Title: Figment of Reality
Author: Ryuk-chan
Rating: T (currently)
Chapter: 1
Disclaimer: Kishimoto-san says Naruto not mine. =(
Warnings: Future SasuNaru, OOCness, some profanity, etc.
Chapter 1: Due Time
Had that guy known the bus was going to be in an accident? How could he? Was he responsible? Was he a terrorist? But why would a terrorist warn me and save my life? Why would a terrorist show mercy on me of all people?
"Um, Naruto? I know you've had a crazy day so far, but could you at least pretend to work?"
I forgot I was on the clock…Well, almost forgot. The noise was kind of distracting. Since it was around noon, Chidori Bean was packed, as usually. Being the most popular coffee shop in the area, practically every college kid within a 15 mile radius would be standing in the long line behind the counter. Today was no different, so me zoning out was definitely bad.
I laughed nervously. "Sorry, Sakura…I just…" my voice broke off, not knowing what else to say. What was I supposed to tell her? An unidentified terrorist rescued me yesterday and I was still a little shaken up? I couldn't sleep at all last night because of one horrible, recurring dream? I would confide in her if she weren't such a gossip. I swear, I love the girl, but she just can't keep anything to herself.
"No sweat," she smiled considerately, "You go on break soon…wanna tell me about it then?"
No. "Umm…"
She sensed my hesitation. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to…"
I had no time to answer. I took several more orders, handed out dozens of cappuccinos, and collected probably more than hundred dollars until I could take a rest. Along with my coffee, I wordlessly headed over to my usual spot by the shop window. It was getting darker outside, and there weren't very many people left out on the street…or inside the shop. With the thinning crowd, Sakura would surely get free time. Which meant she'd be harassing me for answers soon.
Oh joy.
I mean, don't get me wrong. She's really a sweet girl. I used to be in love with her. Nice laugh, cute smile, bright eyes, and curvy in all the right places. Awesome personality, too: super smart, and got along with everyone. I was set on asking her out, hoping we could be more than friends, ever since middle school. Then once, out of the blue, she agreed to go on a date with me. Of course, I was beyond excited. We went to a movie, and everything was perfect – until the good night kiss. It was then that I realized she was like a sibling to me, not a potential girlfriend. Extremely meddlesome, nosy, temperamental, and bossy …but a sister nonetheless.
"Naruto!" Sakura again. Followed by a slap to the back of my head, as usual. According to her, it's what I deserve for not paying enough attention. See what I have to live with? Why did I ever want to date that?
"Ow, ow, Sakura…" I whined. "Why're you always trying to kill me?" It didn't hurt – it never did – but knowing that would only encourage her to smack harder.
"With all your moodiness today, I'd say you needed that. Tell me what's up." She sat down and stared at me with that firm "I'm-not-leaving-until-you-talk" look. I should be immune to it by now…but I'm not. It's too intimidating.
"Fine. Whatever." She was right about one thing: it wasn't like me to be withdrawn. Usually I'm upbeat, optimistic, bubbly, and talkative enough to drive sane men mad. But after this bus thing –
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you though," I said. This was the kind of thing she loved. I saw her eyes twinkle with curiosity, thrilled she was finally getting in on the secret. She leaned in farther across the table.
"Last night, when I was getting on the bus, some guy..." And my jaw dropped in shock and horror. "Holy shit." I gasped.
"What? What!? What is it?" Sakura cried, voice frantic with anticipation.
"That's him!" I shouted, leaping up from my seat. It was the mystery guy, right outside the freaking window!
"That's who?" Sakura asked, aimlessly peering through the glass.
I was angry now. Pissed off to the point of no return.
Mr. Mystery Pasty Ass was simply hanging out across the street, facing the café window. It was too far to know what his facial expression was, or even what he was looking at. But I had a feeling it was me.
"Who the hell does he think he is?" I shouted. Everyone was staring at me now. Sakura peeked up at me, confused and embarrassed, with cheeks that rivaled her bubblegum pink hair dye.
I blushed slightly, mumbled a "be right back" and ducked out the door. Hopefully those customers weren't as freaked out as I was.
Okay, back to business. Anonymous Bastard Man. I knew for sure his gaze was on me now. He was watching me, and appearing pretty smug as well.
"Hello again, Naruto," he goaded. He looked down at me with those dark eyes I had dreamt about the night before. Only instead of panic, they were swirling with amusement.
"Don't 'hello again' me, you bastard. You owe me some serious explanations." I snapped, jabbing my finger in his chest. It didn't faze him. In fact, he rolled his eyes at the gesture.
"So soon? I thought you'd at least like to know my name first." His smirk grew wider. Definitely not helping my irritation.
"Do you even know what happened last night? Do you even care?" I shouted, frustrated.
His expression grew serious. "Of course I care. Why do you think I stopped you?"
Please tell me that question was rhetorical. "Are you kidding me? I have no idea what to think! Some stranger handing me cash and sending me home while a busload of people rode to their deaths!? What the hell am I supposed to think?"
He didn't respond.
"You want me to believe you did it 'cause you care? How could you care about me…you don't even know me! Are you some kinda terrorist with a crazy ass preference? Are you a sociopathic stalker? I just want to know why!" I looked up at him, chest heaving from my tirade.
"Finish?" he asked sternly. Whatever laughter was in his voice before was gone – replaced with a low, harsh tone that kind of frightened me.
My insane rage began to dwindle, and rationality returned at full force. I had basically made a complete ass out of myself... yelling at a total stranger in the middle of the street. A stranger that saved my life.
How grateful am I?
"You're right. You deserve an explanation," he whispered, barely audible. "And don't worry. It'll come in due time," he said, smirk returning to his face. He pointed toward the coffee shop.
My eyes followed. "What do you mean?"
When I turned back, he was gone.
I hope you guys don't mind the fact that I jumped from third to first POV. I like first, it just seems so much more personal. Like a giant thought bubble. Heh, oh well.
This chapter is so short! I thought cutting the first chapter would be better, but now I regret it. I apologize. But look on the bright side! This means the second chapter will be much longer and come sooner!
Please, please, please review! I have no idea if it's good unless you tell me so!
Thanks for reading!
~ Ryuk-chan