The Chemicals Between Us

A/N: Dom- yeah, hi, I'm back. Sorry about that guys. Rae went to go see her in-laws and I hate editing. But look. I did it all for you. Be fucking happy assholes.


The Chemicals Between Us


Shikamaru opened the door.

"Get the fuck down!" Kiba yelled, instantly getting the long haired man’s attention. Chouji glanced over at the arriving person as Sasuke came into the living room from the kitchen.

"Hey," he said flatly.

Kiba shrieked again, as Chouji apparently did something he didn’t like, the two immersed in a video game.

"So why am I here?" Shika asked, plopping down on one of the couch pieces next to Sasuke.

"You're helping me get Chouji laid," Kiba answered while not looking away from the large screen.

The plump boy's cheeks turned a brilliant shade of red. "I don't need your help!" he snapped almost immediately.

"Pay attention!" Kiba yelled as he ducked and weaved as if his body movements would help his character move in the game.

"Chouji has a crush on Kurenai," Sasuke said, taking a long drink of soda before handing the can over to Shikamaru who took a drink himself.

"So why do you need me?"

"You work with her," Kiba answered, jumping up on the couch and crouching down.

Chouji shifted, moving his controller as he attempted to get his character in its car around a corner, his cheeks still flaming red.

"Interesting." Shikamaru was silent for a few minutes watching them. "So what do I get out of it?"

"A few hours of not being bored," Sasuke said, giving the Nara a look that only he would understand.

"I get my dream bike," Kiba said factually before sticking out his tongue in concentration.

"You promised him a bike.... what did you get out of this?" Brown eyes gazed lazily over to Sasuke who was blankly watching the screen.

"Nothing apparently," the raven said.

"You're just pissy because you didn’t get your way and Mom got to you." Kiba remarked with a grin.

"You want me to tell Ino you let her dad fuck you?" Sasuke retorted.

Kiba gritted his teeth, flinging his controller angrily as he jumped up. "We didn't fuck! It was one fucking blow job alright?! Fuck off!"

Shikamaru raised a wary brow, "Again...interesting."

"Would you call her please, have her meet us somewhere?" Sasuke turned back to Shikamaru, ignoring Kiba's outburst.

The Nara glanced at him. "It's a University, not a dating program."

Sasuke gave an annoyed glare before Chouji set down his controller looking rather disappointed.

Shikamaru gave a loud sigh, looking extremely put upon. "I'll see what I can do," he said lazily. "This is too troublesome."

"Don't even get me started." Sasuke sighed. "Did you bring it?"

Shika nodded. "Yeah, I found some things that should fit you... Dad said he'd take you shopping tomorrow." Shikamaru smirked with the thought. "Anything to get away from mom."

The Uchiha shook his head with a slight grin on his lips.

A few hours later and Sasuke was drumming his fingers on the table, watching as Kiba danced with some girls while Shika was at the bar getting him and Chouji some drinks. The plump boy was fidgeting nervously.

"I can't do this,” Chouji suddenly said, "I'm not ready! I can't talk to girls! I've never even been on a date!"

Kiba seemed to smell the imminent break down as slid from the crowd of gyrating bodies, sweeping his arm around the larger boy's shoulders. "Dude, chill, that's the first key to picking up chicks."

Shikamaru slipped into the seat next to Sasuke, sliding Chouji's drink to him before setting Sasuke's soda in front of him. Kiba stole the sweet alcoholic beverage and took a sip before handing it over to the taller brunette.

"You'll be fine, she agreed to come, that means something right there," Kiba added after assessing the annoyed glare he had gotten from Sasuke.

Chouji shook his mane of hair, "No it doesn't! What do I even say to her?!"

The shaggy brunette snorted, "Just walk up to her, be a man and say 'Woman! I’m gonna fuck you!' It works every time I swear."

"I'm going to smack you." Shikamaru said flatly.

Sasuke smirked and shook his head as the lazy genius took a sip of his vodka mix, wrinkling his nose in distaste.

"Just be yourself, Chouji." Shika answered.

Chouji didn't look so sure and sighed. "Well how to you guys...you know, show someone you're interested?"

Kiba paused. "I fuck them. Seems to get the message across."

"So what was the message you sent to Inoichi?" Sasuke's smirk turned into a grin.

Kiba growled, "And what'd you fucking do? Trip and land on Shikamaru's cock?"

"Who said he was bottom?" Shikamaru asked, a smile spreading over his lips just knowing what the question would do to their louder friend.

There was a two second pause before Kiba started punching himself in the head. "Dude! Is it not enough I had to see my mom getting plowed today?!"

