Colors

* Yay! I got one new review this time! Thanks for it. I’m glad people like the paintings. Well there will be more coming out in the next few chapters. Have changed summary abit as I realized the previous summation doesn’t say much about the story. Here’s number 8. Once again, have fun reading and do keep the votes and reviews coming in to see more.

Cheers !

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Chapter 8

“Tsk.. damnit!” Naruto almost ripped his shirt off before chucking it aside onto a pile of 10 other shirts he had put on but taken off. He was torn between his innate desire to put on something orange and knowing that Sasuke would utterly detest that color. He flopped back onto his bed and sighed. *Gods, what the fuck is wrong with me and this damn obsession?! I mean really, what’s the point if I look good? Like that proves anything other than I’m…. a freaking girl….* “Argh!” He let out a frustrated cry into one of his pillows, smothering the sounds with it.

He picked up his phone from the bedside table and scrolled down to a familiar name.

“Neji!”

“Hey! What’s u…”

“I need help!”

“Ok, with?”

Naruto remained silent for a little while. He was suddenly wondering if it was at all wise to tell Neji about the dinner he was going to set out on. He was also confused as to why he felt slightly guilty about the whole situation. He then realized that even if Neji did have feelings for him, all he was doing was going out with his formal rival to set the record straight, to show that he’d made something of himself.

“Naruto… ?”

“Sorry, got sidetracked. Anyway, I’m going out for dinner and I’m kinda lost on what to wear. I need something that makes me look really successful.”

Neji tried his best not to burst out laughing at the blonde’s odd dilemma, which he found rather cute.

“Why do you need to look ‘successful’ of all things?”

“Because… cause… I’mgoin for dinnerwith Saske.” Naruto swallowed the words, embarrassed by the way it sounded too much like a date.

“You’re going out to dinner with Sasuke? Uchiha Sasuke? The prick?”

“Yup, the prick.”

“I thought I saw that jerk at the gallery and I was right. Oh God, that means, why the fuck did you invite him there?”

“I wanted to prove a point.”

“After all the mean things he said to you and the number of times he pounded you brainless, you invited him to the gallery and you’re going out for dinner with HIM?”

“Neji, look. I know it sounds pretty much like I’m obsessed but I finally managed to get some form of acknowledgement from him after all these years and I’m not going to miss out on the opportunity.”

“Ok Naruto. One, you ARE obsessed. Two, neither me nor Shikamaru understand why the fuck you need his acknowledgement so badly other than if you actually have a fucking crush on him…. Do you?”

“No!” The words felt wrong coming out of his mouth but Naruto shoved the thought aside reflexively.

“Anyway Neji, I know what it sounds like but I really just wanted to show the guy off for once and this is my chance so could you help me …please?”

Neji sighed and pondered on his thoughts. He was undeniably jealous but he knew how much the thought of gaining Sasuke’s attention meant to Naruto and he already had a solution to the blonde’s wardrobe problem. Unfortunately, as he recalled their younger days, he also knew how hurt Naruto had been each time Sasuke had bad mouthed him, shouted hurtful insults and beaten him to a pulp whenever they got into fights, the dark haired teen having had more trophies under his martial arts portfolio than anyone he knew. Needless to say, every encounter held a high chance of turning bad and Neji wasn’t quite prepared to let the blonde fall into another emotional suicide attempt.

“Neji… please… come on.”

Neji caved in to the puppy eyes he knew Naruto had put on. “Sigh… fine… but you have to promise not to let that fucking prick screw with your brains and I mean it Naruto.”

“Yes! I promise!”

“You know that Paul Smith shirt you have? The white one with an elegant orange and black floral motive on the right side? Just put that on with a pair of khaki pants and don’t forget to roll those sleeves up till just above your elbows. You look good in that. Matches your … hair.” Neji stopped short, realizing that he was going a bit too far in sharing what he thought of his much loved friend.

“THANK YOU! I could kiss you!”

“Please… don’t mention it… really.” Neji’s face flushed and much to his relief not in front of Naruto.

“See ya, Neji.”

“Have fun..” Neji said half sarcastically.

Naruto chucked the phone aside and quickly set off to work. No sooner had he finished putting on his clothes and ensuring that his pony tail and blonde bangs were in shape, the door bell rung. He glanced at his clock, 7.00 p.m. sharp. *Crap, the prick is punctual*. He grabbed his wallet and mobile before heading out the door in a half run.

