I don't own Naruto or its characters. I don’t own “It’s a Wonderful Life” either. I make no profit from this story.
To Angel_Davis: Thank you for your amazing review! I can promise you that more of the Akatsuki will make make an appearance. Feel free to fangirl all you like. :D To MisatosPenPen: Thank you for catching the POV again. I seem to miss that a lot. I apologize for confusing you and I would tell you what Itachi did to poor Naruto if I could. That revelation is still a few chapters away though. As always, thank you for taking the time to review! :D AN: I apologize for the chapter being late...I was watching the Olympics. I will try to get the next chapter up before I leave for vacation this weekend.
Chapter Eleven
June 10th
The shadow slowly moved towards the hotel room anger pulsing through his veins with every step closer he came to the door. Three days without a hint of movement within was enough to tell him his targets had moved. It was a vain effort, but there was a compulsion to see it for himself, to confirm it for himself.
He met with nothing but cold silence from the still room as he forced the door open and advanced slowly inside. Taking the well beaten path through hallway and into the bedroom, there was no sign of his targets. In fact the room looked like it had been vacant for days. They had moved out and vanished when he wasn’t looking.
With a growl of frustration, he left the place as quietly as he’d entered. He had to give it to Tsunade this time, even after everything he never expected her to move them. This was a small hindrance, but one that he could easily get over. He would find them and Tsunade would regret trying to get in his way. Yes, he would make them pay; he would make them all pay.
~REVENGE~
It felt like I hadn’t a moment alone with the dobe in ages. Iruka and Kakashi were proving themselves most effective in keeping us apart in the same apartment and, much to my dismay, informed that Kakashi lived here and would be a regular occurrence at the dinner table. Apparently, he’d been dating Iruka for close to seven years now; just my luck. This was all fine with me, except that they had found a way to drive a wedge between me and my gorgeous blonde.
I hadn’t had a chance to give him my answer either. Every time I thought there was a moment to pull him away Iruka or Kakashi was there with something else that needed my dire attention. It was beyond frustrating and fast approaching annoying. The only time I had together with Naruto and I had to share it with our two chaperones.
It was a mistake on my part to believe that Kakashi could be on our side. I was fooled when he gave us time alone on the balcony, but since then they hadn’t let either of us out of their sights. There were even side glances when we sat together in the living room watching TV. In irritation I moved to the opposite end of the couch, putting one cushion between Naruto and me.
I sat across from the dobe at the kitchen table once again; because obviously we couldn’t be trusted to sit next to each other, and had taken to staring at him. I tuned everything out and what I couldn’t, I ignored. Nothing was more important to me than Naruto at the moment.
“Sasuke, it is rude to stare.” Kakashi reprimanded.
I chose to ignore him. Silently hoping they would get the point that there was something I needed to talk about with the dobe and that it wasn’t something that I was going to say in front of them.
“Naruto it’s your night for dishes.” Iruka said as he pushed away from the table.
“Ok.” Naruto muttered as he gathered up the dishes to wash.
He didn’t say a word to me when he grabbed up my dirty plate and silverware; he didn’t even look at me once. It was strange to hear him so quiet, especially towards me. Maybe it was because he was around Kakashi and Iruka, but I doubted it. No, I suspected his silence was my fault. That’s why I wanted to give him my response as soon as possible
“Sasuke, would you mind helping me set up that new entertainment center? That old one is in need of replacement.” Kakashi asked politely grinning behind his turtleneck.
“Hn.” I ground out as I watched Naruto retreat to the sink and draw water. Really, what choice did I have?
~revenge~
Fifteen minutes later and I was enjoying watching Kakashi’s confused expression. He was having difficulty putting the stupid thing together and it served him right. I wasn’t about to tell him that I had put one together for Sakura not too long ago and that he didn’t have the right screwdrivers or that it was upside down. This was payback for the three days of hell he’d put me through.
“Ok, looks like I need a Phillips head instead. Do you mind grabbing it for me; it’s still in the bathroom from the other day.” Kakashi muttered as he tried to read the directions through again.
I launched myself from the couch without a word and made my way slowly towards the bathroom. I bypassed the dobe and Iruka, unaware of my passing, and entered the bleach white rectangular cubicle. Really, it was the smallest bathroom in the world with just enough walking space between the toilet and the sink.
I had just picked up the screwdriver from the back of the toilet when Naruto entered the bathroom behind me and locked the door. He looked up and almost jumped out of his skin; clearly, not expecting to see me there. He hurriedly made to unlock the door when I reached out and stopped him.
