Angel's Touch

Artemis: *stretches with a yawn* From one dumb class to another. Now I’m in a project management class and its…stupid. XP Anyways, I should clear something up quickly. In the last chapter at the end, Sasuke said nothing. It was Kiba and Naruto arguing. So sorry, Sasuke hasn’t confessed his love yet. Also, the story got a chapter longer in the first half. No big deal, I just had an idea for a cute chapter coming up involving another pairing in the story not yet addressed. ^^

Anyways, thank you all for being so patient. I know I haven’t had any kissing or sex in here yet, but if this story was focusing on sex it wouldn’t be as long and certainly have happened sooner. I’m basically experimenting with developing relationships in a believable way in my story. Which I feel at this point that I’m doing so and am quite content with the pace I’ve set. So again, thank you all for being patient. ^^

Now, this chapter marks the end of the Hot Springs arc. ^^ Some loose ends are tied up and we’ll move on to a small arc dedicated to the love lives of our boys so far. ^_~

*looking at her plotline notes* Man…lots to cover in the next series of chapters. Probably an arc in itself…the arc I dub the Feelings of the Heart arc! I know…that’s a dumb name. But I don’t know how to explain it. We’ll just be seeing a little development in the Shino/Kiba, Lee/Gaara, and Sasuke/Naruto pairings as well as some more of Kakashi’s never-ending stalkage of Iruka. =P

Also, I don’t remember. Have I mentioned which tailed beast Lee is yet? Oo

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Chapter 20: His Precious Person


It was morning, the best time to be awake and gathering information. After all, what better time was there to soak at a hot spring then the morning hours?

The hermit wasn’t sure what the actual answer to that question was, but he was damn well sure his assumption was close. Stifling his giggles, the old man grinned cheekily and peeked through the bamboo fence into the girl’s section of the springs. And he liked what he saw.

‘Note to self. The early bird catches the hot chicks…’

Giggling some more, he tensed a little as a looming presence appeared behind him. Frowning, the normally perversely grinning hermit frowned and looked back over his shoulder.

“Good morning! How’s that information gathering going?” Kakashi asked with a light-hearted, crinkle eyed smile.

“Heh…Here to spoil my fun again. Tell me, Kakashi…how ever do you manage to shop at a convenience store with your face masked like that?” The hermit asked, smirking at the other.

Kakashi blinked and straightened, shrugging and feigning innocence, “Easily. But the cashier always seems a little jumpy when I visit.”

The hermit chuckled and shook his head, straightening himself. He was in fact actually taller then the other male, though when crouching, you wouldn’t think so. Crossing his arms casually, the perverted old man took a walk with the perverted young man.

“I saw you with a bunch of brats earlier. I take it the blonde is…?”

“Hai. That’s Uzumaki Naruto,” Kakashi nodded, looking at the other thoughtfully. “I recently received word that you’re to take over his training, Jiyaira-sama.”

“Yeah…I don’t really like it. Teaching brats interferes with important research, but he’s an exception I suppose I’ll make,” The hermit, Jiyaira, sighed heavily and stared up at the sky as they walked. “Guess you’ll be heading home?”

Kakashi thought about that, then shook his head, “No. There’s another that will need my instructing.”

“Ah…the Uchiha brat,” Jiyaira stated knowingly, grinning at Kakashi. “Don’t look surprised. I’m a professional. Women aren’t the only information I gather, believe it or not.”

Kakashi hid his skepticism, though a bead of sweat did develop near the temple and roll down the side of his face.

“By the way…things are heating up a little in Heaven,” Jiyaira noted, his tone growing far more serious then it had yet been.

“You’ve been back there?” Kakashi asked. Despite the other’s rank and power, Jiyaira had always preferred to linger in the mortal realm rather then in Heaven with the other angels. Kakashi had thought about doing the same once or twice. It just wasn’t as much fun up there as it was down here.

“No…but I had a chat with Michael a while ago,” Jiyaira answered easily. “Apparently, a rumor is spreading around the city, originating around the belief that the seven-tailed beast has arrived in Heaven.”

