CHAPTER 8
Neji watched horrified as the blurry blue eyes focused on him. For a few moments those orbs bore into his and then blinked in confusion.
"Huh?"
The Hyuuga prodigy wasn't sure if it was good or bad that it was the first reaction he got from the blonde. Was it better if Naruto exploded and beat him within an inch of his life right away, or if he could get a few minutes to say his prayers before he'd be sent to an after life? A tough choice but not his. Tanned face turned to the ceiling and golden brows knitted together in some negative emotion. Irritation? Anger? Neji had no idea. A bronze hand flew to the head and the young Uzumaki groaned.
"Dammit. I'll never drink again."
Gingerly Naruto lifted his body into a sitting position all the while discovering new facts: one - he was naked; two - his ass hurt; three - he was in bed with Neji; four - as far as he could see Neji was equally naked. It took some minutes for the hungover mind to put two and two together: he was naked in bed with the
Hyuuga, who was in the same state of undress
and his butt hurt. Now that he thought about it, something was trickling out of his lower part too.
"Oh fuck!" Naruto turned his wide eyes to the brunette who was watching him warily. "Don't tell me we..."
"Ok, I won't tell you."
"Crap!"
Stark naked the blond slithered out of the bed and limped to the bathroom.
"Neji, can you make some coffee?"
"Yeah."
Surprised, albeit happy, at still being alive, the Hyuuga put on his clothes and went to the kitchen. He honestly didn't know what to think about his beloved's reaction. Well, there were options of why Naruto was so calm about them having sex: his brain was still asleep; he didn't care; he was ok with having sex with Neji (the brunette desperately hoped it was this variant); or it happened often during the drinking nights. The last option made him mad. The fact that Naruto slept with someone besides him wasn't making him happy, but the thought of the blond bedding whoever on drinking nights made his blood boil. He desperately hoped that it was anything but the last option.
While the beautiful businessman was fuming in his own little world, he failed to hear tired footsteps getting close.
"Is the coffee ready?"
Neji almost jumped in surprise. He swiftly turned to the object of his affections.
"Almost. How are you feeling?"
Naruto carefully lowered his body on a chair.
"Like someone banged my head on the wall the whole night and then stuck a pole up my ass. Gah, I hate hangovers. And the worst of it all - I don't remember much. What did we do? Besides having sex..."
"Well, you talked a lot."
"Huh? About what?"
Neji smiled slightly while pouring the brown liquid into two cups. No matter how much he drank he never suffered from blackouts and always remembered everything. He took pride in it too.
"Hn, you were telling about how Uchiha Itachi was a good man, had mysterious eyes and that mine were 'prettier'. You also told stories about Sasuke and called us ninjas, then yo-..."
"Stop! I...I don't wanna know more. I think it's good that I don't remember this conversation. That's why I don't drink very often. And who instigated sex?"
"Well, you plopped into my lap and then commanded that I take us to the bedroom."
The blonde groaned in his coffee. He just had no control over himself when he was drunk. It always ended up in disaster. Not necessarily sex, but every morning when he woke up dizzy and with a dull headache he promised himself it was the last time he ever took a drop of alcohol. Obviously, it never worked.
"Sorry, Neji. I tend to do stupid things when drinking."
The Hyuuga frowned at the response. It was not the one he was hoping to receive.
"I am not sorry about what we did. Though I would have liked it more if we were sober."
The blonde head shot up in surprise at the reappeared formal speech. Was Neji angry with him because it didn't mean anything to Naruto? He sighed.
"I understand that you're angry with me, coz the sex that we had didn't mean much to me. I'm not ready yet to start another relationship, you should have known that. Besides, drunken sex is not something to be taken seriously."
With each word coming out of the blonde's mouth the temperature of Neji's blood rose, until it was practically boiling with anger, frustration and hurt.
"Maybe it did not mean much to you, but it meant a lot to me. And I ask you not to even start talking that you are not ready for another relationship.
You were the one that let me court you.
