AN: *rises from phoenix flames* IMM BAACCKKK. Hey people sorry about the wait….yeah I'm fresh out of excuses so let's pretend I had a case of life-threatening *insert reason here* . Okay? Thanks. Expect updates every 2-2 ½ weeks. Chapter 2 is dedicated to gizturd, my first reviewer, and thank you to everyone else who gave their time to review, like or follow this. Here it is, enjoy!

- queenofslytherin14

Disclaimer: I kidnapped(adultnapped?) Kishimoto...but Dumbledore stupifyed me and escaped on Blackjack. :( None of these fandoms are mine.

R&R if you have time please.

His freedom was not worth this shit smear to his pride.

Damn it. Damnit. DAMNIT!

Whipped cream was sprayed on top of a toffee colored drink, rising a lopsided white peak inside the black cup.

Lopsided.

Sasuke gripped the burning cup, glaring at it as if it was the cause of his awful mood. That incline was mocking him, tilting ever so slightly, drooping to meet clenched slender fingers-

Stupid drink, it deserved to be pitched. Sasuke tossed the disappointing drink into the stainless steel sink, watching the liquid swirl down the drain with a sense of satisfaction.

Start from scratch, that's it. A pale hand reached for a black paper cup, pulling the 2% milk out of the fridge, footsteps walking the familiar path to the coffee station, measuring out the coffee bea-

"Excuse me Duck Ass," A feminine voice rang out, interrupting Sasuke's calming self-made rhythm. Rich, dark chocolate colored beans fell like raindrops out of the scoop. Unintentionally, his eyes watched their fall, bouncing across the tan and black tile floors before they slowed to a stop.

What a waste of beans.

Behind the counter stood, a short blonde woman in eye achingly orange clothes, an annoyed frown on her face.

"That was a perfect drink right there and you just chucked it. 330 ¥ just went down that drain, and I'm broke alright-"

It was at this point Sasuke started to zone out, her irrelevant complaints flying over his head.

This was just the cherry on top of his shitty week sundae, wasn't it. A week that started with him signing that thrice damned contract (he regretted it almost immediately), and ended with this customer and her too loud mouth. Did she ever shut up!? Words blurred into one continuous one, flowing out of her mouth like water out of a leaky, broken faucet, seemingly unending.

That was, so to speak, the straw that broke the camel's back. Also known as the thing that made Sasuke's control snap and take out all of his annoyance on who he thought was a convenient target- that loud mouthed blonde bimbo.

"Oi. Bastard," That voice sounded like it came from a nearer proximity than earlier. And it sounded darker.

His piercing, black eyes narrowed.

Hell was about to break loose.

Naruto was having a good day.

She'd just convinced (blackmailed) her political science professor, Iruka, to take her out to the best food cart in the city, Ichiraku Ramen. She caught him in a passionate embrace with her (practically) older brother Kakashi. Kakashi just stared at her boredly, but Iruka begged her not to tell. He knew she wouldn't, but he bought her ramen anyway.

Naruto walked away feeling satisfied and her stomach, pleasantly warm after 4 (or so) bowls of miso ramen and Iruka's empty wallet.

She decided to walk to her apartment, which was nestled in a lively, vibrant corner of downtown. It was midway through her senior year of high school that Naruto decided that she wanted to live alone and go to university in a different city. It was about 45 minutes from her childhood home.

Of course there were other options- her parents, Minato and Kushina, wanted her to continue living at home, and there was always the option of living on campus.

But no, Naruto Uzumaki wanted to prove that she could take care of herself and be damn good at it, believe it! ( Her place was a mess, ramen cups strewn everywhere, piles of dirty clothes as tall as her just begging to be cleaned, and orange fox fur on everything from her beloved companion, Kurama. Cleanliness is in the eye of the beholder, eh?)

Naruto wrapped her jacket around her slim, 5'5 form, her mid-back length hair whipping past her face obscuring her vision. As she continued down the gray cobblestone sidewalk, the young woman soaked up the sun and enjoyed the last of the nice weather. She could feel it in the air, the subtle shift of seasons, that whiff of matured leaves near the end of their life, a last hurrah turning them into a show of breathtaking colors. The wind was starting to gain an edge, crisper, cooler, and more powerful.

A bone chilling gust blew just then, making her teeth clench and goosebumps to rise.

"I shoulda brought a warmer jacket." Naruto grumbled out loud.

Or, the voice in her head said, you could get a nice, hot drink from that conveniently placed cafe there.

Hmm, that was a smart idea actually, except for the fact she was a broke college student. For Kami's sake she's just swindled her professor into buying her lunch. Also there was the fact her best friends, Kiba, Sakura and Shikamaru (Ino couldn't make it, she had a shift at the family flower shop) , cleaned her pockets out yesterday during their impromptu test-passing celebration at the arcade yesterday. And damn what a celebration it was, she really didn't want to see her bank account.

Her legs carried her to the front of a cafe, her hands rummaged in her pockets pulling out anything felt even remotely like cash. It was kinda like going fishing, she thought, she might get something she might not.

That was deep, she should totally write that down. Prove to Kiba she actually could think of deep things. Too bad her pockets weren't, Naruto thought longingly, looking at the pitiful catch she pulled out: 5 faded gum wrappers, a business card from her father's campaign for Prime Minister of Konoha from a year ago, 4 Ichiraku coupons (smuggled to her courtesy of Ayame) good for a bowl each. And,

"600 yen*, YES! I got enough! Caramel macchiato, here I come. Believe it!"

Holding the money up victoriously, the blonde broke out into an impromptu happy dance. She ignored the judging looks she received.

