Oh God, you guys are wonderful. Like...I donno what to say. I barely left the computer for an hour and when I come back...The reviews are rolling in. Then the next day I wake up, and I go on yahoo, and I'm like "Holy Shit!" Forty-one new messages! Wow, thank you...you guys are the best...I really mean it. I'm still in a sort of shock.
Every single person out there who has reviewed and added this story to their favorites and alerts...and oh god! Favorite author...I'm not that good, and their author alerts...I just, gosh...I wish I could send a gift basket to every one of your houses...your just too sweet...
On a more serious note...I'm slowing this story down. Some say I'm moving too fast with this story, and the lovely dovey stuff. So I'm going slower...still flirting, but more get to know you style...But is it so wrong to want Naruto and Lee and Shika and Kiba to be loved...and cuddled and waited on hand and foot...
...I know their not real...trust me I stopped caring about that a looong time ago...
My beautiful, wonderful, sweet, kind, lovely, charming reviewers: hopesterocks, greywindfalcon, dragonfir04, blackrose-sama, TerasBad (anonymous, but thank you for pointing yourself out), KyouyaxCloud, HinaLuvLuvChan, Sezthekitty, shobe09, XxAngel of MadnessxX, lo (anonymous), loopdiz and Telekinetic Electric Ninja.
A hug from me and FRENCH KISSES!
Pairings: Just because I like how it looks: Sasunaru, Gaalee, Shinokiba, Nejishika, Kakarukra and Itadei.
Warnings: Major OOCness. Let me say this to flamers and their flames...it hasn't happened to me thus far in any of my stories...but this is yaoi. Say it with me...yaoi...I don't want any messages saying...you didn't say this...you didn't say that...so your story is crap, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...So I'm saying it now. Flames will be used to burn the flamer's house...Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with fire...
Disclaimer: I own my laptop, my teddy bear named P2LJ (don't ask); my Irish Spring scented body wash...but Naruto? Not so much.
P.S It's Thursday (Stop looking at me with that 'duh' expression!)
P.P.S this chapter's noticeably shorter, no.
Thursday morning shone bright and clear.
The four took their own time to arrive at school.
Neji on his black Honda Interceptor, Sasuke in his Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Shino in his black Lexus LFA and Gaara on his BMW Concept 6.
They parked in the schools private garage. The doors automatically opening from the entry of the security code and the four fingerprint scanners ensuring they were the right people.
Parking side by side in the shiny, clean, artificial fluorescent lit area, the four greeted one another.
All four had worn the dark grey blazer over their school shirts:
Shino was trying out a new prototype by texting and trying out applications non-stop and finally taking a break from his bet with his dad that he could and would hack into his own updated companies system to prove that the 'old man' should step down from that area and let him protect the company's confidential files.
Needless to say the senior Aburame was very, very worried indeed. But as Shino said and at the same time grinning devilishly: 'All isn't fair in the world of Technology and hackers.'
Mr. Aburame was left sobbing in his wife's dress while Mrs. Aburame patted his back and consoled him saying "There, there."
Neji was straddling his placed bike and undoing the fingerless gloves he'd worn, wondering if he could possibly drag Shikamaru to a spa for a massage instead of being around his uncle's place today...oh well he'd promised.
Sasuke was sitting with his feet out the car and looking around in the car for some unknown item. He should really stop cussing out and firing Kakashi's secretaries and claiming he was doing the man a favor. They really could come in useful once in a while when he needed something.
And Gaara...well; Gaara was being abnormally quiet and observing his three friends from the space where he was leaning against Sasuke car. His arms folded he watched them with contemplative eyes.
Until...
"You know," he started, "We're all in sync."
Sasuke glanced at him quirking an eyebrow and looking faintly amused, Shino snorted, and Neji looked at his friend with the corner of his lips tilting upward in a crooked grin.
Sighing, Neji got off his bike, maneuvering his low pony-tailed hair over his shoulder. "And why do you say that Gaara?"
"Oh don't look at me like that, you know you know it." He shrugged, "But even though we're so comfortable around each other, it's like I can never get bored."
"More like you don't allow us to." Sasuke grinned.
Gaara gave him a bored look. "Oh really..."
"Yep!" Shino said.
"I doubt that...you guys do the crazy stuff."
"Oh really...Do you need a reminder?" Sasuke challenged.
