Misery Business

Author: Ladelle

Rating: M

Comments: Revised Edition!

Chapter 6:

The button was shaped like a rectangle, rigid and precise as it sat decidedly above the apartment door. Naruto wondered if it was made of plastic, and felt his finger gently creep along its exterior, the smooth surface tickling the coarse flat of his forefinger. He had been standing in this position for what seemed to be hours, attempting to concoct some sort of intelligent excuse for his absence. He shifted uncomfortably, and shook his raised hand which was beginning to cramp. After a deep breath he poked the button, not entirely prepared for a lecture from his only friend in the modern world.

As the semi-opaque hover door lifted towards the ceiling, Naruto stepped backwards, a feeling of surprise racing down his spine as Shikamaru stood, glaring at him from the other side. The boy shook his head. "Honestly, Naruto. How long were you planning on just standing out there?"

Naruto felt his cheeks flush from embarrassment, and as Shikamaru meandered towards the living area, Naruto entered. He felt awkward, the same was a child feels when they know they're about to be scolded. He put a hand in his pocket and began to roll a piece of lint between his fingers.

Shikamaru sat down on the couch and sighed irritably, pointing a remote towards the doorway. As his fingers punched a series of buttons, the door descended and turned from transparent to a solid color. Naruto speculated what else the tiny device could do, but stifled the question in his throat. Now probably wasn't the best time.

"How many people saw you?" Shikamaru asked, flipping another switch on the remote. The giant flat screen wall in front of him lit up in response, and he slouched against the firm backing of the couch. He lifted an eyebrow at Naruto and Naruto could tell that even though the boy appeared nonchalant, he was in actuality livid. Naruto sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry. I really don't know what you were expecting though."

He sat on a barstool by the kitchen in an attempt to keep his distance. He disliked displeasing other people, and guilt was clawing at his frame. He was surprised when he made eye contact with the boy.

"I suppose you don't really know why I asked you to stay here." Shikamaru said, shifting in his seat. A new age music video was flashing on the wall, and his eyes reflected a slight glare. Naruto shrugged. "My accent, my personality—"

"Your appearance." Shikamaru said deftly. Naruto looked down at himself questionably. He compared his outfit to Shikamaru's, and noticed that they were entirely similar. It even registered in his mind that Shikamaru had changed from his work clothes to very casual wear, and Naruto cocked an eyebrow. "I don't follow."

Shikamaru stood up and motioned for Naruto to follow him. Naruto complied, shadowing the Asian boy to a transparent glass window that overlooked a great deal of the inner city. Shikamaru pointed downwards towards the street where throngs of people bustled about. Naruto felt dizzy peering down from the height and stepped backwards. He rubbed his eyes.

"Afraid of heights?" Shikamaru asked. He seemed slightly concerned.

Naruto nodded only slightly, and Shikamaru spoke again. "Well, the point wasn't to make you uncomfortable. Here's my question. How many blonde tan men do you see, or did you see, hunkering around downtown?"

Naruto paused from his ministrations to think, and felt as though Shikamaru had given him a revelation. He shook his head. "None."

Shikamaru sifted past him and planted himself on the couch, his chest heaving as a deep sigh released. "Exactly. Look, we've had a lot of global warming problems in the past and it's unusual to find people of your…color. And the blonde, that's an extreme rarity. Even when I saw you on Sover I knew something was up."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Even if I look different, people aren't going to jump to the conclusion that I'm one thousand years old."

Shikamaru laughed. "That would be the least of your worries."

Naruto sat on the couch next to him and put his feet up on the coffee table. "And why's that?"

Shikamaru thumbed the remote and changed the channel. Naruto wondered if he head heard him speak.

"Look, I'm all for attempting to sort out how you got here. It's fascinating—a fucking Sherlock Holmes case. And yes, I do know who that is," he mentioned. "But you've got to realize that it's going to take time and careful planning. You can't just go interrogating people around here…unless you want to end up dead or locked up somewhere."

Naruto fidgeted with the hem of his white pullover. Shikamaru sighed and the tension seemed to ease somewhat.

"Are you going to tell me where you went today?"

Naruto felt a disgruntled laugh tumble from his throat and he shook his head. "Man, I don't know where to start."

"The beginning would be fine." Shikamaru's voice fell flat.

"No, that's not what I mean. I attempted to meet up with Sakura but I got molested by a guy."

Shikamaru's eyebrows raised and he looked over the blonde with distress. Naruto held up his hands. "Ha, I managed to get away of course…"

Shikamaru appeared relieved, but Naruto continued. "But, it was afterwards that I realized that the guy was Sasuke Uchiha."

Shikamaru leapt to his feet. "Wha-What!?"

Naruto rubbed his temples and stifled an embarrassed laugh. "Yeah, I don't know."

Shikamaru was fuming and Naruto wasn't entirely sure how to react. The whole situation had been troubling enough for himself, and reliving it through an explanation was something he wasn't prepared for. He decided to sum up the event.

"He thought I was a male escort or something."

