Ok I am finally done. Itachi's not in this chapter at all only mentioned. I wanted this chapter to focused more on Naruto's friends and tell a bit more about them since they'll be in my story a lot more. But don't worry he will be in the next chapter. I also don't know how this chapter turned out since I got so frustrated with it. Some of my keys on my keyboard are stiff so I kept missing letters and had to go back and do the sentence every five minutes.
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Ok here's the next chapter.
Naruto continued to drag Sasuke along towards the cafeteria. Neji following closely behind, a small smile graced his lips.
The Uchiha didn't know if he was up for meeting the rest of the football team and the pretty cheerleaders, those were who the blonde's friends consisted with. Naruto stopped in his tracks and turned to face the doubtful raven.
"What's wrong Sasuke?" he asked in concern for the raven. The Uchiha gazed at him with big brown eyes and sighed.
"I don't know about this." He replied simply. Neji placed a hand on the small teen's shoulders.
"Are you nervous about meeting everyone?" Neji said his voice laced with concern. Sasuke scoffed a little at that.
"It's not really meeting someone when you already know them and I know they don't like me." The raven declared a look of seriousness in his dark orbs. Naruto and Neji glanced at each other quickly, knowing that the Uchiha had a point.
"They don't hate you they're just very good mates. When they get to know you they'll like you like I do." The blonde footballer insisted. Sasuke stared at him for a second uncertainty still blazing in his eyes.
"What if they don't want to? Kiba didn't seem so keen and I don't want there to be tension between you and your friends." Sasuke spoke. Naruto smiled.
"You don't have to worry about me but thanks anyway." The raven nodded. "Plus it doesn't matter if they do or don't I'm still going to hang out with you."
The raven's head shot up at this. "You really mean that even though I look like this." He motioned to his façade. Naruto gave him a look.
"But you don't really look like that." Naruto pointed out. "Sasuke I don't care what appearance you decide to wear and neither should anyone else." Sasuke sighed at this and turned away.
"But they do" He told Naruto. The blonde couldn't help but agree. Neji, who was been quiet so far, stepped up.
"Most are just scared. You'll be surprised at how many people don't really care about silly things like that." The long haired raven insisted. "Plus the whole schools probably heard by now."
"I guess." Sasuke replied. "Wait but wouldn't that be a little too fast?"
"This is high school this world's filled with pointless gossip." Naruto told him. Sasuke looked at him and chuckled. "Yeah, some false ones to."
He gave Naruto a pointed look. The blonde glanced away his face red with shame. "Yeah, sorry about that." Sasuke could hear the solemnity in his voice and shrugged.
"You wasn't the only one so it's no big deal, anyway I think I've become accustomed to them now." Sasuke stated. Naruto gazed at him sadly for a minute before turning it to the dirtied grey ground.
"Well I'm still sorry." The blonde replied softly, his blue eyes searching for forgiveness. The raven glanced his way and sighed.
"I know you are." He smiled gently at the blonde footballer to show that he had forgiven him and to let bygones be bygones.
"Are you ready now?" Neji asked as he placed a tender hand on the teen's back. Sasuke shook his head.
"No but I don't think I'll ever be, so let's just do It." he declared, determination shining in his dark orbs. It was the truth he would always be nervous meeting new people. Ok so he knew them and he knew they despised him. Why wouldn't they? Just look at him, a part of him just wanted to rip the mask right off and show the world who he really is. But something always stopped him.
"Sasuke?" Naruto waved a hand in front t=of the Uchiha's face trying to get his attention. Sasuke shook his head and smiled at the blonde.
"Sorry I just kind of zoned out there." He laughed. Naruto rolled his eyes, a grin dominating his lips.
"I kinda guessed that now come on I'm hungry and if I don't get anything to eat soon I'll die." He said dramatically. Sasuke and Neji couldn't help but roll their eyes.
"Fine I'm ready now anyway." The Uchiha told them and walk towards the cafeteria doors.
"Are you really sure about this Sasuke?" Neji enquired again. The raven nodded.
"It's now or never and like you said they'll find out today anyway." Sasuke articulated. Naruto gave his head a small nod. He was going through the same thing Sasuke was. He was nervous about his friends' reactions and what would they do and think.
The blonde already knew Neji and Shikamaru would be ok with it and Gaara wouldn't give two shits. It was the others that worried him, the girls mainly especially Ino and Sakura.
Naruto snapped out his thoughts to see Neji and Sasuke already a head of him. "Hey guys wait for me." He shouted and ran after the two.
They all entered the noisy and crowed canteen. Sasuke was amazed at how loud it actually was, he had never stepped foot inside the cafeteria before due to known circumstances.
"Are you alright?" Neji questioned as he noticed that the raven's face went a bit white. Sasuke nodded slightly.
"Yeah" he lied. He wasn't ok not in the least. The Uchiha felt everyone staring at him, even though they weren't. But he knew it was a matter of time before the glares and dirty looks of the student body turned his way.
"Hey there they are!" Naruto yelled as he pointed to the table on the far side of the canteen. Neji and Sasuke both looked in the direction the blonde was pointing in. The Uchiha sighed. It just had to be at the other end and now they would have to walk through the whole canteen. Sasuke was not happy about that but followed the blonde nevertheless.
Sasuke was right; everyone I the hall turned to face him as he passed by, the glares and looks of hatred was evident on their faces. The Uchiha felt the urge to just turn on his heel and get the hell out of there. He knew it was a bad idea, but he'd come this far so why not make it all the way.
