[ Closed - In Progress | You can tell me it's not right ]
Who: Tenten, Naruto, Kiba
What: What starts out as a carefully disguised plan turns into a mess of affection. And nothing but trouble. But did you expect any less from Kiba and Naruto?
Where: Far and Wide Cafe
When: [Backdated] Thursday, August 20; Lunch Rush [11 AM - 1 PM]
Warning(s): ...You'll see. We're all old enough, right?
Heaving a heavy breath, Tenten hesitantly made her way across the floor to the table by the window. It was only one of a number that she had eventually been assigned through her years of working at the cafe. And for the most part, there had been little to no problems. But recently, it had become one of the most dreaded areas in the entire establishment. Not to imply there was anything physically wrong with the area or any sort of problem with the location itself. Rather, it was because of just who chose to occupy said area.
Norio.
Every day it was the same. For the past month, at the very least. During the lunch rush (and only when Tenten was scheduled to work it, she later found out) he would perch himself at that very same table and wait for her. Most days, his order was the same -- a cafe mocha with two percent milk, and a swiss and turkey panini -- except for when he would inquire about other items on the menu to strike up a conversation with her. It had seemed fairly harmless to her. At first. And generally speaking, having regular customers coming into the cafe every day was an ideal concept for any establishment.
The problem came when said customer started showing more interest in his server than the actual menu.
The suit and tie told her that he worked in one of the business buildings nearby. Possibly even on campus just further down the street and on the other side of the park. Either way, he certainly did not have time to focus his attention on someone like her. And with other patrons vying for her full attention and quick service, there was simply no time to properly deal with the matter, although that did not mean Tenten did not make any attempt to defer his advances. It just meant that none of them had worked so far. And she was running out of ideas.
Imploring Naruto's help had been her last resort. Not because of any sense of desperation, but because it was a definite plan destined to work. Along with a host of other reasons. Because of their friendship and how it functioned. Because of how others outside their small circle of companions seemed to view their relationship. And because... running to him every single time there was a problem of this magnitude just did not seem fair. Not after what he had done for her so many years before.
She only hoped that Naruto was able to get there in time.
"Norio," she greeted with her usual smile, "The usual today?"
The dress shirt he'd bothered to put on was suffocating what with it's stupid buttons, folded and fastened cuffs, and the equally annoying collar that he just couldn't get to feel right no matter how many times he tugged at it. After a while he gave up completely and sighed in relief as the top buttons were undone and he could finally breath. Surely Tenten wouldn't mind if he looked as casual as usual and a little less than perfect. Naruto was going out of his way here and no amount of 'Uzumaki-esque' could get him in trouble today.
Too bad it wasn't just the shirt that was killing him.
One would think that to live a carefree life one keeps themselves out of situations like this. Smart people don't agree to being fake boyfriends to some girl they had wet dreams [that Naruto would like to deny ever happened] about all through their prepubescent years. Well, some people would. It depends on the situation.
So let's rephrase. Smart people who have built a strong, romantic-ish, but not sexual relationship with someone that is practically family after years of Hell and other bad things do not pretend to be fake boyfriends.
Read: Especially if said 'fake boyfriend' has been known to 'take things too far'.
His nerves were working against him. He could feel it in the way his pulse sped up as he neared the cafe. So much work had to go into drawing that line between friend and the 'deep, scary thing that takes too much thinking' as he liked to put it. As well as 'that big, hot sticky that would make everyone cry. To be completely honest he'd had a run in with the second of the two and another situation like that, just the thought, made his stomach churn.
And yet he was finding himself walking to his doom, all dressed up for a fake date in order to play fake boyfriend to a fake girlfriend. To think he'd skipped work for this. He'd rather be wrestling drunk bastards out of the bar. Or eating his own foot. And fucking Hell his brain was starting to twitch.
Once he stepped inside the cool air did little to calm down the whatever it was that was sending odd tingles through his body. Blaming the collar again he tugged and groaned as a button came loose and rolled across the floor. Smooth. He was real smooth. Smooth and cool and sassy fresh and all things that were a total. Complete. Lie. Tenten would be lucky if the guy didn't just take one look and give her another out of pity. He would give her a goddamn pity stare.
What had Tenten been thinking...
