Chapter 14 : Propinquity
If one were to ask Uzumaki Naruto what his favorite thing about a certain raven is, they would be sorely disappointed at the lacking answer. Most would expect some sort of generic response of "he's hot", or "he's so cool", like any member of Sasuke's fan group would do. But the response Midori received to this question at the zoo seemed to surprise and please her in some strange way.
Naruto, being drawn away from the gorgeous tropical fish being displayed by such a weird question, simply answered "it's not any one thing. He's just really fun to hang out with." Fun does not seem to be the operative word Midori would describe Sasuke with, but she lets the conversation go with a slight smile and a nod towards a brightly spotted triggerfish, leading the blonde's attention back to their shared amusement.
Why exactly this memory decides to sneak up on Naruto during homeroom, the blonde may never know. Perhaps it's because the raven himself is missing this short period; a student council meeting is being held this morning with Iruka, the guidance counselor and supervisor of the student council, in attendance. The reason for this is because everything has to be checked over and made certain events are going according to plan. Naruto only knows this because Sasuke finally broke down and told him after an hour of pestering at the library last night.
Not that it helped make the blonde shut up for any length of time. A trait that Naruto is becoming hard pressed to believe Sasuke truly dislikes. He used to get yelled at for running his mouth so much where the raven is concerned, but lately it seems as if Sasuke actually enjoys Naruto's musings.
Then again, that could just be a whole lot of wishful thinking on the blonde's part. Whatever it is, a sudden, sharp thought enters Naruto's mind. What is Sasuke's favorite thing about me?
Right off, he wants to answer with the most obvious thing: sex. It is what started all this nonsense in the first place, anyways. And it seems to be about the best way to chill the raven out and stop any sort of harsh conversations. But a part of Naruto – the part that wants to think of nothing but good concepts and reasoning – insists that it has to be something more.
There has to be a reason Sasuke lets him hang out with him, without anything turning Rated R. The day they went to the zoo together had been mostly platonic – not that there was really any time for anything to happen. Halfway through the visit they got interrupted by Sai and Midori, and then Naruto found a gawking partner in the new acquaintance.
Still. He wants a solid understanding for why Sasuke is willing to be around him so often. Does he also find his company to be fun? Despite all the times he makes it seem like its torture to be in Naruto's presence.
If anything, the blonde just gets more confused the longer he's around the raven. They seem to have fallen into some sort of happy medium – or maybe it's better to say, both boys are just ignoring the complicated aspects of their relationship. Whatever it is, it doesn't stop that pestering little whisper in the back of Naruto's mind, assuring him that the raven is going to slip away at any moment. He's already done it once, hasn't he? Who's to say he won't be gone again by tomorrow?
The blonde contributes a lot of his behavior to that little voice that prompts him to rush into situations. Situations in which he says things that might be best left unsaid. Like the one he rushes headlong into after 3rd period, where Sasuke more or less ignored Naruto's presence the entire time.
"Let's go on a date after school." The moment the words leave the blondes mouth, he regrets them. He can see the aggravation flash through Sasuke's eyes upon the word "date", and everything up to this point seems like it might crumble again.
"No, dobe." The stern voice and slightly infuriated scowl gracing the raven's face annoy the blonde, adding to his troublesome nature instead of soothing him. Being told no is not what he wants to hear, no matter how much he knows he's irritating Sasuke.
"But we never do anything together," Naruto pouts, not wanting to admit that he's ready to back down from this already. He sighs dramatically and shuffles his feet, though his antics are put on hold due to the agitated raven stopping right in front of him.
"Naruto, you stayed the night Sunday and Monday. We went to the zoo together on Wednesday. We spent an hour in the library together as well as you showing up at my place for dinner yesterday, and now you want a date tonight." Sasuke glares daggers into the blonde. "I have spent more time with you in one week, than I have in the last year with everyone in my life put together."
"Well, that's easy to do when I'm pretty much the only one in your life." Naruto shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, but Sasuke's glare doesn't lessen. The frustration building in the raven's eyes does not go unnoticed by Naruto. The blonde sighs in defeat and offers a small smile. "Alright teme, chill out. I'll hang out with the guys tonight or something."
The last thing Naruto wants to deal with is Sasuke pulling back again. Honestly, the boy is just like a snake. The tiniest amount of stress and unfamiliarity makes him throw up everything and shut down till it's safe again.
Sasuke gives a curt nod before turning back to his locker, leaving Naruto unsure on what to do. Maybe he should be the one to pull back for a while. Would that let Sasuke calm down for a bit? Naruto toys with the thought for a moment, deciding it to be the best thing to do.
"I'll see you later, okay?" The blonde begins to walk away, but before he can even get a couple steps, a warm hand catches his own and holds him in place. Startled, Naruto turns searching eyes towards the raven.
"We can get lunch together today, be ready by my car." Sasuke gives the blondes hand a light squeeze before sliding his palm away, but the damage is done. A bright, honest smile graces Naruto's face and before he can stop to think about it, he launches himself into the raven's chest, locking him in for a tight hug.
"Definitely, teme. I'll be there."
Naruto lets Sasuke choose the restaurant, offering no resistance to the choice the raven gives. He's just happy to even be here. The shock of the raven giving in so easily earlier hasn't worn off, and the blonde is still basking in the glow of getting to spend lunch with the stoic boy.
The best thing about having a nearly hour long lunch is the options that open up – though Naruto and Kiba generally keep within a fairly close range to the school on their outings. Sasuke seems to have no such qualms, and drives a decent distance from the campus to a restaurant that's unknown to Naruto, but nonetheless pleasing.
"It's a typical diner," Sasuke answers at Naruto's inquisitive, searching eyes. "Just American food."
"You come here often?"
Sasuke shrugs his shoulders. "When I don't feel like cooking dinner or staying at the school." Both boys take a seat opposite each other at a booth and the waitress promptly comes over, wasting no time to get their drinks and take their order. It's apparently she's used to serving people on a lunch rush.
