…Wow… I really wasn't expecting much feedback for this story O.o… Thank you so much:D
Well, I was going to bring it down because I thought it wasn't going to get much attention… But I suppose I could keep it up for its fans!
WARNINGS: Read first chapter for warnings.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Just writing a fan fiction! Don't sue me…
Oh man…
Oh freakin' man…
It was a terrible idea to fight Sasuke… I thought he was torn up until I saw myself in the mirror and realized that I could not move my left arm. I had a swollen black eye, several bruises adorned my face, one of my old whisker-like scars had a new scratch directly over it, and there was a small cut on the side of my head and on my bottom lip. Ouch... my knuckles were split open, and I believe the wounds made Hinata a little woozy, but that didn't stop her from bandaging them up. My gut was in pain and my left arm was dislocated.
Damn… Next time I gotta make sure I don't black out like that… I warned myself that last time! When I got in a heated argument with this guy after a rough baseball game I had told myself several times, don't lose it! After the fight, I regained consciousness, wondering why the hell my hands were bruised and my clothes had blood on them. Heh… I sent that guy to the hospital for weeks and I was suspended from baseball until the next year. Don't ask why I black out like that… I just do.
I watched everyone walk around in my living room. Gaara was cooking, Neji was cleaning, and Tsunade and Hinata were bandaging me up. I almost laughed when I saw that Gaara was beginning to cook something in my kitchenette. But my jaw was in too much pain for me to laugh.
Hinata's clothes were a little dirty—probably because of the stuff I knocked down, one of Gaara's sleeves was ripped and hanged loosely around his arm, there were a few scratches on his arms and under his chin, and Neji… Neji's hair was mussed up, his shirt was no longer clean (my blood, dirt, and some kind of drink was splashed over it.), and there was a bruise on his cheek. My fault I think…
My eyes were glued on Neji as he tossed my dirty clothes in a black bag for the wash, placed the dishes in the sink, and straightened a few things. I'm guessing he could feel my gaze on his back 'cause he looked over his shoulder with a confused look on his face. But every time he looked, I looked away and listened to Tsunade mumbling about how much of a knucklehead I was.
…
Heeey…. I'm not a knucklehead!
I pout and sniff the air. Mm… I knew Gaara could cook, but like him yelling, I wasn't used to the idea.
"N-Naruto? I-Is it too tight?" Hinata asked, rubbing my hand.
I crack a small smile at her. "No… it's fine." Ow… damn my jaw hurts… I touched the bandage on my knuckle with my bandaged fingers. Nope. Not too tight. I patted Hinata's head and watched her blush grow. Heh, cute!
Ahem.
I leaned back on my dirty couch and rested my head on Tsunade's shoulder. She had finished patching up the cut on my cheek and was now drinking a glass on wine. It was deadly quiet and the atmosphere was tense! I wince slightly. I don't like it one bit…
"I'm sorry guys!" …Way to break the ice…
Everyone turned their heads to me and I fidgeted. I'm not the one who apologizes normally. I just don't like it for some reason. I inhaled. But this is my house! If any word of me apologizing comes out, which is less likely, I'll…
I'll just deny it. Simple as that!
"I didn't mean for you guys to go through all this trouble. Guess I shouldn't have lost it!" I rubbed the back of my head and flinched at the glares I got from Gaara and Neji. "Heh... Heh… But it's better than you two! You two would've actually beaten him half to death…"
Gaara and Neji quickly looked away from me and continued what they were doing. Ha! One point for Naruto! Ow… I gotta stop moving my mouth. Fuck. Sasuke sure does pack a punch.
"At least we wouldn't move around like some wild animal…" Gaara murmured. Neji snickered.
Oh great… My two best friends feel like ganging up on me… I pout just a bit.
"And you're right. But it would take both Gaara and I to beat Sasuke 'half to death' as you say," Neji said and dropped the bag full of my nasty, dirty, and stinky clothes in front of my door to take downstairs to the laundry mat. I've been meaning to get those clean! Really…. Three weeks ago…
"Wait a minute… It would take both you and Gaara? You serious?" That's a shocker right there… Well, then again it shouldn't be after they told me how Sasuke was top of their class and beat them both.
Both of them nodded but still went on. You'd think they'd flinch and take care of thing in a rougher way, what with their prides and all. I sighed and buried my face in Tsunade's shoulder. She didn't look too happy.
Oh, she was happy when Hinata said that sub's name. But when Tsunade saw me and heard what happened, she was already out the building's door screaming about how she was going to kill some Uchiha tonight. If it weren't for Neji and Gaara she probably would've been at his house already. The old hag had a way of finding people… I had to smile though. Nice to know that she would spit on anyone who'd hurt me. She'd also get a disgusted look on her face if she heard their name. Hahaha! Tsunade's funny.
"I should probably keep you from school for the next few days…" Tsunade whispered.
Oh oh!! Please do so!! I gave Tsunade the doughy puppy eyes and pulled at her sleeve. I don't feel like going to school! Especially since it's the beginning of the week! Please oh please Tsunade!!!
