The Demilitarized Zone

Disclaimer: Not mine. Bummer.
Summary: Itachi Uchiha has always had a sadistic streak when it came to his little brother. Now the perfect opportunity has presented itself and he just can’t let it go by. He does love him after all. (SasuNaru)

Author’s Note: Well, it was my intention to make this the last chapter before the epilogue. That is not to be. This will now be the second to the last chapter… before the epilogue. Happy days.
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, like most writers I live for the little typed out snippets of love.

WARNING: Yes, it is needed. Very needed. Finally, after fourteen chapters I can finally, finally offer each and every one of you a cool glass of lemonade. Providing you are old enough and understand that I am not talking about a refreshing beverage made from water, lemons, sugar and sometimes a sprig of fresh mint. If you are disappointed by the lack of ‘traditional’ beverage, leave now. Otherwise, please, drink up. Cheers!
You have been warned.


The Demilitarized Zone
Chapter 14

The door opened slowly and the three men in the room turned their heads from the wind and the rain to see who would interrupt their silent vigil. Fugaku stood up quickly when he saw that it was his sons, his dark eyes scanning their pale forms for injury. Sasuke’s clothes were still torn and bloody from before so it was difficult for the older man to tell if he was any worse for the wear. Upon closer inspection, Fugaku noticed a dark bruise forming on the side of Sasuke’s neck as though something had been pressed brutally against the pale skin.

Itachi came to a stop behind Sasuke while his father’s gaze fell upon him. He looked controlled, as was normal for his oldest son, but for the uncharacteristic fisting of his hands, almost like he was stopping them from shaking.

“Sasuke.” Kakashi said and stood up from his position on Iruka’s bed. His gray eyes also scanned the brothers looking for any sign that could tell him about his son.

Sasuke’s black eyes met his own and a soft sigh escaped before the smallest of smiles graced his lips, “He’s okay. He is sleeping.” Sasuke walked closer to Naruto’s parents, looking Kakashi in the eye, “I was with him until they took him into x-ray,” at Iruka’s sharp intake of breath Sasuke hastened to explain, “He hurt his knee and they need to determine if it will need surgery or not.”

Kakashi stepped closer to the quiet young man, searching his eyes critically, “He hurt his knee… what else?”

Sasuke shook his head and Itachi placed a hand on his shoulder before answering for his little brother. “Nothing else. Naruto is fine. A police officer and an acquaintance of mine were killed, as well as, several of Orochimaru’s men.”

“And Sannin?” Fugaku asked his voice cold and commanding.

Sasuke looked up and met his father’s eyes, “Still alive and in route to East General Hospital for a gunshot wound in his shoulder.” Midnight eyes held the older ones of his father for a moment before turning to Naruto’s father, “I… I’m sorry.”

Fugaku, in a move that surprised all the occupants of the room, grabbed his youngest son into a tight embrace, patting the back of his head similar to how he had when his Sasuke was small. “I am very proud of you,” The dark head looked over Sasuke’s bent head, ignoring Sasuke’s shallow breaths, indicating the young man was struggling to maintain his composure, “I am proud of both of you.”

Itachi’s eyes widened and he nodded slowly to his father. Sasuke pulled back and looked out the window taking several deep breaths and then turning once more to the men in the room. Stepping toward the bed, he extended his hand to Naruto’s other father, “Hello, I’m Sasuke. Naruto has spoken very fondly of you.”

Iruka nodded, taking the hand of the young man his son loved and who had returned Naruto to them, “Sasuke, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

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Blue eyes blinked open slowly, the sounds of rain hitting the window causing Naruto to tense before he was able to establish that he was no longer in that hell hole because Sasuke had saved him…

“Sasuke!”

Naruto sat up and scanned the dark room before he heard a gentle rustle and the whisper of someone else’s breathing. In the dim light streaming into the room from the hallway, Naruto made out his sleeping teme. Sasuke sat in a chair, his arms crossed over his chest and his long legs straight out in front of him, crossed at the ankles. He was dressed in dark blue doctor’s scrubs, his feet shoeless, the white of his socks nearly glowing in the darkness. Blue eyes moved up the lean body once more and rested on Sasuke’s sleeping face. Pale and beautiful. So fucking beautiful. His head was tilted gently to the side and the soft, black hair of his bangs lay gently against his face. Naruto’s fingers itched to push them aside before cupping the pale cheek in his hand, while the other pressed against the strong chest, feeling the heartbeat of his teme. His very much alive, sleeping teme. He didn’t even try to stop the sob that built in his chest before echoing throughout the room.

Sasuke jerked awake at the sound and blinked rapidly while he tried to figure out what had awakened him. Black eyes met wide blue and Sasuke was at Naruto’s side in a moment, holding him tightly against his chest.

“Dobe,” Sasuke whispered, “It’s about time you woke up.” He smirked when he felt Naruto stiffen in his arms, but then nearly pushed away when Naruto spoke.

“Shut up, bastard. Shut the fuck up.” The younger man’s voice was weak and full of an emotion that Sasuke couldn’t name.

“Naruto…” Sasuke began but Naruto gripped his scrubs and pulled him further onto the bed until Sasuke was beneath him, his ear pressed firmly against Sasuke’s chest. Sasuke, not sure what to do, relaxed against the back of the bed and gently began to card his long fingers through the golden silk of Naruto’s hair, marveling at the contrast against the dark blue of his shirt.

“I just…” Naruto breathed deeply, his fingers tightening around the fabric before relaxing as they splayed against Sasuke’s chest, feeling the muscled expanse raise and fall, “I thought you were dead. I thought I’d never… please, S’uke, I just want to listen.”

Sasuke nodded silently and continued to stroke Naruto’s hair, his eyes closed while he himself felt Naruto’s warmth against him. Here… safe… mine.

