Author's Rant: I can't believe I'm already on my seventh chapter. What-I'm just really happy to those that continue to stick around. Thank you for your support guys!


The Friends and the Foes


Monday came unexpectedly quickly.

"Ouch!"

The sizzle of liquid hitting the stove top, and the sound of it splattering all over Naruto's finger, was what started off the newly employed renegade's morning. Biting his lip to swallow a pained whine, Naruto stuck his thumb in his mouth and sucked, hoping his saliva would do something to soothe the sting of earnest labor. He'd been up for an hour now, and Naruto was sure that no matter how much he cooked, it wouldn't quench his anxiousness. But he was twenty-something pancakes in, and there was just no turning back now.

Today would be his first day at work, and if this were any other job, he wouldn't have been so excited. However, this wasn't any other job. This was a mission, a dance with the devil himself. It wasn't every day that your enemy, or rather, your enemy's brother, paid you to work for their esteemed company. Naruto didn't know if this was just a tasteless gag, or fates cruel way of telling him that he and Sasuke were destined to strangle each other, but he accepted it as a great chance to show how far he's come. There was nothing he couldn't do if he set his mind to it, and Naruto was certain that no matter what Sasuke threw at him, he could launch a heavier nuclear missle right back.

He wasn't looking for Sasuke's approval. Unlike when they were kids, he wasn't pining for the bastard's friendship, or even his respect. The blond merely had goods that he wanted to flaunt. When you had something awesome, it was only natural to want to show it off, right? Well, fisting his hand to his chest in a fiery promise for victory, he grinned widely. He was going to do his job, and do it damn well. Naruto was confident he'd come out on top in the end. He would climb the corporate ladder faster than Sasuke could turn his ugly bird-ass head, and once he was there, he would proudly laugh in his face.

The image of Sasuke groveling at his feet was almost more delicious than his meal.

"Day one, shit-face."

When all of this was over, he'd make sure to snap some pictures of Sasuke's demise to put on his fridge.

Akamaru woke up to the onslaught of chilling laughter first. His scruffy head perked up, sniffing the air a few times before licking Kiba's cheek to stir him. Meanwhile, in the distance, an innumerable number of insults and self-proclaimed fates were tongue lashed at some cooling golden dough. Naruto's own imagination was getting him worked up again, and Kiba groaned at the ramblings before burying himself further into his sheets. Whatever the idiot was going on about, he would listen to it later.

Kiba was just about to fall asleep again until he got a whiff of his roommate's food. Whatever it was, it smelled out of this world, and Kiba may have been in a terrible mood lately, but that didn't deter him from pursuing a great meal when he smelled one. So it was not long after that both he and Akamaru padded sleepily across the carpet, eager to investigate where it was coming from.

They both ended up finding Naruto in the kitchen, humming to some unknown tune while decked out in an No Bitchin' in my Kitchen apron. Courtesy of Kiba last Christmas. Despite it being only five in the morning, Naruto seemed awake. Chipper, actually, for someone who had to work with the sole cause of the bubonic plague, and if the awkward sway of the blonds hips were an indicator, Kiba assumed he had a plan.

Having not had a decent meal in weeks, Kiba was carried into the room by the sweet aroma, the scent of chocolate chips melting into a delectable mix of batter that wafted shamelessly against his nose. Kiba was lifted cartoon style by its beckoning trails of smoke, until he stuck to the blonds back like white on rice. His head peeked over Naruto's shoulder impatiently.

"Oh man. . . you're torturing me, you know that?"

Naruto slapped a hand over his nose.

The hairs in his nostrils curled as Kiba's morning breath came at him full throttle.

"Sit boy." He hissed, "And while you're at it, there's some toothpaste in the bathroom. Use it."

"Ha, watch who you're talkin' to. This dog might bite if you don't hurry your ass up and fix me some."

"Who say's I'm sharing?" Naruto took the spatula in his hand and flipped the morsel over, face fixed into that of mock concern. "I thought dog's couldn't eat chocolate. Wouldn't wanna hafta' put you down."

"Funny. You should be a comedian ya know that? Fuckin' smart ass."

Kiba stepped back, which was a relief, because really, Naruto was close to suffocating, only to take in the others full appearance and snort.

