Catalyst

Chapter Two... Of Exams and Connections
Shikashinigami

Author Notes: Naruto is the genius of the great Masashi-sama. Also I’m not going to bash Sakura... um. I think she’s alright, once she’s put in her place of course. *cough* anyway, here’s chapter two, enjoy.

Naruto put a hand to his chin, scratching softly while digging through his closet. “Hmmm...” Finally he decided he would look at the weather before he chose what he would wear. He walked to window and peered out. Looking around, it was niice out. It was sunny, and warm... with a nice breeze. Perfect. Not that he really put much thought into it you see, but it was Friday and the instructions for the exams the following Monday were to be given. Not to mention, he had the weekend off...

Finally deciding, he showered and pulled out a black sleeveless shirt and a pair of jeans that Sasuke had given him. They looked a little worn but, they were really comfortable.

He went into the bathroom and ran a hand through his hair... unruly, but oh so sexy. He grinned at his reflection and winked once before leaving the room, laughing. He put on his beloved necklace, as was heading down the stairs of his apartment... well, it was more like a house... but he called it an apartment. After all a house was somewhere you lived with your family...

You see when Naruto turned eighteen, he was given what his father had left to him... erase that. The Fourth Hokage’s money and house... he inherited it. And what a nice surprise that was. It was only a year ago... but he’d bought some new clothes and a few things to fill his new place to live. His apartment was falling to pieces anyway, and he figured he deserved a little luxury after a life of scorn and mal-contempt. So he gladly excepted what his father had left him.

He hopped up on the counter of his kitchen grabbing an apple from the dish of fruit that sat on the counter-top and shoved it in his mouth... because although, it was his favorite meal... he didn’t eat ramen 24/7 contrary to popular belief.

A brief tap on the door caught his attention. He raised an eyebrow taking another bite, before stepping off the counter to answer the front door. He walked through the living room and into the entryway, opening the door to a slightly outraged looking Sasuke. Naruto raised an eyebrow and stepped aside, granting Sasuke entrance. Before closing the door and swallowing.

He smirked at soft mutters of ‘deranged fan-girls and rabid salesmen,’ and held back a light laugh. Sasuke never did have much luck with going unnoticed through the streets of Konoha. Respect had nothing to do with it. People could be crazy when they were star-struck.

Sasuke turned and took a deep breath, before he spotted the amused looking Naruto eating an apple. He sighed, and made an apologetic gesture. “Ready?”

Naruto blinked. “You came to pick me up?” ‘Ohhh how sweet...’ Sasuke eyed him. ‘Haha, like he was going to say that out loud’. Naruto had a sneaking suspicion Sasuke had expected him to make some smart-assed comment... but, was relieved when he didn’t.

“Let’s go then.” Naruto grabbed his flak jacket off the stand next to the door, slipped his sandals on, and they were off.
Half way to the center of town, a faint ‘Naruto-kun’ caught Naruto’s attention and he turned in the direction of the voice, only to find one Yamanaka Ino running toward them. Naruto sweat-dropped as Sasuke made a disgruntled sound in the back of his throat.
“Naruto-kun.” Ino stopped short and walked the last few feet to where they stood, “are you heading to the meeting place?” Naruto nodded while finishing off the last of his apple, tossing it in a waste receptacle near them, and Sasuke made a noncommital grunting sound... causing Naruto to roll his eyes.

“Say... Naruto-kun. I have a question for you.” Ino batted her eyelashes at him, Sasuke growled softly in the back of his throat before turning and beginning to walk. Naruto chuckled softly and turned motioning for Ino to walk with him. “What would you like to ask Ino-san?” She smiled... “No need to be so formal Naruto-kun.”

Naruto blinked at her... deciding her motives were in vain and Sasuke waaaasss still listening. “Well then, Ino-chan. What is it you’d like to ask?” He grinned at her and Ino took a deep breath before steeling her nerves. “Do you still have a crush on Sakura?”
Naruto blinked, surprised at the bluntness of her outburst. He sighed, “er... no. I don’t. Why do you ask?” He looked at Ino, who was concentrating much to closely on the ground in front of them, trying to ignore the fact Naruto looked quite pleasant that day. Naruto looked up at the clouds while Ino came up with her answer. He should join Shikamaru in his cloud watching again sometime soon... or maybe Sasuke would...