Time passed and Naruto shifted until his head nuzzled Sasuke’s neck and the older man moaned when he felt the shy tickle of Naruto lips against his pulse point.

“Hey, teme.” Sasuke felt the smile against his skin.

“Hey, dobe.” Sasuke drawled tugging softly on the hair between his fingers.

Naruto laughed, sending light puffs of air over Sasuke’s skin and Sasuke’s heart rate doubled.

“Are you okay? My parents? Itachi? Everything…”

Sasuke pressed a kiss against Naruto’s crown and smirked when Naruto stopped talking and something that sounded suspiciously like a purr came from the smaller man.

“I am fine… now. Now that you are okay. Now that you are awake. I almost died…”

“I know, I saw…” Sasuke felt Naruto begin to tremble in his arms.

“Dumbass, a little fire was nothing compared to waking up and knowing that you were gone, alone and with that son of a bitch. It didn’t compare at all to the horrific images that raced through my mind or the thought that I would never see you again, hold you again…” His breath hitched for a moment before he took a calming breath.

“Your parents are more than fine now that they know you are okay. Iruka woke up not long after you were taken…”

“Papa is awake?!” Naruto sat up quickly, struggling out of Sasuke’s embrace, “And Dad… is Dad okay? He woke up again too?”

Sasuke forced Naruto to lay back against the bed, his leg and arm holding the wiggling man down, “It’s two in the morning, idiot. They need to sleep. You need to sleep.” He ran a pale hand over his eyes, “Fuck, I need to sleep.”

Naruto stilled instantly when the weariness colored Sasuke’s words and clouded his piercing eyes.

“Of course,” Naruto conceded so quickly Sasuke looked at him with suspicion. The blonde leaned his head up and brushed a chaste kiss against Sasuke’s pale lips before smiling gently and scooting over to give Sasuke more room on the bed. “Good night, teme.”

Sasuke might have laid down and fallen asleep right then if it weren’t for one, small, inescapable detail. He looked down into clear, blue eyes before they fluttered shut and the tip of Naruto’s pink tongue darted out to taste Sasuke against his own lips before a smallest of mewl of contentment was heard.

“Oh, Jesus…” Sasuke growled and he attacked the man beneath him. His pale hands ran up Naruto’s chest and cupped scarred cheeks, their lips connecting. Naruto’s tongue immediately demanded entry which Sasuke allowed long enough so that he could taste Naruto before he started fighting Naruto for dominance, tongues swirling and teeth nipping while sounds of need filtered throughout the dark room.

Naruto’s hips lifted slightly off the bed and he hissed when he felt a sharp pain in his knee, his hands fisting dark locks slightly harder than planned.

“Hold still, moron.” Sasuke whispered and one finger hooked the loose collar of Naruto’s hospital gown pulling it down before his mouth connected with the tan collarbone. He then followed the tan skin up Naruto’s neck, leaving a trail of bites and gentle bruises. “Your knee was deeply bruised…” Naruto whined at a particularly harsh ‘nip’, “Nothing is broken, but it’s going to be sore for some…” Sasuke jerked when Naruto leaned up and sucked harshly on his own neck, heat screaming through his body before pooling low in his abdomen, “Holy hell… time.”

He wrapped a hand around the back of Naruto’s neck and once more claimed those pouting lips for his own. This time the kiss was slow, achingly so, and Naruto felt the heat in his abdomen cooling, but the ache in his heart nearly overpowered him. Jerking his head to the side, effectively breaking the kiss, he took several deep breaths before meeting questioning black eyes.

“Dobe?”

“I… I thought I lost you and I wasn’t sure if I could keep going because I…” Sasuke gasped when blue eyes clouded with doubt and hope and lo… “I love you.”

And Sasuke felt a piece of himself die only to be resurrected inside the beautiful, stupid, caring, irritating… perfect man beneath him.

Naruto… Naruto… Naruto…

And then he realized he was speaking his mantra aloud and his fingers cupped Naruto’s face while his thumbs rubbed gentle circles against the tan flesh and he tried to contain all the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him… fear, yes, but so much joy and happiness and oh god, Naruto was just laying there motionless… waiting.

“Stupid dobe,” Sasuke whispered, “I feel the same way.”

Naruto’s eyes met his for a moment, devoid of emotion while they assessed the dark haired man above him, searching for truth in the words. Apparently he found it because the light that Sasuke hadn’t even realized he needed to breath until a week ago shown so brightly in tear filled blue eyes that Sasuke had to closed his own against it. His breath caught and his eyes snapped opened when he felt the gentle pressure of Naruto’s kisses against the corner of his mouth.

“I’m happy to hear that, bastard,” And Sasuke felt himself pushed against the back of the bed and Naruto press into his side, “Now, go to sleep.”

Sasuke wrapped on arm around Naruto’s waist and threaded his fingers into Naruto’s hair before tilting the blonde head back once more to press one last lingering kiss against Naruto’s smiling lips.

“I love you, Naruto. Good night.”

Silence filled the room and Sasuke felt sleep begin to overtake his senses when the little idiot pressed against his chest chuckled lightly.

“Dobe,” Sasuke growled.

“I don’t know where you got these scrubs, bastard, but don’t lose them…” Sasuke felt Naruto press a kiss against his heart, “I might feel a fever coming on,” Sasuke couldn’t see the smirk, but he could certainly hear it, “Doctor.”

Sasuke grinned into the darkness, not that Naruto could see, “Hn.”

Naruto nuzzled his chest before they both slipped to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, possibilities swirling and coloring their dreams.

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Itachi pushed open the door and took a moment to watch the sleeping men in the bed. He was tempted to take a picture just so that his mother could have a picture of the blonde and black haired men to match the one she had of the same men as babies.

