A/N: Expect longer lapses between updates. There's nothing I can do about it…but I will continue this story for sure!

Warnings: None

Credits to Kishimoto Masashi for the characters. The story is mine.

Chapter 3: The Cunning Fox

After the incident in the locker room, I successfully avoided a perverted blond fake for three days. Not even the sight of the ugly bruise on your cheek satisfies me.

In all honesty, I really want to kill you in the most painful way possible. Admittedly, my retaliation for your unspeakable act has been delayed because I have never experienced this before. Like pranks, sexual situations are new to me since no one would have dared to approach me.

Which is why I sit, hunched over at my desk, burning with the need to wring your neck until you breathe your last but reluctant to do so because I am honestly confused, humiliated, and just plain pissed. My siblings, having learned long ago, have been carefully tiptoeing around me for the past three days, having noticed my incessant black mood. I think they're fearful of asking what caused it, but I don't feel inclined to tell them.

I'm rather surprised you haven't told anyone of the degrading incident. Instead, you behave as if nothing had occurred, laughing off inquiries directed at the prominent bruise on your cheek. The constant feel of your eyes on me has not diminished in the least, yet I have detected the slightest change in your gaze since the incident.

Something darker, making you appear almost predatory.

I frown, staring down at my notebook filled with notes, scribbles, and doodles, completely ignoring the lecture by some teacher whose name I can't recall. I can't understand the sudden change. Before, your stares were only mocking and amused, but now I am unable to figure out what else has suddenly appeared in your eyes. An unfamiliar sensation overcomes me whenever I feel it.

Wariness.

I've never felt it so prominently before, and for some reason, my natural instincts have kicked up, warning me away from your strange stare. Which is also another reason why I have yet to retaliate.

Uzumaki Naruto, you are an enigma to me. More so than anyone I have ever encountered before. One moment I think I have you figured out, and then you do something wholly unexpected, making me rethink my previous analysis of you.

It's frustrating to say in the least. Here I was – not even three days ago – trying to ignore your existence, but now here I am, pondering over it in the middle of class.

A snicker reaches my ear, and I turn the slightest millimeter towards the sound, immediately recognizing it. It appears you are not paying attention to the lecture, either, having been whispering with your friends for the past half hour.

I turn my attention back to the scenery outside, the frown tugging further at the corners of my mouth, inwardly angry at myself for becoming so attuned to the sound of your voice. It is purely for avoidance purposes, yet it annoys me to no end to hear your perky voice within a crowd and immediately recognize it.

"Uzumaki-kun, Inuzuka-kun, please stop talking while I'm lecturing," the teacher says, pausing mid-sentence in his lecture and pushing up his dark round glasses.

"Sorry, Ebisu-sensei," Kiba calls out, not looking the least bit sorry as other students titter at the display.

The teacher, whose name I already forget, sniffs disdainfully and returns to his lecture with one last warning look. He obviously holds no love towards the two, constantly picking on you and your scruffy companion during class, as well as other students he deems miscreants – most of whom hail from your little group.

Oddly enough, he has singled me out as a delinquent as well, perhaps because of my bright-colored hair, piercings, and tattoo. It only took one glare for him to back off his harping, though, so it is of no consequence to me what he thinks. Still, he frowns in contempt at my appearance when he thinks I am not looking.

Twenty minutes later, the bell rings. Students immediately gather their belongings and hurry to their next class or stop in the hallways to frolic with their friends before heading to class. Since I have P.E. next, I'm not in any hurry. These past few days I'd discovered hanging out at the rooftop is a good way to pass time until P.E. is over.

I wait until everyone leaves the classroom before picking up my backpack and slinging it over one shoulder. It isn't until I take a couple steps when I realize I'm not alone.

Freezing, I'm startled to meet curious blue eyes looking directly into mine from across the room. The sudden eye contact shoots a peculiar zing through me, and we look at each other for another split second before I blink once. Turning and walking down the aisle between the desks, I studiously ignore your stare following me.

"Gaara."

The sound of my name makes me pause briefly when I reach the door, but I dismiss it just as quickly and step out.

But not before I feel a hand encase my upper arm. Startled, I stiffen, effectively stopping in my tracks. Turning my head slowly, I stare down at the hand on my arm and send a glare behind me.

"Let go," I growl.

"No," you say simply.

My eyes widen slightly, surprised at your blunt answer. I turn to face you fully, the familiar glare falling over my features as I tilt my head up to look you in the eye. You smile at this, looking mischievous, but your hold on my arm remains.

Although I'm reluctant to admit it, I am wary, the tiny hairs on my arms and neck rising in awareness at the feel of your hand on me. This is an impressive feat, seeing as how I've never felt so alert around anyone before.

"I'm not gonna bite," you say, noticing my guarded look and chuckling in amusement as you release my arm. "I just have something I want to give you, but since you've been avoiding me I couldn't give it to you."

My brows furrow at this. What did you want to give me? I watch suspiciously as you reach into your pocket, pulling out a folded tissue and holding it out to me. Rather than take it, I just stare at you, face wiped clean of expression.

