a/n: Thanks for the reviews! I don't know if I'll be writing more "interludes" with ISOC them or not. Thank you to Nonsenseverse, asm613, and Louise To for the sbux ecards! I was in LA for the past week or so hence the slight delay. Enjoy.

Dedicated to netamashii

On Friday night, Sasuke was kidnapped and manipulated into going out with Itachi and his friends. Most of them had been giving him the cold shoulder over Naruto, but they seemed to be acting tolerably toward him tonight. Well, sort of. After all, he was alone in a booth in the back, under the cover of darkness, drinking an exceptionally strong bourbon with one cube of ice. It was Jiroubou that brought it to him, but once he realized Sasuke wasn't in the mood for conversation, he'd wandered off to join the rest of the noisy pack at the bar.

The last two days at school had been more calm and quiet than usual. Seeing Naruto not at his desk sixth period or not hearing his obnoxious voice during gym made him feel… strange. Not that Naruto was free of absences, but he started to wonder what it would be like if he'd never moved here or if he were to suddenly move away from Seattle. If Sasuke hadn't just spoken with Minato this past weekend, he might even be paranoid that was something they were considering. If Naruto went back to Illinois for college, would Minato go, too? Would Naruto have a reason to return here if he did?

After their last fight and Itachi's date with Naruto on Tuesday, he hadn't felt inclined to try texting him, but Itachi did report that he'd safely arrived in Chicago. Sasuke hadn't asked about what he was up to. The only thing he knew was that Naruto had a college visit today. It shouldn't shock him any because Naruto had always said he intended to go back and be with friends. Then again, he'd also offered to stay for him.

Sasuke stared at his nearly empty glass, the ice having already melted. It was a weird feeling to have someone say something like that. Obviously the offer only remained on the table if he'd given a different answer. He hated to admit that, even with everything going on, he didn't dislike the idea of them staying in the same town while they went to college. He imagined that, by then, he'd be out to his family and would've dealt with whatever consequences there may be.

But, that was an issue for future him to deal with; he didn't want any of that right now.

"Need another one?"

Sasuke glanced up and found one slim, blond-haired man dressed - fairly conservatively for him - in black leather pants and a gray shirt made of shiny material. He looked good. Almost normal. Attractive even. That would surely all change should he open his mouth again.

Deidara slid into the booth beside him, but left some space between their bodies.

"Are you buying?" Sasuke asked, shifting his glass around in circles.

Deidara snatched it from him and drank the little bit that was left. "Only because you look so miserable over here by your lonesome."

"Is that what all of you are talking about? How you pity me?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Luckily, hostility looks really good with that haircut," the blond man replied and touched the back of Sasuke's head. "I think it needs a trim. You should let me do it."

"I don't know that I want you anywhere near me with a pair of scissors."

"Can I join?"

The two of them glanced up when Kimimaro decided to walk over to the table, too.

"Sasuke," he said. "This is from your brother." Kimimaro set down a new drink and slid into the booth on Sasuke's opposite side. It was like they were trying to trap him.

Deidara put an arm around his shoulders. "I was just telling our little Sasuke here that he needs a haircut, Kimi. What do you think, hm?"

Sasuke picked up his new drink. These two could say what they wanted, but he was fine with free drinks and getting drunk tonight. But when it was Kimimaro who suddenly touched the carefully styled and spiked hair at the back of his head, his gaze slid in the direction of the very attractive older man. His long, silvery hair was pulled up loosely into a ponytail so that most of it fell over his broad shoulders. Even feeling his body heat so close was distracting for him.

"It looks good to me," said Kimimaro. "But Sasuke always looks good."

"Tch. Figures you'd say that," Deidara replied, leaning over him to carry on their conversation. "You're always on his side. Just because he's cute, we shouldn't reward him for his bad behavior. You know what happens when enabled, good looking gay men grow up."

"What?" Sasuke asked. "They reject you?" He smirked. "Because of high standards?"

Kimimaro smacked him on the back of the head, but coming from him, it was kind of a turn on, so Sasuke kept drinking. If he was ever going to sleep with any more of Itachi's good friends, it would have to be him. He'd be lying if he wasn't thinking a destructive one-night stand wouldn't fit his current mood. In fact, sex would be a great escape right about now.

"You say that," said Deidara. "But I'm sure I'm getting a lot more action than you."

Kimimaro chuckled. "Is that in general or because Naruto's on vacation?"

