Dealing with Love (Complete)

Allys777 drew fanart for the closet plushie boy scene!! I loved it!! It's done to perfection and is absolutely cute and I'm ever grateful to her!! The link is on my profile so please check it out!! http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/54000616/

Chapter 12:

Haku dragged the man in as Zabuza shut the door. He looked at Zabuza in concern. “I think making you happier will have to wait. Please get some water…”

Haku went about trying to wake the man. A few light slaps later, he coughed, opening bleary eyes to look into Haku’s brown ones. Haku smiled down at him, concern seeping through the smile. “All right, I want you to drink this water ok? It’ll do your throat some good…” Haku helped him sit up a bit to sip he water. Then Zabuza carried the man to the small guest bedroom down the narrow corridor.

They laid him on the futon and covered him with a comforter. The man fell asleep right away; he looked nothing like when ad when Haku had met him a few weeks back. They shut the door quietly and shared a look.

“What do you think happened, Zabuza?”

“I don’t know. But I think we should have our dinner and then get to bed. It’s pretty late. We can ask him in the morning. Before we sleep, let’s see if he has a fever, we should give him some paracetamol if it seems like he does. You can’t go wrong with that in small doses.” Zabuza led Haku away.

It was one in the morning when they heard the first scream. Zabuza leaped out of bed and ran to the guest room followed by Haku. The man was thrashing, hair clinging to his head, matted with sweat and face scrunched up. He screamed again making Haku jump. The younger man looked at his lover uncertainly, he wanted Zabuza to handle this…his lover could be very gentle and Haku knew from experience that Zabuza handled nightmares well.

The large man gently shook the man awake. “Naruto-san…Naruto-san…” the blue eyes opened wide as he hazily looked at them. Zabuza helped him sit up a bit and sent Haku down for a glass of hot milk with a little cinnamon and sugar. He rubbed Naruto’s shoulder reassuringly. “It was just a nightmare, Naruto-san…it’ll be all right. See, Haku’s brought you some milk, why don’t you drink it and get some proper sleep? We’ll talk in the morning…”

Naruto’s hands started to shake so hard that Haku couldn’t hand him the glass. “I killed him…” his voice was raspy and tears began to run down his face. “It is my fault, if I hadn’t brought him here, he would have lived. I was so stupid…so oblivious!” then the sobs began, he was drying so hard he couldn’t speak, his whole body convulsing with each sob.

Haku placed an arm around Naruto’s shoulder, Zabuza, however scooped him up into a hug. They comforted him until he was done. Then Haku smiled at him. “I know what you have to say is important, but it will have to wait until morning. If you go on like this, you’re going to be really weak. You won’t be able to do anything about it. I promise you that Zabuza and I will come here first thing in the morning. Is that all right, Naruto-san?”

Naruto nodded, he was tired. His head was drooping slowly. Haku helped him drink his glass of milk and Zabuza laid him back down gently, before going back to their bedroom. Haku sat on Naruto’s futon until the man had gone to sleep for real. Then he padded back to his bedroom.

“Why do I have this niggling feeling that it’s not going to be all right?”

Zabuza raised an eyebrow. “We don’t even know what happened, Haku. That ma…boy…is not a killer. So we have to sleep on it ok? You need rest too. We need to face him tomorrow and see what’s going on…though I have a feeling it’s really bad too and that he’s going to need all the help we can give him.”

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“Who gave you that?”

The question hung in the air before Kakashi backed away. “Iruka…I have some things to tell you…about Naruto, about why he doesn’t contact his father and…about his father…”

Iruka nodded and sat down. “I want to know everything…”

Kakashi began his tale about him and Arashi, then about Kyuubi, about Naruto, about Sasuke and then finally about how he’d been letting Arashi use his body. At that Iruka stood up, staring at Kakashi like he was out of his mind.

“You slept with him? Wait I should word it in your words right? You let him use you?” Iruka swallowed. “Why the fuck would you do that?”

“He threatened to kill you….he’s powerful Iruka, he would have hurt Naruto or Sasuke! I couldn’t…I was a traitor, I betrayed him…” Kakashi stopped as he was slapped. His head snapped to his left…he was sure it would leave an imprint.

“Don’t lie to me! You did it at least partly because you wanted to! No matter how rough it was! You’re in love with him aren’t you, Kakashi? He still went ahead and hurt Sasuke…it still hurt Naruto! You knew that would be the case, didn’t you? You still love him, don’t you?” Iruka yelled, everything seemed very clear, he knew Kakashi had used him and Kakashi was still using him.