Thing was Naruto had gone through numerous jobs during his lifetime. He'd been through so many applications that he could write his three mandatory contacts with his eyes closed, and in perfect penmanship, right on the line. He'd also been different types of boyfriends in his life. It was a pretty good resume he'd built over the years. One of which he could be completely confident about. Even flaunt. Completely ignoring the same daunting list of failed relationships mind you.
But when it came time to use that talent and to be that boyfriend... It was just a little funny and just a little sad that he was having such a hard time playing the part. With someone he at some point in his life envisioned to have and to hold for real no less.
Working a hand through his hair, Naruto made his way to the counter and leaned against it casually. No one was working so that must mean the barrista on guard was working her rounds. That gave him time to scope the area and process the situation. He hadn't expected to spot Tenten so soon or to catch his prey that exact moment either. The dough eyes he was giving her made the blond's stomach do a flip and suddenly that sense of nervousness didn't seem so strong.
He leaned away from the counter and stuffed a hand in his pocket to let it shake all it's own, the rest of his focus going into the other in the air, waving towards the woman with a big, beautifully fake smile on his face. "Oh, sweetheart."
Granted, there was a much easier solution to this predicament than to ask one of her oldest and closest friends to pose as her boyfriend. Especially when it was Naruto. Or if it had been Kiba for that matter. -- Theirs was a delicate balance that, more often than not, stood on the sharp point of a knife. Any sort of jolt could send their trifecta of a friendship over the edge. -- But hitting a customer was number one on the 'do not, under any circumstances' list. And, unfortunately, knocking some sense into Norio's obviously thick skull fell under that category. Tochiro had already reprimanded her several times for neglecting that rule on a number of occasions while the cafe had undergone reconstruction last Spring. Loyal employee or not, as many years as Tenten had been working there, she could not simply get away with breaking the rules again. Even if the bastard deserved it.
"No, I'm still not on the menu," the young woman replied, laughing nervously at the thought of what he would do if she were, "And I'd really wish you'd stop asking that..."
Norio responded, as per usual. Probably with a charming quip or a flattering remark. And she was prepared to rebuttle his attempts with her usual game plan. But the words became muffled and ignored when a familiar voice caught her attention. His as well, probably, as Tenten turned to greet the newcomer with a bright smile.
...And fought the urge to frown, just a little.
Casual would have been fine. A little bit of effort to impress would have been good as well. Hell, she would have accepted it if Naruto had simply showed up in his work uniform. Because what he wore did matter -- although the ensemble was rather flattering and did well to accentuate his 'eye candy' vibe -- not as much as how they would act around each other. It needed to be convincing. And it needed to look natural. So the fact that she could tell that he was faking -- forcing -- the smile became a concern. "Naruto! Hey, handsome~"
Pressing her cheek against his with a purse of her lips, she gave the customary 'kiss' greeting. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? Not between friends, and certainly not between two people who were supposed to be in a relationship. "What're you doing here? I thought you'd be working."
Wasn't that completely the point, though? To blow to creep out of the water and out of Tenten's life for good. However, if there was any 'eye candy' to be had it wasn't on purpose. He had only wanted to look clean cut. After he had gone through the extra effort to take a shower, wear clean clothes, and even do his best to put his hair in some failed attempt of order. This just wasn't his thing. Dressing to impress. Only for Tenten would he step out of his comfort bubble like this.
Discomfort aside he wasn't going to let the woman down. She had confided in him and it should have spoken volumes since she simply wasn't the type to ask for any form of help. Leave it to Naruto to be oblivious even when something is being showed full force towards his empty cranium.
There was a brief pause when Tenten leaned in close and he had to take a deep breath before returning the motion. This would be fine. Everything would be fine. This was just a game. The guy was an everyday douche. It would all turn out alright in the end. And if it didn't he could just take it out on said jerk sitting before them. Fuck knows the guy deserved it...
The smile wasn't as bright as it could be, but it was still real when he leaned in and gave Tenten's forehead a peck and wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her close. "I always have time for you. Don't you already know that, baby?"
That was when he turned his head to face the Nario person, giving him a once over and deciding that he REALLY, without a doubt, was not worth Tenten's time. "You know how it goes don't ya, gramps? You got to keep your woman happy. Or old creeps will start leechin' off of them while their all alone."
