Disclaimer: I don’t own Naruto and I make no profit from this story.
To MisatosPenPen: I like your theories…and that’s all I can say. I could definitely see Itachi assaulting that biker. He is certainly protective of Sasuke, but you’re correct. It wasn’t him.
Itachi’s story is coming soon; I promise. And who he texted…hmm, who would he be texting and why? :D
Thank you for sharing your theories, I just hope I can continue to keep you guessing.
To Dragonbetty: Thank you for taking the time to review. I hope you enjoy the ending. :D
Chapter Fourteen
June 18th
It was a strange feeling to leave behind the man I loved and follow another blindly. But Sasuke trusted him and that made me trust him too. I had yet to ask his name, but then again I didn’t have to. I knew who he was, the only person Sasuke would trust me to.
I followed behind, noting that he was taller than I by several inches. I don’t know why that mattered; maybe I was just trying to keep my mind off the fact that Sasuke had dumped me on this guy and left. I was still angry about it.
We made our way through the lobby of a high-rise office building, taking the elevator down into the underground parking garage. I was steered towards a jet black sports car, one of five sleek luxury sports vehicles parked in a row. I couldn’t help myself. I stopped in my tracks and stared in awe.
“This is your car?” I asked in stunned admiration.
My comment pleased the guy, who smiled with fondness. “You like it?”
“It’s admirable.” I nodded.
“Thank you, I worked really hard to earn it.”
I nodded dumbly and walked to the passenger’s side door. Slipping inside, I inhaled the keen scent of leather. There were so many buttons too! I held back the impulse to touch everything, distracting my hands by buckling up instead.
Sliding effortlessly into the driver’s side the man laughed. His elbow rest against the window, his head leaning against his hand and tilted in a way to look at me fully.
“What?” I asked suddenly, blushing from the scrutiny.
“It’s just odd that you can trust me so easily; you don’t even know my name.”
I cast my gaze off to the side in embarrassment before turning to look at the man evenly. “Sasuke trusts you and that is good enough for me.”
“Sasuke could be mistaken with his trust.”
“True,” I admitted. “But I doubt it. Besides, I know who you are.”
“Oh, you do?” He asked in mild surprise.
“Yes, you’re the only person Sasuke would trust me to.” I replied calmly. “Sasuke’s a possessive bastard, so the only person he would trust is someone he knew well and someone already in a relationship. The only person that Sasuke knows that is in a relationship is you: Neji Hyuga.”
“So you do know who I am.” He threw me a grin and I nodded with acknowledgement. “Then you know…”
“That the two of you once dated; yes, he told me.”
“And you’re not worried?” He asked curiously.
“Should I be?”
Neji laughed. “You seem oddly confident?”
I chuckled in spite of myself. “Confidence has nothing to do with it.”
“Hmm,” Neji paused, a thoughtful look gracing his regal features.
I could see why Sasuke liked him. Neji was tall and slender, with dark hair and pale eyes, and carried an air of sophistication. He was born privileged and it showed; right down to his finely manicured hands. I didn’t want to know how much that cost to maintain.
“I’ll admit that you’re an odd choice of partner for Sasuke. It’s very unusual.”
“Why is that?” I asked curiously.
“Well, Sasuke likes the men he dates a certain way…And it’s plain to see that you are not his type.”
“Oh, and the next thing you’re going to say is that he’s out of my league, right?”
“Hmm, you’re right…but you’re also wrong.” He laughed. “
You are out of
his league.”
“I…” I stopped short, not sure how to answer that. So I frowned instead and remained quiet.
“That wasn’t the answer you were expecting, was it?”
“No.” I admitted, shaking my head in affirmation. “What makes you think he isn’t in my league? I don’t understand?”
“It’s simple, really.” Neji remarked. “You did the one thing that no one has been able to do before; not even I could accomplish this…and we dated for years. You changed him. You walked into his life just over a month ago and in that time you have managed to turn him completely around and upside down.”
“I don’t know what you mean?” I never noticed a change, but then, I didn’t know Sasuke before a month ago. Was he different?
“You don’t? Sasuke never would have done what he did minutes ago. He never would have touched you like that. He never would have come out and said he loved you either, especially in front of an audience. He never once told me, though I knew how he felt. Only someone extraordinary could pull off a miracle like that; someone better than Sasuke. So, how did you do it?
“I don’t know.” I answered in confusion. “I wasn’t aware he’d changed.”
“Oh, well then, you’ll have to take my word for it.” Neji remarked. “But I’m glad you’re in his life now.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “And if I have something to say about it, that’s how it’s going to stay.”
Neji burst out laughing as he turned over the engine and backed out of the parking garage.
~REVENGE~
“You had a safe trip then?” Kakashi asked, clapping me on the back.
I should have known Kakashi and Iruka would be waiting up for me when I pushed the door open on their worried faces. Of course, they would want to reassure themselves that nothing had happened to the dobe; and dare I even think it: me.
“How was Naruto when you left him?” Iruka asked worriedly.
“He was angry, but I expected that.” I admitted, though it hurt my Uchiha pride to say so. “He’s safe though, and that’s what matters the most to me.”
