[fic] Screw Destiny 3
Disclaimer: I don't own a thing.
Rating: T for now.
Summary: Naruto hated bastards with the passion of a thousand suns. Too bad that his new partner is a combination of all that. NaruSasu, AU.
Notes: I apologise for the lateness. RL events troubled me and I needed a while to sort things out. I had a hard time writing this chapter, but hope it turned out fine.
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With a loud, sonorous and nerve-gratingly never-ending ringing, the alarm clock screeched obstinately like a starving crow and woke Naruto up with a start. Uncertain of his surroundings and still wrapped up in the heavy cloak of sleep, he cracked open an eyelid and hoped that this was a hallucination of sorts which would soon evaporate into mid air. However, it seemed that he hoped against hope: dawn had fallen through the window, lightening the room and bringing into full display the messiness of his room. And nothing evaporated into mid-air -- he was awake, all right.
As if meaning to taunt him further, the alarm clock's mechanism gave off another buzz, but was silenced abruptly. Naruto wasn't in the mood to endure another sound; it was bad enough to drive a man dotty.
“Yeah, yeah. I'm getting up already, man,” Naruto muttered to no one in particular, though feeling in the mood to give vent to his frustration. Too bad that Sasuke, his cranky new partner, wasn't present -- that guy was the punching bag he needed. After a week of working with him, Naruto knew as much: that Sasuke, in all his glory, was infuriating and slowly, but surely, driving him batty.
It sucks. Whatever I do or say makes him bitch: he's cleared my desk, is way too work-driven constantly criticises my doings and ... fuck, even dares to question my eating habits. Well... screw him. I hope Kiba gets better soon. That Uchiha is the worst partner one could have.
As he rose from bed with less than half-hearted enthusiasm and more with something like annoyance, a crack resounded and Naruto bellowed angrily - he had broken a pencil in two with his right foot; that event, of course, hurt like a bitch and Naruto wasn't very fond of pain. He wasn't a masochist, unlike certain people he knew. He couldn’t stop himself from blurting out furiously:
“Why was that thing lying around here? Fuckin' crap!”
The evidence was soon found: a crumbled piece of newspaper told him all he needed to know. He shouldn’t have expected otherwise - this was typical.
Right. I remember… I was filling out that crossword puzzle last night. Thought that it’d help me become wittier ‘cause I can’t have that idiot insulting me again.
“Well, at least I'm not going to be late this time. Damn.”
It would have been fun to lurk around the corners with Shikamaru. Anything was better than seeing that bastard’s face again.
But, oh well. It’s not like I’ve got another choice.
-----
There were, in general, two sorts of delinquents: the cowards and the wannabe rebels. Now, the cowards didn't cause much trouble, but with the docility of a eunuch, gave in easily: to arrest them was rather boring because it was always the same old story.
The rebels, unfortunately, were quite a different matter; they, instead of making things easy and comfortable, had to make a ball of it and indulged in the good ole' cat-mouse chasin' game. Today, being a Friday and, even though it wasn't officially the thirteenth, this day had all the defining characteristics of it.
Naruto had, for the past ten minutes, run after that no-good idiot. The man, obviously keen on making his life harder, was fast and his legs carried him quickly: cowards could be surprisingly quick, especially when it came to saving their own skin.
Oh no, Naruto didn't like it; sweat was rolling down his forehead, his arms and perspiration stuck to his shirt like glue, making him feel very nasty and filthy. He wasn't a teenager anymore, damnit and he definitely hadn't rolled around in mud. Yet, the cool wetness of sweat suggested it; he felt like he was bathed - coated in - in the very essence of sweat. And he swore that he’d get back at the wanker.
Luckily, the man, blind-sighted and panicked as he was, led him straight into a dead end, somewhere in a dark alley. It smelled bitterly sweet, of rotting apples and vegetables; the garbage cans lined up against the wall nearly looked picturesque, but Naruto didn’t have time for such passing fancies. He had to make sure that the man wouldn’t escape -- he had no right to escape. They stood facing each other, the man's face rendered hideous by the sheer defiance on his face. Naruto hated him even more for it.
“You're not very smart, are you?” he asked contemptuously. No, he really didn’t think of the man as a genius. Anyone who got off robbing old ladies and beating kids up was an idiot by his standards. Hell, licking his lips, Naruto looked forward to teach the man a lesson. Unfortunately, as Tsunade had warned him, he just couldn’t allow himself to get too carried away.
“Running straight into your trap, I’d say you’re a blockhead.”
“Heh. I'm not goin' allow ye to git' me. I'll show ye, wha's what!” the man remarked in his heavily accented voice. Then, reaching for the pockets of his trousers, he shakily drew out a gun.
Hah. That doesn’t scare me…I’ll reach out for my own-What the hell! No, this can’t be…Don’t tell me that I’ve misplaced the gun. That would make me the blockhead. And a very, very bad kind of cop.
It was unfortunately true; Naruto had really misplaced the gun, remembering that he had pulled it out in the morning to prove Sasuke that he carried the larger arms. Of course, he had forgotten to place it back into his pocket. Wonderful.
This is all Sasuke’s fault.
Naruto hadn’t expected this and he restrained himself from spitting out foul curses. He couldn’t risk showing any fear now, not if he wanted to get anywhere. Most of all, he couldn’t let that asshole standing in front of him know - that would have been like suicide. Instead, he opted for a directive.