Naruto lay curled up into Sasuke’s chest like a puppy, his blonde head on Sasuke’s shoulders and one of his hands pressed against Sasuke’s chest, directly above his heart. Sasuke’s cheek nuzzled into Naruto’s golden spikes and his own hand curled around the tan fingers that lay over his chest.

Itachi closed his eyes and a flash of Sasuke held in that mother fucker’s arms, a gun shoved into his throat, while Naruto lay bruised and broken on the floor appeared before him. Growling, Itachi opened his eyes once more to soak in the scene before him, the scene that would replace the horror of last night. His minions were alive. He had succeeded. Hard, black eyes took in every angle, curve and color of the sleeping men before him and once more he closed his eyes.

Somewhere, on the third floor in a private hospital outside of Konahona, Itachi Uchiha smiled. It was a smile that softened his face and relaxed his entire body. It was a smile that only a handful of people had seen or would ever see. It was a smile that could bring grown women and men to their knees. Black eyes opened and it was gone, but Itachi knew it had been there and that was more than enough.

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“Minions…” Someone sing-songed and Sasuke growled, pulling Naruto closer to his body before drifting off once more.

“Oh, minions…”

Naruto whined and pulled the thin blanket up to his nose before snuggling deeper into Sasuke’s warmth, “Many… more… minutes…” He mumbled.

“You are forcing my hand, boys. I was going to spare you…” A deep voice mused and then the telltale click of a camera phone had both of the sleeping men blinking their eyes.

“What the hell are you doing?” Sasuke bit out, struggling to sit up with Naruto still clinging to his chest.

“I don’t care what he is doing. One shouldn’t question the devil…” Naruto growled and wrapped the warm blankets around himself, burrowing into the bed, “But I plan to ignore him until he goes away.”

Itachi inspected the picture on his phone with a bland expression before closing the phone and slipping it into his coat pocket. “Well, I’m sure a picture will be enough to appease your poor parents. Iruka especially has been…”

In a movement that startled both Uchiha brothers, Naruto was out of the bed and standing in front of his Dark Master before Itachi could even finish his manipulative bastard monologue.

“Let’s go, I’m ready. Why didn’t you say something before? Are they up? Did they ask for me? Why the bloody hell are you still in my way?” Naruto gushed out before pushing slightly on Itachi’s chest so that he could slide passed.

Two sets of black eyes blinked slowly and Sasuke cleared his throat.

“Dobe,” Sasuke said grateful that his voice sounded normal, “I can see your ass.”

Naruto stilled and his head turned around slowly until he was looking over his shoulder, finally noticing his hospital gown and the cool breeze. Sasuke continued, “And although I am enjoying the sight immensely, I don’t think you should be showing that fine ass to anyone else.” At those words, Naruto eeped, Sasuke glared at his older brother and Itachi smirked before looking out of the window while Naruto jumped back into the bed, wrestling the covers from an amused Sasuke.

“If I might be of some assistance, my embarrassed minion,” Itachi smirked before throwing two black bags onto the bed, “I thought maybe you both would like more suitable clothes.”

Naruto grabbed the bag, glaring at both Uchihas before sliding out of the bed, taking the blankets with him, wrapped securely around his waist. This time, as Naruto made his way toward the bathroom, Sasuke noticed how the blonde favored his knee. Standing, Sasuke began changing behind a curtain next to the bed.

“These aren’t my clothes…” Naruto hollered out from the bathroom. Itachi, who had taken a seat in the chair next to the bed didn’t even look up from his magazine.

“Astute observation, Uzumaki. I didn’t have a key to your apartment. They are Sasuke’s.”

Silence followed but for the gentle rustling of fabric. Sasuke pushed the curtain aside, clad in blue jeans and a dark blue t-shirt and Itachi watched as Sasuke stuffed the blue scrubs into the bag before zipping it up.

“Isn’t that called ‘stealing’, little brother?” Itachi asked.

“Hn.” Sasuke turned but not before Itachi saw the faintest of blushes paint the young man’s cheeks.

“Oh, hell no!” Naruto screamed and the bathroom door flew open to reveal Naruto in a pair of too long black sweats and a black and white jersey, the number nineteen covering the chest.

Two sets of black eyes met Naruto’s furious blue, one set full of malicious glee while the others were confused.

“What is the problem, dobe? You’re fully covered, what more do you need?”

“I will not wear this shirt!” Naruto said and limped forward slowly. Sasuke move to take his arm, supporting him back onto the bed. As he did, he looked the shirt over and found nothing wrong with it. That is until he read the back.

“Oh,” Sasuke said and blue eyes looked up at him, wide and searching for understanding. They would be disappointed. “I like it.” Sasuke whispered and the possessiveness could have poked someone’s eye out… really.

Naruto huffed and Itachi chuckled darkly, “I knew you would, little brother.”

“I hate you both!” Naruto stood once again, Sasuke helping him out the door, the word ‘UCHIHA’ blazoned across the shorter man’s back.

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Naruto quietly pushed open the door to his parents’ room, entering with Sasuke behind him. Kakashi and Iruka were lying on the bed, wrapped up in each other’s arms, their soft whispering floating around the room.

Naruto smiled seeing his Papa look up at Kakashi who leaned down to place gentle kisses along the dark bruises on Iruka’s face. Naruto cleared his throat when Kakashi’s antics pulled a lustful moan from the smaller man beneath him.

“Kid in the room. Hands above the sheets.”

Kakashi cursed, his head falling against Iruka’s chest. “Dammit, Sunshine!” The dark haired man smiled down at the groaning man before pushing him off.

“Naruto!” Iruka sat up quickly and flinched, wrapping an arm around his middle. Naruto took a step forward holding Sasuke’s arm tightly as he moved toward the blonde’s parents, depositing Naruto on the end of the bed. Sasuke leaned forward and nuzzled the side of Naruto’s neck, earning himself twin growls from the men on the bed. Looking up, he smirked at Kakashi.