"And just what are you suppose to be?"

"Eh?"

Kiba wiggled his index finger up and down at the others attire, giving him a once over.

"Ya look like an idiot."

Naruto huffed. Turning off the stove top, he purposely smacked Kiba in the face with the spatula, causing him to howl in pain.

"What was that for?! That things still hot!"

"Shut up and eat your pancakes." Naruto said sharply. "And trust me, I don't like this as much as you do."

"Then what the hell are ya dressed like that for, huh?" Kiba said between balancing a trough of pancakes with one hand, and his utensils in the other. Naruto took a seat on the sofa next to him after grabbing his stack. "Tryin' to impress someone?"

Naruto let out a soft tch.

"As if."

Kiba watched in mute horror as Naruto bathed his pancakes in so much syrup, it could rival the depth of Niagara falls. His face twisted in disgust.

"Why bother makin' pancakes? Just drink the syrup you freak."

"You don't know what's good for you."

"Uh, huh. Whatever."

Pulling Akamaru up so he was settled in his lap, Kiba started to dig in.

"So, mmfh-what time do ya have to be there to kiss the pricks ass?"

"Seven." Naruto mustered through mouthfuls, "But I'm gettin' there early to get a head start on everything he wants me to do. Knowin' the bastard, he's probably got a list the size of his ego ready for me."

Kiba expected as much. Naruto was an overachiever, through and through. Though if you asked Naruto to do any extra work years ago, he would've found an excuse to ditch it. The Naruto from back then, and the Naruto now, was crazy different. As for Kiba? He could proudly say he was still the same, local bad ass. He did things on his own time, and his own turf. You couldn't pay him all the money in the world to work for Sasuke. No way, no how.

"Still didn't answer my other question though. The reason you look stupid."

Naruto glared at him, grabbing the bottle of syrup again and angrily layering it on. Might as well call it Pancake soup.

"Before I even woke up, I got a text from Itachi."

"Who in the hell's 'tachi again?"

"Sasuke's older brother, but unlike Sasuke, he's actually a decent guy if he isn't snoopin' around in your personal biz an' all."

"Dick."

Kiba quickly stole another pancake from Naruto, not caring that it was soggy. Cutting it up angrily, he fisted his fork and stuck the pointy end towards the blond. Naruto didn't know why he was upset. He was the one who should've been pissed; Kiba stole his food after all.

"So not only do ya hafta work with one pretty boy, but two?"

"You didn't even let me finish my story here Kiba."

The other boy grunted.

"Itachi texted me, didn't even give the guy my number by the way-"

"-What the fuck."

"Yeah, so anyway's, he told me to dress professional. Office rules and all that jazz."

"So that's why ya dug up that costume?" The brunet laughed. He'd never seen Naruto so…uptight looking before. Naruto grimaced, staring down at his black suit and shoes. He honestly couldn't find anything else at such short notice, and he knew he looked ridiculous, but yesterday came as a surprise to him. Folding his sleeves until they were a nice pair of cuffs, he leaned back and sighed.

"I haven't worn this thing since that old pervert's funeral."

"I'm surprised you kept it around." Kiba replied, sinking into the cushion and rubbing his full stomach. "But still, there's a difference between lookin' ready and lookin' ridiculous. And you, buddy, look ridiculous."

Kiba was right. He looked and felt ridiculous, and Naruto swore that since he put this atrocity on, the natural happiness he was born with was being sucked into the wool. Wearing a suit all day would make anyone miserable, he was sure of it. And if Sasuke's personality were anything to go on, the guy had probably been wearing a suit his whole life.

That alone was enough to convince him.

Naruto realized, that he'd rather be casual then uncomfortable, so he tore off the black blazer and untucked his white dress shirt eagerly. It was like emerging out of a second skin. He felt a hell of a lot better, but Naruto still felt his ensemble was missing something. Something that said, "Hey, I'm Uzumaki Naruto, I'll be working with you from now on. It's nice to meet cha!"

Suddenly Naruto's eyes lit up.

Kiba watched, amused, as his best friend sprinted towards his room. He could hear the rummaging of hands through a dresser until Naruto found what he was looking for.

