Societal Gap

Societal Gap

Willing to Work For It

A/N: Okay, before you all flame me, I really hate this chapter. It was about as much fun to write as getting dental surgery without any anesthetic. I really had no idea what to write until I hit the dance. It took me six days to write to that point. It wasn’t until I downloaded several Lorena Mckennit songs that I got my muse back. So, I’m sorry that it took so long but writer’s block is a killer. Thanks to baoz157 for editing!! (And what a freaking job that was!! Sorry I gave it to you so rough.) Thanks so much for all the reviews!

Warning: Language, a very small amount of violence and some very mild sexual situations.

Disclaimer: You all should know by now that I own nothing of this story…except Rei…and the general story line

Naruto very calmly walked to the entrance and collected his sword. He very calmly mounted his horse and steered her to the clearing in the woods where he very calmly tied her to a tree. Then he very calmly selected a sturdy stick and calmly swung it like a sword a couple of times. He then let the roar of pain that had been building in his chest release as he mercilessly attacked the rock he loved to sit on; the birds within reach of the sound flocking to the sky.

“Fuck! Stupid…fucking…bastard! I…hate…you…so…much.” He punctuated each word with a harsh strike of the stick, unsure if he was talking about Sasuke or himself. His forceful strokes broke the stick and he hurled the piece in his hands into a nearby tree. He screamed again, trying to release everything before his chest exploded. The world began to spin and he clutched his blonde spikes, trying to make it slow. His stomach heaved and he spilled its contents as he sunk to the forest floor. Panting, he flopped onto his back, gazing at the leafy canopy above him, tears streaming down his scarred face. He rested there, begging his body to release all the emotion that had built up in his very being. Rolling onto is stomach he pressed his face into the grassy patch he had collapsed on. He ripped several patches of grass out from the roots, pulling them to his temples, blades catching in his now very tousled hair. He took several deep, shuddering breaths before closing his troubled cerulean eyes, emotionally exhausted. His mind settled as sleep fell upon him swiftly.

Rei glanced at the large flock of sparrows that were flying franticly from the forest before shrugging and settling herself down on one of the counters in the airy blacksmith’s shop. Her face had finally returned to its usual creamy state and she happily enjoyed the fresh air, half listening to her friends chatter. Anko was furiously pounding a horse shoe to perfection as Kurenai harassed both of them about how they dressed.

“You know if you tried wearing a little silk you might even find you like it. In fact you may find you never want to wear anything else again.” The wavy haired woman stroked the soft red fabric draped around her body lovingly. Anko slammed her hammer on the piece of iron and wiped her hands on her hide vest.

“Oh yeah, silk in a blacksmiths. Are you crazy! The sparks would set it on fire in seconds. I’ve already burned holes in three skirts this week.”

“Okay okay. But what about her? Rei you could wear silk at work.” Rei snorted in disdain.

“Oh yeah, sure, pick on me. Look. I promise I’ll get something sensible made soon, I just really don’t have the time or patience right now.” Kurenai arched an eyebrow as Rei dug some dirt from under her fingernail.

“Yeah, that’s right you seem really stressed.” Anko snorted as she dunked the finished shoe in a barrel of water sending steam billowing into the stand.

“Hi girls!” The three turned and grinned at the spiky haired brunet that was now standing at the entrance.

“Hi Kiba,” they chorused together. He smirked at the welcome.

“We’re just engaging in some girl chat, care to join us?” Kiba grinned at Kurenai.

“Well I’m not a girl but I do enjoy girl chat.”

“I was just telling these two, and I bet you’ll agree, that cleaning up now and then is fun!” Kiba opened his mouth to reply but Anko beat him to it.

“Hey, I clean up. I clean up real nice actually. You were trying to convince us to spend hordes of money in your shop.” She had unconsciously begun brandishing a poker at her friend to accentuate her words. Kurenai retreated a few steps away from the red hot instrument threatening to set her clothes on fire before changing the subject.

“Hey! Did you hear that two Hyuuga’s are in town? Maybe I’ll get a big order or something!” Anko and Kurenai’s attention flew to Rei and Kiba as Rei clapped a hand to her forehead and Kiba flushed.

“Uh…I take it you two have seen them?” Rei elbowed Kiba in the side grinning.

“Lady Hinata was one of the patients. She and Kiba really hit it off.” The knight grinned, flushing even deeper. Anko quickly abandoned her work and leaned over her anvil.

“Kiba are you blushing? Oh my. Tell us about her, what happened?” Kiba grinned and recounted the sweet moment the two had shared as he fed the noble soup. Anko and Kurenai chorused an ‘aww’ when he had finished and proceeded to tease him about it until he finally threw up his hands silencing them.

“Hey come on. Give me a break. I’m not the only one who had a moment with a noble.” He glanced pointedly at Rei who blushed and stared intently at her feet. Kiba sneered as he was no longer the center of attention.