Her initial reaction was to elbow Naruto in the ribs at his words. Because that was making it too obvious. And too obvious had the potential to look suspicious. But Tenten thought against it at the last moment, deciding that a shot to the vital organs would definitely tip Norio off even further of their plans. So much for being natural. Instead, the waitress settled on leaning in to his embrace. Nothing much different than any other day he would stop by for a visit. Except that it was. It completely was. "Well, of course I know, but you've been so swamped with work lately, I was beginning to think I'd never see your face around here again. I think even Tochiro was starting to miss you."
She appreciated the effort though, and gave him a look that said great rewards awaited him when this was all over. Anything from ramen to grown-ups-only-so-leave-the-kitten-at-home-with-the-babysitter sort of compensations if they could pull this off smoothly and as flawlessly as possible. That he would do this for her at a moment's notice and without complaint spoke volumes. So Naruto had full right to ask anything he wanted from her. But only time would tell on that one. For now, it was just a matter of getting over this awkward hump and settling into a comfortable repertoire that would make this easier and more natural for the both of them. Preferably without the use of alcohol, although she had considered it. "Besides, if you had told me you were gonna stop by, I would've saved you a chocolate chip muffin. But we're all out now."
Establish a connection. Familiarity. And initiate something they would usually banter back and forth about without much thought. People already questioned the validity of their 'just friends with no benefits but a little fun tymes' arrangement. It was only a matter of using that as a foundation. After that, tackling the differences between Tenten and Naruto friendship and Tenten and Naruto relationship would not seem so difficult... in theory.
Ow. Had he winced? Yes, and maybe even swore a little. Loud enough for the bastard to hear and give one of those 'holier than thou' glances. Naruto really wasn't liking the guy and didn't react with the same humored reaction that he normally would, his fingers curling into Tenten's shirt to keep her close and arms as immobile as possible. Sure he knew to behave, but the way the guy kept looking at what was supposed to be the blond's 'girl' was really off-putting. Couldn't he just sock the guy and be done with it? Quicker and Tenten would escape trouble free.
Resisting all urges to rub his side and giving Norio an Uzumaki brand glare he put all his concentration in that damned look. That look that made him shut up for one bloody moment and straighten out in only a way Tenten could make him. He sighed then and shook his head. If only that statement had been false. "Sure, sure. But what can the jackass do, huh? He's too much of a lard ball to chase me all the way here. I'm safe as long as I'm with you. He likes you, remember?" 'Course he wasn't making any comparisons here. No.
Familiarity was no issue once he got past the 'relationship status' that seemed to make all the blood rush to his ears. He could be 'friends' with no hidden intentions and do so quite easily. If Tenten had said to act normal to begin with then he probably wouldn't have stayed up all last night drilling himself on the fine craft of being a lover. Fake or not he only wanted to do well and destroy any thoughts the woman might have that she put her hope in the wrong person.
Damn. But... but you'll make it up to me, won't you? Y'still owe me dinner, Tenny. A few muffins on the side are just fine. You can even bake them for me with extra love drops in the recipe. Then we can call it even. What'chu think?"
She really had not meant to hit that hard, but she supposed the years spent roughhousing it with the boys had done their damage. Still, Tenten was used to thinking on her feet and making necessary adjustments. Just as long as no serious wrenches were thrown in the works. And this little mishap could be used to their advantage, if only slightly for their benefit as a happy couple. With one hand placed lightly in between his shoulderblades, the young woman began to rub light circles over Naruto's bruised ribs as idly as possible. As an apology and an extra gesture that would help solidify them as 'being together.' Tenten gave a soft chuckle. "Well, if your boss didn't like me, I would've never been allowed to help you at the end of the night all those times. And then we would never see each other." Was that a slight pout? Oh yeah, it was. Because this was a game. And this was how they played it.
Granted, they were a bit out of practice. Because it was true that Naruto had been short of being a magician with how he had seemed to simply disappear as of late. But it was understandable given all the expenses he had to deal with. Bills, upcoming tuition payments, food. They all rested on the amount he made working. Still, even if this all went to hell and nothing good came out of it, Tenten could honestly say that having him there and seeing him in person made the day just that much brighter.
And one small glance at Norio told her that there was a chance he was starting to believe their act, although there seemed to still be some skepticism. So at the very least, they were not as rusty as she had first thought them to be.