"Shh." Deidara waved his hand in front of Sasuke's face. "We're not supposed to talk about He Who Must Not Be Named."

"You can talk about Naruto all you want," said Sasuke. "I don't care."

"Good," said Deidara. "I'm glad to hear that because we were just texting, and he was telling me the most hilarious story - "

"Why are you texting him? Don't you have men your own age to play with?" He asked in a nasty tone.

"That's why I'm here, but I thought you just told me I didn't have men around me in droves, so I guess Naruto will have to do." Deidara huffed and pulled out his phone.

Kimimaro leaned in closer in order to talk to him. "How are you doing, Sasuke?"

"You guys all talk as if someone died," he muttered. "So Naruto and I had a fight, what's the big deal? All of you have sided with him, so it shouldn't matter what I think or feel."

"It very much matters," said Kimimaro. "Just because we all think you did the wrong thing doesn't mean you aren't entitled to your reasons. It does mean we have to hang out with the two of you at separate times, though." The man tilted his head and smiled at him.

Sasuke settled into the arm he'd offered. "Oh, have you also been going on dates with him like my brother did the other day?"

"I've seen him around if that's what you're asking. He's usually at the dance club with that friend of his… Sai? I've spoken to him a few times. Seems nice enough."

Sasuke snorted. "Hardly."

"You don't like him? He's not the kid you slept with - "

"No." Sasuke picked up his drink and took a large gulp. "I have better taste than that."

"I'm sure. You know, Deidara and I have talked about this before, but if we can help you in any way, you're always welcome to talk to us about anything."

"There's nothing you can say. The reason I said no isn't going to change. Naruto needs to accept it and move on. He's doing that already, isn't he? He's visiting colleges out there."

"I don't know if that's considered 'moving on'," Kimimaro replied. "I didn't even mean if you wanted to talk about Naruto, which is fine, too, but if you want to talk about other things. We don't want you to feel alone. It's hard being a gay teen and not feeling like you have someone to talk to, and with you not speaking to Naruto - "

"I'm fine."

Deidara, who'd been furiously texting beside him, let out a loud laugh that had Sasuke glaring at him because he was talking to Naruto. Did he have to do it right next to him?

"What?" Deidara asked when he saw Sasuke looking his way. "Do you want me to tell him hi? I bet he'd like to hear from you."

"Yeah, right." Sasuke shook his head and, cupping his glass, stared sullenly into it.

"What's he up to tonight?" Kimimaro asked. "Living it up in Chicago?"

"I'm under the impression he's in Joliet, but yes. He says he's with an old friend named Kiba, and they're at a party where he's hanging out with other friends from his former high school. How unfair, I wish he was here telling me my hair and nails look good and making me laugh."

"If you love him so much," said Sasuke, getting irritated, "Why don't you ask him out?"

"I would if I thought he'd be interested in me like that," Deidara replied calmly. "After all, he's a good looking boy, nice, funny, athletic, and he's blond, so he'd understand what it's like for us flaxen-haired creatures after we become overwhelmed with all the attention we receive for being beautiful."

Kimimaro chuckled. "I'm sure you'll bump into him when he gets back."

"Oh, I know we will. I already made plans with him. We're talking about it right now."

As if on cue, Deidara's phone buzzed a couple of times.

"Do you mind if I say hi?" Kimimaro asked.

"Of course! I was going to the powder room anyway." Deidara, handing his phone over, departed for the restroom, leaving a very annoyed Sasuke behind.

Was there anywhere he could go that he might be able to escape Naruto's presence.

He spied the older man smiling while texting back and forth with Naruto.

"Sounds like they're having fun," Kimimaro mused aloud. "This Kiba character seems like a fun guy." Without Sasuke prompting, he was shown a picture Naruto had sent of himself with another boy. He had choppy dark brown hair, a mischievous grin, and looked like he'd be as cocky, loud, and annoying as Naruto was at times. Naruto… looked good. He seemed happy to be amongst his friends again. There were a lot of people in the background.

Well, good for him. Sasuke was so glad Naruto was able to get away from him for a while.

He surveyed the room. Itachi, Jiroubou, Hidan, Kisame, and another two guys Sasuke couldn't clearly see enough to know who they were had taken over that end of the bar. It was a small establishment on the outskirts of the city. The commute to his house would've been 15 minutes from here. He considered texting Rin to see what she was up to, but hanging out with her would only remind him of Naruto. Then again, that was pretty much the theme for tonight.

