Disclaimer: Yeah so this is my fic, I wrote it but but don't own. Kishimoto-sama totally pwns...
Warning: BOY LOVE, cussing, hetero, teen drinking and drugging *all very serious topics people-lol*
Sticks and stones
Monday still
"So...you wanted to talk to me?" Asked a cute blonde as he entered the school chemistry lab at the request of a dark haired fair skinned acquaintance.
Sasuke looked up from his seated position. He was surprised that the boy had actually shown. He was hoping not to get stood up and taking the chance really paid off.
He looked Naruto up and down. He couldn't take it anymore. He was genuinely sorry for what he did; he wholeheartedly missed his dobe. Being apart from Naruto was driving him insane, more insane than he already was. "I wanted to see you." He rose going straight for the other male.
"Teme..." Naruto hummed in reply as Sasuke began to kiss his neck.
Sasuke inhaled deeply. "Do you forgive me?" He asked in a heavy voice.
Naruto pulled on the raven's shirt bringing him in closer as he held his tongue for a minute. It felt so good to be in Sasuke's arms again. He ran his hands over the raven's chest delicately as he spoke up. "Of course...I've missed you so much."
That was all the answer Sasuke needed to hear. He joined lips with the blonde as they'd done on so many other occasions. "I want you right now-" Sasuke warned as he stripped the boy before him.
"S-Sasuke-" Naruto huffed as he was lifted onto the lab table behind him knocking glass beakers and goggles to the floor in the process.
"Shit..." Sasuke grunted as he raised his arms to allow Naruto to pull his shirt over his head. "You are so fucking sexy." He growled.
"Mmhmmm..." Naruto made a noise as he licked on Sasuke's neck then chest.
"Aahhhhh-" The raven let out an audible noise as he felt the slickness of Naruto's tongue glide across his tattoo followed by teeth and a light bite.
"Sasuke?" Sai inquired from the edge of the bed.
Naruto called Sasuke's name before jabbing him in the ribs. "Ahhh-" He grunted shifting beneath the sheets. He thought it was odd for Naruto to do that but he couldn't careless.
Sai geared up to poke again. "Sasuke? You ok?" He asked a bit louder this time.
Sasuke's eyes nearly pop out of his head as he awakes to find exactly where he is. "Fuck..." He mouthed to himself as he realized the throbbing between his legs was the only legit part of the hallucination he had just experienced about reuniting with his ex.
"Bad dream?" Sai inquired as Sasuke leapt from the bed and darted straight into the bathroom slamming the door shut.
"Hmph." Sai said shrugging his shoulders and continued to read his book.
Later that night
"Kabuto, don't be so rude. Allow our guessst the floor. After all, it's not every day we get to meet a real live ghost." Orochimaru spoke as he watched Itachi closely with olive colored eyes.
Kabuto eased back with tight lips. He kept his hand rested directly on the scalpel that was strapped to his side at all times.
"Now then, what was it you were saying?" Orochimaru humored the emotionless being who stood in the middle of the floor cloaked in black.
Itachi shifted his glaze to the right measuring Kabuto's exact distance from his self. Itachi focused back on the matter at hand. "It's come to my attention, my brother hasn't been here in a while yet you've made numerous attempts to reach him."
"Is that the rumor going around now a days?" Orochimaru snickered behind a sickening grin.
Itachi didn't find it quite that funny. "It is fact. I'm here to end all communication between yourself and Sasuke Uchiha." He stated sternly.
Orochimaru's feathers ruffled. "Oh, are you? Well since when do you care so much about your brother?" He added emphasis to the word as to mock the way Itachi freely used it. "If I recall correctly, while you were off trying to rule the world with Madara, poor Sasuke was left all alone to fend for himself. You should actually be here thanking me for keeping him from slitting his own wrists down to the bone." The snake like males temperament changed once he decided he was being threatened.
Itachi made himself clear. "I'm not here to discuss the past. The future will be as previously stated-"
"And if it isn't? In case you didn't hear while you were off globetrotting, Uchihas no longer run Konoha. You'll probably be put to death for deciding to show your face in this town again." Orochimaru says dismissing his stoic former squad member.
"So, that means it's time for you to go." Kabuto spoke up.
Itachi waited before taking a step forward. Before he could do anything, Kabuto dashed to the scene with blade in hand. Red eyes rotated in the darkened dank apartment catching all movements made, small or large. Kabuto winced in pain as he was unable to get a firm hold on his own footing. The high school senior knew nothing of his whereabouts until Itachi placed his own weapon to his gullet and twisted his arm behind his back tight enough to break. How the hell? Kabuto questioned stunted to find himself on his knees now facing Orochimaru. Any movement on his behalf would surely mean sudden death.
Orochimaru brimmed with anger.
Though Itachi held a look of dis-interest on his face, the matter he addressed was a serious one. "If you value your life, you will remain motionless."
"So Madara is done with you then? You've been dumped? Either that or you wised up to his true intentions. I'm just glad I got out when I did. Taking orders was never a strong trait of mine." Orochimaru boasted.
Itachi rolled his eyes upward. The truth was, Akatsuki, the organization Itachi worked for for all these years, was still very much alive and operational. Sure they had lost a few members but that's not what he was here to talk about. "I've returned for one reason. You will respect my request." He reiterated.
Kabuto swallowed hard. He felt a warm bead of sweat roll down the side of his face. Yes, he was scared of dying right then and there.
Orochimaru flared his nostrils. "So you're plan is big brother to the rescue? How naive. That boy is more damaged than you could even comprehend."
Itachi felt as though his point was made. There was no need to explain himself to the likes of Orochimaru. He released the grip he had on Kabuto and dropped the scalpel to the floor.
The glasses wearing boy gripped his throat and exhaled loudly.
Orochimaru stewed in misery as Itachi showed his self to the door.
Back at Naruto's
The red head stood flustered. He couldn't believe he'd worked up the courage to come all the way to Naruto's only to be at a loss for words. Communication never was his strong point after all.
"Uhm, here come in." Naruto said moving to the side. "Man, you totally freaked me out just now." He said as the boy, now in the middle of his living space, turned to face him. "Ohhh, not you per say. I meant- well I just thought you were someone else is all..." Naruto said nervously recanting his words.
Gaara continued to look on in silence.
Naruto smiled with glee. "I'm super excited you came over here. Sorry I was kinda MIA that last week of school. I should have called you or something but I didn't have any # for you."
Gaara remembered how he called Naruto that time after blocking his number and was so embarrassed that he hung up. This time, he was determined to speak. The red head shifted his eyes about the room.
"That's right you've never been over before so I guess a tour's in order. This is where I stay. Bed, tv, bathroom...all the most important things. I keep telling Pervy Imma get a mini fridge to go right over there but I haven't done it yet. Anyway upstairs is everything else-"
"Naruto…" Gaara finally spoke cutting off the babbling blonde.
Naruto was in awe, this was the first time Gaara had said his name. Actually it was the first thing he'd ever said. Naruto looked on patiently as he waited to see what else Gaara had to say after all this time.
"Thank you..." The red head cooed lightly as he focused all his energy on the blonde. It was a bit uncomfortable after all.
"For what?" Naruto asked as clueless as ever.
After a short pause the tired eyed boy continued. "…for being the only other person in my entire life to ever interact with me without fear." Gaara's eyes quickly hit the floor. His face was too hot to look at Naruto right now. He was however, relieved to get this off his chest. "I should go." He said with a raspy voice before pushing past the blonde not giving him a chance to respond.