"Got it!"

Naruto emerged from the room, donning an obnoxiously bright orange tie.

"I swear you were born color blind."

"Hehe." Naruto grinned, pleased with himself. He looked rather sexy now, if he did say so himself. That office probably needed a little pick-me-up, and a splash of color did wonders. Besides, orange was Sasuke's least favorite color, from what Naruto could remember, and he would utilize it to its fullest. Maybe that was another reason he loved it so much.

"Well, I guess I'll head out now! Don't wait up for me!"

Kiba collected the plates and held his other hand towards Akamaru, who licked the stickiness off his fingers.

"When you gonna be back?"

"I'll try to make it back before curfew." Naruto commented snidely, to which Kiba turned his head away and laughed.

"Ha- like I care. I'm just wonderin' how much time I have to bring a chick over and bang her without your dumbass ruining the mood. Unless ya wanna watch."

"I'll pass." Naruto grabbed his wallet and keys, "I see enough of that shit on the discovery channel."

"They don't do it the way I do." Kiba teased.

"Right. Try not to stain the carpet!" Naruto shouted back, grin unwavering, and before Kiba could yell something witty, Naruto was out the door. Out of the nest and into the lion's den.

Getting there wasn't much of a problem. Naruto knew all the best routes into the city, because he'd researched how to get to Ichiraku's quicker while on his usual endeavors. It was about an hour walk from his place to Mangekyou, and usually he'd journey it, but today, he took a cab. He wanted to get familiar with everything and settled before the prick had time to bark orders.

But as he was getting closer in this smelly taxi, Naruto began to wonder just what in the world he was doing.

He swore to himself it would be different next time. After four years of hurdles, he made a vow that he'd never see Sasuke again. He would truly start living, and everything he did, he would work hard at. However, memories of that time rushed into his mind like an open flood gate. He could hear the laughter. See short, pink hair, and a pair of green, shocked eyes, flash with something indistinguishably foreign to him.

"Having trouble getting up, loser?"

Obsidian pits, dead to the world, burned its contempt onto his irises. He remembered quivering pathetically. Soaking wet, and ridiculed.

"Hmph. Too think I wasted my breath on you. Pathetic."

Pale lips accommodated a sufficient amount of spit. It landed point blank where the blond sat. Humiliated. Betrayed.

"Just disapear-"

"-We're here. That'll be 800 yen."

Naruto's head snapped up.

"Wah?"

"We're here kid. Stop day dreamin' back there an' pay up."

"Ah…right."

The car came to a halt, and shaking his head violently, Naruto hoped it too would shake away the voices echoing inside. He almost lost it there for a second. Thinking about what happened right now, during this crucial time, would've been a bad idea. He took out the measly change he had and slapped it in the others hand. Naruto promised for the rest of the day, he wouldn't travel down memory lane.

"Here ya go. Have a good day!" Naruto called to the driver from the sidewalk, who counted his money with a grunt.

"Right." Came the eye roll as the man slammed the door behind him. He rode away with rather questionable speed. Talk about grumpy.

Naruto swallowed. There was his target. Glassy evil exaggerated itself in the presence of the morning sun. Gorgeous on the outside, sure, but dangerous on the inside, Naruto would charge right through Satan's doors with a smile on his face, or he'll be damned if he got even a slither of Ichiraku Ramen tonight. Into the belly of the beast he went. Placing his hands on his hips, he breathed in deeply.

Here goes nothing.

Naruto began his trek towards the lobby entrance, and immediately sets of eyes were focused on him.

"You can do this." He muttered to himself, meeting the gazes with the biggest, most breathtaking smile that he could muster. Instead of the usual smiles back, which Naruto was accustomed to, he received cold glares and half-hearted waves. Naruto's calming air and lively spirit usually had a soothing effect on his audience, but this time, it only earned him more hostility. This shouldn't of surprised him. Light a candle under any of their assess and it still wouldn't help dislodge whatever was up there.

'Fuck you too,' Naruto thought childishly as he walked inside. 'And you, and you. Oh, and you.'