Kakashi frowned behind hidden features. “Really…”

“Michael took a look at the angel who’s apparently the suspect of these rumors. The guy is strong…especially for an angel. He has a rather unique set of jutsu at his command. But there hasn’t been any sign yet that he’s a tailed beast reincarnate. So right now, it’s still up in the air.”

“Do you think he’s one?” Kakashi asked.

Jiyaira shrugged idly, “Personally? No. I did more digging on the guy a while back. He was raised by Ariel’s group…the ANBU. Which I’m sure you would know a little about, Hatake Kakashi.”

“Hai…his strength could simply be from the training,” Kakashi nodded solemnly.

“More importantly, I’ve learned some interesting information pertaining to our Devil friends. There was a mutiny apparently, and one of the five split off from the group,” Jiyaira stated, his tone lower now so to make definite sure they weren’t overheard. “It’s that one I speak of. I’ve tracked his previous movements and…well…keep an eye out, Kakashi. The signs all point to Konoha.”

Kakashi felt a shadow over him, though it was one of anxiety. Considering Jiyaira’s tone of voice, he knew which one the man was referring to and it did nothing to comfort him.

“Also…it has been confirmed that the other one we discussed a while back is definitely among them.”

This time a chill raked Kakashi’s spine, making the previous shadow look like a passing stomach ache. “I see…”

“There are still some things I need to look into. So for now, continue keeping an eye on Naruto for me. Those boys are in more danger then they realize, and we need to do what we can to protect and prepare them,” Jiyaira stated, turning to take a different path then the one the two of them had been walking.

Kakashi let the older angel go and sighed heavily, slumping. All he wanted at the moment was to cuddle his Iruka-chan. Good thing today was the day they’d all head back home. Except now home held the threat of THAT creature. Kakashi frowned deeply and started off to his room, thoughts heavy with all he’d heard.

Akamaru wagged his tail in anticipation, watching the boys as they packed in hopes of a possible treat thrown his way. Kiba noticed and rolled his eyes at his eternal companion.

“I already fed you, Akamaru.”

The large dog tilted its head and stopped wagging its tail, letting out a whine of disappointment.

Sasuke watched this, finding it amusing and at the same time interesting that the two understood each other perfectly despite the species gap. He then noticed the pout from Naruto who was apparently caving into the mutt’s plight. Rolling his eyes, Sasuke turned and left the room before Naruto made his move and initiated another fight between him and Kiba.

It still surprised him that Kiba had threatened him physical pain if he harmed Naruto. He was a little glad that the brunette didn’t know about the incident between Naruto and him a while back. Not that he couldn’t kick the dog boy’s ass. Still, just remembering that time made Sasuke’s heart hurt slightly. As much responsibility as it was having Naruto around, Sasuke knew now that he’d never let the blonde go. Naruto was like air and sunlight to Sasuke. He’d felt so dead and lost when he’d thought that Naruto had died back at Haku’s hive. Of course, Naruto is dead already. He needed to remind himself of that to. But somehow Sasuke knew that if Naruto died again, he’d lose him for good.

Death was something scary to humans. An unknown and a demon that followed your footsteps where ever you went. But for an angel, a second death must be truly frightening. Sasuke somehow understood that fear, since a demon stalked his heels that could completely destroy him if he let it happen. Just the thought of what the Sharingan could do made Sasuke shiver a little.

“SASUKE!!!”

A glomp from behind and suddenly that demon ran for it, leaving Sasuke with a feeling of relief. The blonde really was the sunlight.

“Teme, why’d you rush off without me?” Naruto asked, scowling a little and puffing his cheeks out in irritation.

“Dobe…I’m just taking my bag to the car,” Sasuke assured him, poking a cheek and thus expelling the air that kept it puffed.

Naruto let out the rest of the air and grinned, “Right…You just thought Kiba and I were going to fight again.”

“Well…the two of you have done a great job of ensuring my lack of sleep,” Sasuke agreed. “I probably look like Gaara does on a normal basis.”

Naruto stuck out his tongue at that comment and let Sasuke go, fixing his bag on his shoulders. “Well…no worries there. Today’s the day we all say goodbye.”

“Hn…I’ll miss sharing a pillow,” Sasuke teased lightly.

