Summary: Sasuke works at a sex shop in a busy uptown district (unbeknownst to his friends) and has just been given a new work schedule and partner. Though he has a girlfriend, he’s looking for a new one. . . Sadly, all that work looking for a girl is ruined when he’s forced to find a quick replacement in order to stop his own marriage by dating someone who NO ONE would approve of: Uzumaki Naruto.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any affiliated characters. If I ever claim that, I've gone insane and should be shot on sight. ^^;;;;;
Categories: Shonen-ai/Yaoi Romance > Top Pairings > Sasuke and Naruto Characters: Chouji Akimichi, Clan Hyuuga, Clan Uchiha, Gaara, Hidden Leaf Ninja, Hinata Hyuuga, Ino Yamanaka, Iruka Umino, Itachi Uchiha, Jiraiya, Kakashi Hatake, Kiba Inuzuka, Naruto Uzumaki, Neji Hyuuga, Pair SasuNaru, Sai, Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha, Shikamaru Nara, Shino Aburame, Tenten
Genres: Drama, General, Humor, Romance
Warnings: Sexual Themes, Yaoi
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 14 Completed: No
Word count: 32136 Read: 40190
Published: 23/12/07 Updated: 10/05/11
1. Chapter 1: A Change in Schedules by Yumi
2. Chapter 2: The Family Heir by Yumi
3. Chapter 3: Friday Morning by Yumi
4. Chapter 4: An Eventful Dinner by Yumi
5. Chapter 5: Wound Up by Yumi
6. Chapter 6: Past Connections by Yumi
7. Chapter 7: Hyuuga Dinner by Yumi
8. Chapter 8: Cocktails for Two by Yumi
9. Chapter 9: Hopeful by Yumi
10. Chapter 10: Choices by Yumi
11. Chapter 11: Uchihas by Yumi
12. Chapter 12: Home by Yumi
13. Chapter 13: An Altering Decision by Yumi
14. Chapter 14: Talk, Just Talk by Yumi
Chapter 1: A Change in Schedules by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer in the summary. Don't sue me.
A/N: HEY! It's my first real SasuNaru!! Yes, you all love the couple, so become enthralled with my story and REVIEW!!!!!! XD
Seriously, I'm whoring myself to a pairing I only semi-appreciate to get reviews. I'm dying here!! Help me live by sending me ratings and reviews!! I promise this is gonna be good!!!!!!
- Yumi
One: A Change in Schedules
“Phone sex.”
“WHAT?!?”
“You know! You call me and I indulge your fantasies over the phone.”
“Er. . . I know.”
“Then what’s the big deal?”
“Phone sex?”
“Yes. . .?”
“That’s. . . a bit. . . perverted, don’t you think?”
“Oh, com’on! You’ve done WAAAAAAAAAY more perverted things in the bathroom.” Ino said, drying off her hair and smirking at Sasuke’s awkwardness. “Especially with all those improptu–”
“DONE!!” Sasuke shouted, ending the conversation. “Hand me the towel, would you?”
“I’m not done with my hair!”
“Yeah, but you stole my towel, so I have more of a right to use it than you do.” Sasuke said, dripping wet except for his arms which he had dried off before Ino snatched the thing.
“Oh, fine!!” she said, tossing the semidry towel in his direction. Sasuke thankfully caught and dried himself off quickly, the frozen feeling disappearing with the water. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“No, I have work, and Sakura. . .”
“Why are you still with her? You’re fucking me, flirting with Tenten WHO, by the way, is with Neji!!”
“I know.”
“Then if you’re unhappy with Sakura, why don’t you break up?”
“No one better has come along.”
“I’m insulted!!”
“You’re a great fuck, Ino, but I’ve never been attracted to you other than physically.”
“Oh, well. . . I guess that’s okay?” she said, kind of questioning it. “Whatever. Will you hook up with Tenten?”
“She’s another one whom I’m not terribly attracted to except in one way.”
“How many different ways could you POSSIBLY be attracted to that forehead woman?”
“She’s a medical student, so I’d have a doctor around all the time, she doesn’t have a great body, but it’s flattering sometimes, I like her eyes. . . meh, and she’s been after me for a long time.”
“So “persistent” is the only good quality she has?”
“I guess.”
“Break up!” Ino sang.
“Not until I have a replacement.”
“What, are you too scared of being single?”
“No,”
“Then JUST BREAK UP!!”
“I think Sakura doesn’t appreciate how easily she can be replaced. I want to make sure she knows how replaceable she really is.”
“Oh, revenge?”
“Sort of. She needs to be taken off her high horse.”
“Okay, but I’m not getting blamed if she finds out all this crap happened afterward.”
Sasuke worked at a sex shop merely because no one would ever know he worked there. He worked late-night shifts in the middle of a downtown district. There was tons of night life, and tons of customers. However, none of his friends were interested in sex (except Ino). He was sure that Neji, Shikamaru, Chouji, and Kiba all had their share of porn, and he knew that Shino did (an unfortunate collision with Shino on his way out the door resulted in the showing of several lesbian magazines), but Sasuke figured it was just idle fantasy. However, if any of the guys ever did come into the shop for something, Sasuke wouldn’t hide. He’d just make it so that everything was normal except what they were buying. He did that with Ino when she found out. She had come into the shop and was buying costumes, lube, and a two-way dildo. When she found out that Sasuke worked there, she had to spill her guts, and Sasuke used that information against her. Ino wouldn’t tell anyone where he worked, and he wouldn’t tell anyone that she was fucking her professor for a good grade. . . along with her friend. . . which explained the dildo. From then on, they’ve had a comfortable relationship, if a bit black mailed.
“OI! Teme!” Naruto said, sweeping the front of the shop his guardian owned. “You’re late!”
“I had girlfriend issues.”
“You always have girlfriend issues!” the blonde said, sighing. “Ero-sennin wants to see you.”
“About what?”
“Work schedule change. Instead of that other girl, you’re working with me from now on.”
“WHAT?!?”
“Yeah, I knew you wouldn’t be too happy.”
“Why do I have to work with an incompetent boob like you?!?”
“Did you just call me a boob???”
“It’s a saying. Anyway, why am I working with you?!?”
“That girl, Terri. . . we found out that she was sixteen.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, we’re trying to keep it under wraps for now. It just looks like we fired her on the paperwork.”
“So, why is the work schedule changing?”
“I can’t work the hours you and she did.”
“You’re here now.”
“I had to make an exception today and skip class. We just fired her this afternoon.”
“I see.”
“Just go talk to the old man. He’ll tell you everything.” Naruto said, bringing the broom inside the shop and opening the register.
It turned out that, yes, Naruto was telling the truth. Terri had been WAAAY underage, and had somehow gotten a fake social security number and ID, and was a pretty damn good liar. Apparently she was an art student, specializing in erotic art, and she wanted to work in a place where she could picture all of her art. It was a shame she was just too young.
“How did she get away with her parents letting her out late at night?” Sasuke asked, knowing that no decent mother and father would let their kid out after about 10:30 on a school night.
“She’s one of those ‘raised herself’ kids. Her parents are in Taiwan or something like that and sent her to America for her schooling. She lives with her older sister who could hardly give a shit.” Jiraiya said. “She drives herself on top of it all.”(1) Sasuke sighed.
“Fine, so when do I come in now?”
“As of tomorrow, you’re working all days except for Wednesdays at your usual hours.”
“Fridays?!?”
“Yes, because we’re getting busier and busier on Fridays and Saturdays, and Terri was working those hours on Fridays. You’re already here on Saturday and working good hours. We’ll need you on Fridays until we get some more help.”
“When we get help, then can I get Fridays off?”
“You’ll take a cut in your pay.”
“I’ll work Wednesdays.”
“We’ve decided that Wednesdays will be our day off. It’s hardly worth running in the middle of the week.”
“Shit.” Sasuke mumbled
“I can give you longer hours if you want once we get in the newbies.”
“No, I can’t work any earlier.” he said, knowing that Sakura would throw a fit if he ended their dates before he started work.
“Fine by me. You start work at 11 and go until closing at 5.” Jiraiya said. “Oh, also, I’ve informed everyone that you get a bonus if you can sell the collection set of all twenty Icha Icha Paradise books.” Sasuke’s eyebrow twitched.
“You mean those word-porn books you publish?”
“The very same.”
“Consider at least one sold.”
“Why?”
“I have an old professor who worships you.” Jiraiya smiled.
“Well! Tell him that I’d be more than happy to sign any of the books he’d like!” Sasuke just rolled his eyes and left the room to go to work.
“So, what hours?” Naruto asked when Sasuke opened the register.
“Same, except I’ll be working Fridays.”
“That sucks.”
“Aren’t you working Fridays as well?”
“Yeah, but only until midnight.” Sasuke shrugged and pulled up a chair. This was the last Wednesday he was going to work, and he might as well enjoy the lack of customers. “Oi, aren’t you going to do anything?”
“There’s no one here, baka.”
“So? You can always go in the back.”
“It’s not my job. Why would I?”
“Well, you take care of your boredom.”
“I’m not bored.” Sasuke said, pulling out Time Magazine from underneath the counter. “I’m reading.”
“You can read that stuff?” Naruto asked.
“It’s better than Icha Icha.” Sasuke answered. Naruto scoffed.
“Yeah, the old man can’t write for shit.” the blonde admitted. Sasuke ignored him and went back to reading something about Pluto not being a planet anymore. It was kind of an old magazine, but this was the only place where he could get his reading done properly. “Oi,”
“What? I’m trying to read.” Sasuke said, glaring.
“Your phone’s vibrating, sheesh.” Naruto said, handing the brunette a thin, black phone with the picture of a pink haired girl showing on the front. “Is this your girlfriend?” Sasuke snatched the phone and picked it up.
“Hello, Sakura.” Sasuke said, half cheerfully.
“Hi!” she said, particularly perky that day. “I was wondering what you were doing Friday?”
“Work.”
“But you don’t have work on Fridays!”
“Bad news. Some girl got fired and all the work schedules changed.”
“When does your shift start?”
“Eleven.”
“Oh! We can go out for dinner, right?” Sasuke sighed.
“I. . . suppose we could.” he said, wishing he hadn’t spoken the truth. “What time?”
“Pick me up at 6:30! I’ve already made reservations for 7:00!”
“Where?”
“You’ll see!!” she said. “Ja!” and she hung up. Sasuke just hung up his phone and shoved it in his pocket.
“Naruto,” Sasuke said.
“Yeah?”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“A while ago.”
“Was she a pain?”
“Not really.”
“Consider yourself a lucky man.” the brunette said, opening up his magazine again.
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
(1): I know a couple of people whose parents are not in America. Rather they live with their old siblings or grandparents so that they can get their education in America while their parents are making money back in the homeland. Granted, all the ones I know aren’t wild, but they do have a lot more freedom than your average teenager because their parents aren’t keeping careful watch on them. . .
A/N: Okay, I’ve truly succumbed into writing SasuNaru, but I think it’s about time I wrote at least one! (Besides the fact that I'm dying for reviews -____-;;) I’ve been on TONFA for over a year and I haven’t written one! xp Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this one. I’m kinda not sure how this is all going to work out, but it can’t be too bad, right? ^^;;;
Chapter 2: The Family Heir by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer int he summary. Don't sue me.
A/N: Back for more, huh? Well LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!!! I'm sad that only two people reviewed for the first chapter (out of almost 100 hits. grrr!).
I'm selling my soul to TONFA and its readers by writing a SasuNaru. You should reward this pitiful girl by leaving a review!!!!!! TT__TT
Other than that, enjoy the chapter!!! ^____^
- Yumi
Two: The Family Heir
Sasuke glared when he drove up to his home after school. There was a sleek, black lamborgini parked in front of his house, which he knew belonged to the one person he hated above all others: Itachi. Sasuke looked up to the window on the second floor. Itachi had a key to Sasuke’s house, and usually went upstairs into the guest room to sleep before asking if he could stay for a while. As expected, the window was open. This was not going to be pleasant.
“Itachi,” Sasuke greeted, surprisingly seeing his older brother sitting in the living room and reading some papers.
“Otooto,” Itachi acknowledged. “You are well?”
“Fine. You?”
“Same as always.” the older Uchiha said. This wasn’t really an inquiry of their well being, to be honest. It was just a routine to follow out of forced politeness; they really could care less about the other one. “Sasuke, we need to talk.”
“What about?”
“Sit.” Itachi said, pointing his hand toward the seat across from himself. Sasuke went down into the parlor and sat, noticing that there was a small manila envelope with his name on it there. “I’ve just been able to get hold of our parents’ will.”
“A will?”
“Yes. They left both of us a copy and a letter inside.” Itachi said. “As you will soon see.”
Sasuke opened the package carefully and took out the papers it contained. The first page was simply an explanation of what he was about to read, as if he was too young to know. The following pages were documents describing how both Itachi and Sasuke would receive their inheritance and what each would get. It seemed Sasuke was going to get the summer house, half of the remaining fortune, and whatever stocks were in the market at the present time. Itachi would get the winter house, the other half of the fortune, the car which belonged to their father, and the bonds their mother had bought. However, there were two things that were not defined definitely in the will.
The main house and the family business.
Itachi had taken it upon himself to run the family business while Sasuke went to college and earned his degree. However, it seemed that he was not to inherit the business or the main house, for the will indicated that Sasuke was to become the Uchiha family heir.
“Do you see our problem?” Itachi asked, staring at Sasuke for some type of reaction.
“It says I am to be the heir–”
“Saa na,”
“. . . If I marry.” Sasuke finished. Itachi raised an eyebrow. That certainly wasn’t in his version of the will.
“May I?” he asked. Sasuke handed the letter over to his brother, trying his best to avoid physical contact. “So, you have to marry by the time you’re twenty-one.”
“That’s in three months.” Sasuke said. “How is that going to be pulled off?” Itachi looked Sasuke dead in the eyes.
“You have a girlfriend, no?”
“You’re not suggesting that I marry her, are you?”
“It’s a possibility.”
“I refuse.” Itachi slightly shrugged.
“It makes no difference to me. I will run the business until you graduate regardless of what the will states. I will have made my fortune, plus the half of our parents’ money, and I’ll be set for the rest of my life.” Sasuke knew that was a lie. Itachi wanted the business badly. Unlike Sasuke, Itachi was a business genius and had a pattern of logic that was beyond imagination. He could get anything he wanted with the stable Uchiha business and take highly calculated risks that would make the company grow until it could be incorporated.(1) Thus, the business would out last him and he would ensure that his children were set.
“You know I have no interest in the business. However, the main house is an entirely different issue.” Sasuke said, playing it in his favor. “It has substantial value, monetary and sentimental.”
“Do you want it?” Itachi asked. “I have little need for something with sentimental value.” Sasuke inwardly smirked. It was so like Itachi to discard emotion and feelings for a goal.
“I assume that you will need it every once in a while, no?” Sasuke said. “The Uchiha company is known for its holiday parties, which are always located at the Uchiha mansion.”
“I suppose I would need it for those occasions.” Itachi said. “Would you allow it?”
“If you allow me a small percentage of stocks.” Sasuke said. “You can have the company, but for this I want some part in it. I will take the house knowing that you are to use it for company purposes.”
“There are no stocks, Sasuke.” Itachi said.
“Not yet.” Sasuke said. “I know you’ll incorporate soon. I just need to let go of your reins.” Itachi smirked.
“I’ll invest for you 25% of the total stocks. They’ll be cheap compared to what they will be in a few years.”
“Fine by me.”
“However,” Itachi said. “We still haven’t gotten around your marital issue.”
“Simple: I don’t marry.”
“Do you think Kakashi would allow that?” Itachi asked. “He knows that Mother and Father wanted you to take over. He’ll force you to marry your girlfriend to hold to the will.” Sasuke cursed inwardly. Kakashi was a family friend who had taken the boys in when their parents had died. Itachi didn’t like Kakashi, and Kakashi didn’t like Itachi. Thus, when the older Uchiha turned eighteen he was gone. Sasuke had a few more years with the silver haired man before he too moved out and bought a house of his own. However, Kakashi still had a lot of influence over the boys and most of the company would side with Kakashi if ever an argument came up. They all knew the situation and would not butt against it.
“I’m seeing Sakura Friday evening. I’ll dump her then.”
“Don’t be so eager.” Itachi said. “Kakashi will be there too.”
“How do you know?”
“Sakura was told.” he stated.
“Fuck.” Sasuke said. “So that’s why she called.” Itachi nodded.
“You seem to not like her much.” the older boy said. “Do you have a replacement?”
“Not one that I’d live with for a week, let alone my lifetime.” Itachi then smirked.
“Who is your best friend?” Sasuke glared.
“Where is this going?”
“I’m assuming that it is a male.”
“I don’t like where this is going.”
“You and your best friend could put on a little act for a few months, no?”
“Kakashi’s gay. What would stop him from making me marry Neji?”
“Because the whole reason for making you marry is to ensure that there are little Uchiha brats running around.”
“Then who would get the house and business?”
“Kakashi can’t deny you your inheritance if your tastes run. . . similarly to his.”
“Neji won’t go with it.” Sasuke said. “He has a girlfriend right now, and even if he didn’t he wouldn’t risk his own family status for this.”
“Can you think of anyone else?” Itachi asked. “Perhaps someone who Kakashi wouldn’t force you to marry?”
Sasuke ran through everyone he could think of. Shikamaru was too indifferent, and was slightly homophobic. Kiba was bisexual and would do it, but there would be quite a bit of sexual contact which Sasuke didn’t want. Chouji was out of state for college, Shino would refuse outright, and Lee was. . . well, Lee. He would willingly help, but there was so much honesty in the boy that the plan would fail. The only person left he could think of was Hinata, but there was a problem in that as well. Hinata was the heir to the Hyuuga family, and there had been some bad blood between the Hyuugas and the Uchihas. The Hyuugas would never allow Hinata to marry an Uchiha as long as there were still elders who knew about the incident. It was a miracle that Sasuke and Neji were best friends, really.
That only left one other person. . .
Unfortunately, he fit the description perfectly.
“In a way. . . I do.” Sasuke said. “I’m not sure if he’ll help, though.”
“When will you see him?”
“Tonight.”
“Talk to him then. If you can’t convince him, I will.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Sasuke said, more because he didn’t want Itachi to know where he worked than anything else. Naruto was dim whited anyway. Sasuke was confident that he would be enough to convince the blonde to ‘date’ him for a few months. “Will you be staying for a while, then?”
“I will be staying until your twenty-first birthday, yes.” Itachi said. “I would like to see how everything is running here before I go back to New York.”
“I work graveyard shifts, thus I have Lolita make dinner late.”
“Lolita?” Itachi asked, a questioning eyebrow raising.
“She’s the housekeeper and cook.”
“She lives with you?”
“No. She comes when necessary.” the younger Uchiha stated. “Don’t molest her, please.” Itachi smiled.
“It’s not molestation if she agrees to it.” Sasuke sighed and stood.
“My room is off limits, as usual, and I would like you to keep to yourself upstairs.”
“Of course, Otooto.”
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
(1): If you don’t know what I’m talking about when I say ‘becoming incorporated’ you might want to read this. The Uchiha business was a family owned business with no outside partners (a sole proprietorship), and has remained so until this point in our story. Itachi wants to grow the business so that he will be able to incorporate the Uchiha business, which means that the Uchihas will no longer own the entirety of the business. The company will have stocks and anyone will have the opportunity to buy stock in the company. Thus, even if the president of the company (Itachi) dies, the company will still run because he does not own the company. The stockholders do, and they are able to replace a president and nearly any employee they wish. That’s incorporation in a nutshell.