Chouji sighed, staring at his drink. "None of this is helping me. Can we just give up and leave?"

"No," Sasuke answered. "They'll be here soon, you just need to stop listening to the mutt and go with your instincts," he said pressing his arm down on the table as he leaned forward.

"Obviously she likes you otherwise she wouldn't have agreed to come here," Shikamaru added.

Chouji frowned before suddenly perking up some. He turned his pleading brown eyes on the Uchiha, clapping his hands together as if in prayer. "Would...would you teach me that thing you do?"

"What thing?" Sasuke arched a brow in question.

Chouji grew more excited. "When you smirk, all the girls seem to swoon! Kiba and Shikamaru do it too! Could you teach it to me?"

Kiba burst out laughing. "You can’t teach-"

Shikamaru kicked the scruffy haired boy in the shin. "Go hump something," he said flatly as Kiba rubbed the now sore spot.

The shaggy brunette growled, "I'm planning on it! But I can't until this asshole gets his boyfriend out of the house!" He jerked his thumb at Sasuke.

Chouji slumped in his seat, almost to the point of pouting.

Sasuke smirked. "He's still in the hospital you moron, she's using that as an excuse."

Shikamaru stood, motioning for Chouji to come with him and reluctantly the plump boy followed.

Kiba's jaw fell open. "Damn it!"

He sat down heavily on the vacated bar stool as the other two brunettes left, staring glumly at their drinks. His mood had changed instantly from cocky and brazen to thoroughly depressed.

Sasuke sipped on his soda, bored with everything in front of him. "You just believed her?"

He didn't look over at the pouting man next to him, instead he poked the ice in his fizzing drink with the bright pink straw. Kiba buried his head into his crossed arms, not bothering to answer.

"Your fangirls are coming," Sasuke said, turning back to face away from the woman headed directly toward him, catching a glimpse of Shikamaru and a smiling Chouji heading back toward them.

Kiba ignored him and then the others as they came back. A few women came over to try and cheer him up, but the shaggy brunette was moody and would have none of it.

"What's wrong with him?" Shikamaru asked, raising a brow as Kiba flat out turned down a one night stand.

"He’s pouting because Anko has been lying." Sasuke answered.

"Oh, that still." Shikamaru muttered taking the stool next to Sasuke once more.

"They're here." Sasuke jutted his head towards the door as Kurenai, Shizune and Ino entered the night club.

Chouji swallowed thickly. "Why do women always come in packs?" he asked nervously.

"It's how the migrate," Shikamaru stated, taking his drink and inspecting it and then looking over at Sasuke as if he had stolen a drink.

The women glanced over the bar and flocked toward them, each dressed for a night of fun. Chouji grew redder and redder with each step Kurenai took toward him, looking incredibly flustered.

Sasuke grabbed his soda and stood, ready to slip away from the bar before the women reached them, but he was too late. Shikamaru gave Chouji an encouraging smile before poking Kiba in the side. The usually rowdy brunette ignored Shikamaru and just slid from the stool to go sit in the car and wait. Ino smiled brightly, instantly pulling Sasuke into a tight hug and releasing him.

"Oh! My poor Sasuke-kun! I heard you were robbed or something!"

Shizune glanced at Shikamaru who smirked in her direction. She went a pretty shade of red before walking over to talk to him privately.

Sasuke winced and pulled away. "I'm not yours."

He turned away and followed Kiba outside. "What happened to getting another?"

Kiba stopped walking. "I dunno," he said dully. "Why?"

"Pouting doesn’t suit you." Sasuke replied.

"Fuck you," Kiba muttered, holding none of the threat he once had.

He pressed the code into Chouji's Hummer and opened the door, crawling into the back seat before staring listlessly at the blank monitor in front of him.

"What's wrong? Wasn't this your idea?" Sasuke stood in the open doorway, setting his drink down on the step.

"Yeah, so?" Kiba growled, staring out the other window.

"Fine, then sit here and pout alone," Sasuke turned, picking up his drink as he grabbed the door to close it.

Kiba narrowed his eyes and leaned back against the seat, chewing on his thumb nail in a twitch he hadn't participated in since he was less than four feet tall. Sasuke rolled his eyes before climbing into the back seat.

"Stop it." he said flatly, closing the door behind him and sitting down next to the fidgeting boy.

"I'm not doing shit," Kiba snapped.

"You're fidgeting, you don't fidget."

"I'm not!" the brunette snarled. "And don't tell me what to do."

"You're so annoying." Sasuke snorted leaning back in the seat.

Kiba glared out the window. "Well then go away."

"Ino is in there, you're the lesser evil." The raven swirled the dark liquid in his glass.