The doors slid open and a gust of cold air hit him. The inside of the building hadn't changed from when he snuck in. There were still the same rich walls. The same rich snobs, wearing the same rich outfits with the same rich hair care products. Compared to everyone else, he was a deformity. An unshapely blot on a usually clean floor, but he didn't let this world get the best of him. Surely that's what Sasuke was counting on, and he wasn't backing out of this that easily.

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Naruto casually walked up to the front desk, hoping to get some directions as to what floor the dickshit was working on. Naruto had a hunch it was the top, but he honestly wanted an excuse to get to know someone in this jilted place. Even if it was the lobby receptionist, who was currently arguing heatedly with her (assumed to be) boyfriend.

"Aw come on babe, don't be like that!"

"Suigetsu, shut up, I'm trying to work!" Cherry high heels clacked away loudly against the marble floor.

"I told you that girl from earlier was nothin' serious Karin. Quit actin' like a bitch."

"Uhhh.." Naruto tried to cut in, unsure if this was weird foreplay or verbal abuse. The two of them pointedly ignored him. The one named Suigetsu simply laughed before slipping into the red head's circular office space. He placed his hands on her hips, causing her to sidestep awkwardly with an irritant huff.

"I have work to do." She hissed.

"Since when did ya work?"

"Since I almost got in trouble with my beloved Sasuke last time."

"Man, talkin' about another guy in front of me again. You really are a heartless slut." Suigetsu baited deliberately, feigning hurt.

"Play in traffic."

"Hello?" Naruto awkwardly called from behind. Finally Karin whipped her head around to look at him, her tomato hair and ovular thick rimmed glasses glinting dangerously.

"What is it?" She snapped.

Naruto laughed nervously.

"I was just wonderin' where I could find the basta- I mean, Sasuke Uchiha's office."

"Heh, what could Sasuke want with a normal guy like you, I wonder?" Suigetsu curiously questioned, coming around the desk to look Naruto up and down. Upon closer inspection Naruto realized Suigetsu was quite a card himself. Unlike everyone else he passed by, he stood out with his bleached white hair and his strange, purple eyes. A loan, gangly tooth poked out from the top of his lip as Suigetsu smirked, obviously coming to some conclusion.

"Don't tell me you're the new guy. Sasuke's secretary?"

Naruto nodded his head and Suigetsu whistled, stroking his chin with his hand while he circled Naruto like a hungry shark.

"No fuckin' way. Are you for realz? So you're the guy I've heard so much about!"

"Sasuke…talks about me?"

"Hell naw!" Suigetsu grinned, "I'm just a damn good eavesdropper, but boy, are you a looker." Pinching some of Naruto's hair with his finger (talk about no personal space), Suigetsu's eyebrows lifted momentously high up his face. Sharp teeth now completely visible he said, "And you're a real blonde unlike those other hoebags. Sasuke's sure got a loose kink."

Wait, what?

"You're going to be with Sasuke? No fair!" Karin whined, to which Suigetsu clicked his teeth together in annoyance.

"Only you'd be excited about that. I'm tellin' ya bro, she's a stone cold bitch."

Karin glared and Naruto watched silently as she pounded Suigetsu's chest in a series of brutal hits. Though despite the show, it still didn't take Naruto's mind off of what Suigetsu said. Sasuke's previous secretaries all had blond hair…? That sure was...strange. Didn't really sound like Sasuke, especially considering that Naruto's hair color used to be the basis for many an insult.

It wasn't until the back of Karin's heel hit a particular vital region that Suigetsu yelled uncle, praying forgiveness from the spiteful women who tossed her hair over her shoulder cheerfully.

"Sasuke's office is on the top floor, if you want…" Karin batted her eyes flirtatiously, "I can show you around."

"Ha! She only wants to go just to see if she can bump into Sasuke. C'mere, I'll give you the real grand tour. Catch ya later babe!"

A hand on his shoulder, and Naruto was being led (whether willingly or not) towards the elevator, with the chili pepper, love struck receptionist cursing Suigetsu to the corners of the earth.

"I swear, that Karin's a wild one." Suigetsu commented after they made it inside. "But my girls got spunk, that's prolly why I love her so damn much. Plus, she's a beast in the sack if you know what I mean."

