UPDATE: Just want to give a huge shout out to TOMATOXCHERRYLOVER! Thank you so much for the beautiful picture. I really love it! Guys, go check it out, it's awesome! Here's the link (just remove the spaces!) http:/ smartcat101. /#/d3e3nsn
Hey guys! Sorry for updating so late. I know, it has been like a month, I am truly sorry. I was planning to have this chapter out last week, but things came up and I couldn't finish writing it. By the way, if you guys want to add me on Skype, my name is SMARTCATVA, if you want to chat or anything, I'm usually on. Anyway, be sure to read everything in bold at the bottom, because there is a surprise for those of you who do. Trust me, you'll like it. Alright, now onto Chapter 7!
Warning: Sexual Content, rape scene
This is not beta'd so please excuse any grammatical errors you may find. I proofread it myself, and might have mixed some things. Tehe
Chapter 7: The Past and the Present
By the end of the rally, Sasuke was fuming. He was cold, wet and his fingers were all pruned, not to mention that Neji was nowhere in sight. The raven haired professor grit his teeth as his hands bundled into fists by his side. He shook his head furiously, droplets of water shooting like fired bullets from his spiky black hair. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he grabbed his towel and stormed off to change into his normal clothes.
He and Naruto had come up with a brilliant plan to get Neji back, while they stood shivering upon the beam earlier. He smirked, running his towel through his hair, drying it as best he could. Neji.
Oh Neji.
They would let that worm cower in fear. Make him shake in his highly polished shoes.
Neji.
Oh Neji.
The plan was perfect. He would call up Neji later this evening and state to the sorry ass bastard, that he should watch his back.
Vigilantly.
He and Naruto were getting him back big time.
Neji would never know when the payback would hit him.
He'd be constantly looking over his shoulder, expecting some horror to befall him at any moment. However, the evil would never come. The silver-eyed professor would drive himself crazy, and all the two of them would have to do is watch.
Grinning to himself, Sasuke shoved his swimming trunks into his bag and left the locker room.
The car ride home, however – proved to be another matter all together.
Once he'd gotten Neji off his mind, a head of soaking blonde hair assailed his conscious. Sasuke frowned and tried to push the image of a dripping, wet Naruto away. He turned the wheel of his car onto his street and drove to the curb, parking his car right outside the apartment building. Pulling the keys out of the ignition, he grabbed his bag and made his way into the brick building. His footsteps echoed as he walked through the hallway towards the elevator.
It was around six o'clock, and usually at this time, there were many people coming in and out of the building. That's why Sasuke found it strange that today everything was silent. Quietly, he rode the elevator up to his floor. The humming of the steel elevator did nothing to sooth the growing agitation he was feeling.
By the time he entered his apartment, his palms were sweaty and Sasuke was finding it hard to breathe. Deep cerulean eyes taunted him within his mind. They stared at him, beginning to cloud over with a veil of lust. Sasuke swallowed hard as he threw his bag on the floor; not even bothering to take out the wet swimming trunks and hang them up to dry. He shakily walked over to his bed and sat down. His eyes focused on the wall opposite him, as his mind began organizing through all of today's events. His body trembled as he remembered the dobe's face when he was trying to undo the knot, holding the blonde's hands captive…that little bulge he saw.
Naruto had been aroused.
That was obvious. Though, what Sasuke couldn't understand was why after seeing that, did he feel himself growing hard?
Not to mention that kiss.
He shivered at the thought.
Goose bumps covered his body as he rubbed his forearms to rid himself of the memory. He had felt Naruto's excitement push against his thigh. He was sure of it. Just thinking about it made his whole body heat up hungrily. He licked his lips, remembering the taste. The feel of his tongue gliding over Narutos' as he tightened his grip on the younger man. Sasuke closed his eyes, letting his senses take over and propel him deeper into the memory, making it come alive once more. His hands fisted in the sheets of his bed, his head bent back in concentration. The silence throughout the building, helping heighten his already straining senses. As the minutes passed, his breathing became more ragged as he saw Naruto's teeth, working the knot holding him. He could feel the hot breath caressing his hands, the short puffs that pushed against his ivory skin. The slight slip of the tongue against his heated skin as Naruto attempted to grip the rope with his teeth. Just watching that gold head of hair bob beneath him was more than enough for the Uchiha.
