Welcome to chapter four everyone! I would like to personally thank everyone that has reviewed and liked this story, you all are my inspiration!3 This story is strange, it's sort of reflecting a real life situation with me right now, no joke. Let's hope it all turns out for the best and as it is a few days before Thanksgiving, take this as a sign of my appreciation. I would also like to note, to all those who probably wonder why I never reply, I want to thank you. I am swamped with school, work and as you can sort of see, this situation I've got going on. This story will actually start of from Naruto's point of view. Well, enough about me, onto the story!
Anything written like this will be Kyuubi's dialogue.
Anything that's like this will be a character's thoughts.
Disclaimer: I own Naruto about as much as I own a Ferrari.
xXx
I gotta get home. I gotta get home. I gotta get home…!
Naruto thought profusely to himself as he tried not to drag the white sheet he had wrapped around him tightly. Luckily it was still early and no one was setting up shop just yet; the only people that were out were other shinobi. Kotetsu and Izumo had been walking to the Hokage tower where they spotted Naruto attempting to sprint across. Kotetsu had to bite his tongue from laughing out loud at the skittish blonde but ultimately it was Izumo that broke the silence.
"Long night Naruto?" Izumo asked calmly making the blonde nearly jump in the air.
"Can't talk, gotta go home!" Naruto ran past them beet red. Now all the Chunin would probably find out about him strolling with one of Asuma's sheets.
From the very top of the Hokage tower Tsunade sat with Jiraiya watching the little exchange. She sighed annoyed, pulling out her wallet and handing Jiraiya the money she owed him. Jiraiya happily tucked it in.
"I knew that Sasuke wouldn't be able to keep his hands off Naruto, especially not when alcohol is thrown into the situation." Jiraiya looked at the amber eyed woman.
"Too bad for the Uchiha Naruto seems to be in denial." Tsunade took a sip of her tea and patted Ton Ton.
"It can't be that bad." Jiraiya huffed, "Maybe it'll take the black haired squirt down a few pegs."
From the trees, hidden away from the rest of Konoha's prying eyes, another pair of red, long lashed eyes watched the kyuubi container desperately attempt to get away from the Chunin. Shark-like, beady eyes gleamed in amusement. Kisame handed Itachi sixty ryo and the calm man merely smirked.
"Looks like you were right, Sasuke actually went for it. He's much more impulsive than you are."
"As I said, I know my brother well." Itachi replied back softly, chuckling at the thought of his brother pouting after Naruto's escape.
"You know," Kisame began. "Naruto being so stubborn about all of this kinda reminds me of you and me."
Itachi turned his Sharingan off and glared at his partner. Kisame merely shrugged, flashing a toothy grin before they disappeared.
It couldn't get any worse than this, Naruto prayed it wouldn't.
"Naruto is that you?"
Naruto recognized that voice instantly and closed his eyes tightly. Maybe if he pretended he didn't hear anything Sakura would leave him alone. But fate had never been kind to him as she ran up to him waving her arm in the air.
"Naruto why are you dressed in a sheet?" Sakura asked and stopped suddenly. "Oh my gosh did you and Sasuke…?"
"What no, never!" Naruto shook his head so hard it might've just come off.
"But there are hickies on your neck! Oh my gosh you and Sasuke consummated your love!" Sakura squealed.
"Sakura," Naruto hissed, "Quit saying that crazy things out loud! Sasuke and I are both guys and he's my best friend…!"
"Yeah so?" Sakura shrugged, "And why are you running around with a sheet, it makes you look more suspicious you know, and silly."
"Well, that's the only thing you've said all day that makes sense…." Naruto sighed, but wasn't about to let his one article of decency go away. "I just… it happened so fast and you know what I don't want to take about it!"
"So something did happen! I knew it! Haha, Ino pig owes me because I totally won!" The pink haired girl confirmed. "You're such a terrible liar Naruto but that doesn't matter now. So are you and Sasuke dating now?"
