Naruto'sgaze fell upon Sasuke Uchiha. He was about a head taller than Naruto, probably the same age too. He had pale skin, and black hair that spiked out in the back. His eyes were dark gray like storm clouds. They drew you in like a moth to a flame. Sasuke wore a plain black sleeveless shirt, tan cargo pants, and black boots. His left ear was pierced with a stud, and his cartilage was also pierced. On his wrist was a silver bracelet with a dragon head craved into it. A small chain hooked onto the bracelet and connected to a silver ring around his middle finger. Around his neck hung a gold necklace, at the end of the necklace was an emblem that look like a pokemon ball.
"H-hello." Naruto stuttered, and he mentally berated himself for doing so. "I'm Naruto." He continued.
Sasuke just gazed into Naruto's eyes, "Hey." He said simply, and went back to glaring at nothing.
"Lighten up Sasuke." The man named Kakashi said. Naruto turned his head towards Kakashi.
Kakashi was somewhat taller than Iruka. He had silver hair that covered his left eye, his seeable eye was electric blue in color. He had a really nice face, and creamy pale skin, though it wasn't has pale as Sasuke's. He wore black leather pants, which made Naruto cringe when he wonder how the man could wear them in this weather. He also wore a black T-shirt, around his neck was also the same necklace Sasuke wore.
Naruto saw the man smile at him, and noticed something else. Kakashi was sitting a little too close to Iruka. Naruto looked over at Iruka, he didn't seem to mind the closeness. Naruto sat on the couch next to Sasuke. Koryu leapt onto Naruto's lap.
"You have a pet fox?" Kakashi said noticing Koryu. "He seems pretty tame." Kakashi added.
"Yes, it's strange. Naruto only found him yesterday." Iruka said smiling brightly. Koryu gave off a fox-like bark, and across the couch into Iruka's lap. Iruka laughed and patted Koryu's head.
"If I knew you were animal lovers I would've brought Pakkun, my dog, over." Kakashi said petting Koryu. Koryu then walked away and laid on Sasuke's lap, seeking attention from the antisocial boy.
"Do you two live alone in that mansion?" Naruto asked, playing with the hem of his shirt. He wished Koryu would come back so he could occupy himself.
"No," Kakashi started, "Sasuke's older brother, Itachi, and Itachi's fiancé, Shiori, live there too. However, someone had to stay up there to make sure those moving guys put things in the right place." He said, and move a pinch closer to Iruka.
"Naruto, why don't you show Sasuke to town. Help him get acquainted with the place." Iruka suggest, not noticing to advancing Kakashi.
"Sure." Naruto said simply in agreement. He got up and walked to the door. Sasuke grunted and followed. "Koryu, you stay here okay?" Naruto said to the lunging fox. Koryu, who was now in Kakashi's lap, yawned in agreement.
Naruto and Sasuke walked along the gravel rode, heading for town. They walked in silence, Naruto had no idea how to start a conversation with this boy. Though, he wasn't the one who started the conversation. "What do you do for fun around here?" Sasuke asked looking around.
Naruto looked at Sasuke, "Well, my friends and I usually swim in the lake. There's also a malt shop where some teenagers hang out. There's the arcade, and Tsunade's diner." Naruto said, he didn't really want to tell Sasuke his favorite place was the dance studio.
"You have no horses around here?" Sasuke questioned. He reached into his pocket and pulled out sunglasses.
"Surprisingly, no." Naruto answered. "You ride?" Sasuke's stare landed on Naruto.
"Yeah. I guess it's a good thing we're bringing our horses over here then." Sasuke said. They had just entered the town, and Naruto was walking in the direction of the arcade.
"Where are you from anyway?" Naruto asked. They pushed pass some kids who were blocking the entrance.
"We move around a lot. We just moved in from England. We didn't stay there long so I really didn't develop an accent." Sasuke said.
"Naruto!" A voice yelled. Naruto turned around to see Tenten and Hinata waving to him. Behind them was Gaara and Neji.
