Woo!
A day later than I planned. But we all know by now that me and updating schedule are kinda not buddies :(.
Anyways this chapter is a bit longer than I thought it would be. I thought it would cap around 6000 words but this baby added an extra 2000 and is now totalled at 8677 words which is more than the previous chapter hah :D!
Chapter notes: I called the last chapter more of a transitional chapter right? Well this one is more of a set-up chapter. We get through one of the biggest hurdles of the month (what the hell are Naruto and Kyuubi planning to do) and move forward in some other ways.
Anon review reply:
thor94- In SOME ways Naruto places Kyuubi's happiness above his own yes. But in others (as you will see in this chapter), he'll be a little more selfish. In his defense he has to haha! And don't worry! During this month there will be a plethora of things (including some really sad things) that Kyuubi will learn about Naruto which will push him in a certain direction ;P. Thank you so, so much for the review!
Still a guest- Always fantastic to hear from you! That actually is surprising! And flattering thank you so much! i would love to give recommendations, but Im being honest when I say I haven't read any Naruto fanfic in a loooooooong time. I need to comb through the Kyuubi/Naruto filter to find some good stuff tho so that I can update the community.
THANK YOU! Glad you enjoyed it :) and I'm really glad you like Minato! He's definitely a character to write and it's great that we learned more about him in this war arc (though an entire prequel dedicated to him would just be fantastic). He doesn't show up much this chapter, but he should be just as lively!(and there is a stated reason for his absence).
Ask and ye shall receive ;). Please enjoy this chapter for flirty Kyuubi.
Thank you AND EVERYONE ELSEfor being so understanding with my sporadic updating schedule. I actually am feeling back at 100% this time around and I really am proud of this chapter. And honestly, aside from life, I want to give you all the BEST reading experience. That means as much as I would LOVE to update quicker, sometimes the ideas don't hit me until later (and usually they hit me all at once...like these past few days actually). DCLT needs some creative burst, but it will never die! Of course! Thank you!
Hippo- thank you, thank you, and thank you very much! I try my best! Guest- Not as soon as I had hoped, but wait no further! Thank you so very much!
reader101- Thank you :D! One thing I really wanted to do with this story is make more than just Plot A. MUCH MORE! Who wants a story just about Naruto and Kyuubi falling in love easily? To make 3D characters you need a 3D world ;P. Everything and more will be answered eventually though! Glad you like Minato hehehe! Thank you again for your review!
And that's it.
FRIENDLY REMINDER:THIS STORY WILL NEVER DIE! NOT AS LONG AS I'M ALIVE :D!
And now without further ado! Please enjoy!
The foxes were frolicking through the forest now. They were prancing a bit faster and whether it was because of the cat chasing them or because they were rushing to get to the golden treasure in the sea blue treasure box is...well actually it's because of both. Suddenly one of the foxes screamed,
"GUESS WHAT TIME IT IS?!"
"AAAAAAH!" Kyuubi shouted as all of his hair stood up on end and he squeezed his pillow. "WHAT TIME IS IT?"
All he had to do was turn his head to the side to see Naruto standing next to his bed, smiling his devilishly innocent smile.
"Time to get up."
Kyuubi didn't know if he wanted to shove him, punch him, or punt him all the way to the moon. What did he do to deserve this? As tempted as he was to cause Naruto pain, another look at that smile and he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Could he even push him away-nope! He was actually kinda too tired to really. So he just gave the blond a tired glare.
"Naruto! Why are you in my room waking me up?"
"Your room? We're not at your house anymore silly! I have access to every single room in this house." And Naruto just looked so damn smug while he twirled what had to be the key to this room around his finger. "So now that you can't hide behind a locked door anymore you better believe I'm gonna take advantage of it."
Kyuubi buried his face back into his pillow with a groan.
"I...I can't possibly see how this is a good thing," a sleepy kitsune demon mumbled into his pillow. Not only did he see the barest hints of sunrise outside his window, he saw the barest hints of sunrise outside of his window! Being awake before 10AM for no reason was terrible. Being awake before 7AM for no reason was insanity. What kind of month was he in for?
"What does it matter? We'llbesharingaroomnowanyways." That sentence was all jumbled together. But Kyuubi heard that...now if he could just summon the energy to care...nope! He can't even muster up a blush at the thought of sharing a room with Naruto. He was just so tired.
"Now come on! Let's go get breakfast!"
"It's too early..."
"How can you tell?"
"Because I didn't wake up on my own. That's how."
"Oh I get it. You're trying to get breakfast in bed aren't you?"
"What I'm trying to do is get some sleep."
"Come on Kyuubi! You were up around this time just fine yesterday! Why can't you get up now?!"
If Naruto was seriously expecting an answer to that, then the blond had too much to learn about him. Of course Kyuubi would be up and ready when he needs to be. When Kyuubi's up before brunch time, it's because Kyuubi has a plan. Or was planning to be up. Or Daitaru was planning for him to be up. Those were it; those were the only three reasons he would sluggishly roll out of bed and shake himself awake.
So Kyuubi did not lift his head from his pillow and only mumbled, "'m not going anywhere."
"Fine," Naruto said crossing his arms and slowly walking away. "I guess I'll go tell my dad to prepare the mating bells for next week..."
Yeah that was fine. Prepare the mating bells for next week, fine. Just leave him alone to catch a few more Zs finally...
...
...
...
...
...
Wait.
"Hold up Naruto!"
That stupid blond was stepping out the door, nearly gave him a heart attack, and he had the nerve to giggle.
"I have a plan Kyuubi! And if you could come eat breakfast with me, I'd be happy to tell you what it is so we can get started right away!"
"You were seriously NOT about to carry out that threat were you?"
Naruto shrugged with a laugh. "Look at you freaking out haha! No, but I wanted to wake you up. Come on we have tons of things to talk about!"
Kyuubi groaned again as he fell back onto the bed. He just can't win here can he? If Naruto really wanted to talk to him that badly though, maybe he should just get up and give him what he wants. Juubi knows they need to talk anyway (but why at this timeeeeee?).