Tsunade glared at me. And rubbed her temples. "It's best you do! You told me to never hit a girl! And that's going to be hard with three fourths of the female population in school hitting me after they see Sasuke with bruises on his face."
I heard Hinata giggle and Gaara snort. And I swear I heard him say 'wimp'… Mm… Mean Gaara.
Tsunade sighed. "I'll think about it brat, just be careful next time. I'm not going to be here forever to watch your ass." She kissed my forehead and stood to walk to her room.
"Yeah you only got what… ten more years before you won't be able to walk without a cane?" I snickered and hid behind Hinata, away from the death glare Tsunade sent at me before slamming the door behind her.
"Um… N-Naruto… M-maybe you sh-should be nicer to Tsunade…" Hinata whispered.
I blinked and shrugged. Hinata was right. And I told her that before grabbing a pillow and burying my face in it. I need sleep… I gravely need it. Today was just not a good day for me… Seriously.
I just listened to my surroundings, hoping they would put me to sleep. Hinata was singing softly near me while putting something away. I could hear Neji's feet shuffling around and Gaara was still in the kitchen. Hey… Hinata's singing is really nice… I smile in my pillow and yawn silently. Sleepy sleepy sleepy…
One eye opened just a bit when I felt a hand weave through my hair. Who dare to stop me from sleeping?! Oh… Neji. He was crouched in front of me and petting me. Well more help for me to sleep. My eye closes and I yawn silently again. I felt lips peck the side of my head and give my head one last soft pat.
"You're a bag of trouble Naruto," Neji whispered and went back to what he was doing.
Yes I am! And proud of it too! I smile once more in my pillow and let sleep claim me.
-020-
Maaaahhh!!! Good morning all! Good morning bright yellow sun, good morning beautiful blue sky, and good morning clean, for now anyway, home!
I wrinkle my nose and stretch my upper body. Ouch… Hmm, shouldn't have stretched my left arm… oh well. I scratch the back of my head then put my left arm back in its sling. I stare out my window and tilt my head to the side. I still don't get why a lot of people say I'm like the sun and the sky. I really don't. I stare at it a bit more and smile. Well it's a brand new day. Better spend it wisely.
I laugh slightly. I remember one time waking up and staring out the window at the sky. Tsunade and Jiraiya walked in and I didn't even notice them. Hell they were biting each other's heads off and I still didn't notice them! I just kept staring at the outdoors. But when I heard them laughing I had to turn and look. I asked them what was so funny and they said I just looked exactly like my father. They said almost every morning he'd stare out the window and forget about everything else. I smiled. I wonder how different life would be if dad was around when I was born. Or mom! Either one… Or both really…
Ok, now's not the time to be tearing up! Come on Naruto, pull yourself together! Now… what to do today…
…
Wait… Isn't today…Tuesday? I curse under my breath and look at my clock. God damn! It's seven thirty?! I thrust the blankets off of me (One of them must've put it on me…) and scurry to my room.
Only to trip over something heavy and land on something else. I yelped. Now is not a good time to fall! Neji must've forgotten to pick something up… or Gaara felt like leaving something for me to trip over. Damnit what ever! I just have to get to school! I don't want to be scolded again by Tsunade for missing a day just because I overslept. I try to get up but feet a hand grab my wrist and another grab my ankle. What the…
I look down and saw Neji sitting in my armchair with a blue blanket draped over himself. He was yawning and rubbing his eye with his free hand. Looking farther down, my eyes laid upon a hand paler than Neji's. AHH!!! A zombie! Oh wait… it's Gaara. Heh… I'm overreacting right now…
Gaara was rubbing his head and glaring up at me. Oops… was that you that I trip over? Shouldn't have slept down there panda boy. And shit! You looked weird without all that eye liner! God!! Put it back on please!
"What are you guys doing!? We gotta get ready for school! Wait… You guys should already be at school! No… you guys shouldn't even be here! Why are you here?!"
"Naruto shut up…" They both muttered in unison and buried themselves back under the blanket.
"Uh…guys? School…" I pointed at the door.
"We're not going today…" Gaara's muffled voice sounded through the thick blanket he was currently under.
"We aren't?"
Both of them pointed at a piece of paper on the table and instantly went dead. Oh… didn't see that. Stepping over a snoring Gaara, I snatched up the paper and read:
'Hey brat!
I've decided to let you stay home. I'll inform the school in the morning. And I swear you sleep like a rock. Just dead to the world! Anyway, Neji and Gaara are staying over. We sent Hinata home. I didn't find it proper for her to sleep in the same room with a slob like you. Be sure to change the bandages over your hands. Your knuckles don't look like they are going to heal anytime soon. And even if you forget one of your friends will know. I'm not sure if I should let you skip for a long while… depends if you're still in pain. And I mean real pain. If you're faking it you'll be in even more pain understand? I'll send those girls from your school after you!
Later,
Tsunade'
Heh… I placed the letter down and looked at my two companions snoozing the day away. I swear… they seem like morning people to me! What the hell's up with this? They're practically dead! Like I was last night… I smiled though and looked around my home.
