Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Embracing Dreams ❯ Chapter 5
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Arigatomina 
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.12.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 346 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.12.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 346 | Status: Work In Progress
Part Five: Iruka, Sasuke
So. Did anyone guess who the 'blonde guy in the airport' was in the last chapter? Yeah, all of the past encounters I describe Kakashi as having are with real anime characters. The talents he picks up should give it away if you're familiar with a wide range of anime. Examples: The 'crushing' talent he used when he first met Sasuke was taken from Ban, of GetBackers, his 'snake bite' attack. The short 'old' woman referred to in the last chapter was Genkai, of Yu Yu Hakusho, which should tip you off on the 'pair of ruffians' they were watching. Doesn't really matter to the plot here, but it's fun, sort of like hiding 'easter eggs' in a music video. :)
On another note, Mumei pointed out that Kyuubi has two 'u's in it. Makes me wish someone had pointed out there was another 'n' in Sharingan before I hit the third chapter and noticed other fics were different. I don't write Naruto, you know, so if you have to correct me. I'm a newbie! ;p
Embracing Dreams
Part Five: Iruka, Sasuke
Iruka ushered them inside with a relieved smile on his face. They'd made it to the house just before the wind took those fat sprinkles and blew them into a diagonal torrent. He could already hear it sloshing against the door as it settled in for a heavy night of rain. That definitely wasn't the sort of storm a person wanted to walk through. There was a reason the countryside was so lush this time of the year.
Sasuke handed him his coat when he turned from the door. Iruka accepted it and waved them a few feet down the hall. "Closet," he gestured. "Kakashi-san, you can leave your coat here if you like."
Kakashi sighed and gave him a slow look that he was careful not to react to. He'd already explained the need for formality on the way home. If he didn't address Kakashi politely, there was no chance of Naruto doing so.
Iruka taught by example. As far as he could see, that was the only way to get around Naruto's stubborn confrontational streak. The boy had a shocking disrespect for his elders, particularly authority figures. The best Iruka had managed was to teach him to think it, rather than speak it, and wait till he got home to vent. He feared the day Naruto snapped and started a physical confrontation with one of his teachers the way he did with his fellow students.
"Naruto," Iruka turned. "Would you take those bags upstairs, please? You can show them their rooms, and then I'd like you to help me in the kitchen for a minute." Naruto's mouth opened, but he didn't give him a chance to protest. "Kakashi-san, you and Sasuke can wait in the livingroom when you're finished. It's right through there. Excuse me."
He disappeared into the kitchen, a little high strung, but rather proud of himself at the same time. He'd wanted to hover, to grab some towels and make sure the boys dried their hair properly because even that light sprinkle was enough to make their bangs stick to their temples. But Sasuke hadn't looked him in the eye when he'd given the coat back. He'd been staring down the hall, looking tense enough to snap. Naruto was used to being fussed over. Iruka doubted Sasuke would appreciate it as much. At least he hadn't taken the coat off until they were inside.
He'd just started a pot of coffee when a thump sounded upstairs. He heard muffled voices overhead, and then more thumps coming down the stairs. Iruka recognized the heavy gait and winced. It was always harder to lecture Naruto after the fact.
"You won't believe it," Naruto huffed, pushing into the kitchen and glowering at the entire room.
"I might," Iruka sighed. "What happened?"
"That kid dismissed me," Naruto blurted, sounding outraged, exasperated. "Like I was a servant or something, just because I carried their stuff. And he asked me my last name and then used it on me!"
Iruka blinked at the last bit. Naruto's last name was Uzumaki, one of those little things he must have remembered on his own. He knew the hospital had used it to search for relatives, but no one with that name had claimed to know the boy. He didn't know why Naruto would be so upset at having Sasuke use his last name, there was nothing wrong with it. The teachers at his school addressed everyone by their last names. Some of the students did as well."What's wrong with that?" asked Iruka. "You have a fine last name."
