Dog Whisperer

Chapter 1 - The Dog Trainer and the Desk Worker

Naruto yawned as he looked out the tiny window in his small home, one story tall and joined to a shop. Blinking then scrubbing his eyes with closed fist gently, he yawned again. The view wasn't something you could call spectacular in a sense that would make someone awe. Rather it was very threatening. Streets that buzzed with traffic, wall graffiti art that wasn't as breathtaking as the ones in neighbouring cities. Mainly because it was random letters spelling out who knows what.

The blonde took a sip of his coffee from his white mug then put it on the corner of the window's ledge, the mug barely had any space for itself. The ledge was tiny.

Naruto raised his hand and leaned back slightly to stretch and scratched at his stomach then ruffled his hair. He grabbed at the bottom of the window and tried to move it up, open. It wouldn't budge so he moved to loosen it by shaking the top of the window. Jiggling the window he was somehow able to get it up only for it to slam back down and knock over his mug. The mug shattered on the cold tiled floor and smashed into big pieces releasing the interior orange colour of itself.

Naruto jumped slightly at the shattering mug splashing hot milk coffee on his feet.

Naruto was awake now. He heard claws tapping along the titles, his eyes widened. He was definitely fully awake now. He stammered to the door of his room and slid out then quickly closed the door behind him.

His fox skid in front of him. Just in time. He huffed in relief. He wouldn't want Kurama jumping and yipping around the coffee mug inside his room. Good thing he didn't have carpets because the stain would have been ugly.

The fox looked at his owner with pure curiosity, he circled around him only to slip through the blond's leg and scratch at the door that he had heard the noise coming from. Kurama looked back at Naruto as he was carried up so his red eyes met blue ones. His ears twitching as his ear sensitivity grew so he could pick up anymore of the noise. What animal could create a sound like that? Titling his tiny head he yipped at his owner. He needed to know because the monster had been in his house ever since he could remember. He always heard that noise then a loud shout from his owner.

Of course that reaction only proved the knowledge of the animal and clumsiness of the owner.

Naruto laughed, he really was glad he had adopted Kurama because of how cute his reactions were to everything.

Naruto's phone buzzed to life in his pocket so Naruto let Kurama down gently on the floor. "Stay, don't go into the room." Naruto locked his room for extra measures; a lock that had knewly been added to the door. Kuarama had managed to open the door before. Naruto didn't understand how. The fox sure was a jumper.

The blonde walked to his kitchen to grab cleaning supplies as he read his text. Making his way around a corner he jabbed his pinky toe against the corner of a wall as he turned into the kitchen. "Mother of fuck." He cursed under his breath.

He really shouldn't try to be multitasking.

Fuck it hurt.

Naruto sat on the floor of kitchen and pressed down on his toe to numb the pain as he read his text.

'Yo, dog whisperer. Take Akamaru for a walk for me.'

His best friend was one demanding son of a bitch.

'Treat me to ramen.'

It was only fair for him to be equally demanding, really.

He set his condition and got off the floor to make himself some food. After getting his ingredients out he decided to fill up Kurama's bowl with the rest of the raw meat he had left for him in the fridge. He needed to get more food for the fox. Restock.

'Yeah, yeah. I'm coming to drop him off.'

Well, that meant Naruto wasn't just going to walk the dog.

"I'm sort of done with your shit Kiba." Naruto looked at his best friend in annoyance.

"Look I have to go somewhere, last minute arrangements. I bet you wanted some time with Akamaru anyway, Mr. Dog Whisperer."

"Shut up, dog breath. Just cause I'm a dog trainer doesn't mean I'm a whisperer."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Who is she?"

"I said it was last minute arrangements, don't mean it's a girl." Kiba said as his eyebrows twitched in annoyance.

Naruto snorted. "Yeah right, you just don't want Akamaru to feel like shit 'cause his "loyal" owner might have ditched him for a one night stand."

"Shut up. It's not even the afternoon, yet." Kiba groaned. "It's a business trip, man. I'm already in a shit mood."

Naruto nodded his head. "Don't worry, he'll be safe the three days he's with me." He shook his head. "And I thought I was just going to walk him."

"Shut up." Kiba rolled his eyes. "I'm leaving."

Akamaru barked, clearly not liking the idea of kiba leaving. Naruto leaned down beside the white dog and scratched him behind the ear. The dog eased up and got on his back for more scratching on his stomach.

"A literal dog whisperer." Kiba laughed.

Naruto kissed his teeth at his friend's nickname for him. "How long have you not slept for?" Kiba was being really grumpy.

"The project's really important to get done and delivered and performed personally so it's been a load on the team." Kiba yawned. "Two days, but I'll get enough sleep on the plane ride."

"Alright, take care." Naruto waved.

Kiba let himself out the apartment and tried to ignore his dog's barking. He'd love to turn back and cuddle next to his cloud of a dog and sleep.

No intentions of waking up on his agenda, really.

Naruto slipped his laces into a loop and tightened it into place, getting off the floor he grabbed the leash from the key holder, it was looped around the top of two key hooks.

"Alright, Akamaru. Let's go boy." The dog responded with a quiet bark. Naruto frowned and squatted next to Kiba's dog. "It's okay buddy, Kiba will be back soon." He clipped on Akamaru's leash and ruffled his fur.

Kurama was asleep in Naruto's room and probably wouldn't wake up until Naruto returned. He had gotten lazy over Naruto spoiling him to no end. Naruto really would've wanted to get someone to look after his fur ball but there wasn't anyone who Naruto knew to be able to do the task.