"Tell you what, I'll make you a big special batch when we get home, hm?" Here, she leaned in and placed another sweet kiss on Naruto's cheek, a hand going up to curve around the shape of his jaw in an intimate manner. "But for now, you can go ahead and sit at your usual table. I'll take my break as soon as soon as I'm done with all the customers here."
Wrenches always seemed to make themselves known in these little plans. That's what got Naruto so nervous in the first place. Besides all the other shit that he'd rather like to ignore entirely. Naruto didn't understand it. If people got the hint that Tenten was off limits then there wouldn't be issues like this. There wouldn't be any need for pretending to be lovers or hurt his brain trying to figure out how they normally act was any different without that title. Why had he never thought anything of that? Why was it until now that he really gave their friendship a second glance?
"You just used me for the booze," he added with a slight grin, sighing gratefully as he leaned into the touch. He'd actually forgotten all about the jerk still sitting there until he made an awful cough to bring the attention back to him, muttering off to himself that a certain waitress should be doing a certain job. Good thing the blond had learned how to ignore people like him a long time ago. To further the point Naruto twisted around and wrapped his arms around Tenten's waist, clearly signifying that the booboo was quite alright and she should now be the beautiful damsel she damn well ought to be and lean into him.
He brought his head down to rest there on her shoulder, nose to her neck and breathing in. "Sure thing, Tenny. If you're that ready to get rid of me I'll leave you here with your new boyfriend." Goddammit. Take the bait and run with it, Tenten. There was no better act than this.
Under normal circumstances, simply saying that she was not on the market for a new boy toy would be enough to roadblock any further attempt to 'date the help,' as it were. But affairs occurred for a reason. And sometimes, a simple 'no' is not enough. Especially when there had been no physical proof before. After all, what girl hasn't automatically play the boyfriend card as a form of rejection when faced with someone... they simply were not interested in? Even when they obviously lacked one. It had taken a lot of thought and debate within herself to even attempt this, much less convince herself to involve either Naruto or Kiba. As often as those two challenged each other, something like this would only encourage their competitive natures. And so many things could go wrong with a plan like this.
Still, it had it's perks too. Irritating a relentless pursuer who simply could not take the hint, was one of them.
And just as easily as it had been to pretend that they were, in fact, together, Tenten let her fingers glide to cup the back of his head while she leaned into his embrace. To any outsider looking on, it was what it appeared to be: two young lovers sharing a tender moment together in the middle of the cafe. What more could you ask for in the very heat of summer?
"Don't be silly, Norio's just a customer. I do work here, after all." With an easy turn of her head, Tenten lightly pressed her cheek against the crook of his neck, lips brushing against that a small patch of skin along his collar as she spoke. "Besides, you're the only guy for me."
Oh, good play. A nice shiver worked up his spine at the feel of the woman's lips, making him have to fight the urge to linger there and let her do her worst to his neck and tender scalp. His fingers curled in the fabric of her shirt momentarily until he finally found the strength to pull away, only ducking in again to press his lips to her temple and on her nose, savoring the feeling.
"You can't blame me for wanting you all to myself," he spoke under his breath, just loud enough for the jackass to hear. After a moment he slid off completely, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Get on outta here already! You got customers and as much as you want my body I can't keep you from work in good conscience." His head twisted away, lips pursed.
There he would stand until she walked away, his eyes trained on Norio. If the guy so much as looked at Tenten the wrong way Naruto would make damn sure that those eyes wouldn't be glancing at anyone else anytime soon.
It was easy to get lost in it. Of how they acted and played and just existed around each other. Especially with how busy the both of them had been in recent weeks. Years of friendship and living in this odd arrangement had blurred boundaries and any normal person would have considered far too intimate to occur among friends. But in a way, that was what made theirs so special. And as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Refraining from simply making up for all their lost time was difficult. But Tenten had a job to do. And there was a customer that needed to be led off of his determined path.
She spent another moment snuggled up to her best friend until he had the foresight to at least show some resistance and concern. To which Tenten responded with a rather believable pout at the lost of contact. Complete with a protruding lower lip and puppy dog eyes. High school drama class really did come in handy during a real life crisis. "Oh fine, but you're making it up to me tonight. Now go have a seat somewhere before someone decides your ass needs pinching."
And then turning to Norio, who had nearly been forgotten through this entire exchange, she added in a cheerful tone, "And I'll be right back with your order, Sir."
