Mr. Popular and the randomness of it all
...
Nothing that enters anyone from outside can make him dirty, what comes out of him makes him unclean
...
It was one of the rare days when you actually can see Naruto as silent as a rock and really trying to concentrate on listening to the teachers ranting about time and space to block out unimportant best friend issues.
It has been yet three hours since that incident that morning and the blond boy didn't want to think about it. Also, the conscientious side of himself won already, not that he really put up a really convincing fight with his inner self. Yes it was decided, he's going to approach Sasuke already, happy? He told himself just a while ago.
Right now, he is silently staring at the science teacher not really comprehending what he is saying.
Seated just beside the window, he glanced outside and noted that dark nimbostratus clouds hovering the once clear blue sky accompanied by a relatively strong chilly wind.
He sighed.
'And I really remembered that crappy cloud lesson that my science teacher taught us'
He sighed again.
The class continued rather dull for Naruto and he almost didn't care, it was like the weather's gloomy aura is just so damn contagious, affecting even his mood.
"Argh" He muttered silently, looking at the teacher again.
'I've had enough of this emotional act man.'
He raised his hand and the teacher beamed. Finally, after almost one hour of asking, someone is going to answer his question, the teacher said to himself.
Which Naruto is so much oblivious of.
'Just what is it that he's so happy about?' Wondered Naruto.
"Yes, Naruto, what is your answer?"
Naruto's eyebrows arched questioningly, and smiled shyly. Oh, is it not his fault that he didn't listen (really!) to the teacher? Naah just wrong timing.
"Um... may I go to the restroom?"
The class snickered and waited for the teachers outburst, cause the volcano is gonna explode... about this time.
Snap.
Said the teacher's patience and the class laughed while Naruto staggered towards the backdoor and hurriedly closed it behind his back desperately clutching his chest and tame his racing heart. He leaned on the nearby wall still clenching his chest and breathed deeply and he heard an object with a "NARUTO" being thrown at the door.
"Tell you, that guy's psychotic wonder why he isn't fired yet"
"Oh?"
"Yeah, didn't you see? He like, almost threw me the fucking damn tabl-" Naruto stopped. Did he just hear his alter ego actually talk to him?
"Why'd you stop?" The voice said. It was… right behind him. He glanced at his back and looked at the person like the whole world is playing a prank at him.
"I was talking to myself and you...you just butt in"
Neji laughed taking in the incredulous a bit adorable face of the blond guy.
'haven't laughed in ages' Neji noted.
"What's so funny Mr.? I am having a bad day today and you're having the best time of your life. Great."
Neji should have laughed more if he is not Neji in the first place and Naruto did not start to walk away.
Neji followed, and Neji Hyuuga is not supposed to follow, he was followed.
"Wait!"
"Don't 'wait' me Mr. I am going to the restroom, argh!" Naruto paused sporting a I-can't-believe-myself kind of look "And I even told you that, and it's even none of your damn precious business" Naruto stomped his foot, and Neji caught up to him, with an amused expression.
"What?" Naruto asked a bit hastily. This is all the nimbostratus' fault!
"You are Naruto right?"
Naruto finally looked at the guy properly for the first time. He has a long brown flowing hair, 'is that length even allowed at school?', neatly pressed uniform, poised authoritative aura and a pinkish grey...eyes?
"Oh man you wearing contacts?" Naruto instantly asked.
"hn. No"
Naruto noticed the guy looked quite offended and his voice became cold just like Sasuke's voice...
"Oh, sorry, you know, looked kinda... cool man, and yes I'm Naruto, how'd ya know?"
"Figured it out" Neji stated catching the scrutinizing gaze of the blond at him; he pointed at one of the bulletin boards with his picture in it.
Hurriedly, Naruto grabbed it and shredded the picture to unidentifiable pieces with so much maddened eagerness.
"Figures" Neji said as he felt Naruto's murderous aura.
"Yeah, it sucks man"
"Just want you to know the culprits are in the principal's office"
Naruto stopped walking looking unbelievably at Neji and the paper on his hand are now being blown away and are scattering itself on the once clean corridor.
"What's that again?"
