Disclaimer: I don't own them it's as simple as that people.

(Edit 14.1.2009)

Chapter 4

Naruto was walking towards the Ichikarus's for some well deserved ramen; he managed to escape from the four ANBU. The only problem was that Sasuke was following him. He already tried to get rid of the Uchiha by taking different roots and running like hell through the dense crowds, but he always somehow managed to find him. It was starting to irritate him.

'Oh please Kit, your happy to see him so don't deny it.'

'Yea sure I am..., hey what of course I'm not, he left and now he is back acting like nothing happened. And what the hell was that about back at Tsnuade's office.'

'Exactly what I said, that Uchiha came back for you Kit; only for you, that's got to mean something right?'

'With that bastard, hell no!'

Naruto seemed to have lost track of Sasuke, the other man was gone which Naruto was glad of. He could finally go and eat, But as soon as he reached Ichikaru's Sasuke was there waiting for him. That bastard knew him to well. Naruto was contemplating if he should just leave but his stomach made the decision for him. So he sat down as far as he possible could away from Sasuke.

"Ah Naruto what can I get you?" Ayame asked full cheer.

Naruto reached for his wallet and opened it up only to find it empty. He sighed mission were tight, no money meant no food.

"Nothing today then, not enough money...," he said as slowly started to stand up.

"But Naruto you haven't been coming for a while; have you actually been eating anything? I could open up a tab for you if you want..." Ayame was worried about the blonde; he rarely ate anything but ramen, and was daily costumer by them.

"Better not; I don't know till when I get a new mission...," he replied with a smile was plastered across his face.

"Then have one on the house your my best costumer, can't let you go hungry."

Naruto looked at Ayame considering her offer, he was about to decline, but then his stomach grumbled painfully and sat back down. Sasuke looked at him in astonishment, he didn't know things were this bad Naruto; but then he noticed that the blonde was slightly thinner as he looked closer. His usual round face was gone; as the baby fat disappeared you could see the elegant bone structure underneath it. He wasn't chubby either but leaner, Sasuke put if first down to the amount of training that Naruto would do. But not eating; that never accrued to him.

"Ayame, I'll pay for Naruto's food give him as much as he wants."

Naruto looked at him quizzically, distrust lingering in his eyes. Sasuke looked back at him passively he wanted Naruto's trust, and baby steps are what matters to get it.

"I don't need anything from you Sasuke."

"Too late for that now, I'm buying you lunch and that it."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "...You will regret the choice of paying for my food teme."