Best Friend's Brother 39

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

'I wonder if it'll fit him' Natsumi thought as she rested her cheek on her hand while staring blankly at her desk. 'It's too bad that there's no way for me to check unless I want him to find out ... what a time to be thinking about this though, it's final's week and I have to give it to him on Friday ... I wonder if he'll like it' Natsumi went on in thought before being interrupted as Iruka-sensei placed a sheet on her desk.

Natsumi blinked a couple times as she sat up straight in her desk and the brown haired man gave her a kind smile before moving on to the next student.

Her brown hues ran over the words on the sheet.

Winter Final's Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1st hour

2nd hour

3rd hour

4th hour

5th hour

6th hour

7th hour

8th hour

1st hour 1st hour 1st hour 1st hour

2nd hour 2nd hour 2nd hour 2nd hour

3rd hour 3rd hour 3rd hour 3rd hour

4th hour 4th hour 4th hour 4th hour

Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

5th hour 5th hour 5th hour 5th hour

6th hour 6th hour 6th hour 6th hour

7th hour 7th hour 7th hour 7th hour

8th hour 8th hour 8th hour 8th hour

Bold- extended class period for final

Italics- shortened regular class period

Regular- regularly scheduled class period

*Friday will be an early dismissal but please be aware that all final grades will need to be inputted by the end of the day- no exceptions*

Looking over the bell schedule for the week, Natsumi released a deep breath.

"Worried?" Sasuke's voice asked making the dark haired girl turn to him. "I know Naruto's been complaining nonstop about the finals, but I figured you would've been more prepared" Sasuke said making the girl scoff.

"I've been studying all month" Natsumi replied. "If anything you should be the one worrying because I just might take your place at top of the class" she went on teasingly.

Natsumi released a small laugh as Sasuke rolled his eyes at her. Iruka-sensei then cleared his throat and brought the attention of the room to him.

"Alright do you guys have any questions regarding your final's schedule?" Iruka asked looking around the room before a certain blonde raised his hand and spoke.

"Yeah I do sensei" Naruto said as he furrowed his brows in confusion. "According to this schedule, our homeroom should be longer so we can take a final but are we even going to take a final for this class?" Naruto asked running a hand through his blonde locks.

"That's a good question" Iruka said. "To be honest the only reason this class was extended was to make it easier to split your other class's times. But Principal Tsunade thought it would a good idea to have you take advantage of the longer period so you could study for your other finals" the man replied.

The class released audible sighs and breaths of relief that made the brown haired man chuckle as he leaned against his desk with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Ok guys let's get to work. I'm sure your other teachers will be giving you study halls as well but you should still take advantage of this time to better prepare" Iruka-sensei said before students went about studying from their various text books and notes.

'So technically we'll have three finals today and four tomorrow' Natsumi thought as she looked back to the sheet in her hands before folding it in half and placing it in her bag as she pulled out her science notebook. 'Orochimaru-sensei's, Kurenai-sensei's and Kakashi-sensei's' Natsumi mentally noted. "I just need to stay focused and I'll be fine' Natsumi thought.

...

Sitting in Kakashi-sensei's class, Natsumi and the other students weren't surprised when their silver haired teacher wasn't in class when the bell rang.

'I guess it's a good thing we don't have our English final today' Natsumi thought as the students around her chattered on about complaints from their other classes.

"Idiots" she heard Sasuke mumble from beside her.

Turning to the Uchiha, Natsumi saw the boy was currently reading over his math text book.

"Not everyone can coast through their finals so easily" Natsumi said earning an annoyed look from the boy.

"Does that mean you struggled?" Sasuke asked making Natsumi raise a brow.

She opened her mouth to reply before being cut off by the boy.

"So much for taking my place at the top of the class" he said looking back to his book as Natsumi narrowed her eyes at him.

"Can you not be a dick for a moment?" Natsumi asked.

"You're the one who sounded so confident earlier" Sasuke replied still looking at his book.

"Well it's only the first day of finals" Natsumi replied. "You're making it sound like I've already failed when we've barely taken two" she said making the dark haired boy look back to her.

"Oh yeah and of those two, how do you think you did?" Sasuke asked.

"Well Orochimaru's wasn't as bad as I thought ... then again I didn't finish as fast as you or Neji ... and Kurenai's was actually pretty easy even if Sai finished before me" Natsumi said making Sasuke give her a perplexed look. "But I think I passed both" Natsumi finished.

"Hn" Sasuke replied. "I guess that explains the confidence ... I might think that too if I had a final for such a laid back elective" he said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Natsumi asked offensively.

