Few Days Later
Naruto was still adjusting to his new accommodations, every night he's been back to South Central with some type of excuse, last night he found out that Coop was rolling with Shawn and he was worried about her,
It was 4 A.M when Naruto woke up, and he got up getting his workout clothes and a shower, grabbing his ankle, and wrist weights along with his dumbbells he went out to the court on the property and began to run drills and workout
It was 6:30 when Martin got up and from his window saw Naruto doing one handed inverted pushups on his fingertips, and he smiled proudly
An hour later Naruto got out the shower, and was drying off his hair
Currently he was in the bathroom getting out the shower after his workout, as he dried off his hair the door opened and Olivia got a view of his body as she gasped and Naruto quickly covered his privates
"Whoa. So sorry! I just- no. You're there. No. Jordan is always up before me, so I swear, I- I didn't see anything - Much."
"Well, good, good." Naruto nodded as Olivia with her hand still over her eyes began to pat the walls
"Ok. There's-s should be extra towels." Olivia said as Naruto pointed to the other wall, "No, uh not there. They're over there, probably."
"Thank you." Naruto nodded
"Ok. Um, I'm Just-I'm gonna go." Olivia said turning and slamming into the wall, "Ow!"
"You you good?" Naruto asked as Olivia hit the wall again
"Ow! Yeah." Olivia said getting out of the bathroom
"You sure? You don't need a, ok." Naruto said as the door closed
Minutes Later
Naruto wearing a Orange long sleeve with a black strip going up the sleeves, and black straight leg Levis, and Orange/Black Lebrons walked down the stairs as he put on a black hat
"Morning, Nathan." Mrs. Baker greeted
"Hey, morning, ma'am." Naruto smiled
"Oh, I told you, please call me Laura." Laura said
"Right, sorry Laura." Naruto smiled
"Your forgiven. So, what can I get you for breakfast? We have cereal, Juice, fruit. And we're making omelets."
"That'd be great." Naruto said looking down at the wide spread of fancy breakfast items on the table before he looked over to Martin and Jordan
"Cool." Laura said going back to the food.
"Dad, Hawthorne's too fast for us to play like we did last week, ok? The only chance we have is if we switch it up on offense, keep them guessing." Jordan said
"What are you thinking?" Martin asked
"I say we go with a fast pace offense out the gate." Jordan said
"Actually, their offense is where it's at right now. They got the second highest scoring in the district."
"Whose the first?" Jordan asked
"Crenshaw." Naruto said
"He's right. We have to figure out how to lock up their guards. Have you played them before?" Martin asked
"No. I just been doing some digging. I stayed up watching game tape last night after I got in." Naruto said
"You've been getting in late often, and getting up early. You cool? You gonna be solid for this week?"
"Yeah, I'm good." Naruto said before he looked over and saw Olivia who looked at him and bumped into Laura
"Ooh! Geez."
"Sorry, Mom."
"Morning, Olivia." Laura said
"Good morning." Martin said as Olivia walked to a plate, "I said, "good morning."
"Morning, dad." Olivia finally said
"Great. See, number 3, that's their best guy offensively, but he's their playmaker right there. But he don't like to play physical"
"So we got to take advantage of him on in transition/During transition." Martin and Naruto said together causing Jordan and Martin to look at him as Martin began to laugh
"Ain't no way he's hanging with me." Naruto said confidently
"All right. Let's see you. That's what I'm talking about." Martin laughed as he and Naruto bumped fists
"Yes, sir." Naruto said as Jordan watched jealously
"Confidence." Martin nodded going back to the video
Later, Team Practice
The team was running plays, "Every team is only as strong as their weakest player."
Asher went for a layup but Naruto swatted it away
"Hawthorne is a powerhouse. The only way we will stop them is if we know our own weaknesses. Iron sharpens Iron.
Naruto was passed the ball as Asher guarded him, "About time you had a proper introduction to Beverly."
