Thank you!! Thank you sooo much! My story is officially in a C2 and I got loads of reviews!! You are all sooo cool!! Enjoy my story again, please!

Chapter Four: The Movie Store and Ice Cream

Naruto remembered when he was little and he used to beg Iruka for stories. Usually, because his guardian was such a hopeless romantic, they were bursting with sappy romance and the damsels in distress. Naruto always thought those girls were stupid. Why would you just wait around for some Prince to come save the day? Why not save yourself?

Well... Naruto found himself realizing why they did that. Sure it was a gradual process and he was barely starting to see that, but he figures that some more time with Sasuke and he just might feel the same way they do.

Besides, a rather comforting thought was that it wasn't always the girl's part to be protected. Just look at his parents. When they fell in love his dad had been in a huge financial mess. He lost his apartment, his clothes, his dog, everything. His parent's had died the summer before and he didn't have anywhere to go.

Except to Naruto's mother.

She helped him, let him live with her while he was having trouble. She put them both through college with her parent's inheritance. But when his birth dad was back on his feet and had a job, he still didn't move out. They stayed together.

Iruka always said that they lived the modern day version of every classic fairytale and that gave Naruto some idea of what love must be like. He didn't have any of his own memories of his parents; they'd died on the first night they left him with a babysitter. Iruka's stories helped him so much he doubted he'd ever be able to properly thank the man.

Especially because he was the one who saved Naruto from having a horrible childhood.

It was tough when none of the foster families he'd had ever wanted to keep him. Until, of course, he met Iruka. So it was only natural that Naruto wanted the best for this man that did so much for him.

But damn was the man evil! Not in the literal sense, but jeez! Naruto had only missed one English class and he was making him read and summarize the entire chapter!

"Come on, Iruka! Let me slide, just once?" The blonde whined for the umpteenth time that night. But it was a dignified whine, full of self-respect and masculinity.

At least, that's what he'd say if anyone ever asked him about it.

"This is my punishment for skipping class. You can ask Kiba; he's gotten the same one before. As do all of my student's who commit this crime, so deal."

"I'm not your student! Well... okay yeah, I'm your student. But I'm also your son! Can't you just pretend I didn't skip class?" Almost immediately he regretted his need to always voice his opinions. He'd seen that smirk on Iruka before. It usually meant death.

Not in the literal sense, of course. But maybe he'd be safer with the ten-page summary.

"I'll let you go," Naruto sighed...almost. He could just sense a major trade-off coming. "If you tell me who you were doing."

The next noise that came out of Naruto's mouth was so girly and high-pitched that not even he could spin a cover-up of some sort of manly excuse. But that was just shocking!

Especially because Naruto was with Sasuke when he skipped and... Well... Iruka didn't raise no fool, he saw Sasuke's ass!

"I knew it! So spill, you were with Sasuke right?" Iruka grabbed his son's arm and practically dragged him over to their living room couch. Scratch that, he did drag him. Which was totally understandable because this was pretty strange, right? A dad asking his son if he was doing anyone...

You mean it's not? Oh, okay.

"Yes, I was with Sasuke. No, we were not doing anything like that."

"But you wanted to."

"Ye-NO! Come on, dad!" Iruka's smirk widened at the slip up. Which totally baffled Naruto because he thought it was as big as it could get but, no, there you go it was bigger.

"So what did you guys," He narrowed his eyes. "do?"

The blonde rolled his eyes at his father's perverted-ness. Often times he found his life to be surrounded by perverts. Kiba was a pervert. Shikamaru was a total closet pervert. He knew Kakashi was a pervert. And his own dad: pervert! Honestly, it's a wonder it didn't rub off on him!

"We talked." Iruka gave a very exasperated sigh.

"What did you guys talk about?"

"And why exactly should I tell you?"

"Because, Naruto! I've hit a romantic dry-spell and I need to live vicariously through someone.(1)" This got a laugh out of the boy. He knew damn well Iruka could never hit a "romantic dry-spell" if he tried. Everyone liked him. But it couldn't hurt...

"What about Kakashi?" Iruka tutted and shook his head.

"No changing the subject. How could you possibly think I could be distracted by a cute butt?"

"Oh yeah, not you Iruka."

"Never. Now tell me all about you non-date with the new potential lover." Naruto glared but his face relaxed when he remembered the afternoon he'd had.

"It was awesome, actually. We talked about nothing and everything at the same time. They were silly things we could have found out during a Truth or Dare game. But at the same time it felt like he would never tell anyone else about them." Naruto's eyes had completely glazed over now, and he didn't look like he was actually telling Iruka about their afternoon, but remembering it for himself.

Iruka shivered and stood up.