Naruto smiled as he watched the door shut. He was satisfied. Mission accomplished. He thought seeing as though he was able to reach Gaara when everyone else had already written him off. Being new was hard, that was something Naruto knew first hand. All Gaara needed was somebody to help him out of his shell, just as his friends had done for him upon arrival.
Friends... He repeated in his head. He wondered what they were all doing.
Tuesday
Naruto walked into the cafe all smiles that day. He was feeling good. He had a clear head and a clean conscious. He was thankful for many things: a job, a father figure and his health. He was also thankful for Neji who had just dropped off some dinner for him on his way to a Hyuga event that afternoon. Naruto decided that he wasn't going to stress over things he couldn't control anymore. Instead he was going to roll with the punches and be a teenager while he still could.
Sai had been quiet all day as he sneakily checked out Naruto as he whistled while he worked. He could see a light around him again. It was as if he was carefree; similar to the first few days they'd met. Sai lightly stroked his brush over paper as he thought about the obvious. He liked Naruto, he had nothing against him but if it came down to Sasuke vs Naruto; Sasuke was the clear winner. Sai bit his tongue. He really didn't want things to go that route. Judging by Naruto's look, they didn't have to either. It was clear that he was over it. Done. The sad part about the situation was that Sasuke only pretended to feel the same way. As long as he didn't decide to pursuit Naruto again, Sai was confident that for the time being, he'd have Sasuke all to himself. If it could be helped, he had no intentions of sharing the raven with anyone this time around.
Sai did one of his usual faux smiles. "So are you ready to get back to school?" Sai asked deciding to go fishing for info.
"Naaah," Naruto responds while keeping busy. He didn't want his made up mind to begin to wander. "But I guess it can't be helped." He said returning a larger smile in Sai's direction.
Sai felt a palpitation in his chest when thought of Sasuke being at school all day. He shifted his face into another phony expression.
"I'm actually excited to get back so I could talk with Iruka, boy did he sure miss out on a lot." Naruto said sweeping behind the counter alluding to his break up.
Sai was not ready for this yet. He had unwillingly allowed himself to get sucked back in by the raven haired teenager and now he was obsessed. How could he be so sure Sasuke wouldn't see Naruto and run off?
"-what about you?" Asked Naruto.
Dammit! Sai cursed inwardly. He totally missed what Naruto just asked cause he was thinking about Sasuke. Again. "What?"
"I said I can't wait for summer and asked if you had any plans. Are you ok?" Naruto questioned with a laugh.
"Oh, yea yea!" Sai said waving his hand before his face. "I was just wondering if I left the iron on this morning. But no, I don't have any plans. I mean I really hope to get this teachers assistant position for summer classes but it's not a definite or anything."
"O well at least you got hope. I guess I'll just be here all summer if Gamakichi and Gamatatsu need me that is."
Sai thought about how restless Sasuke was every summer. He never had anything to do with himself but get into trouble. "Why don't you take a trip or something. I'm sure your mom and dad would look forward to having to you back home for a bit before your senior year starts." He suggested hoping to keep the two far apart.
Naruto's heart nearly leapt out his mouth at that comment. He had forgotten all about that lie. "Uh, well, uhmm...my parents- they're always working soooo no one's ever really home with me anyhow." He said nervously scratching at his head. How forgetful. He thought.
That sounded suspicious to Sai. Then again he didn't really like dealing with his own family either so...whatever. "Right," he agreed.
As the day passed by, a few customers came and went and in between the two boys continued their nominal conversation neither trying to delve too deep into recent issues.
"I would like to live on campus but I think Pervy would be lonely so I don't know, I might commute." Naruto deduced remembering the talk he had with Pervy about staying around as long as possible.
"Right, well I hurried up and got out of my parents place. Once college is done and I have to leave the dorms and go home, I'll probably shot myself." Sai commented flatly without looking up.
"How morbid." Naruto shuttered.
Ringgggg ringggggg ringggggggg
Sai felt vibrations on his thigh from his phone within his pocket. He pulled it out partially as if Naruto could see the caller id from across the room or something. "Oh, hey I'm gonna catch this. I'll be right back." He said stepping outside.
"Sure." Naruto waved without second thought.
Once outside Sai exhaled deeply and picked up. "Hello Sasuke." He said in a sweet voice.
"Sai? I need you to bring me something tonight..." Sasuke spoke huskily into the phone.
Sai knew what it was he wanted. "Yeah, sure." He agreed unenthusiastically .
"What time are you leaving tonight?" Sasuke asked always feeling the need to be instantly gratified.
"The regular time Sasuke." Sai could tell Sasuke was getting pulled back deeper and deeper into his addiction though he denied it. Sai didn't know what to do to help, so instead he continued to enable.
"Can you get it now? I'll come pick you up from the shop later?" Sasuke pressed further. He was desperate.
"Uh, no...I can't leave out now. Uhm, Gamatatsu is here today since you know..." Sai trailed off with this comment. Sasuke was still under the impression that Naruto hadn't come back to work yet causing the cafe to be short staffed and forcing the owners to alternate shifts to cover the blonde. Sai dared not mention the fact that Naruto was back, he didn't want any temptations so it was best to keep him at a distance.
"Ok well, catch a cab straight here once you get it." Sasuke said in a less than loving tone.
"Ok Sasuke." Sai replied feeling like every bit of the drug mule he had become.
Hanging up was the easy part. Sai exhaled loudly before turning to head back in.
"Everything ok?" Naruto asks looking up from his position.
"Better than ever." Sai's words were as shallow as his smile.
Later
"So when are we hanging out again?" Sakura asked with a sweetness to her voice.
"Uhm we can get together soon actually." Naruto replied.
"Good it's been a while and I'm in need of a blonde blue eyed handsome boy to hug on." She said hugging her own pillow as she laid in bed on the line with Naruto.
"Awww, wow I feel missed." He responded.
"Yeah and besides that, it'll be time to go back to school soon. I want to say I saw you at least twice during break. Lemme know when's a good time for you."
Naruto hated to be reminded again about school. He thought about the question posed. He'd been spending so much time with Neji lately that he had to schedule other activities way ahead of time. "You wanna come over Thursday night?"
"Sure thing. I guess I'll see ya then." She said excitedly.
"Great. See ya."
-Click-
School. Naruto cringed. He knew this time would come. He still had a few days to prep his self. Could he really go back alone? Well he did have Gaara and Sakura and of course Neji, but what about the rest of the guys. Naruto started to doubt his initial reaction. Were they really at fault for something Sasuke did?
Sitting up on his bed, Naruto grabbed his camera off the night stand. His finger lingered over the on/off button for a moment. Something deep down inside him said not to do it, yet something else was urging him. As the device powered on, Naruto took a deep breath and thought about what he see saved on that memory card. A grin slowly crept across his face as he flipped through the stored photos. Naruto let out a chuckle as he recalled the picture before him.
"Ha! That's when Kiba got busted in Kakashi's looking at porn on his phone...such a loser." Naruto spoke to himself as he clicked to the next picture. All the photos were the same, him and his friends hanging out, partying, drinking...whatever. They were always having fun.
