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Societal Gap

By: naracest
folder Naruto › Yaoi - Male/Male › Naruto/Sasuke
Rating: Adult +
Chapters: 15
Views: 1,417
Reviews: 10
Recommended: 0
Currently Reading: 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
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Full Circle

Societal Gap

Societal Gap

A/N: Hello Gap-ers! I’ve missed you so! I promise I will never leave you for so long ever again! I wrote you a decent sized chapter to make up for it and am well back on track now. The plot bunnies are eating me about this story now as opposed to Search for Strength, which is the other fic I’m currently writing. I will be alternating chapters until I get writers block or finish SFS, which is about three or four chapters away from being done. Maybe even less. There was a lot of back story to get out in this chapter so I hope it didn’t get boring. I’ve been very happy playing in my Societal Gap playground again and will hopefully keep the updates coming at a fast pace. Though not nearly as fast as I had been before because…well…that was just insane. Plus my chapters are getting longer. I’m glad to be back and sorry again for the wait. I was bored today so I didin’t wait to get this betaed. Sry if it’s full of mistakes. If you point them out to me I’ll correct them right away. Huge props to Michele and Roely who have been cracking the whip and keeping me on track.

Oh yeah. Over 10, 000 hits! I love you all!!

Warning: Uhhhh. Damn, I just read it though too. Why wasn’t I paying attention? We’ll go with a bit of lime and some language to be safe.

Disclaimer: Kishimoto is a god because he came up with and owns Naruto, not me!

Full Circle

Rei poked her heads out the door under the sheltered overhand of the shop’s porch. The sky was a dark slate grey when lightning wasn’t streaking across it. The once bright orange banners had turned a burnt rusty colour and clung to the walls of the buildings. Coin sized rain drops pelted the ground and buildings forming large puddles on the ground. She watched her breath curl in front of her face, a light cloud of mist in the chilly afternoon air. The weather was in Rei’s opinion, a small smile spreading on her face... “Perfect!”

She shouted back into the shop, “I’m going rain riding! I’ll be back tonight.” Dashing off the porch into the downpour towards the stables, she paused only to jump into a particularly large puddle.

Scurrying and shouts of protest could be heard as she rushed away but didn’t look back. She fisted her hands in Sirus’s black and grey mane and rode him bareback out of town.

Naruto burst from the shop rushing the edge of the porch.

“Rei! Damn it all!” Haku, panting, braced himself against the doorframe lifting a piece of clothing in front of him.

“At least take your...”

“Forget it, she’s gone.”

“Cloak. She’s going to get sick.” Naruto had a distant smile on his face as he watched her disappear at the end of the street.

“I know. But look at how happy this simple pleasure makes her. I swear it’s one of the only times I’ve seen her act like a kid since her folks died.”

“What’s rain riding?” Haku jumped a foot and Naruto fell off the porch into the large puddle as they both whirled around to find the source of the question. Kakashi was leaning lazily against the wall of the shop, his presence concealed by the open door. Naruto glowered at him, shaking himself off like a dog.

“What? Are you stalking her now or something?”

Kakashi chuckled, “Maybe. Though at the moment I’m here to see you.” He stepped forward handing Naruto a sealed letter bearing an S and the Uchiha crest on the crimson wax seal and his name written in neat letters on the front.

“Lord Sasuke asked…well, demanded that I deliver this.” Naruto eyed the letter wearily.

“You should at least read it. He did spend the last two days trying to get it right.” Sighing, Naruto tucked the letter in to his pocket.

“Thanks,” he muttered, sounding less than appreciative.

“Oh, no problem. I really wanted to go out in this god awful weather. So what’s rain riding?” Both teens gawked at the knight like he was stupid.

“Uh, it’s when you go horseback riding in the rain,” Haku replied gently, trying not to sound condescending.

“I have a handle on the concept, thanks. Why would she want to go out in this mess?”

“She says it’s freeing.” Naruto fingered the expensive paper in his pocket absentmindedly,

“But she usually goes out for hours and comes back soaked to the bone. It’s freezing out today! She’ll be sick for a week and we’ll have to look after her, the shop and the infirmary.” Kakashi seemed contemplative despite his lazy position.

“Where does she usually go?” Naruto glared at him whilst wringing out the back of his tunic.

“Who knows?! Depends on her mood. She usually goes to the bottom of the waterfall.”

Kakashi nodded mutely while Haku stared at him curiously and Naruto continued to twist more water out of his clothes. The silver-haired enigma then grabbed the bundle of fabric from Haku and leapt off the porch into the rain.

“I’ll take her the cloak,” he shouted over his shoulder as he mounted his horse. “Read the letter!” he exclaimed as he dug his heels into the stallion’s flanks and took off in the direction Rei had headed not five minutes earlier. Haku looked at Naruto incredulously, “They’d make a good couple…they’re both crazy!”

Naruto smiled half-heartedly. He still wasn’t wild about Kakashi. The man was…inscrutable to say the least. All thoughts of the knight soon left his mind as his fingers brushed the letter in his pocket. Stepping back into the warmth of the shop Naruto pulled the parchment out hand fingered the wax seal. He began pacing the shop in indecision. Stepping next to the light of the fireplace he held the letter above the flames and let it go.

Pale hands snatched the letter and his wrist and Haku tugged him into the center of the room.

“Don’t do this. You’ll always wonder what he said if you get rid of it. Now suck it up, be a man, and read the letter.” The usually soft eyes were narrowed in severity. Swallowing thickly Naruto nodded and Haku slapped the envelope into his palm before stomping into the infirmary to check on Tanzou. Naruto glared at the letter in his hands, completely torn between wanting to read it and wanting to push Sasuke out of his life altogether. Fingers shaking he cracked open the seal and sat at the table. He trailed his eyes over the parchment taking in the neat, curls of the calligraphy and Sasuke’s flourished signature at the bottom. Taking a deep breath he began to read.

Naruto,

I’m writing this letter because it’s long overdue; I want to explain why I didn’t write it sooner.

I arrived at the first battlefield camp a day after I left you. All I could think about was you. Were you alright? Did you survive? I thought about how pale you looked against the muddy ground beneath you.

I tried not to think about you all night. I tried to focus on the next day when the battle would begin. The plain was covered with anxious men forcing their emotions into check as dawn and the horror of battle approached.