Shino grinned, "How about...the nude beach in Venice."
"Or the trip to Fiji in summer."
"Hey. Just wait a minute...!"
"No wait!" Neji laughed, "Last year at Christmas in Monte Carlo."
Shino and Sasuke groaned.
"Oh god, that was a disaster just waiting to happen." Sasuke grimaced.
"Hello! Listen to me here!"
They ignored Gaara...
"I got it!" Shino glanced up suddenly, "The porn room!"
Neji and Sasuke laughed.
"Jeez that was really bad!" Neji shook his head.
"Yet he still went through with it." Sasuke held his laughter.
"I don't see what's so bad..." Gaara grumbled.
"Maybe it was when you asked a thirty year-old lady to spank you and teach you a lesson." Shino grinned.
"She was hot!" Gaara reasoned.
"She was married!" Sasuke burst out.
"How was I supposed to know!"
"Her ring might have been the first clue." Neji laughed.
"If not that, how about, I don't know...the man attached to her hip perhaps." Shino grinned.
"But- but that wasn't the ultimate factor." Neji laughed, "It was when he asked Joey to build him a floor to ceiling, wall-to-wall ultra deluxe plasma with HQ, HD, 3D and the ultimate 'surround sound'. I mean, hello, why are there indoor home theatres?"
"I still don't see why you insist calling my dad 'Joey'." Shino frowned.
"He screams 'Joey'!" Neji laughed.
"Your grand-parents obviously don't know how to pick names." Sasuke grinned, "Even to me he seems like a Joey."
"I still don't see what was bad about the plasma..."
"It's not the plasma," Shino sighed, "It's what you wanted it for."
"And the fact that you would do anything to get it." Neji hid his smile.
"I would not!"
"You threatened Joey." Sasuke revealed.
"No I didn't..."Gaara mumbled.
"Twice!"
"That was really funny." Neji reminisced.
"I have a feeling my dad's gonna bar you all from the house soon; and he might send me with you." Shino smirked.
"Aw, come on," Sasuke groaned, "Your dad's like an unofficial 'one of us.' He's even cooler than Kakashi."
"He's also slightly sadistic..." Shino looked back down at the phone.
"Aside from that conversation..." Gaara frowned, "Shino, did you get to hack into the school's system files?"
"No, but just gimme a minute." Shino replied.
"You asked Shino to hack into the school's files?" Neji raised an eyebrow.
"Tsunade won't let me see them..." Gaara reasoned.
"How do you even know they're not a bunch of papers and folders in some large drawers?" Sasuke inquired.
"Eh? Sasuke dude, have you looked at Tsunade lately, all the old hag does is drink Sake, curse, gamble, beat up her poor desks if she's angry, and then calls Shizune for more sake."
"I'm in." Shino confirmed.
The three huddled around him as they saw the folders with the student's names that held their personal information.
"Okay Shino sweetheart, sent Lee's file to my e-mail."
Neji and Sasuke glanced at each other before requesting the same thing with Naruto and Shika.
Gaara grinned, "Hey Shino I bet you already did the same thing."
"I don't intend to get information about my prey by hacking into the schools files," Shino said, "I intend to observe, and inquire about his life like a normal person."
"You mean, stalk and interrogate." Neji grinned.
Shino grinned back, "Hey Neji, remember the car I called you about yesterday..."
"Uh, yeah, that was his sister right. The rental I gave her was probably too much, hn, she didn't object"
Shino nodded, "Other than that...guess who gave him a ride home."
Sasuke pouted.
"G- No fair man! Your way too much ahead of the game." Gaara cursed.
"You don't know fair." Neji berated, "What isn't fair is that we won't get to see Sakura latch onto Sasuke and Sasuke peel her off for an entire week."
Sasuke closed his eyes in seemingly bliss. "Oh, say that again."
His friends laughed at him.
"That is by far, the only good thing that comes from showing up at her parties." Sasuke smiled.
"Yeah we feel it for you Sas," Gaara shook his head, "Paradise for ten days."
"Ten?" Sasuke suddenly looked suspiciously at him, "Are you joking?"
"No man, c'mon! She's going to be away for the rest of the day and tomorrow."
"It's true," Neji interjected, "Hinata's been rather depressed that she has to spend time with Ino. I finally squeezed it out of her that Sakura's gone to Milan for her mom's fashion show."