“How can you be sure Naruto will be safe?” Iruka fretted, wringing his hands.
“He’ll be ok where he’s going. It’s just not possible for anyone to know where I sent him.”
“And you’re not going to tell us?”
“No. I won’t risk it, not with Naruto.” I responded, shaking my head.
“I expected that.” Iruka muttered sadly. “Well, you should try to rest now Sasuke.”
Iruka, you either loved him or hated him. Come to think of it, he was always fussing over us and I wished more times than not that he would just leave us be. But now there wasn’t an ‘us’. Naruto was gone, out of my sight.
It finally hit me in that moment that Naruto really wasn’t here and that I could possibly never see him again. I couldn’t bear that. Out of nowhere I felt a sudden urge to laugh. It was a strong urge and not easily squashed, but I managed. If only I could control my legs…
I felt my knees buckle. Strong arms reached out and wrapped around my torso to prevent me from hitting the ground hard. Kakashi eased me gently into a sitting position, my back against the wall. Iruka hovered somewhere over-head worrying himself unnecessarily, unsure of what he should do. I tried to focus my vision, images of Kakashi swimming in front of me.
“Sasuke its ok, drink this.” I felt cool liquid at my lips and grimaced at the taste. It was the worst thing I had ever tasted. What the hell was it?
“It’s ok Sasuke.” Iruka replied softly and pulled me into his warm embrace. “We’re all worried, but you have to believe that it will all be ok in the end.”
I wish I could believe his words, to believe that I would see Naruto again. But I couldn’t. It was an odd feeling being faced with your own mortality and I couldn’t help wondering if this was how Haku felt. Would Naruto feel the same way when it was his turn? No, I would give anything for that not to happen.
“Promise…promise me that you won’t let him get Naruto? Please?”
I know I sounded desperate and that it wasn’t Uchiha approved, but I had to know Naruto would be safe when I was gone. Because, deep down, I knew I wasn’t coming back from this, that I was breaking my promise to Naruto. I was going to leave him and it was entirely out of my hands.
“Don’t talk like that, Sasuke.” Kakashi reprimanded softly. It was almost like he didn’t have the heart to argue with a dead man.
“I’m being realistic, Kakashi. There is no way of stopping him or we would have done it already. If I could I wouldn’t have you here at all, but I can’t get away with that. If its pointless then let it happen and get away so you can protect Naruto.”
“What are you saying, Sasuke?” Iruka asked.
“He’s telling me to let the guy murder him; not to lift a finger to help him, but to run away like a coward.” Iruka looked shocked, but Kakashi was livid. “How do you expect me to look Naruto in the eye knowing that I let you die for his sake? Do you think he would feel happy about that?”
“If it is the only option then let it be. You shouldn’t have to die too; not like Hayate.”
“It’s my job to protect you, Sasuke; just as it was Hayate’s to protect Haku! It’s my choice to put my life on the line. It’s my choice to stay and protect you. It is my choice to die for you.”
I guess I was wrong about Kakashi not having the heart to argue with me, but that wouldn’t put me off. “This isn’t a line you need to cross, Kakashi. Just think about Iruka instead! Is it fair to cause him pain because of me! So, I’m asking you: if it’s too late for me, just let me die.”
“I can’t and I won’t promise that, so you can forget about it.” Kakashi seethed. “And don’t you dare use Iruka against me. He’s a grown man who knows the risks inherent of being in a relationship with me.”
“Why do you have to be so stubborn about this?!” I hissed.
“Why do you have to be a bastard about it? I will not let you die.”
“Then you will die with me!”
“So be it!” Kakashi ground out.
“Kakashi!” Iruka gasped.
“You already know the risks Iruka. This isn’t anything new to you. You knew what you signed on for being with a cop. I put myself in danger to protect the people who can’t protect themselves. That’s my job.”
“This danger isn’t worth the risk, Kakashi…” I muttered, earning a glare from the lieutenant.
“I know the risks Kakashi, but you can’t expect me not to worry about your safety, especially in this kind of situation.”
“I thought that was why you agreed to go away tomorrow, remember? Are you telling me to abandon Sasuke, to leave his fate with someone else? You know that would kill me.”
“Neither of you are going to die, so you should stop such talk immediately. I’m not telling you to abandon Sasuke; I know it would bother you if someone else were doing your job.” Iruka stated voice low and gentle…though I could tell he was far from being calm. This must be killing him inside. The thought of two people he loved in danger, the palpable threat to their lives. I didn’t want him to lose Kakashi and feel the pain that I was going to put Naruto through.
I went to open my mouth, to continue my protest, but Iruka shot me a glare. “Enough talking; it’s not healthy for either of you.” He demanded. “I want you off to bed; we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
Kakashi sighed and shook his head, his mismatched eyes still reflecting the anger he felt towards me.
“Are you ok to stand Sasuke?” I nodded, leaning heavily on Kakashi’s arm as he hauled me to a standing position. I swayed a bit, encouraged when I didn’t fall over.