The shorter man narrowed his eyes. "Then shut up. Why are you talking so much all of the sudden?"

"Why are you being so quiet all of a sudden?"

Kiba snarled, whirling on the Uchiha. "Shut up! If I don't want to talk then I won't! There's nothing wrong!"

"Sure." Sasuke replied as he laid his head back against the seat.

The wild brunette sneered. "Like you one to fucking talk!" he snapped.

Sasuke chuckled lightly. "I didn't say anything."

"You've been saying a whole fucking lot of nothing."

"Your point?"

"Shut up or get lost."

"Fine." Sasuke closed his eyes as they sat, the only sound was the soft fizz of his drink and the clink of the melting ice against the edge of the glass.

Kiba gritted his teeth, inwardly fuming as he leaned back against the seat and glared furiously outside.

They sat in relative silence for a little while before the brunette began to fidget again. Kiba ignored Sasuke's exasperated sigh, snarling in warning to the taller man.

"My God, just stop it already." Sasuke lifted his head, looking over at Kiba.

The other man glared. "Stop what?! What the fuck am I doing?!"

"Why are you so pissed that she lied?" The raven glared right back.

"Because I never lied to her!" Kiba yelled.

"She didn't actually lie, she's been staying at the hospital with Iruka." Sasuke set his glass in the cup holder on the door, not wanting to spill it if Kiba decided to get physical.

The brunette scowled. "Is she fucking Iruka or are you?!"

"She's enthralled with you, she's just worried about Iruka because of what happened with a previous relationship." Sasuke stated as he sat up straighter. "You're worrying for nothing."

Kiba frowned. "Well if they're not fucking, why aren't you the one staying with Iruka? He's your boyfriend."

Elegant brows furrowed. "Because they blame me for what happened."

The brunette stared at him like he expected more. "...so?"

"Unlike you, I respect other people's wishes."

Kiba continued to hold his stare. "Dude...you're an idiot."

"What?" Sasuke's expression changed to that of slight confusion.

"So because they don't like you, you're gonna roll over and be a piss ant? Who cares what they want? If you and Professor Iruka's places were switched, do you think he'd stay away just because my mom has an illegal right hook?"

"He was uncomfortable around me and it's understandable. I'm not going to push it. Besides, I'm going to see him when he gets out." Sasuke turned back to his drink.

"Why are you being such a push over?" Kiba asked. "I wouldn't leave Anko alone after something like that. You prick, that just gives him time to think about it."

"Some people actually like to think about things before they do them, not just walk around blindly and do whatever they want." Sasuke glared at the brunette annoyed. "I don't need you telling me what to do."

Kiba snorted. "Apparently you do. You're worse off than Chouji. This isn't the good kind of thinking where you work emotional shit out. He's doing the kind of thinking where everything that happened somehow becomes his fault."

"With Anko blaming me it's not going to matter, he listens to her over everyone else. Why do you care anyway?"

Dark eyes darted out of the window as Shikamaru and Shizune, followed by Ino walked out of the bar.

Kiba shrugged. "Because you do."

Sasuke sighed. "Yeah..."

Chouji and Kurenai appeared, heading toward them.

The shorted man groaned. "Great.... "

The two new couples (Shikamaru and Shizune looked like they were going to hook up) asked if the others wanted to join them for a late dinner. Ino smiled at Sasuke, laying a pretty hand on his arm and pretended to pout.

"Come on Sasuke-kun," she said. "Come with us."

"I need to take my medication." Sasuke answered glancing over at Shikamaru who was already reaching in his pocket for his car keys. "Kiba?" he turned to regard the scruffy brunette.

"I feel sick," he said, staring directly at the blonde.

"I'm driving then." Sasuke caught Shika's keys, pulling away from Ino to return the glass he still had a hold of. "See ya."

"I'll come get my car tomorrow." Shikamaru smirked before turning with Shizune, heading to her car.

Kiba watched Ino fume quietly before she bounced up to Sasuke, widening her big blue eyes pleadingly. "Do you mind giving me a ride home?"

"I'm not supposed to be driving at all." Sasuke continued on, Kiba following reluctantly behind.

"But we all came in Shizune's car!" Ino complained.

"And you can leave with them or call a cab." He pushed past the doorman, heading over to the Shikamaru’s car.

Kiba rolled his eyes. "Dude, just give her a ride so she'll shut up."

"If it'll get you to shut up then fine," Sasuke glared at Kiba as they headed deeper into the parking lot.

Ino smiled brilliantly, latching onto the Uchiha's arm to give him a tight hug. "Thank you Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke said nothing as they walked out to the car, the raven climbing into the driver’s seat and Ino pushing Kiba into the back. The brunette looked more amused than insulted as he graciously held open the door for the young woman, grinning ear to ear.

