Best Friend's Brother 29

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters used aside from my OC.

After listening to an array of Natsumi's songs that concentrated on the emotional distress of the girl's lack of romance, the trio arrived at the Uchiha residence. Exiting the car, Natsumi felt like her face was on fire but thankfully neither Itachi nor Sasuke noticed.

"Thank you for the ride" Itachi said to Sasuke as he closed the door. "I'll have Kisame pick me up later to go pick up my car" Itachi stated.

"Hn" Sasuke said with a nod as he closed his door.

The group made their way to the garage exit in silence as Natsumi hoped her blush of embarrassment had gone away leaving her with a neutral colored face as they approached the front door. As they walked in they were immediately met with the tight embraces of Mikoto to welcome them in.

"Natsumi" Mikoto said as her arms encased the teen. "I was so happy when Sasuke said you'd be coming over" she said happily as she released her and smiled at the teen.

Natsumi smiled back before Mikoto moved on to Itachi and Sasuke. After greeting the woman, Natsumi watched as Itachi made his way to the basement while she and Sasuke made their way up stairs. It was quiet between the pair as they sat back on Sasuke's bed and began to take out their homework to work on in silence. Yet this bliss was soon interrupted by the ringing of Natsumi's phone.

"Who is it?" Sasuke asked curiously as he noticed the confused look on Natsumi's face.

Natsumi didn't recognize the number. As she looked to Sasuke, she shrugged before sliding her thumb across the screen and holding her device to her ear.

"Hello" Natsumi spoke calmly as she waited for a reply from the other line.

"Natsumi?" a familiar female voice asked from the other line.

Natsumi's eyes lit ablaze in surprise as she recognized the voice.

"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked as Natsumi put her phone down to sigh.

"Hello? Natsumi? Was that Sasuke talking just now?" the female voice inquired loudly.

Natsumi brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of her nose as she shut her eyes and released a heavy sigh. Sasuke raised a brow in curiosity before Natsumi brought the device back to her ear.

"Sakura ... How'd you get my number?" Natsumi asked bluntly.

Sasuke gave a bewildered look, before he scoffed.

"Naruto" Sasuke said simply.

Natsumi rolled her eyes at Sasuke's answer, as she waited for the pink haired girl to reply. Yet as a moment of silence passed, Natsumi hummed in annoyance, prompting Sakura to speak.

"Well you never really confirmed anything about Ino's sleepover, so Ino and I went to your house and we talked to your mom" Sakura said making Natsumi notably stiffen.

It was silent as Natsumi processed this information and Sasuke watched curiously.

"You talked to my mom?" Natsumi asked after a while.

"Well yeah, she said that you didn't mention the sleepover so we told her about our plans and she said she was happy you had plans" Sakura said happily from the other line.

'It's like there's no sense of boundaries' Natsumi thought in annoyance as Sasuke returned his attention back to his text book.

"So we started talking more and she invited us to stay for dinner" Sakura said making Natsumi inwardly groan.

It was silent for a while. Awkward tension was evident.

"So you and Ino are at my house?" Natsumi asked after a while as she spoke into the line.

"Yeah, you're mom said we could wait until you got home, but since you weren't back she gave me your number to call you" Sakura explained making Natsumi face palm.

"Are you at Sasuke's? I thought I heard him earlier" Sakura then inquired making Natsumi scoff. "We could come pick you up if you want ... or you could even invite him over too?" Sakura mused excitedly from the other line.

"You know Sakura; it's fine because I'm already on my way out" Natsumi lied earning a disappointed whine from the other line as she began packing her things into her bag.

"Oh alright then" Sakura said in disappointment. "Well we'll see you when you get here" the girl said.

"Hn" Natsumi replied back before hanging up her device and she continued packing up.

"Do you need a ride?" Sasuke asked catching the girl's attention as she slung her bag over her shoulder and stood from his bed.

"Not unless you want to see your fan club" Natsumi replied sarcastically making Sasuke scoff. "That's what I thought, I'll see you later" Natsumi said simply as she stood and made her way to the door.

Sasuke shook his head at the girl's antics, simply giving her a small wave as she smiled to him and nodded while she exited his bedroom door.

...

After saying goodbye to Mikoto and leaving the Uchiha residence Natsumi began to make her way home. It was quiet for the most part until Natsumi's phone rang again. The dark haired girl released a heavy sigh, before pulling it out and half expecting to see Sakura's number, but instead seeing her mother's name. Natsumi immediately answered and brought her phone to her ear.