Now, that caught Naruto's attention. He is now hanging on every word this guy is going to say!
"I refuse to repeat myself Naruto" Neji said looking straight ahead.
Whoa, this guy is weird, a while ago he's happy and now he's grumpy. He sure is bi polar... like... Sasuke!
"What an ass, how'd you know that? How'd I make sure you're not making me look stupid" Neji had to raise his eyebrow at that "or more yet, maybe, you are the one who placed those pictures there! Oh how could you!"
Naruto rambled on and on and on with all the gestures and everything. It was just like how he always does. It was just like playing let's-pretend-naruto's-hysterical game.
Neji rolled his eyes thinking that this Naruto boy is such a hyper, hyper boy and decided now as the best time to cut the rambles off.
"I saw them"
In an instant, Naruto stopped talking and grinned.
"Really? Awwww... pupil less eye-bo-"
"It's Neji" Neji hned. 'He's so friendly with strangers'
"y - Neji! You're such a good soul!"
Naruto tried to place a big hug around Neji's shoulders where Neji flinched and reluctantly accepted without returning it.
"Hey, why'd you decide to report that? You don't seem the type…"
Naruto asked Neji curiously, besides, it's the first time he saw Neji and he doesn't seem to be the kind of person who would really care.
"Because it's annoying"
"You bet Neji, its annoying, so annoying, know what, it almost ruined our friendship man" Naruto shook his head slowly for effect.
"Yeah, I saw" Naruto noticed how gracefully Neji's hair sits on his back and looked at Neji's face suspiciously again.
"You saw what, this time?"
"The two of you argue"
"Oh... that, the guy's just having a mood swing" Naruto scratched the back of his head
"Yeah whatever"
Naruto saw Neji roll his eyes... well, Naruto did not really see it roll, and he just assumed it rolled. Hell, with eyes like that, it's pretty hard to tell, which reminds him of... Sasuke's eyes
"Uh, Neji... say... are you um, gay?"
Just like that, in slow motion, Naruto saw different kinds of emotion flashing at Neji's face. And the second time that day, he found himself staggering for his life away from the boy... who knows that Neji too, is quite sensitive about the topic? Oh. Which reminds me again of Sasuke...
The day came to an end and Sasuke and Naruto continued with their seemingly cold war with Sasuke doing all the ignoring thing and Naruto pretending not to really care.
"Bye man, see you tomorrow!"
"Bye!"
Kiba and Naruto did their signature handshake and continued walking home. Naruto walked home as well walking through the gloomy streets to the Uchihas.
There is something weird not talking to Sasuke really, it makes me think, and to think that I don't usually think things through that is something. To say that we really don't hate each other like there's no tomorrow must be some kind of a relief for me... but it still feels weird damn it. You see, I don't know. Maybe we need space and heck time to bring things back to normal. At least now that those damn girls were caught already, thanks to Neji, I don't have to bother about what issues they're going to string about us again, heck that sure is stressing.
Naruto shuddered at the thought.
But it's too late, now that the issue is getting to Sasuke's nerves, hmp, because he always thinks of his image, what freaking mentality is that? Always want to act cool. Isn't him, being much of a teacher's pet not enough? argh.
Naruto kicked an empty tin can that almost hit a black cat. The cat glared at Naruto but Naruto paid no heed. He is so busy thinking, which had been his habit since two days or so ago, that he didn't notice the cat following him. Not that he really cares. But still.
Walking down the street, he passively stared at random things displayed on shops. He saw the small coffee shop where he spied on Sasuke's date on a girl. He remembered how after that day, he was thinking about how unlucky he was that no one seems to hold interest on him. And end up comparing himself to Sasuke.
"meeow"
Saying that he's not even a tiny bit jealous to Sasuke is a total lie. But then, he just brushed off the thought, he's Naruto, and he has his own way of dealing with everything.
Sasuke is a different person. Somehow, he is comforted thinking that he's more of a great person than Sasuke with the social skills, he thinks. But still. And the guy is his best friend.
He sighed again.
"Meow"
Naruto felt something soft and furry brush his ankle.