He cringed as his growing erection pushed against his jeans. The rough fabric pushing against the need growing inside him was proving to be unbearable. With a shaky hand, he pulled the metal zipper down to relieve himself from the growing tightness. Sasuke swallowed, imagining Naruto unzipping his pants and taking his length into his hands. Naruto's slender fingers stroking the throbbing pale flesh as he brought his mouth closer…
The sound of his cell phone ringing had Sasuke snapping his eyes open wide in alarm. He stood up hastily and ran towards his bag, trying to get his phone out while at the same time trying to zip up his pants. He shook his head, trying to clear it of the devilish thoughts floating about.
What the hell was that?
Was he just about to touch himself thinking about Naruto?
What the fuck?
What was going on?
Sasuke pressed a palm to his sweat-coated forehead, trying to discern if he might have a fever. There was no reasonable explanation for what he had been thinking. None at all. No one thinks sexual thoughts about the person they hate, right? He swallowed hard, digging through his bag in an attempt to find his phone before the person on the other line hung up. He made a mental note to google whether it was normal to think of people you hate sexually. Right now, he needed to find his phone.
It was probably Itachi calling, telling him how the proposal went. He didn't want to miss this call. For all he knew, he might be welcoming a new member into his small family.
In all honesty, he was actually thankful for this distraction. How on earth, did he let himself become so distracted by that blonde idiot! Seriously, he was going to google himself an answer – right after taking a nice, long shower.
"Hello?" he answered, a little breathlessly.
"Hello, Sasuke."
"Neji," Sasuke grit his teeth, "You. Are. Dead."
"Now, Sasuke," Neji's voice quivered slightly, "This is in no way my fault. I could not have known the students would pick that, out of the choices given."
"You are going to die, asshole," Sasuke gripped the phone tightly, his anger rising, "I have never been more uncomfortable in my life! Naruto and I are going to get you for this. Believe me, Neji. You can run, pray, hide, I don't care, but we're going to get you. I can't fucking get that idiot out of my head!"
"What?"
Sasuke bit down hard on his lip, "Nothing. Just know you're a dead man walking."
"You're…thinking about him? What kind of things are you thinking, Sasuke?"
"None of your business, traitor," Sasuke walked over to the couch and unceremoniously dropped himself down on it.
"You…you weren't masturbating just now…were you? You did sound…a little out of breath…"
"I. Was. Not. Masturbating." Sasuke's eye twitched as his face turned red, "You're mentally unstable, you know that?"
"Right," Neji scoffed on the other end, "You were thinking about him…and after what had just happened, I could only assume –"
"Well, you assumed wrong. Bye, Neji," Sasuke flipped his phone closed and let it fall beside him on the couch. He ran his hands through his hair, in an attempt to calm his nerves.
Damn that Hyuga.
Sasuke stood up and stomped towards the bathroom, eager to take that shower.
:::
Naruto stared out the window, gazing at the twinkling stars appearing in the night sky. They were all so far away, yet it seemed if he just stretched out his hand, he would be able to pluck one out of the sky. He wondered what it would be like to hold a star, and have it twinkle in the palm of his hand. He sighed and took a step back, his hold on a small velvet box tightening. Naruto collapsed into his chair and stared at his pet frog, lazily sitting on a stick with a look of boredom on its face. The frog let out a croak and shut its eyes. Naruto frowned in annoyance. Even the frog was being difficult today. He let out another sigh.
Yes. Today had sucked majorly. The rally turned out to be anything but fun. Being embarrassed in front of everyone, let alone Sasuke…
Naruto clenched his teeth, his brow furrowing in anger. What the hell was going on?
An erection?
Because of Sasuke?
Enjoying the kiss?
What the hell!
"Argh!" Naruto banged his fist against his desk. Was he that desperate? That he would enjoy any sexual attention no matter who the person was?
He felt disgusted with himself…but then again…when they had kissed…Naruto was almost a hundred percent sure he felt something hard press against his leg. It wasn't just him. Sasuke had been aroused as well, he was sure of it!
That kiss…that kiss was…that kiss was one of the hottest kisses he ever had, and it had been with Sasuke Uchiha.
Why? God, why was it with him?
To top it all off, why was Sakura giggling like a fool during their lip lock? Her laughter echoed throughout the gymnasium because of that damned microphone. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought she had planned this all from the start. However, this was Neji's project, so he knew it couldn't be the rosette's doing.