I’d never seen battle before. I’ve been trained for years and I thought I was ready. They put me in charge of a unit of archers and a unit of infantry. It was easily the stupidest decision my father has ever made. I wasn’t ready. The overall battle went well; my squads were all but obliterated. I was weak and afraid to lead the men into the heat of the battle. In my hesitation we were outflanked and mowed down. We fought all through the night and most of the next day. When the fray died down that evening I had lost over half my men, another quarter wounded. I lay awake all night listening to my men scream as the butchers they call field medics amputated limbs. That night was the last time I was the person you knew.

It was my own fear and weakness the lead to their deaths and pain. I vowed that night I would never be weak again. I don’t regret the decision. Well I didn’t at the time anyway. Survival was everything; I had to adapt or die. I needed to be stronger so that I wouldn’t let down my men. I owed it to the men I’d led to death and those that were yet in my care to be a leader, to be an Uchiha.

Our next front was two days later. I was positioned with a small platoon of infantry under Kakashi. He called me a force to be reckoned with. My platoon was only about thirty men but we were a pivotal part of the battle’s victory. I only lost five men that day and gained a gained a reputation for being fearless. Apathetic and distant was a more correct description. Iruka and Kakashi tried to warn me that I was losing myself but I didn’t listen. I had to keep astounding people with my knowledge of battle and my skill on the field. It was an obsession. My father had been so disappointed that one of his son’s had failed so completely that I was willing to go to any lengths to gain ground in his eyes, but he was far to busy listening to my brother who was one of his generals to notice that I was changing.

Not all the battles were in our favor. Eventually we were fighting on several fronts and I was given a division of cavalry to eliminate the spies that were running rampant around the territory. It was the middle of winter and my mission brought me within a few hours of you. That night I lay awake again thinking of you consciously for the first time in months. I say consciously because you were always in the back of my mind and haunting my dreams. I’ve yet to decide if those dreams were helping to ground me or making me even crazier. Images of you safe and happy, curled up in a blanket reading with Rei by candle light were both comforting and torturous as I carried on, day in and day out in my own personal hell.

I thought about going to see you but for the first time I realized that I wasn’t even recognizable as the person you knew. I’m a monster, Naruto. I’ve killed more people than I can count. Men and boys years younger than myself. I cut them down without a second thought because that what the war was for me. I knew that if we ever were to meet again that you wouldn’t like who I’d become so I locked my feelings for you and everyone away. I pushed everyone away and became a true Uchiha.

It was for the best at the time. I never thought that I’d see you again after the war was over. I had gotten so used to not letting myself think about you that seeing you here was both shocking and disturbing. I realize that I went about this all wrong but you didn’t make it easy on me. You were here with that other healer, Haku. I was so jealous. I thought you’d forgotten about me. Then when we finally did reunite I saw that I wasn’t the only one who’d changed.

I have no idea what possessed you to act the way you did. I hope it wasn’t me that changed you so. It could have been the war or it could have been someone else that you’ve seen but whatever it was, you’ve changed. I never thought that I could ever hate any part of you but to see your eyes without that captivating light that would warm me on freezing winter nights when I was waiting for the next life threatening experience to come, was more than I could take.

I know you probably hate me and I can’t say that I blame you but on the off chance that you don’t I would like to be friends. It seems that it would be a logical course of action as you don’t really know who I’ve become. I’m not sure if we were even together enough for you to know the old me. Either way I hope that you will write me back and tell me about you. How long ago did you leave home? When did you meet Haku? Were you ever with anyone else? Did you ever think of me? I don’t expect you to want to talk to me but we had something once, something brief and beautiful and I don’t want to forget about it any more.

Very Sincerely,

Sasuke Uchiha

Naruto stared at the letter, a wide gambit of emotions surging through him, remorse, nostalgia and especially concern. Had he really changed that much? Of course Sasuke didn’t know that Naruto had been playing with his head but two years ago such an act would have never occurred to him. His stomach tightened as he remembered the stormy night he had climbed into bed with Sasuke and the older teen had held him all night. They had both been so much more innocent, so much tenderer.

Swallowing the lump that was growing his throat and closing his eyes to abate the tears that had been building there he thought about Sasuke two years ago, the soft smile, the lanky teenage body, the eyes that had not yet lost their innocence. The lump was back as he let his mind shift to Sasuke now. The muscular adult body, the impassive expression with the sadistic smirk, the cold, uncaring black pools that had seen to many horrors to have any empathy. He stood up and tucked the letter into his pocket.

“Haku, I need to…” He trailed off as he turned and saw his friend demurely standing at the door to the infirmary smiling.

“Go on. It’s quiet here. Tanzou is still unconscious.” Naruto smile softly before nodding and grabbing his cloak and heading out into the deluge.

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Kakashi was freezing. He’d been riding for half an hour and was quickly starting to think that this was a colossally brainless idea. He was soaked and cold and there was no way that a woman was worth getting pneumonia. He spurred his horse to the edge of the waterfall and gazed into the mist below. Why was he even out here in the first place? She was just a woman. Nothing special. Sure, she was smart and fiery and beautiful but this was ridiculous. He began to rein his horse away when a gleeful cry from below halted him.

Rei emerged from the forest, her horse veering between the trees at a gallop. She didn’t slow when she approached the river instead spurring the stallion on and plunging them both into the turbulent waters of the waterfall’s pool. He watched her resurface a few feet away from her horse and float on her back, her dark hair swirling lazily around her.

‘Okay. Maybe she is worth getting pneumonia.’ He headed down toward the base of the falls, dismounting and leaning lazily against a tree watching the young woman playfully splash the stallion. She swam to the edge of the pool and to the pervert’s delight began to unlace her soaked corset. The horse climbed out of the river and shook the water out of its mane as the brunette discarded her corset, pants and boots on the bank, diving back into the water in only the soaked and very see-through white shirt. She dove under the water again flashing her creamy, naked lower torso as she did so. Kakashi groaned audibly as he watched the soft flesh disappear under the water. His mouth snapped shut as the large dark horse looked in his direction and began to pace. Rei surfaced on the other side of the pool performing lazy backstroke pulls along the top of the water. Noticing Sirus’s unrest she climbed out of the water and stoked his neck.

“What’s wrong with you? The storm isn’t that bad. I thought you’d be used to it by n-.” A loud neigh from the horse cut her off.

“Don’t be silly! There’s no one else stupid enough to be out here today.” The horse continued to snort and toss his head.