What: What starts out as a carefully disguised plan turns into a mess of affection. And nothing but trouble. But did you expect any less from Kiba and Naruto?
Where: Far and Wide Cafe
When: [Backdated] Thursday, August 20; Lunch Rush [11 AM - 1 PM]
Warning(s): ...You'll see. We're all old enough, right?
Heaving a heavy breath, Tenten hesitantly made her way across the floor to the table by the window. It was only one of a number that she had eventually been assigned through her years of working at the cafe. And for the most part, there had been little to no problems. But recently, it had become one of the most dreaded areas in the entire establishment. Not to imply there was anything physically wrong with the area or any sort of problem with the location itself. Rather, it was because of just who chose to occupy said area.
Norio.
Every day it was the same. For the past month, at the very least. During the lunch rush (and only when Tenten was scheduled to work it, she later found out) he would perch himself at that very same table and wait for her. Most days, his order was the same -- a cafe mocha with two percent milk, and a swiss and turkey panini -- except for when he would inquire about other items on the menu to strike up a conversation with her. It had seemed fairly harmless to her. At first. And generally speaking, having regular customers coming into the cafe every day was an ideal concept for any establishment.
The problem came when said customer started showing more interest in his server than the actual menu.
The suit and tie told her that he worked in one of the business buildings nearby. Possibly even on campus just further down the street and on the other side of the park. Either way, he certainly did not have time to focus his attention on someone like her. And with other patrons vying for her full attention and quick service, there was simply no time to properly deal with the matter, although that did not mean Tenten did not make any attempt to defer his advances. It just meant that none of them had worked so far. And she was running out of ideas.
Imploring Naruto's help had been her last resort. Not because of any sense of desperation, but because it was a definite plan destined to work. Along with a host of other reasons. Because of their friendship and how it functioned. Because of how others outside their small circle of companions seemed to view their relationship. And because... running to him every single time there was a problem of this magnitude just did not seem fair. Not after what he had done for her so many years before.
She only hoped that Naruto was able to get there in time.
"Norio," she greeted with her usual smile, "The usual today?"
The dress shirt he'd bothered to put on was suffocating what with it's stupid buttons, folded and fastened cuffs, and the equally annoying collar that he just couldn't get to feel right no matter how many times he tugged at it. After a while he gave up completely and sighed in relief as the top buttons were undone and he could finally breath. Surely Tenten wouldn't mind if he looked as casual as usual and a little less than perfect. Naruto was going out of his way here and no amount of 'Uzumaki-esque' could get him in trouble today.
Too bad it wasn't just the shirt that was killing him.
One would think that to live a carefree life one keeps themselves out of situations like this. Smart people don't agree to being fake boyfriends to some girl they had wet dreams [that Naruto would like to deny ever happened] about all through their prepubescent years. Well, some people would. It depends on the situation.
So let's rephrase. Smart people who have built a strong, romantic-ish, but not sexual relationship with someone that is practically family after years of Hell and other bad things do not pretend to be fake boyfriends.
Read: Especially if said 'fake boyfriend' has been known to 'take things too far'.
His nerves were working against him. He could feel it in the way his pulse sped up as he neared the cafe. So much work had to go into drawing that line between friend and the 'deep, scary thing that takes too much thinking' as he liked to put it. As well as 'that big, hot sticky that would make everyone cry. To be completely honest he'd had a run in with the second of the two and another situation like that, just the thought, made his stomach churn.
And yet he was finding himself walking to his doom, all dressed up for a fake date in order to play fake boyfriend to a fake girlfriend. To think he'd skipped work for this. He'd rather be wrestling drunk bastards out of the bar. Or eating his own foot. And fucking Hell his brain was starting to twitch.
Once he stepped inside the cool air did little to calm down the whatever it was that was sending odd tingles through his body. Blaming the collar again he tugged and groaned as a button came loose and rolled across the floor. Smooth. He was real smooth. Smooth and cool and sassy fresh and all things that were a total. Complete. Lie. Tenten would be lucky if the guy didn't just take one look and give her another out of pity. He would give her a goddamn pity stare.
What had Tenten been thinking...