“Oh she didn’t tell you? She had quite the little exchange with Lord Neji. I bet you want to tell them about it don’t cha Rei?” The women, now completely distracted from his brush with nobility began hounding Rei to tell them about her experience.

“Please don’t make me tell. It was horrifically embarrassing.” Kurenai’s eyes flashed.

“Well now you have to tell us!” Rei sighed and slipped down from her perch.

“It was nothing. He came in and I made an ass of myself. End of story.” Anko grinned.

“First knights now nobles. Gee Rei; you’ve become quite the sensation.” Kiba grinned at Rei evilly.

“Knights huh? You’re talking about Kakashi aren’t you? Oh my god, you’ve got a thing for Kakashi! Oh, wait till I tell him! He’s…” Anko cut him off.

“So how did you make an ass of yourself? Was he that good looking?” Rei’s face heated immediately and she grinned at her friend.

“You have no idea. He was like strawberries and cream tasty. He was like oil painting beautiful. He was like priceless statue-oh my god I can’t believe how chiseled his features are-perfect. But it doesn’t matter. I’ll probably never see him again anyway. And as for Kakashi, if I do see him again I’ll have to apologize for trying to kill him and I’m just not prepared to do that right now.” The three chuckled in mirth about something Rei didn’t catch. Anko snorted, her eyes darting just past Rei and back to her.

“So this guy was hot. Dark hair, fair skin, pale eyes hot?”

“Yeah, how’d you know?”

“Just a guess. So how embarrassing was this moment?”

“I’d put it in my top five most embarrassing situations ever. One thing about living in the middle of nowhere, I hardly ever had opportunities to make a fool of myself.” The three snickered again before Kurenai took over questioning.

“So it was really embarrassing?”

“I squeaked. I couldn’t even form words I was so flustered.”

“So would you say it was as embarrassing as talking about someone when they’re standing right behind you?”

“Well I don’t know if it was that…bad…” Anko was now gripping the edge of the anvil for support she was laughing so hard. Swallowing, Rei slowly turned to find herself gazing into Neji’s pale eyes. Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times before she again emitted a high pitched noise from the back of her throat.

Neji, face impassive, blinked as her face turned impossibly red.

“Good day Rei. How’s Tanzou?” Rei choked before whispering, “How long have you been standing there?” The smallest of smiles tugged at the corners of the lord’s mouth.

“Since you said strawberries and cream.” She buried her head in her hands and groaned.

“Ah well, that’s lovely. I’m going to go drown myself now.”

“Ah, wait, before you do that I just wanted to thank you for all your excellent work and to ask something of a favor.” Rei looked at him a little shocked.

“Oh, uh, well sure. What do you need?”

“Well there aren’t any women at the lodge and my cousin seems lonely. I was wondering if I could convince you to spend a little time with her. I know this is a little unorthodox bu…”

“Oh of course I will. She seems so lovely!” Re broke into a wide smile, “Naruto and I are dancing tomorrow night at the festival opening. If you send her into town we could wander around after the performance. Uh, the main stage, just before sunset.” Neji nodded solemnly before turning and walking regally away. Rei watched his back until he was out of ear shot before turning to scream at her friends.

“I HATE YOU ALL! How could you not tell me he was there?” Kiba smirked before adding, “I guess that other encounter got bumped to number six on your most embarrassing…”

“All of you can go fornicate yourselves with iron sticks.”

Naruto blinked his eyes wearily and sat up, struggling to recognize his surroundings. Twilight was already stretching its eggplant cloaked arms across the sky above him and his foggy mind refused to submit the reason why he was in the woods by himself. The splinters of stick and small pile of vomit beside him jolted his memory. Carefully assessing his body Naruto couldn’t help but notice that tension was no longer racking his body; his stomach was no longer reeling and the dull ache in his chest had dissipated. ‘I can do this,’ he thought. ‘I can handle this. I don’t have to be emotionally involved and I can still see him.’ He swallowed his own lie easily before untying a very restless Rika and heading back into town.

“Hey Kit. Where were you all afternoon?” she asked looking up from the large pot she was stirring over the fire, “I was getting worried about you. Why are you all dressed up?” Naruto franticly tried to think of an answer that would satisfy both questions but not finding one he chose to ignore them both.

“Hey is that ramen?” She smiled, pouring him a large bowl which he finished in a matter of seconds and she refilled immediately.

“Aren’t you having any?” She shook her head, settling at the table with a mass of red and orange fabric.

“No. I’m not hungry,” she looked up smirking, “I’ve never told you this but I don’t share your love of ramen.” Naruto looked up shocked.

“What do you mean you don’t like ramen? It’s so great! Spicy and salty, noodles and broth, what’s not to like?”

“Try cooking it for once. It’s a pain in the ass to make. Do you have any idea how long it takes to make those noodles? Besides, I need to put the finishing touches on your costume.” Naruto glanced at the mass of orange fur she was stitching to a red belt.