Not really, but Naruto played along and nodded, feeling just a tad bit uncomfortable. A little too much information for his taste, but at least someone here had some personality. Extending his hand Suigetsu gave Naruto a welcoming smile.

"Name's Suigetsu, if ya didn't catch it earlier. Nice to meet you fresh meat."

Naruto took that hand in his firmly, flashing a rivaling smile back.

"Naruto Uzumaki." Sasuke's worst nightmare.

"Oh I know all about you. Climbin' the building? Pretty sick!"

"Least someone appreciates my ninja skills." Naruto joked.

Five minutes and Naruto already pinned Suigetsu as the office gossiper. When he said he eavesdropped, he really meant it, but in a boring place like this Naruto guessed there really was nothing else exciting to do but listen in on other people's conversations. Naruto wondered what other secrets Suigetsu knew about Sasuke, but for now, he'd take his time and get to know him. He seemed like a decent guy anyways.

"But still, I'm tryin' to figure out why he'd hire you. No offense, I mean, you've got a look I've never seen before. Pretty face. But Sasuke's kind of a close-minded prick. He's an' alright guy, but he can be as tight as a virgin if you get me. When I applied, the interview process was brutal."

"Eh, I was kinda forced into it." Naruto responded honestly, to which Suigetsu chuckled and patted his shoulder.

"I figured. There's no way you would willingly bend over for the dude and take it up the ass if he weren't holding something over your head."

"You got that right."

Not that half of it wasn't consensual. There was a car and Ichiraku's involved, but otherwise, he wouldn't be doing this.

Now that he thought about it, that whole statement sounded wrong.

"Karin and I just got lucky since both our families have known his for a while. Our dads are his company benefactors, basically his bitches, and since we didn't take over their business, they didn't want us slackin' off and mooching off their riches. So they made us work here, probably as a token of respect but they fucked up. We still don't do shit."

"Must be nice not having responsibilities." Naruto mused, and Suigetsu grinned.

"Damn straight, and I've got some hash to make it through the year. Hit me up if you're interested."

"I'll keep that in mind."

This almost felt like some criminal, underground meeting, but Naruto was happy he had someone to help him conspire against the boss man.

When they reached their floor, Naruto braced himself for the flames and the torture chambers; instead, he got a quietly bustling office with expensive cubicles and bright, fluorescent lighting. Naruto had to hold himself once the elevator dinged open, and the onslaught of cold winds swept over him like the first day of December. Teeth chattering, Naruto looked at Suigetsu who was suddenly sporting a jacket. The man smiled impishly.

"I should've warned you- Sasuke turns this place into a fridge to make sure nobody slacks off and falls asleep."

"Are you serious?!"

How much more of an ass could one person be? It was already bad enough that he had to work for the guy, but to spend hours in what felt like the peak of Mount Fuji was really pushing the bar. Just where the heck was the thermostat. His eyes scanned the room, desperate to find it.

"Wouldn't try it."

"Why not?! It's freezing!"

"Hey, chill out!" Suigetsu snickered at his own joke, holding his hands up nonthreateningly. "Just sayin', last person to touch the A/C wasn't seen for weeks. Might not wanna go there."

"Oh, I'm going there."

There was no way he would work like this. Sasuke was crazy if he thought he would just sit quietly and catch pneumonia, so Naruto ventured away from Suigetsu, bravely in search for the switch. Naruto took his time while doing so to analyze the other slaves in Sasuke's dominion, who silently stared back at him, but not with the same critical eyes he received downstairs.

Who really piqued Naruto's interest the most was another red head in his lone office space, typing away on his computer with a blank look on his face. He had the symbol for love on his forehead, and possibly the darkest circles Naruto had ever seen under his eyes.

Or maybe that was eyeliner.

Naruto leaned over a desk, eager to figure it out.

"That right there's Sabaku."

Naruto jumped.

"Crap, you scared me!"

Suigetsu laughed, throwing his arm over Naruto's tense shoulder.

"Gaara Sabaku. Been here a whole year and haven't heard a word from him. Zero, zilch, nada. It'd be a miracle if he even looked your way. I personally think the guys cracked, but who knows."