With the wall as support, I made my way to my room on shaky feet and hit the bed with a thump. I didn’t even bother changing my clothes, there was no need; and I really didn’t have the energy to do so. Instead, I lied there for hours without moving, unable to drift off to sleep. I couldn’t help wondering what my blonde dobe was doing at that moment. He was probably sleeping, unlike me.
~REVENGE~
Kiba bent down and rubbed Akamaru’s head while he finished reading the last page of newspaper articles he’d printed out. It had taken him longer than he’d planned to finish, but at least he finished. His eyes perused the headlines, seeking out anything linked to the Council when he felt his stomach somersault at the heading for the last column:
Whirlpools Outdated District Revitalized, Draws Critics. “It is a waste of valuable resources better spent on other, more worthy projects.” Mr. Ma… Kiba threw the paper away in disgust. He rubbed at his tired eyes and rolled his shoulders to alleviate his tense muscles, yawning wide. Nowhere was it mentioned about the mysterious Councilman, not one freaking word! Akamaru whimpered as he felt his master’s distress roll off his tense body.
“Sorry Akamaru. I’m just worried about our friend Sasuke. You remember him, right? Short, dark hair, black heart, even blacker soul.” Kiba laughed as Akamaru yipped. “Yeah, I thought you’d remember him. Well, he’s in a bit of trouble. This was the only thing we had to go on and it’s a colossal bust, not that it wasn’t a long shot to begin with.”
Akamaru whimpered again and lowered his head into Kiba’s lap. “What do we do buddy, huh? How do we protect our friend from an unknown threat that strikes from the shadows?” Kiba asked rubbing his pup’s face.
He grabbed his phone from the table and, with a heavy heart, texted Sasuke the bad news. He received a curt reply that was typical Sasuke and smiled slightly at the predictability. Akamaru whimpered again and began to shake.
“Don’t worry, Akamaru. We’ll find something and then they’ll be safe. We’ll find something.” Kiba muttered as he continued the mantra in his head; moving about his small apartment, preparing for bed.
~REVENGE~
What was it with well-off persons needing to live in extravagant houses the size of palaces? I stared in utter shock at the sheer size of the house we just pulled up too. It was just as large as the Uchiha Mansion, though ten-times more inviting. There were flowers planted everywhere and a soft light emitted from candle lamps in every window on the front side of the house. It was probably the loveliest house on the block in the winter time with snow accenting the windows and grounds. I had a sudden desire to see that image come to fruition.
“It’s impressively large; unnecessarily so.” Neji muttered as he stared at the house with appreciation. “It belonged to my father, but I’m the only one that lives here now; well, except for my boyfriend. But he’s always coming and going and at strange hours too.
“Is he ok with my staying here? Do I have to make it clear to him that I’m taken?” I asked with a small smirk.
“That is not necessary.” He chuckled softly. “He’s not here at the moment and won’t be in until the early hours. He’s aware of your arrival and is completely unfazed by the idea.”
“Good, because I only have my eyes set on Sasuke.”
“Hmm, Sasuke certainly is lucky to have you.”
My face lit with happiness, but I had to disagree; I was luckier to have Sasuke.
I was ushered inside and had an unobstructed view of the foyer. It was huge. My whole apartment would fit in this area alone! I couldn’t believe the sheer size of it all; and the staircase? It was a ballroom staircase of epic proportions and made completely of marble with beautiful wrought iron railings in oriental designs. An oriental chandelier hung right at the foot of the steps and bathed the foyer in a soft, warm, golden light.
“Your room is at the top of the steps and two doors down on the left. My room is directly across from yours, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to knock.” I nodded in understanding as I dragged my suitcase to the foot of the marble stairs. “You don’t have to worry so much, you know.”
I turned and stared at Neji in mild confusion. “Hmm?”
“Sasuke; he knows what he’s doing. You don’t have to worry about him so much. With you he has everything to live for.”
My confusion morphed into sadness, offering Neji a weak smile. “I wish I could be as certain as you are, but I’ve lived through three victims who thought they knew what they were doing; thought they were safe, only to pay the ultimate price. I’ve lived firsthand through the destruction this man has caused and I can’t be as certain that Sasuke will be
just fine. It would be reckless to believe that.”
“Then be comforted that no matter what the outcome is he will always love you.” Neji responded.
“Of that, I am absolutely certain.” I stated with conviction.
~REVENGE~
Kakashi watched while Sasuke shakily made his way to his room and closed the door behind him. He turned to Iruka and kissed his forehead lovingly. “You don’t have to be brave Ruka. I know you’re worried.”
“I…Sasuke will need all the encouragement we can give him, Kashi.” Iruka whispered dragging him to their bedroom.
“I know.”
“He’ll need our support, too, with Naruto away.”
“I know.” Kakashi repeated.
“He’ll need to be kept busy, so we don’t have a repeat of tonight.”
“I know.”
“And he’ll need us more than he knows.”
“I know.” Kakashi nodded.
“I need you now.” Iruka uttered his voice cracking.
Kakashi slid behind the shorter man and hugged him gently, swaying slightly. He kissed at the exposed neck smiling slightly when Iruka shivered and led the way to the king sized bed. He pulled a pliable Iruka next to him; trapping him beneath his strong embrace.