They all sure did a good job of making it sparkling clean! No stains, dishes were put away neatly, and books were on their respective shelves along with my DVDs. There was no longer a layer of dust, my plants looked healthier and a sweet smell filled the room. Hmm… Lavender. I gotta thank everybody! But how?
As I pondered, I opened the closed curtains and windows. Hey, it really was nice today. The sun was bright and the breeze was nice and cool. I heard one of my dead friends groan and shuffle. Most likely Gaara. He didn't like brightness all too much.
I pull at my hair gently and rub my stomach, feeling and hearing it growl rather loudly. Shouldn't have fallen asleep on Gaara's dinner, and it probably would've been good too… Passing a snoozing Neji, I entered the kitchen and opened the fridge. Oh, lookie here, another note.
I pluck the note off of a wrapped up plate. I recognize Neji's elegant handwriting:
'You wouldn't wake. This is yours. Heat it up for two minutes or so. Enjoy.'
I looked over my shoulder and smiled. Man I love those two. After popping the plate in the microwave I was rummaging through my drawers. My clothes smell clean! The smile on my lips turned into a frown as I picked at the clothes I currently had on. Ew… they were sticky and smelled of blood. I shrugged out of the outfit and tossed it in the hamper. That hoodie was my favorite… I slipped on a pair of black drawstring pants and an orange tank top. You know I had to dye this tank top? They have a tank top in every color except orange.
Shoot, they even cleaned my room… The blankets were washed and spread neatly over my mattress, magazines were stacked up next to my bedside table, and my broken alarm clock was replaced by a new one. Actually, I think I've seen that one before… Oh, Tsunade's room, that old one that she changed for a sparkling pink girly one. My carpet floor was clean of potato chips, cups, plates, and my dirty boxers. Well… now I really owe them. I'm amazed they cleaned pretty much my whole apartment!
Ugh my hair feels greasy… does it look greasy? I shrug and stick my head under the sink and pat it a little to get rid of the excess water. A laugh escaped my throat as I shook my head around like a dog. Although it didn't stick up everywhere like it usually does, it was still a bit crazy.
"Damnit Naruto, did you have to do that? I finished cleaning this bathroom hours ago…" A mumble came from behind me.
I smile my famous foxy grin at my red haired friend, but it faltered a bit. He was staring at me with narrowed eyes. Man…
"Gaara? Please put your eyeliner back on," I chuckled sheepishly. "You look… weirder without it…"
Gaara snorted and pushed me out the way and slammed the door in my face.
"Aw! Gaara! You're so mean… A pure pain in the ass too!" I laugh as he kicked the door and made it shake.
"You're the pain in the ass, Blondie," He said from behind the door.
"Yeah, yeah! You keep thinking that! And don't break my door!" Another kick, harder than the last, was his reply. I laughed out loud and walked away to the kitchen.
Oh, my food! Hastily, I took out my dinner breakfast (yup that's its new name!!) and gobbled it down. Yum! Gaara's cooking is the best. I just wish I could have seconds 'cause I finished the plate in a minute. Good delicious homemade Gaara food. I sighed happily and looked at the armchair that Neji was still asleep in.
Half of the blanket was pooled in his lap and his hair was a bit ruffled. He had a peaceful look on his face and his nose wrinkled every now and then. With a groan, he buried his face in the pillow supporting his head. Where's a camera when you need one?
My smile slowly faded. Damn you Sasuke… Saying those things last night… looking so god damned sexy… indirectly hurting Neji… I sigh. I'm being torn in half… A part of me wants Sasuke, another part wants Neji. I can't have both! Well, I could… but that wouldn't be fair to them! Plus Sasuke is just doing this to mess with Neji! And embarrass me!
A pair of arms folded over my head and a face nuzzled my hair. I laugh. "Gaara! Get off!"
"…Do you have any idea how loud you are? Now to mention your feet are like stones…"
I pout and struggle to get Gaara off. Ohhh… I can feel him smirking! Damnit Gaara get off! My struggling was growing. I even stood up to get him off. God freakin' damnit! I'm too short!! I HATE being short!! Gaara's taller then me! Making me seem more girly!
…
I am not girly. I was just saying… 'Cause I mean I have big eyes, baby soft skin, a somewhat girly figure and shit… my hands are pretty girly too… ok I'm a shut up. Don't believe a word that people say about me! I am not girly! I do not look or act girly! My dad was a macho man and so am I!
…
Ok dad wasn't a macho man… and I'm definitely not… But I'm not girly! So don't believe a THING people say about me being girly…
"Gaara get off!"
"Gaara… off," was Neji's order.
A chill went up my spine and it seemed it went up Gaara's too. He removed his arms from my head and placed his chin on my shoulder. Well… Now I know why Hinata keeps insisting that I let Neji sleep when ever I call and he's taking a cat nap.
Neji's head lolled to us slowly and he glared daggers at us. I laugh sheepishly. That look is pretty scary…
"Maahhh!! Go back to sleep Neji," I said after gulping down my jumpy heart.
He snorted and started to stretch. "I have to agree with Gaara, Naruto… You are too loud…"
I smile then look at the letter on the table from Tsunade. "Hey, guys? Why did you stay?"
