Chapter 2: Financial Security
14
It was getting hard, way too hard. The bills had kept coming, and Joyce couldn't keep up. Ever since William passed there had been a noticeable tension between Joyce and Chloe. Chloe was angry with Joyce, a part of her blamed Joyce for William's death. Even if she loved her mother, Chloe was beyond angry with her. Joyce meanwhile had been trying to keep up with the bills, pulling back to back sixteen hour shifts at the Two Whales. She had been too tired to argue with her daughter, even if she knew Chloe was being nonsensical.
They wish they hadn't blown most of their money on the trip to Paris, all of it could've been useful about now. Now, it's just a cherished memory, one of the only ones they'll remember with William.
Meanwhile, Naruto was the only golden light they had in the darkness. Both Joyce and Chloe loved him, and he worked out as quite the mediator. Except he hated what Joyce had to go through. Naruto planned on finding his own job. No matter what it was.
Currently Naruto and Chloe were lying down on their bed in their shared room, just staring up at the ceiling talking.
"What are you thinking about Shorty?" Naruto glanced at her at the corner of his eye.
"Shorty? You know I'm taller than you now right?" Chloe turned so that she was laying on one side, leaning her head on her left hand to fully look at him.
"Yeah I know. But you'll always be Shorty to me. You were so cute back then." Naruto mirrored her, leaning his head on his right hand.
"Am I not cute anymore? I thought becoming taller helped with that." Chloe smiled and pinched his cheek.
"You're still cute.. but now you're going from cute to hot. Which I think is better. You don't want to be thirty years old and get called 'cute'. Unless you do, which would be weird as fuck." Naruto grabbed the hand that was pinching his cheek. Instead of putting it down like she expected. He held it, surprising her.
"What are you-"
"How are you holding up? Are you ever gonna stop being mad at mom for something she never did yet?" Chloe pursed her lips gripping his hand tighter.
"It's.. It's not that simple. I know she didn't drive the damn semi that killed him. But she was the one who wanted that car ride. If she didn't ask him then.. then maybe he would still be here." Chloe didn't meet his eyes when she said those words, feeling some shame for uttering them.
"Chloe, I truly understand why you say that. Because mom's request had dad in the car seat. But it's not the only factor on why he isn't here. If it was anyone's fault then it's the truck driver's. He didn't follow the rules of the road, he's the one who ran the red light. Mom just wanted a favor from her husband. If it were you and me, I'd get in a car to pick you up no questions asked." Chloe frowned at his words. He explained it so elegantly, so maturely. It made her feel terrible about her point of view. And that in turn made her feel even angrier that she was still angry.
"I know it's not her fault, I do. But, why am I still so pissed off? I don't want to be mad at her I really don't. But I can't help these.. these feelings. I don't know what's wrong with me." Naruto saw tears forming in her eyes, and he cupped her cheek, letting go of the hand he was holding in the process. He scooted closer, using his other hand to wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
"Look at me." He said. And she did.
"You're a girl who lost her father. You're angry, you're sad, you're a typhoon of emotions, and you're willing to lash out just to let it out. I need you to realize, it's okay to hurt. It's okay to feel helpless when everything spirals out of control. It's okay to feel these things. However, what's not okay is to let it ruin your life and ruin your relationship with people who love you. I'm here for you, mom is here for you, we even have friends at Blackwell who will support you. We love you, and we want to keep loving you. So please, don't push us away when all we want to do is help and cherish you.. Just like dad did." Chloe quivered her lips before pulling Naruto closer, she buried her face into his black tank top and sobbed.
He was right, he was always right.
After a while of crying, the duo simply held each other in the silence. Naruto traced circles on her arm with his fingers and Chloe loved the feeling his warmth gave.
'What if I.. No, I can't.. unless..' She bit her lip while looking at him. She outlined his azure blue eyes and big pupils. She glanced at his perfectly unblemished tan skin, and his supple soft lips. She closed her eyes to focus on him tracing those circles and hummed softly. This was bliss, and she enjoyed every second of it.
"I've been thinking, of getting a job." Naruto spoke into the silence and Chloe opened her eyes to look up at him.
"A job? You're like fourteen. Who would hire a fourteen-year old?" She asked incredulously and Naruto frowned.
"I don't know, but I have to find a way to help keep us afloat. Mom can't do it alone forever." She grabbed the hand that had been tracing circles on her arm and squeezed it.
"But.. you already do everything around here. The dishes, laundry, sweeping, mopping, hell you even finished painting the damn house! Don't you do enough for us?" She looked at Naruto who stared back firmly.
"Those are just house chores, it's not helping us with income. I need something, anything to try and cover expenses. The Two Whales isn't exactly a high stakes place." Naruto's statement had Chloe frowning. Naruto did so much already, why did he always have to burden himself with more problems?
"Look Naruto, I just don't want you to-"
"Burn myself out? Please, I do all of these things and have energy to spare. When we're not going to Blackwell I can work a job." Naruto said and Chloe frowned. She knew Naruto was right, but she loved spending time with him. They go to Blackwell Academy together, and they hang out all the time. If he got a job then..
She would be alone.
The thought scared the shit out of her.
"There has to be another way, I know you have a lot of energy but-"
"Chloe, I can't stand by and let mom have all of the financial responsibility. We may be teens, but that doesn't mean we can't be responsible. I will do anything to help her, and to help you." Chloe shut her mouth to process his words.