Ino turned her nose at him and eased into the seat, somehow showing off her long and toned legs without looking like she was trying to. Kiba silently admitted that if he didn't have a hellcat like Anko, he'd probably be trying to sleep with Ino.

Once the other two were in the car Sasuke pulled out of the parking lot and screeched down the street to the freeway. He ignored the lusting stares from the blonde as he sped past cars fluidly, easily making it past the heavier traffic in the city but not dropping his speed as they neared the beach.

If one thing had to be said about Ino, she sure was persistent. Kiba laughed to himself as he watched her preen over her incredible looks, flicking at a necklace that hung low into her cleavage to attract attention. She was good at flirting too, he noted. Everything she did could either be taken as her being absent minded, or about to jump in Sasuke's pants.

Sasuke stopped in the circular driveway just in front of the stained glass doors leading into the house. He glanced over at Ino as she unbuckled herself from the purring sports car, Kiba waiting to climb out as soon as she vacated the seat.

She looked angry at him for ignoring her tempting behavior. "Won't you walk me to my door?" she asked sweetly.

Sasuke dropped his hand that was gripping the top of the steering wheel as he turned to look at Ino. "It's fifteen feet away, I think you can make it on your own."

Kiba opened his mouth as Ino didn't move from her spot.

"Fine." He growled in frustration as he unbuckled the seat belt and climbed out of the car, Kiba jumping into the front passenger seat and instantly messing with the radio.

Ino sighed, walking in step with Sasuke as her heels clicked over the cement steps. "It's a nice night out," she commented. "It's too bad you have to leave..."

"I have no reason to stay." Sasuke answered flatly as they neared the door.

"Of course you do," the blonde replied, smiling in a flirty way. "Because I live alone and...well now you're alone too...I'm sure Kiba could make the drive home."

"I have to take my medication on time." He stated stopping when they reached the door. "Goodnight, Ino."

She pouted, taking a step forward so that her plush breasts were pressed against his hard chest. "Sasuke-kun...wouldn't you rather stay the night?"

"Good. Night. Ino," Sasuke repeated as he took the step back, turning to walk away.

The blonde frowned angrily. "I know what happened."

Sasuke stopped. "Excuse me?"

Ino smiled softly, walking forward and gliding her hand up the raven's chest. "I know what happened. I heard my father talking to Nara-san..."

Sasuke set his jaw, his dark gaze falling down to the blue eyes looking up at him. "What's your point?" He pulled Ino's hand from off his chest.

"If you need anyone to talk to...or if you just want to be comforted, I'm here for you."

"I don't need your sympathy."

"Whatever you need," Ino stressed. "I'll let you have it."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "You have nothing that I'd want." He pulled back from her slight touch.

Ino gave a gentle laugh, reaching to straighten Sasuke's shirt collar. "Are you sure?"

Sasuke grabbed her wrist.

"Positive." He stated, pulling Ino's long fingers from his clothes. "Good. Night." Sasuke dropped her hand and pushed past the blonde, Kiba giving him a slightly confused look.

Ino scowled darkly, turning on her tall heels. She slammed the door behind her. The shaggy brunette cocked his head as he slid into the driver’s seat.

"The hell was that?" he asked when Sasuke neared the car.

Sasuke growled in annoyance as he climbed in. "She's a whore, let’s go."

"She's a hot whore," Kiba commented as they drove off. "Hell, even I would have jumped her."

"That's my point." Sasuke scoffed. "She's simply after the money."

"Mm...so my kind of girl," the brunette nodded.

"You are a moron."

"A sexy moron," Kiba replied with a grin.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Just drive, idiot."

"I'm telling mom you called me an idiot," he snickered.

"Ohh... I'm scared," the raven scoffed.

The two boys laughed together as they drove home, enjoying each other's company as they wonder out loud about who was getting laid right now, Shikamaru or Chouji.

Then Kiba decided to go into a rather long speech about what he would do if Ino had the hots for him. He explained that it would kind of be poetic since he had blown the woman's father.

At that point Sasuke realized Kiba was a bit drunk and spent the next forty minute ride home trying to get the wild brunette to shut up.

When they finally got to the house, he helped Kiba to his room and then went to his own, locking the door. After a moment’s hesitation, he shoved the chair underneath the door knob so as not to have a repeat of that morning with the dog pile.

Sasuke rolled onto his side, his arm draping over something warm and fuzzy. He grunted and opened his eyes before receiving a wet sloppy kiss across his cheek from Akamaru. The larger dog lying down behind him, Kuromaru, snored against Sasuke's chest. The Uchiha sighed before sitting up and looking over to the door which was how he had left it.

