So I was just sitting around the other day thinking, and deciding whether to give Kakairu and Itadei their place in the main story or do those two in their separate chapters. I've decided to do both!
And I've come to a conclusion. I am an ass and I give everyone who's ever reviewed this story free reign to cuss me out. But, going on the fact that basically no one reads the first author's note for some reason, I will apologize properly to all of you at the end of this chapter.
I know I come waltzing back in as if I haven't been gone for almost three months. But...could no one warn me that tenth grade was this hard! I mean, I thought ninth grade was bruising...but so far this year takes the cake...
Thank God for Christmas holidays. I am just going to take a day to lie down and sleep...with the windows open...while the sun shines. Did I ever mention I live in the Caribbean? It is hot here, you have no idea how much I'm suffering right now.
Anyways...on with the chapter...
Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto, do you really think there would be one page with yaoi in the entire 567, chaptered, manga.
The four males had taken to venturing to Naruto's place that evening. All of them piling in Iruka's car to go wreak havoc on the poor man's house.
They settled in the living room while Iruka went to prepare dinner for the two guests coming to his house.
"To christen," Kiba hiccupped drunkenly, "The start of the beautiful summer that lies ahead... would you all raise you glasses." He bowed his head almost reverently.
Lee blinked, "Kiba, we're drinking water...and it's October."
"Aw, you're no fun." Naruto punched Lee.
Shikamaru snuggled even more into his pillow.
"I don't know why we put up with you two." Lee sighed, leaning back on the sofa.
Naruto downed the rest of his water, "We're just that loveable..." Naruto said, sure of himself.
Shikamaru 'hmphed' and snorted, "Please." He snuggled even more into his pillow.
Kiba flicked water at him.
Shikamaru didn't even flinch.
"Hey Naruto..." Lee looked up at the clock, "Do you think Iruka could give me a ride home before Sasuke-san comes. I said I'd be home by four today."
"Hana can give you a ride. She'll be here in a little while." Kiba interjected, "We have to meet my...step-father today. I would've thought I could've gone home and changed first, but no, mom wants...Kevinto see the school I attend."
"Kevin, that's his name?" Shikamaru noted, "Want me to come, I'm supposed to be meeting Neji to, um... go to the restaurant, but I'm sure he'll understand if I uh-"
"No way Shika." He said, oblivious to the brunet's dilemma, "I'm sure Neji-san would want to pummel me if I did that."
Shikamaru deflated where he was. Great.
"Remember Shika, don't do anything I wouldn't do." Naruto grinned breezily.
Shikamaru pursed his lips at Naruto, "Then there are really alotof things I can't do."
Deciding to ignore the rapidly growing argument, Lee asked loudly, "Who is willing to pick me up to go to the party tomorrow?"
All actions froze and the sound of voices ceased. The three other males looked at Lee.
"You're still planning to go?" Kiba questioned, wide-eyed.
Lee looked down, suddenly self-conscious. "I-I don't know. Gaara asked me to come and I never really go anywhere, so I thought that just this once..."
Naruto felt saddened, "It's not that we don't want you to come and stuff. It's just that it doesn't seem safe...your dad and all." He trailed off.
Then Shikamaru spoke, "I have an idea."
They looked up at him.
"Ask Gaara to do it."
"What?"
"Ask him to pick you up." Shika elaborated.
Naruto was about to speak on the fact that that could actually work when.
"No, h-he can't. I don't...I don't want to ask him that."
Kiba looked upset, "But that could actually work. He wants you to come, so he'd be more than willing to pick you up."
"It won't work, I just won't come."
"But we can try. I'm sure it'll work." Naruto persisted.
"Just please..."
"It's a good idea Lee, why won't you just-"
"I don't want him to see where I live!" Lee spoke.
All the sounds in the room stopped for the second time that day. The boys so quiet they could hear Iruka banging around in the kitchen.
Shikamaru's face contorted in understanding, "Lee..."