The front door lead to a shabby street downtown. Naruto pulled at his shirt and walked behind Akamaru with arms completely extended out; the dog familiar to the streets already walked comfortably around it. A white tail waddle behind him, his tongue hanging out. He was excited for this walk. He knew the blonde and he normally took Akamaru to an open dog park where he would have that god forsaken leash then off for him to run wild. The world was his in that moment. The park also had the best fucking trees he had ever peed on.

"Calm down, Akamaru, we'll get there in due time." Naruto stumbled as Akamaru fastened his pace. Naruto had to stop Akamaru through pressing the button on the leash to not let it extend any further. Catching up he let the dog slip past only enough that his tail would still brush against Naruto's leg every now and then.

In the near distance Naruto could hear the barking of dogs and chitter chatter of dog owners, the closer he got to the park the louder the commotion got.

Opening the gate to a grass filled field, with trees and a fence covering the circumference of, Naruto kneeled enough for his knees to not touch the muddy ground and unleashed Akamaru.

"Okay, Akamaru, I'll let you mess around here for a while." Naruto let the dog run off to attend his business while Naruto kept an eye out for him. Throwing the occasional ball that he received full of drool from the dog's mouth. Then waiting and watching as he ran around.

"Naruto?" The blonde heard his name being called from behind him. "Is that you?" He turned around to confirm. His face lit up seeing a very familiar face almost getting lost in his mind. He hadn't seen Hinata in a while after all.

"Hinata! It's so good to see you." Naruto's smile turned into a frown of confusion. "Wait, what are you doing in such a trashy part of town?" Neji wouldn't be able to pull that stick far out enough from his ass to let "princess" here come so far downtown.

"We came by to inspect the area, see what needs construction. The mayor has plans for this part of town."

"Dad better not be doing it for me." Naruto's features showed another sign of annoyance.

"I wouldn't know anything about that." Hinata giggled. "My orders are to inspect and report."

Naruto had moved out after high school, a decision his father was not okay with, into a rundown part of town where he could live with his illegally adopted fox.

Canadian law didn't allow exotic animal as pet. Kurama was an exotic fox.

When Naruto had rescued Kurama, after doing some research, realised the extent of "care" they put into the keeping of animals he just couldn't give the orange ball of fur away. Kurama was the reason he got interested in being a trainer too. He wanted better for these animals.

He had grown attached in the span of two weeks. His father being mayor would have never agreed to Kurama and hiding him was becoming harder as time passed on.

"Though, the mayor did happen to say to check up on you while I was here." Hinata put a closed fist under her chin. "Something about not accepting allowance and returning e-mails."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Let mama bear know that I'm a big boy now." Mama bear being his dad.

"He just worries."

"Yeah," Naruto said sternly, dismissing the topic to any further discussions. He looked around to no sign of Akamaru in the play area. Talking about his dad had totally made him loose track of what was important. His fucking dad always had to be an issue somewhere in life no matter where he was.

Naruto died a little in the inside. "Listen, Hinata, it was great meeting you but I have to leave." His voice got higher as he ran further away from Hinata and out the gate. He spotted Akamaru's red leash flying behind him as he ran not too far from where Naruto was.

But, fuck, did Akamaru know how to run.

"Hinata," Neji cleared his throat. "He looks like he's in a rush."

"Yeah," Hinata smiled a little smile.

Neji shook his head. Hinata was bound to be doomed in Naruto's case.

Not only was Naruto completely unaware of everything around him but he was also her superior's son.

Naruto was a great guy though, he really was.

Sasuke had had a shitty fucking day today. Meetings after meetings, calls after calls.

In fact he was on a call right now. He needed to head downtown, to examine a couple of buildings and areas for a collaboration the mayor had requested be done through the Uchiha cooperation.

Grasping onto his phone tighter he confirmed and extended further on an issue he was discussing with one of the sub managers of the project. Somewhere in between the conversation he had stopped to stand at the side of the pedestrian walkway.

"No, that's-

Sasuke cut himself off as he felt warm liquid being slowly sprayed onto his slacks.

What. The. Fuck?

He looked down to see a large white dog with brown ears, leg raised peeing by his feet.

"Oh my shits, Akamaru! Stop! What are you doing?" Sasuke looked up, and saw a tan blond in shorts and a tank top with a large paw print on it aggressively rushing towards him and the dog. Presumably telling his dog to stop peeing on a very irritated raven.

And Sasuke was annoyed at this being for owning this dog and this dog for peeing on him and damn work them legs. Okay, he had to admit that the boy was really attractive but that wasn't going to get him out of his dog peeing on Sasuke.

No, not happening.

Sasuke shook his head and frowned, stepping back from the dog, He would kick it but he wasn't inhumane… at least not that much.

Naruto skid to a stop in front of Sasuke and doubled over, huffing. He was used to running, in good shape and all but he hadn't run as fast as he had today just because of dumb Kiba's Dora-the-explorer dog.

"I'm so sorry." He huffed. "We were in a dog park, and he- I don't even know how he got past the gate." He leaned down and grabbed Akamaru's leash, his tank showing Sasuke that Naruto was just as tan under his clothes. The blond definitely worked out.

"I have no idea why he would do that. He's trained and really friendly normally." Naruto fidgeted with the leash. "Do you own cats?"

Sasuke squinted his eyes in confusion. The fuck did that have to do with anything?

"Probably a couple of friendly ones too. Akamaru hates cats. He probably smelled them on you." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile on his face. "Dog's and their noses, am I right?"

Sasuke put his phone next to his ear and dismissed Naruto with a short grunt; he walked away. The blond should be happy he got off the hook so easy… the idiot had even accused him of smelling like cats.