"Want me to give you a piggy back ride? I think I can fit you onto my back."
"No. No," Kyuubi sleepily mumbled. "I'll get there myselll-" he rolled off of the bed onto the floor. "Even if I have to crawl," he muttered into the carpet.
"Haha! Are you sure?" Naruto laughed grabbing Kyuubi's arm and pulling him up into a standing position. "I got you out of bed which I assume is the hardest part. You can lean on me and I can get you even farther!"
Kyuubi was about to verbally express agreement to that plan (boy was he tired) when a sudden sleeping spell hit him. It was one of those split second black outs where you close your eyes and they just don't open. Kyuubi also lost control of his muscles and leaned over.
His head fit very comfortably on Naruto's shoulder, in the crook of his neck. The scent of rain surrounded him and he was all too happy to keep sleeping, slumped over, with Naruto's shoulder as his pillow. Just like that.
But the blond squeaked and freaked and jumped back and for the second time that morning, Kyuubi found himself face down in the carpet. To his credit, Naruto DID try to stop his fall.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Are you okay?! You startled me! I wasn't ACTUALLY expecting you to lean on me!" The Namikaze rapidly exclaimed from above the irritated Kitsune.
"Then why'd you offer then? As payback, you should let me just curl up right here and sleep." Kyuubi was too tired to really care about Naruto's reaction, but he wasn't too tired to try and take advantage of his partner's guilt.
He heard Naruto's annoyed sigh before he squatted next to him and started poking his ears which-heh-tickled a little. "Come on Kyuubi! I'm always up and ready at whatever time for your plans. Now it's my turn so get up! I know you can!"
"Fine, fine," Kyuubi said, getting up on his knees and rubbing his eyes. He then put his hands on the floor and did a little pre-dry shake. Normally demons only shake like that when they're soaked in something other than water (usually mud or whatever else clings to the skin or fur in full demon form) and the rapid movement helps force it off easier than a towel. But Kyuubi has found that the movement great for getting his energy going when he's forced to wake up before he wants too.
"I'm up. I'm really up this time."
"...'s cute."
"What?"
"Still want to lean on me?"
"...What?"
"...Nothing. Let's go, follow me!"
They were alone in the only kitchen on the entire grounds. Sitting at a small table together, Kyuubi was chewing up the rest of his breakfast while watching Naruto slurp up the rest of his. The sunny blond has been particularly...sunny this morning. That smile hasn't left his face since they left Kyuubi's room.
And Kyuubi has to admit to himself, the excitement he felt at the thought of Naruto having a genius A+ plan to rock cancelled out the impatience he felt waiting for Naruto to speak of it. Sure he teased him about it yesterday, but Kyuubi knew by now that Naruto was someone he could count on to come through for him.
He had no idea what to expect from Naruto's plan. But he was incredibly excited about it. Because it was Naruto's plan.
Finally the utensils were set down.
"So," Kyuubi said leaning forward with a smirk. "You gonna stop being a secretive dick and tell me what we're going to do?"
"Well buddy, since you asked so nicely," Naruto replied also leaning forward on the small kitchen table.
"We don't have to do the pushy, demanding, unsatisfied, uncompromising, asshole behavior. We can do whatever we want."
Kyuubi waited for Naruto to say more, but the blond only threw his hands up in the air as if saying 'ta-da'.
"...I'm not following."
"No see, IF my dad tries to pull all of the romantic stops on us, then it doesn't matter how much we like it because all I have to do afterwards is tell my dad that there's no chemistry."
Once again, Naruto threw his hands up as if to say, 'ta-da'. His enthusiasm wasn't exactly shared by Kyuubi.
"Are you kidding me? We'll be fine if you just tell your dad how you think? What if he sees us having fun and then jumps to the conclusion that-"
"He won't. Because he'll ask me how I feel first. And, well," Naruto chuckled. "As far as he knows I've never lied to him. About my feelings anyway. It'll all be okay if we just go with the flow."
What kind of foreign concept was Naruto explaining to him here? A place where words actually have meaning? It was actually too strange for Kyuubi to really believe. There had to be something they had to do right? Some sort of situation or anything they had to manipulate in order for Minato to truly believe that this needed to be called off.
But Naruto was looking entirely too calm and genuine. Like this 'plan' of his was really the solution to their problem. Like Naruto's own words really held the power...
But then, what about Kyuubi's own words?
"So if I go up to him right now and tell him that I've matured a lot, he'll believe me?"
"That depends entirely on something else. But I'll help you get him to like you."
"That doesn't matter!" He could stay friends with Naruto while simultaneously hating Minato. Hell he's doing that perfectly well right now.
"What I'm wondering is if Minato will 'push' so to speak. You know, 'force the atmosphere'?"
Naruto looked somewhere off to the side. "Oh he will push. But that's okay. We can still just enjoy the ride because I've got it covered."
"So what am I supposed to do!?"
"Just...do what you want. Don't inhibit yourself. And don't worry."
And just how was he not supposed to worry about this? Naruto frowned when he saw Kyuubi's glare.
"What's wro-"
"So you're telling me that that's it? That's your entire plan?"
"What do you mean 'that's it'? It's perfect!" Naruto glared back, clearly a little bit offended by Kyuubi's lack of trust in his plan.
"Naruto we're just going to do nothing? I mean-I'm going to do nothing and rely on your word to get us out this?"
"It's more important than you think ya know." Naruto crossed his arms. Before Kyuubi could respond to that statement Naruto continued with, "I know you don't get along well with my dad but, he's not Daitaru. Okay?"
Kyuubi bit his bottom lip as Naruto's words rang through his head. Minato is not Daitaru. Yes of course he's not. They get on his nerves just the same but Minato isn't in any way like his sperm donor is he? Kyuubi paused and tried to think of any particular example that would separate the two and yes he could think of some.