You said it yourself that I can try and make you fall in love with me and now you are playing the 'broken hearted' card again? How cruel can you be? I never pegged you as one of those who say on the next morning "It was not me last night, it was Jack Daniel's". Is it so much fun toying with my feelings?"
In the back of his mind Naruto knew very well that Neji was right. That every word he said was true. And he wasn't usually the one to blame alcohol for his escapades. But he was scared of the Hyuuga's intensity, of a new relationship, of his own growing attachment to the brunette. The last time he was in love, he was thrown away like a pack of outdates sausages and it wasn't fun at all. It hurt like hell. In all honesty, he wasn't a coward. No, quite the opposite. He was always straightforward and forced his way through. But Sasuke, the bastard, the one person he trusted with his life and heart, just blew it all up in small pieces. Now that he thought of it, he should have fallen for Itachi instead. The man was more reasonable and sensible. And, perhaps, he wouldn't have died then.
But now it was Neji who didn't even try to hide his feelings and acted upon them. And, really, he wasn't toying with the man, he just still wasn't sure how to go about his own jumbled feelings. Sasuke still dominated in his heart and head. Though Naruto knew pretty damn well that he
had to erase the man from his mind; to just throw away all thoughts of him and fucking move on. It was also a fact that it was easier said than done. The blonde sighed once again.
"Sorry, Neji. You're right. And no, I'm not playing with your feelings. But the drunken sex we had doesn't change anything. It was for pleasure, not because of emotions. We can't take it back now, so I say, we just continue as it were before. I can say that I like you as a person, but I'm not sure yet wether I like you as a man or not. I will try to move on, coz, seriously, I've had enough of thinking about that asshole. Just give me some time to move on. But just so you know, I'm not promising you anything."
...
Two weeks later. Tsunade's office.
"WHAT?"
"You heard that right."
"But...but you haven't said anything about it before!"
"Well, I'm telling you now, brat! Be a man and suck it up!"
"Hey! I
am a man!"
"Then behave like one! Seriously, young men nowadays are such pansies...if you agreed to do the job, then fucking stick to your decision to the end!"
"I never go back on my word! And I'm not a pansy, old hag! You just need to say such things sooner!"
"It wasn't confirmed yet when you got the role. So be grateful that I'm telling you now! I could have told you on the shooting day, you know. So be a good boy and say thank you."
"Thank you so much Oh Great Tsunade."
"Tone down your sarcasm, kiddo and you'll get it just right."
"Tch, whatever. So, who's the guy?"
"You know Sai?"
"The one that always gets main playboy roles in action and drama movies?"
"Mhm, that's the one. Well, he's your main partner."
"I heard he's an asshole."
"Oh he definitely is. Don't get your panties in a twist, brat. He's a great actor, so just be a good little blonde and get along with him. You'll get to meet him tomorrow. We'll also start on making posters for the opening and magazines."
"Oh, about that. You know that if the Uchiha sees my face on them before the premiere there might be some troubles."
"Ah, don't worry about it. I already have a plan. Don't think that one Uchiha brat can compete with the Sannin Pictures so easily. If he tries to undermine our success he'll go down. We are independent studios."
...
One week later. 'Blooming Shuriken' Cafe.
Ino watched as Naruto let his head fall on the table, completely exhausted. When the shooting began, her friend reduced his working hours at the cafe, appearing only in free hours from his - now - main work. She smiled brightly. Sure, he was tired, but he was on his way to fulfilling his dream and she was happy for him. Her best friend deserved happiness in his life.
"So, how's the shooting going?"
Naruto groaned.
"I think I hate Sai. He's such a pain in the ass: clingy, insensitive and always calling me names. Our relationship on the screen is so much different from real life. How am I supposed to act like a lover for such an ass?"
The blonde girl giggled. She remembered when the Uzumaki came to the cafe after the meeting with the Sannin Pictures a week ago and was furious. In short, the two main characters - male characters - in the movie had to be lovers. After doing some research Tsunade and Jiraya found out that gay couples were a rather popular topic at the moment, especially when it came to the female part of the population. Also there were becoming more people who came out of the closet and many who supported homosexuals. So, everything was out in the open now and Sannin Pictures decided to give their movie a chance to be equal to the usual romance movies. A brave thing to do and, undoubtedly, it would pay off.