"About time you brought one." Naruto said as he dribbled to his left hand, behind the back and between his legs followed with a crossover that caused Asher to fall before he stepped back and shot the three while Asher began to cradle his ankle, and everyone ran over to check on him
Later
Asher was getting his leg taped up, as he glared at a disinterested Naruto, "It's just a sprain. He'll be fine, but he's out for this week's game." Martin said
"Dad, we need to rotate our guards." Jordan said
"What you need to do is put me in for him." Naruti replied looking to Martin, "Look, I can play anything, coach, offense and defense."
"And what hppens when you get gassed out there, Nate?" Jordan asked
"Last season, I played the every second of every game for the entire season. In the words of Kevin Gates 'I Don't Get Tired." Naruto said causing Martin to smile as he looked down
"Jordan, why don't you give me and Nathan a moment?" Martin said causing Jordan to sigh and walk off
"All right, so what do you say, coach?" Naruto asked
"Uh I say no." Martin said
"Look, I'm the only one here with his future riding on this season. These other guys ain't got nothing to lose." Naruto frowned
"I feel you on that, and believe you me, I got the boosters and the board, everybody's breathing down my neck, but I have a responsibility to you. You think I don't notice you getting in late every night, you going back home every day?"
"And what about my moms? What about Dillon? If I ain't there to take care of them, who is?" Naruto asked
"Look, you are burning it at both ends off the court. I can't have you doing it on the court as well."
"Look, man, I left behind my family, a'ight, my friends, my school. I left behind who I am." Naruto frowned
"I understand that. I'm trying to protect you." Martin said
"I didn't come here to be protected. I came here to win, and the way I see it, I ain't the only one with it all on the line here. Now, our best chance at winning this game is with me in the game, and we both know that." Naruto said as Martin watched him causing him to sigh before he left
After school Naruto went to the park and bet some trust fund brats in a game of HORSE, 21, and 1v1's. By the time he left the park, Naruto had a Pinkslip and Registration for a Dodge Challenger SRT, a Rolex, diamond rings, and $45,012 in cash, he video taped everything so he wasn't accused of stealing,
Martin, Laura, Olivia, and Jordan watched as Naruto got out the car smiling as he grabbed his duffle, "Nate, uh where'd you get the car?" Martin asked
"Won it from some trust fund kid, in a game of HORSE." Naruto said as he pulled out the Rolex, "Along with this bad boy."
"I really wish you would've told me you needed money instead of just going out and gambling." Martin said
"I'm good, told you I like to work for mine." Naruto said
"I hear you, but what if they were to call the cops and accuse you of stealing this?" Martin asked only for Naruto to toss him a GoPro
"Video taped every second of it." Naruto smiled which caused Martin to nod as Olivia and Jordan were looking over the car
"Smart man, ok. I need you to get ready we have somewhere to be a little later." Martin said causing Naruto to nod before he left up to his room
Later
Martin and Jordan wearing suit and ties as Olivia and Laura wore dresses were all ready to leave when Naruto wearing a black v-neck longsleeve, black jeans, and Chuck Taylors walked in, "Nathan, what's going on? We're leaving. Get dressed." Martin said
'I am dressed." Naruto said with a raised eyebrow
"And you know what? You look great. You do. It's just these things are so -" Laura began
"Stupid and pretentious?" Olivia asked
"Hey, easy." Martin said as he looked to Naruto, "Yeah, yeah, no. Just throw on a blazer and snazz that outfit up."
"I don't own a blazer." Naruto shrugged
"Uh ok, no problem. Wear what you want. To hell with the boosters, isn't that right, boys?" Laura asked as Martin and Jordan nodded
"Yes, yes, yes." Martin said
"You're good." Jordan added as Naruto sighed
"Ma-" Naruto began
"Uh, you guys go. I'll take care of it. Nate and I will just meet you there." Olivia interrupted Martin turned to her, "Dad, I said I'll take care of it."