"Hello" Natsumi spoke into her device. "Mom?" she asked after a moment of silence.

"Natsumi, where are you?" her mother asked with a sense of urgency in her voice.

"Walking home" Natsumi replied wearily. "Is everything alright?" Natsumi asked hearing the panic in her mother's voice.

When her mother grew silent over the line, Natsumi stopped walking as she waited for her mother to say more.

"I thought you should know that Mitaka is in town" her mother said, making the teen stiffen.

Natsumi sucked in a breath of air.

"How do you know?" Natsumi asked in a serious tone.

"He called" her mother replied simply. "Apparently your father sent him to discuss the plans for your father's company trip next month" the woman said.

Natsumi scoffed before running a hand through her dark tresses and resuming walking.

"What does that have to do with me? I thought that was for board members only." Natsumi asked in disbelief.

"Apparently there has been a change of plans to the itinerary as the trip has been opened up to include family members if they choose to go" her mother said making Natsumi stop again.

"Why couldn't he discuss that with me while he was here on Saturday?" asked Natsumi pinching her nose bridge.

"I know you're upset since this is a last minute thing but Mitaka said that your father seemed adamant about you attending" her mother replied.

'As if I have a choice' Natsumi thought.

"This is unbelievable" Natsumi said releasing a heavy sigh. "When should we be expecting Mitaka?" Natsumi asked bitterly.

"I told him we had a prior commitment this evening, but he said he was already expecting to stay a few days so it would be no issue" her mother said making Natsumi face palm.

'I just can't catch a break today' Natsumi thought taking another deep breath to steady her temper.

"Alright" Natsumi said in an exasperated tone before resuming walking once more.

"Ok dear" Natsumi's mother said. "I'm going to go ahead and finish up dinner, so we can all eat when you get home" her mother said, making Natsumi inwardly groan, before her mother hung up.

"First Sakura and now Mitaka" Natsumi complained shutting her eyes as she sighed.

She'd taken a few more steps when suddenly the dark haired girl was brought to another abrupt halt as she felt an arm wrap around her from the behind and pull her back so her back was pressed against the stranger's chest. Natsumi felt the arm around her tighten as the girl felt herself being pulled back more, so she acted quickly, biting down on the arm which caused it to loosen. As she was released she then quickly turned around sending a kick to her assaulter's groin. As the man released a screech of pain, her eyes widened as she watched him fall to his knees and onto his back.

"Mr. Mitaka?" Natsumi asked in disbelief as she looked down and recognized the shocked dark haired man.

Mr. Mitaka shut his eyes tightly in pain as he brought his hands to his injured area. He was surprised that Natsumi had reacted so quickly and based off the look on his face this wasn't the expected outcome. The man wore a black suit that had the jacket undone to reveal his white button up and grey neck tie along with a pair of black business shoes.

"At least your reflexes haven't gone bad" the man wheezed after a while as he tried to take a few deep breaths to calm himself.

"Mitaka" Natsumi said in annoyance.

"Natsumi" the man said addressing the teen, after regaining his composure.

She watched as he steadied his breathing before sitting up and turning back to face the girl.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Natsumi asked angrily as she balled her fists.

Mitaka quickly scrambled to his feet, dusting himself off before looking at the girl. Natsumi watched as the man gave a light chuckle as he looked at her before looking around and running a hand through his black locks. With the commotion of their encounter, some civilians had begun to gather, keeping a close eye on the man as he stood before the teen girl.

"Natsumi why don't you lower your voice?" Mr. Mitaka asked casually as he raised his hands to the girl.

Natsumi raised a brow at the man before she scoffed as she noticed the worried glances she was receiving from some of the people who were nearby.

"Tell me the purpose for your actions or I will scream" Natsumi said in a threatening tone.

The man stiffened as he looked at her. Natsumi narrowed her eyes at him, before he smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder while leaning down to her.

"There's no need to make a scene, I was just following your father's orders after all" the man said trying to reassure the teen girl as the civilians watched intently to make sure that the teen would be alright.

Natsumi pushed his hand away before placing her hands on her hips.

"And what orders were those?" Natsumi asked angrily.

Mitaka smiled nervously to the crowd of on lookers before turning back to Natsumi.