"Hey, who's your friend?" Tenten asked, blushing at Sasuke. Neji looked annoyed. "He's pretty cute." She added. Neji just glared at Sasuke.
"This is Sasuke. He's the one who moved in the mansion." Naruto said, blushing slightly. "Sasuke," He started, "This is Tenten, Hinata, Gaara, and Neji." Naruto said pointing to them when he said their name.
Sasuke greeted them with a nod, and turned around facing all the blinking lights of the games. He looked at Naruto, "What game do you play?" He asked.
Naruto gave him a foxy grin, "Dance Dance Revolution, of course." All six of them made their way over to the dancing platforms.
"Who wants to challenge me?" Naruto yelled. He ran up on one of the platforms.
Hinata raised her hand, and jumped up and down. "Me! Me!" She laughed, and ran up on the other platform.
The game started, and the two started showing off their moves. They mad esome flashy moves, and some great combos. When the game ended, Hinata came out victorious. "No fair Hinata." Naruto whined. "I always lose to you." He pouted. Hinata just giggled, and then Naruto started laughing.
For the next hour they all played DDR, and some pinball. Sasuke, however, didn't play DDR, but he did play pinball. He beat Naruto's high score, and made Naruto pout even more. When they got tired of the arcade, Hinata suggested that they go get some milkshakes.
"Sorry guys, but I don't have any money." Naruto sighed. "I'll do without." He said. They walked into the shop and stood in line, Naruto waited for them to finish their orders.
Sasuke came over to Naruto, he was carrying two milkshakes. "Here." He said handing one to Naruto. "It's vanilla." He added, shaking it slightly.
"Sasuke you didn't have to do that." Naruto said taking the milkshake.
Sasuke shrugged, "It's a 'thank you' gift, I guess. You know, for showing me around." Sasuke took a sip of his blueberry shake. "Where do we go now?" He asked, taking another sip.
"Why don't we go to the park?" Hinata suggested. They all nodded in agreement, and started walking in the direction of the park.
Once the park was in sight, Naruto shouted, "I claim a swing!" He laughed and ran over to the swing set. Hinata and Tenten laughed at his childish antics, and went to sit on the teeter-totter. Gaara, who didn't buy a milkshake, sat behind Hinata and stole a sip from hers. Neji, holding Tenten's milkshake, sat behind her and leaned against her back.
Sasuke walked up to the swing next to Naruto's and took a seat. "Naruto, who are they?" He asked pointing to a bunch of teenagers coming their way.
Naruto looked up from his milkshake, "Oh shit!" he cursed. "Guys we need to leave." He said just loud enough for the others to hear him. The others looked at the advancing group, and agreed with Naruto.
"Hey, Uzumaki!" The leader of the gang called. "Get off our turf you fag!" He shouted.
"Last time I check, Zaku, this park belonged to the town." Naruto stated. "Now, leave us alone." He ordered.
Zaku started to laugh, as did some others in his group. "Uzumaki you got guts. Don't you remember what happened last time you tried to stand up for yourself?"
Naruto did remember, and he wasn't very fond of that memory. Last time Zaku and his groupies teamed up on Naruto. Naruto just defended himself when they started making fun of him because he danced. The ganged up on him, and broke his right arm. He had bruises and cuts all over.
"Shut your trap Zaku! I'll kick your ass if you go and pull that stunt again." Naji said. Naruto was surprised, never once did Neji stand up for him. Naruto thought he must've been doing it for Hinata.
"Stay out of this Neji, or would you like your precious cousin to get in an accident?" Dosu, the second in command said.
Gaara stood up quickly, "You even go near her and I'll kill you, you mother fucker." He said, Gaara was pissed now.
"Guys lets just leave, I don't want anyone getting hurt." Naruto said, head cast downward. The others just looked at him and sighed.
They left the park silently, however, Gaara and Neji were still fuming mentally. Naruto sighed, he really didn't want people getting hurt, especially Sasuke because he was new here. Naruto looked down at his half-full cup that held his milkshake, "I wish they would just leave us alone." He whispered, his voice hushed so no one would hear him.