Otooto: younger brother
Saa na: So it seems, or yes I know
A/N: Yay! Done with the second chapter. In case it wasn’t obvious, the first chapter was on Wednesday, and this chapter is on Thursday. Whenever it is that Sasuke goes on his date will be Friday. Good? Yay! ^___^ Well, I guess things are going well. . . now I’ve just got to get it all down on paper ^^;;;
Please rate and review!! ^________^
Chapter 3: Friday Morning by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Me no own Naruto. It says so in the summary!! Xp
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the last chapter! It was fun writing. Now you get to see the result of that. . . X3 Enjoy!! PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!!!!!! XD
- Yumi ^__^
Three: Friday Morning
“Sakura,”
“Hi, Sasuke-kun!”
“I would like to introduce you to a friend. May I bring him tonight?”
“Of course! I’ll call the restaurant and add a person!”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Who are you bringing?”
“My new partner from work.” Sasuke said, liking the wording he put. He would likely be able to make a smarmy remark later on that was sure to break the poor girl’s heart. He didn’t care, really.
“Cool! I’ll see you tonight then!”
“Haa, ja na.” Sakura giggled and hung up the phone. Sasuke sighed, but smiled. He would enjoy tonight’s crashing of worlds. . . But his accomplice would be an entirely different issue. Right now he needed to focus on how to handle the blonde. After all, Naruto wasn’t exactly the most cultured of men.
**-**-**
(Thursday night)
Sasuke walked into the sex shop and immediately walked toward the unoccupied blonde at the counter. This was serious business he was about to pursue and there was only one way to get and secure Naruto’s attention. . .
“Oi, ursurakontachi.” Sasuke began. Naruto growled at the nickname.
“Teme, what?”
“I need some assistance.”
“Like taking that stick out of your ass? No thanks. Get your girlfriend to do it for you.”
“She’s the stick up my ass, baka.” Sasuke said. Naruto raised an eyebrow.
“Really?”
“I’m trying to get rid of her. I need your help.”
“How am I supposed to help you dump her?”
“It’s not so simple as just dumping her.” Sasuke said, looking around to see if anyone was in the store. “I’m getting out of. . . marrying her.”
“Dude,” Naruto said, smirking. “You’re in deep shit. When did you propose?”
“I didn’t!” Sasuke said, trying to compose himself. “It’s a long story, but I’m led to believe that I’m going to be forced to marry her.”
“By who?!”
“Family and a Will.”
“Whose will?!?”
“Both my parents are dead.”
“Oh,” Naruto said. “Sorry, I didn’t know.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Sasuke. “It’s been years. I’m over it.”
“So, your parents’ will says you have to marry your girlfriend?”
“No, it says I have to marry by the age of twenty-one in order to get the family business and house.”
“How old are you now?”
“Twenty. I have three months before I turn twenty-one.”
“Whoa, so you have to marry her!”
“Yeah, but I’ve been trying to dump her for seemingly forever.”
“Then just find some other girl to date!”
“Then I’ll be forced to marry that girl.”
“Oh. . . yeah.” Naruto said, “So, what am I supposed to do?”
“. . .” Sasuke swallowed hard, trying not to let his words get ahead of him. “Naruto, I need you to act for a little while.”
“Act?”
“As my. . . partner.”
“Partner??” Naruto said, not liking how it sounded, but still rather clueless.
“Will. You.” Sasuke ground out. “Be. My. Fake. Boy. Friend?”
Naruto froze.
“Uh. . . What??”
“Oh, fuck it!” Sasuke said, his composure breaking. “Naruto, I need you to act like we’re lovers for three months so that I don’t have to marry that annoying, pink-haired bitch!!”
“That’s what I thought you said.” the blonde said, sighing. “So, why me?” Sasuke blinked.
“W-what?”
“Why me? I’m sure you have other friends who would help you out. Why did you pick me?”
“Wait, you’re not. . . against the idea?” Sasuke asked.
“Not really. I’d hate it if I had to marry someone I didn’t like. Besides, you may be a bastard, but you’re kinda hot.”
“Did you just–”
“Say you’re hot? Yes.” Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
“Are you–”
“Bi? Yes.” Naruto said, smiling. Sasuke’s jaw dropped.
“I cannot believe I just walked into–”
“A relationship with someone who might actually like you? HAH!” Naruto said, laughing. “Com’on, I’m not that stupid. We’d never work out, and I totally know that.” Sasuke sighed in relief.
“Thank gods.” he said, running a hand through his hair. “So, you agree?”
“If you tell me why you chose me.”
“Well,” Sasuke began. “I did have other people who could have helped me, but there were things about the person, the potential relationship, or the family that wouldn’t have been good in this instance. The only other person who I knew who wouldn’t look like I just hopped into a bar and grabbed someone was you.”
“Won’t your family get a little suspicious because you’re dating a guy?”
“Not really. The one who’s enforcing the Will is gay himself.”
“So, what if you don’t marry?” Naruto asked. “You won’t get the business and house, right?”
“No. They can’t deny me my inheritance because I can’t procreate.” Sasuke said. “Maybe if I find someone later on I’ll marry and have kids, but I can’t make that permanent decision right now. That’s why I need to pretend.”
“Sure. So how are we breaking the news?”
“I’m seeing Sakura tomorrow evening. We’re going to dinner, and I believe that she’ll be informed that she’s going to be Mrs. Sasuke Uchiha. I’ll bring you along and break her heart and inform my guardian that I cannot marry you, as are the laws of the state. Besides, even if he did force me to go to Massachusetts and wed there he would never approve of you.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“No offense, but you’re not Uchiha material.”
“Yeah yeah, whatever.” Naruto said, smirking. “I’m sorry I’m not all white-collared like you.”
“Which will be a slight problem, too.” Sasuke said. “This restaurant we’re going to will likely be a very expensive one. Sakura has made that a rather annoying habit. Do you have a suit?”
“The last one I owned fit me when I was about five.” Naruto said. Sasuke sighed.
“What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?”
“I have some classes, but that’s it.”
“Can you skip them?”
“For what??”
“We’re going to buy you a suit. Trust me, even if you’re just pretending to date me, you’re going to have to attend a lot of formal functions. You’ll get your milage out of it.” Naruto sighed and pulled out his orange cellphone.
“I’ll call Gaara and tell him to take notes for me.”
“Gaara? You know him?”
“Yeah, he’s my best friend.”
“I see.” Sasuke said, turning away. Sasuke and Gaara had a bit of a history together, though it was hardly friendly. Gaara’s older brother, Kankuro, and Itachi had once had a fling when they were in high school (mainly to get girls to swoon over them). Girls had tried to pair the younger boys up together as well, and it was a disaster. Gaara was a bit unstable and ended up hurting both Sasuke and the fangirl Gaara originally tried to injure. Since then, he and Gaara tried as much as possible to keep their distance. “How did you meet him?”
“He lived across from the foster-care center when I was a kid.” Naruto said, putting the phone to his ear. “We used to get into all sorts of trouble, especially when we ran away for the afternoons.”
“Saa,” Sasuke said, going behind the counter and pulling out his Time magazine.
**-**-**
“Oi, teme!” Naruto said, trying to catch up to Sasuke as the brunette stalked out of the car and toward the mall. “Wait up!”
“No, you hurry. The store is going to be busy around this time of day.”
“Sasuke, it’s Friday in the middle of the morning. Why would it be busy?”
“It’s not just a suit store. It’s all formal attire. Women in this part of town don’t have to work and spend their time getting expensive clothing. Furthermore, it IS a Friday. There’s likely dinner parties and business functions tonight or tomorrow, and this store isn’t open on the weekends.”
“That’s stupid.”
“It’s always been that way.” Sasuke said, crossing the parking lot to get to the door. “Let me handle the clerks.”
“Whatever.” Naruto said. “How expensive are we talking?”
“It will boggle your mind.”
“Try me.” Naruto said. Sasuke turned around, his hand on the door handle, and pointed toward the suit he was wearing.
“This is my cheapest suit from this store. It’s a $400 suit.” Naruto’s jaw dropped.
“$400?!?”
“Yes, and we’re not getting you my cheapest suit.”
“I hope you’re helping me pay for this!”
“I’ll foot the bill, don’t worry.” the Uchiha said. “A little money is worth the trouble you’re saving me for finding and hiring a lawyer.”
Sasuke and Naruto left the store at noon, having spent three hours there to get the suit tailored, and had spent a grand total of $1017.84 for the jacket, pants, tie, shoes, shirt, belt, and handkerchief to go in the breast pocket. Regardless of the cost, Naruto would look damned good that evening.
“Ano sa,” Naruto said, holding his suit as if it was contaminated. “Are you sure this is okay?”
“Yes.” Sasuke said. “I hope you know that I don’t work because I have to. I work because it’s boring otherwise.”
“Sheesh, did your family work for the yakuza or something?” Sasuke glared slightly.
“No, my family runs a fast-growing business, which my brother is president of currently. My parents left us a huge sum of money as well, so we’re set for life basically.”
“So, it just gets boring at home?”
“More or less. I live by myself.”
“Oh.” Naruto said. “Hey, just as a question, I’m not going to have to move in with you or anything, right? I mean, this is just to dump that other girl and make sure you don’t have to marry, right?”
“You’ll move in with me only as a last resort to convince them that I’m seriously not marrying.” Naruto sighed in relief.
“Good. Ero-sennin would kill me.”
“Why?”
“He thinks I’m gonna contract AIDS if I start living with a boyfriend.”
“Oh.” Sasuke said. “But he knows why you’re doing this, right?”
“Yeah, but he thinks I might loose control over myself and fuck you.” Sasuke glared.
“If you so much as touch me I’ll break your neck.”
“That’s an empty threat.” Naruto said. “Well, at least until you turn twenty-one.”
“Then it won’t be.” Sasuke promised, opening the car door and sitting in the driver’s seat. “You can put that in the back.” Naruto sighed and hung the suit.
“So, what now?”
“Now we’re going back to my place.”
“For what?”
“Training.”
“Huh??”
“Etiquette training.”
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
Haa, ja na: Yeah, see you later.
Oi: Hey
Usurakontachi: dead last, or looser
Teme: Bastard
Ano sa: Hey you. It’s more of a way to get your attention than saying “HEY YOU!!”
a/n: Yay! Another one finished!! I got 8 reviews since the last time I posted!!! AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!!! ^__^ So, obviously the next chapter is going to be about the evening dinner. . . Hope you all can’t wait to see Sakura cry!! XD (I’m so evil! X3)
PLEASE LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW!! ^___^ They make me very happy.
Chapter 4: An Eventful Dinner by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer in the summary.
A/N: Well, I'm back! This week is finals, and I think this might be the last post of this story until at least Friday. I'm going to visit my sister's school on Friday XD (it's an arts high school ^__^), so I might get inspired over there by the various eccentric people there ^__________^.
PLEASE LEAVE ME A RATING AND REVIEW!! I still think it's so sad that my best work has little over 700 hits when finished, and this story (having now 4 chapters) has nearly 700.
That. Is. Just. Sad.
For my sake, READ MY OTHER STORIES!!! TT___TT You make me happy and make me cry at the same time. . .
- Yumi
Four: An Eventful Dinner
Sasuke was nervous. That was it, plain and simple. Naruto had no knack for manners, nor had Jiraiya given him ANY knowledge besides keeping your hands off the table. In five hours, the Uchiha had taught Naruto everything from scratch, and had tested the blonde on the knowledge so that Naruto wouldn’t screw it up. Sadly, Sasuke still was not confident about his student. It seemed that everything went in through one ear and out the other. Dinner would be somewhat of a disaster in Sasuke’s mind.
“Oh, Sasuke! You look wonderful!” Sakura said as she opened the door. Sasuke reluctantly thanked his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend and took her hand to lead her to the car. Naruto was outside, waiting to greet her. “Is this your friend you wanted me to meet?”
“Haa. This is Uzumaki Naruto. He’s my coworker.” Naruto bowed and shook Sakura’s hand.
“Nice to meet you.” Naruto said, smiling. Sakura was unimpressed by the blonde.
“And you.” she muttered, taking her hand back. “How long have you worked with Sasuke-kun?”
“Since we got the schedule change, but we’ve kind of known each other since he began working there. My guardian owns the business.”
“I see.” she said, getting a little more interested at the sound of owning a business. “Shall we go? Kakashi’s waiting for us.”
“Kakashi?”
“Yes, didn’t I tell you? He said he had good news for us!” the pink haired girl said, smiling as if she already knew that she was going to be engaged. Sasuke controlled himself, though he really REALLY wanted to scowl at her. “Well? Aren’t you going to open the door for me?”
Everything was fine so far, Sasuke noted. Kakashi greeted them, already having gotten the table, and didn’t say anything for the first part of the meal. Sasuke supposed the Kakashi wanted to make sure he didn’t walk out before the food was brought out. However, it seemed that Kakashi knew that Sasuke had already known what he was going to say. Thus, the air was a bit thick during silences, and even more then the two spoke to one another, almost challenging the other to bring up the topic. Naruto and Sakura were blissfully clueless, and for that Sasuke was thankful. Sakura would have brought up the subject too soon, or Naruto would have ruined his strategical approach to handling Kakashi. No one but Kakashi could bring up the topic for his plan to work, and it seemed just as the main course came out that it was going to.
“Sasuke,” Kakashi began. “Has your brother visited you lately?”
“Yes,” Sasuke said, a flutter of victory curling in his chest. “He’s staying with me for a few months. He would like to spend my twenty-first birthday with me.”
“Didn’t you find it odd that he would be coming nearly three months in advance?” the silver haired man asked. Sasuke was taken back. Kakashi was being rather direct and accusing.
“I did.”
“And?” he asked. Sasuke knew what he was doing. Kakashi didn’t want to bring up the Will, thus he was going to pry it out of Sasuke.
“Itachi comes and goes as he pleases. I’m sure he has some business to attend to here, and it was convenient for him for drop by this early.” Kakashi nearly glared, and Sasuke almost smiled. He loved these games because he usually won.
“Did he give you anything?”
“An envelope, but I haven’t looked at it yet.” Sasuke said. “Is there something you wish me to know, Kakashi-san?” Score one for Sasuke. The man sighed and gave up.
“It’s your parents’ will.”
“I see.”
“You are to wed before you are twenty-one.”
“Why is that?”
“You will be the Head of the Uchiha clan if you do. You will gain the house, the business, and control over the family.”
“Why not Itachi? He is the older son.”
“Your parents saw great potential in Itachi, yes, it’s true.” Kakashi began, a tad frustrated. “Yet, he did not have the charisma to be Head of the family. You, however, do.”
“If I do not want the position?”
“It is your duty.”
“Why must I marry?”
“As your father did, he married young to ensure that the family would live on. You must do the same in accordance to the Will.”
“You’re suggesting that I marry Sakura, then?” he said, knowing what was going on in the man’s mind.
“She has been your girlfriend for nearly two years.” Kakashi reasoned. “I’m sure you’d be happy.” Sasuke smirked.
“It’s sad, really. This was supposed to be our last date.” Sakura froze, hearing that.
“Last date?” she asked.
“I was going to break up with you tonight.”
“WHAT?!?”
“I was going to introduce you to Naruto because he would take your place.”
“Wait. . . Naruto?” Kakashi asked, looking at the blonde. “This boy?”
“Yes,” Sasuke said simply. “I haven’t been interested in Sakura at all for the last year, but no one better has come along. I’ve had affairs and been looking for other women. However, it seems that the women in my life don’t do anything for me. Naruto, however, does.”
“You’re. . . gay?!?” Sakura asked, shocked.
“Kakashi is as well, don’t forget.” Sasuke said, smiling. “Isn’t that so?” Kakashi looked sternly at the boy.
“Saa na,” he said. “What do you see in Naruto that you don’t in Sakura?”
“It’s more of the opposite effect, I’m afraid.” Sasuke said. “Sakura is a demanding, high-maintanence, whiny brat while Naruto comes from humble beginnings. He appreciates everything he gets and is more of a friend than a lover. Isn’t that what you’ve always said you need? You want your significant other to be a friend rather than a lover.” he said, throwing Kakashi’s words back in his face. Score two. Kakashi sighed.
“I suppose you have several points there. However,” he said, looking at Naruto. “Naruto is from humble beginnings, and I’ve seen that he’s not well suited for a high society which you live in. I’m afraid I cannot allow you to marry him.”
“You actually thought that I was going to marry him?” Sasuke said. “I haven’t been seeing him that long. It would be insane for me to make a commitment now.”
“And if I forced you to?”
“Do you think that the elders would like it if you allowed the Head of the clan to marry someone who couldn’t reproduce? After all, this is what this whole thing is about, correct?” Kakashi breathed in a little and let out the air, thinking.
“Will you give up your station to your brother?”
“You know about his escapade with the Suna boy.”
“True.”
“You would risk a stoic, homosexual Uchiha with only an interest in the business to lead the family?”
“How do you propose that you keep the bloodline going?”
“Allow me to marry when I choose. Just because I have an affinity toward Naruto now doesn’t mean that I will in a year from now.”
“Gee, that’s promising.” Naruto said sarcastically. Sasuke shot a glare at the blonde.
“You’re saying that you may find someone else?” Kakashi asked.
“I’m young. It’s not like I can’t date around until I find the right person.”
“If you find a man?”
“Adoption is always an option.”
“For blood relation?” Kakashi pushed. Sasuke looked at his guardian dead in the eyes and became cold as if he were conducting a business transaction.
“Science has become advanced enough that all I would need would be a willing egg donor. They call them test-tube babies for a reason.” (1)
“You would do that?”
“It is a blood relation, there is genetic variation, and I am happy with my mate if it comes to that.”
“You would do that?”
“Yes.” Sasuke said, not even hesitating to answer. It would never come down to that, so he wouldn’t have to fear it becoming reality. Kakashi sighed.
“I will have a talk with the elders and see what I can do to help. However, what are you going to do in the meantime? Your brother runs the business and no one occupies the Main house right now.”
“I will let Itachi run the business as he sees fit. I’ll make arrangements for him to take over the business. The Main house needs to be cleaned up, so I’ll likely occupy it for now.”
“You’re just going to let Itachi–”
“He has a better mind and talent for business than I do. It would be unwise for me to take it when I have no interest in it. However, my position as the family Head and the Main house I do take interest in. Why would I not take that opportunity?” Kakashi sighed and set his silverware down.
“As you wish it.”
“What about me?!?” Sakura said. “That’s it?! You’re just going to leave me?!?”
“Yes, didn’t you hear me?” Sasuke said. “I. Don’t. Love. You. In fact you’re quite unbearable. I don’t know how I survived dating you these last two years.”
“But-but-but–”
“Since it seems we have no further business here, I’ll pay for the meal and Naruto and I will be off.” Sasuke said, not even looking at Sakura, who was on the verge of crying.
“Will Naruto be living with you, then?” Kakashi asked, challengingly.
“What?” Sasuke asked. This was unexpected. Kakashi was actually going to try one last attempt at getting him to marry.
“Well, I don’t see a reason why he shouldn’t. You’ve come out of the closet, and none of the elders can really stop you now that you’ll be the head of the family.” Kakashi said. “Although I must say that Naruto would not be welcome much.”