"Your Art final" Sasuke replied. "Didn't you say she was just giving you a small questionnaire so you guys could focus on your final term project or whatever?" Sasuke asked.

Natsumi's brows rose in alarm before she crossed her arms over her chest and released a huff as she looked away from him.

"I'm right aren't I?" Sasuke asked in a cocky tone.

"Shut up Sasuke" Natsumi said in an annoyed tone. "Anyways what other final did you take besides Orochimaru's?" she asked looking back to the boy.

"Financial Management" Sasuke replied.

"Whoa I didn't realize you were taking a senior elective" Natsumi said in surprise.

"Itachi and I both had to take the class with the field we'll be entering in" Sasuke said with a shrug.

'For the Uchiha Company' Natsumi thought as she gave the boy a nod of understanding.

"Ok quiet down everyone" Kakashi's voice said gaining the attention of the room as the students turned to see their silver haired teacher enter the room with a stack of papers in his hands. "Today we're going to be discussing your next assignment" he announced as he started handing the stacks to the students in the front to take one and start handing the rest back.

"Most of your teachers may be letting you use their classes as study halls but I thought about it and decided that I'd rather give you guys a head start on your first paper of the next term" the silver haired man explained with a closed eyed smile as his students released groans. "Over the course of the school year you guys are going to have three major papers due. The first one was the essays you completed comparing a few works of literature. This one is going to be an Interview paper. You'll each be selecting an individual to interview. Afterwards you'll take these interviews and be turning them into a five page article that is due when you return in January." Kakashi said earning more complaints from his class.

"But Kakashi-sensei don't you think we could've already had plans for the break that would keep us busy?" Naruto asked as he raised a hand as he spoke.

"It's really not that bad guys" Kakashi said giving the students a blank stare. "But I should tell you that the other requirements of the interview is that whoever the subject is, you can't choose someone who you're related to" Kakashi said making the class break out in protest.

"But Kakashi-sensei some of us are going to be surrounded by nothing but family over break" Sakura said as she raised a hand to speak.

"Then I guess this project is going to require you guys to get out of your comfort zones and get creative with finding a subject" Kakashi replied.

"Fine this will be a piece of cake" Naruto said folding his hands behind his head as he leaned back in his chair.

"Naruto you can't use Jiraiya" Kakashi said making the blonde fall out of his chair.

"Why not?" Naruto asked as he scrambled up from the floor. "We're technically not related" the blonde argued.

"There's still a relation since he's your guardian and not only that but if you try to get him to write another paper for you, I'll know" Kakashi said giving Naruto a knowing look that made the blonde sink back to the floor.

"Well if that's the case then you should make it so students with close bonds with teachers can't interview them" the blonde said standing up and pointing a finger at Kakashi, who rolled his eyes.

"Fine but that's going to take Iruka-sensei off the table for you as well" Kakashi said as he crossed his arms over his chest and Naruto stiffened.

While Naruto went back and forth with Kakashi over the details of the assignment Natsumi let her mind wonder.

'Great now I have to worry about this on top of my other finals' Natsumi thought releasing a small sigh of frustration. 'An interview with someone I'm not related to' Natsumi thought as she thought of her potential people.

...

"Man Kakashi-sensei's math final kicked my ass" Naruto complained as he folded his hands behind his head while walking alongside Natsumi and Sasuke as they walked toward the entrance of the Uchiha residence.

"That's what happens when you cram at the last minute dobe" Sasuke said before opening his front door.

Before Naruto could retort back there was another voice that interrupted as they walked through the front door of the home.

"Welcome back! How were finals?" Mikoto's voice immediately asked as the teens stepped into the home.

"They were fi-" Sasuke started to reply before being cut off by Naruto.

"Super hard and you wouldn't believe what Kakashi-sensei did!" the blonde complained earning an annoyed look from Sasuke while Natsumi rolled her eyes as a small smile crossed her lips.

Mikoto's brows furrowed in sympathy before pulling the blonde boy into a hug as he proceeded to tell her about the day he had while Natsumi and Sasuke proceeded to take off their shoes before being greeted with hugs from the dark haired woman.

"Well you kids make sure to study hard and I'll bring you something to snack on in a bit" she said with a kind smile as the trio began to make their way up to Sasuke's room.

The teens studied for a while until Mikoto made her way up to bring them food. A couple hours passed of nonstop studying before Natsumi decided to excuse herself to take their empty dishes downstairs and use the opportunity to take a slight detour to the basement.

As she made her way down the stairs, she immediately heard the lively sounds of the band members joking around and laughing before hearing Kakuzu yelling at them to get back to work.

"Quit messing around Yahiko and stick to the set" she heard Kakuzu say.