“I brought him back.”

Gray eyes narrowed dangerously, “And I said we would ‘talk’.”

Naruto shoved Sasuke away but his parents saw how the blonde shifted so that his shoulder still touched the snot nosed brat’s side.

“I do not enjoy being talked about like I am not here,” Naruto’s glare turned into a smile when Iruka reach forward and clasped Naruto’s hand in his own, “And furthermore, what could the two of you possibly have to ‘talk’ about?”

Kakashi placed his chin on top of Iruka’s shoulders and smiled wide, “Well, sunshine, it is common courtesy for the suitor to ask the father for his daughter’s hand.”

Sasuke’s black eyes narrowed, “And some fathers send those suitors on quests to prove their worth. I believe I have held up my end.”

As black and gray eyes clashed, blue eyes turned stormy, “Is someone supposed to be a goddamn princess in this scenario?”

“Naruto! Language!” Iruka reprimanded. Before Kakashi or Sasuke could even acknowledge the blonde man, Sasuke bent over from an elbow to his gut and Kakashi yelped at the foot to his shin.

“Dobe!” Sasuke growled and Naruto absently patted him on the arm, “You’re okay, princess.”

Iruka decided that a change of topic was in order and once more reached for his son’s hand, “Naruto, I am so happy to see you. I was so worried!”

Naruto felt tears prickle behind his eyes and once more his body unconsciously leaned towards Sasuke’s warmth for comfort, “Papa… I thought… we didn’t know if you would ever wake up. I was…”

Sasuke watched as Naruto and his papa talked softly to each other. Kakashi’s eyes soften while he watched his family together again before him. Reaching forward, Sasuke gently ran a hand across the back of Naruto’s neck and smirked at the low growls… parents, sheesh.

“Dobe,” Sasuke said and Naruto turned to look at him, eyes still shining with emotion. Sasuke had to stop himself from leaning down to kiss away the excess moisture in wide, blue eyes before moving on to kiss rose colored lips. Focus, Uchiha… “I’m going to go check with the doctor and see about getting you crutches.”

Naruto blinked and Sasuke almost threw caution and growling parents to the wind when Naruto’s eyes remained fixed on Sasuke’s lips, Naruto’s pale pink tongue licking his own lips innocently… seductively… at this point, did it even matter.

Finally, blue eyes connected with black, “Forget about the crutches and see about me getting out of here, teme.”

Sasuke turned and walked towards the door, “Hn.” His hand was on the door handle when Naruto continued, “Because, if I recall correctly, you have promises to keep.”

Sasuke’s whole body tensed before relaxing slowly, his dark head turning slowly, smoldering black eyes burning into mischievous blue, “Oh, I remember, Na-ru-to.” And the blonde swallowed, his name falling from Sasuke’s lips like a decadent morsel that should be savored and then devoured.

The door closed and Naruto turned a blinding smile towards his parents only to be startled by Kakashi’s long finger pointed in his face.

“Perv Alert!”

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Sasuke stood outside the room and listened to his dobe’s laugh before pushing away from the door, fully intent on using his ‘fiancé’ status to spring Naruto from the hospital as quickly as humanly possible.

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“Naruto?” Kakashi said pulling Naruto into his chest before wrapping the young man into his arms, “Are you okay?” Naruto nodded and then allowed himself to breakdown, safe and secure in his father’s arms while Iruka whispered soothing words and rubbed gentle circles onto his back.

Kakashi ran long fingers through his son’s hair while Naruto held him tightly, words tumbling from his lips about fear, strength, hopelessness and courage. They listened while Naruto shared his experiences both from this encounter and when their son had been five. Kakashi rocked Naruto just like he had then and Naruto basked in their love, gleaning strength from the two people who would always be there for him.

With one last sigh, Naruto pushed away from his parents and smiled brightly at them, “But, yes, I am just fine. Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I felt this…” Naruto rubbed the back of his head and shrugged, “Good.”

“Hmmm,” Iruka said leaning back into Kakashi’s chest, “I wonder what could have brought that on? Any thoughts, ‘Kashi?”

“Huh,” the silver haired man replied looking at his sunshine’s sparkling eyes, “It’s a mystery to me. I’d say his fiancé, but I am assured that it is all a big misunderstanding.”

Naruto’s smile slipped for a moment, but it didn’t go unnoticed by either of his parents, “This has nothing to do with the teme… I’m just glad that Orochimaru is gone and you are both awake.”

“Right, sunshine.” Kakashi said but his eyes clouded over in concern, “Naruto?”

Naruto who had turned, his gaze unseeing ‘hmm’ed’ in response.

“Orochimaru is still alive.” Blue eyes snapped back toward his parents.

“What?” Naruto’s body stiffened and fear flitted across turbulent eyes before Naruto forced it down. Iruka reached out a hand, but Naruto pulled away, “Still alive? I saw… I thought I saw… Where is he? Here?”

“Calm down, minion.” A voice drawled from the doorway.

The small family turned toward the door to see Itachi, Fugaku, Sasuke and Kisame enter the room.

Naruto grabbed the sheets to stop his hands from shaking and Sasuke immediately made his way toward the bed, pulling one of those hands into his own, rubbing circles onto Naruto’s palm with his thumb, “Dobe, he is under maximum guard at a hospital on the other side of Konoha.”

Naruto nodded and pressed his side against Sasuke’s warmth, “I see.” He looked at the tall, black man behind Itachi and opened his mouth to question his presence when the door opened once more to reveal Detective Ibiki.

The scarred man smirked before looking at the occupants in the bed, “Hello, law abiding citizens,” his gaze shifted to the three Uchihas, “Marginally law abiding citizens,” and then his eyes fell on Kisame, “… citizen.”

“Ah, shucks,” The tall man held his heart, “I think I might tear up.”

