"You made out with Naruto.'' I repeat, barely believing the words that are leaving my mouth.

Ino stares intently at her fingernails.

''Ino!'' I shout indignantly. ''There's an entire party full of horny guys and you choose Naruto, the one guy who makes your best friend's life absolutely miserable -''

''-For the hundredth time, he's only been going to school with us for one day-''

''- And make out with him! You're rewarding him for his shitty personality!''

''Rewarding him for his – you're not even making any sense!'' She places her fingertips against her temples. ''Wait, duh, you're drunk. Go inside. Sleep it off.''

''No, no.'' I say promptly. ''We're having this conversation.'' I grab a handful of my hair and burst out, ''and not to mention his voice! It makes me want to tear out my brain and stuff it in my ears!''

''Okay, ew. Too graphic. '' She sighs. ''Yeah, we kissed. It's just- I thought he was really cute from the beginning, but I thought he was into you, so I didn't bother.''

''Me?" I crinkle my nose in distaste.

"Come on, the little boys pulling pigtails thing.'' She says.

Little boys pulling pigtails.

Snort.

''So what made you change your mind?'' I question, already dreading her answer.

''We were looking for you. We started talking about how we both hadn't dated anyone in a while, and that we missed how relationships make giving and receiving affection so easy.'' She has a dreamy smile on her face. I shudder. ''And then we kissed! It was magical!''

''You were at a party. He was drunk. Your best friend was missing.'' I sum up drily.

The goofy smile doesn't leave her face.

''So what's going to happen now? You're going to date him?''

At my question, Ino shoots me an uncharacteristically uncertain smile, ''Maybe. I mean, I wouldn't mind. Would you? Mind, I mean?''

''Yes, I would mind! He just called me ugly!''

She sighs. ''Look, I'm sorry he was being an asshole…''

''He is an asshole,'' I interrupt, ''he was just being himself.''

But then I make the mistake to look at my best friend. She's all pleading eyes and pouting lips again.

''Fine, fine.'' I give in. ''Just make sure he doesn't hurt you.''

''Eeeee!'' Ino dives over the console. She wraps me into a tight hug.

I let her for a second, and then I flick up the car lock and get out of the car. It's dark and quiet but the air is still warm.

''Love you!'' Ino whispers into the night.

And I answer, ''Love you too.''

Monday is awkward.

It comes too fast, and the memories of Friday night (although there are less than I would have liked) and Saturday morning (me laying in fetal position on my bed, my arms tightly wound around a smelly bucket) are still more than fresh.

And my Monday gets worse.

Naruto is sitting next to me, not looking me in the eye. He doesn't speak.

That would be a good thing, except for one tiny detail.

His right foot is resting on a chair, awkwardly stretched out in front of him. Around it is a neon orange cast.

If Ino would stop sending me meaningful looks from across the classroom, that'd be absolutely great as well.

This morning when I walked into my first period class, there'd been a crowd of students around our table, most of them girls (in fact, the only guys were Shikamaru and Kiba). On the floor, next to Naruto's chair, were two crutches. The girls shouted to outmatch each other, asking him how he got injured and if it hurt. He'd only had eyes for Ino, who was sitting crouched on the floor, writing her name on his cast in big, swirly letters.

As I stood there, trying to come to terms with the fact that I'd caused this, she'd noticed me. She'd given him a sugary smile and stalked up to me. Then he'd seen me, too. He gave me a dirty look.

''It's broken?'' I'd wheezed to Ino.

''You better apologize.'' She'd said. I'd been too shocked to snap back at her.

After all, I really did need to apologize.

Even now, about half-way into the first period, I haven't yet. I want to, but I don't.

I didn't know I'd stomped that hard. I couldn't even remember the entire scene until this morning.

I always thought I was some sort of superhuman. Generally nice, intelligent, patient, not distracted by ridiculous things like stupid relationships (what's the use for them at my age, anyway?) and useless, dangerous things such as alcohol.

Well, talk about a wake-up call.

Naruto leans forward, trying to adjust the position of his foot, but winces and sinks back into his seat.

I bite back a squeak as my stomach churns with guilt.

I'm beyond ashamed.

All he'd done is provoke me, and I'd given in to it in the blink of an eye.

One day – unwillingly - spent with Naruto and I completely lose myself. Now I have about 200 more to go this school year. And that's just the school days. What with him and Ino, now I'll probably have to see him in my leisure time as well.