“Hey, an actual fox tail! When did you have time to go hunting?”

“This is the one Dad caught the summer before he died,” a sad smile graced her face as she stroked the fur gently. “I managed to get the singe marks off of it.”

“I thought we lost that in the fire.”

“No, it’s one of the few things I made sure got out. This and a couple of mom’s books are the only pieces of them I have left.” She tore her eyes away from the bushy tail to glance at the now thoughtful teenager sitting across from her.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Naruto didn’t respond but slurped down the rest of his second bowl. She reached to refill it but he shook his head signifying that he was done.

“Kit what’s wrong? And don’t tell me ‘nothing’ because you only had two bowls of your favorite food.” He didn’t respond again so she grasped his hand gently.

“Kit baby, what’s wrong. Talk to me.” Naruto’s blue eyes teemed with conflicted emotions. His lip quivered as the barely audible words slipped from his mouth.

“Am I a monster?” Rei could only stare in disbelief at her brother for what felt like the longest time before her throat unstuck.

“What!” She took a moment to regain her composure, “Kit, what’s all this noise? What are you talking about? Is this about the Kyuubi? What happened? Talk to me.” Grasping his face gently she ran a soothing hand through his hair.

“I…I did something today that…I didn’t think I was capable of. I’m just not sure…I’m so confused.” Rei’s mind reeled thinking about what he could have done, moving to kneel before him she entwined their fingers.

“Did you steal?” he shook his head; “did you lie?” he shook it again; “did you hurt someone?” he threw his blonde locks for the third time. She sighed deeply, smiling gently to her sibling.

“Then whatever happened, it’s not as bad as you think. Your conscience is just trying to tell you that what you did wasn’t you.” Naruto nodded not quite believing her.

“Are you sure you don’t want to tell me what this is about?”

“Yes,” he said, determined to look anywhere but her eyes.

“Why?” Naruto swallowed, not wanting to give anything away.

“I…I don’t want you to think less of me.” She gently gripped his chin, forcing his gaze to meet hers.

“That isn’t even possible. Kit there is nothing you could do that would diminish you in my eyes. You’re my family, my only family. I love you and nothing will ever change that.”

She pulled herself into the tanned body, resting her head on his stomach.

“Naruto, you may hold a demon in here,” she laid a hand on his stomach, “but I swear by all that I hold dear in heaven and earth that you are more like an angel than any human being I have ever met.”

Naruto’s mind drifted back to his confusion when she had first told him he was a demon vessel as he was recovering from the knife he had taken in the chest. The pain and fear had dissipated over the years but the feeling of being different, even innately evil, hadn’t left him. He slid from his chair to the floor desperately want to be the one being held. She clutched him to her chest marveling at how much he’d grown, savoring the rare instant where she once again felt like his guardian, knowing there would only be a handful of these moments left for her.

Naruto fell into her warm body, relishing the comfort that flowed through him, knowing he would be able to count on one hand the number of times he would be able to be reassured like this again.

With the trauma of the day past forgotten, Naruto was prancing and twirling around the shop in his costume, the tail swinging delightfully behind him. Rei was fidgeting with the tight fitting sleeves of her lynx costume, muttering to herself about the ridiculous effort involved in making it.

“Rei lighten up. We go on in an hour and you won’t dance well if your mood is sour. Hey that rhymes!” Sliding his mask over his tan whiskered cheeks and cocking his head to the side he let out a small puppy whimper and Rei couldn’t help but smile at how much he resembles a fox. Sitting on the ground she spread her legs and dropped her head to one of her knees, stretching her back and thigh thoroughly. Naruto shook his head taking in her lithe form.

“Rei, you don’t have to stretch. We’re doing two numbers.” She chuckled to herself, glancing up at him before laying her head on her other knee, sliding her hands down her pants to her ankle.

“Look Kit, you’re sixteen. I’m 19 almost 20; old maids like myself have to stretch.”

“Phh, old maid. Come on Rei, you’re young.”

“Nooo, I haven’t even an ounce of experience with men and don’t expect to be getting some any time soon. Most women who are single at my age stay single forever. Men start to think there’s something detrimentally wrong with you.”

“Is being a bitch to everyone considered detrimental?”

“Why you little shit!” She leapt from the floor and chased him around room, “get back here so I can kill you!” Haku stepped between them trying to calm Rei down which was quite the task considering Naruto was standing behind him swishing his fox tale trying to egg her on.

“Okay now see here you two. Rei if you kill him then you won’t be able to dance. Naruto I’d stop that if you want to be able to walk again,” Haku placated before shoving them toward the door, “now get moving or you’re going to be late.”