Naruto, with a frown, also noticed the expressions on the students' faces. It made him so mad how they were all that disgust directed towards Sasuke. He could also tell that there were peeks at him and Neji. They were wondering what the hell they were doing with Sasuke Uchiha. He guessed some of them already knew.
The blonde scrunched up his hands into tight fists. He just wanted to punch the cold looks of everyone's faces. He gently placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder and brought him closer to him. Neji glared coldly at everyone who dared stared at his friend that way.
They finally approached the table that held the rest of the gang on minus Kiba and Gaara. The red head never really ate in the cafeteria only on occasions, which was rare.
"Naruto!" A voice screeched. Sasuke couldn't help but cringed at the loudness of it. Sakura Haruno dashed over to the blonde in what seemed like a panic. Neji rolled his eyes at the girl's actions. The girl got right on his nerves and had to admit he hardly liked her. He had a feeling that her reaction to Sasuke wasn't going to be positive one. But if he was wrong, he sorely doubted it, and then he would apologize to her for thinking such things.
Naruto stood there as the pink haired teen came rushing up to him. She grabbed his face gently.
"Naruto what happened to your face?" She demanded. The blonde glanced at Sasuke momentarily before averting his gaze back on Sakura.
"Oh it was nothing just some stupid fight." He announced. He could hear the Uchiha sigh in relief next to him.
"Well I hope you gave it to him good." Sakura shouted her eyes filled with some kind of rage. She suddenly looked to Sasuke and frowned.
"What is he doing here?" she asked her face scrunched up in contempt. Sasuke glanced away from her. He knew that Naruto's friends' didn't like him and he was stupid for going along with this.
Naruto pushed Sasuke over to the table. "That's what I want to talk to you guys about."
The blonde shifted his feet nervously as his friends' expectant gazes were on him. It was like he was under some kind of terrogation and he couldn't handle the pressure.
"Well Sakura he's my friend." He stated bluntly. He didn't want to beat around the bush. It was easier to just come right out and say it. Sasuke stared at the blonde stunned. He thought there would be some hesitation but there wasn't he smiled slightly his eyes filled with gratitude for the Uzumaki.
"Are you serious?" Ino yelled, making everyone in the area turn to face them. Sasuke went red with embarrassment. Naruto didn't look much better either.
"I'm very serious" The blonde replied glaring slightly at the other blonde. Sakura grabbed Naruto by the arm and spun him around so he was face to face with her.
"You've got to be joking! You can't be friends with…that." She glanced at the small teen with revulsion in her pretty green eyes. Sasuke's eyes filled with sadness and glanced away. He really just wanted to get out of there and not face those looks they were all giving him.
"I'm not joking Sakura." Naruto hissed coldly. "And he had a name."
The pink haired girl was shocked by the harshness of the blonde's voice and couldn't help but take a step back. Ino gently put a hand on her best friend's shoulder and motioned her over to the table.
"Naruto, do you have any idea what this could do to our reputation?" Ino screeched. Naruto scowled at her. He knew she wasn't talking about him but more about herself and Sakura.
"Don't you mean yours and no I don't give two shits." He pushed the blonde out the way and went to stand in front of the others.
"I just want to make one thing clear." He told them. "Sasuke is my mate now and will continue to be even if you're not."
"But I thought we hated him?" Lee asked in confusion. Naruto grinned at him and shook his head.
"Not anymore" Lee glanced at Naruto then at Sasuke and smiled.
"Well in that case welcome to our youthful group of misfits." Neji rolled his eyes at the saying. Lee certainly could be strange at times.
Sasuke was shocked when the green clad teen dragged him over to sit next to him and Shikamaru. The lazy teen gave him a small smile, which he returned. It looked like two were alright with him being here, which surprised him. He thought for sure they would be mad at the blonde footballer's decision.
Naruto sighed in relief. It looked like both Lee and Shika were ok with this. He already knew the Nara would be but didn't know about Lee. It wasn't that he was a horrible person, actually he was really ice, but he liked to follow the crowd a little too much. The blonde tried to pull Lee out of the faze but to no avail. But it looked like the dark haired teen had a mind of his own after all.
"You really ok with this Lee?" he questioned. Lee Nodded.
"Off course it means another person to talk to." He smacked an arm around Sasuke's shoulders, scaring the poor unsuspected teen.
"Well that's good Lee. What about the rest of you?" He stared at the rest of the gang. "I already know Ino and Sakura are not ok with it. What about you Tenten?"
Tenten was the only other girl besides Sakura and Ino in their little group. Her brown eyes were staring into blue. She didn't know what to think. She didn't hate the Uchiha and could never understand why everyone did. It didn't matter to her that he wasn't the best looking guy in the school. But that shouldn't matter how people see you.
Tenten thought maybe she was being a bit bias since she's been in Sasuke's position. She was once constantly teased about her weight. You wouldn't have guessed it now since she was so skinny. But she used to be overweight and she would never forget those taunting looks and jeers. It was one of the reasons why she left Sasuke alone. Ok she pretended to feel disgust towards him when anyone mentioned him. But that was to keep the only people she was ever friends with. She didn't want to go back to the lonely nobody that she used to be. She had it all now friends and a place on the cheerleading squad.
"Tenten what do you think?" Naruto asked again as he noticed the far of look on her beautiful face. She stared at the blonde and shook her head.
"I will have to get used to it but I'm fine with It." she smiled towards the Uchiha. "I mean if you like him Naruto then he can't be all that bad."