"Don't think about it, Naruto. Think only that you're finally doing what you always wanted to do."
"I know, I know."
"Soooooo, what about you and Neji?"
"What about us?"
"Are you already in love with him?"
"For fuck's sake, Ino! Did you think I'll fall for him in a blink of an eye? Who do you take me for?"
"Argh, you're so stubborn! I can see you like him! So just confess to him already and have your 'happily ever after'!"
"Ino...have you read any fairy tales the last few days?"
"No."
"I see."
"Huh? What?"
"Ah, nothing. Just your acting a like a little girl that has pink for her favorite color and believes in a prince on a white horse."
"You know that I hate pink."
"Are sure? Maybe it's some well-kept secret of yours? Does Shika know?"
"Damn you! It was only Sakura's favorite color."
"Heh, no shit Sherlock. And I thought she was just color-blind. But seriously, who in their right mind would have their hair pink?"
"Only those who have huge foreheads."
Both laughed at this, feeling like teenagers again.
"So, when are you going to meet Neji again?"
"Oh, he's coming to pick me up in ten minutes."
The two friends were so busy with their conversation that they never heard a bell above the entrance door ring. Only when a low voice interrupted them, they noticed two persons that entered the cafe.
"Hello, Naruto."
The bright blue eyes widened at the two standing before Naruto. What in the world was happening? There, behind the counter stood the one and only Uchiha Sasuke with Haruno Sakura hanging off his arm. Anger took the place of disbelief, and cerulean orbs narrowed.
"What do you want, bastard?"
The well-shaped dark brow arched in dark amusement.
"Oh? Is this how you greet your customers? Makes me wonder how this place didn't go to pieces with this kind of service."
Naruto grit his teeth. The asshole was mocking him. He took a quick look at Ino, who had her hands in tight fists, obviously biting her tongue not to lash out at the couple before them. The Uzumaki put on a fake cheerful smile.
"Welcome to the 'Blooming Shuriken' Cafe. We're not taking orders now, since it's the closing time. Please come back another time."
The Uchiha just snorted, while the pink-haired girl giggled.
"Hn. I heard you are together with the Hyuuga trash now. Does he have enough money for you to spend on your idiotic hobbies?"
"Sasuke. Leave."
Just as Naruto was about to turn around and go to the back room to change, a strong hand gripped his arm. Dark eyes clashed with bright blue.
"Oh, don't be so shy. Tell me, does he satisfy you? Is he fucking you good,
Na-ru-to?"
The blonde growled low in his throat and yanked his arm out of the strong grip.
"Are you trying to cover up your impotence with this little interrogation?"
Sasuke smirked. The blonde became more feisty since they broke up. Well, technically it
was him who ended their relationship. He liked this side of the blonde. The longer they were together, the more placid and agreeable Naruto became, and in the end the Uchiha grew bored of the soft side of the blonde. Before it was always a challenge; their relationship was full of fire and passion. They argued a lot, but the make up sex was fantastic and oh-so-satisfying. Now that he saw the defiance in those eyes that always captivated him, he wanted to have Naruto for himself again. The blonde was just so sexy and appealing when angry.
"Wasn't it you who moaned 'Faster, harder, deeper!', calling out my names numerous times? I don't think an impotent could satisfy you as good as I did."
Sakura stood there, left out, and not knowing what to think. Was her Sasuke flirting with the looser or insulting him? She shook her head. No, her beloved Sasuke definitely wanted to drag his ex through dirt and leave him in tears. The rich and gorgeous man belonged now only to her and her alone.
Naruto scrunched his nose in distaste. What was the bastard getting at? It somehow reminded him of the times when they were together, bickering all the time. No, no, no. He reminded himself once again about all the things the Uchiha did to him. Besides, he tried to involve Neji in their mess. The Hyuuga was by no means lower or worse than Sasuke. He was a better person, that the blonde was sure of. It took a lot to become an ass like Sasuke.