“EH!?” Naruto exclaimed, looking thoroughly shocked at this statement. He even started blushing a little. “Y-You mean you liked that!?”

Sasuke chuckled and hid a light blush with his bangs, starting for the car again. After a stunned moment of silence, Naruto realized he was being left behind and eeped, hurrying to catch up to the other boy. They turned a corner and Sasuke halted reflexively. Naruto didn’t and thus crashed face first into Kakashi.

“Oh….morning, you two!” Kakashi stated with a light hearted smile, though Sasuke had noticed the grim mood before the other had hid it.

“Morning Kakashi-sensei,” Naruto stated, clutching his bruised nose.

“Morning…” Sasuke echoed, eyeing the older angel skeptically. He wondered what had caused that previously bleak mood.

“Make sure you packed everything. We won’t be coming back anytime soon, so if you leave anything, well…” Kakashi shrugged, since there was no need to finish the statement.

“Heh…we got it all,” Naruto assured him with his cheerful grin.

Sasuke watched as Kakashi loosened up under that miracle smile and nodded. “Well then, hurry to the car. Neji’s mood hasn’t improved since Kiba kicked his ass in the woods, so I wouldn’t put it past him to leave us behind. Also, say goodbye to Gai and the others. Not sure when we’ll see them again.”

As Kakashi walked off, Sasuke noticed Naruto frown sadly. He then decided that his dobe should be forbidden from frowning. It just didn’t fit the blonde at all. Yeah…that was it. Naruto was forbidden from frowning.

“What is it?” Sasuke asked, intent on banishing said evil frown.

Naruto looked at him and sighed, “Well…its just…I kinda wish Kiba and Lee weren’t going away. Especially Lee. He and Gaara have really been getting along…”

Sasuke understood now and smiled a little, though a little jealousy demon poked at the back of his head. It was Gaara Naruto was worrying about. He wasn’t sure ‘getting along’ was the right term to describe those two, though. Mostly, Lee had been hanging around Gaara since the kidnapping incident. He’d seen the two of them sitting around the inner garden of the hotel, Lee chattering on in an apparently one-sided conversation with the red-head. He couldn’t tell if Gaara found Lee’s company annoying or welcoming.

Still, his dobe was worrying needlessly, “It’ll be fine. At least Gaara made another friend, which is probably more then he had before meeting you.”

Naruto blinked and smiled at that, which Sasuke took as a mental victory on his part. “Yeah…you’re right!”

“Dobe…haven’t you learned by now. I’m always right,” Sasuke scoffed with an egotistical smirk and started outside for the car.

Naruto huffed and blew a raspberry at him before running by and waving at the figures gathered around Neji’s car. Neji was leaning up against it, glaring angrily now and again at Kiba, who was trying to wrestle back his coat from Akamaru’s grip. Hinata was by her cousin’s side, keeping his temper at bay. Gai was helping by packing the stuff that had gathered so far into the trunk. And Lee was standing and looking apprehensively at the building they’d just left.

He smiled when he saw Naruto and rushed forward to hug the blonde. Sasuke felt jealousy flare up again and reigned in any reaction, chiding himself. He wasn’t jealous. Besides, Lee was apparently crying and swinging Naruto back in forth in his hold, which effectively calmed down the traitorous voice in Sasuke’s head that demanded death to those that touched his Naruto.

“Naruto-kun! I am sad that we all must part so soon! In the short time that we have known each other, I feel as if our kindred souls have truly bonded!!”

Naruto gasped in the tight hug and grinned nervously, patting Lee’s shoulder consolingly while hoping the other let go. Lee was surprisingly strong! Finally after a moment more of the swinging, hugging, and talks of friendship and bonds, Lee let go and Naruto was able to breath. Lee turned his attention to Sasuke, who immediately held up a warning hand and glare.

“Hug me and you die.”

The threat effectively worked since Lee seemed to think about it then refrained from hugging him. “Sasuke-kun, it was an honor to have met you. I hope that I will see you again someday.”

