Beautiful night~
I'm half delirious right now. It's 4:30am and I've been running on like, 3 hours of sleep from last night. So...I'm pretty exhausted. This was done a while ago, but finals were being all scary so I had to study a bit. And Tumblr has killed, I mean, ENHANCED my life. Short A/N. Here's chap 2. So, enjoy, review, y'know, all that usual stuff. Big bad jerk makes his appearance next chapter.
0o0o0o0o0o0
On a truly beautiful Sunday, with the sun beaming brightly and the sky cloudless as far as the eye could see, Naruto willingly stayed indoors. It was unlike him, he loved days where the sun shone with all its might, warming the ground and air. When he was younger, Naruto would climb out the window and up to the roof where the view of the town was unobstructed and breathtaking. There he would sun bathe without care until Iruka would lecture him back down and scold him for doing something reckless. Naruto looked around his dark room; every second of staring made him more depressed. With a shake of his head, Naruto stood up, walking away from the window. He left his room, walking to a window by the kitchen. He lifted it open and climbed out.
There was a gentle breeze but the sunlight was just strong enough that a small wind wouldn't deter from its radiance. Naruto grinned as he grabbed the secured gutter pipe and used it to help himself scamper up the side of the building. When he sat down on the roof, he looked at the horizon. The town looked breathtakingly peaceful from the high view; a reason why Naruto loved the roof so much as a child. It made him feel as if he wasn't alone. With a cheerful grin, Naruto pulled off his shirt. He walked to the top of the roof, where it was the flattest. He laid his shirt of the sun-heated shingles and rested on top of it. Naruto sighed happily, stretching like a cat as he felt the sunrays warm his back. Birds chirped pleasantly and with the gentle wind blowing, it didn't take long for Naruto to fall into a light sleep.
Meanwhile, Kiba and Sai were walking up the stairs to Naruto's apartment with Akamaru trotting beside his owner. Kiba was carrying a box of chocolate doughnuts. Sai looked over at the box, doubting if a box of chocolate doughnuts would cheer up Naruto.
"Kiba, will those really work?" He asked.
"Of course they will," Kiba replied, stopping in front of Naruto's front door. "That guy is ruled by his stomach. These will perk him up." He pressed the doorbell and waited. Sai glanced at the door then back at Kiba. Akamaru pondered around the edge, sniffing the air.
"About Sasuke…what do you know about him?" Sai asked.
Kiba scratched his head as he thought how to respond to that.
"I don't really know, man." Kiba said after a moment's pause. "I mean, we all grew up together but Sasuke was the antisocial type. He was raised by his brother, Itachi, until a few years ago. He was sick, Sasuke's brother, and he died of the illness he had. Aside from that, I know just as much as everyone else." Sai stared at Kiba as he leaned against the wall beside the door. "If you want to know more, Sakura has a better understanding of what happened between him and Naruto. You can ask Naruto too but I'd advice against that."
"Why?" Sai asked.
"Okay, maybe I know more than most, not as much as Sakura, but those last six months of their relationship were not pretty at all. I'm sure it's still fresh in Naruto's mind." A somber atmosphere settled between them. Akamaru whined and turned around, pressing his nozzle against Kiba's thigh. "What is it?" Akamaru padded over to the edge and he glanced up. Kiba followed his gaze and he saw a pair of feet sticking out from the roof.
"What the hell…?"
"What's wrong?" Sai asked, walking over to Kiba.
"He's sleeping on the roof. That idiot is gonna fall." He handed the box to Sai. Kiba climbed on top of the rail, holding on to the edge of the roof.
"C'mon, let's wake the idiot up." Kiba said with a grin.
"You don't need to do that." A voice behind Sai said. Sai turned around, seeing Iruka and Kakashi walk up the stairs. "We got it covered." Kakashi said.
"Damn," Kiba said, jumping down the rail. "I was hoping I could have some fun with it. Anyway, we brought some donuts for him. Sakura's worried since he's hasn't been to class all week. Is he okay?"
"He's fine," Iruka said. "He caught a slight cold when the three of you went drinking last week."