"I'll get you another," Kimimaro abruptly whispered in his ear, sending goosebumps rising along his bare arms.

The older man, after picking up Sasuke's empty glass, got up to go to the bar, incidentally leaving Deidara's phone behind. It lit up with another text, and Sasuke stared at the screen. When it went off another couple of times, he picked it up to read what was going on. If they didn't want him to read it, they wouldn't have left it here. He also wouldn't put it past them to have done it on purpose. Or, they incorrectly suspected he was above invading someone's privacy. He'd had enough drinks to not give a fuck.

Sasuke read the texts between Kimimaro and Naruto. It wasn't hardly anything, but it was slightly flirty, which made his eyebrow tick. Kimimaro commented on the blond looking hot in the photo with his friend. Naruto had sent more photos of party happenings, most of which involved people drinking in the background and Naruto's card hand in whatever game this group of five other guys were playing. Poker, maybe.

He'd texted: What do you think? Should I bet it all?

Naruto did have two pair: aces and 10s. He'd never known anyone with a worse poker face than Naruto, but the idiot did seem to have a tremendous amount of luck. He debated how terrible it would be to text back under the guise of either being Kimimaro or Deidara.

He typed out a harmless response: Go for it. What do you have to lose?

It didn't take long before Naruto replied. Twenty bucks, and I'm gonna need that for your mom when I get home.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. Unlike Seattle, does that joke actually work on people there?

Is this Itachi?

Shit. He forgot that Deidara and Kimimaro were nice people. Sasuke wasn't used to holding back on his sarcasm. It irked him, too, that Naruto jumped to Itachi. He decided to play along with this for now. It'd be good revenge after that date of theirs.

How'd you guess? What happened with your hand? I wouldn't want my mother to be disappointed when you come home without any money.

I won, of course! And, if I'd known it was you, I wouldn't have said that about your mother! Mikoto's a classy lady. I'd totally pay more than that. Then when we get married, you'll have to call me tou-san, right?

Sasuke didn't know if he was amused or irritated. On the one hand, this is the type of conversation Naruto apparently had with his brother over texts, but on the other, he liked being able to go tit for tat with Naruto again... even if Naruto didn't know it was him.

"Having fun?" Kimimaro asked, startling Sasuke when he set a drink in front of him.

After being caught red-handed, there was no point in lying, but instead of lecturing him, Kimimaro simply smiled.

"Who are you pretending to be? Me? Or Deidara?"

"Neither," he said.

"You told him it's you?" Kimimaro asked, sounding surprised.

"He thinks I'm Itachi for some reason."

"Ah, that makes sense."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, wondering if he should be offended.

"I'll leave you to it. Just don't get anybody into trouble," said the older man. "I mean it, Sasuke. You know better."

Kimimaro left, and Sasuke watched him head for the outside exit, likely because he wanted to go have a smoke in the back alley. The phone vibrated in his hand again.

You don't really have to call me tou-san

Sasuke slid his thumb up and down his glass, smearing the condensation. He picked it up and took a drink. It was the strongest of the ones he'd had so far.

You're not marrying my mother. I think my father would take issue with that.

As long as that's your only concern. What happened to Deidara and Kimimaro? Did they abandon me like your brother did? What's he up to anyway?

Oh.

That first comment wasn't so great, but he hadn't expected Naruto to ask about him. What should he say? Admit that he was here? How would Naruto react if he did?

Deidara's in the bathroom. Kimimaro's outside having a smoke. Sasuke is… here actually.

There wasn't an immediate response, so Sasuke thought he might've been found out, or Naruto was mad just hearing he was around. At least until the next text came.

Good. I'm glad you guys invited him out. Someone has to keep an eye on him.

How would Itachi respond exactly? Probably by making fun of him. If it makes you feel better, he's moping in a booth by himself. We're sedating him with free drinks. No need to worry.

Heh. You're such a good brother, Itachi. What's he moping about? Did Menudo break up again? I know that's his favorite band.

Smartass.

Isn't it obvious what he's moping about? Lamenting you not being here for a week.

Yeah, right. I doubt that. You nearly made me spit out my drink.

Sasuke glared at the phone and that blinking cursor awaiting his next text.

He started to type something and could only get out Naruto.

Sasuke stared at that one word while swallowing more of his strong drink. He hit send, unsure what he wanted to follow it up with, but Naruto was already responding.

If you would've used an exclamation point, I could've imagined dirtier things! Too early in the night for you to already be sayin' my name, Itachi.