The smile he had on his face slowly faded as he came across yet another saved memory. The night he and Sasuke sat in his house, alone, together. That night was great. Sasuke pretended to be hard and cut off, it was obvious he was waiting for someone else like him. Someone else to show him the world wasn't so bad. Naruto touched the 3 inch LCD screen with his finger tip. He traced the raven's outline and laughed at his own silly expression. He remembered that night perfectly, when he asked Sasuke why there weren't any pictures up. He reminisced on the raven's protests before giving in and allowing the picture to be snapped.
Knock knock knock knock
Naruto jumped at the sudden noise almost dropping the camera on the floor.
"Sheeesh-" he huffed as he stood up and turned the device off. He tossed it on the bed and rubbed his palms across his jeans before opening the door.
"Told you I would get out early." Neji said stepping into the house.
Naruto shut the door. "That you did."
"How was work?" Neji asked handing Naruto a bag.
"Good. Awesome, you got 'Night of the creeps'." Naruto said as he plopped down on the couch.
"That I did. Did you eat already?" Neji asked from across the room.
"Nah, I came straight home. Pervy left pizza money though. I think he went out with granny. You wanna order?"
Neji looked at the camera that was laying on the bed. "That's fine." He said taking out his phone. "You sure you don't want to go out?" Neji asked for the third time that night. For some reason Naruto was dead set on staying in.
"Nah, let's just chill here."
Neji conceded. "What ever you wish."
Else where
"I had a really good time Shikamaru." Temari says as she reaches her door step and turns to face him.
"That's good to hear. Then again you say that every time we go out so I'm starting to think it's just a habit." Shikamaru said eying the awkwardly dark home behind his date.
"Well, you'll just have to keep taking me out to know for sure now won't you?" She laughed throwing her arms around the dark haired boy's neck.
"I guess, but my bank account is looking a little light so I'll be glad when school starts up again. That way I can see you without having to spend money." He said cynically.
"Oh Kami, Shikamaru, you are soooo mean!" Temari added her lips to his and they shared in a sweet goodnight kiss. "Now, is that anyway to speak to your girlfriend?"
Shikamaru looked into her teal colored eyes. "Are we?" He asked shyly.
"Well if you ask nicely of course." Temari said joining her hands with his.
Shikamaru, who always thought too much, begin to think. "And you're sure about this?"
"Would you stop being so careful! Just ask me already before I change my mind!"
"Will you be my girlfriend?" Shikamaru asked with rosy cheeks.
"Bwahahahaha!" Temari's face hurt from laughing so hard. "You should see yourself, you're like so cute right now!"
Shikamaru smacked his teeth. "If you were only gonna make fun-" He started to protest.
"OK, ok...goodnight Shikamaru!" She near shouted. "And yes, of course I will be your girlfriend, silly."
With that said the door shut and Shikamaru realized he was a really lucky boyfriend.
...
"Jeez, look who decided to come home." Kankuro said as he pulled the curtain back a bit to peep out.
"Get out the window loser." Temari scoffed.
Kankuro raised a lip at her as he let the curtain go.
Temari tossed her jacket across the table on her way to the kitchen. She glanced up at the top of the stairs as she passed by and caught a glimpse of Gaara before he faded into a shadow.
"So what? Are you gonna spend all your time with that dork now?" Kankuro asked as he entered the kitchen next.
"So what? Are you gonna stalk me from room to room now?" She retorted grabbing a bottle of water and shutting the fridge door. "Anyway, you don't even know him." She said as she sipped the cold beverage and leaned against the counter.
"Like I would bother." He snipped back.
"Well then stop acting like a jealous oaf."
"Whatever. You and your boyfriend suck." Kankuro pouted.
Temari smiled. "We can find you a friend too you know."
"Pssssstttt. Don't do me any favors. These kids around here are losers." He decided.
"Even Gaara has a friend these days. How crazy is that?" She asked sipping again.
"Girlfriend?" Kankuro asked almost in a panic.
"No, that kid Naruto. I think that's what he was so worried about all last week. You know that's where he was last night right." Temari spilled the beans.
"What? Stop lying."
"No really, me and Shikamaru saw him turn down Naruto's block when we were in a cab coming in from the movies."
"So you saw him, on a street and decided where he was going without actually seeing it." Kankuro rolled his eyes.
"Don't make me sound delusional. He doesn't know anyone else around here and Shikamaru was sure it was Naruto's street. Where else would he be going?"
"Whatever, you sound crazy. You and your psychic boyfriend. I'm goin to bed." Kankuro said waving a hand at Temari before heading out the kitchen.
Temari shook her head and took a seat. It would be awesome if Gaara actually had a friend. From what she heard, Naruto was a phenomenal guy. Speaking of phenomenal guys, Temari got was now in an official relationship. She bit her bottom lip as she pictured her next encounter with her boyfriend; she couldn't wait.
Later still
"So, that was interesting." Neji said as Naruto hit the lights.
"Yeah right, I know you don't like these movies by now. You don't have to fake." Naruto said flipping back across the couch. His head landed on Neji's lap.
"Hey, I enjoy for your sake." Neji smiled. "All I need is a bowl of grapes." He said referencing the way Naruto was stretched out relaxing.
"Yeah that would be rad." Naruto said looking at his watch.
"It's about that time." Neji concluded as the blonde sat up straight.
"Is it?" Naruto asked.
Neji stood. He looked back curiously.
"Are you anti-sleepover?" Naruto questioned.
A smile snuck onto the elite teenagers features. "I've never been asked."
Naruto stood up and love tapped Neji's arm. "Stay."
Neji wanted to shout out loud. Of course he maintained his composure though. "Are you sure?" He double checked wanting to be clear.
"Yeah sure, why not?" Naruto shrugged going for yet another slice of cold pizza. Though he wasn't ready to fully commit, Naruto was satisfied sharing his time (and bed) with Neji.
"Ok then," Neji said as he looked the blonde up and down. He couldn't wait to get undressed. "Let me just call my uncle. I'll be right back." Neji said stepping over to the door.
"Cool." Naruto nodded as he pulled the DVD out the player. After closing the case he turned around and looked at the bed. The same one he use to share with a certain raven.
Naruto pulled off his shirt and headed for the bathroom. He hated the fact that he looked in the camera. Throughout the whole movie, he was thinking about Sasuke. He couldn't stop. He missed him bad but he didn't want Neji to know. Was he so stupid to think he was over the raven that easily? Neji was a good distraction but Naruto felt himself slipping. All he could do now was pretend...but how? Bad sign.
"OK, I'm all set." Neji announced as he walked back into the house.
"Nice." Naruto said as he glanced over the mirror. He wet his face and dried it with a rag. "Did you need something to sleep in?" He asked stepping out of the bathroom.
Neji looked over his tanned figure as he stood there in polka-dotted pajama pants. "Yes." He answered.
"Cool, I got you." Naruto said taking to his laundry bag.
Neji sat on the bed and watched. Despite the time they were spending with each other, he felt like his relationship with Naruto was still at its initial stages. He wondered what the problem could be. He felt like they were still strangers being nice to each other, as if Naruto wasn't 100% comfortable around him. He understood that the blonde wasn't ready for a relationship but still sometimes there was such an awkward interaction between the two. Naruto was different with his friends and Naruto was different with Sasuke. Neji didn't know what more he could do to prove to Naruto he wanted him, uncut and unfiltered. He would have to keep trying, he was not prepared to give up without a fight.
"Aye, something wrong?" Naruto asked now with a toothbrush half hanging out his mouth.
Neji panicked. "Oh no, I just remembered, no toothbrush..." He said shrugging his shoulders.