Minato is much more laidback. A goofball really. Powerful of course and a dumbass (though he is occasionally brilliant) but also ridiculously hard to get angry. Reflecting on Minato's personality did allow Kyuubi to immediately note that Minato was really not Daitaru. And thus, Naruto's 'plan' here, different as it is, should not have any holes to it...
But really when have words ever been enough in his life? Kyuubi is a creature of 'lessons learned'. And a lesson he has learned is that some action, even the littlest bit, has to be necessary here. Naruto should've at least thought of something up. Or maybe he hasn't because he truly believes this minimal plan is all they need.
"You sure you're not holding anything back on me? This is all you have planned then? Because I don't want a repeat of yesterday."
"What happened yesterday?"
"I don't like walking in the dark. If you're going to do something that involves me, you have to let me know first. That's all."
"Oh. Oh, sorry. But I was still working the kinks out ahehe."
"I could've worked them out with you!" Kyuubi exclaimed. An incredibly small grin suddenly appeared on Naruto's face and he closed his eyes.
"I could've! I've done wellish for the first month!" Okay yes of course Naruto helped and he's not denying Naruto's huge contribution to their ultimate grand plan. But a lot of the little stuff was all him and if it weren't for those little stuff then Daitaru would not have made the changes he made. After all, he's never done what he did with Naruto before.
Naruto placed his hand on Kyuubi's.
...And yeah okay he blushed at the intimate action. But that's because it surprised him!
"And that's exactly it. You've been working so hard before that I figured it's my turn now. You're...on vacation now. Think of it that way. You can just relax and everything will turn out alright in the end okay?"
Kyuubi lowered his stare.
How can he fully believe that?
Naruto's grip on his hand tightened which made Kyuubi's gaze rise until their eyes met.
"Just trust me."
"I do trust you," Kyuubi replied without hesitation. And that he knew with absolute certainty. He trusted Naruto.
He just didn't know if he trusted himself to sit back and take a passive role in all of this.
"Hey. Let's go do something fun outside. Just the two of us!"
"Hm?"
Naruto stood up straight and with a determined grin he pumped up his fist. "We're gonna be active today! No sitting inside and talking! NO SIR! We're gonna be outside and turn it up! Live it up!"
"What if I want to sit inside and talk?"
"Who cares what you want? My house. My say."
"Well, well, aren't you taking charge lately," Kyuubi pointed out with a pout. Naruto's choice of words could've been better chosen, but he'll be forgiven because...because! Kyuubi's not actually that upset.
"I have a better idea of what I'm doing now. Helping you out while helping me out. And you find me sexy for it don't you?"
Moment killer. No. Wait. Haha did he forget his promise to himself so fast? The one he made last night when he decided he wouldn't let Naruto have all the fun?
"Yes. As a matter of fact I do," Kyuubi purred, a hint of his fangs showing in a predatory grin. Naruto stiffened up so fast it was like he stuck a piece of metal in an electrical socket.
"Wha?" Was his so eloquent reply.
"Yeah this take-charge side is so alluring in my eyes. Course, I rather enjoy you listening to me. But I like a boy who can take care of himself and can keep up with me," Kyuubi continued. He leaned closer and to be extra bold, cupped Naruto's cheek.
But now Naruto's face was flushed. As soon as Kyuubi's hand made contact, his shoulders shot up, but he didn't back away.
"I-You-Take-Charge-I-Can-It's-I-" Naruto stuttered this intelligent response and only made Kyuubi's smirk grow. Heh. Now he really understood why Naruto flirted with him so much. This reaction was great! If he knew Naruto's would be this much fun, he would've flirted like this with him muuuuuch sooner.
"You do exactly what you desire. I admire that."
Kyuubi said that, and then shockingly realized the truth behind that statement. Well he did mean that but he didn't mean to mean it like it sounds like he meant it! Just because he's cupping Naruto's cheek and stating the truth here doesn't actually mean he-he-he should probably quit while he's so far ahead.
"What are you doing?" Naruto squeaked out.
Kyuubi smiled and patted Naruto's cheek. "Just having fun." Using Naruto's own medicine against him to win at this game. And this round he'll declare that he has won, Kyuubi thought as he brought his hand down back to his side.
A hint of a smile appeared on Naruto's face before it was replaced by a smirk. He grabbed that same arm. "Well. I know an even better way to have more fun."
And with that, Naruto started leading Kyuubi out of the room. And Kyuubi let him. After all he trusted Naruto.
They say you can never go wrong with training. And it's true, they can't go wrong with training. But it was ridiculously hard to get training right.
"Naruto. Just. Knock. The stone over. This isn't hard."
"I'm gonna get it perfect Kyuubi just watch," Naruto licked his lips as he continued to store up chakra. Chakra that would ultimately be pointless given the point of this whole activity.
"Have you forgotten what we're actually trying to do here?" When they started this training Kyuubi at least tried his best to hide the true purpose which was to help Naruto with his anger issues regarding failure. But there was only so much of Naruto's outbursts he could take before the older fox demon had to shout that he was trying to help him all along.
Naruto glared at Kyuubi. "I know you're going to sabotage me somehow. So what's wrong with trying to get stronger at the same time?"
"Why are you so difficult to train with? You're jumping to step 7 while we're still at step 5 again," Kyuubi warned placing his hands on his hips. "You should know that getting stronger involves having the right attitude. So let's tackle that first shall we? Now push the stone over with enough force so that it breaks when it hits the ground!"
Kyuubi patted the tall tree stump on top of which sat a large stone. Although it looked a little dangerous, he actually purposefully chose a tougher training tactic for this lesson. The true purpose may involve intentionally causing Naruto to fail, but the little blondie is right.
Nothing wrong with getting a little stronger at the same time.
"Ok! Here I go!"
"Not too much! Remember you're just knocking it over, not knocking it out of the stratosphere!"
"In other words, don't make the same mistake you did during the demonstration."