“Put the gun down. Immediately.”
“Will not do so”
“Put it down.”
“Now, yer no longer th' sure, are ye?”
This isn't good. If I make a move, he'll shoot. But if I don’t, he’ll... damn!
Naruto heard a bang behind and a scream of pain. No sooner had he registered what was going on, the man lay sprawled on the ground clutching his arm and howling with vehemence.
“You shouldn't talk smart,” someone else retorted; it was a drawling, arrogant voice, sounding very familiar to Naruto’s ears.
Naruto didn't have to think twice; he would have recognised that voice anywhere and, the scary thing was that he hadn't known Sasuke for longer than a week. He didn’t like the thought of it: Sasuke wasn’t that impressionable, was he?
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“You actually saved my ass out there.” Naruto started before, he bethought himself,” Not that I needed your help.”
Sasuke, whose name still sounded weird in Naruto's mind, merely glared at him, but didn't reply and the other didn't mind. He had learnt that he preferred it infinitely better when his so-called partner was silent; like that, he was spared another migraine. After a period of silence, Sasuke spoke again.
“Here.”
A bottle was placed in his hands; it felt cool and he felt the melting ice comfortably glide over his skin. Naruto looked up into Sasuke's face, hoping to find an explanation, but there wasn't any. His expression remained impassive and, in fact, Sasuke’s thoughts seemed to be engaged elsewhere.
“What's that?”
“Mineral water. It's not poisoned.”
“Heh. Like I'd be worried about something like that.”
In spite of his curt reply, Naruto continued to eye the object suspiciously, seemingly intent to destroy the evil lurking within by the sheer power of his gaze.
“You're a bad liar, moron.”
Why do I get the feeling that the guy already knows me from inside out? It's scary.
The next move Naruto's gut reaction or nobler instincts led him were more than weird and … hell, embarrassing.
“And you're...look, thanks for helping me.”
Naruto didn't look into Sasuke's face, but chose to scrutinise the ground for its various pebbles and cigarette butts; he wasn't a coward, no sir. Yet, he couldn't deny the awkwardness of the entire situation.
“You'd be lost without me.”
“Don't get all high and mighty now, bastard. I'm not a fucking girl!”
“Tsk. You're too ugly to be one. But you’re an idiot for forgetting your gun.”
“God, just shut up, will you?”
--------------
The wannabe criminal had been taken care of - finally. Freshly showered and dressed in his usual garb of jeans and a T-shirt, Naruto felt like another person. He also felt adventurous and throwing a glance at Sasuke, who was walking right in front of him, asked:
“Do you want to go somewhere?”
Sasuke didn’t stop walking, but a slight tremble of his body indicated that he had heard.
“Where?”
“I'll invite you over for a drink.”
“Forget it.”
Being the rude jerk he was, Sasuke was already heading for the doorway, hands in his pocket and making Naruto feel like he'd been rejected. That assumption was freakish and inane: he wasn't into Sasuke, even though the guy had looks to die for. Then again, Naruto rarely settled for looks, unless he was looking for something to romp around with. And Sasuke didn’t look like the type he’d like to romp around with. Too much of a hellcat.
“Wait. I said I'd pay. What's the problem?”
That guy is really going to be the death of me. Why do I even bother?
“What's the point of going anywhere with you?”
Had it not been for this unmerited and ungraceful allusion to his person, Naruto would have let the bastard go: he really didn't care to tamper around with people who weren't worth it. But the ingratitude was too much and Naruto had always liked challenges. He was going to make Sasuke come with him, whether the bastard wanted to or not.
“Ok, I'll tell Ba-chan you’ve been bitching about the pay.”
“She won't believe you.”
“Wanna try out? She likes me, you know.”
It really didn’t look like his threat had worked, but Sasuke had turned around and, frowning, seemed resigned - like someone who had figured out that giving in was the best way.
“Fine. I'll come along,” he finally muttered, sounding exasperated. “If only to make you shut up.”
“And you'll pay, bastard. For insulting me.”
“Whatever.”
Naruto couldn't hide the grin this time. Blackmail - even his pathetic attempts at it -- definitely had its advantages.
----------------------
The pub which Naruto deemed to be appropriate for their further bonding wasn't special in any kind of way: it wasn't flashy; there weren't any gross particulars to share. In fact, except for being small and cosy, with a warmth and cheeriness that one would have expected to find in an Irish pub, it wasn't outrageous in any way. Yet, this was exactly the reason why Naruto loved this place: the homeliness and ordinariness of it attracted him more than the people-flocked and glitteringly modern clubs. The comparatively low price also stood in its favour.
“Tell me, have you never seen alcohol before?” Naruto asked amusedly, not having expected that sort of reaction. He hadn't ever met someone like this before. Well, if he recalled correctly, Shikamaru wasn't fond of drinking, but that hardly surprised Naruto - he knew that alcohol was a far too troublesome concept for the man.
“What makes you think that, idiot?” Sasuke demanded in return.
Naruto rolled his eyes. He really didn't feel like explaining himself - it was bloody obvious. Sasuke was tense: his lips were drawn in a tight line and he hadn't even touched the glass yet.
“Well?”
“You're staring at the glass as if were an insect or some other horrendous thing.”