Sasuke glanced over at his brother. What the hell did these two talk about when they were texting or calling? Now the idea of them on a date unnerved him even more. Itachi, seeing him, gave a wave. His response was a dark glare that his brother probably couldn't see.

He typed: Sounds like you need to get laid while you're gone.

Maybe. There were a lot of good lookin' peeps at my old school. I'll send a pic.

Sasuke squinted at a picture of girl with dark hair past her shoulders, light eyes, and a large chest. She was speaking to an attractive, long-haired teen who looked almost identical to her. Maybe a twin or older brother?

Yes, he does look to be your type, Sasuke texted.

Hilarious. That's Neji and his cousin Hinata. She's pretty cute, right? But she's super shy. Not really my style, y'know?

Sasuke was beginning to regret this turn in conversation. Sasuke will be happy to hear you've moved on. Good luck.

He was going to put the phone away but when it vibrated so quickly after his reply, Sasuke decided to take a peek.

What's he doing right now? Still moping?

Sasuke frowned. I'd say he's moved from moping to being mildly irritated.

How come? Deidara sitting in his lap again?

Do you really want to know?

Sure, yeah. Something wrong? Is he okay?

He's… as okay as you'd expect without you around… Sasuke quickly deleted that, though, and retyped: Just a bad mood. Nothing new.

Ah, okay. That's too bad. He should enjoy everyone's company. It's nice to, you know, get your mind off stuff sometimes.

I suppose. How was that college visit today?

I already told you it was good! I sent you pictures. How drunk are you? LOL

Ah, right. I forgot. Drunk enough, I guess. You?

I'm okay. I'm having fun just watching everyone. It's good to be back.

So you'd be happy going to college there?

I don't know. Maybe. Mind is elsewhere. Don't even know what I want anymore. Ever have that feeling? Ah, who am I kidding? If anything, you're someone I look up to for being so driven and focused.

Fucking stop flirting with my brother, idiot.

Sasuke scowled at the phone. You're not hitting on me right now, are you?

Lol

That wasn't an answer. I am pretty hot. Everyone thinks so. You'd be lucky to have a go with me.

Hell yeah I would. And "have a go". What are you, British?

Shut up, Naruto.

Ah, don't do that! You sound like Sasuke.

He hesitated for a second, feeling slightly guilty for tricking him. We are brothers. I imagine we sound the same at times.

No comment D:

Sasuke's cheeks flushed slightly.

Naruto texted again: That reminds me, I had this crazy dream the other night. I don't wanna gross you out with details, but remind me to tell you about how fucking real it felt when I get back. Maybe I have a tumor?

Not about me, I take it? He asked, trying not to hold out hope he meant about him. It's not a tumor, btw.

:X I'll tell you about it when it won't bring up some seriously dirty images for me

Why did he really want Naruto to specifically admit it was about him? I'm sure it would improve Sasuke's mood if he knew you were having dirty dreams about him.

Tch. I doubt it. Besides, I don't wanna be your brother's fuck buddy anymore. Sorry if TMI. Not that I did that! All the way, I mean. Um…

Fuck buddy? Sasuke finished off his drink. Were they really back to that again? I don't think my brother considers you a "fuck buddy", Naruto. I'm sure he misses you in his own way. You know how he is.

Not sure I do tbh, but anyway, the point is to put him out of my head, so I think I'm gonna go have a few drinks and ask a pretty girl to dance with me. Tell everyone I said hi.

Sasuke didn't reply; he didn't receive any more texts after that either. He re-read their conversation. It had been like old times for a brief moment, but then it all circled back again. So, Naruto really thought he used him and didn't care? Was there nothing he'd done in the last 10 months to indicate he didn't feel something deeper for him? Putting romantic love aside, which he did feel, they were friends. Whether Naruto chose to believe it or not, Sasuke thought of him that way. He was the closest friend he'd ever had, and, yes, sometimes even he didn't understand why he'd treat a person he loved this way. But, Naruto wasn't supposed to just let their friendship go without a fight.

It got him thinking about their phone conversation after Saturday's show. When Naruto asked about his song choices. At the time, he hadn't put much thought into why he'd picked the one he'd sang that night.

Would you fight for my love?