"It was not a mistake! I'm just giving you different instructions!" Kyuubi defended himself as he recalled what happened earlier with a blush. He was showing Naruto what to do when he-er-unintentionally sent the stone flying much, much farther than he intended. ...Still had many ways to go.
But while he's brushing that terrible thought out of his head, Kyuubi watches Naruto draw up a little chakra ball in front of his mouth, consume it, and then spit it out in a roar at the stone. His blond companion actually made an impressive show of power. Kyuubi knew by now that Naruto's control was far from perfect so the fact that his attack had this weighted stone flying meant that he had a lot more raw power than he could control as well. For a five-tails.
Luckily, Kyuubi didn't have to go far to catch it and was still in Naruto's sight when he did so. And here's where his little training comes into play. The strength of an eight-tails in human form can be consistent with the one in full demon form IF the demon trains at it. And more control in human form meant easier control in full demon form and better control all around. While this stone certainly isn't light, the fact that Kyuubi didn't hear any bones crack means he's at least improving. That caused him to smile briefly before returning his attention to Naruto.
"Ok you failed," He stated dropping the stone on the ground. Bad decision as the dirt flying around caused a bit of a coughing attack.
"What the fuck you caught it!" Naruto shouted running up to him, practically fuming. It's not like Kyuubi was looking for sympathy for his little coughing spell...at least he expected this (and for Naruto to forget what this is really about).
"Naruto. You failed."
Naruto still looked peeved, like he wanted to chew Kyuubi out some more. But with his face red and cheeks still puffed out, he took a deep breath and sighed, "...shit on a stick. How could I be so weak?"
"Now you're frustrated. What are you going to do?"
"Bitch at you because you are literally the reason I failed?! I mean I HAD it! If YOU hadn't of-"
"Naruto." Kyuubi was just stopping him before he falls completely flat on his face. There's a struggle here, breaking Naruto out of this terrible habit. Kyuubi could hardly believe that this time, progress was actually made.
Naruto took a step back and huffed loudly in frustration.
"I don't know...Just...ummm?" Naruto looked around before his gaze went downward. His face contorted into a snarling expression and he let out a particularly loud growl before stomping as hard as he could.
"Yes! Yes! You got it!"
The Namikaze kitsune looked like he wasn't expecting that reaction at all. "I do?"
"Don't you feel a little better now?" Kyuubi smiled.
A smile slowly spread across Naruto's face. "Yeah I do. A little," he said looking straight at Kyuubi.
"And you see, that's it! That's all there is to it. You don't have to make me want to strangle you Naruto."
"Yeah and, you don't have to make me fail either do you?"
Kyuubi rolled his eyes. Still some kinks to work out huh? "Naruto I would never intentionally try and make you fail at anything. All of my actions were towards your benefit. Understand that?"
"Yeah. Uh-huh. I do!"
"Good! Now you're gonna have to repay me for all this you know?" Kyuubi's grin took on a sadistic tint to it and Naruto's eyes widened which was always just the perfect sight because he knew he made that face when he was excited.
"You're going to let me help you with your training?!"
"Hah!" Kyuubi snorted. "Maybe? We'll have to make sure you're up for the challenge first."
"I AM SO READY!" Naruto shouted. But see he was right in Kyuubi's face because he just ran up to him in the blink of an eye and was now grabbing his shirt and leaning into his chest and his face was just centimeters away from his own and-aheh.
That was alright with Kyuubi. Because there's no reason why it should not be right?
"I can help you! I so want to help you! What's your training like?"
"C-Calm down Naruto! I have to be sure you're ready first. I'm not an easy guy to train with."
"Neither am I remember?" Naruto's smug smirk was just brutal. Every teasing insult Kyuubi throws his way, this little blond sometimes manages to throw it back at him. Kyuubi bit his lip again with a grin.
"Okay okay. But I really want to be sure Naruto. You have to be able to show top notch defense. You have to be able to dodge and duck and defend and a whole lot of other things to avoid getting killed." Not that Kyuubi would ever use anything lethal against Naruto. But so long as his lack of control is an issue in his training, he wanted Naruto to be extra sure he has to be extra careful.
"Hehe my defensive jutsu really sucks but-"
"Then we're doing nothing together related to my own training until you get better at it."
"Huh? Wa-wait I was just-"
"Come along Naruto we have more to do!"
This time, Kyuubi grabbed Naruto's arm and pulled him along.
It's been a good few hours since they started this. A good few hours meaning it was almost time for the second dinner of the second month where Kyuubi will be introduced to the rest of Naruto's 'family'.
What's funny though, is how Kyuubi has seen nary a blond hair or blue eye of Naruto's actual blood-borne family. Minato hasn't stopped by once to see what they were doing or what was going on. Which is peculiar and sort of terrifying.
"Naruto?" He called out when the two were resting on the grass.
"Yeah?"
"Have you talked to your dad at all today?"
"Of course! We talked this morning before I went to wake you up."
"I haven't seen him all day."
"I thought that'd be a good thing for you?"
Kyuubi blinked. Sure on the surface it is a good thing really, but underneath that, Kyuubi wasn't sure he could trust this absence.
"Don't fret!"
"I'm not fretting!"
Naruto rolled his eyes and rolled onto his stomach to face Kyuubi. "I can see it in your face. You're not fooling anyone fretter. Believe me when I say this is a good thing."
"I'll believe you when you tell me how."
"Remember what I told you before? About the time I was kidnapped by a suitor and my dad decided from then on to keep his distance? He doesn't think we're serious is all."
"And he's not going to do anything about it?"
"He's going to try a few times. But then I'm going to report back and it'll all be okay!"
"'Report back'? How is that necessary when you can say something right now?"
Naruto was quiet. He was idly kicking his feet as he stared intensely at the ground. What in the world was he thinking about?
"Everyone wants to see us succeed Kyuubi, do you realize that?" He asked quietly.
"Of course I do."
"Then, you understand all that you need to know. I tell him what I need to tell him once he sees what he needs to see."