"Ok, let's go, guys." Martin said leaving with Laura and Jordan
Moments Later
Naruto with a dark blue suit on looked himself over as Olivia taped his cuffs, "We just double the tape up, stick it right here, and bam. Well son't you clean up nice?" Olivia said standing up
"You know, you're good at this." Naruto said as Olivia snickered
"Having pants?" Olivia asked causing Naruto to smile as he turned to her
"No making people feel better." Naruto said causing her to look at him with a smile, "I may not show it, but all of this is still uncomfortable to me."
Olivia nodded
"You sure Jordan won't mind?" Naruto asked
"No, no. This one's my dad's. Looks like you two are a perfect match.' Olivia said as Naruto rose an eyebrow
"So, what is this booster party, anyway?" Naruto asked
"Just a bunch of old blowhards knocking back craft cocktails and congratulating themselves about a basketball team they had nothing to do with. But they fund the sports program, so my dad sucks it up, and with Beverly coming off yet another losing season, the pressure's on and I guess that's where you come in."
"Damn, so it's that bad?" Naruto asked
"Yeah, I don't really remember much about my dad playing ball, but what I do remember is how he was after distant, no real purpose, until my mom heard Beverly needed a new coach, and then the light came back in his eyes. I'd just hate to see him lose that again, you know?" Olivia said as Naruto nodded, "Now let's get Beverly's new star player to the party to impress."
Douchbag Party
Naruto and Olivia walked into the party with Naruto looking around the large mansion, "Damn." he said as a man was glaring at him
"Is that him? That the boy that took you out?" the man asked as Asher turned and saw Naruto and Olivia who were walking down the stairs
"Leave it to Beverly hills to keep it simple." Liv said before Leila walked up
"Nathan, thank god you're here. David shea was asking for-What?"
" I just didn't know you'd be here." Naruto said
"I told you, I'm stu-co president. We sponsor all the booster events. Oh, uh, sorry if I interrupted you guys." Leila said looking to Olivia
"I mean, hey, why stop now?" Olivia asked
Naruto looked away awkwardly, "Well, you look great in your suit." Leila said
"Thank you. And when you have a minute, I know the boosters are dying to meet you."
"Really looking forward to it." Naruto said shaking his head negatively causing the two to smile before Leila walked off
Olivia escorted Naruto around and he soon became the center of attention, "You've got to keep you eye of the ball to get that steal. Am I right?"
"Yes, sir." Naruto lied smiling good naturedly, "We'll be ready for them."
'I mean, with Asher Adams out, what you need to do is bring the new kid in full time. I saw some highlights of him on YouTube and he is amazing." a woman said to Martin who smiled and nodded
"Now, coach, with his speed, you might as well put him at Point Guard." a man said to Martin
"What's in those wheaties they're feeding you over at Crenshaw? All you boys-"
"You boys"?" Naruto asked with a glare as Leila walked over
"Hi. I'm sorry, Mr. Adams. I need to steal Nathan for a second." Leila said grabbing his hand, "Let's go."
Leila lead Naruto away as Mr. Adams watched him, before the two walked outside, "So what's your story, anyway? You and Olivia? What's that all about?" Naruto asked
"Ok, last time I asked you to size me up, you cut straight to my "lonely rich girl" core." Leila said
"Hey, that's my bad, ok? I didn't mean to make you feel like that." Naruto said
"No, I mean...You're right. I am alone. My dad travels a lot for work New York, Paris."
"Hey, at least you know where he is. My dad left a few years ago. I ain't seen him since." Naruto shrugged
"Why did he leave?" Leila asked
"Your guess is as good as mine. Said he got some big new job somewhere, and I guess we weren't part of the plan." Naruto said
"Well, my dad's always about the big plan producing career, wife he was madly in love with. I think they just had one kid 'cause They only had so much love left to give. And then Two years ago, we were all on vacation on Aspen and,"
"Ah, living the bougie life." Naruto smiled
"Um My Mom never liked to ski. She was more of a "sit in the lounge room and drink hot cocoa" type. She said she needed to go home, asked me to come with her. Um, she never made it to the airport. Car accident, so...She was just gone."