“Why not?” Sasuke asked. Kakashi smirked.
“Because he is first and foremost a male. Then you have to consider what his guardian does for a living. His line of work isn’t exactly of the honorable, pure sort.”
“How do you know?”
“Naruto-kun,” Kakashi said, turning to the blonde. “How is Iruka?” Naruto looked at the man strangely.
“How do you know Iruka?”
“How do you?” Sasuke asked Naruto. Iruka was Kakashi’s longtime boyfriend. . . well, more like domestic partner. They had been together since as long as Sasuke could remember.
“Iruka took care of me while Jiraiya went to work when I was a kid. He’s a teacher too, so he was my sensei as well.”
‘Shit.’ Sasuke thought.
“How do you know Iru. . . wait, you’re his boyfriend!!” Naruto said. “I remember seeing pictures of you!”
“It was odd seeing you here, really.” Kakashi said. “Iruka hadn’t told me you two were dating.”
“He doesn’t know yet, that’s why.” Naruto said, honestly. “I haven’t seen him in weeks. I’ve been too busy with college and work.”
“Nonetheless,” Sasuke interrupted. “Why should Naruto-kun live with me? Jiraiya-san wouldn’t stand for it.”
“And that would be because?”
“Of things not to be discussed in polite company.”
“That pervert is afraid of that? I hardly believe it.”
“Trust me, he’s deathly afraid.” Naruto said, sighing. “Kinda sad, really.”
“So, he will not be living with you because of an obstacle?” Kakashi confirmed. “Well, I suppose I could take care of that for you.” Sasuke froze.
“W-what?”
“The Main house will be rather lonely if you live there by yourself. Besides, being strapping young boys I’m sure you would want each other’s company.” Kakashi said, smirking. “If not now, then eventually.”
“Dude,” Naruto said, kind of cringing. “I just officially got with Sasuke. I think it’s a tad early to be thinking of that.”
“I agree.” Sasuke said. “But perhaps you’re right. The house is rather large, and it will get lonely being there. If you can pull the strings, then by all means.” Sasuke didn’t like it, but in order to keep his guardian under the illusion that Naruto and he were a real couple, then he would have to go along with it. Otherwise. . . It’ll be Mrs. Sasuke Uchiha for Sakura.
“Are you out of your mind?!?!?” Sakura shouted, tears rolling down her face. “You can’t do this!! You can’t!!!!!” The whole restaurant went silent, looking at the crying girl.
“I’m afraid I just did.” Sasuke said, standing and taking his coat from the back of his chair. The final score: three to zero, Sasuke. “Oyasumi nasai, Kakashi.”
“Oyasumi.” Naruto said, following Sasuke.
“Saa, oyasumi.” Kakashi said, knowing he just lost to a twenty-year-old and his boyfriend.
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
(1): Well, I don’t know if that’s possible, actually. I DO know, however, that there has been one baby born from both a frozen egg and sperm, which was then implanted into a womb to grow as a normal child would. . . I assume that if worse comes to worse, that would work? ^^;;;
Oyasumi nasai/ oyasumi: Good night.
Saa: Yeah or uhuh. It can be used in other ways, but here it’s rather uncaring.
A/N: Hooray!!! The story doesn’t suck!!! XD Anyway, I found time and the nice plot bunnies to actually write this holiday season (that hasn’t happened in years), and thus I am posting!! I’m not sure when this one will be updated again, but it will hopefully be soon! ^___^ Until then. . . REVIEW PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY OTHER STORIES TOO!!!!!! ^_______________^
- Yumi ^^
Chapter 5: Wound Up by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer in Summary.
T__T I'm saddened.
THIS story ad 1098 views the last time I checked (about two seconds ago), while my other, better stories have views in the 700 range.
Think of the better stories! Read my better stories!! TT___TT
- Yumi
Five: Wound Up
“You’re gonna break it!!” Sasuke shouted at the blonde who was unloading the china dishes. “Those are expensive!!!”
“I’m not gonna break it!” Naruto shouted back. “If you’re so friggin’ concerned about the thing, then YOU unload then from the truck!!”
“YOU were the one who said you didn’t want me to hire movers, so YOU get to unload all of it!”
“Fucking. . . Well, at least there isn’t a lot of furniture.” Naruto grumbled. “Are you going to take it inside or what?”
“I’m getting there!” Sasuke yelled, annoyed at the blonde and wishing the day was already over. It seemed that Kakashi was determined to either make sure that Sasuke was serious about dating Naruto, or was going to make Sasuke suffer because of his choice because Sasuke received a call the next afternoon from Jiraiya saying that Naruto had permission to stay at the Uchiha mansion on the condition that Naruto has his own separate bedroom far away from Sasuke’s. That was all peachy, but it required Sasuke to move Naruto out of Jiraiya’s shack and then move his own belongings into the Main house. Sasuke also had to up his maid’s salary since it was a longer drive for her than the house Sasuke owned and which Itachi was currently living in. On top of all that, Naruto insisted that he help, since he couldn’t pay for the suit, and that he wasn’t going to hire movers and do the physical labor himself. . . and Naruto wasn’t the most gentle of people. . .
“Hurry up! The stack’s getting too high!!” Naruto yelled, seeing that the boxes he was plopping on the ground were piling.
“I’ll take it.” a deep voice said from the side of the truck. Naruto saw a long haired brunette boy walk by and pick up a box.
“Oi, who are you?”
“I’m Neji, Sasuke’s friend.”
“He didn’t tell me anyone was supposed to help.”
“He doesn’t know, that’s why. I came here to surprise Sasuke.” he said, smirking. “You’re Naruto?”
“Aa,” the blonde replied.
“Thanks for doing this for him. Sasuke’s too proud to say it, but he’s grateful.” Neji said, turning to put the box of books in the house. Naruto was a bit startled. That jerk had friends??
“OI! What are you doing here?!” Sasuke said, nearly having a heart attack when he saw Neji coming through the door.
“I came to help. Is that a problem?”
“No, I just didn’t think you were into physical labor.” Sasuke said.
“Well, I actually did expect you to hire movers.”
“I would have if that idiot insisted that he work the truck. He said it was payment for the suit.”
“Saa na,” Neji said, looking over his shoulder. “He seems nice.”
“But he’s such an idiot.” Neji shrugged to the best of his ability and set the box down next to the door.
“I’ll take the boxes here. You can decide where they need to go.”
“What made you come so suddenly?” Sasuke asked Neji, putting down some ocha for all three of them. “I thought I told you we’d be fine.”
“Sure, but an extra pair of hands are always a good thing.” Neji said, smiling behind his tea cup. “I think you did need it too.”
“Only because Naruto was as good as a rock.” Sasuke said, drinking as well. Naruto glared and didn’t touch his tea. He would rather drink plain old water than nasty, flavorless tea.
“I unloaded the entire truck, thank you.”
“Yeah, and didn’t bother to put any of it away.” Sasuke spat back. “You were a slug after that.” Naruto puffed and left the table to throw away his tea. Who drinks that high-class shit anyway?
“So, what’s the whole story about the blonde kid?” Neji asked. Sasuke glared at Neji. He was a couple years older than Sasuke and thoroughly enjoyed poking fun at that fact. (1) “You said you couldn’t tell me the whole thing where you were.”
“You know that it’s fake, though.” Sasuke pressed. He wanted that clear above all else.
“Haa,” the Hyuuga said, looking at Naruto from the dinner table. It seemed he wasn’t going to be coming back anytime soon, avoiding the two other boys. “How did you get him to agree?”
“He’s not exactly straight.” Sasuke said.
“Really?”
“Salt and pepper.”
“Saa na,” Neji said, smirking. “Has he asked for anything in particular?” Sasuke glared.
“No, he doesn’t work like that.”
“He must be getting some benefits out of this.” Neji pushed. “Are you paying him?”
“No,” Sasuke sighed. “He gets the comfort of me not being totally on his case for at least three months.”
“Why are you two at each other’s throats, anyway?” he asked, still looking at the blonde. “He seems friendly and sincere.”
“Those are his only good qualities.” Sasuke said. “He pesters you and never shuts up. He can’t do anything right and I swear he’s incompetent outside of his work. He makes a great stocker and clerk, but I don’t think that he can sustain himself otherwise.”
“You so sure?”
“Yes.” Sasuke said, almost exasperated. “Buying his suit was proof enough.”
“Of his incompetence?”
“You wouldn’t believe.”
“You told me he’s not from a high class family,” Neji said, thinking. “Perhaps it’s just you know things about our society that he doesn’t. You had to buy him a suit in the first place, and considering where you work. . .”
“How do you know where I work?” Sasuke cut in. He was sure he hadn’t seen Neji ever in the shop and the subject of jobs didn’t come up often. Sasuke would have remembered if he had told Neji about the sex shop.
“A little blonde bird told me.” Neji said, sipping his tea.
“Ino–”
“Don’t blame her. She was rather drunk and wanted Tenten to go with her to this shop she knew of so that she could help her seduce me.”
“Still,” Sasuke said, glaring. “You two were the only ones there?”
“And Hinata.”
“Fuck.”
“That’s what you did to Ino.” Neji muttered. Sasuke gave his friend the famous Uchiha glare, able to put the fear of god into anyone. . . except Neji.
“You won’t tell anyone about this, will you?” Neji smirked and calmly stood up.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. Tenten wishes she could just forget it, and Hinata wouldn’t dare tell anyone for fear of offending you.”
“Good.”
“Nevertheless,” Neji said, walking toward the sink. “I think you’re looking at Naruto too harshly. He’s doing you a favor. The least you could do is not kill him.” Sasuke sighed and downed his tea in one gulp.
“I doubt it.” Neji shook his head and walked into the kitchen where Naruto was trying to find something else to drink.
“So, Naruto,” Neji began, putting his cup into the sink. “How long have you known Sasuke?”
“Since he started working.” Naruto answered, kind of surprised that this guy wasn’t as stuck up as Sasuke seemed to be. “I guess about a year.”
“And it seems you got off on a bad start.”
“He called me an usurakontachi.” Naruto said.
“Why was that?”
“I was last in my high school graduating class.” Naruto answered honestly. “I had some issues to take care of, and my school work kinda went down the toilet.”
“But you graduated?”
“Barely.”
“And you’re in college, are you not?”
“Community college for now. I’ll be transferring to the state university in a year.”
“It’s less money going that route, too, I’m sure.”
“Yeah. Ero-sennin isn’t exactly frivolous with his money.”
“Well, it seems you’ve just had some hard times, but you’re over coming them.”
“I guess. You make me sound all noble.” Naruto said, scratching the back of his head.
“What’s your major?”
“Education. I want to be a grade school teacher.” Neji smiled.
“Teaching is hard, and the pay isn’t that great.”
“Yeah,” Naruto said. “But I don’t think the money should really matter.” Neji nodded.
“So, Sasuke called you a dead-last when he found out your graduating status. Then what?” Naruto blinked in confusion. “There must have been something else for you two to be butting heads like you are.”
“He’s a stuck up brat. He doesn’t know what it’s like to work hard day after day with hardly any sleep.” Naruto said, glaring at the boy in the other room. “I know he’s smarter than I am, and I’m pretty sure he’s not that bad of a guy, but he treats me like I’m a moron! Okay, so I don’t get everything right the first time. I’ll learn! Life is meant to be sort of stumbled through!” Neji had to laugh a little at that. “What?”
“You two are very much the opposites of one another. Sasuke gets things done right the first time always, and does it with precision and efficiency. That’s a result of his upbringing.” Neji explained. “I admit I have a lot of that in myself as well, but I was shown later on how to let things go. Sasuke hasn’t been shown that yet, and he won’t get that from me. I’m his best friend, but I’m not his teacher.”
“So he’ll always be the pigheaded prat he is?”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Neji said, shrugging. “The right person needs to come along and teach him.’
“That’d have to be one patient person.”
“Who knows?” the brunette said, thinking that maybe patience didn’t necessarily make the best teacher all the time. “It was nice meeting you, Naruto-kun. Unfortunately, I have some odds and ends that need to be attended to soon.”
“No problem. Thanks for helping us move in!” Naruto said, shaking Neji’s hand. “I don’t know about Sasuke, but I think we ought to have a house warming party once everything’s in place.”
“For the both of you?” Neji inquired.
“Nah, for him. I’m only a temporary resident, right?” the blonde said. Neji nodded. Perhaps Sasuke was right: there was nothing going on between them and Naruto wanted it that way. “Well, I guess we’ll see you then!”
“Yes, ja na.”
“Ja!”
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
(1): In Japan, and sometimes it carries over into Japanese-American communities, there is a big thing about age difference. If you went to school, anyone older than you would be your sempai, and you would use that to address them. You treat them with respect almost as much as a elderly person. On the flip side, those who are younger than you are kohai who treat you with respect as you are their sempai. Since Neji is older than both Sasuke and Naruto, he likes to point out that they must respect him and he can call them “kids” (essentially kohai) as much as he wants. ^^;;;
Aa: Yeah, it’s a shorter, crude version of Haa or Unn.
A/N: In case you didn't read my chapter notes, here it is again:
T__T I'm saddened.
THIS story ad 1098 views the last time I checked (about two seconds ago), while my other, better stories have views in the 700 range.
Think of the better stories! Read my better stories!! TT___TT
Please, please, please, please, PLEASE!!!!!!! Read something else of mine!! I'm greatly depressed at the lack of view and reviews I've had with my better work, particularly with "Ghost Writer". THIS story has 26 reviews in the first four chapters, while "Ghost Writer" has 27 reviews TOTAL!! (With something like 14 chapters)
That's just sad.
- Yumi
Chapter 6: Past Connections by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer in the summary.
A/N: wow you guys!! Do I have to guilt-trip you into reviewing every time? I'm glad that I had someone take my pleading seriously and review "Ghost Writer" (you are so friggin' awesome, Sakuranzu!!), but I think only one or two people reviewed for this one!!
*Shock!!* People didn't review for a SasuNaru!!!!!
The world is coming to an end. . . XD lol
Anyway, please please PLEASE rate and review for this fic, but mostly all my other ones that I've posted!! I want my dignity back!!! ><
- Yumi
Six: Past Connections
“No.”
“Why not?!”
“Because I said so.”
“And you have an almighty authority?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I own this house.”
“I live here too!!” Sasuke looked up from his pillow and glared.
“Soon you won’t be.” Naruto glared back.
“But for now I am and we’re having a housewarming!”
“You’re such a girl!” Sasuke said, throwing an arm over his eyes. “You aren’t going to be living here long so it’s no use inviting your friends, and you don’t know any of my friends and family. Why have a housewarming?”
“Because that’s what you do when you move!”
“Not in this household.” Naruto crossed his arms and sat on top of Sasuke. “HEY!!”
“I could easily beak up with you three weeks into our fake relationshop.” Sasuke bolted upright.
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“I don’t have to do you any favors. You’ll be happily married to Sakura-chan and have little Uchiha brats running around to love and worship you.” Sasuke glared, but then smirked and leaned back.
“You’re not that cruel. You wouldn’t strand me out like that.”
“. . .”
“I knew it.” the brunette said, lying back down, smirking.
“I hate you.”
“I know.” he said, trying to turn over. “Now will you get off me? I’d like to sleep!”
“Only if you let me have the housewarming!”
“Goddamnit, NO!!”
“Then I’m still gonna sit on you.”
“You. Are. So. Dead.”
“Not now.”
“In two months, I’m gonna kill you.”
“You hold grudes that long?”
“Perhaps.” Sasuke said, glaring hard.
“Well, I have a 50% chance of not being killed, so I’ll just sit on you for now.”
“If I ask nicely?”
“You have that in you to do that?” Naruto asked. “Wow, that’s rather sad.”
“What?”
“A great Uchiha like you bring polite to a lowly usurakontachi like me.” Sasuke sat up, looing Naruto dead in the eyes. Naruto blinked in confusion. “What?”
“You know, it’s rather sad.”
“About what?”
“That you just called yourself an usurakontachi.” and Sasuke laid back down and covered himself with the sheets. Naruto’s face turned beet red with anger and he jumped off Sasuke, taking the blanket with him, and ran out into the next room. “NARUTO!!!!!!”
“You need to be careful with yourself, Naruto.” Neji said, handing the blonde a bandage. “Sasuke isn’t against inflicting pain.”
“So I noticed.” he said, taking off the ice pack and drying off his forehead. “Thanks for intervening!”
“It was kind of necessary, seeing as there were other people who seemed to be calling the police over the incident.”
“Nani?”
“Well, with Sasuke in his boxers running after you in the yard with a rather large newspaper, then him beating you with said paper. . . it was hillarious, but somewhat abusive.”
“. . . Oh.”
“What did you do to get him so angry?”
“I pulled the sheets off of him.”
“Prank?”
“No, he insulted me.”
“I see.” Neji said. Sasuke then came down the stairs, clothed, and bopped Naruto over the head again.
“HEY!!”
“So, what brings you to my humble abode again?” Sasuke asked Neji. “You certainly seem to not like calling beforehand.”
“I wanted to see how things were going with you two, but it appears not all is well.”
“You can say that again!” Naruto said, sticking his forehead with the bandage. “I’m beginning to really wonder why I agreed to this.”
“Because you took pitty on me.” Sasuke answered. “And Neji, that’s a load of bull shit. You wouldn’t come unless you have a specific purpose.” Neji smiled.
“You and Naruto are invited to the Hyuuga estate for dinner tomorrow night.” Sasuke raised a questioning eyebrow.
“Are you the host or the messenger?”
“Messenger.”
“. . .”
“The host is my uncle, Hiashi.”
“Why?” Naruto shot a glare at Sasuke.
“Geez! You’re invited to dinner by your best friend and you’re all suspicious!”
“Because it’s not my best friend who is inviting me, dumbass. It’s his uncle.”
“So?”
“Naruto, the Hyuugas and the Uchihas have not been on friendly terms for generations.” Neji explained. “We honestly don’t know why, but the Head of each family does, and that’s all that matters. Since neither of us were supposed to take over our families, we decided it was safe to be friends. Since then, we’ve been the only two people who have come to understand each other, thus best friends.”
“But if the Hyuugas and the Uchihas hate each other. . .”
“We didn’t really care at the time what our families thought. Plus, we were school mates and it was unavoidable contact, since we had honor and AP classes.”(1) Sasuke said. “But the real question is why is your uncle inviting Naruto and me over for dinner?”
“I honestly don’t know.” Neji said, still smiling. “It will be a very interesting evening.”
“. . .”
“Hinata will be there as well. Please keep your homosexual tendencies to a minimum.” Neji teased.
“Huh?” Naruto asked. Sasuke just gave him a disgusted look.
“Ha. Ha. Neji. Very funny.”
“Until then, would you like some help planning for your housewarming? I’m sure there’s a lot to get ready.”
“We’re not having a housewarming.” Sasuke said. “I’ve already beaten Naruto for it.”
“And the sheet?” Neji asked.
“That too.”
“Why not have a housewarming? I’m sure the Uchiha business employees would like to see the house once it’s been lived in for a while.”
“They aren’t invited.”
“Why is that?”
“The president will likely attend.”
“Ah, sou ka.” Neji said, contemplative. “You could always have your friends over for a while.”
“What?!”
“Ino, Tenten, Shino, Lee, Shikamaru if we give him a ride since he’s too lazy to drive himself, Chouji’s coming back from college for a while, and I’m sure Kiba would love to meet Naruto.”