"Not the way he said it," Naruto scowled. "He was all cool like, 'Thank you, you can go now, Uzumaki.' Like he was pretending to be polite or something, only he said it like it was an insult. I swear, if he'd called me san, I'd have wiped that look right off his face. And you know what he said when I asked what his last name was?"
Naruto paused, all excited and indignant. Iruka blinked. "What?"
"He said he didn't have one anymore!" Naruto said quickly. "What kind of crap is that? You either have one or you don't, right? And that pervert just laughed like it was a joke, only it wasn't a joke - he was definitely insulting me." Naruto took a deep breath and froze, giving him a sober look. "I don't like either of them."
Iruka sighed. He'd intended to talk to Naruto about the looks he'd caught the boy sending Kakashi during their walk. There had been one point where he was sure Naruto would burst or lash out. He'd been clenching his fists and glowering so much his eyes had tinged red in the fading light. Iruka had been ready to catch him if he tried anything physical, but he hadn't wanted to say anything that might embarrass him in front of the others. He hadn't expected Naruto to turn against Sasuke as well. All on the basis of two comments? Even Naruto didn't judge people that quickly, not anymore.
"Sit down," said Iruka. He waved at the stools across the counter from him, watching as Naruto glowered a little and dragged his feet. "Do you remember the first time you went to school? Before you left you had something bad to say about everyone you thought you'd meet. You'd already set yourself up to hate everyone."
"And I was right," Naruto grumbled. "They were all younger than me, so they treated me like I was a retard."
"And when you started here you expected the same thing," Iruka reminded him. "Only they weren't as bad as you thought they'd be, were they?"
"Some of them," muttered Naruto, quieter now."It took you two weeks to make friends," said Iruka. "You'd made up your mind against them, keeping even the nice ones at a distance. If you started a new school now, would you make the same mistake again?" Naruto shot him a look, and Iruka smiled. "Okay, you probably would. But it wouldn't take you more than a few hours to realize what you were doing. That's my point. You know better than to make snap judgements based on one bad experience."
"I get what you're saying," Naruto sighed, "but it's not the same. I wasn't expecting him to be a jerk. I thought I'd get along fine, better even, since the kids moving in would all be mutants like me. I was all set to be friends, really."
Iruka nodded, "I know. What I meant was that Sasuke is how you were. Kakashi-san doesn't think he's been around kids his age in a long time, so he'll try to keep his distance like you did. Remember that. He's probably as uncomfortable and wary as you were. Worse, even," and he flashed a playful smile, "with Kakashi-san as his only role model."
Naruto snorted at that, cracking a grin. "Good point."
"Just try to be patient with him," said Iruka. "If the problem lasts, I'll talk to him."
"You'll talk to him, anyway," Naruto smirked, "that's what you do. I bet you could even talk old pinched-face into liking mutants, if you wanted."
"Well, I don't know about that," winced Iruka. "It sounds too manipulative when you put it that way."
"Yeah!" Naruto nodded quickly. "That's the word Kyuubi uses - manipulating. Only you do it soft so it's like a person's doing stuff because he wants to, and not because you asked him to. You just sort of ooze into their heads, squirm around a little, and then ooze back out so quiet they don't even notice till they quit doing the stuff you wanted them to quit doing. Even that Sven guy's afraid of being sent to see you."
Iruka knew Naruto thought what he was saying was complimentary. And he'd learned that trying to correct him wouldn't help. He did his best to not to wince at the imagery.
"I'll talk to Sasuke if I have to," said Iruka. "If the worst he's doing is addressing you with sarcastic politeness, it's not very bad. You deal with worse from some of your classmates, right? The ones that end with you being sent to see me?"
"Yeah," sighed Naruto. "It's just, it's almost worse than an actual insult because I can't clobber him for it. Plus I have to live with him. A fight's better - right up front and then it's over. Kyuubi thinks so, too. Of course, he wants to fight right now, me to start it like a wrestling match or something. But I know better than to do that," he flashed a quick look at Iruka. "I'll wait till he starts it, honest. And we're both mutants, so it's still like experimenting more than just fighting. I was planning on that, anyway."