Tsume banged on the door. "Breakfast is ready if you want to eat with everyone," she shouted.

"Yeah." Sasuke yelled back as Akamaru jumped down for him, the older dog simply lifted his head to see why the warm body had left before laying back down.

Sasuke winced and held his side, pulling his hand away when he felt something moist. "Shit..."

He stood, heading for the bathroom to change the bandages and take his medication before throwing on one of Kiba's old shirts and heading downstairs, both dogs following. Kiba was poking Chouji with his chopsticks, completely ignoring his mother who glared at him. Chouza's rolling chuckle halted Tsume from smacking her child.

"Boys will be boys," he said happily.

The tall woman rolled her eyes, serving everyone and leaving a place for Sasuke between Chouza and Kiba.

Sasuke sat down, looking around sleepily as Tsume gave the Uchiha a smile, passing the pitcher of Orange juice past Chouza who was reaching across the table. Kiba started poking both Sasuke and Chouji at the same time since they seemed to still be in the early stages of waking up.

So it really was no surprise when both taller boys punched him in the shoulder. Kiba dropped his chopsticks and held his new bruises, face scrunching up in pain as Tsume laughed at him.

Once through breakfast and a few aspirin later Sasuke showered and dressed in the clothes Shikamaru had provided him with until later that day when Shikaku was going to meet him for lunch and then take the raven around to get clothes.

Kiba reluctantly drove the Uchiha to the hospital after Sasuke had shown his the torn stitches and promised to throw in a few extra features and a custom paint job on the bike to keep the hospital trip from Tsume's ears. Kiba opted to stay in the car not liking the way the hospital smelled while Sasuke saw the nurse.

He caught a glimpse of Iruka's doctor while the plump woman worked on him, and despite Kiba's impatience Sasuke went after the man to see how Iruka was. Upon confronting the man, the young heir learned that Iruka had been released after Tsunade had intervened and the fact that the professor's condition had drastically improved.

Sasuke called Shikaku to inform the elder Nara he'd be a few minutes late. Once out of the hospital he conned Kiba into letting him drive, the raven having remembered Anko's new address.

Anko watched as Iruka flipped through the channels of the TV, sitting cross-legged on the couch. He'd been released yesterday in the early morning and as soon as they gotten to the new apartment they'd be sharing, he'd taken up residence on the couch despite the large bed he had in is room.

The female brunette sighed, knowing that Iruka would just get upset if she asked him to go do something. He had compulsively locked all the doors and windows, shutting the drapes and sitting still like he was being watched.

He still hadn't told her all of what happened, something that bothered Anko deeply. Iruka didn't lie, he wasn't good at it. But now he was acting like he'd done it all his life, claiming he was fine when he very obviously wasn't. The busty woman sighed again as she stood in the kitchen, wondering if she would have to get Iruka drunk just so he'd calm down.

The first few hours of his return, their new doorbell had gotten a workout from their friends who wanted to drop by and wish Iruka well. Every time the buzzer had sounded, the taller brunette had flinched and gone into his room to shut and lock the door, not coming out until Anko came to get him.

She couldn't imagine the fear Iruka must be carrying around and it made her hate the Uchiha brat even more. She knew it wasn't his fault, not really. But she also knew that he had done something to hurt Iruka too. If he hadn't, then the darker professor would have put up more of a fight when Anko forbade him to call the man.

She rubbed her temples in exhaustion, not having slept much since everything had happened. When she did sleep, it was practically in Iruka's lap so that she could make sure nothing happened to him even while she was dead to the world.

Iruka apparently found something he liked on TV and settled on a channel for a few minutes before starting to surf again.

She stared at him, mentally going over the conversation he'd had with a large officer by the name of Morino Ibiki. Some of the things he had said while giving his report....

She shuddered softly, rubbing her hands over her bare arms, careless of her nudity. Iruka didn't seem to mind and it was far too humid in the apartment for her liking. The worst part of the whole thing was that Iruka hadn't cried yet.

Sure he'd looked like he was about to, but other than that...Anko guessed she just expected him to break down, not keep everything so bottled up like he was.

She frowned and scratched under her breast, raising a brow when the doorbell rang.

Sasuke stood waiting as he heard who he assumed was Anko shuffling around just beyond the door.

She threw on one of the shirts Kiba had left that she had packed, the hem ending around her upper thighs. Anko waited until Iruka had gone back into his room before glancing through the peephole.

"What?" she snapped.

"You know why I'm here." Sasuke said, looking directly at the peephole. "You said I could stop by." He shifted on his feet.

