A/N: I am terribly sorry! I was actually supposed to post this weeks ago, but work combined with my study for my Master's entrance exam clashed :/ It became too difficult to continue. The excuse is actually longer than this, but I don't need to elaborate any more since you guys must've been waiting for this update, so without further ado, enjoy the new chapter~

Also this is to celebrate Naruto's birthday last October 10! ^^

Little Raven

By: Kaida Matsuki

Chapter 5: Awkwardness

The rain didn't seem to stop any time soon. In fact, over the last few seconds, it poured harder that it screened the sound inside. The room became stuffy and that didn't help Naruto's situation at all, especially being beside a person who made the room even more stuffy. His chiseled porcelain profile remained stoic, reminding him of those statues in museums. Their almost perfect profiles seemed like they would breathe any moment, yet the man beside him was a living breathing statue if anything. His presence affected the atmosphere and made it almost overwhelming that everything seemed to stand still.

Ring.

Naruto nearly jumped at the sound as Sasuke awkwardly shuffled to get his phone from his pocket. He relaxed when that odd atmosphere dispersed when Sasuke's stoic face cracked. His look of annoyance made him seem more human.

"Am I a bother?" Sasuke asked bluntly.

Naruto didn't know what to say to that, since in a way, the man was disturbing him when he could've been studying for his exams, but it wasn't entirely his fault he couldn't focus with the Uchiha beside him. The man was simply… distracting. Too distracting for his own good. He was sure that the black-haired man turned heads every time he crossed anyone's path. Women must've been lining up to be spared even a glance. He was more surprised he hadn't noted that when they first met, but he rarely cared for appearance. He based people on their attitudes and principles. Not to mention their first encounter wasn't the most ideal.

"You're not," Naruto mumbled and tried turning his textbook, so he could convince him he wasn't. "Kakashi-sensei usually takes his time so I can study while waiting."

"What's your relationship with Kakashi?"

"He's a family friend," Naruto answered, finding the question so random. "I've known him since I was in diapers I guess."

"Is he your lover?"

Naruto choked.

Hacking his throat to breathe air after choking, he coughed hard. He glanced at Sasuke's slightly concerned face, looking lost, and he couldn't help feel as if the situation couldn't get any more ridiculous than this. What brought that on? He noticed that the man could really get pretty straight forward. He didn't even hesitate! He burst into laughter, unable to imagine Kakashi being his lover. That would be a nightmare! He caught a glimpse of Sasuke's incredulous look and laughed some more, hurting his sides.

"He's cheating on you." Sasuke informed gravely.

Naruto burst into laughter again. He could bust a gut from imagining what Iruka would do if Kakashi did cheat on him! He'd flay the pervert alive! But then again, he doubted Kakashi would dare cheat on Iruka, since the pervert was so obsessed with him.

"I can't understand how you can laugh in this situation," Sasuke looked thoroughly confused and annoyed. "Shouldn't you be concerned?"

"Oh, I am." Naruto breathlessly replied, calming himself before he could laugh again. He covered his lips and tried to pull it down. "Very concerned."

"I don't see what's funny though."

"It shouldn't be."

"You're still laughing though."

"Oh?"

"You are."

"I am," Naruto burst into laughter again. "I'm sorry. I can't seem to stop."

"Are you in denial or is it that hard to imagine?" Sasuke inched away. "I know it could be difficult to accept, but running away from reality won't help."

"I'm not," he replied and tried being serious again to convince him. "Kakashi-sensei is just a family friend. If any, he's just like an annoying uncle to me."

Sasuke looked surprised and lost. "But you were going to meet up… He said–"

"That I have to take make-up classes and to meet up at the Science lab."

"But he said 'darling' on the phone…"

"He's talking about Iruka-sensei cause they usually meet up after our classes." Naruto explained. "It's actually just Kakashi's excuse to wait up on Iruka-sensei if he doesn't have classes, like today."

