AFTER DARK | naruto

6 | ninja dogs

"I'm so jealous, [Firstname], really!" Naruto whined, slamming his head onto the counter he sat at. "I mean, you passed your first graduation exam, while I've failed all my early graduation chances." You knew the feeling he had - he was ashamed. Something you weren't sure Naruto could actually feel, but he was only human.

"Don't worry about that... I'm sure you'll graduate next year, like everyone else." You tried your best to comfort him, hands on your lap. "I mean, just because you didn't graduate early doesn't mean you're not meant to be Shinobi..." He didn't look to relieved by your words, didn't sound like it either when he sighed loudly.

"Maybe you're right. I will graduate next year, and believe it, when I do I'll get to training to beat Sasuke." He finally sat up, just in time for his Ramen bowl to be set down infront of him.

"Back on the Sasuke thing..."" You muttered under your breath. Suddenly unimpressed by how quickly he bounced back. "You two don't get along anymore?"

He was silent for a second before shaking his head. "Nah," he answered. "He just mopes around now, he thinks he's really too cool for anyone.... So I've decided I'll make him my rival! We were never meant to get along." He scoffed, you were hesitant to believe that. He was already a stand-off kid, plus Sasuke had been through a lot. His behavior made sense in your opinion, and insensitive as it was, someone like Naruto wouldn't be able to understand the pain of loss on that level. Because, well, he never had any parents.

At your silence, Naruto looked up. "Hey, aren't you gonna eat something?" He asked. Your gaze shifted toward him before a small smile made its way onto your face.

"Oh no, I already have a meal planned." You excused. "It's something I can afford... Kind of." You trailed off before turning your attention back toward him. "Speaking of, how do you afford to pay your rent?" You asked.

"Huh?" He asked, eyes going wide as if the question surprised him. "I don't pay my rent, Lord Third does that. I just have to pay the rest." He didn't notice the shock on your face initially, instead eating his meal.

"What? You don't have to pay?" You asked, one part of you didn't want to accept it, that Naruto was living so leisurely. But the other part of you was glad he didn't have to. You lowered your head in defeat, sighing. "I'm going home."

"Huh? Why?" Naruto finally looked back at you. Now that he thought about it, you were a lot more expressive now. He remembered the days he'd be shocked at any new reaction, but now they were apart of your everyday life. His stare was prolonged before he shut his eyes, shaking his head. "Hold on, I'm almost done. I'll walk you home, it's a friendship thing." He grinned, lifting his bowl to quickly finish the rest.

You stood by for at least a minute, waiting for him. Him walking you home wasn't a grand gesture, seeing as the two of you were neighbors. But you didn't comment on it, even though it wasn't grand, it was nice. Once he was finished with his meal, he stood up - thanking Teuchi for the meal before making his way toward you.

"So, your teammates.." He began, arms behind his head. "They're not as cool as me, right?" He asked, trying to act nonchalant, but he clearly cared for your answer.

You hummed thoughtfully, thinking your answer through. "Well, I've been friends with one of them for years, I know him pretty well..." You trailed off. "And the other is.. Pretty annoying. He's a big jerk."

"Heheh, so that means they're not at good as me, I get it." He grinned, giggling as he closed his eyes. He didn't notice your teammate land in front of you out of no where. When he opened his eyes, he let out a startled yell, confused as to why you were so unfazed.

"Guy Sensei needs us all to gather." Neji said, deactivating his Byakugan. "I suggest you come with us."

Lee landed next to him, nodding. "If you do not mind.." He looked toward Neji, like a silent plea you didn't leave him alone with him for another second.