“Whatever,” Ibiki snapped, “If I could find something on you, I’d have your ass locked up so fast that…”

“Who are you?” Naruto interrupted before Ibiki had a coronary looking at the smirking ‘citizen’ who didn’t seem to care about the detective’s threats in the slightest.

“An associate.” Itachi answered before Sasuke leaned forward, whispering into Naruto’s ear, “Demon for hire.” Naruto shivered, unsure if it was from Kisame’s ‘profession’ or the teasing nibble Sasuke gave his earlobe before pulling away.

Ibiki rolled his eyes, “So, Uzumaki, how are you doing?”

Naruto forced his blush down, “Better, thank you,” Blue eyes met the other standing men, “All of you… I guess.” Receiving nods in response, Naruto turned once more to Ibiki, “About Orochimaru…”

“His shoulder was treated and he will be transported from the hospital to jailhouse where he will await trial after he is released from the hospital.”

“And then he’ll go to prison?” Naruto asked, “For sure.”

Ibiki stared steadily at the questioning blue eyes, “That is the plan,” he said slowly.

“But?” Naruto persevered.

“Today he retained Pein as his lawyer.” Ibiki stood back and watched the emotions fly.

“What?” Iruka yelled, startling Naruto. Kakashi mumbled ‘fuck’ under his breath and the three Uchiha’s stood stoic, but Naruto felt Sasuke tense beside him and knew enough about Itachi, at least, to know he was seething inside.

Pein was a ruthless lawyer, routinely defending high profile criminals and routinely getting them off. Most had stopped referring to him by his last name, his first becoming a well known and despised household name.

“But, you don’t think that…” Naruto stammered out and then clinched his fist, “There’s no way in hell that snake bastard is slipping out of this, right?!”

“Our case is solid… rock solid.” Ibiki responded and shrugged, “It’s the best answer I have and the best that I can do.”

“I see,” Naruto said and closed his eyes, wondering if this was really the end…

“I’m glad that you’re okay, Uzumaki,” Ibiki said and strode forward offering his hand to Naruto who shook it. He shook Kakashi and Iruka’s hand as well before nodding to the other men in the room and departing.

Naruto sighed, “Damn it… this might never end.”

Kisame chuckled, “Everything ends, kid.” He also stepped toward Naruto and shook the blonde’s hand, “It was nice saving you. Itachi,” He turned toward the blank faced man, “It was riveting as always.” Finally he shook Sasuke’s hand, “You’re one scary psycho. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

“Hn.” Sasuke said and Kisame headed toward the door, “By the way, kid?” Naruto looked up. “Loving the shirt…”

Naruto growled while the older men in the room looked at Naruto’s jersey. Kakashi laughed out loud while Iruka chuckled and Fugaku smirked. “Welcome to the fold, son.”

Naruto let his head fall into his hands as Sasuke possessively traced the letters with a pale finger.

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Naruto stared out of the passenger window while Sasuke drove silently, the only noise coming from the windshield wipers and the gentle splatter of raindrops on the car.

“When I was in Orochimaru’s cell,” Naruto said breaking the silence, “Both times I was below ground. The room was dark and damp, moisture draining into the room. There was a continuous dripping noise… all the time. It never stopped.” Naruto didn’t realized that his hand was shaking until Sasuke wrapped it in his own, bringing it to his lips before tenderly kissing his fingers, black eyes still trained on the road ahead. “I thought it was horrible when I was five. Since then, rain… the drips… make me remember. This time, I thought I might go insane.”

Sasuke finally turned and looked at Naruto, “Thank you for telling me.”

Naruto leaned back against his seat concentrating on the feel of his fingers wrapped in Sasuke’s. “I… when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, I thought about you. How much I l-loved… love you.”

Sasuke turned on the blinker and pulled off to the side of the road. Turning in his seat, he took Naruto’s face in his hands, touching foreheads with the trembling man in front of him, “I love you, too.” Sasuke pressed his lips chastely against Naruto’s, feeling the softness before he parted his lips slightly, running his tongue along Naruto’s lips, dipping it inside and tasting Naruto’s sweet tongue as it moved seductively against his own. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore, dobe.”

Naruto smiled against Sasuke’s lips, “I’m not… not anymore,” Naruto reached up and laced his fingers through midnight locks, pulling Sasuke closer, “Teme…” He moaned and nibbled Sasuke’s pale lower lip, “Please… please…”

“What, Naruto? Anything? What?” Sasuke whispered and trailed kisses across Naruto’s jaw, nipping and licking and nuzzling.

“Home… more importantly… bed, floor, wall, table… ahhh! S’uke!” Sasuke sucked harshly against Naruto’s pulse point before pulling back, panting and grabbing hold of the steering wheel tightly.

“Right. Home.” He nodded, turning the fan up to dispel the fogged windows and pulled slowly back into traffic.

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The rest of the trip was surprising quiet. Just like the walk into the lobby of Sasuke’s building and the ride up the elevator. The doors binged and Sasuke took Naruto’s hand in his own, pulling him out of the box and toward his apartment. Opening the door, he pushed the blonde man into the entryway and as the door clicked shut behind him, he turned only to have Naruto push him harshly against the wall.

Naruto pinned his wrists next to his head and pulled the collar of Sasuke’s t-shirt down with his teeth, attaching his mouth to the exposed collarbone. Sasuke closed his eyes, feeling one of Naruto’s knees parting his legs and rubbing sinfully against his groin and Sasuke’s hips thrust out against the friction just as Naruto bit the junction between his neck and his shoulder, “Oh hell… dobe!”

Sasuke pushed away from the wall, holding Naruto up as he lost his balance, his sore knee unable to hold all of his weight. It became a non-issue when Naruto was pinned against the opposite wall, Sasuke smirking down at him, lust crashing in waves in the midnight pools of his eyes. “You mentioned several locations in the car, Naruto. What would you like?” The smirk became border line evil, “… First?”