On some subconscious level, did he want Naruto to chase him? To change his mind? Even if it meant doing so forcefully? Besides it making for a rather appealing sexual scenario, it was an intriguing possibility on its own. Maybe about as intriguing as Naruto having realistic and detailed sex dreams about him. Speaking of, he kept thinking about that one pretty girl from the party. Shy or not, that didn't matter to a guy if it was about sex. Even if Naruto did get up to something while he was away, Sasuke tried to convince himself it was perfectly fair. At least he knew it would only be because Naruto was trying to forget about him.

As if he could. It was as likely as Sasuke being able to not think about him.

Tipsy, he started to fantasize a situation in which Naruto would imagine his mouth, his hands, and his body while with some girl. Could Sasuke find satisfaction in that even if it meant Naruto was getting physical with someone else? It's not like it was the first time Naruto had been with someone else while they'd known one another. But, it would be the first time since Naruto's confession.

Well, nothing he could do about it from here.

Tired of being by himself, Sasuke got up from the booth, slipped the phone into his pocket, and decided to join the rest of the rowdy group gathered around the bar.

It was getting later, but the party at his old classmate's house turned out to be a blast. He'd forgotten how much he missed some of these people. It kind of felt like they were able to let loose a lot more than in his friends in Seattle.

"Yo, boy," Kiba said, having collapsed beside him on the couch. "Are you gonna go up and talk to her, or what? She's been staring at you all night."

Naruto glanced around. "Wait, who?"

"Hinata, duh. If you aren't interested - wait, do you think it was me she was checkin' out?"

Naruto glanced over to where his friend was looking. Hinata hadn't left her cousin's side all tonight. Last he remembered, she was always too shy to carry on a conversation with him. They went to the same junior high, too. He used to think she was a little bit weird. After a few drinks, she definitely came off as attractive. Though quiet, at least she was always nice.

"That's up to you, man," he said. "I think she's more your type than mine."

"In what way?" Kiba asked. "Are you datin' some chick in Seattle?"

"No, I can't say I am. I mean, I have, but I'm not dating anyone right now."

"Right, right." Kiba chuckled. "You should be playin' the field, huh? Date as many girls as you can before college."

Naruto turned to him. "Why before college? Isn't that the worst time to date for a guy?"

"I dunno." Kiba shrugged, sipping out of his solo cup. "I think it might be nice to find a cute girl who laughs at my jokes and maybe settle down."

"Settle down that young? Are you crazy?" Naruto thwacked him in the stomach. "If I go to NIU, I won't allow it. Unless the most amazing girl in the world suddenly appears, and if that happens, I call dibs."

"You can't call dibs on my future wife," Kiba argued.

Naruto laughed. "Now she's your future wife? Are you an old man, Kiba? What's happened to you since I left?"

"Huh? We weren't even that tight when you were here. You were always hangin' out with Gaara and those other crazy delinquents. So, are you gonna go up to her, or what?"

"I really don't think she's what I'm lookin' for right now. I'm only here for a few days. Not to mention, if I tried anything, Neji might attempt to mind meld me or somethin'."

"Ha, yeah. He does talk like a Vulcan sometimes. He graduates this year."

"Ah, so does one of my good friends in Seattle. It's gonna suck without him."

"Is that the Sasuke you always talk about? I thought he was our age?"

"Nah. It's a different friend." He decided it wasn't worth going into how he and Sasuke weren't exactly friends right now. "Fine." Naruto slapped Kiba's thigh hard enough that the teen let out a yelp. "I'll go talk to her if only to catch up and save her from Neji. I'm sure he's saying something boring. Like 'Hi, I'm Neji. I enjoy talkin' about only things I like to talk about and don't want anyone hittin' on my cousin 'cause I secretly have a thing for her.'"

Kiba cackled loudly. "Go for it. Be cool, though. She is really sweet."

"What kind of animal do you think I am?" Naruto asked, getting up, but not without wobbling. Kiba had to lend an arm to keep him upright.

"Don't be gone too long. I might get lonely."

"Yeah, well, why don't you get a head-start on lookin' for your future wife?"

Ignoring Kiba's slap to his ass, Naruto dropped his empty cup off at a nearby table and tried to walk over to the pair that had been standing near the fireplace for over an hour. He walked right up to both of them, interrupting a one-sided conversation.

"Hey," he said, waving at both of them, but mostly setting his eyes on Hinata. "Long time no see."

"N-Naruto," Hinata greeted shyly. "It's good to see you."

Neji, however, was glaring at him. "Naruto. Glad you could fit the party into your schedule. It's been so quiet in town without you. No suspicious fires as of late, no vehicular theft either."