He frowned.
Sakura had been trying to get him and Sasuke to get along ever since grade school. It had all started in third grade, when he and Sasuke got into a huge fight. Their teacher had gotten so fed up with their constant class disruptions that she made Sakura sit in between the two of them.
He smiled.
They were always seated in alphabetical order and thereby, he always sat in the third row with Sasuke sitting in front of him. Sakura usually sat next to either Naruto or Sasuke, depending on whether there were six people between her and Sasuke or seven. The rosette had taken it upon herself to moderate between the two, and in that way, somehow ended up with the two boys becoming her closest friends. She had always tried to get them to befriend one another. Nonetheless, he and Sasuke stayed bitter rivals, never showing anything but hate and anger towards one another.
There had only been one time during their school days when he and Sasuke had come together. Just one.
He would never forget that day.
It had been after their soccer championship. As punishment for getting into a fight on the field, the coach had made him and Sasuke clear up the equipment and bring them back into the shed after the game. Sakura had let them know that she would wait for them to finish before heading to the party, that Kiba was hosting for their win. She was looking very cute that day. Her long hair tied back in a ponytail, and tendrils of her pink hair framing her face beautifully. She radiated happiness in her white and green cheering uniform. Even Sasuke had commented on how good she looked in it. Naruto remembered seeing her blush. He knew perfectly well that she still harbored some feelings for Sasuke, even though she knew he was gay. Yet, she also had feelings for him as well. To which, for some reason, he had a hard time returning.
"I'll wait for you guys by the shed, okay?" Sakura said, throwing the winning soccer ball at Naruto.
"Yeah," Naruto smiled, "Don't go to that party without us! We'll be done here before you know it. Promise Sakura, you won't go without me?" He pouted.
She let out a sweet laugh, "I promise, Naruto."
"C'mon, you idiot," Sasuke growled, grabbing Naruto by the sleeve of his jersey. "We've got to go collect the cones."
Naruto pulled his arm out of Sasuke's grip angrily, "Well, we wouldn't have to clean up after everyone, if you would just fucking listen to me. I was wide open, Sasuke! You should have just passed the ball to me!"
"I had a shot at goal, so I took it!" Sasuke fired back.
"Guys, stop it! Can you just stop?" Sakura yelled angrily, "Honestly, five minutes…can you go five minutes without fighting?"
Naruto picked at the cold ground with the toe of his cleat, not daring to look Sakura in the eye. Sasuke just stood there stoically, letting the wind blow at his black hair.
"Look, just go get the stuff," she sighed, "I'll wait."
They watched her walk away before heading onto the field and collecting the scattered equipment. It had taken them longer to gather everything then it would a normal person. Their constant arguing had made them take ten minutes longer then it should have. When the two of them had finally gathered everything, Naruto picked up the soccer ball lying in the grass, Sasuke heaved the sack of equipment on his shoulders, and the two of them quietly began making their way towards the shed.
They were a few feet away from the shed door when Naruto heard a faint cry. He lifted his head slowly and listened more closely. There it was again. He turned to look at Sasuke. Apparently, the raven had heard it too. He dropped his load quietly by the side of the door.
"You hear that?" Naruto whispered.
Sasuke nodded and pushed his finger against his lips, signaling Naruto to remain quiet. The blonde nodded in understanding. The two of them crept alongside the shed, listening for the sound.
Behind the shed, there was a cluster of trees. Students would often go there during class with their boyfriends or girlfriends for a little alone time. However, Naruto found it odd that someone would be using that spot now, when school had been over for a couple of hours. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled as he edged closer to Sasuke.
They heard a strangled sob.
"Keep her quiet!" They heard someone say in a low voice.
"Naruto?" Sasuke whispered, "You didn't see Sakura by any chance, did you?"
The Uchiha watched the blonde shake his head, "Did you?"
Sasuke shook his head in reply. He then began creeping towards the trees, trying to make as little noise as possible. Naruto followed close behind.
What they saw made their eyes widen. Naruto dropped the soccer ball he was holding, a look of disbelief and horror took over his features. Even Sasuke's expressionless face could have been easily read at that moment.