Sasuke grunted and remained silent, turning his face away.

A few seconds passed, and Naruto started to feel guilty. He laughed at the man after his genuine concern for his sake. The least he could've done was clear up the misconception immediately to spare him the shame. He felt childish for doing something like that. He was about to apologize, tilting his head to show his sincerity to the dark-haired man, until he caught a glimpse of Sasuke's red face.

Naruto abruptly sat back and looked away, almost as if the other man's embarrassment was transferred to him. He fanned his face and blurted, "I-It's really hot in this lab, huh. I mean, I think we should get some fresh air."

"It's raining outside." Sasuke muttered.

"It is," Naruto stumbled and looked around, then at the time. The room seemed too quiet and, if possible, even stuffier than before. "I don't think Kakashi-sensei will be coming here cause it's almost lunch. He'll drop by Iruka-sensei's daycare center to eat lunch together. Do you mind eating lunch early?"

"Hn."

"Okay," Naruto stood up quickly and went for the door. "I'll just pick up my son, then we can go out for lunch."

He was out of the room before he could hear Sasuke's response. He hastened his pace, wanting to let the cool air blow on his face. Somehow, it felt hot. He covered his eyes, recalling his stupid replies… That was so embarrassing.

Out of nowhere, Naruto bumped into something and almost fell back. He felt someone steady him from behind and looked up to find Kakashi with Katsuo beside him. "Kakashi-sensei! Katsuo! What are you doing here?"

Katsuo's eyes weren't trained on him, but behind him. Naruto turned to find Sasuke still a few inches away after he steadied him. He took a step away and composed himself. He felt small hands grab his arm and heard Katsuo's question, "What's he doing here?"

"Yes, what are you doing here, Sasuke-kun? Why're you with Naru-chan?" Kakashi's amused tone was poorly concealed. He turned to Katsuo. "See, Katsuo, I told you your daddy was popular."

Naruto shot Kakashi a look, wondering what absurd ideas Kakashi placed inside Katsuo's head once more. He can already tell an impending disaster ahead.

"Papa won't cheat on me!" Katsuo yelled and charged at Sasuke. "You can't have him!"

Sasuke was surprised, genuinely confused again. "You can't own your dad."

"He's mine!"

"I'm not taking him."

"Then get away!"

"I can't."

"You can!"

This was becoming a nightmare.

Sasuke looked lost, unable to reason with the angry child, and Naruto was just too stunned to watch his sweet baby throw a temper. He usually didn't but it seemed that these days, especially when the Uchiha was concerned, his temper spikes. He couldn't understand his restlessness. He grabbed Katsuo before Katsuo could try anything again, carrying him in his arms.

"What did I say last time?" Naruto warned and watched Katsuo droop, frowning. "And what should you say now?"

"I didn't do anything," Katsuo mumbled and crossed his arms.

"Not yet."

"It's okay," Sasuke interrupted. "If anything, it's Kakashi's fault."

"Huh? Why me?" Kakashi feigned shock, looking more amused and whining. "I wasn't doing anything either. I'm innocent too!"

Sasuke scoffed. "Innocent wouldn't be a word I'd associate with you. Stop polluting the child's mind with your nonsense."

Naruto watched the two men side by side as Sasuke glared at Kakashi. He hadn't realized how tall the dark-haired man was until he stood next to Kakashi. He knew Kakashi was around 5'9'' ft, but Sasuke was taller by a few centimeters, probably already hitting 6' feet. Katsuo stirred in his arms, noticing he was holding his curiosity in when his brows scrunched and his lips tightened. He knew he was stopping himself from asking, since it was Sasuke who mentioned the unfamiliar words. He whispered conspiratorially, "What do you want to ask?"

Katsuo perked at the opportunity and leaned in Naruto's ear, hiding his mouth with a hand and grabbing his shoulder to balance himself. "What's 'pollute'?"

He knew it. Katsuo was stubborn at odd instances. "Hmm, generally it's something foul."

