Chapter 5: Someone to come home to.
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As always you can assume there will be cursing because I like cursing, it expresses anger so well. Plus I curse like a bloody sailor, so it leaks into my work anyway.
Also as you all well and know I don't own Naruto or its characters. You can tell because if I did they would be older and there would be a lot more snogging going on. ^_~
Oyabun = means boss, Konohamaru used to refer to Naruto as "oyabun" for a little while, I thought it was too cute not to use.
Kurenai = Hinata, Shino and Kiba's teacher
Asuma = Shikamaru, Ino and Choji's teacher
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Naruto tried in vain to some how sink deeper into the folds of his coat. Why couldn't it be just a little bit warmer? It was already 9 am and the sun hadn't seemed to take any edge off the frosty morning air. He continued to shuffle along, the shops were beginning to fill with people. The crowds growing with activity, adults tucked away in café booths sipping coffee, lingering over the temporary warmth it offered. Soon they too would trudge off to work, and join the masses that marched and slogged through slush filled puddles. It was business as usual, today could have been any morning and you wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. Much like the walk to the dojo, it was always long and uneventful. He had been there so many times his feet could led him there on instinct alone.
After all in his mind it was home, having been the only constant in his life since he was 12. When his sensei had offered him free lessons, taking pity on some dirty street kid who's caretakers didn't bother to keep track of. How skeptical and hopeful he had felt when the offer had been made. It became his routine in a very chaotic life, having rarely spent more then a year in the same home. Moved from house to house, caretakers came and left, transferring from school to school. But the dojo was always there, his Sensei was always there. Things to be learned, the same floors to be swept, yes it was more a home then anything had been. And his sensei's smile never changed or faltered, Iruka… Naruto couldn't help but grin fondly to himself. He could never repay him for his never-ending support and kindness, the man had been his idol and father figure for a good ten years now.
He was shaken from his sentimental reflections at the loud war cry of "OOOOYABUUUN!" jerking his golden head up he barely had time to snag the miniature human missile out of the air as it hurtled toward him. Pretending to be irritated he gave his would be attacker a menacing look, and a slight shake. "What do you think your trying to do you little disrespectful punk?" The young boy was undaunted, even while dangling by the grip the older man had on his shirt. Flashing a confident smirk he rattled off some sort of self-righteous speech about one day beating his teacher. Naruto couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head as he set his favorite student down. He'd been so wrapped up in his memories he hadn't realized he'd reached the dojo's doors, almost missing Konohamaru's daily assault. "How many times do I have to tell you? It's Naruto-sensei not oyabun!" The spunky youth jutted his lower lip out, making a dismissive gesture with his hand. "Your not just my sensei! Your also the man I vow to beat!" Naruto groaned in response, the kid's logic was always just a little screwy. He steered the boy back into the building. "Come on brat your going to get sick if we stand around out here!" With out much complaint the boy scurried back to the small group of early students boosting his near success to them. The blond instructor just smiled as he started to unbutton his coat with numb fingers.
A very timid young woman slowly crept up to the distracted man, catching his attention with a very shaky greeting. " G-good morning N-Naruto-kun." Blue eyes brighten, causing her to instantly blush. "Hinata-chan! You're here early!" She fidgeted nervously, rendered near breathless with delight. She was clutching a fabric wrapped box to her chest. "I- um - I made an extra bento…and I - erm…W-would you like it???" He smiled warmly at her, ruffling her short black hair with a large but gentle hand. "A bento from the amazing Hinata? How could I possibly say no? But you shouldn't go to such trouble for me!" If it were at all possible she seemed to be blushing even more, staring fixated at the floor she couldn't seem to stop smiling as she spoke. "N-no! N-not at all, it's never a trouble when it comes to you N-naruto-kun… A-after all you've paid for my lunch t-twice now. " He gave her a fond look that almost made her melt. "Aaaaaw you're to good to me! I enjoy paying! It's the least I can do in thanks for your company. It's lonely to eat by ones self!" She looked ready to faint by that point, enough that it caused Naruto to look worried. "Hinata-chan?? Are you ok? You look kind of ill, maybe you should lay down?" She giggled with embarrassment, briefly glancing up to smile at him. "I-I'm fine thank you." He didn't look fully convinced but nodded all the same. "I better go change for class before the little ankle biters start getting restless. Why don't you go take a seat?" She nodded and started to hurry away, only to be stopped with a friendly yell. "Oh and thanks again!" He held up the bento and gave her a cheerful wink. Seemingly unaware of how it seemed to nearly make her knees buckle.
