Best Friend's Brother 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters used aside from my OC.
"Natsumi wake up breakfast is ready!" Natsumi heard her mother call from downstairs as she awoke the next morning.
Releasing a tired yawn, the teen girl sat up in her bed, allowing her brown hues to adjust to the morning light seeping through the curtains of her bedroom window. She stretched as she stood from her bed, letting a smile cross her face as she thought back to last night's events.
After their time at the restaurant, the teens immediately disbursed after saying goodnight. Shikamaru and Choji were the first to leave, with Shikamaru mentioning how he didn't want to get in trouble for being out too late, considering he would already be getting a mouth full from his mother, since he'd decided against helping his dad that day. He had explained previously that his father was a City official and had asked him to assist him in filing paperwork, something that was sure be a drag.
Next was Ino who had decided to leave with Tenten seeing as the girls lived nearby one another, which was odd considering that Sakura said she lived closer to Ino than Tenten. Actually Ino had been acting extremely cold to the pinkette for the entire evening, blatantly ignoring and cutting her off during dinner. Yet no one seemed to pay much mind to it as everyone just assumed the two girls were fighting over Sasuke again.
Shaking off the thought Natsumi made her way to the bathroom, where she splashed cold water onto her face to wake herself up further. After completing her morning ritual, she overlooked herself in the reflection of the mirror.
After Ino had pulled Tenten away, there was an awkward silence as the eyes of the remaining teens turned to Sakura.
"Well I'm going to head home now" Natsumi said, not really feeling up to giving the pinkette a pity party, especially after the change in treatment she was receiving from the girl, this caught the attention of girl who then had her face light up as she had an idea.
"Natsumi you shouldn't walk home alone" Sakura said, making the dark haired girl stiffen.
'She better not try to walk with me' Natsumi thought looking to the pink haired girl wearily.
"Huh that's a good point Sakura" Naruto agreed.
'Naruto you idiot' Natsumi thought.
"I can walk you home Natsumi" the blonde offered as a look of relief crossed the girl's features.
'I take that back' Natsumi thought releasing a sigh of gratitude.
"Naruto maybe you should walk Hinata home" the pinkette suggested catching the group off guard.
"W-what?" Hinata asked shyly as a dark blush crossed her face.
"Then who's going to walk Natsumi home?" the blonde asked dumbly. "Besides I'm pretty sure Neji, Kiba, or Shino can walk Hinata home" he continued to reason, making Sakura release a frustrated sigh, as Natsumi gave her a befuddled look.
"Would you just listen to me you idiot?!" Sakura yelled grabbing Naruto by the collar of his shirt and shaking him violently.
"Sakura" the blonde boy cried, as the others watched in awkward silence.
"Just walk Hinata home! And then Kiba can walk Natsumi home!" Sakura yelled continuing to shake the blonde.
"Yeah!" Kiba said excitedly in agreement, perking up at the mention of his name, as he processed Sakura's plan.
"Absolutely not!" Neji's voice cut though loudly, stopping Sakura's actions as all the teens turned to look at the long haired young man, who went on to list the many reasons that the blonde was incompetent of escorting Hinata home.
"When did this turn into a discussion on Naruto's competence?" Natsumi asked as the teens drew silent after Neji spoke.
"Really, I didn't think who I walked home would be such an issue" the blonde said as he released a heavy sigh.
"Would you stop making things so complicated Naruto?" Sakura asked turning to the blonde.
"I could just walk home by myself" Natsumi suddenly said catching the group's attention again.
"Nonsense a young lady should not have to make her way home unattended" Neji replied stiffly, making Natsumi roll her eyes as Sakura resumed yelling at Naruto and the rest of the group started chiming in.
"Sakura has a point I can walk Natsumi home" Kiba said loudly. "Besides Neji has a point, a lady shouldn't be alone at night" he went on.
"We both know the real reason you're agreeing with those two" Shino scoffed.
"Would you all stop yelling?" Neji asked irritated. "It's unbefitting of you as associates of the Hyuga" he said sternly.
"Big Brother Neji you don't need to get so worked up" Hinata pleaded trying to calm Neji.
"I have the perfect solution!" Lee suddenly exclaimed, silencing the teens. "We can make it a competition to see who can walk the girl's home the fastest!" he went on pointing upwards.
"That doesn't make any sense" Shino stated plainly.
"Why is everything a competition with you?" Kiba asked.
"Because competitions are the best displays of youth against our rivals!" Lee said excitedly. "As stated in the lesson by my mentor Guy-sensei!" he said giving thumbs up with a bright smile, that made the other teens sweat drop.
"This is not the time Lee" Neji said releasing a heavy sigh.
"Neji, you are my rival and I expect you to compete wholeheartedly in this show of youth!" Lee yelled happily.
"Not now Lee!" Neji yelled in an annoyed tone.
This continued for a while, followed by more arguing, which for the most part was Sakura yelling at Naruto, before the teens came to a conclusion on their dilemma. In the end it was decided that Shino would walk Hinata home with Neji and Lee tagging along, while Naruto would walk Sakura home, and Kiba would walk Natsumi home. It was odd that Sakura had made such a big deal over the ordeal, but Natsumi decided not to dwell on it, yet she couldn't help but feel uneasy as Sakura gave her an encouraging smile accompanied with a thumb up when the group separated.
"Did I really go to bed so early?" she thought critically as she observed how tired her eyes seemed and she allowed herself to think back to the previous night again as she exited the bathroom and began to make her way down the stairs.