"Did the meeting go okay?" Naruto asks, more out of courtesy than actual interest. Sasuke didn't achieve the position of president for nothing; the least the blonde can do is ask about it.
"It was fine. Iruka just went through procedure to make sure everything is being handled properly." Sasuke scoffs lightly. "The prom is the only issue."
"What's wrong?"
The raven rolls his eyes. "Sakura and Ino are in charge of it. Need I say more?"
Naruto snickers. "I see your point." The blonde shrugs his shoulders. "I can talk to Ino, if you'd like."
Sasuke's eyes narrow imperceptibly at that statement. "Are you and Ino on good terms again?"
Naruto nods happily. "Yeah, we came to an understanding. She won't be giving us any hassle from now on."
"The season is starting again," Sasuke murmurs offhandedly, startling Naruto a bit at the rapid change of topic. "Looking forward to it?"
"Yeah, we're holding tryouts this afternoon. Kiba's more excited about it than I am." Naruto shrugs his shoulders again. "I guess with all the stuff going on lately, soccer doesn't seem high on my priority list."
The raven's nods in agreement, but doesn't push the conversation. Tilting his head to watch the boy across from him, Naruto wonders why he would bring that up. They've only spoken about their chosen sports a couple times, and never in depth.
"What about you? Baseball season is at the same time, for whatever reason." At this moment, the waitress brings their food out and sets it down, asking quickly if anything else is needed, and walking away to serve the next table upon receiving a negative.
Sasuke waits for her to leave before answering. "It's something to do, and it looks good on university applications."
Naruto snorts in appreciation at Sasuke's reasoning. Leave it to him to do something just for the credit. "We'll be stretched pretty thin with available time to meet up once everything starts," the blonde mumbles out in evident disappoint. "We practice every day, plus we're aiming for State Championships. We were so close last year."
Sasuke nods. "Games are Tuesdays and Thursdays, right?"
"Yeah," the blonde agrees amiably. "Unless we keep winning. Then there'll probably be a lot of Saturdays as well. What about you? Aren't baseball games on Mondays and Wednesdays?"
The raven tilts his head in affirmative. "And Fridays, assuming we progress well."
Naruto sighs as the weight of their conflicting schedules fully settles over him. "How are we gonna fit the project into this?"
"It'll be fine, dobe. Home games take about two hours to complete entirely, and then you're free. Away games take the evening and we'll plan around that. That's all we need to worry about for now."
"Yeah, but they're usually at six, and –"
"Dobe," Sasuke says firmly. "It will be fine." The decisive tone implies that the topic is closed for discussion, and Naruto doesn't feel like pushing it. It's not something he wants to think about right now, anyways.
Sighing in defeat – for the second time that day – Naruto rolls his eyes and plays off his discontent. "You're just looking forward to being rid of me."
The raven shrugs his shoulders, but a small smirk plays on his lips. "Maybe I am."
Sneering good-naturedly for just a moment, Naruto becomes serious once more. "When are we doing the second assignment this week?"
"Are you busy tomorrow?"
Naruto shakes his head yes, looking a bit apprehensive. "Work till 8, then I'm free."
"Then I'll be at Java's at 8."
"Alright," Naruto smiles widely. "Sounds good."
They pass the remainder of their meal in relative silence, and barely make it back to campus in time. Naruto slides into his Japanese class right as the bell rings, earning a disapproving glare from Noriko-sensei, but no tardy. Kiba snorts and shakes his mangy head in amusement as the blonde nears. An instantaneous blush covers Naruto's cheeks. That smirk plastered to the mutt's face is all-telling.
"Lover boy worth getting detention over?" Kiba snickers out in a low tone. Naruto shoots him a heated glare in response, not willing to chance his luck with backtalking so soon. Noriko-sensei is still watching him. That woman is like a hawk.
"Who says I went anywhere with Sasuke?" Naruto says in a harsh whisper once Noriko's back is turned.
Kiba scoffs. "Please. Who else would you go out with?" The shaggy brunette rolls his eyes. "Shikamaru and Choji say you leave with him. Choji told me about it when I asked where you were right before class."
To his credit, Naruto manages to keep his blush under control. While he meant it when he said he was fine with being public with Sasuke, he was primarily thinking about the raven's fangirls. Not the blonde's own friends. Their possible reactions to this strange situation makes Naruto's palms sweat and his stomach coil. This could go badly, he thinks nervously.
"Did they seem… Weird about it?" Naruto asks cautiously, but he's not fooling Kiba.
"Man, they're not going to care. Choji is cool with all things as long as he has food, and Shikamaru doesn't give two fucks about anything so long as you don't involve him in any drama."
"I guess that's –"
"Uzumaki, do you have something to share with the class?" Noriko-sensei's clipped voice cuts through the private conversation, jolting Naruto to look forward stiffly.
"No, ma'am."
"Well, in that case, come up here and write the following sentence in Nihongo."
Groaning as if in abject agony, Naruto makes his way to the board. What a great way to start the afternoon.
Twelve unhappy boys stand on a frozen field, along with one gruff old man. Oddly, that man is the only one who seems pleased to be here. "Line up over here with your forms." The soccer coach hollers out at the new kids waiting for instructions. "We'll get your names and then do some practices and see where you're at." The boys shuffle over eagerly, wanting to get starts – and accepted – as soon as possible.
Due to last year's graduation, the soccer team has lost three of their eleven main players. Out of the ten boys that showed up, it would be slim pickings, Naruto notes glumly as he surveys the turnout. The blonde hopes that half of them at least play decent. Please Dear God, not like last years' tryouts. The blonde cringes at the thought. It had been a train wreck, resulting in new tryouts being held the following week.
"Alright. First off," the coach points towards the two boys standing behind him, "this is Naruto and Kiba. The captain and co-captain. It's them you're gonna wanna impress." The coach winks at the two, knowing he just sicced the rabid attention of ten boys on them. "Second, we only need three players. We already got substitutes. We need good, strong, and capable young men."
Naruto scoffs and shakes his head. "Are they signing up for soccer or war?"