He sure is stubborn.
"Okay, it.. it makes sense. I just don't want you to do everything alone. We're not even adults and you talk like one of the most mature people ever."
"We have to grow up sometime. Might as well get ahead of the curve." Naruto then stood up causing Chloe to widen her eyes in surprise.
"Where are you going?" Naruto put on an orange hood-less jacket to compliment his black outfit.
"I'm gonna see if Dana knows anything. Between all of us in the friend group she's more included with the.. rich people."
"Well.. is there anything you want me to do? I can't just lay here like a sack of potatoes." Naruto laughed at her words, getting her to smile. She loved his laugh, she's gotten so used to it over the years.
"Try and do something for mom. Even talk to her. And I mean talk, not argue. Have an honest conversation, you'd be surprised by what you can figure out together." Naruto's words made the girl pout.
"..Fine. For you, and for mom." Naruto grinned.
"Good girl. Now if you'll excuse me.." Naruto turned away only to feel a tug at his sleeve. He turned back to see Chloe standing, in HIS long sleeved orange shirt and just in her black panties.
Huh, how come he didn't notice her outfit before? He observed the shorter girl's blush as she look at the floor. She muttered something and he squinted his eyes at her.
"What was that?"
"Hg.."
"What?"
"Hug. Hug me." She kept her eyes focused on the wooden floor and Naruto chuckled. He curled his index finger and placed it under her chin. He made her look up at him, that same blush still on her face.
'Damn, when did he get so tall?' She swore she was at least five inches taller than him a month ago.
"C'mere." Naruto kissed her forehead and embraced her. She widened her eyes and held onto him tight.
"So warm, you're like a walking furnace." Naruto didn't respond to that, merely letting himself enjoy the moment. Chloe stayed silent after as well, cherishing the time they had together.
When Naruto had time he rode a bike over to Blackwell. Him and Chloe's house was close enough for it, and he was quicker than any vehicle if he put his mind to it. He arrived at the Academy and saw Skip Mathews out in the front. He looked absolutely bored.
"Hey Skip. What's going on?" Naruto bumped fists with the security guard who sighed.
"Not much as you can see. I'm surprised you're here Naruto. It's the weekend."
"I could say the same about you, you should be off on Saturdays."
"Yeah.. today is Saturday isn't it?" Skip sighed and Naruto patted him on the shoulder.
"I appreciate what you do Skip. I feel safer with you around." Skip brightened a little at that, rubbing the back of his head.
"Thanks for saying that Naruto. I don't mean to be a bummer it's just you're right I should be off. Except Wells needed me to come in so he can have a meeting with the Prescotts. It sucks." Naruto sympathized with the man, patting his shoulder again.
"That does suck, but hey you still working on your music?" Naruto knew the conversation was getting too sad for his tastes. At least he knew enough about Skip to change the subject.
"Yeah! It's actually almost done, you wanna hear it in about.. a week?" Naruto grinned at his excitement.
"Hell yeah, I'm rooting for you Skip."
"Awesome! I can't wait to show it to you. But hey.. why are you here? It's weird not seeing you with Chloe." Skip's question made Naruto rub his head.
"I'm actually here to see a friend. In the Women's Dorm." Skip raised his hands in placation.
"I didn't see a thing. Don't tell anyone this but you're my favorite around here." He whispered the last part and Naruto laughed.
"You're great too Skip, text me whenever you get the music finished up 'kay?" Naruto said and Skip grinned.
"Definitely! Good luck out there Nar." Naruto raised an eyebrow at the impromptu nickname before giving a peace sign to the security guard.
"You too Skips, you too." Naruto then headed straight to the women's dorm, already knowing where Dana was staying.
'Second door to the right.' Naruto knocked and saw Dana's room. He heard music in there and listened for a second. Huh, it was pop.. figures. Naruto knocked on the door and he heard a high pitched yelp. He saw the door open and out came Dana with a huge smile on her face.
"Naruuuu! Hey! Come in, come in!" Dana hugged him, standing on her tiptoes to reach around his neck. She smooched him on the cheek and pulled him inside.
"Sit, sit!" Naruto quickly obliged, touching his cheek where she kissed him. He saw his finger had red lipstick on it and arched a blonde eyebrow.
"Dana, I'm surprised you're so excited to see me. We hung out yesterday." Naruto said and Dana giggled.
"Oh come on! I'm not allowed to be happy seeing one of the best people ever?" Dana danced around, boogieing in her blue shorts and gray tank top.
"Dance with me pretty boy!" She pulled him and Naruto widened his eyes.
"Hey, I have like two left feet y'know!" Naruto warned, dancing with the cheerleader who giggled.
"Good! I don't want you to be perfect all the time!" The music kept bumping and Naruto wondered what the hell was going on.
'Well.. I didn't realize you knew how to boogie..' Kurama trailed off and Naruto sweatdropped.
'Me neither buddy. Me neither.' After a few more minutes the song ended and Dana stopped to catch her breath. Naruto saw sweat on her forehead. Then he watched as that same sweat slowly trailed down her chest.
'Your hormones are all over the place. You've been eyeing up women more than your perverted sensei.' Kurama pointed out and Naruto bit his lip. Meanwhile he saw Dana wipe her forehead and grab a nearby water bottle.
"Whew, sorry about that. I gotta dance my thoughts out at least once a day." She smiled softly, dragging Naruto to her bed. She let him sit first before plopping down right next to him.
