Colors

A/N : I am so swamped with work its not funny. Apologies for the delay in posting but I also wanted to make sure the plot checks out before I posted this chapter. Though holes in the plot are plenty, I'll try my best to plug as many of them as possible. Thanks for the long review LLB. Much appreciated. Your notes and feedback have been taken into account. Back to the plot again, I had a rough outline of how it would end but I haven't had the time to fill in the details. So once again, my deepest apologies if this turns out to be a sour read.

Also, special thanks to those who have continued to support my effort. No matter how raw the writing has been. I will make another update as soon as I can.

*HuGz*

*********************************************************

Chapter 19

Sasuke had just returned from his Yoga class feeling more at ease from the streching and medidative excersises. He walked into his bedroom and threw his bag haphazardly aside before strolling towards his bathroom. Yoga wasn’t intensive but it did break sweat and Sasuke reaked of its salty essence. Deciding to have a bath to soak his tired muscles he plugged his Jacuzzi, turned the faucets on and poured a few fragrant bath salts in. Letting it fill, he headed back into his bedroom to dispose of the dirty laundry. It was then that he heard the clutter of his apartment door open and shut. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, a wave of emotional weariness washing over him. There was no doubt his brother had just arrived as only he would have the means to visit unannounced. Not bothering to greet him he decided to set about his business knowing Itachi would seek him out eventually.

“Oh Sasuke?” Itachi called to him in a sing-song manner. The young Uchiha grimaced as he heard his brother approach the bedroom.

“There you are. You could’ve at least answered.” Itachi pouted.

“Sorry, didn’t hear. Am advicing you not to get too close cause I just came back from Yoga.” Sasuke sighed realizing that his attempt to use his unclean state to put Itachi off only had the opposite effect of enticing the older Uchiha even further. Itachi leaned against the door frame and let his eyes trail Sasuke’s muscles as they flexed slightly with each turn, grasp and bend. “Mmm… You look simply sexy in that outfit and utterly delicious,” he said in a low raspy voice and licked his lips at the thought of his brothers smooth salty skin.

Sasuke glared at his brother, disgusted with the supposed seducing but he quickly averted the unapproving gaze for fear of offending the older man. He had only just recovered from the bout of bruises he’d collected earlier and he wasn’t about to land himself in any situation that would earn him more. He scooted into the bathroom to inspect the Jacuzzi’s water level.

“I see you prepared a bath coincidentally. Hmm, well I suppose you wouldn’t mind if I joined in then?”

Sasuke merely nodded at his brother’s remark. *As if I can refuse.* he thought and proceeded to undress his sweat soiled clothing. He stepped slowly into the steaming water. “Mmf,” he let out a small satisfied grunt. *If only Itachi wasn’t here. Damn it.*

His brother soon joined him in the fragrant pool of orange rose scent. Sasuke faced away from his brother, not because he was threatened by his presence but because he was drained of having to act as if the perverted man’s naked form was a turn on.

“So… how was your trip?” Itachi asked flatly.

“Ok.” Came Sasuke’s curt reply.

“Just ’Ok’? I heard that it didn’t go too well at the race and that a certain blond was there once more. Care to en-light-en me?” Itachi said the words slowly emphasizing his authority whilst indicating for his brother to answer with care.

Sasuke gave the older Uchiha a measuring look, his gaze defiant. “If you know everything already is there a need for me to explain?”

“Awe, don’t tell me that you assumed I wouldn’t be interested in your side of the story? Sasuke you are my brother after all. Come over here.” Itachi’s voiced sung sweetness but there was just a tinge of detectable menace in it which made Sasuke quiver as he felt a familiar wave of fear wash over him. He obeyed and scooted over to Itachi’s side of the tub where he rested against his brother’s chest and sat on his thigh. He felt Itachi’s erection brush against his butt cheek and he winced at the memory of his brother’s member pounding harshly into him. But he forced himself to relax hoping that Itachi wouldn’t detect any sign of relunctance. After all, any negativity from the young Uchiha only seemed to inflate his anger.

“So tell me. What happened?” he whispered.

“That asshole crashed into my tail end, which sent us both off the race. I punched the fucking idiot for his obscene driving skills.” Sasuke answered, hoping that Kisame had shared the same story with his brother and nothing further.

“Tsk, tsk, brother. Why so violent? You shouldn’t have behaved so brashly for such a small matter. In any case, I think that’s enough of your racing habits. I find it horribly perilous and just think what would have happened if you had lost more than just your car. I don’t want to have to lose you just like how we’ve lost mom and dad. I think that you should stop those childish ego demonstrations.” Itachi hugged Sasuke closer and nuzzled his face to the back of his neck whilst he nibbled on the soft patch of sensitive skin there.