I'm scared of what's coming.

I'm really, truly trying to concentrate on whatever Anko is lecturing about, but my eyes won't stop trailing to Naruto's hurt foot. It's like a gravitational pull.

I grab a handful of my front bangs and use them to obscure him from my view.

I haven't apologized yet.

I'm just opening my mouth to force out a mumbled apology, when Naruto breaks the silence.

''Hey, She-Hulk. Grab a sheet for me, will you?'' He drawls loudly, startling me.

The rest of the class is working on an assignment, I see when I look around the room. I scoot my chair back and just about sprint to the teacher's desk where worksheets are stacked messily. There's only a small pile left, and I wonder how long ago the rest of the class has started.

''You're going to have to walk for the both of us this month,'' Naruto sneers when I'm back at our table. ''So it'd be great if you could be a bit faster next time. I'm not impressed.''

''But,'' I gasp sarcastically and place my hand on my heart, ''I live to please you.''

''Could have fooled me Friday night.''

Pang.

Guilt. Again.

I sit down, biting my lip.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I don't even pull it out. I know it's Ino, and that checking the message will inevitably make me feel even worse. When I don't deserve it.

Right?

I mean, if I remember correctly Naruto had practically begged for it. He'd said I looked like some rodent. He'd been unbelievably rude to me. It seems only logical for me to do something back. It's not like I meant to actually hurt him. But even if I did, it would have been justified, wouldn't it?

Except that the fact that I feel like I have to justify what I did should be enough of an answer.

And there's something else.

Namely the complete lack of glares and remarks from the rest of the class.

It looks like the only people that know how Naruto broke his foot are Ino, Naruto himself, and I. I wonder why he hasn't told everyone in on this side of Fire River by now. Surely he'd have enjoyed the torture people would put me through.

The confusion is overwhelming.

I feel something sharp poking me. When I sit up, I see Naruto holding out his assignment sheet to me.

''Do it.'' He commands.

''What, there's something wrong with your hands too?'' I mutter tiredly.

''I'm doing you a favor, actually.'' Naruto drawls. ''It's pretty obvious you feel really guilty. Like you should. It's also pretty obvious that you're about the proudest snob in here.''

I narrow my eyes in distrust. ''What is this leading up to?''

''I'm making you an offer; forgiveness in exchange for hard labor.'' He smirks and leans back, obviously impressed with his own genius.

I can only stare at him, my jaw slack.

He nudges me with his assignment once more.

Completely exasperated with the turn my life has taken, I actually snatch the assignment from him. ''You might want to give some different answers on your own sheet. We wouldn't want the teacher to think we're cheating.'' He titters.

Fueled by my anger, I finish it effortlessly. I take his advice, but make sure my own assignment is flawless and only change answers on his. To wrong ones, of course.

''Perfect.'' Naruto says, taking his assignment from me and scanning over it. He doesn't seem to notice any faults in it, not that I would expect him to. ''Now go hand it in.''

Just to pester him, I walk as slowly as I can.

''How was your hangover, anyway, She-Hulk?'' he asks when I sit back down.

''Stop with that name,'' I groan. ''I think I might even like Princess better.''

''I came up with Princess because I was thinking about how you're so uptight, afraid to get your hands dirty and totally up yourself. But now that I've gotten to know you better, I found She-Hulk more fitting. Because of your ridiculously brutal, caveman-like personality, you see. Go ahead and look at my right foot, if you'd forgotten about it. Speaking of which,'' he fishes a permanent marker out of his bag. ''Should you be able to push your obvious anger issues to the side long enough to string a sentence together, I'd like for you to sign my cast.''

''I don't have anger issues!'' I'm positively fuming by now. I've lost count of how many times he insulted me in that little speech.

''Don't hurt me.'' He peeps, pretending to be scared.

''Stop making me want to!''

''Here, go ahead and break my left foot too.''

''Get your foot out of my face.'' I snatch the marker and glare at him. ''I thought you said you'd forgive me, anyway.''

''I said you'd earn my forgiveness through hard labor.'' He quirks an eyebrow and smirks at me. ''And right now, I want you to sign my cast.''

I breathe out through my nose and slowly get up.