"No worries, just caught me by surprise." Naruto saw Dana hand him the water and he took it gratefully. He took a sip out of it, tilting his head upwards. While his eyes were looking up at the ceiling, he missed the cheerleader's dazed stare. She looked at the very light sheen of sweat on Naruto's forehead, seeing that there was some that wettened his pectorals under his black tank top.
"It's getting hot, why do you have that jacket on?" Naruto arched an eyebrow before handing her the water bottle.
"You're right, I need to take this thing off. I feel like a roast chicken." Dana laughed at his words, eyeing him while he stripped off his jacket.
'Damn.. someone's been carved out of marble.' She bit her lip ogling his toned arms and chest. Naruto noticed her this time and waved a hand in front of her.
"Anybody home?" Dana blushed at his words before shaking her head.
"..Tease." Naruto laughed at her. She responded with a very cute pout.
"I have quite literally done nothing.. I'm not teasing. You're just a perv." Naruto pointedly stated and Dana huffed.
"Am not!" Naruto grinned at her, getting her to smile softly.
"Okay, so what's going on? I'm glad you came by, but you don't drop by unannounced usually." Dana saw Naruto's grin drop instantly and she frowned. She didn't like seeing him sad.
"My family, we're struggling. Ever since dad passed-" Dana placed a hand over Naruto's and he solemnly smiled at her.
"Mom doesn't talk about it. But me and Chloe know. A lot more than she believes."
"I'm so sorry.. What do you need from me? Anything Naru." Naruto felt eternally grateful to Dana in that moment. He was glad to have a friend like her. She was cheery, compassionate, and overall a beautiful person inside and out.
"I just need, information. Do you know if the Prescotts need anyone employed? I'm not close to Nathan, and you talk to him more than I do. Even if it's not that much." Naruto said and Dana frowned.
"Naru, we're only fourteen. You shouldn't have to worry about-"
"But I am worried Dana. You know I can't sit on the sidelines. I have to do something." Dana bit her lip at his words. He was so determined.
'I'm so worried for him, but so turned on.. He's such a.. a man.. ugh, get it together Dana!' She shook her head before looking up into Naruto's eyes. Naruto was surprised by her expression. So serious, so firm.
"All I know is that the Prescotts have a position that hasn't been filled yet. But I don't know if you'd qualify. You're built like a truck sure but you're as young as I am.." Naruto took her hand and held it in both of his. There was a look of desperation in his eyes. She hated that look, she'd do anything to take it away.
"Dana, it doesn't matter what it is. I just need something, anything. Please, for my family." Dana gulped before placing her other hand over both of his.
"Okay, here's what I know about it.."
Unknown to Dana, the information she had given, was exactly what Naruto needed. After all, Naruto was the perfect person for the job.
After a long day of moving money into certain places to grow even more money, Sean Prescott sat on his leather couch. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and relaxed, taking a load off. He leaned his head back to close his eyes, surely a few moments of shuteye wouldn't hurt..
"Prescott." The man leapt out of the couch and stood up in a panic.
"Who's there?! Show yourself!" He received silence in return. He looked around, scanning each and every area he could see.
"Who the fuck are you?! Fuck this! Guards!"
"Don't count on them coming." Sean turned toward the voice and witnessed a figure emerge from the shadows.
He was tall, muscular, and wore all black. No one would be able to identify him, as well as his voice. There was some sort of hidden voice changer beneath his mask.
"W-what do you want?" The man chuckled at the Prescott's words.
"Simple, a job. Some money up front would do nicely."
"A-A job?! I should have you arrested for trespassing and killing my guards!"
"Who said anything about killing anyone? They're just gonna wake up with a headache and probably a few bruises at most."
"You still trespassed! This is my home!"
"Yes, it is. If I can get in here without being noticed, from your guards, security cameras, hell the satellite that watches over Earth, then what good are cops going to do?"
"I-I.."
"Look, I'm not here to hurt you. It's actually the opposite." The figure tossed Sean a paper ball, the man barely caught it, surprised by the random throw.
"This is.. heh. You must be resourceful to find something like this. Maybe you know my son personally."
"All I know is, I want the job. You won't find better than me. Hire me, or leave it unfilled." The ultimatum made the Prescott sweat.
"Okay, what are your terms? As you can see I'm not just 'well off'. I'll have bought this whole town in span of three years, maximum."
"I get paid daily. Not weekly, biweekly, none of that bullshit. And I only get paid in cash, and none of them better be fakes. Otherwise, you'll have to see me when I'm serious." Sean Prescott gulped at the man's words.
"..Okay, anything else?"
"If I ever find out you're investigating me, I back out of the job. Among other things." The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, blinding Sean from seeing a clear path forward.
"..Deal."
"Good, when do I start?" Sean eased up, now that the mysterious figure seemed less threatening.
"Do you know where Nathan is?"
"Yes I do."
"Your employment is.. effective immediately."
"I want the money up front. Half before, half after." Sean took out a briefcase from under his leather couch, he placed it on a table in front of him.
"Here. Five grand." Sean took out a stack of money from the case, the figure quickly snatched it from the Prescott.
"You'll get five-thousand when the day is done. Since you know where I am.. you can meet me." The figure nodded.
"Remember what I said Prescott." After that the figure disappeared in thin air. Sean leaned back with a huge sigh of relief. He's never been that scared in his damn life.