"I need a change of clothes to be brought to me." Naruto heard him say and then saw him hang up.

Naruto was a bit annoyed. Sure, Akamaru peed on him but that didn't mean the guy had to be such an asshole.

But fuck did Naruto end that one on an awkward note.

Sasuke really didn't want to be doing this. He really didn't like being here. This place was a dump.

He sighed. No wonder the mayor wanted to fix it up, kudos to him for doing something for the city. He was much better than the last mayor, who from old age was completely disoriented and unbalanced when it came to organizing the city.

The last mayor's mistakes did result to what was 'downtown'. It wasn't really what would specify as a downtown type of area with attraction for tourist but rather it was a region where gangs were located. Everyone knew this place was the domain of illegal plans being oriented but there was no proof.

It seemed like the mayor had organized a way to stop whatever was happening here.

Passing by the streets, Sasuke noted down the different type of commercials being offered. Most of them did seems very suspicious but all he could do was write it down with a key next to it to indicate his doubts for further, extensive, research on the location.

He hated Itachi for putting him through this. He really did. His stupid older brother was going to get some from him later. Asshole.

Sasuke came to a stop in front of a pet store. It looked too… innocent to be innocent. What was a pet store doing here? A dog park and a pet store in downtown? What the hell was going on?

Sasuke's dark eyes roamed around the store through one of the tall glass windows on either side of the store. His eyes slightly widened seeing the blond from yesterday inside.

He seemed to be the only one in the store… well him and a shit tone of animals.

Sasuke really didn't want to go in, really he didn't, but he knew he should. For researching purposes of course.

Researching purposes.

He gripped onto the door handle, turned it and swung the door open. The door easily moved without creating any commotion… well except for the bell it rang as it opened. How the hell did downtown have such a clean, and organized store located in its area? The fucking door didn't even hesitate to invite.

Naruto turned from the little shih tzu he was rubbing the stomach of. He was supposed to be feeding the dogs but he got carried away and this dog was really cute.

It's normal.

Naruto tipped his head in confusion, what was a guy dressed like that, all fancy and strict, doing in a cute store like this one? "Welcome," He smiled none the less. "Are you here to adopt? Or maybe to book for dog training?"

"Adopt." Sasuke blurted out. He almost bit his tongue. What the fuck was he doing? He didn't need another pet.

"Hm? Well, we have a variety of animals here. If you're not able to find what you're specifically looking for I have a great list of store recommendations you can also browse." His smile widened, then flattened slightly. An expression of confusions flashed his face. "I'm sorry but have we met before?" Naruto looked at Sasuke blankly. The raven looked back.

Did he really not remember?

"Wait, wait, you're that cat guy from the other day!" Naruto laughed. "I'm sorry but I can only laugh when I think back to it. I gave Akamaru, my friend's dog, an earful after, if that's any consolation at all." The blonde's face twisted to an awkward expression. "Are you looking for more cats?" He grinned. "What breeds do you have? I can help you find a compatible breed."

This guy really liked to talk.

"I- ah," Sasuke really didn't know how to respond.

"Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Naruto, I'm the owner of this store." He grinned again.

The blonde really had an expressing face, one that mostly was positive. Sasuke was already irritated by him.

"I'd offer my hand but they're pretty dirty. I just went around feeding these guys here."

Sasuke brushed off the gesture. "Sasuke." He said.

"Oh, okay." Naruto said awkwardly.

The both stood in silence staring at each other.

The shih tzu barked, yipped, at their feet. Naruto looked down at the dog. "Ah, I haven't fed you yet, Suki." Naruto turned his head back to Sasuke. "I'll just finish refilling his bowl and be right with you. You can browse around for a bit."

Sasuke wanted to walk out the store.

What the fuck was he doing?

Naruto slouched down to bow down closer to Suki. He mumbled and cooed the dog as Sasuke watched him. The raven's eyes wandered to the blonde's figure. The apron that Naruto was wearing was riding up the black shirt he was wearing; the knot was knotted awkwardly. Naruto's boxers peeped out from his low riding jeans. They were rimmed black but were orange.

Sasuke found that weirdly attractive. Give it up to the blond for living up to the expectations of his personality.

Naruto got up fixing his shirt he looked at Sasuke, his eyebrows knit together trying to figure out what Sasuke was spacing off to. "Um, Sasuke?"

The pale man jolted slightly. "I have an errand to run. Can I have your card? I'll discuss about the adoption with you later." Sasuke suggested.

He really shouldn't have suggested that.

Sasuke mentally hit his head. What was wrong with him today?

"Ah, um, yeah sure." Naruto led Sasuke to the cashier station and pulled out a white business card from one of the drawers of the table. "I look forward to your call." He smiled gently.

Sasuke's heart missed a beat. Shut up idiot, he's only looking forward to your call for professional reasons. Plus, he's just a business associate that would help you adopt.

Yeah adopt something that you're forcing yourself to adopt to be able to see him more often.

Sasuke really shouldn't be doing this.

With a short grunt Sasuke walked out the door, resuming his patrol; his mind wondering of to the situation he had just been in.

Sasuke silently stared at the cup of coffee sitting on his desk. He swirled his chair slightly to the left then to the right. He tapped a pen on his desk. His eyes shifted to his phone and the business card he had gotten from Naruto.

Should he really be doing this? It was pretty low of him to fall for a guy off his looks and it was even shallower of him to be using the guy's profession as a way to get closer to him.

Sasuke grabbed his phone and dialed the number given on the card into his phone. The phone was picked up on the first ring.

"Good afternoon, downtown petco." Naruto's voice echoed through his ears.

"Ah, I wanted to talk about my adopting options."