Kakashi kissed his lover tenderly; showering him with love and attention; letting Iruka know just how much he meant to him. He snuggled Iruka next to his chest and held him as they drifted off to sleep together.
~REVENGE~
June 18-19th
I climbed up the marble steps and entered the room directed too. I stood staring incredulously at the size of the room looking around in shock. My entire apartment could probably fit in this one room alone as well! Did everything have to be so large-scale?
“I told you it was unnecessarily large.” Neji replied, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed.
“It’s lovely…” I started, not fully able to find the exact words to describe what I saw. Opulent was one word, excessive was another…lovely came to mind with how the room was decorated. But all I could think was that it was
too much. “You don’t have to be polite, Naruto. I know it’s too much space for just one person.”
I suppressed the smile that wanted to work its way to the surface, but it amused me all the same that my exact words were used against me. Instead, I asked curiously, “Aren’t you lonely?”
“Sometimes but only when I’m here alone. I have friends and family who spend their free time here from time to time. And of course my boyfriend lives here too. So it’s rarely that I’m ever here alone.”
“It’s still a lovely house.” I admitted and stepped further into the room.
A light beachy blue color painted the walls and a chandelier hung from the ceiling as well, but unlike the foyer it was french style. There were two sets of french doors on either side of the bed leading out to a balcony that viewed the lush gardens below. I could just make out a large swimming pool in the waning darkness.
I stepped inside and looked at the large king sized canopy bed. The head and foot boards were made of wrought iron, sheer curtains hanging from a wrought iron canopy. It looked ridiculously comfortable with a stark white, plush comforter and no less than seven pillows piled on top.
“I’ll let you get some sleep then; you must be tired. And you’ll want to settle in, too. The private bathroom is to the left there, feel free to use it as much as you like.”
“Thanks Neji.”
“You’re welcome; and goodnight, Naruto.”
“Goodnight.”
I flopped down on the comfortable bed as soon as I was alone and stretched out unable to sleep just yet. No matter how much I wanted to drift off my mind wouldn’t allow it. I was even contemplating walking to the kitchen for something to drink, but didn’t want to risk getting lost in the big mansion trying to find it. I shouldn’t have been surprised that someone of Neji’s standing would live in such a high-class place. It was beautiful to look at and was warm and inviting, but I hated it without Sasuke. He was all I wanted and I was denied him at the moment.
After an hour of continued alertness I hauled myself from the oversized bed and to my luggage, looking for anything to occupy my mind. I rummaged around for nothing in particular; looking through the pile of clothes Sasuke gathered for me. I realized one shirt didn’t belong to me and recognized it as being one of Sasukes’ shirts. I inhaled the clothing, hiding my smile in the folds of fabric. It still smelled just like Sasuke.
I zipped the suitcase closed and was about to slip back in bed when I eyed the front pocket. With the thought that maybe Sasuke left something else for me there, I bent down again and opened the pocket, pulling out a picture. I smiled at the tableau of the two of us, the first picture we had together as a couple. It really was a good photo.
I walked back over to the bed and sat down. I placed the photo on the bedside table and lied out on the pillows, clutching the teme’s shirt to me, but no matter how much I tried to sleep, I was denied again. I rolled over and spied the luminous clock as it flashed 2 a.m. I growled in annoyance and stared at the ceiling.
I don’t know how long I lied like that, but when I looked at the clock again it read 7:00 a.m. The early morning sun was just beginning to shine through the over-sized windows, bathing the room in pinkish hues.
I dragged myself from the bed, feeling oddly well rested, and padded into the adjoining bathroom where I started the shower. I emerged 20 minutes later feeling cleaner and pleasantly refreshed. My eyes spied the plate of food placed on the bedside table and had to wonder where it came from. I didn’t recall seeing a butler or such when we arrived and it seemed odd to me that Neji could make his own food.
I heard a soft chuckle from the bedroom door and whipped around fast. I fumbled to grab at my towel as it slid lower over my hips, avoiding the embarrassment if it had slid all the way down.
“You were always a tease.”
I paused, recognizing the voice, and looked up into two sets of eyes. One was pale as to appear almost lavender and the other pair was a light green. Yes, I knew those green eyes personally. They belonged to one of my best friends.
“Gaara?”
“Who else would it be? Now put some pants on already, Neji doesn’t need to see what you have or don’t have.”
Gaara’s non-existent eyebrows rose, his eyes travelling down to my low riding towel. I fumbled for the black cotton, pulling it snuggly around my hips.
“I was never a tease and what do you mean
don’t have? How would you know?” I growled, holding the towel tighter to my hips.
“I was your roommate for four years. I saw you naked many times.” Gaara laughed.
I narrowed my eyes dangerously. “I made sure to never let anyone see me naked. I don’t remember being in such a state in front of you.”
“Of course not, it was only when you got drunk. I helped you into your night-clothes. And if I remember correctly, you held an aversion to wearing underwear of any kind.”