He held out a hand which Sasuke gave into with more approval then a hug and they shook. Then Lee’s face brightened up again and his gaze shot to Gaara, who’d just left the building and joined them all. Sasuke watched as Lee rushed forward and hugged Gaara with the same treatment he’d given Naruto, Gaara looking to shocked at being hugged to react.

Naruto watched and his face split into a bright grin, happy that Gaara had found another person who wasn’t scared of him.

“Hey, shrimp. You going to say goodbye?” Kiba asked, using that damn nickname.

Naruto growled and rounded on the smirking brunette, “Don’t call me shrimp, dog breathe!”

Sasuke left Gaara to the mercy of Lee’s hug and easily avoided the now arguing Kiba and dobe, heading over to Gai and letting the older man take his bag. He turned and couldn’t hold back the urge to pick on Neji.

“What’s got your panties in a bunch, snake bait? Heard you got topped by the mutt lover.”

Neji shot him a warning glare, seething unhappily. Hinata looked between the two of them and hesitantly turned to Sasuke with a frown.

“Sasuke-kun…please don’t. I just got Neji-niisan to calm down.”

Sasuke considered pushing the other’s buttons further, but took pity on the poor girl. Besides, he’d been the one that rescued Naruto and that was a victory far better savored then picking on the currently deflated bastard.

“Sasuke!!! Kiba’s being an ass!” Naruto whined, running over to him.

“You big baby! You can’t run crying to the Uchiha all the time!” Kiba shouted after him.

Sasuke sighed and rolled his eyes, petting Naruto’s head as the other clung to him and stuck his tongue out at Kiba.

“Some things never change,” Kakashi noted with a sigh, arriving on the scene with the rest of the stuff to be packed into the car. He let Gai store it away and then the two men shook hands and nodded to each other.

“Kakashi, we’ll meet again,” Gai promised.

“Hn…unfortunately,” Kakashi agreed, causing Gai to go into his normal ‘impressed by the hipness’ mode.

The laughter was stopped however by Kiba, who first noticed their visitor. “Hey! Who’s the chick?”

Sasuke and Naruto looked to where Kiba was indicating and froze. There stood Haku, watching them all with a somewhat saddened expression. Sasuke could care less what that damn tengu was feeling at the moment, but the other’s pain struck a chord in Naruto’s heart and he left Sasuke’s side to confront his former kidnapper.

“You’re friends are all very nice, Naru-chan. And Sasuke-kun…he is a good person,” Haku stated softly, looking down at his feet shamefully. “I am sorry for the trouble I caused you.”

Naruto tilted his head to the side, feeling Sasuke join him and rest a hand on the small of his back. He could feel the hostility coming from his charge. Knowing that Sasuke would keep himself in check, Naruto focused on Haku and had a thought.

“Haku…who was your precious person?”

Haku looked up in surprise, then away again in pain. “It’s no longer important…”

Naruto shook his head, “Not true! Sasuke’s precious to me. He’s important to me. You’re precious person is important to you to. You wanted to forget because it was hurting you, right? That’s why you kidnapped me in the first place. What happened between you two?”

Sasuke smiled at Naruto’s words, his hostility melting a way a little during their conversation. Haku had someone…but something had happened? So the bastard had kidnapped Naruto to try and forget his pain? In a way, Sasuke sort of understand Haku now. He’d lost his important people. The pain had been terrible and he’d shut himself away to try and forget it. Then Naruto had come into his life, and it didn’t hurt so badly. In the end, Sasuke found that he didn’t blame the other as much as he had a moment ago.

“Haku, please tell me. Maybe there’s something I could do to help?” Naruto begged.

“I don’t know what happened. I was orphaned on the mountain when I was little after some monk came and slayed my parents. I met Zabuza back then. He was a very kind human. To me at least. He came to the hot springs every year and would visit me. I love him…he took away the loneliness. But…he hasn’t come back. It’s been two years since I last saw him…and I haven’t heard a single word,” Haku explained, voice cracking and turning into tears near the end. He knelt and bent over, clutching his mouth and tried to keep himself from crying.

Tears formed in Naruto’s eyes and he moved to Haku’s side, rubbing his back consolingly.

Sasuke frowned and shifted where he stood, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Er…Zabuza? As in…Momochi Zabuza? Creepy guy, lots of bandages…possibly a fetish for cow print pants?”