Iruka gave a slow nod. He really didn't want them fighting at all. But he knew how boys were. It was healthier if they settled things quickly, especially when they were going to be living together. He just had to make sure they did it in a controlled environment.
"Why don't you bring that up with him after you get home tomorrow," said Iruka. "I'll be taking them both around town and getting Sasuke enrolled for next semester - you remember how long that takes. Kakashi-san said Sasuke was very interested in expanding his talents. That's something you have in common."
Naruto perked up, "Really? You know what talents he has?"
"No, but I'm sure if you're willing to show some of yours, he'd do the same. We can make a day of it this weekend. I'll pack a lunch and you two can 'wrestle' in the fields as much as you want. Get some of that frustration out. You don't have to get along to be friends, you know."
"How do you figure?" asked Naruto, more curious than doubtful.
"Agree to disagree," Iruka smiled. "Rivalries can be healthy, too. Especially if both parties are confrontational and motivated."
"That's me," laughed Naruto. "Kyuubi's spouting out weird new things all the time. He had this dream about multiplying the other night - being in two places at once - weirdest thing ever. He comes up with stuff like that a lot, but you know I can't actually do it myself. Sometimes, if I pretend I'm fighting one of the jerks at school I think I could eventually, but usually it's like it's there but not close enough to grab."
"There you go," said Iruka. "I'm sure if you find something you and Sasuke have in common, it'll be easier to get along with him."
Naruto was quiet for a long while, his head tilted to the side, his smile fading away. Then the smile flashed back twice as strong and he laughed, pointing a finger at Iruka.
"You did it again!" Naruto accused, grinning at him. "See? Just talked me into putting up with him, only now I want to 'cause Kyuubi says he's strong and it's like it was my idea to start with. You're definitely good for a counselor. I still think you'd make a great teacher, but counseling's better for talking people into stuff, or away from stuff. You're like one of those wizard guys whispering advice to the king and standing back so he decides things like it was his own idea."
"You have a very active imagination," said Iruka. "Do you feel better about Sasuke now?"
"Yeah."
"Good," smiled Iruka. "Now let's talk about the way you were growling at Kakashi-san on the way home."
.-.
Sasuke had taken stock of his room - an empty bookshelf, a bed with fresh sheets and blankets folded in the corner, a desk with a lamp, a small walk-in closet, and no lock on the door. He'd set his bag on the desk and turned to glare at the man sitting on his bed.
"Get out," said Sasuke. "You have your own room."
"I wanted to talk a little," smiled Kakashi. "You're going about this all wrong and it's my job to steer you in the right direction. You should respect the advice of your elders, you know. We've been around a lot longer than you have."
"Get out."
"The way you handled Naruto-kun, for instance," Kakashi continued merrily. "What brought that on? Just because you don't want to make friends doesn't mean you should actively make enemies of someone you'll be sharing a house with. You wouldn't want to upset Iruka, now would you? I'm sure he's taken a liking to you."
"It's none of your business what I do," Sasuke said coldly. "This is my room now. I don't want you in it. Get out."
"See?" Kakashi sighed, "That's the attitude I'm talking about. You're so blunt it borders on rudeness. You should really try to be more polite to people who are only going out of their way to help you." Sasuke stared blankly, and he laughed. "Well, maybe not to me, but to Iruka and Naruto. Break them in slowly before you pull out the glares of doom. A few blank stares to start with, cold short responses, then add in some veiled threats of bodily harm, and then you can glare and act on the threats so they know you're serious. Don't forget, not everyone is as used to dealing with psychopaths as you and I. You'll be going to school, too, and you can't go killing or mutilating your classmates just because they brush your arm in the hallways. That sort of thing is frowned upon in polite circles."
Sasuke couldn't believe Kakashi was giving him advice on how to deal with people. More than that, he couldn't believe the man was sitting on his bed. The one thing he'd really been looking forward to in this place, his own room, and Kakashi ruined it the moment they arrived.