They made their way onto the gravel rode, heading for Naruto's house. They were all still silent, Naruto wished someone would start a conversation. He didn't have to wait long, "They're following us." Sasuke said.
Sasuke was right, they were being followed. Naruto could hear Zaku's gangs' bikes roll over stones, and their shoes kicking up the stones. Naruto and the others picked up their pace, but Zaku and the others were advancing. All time seemed to stand still, though, when a small stone came into contact with Sasuke's back.
As Sasuke turned around slowly, Naruto could've sworn he saw Sasuke's eyes turn red. Zaku and his gang stopped a couple feet away from Naruto and his group. Sasuke stepped forward, "You want to try that again?" It was a challenge. You could tell by Sasuke's tone, he was daring the other boys to try it again.
"Oh pretty boy wants to challenge us." Zaku laughed, he picked up another stone and threw it at Sasuke.
Sasuke coolly caught the stone in his hand before it hit his face. "You're dead." His voice was dangerously low, and his glare was so intense it made Naruto want to shiver. He was glad it was directed at the other boys and not him.
Sasuke grabbed Naruto's milkshake and threw it in Zaku's face. As Zaku tried to wipe the shake from his eyes and face, Sasuke hit him straight in the jaw sending him backwards. Dosu was about to punch Sasuke when he was off guard, but Naruto kicked Dosu in the stomach. The fight had finally started. Gaara and Neji went for the other two boys in the gang, as Sasuke fought Zaku, and Naruto fought Dosu. Their one mistake was leaving the girls defenseless.
Kin, the only girl in Zaku's gang, grabbed Tenten's arm and twisted it behind her back. Tenten yelped in pain, and tried to get out of Kin's strong grasp. Hinata was about to make her way over there to try and get Kin off of Tenten, when a boy grabbed Hinata from behind. Hinata screamed when the boy started to tighten his grip to a near bone crushing grasp.
"Hinata! Tenten!" Naruto yelled, he tried to get over to them, but Dosu punch him in the gut.
Gaara also saw that Hinata was in trouble, and tried to get over to her but the boy he was fighting pulled him back, kicking him the back. Gaara retaliated by kicking the boy in the groin. Neji also made an attempt to get to Tenten and Hinata but he was to occupied with one boy.
Just as Gaara and Naruto got to Hinata and Tenten, Kin yelled in pain shaking her arm arm up and down. There was Koryu, latched onto her arm, biting and scratching her. The boy holding Hinata fell to the ground, and yelped in pain.
Standing behind Hianta was the one who hit the boy. He looked almost exactly like Sasuke. He had long black hair, tied in the back, that looked grey in the sunlight. He had grey eyes, and pale skin. "Leave now." His voice was commanding, and there was an air aound him that demanded respect.
Zaku, and the others took one look at him and scrambled onto their bikes. They were out of there in seconds. Sasuke, now sporting a bloody lip, picked himself off the ground. "Itachi," he started. "I could've handled it." He said, wiping the blood off his chin.
Itachi gave Sasuke a stern look, "I know," he said. "Now, all of you get your asses into the house." He pointed to the mansion.
They all walked up the walkway that led to the house. Sasuke was leaning on Naruto for support, he got a pretty nasty kick to the side. Once in the house, Itachi directed them to the kitchen, where he pulled out some first aid kits.
"Oh my. What happened." Shiori, Itachi's fiancé, stood in the kitchen door way looking at the kids. "Here let me help." She said, going over to Naruto, who was trying to put gauze on a stomach wound.
Naruto looked up at Shiori as she came towards him. She was beautiful. She, like Itachi and Sasuke, had pale skin. Long, silky strands of pitch black hair cascaded over her shoulders as she kneeled to help Naruto place the bandage on himself.
"Hinata are you okay?" Neji asked, after Tenten finished putting bandages and ointment on him. Tenten was okay, she didn't have any cuts, but her arm was sore and there was going to be a bruise there.
"I'm fine. I'll probably just have bruises." She said quietly. She finished putting the last Band-Aid on Gaara.