Sasuke snorted in return, still not bothering to raise the glass to his mouth. Naruto lost his patience.
“Come on, if you're too much of a pussy to drink, give the stuff to me.”
“I paid for this, you total waste of oxygen.”
“You'll never run out of nicknames for me, will you?”
“Shut up.”
“Sure. It’s not like it makes a big difference. You’re absolutely no fun.”
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If Naruto had doubted Sasuke's experience in drinking before, he was more than certain now. They hadn’t finished two glasses before Sasuke had started to complain of sickness and threatened to vomit right into Naruto’s lap. In order to avoid any embarrassing scenes, Naruto had decided to take him out into the fresh air. But he didn’t know what else he could do - and to quote Shikarmaru, this was troublesome. He didn't even know where Sasuke lived.
“Man, you should have told me that you can't hold your liquor.”
“Shut up.”
“So what am I going to do with you now?”
“I don't care.”
Naruto admired that Sasuke’s voice wasn’t slurred and that, apart from his shakiness, he really didn’t behave that differently. Being a stuck up moron had its advantages and, in Sasuke’s case, even alcohol wasn’t enough to make him loosen up. Yet, Naruto didn’t waste too much time on these reflections, but returned to the problem at hand.
“Well, I do care. I'm not going to have my ass sued just because of you being found dead in the streets tomorrow.”
Sasuke didn’t reply, obviously being too busy feeling sorry for himself.
“I'll take you to home then.”
“Home?”
“My place.”
“ Are you tryin’ to pick me up…? I’m not doing anything with you - so forge-“
“Just hold your tongue. Or I’ll really leave you here. And, for the record, I’ll never do anything with you. No worries.”
Who’d want to do anything with a bastard like that?
--------------------------------------
“This place is a fucking mass.”
“Not everyone's an anal-retentive, prissy asshole.”
Normally, Naruto would have shown more compassion for a man in Sasuke’s position, which was positively degrading. With one of his arms slung over Naruto's neck, he could barely support himself and was in dire danger of tripping at any given second. Still, Sasuke was such an insufferable person that, even like this, he managed to rub Naruto in all the wrong sort of places.
“So, I'll let you sleep on the coach and be grateful 'cause it's-”
“It looks hard. “
“So? It's perfectly-”
“I refuse to sleep on that...thing.”
“Fine, take the bed then, princess.”
I'm not going the waste the night arguing with him - it's a lost cause. And it's better than knocking him out cold. I don’t want to get charged for that, either. What a bitch that guy is.
It was weird how Naruto resorted to giving Sasuke feminine nicknames; he wasn't all that womanly. There was a certain delicacy and fragility in his features, but his height, the lithe muscular built of his body and the decidedly male quality of voice left no doubt on his being anything other than male. Besides, when Sasuke was angry, showing off or smirking, the slight tenderness of his face gave place to something that wasn't quite as pretty.
I'd consider him pretty, if he didn't frown constantly and...who cares? It's not like it'd change anything.
“Can you walk? I won't do you the honour of carrying to bed. You're no damned bride.”
“Just leave me alone.”
Naruto found out that he no problem whatsoever in doing just that.
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As predicted, trying to fall asleep on that mercilessly uncomfortable couch was about as useful as taking a bath without water. As much as he feigned not to care, his back ached and his head longed for the softness a pillow. It was useless - he wasn't be able to sleep a wink.
I hate that asshole. He's such a bother.
Naruto walked into his room, just out of curiosity mingled with boredom; there was nothing better to do and he wasn't in the mood to watch TV. Although it was dark in the room, the illumination falling in through the window, allowed him to catch a glimpse of Sasuke's sleeping features. There shouldn't have been anything captivating about the sight: sleeping people were rarely - if anything - captivating in the eyes of the beholder.
Indeed, what amused Naruto was that even asleep, Sasuke didn't look exceptionally different - he still looked liked a bastard. Still, there was an ever so slight hint of relaxation in his features which made him look friendlier.
He looks halfway cute when he's not busy being what he is. Weird.
Naruto didn't linger in the doorstep nor did he find himself haunted by the image: he wasn’t some poof. Instead, he briefly wondered what it would look like if Sasuke smiled.
---------------
Sasuke was even bitchier in the morning, but Naruto didn’t blame him. Hangovers did suck, after all.
“Take this. I'll get you a cold towel.”
“And you think it works?” Sasuke asked dubiously, trusting that “receipt” as much as he would have trusted a foaming, growling dog. Naruto felt like smacking him over the head, but had an inkling that it would have been too cruel. So, he merely scoffed and prepared to leave the frowning bastard in order to fetch the promised item.
“Get on with it, Naruto.”
For a short moment, Naruto halted in his steps and turned his head towards Sasuke's direction. This was the first time he hadn't been called anything offensive and, even better, the bastard had finally called him by his given name. Naruto couldn't help feel happier: it was nice to be called by one’s name.
“It works. Trust me, Sasuke.”
“How would you know?”
“My mother told me; said that cold towels were the best way to cure a hangover.”
“She sounds like an interesting person,” Sasuke said offhandedly.
“She was.”
“What do you mean she ‘was’?”
“She’s dead.”
Sasuke didn't inquire further into the matter, but Naruto sensed that the question was on his tongue. Although he wasn't obliged --- in any way -- to explain things, he found himself answering.