She flopped down on one of the spectator's benches, a dreamy smile on her pale face. Naruto had been the subject of her "crush" for almost a year now. She had met him when her cousin Neji had started to work at the prospering Dojo. Since she lived close by she had started following him to sessions. Mostly as a change of pace from her boring little house hold, away from the jeers and critical eyes of her family. Neji tolerated her, and invited her to come watch. She had always been particularly amused by the tall blond instructor who seemed to excel at angering her cousin. But had never spoken to him until the day a bunch of the older students cornered her. Neji had stepped out to run some errands, leaving her to wait. She hadn't expected to become the focus of their little gang, they hounded her saying nasty things trying to touch her. But Naruto and appeared out of nowhere, beating them with ferocious justice. He was all but her knight in shining armor. He was a good two heads taller, but had never been anything but gentle. Hands that could break bones had delicately lead her away from her assailants unconscious bodies. She had seen how ruthless a fighter he could be, but she had also seen how sweet and caring he really was. It haden't taken more then a push to send her head over heel's for him. And still even more Naruto did his best to make her feel welcomed, taking her out to lunch always offering a warm smile. She sighed happily, pressing her hands against her burning cheeks.
Standing across the room Neji quirked an eyebrow at his dazed and blushing cousin, he really didn't understand her sometimes. He wondered if her strange behavior was a result of her father's cruelties. Shrugging he turned back to the task of getting his students settled for their morning lessons.
Naruto gave his locker an extra kick, finally wedging it shut. The damn thing never seemed to want to cooperate, maybe he should get it a new one? Grumbling he finished straightening his gi and headed to the main office. Nearly knocking Iruka out of his chair as he flung his arms around his mentor's neck, grabbing him from behind with a cheerful greeting. The older man laughed good naturedly, and gave his student a light punch on the head. "What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?!" The blond stuck out his tongue in response, in a moment of childish regression. "Trying to tell me your turning into an old geezer huh?" Iruka glared at his disciple, rubbing the scar that marred the bridge of his nose. "I'm not that old, twerp! And I can still kick your scrawny behind any day of the week!" Naruto laughed waving his teachers agitation aside. "Yeah yeah, I know! Geez I just stopped in so I could say hi before class starts." The dark haired elder, gave the blond a playful push. "Stop procrastinating a get to work already!" Chuckling at the younger instructors indigent expression.
Grumbling he set about trying to get his pack of students under control, a task that took almost all his patience. Iruka winced at what sounded suspiciously like a body hitting the floor, concluding he should return his attention to his paperwork.
Throughout the slow progression of the day Naruto had been attacked over and over, and he had lost count of the number of times he had corrected his students stances, as groups came and went. He had fit 3 classes into one day, with a half an hour lunch between. He was sore and tired, having not enjoyed the luxury of a decent nights sleep in awhile. Even death was beginning to look like a pleasant alternative. He let his forehead rest against the cool metal of the gym lockers for a moment. Enjoying the small relief it offered his pounding headache. The sound of his students chanting still ringing in his poor abused ears. Why wasn't the day over yet? ….Oh yeah because he still had a 5 hour shift to put in at his night job. A low animal like whine rose from him, as him whimpered in self pity. Clearly god hated him. Grabbing his bag he slowly dragged his way to the bus he need to catch.
Naruto waved half heartedly at one of his fellow night guards as he plodded through the door of the building. He was making his way to his locker when he found his vision obstructed by a tall shapely woman, decked out in a dress suit, her wavy hair spilling over her shoulders. He knew her pretty well, smiling as he greeted her. She was the boss's secretary, although she seemed to spend large quantities of time around the security station. Which probably had something to do with the fact Asuma, her long time boyfriend was the in charge of everyone on the night shift.