“Sirus, relax! We’re completely alone. Now give me a few more minutes and we’ll ride again.” She prepared to jump back into the pool when a voice from behind threw her off balance and she fell gracelessly into the pool. Coughing and sputtering she hugged her torso and looked around wildly. Her eyes widened in shock and embarrassment as she saw Kakashi lead his grey stallion out of the trees.

“Sir…Hatake…what…”

“I said you shouldn’t swim in a thunderstorm. You could get electrocuted.” She crouched down so that the water came up to her collarbones.

“I meant what are you doing out here?” He ran a hand through his sopping hair and shrugged.

“I was starting to wonder that myself. I was beginning to think I was crazy trying to find you.” She blanched and stood up completely forgetting about the fact that she was all but naked.

“Find me? Oh gods, is something wrong? Is someone hurt? Kit-.” Kakashi almost hated to stop her as he was admiring the view but she was starting to get frantic.

“Everyone’s fine. Haku and Naruto wanted me to bring you your cloak.” She smiled in relief before dropping back into the water and blushing.

She quirked an eyebrow at the knight, “Could you turn around so I can get out?” He smiled and turned to stroke his horse’s drenched neck, sneaking a glance over his shoulder as she collected her clothes. She caught him and stepped behind her stallion.

“You could paint a picture. It would last longer.” He chuckled and turned so that he could watch her out of the corner of his eye.

“If I had any artistic ability this scene would go in my bedroom!” Something wet collided his shoulder and side of his head. He glanced at the sodden shirt that had hit him and then glanced at Rei who was lacing up the top of her corset, smirking. She stepped out from behind Sirus and pulled the shirt off of him, holding out her hand she looked at him expectantly. He gave her a questioning look.

“My cloak. That is why you’re out here right?” Her emerald eyes widened as he pulled her navy cloak from one of his saddlebags, stepping close to wrap it around her shoulders.

“You…you really came all the way out here in the pouring rain just to bring me this?” Kakashi smirked behind his mask at the stunned look on her face. He nodded as he fastened the shroud around her neck, grasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger making her blush and look him in the eye.

“Thank you.” Her voice was breathy and unintentionally sexy making him smile. Stepping back he grasped the reins of his horse.

“So where are you riding today?” She shrugged.

“Well there’s a spot up in the hills I like. It’s peaceful, I guess. Helps me clear my head.”

“Well…I suppose I should leave you be. It’s been a pleasure, as always.”

“Wait! You can come. I mean…” She swallowed and worried her lip with her teeth. “I mean, you could join me if you want… No. What am I saying? It’s raining. No one but me wants to be out on a day like…”

“It would be my pleasure.” She stopped rambling and smiled softly before seeming to search for something, her head shifting from left to right, eyes sweeping the clearing.

“What?” Kakashi asked.

“Oh, just looking for something to help me get up.” She gestured to her saddle and subsequently stirrup less horse. Just as her eyes landed on a felled tree a pair of strong hands gripped her hips and she was lifted sidesaddle onto the horses back. Gasping in surprise she gazed down at Kakashi who dipped his chin respectfully, almost like she was royalty. She watched him in awe as he pulled his muscular body onto his own horse.

“So, are you ready?” She swung one of her legs over Sirus’s back and nodded to him, still dazed by how he had treated her.

“Okay, lead on.”

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Sasuke gazed out the window of his study, raindrops pelting the glass ferociously. If possible the dreary weather was making him even more agitated. Kakashi had taken the letter to Naruto over an hour ago. What was keeping him? Was he waiting to bring back Naruto’s reply? Sasuke gritted his teeth as he drew the most logical conclusion; his silver haired mentor was off chasing his dobe’s aggravating, older sister.

‘Fucking horny pervert,’ Sasuke seethed as he resumed pacing around the study, absentmindedly picking up a book and flicking through a couple of pages before tossing it back to the table and flopping into his chair with a sigh of vexation.

Naruto. Naruto, Naruto, Naruto. It was done, possibly for good. Why couldn’t he just accept that the blonde was probably still furious with him and that he should start forgetting about him all over again? Because he didn’t want to.

Smacking an empty goblet to the floor he growled and looked to see if there was anything with in his reach that he could break. A knock at the door shifted his violent intent from the crystal water pitcher which was just out of his reach to whoever had disturbed his brooding.

“If you’re not Kakashi, enter at your own peril.” He shot a death glare at the closed door which softened only slightly when Iruka’s nervous voice floated to his ears.

“L-lord Sasuke?” The raven sighed.

“Go away Sir Umino.” Soft voices could be heard through the door but Sasuke ignored them.

“Lord Sasuke, there’s someone here to see you.” Obsidian eyes rolled in annoyance.

“I don’t want to see them. Go away.” The door opened and growling Sasuke stood and seized the pitcher that had earlier escaped his wrath. Aiming at a spot near the door he drew back his arm to launch the object, his movements faltering when it opened to reveal the blue eyed blonde who had him in such a mood.

“Hey Teme. What’s got you so worked up?” Naruto grinned at the young noble who was gaping at him in shock. Sasuke set the very lucky pitcher down, his face returning to impassive.

“Dobe.”

Naruto smiled and shook his head, stepping into the room. “You seem surprised to see me, Teme.” Sasuke raised a hand and gestured to one of the empty chairs around the table to which Naruto moved but didn’t sit.

“I guess I am.” The blonde smiled and leaned against the back of the chair.

“Come on, you didn’t really think you could write a letter like that and not get a response, did you?” Sasuke eyed Naruto who for some reason seemed as calm as Sasuke appeared.

“Hn.” Naruto beamed at the familiar response. Maybe Sasuke hadn’t changed as much as he thought.

“I just wanted to tell you yes.” Sasuke arched a sculpted eyebrow.

“Yes?”

“Yes.”

“Hn.” Naruto smiled and shook his blonde spikes again.

“Look I understand you’ve changed and…I guess I’ve changed too. So, yes, I want to be friends. Well…try to be friends.” The azure eyes widened as Sasuke smirk softened into a small smile. He watched the strong, lean body stand and walk over to him.

“So you want to start again? Clean slate, fresh start?” The blue pools twinkled with mirth.

“Yes…except for what you did that night in the infirmary. You’ll have to kiss a little ass to wipe that clean.” A black eye twitched before an evil smirk formed on the pale face.

“As I recall you enjoyed yourse-.”

“Okay, Okay! We’ll start again.” The pair locked eyes and shook hands to seal the arrangement, both wondering how long it could possibly last.

