin-nata...” “Ah, so it was worth it?,” Naruto asked, sitting down. Kiba nodded his head, not daring to speak. “Make sure to tell me all about it, once you’re better Romeo, ok?” Naruto held out his hand and the two teens shared their promise handshake.

“Whab aboot you? Wib Mr. Stakdere?” Naruto scratched the back of his head nervously, turning away from his friend’s questioning gaze. “Well, he wasn’t there. I guess he got sick as well...” That was a lie, Sasuke was at school. The teen’s black eyes had constantly been on him, watching him carefully with that glint that Naruto now recognized as hunger. And that made him somewhat afraid. Naruto didn’t want another bathroom situation to occur, so he tried extra hard to avoid the raven. The feeling of being hunted, and having no where to run...that feeling didn’t sit well with the blonde. And even though he wanted to tell his best friend; he just couldn’t. Sasuke was his problem, and he would deal with the stoic teen in due time. Besides, Kiba needed to focus all his energy on recovering, not worrying over foolish issues. “Oh...I brought you homework!!,” Naruto chirped, pulling out of his previous thoughts. Kiba groaned, burying his head under his brown sheets. Naruto ignored his friend’s silly actions, pulling out a couple textbooks and a folder full of papers from his bag.

“We’ve got history homework, some sort of assignment about one of the apostles. You’re choice. More math, and believe me I think this is the mother load. And finally we have a bunch of handouts and a planner to make for English. Sounds like fun, huh?” Kiba’s eyes surfaced from beneath his cover’s folds, narrowed in annoyance at him. “Hey, don’t get angry at me. I’m not the one giving out work,” the blonde said. Kiba mumbled something softly under his breath, rolling over in bed. Naruto rolled his eyes, and got to his feet. He stepped toward the door, before remembering something. “Oh, yeah. And kiba?” The dog-lover turned to face him, curiosity shining in his brown eyes. “Neji says you’re ass is his, when you’re all better.” Kiba swore loudly -though it came out a little slurred- picking up a rubber duck that Akamaru -his terrier- had brought in and chucking it at the spiky blonde. Naruto fled the room, missing the soiled yellow projectile by an inch. He paused a moment, before sticking his head back into the brunette’s room. “That poor duck. It never stood a chance against you.” Kiba growled and Naruto was quick to make his exit, passing a greeting with Kiba’s older sister before stepping outside.

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It was still drizzling outside, thick grey clouds covering every inch of sky. Sasuke made a sound of irritation, down in his throat, as he stared out of the glass doors. He really didn’t wish to walk home, but his duties had kept him behind and the school buses had already left, and public transit wasn’t really his thing. Opening his umbrella, Sasuke stepped outside and under the downpour. The asphalt was slick with rain water, and one wrong step could send him falling into the many puddles dotted around the school yard. Brow furrowed in annoyance, Sasuke strode forward, side-stepping puddles and bits of littered trash. His pace led him out of the school grounds, and down the street sidewalk. He walked briskly and without much thought to the things that he passed. His mind was occupied with certain thoughts at the moment anyways, about a blonde that knew of his intentions now. ‘Oh, if only he could understand. Lord, would you forgive a sinner for loving when you yourself proclaim that your children should love?’ Shame slowly snaked its way into Sasuke’s gut as he broke off from his thoughts. He felt guilty to ask God a question that went against His teachings, even if Sasuke was in love with his blonde.

Shame soon turned to anger though, and Sasuke frowned as he crossed the empty street. ‘I’m not at fault, not at all. What kind of being would declare that people should love, and that love is a beautiful thing, and then say that only certain types of love are acceptable?! It’s hypocrisy, that’s what it is! There has never been proof that God has ever existed, so why should I care about what someone wrote in a book? Perhaps the bible is nothing more than a fictional work, written long ago and misinterpreted by some old saps.’ Sasuke felt that the last thought was indeed true, but it did nothing to quell his rage. Even if God was a myth, like unicorns and dragons, that didn’t change anything. His parents would still put their faith and trust in an invisible (more like non-existent) being and to go against his parents would result in nothing. Sasuke couldn’t sway what his parents thought, he knew that, and that only made him more angry and sorrowful. If he couldn’t sway their belief then he would never be accepted as he was, and he would only be marked as something dirty and unpleasant in his father’s eyes.