"And how did you know?" Sasuke questioned Gaara.
He shrugged, "Temari got to model one of her dresses, and she's buying the entire fashion line. God, is it possible to be a fashion geek?"
"I know what you mean, my mom's going too. She loves that her figure can still be like a twenty year olds and intends to take advantage of that fact."
Gaara grinned.
"Gaara, try it and every time you set foot on a plane you will die from worry about it blowing up from...technical malfunctions." Shino said, not glancing up from the phone.
Gaara's grin dropped all the way to the floor.
He rubbed his neck self-consciously. "N-no Shino darling, never something like that."
Sasuke chuckled.
Shino almost jumped when his phone began to ring...almost.
"It's my dad," he says waving the phone, "Who wants to torment him for me?"
Gaara grabbed the phone and put it on speaker so they all hear Mr. Aburame's response.
"Joey darling, I haven't seen you in weeks. Have you been avoiding me...?" Gaara said coyly.
"No Gaara, but thank god. I've been able to retain my sanity for a couple days' now. Where is my son? Although I'm betting he gave the phone to you on purpose just because he has it out for me."
"Oh Joey dear, you wound me...Anyways I haven't seen you in a while my love puppet. I hear you're getting rid of the Missus this week. Here's my idea, you, me a bottle of whipped cream and handcuffs. Saturday night good for you?" Gaara grinned.
"Gaara, I can't express how tempting that sounds." Mr. Aburame said with a bored tone, "But I think it would traumatize poor Shino."
"Well Shino will just have to learn how to deal with his new step-daddy won't he, besides he has his own pet to take care of."
Mr. Aburame's voice took on an interested tone, "New pet? Pray tell..."
Shino grabbed the phone from Gaara, "Old man, what's up?"
They listened and chuckled as 'Joey' proceeded to cuss out Shino about his youth.
"Sure, sure..." Shino cut him off taking the phone off speaker, "Now really, what's this really about?"
The rest spaced out as Shino went on about Tech mombo jumbo.
"Hey guys?" Gaara said to Neji and Sasuke, "you guys were going on about the porn room a second ago. Well yesterday the weirdest thing happened..."
"What? You found out that it's rather unhealthy to have more porn than an entire country does, in one room." Sasuke suggested.
Gaara just looked at him. "No I found out that half the girls in there weren't attractive to me."
"And the other half?" Neji asked in amusement.
"Well the ones that actually caught my eye all had black hair, or dark eyes, or the cutest button nose, and a small, lithe body that looked like it could bent in any direction-"
"You're whipped." Shino stated, coming off the phone.
"Completely." Sasuke stated.
"Not even my ass could bring you back to normal." Neji smirked.
"Please Neji, who wants your bony ass..."
Neji looked affronted. "Bony? I have you know my ass is not bony...Is it?" he asked almost worriedly.
The other three stood and watched as Neji inspected his behind.
Behind his shades, Shino rolled his eyes, "Neji, don't listen to Gaara...your ass is perfection."
Neji looked up with shining eyes, "Really?" Before Shino could react Neji latched onto his neck with a vice grip and glared at Gaara from Shino's shoulder.
"Hey no fair!" Gaara shouted, and before Sasuke could react, latched onto his neck.
"Oh, dear god." Sasuke grumbled.
"You know Sasuke, aside from the arrogance practically rolling off you, the fact that your eyes don't have the special shine and the look of annoyance yet slight amusing displayed on your face-"
Sasuke snorted at that.
"And the fact that you're too muscular, and also the fact that you're not small enough and we're practically the same height-"
"Get to the point!"
"Your hair and eyes fit Lee to almost T. But...as usual; your looks are your own, Lee doesn't look arrogant or annoyed half the time..."
"That's because he doesn't have to deal with you...yet"
"What's that supposed to mean."
"Let's just say this..." Neji interrupted, "Simply put...You look better with the lights off..."
"I always knew you loved me Neji."
"Say what now?"
"You know that song is only used for seductual reasons."
"Seductual...? That's not a word dumbass."
Shino and Sasuke rolled their eyes and dragged the arguing children off.
Shikamaru, Naruto, Lee and Kiba were all in a state of depression.
All for different reasons, but depression nonetheless.
The chance that one of them could try to cheer the other up was long gone, because they were all depressed. And as they arrived at school, each more somber than the last, the previous' one's good mood would be diminished by the constant fall on the mood meter.