"He wanted to be sure that being here didn't mean you had dropped your guard completely, so he told me to –" he began to explain before being cut off.

"To attack me?" Natsumi asked bluntly.

Mitaka gave the girl a guilty look before running a hand through his hair again as he looked to the side.

"How'd you even find me?" Natsumi asked now crossing her arms over her chest.

It was silent as the girl waited for the man to reply. By now the curious crowd sensed that the pair knew one another so they began to turn their attention away. Natsumi gave an annoyed hum after a while, prompting the man to hurry.

"Coincidence" Mitaka replied simply looking down to meet to intense stare of Natsumi's brown orbs.

"Don't lie to me" Natsumi warned.

"I just arrived in Konoha and called your mother, I was on my way to my hotel when I saw you so I followed you" the man said, making a look of disbelief cross the teen girl's face.

"You are unbelievable you know that?" Natsumi asked rhetorically.

"I was only following orders" Mr. Mitaka replied simply.

"Well obviously my guard hasn't been let down ... or do you plan on assaulting me spontaneously throughout your whole stay to confirm this?" Natsumi asked sarcastically, hoping he could hear the harshness of her tone.

Mr. Mitaka did not reply, making Natsumi release a huff of annoyance before side stepping the man to walk passed him, but being stopped when he reached out and grabbed her by the arm.

"What are you doing?" Natsumi asked after coming to a halt again.

"Allow me to give you a ride home" he offered pulling the girl toward him.

"I'll pass" Natsumi said narrowing her eyes at the man, yet before she was able to pull her arm free of his grasp, he suddenly tightened his grip much to the girl's surprise.

"I think you should let me do this to make amends" he stated making the girl raise a brow at him.

"And I think you should let go!" Natsumi said raising her voice slightly as she tried to pull back from Mitaka.

Yet neither was prepared for what happened next. Suddenly a blaze of orange went by as Mitaka's face was met with a punch. The dark haired man released Natsumi's arm as he fell back. The girl's brows shot up in surprise as she looked down at Mitaka's unconscious body before nervously looking up to his assaulter.

"Jugo" Natsumi said in a small voice as the boy's eyes turned from the man on the ground to the girl beside him.

The orange haired young man looked as riled up as the day he grabbed Natsumi. The familiar look of rage in his eyes made Natsumi swallow hard as she tried to maintain a calm demeanor.

'Sasuke's not coming this time' Natsumi thought as her and Jugo's eyes locked. 'If I'm not careful I could get hurt ... but even worse ... Mitaka ...' Natsumi thought as her gaze shifted to the dark haired man that was still not moving.

Jugo shifted making Natsumi jump as she turned back to him. The orange haired boy made a move toward Mitaka, prompting a reaction Natsumi wasn't expecting from herself. After all she'd be lying if she said there wasn't at least a small part of her that wanted him to strike Mitaka again, but she stopped him because regardless of any petty feelings she had, she still had a conscience that told her it would've been wrong to abandon the man. So Natsumi had stepped in front of Jugo holding both her hands up.

"Jugo its ok" the girl said calmly as she tried to maintain a steady voice.

Jugo stopped.

"Move" Jugo commanded in the same harsh tone the girl recognized from before.

Natsumi didn't move, instead doing her best to keep a calm composure although she felt her fear ratcheting.

"No" Natsumi said sternly.

Jugo looked down at the girl with dangerous eyes, giving her a stare that would make anyone's heart stop, but the girl stood unwavering.

"Move" Jugo said once more in the same tone.

Natsumi swallowed as she tried to think of a way to get the young man to stop. She bit the inside of her cheek in thought before an idea struck her.

"You need to stop or Sasuke's going to hear about this and he won't be happy" Natsumi said as Jugo started to reach to push her out of the way.

The boy immediately halted in his actions, and after a moment, she'd wondered if she had made the right call. She racked her brain, trying to think of something else but after a while she was surprised when the menacing stare dissipated and was instead replaced as his eyes softened.

"I-I ...I'm ... I'm sorry" Jugo sputtered out taking a step back as his brows furrowed.

"It's ok" Natsumi said wearily as she continued to stand in front of Mitaka.

Jugo looked at the girl with worry filled eyes before turning his gaze to the ground as he brought his hands to his head.

"Jugo its ok-" Natsumi tired in a reassuring voice before being cut off.