“Well, you see... Sakura-chan has sorta... well. I can’t really say. But, you like Hinata-san now, huh?” Ino interrupted. Naruto glanced at her... a little put out by that glint in her eye. She was up to something... He glanced at Sasuke who had his head down. He too, was wondering how Naruto would answer.

“Yes, I suppose I do like Hinata-chan... she’s very sweet, you know.” Naruto grinned and rubbed the back of his head, itching that ever-lasting scratch.

Sasuke smirked to himself. ‘Clever Naruto... clever indeed.’ Ino would never guess he was indicating he liked Hinata as a friend, she would hear what she wanted and report back to Sakura accordingly. He took a deep breath and inhaled the summer air. It was a much nicer day than the one before... although, he really... like the rain. He considered again, making his and Naruto’s relationship public... he’d have to think over it carefully first.

“Well then, I’ll see you later Naruto-kun.” Ino waved and walked away with the information she had come for. Naruto meanwhile walked a little faster to match Sasuke’s stride and murmurred...

“They can never just say ‘hi’ can they?”

Sasuke shook his head slightly. “Women, never give up Naruto...”

Naruto shivered a little at the thought of having a fanclub like Sasuke had... his had only just began forming. His future was therefore, destined to be hell... unless...

Sasuke, catching onto Naruto’s train of thought, derailed it in a moment. “Not yet, Naruto... not yet.” Naruto sighed dreamily and Sasuke laughed. Swatting playfully at the blondes head.

The meeting area was already decently crowded when Sasuke and Naruto took their places on the fence near the monument. It was theirs... they had sat in the same place yesterday and no one would dare, challenge the claim. Well... that is almost no one.

“Hey, fox-boy I was gonna sit there ” A high pitched yap, gave away the identity of the person immediately. “But, Kiba...” Naruto hopped off the bench and strode too close to Kiba... “If you wanted to sit next to Sasuke.” He whispered in Kiba’s ear... “you’d have to fight me first.” Kiba felt heat rise in his face and swatted Naruto away, who laughed quite merrily. Sasuke smirked as Naruto hopped back up next to him.

Kiba shook his head... ‘two completely different styles of grace.’ Naruto feral and Sasuke swift precision. He was looking forward to their next sparring session. They always attracted quite a crowd. The guys taking notes and the girls drooling all over themselves.
Much to Sasuke’s dismay a quiet ‘ahem’ pulled them from their friendly conversation. Naruto turned to see Sakura standing near Sasuke and felt the back of his neck bristle before she took a step toward him. He saw Sasuke’s frown out of the corner of his eye, undoubtedly wearing a frown of his own.

“Sakura-chan... How have you been?” She took another step and Naruto got a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. “Na-Naruto-kun can I speak with you for a moment?”

Naruto put on a blank expression and turned toward Sasuke slightly before he felt a light tap on his arm. “Naruto-kun...” Naruto grinned and turned. “Hinata-chan ” He smiled brightly at her and she smiled, happy to be treated so kindly. Sakura’s expression diminished slightly before Naruto turned back to her. Motioning for her to follow.

He walked to the outskirts of the meeting group before beginning to speak. He felt Sasuke’s eyes, and Hinata’s Byuukgan and almost grinned at the way his friends protected him. “Listen Sakura... Ino talked to me earlier... which was strange... and now your calling me Naruto-kun... which has redefined strange. What is going on?”

As he waited for an explanation he had the joy of watching red creep up Sakura’s neck and into her cheeks. “Listen... Naruto-“ She hesitated. “-kun... I know I haven’t been very kind to you... but,” he turned slightly... and she looked up to see Sasuke glaring at her... she gulped and continued. “-but, I’ve realized how wrong I was and now I’d like to know if you would accompany me to the movies this Saturday... I-” A voice cut her off. “Naruto... is busy on Saturday...”

Sakura looked up to see Sasuke standing next to Naruto... while Naruto looked at him oddly. Sakura brushed it off as the protectiveness of a best friend... but, she started to continue... “well, maybe then-“ Naruto cut her off this time, as he turned away, he folded his arms behind his head and looked sidelong back at her. “You had your chance Sakura-chan.” She heard him say something else before he vanished in a puff of chakra induced flames, “you blew it... it’s too late.”