"I just...didn't you hear what Sakura said. These guys are people who've known luxury their entire lives. The place I live..." he trailed off.
"I'm sure he won't mind."
They turned, surprised, to Iruka. He stood there, light blue apron dusted heavily with flour.
"But Iruka..." Lee started.
Iruka smiled warmly, "If he really likes you, he won't care about what your house looks like."
Lee looked down and bit his lip.
"Also Kiba, Hana is here. You should go, she seems...perplexed."
"Thanks Iruka... I'll see you around. Let's go guys. See ya Naruto."
They all stood up, grabbing their bags at the same time, reaching for their individual stuff over each other and creating individual confusion.
Naruto walked to the door ahead of them, saying buy to his friends as they left, one by one.
He watched them go into Hana's smooth new rental car, and then waved a last time before he shut the door.
He turned to Iruka and grinned.
"Nice try." Iruka smirked at him, "Usually by this time I'd have to be running after you guys, screaming like a banshee to get you to turn my house right side up. There's something worrying all of you."
Naruto looked disappointed at his concealment abilities.
"Now spill, so I can play therapist and give you some inspirational brotherly advice."
Naruto laughed as Iruka grinned.
"Irukaaa..." he whined, "I'll tell you after Sasuke-teme and the other guy are gone."
"Speaking of that...explain why Sasuke-kun feels it's necessary to brings his guardian...what-his-name?"
"I don't remember." Naruto looked perplexed, "I only heard his name like twice. You know how I am with names."
Iruka sighed, exasperated. "I know...it's just that I won't know what to call the guy when he comes." He touched between his eyebrows lightly, "It's rude that I have to ask him at this point, when he's coming to my house."
"Don't worry, he'll love you Iruka. Wow him with your friendly skills!"
Iruka looked at the stance the shorter boy had formed. He really needed to stop hanging around Lee so much.
"Speaking of them...explain why exactly he's coming here again?" Iruka questioned, "I already said you could go to that party so why are they coming here. Disrupting my beautiful Friday evening." He grumbled the last part.
Naruto squinted at the disgruntled man, "Ruka-sensei-"
"Naruto promise me one thing." Iruka said suddenly.
"Eh, Ruka-sensei?"
"Promise me you'll be careful."
"...Eh? Ruka-ka?-"
Iruka flushed at the old nickname Naruto still used for him.
"You know I can kick anyone's ass Ruka! Don't worry about me!"
Iruka smiled indistinctly at the 'fist pumping' teen. "Naruto I'm serious..." Iruka began, "I am aware of your ass-kicking 'skills' I assure you. What I'm worried about is the Uchiha heir. You like him right?"
Naruto looked away and nodded at the taller man, a dim blush powdering his face.
"Then just know that he honestly feels the same way for you before you jump into anything. Don't let your hormones misguide you."
"I wouldn't Iruka..."
"And don't say that if you aren't sure." He said softly, "Get to know him a little better before you decide to be anything other than friends with him." He hoped Naruto actually got what he was saying; he didn't want him to be hurt at all.
Then Naruto smiled at him, not the blinding smile that made the sun shine brighter, or the smile that was so wide that his eyes closed, but a smile that regardless of its lack of intensity, made Iruka feel that the young man in front of him knew exactly what he was taking about.
"Ok." Iruka grinned liking the newly-found hint of maturity in Naruto.
"Ok."
Shikamaru stepped out of the car, grabbing his book bag and thanking Hana while telling Lee and Kiba farewell.
He watched them drive away, fear embedded deep in his stomach.
Now he had to find Neji, which shouldn't be hard considering he had told him to meet him around the corner of the restaurant.
He walked slowl
y to his doom.
He wasn't afraid of Neji, he was just nervous, and that nervousness had turned into a form of fear.
He gripped his book bag tighter and went to search for the Hyuuga.
He spotted Keiko as he went around the corner, and not seeing Neji, hailed her.
