Disclaimer: I don’t own Naruto or its characters and I make no money from this story.
To MisatosPenPen: Thank you for reviewing. I feel comfortable in telling you that, no, it is not Orochimaru. He was also in the courtroom when the shadow stopped by to spy on Itachi. But I would like to know who your two suspicions are. Just for my personal benefit. (Are you allowed to do that in a review?) :)
I’m glad to hear that you still have questions, and I hope that you won’t see this ending coming. I may be dragging this out, but there are still a few more chapters before you find out about Itachi…uh, this is a really long story. LOL. But I can tell you, not in this chapter though, that Sasuke’s confrontation with the killer is coming up soon. There are still a few things that need to be revealed before then.
AN: It makes me incredibly happy that AFF is back up and running correctly. I got a bit of shock when I tried to access the site and saw that it was down. You guys were speedy on correcting these things, so I just wanted to say thank you!
Chapter Thirteen
June 18th
A new day dawned bright as I lay in bed unmoving. I was staring at the ceiling, the lack of sound ringing in my ears, contemplating the last full day I had with Naruto and how we should spend it together. He would be leaving me tomorrow and I didn’t know if I would ever see him again.
It was that thought that froze me in place, paralyzed with fear. My breath quickened as my heart raced across my chest like a stampede of elephants, blood rushed around my ears and drowned out the prevalent ringing sound. My stomach must have joined a circus when I wasn’t looking because it was now performing hair-raising acrobatics. That was definitely not Uchiha approved.
I looked up at a soft knocking at my door to view the love of my life standing there in all his glory. I couldn’t put into words how I felt at that moment staring into his calming blue eyes. He was gorgeous, he was mine, and that was all that mattered at this moment…until he smiled at me. God, I loved that smile and how it lit every inch of his angelic face. I could look at him all day and it still wouldn’t be enough for me.
Naruto advanced slowly into the room and crawled in bed next to me. He cuddled one of my pillows and exhaled contentedly, turning his blue eyes on me and smiling again.
“What would you like for breakfast today? My treat.”
“Surprise me.” I smiled mischievously.
“Would you like to join me?” he asked suggestively.
That was enough to haul me from my lying position, dragging him, laughing, with me. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before kissing him quickly on our way to the kitchen. I let him lead as he pulled out the ingredients to make those pancakes I loved so much.
I poured the dry powder into the bowl as the dobe cracked two eggs in to the mix and added a cup of milk. He grabbed a wire whisk and handed it to me as I began the mixing process. His hands wrapped gently around mine and followed my circling movements as he laid his head in the crook of my neck, standing on his tippy-toes to reach. I shivered as his sultry breath fanned tantalizingly over my neck. It was gone too soon for my liking.
I heard the skillet being laid on the stove top and the click of the fire as another skillet was laid out and a box of sausages tipped into the pan to fry. I was again guided to the skillet as Naruto helped in pouring out the batter in measure.
I was just about to wrap myself around my blonde and kiss him again when Iruka and Kakashi decided to make their presence known. They certainly knew how to kill a moment. I was about to pull away when Naruto pulled me to his lips. It was one of the best feelings in the world and I found in that moment I didn’t care if they watched.
Sapphire eyes danced with mischief as he pushed me towards the cupboard to pull out plates, our lips breaking apart with distance. I set the table as Naruto pulled the pancakes from the fire and set them on the table with a plate of sausages, butter, syrup, and a jug of orange juice. I pulled a bit of everything to my plate and dug in; savoring every bite I ate of the dobe’s excellent cooking.
“Were you hungry teme?” Naruto smiled, taking his time with his own portion.
I nodded my agreement as I took a gulp of orange juice to wash everything down. “This is really good.”
“Thank you teme, but it was from a box, anyone could make them.”
“It doesn’t stop it from being good, though.”
“Iruka’s are better.” Kakashi mumbled offhandedly.
“I beg to differ.” I replied coolly.
“I never thought I would hear an Uchiha beg.” Mismatched eyes danced with merriment.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it!” I growled.
“But it is what you said.” He laughed.
“Hn.”
“Enough boys.” Iruka chided softly. “I agree with Sasuke that Naruto makes better pancakes, just as my waffles are better than his; right Naruto?” Naruto nodded as he took another bite of the fluffy pancake followed by a swallow of orange juice. I found that unbelievable, but then I hadn’t tried Naruto’s waffles yet. I would reserve judgment until then.
“We’ve already fought this out before and the lines are clearly drawn, just wait until you taste Iruka’s waffles teme.”
Kakashi sighed in contentment as he stood up and pecked Iruka on the cheek. “I love your waffles
and your pancakes, but I have to go now. Thank you for the breakfast Naruto and I’ll see you all later.”