"Naruto are you sure-"
"Shhh! Hear that? That's the sound of you relaxing." Naruto crawled over to him and put his hands on his shoulders.
Huh. The last time Naruto crawled towards him-whoa blocking that memory Kyuubi! Now was the time to relax like Naruto wanted.
"I told you once and I'll tell you a billion times if I have to. Everything will be fine. We'll get through this and by the end, we won't be able to get enough of each other!"
"Interesting choice of words there," Kyuubi smirked. He liked to think that he's going to be really good at picking out these 'moments' to 'flirt'...'for fun'.
But instead of the stuttering, amusing reaction he was looking for, Naruto just grinned with a blush which obviously wasn't as hilarious.
"Oh! Hear that? I think I'm hungry. Ready to go?"
"I think I'm hungry. So sure."
They got up and started walking back to Naruto's compound when suddenly Kyuubi remembered something.
"Oh wait Naruto! Before we go can we stop by your library real fast? The one you were in with Minato last night."
"What for?"
"I just saw something in there when I stopped by and I want to check it out again."
Naruto tilted his head in confusion and Kyuubi just smiled back.
"O-k. Come on then."
Sorry Naruto. But he's keeping this one prank as his little secret just for a little bit.
There was a remarkably languid smile on his face. So calm and so unexpected considering where he was and who he was with. He was slowly twirling his straw in a tall glass of that delicious Rivina Humilis tea, while Naruto and Minato stood right there in front of him drinking their own tall glasses (Naruto, with his towel for a stomach, was on his third glass).
But of course it was simply a cover for much darker and more sarcastic thoughts.
"You know? If this perfect night could get any better, we'd be sharing cooking tips."
"Can any of us cook?" Minato asked.
"Me and him are getting there!" Naruto happily supplied.
"Perhaps we'd play a bored game or two," Kyuubi continued as if Naruto and Minato hadn't spoken a word.
"Do we even have those anymore?"
"Of course we do Naruto. I recently cleaned up and I found a ton of them that we used to play...None of them have all of the pieces at the moment but I assure you they are all here."
"We'd be bonding and getting along and having fun."
"I think this is pretty fun right now don't you?" Naruto grinned, giving his dad a thumbs up.
"This night is a blast!" Minato returned the gesture.
"Instead," Kyuubi suddenly said with a bit of force. It wasn't fair seeing Naruto get along with Minato so well in front of him. Almost as unfair as seeing Minato happy at all. So yeah he was aggravated, and by now he was done acting nice. So with a little glare on his face, Kyuubi said,
"Instead, we three are standing in this giant empty room, waiting for the 'rest of the clan', all three of them, to show up and give me the third degree!" Kyuubi ended his little rant with a loud but swift slurp of his drink.
"They are a lot later than I expected them to be," Minato agreed looking at his watch. "Kakashi I expected this from and maybe even Jiraiya has an excuse-"
"Who's Jiraiya?"
"THE Jiraiya."
"The toad?"
"The one and only!"
"An uncle?"
"No. Godfather. Grandpa. Bad influence."
"Haha!" Kyuubi snickered. Even he knew of the great toad demon Jiraiya from his great exploits to his more than savory ways. And he recalled seeing a mention of him or two as one of the people that Minato really looked up too. But he wasn't aware that Jiraiya was close to the family. There had to be an explanation for why that little tidbit wasn't in the books.
Kyuubi's laughter turned into coughs when he noticed Minato looking at him.
"Ahe-ahe-ahem!"
Naruto was drinking his tea. Kyuubi glared at Minato though, the most superior glare he could give for good measure. Minato grinned slightly in return and honestly, Kyuubi couldn't be surprised that he didn't have a much more emotive reaction.
"Anyways I knew Kakashi and Jiraiya would have trouble, but I wonder what's holding Iruka-san up?"
"Probably preparing the questions and practicing his meanest glare and angriest yell," Naruto commented before smiling and turning to Kyuubi. "Iruka may not be as strong as us but he's got the 'angry parent' schnitk down pat. Better than my dad even."
"Hey!"
"So keep your cool okay Kyuubi? You'll be fine."
Kyuubi looked a little less than impressed with Naruto's assurance. Mainly because he was still on the fence about this whole 'plan' of his. He still really wanted to trust Naruto on this matter, but it just wasn't that easy. Like maybe he could place 100% of his confidence in Naruto himself (he at least knows the blond is doing his best to help). But this plan of his that he has in mind is just...something he would have to patiently wait and watch as it pans out and that's not something he's used to doing. And unfortunately, the one idiot who could help them out of this mess was standing right next to them believing that they still wanted a relationship (even if he didn't think it was serious).
He had to say something if only to just...do something.
"Tell me, were any of your friends grilled the same way I am going to be?"
Naruto was drinking at the time. He spat out everything that was in his mouth right onto the floor. Huh. Well he certainly wasn't expecting that reaction. But at least he had Minato's attention squarely on them, even though the older blond was silent.
"W-What are you talking about? J-Just because wemaynotwant this doesn't mean you get to skip out on the traditions."
That's funny.
Did Kyuubi hear Naruto say 'we may not want this'?
Naruto talked in an incredibly rapid pace there so maybe that's just it. Because there's no way Naruto would lie to his father and try to inspire any kind of doubt that they didn't want this. There's no way he'd back out of what tiny, bare plan they did have for any kind of...ulterior motive. That would betray Kyuubi's only clearly spelled out motives.
No. Naruto wouldn't.
He trusts him that much, Kyuubi firmly reminded himself. He trusts Naruto and he trusts Naruto is trying his best.
"Don't be so scared you know. I had to go through the same thing with your family and now it's your turn!"
"Alright, alright!" Kyuubi gave in. But as he crabbily drank the rest of his tea, he could only wish that the worst thing to look forward to was some loud, drunk cheek-grabbers as opposed to some protective, pseudo-family.