She looked up from her phone with widened eyes, then seeing Shikamaru her hazel eyes softened with familiarity. She smiled prettily and met him halfway.
Keiko was the ultimate girlfriend every guy tried to endeavor for. She was short yes, just over 5'3 and petite, but what she lacked in height she made up in beauty.
At that moment, her long, dark, silky hair was pulled up in a single pony-tail which bounced with her every movement. Thin wisps of hair, framed an oval face, almond shaped eyes, a small button nose and pink puckered lips formed into a natural pout. Her skin was smooth and pale with the faintest hint of blush on her high cheeks.
"I thought you quit..." Shikamaru said flushing, affected by the close proximity of the girl. How could he forget she was so teeth-achingly beautiful?
She raised a thin immaculately shaped eyebrow, and her lips quirked in the slightest. She knew how striking she was contrary to popular belief, she just wasn't an ass-whole about it...take Ayako for instance.
She sighed breathlessly, as if the weight of the world was on her and her small, fragile shoulders just couldn't bear to hold it anymore.
"I didn't quit Shika," she grinned stunningly, "I just refused to work. Ayako kept screaming orders at me and I didn't exactly fancy spit in my face. I walked out." She shrugged, "this morning the manager called, begging me back. Who was I to refuse when he offered to double my pay for my services." Her face took on a mischievous look, which combined with her flawless features was enough to make dead men heads turn.
Shikamaru looked at her sleepily, she was beautiful but she had long since made note that she had absolutely no interest in the Nara.
"Shikamaru, are you ok, you looked...worried? Although that's kinda hard to figure out with that sleepy look on your face."
He rubbed a hand over his face, "I think I'm ok. I-"
The only warning he got was the widening of Keiko's eyes, before "Are you sure, we can't have you being sick now can we?"
Shikamaru looked around quickly, shocked at the sudden appearance of the person he had been looking for.
Before he could respond with anything other than a squeak, Keiko had brushed past him and held out a small soft-skinned hand for the much taller man to shake.
"Pleasure to meet you, my name is Keiko, I'm sure Shika has mentioned me."
Neji raised an eyebrow.
She quirked her lips.
He released a hand from the pocket of dark blue jeans he was wearing, the material hugging him, but not enough to be skinny jeans, and held her hand, raising it up to his lips and brushing his lips on the back in one smooth movement.
"Hyuuga Neji, I'm not certain he has, but the pleasure is all mine."
Shikamaru suddenly felt a dozen and more eyes on them, looking jealously and admiringly at the picture perfect couple. He stepped back, the presence of two immaculate people in one place stifling. He drew a breath as he felt something within his body shake.
Neji's eyes slid swiftly to his, the cool lilac gaze settling on him, stopping him in place, making his insides squirm.
Neji smirked, seemingly aware of the effects of his gaze on the Nara, he lowered and released Keiko's hand.
"You're still in your uniform." Was the first thing Neji noted with another raise of his eyebrow.
"Um, yeah." Shikamaru scratched his neck and turned a faint red, "I didn't get a chance to go home and change after school.
"Do you want to go; I have no trouble bringing you there."
Shikamaru shook his head, "No, that would just take more time."
Neji grinned, "I have time to spare."
"It's okay, really it is."
"Then we should go. Come on."
He held out his hand, which Shika gingerly took.
Neji turned back to Keiko, who was now looking at them with slight amusement in her eyes.
"It was nice meeting you Neji-san. I'll see you around." She grinned coyly.
"Likewise." He said simply, the deep tremors of one word sending waves through Shika's body.
Neji tightened his hand around Shikamaru's.
"Bye Shika." Keiko waved, and then turned to go back inside.
"Come." Neji pulled gently at his hand, urging Shika to walk. He led him to a gorgeous silver VFR 1200F bike.
"Have you ever ridden a bike before?"
Shikamaru shook his head and took a step back, halted only by Neji's chest. Who had somehow ended up behind him as if he knew he would react like this.
