Naruto's Uchiha Dictionary

A/N: it didn't take as long this time, did it? yay, go me! i have not read through it, however, so there may be mistakes. if you catch them before i do, please feel free to tell me. it would save me a lot of time. ^_^ i hope everyone likes the latest chapter. now, neji has shown up, spouting his villainous innuendo at our adorably innocent naru-chan!

thank you for all of your reviews! i do believe that with only three chapters and over 130 reviews, this is my most popular naruto fic, and i hope i continue to please all of you. i already have a really cute ending plotted out, so let's hope i can get the love birds together soon, ne? ^.~

enjoy!

same tags apply


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Chapter 4: In which Naruto is introduced to the turbulent emotions of young men
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Naruto stared at the reflection in the bathroom mirror, surprised to, for once, see a smiling face and bright eyes. Then his eyes moved to the glint of silver hanging around his neck, his smile stretching to an uncommon length. He was happier than he could readily recall ever being, and it was because he now knew that Sasuke considered them friends.

And why not? Sasuke used to say that to get that whatever Sharingan, he had to kill his closest friend, and that had been Naruto, though it always confused the blonde why Sasuke hadn’t done just that. Hadn’t he passed out after that last hit? Why didn’t Sasuke kill him then and gain the power he was seeking? Then he might not have had to go to Orochimaru.

Oh, gods, Naruto suddenly thought, he was the reason Sasuke had left, because he hadn’t died.

It didn’t occur to him that, again, Sasuke had been the one to choose not to kill Naruto as he’d lain unconscious in the mud. But since it was all in the past anyway, Naruto quickly wiped the thought from his mind and smiled brilliantly at his reflection.

“All right, Naruto, today’s going to be an awesome day!”

At least, that’s what Naruto thought before he realized staring into his closet that his clothes had actually been destroyed during training the day before. What would he do? There was nothing orange in his closet, and he couldn’t exactly wear what he’d worn to the party. That would be embarrassing, because it was revealing enough without being torn and shredded in his spar with Sasuke.

Aggravated, Naruto grudgingly reached into his closet and pulled out some dark green cargo pants and a white shirt that he’d made himself, decorated with the orange swirl from his old jacket. Well, the swirl on his old jacket had been red, but this one was orange, and Naruto grinned somewhat that he did have something orange in his closet.

The cargo pants were ones Iruka had bought him recently, and Naruto couldn’t come up with an adequate reason to not wear them, so he hesitantly bent over and slid each leg into them, pulling them up to button and zip at his waist. Naruto stood there for a moment, contemplating how they dipped just a bit in the front, showing off the elastic band of his boxers.

He moved over to the broken full-length mirror that he’d found in the dumpster when he was younger to take in his appearance. His blonde hair glowed in the sunlight filtering in through the window beside his bed, glinting off the silver necklace that dangled just above his defined pecs. His eyes flowed down his body, golden-tanned skin stretching taut over six perfect abs and well-worked obliques. A thin trail of golden hair led to his boxers, and Naruto finally took in the pants.

The dark green went surprisingly well with is skin tone, he supposed, and the silver zips and rings that accented the heavy material complemented the silver around his neck. Reaching for the white shirt, Naruto stuffed his arms into the holes then pulled it over his head, smoothing it out as it scrunched together on the pants’ waistband.

It wasn’t his usual outfit, he mused while he looked at himself in the mirror, but it was kind of cool.

He reached into his shirt to pull out his new necklace, a warm felling suffusing his chest when he thought about who gave it to him. But that same thought provoked a bit of insight that had him pausing.

If he wore the necklace in the open, Sakura would see it and ask who gave it to him. If he said Sasuke, he had to be prepared for some yelling, crying, and possibly some pain. If he didn’t say Sasuke, he had to be prepared to tell her something while probably hurting Sasuke’s feelings, even though Naruto was hard pressed to believe that Sasuke would care, but he didn’t want to belittle their new sense of friendship by keeping it a secret.

However, if he didn’t wear it in the open, Sasuke might take it to mean that he didn’t like or appreciate the gesture in which it had been given and be offended, which would lead to an exhausting yet not altogether pleasant spar between the two, with Sasuke trying to hide how much he was hurt and Naruto trying to explain while dodging Sharingan enhanced punches, kicks, and sharp, pointy objects. Again, all if Sasuke actually did care whether Naruto accepted the gift or not.

Gods, it was too early to think that hard.