Naruto laced his fingers in hers, pulling Rei down the street toward the group of costumed villagers near the stage. The group were all dressed like animals though the men’s costumes were far more drab then Naruto’s. Reversely, the women had taken the opportunity to drown themselves in expensive fabrics dressed as birds and butterflies. Naruto smirked at the ridiculousness of trying to dance in all those layers. Sure Rei may look plainer then the rest but she would dance better than all the women combined. Naruto waved to Haku who was finding a good seat in the middle of the audience with Anko, Kurenai, Kiba and a few knights he didn’t know, before stretching his foot up over his head, meant both to stretch and impress any passersby. Rei glowered at the women in their fancy costumes before taking her insecurities out on the blonde.

“Kit, you’re not going to drop me again are you? My hip is still killing me.” Naruto snorted and moved to turn away but Rei caught his arm.

“Look into my eyes and repeat after me: I, Naruto Uzumaki, promise that no matter who is in the audience, no matter what distractions may arise, not to drop my sister in front of all these people.” He laughed outright at the dead serious expression on her face.

“I Naruto Uzumaki promise that no matter who is in the audience, yady yady yada, I won’t drop you!” She eyed him wearily before moving over to their group of fans that had gathered. Naruto slid his mask over his face and scanned the crowd. He was looking for Sasuke, though he couldn’t figure out why. Sasuke probably didn’t know he was performing and not to mention that they he was even sure he was ready to see the dark, broody jerk again, but he searched the crowd none the less, wondering why he did this to himself. His thoughts interrupted by Rei grabbing his arm and dragging him backstage as she returned a wave to their friends.

The dancers gathered at the back of the stage smiling and chattering as the band set up and the audience settled into they’re seats. Naruto settled himself on the floor of the stage under the pretense of stretching as he pressed his face to the boards of the stage peering through the gap where the curtain didn’t quite meet the platform. His stomach tightened in anticipation at the large crowd that had already taken their seats. He was about to abandon his position when regally dressed feet began to climb the stair to the seating reserved for nobles. He leapt to his feet, clutching his chest which had suddenly become very tight. His mind raced a mile a minute wonder if Sasuke was here. If he was here did he just happen to come or was he here to see Naruto? The blonde was so wrapped up in his deliberations that he didn’t hear the call for places. After the second time it was repeated Rei darted forward pulling him to their starting position. She glanced at him nervously.

“Kit, are you okay?” He nodded mutely not returning her gaze. “Okay but you won’t forget your promise right. Say the words Kit.” He didn’t have time to reply as the curtain began to part and she just had time to pull her mask over her face, mentally praying that the blonde was focused.

The curtain was drawn and Naruto found himself staring directly at his lover, Sasuke’s face an emotionless mask. He sat on his simple throne, a very excited young female on his right and a somewhat disinterested young man sitting on his left; Naruto recognized the two from the infirmary immediately. Startled yet again from his thoughts, Rei squeezed his hand as the music began. He squeezed back assuring her that he was prepared as they began to prance forward in time to the lively music.

Sasuke watched the dancers with mild intrigue, or at least that would be what anyone who didn’t know him would have thought, his dark eyes full of fire and excitement as they followed the lead dancers around the stage. He recognized the blonde at once, his keen gaze marking every step the cloth shoed feet took, the sway of the orange clad arms, the swish of the deliciously cute tail that hung from a belt around his hips. The pair moved in perfect synchronization to the music from the depth of their steps to the subtle tilts of their heads. He watched in shrouded awe wondering if the siblings had some sort of psychic bond before remembering that they weren’t really related. His full attention snapped back as the dance became more intricate. Naruto spun repeatedly on the spot before leaping in the air and clicking his heels together. The men and women then separated up and down stage, the women pirouetted gracefully before they split and moved to the sides of the stage allowing the men to rush forward performing a move that looked like braiding bodies, as one man would thrust his horizontal body off the stage into the middle spot as another rolled into the empty position. Sasuke, impressed by the exact muscle control that the move must take, thought about the many ways he would like to test the blonde’s strength and flexibility.

The men filed to the left side of the stage performing a series of complicated lifts before ending in bow while the women were bent in a low curtsy. The crowd erupted in raucous cheers, several jeers of ‘take it off’ could be heard from the section that contained Anko and Kiba. All of the dancers except the fox and the lynx couple cleared off the stage. A delightfully melodic music began and the fox began to circle the lynx who had taken an animalistic pose in the center of the stage. He wrapped his arm around her hip spinning their adjacent bodies in a tight circle. They very suddenly leapt back from each other striking poses akin to their costumes before moving together again. Naruto spun Rei on the spot, her body revolving several times before he braced her hips lifting her as she swung her legs in a wide arc from one side of her body to the other. Rei ran in time in a wide circle to the back of the stage as Naruto rotated in place, his leg thrusting out powerfully to propel him. 1…2…3 rotations. ‘I wonder if he’s watching.’ 4…5…6 ‘I hope he’s impressed.’ 7…8…9 ‘I, Naruto Uzumaki, promise to yady yady yada I won’t drop you.’ The promise flashed into his head and he rushed the extra spin and managed to snag Rei under her armpit and above her knee just before she hit the stage, the centrifugal force swinging her in a very high arc, his body complaining from the effort of lifting her when it should have been simply directing her jump and he thanked Kami that he was in good shape right now.

