Rapture

Chapter 6

The sound of a bell chimed as the pair made their way into the gas station doors. Sasuke was both confused and relieved to see his first ever (and hopefully only ever) drug deal take place in a public building. His mind just couldn't wrap around any idea of what this supposed 'guy' Naruto talked about could be like. Especially if the guy is so confident to be selling drugs out in the open like this. In the movies, Sasuke always saw the drug deals happening in dark alleys, not well-lit convenient stores in mid day.

"No. Fucking. Way." A low voice was heard from behind the cashier counter, adjacent to where the two were now standing.

Said voice belonged to none other than Shikamaru Nara. He was tall, with dark shaggy hair tied into a ponytail. He had an unlit cigarette dangling out of his mouth as he leaned over the counter to catch a better look at what he could only fathom as a ghost walking through those doors.

At the sight of the Nara, Naruto face broke into a wide smile, "Shika! Did ya miss me?" He called out loudly, holding his arms out dramatically as he walked up to the other side of the counter.

Sasuke silently followed behind the blonde. He was a bit perplexed at the situation. Never was he expecting this "guy" who supposedly is some high status drug lord, is a measly sixteen year old working at a gas station. This town is definitely weird.

Shikamaru pulled the cigarette out of his mouth and held it delicately between his fingers. As Naruto reached the counter, he leaned his upper half onto his forearms ontop of the paint peeled surface, "You look great. How's your summer been?"

The brunette rolled his eyes with a sigh, "I thought you were dead, moron. Where the hell have you been? Sakura acted like no one would ever see you again."

Naruto chuckled nonchalantly, "I actually am a whole new person. Found Jesus, devoted my life to abstinence and spreading the message of God 'n all that shit. Hey, while we're here, do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior Jesus Christ?"

Shikarmu smirked, raising his eyebrow he reached over the counter to ruffle the blondes hair with a chuckle, "Mhmm. And how was rehab this time?"

By this time, Sasuke had been leaning on the counter himself unnoticed, watching the exchange between the two friends. He raised his eyebrows in surprise at the words "this time". Exactly how many times did he go to rehab? Although before he had said to the blonde himself he didn't care, he was growing quite fond of the kid pretty quickly. He couldn't help himself but feel a twinge of worry for what he may have gotten himself into allowing Naruto to go with him to meet the guy who enables his addiction.

Naruto shrugged, standing up straight again he stretched his arms behind his head, "It was great. I really feel like it helped this time."

Shikamaru smiled and nodded, "Good. I really am glad to see you. And I'm happy you're doing better."

Naruto smiled back, "Me too," shifting on his feet awkwardly, he looked down at his hands, "So how's Sakura been?"

Shikamaru's smile faded slightly, "Not great. She refused to tell anyone what happened. I don't know what you did to her but you fucked her up bad." Shika sighed, "She's barely hung out with us all summer and when she did, it was like she was just zoned the whole time."

Naruto looked down in embarrassment. His cheeks began to turn a bright red as he sheepishly scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah. I really need to go see her and talk with her. I owe her at least that much."

"Yeah you do." Shikamaru said flatly. He gave Naruto one more stern look before looking at the teen next to him.

He glanced over at Sasuke who had yet to say a single word throughout their conversation. Quickly grabbing his arm, Naruto pulled the teen closer to him with a broad smile, "Oh my bad. Shika, this is Sasuke. He just moved in next door. Sasuke, this is Shikamaru. He's a good friend of mine."