Even Naruto, who wasn't as depressed as the rest but depressed nonetheless, couldn't bring a rise in his friends...and fell into deeper depression too.
Lee's eyes were puffy and swollen, Kiba looked like he hadn't slept a wink and frown lines were starting to appear on his forehead, Shikamaru looked permanently worried because of what Lee had told him and Naruto's skin had taken on an abnormally pale appearance, with thoughtful yet dull blue eyes.
Now although the point that they're all majorly depressed has been firmly made, the reasons why is still unknown...
The boys didn't have a chance to talk to each other until their lunch period, with free period exactly after that one they had more than enough time.
..
Kiba's experiences the day before had been the most complicated of the four; yesterday he had gone home to see his mother, who was supposed to be in Africa, on the front porch, stroking his dog like she had been there since she was a child.
The reason why his mother, his sister and he lived in different continents was plain if explained right:
His mother had gone to Africa because it was something she always wanted to do. She had always wanted to study the African wildlife and live there and treat wounded and endangered animals. She found it fascinating and never regretted her choice.
But before she had left, she had given Kiba a choice.
Hana had been working and had a stable job for some time now...she had moved out of her mother's house and into the city. She had bought a car, her rent was perfect and she had two bedrooms and enough space for Kiba to visit every weekend.
He enjoyed life with Hana.
Hana enjoyed life with Kiba.
His mother was moving, she needed time to adjust, and to get used to her new life...
His choice was simple.
His mother had insisted that as soon as she was okay, he'd come live with her, but that was before he had become adjusted to his new life.
Every time his mother called from the large country he'd argue her down with Hana's help, until she stopped calling and seemed to stop caring.
And other than that little fact in the back of their minds, life was good...
Until she showed up on the front porch...
Flashback:
He turned to face her criticizing eyes and raised eyebrows.
Time to face the music.
"Who was that?" she asked coolly as if it didn't affect her.
He noted the odd accent she had picked up. And the air of arrogance around her that he could feel from where he was.
"A...friend from school." He answered.
She 'hmmd' and went into the house...Akamaru in her arms.
Until the moment Hana came home she refused to talk to him.
He'd even shouted and yet she still ignored him.
When Hana had come, they were in the kitchen; she was flipping through a magazine while Kiba glared at her over the top of his glass of water.
Both of them were seated on opposite sides of the island counter.
She was dressed in a form fitting light brown soft looking blouse. A dark purple scarf around her neck; Light brown corduroys hugged her hip and plunged down into black short booties. Her usual tomboy demeanor was gone, even her usual spikes were straightened to flow loosely past her neck. She looked fit, and thoroughly taken cared of.
Hana had walked in, takeout bags in hand, taken one look at their mother, blinked and presumed to set the bags down and take out the food.
"Is that what you've been feeding my son every night?" His mother said for the first time in three hours.
"Hello to you too mother..." Hana said, not glancing up, and telling Kiba to grab the two litre bottle of soda while she opened the takeout. "What would you like?"
"Stop acting like your queen bee and answer my question."
Kiba watched the tension grow from the corner of the kitchen...he could sense an argument growing.
Hana glanced up and hooked a strand behind her ear. "Well no mother, but it tends to come in handy when I have really important things to do-"
"They are unhealthy, they clog your arteries and it seems that no one of this generation exercises anymore-"
"Oh like your one to talk." Hana griped, her anger getting the best of her. Breathing out she closed her eyes and continued more calmly, "What do you want mother?"
"Well, I came to see my son...but when I actually arrive, I find out he's not here, and then I see him coming out of some stranger's car..."
"It was just his friend from school mother-"
"But I don't know him!"
"How could you! You don't know anything about Kiba!"
"I know none of his friends has a car like that-"
"You don't even know his friends!"
"And you do! You're suddenly the mother in his life! You've taken over my sons focus like you're suddenly the one who carried him for nine months and looked after him and put up with his tantrums and disasters! Then when my work is finally paying off, you whisk him off and have him driving around with strangers in fancy cars! Then you come in here with your take out and soda and act like the best hard working mother there is!"
"I'm a better one than you will ever be."
The silence was deafening. They stood and glared at each other, there was always something about mother that set off Hana, and vice versa.
"Don't you dare..." his mother's voice was like ice, "You are not his mother you are merely his itty bitty guardian."