"No sweat. Pervy keeps extras. I can go get you one." Naruto said dashing into the bathroom again. After spitting and rinsing he comes back. Something else was wrong. "Be right back k?"
Neji looked up. He was honestly thinking of reasons to leave. "Oh, ok."
Naruto opened his arms. "You sure you ok?" He asked noticing the look of unease on the chocolate haired teen's face.
Neji decided against saying anything. "I'm fine. I'll change while you're gone."
Naruto nodded.
Wednesday morning
"Breakfast was good." Tsunade said with a smile.
Jiraiya smiled perversely. "Yea but dinner was even better...especially dessert. Teeheheh..." He giggled.
WHAPPPP!
"Don't you get fresh with me, hentai." Tsunade gripping the wooden spoon in hand ferociously.
Jiraiya made a face before clearing his throat. "Well what's on the agenda-" he began to ask before trailing off. Something outside caught his eye as he looked out the kitchen window.
"Nani?" Asked Tsunade equally curious.
"That Hyuga kid is sticking this one out I see." The white haired male declared as he witnessed Neji's vehicle pull off the property.
"Over night visit?" Tsunade inquired as she searched the tall male's face.
Jiraiya nodded. "It appears so."
Things were quiet for a bit as both parties assessed the situation.
"Just like that kid to screw up a good thing eh?" Tsunade asked sipping coffee.
"Well he still has a lot of growing to do. I'm sure Sasuke will be fine when he comes to his senses. He has big shoes to fill after all."
"I have a meeting to attend once school starts back up. It's with superintendent Danzo." Tsunade stated from behind shut eyes.
Jiraiya probed. "Oh?"
"It's about Sasuke...he hates that kid's guts you know."
"Hhm." Jiraiya sighed. It was obvious that wasn't going to be the best of meetings.
"Ohayo ero-jiisan, bachan." Naruto said coming through the basement door.
"Brat..." Tsunade mumbled.
"What are you doing today besides lazing around and eating up all the food?" Jiraiya asked as Naruto turned the carton of orange juice up to his mouth.
"Hahaha!" Naruto chuckled as he wiped away residual juice. "As of now, I'm hanging with you two!"
"Well I do have some junk that needs hauling out the attic..." Tsunade spoke under her breath.
Naruto grimaced. "Granny, every time I see you, you have chores for me to do..."
At the café
Ding ding
The bell sounded causing Naruto to look up. He was standing over Sai's shoulder watching him draw a manga for one of his classes when a person walked in.
"Shikamaru?" Naruto spoke as if seeing ghosts.
"Yo." The pony tail clad teen says as he walks right up to Naruto. He rolls his eyes between the blonde and the art student. "Hey." He says to Sai.
"Hi." Sai replies faintly.
"So, how are you?" Shika asks Naruto.
"Uhm, great. What's up?" Naruto said with a light shrug. He felt a tad childish now for not returning any of the Shikamaru's 15 calls.
"Uhhh, do you think maybe we can go somewhere?" Shikamaru inquired, it was clear he need to say some things in private.
Naruto pulled off his apron and draped it over the counter top on his way to the break room. "Sai, I'll be back." He called out as Shikamaru followed him behind the curtain.
"OK." The flat haired male said with a slight nod. He wondered about the conversation that was about to take place. Sasuke was probably going to be a topic of discussion. Suddenly he became nervous.
Shikamaru sat across from Naruto in the back, he wasted no time getting to the point. "Look, I want to clear the air on some things that happened. I figured we ought to speak face to face to make some sense of this." He started.
"Right." Naruto agreed.
"Ok so, I know it sucks what happened but I really want to tell you we did not do this on purpose. As you know, things with Sasuke are always more complicated then they should be. Between him on one end and you on the other, I guess it's kinda hard to pick the right move versus the easy move. At any rate, this thing with Orochimaru we all thought that was history but- I mean, I was really shocked about it too." Shikamaru shook his head in disgust. "As for Kiba, well he really is a moron but he loves you like a brother. I know he's sorry and I know he wouldn't intentionally hurt you."
Naruto didn't look at Shikamaru right away however he was listening closely. He knew good and well things had gotten out of hand. He'd pouted long enough. "I know you guys didn't do anything. I took it out on all of you and that wasn't right of me. I guess I was just really confused. It felt like y'all were all in on this dumb gag at my expense but I get it now."
"Nah man, it wasn't like that at all." Shikamaru explains further. "I would have been the first one on Sasuke's ass if I knew about this Orochimaru trash. The guy is bad news and Sasuke knows it. Since this mess went down, Kiba hasn't said one word to Sasuke. He says he's cutting him off for good. He's really devoted to you as a friend, I just hope you know that."
Naruto thought about how many years Kiba had known Sasuke and for it to come to this was sad. "That's not what I intended. Kiba doesn't have to stop being friends with him cause of me."
Shikamaru shrugged. "That's what he decided."
Naruto stood quiet.
"I talked to Sasuke too." The dark haired teen threw out.
Naruto thought about his ex again as he had the last few nights.
"I'm afraid he might hurt his self." Shikamaru continued. "I don't wanna pull this card on you but Sasuke was best when he was with you..."
Naruto averted his eyes. "Did he tell you that?"
"He didn't have to. I know Sasuke. I know how he is, what he went through and what he's capable of. A few years ago he was in a really dangerous place and he could get there again. People tip toe with him because of who he is. But if he's allowed to, he will self destruct. You'd probably be the only person that he'd listen to right about now."
Naruto reaches up to the necklace Sasuke gave him. Of course he was still wearing it. He fingered the crystal while he thought about things. Was it possible that he was being excessively dramatic when he refused to at least hear Sasuke's side of the story? "Shikamaru, I-I really do care about him but..."
"I get it. I'm not asking you to get back together. I just think he's a lot better off with you in his life."
Naruto had a lot more to think about now.
"Well look, I just wanted to talk. I'll let you get back to work."
"Thanks for coming by Shikamaru. I was kind of a tool last week." Naruto said palming Shikamaru's back.
"Naruto no sweat. You're a part of the family now. We won't let you get away that easily." Shikamaru admitted with a dull grin.
The two boys emerged from behind the curtain.
"Okay. So, now I need two hot chocolates to go. Temari's waiting on me." Shikamaru said casually.
Naruto raised a eyebrow as he prepared two small cups to go.
That night
Sasuke was up per usual. He glanced around the room and shifted his mind from topic to topic. He had so many problems that he'd actually been sleeping worst than normal lately. It also didn't help that every damn time he closed his eyes he was seeing blonde. Frustrated with the whole situation, he decided to go to the dojo for a workout.
"Can't sleep?" Sai asks as Sasuke pulled on his shoes.
"I'll be back." The raven replied.
"Do you want some company?" Asked the boy who managed to some how be paler than the fair skinned heir in front of him.
Sasuke would being lying if he said he didn't. "No."
Sai watched him make his retreat.
As he crossed the yard in silence, Sasuke told himself he was used to being alone. If that was indeed true, then why did he miss Naruto so much? Why did he think it was possible to change? Why did he- Suddenly Sasuke came to a complete stop. He waited and listened. He was sure he heard steps besides his own. He wondered...could it be?
"Who's there?" he called out forcefully.
Sasuke reeled around in the darkness listening for a response. He wasn't sure which way was up but one thing was clear...he wasn't alone.
"Where are you? Are you going to hide like a coward or come out and face me?" He yelled at the top of his lungs.