“My parents died when I was twelve. It's a long story, but yeah. “
No way, am I going to tell him a sob story now. The last thing I want is his pity.
------------------------------
“So are things running more smoothly with the Uchiha asshole now?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“You sure? You were raving how he's a devil incarnate a couple of days back.”
Naruto smiled: he had certainly complained Kiba’s ears deaf with his anecdotes about Sasuke; he couldn’t help it, though. Sakura had, by means of a punch, given him to understand that she was quite fed up. So, he had turned to Kiba.
“He's not. I mean ... a devil's incarnate. He's bitchy and all, but he's --”
“Tolerable? Not quite as bad as you thought?” Kiba offered.
“No, he's an asshole. No question about that.”
“Naruto…”
“What?”
“You’ll never grow up, will you?”
“Don’t give me that shit. If I say he’s an asshole, then it means I can deal with him. It’s just that … well…”
“Spit it out. You don’t have to be ashamed of good ole’ me.”
“It’s embarrassing.”
“Naruto, I’ve seen you dance around naked, singing ‘I’m a Barbie Girl’. It’s hard to top that, you know?”
“I was drunk then. You’ve also done some crazy shit in your time.”
“Yes, but will you finally get to the point? Or I’ll ring for the nurse and tell her you’re bothering me.”
“Sasuke… he’s not you. I miss having you around because you’re cool… Damn, I’m not good at this.”
“I get it, Naruto. “
“Chouji has gotten remarkably thinner since you’re gone and even Shikamaru misses you. He’s grumpier than usual.”
“Of course, even he’d miss me. I'm so cool. I’m just a blast.”
Normally, there wasn’t anything special in such a remark, but Naruto started. This hadn’t been Kiba’s usual tone - that broken, jaded and ironical tone couldn’t possibly have been his.
Kiba didn’t have a bitter bone in his body; however, for the first time Kiba didn’t look like himself - he wasn’t that loud, overbearing and brash guy.
He looked tired and weary, not unlike an old man who has lost all gusto for life. Or like someone, who after years of not staring back at the mirror, had finally dropped a glance at his reflection and realised that it was a skull - dead, hollow and hideous. Naruto decided to step in: this wasn’t good.
“Hey, it's not your fault. It could have happened to the best of us.”
He wasn’t perfect either. If anything, Naruto thought, he was the very epitome of imperfection; he had lost his guard, had allowed emotions to get in the way more than often and had paid the price. But he was fine now and Kiba would be, too. Kiba would walk again, would come stomping into the office with his mutt, his stack of porn and…everything would be the same again.
“It shouldn't have happened at all,” Kiba said silently, turning his face in the direction of the window.
“Now, what's that supposed to mean?”
“I've been thinking about things, Naruto. All the time being confined here, I couldn't do anything but think.”
Naruto could relate to that - that was why he hated hospitals. Amongst the all too clinical smell, the mushy food and the feeling of helplessness, he hated how being confined to bed forced one to ponder over life and shit. It was enough to make the jolliest fellow depressed.
“It’s just that thinking made me realise I gotta change some things. That I’ve got to leave some things behind, even if it hurts.”
“God, stop it. You sound like one of those whiners in a movie.”
“I'm serious, Naruto. I … won't come back… even if I'll be able to walk properly again.”
“You can't do that! That’s crazy! Have you gone mental?”
“Naruto, Hinata's pregnant and I don't want to make her unhappy. I just can't. I love her too much. “
“You could transfer to a koban. There's less danger there and you’d still have enough money to support her, get married and have that house of yours.”
Kiba shook his head.
“No. I’ve decided to drop out of this mess altogether.”
Naruto couldn’t handle it anymore: he couldn’t stand that defeated look in Kiba’s eyes. And he wouldn’t accept it, under no accounts.
“You know that’s bullshit. Being a policeman isn’t a mess. I thought you cared about that - how can you just give it up?”
“I’ve got to, Naruto. It’s ne-“
“No, it’s bullshit! What you’re saying is utter bullshit!”
“Is it bullshit to be considerate? I’m not alone, Naruto. I have a family to take care of. I’d be of no use to them dead! And hell, I don’t even know whether I’ll ever be able to use my legs again…I don’t know what I’m supposed to do!”
Taking a deep breath, Kiba tried to soothe his nerves, but rage got the better of him and he continued to rant.
“You, on the other hand, you just fuck around, never had a serious relationship and could care less about what happens. You don’t have anyone. So it’s easy for you to say all this, isn’t it? “
As soon as the words had fallen, Kiba’s face paled. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Naruto felt like he had been slapped in the face; a sensation of numbness mixed with nausea washed over him. He felt like he was going to be sick; the bile was rising up to his throat and he felt boneless, bloodless. Whatever it was, he couldn’t remain at this spot any longer.
“Look, you’re tired. I better go.”
“Naruto…”
“I’ve used up your quantum of tolerance. I’m sorry. “
“Naruto, I shouldn’t have said. I ove- “
“It’s fine. Forget it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Naruto knew, in the back of his mind, that Kiba hadn’t meant it - that the words had been the result of despair. Yet, he couldn’t forget and as long as he couldn’t, Naruto had to leave; he didn’t want to sour up things between them for good.