"I am also not a child mother! I don't follow behind you and listen to your ridiculous explanations anymore!"
"There is no reason for you to speak to me this way. As if you're scolding me! Like I am a petulant child that got caught with sweets before dinner!"
"You haven't called for five months!"
His mother stared at her.
"Five friggin' months! You don't contact us. You don't even call and leave a message! You missed your only son's birthday!"
Kiba looked down at that.
"We called you! Day and night! We tried, and the one time someone picks up, it's some guy saying you're busy! Did you know that your son got a scholarship for one of the most prestigious schools in the entire country! Do you know what it's like to have your heart break as your little brother cry his eyes out on your shoulder when he feels like everyone abandoned him and that people keep treating him and his friends like scum! Do you even know how old your son is!" Her voice cracked, but she continued, "And then you have the audacity and the guts to actually show your face here, and talk to me about what it is to be a mother. When you never even knew your own children!" Hana narrowed her eyes on her mother. "I don't even want to look at you..."
Kiba's mother looked down in a sudden flair of shame. "That's what I wanted to talk about. I have a good explanation..."
Hana breathed, "I'm sorry I just...needed to get that out..."
His mother looked up at her, "I somewhat understand." She looked over to Kiba and smiled, "I guess you have a couple of things you'd like to get off your mind too."
He did, but he couldn't ever imagine himself cursing his mother like Hana seemed to be able to do.
"Um," he said almost sheepishly, "...What did you want to explain."
His mother donned a small smile, "Well...I'm...married!" She smiled widely and flashed a huge diamond ring at them.
Kiba was stunned.
What.
"What?" Hana blinked.
Then their mother had the cheek to look sheepish. "Well that's why you couldn't get me, we went on the honeymoon...and we were so busy. He's a perfect man, handsome, smart and rolling in money! We're planning to have a baby..."
Hana gripped onto the counter for strength and stumbled down on a chair with a shell shocked look on her face.
Kiba stared dumbly as his mother went on, oblivious to their faces while in the midst of her joy. B-baby...what! He stared helplessly...
"Oh and Kiba," she smiled at him, "We were thinking that this is the perfect time to come and live with us. Kevin's looking forward to meeting you so much..." she actually looked like she might squeal.
"Kevin?" Hana said slowly, "That's his name? He's here."
"Well he's at the hotel..." her mother answered, "We're coming back tomorrow. He said I should come and warn you beforehand."
Hana pushed herself up, her eyes still unbelieving, "I'm going to bed."
"What?" their mother looked at her questionly, "Why? It's so early."
"Because," Hana stated, turning to her, "Honestly, I want to wake up in the morning and hope this was just all one big nightmare." She turned to Kiba, her eyes softening, "Are you hungry?"
He waved her off, "I'll be okay..."
She nodded, spared a sideways glance at her mother, and went out the doorway.
She turned to Kiba, her eyes wide and flowing with mirth.
He chuckled humorlessly inside, she really was happy...he pitied her.
She knew nothing, she was just so oblivious. It was like she felt she was a reckless, carefree twenty-year old, not forty-something.
She really didn't care about them, and she wanted him to come live with her.
"Mom," he started, "Are you really sure you want me to come live with you? I mean, if you're planning for a...baby," he flinched, "You wouldn't want me around...besides I'm happy here with my friends and Hana-"
"Hana is not your mother; you will come with us and make new friends and enjoy your new life..."
A flash of the white hot Inuzuka rage flashed through Kiba, "You can't make me do something I don't want to! You have no right!"
His mother clenched her teeth, "I really am getting tired of both of you shouting and opposing me. I sear it's all your father's genes."
"I wish his genes were the only one I had..."
She narrowed her eyes at him, "You know, I'm tired of this. I am going to go back to the hotel, take a bath and greet my husband. We will continue this discussion tomorrow. Make sure that you're ready to greet him when I get here tomorrow."
He stared at her.
"I'll let myself out."
...
After he heard the door close he let out an air of breath.
He put away the food, and made his way up to his room.
As he passed Hana's room, he got the slightest urge to check on her.
Opening the door as silently as he could, as not to disturb her sleep, he looked inside and was only mildly shocked to see her just lying on the bed, her eyes open and staring at the ceiling.
She turned her eyes on him and gestured for him to come nearer.