"Hey, that was just that one time, and Gaara told me the guy was a distant cousin or somethin', so it was definitely more like borrowing than theft," he said.

Hinata giggled, and Neji didn't look very happy about that either.

"Ah, c'mon, Neji." Naruto grinned. "I'm happy to see you. So, you're off to college next fall, eh? Where is it you decided to go?"

"University of Chicago. I've already been accepted. I'll be going into political science."

"That sounds perfect for you," Naruto replied. "And Hinata, where are you thinkin' of going?"

"Oh, well." She wouldn't really meet his eyes. "I'm looking at a design school in California, but my father would prefer I stay around here, and I could be close to Neji, too."

"Yeah, but you should go where you wanna go, right?" He smiled at her.

"That's easier said than done," Neji remarked. "She wouldn't know anyone out there, and Hinata's not used to being on her own."

"That's kinda up to her to decide, don't you think?" Naruto asked. "That's too bad, though. You'll be goin' to the West coast, and I'll likely be comin' back here."

"Why would you do that?" Neji asked curiously. "There are some excellent schools in Seattle. Why would you come back here?"

Naruto scratched at the back of his head. "I always thought I'd come back and go where my friends were. I'm sure it's not news to you my grades aren't gonna get me into somewhere spectacular, so I at least wanna be around the people I grew up with."

"If that's what you want," Neji said, lifting his chin. "I think it'd make more sense to take advantage of the opportunities you're given instead of hanging on to what you had here."

"Neji!" Hinata cried, looking scandalized.

"Uh, no." Naruto waved at her. "It's okay. He has a point. I'm applying to the University of Washington and Seattle U, but there are other reasons why I think comin' back this way would be for the best. I have a few options. I've met with some baseball scouts from different schools, too, but I haven't decided if I wanna play in college is all."

"Why wouldn't you?" Hinata asked. "Aren't you a starting pitcher on the varsity team?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow that she knew that much, and, of course, Neji also had to offer his two cents.

"Hinata, how would you know that?" Her cousin asked.

"W-well, um…" She stuttered and blushed, turning so red Naruto felt sorry for her.

"We're friends on social media," he said to Neji. "I'm sure she's seen some of the pics I've posted of me bein' awesome on the field. Right, Hinata?"

"U-uh, yes. That's it. It's nice to keep in touch now that you've moved away," Hinata mumbled.

"Say," Naruto said, feeling like he should save her from Neji for a while. "Would you like to see what's happenin' in the backyard with the bonfire?"

"Oh, um…" Hinata glanced at Neji as if she needed his permission or something.

But, instead of giving him a chance to discourage her, Naruto grabbed her by the arm and rushed them toward the back door that led to the deck.

"You know. You don't have to ask his permission for anything," Naruto said as he opened the door for her. "Sorry. Thought you looked like you might want some fresh air."

Hinata waited on the deck for him to close the door. It wasn't too cold out, so they'd be able to get by in their heavy sweaters for now, especially if they went to hang out by the fire.

"Thank you," Hinata said. "He doesn't mean to be rude. I think he likes you, but he's very p-protective of me is all. Don't worry."

"Of course I'm gonna worry if some guy isn't lettin' a girl do the things she wants 'cause he doesn't think she's capable." Naruto was frowning as they walked down the steps to the yard.

"That's a very mature way of looking at things," she replied. "Are you, um. Enjoying Seattle very much?"

Naruto had let go of her arm so that they were walking side by side. There was a small group gathered around the bonfire. There were a couple of free chairs, so they sat down.

"Seattle's good. I really like livin' in a city more than I thought I would. Always lots to do. Interesting people. My school's… well, it's private, so it's kinda difficult for me, heh. But a couple of friends have tutored me, and my teammates are really cool. I have a couple of good friends - " Naruto stared at the fire. "I'm… happy to be back here for a week, though. I've missed you guys."

"Even me?" Hinata asked. "But I hardly even talked to you."

"Mah well." Naruto rubbed at his nose. "You've always been nice to me. Even if you're a little quiet." He smiled. "Goin' to California might be good for you, too. Where's Shino, by the way?"

"Florida, I believe." Hinata tucked her hair behind her ear. "He has some family down there."

"Ah, okay."

"Your dad? How is he?"

"He's good." Naruto smiled at her genuinely. "Thanks for askin'. We're goin' to see mom this weekend, so that's good. Sad but good."