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Like it? Hate it? Any kind of comment is appreciated.
Rating: T for now.
Summary: Naruto hated bastards with the passion of a thousand suns. Too bad that his new partner is a combination of all that. NaruSasu, AU.
Notes: I apologise for the lateness. RL events troubled me and I needed a while to sort things out. I had a hard time writing this chapter, but hope it turned out fine.
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With a loud, sonorous and nerve-gratingly never-ending ringing, the alarm clock screeched obstinately like a starving crow and woke Naruto up with a start. Uncertain of his surroundings and still wrapped up in the heavy cloak of sleep, he cracked open an eyelid and hoped that this was a hallucination of sorts which would soon evaporate into mid air. However, it seemed that he hoped against hope: dawn had fallen through the window, lightening the room and bringing into full display the messiness of his room. And nothing evaporated into mid-air -- he was awake, all right.
As if meaning to taunt him further, the alarm clock's mechanism gave off another buzz, but was silenced abruptly. Naruto wasn't in the mood to endure another sound; it was bad enough to drive a man dotty.
“Yeah, yeah. I'm getting up already, man,” Naruto muttered to no one in particular, though feeling in the mood to give vent to his frustration. Too bad that Sasuke, his cranky new partner, wasn't present -- that guy was the punching bag he needed. After a week of working with him, Naruto knew as much: that Sasuke, in all his glory, was infuriating and slowly, but surely, driving him batty.
It sucks. Whatever I do or say makes him bitch: he's cleared my desk, is way too work-driven constantly criticises my doings and ... fuck, even dares to question my eating habits. Well... screw him. I hope Kiba gets better soon. That Uchiha is the worst partner one could have.
As he rose from bed with less than half-hearted enthusiasm and more with something like annoyance, a crack resounded and Naruto bellowed angrily - he had broken a pencil in two with his right foot; that event, of course, hurt like a bitch and Naruto wasn't very fond of pain. He wasn't a masochist, unlike certain people he knew. He couldn’t stop himself from blurting out furiously:
“Why was that thing lying around here? Fuckin' crap!”
The evidence was soon found: a crumbled piece of newspaper told him all he needed to know. He shouldn’t have expected otherwise - this was typical.
Right. I remember… I was filling out that crossword puzzle last night. Thought that it’d help me become wittier ‘cause I can’t have that idiot insulting me again.
“Well, at least I'm not going to be late this time. Damn.”
It would have been fun to lurk around the corners with Shikamaru. Anything was better than seeing that bastard’s face again.
But, oh well. It’s not like I’ve got another choice.
-----
There were, in general, two sorts of delinquents: the cowards and the wannabe rebels. Now, the cowards didn't cause much trouble, but with the docility of a eunuch, gave in easily: to arrest them was rather boring because it was always the same old story.
The rebels, unfortunately, were quite a different matter; they, instead of making things easy and comfortable, had to make a ball of it and indulged in the good ole' cat-mouse chasin' game. Today, being a Friday and, even though it wasn't officially the thirteenth, this day had all the defining characteristics of it.
Naruto had, for the past ten minutes, run after that no-good idiot. The man, obviously keen on making his life harder, was fast and his legs carried him quickly: cowards could be surprisingly quick, especially when it came to saving their own skin.
Oh no, Naruto didn't like it; sweat was rolling down his forehead, his arms and perspiration stuck to his shirt like glue, making him feel very nasty and filthy. He wasn't a teenager anymore, damnit and he definitely hadn't rolled around in mud. Yet, the cool wetness of sweat suggested it; he felt like he was bathed - coated in - in the very essence of sweat. And he swore that he’d get back at the wanker.
Luckily, the man, blind-sighted and panicked as he was, led him straight into a dead end, somewhere in a dark alley. It smelled bitterly sweet, of rotting apples and vegetables; the garbage cans lined up against the wall nearly looked picturesque, but Naruto didn’t have time for such passing fancies. He had to make sure that the man wouldn’t escape -- he had no right to escape. They stood facing each other, the man's face rendered hideous by the sheer defiance on his face. Naruto hated him even more for it.
“You're not very smart, are you?” he asked contemptuously. No, he really didn’t think of the man as a genius. Anyone who got off robbing old ladies and beating kids up was an idiot by his standards. Hell, licking his lips, Naruto looked forward to teach the man a lesson. Unfortunately, as Tsunade had warned him, he just couldn’t allow himself to get too carried away.
“Running straight into your trap, I’d say you’re a blockhead.”
“Heh. I'm not goin' allow ye to git' me. I'll show ye, wha's what!” the man remarked in his heavily accented voice. Then, reaching for the pockets of his trousers, he shakily drew out a gun.
Hah. That doesn’t scare me…I’ll reach out for my own-What the hell! No, this can’t be…Don’t tell me that I’ve misplaced the gun. That would make me the blockhead. And a very, very bad kind of cop.
It was unfortunately true; Naruto had really misplaced the gun, remembering that he had pulled it out in the morning to prove Sasuke that he carried the larger arms. Of course, he had forgotten to place it back into his pocket. Wonderful.
This is all Sasuke’s fault.
Naruto hadn’t expected this and he restrained himself from spitting out foul curses. He couldn’t risk showing any fear now, not if he wanted to get anywhere. Most of all, he couldn’t let that asshole standing in front of him know - that would have been like suicide. Instead, he opted for a directive.