Kiba chuckles. "With coach, it might as well be war. That old drill sergeant is intense. Thankfully for at least two of those guys, they came to our practices the last couple weeks. Should be able to make the cut."
"God, I hope so," Naruto mutters. "I want this to go smoothly."
"Why? You gotta 'nother hot date with Uchiha?" Kiba grins mischievously, laughing at the indignant frown on the blonde's face.
"No," he growls out a bit too loud. "I'm not doing anything after tryouts. Was gonna ask you to hang out."
"Nah, man, I can't." Kiba says far too happily. "I do have a date." The mutt states this with such an exclamation of pride, Naruto can't help but be happy for him.
"Alright, have fun with your chick." Naruto shakes his head in mock sorrow. "I'll probably drop by the café and see if AJ needs any extra hands."
"You need a life in the worst way." Kiba says with no small amount of disgust. "What 18-year-old boy willingly asks for hours on a Friday night?"
"You got any better plans for me?" Naruto shoots back hotly. "If so, let's hear'em."
Before Kiba can open his mouth to reply, a loud whistle blows. Naruto winces at the shrill hum that fills his ears, and drags his attention to the coach, much like everyone else.
"Let's begin. You five will go with Naruto, and you give with Kiba." Coach dismissively motions to each group of boys, sending them off towards either leader. "They will run you through the necessary steps, and critique your performance." Coach surveys the groups warily. "I'll be surveying overall. It's important to impress your teammates, but I got the final say. Remember that."
On that heartwarming note, coach turns the now likely terrified boys over to their respective tryouts leader, moving towards the edge of the field where he can see everything.
"Okay, you guys. This is gonna be pretty basic. We're gonna see how you respond to following directions, your basic skills, and taking initiative. We'll be doing group exercises as well as one-on-one so I can judge where you're at."
The group murmurs their understanding. Not wasting any time, Naruto launches into the group performance assessment. Not too long into the tryout, the blonde captain pinpoints two boys who lack competitive skills. Being too shy with the ball, they easily allow it to be stolen and hesitate to go for it. While they have the footwork and skills necessary for the game, they don't have the mindset.
Naruto looks over his shoulder at coach, wondering if he notes the same flaws. Catching his eye for just a moment, Naruto is reassured when the stern man gives him a nod.
After coach blows the whistle to signal the end of group dynamics, they lead into the one-on-one exercises. Each boy takes their turn in performing an exercise with Naruto, who evaluates their ability as they go.
By the end of the tryouts, Naruto has chosen two boys he believes fit to take positions. A freshman named Konohamaru and a junior that Naruto knows by face only, Kyou. Coach dismisses the group upon completion and congratulations for coming, and then turns to order Naruto and Kiba to shower and fill out their player forms and have them turned into the office immediately.
The blonde stretches his arms high above his head as he walks from the locker room and into the empty gymnasium. Taking a seat near Kiba on the bleachers, he's promptly handed his set of forms to fill out. As the boys have already been dismissed, Naruto speaks freely.
"Did you have anyone good in your group?"
"Yeah," the mutt says without looking up, "there were two guys who seemed a nice fit."
Naruto lets out a happy sigh. "Awesome. We got four solid candidates then. It'll be up to coach to choose who."
Kiba snorts bemusedly. "Assuming he liked any of them."
"God, I hope so. Just doing one set of tryouts is stressful."
"Eh, I find them relaxing. I get to judge other player's abilities and choose on the spot whether or not they'll work out." The mutt shakes his shaggy head. "It's practices and games that are stressful. You're stuck with your idiots at that point."
"You're a strange guy, Kiba."
"Not as strange as someone who falls for a guy with an icicle shoved up his ass."
Naruto laughs boisterously despite himself. "He's not so bad, honest. He just doesn't take much shit from people."
"He seems to take plenty from you. Seriously, man. I think you have him wrapped around your finger."
The blushing blonde rolls his eyes. "You've apparently never seen Sasuke around me."
"The fact that Sasuke will even go around you is testament to my point."
"Eh," Naruto rubs the back of his neck uncertainly, "I don't see it."
"'Cause you're an idiot."
"Thanks, man. Appreciate it."
Kiba grins widely. "No problem." The brunette groans and stretches as he stands up. "You done?"
"Yeah, should be good." The boys turn the forms into coach's office before happily leaving the building to start their nights. It's already late – seven in the evening – but the sun has just begun to set low on the horizon, casting the sky into a shimmer of golds, pinks, and purples.
It's a good night to do something, Naruto thinks idly. Unfortunately, the blonde doesn't have any plans that could take advantage of a Friday night, but the mutt somehow does. Turning to the boy as he's about to get into his jeep, he quickly tosses out "have fun on your date. It's a good night for one." He repeats the thought that's still resounding in his mind, earning a smile from Kiba. Naruto is once again struck by how pleased Kiba seems when the topic is broached. He really is head over heels for Hinata.
Do I get the same look when Sasuke is brought up? An image of himself fawning all over Sasuke makes him snort in mixed horror and humor. If he does, it's amazing he hasn't been mowed down by rabid fangirls this far.
On that trail of thought, Naruto wonders why he hasn't been cornered yet. He's been seen with His Excellency – full sarcasm intended – more than once in public. Between the several lunch dates, and all the meetings at Java's, it's no secret that the two have been getting close.
"Oh well," he mumbles offhandedly to himself as he parks outside of the café. He's not going to make it a problem if it's not already. There's enough to deal with as it is.
Naruto exhales deeply as he nears the café doors, breathing in the familiar and comforting scent of coffee and sweets. "Hey, Midori." The boy greets the only visible barista in the shop as he pulls open the door. "Working alone on a Friday?"
Not missing a beat at the sudden arrival and conversation, Midori lifts her head with a smile and replies casually. "Hotaru was here, but it's so dead that I told her to take off if AJ was cool with it. She said something about Utakata wanting to go on a date, anyway."