Naruto looked at his teammate flabbergasted. "Wha- Sakura no why would you even say that!? Sasuke doesn't like me like that, hehe believe it! Wait a second, did you and Ino make a bet!?"
Sakura shrugged, "Ino said it would take Sasuke two months before he jumped your bones, I said only a month so I win!"
"Sakura what the hell!? Sasuke and me are just friends!"
You wish you believed that brat.
Naruto cringed and internally replied to the beast inside of him. Not you too you giant furball!
"Uh Naruto are you okay?" Sakura asked, concerned for her blonde friend who was clearly in denial. "But you really don't see it do you?"
"See what Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, "He's my best friend…" Naruto thought back to Sasuke's hands down his pants and had to suppress a shudder.
"Naruto, Sasuke likes you."
"Well of course he does Sakura, I know he makes it seem like he hates me but deep down he really cares!"
Sakura sighed, she guessed she's have to be the one to tell him. "No Sasuke like, likes you, you baka. He always has."
Naruto stared at her dumbfounded, he didn't even bother with Kyuubi's roaring laughter. "What."
xXx
Sasuke sat at the teahouse looking more angry than usual. All he could think about was that morning. The waitress came by with their food; Kakashi had kindly invited Sasuke to have breakfast with Iruka and him. The two grown men knew the little avenger's temper and though it best to get some food into his system at the very least. In conclusion, Kakashi and Iruka had forced their former student to come along so they could talk with him. At first Sasuke was angry but now he just felt upset and confused. Last night had been wonderful, what the hell went wrong?
Kakashi and Iruka looked at each other, the silver haired jounin started talking first. "A penny for your thoughts Sasuke?"
"What?" Sasuke said agitatedly, sipping his hot green tea.
"You do know why Naruto freaked out this morning right?"
"He hates me, it's that simple." Sasuke bit back, stabbing through a piece of salmon instead of picking it up.
"Hehe… not exactly… He's scared." Kakashi stole some rice from Iruka who just frowned.
"Are you sure Kakashi sensei? He only ran away from me while wrapped around one of Asuma's sheets like a moron." The thought infuriated Sasuke, but actually perplexed him. But he wouldn't admit that.
"Now, now, no need for that biting sarcasm. Your ego is hurt because you assumed Naruto would just come running into your arms. Well, it didn't quite work out that way did it."
"Get to your point sensei." Sasuke turned to face him annoyed, but knew his expression said other. Kakashi was picking him apart the way a vulture does to a dead animal and he didn't like it.
"You're not wrong Sasuke, there is something definitely there, but Naruto doesn't want to get hurt." Kakashi looked back at Sasuke with a serious expression. "So it's easier to just deny everything than face it."
Sasuke sat upright, sensing the change in mood he pressed the topic further. "But I don't want to hurt him."
"How does he know that? Naruto has lived his whole life knowing that no one wanted him and the moment he finds someone as lonely as him, with almost as much heart as him, he betrays him and tells him he's going to kill him."
Sasuke stayed silent, the words and obvious hint bringing back memories from the Valley of the End. Naruto had willingly opened up to him, told him how he truly felt, and all Sasuke had said in return was that he would just sever that tie. He could still remember the water that had built up in those beautiful blue eyes. But now Sasuke could see he hadn't just hurt their friend— he had broken Naruto's heart. A simple 'I'm sorry,' was not going to fix it all.
Kakashi chuckled, pouring himself some more tea. "Then said person suddenly want him, jumps at him the first chance he gets without warning and well, I think you know where I'm going with this."
"Naruto knows you care Sasuke-kun, but he doesn't want to see how much you care because he thinks it's too good to be true." Iruka added, placing a comforting hand on the boy. "It's isn't my place to say but he spent a great deal of time accepting that you went on your own accord. When he realized you weren't coming back it hurt him. You came back to the village and didn't show any kind of remorse. Naruto is smart when he wants to be but he's no mind reader."