“Put the gun down. Immediately.”
“Will not do so”
“Put it down.”
“Now, yer no longer th' sure, are ye?”
This isn't good. If I make a move, he'll shoot. But if I don’t, he’ll... damn!
Naruto heard a bang behind and a scream of pain. No sooner had he registered what was going on, the man lay sprawled on the ground clutching his arm and howling with vehemence.
“You shouldn't talk smart,” someone else retorted; it was a drawling, arrogant voice, sounding very familiar to Naruto’s ears.
Naruto didn't have to think twice; he would have recognised that voice anywhere and, the scary thing was that he hadn't known Sasuke for longer than a week. He didn’t like the thought of it: Sasuke wasn’t that impressionable, was he?
----------------
“You actually saved my ass out there.” Naruto started before, he bethought himself,” Not that I needed your help.”
Sasuke, whose name still sounded weird in Naruto's mind, merely glared at him, but didn't reply and the other didn't mind. He had learnt that he preferred it infinitely better when his so-called partner was silent; like that, he was spared another migraine. After a period of silence, Sasuke spoke again.
“Here.”
A bottle was placed in his hands; it felt cool and he felt the melting ice comfortably glide over his skin. Naruto looked up into Sasuke's face, hoping to find an explanation, but there wasn't any. His expression remained impassive and, in fact, Sasuke’s thoughts seemed to be engaged elsewhere.
“What's that?”
“Mineral water. It's not poisoned.”
“Heh. Like I'd be worried about something like that.”
In spite of his curt reply, Naruto continued to eye the object suspiciously, seemingly intent to destroy the evil lurking within by the sheer power of his gaze.
“You're a bad liar, moron.”
Why do I get the feeling that the guy already knows me from inside out? It's scary.
The next move Naruto's gut reaction or nobler instincts led him were more than weird and … hell, embarrassing.
“And you're...look, thanks for helping me.”
Naruto didn't look into Sasuke's face, but chose to scrutinise the ground for its various pebbles and cigarette butts; he wasn't a coward, no sir. Yet, he couldn't deny the awkwardness of the entire situation.
“You'd be lost without me.”
“Don't get all high and mighty now, bastard. I'm not a fucking girl!”
“Tsk. You're too ugly to be one. But you’re an idiot for forgetting your gun.”
“God, just shut up, will you?”
--------------
The wannabe criminal had been taken care of - finally. Freshly showered and dressed in his usual garb of jeans and a T-shirt, Naruto felt like another person. He also felt adventurous and throwing a glance at Sasuke, who was walking right in front of him, asked:
“Do you want to go somewhere?”
Sasuke didn’t stop walking, but a slight tremble of his body indicated that he had heard.
“Where?”
“I'll invite you over for a drink.”
“Forget it.”
Being the rude jerk he was, Sasuke was already heading for the doorway, hands in his pocket and making Naruto feel like he'd been rejected. That assumption was freakish and inane: he wasn't into Sasuke, even though the guy had looks to die for. Then again, Naruto rarely settled for looks, unless he was looking for something to romp around with. And Sasuke didn’t look like the type he’d like to romp around with. Too much of a hellcat.
“Wait. I said I'd pay. What's the problem?”
That guy is really going to be the death of me. Why do I even bother?
“What's the point of going anywhere with you?”
Had it not been for this unmerited and ungraceful allusion to his person, Naruto would have let the bastard go: he really didn't care to tamper around with people who weren't worth it. But the ingratitude was too much and Naruto had always liked challenges. He was going to make Sasuke come with him, whether the bastard wanted to or not.
“Ok, I'll tell Ba-chan you’ve been bitching about the pay.”
“She won't believe you.”
“Wanna try out? She likes me, you know.”
It really didn’t look like his threat had worked, but Sasuke had turned around and, frowning, seemed resigned - like someone who had figured out that giving in was the best way.
“Fine. I'll come along,” he finally muttered, sounding exasperated. “If only to make you shut up.”
“And you'll pay, bastard. For insulting me.”
“Whatever.”
Naruto couldn't hide the grin this time. Blackmail - even his pathetic attempts at it -- definitely had its advantages.
----------------------
The pub which Naruto deemed to be appropriate for their further bonding wasn't special in any kind of way: it wasn't flashy; there weren't any gross particulars to share. In fact, except for being small and cosy, with a warmth and cheeriness that one would have expected to find in an Irish pub, it wasn't outrageous in any way. Yet, this was exactly the reason why Naruto loved this place: the homeliness and ordinariness of it attracted him more than the people-flocked and glitteringly modern clubs. The comparatively low price also stood in its favour.
“Tell me, have you never seen alcohol before?” Naruto asked amusedly, not having expected that sort of reaction. He hadn't ever met someone like this before. Well, if he recalled correctly, Shikamaru wasn't fond of drinking, but that hardly surprised Naruto - he knew that alcohol was a far too troublesome concept for the man.
“What makes you think that, idiot?” Sasuke demanded in return.
Naruto rolled his eyes. He really didn't feel like explaining himself - it was bloody obvious. Sasuke was tense: his lips were drawn in a tight line and he hadn't even touched the glass yet.
“Well?”
“You're staring at the glass as if were an insect or some other horrendous thing.”