"But Kakuzu it's the holiday season, can't we be a little festive and do a holiday song?" Yahiko's voice asked.

"If it's not a part of the set, you don't need to distract yourselves" she heard Kakuzu reply shortly followed by a groan from the orange haired boy.

Natsumi wore a small smile of amusement before she heard the band start playing a new song that was unfamiliar to her.

'I guess they have another original song' Natsumi thought as she listened.

The song was nice, not as polished as the covers she was used to hearing from them but she enjoyed it none the less. She listened for a while before releasing a deep breath as she willed herself to step out of the stairway. She felt nervous as she hadn't seen much of the Akatsuki for the past month since she had dedicated so much of her time to studying for finals. Now she felt somewhat bad that she was finally coming back, but this time only to ask a favor of them.

'Maybe I'm over thinking this. I just need to come right out and ask. The worst they can say is no' she thought before stepping out.

Her eyes lit up as she saw the band on stage. Yahiko stood upfront with the mic in hand, wearing a pair of blue jeans with a grey long sleeved shirt that had the sleeves pushed back. Konan played while adding back vocals; she was in an oversized black sweater with grey skinny jeans and a black beanie. Sasori played the keyboard while nodding to the beat; he had on a pair of black pants with a white button up and a black cardigan. Deidara seemed completely lost in the song as he played; he was wearing a maroon long sleeve with black pants. Finally her gaze landed on Itachi as he played the guitar and seemed to be the first to notice her presence as she stood in the doorway. The older Uchiha shot her one his usual kind smiles prompting her heart beat to quicken. He wore a red and black flannel that was opened to reveal a faded black t-shirt underneath along with a pair of dark blue jeans.

They held eye contact for a moment; before the Uchiha looked back to his instrument and Natsumi averted her gaze to let her eyes wander the room. Only now did the dark haired teen notice that aside from the band and Kakuzu, the others were not present.

'I wonder where the others are' Natsumi thought looking around the uncharacteristically empty room before looking back to the bad as their song drew to a close.

She immediately caught the gaze of Kakuzu as he motioned for her to approach. She gave an obedient nod before making her way closer as seeing that the man seemed to be dressed a lot more casual than she'd seen before. Instead of his usual suits, he wore a pair of black pants with a dark green button up that had the sleeves rolled back.

"We weren't expecting to see you today" Kakuzu said making a nervous smile cross Natsumi's face. "What did you think of the song?" he asked abruptly.

"It was really good" Natsumi replied before glancing back to the band as they gave her silent waves. "They seemed really into it" she elaborated further, earning a nod from the older man before he looked back to the band.

"You can take a small break" he said making the teens' faces light up with smiles before turning to Natsumi with grateful looks.

"Hey Natsumi" Yahiko greeted the girl as he jumped down from the stage. "You came just in time especially since Kakuzu's been trying to work us to the bone" the orange haired boy said jokingly before being pushed to the side by a certain blonde.

"Ah it wasn't that bad" Deidara said.

"Weren't you complaining about wanting a break five minutes ago" Sasori cut in making an irk mark appear on Deidara's head.

"Anyways I'm really happy to see you un" Deidara said turning back to the dark haired girl with a genuine smile. "We had our finals last week and since you have yours this week Kurenai said we wouldn't need to come" the blonde went on.

"Hn" Natsumi replied with a small nod.

"That's because the distraction was unnecessary" Sasori said catching Deidara's attention as he turned in time to see the redhead tossing a bottle of water to him.

"Speaking of distractions" Itachi's voice said catching Natsumi's attention as she turned to the Uchiha. "I don't mean to hover but I'd hate for us to take away from your time studying" Itachi said walking up to stand beside Natsumi.

Natsumi's eyes lit up in surprise before she let her eyes drop to the floor. Natsumi gave a nod of understanding before she felt a knot form in her stomach.

'I better ask now' Natsumi thought as she felt his onyx orbs on her.

"I um I actually have a question for you guys" Natsumi admitted slowly looking up and seeing a curious look in the Uchiha's eyes and the others as well. "I was assigned a paper for Kakashi-sensei's English class and I would ... I was hoping I could interview the Akatsuki for it" Natsumi said.

Itachi's brows rose in surprise before he turned to look at his band mates and gage their reactions. Yahiko wore a huge smile of excitement while Konan, Sasori and Deidara seemed taken aback by the girl's request.

"That would be so cool!" Yahiko said excitedly.

The orange haired boy opened his mouth to say more before Kakuzu loudly cleared his throat.

"Do you really think it's wise to make a decision without consulting your bandmates?" Kakuzu asked making Yahiko stiffen as the room turned to him.