He sat down beside her as Akamaru came bounding in and jumped on the bed.
"Are you okay sis?" he asked.
"Yeah..." she answered and turned her head towards him. "I heard the little conversation you two had..."
"Hmm..."
"Do you want to go?"
Kiba grinned, "Not on my life."
Hana smiled back, "Okay then. You sure? It seems like an okay deal..."
"You can't get rid of me that easily."
: End Flashback
Kiba's head drooped. He looked about ready to collapse.
"You can't move!" Naruto shouted, "You're the only other person every call an idiot other than me!"
"Why thank you Naruto, I'm sure your kind words will want Kiba to stay all the more." Shikamaru said.
"And then Hana and I have to meet Kevin today...I mean live with a guy I don't even know the fist thing about...I'd like to see her make me."
"Well you're not the only one with problems." Naruto complained.
"Then enlighten us Naruto." Lee suggested.
"Well..."
Flashback:
Naruto was bouncing in his seat at the ramen stand.
Iruka was watching him bounce up and down and wondered when he'd finally spring off through the ceiling.
"Naruto, calm down...you just ate ramen yesterday."
"Yeah but they don't make ramen at school Ruka!" Naruto whined.
Iruka rolled his eyes.
"So Naruto, how did your day go...?" Iruka asked as Naruto got more hyper for ramen.
Naruto turned bright blue eyes on him, "Eh?" Then his eyes lit up and he squinted as he got ready to complain, "Maa, Ruka! There was some perverted bastard who didn't leave me alone all day." Naruto exaggerated, "And he tried to smooch me. I was so scared!" he leaped at Iruka and proceeded to bawl in the surprised man's shirt, "His name was Sasuke Uchiha, and the girl I love is in love with him! And then he tried to molest me this afternoon! He touched my face Ruka. My face! And Shika messed up some rich bastards shirt and another rich bastard said he was going to beat us up, then another rich bastard told him to leave us alone then the rich bastard that-"
Iruka blinked and wondered how Naruto wasn't suffocating from how tightly he was gripping his shirt. He'd learn from a long time ago that Naruto could go on for hours and it was better to stop listening once he hit the first high note. But he heard Uchiha and paused to look at Naruto. Uchiha, he had heard that name from Tsunade. He was one of those four genius guys that Tsunade said were the four most spoiled brats she'd ever seen.
He didn't teach them...no one did.
They're IQ's were off the charts. How did Naruto become involved with them?
Not that it was bad...well he wouldn't know but...Naruto...?
Why would...? He looked at the hyper blond, who had let go of his shirt long ago and was digging into his fifth bowl of ramen.
Shit! Damnit! He really shouldn't let his thoughts get away from him while Naruto was eating ramen, before he knew it he'd be drained of all the cash in his wallet.
Touching Naruto's shoulder he shook him.
Naruto turned to him with a mouthful of noodles.
"Naruto...slow down. I didn't carry the bank here with me. I just wanted to treat you since you begged me so..."
"But Ruka, I haven't eaten my normal amount of ramen for a while now..."
"You mean you haven't succeeded in making the owner close his doors from lack of ramen for a while."
"That too..."
Iruka groaned, "Naruto, you really need to start eating more healthy foods... if you eat too much ramen alone for the rest of your life, you'll get sick."
"Don't worry Ruka; I have a strong immune system."
"A black hole for a stomach you mean..." Iruka mumbled.
"Eh?"
"Nothing!"
Naruto was about to gulp down his last bowl when he stopped and turned back to Iruka.
"Ruka?"
"Hmm..."
"I-I got invited to a party today...but I don't know if you'll let me go..." he said sadly.
Iruka frowned; Naruto really should have more faith in him. He would let him go of course, although there was the question of how he'd get there, but he still couldn't let this opportunity pass him up.
"Well Naruto...lets make a deal..."
"Deal?" Naruto questioned.
"Yeah..."Iruka held his chin, "How about...no ramen for two days and you can go to the party."
"B-but Rukaaaa!" Naruto pouted.
"Really Naruto, it's only about a day and a half."
Naruto sniffed, "Okay..."
: End Flashback
A vein popped in Shikamaru's head, "That's it. That's your problem...Ramen?"
Naruto nodded sulkily.
Lee stopped Shikamaru before he could strangle Naruto.
"Wow Naruto, it's like the worlds coming to an end." Kiba said sarcastically.
