Best Friend's Brother 42

Winter Break Part 3

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

"Listen" Yahiko said suddenly becoming more serious as he looked at Natsumi. "One piece of straw is weak" he started holding up a single straw as the girl's brows furrowed in confusion.

"Hn" she agreed with a nod before the orange haired boy then added two more straws to his hand.

"But when you got three together" Yahiko said now bending the three straws. "... it becomes much ..." he said before looking back to the three bent straws in his hands and taking a moment to realize what happened.

Natsumi raised a brow at Yahiko before his serious expression fell and he exclaimed.

"Damn it!" Yahiko said making the girl slightly jump in surprise. "I'm just trying to say, the more you have, the stronger it is!" the boy explained with a sigh as Natsumi sweat dropped.

"You're so bad at making speeches" Konan pointed out from where she sat at the edge of the stage while tuning her instrument.

Yahiko hung his head as a dark gloom surrounded him, while Natsumi tried not to laugh at how comical the whole scene seemed. Running a hand through her dark locks she looked to the side and allowed her brown orbs to take in the room around her as a distraction. She currently sat in the basement of the Uchiha residence, alongside Yahiko on the couch while conducting his interview whilst waiting for the other band members to arrive. As of now the only ones present were Yahiko, Konan, and Itachi. The blue haired girl was tuning her instrument, while wearing a pair of black skinny jeans and a light grey long sleeve that was tied to the side. Itachi was leaning against the wall by the stage while scrolling through his phone while he had his other hand in the pockets of his blue jeans with a white t-shirt and a black cardigan over top.

'We haven't really talked since that day at the restaurant' Natsumi thought looking at the older boy. 'I wonder how his talk with Sasuke went because when he opened the door for me, something seemed off' Natsumi went on in thought before Yahiko released a deep breath to calm himself and resume their interview.

"I'm sorry I suck at quotes Natsumi" the orange haired boy apologized.

Natsumi waved off the topic with a small smile.

"It's alright, the question was just something I thought would help with writing my introduction" she said before looking down at her notebook.

Every question she asked Yahiko was met with a thoughtful look before his face lit up and he would excitedly answer, yet his answers were never too simple as the boy would usually have a story to go along with them. Natsumi thought he would be a lot more animated than the others so she was pleased that her theory wasn't too far off.

"Well Yahiko, I think we're done" Natsumi said looking back up to Yahiko as the boy smiled before nodding.

"I'm sorry we couldn't do my interview sooner Natsumi but that was fun" he said rising up from his seat as he stretched.

"Hn you don't have to apologize Yahiko ... I appreciate you doing it at all" Natsumi said bowing her head as she shifted in her seat.

"No problem" Yahiko said waving off her thanks. "How are the interviews going so far? Who are you going to interview next?" he asked curiously as Natsumi flipped to another page in her notebook.

"Um pretty well I guess... Tobi said he was sorry he couldn't make time to meet so my paper won't have him ... and so far I've interviewed Nagato, Hidan, and Zetsu over the phone , Kisame yesterday, Kakuzu this morning, you as of now and after practice I'll have Konan" Natsumi said.

"Oh that's cool, so I guess all that's left is Itachi, Sasori, and Deidara" Yahiko said before the arrival of Deidara and Sasori caught the attention of the room when the pair came tumbling down the stairs.

Deidara was currently lying on his stomach on the ground as Sasori began to rise off of him whilst glaring at him. From what Natsumi could see Deidara wore a red hoodie underneath a dark grey denim jacket and a pair of dark blue jeans. Sasori had on a brown sweater with the white collar of his button up sticking out of the top along with a pair of black pants.

"Damn it Sasori I said to let me go first un!" Deidara yelled as he began to rise from the floor.

"Like I wanted to waste time standing at the top of the stairs while you hyped yourself up to come down and see Natsumi" Sasori snapped back making Deidara pale before Yahiko rushed over.

"Are you guys ok?" Yahiko asked trying to change the subject.

"Fine" Sasori said walking past Deidara and bumping his shoulder. "Might be a lot better if someone got over their little obsession" Sasori mumbled making the blonde turn to glare at him before he noticed Natsumi watching with her brows raised in surprise.

"Natsumi I didn't know you'd be here" Deidara said with a smile.

"I texted everyone that she was going to do my interview today" Yahiko said only to be ignored as Deidara walked away from him to talk to the dark haired teen. "Oh ok just ignore me" Yahiko said sarcastically before turning to walk to the fridge.

