Chapter 11: Cracks in the Pavement
"You little-ugh!" Kiba snarled at me, his finger jabbing into my chest forcefully.
"What are you yapping about, dog boy?" Temari demanded. He withdrew his hand, clenching it into a fist at his side. I absentmindedly rubbed the spot. Jeez that hurt. I'll definitely get some bruises. I put some pressure on the spot. Ouch. Yup, definitely gonna be some bruises. I turned to see Kiba now glaring at Temari instead.
"I drove to the idiot's house (he japed his finger in my direction) to find out he didn't need a ride because he slept over at your house." He yelled, not because he was any angrier but because he was just a loud person in general.
"Oh yeah…I forgot to call you…" I said absentmindedly as I thought out loud. Kiba gave a derisive snort and Gaara merely rolled his eyes.
I spent the next hour trying to get back into the good graces of Kiba. It went pretty well (ignoring the minor setback when he socked me in the arm for cracking a joke about Hinata) and he forgave by the end of first period.
So everything was going dandy. As dandy as a fricken dandelion in fact. Seriously, everything was peachy. I was kind of, sort of in an amazing mood because I made up with Kiba and everything with my friends was going grand and, oh yeah, the fact that I was on my way to third period and I would get to see Sasuke. Yeah, I mean who wouldn't be somewhat, more so than normally, excited to see the guy who had kissed me on his bed last night and then there was that ramen thing he did…wow…so hot, he's so hot. Ehem! Anyways so I'm frolicking to third period with Temari (who may or may not have been giving me sidelong glances that hinted she thought there were a few screws loose in my head) and I'm all excited about seeing Sasuke. The first week after that party at Sarah's…or was it Maddie…well it doesn't matter, so the first week he was a perverted, mean molesting bastard, but he's slowly been getting a little nicer, I think. I don't want to jump the gun by thinking we have a thing but last night was actually really fun, and he is tutoring me again today.
We found our seats and I discreetly glanced toward the door every couple of seconds to see if Sasuke was coming in yet. Anticipatory tremors raced through my legs and I had to tap them to diffuse some of the excess energy. Finally after what seemed like forever the bastard finally walked in, looking amazing in a tight, black V-neck t-shirt and dark blue jeans. My eyes trailed after him as he walked to his seat. He didn't look at me once. Not in the next five minutes as I stared continually at him. Not in the whole period when I kept glancing at him every few seconds. I think I developed a twitch because before I knew it my head would jerk and look at him automatically. By the time the bell rang, my happiness had oozed out of me and my smile had, as cliché as it sounds, turned upside down…literally.
"That ice cold prick," Temari muttered scathingly. I glanced at her surprised and she stopped her glaring at Sasuke to give me a sympathetic look. So does that mean I wasn't being secretive with my secretive glances at Sasuke?...Ugh, great.
She reached out and took my hand, interlacing her fingers with mine, and pulled me to the door where all the kids were exiting through. As we spilled into the hallway I couldn't help but notice that Sasuke was leaning against the lockers directly across from the door with Neiji and Suigetsu. Temari yanked me to the side and I pulled my gaze from Sasuke (who wasn't even looking at me anyways). We walked a couple more feet and Temari pulled her hand away.
"Honestly I hate him, Naruto. You are way too good for him so stop fawning all over him because it should be the other way around." She said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm not fawning," I whispered angrily. I wasn't. Really! I don't fawn over him like those stupid fangirls. Naruto Uzumaki does not fawn, believe it!
"I have to get to my next class, but you know, even though, you are a baka, don't fall for that dickhead's charms." I blinked and nodded. She smiled warmly before running down the hall to her next class. A strange feeling was building in the pit of my stomach and it wasn't good. It made me feel sick and wretched. My eyelids slid shut and I drew in a deep breathe. I pushed aside the negative thoughts and thought about teasing Kiba about Hinata. Maybe I'd do something that would really embarrass Gaara, that is always fun! I smiled tugged at my lips.
"Thinking of me, dobe?" A smooth voice asked conceitedly. My eyes flew open and I stepped back, startled, as I came face to face with Sasuke.
"You would assume that wouldn't you?" I hissed, glaring at him. So now he wanted to talk to me. I glance around to see that the hall was nearly empty. In fact, I didn't recognize a single person in the hallway. And I would bet neither did Sasuke. Was that why he had come up to me then?