Naruto glared at him, and then sobered up.
"You guys don't understand, I don't know what it is about ramen, but it makes me feel connected-"
"It's just all those noodles sticking to your stomach walls."
Naruto glowered at Kiba, "Shut up. That not what I mean! I mean that when I eat ramen...it's like...I feel in touch with someone...Like...there's a reason other than the taste why I crave it so much. Like my dad's the reason I love it so much."
The others looked at him silently.
Then suddenly Ino Yamanaka appeared over them flanked by Hinata Hyuuga and a red headed girl.
They all looked up surprised.
"What-" Kiba started, but was cut off by Ino.
"I heard you got invited to Sakura's party..."
"Well-"Shika started, but he was cut off also.
"Not that I care or anything, it's just that I will not lose my popularity to Sakura, and if that means inviting you losers, then so be it..." she snapped her fingers at Hinata who took out four invitations to give to the guys.
I don't really care if you come or not. But if you don't, and my crowds smaller than the one at Sakura's party this weekend, I will make your life worse than hell..." Ino smiled sharply.
They looked at her with wide eyes.
"Bye now..." She turned and walked away.
"Do you understand what just-"
The others shook their heads at Naruto.
The party was the next week Saturday. And the invitation guaranteed it would be the party of the month.
Finally Shikamaru blinked cleared his throat, "Lee..."
Lee looked at him with wide eyes.
"What?" He drew out innocently.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes and looked to Naruto and Kiba, "Lee...is planning to sneak out to go to Sakura's party."
"What! Are you crazy!"
"You dad will kill you!"
"I told him that..."
Lee looked down sheepishly. "It's okay guys, it just on Saturday after he goes to the bar."
"But what if he comes home early?" Naruto persisted.
"He hasn't come home early for over a year now, so I doubt he'll start now."
"What if he finds out you sneaked out! There'll be hell to pay." Shikamaru advised.
Lee buried his head in his knees; he was really reconsidering his plan by now...what if his father did catch him. That he didn't even want to think about. His father was already angry with the fact that he had made him wait for at least two minutes yesterday...
Flashback:
Lee was sitting in the back of the car with his head down.
His father had just finished shouting at him for making him wait.
He had just finished telling him how stupid he was and that he didn't know why he put up with him, then said it was only because...just...because.
"Because of my mother" Lee wanted to say, "your wife."
He knew his father hated him because he took away the light in his life, his significant other...his soul mate.
His father never struck him but his words gave the equal desired effect.
He felt like shit run over and warmed up and fried after his father was done with him.
Lee glanced at his fuming father through his hair worriedly.
His face was still showing obvious signs of anger.
He looked back down at his knees.
He blushed faintly when he remembered Gaara talking to him. He didn't know why Gaara would want to talk to him. People usually avoided him like he had some highly contagious disease.
But here was this guy, who somehow pulled off the look of utter flawlessness and masculinity even without eyebrows. His eyes lit up when he grinned and-
Lee's eyes widened and he flushed when the thought that Gaara had kissed him on the cheek struck.
He reached up with his hand and touched his cheek faintly.
And this guy had told him he wanted to see him at Sakura's party.
A faint smile played at his lips.
His smile fell when the car jerked to a stop. He glanced up at the apartment complex.
His dad glanced around at him, "Find something to eat, I'm coming home late tonight."
Lee nodded.
"Answer me properly boy, no one takes the time to look when you shake your head." He snarled.
"Yes sir."
"Well then...what are you waiting for? Get out of my car."
Lee watched as he drove away.
: End flashback
Naruto sighed as Shikamaru frowned. Kiba ran his hand over his face and Lee looked down.
"I guess...we've all got things to sort out." Shikamaru said.
"What are you talking about? You don't have any problems, you're home life is fine..." Naruto pointed out.
"You guys are my friends; anything that affects you is troublesome to me too."
Whatever Kiba would have said was interrupted by a flash of red plopping down in the middle of the little circle they'd formed.
"Why so glum, chums?"
The four looked down at a grinning Gaara who shuffled his way over to Lee's lap.
"Umm...Gaara?" Lee asked, looking at him surprised.
The other three looked up as Sasuke settled beside Naruto, Neji sat almost behind Shika and Shino leant against the tree beside Kiba.
