Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or its characters and I make no profit from this story.
AN: Sorry it took so long to update my story. I was in Florida with no computer and minimal internet access. But I'm back now and working on the next chapter. To MisatosPenPen: Thank you again. Yes, my story is that long. I'm happy that I keep you interested and hopefully you won't be disappointed with the ending. I have a shocker coming up, hopefully no one can see coming. And yes the Ice Prince was crying. That damn Sasuke is just emotional that way.
To Angel_Davis: Thank you for your review. I'm happy that you think my story is amazing. I hope you like this new chapter!
To Novembertopaz: I'm sorry it took so long to respond. First I want to thank you for your review. I'm sort of new to AFF too. I don't know how to add a story, I just bookmark the stories I like to my favorites on internet explorer and check back often for updates. I wish I could help. I normally update my stories within two weeks though. I hope that helps.
Chapter Twelve
June 17th
The room was silent but for the clock ticking overhead on the nearby wall. It was resolutely counting away the minutes while I sat glaring at the two men across from me, annoyance etched in every line of my body. In their defense, they were putting up a good fight against my Uchiha glare and it was pissing me off. Maybe my glare was broken?
I fought back the yawn that threatened to break my defiant façade, but just barely. Naruto wasn’t so lucky, his hand rising to cover his mouth as he exhaled into his palm. Iruka spared Naruto no sympathy, his arms crossed tightly and a deep frown on his face. Kakashi was snickering and hovering over his camera protectively.
It was too early for this shit!
I had enjoyed my sleep until those two had rudely interrupted it. We hadn’t been hurting anyone and certainly doing nothing devious; we were asleep for crying out loud! But did that stop Kakashi from waking us? No, he had to prove a point.
It wasn’t our fault we had fallen asleep together. And it shouldn’t be held against us for that matter. I understand they think we crossed some line, but really, was it necessary to wake me because of it? No, they were just impatient bastards!
Figuring it was a losing battle to continue glaring at Kakashi and Iruka, I switched to glaring whole heartedly at the camera grasped firmly in Kakashi’s hand. It was the cause of my current disgruntlement anyway! It was that stupid camera with the brightest flash known to man that woke me from my peaceful slumber and dragged me away from the glorious warmth Naruto offered.
Laughter pierced the air and momentarily froze me where I sat. It was a few seconds before I realized Kakashi was laughing…at me. He was laughing at me! Really, I didn’t find any bit of this hilarious.
I focused my vision on Kakashi’s hunched form and snarled. It didn’t seem to faze him one iota as he sat there, camera in hand, and smirked. He was pretty damn proud of that picture. I was consumed with the urge to tear it from his hands and smash the damn thing into a thousand pieces. But that would be destruction of property.
Iruka uncrossed his arms and walked up behind Kakashi, grabbing the camera from his hands. He studied the picture, his face going through a range of emotions that warred with one another: anger, worry, and mirth. It seemed mirth won out as a small laugh emerged.
“What’s so funny?” Naruto mumbled tiredly and rubbed at his eyes like a child would. It was an endearing sight that had my lips mimicking my inner thoughts as they rose in a small smile. It was quickly squashed before anyone could notice. I reserved my smiles for Naruto only.
“It’s a good picture, Kashi,” Iruka laughed. “But they did break the rules.”
“Oh, get over it.” I growled in annoyance. “As you can see nothing happened. We still have all our clothes on, we were in the room next to yours, the door was left wide open, and we weren’t even lying down.” And to prove my point I rubbed at my sore neck and shoulders trying to work out the kink there.
“You knew the rules, Sasuke. We stuck up for the two of you, and you turn around and do this to us. So tell us why we should trust you now?” Kakashi asked.
“Trust wasn’t broken here because you never trusted us to begin with.”
“That isn’t true, Sasuke…” Iruka started.
“Isn’t it Iruka?” Naruto cut in, finally wide awake. “You don’t trust us, especially me. You obviously distrust Sasuke because you barely know him, but you haven’t trusted me in such a long time that it’s become almost second nature to doubt.”
“Naruto, that’s not true. I trust you completely.”
“No you don’t! I know you don’t. This is why…” His mouth shut tightly, teeth clacking together from the force. There was a pause to catch his breath before he continued. “Never mind.”
“Why you what, Naruto?” Iruka asked.