“Dog-breath is going to be put on a leash outside.”
“Don’t entice him.”
“No.” Sasuke said. “It’s not worth it.”
“Then think of it as a house party. Everyone is just going to hang out at your house for a few hours.”
“And all the clean-up?”
“Isn’t that what Lolita does?”
“Fuck.” Sasuke muttered.
“Why are you so against a house party anyway?”
“I just don’t want the hastle.”
“Naruto and I will handle it. And if you’re worried about food, have it catered. Heaven knows Chouji will take the leftovers if there are any.”
“. . .”
“You’re just a party-pooper, huh?” Naruto said, snickering. Sasuke shot a glare at the blonde.
“Am not!”
“Are too!”
“Children, please.” Neji said, trying to restrain his laughter. “Well, Sasuke?”
“. . .”
“We’re all waiting on you.”
“Or your lame excuses.” Naruto added. Sasuke sharply looked away and crossed his arms.
“Fine, we’ll have a housewarming.”
“YAY!!!!!” Naruto shouted. “Mind if I invite a couple of my friends?”
“Why?!?”
“I won’t know any of your friends, so I wanna hang out with mine!”
“Just. . . not Gaara.”
“What?! He’s my best friend!” That’s when Neji bust up laughing.
“Gaara’s your best friend?! That’s just too much!”
“Huh? Nande?” Naruto asked.
“Gaara nearly killed Sasuke and this other girl who tried to pair them up! How in the world can you stand him? He’s so unstable.”
“Wait, some girl tried to pair you up with Gaara?” Naruto asked Sasuke. “When was that?”
“High school.”
“Oh my fucking god.” Naruto said, paling. “You’re not!”
“What?” Sasuke asked, not liking how Naruto’s face changed so drastically.
“Your older brother is. . . Itachi?”
“Yes. . .”
“. . . Oh.”
“What?”
“Um. . .” Naruto looked nervously over to Neji a couple of times, then back to Sasuke. “Well. . . nevermind!” Naruto said, smiling. “Gaara said some things he didn’t mean!”
“What did he–”
“All right, Naruto.” Neji said, cutting in. It was apparent that from the way Naruto kept looking between Neji and Sasuke that the blonde didn’t want anyone but Sasuke to hear.
“. . .” Sasuke trusted Neji had felt/seen something that he obviously didn’t, but was slightly confused. “Well, I hate to have to kick you out, but. . .”
“You need to sleep before work, yes I know.” Neji said, standing up. “Pleasant dreams, you two. I’ll just see myself out.” Neji gave Sasuke one quick glance almost provoking the Uchiha to ask the question he was going to ask once Neji was gone. Sasuke then understood a little better what had happened and waited. Once the Hyuuga had left the room, Naruto let out a deep sigh.
“Neji’s weird.” the blonde said.
“But wise.” Sasuke admitted. “So,” he began to ask. “What did Gaara say?” Naruto looked downward, then back up at Sasuke with ernest.
“Don’t hold it against him, okay? From what he told me he kinda couldn’t help it.” Sasuke was taken back. Was it that bad?
“I promise.”
“Okay,” Naruto said, sighing. “Well, you know that Kankuro and your brother ahd a bit of a fling, right? Well, do you know why they did it?”
“Itachi said it was pretty much fanservice.”
“No, it was for Gaara.”
“What?”
“Gaara didn’t want to be openly gay, but his brother said that no one would really mind it so he and Itachi started their ‘relationship’ to prove it to Gaara.”
“So, he’s gay?”
“Yeah, and has really,really good gay-dar, too.” Naruto said. “Which is kinda where you come in.”
“Okay. . .”
“Gaara said something. . . well, something he really shouldn’t have.”
“What did he say?”
“That. . . well, obviously he was attracted to gay men and. . . he had a crush on this guy in his English class, but it was highly unlikely that the guy would ever notice him.”
“Why?”
“Because the guy was the valedictorian-to-be and Gaara was an unstable, C-average student.”
“What happened?”
“Well, the girl he told started to blab and soon hald the school wanted to see the two guys together, so. . . yeah.” Naruto said, trying to put it delicately. “The girl went a little too far one day and Gaara snapped. He just wanted to hurt the girl, but ended up hurting the guy he liked too because he tried to save the girl like a hero. They haven’t spoken since.”
Sasuke didn’t say anything, only stared at Naruto in shock and disbelief.
“So. . . Gaara basically. . . he said. . . that. . . I’m gay?”
“. . . Pretty much.”
“But I like girls!!”
“Bi, then?”
“No, I’m straight. I didn’t like Sakura, but that was her personality. Ino’s been great in bed, and I imagine Tenten would be a good date. . .”
“Wait, Ino’s great in bed??” Naruto asked. “I thought you had been with Sakura for two years!”
“And cheating on her for the last 10 months with various girls, but mostly Ino.”
“You’re so cruel!!”
“If you had to be her boyfriend you’d want to be cruel to her.”
“Still. . .”
“Trust me, everyone she’s dated has cheated on her because she’s so bitchy. . . Well, all but Lee, but he just did it because he didn’t want to cheat.”
“How long were they together.”
“Two weeks.”
“Ouch! Harsh!”
“Yeah, but I’ve like other girls. I can’t be gay!”
“I, personally, think that you might be.” the blonde said. “You have the butt.” (2)
“The butt??”
“They have this certain look about them that most gay guys have. You have that butt.’
“A butt???”
“Look,” Naruto said pointing to his own ass. “It’s not flat, but it kind of looks like a runner’s butt but not quite. It’s not high enough.” Sasuke looked at the blonde’s butt, then at his own. It was true. He worked out, so he didn’t have a flat but, yet it wasn’t quite the shape of a runner’s butt.
He had a gay butt.
“NO!” Sasuke shouted. “I’m not gay!!”
“That’s why I’m saying that maybe you’re Bi!” The blonde said. “Or asexual.”
“Are you kidding? Sex is too much fun to be asexual.” Sasuke said. Naruto laughed.
“You should try a guy!”
“Why??”
“They’ve had practice with their own dick to know what to do with yours!” Sasuke froze for a moment and looked at Naruto strangely.
“Weird visual, but it makes sense.”
“Yeah, I know.” Naruto said, smiling.
“So,” Sasuke said, thinking back on what his friend had said. “You’ve had sex?”
“Yeah, once.” Naruto confessed. “But it was really weird. Gaara talked me into it, but we’re like brothers! It had an icky incest-feel afterwards.”
“Oh.”
“Hey,” Naruto said. “I wouldn’t worry about Gaara if I were you. He’s moved on, so you don’t have to worry about any advances.”
“No, it’s just. . . he kind of scares me. How do you deal with him?”
“Scares you? He’s a teddy bear! Granted, he was a bit out of control, but he’s found an outlet for his emotions!”
“What’s that?”
“Pottery.”
“Are you serious?!”
“Yep, that an food.”
“I never through him as the artistic, comfort food type.”
“What did you think he was?”
“The drug-alcohol type.”
“Wow, he must’ve looked so bad during school!”
“Well, yeah.” Sasuke said. “Why didn’t you go to the same high school?”
“I lived outside of the borders. I went to the neighboring high school, and I was homeschooled before that.”
“I see.”
“I wished I could have been there! Man, we would have done the craziest pranks ever!” Naruto said, laughing. “I gotta call him up and talk! I know we have a couple classes together, but I hardly see him. He just lives in the ceramics lab.”
“. . . Are you going to tell him about the fake relationship?”
“Probably. . . unless you don’t want me to?”
“. . . No, that’s fine.” he said, thinking. “Actually, go ahead and invite him to the housewarming. I. . . I think you should talk to him face to face since you haven’t really seen him in a while. Besides, you had a point earlier. You probably won’t really have anything to talk about with my friends, and you’ll get a chance to catch up with your friends.”
“Cool! I’ll give him a call right now.” Naruto said, then jumping off the couch and running to the phone to dial the number he had memorized well. Sasuke sat down where Naruto had been sitting and looked at the blonde as he made the phone call. It seemed that a simple solution to one problem might just end up as a huge problem in itself.
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
(1): AP stands for Advanced Placement. For those of you who don’t have this or know what it is, it’s above honors classes. It’s like a college course you can take in high school. In May, you then take a $80-$100 test which can earn you college credit. If you take enough of these tests, you pretty much end up going into college as a sophomore rather than a freshman. T__T They. Are. Friggin’. Hard!! I took a class once and got a 2 out of 5 on the exam (3 is passing). -___-;;;
(2): . . . Okay, I was told once by a gay guy that some gay men have a certain butt. Even if the guy denies it, my friend said that he can tell just by looking at his butt that someone’s gay. I don’t know if it’s actually true but looking at all the guys I’ve ever known to be gay. . . the ones who have a little bit of feminine qualities have the same-looking butt. It’s. . . rather awkward inspecting a guy’s ass. . . T___T
Nani?: What? or it can be translated as “Huh?”
Sou ka: I see
Nande: What? It’s another form of “nani”
A/N: So, what do we do now? We rate and review!! ^__^ We also leave nice reviews for Yumi's other stories, don't we?
Right? TT__TT
- Yumi -___-;;;
Chapter 7: Hyuuga Dinner by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer is in the summary. rawr.
A/N: GAHH! I'M UPDATING IN HAWAII!!!!!!!!! XD
Anyway, I'm so sorry I haven't been here in a long time! I've been really busy and I'm never home anymore. . . I'm going to try to steal the internet while I'm at school *evil ideas* X3.
I hope you enjoy this chapter even though it's short! I liked writing it! ^^ PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW!!!!!!!!
Seven: Hyuuga Dinner
“Again.”
“Why?!”
“Because I don’t want you screwing this up!” Naruto sighed and rolled his eyes.
“Fine. You’ll do all the talking, I just bow and say hello. Even if I’m asked a direct question, I’ll just let you handle it. Don’t touch anything. Eat all the food I’m given and nothing more. Don’t go to the bathroom until we’re out of there.”
“And?”
“Don’t talk to Hinata, even greeeting her.”
“Why?”
“Because in YOUR little world, women are not exactly equal to men, and even though she’s the family heir she's still a girl. I don’t need to say hello to her.”
“Good.” Sasuke said, sighing. “Please don’t forget any of that.”
“Why are you even going? It’s not like the Hyuugas are all buddy-buddy with you.”
“But that’s the reason I’m going.” Sasuke said. “I’m curious as to why Hiashi invited us to dinner. It just doesn’t make sense.”
“I don’t get it.” Naruto said, lying back on the bed, not really caing if his suit wrinkled. “But whatever, It’s your thing.”
“Sit up. You need to look presetable.” Naruto just got up on his elbows.
“Why do you care if I look presentable or not?”r32;
“You’re a reflection on me. If you look bad, I look bad.”
“Whatever.”
“Why are you so pissy today?”
“Because I’m going to a stuffy dinner where I can’t even talk! That just sucks!!”
“Well, I’m sorry is I don’t trust you enough to speak to a well respected politician and businessman.”
“Who is this Hiashi guy, anyway? I’ve never heard of him.”
“He’s working directly under the govenor of the state and has run several times for the senate. He won a seat once, but there were some strongs pulled, the ballots recounted, and basicly he was booted out of his position. He decided that he wouldn’t run again if that was what was going to happen.”
“Oh. . .”
“So now you know. He;s a pretty powerful man. In all honesty, the govenor doesn’t really run the state. Hiashi does. The govenor is just an elected face who relies on Hiashi to do his job for him.”
“. . . Okay. . . I don’t think I’ll talk then.”
“Speak. The word is speak.”
**-**-**
Everything went according to plan when Sasuke and Naruto arrived. They presented their omiyage, greeted and thanked their hoests, gave little attention to Hinata, and sat down for dinner. Sasuke and Hiashi made small talk while Neji, Hinata, and Naruto said nothing while eating a decadent meal served in courses. However, right around the time the main course, Hiashi set aside his hashi and looked Sasuke straight in the eyes.
“Uchiha-san, I’ve heard something strange from your family.”
“Oh?”
“That for some reaosn your older brother is not to inherit anything of the Uchiha power. You are.”
“Saa na.” Sasuke said, putting down his hachi as well. It seems that Hiashi was finally getting to the point of the dinner. “My parents felt that I would be more suit for the job as Head than my brother.”
“What of the business? Itachi-san is the president currently, is he not?”
“Yes.”
“Do you plan to take over the business?”
“If I do receive the title of Head, I will let my brother run the business. He has a mind and the skill for it, and I do not.”
“You are not sure if you will recieve the title?” Hiashi asked.
“Things have complicated within the last few months.” Sasuke explained without explaining. “Namely for the sake of procreating.”
“As I’ve been told.” the Hyuuga said, looking over to Naruto. “May I speak plainly?”
“If you wish to.”
“I don’t believe that this relationship you have is real. You simply do not want to marry so young.” Sasuke raised a questioning eyebrow.
“How have you come to this conclusion?”
“Circumstances.” Hiashi said, simply. “Though you hadn’t been happy with your last public relationship, supposedly you had been making advances to other girls in your life. Girls, not boys. Suddenly then you have a new interest just as you hear that you will be forced to marry Miss Haruno.” Hiashi laced his fingers together in front of his face. “We can conclude that it was just good timing, or this is a fake. Personally, I believe it to be the latter.”
“If it is?”
“Nothing will come of this whether it is or not. I would simply like to know.” Sasuke doubted this and looked over to Naruto. It wasn’t like the blonde held any answers, but it seemed to comfort him to see Naruto’s expression. Sasuke then looked back to Hiashi.
“It’s true. This relationship is a complete sham. Naruto agreed to help me so that I would not have to marry so suddenly.”
“I assume your family doesn not know this?”
“No, they do not.” Hiashi smiled.
“Let us, t hen, strike a deal.”
“So forward for someone who lied.” Sasuke accused. Hiashi laughed.
“You knew I was lying anyway.” he said. “But nonetheless, I would like to bargain with you.”
“For what?”
“A position on the Uchiha business board of directors. Itachi-san is growing the businesss and I would like to profit from this growth.”
“Do you hvave a position in mind?”
“Just a small one. I, too, have a business to take care of as well as aid the govenor.”
“And in exchange?”
“I will speak to the Uchiha elders about your position as Head. They will grant you the title.”
“That’s a bit of an unbalanced trade, don’t you think? You receive long-term money while exploiting the Uchihas, while I simply gain power of my family. There is nothing being gained on my half.” Hiashi seemed slightly impressed, but at the same time disappointed that he would have to increase his half of the bargain.
“I’m not sure what I could offer you as of now that would be of interest to you.”
“I see.”
“However, as a good-faith promise, I will send Hinata with you. If I do not find something that will satisfy you, you may marry Hinata if you wish.”
“Otoosama!!” Hinata shouted, not believing her ears.
“Da-me!” Hiashi spat back at her. Hinata recoiled as if his voice has struck a fatal blow, and sat back in her seat quietly.
“This is an odd promise, Hiashi-san.” Sasuke said. “It’s not like a family to give away their heir.”
“As I said, it is only insurance. I will find something else to pay you with. If I do not. . . you will have a wife if nothing else.” Sasuke looked over to the girl, who was now stone-faced: a natural mask to hide her feelings.
“I’ll take the good-faith promise, but Hinata will stay here. It will look suspicious if there is a Hyuuga female living with me so suddenly.” In the corner of Sasuke’s eye he saw both Neji and Hinata smile. Likely, that was as much thanks as he would get for now.
“Understood.” Hiashi said. “It was a pleasure doing business with you, Uchiha-san.”
“And you, Hyuuga-san.” Sasuke said, resuming his meal.
“Dude, is that what all your dinners are like?” Naruto asked, sighing while he took off his tie. “It’s like inteisive power-play.”
“Not all, in fact not even most.” Sasuke asnwered. “A lot of them just involve small talk.”
“Do you think that you’ll be invited to any more?”
“Probably. Expect at lest one more with my family.”
“Why?!”r32;
“Likely, the elders will want to speak with me, possibly you too.”
“Sheesh, do you ever just go to dinner for the hell of it?”
“Not lately.”
“We should go sometime.”
“We?” Sasuke asked, curiously.
“You’re so stuck up! You need to be shown around and have a good time!”
“I’m not that kind of a person .”
“You should be! You’ll enjoy like a lot more!” Sasuke sighed and kept driving.
“You won’t stop bugging me until I say yes, will you?”
“Nope!”
“Well, I guess we’re going sometime, then.”
“Yay!!”
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
Otoosama: Father (a more respectful version of Otoosan, but not as formal as Chichiue)
Da-me: Literally "bad", but can be used as "stop" or in this case "silence"
A/N: I have sold my soul to TONFA to gain reviews.
PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW!!! I'M SO LONELY WITHOUT THEM!!!!! TT__TT
And read my other stories please! Leave reviews for them too!!
- Yumi ^^
Chapter 8: Cocktails for Two by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer in the summary.
A/N: Thanks for the 11 reviews last chapter. That's more than some of my other stories. . . combined.
Have pity on the other stories that don't get enough attention and read my other works!! They're actually better than this one!!!
- Yumi TT___TT
Eight: Cocktails for Two
“Lolita, don’t worry. I’ll have a restraining order put on Itachi. . . No. . . No, he won’t hurt you. . . Yes, I’m sure. I’m his brother. . . Yes, you can have the rest of the week off. . . Here, how’s this? You don’t have to work at the house anymore. Just come to the Main House and clean a couple of the rooms that we use regularly? I’ll hire some other ladies to work under you. . . Yes, it’s a promotion. . . Okay. . . okay I’ll see you next week. . . Yes. . . You’re welcome. Bye.” Sasuke said, hanging up the phone. From what Naruto could make out from the hysterical voice and Sasuke’s annoyed calmness, Lolita the maid had had a run-in with Sasuke’s older brother and was now thoroughly afraid of him. Apparently Itachi had been warned not to “molest” Lolita, but had kept leering at her anyway. Needless to say, Sasuke didn’t look happy.
“You okay?”
“I’m about to drive out an hour to go kill my brother, but, yes, I’m fine.”
“An hour?”
“He’s working.”
“Oh.”
“Apparently life doesn’t seem to be liking me at the moment.” Sasuke said, flopping on the couch next to Naruto and turning on the television. Though the blonde could feel the tension in the air from Sasuke’s anger, he decided to attempt to break it anyway.
“So, why don’t you just take a break? You’ve been really stressed, right? Sakura found out about Ino and the others, Hiashi’s whole deal, your family, Itachi, work. . .”
“Don’t even get me started on work.” Sasuke said, exasperated. Jiraiya had lied, saying that there would be newbies coming soon, and had, instead, up-ed Sasuke and Naruto’s work hours. Granted, it also meant more money, but there were barely enough hours in the day for work, school, friends, and sleep, particularly since Naruto had no car and needed a ride to school (which somehow Sasuke felt generous enough to give him).
“So, take the night off! Grab a drink or something!”
“What about Jiraiya?”
“Screw him. I’m kinda pissed that he didn’t recruit like he was supposed to anyway!” Sasuke sighed and closed his eyes. A night off would be nice, but it was Tuesday! Who went off to a bar with their friends on a Tuesday? Neji wouldn’t go, Shika was too lazy to go even on a Friday, Ino wasn’t speaking to him, Tenten needed her sleep, Kiba. . .
“No, not Kiba.” the brunette muttered aloud.
“Who’s Kiba?”
“He’s bi with a mind for sex and parties.”