He looked at me in question before I smirked evilly and captured his lips. It felt like heaven to just be able to kiss him without any onlookers. A peck on the cheek was so awkward with Kakashi and Iruka watching that I stopped all together after a few times. I broke apart panting slightly. Yes, I definitely missed this.
“Sasuke…” Naruto spoke breathlessly.
I didn’t waste any time in pulling him into a hug, relishing the feeling of his warmth so close to my body again. I should be doing this every day, considering. But Tsunade was forcing us apart, by proxy of Kakashi and Iruka’s actions, because she believed I wasn’t good enough for her grandson. I was one of her detectives for crying out loud!
“Dobe…” I murmured, my hands cupping his face and thumbs rubbing over his scars.
Staring off to the side intently, he whispered, “We shouldn’t be doing this.”
“Probably not, but it does feel really nice.”
“Very nice…” Naruto sighed against me, closing his eyes and kissing me again.
“Naruto?” I whispered when we broke apart.
“Hmm?”
“I’ll try to make it work with my brother. But I can’t promise more than that; not knowing what I know and how we already treat each other.”
Naruto jerked back out of my grip, eyes wide with surprise. A wide grin stretched across his face and seemed to radiate such happiness that I couldn’t help the smile that found its way to my lips in response. The only thing that could spoil this moment would be our ‘wardens’ and they didn’t disappoint.
Harsh knocking was heard at the door. Naruto jumped in shock, caught off-guard. He reached out and clung to me tightly. Shaking his head in embarrassment, he stepped back and dropped his arms to his sides. I rolled my eyes, allowing Naruto to pass me to the toilet. I turned the lock as quietly as possible, hoping they wouldn’t notice, and opened the door to view to extremely pissed off men.
“What do you think you were doing?” Iruka demanded immediately.
“We were just having a quickie in the bathtub.” I muttered and watched as Iruka turned pale. Kakashi stood behind Iruka silently laughing, and attempted to calm his lover down as I made my way into the living room with the screwdriver in hand. Kakashi joined me minutes later and took a seat in the chair.
“Why did you have to say that to him? He’s practically trying to strip search Naruto now.”
“It was a joke,” I growled. “And if he tries to touch Naruto you may not have a boyfriend anymore.”
“Naruto can handle himself, but if you try to touch Iruka Naruto won’t have a boyfriend anymore.” He smiled dangerously.
“Hn.” I wasn’t scared of him. So he could just bring it on.
~REVENGE~
June 12-13th
Kiba rubbed at tired eyes running through the old archived newspapers diligently. He was pissed that he couldn’t find anything and pissed that he didn’t have time to look every night. Never had he felt so rushed in his life to find something that might not even be there. They only had a week left!
He shook his head to dispel the sleep that threatened to claim him again tonight. When that didn’t work, he stood up and poured himself another cup of strong tea willing his body to stay awake.
He sat down at the small computer terminal and turned the dial to the next page, looking through anything and everything at this point for any mention of the Council. He paused at a likely looking article, but found that it contained nothing more than a rundown of their current project: the whirlpool districts revitalization.
Kiba threw his head back and let out a feral growl; rubbing at tired eyes again before settling back down ready for the long night ahead of him. There would be no backing down from this, not now. More than one life depended on this…
~REVENGE~
June 13th
Tsunade stood in front of her officers once again, immobile…impassive. There was nothing new to report to her, nothing to be found at Haku’s safe house that would point them to the killer. There was nowhere else to send them to look. It was reminiscent of the past where she was always two steps behind; only now they knew the intended targets. But even with that knowledge they were unable to catch him.
It was a very somber room where no one knew how to proceed or even where to look. There was nothing; they had done everything they could, exhausted every avenue; breeched every wall. And that fact was not lost on them.
“So you have nowhere else to look?” Shikaku asked as he shifted in his chair for a more comfortable position.
He had made himself part of the investigation after Haku’s attack; trying to be of any assistance possible. Shikaku no longer cared that his job was in jeopardy or that his wife threatened to leave him if he became unemployed. This was the least he could do after sitting back and letting the other Council members hinder the Chiefs efforts. But how did you fight a Council with direct ties to all media outlets?
“None.” Tsunade shook her head sadly and bit at her thumb.
“It’s frustrating to say the least, Shikaku. We’ve exhausted every measure we have and there just isn’t anything. This guy is too confident, too perfect that he can get away with it.” Kakashi muttered.
“Confidence can lead to mistakes.”
“The problem is that he hasn’t made any mistakes and if he has, we’ve never noticed it.”