Thing was Naruto had gone through numerous jobs during his lifetime. He'd been through so many applications that he could write his three mandatory contacts with his eyes closed, and in perfect penmanship, right on the line. He'd also been different types of boyfriends in his life. It was a pretty good resume he'd built over the years. One of which he could be completely confident about. Even flaunt. Completely ignoring the same daunting list of failed relationships mind you.
But when it came time to use that talent and to be that boyfriend... It was just a little funny and just a little sad that he was having such a hard time playing the part. With someone he at some point in his life envisioned to have and to hold for real no less.
Working a hand through his hair, Naruto made his way to the counter and leaned against it casually. No one was working so that must mean the barrista on guard was working her rounds. That gave him time to scope the area and process the situation. He hadn't expected to spot Tenten so soon or to catch his prey that exact moment either. The dough eyes he was giving her made the blond's stomach do a flip and suddenly that sense of nervousness didn't seem so strong.
He leaned away from the counter and stuffed a hand in his pocket to let it shake all it's own, the rest of his focus going into the other in the air, waving towards the woman with a big, beautifully fake smile on his face. "Oh, sweetheart."
Granted, there was a much easier solution to this predicament than to ask one of her oldest and closest friends to pose as her boyfriend. Especially when it was Naruto. Or if it had been Kiba for that matter. -- Theirs was a delicate balance that, more often than not, stood on the sharp point of a knife. Any sort of jolt could send their trifecta of a friendship over the edge. -- But hitting a customer was number one on the 'do not, under any circumstances' list. And, unfortunately, knocking some sense into Norio's obviously thick skull fell under that category. Tochiro had already reprimanded her several times for neglecting that rule on a number of occasions while the cafe had undergone reconstruction last Spring. Loyal employee or not, as many years as Tenten had been working there, she could not simply get away with breaking the rules again. Even if the bastard deserved it.
"No, I'm still not on the menu," the young woman replied, laughing nervously at the thought of what he would do if she were, "And I'd really wish you'd stop asking that..."
Norio responded, as per usual. Probably with a charming quip or a flattering remark. And she was prepared to rebuttle his attempts with her usual game plan. But the words became muffled and ignored when a familiar voice caught her attention. His as well, probably, as Tenten turned to greet the newcomer with a bright smile.
...And fought the urge to frown, just a little.
Casual would have been fine. A little bit of effort to impress would have been good as well. Hell, she would have accepted it if Naruto had simply showed up in his work uniform. Because what he wore did matter -- although the ensemble was rather flattering and did well to accentuate his 'eye candy' vibe -- not as much as how they would act around each other. It needed to be convincing. And it needed to look natural. So the fact that she could tell that he was faking -- forcing -- the smile became a concern. "Naruto! Hey, handsome~"
Pressing her cheek against his with a purse of her lips, she gave the customary 'kiss' greeting. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? Not between friends, and certainly not between two people who were supposed to be in a relationship. "What're you doing here? I thought you'd be working."
Wasn't that completely the point, though? To blow to creep out of the water and out of Tenten's life for good. However, if there was any 'eye candy' to be had it wasn't on purpose. He had only wanted to look clean cut. After he had gone through the extra effort to take a shower, wear clean clothes, and even do his best to put his hair in some failed attempt of order. This just wasn't his thing. Dressing to impress. Only for Tenten would he step out of his comfort bubble like this.
Discomfort aside he wasn't going to let the woman down. She had confided in him and it should have spoken volumes since she simply wasn't the type to ask for any form of help. Leave it to Naruto to be oblivious even when something is being showed full force towards his empty cranium.
There was a brief pause when Tenten leaned in close and he had to take a deep breath before returning the motion. This would be fine. Everything would be fine. This was just a game. The guy was an everyday douche. It would all turn out alright in the end. And if it didn't he could just take it out on said jerk sitting before them. Fuck knows the guy deserved it...
The smile wasn't as bright as it could be, but it was still real when he leaned in and gave Tenten's forehead a peck and wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her close. "I always have time for you. Don't you already know that, baby?"
That was when he turned his head to face the Nario person, giving him a once over and deciding that he REALLY, without a doubt, was not worth Tenten's time. "You know how it goes don't ya, gramps? You got to keep your woman happy. Or old creeps will start leechin' off of them while their all alone."