Whoever was messing with him picked the wrong time. All types of ideas ran through his mind. Kabuto, Suigetsu, Kiba...anyone could be fucking with him right now- even Itachi.
"Are you okay?" Sai called from the doorway.
Sasuke tightened his fists as overwhelming anger coursed throughout his body. "You can come out now!"
"Hey, it's ok. No one's out here...let's go back inside." Sai said placing his hand on Sasuke's arm.
Sasuke snatched away. "GET OFF!" He protested.
Sai pulled back. "Come on Sasuke, I'll get you some tea if you can't sleep." Sai could see something was unraveling. It had been quickly doing so since the night they met up in the parking lot.
"Would it be better if I was dead?" He spoke lowly.
Sai couldn't believe his ears. "Sasuke-"
"Or if I was never born into this shitty world...this wretched family." Sasuke laughed eerily. "I guess it's the name...Uchiha. I was cursed from the start right!" Sasuke seemed to talk to a particular person that wasn't around.
"Sasuke, who are you-" Sai began to ask.
"Just leave me alone! You want what everyone else wants from me right? Take it; money, cars...do what you want. Fuck you..." he said turning his back.
Sai felt agony coming from Sasuke's soul. Everything he always held inside was finally pouring out under a dark starry moonlit night. "I don't want anything from you...what I would like is for you to love you as much as I do."
"Haahahaa! Love? That's good. That's a fucking joke. The one person I decide to love...tell me, where is he?" Sasuke 's shoulders heaved.
Naruto... Sai thought sourly. "You know what, maybe you just picked the wrong person. Maybe he wasn't the one you were supposed to love. He couldn't have loved you like I did. Like I still do... "
Sasuke faced Sai, his eyes went from glowing red to jet black again.
Sai wanted to touch him. "Sasuke, I've been telling you forever. I love you. I always did and I always will. WE have been through some crazy stuff but I would never ever abandon you like that."
Sasuke reached up and covered his right eye with his hand. It was throbbing. He felt dizzy. "I can't love you back..." Sasuke admitted.
"Why?" Sai asked half afraid of the answer.
"It hurts people. I'm tired of hurting. Because of my brother, I can't tell the difference between fake and real. I have all these memories of him and I and it feels like he loved me...but that was a lie. I'm fucked as a person 'cause no matter how hard I try, I can't comprehend love."
"Your brother hurt you in a way no one could possibly understand...and though I won't pretend to know what it feels like for you, I was hurt too. You hurt me but I'm not scared to keep loving you. All I ever wanted to do was stay with you. I would never desert you the way Naruto and Itachi did." Sai watched on as Sasuke calmed before his eyes. Sai reached out and placed his hands around the raven's.
Sasuke's skin was cool. It was late spring and with the turn of the season came one last cold front. Sasuke had come back to his senses and Sai couldn't have been more thankful but truth was, Sasuke was more unstable than ever. Sai pulled him in closer, he didn't know this Sasuke; this sad, love sick, lonely version. It was a twist from the normally egotistical, nonchalant yet self loathing Sasuke of past. The biggest complications here, would be to repair a weak spirit and broken heart. Sai geared up for the task.
On the premises
Concealed by the cover of night, Itachi narrowed his wary eyes under the luminescent moon. He wasn't a hundred percent sure what this was about but he didn't like the looks of it at all.
Thursday
A pink room somewhere
Sakura got up and did her morning routine. Stretches. Face peel. Brush teeth. Shower. Flat iron. Then she stood in front of there walk in closet with her finger pressed against her cheek.
"What to wear, what to wear?" She asked and re-asked herself.
Her outfit needed to be on point. She was seeing Naruto later and she wanted him to notice how beautiful she was. Perfect face, perfect hair, perfect outfit. That would be the only way to snag him. He was obviously playing hard to get; like seriously hard. She just didn't get him. First he makes out with her, then he tells her he's seeing someone, which was an obvious lie, but the killer was that now he acted like nothing had even happened. He had to know how she felt by now...maybe he thought she wasn't over Sasuke yet. Or that she was pledging herself to a nunnery because really there was no other excuse for him to not be all over her.
"Chaaaa," she sighed. She just didn't get him.
The cafe
Naruto watched the door nervously. He was awaiting someone's arrival. He knew it was about time he stopped ignoring this. After his talk with Shikamaru, he was sure of one thing: he missed his boys and wanted them back. This whole fortress of solitude act was weighing heavily on his soul. Yes, he was hurt in a way that was indescribable but he knew this was a life lesson; one he had to grow from. The only wrench that could actually trip up his plan was Sasuke Uchiha himself. Though Naruto still wasn't clear on what to do on the Sasuke front, he was not deterred. He was sure he could figure something out.
Sai watched the blonde with observant eyes. He noticed everything. "Waiting for someone?"
"Ya got me." Naruto said with a slight laugh.
"Yep."
"Kiba's coming." The blonde admitted.
"Oh, just like Shikamaru came huh?" Sai pretended to care.
"Yeah, I called him last night and told him we had some thing's to talk about. I guess Two G's is as good a place as any right?" Naruto joked with someone he thought was a friend.
"True indeed. Does this have something to do with Sasuke per chance?" Sai asked boldly.
Naruto held his breathe. "Kinda." He said off key. He didn't talk about Sasuke with Sai, that was an unspoken rule.
Ding ding
Both parties shifted attention to the door.
"Hey man." Kiba says as he approaches the counter with his hands nervously twitching in his pockets.
"Hey Kiba." Naruto responded calmly.
Kiba's expression softened up a little.
"Sorry to make you come all the way downtown, I just didn't want to have to wait till this weekend, ya know?" Naruto said as he took off his apron and tossed it across the back of an empty seat.
"It was nothing, I stole- I mean borrowed Hana's car." Kiba said anxiously.
"Awesome. Sai, I'm gonna go out on break. Be back..." Naruto spoke as he headed for the door with Kiba close behind.
Sai didn't say a word. He watched with sleepy eyes as the duo exited the building. He was too tired to figure things out right now. Sasuke had him up half the night exchanging psychobabble. He yawned. He would find out more eventually.
The initial walk outside was quiet. Kiba followed Naruto to the alleyway beside the coffee shop preoccupied with a million lines in his head. What to say? How to act? Did he even want to remain friends or was this it? Kiba swallowed hard and stared down at his converses. He crossed his fingers in hopes for the best.
Naruto, on the other hand, was less critical. He knew exactly what he wanted to say.
"I'm glad you called me. I really did want to talk with you." Kiba began.
Naruto looked over the brunette standing in front of him. He'd never seen Kiba look so serious before. He almost wanted to laugh. "Yea I was really feeling guilty, then Shikamaru came by and that was it. I had to talk to you...I was being a jerk, it wasn't cool of me to block you out like that."
Kiba cleared his throat. "No, it was me...I realize I owe you an apology. Not the lame half-ass one from last week, a real one. I know how tore up you were about what happened and I understand now that you needed your space. I really am sorry Naruto. I know I was wrong, but I never meant for things to get this screwed up and believe me this shit has really been messing with me…all I want is my best friend back."
Naruto reached out and added a hand to the other boy's shoulder. "Kiba, it's cool."
"No dude, it's not. You don't understand, I seriously hated every minute of not saying anything to you. I didn't say anything to Shikamaru or anyone else either cause I really had faith in Sasuke...I just knew he would do the right thing."