When he arrived downstairs Sasuke was leaning against his Gambella. Naruto’s jaw almost fell off at the sight of the car. But what really caught him off guard was the appearance of the dark angel before him. Sasuke had on a dark blue long sleeved shirt, slightly slim fitting with its sleeves folded high enough to accentuate beautifully muscled forearms. The top two buttons of the shirt had been left undone to reveal a stark contrast with his pale smooth skin and around it, a loosely hung silky thin black tie for further emphasis. Slightly tight suede pants completed the picture and as an added bonus Sasuke was again wearing his spectacles.

“Are you going to stand there and gawk or get moving?”

“Nice… car.” Naruto finally said. *How is it even possible for him to look any hotter and what the hell am I thinking?*

“Thanks, try not to slam the door please.”

Naruto finally moved from his position and sat himself comfortably in the car before closing the door gently.

“Damn Sasuke, how many of these do you have?”

“Just the two. The Aston’s my brothers. I take it out for rides whenever he’s not around just to run it a little.”

“Which reminds me, you could have been more polite this morning.”

“I was late for my Yoga.” Naruto quickly muffled a burst of laughter from the reply. He hadn’t expected Sasuke to take up Yoga of all things. Sasuke on the other hand was quite thankful for something else to talk about as his mind had started a train of thoughts concerning the various things he wanted to do to the blonde sitting beside him.

“Gaara has an Enzo by the way. I’ve been begging him to let me at it for months but I guess he’s not about to let anyone but himself touch it.” Naruto briefly wondered if Sai ever got to drive it.

“Hn.”

An uncomfortable silence began to build between the two. Sasuke was busying himself with various ways to continue an interesting conversation and to block an image of Naruto’s naked form whilst the blonde was trying his best to fix his own train of mangled thoughts. *This is NOT a DATE!* Naruto finally concluded in his brain.

“So, erm… Where did you go after your transfer?”

“Transfer?”

“From Konoha High?”

“Germany,” came Sasuke’s flat reply.

“Oh, why did you choose to go there?” Sasuke’s brows started locking in a frown. He just didn’t like the direction the conversation was taking.

“I used to study there.”

“I see. Why did you leave? School was almost over anyway.”

Sasuke knew it. There were far too many answers to that question which needed explaining, mostly revolving around the blonde next to him and all of which he vowed to take to his grave. Meaning, this was hardly a conversation meant for his date and their first night out, if this was at all a date to the blonde in the first place. So he chose to completely avoid the question altogether.

“No reasons that concern you. So, when am I getting that painting?”

Naruto was still curious but judging from his expression he decided not to provoke Sasuke, after all, he had promised Neji that he wouldn’t get into any trouble with him.

“Wednesday. So if you could get that payment ready by then that would be nice.”

“Yup.”

“So, where are we going for dinner?”

“Heaven.”

Naruto’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

“We’re going to that restaurant up in the sky? The really poshy one with the city’s record of most marriage proposals?” Naruto gulped.

“I was joking.” Sasuke smirked as he watched the blonde let out a breath he had held in, but missed the slight disappointment Naruto had felt with that reply.

“Ichiran Ramen.” Sasuke answered. Naruto suddenly lit up like a light bulb.

“Woot! Haha… Wait… don’t you hate ramen?”

“I do..”

“Then wh..”

“Cause you like it.”

Sasuke’s reply was followed by silence. Naruto’s heart skipped a beat with the thought that his rival had remembered some of his more distinct qualities. Unfortunately, he couldn’t for the life of him understand why or how it was that everything Sasuke did had an effect on him. From watching for the slightest approving twitch of his mouth to the way he elegantly shifted the gear and turned his steering wheel, Naruto was mesmerized.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was having an internal battle with himself and was wondering whether it had been wise to appear so forward with the blonde. He struggled to arrange his thoughts logically with part of him wanting to know just how far his rival had risen in the ranks of high society and the other part wanting to admit that he’d long lost to that sunshine smile of his years ago, which is why he decided to leave the country.

Sasuke’s concentration returned when he recognized a familiar looking shop. He made a few last turns before parking the car.

“We’re here.”

“Great! I’m starved.”

The two headed off into the restaurant and weaved through the tightly packed venue before settling themselves in two empty seats by a corner with Naruto ordering a large sized bowl with everything in it and Sasuke a medium beef. Although Naruto was happy that Sasuke had considered his taste buds and chosen Ichiran, he was rather frustrated that the dinner left them with no room for conversation as the restaurant was not only famous for its ramen, but for its strict eating regiment as well. This included no conversation at all during dinner, much to Sasuke’s relief. So the two ate in silence, finished their food, paid and headed out once more. Once outside, Naruto had turned to head towards the parking lot when he heard Sasuke call.

