Kabuto scowled as Melanie led Naruto elsewhere. As he figured, his group's entrance was the talk of the night. That worked perfectly. It was the next phase of his plan that had failed. Caroline's job was simple: distract Naruto long enough for Kabuto to whisk Melanie away. Instead, his brown haired prize had stopped Caroline's attempt.

Caroline walked back to where the group now stood. "So that's her?" Kabuto nodded as Caroline sneered ruffling her red hair. "I'm prettier. Don't worry; I'll have Naruto eating out of my palm of my hand by the end of the night. He never could resist me for long."

Kabuto spared Caroline a bored glance. She was indeed pretty but she had been prettier when he first met her. That was before she started trying too hard to make herself appealing to Kabuto. He liked the chase and Caroline made it easy to get what he wanted.

The first time Kabuto ever laid eyes on Caroline he was surprised Naruto was able to land someone so out of his league. Right then and there Kabuto had made it his mission to win Caroline's affection. It made his blood boil that Caroline, such a delight, had even bothered with Naruto in the first place. Who was he compared to Kabuto? He was no one; a scrawny little kid who couldn't meet the standards of Caroline. Really, he did Naruto a favor. It was only a matter of time before Kabuto had stolen Caroline away. It wasn't hard. He simply showed her that he was better in all areas than Naruto.

A smug grin overtook Kabuto's features as he remembered the day Naruto found out about his and Caroline's affair. It was right after a rather pleasing time together; where Caroline had shouted Kabuto's name. Naruto had arrived at Caroline's apartment at that exact moment, catching the two in the act; thus ending Naruto's and Caroline's relationship. Naruto was still sore about it, if the looks he gave Kabuto were anything to go by. Kabuto and Caroline still occasionally met up for a night of fun but he never felt the urge to start a relationship with her. He used her to satisfy his body's needs.

It wasn't hard to convince Caroline to help him tonight. Kabuto could be fairly persuasive if needed; meaning he bribed her by showing her exactly why she cheated on Naruto in the first place. She was all too eager to comply; not to mention, excited to see Naruto.

Kabuto left in search of Melanie. His brow deepening as each room came up empty. He passed the kitchen catching sight of a form leaning against the porch railing outside. He recognized her costume instantly. Kabuto joined Melanie at the railing following her gaze to where Naruto sat on a tire swing attached to a tree.

"Nice costume," Melanie said in greeting. "I've always loved Iron Man."

"I made the suit myself," Kabuto said. Up until now he had been carrying his helmet but he put it to give her the full effect. Melanie gave him a half smile before returning her attention to Naruto. "Would you like to dance?" Kabuto asked already imaging what it would feel like to have her body pressed up against his.

"No thank you."

"If you keep frowning like that you'll get wrinkles," Kabuto said trying a new tactic.

"I don't know how to help him," Melanie chewed on her bottom lip. She didn't like the affect the girl had on Naruto. To visibly shake him like this had Melanie believing the two hadn't parted on good terms.

"Don't worry. He's fine." Kabuto came up behind Melanie placing his hands on her shoulders in a comforting gesture. He yanked on her pony tail letting her hair fall lose. "Your hair is so soft," he murmured trailing his hand through it. Melanie stiffened under Kabuto's forwardness. He slowly began massaging her shoulders trying to release the tension he felt.

"Um, Kabuto...can you not touch me?" Melanie asked moving out from beneath his hands.

Kabuto stared at Melanie not quite believing what he heard. "Excuse me?"

"Well I'm here as Naruto's date and I don't think it's appropriate for you to be touching me like that."

Anger flashed across Kabuto's face making Melanie take a step back. As quickly as it came it was replaced with a sheepish expression. Kabuto held his hands up in apology, "I was simply trying to comfort a friend. Please forgive me for over stepping my boundaries."

Melanie gave him a small smile. She bid him farewell deciding Naruto had been alone long enough. Kabuto watched her go, his grip tightening on the railing. How dare she walk away from him? To comfort Naruto of all people. Kabuto took a deep breath regaining his composure. This was nothing to be upset about. Melanie watched Kabuto go, a knot forming in her stomach. Despite his words, Melanie didn't believe there was anything friendly about his actions. Shaking off her thoughts Melanie turned to the task at hand.

"Okay, think Melanie. What healing aid would Ash use to cure Pikachu if he was like this?" Melanie tapped her chin as she thought. "I've got it!" Melanie positioned herself behind Naruto. With a cry she leaped forward onto his back "Paralyz heal!"