Kakashi looked at the floor. “I do…I do love him. But then, I also hate him. You couldn’t understand! You don’t know how it is to sleep with the man you love for years and know that he’s lusting after his son, whom you swore to protect. You don’t know how it is to know that he’s using you and still follow him, know that he’ll still destroy every single thing you’ve worked hard for…that he wouldn’t bat an eye at committing murder. That whatever void that drives him crazy can’t be filled by you!” Kakashi looked at the brown haired man, ears forming at his eyes. “No…I know I used you, I know you love me and I’m sorry. And you know what? I know it’s going to end in blood shed and while I love him I can’t help but think it would preferably be his blood.”

He sank to his knees. “Naruto’s missing. I’m trying to find him, but no one, not even the police knows where he is! Arashi’s disappeared too, and I have no idea if Naruto was with him or not. The only person I have on my side is the detective Sai who’s looking for Naruto too. Sasuke’s temporarily paralyzed and he hasn’t woken up yet! I have no idea if I’ll even be on time for anything, let alone stop anything if it happens! So please Iruka, just forgive me. I need you on my side…don’t give up on me now.”

Iruka hugged him, putting an arm around him. “All right. I’ll stay and I’ll be on your side. I’ll care for Sasuke like you want me to, so you can go do everything you have to, with no worries. But I’m not doing this only for you, it’s also for Naruto because I love him a lot and I want him safe.”

Kakashi looked at him in disbelief. He’d expected the man to call him a jerk and leave. Gentle hands, wiped the tears away. Kakashi let his head rest against on Iruka's chest as he leaned against the man. It was comforting the way Iruka's hands stroked his head, fingers running through his hair. He titled his head, wanting to kiss the chocolate haired man, wanting to feel Iruka properly and take time doing it, unlike the times he had before.

But the chocolate haired man turned away. “No…not now. You love someone else and I just don’t feel like it.” They sat in silence, listening to Sasuke breathing which sounded loud and harsh through his oxygen mask.

Kakashi hoped against hope that he’d heal well. There were so many injuries that one didn’t know where to begin while listing them. But the man was alive…it wasn’t like the time with Kyuubi, this time Kakashi could save him. He didn’t want Arashi to ever find out about this, there was no way he’d leave anyone alive if he did. He heard Iruka say something and frowned. “What?”

“I said, when this is all over, I want us to try again. It seems weird to just leave it like this, don’t you think?” Iruka said a small wry smile on his face.

Kakashi nodded, dropping a soft kiss on the man’s lips. “I promise. We’ll start afresh. Sasuke will be all right and hopefully, he’ll be able to testify against Arashi. Then we’ll get that penthouse you wanted so badly…”

“Stupid bum. But yeah, that sounds nice. Ok, I have to change Sasuke’s blood bag now.” Iruka let go of Kakashi and went up to the bed. Kakashi watched him go and bit his lip. He must have been extremely lucky to find a man like Iruka.

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Naruto woke up in a comfortable mattress and looked around. He slowly realised where he was and why he was there. He turned onto his side and buried his face in the pillow. A hand rubbed his arm and he looked up to see Zabuza.

“Hello there, boyo. Haku and I are waiting to talk to you. So why don’t you come downstairs?” Zabuza smiled and began walking out.

“G…give me a minute please…” Naruto found a towel, new tooth brush and a bar of soap laid out for him with what looked like a yukata. He cleaned his teeth and showered. He didn’t want to go down and explain, but if he didn’t it would defeat his purpose. When he got downstairs, Zabuza was serving Haku some pancakes. The large man beckoned to him and waved him towards a chair.

A plate of steaming pancakes was placed in front of him. Then Zabuza got his own plate and joined them at the table. “So, Naruto-san….tell us what’s happening…”

Naruto swallowed. “My father…just killed my lover, Sasuke.” He took in their shocked looks. “I think I should start from the beginning…” he went on to tell them everything. “And I need your help.”

“I’m sorry about everything that’s happened to you, Naruto-san. But how do you propose that we help? After all, your father seems to be a very dangerous and forgive me for saying it, but we’re not going to do your dirty work for you.” Zabuza said firmly, ignoring the reproving look Haku sent him.

Naruto gasped and stared at Zabuza. “I’m not asking you to kill him! I could never ask that! What I’m saying is, I need you help. I need you to help me improve my fighting skills and I need to do it as soon as possible.”