“So now you want us to look for mistakes?” Tenten sighed in exasperation, sitting back in her chair hard.
“No, that would be impractical and we no longer have that kind of time. There’s only a week left.” Tsunade replied.
“They’ll be fine; you know they’re both fighters.” Kakashi grinned, but it didn’t reach far.
Silence followed soon after; invading their very being and bogging them down with worry and anxiety. Usually, they would file the investigation for a later time; wait for witnesses to step forward or even the offender themselves. But they didn’t have the luxury of time and in 16 years no witness had stepped forward. They couldn’t count on the offender to walk right up to them and admit what he did; that would just be stupid. So it was a waiting game now with nothing for them to do but sit on their thumbs and wait for chaos.
“What happens now?” Kiba mumbled into the silence.
“We keep up our vigilance; we don’t leave them out of our sights for a second. That’s all we can do now.” Tsunade replied.
“What if that fails?” Temari asked. She hated to voice her concerns, knowing everyone thought it, but it was a very real possibility.
“I don’t know.” Tsunade muttered truthfully.
Tsunade had failed and everyone knew it, especially the murderer. She was a step away from losing Naruto and the thought scared her to the core. Maybe she should place her trust in Sasuke and allow him to handle Naruto when the time came…maybe the problem was that the killer knew her too well, could anticipate her moves? Could he anticipate an Uchiha’s?
“We’ll think of something; we’ll find him and lock him up before he can do anymore harm.” Shikaku stated.
“What
can we do?” Sakura asked bitterly, the tears clinging to her eyelashes.
Nothing but silence answered her as she wiped at her tears. No one knew the answer. Shikaku grimaced and stood up, nodding to Tsunade.
“I have to be going, Tsunade. I apologize, but my duties as a Councilman are calling. I’ll be by later.” Shikaku stated quietly and exited the room.
Kiba followed his retreat with brown eyes lost in thought. He almost smacked himself, but decided better of it as a sudden idea hit him. He jumped from his chair and out the door, Akamaru following close behind his master. Kakashi narrowed his eyes in suspicion as they followed Kiba’s movements through the room and out the door.
“Mr. Nara?” Kiba called as he jogged up to the Councilman.
Shikaku turned and lifted his chin slightly, staring down the bridge of his nose. “It’s Kiba, right?”
“Yeah, it is.” He muttered.
“What do you need Kiba?” He asked.
“I have a question for you? You got your position 16 years ago, right?”
“Yes, I believe that’s correct. Why are you asking?”
“The empty seat you filled; do you know anything about the person that occupied it before you?”
Shikaku paused in thought and rubbed at his chin. “I don’t recall ever hearing their name being mentioned before. I know for certain that I took over for a man, but I wasn’t told much about him. In all honesty, I didn’t really bother to ask. What I do know about him is that he was instrumental in a lot of the changes that took place 30 some years ago here in Konoha. He stuck to the shadows preferring to run things in the background; pulling the puppet strings, so to speak.”
“Right,” Kiba nodded and smiled. “Thank you.”
“Is this about the investigation? Are you looking into the Council?” Shikaku questioned. “I would exercise caution where they are concerned…we are more powerful than you think; Koharu, Homura, and Orochimaru specifically. They can make your life a living nightmare.”
Kiba shook his head. “No, it’s not like that. I was just curious, really. I couldn’t find anything that indicated there was even a Councilman before you except for the election.”
“I admit that it always did strike me as odd, but I never delved deeper. It wasn’t a matter of great concern for me. Are you sure that you’re not looking into the Council?” Shikaku question again, pinning Kiba with a searching stare.
Laughing sheepishly, Kiba waved his hands in front of him vigorously. “No, no, I just thought it was odd, that’s all. Thank you again for indulging my curiosity.”
“Not a problem Kiba, but you should get back. I think Kakashi is looking for you.” Shikaku pointed.
Turning, Kiba had a full view of to a curiously staring Kakashi. With another sheepish laugh, Kiba tousled his shaggy hair and muttered, “Right.”
“What was that about?” Kakashi asked as soon as he rejoined them.
Kiba shrugged his shoulders and resumed his seat, Akamaru dropping at his feet. “I just had a question. It’s nothing important, really.”
Kakashis eyes narrowed with suspicion, but let the matter rest. He had more important things to worry about at present; like one persistent Uchiha with an affinity to touching and, dare he say it, cuddling his boyfriend.