Shikamaru stared vacantly for a moment, his eyes narrowed and void. His lips were still parted with shock, and his nostrils flared as he breathed. Naruto wondered if he was panicking, and silently realized that Shikamaru was a difficult person to read. He felt the ugly ball of guilt return to his stomach and he buried his ehad in his hands.

"I made a big mistake, didn't I?"

Shikamaru sat down next to him and coughed, the color returning to his face. He blinked a few times and picked at an itchy spot on his nose.

"Yeah, I'm betting so. I told you, Uchiha is like a God here and I wouldn't be surprised if he has people out looking for you."

"People?"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Don't play dumb. You managed to sneak yourself into the presence of one of the most powerful people in the nation only to—and correct me if I'm wrong—run away after meeting him. Most people would consider that extremely suspicious."

Naruto laughed. "Well it's probably worse than that, too. I told him I was looking for Sakura."

Shikamaru's face didn't change and Naruto assumed it had reached its ultimate frowning capacity. Naruto looked away from him and decided not to mention that the word 'fiancée' had popped into the discussion as well. Shikamaru's eyes were already burning holes into him and he didn't want to feel any worse. There was a long period of silence and Naruto felt his eyes drift to the television which was now showing what appeared to be a reality series. He licked his lips.

"I hate to do this, but I'm going to have to kick you out." Shikamaru's voice was thin and vapid. Naruto felt his stomach drop.

"Look, I won't leave again—"

"Naruto," Shikamaru stated, "I work for Sasuke. I'm sure if there are people looking, they'll investigate workers directly related to Uchiha Industries."

Naruto raised and eyebrow. "You've had Sasuke right in front of you this entire time? And you didn't tell me?"

Shikamaru slouched back against the frame of the couch and ran his hands over his jeans, wiping away invisible particles. Naruto cleared his throat.

"It's not what you think. I've only seen the guy twice, passing through the corporate office. He's a fucking snake, entering and leaving without being seen."

Naruto couldn't help but feel hurt. The closer he felt to Shikamaru, the further away he became. He growled.

"Look, I've been completely up front with you about everything. I'd appreciate it if you'd be the same towards me." It was the first time he had been aggressive with the other boy, and he felt as though his tongue was on fire. If Shikamaru worked for Uchiha, he had to know something more than he had let on. Shikamaru raised his eyes to Naruto's and groaned. He pulled his hands above his head and clicked his tongue.

"How troublesome. Look, I wasn't lying to you when I told you I didn't know much about him or Sakura. The reason I didn't tell you I worked there is because I knew you'd figure I had some sort of in—which I don't. I'm a peon of the company Naruto, a fucking peon."

"A peon with an automatic firearm?" Naruto scolded, and he felt his anger thicken. "Who just so happens to moonlight as a bartender?"

"Look, it's not what you think. It's for security measures against particular people who aren't expected to play low caliber in their aggressive behavior."

"Like who?"

"Like people I'm not allowed to talk about," Shikamaru retorted. There was another long pause and Naruto sighed. "I have no where to go."

Shikamaru shifted. "Yes, you do. I'm sending you to Chouji. He'll set you up at the university…and it might even be better. You'll get a lot more free room to research."

"I thought it was best I wasn't seen?"

Shikamaru nodded. "I have a plan, though."

Naruto looked intrigued. It wasn't as though he didn't trust the Asian boy, only that he knew he would feel lost without him. It had been a long while since he had seen Chouji, and he silently wondered if this idea was the best. After glancing sidelong at Shikamaru's intense thoughtfulness, Naruto rested his head on the palm of his hand.

"And what kind of a plan is that?"

Shikamaru shifted and seemed uncomfortable. He licked his lip and cleared his throat. "I'm not saying this to get a rise out of you, but hear me out." There was a pause.

"If this Sakura is your Sakura…well, it's kind of strange she hasn't come to find you…even now. If Sasuke mentioned something about you to her, she'd probably be right on your tail—and with the Uchiha resources, they would have been here before you even got home."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You're saying you're suspicious of her?"

Shikamaru pointed a finger. "For now, and you should be too. You need to go someplace where you can research not only people, but your situation, and do it protected and unnoticed."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "And where would that miracle land be?"

Shikamaru shook his head. "It's going to be difficult…"

Naruto was beginning to get excited as the anxiety built within him. He felt awkward and unwanted, but at the same time like James Bond. He had never imagined having to run and hide from his identity, but going to a place that provided him with all possible resources to solve his dilemma made his heart rush. "Just tell me already." He said.

Shikamaru bit his lip. "Fang and Uchiha's biggest rival. Boushi Enterprises."

Naruto stood up and slammed a hand against his hip. "And how am I supposed to get into a corporation when I don't even have an I.D.?"

Shikamaru smiled. "That's where Chouji comes in. He's an intern there."

Naruto tilted his head in thought and slid his hand into his pocket, relocating the crumbled piece of lint he had scrunched up. After a few moments of contemplating the idea, he nodded.

"You know more about what you're talking about than I do. If you think I can do it, I'll do my best."

