Title: The Superhero

Summary: AU. SasuNaru. Sasuke never believed in superheroes. Until one night, one just saved him from certain death.

Important:

This is a SasuNaru with AU.

A SasuNaru with AU this is. :D

Chapter 4: Closer

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Tuesday – 8:05 PM

"… is five minutes after eight o'clock, and you are listening to the evening…" He heard from a nearby radio. It was perched on a high shelf inside a small ramen stand that he just passed by.

On his way home, Sasuke saw where he was living. Three small and frail-looking children were sitting near the trash bins. They were eating what seemed to be leftover crust in an old pizza box. He turned right on the next corner and saw homeless people loitering around the block. Some looked young while some were so old that they were struggling hard to walk. Sasuke saw where he was living. He was living in a town that was slowly wasting away. A lot of people in it have no jobs. That made Sasuke think about his own work.

His pay wasn't exactly exceedingly high, but the publishing company paid him generously enough. He didn't want to admit it for modesty's sake, but he knew that any other media company would instantly hire him once they find out that he's unemployed. Uchiha Sasuke has been known all around the media business for the quality and reputation of his work. Even now, he was still working for the Konoha Inquirer, other companies kept pirating him, discreetly or not. Sometimes, he even got offers for modeling or for acting since the Uchiha was quite a good-looking boy, according to many. But Sasuke denied them all, saying that his talents lie behind the scenes.

Shifting his bag securely on his shoulder, Sasuke continued walking towards the direction of his house. Along the way, he saw the alley where he was attacked and was fortunately saved by the brave, or so that was how everyone described him, Red Fox. It was still sinisterly dark and Sasuke stayed stunned for a few seconds before gaining his senses again. He shook off the uneasy feeling and started walking away. The Red Fox could be out scouting the night again. Superheroes have their own work of risking their lives to save others and nobody has to pay them. Konoha sure was a lucky town to have its own 'body guard' without having to pay it a million yen every month.

Sasuke looked up at the roofs, half wishing to see the superhero. He was sort of missing his rescuer now and it was a little disturbing. It was disturbing because he was actually wishing for an accident to happen so that the Red Fox would appear. His feet stopped walking abruptly at that thought. He realized that he didn't have to wait long. He would see the fox tomorrow night if their plot would go according to plan. There was no harm in there, right? Nobody could possibly get hurt, except Sasuke. He was all right with that because he believed, so strongly, that the Red Fox would come and save him.

Yes, that's right. He would see him tomorrow night. But something inside Sasuke wished to see the fox now.

Sasuke sighed and turned left on the last corner. From here he could see a good view of his gate and his towering mansion behind it. He also saw a blonde boy sitting on the curb just in front of his gate.

His grip on his bag tightened. "Naruto…" He was so surprised, and probably pleased, that he couldn't stop himself from whispering his name. The blonde head perked up, as if he had heard Sasuke's whisper. It was surprising because he was so sure that he was out of hearing range. He checked again carefully and estimated that they were almost ten to twelve meters away. How did he … Whatever.

Naruto stood up excitedly, but he waited for Sasuke to walk near him. "Hi!" He greeted cheerfully while Sasuke was finally within hearing range. The boy from the coffee shop, Naruto, was wearing an orange shirt with a red swirl in front and black pants. It was completely different from their usual white uniform and the green apron that they wore. Sasuke noted that this boy was one of the few people who would still look good even if they wore orange.

"Good evening." Sasuke replied. He was a great observer and from here, Sasuke could see how Naruto's spiky hair looked so stylish without even applying gel on it. He noticed the odd whisker-like marks on his cheeks and how they adorably curve up like this when Naruto was smiling. Something in Sasuke's mind prompted him that he must have been staring too much when Naruto cleared his throat nervously.

"Uh… when you … uh… have gone to the coffee shop, you know, you kinda left your wallet and uhm… I happen to have found it." So that was where he had left it. And that was why he was here. Naruto reached for his back pocket and took out a black wallet. Sasuke recognized it immediately before Naruto handed it over.