Zabuza stared at him, a measuring look for quite a while. He took in the dark circles, the tired face and the pain filled blue eyes. Haku’s foot nudged him beneath the table. Zabuza made up his mind. “Fine. I’ll teach you. But you must give me three months of attention and diligence. I’ll make you the best fighter in Suna.”

Naruto stared at him in shock. “Three months? I don’t have three months!”

“It’s the shortest amount of time I think of. Take it or leave it.”

Naruto grit his teeth. Determination lit his eyes. “All right. When do we begin?”

“Today. Two hours after your breakfast. Be down in the dojo, Haku will find you an extra Hakama and Gi. I take it you’ll be living with us?” Zabuza asked the last question a little gruffly.

Naruto looked at him. “If you don’t mind…I have no where else to go. I can’t call my home, home anymore…”

“You have to clean up after yourself, boy. I won’t have Haku doing your chores for you. You’ll help around the dojo and you’ll teach some of my students as my assistant instructor if you have to. Any name you’d like to give instead of your own? Though your face is all over the place, I’m going to ask Haku to disguise you. We’ll dye your hair...any specific colour you’d like?” Zabuza gave him a look that brooked no argument.

“Kyuubi Uchiha. My father will expect me to hide…he won’t be looking for anything this obvious. Besides he wouldn’t look here... And I’d like my hair black, with red streaks. Concealer would be good to cover up the marks on my face. When do we do this?” Naruto asked, eyes turned away from them both.

“We’ll do it now. I’ll step out to the grocery store two blocks down and pick up your stuff. We’ll do it the moment I get back so no one in the dojo will recognise you when you go down to train with Zabuza.” Said Haku firmly. “While I do that Naruto-kun, I’d appreciate it if you could wash the dishes and clean the table?”

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“How is he?”

“He’s not doing all that great. He’s still not eating and all the life has gone out of him. It’s all we can do to force that IV into him and keep it there…” Hidan looked grim.

“Oh. Will he see me?”

“He has a soft spot for you Deidara, I’m sure he’ll see you. See if you can talk some sense onto him…” Hidan gestured to the door.

Deidara walked into to see another of Arashi’s body guards Sasori stationed by the bedside keeping an eye on the blond man. Arashi looked like hell, dark circles around his eyes, his face all pinched and tired. His eyes which were usually full of some emotion be it kindness or maliciousness were dead.

Deidara gestured for Sasori to go out the door. Then he turned to his master. “How odd to see you in this state Arashi-sama. But it’s nice to see you all weak and helpless…how foolish of you…”

“Shut up…” it was a low growl, from the blond man…a voice that was too tired, tired of protesting, tired of crying…tired of the world.

“Why must I? In this state there’s hardly anything you could do to me…no wonder Naruto didn’t want you…a man like this is hard to find attractive!” Deidara pointedly turned his back on Arashi.

In a minute the blond man was out of his chair, IV ripped out of his hand…slamming Deidara against the wall. To his surprise Deidara laughed. “Good. So you’re awake…now if you would like to get down to the business of finding Naruto…”

Blue eyes widened. “Finding Naruto?”

“Arashi-sama…don’t tell me you’ve been so distant from the world, that you don’t know that your son has gone missing? It’s all over the newspapers…Your sister is frantic to reach you or him. The police are swarming all over Suna in search of him. They believe that both he and his lover committed suicide…” Deidara smiled with glee.

“Suicide…he wouldn’t have…he can’t…”

“Maybe he would…but then he’s too bent on getting revenge…you ruined his life after all…to meet your own selfish needs…” Deidara shook Arashi off. “I believe he’s hiding. Did you know that Sasuke had met a private detective before he died?” Arashi shook his head.

Deidara examined his nails. “This private detective is the one who told Naruto everything Sasuke had said to him…this man sent Naruto to your office on that fateful day. And word is…that the man is looking for Naruto as well.”

Arashi stared at him for a moment. Then realization slowly crept into his beautiful blue eyes. The giggle started slowly until it morphed into a laugh. Arashi threw back his head and laughed, with Deidara watching him in approval. Suddenly the body guard was pulled into a hug.

“Deidara, we’re back in the game…” Arashi smiled his eyes shining. “Now do you have any food for me?”

“Plenty Arashi-sama. And forgive me for asking, but has your fuck toy contacted you yet?”