Neji froze and Gaara shivered, pulling himself off of me. "That woman can be very persuasive…" Gaara winced and scratched the back of his head. I could only snicker.
"Oh really? What did she do? Huh? HUH?" I poke Gaara's arm before he shoves me into the table.
"None of your damn business…" They both growled out, looking away from me.
I whine like a little puppy. But I wanna know!! Tell me guys! Please?! How can you not tell anything to this adorable face?
"Naruto… stop…"
Hastily, I suck my lip back in and straight myself up. "Sir, yes sir…" I glowered at Gaara was smirking and took a seat on my couch.
You know… I shouldn't even let him sit on my couch for getting me in trouble with Neji. Damn you Gaara! And I thought you were my best friend! I growl and slump back in my wobbly wooden chair, glaring as hard as I could at Gaara. And you wanna know something? That's not much since Gaara's the best friend I've had in the longest time.
Please don't shoot me if I sound like some sappy romantic vow or something but… Those two… Neji and Gaara… Heh, their pieces of me that I've been searching for my short 16 years of life. Without them… life would still be meaningless. I would ask anyone to kill me if they both left me. Hell I'd burn and then drown myself after a cruise (and after I finish the buffet).
A small smile graced my lips as I watched them.
I knew Neji since we were was in grade school… Not too well until middle school though mind you. He was… pretty distant back then, really distant. He was always quiet and, like Gaara, didn't say too much. Hey, he was still handsome then too, his desk was always littered with Valentines, Christmas, and birthday presents, and lots of girls ran around with their disposable cameras asking to take pictures of him. Though he was two grades higher than me, I always saw him around with a trail of whispering and squealing chibi girls. He'd walk around the playground with a book in his hand, and not one of those colorful children's books either!
I always thought he was weird. He wasn't like normal boys that was for sure. He didn't play games with us, and I offered all the time, especially since I was mostly pushed around for my size, I wanted to see if he would be different. Neji looked at me funny the first time and said he had no time to play games. I swear… he was a grown man trapped in a little boy's body! Kids had all the time in the world! How could you not have time to play? I mean I could understand that when you're older but man when you're nine or ten?
In middle school… Neji grew even more distant to others… When I saw him in my first year in middle school, I jumped up and down and asked him if he remembered me like some crazed fangirl. Ugh, I gave my self a heart attack that day. Neji said 'who could forget a kid like you? You were short and loud.' Hehe… that made me mad. For a short while, ha!
I really don't know when we started becoming friends. Cause I just remember hanging around him a lot. Probably wormed my way into that head of his with all my words of encouragement!
Man if Tsunade heard me say that she would probably die of laughter… Maybe I should try that… It would get her away from Jiraiya that's for sure!!
Oh wait!! I know when Neji stopped being so cold! A bunch of high schoolers came over and started beating up some kids. They came after me… saying I was too annoying. I didn't even do anything except try to help the kids they were beating up! Is that so wrong? I'm guessing I was going to black out that day too… but I don't know, hell I'm not sure, cause when I started to, something happened. I ended up watched Neji beat the crap out of all of them. This was when he was in high school and I was a lowly middle schooler. Laugh please… I need some people to laugh at my life story!! I thanked Neji and smiled my genuine smile. And I swear I think he blushed! I know he did! I started asking people for a camera and his blush instantly disappeared.
Yup! First day of being great friends for me and Neji! Woot!!
I let out a small laugh and look at Gaara who looked like he was going to collapse and fall back asleep any minute…
Gaara… only known him for over a year and he's already my best friend, someone I consider a brother.
Like I said not too long ago, Gaara and I didn't get off on the right foot at first. He took my seat in art class!! My favorite seat!! It was not fair! I wanted to be friends with him when I saw him in homeroom 'cause he looked cool... But after art class I wanted to MURDER him. Art class was supposed to be my thing and he comes along and steals my fame!!! GAHHH!!! Cough… sorry… getting a little too emotional, ne? Anyway… I 'accidentally' tripped and spilled paint over Gaara's shirt and shoes—which I found out later was his favorite… Heh... Afterwards, Gaara and I were doing everything we could to embarrass each other, and he was winning… by a mile… he was better than Sakura…
We occasionally threw fists at each other and roughly shoved the other with our shoulder when the other passed by. And his glares at me were rather cold whenever I won a battle. It always made me gulp and know that Gaara would come back twice as strong.
We actually had a few fights in the park, in alleyways, and right there on the street. Pure bloody fights too. I always came home with a dislocated jaw, a black eye, and sore muscles. But I could never tell Tsunade who it was that bruised me up. Why? I don't know. I just couldn't.
One day he made me so mad over something, I forget what, and my mind screamed 'KILL! KILL THE RED HAIRED PANDA!!!' In homeroom, after Neji dropped me off after our intensive 'Good-morning' make-out session…. Wait… Ignore that!! IGNORE! That did not happen! … Ok maybe it did but… just ignore! When I came in homeroom I noticed that Gaara was in there with his brother and sister, who by the way were snapping at each other about Gaara and their father. Gaara was silent through the whole thing, his head being cradled by his covered arms and his pretty aqua eyes were staring off into the space of the black board. He looked… sad… hurt… torn apart that day. But you could only see it from his eyes.