Haku’s sobs slowed down to a few sniffles as he looked up at Sasuke with a hint of surprise, “You know him?”

“Sort of…he was my neighbor at the apartments,” Sasuke explained, rubbing the back of his neck. “Haku…I don’t think Zabuza stopped visiting you because he didn’t want to. He…isn’t exactly capable of going anywhere last I heard.”

Haku and Naruto both frowned in confusion.

Sasuke sighed, eye twitching slightly in annoyance. He hated trying to explain this. “Look…Zabuza got busted two years back by the cops. He was affiliated with the Yakuza in some sort of black market stuff. It’s not that he chooses not to visit you, it’s that he can’t. He’s locked up in jail.”

“So all we have to do is get him out of jail!?” Naruto cried out, standing with a huge smile.

Kakashi stepped forward, giving Naruto an odd look. “No Naruto, we can’t bust him out of jail. Jail is a place they take people to as punishment when they’ve done something very bad and illegal.”

Naruto frowned thoughtfully, “Sounds like detention.”

“It’s about the same,” Kakashi agreed lightly.

“You’d know all about detention, eh shrimp?” Kiba smirked in amusement.

“SHUT UP!” Naruto snapped at him, blushing in embarrassment.

Haku reached up and wiped his eyes slowly with his sleeve, before standing with a sudden calmness about him. “Forgive me…but what jail is this?”

“Tokyo Prison. If one was to visit the information center in Tokyo, I’m sure they’d give out directions,” Kakashi answered lightly, as if completely ignorant of what revealing such information could lead to.

Sasuke had to give their sensei a scrupulous look. Damn conniving bastard…

“Thank you…” Haku replied and bowed formerly. “Again…I apologize for my actions. Thank you for sparing my life…and please…visit sometime.”

“Sure…take care, Haku. I’m sure Zabuza’s thinking of you,” Naruto answered with a happy smile. He was glad the other would be ok.

Sasuke was continuing to give Kakashi a look that told the man that he was evil and at fault for whatever happened after this. Kakashi pretended not to notice Sasuke’s look and hummed happily to himself, wondering what would happen next in his book.

“Hey…time waits for nobody!” Neji shouted out, settling into the car seat.

“Gotta go! Cya someday, Haku!” Naruto shouted and waved, rushing to get into the car.

Haku nodded and smiled, before seemingly vanishing. Sasuke had a feeling that was just a trick of the tengu’s, though. Shooting Kakashi one last glare, he turned and got into the car. Kakashi and Gaara followed suit and again, they found themselves struggling to fit with Naruto in Sasuke’s lap by the time things settled.

Naruto made himself comfortable in the Uchiha’s lap and waved goodbye out the window at Gai, Kiba, and Lee.

“I hope we see them again real soon, right Gaara!?” Naruto asked, grinning at the red-head.

Sasuke smirked as Gaara remained quiet but smiled just a little bit around the edges of his mouth.

“Naruto, seatbelt,” Kakashi advised him.

“What are you talking about? I got it right here,” Naruto stated with a grin and laugh, grabbing Sasuke’s arms and wrapping them around his waist while snuggling back against him.

Sasuke smiled and tightened the embrace, resting his face into Naruto’s hair and closing his eyes.

Neji glanced into the back and huffed, pouting a little and starting the car. He needed to change his tactics.

***notes***

Tokyo Prison – I’m not sure if that’s the correct name for the prison in Tokyo. But I googled to try and find out what it was and that’s what popped up. ^^

Hermit – Yes…the hermit was Jiyaira. XD And yeah…he’s an angel. =P

Lee/Gaara – Eee! Some Lee and Gaara moments in this chapter. ^___^


***reviewer responses***

Nusku – Yeah…Itachi is creepy. But depends on which form of Itachi I use. There’s the evil creepy Itachi. And the loving brother who just killed Sasuke’s entire family but still wants to be an adoring big brother Itachi. The second form of Itachi will not be seen in this story, though. That’s my crack version of Itachi. XD

XZanayu – You misunderstood the ending of the last chapter. That was Kiba who said “Are to!” And Naruto was just whining to Sasuke when he said “Sasuke!!!” It’s not yet time for Sasuke’s confession, that and if that had been it then I’d be disappointed with myself cause that’s just to random.