When I've crouched down and my hand hovers above a spot on the cast that isn't covered in stupid little messages from the girls in my class, (''Get well soon Naru!'' ''Love u –xoxo'' ''Jenna & Kristen LOVE'') Naruto props his arms behind his head and leans back in his chair. ''Alright, dixit ''Naruto, I hereby vow that for the next month, during which you're going to suffer through complete agony – I guess we'll never know why – to tend to your every need. I'm a hundred percent willing. In fact, it gives me a great feeling to know I'm a part of something big. Seeing as how you're so much more wonderful, good-looking and smart than I am.'' And I'd like your signature to be underneath that.''

I solemnly look down on the cast, resisting the urge to just draw a big penis on it. ''There's no room.'' I deadpan.

''Guess you'll have to write around the other messages.'' He says, in a 'duh' tone of voice.

So I do. The text is hardly readable. It goes in every possible direction and wraps around other messages, but I know what it says. Not that I would be able to forget.

I stand up and dust off my knees. They have odd little patterns engraved in them from the dirt on the linoleum.

''Alright, now you may rest.'' He says.

''You're too kind.''

This continues throughout the day. I have to do the most ridiculous things for him, like holding his hair back when he wants to drink from the water fountain (his hair doesn't even reach his ears), carrying his books (he has a locker, but magically forgot his combination) and paying for his lunch (apparently since he can't even carry his bag, he couldn't possibly carry his wallet).

It gets to the point where I'm thankful I don't have to come into the bathroom with him.

It is finally lunch time now, where thankfully Naruto is distracted by Ino, whom either doesn't have a clue he practically enslaved me or just doesn't care.

I watch them from across the table, sinking my teeth into today's lunch. I usually just bring a sandwich because the school lunch is so unhealthy, but today is pizza day. I'm only human.

They're talking about some reality show on TV. So uninteresting. I roll my eyes.

''So, uh, what else did you do this weekend, Sakura?'' Hinata asks me. She is also looking at the two lovebirds across the table. Turns out the rest of the group didn't know about them until today.

''Nothing much.'' I answer distractedly. Naruto casually slings his arm around Ino's shoulder.

Get off my best friend, you swine.

''I went to the pumpkin barn.'' She says.

''Oh, you picked a pumpkin?''

Hinata nods, I see from the corner of my eye. Halloween is in about two weeks, and around town it is a tradition to go out to the country side and pick a pumpkin to carve. Or it used to be. When we were around 8 years old.

But Hinata never has been one to let go of traditions.

Most of our peers now just go out and party, in those ridiculous slutty costumes. Ino and I went to try them on last year, and I can honestly say I've never felt as disappointed in myself as when I looked in that mirror.

It was 'Sexy Snow White' or something. Insert shuddering here.

''Sakura could come?''

I snap out of my thoughts at Ino's words. I see Naruto pull away from her slightly (they'd practically been on top of each other) to meet my widened gaze with his own.

''Come where?'' I ask suspiciously.

''Naruto and I wanted to go on a date, but seeing as how it's our first and all, we were scared it'd be awkward.'' She gives him a grin and he drops his horrified expression for a second to smile back at her. ''So we were thinking of making it a double date.''

''As wonderful as that might sound, I'd rather shoot myself in the face.'' I crush the napkin I'd been holding in my fist for emphasis.

''S!'' Ino wails, lurching over the table to grab my arm. I scoot back and move my arm, trying to shake hers off, ''Come!''

''Hey, if she really doesn't want to come…'' Naruto says.

Ino pauses in her wrestling to give him a stern look. ''Naruto. Sakura never wants to come to anything.'' She says, ''But she's a pushover. Luckily, because otherwise she'd have no social life.''

''Hey!'' I splutter, even though, sadly, she is very right.

Ino smirks at me. ''So are you coming?''

''Didn't you say it was supposed to be a double date?'' I ask. She nods and I try, ''Oh well, I don't have a date. Bummer.''

''Naruto has to have some cute friends he can hook you up with.'' Ino says cheerfully. She looks at him and purses her lips. ''Do you?''

Naruto looks uncertain. ''I don't know if any of my friends would be… interested in Sakura.''

I give him the stink eye and Ino snorts. ''Sure they will be. All Sakura needs is to get that ugly frown off her face, and guys'll fall for her left and right.''

Naruto laughs louder than is appropriate. I narrow my eyes at him.

''Anyway, I have plans then.'' I shrug.