“Kakashi? No…he should though, he knows he can’t betray me twice…”

“Well he’s disappeared too. The poor man is torn between his loyalty to Naruto and his love for you. Funny that you must have Naruto even though you have the hot slave almost begging for you…”

“Kakashi will pay…”

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A month later:

Iruka was dozing off. It was only in the last week or so that things had gotten more peaceful. Kakashi was running around a lot in disguise…he said he couldn’t afford to be spotted by anyone incase they were from Arashi’s gang. Sasuke had finally gotten out of danger and Iruka could actually get some sleep instead of being forever vigilant. Sasuke had woken up a few times, but stayed silent all through.

Movement on the bed had him at its side in a minute. Black eyes fluttered open to look at him. He smiled. “Sasuke-kun…”

“Water…” it was a harsh whisper a little on the croak side.

“Right away.” he helped Sasuke drink it, sip by sip, incase the man brought it back up. The Uchiha seemed more awake this time…maybe he’d be able to speak. Sasuke signalled that he’d had enough and Iruka placed the glass by his side.

Iruka looked at the man. “Sasuke…could you try to move your legs please?” He’d been told to do this as soon as the man woke up. After all he’d been unconscious for about two weeks and had had a slip disc, which should have healed by now.

Sasuke complied feebly kicking out with his right leg and then his left. Iruka smiled. “That’s good for now. We’ll have to start getting you to walk after a week or so. So how are you feeling…?”

The man gave a small ghost of a smile. “Like crap.” He whispered.

Iruka grinned. “That’s an improvement. A few weeks back, from what I saw, had you been awake you would have been feeling worse than crap.” They laughed…or Sasuke tried to.

Kakashi walked in then. He stopped a look of surprise crossing his face as he saw Sasuke. “You’re awake. I see you’ve met my boyfr…my friend Iruka.”

Sasuke stared at Kakashi. And then a question formed in his eyes…a question that Kakashi dreaded. “Naruto…?”

Kakashi swallowed. “I don’t know.”

Sasuke croaked again. “What…do you…mean?”

Iruka frowned. “Listen I think Sasuke should stop talking. And I think Kakashi that you should just tell him. What’s the point in drawing it out?”

Kakashi wanted to shrink away from Sasuke worried eyes. “Sasuke…Naruto found out.” He saw Sasuke’s eyes widen. “Sai told him. He had a fight with his father according to Arashi-sama…I mean Arashi’s secretary. She said she returned to find the man crying and Naruto was nowhere to be found. He police found Naruto’s car in North Wind…in an alley. They’re saying its suicide…but there would have to be a body for that. Right now we’re all looking for him…Sai and I are searching everyday. But we don’t know if he’s still in Suna or if he’s somewhere in Water Country itself. Everybody believes you’re dead and I haven’t found Naruto to tell him the truth.”

Sasuke turned away feeling defeated. “He is alive…”

“I know so, Sasuke-kun. It’s just a matter of time…we’ll be able to find him as soon as possible.” Iruka rubbed the man’s shoulder reassuringly, taking care not to jar his broken arm.

“You’re lucky you made it through, Sasuke. We’re never going to let Arashi find out…” Kakashi promised him.

The three just waited in silence. All thinking the same thing. Where are you Naruto?

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“Kyuubi-sensei is really hot, don’t you think?” Hiroki whispered to her friends.

“Yeah…wow look at that body…and I love his hair. Those red streaks look so good…” Minami smiled her eyes raking over the tanned chest that showed through his Gi.

“Hiroki and Minami are you listening to me?” Naruto’s annoyed voice sounded. He did look gorgeous. His white Gi hanging lose, exposing that tanned chest. His hair was black with red streaks, his whisker marks were blotted out by concealer and serious blue eyes complemented the whole look. Every single student be it straight girl or gay guy had fallen for him.

“Yes, Uchiha-sensei…” they chorused together, giving him coy looks all the while. He showed them a few moves. He turned to see awe on all their faces, except two. These two, his students Wana and Sokudo had maniacal glints. He sighed.

Chouji a junior instructor noticed and called out the phrase they’d all memorised by now. “Wana…Sokudo, please do not experiment on the poor men of your college using these moves…not even on Jacob.” The girls looked crestfallen and gave each other these looks. It was like they were telepathic or something.

Finally the class ended; he was exhausted. He made his way up to his room. The many times he’d sparred with Zabuza… he’d lost. If he couldn’t beat Zabuza he couldn’t beat Arashi. Which in turn meant he couldn’t avenge Sasuke. The music player in the corner was blaring Hime Murasaki by Mizuki Nana.

His failures irritated him. Why Sasuke? Why did you have leave me here to bear this on my own? Why couldn’t you trust me?