Naruto comes up to the counter and leans on his elbows as he continues the conversation. "Does Sai not do dates or something?" The boy wrinkles his nose; it must be a tall, dark, and obnoxious thing.
"He has a studio class till 9pm tonight, though he usually stays over." She smiles and crosses her arms. "What about you? Why aren't you out with Sasuke?"
"Ah," Naruto chuckles sheepishly, "we aren't dating or anything."
Midori raises an eyebrow. "Not how it looked to me."
The blonde shrugs his shoulders. "We're just friends."
"Friends who have a habit of shoving their tongues down each other's throats in public?"
"Basically."
Midori laughs and shakes her head. "I'll tell you now, Naruto, relationships like that only lead to trouble, no matter how much fun they seem at the start."
"Oh well," Naruto counters with ease. "Not like I've never been there before."
"Naruto?" Two blonde heads turn to look for the questioning voice. The boy in question smiles at the host of the voice. AJ is standing in the doorway of her office, giving the pair a thoughtful glance.
"Hey, AJ. I thought I asked you not to hire anymore weird people." Naruto winks mischievously at Midori, who laughs in good humor. AJ watches this with no small amount of surprise.
"I was a bit concerned that you wouldn't get along with her, either."
"Well, I can't vouch for her taste in men, but she seems okay."
"As if yours is any better."
AJ watches their easy banter for a few more moments before mumbling "this will make scheduling a lot easier," and going back into her office to leave them be.
Midori shakes her head, casting off the last of her laughter at Naruto's humorous jabs towards Sai. "What brings you out here, anyways? Don't you have better things to do than hang out at a coffee house?"
Naruto sighs with exaggerated sorrow. "Came to see if AJ needed any help, but apparently not."
"Well, I'm off in… Twenty minutes. Wanna go by the mall with me?"
Naruto's eyes light up at the prospect o having actual plans for the night. It's no secret that his time is rarely spent lounging about as he pleases. "Sure, that's fine with me!"
Midori smiles warmly. "Great. I have some shopping to do and could use a male opinion."
"What for?"
"Sai's birthday is coming up."
"I won't be much help there. I don't really know what sort of things sociopaths are into."
"I'm sure Sasuke could tell us."
Naruto chuckles at that, shaking his head. "Sasuke has plenty of emotion, I promise. He just reserves the majority of it to turn into spite."
"How attractive," Midori reply sarcastically.
"You ladies seem to think so."
"Do not lump me with my braindead brethren, please. Not all girls are in the Sasuke fan club."
"That's news to me. I thought it was mandatory of all Kasai girls."
The blonde girl scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Hardly. Girls are just too easily taken in by that attitude."
Naruto smiles softly. "It's not his attitude or personality that chicks are into him for. None of them have been around him long enough to learn that part of him. They like his looks."
"And you don't?"
The boy snorts loudly. "Are you kidding me? The guy is hot as fuck. I can admit that."
Laughing loudly, Midori shakes her head. "Go say that to Sakura, I dare you."
Naruto cringes. Half in mock horror, and half honest terror. "I'm quite partial to my balls remaining intact, thanks."
"Just do it while Sasuke is around." The girl winks. "He won't let any harm come to you."
"Yeah, right." Naruto mutters, not having half as much faith in that as Midori does.
Midori starts her end of the night cleaning, wiping things down as she speaks. "Seriously, Sasuke doesn't deal with Sakura's attitude in the least. He's always putting her in her place during council meetings."
Naruto's eyes light up at this news. It had completely slipped his mind that Midori is on the council with Sasuke. That's one of the many areas of the raven's life that Naruto is not privy to.
"How did the meeting go today? Iruka was present this time, right?" Naruto reiterates the slim amount of info he does know about it, hoping to incite Midori into speaking about it.
"Yeah," she nods, "he had to make sure everything is going well and that were not blowing through the treasury." Midori rolls her eyes. "Except, guess what. The prom budget is $1,000 over their allotted amount."
Naruto raises an incredulous eyebrow. "Seriously? Didn't they take that into consideration?"
Midori shrugs her shoulders as she arranges the trays to clean around them. "Apparently not. They're planning on using the cultural festival turnout to cover it, but Iruka isn't too pleased with that idea. He says the money shouldn't just be blown on the prom."
"Wow," Naruto mutters. "I bet Sasuke was real happy with them."
"Oh, he was," the girl laughs viciously. "He threatened to pull Sakura off the committee and replace her if she doesn't get her shit together."
That sounds about like Sasuke. He certainly doesn't like any hiccups in his plans. Naruto learned that already.
"Does stuff like that happen often?"
"Where Sakura's concerned, sure. I don't really get what she's thinking half the time. She's usually really responsible and smart about things. She knows how things are supposed to go. But this whole prom thing has made her crazy all year." Midori shakes her head and returns to wiping the counters down. "She's been bothering Sasuke a lot more frequently too."
"Yeah, I know that one. He's gotten pretty fed up with it, I think."
"Oh, he has," Midori states knowingly. "You can tell by the glares he shoots her that he's just daring her to press him any further."
If Naruto wasn't into Sasuke himself, he'd almost feel bad hearing this. But, as it stands, it pleases him to know that Sasuke is having no part of the pinkette's vapid flirting.
"Well," Midori interrupts the boy's jealous thoughts, "I think I'm done here. Just give me a moment to talk to AJ and we should be good to go."
"Sure." Naruto stands up and waits for her to come back from AJ's office. Stepping back into the cool night air causes a shiver to run down the boy's spine. He pulls his jacket tighter around himself and looks over to Midori. "You wanna take my jeep down to the mall, or your car?"
The blonde shakes her head. "I live really close, so I just walk. You're jeeps fine."
"Right this way, then." Naruto smiles at his new acquaintance, and vaguely ponders how things worked out like this. Instead of getting his date with Sasuke, he's escorting a strange chick to the mall.
