Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or its characters and I don't make a profit from this story.
MisatosPenPen: I may sound like a broken record, or I’m just an overly polite person, but thank you again for your review. I didn’t realize that I switched POV, so I’ve gone back and made corrections to the previous chapter and added what I edited to the beginning of this chapter.
I actually wasn’t referring to Uchihacest; I meant just comfortable companionship. But by all means, if you see Uchihacest and you like it I won’t correct you. Itachi is one of my favorite characters, so I agree with your description of him. To find out when Sasuke is shot before I reach that chapter you’ll need a calendar from 2011. Just count two weeks from Haku’s attack and that Monday should be the correct date…I still have issues with my timeline I’m working out.
To mir-rcha: Thank you for the review! Haku’s safe-house wasn’t wired because of budget cuts to the Police Dept. With the Council’s refusal to accept a serial killer, there is no funding to wire a house. That means any protection is funded by the protecting officer’s own pocket and that comes with a healthy risk of losing one’s job…like we witnessed with Sasuke. With that said, just because the Council refuses to accept a serial killer doesn’t mean they won’t interfere to keep the public from knowing. The Council has their hands in everything, through partnerships with companies or being co-owners of radio stations and newspapers. Tsunade knows this. And let’s just say the public won’t turn on their politicians so easily, believing their word over their own Police Chief. As for bait...Tsunade was overly confident that Haku was safe where he was, which she learned the hard way wasn’t true. There’s no doubt that they have obstacles to overcome, the biggest one being the Council. I really can’t say much more because it will spoil the ending.
Chapter Ten
June 7th
Charcoal eyes stared unwavering at the varied rainbow of eye colors gawking openly at him. He barely held back an eye-roll as Tenten drooled at the delicious sight he presented. ‘Stupid, shallow, hormonal women.’ Itachi thought to himself.
One pair of eyes stood out at him most though; mint green. He knew who they belonged to. Sakura Haruno, the woman who is Sasuke’s best friend. He’d seen her around numerous times since his Jr. High days.
“So you’re Sasuke’s brother?” Tenten asked nervously, eyeing the man like he was a piece of candy.
“Hn.”
And Tenten practically melted at the guttural sound. Itachi resisted the urge to roll his eyes again, feeling an encroaching headache coming on.
It was baffling that his little brother could work with such…such…
He shook his head, no words coming to mind for the group of detectives still gawking at him.
“Give me a break.” Sakura muttered under her breath.
“Is someone jealous?” Sai stated a bit too loudly for her liking.
She turned around, facing off against Sai with her arms crossed. Her hands ached to curl into fists, but Chief Tsunade made her promise not to resort to violence against him; that he obviously didn’t know better. And that led to the mystery of why the Chief would hire him in the first place. He clearly did not fit in.
“Jealous, of what?” Sakura demanded, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
“That you’re dating the wrong brother?” Sai asked with his fake smile ever-present on his face.
“Huh.” Itachi snorted as Sakura swelled with anger.
“What the hell, Sai! How many times must I tell you this? I am not in a relationship with Sasuke. We’re just friends!”
“Friends with benefits?” Sai smirked.
“What? Where do you come up with this shit?” Sakura screeched, holding herself back from pummeling the idiot.
“Are you telling us you never slept with Sasuke?” Sai asked knowingly.
“Sai…” Completely refusing to answer the question Sakura muttered dangerously, “Run…NOW!”
“I don’t want to run.”
Sensing danger, Temari gripped Sakura tightly around the elbow, holding the fiery woman back from decimating Sai. As much as she hated working with him, Sai was her partner and she needed to make sure he stayed alive.
“If you know what is good for you, Sai, you will run.” Temari offered and breathed harshly in Sakura’s ear. “You don’t want to do this Sakura; you do not want to do this.”
Sakura grit her teeth and cracked her knuckles, the sound echoing threateningly into the cautiously stilled room. Everyone sensed danger, even Itachi, whose eyes narrowed on the tempestuous woman.
“The hell I don’t! When I get a hold of him…” She seethed, mimicking the action of strangling the life out of Sai.
“He’s not worth it.” Temari snapped.
“I don’t care if it’s worth it or not. How many times do I have to tell him, before it finally sinks in, that I am not in a relationship with Sasuke?”
“Well, that’s good news then.” Naruto laughed from the doorway.
And suddenly the deadly aura dissipated, Sakura completely forgetting her ongoing vendetta against Sai. Her green eyes flitted between her partner and the one he was protecting.
“Hn.” Itachi grunted as he stood with his arms crossed, an air of indifference swirling around him.
He was fast developing a headache from all the immaturity around him and was eager to leave. There were court cases that needed his dire attention; one in particular that held his very conscience in the balance.
“Oh, it makes sense now! It’s a family word!” Naruto exclaimed and turned to Sasuke, laughing. “Teme, why didn’t you tell me about this earlier? You deliberately kept something as important as this from me when you knew I was trying to socialize you. I’m disappointed, very disappointed in you, but this will not set me back. We will continue with your counseling until you can proclaim yourself a social butterfly!”