I melt into your melody

Which whispers in the evening glow

“I can’t…it hurts too much. I’ve fallen in love with you Naruto and the truth is I can’t spend more time with you knowing that every single minute I’ll be compared to Kyuubi or that I’ll never have your love…just let me go…”

We feel eternity in each other’s eyes as our gaze draws us close

And our lives blossom in silence

“All right. I’ll stay…I’ll never leave you if I can help it. I’ll stay until you want me to, okay?”

The drops of our emotions

Waft and scatter in the spring wind

“You want me to act like I’m in love you, but you never realise that I don’t know how to!”

And they feverishly embrace the turning of the stars

The dream of butterflies collapses…

“Naruto…I love you…” dark eyes glittered as gentle hands cupped his cheek.

Sasuke…Naruto bowed his head, the tears coming hard and fast. “I’m sorry…but if there’s some chance you’re alive…please come back…” he clutched his head with his hands. “I saw the pictures…he’s dead…but they found no body…it’s the sea…they won’t find a body…Sasuke…you can’t be dead…”

“He might not be…” said a voice from the door way.

Naruto turned to see Zabuza standing there. “Go away…”

But Zabuza came to sit by him. “Naruto. I asked you for three months…It’s only been one.”

“I know…but there isn’t any goddamn improvement…” Naruto sighed in frustration. “I can’t believe Sasuke’s gone…and they’re saying it’s a suicide! And Sasuke…it wasn’t his fault, Zabuza! He didn’t do anything…this is all because of me! And I can’t do a thing right now…I’m losing everyday! I’m not improving at all!”

“So you’re going to brood all day?” Zabuza's tone was cutting. “If you think you suck then improve, you stupid idiot of a boy! I took you on because I thought you were determined! If you’re going to make a fuss then you can jolly well leave and waste away!”

“But…”

“No. Don’t ‘but’ me boy! If that bastard father of yours is going around killing people you love, then you should do something about it! Sitting on your ass all day long and crying isn’t going to make Sasuke come back!” Zabuza banged his fist on the table making Naruto jump. “If you’re such a weakling then just suck it up, because you’re not going to be allowed to taste life unless you’re with Arashi. Then go ahead and sleep with that father of yours…the man who killed those dear to you. I’m sick of you!”

Naruto glared at him a hint of snarl on his face. “You’re right. I’m sick of me too.” He looked Zabuza in the eyes. “I’ll kill him, Zabuza! I’ll give him a one way ticket to hell!”

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A/N: I felt this was an emo chapter. I like how I’ve done Zabuza though. I have a feeling he did have this side to him…we only caught a glimpse of it before he died. I liked writing the KakaIru scene too the one where they fight. What do you think? Angsty chapter, much?

No Naruto doesn’t know Sasuke’s alive…he won’t for a bit. There’s no one to tell him since the idiot is in hiding. And yes Arashi has plans…I won’t make evil Arashi bow out yet…after all this entire story is about him cos what’s a story without the villain? And I love the way he’s the villain in this…it’s so interesting to write him. So Ja ne! Tell me what you thought.

Taka

Itachi: Taka…I’m going out today…

Taka: O.o, where?

Itachi: Kisame’s house. They’re having this awesome party and all the guys have been invited…we’re going to um…have competitions…

Taka frowning): you mean jinchuuriki catching competitions….

Itachi (feigning surprise): what? I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about baby! Kisame brought lots of sake…so we’ll have…uh…drinking competitions…I love you… I wouldn’t lie to you…

Taka (disbelievingly): uh huh…so what will it be? The whip or the paddle?

Itachi (in horror): You’re going to hit me? Why don’t you believe me?

Taka: firstly you’re taking the weird ring with you and you’ve been resting up for days. Secondly you’re acting extremely out of character…which you know I don’t like. Life was easier when you spoke in monosyllables. Thirdly I don’t like your crowd and you promised you’d stay away.

Itachi moves to leave and there’s a clicking noise. He found a collar attached to him and his hands handcuffed behind him.

Itachi: you could get sued for abusing me…you don’t own me.

Taka: but you own me. And I could always say you liked being uke to my seme… (Theoretically). Come on. You’re forgetting you’re brother in law is a jinchuuriki.

She drags him off and lots of noises fill the air. Naruto and Sasuke listen awestruck. Naruto will be filling in for the author who loved and got influenced by the story D/s Naruto on AFF.

Naruto: Now that taka is taming Itachi, please leave reviews. She’ll let you all look at sexy Itachi if you do…if your review is long she might even let you touch him with one finger…