Sasuke glared and spoke softly, "Don't make me get blood on the mattress. Iruka-san won't appreciate it."
"Ouch," Kakashi winced. His mask didn't reveal whether it was a playful wince or a real one, but he did get off the bed. He walked over to lean in the open doorway instead. "Really, now. That's exactly what I mean. I don't think you'd want to hurt either of them, but with your reactions, you're liable to slip up. Leave your knife under your pillow and try not to break any bones if one of them touches you."
Sasuke glared in silence.
"Right," Kakashi nodded. "I think that's all the advice for now. Just a little warning and I'll let you have your territory all to yourself. You can't hide in here. All right? Come down and eat with them, don't make me come up here and drag you out like a stubborn pup. And keep in mind that if you threaten Iruka in front of me, I'll have to take you out back and give you a nice thrashing."
Sasuke snorted at the crinkled smile that accompanied that threat. "You're welcome to try. Any time."
"Ah! That's what I like about you," Kakashi beamed. "Always so eager. I'll see you downstairs."
Sasuke shut the door behind him, pausing long enough to run a finger along the seam. There was enough room in the frame to slip a knife in and form a temporary lock. He hoped it wouldn't be necessary. Iruka would probably talk to him if he defaced his property right away. The thought made him grimace.
He flipped the mattress over to remove the imagined taint Kakashi had left, and sat down in the chair by the desk. He had to plan. It had been a long time since he'd been around people. Kakashi didn't count. Kakashi thrived on annoying him. Most people, strangers, wouldn't. He wasn't sure about the blonde, Uzumaki Naruto, but he knew Iruka's type. The last time he'd been around someone like that was grade school. He hadn't liked it then any more than he did now, but he'd been able to handle it.
He'd been too smart for his age, quiet, and polite to a fault. It was the way he'd been raised, to speak when spoken to, to excel without need for praise, to be seen but not noticed. He'd had trouble with the last part because teachers had a tendency to single him out and students had a tendency to resent that. Silence and painful politeness had worked to keep both problems to a minimum. He'd thought he could adopt that again to handle being around people again. It turned out to be much harder than he'd expected.
He hadn't meant to be sarcastic with the blonde. He'd thought addressing him formally would be enough to put the boy off, make him realize from the start that Sasuke had no intention of being friends with him. But it hadn't come out that way.
He was still suspicious of him, that strength, the instinct he had that strength was the least of Naruto's talents. It was the same wariness he'd had the first time he realized Kakashi had more talents than him. He'd spent months waiting for Itachi to bribe or threaten the man into attacking him, unable to believe he was dragging him along just for the fun of it. Everyone had a price. Keeping company with someone stronger than him was suicidal. He'd learned that lesson very early.
But Naruto was different and he knew that. There was no precedence. Itachi didn't want him dead; he wanted him terrified, hateful, and strong. And he'd never used someone his own age. Even if he stayed here for a long time, it would be at least five years before Naruto was a potential threat. He knew that.
It was still hard, harder than it should have been. He prided himself in his control and slipping that sarcastic emphasis on the boy's name was...embarrassing. That wasn't acceptable. Instead of making the boy ignore him, he'd riled him to the point where he'd probably pay more attention to him. It was the same as how his quick refusal of the coat had only encouraged Iruka to hover even more. He'd just have to try harder.
Kakashi would do his best to screw it up. Sasuke was sure of it. The man lived to torment him, and he'd probably laugh and pick at him if he suddenly reverted to that restrained politeness he'd lived as a child. But he was used to Kakashi. He could ignore him. It wasn't easy, but he thought he'd gotten good at ignoring him. He'd manage. He'd just have to try harder.
And not look at Naruto. If he couldn't not glare, he wouldn't look at all. He had an idea that might backfire on him, the way using his last name had. But it was worth a shot. He'd keep his ears open, figure out the blonde's temperament, and find the best way to work around it.