“It’s not important.” Naruto muttered with a shake of his head.
“There’s obviously something you want to say, so say it.” Iruka demanded his temper short circuiting.
Naruto adopted a hard look, his voice low and strained. “Fine, it is why I left in the first place. I couldn’t bear the looks you and Granny Tsunade was showing me any longer. I could read it clearly, the disappointment in your eyes. It stung every time I saw you look at me like that. It was like I had done something wrong. I couldn’t stay there, in that house and be treated like a misbehaving child!”
Did Iruka and Chief Tsunade really treat him like a naughty child? I felt my heart clench painfully, aching to undo the pain that one man had caused.
“That’s why I left for college early, because I couldn’t bear the disappointment. I knew then I would never be trusted enough again. And I didn’t believe Granny Tsunade when she said she wanted me to live my life without her interference.”
“I know you’ve both been keeping tabs on me, even when I went out of my way and ignored you for a short time. But you keep butting into my life, making demands with whom I should and shouldn’t see. It has to stop! You have to trust me at some point.” Naruto stated.
My stomach was in knots, my heart constricting with the pain Naruto bottled up inside. I longed to reach out to him, but I knew it wouldn’t be appreciated at the moment. Naruto was hurt and angry and barely containing it. His body shook slightly, his fists clenched tight, and he was gritting his teeth. Even his gaze was averted. All in the attempt to stop himself from doing something he may regret later.
Yeah, I know that feeling.
“I’m sorry we made you feel like that. It wasn’t our intent to make you feel worse than you already did.” Iruka replied sadly and paused, the words he wanted to say catching in his throat. I saw the range of emotions swirling behind glassy eyes and knew he was struggling to find the right words.
“We weren’t disappointed in you but in ourselves. We sat back and let it happen, even with our misgivings we let you do as you wished. I even thought it was about time you learned about heartbreak.” Iruka cried. “I thought he was a good thing for you in that respect, but I was wrong.
“I never dreamed he would attack you. So the disappointment you saw was directed at myself and not you. That’s why I was going to move back in; to try to make up for my mistakes. But you left before I could.
“You’re right though; we don’t completely trust you. That’s why we kept a constant eye on you. So we could step in before anyone else had a chance to hurt you like that again. You tend to rush into things so quickly and blindly that…
Naruto shook his head in earnest, his gaze cast anywhere but at Iruka. He didn’t make a sound though and that was concerning. Worry began to gnaw at my gut with an unknown ferocity and I held back the urge to rest my hand on his shoulder…I knew he wasn’t ready for my support. Was it strange that I could read him so easily?
“Naruto?” Iruka asked worriedly.
“I can’t live like that, under your constant vigilance.” Naruto finally whispered out. He was focusing intently on the tiled floor, avoiding meeting any of us in the eye. “I’m not a kid and I haven’t been for years. I was forced to grow up fast if you’ve forgotten. I know what I’m doing with Sasuke and the past is not going to repeat itself.”
“We worry about you
because you grew up fast.” Iruka replied.
“Just trust me.” Naruto pinned them with wide blue eyes, silently begging.
Iruka offered a resolute nod and strode forward. He pulled Naruto into a hug that Naruto returned with force. Now was the time to comfort Naruto, but I wasn’t the one that could do it; not this time. And strange enough, that was ok with me.
“Are you going to tell Granny Tsunade?” He asked when they pulled apart.
“She doesn’t need to know about this morning, but I will talk to her about how you’ve been feeling, Naruto. You should have told us sooner.”
“I didn’t want to be a bother after everything. And I wanted to prove that I could make you proud, that I could stand on my own two feet and make wise decisions…it’s why I turned Gaara down.”
“What do you mean?” Iruka asked, taking a step back to view Naruto better.
“Yeah, please explain?” I added, whole-heartedly interested in knowing why he turned down the potential boyfriend. Not that I’m complaining or anything, but a person needed to know these things.
“Are you jealous, teme?” Naruto laughed; his normal self shining forth.
“Hardly, but I would like to know why you turned him down. You told me it was because you didn’t think of him as more than just a friend?”
“And that’s the truth, but there was just a bit more to it than that; more than I told you about.” He mumbled and bit at his bottom lip. “We did go out… Once!” Naruto defended as I sat rigid.