~*R*~
“Hn…” I tried to growl, but my face wouldn’t cooperate as I felt the corners tugging up in a smile.
“Now you know we talked about this, Mr. Uchiha. Try to use words that have more than one syllable? Come on, you can do it.” Naruto teased, shaking with unrestrained mirth.
“Dobe…”
“Teme, your progress is amazing! I’m so proud. You said a word with two syllables. Can I get a word with three?” He sang out in front of everyone, playfully begging.
“Dobe…” I repeated.
“Don’t go back to your antisocial ways now Mr. Uchiha, not when you’re making such great progress!”
“Dobe,” I sighed and begged the heavens. “Why do I put up with you?”
“Because you know I’m worth it!” The blonde boasted with a laugh, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
He just looked so silly that I couldn’t hold back the laugh that was threatening to burst. You would think that someone had just died by everyone’s shocked faces, but I wasn’t bothered. They could stare for all I cared; and they really had Naruto to blame. He brought this out in me.
I tugged the dobe towards me, threaded my hand behind his neck, and smashed our lips together. I smirked in satisfaction at the shocked reactions, but none gave me more satisfaction than Naruto’s. He looked shocked, almost dumbfounded when we pulled apart. I nipped at his plump lips and grinned.
“You are definitely worth it.” I whispered for his ears only.
I had the satisfaction of a full-blown blush that made him look sexy as hell. Yes, I did that to him and yes, I was damn proud of it!
“So you really are together?” Tenten asked in utter shock.
“Are you really?” Sakura asked softly, looking between the two of us.
She gave me the sudden impression of an eager school girl, dancing on the tips of her feet, waiting for her crush to answer her undying declaration of love.
“Someone’s jealous.” Sai jingled out.
“Shut up Sai!” Sakura threatened and turned to look at me again, eyes hopeful.
I nodded slightly and her face lit up. Her acceptance set me at ease…Releasing my worry that I wasn’t aware I held in the first place. Funny how those things creep up on you like that.
“I’m so happy for you!”
She bounced forward and pulled us into a hug, but instead of the signature bear-hug-death-grip it was gentle. She was even gentle with Naruto.
“A threesome?” Sai asked and everyone gulped as the rage poured out of every pore on Sakura and fire lit her eyes.
“Excuse me.” She stated sweetly as she turned to pummel Sai.
Everyone wisely stayed out of it this time, turning a blind eye to the massacre about to happen. Even Temari stepped back, letting Sakura at it. Her knuckles cracked with menacing ‘pops’ as she advanced on the clueless detective.
“Um, uh, Sakura…?” Naruto started, but I shook my head at him.
Naruto shot me a confused look, one that I met and returned with a stiff nod. Sai had this coming and who was I to interfere. He bit his lip and turned back to the scene, Sakura slowly cornering Sai for maximum carnage.
“Treat him well Sasuke.” A voice whispered in my ear.
I looked from the corner of my eye and noticed that it was Itachi and raised my brow at him in question. He only shook his head at me and directed my attention back to Naruto.
Naruto gulped as he watched her batter the pale body who refused to fight back. Red circles were fast turning the yellow and purple of bruises under her lethal fists.
“Sakura?” Naruto asked quietly, taking a step forward with his hand stretched out.
“What!” She snapped and Naruto flinched, taking an involuntary step back and bumping into my chest.
My hands reached up and gripped him gently, holding him in place against me with a frown. Sakura bit her lip and stared at me apologetically, before muttering a hasty and demure apology, “Oh, I’m sorry Naruto.”
The door to the Chief’s office flew open, her eyes surveying the room and landing on a heavily battered Sai. He was sitting in his chair next to Temari who stood there scolding him for antagonizing Sakura. With an exasperated huff, Tsunade stepped out of her office.
“What did Sai do now?” She demanded.
“He…” Tenten started but Naruto cut her off quickly.
“Nothing, he did nothing. Just some crude comments, nothing to bother yourself about.” He laughed nervously.
“Crude comments, again? What about this time?” She asked in a deadly whisper and shot me a dirty look.
Like this was my fault that Sai didn’t know how to filter his comments. Naruto turned a glare on his grandmother, coming to my defense.
“It was nothing; and you don’t have to look at the teme like that!”
“What are you hiding, brat?”
“Nothing.” He replied blankly.
“Huh, right?” Tsunade scoffed.
“Yes.” Naruto ground out.
“Are you sure about that, Naruto? Sais comments wouldn’t have something to do with Sasuke and Sakura being in a relationship would it?” She asked knowingly.
“Sasuke and Sakura are in a relationship? I wasn’t aware that they were anything more than partners and childhood friends.”
I had to marvel at the way Naruto could lie so convincingly to Tsunade. It was an art form, a rare one at that, and expertly perfected in my opinion.
“Exactly, Sai can’t get that through his head.” Temari replied as she whacked the back of his bruised head.