"Take it," you say, holding it out stubbornly. "It's yours."

Frowning slightly, I slowly reach up and take it, half expecting it to be full of snot or something. I grimace inwardly at the thought as I unfold the tissue. What I find glinting in the folds, however, surprises me.

It's my stud.

I had forgotten it in my haste to leave the locker room, leaving one earlobe missing its companion stud. I hadn't bothered to go back and look for it, unwilling to go back to the shower room where I'd been humiliated.

Looking back up at you, I'm unsure how to feel about this. You simply smile at me, white teeth bared in a picture of nonchalant generosity. My eyes narrow in suspicion, but even I have at least some amount of manners.

"…Thanks," I mutter, silently appalled at myself for saying such a thing to you as I pocket the tissue.

"Sure, no problem," you reply, a slight smirk uplifting the corner of your mouth and immediately irking me.

A cough behind you makes us both look back into the classroom. It's the teacher – Ebi-sensei, or whatever – standing disapprovingly behind us and pushing up his round glasses. It appears both you and I completely forgot about him.

"Stop loitering in my doorway," he scolds, obviously annoyed by our presence. "You're both late to class."

"Our bad, Ebisu-sensei," you say, smiling amiably before turning back to me. "Let's go, Gaara."

I frown at being addressed like we're friends or something. Rather than comment on it, I turn and walk away, hoping you leave for P.E. and leave me in peace.

"Hey, Gaara, are you gonna skip gym class today?" you ask, catching up to me and walking at my side.

I don't reply, wondering how I can make it to the roof without you in tow.

"Are you ignoring me again? It's not nice to ignore people, Gaara!" you whine. "I thought we were friends!"

This catches my attention, and I send a glower your way.

"I am not your friend," I tell him.

I realize my mistake when, instead of being discouraged, you seem pleased I spoke. Your eyes brighten considerably as you grin.

"Yeah, we are! We got well acquainted with each other a few days ago," you say smugly.

It takes a moment for me to understand, and then my eyes widen when I realize what you're referring to. Against my will, my cheeks heat up as I recall the humiliating incident.

"Stop following me," I say instead, swiftly turning away so you don't see my pink cheeks and speeding up.

"Are you blushing? That's so cute!" you crow, laughing as you easily catch up.

Cute? I could strangle you for that, but seeing as all of my responses are met with a solid wall of idiocy, I figure it's best to not reply. I'll exact my vengeance later.

Or maybe now, I think to myself once I reach the stairs leading to the rooftop with you behind me, chattering like a squirrel. I wonder if I can discreetly push you off the roof and claim it was suicide. It sounds like a plan to me, so I head up the stairs and open the door leading outside. I don't think students are supposed to be out here, considering there is a lock on it and a sign reading, 'Keep Out', but the lock was easily breakable and no one bothers to monitor the area.

I immediately walk towards the fencing surrounding the rooftop. Maybe I can get you to climb it somehow and push you off.

"Oh, hey, Shikamaru!"

Or not. My irritation increases. I can't push you off with a witness around.

Laying nonchalantly on the rooftop on his back with his arms crossed behind his head is a student I don't recall seeing before. All I can make out is black hair tied in a high, spiky ponytail. He glances over to us upon hearing you speak.

"Naruto," he acknowledges, getting up on one elbow and eyeing me curiously. "And the new kid."

I level him with a flat look, crossing my arms over my chest. He had inadvertently ruined my plans with his presence, and I'm not too pleased. Uncertain of the glare, he glances at me warily but wisely backs off, turning his attention to you.

"Are you skipping gym, too?" Naruto asks the student.

"Yeah," he replies, slouching in his sitting position. "I heard Guy-sensei was going to make us do relay races today."

I hadn't heard about this, so I was grateful I wasn't suffering with the other unsuspecting students. The roof is too crowded for my tastes, however, so I turn and head back towards the door.

"Where are you going, Gaara?"

I don't bother to acknowledge your query, since it is none of your business anyway.

"Wait up, Gaara!" you call, hurrying over to me.

I glance back, glowering at you. It seems you still haven't gotten the message no matter how blatantly I project it. Turning, I fix you with a hard glare, arms crossed and feet spread apart in a rigid stance.

Noticing this, you slow your approach but maintain your impish smile.

"Stop. Following. Me." I enunciate slowly and clearly. If ignoring you does not work, I have no problem telling you off.

"Why?" you ask, folding your arms behind your head and grinning at the irritation flashing in my eyes.

My lips press into a thin line, frustration seeping out as my fists tighten from where they are crossed. You obviously know why.

A slight movement from behind you momentarily brings my attention to the student still seated on the ground. It appears as if he's trying to silently sneak away, but I don't care about him. Switching my attention back to you, I eye the bruise on your cheek and think of adding another, fresher bruise. This time to your entire face.

"Uzumaki—"

"Naruto," you interrupt. "All my friends call me Naruto."