Sasuke took the wallet and looked at Naruto, "I appreciate it." Sasuke told him as he held the wallet. They stood there awkwardly for a while. Sasuke thinking of what to say. When Sasuke went to lunch that afternoon, he was already wondering where he put his wallet. He later realized that he must have left it or dropped it somewhere. He really did not care, for he could easily replace it. Even so, the thought of somebody returning someone else's stuff was really impressive. A good deed nowadays was more shocking than a bad one. He was thankful that this was returned, but he was more thankful that it was Naruto who found it. "I'm sorry, have you been waiting here for a long time?" He asked. Before Naruto could answer, Sasuke asked again, "It's quite cold out, would you like to come in?"

Aren't those just blue eyes simply captivating? Even if they looked doubtful, surprised and thrilled all the same time. "For real? Wow! I mean, I'd love to!" Then Naruto checked his watch, "But I really can't. You see … "

"Please. It's the least I could do." Sasuke hoped that he didn't sound weird. It has been a long time since he had requested something. The word 'please' was an unfamiliar sound in his mouth. "My name is Uchiha Sasuke. But I guess you already know that." Naruto gave him an unreadable expression. Was this blonde a little slow…? Sasuke motioned for the wallet he was holding.

Realization emerged on Naruto's face. "Oh, yeah!" Then he grinned and scratched behind his head, "I'm Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto." And Sasuke understood that the dazzling smile from the blonde was his agreement to come in.

0------------------------0

Wednesday – 07:45 AM

"Naruto?"

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. But I guess you already know that." For a while there, Naruto thought that Sasuke knew his real identity. During the whole time that he was talking with Sasuke, Naruto could remember the first time he had seen him and asked for his name. This sudden statement from Sasuke startled Naruto so much that he actually thought his cover was blown. Until Sasuke waved his wallet in front of him and Naruto, annoyed with his assumptions, realized that Sasuke was referring about his ID.

If he was looking stupid already, then just let Sasuke think that way. "Oh yeah!" Naruto pretended to scratch behind his head. That was pretty close. "I'm Naruto." And Sasuke already knew that too. After all, he just heard Sasuke call him by his first name. Actually, Sasuke didn't call him. He just whispered his name and Naruto, because of his heightened sense of hearing, heard Sasuke even when he was out of normal hearing-range. It was a mistake looking up at the sound of it, but Naruto could swear that it wasn't an ordinary sound. It was very different from the times he had heard his name when people called him.

"Oi, Naruto..."

Sasuke's house was impressively big and Sasuke seemed so proud while he was giving Naruto a little tour. He had more servants than Neji had employees in their shop. Eventually, they had a small talk over some sodas. Sasuke offered him coffee but Naruto said that he'd had enough of it for the day. They didn't talk long, as soon as their glasses were emptied, Naruto said that he should leave. As much as he wanted to stay long, it was awkward to stay too much in such hospitality. Even if they didn't get to talk longer than Naruto had wanted, he found out that Sasuke talked with very few and selected words. He would only give a short response that contained the information that was needed. Finally, Sasuke thanked him again before Naruto was about to step out. "See you tomorrow at the coffee shop, I guess." The brunette had said.

"Yeah. Thanks a lot for the drinks." Naruto grinned. He hated how he felt so self-conscious throughout the whole time. "So…" Naruto put a hand behind his head, "…careful not to lose your things again, alright? Good thing it was me and not that stalker who sent you that weird snake you were telling me about." Naruto felt good to see that Sasuke was trying to suppress a smile. It was a start. He hadn't seen the boy smile yet ever since he met him… well officially 'met him' anyway. Naruto stepped out and waved goodbye to Sasuke, which the brunette returned with a nod.

Naruto was almost near the gate when he heard Sasuke call his name again. Sasuke could have whispered it, but Naruto heard it anyway. It wasn't instinct that made him look back at the startled expression on Sasuke's face. He ignored that and just smiled and waved again. Sasuke's voice sounded very striking for Naruto. For him, it felt so good to hear. It was even more pleasing to hear when Sasuke was saying his name. Sasuke did that night, twice. But he never intentionally let Naruto hear it.