Five of the soccer players from the Sound soccer team stood around Sakura. Two of them had their pants down to their knees. One was in the process of shoving himself into the girl's mouth. The other was thrusting quite enthusiastically between her thighs. Sakura let out another strangled sob. Another of the soccer players had a firm hold on her ponytail, and yanked it every time she let a sound escape. His free hand was busily squeezing one milky, white breast hard between his fingers. The other two were busy holding her arms and legs down in order to keep her from flailing, and attempting to fight back.
Sakura had angry red scratches on her face and chest. Her shoulders were tensed and her back arched. Eyes wide with fright, she stared horrified at the sight before her. The stinging pain between her legs was near to unbearable. She chocked on a sob, thinking this might be her last day on earth. She gagged as the teen before her thrust deeper into her mouth, his hard dick pushing against the back of her throat. Sakura gave another anguished cry.
"Hey!" Naruto yelled, "What the fuck are you doing?"
"Get the fuck away from her!" Sasuke yelled, his face filled with rage.
The two guys holding Sakura's arms and legs jumped to their feet and ran at Sasuke and Naruto. One of them lunged at the blonde with a fist aimed for the face, but Naruto easily moved out of the way. The rage and anger he was feeling made the punch he dealt to the guy's face, that more painful. The guy hit the ground hard, cradling his face, shrieking from the pain, all the while spitting blood.
Naruto then lunged for the teen who had been pushing himself into Sakura's mouth earlier. He jumped on the guy with a loud yell.
Sasuke had dislocated his opponent's shoulder with one swift movement, then using the window the guy gave him, kneed him in the groin as hard as he could. He then jumped on the next guy, who had yet to finish doing up his pants. Sasuke executed a perfect round house kick, sending the teen crashing into the bushes. Then he grabbed him by the shirt and continued to punch at his face until the boy no longer made a sound.
The fifth member had hightailed it out of there, leaving Sakura sobbing hysterically on the cold ground. Her uniform was torn in several places and the blood running down her milky white legs, scared the girl into crying louder.
Sasuke and Naruto didn't stop until all the Sound soccer players lay unconscious on the ground. Only then did they rush towards Sakura, anger and worry clearly displayed on their faces.
"Are you alright, Sakura?" Naruto worriedly wiped the tears from the girl's face. Moving the strands of hair out of the way, so he could access any damage.
"You're joking, right?" Sasuke looked at Naruto, "She just got raped. Do you think she's alright?"
"We need to get her to the hospital," Naruto said as he gingerly moved the sleeve of Sakura's torn uniform to cover her chest. The bra the girl had been wearing was torn, leaving Naruto with a clear view of the redness around the girl's nipple. "Call Shikamaru. He probably hasn't left yet."
"NO!" Sakura yelled, "Don't tell anyone! Please!"
"Sakura," Sasuke stopped fiddling with her shoe in an attempt to get it on her bare foot, "We need to get these guys to the police, and you to a hospital. Naruto and I can't do it all ourselves. We need our friends to help."
Naruto picked up Sakura's phone from the ground and dialed Shikamaru.
"Hey," Shikamaru responded, "Me and Kiba were just about to head out. Are Sasuke and Naruto with you yet?"
"Shikamaru," Naruto's voice shook slightly, "It's Naruto. I need you to call the police right away. Sasuke and I are taking Sakura to the hospital."
"What? What's going on?"
"We're by the equipment shed. Please, just call the police. Get Kiba here too, we need to make sure these guys don't get away."
"Naruto? Shit, what the hell happened?"
"Just get your ass over here, Shikamaru!"
"Alright, I'll be there in two minutes."
As soon as Kiba and Shikamaru arrived, Naruto picked up a shaking Sakura from the ground and cradled her in his arms, "We're taking Sasuke's car, okay?"
"What happened?" Kiba asked, his eyes going wide.
"These punks ganged up on Sakura and tried to rape her," Naruto replied angrily, "Fucking assholes."
"Holy shit."
"I'm going to call Choji," Shikamaru reached for his phone, "We're going to make sure these guys don't get away with this. Also, the police should be here soon. I told Shino to stand and watch for them. He'll bring them here when they arrive."
"Alright," Sasuke nodded, "Naruto, let's go."
The blonde nodded and began following Sasuke to the car.
When they reached the hospital, they let the medical team take over. The two of them were ushered to the waiting room by one of the nurses. So, unhappily, they sat in the waiting room quietly, waiting. After a good long hour, a nurse approached them, a grim look on her face.