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Rei laugh maniacally as she launched herself over another log at breakneck speeds, her horse rearing and whining as he landed on the slippery, muddy ground. She slowed her pace to a slow trot, glancing at Kakashi who pulled up beside her.

“You’re a skilled rider,” he commented in sincerity.

“Not really. I only seem skilled because I’m riding him.” She reached down and patted the horse’s neck.

“You two appear to have developed quite the bond. How long have you had him?”

“I caught him when he was about half a year old so about six years.” Kakashi’s visible eye widened and he looked at her in shock.

“Caught him! You mean he was wild? I don’t believe it, he’s so bro-.”

“Hey! What are you trying to do, get me tossed? Never say that word around him. He’s well trained and he lets me ride him but deep down he’s still wild.” Kakashi smiled softly behind his mask as she dug her heels into the black flanks, speeding up.

“Just like you,” he whispered following her closely. He couldn’t put his finger on what about her had him so enraptured. What was it about her that made him feel strong and yet at the same time incredibly weak?

They entered a beautiful glade surrounded by huge trees at the base of a cliff. Kakashi looked around the clearing. Sure it was nice, but hardly anything special. He turned to Rei to comment on this but stopped when he saw her removing her boots on a rock near the cliff.

“What are you doing, trying to freeze your feet off?”

“It’s just up there.” Kakashi raised his gaze to a ledge about twenty meters up the wall of rock.

“You climb all the way up there? Without your shoes?” She stood up and nodded, stepping gingerly from one large boulder to another.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re crazy?” She flashed him a smile that made his gut tighten.

“Let’s just say it’s a popular theory. Come on…unless you’re afraid of heights that is.” Her smile became challenging and he leapt up to the ledge that she was standing on.

“There are very few things that scare me and height isn’t one of them. Lead on.”

He was more than happy to follow her getting a lovely view of her well-developed thin legs and ass as she leapt and climbed above him. He watched her disappear over of the ridge they were destined for before reappearing and offering him a hand. He grasped her wrist, his breath catching in his chest as her strong, slim fingers wrapped around the base of his hand. Moving his foot to a higher spot he launched himself upward. He almost lost his balance as his feet hit the ledge and Rei grasped his shirt, lost her stability and ended up pulling him right on top of her.

Rei’s heart raced as she felt the man’s breath on her ear and neck. She had clumsily lost her equilibrium when she reached out to catch him and now he was hovering over her on his hands and knees, their faces close as she had caught her own weight on her free arm. She unclenched her fist but extended her arm a little to push her palm against the muscular pectoral. A soft sigh escaped her lips as he pulled back to look her in the eye, their jaws brushing with the movement. Her full lips parted and she gasped as she felt his pulse speed up under her hand. Blushing she dropped her gaze and hand looking past him to the view of the town in the distance.

“It’s…it’s a nice view from up here. Don’t you think?”

Kakashi didn’t move. He couldn’t understand why she always shied away when they were close. She was so teasing and engaging when they were talked; he was certain she was interested in him but when they touched she seemed unsure…almost frightened.

“Yes, it is,” he replied, not taking his eyes off her pretty face. She looked and him and flushed deeper. Sighing he pulled them both to their feet, holding her against his chest for a minute before pulling her cloak back over her bare arms and stepping back. She relaxed immediately and smiled as she looked out over the valley.

“I found this spot last month. I’ve been up here every week since. It helps me sort things out, I’m not sure why.” The knight followed her to an alcove in the rock face that was protected from the rain. Leaning against the cliff they stared out into the storm.

“So what do you usually think about?” He knew he was pushing his luck with such a personal question but to his surprise she answered it without hesitation.

“Naruto, mostly. I’m always reevaluating what I’m doing for him. It’s hard to tell if what I’m doing is right for him.” Her face pulled into a look of grim determination. “I need to do what’s right for him.”

“What else?” he prodded, happy to have her opening up to him.

“My parents. I wonder who I would be if they hadn’t died. I’m not complaining. Looking after Naruto is more like a blessing than a chore. I was still such a kid when they died. It’s hard not to think about where I’d be and what I’d be doing with myself if things had been different.”

“How old wer…”

“Thirteen. Naruto was ten. It would have been harder if he was any younger.”

Kakashi viewed her with new found respect. No wonder she seemed so strong. She hadn’t had a choice. But now, here in her secret spot, he could see shades of her youth and vulnerability sneaking through, making her look beautiful in an entirely new way.

“What about your life now? Do you ever think about that?” A soft, sad smile slid onto her face and she sat down, looking up at him.

“What life? Naruto is my life. Although, he’s so grown up now that that’s starting to look up. If I had known that a change of location would be so good for him I would have thought about moving before we had too. Fire.” She said before he asked. “We lost almost everything. But I guess it all worked out. We met Zabuza and Haku about seven months after we left. It’s been really good for Kit.” Kakashi’s eye narrowed and he slid down beside her, stretching his long legs in front of him.

“So…are you and he...?” She looked at him, face completely impassive, before clutching the front of his shirt and chortling into his chest.

“Me...hahaha….me…aha…and…hehehe…Zabu-oh gods! Why didn’t you tell me you had such a sense of humor? Aha. No. While Bruiser likes to hit on me and maybe cop a feel here and there we both know that we are waaaaaay to different. I really have no interest in him and I don’t think he really has any interest in me.” Kakashi grinned under his mask.

“That’s good. Although I don’t like the fact that he feels the need to grope you….I could knock him around if you like.” She chuckled and pushed herself off of his chest.

“That’s sweet but not necessary. I’ve smacked him hard enough a couple of times that a warning usually makes him back off. He’s rough around the edges but really very protective of us. He wouldn’t do anything that made me actually uncomfortable. Enough about me, what about you? Tell me about yourself.”

“There isn’t much to tell,” he lied. “I became a knight at eight. My father died just after I was promoted to chuunin at twelve. I trained Sasuke and his brother when they were younger. I’m captain of the sector’s guard. I dunno. What do you want to know?”

“Is your mother still alive?” He shook his head.

“She died during childbirth.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. What was your father like?”

“Hmph. What can be said about Sakumo Hatake that hasn’t already been said?” He looked at Rei who shrugged and shook her head showing that the name meant nothing to her.

“Have you heard of the White Fang Knights?” Rei perked up and scooted a little closer.

“He was one of the White Fangs? Wow, that’s amazing! I heard stories about their leader when I was a kid. Sounded more like a legend than a real man.”

“Yeah. He was really something.” Kakashi said dryly.