“Hey, where are you heading?”

“The car’s parked over there.”

“Well, the café’s down this way.”

“Oh,” Naruto hid a blush and kept his head lowered as he turned to head towards the opposite direction. Sasuke was amused, which didn’t happen often. He realized that if there was one thing he had decided on, it would be to have a little fun with the dobe. Seeing those slightly tinged cheeks seem to sooth his heart a little and he was beginning to enjoy each time it happened very much.

They finally arrived at Canaan café, one of Sasuke’s favorite hang outs. The petite coffee shop housed a maximum of only 14 people and played timeless classics, making this the perfect place for a quiet evening together. While walking in, Sasuke greeted the owner with a warm smile, one that Naruto had never before seen on Sasuke’s face. After all, no one would’ve thought that Sasuke was actually capable of being fond of anyone let alone a coffee shop owner. But to Sasuke, the owner was different from anyone else. He was kind, minded his own business and was passionately dedicated to serving the best cup of coffee to his patrons, something which the dark haired man thought highly amiable.

“Your usual?” Asked the owner.

“Yes please.”

“And what will you have?”

“Just a hot chocolate, thanks.”

“Would you like any cake as well?” The owner asked, clearly directing the question to Naruto as he knew Sasuke would have none of the sweet condiments.

“No, thank you.”

“I’ll be back with your drinks later.”

With that the two men were left alone once again. Both set in silence for a little while, sizing each other up in their own minds. Naruto was wondering if he should continue digging into Sasuke’s past and the dark haired prince was wondering if he dared probe further into Naruto’s gender preference. Finally it was Naruto who decided to speak-up. After all, taking charge of the conversation meant that he’d have the upper hand in determining where it would go. He secretly applauded himself inwardly for having come up with that tactic.

“You come here often?”

“Quite.”

“It’s a nice place.”

“Hn.”

“Do you enjoy listening to classical music?”

“Sometimes.”

“Did you write the dictionary for one word answers?”

Sasuke’s eyebrow’s twitched a little at that but decided he didn’t want to give in so easily and replied as usual. “… No.”

“Well, that certainly proves that you did write one.”

“I do have longer answers. Its just that your questions seem to only draw one-worded answers.”

“Fine, then tell me about you coming back from Germany.”

Sasuke suddenly grew unsure if he wanted to provide any longer answers and began to regret that he had prompted Naruto to dig deeper. However, he knew like in any business negotiation, there was ‘no free lunch’. He’d have to earn what he wanted to know about Naruto by providing him something in exchange.

“My brother wanted me to come back and help him in the business.”

“I see. But is that what you’ve always wanted to do?”

“Well, not exactly, yes and no.”

“Then why help him?”

“I’m not really helping him. I’m helping the Uchiha Group as a whole. There’s a difference. He runs his own set of businesses whilst I have my own bunch of companies to manage. Most of the Uchiha companies are a result of investments and expansions during our grandfathers’ and parents’ time. So the one big difference is that broadband company I started a few years ago. I wanted something I could call my own.”

“That’s ambitious of you, as usual. But I doubt anyone else but you could’ve pulled this off since it does take a heck load of money to build a broadband service company.”

“So you’re saying….”

“I’m saying that the Uchiha Group’s so rich, it can practically buy you anything.” Sasuke flinched and Naruto suddenly realized he had gone a tad too far with his remark.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re right, that’s why I’m hoping it’ll grow into one of the biggest companies within the group.”

Their coffees arrived and both were glad to have something to sip on and to alleviate the sudden tension that had built between them. Sasuke closed his eyes and deeply indulged in his precious cup by inhaling the bitter sweet fragrance of the highly aromatic coffee. He licked his lips slightly before tilting the cup to take a small sip and he rolled the dark liquid in his mouth savoring the taste fully before swallowing. He then placed the cup gently onto the table and Naruto marveled at how elegantly he made the gesture look without making a single clink with the cup and saucer. Naruto then noticed Sasuke making a very odd face. It was a slightly contorted half smile accompanied by a furrowing of his eyebrows.

“Naruto, please, wipe that off.”

“Oh.”