"N-no." he stuttered, looking up at Neji with doe like eyes.
"Well..." Neji grinned devilishly at Shikamaru, whose eyes widened even further, "There's a first time for everything."
He went to step past Shikamaru, but hooked his arm around his waist, forcing him to come closer to the machine.
He picked up the spare helmet he had brought and gave it to Shikamaru, looking at his pony tailed hair.
"It's going to be somewhat uncomfortable if you don't let down your hair..."
"I'll manage." Shikamaru objected grumpily.
"Are you sure?" he raised an eyebrow.
Shikamaru wanted to glare...he really did, but Neji was just looking at him so much...he blushed. "Yes."
Neji took that moment to pull Shikamaru closer to him. Because he was momentarily stunned, Neji took that moment to put the helmet gently over Shikamaru's head.
Shikamaru's hands flew to his head in alarm when he felt Neji fastened the leather straps under his chin.
Neji grinned and straddled the bike, taking up his own helmet and cradling it under his arm.
Shika knew how this went, he'd watched enough movies but he just felt so terrified.
Neji glanced up at him, and smiled softly, "Don't worry, really. You'll be fine." he patted the space behind him.
Shikamaru watched as Neji put on the helmet, grinned at him once more before he pushed down the visor, pulling his hair over his shoulder.
He wondered if he looked that hot with his helmet on.
He doubted it very much.
Shikamaru breathed out, adjusted his book bag over his shoulder and lifted his leg over the seat, mimicking Neji.
Neji looked over his shoulder at him pointedly as he revved the engine.
Shikamaru leaned forward and wrapped his hands around Neji's waist.
"Tighter." Neji's voice came out slightly muffled.
Shikamaru tightened his hands. The fabric of Neji's biker jacket was comfortable on his skin.
He jerked slightly as Neji sped off, instinctively tightening his hands even more.
Shikamaru closed his eyes and leaned his head softly against Neji's back. In his anxiety, he breathed in deeply. His breath hitched as the scent from Neji's clothing invaded his nostrils. It was masculine, deep with a dash of something like apples. He breathed in deeper, relaxing against his back as Neji sped through the streets, weaving past cars and in between traffic.
He slowed down slightly at the intersection, and then sped rapidly through the streets.
Shikamaru kept his eyes closed firmly. And was surprised when they came to a stop suddenly, Neji leant back slightly with Shikamaru still attached to his waist.
The bike engine came to an abrupt stop and Shikamaru let go of Neji's waist, leaning back dazed, and then hopping up off the bike. He started taking off the helmet.
Helmet in hand, he watched Neji take off his helmet.
"You didn't have to move so soon." Neji raised an eyebrow at him, grinning at the suddenly dazed Shikamaru. As a result of the helmet, some of the long strands of Neji's hair were sticking up. And the rest was wind swept. Neji was smirking at him, and the sun just seemed to be at the right angle in the sky to make him look...stunning.
Shikamaru resisted sighing in that dramatic ways every female had mastered. But that was cut short when a man rushed past him.
"Hyuuga-Sama." A tuxedoed man bowed, "Pleasure as always."
Neji's eyebrows furrowed, "Who're you?"
The man portrayed fake astonishment for a moment, before saying, "Hyuuga-Sama we spoke yesterday-"
"I spoke to many people yesterday." Neji took his time coming off the bike.
"Yes, but I'm sure our conversation would have been a most prominent one."
"I don't take conversations with strangers into high esteem.' Neji's phone was suddenly attached to his ear and he was speaking in -was that French? - To the person on the phone effecting putting an end to his and the man's conversation.
Shikamaru meanwhile had turned and was stunned into silence at what seemed like the back of a hotel.
'Wow.' Was the thought that came to mind at the large building that loomed in front of him, he almost didn't notice the man that had suddenly appeared beside him.
"And who would you be?"