'Oh it's a black cat. What do they say about black cats? They bring bad luck? Yeah right like I haven't got enough bad luck already, and I didn't see any black cat then'
Naruto and the cat had a hard staring contest. The cat reminded him of Sasuke.
Naruto then softened his gaze and picked the black cat. He glanced around the street looking for a possible owner of the cat. Yet he found none.
"Hey cat, where's the unlucky owner?" The unlucky cat stared at him. Looking like it had just raised an eyebrow, and Naruto isn't really sure so, advantage of the doubt.
Naruto rummaged through his bag, brought out his unfinished packed lunch and got a bacon strip.
"Here cat, eat if you like"
The black cat stared at Naruto more. Naruto noted that the cat has weird eyes, its bluish-grey.
"Okay okay, quit it with the staring, are you wearing contacts?"
Naruto laughed mirthlessly.
The cat then munched on the bacon and the blond talked endlessly. Let's pretend that the cat didn't mind.
Sasuke opened the door and he intended to silently go up into his room and rest. In peace. Not before he noticed a blond haired someone in the kitchen and a sweet aroma wafted his senses.
He sort of sniffed and followed the origin of the smell.
'Hmm that smell like...strawberry!' he was half hesitant and half tempted to barge in the kitchen and have a taste of that sweet strawberry. Whoa, is strawberry even in season?
Damn his pride the food smells good enough to make you forget anyway. So there, Sasuke unconsciously left his bag in the doorway and decided that it wouldn't hurt to have a peek (and taste) of Naruto's food creation. Sasuke silently entered their relatively big kitchen where Naruto was silently working facing the stove wearing an orange apron across his waist contrasting with the baby blue kitchen tiles.
A mental image of hugging the blond from the back and blowing in his ears crossed his mind but was brushed off immediately with a jerk of his head. He convinced himself to shudder at the thought. Sasuke stopped to observe Naruto and the small cute fact that he is kind of humming, singing and a bit swaying as he cook. Not really aware that he is gaping, staring longingly, adorably at the blond.
It is now Itachi's perfect timing that caught Sasuke watching his little show. Itachi smirked and...
"Boo" at the same time blowing at Sasuke's ears.
The older Uchiha had the decency to snigger at how Sasuke's eyes widened and his body shivered as he blew into his younger brother's ears. And take note, his irritated face, oh how Itachi loves seeing his little brother's inimitable facial expressions.
All the thoughts about the food were thrown away as Sasuke saw his brother. He walked away throwing a glare at his brother and continued walking his way to his room and rest.
Not before banging the door. Which made Naruto jerk in surprise and his earphone to fall off his left ear.
Knock knock
Itachi knocked at the wooden part of the wall.
"Hello Naruto, if my nose isn't mistaken, I can smell good food"
Naruto switched off his ipod and grinned to Itachi.
"Really, and the smell got you talking huh, must smell so delicious to you ha-ha" Naruto laughed as Itachi filled an empty glass with water.
"Won't know by smell alone"
"Just wait a sec, the dessert's going to be done in a minute"
After a few seconds, the oven produced a 'ting' sound and Naruto checked the oven and the first batch of freshly baked strawberry goodness (something close to pancake, cake and crepe), as the blond opened the oven another mouth watering aroma filled the kitchen.
"Whoa, that sure smells...real delicious" Itachi licked his lips and went over to Naruto and the baked goodness trying to get the first taste of it.
"Wait, that's not finished yet" The blond went back to the kitchen counter and got the syrup he made for the dessert and poured it over.
Itachi stared at the food in front of him.
'The blond's gonna be a good chef' Itachi thought as he got a spoon. And Naruto sliced the dessert.
"Oh hey, that's hot and, it's not supposed to be spooned" Naruto got a fork and a bit of the food.
"Say AAAA Itachi!" Naruto eagerly nodded to the older Uchiha.
"I'm not a fucking baby idiot" Itachi glared at him
"Just freaking open your mouth and stop intentionally embarrassing me in front of myself"
Itachi had to smirk at that and slightly opened his mouth.
Naruto had a funny expression on his face. And Itachi arched a brow.
"Wider man, you're not going to eat a damn noodle strand"
Itachi complied looking at the strawberry topped goodness he anticipated the sweet taste he's about to experience...
