Warnings: violence, physical and verbal. Cursing. Shounen ai by way of kissing. Arguments. An (important) original character is introduced.

Disclaimer: He draws it. They own it. Those air it. We watch, read, imitate it
(i.e. I don't own Naruto, and I can only claim my plot and writing).

Edit: August 14, 2005. Grammatical changes. Restructured Chapters.

I'm holding an art contest! Go to my homepage to find out about it, and the prizes (a story written for and dedicated to you. You pick basically everything I write, I just put the words down).

Thank you to everyone who reviewed! You made my day, every single time. I'll try and update soon. I'm not making promises, though...wedding's getting closer (my sister's, too, so I can't get out of it...)

Thanks to my wonderful betas, Sweetie Pai and Meghan (the main ones for this), and redjediknight (who's amazing) and Silver (who's spectacular). The latter two were busy, and will probably have me reposting this chapter in a bit...

愛 Something of Love: Ai no Koto
の
事

by Taes

Chapter Ten

Sasuke was relieved when Naruto's smile regained its cheer. The strange, removed—scared—grin didn't suit him at all.

Naruto's house, Sasuke was surprised to find, was barely a thirty-minute walk from the train station. That made it about the same to school.

He must really sleep late to miss any part of first hour...

So they walked to Naruto's house in continued silence, and Sasuke discretely watched Naruto's fox-like face.

He was surprised when the boy stopped suddenly and proclaimed, "This is it."

His voice wasn't proud, Sasuke decided, but comfortably satisfied. Sasuke turned and saw a small house—like that of the Uchiha, it's one level—and the neatly clipped garden in front. Unexpectedly, there was no vehicle.

Kakashi works in a well known company. But why no car? How do they do anything?

A fleeting feeling of superiority briefly clutched at his heart, but one look at Naruto's smiling eyes made the sensation abate.

With his mind free of distracting impressions, Sasuke looked again at the garden. The tees, Sasuke noticed, were pruned, well watered but not drowned. And the bushes were sculpted neatly into spindling forms while two potted plants framed the doorway.

"Careful of the bike," Naruto noted with a grin. "It's right inside the doorway…" and they maneuvered around the bulky thing. With the remaining door opened Naruto called, "Tadaima!" I'm here.

From the back of the house, a muffled voice returned, "Okaeri." I noticed.

Naruto put his hand over his eyes. "Ugh…Kakashi!" his voice was unusually high pitched.

Sasuke's lips twitched. It seemed that Naruto had forgotten about his guardian's presence.

"I've got a—" his blue eyes flickered to Sasuke and the black-haired boy saw hesitance. "—friend over." He seemed to wait for a response

Friend?

…heh…

He simply smiled and the other awkwardly made his way to the sitting room—barely a meter from the entrance, Sasuke thought. The house was small. From the doorway he could see a closed-off washitsu, the kitchen and a small hallway that led presumably to a bedroom or two—and the laundry room...Sasuke smiled and let his eyes wander.

Their house was small; nevertheless it was impeccably clean. Sasuke decided this was mostly due to the fact that neither of them had enough to keep it dirty. The dishes probably wouldn't fit if they weren't washed and put up right away, or so it seemed. The result was a very tidy house. The only things that could be considered clutter were the many school books Naruto had collected. They were placed alongside various texts on different subjects the blond needed to make better grades in. Sasuke smirked and wandered over to one of many neat stacks. Naruto anxiously followed the boy's movement.

"Calligraphy?" he murmured. The comment made Naruto jerk, and with a casual glance over his shoulder, Sasuke saw irritation spreading over previously nervous features. "Looks like you've barely—"

Naruto's warm hands pulled at Sasuke's shoulders, and forced him to lean backwards—or stumble to his feet. For a moment, he stared at Naruto's impish smile. And then he stood.

"Lemme make you somethin' to eat." Naruto laughed quietly and his hands moved to grasp Sasuke's hand.

Sasuke smiled a little at the suggestion and shrugged. It's almost time for lunch…

I wonder what he can make…his lips twitched and his eyes roamed.

Naruto returned the grin. "What's your favorite food?"

Sasuke's eyes shifted to the blond. "I don't have any."

Naruto stared. "Excuse me?"