"Hey Kurenai." His first warning something was amiss was her overly friendly smile. "Narutooo" She cooed, almost immediately his expression went from pleasant to wary, as she hooked an arm around his neck. "What do you want from me?" The blond winced as her grin broadened. "Ah I can never fool you can I? I just have a little favor to ask!" He groaned instinctively, knowing all to well he wouldn't like what was coming next. "Yes?" The woman chose to ignore the obvious lack of enthusiasm. "Well you see I'm supposed to be maid of honor at my best friends wedding! But the last flight I can catch is tonight." Glancing at him hopefully "Kurenai, please get to the point?" He sighed with much suffering. "Which of course brings us to the problem! I need you to fill in for Asuma for 2 days." Naruto gawked at her as she rushed to the subject. "He refuses to go with me unless he knows you'll be running things for him!" He gritted his teeth in frustration. "You can't be serious??!" She gave him her best attempt at puppy eyes, red coated lips forming a pout. "I can't go to a wedding without a date! You know how women gossip, I'll never hear the end of it!" He could feel his eye beginning to twitch. "Kurenai you can't possibly be that petty, I had so much more respect for you then that…" The dark haired woman clung to him with renewed desperation. "Please Naruto!!! It's been so long since I've gotten Asuma to go any where with me! You under stand how lonely it gets right? It'd be so romantic! Just two nights please!!!" He did his best to glower at her but he could feel himself slipping into sympathy mode. "It's not like you have anyone waiting for you right? So what's one extra shift?" He jerked away rather angrily. "Did it ever happen to occur to you I have classes tomorrow?" How she managed to whine in such a compelling manner he'd never understand. "I know I know and I'm sorry! But look at it this way! I'll owe you big time, and there will be a nice bonus with next weeks pay check!" There was an evident change in his body language that caused her to brighten. "It'd help cover your bills I'm sure! And the over time would pay even better because you'd be filling in for the head of security!" He frowned slightly grinding his lower lip in thought. She waited expectantly, with a hopeful gleam in her eyes as his shoulders finally shagged in defeat, a long sigh escaping him. "Fine! I'll do it, go get Asuma and go to your wedding." Squealing in delight she swept him into a gleeful hug, beaming happily. "Oh thank you thank you thank you!!!"
It took a few minutes to pry himself loose from her iron grip on his rib cage. And unenergetically finished changed into his uniform, he really did feel like crying. He wouldn't be getting off work until 6 am, why did he have to be such a bloody push over? It was about then he remembered he had left his guest alone in his apartment, and there was a small possibility the boy was still there. Once settled at his desk he tried calling Sakura to see if she'd check in on Sasuke, but no one answered. He then attempted to call his own phone, but the answering machine was broken and no one picked up. Grumbling in frustration he hung up, concluding he'd have to wait and see when he got back in the morning. He was startled by a hand appearing on his shoulder, causing him to turn and meet a very depressed looking Asuma. "Hey kid, you didn't have to give in to Kurenai you know." The blond chuckled at the rather pathetic looking site. "In the end, extra money always wins over the poor college student." The elder glared at him and took a drag from the cigarette he had been holding. "Naw your just too damn nice for your own good." He stated with an authoritative nod of his grisly head. Naruto just smiled weakly, idly rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe….But she did make a good point." Asuma prodded him in the chest a few times to better punctuate his point. "What you need is a girl! Someone to keep after you and stop you from doing stupid things, like taking on twice the work load. A nice kid like you shouldn't be bumming around by himself!" That caught the boy off guard, causing him to blink a few times in confusion. "Eh Asuma, your always telling me I need a girlfriend. I don't see how the two subjects really relate to each other." The gruff man just gave him a superior all knowing look before snubbing his cancer stick out in a near by ash tray. "My boy, in the end everything relates Loneliness and women. I think I'm going to have to hook you up, I'm sure Kurenai knows some sweet interns…" Naruto gave his senior officer with a blank expression, suddenly awash in a feeling of dread. Please god, let him just have "imagined" he heard Asuma say he was going to play match maker….PLEASE. No god was that vengeful right? RIGHT? "I'll see you later this week, just wait! I'll have you dating in no time." Ok maybe there was a god that vengeful…Fate was clearly not on his side this week, no not at all.
Way across town in a small apartment building one spiky haired young man was currently wondering much the same thing. He had been shuffling around his self appointed guardian's apartment all day. All he had been able to do was nap and watch TV; he had eventually gotten desperate enough for entertainment that he had ended up cleaning. It had started with some dishes being washed, which then had to be put away. Which compelled him to reorganize the cabinets, since the glassware had been placed without any particular order. And of course scrubbing the counters and picking up the clothes that littered the floor and other surfaces seemed like the next logical step. Pretty soon he had spent a good 6 hours picking up and putting away everything. It had taken a lot of searching, but by the time he finished he knew where pretty much everything went, or as it were "suppose" to go. In his exploration of the place he had also discovered an extra room that was occupied by a few boxes of comics and other assorted odds and ends. From the looks of the closet and empty bureau it most have been used as a bedroom at one point. Of course after all this cleaning and digging he had been dusty, grimy and sweaty. So he had helped him self to a second shower and borrowed some more clothes from his suspiciously absent host. Come to think of it, the clock had just hit 11 pm and there was no sign of Naruto or his pink haired wench. The phone had rang a little while back, but he had chosen to ignore it. Answering someone else's phone seemed a tad creepy. And he didn't want to have to explain his sudden appearance in the apartment to anyone else. This mornings fiasco had been unpleasant enough as it were. He wasn't even sure why he was still here himself, his better judgment told him anyone that friendly had to have ulterior motives. No matter how unthreatening they might appear, no one was that kind. Although the blond airhead certainly did seem to have the cleaning abilities of a slob. Sasuke had said a small word of thanks for the fact his host was at the very least capable of doing his laundry. It would have been nice if the refrigerator had more to offer in the way of food, but it seemed the only thing Naruto actually cooked was breakfast. Since everything else was either canned soup or cup ramen. The dark haired young man stretched out on the sofa amidst the discarded remains of his hosts sleep nest. Yawning tiredly he began to nod off, half heartedly dragging a blanket over his shoulder as he slipped into unconsciousness.