He didn’t wince once and continued to bear his creepy smile at everyone. It sent shivers down my spine and bile up my esophagus. I did not like the man on bit.
Tsunade sighed and gripped the bridge of her nose in exasperation. Why did she put up with these people and their immaturity? She should just fire the lot of them and be done with it! But that would leave her with no detectives and only one dedicated Lieutenant.
“Why are you still here?” She asked as she scrunched her eyes and blinked them open.
“We were just leaving.” I replied as I grabbed Naruto’s hand and dragged him towards the door.
Itachi propelled himself from the wall with an air of grace and followed us out without a word.
“I’ll be in touch, Tsunade.” Yamato replied and fell in line behind us, Kakashi in tow.
~REVENGE~
I stopped by the sleek black car and waited for Itachi’s boss to catch up and unlock the door. Naruto paused next to me, his fingers brushing against mine. The contact sent a string of sparks up my arm. My eyes closed and I took a deep breath, just marveling in the feeling of our skin touching; however briefly it was.
“Right, so you’ll be going with Yamato for now. He’s going to deliver you to where you’re going to be staying for the next two weeks, but he’ll be dropping Itachi off first. I’ll join you later with your belongings and to see how you’ve settled in.” Kakashi replied and leaned against the car door.
“Is this all necessary?” Naruto asked.
“You know the threat is real enough and Tsunade is worried. She’s taking no chances this time and I don’t blame her. Just indulge her, Naruto.”
“I’ve been doing that for 16 years.” The blonde stated on the end of a long-suffering sigh.
Kakashi laughed and ruffled Naruto’s blonde hair, ushering us swiftly into the back seat of the DA’s car.
“I’ll see you in a bit.” He promised.
“Hn.” Itachi and I replied in unison.
“All ready?” Yamato asked from the front seat.
Receiving a collective nod, Yamato turned over the engine and pulled out of the parking garage, heading towards our first destination. The ride was quiet and not the comfortable quiet that tends to put you at ease. No, this silence was pervasive and put me on edge. I didn’t like not knowing where we were going.
Itachi sat stiffly in the passenger seat, not paying attention to the landscape rushing by us in a multicolored blur. Everyone was being oddly silent as we made our way through the mid-day traffic. The radio screeching out the afternoon news run as people laid into their car horns at the slow progress being made on the hot asphalt.
“You’ll be met at the courthouse Itachi.” Yamato replied, attempting to break the silence.
“Hn.” Itachi grunted.
I rolled my eyes and squeezed Naruto’s hand just to see him smile. I wasn’t disappointed as he flashed a dazzling smile despite the weariness he felt with the entire situation.
“I’ve cleared your docket for the day to give you a chance to familiarize. I expect you to take the time to get to know them.” Yamato replied, easing along with the flow of traffic.
“Hn.”
“I’ll be by after I drop these two off and see how you’re getting along, then.”
“Hn.”
Yamato sighed and leaned on his elbow against the window, his right arm resting on the top of the steering wheel. I wondered why he even tried to reason with my brother, but then again, I didn’t like the idea the first time around either and I’m still convinced I could take care of myself. But now I had the bonus of caring for Naruto…
The cars ahead of us inched forward slowly in the congestion and what should have taken ten minutes lasted 45 minutes before the courthouse finally slid into view. It was a magnificent building of white granite standing four stories tall and topped with a working clock tower that chimed 1p.m. as we pulled along the curb.
It was a commanding and intimidating sight, meant to curb wrong doing. And for the most part it succeeded.
“Itachi…” Yamato tried again.
“I will take the time to acquaint myself. I will not promise further.” He replied curtly and stepped out of the car as soon as it stopped.
A man with a strange blue tint to his skin stepped forward and spoke quietly and quickly with Itachi. With a terse nod, he strolled into the stone building, never once looking back or giving a parting greeting. I sensed rather than saw the frown form on Naruto’s face…but I expected nothing less from my emotionally stunted brother.
“You could have said goodbye, teme.”
I turned to stare at him in confusion wondering how he could be angry with me when it was Itachi who said nothing.
“Hn.” I grunted.
“Don’t you give me that monosyllable bullshit, Sasuke?” His voice boomed in the confines of the small car making it sound louder than it should.
“What?” I ground out, clearly understanding that he was not happy with me at the moment.
“He’s your brother! You could have taken the initiative to say goodbye yourself instead of relying on Itachi to do it for you. You don’t know when you’ll see him again.” I watched his eyes glimmer with anger and passion and it stirred my emotions into a whirlwind.
“Why force it, dobe? Clearly he didn’t want to say goodbye to me.” I grated.
“Because! He’s your brother and nothing you do will change that. By saying goodbye…by that simple act alone you could prove that you were the better man. Why wouldn’t you say anything knowing that you may never see each other again?”
“Dobe… it’s complicated.”
“It can’t be as complicated that you can’t at the least say goodbye or have a good day or I’ll talk to you later. There’s nothing complicated about that.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Then make me understand!” He pleaded furiously.