Sasuke's gaze swiftly hardened to a glare. "I don't have one."

"You gotta be—"

"No." irritation overwhelmed the fondness Sasuke felt earlier.

Silence for a minute, and then, "What about when you were little?"

Sasuke quietly sighed. He's not going to give in 'till I give an answer…

"…curry." Sasuke was rewarded with a delighted smile.

"I know how to make that!" childish in his pride. "It's easy!" then the—arrogant—smirk. "I'da thought you like fancy food with intricate—"

"With tomatoes."

The prevailing confusion had to be the most amusing sight Sasuke had seen in a while. Naruto comprehended slowly. "Huh?"

"Tomato curry."

Bright, clear laughter while Naruto pulled Sasuke across the room. The kitchen, like the rest of the house, was small—and like the Uchiha's, the floors were wooden.

It's so crammed…how can two people do anything together?

In moments, Naruto retrieved a large pot and checked the rice-cooker with a quick peak of the still-warm interior. He found two knives in a drawer and cleaned the two again. He then proceeded to empty the fridge of its vegetables. A package of mushrooms flew into Sasuke's arms followed quickly by carrots, celery, peppers, and a bag of shrimp.

Naruto waved busily at Sasuke. "Open those up 'n rinse 'me off. I'm getting a pot of—holly shit, is that a creepy looking cockroach leg?"

Laughter erupted from Sasuke's mouth. He glanced at the counter, and wordlessly shook his head.

Obviously, the piece of twisted black plastic wasn't alive.

Naruto glared.

…cooking with this guy is definitely something.

It's…fun.

"Itadakimasu." Thank you for the meal. Kakashi's voice was sincere, Naruto could tell. The curry had turned out well, after all.

Despite the addition of coffee and too much catsup, Naruto thought.

And…he definitely doesn't have to know about the accident with the shrimp…

An image of the two boys juggling shrimp with mushrooms and a previously undiscovered onion flashed across Naruto's eyes, and their laughter echoed loudly in Naruto's head.

Then we dropped it…

Nope…he definitely doesn't need ta know about that…

Kakashi cut through the rice and curry sauce without looking at his adopted son. He slowly savored the taste and smiled gently as Naruto bit his tongue. "It's good." The gray haired man declared. "An admirable achievement." His black eyes shifted to regard Sasuke, and the smile seemed to fade.

Sasuke snorted quietly and managed to push a tomato onto his curry-full spoon. Naruto had to hide a smile.

Liar. You still like tomato curry, he accused silently.

"So," Kakashi cleared his throat. "Naruto." The blond almost choked on a piece of shrimp. "This is your friend?"

Naruto coughed a little and nodded. "Uh…yeah."

Kakashi's smile was almost icy.

Naruto fidgeted. What the hell's up with this?

"Hatake Kakashi." Naruto's guardian nodded slightly and black eyes waited for a reply.

"Uchiha Sasuke."

Naruto swallowed as recognition flared in his guardian's eyes.

Crap. That can't be good.

"I see."

…how does Kakashi know about the Uchiha family…? Naruto wondered and shoveled rice into his mouth anxiously.

"You're Naruto's partner for math class, aren't you?"

Naruto coughed. Choked. Swallowed and hastily drank water. He looked with surprise at Kakashi. "How'd you—"

"You've mentioned it upon occasion." The smile was back. Naruto glowered at a piece of shrimp.

…I don't remember saying anything about stupid Sasuke.

Sasuke chuckled dryly and picked up the teapot from the center of the table. He lifted the lid, noticed there was no water and exited briefly to the kitchen. Naruto listened to the sounds of Sasuke washing the teapot. Strangely enough, Sasuke had already figured out where the tea leaves were kept—like he's been here before…like he stayed for a long time—and seemed to realize where the hot water was stored.

When Sasuke returned, he pushed the fox cup towards Naruto and the leaf cup to Kakashi

Sasuke poured the tea as he spoke. "We are partners, yes." Steam rose up from the small cups, and Naruto shifted, about to get another cup for Sasuke. The black haired boy was faster, though, and before Naruto could take the teapot away, Sasuke had poured himself a cup.

Naruto's eyes narrowed Bastard. Doesn't he know I'm trying to be nice?

