I know I haven't updated for a about a month or so, Uni's been pretty hectic and I'm still working so I feel like I haven't had much time to myself lately but I thought I'd quickly upload this one. As you can probably expect I haven't had time to write any more of this, thankfully I'm into the 30's for chapters so hopefully I'll get some more done before we get to that point. Anyway, enough of me moaning; here's the latest chapter!
Chapter 23. Naru POV
I was right; Tenten and Hinata forced me to wear a dress. And not a decent length one, no. I was afraid to bend over in case I showed my bottom, it was that short. I grumble as I follow the girls into Kyuubi. How am I supposed to play pool in this?
"Woah, Naruko. Almost didn't recognise you there." Aya smiles at me from behind the bar. I mumble about women being too forceful and she just laughs. Humph, some friend she is. "Your friends are in the back."
"Thanks!" The girls drag me away before I can beg Aya for help. I let them pull me with them to the back room. "Hey guys." They keep me behind them for a few moments as they all say hello before pushing me forward. I pout as the guys stare at me.
"Go on then. Tell me how silly I look. I told them I don't do iddy-biddy bits of clothing." I finally look at them. "What?" Itachi gets up and gives me a quick hug.
"You look really nice." He smiles down at me. "If I wasn't gay..." He winks at me and I blush. "I'll go get us some drinks." The girls wrap an arm each around my shoulders just in time for Kiba to take a picture. Tenten and Hinata came armed with bags of clothes and makeup earlier on. They made me try on so many different outfits until the finally decided on this dress, claiming it was 'perfect'. It's one of Tenten's and though it's a few years old it's in pretty good condition, though I wouldn't have willingly worn it. It's a blue dress with black straps, which cross over at the back, runching slightly at the bottom making me look slimmer than I normally do. Mrs U was right, I need some meat on my bones; though I have gained a bit weight since then. I'm also wearing blue heels to match the dress and they clipped part of my hair back to keep it off my face. Kiba whistles so I give him the finger.
"Hey. You're supposed to be a lady." They guys laugh so I stomp my foot playfully.
"Budge over." I sit down next to Dei as Itachi comes back with my drink. Hinata and Tenten sit next to their boyfriends; Kiba finally plucked up the courage to ask Hinata out a while back.
"So where's this mystery guy?" I nudge Itachi telling him to shh.
"How do you know? I didn't tell you..." I look around the group to see them all grinning at me. "Urgh! You're all in on this aren't you? Come on then, where is he? Let's get this over with." I down half of my beer.
"He'll be coming with Shino, though they're gonna be a bit late. Apparently Shino couldn't find Shika but they're on their way now." I take a sip of my beer, drinking it slower this time.
"Couldn't find him?" Come to think of it I haven't met many of Neji's other friends; Tenten, obviously, Choji and maybe some others but never this Shino or Shika.
"Shikamaru likes to fall asleep in the strangest of places so sometimes it's hard to find him." Neji shrugs like this is a normal thing; and I guess it is for them. Strange guy. Maybe he'll fall asleep when he gets here so I don't get stuck with him. I smile but hide it with my bottle.
"Well then, while we're waiting; who fancies a game of pool?"
"Oh yeah! Who's the man?" I high five Dei; we'd played doubles and I'd just take our winning shot. I managed to keep from showing my cheeks by having Dei stand behind me every time I bent over. We played Kiba and Neji; the others cheering us on and keeping our glasses full.
"In that dress, not you. Though he's not much better with that hair." I turn to see a tall guy with spiky hair, hands shoved into his front pockets, and a shorter guy wearing a hoodie. Dei looks a bit nervous; from what Itachi's told me he's pretty conscious about his long blonde hair. I think he used to get bullied or something.
"At least he doesn't look like a pineapple, you arsehole." I move in front of him. "You better back off, pineapple-boy. Before I make you." I stare up at him but he just smiles down at me; with a twinkle in his eye? What a weirdo.
"Heh. You're a feisty one, aren't you?"
"Why you..." I lift my hand up, ready to hit him, but Kiba grabs my arm pulling me back. "Hey! What are you..."
"Finally; took you's long enough to get here." Neji, who had been at the toilet when the guys showed up, greets them both; introducing them to the rest us as my cheeks redden in anger. That pineapple is the guy they want to set me up with? No way is that ever happening. "Naruko was just going to get a round in. Why don't you help her Shika?" I'm about to protest but Kiba nips the arm that he's still holding. I look over to see Neji and Shikamaru watching me and I can't help but frown over at them.
"Calm down Naru." Kiba speaks into my ear. "Shika isn't much of a people person so he always makes a bad first impression. He also has a strange sense of humour; he wasn't trying to be offensive. Give him another chance, yeah?" He finally lets me go, giving me a slight nudge forward. I turn to Itachi who's fussing over Dei, probably telling him he likes his hair, but he smiles reassuringly over at me. I huff slightly before storming past towards the bar without looking back to see if the guy's following. I squeeze into the crowd at the bar; it's quite busy tonight, Aya and the others are busy serving people at the other end of the bar.