"I- I saw him grab you ... and when I got closer I heard you tell him to let go ..." Jugo said guiltily.

Natsumi's brows furrowed after hearing this.

"I ... he ..." Natsumi started to explain before falling silent as Mitaka released a groan from behind her.

Natsumi turned to see the man start to stir before looking back to Jugo who still looked downward.

"I'm sorry Jugo but it wasn't what it looked like ... he works for my father and ... it's a long story, but I appreciate what you did" Natsumi said catching the young man's attention as he looked up at her. "Thank you" Natsumi said with a small smile as Jugo gave her a shocked look.

"Jugo!" Suigetsu suddenly called as he rushed over to the scene. "What happened?!" the white haired boy asked looking to the man lying on the ground.

"I-" Jugo began nervously before being cut off by Natsumi.

"Was looking out for when I was grabbed" Natsumi said catching the pair's attention as she motioned to Mitaka.

Suigetsu gave the girl a baffled look before turning to Jugo with wide eyes.

"Good job man!" Suigetsu praised slapping a hand on the orange haired boy's back. "I wouldn't expect you to be the heroic type, but I have to say I'm a little more surprised you didn't kill the guy" Suigetsu laughed, before Mitaka released another groan that caught the attention of the teens.

Natsumi immediately turned to face the man as his brows creased and pained look crossed his face as his eyes were still closed.

"We should get out of here before he wakes up" Suigetsu said catching Natsumi's attention as she turned to him.

Much to the girl's surprise the white haired boy held a hand out to her but Natsumi shook her head no, surprising him.

'I can't just leave him here ... god I hate this' Natsumi thought releasing a heavy sigh.

"He's my father's employee" Natsumi said making Suigetsu drop his hand as his eyes widened.

"You know him? But I thought you said Jugo protected you from him?" Suigetsu asked in confusion.

Natsumi released a huff as she looked down at the man on the ground before turning back to the boys.

"It was a misunderstanding" Natsumi said simply with a shrug.

It was quiet as Suigetsu processed this information.

"He won't call the cops right?" Suigetsu suddenly asked breaking the silence.

Natsumi looked back down at Mitaka, biting the inside of her cheek in thought before replying.

"He was out before he hit the ground so he wouldn't know what to report ... besides it was his own fault" Natsumi said looking back to Suigetsu who released a breath of relief.

"Alright well it looks like you have everything handled here so we're going to head out" Suigetsu said slinging an arm around Jugo's shoulders before turning to leave.

Natsumi gave a small wave before turning her attention fully to the man on the ground.

"Mr. Mitaka" Natsumi said nudging the man with her foot as he started coming to.

Slowly his eyes fluttered open before focusing on the girl standing beside him. He looked toward Natsumi before and bringing his hand to his face where he was struck and slightly wincing as he touched the spot that was sure to bruise.

"What happened?" he asked staring up at the sky.

Natsumi smiled, knowing his pride was probably more hurt than anything else.

"A bird came out of nowhere and the next thing I knew you were down" Natsumi said sarcastically in shock.

Mr. Mitaka narrowed his eyes at the girl.

"Ok fine ... You were punched" Natsumi admitted with a smug smile playing across her lips.

Mr. Mitaka slowly sat up, keeping a hand on his cheek.

"I thought I heard you talking with some people ... so what hooligan friends were they?" the man asked bluntly.

Natsumi scoffed before placing a hand on her hip and extending the other to the man sitting on the ground. Looking up at the teen, Mitaka was surprised that she offered her help, so he took her hand as she helped him stand.

"You're not going to answer my question?" Mitaka asked as he stood and Natsumi released his hand.

"You know you have a lot of nerve speaking so brashly" Natsumi stated in an annoyed tone.

"I'm the one who got hit!" Mitaka argued with his own annoyance growing.

"You're also the one who initiated the altercation that drew the attention of a concerned civilian. I said to let go and although it went unnoticed by you, it wasn't by him. So you should feel lucky that I stopped him and just let it go!" Natsumi said sternly.

Mitaka gave the girl a bewildered look before removing his hand from his cheek.

"How do you expect me to let this go? I'm sure your father wouldn't share the same viewpoint after seeing this!" Mr. Mitaka exclaimed pointing to his bruising cheek. "Don't you think he would want more information in regards to how you're involved with such shady people?!" Mitaka asked angrily.