When he saw me he quickly looked away. His older brother must've noticed 'cause he looked over his shoulder and snarled at me with pretty mean words. Mean I say! Temari and Gaara had to calm him down with a few words and then they went back to talking, but in hushed voices. I was still able to hear them even as I sat in the far end of the room. Gaara's father came home drunk the night before and Gaara's siblings told him to stay in his room that night. But Gaara didn't seem to listen and walked around.
I felt guilty when I heard that his father beat him. Gaara might've stood a better chance if I hadn't picked that fight the day before. When his siblings left I sat next to him and tried to say sorry. But the only thing I could say was 'You okay?' Gaara, like Neji, stared at me funny then went back to what he was doing: staring off.
News spread around fast, news that was merged with horrible rumors and everyone started whispering stuff about Gaara that made me furious! Especially Sakura. I wanted to rip her head off and roll it down the hall! And I still do… But she's so fun to torment so forget that plan.
People that tried to be friends with Gaara edged away from him and soon joined what everyone else was saying. I didn't like it one bit, and I didn't plan to leave Gaara's side.
A few weeks afterwards, when everything died down Gaara questioned my reason for staying and not joining everyone else. I just smiled and patted his back. He didn't deserve getting beaten up by his dad and he didn't deserve losing his chances of making friends. But I didn't tell him that, I just smiled.
Mah! As you can well see… my smile earns my friends. Or is it my brains? Or maybe my charm? Hmm? What do you think? I think it's my sexy charm! HAHA!!
But yeah, they're both pieces of me that I've been looking for quite a while.
Standing up and wave my good arm around, jumping up and down. "Oh OH!! What should we do today? It's a free day! No crazy girls chasing you two, no teachers, no work, just a free breezy world outside that door! What should we do?!"
Neji and Gaara stared at me with identical looks and I laughed. Laughed till my stomach hurt. They didn't seem to get anything and shrugged. Neji went back to trying to warm up (it's pretty cold in here…) and Gaara went back to randomly flipping pages in my book. I just smiled.
"I still have some of your clothes you guys left over here last time you came. Can we all go out? A make-up for yesterday's dinner!"
-020-
Whoo hoo!! Today is a great day! It's not too hot, the crowds aren't as big as the weekends, the breeze is cool and lapping against my skin, and Neji and Gaara seem to be enjoying themselves.
Ok I'm not sure if they are… Gaara has a slight frown on his face (he's not very fond of crowds or the bright sun), and Neji is as stoic as ever. But I just have this feeling that they're acting. Why do you ask? 'Cause every time I look over my shoulder and point at something I like with a gleaming smile, they have their own smile gracing their face.
I'm greeted by several people I meet at the mall and my job. A wave and a small smile leads to a small chat of 'how are you's and 'see you around'. I attract a really weird but cool crowd: people who are tattooed from head to toe, people dye their hair blue, pink, and neon green, people who have piercing in the strangest places and of course, people who where business suits in the day and sexy black leather stuff at night(sounds familiar, ne?).
My boss happens to be one of those with the strangest piercing. He has one on his left eyebrows, four on his right, a diamond nose ring, seven on both his ears, two on his tongue, and the last one is his belly button. Apart from all that he's a pretty cool guy! Friendly, outgoing, hilarious, short tempered if you insult is employees or friends, and a sensitive artist. He does sculptures and abstracts, they're pretty awesome!
But anyway, I gotta say hi and ask for a week off. I mean look at my state! I can't carry around three hundred pound boxes full of books! Although he's rather friendly he's kinda strict when it comes to work. Gaara and Neji are getting a kick out of watching me argue about how I can't work. Look at them sitting there, drinking their lattes. Just 'cause I have one usable arm doesn't mean I can still do so much! My boss glared at me when I started using my puppy eyes. Yes! Score for Naruto! He ruffled my hair and agreed to a week, any longer and I'm working twice as hard once I get back.
I smile sheepishly at him and nod. Yeah yeah, I'll be back in exactly a week. Well! Shopping time now! With a playful yank, I pulled Neji and Gaara all around the mall. To video game stores, music stores, hehe, even the pet shop. Look at those cute little puppies!! Cough… um… Heh, maybe I should get one for Kiba, but I highly doubt he'd give it as much attention as he gives Akamaru.
Just as we were about to leave, something caught my eye. Something fluffy and white. I looked cautiously at Neji and Gaara and at the people occupying the store. Nobody was paying attention, so slowly I walked to the door with my hands in my pockets. I poked my head in through the door that was labeled 'employees only!' Don't think I listen to signs like that ok? I smiled brightly at the little white bundle in a cage. Its soft triangular ears flickered and its tail swished. Wanna know what it was?
A cute snow fox. He stared at me with bright yellow eyes but looked like he was ready to kill. You know, it's so tempting to sneak all the way in and free the little guy. Wild animals don't deserve to be locked up in a small cage like that. I was just about to step a foot inside and pet him but a small had touched my shoulder.