Contrary to popular opinion, Naruto was relatively intelligent. And he was very offended when people thought otherwise, but he hid his anger behind his perfect mask of cheer and buffoonery. But then again, Naruto was the first to admit that while he could see some things about other people and think things through to an astonishing conclusion, he didn’t often see things about himself, and so that’s when people thought that Naruto wasn’t that bright.

Done debating with himself, Naruto huffed out a sigh and let his necklace fall back against his chest. He’d just deal with things as they came and hope that either Sakura or Sasuke wouldn’t give him too much grief when whatever happens happened.

Not knowing what the team had to do today, Naruto paused a moment in picking up his bag before shrugging and throwing it over his head so the strap fell across his body. The khaki canvas matched his green pants, and Naruto mused that he apparently did have some fashion sense after all. Grabbing his dictionary in case he should need it, he stuffed it into the bag and left his apartment for the day.

~*~

Naruto stumbled into his apartment, his feet dragging over the wooden floor in his exhaustion. And he wasn’t even physically exhausted. He was mentally exhausted. He pulled his bag over his head and let it fall to the table before he slumped down onto his couch, lying on his back and throwing his arm over his eyes.

Today had been the strangest day Naruto had ever experienced in his life.

It still felt so surreal, as if he wasn’t himself, as if he had been outside his body the entire day watching from a different angle everything that had happened. And it had been so strange that Naruto completely skipped over him being crazy as the cause. He just knew that everyone else was crazy.

It had started when he’d arrived at the bridge to find out that Kakashi was sick, of all things! Never had Naruto known Kakashi to be sick and unable to do his job. And to top it off, no one had shown up to give them their daily mission. So they’d found themselves with a rare day off.

And of course, Sakura had commented on his new clothes, and his ‘yeah, well, you know’ answer had prompted questions on where he’d gotten them, how had he picked them out, was he sure that no one helped him, and so forth, to the point that Naruto’s fake cheerfulness was slowly cracking. Couldn’t the woman give him any credit?

At least she hadn’t noticed the necklace, for which he was grateful. But all morning, as the three of them had taken time to browse through the outdoor market, Sasuke hadn’t mentioned the gift himself. Almost as if he was pretending that the gift didn’t exist. He’d started to get angry about it when sudden realization had hit him.

Sasuke didn’t know Naruto knew.

It had completely escaped his mind that the only way Naruto even knew where the gift had come from was because of the dictionary. So Sasuke was obviously trying to keep up the pretense that he held no further liking of Naruto outside of their team by trying to hide the fact that he’d gotten something for Naruto’s birthday.

That thought had made something tighten in Naruto’s chest, though it wasn’t painful in the least. The fact that Sasuke didn’t want anyone, including Naruto, to know that he actually did care was kind of heartwarming. The teme didn’t want to freak anybody out, of which he’d probably thought Naruto would most likely have done had he presented the gift in person.

He’d probably thought that just the notion that someone, even an anonymous someone, cared enough about Naruto and his birthday, instead of the day Kyuubi had been slain, to get him a gift would make Naruto feel good.

Naruto snorted. Sasuke was lucky the dictionary had been there, because honestly, it would have freaked the hell out of him. Some anonymous person breaking into his apartment and leaving him jewelry? No, thank you.

He sighed, thinking about the rest of that day.

About lunchtime, Sakura said she’d had to go home to help her mother prepare for dinner. They were having guests or something; Naruto wasn’t really paying attention. When she’d gone, Naruto was left trying to find a way to bring up Sasuke’s little gift, really wanting to thank the teme for the gesture.

And then Neji had shown up.

Naruto didn’t know what it was, but every time Neji showed up, there seemed to be some freezing of atmosphere around Sasuke, when he was present, or an uncomfortable warmth to the air around Naruto, when he was alone. And Neji was always the same, a confident air and something of smugness or hunger in his movements, his eyes.

And Neji had just insisted on taking Naruto out for lunch. And uncomfortable with the prospect of lunch alone with Neji, ‘cause, yeah, he looked kind of hungry, if not starving, for what Naruto had no clue, Naruto had cheerfully, but pleadingly invited Sasuke along. He didn’t think Neji had been happy about that, and Sasuke had been a bit smug himself.

And then what had happened at lunch… Naruto let out a laughing sob. He hadn’t understood a thing that was going on. It was as if after everything Neji had said to him, he and Sasuke had gone off in there own little world, one-upping each other or cutting each other down in a way that left Naruto very confused as to what they were actually talking about.

But the dictionary would know!