“You didn’t like him?”

“We had issues. Sakumo was the White Fang. The most famous or should I say infamous knight of our time. The last true chakra wielder, the indestructible warrior and the world’s worst father.” A very heavy, awkward silence followed, both of them shifting and avoiding each other’s eyes.

“I’m sor-.”

“Sorry you asked. I know. Everyone is. No one wants the perfect image of the great knight shattered.” Rei slid a little closer, resting a hand on his arm.

“No. Just sorry that was the case for you. I’m glad you told me.” He looked from her hand to her sincere eyes and sighed.

“He wasn’t that bad. Just never around. He was always off on missions. He had developed such a reputation that when he failed on a mission and the Uchiha he was supposed to be protecting died he was shunned by the court. He killed himself a few months later. I guess I’ve never really forgiven him.” She squeezed his arm and he smiled softly under his mask.

“It’s not the most pleasant of topics. I haven’t spoken about him for a long time.” She slid her hand down into his and smiled, making his heart race.

“Thank you for telling me.” He squeezed her fingers in his hand and nodded. They sat in a comfortable silence for few moments before he noticed how cold her hand was.

“You’re freezing! Oh gods! You’re lips are turning blue!” She chuckled and slid so that she was firmly pressed against his side.

“I’ll be fine. Some warming tea when I get back and I’ll heat up.”

“Come here.” Without waiting for her to move he pulled Rei onto his lap and wrapped his cloak around both of them. She sighed and cuddled into his body and pressed her numb toes between his warm thighs, allowing herself to shiver for the first time.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were that cold?” Her response was just above a whisper.

“It…was nice to have your company today. I didn’t want to go back.” He tightened his arms around her, jumping when she placed her icy hands on his sides just under his shirt.

“Aaah! Cold!” She chuckled and traced a scar along his side with her finger.

“How is it that you’re so warm still?”

“Because my heart is racing.” Her fingers stopped moving and she worried her bottom lip with her teeth.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have-.” He caught her hands as she began to stand.

“Don’t. Don’t pull away. What’s wrong?”

“…” The knight pulled her back towards him.

“Are you afraid of me, Rei?”

She dropped her gaze, “No,” before raising her eyes to meet his, “and yes.”

“Why? You can’t think that I’d hurt you.” She held his gaze, uncertainty flickering through her eyes.

“There are a lot of ways to get hurt.” Sighing, he pulled her into his chest, resting his cheek on her forehead.

“We can forget about this if you want to, but I don’t. There’s a connection here. I know you feel it.”

She didn’t respond for several minutes as he gingerly ran his fingers through her wet hair. Her warm breath on his neck was driving him wild but he forced his libido in check. It had been a long time since he’d wanted someone so much that he’d been wiling to put effort into getting them. Usually he was more of a one night sort of guy. He didn’t like to let anyone get to close. She already knew more about him then most women ever did.

“Kakashi?” Her voice snapped him out of his trance and he leaned back to look at her.

“Hmm?” She absentmindedly fingered the string that laced up the top of his shirt.

“I’ve…never…I’m…I’m not what you’d call experienced.” He couldn’t help but notice how small and naïve she sounded. She certainly wasn’t the youngest girl he’d ever been with but he was quickly getting the impression she might be the most novice.

“I wasn’t very social when we lived in Mura. I…I’ve never courted or…I just don’t want you to think…it could be a while before I’m ready.”

He nuzzled her temple and laid a small kiss on her forehead.

“We’ll go as slow as you want to. I promise, I won’t rush this.” Her hand slid up and she lightly fingered the patch of exposed skin between his shirt and the bottom of his mask.

“Kakashi?”

“Yeah?” Emerald met stormy grey and the increasingly violent storm a few feet away seemed to disappear.

“I want you to kiss me.” The dark mask was tugged down and lips crashed together in a fierce embrace. Strong hands gripped dark brown hair while dainty, soft fingers caressed the man’s neck and jaw. The severe kiss softened and the lips parted, tongues gently caressing each other. Rei whimpered into his thin lips tearing a throaty moan from his throat. Finally breaking the heated kiss Kakashi brought their heads together and nuzzled the bridge of her nose.

“Wow,” she breathed, inciting a deep chuckle from his chest.

“I concur.” Pecking her on the cheek he pulled her head to the crook of his neck, holding her tight as the darkness of the stormy day began to deepen into the darkness of night.

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“Bastard!”

“Idiot!”

“Jackass!”

“Moron!”

“Stuck up, jerk!”

“Witless, uncoordinated simpleton!”

Haku rolled his eyes as the pair limped into the infirmary for the third time that week, Naruto’s arm draped over the raven teen’s lithe shoulders. Sasuke had been training Naruto for the upcoming tryouts for genin knights and it seemed not to be going well. Yesterday Naruto had come home with a gash on his arm, and two days before that Sasuke had received a black eye and twisted his wrist while trying to prevent Naruto from tumbling down into a ravine, the pair ended up at the bottom, Sasuke having taken the brunt of the injury.

“So what have the dynamic duo done to themselves tonight?” Tanzou joked from his cot. A glare from Sasuke wiped the smirk from his face and he quickly mumbled an apology.

“The dobe twisted his ankle when he tripped and knocked me into a pile of rocks.”

“Shut it, Teme! You’re just mad ‘cause I was kicking your ass!”

“Hmph. Right, Dobe. I was really scared.”

“Teme!”

“Dobe.”

“Alright children, that’s enough,” Rei’s lips twisted as she tried to keep from smirking while checking Tanzou’s stitches.

“Those should be ready to come out in a couple of days, Lucky. Do you need anything?”

“Some fresh air would be nice.” She smiled getting up from his side.

“I’ll take you out tomorrow. Now, let’s see what you two have done to each other this time.” Sasuke dropped Naruto roughly on one of the cots and settled himself on another. She moved to Naruto and examined his ankle.

“It’s not sprained. Wrap it with some hyssop and you’ll be fine in a couple of hours.” She moved to Sasuke.

“Where does it hurt, Little Prince?” Sasuke growled at the nickname she had chosen for him.

“I told you not to call me that!” She leered as he lifted up his shirt exposing his heavily bruised back.

“Oh, lighten up, Little Prince.” She gently prodded the largest contusion making him hiss in pain.

“This one’s a little deep. Does it hurt to breathe?” He shook his head.

“Okay. Kit, rub some…” Naruto, who had lain back on the bed, sat bolt upright.