Kakashi liked to tease him about his lack of social skills. Sasuke knew better. He had them, he just hadn't bothered to use them in the last nine years.
.-.
TBC
So. Did anyone guess who the 'blonde guy in the airport' was in the last chapter? Yeah, all of the past encounters I describe Kakashi as having are with real anime characters. The talents he picks up should give it away if you're familiar with a wide range of anime. Examples: The 'crushing' talent he used when he first met Sasuke was taken from Ban, of GetBackers, his 'snake bite' attack. The short 'old' woman referred to in the last chapter was Genkai, of Yu Yu Hakusho, which should tip you off on the 'pair of ruffians' they were watching. Doesn't really matter to the plot here, but it's fun, sort of like hiding 'easter eggs' in a music video. :)
On another note, Mumei pointed out that Kyuubi has two 'u's in it. Makes me wish someone had pointed out there was another 'n' in Sharingan before I hit the third chapter and noticed other fics were different. I don't write Naruto, you know, so if you have to correct me. I'm a newbie! ;p
Embracing Dreams
Part Five: Iruka, Sasuke
Iruka ushered them inside with a relieved smile on his face. They'd made it to the house just before the wind took those fat sprinkles and blew them into a diagonal torrent. He could already hear it sloshing against the door as it settled in for a heavy night of rain. That definitely wasn't the sort of storm a person wanted to walk through. There was a reason the countryside was so lush this time of the year.
Sasuke handed him his coat when he turned from the door. Iruka accepted it and waved them a few feet down the hall. "Closet," he gestured. "Kakashi-san, you can leave your coat here if you like."
Kakashi sighed and gave him a slow look that he was careful not to react to. He'd already explained the need for formality on the way home. If he didn't address Kakashi politely, there was no chance of Naruto doing so.
Iruka taught by example. As far as he could see, that was the only way to get around Naruto's stubborn confrontational streak. The boy had a shocking disrespect for his elders, particularly authority figures. The best Iruka had managed was to teach him to think it, rather than speak it, and wait till he got home to vent. He feared the day Naruto snapped and started a physical confrontation with one of his teachers the way he did with his fellow students.
"Naruto," Iruka turned. "Would you take those bags upstairs, please? You can show them their rooms, and then I'd like you to help me in the kitchen for a minute." Naruto's mouth opened, but he didn't give him a chance to protest. "Kakashi-san, you and Sasuke can wait in the livingroom when you're finished. It's right through there. Excuse me."
He disappeared into the kitchen, a little high strung, but rather proud of himself at the same time. He'd wanted to hover, to grab some towels and make sure the boys dried their hair properly because even that light sprinkle was enough to make their bangs stick to their temples. But Sasuke hadn't looked him in the eye when he'd given the coat back. He'd been staring down the hall, looking tense enough to snap. Naruto was used to being fussed over. Iruka doubted Sasuke would appreciate it as much. At least he hadn't taken the coat off until they were inside.
He'd just started a pot of coffee when a thump sounded upstairs. He heard muffled voices overhead, and then more thumps coming down the stairs. Iruka recognized the heavy gait and winced. It was always harder to lecture Naruto after the fact.
"You won't believe it," Naruto huffed, pushing into the kitchen and glowering at the entire room.
"I might," Iruka sighed. "What happened?"
"That kid dismissed me," Naruto blurted, sounding outraged, exasperated. "Like I was a servant or something, just because I carried their stuff. And he asked me my last name and then used it on me!"
Iruka blinked at the last bit. Naruto's last name was Uzumaki, one of those little things he must have remembered on his own. He knew the hospital had used it to search for relatives, but no one with that name had claimed to know the boy. He didn't know why Naruto would be so upset at having Sasuke use his last name, there was nothing wrong with it. The teachers at his school addressed everyone by their last names. Some of the students did as well."What's wrong with that?" asked Iruka. "You have a fine last name."
"Not the way he said it," Naruto scowled. "He was all cool like, 'Thank you, you can go now, Uzumaki.' Like he was pretending to be polite or something, only he said it like it was an insult. I swear, if he'd called me san, I'd have wiped that look right off his face. And you know what he said when I asked what his last name was?"