A brown kitsune suddenly burst into the dining/ballroom. It was obviously Iruka, the only scarred brown kitsune on the Namikaze clan's property. He looked out of breath and breathed heavily with his hands on his knees for a few seconds before standing up straight and bowing.
"Sorry I'm late Minato-sama! Naruto-sama! I had to-"
"Sorry I'm a little late," said the grey kitsune who walked in calmly with no explanation for why he's thirty minutes late. It was obviously Kakashi, the only mask-wearing grey kitsune demon on the Namikaze clan's property.
Naruto scoffed loudly, "Boy you two are-...I mean," for some unfathomable reason, Naruto looked at Kyuubi. And then for what must be even stranger reasons, his tone got decidedly less haughty.
"I mean sure. You must've had your reasons."
It suddenly got so silent Kyuubi could hear the soft breeze blowing outside. Kyuubi blinked as he watch Minato, Iruka, and Kakashi (beneath the mask) stared at Naruto slack jawed.
"What?!" Naruto shouted, his cheeks a little red. Highlight of the past five minutes for sure, Kyuubi thought snickering behind his hand. He didn't even know what was the big deal of all this but he liked it.
Minato broke the silence first, slowly tearing his eyes away from Naruto and towards Iruka and Kakashi. "Ye-ah that's fine. At least you're here now. But, where is Jiraiya?"
"Hm?" Both Iruka and Kakashi looked at each other with confused faces. "We haven't seen or heard from him."
"Huh. That's strange, he knows tonight is important. I'll go try and contact him, see where he is."
That left Kyuubi alone with Naruto, Iruka and Kakashi.
"Wow I'm hungry again! I better get to the buffet before it's all gone!" Naruto exclaimed running over to half-empty buffet table. But his ears swiveled back so that they were facing Kyuubi and them.
"You know, if you're going to eavesdrop anyway you might as well get over here," Kyuubi said confusedly watching Naruto pile a glorious amount of food on his plate...that he wasn't even paying attention to...Seriously he was putting vegetables on there. Why was Naruto acting so strange right now?
Ah! Reminder time that Naruto assured him that he wanted this plan to turn out right. It was still weird though.
"Naruto can eavesdrop as much as he wants to wherever he wants to," Kakashi stated bringing Kyuubi's attention back to him.
"It's YOU we want to hear from however."
"Perfect. But you're going to ask the wrong questions to the wrong guy. Right Naruto?"
"We'll be the judges of that."
"Do you care about Naruto?"
"Straight forward aren't you two?" Kyuubi laughed. A little joke to brush off the nerves slash irritation. How many times was he going to hear this question?
"Your answer?" Kakashi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes I care, we're good friends," he answered, almost bored really. Actually really bored. Iruka and Kakashi picked up on this immediately.
"Oh ho ho so we're boring the young heir huh?" Iruka asked crossing his arms.
"It's not you it's the question. This is just idle chit chat."
"I think he's saying he wants to play hardball Iruka."
"Really? You think so Kakashi?"
"You shouldn't have pushed them Kyuubi." He heard Naruto whispered. What? Did he do something wrong?
"I like to call this a rapid-fire pop quiz!" Iruka sounded kinda jolly there with his sadistic little glow around him. Oh and he can even see Kakashi's teeth beneath the cloth?
Uhhh...Naruto gave him a helpless grin and a shrug.
"H-Hey! Don't be useless what am I in for here?!" Kyuubi called out as Iruka and Kakashi got a bit closer.
"They used to be school teachers?"
Well seeing as how Kyuubi was privately taught all his life that gave him absolutely nothing. You know what? He's not even afraid here. Turning towards the two men with a determined glare, Kyuubi bared his teeth in a clear 'BRING IT!' action. Everyone in this room was weaker than him anyway!
"You have three seconds to answer each question or you fail," Kakashi explained.
"I don't fail tests like this."
"Starting now! A six-tailed seeing mole demon that is ten feet long that has mastered water and earth jutsu crawls its way into Naruto's room and it's going to attack while he's sleeping. What do you do?" Iruka asked that question very quickly, but he heard it all.
Well he should've expected a pop quiz at Naruto's house to revolve around Naruto. But he can answer and deal. He won't fail.
Kyuubi glared at the floor. Seeing mole demons were special demons. Most lived underground but can actually see (hence the name). But can't stand high temperatures defensively for too long so his fire affinity-
"WRONG!"
What the hell? Did Iruka's head just grow three times its size?! The steam coming out of his nostrils and the fire behind his head...it was all new and quite a scary picture actually. But Iruka was so much weaker than him so Kyuubi shook the surprise-induced fear off relatively quickly and stood his ground.
"You get three seconds for each answer Kyuubi or you fail," Kakashi reminded him shaking his head. Now Kyuubi glared at him for his lack of respect. But Naruto distracted him when he heard the blond mumble,
"Aww so soon?"
What? No! He didn't fail at anything this fast or this badly!
Not in front of Naruto!
"If you were paying attention, then you'd all know that I gave my answer immediately!"
"Hm?" He heard three times.
"My glare. Intimidation is my first tactic in this case. I'd stop it with my killer intent! Make it leave without doing damage and without waking Naruto." Make it understand that one more move towards Naruto and it would lose the 'seeing' part of its species name.
"You sure that's enough?"
"I'm an eight tails. That's plenty enough."
Iruka and Kakashi frowned and looked at each other for a brief few seconds and nodded.
"Alright," Iruka continued. "Next question."
"Oops! You've made Naruto upset and it's definitely your fault. How do you make him feel better?" At least Kakashi speaks a bit slower than Iruka. He had plenty of time to think of his answer. Not that he needed to think this one through.
"Say I'm sorry, explain that I know what I did was wrong, and make him smile."
This time there was a smile on their faces when they looked at each other and nodded.
"Last question. Naruto's hungry. In the kitchen there's ingredients to make a succulent prime rib with a delicious side of mashed grains and finishing it off with a special salad combo of leafy greens, red and blue berries, and tiny little oranges. There's also a three day old cup of uncooked ramen. What do you do?"