Well, at least Nathan has a bodyguard now. Even if it was under the most unconventional hiring process.
'Not bad. You still got it after all this time.'
'Just like riding a bike Kurama.'
'Damn right. Now you got a shadow clone watching over that Prescott brat. Easy money.'
'Very easy. This'll help us greatly. I hope Chloe hasn't driven herself insane being without me for so long.'
'Don't make me throw up with that kind of talk, idiot.'
'What do you mean? It's not my fault.'
'But it is. It's your fault because you exist.'
'Don't make me go in my mind and beat your ass again Kurama.'
'You only won because Kushina chained me down and you know it brat.'
'No way! I was kicking your ass with my Odama Rasengan Barrage!'
'Two words. Kushina. Chain.'
While the two argued, Naruto found his way back home. He rode his bike there, and the sun had been setting. He should probably get dinner started.
"Honeys I'm home!" Naruto called out and both Joyce and Chloe came downstairs.
"Hey sweetie, how was your day?" Joyce asked, leaning against the door frame. Meanwhile Chloe walked closer to Naruto, seeing what he was doing.
"It was good, oh by the way.. what do you two want to eat? I'll cook."
"Fuck yeah! Your cooking is the best!" Chloe said and Naruto smiled.
"You did surpass me and William a while ago.. y'know what. You choose, but no ramen!" Joyce laughed at Naruto's dejected face.
"But ramen.. is so easy.. so good.."
"Aw, poor Shorty." Chloe reached upwards to pinch his cheek, proving how ironic her comment is. Naruto swatted her hand away, getting a laugh out of the girl. Naruto shook his head at their insolence before looking through their kitchen.
"We need to do some shopping soon, our cabinets are miserable. But, at least I can scrounge something up." Naruto took out ground beef, pasta, pasta sauce, and a variety of cheeses.
"Looks like lasagna tonight."
"Fuck yesss." Chloe pumped her fist, and Joyce sighed at her cursing.
"Chloe, your mouth." The daughter rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, don't swear."
"Okay you two, go and keep yourselves relaxed, the master is at work." The women laughed at that.
"The master huh? You're such a goof." Chloe grinned and Naruto prepared his dish.
"The one and only." Naruto then beckoned for Chloe to sit at the dinner table while he worked. Meanwhile he thought about his encounter with the Prescott earlier.
'Our job will be done soon. My clone has been giving me regular updates. All Nathan does is drugs and not much else. He socializes in his own way. Even though in actuality all of his friends are just people who like him for his money. I know my clone has to be bored out of his mind.' Naruto put the lasagna in the oven with foil plastered over it to bake.
Now he waits for it to cook, and then he'll take it out of the oven, and take off the foil. Naruto hummed to himself, right before he heard his phone ding.
He wondered who was texting him. Oh, it was a couple of people.
Today 5:57PM
Dana: hey naru howd it go?
Today 6:03PM
Steph: naru watcha up to?
It was currently 6:31PM. Naruto hummed before texting Dana first.
Naruto: Hey Danes, it went well.
Dana: hehe u still text like an oldie xD
Naruto: I guess so, I'm still getting the hang of English. I self taught myself, so I gotta keep in practice. Even if I sound 'old'. :P
Dana: cute. im glad it went well! im surprised you got it tbh
Naruto: I'm full of surprises, don't forget that.
Dana: sugoiiiiiii did i use that right?
Naruto: Kinda, haha. But hey, I'm cooking dinner. I need to take this lasagna out before my family kills me.
Dana: oooooooh. save sum 4 me!
Naruto: Maybe.
Dana: meanie, after all ive done 4 u..
Naruto: I'll save some you big baby.
Dana: Thank u bb xoxo :p
Naruto smiled before taking out the lasagna. He took the foil off before putting it back in the oven. Now, to text Steph.
Naruto: Hey Steph, I'm just cooking dinner for Chloe and mom.
Steph: cool, i wanna c how it turns out
Naruto: Okay, and lemme guess..
Steph: (;
Naruto: I'll save you some.
Steph: ur the best naru!
Naruto: I know, I know.
Steph: make sure 2 send pics!
Naruto: I will, if you show me your witch costume.
Steph: seeing me naked wasn't enough? now u want me 2 cosplay 4 u.. perv.
Naruto: ... How many times will you bring that up? That was last year.
Steph: until u die, or i die, or until u go blind.. still deciding
Naruto: That'll be a while.
Steph: yep! ur stuck with me.
Naruto: I guess I am.
Steph: haha, ill talk l8ter naru. gotta get the witch costume ready for a certain perv 0.0
Naruto: I gotta take the lasagna out anyways. And I am NOT a perv.
Steph: whatever helps u sleep dude :')
Naruto shook his head before taking out the lasagna. He checked it out and was satisfied with what he saw. He put it on a wooden trivet in the middle of the table.
"Bon appetit." Naruto grinned and both Joyce and Chloe drooled at the sight of the lasagna.
"What, are you learning French now?" Chloe teased and Naruto rolled his eyes. He sat down next to the girl and grabbing a plate.
"Oh bite me." Chloe bumped into him, snatching the plate from his hands.
"Maybe after dinner." She said and Naruto arched an eyebrow. Naruto shook his head before giving Joyce a plate.
"Thank you dear. What do you say Chloe?" Chloe was about to take out a piece of the lasagna before rolling her eyes.