"Hey, look, I'm sorry, ok? I didn't know." Naruto apologized
"It's ok. It is what it is, right?" Leila said dabbing at her eyes to prevent her tears from falling
"I guess I just thought you had it made.' Naruto said
'You can come from anywhere and have a sad story, Nathan." Leila said
"Yeah. Um, we should get back to the party." Naruto said
Party
Martin walked to the bar sighing in relief from being alone for the moment before ye sighed in annoyance as Mr. Adams walked up, "Hey, what's happening, man? Another scotch on the rocks for me, and whatever the coach is drinking. Not much of a gesture at an open bar, but I'll cover the tip."
"Well, I appreciate that. Let me just get a beer, please." Martin said looking to Mr. Adams, "I'm I'm sorry we won't have your boy out there with us this week."
"Are you now?" Mr. Adams asked
"Yeah, injuries. They're, uh, they're part of the game, you know?" Martin said taking his beer
'Asher's the best guard you got, and you let that thug rough him up during practice?" Mr. Adams asked
"Whoa. Mind yourself now, Harold." Martin glared
"Just calling like I see it." Harold said
"Ok, well, thanks for the drink." Martin replied walking off but Harold followed him speaking loudly
"When they hired you, I had high hopes. Sure, your pro career was a bust. But, hey, that's the game." Harold said as Martin turned to him, "After two losing seasons and with another one on the way, guess you're just getting comfortable with losing."
"Uh - that's enough." Asher said walking up
"Oh, it's ok." Martin said
"Coach, I'm I'm sorry.' Asher said
"Why should you be sorry? He's the reason you got hurt!" Harold yelled as everyone began to walk closer, "Him and his son!"
"What are you talking about?" Martin asked
"Talking about how Jordan was behind that contested permit, and now your crenshaw boy is bringing his anger about the situation on our court, injuring my son!" Harold said aw everyone looked to Jordan who looked down as Naruto narrowed his eyes
"Dad, will you -" Asher began
"That's right! Jordan Baker's the one that gave chatsworth the tip."
"Are you serious?" Naruto asked causing everyone to look at him as he looked at Jordan, "You're the reason I can't go home at night?"
"Face it, coach. That boy doesn't belong here, and neither do you." Harold said
"Call me boy one more time." Naruto dared as he walked forward but Martin got between them
"That's exactly what they want you to do." Martin said before with a scoff Naruto left the party and got into his new car and sped off
Baker Mansion
Jordan made a beeline for the stairs but Martin stopped him, "Uh-uh, not so fast. We need to talk." Martin said walking to the kitchen, "Sit down."
Jordan sat at the table with Olivia standing across from him and Laura sitting away, "Please, please tell me that you weren't behind this contested permit mess." Martin said watching as Jordan just looked down, "Come on, man. With all that you have, why would you try to hurt someone with less?"
"Honey, I'm sure that's not what he was trying to do." Laura said
"Ok. Well? What is it, then?" Martin asked looking to Jordan
"I don't know. I just...Yeah, I was out on that court. Just scored, feeling on top of the world. Feel feeling like like I'd finally made you proud. Turned around, and there you were, patting his back, calling him "son," and I just reacted."
Martin shared a look with Laura, "Well, if you felt that way, you should have came to me. Why didn't you come to me?" he asked
"Really? Because you moved him into this house without even asking any of us." Jordan said
"Without ask...that may be the case, but I'm still disappointed in you, Jordan." Martin frowned
"What's new, dad?" Jordan asked
"Jordan." Laura began
"No, no. You know, it's fine. I'm always disappointing him, right?" Jordan asked standing up
"Wait. That is not true." Martin said
"It is and you know it. What is it you said? Heh! Oh, that's right. "There's no one on this team with even half Nathan's potential, skill, and talent' right?"
