Colors

*Hiya all! Oh Gods so thankful for the reviews I had gotten for the earlier chapter. I didn’t expect it to carry so much impact for some of you but I’m glad it did nonetheless. Well, warning that the coming chapter may not be as racy but it’s an interim thing. No, not intentionally stretching the story, just writing whatever my mind conjures up in my twisted fantasy world. For those who are impatiently waiting for the fated encounter, it’s coming. I promise.

Once again, you guys and your comments are truly inspirational and I hope you’ll provide me with any feedback that will help make your reading experience more sensational.

ONWARD!!!

*Edited : Thanks SplitPersona... hahaha... sometimes I miss those things cause it doesn't turn up in spell check... forgive me... pretty please.... Thanks again

*Additional Edits : Its funny how when you reread XXX number of times and you always find more screw ups during those individual rechecks. I'm making more spelling and weird word usage edits. I think I should read XXX number of times before I post future chapters and not rush it.

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Chapter 12

Tsukuba circuit was about a two hour ride away from Tokyo and the ride was made longer as they trailed a container currently holding Naruto’s NSX inside it. Naruto had insisted they escorted his vehicle all the way to the circuit for fear of anything that should happen to his ‘other half’ while he wasn’t around. Hence the current situation they were in, Naruto trapped in Neji’s chauffeured limousine with Shikamaru, whilst Kiba drove Hinata in his Civic Type-R behind their vehicle. Beside him, Shikamaru sat glowering at him. His dark haired friend had been staring at him continuously for the last half an hour now and it was beginning to make Naruto feel very uncomfortable.

“Shika, really, that stare is starting to creep me out.”

“Its supposed to.”

“Sigh… how long are you going to torture me like this?”

“Until you spill all there is about Sasuke and you tell me everything I need to know.”

“Shika, give it up. I already told you everything.” Neji spoke from where he was lying down across Shikamaru and Naruto, eyes closed in a half sleepy state.

“No you haven’t, we still don’t know why he went out for dinner with him and how.”

“I told you Shika, I don’t know, we spoke and it just happened.” Naruto defended.

“Dinner’s don’t just happen. Someone asks for it.”

“…. Well, I can’t tell you that part because really, I’m not sure myself who asked in the end.”

“That’s where I don’t trust that you’re telling me everything.” Shikamaru lifted a suspicious eyebrow at the blonde.

“Grrr… fine. Look, he asked if I was doing anything later on Sunday and I told him nothing particularly…”

“And then….”

“He didn’t follow up the question with an invitation for dinner… so I asked if he was going to invite me for dinner…. I mean, isn’t it common courtesy to invite someone out for a meal if you were finding out about what the person had lined up for the day?”

“Not necessarily but continue…”

“Then he said if I wanted dinner then fine… he’ll pick me up at 7. So you tell me, who asked who?”

Shikamaru closed his eyes and stroked his chin. That was quite a tough one. He could see why Naruto had difficulty explaining the whole scenario. He wasn’t quite sure what to call it except that it was rather, mutual. But somehow or rather, the whole analysis made it feel like Sasuke was the one who manipulated things a little and he had abused Naruto’s unsuspecting state to turn the whole invitation into something Naruto wanted. *My, my, Sasuke’s a sneaky bastard and talk about having the upper hand.* Shikamaru sighed inwardly at his friend’s easily manipulated nature.

“Anyway, so are Kiba and Hinata hitting it off well?” Naruto asked in a curious tone.

“Why does it matter?” Neji asked back.

“Well, I’m just admiring my work of art in match making.” Naruto flashed a smug grin back at his long haired friend.

“P-lease, that had nothing to do with you.” Neji resigned back into his relaxed position, not amused with Naruto’s antics.

“Of course it did. Why do you think I chose to call him rather than you two to pick up the pieces when we broke up? I knew he had a thing for her and I’m sure her turning up for this means she reciprocates.”

“Oh stop being so proud and stop poking your nose in their business. Unless you’re actually jealous of the fact she’s over you so soon.” Neji turned to look at Naruto and gave him a smirk.

“I’m not jealous.”

“Reeally,” Shikamaru asked with a small sly smile on his lips.

“I really am not… unfortunately.” The blonde replied with a forlorn expression. Neji picked up on his friend’s upset tone and decided to drop the subject and swallowed his own sarcastic remark. The situation made him remember why Naruto had no reason to be jealous, which only served to invoke his own emotional resentment at the same time as well.