"I know you're sorry and honestly so am I. None of this was your fault though. You were just trying to be a friend to both of us. I over reacted." Naruto extended his hand. "Friends?"
Kiba sighed with relief and ran his hands over his face.. "Oh shit..." He said grabbing Naruto's hand pulling him off the wall and hugging him with both arms. "You don't know how bad I was freakin out man!"
"Ahhh! Ok, ok!" Naruto squealed.
"For real, you don't know how happy I am right now. I could totally kiss you." He admitted loudly as he released Naruto and clasped his hands together.
Naruto grimaced.
"Whoa, wait I won't though..." Kiba held his hands up.
"Yes, boundaries." Naruto nodded. "You know, it was hard being mad at you. I really did miss you. I missed all you guys for real." Naruto said throwing his arm around Kiba's neck and shuffling his fingers through his spiky uncombed hair.
"Ayeeeee, watch the doo!" Kiba yelled out pushing the blonde off. He pulled back and punched Naruto in the arm. "Let's never fight again. From now on I'm telling you everything I know!" He said holding out his fist.
Naruto tapped fists with his bestie. "Well everything is a bit much-"
"No way! I'm spilling all details- Oh, like today I had the worst case of morning wood so I jumped in the shower and-"
"HEY! Hey, no details!" Naruto said raising his hand to Kiba's mouth. "No." He shook his head.
"Oh sorry. I just missed you! I want to tell you everything that happened to me during break…" Kiba started talking quickly as the two began to walk back towards the café door. "So me and Ino are still going out, dude I got a ticket for having Akamaru off his leash last week, like what the hell? Then lemme tell you this guy Shikamaru comes to my house Monday night talkin about goin' to The Dungeon. Man, I said hell no. I haven't even thought about speaking to Sasuke and I'm not going to either."He huffed.
"Oh yeah that's something else." Naruto said as they came to a halt in front of the cafe. Naruto released the door he was holding allowing it to close.
Sai looked up as he saw the two stop. "Humm, what else, Naruto?" The even toned boy questioned as the door close behind the blonde.
"Look, about the Sasuke thing...don't think you have to stop talking to him because of me. It's not fair." Naruto cleared the air.
"It's not only because of that. You don't understand, I really begged him to tell you Naruto. I asked him like three fuckin' times. He's a loser. I don't wanna be involved in his bull anymore." Kiba's mind was set.
Sai narrowed his eyes. He was usually so good at reading lips but they were too far away. Tightening the grip on his pen, he looked away as to remain inconspicuous.
"I get it. I haven't talked to him either. I wasn't planning on it but then Shikamaru told me what was going on…"
Kiba made a face. "Do I even wanna know?"
"He said he was in really bad shape...maybe he's using again," Naruto shurgged.
"Yeah, I don't wanna know. Naruto don't get sucked back in. Sasuke is like this huge void and if you keep getting near you're gonna get dragged in too. The way you felt last week...I don't want that for you. Shit, I wouldn't want that for my worst enemy. Sasuke's a big boy, I'm sure he can handle himself."
Naruto didn't really consider that aspect. If he ran back to Sasuke now, what would stop the same thing from happening again? What guarantee did he have that Sasuke wouldn't keep being selfish Sasuke?
"Let's get together for a boys only night this weekend. I'm tired of spending all my time with Ino." Kiba said extending his hand.
"Yeah, sure." Naruto said as he reached out and was pulled into another hug.
"Aye, I meant what I said bro." Kiba spoke lowly into his ear.
Naruto smiled. "I know."
That night
"Yea, sorry again but we're seriously on for tomorrow ok? Cool, see you then." Naruto said right before hanging up and sliding the phone across the floor. "Ahhh, now back to you." He then turned his attention to Neji.
"Ready?" Neji asked as he got into stance.
"I guess." Naruto replied as he prepared to eat mat for the 5th or so time that evening.
"Yahhh!" Neji said with quick movement. In one breath Naruto was on the floor. "You ok?"
Naruto smiled as he was pulled up by the light eyed teen. "Bet you can't do that again." He said pulling Neji's braided hair as it dangled over his shoulder.
"You don't want to do that..." The prodigy warned in a soft tone.
Naruto tightened the belt on his uniform and looked around the dojo. "Who's gonna stop me?" He retorted.
Neji gave a wicked grin. "Gentle fist!" He proclaimed lifting the blonde off his feet. Again.
Thuuudddddddddd!
"Ha! That was fantastic!" Naruto yelled from his flattened position as Neji knelt down beside him.
Across town
"Omg why didn't you ask him if he was with Neji!" Demanded Ten-ten as Sakura hung up her cell.
"Uh, hmm stalker much?" Ino commented.
"Sorry, I think he was though cause he said he was at the Hyuga dojo so who else would he be with?" Sakura spoke while making a face.
"Don't make that face at me. I'm not crazy...there isn't anything about me that's crazy." Ten stated turning her head to the side.
"Right...you say no more than 5 words to him on any given day and all of a sudden you claim him like some, excuse my language, crazy person." Ino argued.
Ten-ten's jaw dropped. What could she say? "Oh whatever, Kiba smells like dog food."
"Ughhhhh!" Ino moaned while rolling her eyes.
"Guys, we're supposed to be talking about me and Naruto here. Focus?" Sakura interjected.
"What about him?" Ino asked with attitude.
Sakura reiterated. "I'm meeting up with him tomorrow and I'm really nervous."
"But you've met with him like a hundred times already...what's the issue?" Ten-ten probed.
"Look, ever since he...well let's just say he helped me out with a really bad situation and ever since then I can't stop thinking about him...I mean I want to be more than friends and I told him but he doesn't get it." Sakura explained without getting to into detail.
"Sooo, he doesn't like you." Ino said straight forward.
"But that doesn't make sense. All boys like her." Ten suggested.
Ino begged to differ.
"Thanks Ten. And yeah, that's the same thing I was thinking." Sakura was confused.
"Ok, so then he's with someone already." Ten-ten threw out.
"When's the last time you guys seen him with anyone that wasn't me? I mean really?" Sakura shrugged.
"Well, what if he has a girl from his hometown..." Ino suggested.
"What if he made it up?" Sakura challenged.
"You think he'd realllly lie about that? Look, just go over there an jump in his lap tomorrow. I bet who ever she is doesn't even cross his mind." Ino plotted with a evil glimmer in her eye.
"Inoooo, don't make her into some common tramp." Ten-ten said exasperatedly.
"Yea and that didn't work the first time." Sakura uttered with embarrassment.
Ten-ten's mouth stood open. She thought Sakura wasn't going to tell.
"What? And what happened?" Ino asked all ears.
Sakura decided to spill. "He, I mean at first we were kissing and then he was touching me and well...things just went left. He totally freaked and went home. Idk what I did."
"Wow, when were you gonna share this?" Ino mouthed.
"Since then we speak regularly and go to out. I don't get it, if he didn't like me he wouldn't be bothered right? " Sakura asked desperately.
Ten-ten shook her head in bewilderment.
"Maybe he's gay." Ino said picking up a magazine. She was bored with this conversation since it didn't directly impact her in any way.
"Can we please be serious? I mean if this were you, you'd kill us for making jokes right now." Sakura said without so much as a giggle.
"OK, ok..." Ino shut her book. "Seriously, you've gotta be really sexy like when you approach him." Ino offered.
"I tried that-" Sakura said shaking her head.
"Well try HARDER! I've seen you with him and you get all girly and dumb. Think SEX KITTEN." Ino fired off.