"Morning babe" her mother greeted when Natsumi entered the kitchen, bringing the teen out of her thoughts from the previous night, as she looked up to see her mother with her dark hair wrapped into a tight top knot, wearing a pair of black pajama pants and a white tank top.
"Good morning mom" Natsumi greeted her mother as she sat down at the kitchen table, smiling as she looked down to her plate her mother had prepared. "When did you get back?" she asked curiously taking a bite of her food.
"Late last night" her mother responded taking a sip of her coffee as her daughter nodded while continuing to eat.
"How was your trip?" Natsumi asked standing to get a cup of orange juice.
"Good, we were able to make the close on the deal" her mother responded, waiting for her daughter to return to the table before continuing. "How was your date?" her mother asked making Natsumi choke on her juice as she sat.
"What? What date?" Natsumi asked wiping the back of her hand across her mouth with a brow raised at her mother.
"With that boy who you went to dinner with last night" her mother said teasingly, as her daughter looked at her still perplexed.
"The thing with Naruto turned into a group thing" Natsumi explained holding up her hands in defense.
"I'm pretty sure the note was signed by a Kiba" her mother said raising a brow at her daughter in question.
"What note?" Natsumi asked staring blankly at her mother.
"The one that was on the front door last night" her mother said pointing to a piece of paper folded on the kitchen counter. Natsumi immediately walked over and unfolded it to read it contents.
Hey Natsumi I had a great time at dinner and I hope we can do it again sometime. I'm sorry I couldn't text you this but I don't have your number-Kiba
The note read with his number scribbled at the bottom. Natsumi set it back down before returning to join her mother at the breakfast table with an annoyed expression on her face.
"Who's Kiba?" her mother asked with a smile as the two continued eating.
"A friend from school" Natsumi replied continuing with her meal.
"Sounds like he likes you" her mother commented, earning no reply from her daughter. "But he's not evoking a response like how Sasuke did" the woman continued making her daughter freeze while bringing her fork to her mouth.
"Mom" the girl whined as her mother laughed. "It's not like that he's just a friend" Natsumi went on.
"I know honey" her mother said with a playful smile as she stood from the table gathering her empty plate and cup, before leaning down and placing a kiss on her daughter's forehead. "Do you still need to borrow a dress for lunch?" her mother asked as she made her way to the kitchen.
"Yeah I was thinking that black one and then I could just wear a cardigan over it" Natsumi said taking the last bite from her plate.
As soon as she finished she took her plate to the kitchen, seeing that her mother had already started the dishes.
"Let me" the young girl offered standing alongside her mother her mother at the sink.
"You don't have to babe I have it" her mother said pushing Natsumi away with her hip.
"At least let me rinse for you" the teen said stepping next to her mother again, who smiled warmly in acceptance.
"Fine, thank you" her mother said kissing her daughter on the head. "After this we can watch The Real before you need to get ready" the woman said earning a simple 'Hn' as a reply, making her smile more.
...
Meanwhile across town Sasuke had just finished breakfast with his mother, who had then rushed out to meet her husband and other son at the airport, leaving the dark haired teen alone. He sighed heavily as he made his way back up to his room after placing the dishes in the dishwasher.
'I guess I'm going back to being the second son to be concerned about' Sasuke thought bitterly as he anticipated the arrival of his brother's return.
He entered his room lying back on the couch with a huff as he stared blankly at the ceiling.
'I can already imagine how the lunch will go' Sasuke thought as he allowed himself to imagine the events. 'They wouldn't be so proud of him if they knew he wasn't going to be fully focused on his studies or even the company this year' Sasuke thought as he clenched his fists angrily. 'He's so perfect to them but he still hasn't told them about his plans with his friends' he went on in thought as he allowed his mind to wonder back to a distant memory from the beginning of the summer.
...
Itachi was in his room packing for the summer he would spend assisting his father in running a smaller branch of the company. He laid out the clothes he would take, folding them neatly into his large suitcase, before stopping as he turned to the slightly open door of his room.
"You know it's rude to spy" he said with a light smirk as Sasuke stepped into view, entering the room.
"Do you have to pack so soon?" Sasuke asked making his way to stand by his brother's bed with his hands in the pockets of the shorts he wore. "You don't leave with father for another two days" he continued looking over the various shirts, pants, jackets and ties that were arranged before him.
"I know but I don't want to do it at the last minute" Itachi said resuming his packing as Sasuke sat on his bed.
"You know you can still back out? Father can make other arrangements" Sasuke said making his brother cease his packing once more.
"You really don't want me to go?" Itachi asked playfully, making Sasuke scoff. "There are certain things I need to do in anticipation of this fall" he went on, as Sasuke looked at him curiously.
'I know he doesn't want to go, yet he still agreed, but why?' Sasuke thought as he watched Itachi start to place in his suits.
"What's happening in the fall?" Sasuke asked, catching Itachi's eye until the sound of Itachi's phone ringing caught his attention.
"Not now Sasuke" Itachi said pulling out his device as he read the caller ID, then motioning for his younger brother to leave, prompting a sigh from the teen.
"Whatever" Sasuke said turning to the door with his hands still in his pockets, before being stopped by Itachi.
"Oh and Sasuke" the older boy said catching Sasuke's attention as he turned to look back at the young man but upon doing so, seeing much to his surprise that he was right behind him and was then poked in the forehead by his older brother.
"What was that for?" Sasuke asked bringing a hand to his forehead as he looked at Itachi, who only offered him a smile.