A smug smirk pulled at his lips. "Oh and who else could you be thinking of to bring such an enticing smile on those lips?" He asked sensually. My heart fluttered and my heartbeat seemed to double, but I ignored those stupid reactions. Hormones, I tell you.
I looked at him, feeling very annoyed. "Kiba," I said as I stepped around him. "And Gaara." I finished as I started walking past him. A rush of victory coursed through me as I saw his smirk slip into a tight line. Hopefully the conceited teme realizes my world doesn't revolve around him.
I kept walking toward the locker room. A small voice of worry spoke in the back of my thoughts when I didn't hear Sasuke's steps following mine. After all we were going to the same place so it would only make sense that he would follow me. When I saw Kiba waiting for me outside the locker room I forgot about my teme.
"Kiba, old buddy, old pal!" I yelled obnoxiously and waved. Dog boy shook his head and grinned. We walked into the locker room and quickly changed.
"Last one out has driving duties on Friday!" Kiba yelled in my ear as I tugged on my sneaker.
"What?! Ah shit!" I exclaimed as Kiba sprinted through the locker room. I tugged on my remaining sneaker and launched myself toward the door. I can't believe that cheating asshole! Driving duty means no drinking, ugh.
A pair of arms wrapped around my waist and tugged me into a chest, effectively stopping my running. "Oof!" I thudded into it and couldn't help the groan that escaped. "You shouldn't have said that." An all too familiar voice said in my ear and teeth nibbled on the lob. I stood rigidly, fighting my body which wanted nothing more than to press itself against Sasuke's warmth. "Said what?" I wasn't following. The arms around my waist tightened possessively. Now I was pressed against Sasuke's chest. "You are mine. Not Kiba's and not Gaara's." For some reason my anger dissipated. I tried to reach out and grab it, force it to stay with me and keep me strong, but it slipped through my fingers.
I snickered and rolled my eyes at his words. I'm pretty sure we covered this whole I belong to no one thing already, and I thought I had quelled Sasuke's weird possessive streak that happened at the most random moments. Sasuke was going around in circles and bringing up stuff that was clearly water under the bridge…I think that's the right saying. I mean seriously the water is so far under the bridge it isn't even funny…well kind of because Sasuke is acting so immature. And he calls me a dobe, that baka.
"I'm not yours." I huffed, but a small smile tugged at my lips. I don't know why. Seriously, don't ask me because I don't know. It just made me feel kind of good that he wanted me to himself so much. I know…why don't we just slap a huge label on my forehead that says idiot. Who the hell gets butterflies in their stomach over possessiveness?...me. I never did get a CAT scan last night…I need one.
"Yes you are." Sasuke said seriously. Breath fanned against my neck where his lips hovered over the skin. Once they descended, pressing a soft kiss there, I lifted up my foot and slammed it down on his.
"Fuck!" He cussed colorfully. His hands retracted and I jumped out, turning to him with a smirk. "Am not," I sang cheerfully. He looked at me with narrowed eyes. He is so hot when he's angry like this, not in his really scary anger but his escalated annoyance. His really angry glare sends shivers done my spine (not the good kind) and makes me want to run for the hills…if there were hills in Konoha.
His angry expression morphed into one of confidence and, but of course, the accursed smirk of smugness was resurrected. I found myself admiring his appearance and mentally shook my head. Focus, baka. "Agree to disagree for now." He said in a silky voice. I eyed him suspiciously. Since when does the teme take the high road? I'll tell you when-NEVER! My suspicions grew when he turned and walked to the door of the locker room. When he reached it he turned back toward me. "I'm right anyways." He announced haughtily.
"What? Not even you bastard!" I yelled, feeling my anger spike. Sasuke's smirk widened and he disappeared through the door. "Oi you spoiled asshole! Where do you think your going?! HEY!" I yelled and ran after him. As I reached the door, it hit me that Sasuke had completely sabotaged my race with Kiba. Yay driving duty.
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"Dobe." Sasuke muttered under his breath. He uttered an irritated sigh. He back pedaled to me where my feet were glued to the ground. The house looked even more amazing than last time, even more pristine and perfect and breathtaking than last time. How the fuck was that even possible?! I looked at wide-eyed Sasuke as he grabbed my arm and began pulling me forward. My eyes traced his perfect face and it clicked that this house was befitting of someone as amazing looking as him. Of course the bastard had an equally stunning home, but of fucking course.