Naruto beamed at her. That was three down and two to go. "Chouji? Shino?"
Chouji stared at him, a piece of food between his teeth. "If Uchiha buys me some lunch then I'll definitely be ok with it." he said as a look gave a hopeful look Sasuke's way. The raven glanced at Naruto his dark eyebrows raised in question. The blonde smiled. It meant the large teen had accepted the friendship.
"Chouji you've already had lunch!" Ino exclaimed. Chouji frowned at her.
"I'm still hungry." He moaned and Ino smacked him around the head.
"You're always hungry Chouji." She shouted as she pointed a perfectly manicured finger his way. "Do you want to lose all that weight or not?"
Chouji just shrugged his shoulders. "Hm not really, tried once and couldn't do it."
Ino folded her arms and glared at him. "Well you can start by not eating so much."
"Ino leave him alone if he wants to eat the he can besides it's because of his weight that we win most of our football games." Neji replied. The blonde girl sighed and nodded.
"I guess but he still shouldn't eat so much junk food." Ino complained. Chouji just waved a hand in front of her face and turned to Sasuke.
"Are you coming or what? I'm hungry and lunch is almost over." Naruto jumped up at this a look of horror on his face.
"WHAT?" The blonde yelled. "I need to get some lunch."
Naruto, without thinking, rushed to the queue. He left Sasuke at the table surrounded by his mates. He glanced at Neji, who smiled sadly in his direction. The small teen would've grinned back if he wasn't so nervous.
"So Naruto's really decided to let losers hang around with him now?" Sakura said as she gave Sasuke a dirty look. The raven shrank back a bit in his seat trying to become as invisible as possible.
"Who Naruto decides to hang around with is none of your business." Neji hissed giving her the same look that she was giving the Uchiha. The pink haired teen turned her attention towards him instead.
"It is my business especially if-"She began but was rudely cut off by the Hyuuga.
"Your reputation?" He snarled. "News flash this isn't about you."
"Excuse me?" She asked as she placed her hands on her hips. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Neji rolled his pale eyes at this. "What does it sound like?" Neji replied sarcasm in his voice.
"What so wrong about us being friend's with Sasuke." Tenten spoke as she came to stand next to Neji. Sakura scoffed at this, giving the brown haired girl a disappointed glance.
"Tenten we're cheerleaders and cheerleaders and geeks don't mix." She declared.
"Don't you think you're being a little stereotypical?" Tenten asked her with a glare. "You're being a total bitch Sakura."
Sakura gasped at this while everyone else couldn't help but laugh slightly at that, even Sasuke smiled a tiny bit. The pink haired teen then glowered at her soon to be ex friend.
"I'm just trying to follow the rules of socialization." She told them trying to defend herself.
"There are no rules." Chouji stated. "And besides Sasuke seems ok to me."
The Uchiha was shocked by those words no one's ever said that about him before. But I thought you hated me?" he couldn't help but ask.
Everyone snapped heads in his direction. The Uchiha bowed his head slightly dis comfort.
"We never hated you Sasuke." Shikamaru began.
"Some of us did." Sakura scoffed as she folded her arms and glanced away. Everyone just ignored her and the lazy teen continued.
"But you have to understand that Naruto is our mate." He told him. Sasuke nodded understanding where Shikamaru was coming from.
"I understand." He replied. He knew he would've done the same in their position and besides they never caused him any trouble, besides Kiba and Sakura. Ino did occasionally but only when her best friend was around other than that she left him alone.
"You know I used to think you guys were just as bad as Kiba and Naruto even though I knew you never really picked on me." Sasuke confessed.
"We might not have picked on you but that didn't stop us from saying nasty stuff behind your back." Lee told him his eyes full of shame. "But we're sorry for how we treated you."
Sasuke shrugged with indifference. "It hurt but it's all in the past."
Shikamaru gave him a look. "You know Sasuke it's alright to be angry at us. We totally deserve it."
The lazy teen has a strange feeling that the Uchiha hadn't truly forgiven them for what they did…well what Kiba and Naruto did mostly. But he could see that Sasuke truly wanted them to be his friend. He could always tell how lonely the boy looked and always felt pity towards him. He wanted to help him but like he said mates come first.
"I know." Sasuke whispered. He knew Shikamaru was right. He still held some anger towards the people who bullied him. A part of him wanted to shout out to the whole school and tell them what he really thought of them. Well most of them anyway. But he figured the best thing to do was just bottle up his emotions and try to get passed the past.
"Hey Sasuke, can I ask you something?" Tenten inquired as she stared at the raven with intensity. Sasuke gazed at her for a moment in confusion but nodded all the same.
"Yes" he said simply and waited for the question.
"Well how did you and Naruto get so close? I mean you don't just go from being enemies to pals overnight." When Tenten finished everyone couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"It was through tutoring." Sasuke muttered. "I guess we just kind of got to know each other a bit better."
"I see" another voice interrupted. It was Shino's voice. He had been silently observing Sasuke this far. The bug obsessed boy could always tell if a person is good or bad by observing them. The Uchiha was slightly nervous around them. It was understandable, but was really trying to fit in. Shino knew that would take some time but at least he was trying, the others as well.
"Shino you haven't told us what you think of Sasuke joining our little gang?" Lee questioned.
"Lee you make us sound like we're in some kind of drug dealing gang the way you make it sound." Neji reprimanded.
"I'm fine with it." Shino said and then continued eating in silence.
"Hey guys!" Naruto exclaimed as he came back with a whole tray of food.