"Maybe I'll tell you later" Itachi said as he brought his phone to his ear and motioned Sasuke to exit.
Releasing a heavy sigh, Sasuke made his way to the exit, leaving the door slightly ajar as to be able to listen in on his brother's call.
"Hello Konan" Itachi said into his phone. "Yes like I told Yahiko I am interested but my family isn't the most supportive in these matters so I haven't told them yet" he explained into the device, making Sasuke's brows rise in interest.
'What is he doing?' Sasuke thought curiously, straining his ears to hear more.
"The plan is to spend the summer with my father working for the company, he's been asking me since my senior year, so that way when we get back it might soften the blow to tell him" Itachi went on, further intriguing Sasuke.
'What is he planning that he needs to soften the blow for father?' Sasuke thought furrowing his brows.-
"No that's not an option, trust me it'll be better this way" Itachi said. "I can't come off the bat telling him I want to join a band while going to school" Itachi said surprising Sasuke, who now stood frozen outside the door.
'Father won't like this' Sasuke thought stepping back from Itachi's door as he made his way back to his own room to process the new information.
...
It didn't take Sasuke long to piece together all the pieces from that point on, especially when gossip spread at school about a few college students trying to put together a band. And these students were none other than the friends Itachi had made the previous year, friends their father did not approve of. It all made sense. Seeing as Itachi had always turned down his father's offer at a summer long retreat, but if he was trying to warm the man up to the idea of him going into such a venture with his friends, this was the best way.
'Just wait until he tells them' Sasuke thought rolling his eyes at the thought, before pulling his phone out and scrolling through it to distract him.
...
Natsumi had spent most of her morning lounging on the coach with her mother, as the pair watched the morning talk shows and enjoyed the company of one another. With how busy her mother had been lately, she lived for moments like these as the two bonded. But like all things, it was brought to a close upon hearing the ring of a phone.
"You just got home, why can't they send someone else?" Natsumi asked crossing her arms across her chest.
"Natsumi that's not my phone" her mother informed the young girl, who now had a blush of embarrassment across her face, making her mother laugh as she picked up the device.
"H-hello" the teen said meekly as her mother's laughter raged on in the background.
"Natsumi" she was greeted by Sasuke's voice. "Everything alright?" he asked referring to the tone of her voice.
"Yeah it's fine I just did something stupid" the teen girl explained, earning a scoff from the other line.
"That's nothing new" Sasuke said cockily, as Natsumi could sense him smirking at the other end of the line.
"Shut up" she said in an annoyed tone, earning a questionable look from her mother. "Why did you call anyways?" she said changing the subject.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'll be picking you up at 11:40 then we'll be meeting the others there" the Uchiha explained.
"Hn" the girl replied looking over the time on her phone and releasing a heavy sigh. "Ok I'll start getting ready now" she said before Sasuke hung up, making her roll her eyes.
'At this point I should be used to him not saying goodbye' the teen thought standing from the couch to stretch.
"Going to start getting ready now?" her mother asked already knowing the answer, as Natsumi nodded before making her way upstairs to shower and prepare.
The young girl took a quick shower, before steeping out to dry and brush her hair quickly. Her mother had already laid out the outfit on her bed, by the time the girl returned to her room and began to dress. When she finally finished she quickly sat down at her vanity, deciding to apply mascara and a light blush, before her mother entered excitedly holding a pair of black heels.
"No" Natsumi said automatically as she continued blending in the mirror, making her mother scoff.
"What else are you going to wear? Converse?" her mother asked disapprovingly, as Natsumi stopped her actions and gave her mother a blank stare in the reflection of the mirror.
"I didn't realize that was an option" Natsumi said earning an eye roll from her mother. "I was going to wear flats" she said using her thumb to point back at the shoes by the bed.
"Don't you want to make a good impression?" her mother asked with a pout.
"Yes ... and not risk breaking an ankle as well" Natsumi retorted back. "Besides you know how clumsy I am so I can't wear those" Natsumi continued as her mother gave her a hard stare.
"Natsumi Nakamaru" her mother said in a commanding tone, making the girl stiffen.
"Mom" the Natsumi whined.
...
Back with Sasuke, he took quick shower before dressing himself in the suit his mother had selected. He put the finishing touches on as he tied the tie around his neck and overlooked himself in the mirror of his bathroom with a bored expression.
Ding
His phone rang on the bathroom counter, indicating a new text message was received. Opening it, he quickly read it before releasing a heavy sigh.
Ready when you are
The message read from Natsumi, making the young man reply with a quick 'ok' before making his way out of his bathroom to grab his keys and wallet from his bedside dresser. After mentally checking that he had gathered all he needed, Sasuke stepped out into the hall, where he was met with the sight of his older brother Itachi making his way from the stairs.
"Sasuke" Itachi greeted the young man with a smile, as he set down his suitcase and held his arms out in anticipation of a hug. But much to his surprise the gesture was not reciprocated as Sasuke stared at him.
"Itachi" Sasuke said plainly approaching Itachi. "I have to go, I'll see you later" he said side stepping his brother to make his way down the stairs as Itachi dropped his arms.
Shaking off the encounter, Itachi picked up his suitcase before making his way to his room.
'Perhaps he has a lot on his mind, especially since he's bringing a special guest to lunch' Itachi thought.
...
Natsumi had slowly made her way down the stairs in the heels, sighing in relief as she reached the bottom safely.
"See, you had nothing to worry about" her mother commented as she walked down behind her daughter.