"You just..." He shook his head and pointed at Naruto. "You did that on purpose! Now we have to go get ice cream and sappy, Hallmark channel movies. Damn you."

Naruto was cracking up at how easily his dad's inner romantic was stirred. But at the same time, he was still feeling light-headed from his memories. He'd heard Sasuke laugh that afternoon. He doubted anyone else could say that.

"Okay fine. But I'm driving!" Iruka chucked the keys at his son's head.

"Whatever, let's go." They grabbed their jackets and headed out to the supermarket, leaving poor Ichiraku staring after them

The dog lie down on the floor and put a paw over his eyes with a whimper. As if saying, "What did I ever do?"

On the other side of town, there was a raven-haired kid stomping through the streets.

And walking calmly behind him was Sasuke Uchiha. Of course he felt like stomping like the kid was doing, but he figured that would ruin his reputation as a cool and collected mysterious person. And he really didn't want that.

Why did he feel like stomping, you ask? Didn't he just spend a fantastic afternoon with the sweetest, loudest, cutest-

Damn! There he goes again, thinking stupid things about Naruto that weren't true. The only good thing about that stupid dobe was that he was a sure-fire way to get some cash.

For some stupid reason, Sasuke could not believe this and it was really pissing him off. What was pissing him off even more was this:

The bet wasn't on his mind one time other than when he first met up with Naruto.

That was not supposed to happen! He was supposed to get the boy's trust, fuck him hard, get the cash and pull some horrible prank on the principal that got him expelled and moved to another school! That's how it had gone for all his other schools!

Don't look at him like that, he knows he's a heartless bastard but it's working for him. You didn't think they'd moved around this much on Kakashi's lousy salary, did you?

Oh no, this has been happening for a long time. That's what Kakashi meant with the restraining order remark. Three of the four guys he'd done this to had filed them. And the last one...

Sasuke didn't want to think about him.

But back to his current situation. Why had he told Naruto so much about him? He told him everything. Well...except for some of the huge stuff. But other than the obvious he'd pretty much given up his life's story. From his favorite boxers to when he met Kakashi. This was really frustrating! Why the hell would he tell this stuff to Naruto?

Why did he feel obliged to let one person know everything about him? To let that one person in...

To trust him.

He trusted Naruto.

He's never trusted anyone but Kakashi before. Why would he trust some punk that's hated by everyone around him if he just met him a week ago?

Why is it that with every answer comes fifty questions? Damn this psychological shit, he's going to get Kakashi and watch some blood.

So he slammed open his door and stormed into the kitchen where his guardian was seated. The older man only glanced up from his book when Sasuke threw his backpack down on the table.

"So, do you want to see a psychotic serial killer or a massive battle between man and beast?" Kakashi said with almost a jovial tone.

"Anything where someone is tormented and in pain."

"Serial killer it is then." He tossed his keys to Sasuke and they headed out to the video store. The ride was filled with a tense silence, one that they had - surprisingly- almost never had before.

Of course Kakashi in all his wisdom knew exactly why his son was being such an angsty bitch. It was because he liked that Naruto kid but refused to admit it. Which the man found completely reasonable, seeing as Sasuke had a very hard time with people and anything to do with them. So the fact that someone, and a hyperactive knucklehead to boot, could get to him so fast must have scared him.

But he still couldn't shake the feeling that this bet was not going to turn out the way the others had. It would be much worse. For both of them.

"Sasuke." He started. He didn't continue until they reached a red light, just in case Sasuke blew up at him. But when they did stop he said, "Be careful with this one."

The boy surprised him when he sighed and the pissed off look slid off his face. When his mask was down he looked about ready to cry with frustration.

"I know." Kakashi nodded and the light turned green. After a few more twists and turns they reach the parking lot for Instant Replay, the movie store in this neighborhood.

As soon as the car stopped, Sasuke put a mask back on. And Kakashi couldn't help but hope that this Naruto could help his son.

After all, no one deserved to have to pretend they were flawless. Especially the people who have more bottled up emotions than the almost every other person on the planet.

Especially the people like Sasuke.

"Iruka."

He flinched when the man didn't stop. But instead just continued to dance.

And sing.

He's a bad singer.

"Iruka, stop it! We are in public!"

"But Naruto! I'm waitin' for the world to fall!" (2)

"Yeah, I don't care. Can you please pick a movie?" Iruka laughed and looked at the choices in his son's hands.

"Hmm... It's a very difficult decision. On the one hand we could go with Shall We Dance, hilarious and incredibly well endowed Richard Gere or we could rent Two Weeks Notice, the equally hilarious yet slightly less handsome Hugh Grant..." He paused as if making a life-altering decision.