Gaara looked pissed, "Yeah well those guys won't be okay. I going to get that guy who grabbed you." He said, glaring at the wall.
Koryu walked over to Naruto, and jumped into his lap. Tenten came over and patted Koryu on the head, he just purred in contentment, "Thank you Koryu." She said, now scratching his ears. "You're my new hero." Koryu gave a fox bark, and puffed out his furry chest. Naruto and the others laughed at Koryu.
"You have a smart fox there." Itachi said, putting away the kits. "I heard scratching and yipping at my door. When I opened it, he tugged on my pants in your direction. I saw you guys fighting." He continued. "You all can go home now if you want." He said, pointing at the clock, "It's nearly dinner time." Gaara, Hinata, Neji, and Tenten decided he was right, and left.
"Sasuke," Itachi started, "I told you no fighting." Sasuke glared at his brother, but said nothing.
Shiori giggled, she bent over and whispered into Naruto's ear, "Iatchi and Sasuke may seem stiff, but they're really big softies." Shiori and Naruto laughed at that. Itachi and Sasuke just huffed and glared.
Itachi left the room, and Sasuke just sat there glaring at nothing. Shiori turned to Naruto, "Your Naruto right?" She asked, Naruto nodded his head. "Kakashi told me about you and Iruka, when he came back this afternoon." Koryu growled a little, "And of course Koryu too." She smiled and petted the, now purring, fox. "Why don't you three come over for dinner tonight?" Asked Shiori.
"Sure, I'll ask Iruka if he wants to. Koryu would come anyway." Naruto said, smiling. "I'll go ask now." He added, jumping out of the, Koryu jumped down to the ground. "See you later Sasuke!" He shouted and ran out the door.
Naruto's feet made a thumping sound as he crossed over the bridge to his house. Koryu ran after him, giving off fox-like barks every now and then. They ran up the porch steps, and into the house. "Iruka!" Naruto yelled.
Naruto ran into the kitchen, and skidded to a halt. Koryu also made a sudden stop nearly crashing into Naruto's legs. Koryu looked up at Naruto. Naruto's eyes were wide, and he wore a look of surprise. Koryu looked to where Naruto'd gaze was focused, when he saw what Naruto saw he couldn't blame him for being surprised.
There, right in the kitchen, was Iruka and Kakashi…kissing. "Iruka?" Naruto whispered.
Iruka's eyes flew opened when he heard Naruto say his name. He pushed Kakashi back and looked at Naruto. "Naruto. I think we need to talk." He walked to Naruto and steered him to the living room.
Iruka sat Naruto down on one side of the couch, and him and Kakashi on the other side. "Um…well you see Naruto. I know that we just met and everything, but we felt a connection, and…um…" Iruka was really nervous.
Naruto was quiet for a minute, "Does he make you happy?" Naruto asked in a whispering voice. "Are you happy with him?"
Iruka looked at Naruto, "Yes. I'm very happy." Iruka said. Kakashi was just sitting there waiting for Naruto to say something.
"Then I approve." Naruto said smiling. Iruka looked confuse because Naruto agreed so quickly. "You always taught me to not judge people. Besides, I never really had a problem with homosexuality. Also, if you're happy than I'm happy." Naruto smiled at Iruka.
Iruka sighed in relief, "Thank you Naruto." He said. He was shocked when Naruto stood up, and pointed at Kakashi.
"However, if you do anything to hurt Iruka…I'll kick your ass!" Naruto yelled, still pointing at Kakashi. Koryu growled in agreement.
"I guess you still have to teach him not to use bad language Iruka." Kakashi laughed. "Don't worry Naruto, I promise I won't hurt him." He added, taking Iruka's hand in his. Naruto nodded at this, as did Koryu.
There moment was broken when Iruka gasped. "Naruto what happened to your face!" Iruka was now in mother-hen mode. "Dear God! Was it those same boys again? Are you alright?" Iruka was now checking Naruto over for any serious injuries.