Naruto rubbed at his aching eyes with gloved fingers, throwing away his empty coffee cup. He slowly made his way down the near empty street, his near continual yawning made his eyes water. It didn't seem fair the train ride home almost took an hour, he had been forced to stand or risked falling asleep and missing his stop. Oh how he regretted agreeing to this madness, maybe he should consider seeking some sort of counseling. No person should voluntarily subject them selves to this sort of abuse. Was he really that desperate for money? Or maybe the happy couple had been right, maybe he really was lonely. An empty home wasn't really the most appealing thing in the world… Urgh… The weary blond lost the use of coherent thought as he stumbled over an uneven slab of concrete. Once he managed the difficult task of finding his keys and working the door open, he found himself staring despairingly at the stair way. Did he happen to mention life wasn't fair?
He had all but crawled his away up to his apartment, where his bed would be mocking him. Since he didn't have enough time to take a nap, his only option was to shower, change, eat and run. Fumbling over the lock on the doorknob finally gave under his exhausted hands. Shouldering it open the rest of the way, he peered around in disturbed confusion. It was clean…….VERY clean…What the hell? He's attention turned to the grumbling sleepy lump huddled on his sofa. "Close the damn door! You're letting all the heat out." Sasuke growled at him sleepily as he sat up, blankets pooling around his waist due to the movement. It took a moment for either man to register what was going on, Naruto recovered first. "Ooooh Sasuke! Your still here!" A smile blossoming on his vaguely vulpine face. The dark haired one looked from the blond and then the wall clock. "Where the fuck have you been??????? It's a quarter to 7!" His host laughed sheepishly shrugging out of a his heavy coat. "Eh heh, I was working." Sasuke twitched, eyes widening slightly. "For almost 20 hours?! Are you fucking nuts?!" The fair haired man moaned and clutched at his head. "Please don't yell?" He pleaded, looking every bit as worn as he was. His guest looked almost apologetic for a moment, before snapping back into his interrogative mode "Well???" Naruto stooped to untie his boots, before answering. "It's a long story…."
~~~~~to be continued.~~~~~~
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Naruto is completely oblivious, I mean not even naïve. He just doesn't notice things like completely infatuated women.
See? All a long I had intended to include more of the Naruto cast in the story, but none of you have any faith in me. =p And before the second round of complaints begin, yes! There will be more people popping up! Not just the ones mentioned in this chap! But you gotta wait, I'm slowly creating backgrounds and relationships for them all in AU fashion.
Oh btw I hit my 3 year anniversary a few weeks ago, I've officially been posting on FF.net for 3 years now! Wow 3 years and 26 fics, not to shabby. I feel very old and sentimental. I wanted to thank ALL my reviewers, especially since I stopped asking for reviews a while ago. Your comments have always been appreciated. I love you all!
Oh and concerning Jekyll's comment, I shake my fist at you! Well not really but I figured I should say something snippy. Actually you are entitled to your opinion of AU's even mine. I like AU's, but not everyone does, hey I can dig that. But don't you think it gets boring to see the same sort of thing going on in every in story fic? I love fics, lots of my time is spent reading them, but I get tired of reading the same thing retold over and over. Hence the appeal of the AU.
Oh and as you all noticed Sakura isn't infatuated with Sasuke. Why? Because I think she can be cool, but every time she goes into "Sasuke love love" mood, I WANT TO BEAT HER. So I went "Hey! I'm in control of this story!" and ergo I made her into a less chokable person in my opinion.
Dude why do you people read all this ranting? Don't you know I'm nuts? Your just encouraging me! X3