Screw them, not everyone could be as awesome as her.

From her current place in front of the door she could clearly read the name of the cafe, Konoha Coffee. Naruto smiled, that old grandma actually went and made a coffee shop. She still couldn't believe it even after baa-chan called her up about a week ago, saying she needed more employees and asked if she wanted a job at her cafe.

Of course Naruto jumped at the opportunity...okay, only after she heard that employees get free drinks, but still baa-chan needed help and Naruto would do everything in her power make sure her godmother had it.

She started in 2 days.

Perfect, she thought grasping the smooth handle and being greeted with warm cookie scented air, an unseen bell cheerfully announcing her arrival. She'd grab a drink and go see the old woman. It had been too long since she'd seen her anyway.

Making her way to the line she noted the patrons.

A couple businessmen sat tapping the keys on their laptops furiously, occasionally grabbing their mugs and taking a long, aggressive sip, before returning to their screen.

Couples sat across from each other, one couple sat awkwardly as if it was their first date. The man, kept clearing his throat as if he didn't know what to say, and the woman twirled her brown hair around her finger, eyes glancing up to meet his, then dropping when eye contact was made, a dark red blush blossoming on her fair cheeks.

The majority though, looked to be 20ish year old girls, crowded around tables, in packs of 7-8, heads close together whispering and giggling, something behind the counter holding their attention.

They look like hungry vultures from that savannah documentary Kiba showed her, watching their prey, waiting for an opening and then...then they would strike. She shuddered, remembering the way the vultures fought over a lion carcass. Just hours before, the proud beast had its head raised high, flaxen mane blowing gently, assured of its place in the world.

How the mighty fall.

Naruto followed their gaze, but a long line concealed whatever it was that was capturing their attention. She shrugged it off, checking out the menu as she waited. Quickly her eyes located her go-to drink, a caramel macchiato, and its price, 360￥. Her selection chosen, she pulled out her phone.

You have 3 new messages.

Hmm, from who?

Opening her conversations, she read a message from Kiba.

DUDE! Why didn't u tell me how hot ur friend was?!

Fingers quickly texting back, she replied,

Who? Didn't think anyone I knew was ur type.

The response was fast.

The one with the black hair and really pale gray eyes, in ur snapchat story. She's GORGEOUS! What's her name and number?

Wow Kiba didn't know you were a stalker, the blonde rolled her eyes.

I'm going to give u a sec to realize how that sounded. Creep. Her name's Hinata and she's more than just a pretty face, got that? I refuse to give you any more info until you actually meet her.

Kiba sent a meme worthy face.

So you're going to set me up? Thanks I knew there was a reason I put up with u. :)

Naruto swore that kid had selective hearing. Or selective reading, whatever.

Pretty sure it's the other way around dog breath, I put up with you. And slow those horses down I said u 2 cld meet. You can tag around next time we hang out. Take it or leave it.

"Say your goddamn order already." An elderly man standing behind her grumbled, mumbling something about youngins and their obsession with their devices.

"Like you actually have anywhere to be, you're probably retired." She snarked quietly to herself.

"Hi, I'll take a medium caramel macchiato, extra caramel and whipped cream please." The blonde smiled warmly to the cashier behind the register, a woman, with 2 buns on either side of her head. Her name tag read, Tenten.

She smiled back and called out to the barista in the back, "One medium Caramel Macchiato, extra caramel, extra whipped cream."

Now she saw what those girls had been looking at- the barista.

She honestly didn't see what was so special about him.

He had black hair, with bangs and from her point of view the back looked like a duck's ass. Though, damn that skin was pale. He kinda looked like..like..like a snowman.

Yes, a snowman.

He seemed cold and frigid. A dark cloud seemed to float above his head, and he seemed to be in a bad mood based on his sharp movements and tensed body.

What did those girls see in him that made their primal side come out?

She didn't know.

For a while she made small talk with Tenten.

Then, out the corner of her eye she saw Duck Ass gripping her beloved drink, stare at it for a moment then, a horrible injustice occurred.

He dumped it.

As she watched in horror, time seemed to freeze, and in slow motion the caramel liquid poured, spiraling down, down, down the drain.

Time sped back up.

Nooooo, her face hardened, Duck Ass I re-dub thee teme**.

Speaking with the flames of Tartarus lacing her words, she all but growled.

"Excuse me Duck Ass,"

He didn't turn around.

Tenten's eyes widened, but she remained quiet.

Mothers covered their children's ears and the cafe went silent.

"That was a perfect latte right there and you just chucked it. 360 ¥ just went down that drain, and I'm broke alright. I don't have that money to waste so that drink better be free. Are you even listening to me!?" Naruto was getting angrier by the second and Duck Ass's silence wasn't helping.

How DARE he! Nobody ignored Naruto Uzumaki, that rude bastard was going to rue the day he messed up her order.

After a few moments of discomforting quiet, the proverbial shit hit the fan.

Turning sorrowfully to Tenten she said solemnly, " I truly am sorry okay?"

Pushing through the employee entrance (she was going to be one in a matter of days right?) she strode over to the bastard and stood behind him, fists on hips.

People who were there that day swore that her blue eyes turned a blood red, her nails grew an inch, her hair morphed into nine tails, and an aura of killing intent surrounded her.

"Oi. Bastard." Naruto spat.

This time he turned around.

* Japanese currency, around $5.33 USD

** Naruto calls Sasuke this. It means You! in a really angry or rude way, like how you would say a curse word. At least that what google says if that's wrong just tell me in the comments please, so I know...I've always thought it was bastard.