Kakashi sipped at the tea and smiled frigidly. "You make good tea." He noted and asked, "You two went to Sasuke's house this morning, didn't you?"

Naruto froze. How does he figure these things out…?

"You mentioned going to a friend's house this morning at dinner." Kakashi explained and resumed eating. "I assumed," his eyes remained fixed between the two boys, "that the friend was Sasuke."

Sasuke savored a tomato before replying. "I see."

"You took the train, then?"

Naruto coughed lightly. Shut up, Kakashi…quit fussing…

"We did."

"There have been," a pause. The teacup lightly clinked against the table. "Reports of dangerous activity near the station," Naruto sighed. "Someone was badly injured a week or so ago, and a few businesses have been targeted.

"The police haven't been able to find who's responsible." Kakashi continued. "But," his eyes lifted and Naruto met his gaze. "The teachers and police recommend taking different routes home, and staying out of that part of town for a few days."

Sasuke seemed unperturbed. "Until they catch them."

Kakashi turned slightly to better regard the boy. "Indeed." And then he turned away, completely facing Naruto. "Are you sure you want to work right now, Naruto?" he asked quietly, and Naruto stifled a scream.

Why are you asking me this when we've got company…!

"I like working." Not quite true, but true enough. "And I work a long ways from the train station—"

"Not that far." Kakashi interrupted.

"—and they wouldn't target 7-11, it's a convenience store not some little shop run by an old lady or—"

"Naruto."

"—something like that—"

"Naruto."

"What?"

Kakashi had a way of irritating Naruto and making him happy at the same time. It was something only family could do, Naruto was certain, and the thought bothered him.

A guy should only feel one emotion at a time…not three…ugh!

"Quit bothering me, Kakashi—" Naruto continued, but the words didn't really carry that far.

I mean…it's not that I don't like the guy…

"I'm not trying to bother you—"

"Yes, you are."

The words sat heavily in Naruto's stomach.

Kakashi's the only guy who even considered adopting me and that's like without even knowing me or something. Naruto ignored the guilty, gnawing feeling in his chest.

What if he only took me in for a little, decided he didn't like me and—

"Naruto. I'm just asking you a question."

…didn't want me…

The words meant nothing to him for a minute. Naruto snuck a glance at Sasuke. The other boy seemed absorbed in dissecting a still-whole cherry tomato that must have fallen into the pot. The rest were chopped.

Good. He's not paying attention…

Nobody said I have to love anyone. Not Kakashi. Not Sa—

"You're just asking 'cause you don't want me to get in trouble at school again." Irritation built up in Naruto's voice and he roughly put his curry spoon down. "You don't care about me…"

And I hate that I have to care about you, ya stupid old man.

Kakashi looked at Naruto. "I'm sorry you feel that way." He murmured, and Naruto swallowed.

Everyone else has left. Left when things got tough. Left when I was too much to handle.

It's stupid.

Kakashi's just like everyone else.

…well…maybe a little different…

"I'm done." Naruto announced and scooped the remaining curry into his mouth. He chewed for a moment before swallowing, ignored the tea Sasuke had given him, and hastily cleared his spot. Kakashi watched him clean the dishes and slowly finished his meal. Naruto looked down at his dishes and let his hair fall into his eyes.

Kakashi looks sad…

He always eats by himself.

…must get pretty lonely…

After placing the dishes in the cabinets, Naruto returned to the table. He picked up his cup, and smiled weakly at his guardian. Slowly, Naruto refilled the two other cups. His fingers lingered around Sasuke's—a charcoal colored cup detailed with a dandelion and small, floating white seeds.

Those white things. They're wish-bobs. If you catch one, your dream will come true. Naruto remembered it from childhood, and he smiled at Sasuke's choice.

Dandelions, huh?

Flowers that no one else really wants…

And Kakashi watched and his eyes were clouded. "I think I'll clean out the carpet after my dishes." He decided, and got up. His lips parted disarmingly to show a faint smile. "You boys don't worry about clean up," Sasuke didn't seem to mind. "I'll get it."

And so Naruto pulled Sasuke away from the table to drag him into the washitsu. He pulled the white moveable walls closed and grinned at his classmate. "This is my room."

Sasuke blinked. "Then what's that hallway lead to—?"

