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It had been a month since Naruto beat up Neji, the chunin exams ended, the village got invaded, and the Third Hokage died. Everyone finally healed, though Sasuke was still acting distant. The new Hokage had taken charge of everything, and most ninja were extremely busy with the influx of missions the Leaf village had gotten.
Naruto was enjoying his first day off in 2 weeks. He felt exhausted, but had plans with a friend for once and was trying to hurry so he wouldn’t be late. He could spot the brunette waiting for him already and sped up to try not to be as tardy as he already was.
“Heya Neji! Hope you didn’t wait too long.” Naruto called out between pants, trying to catch his breath after the sprint here.
“No, I just got here myself. Tenten only just left. She’s going to see how Lee’s physical therapy is going before she heads to our last mission for today.” Neji calmly explains as he turns towards Naruto. His expression is hard to read, but it is far from his old one of coldness and disdain. “Shall we get going?”
“Yeah, let’s!” Naruto exclaims, jumping up from his previous slouched position and moving to walk next to Neji. “So how’s Bushy Brows doing? His surgery went well so I’m sure he’ll be back to training soon!” Naruto chattered away as they walked to wherever Neji was taking him. Naruto learned that Lee was doing well, still way too over enthusiastic about everything, and that Neji and Tenten were stuck doing D rank missions without him. They had already completed a couple this morning and Tenten agreed to do one more by herself so Neji could be here.
Naruto was touched by how much Neji had changed in just a month, and was glad he had such a good friend now. He was also elated that someone would go so far just to spend time with him. As much as he considers his squad mates as friends, they don’t go out of their way to do anything together outside of missions like Neji was doing right now. It gave Naruto a funny feeling in his chest. A good funny though.
“Here we are, order something we can take to go, Naruto.” Neji interrupted Naruto’s thoughts as they arrived at Konoha’s famous dango shop. It was pretty crowded inside, as usual.
“We aren’t eating here?” Naruto questioned, but ordered some dango to go. Neji also ordered, getting the shop to fill a thermos with tea as well before replying.
“No, it’s quite crowded here and I found a place with a much better view.” They both stood to the side while waiting. Naruto was glancing around at the crowded restaurant when he saw a familiar face. Or should he say faces.
“Huh, Iruka-sensei and Kakashi-sensei are here too. This place must really be popular if even they are taking a break here.” Naruto commented. He didn’t realize they were good enough friends to spend their days off together. Kakashi-sensei only seemed interested in his pervy books and Iruka-sensei in yelling at him. But Naruto was glad his two favorite teachers got along.
“Hmm? Oh, I see them now. They must be out on a date. Guy-sensei always cries at how youthful Kakashi-sensei is when he happens upon them together. We’ve run into them a couple of times, but you know Guy-sensei. He always needs to comment on the power of youth and love or something.” Neji explains, his face taking on a bit of a sour look at imagining his teacher doing his usual spiel.
“What!? I never knew! Kakashi-sensei never talks about himself! And they act like they’re just acquaintances whenever they run into each other, that I’ve seen at least.” Naruto almost fell over in shock at the new info.
“Keep your voice down Naruto!” Neji whisper shouted in embarrassment at all the people who had turned to stare at them at Naruto’s outburst. Luckily their food was ready then, and Neji grabbed it and Naruto, then hightailed it out of there. “Keep up, we’re not stopping until we get to our dining spot.” And Neji took off, jumping onto the roofs and leaping from building to building.
“You’re on!” And Naruto ran, right on his heels, laughing the whole way. It wasn’t long before they were heading uphill. Naruto was too focused on Neji to notice where they were going exactly. It was only when Neji slowed down that Naruto took a look around. They were walking on rock, quite a ways up. It was only when Neji settled down and started breaking out the food and tea that Naruto realized exactly where they were. “Are we really going to eat on top of the first Hokage’s head?”
“Yeah, why not? It has a great view. And besides, if you’re to be believed, you’ll be on this mountain one day as well. So we might as well see if there’s room for your big airhead.” Neji casually snarks back, relaxing where he sat and starting to eat.
“Huh… Okay, fair enough!” Naruto plops down next to Neji and digs in. He eats with the same intensity he always has while Neji calmly eats while sipping tea beside him.
Naruto of course finishes first, slurping down the rest of his tea to chase the last of his meal. He stares out at the village while he waits for Neji to finish. Most of the people are little more than blobs, but he swears he can recognize a few of them. A pink one and a yellow one are close to each other outside a shop, maybe Sakura and Ino arguing in front of the Yamanaka’s flower store. A dark blue haired blob flanked by two brunettes, maybe team 8 heading back from a mission. And if he happens to catch a glance of a silver figure dragging a brown figure into a side alley, he tries to forget. He didn’t need to know that much about his teachers.
Naruto shakes his head and turns back to Neji only to find his companion had finished and was staring back at him already. They lock eyes for a minute before Neji turns away. Naruto thinks he might spot a dash of red on Neji’s ears, but can’t figure out why it makes his heart beat faster in his chest.
“Well, shall I walk you home? I know you probably want to relax a bit more before Lady Tsunade starts back up with endless missions again tomorrow.” Neji offered, already beginning to stand. It’s only Naruto’s hand on his arm that stops Neji from rising up to his feet.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like it if we could sit up here a little while longer. I just don’t want to go home quite yet.” Naruto murmured unsurely. He felt heat rise to his cheeks and his heart almost pound out of his chest. But the happiness Naruto felt at Neji’s small smile and nod made the strange feelings bursting through his body worth it.
It was almost sunset by the time Neji walked him home. Neji had casually grabbed his hand halfway there, and Naruto couldn’t find it in himself to let go until they got to his door. He smiled brightly at Neji as he thanked him for the wonderful day.
Neji just said that it would be Naruto’s turn to pick what they do next time, said good night, and started his own walk home. Naruto went inside, closed the door, and slid down it. There was going to be a next time. Naruto didn’t quite understand why that knowledge made him so happy, but he figured, there was always next time to figure out his heart.