“I can’t make you understand, Naruto. It may be harsh…but you don’t have a brother, so you can’t know. Our relationship’s strained at best and definitely beyond repair.”
“Nothing is beyond repair.” Naruto grumbled, trying to pull his hand away from me.
“This is.” I growled.
I tightened my grip and tugged him back to me. Not expecting retaliation, Naruto jerked forward catching himself before he landed head first into my lap. I smirked at the image that produced, resting on my elbow and quirking an eyebrow his way.
Naruto flushed a deep red that chased down the back of neck. He was avoiding eye contact as he pulled himself upright. Once again he tried to pull his hand away, but I held on fast.
“Didn’t you learn the first time dobe?” I asked, snickering.
“Are you two done or do you need more time?” Yamato asked, cutting off Naruto’s response.
I was almost disappointed, wanting to know what he would have said. Instead, I almost flushed with embarrassment at the thought of Yamato bearing witness to our little squabble. It was amazing that our conversation held me engrossed to the point I forgot we were not alone.
Turning to look at the surrounding area, I had to admit to myself that I had no idea where we were. Had we arrived at our destination already? Yamato cut the ignition and exited the car…I guess that answered my question.
Swallowing my sudden nervousness, I followed closely behind Naruto as he exited the car and paused to eye the red-brick apartment building standing proudly before us. It was decent looking enough fitting in with the old colonial style of the inner city. This was definitely in the Ember District of Konoha then; it was the only district with colonial buildings. I felt stupid for not paying attention to our destination, but at least we were still in the city itself.
~revenge~
It was pleasantly cool and quiet as we passed through the lobby and towards two silver elevators. Naruto was fuming the entire way and I sighed. He was angry, there was no doubt about that, and he would remain angry until I apologized. And I would have to apologize soon if I expected a warm blonde in my bed because it was downright unbearable when I had to lie next to a frigid one.
We rode the elevator 11 floors up and stepped out into a dimly lit hallway where the only lighting came from the sparse pot lights in the ceiling and a wide picture window to the right. We walked halfway down the length of the building and stopped in front of a cream-colored door on the right where Yamato gave a hearty rap against the wood. A brunette answered and smiled at us cheerfully. The first thing I noticed about him was the long distinguishing scar that ran across the bridge of his nose.
“I’ve been expecting you. Please come in and make yourself at home; I was just getting the rooms ready.” He greeted happily as we stepped into the small apartment.
“Wait!” I asked, his words catching up to my brain. “You said rooms; as in two rooms and not one?”
We walked through a short hallway and into the living room on the left of us as we spoke. An open dining room and kitchen area was directly to the right of us and four doors directly off to the right of the kitchen. I could see a balcony directly off the kitchen giving the room much-needed natural lighting. In the living room there were a bay window and a joining window seat with a small bookshelf standing close by. It screamed at you to sit and read while enjoying the view.
“That’s right.” The scarred man continued to smile cheerfully. “You’ll have separate rooms while you’re here.”
“And what if I refuse?”
“Then you can find another place to stay, but you’ll leave by yourself. Chief Tsunades orders, you know.”
“She put you up to this didn’t she?” Naruto hissed with his arms folded across his chest.
He was the epitome of defiance in my eyes and I never admired him more than I did in that moment. Maybe I could get away without apologizing if he was riled up enough.
“It is also my rules, but yes, the Chief made it clear she didn’t want you two sleeping in the same room.”
Naruto leveled the man with a sour look on his face and asked in a sullen tone, “Do you mean the same room or the same bed?”
“Both.”
“You do realize that if I really wanted to I could get creative?” He reasoned.
“I am aware of that, yes, and again the Chief has made it clear that if it happens you’ll be separated immediately, no if’s and’s or but’s.” The unnamed man replied.
“Can you give her a message from me, please?” Naruto smiled sweetly sending chills tingling through my spine.
Oh, that tone never meant well. I almost laughed at the twinge of uncertainty in the brown-haired, scarred man’s demeanor. I held back, remembering that Naruto was angry with me too and the last thing I wanted to do was further enrage him.
“Certainly.” The brunette twittered uncertainly.
“Tell her to butt out of my love life or I’ll butt out of her life completely.”
“She thought you might say that. So she told me to tell you that if you even try it you will find yourself living with her again under lock and key.” He replied adding barely above a whisper, “You know how she gets Naruto.”
Yes, we knew very well how the chief gets…
Wait did he just call Naruto by name? Did he know my dobe or did the Chief just inform this guy of our names. Yes that must be the reason. Chief Tsunade wouldn’t send us to someone without informing them of whom we are and why we were there.
‘So just who was this guy?’ I narrowed my eyes in suspicion as they continued with their little
‘discussion’. “That’s wrongful imprisonment.” Naruto shot back.
“She’s calling the shots, Naruto. So you’d do well to remember that and follow my rules.” The brunette paused and smiled sympathetically. “I’m sure everything will be fine if you just listen. And when this is over you can do whatever you want with whomever you want. But it will never happen in my house.”
