Beta'd by Mad Mardigan

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 2: Paid time off (PTO)

Kiba returned with his friends Hinata and Shino to pick up his things. Naruto made small talk and was polite, but his heart screamed in pain the entire time! Two weeks later, the incident was still fresh in his mind. He sat in the chair at his desk, looking over the stats from the new game. The entire concept of the game he was working on had been revamped to suit the tastes of the audience the designers were aiming for. Unfortunately, his mind would always go back to the night Kiba fully left. It was proving to be too much, the constant replaying of his break-up, his heart and mind was torturing him him. He needed to get away. At this rate, his work would end up suffering for it.

"Hey, Haku! Could you let me know how much PTO I have saved up?" Haku owned the video game company where Naruto worked. A chance meeting in college led to the two becoming fast friends. Nevertheless, He hated when any of his top designers, namely Naruto, wanted to go on vacation, the brunet was not happy. He could not run the risk of the company suffering. To make matters worse, Naruto had never gone on vacation. Zabuza finally had to start a separate program just for the blond, taking his unused time off and turning it into funds that were then moved into his retirement fund. "I feel like I need to get away, maybe look for a house. I think it is time I buy my own house." Haku gave a dazzling smile, one he used when he was trying to manipulate his favorite blond.

"I am sure we can get someone to find you a house, Love. Why do you need to take your PTO? It is not like you need a vacation from me, right?" Haku's husband watched as the will of the poor blonde-haired person shattered. He knew Naruto was a sucker for Haku. He made it a point to step in on the idiot's behalf. "Naruto, you have managed to accumulate two hundred and forty hours of PTO. You, my little manipulator, should be ashamed of yourself. Naru always heads up, all of your most important projects. He works long hours and puts in tons of overtime."

"You know he would do anything to keep Crystal Mirrors Gaming on top. Who was it that helped you build this place from the ground up? We take vacations quite a bit, and who is it you leave in charge?" Zabuza never spoke up for anyone except Naruto, and was never asked to. Everyone else in the office was afraid of the head of both accounting and human resources. The tall man was mean as Hell! "Shouldn't you be adding up numbers in the basement? That is exactly why I cannot let him go! He is capable and I can trust him with full creative control. There are maybe two other people I trust as fully."

Zabuza remained impassive. He could see the blond needed time away, he never asked them for time off. In the four years, he personally had known Naruto. The man had been sick four days and used only twelve hours of leave time. And even those twelve hours had been for the good of the company. Naruto was good to C.M. gaming and of more importance to Zabuza, he was good to Haku. "That is not the point. Blondie here doesn't ask for much. And, if you ask me, he should have been made partner years ago. He does most of the work." Zabuza was right. But he had already been offered a partnership, and turned Haku down. Naruto said he wasn't ready for that kind of transition. He wanted to try to gain the company a few more good people before he accepted the promotion. To this day, Haku was confused by what he meant. Even more so, after company earnings tripled.

Twenty six million net worth for the company, with the possibility of it doubling this year. And all of it thanks to one hard working blond. The man was insane when it came to his job. He was also a genius when it came to people, befriending them before they even realized it. C.M.G. had won every bid they placed over the past three years, the sneaky little fox smooth talking his way into everyone's hearts. He was just relentless that way. Haku knew he had lost. He could only hope Naruto would not take the entire time he was entitled to.

"Zabuza says you have plenty of P.T.O. So, how long you plan on abandoning me for?" Haku always tried to make sure his words were pointed, so that Naruto could feel it. "I was thinking maybe a week and four days. Or does that go over my PTO?" Zabuza shook his head. "No, you work sixty hours a week. That is only hundred and eight hours." Naruto nodded his head, but he could see Haku was not very happy. "I promise. I will finish the four current projects on my plate before going on vacation." Gently, the earnest blond laid a hand on his friend's shoulder "And, I will leave my cell on if you need me. I'll even leave my computer running." Those words alleviated some of Haku's worries. But, those words made Zabuza shake his head. He decided then that Naruto obviously did not get the true meaning of the word vacation.

Naruto looked up from his screen. As usual, he was the only person left in the office. He sighed as he leaned back in his chair. He hated to leave things undone. He looked at his watch; it was already 11:30. He hadn't eaten and his stomach was starting to growl. "I'll just pick something up from New Han's. Akihiko is always happy to see me." Naruto just grinned as he packed his bag. He could finish the rest at home. He walked to the elevator as he pulled his messenger bag over his head. He pressed the button to head down to the lobby. His phone started to vibrate. He was hoping it was not his little brother or sister. They could be so troublesome sometimes.

"Yeah?" He took a look, at the number. He just knew he was about to get an ear full. "I know we raised you better then to answer the phone like that!" He frowned. "Hello dad, how was your day? And yes, you did raise me better than to answer the phone like that." His dad was always so stern, even now that he was grown his dad still nagged at him. "Sorry to be calling you back so late. But, you didn't sound like my usually happy baby blond boy. Is there something wrong?" His dad, Kakashi, was always such a hard ass. Yet, he was a sucker when one of his children didn't sound right. "Umm, Kiba and I broke up a couple of weeks back. I guess I am just still feeling the effects of it. That's all." Naruto walked off the elevator with his head down. "I sure am sorry kiddo. I was hoping that might last."

"Night Mr. H!" Naruto looked up at the smiling guard. "Goodnight, Konohamaru. I hope you do well on your exam tomorrow." The young guard just winked at him as he left the building. "That is not what I called you for. I was calling to see if the Umino-Hatake cabin is in use next week or not." Naruto made his way across the street as his father spoke. "Iruka! Naru broke up with that dog boy. Now he wants to know if the Umino-Hatake cabin is in use?" His daddy Kakashi was never subtle at all. Naruto heard another receiver being picked up. "My poor little blond. I never liked that dog boy! He was not good enough for my precious little blond anyway."

