CHAPTER 6: A Second Chance (Part 2)

Sasuke was sitting in an empty classroom near the infirmary, pondering the 'accident' that had just occurred. This was an entirely new experience for Sasuke. He had never felt protected before.

He found it ridiculous that his life had taken such a drastic turn because of a stupid smiling man whom he had only known for two days.

However, despite his skepticism, Sasuke couldn't forget the warmth that came with Naruto's touch. He found himself craving the pleasant peachy odor that emanated from him, despite all the sweat.

'I've already become greedy,'

Sasuke's curiosity about Naruto was growing, although he would never take the initiative to ask. He wanted to understand Naruto better and deepen their connection.

'Shut up! You don't want anything to do with him.'

Sasuke felt torn. He knew that in order to get closer to Naruto, he would have to put himself out there, but that wasn't the only thing bothering him.

He knew that he had a lot to learn about the beautiful blonde but was scared that he would end up wanting to be more than just friends with him. He was aware of the effect Naruto had on him already. After all, Sasuke was gay.

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the door slide open. He saw Naruto with small medicine vials, a spray, an ice pack, and a crepe bandage in his hands.

'His hands, they're huge...'

Embarrassed by his thoughts, Sasuke shook his head and focused on what Naruto was doing. Naruto picked up his legs and placed them on the chair next to him. He kneeled and began rolling down Sasuke's socks when Sasuke's smaller hands stopped his larger ones.

"You don't have to do it. I can take care of myself."

"I know, but I want to see it for myself, dattebayo."

Naruto was set on seeing the condition of his foot, and Sasuke saw his conviction in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, I am no monument. There is nothing to see."

"Don't be stubborn, teme."

Before Sasuke could protest further, Naruto rolled down the cloth in one swift move, causing Sasuke to hiss loudly.

Naruto knew that his feet would be in bad shape, but this was more than he was prepared for. His right ankle was blue and swollen, and the soles of his feet were covered with torn skin and blisters. Naruto didn't say anything but glared at Sasuke. Sasuke didn't understand.

'What did I do now? I have been practically sitting the entire time. Is there a way to do even that wrong?'

"Why didn't you treat it yesterday itself?"

Naruto asked. It caught Sasuke off guard. He sounded serious and... frustrated?

"I- It's none of your business."

Sasuke tried to dismiss his question, but he stuttered.

'Way to show off your Uchiha- ness, Sasuke...'

Sasuke felt something cold come into contact with his ankle as he yelped slightly in pain.

"If you had treated it yesterday, it wouldn't be so bad today, dattebayo."

Naruto was angry at how careless Sasuke was being. He couldn't understand how the raven had managed to go this entire time in this state.

'It must have hurt so much...'

Naruto partly felt responsible for this. So, he decided not to waste another chance. Something told him to make friends with the raven.

"I asked you something, Sasuke."

Naruto took the initiative once again as Sasuke remained silent.

"I didn't have money..."

Sasuke felt dominated by his raspy voice. He knew he had to give him something more than a nonchalant remark, or else the blonde wouldn't budge from the topic.

"Don't kid me, you're an Uchiha. If you don't have money, then I don't know who does."

"I get pocket money every month, dobe. I have used up all my money for this month."

Sasuke tried to sound convincing, but Naruto had his comebacks ready.

"It was an emergency! You should've talked to your parents! They would've taken you to a hospital."

"What would I tell them? That I couldn't even take a few extra rounds of the field? Besides, it isn't that serious."

"Give your pride a little rest sometimes."

"Can't. I am practically dead without it."

Naruto could only groan at that. He decided to focus on treating his ankle, putting a halt to their conversation.

On the other hand, Sasuke kept observing Naruto as he worked on his injury. Soon, Naruto tied the bandage around it perfectly, finishing up the first part of the treatment.

He then moved on to his feet and began applying the ointment to the blisters. Suddenly, Sasuke pulled away his feet, chuckling slightly. He cleared his throat in an attempt to cover up the sound he had just made, but Naruto had noticed it already.

'So the Uchihas can look cute, huh.'

Naruto looked up at Sasuke, whose cheeks were pink due to embarrassment.

"I-I am ticklish over there. But don't you dare take advantage of it, dobe."

Sasuke's attempt to threaten was cute to Naruto. Naruto smirked as he looked up at the Uchiha.

"Whatever you say, Uchiha princess."

He wasn't dumb enough to take advantage of Sasuke's ticklish feet right now, but he felt that this information would prove to be useful in the future. Sasuke let out a "tch" and looked away.