Man that first meal sounded mouth-watering.
"Tell Naruto to make the ramen because he cooks it ten times better than I do." And then they could tackle that prime rib meal for himself hehe!
"YOU'RE MAKING NARUTO COOK?!" Giant-headed Iruka returned for which Kyuubi was unprepared, but he got back on his feet real quick.
"That's not a wrong answer! Naruto's been getting much better at making meals and ramen is definitely something that he can make good! He taught me how to make it and since it's the first meal I've ever learned to make in my life, I can tell you with absolute certainty that he makes it better than me."
And like geez it's cup ramen. You just boil some water. It's so easy, that it was actually surprising that he didn't know how to make it before Naruto stepped up to show him those many weeks ago. But Naruto also added many things to it (depending on the flavor) that somehow makes it taste better, fuller, amazing, and unforgettable.
So he'll just leave that meal to Naruto thanks.
Iruka and Kakashi looked taken aback by the answer. But then they looked back at Naruto (speaking of him Kyuubi hasn't heard a peep from him for a while), looked at each other and nodded.
"Alright. We'll accept that answer."
"Great so that was the last question right? All done here?"
"Oh no young man. We're not done with you yet."
"We still have 30 more days to get to know each other better."
"Well trust me when I say that the powers that be have chosen the perfect good friend for Naruto."
"Be on your best behavior and maybe we will be biased in your favor."
Sure. His best behavior. Haha. Kyuubi was sure Naruto heard that, so he turned back towards him and gave him a little wink. The blond looked like he had been quietly observing this whole time. When Kyuubi winked at him he jumped and turned away with a blush.
Well Kyuubi wasn't choosing this moment to be flirtatious but he'll take it! Haha Naruto's embarrassed!
"So!" He said turning towards Iruka and Kakashi. "I guess I'll start my golden boy behavior tonight. Let's go get some chow before Naruto eats it all. There's some prime rib on the table!"
The next hour was spent chatting and eating, Kyuubi standing next to a quieter-than-usual Naruto and Kakashi standing next to a much more talkative than usual Iruka. Minato never returned which was kind of odd, but Naruto didn't say anything about his father's absence and so maybe it wasn't that big of a deal. Though Kakashi's laidback way of referring to him irked his nerves and Iruka's giant angry head returned twice (once was Naruto's fault though), by the time they left, the dinner was ending on a high note.
"So you can be a little charming can't you?" Iruka asked.
Kyuubi smiled his most dazzling smile.
"You'll be fun to moniter then. If Naruto doesn't pick you up then someone else around here certainly might."
"Kakashi!" Iruka scolded. But giant angry demon head Iruka was...a little kit compared to the shiver-inducing low growl Naruto let out. Kyuubi stared at him with a tiny grin. Naruto being protective over him was actually endearing, he realized.
"Hm? I'm not implying I want him. That's not what I meant. I just-"
"Let's stop now before you upset everyone even more with your careless statements! We're going to go turn in for the night. As for you Naruto, your room should be all nice and ready for you by now."
"Thanks Iruka. You can go now and take dog shit there with you."
"Well! Someone is definitely not on their golden boy behavior tonight."
"Bite me!" Naruto shouted flipping Kakashi the bird. There was no response as Iruka grabbed Kakashi and dragged him out of the room. Just like that. Nothing prevented them from leaving. Nothing at all happened. Nothing.
"Aren't you going to get them? Because as I remember, by this time a month ago I earned the respect of a room of people with a genius prank. Where's yours?"
"Ahahaha patience Naruto!" Kyuubi said, slinging his arm over his shoulders. "The moment isn't right yet. But when I do leave my mark, it's going to be with a bang! You'll see!"
"Leave your mark with a bang huh?" Naruto mumbled as they started walking out together.
"Your respect for me will shoot up to maximum level afterwards, trust me."
"Can't wait to see. Can't wait at all for you to leave your mark with a bang."
Kyuubi was happy to have Naruto excited for him at least because, unfortunately for the blond, this was going to be a prank solely carried out by his own hands. He just needed more time and set up and possibly a bit more information. Having Minato, Iruka, and Kakashi (and whoever the hell else is here) in the same place at the same time will also be necessary. But boy oh boy does he have a big idea.
And in the end it will be soooooooooo worth it hehe!
It was the most noticeable thing about Naruto's newly decorated room.
The lights were off and he only had his enhanced vision to rely on. The walls could be mud brown or parrot red. The carpet could be forest green or lemon yellow or not even a carpet (but it's a very plush and soft floor by the way). Where were the dressers? The mirrors? The closets? The toilet room? Kyuubi didn't know, and he wasn't looking for them.
He was just. Staring. At. The. Queen-sized bed. In the middle of the room.
Dear Juubi.
"What boring sheets. Plain white and green? Really? Some change is in order as soon as I get my hands on my old sheets with the spirals back!" Naruto declared walking over to the bed. Curiously, he went around the bed to the side furthest from the door. He took the sheets in his hands and glared at them as if they offended him somehow, before turning his gaze to Kyuubi.
"My old sheets had way more character. I don't want my room to look like another guest room!"
"A guest room is probably what Minato had in mind first before he...changed his decision for some reason."
Naruto then abruptly tore the sheets back and threw them back. They were so long and he threw with such force, that they practically dangled off of the bed and onto the floor.
Oh! Now there's an idea.
"Ahem!" Kyuubi cleared his throat, doing his best not to blush. "Speaking of sheets near the floor, we don't have to share the bed you know."
To Kyuubi's complete and utter shock, Naruto didn't agree with him right away. In fact, he didn't agree at all! Naruto actually raised his eyebrow at him.
"Says who?"
He questions not wanting to share a bed!? Was he being flirtatious again? No. No Naruto looks much more serious this time.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not sleeping on the floor," the blond said coolly crossing his arms.
"You can't make ME sleep on the floor! I'm your guest!"