Ten-ten inaudibly nodded her head. They had a plan to concoct.
Later that night
"Ohhh! I can't believe I forgot to tell you...so he was just standing there and I was running off at the mouth like usual. I have no idea what I was even saying but anyway he just spoke. This was the first time he ever said anything to me. And he actually said my name too." Naruto spoke excitedly.
Neji frowned. "Two please," he said to the guy behind the thick glass. "Thanks." Neji took the movie tickets and stuck them in his back pocket. Neji nodded and pretended to care as Naruto kept on talking. He went on and on about this kid as if he were the president or something.
"...so I told him to come through whenever he wanted you know?" Naruto said with a smile.
Neji rolled his eyes. As far as he was concerned, Gaara was yet another freak, just as everyone else thought. He didn't see anything special about the kid at all. "Ok, that was interesting I guess." He said in a most uncaring tone. This was why he was often annoyed with Naruto. He always took a liking to the most idiotic people; it was really nauseating. "How was work?" Neji asked to change the subject.
"Uh? Oh, Kiba came by." He said as if it were no big deal.
Neji looked at Naruto with a sharp eye. "Did he?" He questioned.
"Well yeah, I called him down actually." Naruto said sampling from the bucket of popcorn he carried.
"Right...so I guess that also slipped your mind." Neji said feeling a headache coming on.
Naruto folded his lips before speaking. "I know you don't like him but he is my best friend. We're cool now-"
"Cool now? Did you forget what he did? Lying to you like that?" Neji asked with a serious tone.
"No, I didn't forget but I did forgive."
"So I suspect Sasuke would be next?" Neji suggested with a attitude.
"No..."
"Well you should be lucky. Him and his friends are nothing but trash." Neji caught himself. He realized what he was doing right now. Showing his true colors.
Naruto looked at the stranger before him.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that." The brunette backtracked. "I don't want you to get hurt because of these people."
"He's really sorry. He apologized like 4 times. It wasn't even Kiba's fault, he just got caught up. I get what you're saying but I know who my real friends are. Thanks for worrying about me."
"Right well, you always seem to find the very best in people...even when it's totally unnoticeable to the rest of the world." Neji said pulling open the theater door for Naruto.
Naruto pursed his lips. "Don't be so grumpy." He said taking Neji's left hand with his free hand and pulling him along. "Let's have some fun."
Neji accepted the terms.
Friday afternoon
Sai waited out back of the usual record store for his usual guy to come out at the usual time. He looked around the space knowing it was secure yet feeling as though he was being watched, kinda the same way Sasuke felt all the time. Sai shrugged it off and chocked it up to nerves. After all, he was a novice at purchasing drugs he guessed he ought to feel a bit gulity.
"Sai, what's good bro?" Asked the male who was stepping out of the backdoor.
"Sora, hey." Sai gave a factitious grin.
"So that project still racking your brain I see." Sora spoke as he dug down in his sock.
Sai squinted as he recalled the lie he told. He said he needed the drugs as a pick me up since he was working on a strenuous piece for school but we all know the truth. "Y-yeah, you know professor Izumi, she is something else..." he trailed off scratching his head.
"You aren't kidding." Sora nodded in agreement. He also attended KU along with Sai. Sora had failed right out of Izumi's class his first semester, she was a she-devil as far as he was concerned.
The two made a quick exchange but none the less Itachi spotted exactly what was going on with his own two eyes.
"Ok, then...see you around." Sai said waving off his classmate as he stepped away.
The other male gave him a thumbs up and disappeared back into the building. Like wise, Sai made his way back to Two G's, his break was surely over.
Later that night
"Why are you looking at me that way?" Sasuke asked as he took the drug he'd been craving all day from his current partner.
Sai shook his head. He didn't want to say anything but the feeling from earlier had never gone away. He even felt like he'd been stalked the whole way to Sasuke's, it was creepy. "Actually-"
Sasuke raised his hand to cut off the other male. "At least lemme get high first." Sasuke said before Sai started on his bs.
"Sasuke." Sai stated firmly stopping the raven in motion.
The dark heir turned around and faced the other.
"I-I don't think I can keep doing this." He spoke in a voice just above a whisper.
Sasuke thought about the out come of this conversation. No good. "Then don't."
That tone was a forewarning but Sai pressed on. "What about Wednesday night?"
"What about it?" Sasuke growled.
"I thought, I thought after we talked about it, maybe we could give this another try...the right way." Sai asked with open arms.
"I never agreed to that."
"But Sasuke-"
"I NEVER agreed to that!" Sasuke repeated with more base.
"You, you're broken...I realize that." Sai countered.
"I told you, I can't love you-"
"I read in a book about recovery-" Sai began.
"A book? Recovery?" Sasuke interrupted.
"Yes, you need a strong foundation behind you. I can be there for you. You don't have to love me back..."
"Sai, just stop." The raven near laughed at this Tom-foolery.
"I'm not giving up on you. No matter how hard you try you can't push me away again Sasuke..." Sai stood his ground.
"And you think it's that easy?" Sasuke protested.
"I don't want to fight." Sai stated calmly. "I just, I just had this really bad feeling all day. I don't like this. I won't keep aiding you in destroying yourself."
Sasuke thought that was a lot of nerve. He had a bad feeling almost 24-7 and you didn't see him complaining any. "You know what...don't do it. Either way it's gonna get bought."
"It's not right..."
Sasuke turned his back and headed for the bathroom. "I've been doing this for years, don't act surprised." He said throwing his arms open along the way.
"And that makes it ok?" Sai asked. He didn't wait for a response before his next statement. "You were sober with Naruto."
Sasukes stopped short, his eyes shot directly to Sai's. "Don't-"
"Tell me, would you ever ask him to do something like this for you? To help you kill yourself?"
Sasuke knew the answer.
"It's obvious you wouldn't. He would never go for something like that-" Sai said before being cut off.
"Shut the fuck up Sai. You don't know what you're talking about." Sasuke cautioned.
"Why can't I be like that? Why is it so different for me?" Sai asked beginning to show even more emotion. He hated to feel this way but it couldn't be helped. He was actually envious of Naruto and all he stood for. "I don't believe what you told me the other night. You know how to love...you know exactly how to. Why can't I have that? Why won't you love me like you love him?"
Sasuke thought about the nice answer versus the real answer. He lowered his lids and opened his mouth. "Don't even make the comparison. You will never be like Naruto."
A single tear slid out of Sai's eye. It was time for him to go.
Sasuke watched as the door shut tightly behind the boy. What he said was true. It was the unadulterated, hard hitting truth and no matter how it sounded, he wasn't ashamed to admit it. No one would ever make him feel like Naruto did and he meant that.
Across town
"Really Naruto?" Asked the bossy pink haired girl as she stepped into the door with her arms out stretched.
"I know." The blonde responded while wrapping his arms around her. He picked her up and spun her around. She smelt like strawberry cupcakes.
"Oh my gosh! Catching up with you is like getting with the freakin' Pope!" She giggled excitedly as her feet made contact with the floor again. "How was work today?" Sakura asked as she hung her bag on the door knob.
"Ah, it was good." Naruto said with a smile.
"Looks like I got here at the perfect time." Sakura probed noticing the moist towel draped around his neck.
"Yeah, I just got out the shower." He said checking out her outfit. It was short and pink.
"I can see." She rubbed her hand through his flat wet hair. She also knew because his t-shirt clung to his still damp skin perfectly.