Naruto paused, all excited and indignant. Iruka blinked. "What?"
"He said he didn't have one anymore!" Naruto said quickly. "What kind of crap is that? You either have one or you don't, right? And that pervert just laughed like it was a joke, only it wasn't a joke - he was definitely insulting me." Naruto took a deep breath and froze, giving him a sober look. "I don't like either of them."
Iruka sighed. He'd intended to talk to Naruto about the looks he'd caught the boy sending Kakashi during their walk. There had been one point where he was sure Naruto would burst or lash out. He'd been clenching his fists and glowering so much his eyes had tinged red in the fading light. Iruka had been ready to catch him if he tried anything physical, but he hadn't wanted to say anything that might embarrass him in front of the others. He hadn't expected Naruto to turn against Sasuke as well. All on the basis of two comments? Even Naruto didn't judge people that quickly, not anymore.
"Sit down," said Iruka. He waved at the stools across the counter from him, watching as Naruto glowered a little and dragged his feet. "Do you remember the first time you went to school? Before you left you had something bad to say about everyone you thought you'd meet. You'd already set yourself up to hate everyone."
"And I was right," Naruto grumbled. "They were all younger than me, so they treated me like I was a retard."
"And when you started here you expected the same thing," Iruka reminded him. "Only they weren't as bad as you thought they'd be, were they?"
"Some of them," muttered Naruto, quieter now."It took you two weeks to make friends," said Iruka. "You'd made up your mind against them, keeping even the nice ones at a distance. If you started a new school now, would you make the same mistake again?" Naruto shot him a look, and Iruka smiled. "Okay, you probably would. But it wouldn't take you more than a few hours to realize what you were doing. That's my point. You know better than to make snap judgements based on one bad experience."
"I get what you're saying," Naruto sighed, "but it's not the same. I wasn't expecting him to be a jerk. I thought I'd get along fine, better even, since the kids moving in would all be mutants like me. I was all set to be friends, really."
Iruka nodded, "I know. What I meant was that Sasuke is how you were. Kakashi-san doesn't think he's been around kids his age in a long time, so he'll try to keep his distance like you did. Remember that. He's probably as uncomfortable and wary as you were. Worse, even," and he flashed a playful smile, "with Kakashi-san as his only role model."
Naruto snorted at that, cracking a grin. "Good point."
"Just try to be patient with him," said Iruka. "If the problem lasts, I'll talk to him."
"You'll talk to him, anyway," Naruto smirked, "that's what you do. I bet you could even talk old pinched-face into liking mutants, if you wanted."
"Well, I don't know about that," winced Iruka. "It sounds too manipulative when you put it that way."
"Yeah!" Naruto nodded quickly. "That's the word Kyuubi uses - manipulating. Only you do it soft so it's like a person's doing stuff because he wants to, and not because you asked him to. You just sort of ooze into their heads, squirm around a little, and then ooze back out so quiet they don't even notice till they quit doing the stuff you wanted them to quit doing. Even that Sven guy's afraid of being sent to see you."
Iruka knew Naruto thought what he was saying was complimentary. And he'd learned that trying to correct him wouldn't help. He did his best to not to wince at the imagery.
"I'll talk to Sasuke if I have to," said Iruka. "If the worst he's doing is addressing you with sarcastic politeness, it's not very bad. You deal with worse from some of your classmates, right? The ones that end with you being sent to see me?"
"Yeah," sighed Naruto. "It's just, it's almost worse than an actual insult because I can't clobber him for it. Plus I have to live with him. A fight's better - right up front and then it's over. Kyuubi thinks so, too. Of course, he wants to fight right now, me to start it like a wrestling match or something. But I know better than to do that," he flashed a quick look at Iruka. "I'll wait till he starts it, honest. And we're both mutants, so it's still like experimenting more than just fighting. I was planning on that, anyway."