‘I wish I could break away from this never-ending circle, their church of light and love. I can’t see any love or light in that place.’ Sasuke immediately buried the thought away along with his feelings. It was an impulsive act that he had learned long ago, to hide away such impure things away from God so he couldn’t find them, a habit he was unable to break. Sighing within, Sasuke stopped momentarily, before shifting his back-pack. The whole world appeared as a washed-out rag, grey and murky and displeasing to the eyes. Sasuke’s lips flattened into a thin line as he gazed around him. This was what his faith was like: washed-out when noone was looking, yet appearing radiant around others. There was no better actor around. Sasuke stepped toward another intersection and was about to turn the corner when something caught his eye.

It was him, his beautiful angel. Against the bleak world, Naruto shone bright, his gold hair resting against peach skin so lovely. A baby blue umbrella was open up above his head, almost like an artificial sky the boy could take with him. The blonde was still wearing his school clothes, so he must have been somewhere else and was now returning home. Sasuke ducked back behind the fence outlining a person’s yard, peeking out at the approaching teen. The sapphire orbs that deeply enthralled him were closed against tanned lids, a slender hand outstretched and grazing against the fence as Naruto walked forward, eyes closed. Black headphones were snug tight against the other’s ears, the pouty pink lips mouthing lyrics that only the blonde could hear.

Sasuke felt his heart thump in his chest as he gazed at the masterpiece that no other person could achieve. Naruto was worthy to be a Mona Lisa painting himself. His appearance was somewhat ethereal, and made him seem as if he didn’t belong on this plane of existence. ‘If there is a God, it would have to be Naruto.’ The raven knew for a fact that the blonde teen had no faith, he believed in no religion, but surprisingly Naruto was above them. Despite having a crude tongue that would sometimes make your toes curl, the blue-eyed male had a heart of pure gold and crystal intentions that did not include lies, greed and sin.

Naruto didn’t make any mistakes, and if he did he was sure to apologize and there was nothing false in his words. He was always true to his promises and was kind and care-free. He didn’t conform or loose his temper often, he was very peaceful and many people enjoyed his presence. Naruto made people happier and others adored his bright personality. All of that the boy did without being commanded to from some higher being. All of that was Naruto; all of that captured Sasuke’s heart and made him love the blonde more. Sasuke hungered such freedom, but more than anything he longed for Naruto’s attention and for that gold heart to warm his bitter one. He wanted to mean everything to Naruto.

Obsidian eyes continued to look at the solemn angel, blue eyes still un-opening to the world. ‘That idiot is such a fool. Walking with his eyes closed...what is he thinking?’ Sasuke felt himself become protective over the blonde, worried that the bright teen would end up tripping and hurting himself. He couldn’t bear to see those jewel eyes in pain. Naruto was getting closer, his eyes still shut, and Sasuke felt himself get slightly desperate. Should he flee before the blonde saw him, or stay and make his presence known to his heart’s captor?

The pink lips drew again his attention, as a tongue danced out from the two petals, licking the dried lips before darting back inside. Sasuke made his decision. ‘A kiss...a kiss is all I want...’ He dropped his umbrella where he stood, and rushed forward, closing the limited distance between them. He ducked under the blue material and claimed the lips, the sapphire eyes springing open in surprise. He pulled the blonde flush against his body, pinning Naruto down so he couldn’t struggle. His tongue traced the bottom lip, savoring the softness before slipping into the surprised mouth. Naruto moaned in discomfort, wriggling in the raven’s hold, as the invading tongue snaked into his mouth; dancing along his teeth and gums. The arrogant muscle moved against his own tongue, taking it into the dark-haired male’s waiting mouth.

Naruto tried to push away from his assailant, but he was caught, arms pinned against his sides. Fingers sifted through his hair, holding the back of his head, an arm wrapped around his body. His blue eyes opened in indignation, a red blush crossing his cheeks. ‘Oh god!! Help, somone please help! I’m being raped!!’ Naruto felt fear coil up in his throat and he would have thrown up if he wasn’t slowly losing oxygen. His attacker’s face was too close to make out any distinctions, and his fear grew, only to be stopped when midnight bangs appeared.

Fear melted away to anger, the blonde knew his attacker was. But he was out of breath and he needed to breath now, so he whined into the intruding mouth, begging for release. ‘Air...I need air...’ Sasuke heard the plea, and with a gentle kiss he released Naruto, pulling back away from the blonde. He made sure he was out of range for a punch, before looking up at his angel. The blonde’s gaze was slightly muddled, a blush dusted across his whiskered cheeks, the tan hands gripping his umbrella tightly as the teen panted to regain his breath.