“Have a good day at work Kakashi.” Iruka beamed as he walked his boyfriend to the door. He was back within a minute as he started to clear the table. “What do you two have planned for today?”
Naruto’s expression was priceless, if only I had a camera! My wish was answered as a flash lit up the kitchen and Iruka laughed. I was beginning to like this man a lot; but I had to curse that damn flash.
“Did you want to go out anywhere today? I’d have to be there with you, but considering the circumstances; I think it’s a small price to pay? Is there some place the two of you wanted to go to together?”
“Anywhere with Naruto is fine by me.” I answered.
“There’s a park just around the corner; can we really go Iruka?” Naruto pleaded.
Iruka smiled at us and nodded. Naruto’s face lit up in pure joy as he raced to his room and returned dressed to go out. I smiled at his hyper-active antics. I’d missed this blonde that tried to race me to the swimming pool numerous times; that would physically drag me into said pool, and swim around for hours without tiring. “Come on teme, let’s go.” Naruto bounced happily as he dragged me from my chair at the table.
“What about the dishes?”
“Leave them, I can get them later.”
“Dobe…”
“Teme, let’s go!”
Iruka laughed at his antics deciding to come to my rescue. “We’d better hurry then, Sasuke, before Naruto runs off and leaves us behind.” I growled and reached out, bringing him flush against me. I was never letting him run off and leave me, never!
“Teme,” Naruto whined. “Let’s go already!”
I released him reluctantly as he tugged at my arms and dragged me out the front door with a smirking Iruka in tow. The park was literally around the corner from the apartment complex, just like Naruto said. It was already teeming with hoards of people on picnics, playing sports, and walking dogs. Kids were running around everywhere, chasing butterflies, chasing one other, playing sports or tag, playing on the largest playground I’d ever seen, or splashing around in the wading pool where it only came to their ankles. It was chaos everywhere and I loved it instantly.
“What should we do first teme?” Naruto asked.
I shrugged my shoulders. Really, whatever he wanted to do was fine by me. And there was so much to do I didn’t know where to start.
“Do you just want to walk around for a bit?”
“That would be nice.”
Naruto grasped my hand as we started walking around following one of the numerous trails marked out. Iruka was true to his word as he followed closely behind us, but he didn’t butt in, giving us some measure of privacy. It was an enjoyable experience to just walk hand-in-hand with Naruto that I found I didn’t need to say much. I was happy that Naruto was enjoying himself in my company and I was happy that we could get out and experience a beautiful day together. He pointed to a tree where two little kids were playing; running around and squealing with delight, while another was hanging upside down from a tree limb, taunting the other two. He smiled at their little antics and continued our jaunt in silence.
But it was too good to last. We had just walked the length of the park when we encountered a problem. We’d earned stray glances from most people during our trek, but they hadn’t said a word to us. That is until we approached the small lake in the middle of the park to feed the ducks; something the dobe was adamant about doing. It was made clear, by the biggest guy in the group, that we weren’t welcome there and that if we knew what was good for us we would clear out immediately and spare the decent, hard-working folk our depraved ways.
“It’s a free park.” I growled.
“Sasuke…” Naruto whispered his eyes wide with concern.
“Your kind isn’t welcome here.”
“Our kind?” I scoffed.
“Yeah, your kind. Do you have a hearing problem, queer?”
“I hear perfectly fine;” I replied evenly, but my skin crawled over the inflammatory remark. “And there is nothing
queer about us.”
“Sas…”
“Huh, fag! Leave now before I make you.” He demanded, visibly puffing out his chest.
I scoffed. “It’s a free park and I’ll enjoy it with whomever I like; male or female.”
“Sas…”
“You’re asking for it.” The man growled as he got up into my face and cracked his knuckles in a display of superiority.
Honestly, that was supposed to be intimidating? Chief Tsunade was intimidating. Sakura was intimidating. Even the mutts’ mutt was intimidating at times, but not this loser. Hell even Iruka was more intimidating than this guy. Strike that; Iruka was more intimidating than all of them.
I’d taken down men larger than he and they were high on drugs at the time. I scoffed again and decided to take the high road.
“Whatever.” I muttered and started to pull Naruto along.
“Oh, so you’re scared now? Going to run away like the little pansy you are?” He mocked to a few strained laughs in the crowd.
“Clearly you can’t make up your mind, loser? Do you want us to go or do you want us to stay? You can’t have it both ways moron.”
“Sasuke!” Naruto whispered anxiously and tugged at my sleeve.
“What did you call me you homo?!” The man swelled in anger, veins popping over his straining face.