~REVENGE~
June 14th
I tried very hard to find another moment alone with the dobe, but since the bathroom incident it had become mission impossible. Iruka was taking his job way too seriously in keeping us apart. Really, what could we do? We already promised not to defile his home, not that he and Kakashi didn’t any chance they got. Twice I had to plug my ears to cover up their loud voices in the middle of the night; and there it started again as if on cue. Those two didn’t know how to keep their hands off each other.
With a sigh, I pulled the pillow from my face, getting the full effect of their ruckus. A nice drink seemed in order, preferably of the stiff variety, if I could find it. Rolling out of bed, I padded out into the kitchen and paused mid-step.
Naruto was standing by the fridge with no shirt on, the cascading light from the bulb inside highlighting him in a warm, muted yellow light. He looked like an angel standing there, captivating my senses. I couldn’t believe that he was mine, watching him silently.
Looking up at me, he graced me with a smile. I felt blessed and honored to be his, because there was no doubt that I belonged to him just as much as he belonged to me. What did I do to deserve him?
“Would you like a beer?” Naruto whispered conspiratorially.
I gave a nod as he brought me a cold can. He waited until a particularly loud moment from the opposite bedroom to pop the tab and handed it to me.
“They’re one to talk about us.” I whispered, taking a swig from the can.
I didn’t bother to hold back a grimace at the bitter taste. It wasn’t my particular brand, but it was better than nothing and in high demand at the moment.
“I’m sorry your room is right next to theirs. They only wanted you there so they could hear you coming and going.”
“They didn’t hear me leaving just now.”
“True enough.” He laughed softly.
Staring at him I realized it was the first time I was really getting a chance to just look at him or be in his company. It seemed ages ago since I last saw him, even though it was just a few hours ago when we separated for bed. I felt my gut twinge with the sudden impulse to apologize…it was probably my fault that we barely had a chance to look at one another.
“Hey, I’m sorry about what I said the other day in the bathroom. If I had known that Iruka was going to strip search you I would have kept my mouth shut. I honestly thought he’d see it for what it was.”
Naruto laughed softly, that tinkling laugh that I loved so much.
“Iruka can be a bit irrational at times, especially if it’s about me; but if you can get him on your side you’ll have no bigger champion.”
“Is that so?” I asked incredulous as Naruto nodded. “So if he said that he ‘thought I was good for you’ that would count, right?”
“Yeah, I think so. Did he really say that to you?”
I nodded and Naruto smiled dopily at me. Who knew that would make him so happy. Maybe I should have told him sooner if I knew that was the reaction I would get. Damn, I loved to make him happy.
I took another swig and grimaced, standing with Naruto in companionable silence, while Iruka and Kakashi had their fun. I never thought I would be one to enjoy company, and quiet company at that. We didn’t have to speak to know what the other was feeling; we just did. Shit, was I such a love-sick fool.
Capping off my beer; it wasn’t until Kakashi made an appearance in the kitchen, dazed from his marathon with Iruka, that anything more was said between us.
“What are you two doing up at this hour?” He asked slyly.
I shrugged my shoulders, laughing humorlessly. “Just waiting for you two to finish up? With the racket you were making it’s a wonder that the whole apartment complex isn’t awake.”
A silver eyebrow arched high on his sweaty brow. My brow arched just as high in response. What did he expect me to say; that Naruto and I were going at it just a wildly as they were?
“What’s taking so long, Kakashi?” Iruka asked, walking from his room and to Kakashi, viewing us suspiciously. “What’s going on here?”
“That’s what I was trying to find out. You two haven’t been sneaking out have you?”
“Hn.” I muttered and rolled my eyes.
“No.” Naruto answered, shaking his head lightly.
“Then explain what you are doing?” Iruka demanded.
He crossed his arms and stepped in front of Kakashi. I’m sure it was meant to be intimidating, if we had done something wrong, but we didn’t. So it was a pointless gesture.
Naruto raised his empty soda can and pointed towards my beer. “We were just sharing a friendly drink.”
Iruka didn’t look appeased. In fact, he looked skeptical. What, two people in a relationship couldn’t share a drink without stripping each other in wild fits of passion? If that was what he truly thought, than what was the basis of his relationship with Kakashi then? I didn’t even want to think about it.
With a steadying hand on Iruka’s shoulder, Kakashi heaved a sigh and motioned towards our rooms with a nod of his head. “You two should get to bed. We’ll let it slide this time, but it won’t happen again will it?” He demanded in mock sternness.
“Whatever.” I muttered and pulled away from the counter, depositing my empty can in the recycling bin.