“Fine!”
Naruto fumed for a few minutes longer before he cooled down. He sighed and unraveled his crossed arms, turning a pleading look to our caretaker.
“Can’t you bend the rules, just a little? I’ve gotten used to sharing a bed and I promise nothing is going to happen. You know me; my word is golden. Please?” He begged.
I looked away from Naruto and to the other guy waiting for his answer. A sorry look overcame him and he shook his head.
“I’m afraid not Naruto. Tsunade gave me specific instructions and I’m going to follow them to the letter.”
Naruto sighed dejectedly in defeat and flashed me a sad smile. I returned the smile with a nod and turned to the man to ask, “You two know each other?”
“Yes, I lived with Tsunade when I was younger after she took me in when my parents passed. I was still living there when she brought Naruto into our home.”
“Interesting, you never told me that dobe.” I turned questioning eyes on him.
“It wasn’t something you asked about,” He stated quietly. “But I was waiting until you could meet Iruka before I mentioned him to you.”
“Really?” I questioned, swallowing thickly.
“Yeah;” Naruto shrugged, avoiding my gaze. “Iruka is an important part of my family and I wanted you to meet him someday when the circumstances were more favorable.”
I stepped forward with a smile on my face and rubbed my thumb over his cheek lovingly. I couldn’t believe that he held me in such high regards, that he wanted me to meet his family. No words could describe what I was feeling in that moment, so I decided to show him instead and bent forward to kiss him.
Someone cleared their throat obnoxiously, interrupting what should have been a perfect moment between the two of us. I growled and moved away from my gorgeous blonde, glaring at the two onlookers.
“I think I’ll be going now, Iruka. Kakashi said he’ll be by later.” Yamato replied.
“It was nice seeing you again, Yamato.”
“You as well, Iruka, we should meet more often.”
“Yes, I would like that… Maybe you could bring Anko along sometime.”
We stood silently in the living room as Iruka saw Yamato to the door, their voices trailing the length of the hallway. I took one glance at their retreating backs and rushed over to the blonde. I planted a fierce kiss on his lips before I heard the front door shut and Iruka making his way back to living room.
Releasing the confused dobe, I resumed my original position just as Iruka walked in. He stopped in his tracks and narrowed his eyes dangerously as he took in our guilty appearance.
“What were you two doing?” He asked slowly.
I smiled like the Cheshire cat, but otherwise refused to answer. Naruto was unable to respond as he ran his index finger over his moist lips.
“Naruto, you know better than to defy Tsunades orders!” Iruka snapped.
The grin slid from my face in an instant. This was my fault, not Naruto’s!
“He did nothing wrong, it was all me! I did it and if Tsunade has a problem with that she can take it up with me. Until then the dobe stays with me!” I growled and pulled the quiet blonde flush against my body
I shot a glare at this Iruka who wanted to keep us apart. That was not going to happen! Over my dead body!
“Teme, you do not want to fight Granny Tsunade right now. She’s high strung as it is with everything going on and I don’t want to add to it. We can sleep in separate rooms for now; that’s fine.” Naruto mumbled against me, but I snarled in defiance and hugged him tighter still.
“Are you sure?” I inquired.
“Yeah,” Naruto nodded. “And we can cuddle all day if that’ll make you feel better.”
“I think that it would.” I conceded, continuing to glare at the brunette.
“Naruto…” Iruka started.
“It’s done Iruka.” He cried out in exasperation as he pushed away from me. “I will sleep in a different room to appease Granny Tsunade. I will refrain from any sexual activity of any kind in respect of your home, but I can and will do whatever I like during the day with the man I love. Do you understand?”
Iruka clucked in disapproval before heaving an almighty sigh.
“She won’t like this one bit. You know she’s going to take it out on me.”
“Direct her to me. If she’s not happy then I will deal with it!” Naruto exclaimed. “Now, can I show Sasuke his room or am I not even allowed to go in there?”
“You can show him, but leave the door open. I want to see you at all times and I don’t want any music playing either!” He yelled to our retreating backs.
“Sheesh, Iruka, I’m not in high school anymore.” Naruto muttered and turned on his heel to face him mid-step.
“Thank god for that, we all know what happened then.” Iruka shot before blanching.
Naruto visibly stiffened next to me, sadness and hurt marring his beautiful features instantly. I felt my Uchiha flare to life and a snarl rip through my throat. I didn’t care who this Iruka was; he was going down and he was going down now.
It was too bad that Naruto put a stop to that before I could even take a step. He must have sensed what I was about to do because he caught my hand and dragged me away from a regretful looking Iruka, who didn’t protest our passing. Naruto showed me the door farthest from the living room and pushed it open.
I stepped inside the small bedroom taking a quick glance around. It looked normal enough with a dresser, full size bed, bedside table, and lamp. It got my Uchiha stamp of approval.