“What! No! Why should I do it?” She quirked an eyebrow at her brother.

“You broke him, you fix him. I’m going to start dinner. Haku, will you and Zabuza be joining us?” Haku grimaced.

“No. Zabuza is going to cook tonight.” Rei blanched and stared at him incredulously.

“You’re kidding!”

“Afraid not. He offered and I didn’t have the heart to tell him no.”

“Haku, is being kind to him worth getting food poisoning?” He shrugged and grinned wearily.

“I guess we’ll see. I might not be in shape to work tomorrow morning.”

“Understood. Let me know if you think your stomach is going to explode.”

“Is there anything else you want me to do before I…”

“Yes!” Naruto yelled standing shakily and limping to the workbench. “Treat Sasuke if you wouldn’t mind.”

“No, Haku. You can go. Have a good night,” Rei countered from across the room.

“Rei…”

“Naruto, stop acting like a petulant child and do your job!” Sasuke smirked and pulled his shirt over his head.

“I’m waiting, Dobe.” Naruto looked pleadingly at his sister who smiled and shook her head.

“Well I’m off. Lucky, do you want to sit at the table for a while?” Tanzou nodded and she gingerly helped him up and into the other room, ignoring the curses Naruto hissed as she passed.

Grabbing some ingredients Naruto hobbled back to his cot and sat down across from Sasuke, trying not to look at the muscular exposed chest just a couple of feet away. He growled in pain as he tried to find a comfortable position to wrap his ankle. Strong, pale hands suddenly gripped his calf. He looked down and saw Sasuke kneeling in front of him, gently pressing the hyssop bark onto his skin. Without thinking he reached out and swept the long black bangs out of Sasuke’s face. His breath hitched as the searing, obsidian eyes lifted to his and he quickly pulled his hand back.

“Sorry,” he whispered as Sasuke began to wrap the bandages around his tender flesh.

“Don’t be,” came the soft reply. The blonde watched as the noble meticulously wrapped the cloth around his ankle, gently cradling his foot when he’d finished. Sighing, Sasuke lifted his head and looked into the impossibly blue pools of emotion. They simply stared at each other until Naruto’s mouth turned up at the corners.

“Uh, thanks.” Sasuke nodded and stretched upward. Groaning he rubbed his sore back.

“Here. Sit down, I’ll put something on…crap.” Naruto looked down at the bottle he had picked up off the floor. This particular soother was oil that had to be massaged into the skin. Sasuke arched one of his graceful black eyebrows at the blonde.

“Uh, it’s nothing. Sit down.”

Naruto stared at the naked back before him. His heart was already slamming into his chest so hard it hurt and he had yet to even touch the young noble. Hands shaking slightly the blonde slicked his hands and began to slide them over the muscular shoulder blades. The head of black locks fell forward and a low moan echoed through the empty infirmary making the blonde chew on his full lower lip to keep from sighing. The sexual tension between them had been heavy the last week but this was pushing it over the edge. He watched in fascination as his tan hands moved over the silky white skin, pressing into the knots and gently soothing the bruises. Suddenly struck by the overwhelming urge to press his lips to the pale neck, Naruto decided to focus his attention on the welts forming on Sasuke’s lower back.

Sasuke could hardly breathe. The oiled hands slid over his back making his mind think of how good they would feel on a certain other part of his body, which was now pressing painfully into the front of his pants. Naruto’s sultry voice floated over his shoulder making electric chills run down his back.

“Let me know if I press to hard.” The words came out as a husky whisper and the raven teen felt his face flush. Was there even enough blood in his body to make him blush while his member was so hard? He leaned back into the caresses and felt the wiry hands move a little more boldly, sliding up the tender skin of his sides, fingers reaching around and coming dangerously close to his nipples.

“Mmmm.”

Sasuke had leaned back towards him again and Naruto’s hands moved father onto the pale pectorals, fingers moving forcefully over the pink nubs there. A throaty moan ripped from the chest of the older man and Naruto had to remove one of his hands from the lithe torso and bite his hand to distract himself from his leaking erection. He removed his other hand exhaled slowly, trying to get his heart to stop racing and his raging hard on to stop throbbing. Noticing that he had stopped the massage Sasuke turned to face the blonde.

“It’s hard just being friends.” To which Naruto nodded in agreement. A call that dinner was ready floated into the room and the pair jumped apart. Naruto immediately yelped in pain and collapsed back on the cot. Sasuke pulled his shirt over his head and raised Naruto up on his good leg. Wrapping the tan arm around his shoulder he helped the blonde into the other room.

Rei smiled as they sat down at the table and began to eat. After a few minutes of silence Sasuke looked up and shot her a questioning look.

“It’s nothing. Just a little nostalgic, don’t you think?” Sasuke looked at the blue eyed teen and smiled softly.

Tanzou looked at Rei and whispered, “Did he just smile?” A death glare from Sasuke shut him up again and the siblings snorted and chuckled into their meals.

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Rei helped Tanzou back into the shop, careful not to pull his stitches. Laying him gently back onto his cot she looked at her colleagues. Naruto had his head buried in a book that Kakashi had brought him on fighting techniques and Haku was laying on one of the cots holding his stomach and looking slightly green. She settled down on the cot beside him and gently brushed a long stand of hair off his face.

“How are you feeling?” He smiled weakly at her and sat up.

“A bit better. Don’t tell Zabuza that I got this sick. He was fine this morning and I don’t want him to feel bad.”

“No promises. I can’t have you sick all the time because you’re too sweet to tell him he can’t cook.” He nodded looking very miserable. “How about some fresh air? Might make you feel better.”

“Uhhh, no thanks. I’m good here. Why don’t you and Naruto go out? I can handle things here.”

“That’s a wonderful idea! Kit, do you want to go riding?” Naruto had tossed his book aside and was halfway to the door before the question was finished. Rei smiled at Haku.

“I’ll close the shop so you won’t have to deal with customers. We’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

Saddling the horses they rode leisurely out of town, laughing and chatting with each other the whole way.

“So…you and Little Prince seem to be getting along well.” Naruto rolled his blue eyes at the smug smirk on her lips.

“We’re just friends.”

“Uh huh. And how’s that working out for you two?” The blue eyes dropped to his tight grip on the reins.

“Come on Kit. Spill it.”

“It’s terrible!” he responded a little quicker than he should have. “I hate it. We’re either tearing each other’s heads off or trying not to tear each other’s clothes off. I’ve never been so frustrated in my entire life!” She chuckled before regarding him with concern.