Naruto nodded with a brief smile and placed his can in the bin too. Taking a hesitant step towards me, he clasped his hand in mine, and pecked me goodnight on the cheek. Pulling away without a sound, he made his way to his room silently. I followed behind him and turned into my room; closing the door with a snap.
~*R*~
Iruka closed his eyes and leaned back in Kakashi’s embrace, exhaling heavily. “What are we going to do with them?”
“Are you sure we should?” Kakashi murmured, kissing Iruka’s temple. “Maybe we don’t have to watch them as closely as we thought. They stood out here and did nothing, which says a lot about their character.”
Iruka frowned and bit his bottom lip. “I promised Tsunade, though.”
“She’ll just have to understand then,” Kakashi whispered, gently rocking Iruka. “You could make her understand. She trusts your judgment more than you know.”
Pulling away from Kakashi’s larger frame, Iruka turned and draped his arms around his neck. “Maybe, I can say something to her. But I don’t think it will change anything, Kashi.”
“Hmm, it’s worth a try.” Kakashi hummed. “But let me say something to her first.”
~REVENGE~
June 15th
Tsunade sat in her chair, agitation marring her face, an eyebrow twitching to a beat of its own making. Maybe she hadn’t heard him correctly; yes that would be it, because she knew he wasn’t going to go against her. That would be suicide.
“What are you saying exactly? Were my orders not clear enough?”
“They were very clear Tsunade and we’ve followed those orders to the letter with very little mishap.”
“There should have been no mishap at all if you were doing your job correctly and not Iruka!” She snapped.
He stared at the Chief with detachment, taking control over his flaring emotions. In a level tone Kakashi replied, “They’ve behaved themselves accordingly this last week and I believe they can be shown some leniency.”
He met her steely gaze head on, debating whether he should say more. If he did it could cause more problems for Naruto and Sasuke, but if he didn’t than nothing would change. And many things needed to change where Naruto was concerned.
Taking a deep breath, Kakashi continued, “They’re closer than you know, Tsunade. It’s genuine and runs deeper than just physical attraction. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. This is what you always wanted for Naruto. They can be trusted, so give them a break.”
“Not going to happen!”
Kakashi sighed in frustration and leaned back in his chair. This was harder than he thought it would be. “They lived together without any kind of supervision for a month, why is it different now?”
“…” Tsunade remained silent; unmoving and unblinking.
Kakashi had the impression of staring down a brick wall, let alone talking to one. How could one woman be so unmoving? Especially when it concerned her own family? If Sasuke made Naruto happy, and he certainly did, then why were they interfering?
“Will you just think about it?” He questioned.
“I have thought about it, and it doesn’t change a thing.” Tsunade huffed.
“I know you think you’re doing what is best for Naruto,” Kakashi stated, rising from his chair. He hated to sit when he was angry. “But this isn’t the right way to go about it. We can’t even let them have a private conversation. I don’t think they’ve said three sentences to each other let alone looked at each other in three days in front of us. You are deliberately driving a wedge between them and Naruto will grow to resent you for it.”
“It’s not in Naruto’s nature to resent; he will be thanking me down the road when Uchiha breaks his heart.”
“Naruto has grown up and certainly knows what he is doing. He’s learned from the past and the mistakes that were made; hard mistakes, Tsunade.”
“That may be, Kakashi,” Tsunade replied. “But it doesn’t change my mind. Sasuke is not good enough for him.”
“Sasuke isn’t Gaara; that’s what you’re trying saying.” Kakashi raged. “I know you liked him, but it was obvious to everyone but the two of you that Naruto only viewed him as a friend.”
“Naruto didn’t try to make it more than that!” Tsunade hissed. Her temper flared, causing her to rise from her chair as well.
“That’s because he didn’t want more from Gaara!”
“He was a good man,” She fumed. “And Naruto would have been happy with him.”
“So you wanted Naruto to settle?” Kakashi questioned. “Maybe he would have been happy. Maybe he could’ve one day loved Gaara like he deserves. But no one should have to settle; especially not Naruto. There’s this irrational fear you have when it comes to him.”
“You’re damn straight that I fear for Naruto. He doesn’t make things easy for the people who are closest to him; always making people worry over him! He’s incredibly stupid at times!”
“Naruto is not stupid, Tsunade. He just wants someone to notice him; someone to acknowledge him; someone to love him.” Kakashi stated. “He’s searching for anything to fill that crater in his heart and he can blind himself to the consequences. But I believe; no, I know that what he has with Sasuke is the real thing.”
He heaved a sigh waiting for Tsunade to respond; hoping that he got through to her. It was tiring to go against her, and she never made it easy.