Naruto jumped to his feet immediately, his heart starting to race, "Is she okay?"
The nurse nodded, "Sakura Haruno will be alright. Her parents are with her now, so if you'd like to see her, I'd wait another few minutes."
Naruto sighed in relief and gave the nurse a polite nod of the head. She nodded back and left the two boys.
"I hope those bastards get sent to prison," Naruto said through clenched teeth as he watched the minute hand of the clock move slowly.
"Hn."
"It's been two minutes," Naruto stood up, "I think we can go now." Naruto made an attempt to go towards Sakura's room, only to be stopped by a firm grip on his sleeve.
"Give it another five minutes, Naruto."
Naruto looked at Sasuke. The raven haired teen was staring at him, silently letting him know that now wasn't the time to start an argument. They had to give the family some more time before they intruded. The blonde swallowed hard and looked back at the mocking clock. It's sleek black plastic hands making seconds feel like eternity. Dejectedly, he sat back down into the hospital chair and gripped the wooden handles fiercely. He would give the Harunos five more minutes, and then there would be no stopping him.
Four minutes later, Sasuke couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed Naruto by the sleeve of his shirt and pulled him along to Sakura's hospital room. The blonde followed Sasuke eagerly, his patience having long ago expired. When they entered Sakura's room, they found their good friend sitting up in the hospital bed, wearing one of those paper gowns. Her eyes were still red and puffy, but she did look more calm.
"Hey, Sakura!"Naruto tried saying cheerfully.
"Honey, I don't thi -"
"It's okay, mom," Sakura turned to her mother, "Can I talk to them alone for a minute?"
Her parents exchanged glances between themselves, then quietly nodded and stood from their seats, "We'll go fill out the forms the doctor gave us. Your father and I will be right outside if you need anything."
Sakura smiled haggardly and waited for her parents to leave the room before she broke out in fresh tears. Naruto was instantly at her side, his arms wrapping comfortingly around her shivering frame.
"Oh, Naruto!" She cried, "Th-they don't th-think I'll b-be able to h-ha-have ch-children!"
The blonde's eyes widened in alarm as the girl in his arms began to cry harder. He chanced a glance at Sasuke. The raven haired teen was standing by the doorway, an unreadable expression on his face.
"I'm going to get you some water," Sasuke said, turning to leave the room.
"N-no one is g-going to w-want to m-marry me now!" Sakura wailed, bunching Naruto's shirt in her fists, "Not only was I r-raped, b-but I might n-never be a-able to have c-children!"
"That's not true, Sakura!"
"Yes, it is!"
"No, it isn't!"
"Yes, Naruto! No one wants spoiled goods!"Sakura shuddered, her shoulders shaking as her breath caught, "I'll never get married. Never have a family."
"You will."
"Yeah? Who will want me?"
"I do," Naruto said firmly, "I'll marry you, Sakura."
"R-really?"
The blonde nodded, "Take this as a proposal. I promise I'll marry you, Sakura. I don't care if you can't have kids. We'll adopt if we have to, but I promise you that you will have a family. Sakura, after we graduate college, will you marry me?"
Sakura nodded furiously.
"Great," Naruto smiled and brushed a tear from Sakura's flushed cheek, "It's settled then."
He sighed and stared at the sparkling diamond looking up at him. A promise was a promise. He never went back on his word. They had graduated a while ago, and he still had not put this ring upon her finger. Naruto looked back out the window and sighed. He had to do it. He was going to do it. Naruto stood and walked back to his underwear drawer, pulling it open. Gently, he placed the velvet box inside.
:::
For the next week, Naruto and Sasuke did everything in their power to avoid each other. Naruto even went as far as eating his lunch outside or hiding out in his office until it was time to go home. Sasuke began walking rather quickly through the hallways, with his eyes affixed to the scuffed college corridors, in an attempt to make sure he made no contact what so ever with a certain blonde individual.
Bathrooms were avoided by both, just in case they might run into each other.
The staff lounge was off limits.
That one time Naruto chanced to go inside, Sasuke had gone as well, and as usual, a fight broke out. When Sasuke had gripped his arm, Naruto unconsciously shivered. He pushed the raven away from him, hard. Sasuke stumbled backwards, hitting the wall. Naruto turned his head and walked quickly towards the food bar, hoping his movements were quick enough to hide the heat he felt on his face. Sasuke, on the other hand, leaned against the wall with his mouth slightly open. Eyes darted around the room, evaluating everyone's expressions. Shikamaru and Kakashi were looking at him with mild interest. Gai was helping Hinata, who apparently fainted.