“You dated?” I questioned stiffly.
“No, we went out once to see if it would work. I found nothing in it, but the same couldn’t be said for Gaara.”
“I see.” I responded. So they went for a test drive and it fizzled on Naruto’s end? I wasn’t about to argue with that, not when I had Naruto now.
“Are you angry with me?” Naruto worriedly asked.
“Why would I be?” I asked.
“Because I didn’t tell you…”
“Well, there seems to be quite a few things that you haven’t told me yet. You shouldn’t be worried; knowing each other only comes with time. And you’ll tell me when you’re ready to tell me.”
Kakashi laughed softly behind us. Damn, I almost forgot that he was here, he was being so quiet!
“There’s hope for you two, yet.” He laughed.
“Hey, what do you mean by that?!” Naruto demanded in mock hurt.
Iruka and Kakashi burst out laughing and I found I had to stifle my laughter as well. It was inappropriate to laugh at your boyfriend, but I couldn’t help it. He looked damn cute with those pouty lips jutting forward and his arms crossed over his chest like a toddler who didn’t get his way.
“Kakashi, can you get this photo developed?” Iruka asked suddenly, toying with the camera in his hands.
“Sure.” He replied, his eyes twinkling in merriment.
“What?” I growled out.
“Consider this punishment for breaking the rules.” Iruka laughed.
“We didn’t break any rules!” Naruto cried out in exasperation.
“Yes, you did. No sleeping together. That went for both meanings, but I’ll let it slide because I have pictures to extort you with.”
“You’re evil.” Naruto growled and I couldn’t agree more.
As soon as I could those pictures were being deleted and the memory card burned. Iruka must have sensed my impure intentions as he handed the camera back to Kakashi.
“Kashi, be so kind as to get these developed for me today. Three or four copies should do. Hide one of them for safe keeping, and bring the rest home. I think Naruto and Sasuke should have their own copies don’t you think?”
“I think that is a great idea, Ruka. I’ll just be heading out, then. You two play nice; I don’t want Ruka calling me for any mischief you pulled; and don’t forget that I’ll be at work with Tsunade all day.” Kakashi’s mismatched eyes glinted with pure evil.
“I will get you for this Kakashi.” I vowed.
“Your threats don’t scare me Uchiha.”
“You should watch your back from now on.” I continued, contemplating all the ways that I could get even with him. I’ll dub it Operation: Revenge on Kakashi. Yeah, that was a fitting title.
“Kakashi you should be going if you want to get them developed and be to work on time.” Iruka smiled happily.
Kakashi smiled gleefully as he pecked Iruka on the lips and left the apartment in jubilant spirits, practically bouncing down the hallway. Oh, yes he was going down and so was Iruka. I didn’t care if he was Naruto’s family, they were going down. Maybe I could get Naruto to help me?
“Is breakfast ready Iruka?” Naruto asked suddenly.
“It’s on the stove when you’re ready.” Iruka muttered.
Watching Naruto as he bound to the stove in uplifted spirits made me happy, his missing carefree attitude restored. That part of him was missing ever since we left the police station. Maybe clearing the air was good for him?
Slipping from the chair, I padded my way to my bedroom to change as Naruto helped himself to bacon and eggs, dishing out a serving for me as well. I heard the clinking of silverware and glasses hitting the table as I pulled on a t-shirt and jeans and walked back out to the kitchen.
Naruto sat the plate in front of me and bent down to land a soft kiss on my cheek. Iruka eyed us closely, but didn’t put a stop to it. I smirked and grabbed Naruto around the waist when he turned away, forcing him into my lap.
“Teme!” He whispered vehemently.
I smirked with satisfaction, quickly hiding it by nuzzling into Naruto’s neck. His smell was intoxicating, a mixture of both our soaps. The smell had me yearning to run my tongue along his neck, to taste him on my lips, but Iruka was still watching us like a hawk. And no matter how much debating I did with myself, that act would not be received kindly. So, with a heavy breath I let my blonde go.
Naruto danced away, his face the lovely shade of a tomato, and rushed to his room. I waited quietly and patiently for the dobe to return, now fully clothed and avoiding eye contact with anyone. He was doing that often lately.