“It doesn’t change my opinion.” Tsunade replied and resumed her seat. She wasn’t staring at Kakashi as she spoke, instead staring off to the side. “I know what Sasuke wants from him and once he gets it he’ll leave Naruto high-and-dry. It will devastate him when that happens. So I will protect my grandson from that hurt at all costs!”
“Can you protect him from yourself?!” Kakashi growled in anger.
“This discussion is over Kakashi!” She muttered darkly, eyes narrowed and body rigid, barely holding in her anger.
Kakashi nodded curtly and exited the Chiefs’ office quickly, barely containing
his fury. She didn’t know when to give up, to let things be. How could Iruka and Naruto live with such a caustic woman and be who they are, he would never understand?
Flopping uncharacteristically in his chair, he earned a questioning look from Sakura sitting at her desk. He was sorely tempted to call Iruka, but thought better of it a moment later. What could Iruka do that he couldn’t?
~REVENGE~
I sat on the living room couch flipping through channels as Naruto was kept busy in the kitchen washing and folding clothes. Iruka had taken to cooking a big meal for Kakashi, once again, like he did every night since we arrived here.
Iruka seriously took his relationship with the lieutenant overboard, constantly doting on him and cooking large meals for him every night; though Naruto’s cooking was better. How Kakashi could stay thin truly amazed me; but then again, he and Iruka did go at it every chance they got. Clearly they were the ones that needed to be supervised and not Naruto and me.
I was, therefore, shocked when Naruto came into the living room and plopped down next to me with a smile. I raised my eyebrow in question before looking over my shoulder to see where Iruka was. He eyed me with a serious look that threatened bodily harm if I tried anything, but otherwise he wouldn’t interfere.
This was certainly a pleasant change as Naruto snuggled into my side like a cat and sighed softly. I couldn’t help the small smile that reached my lips looking into beautiful cerulean blues. I dared to thread my fingers into Naruto’s; and clearly that was ok since I wasn’t currently running for my life from an enraged Iruka with a rolling-pin. Naruto assured me something like that had happened before. All I cared was that it did not happen anytime soon with me. Iruka could be scarier than Tsunade sometimes.
I returned to flipping through the channels until a certain movie caught my eye and I had to grin. It was “It’s a Wonderful Life”; in June and on cable? I laid the remote down and settled against my blonde to watch the movie as the opening sequence just finished up.
It was right at the part where George’s brother returned home with his new wife, when Kakashi walked in on us. He shook his head and turned to Iruka whom he kissed soundly before reaching into the fridge for a beer. I gave Naruto a questioning look, but he could only shrug his shoulders.
Kakashi didn’t immediately go for beer unless it was a stressful day at work and if it was stressful then it must have something to do with the case. Reluctant to move, Naruto pulled me out into the kitchen and into one of the wooden chairs at the table anyway taking a chair next to mine.
“I take it your talk with Tsunade didn’t go so well?” Iruka asked calmly. Kakashi shook his head again and took another swipe of his beer.
“She’s stubborn, wouldn’t listen to a word I said. Honestly, how can she be so… so…?”
“It was a long shot to begin with Kakashi. If you like I will try this time.”
“I don’t see much point in it; Tsunade is not going to change her mind.”
“What’s going on?” Naruto asked.
Kakashi downed the remainder of his can and set it on the table, leaning back in his chair and looking at us critically.
“Don’t let this go to your heads,” He replied. “But I was trying to get Tsunade to lighten up on you two. I don’t have to tell you that it failed miserably.”
That was not what I expected to hear…Kakashi and Iruka didn’t have to fight for us, but it was a nice feeling to be trusted a little more, even with our mishaps
“Thank you Kakashi…Iruka.” Naruto smiled.
“Well then, what Tsunade doesn’t know won’t hurt her and I think you two should enjoy the remaining four days you have together.” Iruka covered his mouth, shocked by what he said.
Naruto’s face drained of color instantly, his body rigid in his seat. I froze, struck by an overwhelming sense of fear that hadn’t been present before. I knew that our time was limited, but with everything that happened this last week it slipped my mind. I forgot why I was even here in the first place, more concerned with my relationship with Naruto. Now there was a sense of urgency. We only had four days…Was it really only four days? No, it was five, but Naruto would be moved the day before.
Four days and I may never see him again.
“I’m sorry!” Iruka apologized quickly. “That didn’t come out like I intended it too. You’ll both be fine; I know it. I just meant that Naruto will be moved for…”
“It’s ok Iruka.” I muttered as I slid my hand into the dobes. He seemed to regain some of his color, but he still looked too pale for my liking. “I understood.”