Her initial reaction was to elbow Naruto in the ribs at his words. Because that was making it too obvious. And too obvious had the potential to look suspicious. But Tenten thought against it at the last moment, deciding that a shot to the vital organs would definitely tip Norio off even further of their plans. So much for being natural. Instead, the waitress settled on leaning in to his embrace. Nothing much different than any other day he would stop by for a visit. Except that it was. It completely was. "Well, of course I know, but you've been so swamped with work lately, I was beginning to think I'd never see your face around here again. I think even Tochiro was starting to miss you."
She appreciated the effort though, and gave him a look that said great rewards awaited him when this was all over. Anything from ramen to grown-ups-only-so-leave-the-kitten-at-home-with-the-babysitter sort of compensations if they could pull this off smoothly and as flawlessly as possible. That he would do this for her at a moment's notice and without complaint spoke volumes. So Naruto had full right to ask anything he wanted from her. But only time would tell on that one. For now, it was just a matter of getting over this awkward hump and settling into a comfortable repertoire that would make this easier and more natural for the both of them. Preferably without the use of alcohol, although she had considered it. "Besides, if you had told me you were gonna stop by, I would've saved you a chocolate chip muffin. But we're all out now."
Establish a connection. Familiarity. And initiate something they would usually banter back and forth about without much thought. People already questioned the validity of their 'just friends with no benefits but a little fun tymes' arrangement. It was only a matter of using that as a foundation. After that, tackling the differences between Tenten and Naruto friendship and Tenten and Naruto relationship would not seem so difficult... in theory.
Ow. Had he winced? Yes, and maybe even swore a little. Loud enough for the bastard to hear and give one of those 'holier than thou' glances. Naruto really wasn't liking the guy and didn't react with the same humored reaction that he normally would, his fingers curling into Tenten's shirt to keep her close and arms as immobile as possible. Sure he knew to behave, but the way the guy kept looking at what was supposed to be the blond's 'girl' was really off-putting. Couldn't he just sock the guy and be done with it? Quicker and Tenten would escape trouble free.
Resisting all urges to rub his side and giving Norio an Uzumaki brand glare he put all his concentration in that damned look. That look that made him shut up for one bloody moment and straighten out in only a way Tenten could make him. He sighed then and shook his head. If only that statement had been false. "Sure, sure. But what can the jackass do, huh? He's too much of a lard ball to chase me all the way here. I'm safe as long as I'm with you. He likes you, remember?" 'Course he wasn't making any comparisons here. No.
Familiarity was no issue once he got past the 'relationship status' that seemed to make all the blood rush to his ears. He could be 'friends' with no hidden intentions and do so quite easily. If Tenten had said to act normal to begin with then he probably wouldn't have stayed up all last night drilling himself on the fine craft of being a lover. Fake or not he only wanted to do well and destroy any thoughts the woman might have that she put her hope in the wrong person.
Damn. But... but you'll make it up to me, won't you? Y'still owe me dinner, Tenny. A few muffins on the side are just fine. You can even bake them for me with extra love drops in the recipe. Then we can call it even. What'chu think?"
She really had not meant to hit that hard, but she supposed the years spent roughhousing it with the boys had done their damage. Still, Tenten was used to thinking on her feet and making necessary adjustments. Just as long as no serious wrenches were thrown in the works. And this little mishap could be used to their advantage, if only slightly for their benefit as a happy couple. With one hand placed lightly in between his shoulderblades, the young woman began to rub light circles over Naruto's bruised ribs as idly as possible. As an apology and an extra gesture that would help solidify them as 'being together.' Tenten gave a soft chuckle. "Well, if your boss didn't like me, I would've never been allowed to help you at the end of the night all those times. And then we would never see each other." Was that a slight pout? Oh yeah, it was. Because this was a game. And this was how they played it.
Granted, they were a bit out of practice. Because it was true that Naruto had been short of being a magician with how he had seemed to simply disappear as of late. But it was understandable given all the expenses he had to deal with. Bills, upcoming tuition payments, food. They all rested on the amount he made working. Still, even if this all went to hell and nothing good came out of it, Tenten could honestly say that having him there and seeing him in person made the day just that much brighter.
And one small glance at Norio told her that there was a chance he was starting to believe their act, although there seemed to still be some skepticism. So at the very least, they were not as rusty as she had first thought them to be.