"You got enough there Naruto?" Ino asked with a frown. The blonde stared at her a piece of ramen between his teeth.
"Hell yeah" He mumbled through his food. Ino's eyes twitch at this and smacked him hard on the head.
"Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, what was that for?" Naruto moaned as he rubbed the lump that was forming on his head.
"You're as bad as Chouji." She replied a look of minor disgust on her pretty face.
"I am not" he whined. "So what were you guys talking about while I was gone?"
"We were just welcoming Sasuke to the group." Lee cheerfully replied. The blonde raised an eyebrow at this.
"So you're all really ok with this?" Naruto asked with caution. He didn't think it would be this easy there had to be a catch.
"Yes they all are well most of them." Neji glanced towards Sakura and Ino. The blonde haired girl hadn't really said what she thought of the matter. But she would most likely follow Sakura's example. She always did. It was a shame really because the two were actually total opposites.
Naruto nodded he could guess which ones were not ok with Sasuke. He turned to face the pink haired girl. "What do you really have against Sasuke?"
"I already told you. I am a cheerleader, no I'm the captain of the cheerleading team and I can't have my reputation tarnished by people like him." She complained as she pointed a finger Sasuke's way.
"Sakura it's not going to be ruined." Naruto argued back as he glared at the girl.
"Yes it will and you know it will." Sakura yelled. She was starting to get frustrated with the blonde footballer. "Just look around Naruto, no one is ok with this and no one will ever be."
"That's not true we're all ok with this." Neji growled. "Why don't you stop being such a bitch?"
"Well excuse me for being the only one who cares what happens to this group. I don't want us to be on the unwanted list."
Neji scoffed at this. "You don't care about us only about yourself."
"That's not true!" she exclaimed in anger.
"Yes it is Sakura and I'm getting sick of it." Naruto told her gently. Sakura looked at him with surprise etched to her face. "I'm going to hang around with Sasuke regardless of what you think or anyone else for that matter."
He stood up on his chair and looked around the crowed cafeteria. "I have something to say to all of you."
Everyone in the room turned to stare at him. Naruto's mates wondered what he was doing.
"Naruto what are you doing?" Sakura hissed. The blonde turned to her for a second.
"Making a point." He replied simply. "I will make this clear to all of you. I am now friends with Sasuke Uchiha."
There was a loud hissing noise around the hall as everyone turned furious gazes towards the Uchiha and some towards Naruto himself.
"You can all either accept that or not. Kit doesn't really bother me. I'm not going to stop hanging out with him just because you all don't like it." The blonde stopped to take a breath and wait for everyone's reactions.
It was as to be expected. It was the usual snide comments towards Sasuke and the loud protest of the student body.
"Naruto you're being ridiculous." Sakura growled. "I can't believe you're doing this to me."
The blonde scoffed at this and threw up his hands in frustration. "I can't believe you're being so selfish."
"I have the right to be. It's my life you're wrecking here." she bellowed. "It's our life you're wrecking. Do you honestly think your life will be the same?"
"No it won't be." Naruto spoke. He already knew this. "It will be better."
It was Sakura's turn to scoff. "No it won't be. You'll lose probably 90 per cent of your mates."
"Then they're not my mates then if they can't accept anyone I get close to." The blonde was getting fed up with all this hostility towards the Uchiha, just because of his looks. His eyes were becoming more open and he started to realize how shallow some people could be.
"I'm starting to see something I haven't before." He said carefully. "I thought it was just Kiba but now I can see you've been using me to."
"That's not true." She tried to defend herself.
"Yes it is." Chouji butted in through bites of his chocolate bar.
"Chouji if you're not going to stop eating then please stop talking with your mouth full." Ino shouted. Chouji glared at her.
"Quit nagging won't ya." Was all he said before he began chomping on some more food. Ino just turned away, giving up for the day on her usual quest for trying to get the teen to eat healthy. It was a losing battle.
"Well before I was rudely interrupted." He turned to Sakura. "You have been using him, just like you've been using the rest of us."
Sakura looked shocked and a tiny bit hurt by the accusation. "I can't believe you guys are saying this. You've known me for years but yet you're taking the Uchiha's side."
Naruto's eyes turned hard as he shook his head. "This isn't a competition. I'm not taking sides."
The blonde felt he was wasting his time here. It seemed like some people just couldn't accept Sasuke. It was really sad.
"It seems like it by the way you're making us choose." Sakura screech as she placed her hands on her hips. Her green eyes blazed with hot anger.
"I'm not making you choose, all I'm asking is that you accept Sasuke, because I'm not going to stop being his friend because you don't like the way he looks." He snarled.
The pink haired girl shook her head in disappointment. "Fine I'm out of here. Come find me when you come to your senses." She then turned to Ino.
"Are you coming Ino?" she gestured towards her best mate. The blonde haired girl stared at her for a second before turning her gaze onto Naruto. She didn't know what to do. The truth was she accepted Naruto's friendship with Sasuke.
They had all been in the raven's position once in their short lives, even her. Naruto sensed her hesitation and begged her to make the right choice. Ino just shook her head.
"I'm sorry Naruto." She then turned around and followed Sakura out of the canteen.
Naruto sighed as he watched the two girls disappear out the double red doors. Sasuke smiled at him sadly. He knew this would happen but he was wrong about other things. The blonde's friends were actually quite nice.
"I'm sorry maybe this was a bad idea." The Uchiha said as he stared down at his hands.
"No it wasn't." Neji insisted.