"How's your Winter Break going so far un?" Deidara asked sitting beside Natsumi on the sofa.

"Uh pretty well" Natsumi replied. "How about yours?" she asked.

"Eh I'm spending a lot of time in the art studio on the University campus so I guess it's pretty nice" he replied before Sasori scoffed and caught his attention.

"Yeah when you're not sleeping in past noon" the redhead said making Deidara narrow his eyes at him as he sat on the other side of Natsumi.

"At least I sleep you insomniac freak" Deidara retorted snapping his gaze away from Sasori.

"Well excuse me for being productive and having a job" Sasori replied back as he opened a soda and took a sip.

'Oh great I'm right in the middle of this fight' Natsumi thought sweat dropping as the two began to exchange insults.

Itachi glanced over seeing Natsumi with a thoughtful look on her face before he released a small breath and stuck his phone into his pocket as he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You two shouldn't fight in front of her" Itachi said gaining the attention of the pair as he walked over with his hands in his pockets.

Deidara gave Itachi an annoyed look while Sasori sighed.

"Whatever" Sasori said dismissively as he rose from the couch and started toward the stage.

"Don't mind him" Deidara said crossing his arms over his chest. "He's been moodier than usual since he's taken more shifts from his job" the blonde said as Natsumi turned to watch the redhead with curious eyes.

Noticing her look, Itachi raised a brow at the worry seemed to have evident in her brown hues, but before anymore could be said, he was disrupted when he heard the sudden sound of someone clearing their throat. Turning to the source, he saw Sasuke standing in the stairway with his hands in his pockets. The younger Uchiha wore a pair of black joggers along with a black hoodie.

"Natsumi" Sasuke said gaining the dark haired girl's attention as she rose from her seat and walked over to him. "Are you done?" he asked.

"No I still need to interview Konan after their rehearsal" Natsumi replied furrowing her brows in confusion as Sasuke released a sigh. "Why?" she asked.

Sasuke ran a hand through his hair before replying.

"Shisui wants to see a movie but I already told you I'd drop you off at Hinata's after this" Sasuke said making Natsumi release a breath.

"Just go" Natsumi said. "I can walk there after I'm done" she said as Sasuke raised a brow at her before shrugging.

"Alright, but make sure not to slip on any ice when you're outside" Sasuke said earning a nod from the girl before he turned to leave.

"How caring" Natsumi said sarcastically, earning an annoyed look from Sasuke before he disappeared up the stairs.

Itachi listened to this exchange intently, trying not to pry as he thought back to a talk he had had with Sasuke following the events of Friday in regards to the necklace Itachi picked for Natsumi.

...

"Do ever stop to think about how you make other people feel when you think you know better than them?" Sasuke asked as he entered Itachi's room.

Itachi looked up from the book he was reading while lying on his back on his bed as Shisui awkwardly looked between the two brothers. There was a long pause but it wouldn't take a genius to read the hostility in the younger boy's tone as he stared at Itachi with narrowed eyes.

"I'm going to go ... uh unpack" Shisui said hopping off of Itachi's bed and making his way past Sasuke as Itachi rose to look at his younger brother.

"Sasuke I-" Itachi started before being cut off as Sasuke walked further into the room to stand in front of Itachi.

"I don't like Natsumi" Sasuke said abruptly. "And she doesn't like me" he went on as Itachi's brows rose in surprise. "But that doesn't bother us so I don't know why it would you" Sasuke said.

"Sasuke I just thought that it would mean more and push-" Itachi started to explain before being cut off by Sasuke again.

"Why are you trying to push Natsumi and I together?" Sasuke asked bluntly.

"She's special" Itachi replied. "And I know that you care about her" he went on making Sasuke scoff.

"She's my friend" Sasuke said. "Of course I care about her, but that doesn't mean I need everyone telling me how I need to. I don't need a girlfriend" Sasuke said.

It grew silent between the brothers for a moment.

"I'm sorry about overstepping my boundary" Itachi apologized after a while. "I just want you to be happy" he said making Sasuke release a huff.

"Yeah there's no way dating my best friend can go wrong" Sasuke said striking a nerve with Itachi as the older boy stiffened. "I don't want you interfering anymore, I have enough problems and Natsumi doesn't need to be one of them" Sasuke said before turning to leave. "We aren't you and Izumi" Sasuke mumbled under his breath as just before leaving the room as Itachi stared at the end of his mattress with a blank look on his face.