~REVENGE~
Kakashi smiled with glee as he looked at the newly developed pictures in his hand. It wasn’t often that he was presented with the perfect extortion material. In fact he’d been searching for two years for anything on the Uchiha and there hadn’t been any until now. All it took was falling in love with Naruto; who knew. If he had known that maybe he could have had them introduced sooner.
Kakashi slid the photos into his pocket as he made his way from the digital photo center and out into the bustling city streets. The station was right around the corner and for once he wasn’t going to be late, but just as he rounded the corner a figure bumped hurriedly into him and knocked him off-balance. The guy didn’t even bother to stop and apologize as Kakashi regained his footing. Kakashi could only shake his head at the people who were always in such a hurry. Some people needed to learn to relax.
~REVENGE~
“You’re late!” Sakura hissed as Tsunade met Kakashi by the door. True he was an hour late, but he was earlier than he normally was. That had to count for something right?
“Sorry, I got lost on the road of life…”
“Spare us your stories Kakashi, the Council is waiting for us. I just hope this isn’t a colossal waste of time.” Tsunade muttered as she pushed the door open on the agitated group who didn’t like to be kept waiting.
“What is the meaning of this
Chief Tsunade?” Orochimaru sneered venomously. “We’re busy people.”
“I’m sorry. Here, I thought you would want to speak to my lieutenant as well?” Tsunade replied caustically as she took a seat across from them.
“You know why we’re here, Tsunade.” Koharu started stiffly, her nose turned upwards as if talking to Tsunade was unpleasant business. To the Councilwoman it probably was.
Tsunade rested her elbows on the table and laid her chin in her hands, lost in thought. Yes, she knew what they wanted, but that didn’t mean they would get it.
“Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha…” Homura started.
“They are safe, no thanks to you.” The chief growled, her amber eyes crackling.
“With circumstances as they are, we would like to place them under our protection.” Orochimaru stated oily.
“Absolutely not!”
“Let’s be reasonable Chief Tsunade…” Homura soothed.
“How dare you show yourselves here and demanded Itachi and Sasuke? Get out.” Tsunade hissed.
“This is very unwise of you Tsunade. They are Uchiha…” Koharu sneered.
“And that’s the only reason you’re demanding…”
“Offering…” Orochimaru supplemented.
“…Is because they are Uchiha. No, absolutely not!” Tsunade clipped.
“Chief Tsunade, please be reasonable.”
“No, Homura, I will not. You only want to save your asses now.”
“Sasuke and Itachi…” Orochimaru slithered.
“They are not the only ones being targeted here.” Kakashi supplied. “Are you forgetting about Naruto Uzumaki?”
“That boy is of no concern here.” Orochimaru hissed, leaning back in his chair and throwing his hand up. “There is no proof that he is being targeted as well.”
“Oh, is that what Sai is telling you?” Tsunade questioned.
“That is a serious accusation you are putting out there Tsunade, especially against one of your own detectives. Maybe an internal review and audit are required of your department.” Orochimaru sneered.
“Get out!” Tsunade fumed, taking every ounce of control she had to stay in her seat.
“You will never change Tsunade.” He laughed.
“And neither will you Orochimaru. Now, I will not say this again. Get out and never step foot in my station again or I will have you arrested!”
“On what charge?” Orochimaru laughed.
“Trespassing.”
“Chief Tsunade…” Homura interrupted. “You are refusing to release Uchiha to us?”
“Damn straight I am!”
“Then you will be seeing us soon and this time we will have Danzo with us. Do not make us seek out a court order. Deliver them by 6:00 p.m. tonight.” Homura threatened as he stood and made his way out with Koharu. Orochimaru grinned nastily as he followed leaving behind Shikaku and Daimyô.
“Well, that was quite abrupt?” Daimyô muttered as he surveyed the room. “Chief Tsunade, you needn’t worry about a thing. Keep Itachi, Sasuke, and Naruto where they are and let Shikaku and me deal with the others.”
Tsunade stared in shock as Daimyô stood up. She just assumed that he was a blithering idiot, but was all that levity an act? Was he really aware of what was going on?
“I agree. There is no need for you to worry Tsunade. No judge will grant them an order unless they can prove their current location is unsafe. In which case, we would have to ask ourselves how they knew where Itachi and Sasuke are.” Shikaku stated. “There is also the fact they would have to disclose that you came to them before requesting help.”
“Itachi isn’t hard to find.” Tsunade whispered.