But Iruka looked miserable. Kakashi laid his hand on Iruka’s shoulder, directing him to the only vacant chair. The clocked ticked nosily from the wall, the only sound breaking the tedious silence among us. For distraction, I found myself counting the seconds. 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 20, 30, 45, 55, 60…
For five full minutes no one spoke, not until Naruto broke it.
“If I’m to be moved where will you stay? Here?” Naruto asked quietly.
I noticed his skin tone was more on the healthy side now, but he stilled looked sickly. Actually, it looked like he could be sick any minute. I felt sick to my stomach too.
“We haven’t planned that out yet.” Kakashi replied somberly.
“I think it would be best, if I do stay here, that Iruka doesn’t. We don’t want anything to him.”
Iruka was getting ready to refuse, but I wouldn’t have it. Despite our differences, he was important to Naruto and anyone important to Naruto was important to me. I would make sure that he stayed safe. I squeezed Naruto’s hand garnering just enough support to stare Iruka down. “Promise me, us, that you won’t be here Iruka.”
“But who will watch you then?” Iruka’s voice cracked as he spoke.
“I will be the one to watch him Iruka.
“B-but…” Iruka stuttered.
Kakashi shook his head, his eyes slipping closed momentarily to snap open a second later. “I have to agree with Sasuke. It would be best, for everyone, if you weren’t here. You’ll be safer at the station; they have a small room you can use for a few days and the bed isn’t bad to sleep on. There will be officers there at any given time so there should be no worries.”
“But…what about Naruto?”
Kakashi shot a quick glance my way. Iruka followed that gaze, his face a mask of worry. “I have made arrangements for Naruto already. I will not tell anyone where he is going, not even the two of you. That knowledge stays with me. And if anything should happen to me they’ll know what to do for Naruto in my stead.”
“Teme…” I squeezed Naruto’s hand tightly, consumed with the urge to never let him go again. Unfortunately, I knew I would have too and I dread that moment. This entire situation had morphed into something far beyond anything I’d ever prepared for before.
~REVENGE~
Itachi strode from his office and immediately flanked by his shadow who quickly filed in next to him. The Uchiha held back a growl of annoyance and hastened down the stairs to the court rooms below, uncharacteristically rushed. Stepping inside the double oak doors and leaving Kisame abandoned in the hallway, Itachi walked to the prosecutors’ desk and sat down. There was no acknowledgement of the man seated beside him as Itachi pushed the case file over the highly polished table.
“How is everything working out with Kisame?” Yamato asked softly as he busied himself with the multitude of papers they would need to bring into evidence.
“I would sooner he be gone, but since that is unlikely to happen; everything is working out fine.” Itachi drawled.
Yamato laughed and leaned back in his chair. “Soon enough and this should be resolved.”
“Yes, by either catching the lunatic or by my impending death.” Itachi snorted.
“That’s hardly a positive attitude to have.”
“Forgive me for not finding anything positive about the palpable threat to my life.”
“Itachi…” Yamato paused when the defending attorney strode forward, his client not far behind.
“Yamato,” Orochimaru sneered. “This is low even for you. What purpose does it serve trudging up old dirt laid to rest years ago?”
“What purpose? How about justice?” Yamato replied.
“You call this justice!” Orochimaru scoffed. “No, it’s just a mockery of the law. As the DA you should put more thought into choosing your battles. It’s ignoble otherwise.”
“You are one to talk, Orochimaru.” Itachi drawled. “One would think that the disgrace the Council is soon to be reveling in would deter one from representing a client such as yours.”
“I know not of this
disgrace you are talking about, Uchiha-boy.” Orochimaru laughed. “But what I find disgraceful are your actions. What could you possibly have to gain moving forward with this? The Statue of Limitations expired; you can’t prosecute my client for that
misunderstanding now.”
“It was hardly a misunderstanding, Orochimaru, and you now it. I am sure we are all aware of what happened that night; the testimony is shockingly vivid, no?”
“Is this the same testimony you yourself called
lies? Don’t act innocent, Itachi. It’s beneath you.” Orochimaru sneered.
“I am far from innocent, but unlike you and your client, I own my mistakes. I have made it my sole mission to see your client gets exactly what he deserves.”
“I look forward to your attempt, Uchiha-boy.” Orochimaru cackled as the bailiff called the room to order and the judge took her seat.