Hinata looked at her apologetically before walking back over the area they had been before near the fence, sensing Sakura with her byuukugan she watched her turn and run away with vigor. She’d be in trouble for missing the meeting... Sakura wouldn’t likely become a Jounin this year.

Naruto took a deep breath before whining... “Saaasssuke... that was scary. I thought she was going to kill me.” Sasuke, shook his head in dismay... Hinata and Kiba laughing while Akamaru, jumped up on his leg in a way meant to comfort him. Naruto grinned and ruffled the puppy’s hair. “Akamaru...” he sobbed dramatically... “ you’ve always been there for me.” Sasuke smacked him in the back of the head and they all laughed again.

A pair of eyes watched the event closely... Shikamaru turned... “you should go make sure Sakura’s alright.” Ino nodded and turned in the direction Sakura had gone. Shikamaru wandered toward the gathering. And listened in.

“Na... Shikamaru... you shouldn’t eavesdrop.” Shikamaru sweatdropped as he turned to a Naruto bunshin behind him. He grinned at the original. Naruto... it seemed had gotten smarter...

Maybe, this would be more difficult that he thought.

Before Shikamaru could get too deep in his revelations, there were three puffs of smoke and a moment later three instructors. Iruka sensei held up a sheet of paper, and silence fluttered through the small crowd.

“I will call out the teams and team captains. Captains first.” Iruka, held up the sheet in front of him as he began to call out names.

“Hyuuga Hinata, Yamanaka Ino, Inuzuka Kiba, and ...Akamichi Chouji” He paused and continued to the next team.

“Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura and Nara Shikamaru.” Naruto groaned inwardly, he’d be stuck with Sakura...

“Abarame Shino...

They sat patiently through the rest of the listings...

Sasuke and Naruto exchanging secretive glances, while Hinata and Kiba rolled their eyes.

After the teams had been announced, Ibiki-sensei had given the team leaders the folders for their tests and were given the small list of rules, before they were dismissed. Naruto, Sasuke, Kiba and Hinata. Walked together... deciding the propect of ice cream on such a beautiful day, sounded better than going their separate ways. Hinata, had the daunting task of finding Ino and Sakura... and wanted a treat before the task.

Amazingly... Kiba had decided he would treat.

Which made Naruto suspicious and two bickered the entire way to the ice cream shop.

Hinata and Sasuke stayed back and grinned softly at the two morons... both grins affectionate.

They walked up to the ice cream shop and placed their orders, waiting for the keeper to finish making them. Sasuke turned to Naruto and nudged him, indicating behind him.

Naruto turned to see Sakura sitting on the bench next to Ino who was patting her back comfortingly.

Naruto rolled his eyes, and Sasuke smirked. Having no sympathy for Sakura, he’d given her 12 years to come around and she’d blatantly refused each of his advances. He wasn’t about to give up Sasuke for her. She’d have to kidnap him first. He shuddered at the thought... if Sakura was a member of his fanclub, then... he shook the thought from his head. That was stupid... ‘stop thinking’...

The lady who had their ice cream handed them each their orders and Naruto dug in happily. As he followed Hinata and Kiba through the park. He had forgotten about Sakura and Ino sitting on the bench there...

As he walked he heard a soft sigh and a familiar hand draped around his waist as Sasuke also dug into his ice cream cone.
Ino looked up to see the group walk by... she blinked at the affectionate conversation that Kiba and Hinata were carrying on, Akamaru resting comfortably in Hinata’s arms as she ate her ice cream with one hand. Occasionaly sharing with the puppy. She saw Naruto and Sasuke lagging behind them and did a double take when she saw Sasuke drape an arm around around Naruto’s waist.
‘No way...’

Ino watched Naruto closely as he made no effort to neither remove Sasuke’s arm or flinched at the contact... more surprisingly Sasuke looked quite content with touching Naruto... Sasuke didn’t like contact, with anyone... but...

Ino shook her head softly, glad Sakura wasn’t paying attention... she’d have to talk to Shikamaru later... this was a very... interesting development. And a really, sexy one too.