Just so near
And
BANG
Both male looked at the source of the sound.
Guess who?
Yeah Sasuke and he had that irritated shocked expression gracing his features. His bag beside his feet.
Was it Sasuke's fault he left his bag in the doorway?
Was it Sasuke's fault to want to have a taste of Naruto's cooking so badly?
Nooo, it was the blond and his cooking's fault.
And why was Sasuke being punished as he saw Naruto giving his freaking brother Itachi the first hand taste of that food which is supposed to be his? And why was Naruto feeding his brother? That just sounds so wrong.
Naruto felt guilty but he doesn't know why. He let go of the fork which did not fall off because the end of it was shoved in Itachi's mouth.
And the blond did not know what to do. So he just stood there smiling sheepishly.
"Hi Sasuke"
"Hi" Sasuke said silently not establishing any eye contact.
The dark haired boy silently picked up his bag and went to his room silently.
Naruto glanced back to Itachi who is munching on the offered treat on a small plate.
"Did I do something wrong?" Naruto asked Itachi, snatching a fork and got a small part of his own food.
"You're being too flirty is all"
Naruto gave him a confused stare. Itachi sighed.
"Never mind he's just a schizoid freak" Itachi started to leave and placed the utensils in the sink, muttering "thanks" before completely leaving.
Naruto got another bite.
"Hey, I cook great" He smiled as he prepared another set of sweet treats.
It was already midnight when Sasuke woke up from his supposed to be 15 minutes power nap, not only that he had to rush answering his assignments, he also had to attend to his empty stomach.
Groggily standing up, he slowly opened his door and attempted to fix his hair out of habit as he headed to the kitchen.
Getting a glass and filling it with water, he opened the refrigerator which is divided into four layers. The first layer is for Mr. and Mrs. Uchiha, the second is Itachi's, the third for Sasuke, the last is for Naruto when he's around and a free space when he's not. Expecting nothing but the usual food he bought for himself will be found in his space, he was a bit surprised to see a plate of strawberry crepe lying just beside the unappealing plate of corned beef. He stared dumbly in front of the fridge, cold air cooling his face.
Am I going to eat it or not? I'm not gonna eat it! Who knows it was Itachi's left over and the idiot just had to pity me and put that there... But I am so hungry already...
He saw the other plate.
Ack, not that again. But...
The scene a while ago played repeatedly inside his mind, it was just too disturbing and he don't know why. So he had decided. He's never gonna eat that crepe.
Sasuke got the plate and in the process of placing it on Itachi's layer in the fridge...
"If I were you, I will eat that"
Sasuke's hands stopped mid air and looked behind him; it was Itachi, placing an empty plate in the sink.
Sasuke is silent.
Sometimes, I don't know what to think of my brother. I don't know if it's his hobby to contradict my actions or he's really just concerned about me. Sasuke looked at the strawberry crepe in his hand.
"I would not have second thoughts on eating that right now. It's just that your best friend" Itachi paused as if contemplating on saying the next lines.
Sasuke looked at him now.
"He said never ever to touch it, he even almost threw a knife at me when I attempted to"
The younger Uchiha noticed a slight change in his brother's eyes… Sort of like, mischief?
"He made that just for you"
Sasuke looked again at the tasty treat in his hands and now deciding he would eat his words and the the crepe. Every bite of it is lifting his mood like he was being drunk, feeling like he is super happy and the likes of it. When it was half done, he felt something in the food he was eating... a plastic?
He got it outside his mouth and examined the 'thing'.
It was a sort of tightly rolled plastic with something inside it. Not hesitating a moment, he opened the plastic and found a note:
'Bastard, I am sorry, I don't know why but just eat the damned crepe.'
Sasuke let a small smile grace his lips and continued eating the damned crepe with a damned delicious taste thinking that he would never ever think of giving any of Naruto's cooking to anyone especially Itachi, ever again!
...
...
So there you go :D This chapter is out of plan... but then, never mind that little thing :D
I would again like to thank all the readers and the reviewers, you always make me happy what do you think? Tell me please... I really want to know nn