"Thank you Shorty. You're the best." Naruto pursed his lips at her.
"Thank you for your sincere gratitude Chloe."
"Now you can bite me."
"Okay you two, that's enough. Let's have one dinner without any arguments." Chloe arched her eyebrow in amusement at Joyce's words.
"We're not fighting mom." Chloe started.
"Just playing around." Naruto finished. Joyce sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"You kids are gonna be the death of me." Both Naruto and Chloe laughed and Joyce smiled at the sound. As a mom, she was grateful to still have moments like these. Ever since William passed both Joyce and Chloe withdrew into themselves, yet Naruto always brought them back out. If he wasn't here.. Joyce shook her head at the thought. She didn't want to know what kind of possibility that was. Speaking of possibilities.. Maybe she'll tell them some news after they ate.
"Okay mom, Chloe, we all know what to do before we eat." The ladies smiled as Naruto breathed in.
"Itadakimasu!" They all said in unison, and then they dug in. The lasagna was heavenly. The smooth, melted cheese, mixing in with the sweeter flavorful pasta sauce, and the lasagna was cooked to a soft perfection. The ground beef complimented everything perfectly. It was safe to say they all had seconds, and in Naruto's case a third helping.
He was gonna have to work that off later.
"Whew! I'm stuffed!" Naruto patted his stomach and let out a loud belch. Both Chloe and Joyce smiled, even though Joyce lightly reprimanded him.
"That's disgusting Naruto." She said and Naruto shrugged.
"I can do it louder if you want."
"Do it! Do it! Do it!" Chloe chanted and Joyce lightly smacked her on the arm.
"Knock it off Chloe, and if you do that Naruto I'm gonna pinch your lips off y'hear?" She said and Naruto grinned, but didn't burp louder. Joyce felt like it was the perfect time to tell them the news, they all ate and were satisfied from the meal. They were in that lull right after a good dinner, where they digested and felt lazy.
"Kids, I have some news I want to share." Joyce said and the seriousness in her tone had Naruto and Chloe perking up.
"What kind of news?" Chloe asked and Joyce looked at her hesitantly.
"It's really.. up to both of you."
"What is it? You can tell us." Naruto's reassuring tone had Joyce grateful in that moment. She was confident he would be understanding. It was her daughter she was worried about.
"I'm seeing someone-"
"YOU'RE WHAT?!" Chloe stood up in a rage and Joyce frowned at her reaction.
"Chloe sit down-"
"I will not fucking sit down! You're seeing someone already?! It's only been a year since dad died!" It was at this moment that Joyce stood up, glaring at her daughter.
"And what am I supposed to do Chloe?! Be a widow my whole life?! I love William, I will until the day I die. But I know he would want me to be happy, and grieving forever is not gonna make me happy!"
"So what, you're gonna date some douche? Who knows if this guy is actually interested in you. He could be looking for a quick fuck-"
"You watch your mouth Chloe Price! I will not tolera-"
"ENOUGH!" Both Joyce and Chloe froze in their tracks. It was only a moment, but they both noticed it. In that moment the air had become heavy, and it was harder to breathe. Both women sweated, trying to keep their bearings.
They had never heard Naruto yell before. Both of the Price women could agree, it was scary to see him angry.
"Both of you sit down, please." Naruto's request was calming, both women complied without resistance. He looked at both of them, then he closed his eyes, breathed in, and exhaled out.
"I'm going to do a lot of talking. I want you both to listen, until I ask you to speak. I'm mostly talking to you Chloe, I know your tendency to interrupt." Chloe bit her lip, crossed her arms, and looked away.
"Chloe, look at me." Naruto's words hit a nerve with the girl. She glared but turned her head to look at him.
"I love you, you know that." Chloe wanted to be angry with him, but she just.. couldn't. She sighed and unfolded her arms, softening her features to listen to him.
"Now I'm gonna start." He looked to see if both women were ready, they both nodded and Naruto began to speak.
"Mom, I agree with Chloe about the fact I don't like the idea of you with someone else. Dad was the one who brought me in, showed me what it felt like to be a man, he was the one who taught me how to behave in society. He was the one who got me here, if it wasn't for him then I wouldn't be in this family. I wouldn't have been with you or with Chloe." Joyce looked down at the table, a solemn expression on her face. She turned her eyes back to Naruto when he began to speak again.
"However, I would rather you be happy. I like that more than you being a miserable recluse. I truly feel that if this guy, whoever he is.. if he really loves you.. and if he is willing to do what it takes to be in this family, then I will welcome him with open arms."
"But Naruto-" Naruto turned firm blue eyes over Chloe's frustrated ones.
"What did I say Chloe?" She quickly shut her mouth, seeing her quieten had Naruto talking more.
"I love you more than I dislike this situation. I truly want you to be happy, and if this guy is helping with that.. then you have my blessing." Joyce's lips quivered at his words as her eyes teared up.
"Thank you Naru-"
"However Chloe does have a point." Joyce widened her eyes as Naruto spoke up again.
"We don't know if this guy has pure intentions. We don't know who he is, and what he is all about. You're a smart woman, but there are cunning and manipulative people out there. I am still the man of the house, and some random guy isn't going to get in the way of that. If me and Chloe don't approve, then you'll have to take it into consideration. I promised dad that I would look after you both. No one is going to harm us as long as I exist." Naruto declared and Joyce nodded, tears were still in her eyes.