“Which time? I called you a loser and a moron.”
“You’re nothin’ but a fag and not worth my time. Take your sissy
‘girlfriend’ and be gone from here. You’re not welcome.”
Ice poured through my veins and fire licked at my stomach. I could take the insults with no problem while they were directed at me, but he had to go after Naruto too. This man didn’t know the danger he was in, but Naruto obviously sensed it. It shocked me that he could read me so well.
“Teme, it’s not worth it.” He muttered in my ear as he spoke a little louder, the gathered crowd listening with avid attention. “There will always be someone who doesn’t understand how we can love each other. They can’t look beyond gender to see the love, raw and powerful as it is. We can’t fault them for, we can only be tolerant.”
Naruto took my hand in his, a loving and understanding smile on his face, and pulled me along. I was struck dumb and left wondering, was he really only a teacher?
I saw it out of the corner of my eye before I heard the gasps of the onlookers. The man, in a fit of rage, charged at us with our backs turned. On instinct, I side stepped him and pulled his left arm behind his back as I forced him to the ground. It was text-book defense I learned when I entered the police academy, on the very first day in fact, from Gai Might.
I forced my knee into the small of his back and whispered dangerously, “Give me a reason, I dare you?”
“Who the hell do you think you are? I could have you arrested!” He spat, spit flying from his mouth.
“I am the police.” I laughed ruthlessly. I saw no reason to mention I was no longer employed; that was just a technicality.
Looking up; now that the man was subdued, I tried to find Naruto. But there was no sign of him. My heart began to race as I frantically searched the crowd of onlookers for a mop of blonde hair, but he wasn’t there. Where did he go? He was just here!
“Dobe?” I called and loosened my grip on the man’s arm. He seized his chance and unseated me in his rush to get up from the ground. I didn’t give a passing thought about the man as he made his escape; all I cared about was my Naruto. My Naruto, who was just here a second ago!
0So where did he go; and where was Iruka for that matter?
“Naruto?” I called again and received a muffled reply. My heart almost stopped with relief as I located him not far away and on the ground. Iruka bent over Naruto inspecting him for injuries. I rushed to him quickly intent on seeing for myself if he’d been hurt.
“How did you end up on the ground?”
“You pushed me teme! Wow, you are such an abusive boyfriend.” He mocked, laughing at me. I frowned and continued to inspect him for injuries.
“Seriously, how did you get on the ground?”
“I was pushed down when that guy rushed us, so I wisely decided to stay down and let you handle it.” I hauled him to a standing position and frowned again, this time at the state of his clothes. There was a rip in his shirt, grass stains on his jeans, and dirt and twigs in his hair. I shook my head as I pulled at the twigs tangled in his sunshine locks.
“I’m sorry you were pushed.”
“It’s fine teme.”
“It’s not fine!” I snapped as I grabbed his shoulders and shook him gently, but he only continued to smile at me.
“It’s fine.” He repeated. “There are always going to be people who don’t understand. I can’t force anyone to like
my choices just as no one can force
me to like theirs. All we can do is try to be a bit more understanding of one another. We can only do our best.”
I shook my head in bemusement and stared at the blonde with the biggest heart in the world. How could he be so…so…? I don’t even know what he is anymore; so I said the only thing that felt right to me at that moment.
“I love you dobe.” I was rewarded with a brilliant smile and it made me the happiest man in the world.
“I love you teme.” He replied happily, rocking on the balls of his feet in joy.
I would have kissed him right then, but my surroundings caught up with me and suddenly I became aware of the continued onlookers. Among them were love-sick little girls that were now corrupted into the dreaded, dare I say it,
fangirls. They would one day grow up to create the biggest gay fan club the world has ever seen; I could just see it now. And it was my fault that I had corrupted them into a life-long obsession with gay love. Why did things like this always happen around me?
Naruto smiled at me taking in his surroundings, too. His grin widened and his eyes took on a mysterious glint; one I couldn’t comprehend.
“There’s a place I want to show you teme or did you want to go back home?” He asked excitedly.
I wasn’t about to let some narrow-minded jerk ruin my day with the dobe; so I smiled for Naruto to lead on as we passed the gathered group. They didn’t stop our advancement and most of them offered small smiles as we passed; or I should say they smiled at Naruto.
Just more of how he could change people with his thoughts and actions. Naruto was a remarkable person and it was obvious he handled the situation better than I had, having won the gathering over even more with his sincere words; short as they were. A man like him had no business being a teacher when he could do so much more! He was wasting his talents in the classroom.
A small voice drifted from the back of my mind, raising a fearful question, ‘maybe I was holding him back; maybe I wasn’t good enough for him’?