Jumping at the unexpected touch I looked over my shoulder with the cutest grin I could muster. But it melted away when I saw the one of the prettiest girls I have seen in a long while. A blush grazed over my cheeks.
"Erm…"
"Sir, didn't you read the sign? Employees only." She said to me sternly.
Her fair face was framed by two long strands of brownish black hair and her chocolate brown orbs swirled with innocence but they also had a pinch of intelligence and complexity. Her frame was small, even behind that size too big red button-up shirt and beige pants and she was a few inches shorter than him. The rest of her silky looking hair was pulled into a tight bun and decorative chopsticks held it together.
"Erm, yes I did… I was just, looking at that fox over there." I nodded my head to the fox who was now clawing at the caged as if he wanted to see who else was there.
"Oh, Youko," The girl smiled and pushed the door open a little more and knelt down to the cage.
She stuck a finger inside and the fox nipped the finger then nuzzled it. "He's a sweetheart," She looked over her shoulder and stared deep in my eyes. I fidget. "Do you like foxes?" I nodded. My throat feels like it sewn together, this does not feel right. I mean this girl is very pretty and everything but does my throat have to feel like this?
She giggled and I turned redder. "That's nice to know, foxes are pretty smart and talented creatures." She pulled Youko out and held him carefully. "Want to pet him?"
Slowly I raise a hand and the fox recoils just a bit. "Um… I think he'll bite me," I laughed sheepishly and let my hand fall limply back to my side.
The girl scoffed and took my hand, placing it on the fur. Youko purred when she made my hand pet him and rub him behind his ears. Soon I was able to do it myself. The girl's arms loosened and the fox jumped on my shoulder, nuzzling my cheek.
"I think he likes you," She smiled brightly and stuck her hand out for a shake. "I'm Haku by the way."
"Naruto," I laugh out as I took her hand and Youko played with my earlobe. "You know you're very pretty."
Haku looked at me then snickered. Did I say something wrong? "Thanks, but I should get back to work. Come on Youko, I'll give you some food at lunch. I don't think Mr. Naruto would want his ear to be chewed off and in your stomach." Haku patted Youko's stomach and pulled him off of me. After kissing his nose, she placed him back in his cage and dusted her shirt free of fur.
"Well, you have to get out of here before you get in trouble as well as me," Haku playfully pushed me out and I laughed at how small she was but she had enough strength to push me four steps away.
The worker turned around and locked the door and smiled at me. "Is there something you want?"
I almost blurted out 'your number?' but that would be very rude. Hey I'm not very bold when it comes to girls, don't bother asking why. I just respect girls. Personal lessons from Tsunade helped me realize that they are very special and shouldn't be taken for granted. Although some of them do in my opinion. Think of it as a less, but I think it'll just make them worse.
"Er, no. I was just looking around!" I yelped and jumped at the feeling of two fingers poking my sensitive sides.
"So that's where you were," Neji's voice ringed in my ear as Gaara continued to poke my sides as if he was fascinated with them.
"Yeah, YEAH! Stop it Gaara!!" A few heads turned and I blushed red, immediately knocking Gaara's hands away from him.
"Hello," Haku giggled. "So you're Naruto's friends?"
"Yes," Neji said then frowned. "And you?"
"Oh I'm just Haku, hopefully Naruto's new friend," Haku beamed at me and I think my blush seemed to go darker two shades because they were hot!
"Uh, yeah! She's my new friend!" I chuckled. Haku only snickered again. "What's wrong? Every time-"
"Naruto… I'm a boy."
And everything around me seemed to went quiet. Neji and Gaara seemed shocked like me—or did they? I really don't know. I was too busy staring intently at Haku. A… boy? IMMPOSSIBLE!
"HOW?!" I nearly shrieked. "You're too pretty be to boy!!" Haku shushed me with a finger on my lips and a bundle of giggles.
"Yeah I know I get that a lot. It's fun playing around with people like that." Haku's fingers delicately cover her, no, his lips as his fits of giggles grew slightly louder.
I shook my head and stuttered. "But… But… But you! And th-the… and how?"
"So we're friends right?"
That little… How could he do that to me? Play along with me thinking he is a she!? I gulped down the words of anger and rubbed the back of my head after Gaara hit it to stop me from stuttering so much. I know, I sounded like a fool.
"Uh… yeah, sure…" I was a little uneasy.
"Great!" Haku pulled out a sharpie and scribbled numbers on my good arm. I gulped once more when he made a little heart at the end. That was a little… cute. Haku pulled away and continued to smile at me.
"Well, nice to meet you Naruto and…"
Gaara nudged me to wake me up from daze. But like a typical Gaara move, he nudged me too hard. After glaring at him I said. "This is Neji," I pointed at the scowling ex-boyfriend of mine. "And this is Gaara" Gaara only nodded as a greeting and dragged Neji away, saying something about meeting at the cake shop.
I scratched the side of my nose after Haku added them to his sentence and looked at me with those big brown eyes. "They seem nice."
I scoffed. "Yeah, if you don't get on their bad side." I stuffed my hand in my pocket and kicked a few doggy kibbles on the ground.
"Oh come on, are you embarrassed?"