Shikamaru stood up and patted him on the back. "It's probably for the best." He sifted around the house, searching for a thin device Naruto had discovered to be a home phone. Within ten minutes Shikamaru had concocted a plan with Chouji, and within an hour, Naruto was ready to leave, Chouji grinning excitedly at his side. Naruto looked at Shikamaru and felt a wave of sadness come over him. Shikamaru must have noticed the gesture because he put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry. After I know no one's looking for you, I'll be in contact."

Naruto smiled dimly.

"Besides," Shikamaru added, "I want to be there to kick your ass back to the past."

Naruto felt Chouji tap his hand and he turned to follow the heavy-set boy down the placid white hall. He tilted his head back and smiled at Shikamaru.

"Thank you. And if you don't call within a week,I'll find a way to contact you." It was more of a threat than anything and Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

"Good luck, kiddo."

Naruto grinned and followed Chouji into the parking garage, admiring the purple hue the sky was illuminating. As he settled himself inside Chouji's astro car, he took a deep breath.

Something in the way the breeze blew told him that his adventure had just begun.

It had been nearly a week since Naruto had watched Shikamaru's lean apartment building fade into the distance, and as he pushed himself into a sitting position on his bed, he realized how much he had thought about the Asian boy. He had waited patiently all week for a phone call, resisting the temptation to leave the small studio dorm Chouji had managed to confiscate for him, only to feel less and less positive about the warnings Shikamaru had left him with.

If Uchiha saw him as a threat and did send a task force after him, would Shikamaru be in danger? Naruto suppressed the thought as his finger thumbed the tiny digit that was his phone, examining the chrome surface for a sign of a call. As far as Naruto was concerned Shikamaru had his new home number, courtesy of Chouji. He pressed a small button, causing the screen to illuminate. When no calls showed, he frowned.

Chouji had been a lifesaver over the past week. In actuality, Naruto owed Chouji a great deal, simply because everything he had was owed, in part, to the tenacious round boy. He had a private home, a computer, and a fake campus pass that enabled him to wander freely throughout the university that domineered in the areas of history and science. He hadn't had the opportunity to use the identification yet, simply because he wanted Shikamaru's go. He didn't want to endanger the people who were risking their lives in helping him.

His head twisted as a knock sounded on his door, and he blinked as Chouji entered, a small brown bag in his hand.

"You should turn on some light, dude." Naruto hadn't realized the darkness that had enveloped his abode, and he pressed a button near his headboard, laughing.

"Sorry. Guess I've just been spaced out."

Chouji closed the door and chucked the bag at him. "You've got weird sayings." He commented. Naruto nodded and pecked at the sack. When he opened it he felt like hugging his newest friend.

"You brought me food?" His puckered his lips in jest. In truth, he was extremely grateful. He had been living off of Chucks, the future equivalent to Lays potato chips, and bottled water. He ripped into an aluminum bun to reveal something that resembled a burrito. He took a bite and let the soft meat melt in his mouth.

"Yum." He said.

Chouji laughed and sat down next to him, propping his legs on a stack of magazines. Naruto's room was practically empty, sparing the bed and various piled of collected items, such as the newspapers and magazines. Naruto was depressed to admit he had read every article, simply because of his boredom. He took another bite of his burrito, and glanced at Chouji.

"Did you do well on your exam?"

The other boy laughed heartily and rubbed an eye. "Yeah."

"You studied hard enough."

Chouji laughed. "I had a good tutor."

It was Naruto's turn to smile. Chouji's test had been on Naruto's time period, and he had given Chouji several helpful bits of information that were sure to amaze his teacher. It was pure genius, and the only way Naruto could think to repay the boy for his kindness.

"Has Shikamaru called?" Naruto asked, trying to hide the worry in his voice.

Chouji nodded, and Naruto felt himself sigh inwardly with relief. "And?"

"And he says it's weird because nothing's happened involving you at all. He thinks it's a little suspicious, but he says that I should do everything I can to get you out of this apartment."

Naruto laughed. "Awe, didn't know you guys cared."

Chouji pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Naruto who had just engulfed the remaining portion of his burrito. Naruto opened it and noted that it contained an address and directions.

"I got you an interview with the head of Boushi. Try to sound as intellectual as possible, and I'm sure you'll get an internship."

Naruto nodded and felt a thought tickle at his mind. Though he had admitted his interest in cryonics, he had never mentioned much of anything about his discovery. After a moment of thinking, he concluded that that would be a fact he kept to himself.

He licked his lips and crumpled the paper up in his hand.

"Right. So tomorrow I become an intern at Boushi."

Chouji grinned and ran a hand through his hair. "And get one step closer to Sakura."

Naruto smiled, an uneasy feeling invading his stomach. Shikamaru's words still haunted his mind, and he silently wondered what kind of step he was taking. He smiled.

"If they want intelligence, I'll give them everything I've got."

Naruto crumpled his paper ball as small as it would go and tossed it across the room towards a tiny waste basket.

He didn't miss.