Sasuke’s heart beat about a mile, his cheeks heating up as he gazed at the other. ‘H-he’s so beautiful...’ Sasuke stood up straight, touching his lips ever so softly. They still tingled after coming into contact with those plump lips, his tongue could still taste the cranberries and pepper that flavored the blonde’s mouth. “B-bastard! What was that for?!” Naruto had finally regained his breath, a hand covering his mouth as he yelled between his fingers, as if afraid Sasuke would try to kiss him a second time.

The raven stared straight into the swirling blue orbs. Naruto caught the stoic teen’s gaze and felt himself shift his feet. Sasuke’s gaze was so strong, and it made him blush further. ‘Damn bastard...’ “Well...answer me, dammit!!” Sasuke didn’t smirk, he didn’t tease or make some excuse, he just continued to look at Naruto with a strange light in his eyes. It wasn’t the same as the one Naruto had seen at school earlier. “I just wanted a kiss,” the teen finally said, turning around the corner. Naruto flushed embarrassedly, chasing after the raven.

“What do you mean you just wanted a kiss?!,” he hissed, stopping when he saw the other male bending over to pick up a discarded umbrella. Sasuke didn’t say anything, just ran a hand through his wet hair. “Goddamn...that was my first kiss asshole!” “It was mine too...” Naruto had been ready to launch into a rant but stopped when he heard Sasuke’s answer. ‘I-it was his first kiss?’ Naruto lowered his raised fist, confused. If it had been Sasuke’s first kiss as well...then why had he kissed Naruto? “W-well, whatever!” Naruto turned away from the pale teen, hurrying across the street and down the block. Sasuke had confused him so much. He stopped running when Iruka’s house came into view. The blonde glanced behind him before stepping into the apartment. He opened the downstairs door using his card key and hurried up the stairs to the second floor.

Sasuke opened the hallway door a crack, watching as Naruto was welcomed at a door by a brown-haired man. When the door closed behind the two, the raven stepped forward, walking to the spot the blonde had stood at. A brass 23 hung on the door. Smirking just slightly, Sasuke stepped away from the door and exited the building. As he was walking away he looked back at the 3-story apartment building. The white walls stood out brightly against the dark sky. ‘It’s just like his home to be as bright as he is,’ Sasuke thought as he walked away. Under the safety of his umbrella, Sasuke let himself smile, thinking of the kiss and of finally knowing where the boy lived.

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The cupboard doors creaked slightly as Sasuke opened them, crystal shining in the kitchen light. His pale fingers wove themselves around the stems of four wine glasses, pulling the cups out from their perch. It was his turn to set the table for dinner, while his mother rested momentarily in the living room. Even in the dining room, he could hear Benny Hinn preaching to the large crowds, somewhere in China Sasuke believed. Quietly, the raven set the glasses down at their proper places, before returning to the kitchen. He grabbed the necessary plates, and the red dinner table napkins, before again marching into the dining room to place the items on the cherry oak table.

Down the hall, his father’s office door opened and there was the sound of hurried feet. Sasuke peeked out from the kitchen as he opened the cutlery drawer, watching as his father practically ran into the living room. And Fugaku did not run. “Honey, Mikoto-sweetheart! I have it, I have it!! The Lord’s new message for this Sunday. The Holy Spirit came to me and moved my hand to write all that the Lord wished for me to say!” Fugaku waved a handful of pages around, a delighted smile on his face. Mikoto smiled sweetly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Oh? What does his Lord ask of you now?” Fugaku settled down slightly, clearing his throat before glancing down at his papers. “It’s about the most disturbing thing that has effected our country for much too long. About those damned abominations: fags that mingle in our crowds and capture our people in sin. Homosexuality is spreading and it's a disease that needs to be destroyed!”

CRASH!!
Silence fell in the living room, and Mikoto stuck her head in the kitchen. “Is everything alright Sasuke?,” she asked the kneeling boy. Sasuke picked up the dropped knifes, turning to his mother with blank eyes. “I’m sorry, my hands were still a little wet and they fell.” Mikoto nodded her head, and exited the room. “As I was saying...” Fugaku’s voice drifted into the kitchen as Sasuke got to his feet, putting the dirty silverware into the sink. He glanced down at the sink and realized he was gripping the edge tightly, so tightly that his hands were ghastly white. With a slow, agonizing breath he pried his stiff fingers from the counter, watching as his hands began to tremble once removed.

“Damned abominations...a disease that needs to be destroyed...he would never be accepted as he was...”