Which, when you think about it, he kind of was. It's a very difficult assessment to make. Who could possibly choose between Hugh Grant and Richard Gere?

Wait! It's okay, Naruto found the perfect solution. Which almost had Iruka screaming like a yaoi fan girl who caught her favorite guys... But he didn't, because they were in public and he could always wait to be home with Naruto and watch-

"The Lake House." His eyes widened to the size of Frisbees when he saw the cover. "The excruciatingly gorgeous Keanu Reeves with his sexgod voice and my hero, Sandra Bullock."

Naruto laughed at his guardian and his insaneness. It was the greatest characteristic he though anyone could find in someone. Iruka was so easily entertained it was cute.

"Fancy seeing you here." They both looked up at the voice to see Kakashi and Sasuke staring at them. The former had a very amused grin on his face when he saw Iruka hugging a DVD case. The latter determined to glare at everything except Naruto.

"Kakashi! What brings you to the movie store?" Iruka tried desperately to not appear to be someone who hugged inanimate objects, failing miserably and instead looking like a kindergartener trying to hide the cookie.

"Oh you know, movies." Naruto snorted and got a swift kick in the shin from his guardian. It was totally inconspicuous, but it did leave Naruto wondering why his legs got more bruises on them every time Kakashi was around...

They then landed in an incredibly awkward silence... It was really awkward. And everyone started looking around. Though Iruka swore he saw Kakashi smiling the entire time. Like he enjoyed awkward silences for some reason. He figured out a long time ago that anyone who thought his embarrassment was entertaining deserved a kick in the shin. And he didn't want Naruto to feel singled out.

So he kicked Kakashi, who surprisingly yelped sounding a lot like a puppy that ran into a pole.

"What was that for?" He whined, rubbing his freshly damaged shin.

"You were laughing at me!" Iruka exclaimed. He crossed his arms and glared at Kakashi.

Sasuke was standing to the side wondering how it was possible for his English teacher to have this weird side. It was actually funny how someone who he respected so much turned out to be semi-crazy.

Naruto had moved next to Sasuke and was leaning on the boy laughing at Kakashi's face. The tallest member of the group had his mouth hanging open and his leg bent to his chest. This meant he had to lean over a little, making him about Iruka's height.

"I was not laughing at you!"

"Psh. Don't try to play me, I saw you smile." Iruka narrowed his eyes and pointed at Kakashi.

"Oh, so now it's against the law to be happy?"

"Why would you be happy, that was the most awkward silence ever!" Sasuke was beginning to like coming to the movie store. The "adults" were bickering like children and he had a beautiful boy leaning on him trying to catch his breath.

"I was happy because we saw you. But I'm starting to regret my happiness. Maybe I should just stick to being miserable ar-" He was cut off when Iruka kissed him. It was a whopper of a kiss too. Really! They were-

"Okay, let's go pay for this." Naruto bent over and picked up the forgotten Keanu Reeves film. When he straightened and saw the two men before him he changed his mind. "On second thought, I doubt we're going to watch it anyway." He turned and smiled at Sasuke before putting the DVD back on the shelf.

"You know, I've never seen anyone actually hurt Kakashi before." He said. "At least not physically... Why did Iruka kiss him?"

Naruto snorted and motioned for Sasuke to follow him out of the store. They walked down the sidewalk a ways and then through a park. It was getting dark outside so the sun was setting, but they didn't really mind. Naruto led his companion all the way to an Ice cream shop about twelve blocks away from Instant Replay where they left their guardians to do whatever it was they were going to do.

"He kissed him because of what Kakashi said. The whole "I was happy when I saw you" bit. Iruka's a total sap, so he loves the romantic stuff." The boy shrugged. "So it's likely that they will be busy for a while. But if Kakashi is a bad kisser, Iruka will just call me on my cell "concerned" and "come get me". It's our system."

Sasuke nodded, pretending he knew exactly what Naruto just said. Inside he was laughing at this whole situation, but they were in public so he'd never show it.

"Do you want something?" He asked, looking at what the Parlor had to offer. Naruto nodded.

"Yeah, but I have my money." He reached for his pocket but a hand stopped him.

"Nonsense, I'll get it. Just order." Sasuke put his left arm forward and bowed a little bit, letting Naruto go before him.

"Why thank you, kind sir." He smiled and walked up to the counter to order a vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles!

"Figures." Sasuke smirked and ordered a plain chocolate cone.

"You're one to talk." Naruto stuck out his tongue as they waited for their ice cream. Sasuke let a little insy-winsy smile on his face for the other boy. This only surprised Naruto a little bit, since he had seen his friend's smile before. But Sasuke just didn't seem the type to show emotion in public.