"Like a soccer foul?"

"Not exactly," Naruto couldn't find the exact wording. "It means more like when a person throws something where they shouldn't."

"But he said that Kakashi-sensei was 'polluting' my mind." Katsuo couldn't understand. "Tell him he's wrong, papa."

Naruto couldn't do his baby's wishes since that was exactly the pervert was doing. He saw Kakashi wince from what Sasuke was saying, unable to hear his felt some amount of pity towards Kakashi, since it seemed that Sasuke was quite seriously scolding him. He had to admit that his jokes and misleading information towards his son weren't to an alarming degree…

Yet.

He didn't plan on waiting for the time when Katsuo would hit puberty and the two perverts would fully corrupt his mind. Some things were better left alone… Like Kakashi being scolded. He had it coming sooner or later.

Come to think of it, he should've wondered what Sasuke's relations were with Kakashi. How did he know the gist of their phone call? He should've picked that up and found it strange, but he'd been distracted. He stepped forward, but Katsuo prevented him from going any further. He called out instead, "Uchiha-san."

Sasuke's face hardened briefly before he corrected, "Just Sasuke."

Naruto didn't know what to make of that odd reaction, and continued, "Sasuke-san, may I ask how you know Kakashi-sensei?"

"Brilliant question, Naru-chan." Kakashi's eyes formed inverted u's and tried grabbing Sasuke, before he deftly dodged him. He continued on with his cheerful mood though. "He's my stubborn godson."

Naruto was surprised again. He couldn't believe someone was willing to have Kakashi become the godfather of their child. The pervert was skilled and smart, no doubt about that, but still a pervert.

"He saved my mom back then," Sasuke supplied the mystery. "Worst decision she'd done."

"Aww, don't be like that, Sasuke-kun!" Kakashi teased and tried to tackle him again, but Sasuke dodged. "I'm one of the only few who has adjusted to your habits."

Sasuke stiffened and glared at Kakashi, while Naruto noticed that there was some warning thrown into that look. The air became stifling again and Naruto felt he'd had enough of tension for the day. He wanted it to be over and done with. The first he should set out doing is the lunch to have the Uchiha on his way again. Meeting two Uchihas in one day was more than he could handle.

"Kakashi-sensei, I'll just take Katsuo with me to eat lunch with Sasuke-san." Naruto brought Katsuo along before he could start protesting. "We'll just be outside, Sasuke-san."

"Hn."

Naruto glanced at them when both remained quiet and kept looking at him. He'd hoped that by declaring that Kakashi would have some sense to let them be and Sasuke would follow, but they remained glued to their positions. He understood Kakashi, since he'd been weird in the first place, but he didn't peg the Uchiha to also resort to looking at him as if he was waiting for him to leave…

Oh.

"We'll wait for you then." Naruto hurried, feeling dense and stupid. He should've realized something was up from the time Kakashi mentioned about Sasuke's habits. It might have been a sensitive topic. Maybe it had something to do with what Itachi-san meant. He should probably observe him for any chronic pains just in case it was related. He could tell getting the dark-haired man to share his pain would be a challenge, but time and familiarity usually worked best when handling sensitive patients. He could already imagine the same circumstances with the one in the laboratory. Needless to say, just imagining the Uchiha as one of their patients felt awkward.

The problem was he's not a patient.

How could he help him now?

How could he ditch him now?

Sasuke wondered and inwardly groaned at his mistake. He should've learned of their relationship thoroughly before jumping to the conclusion that Kakashi was cheating on him! In fact, it was Kakashi's fault for sounding so misleading! But then again, he shouldn't have been concerned in the first place. It wasn't in his place to warn him anyway, and they were practically strangers until today! He couldn't understand what was happening. It was definitely Kakashi's fault. Not to mention the man's loud mouth. He knew he never wanted that topic to be brought up.