Naruto whimpered and pulled his wrists free of Sasuke’s grip. He yanked the shirt free of Sasuke’s pants and ripped the fabric over Sasuke’s head, before his breath caught and a sound, the cross between a whimper, a sigh and a wanton moan, escaped his mouth, his tan hands running over a pale chest, down tone sides and up to circle dark nubs before he ducked his head and licked teasingly at one nipple, the other being captured and rolled lovingly in trembling fingers.

“Surprise me, bastard.”

Sasuke growled and thrust his hips harshly against Naruto’s, slamming the man into the wall. A picture crashed to the floor. Sasuke held Naruto’s head in his hands, pulling the rose colored lips once more into a mind numbing kiss before he let his fingers run under the jersey. He smirked against Naruto’s mouth, kissing and sucking on the swollen lips for a moment before pulling back, tugging on the hem of the shirt. “I almost don’t want to take it off.”

“Teme…” Naruto growled and gave Sasuke’s nipple a warning bite.

Sasuke moaned into Naruto’s golden spikes and his hands cupped the shorter man’s ass, lifting him until Naruto’s legs wrapped around his torso. Naruto took advantage of the height change to force Sasuke’s chin up and thrust his tongue down Sasuke’s throat, sucking the man’s tongue into his own mouth, nearly cooing at the sounds of pleasure radiating through the Uchiha’s chest.

“Fuck, dobe.” Sasuke said when they broke for air.

“Please…” Naruto gasped and was startled when Sasuke dropped him until his bed. When had they moved? The dark haired man crawled over Naruto, pushing the jersey up to reveal tan skin over toned muscle, pale hands ghosting over the sensitive skin until Naruto arched into the touch, nearly dying for more contact.

All movement ceased at the sound of the door bell followed by a series of heavy knocks.

“What. The. Fuck!” Sasuke yelled and Naruto’s arm fell over his eyes, a pitiful moan coming from his mouth in between pants for breath.

“Kill whoever it is… I’ll help you bury the body later,” Naruto whispered and rolled out from under Sasuke’s body.

“Much, much later.” Sasuke growled and stalked out of the bedroom swiping his t-shirt off the ground on his way.

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Sasuke pulled the shirt over his head and yanked open the door only to blink at the eight duckies before him.

“Why the hell are you here?” Sasuke bit out and ran a hand though his spikes. He wanted to kill them… needed to actually, flawless murder scenarios cascading through his genius mind, but he couldn’t take on all eight and then he’d have to find replacements…

“Itachi called and said that Naruto was released from the hospital and that we should all stop by to catch the two of you up.” Kiba said pushing passed the opened mouth Uchiha before yelling out, “Hey, Naruto!”

Naruto stuck his head around the corner of the hallway. “Oh,” He forced a smile onto his face, his blue eyes nearly raping the tall man still holding the door open even though all the duckies were inside, “Hey, kids… why the hell… I mean, come on in.”

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Text Message

From Sasuke Uchiha
To Itachi Uchiha

You goddamn, son of a bitch, asshole. Die. Die. Die.

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Sasuke had excused himself to the bathroom while Naruto ushered the duckies into the living room. The blonde’s voice echoed down the hallway and Sasuke leaned against the door, his forehead pressed against it while he willed the fire in his abdomen to calm. Oh fucking hell… his dobe laughed… the fire flared to life.

Sasuke ripped the t-shirt over his head, kicking his pants off as he headed toward the shower. Gripping his cell phone so tightly in his hand that he heard the phone creak, Sasuke angrily snapped open the phone, stabbing at the buttons all the while mumbling under his breath. Having finished, he tossed the cursed device onto the bathroom counter and stepped into the shower.

Cold water hit his skin, taking away his breath but not before Sasuke yelled, “FUCK!”

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Text Message

To Sasuke Uchiha
From Itachi Uchiha

I love you too, little brother. I hope you weren’t busy.

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Sasuke walked down the hallway, working his way toward the living room when he heard a muffled noise coming from the bathroom. Turning the handle he threw the door open, only to find Neji pushing Gaara up against the wall, his tie dangling loose around his neck while Gaara ran his pale fingers through the long, dark hair of his lover.

“Oh, fuck no…” Sasuke growled from the doorway. The two men jumped, not expecting the intrusion. “If I don’t get any, ain’t nobody going to fucking get any…”

Neji smirked while Gaara started coldly, “Ah… did we interrupt something, Uchiha?”

“Get the hell out of my bathroom.” Sasuke seethed and turned his back on the two men.

Gaara licked Neji’s neck, “Hn… I guess that answers that question.”

“It was only a matter of fate,” Neji said stepping away from the red head man, his hands reaching up to adjust his tie.

Gaara’s fingers stopped him, taking over the task, “Ah, yes, fate. Would you like to hear what is ‘fated’ for you later today?”

Neji smirked down at the shorter man, “Of course.”

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Text Message

To Sasuke Uchiha
From Itachi Uchiha

P.S. I am telling mother you called her a bitch.

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Sasuke entered the living room, Gaara and Neji trailing behind him to see Naruto on the couch, wrapped up in a throw blanket. He had his elbow leaning against the arm of the couch, his head lying in his hand, blonde wisps of hair tickling whiskered cheeks. Sasuke walked around the back of the leather couch and nudged Naruto’s elbow with his hip before sitting on the arm.

“… and then, I guess, Iruka woke up while I was missing. He is doing great. He’ll probably be in the hospital for a few more days.” Naruto continued as though he didn’t notice Sasuke in his space, as though the man’s toned thigh wasn’t pressed up against his side, the heat making his brain foggy and his abdomen tight. Shifting, he moved so that his fingers could run up and down the length of Sasuke’s flank unnoticed by the duckies around him.