He looked over to Chloe to see her eyes had widened in pure shock. She most likely didn't expect Naruto to be so understanding. His words were forthcoming and supportive. A sign of a true open mind.
"Okay Chloe, is there anything you want to say? And I want you to do it without losing your temper. You do that a lot." Naruto would've thought it was funny that he was telling someone to control their temper. The irony was not lost on him. He noticed Chloe close her eyes and breathe in, before exhaling and opening her eyes up.
"First of all, I don't have a temper.. and I might have to throttle you later." Naruto nodded, unsure of how to feel about that.
"Okay.. I guess since we're all being honest and emotional.. I do.. I do feel that you seeing someone after a year is like, a betrayal. To dad. It might not feel like that to you, but it's just.. he's not here to give his consent on it. I know it sounds stupid but it's.. I just.. I don't want you to replace him. He's our dad, your husband. No one else is gonna compare to him." By the end Chloe almost stopped to cry, but she reigned her tears in to say what she needed to say. Naruto held her hand and she gratefully squeezed his in return.
Joyce covered her mouth in astonishment.
"Oh Chloe.. sweetheart.." She took Chloe's other hand in hers and the young teen sighed.
"I would never date someone to replace William. I know no one will ever take his place. I just, I'm tired of being alone. I know I have you two, and I love you both. It's just.. this man, his name is David Madsen. He is a wonderful man, in his own way. He's sweet, thoughtful, and I do like being with him. He would love to be in this family, he knows he would never replace William, and he's not trying to. He just, he just wants to help me live a better life. He knows I'm struggling with bills, and even though he doesn't make a lot.. he does help me. and he doesn't even live here. All I ask is that you both give him a chance, get to know him. I just.. I can't pay the bills alone anymore."
"We will give him a chance, right Chloe?" He pointedly stared at her and she sighed.
"Okay.. I'll try not to kill him whenever I see him." Chloe said and Naruto frowned at her words.
"Well, if we're on the topic of money. I do have some news about that." Naruto said and both women raised their respective eyebrows in surprise. Naruto let go of their hands and ruffled through his pockets.
He took out a yellow envelope and put it on the table.
"I already took some out for myself, and I get paid more at the end of the night." Naruto said and the news shook both girl Prices to the core. Joyce hesitantly opened up the envelope and gasped at the bills staring back at her.
"Naruto, this is.. this is four-thousand dollars!" Chloe jumped at that and took the envelope from their mother.
"Holy shit!"
"Chloe your mouth.."
"Where did you get this kind of cash?" Naruto merely shook his head.
"I've got a job." His answer was so far from satisfactory for the girls.
"Naruto, I don't.. I don't know what to say.. You just gave me more money than I would have in two months. And you're getting paid more tonight?" Naruto slowly nodded.
"Yes, it's something I'm really good at. But I have to keep it secret, for my benefit. I'm sorry."
"Naruto.. you didn't have to-"
"Yes I did mom. I'm not quitting just because you're worried about me. You were suffering, and I couldn't stand by and let you do it alone. Now that I know of it, I don't even feel comfortable hearing that a man you're dating is giving you money. It's too soon for that kind of commitment. He's not even living here. I don't know if he is truly that kind, but it just rubs me the wrong way." Naruto couldn't explain why it was wrong, maybe it was his pride in himself and his family. But he couldn't accept that kind of help from someone. Even if hypothetically he was the one dating them.
"Just.. just answer me this, are you safe? Because, this kind of money.. It doesn't come from sweeping floors or cooking burgers. If you won't tell me what the job is, can you at least tell me if you're not in danger?" Her look of desperation really saddened Naruto. She just wanted to make sure he was okay, if only she knew the kind of things he could do.
'Well technically, it's my clone that's working. Not my actual self.'
'Yes. It wouldn't be lying, because the fact of the matter is that your physical self won't be harmed. And to be brutally honest here, nothing in this world could harm us.' Kurama chimed in and Naruto smiled.
'You've been quiet buddy.'
'It seemed like you had it handled. Why would I interfere, you don't need my emotional intelligence. You have an uncanny ability to get others to see your way.' Kurama's words warmed Naruto's heart. It was so sincere, so.. beautifully put.
'You really think so?'
'Who befriended me, the manifestation of pure hatred? It surely wasn't any other jinchuriki before you.' Naruto smirked at that right before he set his sight on Joyce once more.
"I promise, I'm not in danger." Naruto said and Joyce exhaled a sigh of relief.
"Okay, good. That's all I care about, and hey if you bring money like this every night.. then maybe things will look up." For the first time since things got serious Joyce smiled, which helped Naruto flash his own.
"So what, are you like a pimp or something?"
"Chloe Price!"
"What? I'm just curious."
"No Chloe I am not a pimp. And that's all I'm going to say about this."
"Oh come onnnn."
"That's it, I was gonna do the dishes but since you're being so nosy. Chloe you're doing the dishes tonight!" Joyce's statement caused the lowest jaw drop from the girl.
"That is so not fair! Why can't I ask questions?"
"Because I said so missy. Now hop to it." Joyce said while standing to leave. Chloe's jaw stayed open as she saw her mother vacate the premises. She then saw Naruto stand to do the same and gasped.
"You're not seriously leaving me to that are you?" She pointed at the dishes and Naruto simply shrugged.
"I'm packing some lasagna for Steph and Dana, but that's all I'm doing. Mom's orders not mine!" Naruto laughed maniacally as Chloe slumped back in her chair.