Naruto shut the door behind him with a snap and locked it. I whipped around wide-eyed wondering what he was doing. He was leaning against the door heavily studying the beige carpet with avid fascination.
“Dobe?” I asked softly.
The blonde shook in front of me and for a moment I thought he was laughing until I heard a sniffle escape. Shit he was crying!
“Why won’t they let me live it down? It was one mistake and it’s like I’m still paying for it.” He cried.
His anguish was palpable and it held me spellbound, rooted to the spot. I didn’t know what to say or what to do to make this go away, to make him feel better. I felt useless.
“They’re just worried about you Naruto.” I offered.
“Bullshit!” Naruto growled.
I took an involuntary step back at the fury splashed across his face. I’d never seen such a look from him before; and deep down I hoped never to see it directed at me.
“Dobe…?”
“No, I don’t want to hear any excuses. I’ve moved past this, so why can’t they! Why do they keep constantly bringing it up and throwing it in my face?”
My heart was breaking for him, I could feel it constricting tightly in my chest. I couldn’t imagine not being trusted for something that happened years ago and wasn’t his fault to begin with. But, also I knew without a doubt that they were worried about him; it just came out wrong.
“I think you know the answer for that already, you just don’t want to acknowledge it. I don’t believe they’re throwing it in your face, dobe. They’re just worried about you.
Naruto shook his head, sniffling.
“This isn’t worry, Sasuke. They want to control my life and dictate who I can see and what I can do. I know if Tsunade had her way I’d be with Gaara right now.”
Gaara? Who was this Gaara and why would the Chief prefer him over me, an Uchiha? Trying to keep my voice level, I licked my dry lips and asked, “Who is Gaara?”
Naruto bit his lip and stared me in the eye, his gaze unwavering.
“Gaara was my college roommate. He was the one there for me after what happened and he was the one that pushed me really to trust again. It wasn’t easy for me to trust someone, especially a guy. Granny Tsunade saw how close we were getting and wanted us to be together, but Gaara was more of a friend to me than a love interest. It didn’t help that Gaara had a crush on me at the time…but I couldn’t date him. I just didn’t see him that way.”
“Right…” I released an inward sigh of relief.
“Are you jealous teme?” Naruto smiled slightly.
“I, jealous; an Uchiha don’t know the word.” I scoffed.
“I didn’t ask if you knew the word, but you don’t have to worry. I haven’t seen him or talked to him much since I got my teaching job a year ago.”
“I’m not jealous.” I muttered defensively.
Naruto had just opened his mouth to answer back when a knock at the door interrupted him. He eyed the door with a scowl of disapproval.
“Go away Iruka.”
“Naruto, don’t be like this…” Iruka exclaimed.
“Just go away!”
“So you won’t let me apologize?” He asked sadly.
“NO!”
I watched as Naruto walked away from the door and turned the stereo on. It was far from being loud only high enough to drown out Iruka’s voice; but I was amazed at his display of childishness. I couldn’t really blame him for it though; after all, his childhood was ripped from him not once, but twice.
I pulled him into a gentle hug as he seethed silently against me, the heat from his anger rolling off him in waves. I took a chance, trying to cool his temperament.
“It’s going to be ok, dobe. I don’t believe they’re trying to control your life. They let you move away to college a month after your assault and they didn’t fight your male roommate. They trust you; they just have a poor way of showing you.”
“Then why do they resist you?” His words were laced with anger and exasperation; and did I detect a tint of sadness too.
“I don’t know, but you really should open the door before Iruka has a heart attack or something.”
“I don’t want to.” He pouted.
“Dobe, he may call Chief Tsunade on us and then where would we be?” I reasoned with him.
“Fine…” He grumbled as he pulled away from me and made his way to the door.
He jerked it open only to find a smiling Kakashi waiting patiently and a worried Iruka twittering around behind him, wringing his hands. I turned off the stereo and made my way out into the crisp, clean, white kitchen.
“Naruto… I’m sorry.” Iruka blurted out as he rushed up to the blonde.
“I know.” He mumbled as he was embraced tightly.
“My words were in poor judgment and I regret them. I just haven’t realized yet how much you’ve grown…but I have reason to worry and you know why.”
“They’re not the same people Iruka.” Naruto whined and pushed him away.
“And that is supposed to assuage my worry?” Iruka demanded.
“It should.” He scowled.
“Naruto…”
“Iruka, maybe now is not the right time for this.” Kakashi muttered as he laid a hand on the brunette’s shoulder.
Oh, this is a new development. Did that mean Kakashi also knew this Iruka? I cocked an eyebrow and crossed my arms, asking the silver-haired lieutenant, “So you know him too?”
“For a few years now, yes.” Kakashi smiled behind his turtleneck.
Throwing my hands up in defeat, I sighed and ran my hands throw my hair. Everybody must know everybody now! It was a conspiracy!
“I feel like I’ve stepped into the Twilight Zone here.”
“Welcome to my life, teme.” Naruto muttered. “Want some fresh air?”