"Your Ice Creams." The guy behind the counter said. They thanked him and left the parlor, walking and eating their artificially flavored yumminess. It was actually a very relaxing and just a nice time.

A time that lovers might share... Naruto's brain had to go and bring that thought to his brain.

The perfect time to work on the bet... Sasuke thought. It was a very opportune time to work on the whole "relationship" part, right?

"So, Kakashi and Iruka, they make a cute couple don't they?" He tried to start a conversation. This whole comfortable silence was unnerving. He couldn't let his guard down around anyone but his dad. And here he was in the middle of a crowded street not thinking about anything but Naruto. How stupid was that?

"To be honest I wasn't so sure at first. But," he licked some more of his ice cream. "They really do look good together. And my dad really likes him, so it's okay."

"I wouldn't have been able to tell, what with the whole kicking him thing." Naruto laughed again. Sasuke was beginning to really like that sound. Even though he wasn't supposed to. Call it a guilty pleasure.

"Didn't you say Kakashi usually goes out with the people he pisses off?"

"Toosh."(3) This earned yet another beautiful laugh from the blonde.

"You've seen Pretty in Pink? Wow, my vision of your manliness is totally shot."

"You visualize my manliness? I never would have considered you that type of person, Naruto." The boy blushed.

"I live with a closet pervert, it's totally understandable. It still doesn't explain how you've seen Pretty in Pink."

"And yet you've obviously seen it too, seeing as you knew what I was talking about." Naruto waved his hand as if to say he thought nothing of it.

"Well, I live with a psycho closet romantic, obviously I was going to see it at one point or another."

"You can't keep blaming everything on your father, you know." Naruto nodded once and smiled.

"But you have no excuse."

"Kakashi had a thing for Molly Ringwald once."

"Ah." They continued on down the road until they came to the park they'd walked through before. It was now totally dark outside; if it weren't for the lampposts they wouldn't have seen their hands in front of their faces.

But it was thanks to the darkness that Sasuke didn't see Naruto's blush. He knew he shouldn't be, but he was. He really felt special when he was with Sasuke. And that was bad.

When had he met the kid, a week ago? He wasn't supposed to feel like this about someone he's just started talking to seven days ago. That wasn't supposed to happen. Ever. And here's the funny thing. He kind of felt like Sasuke liked him too. But that was really a reason to avoid any feelings right? Because if Sasuke liked him then everyone else that liked Sasuke wouldn't want to even talk to the brunette anymore.

He didn't want someone he felt this strongly about to have to go through every thing that Naruto himself is forced to deal with every day.

That wouldn't be a very effective way to show Sasuke he cared, now would it?

Sasuke was trying really hard to focus on the bet, he was! But...okay, don't think any less of him for this. Something was distracting him. It was a very stupid distraction, but it was keeping his attention. Not really because of what it was but more for the naughty thoughts it led too.

See...what was distracting Sasuke was the little bit of vanilla ice cream dripping from Naruto's lips.

He should not be side tracked by that! But he was! If anything it should have been a motivator towards the bet and he could be thinking of the ways to woo the smaller boy into wanting to date him but no! He was dreaming of the different techniques to use in order to remove said distraction.

Naughty thoughts, no hormones down!

The smaller boy wouldn't mind though, would he? If Sasuke just... licked it off.

Of course he wouldn't mind.

"What do you want to do next? Should we head back?" Naruto stopped and turned to face Sasuke. They were perfectly under a streetlight, meaning they both saw the other's face. The Uchiha finally aware of his companion's blush and Naruto completely conscious of the lust-filled stare from his "friend". "Is something w-wrong?"

Sasuke smirked at the stutter. He found it exciting.

Naruto saw the smirk. He liked it.

"You have something on your chin." Sasuke said. "Let me get it."

So he raised a hand up as if to wipe it away. That's what Naruto thought he was doing at least. But he didn't. Oh no. Instead he grabbed the side of the blonde's face and leaned forward.

And he licked the ice cream off of Naruto's lips.

So much for not liking him.

(1) I got that from a Gilmore Girls rerun I watched yesterday...

(2) I was listening to this song when I wrote this part. I don't know who sings it but I was listening to it on YouTube it was the background for a Harry Potter MV.

(3) This isn't actually the spelling, it's touché. But this is how Duckie pronounces it in the movie. :D

How did you like it? I left you with a cliffy, no? Who thought that last thought? What do you think? Oh! And thank you so much for the reviews and everything. And about the comments on the NejiLee pairing. A) I like this pairing and 6) The position I have Gaara in in the later chapters prevents me from setting him up with Neji or Lee. Sorry if that disapoints you but don't stop reading just because of that, please? Reviews are much appreciated, as always.

Much Love.