"Really?" Kiba asked. He shrugged, calling Akamaru to him. "And here I thought idiots couldn't catch a cold. Well, Sakura said she'll be over later to hand him the notes he missed but I'll tell her he's sick. C'mon, Sai, let's go find her." Without even waiting for an answer, Kiba began walking down the stairs. Sai walked over to Iruka and handed him the slim box. Iruka smiled his thanks and as Sai was leaving, the artist turned around.
"Is he really okay?" He asked. Kakashi had the door opened and was already inside.
"Don't worry, Sai," Iruka said. "He'll be okay." Sai nodded but he didn't feel reassured. He left after Kiba, walking behind the dog owner. He knew he wasn't being coldly pushed away but it didn't mean he liked it. Sai turned around, staring in the direction of Naruto's apartment. He could feel something was off but he still felt like a stranger in regards to Naruto. The blond obviously disliked him but he didn't hate Sai. That much Sai knew. And even if Sakura did say Naruto cared for him, Sai knew he wouldn't understand until he heard it from the blonds' mouth.
"Oi, Sai! C'mon." Kiba called out. With one last glance, Sai turned around and jogged after Kiba.
0o0o0o0o0o0
Iruka took a deep breath in, after lecturing, or rather, scolding Naruto for falling asleep on the roof. Naruto sat on his sofa, shoulders hunched as he grumbled. Which had prompted another long winding scolding from his concerned guardian: what if he had fallen?
Or gotten terribly burned?
Or had fallen?
Iruka brought up the whole 'could've fallen off the roof' enough times for Naruto to never sleep on the roof again; at least not for a while. Iruka sat down on the chair, exhausted as he finally let Naruto off the hook.
"You haven't been going to your classes." Iruka said, breaking the silence between them. Naruto shifted his eyes away, guiltily looking at the front door. It wasn't like he was avoiding his classes. In all honesty, he was avoiding Sakura. He knew she was going to ask questions and he didn't particularly feel like answering those questions. Iruka leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his thighs. "Naruto?"
"I know," Naruto said. "I promise I'll go back tomorrow."
"I know you are," Iruka said. "But there's something else."
"Sasuke's back in town." Kakashi said bluntly. Iruka sighed; he was hoping he would ease into that conversation. Naruto's eyes widened as he stared at Kakashi. By the look in his eyes, the older man wasn't lying. Naruto looked to Iruka, hoping that they were actually pulling a joke on him, but Iruka had that same serious look in his eyes. They weren't lying.
Sasuke was back.
"Oh god, no," Naruto groaned, leaning back. "They're letting him back? What about that rehab he was placed in? Didn't you say he was going to stay there for a year?"
"He's out on good behavior," Iruka said. Naruto ran his fingers through his hair, refusing to believe Iruka's words. Was that why Sasuke called him that night last week? Was he actually taunting him now? He groaned again, clutching his head as he tried so hard not to believe that Sasuke was coming back. Iruka shared a glance at Kakashi, whom gave him a nod. Iruka returned the nod and stood up, sitting back down beside Naruto.
"You'll be fine, Naruto," Iruka said, bracing an arm around Naruto's hunched shoulders. "You don't have to be scared."
"I'm not scared, Iruka," Naruto deftly said. "I don't want to see him."
"Well, you don't have to worry about him." Kakashi said. "He's been told to keep his distance from you and he'll be watched periodically. Whatever you do, do not approach him alone." Kakashi sternly gazed at Naruto, reinforcing his point which Naruto was about to refute but stopped. Kakashi was perceptive; Naruto had to give him that. In his mind, Naruto knew he wouldn't actively search for Sasuke, he knew he shouldn't. But he had already ignored that voice of reason, when he met Sasuke outside the town. His emotions, not quite raw but considerably fresh, were too unstable to rationalize. Kakashi knew that without having to ask questions. Naruto nodded after a final thought. He vowed to do his best to stay away but he couldn't keep a promise.
"I can do that." Naruto said, reassuring his thoughts. Kakashi nodded after a long pause.
"Kiba and Sai were here," Iruka said. "They brought you donuts." He pointed to the counter. Naruto grinned and quickly walked over, sitting down on a stool as he opened the slim box.