Neji spoke, "We've come to offer our services of walking you to class." He looked at Shika.
"We would be most delighted." Sasuke continued grabbing Naruto's hand
"Our gentleman mannerism is just itching to offer the opportunity to you." Shino smirked at Kiba.
"We would also like to engage you in conversation on this walk..." Neji picked up.
Gaara's eyes raked over Lee, "And other less...gentlemanly things."
Neji whacked Gaara in the head.
Gaara gaped shamelessly, "Neji ol' duck I'm rather affronted, appalled and insulted by your behavior." He looked at the others, "I do believe such acts warrant the proper compensation."
"Ah," Shino fixed his glasses, "I do believe you're right Mr. Sabaku..."
Sasuke frowned playfully, "Shino my good man, the usual payment will be proper to our most frequent client, yes?"
"I do believe so Monsieur Sasuke."
"Ah then," Neji joined, "For my acts, the proper payment of several bars of Amedei Porcelana chocolate to one Gaara Sabaku Esquire will be ordered from Italy before the day ends." He made a dramatic gesture of a bow to the lounging Gaara.
"Well then, I am rather satisfied at the moment. Good doing business with you Mr. Hyuuga. I'll have my lawyer," he gestured to Shino, "sort out the details with yours."
"Likewise Mr. Sabaku." Neji nodded.
Naruto, Shika, Lee and Kiba looked at the grinning guys, who laughed when they saw their faces.
Sasuke stood and held a hand out to Naruto. "Come on dobe, you haven't given me an answer to my question yet."
"And what if I say no teme..."
"Then I will have to haul Kakashi over to your house and convince your parents to let you come." He dragged Naruto off.
Gaara pulled Lee up with him so he was closer to him than expected. "You haven't answered my question either. You have to say you're coming. Otherwise...I'll stand out your window with my Spanish guitar, and serenade you until the sun rises." He grinned at Lee's replying blush and walked off with him.
Neji rose with Shika's hand in his, "I was thinking, instead of going by the restaurant today we should postpone it until tomorrow, there's something I want to show you..." he said to the flushed Nara.
Shino looked at Kiba, "I haven't asked if you wanted to go yet, have I?"
Kiba blushed and shook his head, "Well I would be honored if you would attend this event with me. What'd ya say?"
Kiba smiled, "Okay..."
Shino sighed mock dreamily, "Never in my life have I been more delighted." He went on one knee to kiss Kiba's hand. Kiba flushed.
"Come on." They jogged after the others hand in hand.
Their troubles were forgotten for the time being.
...
I didn't mean to end the chapter so abruptly, kinda...
First, I didn't mean to make Kiba's mom seem like an ultimate bitch, and to make their argument so...dramatic, but I donno, When I started writing that part I just got pissed at her for no reason, so I used Hana to get all up in her face...god don't hate me. She actually seems like a genuinely nice person in the manga, a little coo coo in the cranium, but...nice...
Secondly, I hope you didn't find the flashbacks boring, because personally, I always skip the flashbacks, ESPECIALLY when their in Italics. Sometime some really good one's catch my eye, but otherwise...I don't read flash backs. But it was necessary for this chapter so...
Question? Really why does it seem like every chapter is anything but Naruto-centric. Honestly...because I don't know...I hope you guys aren't cussing me out for this.
And if this chapter was kinda lame, blame-
WHO AM I KIDDING! THIS CHAPTER WAS ALL SORTS OF LAME! I MEAN GOD MOY THAT WAS SOOO CORNY! LIKE EPICLLY CORNY. LIKE WHO ENDS A CHAPTER LIKE THAT! HONESTLY!
I AM SO SORRY FOR ALL OF THAT! IT SEEMS MY MUSE ABANDONED ME TO GO ON A BEACH TRIP! SO THERE I AM, LEFT WITH A PISSED OFF BRAIN AND AN EDGY STOMACH WITH MY WITS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE! LIKE...WHAT THE SHIT MAN!
This chapter was sooo exaggerated...GOD!
Okay I'm breathing now, just, sorry for the rant, just put me out of my misery...review and cuss me out for wasting your time with this...garbage, Amma go read a book...*grumbles*
P.S. If you let my dog starve I will haunt you in the next life...
P.P.S. I write these extra long chapters (no matter how corny) for you. LOVE ME DAMNIT! *huffs*
Essentially peeved.
-Werepire.