Anko scowled, pausing before unlocking and opening the door slightly to peer through the small slit. "He's asleep."

"Let me leave a note?" Sasuke asked arching a brow.

"We don't have paper," she replied. "Or pens."

"I'm sure you don't." Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "If he doesn't want to see me, then I want to hear it from him, not you."

Anko narrowed her sharp gaze right back. "What did you do to him?"

"I didn't willingly do anything to him, if that's what you are asking..."

She sneered, cocking her head. "But you did something didn't you? What was it--"

"Is that Sasuke?"

Anko turned, watching Iruka lean against the wall just in front of the hallway like he didn't know if he should run or not.

Her expression softened and she nodded. "Yeah, you wanna see him? He's just as ugly as before."

Iruka smiled faintly, "Please?"

Anko snapped a threatening gaze at Sasuke before allowing the door to open further.

Sasuke didn't move as he watched Iruka stand up straighter, noticing how uncomfortable the smaller man still was in his presence. After Anko snorted Sasuke stepped inside.

"Hey," he said softly, stopping halfway between the couch and the door.

"Hi," Iruka answered back.

Anko stared between the two when neither one of them made a move forward, rolling her eyes before padding away. "I'll be in my room, call me if you need me."

Sasuke turned his head when Anko's bedroom door clicked shut, knowing that she never gave up that easily he assumed that she probably had her ear pressed against the door.

"How are you? ...under the circumstances..."

The brunette forced his feet to move, walking passed Sasuke and into the kitchen. "I'm fine as I can be I think. Would you like anything?"

"No, thank you." Sasuke said only taking a few more steps into the apartment.

Dark eyes scanned over the smaller frame, watching every movement they could pick up, the younger unable to think of anything to say.

Iruka turned away, pretending to look in the fridge for something to drink. "You're staring at me like you expect me to break."

"It's not that." Sasuke answered. "I'm debating on if you would actually want to have lunch with me tomorrow or not."

The smaller man blinked, composing himself before glancing over his shoulder. "I wouldn't mind."

"Yeah?" The younger took another step forward, not wanting to overstep and cause Iruka to feel uncomfortable again.

Iruka looked away, furrowing his brows. It was hurting again. Just like it had in the hospital. Two things were warring inside him and making him physically sick.

He wanted Sasuke so badly; a touch, a hug, a kiss, anything as long as it came from the taller man. It was such a basic desire that it nearly overwhelmed him every time he glanced at his lover.

But the other instinct was to get away from anything that could hurt him. And Sasuke had done that, and could do it again. He could still hear the younger's words echoing in his skull like a skipping record.

Kiba had been right. All the time Iruka had to himself had made him go over every possible outcome, and every scenario ended in pain and it being his fault. If Iruka had never called Sasuke...had stayed with Anko at the hotel...been more aware when going to the house....

He swallowed thickly, his heart fluttering in his chest like it wanted out. "Yes, I'd like that," he said easily.

Maybe if he said yes...it would please Sasuke and those things he said wouldn't... Iruka gritted his teeth and turned back around, forcing a smile.

Sasuke nodded. "I can pick you up or meet you there. Whatever you're more comfortable with." He shifted on his feet. "I don't want to push this...if you're not ready."

"I am," the brunette said quickly. "I am, whatever you want is fine. I just don't...I wouldn't want to bother you."

"You've never bothered me." Sasuke stated almost immediately.

Iruka held his tongue, suddenly wanting to apologize. He stopped himself before he could, his smile faltering only slightly. "You could pick me up here if you want?"

Sasuke nodded again. "Alright." he took a few slow steps forward, stopping at the edge of the counter. "What time would you like me to be here?"

The brunette fought not to tense up, to show any signs that he was uncomfortable. He knew the black gaze was watching his every move for any twitch or flinch.

"Is noon alright?" Iruka asked.

"That's fine." The younger dropped his gaze. "It's not your fault."

Iruka shook his head, closing his eyes tightly. "Don't...you don't have to..."

"I know. But it's not your fault, I don't want you to blame yourself... for any of it..." Dark eyes rose to look at Iruka. "Those things..."

"Stop it," the professor snapped, turning away. "Just...please don't."

Sasuke sighed, stepping back from the counter. "I'm sorry it turned out like this... "

Iruka was literally biting his tongue, distracting himself with the metallic taste of blood slipping down his throat. He didn't want to think about Itachi or Kisame or how he'd completely failed Sasuke...

"I know," he said quietly, training his gaze to the floor.

"So I'll see you tomorrow then?" Sasuke asked after clearing his throat.