Naruto motioned Lee out the way so he could sit next to Sasuke, and put an arm around him. "Neji's right now let me introduce everyone properly."
"Shino there is a big fan of bugs so never hurt any of them. He even goes crazy if you accidently step on one of them." he whispered the last part. Sasuke could tell the blonde experience Shino's temper first hand.
"Lee here loves green as you can tell." He nodded towards Lee's entire green ensemble. "He idolizes our math's teacher Might Guy and talks about youth a lot."
Naruto leaned forward to whisper in the raven's ear. "He's totally weird." He added as he grinned at Sasuke. The Uchiha smiled back as he let out a little laugh. Lee just grinned at them oblivious to what they were saying.
"You know Neji…That's Tenten as you know she's on the cheerleading squad. You wouldn't guess it though because she isn't into girly stuff."
"Make up and stuff I'd so rather do martial arts." She shouted with her fist raised."
"Oh yeah she's also one of the top fighters in our group. No muggers want to mess with her on a dark night." Naruto winked at Sasuke.
"Shikamaru over there." He pointed towards the now sleeping teen. "As you can tell is the laziest teen you'll ever meet. He actually fell asleep at a rock concert once or so I hear."
The Uchiha looked at him stunned by that little tidbit. "I didn't know Shikamaru liked rock music?" he didn't know the boy well but it didn't seem the lazy teen would be into that kind of music.
"Oh he isn't but his girlfriend Temari is." Sasuke wasn't surprise by that little price of information.
"Who's Temari?" The blonde turned to face him. "Oh she's Gaara sister. He's part of the group to but he doesn't care that I'm hanging around with you."
Sasuke nodded carefully. The red head kind of scared him. But he guessed it was the same for a lot of people. Gaara just gave off this threating vibe.
"Well that's everyone. I hope we're not too strange for you." Naruto joked. Sasuke shook his head with a smile and slowly turned his head to the rest of the group.
"Hi I'm Sasuke." he shyly told them. They could see it would take a bit of time for the Uchiha to be a little more confident and who knows maybe then he'll show his true looks.
At that very moment the bell rang for the next class, Naruto groaned.
"I haven't even finished my lunch yet." He moaned as he glared daggers at the bell.
Chouji nodded in agreement. "Me neither. I only had two helping today. I usually go for three."
Sasuke was stunned by how much one person could eat. It seemed Chouji had a bottomless pit for a stomach.
The others just ignored the two. It was an everyday occurrence. It was a trait that they had all gotten used to it, minus Sasuke of course.
"We better get to class." Shikamaru announced as he stood up and stretched his limbs.
"You only want to get to class so you can sleep through it." Tenten scolded. Shikamaru just let out another yawn at this not bothering with the teenage girl's comment.
"What class do you have Sasuke?" Naruto asked as he spun around to face the Uchiha, who was still sitting at the table. The raven looked up at the blonde as he made a move to get up.
"Um Physics I think." He said as he tried to remember his heavy schedule.
"I have that class two." Neji spoke up. "We can go together."
The raven nodded. "Oh yeah Sasuke and I are going to the diner to hang out tonight we should all go. If that's ok with you Sasuke?" Neji quickly added.
The Uchiha nodded again. It would give him a chance to get to know the others a little better.
"Yeah that would be great. We'll all meet outside the front gates after school." Shino said as he walked out the cafeteria followed by Tenten and Chouji.
Naruto turned to Sasuke. "Do you want me to walk you to class? The teens around here might be little vicious…even more than usual."
Sasuke raised a dark eyebrow at this. "Don't they always?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah but I have a feeling it's going to be worse and isn't Sakura in that class with you?"
The Uchiha shrugged. He never paid any attention to who attended his classes.
"Yeah she is but don't worry me and Shikamaru have that class Naruto, so don't worry." Neji added with a smile.
Naruto sighed. He didn't seem convinced. He knew what Sakura was like. She could be really mean sometimes and that was to her friends.
"Well Naruto we better be off and I promise if any one starts they'll have me to deal with." Neji promised. "Oh Naruto can you tell Gaara to meet us to."
The blonde nodded. "Yeah ok then but I doubt he'll show. You know what Gaara's like."
Neji sighed in agreement. He knew the Sabaku to well to not know this. Gaara was a loner and preferred his own company to other people.
"Naruto?" Sasuke called the blonde's name softly.
"Yes" Naruto replied as he beamed at the small teen in front of him.
"I just wanted to say thank you and I'm sorry about Kiba and Sakura." He declared with his eyes downcast to the tiled floor.
"Oh don't worry about it, hopefully they'll come around but if they don't it's their problem not ours."
Sasuke nodded and said his goodbyes to the blonde as he followed Neji and Shikamaru to his next class.
Deidara sat next to Kisame in the passenger's seat of the undercover cop car. They were both still watching Orochimaru intensely, not letting the guy out of their sights. The blonde knew if they did it would be their lives worth. Deidara couldn't quite figure what Itachi had against the man. He knew it was more than just business. It was personal.
"I wonder what he did to Itachi to get him so riled up." He thought out loud. Kisame turned too looked at him. His blue face scrunched up into a frown. He too had been wondering the same thing.
"I don't know but it can't be good, when he told me to keep an eye on him. I could hear the anger in his voice. It sounded like he wanted to rip Orochimaru in half himself." Kisame told Deidara.
The blonde nodded. He knew Itachi had a temper but he knew how to control it.