Life works in mysterious ways, he supposes. It doesn't take a genius to see that Midori is different from the typical girls that he has to deal with from Kasai. As much as Naruto gets along with Ino, even she can be a Sasuke fangirl and horribly short-sighted when it comes to things. Having Midori to talk to is a breath of fresh air. Not only that, but she knows things about certain parts of Sasuke's life that Naruto will never be able to get into himself.
To say the least, the boy will savor his friendship with this girl, if only for the new insights she can offer. It never hurts to have a new perspective on a shared acquaintance – and Midori definitely has a different view of the raven than is normal.
"We're going to Konoha Mall, right? The main one?" Naruto asks before making any decisions on which direction to go.
Midori nods her head in agreement. "The very one."
Naruto smiles and nods, putting the jeep into gear and easing out of the lot and into the street. Similar to Sasuke, Midori sits quietly in the passenger seat as they cruise towards their destination. Naruto would be happier if it was the raven with him, but beggars can't be choosers. If Sasuke wants his space, then the blonde will just have to work with it.
The jerk is right; they're not in a relationship or anything. There's no reason for them to be going on dates together. For Naruto to even be asking is already pushing the limits. It can't be helped though, the blonde thinks irately. Is it really such a problem to spend time together? Even friends do that! See the blonde chick in the passenger seat, for example. No, the problem here is simply one Uchiha brat who doesn't know how to be sociable.
And maybe Naruto is a bit to blame too for being so into the introverted jerk. Poor taste in guys, apparently. The blonde sighs dismally. Relationships suck, and Naruto doesn't even have one!
"What's up with you?" Naruto glances over to Midori who's curiously looking at him. "You seem bothered."
Naruto cracks a grin at her, letting the irritation fall off. "Not really. Just thinking about things. It's no big deal."
"I didn't mean to bother you with what I said about Sasuke."
The boy's eyes blink owlishly, trying to discern what she means. "What?"
"About your relationship being- "
"There is no relationship."
Midori sighs. "Yeah, so you say. But apparently, you feel something that relates to being in a relationship or you wouldn't be so hung up on him."
"It's not that big of a deal, you know. We're just doing whatever."
"Oh, right." The blonde nods her head in mock knowing. "That's sure to work out."
Naruto huffs and clicks his fingers against the steering wheel. "It's not really something either of us wants."
"Usually people aren't hung up on things they don't want."
"What is your goal here?"
Midori smiles candidly at the boy. "To help you work through your thoughts."
"I think you just give me more thoughts to deal with." Naruto turns his attention back to the road and turns into the mall's main parking lot. "Any certain place you wanna hit up first?"
"You can just go to the main entrance. We'll find our way around." Following her orders, Naruto parks the jeep and gets out. Staring up at the massive shopping mall, all of Naruto's worries melt away. If there's one thing the boy loves, it's window shopping. Seeing new things – even if he'll never own them – is a definite pick-me-up.
Naruto hums happily, glancing curiously into each storefront that they pass. Nothing particularly catches his eye, but it's fun to see everything nonetheless. That nifty robot in the electronics store, the display of brand new phone models. The fancy suits and dresses the mannequins are modeling off at that expensive clothing store, or the just-released movies at the entertainment store. All these things spike the boy's attention and joy.
Midori on the other hand, is on a war path. She must have some idea in mind about Sai's gift, because she's not window shopping. Her brisk walk is carrying her too fast to be taking anything in, and she maneuvers through the crowd with obvious intent.
"Do they have a Sociopaths-R-Us store around here?" Naruto teases, hardly perturbed by the exasperated frown he receives.
"There's a really good art store here. Sai is always going in and just looking at their products." Midori tosses over her shoulder, still making haste towards whatever store has her attention. Naruto, not being nearly as interested in Sai's present, continues his leisurely stroll several paces behind. If this was Sasuke's birthday, that would be a different story. Though, Naruto would be more lost in what to get the frigid raven than he is for the stone one.
At the thought of Sasuke, Naruto's upbeat attitude quickly becomes sullen once more. If there is one person the boy just can't figure out, it's him. Does he want to be messing around or not? Are they friends or enemies? No matter how much the blonde runs over the same ground in his head, he can't decide. Hell, Naruto doubts the raven even knows.
There is one thing Naruto is certain of, without Midori having to tell him. If they continue to play this game, the loser will leave with a broken heart. Naruto just doesn't know which of them that will be.
"You're down again." The boy's attention is snapped back to Midori. She must not gain any reassurance from his expression, as her eyes grown concerned and she takes a step forward. "You're a compulsive worrier, aren't you?"
Naruto chuckles and rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry if I zoned out and missed anything."
The blonde girl hardly seems consoled, but has the good grace to not push this time. "Well, this is the shop." In large, looping scrawl is written The Silver Dollar above the storefront. Framed drawings sit in the display windows, and rows of art supplies line the aisles of the store.
"This place caters towards local artists," Midori proudly boasts. "All those pictures on display are done by indie artists around here. The owner has this agreement with some students at Sai's school that he'll display their stuff with only a 10% commission fee."
"That's pretty cool." Naruto muses while eyeing the paintings. "Any of these Sai's?"
Midori shakes her head in the negative. "Sai doesn't like to sell his work. He'll do stuff by specific commission, but the work he does personally doesn't have a price tag."
"How does he make a living?"
The girl arches an eyebrow at him. "He does work at the café."
Naruto rolls his eyes. "That brings in the money."
Midori chuckles softly and shakes her head. "Come on. I have shopping to do." She leads the boy into the store, aiming for a specific section.
Naruto, on the other hand, is completely taken in by the sheer amount of supplies. "What do you even do with half this stuff?"
The blonde girl hums while rifling through a display of paint colors. "Most things are specific to whatever medium you're working with."
Naruto's lack of artistic knowledge plays along the perplexed raise of his eyebrows. "Medium?"
"Yeah, like painting or shading or charcoal or coloring in pictures."
"You can use charcoal to draw with?" Curiosity renewed, Naruto begins searching the store with his eyes.
"If you really want to get creative, you can technically draw with anything that stains. I'm sure there has been at least one artist to do a painting in nothing but blood."