Rei dropped her body to the stage as Naruto spun above her, his leg fully extended above her body, dangerously close to his head. This move was a little tricky. If it wasn’t timed right Naruto would kick her in head and they would both look like idiots. Rei counted his spins carefully, timing her move meticulously. 3…4…5…now! She launched herself upwards from the stage, Naruto’s leg narrowly missing her on the way up; she splayed her legs in an impressive spread eagle, the blonde’s leg passing beneath her twice before she landed in his arms. He spun her away from his body and they finished in another animal pose; Rei on her haunches her back curved toward the stage, arms out in front of her in a cat stretch; Naruto on one foot, his hands formed as claws, one by his chin the other fully extended above his head.

The music died down and the crowd exploded, leaping to their feet, the air full of whistles and applause. Hinata was grinning broadly and clapping demurely, clearly excited but years of etiquette training forcing her to keep her cool. Neji stood as he applauded politely while Sasuke remained in his seat clapping so slowly that some would have called it sarcastic. The pair bowed and curtsied gracefully before skipping off stage, their colleagues patting their backs before heading back onto the stage to finish one more number.

“Hey that was pretty good if I do say so myself,” he quipped his smile faltering slightly as Rei shot him a ‘did you forget about something’ look. “Oh right. Well I didn’t drop you. I just almost dropped you. Besides it looked even more impressive this way.”

“Whatever Kit. You’re damn lucky is all I know. I was so close to killing you up ther…” She was cut off by a mass of dark hair that tackled her as Anko and Kurenai proceeded to crush her shouting things like ‘that was amazing’ and ‘I had no idea you were talented’. Haku congratulated them both, tossing Naruto a small wink before Kiba clapped the blonde on the back so hard his mask almost fell off. The mirth was cut off by a sharp throat clearing a few feet away. Neji, Hinata and Gai stood ceremoniously a few feet away. Rei stepped away from the group and Hinata rushed forward shaking the brunet’s hand vigorously.

“Th-that was incredible! So passionate and sexy; I have to admit I’m a l-little jealous.” Kiba’s eyes flew open in surprise at the reserved woman’s overt comment before his face slid into a sly smile. Rei blushed slightly nodding her thanks.

“Do you want me to change? It wouldn’t be very proper for me to walk around the town with you in pants.” Much to Neji’s chagrin his cousin waved her hand dismissively.

“Nonsense. You look lovely. Now come on, I’m dying for a little female company.” Neji face contorted between a frown and a soft smile. Rei had been correct in the fact that Hinata walking around with a woman dressed in pants was highly inappropriate but the calm, authoritative tone to her voice was always refreshing. The green clad knight that had been bouncing on the balls of his feet since his arrival stepped forward offering his hand. Hinata smiled gracefully performing the introduction.

“This is Sir Gai and you remember my cousin Neji.” Rei flushed scarlet as she smiled and nodded to Neji before the bushy haired knight grasped her hand shaking it violently, his booming voice startling her.

“What a marvelous exhibit! Your vigorous display of enthusiasm is perfect example of the springtime of youth in full bloom!” Rei hadn’t realized she was backing away from the boisterous man until her back was pressed firmly against Neji’s chest, her free hand fisting the bottom of his rich tunic. He smirked at the look of complete panic on her face, reaching out a hand to make Gai release his grip on her. Seizing the opportunity she ducked under his arm placing his body between her and the extremely loud man, standing on her toes to peek over his shoulder. She squeaked pathetically when she locked eyes with the dark haired man pressing her forehead to the noble’s back gripping his shoulders in fear. Even Hinata looked surprised when a small chuckle emitted from her cousin’s throat.

“Sir Gai, while slightly…exuberant…is one of the best knights in the land. He’ll be accompanying Hinata tonight.” Gai struck his classic nice guy pose, his teeth glinting while Rei eyed him warily over Neji’s shoulder.

“Oh, okay. Well is it okay if some of my friends join…” She stopped mid sentence as Neji turned to view the group that were now all doubled over chortling, gripping their sides and wiping tears from their faces. Rei turned to the nobles, adding weakly in embarrassment, “They’re really very…charming.”

The group headed off down the street. Neji bowed out claiming he had things to attend to not wanting to spend the whole night frowning at Hinata’s un-noble behavior. The group had almost split down the middle conversation wise, the men chatting about various manly things on one side the women giggling and gossiping on the other. Only Asuma who was in the middle of the pack holding Kurenai’s hand bounced between the two conversations. The men settled at one of the tavern’s outdoor tables while the women moved a few feet away to browse the stands down the street. Haku being not much of a drinker followed them, enjoying the light, friendly banter they were engaged in. He stopped to admire some trinkets while the girls moved to a jewelry display a few feet away. He purchased a small metal dragon and turned to rejoin the women when a large man blocked his path.