Itachi resumed his seat, silently vowing to win this case if it was the last thing he did. Justice would have its day and the victims would finally find the justice they deserved.
~REVENGE~
June 16-17th
Kiba growled and cursed the stupid, oversized computer that housed the old newspaper editions ten times over. It had just dawned on the Inuzuka that there wouldn’t be enough time to search through the remaining two and a half weeks’ worth of headlines before the deadline hit; and by then it would be too late for Sasuke.
Kiba pushed away from the table and marched over to the vending machine to buy a cup of coffee. He didn’t care that caffeine made him excessively hyper; he just needed something to get him through the next two hours. Pressing the button and watching the cup fall from the machine, dark liquid flowing in a measured amount had Kiba mesmerized. What could he say, he really loved coffee.
Grasping the Styrofoam cup, Kiba made his way back to the computer, passing the printer as he went. He stopped short, his head swiveling back to stare at the machine in thought. It was like a light bulb going off in his head that left him wondering how he hadn’t thought of it before now.
He dashed to the computer and began to print off the final editions. He would take the papers with him and read in the comfort of his own home, effectively cutting down on some of the time being wasted. It would be a welcome relief not to have to worry about searching through drawers and drawers of microfilm, feeding the fragile film through the wheels and between the magnifying glasses every night.
Kiba grabbed up the heated paper when the last page rolled through the printer, its white page dappled with black lettering. He downed his cup of coffee in one go and made his way out in the darkened street. He was sure to lock the door behind him before walking the two blocks to his apartment, passing the station on the way.
By the time Kiba reached his front door, the caffeine had a strong hold on his system. His body felt wide awake, his pupils dilated. Jingling the keys in the lock, he pushed the door open and waited with anticipation.
Akamaru bound through the kitchen and leaped over the table in his excitement. He kneeled by his master’s feet, his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth and his tail sweeping the linoleum in earnest. Akamaru’s hot breath fanned over Kiba’s face as he bent down and rubbed behind the beast’s ears.
~REVENGE~
I stared up at the white ceiling listening to the low hum of the air conditioning unit push cold air through the apartment. I couldn’t sleep. My mind wouldn’t let me, forcing images of the past month to the surface of my consciousness with a giant neon sign saying ‘look at me’. Never in a million years would I have thought of finding someone like Naruto; someone who would complete me so expertly, someone who would love me unwaveringly.
Naruto filled the emptiness inside my heart, one that had grown longer and deeper with every passing year since the death of my parent’s. He’d torn away my shell lining and dragged my pathetically emaciated form into the sunlight, feeding me with all the things that I needed to truly live:
warmth, happiness, caring, and
love. I never realized that I was missing something so vital until I met Naruto.
And now I may lose him; forever. I clutched at the shirt over my heart and allowed the tears to fall freely. They slid down my cheeks and pooled by my ears, soaking the pillow beneath me with their salty extracts. I didn’t want to lose him, but he was slipping further through my grasp with every passing minute.
I started when I felt something warmer than my tears on my cheek and looked into the shadowed face of the man who held my heart. Naruto knelt by my bedside and wiped my tears away, whispering to me softly, “its ok, Sasuke. Everything will be ok.”
“Naruto…” I whispered. I clutched his hand and kissed his palm as I sat up in bed. There was this overwhelming urge to hug him tightly and never let go. I dragged him into my lap and kissed him desperately; forcing every emotion I could into that one action. “Naruto…” I breathed out.
“Sas…Sasuke.” Naruto whimpered. “Will you hold me tonight?”
“Always.” I whispered.
Naruto crawled over the bed and sat down beside me against the head-board. His head drooped to my shoulder instinctively and his hand rested gently near my elbow. I reached for the covers and pulled the fabric around us snuggly, holding Naruto close as sleep slowly took us. I paused to marvel how easily I slept next to him.
My last waking thoughts were of my mother telling my seven-year-old self that I would one day find someone I loved so dearly they would be my ‘everything’. In this moment, I finally understood why she loved my father. It ran deeper than just love. They were each other’s whole world.
~REVENGE~
Hakus eyes fluttered as he slowly regained consciousness. He blinked several times to dispel the heavy sleep from his eyes as he tried to survey his surroundings. ‘Where am I?’ was his last thought as the monitors began to beep frantically. His eyes rolled back in his head and his body went into convulsions. Doctors and nurses flooded the room as the small boy continued to seize against the stark white linen of the hospital bed. A flat line was heard throughout the room as the doctors rushed to revive their patient, pulling out the paddles and shocking their victim in an attempt to revive his stilled heart.