"Besides I want to get this guy just as much as Itachi. He's a dangerous criminal and should be locked up behind bars." Kisame added trying to change the subject. He thought whatever Itachi's reasons were was his and his only. He trusted the Uchiha with his life and nothing would change that.
"I know I do to but I just get a feeling this is way more personal than Itachi's letting on." Deidara sighed. The blue clad man couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"Whether it is or not is none of our business." Kisame replied. "But catching this guy is."
"Yeah you're right but I wish there was some more action with this guy, all he's done is go shopping and take walks around the park…not your everyday criminal." Deidara complained.
"Deidara just because he's not doing anything illegal up front does not mean he's not a criminal. You just want more excitement." The shark man added with a shake of his head. The blonde smirked at the statement.
"Can you blame me?" Deidara asked with his eyebrow raised. "Things have been a little slow lately so it's good to get some action."
Kisame rolled his eyes at this. The blonde could be a handful. "I'm glad you have your priorities in order."
"Hey just because I like the thrill of excitement doesn't mean I won't do my job." Deidara shouted with indignation. Kisame rolled his eyes at the remark.
"I know but you're still an idiot." The blonde wacked him playfully on the arm and they both laughed, as they carried on with the mission at hand.
Naruto waited impatiently outside the physics lap. He had the next class with Sasuke so he decided to wait for him. He heard the sound of laughter and turned to see the Uchiha walking out the classroom door, Neji and Shikamaru in tow. It seemed the lesson went without a hitch but he wanted to make sure.
"Hey guys" Naruto ran up to the three a cheerful smile playing on his lips. The group waved as they the blonde approached.
"Hey what are you doing here? Your class is in the other direction." Sasuke asked with a frown. Naruto scratched his head.
"Well we social studies together next so I thought I'd walk you there." Naruto replied as he shyly blushed.
Neji raised an eyebrow at this. "Don't you mean you wanted to check if Sasuke's ok."
"How troublesome" Shikamaru added. The blonde footballer glared at the two.
"Fine I was." He twisted his body to face the raven. "So how did it go? Did anyone cause you any trouble?"
Naruto was hoping for a no, if not he would have some not nice words with the perpetrators. Sasuke looked down briefly before glancing back up to stare into concerned blue orbs.
"Yeah it was fine." The raven forced a smiled on his brown covered lips. Naruto didn't seem convinced and turned to Neji and Shikamaru.
"What happened?" he growled wanting to find out what was bothering Sasuke.
"It was just the usual taunts." Neji sighed in expiration. The blonde's eyes hardened as he clenched his fists up tightly. He punched the wall next to him, making a small crack in the wall. Sasuke jumped slightly startled by the sudden outburst of emotions.
"Why can't they just leave Sasuke alone?" he snarled his face scrunched up in anger and confusion. "Do they really care that much how he looks."
Shikamaru shrugged. "Maybe but I think they want to find someone to take their anger out on."
The blonde nodded. He had done the same thing not long ago. But it didn't mean he was ok with it. "Well next time anyone says anything I'll do more than just talk."
Neji placed a hand on the blonde's back to calm the agitated teen down. "Naruto calm down I think you're scaring Sasuke."
Naruto turned to Sasuke to see the look on his face. It made his heart break in two because he could tell the raven was still nervous around him.
"I'm sorry Sasuke." The raven stared at him for a minute. He didn't mean to get so frightened of the blonde. But he knew the footballer had a temper. He had witness it firsthand. But what scared him most was the dark thought he had just then, of Naruto beating the shit out the people who made his life hell.
Naruto realized he too had a secret emotion. He wasn't just mad at the others for bullying the raven, but at himself for being one not that long ago.
"I guess I still have some issues to overcome." He took Sasuke by the hand. "Come on we'll be late if we don't hurry. See you guys" He added to the other two teens before turning on his heel and strolling down the deserted hall.
Neji sighed and turned to Shikamaru. "He really likes Sasuke doesn't he?"
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at this. "You've only figured it out?" he smirked with a yawn.
The raven shook his head. "No I've already suspected. Do you think Sasuke knows?"
Shikamaru shook his head. "I don't think even Naruto himself realizes."
Neji chuckled a little at this. "He is rather oblivious to things especially his own feelings."
The Hyuuga tapped his foot on the ground; something was bothering him deep down. The lazy teen stared at him severely.
"Are you worried about something?" he questioned. A tiny smile appeared on the raven's red lips. Shikamaru was too smart for his own good sometimes.
"Yeah I guess I just want to know if the others are really ok with Sasuke, you know joining our group." Neji blurted out.
"They're quite open minded people so yeah and besides we're not your average jocks or cheerleaders." Shikamaru reassured.
"Don't you mean cheerleader? I don't think Ino and Sakura will come back with Sasuke there." Neji replied sadly.
"I think they'll come around eventually but as Naruto said it's their problem not ours." Shikamaru verbalized.
"Yeah you're right come on we're late for class." The two said their goodbyes and went in opposite directions.
Shikamaru couldn't help but grin. The blonde had come along way and he couldn't help but thank Sasuke for that. He had somehow managed to turn the footballer into the man that he once was, no better.
But there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. He had an interest in the Uchiha. There was an air of mystery around him. He also knew of the façade the kid wore. The lazy teen knew of the makeup that was splashed around his face. He just wondered why the need to make himself look hideous. He had no idea what lied underneath the disguise but he had a feeling Sasuke wasn't as ugly as he made out to be. The only question was why put himself through all the agro he did every day. No the Uchiha was going to make life a lot more interesting and changed a lot around the school.