I watched Neji’s eyebrows shoot up in interest. I could feel my cheeks burning remembering clearly how much I disliked the constricting feel of underwear. Every time I would try to wear them, I would feel Kabuto’s hand sliding beneath the hem and gripping me tightly…It took me over two years to be able to wear underwear comfortably.
“That’s in the past where it belongs, Gaara.” I whispered.
“True.” Gaara muttered as he leaned against the doorway in the same spot Neji had been the night before.
“Right, so how do you know each other?” I asked suspiciously, though I had an idea.
“We are dating.” Neji replied. My mouth curved up in a smile. I was right.
“Oh?” I laughed, with mock intrigue.
“We’ve been going out for a while now.” Gaara replied smoothly, not falling for the bait.
“I’m happy for you. But you know this is the strangest thing in the world.” I mumbled and shook my head.
“How is my dating Neji strange?” Gaara asked dangerously.
I was used to his dangerous tone and waved it off. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt me anyway. “Because he dated Sasuke when they were in high school and we were roommates in college. It’s just odd that we wound up swapped around. So how did you two meet?”
“If you get dressed I’ll tell you.” Gaara stated blankly.
“Oh, right.” I laughed nervously and pulled at my suitcase.
I set it on the bed and pulled out an orange t-shirt and my favorite pair of frayed jeans. They were Sasuke’s favorite too. I felt my heart flutter and gasped at the feeling.
“What’s wrong?” Gaara asked worriedly, pulling away from the doorway and unfolding his arms.
“It’s nothing.” I lied quickly.
“Right?” Gaara replied sarcastically. I could just imagine him rolling his eyes. “Out with it.”
I should have known better than to lie to Gaara. He had an uncanny ability to see through my fibs, no matter how hard I worked at them. I sighed in defeat, realizing he wasn’t going to let it go until I gave him an honest answer.
“I was just thinking about Sasuke.” I whispered sadly.
“That’s the second time you have mentioned this Sasuke. Who exactly is this guy?”
“He’s my boyfriend.” I muttered sadly.
“You don’t seem happy thinking about him? Did he hurt you?” Gaara asked sharply.
Huh, leave it to Gaara to be my protector to the end. I shook my head. “No, he didn’t hurt me. Actually, he’s taken great care of me. I just wish that I had a little more time with him.”
“You act like you’ll never see him again. Did he leave you?”
“No, he didn’t leave me; yet” I whispered sadly. “It’s a possibility, though and we’ll only know for sure in two days’ time.”
“What are you talking about?” Gaara demanded.
~revenge~
It didn’t take Neji long to fill Gaara in on everything that had gone on for the last few months. The only thing Gaara had been aware of was my arrival, but not the reasoning behind it; or that it was even me.
“Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me Naruto? We talked at least twice in the last two months.”
“I wasn’t supposed to say anything about it. You know how Tsunade can get about…”
“…Anything that concerns you.” Gaara finished.
“I wanted to say something to you, honest.” I replied worriedly, biting at my lip.
“Damn, what happens if…?”
“I get Naruto far away from here.” Neji cut in. “I hoped you would go along with me if it should come to that?”
“You know that I would and that goes double because Naruto’s my friend.”
“I’m glad you said that Gaara.” Neji smiled.
I felt a pang in my chest watching their interaction and the love they shared together. I already missed Sasuke and it wasn’t even 12 hours later. What would I do if Sasuke was gone from my life forever?
My heart beat rapidly against my chest and my breathing became restricted, a sense of urgency creeping in my veins. I instantly recognized my symptoms; though it had been years since I experienced it last. I clutched at my throat gulping down lungful of air, my body shaking though I wasn’t cold. I felt the room spin around me and the feeling of nausea rising in my stomach.
In an instant Gaara was by my side rubbing my back as I tried to work through the panic attack. I shook my head trying to take in shaky breathes, to make my lungs expand. I was beginning to feel light-headed, that out-of-body feeling overwhelming my senses. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply and evenly, allowing my mind to blank.
I laid there, my head in Gaara’s lap as my breathing slowed and the sense of urgency passed. Tiredness was creeping along the peripheral of my vision and I welcomed the darkness as my old friend. The last thing I saw before sleep held me was green eyes shining with worry. My chest tightened painfully.
I’d forgotten my promise to myself never to worry Gaara like this again; I promised that I would take care of myself and not rely on others to protect me. I couldn’t even keep that promise!
~REVENGE~
Green eyes sought out pale lavender as Naruto’s symptoms abated slowly. Gaara recognized the panic attack immediately; he’d been the one to help Naruto through them before, to make things better. But he couldn’t make things better now. The only one that could wasn’t able to be there for him. Gaara could only stand by while his friend slipped into the realm of sleep in his arms. His breathing even and less rushed, much to his relief.
“Did this happen often, Gaara?” Neji asked softly, making his way towards the bed.
“Yes, more often than it should have.” Gaara replied mournfully. “Naruto’s past isn’t the best and you only know the half of it. There was more that happened to him than witnessing his parent’s deaths. He was doing so well and then this had to happen to him? It’s not fair, Neji. He doesn’t deserve any of this.”
“No, he doesn’t. No one does.”