"Hm, oh, Sasuke? You know what? I was just about to close up but-

"That's fine. How about we grab a coffee and talk about it?" Sasuke questioned his sanity again. He was getting weak. He was already proposing a date.

"Oh, ah, I was going to suggest… you know what yeah sure. I can do that." Sasuke could practically hear the blond's smile through the phone. Was he accepting the date request? Then again they were both male and Sasuke had zero idea about Naruto's sexuality. Maybe the other was taking this all platonically.

"Great, tomorrow at six work for you?"

"Yeah, sure. There's this place just outta downtown, um, Lavender café, ever heard of it?"

Sasuke had in fact heard of it, it was a high end café, what was a guy living in downtown ever doing around there? "Yes," he paused. "Are you sure about meeting there?" Sasuke shut his mouth; too late. That was blatantly rude.

Sasuke heard Naruto's laugh roll out through the receiver. "See you at six, Sasuke." With that Naruto hung up.

Naruto finished the call with Sasuke and rolled his eyes. Well, he couldn't really blame Sasuke to have a reaction like that. In the end it all went back to where he lived and supposedly how much money he had in his pocket. Didn't matter to him though. He would talk business and probably never see the prick again… hopefully.

Breathing out a puff of annoyance Naruto walked away from the counter and towards the front door of the store. He slide down the shutter and locked the door from the inside. Walking to the back of the store he opened the door to his house. The pet store was connected to his little house. It was a great way to keep animals in his store because he could check in on them at any time.

Naruto took off his shoes and put them on his shoe rack inside at the entrance of his house. Kurama had heard the door close shut and came to investigate. He knew it would be Naruto. His owner didn't have any friends. No one other than Naruto came home.

Kurama was an asshole of a fox.

"Hey Kurama! Did you miss me?" Naruto cooed. "I'm so tired, let's sleep, okay?"

The fox continued to stare at him then stuttered away, his nails making clicking noises against the floor. The fox needed to be groomed. Naruto put that on his mental to-do list. He would probably forget about it so made a note in his phone.

Naruto took of his clothes on his trip to his room. He threw them in a corner next to his closet and flopped into bed. He was tired.

His eyes shut and he was off into dreamland in no time.

Sasuke had arrived to the café a bit later than he had intended to because of a last minute errand he had to tend to. Walking into the café he saw Naruto right away. His hair untameable and he was wearing a nice soft lavender sweater with a white collar hanging out of it. The blond typed something on his phone, set it aside and took a sip of something from his cup. Just then his blue eyes caught onto Sasuke. He put his cup down and got up from his seat.

Sasuke pulled his out and gestured Naruto to sit down again. Naruto did.

Naruto was oddly… full of manors, Sasuke noted.

"So, cats?" Naruto grinned.

"I was hoping for a dog."

Naruto hummed. "Oh, a trained one, I suppose?"

"I'd like to have it trained after I get the dog."

"I guess I can help you find some dog trainers too?" Naruto didn't want to be this guy's dog trainer.

"We can talk about that later." Sasuke shifted the topics. "What breed of dogs will work best with my cats?" Sasuke called over a waitress as Naruto pulled out some papers from his pockets.

"Well, I was thinking a Shiba Inu because they're basically cats." Naruto chuckled, he reached out his hands giving Sasuke a miniature green q-card with a small photo paper clipped to it. "I didn't have much to work with since I didn't get the breed of your cats but this should do it." The card had a couple of characteristics written on it. "I jotted some details down but the main idea is they're aloof pets that don't crave much attention, clean and well basically just a cat."

Sasuke sipped his cup of green tea, set it down and looked at Naruto as if to say 'continue'.

"They're a bit feisty but I'm pretty sure you'll have fun with it. The one I have in my store," Naruto tapped the picture on the table. "Solomon, he's a young adult so he won't be as full of energy as the younger ones are which I bet you'd like to have."

Sasuke nodded.

"They don't bark much either."

Maybe getting this dog really wasn't such a bad idea. Naruto knew how to seal a deal.

"Solomon doesn't really need to be trained though." Naruto coughed. He really didn't want a request from Sasuke for further business collaborations.

Sasuke racked his brain to come up with an excuse. "I see, but I still don't think I'd be able to take care of him all that well-

"Oh, then we can look for another cat or fishes." Naruto stopped himself from snickering.

"How about you be my trainer?" Sasuke rested his hand on his palm, his elbow supported by the table. He smirked. "You could teach me how to look after him."

"Hey man, I'd love to help you out but that's not in my job description." Naruto shrugged. The blond could have sworn he heard Sasuke kiss his teeth. The raven looked at his watch and got up.

"I have to be heading out now but I'll drop by to pick up Solomon-"The pale man stopped himself. "Actually, I'll call you later to book an agreement." He flashed Naruto a quick smile, barely could call it that to be honest, and smoothly walked towards the door.

"Sasuke, you seem very happy lately." Itachi leaned back in his chair slightly and sat straight back up again. "What's the scoop skates?"

Sasuke threw a look of disgust towards his brother at his wording. "What is your problem, brother?"

"Your happiness, it seems." The older sibling smiled.

Sasuke snorted. "It's nothing you need to be getting excited over, rest assure."

"I'm sure you'll come back to you big brother sooner or later. You know, for advice"

"Are we not supposed to be in a meeting?" Sasuke glared.

"Where's the fun in that?" Itachi crossed his legs. "I realised you feel a bit pressured since I am departing from the company-

"It's fine. I can handle it myself." Sasuke cut him off. "I'm not a child."

"Yet you still act like one." Itachi shrugged.