Iruka gave a slow nod. He really didn't want them fighting at all. But he knew how boys were. It was healthier if they settled things quickly, especially when they were going to be living together. He just had to make sure they did it in a controlled environment.
"Why don't you bring that up with him after you get home tomorrow," said Iruka. "I'll be taking them both around town and getting Sasuke enrolled for next semester - you remember how long that takes. Kakashi-san said Sasuke was very interested in expanding his talents. That's something you have in common."
Naruto perked up, "Really? You know what talents he has?"
"No, but I'm sure if you're willing to show some of yours, he'd do the same. We can make a day of it this weekend. I'll pack a lunch and you two can 'wrestle' in the fields as much as you want. Get some of that frustration out. You don't have to get along to be friends, you know."
"How do you figure?" asked Naruto, more curious than doubtful.
"Agree to disagree," Iruka smiled. "Rivalries can be healthy, too. Especially if both parties are confrontational and motivated."
"That's me," laughed Naruto. "Kyuubi's spouting out weird new things all the time. He had this dream about multiplying the other night - being in two places at once - weirdest thing ever. He comes up with stuff like that a lot, but you know I can't actually do it myself. Sometimes, if I pretend I'm fighting one of the jerks at school I think I could eventually, but usually it's like it's there but not close enough to grab."
"There you go," said Iruka. "I'm sure if you find something you and Sasuke have in common, it'll be easier to get along with him."
Naruto was quiet for a long while, his head tilted to the side, his smile fading away. Then the smile flashed back twice as strong and he laughed, pointing a finger at Iruka.
"You did it again!" Naruto accused, grinning at him. "See? Just talked me into putting up with him, only now I want to 'cause Kyuubi says he's strong and it's like it was my idea to start with. You're definitely good for a counselor. I still think you'd make a great teacher, but counseling's better for talking people into stuff, or away from stuff. You're like one of those wizard guys whispering advice to the king and standing back so he decides things like it was his own idea."
"You have a very active imagination," said Iruka. "Do you feel better about Sasuke now?"
"Yeah."
"Good," smiled Iruka. "Now let's talk about the way you were growling at Kakashi-san on the way home."
.-.
Sasuke had taken stock of his room - an empty bookshelf, a bed with fresh sheets and blankets folded in the corner, a desk with a lamp, a small walk-in closet, and no lock on the door. He'd set his bag on the desk and turned to glare at the man sitting on his bed.
"Get out," said Sasuke. "You have your own room."
"I wanted to talk a little," smiled Kakashi. "You're going about this all wrong and it's my job to steer you in the right direction. You should respect the advice of your elders, you know. We've been around a lot longer than you have."
"Get out."
"The way you handled Naruto-kun, for instance," Kakashi continued merrily. "What brought that on? Just because you don't want to make friends doesn't mean you should actively make enemies of someone you'll be sharing a house with. You wouldn't want to upset Iruka, now would you? I'm sure he's taken a liking to you."
"It's none of your business what I do," Sasuke said coldly. "This is my room now. I don't want you in it. Get out."
"See?" Kakashi sighed, "That's the attitude I'm talking about. You're so blunt it borders on rudeness. You should really try to be more polite to people who are only going out of their way to help you." Sasuke stared blankly, and he laughed. "Well, maybe not to me, but to Iruka and Naruto. Break them in slowly before you pull out the glares of doom. A few blank stares to start with, cold short responses, then add in some veiled threats of bodily harm, and then you can glare and act on the threats so they know you're serious. Don't forget, not everyone is as used to dealing with psychopaths as you and I. You'll be going to school, too, and you can't go killing or mutilating your classmates just because they brush your arm in the hallways. That sort of thing is frowned upon in polite circles."
Sasuke couldn't believe Kakashi was giving him advice on how to deal with people. More than that, he couldn't believe the man was sitting on his bed. The one thing he'd really been looking forward to in this place, his own room, and Kakashi ruined it the moment they arrived.