Orochimaru paced around the motel room. He was furious that he had to live in this kind of condition. His bank accounts had somehow been frozen so he couldn't access any of his money. He knew Itachi was behind it.
"DAMN IT!" He bellowed as he threw a glass cup across the room. It shattered into a million pieces. Is gold eyes watched the glistening pieces shine in the darkness.
A growled broke out deep inside his throat as his eyes blazed with uncontrollable anger. He was going to make the Uchiha pay for what he had done. He would make sure of it. The question was how? Itachi Uchiha was basically untouchable. An idea suddenly hit him.
It was perfect. He was going to get everything he desired and more. The older Uchiha was going to go down and Sasuke was the one who was going to help him. He smirked at the thought of using the youngest Uchiha to get to his brother. But it worked out for his benefit and it was the only way to lure Itachi to him. Besides he would get his plaything back, so it was all for his best interests. He just had to figure out a way to get to Sasuke.
Orochimaru chuckled at this. It shouldn't be too hard. Itachi was a workaholic that wouldn't change and Sasuke had no friends. The snake man laughed as he poured himself another glass of whiskey. Little did he know the plan was already thwarted. But it would lead to events that would be on everyone's minds forever.
Naruto sat next to Sasuke in the back by the window, trying to ignore all the glares that were radiating off of people.
"Don't worry so much about it. When you get picked on as much as I do you have to get used to it." The small raven insisted. Naruto smiled but frowned as he saw the look of concern etched to the Uchiha's face.
"Is something wrong?" he asked equal concern laced in his deep voice. Sasuke sighed and shrugged.
"I don't know." The blonde could tell something was on the Uchiha's mind.
"I know something's bothering you. It has been all day. Are you sure you're ok with all his hatred that people's directing at you?"
Sasuke shook his head at that. "No I'm not but I can't do anything to stop it. No it's something else…" he paused he didn't know whether to continue. He had never told his worries to anyone before. Would Naruto be sympathetic or just laugh at him? He didn't know whether he should take that change.
The blonde sensed his hesitation. "You don't have to tell me of you don't want to. But just know that I'm here if you ever want to talk."
Sasuke smiled at this and knew at that moment he could trust Naruto. "It's Orochimaru."
The blonde frowned at the name. He didn't really know the guy but he could tell he was bad news. "What about him?" he couldn't help but hiss. The Uchiha wasn't fazed by it.
"Itachi kicked him out three days ago." Naruto blue eye's widened in shock.
"He did? Well that's great news isn't it? The creep can't hurt you anymore." Naruto let slip. He covered his mouth with his hands. Sasuke's eyes snapped towards him a look of panic on his face.
"W-what do you mean?" The blonde held up a hand.
"I'm talking about the bruises that you use to have on your neck. I knew we beat you up on occasion but we never strangled you. When I met the bastard and I saw the way he looked at you. I put two and two together."
Sasuke was stunned by this. "Why didn't you say anything?"
The footballer shrugged. "I figured I was the last person you wanted to share your private life with and would told be to butt out of your business."
The raven chuckled that was exactly what he would of done. "I guess you're right."
Naruto punched him playfully on the arm. "I know I am…but there's one thing that's bothering me."
"Hm" Sasuke hummed as his dark orbs stared into Naruto's deep blue.
"I thought you'd be happier now that Orochimaru's out of your life." He couldn't help but blurt out. If it was him he would be jumping for joy maybe shedding a few tears here and there. Sasuke sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"I know I should be overjoyed at the prospect of Orochimaru gone but that's just it. I don't think that's it's over and I have a feeling he's going to be back."
Sasuke sighed and rubbed a hand over his eyes. "I have a terrible feeling something bad is going to happen and I can't shake the feeling."
Naruto smiled and placed an arm around the Uchiha's small shoulders. "Don't worry nothing's going to happen and if it does you have me here to protect you."
The raven let out an amused chuckle as he raised an eyebrow. "A regular hero." Sasuke half joked. Naruto laughed along with the dark haired teen.
"I wouldn't go that far I'm far from being anyone's hero." Naruto admitted. Sasuke quickly jotted down the work on the board before turning to the blonde.
"Maybe not but I think you have hero potential." Naruto raised his eyebrows at this.
"Oh really, do you believe in heroes?" The blonde couldn't help but ask. Sasuke stared down at his work and shrugged and he writ some more answers on the sheet of paper.
"I don't know. I used to wish that someone would save me from the hellhole my life was but I don't know if I ever believed."
Naruto nodded sadly. "I guess it's hard when life always deals you a bad hand, but look on the bright side at least it's looking up."
Sasuke grinned. It really was amazing that he and the blonde were now friends. He would never have guessed that would ever happen. But it felt right. "I guess."
"And if Orochimaru does appear you'll have me and I doubt your brother will let any harm come your way." Sasuke laughed at that remark.
"Yeah does your face still hurt?" The raven inquired as he eyed the bruise on the blonde's face. Naruto waved a hand.
"Nah but it damn well did when he punched me but I deserved It." he gently licked his lips as something registered in his mind. He never figured out the blonde's instant turn around, just three days ago he would have never stuck up for him, so why the change. He turned questioning eyes towards Naruto.
"Naruto can I ask you something?" he requested as he fiddled with his hands shyly."
"Sure go ahead." Naruto told him.
"Why the sudden urge to stick up for me?" The blonde wasn't surprise by the question.