"What do you want from me, Uchiha?"
Everyone was so taken by the unpleasant conversation that Ino was the only one who noticed how Neji entered the cafe. He wanted to storm to the counter and teach the Uchiha a lesson but a slight shake of her head told him to stay put and observe. It was something Naruto had to do himself. If things got ugly, then she and Neji would intervene. But now they had to wait. Though she would gladly deal with Sakura.
"Oh, nothing much. Ijust wanted to see how miserable you are without me."
"Tch. I'm doing better without you. Don't have to tolerate your infidelity, insults and you being a prissy princess. Now that you know that, leave and take your pinky with you, fuckface."
And that was the moment when Sakura screeched.
"Naruto! How dare you talk to Sasuke like that!"
"Hm I think I have the right to speak my mind, Sakura. Besides, what I said was the truth, nothing more, nothing less. Or perhaps you thought of him as your prince? You know, like in little girls' dreams: a handsome wealthy prince on a pure white stallion, that proclaims his never-dying love for the princess, which in this case would be you. Sorry to burst your bubble, babe, but this is no fairy tale, this is reality, he ain't a prince and there is no 'happily ever after'. He's just a selfish, greedy, cheating, arrogant little boy that lives off his father's and brother's wealth. I have yet to hear about his own achievements."
At the mention of his father and Itachi, Sasuke's face darkened and fists clenched. His ex is being too full of himself and forgot his place. Before Sakura could go out of her stupor and say anything else, he turned the full power of the Uchiha death glare and directed it at Naruto.
"Moron, know your place."
Naruto quirked a brow. As his friend Shikamaru usually said - it was becoming troublesome.
"Do you care to enlighten me of where is my place then?"
"Your place in on the floor, licking the soles of my shoes."
"No, no, your shoes are too expensive for such a lowlife like me to even come close to them. That being said, take your shiny shoes, that forehead that's hanging off your arm and leave the place so we won't dirty them here."
"You're being incredibly bold, Na-ru-to. Or hooking up with the Hyuuga boosted up your confidence? Let me tell you, he's nothing but trash. Though I think, in this case, you two belong together."
"Sasuke, darling, I know you're sore about the fact that Neji is better than you, but there is no need to take it out on people. Go to a psychologist, vent all your frustrations there, try to smile and take the pole out of your ass and then, maybe, you'll feel better."
A sound of a throat being cleared behind the Uchiha caught everyone's attention. To Sasuke's and Sakura's surprise and Naruto's amusement Neji was standing there and drilling holes in the Uchiha with cold eyes. Sasuke hn-ed.
"Good evening to you too, Uchiha. I thought you might want to know that today I had a meeting with Sabaku Gaara and from now onwards the Byakugan Corp. have the Sand Inc. as one of their main clients. If you let me, I want to advise you to work harder so that you will not lose any more of your important clients. Gaara was not satisfied with your level of professionalism."
As Sasuke's eyes widened just for a second, Neji smirked.
"Also I would like you not to come close to Naruto in the future. You see, he is a very important person to me and seeing as your presence upsets him, it also upsets me. When I am feeling this way, I usually work harder to take over the market..."
Sasuke caught on the subtle threat and with a low growl stormed out of the cafe, leaving Sakura to run after him. Naruto grinned at the long-haired brunette and Ino laughed out loud.
"That was great Neji!"
The Hyuuga smirked.
"You're not bad yourself."
"Hey, guys! I say we go drinking, coz I need to relieve all the stress from this little confrontation. How about I give Shika, Kiba and Chouji a call? It'll be great to meet up together and have some fun!"
Both men smiled at their female friend.
"I'm in, my lady! And we'll drag Neji by force if necessary!"
Two pairs of blue eyes bore into the usually stoic man. He let out a sigh.
"I get it. No need to drag me."
"All right! Ino, call the guys, it's fun time!"