“Yeah, why not.” I mumbled, slipping my hand in my jeans pocket.
Iruka was about to protest when Kakashi came to our rescue. Did I ever mention how much I liked him as a lieutenant?
“They can’t get into any trouble on the balcony, Iruka.”
“But…”
“Let them be for now.” Kakashi soothed.
“But, Tsunade…”
“What she doesn’t know, Iruka…”
“Fine.” Iruka conceded.
Granted victory, Naruto grabbed my hand and pulled me to the balcony door before they could change their minds. I followed him out into full sunshine and stood stock still as I surveyed the beautiful surroundings.
We were 11 floors up and held a wonderful view of the apartment complex. It was apparently a square building built around a private area in the center for the inhabitants only. There was a swimming pool in the center of the recreational complex, with a playground to the left and a small coffee bar to the right. It was like a small paradise getaway in your backyard. Naruto pulled the glass door shut behind us and looked at me worriedly, biting his lip.
“What’s wrong?” I asked suddenly, taking a step towards him.
Naruto breathed deeply and replied softly, “I don’t want to lie and keep secrets from you. So, I wanted to tell you that I’ve met your brother before.”
~REVENGE~
Itachi walked slowly into the courthouse all the while being followed by his unwanted bodyguard. He watched the cyanic man from the corner of his eye as he continued to trail him through the corridors and up the steps to his office. Pausing outside his office, Itachi turned to stare at the bodyguard.
“There will be no need for you to follow me inside.”
“Shouldn’t I check and see if the coast is clear? The killer could be lurking right behind the door waiting to kill you.” The man grinned.
“That would be illogical.” Itachi drawled.
“Well, I don’t find it illogical.”
“Clearly you do not think like I do. Are you aware of the specifics of the case? No, then let me enlighten you. The killer will not strike for another 13 days; that is obvious. Also take in account the fact that we are in a crowded courthouse in the middle of the day on a Tuesday, no less. Also, I can hear Baki right inside talking on the phone. No, the killer is not lying in wait for me so your protection is superfluous.”
“Well aren’t you a regular old Sherlock Holmes.” He grinned, showing off two rows of large teeth filed into sharp points.
“I’ll be right inside if you need anything. Knock first.” Itachi scowled as he opened the door onto a dark-skinned man talking monotonously on the phone.
“Don’t you even want to know my name?” The cyanic man asked around the rapidly closing door. It stopped just short of closing.
“I am waiting?” Itachi replied impatiently.
“Kisame Hoshigaki.” The door snapped shut on the blue tinged bodyguard without another word. “I can see it now; we’ll be the best of friends.” Kisame mumbled as he leaned against the wall.
Itachi stepped inside the room and shut the door behind him, throwing a scowl at the man on the other side of the door. He strode over to his desk and pulled a file to him, preparing for his upcoming trial next week. But his mind wouldn’t allow him to concentrate.
Itachi leaned back in his chair, his mind buzzing with suspicion. Something was off to him, something that he needed to check about. With a scowl he pulled out his cell and typed quickly. Hitting the send button with an odd sense of satisfaction, he opened his file for the hundredth time, his eyes following the same path it always did to one particular paragraph.
~REVENGE~
I felt cold with shock…actually shock was an understatement. It was too simple a word to describe what I was feeling as I stared at Naruto, yet no other word could describe it better. I was aware that my mouth had dropped open at some point and that it was unbecoming of an Uchiha. But at the moment it didn’t matter. I no longer cared to be called an Uchiha.
My shock slowly ebbed away into righteous outrage. I had never felt such acrimony in my life and it was all directed towards my brother, the one that I was supposed to trust the most with our parents gone.
“He is no family of mine.” I spat.
“Don’t say that!” Naruto demanded.
“It’s true.” I snapped. “He is not my brother and I don’t have…”
“He is the only family you have left, teme.” Naruto whispered.
“You are my family now.”
Naruto shook his head, resting his hand on the railing overlooking the park below. It was beginning to piss me off that he was defending my brothers actions!
“What? Stop shaking your head, Naruto. Itachi is not…”
“I’m not your family Sasuke.” Naruto interrupted emphatically.
I shook my head and took a step back, glaring at him as a bark of harsh laughter escaped me.
“I love you Naruto and because of that, it makes you my family.”
“I can’t be your family if you refuse your brother.” Naruto stated calmly. “I will not be the reason for your falling out; I refuse and if I have to leave you then I will.”
‘I can’t believe I’m hearing this.’ How could he not be angry at Itachi; how could he smile at him and treat him with courtesy? Courtesy my brother hadn’t shown him when he needed it the most!
“I don’t want to lose you, but I can’t look at my brother the same way again. I can’t forgive him.”
“Yes, you can, because you have nothing to forgive. That responsibility is mine and mine alone and I’ve forgiven him long ago. I stand by my word, teme. If you can’t maintain a relationship with your brother, then we have no relationship.”
“I never figured you were one to give in, Naruto.” I snarled and Naruto sighed.