Now I couldn't say yes and I couldn't say no. So I just shrugged. Haku seemed to find me funny.
"So you'll call me right?" Man, he really did act like a girl. I can't even master that! Gaara and Neji can maybe, but I think their prides are too big to be doing that. I finally manage the old Naruto smile and nodded.
"Yeah! You got it!" Haku's smile grew.
"Haku!" Someone gruffly called across the room. Haku looked over her shoulder and waved. Damnit, I gotta stop saying he's a she.
"That's my cue to get back to work, see ya around!" Haku turned heel and walked gracefully to the person who called him.
I gulped and turned to. That was an interesting experience. Thinking about it as I walked to the cake shop I had to laugh. That was rather funny, but the fact that I was blushing so hard was not.
Looking down at my arm that held Haku's number, that evil blush came back. He was just too cute and pretty to be boy! Slightly frowning, I jogged the rest of the way to the cake shop. Ow, shoot I can't even jog without my arm hurting! Anyway, at the cake shop, there was Gaara and Neji, in a little booth that only held two. I chuckled.
"Wow, I didn't know that you two were secretly dating!" I slung my arm around Gaara's shoulder. "Way to go Gaara! Ain't he a great kisser-OW!"
Neji had kicked me in the shins and Gaara slammed his fist on my head. I whimpered and looked at them both with my doughy puppy blue eyes as I rubbed the parts they had hit. Aren't they mean? "That hurt you guys…"
"Good," they said in unison.
"And stop looking like that or you don't get any cake," Damn you Neji.
I pouted and crossed my arms over my chest as I sat on Gaara's knee.
"Stop looking like that as well. You're not a baby Naruto."
"And if I was I would get everything from you two!"
Neji looked at me hard as Gaara drank his tea and ate his cake in little bites. The intellectual Hyuuga grumbled something about bratty blue eyed blondes and passed me my cookie dough cake.
I cheered and quickly stuffed a piece into my mouth. "Oh! And by the way, not all blue eyed blondes are bratty!"
"You are… and I was only referring to you." Neji looked at me with a sly grin and I was tempted to through my cake at him, Gaara too, because I can feel him snickering.
Soon I too laughed and we all enjoyed our cake. Man is this a great day! Nothing could ruin this day!
Around 1:30 I saw a head that supported long bubble gum pink hair that could only belong to one person. It seems I had spoken too soon. Groaning, I buried my face in Gaara's shoulder, I almost covered my ears as well as Sakura and her gang of cheerleaders walking in giggling like mad.
Gaara looked across the room and frowned deeply as he drank the rest of his tea. Neji too was frowning after he looked over his shoulder. The looks in their eyes promised death if either one of those girls dared to insult me.
Why were they here anyway?! Were they ditching? I could rat on them, but that wouldn't be right in my book. No matter how cold Sakura and those girls could be.
Peeking a little bit, one of the cheerleaders whispered in Sakura's ear as she stared at my table. Oh god no… Sakura's head immediately turned my way and her glare scorched me. As if I wasn't damaged enough.
Sakura stuck her nose in the air and returned to ordering her own sweets. The girls soon got into a misfit of whispers and giggles, none of which sounded good. Letting my head raise a little, I continued to watch them, thinking of actions I should take if they came over this way.
Gaara's arm was wrapped protectively around my waist, rubbing comforting circle on my stomach. My chin rested on hit head and I looked away from those girls. And this day was going so well too. Neji sighed and pulled gently on my bangs. "Want to leave Naruto?"
Sakura looked like she was ready to kill me as well as Ino. I gulped and nodded feverishly. Although this was one of my most favorite shops, being in it with a group of girls that apparently wanted to run me over and feed me to sharks was anything but fun. Neji and Gaara packaged their cakes as well as mine and we all stood to leave. I hurriedly walked to the door on the other side of the shop but Sakura called—screeched in my opinion—my name and out of habit I stopped.
I cursed myself. Noooo!! I was almost gone!
"Naruto!" She called again, stomping my way.
I looked over my shoulder as Neji and Gaara guarded my back. "Yeah?" I asked sincerely.
"Don't you play innocent with me! Why did you do that to Sasuke?!" Oh, so she was now on first name terms with him? Isn't that a joy? Sarcasm included right there.
"Do what?" Now I really was playing innocent. "Beat the crap out of him?"
Sakura turned beet red from anger and made a move to give me a piece of her mind. But the sight of Neji and Gaara glaring at her, she stopped.
"Naruto Uzumaki," She said in a deadly voice that sent chills up my spine "I swear if you hurt Sasuke anymore-"
"I won't, as long as he doesn't piss me off and hurt me."
The girls gathered around Sakura and gasped. "Sasuke would never do that!" One of them screamed.
"What? You think he's an innocent angel? Look what he did to me!" I gave them a full view of my front that had scratches and bruises and my arm in the sling. "I can't go to school for a week!"
"You deserve what you got," Ino said haughtily.
I puffed my cheeks out and bit back the rude comment I was just about to say to her. Mentally, I calmed myself down. Don't want to start a scene, not here; last time I did manager banned me for a whole month. My tooth for cakes drove me insane.