"So, I'm taking this is the time we'll part for your date?" Kakashi teased. "Who knew Sasuke-kun had his eyes on someone~"

"This is your fault though," Sasuke muttered under his breath.

"Hmm?"

"Shut up," Sasuke snapped. "He's barely an acquaintance, and you know I don't date."

"You're not dating anyone now, you mean." Kakashi amended to his convenience. "That doesn't mean you won't be dating anyone in the future."

"I don't date."

"Not to worry, Naru-chan is a really good choice. Good character, facial features and great attitude! Someone who will definitely balance you out." Kakashi continued on as if he didn't hear or see Sasuke's irritation. "They did say opposites attract."

"I'm not attracted to him. Besides, he has a kid." Sasuke could only imagine the headache the blond's son would give him if he planned on meeting him. From what he could tell, the brat must be one of the reasons why the blond was still single. He acted like a guard dog, while a pup to his dad. It didn't help that the blond seemed to be immune to attraction. He didn't even catch him staring at him, not even once. He caught him avoiding his eyes more than once though, making him more awkward because of his misconception. "And I doubt he's attracted to me."

Kakashi looked surprised for a second, before resuming his sly teasing. "Oh, and why do you care?"

"I don't." Sasuke hated it when people interpreted his words to their convenience. "I meant he's not someone who gets easily attracted."

"And how would you know that?"

"He has a kid so I doubt he wants anyone who won't take him seriously. The brat seemed to also have a say in it too, so I doubt that anyone will do with him around his dad. They have to go through him first before they can get to the blond…" Sasuke backtracked on his words. Why was he even analyzing the situation? He caught Kakashi's suspicious attentiveness and knew he thought the same thing.

"Then? Go on." Kakashi urged, making a straight face.

Sasuke wasn't fooled. "I'm leaving."

"What? Why?"

He didn't bother replying and left towards the entrance, and then overheard Kakashi's words just as he exited.

"Naru-chan has a habit of avoiding looking into someone's eyes if he thought they looked attractive."

That made him pause, unable to process the words.

"It's subconscious though." Kakashi managed to catch up and whispered just as he passed him, before bidding Naruto and Katsuo then rescheduling their meeting.

Sasuke shook off the unnecessary information. He didn't need to know all that. What did Kakashi think to divulge something like that? There was no point. It explained some incidents, but most people avoided looking into a person's eyes if they felt uncomfortable. Either way, he had no use for it, so it shouldn't affect him.

It bothered him like hell.

Sasuke had encountered a lot of people ranging from ones who couldn't take their eyes off him to those who kept glancing back at him, taking sneaks at him when they thought he wouldn't notice, to people who could shamelessly eye rape him. The latter was the worst, but he never thought he'd experience being ignored and avoided from one person.

Technically two.

He corrected, since, in contrast to the blond's actions, the brat was blatantly glaring at him. He never thought someone so young would glare at him with such spite. He'd experienced men glare at him, but it was filled with envy. The brat's glare could be said that he hated him for just being there.

"Here, baby, be careful with your food. It's still hot." Naruto blew on his spoon before letting Katsuo have a taste of the food.

"Not a baby," Katsuo muttered and threw an embarrassed glance at Naruto, before throwing another glare at Sasuke.

Naruto seemed to remember his presence then and opened his mouth to say something, but his eyes fell on Sasuke's side of the table. Sasuke knew where the conversation was heading before he heard Naruto ask him, "Aren't you going to eat?"

"I've eaten," Sasuke lied. After years of avoiding meals, drinks, and alcohol outside, he'd learned that saying he'd already done so would lessen the annoying persistence than admitting the truth. People tended to back down more often once they heard this lie. It was the same case with the blond. The difference would be his avoidance, already bordering indifference, that made it difficult to bear. It also didn't help that watching other people eat was uncomfortable, while he was unable to eat despite his hunger.

This was far beyond awkward.

Suddenly, a rumbling sound erupted and Sasuke clenched his teeth, trying his best to maintain his stoic composure.