Iruka nodded, glancing up. He didn't know what to do with those black eyes staring at him. They were too much like Itachi's. "Tomorrow," he promised, only able to force half a smile.

The Uchiha gave the smaller man another glance over before turning, heading for the door.

Iruka watched him leave, stomping down the urge to apologize again. His fists clenched tightly, his short nails denting his honeyed skin. "Wait!" he called. "I..."

Sasuke stilled, the front door only open a crack as he turned around to look up at Iruka.

The brunette walked forward, shaking his head slightly as he tried to force his jaw to work. Anything, something! Just...but nothing came out. His tongue refused to cooperate. After a few moments of silence he stepped closer, reaching out his hand to lightly brush Sasuke's arm. He wanted to do more but couldn't bring himself to.

"It’s nothing...."

Sasuke let go of the door knob, placing his hand over Iruka's. "Are you sure?" He asked softly, turning to face the brunette completely.

They weren't Itachi's eyes, he had to keep reminding himself that. They didn't belong to a rapist and sadistic bastard.

"Y-yes," Iruka muttered, rubbing his thumb over Sasuke's pale skin.

Sasuke gently squeezed Iruka's fingers that were cupped over his arm. "If there's anything, you have my number."

The brunette pulled away. "I'm fine," he said, stepping back.

Sasuke nodded, letting Iruka's hand slip from under his own. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow.”

The smaller man nodded, staring at his feet as Sasuke left, shutting the door slowly behind him. He didn't hear footsteps though and knew the younger was standing just outside. Iruka waited for a few long minutes until he heard Sasuke finally walk away.

He backed up and went down the hall, ignoring Anko's curious face peering from her room before going to the bathroom and emptying his stomach's contents into the toilet.

When Sasuke got back to the car Kiba gave him a curious look and opened his mouth to speak but was cut short.

"You're driving." Sasuke stated flatly walking around to the passenger’s side of the convertible. "I'm meeting Shikaku for lunch."

Kiba didn’t protest, slipping from his seat into the driver’s, as he carefully studied the Uchiha's expression even as he backed out of the parking space.

"So..." he stared as they hit the highway.

"What?" Sasuke asked turning to look at the scruffy brunette.

Kiba raised a brow, "So...what was Anko wearing? Something hot? Did you look?"

"I think she was naked before answering the door in one of your shirts." Sasuke answered flatly, turning away.

The smaller man barely suppressed a shudder. A few minutes of silence passed between them, each thinking about their own significant others.

Kiba chanced a look at his friend. "It went that bad huh? Between you and Iruka?"

"I'm going to have lunch with him tomorrow." Sasuke answered. "I have to pick him up."

"And that's it?" Kiba asked in surprise. "He didn't dump you on the spot or try and break your jaw?"

"No, he didn't." Sasuke answered a soft sigh following. "Something's wrong."

Kiba frowned, cutting another driver off without his usual happy grin. "Well...fuck, it could have gone two ways. Either he's pissed and wants to beat the hell out of you, or he's scared shitless. I was kinda hoping for the former."

"He's scared." Sasuke answered ignoring Kiba's remark.

"Shitless," the brunette added. He paused for a moment, going over things in his head. "Probably trying to please you..."

"I know." Sasuke snapped in a flat tone, narrowing his eyes as he turned to look out the window.

"Don't get pissy at me," Kiba said defensively. "I'm trying to help your stupid ass."

"Help? Or Insult?" Sasuke turned his head quickly to look at Kiba.

"Both, I'm practicing my multi-tasking," the shorter man quipped, taking the turn off. "Besides, not my fault you fucked up."

"If you weren't driving, I'd punch you." Sasuke glared. "And don't you start in on me too."

Kiba snorted. "Just don't bitch at me is all I'm saying. You messed up. Not me."

"I wasn't bitching." The Uchiha growled. "You asked."

"I asked one fucking thing and you bit my head off!" the other man complained.

"Whatever." Sasuke shook head turning back to look out of the window.

Kiba rolled his eyes.

He dropped Sasuke off at the restaurant, thanking the Uchiha for directions to Anko's new apartment before speeding off to go see her. Shikaku was waiting at a table for Sasuke; the two had a quiet lunch before leaving, heading out to get the younger clothing since Shikamaru's were rather tight and old.

Sasuke was lost in thought most of the time, unsure on how to take everything and not enjoying the feeling in his stomach that he had had since leaving Iruka. Tsume called to make sure Sasuke wasn't at work, demanding to talk to the elder Nara before leaving informing the younger what time dinner was.

"Why did you tell Inoichi?" Sasuke turned to Shikaku who was lazily skimming through a rack of t-shirts.

"Hm?" the older man asked, looking over lazily as if the even the effort put into sighing was too troublesome.