Sasuke closed his eyes. *Oh God, no more racing*. Although Itachi had shared his opinion and implied his thoughts as mere suggestion, he knew that it was more of an order and not a request that the dark prince halted his hobbies. Removing his ability to drive competitively was like removing fond memories of his father from him. Being his father’s son, Sasuke shared the same passion and love for those powerful metallic machines and Itachi’s order was like ripping a part of his soul out. The pain of losing those remaining fragments of his father was so great that Sasuke failed to notice as he bit hard on his lip in frustration and let slip a trickle of blood; the sparkling ruby trickled slowly down his cheek as his body grew limp and weak from defeat.

Itachi cocked his head to the side and noticed the shining jewel. He wiped it off gently using his fingers without even considering the fact that it was blood being shed. “There, there Sasuke. I’ll make sure to reward you well for your acceptance and good behavior. Hmm?” Itachi began caressing his brother’s chest, forming soft lapping ripples with the water. But Sasuke didn’t seem to notice. Even his brother’s words and fondling hands seemed blurred. Suddenly Naruto’s large smile appeared in his mind and the dark prince felt warmth budding from his chest. He didn’t know why or how such a simple image was able to lift the dark that surrounded him but there was no denying that it did.

The water splased as Itachi lifted his hands out of the tub, jolting Sasuke from his contemplation.

“Oh well, I need to get out before I turn into a prune. Besides, I’ll be meeting with a few people this afternoon so you’ll forgive me if I can’t spend tonight with you right?” Sasuke looked at his brother closely, careful not to let the surprise show. *What the fuck? No bashing, no beating, no mindless pounding and scratching or biting?* The dark prince was baffled but he quickly composed himself and moved aside for Itachi to leave. Sasuke watched as his brother got up and the water ran down the sides of his sculpted body and dripped from his tightly muscled buttocks. He grabbed onto a towel to wipe himself and as he was doing so he turned and gave Sasuke a loving smile.

“Take the day off tomorrow. I thought we’d hang out a bit.” Itachi spoke invitingly.

“K..,” Sasuke replied, his voice letting out a slight tremor from Itachi’s sudden show of kindness.

With that, Itachi left but Sasuke could still feel the lingering devilish presence there. Something was very wrong but he just didn’t know what. He knew his brother well and if Itachi was behaving in this perculiar way it definitely foretold ill terms. Just where did his brother intend to take him tomorrow? What exactly was in store and what had he really found out about the past weekend? These questions would be floating in Sasuke’s mind throughout the day as he searched desperately for an unobtainable answer.

***************************************************

“Naruto, please tell me again why you’ve invited him?” Neji looked at Naruto with slightly pursed lips.

“Look, I owe him a treat after the way Kiba shouted at him that day.” Naruto whined.

Neji rolled his eyes and took a sip of soda from his straw. “I don’t think it was entirely your fault anyway,” he said, the implication on Sasuke as the perpetrator clear in his statement.

“Nah, it was my choice to end it that way in qualifying.” Naruto fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, his brilliant blue eyes looking downcast.

“Neji, you’re not mad are you?” Naruto asked nervously.

“About what?”

“About everything, I mean… This morning, Sasuke, me…”

Neji heaved a huge sigh. “I don’t really wanna bring this up now Naruto, but you have got to stop being considerate around me…” The brunettes tone raising just slightly in volume.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…”

Rock Lee chose to return at that moment. “Naruto, my apologies for grabbing everything on the menu. But I suppose it’s only fair since I won the race and you,” Lee shook his head, “spun out.” He continued sarcastically. Meanwhile, Neji was grateful for the interruption. His frustrations were turning to anger and if Lee hadn’t appeared just then, he could’ve said some hurtful things to Naruto about their friendship. But as usual, he chose to swallow his feelings instead.

“Thanks Lee. I really appreciate your apology.” Naruto retorted.

“Hey, you know I don’t really mean to rub it in. Its just fun to see you pout over the issue. By the way, what really happened? It’s not like you and I’m pretty sure you knew you were flying way too fast down that straight.”

“Sigh, its nothing. I guess the orange idiot decided to pull a never been done before stunt. Right Naruto?” Neji was trying to save the blond from a lengthy explanation on things but in doing so he had let slip a small hint of anger whilst calling Naruto the ‘orange idiot’. To top it off, the entire situation was already as heavy as it could get without Rock Lee’s robust enthusiasm thrown into the mix. He didn’t want the bungling green man to plant too many hopeful ideas into Naruto’s brain, which may or may not serve to generate false confidence about the possibility of his relationship with the Uchiha.

“Err, yeah.” Naruto rubbed the back of his head nervously. “In any case, apologies for the strange atmosphere surrounding the race.”

“No worries about it. You shouldn’t apologize by the way. You should start practicing more so that you can be worthy of another challenging race with me!” Lee gave his widest grin as he started chomping down on the sushi that just arrived and Naruto chuckled at the statement feeling slightly better with his friend’s support.

“But just so you know, whatever that is that was bothering you, I’m sure you’ll get over it.” Both Naruto and Neji frowned and looked confused at Lee.