“My you’re a pretty one aren’t you?” Haku shifted nervously feeling very vulnerable. He tried to side step the man but his path was immediately blocked.

“Please let me by.” The man grinned evilly; “Aww, come on sweetheart, don’t rush off. Don’t you want to get to know me? I want to get to know you.” Haku now began to panic.

“Look, I’m a guy. Would you please let me pass?” The man smirked as he blocked the effeminate man’s path again, grabbing his arms forcefully.

“What’s going on?” The women stood a few feet away; Rei stepped protectively in front of Hinata while Anko moved forward trying to look menacing.

“Mind your own business girly unless you want to be next.” Anko moved forward wrapping her wiry hands around the man’s hulking arm trying to pull it away only to be thrown across the street like a rag doll. Rei took a step towards Anko who was weakly lifting herself from the ground, her arms shaking under her weight and she shook her head dazed. Hesitating as she glanced back at Hinata who was sheltering her tiny frame behind Kurenai she called out to the men, “Kit, Asuma, Kiba, hurry!” The men leapt to their feet, rushing down the street towards the trouble but to their surprise the offender was sent flying before they even got close. Naruto gaped at a very irate Zabuza who was standing over the man his fists clenched and his breath ragged with rage.

“Don’t you EVER touch him AGAIN!” He moved to Haku’s side pulling the trembling man into his chest and running a comforting hand through his long hair.

“You alright? Son of a bitch. Can’t believe…shoulda pounded him to paste.” Haku completely disoriented held up the small dragon in his shaking fingers.

“I-I b-bought this for you.” Zabuza smiled gently at his young companion taking the trinket between his thick fingers wrapping a muscular arm around Haku’s waist.

“Come on kid. I’ll take you home.” Haku nodded mutely, his pale face going scarlet as he allowed Zabuza to steer him back towards the remedy shop.

Kiba ran right passed the source of the disturbance skidding to a stop in front of Hinata who instantaneously attached herself to his arm.

“Are you alright? He didn’t hurt you did he? I swear if he even touched you…”

“N-no, I’m f-fine. Just a l-little rattled.” Gai slid up to them shouting about failed duty, malicious cads and something about walking on his hands as penance before deciding he should take Hinata home.

“Well hey if you want to get started on that hand thing I would be happy to take her back to the lodge,” Kiba said, smiling fondly at the navy haired woman, “Really, I wouldn’t mind. My horse is just down the street.” Gai glanced at his lady whose dainty knuckles were white on the knight’s arm before nodding and following the pair down the street.

Naruto and Rei moved towards the spot where Anko had landed. Iruka who had been drawn to all the action was helping the furious woman to her feet.

“That bastard! No one tosses me around, no one!” A predatory smile spread to her lips as she took in the tanned knight who was staring at her, a look of concern plastered on his handsome face. “That is unless I ask them to. I’m Anko.” The tan face flushed and Iruka shifted nervously.

“I’m Iruka. We actually met the other day. Are you alright?”

“I am now. So Iruka, how long have you been a knight?” She hooked her arm in his pulling him toward the tavern winking at Rei over her shoulder as they left. Naruto raised his eyebrows.

“Poor guy has no idea what he’s getting himself into.” Rei chuckled at the truth of the statement.

“Looks like the party’s breaking up.” She nodded to Asuma who had his arm securely around Kurenai’s waist leading her down the street, her head falling to his shoulder.

“Look I’m gonna head back and check on our patient. Go a head and have some fun; I’ll see you later.” She slid her mask back over her face and glided down the street.

Shrugging at the loss of his companions Naruto started down an alley to the other main street when a pair of strong hand wrapped around his chest. He panicked until he heard a husky voice in his ear.

“Hn, hello Dobe.” Naruto sighed in relief, sinking into the warmth of the strong chest.

“Teme,” he whirled around leering into the impassive face; “what are you doing here?”

“Well after watching you dance in that fox costume I was hoping to get a little one on one time with you.” He pulled the blonde into his body bringing his lips tenderly to Naruto’s his black eyes flying wide as Naruto pushed their bodies roughly against the stone wall his lips mauling Sasuke’s. The black haired man attempted to say something but his protests were silenced as Naruto began fumbling with the leather belt around the noble’s hips. He groaned into the pink lips as Naruto’s fingers brushed the soft flesh around his navel finally loosening the pants and sinking to his knees. Sasuke’s chest was tight as he looked down at the blonde who looked absolutely edible in his costume kneeling before him.