~REVENGE~
The shadow moved silently among the crowd of spectators eyeing the two men at the center of attention. He settled in to watch the standoff, curious to how it would play out. It also gave him a chance to study his targets and how they interacted with confrontation. It was going remarkably well, the Uchiha handling himself professionally; just like he was trained.
But that was not where his main focus of attention was placed. It was his blonde haired target that held his interest. The way he held the Uchiha at bay with just a hand, how he took control of the situation with words and a smile…
In an instant he saw red, his fists clenched in anger as he watched the enraged man rush the two from behind resulting in the blonde being forced to the ground. The impulse to interrupt and put the man in his place was strong, but not stronger than his common sense.
He resolved himself to watching the raven haired detective effectively subdue the man. One thing he knew was that a little more thought would have to go into getting at the young detective. But that shouldn’t be a problem now. A wicked smirk worked its way over his features as he watched panic flash in the onyx eyes of his target. That would be his weakness; the blonde. He could certainly use that to his advantage when the time came. And that time would be soon. So very soon and everything would be over. He’d have his revenge and finally obtain what he truly wanted.
The shadow watched his two targets slip away through an admiring crowd, unhindered. He chuckled low in his throat and slipped away from the quickly dispersing crowd toward the parking area. He had a man to find and teach a lesson to about keeping his hands to himself.
He stalked behind the enraged brute as he raced from the park and towards his motorcycle. The brute was rummaging through his saddle bags looking for the cold steel of his gun. He pulled it out and checked his magazine; ten rounds. He wouldn’t need that many.
He was so focused on the gun in his hands that he failed to notice a tall man creep up behind him. “That’s a nice pistol, civilian Mark 23, right?”
The brute whipped around and stared at the taller man in suspicion. His tone guarded, his body on edge as he replied, “You know your guns.”
“I’m something of a collector of sorts.”
“Huh.” The brute shrugged trying to get rid of the other guy quickly so he could find the abominations and rid the world of them. And that foul-tongued blonde would be the first to go!
“I saw what happened back there; what a disgrace.” The brute continued to stare at him with suspicion in his eyes. “Don’t you agree that such people should be gone from this world?”
“Yes.” The man agreed nervously. “Such abominations should not be allowed to live.”
“I’m glad we’re in agreement.” It took only a moment; the man never knew what hit him. His knees buckled as 1,200 volts coursed through his abdomen.
The shadow growled as he grabbed the shocked man by the throat and squeezed, pushing him against his motorcycle. “You are a coward, a disgrace to the human race and you should be gone from the world. I give you this warning; touch them and I will not hesitate to track you down and squeeze every last bit of air from your filthy, undeserving lungs.” He sneered and released his grasp on the slowly choking man.
He reached out, grabbed up the pistol the man dropped and walked away. He would let the man believe he got away before going back to finish the job tonight; because such abominations should not be allowed to live.
~REVENGE~
The woman stared out the window at the busy street below watching the cars inch by in midday traffic. She was fighting the impulse to run across the street and tell the Police Chief everything. But what good would that do her? She was not innocent in this affair and would just be killed for her treachery besides. And then she would never know the feeling of what she truly desired most in this world.
She cursed herself for being so weak, for being swayed by these unyielding desires. Breathing out heavily, she laid her forehead against the heated glass of the window, her eyes half closed. It was just after 1p.m., and she knew
he would be back soon.
With one last longing look out the window at the colonial style building below, she turned and made her way to the minibar. Grabbing up the vodka, she drank directly from the bottle. It was now a waiting game until he returned. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of him causing her to choke on the alcohol in her mouth. She wiped at her chin where some of the liquid overflowed from her mouth. She felt disgusted.
~REVENGE~
I was out of breath by the time we reached the top of the hill. Naruto had insisted on charging ahead and dragged me along with him. I was really in no position to argue. I couldn’t let him out of my sight for a moment, so I was forced to run to keep up with his brutal pace.
I stopped at the crest to catch my breath and see where Iruka was. He was still making the trek up the hill, his gaze steadfast upon us. I turned to look at Naruto. He was barely out of breath and smiling like the idiot he was. He pointed right in front of us to a large square dotted with many holes in regular intervals. I quirked a questioning eyebrow at them; just what were they?
Naruto laughed at my expression and dragged me out in to the middle just as Iruka emerged over the top of the hill. We were the only ones around and I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Iruka kept his distance. What was going on?
I soon got my answer as jets of water raced towards the sky only to fall back on us like rain, soaking us from head-to-toe. It was a fountain! I growled at the laughing blonde and grabbed for him, but he danced expertly out of my reach. I smirked at the challenge. So that was how he wanted to play this. The chase was on!