If there was something going on... they would have to join fanclubs and start stalking the couple... what an impact that would make...
Ino ushered Sakura up off the bench after the group had passed and back to Ino’s apartment. Ino made some tea and they sat in the living area and talked quietly. After an hour or so Ino had Sakura calmed enough to sit comfortably.

“Sakura... perhaps, you should look else where, um...” Sakura looked up at her and Ino smiled softly. “I know it’s difficult to hear. But, Naruto has... moved on.” Ino looked at the carpet, a seemingly interesting spot on the floor. Sakura nodded barely and turned to Ino. “I think your right... Ino, I know your right. It’s obvious Naruto has...” she paused. “Found someone... but, I need time I think.” She sat quietly for a moment, before she giggled.

Ino stared for a moment before giggling softly herself... both realizing the irony.

Later that night, Sakura left Ino’s house, after having a nice meal, Ino was a surprisingly good cook, and chatting for most of the evening. Sakura felt better than she had in a long while. She even greeted Lee when he said his usual ‘hello Sakura-chan’. He stopped and grinned widely before turning on his way.

Sakura laughed softly and went back to her house...

She sat for a moment contemplating, before picking up the phone and dialing the number that she had memorized. It rang twice before there was a breathless, “hello?”

“Naruto-kun, it’s Sakura... um. I wanted to apologize for my actions earlier... it should have obvious to me that you were-“ There was mumbling on the other side of the conversation and Sakura stopped for a moment, sure she had heard Sasuke talk... “Naruto?” Naruto came back on before she could confirm the voice. “Sorry, Sakura-chan... I accept your apology, um. Perhaps we could have lunch sometime, ne? I don’t want to have to stop being friends.”

Sasuke crawled up Naruto and buried his head in the crook of Naruto’s shoulder, leaving a mark in the trail of kisses he left. He grinned when Naruto sighed softly, content. He caught the blonde’s lips in a passionate kiss, when the phone rang.

Naruto huffed and turned to answer, “Hello?” Sasuke smirked at the way the blonde was breathing more harshly than he should have. Naruto’s eyes widenened and he put a hand over the receiver. “What is it?” Sasuke said worried, Naruto shook his head softly, “It’s Sakura-chan... she wants to apologize.” Sasuke shook his head and made himself comfortable next to Naruto, and the familiar heat the kyuubi holder gave off.

When Naruto hung up Sasuke went back to what he’d been doing... Naruto grinned and pushed Sasuke off, laughing... “stop! That tickles you know!” Sasuke huffed and fell back onto Naruto’s bed as the blonde got up pacing around a bit. “Do you suppose she’s up to something?” He glanced at Sasuke who shrugged.

“Who knows...”

Meanwhile Ino walked over to Shikamaru’s apartment. She was immensely relieved Sakura had given up so easily... when they’d been younger they had fought so voraciously after Sasuke-kun. But, if Sakura’s feeling ran deeper than that physical attraction they had called love, when they were younger. There was a chance Sakura... really just wanted Naruto to be happy.

Ino knocked on the door to Shikamaru’s apartment before hearing grumbling from inside. Shikamaru opened the door and stepped aside to let Ino enter. He grinned after he’d closed the door. “What have you got for me?” Ino blinked before recalling the park. “Well, Sakura-chan and I were sitting in the park, you know near the fountain...” Shikamaru nodded. “Well, Naruto, Hinata, Kiba and Sasuke walked by. I looked up but Sakura didn’t... which was good. Because, Naruto and Sasuke were walking near each other and Sasuke put an arm around Naruto’s waist... Naruto didn’t flinch or make any move to indicate he didn’t like the gesture.
Shikamaru nodded. That was what he had suspected. It was Hinata at all Naruto was dating... it was Sasuke. So that meant...

Both Ino and Shikamaru together looked shocked...

“So Hinata is... Naruto’s best friend? And Sasuke...” Ino grinned... this was great she had to let everyone... well, her fellow fanclub members know!

Shikamaru shook his head... “you won’t tell anyone until we know for sure...” Ino pouted “but-“ Shikamaru shook his head again.

Girls were so bothersome...

A/N: Nothing really exciting in this chapter... but never fear. There will be some good action, coming soon in a theatre near you!