“I see…just think about it for now. OK?” He asked.
I stood there unable to answer in fear of blowing up at him and causing irreparable harm. Naruto heaved another sigh and walked towards the door, his hand resting on my shoulder for the briefest of moments before he entered the small apartment. I stood alone with nothing but my thoughts to keep me company.
I glared at the bright and sunny sky that winked in the sky mocking me; a pale imitation of Naruto’s brilliant radiance. I couldn’t understand him, couldn’t understand why he would want me to act as if I didn’t know what my brother had done. It wasn’t like we were on speaking terms at the moment anyway; but then, what was that back at the police station?
‘Treat him well Sasuke’. That was what Itachi had said to me, but why would he say that to me?
“Sasuke?” Iruka asked from behind me. “Naruto looked a little upset, is everything OK, or should I apologize to him again?”
I turned quickly abandoning my thoughts for a later time; a time when I would be less angry and more level-headed.
“No, this is my fault.” I admitted. “We’ve had a disagreement, that’s all. It’s nothing to be joyous about though, we’ll work through it.”
“I want nothing more than for you two to work it out. Contrary to what just happened I really think you’re good for him.”
“I find that hard to believe.” I snorted.
“I thought you’d have that kind of attitude. It isn’t without concern that we watch over him as closely as we do. He’s too trusting at times and I sense you know that firsthand.” Iruka smiled as he leaned against the balcony railing, watching the people swarm around the pool and playground.
“Naruto has always been like that ever since he was a child. Always bubbly and quick to make friends, he was a happy normal little boy. But that changed after his parents died. Yes, I knew Naruto before he came to live with Tsunade and me.” Iruka smiled, not fazed by my skeptical look.
“After that he withdrew into himself, and it was with great concern that I watched it happen. Tsunade and I tried, but were unable to help him, to console him. Even though I had lost my parents too, it wasn’t the same. My mom and dad died in an accident and not at the hands of a murderer. I think you can sympathize with me when I say that I felt incredibly guilty that I could remember my parents. I felt guilty that I could remember Minato and Kushina when his memories were locked away.”
I nodded. Yes, I could sympathize with Iruka. I had countless memories where Naruto only had the one that he clung too as if it was a lifeline. He never gave me reason to feel guilty, but I felt it all the same.
“Naruto walked around the house in a trance like state for almost six months before anyone was able to drag some life out of him. It was thanks to a little fox that he had found injured alongside the road.” Iruka paused to laugh, wiping tears from his eyes.
“Tsunade was furious that he brought it home and constantly threatened to throw it out at night when Naruto was sleeping. He made a box up for the little kit to sleep in and placed it next to his bed. He borrowed books from the library and even called the Konoha Humane Society to find out how to care for it.
“Naruto loved that little kit so much and it nearly broke his heart to set him free. But things were better after that, he wasn’t so withdrawn anymore. And day-by-day he continued to improve, even made a few friends in elementary school.
“He hit it off with the girls and they were his closest friends, especially Ino. They were close until high school when she was pulled out to go to a more prestigious private school than the one they were in. We naturally thought that it would destroy him, but he amazed us. Naruto was genuinely happy for her. Everything was looking up and then his senior year happened.” Iruka stalled and sighed heavily. “He told you what happened and what followed?”
“Yes.” And my righteous outrage was back, but I didn’t have time to dwell in it as Iruka pulled me back.
“That’s good, it’s better that Naruto has someone to talk to about it. But I can’t stop worrying about him though.” He admitted. “Naruto doesn’t always stop to think and that has led him into trouble at times.
“I knew that Kabuto wasn’t good for him, but he wouldn’t listen. He was infatuated from the moment he thought that someone thought of him in that way. It was different and new and exciting to him and completely unlike the way the girls treated him. And don’t get me wrong, he had wonderful friendships with the girls.”
“I don’t want him to rush into anything either, but you have to realize he is not a kid anymore.”
“Maybe so. How long did it take for you two to form a relationship?” Iruka asked, abruptly veering off topic.
“Does it matter?” I scoffed.
“A little.” Iruka shrugged
“Hn…Less than a week.”
“Was it love at first sight?” Iruka questioned.
“Where are you going with this?” I demanded in frustration.
“Just hear me out and answer the question.” He reasoned
“No, it wasn’t.” I ground out. “In fact, we didn’t hit it off at first.”
“And how long before you told him that you loved him?”
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, letting Iruka know of my irritation with his line of questioning. He tilted his head and motioned for me to answer the question.
“I don’t know. Just recently, I suppose.” I admitted.
“And who said it first?”
This time I growled my irritation, but Iruka was unfazed.
“Naruto did, but it was blurted out unexpectedly. He said that it wasn’t how he intended to tell me.”
“No, it never comes out the way you plan it.”
“He has grown up. He’s not a kid anymore.” I stated.
“Maybe so, but he will always be a kid at heart.” Iruka laughed as we walked back inside.
I couldn’t disagree with that statement because it was one reason that I fell for him.