''We didn't mention a date yet.'' Naruto drawls.

Oh, excuse me. I thought we were on the same side here, in a weird, shaky way. ''Name one.'' I say, annoyed.

''Thursday night.'' Ino says, smacking her hand onto the table with a slam.

''Can't go.'' I shrug.

''Yes you can.'' Naruto and Ino speak up simultaneously. They exchange honey-dripping smiles. Gag times infinity.

I sigh. ''Guys, I can't possibly find a date before Thursday, and I'm not about to just go along and third wheel all night.''

This must somehow tweak Ino's sensitive side. She presses her lips together, frowning, and turns her face to Naruto. He goes from smirking at me to staring her down.

He holds on for exactly four seconds before he hangs his shoulders. ''I guess I can ask Sasuke.'' He mumbles. ''He owes me something, anyway.''

His generosity warms my heart.

''Yay!'' Ino cheers. ''So are you coming?''

I roll my eyes and know that I've already lost. ''Fine. But if this Sasuke guy is as much of a dipshit as,'' I pause and give Naruto a long stare, ''other people,'' he gives me a sarcastic grin in return. ''I'll be out of there before you can snap your fingers.''

''Whatevs.''

Thursday comes too soon.

We all promised to meet up at this fancy restaurant in the center of town. It's French and I couldn't pronounce its name if I tried.

It's about 8:10 when I arrive on 3d street, and everyone else is already sitting in a booth at the window. I see them chatting and laughing as soon as I step off the bus.

I remain standing on the sidewalk.

Ino and Naruto are accompanied by a slender dark-haired guy that is, I note uncomfortably, astonishingly handsome.

I don't do well around attractive people that I don't know.

Ino, Naruto and Sak- Sase- uh, whatever his name is, are all dressed formally. Ino is wearing a shiny, light blue cocktail dress. The guys are wearing suits.

I look down at my own attire. A loose, dip-dyed top. Jeans. Sneakers. I hadn't realized there was a dress code.

I command myself to suck it up and push through the doors.

The honking and sirens that make the soundtrack of downtown Konoha are replaced by soft piano music as soon as the door falls shut behind me. The scent of herbs and meat fills my nostrils and my stomach growls audibly. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

I brush past a crowd of elderly people that are waiting to be seated and make my way to the large windows. Ino is the first one to spot me.

''She's here!'' she waves at me, and the guys look up. ''Hey S!''

Naruto is sitting across from her, and the dark haired guy to her right. I take the remaining seat, next to my nemesis.

''What's up?'' I ask, slinging my purse around my chair.

Naruto ignores me completely. The black haired guy just stares at me. He's wearing a black leather jacket and his hair is styled so he has long bangs at the front and spikes at the back of his head. He looks like a stereotypical bad boy. My sister would be pulling his pants down by now.

''Well, Sakura, this is Sasuke.'' Ino says, gesturing toward him. He nods at me. ''And Sasuke, this is Sakura.''

''What's up?'' I say for the second time. I wish he'd look away, his hard stare is making me nervous.

I'm pretty sure he is going to answer, but the waitress interrupts him.

''Good evening, can I help you to a drink?'' She looks to be in her twenties, and has auburn hair and bright eyes. I see her eyes trail back and forth between Naruto and Sasuke.

I roll my eyes. Skank.

Sasuke just frowns down at the menu in his hands, but Naruto stares straight back at her. Ino looks ready to kill.

''Sweet tea.'' She hisses with narrowed eyes.

Naruto stammers when he notices his predicament, ''A coke, please.'' He looks uncomfortable, and I should find it funny, but I don't.

In fact, I'm kind of annoyed at him as well. She isn't that pretty.

I mean, duh, Ino's sitting right across from him!

''A coffee. Black.'' I'm strangely surprised at hearing Sasuke's voice for the first time. It's very monotonous.

I order a Dr. Pepper.

The waitress leaves, and it's eerily quiet at our table. It's getting awkward. I expect Ino to start up a conversation, but she doesn't. She still looks rather pissed off. Naruto doesn't look like he's going to do anything about it. The prick.

I realize it's up to me.

''So, Sasuke.'' I start. He looks at me. I clear my throat. Maybe I should have thought of something to say first. ''Do you, uh, go to school?''

He nods solemnly.

My eye twitches. ''What school?'' I urge on.

