Working with Neiji hadn't been easy. The man was as fastidious as Sasuke was and had to organise everything in a manner that drove the kit cray cray.
"This is the third time you've asked me to shift it! Could you just make up your mind already? I swear you're worse than a girl."
The male groaned. "Just a little more. I can't decide to arrange them by colour or type."
Naruto rolled his eyes while Neiji frowned. How does arranging the order of dog food or cat food matter when people are going down the same aisles? It's not as if the aisle were miles apart… the man was just paranoid.
"How about you toss a coin or something?"
The man was about to reprimand the blond when the bell rang, signalling a visitor.
"Welcome to Pets for Life! How can I assist you today?"
Naruto's smile fell when he saw Sasuke panting. Clearly the student sophomore had been running for a while.
"Hide me!" he demanded and Neiji led the Uchiha to the back with a slightly panicked look. The fox was puzzled but his questions were soon answered when a group of girls flooded the store.
"Find him!" one girl screeched and Naruto felt like all eight tails might just materialise at the ferocity of the women.
"He's not anywhere in the front."
"He's in the back!"
Naruto panicked for a good second before dashing to block the girls from going to the staff room in the back.
"My apologies ladies. This place is strictly for staff only. Unless you work here I can't allow you to pass."
For a second the kit thought the fans of his pretend lover would chew his head off. Instead, silence ensued. It wasn't until the girl with violet hair squealed at how adorable Naruto was.
"Look at him! He's so cute!"
"Are those actual whiskers on his cheeks?"
"His hair is so nice, I want to touch it!"
"Can I bring him home?"
For the first time in his life, the blond fox didn't know how to escape his situation. "Neiji! Neiji help!"
The store owner appeared and froze at the ridiculous commotion in his store. He had engaged the help of one Naruto and now he had to deal with an army of fangirls.
"Look, if you're not here to buy something please leave. You're disrupting the peace here and we have work to do!"
With a firm Hyuuga glare, the girls fell silent. Some left while the more stubborn ones decided to look around the aisles while sneaking peeks at the new blond in town. It wasn't until Neiji called Hinata to come in early for her shift that the fangirls left, disappointed at the development.
Hinata was clueless as to why she was subjected to many poisonous stares but Naruto was grateful for her.
"Thanks, Hinata, you saved me."
Neiji groaned. "Well, now that they know you're here the peaceful days are numbered."
"Does this always happen? I thought the store wasn't very popular."
"Watch your words!" the Hyuuga snapped. Then his shoulders slumped forward as he leaned against the counter for support.
"This is the first time something this crazy happened."
Deeming the coast clear, Sasuke emerged from the back of the store and apologised to the shop owner.
"It isn't much but I hope this will make it up to you." A thick wad of cash was handed to the young business owner. Neiji gaped like a fish at the obscene amount.
"I would like to apologise in advance but I would prefer if Naruto quit working here. It will only bring more trouble in the future."
Hinata looked slightly sad as Neiji agreed. Naruto pouted. It might have been frustrating but it beats being bored in Sasuke's apartment. "You can't just decide things for me!"
Sasuke deadpanned. "Yes, I can. You owe me. Besides, you won't have time to work when you're going to be enrolled in school with me."
Naruto's ears perked. "School?"
Sasuke nodded. "Itachi finally got the documents ready. It took longer than I expected but he was busy. You'll start next week and there are preparations to be done."
The blond fox could hardly contain his excitement as he bid Neiji goodbye.
"I'll visit I promise," he told Hinata who smiled and waved back. Naruto made a mental note to text Kiba about the change.
Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX
"So why do I need to go to school again?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes. Sometimes the fox really was slow.
"It will help keep my fangirls away if they see you with me. Those girls know no mercy. Besides, I'll do the projects with you so you need not worry too much about grades except for the exams. I'll help you study."
"What am I studying again?"
Sasuke grinned. "Business and finance."
Naruto groaned. He hated numbers. "There was a reason why I didn't choose swindling you know? That is Kurama's stuff, I'm better at seducing!"
The Uchiha said nothing and opted to pat the blond fox, scratching behind the droopy fox ears.
"You have until next week to prepare for university life. Enjoy the freedom while you can, Uzumaki."
"I hate you."
"It's not that bad."
"I hate the name, you idiot! Why am I the one who has the name of a fishcake?"
The raven-haired man grinned. "You should be happy seeing how you actually like ramen."
"This and that are two separate matters!"
"Who gave you the name Naruto anyway?"
The golden fox frowned. "Good question. I'll need to ask Kurama when I see him."
The Uchiha rolled his eyes and offered his hand to the blond. "Come on, time for a bath. I'll brush your tails after this."
A wide grin was the only thing in response before the hyperactive blond raced to the bathroom.