“Fine, so here’s the next question.” Shikamaru made a quick change of topic and threw the boomerang right back in Naruto’s court.

“Oh God, Shika, what now?”

“I need to hear you say it. Do you like Sasuke?”
Neji shot up straight and he looked at Shika, clearly displeased he had brought the matter up.

“What? I wanna hear him say it. Anyway, from what I’ve heard it’s not like Naruto verbally admitted it. So, do you like Sasuke?”

“Shikamaru, don’t make me do this. Not in front of Neji.”

“Why not in front of Neji?”

“Driver! Stop, I’m gonna take a breather and I’m not gonna bother listening to any of this crap.” The car stopped along with the entire entourage and Neji turned to glare at both the startled men before getting up from his seat and heading out the car for a smoke. Naruto had gotten up to follow but Shikamaru blocked his exit and closed the door behind Neji.

“That’s why I told you to say it,” came Shikamaru’s stern reply.

“You can’t be serious Shika.”

“Then answer me, why the fuck can’t you admit you like Sasuke in front of him.”

“Because… because I’m not sure what I was more turned on by, Neji fondling me or fucking Sasuke!”

“No Naruto, you be honest with yourself and fucking decide, please. I don’t want to see you dangle Neji in limbo like that. If you really like Neji then why not just go out with him?”

“I can’t do that.”

“And why can’t you do that Naruto? Why not?”

“Because…..cos… I don’t even know how to say it Shika…Sasuke’s just fucking unreachable. He’s always unreachable…. So fucking far… sigh. Gods, I don’t even fucking know if he’s gay and I just don’t get why I can’t let him go when Neji’s just right in front of me and cares so much for me.”

“Naruto, you can’t be selfish. You know who you really have feelings for and you just can’t keep doing this to Neji.”

“I know but if I actually admit it, I’ll lose him.”

“Don’t be stupid. Neji’s not that type of a friend. He’d be hurt but at least you’d be doing the right thing by providing him some avenue for closure.” Shikamaru was irritated with Naruto’s indecisiveness, the frustration showing in his tone. He cared deeply for both his childhood friends and did not wish to see years of their friendship being ruined over a bastard like Sasuke, it just wasn’t worth it and he was going to do whatever he could to mitigate the situation despite not being directly caught in the triangle. To him if something upset his friends, it was his business to help support them for the two were like brothers to him, people worth protecting.

Naruto slumped back into his seat, tilted his head back and focused on an uninteresting spot on the car’s ceiling letting the thoughts wash over him after having been defeated by Shikamaru’s logic. His highly analytical friend was right in every single way and Naruto realized that he was in a sense treating Neji like a spare tire and that made him feel extremely guilty. He didn’t know how he had ended up to be the selfish bastard that he was currently. Perhaps he was scared of being disliked, of being shunned by his closest friend like how society discarded him for his background. Nonetheless, he told himself he wouldn’t allow for it to go on any longer. If he did value Neji’s fragile heart he shouldn’t torture him further.

“When he comes back into the car I want you to apologize and tell him frankly how you feel. It sucks being on the waiting end and I think you’d be the best person to know how THAT feels.” Shikamaru concluded with his arms folded.

“Sigh…Fine. I’m sorry I worry you.” Naruto agreed, his eyes watered slightly as he truly feared losing Neji as a good friend from doing what he was about to do.

“Don’t be an idiot and save that apology for Neji.” Shikamaru paused a little before continuing. “Back to Sasuke, what’s with the unreachable issue? You already went on a so-called date with him once and from what I’ve heard so far, it doesn’t seem like his not interested.”

“I wouldn’t assume that he is interested, just to be safe.” Shikamaru smirked, so typical for a love struck person to say. Naruto eyed him, slightly annoyed but he continued, “Just that, well, I saw him earlier this morning.”

“Ah-hah. More you’re not telling.”

“Look it was no biggy alright. I went there to deliver one of Neji’s paintings that he bought.”

“And so…”

“Something about him was off. He seemed distant and his brother nearly freaked me out of my skin.”

“His brother?”

“Yeah, he’s got one fucking freaky brother. Made me whip my ass out of there as fast as I could.”

“What the fuck did he do to make you do that?”