"Itachi, look. I'm happy you're moving on with your life and doing what you want to."

"Why don't you try to do that too?" Itachi retorted.

"What makes you think I already am not?" Sasuke cleared his throat, tapping his fingers on the desk. "I'm happy where I am."

"Is that so?" Itachi looked at Sasuke. "Have you written anything lately?"

'Other than gay poetry about a certain blond, no.' Sasuke said in his mind. "I'm not concentrating on that anymore, I don't have time."

"When will you finish with that book you were-?

"Scratched the idea." Sasuke interjected.

"I see," Itachi decided to not push any further, he knew that Sasuke was probably working on it secretly and not letting him know. Last time he did Itachi had gone ahead and read his work. Sasuke wasn't happy about that.

Itachi knew Sasuke had a passion for writing and that was what he wanted pursue. Itachi definitely thought he had the skill for it.

Sasuke was stubborn though. He wouldn't give it time since he wanted to be dedicated to the family business and make their father proud. What Itachi didn't understand was why Sasuke wasn't taking up the opportunity of balancing both. It could be done. He was already doing it. All he had to do was publish.

Sasuke walked into the big town hall, and immediately started looking for his brother. He had been dropped off by a driver and had plans to go back home with Itachi. The party had started a while ago; hosted by the mayor to celebrate the successful launch of the downtown operation.

Sasuke glanced around, looking at the lighting around the room. The decorations were at a minimum but reached the main goal, illuminating the room.

Classy.

It seemed they had either moved past the main event and were getting ready for dinner, or he had missed the whole thing in a total. It didn't matter to him really, but Itachi wanted him there to make connections with some people. Sasuke wasn't the best at socializing so Mr. Big Bro was looking out for him or the future of the business as Sasuke would like to interoperate it as. That was all of Itachi's saying. Sasuke could socialize perfectly well when it came down to business.

Sasuke's eyes landed to a flight of stairs and then to a quick right where he recognized his long- haired brother to be standing. The elder man's hair was kept in a tidy low pony tail and rested on his right shoulder. His face pointing in Sasuke's direction. He seemed to be having a conversation with a few middle aged woman.

Probably some weird wedding proposals.

Sasuke gradually made his way through the crowd to reach his brother.

"Ah, Sasuke." Itachi acknowledged his presence. The long haired man took the opportunity to excuse himself. "Just when I was starting to think you wouldn't show up."

Sasuke grunted. His eyes wandering elsewhere, as if they were supposed to be finding something more interesting. "Right, so can we get this over with?"

Itachi would shake his head at Sasuke but that acquired too much effort at the moment; to repeat the obvious taunts.

"Which people do I have the pleasure of meeting today?" Sasuke asked sarcastically.

"I think you might have been left of the hook since they didn't show up." Itachi said, a tiny bit irritated as if this wasn't the first time this situation had occurred. "It was only one person."

"Then coming here was a waste of my time, wasn't it?" Sasuke was slightly more pissed off. By slightly the writer means a lot. "I'll be one my way then, excuse me."

"Don't be rude, little brother. You're going to stay for the rest of the occasion."

Sasuke knew he wouldn't have any more of a say in the situation so he casually shrugged and decided to deal with it.

Sasuke sat at a table with Itachi, soon to be joined with the Mayor of the city and his family.

Sasuke's eyes were lowered, as he was thinking back to one of the meeting earlier that day. He had to sort out the final stores and decide how much of a measure he'll have to consider to take the stores away from the obvious thugs… well they were obvious to most people. There was no proof.

He picked out his cellphone and sent an e-mail to another manager of the project, letting him know his views on the issue. He had decided to do more extensive research on them and wait to see if they could keep their stores even when new downtown was built back from the ground up.

He wasn't expecting a reply anytime soon. His manager was a lazy bastard who'd only go according to schedule rather than getting things done quick and over with.

"Sasuke, I didn't know you were so socially challenged that you had to take out your phone to entertain yourself." Sasuke followed the voice back to its owner. This stupid brother of his had to stop or he would have to kill him.

The younger of the two ignored the older sibling to look back at his phone. He realised that he'd been typing a repetitive 'a'. He must have got lost in thought.

"Anyway, I'll choose to ignore your rude behaviour for now. We just wouldn't want the mayor to see you acting so isolated on your phone now would we?" Itachi looked ahead and smiled, Sasuke followed his gaze and saw the mayor approaching their table, occasionally being stopped and asked questions or congratulated.

Sasuke got up from his seat, the respectful aura that Minato created around him was immense. "Oh, please, you don't need to get up for me. Take a seat." Minato smiled.

The brothers took their seats, the Mayor sat opposite to them. "Will your son not be joining us for Dinner?" Itachi spoke out.

"Ah," Minato chuckled in surprise, anxiously. "You know him, Itachi, how he is."

"I suppose, it would have been pleasant to meet him tonight."

"I have to agree with you there." Minato smiled.

Itachi shook his head.

Sasuke looked between the two, why did they both seem so familiar? Sure, Itachi would have to meet Minato for meetings but the current mayor had only been running office for so long.

Sasuke coughed, unwilling showing his discomfort. He normally wouldn't feel this awkward but the air was thick.

Who was the mayor's son? Why did Itachi care enough to bring him up so casually?

Sasuke would love to voice his questions to satisfy his curiosity, but deemed it inappropriate… or plain unnecessary. Plus, he didn't want Itachi thinking he was interested in his business at all.

"I'm glad you were able to attend." Minato gave Sasuke a warming smile. "It must have been hard to make time for this event. I owe this project's success to you, Sasuke."