“No, he’s still working diligently as ever. But I have enjoyed the last few weeks immensely. Did you know Itachi is fighting it out with Orochimaru in court? No, well, from what I hear Uchiha is slaughtering him and his defendant.”
“You’re sadistic.” Tsunade smiled slightly.
“No, I’m not sadistic. I just enjoy seeing people get what they deserve. And this is long overdue.”
~REVENGE~
His target was in sight as the shadow walked swiftly down the bustling street and made the first turn that he could, keeping his head slightly bent away from the unsuspecting man. He made a point of bumping into his target as he rushed by without looking back.
Ducking into a back alley, he pulled out the photo he just boosted from the lieutenant and stopped in his tracks. A burst of laughter escaped the man sending a stray cat dashing out from under a dumpster and through a broken window.
He should have known Tsunade would place them there; it would have saved him the trouble of stalking the lieutenant for his two missing victims. Tsunade was throwing him a challenge and he would accept it without question and claim his prize. Victory would be his. No one could stop him.
Striding up the steps of the building complex he’d been staying at, he turned to view the Police Station as the Doorman opened the glass door expectantly. With one last look he entered the lobby and hit the up button, waiting for the elevator’s approach.
The lobby filled with the ding of the available elevator, the metal doors sliding open to allow him access. He boarded the metal box and tapped the plastic button for the 16
th floor rising to his destination.
The hallway was dark as he stepped out on to the plush carpet leading to his front door. He pushed his card key into the locking mechanism and pushed the door open quietly when the light flashed green. With a toss of his hand the boosted photo landed on the table sliding slightly along the glass top. He loosened his tie and fixed himself bourbon on the rocks, taking a seat next to the window so he had an unobstructed view of Konoha. His mind was in the process of contemplating how he would get to the Uchiha’s.
The bathroom door opened and a woman walked out, steam pouring profusely from the doorway. She eyed the man with distaste as she strode up to the mini bar and made herself a gin and tonic, downing it quickly. Her gaze drifted over the picture and stared in disbelief.
With a clink she replaced her glass on the table and walked over to the king sized bed. Loosening the belt around her robe, she laid out on the bed and allowed the silk to slide away to reveal her naked body.
The man chuckled darkly and swiveled around to view the naked woman. “Why do you persist when I know you despise me?”
“Someone has to stop you.” She muttered just as darkly, her hand running over her smooth stomach.
“Hmm,” He smirked. “Your hands are just as dirty as mine, dear. So I’ll ask you again: why do you persist?”
“I’ll stop when you give me what I want.”
“It always comes back to this. The only reason you don’t turn on me.” He downed his bourbon and stood from his chair, laughing.
“You didn’t give me what I want.”
“Soon dear, very soon you shall have what you want and I shall have what I want.” The shadow smirked as he crawled on top of the bed and trapped the woman beneath him. He captured her lips brutally as his right hand came up to squeeze around her slender neck. Her breath hitched and she let out a moan as the shadow squeezed just that much tighter. He was a brutal man and got off on the pain he inflicted on his partner, willing or not. Today she was willing.
“Are you going to wait all day or are you going to fuck me?!” She demanded, even as hatred flickered in her eyes.
“Such poison from a beautiful flower.” The shadow chuckled and fumbled with his designer pants. He didn’t wait long before his freed cock impaled the woman beneath him; her back arching from the force and a moan lacing the air.
~REVENGE~
“Is there a problem if Sasuke and I sat out on the balcony alone?” Naruto blurted out around lunch time.
Iruka bit his lip as my head shot up from the TV. I couldn’t help feeling a bit hopeful that we could have some alone time without having to guard our words.
“I don’t know?” Iruka mumbled.
“Please, Iruka, please. We’ll be on the balcony in plain view of everyone.” That was true. Our view consisted of the swimming pool below us and the neighbors across from us. We were surrounded by peeping toms.
“I still don’t know.”
“Please, Iruka, I just want to sit out there with Sasuke and do a bit of talking, nothing more than that.”
“And why can’t you talk in here?”
“I just wanted some fresh air and I thought you could use a little rest from your constant vigilance. We won’t do anything with your neighbors watching. Please, Iruka, just this once?” Naruto begged, putting on the charm and laced with puppy dog eyes.