"What took you so long?" Naruto smirked. Sasuke's head snapped up a look of surprise in his brown eyes. "I was wondering when you would ask me that."
The blonde sighed and ran a hand through his unruly hair as he leaned all the way back on his chair.
"I guess I finally came to my senses and I'm glad I did." The blonde footballer paused. "But I'm betting you want more than that."
Sasuke nodded. "I can't take all the credit for my decision. I had a little help…well more like I was put in my place."
The raven grinned satisfied with the answer. He glanced around the room and cringed at the dirty looks that the students were giving him, some were even directed at Naruto.
"I want to say thank you, you didn't have to stick up for me the way you did and because of me you've lost three good friends."
The blonde raised a blonde eyebrow at this. "They weren't very good mates then were they?
"You do have some good ones through." Sasuke admitted. If he had to tell the truth he was always a bit jealous of Naruto's friendships and never thought he deserved the things he had.
"I'm sorry" He blurted out suddenly. Naruto stared at him in confusion as he chewed on his pen. "I think I judged you before I really got to know you."
The blonde shook his head. "No you didn't. You saw me as a bad guy because it's the way I acted. If anyone should apologize for judging anyone it's me. I was so focused on your name and looks that I was blinded by the fact that you were actually a decent guy."
Sasuke nodded. "We both have to learn from our mistakes but we're good now and that's all that matters."
The two smiled and began to talk about things in general. It felt good for both of them and Sasuke was glad he finally belonged somewhere and Naruto was right things were looking up. He decided to put Orochimaru to the back of his mind for the time being and enjoy things. If the snake ever showed his face he would be ready. He wasn't scared anymore…well not as scared the fear doesn't just vanish. But he could tell that one day he would be able to show his true self to the world.
A locker slammed shut with such force it nearly broke of its hinges. "I guess you've already heard that Naruto's decided to befriend the biggest nerd in the school."
Kiba turned around to come face to face with Sakura. "What do you want?" he snarled. He didn't have time for her games and pushed passed her.
"I want to know why the hell have you decided to come best buddies with Sasuke Uchiha." She screeched, her green eyes blazing with anger.
Kiba scoffed at this. "There isn't a change in hell I would ever become pals with that loser."
It was Sakura's turn to scoff. "Yeah right isn't Naruto like your little puppet or something? You tell him what to do and he just follows like a lost puppy dog."
Kiba chuckled darkly. "It doesn't seem that way anymore. I can't believe he could do this to me his best friend…he even asked me to accept the fact, yeah like hell I will and what start hanging out with him. I tend to like my reputation in this school."
Sakura gave him a look as she grasp that he was scared. "You're scared aren't you?"
"Fuck off!" Kiba roared. Sakura took a step back slightly frightened to the loud outburst. "It's alright I am too. That's why I'm here to make a proposition."
The Inuzuka leaned against his locker and latched dark eyes onto green. "I'm listening." His interest spiked somewhat.
A sinister smile appeared on Sakura's face. "I don't like this as much as you do but I think we can persuade Naruto to come to his senses."
Kiba raised an eyebrow at this. "How do you suggest we do that hey? It seems like Naruto's made up his mind."
Sakura shook her head at this. "He's just confused. We've known Naruto a lot longer than Sasuke Uchiha. We're his real mates and once he realizes that he'll come curling back. We just have to make him see."
She smirked and Kiba began to catch on. "Oh I get it maybe I can beat the shit out the nerd while I'm at it." The Inuzuka smacked his fists together, a dark look in his eyes. He had never hated the feel as much as he did right now.
Sakura slowly walked up to Kiba and gently caressed his arm. "You are so hot when you're all riled up like that." She smirked. He mirrored her expression.
"So what do you have planned for our favorite blonde and loser?" Sakura shook her head as she let go of the brunet's arm.
"I don't know yet I was hoping you would help me with that since you know Naruto better than me." Kiba laughed darkly at this.
"Not as well as I thought but I'll see what I can do." He told her as he leaned to whisper in her ear. "It might actually be some fun."
They both smirked at each other and turned in opposite directions. "Meet me here tomorrow morning." She spoke her back to him.
"I will" he said and they both walked away. He was excited to see what plans they would both cook up. It would certainly be interesting.
Orochimaru had his plan set in motion. First he would keep an eye on Itachi, and then find a way to kidnap Sasuke. The plan was floorless but he had to make sure of that. He didn't want any mishaps. This was Itachi he was dealing with.
"You know you're plans not going to work." A strange voice called out. Orochimaru jumped up and quickly searched the room.
"Who said that?" he grabbed his gun that was lying on the side. "Come out and show yourself."
He pointed the gun in every direction. A figure came out from the shadows and Orochimaru eyes widened in surprise and confusion.
The man smirked as he slowly approached the snake like man. "It's been a long time…Orochimaru."
"Kabuto?" Orochimaru asked not believing his eyes. The man smirked evilly as did Orochimaru.
Ok this chapter wasn't one of my best and I think I have to rewrite the Kiba and Sakura bit but like I said I just got so frustrated that I just wanted to finished it. Ok that's bad I'm a terrible writer for doing that but I hope you enjoyed the chapter nonetheless.
Itachi's reaction will be in the next chapter so that should be fun to write. I was going to do it this chapter but I thought I make this chapter mostly about Naruto, Sasuke and the others. The next chapter will be longer and out next week hopefully early next week.
Please review and please don't flame.
Ps my Granddad is out the hospital so that's one less worry. We are all so thrilled.
Sorry about grammar and spelling mistakes.