"Apparently Ino overheard you talking to her father." Sasuke glanced down at the shirt he had pulled from the shelf before placing it back.

Shikaku nodded soberly, taking the time to think things over and ponder over what happened. "Inoichi is my friend...he cares about you as well. Wanted to see if there was anything he could do."

"She offered to have sex with me in a more direct way than normal." Sasuke turned around, moving to another clothing shelf with jeans on it.

The elder male blinked. "Did you take her up on such a generous offer?"

"No." Sasuke answered, turning to toss a glare at the other.

Shikaku shrugged and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'flexible' and 'supple'. He sighed, rubbing at the scars along his face that caused a saleswoman to stare at him.

"Alright calm down, it was just a question. From what Shikamaru tells me, she's always hitting on you. Why should this be any different?"

Sasuke thought for a second, knowing that it was a normal 'encounter' but then again, he had drove her home against his wishes.

"It was the way she said it." He answered, lifting a few pairs of dark jeans and laying them over his arm. "I just don't appreciate my business being talked about, that's nothing I wanted others to know."

Shikaku nodded in understanding. "But she won't tell."

"That's not the point." Sasuke said walking up beside the brunette.

He shrugged. "Are you going to do anything about it?"

"If I talk to her about it, she'll only take it as an invitation."

"Then leave it alone. There's not much else I can tell you."

"Yeah I thought so, though I'm sure Tsume had her way." Sasuke headed for the register, the elder man following a few steps behind.

Shikaku paid for the clothes, watching idly as the woman packed their purchases while trying not to stare at the rampant scars across the tall brunette's face. He sighed as they left, rolling his shoulders to get a kink out of his back.

"Anywhere else you'd like to go?" he asked almost hopefully.

"Yeah, I need to go to the tailors, I called him this morning." Sasuke ignored the questionable arch of a scared brow. "I know she's going to kill me. I'm sure the new car won’t help either." He said taking the bags from the slightly flustered woman.

"She sent your old ones to Suna to be put into storage," Shikaku revealed once they were driving.

"What about everything else?" Sasuke asked as he reached into the back seat, pulling out one of the new shirts.

The Nara smirked dryly. "Apparently you haven't explored her house very well."

"Haven't been there long enough too, but thanks for the tip." Sasuke pulled off the t-shirt he was wearing, wincing slightly when the seatbelt snapped back against his side.

Shikaku glanced over, eyeing Sasuke's bandages that were tainted and slightly dirty. "Have you ripped your stitches?"

"I did last night helping Kiba to his room...did I rip them again?" Sasuke pulled the tag off the black long sleeved button up shirt, turning slightly so the elder man could see his side better for more blood.

The Nara frowned as he stole quick glances while dealing with the traffic. "It doesn't look so bad. You might want to get it checked out anyway in case of infection or the stitches not holding."

"I was at the hospital this morning." Sasuke slipped his arm into the shirt, maneuvering it around him in the seat. "We'll have to go back...." He winced again. "Don't tell Tsume."

Shikaku frowned. "She's not trying to control you just for the sake of being stubborn."

"I know." Sasuke replied pulling the shirt up onto his shoulders. "If you tell her I tore the stitches she'll tie me to the bed."

Shikaku apparently got the wrong mental image and his right eye started twitching until he clapped a hand over it. "Please stop."

The Uchiha chucked. "I'll be five minutes." He said as the scarred brunette stopped the car in front of the tailors, Sasuke finished buttoning up the shirt before opening the door.


A/N: rules for aff users provided by Dom-

Stop fucking using this site as a forum. It already has a forum you can go to, check the links. Stop spewing your opinion by making a "story/rant" and putting it in a high-traffic section. Yes, that applies to ALL who come here. So no more 'I want more Sakura fict' or 'How can you say Naruto is an uke?!' things. Just stop. No one cares. It's annoying, it's juvenile, and really, it's just unprofessional.

Second, don't publish chapters that don't even have a scroll button because they're so short. I'm sick of seeing 'here's a little taste, review if you want more'. No. That's not what writing is about. Writing is a way to express how you felt at one point, your thoughts, your ideals, and your passion. If you're doing it for reviews, then you're doing it for the wrong reasons.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a review whore myself, but I would never hold a chapter back just because no one's taking the time to type a few words.

Okay, I think that's all. Just...don't support people that do this, don't review them, don't reply to them no matter how much you're offended or if you have an opinion on it. That just makes them think that it's okay and it's not.

And to all the people reading this that do that...this site is a great place, treat it with some fucking respect.

Thank you and have a nice day (except you fuckwads that ruin the site),

Dom