"So I guess my guest that we both are going to sleep on this mattress right here. Because I'm not sleeping on the floor and you have two choices."
And to make that clear, Naruto plopped down on the bed and rolled onto his back. Just with his actions he made it clear he was not getting up.
"Awful-" Was the start of the complete sentence: 'Awfully hard decision here'. Meaning Kyuubi wanted avoid awkwardness and at the same time avoid sleeping on the floor. He had Naruto in mind. He really did. But the blond only heard that first word and gave him that look, that bitch face look, and interrupted him.
"What's the problem? We're good friends right? You stepped our relationship up from friends! And you'd have no problem sharing a bed with another good friend wouldn't you?"
If there was ever a time when Kyuubi felt a stronger urge to run away than this moment, he couldn't recall it.
Especially since Naruto had a point. What was wrong with sharing the same sleeping space with him as opposed to say...Hachibi?
It shouldn't be this hard to just get in the bed and-just get in the bed!
"Well well well!" Naruto sounded entirely too pleasantly surprised in Kyuubi's opinion. Entirely too.
"Now let's just pull up the covers," Naruto said doing exactly just that. Kyuubi realized the heavenly rain scent that is Naruto was surely overpowering every other scent in the room.
He was sooo going to sleep early tonight.
"Relax!"
They were under the covers and if they wanted to they could totally touch skin under the covers-he's just gonna keep staring at the ceiling right now. Focus on the ceiling and stare it because it's a pretty blue color.
"I'm sorry you didn't get to see my perverted mentor Jiraiya tonight."
"s'lright."
"You'll meet him later I guess."
"Can't wait."
"You'll love him by the way. He's great."
"Based on your word, I'm sure I will."
"..."
"..."
Naruto was being suspiciously silent. Kyuubi was afraid to stop staring the ceiling and turn to look but he could just feel Naruto's gaze on him and...Naruto was grinning at him. And it was a fox grin. His tail was wagging too in that, 'I'm thinking of somethiiiiiiiiiiiiinng way'.
Uh-oh.
"I hope you got out all of you masturbating urges last night Kyuubi."
"Are you fucking serious Naruto?"
"I'm telling you I might just shake the schlong a little. Just to make sure I never get rusty."
"I'd rather you kick me in your sleep!"
Naruto started laughing. "I-I-I might do that too!" And then he started laughing harder. Kyuubi didn't know what exactly was so funny about that.
But Naruto's laughter was contagious.
And...that masturbating joke is kinda funnier the second time. Haha. Really funny!
Two idiots laughing in the same bed under the covers. Somehow this was just alright with him.
More than alright.
And he was getting sleepy now. Naruto's scent was incredibly soothing and he was feeling more relaxed by the second. The mattress was not too soft and not to firm and the covers made him nice and toasty.
Naruto was in his line of vision...And he hear the beat beat beat of his heart calming down from all the laughter...And wow he didn't even yawn before he was suddenly out like a light.
Well I did have time to think it over last night.
I can't believe I'm breathing with this doofus sleeping next to me.
He's so cute. Of course he is. I'd never be awake this late if it wasn't for the fact that I have his face to stare at. Learning that he sleeps with his mouth open...He snores. It's kinda cute too though. And soothing. His eyelashes are red. And long. And look beautiful against his tan skin.
Heh and his hair is growing again too. It's so cute when it's at the bottom of his neck. I hope he grows it to his shoulders again. It grows so fast that maybe I can keep him away from the scissors until then. I'd like to run my fingers through it. Hahaha but I can't!
Because he's not even just sleeping next to me!
He's holding me!
I mean I can't believe that he cuddles in his sleep hahaha! I should've learned that earlier! I like learning things about him!
His arms feel comfortable and warm. I'm surrounded by his scent. If I just inch over we could really be in an embrace...
Hahaha, and I don't even care if we wake up like this!
I thought about it so much last night. And all day. And all night.
I like Kurama.
AND DONE!
FINALLY!
AFTER 14 CHAPTERS, ONE OF THEM FINALLYADMITS THAT HE LIKES THE OTHER!
But ahhh everyone knew Naruto was going to be the first to do it hehe. So here is something to note:
If Kyuubi learns his lesson, then Naruto...I don't want to say he doesn't but I would like to point out that he's very stubborn. There's some delicious dramatic irony in the fact that Kyuubi doesn't know what Naruto's REALLY trying to do. However with that said, you all know that Kyuubi is ridiculous stubborn about his (wrong) opinion that he doesn't belong with Naruto. And the farther he goes up the denial chute, the more he loses his ability to understand himself.
So. Will Naruto's efforts blow up in his face again and this time cause much more harm? Or maybe by the time Kyuubi finds out, he's accepted his feelings and will be much more understanding of why Naruto did what he did? Or maybe he'll be angry and feel betrayed but will get the fuck over it. Anything's possible really.
FUN FACTs:
1) Rivina Humilis is an actual plant known as bloodberry. I did my research and in Jamaica (at least. probably other nations too), it is used to treat a certain 'condition' ;). Naruto's drinking a lot of it.
I'm not implying Mpreg will happen. That's not what I'm saying at all (Seriously I'm not. It's just a joke. I'm really not sure if I'll include it or not, because again I have no problem with it and it's a guilty pleasure. But I gotta see if it adds anything or not).
2) The hardest part of this chapter was actually Iruka and Kakashi (Naruto was easy for once). The best part was...geez all of the scenes Naruto and Kyuubi spent alone. Naruto's POV actually may take the cake as my favorite scene.
3) Not really a 'fun fact' but sorry to all the Minato fans :(. He's a bit distant this chapter but I am implying that the blame can be placed squarely on Naruto's shoulders for a good reason. He'll stay involved in future chapters tho.
So next to be updated is...I don't even know. I was actually planning on updating CC before this but then the ideas came. I would like to update the stuff that has gone two years without an update ._. And DCLT of course. I'll just try my best!
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please tell me what you thought while reading it :)!