Naruto sat up and fumbled for the light switch to the lamp on the end table. Twisting it on, Naruto reached frantically for the canvas bag and drew out the dictionary. Opening it up and flipping through the pages, Naruto searched for the dialogue from lunch. Crying in triumph when found, Naruto scooted closer to the end table so the light could fall more onto the pages. He skimmed the dialogue with Sakura, not really caring what she’d said and what she’d really meant by it. Then he found where Neji had walked up to he and Sasuke.

Good day, Naruto.

Hey, Neji!

Uchiha.

Hn.

You don’t have a mission today, Neji?

We’ve already finished, as you have, I see.

Actually, Kakashi-sensei is sick today, so we took the opportunity to look around the market.

Fortunes smiles on those who are hard workers. – (Cryptic): I am rewarded for my hard work this morning by running into you.

Naruto blinked. Neji thought it was fortunate to have run into him?

Perhaps you’d like to join me for lunch, Naruto? I’ve some things to discuss with you, so we could go someplace a bit… private. (Slyness): Dine with me. We can go someplace private to… talk.

Naruto blinked again, and his perceptive thinking caught up with him. The way Neji had actually said the line had put an emphasis on ‘private,’ while the dictionary’s definition had put the emphasis on ‘talk.’ The first way led to the idea that the subject matter was of an intimate nature and needed a private place. But the second way led to the idea that the privacy was already a given, and what they would do within that privacy was, as Naruto read it, quite suggestive.

And if Neji really had meant something suggestive, which was undoubtedly true when a dictionary told him so, it finally gave Naruto a cause for the sudden unease that had claimed him at that point and his irrational urge to hurriedly invite Sasuke along. It also accounted for the Black Cloud of Doom that had enveloped the teme before the invite had been handed out.

Naruto sighed. At least Sasuke was looking out for him.

He skimmed the invite, the small, initial protest Neji had given, Sasuke’s smug admittance that he had been about to invite Naruto out to lunch, which interestingly enough had the description rash next to it, and Neji’s reluctant acceptance in order to get to the point where he’d been absolutely lost.

Naruto, I must ask: How long have you known about Hinata’s feelings for you? – (Curiosity): When did you finally realize Hinata loves you?

How do you know I know? – (Surprise)

I could tell from the way you were acting last night. – (Evasive): It was obvious that you took care not to send her the wrong signals.

Well, I haven’t known for long. – (Unease)

You haven’t said anything to her, though. – (Curiosity): You evaded her last night, yet you do not discourage her from her advances.

W-well, I think she realizes better than me that I’m not good enough for her. – (Resigned)

Naruto remembered that he had been thinking back to the day before, when Hinata had told Sakura and Ino that he was too focused to notice her. He felt bad, he did, but again, Hinata was like a sister to him.

Oh? And who are you good enough for? – (Seduction): Oh? Is it that you’re not good enough for women?

Naruto blinked at the word ‘seduction.’ Why would Neji say anything seductively, and to Naruto, no less?

I don’t think that’s any of your business, Hyuuga. – (Snappy): You’ve no right to ask whom Naruto has an interest in.

Well, it’s certainly none of yours either, Uchiha. Just why are you here? – (Indignation): He certainly isn’t interested in you, Uchiha. Why are you here bothering us?

Naruto invited me, dumbfuck, and it’s a good thing! – (Anger): I came because Naruto invited me, and it’s a good thing I did, to protect him from you, you lecherous prick!

Whoa, whoa, whoa! What the hell was that? Sasuke was protecting him from what? Neji was being lecherous?

Naruto’s oblivion dissipated like so much smoke. Neji liked him! That’s why he’d seduce Naruto. And that’s why Sasuke, Naruto’s friend, felt he had to protect the blonde. Because, of course, Naruto would be freaked out by Neji’s attentions.

Naruto thanked any being for having a savior like Sasuke. He may like Neji, but the thought of the Hyuuga liking him like that was just a bit uncomfortable.

He remembered the look on Sasuke’s face as the Uchiha had said that, and he remembered his shocked ‘Sasuke!’ in return to the man’s outburst. Maybe he shouldn’t have said that, after what Sasuke had apparently said in his honor. Of course, he shouldn’t have said it any way, because he’d stood up when he had, and Neji had tugged him back down by the collar.

And he’d seen the necklace.

What is that around your neck, Naruto? I’ve never seen it before. – (Suspicion): Is that a new piece of jewelry? I’ve never seen it before.

Look at his neck often, do you, Hyuuga? – (Derision): Do you spend your time gawking at him when you should be training to be a better ninja, you lech?