Sasuke had been placed in a somber mood. He needed to make this up, no matter what it took. After their meal Iruka and Kakashi had let the boy walk home on his own so he could think. Pale hands were tucked in his pockets. He passed by Ichiraku's Ramen and saw a help wanted sign. A small smile crept on his lips, from recent memories and from his genin days. When he looked back up he saw Neji and Shikamaru playing shogi on the side; Shikamaru had been looking at the pieces intently deciding what to do next. Neji simply had his arms crossed, his lips curving just a bit, but Sasuke could tell he was happy.
"What's got you so glum?" Shikamaru asked, moving a few pieces before Neji had seen that Shikamaru had the upper hand now.
Sasuke frowned, "I'm not glum."
"You don't look at angry as usual. You actually look kind of sad. I'm guessing you heard Naruto left for his mission with Jiraiya." Shikamaru scratched the back of his head as Neji glared daggers at him.
Neji decided to take a small break and join in the conversation. "He seemed eager to leave the village. Any idea why that may be?"
Sasuke shrugged, "Not my problem, I don't care what the blonde idiot does."
"Putting on your mask I see," Shikamaru sighed, "Word on the street is a few ninja saw Naruto and Sakura talking this morning. He was wearing a sheet."
Neji smirked, only Naruto was quirky enough to be seen in something so ridiculous.
"See what did I tell you, the blonde idiot." But Sasuke pictured the heartwarming and hilarious sight.
"You know you made our good friend Neji here pay up in one hundred ryo to yours truly right?" Shikamaru added, much to Neji's dismay.
This time Sasuke was genuinely surprised. "What."
xXx
Naruto had been jumping through the trees with Jiraiya. After the crazy morning he had, had he sat in his home not knowing what to feel and replaying the events of the night before in excruciating detail. He could remember Sasuke's hand traveling and pulling, it felt fire boiling him from the inside. The way they held each other and he felt completely safe in the boy's embrace. It felt like home.
Okay Uzumaki think…! Let's get the facts straight… You and Sasuke were smashed last night. He kissed you.
And you kissed him back.
Not now you overgrown hairball! Okay you both ended up in old man Sarutobi's room. You made out, he ripped your favorite shirt apart. He left you hickies and stuck his hands down your pants… But you didn't do much, so you can't be gay. You can't like him, he's your best friend and you like Sakura.
He could hear Kyuubi howl in laughter. You let the brat kiss you, moaned like a wanton whore when he touches you and to top it all off you WELCOME it. But no, you're right, there's no way you can be gay.
Naruto pouted, wanting to punch the orange ball of fur. What do you know!? You're not even human!
I bet you can't even remember the last time you thought of that pink thing you call a teammate. Face it, when he left he was all you could think and talk about. Your thoughts were invaded constantly by him. When he told you he wanted to kill you, you wanted to curl up into a ball and cry…!
No that's not true, shut up!
The kyuubi chuckled from within his cage. Oh little knuckleheaded brat… you are so going to spread those legs and let him have his way with you.
"I said shut up!" Naruto yelled catching Jiraiya's attention.
"Perhaps we should take a break." Jiraiya announced and jumped down.
Naruto jumped down, his arms crossed and pouting. Jiraiya rose a white eyebrow. "Something on your mind kid?"
"Just the kyuubi being stupid, stupid kyuubi!" Naruto yelled as if the fox demon had been standing right beside them.
"Right," Jiraiya set his backpack down. "So did you hear one of Asuma's sheets went missing?"
"Very funny pervy sage," Naruto stuck his tongue out. "I don't know what you're talking about!"
"That's not what I heard from Kotetsu and Izumo." Jiraiya prodded playfully. "Had a little too much fun huh? I wonder who the lucky person was."
"Nothing happened." Naruto faced away from his teacher.
"Oh really, that's not what Kakashi said."
Naruto turned his head back in neck breaking speed. "He what!? That pervy traitor Kakashi sensei! I can't believe he told you about Sasuke and me!"
Jiraiya laughed, leaning onto a tree for support. "Hahaha no but I got you good. Now tell your good teacher everything."