"You think I started it? He insulted me!" There were murmurs of disbelief and Sakura opened her mouth to talk back up Neji spoke.
"Haruno, if you know what is good for you and your family, you had best keep that mouth of yours shut." Neji tossed at glare at them all and pushed Naruto gently to the exit. I stuck my tongue out childishly at them and winked before I turned to the open mall.
"Well, at least that didn't ruin my day completely!" I skipped and twirled before Gaara looped an arm around mine and dragged me off.
"Don't you dare start acting like a ballerina," Gaara grumbled.
"Why?" I poked his cheek and dodged a smack. Ha! "So violent Gaara."
And so the day went on. I was gifted with new clothes, books, and delicious foods. I was grinning like a fool before I realized I was being pampered by my two best friends. Hastily I bought them something too. I bought Gaara a stuffed panda (believe it or not he likes those cute little guys) and Neji, some really complicated ancient books that I know he doesn't have. It might not seem much but, it's what comes from the heart right?... Occasionally!
Gaara looked like he was going to collapse when it was dusk. Neji and I half dragged him back to Neji's car and in there he fell fast asleep. Freakin' vampire person. Well… I should say day vampire. Gaara looked kinda cute though!! I mean look at him!! All curled up with his red scarf wrapped around the lower half of his face and his new little panda bear snuggled up tight in his arms. I gig-chuckled and reached over to poke his cheek.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you Naruto," Neji warned as he stopped at a red light.
"Aww, why not?"
"Remember the last time you did that?" Neji ruffled my hair as if to shake my mind into memory.
I growled and waved his hand away. Yeah yeah I remember Neji… Gaara nearly ripped my finger off and threw almost everything at me. What was up with these two? It's almost like the most terrible thing to do in the world is to wake them up! I mean come on the waking up isn't that bad…
Feeling my head droop, I placed it on Neji's shoulder. Mm, warm.
"Naruto get off, I can't drive right!" Neji shrugged my head away from him and made a right turn.
I stared at Neji through the side of my eyes as I leaned against the window. Wanna know something? Before, Neji really didn't care if I laid my head on his shoulder when he was driving. He even once let me lay my head on his lap while he was driving!
…I guess that's what breaking up does to two people… nothing is ever the same. I sighed and hastily wiped on coming tears. Ok, yes I'm a big baby when it comes to Neji. Which I'm sure was easy to figure out. A sigh reached my ears and a hand gripped my knee.
"Naruto… we can't be as we were before, you know this." I sniffled and glared out the window. No need to tell me that Neji. You're only making it worse!
Neji blinked then looked at me. Oops… did I say that out loud? Groaning I banged my head on the window.
"Neji I-" Neji held a hand up, signaling the end and went back to driving.
Angry at myself, I banged my head harder on the window. I should break it then stab myself with the broken glass. Way to ruin the day Naruto! As street lights turned on and the sky got darker making it a cold dusky evening, I watched cars pass by. From normal to funky to cool. There was this one car I noticed. It was bloody red and its motor growled loudly every time its gear shifted. The pitch black windows were rolled down and two men were fighting, yelling and shoving. Ohh, a lovers quarrel.
When the driver turned his attention back to the street the other noticed me staring, and I noticed that styled hair and cold porcelain skin. There was Sasuke, turning his head to me, with a few stitches and bandages on his face. I gulped and tried to look away. Come on head!! Move!! Eyes! Stop staring! He'll notice! But once we locked eyes I was permanently glued to him. I gulped down a thick lump in my throat as he searched through my eyes liked he did yesterday morning. A smirk formed onto his lips and he went back to driving, his eyes promising not to leave mine.
A large rock crashed into my gut at a horrid thought that crossed my mind. Was Sasuke… going to follow us to my house? My throat went dry and I looked every where frantically. The light was still red but I knew it was going to turn green soon. Looking back at Sasuke I saw his fingers drumming on the steering wheel with anticipation. My answer was hammering onto my scalp. Hell yes he was going to fall us home. To MY home!
"N-Neji…" I murmured.
"Hm?"
"DRIVE! DRIVE FAST!!" The minute the light turned green I slammed my foot on Neji's that was over the gas pedal.
Gaara was jerked away when his head hit the back of my seat and he quickly fastened his seat belt. Should've had it on in the first place Gaara! "What the fuck are you doing Neji!?"
"It's not me it's- OW!! NARUTO!!!" I panicked and only pressed hard as I stared at the rearview mirror. Sasuke… That bastard! He's speeding too! "NARUTO MOVE YOUR FOOT!"
"Go to Kakashi's house!" You know that guy always did tell me if I felt I was being followed don't go home, go somewhere else, police station or his house. Why he ever suggested his home was a puzzle to me but right now I don't care! I just wanted to get away from the speed, sick and hellish demon!
"WHAT?!" the car echoed with my two best friends constant yelling and threats.
"Just do it!"
Yay! Another chapter done! Sorry I took so long to update!! I was too busy bubbling up ideas and not much of them glued together. So here you have it:D Enjoy and review!
Remember I love good, nice appreciating reviews and constructive criticism.