"That's terrifying." Naruto rebukes in mild shock. "And also, kind of cool."
Midori nods knowingly. "Well, I have what I need. Wanna hit the food court next?"
As if on cue, Naruto's stomach rumbles audibly. He groans and places a hand on the grumbly beast. "That sounds great."
The cashier quickly rings up Midori's supplies and then the pair is on their way. Naruto's mouth is practically salivating at the idea of Chinese food. God, there is never a time he would pass that up.
Like a shadow, Midori follows the boy to the line for Magic Wok. "You're a fan too, huh?"
"Damn right. I can't be friends with people who don't like Chinese food. It's not natural."
Naruto laughs brightly. "I hear that." All Asian food is fine by the boy, but Americanized Chinese food is by far the best. In typical mall fashion, they quickly receive their meals and are on their way to find a table. With it being a Friday night, the food court is packed with people catching dinner between shops.
"You know, you don't talk nearly as much as I expected you to." Naruto pauses from shoveling noodles into his mouth to shrug his shoulders.
"Guess I never really think about it. If I have something to say, I say it." The boy tilts his head to the side curiously. "It's funny you'd say that though, because Sasuke is always telling me I talk too much."
"Well," Midori gives that sardonic half smile, "maybe it just depends on the person."
"You think?"
"Yeah. I don't mind a bit of talking, but Sasuke is the type who likes his quiet."
"I don't know," Naruto muses thoughtfully. "I don't think he minds so much hearing conversations around him. He would just rather not be dragged into one."
"When did you guys get together?"
The boy huffs and gives Midori an annoyed frown. "We've been hanging out since the beginning of the semester."
"So, just a couple months then." The blonde nods her head as if in thought. "And let me guess, you always saw yourself as straight before Sasuke came around?"
"Never had a reason to consider otherwise." Naruto shrugs his shoulders. "I'm still pretty sure I'm only gay for that asshole. He's the only one who does it for me."
Midori points a forkful of rice at Naruto. "You're taste in men is severely lacking."
Naruto laughs and begins to reply, but his retort is cut off by a familiar voice saying his name. "Well, hey Kiba!" The blonde smiles at the mutt off to his side before moving his attention to the pretty girl standing with him. "Hey, Hinata. He's treating you good, yeah?"
The raven-haired girl blushes and nods her head. Naruto is pleased to see her trying to keep a blush at bay. If Hinata is half as into Kiba as he is for her, they'll be on a good ground. The mutt definitely deserves it after all the waiting and pining he did.
"What are you doing here?" The blonde boy watches Kiba suspiciously eye Midori, who for her part, is politely sitting and taking the scene in. Slight annoyance bubbles up in Naruto's chest at the look his new friend is receiving. As far as Naruto is aware, she hasn't done anything to deserve it.
"This is Midori. She just started working at the café and is taking all my hours." Naruto winks at her. "As punishment, she had to come to the mall with me."
"As far as punishments go, this one has been fairly light." Midori counters with a soft smile. "He's not half as troublesome as I pegged him to be."
"For you, maybe." Naruto hears Kiba mutter under his breath. Sending a perturbed glare at the mutt, the blonde silently questions what that's supposed to mean.
"Well, it was nice meeting you." Kiba nods at Midori, "but we have a movie to see. Naruto," the mutt slides his gaze towards the boy, "I'll talk to you later."
"The hell," Naruto begins with no small amount of irritation, "is his problem?"
Midori waves a casual hand, brushing off the incident. "To the casual observer, it probably looks like we're on a date. I'm assuming your friend knows the deal between you and Sasuke?"
"Well, yeah. He's my biggest support.".
"Well," Midori throws back, "your biggest support is probably pissed to see you with a chick."
Realization dawns on Naruto's face. "Shit. You don't think he's mad over that, do you?"
The girl chuckles softly and shrugs her shoulders. "Don't know, but I think you'll find out later." Midori stands up and grabs her empty tray. "For now, let's just worry about getting home."
With not many other options, Naruto follows suit, worrying that "later" might bring.
Much to Naruto's joy, Kiba's annoyance simmered down when the full situation was nicely laid out to him. One less problem to contend with. He tells Midori as much later that night at work, when everything has died down.
"You might not want to tell Sasuke, though." Midori continues to wipe down the counter Naruto just finished making a flour mess on, working with an efficiency Naruto will never have.
"Why not?" Naruto quizzically tilts his head, not seeing the problem.
"You're just so clueless." The blonde shakes her head in mock shame. "Sasuke strikes me as the jealous type. It would probably piss him off that we hung out."
Naruto pauses in scrubbing the chocolate-caked bowl he used earlier. "I'm failing to see the point. Isn't he always?"
Midori laughs and pauses in wiping down the counter. "At you maybe, but I'd like to stay on decent terms. Council meetings are tense enough."
"I won't bring it up unless he asks, okay? But I'm not gonna lie to him about who I hang out with."
"Hey," the blonde girl shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly, "it's your boyfriend. You do what you want."
Naruto rolls his eyes straight to the ceiling. This girl is doing her best to push all his buttons. "Seriously, Mi-chan, he's not my boyfriend."
"Sorry, Naru, but you certainly act like it." Midori clicks her tongue, sending a sarcastic smile the boys way.
Naruto scoffs and continues rinsing dishes. "You're just too presumptuous."
"Big word. You sure you know what it means?"
Naruto grins at the cheeky girl, pleased with the easy banter. It's not every day you find someone you an easily joke around with and tease.
"It's going on 8. Don't you have a date tonight?"
"An assignment." Naruto corrects hotly. "Are you sure you don't want any more help?"
"No," Midori scans the rest of the kitchen and the oven in use. "I think it's all good. Go see your man."
Naruto huffs and throws his dish towel down. "I swear woman, you're determined to piss me off."
"No, just determined to make you realize you might as well be in a relationship with him."
"Have fun with that."
"Oh, I will."
The boy shakes his head and grins, heading for the door leading to the main area. He stops into AJ's office for a moment to grab his schoolbag before padding over to the usual booth.