"If I worked here for a year I'd be nutty myself." Naruto said dreadfully. Which would soon be the case, if he read the contract correctly. But despite his coworker's words, he didn't think that there was anything wrong with Gaara. Maybe he was a recluse, but other than that, he got a strange feeling that there was more to him than meets the eye.

Suigetsu shrugged his shoulders.

"I could honestly care less. Anyways- Sasuke's office is right there." He said, pointing to the very end of the hall where a plaque that said CEO glinted ominously. "And your new palace, princess, is right next to his."

"Great." Naruto grumbled dryly. He was sure looking forward to that.

"If you keep your nose clean and act like a world class pussy, you'll be fine. But, if you really wanna have some fun. I've got a few office games we could play, none of that kindergarten shit, that could really make things interesting."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Came a gruff voice from behind. When Naruto turned around, he was face to face with a giant right out of a children's fairy-tale. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, but seriously this man was huge. Twice his size, and twice as thick, Naruto was met with wild auburn hair and an impressive set of muscles. The first thought that came to mind was that he was looking right at Sasuke's body guard. His mouth hung open when Suigetsu playfully punched the hulk in the shoulder. The pasty fellow casually put his hands behind his head before sighing.

"Come on Juugo, you're ruining my plans!"

"You know what happened last time. He's new." Soft, hazelnut regarded him thoughtfully. "You're supposed to look out for him."

"And I am! Hell, I just took the time outta' my day to show sunshine here what's up, isn't that right sunshine?"

Naruto didn't know when he was officially dubbed sunshine, but he made it obvious that he didn't like it. He gave Suigetsu a dirty look before holding out his hand towards Juugo.

"Hi, it's nice to meet ya. The name's Naruto."

"Juugo." He said kindly, taking it and almost breaking Naruto's wrist with his strength. "Don't listen to Suigetsu. He can't keep his nose out of trouble."

"Please!" Suigetsu scoffed, "Juugo may act like a church boy, but he's the same guy that got shit-faced wasted at last year's office party. Trashed all the furniture on the fifth floor."

"Suigetsu." Juugo responded sternly, and the other waved his hand in the air, indicating that he got the jist. "Alright, alright, I'll keep my mouth shut. But since you two are such good friends now, why don't you show Naruto everything else. I gotta bounce. My lady's waiting for me."

Juugo nodded.

"That's fine. I'll show you the break room." He said, and Naruto gave him a bashful smile, still a little intimidated by his size but thankful that he turned out to be so nice. For such a bulky guy, Naruto kinda felt at ease with him. Like a great protector. But he also thanked Suigetsu, which earned him a mischievous look in return. Before he left, Suigetsu leaned in close to Naruto's ear so no one else would hear. "And as a welcome to the family party favor, I'll share a little office wisdom with you."

His violet eyes darted around cautiously before he smirked.

"Thermostat for the entire floor? It's in Sasuke's office. Good luck turning that off without triggering the alarm and alerting the guards. Last time I tried, got a whooping the size of Shibuya, and that was only for staring at it."

The blond was left standing there, absolutely dumbfounded.

"Seeya!"

Suigetsu rushed off in a hurry.

Naruto turned to Juugo, stunned.

"Was…was that a joke?"

Please tell him it was a joke, because at this point, nothing Sasuke did or had would surprise him.

For once Juugo didn't say anything, but the corner of his lips twitched, going completely unnoticed by the other boy who was questioning Sasuke's state of mind. Maybe messing with the new guy a little, just a little, wouldn't hurt.

"Who knows."

Naruto was confident now.

This was hell.

And he, ironically, needed a sweater.


Author's closing notes: Wowowowow- That was nerve wrecking. Never written Karin and Suigetsu before, so I had to do a lot of research, re-watch things, work on their dynamic. So many drafts- but I think I've done okay. I guess it's all about perception. I hope I didn't disappoint.

Since I already have most of the next part written, it will be updated in less then two weeks! Maybe even four to five days! I had to split this chapter into two parts, because there was just SO much to write about (it being Naruto's first day and all) and we still haven't introduced you to another one of Naruto's coworkers. I wonder if you can guess who he is.

It won't be pretty, that's my only clue.

Thank you for continuing to read and review! I'll try to update as quickly as possible, so till next time!