“Sound like fun.” Naruto said. “Except the sex part.”
“He’s funny but. . . for both our sakes I’m hoping that you won’t run into him before the housewarming.”
“Why?”
“Notice I said ‘sex’ before ‘parties’.”
“Oh. . .”
“At least he waits until the second encounter until he tries anything, but. . . the housewarming would be the second encounter and. . . the Uchiha mansion has a lot of empty rooms.”
“Say no more.” Naruto said, shivering a little. “So, why were you thinking about Kiba?”
“I was running through a list of people I could hang out with tonight.”
“Neji?”
“He wouldn’t go on a Tuesday.”
“Oh. Anyone else?”
“Not that I can really think of. Hinata would be forbidden from it, Ino’s not speaking to me, Shino doesn’t drink, and Chouji’s not in the state.”
“Wow, is your circle of friends that small?”
“How big is yours, Mr. Home Schooled?”
“Hey! I went to a normal middle school and high school!!”
“Whatever, will you answer?”
“I have about six, but mostly it’s just Gaara.”
“Wow, you’re a lonely person.” Sasuke said, smirking. Okay, it was childish, but he had definitely more friends than Naruto. “But back to the matter at hand.”
“Yeah, don’t you have ANY friends who would go to a bar with you?”
“Not on a Tuesday.”
“That sucks for you.”
“. . .”
“Well, tell me how it goes, okay? Maybe you’ll find yourself a girlfriend you actually like!” Naruto said, snickering and leaving Sasuke to go check his e-mail. Sasuke sighed and stuffed a pillow in his face. Why were his friends so set in their ways? Especially Neji. . . he could really use an intelligent conversation. . .
“FUCK!!” he shouted, aggravated.
“Happy you came?” Naruto asked, smiling. Sasuke actually was, but it was slightly questionable whether he enjoyed his company or not. The only person free that he even remotely knew was. . . yes, Naruto. The blonde was only too happy to go and told Sasuke they might want to go to this café with a bar in the back. They usually had a local band playing for the evening, and on occasion the café had a celebrity group come in for the night. Tonight, it seemed, that there was a pretty popular local group playing, for the bar was full. Sasuke enjoyed the music the band played (a mix of rock, jazz, pop, and alternative), and he almost forgot that he was with Naruto while he listened, but as soon as the music stopped. . .
“Yeah, I guess.” Sasuke said, sighing. Naruto was a constant reminder of his problems, whether the boy knew it or not. Then again, it may just be the alcohol that was making him forget for a while. He couldn’t exactly blame Naruto, either. Sasuke had been the one to ask him to go to the bar, and Naruto was trying to help Sasuke relax a little. It seemed that as dim and obnoxious as the blonde was, Naruto had a big heart and wanted to help in any way he could. For that, Sasuke could not bring himself to hate Naruto.
“Tired?”
“A little. Why?”
“You seem like you want to go back home.”
“Nah, ’d rather jus’ go somewhere else. As much as I like this band, I think I migh’ haveta sober up a little before driving back home.”
“Okay. Hey! I know of this great place!”
“’S not loud, is it?”
“No, a lot of people go to this park after the band leaves. Think of it as an outdoor after party.”
“It’s a party, though. Loud.”
“Not now it’s not. How long were you planning on sobering up? The band won’t stop playing until about one or two. Probably two, since that’s when the bar has to close.”
“What time’s it now?”
“About midnight.”
“Fine, let’s go.” Sasuke said, putting a few bills out to pay for the drinks. Naruto hadn’t wanted to drink because, even though they didn’t check for IDs, they were both underage, but had one about an hour into the evening. Sasuke, however, kept the drinks coming at about every half hour interval, which meant that now Naruto had to help Sasuke out of the bar as to not run into the wall.
“You good?” Naruto asked, seeing Sasuke lurch forward a little.
“Fine. Just a little queasy from standing up.” Naruto laughed a little and continued to pull the brunette out of the bar. “Oi,”
“What?”
“I kun stan’ up.”
“But can you walk too?”
“. . . Yes, I can.” Sasuke said, giving Naruto a half glare. Naruto shook his head.
“Nah, I’ll help you to the park and we’ll see how you do from there.”
“’S gonna be really obvious that it’s public intoxication, ya know.”
“Yeah, but if the cops actually cared, half of that bar would’ve been put behind bars years ago.”
“Wha'ever.” Sasuke said, trying to pull away from Naruto once they were out of the door. “Wherz the park?”
“A couple blocks. It’s not far.” Sasuke sighed, thinking that was a little too far, but sucked it up and continued forward.
Once they arrived, Sasuke found a bench to sit on almost immediately. His legs felt like jelly, and he was too hazy to keep upright without support. Of course, he would have made it further into the park if he hadn’t been too proud to lean on Naruto. That’s what worried the blonde. Naruto could drive, but if Sasuke didn’t trust him or was too proud to not listen to reason. . . they’d be in trouble.
“I’ll drive home, okay?” Naruto said.
“Why?”
“You seem a little too. . . marinated to drive.”
“Marinated? I’ll be fine in a couple a hours.”
“I don’t think so.” Naruto said, looking at Sasuke’s eyes. “You’re swimmin’.”
“Naruto, I’ll be fine.”
“We’ll see.” he said, sitting down next to the drunk brunette. “So, how’s life?”
“Sucks.” Sasuke said, sighing and leaning his head back on the bench. “I’d give anything not ta be an Uchiha.”
“Why?! You’ve got everything!”
“But a life.” he said. “Inherited money doesn’ mean shit. I could do nothin’ for the rest’a my life and be okay but. . . it’s so borin’.”
“Better than struggling for a life.” Naruto said, trying to cheer up Sasuke.
“Maybe.” he said, rolling his head to the side, fading out fast. “’M not sure which is better hones’ly.”
“Would you rather have my life? Graduate last in your class, go to a community college and pay for that by working at a sex shop run by your guardian–” Sasuke laughed out loud. “What?!”
“Don’ forget I work there too.” he said, his eyes completely closed. Naruto smirked.
“Yeah, and work with the hottest straight guy I’ve ever met.”
“Yeah, I know.” Sasuke said, just about asleep. Naruto blinked.
“. . . You know?”
“Yeah. . .”
“. . .” Naruto looked over to the brunette and poked him. “Oi, what did you mean by that?” Sasuke didn’t answer. The Uchiha was fast asleep on the park bench. “I hope you were just being full of yourself and not horny-drunk.” he said, watching Sasuke’s shallow breath. Naruto tilted his head, looking at his friend in a different angle and thinking. “Well, if you were, I don’t think I’d mind much. You look nice in a reclined position.”
“. . . Zzz. . .” Naruto laughed under his breath.
“Nice answer.” he said, shrugging off his jacket and putting it over Sasuke. He’d probably get cold soon and get all grumpy because of it (not to mention he’d likely have a hangover).
Naruto sighed about ten minutes later and pulled out an old cigarette pack. He didn’t smoke often, and wasn’t really addicted to the tobacco or nicotine, but every once in a while he wanted to smoke or was bored enough to light one.
“Hey there,” someone said from behind, arms wrapping around Naruto’s neck. “Nice evening, huh?”
“Sure,” Naruto said, glaring at the anonymous, unwanted hands.
“This your lay for the night?”
“No,” the blonde replied.
“You lovers?”
“No,”
“Wanna come back up to the bar with me?” Naruto pushed the man’s arms off of him and stood up to blow a couple of lungs full of smoke in the guy’s direction.
“Who the fuck are you?”
“You were watching the band, right? I’m the bass guitarist.” he said, and once the smoke dissipated Naruto saw that he was telling the truth. “I’ve been watching you all night, and I like you.”
“What makes you think I’m interested?” Naruto asked.
“What teenaged male isn’t?”
“Me.” he answered.
“Naruto shut the fuck up.” Sasuke said, flailing his hand toward Naruto and hitting the blonde’s ass on accident. The bass player smirked.
“You his bitch?”
“No, asshole.” Naruto said, whispering. The guitarist laughed.
“I bet you are! Wow, I didn’t know this town had male whores!” Sasuke rose from his drunken sleepiness and glared at the band member.
“Di’you just call Naruto a whore?” the Uchiha asked, his eyes still swimming with the alcohol, but there was a definite coherent anger underneath. “Well, fag-hag? Did you?”
“What of it?” the man asked. “What’re you gonna do about it?”
“You wan’ your band ta make money?”
“Yeah. So?”
“I have enough power n’ money to make sure you never get a gig for the rest of your goddamn life, not to mention I’ll beat the shit out of you even if I am drunk.”
“I’d like to see that.”
“Sasuke, it’s fine.” Naruto said, trying to pull the brunette away from the situation. “I’ve been called worse.”
“He called you a fucking whore!”
“It’s just because I won’t sleep with him.” Naruto said. “Don’t worry about it. He can’t do anything.”
“What? You don’t think he could back up his talk?” the man said, laughing at both of them. Sasuke pushed off Naruto and lunged at the man, proceeding to use all the rest of his energy to attack the bass player. “Get off of me!!”
“Sasuke stop it!” Naruto shouted, trying to pull the brunette off the other man, seeing blood gushing from the man’s nose and mouth. Sasuke eventually gave in to Naruto’s pulling and fell into Naruto’s chest, having not enough energy to stand up properly. “You all right?”
“Yeah,” Sasuke answered. “If you couldn’ tell, he was the one gettin’ his ass kicked.” Naruto sighed and looked over to the man, coughing on the ground. “Should’ve punched his balls.”
“You’ve done enough I think.” Naruto said, putting an arm around Sasuke and picking up his fallen jacket. “Let’s go home.”
“You’re not drivin’ my car.” Sasuke said, stubborn to a fault.
“Shut up. You can’t even stand.” the blonde spit, looking back at that bass player who was still lying on the ground, bloody and nearly beat to a pulp. “Think we should leave him?”
“He deserves to lie there in pain.” Sasuke said, spiteful.
“Why’d you do that? It was unnecessary.”
“He insulted you, then me.”
“Haven’t you heard of turning the other cheek?”
“Uchihas don’t turn the other cheek when their honor is compromised.” Naruto shook his head, amazed through the alcohol that Sasuke could come up with those words.
“Prideful git.”
“Besides, you’re not a whore.”
“I didn’t know you cared.”
“I do.” Sasuke said. Naruto stopped walking and looked at Sasuke.
“You do?”
“I live with you.”
“So? You were kinda forced to.”
“Is it a crime to care?”
“No, but–”
“Then shut up.” he said, glaring at Naruto. “So what if I care? I just do damnit.” Naruto was disconcerted about what Sasuke ws saying, but continued to walk toward the car. “You’re not bad.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t hate you. I can’t hate you.”
“You’re rambling, Sasuke.”
“I thought you were, but you’re not.” the brunette said, ignoring Naruto. “You’re–”
“Sasuke I need your keys.” Naruto said, interrupting Sasuke so that he would think of something else and maybe make sense.
“Pocket.”
“Can you get them out for me?” the blonde asked, not wanting to reach for them in case Sasuke took it badly. The brunette looked upward toward the sky and scrunched his face, trying to think of where his keys were.
“. . . Don’t remember which pocket.” Sasuke said after a while of skewed thought. Naruto sighed and started reaching for Sasuke’s right pocket, since that’s where Naruto himself kept them. Sasuke sighed. “Sorry.”
“What?”
“Just sorry.” Naruto shook his head and pulled out the keys to the car.
“Com’on, let’s get you home.”
TBC...
**-**-**
A/N: Well, that’s eight chapters down. I suppose I should thank you all for your support and reading my story I sold my soul to TONFA for. . . but I emplore you, go read my other pieces of work!! It’s sad to have disappeared for a while and have nothing but “no new reviews” to see when I return. It’s quite depressing (almost enough to make me not want to write).
Chapter 9: Hopeful by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer in the summary. Nyah. XP
A/N: I'M ALMOST DONE WITH SCHOOOL!!!! XD I graduate the 16th, and I have ideas floating around like MAD!! X3
I'm going to try to be on the list of "Ten Most Prolific Authors" just 'cuz. . . ^^ See ya all later!
PLEASE LEAVE A RATING AND A REVIEW!!!
Nine: Hopeful
Naruto went to work alone Thursday night. Sasuke was still asleep by the time they were supposed to go to work, and he just left him alone. Sasuke had missed classes Wednesday trying to recover from the alcohol, and was wired Wednesday night, then crashed Thursday again. Naruto just let him sleep. He was actually glad that Sasuke wasn’t going back with him to work. Though busier than the other weekdays, the shop was rather empty on Thursdays, and the subject of Tuesday night would likely come up into their conversations. The blonde did not want to deal with whatever was left in Sasuke’s drunken memory.
**-**-**
(Tuesday Night)
“Oi, Sasuke.” Naruto said, poking Sasuke from the passenger’s open door. “Are you awake?”
“. . . Mmhum.” the brunette moaned his his sleep. Naruto sighed.
“I’m not carrying you in.”
“. . . Zzzzz.”
“If you barf in your car, it’s gonna be your own damn fault.” Naruto said, getting up and out of the car.
“Naru’o.” Sasuke mumbled, his eyes skewed open slightly.
“What?” Naruto asked.
“Where’re we?”
“Home.”
“Really?” he asked, looking around. “So we are.”
“You should probably go to bed.”
“Yeah,” Sasuke said, trying to get up out of the car. “Shit, can’t see straight.”
“Have you ever been drunk before?” Naruto asked, catching Sasuke before he fell over and slammed his head in the car door. “Sure seems not.”
“Eighteenth birthday.” he answered. “Neji’s too.”
“Well at least you’ve done this before. I don’t want the complaining of a headache and crap later.” the blonde said. “Are you gonna get on your feet? I’m not carrying you.”
“In a little bit.” Sasuke said, burrying his head in Naruto’s neck. “You smell nice.”
“Uh, thanks?” he said.
“N’ you’re soft.”
“. . .” Naruto didn’t say anything but looked at Sasuke strangely. “Uh, do you mind getting off me?”
“Yes.” he said, sounding sleepy again. Naruto shook Sasuke hard to get him to wake up and began yellling.
“Teme! Get your damn ass up to your room! I’m not–” but was cut off by Sasuke’s lips.
“Shut up.” he managed to say (with a little aggravation) before passing out completely once again. Naruto blinked, shocked and unsure of what to say.
**-**-**
“Hellooo!” someone said. Naruto looked up, seeing one of the regulars waving her hand in front of his face. “You okay?” He smiled.
“Yeah, just a lot on my mind right now.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, you know Sasuke?”
“The cutie who works with you? Yeah.”
“Well, I’m living with him right now.”
“You’re that steady already?”
“Uh, well. . .” he said, scratching his head. “I guess so.”
“Having relationship issues?”
“Well, he’s not exactly a physcial person–”
“Really?! I totally thought he was a sex machine!” Naruto laughed.
“Not everyone thinks about sex like you do, wierdo.” She smirked.
“I knew you were girly. You can’t tell me that you don’t want to.”
“Whatever.” he said, shrugging. “Anyway, he got drunk the other night–”
“Yes! The juicy stuff!!”
“–And while I was dragging him into the house and he kissed me to shut me up and then passed out.”
“So,” she started, a tad confused. “He just kissed you?”
“Yeah.” Naruto said, starting to finally scan her items. The woman laughed.
“Oh my god! You’re worried over a kiss?”
“You would be too if you were his boyfriend!” he said. “He won’t let you even touch him!”
“Is he an abuse case?” she asked. Naruto gave her an unamused glare.
“No, he’s not.”
“Well, I guess I’m not much use then.” she said, leaning over the counter to give hima peck on the cheek. “Don’t worry about it too much, hun. Just give him some time. He’ll come around.” Naruto sighed and nodded, though he doubted that much.
“Okay, that’s $357 even.”
“Shouldn’t that be more like $380?”
“A discount for counseling.” She smiled and gave Naruto a big hug.
“You’re such a sweetheart!” Naruto bagged the products and wished her a good night, but still had a twinge of something funny in his chest. As much as he knew that it would never work between them, let a lone the fact that Sasuke was straight, Naruto still wished that there was some way that they could be a real couple.
Naruto had had only a couple of relationships before, and they were not meant to be long term. His first girlfriend was a sweetheart, but had no idea how to handle a willyingly short-term relationship. She wanted it to last as long as it could, and Naruto didn’t want that. He broke up with her and she ended the friendship after that. His first boyfriend was similar, though it was the opposite problem. He didn’t understand that even though it was short-term, that didn’t mean that the relationship was loose. Naruto’s boyfriend slept around since Naruto wasn’t comfortable, and saw other guys while they were supposedly together. That ended badly, and Naruto hadn’t really gotten into another relationship since. He had tried with Gaara, but they felt awkward and ended that within the first 24 hours. Somehow, Naruto thought maybe Sauske would be different. Likely he wasn’t, but the blonde couldn’t help but be hopeful.
Then the door slammed open.
Sasuke.
“Oi! You’re late!!” Jiraiya shouted from the office.
“You can blame Naruto for my tardiness!” the brunette shouted, flipping off the owner. Naruto shrank behind the counter. “Fucking ass, Naruto! Why the hell didn’t you wake me up?!?”
“Because you were wiped?” Naruto offered, trying to avoid eye contact. “I didn’t think you’d care–”
“The hell I wouldn’t care! Just because I skipped out one day doesn’t meant that I’m going to skip out on this entire week! I don’t have my parent’s fortune yet, dumbass!” Naruto sighed and looked downward.
“Sorry.”
“Whatever.” Sasuke said, going behind the counter and pulling out the recent article of Time Jiraiya had left for him. “Fuck, they made Putin ‘Man of the Year’.” (1)
“Who?”
“Vladamir Putin!”
“No idea who that is.”
“Then don’t read this article.” Sasuke said throwing the entire , brand new article in the trash. “They’ll just highlight his good points and forget to mention the bad ones.”
“Aren’t there any other articles you’re gonna read?” Naruto asked, pulling the magazine out of the trashcan.
“Not really.”
“Why not just read it the article about Putin anyway?”
“It’s the same reason why you don’t read the magazine at all.” Sasuke spat. “You’re not interested. Plus the fact that it’ll just anger me further.” Naruto opened up the page with Putin on it. Sasuke raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”
“Reading.”
“You hate that.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
“Well,” Naruto began. “If you’re so against him, I want to know why. Maybe I can convince you that this ‘Putin’ guy isn’t so bad.”
“You have no idea what else he’s done.”
“Then you can tell me when I start arguing with you.” the blonde said, sitting down and straining to comprehend the article. Sasuke was genuinely shocked. This was the first time Naruto had attempted to learn on his own (to Sasuke’s knowledge) and it was about something that Naruto didn’t even like. . .
That was what set the alarms off in Sasuke’s head.
“Is there something eating at you?” the brunette asked.
“Why?”
“This isn’t like you.” he said, nodding toward the magazine.
“What? I can’t try something new?”
“No, but. . .” Sasuke crossed his arms and sat back. “This feels strange.”
“Strange?”
“You haven’t looked at me once since I entered the room, and then you have a sudden interest in political figures?” Sasuke asked. Naruto kept reading. “I think something’s up.”
“Maybe I just don’t want to see your ugly mug.”
“You said I was hot.”
“Maybe I changed my mind.”
“Bull shit.”
“Do I really need to discuss it with you?” Naruto said, shooting a glare in Sasuke’s general direction.
“You’re living with me, and I don’t want to deal with your pissy ass if you’re just going to ignore me.”