“He just had to look, as in a freaky look. The kind that says he’ll stab you with a knife if you don’t get lost.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Shikamaru observed Naruto and believed him as he had yet to see such a serious expression on the blonde’s face in all his years of friendship. He watched as Naruto tucked a strand of loose fringe behind his ear nervously and decided to bank the information he had gathered into another part of his brain for reference later. Neji chose that moment to re-enter the car and the entourage continued.

“You guys done?”
Shikamaru turned and nodded his head towards Naruto, “Well?”

“Erm.. Neji, I’m sorry, but I …. I really like Sasuke and I’m a fucking idiot for not being able to push that aside for someone like you…. So if you don’t wanna stay as friends its fine. I’ll understand why you need the distance.” Naruto looked away, ashamed.

“Naruto, you’re a dumb blonde if you think I’ll throw away friendship for something so stupid. Being friends was always first and foremost to me and I thought I told you once already. So loosen up and come over here and give me a hug.”

Naruto’s face lit up and he scooted over to let Neji embrace him and ruffle his sunny fringe.

“Hokay, guys, I can take the gay talk but watching you two hug is waking up some yibee-jibees alright.” Shikamaru shuddered with the slight homophobic thought.

“Awe, come on Shika, you know you want some too.” Neji said with a cheeky grin plastered on both his and Naruto’s faces and they both slowly approached their friend in a predatory like manner.

“Oh no, no… fuck you… haha… no!” Neji pinned Shikamaru down whilst Naruto jabbed his sides and tickled him unforgivably.

Finally the cars were slowing to a halt and making their last few turns into the circuit. By the time they had reached the circuit it was late afternoon and they had just enough time to unload all their equipment into number 26, Naruto’s registered paddock.

“I’ll drop by and see if the registration office is still open and get us signed in. If not then we’ll register the team’s attendance tomorrow morning!” Shika shouted out to the team before heading off. He finally reached the registration counter and recognized a familiar friend.

“Hey Gaara, I didn’t know you were up for circuit races.”

“I heard from Lee that Naruto was coming so I thought I’d bring my skyline up for a spin.”

“Nice, we’re going off to a nearby village for dinner later. You wanna join us?”

“Nah, its ok. Sai has something planned up already. Better register before the counter closes.”

“Well, we’ll look forward to the race.”

“Sure, see ya.”

“Sign here, and here. Here’s your information pack and your numbers,” a cute brunette spoke from behind the counter and Shikamaru briefly eyed the beauty before indulging himself with thoughts of her full breasts and deep cleavage. Suddenly he felt someone twisting his ear, causing him a heck load of excruciating pain.

“Ow, ow…what the fuck?”

“That’s exactly what I want to ask you.”

Shikamaru turned to meet familiar eyes.

“Temari, oh ‘hi’. What are you doing here?”

“With my brother of course. I don’t see you for a week and you’re staring down another chic’s breasts?” Temari made it loud enough for the brunette to hear, openly displaying Shikamaru’s perversion.

“No, of course not. I mean nothing beats…”

“Sigh…… just shut up before you dig a deeper hole, here. I’ll be expecting you to pop by our paddock soon. Maybe make a pit stop while you’re at it.” She winked at him, having fully forgiven him for his moment of weakness. Shikamaru smiled at her and nodded before giving his girl friend a chaste kiss and watching her head off, before pocketing the piece of paper he'd receive with her hotel's address written on it.

“Sorry about that and thanks,” he replied to the brunette before obtaining all the packs and quickly lifting out the driver’s list to have a look at whether any of their usual racing partners were registered as well.
*Hmm, Rock Lee at no.1, as usual, hmm… Takashi, Ooh Sasori, Gaara, unknown….* Shikamaru blinked his eyes twice. He stared at the 6th name on the list again. *Oh …fuck.*

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*Uzumaki Naruto* read Sasuke to himself as he glanced through his newly obtained information pack. *No. 26, 20 paddocks down. Far away enough, I suppose.* Sasuke had never felt so undecided before in his life. He had an unexplainable urge to run to the 26th paddock just to see for himself if Naruto was indeed there but at the same time his brother’s words kept ringing in his ear and he truly feared for the blonde’s safety. Unfortunately with the blonde being around the same premises as he was, there was no question that the two might accidentally run into each other and though his brother hadn’t accompanied him, he had sent Kisame in his stead and was sure his brother had narrated to him exactly what Naruto looked like. He lifted his head and looked towards Deidara, *Can I really trust him? Really?*

Deidara caught Sasuke’s glance and worried look. He started walking towards him.