‘I am...disgusting...’ A slow wave of anguish and bitterness flowed through him, burying all other feeling in its passage. Numbly, Sasuke walked out of the kitchen, and headed to the stairs. He jumped slightly when a hand was placed on his shoulder, as if he had forgotten where he was at. He turned his expressionless face back, looking into the worried eyes of his mother. “Sasuke...are you alright? I was calling your name, didn’t you hear?” Silence was all Mikoto received. “Well, come on. It’s time to eat.” She stepped away but the raven didn’t follow. “Sasuke?”

Obsidian eyes stared straight into her dark brown eyes, unblinking. “I’m retiring to my room. I’m not hungry,” the pale teen said. He turned and began to walk up the stairs. “B-but it’s your favourite!” Sasuke never looked back once. A door clicked shut, up in the dark hallway, and only then did Mikoto accept that her son wasn’t hungry.

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“Come in,” Kiba called as he sat up in bed. He reached over and grabbed his cup off of the night stand, swallowing a mouthful of Gingerale. The bitter drink bubbled down his throat, cleaning out some of the congestion that had slurred his speech earlier during his visit with Naruto. The door opened when he put the cup down, a shy raven stepping into the room. “H-hinata?!” Kiba grabbed his blanket, covering his chest as if he was some naked virgin. “Wha...w-what are you doing here?” The girl stopped short on her way to his bed, bowing her head. “I-I’m sorry. I did not know that I wasn’t wanted. I-I’ll leave.”

Hinata turned around to leave, but got no further. “NO!! I-uh-I mean, don’t go. I-I’m sorry to make you think that...it’s...umm...I just didn’t expected you to visit.” The violet-eyed girl turned around, smiling shyly, a hand in front of her mouth in the same fashion that she did when she was around Naruto. Kiba blushed as he noticed the gesture, shifting over in his bed. “Umm...s-sorry I don’t have any other furniture. Y-you could sit on the bed if you want...if you’re not afraid to get sick that is...” Kiba scratched at his cheek, turning his head away but looking at the raven from the corner of his eye. A small chuckle reached his ears, and the bed shifted as more weight was placed on it.

“Thank you for the offer, Kiba-kun. Here, I brought you something.” “It’s not more homework, is it?,” Kiba asked, turning to see what the raven had. Hinata giggled and shook her head. “None, I’m afraid,” she said. The brunette looked down at the object in her hands: a black leather-bound bible, a small gold-flecked cross sitting at the top of its right hand corner. “You said you wanted to learn more, so I decided before you can learn you should have your very own bible.”

Kiba took the book from her hands with great care, and rested it in his lap. “Thank you,” he whispered, his fingers tracing the cross. There it was again, that feeling of flying, of warmth bubbling in him as if from a fountain. Everything felt amazing as he sat there, bible in his hands and Hinata’s presence lighting everything around. He felt himself become more relaxed and delighted as he continued to sit in her light, feelings of love for the raven faded away as his heart began to beat in earnest for the this man Hinata had called Lord. “Would you teach me?,” the brunette asked, looking up at the pale eyes.

Hinata smiled again, and leaned in. Her hand rested against his as she opened the black book, turning to the first page; the Book of Genesis. “Chapter 1; verse 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Verse 2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved...”

Hana Inuzuka stepped away from the door, happy that at least her brother wasn’t making a complete fool himself in front of the girl that he obviously liked. She stepped down the stairs, the girl’s words (‘what was her name? Hinata?’) still playing out in her head. As a veterinarian, Hana was a strong believer in science and her mother shared the same ideas. God was a whimsical thing to the Inuzuka family. “Who would have guessed Kiba believed in such fairy tales,” Hana said to Akamaru. The small dog yipped in reply, and looked back up the stairs longingly. “You can’t go upstairs until Kiba is better.” The dog whined at the command but Hana ignored it. She was too used to the begging routine.

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Naruto sat across from the women dressed in a navy blue suit, the women’s black hair splayed out on her shoulders as the women sipped at the tea Iruka-sensei had so kindly offered. Putting the cup down, the women looked at the two men, her dark eyes studying them with scrutinizing detail. “I’m sorry to have troubled you Mr. Uzumaki, but you are 16...and have over-stayed your welcome at Mr. Umino’s home.” The blonde felt himself stiffen. “B-but I like it here with Iruka-sensei. Why do I have to leave?” Kurenai sipped at her tea again, ignoring the boy’s question. “Ms. Yuuhi, Naruto has no where else to go to. Surely you’re not going to put him in another home?” Kurenai put the cup down, the cold tea sloshing slightly.