I rushed after the blonde trying to catch him among the bursting jets of water. I couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from me as I tried to grab at him again only to be foiled at the last moment as he dodged away. This was definitely not Uchiha approved, but it was so much fun. And what was the point of being Uchiha if you couldn’t have fun? I didn’t care if I looked like an idiot or was making a complete fool of myself. I was young and in love and chasing the love of my life.
I laughed again as I finally captured my blonde prey with a squeal of delight escaping his lips. I wasted no time in claiming my prize as I brought him into a kiss. It was slow, tender, and very… wet. It was also perfect. I wanted time to stand still; to freeze this moment and make it last an eternity. This was the best day of my life and nothing could ruin it. Not even the sound of Naruto’s growling stomach that had me bursting out in laughter. He gave me a sheepish look as he rubbed his empty belly.
“Are you guys ready to eat?” Iruka called out sensing Naruto’s hunger.
“Yeah.” I called back.
“Good, let’s find a vendor and get something since I didn’t pack a picnic and you’re not allowed in my home in that state.”
“That sounds good to me.”
We found ourselves a hotdog and pretzel vendor just down the pathway from the fountain. He gave no indication of surprise at our water-logged appearance as he went about his business as usual. We found a bench to sit on; drying out, as I munched on a hotdog slathered in ketchup and Naruto bit into a plain, unsalted pretzel; just one of five that he would consume in less than two minutes. That had to be a record!
After we finished with our light lunch, in Iruka’s and my case; we walked the park once again and finally got a chance to feed the ducks. Thankfully, we encountered no more trouble and were able to finish drying out in peace. We slowly made our way back to the apartment where Naruto set out immediately to begin making dinner. I was quick to jump in and help him. Tonight he was making a chicken Alfredo dinner. It wasn’t a new dish to me, but I had never tried Naruto’s before. I had a feeling I was going to like it though.
~REVENGE~
Kakashi groaned and rubbed at his tired eyes. Everyone was gathered in a meeting together to discuss what they were going to do in two days’ time. They were constantly going over the plans, where they would be, what they should be doing and what they shouldn’t be doing. There was so much planning going on and for only one day. It almost seemed unreal; almost. Everyone knew the palpable threat they were in; Hayate was proof of that.
All eyes shot to Kakashi when his phone went off, then tinny noise sounding shrill in the stuffy room. He snatched the phone from its resting place on the table and quickly flipped it open to see that he’d received a text from Iruka. He opened the message and had to suppress a chuckle. He failed completely and was rewarded by the rooms avid attention focused on him; the nosy brats.
“What’s so funny Kakashi?” Tsunade demanded.
“Just some pictures Iruka sent me. Our
cats are playing nicely together.” He smirked.
Tsunade growled and was about to stomp over there and see what her grandson was up to when she stopped herself. No one knew where Naruto and Sasuke were and she couldn’t risk anyone finding out by her suspicious actions. So she continued to glare at the lieutenant. She would see those pictures before he left for the day if she had to claw them out of his cold dead hands.
“I didn’t know you had cats, Kakashi.” Sakura replied.
“I inherited them by chance and they’ve been giving me troubles almost daily. For
cats they sure are active.”
“I thought you could handle anything Kakashi?” Sakura laughed.
“Oh I can, they’re proving difficult but not impossible. Did I mention they play nice together?”
“Ok, Kakashi, enough about the
cats! Can we get back to the planning?!” Kakashi smiled gratingly and turned his phone on vibrate; giving the Chief his full attention. It didn’t go unnoticed, and without snickers, that his phone continued to dance around the table much to the Chief’s displeasure.
~REVENGE~
I slipped into Naruto’s room quietly while I had the chance. I had to do this quick before my resolve abandoned me. I pulled out his suitcase that he’d been using for the last few months and re-arranged all his clothes into neat stacks inside along with the necessities that he’d need; plus something extra. I grabbed the picture of the two of us from yesterday and slid it in the front pocket for safe keeping. Zipping everything closed with finality, I set the suitcase next to the bedroom door and slipped back into the kitchen unnoticed. I pulled out my cell phone and composed a quick text, sending it.
Naruto was resting in the living room with Iruka watching a game show. It broke my heart what I was about to do, but it was necessary. The more I thought about it the more sense it made. Kakashi would understand, Iruka would understand, but would Naruto? I couldn’t bear it if he hated me.
I took a deep breath and walked into the living room, taking a seat next to Naruto. He slid expertly against my side, pulling his feet up under him like it was second nature. He wound his fingers through mine and sighed contentedly. It was breaking my heart to be near him knowing what would happen shortly; what I had decided for myself. I could only hope that he would forgive my deception.