Naruto felt the heat rise to his cheeks. He rubbed the back of his head and turned away. "Er, that's to Kakashi's room and the laundry, bath and toilet…" he traced the weave of the tatami. "Sorry. Our house is really—"

"I like it."

Naruto stared.

He…what?

"You like…"

"I like it."

"…the tatami…?"

"No, idiot, your house."

Naruto laughed and the sounds of running water were blocked out. Sasuke's attention seemed to wander occasionally between the sound of Kakashi's washing and Naruto. "Hey, thanks for earlier…the calligraphy, I mean." Sasuke's eyes captured Naruto's attention. "It was fun."

…except for Itachi…he wasn't fun at all…

"I'm sure it was." Sasuke turned his head sharply and his long hair fell in a graceful swoop. The expression captured Sasuke's completely arrogant mood beautifully. Naruto just had to laugh. Sasuke scowled. "What?"

"Just hold still." And Naruto pulled a closet open and hastily withdrew his school bag. With his notebook and pencils safely in his arms, Naruto returned to Sasuke. He started a rough sketch of Sasuke's head and quickly drew in the features. Within minutes, he was done. "Here." He said, and handed the sketch to Sasuke. "It's yours."

The boy glanced over the drawing for a second or two. His eyes lifted wordlessly, and Naruto noticed the tiny frown.

"…is it bad…?"

Sasuke sighed. "You shouldn't waste your time drawing me." And he carefully folded the paper in half three times to slip it in with his train pass.

…I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing…

Naruto glanced about the empty room, and frowned. This guy is nuts. He decided, and his hands closed tightly around pencil and notebook. We can't do anything together—he hates doing what I do and I'm no good at his stuff…

Common ground.

I need common ground.

"You're pretty good at fighting." Naruto grinned and adopted a mock-battle stance. "Whaddaya say we pick up where we left off?"

Sasuke's answering smirk was more than a gesture of acceptance—it was a challenge. "Let's go." The Uchiha murmured.

Naruto's heart beat excitedly. "Winner chooses what to do next," Naruto's grin widened.

Sasuke scoffed. "And how do I keep you from claiming victory?" a smile pulled his lips upwards. "Pin you for three?"

"Ten."

There was laughter—followed swiftly by a nod.

Sasuke had barely acknowledged the rules when Naruto went flying into him. Naruto's head collided with Sasuke's stomach almost instantly, and the force sent them sprawling. Sasuke soon found the chance to steady himself and two strong legs pushed Naruto's body up and over—and then Sasuke was sitting on him.

Naruto tried to growl but only laughter emerged. That was pretty damn good, he thought, and he rolled sharply to the right. As expected, Sasuke anchored his body from the left—leaving his side mine for the taking. Naruto grinned at the thought.

Your ass is mine, Sasuke.

His right arm swung into Sasuke's side with a jarring amount of power. However, Sasuke's legs were anchored against the movement, which significantly weakened Naruto's attack. Naruto cursed silently.

Arrrgh, I forgot about that…

"Eight."

The blond threw his weight upwards and swiftly rolled away as Sasuke stared. Naruto's laughter broke the silence, and Sasuke's smile was divine. For a moment, they were still—waiting for the other to charge.

Sasuke leaned forward, but Naruto was already moving. Naruto squinted a little as he prepared for impact—and went skidding across the tatami too quickly for control. Sasuke was gone. Naruto spun his body around and touched one hand to the floor—my socks are making me slide…he thought. From behind him, Sasuke toppled him again with a well-placed kick.

"Shit, Sasuke—that's gonna bruise—"

The arrogant Uchiha smirk was enough to drive Naruto insane. "You fell for it."

"What?"

"My feint."

Naruto laughed again, although anger burned in his middle. "I'm not gonna lose to you, Sasuke!" he declared, and with another twist, Sasuke was knocked over.

Amusement colored Sasuke's voice. "Starting to get serious, are you?" the teasing tones were almost enough for Naruto to see red.

Shut the fuck up, Naruto thought and laughed, except anger charged his voice. Sasuke tensed. "I'll show you the real me—" he drew back a hand as he lunged forward, ready to strike Sasuke with all his might. Likewise, the other boy leaned into a run. Strangely, one hand clutched at the other, and Naruto thought he saw lightning flicker around the long, pale fingers.