"Tell you what, I'll make you a big special batch when we get home, hm?" Here, she leaned in and placed another sweet kiss on Naruto's cheek, a hand going up to curve around the shape of his jaw in an intimate manner. "But for now, you can go ahead and sit at your usual table. I'll take my break as soon as soon as I'm done with all the customers here."
Wrenches always seemed to make themselves known in these little plans. That's what got Naruto so nervous in the first place. Besides all the other shit that he'd rather like to ignore entirely. Naruto didn't understand it. If people got the hint that Tenten was off limits then there wouldn't be issues like this. There wouldn't be any need for pretending to be lovers or hurt his brain trying to figure out how they normally act was any different without that title. Why had he never thought anything of that? Why was it until now that he really gave their friendship a second glance?
"You just used me for the booze," he added with a slight grin, sighing gratefully as he leaned into the touch. He'd actually forgotten all about the jerk still sitting there until he made an awful cough to bring the attention back to him, muttering off to himself that a certain waitress should be doing a certain job. Good thing the blond had learned how to ignore people like him a long time ago. To further the point Naruto twisted around and wrapped his arms around Tenten's waist, clearly signifying that the booboo was quite alright and she should now be the beautiful damsel she damn well ought to be and lean into him.
He brought his head down to rest there on her shoulder, nose to her neck and breathing in. "Sure thing, Tenny. If you're that ready to get rid of me I'll leave you here with your new boyfriend." Goddammit. Take the bait and run with it, Tenten. There was no better act than this.
Under normal circumstances, simply saying that she was not on the market for a new boy toy would be enough to roadblock any further attempt to 'date the help,' as it were. But affairs occurred for a reason. And sometimes, a simple 'no' is not enough. Especially when there had been no physical proof before. After all, what girl hasn't automatically play the boyfriend card as a form of rejection when faced with someone... they simply were not interested in? Even when they obviously lacked one. It had taken a lot of thought and debate within herself to even attempt this, much less convince herself to involve either Naruto or Kiba. As often as those two challenged each other, something like this would only encourage their competitive natures. And so many things could go wrong with a plan like this.
Still, it had it's perks too. Irritating a relentless pursuer who simply could not take the hint, was one of them.
And just as easily as it had been to pretend that they were, in fact, together, Tenten let her fingers glide to cup the back of his head while she leaned into his embrace. To any outsider looking on, it was what it appeared to be: two young lovers sharing a tender moment together in the middle of the cafe. What more could you ask for in the very heat of summer?
"Don't be silly, Norio's just a customer. I do work here, after all." With an easy turn of her head, Tenten lightly pressed her cheek against the crook of his neck, lips brushing against that a small patch of skin along his collar as she spoke. "Besides, you're the only guy for me."
Oh, good play. A nice shiver worked up his spine at the feel of the woman's lips, making him have to fight the urge to linger there and let her do her worst to his neck and tender scalp. His fingers curled in the fabric of her shirt momentarily until he finally found the strength to pull away, only ducking in again to press his lips to her temple and on her nose, savoring the feeling.
"You can't blame me for wanting you all to myself," he spoke under his breath, just loud enough for the jackass to hear. After a moment he slid off completely, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Get on outta here already! You got customers and as much as you want my body I can't keep you from work in good conscience." His head twisted away, lips pursed.
There he would stand until she walked away, his eyes trained on Norio. If the guy so much as looked at Tenten the wrong way Naruto would make damn sure that those eyes wouldn't be glancing at anyone else anytime soon.
It was easy to get lost in it. Of how they acted and played and just existed around each other. Especially with how busy the both of them had been in recent weeks. Years of friendship and living in this odd arrangement had blurred boundaries and any normal person would have considered far too intimate to occur among friends. But in a way, that was what made theirs so special. And as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Refraining from simply making up for all their lost time was difficult. But Tenten had a job to do. And there was a customer that needed to be led off of his determined path.
She spent another moment snuggled up to her best friend until he had the foresight to at least show some resistance and concern. To which Tenten responded with a rather believable pout at the lost of contact. Complete with a protruding lower lip and puppy dog eyes. High school drama class really did come in handy during a real life crisis. "Oh fine, but you're making it up to me tonight. Now go have a seat somewhere before someone decides your ass needs pinching."
And then turning to Norio, who had nearly been forgotten through this entire exchange, she added in a cheerful tone, "And I'll be right back with your order, Sir."