"Come on Kakuzu it would be our first interview" Yahiko complained making the older man scoff.

"I'm not saying you can't do it, I'm just telling you to be more considerate of the others. You know we're not having as many rehearsals over break since some of you have conflicting schedules" Kakuzu went on making Natsumi grow worried.

Yahiko turned to the others with hopeful eyes prompting them to all exchange looks.

"I don't have a lot to do over break" Yahiko said looking around to the others.

"Neither do I" Konan said. "I'm in" she said making a smile cross Yahiko's face.

"I'm definitely in" Deidara said giving Natsumi a wide grin.

"I have work some days but I guess I can make the time" Sasori said as Deidara brought an arm around the redhead's shoulders.

Natsumi's brown eyes shifted to Itachi, watching his onyx orbs staring downward as he placed a hand under his chin in thought.

"Itachi has a lot of family stuff going on this break but I'm pretty sure that the others would be willing to" Yahiko interjected gaining the girl's attention.

Natsumi furrowed her brows as she started to give a weary nod before Itachi surprised her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I can make the time" Itachi said before removing his hand as Natsumi looked at him with her brows raised.

"So that means we're all in!" Yahiko said with a smile. "I can make sure to let the others know too since I'm sure they don't really have any plans, well aside from Zetsu and Hidan because they're out of town" the boy explained earning a nod of understanding from the dark haired girl.

"I really appreciate it" Natsumi said with a grateful smile.

"No problem" Yahiko replied. "I'll just need to talk to the others but when did you want to start?" he asked.

A thoughtful look crossed Natsumi's face as she glanced to the side.

"I can do any time after my finals but I'm supposed to be spending my winter break in Kyoto with my father so I hope it's not an issue if the interviews are done over face time or the phone" Natsumi said.

"That means we would get your number right?" Deidara asked jumping in front of the girl and making her jump slightly at his excited volume.

Sasori shook his head at the antics of his friends while Itachi released a breath as the others laughed.

"Uh yeah" Natsumi replied with an awkward smile before Sasori took hold of the back of the blonde's shirt to pull him back.

"That's not an excuse for you to harass her further" Sasori said earning a glare from Deidara before the two boys broke into an argument as the others brushed it off.

Yahiko and the others began to talk about other topics before Natsumi noticed Itachi motion her to follow him to the stair well. She followed and Itachi walked part way up the basement stairs with her until stopping halfway and making way for her to step past him. Natsumi started past him until turning to face him when they stood on the same step.

"I'm sorry if I interrupted and ... started the whole argument between Sasori and Deidara" she said grabbing the back of her neck as she looked to the side.

Itachi gave a light chuckle before answering.

"You're never an interruption to us" Itachi said as Natsumi looked up to the gaze of his dark orbs. "And as for Sasori and Deidara, we're all kind of used to their arguments" he said reassuringly as a small smile crossed Natsumi's face. "So there's no need to worry about anything. I'll get you everyone's contact information if you can't interview them before break but for now why don't you head back upstairs to finish studying for your finals" he said.

Natsumi gave a small nod as she started up the stairs before stopping as he called after her.

"Oh and Natsumi" Itachi said as her brown eyes met his gaze. "It's good to see you again" he said with another smile before turning to walk back down to the Akatsuki while she looked after him, hoping that he couldn't see the redness as her face burned.

'Ok calm down he was just being nice' Natsumi thought as she closed the basement door and leaned against it while releasing a heavy sigh.

"Getting side tracked again?" Sasuke's voice came making the girl stiffen before turning to see the boy leaning against a wall.

"No" Natsumi retorted in an annoyed tone. "I was asking if I could interview them for Kakashi-sensei's paper" she said making Sasuke roll his eyes.

"Really?" Sasuke asked raising a brow at the girl. "Don't you think you should focus on the finals before worrying about the assignment for next term?" he asked.

"I don't need a lecture from you Sasuke, there's nothing wrong with me getting a head start on the paper" Natsumi retorted walking up to the boy with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Why them though?" Sasuke asked making Natsumi raise a brow at him. "I get that a lot of the interviews might be a little generic with everyone most likely only using one subject but going to all the trouble of interviewing all of them seems like a bit much. Now that I think about it you always kind of gravitate towards them." He reasoned. "Don't tell me you're starting to like one of them" Sasuke said making Natsumi feel like the air had been knocked out of her.

It was silent as Natsumi looked at Sasuke in disbelief.

"Relax I was just kidding" the boy said. "But I am curious about why you keep going to them?" Sasuke asked.

Natsumi stiffened before she felt the heat rush to her face.

"I guess I just like them" Natsumi replied with a shrug.