He sighs deeply. ''Saint George.''

Okay, A. EW.

B. Excuse me if you're bothered by my attempts to make this dinner a bit more pleasant for all of us.

I sink back into my seat and stare gruffly out the window.

''I'm going to the bathroom.'' Ino hisses, her chair scraping over the wooden floor. I look up at her along with our companions, and she gives me a hard stare. I shrug at her. What did I do?

''I said, I'm going to the bathroom.'' She repeats, not taking her eyes off of me.

I raise my eyebrow at her. What reaction does she want? ''Good luck?'' I try.

She groans and grabs my arm, dragging me along with her.

''Of course my best friend would be the only girl in the entire world that doesn't know the bathroom rule.'' She mumbles when she slams the wooden door shut behind her. ''When a friend wants to go, another girl goes with her. It's not that damn hard.'' She's glaring at me, but I know I'm not the reason she's pissed off. ''Did you see Naruto ogling that slut?''

Ino goes into a stall and I perch myself on top of the stone sink. ''Uhuh. Told you he's an ass.'' I say.

''You were right! He's lucky we're in public. I've never been so humiliated. And she wasn't even that pretty either! Did you see those foundation lines in her neck? She's all make up, I swear.''

As Ino continues ranting, I notice what has to be a ten-foot-long mirror. I hop off the sink and take the time to give myself a good once over.

I know it's stupid that Naruto calling me ugly bothers me so much, I mean, it was almost a week ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. I hate that he gets to me, I honestly do, but I can't help it. I'm a teenage girl.

I take a step closer to the mirror.

Pale face. Large, pale green eyes that are always a little bit narrowed. A straight nose – albeit a bit longer than I would have liked. Pale lips, the mouth corners naturally turned upwards. The larger than average forehead that I used to be so embarrassed of back in grade school.

I'm a bit more muscled than my female friends (up until last year I did cross-country, track and was on the swim team. I decided this year that I wanted to focus on my grades more,) and I don't have impressive assets unless my huge, disproportionate butt counts, but I have long legs and, although I'm not as tall as Ino, my height surpasses that of most other girls at Lakeview.

I wouldn't say I could pass as George Clooney and Stacy Keibler's daughter, but a naked mole rat?

Heck no.

''Whatcha doing?'' Ino asks when she emerges. I'd been turned with my back towards the mirror, scrutinizing my behind. Feeling caught, I turn back around rapidly. Ino doesn't laugh; she simply washes her hands under the tap and remarks, ''You aren't ugly, S. Stop worrying. Naruto's just a prick.''

I try not to be too pleased that Naruto has messed his and Ino's relationship up within a week. Things are already looking up for me.

''Let's go back in.'' she says when she's dried her hands.

When we sit back down at the table, Naruto and Sasuke are engaged in a deep conversation about football. Our drinks have already arrived.

From their conversation I understand that they must have played for George's football team when Naruto still went there. This surprises me. I'd thought Naruto the type to not do anything. Ever.

''The team play sure has gone down since you left, bro.'' Sasuke says.

''I expected that you guys needed me.'' Naruto says cockily. ''I was the glue that kept you all together.''

''It's mainly Suigetsu. I wish I could get him to actually play. He just stands there, chilling. Often stoned as fuck.''

I frown at his choice of words. And their football players do drugs during practice? I roll my eyes.

''Tsk, Suigetsu never was the type to do a lot of work.'' Naruto snorts. ''You guys'd do so much better with me.''

''Not that you'd be a lot of help.'' Sasuke remarks with a nod toward Naruto's bandaged foot, that is all of a sudden magically resting on a chair. It hadn't been before Ino and I left. The waitress must have been kind enough to bring it to him.

''That was courtesy of Sakura here.'' Naruto drawls, patting me on the shoulder roughly. I choke on my Dr Pepper.

''You did that?'' Sasuke asks, still that unreadable expression on his face.

''It wasn't on purpose!'' I panic, unsure why I'm defending myself in front of this random guy.

''That's not how I remember it.'' Naruto titters.

''Well, okay, so the stomping part was on purpose.'' I splutter. ''But I didn't mean to break his foot, just to shut him up. He was being rude and calling me names, and I was so angry. It's normal for somebody to take their anger out on something or someone…'' I trail off.