“Hmm,” Iruka sighed in defeat. “Fine.”
“Thank you, thank you; thank you!” Naruto grinned as he hopped around in glee and glomped him.
“Don’t make me regret this Naruto.” Iruka warned.
“I won’t, I promise.” Naruto bounced as he pulled me from my sitting position on the couch. “What would you like to drink, teme?”
“Soda’s fine.”
“Good, I’ll grab that while you make your way out.” I nodded and walked slowly to the sliding glass door stepping out into bright sunshine. Naruto wasn’t far behind me as he pulled the door closed and took a seat on the swing. I sat next to him as he handed me a can, opening his with a pop.
“Did you have anything in particular you wanted to talk to me about, dobe?”
“Plenty, but first I wanted to clear up everything with Gaara.”
“I believe you, Naruto; you don’t have to explain…”
“I could have been happy with him.” Naruto blurted out stalling anything I had planned to say.
“Huh?” I asked with confusion wrote on my face.
Naruto bit his lip and stared at the flowered plant, one of many Iruka had around the apartment. He took a deep breath and I was hit with the impression that he was struggling internally.
“I lied to you when I said I felt nothing for Gaara.” Naruto whispered. “I found myself liking him too much and it scared me to death.”
“Why would you lie?” I tried to hide the sting his comment struck and for the most part was successful. At least Naruto didn’t comment about my reaction as he barked out a harsh laugh, shaking his head and looking anywhere but at me. There was a glassy hue to his blue orbs, but he was able to hold back any tears from shedding.
“Because of Iruka and Kakashi and what they would make of it. I’m sorry; I didn’t want them to start on me so I told a white lie to try to spare you. I knew if Granny Tsunade found out I started to develop feelings for Gaara then she would bring him here to try to come between us.” He replied, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Are you angry with me now?”
I exhaled and shook my head. “I can’t be angry if you were just trying to spare my feelings…”
“No,” Naruto shook his head. “Are you angry because I lied to you?”
I offered him a small smile, but it didn’t seem to assuage his feelings. Sliding closer to Naruto, I grabbed his hand in mine with a firm grip and replied, “You lied for the right reason and far from hurting me; you make me feel happy.”
“You’re definitely not angry?” Naruto questioned wearily.
“What reason do I have to be angry with you?” I pulled the dobe into my side and pushed us back and forth, allowing gravity to swing us before kicking the ground for added momentum when we slowed to a crawl.
“You make me happy, teme.” Naruto sighed and rest his head on my shoulder.
I smiled happily, enjoying our alone time. It was a peaceful day outside with the wind blowing gently and hitting the wind chimes above us. It was perfect for about five minutes when Iruka poked his head out and interrupted it.
He seemed genuinely sorry as he apologized, “I’m sorry, but I have to run next door real quick for something. I shouldn’t be more than a minute though.”
“We’ll be fine, you don’t have to worry.” I replied.
Iruka frowned and muttered, “Can I get the two of you to at least come inside and lock the door behind me?”
“Are you over reacting much?” I muttered.
“Just get inside long enough for me to run next door.” Iruka snapped throwing the sliding door wide. With a sigh I stood up and dragged Naruto close behind me, following the worried man inside and to the front door. I crossed my arms and shot an annoyed glance at the dobe.
“Iruka is great at over reacting.” Naruto offered, playing at a smile.
“Doesn’t he realize that locking the door behind him would be considered suspicious?”
Naruto broke out in a fit of laughter, that tinkling laughter I’ve come to cherish. “It would if Iruka wasn’t notorious for locking himself out of his home. He carries the house key with him wherever he goes now.”
I threw Naruto a skeptical look and asked, “Are you serious?”
Naruto gave an overzealous nod, shaking with silent laughter. The sound of a key being pressed into the knob gave us both pause, my heart overreacting as it bounded in my chest. I stopped myself from taking a protective step towards Naruto, my mind finally catching up to reason. Of course it was Iruka, who else would it be beside Kakashi?
Iruka stepped inside the apartment and sighed in relief when he noticed us unharmed. With a wave of his hand we were free to return to the balcony and resume our former snuggling; and I wasted no time is doing just that.