“This is the first time I wasn’t able to calm him down quickly. I must be losing my touch.”
“No, love, your touch wasn’t who he needed. I witnessed it last night first hand. He loves Sasuke very deeply and I…
“It will crush him if Sasuke dies. I can already see it and I’ve known him less than a day. I don’t think he can live without him, Gaara, and I’m not sure that he’ll want to.”
“Don’t say shit like that!” Gaara fumed. “Naruto wouldn’t kill himself!”
“No, I don’t think he would. But I don’t think he would put up much resistance either. Would you in his circumstances?” Neji asked softly, his hand tightening around Gaara’s.
~REVENGE~
I woke two hours later with a start. I blinked at my surroundings, sitting up and pulling the covers away, comprehension dawning on me as I realized where I was. Witnessing my continued nudity I quickly grabbed at the clothes I pulled out earlier and threw them on haphazardly.
I walked to one of the french doors and pulled it open, amazed with the view of the backyard. It was vast, sweeping over rolling hills as far as I could see. I had no doubt Neji’s property extended even further than the line of trees in the distance, but it was the garden that held my gaze. There was a multitude of oriental flowers, a theme that must be part of Neji’s heritage.
My gaze landed on Neji and Gaara lounging beneath a cherry blossom tree. I turned and made my way through the house, trying to navigate towards the backyard to join my friends. I got lost twice and had to turn back and go another way. I had just found the kitchen when Gaara walked in from the garden for some refreshment. He spied me and nodded as he walked to the fridge and pulled out drinks.
“Feeling better?” He asked calmly.
“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. It just hit me suddenly.” I rubbed the back of my head, offering Gaara a shaky laugh and wan smile, but he saw right through it. I sighed and pushed my hands in my pockets, staring at the tiled floor.
“It’s understandable, considering.”
“Yeah.” I whispered. It was still embarrassing, especially in front of Sasuke’s former boyfriend. He probably thought I was weirdo now, wondering where Sasuke picked me up at.
Gaara walked over and laid his hand on my shoulder, offering me a compassionate smile. My shoulders slumped under his light touch and I forced out a nervous laugh.
“Thanks.” I replied.
Gaara gave a nod and turned to the two cans of soda sitting on the counter. He grabbed them and took a step towards the door.
“Umm,” I asked nervously, stalling him in the doorway. “Would you mind if I joined you?”
The last thing I wanted to do was intrude on his alone time with Neji, but I didn’t want to be alone. I would do anything to avoid being alone right now.
“Of course you can.” Gaara smiled.
I nodded; happy that I hadn’t scared him away with my antics. But then Gaara had always been there for me after I started having the nightmares and panic attacks.
I followed quietly behind my red-headed friend as he made his way toward Neji; who I immediately apologized to for my behavior earlier. But Neji waved it off as nothing major and motioned for me to take a seat on the blanket lied out for a small picnic.
“I’m not interrupting, am I?” I blushed.
It looked like they were in the middle of a date…a date that I had rudely interrupted. I felt like a heel and wanted to disappear on the spot.
“Nonsense, we do this all the time. Having friends along makes it even more enjoyable.” Neji smiled.
“Well,” I mumbled. “As long as I’m not intruding.”
Gaara slid a plate of food to me where I subconsciously began to pick at it, staring at the blue checkered blanket. My mind drifted over the last month, from my first meeting with Sasuke to the nights spent together over the new police reports. I vaguely wondered how Kiba was doing with those newspapers and if the unidentified Councilman really could be involved in all this.
“You seem lost in thought? Are you thinking of Sasuke again?” Neji asked.
I blinked and looked up in confusion. “What about Sasuke?”
“You’re thinking about him again?” Neji laughed.
“No, not really. I was just thinking about… never mind. ” I sighed, shrugging my shoulders.
“What is it?” Gaara drawled.
“Well, I was just thinking about the Council members.” I squinted in the sunshine that shone down between the flowering trees. “Well, one in particular. We can’t find anything about them, not even a name.”
“Oh, why are you looking into this person?”
I bit my lip wondering if I should tell them or not? What harm could it really do? They might even be able to help.
“Ok,” I started, sliding towards the two of them. “Sixteen years ago one of the victims was running a campaign for the open Councilman’s seat. I know who subsequently earned the office, but we can’t find anything on his predecessor. It was something Sasuke and I were working on before.
“You can call it a flight of fancy or a wild goose chase and there was never much to go on anyway, but I was curious. It didn’t seem harmful to do a bit of digging, only it hasn’t yielded results yet. We had Kiba; Sasuke works with him, trying to find anything on him or her. He only got so far and I have to assume it was a bust. I know it wasn’t much of a lead and more of a curiosity.”
“What do you need to know about him?”
I halted and turned to Neji. Was he really implying that he knew something about this mystery person?
“Do you know who they are?” I asked hopefully.
Neji offered a curt nod. “My uncle had some dealings with him at one time; so yes, I know who Shikaku Nara’s predecessor was.”
“Can you tell me everything you know?” I leaned forward, eager to hear what he had to say. I had to know who this guy was!