“Ignore you? Are you that much of an attention hog?”
“Not in the least.” Sasuke said, wadding up an advertisement. “But I don’t want to have awkaward conversations and moments passing by you in the kitchen.”
“Whatever it is bothering me doesn’t concern you.” the blonde said. Sasuke threw the paper wad at him. “Hey!”
“Then you should have no problem telling me.” Naruto put the magazine down and stared at the wad at his feet.
“There’s this guy.”
“This guy?” Sasuke said, kind of surprised that what was bothering him was a relationship.
“He doesn’t like me.”
“And you like him?”
“No.” Naruto said, still refusing to raise his gaze. “It’s not like that. I don’t have those kinds of feelings for him, but I don’t hate him.”
“And?”
“He. . . accidently kissed me.”
“Accidently?”
“I think he might have done it to just stop me talking, but. . . why would you do something like that?”
“Maybe he actually likes you.” Sasuke said, getting the feeling that he knew what Naruto was talking about. “He did it totally of his own volition?”
“Why else would he kiss me?”
“Well, maybe he was pushed from behind or something?”
“No. . . but he was. . . not really in his right mind.”
“Oh?”
“He was,” Naruto paused and thought fast. If Sasuke knew it was him, that would be bad. “High.”
“High?”
“Yeah.” Naruto said, looking up at the ceiling. “It was weird.”
“So. . . what’s the issue?”
“Well, I don’t know, really. If he likes me, I don’t think I would mind dating him–”
“Even if you’re pretending to date me?”
“Well, afterward.” Sasuke rolled his eyes. “Maybe.”
“So, you like him?” Naruto sighed heavily.
“I don’t know.”
“So, you’re just confused?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay,” Sasuke said, raising his eyebrow. “So why won’t you look at me still?”
“Why does it matter to you? I told you what was up.”
“Yeah, but you’re still skittish.”
“. . .”
“Who is it?”
“You wouldn’t know him, Mr. Four-Year University.”
“When did it happen?”
“Yesterday.” Naruto said, a little too fast. Sasuke looked at the blonde hard. “School.”
“He was at school high?”
“. . . yeah.”
“So, why won’t you look at me?”
“Nevermind.” Naruto said, standing up. “I’m going to go stock and do some recovery.” Sasuke didn’t stop him, but gave the blonde a slight glare. Why was it so important that Naruto not say who it was? Or even why he wouldn’t look at Sasuke? The brunette sighed and checked the sales for that day on the computer, thinking. Maybe it had something to do with Gaara? No. Gaara didn’t do drugs. His other friends?
“Oi, Uchiha!” Jiraiya called from the PA system. “My office! Naruto! Get on the register!” Sasuke got up and walked away, noticing that Naruto didn’t come to the register until the brunette had gone into the office. Whatever.
“Yes, oh Perverted One?” Sasuke said, shutting the door.
“Sit.” Jiraiya said, looking at Sasuke very seriously. Sasuke took the seat in front of the desk. “First off, you must promise not to tell Naruto that I told you this.”
“What?”
“Promise first.” he said. Sasuke nodded in agreement. “All right. Next, I want you to promise that you won’t do anything to provoke this unless you are willing to do it with full force.”
“What is it, Jiji?” Sasuke said, annoyed.
“Promise!” the old man barked..
“Yes, I promise.”
“All right.” Jiraiya said, closing his eyes. “I want to protect Naruto as much as possible, but I don’t want to baby him.”
“Okay,” Sasuke said.
“I’m going to give him a push, and I’ll let him do the rest.”
“. . . Okay.”
“I heard your conversation just now, and I’m going to tell you who he’s talking about.” Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
“What am I supposed to do with this knowledge if I can’t do anything about it?”
“He’ll know I told you, because I’m going to tell him. He’ll do what he wants.”
“Okay, so who is it?” Sasuke said, annnoyed beyond reason now. Jiraiya just looked him dead in the eyes and spoke.
“It’s you.”
Sasuke stared back at the old man, frozen. He almost didn’t believe Jiraiya, but the man’s eyes didn’t seem to be joking. He was very serious, and it seemed he had a plan worked out. However, he had given Sasuke a choice: do nothing at all, or dive into it full swing. So, Sasuke had kissed Naruto on accident. Sasuke didn’t do drugs, so that was made up. He hardly saw Naruto yesterday, and it definately wasn’t at Naruto’s school, so that was fake as well. When did it happen? The last time he had spent any time at all with the blonde was. . .
Then it hit him.
He had been drunk Tuesday night.
Worse, he remembered why he actually kissed Naruto.
“Oh shit.” Sasuke said, leaning back in the chair. Over the last month he had been living with Naruto, he had begun to question his own sexuality. He knew he wasn’t gay, but he wasn’t sure if he was entirely straight because. . . well, once you got to know him, Naruto had a very welcoming charm about him, and sometimes it invites you to think about him romatically. Being raised an Uchiha, Sasuke had been able to hide his confusion with his resent toward the blonde, and Naruto seemingly bought it. He heard that there were some people who were Bi, but only for a specific person or maybe two. Sasuke thought maybe Naruto was this person who made him Bi.
“What?” Jiraiya asked, blinking in confusion.
“Nothing.” Sasuke said. “I remembered the incident.”
“So? What will you do?”
“I’m. . . not sure yet.” Sasuke said. “Nothing for now.”
“For now?”
“I have to give this more thought than I have time for now.” Sasuke said, giving Jiraiya a warning glance. “I won’t aggravate the situation.”
“Good.” Jiraiya said. “And don’t you dare break his heart if you decide to pursue this.”
“I won’t.”
“Perfect.” he said. “Now get out of my office and start making money. You two owe me for making me work Tuesday night!” Sasuke sighed.
“Yes, Jiji.”
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
(1): Vladamir Putin was actually named Man of the Year by Time. My ex is very politically aware (especially with international politics) and absolutely hates Putin. He bought the magazine because he says it will be worth something someday. . . almost like the Time issue that named Adolf Hitler Man of the Year. . . hmmm. . .
Jiji: old man, or gramps. . . a lot of times this is used as an insult. The female version is Baba ^^
A/N: ^___^ And now. . . the drama starts! XD Please leave a rate and review! ^^
Chapter 10: Choices by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer is in the summary.
A/N: As you know, at this point I am starting to resign from TONFA. I promise you that I will finish all of my stories, including this one, and will keep these up here for you to enjoy. I'm not so selfish as to leave you all hanging.
Anyway, this story has taken an unexpected turn, and I think that this may take longer to update than just a couple of weeks. I hope you like this chapter, and keep looking for the next one. Chapter 11 will be up: I just don't know when yet.
Thanks! Please leave a rating and a review! AND PLEASE GO READ MY OTHER STORIES AND LEAVE A REVIEW THERE TOO!!!!!
Ten: Choices
“Vacation?” Sasuke asked.
“Yup,” Jiraiya said, packing his writing tools in his desk. “I’m closing the shop for a week and taking a educational vacation. I’m doing research for my next book.”
“Won’t you loose money?” Naruto asked. “I heard that there’s some Christian convention coming in this week.” (1)
“Oh, com’on! You know I don’t believe that those conventions bring in the money!” Naruto whispered in Sasuke ear.
“It’s so true it’s pittiful. All the other shops have been stocking up tripple for this week.”
“No shit, really?”
“Yep.” Jiraiya shot them a glare.
“You two flirting for gossiping?”
“I’ll the the gossip option.” Sasuke said, turning to leave for the register. “Have fun looking at girls’ boobs.”
“I will not!”
“Your books are just word porn. What else do I expect you to look at when you ‘research’?”
“Maybe a dick or two?”
“Ew,” Naruto said, also walking out to go stock. “More than I needed to know.” Jiraiya just shrugged and continued to pack his desk.
Sasuke normally would be reading Time or The Economist, but tonight he was going over contracts and signing them. The new maids were coming in to work this week, and Neji had given Sasuke a menu to a catering company for the housewarming. There was also some price-comparing that needed to be done. Even though he definately didn’t need to worry about it, he was still typically asian; if there’s a cheaper price, he’ll take it regardless. Also, financially there was a problem with his funds: The allowance he received every year from the rest of the family was running out, and Sasuke did not have access to the fortune yet. That would come with his 21st birthday, which was still two months away. If he was a normal person, Sasuke could survive on the money he made working. However, normal people do not have ten maids to pay, or a gardener, or have to put in premium gas into his car every week. Sasuke would either have to delay payment to his workers (who probably needed it the money more than he did), borrow money, or ask Naruto to pitch in some cash. Though he didn’t like it, the last option seemed like the best way to go. . . though that wasn’t the only thing on Sasuke’s mind. What Jiraiya said kept haunting him.
Okay, so Naruto wasn’t sure if their relationship was purely platonic anymore. Why should that bother him? Did it really matter? He supposed that what was really bothering him was. . . that it felt sort of wrong. He couldn’t really remember what happened that night, but at the time he thought that it wasn’t a big deal. Naruto had said that the kiss was to shut him up but. . . well, how much of it was a lie? Sasuke knew the that the “shutting up” part had only been half of it, and he was glad that the blonde didn’t know the other half. Naruto hadn’t said anything about it, and Sasuke decided not to say anything until he had figured out what happened and why by himself first.
Maybe that wasn’t the best idea.
“Naruto, will you come here?” Sasuke asked, shuffling through his now-disorganized mess.
“What’s up?” Naruto asked.
“. . . Due to curcimstances beyond my control, I’d like to ask if you would mind if you pay a rent fee.”
“Rent?!”
“Or something like that.” Sasuke said. “I’m running low on money at the moment, and seeing as I’m paying for your shelter and food, and taking you to school, I’d like some help.”
“You? Running out of money? Hah! That’s a good one!” the blonde laughed.
“I’m serious.” Sasuke said, glaring at Naruto. “Moving to the Main House, paying for both that house and the one I used to live in, the Housewarming party, gas, food, more cleaning services, and outfitting you so that it looks like you’re high class is not cheap.”
“How much will you charge me?”
“Half your pay.”
“NO!” Naruto shouted. “I still have to pay for school!” Sasuke sighed.
“Fine, you use your money to buy food and gas, fair? Groceries aren’t that much, and I hardly fill up any more.”
“Your gas is still expensive! It’s premium!” Naruto complained.
“Either it’s food and gas, or half your pay.” Sasuke said, a final decision made.
“. . . Am I paying for the catering guys?”
“No, I’ll take care of that.” Naruto sighed.
“Okay, but you’d better not plan on making any road trips or piging out!!” the blonde demanded. Sasuke nodded.
“I won’t.” he said, pulling out a calculator now to see how this woud finally come out to.
“How much to you have left?”
“In the bank? About 15,000.”
“You can survive!”
“Since I promised to make Lolita in charge of extra cleaning ladies, that’s about half that left over the next two months.”
“Okay, 7,500.”
“Then there’s the gardener, another 2,000 over two months.”
“Sheesh! Get a cheaper gardener!”
“Have you even seen the grounds?” Sasuke asked. “You’re usually sleeping, so I’m no sure.”
“It can’t be that big, can it??”
“It’s the reason why we’re the last house for miles. It’s about 95 acres of garden. There’s also a pond and deck in the back.”
“95 acres?!?”
“Yes.” Sasuke said. “A little less, but it’s there.”
“Okay, reasonable gardener.”
“So we’re at 5,500 for two months.” Sasuke said. “The catering service is 3,000 since they cook the food at the house so it’s very fresh and hot. We’re at 2,500.”
“Yes.”
“Electrical, water, and gas for this house as the one my brother is currently using.”
“Why are you paying for him?!?”
“Because technicaly he is my guest and I own that house.”
“Okay, how much is that?”
“The total I believe it’s something on the order of 1,500.”
“And that’s 1,000.”
“Yes,” Sasuke said. “That’s what’s left for two months for food, gas, entertainment, emergencies–”
“Okay, okay, I get the picture.” Naruto said. “But still, what about your paycheck? You said that’s just what you have in the bank.”
“Do you know how much I make?”
“I don’t know.”
“I make 8 dollars an hour six days a week. I work from 10:30 to 6:30 in the morning. That’s an eight hour shift, if Jiraiya doesn’t let us out early and you know how rare that happens.” Naruto nodded. “Usually we get off at about 3 am, so that cuts my pay from eight hours to about four and a half hours. That’s $36 per night. 36 times 6 is 216 a week. Thats only 864 per month before taxes are taken out. I’ve asked Jiji to pay me for this month, and that 1,000 includes that almost 600 net dollars. That means that next month I’ll only get about 190 before I turn 21.”
“What’s so special about your birthday?”
“I get my half of the Uchiha fortune. That’s roughly 500 billion.”
“REALLY?!?” the blonde shouted, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.
“Whoa. . . and you get that business too, don’t you?”
“No, but once Itachi incorporates it, I’ll have a guarenteed quarter of the stocks.”
“Oh,” Naruto said. “I see.”
“So you see that right now I need a little help.” The blonde sighed.
“Okay, that’s fine.” Naruto sat down. “I spent last week’s paycheck on school, so I don’t have anything right now.”
“That’s fine, I just need you to pitch in as soon as possible.”
“So, who’s going to the housewarming?” Naruto said, picking up a paper on the floor. “That’s a lot of food. . .”
“Chouji’s coming.”
“And that’s enough to buy about five times the food you think you need?” he asked. “You have ‘x 5’ by everything!”
“Trust me: once you see Chouji you’ll understand. Just don’t call him fat.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to pay for repairs to my house.” Sasuke said, sighing and putting the papers away. “You want to close the store?”
“Yeah, can you get the ‘I’m going to go look at naked girls for a week’ sign?” Naruto asked, grabbing the pole and keys to pull down the gates to the doors. Sasuke smirked.
“Sure.” he said, picking up the poster and walking over to where Naruto was heading toward.
“Friggin’ crap!” Naruto said, trying to jump upward and catch the bottom of the gate. “Why does that bastard ALWAYS have to push up the gate all the way?”
“Here, let me get it.” Sasuke said, finishing putting up the sign and walking over to Naruto to help.
“No, it’ll go in eventually.” he said, still jumping upward with the pole.
“Baka, I’ll get it. I’d like to go home before noon.”
“I’ll be fine!”
“Naruto!”
“I’m fi–gah!!” Naruto said, loosing his footing and falling forward with the pole in his hands. Sasuke grabbed the pole in one hand, Naruto’s waist in the other, and threw the pole out of the way, falling with the blonde to the floor.
Both the boys stared at each other, flabbergasted. . . yet slightly enjoying the situation.
“. . . What are you doing?” Naruto asked, completely confused at what Sasuke had just done.”
“. . .” Sasuke just laid there, lost for words. To be honest, he had simply reacted so that he would get hit by the pole but. . . he hadn’t planned the awkward landing position. “Nothing.” he said, pushing the blonde off of him and standing up. Naruto didn’t say anything, though inside he was smiling.
“Tell Jiji we’re leaving, okay?”
“Haa.” Sasuke had no objection to getting away.
The ride back to the mansion wasn’t as painfully quiet as either of them thought it would be. Naruto struck up a conversation about Putin (as much as he could considering what little he had read) and Sasuke quickly got defensive about all the points the blonde made, mostly about how they were lacking credibility according to the rigid rules of logical arguments. It was almost as if the two had completely forgotten about the incident that occured not 10 minutes before.
Puh. As if.
Naruto was consantly trying to calm himself when Sasuke would give him a look while they were talking and wishing that he wasn’t feeling like a love-struck school girl. He was hardly listening to the arguments Sasuke was making anymore because his mind was so preoccupied with his thoughts. Sasuke could calm himself, but was battling so hard internally that he was sure he made logical faullicies he was accusing Naruto of. He tried to forget, but couldn’t because the issue of Naruto’s affection. . . nor about the urge to stop thinking rationally and re-live the moment back in the store.
As they approached the house, Sasuke came to two conclusions about his problems, neither of which he really enjoyed at the moment.
“Naruto?” said Sasuke, parking the car in the garage.
“Yeah?”
“Jiji told me something the other night, and made me promise to do nothing unless I dived in without reservations.”
“Yeah, he told me.” the blonde said, sitting there with his head downward.
“And I’ve decided.” Though the twinge of hope was there, Naruto knew what the decision was going to be.
“That’s okay,” he said, trying to smile at Sasuke. “I didn’t figure you’d go for it anyways. I don’t mind.” Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
“Who said I wasn’t going to go for it?” he asked. Naruto paused, then looked over to the brunette.
“. . . Are. . . Are you serious?” Sasuke nodded.
“As much as I can be at this point.” Naruto’s smile appeared broadly on his face and he leaped over the center console to hug his new boyfriend. Sasuke caught the blonde his his arms, a little shocked a the sudden physical contact. Once he was over the inital shock, Sasuke put an arm aroung Naruto, not hugging but not denying the relationship.
As for the other decision, he decided that there would be time for those kinds of “awkward” situations later.
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
(1): I heard somewhere that the sex shops always stock up tripple their normal amount when they know that there’s a (I think?) Mourmon or Methodist convention or meeting in town. Apparently they’ll still sell out of a lot of items. . . I don’t know if that’s true, but I thought it was hillarious that for a “holy” convention, these people would go out of their way to find a sex shop in a completely different city. ^^;;
A/N: Thanks for reading! Look for the next chapter, which I still don't know when will be up. Please leave a rate and review! GO read my other stories too if you haven't already!!! >
Chapter 11: Uchihas by Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer is in the summary!
A/N: SO SORRY FOR THE ENORMOUS DELAY!! I'm going to try to work more on my fanfiction and post. . . I miss reviews and all of you guys! I've just been super busy this last year -_____-;;;
Enjoy! Please rate and review!!
Eleven: Uchihas
“Otooto,” the message began. “We have a slight problem with our arrangements. Please come down to the house as soon as you can. Bring Naruto with you, both of you in formal attire. The family will be there.” Sasuke deleted the message on the machine and dialed his house phone. Itachi did not answer, but Sasuke knew his brother was listening.
“Oi,” Sasuke began. “I just got off of work. Naruto and I are tired, and I’m not driving down there to deal with you right now. I’ll be down there with Naruto this evening at about six. I can’t stay long. Naruto and I have work tonight as well.” Naruto gave Sasuke a puzzled look.
“Why do you and Itachi do this to each other? Aren’t you brothers?”
“That’s because I hate him and he could care less about me.”
“But you don’t have to be rude about it.”
“Wait until you meet him tonight.” Naruto shrugged.
“So it’s suits again?”
“I told you that you’d give that thing a work out.” The blonde shrugged, taking off his shirt.
“What do you think it’s about?”
“Might be something with the acceptance of clan or the will.”
“What arrangements was he was talking about?”
“The one where I get 25% of the company stock if I give him the company once I get it on my 21st birthday.”
“Oh. Gotcha.” Sasuke sighed happily and pulled Naruto in to kiss his forehead.
“You are so much better than Sakura.” The blonde smiled. “Let’s go to bed. I’m about ready to pass out right here.”
“I could carry you to bed.”
“No you couldn’t. You’ve been on your feet all day. Besides, who’s the woman in this relationship?”
“No me.” Sasuke glared.
“Don’t you wish.”
Right at about 6 pm, Sasuke and Naruto pulled up to the house Sasuke owned, noticing the various other expensive cars parked around the neighborhood. Naruto had been instructed to keep his hands to himself unless Sasuke made obvious physical contact with him, and that was only to keep the less-tolerable family members from saying anything. Itachi was waiting at the door, the front porch light dimmed so that the others would not know he was out there. Itachi smiled at them and bowed.