~REVENGE~
Kakashi trudged his way through the lobby, yawning wide behind his black turtleneck. He slipped between two teenagers, who stopped in front of the elevators to eat each other’s face, and made a bid for the rectangular box. Thankfully the elevator was without the usual tenants going about their business at this time of day, because it gave Kakashi time to think over everything that happened today.
The Council were proving themselves capable of going up against Tsunade, following through with their threat to go before a judge. In a shocker, Daimyô really pulled through for them, going against his fellow Councilmen and getting the judge to throw out the request.
Far from being mollified, Tsunade had been furious and short-tempered with everyone. It was mostly the stress with the Council, but it didn’t help her temper that there was nothing new to add and no new leads. Not that there were any leads that panned through. The case was dead in the water and Kakashi dreaded having to tell Iruka that they had no new information, again. There was less than three days left now. The day after tomorrow Naruto would be moved to another location and then the waiting game would begin. That more than anything was getting to him, causing him to lose sleep. He couldn’t take much more of the waiting game.
Kakashi stepped off the elevator and trudged his way down the hallway, only stopping when he reached his unit. With another yawn he pushed the key into the lock and called out to Iruka. He was greeted with a kiss and a noticeable absence from their two wards. He raised an eyebrow in question as Iruka laughed.
“They’re out on the balcony. I’ve just checked on them and all they were doing was talking."
“We can’t be too lenient with them, not with Tsunade breathing down our necks.”
“True, but now I have extortion material to keep them in check. Did you get them developed?” Iruka asked excitedly.
“I did and they turned out nicely.” Kakashi grinned and pulled the photos from his pocket. “I hid a copy, so there should be three left.”
Iruka grabbed for them with eager fingers and pulled the pictures apart. “Hmm, there’s only two here. Are you sure you made four copies?”
“That’s odd,” Kakashi frowned. “I clearly remember there being four. Maybe I pulled two out instead of one. I’ll check for you tomorrow.”
“Hmm, I think Naruto and Sasuke would appreciate these.” Iruka smiled sadly. “They’ll be able to keep each other close while…”
“They’ll be fine, Ruka.” Kakashi soothed, rubbing Iruka’s shoulder. “I won’t let anything happen to Sasuke or Naruto. That’s a promise.”
“I know.” Iruka cried.
~REVENGE~
I was staring up at the clouds in a passing imitation of Shikamaru when Kakashi walked out and told us dinner was ready. Naruto shifted against me and sat up, his back popping loudly as he stretched and stood up. He turned around and held his hand out to me, which I gladly accepted. In a perfect imitation of Naruto’s movements, my back popped as I stood up and stretched. Following him inside a second later we shared the sink as we washed up quickly, our bellies growling with disapproval.
I sat down at the table and Kakashi took that moment to slide something in front of me. With steady hands I picked it up and was surprised to see the picture from this morning developed. My surprise morphed into annoyance a second later with the thought of Tsunade finding it!
I growled at Kakashi as Naruto grabbed the photo from my hand. He sported a small smile and grasped my hand tightly, a blush noticeably dusting his cheeks. It was an endearing look on him, one that I wouldn’t mind seeing a repeat performance of. As long as I was the one causing it!
“There’s one for you too, Naruto.” Kakashi replied.
“Thank you.” Naruto mumbled quietly as he sat across from me. I guess it wasn’t a bad picture after all, but then any picture with Naruto in it was a good picture to me. Maybe I would have to reconsider the ‘revenge on Kakashi’ objective; for now anyway.
~REVENGE~
The shadow-man breathed out harshly as he lay against the panting woman. She had been insatiable today, wanting; demanding it from him. And he was happy to oblige, anything to keep her at bay until she got her long-standing demand.
“You’ll give me what I want?” She asked quietly.
“As long as I get what I want.”
“I’ve waited too long for this!” She growled and tried to pull herself out from under the man above her.
“I’ve told you before of the consequences if you didn’t listen to me.” He hissed.
“You should have let me…!”
“It was impossible.” He interrupted, gripping her shoulders tightly and forcing his weight down on her supple body, effectively holding her in place.
“Not for you! You could have…”
“No! Be patient!” He snapped, pushing her into the mattress in his attempt to shake her. “You will have what you want shortly.”
The woman breathed harshly in an attempt to calm herself. The consequences would be severe if she didn’t. It was only a small consolation that shortly she would have what she wanted for 16 years now. All it took was this man she despised and allowed to violate her body; he would be the one to give it to her.