Being prompted for an explanation, Lee continued, “As I drove past, I caught a glimpse of the fight between you and Sasuke. Haven’t seen something like that in a long while. I didn’t know you two were still in contact after all those fights in school.” Lee stated casually and Naruto realized that he was genuinely oblivious to the relationship, much to his relief. *That is if I can even call it a relationship*

“Nah, we just happen to meet at the race.” The blond remained focus on his food not wanting his expression to give out the truth of the situation.

“Well, I’m happy that you gave him a good pounding…” Naruto choked on his Salmon roll at the sentence. As he coughed and spluttered to calm himself Lee looked on, astounded.

“Go easy on the food there, will ya?” His bushy eye brows knotted into a slight worried frown at Naruto’s reaction.

“Don’t mind him, he’ll survive? Won’t you?” Neji patted onto Naruto’s back to ease his hacking. Finally done with his spasms he cleared his throat looking slightly pale.

“You ok?” Neji asked concerned.

“Ehm… yeah. I’m alive.” Naruto gave a shy grin.

“You’re not still upset about the whole Sasuke issue from school are you?” Lee asked, indicating the beginnings of a probing session.

“Lee, drop it.” Neji cut in.

“It’s alright Neji and no, I’m not... well, not exactly.”

“If it means anything to you I just think you should know that you’re doing well enough now. As in, you don’t need to be hung over that arrogant bastard anyway. It’s not something you should be aiming to be. I mean, seriously, who wants to have an ass that tight?”

Neji burst out laughing and Naruto blushed beetroot red.

“Lee, seriously, I think you better just not go down that road any further. Otherwise I’ll have to cart Naruto back on a stretcher.” The long haired brunetted chuckled.

Lee looked confused at Naruto. “What did I say?”

“Nothing Lee and no, it’s got nothing to do with that old issue but in any case, its nice to know you think that of me.” Naruto concluded, hoping that Lee would be satisfied with his answer and cease his interrogation.

Lee returned his statement with a wide smile. “Good that you agree. Well, onwards to the next race and if that bastard turns up again we’ll just make sure he ends up behind.”

Neji swallowed his second outburst just in time at another potential double meaning sentence for Naruto whilst the blond rolled his eyes and nodded his head in agreement.

**********************************************

Monday finally arrived for Naruto and he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new 3 Jane Doe’s he’d managed to buy. He checked his watch as he paced back and forth at his reception hall nervously. Yukino watched her boss for a few minutes before speaking up, “Boss, you’re making me dizzy. Just sit and wait. Its almost 10.00. He’ll show.”

Naruto unfolded his arms and flopped onto a chair behind the counter. “It’s been awhile since she’s turned up with anything. Of course I’m nervous.”

“It hasn’t been that long. Her previous painting’s still here!”

“Which reminds me, have you arranged for it to be delivered to Zetsu yet?”

“Oops…”

“Ooops?!”

“Ok, ok. I’ll start calling.”

“Thank you.” Naruto said sternly. Yukino frowned behind her bosses back. He never was this edgy about anything but today she detected an air of gloom around her usually sunny boss and it troubled her.

Finally the doorbell tinkered and in stepped Kabuto. Naruto ran eagerly to greet him.

“Some help please.” Kabuto asked politely, unamused by Naruto’s overwhelming enthusiasm. Everyone from the gallery rushed out to move the 3 paintings indoors and into the main hall, with Naruto fussing for the movers to be extra careful with them. They placed the paintings onto the floor and steadied the heavy frames against their designated walls. There they lay in wait for the blond’s itching fingers to rip off the protective brown paper and bubble wrap covering.

“Check?” Kabuto asked curtly.

“Here. Now can I open them?”
Kabuto examined the check amounting to 12 million. “Be my guest. Just bare in mind that it’s a series. Her specific instructions were to observe the first painting before the second and third. You can’t view it any other way.”

“That’s unusually strict of her. But I suppose this is one of her first sequenced art pieces. Therefore I wouldn’t be surprised if she wanted to ensure that the message was thoroughly understood.”

“Yup, I’ll be off now to make sure this checks out.” He waved the check at Naruto.”

“Of course it will. Thanks again.” Naruto waved to Kabuto’s back as Yukino escorted the silver haired agent out.

Naruto paused, unable to move. He was eager but he didn’t know why he always had this uncertain feeling whenever he unveiled her paintings. Perhaps it was the mystery that surrounded her work or it could have been the annomity of the artist herself. Whatever it was, the 3 packages that lay before him held within it a plethora of emotions waiting to be released and currently they were taunting him, daring him to unleash what was held within.

He breathed deeply and then walked up slowly to the first picture. A golden wood frame greeted him as he unwrapped the final layer of covering. He peeled the brown paper further and to his surprise a bright shade of sky blue greeted him.

“What the…?” he muttered to himself and hurriedly ripped the rest of the hindering paper off the frame.

“Yukino, get in here and help me with this.” He called out urgently. Then the two lifted the large horizontal painting measuring 5 by 3 feet in size. Slowly, they hung the painting onto the first display wall. There under the spot light they both stared awestruck at the painting.

“Boss, erm, she got … colorful.”

“Yeah, I guess she did huh?”

*******************************************************
TBC