“You must be Naruto-kun. Hajimemashite.” Itachi said, a little less formally than he should have. “Otooto.” Sasuke just gave his brother a nod in recognition. “Have you figured it out yet?”
“I came to several conclusions. What is it?”
“It’s about the Head.”
“What about it?”
“Father’s side of the family wants me to lead the clan, being that I am the eldest son. Mother’s side of the family wants to comply with their daughter and son-in-law’s last wishes and make you Head. Both sides see children an a big issue, but Kakashi has stated that you, quote, ‘would rather have a test tube baby than procreate with someone he didn’t love.’” Itachi smirked. “Did you really say that?”
“It was a possibility.”
“Then you two are actually–” Itachi trailed off and nodded. “It’s fun, no?”
“More so than Sakura, but not as much as Ino.” Sas uke said, knowing that Itachi was automatically thinking pervertedly.
“Do you have a plan for this?”
“Do you?” Itachi closed his eyes and nodded slightly. Neither of them had a clue on how to deal with this. “We’ll go ahead then. How formal?”
“It’s Karin-basan’s famous ordurves and some wine.” Sasuke sighed. It was fake-formal, then (especially when Karin was making the food *shudders*). Sasuke put an arm around Naruto’s shoulders.
“Ordurves it is, then.” he said, opening the door with Naruto and entering with the family not even noticing him. It wasn’t until their father’s brother, the current Head, called everyone to attention that anyone even spoke to Sasuke about the feud within the family.
“Mina san! I would like to bring everyone’s attention to my nephew Sasuke, who has just arrived, and Uzumaki Naruto-san.” Some clapped, some welcomed the two, and several did nothing but glare. “Now, Sasuke, several things have been brought to our attention. First and foremost it’s that your parents made you the heir, rather than your aniki.”
“As I saw in the will.” Sasuke retorted. “I hear that there’s debate about this.” An elderly woman stepped forward and glared at Sasuke.
“Itachi should be the head of the family! He is the oldest and should have the title by birthright!”
“Obaasama,” Sasuke said, bowing. “Though I would have initially agreed, I’m sure my parents had reasons for having Itachi step down from the position.”
“I’m sure if they were alive they would gladly tell you those reasons.” Itachi said, chiming in from the side. “But seeing as they are not, I can’t understand why it’s so difficult for you to trust your former Head and let Sasuke be the heir.” Sasuke’s mother’s family murmured in agreement. However, their father’s side of the family still did not quite comply.
“It is against tradition!” another old man said. “We have seen historically what happens when we go against tradition! Tragedy strikes! We can see from Sasuke’s flagrant display of his lover that we will not have another generation of children! How can we be so sure that this plan of his will work?” Sasuke and Itachi shot glares at the old man.
“As I have told Kakashi-san before: I am young, and should not have to marry someone I do not love. As of now, I am attracted to my lover, but I cannot say for sure that it will be that way in the future. As with normal relationship, many have the initial attraction, but soon the couple will find that they cannot live with one another’s quirks. This results in a separation.”
“So you intend to leave this young man?” the old woman asked.
“Not at all. I’m saying that things change. Once the flowers and puppy-love is gone, real love may not be there. I believe I’m still in the beginning of this relationship, and I think that it’s too soon for me to believe that I have found my life partner.” The woman looked away. “If it is to be that I choose Naruto, there are those who I can turn to so that I am able to have children that are blood related to me. I do want children, just not with any female I’ve met so far.”
“I still say that if you’re going to be head, you need to marry a good woman.”
“And have a lover on the side?” Sasuke challenged. “What honor would that bring to the Uchiha ichizoku?” The woman said nothing.
“Then am I to assume that you have denied your father’s family their say?” someone else asked. Sasuke shook his head.
“I have only declined your offer. I haven’t silenced you yet.” There was a lot of shouts and murmurs of protest to Sasuke’s threat. Sasuke’s uncle squeezed his nephew’s shoulder hard.
“I’d keep my head below the water. It might be burned off.” he whispered.
"And you would have me drown, then?" Sasuke spat quietly. Naruto heard it too, and sighed.
“Can I speak?” Naruto asked Sasuke and his uncle. Both were surprised that the blonde spoke at all.
“Yes, you may.” the Head allowed. Naruto sighed again and turned to the rest of the family.
“Look. Everyone,” he began. The Uchihas turned to the blonde and began to listen apprehensively. “I know I’m not from a high-class family. I don’t understand all this stuff about family heirs and tradition and whatever.” Naruto kind of looked back at Sasuke, hoping that he’d find some better words for what he was about to say. “But I all I know is that a Will is a Will, and it should hold some sort of ranking above tradition. I mean, my parents didn’t even leave a Will. The government just took the stuff and I got stuck with a perverted Jiji as my guardian.” The room was silenced, and Naruto blushed. “I. . . don’t want Sasuke to loose his position just because there’s some dispute about whether tradition or a Will should rule this family. I don’t think it’s right to deny his parents their final wishes. Besides, it looks to me like Itachi doesn’t even want the position anyway. Why force someone to do something they don’t want to do? They’ll just do a half-assed job of it anyway.”
Though cringing at his crude language, the entire clan saw truth in this.
Silence followed the ending of Naruto’s speech, and Sasuke was genuinely surprised by the blonde’s insight. He was even smiling because of it, at a family function no less. Naruto blushed slightly and coughed to try to end the awkward silence.
“He’s got a very valid point, you know.” Itachi said. “I don’t want it.”
“. . . Then. . . Sasuke will have the position.” the old man decided, though bitter. Sasuke nodded.
“With that stated, I have an announcement to make.” Sasuke said, still beaming. “I would like to invite you all to the Main House on my 21st birthday for a celebration.” The family was happy, but slightly perturbed. Half of them did not get what they wanted, and the other half was disturbed by Naruto. The current Head shoved off the mood and smiled.
“Saa! That will be the day I will officially relinquish my position to you.” Sasuke nodded, though felt a little bit of anger in his voice. “We will make arrangements for it.”
“Doomo.” Sasuke said. “And if there’s nothing else, I’d like to head back. I have work tonight.”
“You will quit this job once you inherit your position, correct?” a familiar voice said. Both Sasuke and Naruto turned to find Kakashi in the corner. “You won’t need the extra money.”
“Perhaps. I enjoy doing something with my time.” Kakashi gave him a warning look.
“I see.”
“If that is all, we must be going.” Sasuke said, not really waiting for a signal to go. He simply left, Naruto behind him. Itachi also followed them out.
“Otooto,” Itachi said, closing the door behind them. Sasuke turned around.
“Once they officially name me Head, I’ll announce that you are to have the business.”
“Only then?”
“I don’t have the authority until then.” Sasuke said, firmly. “You already have it. Be patient until I can give it to you officially.”
“They’re already moving me into a lower office.” he said, glaring. “Our Jisan decided that it would be better if I was Vice President since I will soon take that office.” Sasuke’s eyes narrowed.
“Let me guess who’s president.”
“Jisan is filling that spot for now.”
“He doesn’t plan to relinquish his power, does he?”
“I don’t believe so.” Sasuke sighed.
“The family won’t stand for it. He can do this for now, but once I’m legally Head, he can’t.”
“I’m afraid that it won’t work that way.” Itachi said, looking behind him. “The reason why the Uchiha side is up in arms about this Will is because of him.”
“Oh?” Sasuke said, furrowing his brows. “What do you know?”
“He’s using his station to keep his station.” the older brother said, tilting his head toward the mailbox next to them. Sasuke looked at it, glaring so hard the box might have set fire. So, his uncle was blackmailing his own family. Obviously since his mother came from a different family, he couldn’t do anything to them. However, if the Uchihas were “convinced” that this needed to be done his uncle had all the authority to do it.
“How long will he hold it?”
“Who knows?”
“Do you have a plan?” Sasuke asked. Itachi smirked.
“There’s a deal involved.” he said. Sasuke sighed. Itachi probably needed something that would take advantage of him.
“How long will this take?”
“Do you have time for dinner? I’m sure you didn’t have anything to eat before you came.” The younger brother looked at his watch.
“I think we’ll have to postpone the dinner until later.” Sasuke said. “I can’t stay until everyone leaves, and I expect you to lock the doors.” Itachi shrugged.
“If you wish. I'll see you at your celebration?" the older Uchiha began. “I heard that you were throwing a housewarming party.”
“From who?”
“Lolita.” Sasuke cursed inwardly. “I’d like to drop in for a while as well.”
“Not for too long, I hope.”
“Not at all. Just long enough.” he replied, looking over to Naruto. "Would you like to tag along as well? This does sort of concern you." The blonde blinked in confusion.
"Uh, sure I guess." he replied. Itachi nodded, then walked over to Naruto, taking his chin and smiling.
“You’re. . . very attractive.” Itachi said, almost leering at the blonde he was holding. Naruto just stood there blushing.
“Itachi, back off.” Sasuke growled. Itachi ran a thumb across Naruto’s cheek. “Itachi!”
“I will in a moment. I won’t do anything.” He titled his head, a little disappointed. “Scars?”
“M-my parents died in a crash. I-I survived.” Naruto peeped out.
“How ironic. Our parents died in a crash as well.”
“Itachi!” Sasuke took Naruto’s arm and pulled him away from his older brother. “We’re leaving.”
“Saa.” he said, backing off. “Kio tsu kete, Naruto-kun. Sasuke drives recklessly when he’s angry.”
“H-hai.” Naruto said, feeling very, very awkward. “Oyasumi.” Itachi just nodded. Sasuke said nothing and pulled Naruto along with him to the car. Naruto sighed. That was just weird.
TBC...
**-**-**
Notes:
Hajimemashite: Nice to meet you
Mina san: Everyone
Ichizoku: family, but more like a clan
Ki o tsu kete: Take care.
A/N: Well, the last time I checked I was one of the most prolific Authors! ^__^ Happiness all around! I will be eventually finishing this fic, and I know you've been waiting for a long time. . . >< A lot has happened this last year, and I'm not really going to make excuses. I'M ENGAGED GODDAMNIT!!!!! XD No, I swear I really am! ^____________________^
ANYWAY! I have also moved to another site for original writing as well as fanfiction called Hot Water Fiction. It's my own site, so if you want more of my writing go to hotwaterfics.net. If it gives you a weird page, click the link that says "eFiction 351". I gotta fix that link. . . ^^;;;
Please rate and review!
Loves to the world!
Yumi
Author's Notes:
Disclaimer is in the summary.
Twelve: Home
Things were crazy that Friday of the Housewarming party. Lolita and her underlings were working like mad to get the house cleaned up and college-student-proofed so that Sasuke’s friends could stay without fear of breaking something. The catering company had been at the house at 7:00 that morning to start cooking the enormous amounts of food Sasuke ordered (mainly for Chouji), and Sasuke had to drive Naruto to and from school that day, since ALL of his midterms happened to be that day. Nothing really had a chance to go wrong, until. . .
“Jisan,” Sasuke said, getting out of the car and seeing his uncle standing at the door waiting for someone to answer. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to say hello.” he said, smiling. “I see your house is rather busy.”
“I’m hosting a housewarming this afternoon.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize.” he said, though he didn’t look too surprised. “Well, I’ll just say what I came here to say and leave you to your business.” Sasuke was not pleased. After Itachi claimed that their uncle was trying to stay in power, he had become quite unappreciative of his uncle. “I just wanted to congratulate Naruto on his ability to talk some sense into the family. I didn’t think he had it in him.” he said, smiling at the blonde. “And to you, for regaining your position after I step down.”
“I hate to be such a bastard about this, but if that’s all you came to say, I don’t have time for it.” Sasuke said, getting in his uncle’s face, giving him a snarling glare. “I’m tired, pissed, busy, and annoyed beyond reasonable compensation. Don’t. Waste. My. Time.” Sasuke uncle stepped back, actually fearing the look in Sasuke’s eyes.
“Hn, well, I also came to drop off a little bit of money.” he said, taking out an envelope and handing it to his nephew. Sasuke didn’t take it right away, seeing the black paper sticking out of the old-style envelope. He slowly put his hand on it, and firmly held it.
“If that’s what you’ve been reduced to, then I feel sorry for the clan.” Sasuke threatened.
“I. . . don’t know what you’re talking about.” he said, nervousness in his eyes. “I’m just trying to help you out. Your bank account seemed low–”
“I told you not to waste my time.” Sasuke said, taking the papers and walking past his uncle. Naruto just followed, not daring to break the tense air. Sasuke’s uncle just stood there, his heart pounding and his very soul afraid.
“What was that?” Naruto hesitantly asked.
“I basically told him that he’s a pitiful waste of space and that he won’t get away with taking my position as Head. He won’t be able to blackmail me, which is what this is.” he said, opening the letter. Out popped several photos of Sasuke working at the shop and helping customers with less than innocent toys. Sasuke smirked. These would be fun to show everyone.
“Where did he get those?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he bribed Jiraiya for the pictures.” Sasuke said, putting them back into the envelope and sticking it in his pocket. “I don’t care. I’ll even show everyone at the party to show him I don’t care.”
“He won’t know.” Sasuke smiled, walking upstairs.
“Somehow I think he will.”
**-**-**
"OI! Sasuke!!" Kiba said, already drunk by the time he had arrived at the party. "Whoz yer blondie?"
"Kiba, this is Naruto. Naruto, this is Dog-Face."
"Oi, not nice." Kiba said, his puppy growling in the parka the boy always wore. The boy then turned to Naruto and smirked, looking as if he was going to viciously pounce on the blonde. "Yer cute."
"Uh. . . yeah." Naruto said, looking around for a distraction. "Hey! Gaara!" The red head had just entered the room and was looking quite uncomfortable with the situation. Kiba raised an eyebrow.
"You know Gaara? Why'z he here?" Sasuke sighed as Naruto ran away.
"Naruto and Gaara are best friends. They've known each other since they were kids."
"I see." Kiba turned around and made a face at the red head. "He's changed kinda."
"Yeah," Sasuke said, looking at the boy who was next to Naruto. Gaara had let his hair grow out a little, so there was a tiny pony tail in the back of his head, and there seemed to be a henna tattoo above his eye. Unlike the goth-boy they were all used to seeing, Gaara seemed to have calmed down a bit and was wearing earthy colors and loose clothing. If they hadn't known what Gaara had been like before, everyone would have just assumed he was the quiet artist. "Why don't you go find Hinata? I'm going to go say hello to Gaara."
"Hinata'z here? Awesome." Kiba said, going to find the sheepish Hyuuga. Sasuke rolled his eyes and made his way over to his boyfriend.
"Yo." Gaara said, surprisingly the first to speak when Sasuke approached. "How are you?"
"Fine, thanks. Yourself?" Sasuke said, unsure of exactly what to say. "You look better than you did in high school."
"I feel better than I did." he said, a subtle smiling appearing on his lips. "I have to ask, because it just seems odd. Did you invite me or did Naruto?"
"Naruto did, but I told him to."
"I see." he said. "Well, I suppose it would be rude of me then to withhold this." Gaara said, pulling out a large newspaper wad from his bag. "I'm sorry it's not wrapped pretty. I had to spend the money on the actual gift."
"Gift?" Sasuke said, confused. "There weren't supposed to be gifts."
"I know, but I suppose this is more of an apology than a gift." he said, handing Sasuke the newspaper. "I hope there will be some use for it." Sasuke took the object, finding it to be far heavier than he would have thought. Carefully, he unwrapped the gift.
"Whoa."
"Did you make that?" Naruto asked, blown away by the gift. The red head nodded.
"It's nothing, really. The glass is the hardest part."
"It's gorgeous." Sasuke said. The gift was a ceramic couple embracing each other, a multicolored glass heart between them. Though simple and modern, the warmth of the people was undeniably beautiful. "Thank you." Gaara nodded.
"The glass can be used as a picture frame if you want. There's a backing there if you ever need it."
"I see. Thank you."
"So, how long until your birthday?" Gaara asked. "Naruto told me about the arrangements."
"I have about a month left." Gaara nodded.
"I see. How soon will you 'break up'?" Naruto laughed nervously.
"I. . . didn't get a chance to tell you, since you've been really busy." Gaara raised an invisible eyebrow.
"What?"
"We. . . kinda actually–"
"Then it's not a fake anymore." Gaara said, his face dropping. "I see."
"You mad?" Naruto asked, noticing the look.
"No, actually." he said. "Concerned."
"Why?"
"I was right about you." he said to Sasuke. "Or is this a joke?"
"What?" Sasuke asked, pretending to be oblivious. Gaara shook his head.
"Never mind. Later perhaps." he said, looking away. "I'm going to go find food. I suspect if I don't go now Chouji will inhale it."
"Mn." Naruto said, uneasy but letting it go. Both watched as the red head disappeared into the crowd. "What was that?"
"I. . . don't really know." Sasuke said, sighing. "Anyway, I think he was the last one to come. Let's just go mingle." Naruto shook his head and smirked.
"Only you would call hanging out with your friends 'mingling'." Sasuke bopped the blonde on the head. "OI!"
". . . Neji would too." Naruto rolled his eyes.
"So, Sasuke!" Ino said, hanging on him while they were sitting around the living room. "Tell me the juicy details!"
"Details?"
"About your love affair!" she said, giggling with the alcohol.
"What's there to tell?"
"Aw, com'on! Haven't you guys had sex yet?" Naruto blushed.
"No." Sasuke said, shoving Ino off of his shoulders. "And that's not something you ask."
"I'm friggin' drunk. I can ask whatever I want!" she said walking over to Shikamaru and falling over him. Shikamaru sighed.
"You ditz."
"Whatever." she said, making herself comfortable in her boyfriend's lap.
"I would like to know some details, though." Shikamaru said. "About this Will situation."
"My parents made me the heir instead of my brother." Sasuke said simply. "However, I'm giving my brother the business. As a favor, he's giving me 25% of the stocks once he can incorporate it, and he gets to use the house every once in a while. However," he said, sighing. "We've come in contact with some problems with family members, so we're playing it by ear until we know how to take control of the situation."
"What problems?" Neji said, curious.
"My uncle isn't willing to give up his position as head to me." Sasuke said, smiling. "He even sent me blackmail today." The Uchiha pulled the envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Neji. The Hyuuga blushed.
"You. . . work there?"
"I have been for over a year."
"Why?"
"No one will see me at work. . . except Ino over there."
"OI! You don't say a word!!" the blonde girl shouted. Shikamru smirked and mouthed 'tell me later'.
". . ." Neji passed them on to the next person, who had the same reaction. "Why don't you care anymore?"
"About my work?" Sasuke asked. "I'm going to be inheriting money soon. Who cares where I worked? I'm not planning to stay too long with that perverted Jiji." Neji smirked.
"So, what do you plan to do about your uncle?"
"I'm not sure yet." Sasuke said. "I might take legal action, but I'm thinking I can solve this internally."
"How?
"Use my mother's side of the family, and maybe even expose the plan to the press." Sasuke smirked. "Or I could use that promise your Uncle gave to me."
"Is that what you want from him?" Neji asked. "I don't know if he's found time to talk to your family yet."
"I'm not sure how I'll word it, but he won't have his stocks unless I get my position." Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.
"The Hyuugas are getting money from the Uchihas? That hardly seems fair."