“Of course, but where should I begin. Do you know that before we had the Council we had an Elder’s system?” I nodded. I couldn’t be a teacher and not know that. “Well, this man was the one who orchestrated the change from the Elder’s system to what is now the Council. He was the kind to remain in the background; pulling the strings from the shadows where he could manipulate as he saw fit. The few times I met him were when I was younger… let’s say they weren’t pleasant experiences. Uncle was, then, trying to salvage what was left of his crumbling corporation after the death of my father. It came as a real blow to him and affected the way he ran business for a time. One of his salvaging attempts brought him into dealings with that man; more often than he liked.
“This man was ruthless in every endeavor he sought out, and more than once, almost crushed my Uncle’s company for no reason than that he could. It was a few years before Uncle was able to pay off the Councilman the debts he accrued to save the family business. That was a pleasant day.
“Shocked by the man’s ruthlessness, the newly appointed Council diminished his capacity, forcing him further into the shadows. That Council consisted of Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Daimyô Fyre Sr., and Hashirama Senju. Hashirama was subsequently replaced by Orochimaru when he died from a sudden illness. I should say now that it was really Hashirama who had an issue and was the one who pushed to have the other guy removed.
“I always got the impression, though, that the guy never minded being forced into the background. Instead of binding him like Hashirama hoped it seemed to have the opposite effect. He actually gained more power. But that is just speculation on my Uncle’s part, and I have to agree with him.
“Well, 17 years ago he up and vanished. Left the Council no warning; he was just gone. Uncle wasn’t upset about the sudden departure and I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to be in that man’s presence ever again. I don’t know what’s happened to him since, but I do know his name.”
“Who?”
My heart raced while I waited for an answer to the question I asked weeks ago. I couldn’t believe I was so close to finally knowing.
“His name is Madara.”
“Madara?” I gave an involuntary shiver. Just the sound of his name gave me the chills. I finally had his name however, but I still didn’t know much about him.
“I’m sorry I can’t give you a last name. I never heard it, though Uncle would likely know.”
“That’s ok, don’t bother him.”
“I can’t see how having his name could be of any help to you? But take my advice, don’t get involved with him.”
“No, I won’t.” I promised. “Can I borrow your computer though? I do want to see if I can find out more about him.”
“Be my guest.” Neji sighed.
“Thank you.” I muttered and hopped up from the ground.
Gaara was helpful in directing me to the computer in the living room. I took a seat at the desk waiting for the PC to boot up. I couldn’t help thinking that I was on to something big, that what I was about to find out was a missing puzzle piece.
I clicked on the search engine and typed in the name ‘Madara’. I waited in silence as the search brought me many related results. I clicked on the first link and connected to a page for the Akatsuki Organization where they named the founding member as Madara.
They were a profitable organization branching out into many fields of business under one united banner. Bounty hunting, religious endeavors, private security, tattoo parlors, they even owned paper mills; you name it they were involved in it.
“They don’t have a picture of him.” I muttered sadly.
“You’re not missing much.” Neji replied, coming up behind me and reading down the page. “He’s really built himself the extensive business.”
“What’s this?” Gaara asked and pointed at the end of the page.
“It looks like a red cloud.” Neji offered.
I sat straighter in my chair, eyeing the small image critically. It stirred something from deep within the recesses of my memories, but it was only coming in quick flashes. I needed to get out of here fast, to think.
“I guess you were right, Neji.” I muttered quietly. I clicked off the internet and pushed away from the desk in defeat that I was far from truly feeling. “It wasn’t very helpful in the end.”
“Well, it was worth a try.” He defended as he sat down on the couch and turned the T.V. on. Gaara sat down next to him and stared at the screen with a blank expression that was typical Gaara.
“Do you want anything to drink?” I offered and stood up.
“No, thank you.” Neji and Gaara replied.
I nodded and made my way into the oversized kitchen. I clutched at the island as I found myself caught up in images from the past. My Mom and Dad were talking to a man, but I couldn’t see his face. Then they were arguing heatedly, but I couldn’t hear their words. Then I was picking something up off the ground the man had dropped. Something with a red cloud on it: Akatsuki Organization! But what was it?
I knew what I had to do now; I just had to wait for the right moment to act.
~revenge~
The remainder of the day went by unbelievably slow. It must have sensed my urgency or it wouldn’t be trying my patience. I tried to get into the movie in the meantime while I waited for dinner to arrive.
I was disappointed that they were ordering takeout, even after I offered to make something for us personally. Neji wouldn’t allow me to lift a finger because I was a guest in his home, but I suspected the real reason was because there wasn’t any food in the cupboards to make anything. So we were stuck with takeout; which seemed to be a regular occurrence in the household.
Neither of them could cook. So I was left bored out of my mind with nothing to do but bum around; just great. I appreciated all that Neji and Gaara were sacrificing for me, but they were boring as hell to be around. I couldn’t even talk to them like I talked with Sasuke. It felt awkward.
So I lied around all afternoon, barely moving an inch in until Gaara dragged me to the dinner table for supper a short time later. It wasn’t horrible, but I knew I could have made it better. There was limited talking during the meal and I felt like the proverbial third wheel. I was interrupting their routine and it made me feel awkward.