The door opened.

In an instant, both boys' wrists were seized. Strong arms spun the momentum off to send the two flying.

Naruto and Sasuke collided with the floor simultaneously.

Naruto's breath was ragged. "Wha…?" he gasped, and from across the room Sasuke laughed. The blond boy's head snapped back, and his blue eyes narrowed. "Kakashi, what're you—"

Black eyes were hidden behind a shower of gray hair. Naruto's breath caught in his throat. "Naruto." Kakashi's voice was stern. "You're trying to get yourself hurt." His eyes flashed and focused on Sasuke. "And you, Sasuke," he stood up—towering over us.

Damn it!

"Whoever taught you the art of fighting," a pause. The silence suggested that Kakashi knew of whom he spoke. "Didn't teach you it to use it on your friends."

Sasuke's smile was tilted.

Uncanny.

"Yes," those lips twitched. "Sir." Naruto sensed there was a hidden meaning within the words.

Kakashi looked at Naruto with a small frown, but his expression relaxed in a moment. "If you want to fight—" Naruto sighed. "Why don't you take out that video game…?" he suggested mildly, and Naruto looked at Sasuke. The other boy shrugged.

"Same terms apply—only the winner's whoever wins the first level." Naruto grinned shakily, and stood. He winced; his muscles hurt.

Sasuke didn't seem to have any kind of discomfort.

Naruto opened the white walls to return to the sitting room, and pulled two of the pillows from the dining table in front of the television. He set up the game station in a few minutes and quickly withdrew his single game—a martial arts thing with various levels of difficulty and players.

So the two sat down a played the game—with their fingers and voices flying—and talked about nothing. Colors flew before them, and emotions were high.

It was a close game.

All the same, Naruto won.

But…I have to wonder…who'd win if we really went at it? His hands clenched. Opened. Determination set in his eyes, Naruto decided, we'll just have to find out some other time…

When there's no one to interfere.

"I'm kinda bored…" Naruto grinned. "How about we go for a walk?" he pulled his wallet out of a pocket, and opened the small frog purse. Naruto remembered—for a moment—the man who'd tried to take his drink at work. That…guy…his wallet was like a little kid's, too…I thought he was just stupid or something…

He looked at Sasuke. But Sasuke didn't…care…was nice to 'im.

Naruto shook the thought out of his head. He sighed as he observed the paltry contents of his frog. Eight hundred yen. Argh, I'm not gonna be able to get a drink at work for a while…oh well. Water's good for me, I guess.

"I have a few errands to run..." Naruto smirked and glanced at the clock. It was getting close to three. "How 'bout you come along?"

Sasuke's answering smile—that's a leer, damn it—was enough to aggravate Naruto. "Winner's choice, huh?" and Sasuke's hands found a comfortable position on Sasuke's hips. He leaned back and murmured, "You sure that's all you want?"

"You annoy the shit outta me." Naruto spat back and nodded stiffly. "That's a 'yes.' Asshole."

Sasuke's laughter was long.

Naruto didn't really feel like he'd won anything.

As usual, the doors to 7-11 didn't open until Naruto was an inch away from a nose-ache. He grinned at the familiar setting and peered around the store. No one was behind the counter—naturally. Mid-afternoon's no time for business, Naruto thought. "Oi—" he called, and waved. "Kabuto-niisan!" his smile overwhelmed his face.

"Oh, Naruto-kun." The would-be university student smiled wanly and pushed up his glasses.

The friendly expression seemed to catch Sasuke off guard. At Naruto's side, Sasuke tensed.

"You're here a little late today, aren't you?" before Naruto realized, Kabuto's hand was on his shoulder to guide him to the back room. "Something up…?"

Naruto's eyes were soft. He acts like he's my brother or something…

Naruto laughed, surprised. "Oh, no one told you?" he grinned for a moment. "I, uh, have the day off for studying—" Kabuto's knowing eyes crinkled with another smile. "And, um, this is Sasuke—" light flashed off Kabuto's glasses, and the cheerful amusement turned to curiosity.

"Oh?"

Sasuke nodded stiffly.

Kabuto frowned, undoubtedly unnerved by the Uchiha glare. "Is there anything I can help you with, then…?"