"Thanks you, Mr. Namikaze, but I believe my company and I have barely done enough, this is just the launch." Sasuke said confidently, implying great outcomes from his company.

"I'm amazed, Sasuke, being able to handle such a huge co-operation by yourself. You parents are proud I bet." Sasuke's eyes shifted to his left, towards his brother, at the mention of his parents. The brothers cleared their throats, completely synchronized. Sasuke took a sip of red wine from his glass.

Minato stared between the two. "I know your father really well, he's proud." Minato thought it would be good to put that out there, it didn't feel like his place to… but he wouldn't want Fugaku to make a similar mistake to his. The brothers' eyes met again. "So, you're twenty-five years old, Sasuke?"

The raven nodded in affirmative. "Yes, sir."

"Same as my son, is how I remembered." Minato let a laugh roll out his crisp lips. "I haven't been keeping track of your files or anything." The mayor was obviously trying to clear the air by making jokes… they were pretty shitty.

"That was a bad joke, dad." Sasuke's eyes wandered up away from his empty plate that was just put in front of him to the familiar voice. His mouth almost dropped open; from the shock of his dog trainer being the mayor's son… or maybe how good the mayor's son looked in a suit.

"Naruto…" Minato looked at his son with hope on his face.

"Hi, dad." Naruto smiled, awkwardly.

The mayor beamed. "Naruto-

"Itachi, you're here too. I'm glad you are." The blonde cut of his father's sentence, he didn't want to talk to him anymore than he already had.

Itachi gave Naruto a passable glare and a light, barely noticeable, shake of his head. "Let me introduce you to Sasuke." Itachi decided that it was best to just move on rather than letting the two blonds get into a passive aggressive fight. Or rather Minato making attempts to talk to Naruto and the younger shooting his father down rudely. "Sasuke, this is Naruto. The person I wanted you to meet tonight."

Naruto looked at Sasuke, no shock in his eyes. "Oh, so you're Sasuke." Naruto gave the younger brother a short nod. "Itachi brags about you a lot, it's gotten very annoying." The blond pulled out his chair and sat next to his father. Looking at the two Uchiha brothers across from him, he smiled to assure that he was making light of things.

Itachi chose to respond with a short snort.

All Sasuke could think of was how much he had fucked up.

Sasuke nodded as a thanks to the waiter as he cleared the table. Sasuke caught his eyes directing back to Naruto. The dog trainer had acted like he had never seen Sasuke his whole life throughout the whole dinner.

"Well, dinner was great. I'm sorry I came in late and still have to cut it short." Naruto pushed off from the chair. He looked at his father. "Dinner was great." He tried.

"Why leave so early?" Itachi asked.

Sasuke was startled. Itachi never butt into anything. If someone had decided to leave that was fine they could be on their way.

Why did Itachi care?

"I left someone at home."

Sasuke emotionally stumbled back. So, Naruto had someone with him already?

"Kurama?"

Why did Itachi seem to know everything about Naruto?

"Who else could it be?" Naruto laughed.

Well, something about this interaction wasn't all that bad. It meant that Naruto wasn't exactly straight.

Minato on the other hand looked lost. His mouth opened to interrogate but closed as if he felt he had no right to ask. So, Minato didn't know of a Kurama either? What was their relationship? Why was the air so tight around them? The whole dinner Naruto had shut down any attempt Minato made to be friendly.

Naruto didn't seem the type to be disrespectful. Minato obviously knew that it was all his fault.

Out of this whole situation though, Sasuke was confused about one thing the most.

Why did he even give a single fuck?

"Well, I'll be on my way."

Minato nodded and got up to walk his son to the door. Naruto didn't argue. Sasuke assumed it was because their negative behaviour to each other was private.

"You like him." Itachi said on the drive home.

"I don't understand what you mean." Sasuke spoke carefully.

"Naruto, you've met him before, haven't you?" Itachi asked in a curious tone. "It's sad though, he acted as if he didn't know you further than my mentioning you."

Sasuke had been annoyed by that very fact. He understood if Naruto wanted to keep business and private life separate but the blond had acted as if Sasuke was nothing more than a name. As if he had never talked to him before or seen his face.

"Why are you offended?" Itachi stopped at a red light.

Sasuke turned his head to look out the window.

"How long have you known Naruto?"

Itachi was going to keep on asking questions so it was better if Sasuke just answered them. "Since the downtown expectations." So almost two months Itachi noted.

"How did you meet?" Itachi was interested to know. He knew Naruto lived there but Itachi wasn't expecting Sasuke to make an effort to interact with anyone there. He normally got his work done and left.

Sasuke was no way in hell or whatever was above or below going to tell Itachi he had met Naruto because of a dog that happened to pee on him. "I was thinking about adopting another pet." Which wasn't exactly a lie… sort of.

"Oh, so he's only someone you know through business? You must have been a real asshole to make him hate you that much." Itachi pulled into the parking lot of the building complex Sasuke lived in. The younger Uchiha made no move to get out.

Sasuke looked at Itachi for a second then back out the front. What the fuck had he done?

"Don't worry though, Naruto isn't known to hold grudges." Itachi reassured.

Sasuke almost sighed in relief.

"Oh, and Kurama is Naruto's pet." Itachi almost laughed. He was having fun with watching Sasuke so openly express his reactions to anything related to Naruto. There was no reaction to Kurama's name, Sasuke had obviously been thinking about it. Saying pet put an expression of surprise on his face.

"He's bisexual." Itachi waited to deliver that one after a bit so he could see Sasuke's reaction properly. He must say he wasn't disappointed.

Sasuke felt a slight bubbling sensation in the pit of his stomach. He didn't know why he was feeling so happy about this.