“Are you unhappy?” Rei watched his face intently, relaxing when a small grin formed on his lips.

“No. I guess I’m not. He isn’t the person we used to know but it’s been fun being with him. In a lot of ways it is the same. We laugh, only now it’s usually at each other’s expense. We train but Sasuke is so strong now. It seems like he could fight a whole war single handedly. And…we’re still…there’s still that…spark.” He shot her a gauche grin which she returned with a warm smile.

“Some things never go away, never change, no matter how much people do. As long as you’re happy, I won’t kill him.”

“Rei!”

“Come on. Would you do any less for me?” He beamed at her.

“I suppose not. So speaking of being happy, how’s that perverted knight treating you?” She blushed and fiddled inattentively with a chunk of grey hair in Sirus’s mane.

“It’s good. He’s really very sweet.”

“So, have you two…?” Rei’s emerald eyes widened and she flushed a shade of scarlet usually reserved for Kakashi.

“Not that it’s any of your business but no, we haven’t.” Naruto released a relieved sigh.

“Good. I’m finally starting to get along with the guy. Would be a shame to have to kill him now.”

“Naruto!”

“Oh come on,” he sing-songed sarcastically, “Would you do any less for me?” She chuckled before smiling at him wistfully.

“You’ve grown up so much in the past year. Sometimes I feel like we don’t really talk anymore. Thanks for coming out with me today, Kit.” His full lips curled upward warmly.

“We haven’t really talked in a while, have we? I’m sorry. I’ve been nervous about this tryout. I really want this. It’s a big step, a complete change in status. Think about it, Rei. I could be a knight. Me! A knight! I know I’ve been spending a lot of time training with Sasuke and I should be spending more time in the shop but…”

“No buts, Kit. I’m so proud of you. I’ve always believed that with enough hard work you could do anything you put your mind to but you always manage to surprise me with how dedicated you can be. The shop is my life. You do what you have to and start living yours.”

“What would I do without you?” The sad smile was back on her face as she looked at her brother.

“I think the real question is what am I going to do without you?” Naruto stopped Rika and stared at her.

“What…what do you mean?” She pulled back gently on Sirus’s reins and looked at him.

“Kit, if you become a knight there’s no guarantee that you’ll be stationed here. In fact it’s far more likely that you won’t be. This town already has more than a full compliment. You’ll be off having adventures in other parts of the country and I’ll be here, worrying myself to death about you.” His voice was barely audible and she had to lean in to hear him.

“I…didn’t think about that. I just assumed…” She chuckled at his lack of foresight.

“Don’t worry. If you make genin, I’m sure Little Prince will want to keep you by his side. Speak of the devil, there he is.” She pointed to a pair of riders across the field. Naruto smiled and waved but the pair didn’t wave back. He looked at Rei who had a knowing look plastered all over her face.

“Do you want to go say hello?” Naruto shook his head, though he looked conflicted.

“No. It’s okay. I see him almost everyday.”

“Go on. I’m right behind you.” Without waiting for a reply she swatted his horse’s hindquarters sending him off towards the noble, watching him recede for a minute before starting to follow at a distance.

“Teme! Hey, Teme.” Naruto waved again but Sasuke still didn’t wave back. Growling the blonde dug his heels into Rika’s sides gaining a burst of speed and pushing forward so that he was neck in neck with the black horse.

“Teme? Are you mad at me or something?” Sasuke still didn’t respond so Naruto reached out and grabbed the reins of the raven’s horse bringing him to a stop.

“Bout time! What, are you to good to say hel-.” His words trailed off as cold steel pressed against his throat. Naruto looked to the face of his friend only to find that the black eyes were colder that Sasuke’s, the face older and more masculine and the black hair was longer and tucked inside the rider’s cape. The blade of the sword was indenting the tender flesh of his neck so powerfully Naruto didn’t dare swallow for fear it would cut his skin. He lifted his expressive, blue eyes to the man who physically looked so like the raven teen but whose eyes held no care for human life. Apology and fear swam in the blue pools and the pressure on his tan neck lessened slightly.

A cry from behind him drew the man’s attention away from the blonde but still Naruto remained perfectly still as he heard his sister approach the group.

“Rika, back up. We’re sorry. We thought you were someone else. Rika, back up!” The horse began to slowly step backwards and both siblings held their breaths as all it would take was for the stranger to stand or lean forward in the saddle and Naruto would be bleeding unstoppably. Rei’s eyes closed in silent prayer as the horse moved slowly backwards while Naruto’s remained fixed on the jet orbs that looked so like Sasuke’s.

Suddenly the black eyes flashed rapaciously and the blade of the exquisite rapier was slid gently from pressing into his neck to resting along his face so that the flat edge of the sword dragged along his jaw as Rika continued her painfully slow retreat. Naruto wasn’t sure if it was the cool metal on his skin or the icy gaze that caused it but he shivered as he finally made it passed the tip of the weapon. The sword was sheathed swiftly and Rei rushed forward to inspect her brother’s neck. Naruto however did not stop staring at the mysterious man. Even as the black horse moved on his blue eyes remained fixed on the stunning, broad from of the man who had almost killed him. Something twitched in his abdomen and he pictured the hungry look the man had on his face as the steel blade had run almost sensually over his jaw.

Shaking his head he removed a hysterical Rei from around his neck and placated her back to a rational state. Well, rational if a frenzied rage could be called rational. Deciding he needed back up in calming her down he suggested they head to the Uchiha lodge to visit Kakashi and Sasuke.

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Kakashi, and Kiba greeted the siblings as they rode up to the lodge. Naruto and Kiba, who had become very friendly, moved off chatting about the upcoming tryouts.

Kakashi shot Rei his trademark, one-eyed smile as she slid off the horse into his arms. He tensed a little, feeling something was wrong when she didn’t blush and pull away like usual but instead tightened her arms around his neck and carded her fingers into his hair.

“And what did I do to deserve this very public display of affection?” He was teasing trying to get her to loosen her very tight grip on him. When she responded by squeezing him a little harder he pulled her arms off of him and gently rubbed her shoulders.

“What’s wrong?” Her lower lips trembled but she swallowed thickly and explained their run in.

“This…psycho as you called him. What did he look like?”

“Like Sasuke! Only…older. He had longer hair. I can’t believe I didn’t realize it wasn’t him. I almost got my brother killed!” He pulled her back to his chest.