"Naruto!"

No, it wasn't like that. Sasuke's voice was deeper and more confident.

….. Hard, silver object thrown. Left. Six feet away.

A spoon hit Naruto's head. "Ow!" Naruto rubbed the stinging spot on his scalp. "You didn't have to throw that, Neji!" As soon as the spoon was thrown by Neji, Naruto was already aware of the speed and the weight of the silver object that was hurled at his direction. It took all of his willpower NOT to react on his instincts and intercept the spoon.

"I called your name thrice already." Neji was leaning his back on the counter near the sink where Naruto was currently washing some cups.

Naruto continued rinsing, "I'm sorry, Neji. I was…"

Neji looked like he was smirking, "Don't worry. It's all right." He walked near Naruto and stood just beside him. "Just like to remind you of your planned night-shift work tonight."

"Oh, yeah." Naruto frowned a little. He did give his word that he would cover for Sakura-chan tonight, since she was unfortunately stuck at home sick.

"I really appreciate it." Neji patted Naruto on the back. "It was really so soon and I didn't expect Sakura to suddenly catch a flu."

"Yeah, Sakura-chan sounded worse when she called me up this morning." Naruto nodded, "Anyway, I'm on it, Neji! Not to worry." Neji was a really good guy even if he was quiet at times. Naruto supposed that geniuses must have been always like that.

Neji was about to go back into the kitchen when he suddenly stopped and looked back at Naruto again, "Naruto, by the way." Neji paused, as if he was contemplating on saying something or not, "Whatever happened to you last night, you should do it again. Because you look … a little more radiant today."

"What?!"

"Now, you're blushing." Neji chuckled.

Naruto swore that he heard a soft whisper of 'so cute…' from Neji as he went back into the kitchen. Naruto was shaking his head and smiling a little. Sometimes Neji acted funny. Wiping the mugs dry, Naruto hummed a simple tune. It was that moment when he heard the gentle tinkling of the chimes by the door and his senses informed him of the arrival of Uchiha Sasuke. Momentarily, he forgot the dishes he was supposed to dry… and he also forgot himself. He spun around suddenly and exclaimed with all the happiness that suddenly flooded his veins. "Sasuke!"

0------------------------0

Wednesday, 9:03 PM

Hours pass by infuriatingly slow, when you're waiting for something. Sasuke glanced again at his watch. Three more hours before show time.

Nothing fantastic happened to Sasuke that day. Well, except in the morning when he saw Naruto again. Other than that, he continued on his daily work in the office. Even if it was a tedious task, Sasuke wanted to categorize the miscellaneous photographs scattered in their office. There were so many pictures, Sasuke hadn't realized that he had taken so many since his start of work. Sasuke paused while looking at a photograph of a group of people protesting. Every photograph carried a message. He picked up another photograph from his desk and stared at a thin woman in her late 30's, holding a baby. She was sitting beside an empty trash bin and had an arm raised for begging. He placed that photograph on a box and closed it.

Sasuke shifted his attention to another box just beside it. He opened it and took one of the pictures. It was a photograph of a bright horizon in the beach. Sasuke stared at the sun in the picture. The sky was one of the few things that he liked. It was so perfectly blue and it reminded him of him… again. So, he found himself, thinking of Naruto, for the nth time this day. There was something strange about that boy, but Sasuke just couldn't quite put his finger on it. When he entered the coffee shop that morning, he was enthusiastically greeted by a very cheerful Naruto. Which he didn't mind. Other customers in the shop seemed to be surprised at how the blonde barista addressed the Uchiha heir so friendly and casually.

Sasuke could remember how happy Naruto was that morning and all that sappiness seemed to have rubbed off on him.