CommGonn – Yeah. Poor Kakashi. As for Rin? She’s an angel, but Kakashi avoids visiting with her. It’s a little awkward, you know, visiting your friend who you were forced to watch get raped and killed.

ClosetEmo - *imagines Sasuke in konoha jonin uniform, diligently reading a book we all recognize while his three genin run around on a training field* Hee hee. Sexy perverted Sasuke. ^^ When I imagine Naruto and Sasuke as jonin instructors, I see Naruto always being late and Sasuke reading Icha Icha. XD

mirandler43 – You never reviewed. =P Eeek!! You’ll really write me a one-shot!?!?!? Ok, ok, I know what I want. I want a Sasuke/Naruto/Itachi sandwich. XD Both Sasuke and Itachi as semes with a little competition going on between them during it. Sasuke as his sound ninja self to. (love that outfit and the hand guards have to stay on!) And some Sasuke/Naruto fluff at the end…since I’m a fluff lover rather then an angst lover. ^^’ Don’t ask, I just want some bad boy lovin. ^^’

sephirothsslave – Have you read my story? Language is nothing to me. XD wow, you really sounded lazy in your review. I understand…I get those days to. ^^’

takako – Sesshomaru… *drools* The other white haired god of sexiness. ^^ Sorry for making you want to cry there. Kakashi’s past is painful…but that’s how one gets the Sharingan.

Casso - *ish glomped* X_X Wowy…thank yas and welcome to my story. ^_^

niguara_chic – Sorry! I’d send you a ninja headband…but it’d be a jpeg. ^^

DirewolfLilith – In this story, Naruto and Kyuubi are the same. Not really portrayed as to separate people. At least I think. Oo Might play with the idea there. Anyways, thank you. I’ve worked hard and researched at times to keep the characters and relationships developing as good as I can.

Ramen77 – Yes. I had to dedicate a bit of the chapter to the boys being in trouble. XD They couldn’t just run off into danger like that and not get a lecture in the end. ^_^

kaa-san – I think I once read that ‘Littlest Angel’. Long ago, though. I don’t remember it. But I’m glad you like it and like Naruto. I felt Naruto makes a good angel. ^^

Damp – Yeah…the truth is, this story is completely different from what I originally planned. I started out just planning on a fluff fic that would be no longer then ten chapters and had no real plot other then Naruto trying his best to be a good guardian angel. Then it sort of evolved on its own and BAM, demon possessed Neji. And it went downhill (or uphill?) from there. Now it’s a full blown out complicated story and plotline. XD That happens a lot with my stories, I’ve noticed. Oo But being my first fanfic on adult-fanfiction.org, I really wanted to do good to make a good impression. ^_^

Cheshire666 - *faints from the huge review* X.X *recovers after a bit* Wow. Thank you so much for the loves. ^^ Shino and Kiba will get their starring role soon. And Shikamaru? Yes…I need to find a way to bring him back into the story. =P Sakura and Ino are just in the sidelines for my random use when it feels necessary. Otherwise, I don’t like them much enough to bring them into the story a lot. And yes, the pervert was Jiyaira. Of course! Where else would you find that man? XD And chocolate good. Makes you happy and wide awake! ^______^ *gets glomped* X__x

Kameoto – Yep. Sasuke’s strong and he’s got Naruto. ^_^

Nomme de Plume – You’re welcome, Nomme. ^_^

Yuri-san – Bleach. I really need to get my lazy ass up and watch that anime series. The main character looks so much like Naruto. Oo

Anon – thank you. ^^

Magic Knight of the sky – Thank you. And Happy soon to be birthday to you. ^^

Tia – Yes. Lee is perfect for Gaara in my opinion. Strong, noble, open hearted, and with enough eyebrows for two! XD And we’ll soon get to see why Naruto wanted to be Sasuke’s angel…since the memory will show up in a few more chapters. *reads her plotline notes* ^_^

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Wow…I’m getting lot more reviewers. O.o