"You like them" Sasuke repeated making a nervous pit form in the girl's stomach before she walked past him as Sasuke gave a light snort before following after her.

'Please don't figure it out ... the last thing I need is to fight with you about your brother' Natsumi thought worriedly.

...

"Man the others sure had a lot to say about finals during lunch but I don't think the finals were that bad" Kankuro said as he sat with Natsumi and Sai as the teens went about connecting their pieces together to form the whole picture. It was the next day and to say that lunch was a little eventful would be understating it.

"Certainly, I'm glad that we don't have much more to worry about aside from Kakashi-sensei's and Guy-sensei's" Sai said.

"Oh yeah what do you think we're doing for those?" Kankuro asked looking between the two dark haired teens before noticing the blank look Natsumi wore as she stared at her desk. "You alright Natsumi?" Kankuro asked waving a hand in front of the girl's face to bring her out of her daze.

"Yeah sorry" Natsumi apologized with a fake smile.

"What's eating you?" Kankuro asked.

Natsumi released a small sigh before running a hand through her hair.

"I'm fine I guess I'm just trying not to sike myself out too much for our last two finals" she said. "If I'm being honest I'm actually trying to focus more on the paper Kakashi-sensei assigned for his class" she said.

"Oh yeah I haven't really been thinking about it" Kankuro admitted. "Who are you guys planning to interview?" he asked looking to Sai and Natsumi.

Natsumi watched as Sai took a moment to think before answering.

"I think I might be asking Yamato-sensei" Sai replied taking the pair by surprise.

"Really?" Natsumi asked as she remembered the wood shop teacher that scared her when she went to the downstairs storage room with Temari.

"Yes" Sai replied.

It was silent as Kankuro and Natsumi waited for him to go on, but Sai didn't and instead decided to continue with their project.

"Hey Sai" Kankuro said gaining the boy's attention. "Why?" he asked making a confused look cross Sai's face.

"Because it's the assignment" Sai replied simply, making the boy do an anime fall while Natsumi face palmed.

"I think he means to ask why did you pick Yamato-sensei?" Natsumi elaborated, making Sai's dark eyes light up in realization.

"All the other teachers told me no" Sai replied with his usual smile.

Kankuro wore a confused look as he looked at Sai while Natsumi closed her eyes and released a sigh.

"What did you ask them?" the girl asked.

"Just the simple things about their lives, hobbies, families and if they didn't have them why? And if they were in relationships and so forth?" Sai replied making Natsumi shake her head while Kankuro burst with laughter.

"You're hilarious man" Kankuro said slapping a hand on Sai's back while Natsumi rolled her eyes. "Hey Natsumi who are you interviewing?" Kankuro asked.

"Oh um the Akatsuki" Natsumi replied, making Kankuro stiffen as his smile or any remnant of his laughter fell.

It grew silent among the three and Natsumi could feel an odd tension beginning to emit from Kankuro.

"Hey guys how are we coming along?" Kurenai-sensei's voice said gaining the attention of the teens as they turned to see the woman make her way over.

Kurenai stood at the head of the desk they were gathered around to look over the piece they were currently assembling.

"Wow you guys are just about done" Kurenai-sensei commented.

"Hn" Natsumi replied as she and the two boys nodded. "We still need to connect the last two pieces but I think we can turn it in today" she said.

"You'll be the first group to turn it in" Kurenai-sensei said with a small smile before walking off from the group.

By the end of the period they were done and Sai took the finished product to the front to turn in while Natsumi and Kankuro proceeded to clean up. When the bell rang the teens started to walk to their next class together but upon reaching Kakashi-sensei's classroom, Natsumi was surprised when she felt a hand grasp the back of her forearm to bring her to a halt.

"Hey Natsumi can I talk to you for a second?" Kankuro asked earning a confused look from Natsumi before she gave him a nod.

The brown haired boy released his hold on her arm before motioning her to follow him a little ways down the hall until they stood in front of a bulletin board.

"Listen I ... I don't think you should interview the Akatsuki" he said making a surprised look cross the girl's face. "I know we aren't that close but I think you should know that they aren't the type of people you should be hanging around" he warned.

"The Akatsuki as a whole or just Sasori?" Natsumi asked making the boy notably stiffen.

By now the hallways were considerably empty as most of the other students were making their way into their classrooms. It was quiet for a moment as Natsumi watched Kankuro release a huff as he ran a hand through his brown locks and looked to the side.

"They aren't the best as a whole but ... yeah specifically Sasori isn't my favorite" Kankuro admitted. "Listen if you ask any of the others, they won't mind them so much but they didn't have something happen like I did" he said making Natsumi's brows raise.