Naruto's laughter was a little too loud. "Nah, I know my way around. Thanks, though!" he took Sasuke's hand and dragged him down one of the isles. Within minutes, he'd loaded Sasuke's arms with two cans of smoked fish and two small bags of cat food. To Sasuke's credit, there were no complaints.

Naruto's lips twitched impishly. "Oh, and Sasuke?"

"…" the dispassionate, aloof look above a pile of goods would be a source of endless amusement for Naruto in days ahead.

"Come here." Naruto walked as quickly as he could to the counter and stopped just in front of an icebox. "Wha'cha want?" he asked, and Sasuke blinked.

The black haired boy glanced down with a small frown. "I don't like sweet things."

"Liar." Naruto's voice was triumphant. "You like tomatoes."

Sasuke snorted. "You know of any tomato flavored ice cream?" he demanded, and Naruto laughed at the thought.

Ohhh, that's good…tomato ice cream…who'd e crazy enough to make that? It's almost as bad as…his mind drew a blank. Almost as bad as wasabi ice cream.

"Er, how about a vanilla cone, then…?" Sasuke looked unconvinced. "My treat?"

The other rolled his eyes. "Fine."

Naruto picked up a mochi ice cream package and walked to the counter. He grinned at Kabuto and asked, "Remember your password for the register?" Quiet laughter met the question, and a shy nod confirmed Naruto's suspicion. "You're quick!" Naruto beamed. "I knew you're smart." Kabuto ran a hand through his hair in embarrassment as Sasuke unloaded his arms.

As Kabuto scanned in items and punched keys, Naruto chatted about various things that concerned him. "—we're getting ready for school trip, you know? And I definitely need to get Kakashi to be more lenient about my 'allowance' and stuff so I can get everyone good gifts. And he tells me today some crap about some jerk beating up on kids or something around the train station—"

"That will be nine hundred and twenty three yen, Naruto-kun." Kabuto interrupted. The smile lingered in his eyes, although his mouth was firm.

Naruto almost laughed. "Dude, you're way too serious…" he muttered, and fished out his frog. He unhappily started to count out his change. "Damn. Eighty yen short…"He looked at Sasuke. This boy's smirk could haunt a kid's dream for days. "Um, Sasuke can you—"

"Your treat, hmm?" Sasuke laughed quietly. His hands had returned to their pockets.

Indignant, Naruto snorted. "Hey, I thought the cat food was on sale—"

Sasuke scoffed. "You work here. Shouldn't you know those things?"

Arrgh, he annoys me!

"Well, it was last week!" Naruto tried to defend himself.

A small cough. "That was two weeks ago, Naruto-kun." Kabuto's smile was gently reprimanding.

With a sigh, Naruto grumbled, "Everyone's against me." And he looked between the taller boys. "Isn't someone gonna lend me eighty yen?" he demanded.

In response, Kabuto fished through his pockets and pulled out two brown coins and one silver. Sasuke handed Naruto a hundred yen coin. For some reason, Naruto wasn't surprised that the kid didn't bother counting the smaller pieces.

Naruto could have laughed. He pushed the forty yen towards the center and made change for Sasuke. "There. Now I owe both of ya forty—"

"Don't worry about it." Kabuto murmured and Sasuke snorted.

"You already owe me." He muttered and Naruto stopped smiling.

Oh yeah…he paid for my train ticket…that's why I had so much money in my wallet…I forgot.

"Let's go." Sasuke muttered and grabbed the bag from Kabuto.

"Thank you," Kabuto called after them. "And I'll see you tomorrow, Naruto." Naruto turned to wave as Sasuke sped up.

This guy is so touchy, it's…argh. Naruto decided.

"Wait up, jerk!" he yelled, and his voice carried farther than he expected. "Sasuke!" finally, the other paused while Naruto sped up.

The young Uchiha had an unusual expression when Naruto reached him. One hand cradled the plastic bag; the other clutched at a can of smoked fish. "What do you need these for?" Sasuke wondered and looked at the other boy.

Naruto started in surprise. "Isn't it obvious?" he cackled, leaned in, and rested on Sasuke's shoulder. Absently he tapped one foot as he peered into black eyes. "I'm taking care of a cat!"