“How?” She demanded.
“You know how.” He chuckled and pulled himself away from her. Making his way, naked, to the panoramic window, he stared at the lower building on the opposite corner. There were lights on at the police station as usual. The thought of an overworked Tsunade, hindered by the Council and the lack of leads gave him immeasurable joy. She would never find him; and by the time she did, if she found out at all that is, it would be far too late for her precious ‘grandson’. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
“You would know all about that, wouldn’t you?” The woman glared as she handed him a bourbon which he downed in one go. “You’re right under their noses.”
He handed her his glass and crowed while making his way to the bathroom for a shower. The woman stared out the window at the police station below. Great sorrow marred her beautiful face as she grasped the glass tightly in her hands. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she threw the glass at the bathroom door, shattering it into hundreds of pieces.
“Damn you!” She breathed out and sunk to the ground, wailing. “What have you done to me? What have I let you do to me?”
~REVENGE~
Naruto knocked on my door as I pulled a t-shirt over my head in preparation for bed. He walked in, leaving the door wide open as he took up residence on my bed, grabbing my pillow and hugging it to his body closely. I raised an eyebrow in question and sat down next to him, trying hard not to think about that pillow hugging his body and how I wanted to be in that very position at the moment. But I settled for pulling his hand into mine and kissing him on the lips. It was quick and chaste and didn’t fail to light up the dobe’s face.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I just wanted to say goodnight.” He smiled dopily.
“Hn, goodnight then dobe.” I pulled him into another kiss, short and simple. Naruto bounced up from the bed and practically floated to his room in high spirits. I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped me at the thought of how much happier he seemed.
“You’re the cause of that, you know.” Kakashi answered, almost as if he could read my mind. He stuck his head around my doorway and smiled that infuriating smile of his.
“Hn.”
“That was a compliment, Sasuke. You make him unbelievably happy, the happiest I have ever seen him be. You don’t know how lucky you are.”
“I know exactly how lucky I am.” I remarked, throwing Kakashi a glare. “Naruto is all I want, all I will ever want or need.”
“He deserves happiness Sasuke…”
“I know…” I interrupted, but Kakashi held out his hand to stall me.
“And if you can’t give him that than you need to…” Kakashi continued.
“I will make him happy. Whatever he wants, I will do everything in my power to get it for him.”
“And if that includes putting distance between you?”
“I will give him distance and the assurance that when he’s ready I’ll be waiting for him. If it takes a day, a year, five years, or fifty years, I will wait an eternity for him.”
“Oh, Sasuke,” Kakashi sighed. “When did you fall so hard?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” I replied stiffly.
“Oh, you know exactly what I mean. Spill it Uchiha.”
Kakashi was once again on the receiving end of my glare, the glare that had no effect on the infuriating lieutenant. With a snarl and my arms crossed to show my displeasure, I mumbled quickly, “I don’t know when, but I know it was fast.”
“It may not be much, Sasuke; but you have my blessing and full backing so long as Naruto isn’t hurt.”
“I would never hurt him!” I snapped. “And I will do everything in my power to see that he is never hurt again; by anyone!”
“Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.”
“Oh, I will keep this promise. He will not be hurt, I won’t allow it.”
Kakashi paused, sizing me up before giving a curt nod. “That’s the spirit, Sasuke.” He chuckled. And with that he turned away, a ‘good night’ casually thrown over his shoulder.
“Goodnight.” I grumbled and fell back against the mattress, staring at the ceiling. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the folded picture already crinkled from multiple handling. It really wasn’t a bad picture with the dobe sleeping soundly in my arms, his arms wrapped tightly around my shoulder and his head resting comfortably by my neck. It was a wonder his back wasn’t in knots like my back was.
Itachi’s voice floated back to me in the darkness, perplexing as always.
‘Treat him well Sasuke’. What the hell was his true intention? What he said and how he acted were two completely separate things. So what did he mean by it?
I sighed and set the picture next to my bedside clock deciding I would have to contact Itachi and get his side of the story. I needed to know how my older brother, the one that took such great care of me after our parents died, could be so cruel. It wasn’t like him at all. I didn’t know when it happened, but I soon found myself drifting off into an uneasy slumber; the shadows swirling around every corner chasing me, blue eyes pleading with me.