"Don't worry Iruka. I'm fine, so is Sasuke. We just into a fight with Zaku and his gang. Itachi and Koryu scared them away though." Naruto explained. Iruka was still checking for injuries, "Iruka, I'm fine." Naruto whined.
"Okay, okay I was just making sure." Iruka sighed.
"Iruka, can we join Sasuke, Shiori, Itachi, and Kakashi for dinner at their house?" Naruto asked, jumping up and down, eager for an answer.
"I was actually about to ask the same thing." Kakashi said, petting Koryu who just climbed in his lap.
"I suppose it's okay." Iruks laughed. "Come on we better get going." He said.
They made their way to Kakashi's house, Naruto was skipping ahead and whistling, Koryu trotted after him. Kakashi and Iruka were holding hands, and talking to each other.
Kakashi let them inside, and showed them to the kitchen. Shiori was in there stirring something in a pot. Side dishes littered the table already. Shiori smiled at them brightly, "Hello." She said, bowing slightly.
"Shiori let me help you with that." Iruka offered lifting the heavy pot from the stove.
"Thank you. Naruto, will you please go get Sasuke. His room is upstairs at the end of the hallway." Shiori said.
Naruto smiled, and nodded running upstairs. He walked down the hallway coming to a stop at the door. He knocked lightly, no answer. He knocked again, still no answer. "Sasuke," Naruto started, "are you in there?" He called. He opened the door slightly, and peered inside.
Walking into the dimly lit room, Naruto tried to locate Sasuke. He found Sasuke sitting on his neatly made bed, headphones on his ears, and he was sitting Indian style. Naruto guessed he was meditating.
"Why are you here?" Sasuke asked, opening one eye. "It's dinner time right?" He asked. He placed his CD player, and headphones aside.
Naruto nodded, "Yes." He said simply. He walked over to Sasuke's dresser, and picked up a picture. In the picture, Naruto could easily identify Sasuke and Itachi, the other two he didn't recognize. "Are these your parents?" He asked, coming to a conclusion that they had to be.
Sasuke gently took the picture from Naruto, and put it face down on the bedside table. "Let's go to dinner." He said walking towards the door.
Naruto made the assumption that Sasuke didn't like talking about his parents. He followed Sasuke silently out of the room, and downstairs to dinner. :Sasuke, I'm sorry." Naruto apologized.
"It's alright, nothing to apologize for." He said, growing silent as they entered the kitchen.
Throughout dinner, everyone talked. Shiori told Iruka all the places she had been, and Sasuke and Naruto just talked about random things. "Hey Sasuke," Naruto started, "do you want to come swimming with us tomorrow?"
Sasuke shrugged, "Sure, I'm not doing anything tomorrow until my horses come in." He said, taking a bite of food.
"Your horses are coming in tomorrow? Can I see them?" He asked eagerly, even though he lived in the country, Naruto never really saw a horse up close before.
"Sure." Sasuke said. "Maybe I'll teach you how to ride." He suggested.
Naruto smiled brightly, he never rode a horse before. He couldn't wait until tomorrow.
------------------------------------End Chapter Two.----------------------------
That took awhile, I hope you enjoyed it. Sasuke and Naruto's friendship seems to be developing nicely. Hints of the romantic relationship between them come in the next chapter.
Notes: I hope you all don't mind me giving Itachi a fiancé. Shiori doesn't really have a big role though. I wanted to pair Itachi up with someone, and the only other person I thought of was Kisame. OO Actually I just got into the whole Kisame/Itachi pairing, but I don't picture Kisame as a shark-man. I think of him somewhat like Nightcrawler from X-Men. Only he isn't furry, a lighter blue color, no tail, though he still has the lines on his face. I just don't think of them as gills though, I know I ruined his whole image.
Neji, and Hinata were out of character, so was Sasuke I believe. I apologize for that, I'm truly sorry.
Well, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I want to thank all my reviewers!
THANK YOU! You guys make me smile, I love hearing from you. Please review this chapter too. Flames are welcome, and constructive criticism is also appreciated. Thank you!