Shikamaru jumped, surprised for the second time that day and could do nothing but stare at the man that if he didn't have better sense, would have though was Neji himself. Did Neji have a brother?
"I-I-I."
"Calm down uncle." An arm encircled Shikamaru's waist, and there was sudden warmth against his back.
The man, Neji's uncle apparently, raised an eyebrow at them.
"I didn't know you got back." Neji commented, hugging a red Shikamaru closer to him.
"Last night. Apparently your father got back too. I took breakfast with him...at your home. He acquired an enormous amount of Spanish recipes on his visit."
"Impossible, I didn't see you."
"I took breakfast in the lounge."
Neji clicked his tongue, "I was in the kitchen."
"It figures. Hizashi has gone to Tokyo, he should be back tonight. At least by five." He now looked pointedly to Shikamaru.
Neji looked back at him slyly, "This is Nara Shikamaru. Shika, this is my uncle-"
"I can introduce myself." The man snapped playfully and removed his hands from the pockets of his dark suit, "Hyuuga Hiashi, Shikamaru-kun."
Shikamaru held the hand of the stern-looking man in front of him as it was shook firmly, "It's a pleasure to meet you Hyuuga-san."
"Shikamaru is working here from now on." Neji announced nonchalantly.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"And what will he be doing, pray tell?"
"We'll figure that out on Tuesday when he comes and gets a feel of the place." And he made to steer Shikamaru away.
Shikamaru regarded him with wide eyes, "What?" he was about to say.
Hizashi looked on, confused, "Where are you going?"
"To meet dear ol' dad of course." He looked back at the man who had approached them from they arrived, "Deal with him for me." He told his uncle, before throwing the helmet back at Shika.
Kiba sighed, depressed as he could get as he and Hana sat at a table in some restaurant he had never been to. His eyes were hidden by his interlocked hands as he stared down at his elbows on the table.
"I didn't know we were going to some fancy pancy place..." Kiba grumbled out.
"Me either." Hana said softly. She held her chin in her hand as she looked out the window to the parking lot, and past that, the bust street. She had let down her long her for once and looked very beautiful in her grey cashmere sweater as her other hand rested lightly on the table top.
Kiba put his chin on top of his hands, "Hana?" he asked tentatively.
"Hmm?" her gaze slid to his.
"You okay?"
She smiled at him, and then reached out her hand. Kiba put his hand in hers.
She squeezed his tightly, reassuringly, "Don't worry about anything sweetie. You and I are going to be all right. Okay?"
He nodded at her, thankful.
"Would you like to order for the rest of your party, while you wait?" A waiter had come up to them.
"Um, no...We'll wait." Hana said.
"Is there anything you would like to drink then?" he inquired.
"Just some water for now." Hana replied with.
"Okay then." He nodded and smiled at them.
Kiba had the sudden unexplainable urge to look out the window. He almost wasn't surprised when he saw his mother emerge from a red Tesla Roadster 2.5. She was in a black blazer and a short, hip hugging black shirt.
How was it that his mother looked younger every time he saw her?
She had now put her hands in the blazer's pocket and a man- that was him- had come and put his arm around her waist to lead her into the restaurant.
Hana could see why their mother had fallen for the man. His skin was dark, like chocolate. He wasn't gorgeous or stunning, and didn't look all that young, but had a look about him and walked with a confidence that said, 'Here I am ladies.'
Hana moved from her chair to sit beside Kiba, so the couple would be forced to sit on the other side of them.
They didn't turn, but when Hana felt someone's arms around her neck, she stood and embraced her mother.
"Hana..." she breathed and squeezed lightly.
"Hello, mom." She refused to look at the man who should be her step-father yet.
"Kiba," Tsume moved on to her son, kissing him lightly on the cheek. She drifted off to the other side of the table to sit, while Kiba was left blinking at the kiss, he resisted raising his hands towards his cheek.
Did his mother just kiss him?
No...way...
They sat down at the opposite side of the table.