“Shhh. It’s all okay now. He looked like Lord Sasuke?” She nodded against his neck.

“Fuck. What the hell is he doing here?” She pulled back and looked him in the eye.

“What’s who doing here?”

“Aah, never mind. I want to take you somewhere tomorrow night. I have something special planned.” He cupped her face as she finally relaxed and smiled.

“Sounds nice.” He leaned down a caught her lips in a long, chaste kiss through his mask inciting a wave of jeers and whistles from the other knights in the yard. She flushed and buried her head back in his chest.

“I have to get back to work but we’re on for tomorrow night?” She smiled and nodded shyly.

“What, uh, what should I wear for this special occasion?” He shrugged and smirked at her lazily.

“Doesn’t matter, you look sexy in whatever you wear.” Pecking her flaming cheeks he turned to join Asuma and Iruka who were waiting with his horse to go on patrol.

Rei called to Naruto that she was heading back into town and swatted the large grey patch on Sirus’s hindquarters with the end of her reins.

Naruto waved to Rei as she rode away.

“So where’s Sasuke? Is he here?” Kiba grinned wolfishly at the obvious blonde.

“He’s in town with the council. He should be back any minute though.” Naruto smiled to himself.

“So how’s your training coming? Do you think you’re ready for the tryouts?” The smile on the full, pink lips fell.

“I don’t know. I hope so. I’ve been training like crazy but I still don’t think I’m ready. Sasuke-.”

“Hey, don’t judge by Lord Sasuke! He’s a machine! He’s one of the best fighters here. Only one better is maybe Kakashi and even he isn’t quite as fast as Sasuke anymore.”

Naruto’s blue eyes widened but he wasn’t really sure what to say.

“Uh…oh. I…guess that bodes well for me then.”

“Why don’t I bring some people into town tomorrow and help you train. Shikamaru is pretty fast and as far a brute strength no one is stronger than Asuma. I’m sure they’d love a good sparring session.”

“That’d be great! What time?” Kiba shrugged and smirked.

“Early afternoon?” The blonde beamed.

“That’s perfect! Thanks Kiba. I really-.” He stopped mid sentence as Sasuke rode up to them. Kiba clapped him on the back and then moved off to join Neji and Shikamaru who were looking at a map of the area. Naruto blushed and grinned at the raven teen, who seemed much happier than when he rode in, the useless council having pissed him off…again.

“Hey, Teme.”

“Dobe.”

“Hey, Teme, Kakashi loaned me a book on two handed sword skills but I’m almost finished it. Do you have any others I could borrow?” Sasuke nodded and motioned for Naruto to follow him. They made their way through the lodge, Naruto pausing to wave to Hinata who smiled widely and nodded demurely. Finally Sasuke let Naruto into his study where they’d agreed to be friends a week before. He motioned to the bookshelf and Naruto fingered the spines of over one hundred books on fighting and tactics.

“Uh, is there maybe one you’d recommend?” Sasuke smirked and brought the cups of wine he had just poured for them over to where the blonde was standing. Pulling a book off the shelf he gestured to Naruto to sit on an ornate chaise lounge that was just barely big enough for two. The older teen flipped open the book to the contents page after settling on the small couch as Naruto brought his cup to his full, pink lips.

“This book is on one handed techniques. You’ll have to learn how to use a slimmer sword than the one you’re using now. I have an extra you can use in the tryouts.”

“This is perfect. Thanks, Teme.” Sasuke nodded sliding a little closer to Naruto’s tan body, their legs pressing together. The big blue eyes widened in question for a moment before filling with lust.

The pair gazed at each other in a comfortable moment, faces inching closer and closer during the heated staring contest. Finally when their noses began to brush Naruto’s pink tongue darted out to wet his lips and a whisper fell between them.

“Sasuke…” A wiry, pale hand lifted to caress the scarred cheek before winding in the blonde spikes.

“Naruto…” They closed the distance between them, lips barely touching, pants caressing each other’s mouths. Sasuke’s tongue darted out running over the inside of Naruto’s bottom lip tasting the hits of red wine that lingered there. Groaning he leaned in pressing their faces together and tilting the tan chin to capture the pouty, pink lips. A loud knock at the door made the blonde jerk back and Sasuke growl loudly.

“WHAT?” Sasuke was seething now. So close. He’d been so close and someone just had to interrupt. How could this get any worse? The door opened and Sasuke groaned and clapped a hand to his forehead. He just had to ask.

“Hello foolish little brother.” Naruto gaped at the man who had almost killed him not half an hour earlier. No wonder they looked alike; they’re brothers.

“Itachi. What are you doing here?” Itachi poured himself a drink and turned to Sasuke with an annoyingly superior smirk.

“I got bored at the Hyuuga castle so I came to visit you. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“Hn.” Sasuke gritted his teeth and glared at Itachi but his brother wasn’t looking at him anymore. His eyes were now trained on Naruto who was shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Standing Naruto looked to Sasuke.

“I… should go. Uh, thanks for the book, Tem- I mean Lord Sasuke.” He moved to leave but Itachi stepped in front of him blocking his escape. The elder Uchiha cupped the tan face, studying it intently.

“The young man whose throat I almost slit. I’m very sorry if I frightened you.” Sasuke clenched his fists so tightly that his nails cut into his palms and he could feel warm blood seeping between his fingers as he saw Naruto blush scarlet. Itachi leaned closer to Naruto and whispered huskily to the blonde.

“I’m glad I didn’t hurt you. It would have been a shame. You’re really rather stunning, and I do have an appreciation for true beauty.” Naruto flushed deeper and stepped back from Itachi’s grasp. He rubbed the back of his head and smiled nervously.

“Ah well, no harm done. It’s my sister you really scared. Can’t say you made a fast friend there. I should go and let you two…catch up. It was nice not getting killed by you.” With that he dashed from the room, pausing when he was around the corner. He touched his lips and wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.

‘Sweet Kami,’ he thought. ‘What the hell just happened? Something tells me this just a whole lot more complicated.’

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Sasuke: I hate you!!

Me: What? Come on. You two have all but made up. What’s your problem?

Sasuke: “I do have an appreciation for true beauty” So Itachi is after Naruto? My Naruto?

Itachi: Hn, you seem upset, foolish Otouto. You didn’t really think she was done torturing you?

Me: Come on boys, play nice or I’ll take your little blonde toy away!

Itachi and Sasuke: (Glare) Hn

A/N: I’ll write more soon! PULEEZE REVIEW!
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