Sasuke, feeling the wayward finger, let his hand rest on the back of the couch while his own finger traced his name into Naruto’s back like a fiery brand.

Sakura had opened the discussion into what had been happening at the office, all the duckies adding their two cents. Naruto tried to focus, honestly he did, but the last several days had been trying at best and turning his head to a right gave Naruto a very clear view of a part of Sasuke’s anatomy that Naruto was beginning to think he might need with the same burning compulsion as ramen and air.

And through it all, the long fingers that had caressed his chest, threaded through his hair and gripped his ass less than an hour before, ghosted across his back, sending shivers up and down his body until his blue eyes fluttered closed and his tan fingers flexed into Sasuke’s thigh.

“Okay, we are on vacation until further notice. Get out.”

Eight sets of eyes glared at Sasuke, who smirked while shrugging his shoulders, “It wasn’t me.” Black eyes looked downward and the duckies gasped. Naruto’s face was flashed, his eyes still closed and his breath shallow.

“Naruto?” Hinata asked timidly, “Are you okay?”

Finally, Naruto opened his eyes, emotions racing across the blue orbs, “Fine… better once you leave. Things to do. Important things.” He stood, the blanket falling to the floor and although Sasuke no longer touched him, he could still feel the finger trails on his back.

“Don’t call us, we’ll call you… in a…” Naruto bit his lower lip, contemplating.

“A week,” Sasuke added sliding up behind the thinking dobe, warm hands pressed into his lower back. Sasuke’s breath caught when Naruto leaned into the touch, the back of his blonde head resting against his shoulder. Sakura, Hinata, Kiba and Lee stared open mouthed while Neji, Gaara, Shino just stared and Shikamaru muttered ‘troublesome’.

Blue eyes slid shut once more when Sasuke’s hand moved from behind his back, wrapping around his side and pressing hot and tight against his abdomen, “Leave, duckies.” Naruto all but moaned and Sasuke bent to capture his earlobe tenderly between his lips.

Black eyes met and held the duckies’, a smirk tugging on pale pink lips, “Hurry, duckies… hurry.”

They didn’t need to be told twice.

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Sasuke continued to nibble and suck on Naruto’s earlobe until the sound of the door shutting seemed to spur Naruto into motion. Twisting in Sasuke’s arms Naruto brought his hands under Sasuke’s dark t-shirt before ripping it roughly over midnight spikes and tossing it to the floor. Tan hands anxiously ran over the pale skin of Sasuke’s abdomen, caressing the knolls and valleys of the strained muscle beneath before working upward, flitting across hardened nubs, tweaking gently before pinching without warning.

“Fuck…” Sasuke whispered his hands weaving into golden silk when Naruto’s head bent to sooth the abused flesh with his tongue. It wasn’t long before Sasuke determined Naruto wasn’t trying to sooth and the wicked tongue and teeth were actually a means of erotic torture. Pulling back on the strands of hair fisted in his hands, Sasuke leaned Naruto’s head back until his lust filled eyes met Naruto’s, “I have promises to keep, dobe.”

Naruto’s growl was drowned in Sasuke’s mouth when the pale lips captured his, teeth, lips and tongues rubbing, teasing and tasting. Moans, whimpers and growls filled the silent apartment before Naruto twisted his head to the side, breaking the kiss and panted heavily against Sasuke’s chest.

Sasuke kissed the crown of Naruto’s head before once more lifting Naruto so that his legs wrapped around his waist, Naruto’s obvious arousal rubbing against his bare stomach. Naruto gripped the sides of Sasuke’s face and smirked down at him, “I remember this…” And the blonde descended, laying siege to Sasuke’s mouth while the older man moved them through the living room, slamming Naruto against the hallway wall when he bit harshly on Sasuke’s pulse point, making Sasuke’s knees threaten to give out beneath them.

Once more Naruto found himself tossed onto the bed. Blue eyes narrowed expecting Sasuke to follow as he had before but instead the taller man stood at the side of his bed, black bangs falling into his face while equally black eyes scanned the panting man before him. “As much as I adore you in my clothes, Na-ru-to,” Sasuke purred, “Take them off.”

Naruto smiled blindingly, “With pleasure, bastard.”

Tan hands caught the hem of the jersey but stilled at Sasuke’s growl, “No, take my name off last.”

Blue eyes twinkled with amusement before he slid to the edge of the bed, closer to Sasuke. He stood, their chests nearly touching while his hands slid the black sweats and boxers slowly off his hips until they pooled on the floor.

Reaching forward, he wrapped his fingers around Sasuke’s wrists, pulling the pale hands toward his chest, up and under the numbered jersey. Naruto moaned softly when their joint hands ran over the dark sensitive nubs on his chest, his naked hips thrusting forward shallowly. The jersey hiked up around his neck and he released Sasuke’s wrists in favor of wrapping his arms around Sasuke’s neck.

Leaning forward, he whispered into Sasuke’s ear, “Even when the shirt is gone, S’uke, you’ve made sure that the name is still there,” A pink tongue licked slowly along the pale shell of Sasuke’s ear, “Haven’t you, bastard?”

Something inside Sasuke snapped and the jersey was ripped from Naruto’s body before pale hands shoved Naruto back onto the bed. Dark eyes drank in the tan flesh displayed so beautifully against the midnight black sheets beneath. Naruto ran a finger over his weeping erection, hissing at the feeling before bringing the now moistened tip to his mouth, sucking it in with a moan.

“Who has too many clothes on now, I wonder?” The tan finger trailed down his chest but before it could reach its destination a pale hand slapped it away. Blue met black and Sasuke held Naruto’s eyes while he unbuttoned his pants, the zipper the only noise in the room over their breathing.