'So that's two of you who think that' Itachi thought as he remembered his talk with Shisui earlier that day. 'Perhaps I should stop ... I never really thought about Sasuke liking someone other than her ... or even Natsumi liking someone else either ...' Itachi thought falling back onto his bed whilst releasing a sigh while closing his eyes.

...

Itachi pulled himself from his thoughts as Kakuzu arrived.

'I can worry about this later' Itachi thought as the others started to the stage to prepare for rehearsal.

After rehearsal Natsumi readied her pen after opening her notebook while Konan smiled at the girl while taking a seat beside her.

"Ok are you ready?" Natsumi asked earning a nod from the blue haired girl before the abrupt sound of ringing caught the attention of the two girls.

Konan quickly shifted to take her phone out of her pocket before her brows furrowed as she read the caller ID.

"I'm sorry Natsumi, it's my roommate just give me one minute" Konan apologized earning a nod of understanding from Natsumi before she answered. "Hey ... I just finished rehearsals but I'm about to sta- what?" Konan asked standing up from the sofa as her brows rose in alarm. "I'll be right there ... just wait" she said before rushing over to grab her purse and jacket.

"Is everything alright Konan?" Natsumi asked before Konan gave the girl an apologetic look as she pulled the device away from her ear.

"I'm really sorry Natsumi but my roommate just told me our RA is doing room checks because some creep from the science department accused a girl on my floor of stealing a answer key to one of the tests" Konan said making a confused look cross Natsumi's face. "I may or may not have let her stash it in my room so I have to hurry back to campus to rehide it" she said taking Natsumi further by surprise.

"Wait their doing room checks on our floor?!" Deidara asked worriedly as he jumped up from his drum set.

"Why are you saying that like you have something to hide?" Sasori asked raising a brow at Deidara.

The blonde stiffened before releasing a nervous laugh as he turned to the redhead.

"I might have ... borrowed some chemicals from the Science Department to help with my art" Deidara said making Sasori's eyes widen. "I have them hidden throughout the room and a few on your side" the blonde went on as Sasori began to narrow his eyes.

"You did what?" the redhead asked angrily.

"Hidan has weed in my room" Yahiko then said worriedly as Natsumi gave all of them looks of disbelief.

'I wouldn't call them bad people but what are they doing?!' Natsumi thought.

"So we're all heading back to campus now?" Yahiko asked earning nods from the other three as Kakuzu face palmed.

"I'll drive" Deidara offered as the group rushed out of the room leaving behind a confused Natsumi, and a disappointed Kakuzu and Itachi.

"Idiots" Kakuzu said shaking his head. "I asked you guys to keep a clean image and they all have something to hide" he went on before stiffening and turning to Natsumi. "None of this ends up in your paper!" Kakuzu said holding a finger to the teen.

Natsumi raised her hands in defense before nodding in response.

"I need a drink" Kakuzu said lowering his hand and releasing a heavy sigh as he brought his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose while he closed his eyes.

"Are you going to be heading out too then?" Itachi asked catching Kakuzu's attention.

"Yes otherwise you kids will be the death of me" Kakuzu replied straightening out his jacket and turning to leave.

It was silent as the only ones left were Natsumi and Itachi. The dark haired girl felt awkward as she shifted the gaze of her brown eyes to her lap and released a deep breath.

'I should've just gone with Sasuke earlier' Natsumi thought. 'At least then I would've gotten a ride to Hinata's ... but it's not like I knew Konan would have to leave' Natsumi thought with an inward sigh. 'I should probably just go now ... it's kind of awkward being alone with Itachi' she thought before closing her notebook and stuffing it into her bag along with her pencil.

"Natsumi" Itachi suddenly said gaining the girl's attention as she looked up to meet his gaze for a moment before looking back to her bag as she zipped it closed. "Do you need a ride?" he asked making his way over to stand in front of the girl.

"Huh?" Natsumi asked taken aback by his question as she looked to him.

"I could give you a ride if you'd like" Itachi offered sticking his hands into his pockets. "I don't have any other plans and I ..." Itachi started to explain before trailing off as he struggled with what he was saying.

It was silent for a moment as Natsumi looked up at Itachi.

"Itachi you don't have to" Natsumi said breaking the silence as she stood from the couch and slung her bag over her shoulder. "I don't mind walking" she said now turning to leave before being stopped.

"Hold on" Itachi said suddenly.

Natsumi turned to him with a curious look.

"I need to talk to you- apologize to you about what happened on Friday" he corrected himself, making Natsumi's brows raise in surprise.