*Fuck, Damn it.*

“Anything wrong?”
Sasuke looked up, checking for Kisame.

“He’s gone to the gents.” Deidara answered Sasuke’s unspoken thought.

“I have a problem. He’s here.”

“The guy named Naruto’s here?”

“And racing.”

“My, that IS a problem. You realize that if Kisame catches him here it’s going to look bad. Not to mention the minute his name gets announced on the screen as a listed racer tomorrow.”

“Yes, of course I know. But I’m not about to give up the race.”

“Hmm… Well, I guess there’s nothing left but to tell him. It was a mere coincidence, was it not?”

Sasuke looked at Deidara. The meeting at this race was of course unplanned but the fact of the matter was that being in the racing scene in Tokyo meant a small circle, and he knew deep down that there was a chance of him meeting the blonde and was slightly hoping for an encounter even before he started the journey. Although, they had never had an actual head-to-head, Sasuke did keep up with local forums and magazines, which meant that he’d come across write-ups on Naruto’s various ventures before. He was just never allowed to race enough to have met the blonde. But he evaluated Deidara’s decision carefully and realized that there wasn’t any other way out of it. The only problem was that telling Kisame also meant that it left him completely no chance of ever meeting up with him at all, which he finally concluded was better than getting his crush killed.

“Sigh … fine.” Sasuke admitted.

“Here,” Deidara said, giving him his mobile phone.

“Kisame won’t check this. Take it and give him a call when he’s not looking.” Sasuke looked at Deidara, eye’s wide in disbelief.

“Quick, take it before the shark man gets back.” He shoved the phone in Sasuke’s hands and the young Uchiha pocketed it instantly.

“That’s for the bruise on your cheek.” Deidara winked at him and Sasuke felt like he’d been given the world in his hands.

“He’s back and don’t worry about meeting him. I’ll think of something just follow my lead. Quickly, head over and tell him about Naruto.” Deidara gave Sasuke a reassuring smile and a knowing wink. Sasuke tried to hide the smile on his face but his happiness was fully showing in his eyes. Not wanting Kisame to pick up on his enthusiasm, he put on a full proof mask and headed over to the intimidating bodyguard.

“Kisame…”

“Yes Sasuke-sama, what can I do for you?” Kisame asked in a condescending manner. He was never fond of Sasuke and in fact loathed him for the obvious reason that he was totally in love with his master, Itachi. But if Itachi sending him to watch over Sasuke was a form of restriction, he was eager to oblige, anything to make the younger Uchiha feel trapped in an invisible prison served to satisfy that insatiable envious hunger he bore.

“Before you go all whacky, the fucking blonde you’re supposed to watch out for is participating in this race. Here’s the list. Do whatever you wish, I just thought I’d let you know before you develop any fucked up ideas.”

“Well, Sasuke, you think you’re smart. But whatever I tell your brother is up to me and if I want to make it look as if this was planned I will. So, you go have fun and leave the thinking and talking to me, okay?”

Sasuke had never felt like he wanted to kill someone so much as he did today. But he decided to not let his emotions show to worsen the situation and swallowed his anger instead by stalking off with a mildly glum facial expression. Deidara was watching over the whole situation and he chose this moment to walk past Sasuke, and whispered just loud enough for him to hear, “Go to the bathroom.” Sasuke understood Deidara’s intention immediately and proceeded to act as instructed.

“Oi, Kisame, I’m going to the bathroom.”

“Your phone please?”
Sasuke rummaged in his pocket and handed Kisame his Vertu.

“You wanna watch? Helps keep a closer eye and you can have front row seats to watching me crap.” Sasuke said sarcastically and hoped that Kisame really wouldn’t take him up on his offer. He was rewarded with a disgusted expression from the shark man’s face.

“No thank you. I was advised to stay close but not THAT close.”

“Hm, oh well, suit yourself,” and with that, Sasuke headed into the gents as Kisame waited outside at the toilet’s main door. Once safely inside one of the cubicles, Sasuke quickly fished out Deidara’s phone and thanked his good memory for being able to remember numbers so easily. He got to work and quickly messaged the blonde who he hoped would check his messages before doing something stupid, such as head over to paddock number ‘6’.

TBC