~REVENGE~
Kakashi groaned at the overbearing woman as she ran through the pictures that Iruka had sent in earnest. It was obvious what was going on here and Tsunade didn’t like it one bit. Iruka gave them his blessing and there was nothing she could do to change it. Sasuke was now a part of her life, but she wasn’t going to allow that without a fight.
It wasn’t because she hated the Uchiha. On the contrary, he was one of her best detectives and one she took pride in boasting about. But she couldn’t allow herself to become attached to the Uchiha like Naruto was. That was her secret fear.
But unknown to her she had already lost; even before Naruto and Sasuke ever met. She was already attached to the Uchiha as one of her officers, caring for his wellbeing, and now she had no choice but to care more for the man as Naruto’s love. Sasuke would be another person torn from her, and it would be sooner rather than later; and it would break her heart.
“He’ll break his heart, Kakashi.” Tsunade muttered in capitulation.
“Not if we protect him.”
“I have no confidence. It’s a feeling, a strong one, but something is going to go wrong. I don’t want to deal with a lifeless Naruto. I can’t do it, not again. This will break him and there will be no coming back this time.” Tsunade shook with sadness.
“We will protect them Tsunade.” Kakashi promised.
“I don’t think we can.” She whispered. “I don’t think we can.”
~REVENGE~
Itachi followed the cyanic man from the corner of his eye as he sat on the offered bench outside the courtroom waiting for Yamato to arrive. He checked his watch repeatedly between quick glances at his bodyguard. Narrowing his eyes, Itachi stood abruptly and walked to the windows gauging the bodyguard’s reaction. Kisame never batted an eyelash.
Itachi pulled out his phone, intent on sending a text as he waited for Yamato’s presence. He settled against the wall, his back facing the street teeming with people, and flicked imaginary dirt from beneath his finger nails. His phone vibrated in his pocket a minute later, but he didn’t bother looking who it was from; he already knew.
Yamato strode forward, navigating through the crowd and towards Itachi. “Are you ready to finish this, Itachi?”
“That is a superfluous question, Yamato. I have prepared for this day for years.”
“Then let us go and finish this.” Yamato replied.
Itachi gave a curt nod as he bypassed his bodyguard and into the courtroom. He was ready to do battle with the snake-man and nothing was going to hinder this win. It was long over-due.
~REVENGE~
Kakashi silently trudged down the tan carpeted hallway. He turned left around the corner and walked slowly to his apartment, eager for some dinner and attention from Iruka. He would need to find a moment alone to discuss the case and Tsunade’s begrudging approval. Iruka would be pleased.
Of course, it was a lost cause as soon as Iruka approved; and Tsunade had no choice but to accept. But it said a lot that Iruka’s opinion mattered to the Chief; especially where Naruto’s concerned.
Heaving a relieved sigh, he pushed the key in the look and turned, swinging the front door open on an expectant Uchiha. Kakashi cocked an eyebrow in question.
~revenge~
“I need to talk to you real quick.” I whispered as soon as the door swung open.
“Can’t it wait Sasuke?”
I shook my head. Kakashi sighed and slumped in on himself. Throwing a quick glance over my shoulder, I motioned for him to go back out into the hallway. He led the way, stopping a few feet from the front door to stare me down. I shook my head again, but I couldn’t look him in the eye. I felt guilty, ashamed of what I was about to do.
Kakashi stared at me, his eyes widening a moment later in understanding. I don’t know how he knew, but I could tell he understood what I was about to do. He didn’t offer a protest or a single argument…and for that I was grateful. Everything was now set in motion; I just hoped that Naruto could forgive me.
I turned back to the door and silently opened it to reveal an irritated Iruka and an unhappy Naruto. I guess my odd behavior hadn’t gone unnoticed then by the way Naruto stood with his arms crossed over his chest looking adorably angry.
“Sorry?” I replied, but that didn’t alleviate Naruto’s glare.
I shot him a glare of my own. What more did he want; I apologized! I didn’t see it coming as the dobe punched me in the shoulder, hard.
“Sorry my ass; you’re hiding something!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about?” I denied. Damn, but was I proud of my Uchiha lying prowess.
“Don’t you give me that shit, teme. You were lying in wait for Kakashi to return home, so what are you hiding from me?” Naruto seethed.
“Nothing, I just had a question for Kakashi.”
“And you had to sneak around my back?” He demanded.
“I wasn’t sneaking.”
“What did he ask you?” Iruka muttered turning to his lover and stalling Naruto from further comments.
‘Later.’ Kakashi mouthed. “Is dinner almost done?”