Natsumi's gaze then darkened as she looked over the man.

"Then I would hope you do well in practicing your explanation of how following his orders led to an altercation with a concerned bystander" Natsumi said in a commanding tone.

"Are you asking me to lie to your father?" Mr. Mitaka asked slightly put off by the authority in the girl's voice.

"I'm not asking" Natsumi stated staring at the man. "You could tell him that or explain how you were taken down with one hit and left his daughter to fend for herself against your attacker and that this attack wouldn't have taken place if not for your persistence in crowding his daughter ... the same daughter that he has told you time and time again to only address as 'Ms. Nakamaru' but who you've so far called twice by her first name instead ... I wonder how much more information he'd want after he's done addressing your shortcomings" the girl threatened, making the man stare at her in disbelief.

Natsumi crossed her arms over her chest as she stared up at the man, waiting on his reply. It was silent before Mitaka released a breath and a small chuckle escaped him. Natsumi raised a brow at the man, as his laughter continued.

"You really are so much like your father sometimes" the man said after a while, earning a glare from the dark haired teen.

"I'm not in a gaming mood Mitaka" Natsumi said in annoyance.

"Forgive me" the man said calming his laughter. "You are right" he admitted looking to meet Natsumi's gaze. "I understand there would be more issues with the later choice and the lecture on how I address you isn't one I need repeated, so rest assured I will not press the topic of your friends" the man said making the girl release a breath as she looked to the side. "But since it is going to be something that stays between us ... perhaps it wouldn't be an issue to drop the professionalism? I think I prefer calling you Natsumi over Ms. Nakamaru after all" Mr. Mitaka said with a small smile.

"Oh so should I call you Shun?" Natsumi asked sarcastically before scoffing as she looked to the side.

Mitaka's smile fell as he looked at Natsumi.

"I prefer not seeing you at all, but if I must then I prefer that you address me as Ms. Nakamaru" Natsumi stated firmly looking back to the man with a serious expression.

Mr. Mitaka stared at the girl before a sad smile crossed his face and he simply nodded in understanding. It was silent between the two as more people passed by the pair.

"I guess it can't be helped ... maybe one day I can call you Natsumi again" Mitaka said hopefully as he straightened out his suit.

"Maybe not, after all the only ones I would allow are my parents and friends" Natsumi said with a stoic expression.

"I remember you once said I was your first friend" Mitaka said catching the girl's attention as she turned to him with her brows raised in surprise.

Mr. Mitaka smiled at her making her ball her fists before narrowing her eyes at the man.

"As you'd expect from a naïve child that wasn't allowed much social interaction aside from her etiquette trainer who would inevitably go on to use her to secure a better job under her father" Natsumi stated making a guilty look wash over the man.

An awkward silence fell over the pair after Natsumi spoke. The silence went on until her phone started ringing, catching their attention. Looking at the caller ID, Natsumi released a heavy sigh before looking up to see Mitaka giving her a curious look.

"My mom" Natsumi informed the man.

Natsumi contemplated declining the call as she looked at the screen. She knew her mother was probably wondering where she was since the walk home wouldn't have taken this long. Natsumi looked down to her ringing phone before looking back at him and seeing the man wince as he touched his cheek.

'He needs to stop messing with it and put ice on it ... it won't help with the color but it'll at least stop it from swelling' Natsumi thought looking to the side as she ran a hand through her hair. 'The idiot will probably wait until he gets back to hotel to take care of it ... it's none of my business' Natsumi thought.

Mitaka then moved his hand from his cheek to the back of his head and it was then a thought struck Natsumi.

'Damn it he hit the ground pretty hard ... what if his head is hurt' the teen wondered.

"I'm going to need a long nap after the long day I've had" Mitaka complained, making the teen roll her eyes.

'Doesn't he know he shouldn't lie down after getting a head injury ... idiot' Natsumi thought before feeling a wave of guilt. 'It's his own fault ... but I can't help but feel responsible ... so should I help?' the teen pondered before the anxiety of her phone's ring became too much and she answered.

"Hey mom" Natsumi spoke into her device as she answered her phone. "Yeah I'm still in route but I just got a little sidetracked ... ok I'll be there soon" Natsumi spoke before hanging up and looking to the dark haired man in front of her.

"We need to put ice on that" Natsumi said surprising him as she pointed to his cheek.