"Itachi I-" Natsumi started before being cut off.

"I owe you that much" Itachi insisted.

Natsumi furrowed her brows in thought before looking to thee side and releasing a small huff.

"Alright" Natsumi said looking back to Itachi and making a small smile of gratitude cross his face.

...

Getting into his car was awkward. The fact that he started it and played no music was awkward. But the cherry on top was when Natsumi's stomach suddenly growled loudly and gained the attention of the boy.

"Are you hungry?" Itachi asked as Natsumi looked out the window to hide her face as it burned red in embarrassment.

"I skipped lunch today" Natsumi admitted sheepishly as she ran a hand through her dark hair.

Itachi surprised her as he released a light chuckle.

"Why don't we get something to eat then?" Itachi asked as Natsumi looked back to him.

"Itachi you don't have to-" Natsumi said starting to reject his offer until he spoke again.

"You can consider it a part of my apology" Itachi clarified making Natsumi feel the heat rush to her face before releasing a sigh of defeat and nodding in agreement as she turned to look away again.

Itachi took in the sight of the girl beside him as a small smile crossed his face. He watched as she nervously bit the inside of her cheek. She was always so caught up in her thoughts; it was one of the many things he'd grown used to with her. Yet Itachi was always happy to be around her.

"Ok" Natsumi said as she felt nervous when she sensed his eyes on her.

"Hn what do you feel like eating?" Itachi asked pulling out of the driveway.

Natsumi thought for a moment before replying.

"Ichiraku?" the girl asked earning a nod from Itachi as he steered in that direction.

There was another silence between the pair as Itachi drove. Natsumi stared out the window with a blank expression on her face while Itachi found his gaze shifting between her and the road. Natsumi wore an oversized black sweater underneath a white jacket with a beige skirt and a pair of black stockings and brown boots.

"Natsumi" he suddenly said breaking the silence as he parked in the parking lot. "I'm very sorry about the misunderstanding with the necklace on Friday" Itachi apologized looking to Natsumi with a sincere look.

Natsumi gave the Uchiha a halfhearted smile before nodding. Itachi released a breath of relief, having half expected her to treat him to a lecture the way Shisui and Sasuke did. The two exited the car and started walking in the direction of Ichiraku together, yet something still felt off to Itachi as he turned to gaze at Natsumi.

"Is everything alright?" Itachi asked as they neared the establishment.

Natsumi looked up at him with raised brows before she released a small breath and smile.

"I want to forgive you" Natsumi said. "But I just want to know why" she said taking Itachi by surprise.

Itachi nodded in understanding before the pair resumed walking. He held the banner up for Natsumi as he motioned for her to enter. She did so and he followed behind before the pair was greeted by Teuchi and Ayame.

"Natsumi" Teuchi said with a smile before turning to the Uchiha behind her. "Itachi" he said as the teens nodded to him in greeting. "You're an unlikely pair, is this a date?" he asked with a chuckle until being shushed by his daughter.

"Dad don't tease them" Ayame said before giving the pair an apologetic smile.

"Oh I'm only teasing" Teuchi said before motioning for the pair to take a seat. "Do you kids need a minute before you order?" he asked noticing the awkward tension between the two as they sat down at the counter.

"Hn" Itachi said with a nod as Ayame exchanged a look with her father.

"Well we'll be in the back for a moment" Teuchi said before he and Ayame left the front counter, leaving the two dark haired teens alone.

"Natsumi" Itachi said gaining the girl's attention away from the counter top she stared at blankly. "I thought that ... no there's no trying to justify it ... I made an assumption about the nature of you and Sasuke's relationship and thought that if I pushed you two in the right direction then ..." Itachi started to explain before looking to the side with a huff. "... I thought maybe with the right push you two would end up together" he said shaking his head at himself. "And that was wrong to do because like Sasuke and Shisui said ... I need to stop looking at you two like you're me and her" he said surprising Natsumi as he placed a hand atop her head.

Natsumi's brows rose in alarm before she moved away from Itachi so his hand was no longer on her head.

"What do you mean like 'me and her'?" Natsumi asked.

It was silent for a moment as Itachi looked down at Natsumi before answering.

"Izumi and I" he replied. "She was my best friend and my girlfriend until she left for school" he explained as Natsumi gave a nod of understanding while keeping a stoic expression on her face.

"I see" Natsumi said looking to the side.