“It’s been done for a while.” Naruto ground out still glaring at me.
“Let’s eat then, I’m starving.” Kakashi rubbed his hands together in anticipation of a good meal and pushed pass us towards the kitchen.
I knew that Naruto wasn’t going to let it rest until he got his answer, though. I was proven right when he wouldn’t stop eyeing me all through dinner. I was trying my best to ignore him, to postpone what was going to happen, but the dobe was making that difficult for me.
He refused to acknowledge Kakashi’s remark about it being the best dinner he’d ever had. Iruka wasn’t happy to hear that Naruto’s cooking was better and I smirked as Kakashi tried to cover his ass; but through it all Naruto continued to eye me with a hard glint. He stared intently at the back of my head even as I washed up the dishes. Iruka and Kakashi had finally noticed the strange behavior when the normally active blonde was abnormally silent for too long.
“Naruto?” Iruka asked uncertainly.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Naruto demanded completely ignoring Iruka. I inwardly flinched. He was not happy with me at all, but what did I expect?
“I don’t understand…”
“Not you Iruka; Sasuke!” He growled.
I pulled the plug on the sink drain and watched the water swirl away before pulling out a towel to dry my hands. I slowly turned and looked at the furious blonde. I shrugged my shoulders at him.
“Damn you teme! What are you hiding from me?” I averted my gaze towards the ground as I shrugged again. “Tell me?” Naruto demanded.
“You’re not going to like it.” I whispered.
“So that means you have to hide something from me, because you think I won’t like it?”
“I wasn’t hiding it from you, just delaying when I had to tell you. And I
know you won’t like it.”
“Then tell me already!” He shouted in exasperation.
“Fine, I see no reason for you not to know now. I’ve arranged for you to leave tonight instead of tomorrow like we planned.” I replied as I met his stunned eyes.
“Wha-what?” Naruto gasped. “Why?”
I shot him a hard look. What did he mean why? “That should be obvious, dobe.”
“No.”
“What do you mean no?” I growled, my annoyance melting away to anger.
“I said no. I’m not leaving tonight.” Naruto refused.
“Yes you are! It’s been decided.”
“Decided by whom? You?” Naruto laughed. “Funny, I wasn’t included in this decision.”
“I knew you would argue with me about this, so I decided for you.”
“You decided for me? Well, I’m un-deciding. No.”
“You
will be leaving tonight.”
“No, I won’t!”
“Don’t argue with me about this. You are going, that’s final!” I snapped.
“Since when did you rule this relationship, teme?”
“When it’s a matter of your life over mine!” I shouted, my heart pounding in my ears, my face flushed, and anger pulsing in my veins.
“You don’t get to decide that! I won’t leave tonight, I won’t!” Naruto refused.
“And what about tomorrow. Would you leave then?”
“Yes!”
“No you wouldn’t! You would find a way to delay your departure until it was too late. I know you!”
“Not that well.”
“Bullshit, Naruto! You would find a way to stay… And you should have seen this coming!”
“I will not leave tonight! I refuse!”
“You are!”
“What gives you the right to decide when I go?”
“When it’s my job to make sure you’re safe!”
“It was my job too or did you forget that?!” Naruto snapped, his voice rising in decibel to match mine. It was a wonder the neighbors weren’t pounding on the walls in irritation at our fighting.
“I haven’t forgotten, but this is beyond what you can do! You are leaving! NOW! And that’s final!”
“NO!”
“Damn it Naruto! Just do as I say!”
He froze instantly as Tsunade’s words echoed through the silent kitchen. Tears shimmered in his eyes as he avoided looking at me, his body stiff with anger. I walked up to him and rubbed the side of his cheek with my thumb. He didn’t pull away and I took that as a good sign; pulling him into an awkward hug.
He refused to hug me back though; his arms hanging limply at his side.
“I love you and that is why I want you to leave tonight. You would find a way to stay, I know you will, and I can’t allow that. I can’t put you in harm’s way. That’s why you have to go now. I need time to prepare myself and I can’t do that if you’re underfoot. I need to worry about me. And with you in a safer place that’ll be easier for me to do.”
To say I was startled by his continued silence was an understatement. He refused to look at me and even pushed me away. I sighed as he walked to his room and paused in the doorway. I watched his fist clench before he pulled the suitcase out with a jerk and into the kitchen. He didn’t say a word to anyone; not even Iruka or Kakashi as he made his way to the front door.
I grabbed the car keys from the counter where Kakashi threw them and walked over to the blonde. Iruka pulled him into a hug and wished him goodbye as Naruto mumbled a reply I didn’t catch. Kakashi clapped him lightly on the back and nodded before we made our way, alone, to the elevator.