"Where are we going?" I inquired as the teme pulled me down a hallway that was completely unfamiliar. Well obviously it is unfamiliar. I've only been here once and I saw the foyer, the stairs, the upstairs hall, Sasuke's room and Sasuke's bathroom. "Kitchen." Sasuke said curtly. I craned my neck as I was dragged through the house, trying to look at as much as possible. I may have been admiring (gawking at) his house but if he asked I would just say…uh…that I was looking for escape routes…in case of a, er, fire…yeah. Uh-huh. Totally! Yeah, that is a totally awesome lie! I hope he asks so I can use it.
Sasuke turned and I quickly turned as well so that he didn't snap my wrist off. Cherry wood cabinets, granite counters and shiny stainless steel appliances assaulted my eyes. Oh my…and when I thought the house couldn't get better. I don't think I've ever seen a nicer kitchen. The thing came straight from a high-end magazine. Everything was shiny and immaculate, not at all like my kitchen. In fact it looked like some kind of set filled with props because I seriously couldn't see a crumb, or scratch, or indication someone had cooked let alone eaten in here.
"Do you eat in here?" I asked in a strained voice. Sasuke turned to me and gave a look that said he clearly questioned my intellect (no matter how poor he assumed it to start with). "Naturally…it is a kitchen." He said dryly. His hand dropped from my arm and he moved to the cabinets. He opened one up and I watched apprehensively as he pulled out glass cup. "Do you want something to drink or eat?" He asked, not sounding like he gave a damn if I was starving or stuffed full. "Er, are you sure it's okay?" I asked unsurely. I don't want to like do something to mess up this perfect kitchen. "Yes." He said agitatedly. My gaze swept across the kitchen again. Well if he's sure it's okay…
"Do you have more ramen?!" I asked excitedly. Sasuke's dead gaze bore into me, his expression not changing when he heard my question.
"…no." My eyes narrowed. He just gave me ramen yesterday. The stingy bastard totally would have said something to make me feel bad if that was the last of it.
"Liar!" A delicate, black eyebrow rose at my accusation. He sighed and turned away from me, walking to the sink and filling the glasses with water.
"If you eat that stuff so much, you'll get fat." I snorted at his words.
"I've been living off of it since I was little. I'm not fat yet!" I replied snarkily, screwing my face into a victorious sneer.
"…" Sasuke said nothing but looked dead on into my eyes. The silence carried on. At first I didn't get it. Then his eyes swept across my frame and his lips twitched.
…
…
What?! I am NOT fat! "You fucking bastard! I am not fat!" I yelled. I stormed over to the bastard and glowered at him. He only smirked more. Ugh! That is so irritating!
"Gah! You are such an ass! I am not fat. You are just some-ugh you make me so mad. I'm going to wipe that stupid smirk of your goddamn perfect face. Hah, we'll see how perfect is then. And I am not fat. You condescending, irritating bastard!" I ranted angrily.
"Calm down dobe." He said with a smirk. "Now come over here and if you do something for me maybe I'll get you some ramen." He cooed slyly.
That. Is. It.
"Go fuck yourself!" I snapped. The smirk dropped off his face instantly, replaced by a cold stare. The room suddenly seemed a lot colder. I shrunk back a bit, his now dangerous aura scaring me. He left the glasses on the counter and advanced toward me. "Naruto," He growled lowly.
"I think it is a valid suggestion." An unfamiliar voice said. Sasuke stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in surprise before they narrowed and he sent a withering glare toward the door. I snapped my head around and peered at the door, where a person stood.
Recognition registered and my eyes widened. Black eyes, that looked very much like Sasuke's, were locked on me. OH MY GOSH! It's the grocery store somewhat look alike of Sasuke!
"Do you want something?" Sasuke asked coldly. I pulled my gaze from the guy at the door to look at Sasuke. He was looking, very unfriendly-like I might add, at his look alike (my money is on that it's his brother). Look alike's eyes appraised Sasuke and amusement danced in his eyes.
"Not a thing, otouto. I was just coming to see what all the commotion in the kitchen was about." He said lightly. While Sasuke's glared balefully at him (and very much seemed like he wanted to stab this guy's eyes out), this guy didn't seem the least bit concerned. I shifted uncomfortably. Just because this guy seemed immune to Sasuke's wrath didn't mean I couldn't feel the tension in the room. Look alike's eyes shifted back to me and I noticed that he had long (stress?-maybe) lines under them.