"I'm sorry about earlier." I feel his breath against my ear and shiver slightly, scolding myself for reacting. Breathing on my ear has always been my weak spot. I ignore him and wave over to Aya; she holds up her hand as if to say 'two minutes'. "I didn't mean to offend you or your friend." I continue ignoring him as I count the drinks I need in my head. Do I need to get him and the quiet one a drink?
"Do you and your friend want a beer?"
"Sure." He answers just in time as Aya comes over and I rhyme off the drinks; coke for Itachi. Urgh, I hate paying for rounds; it's so expensive, but we're all taking our turns tonight. Aya piles the bottles and coke onto a tray as I pull money out of my purse. "I'll get them." Shikamaru hands the money over before I can react. I turn slightly so that I can look up at him; eyebrow raised. I notice he's still got that twinkle in his eyes as he looks down at me and I can't help but admit he is kind of cute. "We kinda got off on the wrong foot didn't we?" He takes the change from Aya and she moves along to the next customer, but he doesn't move and I'm trapped between him and the bar. I look back down as he holds his hand out. "How about we start again? I'm Shikamaru Nara." I think about what Kiba said; and although he pissed me off I guess I can give him another chance. I know I make a bad impression sometimes so I accept his hand and smile up at him.
"Naruko Uzumaki." He smiles back, lifting my hand up to his mouth.
"Nice to meet you. Naruko." He kisses the top of my hand as I feel my cheeks heat up. He lets go and grabs the tray, leading the way back to the others. As I follow I can't help but admire his arse. I can't help but smile; maybe he's not as bad as I thought.
Itachi and Dei left not long after Shika and Shino arrived; Dei had some art exhibition thing-y early tomorrow and Itachi was giving him a lift because his car was at the garage. Neither of them seem to have much luck with cars. Shino also disappeared though I don't know when. I found out that Neji, Shika, Shino and Tenten all grew up together and have been best friends ever since they met. It's nearing closing time, though we're still playing pool. Well me and Shika are playing pool while the others watch as I lose. Badly. I never lose at pool. I pout and stomp my foot playfully. They all just laugh so I hit Kiba, who happened to be the closest, with my cue. He pretends to be in pain; he should have been a drama student.
"Maybe we should have warned you that Shika has also never lost a game." I put the cue back, swatting at Neji's head as I pass.
"Thanks for the heads up guys." Hinata passes my drink over and I take a swig, nodding my thanks to her.
"Naruko hates to lose." Neji explains to Shika so I glare at him, tossing a bit of my drink at him.
"Come on kiddos; it's closing time." Asuma walks past us, cigarette in his hand as he heads outside.
"I thought you were quitting!" He just waves his hand before heading out the door. He smokes way too much.
"Let's go before your boss throws us out." We down the rest of our drinks before putting them on the bar. I wave to Aya and the other girls as we head out.
"See you tomorrow, Naru!" We step outside into the cold and I can't help but shiver. Heading up to the main street we split up because I live in the opposite direction to the others now. Kiba would usually walk me home but Hinata is staying over so I somehow ended up with Shika walking me home. I can't help but think they planned this. Those interfering buggars. Another shiver runs through me and I rub my arms trying to keep warm.
"Here." Shika takes his jacket off before draping it across my shoulders. "How long have you worked at Kyuubi?" I push my arms through the sleeves, zipping it up.
"Thanks. And about two years or so. I got a job at a restaurant as well not long after I moved." I glance over at him; he's walking a few paces ahead of me, hands shoved in his front pockets again.
"Where are you from?" I try walking faster but it's impossible in these heels, especially after drinking. Not that I can walk in them properly when I'm sober.
"Here originally. Though I moved to Suna when I was younger." We walk the rest of the way in silence as I hobble along. About half way home he slows down slightly to walk beside me. Edging closer, he wraps his right arm around my shoulders pulling me close to him. Looking up I smile at the slight blush on his face and I'm glad we started over; I've found that I quite like him. He's interesting, in a way. Throughout the night I've found out bits and pieces about him. Like he's really intelligent, probably same level as Itachi, but he's incredibly lazy. He still lives with his dad who wants him to carry on the family business though he has no interest in it. At the moment he's working for Choji's family who own an all you can eat restaurant in town and although he would like to go to Uni he doesn't know what he wants to do. He's a good strategist; he's never lost a game of chess except to his dad. I can't help but wonder if he'll ever figure out what he wants to do or if he'll just keep plodding on through life. We reach my apartment and I enter the code to get in the main doors. I turn back to look at him and smile, my gaze moving to look up at the sky.
"It's snowing." He follows my gaze before turning back to me. It's starting to come down pretty heavy and I wonder if I should invite him in or not. I know he's still virtually a stranger to me but he's Kiba and Neji's friend... I can trust him right?
"I'll see you again, yeah?" The slight blush shows again and I can't help but find him cute.
"Do you want to come in?" The door starts beeping quietly; before long it'll get louder if I keep the door open. "You'll get soaked walking home."