We made our way to Kakashi’s parked car and slid in without a word spoken between us. The drive wasn’t that long; I’d be gone all of 25 minutes round tip, but the silence was getting at me. I didn’t know where Naruto’s mind was at and that was killing me. How could I make this right? Was there even a way?
I pulled up slowly to the place I would be handing over my love to the only person I could trust him with besides myself and cut the ignition. The man slowly made his way forward from the shadows revealing his existence to me. I exited the car and pulled Naruto’s luggage with me as I crossed the street.
“Thanks for doing this.” I muttered, strolling up to him. Naruto was still fuming in the car refusing to move an inch. I hope this little exchange will be enough time for him to calm down.
“It’s not a problem, Sasuke.” The man replied, his attention pointed towards my passenger side window.
“Take good care of him, will you.”
“Nothing is going to happen to you. You’re too stubborn for that.” He grinned.
“I’m serious. Take care of him for me.”
A low rumble of laughter escaped the man and I frowned. Not because he was laughing at me, but because the laugh wasn’t Naruto’s tinkling laugh. “I never thought I would see the day when Sasuke Uchiha would fall head-over-heels in love. He must be something special for you to have fallen this hard?”
“He’s
everything to me.”
The man paused, clearly not expecting me to admit it. I loved Naruto and nothing was going to change that; so what point was there to deny what I felt for him?
“I’ll take care of him for you; until you can.” He promised.
“Thank you.” And I meant it.
Movement in the corner of my eye caught my attention and I turned to follow Naruto as he finally exited the car and walked over to us. He continued to give me the arctic treatment as he turned to the man that he would be staying with for the time being.
“You are obviously Naruto. It’s nice to meet you.” Naruto nodded as he shook the man’s hand. “Well, I think we should go then. I’ll watch him closely Sasuke and see that he comes to no harm while in my care.”
“Naruto?”
Arctic blue eyes regarded me silently. I sighed before reaching out and rubbing his cheek gently. I wasn’t going to let him leave without telling him that I loved him; I owed him that much.
“Dobe, I love you.” I whispered as I kissed him lightly on the lips.
“I love you too, teme.” He spoke so softly I thought I was imagining it, but then Naruto hugged me for dear life. “Promise me; promise me that you won’t leave me?”
“I will never leave you, dobe, I promise. No matter what, you’re stuck with me.”
Naruto smiled as he stepped back and towards the other man. I took a step back from them and turned to cross the street. I paused at the driver’s side door and watched Naruto leave with his new guardian. I sighed and hopped in the car for the short drive back to the apartment.
Despite the short distance it was the longest drive of my life and made in utter silence. I could feel myself already missing the dobe, itching to turn around and bring him back with me. Damn, how could I let him do this to me? In just a little over a month he had wormed his way through my Uchiha defenses and made himself at home; taking over complete control of my emotions. I really had fallen hard for the dobe?
~REVENGE~
“He should have told him sooner, Kakashi. You should have told me!” Iruka fumed as he stared at the door Naruto and Sasuke had just gone through.
“Iruka, I only found out when I got home.”
“You could have found a way to tell me!”
Kakashi shook his head. How could you argue with the irrational? “It’s the right thing to do. This way it gives Naruto time to settle in and get used to his surroundings.”
“Naruto can adapt anywhere in a matter of minutes. Do you think they should have gone alone?” Iruka asked, worrying his bottom lip.
“I have to trust Sasuke’s judgment this time.”
“But if you don’t know where Naruto is how do you know he’ll be safe if something does happen to Sasuke?”
“I won’t know, but wherever Naruto is going, Sasuke believes no one will ever find him there.”
“I wish I could put my faith in him like you do.”
“Iruka…” Kakashi smiled sadly. He bent down and pecked him on the lips.
“Kakashi…” Iruka sighed. He embraced Kakashi in a hug, clutching the soft cotton of his shirt for dear life.
~REVENGE~
“I have what you requested.” A voice floated towards the man standing by his window glaring down at the small police station.
He gave no sign that he heard the other man, his mind working out the finer details of how he would get to the younger Uchiha. He knew one thing for certain; he had to separate the two lovers.
“That didn’t take you long.” The shadow finally replied.
“You said you needed it promptly. Why would I dally?”
The shadow laughed. “That’s fair enough, but now I have another task for you. I need you to go to this address and watch it closely. Keep me informed.”
The other man bowed his head in accordance and exited the room. The shadow turned back to staring out the window, paying the woman on his bed no mind.
“Soon?” She questioned.
“By tomorrow night, flower, is that soon enough for you?” He laughed.