Naruto's face breaks out into a grin as his eyes fall on the raven taking up a seat. The blonde slides into the booth exuberantly, sighing with a smile on his lips. "Made it in time."
Rolling his eyes at the typical behavior of the blonde, Sasuke taps his pen lightly against his notebook. "Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be." Naruto grins good naturedly, hardly bothered by the stern attitude tossed at him. He pulls his own notebook from his bag on the floor and drops it onto the table. "Just make this as painless as possible."
Sasuke doesn't even bother to lift his head from writing the date at the top of his paper. "I can't help your idiocy, dobe."
Naruto shrugs his shoulders. "You could just do all the work and give me the answers."
This does get Sasuke's agitated attention, drawing a sharp glare from under dark lashes. "Considering this is based on both our responses, I doubt that will work."
"You're just not trying hard enough."
Sasuke scowls at the stubborn blonde. To his credit, Naruto's sunny smile doesn't falter in the least. "Question one, dobe. What is the social learning theory and its relation to behavior?"
Naruto lets out a low whistle and shakes his head. "See, I told you. I need the answers."
"Social learning theory," Sasuke bites out sternly, "is the idea that people learn by observing the environment around them. It can be attitude, beliefs, or anything else that comes from culture. Now." Sasuke glares at Naruto and stops writing. "How does that affect behavior?"
The blonde rolls his eyes but refrains from being cheeky. "It affects it because we learn all our behaviors based on what we see around us. So, it's like learning something in class. You watch the teacher do a problem on the board and then you copy the behavior."
The raven nods in agreement, scrawling his pen along his notebook in concentration. "What is the social exchange theory and its relation to behavior?" Sasuke holds up a pale palm. "Social exchange is a complex theory, but the basics are, people develop and maintain social relationships based on what they can get from that relationship, and how much effort they must put in to maintain it. The more effort, the less likely the relationship will last."
"That's a horrible theory." Naruto hotly interjects. "That basically implies that everyone is selfish, self-centered, and just out for their own needs."
"Sounds about right to me."
"No!" The blonde huffs. "People are nicer than that. Some people form relationships based on personality and interests."
"Which suits your tastes and needs, does it not?"
Naruto shuffles uncomfortably, flicking his gaze nervously to Sasuke's own. "Yeah, but that's not selfish. It's just…"
"Self-interested." Sasuke finishes for him. "All relationships are maintained by some exchange of needs and interests. Whether it's having the same hobbies, likes, dislikes, or an exchange of physical wants," the blonde raises an eyebrow at the raven but doesn't interrupt, "people are in relationships for self-serving reasons."
"So, what we're doing," Naruto motions between the two boys, "is nothing but self-serving interests?"
"It serves you, and it serves me. We have a mutual exchange of benefits."
"That's it, though? There's nothing more to it?" The blonde strives to keep the disappointment from his crestfallen voice to no avail.
Sasuke sighs. "Dobe, it's a theory that holds its ground. It's far more complex than we've covered. If people didn't enjoy their personal relationships, they wouldn't maintain them."
A ray of hope enters Naruto's life again. "You enjoy us?"
The raven faintly narrows his eyes. "Dobe."
"Alright, alright. Question three." Naruto changes the topic to avoid the raven's ire. "What is aggressive behavior and why is it so common?" Naruto lifts hopeful eyes to the raven, who's already prepared to answer.
"Many believe that aggressive behavior is our innate response to most situations. We are taught to act aggressively through our culture and environments. Our society seems to push aggressive behavior through several outlets."
"Is it really that common to be aggressive and violent?"
"Yes." The raven's response is fast and unyielding. Naruto opens his mouth to say… Something. But the frigid glare on Sasuke's face makes him hold his tongue. Even the blonde, being as privy to the Uchiha's life as he is, has no idea what could make him turn into the ice prince over this matter.
Not waiting for Naruto's mouth to begin working again, Sasuke lists off the fourth question. "What is altruism and how does it affect behavior?"
"Oh!" Naruto bounces in his seat momentarily. "I know this one! Altruism is where you do good things and help people."
"How does that affect behavior?"
"I guess the same way aggression does, just in the opposite way. If you're altruistic then your behavior should be good, and hopefully your belief systems would be too."
"As relating to the social exchange theory, altruism is selfish as well. In short, people will only be kind and helpful to others if they have something to gain from it."
Naruto huffs, deeply annoyed. "Why are you so hung up on that theory? It's stupid and just makes the worst of everyone."
"Perhaps that's because humanity is inherently selfish and every person is for themselves."
"You really believe that, teme? You don't think even one person is selfless and wants to help the world with no gain?"
"That person would be a fool. They'll be used by everyone around them for their own ambitions."
Naruto shakes his head, trying to not let Sasuke's negative opinion get to him. They don't have to believe in the same things. The blonde understands that. But how can someone be so pessimistic towards the whole world? It's always better to look on the bright side.
"Last question. Can a person display both aggression and altruism?"
Not waiting for Sasuke to answer his own question, Naruto pipes in. "Yeah, I don't see why not. Just because someone is aggressive doesn't mean they can't have moments of kindness as well. There are lots of people who are only nice to people they know really well, and then aggressive towards strangers. It might not be the best personality to have, but it's common enough."
"People are either primarily aggressive or altruistic; it's very difficult to mix the two behaviors in day to day life. There can be moments that someone who's typically aggressive will be kind, and vice versa."
"I don't know," Naruto sighs in exasperation. This whole assignment has been a major drain. "I think it's really difficult to judge someone's personality based on a few of their behaviors, especially ones concerning how they act."
"People do it every day, dobe. We make flash judgements of people from the first few personality traits they exhibit. It's why you might like someone at first, and then learn more about them and dislike them. Or think someone is a horrible person, and then realize that they're altruistic."
"Oh," Naruto leans back in his seat and pops a grin at the raven. "Kind of like how I thought you were just a closed off asshole with no emotions, but you're actually a closed off asshole with an excess of emotions?"
