Melanie squeezed Naruto's hand as she struggled to keep calm. "I told Naruto about our game and how we are playing hide and seek."

Kabuto's eyes narrowed. "Why is he even here?"

"Because it's a Friday night and I wanted to come to Ole Jenkins Farm," Naruto answered smoothly. He slipped his hand from Melanie's, ignoring her gaze.

"Goodbye Naruto. It was so pleasant running into you but we really have to get going." Kabuto placed his arm around Melanie's shoulders pulling her away with him.

"Get your hands off of her."

Kabuto stopped glancing over his shoulder.

"I know that Melanie is too kind to tell you herself-"

"Tell me what?" Kabuto snapped, cutting off Naruto. His grip tightened around Melanie's shoulders.

"That we're dating," Naruto said, spreading his hands in an apologetic manner.

"You're lying." Kabuto scanned the blondes face, looking for any sign of deceit. Naruto followed his arms, a smug smirk settling on his face.

"He's right Kabuto," Melanie spoke up.

Kabuto turned on Melanie. He placed his hands on her shoulders, moving in close. "Why did you accept my invite tonight, then?"

He felt her shrug. "I thought we were just going as friends."

As friends…as friends…as friends.

The words tumbled through Kabuto's mind. "As friends?" he echoed.

Melanie gave him a sympathetic glance. "I'm sorry Kabuto."

Kabuto stared at Melanie refusing to believe what they were saying. He had been watching her through the cameras. He knew every time Naruto was over. Not once had they acted like a true couple. Sure, the obnoxious blonde was always over but there were no signs of anything more than friendship.
"I don't believe you."

"Like I said, Melanie was too nice to tell you. She didn't want to hurt your feelings," Naruto said. He placed his hand on Kabuto's shoulder. "I'd appreciate it if you moved away from my girlfriend."

That was it. Hearing the words pushed Kabuto over the edge. He refused to stand around and let this subordinate boss him around. Kabuto moved in the blink of an eye. He pushed Melanie backwards before turning around and swinging at Naruto, hitting him square in the jaw. Naruto stumbled back a few steps a hand coming up to massage the sore area.

"I was hoping you would do that." Naruto flew forward brining a fist up. Kabuto blocked his punch but wasn't prepared for Naruto's head-butt. He toppled backwards. Naruto knocked into Kabuto sending them both to the ground. Kabuto barely had time to throw up his arms in protection before the hits came. Naruto pounded into him letting his frustrations come out with each punch.

Kabuto wasn't going to be defeated so easy. This was just another game. He knew Naruto would tire eventually and when he did, Kabuto would strike. He took hit after hit barely registering the blows as he looked for this opportunity. There. He grabbed Nartuo's oncoming fist and twisted sharply to the side. Naruto hissed in pain trying to break Kabuto's grip. Kabuto used his other hand to land a blow to the side of Naruto's head. The pest rolled off him, dazed.

Kabuto was on his feet in a flash. He kicked out at Naruto catching him in the ribs. He could feel blood dripping from his nose and there was a cut above his eye but he ignored his injuries, focusing on dealing out as much damaged as he could. Again and again he kicked Naruto, savoring the grunts of pain escaping the boy's lips. Kabuto gazed at Naruto for a second, looking for a specific spot. He brought his leg back, ready to deal the blow that would end the fight.

The next kick would break Naruto's ribs.

Naruto rolled out of the way of the kick. He picked himself up wrapping a lose arm around his waist. "You hit like an old man. Is that seriously all you got, grandpa?"

Kabuto glared at Naruto. "Joke all you want. All I need is one more, well placed, hit."

By now, the fighting had attracted a crowd. No one attempted to help or break them up as the two boys circled each other. They exchanged insults but neither made a move. Kabuto's face felt swollen and there was a good chance his nose was broken. His glasses were cracked and barely staying on his face. A bruise was spreading over the lower half of Naruto's face and blood ran down from the side of his head. He winced every time he took a deep breath.

Someone tapped Kabuto on the shoulder. He spun around, enraged that someone would interrupt. He barely had a moment to recognize Melanie as an offender before she decked him. Kabuto staggered back, staring at the furious girl with wide eyes. Naruto snickered as Melanie walked up to him. He gave her a sheepish grin not expecting the open-handed slap.

"Ow! What was that for?" Naruto pouted, holding a hand to his cheek. Melanie grabbed his hand pulling him through the crowd, away from Kabuto. She didn't speak to Naruto as he collected his bike. They walked to Naruto's apartment in silence.