She couldn't believe their audacity.
Naruto and Chloe retired for the night, stripping into their night clothes. In Chloe's case, one of Naruto's shirts and her panties. While Naruto, he just slept in his boxers. They laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling, thoughts swimming in their heads.
"Hey Naruto.."
"What's up?"
"Are you really okay with mom dating again?"
"I am, and I am not." Chloe slapped him on the chest, annoyed by his cryptic answer.
"Oh that makes sense, jackass." Naruto laughed and felt her scoot closer to him. Naruto placed an arm around her, and she blushed within the darkness.
"I'm not entirely okay with it. But I do accept how she feels. Besides, we haven't met him yet. He could actually be decent."
"Yeah.. but, he's not gonna be dad.."
"No one will top dad. That's a fact. But that doesn't mean mom can't find her own happiness. We just all have to support each other, and then we'll get through whatever problems we face."
"You make it sound so damn simple."
"Maybe I make it sound simple, because it is. Some things we can't be stubborn about. Supporting our mom's choices counts into that."
"I hate you when you're right."
"Hm, you must hate me all the time then."
"Oh that's it!" Chloe sat up and held Naruto's hands above his head.
"You know I can easily reverse this right? I'm like two hundred pounds of muscle to your one hundred pounds of bone." Naruto said and Chloe glared into his eyes. His eyes somehow glowed more than the moonlight.
LEMON START
"I'd like to see you try." She dared and Naruto smirked. The manlike teen easily sat up while taking her with him. She yelped as he stood up on the bed, she was hanging off of his wrists now. That didn't stop from keeping herself latched onto him. Naruto took his right hand and pried her off of his left wrist, repeating the action for his right wrist with his left hand. Before Chloe fell back on the bed Naruto caught her, cupping her pantily clad butt in the process.
"What are you- whoa!" Naruto roughly but gently enough slammed her on the bed. She was caught off guard by the action that she left herself open for him pinning her. He used one hand to pin her wrists above her head.
"See? Easy." Naruto chuckled at her glare.
"Tch. I can get out of this." Chloe thrust her hips upwards, unintentionally bumping into Naruto's. The blonde widened his eyes as she repeated the action, feeling something growing.
"Chloe, stop." She huffed in defiance at his words.
"Or what? You're close to slipping aren't you." It wasn't a question.
And she was more right than she knew.
Oh Naruto was gonna slip alright.. He felt the girl beneath him bumping into him, getting quicker and rougher the more she did it.
"Heh! I knew!.. it..." Chloe thrusted upwards once more, right before she noticed it.
"Oh, you fucking perv." Instead of just thrusting, Chloe brushed her crotch against his. She started rubbing it with her own, feeling pleasure from the action.
"I knew you weren't a pure soul. You're getting horny aren't you?" Chloe kept grinding against him, getting Naruto to groan from her provocation.
"Yeah you want to fuck m-" She was interrupted when Naruto grabbed her throat. She was surprised by that. She would also be lying if she said she didn't like it.
"You don't want to finish that sentence." He warned and Chloe breathed deeply.
"Oh yes I do. You want to fuck your small, petite, adoptive sister. You fucking pervert." The vile words as well as the constant grinding sent Naruto so damn close to the edge.
"You want to know something funny? I want you to fuck me. Fuck me like you hate me. Fuck me so hard I'll regret wanting it." That was all Naruto needed to hear as he claimed her lips with his. He bit her lip, forcing his way into her mouth. Their tongues connected, entangling and battling for supremacy. Naruto was quickly winning. Naruto pulled back a little to suck on her tongue, getting a moan for his efforts.
They kept grinding, feeling pleasure spark through their bodies. Naruto choked her, putting a little more force, turning the girl on even more.
"Fuck.." She gasped as Naruto placed his lips on her throat, sucking lightly. He trailed kisses down to her collarbone, but found an obstacle in his way. The shirt she was wearing. Chloe noticed this as well. She sat up, quickly taking the fabric off. She didn't have a bra on. It was a little dark due to just the moonlight, but Naruto saw her pink nipples perfectly. He almost forgot Chloe didn't wear a bra around the house.
Better for him. Naruto trailed kisses from her collarbone to her breasts, leading to the hardening pink nipples. Naruto put his mouth over it and sucked lightly. Chloe moaned his name while Naruto softly bit on the bud. Chloe grasped his hair pulling him closer.
"Naruto, you know what I want.." Naruto didn't say anything, pushing her down onto the bed and roughly taking off her panties. She laughed at his actions, spreading her legs for him to see in between. Pretty and pink, Naruto looked on hungrily, getting Chloe to blush at his expression. Naruto then trailed kisses from her lips, her chest, to her stomach, down her legs, until he finally stopped at her entrance.
"Naru.." Chloe whined, becoming antsy from his teasing. Naruto went back up to choke her.
"Beg." He put a little more force and Chloe breathed heavily at the action.
"Please.. please.. I want you.. No, I need you.." Naruto kissed her again before diving into her depths. He licked her clit, sticking his tongue inside her vagina. He lapped up the juices the wetter she became. He sucked it all up, licking all the while. Chloe tried her best to contain her moans, gripping Naruto's head tightly.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck.." She thrusted upward toward Naruto's face. She was close.