I unconsciously purse my lips in annoyance, noticing your eyes fly towards the tiny movement but easily disregard it. I don't want to repeat myself because it's aggravating and you apparently don't understand I'm not your friend and never will be.

Figuring it's best to end this pointless conversation, I turn away and resume my exit. This time, you stay where you are. I don't even have to look back to see the triumphant look on your face. I will not resign myself to a fate of your endless hounding, however. My retaliation will be brutal, and you will regret having ever met me.

Leisurely descending the stairs, I contemplate how to exact my vengeance. Since you're so willing to follow me around, there will be plenty of opportunities to dispose of you. I just have to figure out a way to do it anonymously since the majority of the school knows of my animosity towards you.

Deep in thought, I almost miss the footsteps heading my way. I pause on the stairs and peer down, catching a glimpse of what's-his-name-Ebi-sensei walking towards the staircase. It looks as if he's only passing by, and I would have been safe had another teacher not been walking in the opposite direction towards Ebi-sensei. Both teachers stop to speak to each other, right in front of the staircase. If they look up, they'll see me right away, and I'm not in the mood to get caught and possibly get a detention for skipping class.

I carefully step back, out of sight behind the next staircase. The muted conversation below doesn't pause. I glance about. The only escape route is up.

It is easy eluding the teachers, but I have no choice but to stay on the roof until this period is over. It's humiliating to return after I had just left. Stopping at the slightly opened door to the roof, I reach to open it when I hear voices on the other side. Pausing, I lean forward slightly, catching a few words.

"…scary…don't know why you…friends…with him…"

The jumble of words makes sense after a second, and I realize the other student on the roof is talking to you. About me.

Curiosity has me peering through the crack, seeing you facing the other student with your back to me and conveniently blocking the other student's view of the door where I am.

"…not that scary," you were saying. "I think he's interesting."

I scowl at this. You make it sound as if I'm a newly discovered organism you're fascinated with, and it doesn't please me one bit.

"So? It's obvious he hates you," the other student grumbles.

"Yeah, but I can get him to change his mind," you say confidently.

The other student snorts at this, and I almost do as well. Arrogance does not even begin to describe your irrational words.

"It might not end up how you plan it," the other student warns.

I'm starting to think this student may be aware of your real personality. Since he wasn't there during the prank, I hold no hostility towards him. You, on the other hand…

"I know," you chuckle unconcernedly. "I'm not as smart as you, Shikamaru – even though you're failing, too."

The other student – Shikamaru – makes a noncommittal sound.

"Besides," you continue. "He's being left alone now."

"You're crazy, you know that?" Shikamaru points out. "I heard about what the other guys did."

"You did? Did Chōji tell you?"

"Yeah. Sounds like Kiba left with his tail between his legs after you berated him in front of the other guys."

"Hey, it's not my fault! I didn't tell him to do it!"

"Yeah, but you may as well have."

The conversation is confusing, but I think they're referring to the prank. A nagging feeling pushes at me, like I'm missing something from the conversation I should have picked up.

"It's not like I telepathically told them to prank him. I just waited until it happened. You make me sound like an evil mastermind," you tease the other student.

"You probably are," Shikamaru shoots back, but it sounds like a playful jab with an underlying truthfulness to it. "How troublesome. What's so special about the new kid anyway?"

I lean in closer, curious about your answer.

"None of your business, Shikamaru," you tell him blithely.

I'm slightly disappointed with your answer, but it doesn't matter much to me anyway.

The other student sighs. "Whatever. Just stay out of trouble, Naruto."

The conversation grows muted as the two wander towards the fencing, and I try to make sense of the dialogue. Frowning as I lean away from the door, I piece together the bits of information from day one.

You had doggedly pursued me in some inane mission to 'befriend' me despite knowing I did not care for your false offer of friendship. Each of your pathetic attempts had been coldly rebuffed. The last time had been in front of all of the students when you had followed me to class that one day, and from then on I had known I would become an outcast. It hadn't bothered me in the least despite knowing I would be hostilely targeted after publically rejecting such a popular student. From your words just now, it appears you had known this and had been waiting for it to happen.

The nagging feeling was beginning to get irritating as I thought back to the prank. You had been conveniently gone when it had occurred, and then you had walked in, staring at everyone in shock despite knowing it was supposed to happen. I would have expected a triumphant smirk rather than you chastising your 'friends'. Why would you do…

My eyes widen as the missing puzzle piece fall into place. You had done it purposely! The shock, the anger, it had all been feigned!

I stare in utter shock at the door where you nonchalantly stand with the other student, trying to wrap my mind around the fact that you had purposely fooled your own 'friends' into pranking me so they won't prank me anymore. In doing so, I have been completely and utterly isolated. The male students will no longer bother me, fearing losing your good graces. By just you snubbing one, a student can be easily cast aside like I was. Your deviousness is astounding, to say in the least. I don't know whether to be impressed or disgusted, but I admit to a millimeter of grudging respect towards your lack of action leading to the most convenient outcome for you.

Uzumaki Naruto, you are not only a fake and a pervert, but a cunning fox as well!