"Hell yes, chocolate!" Naruto shouted before he began stuffing his face. Iruka laughed and he stood up, walking over to small kitchen. He grabbed the carton of milk just as Naruto began motioning for milk. Naruto nodded his thanks as he took a swing straight from the carton. Iruka merely shook his head then looked inside the fridge. As usual, it was almost empty.
"Go do some shopping, Naruto." Iruka reprimanded. "You can't live on cup ramen forever."
"I can try."
"Funny." Iruka deadpanned. "Go get some actual food today. And start going to class again."
"Right." Naruto said as he finished off the last doughnut. He jogged to his room and searched around for a t-shirt. He made a mental note to do the laundry as he finally found a shirt, the last one, in the closet. He jogged back to his living room, grabbing his keys and wallet from the table. Iruka and Kakashi were at the door, ready to leave. Naruto quickly pulled on his sneakers and headed out. He might as well do the shopping now then later.
"I'll catch you later, Iruka." Naruto said, as he jogged past them. Iruka waved goodbye, closing the door to Naruto's apartment behind him. He glanced towards Kakashi.
"What do you think?" He asked.
"Things might not get so bad," Kakashi said. "But I wouldn't be too sure." Iruka sighed.
"Things are going to get bad. I just know it."
0o0o0o0o0o0
The sun was setting when Naruto began making his way home. He had several bags of grocery in his hands, ready to be stored as soon as he got home. He had called Sakura to help because she always picked out food that weren't pre-made. Living on his own meant Naruto could cook but he always preferred not to. He also wanted to reassure Sakura that he was fine. Of course, come the next day, if Sasuke did show up in his class, Sakura would immediately know he was far from okay. But that was tomorrow and Naruto didn't want heavy thoughts on his mind.
"Naruto?"
The blond looked behind him. Sai was walking towards him, the setting sun created a glowing halo behind him.
"Afternoon, Sai," Naruto greeted. "Hey, thanks for the donuts earlier."
"They were Kiba's idea." Sai said. He fell in step with Naruto as they walked together.
"Either way, thanks. Chocolate cheers me up."
"What made you upset?" Sai asked.
"Sai, there's a thing called as boundary. And that question crosses it in a way you won't understand." Naruto said.
"Then tell me?" Sai said as he grabbed Naruto's arm. Naruto stared into those familiar dark eyes and his eyes widened when he saw the slow building frustration in them. Naruto pulled his arm away as he stepped back.
"Sai?"
"I'm tired of being left out." He said, interrupting the blond. "All I know is that you hate talking about Sasuke but I was dragged into this."
"How?" Naruto asked.
"Do I need to say?" Sai asked. Naruto furrowed his brow and it quickly came to him. He shook his head, understanding where Sai was coming from.
"Sai, that was awhile ago. I… I really wasn't myself. Then you appeared and…"
"It was because I look like him." Sai stated.
"No!" Naruto quickly defended. "I mean…" He stopped and looked around. Passing by people were giving them a look. He sighed and took in a calming breath.
"Let's go to my place," Naruto said.
They walked in silence to Naruto's apartment. He knew where Sai was coming from. He was invariably dragged into this mess he called his past relationship. All because he was at the lowest part of his life after Sasuke left. He had taken advantage of Sai. They reached Naruto's apartment as the sky began darkening. Sai followed Naruto up to the top floor. He fished his keys out and unlocked the door, stepping into his apartment. Naruto kicked off his shoes as he headed straight to his small kitchen. Sai did the same, closing the door behind as he walked in. To Sai's surprise, Naruto's place seemed unusually kept. He turned his head towards the chuckle coming from the kitchen.
"Is it unusual that my I keep my place clean?" He asked as the blond began putting the grocery away.
"Yes." Sai answered.
"You don't hold back on your answers, do you?" Naruto said with a slight shake of his head.
"No," Sai said, sitting down at the counter meant to indicate a separation of the kitchen and living room. "Did you really sleep with me only because I look like Sasuke?" Sai asked. Naruto nearly gagged on the water he was drinking. He coughed, whacking his hand against his chest as he tried to catch his breath. Naruto turned around, smacking down the cup on the counter.