Martin walked forward as Jordan left the kitchen, "Jordan. Jordan!" he called but Jordan continued on
"Well, that went great." Laura sighed
"Is all this about basketball?" Martin asked
"Dad!" Olivia said looking at Martin in shock, "Do you really not see what's happening? You have a son who is desperate for your approval. Why do you think he even picked up a basketball? And you also have a daughter just out of rehab, and the one person you're focused on, the one person you're trying to save is Nathan."
"Baby girl -" Martin began
"No, look, I am so happy that you care about Nathan. It's the right thing to do, but there are other people in this house that need you, too, dad." Olivia said getting a nod from Martin before she kissed his cheek, "Good night."
'Night." Martin said
James House
Naruto sat on the couch, with his tablet watching game footage of Hawthorne, "It's a weeknight. Mom's not gonna be happy." Dillon said reading a comic book as he chewed on his apple
"Yeah, I'll handle Mom. I got to learn focus on this." Naruto said before he saw the comic, "You went to the comic book store?"
"Your friend Shawn hooked me up. You know, he seems cool." Dillon said only for his heart to nearly jump from his chest as Naruto snatched the book
"Look at me. He's not my friend, and he's not cool, a'ight? Don't let me ever hear you've been talking to him again. You understand me?" Naruto asked with a glare
"Mm-hmm." Dillon nodded quietly
"Dillon." Naruto said.
"I do." Dillon said looking down sad
"Look, I'm sorry, man. I ain't mad at you, a'ight?" Naruto said before he got up
"Where you going?" Dillon asked
"To make sure Shawn leaves you the hell alone." Naruto said leaving the house
Park
Shawn was talking to some gang members when Naruto arrived, "Hey!" he yelled
"Hey, homes. Headed in the wrong direction. Rodeo drive is the other way." Shawn said
"Leave my brother alone, a'ight?" Naruto said tossing the comic book at Shawn
"Was just offering the kid a little community kindness, that's all."
"He don't need shit from you." Naruto said stepping into Shawn's face, "If you ever come near Coop or my family again. I'll kill you."
Shawn looked at Naruto before he slammed the but of his gun into Naruto's ribs causing Naruto to fall to a knee as he coughed and looked up to see Shawn with the gun in his face,
"Yeah." Shawn nodded before Naruto reached up and snatched the gun as he elbowed Shawn to the ground and stepped on his chest putting the gun to his forehead
"I said, stay away from my family. Are we clear?" Naruto asked glaring as he cocked the hammer back on the gun
"Yeah, Beverly." Shawn said before Naruto got off him and disassembled the gun dropping it
Shawn got up and walked off with his fellow gang members following him, "How could you do this to me right now?" Naruto asked looking to Coop as he cradled his ribs as he snatched her red hat
"Do this to you? This ain't about you. Shawn been at me ever since you left."
"So why you ain't just tell me, huh?" Naruto asked
"Tell you for what? So you can be caught up in this mess? This is exactly what I try to protect you from." Coop said
"Protect me?" Naruto asked
"That's right. You and your future."
"Look, I don't want or need anybody's protection. I didn't ask for any of that." Naruto said
"And I didn't ask you to protect me, neither, bro. But you did, for a long time. But that's over now. You cannot save the world, Nate. You got to save yourself. 'Cause out here, it's every man for themself." Coop said turning and leaving
"Coop." Naruto called but she kept walking, "Hey. Coop!"