Sasuke handed him a napkin. Naruto had managed to leave a rather large cream moustache on his face from drinking the delicious hot chocolate and his funny clown like expression had Sasuke trying his best not to burst out laughing. Sasuke couldn’t remember when he had last been this amused by anything and was afraid he’d crack a rib from the laughing gesture. He eventually let a giggle slide with a hand casually covering the grin on his face. The blonde quickly wiped of the mess and hid a growing blush at the same time. Something about being able to make Sasuke laugh was tugging at his heart strings.

Sasuke took another sip and decided that it was his turn now to take over the conversation.

“Well, enough about me, what about you and art? How did you get involved in it after school?”

“Well, I realized that if I wanted to earn money I would do it with something I was really passionate about. The only problem was that I only had one passion, and that was the color orange.”
Sasuke lifted a skeptical eyebrow. He began to wonder if he had over estimated the blonde and whether if at all his rival had become any closer to what he feared. Not wanting to jump to any conclusions he probed further.

“O-kay, so how did orange become art?”

“Well orange is a color and art involves color so I enrolled myself into art school.”

Sasuke wanted to smack his forehead but settled for the imagination of the action instead.

“Well, what did they make you study in art school? Did you have to paint or anything?”

“Well, art school was interesting especially art history.”

“You and history? Now that’s something.” Sasuke smirked and sipped his coffee again.

“Hey, what do you mean by that?”

“You slept in almost all our history classes.”

“That’s boring history. Art history’s different. You learn all about the famous artists including Monet, Gaugain, Picasso and my favorite, Van Gogh. I did a paper on him for my finals.” Sasuke was beginning to be slightly impressed with Naruto’s enthusiasm.

“Unfortunately on the painting side, I found out I wasn’t really any good at it. I almost flunk art school because of it.” Sasuke’s impression meter dipped.

“Except for that one art piece that passed me.”

“Really? What did you paint?” Naruto had a smug grin plastered on his face.

“You know that fox which scared the shit out of you?”

Sasuke’s eyes widened. He didn’t think Naruto had it in him to paint cave drawings let alone the fantastic master piece he’d set eyes upon that day. His impression meter had sky rocketed but he was careful not to let the blonde know about it.

“That was a good piece, but it didn’t scare the ‘shit’ out of me.”

“Really? You think its good?” Sasuke noticed that Naruto’s blue eyes had started gleaming and he was suddenly reminded of the feeling of endless hope the young man seemed to possess, which made him feel slightly envious.

“Sort of.” Sasuke replied curtly but Naruto had missed the slight hint of anger in Sasuke’s voice.

“So what did you think about the launch.”

“It was interesting. Anyway, how did you start the gallery?”

Naruto hesitated. He briefly wondered if he should tell Sasuke about his uncle and if he had gained enough or any respect at all to answer honestly. He decided to try his luck.

“Jiraya’s my uncle. He funded the start. I took it from there.”

“Wait, you mean the Jiraya who paints porn?”

“Yup.”

“And he’s your uncle, which means, you’re the one they call Modern Art Porn King.”

“Errm, yeah.”

“Wow Naruto. You’re one interesting case.”
Naruto did not like the tone Sasuke had taken.

“Meaning?” He asked with slight menace.

“You’re like the porn star that made it into the Hollywood hall of fame of art world. I hope you didn’t have to fuck anyone for the gallery,” Sasuke giggled.

And there it was, the insult that he had been dreading to hear. Naruto immediately got up from his seat and started walking out the café. He felt angry, sad and utterly disappointed for not having made any impression on his rival at all. Sasuke on the other hand had developed a sense of dread and was now mentally beating himself for having those words escape his lips.

“Fuck, Naruto, wait. I’m sorry.” Sasuke caught up with the blonde and put a hand on his shoulder, which made Naruto turn abruptly to face him, smacking his hand off in the process.

“You’re sorry? Geez, what the fuck is wrong with you? Neji’s right. You ARE a prick. Your purpose in life is to make other people’s lives miserable.”

“That’s not true you dobe. It was a joke I didn’t mean it.”

“Well maybe its funny to you but its not to me. You’re a fucking asshole Sasuke.” Naruto turned and hailed a cab.

“Naruto, I said I was sorry.”

“Go fuck off.” Naruto got into the cab and Sasuke watched in horror as it sped off. He turned and punched his fist into a nearby lamppost and immediately retreated as sharp jabs of pain shot to his brain, indicating that he had successfully fractured something. *I’m so stupid. Why the fuck do I always have to do this. He’s right. Maybe I do exist to only hurt people and I deserved to be punished. I really suck.* Sasuke went back to the coffee shop, left more change than needed and started making his way back home whilst cradling his injured fist.

TBC