"I'm truly sorry Natsumi. I should've been more attentive to how you and Sasuke felt. He could like someone else and so could you." Itachi said making Natsumi feel the sudden rush of heat to her face as her heart beat sped up.

"I forgive you Itachi and ... Y-you're right" Natsumi said nodding her head in agreement as Itachi turned to her with a raised brow. "I do like someone" she said nervously squeezing her hands together as Itachi furrowed his brows in worry.

Itachi's eyes widened a bit and said.

"Hm that's surprising considering you're not the type to have a crush" he pointed out.

The world seemed to shatter around the dark haired girl for a moment.

"Oh" Natsumi said.

"Well with how focused you are on school, your friends, and family, it doesn't seem like a boyfriend is really something on your radar" he explained as Natsumi numbly stared downward.

It was quiet for a moment before Itachi thought back to when Sasuke asked him about Sasori.

'Could she like Sasori?' Itachi wondered as he inwardly debated on asking her. 'I'd hate to pry but she seems upset' he thought as a dark gloom seemed to surround Natsumi.

"Well whoever it is, I hope Deidara doesn't find out or it may greatly upset him" Itachi said making Natsumi stiffen before turning to him with a look of disbelief and seeing a small smile on his lips.

"That's not funny Itachi" Natsumi complained feeling her face heat up in embarrassment as the older boy let a small chuckle escape him.

Natsumi rolled her eyes at the boy before a smile crossed her face and she found herself laughing as well. After a while the laughter died down and the two smiled at one another before Itachi chose to speak again.

"I hope it all works out for you Natsumi" Itachi said placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Uh Mr. Teuchi I think we're ready to order" Itachi called shortly followed by the shop's owner reentering the front.

"Ah shall I get you two the usual?" he asked earning a small nod and smile from Itachi before turning to Natsumi.

"Hn" the girl said with her own nod before the man went about conversing with the pair.

"So how have you kids been enjoying your Winter Break?" Teuchi asked as Ayame reentered from the back and set two glasses of water down in front of the dark haired teens.

"Spending time with friends" Itachi replied nodding to Ayame in thanks before taking a sip of his water.

"And you Natsumi?" Teuchi asked turning to the dark haired girl.

"Oh um I've been interviewing Itachi and his friends for this paper Kakashi-sensei assigned for the break" Natsumi said.

"A paper for the break?" Teuchi asked in surprise. "Figures he would do something like that when he's only been goofing off since the break's started ... you know he was in here the other day with Guy and the two of them almost ate out my entire inventory with one of their little contests" Teuchi said as Natsumi sweat dropped while Itachi released a light chuckle.

"Sounds like something they would do" Natsumi said releasing a small breath as she ran a hand through her hair.

"Oh yeah and Naruto stopped in yesterday as well and I heard you were going to be staying in Konoha for the holidays" he said earning a nod from the girl. "Well that's good ... do you have any special plans?" he asked earning a head shake from the girl before turning to Itachi. "What about you Itachi?" he asked.

"Just the usual family gatherings" Itachi replied. "Nothing too interesting" he said releasing a breath.

"About time for the end of the year Uchiha gatherings" Teuchi said.

"Hm" Itachi replied.

Teuchi talked to the duo for a while before breaking off to help another costumer which led to Natsumi and Itachi conversing about the Akatsuki interview. Natsumi had one thought on her mind.

'I hope Hinata won't mind me showing up late' she thought.

...

Meanwhile in the dojo of the Hyuga estate, Neji was currently training until being interrupted by Hinata.

"Um Brother Neji?" the female Hyuga said gaining the boy's attention as he turned to see her standing in the door way whilst holding a bottle of water and a towel.

"Lady Hinata" Neji said in greeting to the dark haired girl as he made his way over to her and giving a grateful nod as he accepted the items. "Thank you" he said earning a nod from the girl.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your training" she apologized bowing her head as he opened the water to take a sip.

"Its fine" he said with a dismissive wave. "I was just about finished anyways" he said as he dabbed the towel onto his head to wipe his sweat.

"I see" she said with a nod of understanding. "Well you see ... my father said he wanted to speak with you" she informed the boy making him perk up in interest.

"Your father asked to see me?" Neji asked earning a nod from the girl. "I'll be there right away" Neji said earning another nod from Hinata before she turned to leave.

'What could uncle want to speak about with me?' Neji wondered as he gathered his things and started toward the main house to shower and change before going to meet the head of the family.