For a second Sasuke stares at me so intently that I'm sure he's going to actually talk to me. Then he flips his hair – I gag inwardly – and lets out an annoyed sigh.

That's the end of the almost conversation.

''Did you guys decide what to order yet?'' comes the nasal voice of our favorite waitress. I slowly turn my head to face her, but, of course, she doesn't give me the slightest glance. ''What about you?'' She's bending down toward Naruto, granting him a great view into her top. I don't think I've ever disliked a woman so much in such a short time.

Naruto gulps, but keeps his eyes trained on the menu card. ''I'll take the lobster.'' He peeps.

''And what about you, sir?'' Whoop, now the plastics are pointing at Sasuke. In his defense, he doesn't seem fazed.

''I'll take the King's salad.'' He deadpans.

''Alrighty, I'll be right back with your food!'' she announces, and then, to my and probably Ino's astonishment, she turns around and starts walking away.

''Heh hem!'' Ino clears her throat loudly. ''Seems like you're forgetting half of us, sweetie.''

My face remains blank, but inside I'm smirking at my best friend's use of the word 'sweetie'.

Ino orders soup and I order a hamburger with extra fries. I have the habit of eating junk food when I'm not having a good time. And I'm not.

Nobody is, actually. Ino spends the rest of the dinner only talking to Sasuke and I. Naruto spends it ignoring me and trying to talk to Ino. I spend it concentrating on my food, and getting a sick sense of satisfaction out of the realization that Sasuke is disgusted by my eating manners.

He looks ready to end his life on the spot.

Needless to say we're all happy when the bill finally arrives. Sasuke slams his share of the money onto the table, gives me one last repulsed look and dashes.

Ino pays and tells Naruto, in a dangerously low voice, ''Don't you dare give her a tip.''

''Well, bye, guys.'' I clear my throat after dropping a few large bills on the growing pile. ''That was absolutely terrible. See you tomorrow.''

Ino gives me an absentminded wave. Naruto gives me a burning glare.

I raise my eyebrow at him as I stand up.

You ruined this one all by yourself, buddy.

I exit the restaurant and jog across the street. Apparently it started raining in the time I spent inside, and the street is filling up with puddles that splash across the pavement whenever a car drives through one. Which is almost every 5 seconds. Konoha is a busy city.

I plop down on the bench at the bus stop. There's a little plastic roof covering me and I shake my head so the raindrops fly out of my hair.

I check the time on my phone. It's 7:47. The bus to the Garden District, where my house is, comes at 8:04, according to the bus schedule.

So I sit there peacefully, watching the traffic and reading the large, neon bill boards covering buildings.

After a while I see Ino and Naruto exit the restaurant. She's smiling at him and playfully punching him in the shoulder and he almost falls over. Looks like they're okay again. Ugh.

They kiss goodbye – I avert my eyes – and Ino walks off.

Naruto stands there for a while, facing the road. I wonder what he's doing. His suit must be getting drenched.

Then I realize he's waiting to cross the street.

Luckily the bus pulls up before he can notice me. It's so full of people that the windows are opaque with condense. The door opens with a hiss, and I'm greeted by the sight of a grumpy-looking bus driver.

I hand him two dollars and sit down in a seat close to the front.

It's always fascinating to see how a place can be so filled with people and yet there can be no communication at all. There have got to be at least fifty persons in this bus, and all of them are listening to music or texting or just staring at the back of the seat in front of them.

I wonder why the bus hasn't started driving yet.

Then I hear a familiar voice coming from the open door.

''Garden District, please.''

Naruto's voice. Without a doubt.

The bus driver answers, ''That'll be 2 dollars then, boy.''

It feels like icicles are sliding down my spine. Naruto crossed the street to catch the bus? He also lives in the Garden District? When did that happen?

''You're going to have to come up here, son. I'm on a tight schedule.'' The driver mumbles from underneath his mustache.

''I'm, uh, trying.'' Comes Naruto's reply. I hear and an odd shuffling noise, and him grunting in frustration.

His foot. He can't make it up the steps.

For a second I hope the bus driver will lose his patience and just drive off, leaving Naruto in the rain. Then I feel disgusted with myself.

Somebody will have to help him.

I look at the young man behind me. He's engrossed in a book. The woman to my left is talking into her cell phone animatedly. Her son is bouncing on the seat next to her. The bus driver doesn't look like he's going to get out of his seat anytime soon.