Things were just not going well. So, Sasuke brushed off his clothes and walked determinedly out of the staff lounge.
Basically, every place one could possibly run into the other, was avoided like the plague.
Come Wednesday, Naruto was bordering on hysteria. He kept stopping at corners, just in case Sasuke was there. He would run through the parking lot, just in case the bastard was there. He even stopped using the elevators, just because the damned thing could stop at a floor and open to reveal Sasuke.
Kiba was growing very worried. Not only was Naruto spazzing out, but the blonde idiot went as far as going back to visit the psychic. Thankfully, they had Gaara's 'friends' take care of that loose end. When Naruto had arrived at the psychic's shop, all he found was a 'For Rent' sign hanging on the white washed door. Needless to say, he wasn't very happy.
The two of them were sitting in the kitchen gobbling down some left over fried pork from the day before. Shikamaru had chosen to stay over Temari's place for the night, so the two of them were left alone.
Kiba had taken Akamaru to the vet that morning, so the kitchen was unusually silent. He picked at his food, wondering what the blonde was thinking about. Sighing, Kiba picked up his glass of juice and took a sip. The brunette watched as Naruto slowly forked a piece of meat and brought it to his mouth, taking a big bite. Kiba smiled, popping a piece of fried pork in his mouth as well.
"Hey, Naruto," he said mid chew, "You want to go to the bathhouse tonight?"
Naruto looked up from his plate, a quizzical expression on his face, "Why?"
Kiba swallowed and grinned up at his best friend, "To relax. You've been all tense and stuff all week. I think going to the bath house will give you a chance to let the stress just…evaporate away."
The blonde quirked an eyebrow, "Evaporate away?"
"Oh, you know what I mean," Kiba looked down at his plate, his cheeks a rosy shade of red, "Do you want to go, or not?"
Naruto thought about it for a minute. It sounded like a good idea, "Sure. Sounds like fun."
"Cool," Kiba grinned, showing off his impressive canines. He lifted his fist and gently bumped it against Naruto's waiting one.
The two friends were at the bathhouse within the hour. Kiba went to park the car while Naruto decided to head inside to get changed. It was a little late for a bathhouse visit, but Naruto didn't mind. In fact, he preferred having less people around. That way, he could fully enjoy his bath.
Leisurely, he walked towards the changing rooms, throwing his bag of things on the bench as soon as he stepped inside. Unhurriedly, he began to strip his clothes, making sure to fold them and place them in his bag. He was just wrapping his towel about his waist when Kiba came into the changing room. The guy had already pulled off his shirt, exposing a lean and well muscled chest and torso.
"I'm going to head in," Naruto said with a smile, "Hurry up."
"Yeah, yeah," Kiba threw his bag next to Narutos' and began undoing his belt. "I'll be there in a minute."
The blue eyed man grabbed his basket of bathing supplies and sauntered off towards the men's bath. Entering the showers first, he quickly showered himself off before making his way to the communal bath. His rubber shoes shuffled against the tiled floor as he walked the short distance. Pushing open the door, Naruto stepped into the bathing room, the bath waiting for him a few feet away.
The blonde folded his towel and hung it on the rack, then took his basket and walked towards the edge of the bath and peered into the clear water. Sticking his toe in, he sighed in contentment. The water was deliciously hot.
Naruto placed his basket near the edge of the bath and submerged himself in the water, loving the warmth he felt rising up from his soles, heating up his cold feet. He immersed himself to the chin, eyes closing in the sense of calm.
There were three other men sitting in the large bath. Naruto watched them curiously for a few minutes. They seemed to be much older, probably somewhere in there late fifties. A splash on his left made him divert his attention.
Kiba was hastily stepping into the hot water, his eager face made Naruto want to burst out in laughter. The boy's tongue stuck out as he waded in further. When his feet hit the bottom of the tiled floor, the brunette dunked his head under the hot water, only to appear beside Naruto a few seconds later.
Naruto laughed as Kiba scrunched his nose, evidently feeling the chill on his face. The dark haired boy brought his hands to his face and pressed on his cheeks, trying to keep his face from freezing.