The dark haired man brought a hand up to touch the injured flesh before Natsumi reached out and took hold of his hand. He gave the girl a surprised look before following her as she pulled him toward a well-lit street full of vendors.

"Where are we going?" Mitaka asked curiously.

"I just said we needed to put ice on your face or would you prefer that it swells?" the teen asked glancing at the man over her shoulder.

Natsumi led Mitaka to Ichiraku Ramen, lifting the banner as they entered; she smiled upon being greeted by the warmth and aroma of ramen.

"Natsumi!" The teen was greeted by the father and daughter in unison.

"Hello" Natsumi said walking up to the counter and smiling at the pair behind the counter.

"You missed your friends earlier" Ayame informed the girl. "They mentioned you might have other plans with ... you know never mind" she went on before taking notice to the man at the teen's side. "Did you want menus for you and ..." Ayame started to ask before trailing off.

Natsumi sucked in a breath at the mention of her group of friends, cautiously looking to the side to note the look of intrigue that Mitaka wore. It was at this moment that the teen realized she held the man's hand, so she quickly released and took a step to the side to put some distance between them.

"Um no it's ok I was just hoping we could stop in and get some ice ... he had a bit of an accident and this was the first place I thought of since we were close" the teen explained wearily.

"Of course!" both the father and daughter replied in unison.

Natsumi watched as Ayame made her way to the back before returning with a small bag of ice and wrapping a white rag around it.

"Thank you" Natsumi said taking the pack from the girl with an appreciative smile.

"Yes we appreciate it very much" Mitaka interjected taking a step closer to Natsumi.

"Why don't you two go ahead and take a seat while I get you some water" Ayame offered kindly.

Natsumi had started to shake her head no before being cut off as Mitaka placed an arm around her shoulders.

"We'd really appreciate that" the dark haired man said with a smile. "We had a couple things to discuss anyways" he said looking to Natsumi, who raised a brow at him, in question before pushing his arm off.

"We really shouldn't I have to get home for dinner and it'd be rude to take up space for customers" Natsumi partially lied.

"It's no problem at all Natsumi, we're not that busy tonight anyways" Ayame cut in as she returned to set two glasses of water down at the counter.

Mitaka smiled in thanks before taking a seat in one of the stools and turning to Natsumi with an expectant look. The teen released a breath of discontent before slowly nodding and taking a seat as well. As soon as she sat the girl held the ice pack to Mitaka who accepted it and placed it on his cheek.

"By the way my name in Shun Mitaka" Mitaka said after taking a sip of his water and looking up at the pair behind the counter.

"My name is Teuchi and this is my daughter Ayame" the owner replied with a kind smile.

'That's his name ... I thought it was Ichiraku this whole time' Natsumi thought having a light pink blush dust over her cheeks in embarrassment.

"You have a lovely shop" Mitaka said politely smiling at the pair.

"Thank you" Teuchi replied proudly as he wiped his hands on a rag. "I'm told we have 'the best ramen ever'" the man said with a light chuckle.

"Right Natsumi?" Teuchi asked bringing the teen out of her thoughts as she looked at him before smiling and nodding in agreement. "So Mitaka, what brings you to Konoha?" Teuchi asked turning back to the dark haired as he picked up his own water to take a sip.

Natsumi knew the owner was a conversationalist so his questioning of Mitaka may take a while. Natsumi felt a nervous pit form in her stomach as she tried not to think of how late she would be and in turn how upset her mother would be. Taking a deep breath to calm herself the teen then picked up her water to take a gulp as her mouth grew dry.

"Natsumi" Mitaka replied simply, catching the owner off guard and making the older man spit out his water.

Natsumi too choked on her water as Teuchi turned to her with wide eyes and it was then she realized why he wore such a concerned look.

"She's underage" Teuchi then said in a tone of disbelief while the teen girl continued chocking.

Ayame rushed around the counter, quickly patting the girl's back to sooth her coughing while her father stared at Mitaka angrily. It was in this moment that Mitaka realized the implications of his words. The dark haired man's eyes grew wide and he quickly glanced to the side to see Ayame's arms wrapped protectively around the teen as she glared at him with a disapproving look before turning to see Teuchi radiating a dark aura as it seemed he was ready to hit him.

"I think there's been a misunderstanding" Mitaka quickly said waving his hands in front of him. "I work under her" he tried explaining only to be cut short by a gasp from Ayame.