Nobody is going to help? Seriously?

Sighing deeply, I get up and poke my head around the door.

Naruto has stalled his crutches to rest against the windshield, and is now sitting on his knees on the first step, attempting to pull himself up. Just when I want to make my presence known, the crutches slip on the dripping wet floor and fall on top of him. Naruto cries out and almost loses his balance.

I shriek and dive forward, gathering the crutches into my arms and laying them to rest in the aisle. Naruto looks up at me, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly as if he's relieved to see me. ''She-hulk,'' he breathes.

I roll my eyes, but rush down the steps and push his arm up around my shoulder. With my assistance he hops to the top.

The doors slide shut behind us and the bus starts moving before Naruto has even sat down. Luckily my former seat is close to the exit. The both of us sit down clumsily, with Naruto in the seat closest to the window.

We're less than comfortable, not looking at each other and avoiding touching each other at all cost.

I hear Naruto swallow. ''Uh, thanks.'' He mumbles.

''It's kind of my fault anyway.'' I answer, noticing the crutches still lying in the aisle. I retrieve the things as quickly as I can, before letting myself fall back into my seat. ''So, Garden District, huh?''

He's quiet for so long that I forget I'd even asked a question. ''It's my godfather's place.'' He says unexpectedly. ''I live with him.''

''Who is your godfather?''

''Jiraiya.''

''Oh?''

I know of Jiraiya. He lives a few houses down from mine, in a house slightly bigger than ours, with a neglected yard and a rusty fence around it. My parents used to tell me not to stay away from him; that he was weird.

And from a four-year-old's point of view, he did look quite spooky. Facial tattoos. White hair, longer than is socially acceptable around these parts.

Now that I'm old enough to think for myself, I don't think he's strange. I just think he's interesting.

''That's funny.'' I murmur. ''I've lived in his street all my life and I don't think I've ever seen you before.'' Naruto doesn't answer, so I probe, ''You just moved here, didn't you?''

''Story time is over.'' Naruto snaps.

Oh, I think I expected to have a civil conversation with him. Silly me.

I cross my arms, frowning. ''You don't have to be such a jerk all the time, you know.''

''I'm a bad boy.'' he clarifies.

I snort. ''A bad boy? You label yourself a bad boy?''

''It's not fucking funny.'' he snarls.

Of course that makes it even funnier. I burst out laughing. ''I'm- I'm sorry,'' I say after a while, still hiccupping. ''I just didn't know people actually went around calling themselves bad boys.''

''Only if they are.''

''Where's your fancy motorcycle then, bad boy?'' I smirk. ''Give me some proof.''

''I don't fucking need proof. I'm a jerk. I don't care about people. I deliberately make wrong choices.''

''That doesn't mean shit.'' I say. ''Your friend just now. There's not one interesting thing about the guy, but he gave off the bad boy vibe.''

''What makes him badder than I am?''

''It's worse.''

''Not in this context.''

''Ask any of the persons on this bus and-''

''It's people.''

''No, persons. I can physically count them all. It's a grammar rule.''

And we're back in our comfort zones. Namely arguing about nothing.

It's ridiculous how relieved I am.

Helping him and having him be nice to me for it - it doesn't feel right. We had a great dynamic going here.

When we arrive at our stop, a middle-aged business man helps Naruto off.

I don't wait for him. He goes straight home. We don't say goodbye.

Woooooohoo a new chapter!

I can't wait to get the awkwardness over with, so I can start the sexual tension.

Anyhow, I got a surprising number of reviews from people that were 'worried', asking me whether Sakura was 'ugly'. I wanted to clear up that it doesn't matter, but no, she is not unattractive. She is just as pretty as other characters perceive her to be in the actual Naruto manga. Naruto just enjoys hurting her feelings.

And should anyone care, remember how I told you guys in the Make Believe author notes that I would go to America for a year to take on high school there? Well, guess who's going back to Europe in two weeks?

I'm in the South, so I might be using some slang without realizing it. When I proofread this chapter I noticed I'd made Ino order sweet tea at a fancy restaurant. Hahahaha, oh, country side.

See you guys next time, and remember that reviews are like fuel.

/EDIT: I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH. THIS IS NOT A NARUINO AND SASUSAKU STORY. IT'S A NARUSAKU STORY. THIS IS ALLLL PART OF THE PLOT, GUYS.