"What happened?" Natsumi asked as Kankuro looked back to her.

Kankuro released a heavy sigh before speaking.

"Last year I signed up for this art contest hosted by the art program at the university" he began. "It was pretty small since it was only supposed to be for amateurs but it offered this huge cash prize" he explained. "I was the youngest participant and I thought I had a pretty good chance of winning" he said before releasing a sigh as he looked down. "Until I saw his work" he said. "Sasori was the only other entry to use a handmade puppet and whereas I used a design I learned ... he used an original one and he won" he said as he leaned against the wall by the bulletin board.

It was quiet as Natsumi took this information in.

"Kankuro that sounds really petty" Natsumi said honestly.

"Yeah I know" he said still looking down. "But I'm not mad about him beating me" he said making the dark haired girl cock a brow in question. "I'm mad because he shouldn't have entered in the first place" he said making Natsumi even more confused.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because it was a competition for amateurs" Kankuro said. "And Sasori was already selling his works so that would make him a pro" he said looking back to Natsumi.

Her brown eyes lit up in surprise before a new thought crossed her mind.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Natsumi asked making Kankuro scoff.

"Because the design I used for the puppet I entered ... was his" he said taking the girl by further shock. "I didn't know it at the time since he used a different pen name but after seeing the craftsmanship of his work, I figured it out" he said. "Sasori is a lying cheater" he said crossing his arms over his chest as Natsumi stared at him in disbelief.

Her thoughts filled with the redheaded boy and all the time she had spent with him and Deidara. Sasori might not have been the kindest but he was honest and being around him and Deidara always made her laugh. But now to know someone that she admired was capable of such deceit, made her feel uneasy.

'Even if he wasn't technically a professional, I guess what he did would still be considered a lie ... but even so ... I can't picture him doing something wrong' she thought before the bell suddenly rang.

"We should get to class even if we still have five minutes until Kakashi-sensei bothers to show up" Kankuro said breaking the silence between the two.

"Hn" Natsumi agreed with a single nod before the two started back to the class.

...

"Can you believe Kakashi-sensei showed up late for 6th hour final?" Naruto asked as the blonde walked alongside Sasuke and Natsumi.

"You say that like it surprised you" Sasuke said making the blonde roll his eyes as he folded his hands behind his head.

"I'm just saying" the blonde said glancing to his dark haired friends and noticing the dazed look that Natsumi wore.

Following blonde's gaze; Sasuke cleared his throat, making the girl slightly jump before turning to the pair.

"Uh sorry" she apologized with a dismissive wave.

"What's wrong Natsumi?" Naruto asked. "You don't think you failed the English final right?" he asked making the girl scoff before a smile crossed her face and she shook her head.

"No" Natsumi replied. "If I'm being honest, I was actually pretty happy it gave me something to focus on" she went on before coming to a halt. "Not that I'm saying talking with you guys is something I don't want to focus on" she said earning an eye roll from Sasuke while Naruto gave her a weary look.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Naruto asked as the teens approached the gym.

"I'm fine" Natsumi lied as they walked on. "Just curious about something" she said adjusting the strap of school bag on her shoulder.

"Oh yeah and what's that?" Naruto asked curiously.

Natsumi bit her lip before deciding to speak.

"You guys know Sasori right?" Natsumi asked making both boys raise a brow at her.

"Uh yeah he's the keyboard player in the Akatsuki" Naruto replied.

"Yeah" Natsumi replied as the teens now entered the gym. "But what do you think of him?" she asked making Sasuke and Naruto exchange a look of uncertainty before the blonde replied.

"I don't know Natsumi" Naruto replied. "Wouldn't you know him better since you talk to him and his friend during your art class?" Naruto asked.

Natsumi bit the inside of her cheek in thought.

"Yeah forget it" she said with a dismissive wave before departing from the two as she made her way to the girls' locker room to change.

"Hey teme you don't think Natsumi is starting to like that Sasori guy right?" Naruto asked nudging Sasuke.

Sasuke wore a thoughtful look before he scoffed.

"Who cares" Sasuke replied.

"I'm just saying" Naruto said with a shrug. "Hey wouldn't this be the first crush she's had?" Naruto asked earning an eye roll from the Uchiha before the two started toward the boys' locker room.

...

"How was your last day of finals?" Mikoto asked with a large smile as Sasuke and Natsumi trudged through the doorway afterschool. "What's wrong?" she asked noting her winded they both looked.

"Guy-sensei's final" Natsumi said as she and Sasuke began to remove their shoes.

Mikoto gave the teens a confused look.