Coop looked down as Naruto leaned against the fence still clutching his ribs
Game Day
51 : 25
Naruto played the first half full time with a small ache in his ribs he's already had a triple double, with 35 point, 15 assist, and 11 blocks with 9 rebounds,
The game hasn't been as smooth though as he has been the cause of 4 turnovers in the beginning with the ache in his ribs causing him, but he's been adjusting his game,
Naruto caught the pass from JJ and ran through the lane to basket but had to do an up and under dunk causing pain to flair and as he slipped from the basket and fell on his back
53 : 25
Naruto got up slowly clutching his ribs, "Dammit." he hissed
"Dad, I think he's hurting." Jordan said
"Say what?" Martin asked
"Something's not right. I think he's hurting." Jordan repeated
"No, he's just winded." Martin said as Naruto ran up court and defended his man as the ball was tossed to his man, Naruto got into the passing lane with a stumble and fell causing the ball to bounce back and fighting through the pain he got up as his man got the ball and was about to pass it but Naruto tipped it free and ran up court to the three point line, and shot the ball with a grimace as the buzzer went off and the shot was good causing the fans to cheer as Naruto grabbed his ribs again which Martin noticed
56 : 25
Everyone went to the locker room, and Naruto sat down with a towel over his head as his teammates cheered, "Okay." Martin said getting everyone's attention, "I like what I'm seeing out there, but let's keep on that pressure. The game isn't over until the end of the 4th Quarter. So we will not be slacking off. Do not let them cut into the lead, today's game is a message that this year, is our year."
"Yeah!" the players yelled as Naruto sighed before Martin walked over
"Nate, good game, but your on the bench." Martin said walking off
"What?" Naruto asked getting up to follow but the players got between him and Martin following the man back to the court
It went downhill after that, Naruto sat on the bench with Asher as not only did Hawthorne come back but took the lead as well and no matter what, Martin did not put Naruto in the game and they lost
63 : 88
"And that's the game, ladies and gentlemen, Beverly losing another close one."
Naruto's face was blank as he lost his first game in 6 years, getting up he walked to the lockers and sat in front of his own as everyone left and Martin walked up behind him, "We both know I could've continued to play tonight."
"Probably, but, uh That's not the point.' Martin said causing Naruto to stand and look at him
"Then what is?" Naruto asked
"Raise your left arm, Nate." Martin requested and as Naruto began to slowly, "Come on. Higher. Above your head."
Naruto did so and released a sharp breath that caused Martin to nod
"There, see? You're hurt. And you could have risked a serious injury trying to do it all."
"Doesn't matter. You never should have pulled me." Naruto said
"Well, you never should have been on the floor that long to begin with. All right? I put too much on you. Let them damn boosters get in my head and - and that's on me." Martin said
"No. This loss is on you.' Naruto corrected
"Every loss is on me. My job requirement is to win games, but what I know now is I care more about you than I do about winning." Martin said
"I had a triple double tonight, 41 points injured and all. Every fuck up I made out there I corrected with a block or stealing it back. I didn't miss a single basket tonight. If you left me in, we'd be celebrating right now." Naruto said grabbing his stuff and leaving as Martin smiled for some reason
Morning, James House
Naruto rotating his shoulder, as his ribs were healed reached for the orange juice but Dillon took it, "Oh, wait." he said holding it up
"What?" Naruto asked
"Just make sure to be careful. Don't want you fumbling the juice." Dillon said
"You got jokes this morning, huh?" Naruto asked snatching the juice
'Tension breaker. Had to be done." Dillon said
'Hey, look, I got something for you." Naruto said pulling a new comic from his bag
"No way!" Dillon gasped excitedly
"You like that? Hey, I really am sorry, all right? And I'm sorry I lost last night." Naruto said looking to Grace as she sat down, "I know y'all are counting on me."
"I asked you to take this shot to give yourself a chance at something more. So what if you lost a game?"
"I went to Beverly to win. What good am I otherwise?" Naruto asked
"Nathan. Win or lose, you are so much more than what you are on that court. You push yourself so damn hard trying to take care of us all. And you've been like that ever since your daddy left, trying to prove something to yourself and to him. But you can't hold up the world on your own, baby."
Naruto sighed as Dillon patted his shoulder
Olivia walked down the street and got into Asher's car, "Ok? I'm here. What's so important?"