Did someone give that to you for your birthday? – (Jealousy): Who is giving you jewelry, and why?

Yeah, they did. – (Warmth)

Naruto remembered the way that warmth had suffused his chest. He also remembered his embarrassment when Neji reached into his shirt and grabbed the charm. Neji had stared at it quizzically.

It says ‘Friends.’ – (Incredulous): Why would someone give you a necklace that says ‘Friends?’

Though Naruto had been nervous about Neji saying that out loud, Sasuke hadn’t reacted. Well, he hadn’t reacted in a way that anyone would notice, but Naruto had known Sasuke for so long, that he saw it, an imperceptible tensing of the shoulders, split-second widening of the eyes.

Well, Naruto, I hope you liked the kunai I gave you. – (Dismissive): I should think you’d like my gift more, since it cost more.

Oh, yeah, thank you, Neji! I love ‘em. Now I can sharpen my skills in style! – (Cheer)

I can help you sharpen your skills, Naruto. – (Seduction): I’d be more than happy to teach you a thing or two, using your ‘kunai.’

Naruto blanched at the definition. His eyebrow twitched insanely. Just what did Neji mean by ‘kunai?’

Do that, and I’ll make sure you won’t have anything to sharpen anyone’s skills with, Hyuuga! – (Outrage): Come on to Naruto, touch Naruto, even breathe the same air as Naruto, and I’ll have you castrated by your own kunai.

And Naruto slammed the dictionary closed. Neji was more perverted than anyone gave him credit for! And Sasuke was down right cruel, but Naruto smiled because Sasuke was being cruel to protect his innocence. Who would have thought the teme cared? Not that Naruto needed the protection. Had Neji done something indecent, Naruto would have just kicked his ass. But it was the thought that counted.

Naruto chuckled, and as he set the book down on the table, someone knocked on his door. Frowning at the clock as he stood up, Naruto crossed his living room and looked out the peephole into the barely lit hallway. A brooding Uchiha stood outside, his hands tucked in his pockets and his eyes burning a hole into the ground.

Naruto sighed and opened the door.

“What can I do for you, teme?”

“I, well, I just-”

“You what? Come on, it’s late, and I am exhausted.”

Sasuke glared at him. “I was just going to say that I’m sor… ry….”

Naruto stared at him. What was Sasuke apologizing for? “What?”

Sasuke’s glare went up a notch. “Nevermind, usuratonkachi!” He made to turn around, but Naruto caught his collar and forced him to stay put. He stepped closer and got right in his face.

“Don’t call me that just because your lame ass can’t explain properly! What the hell are you sorry about, jerk?”

Sasuke ground his teeth. “I’m sorry about today at lunch, dammit! I didn’t mean to say those things to Neji. I know he’s your friend. Are you happy now?”

Naruto blinked. Sasuke was turning a bit red around his cheeks, and Naruto hadn’t even hit him. It was strange… Then Naruto grinned. “You’re blushing, teme!”

Sasuke’s eyes widened, but then narrowed in his death glare before he ripped himself out of Naruto’s fist and stormed away. Naruto was going to follow to tease the raven more, but he stopped when something whipped around his hand. He looked down to see a silver chain dangling between his fingers.

“Is this Sasuke’s?”

He opened his fist to see the charm lying in his palm. Its silver surface gleamed at him even in the dim hall light, but its design confused him. Why would Sasuke have a necklace that said something that obscure? It didn’t make sense, almost like it was incomplete.

And then it clicked.

Naruto curled his hand around the charm and brought it to his chest. Turning back inside, he closed and locked the door and headed for bed.

His teeth brushed and his clothes put away, Naruto climbed in the bed and once again stared at the necklace. Then he smiled softly and placed it around his own neck, intent on returning it tomorrow. He fell to the mattress and closed his eyes, content to let sleep take him gently into its arms.

The moonlight from his window fell across his bare chest and the necklaces, gleaming off their silver charms.

Best.

Friends.


TBC


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omg, how was it? i've had that 'best friends' thing planned since last chapter. i've given surprisingly few of those types of things out in my years as a girl (lol). but doesn't it seem like something a very clueless sasuke would do, yet a very naive and cheerful naruto would love anyway? and do i have plans for those necklaces, yes i do. well, one plan. and it's at the end. but it's still uber cute.

anyway, i hope to get to the next chapter of Here's to the Fox after this one, so look for that in the coming week or so. but i did apply to a job that's almost a sure thing, so writing time might be cut. but i'll make do.

thank you for reading!