After dinner was more time spent in the living room, with more silence, this time around it was reading books. I was going crazy! Everything they did was made in silence. Didn’t they talk to each other? Fed up with the quiet I decided to break it.
“Sooo, what was Sasuke like in high school?”
Neji looked up from his book and stared at me. I was currently sprawled out on the living room floor, staring him down as best I could. He snapped the book shut and placed it in his lap before sliding forward in his chair. Gaara followed suit and sat back to hear his answer.
“Well, for lack of a better word, Sasuke was an ass.” I nodded in understanding. Yep, that sounded like him. “He was uptight and unapproachable, but that didn’t stop him from being very popular with the girls…”
“But did you know that his only friend was Sakura?”
Pale eyes studied me searching for something in my eyes. Apparently, he found what he was looking for. “He told you.” It was a statement and not a question.
I tilted my head in confusion, though I had a feeling I knew what he was getting at. “Told me what?”
“What he did with Sakura one night after a party.”
“Oh, yes; he told me about them.” I smiled sheepishly. I hoped it would have been something else, something new about the teme.
“I see. Did you know that he was Valedictorian?”
“Really?” I couldn’t help but be surprised by that.
That was something we had in common with each other, then. I was actually Salutatorian, having just narrowly missed out with the top honors. I was happy with the honor, though. The only thing that pissed me off was that I wasn’t present for my graduation ceremony because Kabuto had been there. I hated the fact that he’d deprived me of such an important moment in my life.
“Yes, all Uchiha’s graduate at the top of their class.”
“Wow, I did not know that.” I laughed.
“He was also on the swim team.”
“The swim team…was he any good?”
“He was the fastest swimmer the school ever had and he holds many of the records.”
“I didn’t know…” I replied happily.
It was interesting that we would have something else in common. I was on the diving team in high school. Wait, if he was a swimmer than why did I have to drag him to the swimming pool?! I growled in anger. “That bastard!”
Neji stared at me in mild shock as my mood shifted quickly from cold to hot. Gaara was barely concealing his laughter and I turned to glare at him instead.
“Pardon?” Neji asked uncertainly.
“Sasuke!” I growled, fuming mad. “He’s such a bastard; that teme! Wait until I see him.”
“What did he do?” Gaara asked, shaking with laughter.
“That bastard never told me he was on the swim team; and I had to practically drag him to the swimming pool! He acted like it was the end of the world every time…Damn him!”
Neji was about to open his mouth with a retort when Gaara stalled him, giving him a look that said clearly to drop it. I was completely off in my own frustrated musings that I completely missed their whole exchange.
“Hmm,” Neji muttered as he stared at the clock on the wall. I turned to look at where he was staring. It was now reading 10:10 p.m. When had it got this late? “I think we should call it a night.”
“Yeah.” I agreed, fighting down the surge of butterflies I felt fluttering around my stomach. Almost time.
I trudged slowly up the stairs behind Neji and Gaara as they made their way to their bedroom, closing the door with a click. I followed to my room and shut the door behind me, slipping into bed fully clothed and hugging my pillow tight. I had to get some rest, I would need it.
~REVENGE~
June 20th
I woke abruptly at 4:00am and slipped out of bed without a sound. I pushed open my door and made my way to the bathroom at the end of the hall. Instead of going inside I pulled the door shut and paused in the hallway listening for any sound from Neji and Gaara’s room. A short time later I pushed the bathroom door open and made my way back to my room. Again, instead of going back inside I pulled the door shut. I waited for another minute staring at their bedroom door before creeping silently down the steps and to the front door.
I unlocked it without a sound and stepped out into the warm night air pulling the door silently behind me. I hated the way I had to sneak around, but I couldn’t help it Gaara was an insomniac. If he was awake I had to make it sound like a normal early morning bathroom call.
I made my way down the street and towards the train station in the rapidly lightening sky. I called Sasuke from the platform asking him to meet me before I boarded the train. I couldn’t believe that we could be close to solving this!
~REVENGE~
I couldn’t believe I was out in the middle of the night in some strange neighborhood waiting for a blonde dobe to make an appearance. I had a hell of a time sneaking past Kakashi all for some stupid rendezvous. This had better be important!
Hn, who am I kidding? Even if it wasn’t important I would have snuck out just to see Naruto again.
I watched a shadow from the corner of my eye draw closer to my position. I wrapped my hand around my gun as it advanced slowly up the street. It was still too dark for me to make out who they were and only when the street light from the corner illuminated the shadow was I able to relax. It was Naruto.
“I hope this is important?” I asked, kissing him on the lips.
“I wouldn’t have texted you otherwise, teme. I think I have a clue, but I needed you to help me get to it.” I watched Naruto’s face scrunch painfully.
“Where is it?”
“I think all our answers lie in there.” Naruto pointed at a small two-story house in front of us. It looked like it hadn’t been lived in for years.
“Answers to what, dobe?”
“Everything, this is where everything started for me. This is my childhood home, teme.”