“Naruto,” his breath hitched as the blonde nuzzled his groin through the fabric of his pants, “nnn, Naruto look at me.” Sasuke’s moans of pleasure dissolved into a growl of frustration as he looked into Naruto’s impossibly blue eyes, half lidded in lust. It wasn’t the lust that angered him. In fact had it not been for what was lurking in the depths of the eyes it would have been the most erotic sight he had ever seen, but beneath the obvious lust lay only cool detachment and Sasuke couldn’t take it. He grasped Naruto’s collar, slamming the orange clad body into the stone wall. Naruto hissed in pain, his stunned cobalt eyes searching Sasuke for an explanation.

“What…Teme?”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Naruto stared at the noble completely taken aback at the obsidian eyes boring into his very soul. His eyes narrowed and he leered at the raven man.

“What do you mean Teme?” Sasuke snarled and gripped his chin painfully.

“What happened to you? You’re different. I hate it.” Sasuke’s grip loosened and he leaned his face toward Naruto’s pink, full lips, shock ripping his body as the blonde pushed off the wall and slammed his pale body into the stone wall.

“What happened to me? I’ll tell you Teme, you happened to me. You left me without a word for two years then you molest me in the middle of the night. What the hell was that about? You don’t speak to me for two years and then you take advantage of me before even explaining what happened. I thought this was what you wanted!”

Sasuke stared at Naruto’s livid face before pushing the blonde away from him, his face connecting with the tan jaw. Naruto staggered backward clutching his split lip while Sasuke advanced on him, the noble’s usually steady voice shaking with emotion.

“Don’t you dare judge me! You have no idea what the war was like. You have no idea what I had to do.”

Naruto stared at the man whose muscles were shaking with rage. He would have felt sorry for him in the past. He would have wanted to comfort him, pull the dark head to his chest and tell Sasuke that it was alright, but that was before. His fist connected with one of the lords dark eye sockets. Sasuke flew back into the wall gaping at the tan, infuriated face, almost wincing at the malice laced in Naruto’s voice.

“You think the war was hard on you? Are you fucking kidding me? I got stabbed in the chest; our village was pillaged and we were destitute, not to mention that Rei almost died when our home was burnt to the ground and we lost everything. So don’t you tell me that the war was hard and I wouldn’t understand. I understand a lot better than you think. I bled, I starved, I lost every possession I held dear. I…argh! Why am I even explaining this to you? If you gave a damn you would have asked. Just…just leave me alone!” He turned on his heels and stormed away.

Sasuke touched his purpling eye gingerly, cursing his rash words. He had been there. He had seen the way the war tore through the towns and especially the smaller villages, homes burned and civilians caught in the crossfire. He staggered out of the alley to where he had left Shikamaru who was thankfully silent as they headed out of the town. Sasuke realized at that moment that if he wanted Naruto he would have to be willing to work for it.

Rei flitted down the street, several people tossing her compliments on her performance. A tap on her shoulder made her turn but to her surprise there was no one there. Shrugging she turned back to her original heading only to find herself face to face, well shoulder, with Kakashi.

“Hmm, you do look good in pants.” She squeaked in shock at his sudden appearance before cocking her head questioningly.

“How did you know it was me?” she asked shifting her mask on her face.

“You mean aside from the pants,” he flicked a chunk of her dark straight locks over her shoulder, “your hair.” She slipped her mask to the top of her head a coy smile creeping onto her lips before she shook her head.

“I mean…go away!” She brushed past him but Kakashi knew that she wasn’t really mad and pursued. After taking several paces she felt another tap on her shoulder. Whirling around she snapped at the man, “what!?” only to find that he wasn’t there. She jumped in surprise when she turned to find him in front of her again, cursing herself for falling for the same trick twice. She opened her mouth to yell at him but the words caught in her throat as her eyes fell on the bouquet of wild flowers he held in his heavily scratched hands. His eye curved into a happy arc as he offered the flowers.

“Forgive me?”

One side of her mouth curved upwards in a smirk as she brought the flowers to her nose, her pulse quickening as their fingers brushed. Her free hand lingered on his and she examined his cuts. Her sly smirk widened and she jerked her head motioning for him to follow her.

“Come on. I’ll give you something to put on those cuts.” He trailed her closely, hypnotized by the way that that her ass…uh, hips…uh…tail, yes tail, swayed as she walked. She led him into the front of the shop and behind the counter which he leaned against lazily. She bustled about the shop pulling down ingredients somewhat uncomfortable with his evaluating gaze.

“Do you uh want some tea or something?” He shook his head continuing to stare at her as she erratically combined ingredients. Her breath caught in her chest painfully as his strong hands gripped her hips and a low voice whispered in her ear.

“You seem rattled Rei. Did something get under your skin?” Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself she faced him, leaning back against the counter seductively.