"You what?!" Teuchi asked angrily as he held up a ladle to strike the dark haired man.

By now Natsumi's coughing fit had ceased, leaving the teen to try to clear her throat before shaking her own hands in front of her.

"He's works for my father!" Natsumi cut in, bringing the room to silence as all three adults turned to her. "Mr. Mitaka is my father's employee; he's only in town to discuss the matters of one of my father's company trips. He serves the Nakamaru Company as an attorney but really he'll do anything asked of him" the teen quickly explained.

Teuchi lowered his ladle and Ayame's grip loosened as they blinked and processed this information. Mitaka and Natsumi both released breaths of relief.

"So this man works for your family?" Ayame asked looking to the teen girl.

Natsumi nodded.

"And he's not trying to be inappropriate with you?" Teuchi asked wearily.

Immediately Natsumi and Mitaka shook their heads no.

"Well don't we seem we foolish" Teuchi laughed setting down his ladle and placing his hands on his hips.

"We're so sorry" Ayame apologized bowing to Mitaka.

"We'll make it up to you, your orders on the house" Teuchi added in.

"But we didn't order anything" Natsumi replied in a confused tone.

Teuchi placed a hand under his chin in thought while Ayame made her way back behind the counter.

"Well then I guess you'll just have to use it the next time you come in" Teuchi said with a smile as Natsumi and Mitaka sweat dropped.

'He sure changed his mood really quick' Natsumi thought.

"How long are you going to be in Konoha?" Teuchi asked looking to Mitaka.

The dark haired man looked at him with wide eyes.

"Just a couple days" he replied wearily as Teuchi nodded in understanding.

"Then it's settled, you can use it before he leaves." Teuchi exclaimed crossing his arms over his chest.

Natsumi looked to the side to see Mitaka wearing a confused look. The dark haired teen contemplated turning down the offer, before thinking about how it might offend the owner.

"Well ..." Mitaka started wearily before being cut off by the owner.

"You know it'd be really rude to decline, after all I have customers that would kill for this offer" Teuchi said giving the man a hard stare that made him shut his mouth.

Mitaka looked to the side, waiting for Natsumi to speak.

"We'll be in tomorrow then" Natsumi said with a nod of appreciation, that immediately made a smile light up the owner's face. "Besides we'll have matters to discuss then rather than now" Natsumi said turning to Mitaka who simply gave a single nod, changing his mind on eating there after almost being assaulted.

The tension in the air seemed to calm after this as Teuchi resumed questioning Mitaka on where he was from and what he did for a living. Natsumi zoned out as she went about finishing her water. After while the dark haired teen had finished her glass before hearing Mitaka ask a question that caught her interest.

"So Mr. Teuchi, forgive my asking but I'm curious about something" Mitaka stated finishing up the last of his water.

"Go ahead and ask" Teuchi replied with a nod.

Natsumi raised a brow as she glanced at Mitaka.

"You seemed to act very quickly in defense of Natsumi and I just want to know why?" Mitaka asked making Natsumi stiffened before her eyes drifted to the pair behind the counter.

Ayame's cheeks dusted in a light blush as she looked down and smiled while her father looked down and released a light chuckle.

"You're a young man Mr. Mitaka but do you have kids?" Teuchi asked earning a head shake no. "Well the short answer is it's what any father would do" he said simply.

"What's the long answer?" Mitaka asked curiously.

"Ayame may be my only daughter, but Konoha is the type of place where we look out for one another. So in a way I like to see my regulars like an extension of my family" the man explained making a look of shock cross the teen girl's face as she took in this information. "Granted Natsumi has only been here a handful of times, but from what we've seen she's a sweet girl who hangs out with a good group of friends. And with that in mind she'll always be welcomed like any of the others and I wouldn't hesitate to look out for her" the man went on making a feeling of warmth envelope the teen as she took in the kind words.

Teuchi turned to Natsumi, giving the girl a smile while Mitaka nodded in understanding.

"Small town mentalities certainly hold much sentiment" Mitaka said in a low voice looking to the side, earning a sideways glare from Natsumi. "It's very charming" the man said ignoring Natsumi's stare as he looked at Teuchi with a light smile. "And in a way I can understand, I've been working with Natsumi's father since I graduated law school" he said making the teen stiffen. "So in a way I feel like I'm a part of the Nakamaru name sometimes" he said with a grin as he set down the ice pack he held to his cheek.