Yet before the young girl could argue back, a knock was heard at the door, making her sigh as she carefully made her way over. Opening the front door she was met with the sight of Sasuke with the same stoic expression he always wore, only this time accompanied by the sight of him in a black business suit with a white button up and a striped black and blue tie.
"Sasuke" Natsumi said dryly while Sasuke took in the sight of Natsumi with her hair twisted back and pinned into a bun, with her bangs slightly curled above her eyes. She wore a fitted black dress that started just below her collar bone and went just below her knees with a tight opened light grey cardigan, as well as black heels.
"Natsumi" he said, before Natsumi's mother cut in and motioned for the teen girl to invite the young man in, as she was excited to meet him after hearing so much from her daughter.
"Come in" Natsumi said with a fake smile as she stepped aside for the young man as she released a sigh of annoyance.
Upon entering he was met with the sight of a middle aged woman, with dark brown eyes who smiled warmly at him. She was an older woman with long black hair and a small frame, wearing a white shirt and black pants. He assumed her to be Natsumi's mother with how similar the two seemed to look.
"Mom this is Sasuke Uchiha. Sasuke this is my mother" Natsumi introduced the two as she walked over to stand between the two. Sasuke immediately held out a hand to which the woman gave a firm shake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sasuke. I've heard so much from Natsumi" the woman said with a smile, making a blush cross her daughters face as her eyes widened, making Sasuke smirk.
"Really?" Sasuke asked as he raised a brow at the young girl, when the woman released his hand. "It's lovely to meet you as well Mrs. ..." Sasuke began before trailing off as he remembered that Natsumi's parents were divorced. He immediately looked to Natsumi for help, but was surprised as he heard light laughter escape from her mother.
"There's no need to be so formal dear" the woman laughed, as Sasuke returned his gaze back to her. "It's Ms. Tashio now but please call me Kazumi" the woman insisted as Sasuke nodded in understanding.
"We should probably go now" Natsumi said abruptly as she took Sasuke by the shoulders and attempted to turn him around to the door.
"Oh but he didn't get to see your baby pictures yet" her mother said playfully, making Sasuke come to an abrupt halt, and Natsumi clench her fists angrily.
"Mom" the girl whined, as Sasuke turned around quickly.
"I believe we have time" he said turning to Natsumi with a smirk that made her stomach drop.
"Mom!" the teen girl said loudly, making her mother laugh.
"I'm only kidding" her mother said allowing her daughter to release a sigh of relief. "Sasuke can see them if he joins us for dinner tonight" the woman went on once again making her daughter feel her stiffen.
"Of course" Sasuke said, as Natsumi could feel her world shatter around her.
"Great" Kazumi said with a bright smile. "Just one thing before you kids go though, I would love a picture" she said excitedly as the teen complied begrudgingly before taking their leave.
...
Arriving at the restaurant Sasuke sighed heavily, as he and Natsumi were escorted to the usual table his father reserved. Once getting there the members of the Uchiha family stood abruptly from their seats around the round table to greet the pair.
"Natsumi it's lovely seeing you again" Mikoto greeted the teen girl with a hug as she rushed the teens over. She was as poised as ever in the dark blue dress she wore with a pencil skirt bottom paired with nude stockings and black shoes.
"It's nice seeing you again Mrs. Uchiha" Natsumi said returning the gesture.
"Dear I told you its Mikoto" the woman corrected, before turning her attention to her son. "Sasuke why don't you introduce your special friend to your father and brother" she said making her son raise a brow at her in question.
'Special friend?' he thought glancing over Natsumi quickly.
"Sasuke" the man, Natsumi assumed to be his father said in a deep voice as he stepped forward to shake the teen boy's hand. He was tall with tan skin and dark brown hair, Natsumi could tell he was where Sasuke had received his personality, while his looks came from his mother. The man wore a black suit with a black button up and a black neck tie. He seemed very serious and the handshake he shared with Sasuke seemed so stiff.
"Fugaku, it's been a whole summer, hug your son" Mikoto criticized, as the two stepped away from one another.
"Itachi" Sasuke said gruffly with his unchanging stoic expression, as a young man stepped forward and smiled warmly at him.
"Sasuke" he said happily, as Sasuke simply nodded in greeting. Itachi didn't seem to mind the cold nature though as he turned his smile to Natsumi, who was surprised by the kind gesture from the older Uchiha. Itachi was tall with long black hair tied at the base of his neck in a low ponytail, with light skin, and dark onyx eyes, that seemed to hold so much kindness and warmth. He had two distinct stress lines under his eyes, yet they didn't take away from the handsome features of his face, especially with his kind smile. He wore a black suit, with a black undershirt and no tie.
'He's nothing like Sasuke' Natsumi thought taking in his presence.
Sasuke's mother cleared her throat loudly, ending the awkward silence after her son's greeting or lack thereof, as she nudged Sasuke, using her head to nod between Natsumi and the two older Uchiha males. Sasuke inwardly groaned in annoyance as he registered his mother's actions, while the loud sound also snapped Natsumi back to reality as she shifted her eyes away from Itachi.
"Father" Sasuke said as the man turned to him. "Itachi" he said, catching his attention as well. "This is Natsumi Nakamaru" he stated simply, placing a hand on the young girl's back and pushing her forward to the pair.
"H-hello" the teen girl said nervously hoping she still had a stoic expression as inwardly she felt like a complete mess. She couldn't understand why she seemed to be so nervous standing before the two Uchiha. Sasuke's father immediately held a hand out to the young girl, which she accepted giving him a quick handshake, as she could feel him study her.