"H-how are you doing? It's been a year now. I'm not sure if it's something y-you want to talk about, but… I remember your mom coming to school, or when she went to your little league games. You were always on Neji's team, so…"

He lowered his head, biting his lip as his hair fell across his eyes. "Heh. I kinda love that you were able to bring it up at all. Not a lotta people will 'cause it makes them feel awkward." Naruto looked her straight in the eye. "Thank you, Hinata." He grinned. "You're really nice, aren't you?"

Hinata blushed, and he felt bad putting her on the spot. But it was… so nice.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," he said.

"Oh, you didn't. I genuinely did want to know how you're doing… I… really liked when you were around, so I'm a little sad you're so far away now."

"I have to admit, I wasn't ever all that homesick until I came here, and now, you know. Seein' everyone… all havin' a good time and makin' plans. Makes me feel kinda left out."

"Is that why you want to come back here for college? But, surely you have new friends there you could go to school with, too?"

"Ah. Yeah, you'd think so." Naruto picked up a twig by his shoe and tossed it into the fire. He looked around and just now noticed everyone here seemed to be a couple. "Hey, Hinata. You're not dating anyone, are you?"

When Hinata made a strange choking noise, Naruto glanced over to make sure she was okay and not choking or something. Should he slap her on the back? He was afraid if he so much as touched her, Neji would come running out from the house with a pitchfork and crazy eyes. In fact, he wouldn't be surprised if they were being spied on from a window somewhere.

"You okay?" He asked.

"W-what made you ask that so suddenly?" Hinata stared at him with those big, icy-blue eyes of hers that must be genetic since Neji had them, too.

"Oh, sorry. I guess I noticed everyone else is paired off out here."

"W-why? Are you dating someone, Naruto?"

"Me?" He sighed. "I've dated a couple of girls since I moved, but not for long. Recently, I - " Naruto bit his tongue, shaking his head. "Nevermind."

"It's okay. You can talk to me… if you want."

She gave him such a sympathetic look that it almost made Naruto want to open up to her even though if he was suddenly like "Well, there's this boy" she'd probably have a heart attack. He was supposed to be forgetting about Sasuke, not bringing him up all the time in random conversations.

"Nah, don't worry about it. It's not a girl… I'm… havin' a fight with a close friend is all. It's still bothering me, I guess."

"A good friend?" She asked. "What are the two of you fighting about?"

"I guess you could say… a difference in ideals?" He snorted. "He's kinda stubborn. We had a fight about a month ago and haven't talked much since. When we do talk, we just end up fighting. How do girls make up with each other when they fight?"

"I don't r-really have a lot of girlfriends," she said. "Except maybe TenTen, but she's more Neji's friend than mine. I'm not sure I can be of much help."

"It surprises me a nice girl like you doesn't have more girlfriends." That sort of ticked him off. "Maybe they're jealous?"

"I think it's b-because I don't talk very much in class. I'm not a very interesting person either, so I don't always have a lot to talk about. It's my fault, really."

"Nah. That's kinda why I think goin' far away would be good for you. Maybe bein' around someone like Neji makes you not feel as confident as you would if you were out on your own, where no one really knew you from before… if that makes sense."

"Y-yes. It'd be like a fresh start. Did you feel that way when you moved?"

"Hm." Naruto rubbed his hands together, wondering if he should make them go back inside soon. "You're not too cold, are you?"

"I'm f-fine."

"Fresh start? I… to tell you the truth. I was feelin' angry that we had to move. I didn't wanna go, but then when I got there, that friend… well, I had two friends I made in the first week that I grew pretty close to. I started doin' okay in school." He scratched at his chin. "I guess in a way it was a fresh start. New scenery. Not everything reminded me of my mom. Here, everything does, so maybe stayin' here would've made me sad?"

"It makes me sad," said Hinata, "To hear that you and an important friend… you aren't speaking to him right now. You seem like you could convince someone of anything. Even a really stubborn person. You're really good with people, Naruto. I w-wish I could be more like you."

"What?" He laughed. "I've never heard anyone say anything like that. You're crazy."

"I-I'm not crazy," Hinata argued, and Naruto saw one of her fists clench at her side. "I really think you're an amazing person. Y-you should have more confidence in yourself!"

"Alright." Naruto smiled. "I will because you say so. It's nice to have a fan."

"I'm sure if you try talking to him again, when you get back home, he might be willing to listen. If he really is a friend, I mean. I hope I don't sound too presumptuous - "

"Nah." Naruto nudged her shoulder with his hand. "You've said a lot of good things. How about you? Is everything okay in the world of Hinata? Anyone givin' you a hard time that I can beat up for ya?"

