Paranoia || Naruto Uzumaki ||

Paranoia || Naruto Uzumaki || Chapter 2

Oh my gosh these past couple of weeks have been so busy! I know it's past Halloween but I couldn't resist writing for it. I hope you guys enjoy this short chapter. More to come later on~

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Melanie and Naruto had been texting all week. It had taken her a few days to get the courage to text the blonde. Although she had his number, he didn't have hers so it was up to Melanie to make the next move. They would often talk late into the night with Melanie falling asleep half way through a conversation. Naruto didn't seem to mind, as Melanie would always wake up with a good morning text.

Last night Naruto had surprised Melanie by calling her rather than texting like their normal routine. He started the conversation as he usually would and finished it with asking her on date; which is how Melanie ended up in her current predicament. She rushed through the front door of Space Jam. She tapped her foot and chewed on her thumb nail waiting for the line of people to move. She flashed Sakura a bright smile when she reached the front.

"Hey Melanie what can I do for you?"

"I called Robin this morning and she said I could pick up my check early. It should be out back in an envelope with my name on it."

"I'll go check." Sakura came back waving the white envelope. "Why did you need it early?"

Melanie blushed slightly. "Naruto invited me to a costume party tomorrow night and like the noob I am, I haven't gotten a costume yet."

"You must be talking about Shikmaru's party. He throws them every year despite complaining about how bothersome they are. If you have half an hour to spare I can take you to this niffy costume shop when I get off."

"Thank you so much!" Melanie answered, "I haven't told Naruto if I was going or not - because I don't know if there will be any costumes left - but I'll let him know now." She ordered a drink and settled at a table waiting for Sakura.

She sent her text before setting her phone down on the table. She tried not to stare it down as she waited for Naruto to respond. "Hello Melanie, I was hoping I'd see you today." She looked up to see Kabuto grinning down at her. "Mind if I join you?"

Melanie nodded watching Kabuto as he slid into the seat across from her. His silver hair wasn't pulled back today and she caught herself wondering what made it such an odd color. "Is there something on my face?"

Kabuto's amused voice broke through her thoughts. "I was wondering why you hair is such an odd color. I've never seen anything like it."

Kabuto quirked an eyebrow, "It's not that odd. Sakura has pink hair." Melanie shrugged. "It's the same reason as why you have brown hair and blue eyes. It's why we both have to wear glasses."

"Genetics," Melanie guessed. Kabuto nodded. They sat in a comfortable silence as Melanie sipped on her drink watching the people walk by outside. Kabuto watched her, taking in every movement she made. She jumped when her phone buzzed.

Before she could reach for it Kabuto's hand shot out and grabbed her phone. He opened the message, annoyance flicking across his features. He typed something out on her phone before putting it in his pocket.

"Hey! Give me that back!"

"Give what back?" Kabuto asked innocently.

"My phone!"

"You don't want to talk to me?" Kabuto asked feigning hurt. Melanie rolled her eyes holding out her hand. Kabuto grabbed on it brining it closer to him. "You have such small hands." He lined their fingers up marveling at the way the tips of her fingers barely touched half way up his. He bent his fingers at the knuckle. "I could easily crush your hand."

"Are you ready to go Melanie?" Sakura asked gazing curiously between the two as Melanie pulled her hand away.

"I really need my phone back please."

"Where are you going?" Kabuto asked.

"Nowhere," Sakura said. "To find costumes" she amended seeing Kabuto's glare.

"Costumes?"

"Shikmaru is throwing a costume party tomorrow night! Are you going?" Melanie asked missing the horrified look Sakura gave her.

"Maybe," Kabuto said finally handing Melanie back her phone. She checked her messages noticing the reply from Naruto had been read but not replied to. What was Kabuto doing to her phone then? She gave him a small wave as she followed Sakura out the door.

"Hey Melanie, can I say something?" Sakura broke their silence with the hesitant question.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Be careful around Kabuto, okay? I know he's been nice to you and all but don't let that fool you."

Melanie watched Sakura out of the corner of her eye. The pink haired girl was holding something back but Melanie didn't press it, just nodded her understanding. She soon became distracted by incoming texts from Naruto. He was at lunch with Sasuke and very proud that he finally talked the raven into trying the new ramen restaurant.

"Hey Sakura, what does your costume look like?"

"I thought this year I'd go as a sexy pirate. I have this really cool hat and sword but now I need to find some black boots."

So pirate was out of the question. Melanie wanted a costume that not everyone would have. She knew that she couldn't escape there being duplicate costumes but at least she could go for the less obvious like a pirate. Sakura led her into the costume store. From the outside it looked to be a small place but as soon as Melanie stepped inside she saw otherwise. The store was massive. What it lacked in width it made up for in length.

"Okay, so we need a plan. If we wander around aimlessly we'll never find a costume. What is that you want to be?" Sakura asked. When Melanie had no reply she thought for a moment. "What is Naruto going as?"

"Good question, let me text him." Seconds later Melanie had her reply. Her mouth twitched as she handed the phone to Sakura.

"That knucklehead," Sakura shook her head handing the phone back. "Just so happens I have the perfect costume for you Melanie, now all we have to do is find the parts."

Melanie nodded excitedly. Her phone buzzed one last time as she was about to put it away. The message read Kabuto on it. So that's what he had been doing to her phone; putting his number into it. He could have just asked. She opened the message quickly reading it before she was stumbling after Sakura down each isle; Kabuto's message quickly being forgotten.

I'll see you there.