“Hmph, you wish,” her eyes flicked to the table and chairs on the other side of the room. “Why don’t you go sit down; I’ll be right there.” He lingered a moment, not ready to increase the space between their bodies; her bedroom eyes making blood rush from his brain to other extremities. Grudgingly he stepped back and sat at the table catching the way she slowly exhaled and shook her head trying to force her mind to concentrate on blending the ingredients to a smooth cream. She moved to the table taking one of his large hands in her own, scrupulously inspecting the marks she inflicted. Her hands caressed his skin gently; her light touches making his skin burn deliciously and her hearty laugh upon finding her teeth marks on his arm made his heart flutter and his pants feel a size to small.

Rei dipped her fingers into the bowl beside her, gently massaging the ointment into his skin; her delicate hands seemed dwarfed compared to his. She made a move to stand after treating both of his hands thoroughly, a scratch beneath his visible eye catching her attention. She tucked her fingers under the edge of his mask folding the edge down exposing his injured cheekbone. He jumped to his feet gripping her wrist tightly, dragging her to her full height. Taken aback by his defensive move, she smiled teasingly.

“Relax. If I wanted to see your face I would have just asked.” He pulled her body close whispering huskily as he brought her fingers back to the top of his mask.

“Do you want to see it?” his fingers loosened and slid up her hand to rest over hers, his free hand running along her jaw and down to the throbbing pulse point on her neck.

Rei used every ounce restraint in her body to keep herself from trembling. Her heart was ping-ponging in her chest so forcefully that she was quite sure it would be damaged from slamming into her rib cage so many times. Not realizing she hadn’t breathed since he had grabbed her wrist, she sucked in a very audible breath as he slid both of their fingertips under the hem of the fabric covering his face, slowly pulling it passed the bridge of his nose, leaning his face toward hers.

The door slammed open and Naruto stomped into to the room making Kakashi growl in frustration and Rei hiss something along the lines of ‘sweet merciful timing’ under her breath as she leapt away from his grip. The anger on the blonde’s face eased slightly when he observed his flustered sister and an incredibly annoyed Kakashi, both of whom looked guilty. Rei rushed to his side delicately gripping his chin.

“Oh my god Kit, what happened? Are you alright?” He nodded, throwing daggers at Kakashi from his blue eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I ran into a bastard’s fist, but not to worry the bastard’s face ran into mine.” He trailed off as Kakashi’s eye widened.

“Shit. I better go. Thanks for healing my hands.” She stalled not wanting to him to leave just yet.

“Uh, here,” she thrust the bowl with the rest of the cream in his hands, mind fogging at as her fingers touched his, “give this to uh…the tanned brunet who looks like he’s been mauled by a bear.” His lips curved beneath his mask.

“Iruka?” she nodded and he gave her hand a small squeeze, “I will and I hope to see you again soon.” Naruto chuckled to himself at the dreamy look that settled on her face.

“So what just happened here? Gettin’ a little steamy action with the naughty knight?” Rei blushed furiously as she patched his lip, Naruto grinned evilly.

“Come to think of it, is this the first man you’ve ever been interested in?” she mumbled something under her breath.

“He is isn’t he? Rei have you ever even been kissed?” She jabbed the swollen jaw with her finger effectively ending the conversation at that.

Kakashi headed back through town, his hand buried in his pockets he kicked a stone down the street thinking of the many ways that he could kill Sasuke but make it look like an accident. He handed Iruka the bowl as he entered the lodge pausing only to comment on the fresh bite marks and bruises on the chunnin’s neck making the tanned face resemble a tomato before trudging two Sasuke’s door. He opened it ready to scream at the teen but remained silent as he viewed the large pile of crumpled pieces of parchment that littered the stone floor. Sasuke released a grunt of dissatisfaction as he read what he had written and crushed the letter, tossing it over his shoulder. Kakashi debated offering his help but instead slinked from the room deciding that this was something that had to be done by oneself.

Sasuke fisted his dark locks in aggravation pausing for a moment, forcing his mind to think of nothing but the perfect words to convince the blonde that he cared deeply about him, his sarcastic, angry nature making the task difficult. He closed his eyes and pictured the last time the blonde had truly smiled at him, the blue eyes full of tenderness and passion. He released a long sigh before letting his feathered quill scratch furiously across the page, determined not to ruin what may be his last chance to make things right with Naruto.

A/N: So I know I write this almost every chapter but much to my chagrin my free time has all but disappeared. It’s very exciting actually, I’m going to Africa on the 22 of March and won’t have much time to write until then.

Naruto: What! You’re going away. But...but what about me?

Me: Well you’ll be here when I get back.

Naruto: Are you going to write while you’re away?

Me: Well I’m going to be on and off planes for about thirty-six hours so probably. But I’m not bringing my laptop so I won’t be posting while I’m away.

Naruto: What?! Well how long are you gone for?

Me: About three weeks.

Naruto: You’re going to loose all your readers! That’s almost six weeks with no post!

Me: This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I have to take that chance.

Naruto: NO! I DEMAND YOU POST SOMETHING BEFORE YOU GO!

Me: Sigh. I’ll try. No promises.