“I am only doing my job. Foster homes are only temporary dwellings for a child, until they’re able to return to their parents. As you very well know, Naruto doesn’t have any. That leaves only adoption.” Naruto clenched his fists tightly in his lap. “Then why can’t Iruka-sensei adopt me?!,” he hissed. The women apparently heard, for she answered, “You may ask him that yourself.” Naruto turned to look at his foster parent, but Iruka was too busy glaring at the case-worker with contempt. “I think you should come back another day. Naruto is in no mood to negotiate terms with you.” Kurenai shrugged, grabbing her suitcase off from the floor. “As you wish, Mr. Umino.” The dark-haired women rose to her feet and was escorted outside by Iruka. Naruto too stunned, sat where he was.

The door was locked and a presence stopped right behind the blonde. “So you don’t want me?,” the teen spat. Iruka bit his lower lip, and reached out for Naruto. “Naruto...” The chair screeched as the blonde jumped from his seat, leaping away from the brunette’s touch. “NO! Don’t fucking touch me!!” Iruka’s brown eyes filmed over with heat at the boy’s anguished fury. “Naruto, please listen to me-” “Why should I? Why should I listen to you? You’re just like everybody else! They didn’t want me either, and neither do you!!” “Naruto that’s not-,” again Iruka was interrupted. “Why can’t you just tell me if that’s how you feel. I’m 16, so why can’t anyone just fucking tell me the GODDAMN TRUTH!!”

“Naruto, shut the fuck UP!!” Naruto fell silent, shocked that his homely foster parent had actually sworn. “Naruto, I never lied to you and I never will. I love you as if you were my very own son. Believe me, I’m not happy either. Do you think I really want you to go somewhere else where you may only end up abused again?” Iruka’s eyes glowed with a sorrowful fury. The blonde looked at his feet, silent. “Then why can’t you adopt me?,” he whispered. Iruka glanced down at the floor too, ashamed to say why. “B-because...they have rules, Naruto. They won’t let someone like myself adopt you.” Naruto turned his head up and the brunette could see the tears that dotted those blue eyes. “And what kind of ‘someone’ are you? Caring, kind, loving? Iruka-sensei you’re the only one who has ever cared about me. Why won’t they see that?”

Iruka felt his own tears fall as he sat down on one of the dining table chairs. “They...the Agency doesn’t prefer single parent adoptions. They have high-standards, and believe that only two-parent homes are suitable for the children.” “I-is that all? We can make a case about that! We can plea for them to let you adopt me, can’t we?!” Naruto walked to his guardian, kneeling down and clutching the teacher’s knee. “Can’t we?,” he asked again. Iruka shook his head, and felt his heart crush at the crest-fallen expression of the blonde he had cared for, for four years. The brunette felt shameful and dirty, but he knew if he didn’t tell him the real reason, Naruto would think him weak for not trying.

“T-they won’t let me adopt you...because...b-because i-I’m a man and bec-cause...i-i’m...a homosexual...” Naruto’s grip on his knee tightened, and Iruka was afraid. ‘Naruto...do you despise me now?’ “T-that’s not fair!!” Tears flowed down the blonde’s cheeks as he gazed up at his foster parent. “E-even if you’re gay, you would never do anything to me! You even said so yourself: I’m like a son to you!!” Iruka nodded his head, but his eyes were still sad and lost. Naruto realized it wouldn’t change anything. As long as he was in the agency’s care, he would be under their control... “Where am I going to go now?,” he whispered to the brunette. Iruka shrugged his shoulders, feeling more dismal by the minute. “S-somewhere in the country as far as I know...with another couple...that’s all I know...”

Arms wrapped around him, and Iruka hugged the small teen back. Quiet sobs met his ears, his shoulder being soaked with his son’s tears. “Iruka-sensei...you were the only father I ever had...I d-don’t wan-want...” The words were chocked out with another sob, and the blonde shook in his own trembling arms. Iruka held back a sob as he answered back. “I-I know, Naruto...I know...” The kitchen clock ticked as they sat there, hugging each other, each male crying silent tears. Slowly, the tears ebbed, for they knew there was nothing that they could do. Still they clung to each other, parent and child, afraid to let go. “Iruka-sensei... Watashi wa, tou-san, daisuki desu...,” (1) the blonde whispered. Iruka felt more tears spring to his eyes, as he kissed the mop of golden spikes. “Arigatou, segare,” (2) the teacher replied.

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(1)Naruto is saying to Iruka: I love you, dad- as he considers Iruka his father, even if he really isn’t.

(2)Iruka is replying with: Thank you, my son. Or at least that’s what the translation said.
Foster care really does work like that sometimes. They are accepting of single parent adoptions but some places don’t believe a single parent is worthy of taking care of a child, and many services can be slightly hostile to homosexuals.