When Neji arrived outside the office of his uncle's office, he changed from his gi and now wore a pair of black pants and a white button up. As he approached the door he gave a light knock before he heard a slight grumble that informed him to enter. Neji slid the door open before stepping in to see the man with long hair much like his own wearing a loose white robe with a brown haori over the top while he sat at his desk reading over his emails on his computer.

"You wanted to speak to me sir" Neji said standing at the door.

"Take a seat Neji" the stern man said not looking away from his screen as Neji slid the door shut and kneeled in front on the desk.

Hiashi looked to him, before folding his hands together in front of him.

"As you are aware, the Hyuga will be hosting its annual Holiday Business Dinner Party on Christmas" Hiashi said earning a nod from the teen boy. "And since you are seventeen, the elders and I have decided that we would like you to bring a date" he stated surprising the boy.

"I'm sorry I don't believe I understand" Neji said with a perplexed look crossing his face as he looked at the older man. "Why would I need to bring a date? Is Lady Hinata going to need to do the same since she's seventeen as well?" Neji asked making the man raise a brow at him.

"It's not like you to question the requests of the elders" Hiashi pointed out making Neji stiffen before bowing his head.

"Forgive my insolence" Neji apologized as he rose back to face the man.

"There's no need to apologize" Hiashi said with a dismissive wave. "As for your questions, it's merely a formal business party for networking amongst other company executives. It's only appropriate that you don't come unaccompanied since it won't look good if you're standing alone and not talking to anyone in between ... but this does not apply to my daughter." He explained earning a nod of understanding from Neji.

'I suppose I can't stray from orders but it seems odd to bring a date when I'm not courting anyone so who would I bring since ... Oh no Tenten is out of town, who else can I ask?!' Neji thought as the panic of the situation set in.

Thinking over all the females in his life, he realized most of them would be busy with other plans.

'Who can I take who doesn't already have plans?' the boy wondered.

Noticing the worried expression adorning his nephews face, Hiashi cleared his throat to gain the young man's attention.

"Will finding a date be an issue for you?" Hiashi asked raising a brow at the teen.

Neji felt a blush of embarrassment cross his face before shaking his head.

"Not at all sir" Neji lied bowing to the man. "If that is all I will allow you to return to your work" the teen said earning a nod from the man before turning to exit the room.

...

After their meal at Ichiraku Ramen, the car ride wasn't as tense as before, but Natsumi still felt bothered as she thought back to their conversation.

'I'm hoping he won't figure out it's him' Natsumi wondered biting her lip as she looked out the window while Itachi drove.

The dark haired teen tried to think back over the course of the last few days, thinking about her behavior around the Akatsuki and trying to figure if she had acted out of the ordinary.

'I've acted the way I always do when I'm with the Akatsuki' Natsumi thought. 'I greet all of them and I've probably only really talked at length with the ones I'm interviewing ... it doesn't seem like I've been too obvious around him but granted I have been kind of awkward around him' Natsumi wondered before the boy's onyx orbs shifted to meet her gaze and she quickly turned away.

"Everything alright Natsumi?" Itachi asked looking back to the road.

"Yes" Natsumi replied refusing to look back to the boy as she felt embarrassed for getting caught staring at him.

Itachi gave the girl a weary look as he noticed that they were nearing the Hyuga estate. As he pulled to the front of the home he placed the car in park before Natsumi finally turned to him with a small smile.

"Thank you Itachi" Natsumi said. "For the ride, the meal, and everything" Natsumi said earning a genuine smile from Itachi.

He opened his mouth to say something before the ringing of his phone caught the attention of the pair. Since his phone had been connected to the car to play music, he looked to the middle screen as the name Izumi showed alongside the incoming call icon. His onyx orbs lit up in surprise as his brows shot up. He seemed to stare blankly at the screen for a moment before remembering that Natsumi was still in the car.

"I'm sorry Natsumi" he said with an apologetic smile.

Natsumi shook her head at Itachi.

"It's fine um you should probably answer it" she said as his eyes darted between her and his phone.

She felt her heart constrict as he gave her a grateful smile and nod before watching him pick up his device.

"Hello ... Hello Izumi ... Yes ... Yes it has been a while ... Oh right now? Of course" he spoke into the device as Natsumi swallowed the lump forming in her throat.

'He seems so happy talking to her' Natsumi thought looking over the boy with a sad look in her eyes before turning to open the door and exit.