Sasuke was dubious. "A cat." He repeated. "Cats don't need to be spoiled with canned fish—"

Naruto bristled. "So you'd rather she eat the same thing every day?" Sasuke blinked. "That'd be boring as hell!" Naruto roughly pushed away from Sasuke, whereupon he crossed his arms. "Not to mention bad for her kittens—"

"Kittens?" Sasuke's voice was almost wistful. Naruto thought it was charming. "She has kittens?"

Naruto laughed. "I 'spect she's got loads of 'em. She's gotta be seven or eight years old by now…I wonder if cats ever go on menopause or whatever it's called…" he trailed off, and turned to face Sasuke worriedly. "You don't think having kittens will hurt her any, do you? I mean, she's not exactly a kitten, herself…"

Sasuke sighed. "She's a cat. If it'd hurt her, she wouldn't have gotten pregnant, right?" he put the can back in the plastic bag and reached for Naruto's arm.

Naruto stiffened. "What if it wasn't her fault? Maybe she didn't want to get pregnant, huh? It's not just her responsibility to—"

"Naruto."

"—keep from getting pregnant or something—"

"Naruto."

"What!" it was the second time in a day someone had interrupted him like that.

Sasuke's smile was hiding behind tightly pressed lips. Amusement shone clearly in black eyes and Naruto fought the urge to turn away. "She's a cat."

"So what!" Naruto spun away quickly.

"She'll be fine." He sensed that Sasuke covered his laughter with those words. Naruto stifled a scream while he stood rigidly. Sasuke came up from behind him and put a hand around his elbow. "Right? She'll be okay."

Naruto smiled weakly into the space ahead of him. He turned to look at Sasuke. "The canned fish is to give her some more protein and minerals and stuff. This one's got calcium and stuff in it from something or other, and I wanted to—" he cut himself off.

Something rustled across the street. Naruto thought he heard a muffled meow.

"Anyways, I met this white cat when I was little and having a hard time with my family—"

A streak of white raced towards him.

"Kitty!" he bent down and held out his arms. The cat obligingly hopped into his arms so Naruto ruffled her ears and scratched her neck. She purred loudly, and Naruto smiled at the affectionate behavior.

Sasuke stared. "That's your cat?"

Naruto grinned. "She's really pretty, isn't she?" he pet the cat's head some more and murmured, "Yep, yep, pretty, pretty Popo."

"Popo?" Sasuke asked uncertainly.

"It's short for Tanpopo." Dandelion. "I came up with it when I was little. Dunno why, though, since she's white—" Popo purred affectionately.

Sasuke's hand found Naruto's shoulder. His grip was unusually tight, but Naruto was hesitant to protest. "No…" Sasuke murmured. "It's gold."

Naruto blinked. "Huh?"

"She's gold."

Naruto inspected the cat. Blue eyes. White fur.

Nope.

Definitely not gold.

But he didn't want to argue the point. "…we need to feed her a little, 'kay?" he mumbled, and started to stand. He leaned against Sasuke to balance himself. "Le's go to a park…" he started to walk off, and Sasuke had no choice but to follow.

They walked in silence, and Naruto pet his cat.

"…why don't you just bring her home?" Sasuke wondered.

Naruto flushed. "…I've never told anyone about her…" he glanced nervously at the boy. "I was afraid they'd take 'er away…"

Sasuke smiled slightly, and Naruto thought it was sweet. "She's a tough cat, then."

Naruto laughed, and fluffed Popo's ears. "Nah. Just lucky."

Popo purred in agreement.

tbc...

Footnotes

1. Curry
It's not uncommon to put vegetables in curry. I imagine tomato curry would be quite good. Curry was originally an Indian food. The Japanese decided to eat it with rice. (More stories about curry, recipes, and pictures available)

2. The picture Naruto drew...and an extra one...
(Picture available on site)

3 Mochi ice cream
Ice cream inside mochi. Mochi is a kind of rice candy; it's gently chewy and soft (Pictures and article available)

4. "Tomato flavored ice cream...'s almost as bad as wasabi flavored ice cream."
There is wasabi flavored ice cream. It's the "new flavor" for the month of July in Maggie Moo's ice cream shop...

5. Dandelions...Tanpopo
Tanpopo means dandelion. This becomes a symbol in Ai.
(Picture available)