"You really don't hold back." He stated.
"That's not a bad thing," Sai said. "Are you going to answer?"
"…do you want anything to drink?" Naruto asked, turning back.
"Naruto…"
"I'm going to answer," Naruto said. "I'm trying to be a good host."
"I don't need a drink." Sai said. "I want an answer." Naruto sighed and turned back around. He sat opposite Sai, folding his hands together. He looked at his glass of water, watching a droplet of water streak down the glass.
"What exactly do you want me to say, Sai?" Naruto asked. "I did, okay? And I'm sorry if that's what you want. But it's wasn't exactly the best moment of my life. I was hurt. And I wanted some kind of comfort. And you…"
"I was there." Sai finished for him. Naruto nodded, dropping his head down on the counter. "And you've been avoiding me since then."
"How was I supposed to face you after that?" Naruto asked, lifting his head back up. "I mean… it's like…" Naruto let out an aggravated sigh and dropped his head back down on the counter. "Can we not talk about this anymore?"
"Sure."
"Good!" Naruto said as he lifted his head back up. His eyes widened when Sai leaned in and pressed his lips against Naruto's. Surprised, Naruto pulled away, still wide eyed as he stared back at Sai. Sai's expression was, like always, pretty much expressionless. "What're you doing?"
"Kissing you." Sai said, matter of fact like.
"Well, I know that much! I mean, why?" Naruto said, rephrasing his question.
"I thought we had an understanding." Sai said.
"What understanding?" Naruto asked. "Sai, I don't want to start a relationship. Not now."
"You're still hung up on Sasuke, aren't you?" Sai said. Naruto growled as he stared at Sai.
"I thought we were dropping this conversation."
"We were dropping the conversation involving the circumstances that led us to sleep together. This is different." Sai said. Naruto groaned, and for the third time, he let his head rest on the counter.
"Sai, please, I don't want to talk about this." He mumbled. "I might as well tell you. Sasuke's coming back. He might be joining the university." Naruto gripped the edge of the counter, feeling a swirling sickness in the pit of his stomach.
"Okay, I understand." Sai said. He stared at the back of Naruto's head, tempting the notion of whether he should run his hand through his blond trusses. Instead, he stood up, pulling his hand away.
"I'll see you tomorrow, then." Sai said. "I want to tell you, though, that I like you. I'm sure you heard this countless times but you need to forget about Sasuke." Naruto quickly lifted his head to defend that he had forgotten all about Sasuke but the look on Sai's face stopped him. Naruto stared down at the counter, his words lost on his lips.
"Why are you telling me this?" He asked, his gaze lowered.
"That I like you?" Sai asked. Naruto nodded. "Because I do."
A simple confession like that rattled Naruto.
A weak chuckle escaped his lips as he felt his face heat up. "No subtly whatsoever." The blond commented. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sai." Naruto said, keeping his face down. Sai nodded, not that Naruto could see. The blond didn't move until he heard the door close. He kept his head on the counter for a minute longer until he forced himself to stand up. He needed to sleep. It was an escape, Naruto admitted that to himself, but he wanted to slip away from his fogged mind. As he shuffled to his room, his cell phone vibrated. Sluggishly, he fished out his cell phone from his pants and looked at the caller ID.
It was Sasuke.
A rage he hadn't known he was holding back burst forward. He yelled and threw the phone against the wall. Naruto stepped back, sliding down the wall until he sat on the floor. His phone began vibrating again but Naruto ignored it. He leaned his head back, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Goddamnit!" Naruto growled. He couldn't sort out the mixed emotions storming in him. He didn't know what to say, do, or think. And his cell phone kept vibrating. It was pissing him off. Naruto got to his feet and walked over to his phone, picking it up. He checked the caller ID again. Sasuke had called. Another growl escaped Naruto's lips. He marched to the living room and towards the fridge. His phone began vibrating again and with no hesitance, he tossed his cell phone inside the fridge. He walked back to his room and fell face-forward on his bed.
"I won't let you get to me, Sasuke." He mumbled as he closed his eyes.