As she stepped out Itachi turned to her with a surprised look on his face before she gave him a quick wave and rushed toward the Hinata's house. Itachi wore a weary look as he looked after her, as she usually made a point to say goodbye rather than leave so abruptly. Meanwhile Natsumi reached the front door and knocked. As it was opened she was met with the surprised face of Neji before glancing over her shoulder to see Itachi with his window rolled down to ensure the door was opened before giving the girl a smile and nod as he drove off. Natsumi released a small breath to regain her composure as she turned back to Neji.

"Hello Natsumi" Neji greeted the girl as he stepped aside and motioned for her to enter the home.

"Hello Neji" Natsumi greeted the boy with a nod.

Walking into the home, the brown eyed girl went about removing her shoes as thoughts of Itachi's phone call plagued her mind.

'Why was he so happy? What did Izumi have to say to make his eyes light up like that?' Natsumi wondered as she stepped into a pair of slippers and she felt a sting in her heart.

"Natsumi" Neji suddenly said bringing the girl out of her thoughts as she turned to him. "I'm sorry to ask but do you have plans for the holidays? More specifically Christmas" he asked making the girl's brows raise in surprise before shaking her head in reply and making his eyes light up.

Natsumi raised a brow at the Hyuga before he spoke again.

"In that case I must speak with you on an urgent matter" Neji said before motioning for her to follow him.

Natsumi raised a brow at the boy before slowly following him to the room Hinata and her had had tea in during one of her previous visits. She noticed that Neji seemed more stressed than usual as he nervously paced back and forth in front of her before standing in front of her with a serious expression.

"Natsumi I consider you to be a very reliable person" Neji stated taking the girl by surprise with the sudden compliment.

"Uh thank you" Natsumi replied bowing her head in thanks before the boy continued.

"With that being said I trust I can confide this issue to you and you will be able to offer your help." He stated before shutting his eyes as he took a deep breath before speaking again. "Each year the Hyuga clan hosts its annual Company Christmas Party, it's one of the more extravagant events in Konoha and it is highly exclusive." He said earning a nod from Natsumi before he went on. "Now I was just informed since I am seventeen, the elders are expecting me to bring a date this year. Normally I would ask Tenten but seeing as she is out of town and our other female friends are preoccupied with the holidays, I'm at a loss on the matter. So with this being said I want you to know it is not my intention to make you uncomfortable although this topic is a bit awkward, but since you are a friend of Lady Hinata's I feel like I can trust to ask you to do this favor of being my date for the evening" Neji explained before releasing a heavy sigh and bowing to the girl.

There was an awkward moment of silence as Natsumi stared down at Neji in disbelief. After a while the male Hyuga rose and nervously looked to the side as he waited for the reply of the dark haired girl.

"Natsumi" Neji said with nervousness that she wasn't used to coming from him. "I know this is a lot to ask ... but I don't talk to many other girls aside from Tenten so even if Ino or Sakura were to be available, I'm not sure I can trust their integrity at such an event ... but I noticed you seem to be more practiced in certain refinements, so I can trust you ... I'm asking this favor as a friend" he said a pink hue of embarrassment crossed his cheeks.

'I'm shocked he would ask me, we're not exactly close' Natsumi thought taking in the boy's words. Then she remembered Halloween night and sighed inwardly.

'I didn't think I'd have to deal with any stuffy holiday parties since I didn't go to Kyoto for Winter Break but here is a friend asking me to go ... I really don't want to but ... Neji is my friend ... It meant a lot when he didn't tell anyone about what happened on Halloween, even Hinata, so I know what I need to do' Natsumi thought before closing her eyes and releasing a breath.

"Alright Neji I will attend with you" Natsumi said making the boy snap his gaze back to her as his brows rose in surprise.

"Thank you Natsumi" Neji thanked the girl with a bow.

"You don't have to do that" Natsumi said with a dismissive wave as Neji looked up to meet the gaze of her brown orbs. "What are friends for" Natsumi said as a half-smile crossed the Hyuga's lips and he nodded in understanding.

"Noted" Neji stated. "I promise it won't be too boring, it's mainly for appearances so-" he started to explain before being cut off by Natsumi.

"You don't have to explain. I more than understand" she said holding up a hand to stop him. "I'll be there to make necessary small talk with you when you're not speaking with others and be sure not make a spectacle." She said making Neji's brows raised in surprise.

"Uh yes I ... I thought I may need to explain it" he said as Natsumi gave a nod before running a hand through her hair.

"Don't worry Neji I have done this sort of thing before" Natsumi said giving the boy a reassuring smile.