"Hold your tongue" Natsumi suddenly said in a harsh tone, catching the attention of the room.

Mitaka looked at the girl with wide eyes.

"Natsumi maybe now isn't the best time-" Mitaka started before being cut off.

"You work for the Nakamaru, never make the mistake of forgetting your place Mitaka" Natsumi said. "You are an employee, and it's time you stopped with your slips of the tongue. I am not Natsumi to you, but Ms. Nakamaru" the girl stated in a commanding tone. "I won't excuse it again now since we are done, go get the car" the girl commanded.

Mitaka stared at her with wide eyes, as he only ever heard that tone of words from her father. The man nervously rose to his feet before nodding in understanding and taking his leave. Natsumi shook her head while releasing a sigh before taking notice to the looks of astonishment worn by Teuchi and Ayame. There was describing the feeling of embarrassment, as Natsumi's harsh demeanor was quickly replaced with one of shame. They watched in disbelief as the sweet girl they defended earlier turn into an assertive authority as she ordered around the older man before shifting back to the shy girl they first met. Natsumi looked down, unable to look the pair in the eyes for a long moment of silence before bowing.

"Please forgive my outburst, it was unbecoming of me to do so" she said before rising up and suddenly being pulled into a hug from Ayame.

'I didn't even notice her come out from the counter again' Natsumi thought in alarm.

After being released Natsumi looked at the girl in shock before turning to Teuchi. Much to her surprise the man smiled to her kindly.

"Your family is a touchy topic" the man said knowingly, as a blush crossed the teen's face.

Natsumi nodded.

"Seeing that change from you isn't one we expected, but your still the same girl to us none the less" Teuchi stated making a smile cross the teens face as her brows furrowed. "Everything is alright Natsumi" the man said reassuringly earning a small nod from the teen.

Natsumi released a breath that she didn't realize she was holding. Natsumi contemplated turning to leave but couldn't bring her feet to move as a new thought plagued her. Slowly she looked up to Teuchi as she began to fiddle with the sleeve of her school jacket.

"I am so sorry about everything but ... please keep this matter between us" the girl pleaded as she bowed again. "Naruto and the others know about some of the things with my father but I never discussed the specifics of the company and Mr. Mitaka with anyone but Sasuke. I'm sorry to ask this but what just happened, I don't want anyone to think of me as such controlling person" Natsumi explained as worry washed over her.

'I sounded just like my father a moment ago ... but that's not who I am. I sounded so cruel and I would never dream for that to be brought out in a moment of rage, yet it did ... what would Naruto and others think to know that I could turn into such a bitch?' Natsumi thought feeling her insides twist as she waited for a reply.

"Natsumi" Teuchi called catching the teen's attention. "You are not what the person you think you are" he stated making the girl's brows raise. "Your outburst was the triggered by the sensitivity you had to the topic. You might not have acted how you usually do but that doesn't mean you are that 'controlling person'" the man said using his fingers to quote 'controlling person'. "Your friends know you and they know you're the same kind girl you've always been." He said reassuringly. "You'll figure that out soon enough for yourself, but for now rest assured that anything you say in this shop will be confidential. After all I've heard tons of secrets throughout the years and not once told a soul" he said with a light chuckle. "You'd be surprised what people discuss over a bowl of ramen" he laughed making a smile cross the girl's face as she felt more at ease.

"Thank you" Natsumi said with an appreciative smile.

"We'll see you tomorrow Natsumi" Teuchi said with a smile as Ayame stood beside him and nodded in agreement.

Natsumi nodded before giving the pair a small wave and turning to leave.

...

A/N: The drama is beginning ... Lots is going on with Natsumi as she is trying to figure her identity out on whom she wants to be as a person. She has a lot on her plate and with the extra stress thanks to her father, and in turn she tends to have a usually negative outlook in regards to him or any matter involving him (i.e. Mr. Mitaka). Yet even if she has a strong disregard (for reasons to be discussed later) she still doesn't want to be cruel which is why she stayed with him because it was the morally correct thing to do. Anyways I hope you all enjoyed the story thus far and I apologize for missing an update last week as I have a bit much on my plate at the moment. None the less thank you for all of your support and all of your comments. I enjoy them very much and hope you continue to read and review. Well until next time friends xoxo and please stay safe