'I hope their dad can't read minds' she thought nervously, as the action brought her out of the thoughts she had.
"Fugaku Uchiha" he stated as the girl nodded in understanding.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Uchiha" she said politely, as the man released her hand.
"Hello Natsumi it's lovely to meet you" Itachi then said smiling at the girl as he took her hand in his. "My name is Itachi Uchiha" he said shaking her hand.
"A-ah yes it's a pleasure" the teen stammered nervously, hoping her nerves would calm.
The family then immediately took their seats with Natsumi seated between Mikoto and Sasuke while looking diagonally at Itachi every now and then.
'He and Sasuke look so similar' she thought trying to focus on water glass placed in front of her by the waiter. 'Yet he's so different' she continued in thought as she tried not to stare but when she allowed her brown eyes to glance towards him, to her horror met his onyx eyes. He offered her a kind closed eyed smile, before she blinked and looked away quickly, hoping her face wouldn't grow warm over the exchange.
"It's so nice to get together after so long" Mikoto commented opening her menu with a smile.
"Hn" all three Uchiha males responded, making the woman scoff as she continued to read, while Natsumi allowed a small smile to cross her face.
'Both boys definitely received their attitudes from their father' Natsumi thought, when Mikoto suddenly cleared her throat loudly catching the attention of the table as she gave her husband a knowing look.
"So Sasuke how have your studies been progressing?" his father asked looking over his younger son.
"Very well I'm still top in my class although the years only began" Sasuke responded automatically.
"You haven't seen each other for a whole summer and all you want to ask about is school when it's only been in session for a week?" Mikoto asked disapprovingly as both her husband and sons looked at her sideways.
"How was your summer?" Fugaku asked changing the subject as he directed the new question toward Sasuke.
"Fine" Sasuke replied simply, caught off guard by the question, as it wasn't a topic he and Fugaku would normally discuss.
"I assume it was spent with Naruto" Fugaku commented, making one of Sasuke's brows twitch in irritation as a sly smile crossed Natsumi's face. The two teens immediately exchanged looks, before Sasuke shifted his gaze back to his father.
"Oh Naruto" Natsumi said slyly as she sipped her water and earned a glare from Sasuke.
"He spent a lot of it with Jiraiya actually" Sasuke said turning away from the girl as his father nodded in understanding.
"How do you like your junior year so far?" Itachi now asked, entering the conversation as he directed the question to Natsumi and Sasuke.
"It's going pretty great" Natsumi started to answer before being cut off by Sasuke.
"Its fine" Sasuke responded simply, not looking up to meet his brother's gaze.
"It's nice to see you've made more friends" Itachi commented taking a sip of water as he nodded towards Natsumi with a small crossing his lips.
"How did you meet?" Fugaku asked curiously making Sasuke and Natsumi notably pale at the question.
"It's a long story" both answered in unison, gaining the interest of the table as they observed the body language of the two. Both teens nervously shifted in their seats, seeming to glance everywhere in the room except to one another.
"We have time" Itachi said with a kind smile that made Natsumi more nervous and Sasuke scowl.
"Hello I'll be your waiter today, could I get you anything else besides water?" a young man who was the server said kindly, interrupting the discussion much to the relief of the teens. "If not would you like a little more time to decide on what we'll be ordering today?" the server continued on.
"I believe we should be fine for now but we would appreciate more time" Fugaku replied before the young man nodded in understanding.
"So dear what can you tell me about the summer?" Mikoto asked unknowingly changing the subject, as the waiter left.
"I feel like this summer was a success for the Uchiha Company" Fugaku stated simply. "Our quarterly report should reflect the numbers but the overall success can't be comprehended so simply as to how Itachi handled the situations which arose." He further explained bringing a hand to the back of the older boy's back.
'And it begins' Sasuke thought bitterly taking in the sight of his proud father.
"Impressive as always" Mikoto said with a smile bringing a loving hand on Itachi's hand.
"As expected" Fugaku responded. "The Uchiha have a bright future in Itachi as long as he stays focused on his path" he continued making said boy stiffen as he drank his water.
"Hn" Itachi said setting down his glass and earning a questionable look from Sasuke.
"Hello again, are we ready to order now?" the waiter said returning to the table with a bright smile. Fugaku nodded immediately prompting the young man to begin taking the orders of the table before hurrying away to the kitchen.
"Are you looking forward to your school year at the university?" Mikoto asked smiling to her oldest son.
"Of course he is he's an Uchiha after all" Fugaku stated before Itachi could respond.
"I'm sure he has a number of things to look forward to this fall" Sasuke said snidely, catching the attention of Itachi. "Especially with the Akatsuki" Sasuke went on alarming Itachi whose brows rose at the mention of the name.
"Who are the Akatsuki?" Fugaku asked sternly, catching Itachi off guard as he stared blankly at the stoic expression Sasuke gave him.
"I actually wanted to discuss this matter at another time" Itachi responded honestly as his father looked to him. "But I see now that it would be best to get it over with" he went on releasing a heavy sigh before looking to his father and mother.
"What is it dear?" his mother urged as she furrowed her brows in concern as she studied the look of distress on her oldest son's face.
"Well the reasons behind me attending the summer internship with father were because my plans for this fall revolve around more than just my studies" Itachi explained making his father raise a brow in suspicion.
"I assume you mean the company" Fugaku said with a bitter tone.