"Look, we haven't talked since you got back from rehab. I thought that -"
'Thought what?" Olivia asked
"That we should. Look, I I know that I haven't been the best boyfriend to Leila, but I want to change that. And with Nathan at Beverly now I feel like she's pulling away. I want to make sure that you and I are on the same page-"
"There is no "you and I." It was one drug-induced screw-up. We got caught up in the moment, and I had to walk away from my best friend because of it. I lost Leila, and I have to live with that guilt for the rest of my life." Olivia frowned
"We both have to live with it." Asher said
"Then let's just keep pretending that it didn't happen, ok? Leila deserves at least that from us." Olivia said getting out the car and walking away
Later, Baker Mansion
Olivia walked into the foyer to see everyone sitting down as Martin stood up. "Is this another intervention? Because I can't handle another rambling letter from Jordan right now." she said causing the three to smile
"No, honey. Dad just has something he wants to say." Laura said
'Have a seat." Martin said as Olivia walked over and sat between Laura and Jordan, "Thank you, baby. Uh you're right. I brought Nathan to Beverly Hills because I thought it was right for me, and Nathan, um, but I didn't I didn't consider you guys. I didn't, and for that, I I apologize. I know, win or lose, job or no job, uh, the most important thing to me is not football. It's you guys. Yeah, I'm sorry. I just wish I would have told you that a little bit sooner. It's up to you guys whether or not Nathan stays because, uh, if you guys aren't cool, if we're not cool as a family, then it's not the right thing to do for anyone, even Nathan." Martin said
"So if we say no, he's gone, just like that?" Jordan asked
"Just like that." Martin said
Park
Naruto walked over to the swing set as Coop was waiting for him, "Thanks for coming."
"Yeah, I'm not sure how smart this is, after that last appearance you made." Coop said
"You know, I remember when we met. First day at little league. Man, I didn't even know you was a girl." Naruto laughed
"That's 'cause I striked your ass out 3 times."
"Twice, man. You did that twice, all right?" Naruto corrected
"3. When they figured it out, they tried to make me play for the girls' league." Coop said causing Naruto to smile, "Right. But you was like, "no! If she go, I go!" But they needed you. You was a baller at 6, so I got to stay."
Naruto sighed, "I'm worried about you, Coop." he said
"You don't need to be. You need to stop worrying about everybody else. I got it handled, for real this time, but you got to trust me." Coop said as Naruto nodded looking away and after a moment he saw Coop starring at him
"What?" Naruto asked
"What?" Coop asked back
"What you looking at me for?" Naruto asked
''Cause you being all deep with me." Coop said
"Shut up." Naruto said looking away
"Stupid." Coop said before after a moment they began to laugh
Nightfall, Baker Mansion
Naruto walked into the house ready to pack up his stuff, "Oh, he's home." Laura said
"Hey, man." Martin greeted with a large plate of ribs, as Naruto rose an eyebrow "Hope you're hungry, young Nathan."
"Dad's making his famous ribs. He just mixes two sauces together, but it's actually pretty good." Olivia said as Martin looked at her
"It's more than good. It's kind of amazing." Laura said kissing Martin's cheek
"Thank you, baby." Martin said
"You're welcome." Laura replied walking into the kitchen
'It's more than two sauces. Ok, come on. Let's eat." Martin said
"Are you sure?" Naruto asked
"Yeah, man, there's plenty for everybody." Martin said picking up the plate and heading for the patio where the family table was
"You know what I mean." Naruto said causing Martin to look at him
"The family discussed it and decided. There's plenty for everybody." Martin smiled before he walked out with the girls as Jordan approached Naruto
"Nate, uh, sorry about the whole permit thing. I was angry at my dad and I took it out on you and it's not cool. But I didn't mean to take you away from your family." Jordan apologized
Naruto nodded after a moment, "I guess there are worse places to end up than Beverly Hills, right?" Naruto asked causing Jordan to chuckle
"Right. So, uh, we straight?" Jordan asked with his hand out
"Yeah, we straight." Naruto smiled shaking Jordan's hand and fist bumping the taller teen
"Come on, guys. Let's eat." Martin said before the boys walked out and sat down before they all began to eat and laugh around the table with Martin sitting back smiling watching