Naruto eased himself onto the couch, grimacing. "You're such an idiot," Melanie said brining over the first aid kit Naruto kept in his bathroom.

"Kabuto had it coming," Naruto mumbled still sore about her slap.

"I'm not going to apologize for hitting you," Melanie said, reading his mind. She leaned forward lightly kissing his check, "but I will thank you for coming to get me." She went to work cleaning the cuts on his face. "Where else are you hurt?"

In response, Naruto stood up gently removing his shirt. Bruises covered the left side of his body. He sat down next to Melanie and leaned his head against the couch. "There's not much we can do for my ribs. I don't think any are broken, just really bruised."

He sucked in a painful breath as Melanie's cool fingers faintly traced their way up his side. His heart hammered against his chest and he stopped breathing for a moment, afraid any movement would ruin the moment. Melanie's fingers lingered for a second longer before pulling away.

"I should go," Melanie stood up to leave but Naruto grabbed her hand.

"Please don't leave," he pleaded. Melanie hesitated, a flood of emotions coursing through her. "Stay with me." The tone of his voice had Melanie sinking back onto the couch. She didn't object when Naruto threaded their fingers together.

They sat in a comfortable silence, soaking in each other's company. The silence was broken when a loud rumble came from Melanie's stomach. "Hungry?" Naruto asked, smiling softly. He ignored Melanie's protests as he lifted himself from the couch. He located the ramen in his fridge reminding himself to thank Sasuke when he fills him in later.

He set a steaming bowl in front of Melanie reclaiming his spot next to her. "What, no ramen for you?" Melanie teased eyeing the one bowl.

"I figured you'd take pity on me and feed me," Naruto winked as Melanie laughed. She twirled the ramen around her fork brining it up to her lips to blow on the noodles. Once she was satisfied that the bite was cool she made train noises.

"Open up wide," Melanie cooed. Naruto rolled his eyes but opened his mouth. Melanie snorted. "That's the only bite you get. I'm starving."

Naruto watched, amused, as Melanie scarfed down the ramen. She put down the bowl after slurping the last of the broth. There was a stray noodle clinging to her check. Naruto wiped it away with his thumb, caressing her cheek.

"I'm going to kiss you now," Naruto whispered, his eyes bright. "Please say it's alright because I really want to kiss you and that would suck if-"

Melanie cut him off, sealing his lips with hers. Naruto shivered, pressing his lips more firmly against hers. His hand slid into her hair pulling her closer. His lips moved eagerly trying to portray everything he was feeling. He wanted this, wanted her. After tonight, there was no doubt in Naruto's mind that they belonged together. She was his and there was nothing Kabuto could do.

Naruto's hands slid from Melanie's hair down to her waist. Without breaking the kiss he pulled her onto his lap. Her hands roamed his body, driving him crazy, before settling at the base of his neck. Her fingers played with the hair there, drawing a soft moan from the blonde. Naruto nibbled on her bottom lip, asking for permission. Melanie parted her lips allowing him to take dominance.

When the ache in his lungs was too much to ignore, Naruto broke the kiss sucking in a deep breath. Dismissing the pain he felt, Naruto leaned forward brushing Melanie's hair away from her neck. He trailed butterfly kisses from her jaw down to the curve of her collarbone where he nipped at the skin. Melanie gasped and murmured as Naruto assaulted her skin leaving behind numerous marks. His mark.

Kabuto could try to take Melanie from him, but Naruto wouldn't let it happen.

Not again.

Kabuto paced in front of the computer, eyes glued to the screen. Melanie hadn't come home yet. Where the hell was she? Kabuto kicked his rolling chair, sending it flying across the room. Of course he knew where she was. It certainly wasn't him Melanie left with.

Kabuto resumed his pacing, replaying the night in his mind. Everything was going according to plan until he tried to kiss her. That was the only clue he had to the sudden change in her attitude and body language. Maybe he shouldn't have pushed it. He should have waited, practiced some self-control but her lips had been tempting him for so long, he couldn't stand it any longer.

Then Naruto of all people had to come barging in like an idiot on a white horse. The only satisfaction Kabuto felt, was knowing he left the fight after giving Naruto a good beating. He would have made sure the blonde would never be a nuisance again if Melanie hadn't stopped him. He could still feel the sting of her punch like it was the only one he received that night. The look she had given him, one full of anger and hate, was burned into him memory.

Kabuto picked up this chair moving it in front of his computer. He had work to do. Naruto might have won this battle but the war for Melanie's heart had just begun. The next battle would be his.