'I guess all the work dad and Mitaka put in are more useful than I thought' Natsumi thought as Neji gave a nod of understanding.

"Well I can inform you of other details later on, for now I think I may have kept you from Lady Hinata long enough" Neji said as Natsumi nodded in understanding before he led her to the door and opened it for her.

...

"Natsumi you're here" Hinata exclaimed as the dark haired girl entered her room.

"Sorry I'm late" Natsumi apologized with a small smile as she grabbed the back of her neck.

"It's no problem, come have some tea" Hinata offered motioning for the girl to sit with her at her small table in her room.

"Thank you" Natsumi replied with a nod as she sat while the female Hyuga poured her a cup of tea.

"I feel like we haven't seen each other in a long time even though it's only been a couple days since you've decided to fully focus on your interviews" Hinata said. "How was your day?" Hinata asked handing Natsumi the cup.

"Pretty eventful" Natsumi replied honestly as she took a sip of her tea and Hinata gave her a curious look.

"Are the Akatsuki keeping you on your toes with the interviews?" Hinata asked earning a small smile from Natsumi before she nodded.

"I guess you could say that, there definitely is never a dull moment with them and I had to reschedule a couple interviews since they had ... other plans" Natsumi replied before looking down at her cup as she thought back to how they had rushed out of the basement when hearing about the room checks at the university.

"How many more interviews do you have left?" the Hyuga asked taking a sip of her own tea.

"Konan, Sasori, Deidara, and Itachi" Natsumi replied counting the names out on her fingers.

"At least there's only four left" Hinata said.

"Hmm" Natsumi said while sipping her tea.

"Although..." Hinata said making Natsumi look up. "You must certainly be looking forward to Itachi's interview" she said with a small grin.

"Oh shut up" Natsumi said with a small frown from Hinata's giggles.

"He asked to hold off on his interview until after Christmas ... since he has family and such in town" Natsumi clarified before thinking back to the call he received from Izumi and releasing a heavy sigh.

"What's wrong?" Hinata asked furrowing her brows in concern.

"Itachi got a call from his ex-girlfriend when he dropped me off" Natsumi replied making the Hyuga's brows raise in alarm.

"What?" Hinata asked in disbelief as Natsumi nodded.

"I know I really don't have a right to be upset about him talking to his ex ... especially since he's not with me or even aware that I like him ... but I can't help it" Natsumi complained as she ran a hand through her dark locks.

Hinata watched Natsumi's brows furrow in worry before placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's alright to feel jealous Natsumi" Hinata said reassuringly as Natsumi looked at her with wide eyes.

'Is that how I'm being now? Am I jealous?' Natsumi thought feeling taken aback by the realization.

"I guess I am jealous ... but it still feels weird" Natsumi admitted.

Hinata smiled and decided to change the topic.

"So what made you late for showing up? Were the interviews that long?" Hinata asked curiously.

"Oh no um everybody had to head back to the university so we decided to reschedule interviews. Itachi and I were the only ones left and he said he needed to talk to me so we went to Ichiraku Ramen before he dropped me off here" Natsumi replied as she took another sip of her tea.

"Oh that's what kept you?" Hinata asked with a teasing tone, trying to lighten the mood but when she looked to Natsumi for a reaction she was surprised to see a more serious look cross her dark haired friend's face.

"Actually no Neji asked to speak with me when I first here" Natsumi said making a shocked look cross Hinata's face.

"Really?" Hinata asked curiously, earning a nod from her dark haired friend.

"He told me that he was told that he would need to bring a date to the Hyuga Company Christmas Party so he asked if I would attend with him" Natsumi said making Hinata even more perplexed.

There was a moment of silence between the two teen girls.

"Well I guess we'll get to see each other on Christmas" Natsumi said after a while. "I was planning to ask if you and Temari wanted to do something anyways" she said.

"I think I heard she has something planned for Christmas already" Hinata said.

"Hn well I guess the two of us can try and have fun at the company party" Natsumi said with a shrug as Hinata gave a light chuckle.

"Fun at a company party" Hinata repeated in a deadpan voice making Natsumi shake her head as she now let a soft laugh escape as well.

...

A/N: Hello readers! I am back! My little trip was nice and I appreciate all the comments that said to have a safe trip, thank you. I apologize for the wait on this chapter but I've had a lot going on since coming back and haven't really found the time to work on my story. I'm sorry for the inconvenience and hope you continue to enjoy reading. I don't really know what else to say so please R and R

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