"We haven't struck the deal quite yet." Neji explained. "But there is definitely progress."
"And obstacles." a voice said from the door. They all looked up to find a Itachi standing with a case of beer in his hands. "Konnichiwa, mina."
"Hey! You're the hotter one!" Ino shouted, laughing. Itachi raised an eyebrow.
". . ."
"Don't mind her. She's really drunk." Sasuke said. "Thanks for the beer."
"It's my gift to you all." he said, smiling at Naruto. "I remember parties and having no one else to buy the alcohol." Both Gaara and Sasuke shot a glare at Itachi. "Where shall I put these?"
"Cooler's in the hallway." Kiba said, wondering what the looks were for, but not caring too much. "Toss one this way!" Itachi opened the box and threw a can across the room.
"You were discussing our problems, otouto?" Itachi asked.
"Hai." Sasuke said, wrapping an arm around Naruto's shoulders. "Jisan visited today."
"Oh?"
"Dropped off mail."
"I see. He is trying hard."
"Saa." Itachi smirked.
"And I've got a plan."
"You do?"
"Hai, but I'll let you enjoy your party for now." he said, walking down the hall. "I'll be in the yard if you need me."
"Don't be too expectant." Sasuke said, shrugging and turning to talk to the rest of the group. Itachi didn't mind the brush off. Sasuke was interested to the point where he couldn't stand it, and Itachi knew it.
Later that evening, Sasuke had only one of his guests not drunk off their asses, and one very large problem to take care of. He didn't trust any of them to drive home and not get themselves killed, thus Neji had convinced Sasuke (in a claimed "slightly-less-than-sober" state) to keep them all at his house for the night. Sasuke wasn't in the mood to argue, and had Lolita and her crew set up some extra rooms (with trash cans, water, and aspirin). The only one who didn't need a room was Gaara, but chose to stay anyway. Naruto had been the one to convince him of that.
"Do you stay in the same room, then?" Gaara asked, helping a passed out Naruto into Sasuke's room. The brunette sighed.
"Wasn't supposed to end up that way, but Naruto was insistent."
"He would." Gaara muttered, letting the blonde slide off his shoulders and onto the bed. "He seemed happy."
"I certainly hope he is." Sasuke said, floppinf next to him. "He got what he wanted."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Jiraiya told me about Naruto and his confused feelings about me." Sasuke said. "I promised him that I wouldn't do anything at all, or that I'd go in all the way without reservations."
"So the old pervert set you two up?"
"Something like that." Sasuke said, thought hating to admit it. "Things probably would have worked out the same way, though messier."
"Thank the Jiji then."
"I should."
"Why don't you?"
"Would you?" Sasuke asked. Gaara looked away. "I didn't think so."
"I never said I wouldn't. I'm just. . ." Gaara shook his head slightly. "I'd never be in that position."
"You seem upset about it."
"I'm sure he told you about our little experiment." Sasuke shook his head. "We've had sex once."
"Oh, that." Sasuke sat up. "He told me it felt like he was. . . oh." That's when Sasuke realized what was wrong. Naruto said it had weird incestuous feeling to it. That wasn't Gaara's response to it. "I see."
"I'm. . . a little jealous." the red head admitted. "I didn't think. . . Never. I never thought you two would find each other like that."
"Do you want him?"
"He doesn't want me." he said. "No one really does. Naruto has been the closest thing, and that's just been a dying friendship."
"He certainly doesn't think so. He still considers you his best friend." Gaara's sad eyes turned toward the blonde.
"Does he now?" he whispered. Sasuke sighed.
"Does he know about those feelings?"
"No. I never told him."
"Why not?"
"He's my brother." Gaara stated. "Brothers don't love like that."
"But you're not brothers."
"Are you trying to make me take him from you?" Gaara said, his anger risng a little.
"No, I want to know why you never said anything."
"Because if he thought our relationship would feel. . . incestuous, then I wouldn't try. If I can just have him as a friend that would be enough."
"You love him, then?"
"Perhaps I do." Gaara shook his head. "I was never meant to love anyway. I'm too unstable for that."
"You think so?"
"I know so." he said. "And if I ever hear that you used him and broke his heart, I swear I'll kill you." Sasuke smiled.
"I promise I won't." Gaara smiled softly, then turned around to leave. He trusted that he would never have to act on that promise.
Once Sasuke got Naruto situated for sleep, he slipped out of the room and went to find Itachi. It was well past 3 in the morning, and Itachi was still out in the yard by the pond. Sasuke couldn't believe that he was actually still there, considering it was rather chilly. He supposed that didn't bother Itachi, though. He man seemed to have lost all his nerve endings.
"Oi," Sasuke said, handing his brother a jacket. "Why are you still out here?"
"Waiting for you, Otooto." Itachi said, smiling. "I didn't know that your boyfriend knew the Suna kid."
"They're best friends."
"Saa," Itachi said, taking the jacket and putting it beside him. "So the party finally stopped?"
"How in the world did you sit here for half a day? Were the fish that interesting?" Sasuke asked. Both were stupid questions that would never be answered. Itachi nodded, and looked down at the pond again. "You said you had a plan?"
"That I did."
"Will you now elaborate on said plan?"
"Yes, but only if you're willing to do something I know you don't want to."
"What?"
"Pry."
". . ."
"Physically pry."
"What are you talking about?"
"Did you know that Jisan has a lover?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"A lover?"
"Hai, not a mistress, a lover."
"Is this the curse of the Uchihas or something?" Sasuke asked, kicking a rock into the pond, scaring the sleeping fish. "Are we all inclined toward the same gender?"
"It certainly seems that way." Itachi said, smirking at the comment. "His lover is very young, too. About your age." Sasuke gave Itachi a disgusted look.
"Do I want to know what you're thinking?"
"There's two possible choices, both leading to the same result." Itachi said. "We could fight fire with fire and blackmail him, or we could do something much more devastating than that."
"Oh?"
"Take away his lover." Itachi said. "I've got a name and address. I've done my share of the work."
"So you want me to take this guy away from him?" Sasuke asked. "I can't just go in there an kidnap the guy, you ass."
"That would be too easy." Itachi said, still smiling. "I mean take him away."
"I'm not fucking him either."
"You could. He'd certainly enjoy it."
"I'm involved."
"True, you are." Itachi said. "But that doesn't mean you can't flirt." Sasuke stood up and grabbed the jacket next to Itachi.
"This is yourfield of expertise, not mine." he said, walking away. "I'm not going to risk Naruto over some blackmailing."
"Then I have one alternative."
"What?" Sasuke said, turning around and glaring at his brother.
"I know about your deal with Hiashi-sama."
"And?"
"Have him expose Jisan, and then we'll decide on further payment."
"That's my deal to cut, not yours."
"What did he want?"
"A percentage, and a seat on the Board of Directors."
"That's quite a lot."
"Hai. He said he'd give me Hinata as compensation if he did not find suitable payment." Itachi raised his eyebrow.
"That IS quite a lot." he said, noticing the fish had come up to the surface again. "It is up to you. I'd rather the more fun route, but if you can think of something else, I would have no objections."
"You wouldn't." Sasuke said. "When are you going home?"
"What do you mean?" Itachi asked, smiling and sipping his drink. "I finally got back." Sasuke glared hard.
"Do you always like to take things away from me?" he said, seething. "You took away our parents, then my money, then my college, and now you want to take away Naruto and my home?"
"I didn't do half of those things." Itachi retorted, hardly caring.
"You mean Otoosan's drink wasn't spiked by Everclear? With the bottle they found in your room? He was drunk, and you know how he is when he's drunk! Mom tried to drive to the party, but he was too drunk and stubborn! You said it would be fine, and they didn't get three blocks before he ran into a light pole!"
"Otoosan liked to drink. He stashed alcohol everywhere. The crash isn't what killed them, if you recall. It was the fact that it was raining and there were loose wires from the pole."
"It doesn't matter! You let Otoosan and Okaasan go!"
"I was thirteen. How am I supposed to stop a grown man?"
"You always could talk sense into him!" Itachi stood up and walked past his brother.
"If you had been threatened within an inch of your life not to interfere, you would have done the same." he said, passingly. "I took your money and told Jisan to take care of it because you would be broke. I denied you your college of choice because I went there and the people in the powerful positions hate Uchihas. I don't want Naruto, but I do find him very attractive because he's different. Isn't that what you see in him?" Sasuke said nothing. "He's rough, he's not well educated, he's not bright, but he has a charm that's very unlike ours. It's natural, not sophisticated."
"That's not it."
"Then why are you with him?" he asked. "Is he a novelty? Or did you use him exactly the way I told you that you should?"
"Shut up."
"I think that's the case. I think you don't like him at all. You just think that it's something to try. You'll break the poor boy's heart and leave him." That's when Sasuke lost it. He punched Itachi and pin him to the ground, hitting him constantly.
"What do you know? The only relationship you ever had was fake! You and Kankuro just wanted some girls to fawn over you! You don't know what it is to like someone just because you like them! Who are you to judge me?! All you've ever done is stomp on people to get what you want!!" Itachi caught Sasuke's left fist, then his right, staring right into Sasuke's eyes.
"And how would you know that I've never loved?"
"How could you, you fucking bastard?!"
"I can. I'm still human."
"More like a demon."
"Then tell me why I haven't hit you yet?" Itachi asked, letting his grip loosen on Sasuke's fists. Sasuke froze for a moment, realizing that he spoke the truth. The younger Uchiha let his hands drop to his sides, and Itachi sat up. "Right now, we have a common enemy. Jisan needs to learn his place. I have done everything in my power to lead you to take your position so that we are both happy. I don't think you like Naruto the way you say you do, and you have no proof otherwise." Sasuke looked away. "How long have you and Naruto actually been together?"
"Maybe three weeks?"
"Three weeks have been good to you?"
"I. . . can't say." Sasuke responded quietly. Honestly, it hadn't been much different than before. Naruto went to school, they argued at work, they ate together; the only thing that actually changed was that at home kisses and hugs were exchanged. There was nothing physical really. Naruto didn't even feel comfortable sleeping in the same bed together, even if they slept in the same room.
"If you can't say, I can't say that I believe you like him." Itachi said, pulling his legs from under his brother and standing up. "I can't even say that I want you to break up with him. There's nothing, Sasuke, and you have to decide what's more important."
"What if I tell him about the plan?" Sasuke said, looking up. "That I'll need to–"
"What would you do if someone told you that they had to cheat on you to get ahead? You wouldn't like it."
"It's better than having him find out afterward."
"You think so?" Itachi asked, sighing. "Baka otooto." Sasuke shut his eyes tightly and clenched the jacket by his side. "Whatever you decide, tell me when you're ready to do it. I expect that you won't back out after that point."
TBC...
**-**-**
A/N: Wow, Itachi's turning into a bastard, isn't he? Oh well, I still love him! XD Sorry it took so long! Please review!!
Chapter 13: An Altering Decision by Yumi
The Replacement
Thirteen: An Altering Decision
"Mornin' Sasuke." Ino said, entering the kitchen and scratching her head. After the night she had with the alcohol, she hardly cared that her hair was bunched in all directions and that the shirt that she borrowed had stains on it from drool.
"Good morning." he said, his head on the table and his hand resting next to his coffee. Ino looked at him pathetically.
"Whoa, you look worse than I do, and that's an accomplishment."
"I didn't sleep."
"What was keeping you up?" she asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"Thinking."
"About what?"
"Itachi asked me to do something." he said, yawning and pulling his head up to sip his cold drink.
". . . And?"
"I have to cheat on Naruto."
"What?!"
"My uncle has this male lover, and Itachi's idea was for me to, quote, "take him away" from my uncle."
"Why would you do that?!"
"To semi-blackmail him and make him step down from his position as Head. I'll give back his lover once he gives up the position."
"And why don't you tell Naruto?"
"If I told you I had to cheat on you because I'm trying to gain control over my family, would you be happy about it?"
"Well, no, but it's better than him finding out later!"
"That's what I thought, but then I kept wondering what if he never found out?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like I did with you when I was with Sakura. She never found out until after we broke up."
"But that was different!" Ino retorted. "She wasn't living with you, and you didn't like her!"
"But that doesn't mean that I can't do it."
"I wouldn't. It's too much of a hassle."
"What would you do then?"
"I wouldn't do any of it. Just tell your uncle that you'll expose him if he doesn't relinquish his position and that you have blackmail."
"Then I'm stooping to his level and blackmailing!" he said, rubbing his eyes.
"Weren't you doing that before?"
"No, it's more like an exchange. I get what I want, and he gets his fuck-buddy back."
"How do you plan on doing that?"
"Keeping this kid tied around my little finger." Sasuke said, his head dropping back on the table. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's stupid. It'll make things easier if he is."
"But what about Naruto?!"
"What?"
"Are you going to tell him or not?" she asked, glaring.
"I don't want to." he said, sighing. "I don't want to tell him that I'm being selfish."
"Well, it's either that or let him find out afterward what you did."
"IF he finds out." Sasuke said, looking up at Ino. "That's the little word that's been keeping me up all night."
"Then fuck the "if" and say the rest!!" she said. Sasuke's head fell against the table again.
"Don't say that, Ino. Not like that."
"Screw the if?"
"Worse, actually." he said, sitting up right and rubbing his face. "Shit, I don't know what else to do. He's got the Uchiha side all blackmailed, and their dirty little secrets are far worse than his. They won't listen to me. They're too afraid of him to do it."
"What about Neji's uncle?"
"He's getting more out of the deal than I am."
"Yeah, Hinata started to cry when she thought that she was going to marry you last night."
"Huh?"
"She got drunk and we started talking. She was bawling in the bathroom because she thought that she might have to marry you after this."
"I don't want to marry her."
"I figured, but she was totally convinced."
"I won't let that happen. I'll figure out some way to have the trade balance out." he promised. Ino smiled and drank her coffee. When Sasuke made a promise, he kept it even if he was a bastard about it.
"Fucking shit." someone said by the door. Ino and Sasuke looked up to find a very frayed-looking Neji leaning in the doorway with a phone. "Don't you have a phone down here?"
"That is the phone." Sasuke said. "I left it in the guest room last night."
"Well, it's Hiashi for you. He says he has news."
"Fucking shit." Sasuke said, taking the phone from Neji and sighing. "Hello?"
"Hello, Sasuke? This is Hiashi."
"Yes, Neji said that you had news."
"Well, mainly that I spoke to the head of your family and he seemed to have been informed about your condition."
"Yes, he is."
"And he also implied that you would likely not be in favor with the rest of the family if he let you become the Head of the Uchiha family."
"Yes, he's blackmailed all of the Uchiha side into staying against me. My Uncle wants to keep his position in the family."
"How unfortunate." Hiashi said, frowning on the other side of the line. "Do you have a plan to deal with this?"
"My brother and I are working on one. We have something that may work, but I'm not liking the situation."
"I trust that everything will work out?"
"Hopefully." Sasuke said, sighing. "Have you spoken to anyone outside of the Head?"
"Yes, with your Aunt Karin." he said, lowering his voice. "She said that there was something preventing the Uchihas from electing you as Head, but she wouldn't say what. She implied it was not by choice, and that she would wish to see your uncle die soon."
"That bad?"
"Yes. Of course, being the Uchiha that she is, she used plenty of dodging words."
"I'm sure she did."
"Anyway, I will try and see if the others feel the same way. Your aunt is a very pleasant woman."
'Thank you."
"Since we are on the topic, have you thought about what you would like for our agreement?"
"Not anything suitable yet."
"I trust you will."
"Yes, I'm sure.'
"All right, then I shall leave you to your morning. Please tell Hinata that she should be home before one this afternoon."
"I will relay your message."
"Thank you." he said, and then hung up. Sasuke sat back down and plopped his head and arms on the table.
"So?" Ino said, nosy as ever.
"He just verified that my uncle is blackmailing the family, but he also found out that there are a few people who don't like it."
"Who does?"
"Well, so much so that they wish he would drop dead."
"Whoa, that's a bit much." she said, shocked.
"What message did you need to relay?" Neji asked.
"That Hinata needs to be home before one."
"There's a family thing." he said. "I'm not invited."
"That sucks." the blonde said, getting up and stretching. "Well, I'll leave you boys to your business. I need to shower badly."
"Just don't take Shikamaru with you." Sasuke said. "I don't want Lolita finding cum anywhere." Ino sweatdropped.
"Uh. . .o-okay." she said, laughing nervously. Sasuke's face dropped.
"What did you do?"
"Well you see. . . Shikamaru was really delirious and Kiba came into the room–"
"Don't say another word, I already know what you did." Sasuke said, rubbing his temples. "How bad are the stains?"
"You'd better burn your sheets."
"Lovely."
Once the entire party was gone, Sasuke's head hit the pillow and he was out cold. There was no way that he could go all day and night without some sleep. Naruto didn't disturb him, and instead chose to stay in the parlor and catch up with Gaara. Neither of them had really spoken in a year at least, and both wanted to save the friendship.
"So, how is it with Sasuke?" Gaara asked, quietly picking at a pillow's lint.
"It's going great!" Naruto said, happily. "He's really nice once you get over the fact that he's a bastard sometimes. I think he's just realy stressed out all the time, and he doesn't know how to relax."
"I see." Gaara said, putting the pillow aside. "Have you attempted sex?"
"No, why?"
"I thought that someone like him would want to right away."
"Well, he hasn't really mentioned it. We cuddle a lot, but sex hasn't ever come up."
"You might want to get on that quickly."
"Why?"
"Ino's mouth was running all night, and she said that Sasuke's an insatiable bastard when it comes to sex. She was his mistress for about a year and a half, so she would know."
"Oh." he said, thinking about this. He hadn't ever thought about it before, but now that Gaara mentioned it it seemed almost critical. If there was anything that he learned when he broke up with his last boyfriend, it was that if he wasn't taking care of something in the relationship his partner could and would find someone else to fill that spot. Naruto didn't think that Sasuke would do something like that behind his back, but it was still an issue. Sasuke only needed him for a month or two longer, and if Naruto wasn't providing more physical attention then Sasuke would have nothing interfering him from breaking up with Naruto.
Naruto didn't want to go through another breakup over something like that.
"Maybe you should talk to him." Gaara said. "It wouldn't hurt anyway."
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea." Naruto whispered, not really liking the idea. In all honesty, he didn't really want to have sex. He had only tried the one time with Gaara, and it had obviously ended up badly. If Sasuke was such a seasoned performer, how was he going to feel if Naruto couldn't meet his expectations? Sex was awkward and uncomfortable in his experience, and there was something initially embarrassing about cumming in front of someone else. He didn't want to, but it was better to grow into something rather than loose a perfectly good relationship.
"You okay?" Gaara asked, worried. Naruto perked up immediately, putting on a face for his friend.
"I'm fine. I'll talk to him tonight when we work!" the blonde said, laughing a little. Gaara seemed convinced, and that was enough for Naruto. Gaara's relaxed face game him at least some hope that he could pull this off. He just hoped that this wouldn't be a decision he would regret.
TBC...
**-**-**
A/N: OMG! NO NOTES!! XD Hope you enjoyed it! Please rate and review!! ALSO, go to hotwaterfics.net. I have more stuff you can read and review there!! ^___^
Chapter 14: Talk, Just Talk by Yumi
Author's Notes:
OMG! It's been forever since I posted something! Well, I'm back for the time being, and with more romantic stupidity than I care to admit. . . Rate and Review! ^__^
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.