"I would like to spend my spare time recreationally with my friends" Itachi admitted, shocking his parents.
"What friends?" Fugaku asked with anger evident in his tone.
"Friends I made last year: Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, Sasori, Dei-" Itachi began to list before being interrupted by his father slamming a fist onto the table abruptly.
"You mean those ruffians you met last year?" Fugaku asked angrily as silence befell the table. "You mean to say the only reason you took the internship was for them?"
"Father my intention was never to upset you" Itachi stated as Fugaku glared at him.
"Dear" Mikoto said warningly as she placed a hand over her husband's in an attempt to calm him.
"You already understand how I feel on your association with that specific group of individuals" Fugaku stated.
"Yahiko has plans to start a band called the Akatsuki come this fall and I would like to be the lead guitarist" Itachi explained bluntly, alarming his father.
"You really think that you need the distraction?" Fugaku asked menacingly. "Need I remind you that you must uphold a certain standard as the heir to the Uchiha? You can't afford the same luxuries as your so called friends. You can't waste your time goofing off when you need to stay focused on your studies to stay on track to take over the company and be the head of the Uchiha" he went on lecturing his son, before the sound of his wife clearing her throat stopped him, catching the attention of the two older Uchiha.
"This is neither the time nor place especially when we have a guest" Mikoto stated simply picking up her glass of water as she motioned towards Natsumi, who up until now sat quietly staring at the table simply taking in the awkward family matter unfolding.
'Wow' the girl thought lifting her eyes up to the two men who were currently looking over her.
"Please forgive us" Itachi said solemnly as he bowed his head to the young girl.
"N-no it's fine" Natsumi said shaking her hands in front of her to dismiss the topic.
It seemed it happened just in time as the waiter now headed back with the plates of food to set upon the table. He smiled happily having no idea or concern of the awkward tension at the table. The patrons ate quietly with not much else being said between the people until they had almost finished.
"Sasuke, Natsumi" Fugaku said catching the attention of the teens as well as the other table members. "If you would be so inclined, I would like to hear more on how you two met" he said surprising the teens.
Not feeling up to giving the man a run around, especially after the prior incident, they slowly went about explaining their first meeting to the Uchiha family.
"We meant in homeroom on the first day" Natsumi said slowly, nervously looking at Sasuke.
"Natsumi was in my seat" Sasuke stated simply, as his gaze shifted away from the girl.
"Well it wasn't your seat to begin with" Natsumi countered as Sasuke's eyes returned to her in a glare.
"It was a misunderstanding" Sasuke said turning his gaze away from Natsumi as he realized the stares they were receiving and facing his family.
"Y-yes it was" Natsumi said following his eye line, before the teens went on.
It was no surprise how much it alarmed the group, but it seemed to be the perfect ice breaker after all the awkwardness that had occurred. Yet the biggest surprise came from the laugh that escaped from Fugaku after the two finished their tale.
"You two sure have quiet the start" Fugaku commented earning a weary look from Sasuke before his wife let a laugh escape as well.
Soon the conversation picked back up among the table as Fugaku and Mikoto began to question the teens further on school and how Natsumi was adjusting to the move from a large city like Kyoto to one of a smaller scale like Konoha. Not long after the waiter returned to collect their empty dishes and refill their waters, but when the young man miscalculated the pour and accidently spilled some in front of Natsumi, the table grew silent.
"I am so sorry" the young man stated pulling out a rag as he started the wipe up the mess, and becoming flustered as he looked down at Natsumi. "I-I wow" he sputtered out nervously as he continued on and began to earn odd looks from the other occupants of the table, before he exited.
"Natsumi you really are quiet pretty" Mikoto complimented making the teen shyly smile in thanks before taking a sip of water. "Our waiter seemed so taken with you" she went on.
"Your girlfriend really is beautiful Sasuke. That's my boy, I'd expect nothing less" Fugaku commented, making Natsumi spit out her water and Sasuke to freeze completely. There was a long awkward silence that befell the table before Mikoto finally decided to speak.
"Natsumi isn't Sasuke's girlfriend" Mikoto explained, surprising her husband as he let his eyes shift between the two teens.
"T-this whole time I thought that ... and you even said she was his special friend ... wouldn't that mean ..." the man began before stopping as Sasuke stood.
"Come on Natsumi let's get you cleaned up" Sasuke said taking Natsumi's hand as he began to lead her to the restrooms.
'The only reason the conversation shifted to me and Natsumi was because Itachi disappointed him' Sasuke thought as he came to a stop outside the woman's restroom and released Natsumi's hand.
"I'll wait here until you're done" Sasuke said leaning against the wall as Natsumi nodded in understanding as she made her way in and used a towel from the attendant to dry the small portion of her shirt that was wet.
Upon returning to the table all was silent until Fugaku spoke.
"Sasuke, Natsumi" he said solemnly, catching the teen's attention. "I apologize for the misunderstanding and I hope you know it was never my intention to offend you with such an assumption" he apologized much to the pair's surprise.
"It's no problem at all Mr. Uchiha" Natsumi responded as Sasuke simply stared at his father in shock.
The rest of the meal was mainly uneventful after this with no more small talk until Fugaku asked for the check and the family departed.
...
Natsumi had assumed that Sasuke would take her home but that wasn't the case as he kept driving taking a turn off onto a dark road leading up a hill. The road led up until he finally pulled off at what appeared to be a look out which over looked the entirety of Konoha.
"Whoa" Natsumi said as she took in the view of the many buildings and trees.