"Whoa!" Naruto laughed as the swing jerked forward. "Come sit on my lap," Melanie moved to sit on his lap. She wrapped her hands around the chains blushing when Naruto covered her hands with his. "You ready?" Naruto gave a powerful push sending them through the air, a laugh escaping Melanie's lips. She peered up at him as his breath tickled her cheek.

"I'm sorry that I've been so moody," Naruto said. "How can I make it up to you?"

"Well first off, if we're ever going to win the costume contest I suggest we find Kiba and after that I wouldn't mind another dance or two."

They found Kiba in the kitchen making drinks. Kiba had guts, Melanie thought as she took in his costume. His brown hair was ratted out like a birds nest and he wore a pair of furry pointed ears. The only piece of clothing he had on was a pair of boxers covered in fur. To finish the look he had a black pained nose and fangs. Upon noticing the duo Kiba called them over.

"Ash and Pikachu," Kiba said as the couple walked up to him. "Nicely done."

"Kiba this is Melanie," Naruto said placing an arm around her waist. Kiba raised an eyebrow "What can I get the pretty girl to drink?"

"Got any soda?"

"Out back in a cooler," Kiba directed Melanie. She went outside searching for the soda that fit her mood. She returned mid conversation.

"Dude when I saw Caroline walk in with-"

"Ramen is the best dish on the planet!" Naruto interrupted sharply. Kiba and Naruto traded glances before Kiba took the bait and changed the topic.

By the look on Naruto's face it wasn't hard for Melanie to put the pieces together. Caroline must be the redhead from before. Melanie looked down at her soda as jealousy pricked at her. She had no right to be jealous but she didn't like the affect this Caroline had on Naruto. Naruto's gaze slid over to Melanie zeroing on her drink. He swiped it out of her hands taking a large gulp.

"Naruto I'm going to go dance," Melanie said awkwardly, trying to diffuse the jealous feeling.

"I'll come with you," Kiba said glancing over at Naruto for approval.

The blonde nodded following them into the dance room. Naruto watched as Kiba pulled Melanie close keeping in time with the beat. He folded his arms resisting the urge to cut in. Naruto leaned more comfortably against the wall. Next dance would be his. Red hair obscured his view of his friend as Caroline stepped in front of him.

"Narruuutooo," her voice slurred, "come dannnce with mee" she ran her hand up his arm.

"You're drunk," Naruto said.

Caroline in turn pressed herself closer to him. He quickly looked to see that Kiba had turned Melanie around so she couldn't see what was happening. Kiba gave Naruto a thumbs up when Naruto gave him a quick nod of thanks detangling himself from Caroline. He ignored her protests pushing his way through the crowd. Kiba stepped aside allowing Naruto to take over.

Melanie didn't question the sudden change in dance partners. Kiba was an excellent dancer but she preferred Naruto's company. His hands were warm on her hips where he held her to him. Her heart fluttered every time he pulled her closer. They danced the night away only pausing to accept the best couples costume award; tickets to the local movie theater.

"I'm serious Naruto you don't have to walk me home," Melanie said failing to trap a yawn behind her lips.

Naruto smiled as she leaned against him. "Here get on my back," Melanie sleepily complied wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.

"You're tail keeps poking me," Melanie complained. Naruto laughed hosting her higher.

It wasn't long before she fell asleep against his back. He could feel the gentle rise and fall of her chest. He was reluctant to wake her when they arrived at her house but he had no way of getting inside.

"Melanie we're here," he said gently shaking his shoulder where her head rested.

"Key under mat," she mumbled not opening her eyes.

Naruto awkwardly bent trying to keep his hold on Melanie and reach the key. After a few minutes of a balancing act he had secured the key and opened the door. He set her down gently on the couch, a smile forming on his face when she refused to let go of his neck.

"Naruto, don't go," Melanie murmured. He opened his mouth to reply but she was already asleep.

Naruto gazed down at Melanie as she slept. Placing a kiss on her forehead, he took of her glasses and draped a blanket over her. He returned to the front door making sure it was locked before shrugging out of his costume. He settled on the couch adjacent to hers falling asleep quickly.

The front door creaked open moving inch by inch. A shadow moved through the partially opened door closing it behind him. He silently made his way to where Melanie laid. He reached out his hand to caress her face halted by a rather large snore. Kabuto glared at Naruto's sleeping form. He moved away from Melanie searching the house until he found her room.