What made Naruto so great other than his looks anyway?

Maybe if he just took him to bed once Sasuke would be over him.

"He's not easy to get you know, you'd have to try real hard." Itachi coughed as if he had read Sasuke's thoughts. Translation: Naruto doesn't do casual sex.

'Well, fuck…' Sasuke thought.

"You probably judged him off of working downtown didn't you? He hates that the most." Itachi shifted in his sheet.

Sasuke raised his eyebrow in question.

"Judgemental people." Itachi signed. "You might as well give up now, Naruto's not going to catch your bait."

"I don't care enough about him to make a move, Itachi." Sasuke bit out, opening the door and stepping out. "I've only seen him in a professional light." Sasuke shut the car door.

"Sure thing, little brother." Itachi chuckled and ignited the engine to drive away. This was going to be fun to watch.

Naruto looked at Itachi with a glare that could burn galaxies yet the raven didn't blink. Of course, Itachi wasn't nearly as humane as he looked which explained why he hadn't combusted. "No." He replied in a dismissal.

"He needs friends," Itachi held back a snicker. Humiliating his younger brother was very fun.

"Why me?" Naruto questioned, leaning on the kitchen counter. Naruto had come over to Itachi's place for a simple 'I'm going to beat your ass in Mario Kart and eat this pizza while I do it'. Now that Itachi had moved on with another profession he could make time. Of course, treating Naruto was all due since the elder's freedom was all thanks to the blond.

Uzumaki Naruto, a free natured boy that followed the path best suited to him and would do anything to get to his target. The blue eyed boy knew the importance of doing what one loved. Hence the stage on which he stood. Following his beliefs and being the overly helpful man that he was Naruto helped Itachi be where he was.

Itachi just wanted him to do the same for Sasuke. There were places in which Itachi could sculpt and lead Sasuke but this wasn't one of them no matter how hard he tried.

Itachi looked at Naruto with a blank gaze. "Because you and my brother would not get along at all and that will provide entertainment for me."

"I swear to- fuck you, Itachi." Naruto shook his head.

Sasuke chose just then to enter the kitchen. The two men looked at him. Naruto's eyes couldn't help but display shock while Itachi acted as if this was normal. The two brothers didn't live together but they did have keys to each other's apartments.

"Ah, Sasuke you're finally here." Itachi looked towards the stove, lifted up the lid of one of the pots resting on electric heat, tired the content with a large spoon then turned off the stove. "Just in time too."

Naruto felt betrayed. Fucking Itachi invites him to dinner as an appreciation gift and then throws his brother into the mix like it was some sort of set up-

Shit…, that was exactly what the situation was: a set up.

Fine, if Itachi was going to play his cards dirty then Naruto was going to do the same. He'd flirt with Sasuke the whole time and then Itachi, with his brother complex, would change his mind because the very straight Uchiha Sasuke would then be turned gay and flown away.

If Itachi could read Naruto's thoughts the blond would be the first to make an Uchiha laugh till they fell on the floor.

Sasuke was confused. What was Naruto up to? One second he was acting as if he didn't exist and then the second he was all over him. Naruto Uzumaki was clearly hitting on Sasuke Uchiha and very bravely too, right in front of the brother.

Sasuke had to give it to him though, for having balls but in the end he was still annoyed by the blond's behaviour.

Why was he so keen on getting his hopes up?

Itachi coughed. Naruto's eyes flickered to him to take in his facial features, any sort of notion that provided annoyance.

He saw nothing, instead he saw a flicker of excitement, entertainment.

What the fuck Itachi.

Naruto's flirting died out halfway through dinner because it seemed as if neither of the brothers were impacted by it at all. Fucking soulless trash piece of shits.

Of course, leading Sasuke on wasn't a great thing to do either so it was best to end it.

Still though, flirting was as natural as breathing to Naruto. That's just who he was as a person. Honestly, though he had to pull something out of every direction to flirt with Sasuke. He also had to stop his himself from pushing holes into Sasuke's ego and his whole self.

What a fucking bastard, honestly.

The last thing Naruto wanted to be doing was making a move on the brother of a close friend anyway.

Sasuke's gaze would trail to Naruto ever so slightly, every few minutes. No matter how hard he tried to keep his eyes away from the ball of sunshine. Itachi would of course catch him and throw him a knowing look.

Itachi, on the other hand, was loving every bit of what was happening. Naruto trying to piss Itachi off, in turn to confuse Sasuke off leading to Itachi making Sasuke angry. He honestly had never had so much entertainment in so long so he was going to make it last.

"Ask him out to dinner, he's obviously interested." Itachi spoke through the phone.

"Talk business or I hang up." Sasuke threatened.

Itachi heaved an inaudible sigh. It was hard to play matchmaker with two idiots dancing around on his plate. "Well, it's up to you… people like Naruto are hard to find though." He coughed lightly.

"I don't care." He said, though his interests did peak.

"Well, you still have to go see him for your adoptions am I right?" Itachi inquired.

As if Sasuke could forget, he'd been waiting for the next time he'd see Naruto… but that was until he did see him, unplanned of course, he didn't know what to do anymore. Things were different now. He'd gotten to know Naruto a bit more and-

"You have not even gotten to know him at all yet, trust me." Itachi contradicted. How the fuck did his brother always manage to read his thoughts? Even through the phone. What a creep.

"Then what were the two dinner parties I attended? I'm pretty sure that was Naruto and his personality was very upfront."

"Yes, but that's him with his dad and me. We annoy him." Itachi chuckled lightly.

"What is that all about anyway?" Sasuke tried to sound casual about it. He wasn't curious at all though, not at all.