Yet Sasuke said nothing to reciprocate this as the pair sat in silence. Natsumi couldn't help but let her eyes wander over the stressed looking Uchiha. His usual composed posture was nowhere to be seen as he seemed so stiff. He sighed deeply as he maintained his strong grip on his steering wheel and his knuckles became white.
'Sasuke' Natsumi thought looking over him with her brows furrowing in worry, until the dark haired teen boy abruptly unbuckled his seat belt and made his way outside. Immediately Natsumi followed in suit, quietly standing alongside the young man toward the edge of the lookout.
"I don't want to talk about it" Sasuke stated coldly as he folded his arms and looked out to the city.
"Hn" Natsumi replied simply folding her arms as well and earning a sideways look from Sasuke.
Not much else could be said after this as the teens stood in silence that they found comforting as not much else needed to be said. A little while later Natsumi and Sasuke had made their way further to the edge of the lookout and had decided to sit quietly in peace.
"Natsumi" Sasuke suddenly said interrupting the silence as the girl turned to look at him.
"Hn?" she asked meeting the gaze of his onyx eyes.
"Thank you" he said quietly turning away from the girl, making her raise a brow in question.
"I didn't do anything" she stated simply.
"Exactly" he said earning another confused look from Natsumi. "The dobe or anyone else for the matter would've made a big deal about me not talking about it, but you were ok with it" he explained making Natsumi nod in understanding before returning her attention forward to the sight below the teens.
"It's no big deal besides you said you didn't want to talk about it" Natsumi said unmoving her eyes from the view.
"Hn" Sasuke replied returning his gaze forward. "I'm sorry about my dad and the train wreck at lunch" he went on alarming the girl as she quickly turned her head to look at the young man with a brow arched.
"It doesn't seem too befitting of the almighty Sasuke Uchiha to be thankful and apologize" Natsumi said sarcastically earning a glare from the dark haired teen male.
"Still annoying as ever" he said smugly as she turned to look at him.
"Whatever Sasuke" Natsumi said continuing to take in the sights below, as she couldn't help but let her mind wonder back to the events of lunch. Frankly the Sasuke wasn't wrong as the whole ordeal could be best described as a train wreck, but even so not all of it was so bad, especially meeting the surprisingly kind Itachi. Although both young men shared so many similar features, they were still so distinct in not only their appearances but as well as their attitudes. There was no denying the stoic natures the two received from their father, but Itachi was still far kinder than Sasuke.
'Itachi really is something different' Natsumi thought thinking back to the young man and how he contrasted from Sasuke making her release a heavy sigh, which caught the attention of the teen boy beside her.
"What's wrong with you?" Sasuke asked raising a brow at Natsumi, who quickly responded as she shook her head in a dismissive manner.
"Nothing" she immediately replied, making the boy narrow his eyes at her as he could tell she was lying.
'She's probably uncomfortable over the events at lunch' Sasuke thought looking over the telling body language Natsumi wore. She seemed to avoid meeting his gaze as she had a light pink blush across her face. 'I don't blame her though' Sasuke thought turning his attention back to the view below the pair.
"Natsumi" he said catching the girl's attention as she looked over him.
"Hn" she replied.
"We should head back" he suggested, as the girl furrowed her brows in confusion.
"Sure" she said simply shrugging her shoulders as the Uchiha stood from his spot and offered a hand to assist in helping her rise.
"Unless you prefer to spend the day in a dress" he said motioning to the girl's outfit as he pulled her to her feet, and barely took notice that her heels were missing, leaving her feet exposed.
"I took the heels off in the car" Natsumi informed him as she took notice of how the boy seemed to stare downward.
"Hn, well I'm going to let Naruto know we're coming over for a while and that I'm going to borrow some clothes" Sasuke nodded in understanding before informing the girl of his plans before the pair returned to the car.
The first stop the Uchiha made was at large house that the teen girl did not recognize as the teens pulled into the driveway. It was a rather large home with an off yellow color, two stories, large bay windows, a huge yard, and an attached garage.
"Where are we?" Natsumi asked curiously taking in the sight as Sasuke began to remove his seat belt.
"The dobe's house, I figured we could hang out here before we head to your house" Sasuke explained. "Besides I think I'm going to borrow some clothes from him so I don't have to go home" he went on as he looked at Natsumi expectantly. The young girl quickly understood what he met with his look, as she followed him to the front door, where the pair was met by their blonde friend.
"Sasuke, Natsumi" Naruto welcomed the two teens into the house, leading them upstairs to what Natsumi assumed to be his room, which in comparison to Sasuke's, seemed like a tornado had just torn through with the mess of empty instant ramen containers, clothes, and trash that littered not only his floor but his unmade bed as well.
"Nice to see you cleaned up for us" Sasuke said sarcastically as he navigated his way through the mess to the blonde's closet.
"Oh yeah sorry about that I was kind of busy" Naruto awkwardly laughed as Natsumi gave him a 'really?' look. "Anyways how about I give you a tour while Sasuke changes" the blonde offered taking hold of Natsumi's hand and leading her back down stairs.
"Uh ok" Natsumi said as she was pulled along.
"This is my godfather Jiraiya" Naruto said releasing Natsumi's hand as he pointed to a picture of an older man who looked about 50, tall, with long unruly spiky hair, wearing a robe and large smile outside what looked like a mixed bathing bathhouse.