"Naru.. I'm gonna.. fuck, fuck, fuck!" She couldn't contain the volume of the last curse as she thrusted upwards again, climaxing from Naruto's tongue. All of her juices poured into Naruto's mouth, some of it dripping down his chin. Naruto sucked up the most he could, causing Chloe to quiver.
"Oh my... fuckkkk." She breathed quickly, trying to recover from the ordeal. Naruto smirked, looking into her eyes as he sucked on her clit. Chloe shook her head out of her daze. She pushed Naruto onto the bed and gripped his boxers.
"Let's see what we have- oh shit!" When Chloe pulled down the trousers, she did not expect to be hit by Naruto's third leg.
"Holy fuck. You're a monster." She gripped the shaft with one hand feeling how massive his cock was.
'He's only fourteen.. a year younger than me. He's not even close to done with puberty.' She thought almost becoming overwhelmed with how humongous it was. She started with the head, placing her mouth over it. She licked and swiveled her tongue over the bell, getting husky groans from Naruto.
"Just like that.." Naruto grabbed her head, he thrusted in causing Chloe to gag on the hard cock. Naruto felt a little bad, but Chloe pushed through it. She stuck the whole thing down her throat getting a moan for her efforts.
Why was that the sexiest thing he ever saw? Chloe used both hands to run her hands up and down the shaft, sucking all the while. Naruto loved how warm and wet her mouth was. It was almost too much.
"I'm gonna cum, oh fuck!" Naruto blasted a load down her throat, and Chloe swallowed it all without hesitation. Naruto pulled his member out of her mouth, getting a sexy laugh from the girl.
"I hope you're not done yet.." Chloe straddled the blonde placing her entrance above him. She bit her lip as she descended, feeling pain at being stretched.
She stopped after the head entered. She groaned at the feeling, it hurt.
"I won't move until you adjusted. Let me know when you're ready." Naruto said, and Chloe nodded. She closed her eyes to focus, moving further down his monstrous cock. She groaned at the feeling of being filled up. She descended until all of his dick was inside of her.
She fucking loved it.
"Oh fuck yes. You fucking pervert, you must being loving this huh?" She looked straight into his eyes as she bounced up and down, Naruto stared back placing his hands on her budding breasts. They were both hypnotized while they found their rhythm with each other. Chloe kept bouncing and Naruto kept thrusting, and they both knew it wouldn't be long until they came together.
"Naru.. I'm gonna.."
"Me too Chloe. Fuck.."
"I'm, I'm cumming!" She reached down to kiss the blonde, feeling euphoria spread throughout her body. Naruto came as well, biting her lip in the process. Chloe felt a huge load fill her up inside, loving the sensation.
"Oh my.. god." After they both came Chloe laid down on top of Naruto, with him still inside of her. They both breathed in heavily and quickly. Chloe got up off of Naruto, and Naruto took his member out of her. They both laid there, sweaty and out of breath cuddling each other.
LEMON END
"That was so fucking good. How are you so good?" Chloe asked looking up at Naruto.
"Uh, I dunno. I just followed my instincts." Chloe laughed at that.
"Followed your instincts? What kind of bullshit is that?" Naruto smiled down at her.
"I don't know what else to say. It just came to me."
"Hah, that was a terrible pun."
"It was not intentional to be fair.." Chloe sighed and closed her eyes.
"Sure, whatever. I'm tired now." She put her head on his chest and Naruto wrapped an arm around her.
"Let's sleep then."
"Hey Naruto." They both had their eyes closed, feeling sleep taking hold.
"Mm?"
"I don't know.. what this is.. but, I hope.. that.." Chloe fell asleep at that, getting a chuckle out of Naruto. He heard her light snores and Naruto shook his head to rid of the grogginess. He performed a few hand seals and saw his hand glow green. He placed his hand over Chloe's stomach and felt his.. DNA fade away.
Tsunade wanted to make sure Naruto knew this jutsu. Just in case him and Sakura ever got together, or whatever kunoichi was 'dumb enough' to sleep with him. Naruto smiled at the memory, they argued about why those kunoichi would be dumb for like an hour.
Naruto exhaled, relaxing with Chloe under his arm. He felt his clone dispel after returning home with the money from today's job. Now their family was five thousand dollars richer than earlier.
So far, life seemed to be looking up. He hoped that it would keep on this positive track, but knowing his luck.. things will shake up again soon.
Somewhere Else
A portal unveiled a fourteen year old with one purple rippled eye with tomoe inside. As well as a red flowered eye with a shuriken in his pupil. He looked around, his long black hair swaying in the breeze of the desolate area he was in. It was sandy, hot, and empty. The sand glowed a bright purple while the rocks were a light cyan. The figure looked around, searching for something.. or someone.
He sensed the area, sighing in frustration.
"I'll find you Naruto. I know you're not dead, I know you're somewhere out there. I'm bringing you home, my friend." Sasuke created another portal entering it to attempt to find the blonde he had been searching so long for.
If he had the time to, he would have found it ironic that he was the one searching for Naruto now. But the last Uchiha kept his sole focus on the blonde's whereabouts, wherever it was. He hoped he would find him, they needed to settle things, undo the Tsukuyomi, free their fellow shinobi, and with Naruto's help.. make the world a better place than it was before.
Naruto proved Sasuke wrong, Sasuke knew that now. And because of that, the last of the Uchiha is banking everything on the Uzumaki. But first he had to find him. And he will, no matter how long it takes.