"Since my brother seems to have forgotten a plethora of manners today I will introduce myself. My name is Itachi Uchiha and I am Sasuke's older brother." He addressed me cordially with a small smile that was pretty damn breathtaking…I bet Sasuke would look amazing if he smiled that like all the time.
"Nice to meet you Itachi. I'm Naruto, Sasuke's…" Umm….umm…uh….Er shit. What the fuck am I to Sasuke. Um…damn. I awkwardly met Itachi's eyes and they still held the amused glint in them. That doesn't make me feel much better.
I felt like the silence would stretch on forever. Seriously it would become some giant void and just gobble me up, and honestly I wouldn't really have any qualms since I was kind of sort of dying of embarrassment. Sasuke wasn't saying anything at all, not coming to my aid in the least, like the bastard he was. And it kind of hurt.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Naruto. I'll leave you two now since I have to go out. I hope to see you again." He said to me. "Goodbye otouto." He called to Sasuke as he left the room. Sasuke and I stayed motionless until the front door shut and then he grabbed my arm (in a painfully tight grip and dragged me up to his room).
When we reached his room Sasuke promptly shoved me against a wall and kissed me (if that could even be called a kiss…more like lip raping if you ask me). Needy, urgent lips crashed onto my own and I barely had time to shut my eyes…which I sort have naturally do when I get kissed; I think it's a normal thing. While I totally liked Sasuke's attention on me (for what feels like the first time all day), I don't respond and start to gently push him away. When he realizes that the hands on his chest are actually pushing him away, black eyes snap open and stare at me with barely suppressed anger. I say suppressed because while I could see the anger he wasn't outright glaring at me.
I had to avert my gaze from his. "Look your brother just walked out of the room. Why are-?"
"Shut up. Don't mention him." Sasuke snapped angrily. His hands tightened painfully around my forearms. I stood speechless at his outburst. For him to get so riled up and angry over mentioning his brother…what is his deal?
Sasuke shook with rage for some reason unknown to me. Honestly why are his panties in such a twist? His brother seems like a nice guy. A little intimidating, perfectly mannered, handsome and did I mention intimidating but he didn't seem like that bad of a guy.
…brother issues. Yup clearly Sasuke has brother issues. And yes, for some reason I have a feeling that this little brother issue thingy is one-sided. God…the teme is such a weird one.
"Do you have a brother-complex I should know about?" The words popped out before I even thought them through. Sasuke's face became blank for a moment before a beyond pissed expression crossed it.
"Excuse me?" He seethed. I kind of want to melt into the nice red wall behind me. My eyes strayed from the right to the left, avoiding his angry eyes. Who said that? What? Not me. Definitely not me. Oh shit.
"He seems nice,er, uh…." I squeaked before trailing off. Sasuke's expression darkened. Apparently I shouldn't have said that. Scratch that, I think anything I would have said would have pissed him off more. Clearly I shouldn't have spoken at all.
"Why don't you spend the day with him then." Damn I think I may get frostbite if the icy attitude of his continues…or he could spontaneously combust and beat the shit out of me…not sure how I'd want to go…shit, clearly I shouldn't be getting side-tracked right now.
Wait a minute why is this being turned back to me?! This is about Sasuke and Itachi! For the love of ramen…
"Sasuke…" The words died in my throat as Sasuke's gaze hardened. What is his problem?! "Ugh! Look teme, would you stop. I came over to get tutored by you so back off!"
My words froze him and he stared blankly at me for a moment. After a few calculating seconds he turned and strode to his desk. He sat down and opened his textbook. The room was oddly quiet and for some reason this mute static seemed so much louder than when we were snapping at each other. I don't even know what just happened honestly.
I stayed put against the nice wall for a while and watched Sasuke. I wasn't being creepy or anything but there really wasn't much else to look at. I know what his room looks like by now. Finding myself admiring his profile while he leafed through a notebook, I wondered why Sasuke was so touchy about his brother. It's not like we talked much about either of our families but he never even mentioned his. My curiosity grew in leaps and bounds as Sasuke left me to my own devices. I found that my curiosity was fueled by something more that I couldn't identify; it just made me want to know more.
"Dobe, would you like to be tutored or not?" Sasuke's voice rang through his room and pulled me from my own thoughts. His voice was unreadable but it definitely lacked the anger and hardness of earlier. Heaving an indignant sigh, I pushed myself from the wall and walked towards Sasuke, making sure to sit closer than normal to him…don't ask me why, it was just an urge okay?!