"Stupid idea," he grumbled, his nose twitching.
"Eh, yeah," Naruto grinned and grabbed his washcloth and bar of soap. He began a lather only to have Kiba grab his washcloth right out of his hands, "Hey!"
"You were first last time," Kiba smirked as he thrust his own washcloth at Naruto, "You do me first."
Naruto rolled his eyes and grabbed the soapy cloth from Kiba's hands. The coffee eyed boy turned his back and leaned against the side of the bath, a smirk resting peacefully on his face. His ears perked as they heard the sound of Naruto lathering up the washcloth. Kiba felt the water move behind him and soon there was a warm cloth pressed against his back. Closing his eyes, he leaned against his crossed arms, taking pleasure from the feeling of the cloth rubbing against his back.
"So," Naruto started, "What did the vet say about Akamaru?"
Kiba grunted, "Said he'll be fine. Told me I could pick him up tomorrow afternoon."
"That's good."
"Yeah."
Naruto dunked the washcloth into the water, wetting it once more before pressing it to Kiba's muscled shoulders, "We haven't done this in a long time," he said after a minute of silence.
Kiba replied by nodding his head.
"You know…I went back to that psychic the other day," Naruto said, "Apparently she doesn't work there anymore."
"Really?"
"Yeah, the place was up for rent," Naruto sighed, "And I really wanted to ask her about some things. Like, about the Sasuke kiss."
Kiba's eyes flew open, "Oh yeah…she said you guys were going to kiss…weird that it actually happened."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, "That's what I thought too. I wanted to ask her about it, and about the other things she said."
"What other things?"
"You know…when she said Sasuke and I would be together…that stuff."
"Oh, I forgot about that," Kiba lied. He heard Naruto dunk the cloth in the water again.
"I mean…he hates me and I hate him," Naruto poured water over Kiba's back, washing the soap away from the tanned skin. "I can't end up with him…I'm…he's…we…"
Kiba turned around and picked up Naruto's washcloth, "Turn around, Naruto."
The blonde sighed and did as Kiba said, positing himself the way Kiba had done.
"I saw that kiss, Naruto," Kiba said as he reapplied the soap to the cloth, "That didn't look like hate to me."
"Well," Naruto huffed, "It was…I don't like him, okay!"
"Never said you did."
"Whatever," Naruto said, closing his eyes, "He's an asshole."
"Sasuke has his moments."
"Yeah? Like when?"
Kiba smiled, rubbing the cloth against Naruto's lean back. The white soapy bubbles were gathering on the sides, like little mountain ranges, Kiba stuck his finger into one of them, rubbing Naruto's back with his hand. His hand trailed upwards to the blonde's shoulders.
"Ah," Naruto moaned as Kiba squeezed his shoulder, "Do that again."
Kiba chuckled. He put the washcloth onto the tiled floor and began rubbing the tension out of his friend's shoulders. Naruto gave another satisfied grunt.
"Remember when you and Sasuke were friends?" Kiba asked after a few minutes of rubbing.
"Mrgh," Naruto incoherently grumbled.
"I remember when you guys actually had fun together…well…we all had fun together. Don't you remember, Naruto?"
Naruto opened his eyes, his blue orbs clouded over as he recalled a time when he and Sasuke got along. A frown appeared on his face, "Yeah…then he went and told the teacher I cheated on the exam. I swear I wasn't cheating, Kiba! Sure, I was sick as a dog that day, but I would never cheat! Let alone off of that pudgy black haired kid!"
Kiba sighed and brought Naruto into a friendly hug. The blonde rested his head on Kiba's muscular shoulder, finding comfort and support there.
"It was a pretty shitty thing to do, I got to admit," Kiba tussled the blonde locks of hair comfortingly as he let go, "I can't believe he lied about it too."
"Yeah," Naruto grumbled, "I mean, Michiru saw him telling the professor, and I got a zero for that damned thing! The least he could have done was come clean! I didn't fucking cheat!"
"I know you didn't," Kiba sighed, "But that was third grade, Naruto. Don't you think it's time to forgive and forget?"
"Eh?" Naruto lifted his head, "Have you forgotten everything that's happened since then? Kiba, are you feeling okay?"
The brunette rolled his eyes, "I'm fine, Naruto."
"Well your face is red."
"That's because it's hot in here, dumbass."