"We're going to hangout for a little then head to Naruto's" Sasuke said.

"Oh isn't Jiraiya in town?" Mikoto asked.

"Hn" Sasuke replied with a nod. "He's having a cookout to celebrate finals being over so Naruto invited everyone over" he said.

"Oh that's good to hear" Mikoto said with a smile. "But Sasuke I think your father wanted to speak with you when you got home" she informed her youngest son, making his brows rise in surprise.

"I'll meet you in my room" Sasuke said glancing to Natsumi and earning a nod of understanding before starting to make his way to his father's study.

"Would you like a snack dear?" Mikoto asked Natsumi.

"No thank you" Natsumi replied politely.

"Alright if you change your mind I'll be in the kitchen" Mikoto said with a smile before taking her leave.

Natsumi could feel the weight of her day weigh down on her as she made her way the stairs to Sasuke's room. She didn't realize she was tired until after the workout done in Guy's final. Even the shower she'd taken did nothing to remedy the way she felt and upon making her way into Sasuke's room, the sight of his bed made her feel all the more tired.

'I could shut my eyes for a couple minutes' Natsumi thought before a yawn escaped her.

The dark haired girl stretched before bringing a hand to her neck.

"It's not like I'm actually going to sleep I just want to rest my eyes" Natsumi thought aloud before dropping her school bag onto the small grey sofa before crawling onto the large mattress.

Collapsing into the softness of the bed and the pillows, Natsumi curled into a small ball in the middle of the bed before feeling her eye lids become heavy and feeling her body completely relax.

...

Moments later the dark haired girl was fast asleep, unaware when a light knock at the door before it opened.

"Hey Sasuke do you have a minute to talk?" Itachi's voice came as he entered in to look for his younger brother.

His onyx eyes lit up in surprise upon seeing Natsumi curled into a ball on Sasuke's bed with the absence of his brother.

"Seems like finals burnt you out huh Natsumi?" Itachi said receiving the soft snores that escaped her sleeping form.

Itachi smiled before walking over and folding Sasuke's comforter over to cover Natsumi.

'Hopefully she's comfortable' Itachi thought before turning to make his way out of the room.

Upon stepping into the hall and quietly closing the door, Itachi noticed his brother making his way up the stairs.

"Sasuke" Itachi said gaining the younger boy's attention as he looked up and met the gaze of his onyx eyes.

"Itachi" Sasuke said in greeting before noticing that Itachi's hand on his door.

Sasuke raised a brow at his brother in question.

"Natsumi's sleeping" Itachi stated earning a nod of understanding before Sasuke spoke.

"Did you need something?" Sasuke asked bluntly earning a nod from Itachi.

"We should talk in my room" Itachi said.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow before giving a nod of agreement and beginning to follow Itachi. When the two arrived in the older boy's room, Itachi motioned for Sasuke to take a seat as he closed the door. Sasuke sat in Itachi's desk chair while crossing his arms over his chest as he watched Itachi make his way to his bed to sit down.

"Are you alright?" Itachi asked as Sasuke released a tired yawn.

"Fine just tired from my PE final" Sasuke replied dismissively. "What did we need to talk about?" he asked.

"Have you thought about what to get Natsumi?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke looked to the side with a huff.

"Isn't your gift exchange coming up this Friday?" Itachi asked making release a breath of annoyance.

"Hn" Sasuke replied with a nod.

It was silent for a moment until Itachi released a sigh, making Sasuke look back up to him.

"Very careless of you little brother" Itachi said earning a glare from Sasuke before a small laugh escaped him. "I'm only teasing you Sasuke" Itachi said. "Like I said I would help you" he said. "Why don't you tell me what Natsumi likes" Itachi said earning a nod from Sasuke.

It grew quiet as Sasuke found himself staring at the floor while Itachi patiently waited.

"Sasuke she's one of your best friends" Itachi said after a while. "Just tell me one thing" he said as the silence persisted.

"Sasuke say something" Itachi said holding his head in his hands as Sasuke continued to stare at the floor with a thoughtful look on his face. "What's her favorite color?" Itachi asked followed by more silence. "Sasuke" Itachi breathed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"What like you could answer all of these questions?" Sasuke asked in annoyance.

"If I was as close to her as you" Itachi replied making Sasuke narrow his eyes at him.

"I don't know she's a girl so can't we just get her something all girls like?" Sasuke asked making Itachi raise a brow at him.

"What do all girls like Sasuke?" Itachi asked making the younger boy stiffen.

"I don't know" Sasuke admitted.

"Top of his class and can answer every question asked except what a girl wants as a gift" Itachi said earning another glare from Sasuke.