Tsume...what ever she was called now, looked pleased with herself and didn't take a moment before introducing them all round.
"Kiba, Hana, This is Kevin Aedika. Kevin. likewise." she grinned and giggled softly. (1)
Kiba and Hana stared; when had their mother become such...a girl.
"It's good to finally meet you Hana." His voice was deep and rough. The kind of voice that made you melt if he chuckled. Closer up, Hana could see the dotting of stubble on his chin and below his nose. It gave him an enthralling look. He grinned at her and she had to admit he seemed charming, if but a bit roguish.
He turned that smile unto Kiba who didn't return it. In fact he didn't move a single facial muscle; instead he got up and speeded towards the bathroom.
He paused slightly as Hana called his name, but continued on and slammed the door shut after him.
He stopped and leaned heavily against the bathroom wall, hyperventilating.
He felt the door open and he was about to move from the wall when he heard Hana's voice.
"Kiba..." she said softly, seeing her brother like this.
"I don't know him. I don't wan to live with him. I don't want to leave you and Naruto and Shika and Lee...
"You're not going anywhere." Hana said sternly, "Are you hearing me?" she walked closer and swung him around, "Over my dead body are you moving to some different continent." She enunciated each word, "so stop worrying."
"Hana-"
"Look...it's like this. They come...we spend a few hours of some days with them. They feel satisfied and then leave. You know how mom is, she won't want us there. We humiliate her. All we have to do now is play happy sibling, and before you know it they'll be on their plane back to Madagascar-"
"Africa."
"You say potato I say potato..."
Kiba chuckled.
"Cheer up tiger."
"You do realize we're in a male restroom right?"
She looked around, then back and him and punched him, wrapping an arm around his neck, "Come on."
Kiba started walking with her out of the restroom, but she stopped suddenly, "Hey about that party, before I forget, is you're hunk gonna pick you up, cause I got some stuff to do tomorrow."
Kiba turned red, "I don't..."
Hana sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes, "You need to learn to make plans Kiba. You're lucky I have his friend's number. By the way, I'm picking up the car tomorrow."
They both started walking out of the rest room.
"That was fast." Kiba commented.
"I know right."
They neared the table and sat down in front of the food that had already come.
"We decided to order for you."
"You spent quite a while in there." Tsume said, drowning out her husband's statement.
"We were sorting out some stuff." Hana stated.
"It's quite alright." Kevin spoke, "Glad you got the chance too talk. Now let's chow down."
Kevin, Kiba decided, was an extremely straightforward guy. Maybe, he'd actually like him one day.
He looked down at the food they'd ordered.
"That is really good." Kevin said pointing to his food with a noodle in his mouth, shocking Tsume to the core "You're gonna love it."
(1)Aedikaispronounced:Aah-dee-kaay
Looking back on the chapter, I think I need a little brushing up on my writing. So many History notes have sucked away my literacy skills. So I have a new story up..a Kakairu fic. Never Let You Go. Check it out on my profile and tell me what you think. It's -in my point of view- somewhat better than this.
Hmm...Only Shika got any action with a guy in this chapter. Sorry about that...but because of the way I was practically forcing the chapter to go, they couldn't really interact with the guys.
And the absence of Lee is noted, I'll make up for it so much you'll wish this was a Gaalee story. All he did was go home though. All I could've written about were his swirling thoughts and his evil father. And that's for next chapter mostly. So now...
Apology:
Dear my most beautiful, gorgeous, STUNNING, reviewers,
If I were to say how sorry I am, I would've made a story all on its own. But I am so...very...sorry about how I've been treating this story. I don't know what to say. There are so many ways for me to apologize in my head, but none seem good enough. You deserve so much better. And that chapter I just wrote isn't good enough to be served as an apology...I am so, so, so, so, so, so, SO sorry it's not even funny. Forgive me for my absence and accept this...uh, letter?
Sincerely.
-Werepire.