"Is mine?"
"No." Kiba chuckled, "Why don't you give Sasuke a chance. Maybe you guys will find out that you do get along."
"Kiba, did you drink some of this water? I think something is wrong with your brain."
"Oh c'mon, Naruto, what's holding you back? What if you and Sasuke end up liking each other? Would that be such a bad outcome?" Kiba tried to pull Naruto into a hug again. The blonde wriggled.
"Whatever," Naruto pulled away from Kiba's attempt at comfort, "I'm going to hop in the shower." The blonde hoisted himself out of the bath, the water dripping from his naked body. Kiba watched as Naruto straightened out, the muscles of his calves tensing as he took a step towards his towel. Naruto pulled his towel from the rack and tied it around his torso, covering up. Kiba blinked and averted his eyes.
"I'm just going to have a quick shower. I'll wait for you in the lounge if you want." Naruto said, shoving his feet into the rubber shoes.
"Nah," Kiba waved the blonde off, "I'll be done soon too. Just going to soak here for a few more minutes before hitting the showers…I'll be done in about fifteen minutes. Then we can go home."
Naruto nodded, "Alright." He grabbed his basket and began walking to the door. Kiba watched his friend's form disappear before he sunk down into the water, leaving only his nose and eyes above the water. Furrowing his eyebrows, Kiba stared at the old men on the other side of the bath. They were all sitting in the water, talking about what it is old people talk about.
Kiba let out a breath of air, causing bubbles to form and spring to the surface. Naruto was obviously hiding something from him. Kiba was sure of it. It was the first time that the blonde had pushed him away…physically that is. Kiba pushed back his hair to keep it from his eyes as he pondered.
Naruto craved human contact, he was never one to push it away. So…what was he trying to hide? Did he not want him to know that he actually like Sasuke? Did he think he would disapprove? Kiba grunted. Or, was it something that had nothing to do with Sasuke?
He was just assuming it had to do with Sasuke, because that was the only touchy subject with Naruto…and with that kiss…he presumed that's what it was…but what if it was something else? The brunette shook his head, he wasn't the analyzing type. These things were better left for Shikamaru to decipher.
Tomorrow, he would corner that lazy ass and tell him what happened.
Naruto had pushed Kiba away.
That was not good.
Not good at all.
Now a word from…Hinata!
"Hello, e-everyone!" Hinata gripped her goggles securely, "How a-are you d-doing?"
"They're doing great, Hinata," author assures the grey-eyed woman, "Tell them! Tell them about your interview!"
"Oh...okay," Hinata smiles at the audience, "W-well…it was okay…th-though it was k-kind of c-cut short wh-when…I…I-"
"When you fainted," authors nods in understanding, "I thought Shino and Temari were supposed to make sure he didn't go into the staff lounge? What happened there?"
"Temari told him Sasuke had a class during our lunch break," Shikamaru said from his chair, "And Sakura and Lee told Sasuke that Naruto had class during our lunch break. So the two of them ran into each other and…well…you could listen to it for yourself."
"R-really?" Hinata looked confusingly at Shikamaru, "What do you mean l-listen to it? I c-couldn't find it after I woke up."
"Man," Shikamaru sighed, "I took it and gave it to Shizune for you. I'm guessing she gave it to Tsunade who decided to upload it onto some site called youtube."
"Y-youtube? But…won't Sasuke and Naruto see it?"
"No," Shikamaru said lazily, "This author here, has somehow made sure that those two will never be able to find it. Don't know how she did it…don't really think I want to."
"Hehe," author laughs to herself, "You don't want to."
"Anyway," Shikamaru stands to his feet, stretching in the process, "I have to meet up with Kiba. He said there was something important he wanted to talk to me about." Shikamaru waves to Hinata before walking out of the staff lounge.
"Ehm," author clears her throat, "Hinata, aren't you forgetting something?"
"Um…oh yes!" Hinata looks pointedly at the camera lens, a cheerful smile on her face, "The author would like to thank you all for reading. Please continue to leave her your reviews. She greatly enjoys reading them, and they make her want to write more for you!"
"Good girl," author hugs Hinata who gives a light hearted giggle, "Leave a review guys! And if you want to see the interview Hinata had with some members of operation malt balls, go to my profile page! There is a link to it there!"
Favs and Reviews are greatly appreciated!