"I, ermm..." I reach out to grab his hand, pulling him into the building behind me. We make our way up to my apartment. I usher him in and offer him a drink but he refuses. "I think I've had enough already." Removing his coat, I hang it up next to the door. "Did you do this?" I turn around and see him looking at Sasuke's drawing.
"Nahh, I can't draw to save my life. Itachi's kid brother did it for me for my birthday. He's good isn't he?" He nods before making his way over to me. I stretch my arms above my head and yawn. "You can take the bed and I'll sleep on the couch." He gives me an odd look and I realise that's not something a girl would say, is it?
"I'll have the couch." I'm too tired to argue so I just nod. He stands in front of me and I can't help but feel a bit awkward, though he looks pretty much the same. "Urm, Naruko?"
"Hmm?" I look up just as he starts to lean down towards me. One of his hands cups my cheek as he presses his lips against my own and I close my eyes. I reach a hand up to hold the back of his head, pulling him closer. It might just be the alcohol but my body starts to heat up. It's been a long time since I've been with anyone; the kiss with Gaara and the thing with Kiba don't really count. His hand moves from my cheek to my back and I shiver as he runs his hand over my lower back. We break apart, slightly out of breath. He kisses me again and although my body's telling me to take it further, I resist, using my other hand to push him away slightly though I keep one hand on his head. I don't want to be just a one night stand because I'm actually finding myself liking this guy. "Shika, I..." He presses his lips against mine one last time before straightening up. My hand falls to his shoulder, though I don't attempt to move it. Looking up at him, he just smiles before letting me go.
"Don't worry, Naruko. I'm a gentleman." I smile back before going to grab the spare quilt. I hand it to him before pointing out the bathroom and telling him to help himself to the kitchen.
"Goodnight then." He starts taking his shirt off and I force myself to look away in case I go back on my decision.
"Goodnight. Naruko." I shut my bedroom door behind me and can't help the smile that creeps onto my face as I change out of my dress. Climbing into bed I go all schoolgirl over the way he says my name sometimes; it sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it, it's almost seductive. Closing my eyes, Sasuke pops into my mind and I realise I hadn't asked him about his exams yet. I haven't seen him much these past two weeks because we've both been busy. And I can't help the stab of guilt that goes through me that Shika's probably half naked on my couch. He's just a kid Naru. You gotta stop this. Though I'm probably just confusing affection for something else. Yeah, that's gotta be it. The guys are right; I need to focus on somebody and hopefully whatever this is will go away.
"So he stayed at your place last night." I flick a bit of soapy water at his face
"Can't you see I'm working? Go away, I'm busy." I turn to hide the blush creeping onto my cheeks; though by his snigger I'm guessing he saw it. It's my first day back at the restaurant working the three-seven shift. Because we've reopened the Old Lady thought she'd get us all in just in case it was busy. As part of the refurbishment, the Old Lady got a bar put in one side of the room for any customers just looking for a drink; with the restaurant on the other side. I'm stationed at the bar because of my experience at Kyuubi, though I quite like it here because it means I get to talk to the customers. Though I wish this certain customer would go home.
"So did you's..." I whack Itachi with my tea towel, making sure the Old Lady isn't watching. It's near the end of my shift and we've quietened down a bit, though the restaurant will be open until ten so we'll probably get another flutter of customers after my shift.
"No we didn't. How do you know he stayed over anyway?" I dry the glasses I've just washed. "And before you ask, he slept on the couch." This morning when I woke up I was surprised to find him still on the couch. In just his underwear. My cheeks get hotter as I remember practically drooling over him while he was sleeping. I think Neji mentioned last night that Shika would sometimes work out with him if he didn't have anything to do so long as it wasn't too 'troublesome'. Apparently that's his favourite word according to Neji and Kiba.
When I eventually managed to wake him up which, believe me, took a very long time; he gave me his mobile number and told me to get in touch sometime. I was secretly happy that he wanted to see me again even after our initial meeting. We spent the rest of the morning together just chatting and watching the TV before he had to go get ready for work. I walked him out as I need to go to the shop and before we parted he bent down to kiss me, though it was brief compared to last night. He also left his jacket at mine and I can't help but think that's a ploy to get in touch in case I don't. Sneaky buggar.
"So by the way you're acting I'm guessing you's at least did something?" He wiggles his eyebrows and I laugh, swatting him again. I hadn't realised I'd brought my fingers up to touch my lip and I probably had a stupid smile on my face.
"Haven't you got a boyfriend you can torture instead of me?"
"It's a lot more fun to annoy you." I finish off my jobs and serve a few customers before the Old lady comes to take my place. Itachi offers to walk me to Kyuubi; I refuse, but he walks me anyway. It's not long before we get there; I don't start til eight but it's not worth going home. He gives me a quick hug before heading off to Dei's for the night. I high five the bouncers that are at the door; it's still early so there's not many people here yet so I waste time chatting to them until I start work. I try to suppress a yawn but it comes out anyway. I can't wait to have a week of no work over Christmas.
Sorry it's a bit short, I'll probs upload the next chapter in the next few days to make up for missing last month :)