Naruto looked at him uneasily and asked in concern, "Are you sure you're not going to eat?"

Sasuke was about to respond before his stomach rumbled again, making him shut his eyes in complete mortification and irritation. He should've considered skipping breakfast and abstaining from lunch would be the limit of his stomach's endurance.

The situation had already exceeded awkwardness.

"Papa, says it's bad if your stomach growls at you." Katsuo proudly declared. "It means you're not taking care of yourself so your stomach gets angry. That's why it's growling."

Sasuke looked down at the food and his vision started to warp. He felt his whole body turn cold and clammy as he imagined taking a bite. He wanted to puke. He shut out the vision and forced himself to remain composed. "I'm fine."

Naruto looked doubtful, but thankfully didn't push him. He had an intuition that the blond understood his aversion and let him excuse himself, because in a few minutes he chose to have the remaining food brought out. "We'll continue eating at home." He said, while paying for the bill. "I don't want us to get caught up once the rain pours harder."

Sasuke knew this was a blatant excuse to create a leeway for him, but the rain really did lighten up, although the least he could do for his kind consideration was to pay for their meal. He thought it was the least after offending him last time and making their encounter awkward with his situation. "I'll pay for the bill."

Naruto waved his hand. "It's okay. I got it."

"I insist," he said and took the bill before the blond could reach for it from the waiter. He slipped in a large bill that covered the expense and stood up. "Would you want to head out?"

"Are you sure you won't wait for the…?" The blond glanced back at the checkbook in surprise. He shook his head and took Katsuo's hand in his. "Never mind. So… I'll see you around, Sasuke-san. Thank you for the meal."

"Don't mention it," Sasuke mumbled, feeling out of his element now that he knew they were parting ways. What should he say? He'd never dealt with something like this so he didn't know how to bid them farewell. He cleared his throat and blurted, "Try not to get wet."

Naruto's lips twitched in amusement as Katsuo looked at him as if he was being stupid. Even he had to admit that sounded stupid. It was raining so of course they'd get wet going back. The blond just nodded and smiled, dispelling the suffocating atmosphere with his kindness. "Say good bye to Sasuke-san, Katsuo."

Katsuo's lips were set together and frowned, but when Naruto continued to wait on him, the young boy relented and muttered, "Bye."

Naruto's smile widened as he waved at Sasuke before going their way. Sasuke breathed out a sigh of relief and headed to his car. He was almost tempted to bang his head on the wheel from remembering the humiliation. He started the car and made his way back, but then caught a glimpse of the two walking in the rain. The brat wore a raincoat, but Naruto only had an umbrella to protect him from the rain.

Without much thought, he called out, "Do you need a lift?"

The blond was startled and looked around, until his stunning blue eyes met his. He shook his head, but the rain suddenly poured harder and he glanced at his son, before nodding his head. He unlocked the door when Naruto slipped in with his son. "Thank you again."

"Hn, where to?"

"Just take the two streets from the left and around the white planes park, turn right. We'll just drop at Boulevard."

Sasuke grunted and immediately regretted inviting the blond and his son for a ride when the seconds ticked by and no one made a sound. He never played music so the atmosphere became awkward once more. He could feel the brat's eyes on him, while he drove, but tried to ignore it. He honestly didn't know what to say and do… So for the remaining time they had left for the trip going to the blond's place was filled with uncomfortable silence, until finally dropping them off.

"Thanks again, Sasuke-san. Have a safe trip."

Sasuke nodded once and sped off, unable to take how idiotic and senseless his actions were. He couldn't comprehend why he invited to give them a lift or even why he wanted to fill up the silence that he's used to. Nothing this day made any sense, and worst of all, every action he'd done contradicted his intentions.

He had no idea what possessed him this day.

Then let's all wonder how Naruto will get back with Sasuke to help with Itachi's request~ Any guesses?

Also be sure to check out my Tapas account! ^^ My pen name there is Kaida Matsuki too.