Naruto gently applied the medicine, controlling his urge to tickle the raven. He wanted to hear the raven's uncensored voice again. Meanwhile, Sasuke was trying his best to stifle his giggles, jerking his feet away multiple times during the process.

"Ne, Sasuke,"

Naruto's eyes met Sasuke's black ones as if searching his soul. There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Sasuke felt exposed under those intense eyes, so he had to turn away. He coughed a little and asked, trying his best not to seem nervous,

"What?"

"Why didn't you let me take you to the infirmary?"

Naruto had been curious about this for a while now. He had contemplated not asking the question, but his curiosity had already won against his logic.

"Well, I need a clean medical record."

Sasuke answered, dismissing the topic.

'Need...?'

Naruto wondered but decided to stop questioning his decision any further.

"Here... Thanks for today. I won't be troubling you from now on."

Sasuke handed the money for the medicines from his savings to Naruto, got up from his chair, and bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Naruto sensei."

With that, he left. Naruto stared at his back as he was leaving him again.

'Why does it feel like a goodbye?...'

Naruto hated this feeling. He felt somewhat attached to the raven by now. He wanted to be more than just a sensei in Sasuke's life. He got the feeling that Sasuke was the only one who would be able to understand him completely. He didn't want to lose this connection he felt with him.

'I know you're suffering too, just like me...'

Naruto's guilt over Sai's accident was overwhelming him. He wished to redeem himself by helping this Uchiha guy. Deep down, he was completely aware that this was wrong, but he had a habit of listening to his heart.

"Sasuke!"

Naruto shouted and ran over to the raven, who was still limping a few steps away from him.

Sasuke could hear the blond approaching, but he was helpless. He couldn't run away from him, not in that state. Plus, if he really did go away from Naruto, he would ultimately chase after him again.

'I truly am helpless against this dobe... I am too tired of saying shit to him for today,'

Sasuke thought as Naruto finally caught up with him. They walked away, with Naruto making idle talk and Sasuke replying with more than just a "hn."

There was still some time left for the lesson to be over, so Naruto asked Sasuke to keep him company until then. Sasuke hesitated at first but agreed anyway. It wasn't like he had anything better to do, so he might as well just give in to the blond for once.

He sighed as they went up the staircase at the end of the hallway, which led to the rooftop. Naruto opened the gate to the roof as the familiar atmosphere hit them in the face.

He supported Sasuke until they reached a small storage room built on the terrace. It was locked, so they went to the backside of the structure to avoid getting caught in case somebody came looking for them.

Naruto helped Sasuke sit down on the floor against the wall before seating himself beside him.They sat in comfortable silence before Naruto chose to break it.

"Ne, Sasuke."

Sasuke was hell-bent on not getting involved with Naruto anymore. He was afraid to set his eyes on him, afraid of wanting this dobe. But he found himself giving in to his temptations as he answered after a long minute.

"Hn."

Naruto expected this and continued as if he hadn't been given the cold shoulder just now.

"What is your favorite food?"

"... tomatoes."

"Woah! Really? Like, raw?"

Naruto asked, shocked at the confession. Sasuke just gave an annoyed look.

"Well, you're creepy... Anyways, I loveeee~ Ramen! It's the best thing in the world, dattebayo!"

"I don't know. I haven't tried it..."

Sasuke replied. He knew the dish but not the taste.

"WHAT?! You haven't tried Ramen? Not even once? Damn... you really need to start living, dattebayo!"

"Hn."

And so, they talked the time away, with mainly Naruto doing all the talking. Sasuke now knew more about Naruto, like his preferred color and favorite animal. Sasuke told Naruto that he joined here after Naruto had graduated. Now Naruto knew why Sasuke had been oblivious to who he was yesterday. So, he was also privy to one or two incidents from Naruto's past in school.

However, to Sasuke's horror, Naruto now knew more about him, too. Sasuke hadn't even realized that he had ended up sharing similar information with him.

They had parted ways, with Sasuke ignoring Naruto's shouts of wanting to talk during lunch every day. Unknown to the blond and the raven himself, the corners of his lips were tugged up slightly.

'How am I supposed to deal with you for the rest of the year? It's only been two days, and I've already let my guard down around you.'

The raven sighed, a little disappointed in himself. Yet, he felt the urge to keep smiling, just a little longer. He felt weird about this new feeling, but he wasn't against it.

'I can't think like this... Ah, just what are you, Naruto...'

A/N: I am so happy that all of you are taking time to read it.Also, sorry for such a long chapter.(・・;)See you all next time!!Author sound out ~ ✌🏻