"Yeah, I wanted to wash away all the boy smell before you came just in case you wanted to go somewhere." He said raising his arm and sniffing his own pit.
"Yuck Naruto, you've been spending tooo much time with Kiba." They laughed. "Anyway, I really don't mind chilling here." She said leaning on the back of the couch.
Naruto laughed. "Ok, so what have you been up to all break?" He asked stepping closer to her.
"Oh, now you ask me?" She shrugged her shoulders. "You practically disowned me the whole time and now you ask what I've been up to? Hhm- some nerve." She said turning her nose up in the air.
Naruto rubbed his neck with his right hand. "Yeah, sorry I know I've been flaky but everything is back to normal pretty much." He said tussling the towel over his head.
Sakura moved quickly snaking her arms around his body. "So are you ready to tell me what was going on?" She asked as she took deep breaths and waited for his reply. Sakura was enjoying this position a lot more than Naruto could imagine. She was on a mission today. The goal was to figure out why he didn't return her feelings and make him understand why he should.
"I was just going through some stuff. No biggie." He wondered why she was hugging him.
"Right…" She pouted before snatching away.
"You mad?" He asked tossing his towel onto the bed. He could see the corners of her lips turned up in a smirk. "So I guess you'll be even madder if I did this-" He said applying his fingers to her rib cage.
"Ahhhhh!" She screamed at the top of her lungs as his tickled her all over. "HAHAAAHH! Stop! Naruto!" She squealed between laughter. Both parties tumbled to the floor right behind said sofa. "You are a maniac…" She smiled while wiping tears from her eyes. "You have got to stop doing that!"
"That was hilarious." He commented.
"Whatever, I was really mad and you caught me off guard is all." She said pushing his shoulder.
"I aim to please." He snickered.
"Naruto?" She asked upon relinquishing her giggles.
"What's up Sakura-" Naruto was partly able to question before his sentence was cut short by lips. His eyes widened as he fell backwards realizing what was happening. Before he could react he was pinned down to the floor by the soft lipped Kunoichi, her tongue hungrily prodding his mouth. Sa-Sakura… He thought as his hands began to guide themselves once the initial shock was over. He rested one hand in the small of her back and the other on the back of her head. It felt just like the other time they kissed. He felt like he could get used to it. And why not? He asked inwardly. They were both consenting teenaged kids. Neither of whom were in a committed relationship…but still something about this wasn't right.
"Wait-" He said pushing her up.
Once again she was jilted. "Naruto, I-I'm in love with you!" She said sharply as she forced the words out of her throat. She didn't know what he was about to say to her but she needed to get that off her chest first.
Naruto furrowed his brows. He wasn't expecting that. He thought they were over this phase in their relationship the last time he told her no. He thought she was ok with being friends. But what now?
Her chest rapidly moved up and down. "I'm sorry." Sakura squeaked quietly putting her hand to her mouth.
"It's ok." He said trying to comfort her though embarrassment was written all over her features.
"Can you just, can you tell me, what's wrong with me?" She asked faking a laugh while avoiding his eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"I just, I don't really get it…" Sakura picked at her knee high.
Naruto was afraid of where this was going. "There is nothing wrong with you."
"So then why won't you go out with me? Is it because you're friends with Sasuke? I'm sure he doesn't care…" She hated how desperate she sounded but she trusted Naruto not to make fun.
"Sakura," Naruto said solemnly. "It's not about that. I like you a lot actually. You're pretty and funny and I have fun with you." He said lifting her head with his hand.
She rolled big green eyes to his blue ones. "Then why won't you date me?"
Naruto felt his heart tighten. How could he answer her? "It's not you. Things are just really complicated with me right now."
All hope she mustered up for the evening had faded away with that statement. She could tell when she was getting a 'pity-let-down'. She had dished out enough to know for sure. "Just forget I said anything." She said standing from her seated position. She was sure it was more to the story but she couldn't face him any longer. The next words out her mouth were going to be something to the tune of 'we can't be friends'.
"You don't have to leave." He said standing and gripping her arm firmly.
Her warm face glowed under the basement lighting as she looked everywhere but at him. She was rather beautiful, there was no denying how attractive she was. Maybe it wasn't a bad thing that she was pursuing him. Maybe he should get with her if she wanted him that badly. Naruto moved forward, he was a guy like any other, he couldn't help his urges so he kissed her.
She fully accepted his advance, Sakura leaned back in the chair and lifted both legs wrapping them around his waist. She felt his hand roam up her thigh and rest on her butt cheek, she pulled him closer as Naruto kissed the length of her neck before stopping.
He just didn't know what the right answer was. He thought about Neji and he thought about Sasuke...right Sasuke. He could go no further without her knowing.
"It's ok. Don't stop, we can keep going..." she whispered to him touching her feet down on the floor.
Naruto exhaled deeply. He didn't want to deepen her feelings for him knowing he was on a trial basis. "You have to promise me two things before…" He begins after deciding to be honest with her. It wasn't fair to keep her in the dark after she'd confessed to him. If she was ok with it after, maybe they could continue.
Sakura reached up and pushed the bangs back out of her face. Her cheeks were rosy with lust right now. Whatever it was, she just wished he'd hurry up and tell her so they could get on with it already. "Ok."
"You have to promise me you won't tell anyone and you won't get mad." Naruto bartered.
Sakura smiled sweetly and nodded her head. "Scouts honor," she said in anticipation of good news. She was thinking something along the lines of 'Sakura, I really do love you too but I have a girlfriend in my old town...blah blah blah,' that she could deal with easily.
Naruto took a deep breath. "Remember how you were asking me about Sasuke?"
"Yeah." She recalled keeping him between her legs by pulling on the waist of his pants.
"Sasuke and I we were dating but we broke up. That's why things got crazy for me last week." Naruto felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders with simple sentences.
Sakura didn't move, she didn't speak, she didn't even breath.
"Sakura?" He called her name after a few seconds of uncomfortable silence.
Slowly her brain computed this new information. She let out an uneasy chuckle. "Naruto, stop kidding around. You aren't funny…" She said shaking her head.
Naruto maintained his solid face. "Sakura…it's not a joke."
Suddenly her face went from befuddled to offended. "Naruto, you can stop now. I said you're joke isn't funny." She said pushing him away.
Naruto turned his head.
Sakura thought back to a lot of instances of SasuNaru. Wasn't it obvious? "Oh my…" She said suddenly slapping her hand to her mouth.
"Sakura, you promised." Naruto reminded her while watching her react as if tasting the most vile of dishes.
"Oh my Kami…" She repeated as she stepped back and went for the door.
"You promised you wouldn't freak out." He said stepping toward her.
"YOU, YOU knew how I felt about him…" She said in a threatening manner as the situation over whelmed her psyche. All her Sasuke issues came back and smacked her at once. She had loved him so much, for so many years; to think how she poured her heart out to Naruto so many times only to be the ass of the joke. It was enough to make her want to die.
"Sakura-" He called her again.
SSSLLLAAAPPPPPPPPPP!
The sound of her hand hitting his face forcefully echoed through the quiet room.
Naruto grabbed his jaw. "I guess I deserve that..." he said with a jolly tone hoping it was now out of her system.
"DON'T!" She yelled with tear filled eyes. "Leave me alone and don't ever, ever speak to me again." She cried out turning for the door.
"Sakura!" He called her name as she passed the threshold. It was too late.
Before Naruto could react good, she was gone.