"No." She smiled and, taking hold of her long hair, moved it to fall over her other shoulder. "I'm doing fine. Thank you for asking."

"Oh, see. You're not talkin' about yourself! You can do that. I'm sure there are interesting things going on. Like, what do you wanna study in California?"

"I… like design. I mean… designing clothes and making them. I enjoy drawing a lot."

"Wow, that's pretty cool. Not everybody can do that, Hinata. That's great!" Naruto's phone buzzed in his pocket, but he decided to ignore it.

"L-like you said to Neji. I also think it'd be nice to start over. Where no one knows me, and I can make my own decisions."

"You should. Definitely. I believe in you, for sure." Again, Naruto's phone buzzed. "Sorry, someone keeps textin' me. I need to make sure it's not my dad."

"No, it's n-no problem." She took hold of her arms and rubbed them, so Naruto knew he'd take her back inside soon.

He checked his phone first, expecting it to be Deidara or Kimimaro or Itachi again. They were probably getting drunk as hell right now. He knew it wouldn't be Sasuke at least.

Nope. It was from Kiba.

Dude, you'll never guess who just showed up. You gotta get back in here.

Naruto didn't know who that could be, but he got to his feet while putting his phone back into his pocket. He held out a hand for Hinata to take.

"It's gettin' cold. We should go back in. Kiba says there's someone who just got to the party that I'll wanna see. Any idea who it might be?"

Hinata took his hand, but only until they were both standing. Once more, they walked side by side up to the deck.

"I have no idea," she answered. "A-almost everyone from our class is here, aren't they?"

"Almost," he said, holding open the door for her. "I can only think of one or two who're missing."

"Oh, who's that?" Hinata asked.

But, as they entered the living room, Naruto knew exactly who it was. He left Hinata's side, running and leaping onto the ginger-haired teen sitting on the end of the couch. Naruto tackled him, and the both of them fell onto the carpet, plastic cups crunching underneath Naruto's back when he ended up pinned underneath the other boy.

"You asshole!" He cried, hugging him so hard he might've heard bones cracking. "What the hell are you doin' here, and why didn't you tell me you were in town, you motherfucker!"

"Naruto," greeted Gaara. "I should say the same. I only heard you were around today."

Naruto rolled them over so that he was straddling the other boy's thighs. He gave him a playful punch in the chest. "Maybe if you'd use technology like a normal person, we could keep better tabs on each other. You jackass! I'm so - so happy to see you!"

Gaara smirked. "Did you miss me?"

"Not as much as I missed your sister." Naruto smirked right back. "Where is Temari anyway?"

"I can't tell you. You know that restraining order says you need to keep at least 300 feet away."

"Ha! Why are you even in town? How long are you here for?" Naruto asked excitedly.

"A while. Some things happened, so we're temporarily in Joliet. What about you?"

"Only a week," Naruto said. "We're gonna hang out, though, right? You're not gonna disappear on me again, are you?"

"I didn't disappear," Gaara said. "I moved, and so did you. How is Seattle?"

"Wet," he answered and scrunched his nose. "Just like your - "

Gaara narrowed his eyes. "Don't even say it."

"Heh." Naruto got off of him and to his feet, holding out his hand.

Gaara took it and stood at his side. Naruto couldn't stop grinning. He caught Kiba's look, though. The brown-haired boy was watching him from the other side of the room, where he was hanging out with Hinata, whom Naruto had completely blown off! Crap! He'd have to remember to apologize later.

"Hey." Gaara hit him on the arm. "Are we drinking, or what?"

"Yeah, yeah. We're drinking." Naruto nodded and pointed toward the kitchen. "Seein' you means this night's gonna get a hell of a lot more interesting now."

"Just try not to get me into any trouble," Gaara replied, leading the way.

"Me?" Naruto scoffed. "It's always you comin' up with the crazy ideas."

"That's not at all how I remember it, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto gave him a shove from behind. "Man, I fuckin' missed your ass."

Gaara snorted. "Be careful. You might give people the wrong idea about us."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Shut up. I'd make the best boyfriend you've ever had."

"I've never had one, so you might be right about that."

Naruto picked up a half-empty bottle of vodka and a couple of cups. He handed one to Gaara. "Give it time, babe. You're about to fall in love with me all over again."

TBC

...GAARA.

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