That was the truth. Daddy Iruka never liked Kiba. "Dad! Focus! I was asking about a cabin." Iruka chuckled. "Well, which one? The Umino-Hatake family has four cabins and I know that two are in use. The Main cabin will be in use by your little brother and sister pretty soon." Naruto sighed. His parents were always a little unconventional. He leaned on the light post as he lit his cigarette. "I am talking about the small single roomed one right on the lake." Naruto took a long drag. He only smoked when times were hard. This qualified as one of those times. "No, dear. That cabin is not booked until next month sometime. I will have them change the linens and stock the shelves tomorrow. How long do you plan on staying there?" Naruto dropped his cigarette as he walked into the subway. "I was thinking a week and a couple of days. You said the twins would be there next week. Why?" Those two were nothing but trouble. When they got to college, it only got worse.

"They will be out for spring break. They're just bringing a few friends to the cabin. A nice quiet retreat from busy college life. You'll get to spend a little time with them." Naruto rolled his eyes. "I talk to them everyday and they stop by my job at least twice a week. Trust me. I see those two plenty. Listen, I have to go. Tell dad I said bye and I love you guys." He hurried down the stairs, pulling his pass from his pocket. He should have been paying better attention, but it was too late. He collided into someone. Clumsiness was always one of his problems.

"I sure am sorry. I know I should pay better attention." Naruto heard a small chuckle and an alabaster hand presented itself. "It is quite alright. I should have picked a better place to stand." Naruto took the offered hand and looked up. Instantly, he was taken aback by perfectly white eyes. Slowly, he perused the one before him. The man was beautiful, with long brown hair and an irresistible smile. Naruto was sure that he was a God come to earth to play tricks on him. "No, it is my fault. Honestly, I should know better." Naruto grinned. "Naw, I am just really clumsy. Thanks for your help though. I mean, you really are too nice." Naruto placed his hand on the back of his neck. He knew his face was getting redder. "I was actually trying to find my token, but I cannot seem to find it." Every time this guy talked, it was like a symphony. "Well, we can both use my pass. It is the least I can do, for being such a moron."

The beautiful man just nodded. "Being that I am currently at a disadvantage, I am force to accept your kindness." Naruto slide his pass twice along. "My name is Neji, and you are?" The guy was overly polite and perfect. "I am Naruto. It is really nice to meet you." Neji stood in front of the blond, and it was staggering. "Well, it seems that your debt to me is repaid. Are you hungry, Naruto?" Naruto had almost forgotten that he was starving. "Yes Neji, I believe I am." The train stopped a few blocks away from his apartment. He took note that this was where Neji decided to get off. "Do you like Korean cuisine?" Naruto shrugged. "I never had it, but I have had Chinese." Neji looped his arm into Naruto's. "I am absolutely positive you are going to enjoy this."

Neji pulled open the door to a relatively busy place called Chung-Hee. Naruto had never spent much time in the city, but he remembered that the nightlife was just as active as during daylight hours. It had been quite a while since he had experienced it himself. "This is my favorite place and I am starving. Let us take a seat over there." They seat in a corner booth, and a pretty little woman came to their table. "Can we get a bottle of soju and some chotkal?" The young girl just nodded. "What is soju and chotkal?" Neji chuckled. "Well, soju is liquor made from sweet potatoes. Chotkal is salted fish. I promise it is all very delicious." Naruto was willing to try anything once and the white-eyed boy was so perfect. "So, what are you doing out so late, Naruto-chan?" Naruto just seemed to turn redder at the honorific. "I was, umm, at work. I was just finishing up some last minute things is all." The waitress brought out the soju and chotkal.

Neji thanked her and she just blushed. "Are you trying to climb the corporate ladder? On the other hand, you are not in a suit or tie." Neji poured them both a glass of soju and he fed Naruto his first piece of chotkal. It was not that bad. A little chewy, but edible. "I am a videogame programmer. Well, no…I more like fix a game so it will be better." Neji smiled as he fed Naruto another piece of chotkal. "That seems like it would be interesting." Naruto nodded. "It is and I am always so happy to go to work. What about you Neji?" He took a sip of the soju and it was good. It had a sweet taste and it wasn't harsh going down. "I am in the plastics business. It is a family company and I am a very good salesman. I don't love it, but it is my destiny and I have accepted it." He fed Naruto another piece. "My nights and weekends are free. So, at least I still get to do what I love." Naruto furrowed his brow. "I love to rock climb and I own a huge indoor rock climbing facility. It is what I love and I get to do it in my spare time." Neji ate a couple pieces of the chotkal as Naruto reflected. He was starting to like him. He was smart and easy to talk to. Their server returned in the mean time. "Are you ready to order?" Neji smiled.

"Yes. Can we get two orders of pap and tchim?" The waitress nodded as she left the table. "Pap and tchim?" Neji ate the last of the appetizer. "Pap is just rice and tchim is a glazed dish. It is scallions and beef. Tastes pretty good." Neji had not been wrong so far. Their food came and they were still talking. "This is really good. I wonder why I never had Korean before." Naruto finished off the last of his dish. "It is because you were waiting for me." Naruto blushed, Neji just seem to have that effect. Neji dropped some money on the table. "Let's go to my place, unless you need to be somewhere?" There was no place for him to go and maybe just for tonight, he wouldn't be sleeping only. Or maybe he was getting a head of himself. "Yeah, let's go back to your place." 'That foxy grin sure makes the blond gorgeous.' Neji thought.

Thanks inumoon, you reall are a pleasure.

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