Sasuke snorted in return, still not bothering to raise the glass to his mouth. Naruto lost his patience.
“Come on, if you're too much of a pussy to drink, give the stuff to me.”
“I paid for this, you total waste of oxygen.”
“You'll never run out of nicknames for me, will you?”
“Shut up.”
“Sure. It’s not like it makes a big difference. You’re absolutely no fun.”
-------------------------------------
If Naruto had doubted Sasuke's experience in drinking before, he was more than certain now. They hadn’t finished two glasses before Sasuke had started to complain of sickness and threatened to vomit right into Naruto’s lap. In order to avoid any embarrassing scenes, Naruto had decided to take him out into the fresh air. But he didn’t know what else he could do - and to quote Shikarmaru, this was troublesome. He didn't even know where Sasuke lived.
“Man, you should have told me that you can't hold your liquor.”
“Shut up.”
“So what am I going to do with you now?”
“I don't care.”
Naruto admired that Sasuke’s voice wasn’t slurred and that, apart from his shakiness, he really didn’t behave that differently. Being a stuck up moron had its advantages and, in Sasuke’s case, even alcohol wasn’t enough to make him loosen up. Yet, Naruto didn’t waste too much time on these reflections, but returned to the problem at hand.
“Well, I do care. I'm not going to have my ass sued just because of you being found dead in the streets tomorrow.”
Sasuke didn’t reply, obviously being too busy feeling sorry for himself.
“I'll take you to home then.”
“Home?”
“My place.”
“ Are you tryin’ to pick me up…? I’m not doing anything with you - so forge-“
“Just hold your tongue. Or I’ll really leave you here. And, for the record, I’ll never do anything with you. No worries.”
Who’d want to do anything with a bastard like that?
--------------------------------------
“This place is a fucking mass.”
“Not everyone's an anal-retentive, prissy asshole.”
Normally, Naruto would have shown more compassion for a man in Sasuke’s position, which was positively degrading. With one of his arms slung over Naruto's neck, he could barely support himself and was in dire danger of tripping at any given second. Still, Sasuke was such an insufferable person that, even like this, he managed to rub Naruto in all the wrong sort of places.
“So, I'll let you sleep on the coach and be grateful 'cause it's-”
“It looks hard. “
“So? It's perfectly-”
“I refuse to sleep on that...thing.”
“Fine, take the bed then, princess.”
I'm not going the waste the night arguing with him - it's a lost cause. And it's better than knocking him out cold. I don’t want to get charged for that, either. What a bitch that guy is.
It was weird how Naruto resorted to giving Sasuke feminine nicknames; he wasn't all that womanly. There was a certain delicacy and fragility in his features, but his height, the lithe muscular built of his body and the decidedly male quality of voice left no doubt on his being anything other than male. Besides, when Sasuke was angry, showing off or smirking, the slight tenderness of his face gave place to something that wasn't quite as pretty.
I'd consider him pretty, if he didn't frown constantly and...who cares? It's not like it'd change anything.
“Can you walk? I won't do you the honour of carrying to bed. You're no damned bride.”
“Just leave me alone.”
Naruto found out that he no problem whatsoever in doing just that.
----------------
As predicted, trying to fall asleep on that mercilessly uncomfortable couch was about as useful as taking a bath without water. As much as he feigned not to care, his back ached and his head longed for the softness a pillow. It was useless - he wasn't be able to sleep a wink.
I hate that asshole. He's such a bother.
Naruto walked into his room, just out of curiosity mingled with boredom; there was nothing better to do and he wasn't in the mood to watch TV. Although it was dark in the room, the illumination falling in through the window, allowed him to catch a glimpse of Sasuke's sleeping features. There shouldn't have been anything captivating about the sight: sleeping people were rarely - if anything - captivating in the eyes of the beholder.
Indeed, what amused Naruto was that even asleep, Sasuke didn't look exceptionally different - he still looked liked a bastard. Still, there was an ever so slight hint of relaxation in his features which made him look friendlier.
He looks halfway cute when he's not busy being what he is. Weird.
Naruto didn't linger in the doorstep nor did he find himself haunted by the image: he wasn’t some poof. Instead, he briefly wondered what it would look like if Sasuke smiled.
---------------
Sasuke was even bitchier in the morning, but Naruto didn’t blame him. Hangovers did suck, after all.
“Take this. I'll get you a cold towel.”
“And you think it works?” Sasuke asked dubiously, trusting that “receipt” as much as he would have trusted a foaming, growling dog. Naruto felt like smacking him over the head, but had an inkling that it would have been too cruel. So, he merely scoffed and prepared to leave the frowning bastard in order to fetch the promised item.
“Get on with it, Naruto.”
For a short moment, Naruto halted in his steps and turned his head towards Sasuke's direction. This was the first time he hadn't been called anything offensive and, even better, the bastard had finally called him by his given name. Naruto couldn't help feel happier: it was nice to be called by one’s name.
“It works. Trust me, Sasuke.”
“How would you know?”
“My mother told me; said that cold towels were the best way to cure a hangover.”
“She sounds like an interesting person,” Sasuke said offhandedly.
“She was.”
“What do you mean she ‘was’?”
“She’s dead.”
Sasuke didn't inquire further into the matter, but Naruto sensed that the question was on his tongue. Although he wasn't obliged --- in any way -- to explain things, he found himself answering.