Naruto looked back at his sensei flabbergasted. "I. Can't. Believe… Ahhhhh!"
"I can't believe how flustered you're getting about this!"
"You sound just like the fox! I can't believe I'm surrounded by all these PERVERTS!"
"Don't be such a spoiled sport Naruto." Jiraiya was far too amused by this all, but now he could help his student out. "So tell me, what do you plan to do now?"
"Nothing is gonna happen! It was all an accident, Sasuke must've thought I was a girl or something."
Jiraiya shook his head. "Naruto just come out of the closet… Sasuke left the door open!"
Naruto threw a rock at his teacher that was doubled over in laughter.
xXx
"You know Sasuke, I'm going to start having Shizune make appointments for these random visits of yours." Tsunade folded her hands, looked back at the raven haired teen in front of her.
"I need to go on that mission with Jiraiya and Naruto." Sasuke stated with absolute seriousness.
"Oh, you need to go? I don't think so. If you don't remember correctly you're still under probation." Tsunade matched Sasuke's gaze.
Sasuke suppressed the urge to argue back knowing she had a point. Tsunade sighed, "Look Sasuke, if you want to clear things up with Naruto you need to give him some time."
Sasuke's black eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"We both know I'm no fool. It's clear you're smitten with the blonde knucklehead. Listen I've been around the block a few times and I'm no stranger to these things."
Great, another lecture. Sasuke thought bitterly.
"Because of you Ino and I lost money to Sakura and Jiraiya." Tsunade sighed, remembering how happy Sakura was when she had been proven right.
Sasuke almost fell out of his seat. "What you guys too!?"
Tsunade looked back at him slightly shocked. "What do you mean us too? Wait, don't tell me that someone else made a bet too." Sasuke said nothing and Tsunade couldn't hold back her laughter. "I don't believe it hahahaha!"
"I'm leaving, apparently Naruto's business and my own is some sort of sick joke to you all." Sasuke scowled. "Just let me know when that dobe is back if you aren't too busy gambling over my life…!"
Sasuke stood and marched to the door but Tsunade called out to him. "Sasuke hold on a second." The ebony haired boy turned around. "If you really want to corner the little brat catch him by surprise, where he'll least expect it."
Sasuke let her words turn in her head when an idea struck him. "You know… I think you can help me, help you."
Tsunade rose an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Sasuke smirked, "Yes, if you agree to give me a work permit I think we can find a way to get your money back from Jiraiya."
Most of the time Sasuke's cocky smirk made the Hokage want to roll her eyes. But this time she wanted to know more about the devious glint in them. "Go on, tell me…."
xXx
2 Months Later
Jiraiya and Naruto had just arrived back to the village. As it turned out, the lead they had on the Akatsuki was a dead end and they decided to return to the village. They reported first to Tsunade to let her know all the details.
"Excellent, job well done." Tsunade told them. "You both look fatigued, how about I take you out to eat? I'm sure it was a strenuous mission."
"Oh yay, I can go for some ramen!" Naruto jumped up and down.
"Sure Naruto why not. I was just going to step outside anyway. All this paper work is making me restless." Tsunade said as she out on her coat.
Naruto couldn't wait to eat. While the mission itself wasn't all too hard strange things had been happening. He kept dreaming about Sasuke and at a certain point he even missed him. Naruto assumed it was a friendly longing but as they got closer to the village he became gleeful. Maybe things would be back to normal, he hoped. Naruto didn't pay attention to the smirk that grew on Tsunade's face and once Jiraiya saw it he smirked too. Naruto sat down not paying attention to the workers in front of him.
"Hey I'll get the usual please! It's on the Hokage's tab today!"
"Sure, did you want that with extra barbequed pork?"
Suddenly Naruto's blood ran cold as he recognized the voice. He slowly looked up to see black eyes and a smirk.
"Will that be all Naruto?" Sasuke asked, seemingly innocent like, brushing back a tuft of black hair.
xXx
What will happen next!? Find out on the next chapter!