Sasuke glared and spoke softly, "Don't make me get blood on the mattress. Iruka-san won't appreciate it."
"Ouch," Kakashi winced. His mask didn't reveal whether it was a playful wince or a real one, but he did get off the bed. He walked over to lean in the open doorway instead. "Really, now. That's exactly what I mean. I don't think you'd want to hurt either of them, but with your reactions, you're liable to slip up. Leave your knife under your pillow and try not to break any bones if one of them touches you."
Sasuke glared in silence.
"Right," Kakashi nodded. "I think that's all the advice for now. Just a little warning and I'll let you have your territory all to yourself. You can't hide in here. All right? Come down and eat with them, don't make me come up here and drag you out like a stubborn pup. And keep in mind that if you threaten Iruka in front of me, I'll have to take you out back and give you a nice thrashing."
Sasuke snorted at the crinkled smile that accompanied that threat. "You're welcome to try. Any time."
"Ah! That's what I like about you," Kakashi beamed. "Always so eager. I'll see you downstairs."
Sasuke shut the door behind him, pausing long enough to run a finger along the seam. There was enough room in the frame to slip a knife in and form a temporary lock. He hoped it wouldn't be necessary. Iruka would probably talk to him if he defaced his property right away. The thought made him grimace.
He flipped the mattress over to remove the imagined taint Kakashi had left, and sat down in the chair by the desk. He had to plan. It had been a long time since he'd been around people. Kakashi didn't count. Kakashi thrived on annoying him. Most people, strangers, wouldn't. He wasn't sure about the blonde, Uzumaki Naruto, but he knew Iruka's type. The last time he'd been around someone like that was grade school. He hadn't liked it then any more than he did now, but he'd been able to handle it.
He'd been too smart for his age, quiet, and polite to a fault. It was the way he'd been raised, to speak when spoken to, to excel without need for praise, to be seen but not noticed. He'd had trouble with the last part because teachers had a tendency to single him out and students had a tendency to resent that. Silence and painful politeness had worked to keep both problems to a minimum. He'd thought he could adopt that again to handle being around people again. It turned out to be much harder than he'd expected.
He hadn't meant to be sarcastic with the blonde. He'd thought addressing him formally would be enough to put the boy off, make him realize from the start that Sasuke had no intention of being friends with him. But it hadn't come out that way.
He was still suspicious of him, that strength, the instinct he had that strength was the least of Naruto's talents. It was the same wariness he'd had the first time he realized Kakashi had more talents than him. He'd spent months waiting for Itachi to bribe or threaten the man into attacking him, unable to believe he was dragging him along just for the fun of it. Everyone had a price. Keeping company with someone stronger than him was suicidal. He'd learned that lesson very early.
But Naruto was different and he knew that. There was no precedence. Itachi didn't want him dead; he wanted him terrified, hateful, and strong. And he'd never used someone his own age. Even if he stayed here for a long time, it would be at least five years before Naruto was a potential threat. He knew that.
It was still hard, harder than it should have been. He prided himself in his control and slipping that sarcastic emphasis on the boy's name was...embarrassing. That wasn't acceptable. Instead of making the boy ignore him, he'd riled him to the point where he'd probably pay more attention to him. It was the same as how his quick refusal of the coat had only encouraged Iruka to hover even more. He'd just have to try harder.
Kakashi would do his best to screw it up. Sasuke was sure of it. The man lived to torment him, and he'd probably laugh and pick at him if he suddenly reverted to that restrained politeness he'd lived as a child. But he was used to Kakashi. He could ignore him. It wasn't easy, but he thought he'd gotten good at ignoring him. He'd manage. He'd just have to try harder.
And not look at Naruto. If he couldn't not glare, he wouldn't look at all. He had an idea that might backfire on him, the way using his last name had. But it was worth a shot. He'd keep his ears open, figure out the blonde's temperament, and find the best way to work around it.
Kakashi liked to tease him about his lack of social skills. Sasuke knew better. He had them, he just hadn't bothered to use them in the last nine years.
.-.
TBC