"Hn" Natsumi replied looking over the picture, before letting her eyes wonder over the various other pictures that decorated the walls, showing the man with a growing Naruto either eating or on vacations. "You had quiet the childhood" Natsumi commented earning a agreeing nod from Naruto before her gaze fell onto an older looking photo among the others, depicting a young couple, the man with spiky blonde hair and blue eyes much like Naruto's with his arms wrapped around a woman with long red hair and a bright smile who held an infant.
"Those are my parents" Naruto said drawing Natsumi's attention away from the photo. "They ... were in an accident a long time ago" he said sadly. "That's why the old man raised me" Naruto explained shifting his gaze to the ground.
"I- I'm so sorry Naruto" Natsumi said furrowing her brows in concern.
"What? You don't have to apologize Natsumi" Naruto said waving off the young girl with a smile. "It happened a long time ago, and besides things weren't that bad" he went on. "Jiraiya knew them way back in the day and after the accident he took me in like his own" Naruto continued.
"He sounds like a great person" Natsumi said.
"For the most part he can be strong and caring and he's really well-respected in the community, he always makes time for others ... but he's still a real pervert" Naruto said alarming Natsumi at how drastically the way he described the man changed.
"Wh-what?" Natsumi asked raising a brow at Naruto.
"He makes a living off a series of adult novels" the blonde explained making Natsumi give him an even more confused look, prompting the boy to pull out a set of books that seemed to be the same novels that a certain teacher of theirs seemed so enthralled in.
"Uh what do you mean 'adult novels'?" Natsumi asked taking one of the books from Naruto and opening a page, but before she could read she was interrupted by Sasuke.
"Are you really showing her Jiraiya's books?" the Uchiha asked snidely catching Natsumi's attention as she closed the book and turned to see the boy descend the staircase in a pair of grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt, as well as a pair of white shoes he'd borrowed from Naruto.
"So he's a writer" Natsumi stated rolling her eyes at Sasuke's tone.
"Yeah" Naruto replied turning to put the books back. "I can't really see the appeal of his books but he makes a pretty good living off of them" Naruto went on.
"Hn" Natsumi responded, nodding in agreement as she noted the large house the teens currently stood in. "Well its good you two seem so close ... where is he?" Natsumi asked looking around to the many pictures of Naruto and the man.
"He does his best to be here for me but the research for his books keeps him busy" Naruto explained pointing to a specific line up of pictures that showed Jiraiya smiling outside a bathhouse, walking in with a thumb up, and exiting being chased by a group of angry woman.
'What kind of research is he doing?' Natsumi thought alarmed.
"For the most part leaving Naruto alone" Sasuke said once again interjecting himself into the conversation before Naruto decided to complete the tour. He took the teens throughout the home, showing them the kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, the office, the Master bedroom, the guest room, garage, back yard, and finally ending in Naruto's room. Once here the group had started a movie, clearing off Naruto's bed to be able to sit.
"Alright we can go" Sasuke said as film finished.
"Oh you guys didn't want to stick around longer" Naruto offered as Sasuke began making his way to the door with Natsumi following.
"I told you we were only stopping by for a bit" Sasuke said in a monotone voice.
"Yeah I know but I thought we could watch another movie and eat ramen" the blonde offered following Sasuke back down the stairs, as Natsumi followed him out as well, taking one last look at the mess.
"You can do that by yourself" Sasuke replied back as he continued on his way making Naruto argue back and a small smile cross Natsumi's face as she followed the pair of boys, taking in their argument, until the realization of the events to come with Sasuke and her mother sunk in making her quiver.
...
Dinner with Sasuke was as eventful as Natsumi had thought it would be with her mother. The Uchiha made himself far too comfortable in making conversation with Natsumi's mother as well as going through the promised baby pictures, leaving the dark haired teen girl mortified.
"And this one is from when her grandfather came to visit" Natsumi's mother said pointing to a picture of an elderly man holding up a chubby infant Natsumi.
"Why is she looking down?" Sasuke asked curiously.
"Her cheeks were too heavy for her lift her face" Natsumi's mother replied jokingly.
"Mom I think that's enough" Natsumi whined from her seat in between Sasuke and her mother, with the large baby binder open on her lap.
"Natsumi don't be so brash we're not even half way through this book yet" her mother replied with a closed eyed smile that struck a nerve with Natsumi and caused Sasuke to shoot her a knowing look.
"What's the matter?" Sasuke asked in a mocking tone that made one of Natsumi's brows twitch in annoyance.
"You know what-"Natsumi began to shoot back, before being interrupted by the sound of her mother loudly clearing her throat.
"Now Natsumi he's our guest" her mother said back hushing her teen daughter.
Natsumi inwardly groaned as she decided to hold her tongue and allow the torture to continue much to her annoyance. The rest of the evening followed this pattern until the Uchiha had left for the night, offering her mother a polite departure while giving Natsumi a blank stare that she came to expect.
"I like him" her mother said after he left, earning a stoic stare from her daughter before the pair went about silently cleaning before bed.
'What a day' Natsumi thought lying in her bed as she thought over the events, and she couldn't help but let her mind think to the Uchiha lunch, it was bad, but at the same time she was happy that Mikoto wasn't the only one capable of real human emotion, thanks to Itachi.
'Hn Itachi' she thought beginning to feel herself drift off.
...
A/N: So she has finally met Itachi I know it took a while but like all good things it takes time. I have lots of plans for their future relationship development so those things are in the works but for now let me know you're thoughts in the comments and I hope you're excited for next week's chapter. As always please read and review