Usually, Sasuke would never start a conversation with anyone. But today, he surprised himself when he actually was the first one to ask how Naruto was doing. He was even more surprised that he enjoyed a conversation. Talking with Naruto was indescribable. That brightness and warmth that the blonde boy possessed was utterly contagious. It was really hard not to like him… not that Sasuke liked him that 'way'… right. Naruto was just a delightful person and he really made Sasuke feel different. It was delightful to meet and be with someone like him.

Sasuke's door opened, "Whoa! What's with the smile? You're scaring me!" Okay, delightful feeling's gone. Kakashi walked in Sasuke's office. He seemed more jolly than usual with a camera on one hand.

Konoha's top photographer stared at Kakashi as if he was an enemy approaching. "What do you want now, Kakashi?"

"I want to take a shot of you before you do your stunt later." Kakashi held up the camera and clicked.

Sasuke could've rolled his eyes, but Uchihas simply didn't do that. So he just glared, since he was a master at it. "Stop that." To tell the truth, Sasuke was nervous about what would happen later. But he wasn't afraid if he was going to get hurt or not. Instead, he was afraid because the Red Fox might not come at all. All his hopes would be broken and the last thing that he has put his faith on would be gone. A part of him wanted to forever believe and hope on a savior. Sasuke swallowed the nervousness that was starting to build up. These things would be confirmed in less than three hours.

"Hey," Kakashi patted his shoulder. Sasuke almost forgot he was in the same room because of his worry, "don't worry, okay? Everything will go according to plan." Kakashi put down his camera on Sasuke's desk. "Besides, I have around 60 people on my crew working overnight on this project."

Sasuke just sighed. He wanted to share his anxiety but … "I'm a nervous wreck because of you."

"Thanks!" Kakashi replied cheerfully, "I'll be the one looking after your safety, you know." Sasuke knew, that even if Kakashi sounded like this, he was sincere with his words. Kakashi was one of the few people that Sasuke believed, though his ideas were sometimes out of this world. Sasuke watched Kakashi as the older man reached for Sasuke's phone, "I'm going to call Ino to order coffee for the crew, would you like some?"

No, no coffee. Naruto. "No, thanks."

Kakashi nodded and dialed, "Ino-san, glad to see you're part of the over time team." Sasuke listened as Kakashi laughed a little, "Yeah, thanks! Hey listen, could you kindly order us a few dozens of coffee for the crew? Maybe a half hour before midnight and the canteen in this building has closed already. I don't want my men snoozing later."

0------------------------0

11:38 PM

Naruto turned on the tv set which was hanged on corner and turned to the music channel, hoping that this would keep him calm. He couldn't stop fidgeting. Konoha was having a night without anyone guarding it and a part of him was screaming that something was going to happen and it wasn't good. He looked out through the window in their coffee shop and sighed. How he longed to go out, but he couldn't. He had a job here and Neji and Lee would need another hand to keep up with the orders. Even if the customers were few, there were still persons coming in and they all have to be served.

He listened unconsciously as Lee was taking down some orders from a phone. "Yes," Lee replied, " Konoha Metro Tower, may I have your name please?" Naruto could hear the scratch of the pen against the paper, "Got it, Yamanaka-san. Time now is eleven-thirty eight, your order will arrive in twenty minutes." He heard Lee say his thanks and hang up.

An idea hit Naruto and he almost fell of the stool when he abruptly stood up. There was an order from a customer and it had to be delivered. He could use this opportunity to head out and scout for a while after doing the delivery. He dashed for the kitchen, ready to inform Lee and Neji of his suggestion.

"Naruto-kun," Lee was still reading the paper, "We just had this order… it's strange, you won't believe it, but actually over five dozens of strong coffee!" He started preparing paper cups.

Naruto helped Lee count and put out the cups. He was about to suggest his idea, when Neji asked him, "Naruto, could you go over to the Konoha Metro Tower and deliver it?" Neji punched the order in the cash register, "Lee couldn't drive the van and I can't leave this shop. Is it alright with you?"

All Naruto replied was an enthusiastic nod. He couldn't believe his luck.

0------------------------0

…to be continued.