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I called Gaara when I got home from Sasuke's because Gaara's the bomb, that and he had called me and didn't leave a message or anything of the sort. We talked about some inconsequential things. I told him how Sasuke went all menstrual on me. I also told him about the Itachi brother issue complex thing.
"Yeah so I want to know what's up with that but I'm not suicidal so I won't be mentioning Itachi anytime soon."
" Have you ever thought that maybe you are…going to fast with him." Gaara's words hit me like a ton of bricks. We weren't going too fast…hell as far as I knew there wasn't even a 'we' (that thought hurt a little which isn't good). Shit what are we doing anyways?
"Uh Naruto, I'm just looking out for you. I don't like him and I don't want you getting hurt." Gaara said when I didn't respond. Still stuck in my stupor I mumbled some form of goodbye and hung up.
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He ignored me at school the next day. Actually that's not completely true. He cornered me in gym about how Kiba had given me a piggyback ride and acted all weird. I don't know what his problem was. Then he kissed me.
That night I went to Sasuke's again for tutoring. It was amazing. We laughed, had a great time, kissed, and Sasuke made ramen for me. Except for every time I looked at him I felt some weird longing throb through me. Gaara's words echoed in my head, doubts and responses to them flitted about and the accompanying emotions hurt my heart and made me want to lie down. When I went home and tried to sleep Sasuke plagued my mind. I liked Sasuke and he kissed me and acted all protective (well…possessive) over me and he kissed me. What were we? God I like him so much it hurts. How did this even happen? I'm so not a fricken fangirl though. My mind flipped through our moments together and wandered. At first it was positive stuff, like how amazing he made me feel but then it reminded me of how he never acknowledged me at school. And just like that insecurities bloomed. Great job you stupid prick Sasuke, you made me feel insecure and that is usually not a descriptor that applies to me. Stupid bastard. God what is wrong with him? What is wrong with me?!
Those were my thoughts last night. And when Kiba picked me up half an hour ago for school my mind was mulling over my plan. Walking from the parking lot, I can't help but grin as I finalize my plan of awesomeness. It's straightforward. Literally, my plan is to come out and straightforward ask him.
"Dude, why have you been so quiet? Are you sick or something?" Kiba asked worriedly.
He waved a hand in front of my face which completely broke my concentration. I swatted it away, sending him an annoyed look.
"Lighten up! So you still coming to Hinata's tonight?" I was going to respond to what Kiba said but then my eyes landed on Sasuke and my mind switched gears. I have a pretty one track mind and I'm easily derailed in my train of thought. At least that's what Iruka has been telling me for years.
"Hey Kibs, go on without me. I'll meet you in first period. Okay?" I looked at him, my feet already inching forward.
"Yeah, sure." He said slowly, his eyes suspiciously traveling across my face for some sign of why I was acting strange. I smiled brightly and walked hurriedly away from Kiba and toward Sasuke, who of course was with his entourage (Suigetsu and Neiji).
Suigetsu saw me first and his lips stretched into a feral grin. If I hadn't gone to school with him then I would never walk within five feet of him if he flashed me that smile. It is creepy as fuck and practically screams molest/kill/deranged guy/beware. His eyes bore into me and I flashed him a halfhearted smile. My heart started to beat so loudly it echoed in my ears. I clenched my fists and unclenched them before repeating the motion. My gait slowed and my smile vanished to some unknown place.
I watched him carefully. Finally dark eyes slid from Neiji to me. Impassively he watched as I drew closer.
"Sasuke," I said when I finally reached him, "I need to talk to you."
NEXT CHAPTER: When the Sidewalk Falls Through –any guesses as to what happens?!
I know-how much do I suck?! First I take forever to update and then I have a cliffhanger! Don't give up on me yet, even though this chapter sucked balls. I had to write this out in order for the plot to move along. This chapter had a lot of mixed signals but it will be explained more later and it ties in with the plot I promise. Sasuke isn't exactly a master at feelings now is he. He's possessive and selfish and does what he wants when he wants. Again I am so sorry for how long this update took. It won't happen again. I had finals and then then weekend after I was out celebrating all the time. Thank you so much everyone for your reviews! They mean so much to me! Also check out my one shot (MelloxMatt) for Envyyyyy and let me know what you think-it's kind of dark but it was a blast to write.
Comment, or hell just put a smiley face to let me know you liked the chapter ;)