The elder of the brothers smirked. Sasuke was, slowly but surely, becoming more open to the idea of knowing Naruto. His brother's attention had never peaked so high so fast. Knowing that it was for Naruto, Itachi could safely permit it.

"That's not for me to say, guess you'll have to find out yourself." Itachi said in a monotone voice.

The long haired man could've sworn Sasuke had just kissed his teeth at him.

Sasuke stood outside the pet store. He was nervous to walk in. He had already decided to not advance further with Naruto. There was no point. Keeping it business professional was the best.

…Yet he was still nervous for some reason.

Sure he had no problem getting laid and he had enough confidence… anyway. That all didn't matter.

The fact that he would've wanted a proper date with Naruto wasn't important anymore because that wasn't a part of his agenda anymore.

Sure thing Sasuke, try to convince yourself.

His pale hands finally pushed at the door letting the bell ring and announce his arrival. Naruto's attention fled towards the door and at Sasuke.

This was really awkward. Naruto had acted as if he hadn't known Sasuke and now he had to act the opposite in private. He really wasn't the type to do such a thing but he was sure he would have created a scene if he had addressed Sasuke in anyway. The blond was known for commotions and letting things get out of hand… just a little bit.

Plus the raven had pissed him the fuck off and honestly he wasn't going to the deal with Sasuke at that moment. He had a feeling the two of them just wouldn't get along and add that to the stress he had being around his dad… it was all just for the better.

"Hey," Naruto greeted. Sure, things were weird before but that didn't mean Naruto would let them continue being that way. He wouldn't, couldn't, act like nothing had happened either. He had a habit of addressing the elephant in the room.

"Hi," Sasuke said.

"Solomon is ready for the pickup." Naruto asked Sasuke to follow him. "I'm not sure if you've already bought everything he needs but I can help you out with it… if you'd like."

Sasuke nodded his head. He head researched a bit of this and that but he wasn't really sure about what was best. So he considered the offer.

"Of course I have most of the things in this shop. Food, toys and bed and stuff." The blond trailed off.

"Right."

"Okay this is really weird." Naruto coughed.

Sasuke glanced to his side then back at Naruto. Yes, yes this was.

"I just wanted to say the whole thing with my Dad and-

"You don't have to explain that to me." Sasuke couldn't stand how the air around them thickened. It wasn't really necessary for Sasuke to know about this anyway. Sasuke had planned to get Solomon and leave. There was no reason to make things anymore personal.

"I see…" Naruto stepped behind the counter. "Alright, well it's good that all the paper work checked through so Solomon is for you to take care off as of today." Naruto spent the next half an hour explaining all of Solomon's necessities. Sasuke ended up buying everything he needed from Naruto's shop.

Checking out and paying Sasuke looked at the pile of things he had to take home. Solomon sat still, silent, beside Naruto's counter and looked at Sasuke with curious eyes. "I can help you out and get everything into your car." Naruto offered.

Sasuke was about to refuse but then looked at the mass pile of things on the counter and around it. The only thing that was heavy was the large bag of kibble. The rest were small things like bowls for eating, soft toys and a soft bed big enough for Solomon. Still, he'd have to make two to three trips to get it all out. "Yeah, that'd be great." Sasuke accepted.

With little to no words exchanged they packed all the equipment into Sasuke's car. The raven closed the trunk of the car and looked down at Solomon. A leash tied around him which was held by Naruto. The blond bent down to level with the dog and gave him a quick scratch around his ear. "Alright buddy, we've had some good times but Sasuke here's gonna give you a good home." He smiled and Solomon barked in return. Getting up, Naruto passed the leash off to Sasuke.

Sasuke opened the back door of his car and coxed Solomon to get in. The dog refused. Naruto helped out with tossing a treat into the back and Solomon hoped in. The windows were rolled down. The autumn weather let off enough cool air for the dog. The dog's tongue scoped up the treat leaving a wet trail behind. "You might want to clean up his saliva off the seats later." Naruto laughed. "Car fresheners are also recommended."

Sasuke couldn't say anything, he had signed up for this.

"Ah, listen, before you leave." Naruto stalled further. He'd been thinking about what he was about to say. Thinking about saying a 'never mind' and letting Sasuke been on his way crossed his mind one last time. But, he decided to go against that.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow in question. "Yeah?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to grab dinner later. My treat." Naruto extended the offer.

Sasuke was taken aback. Was he being asked out on a date? He should probably say no, he didn't want any more part in this. Sasuke had decided that already.

"Of course, it's an apology of what's happened the past few times we've met." The blond dusted off Sasuke's misunderstanding.

Well… okay, maybe Sasuke could fit something into his schedule. Being friends with the mayor's son would come off good for him so he should at least give it a go. Itachi had also wanted them to be friends so maybe Naruto could benefit him in some sort of way.

This was just going to be an opportunity in offering a friendship.

That was all.

"Okay," Sasuke said much more awkwardly than expected. He cleared his throat.

"Great, I'll text you the details." Naruto got ready to head back into the store.

"Wait," Sasuke stopped him. "You only have my business number."

Naruto smiled and picked out his cell phone from his back pocket. "And that's all you have from me too."

Sasuke recited his number for Naruto to fill into his phone.

"I'll see you soon, Sasuke." Naruto walked back into the pet store.

Sasuke opened his car door and got into the driver's seat. "Alright, Solomon. Time to see your new home." The dog made no move to respond and stuck his head out the window. "I have a feeling you're going to fit right in with the cats." Sasuke smiled.

This Pet AU is going to be the death of me. Leave a review if you want me to continue this.