“Oh god… Sasuke…” Naruto said pushing himself onto his elbows, looking at the pale, beautiful man before him, the straining erection red and twitching at the look in Naruto’s eyes. The blonde’s mouth felt suddenly dry and he licked his lips before closing his eyes and moaning, “Oh god…”

The bed dipped and blue eyes opened to half mass watching Sasuke gracefully settle between his waiting legs. The moment Sasuke’s warm flesh brushed against his own Naruto gasped and arched into the pale chest. Sasuke’s hands gripped tan hips and forced Naruto back onto the bed.

“Naruto,” He whispered nuzzling the man’s neck, breathing in his scent and tasting his skin, “I won’t… can’t… last long.” Naruto’s back arched again and pale hands once more forced him down, “I want this too much. I need you…” Naruto gasped when pale fingers moved from his hips to caress his hard cock with feather like touches, “I need you too damn much.”

“Yes, S’uke!” Naruto hissed and yanked the dark haired man’s head down until he rasped into his ear, “Stop fucking talking or I’ll cum before you ‘do’ anything!”

“Next time, dobe, when I have you against the wall of the shower,” Naruto heard the lid of a bottle snap open, “Or in the backseat of my car,” The blonde hissed when a single digit circled his entrance, “Or on the kitchen table,” Sasuke captured Naruto’s lips in his own, the finger pushing passed the tight ring of muscles, Naruto screaming out at the sensation, “Or… oh shit, Naruto… under the fucking table…” The finger pulled out only to enter again with a second, “I’ll go slow. I’ll make you moan my name,” The fingers scissored and twisted, pulling out only to push back in, “You’ll be begging me before it’s over.” A third finger jointed the others and Naruto arched violently when the bundle of nerves deep in his body was brushed, teased and molested while Sasuke’s deep voice still managed to penetrate his lust fogged mind. “But this time, angel, this time,” The fingers left and Naruto whimpered, “I just want to hear you scream…” Sasuke pushed slowly into Naruto’s quivering ring of muscles, his eyes squeezed shut only to snap open so he could remember this moment, entering his dobe, filling the writhing male until he was settled balls deep.

Naruto arched once more, “Sasuke!” Tears leaked from closed eyes and his lower lip was clamped harshly between his teeth. Sasuke rested his forehead against Naruto’s, feeling the heat radiating from the body beneath him while he licked at the whiskered cheeks and sucked tenderly at the abused flesh of the pouting lip.

“Naruto… I… tell me what to do?” Sasuke whispered, will alone keeping him from cumming in the tight heat while his thumbs rubbed softly against Naruto’s cheeks.

Naruto’s eyes opened and although pain danced at the edges, lust and pleasure swirled like a maelstrom in the dark blue depths, “Stop talking, bastard.” Tan hips shifted, increasing the friction, the feeling of being encased and being filled to the point of bursting causing both men to moan at the sensation, “I’m ready to scream.”

Sasuke’s black eyes narrowed at the challenge on Naruto’s beautiful face before his body took over, thrusting again and again into Naruto’s burning heat, Naruto moaning beneath him, rocking to meet Sasuke as they created a fast rhythm towards their completion.

“Ohhhh,” Naruto growled and then tan fingers clawed at Sasuke’s shoulders, leaving thin, red scratches while pulling the man toward him, “Just like that, harder… THERE!”

Sasuke smirked and a drop of sweat waivered on his nose before he shook his head, black locks plastering against the side of his face. Pale fingers carded through Naruto’s hair, the golden blonde turning the color of warm honey from the sweat of Naruto’s exertions, “So fucking good… beautiful… you…”

“Touch me…” Naruto whispered and then screamed out when Sasuke complied, his hand wrapped around the base of Naruto’s cock while his wrist began jerking up and down, the smooth skin of the weeping member like silk against his pale skin.

“So close…” Sasuke breathed into Naruto’s shoulder, the younger man’s scent and taste drowning him as his movements became frantic, fast and jerky.

“I know… I know… I know…” Naruto chanted the white light building inside him pulling inwards from his extremities before coiling tightly at his center.

“Naruto… Naruto… Na-Naruto!” Sasuke said every muscle in his body tensing, waiting… longing to be pushed over the edge.

“SASUKE!” Naruto screamed and came hard between them, muscles clinching, pulling Sasuke willingly into the abyss.

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By the time Naruto was coherent enough to realize where he was, Sasuke was leaning over him, a soft, warm cloth in his hand, running over Naruto’s rapidly cooling skin.

“Hey,” Sasuke said smiling down into wide, crystal blue eyes that watched his every movement. He chuckled as a blush spread across Naruto’s face and down his sun kissed neck. Tossing the used cloth across the room, Sasuke ran his fingers along the reddening skin, chasing it down the lithe neck towards the gently raising and falling chest before the hand once more raised and held Naruto’s cheek tenderly.

A tan hand reached up and pushed the hand against his cheek, nuzzling into the warmth.

“You keep your promises, teme,” Naruto said smiling gently his spare hand reaching up to push midnight strands away for smoldering black eyes. Naruto wasn’t sure he would ever be able to look away, wasn’t sure if he even wanted to.

Those eyes descending toward him until their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling between them, neither one blinking, both memorizing this moment, this feeling, this person.

“I love you, Sasuke.” Naruto finally breathed unable to hold it in.

Black eyes fluttered shut and a slow exhale of air escaped the pink lips before they parted, touching Naruto’s chastely, softly and above all else lovingly.

“Hn, dobe. I….” The dark haired man dropped his head into Sasuke shoulder, shifted to the side before humming into the golden skin.

Naruto chuckled, emotion nearly choking him when Sasuke wrapped his arms around him, pulling him flush against his chest before adjusting the thick, dark blankets around them. Naruto closed his eyes, the feeling of contentment easing him into sleep and just before the blackness overtook him Sasuke whispered into his ear, “I love you, too.”

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