"You're supposed to be helping me!" Sasuke argued back in embarrassment.

Itachi held up his hand to calm the younger boy before speaking.

"Why don't we try switching roles?" Itachi asked making a confused look cross the younger boy's face. "Let's pretend it's me getting a gift for Natsumi and you're helping me" Itachi said as Sasuke's eyes lit up in understanding.

"Hn fine" Sasuke said. "What do you think you should get her?" Sasuke asked.

"She like that Korean group BTS, maybe one of their albums" Itachi replied.

Sasuke scoffed before shaking his head.

"She has enough of their stuff ... trust me you don't want to feed into that addiction" he said thinking back to the many posters on her wall.

"Fine um she likes music ... maybe a band t-shirt?" Itachi suggested.

"Which band?" Sasuke asked looking back to Itachi.

"Pierce the Veil" Itachi replied.

"No" Sasuke said shaking his head. "She already has shirt for them I think" Sasuke said making a sigh escape Itachi. "See it's not so easy" Sasuke said making Itachi roll his eyes.

It grew silent between the two brothers before Itachi spoke again.

"Does Natsumi like jewelry?" Itachi asked breaking the silence.

Sasuke furrowed his brows in thought before starting to open his mouth but shutting it.

"What is it?" Itachi asked sensing Sasuke's apprehension.

"I'm not too sure" Sasuke admitted. "I remember her telling me about this necklace her father got her and how she got really upset when it broke" he explained making Itachi raise a brow in interest.

Itachi placed a hand under his chin in thought before Sasuke's phone started to ring. Sasuke reached into his pants pocket to retrieve his device before bringing it to his ear as he answered.

"What dobe?" he asked, letting Itachi know it was Naruto who had called. "Yeah we're at my house" he replied. "What? Fine but I'll have to change and wake her up first" Sasuke said before one of his brows started to twitch in annoyance. "No you pervert she fell asleep and I've been talking with Itachi" Sasuke said making Itachi smile to repress a laugh before he watched Sasuke hang up.

Sasuke released a heavy sigh before resting his elbows on his knees and bringing his hands to his face.

"Everything alright little brother?" Itachi asked.

"The dobe wants us to start heading over and pick up a bag of ice" Sasuke replied before standing from the chair he sat in. "But we didn't finish our talk and I don't know when I'll have time to pick up whatever we pick since we're going to be busy with family getting into town for the rest of the week" Sasuke complained until Itachi raised a hand to silence him.

"Don't worry Sasuke I have a clear enough idea so I'll take care of it" Itachi said.

"Really?" Sasuke asked in surprise.

"Yes with the university finishing finals last week, we're on break now" Itachi replied with a nod. "Enjoy your party and tell Jiraiya I said hi" Itachi said before Sasuke gave a weary nod and started to head for the door.

Suddenly Sasuke came to a halt before exiting.

"Itachi" he said gaining the older boy's attention. "Thanks" he said making a smile cross Itachi's face.

"No problem Sasuke" Itachi said before Sasuke turned back around to face him.

Sasuke's brows were furrowed in thought.

"And Itachi" Sasuke said making Itachi raise a brow at the seriousness of Sasuke's tone.

"Yeah?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke looked conflicted.

"Have you noticed ... Do you think that ..." Sasuke started before trailing off as he couldn't figure what to ask. "What would you say if you were asked what you think about Sasori?" he asked as Itachi looked taken aback by the question.

"Why?" Itachi asked wearily.

"Natsumi" Sasuke replied making Itachi's brows raise in alarm.

"Do I need to talk to him?" Itachi asked taking Sasuke by surprise.

"What? No" Sasuke said. "Just forget it" Sasuke said before turning to leave.

Itachi looked after his brother for a moment before falling back onto his bed.

'Why would Natsumi want to know what Sasuke thinks of Sasori?' Itachi wondered. 'Maybe it's because she's interviewing the Akatsuki for that paper she's writing ... but why would she be focused on just Sasori now?' he thought staring to his ceiling.

...

A/N: Hey guys ... I'm really sorry about updating a day late but there was a bit of a scheduling conflict with my editor so it couldn't get done until now. Regardless I hope you all enjoyed the chapter since we had things with finals, things with preparing for Christmas, an Itachi and Sasuke scene and a little drama. Feel free to let me know your thoughts because I love reading your comments and they inspire me to keep writing. Thank you to all of you have commented and I hope to see more. Like what do you think Natsumi got for her Secret Santa? What will Itachi get for her in Sasuke's place? What do you think will happen with her interviewing the Akatsuki? What misunderstandings will arise from her interest in Sasori? Lol stay tuned until next time friends xoxo

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