“My parents died when I was twelve. It's a long story, but yeah. “
No way, am I going to tell him a sob story now. The last thing I want is his pity.
------------------------------
“So are things running more smoothly with the Uchiha asshole now?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“You sure? You were raving how he's a devil incarnate a couple of days back.”
Naruto smiled: he had certainly complained Kiba’s ears deaf with his anecdotes about Sasuke; he couldn’t help it, though. Sakura had, by means of a punch, given him to understand that she was quite fed up. So, he had turned to Kiba.
“He's not. I mean ... a devil's incarnate. He's bitchy and all, but he's --”
“Tolerable? Not quite as bad as you thought?” Kiba offered.
“No, he's an asshole. No question about that.”
“Naruto…”
“What?”
“You’ll never grow up, will you?”
“Don’t give me that shit. If I say he’s an asshole, then it means I can deal with him. It’s just that … well…”
“Spit it out. You don’t have to be ashamed of good ole’ me.”
“It’s embarrassing.”
“Naruto, I’ve seen you dance around naked, singing ‘I’m a Barbie Girl’. It’s hard to top that, you know?”
“I was drunk then. You’ve also done some crazy shit in your time.”
“Yes, but will you finally get to the point? Or I’ll ring for the nurse and tell her you’re bothering me.”
“Sasuke… he’s not you. I miss having you around because you’re cool… Damn, I’m not good at this.”
“I get it, Naruto. “
“Chouji has gotten remarkably thinner since you’re gone and even Shikamaru misses you. He’s grumpier than usual.”
“Of course, even he’d miss me. I'm so cool. I’m just a blast.”
Normally, there wasn’t anything special in such a remark, but Naruto started. This hadn’t been Kiba’s usual tone - that broken, jaded and ironical tone couldn’t possibly have been his.
Kiba didn’t have a bitter bone in his body; however, for the first time Kiba didn’t look like himself - he wasn’t that loud, overbearing and brash guy.
He looked tired and weary, not unlike an old man who has lost all gusto for life. Or like someone, who after years of not staring back at the mirror, had finally dropped a glance at his reflection and realised that it was a skull - dead, hollow and hideous. Naruto decided to step in: this wasn’t good.
“Hey, it's not your fault. It could have happened to the best of us.”
He wasn’t perfect either. If anything, Naruto thought, he was the very epitome of imperfection; he had lost his guard, had allowed emotions to get in the way more than often and had paid the price. But he was fine now and Kiba would be, too. Kiba would walk again, would come stomping into the office with his mutt, his stack of porn and…everything would be the same again.
“It shouldn't have happened at all,” Kiba said silently, turning his face in the direction of the window.
“Now, what's that supposed to mean?”
“I've been thinking about things, Naruto. All the time being confined here, I couldn't do anything but think.”
Naruto could relate to that - that was why he hated hospitals. Amongst the all too clinical smell, the mushy food and the feeling of helplessness, he hated how being confined to bed forced one to ponder over life and shit. It was enough to make the jolliest fellow depressed.
“It’s just that thinking made me realise I gotta change some things. That I’ve got to leave some things behind, even if it hurts.”
“God, stop it. You sound like one of those whiners in a movie.”
“I'm serious, Naruto. I … won't come back… even if I'll be able to walk properly again.”
“You can't do that! That’s crazy! Have you gone mental?”
“Naruto, Hinata's pregnant and I don't want to make her unhappy. I just can't. I love her too much. “
“You could transfer to a koban. There's less danger there and you’d still have enough money to support her, get married and have that house of yours.”
Kiba shook his head.
“No. I’ve decided to drop out of this mess altogether.”
Naruto couldn’t handle it anymore: he couldn’t stand that defeated look in Kiba’s eyes. And he wouldn’t accept it, under no accounts.
“You know that’s bullshit. Being a policeman isn’t a mess. I thought you cared about that - how can you just give it up?”
“I’ve got to, Naruto. It’s ne-“
“No, it’s bullshit! What you’re saying is utter bullshit!”
“Is it bullshit to be considerate? I’m not alone, Naruto. I have a family to take care of. I’d be of no use to them dead! And hell, I don’t even know whether I’ll ever be able to use my legs again…I don’t know what I’m supposed to do!”
Taking a deep breath, Kiba tried to soothe his nerves, but rage got the better of him and he continued to rant.
“You, on the other hand, you just fuck around, never had a serious relationship and could care less about what happens. You don’t have anyone. So it’s easy for you to say all this, isn’t it? “
As soon as the words had fallen, Kiba’s face paled. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Naruto felt like he had been slapped in the face; a sensation of numbness mixed with nausea washed over him. He felt like he was going to be sick; the bile was rising up to his throat and he felt boneless, bloodless. Whatever it was, he couldn’t remain at this spot any longer.
“Look, you’re tired. I better go.”
“Naruto…”
“I’ve used up your quantum of tolerance. I’m sorry. “
“Naruto, I shouldn’t have said. I ove- “
“It’s fine. Forget it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Naruto knew, in the back of his mind, that Kiba hadn’t meant it - that the words had been the result of despair. Yet, he couldn’t forget and as long as he couldn’t, Naruto had to leave; he didn’t want to sour up things between them for good.
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