Sasuke rolls his eyes, but the blonde can see he's resisting a smirk. "Or like how I thought you were a dim-witted, brainless blonde and you proved me exactly right."
Naruto shrugs his shoulders. "Eh, what can you do?" He chuckles and prepares to say something else, but at that moment a loud crash comes from the kitchen. Startled, the blonde snaps his attention to the doors hiding whatever disaster just took place. "Give me a sec." Sliding out of the booth at the same time AJ leaves her office, they give each other a bemused arch of the eyebrow.
"The tray jumped from my hands." Midori throws out solemnly before the kitchen door even closes. Naruto doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. On the one hand, the pitiful pout Midori is looking at the floor with is enough to bring a grin to Naruto's face. On the other hand, the boy could cry too. The two dozen, giant chocolate chip cookies he had set out to cool earlier now lie on the floor in ruins.
"We could still serve the intact ones." Naruto helpfully murmurs to AJ, getting a stern and reprimanding frown. "Joking." The boy holds up his hands in mock defense.
"I really didn't mean to." Midori mournfully keeps her eyes locked on the floor. "But the floor was wet and I tripped."
"It's okay," AJ soothingly pats the girls shoulder. "We can make more."
"If you didn't like my cookies, you could have just said so." Naruto teases the poor girl, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Well, if it's not a big deal, I'm gonna go back out."
AJ nods absent-mindedly at Naruto, waving him out. She seems to be just as sad about the smashed cookies as Midori. Naruto chuckles at the mutual horror the two have for ruined dessert as he returns to the booth.
Sasuke is all packed up and ready to go, seemingly just waiting for the blonde to return so he can say his farewells.
"It was no big deal. Mi-chan just threw my cookies on the floor." Naruto slides into the booth, setting about putting his items back in his bag.
Sasuke raises a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Mi-chan?"
"Midori," the blonde explains easily enough, not noting the agitation flash across the raven's face. "We hung out yesterday, so I figured she could be graced with a nickname."
"When?" The steal knife of Sasuke's voice snaps Naruto's attention forward to rest on the raven. His eyes aren't focused on the blonde, but studiously watching the empty street from the dark window. To anyone else, Sasuke would likely seem deeply disinterested. But Naruto knows better.
If Sasuke doesn't care, meeting someone's gaze is no hardship. What Midori said about the raven being jealous flashes through Naruto's mind, but he casts it off. There's no reason he would be.
Thinking nothing of it, Naruto answers candidly. "Last night for a few hours. We went to the mall."
Sasuke tilts his head imperceptibly towards Naruto, eyes narrowed into slits. "Why?"
Confused, the blonde shrugs his shoulders. "I was bored and had nothing else to do. You didn't want to hang out, and she did." As if on cue, the boys hear the kitchen door open and close, and then the blonde girl comes around the corner.
She smiles sheepishly before cutting to the chase. "Naru, do you think you can work tomorrow afternoon with me? We need to remake some stuff, and I don't think I'm up to par."
The blonde smiles bright at his new friend, blind to the harsh glare Sasuke is sending out. "Sure, I'll be here."
"Thanks." Midori smiles at them, though it falters a bit when she settles on Sasuke. Flicking her attention back to Naruto, she nods before walking off quickly.
Not in the least perceptive to the tense atmosphere, Naruto continues to clean up. "Guess I got more hours now. Just not on the night I expected to."
"What are you doing tonight?" Sasuke asks suddenly, pulling the blondes focus back to him.
"Just gonna go home." Naruto blinks owlishly before a grin breaks out. "Why? Wanna come home with me?"
Sasuke scoffs, not in the least amused by the poor flirting. "I have tickets to a play that starts soon. Would you like to go?"
Taken aback, the blonde gapes at the Uchiha like a fish out of water. "Are you asking me on a date?"
One eyebrow raises again, barely feigning interest. "I don't care what you call it."
"Of course I'll go!" Naruto stands up excitedly, thankful he wore nice clothes to work today, and didn't ruin them. He can just see Sasuke cancelling the whole thing due to the blonde being "inappropriately dressed". "What's the play called?" He asks as an afterthought. It's not really his avenue of interests to follow; he's not even sure where there's a live theater in Konoha.
Leisurely standing up, Sasuke pulls his coat back around him, hardly seeming to care about the entire conversation. "I have no idea. Didn't care enough to look."
What was the point of getting the tickets, then? Naruto shakes his head, wondering if he'll ever figure this boy out. "Then why do you want to go? What's the point in buying tickets to something you don't care about?"
"I didn't buy them." The raven speaks as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "They were given to me."
"Who gave them to you?"
Ignoring the blonde entirely, Sasuke heads for the café doors. "Put your coat on so we can go."
By nature, Naruto opens his mouth to argue with the raven just for the sake of doing it. But as he watches Sasuke's retreating figure, it dawns on him. He's going out with that boy. He was invited with absolutely no prodding on the blonde's part. Naruto doesn't know which of his lucky stars to thank, but he feels like his heart might burst in his chest. God, he knows this is a dangerous game. He swears he does.
He just can't seem to care. He's not really sure how to differentiate between any of the emotions he's feeling anymore. Something inside resonates with the raven's company, there is no denying that. Whether it's just familial, friendly, or beginning to verge onto the path of a lover, Naruto is willing and ready to accept it. How often does a person get to experience a relationship that pulls them in so many different directions?
He's no closer to understanding what the hell is going on with them, there's no doubt about that. Getting the motivation to care when Sasuke is already within arm's reach is an entirely different matter. Do they really have to label what they're doing? Does it have to be understood in complex terms?
No, Naruto thinks happily as he walks a few steps behind Sasuke to his car. For now, he's fine with understanding it like this. Nights spent together, easy banter that keeps him laughing, and a warmth in his chest that needs no explanation. Who cares if he's in love or if Sasuke is remotely emotionally invested in this too. It feels right for the time being, and all the blonde cares about is now.
And for now, he has Sasuke.